October 26th 2025. u11 Boys in Cup action.

Wolverhampton got the 7-a-side tournament off to the perfect start with what developed into a confident display despite Jakson having to make a fantastic fingertip save in the opening minutes and Harborne striking the post from the resulting corner. This was a real let off but the scare seemed to spark Wolves into life and the lads never looked back although they were never able to turn their superiority into goals. Hassan scored the all important goal, after Charlie had picked him out a brilliant pass from the back, but once we had made the breakthrough we were able to see the game out comfortably due to a strong defensive effort.

Wolverhampton were full of confidence from their opening win and took the game to South Birmingham in the next match.Mustafa went close with a fine strike that just cleared the bar,

Thai forced a good save when Charlie set him free on the left and Jakson’s quick distribution was a constant threat throughout the game. Fabien probably came the closest to making the breakthrough when he went agonisingly close from one of Jakson's long throws but despite creating the better chances, Wolves ultimately had to settle for a goalless draw. It was therefore imperative that we defeated Aston and what a thriller out third game turned out to be. It was fast, end-to-end, and decided by one moment of magic. Jakson started the move with a long throw and as the ball arrived at Hassan's feet via Corban he spotted the Aston keeper off his line and promptly struck it first time enabling the ball to soar perfectly into the net for a stunning goal! Aston fought back, but Ollie made two heroic goal-line blocks, and Charlie marshalled the defence superbly to make sure we held on for a gritty 1-0 victory. Duarte almost doubled the lead with a thunderous shot tipped over the bar, and later delivered a teasing cross that Corban was inches away from turning in but we had done enough to clinch our place in the QF and that was all that really mattered..

Both ourselves and Sutton Coldfield knew that they had qualified for the knockout but top spot in the group was up for grabs and there was a lot of pride at stake and we looked the stronger side in the opening stages.Ollie’s clever play set up Mustafa, whose shot went narrowly wide before Thai pounced to give us the lead once the keeper had failed to hold Duarte's dangerous cross which was whipped in with real pace. If we had scored a second at that point the game would have been all over but Sutton equalised when they were very fortunate to turn in the rebound after the initial shot had hit both posts. They then edged ahead with a neat finish into the far corner, and scored a third in the final seconds to seal a 3–1 win.

Even in defeat, Wolverhampton’s effort and teamwork had stood out and despite our first loss we knew we were good enough, not only to defeat South Birmingham in this QF encounter, but to go all the way and win the whole competition. After a morning full of so much energy and excitement, Wolverhampton just couldn’t find their rhythm in this match,however, and once South Birmingham had taken the lead with a tidy finish past Mubasher, who had stepped in as goalkeeper for this match, we rarely looked capable of saving the game. Wolves pushed hard for the equaliser of course but couldn’t quite break through a packed defence and it was a tough way to end what had been a fantastic morning of football which had promised so much.

That said, the players can hold their heads high because they played with spirit, teamwork, and plenty of skill throughout and the team continues to go from strength to strength. The squad’s commitment, teamwork, and technical quality are clear to see and they were so unlucky not to reach the semi-finals but that's football. A big thank to all the parents and family members who made the early journey across Birmingham for the 8.00am start. Your support and dedication make mornings like this possible, and it’s hugely appreciated by the players and staff alike.

Well done to everyone involved — players, parents, and coaches — for another excellent showing in district colours!

Squad:

Jakson, Mubasha, Charlie, Zora, Hassan, Thai, Duarte, Corban, Mustafa, Ollie, Monroe, Fabien