After what felt like an eternity away from football, Roma U11s returned today with a bang.

A slow and scrappy start, becoming a bit of a trend, led to some early battles and hard work from the boys.

A tame clearnace and the ball fell to the edge of our box and, rather than deal with it, some sloppy play occurred. The ball came to the JJ Bilbao player who struck well from outside the box to lead 1-0.

Trailing 1-0 seemed to put the boys into another gear. Daniel was played through and hit the post, Dylan forced a good save from the keeper and Callum had an excellent effort from distance that went narrowly wide.

Was it going to be another one of "those" days.......? Of course not.

A great ball over the top from Callum put Dylan clean through. Calm as ever 1-1.
Scotty, with a cool head today, pulling off a Neymar type flick/turn through the lines with Caff just unable to get on the end of it.
Fantasticly quick football between Caff and Dylan led to a big chance but the JJ keeper was brave and slid out to prevent the goal.

As the half ticked on the ball was launched high in the air. Nobody met it on the first attempt before Caff come climbing highest, showing bravery for a big headed goal. 2-1.

Just before half time the boys caught JJ napping when a quick throw from Dan allowed for another calm finish over the keep from Dylan. 3-1.

HT

Some inspired half time changes allowed for some good, early work down the right side from Ryan who unleashed a rocket in off the bar, a clever ball played through by Daniel for the assist. 4-1

A lapse in concentration allowed JJ to get a well met shot off at the Roma goal, Noah gets a good hand to it but was just unable to keep it out. 4-2.

Heads seemed to go a little from Roma when too much time and indecisiveness was given down the JJ right side, ball played across for 3 unmarked in the box for a tap in. 4-3.

Were we about to see an unlikely comeback? It looked possible at times until Riley with some good work allowed a great strike from Callum which flew past the keeper. 5-3.

Some solid Roma pressing led to consecutive corners. The ball was whipped in when the JJ player climbed highest, unfortunately scoring an own goal - great header though! 6-3.

Not long after Ryan thought he'd scored again, this time with his head, only to realise he was a good 12 yards offside!

Tremendous work down the left side from Caff , went passed his man and saw Riley at the back post. A great delivery and a well met header from Riley put this tie to bed. 7-3.