NAYFC Yellows U8’s (above), NAYFC Under 8’s Blues (below)

NAYFC Yellows U8’s Tournament
The under 8’s attended the BAFC tournament recently. Team comprised of Charlie, Brandon, James, Krystian, Daniel K and Riley.
The Yellows were unlucky losing all games in the group stages. First game against Escomb they lost 3-1 with Daniel getting the goal; second game against Willington Youth they were so unlucky conceding a last minute goal 2-1 with Riley getting the goal. The final game was against a very strong St. Mary’s Kings team, the final score being 0-5.
The boys thought they were out of the tournament however the plate was still to be played for. With a little bit of time to wait it gave us chance to have a chat as a team (and an ice cream) and the boys shared their views on how the team could play better.
The semi final was against St. Mary’s Aces and wow did the boys really step up. They were applying pressure, making great tackles, passing and tracking back, they really played very well as a team and worked hard for the whole game.
James took a shot from distance which rocketed past their keeper. The boys held on to their lead and won the game 1-0. The final was against Escomb who had beaten us in the first game of the tournament, however the boys were playing brilliantly and we knew we were in with a chance.
The match was end to end with all players giving 100% and working really well together. Krystian came on as a super sub and scored a great goal which the keeper couldn’t get his hands to.
1-0. With only a couple of minutes remaining the boys were asked to keep possession but Krystian found himself in front of goal again and buried the ball into the back of the net, an excellent goal which sealed the win for the yellows.
The whistle blew and the game finished 2-0. A massive well done to all the boys today, they were all brilliant, not only with their football but their behaviour, attitude and effort couldn’t be faulted.

NAYFC Under 8 Blues
The Under 8 Blues went to compete in a 5-a-side tournament hosted at Bishop Auckland F.C.
The team comprised of Evan, Danny, Jayden, Zack, Dylan and Nathan. Looking at the group we knew we were in for a hard run. Without our keeper, Carter, Evan volunteered to step into the breach for the first game. Our first game against Billingham United started off confidently with fantastic battling in midfield from Jayden, attacking from Danny and defending from Nathan and Dylan. We couldn’t break their defence down though and unfortunately they scored first through a well taken shot outside the box.
Another two goals quickly followed but a Nathan special shot put us on the score sheet. Some fantastic saves from Evan kept the final score 3-1.
Our second match was against a team that had previously beaten us 28-0 earlier in the season. This time Danny bravely stepped up and was outstanding between the sticks for his first time in goal!
Our boys put some amazing tackles in, passing well at times against a team that was adept at keeping formation. Evan took over as keeper half way through to give Danny a chance to score but it wasn’t to be. Final score 6-0.
The final game of the group stage was against a strong St Mary’s Aces, this time with Danny in goal for the full game. We lacked creative play in this game and although we defended well, they took two well placed goals to make it 2-0.
This wasn’t the end of our day though as the Plate was still to play for. We were placed against Escomb, who had beaten our Yellow team 3-1 earlier in the day. Zack volunteered to go in goal in this vital match which enabled our attacking team of Evan and Danny to pair up.
The boys all put 100% in knowing this was the route to silverware and were rewarded when Evan calmly slotted one past their keeper. With renewed vigour, the boys battled hard, putting great tackles in and making numerous runs.
However, a thunderbolt from one of their forwards made the final score 1-1 and took us to dreaded penalties. Danny was adamant he wanted to be in goal so he donned the gloves and had his Bruce Grobbelaar spaghetti legs in full swing! Our boys put some fantastic penalties away but unfortunately lost 5-3.