Today the year 5/6 boys’ team played a league match against St. Teresa’s. The boys were feeling full of confidence after a 4-1 win yesterday, and a capacity crowd was out in full force to watch the boys as they attempted to make it 3 wins out of 3.

The boys got off to a strong start with an early goal! Luke Buckley got into the right position in the box to score a rebound effort; it was Luke’s first goal for OLI! We’re sure it won’t be his last. The boys continued to pressure the defence which led to further chances. A second goal was undoubtedly a candidate for goal of the season. Skipper Joe McFarlane-Wells glided past several defenders before floating a long ball to winger Billy Smith. Billy rifled the ball into the top left corner for 2-0! Shortly after, striker Dylan O’Brien made it 2 goals in 2 games with an effort from the edge of the area. The half ended 3-0.

Some teams may have bolted forward in a selfish effort to get on the scoresheet, but the boys tactically kept their shape, with Jake Jones, Daniel Smith and Ruben McNeil determined to gain a first clean sheet of the season. A 4th goal was shrouded in controversy. Joe was clean-through on goal and slid an effort past the keeper, but the ball got a touch from Zac Abbou! A fierce argument broke out between Joe and his manager about whether the ball had already crossed the line, after which the goal was, out of sympathy, given to Joe for 4-0!

Zac Abbou would eventually get a goal of his own from close range for his 2nd of the season, in addition to Billy Smith adding another goal. It seemed the match would end there but in the dying moments Billy scored another goal that deflected from the edge of the area. A first hat-trick for OLI’s number 2! The crowd were delighted to see an Everton fan experience a rare moment of joy.

A special mention has to go to Bobby Mitchell who ran the game from midfield, winning balls and passing incisively, much like skipper Sonny last year. Watching the game you’d have thought there were 5 Bobbys on the pitch! Fortunately we only have the 1 of him, and he had an excellent game. St. Teresa’s were a well-mannered and respectful team who are still finding their best line-up, they were a credit to their school and good luck to them for future games.

MOTM: Billy Smith. A hat-trick, great passing, movement and a flawless attitude. Well done, Billy!