Lazio Make Great Account at Saltcoats

I was given the pleasure of looking after `AFC Lazio`.

What initially surprised me was the depth of quality that AFC is starting to amass.

I looked at the group of seven boys and felt we would be able to more than compete in our group of six. Now obviously I have had more dealings with Luke and Louie this season, but was delighted with the contribution / effort shown by Dominic Naylor, Tom Parks,Tom Hajduczek (Points you get for scrabble with that name!!) Andrew Butcher and Shaun Barrett.

Our first game was a narrow one nil defeat to Hatfield Peveral with their only shot on target proofing conclusive. Second up was our old rivals Focus Ferrers. They took the lead through the confusion of the ridiculous 'Goalkeeper can only throw it underarm' rule. But we hit back with a well executed goal by Luke. Then only to be undone by the back pass rule, when a harsh penalty was awarded and duly dispatched. So two cruel defeats sent us into the third game which was of course AFC Juventus. I think most of the players / parents saw the game and a draw kept everyone happy, well done Tom on a deserved equaliser. Next was Maldon and yet another narrow one nil defeat when a draw would have been a fair reflection of the game. Our last game saw us come up against the eventual tournament winners 'Rayne', and a creditable nil nil draw ensued. Now this wasn't a back to the wall game for us but a very open end to end game.

So we ended with two draws and three defeats which was very harsh and another day could well have brought greater reward.

Individually, Andrew was very neat and tidy with good handling. Dominic was a rock at the back and ate ground up for fun when he had to track back. Tom H who seems to be getting better and better every time I see him put in a terrific display. Louie was very strong down our left side alongside Luke`s tireless running. Tom P always made himself available and ran the channels very well and Shaun showed effort and enthusiasm when coming on.

So all in all, I was delighted with the boys and was proud to be associated with AFC Lazio.