With spring finally in the air, it was a perfect day for football as the U10 Blues made the short trip to face Ashford Rovers. Having played a friendly on this same pitch only a couple of weeks ago, the boys looked comfortable and ready to go from the first whistle.

Today was another massive step forward in the team’s development. The progress was clear to see as the lads displayed some fantastic football: crisp passing, a commitment to playing out from the back, and most importantly, constant communication. It was brilliant to see them supporting one another and covering for their teammates throughout the game.

We saw some absolute belters find the back of the net, but the day wasn't just about the attack. Our defense deserves huge praise; they stood firm against every wave of pressure from a very talented Ashford side, while still finding the composure to join in and build our own attacks.

With a large squad traveling today, we used frequent substitutions to keep everyone involved. It was incredibly encouraging to see that the team’s organization and structure didn’t falter once, regardless of the changes. It’s great to know the boys have been listening intently during our sessions, even if it doesn’t always feel that way at training!

A big thank you to Ashford Rovers for being such excellent hosts once again and for a high-quality, competitive game. They are a well-drilled side and provided a great test for our lads.

We’re already looking forward to the return leg in Wicklow soon!