With their first season concluding the day before, the Albury U7’s began a summer of tournaments on Sunday 5th May at Farncombe with their 6 a side competition. The squad for Albury were Leo, Rui, Ashton, Jenson, Jack, William, Digby, Alfred and Xander.
Albury began with a comfortable victory over Milford Pumas Yellows who we know well, thanks to two goals from William and one for Jenson. Milford did pull a goal back in the second half but Albury were able to hold on to the lead till the final whistle.
Their second match was against unfamiliar opposition in Burpham. Albury got off to a bright start with goals from Leo, William and a second goal in two days for Jack! Like buses you wait ages for a Jack goal, then two come along at once! With a comfortable halftime lead Leo, Jack and William took a rest in the second half to watch the Digby show! A second half hat trick scored in 3 mins, all of them clinical finishes and followed up with a kiss of the badge and a sprint the length of the field.
The third match was a much tighter affair against the hosts Farncombe. Leo donned the gloves determined to do his bit and keep a clean sheet. William for the third match in succession found the back of the net with a confident finish past the keeper and great defence from Jenson, Alfred, Ashton and Rui ensured the narrowest of wins.
The final match of the day saw another two classy goals from William and one for Leo along with a strong second half from Ashton, Jack and Digby in goal, giving the U7’s four great results in their first tournament of 2024. Well done boys, what a great afternoon.

Fleet Spurs Tournament
Saturday 11th May

On a glorious sunny Saturday morning Albury U7’s took two sides (14 players) to Fleet to play in the Fleet Spurs 5 a side tournament. Despite some parking congestion issues both teams were ready to KO at 10am although the Eagles opponents were nowhere to be seen, so we had a few more minutes to get warmed up. Thanks must go to Roman for the gazebo, which last week protected us from the rain, this week from the sun!
Eagles second fixture was against Crookham Rovers who we had never encountered before. Crookham took the lead with a well taken goal but Albury didn’t let their heads drop. With strong performances from Max, Digby and Tommy in goal Albury fought back with two second half goals from Leo and Diggers to clinch a well deserved win.
EPC Whites were up next for the Eagles. The first half was a very tight affair with Ashton doing well to protect Tommy in goal and Max and Digby working hard in the middle. With only the second half remaining of a short match the first goal was crucial and it was Albury that got it with Leo striking a low shot into the corner with his left foot! Unfortunately we weren’t able to hold onto the lead and EPC scored to level the scores.
Abbey Rangers were our next opponents, and they looked good, very good! Alfred was in goal this time but was helpless to prevent three quality strikes to give them an unassailable lead. Despite the heat and scoreline the Eagles battled well in the second half and stopped Rangers from adding to their three goals and should be very proud of their efforts in a very tough match.
Eagles penultimate match saw them take on Meadow Sports, another talented side that were new to us. Leo went between the sticks for this one and did superbly, making numerous saves and looking to release Tommy and Digby whenever possible. Leo was unable to prevent a Meadow strike which gave them a narrow lead they didn’t relinquish.
The Eagles final match saw them take on the hosts Fleet Spurs. The boys sensibly tried to shoot down the hill but lost the coin toss and had to switch! An unfortunate error at the back saw Leo’s clearance hit goalkeeper Digby in the chest and go in the goal to give Spurs the lead. Some delightful play down the right flank saw Jack keep the ball in play and create a chance for Tommy who went close. The second half saw Eagles dominance bear fruit with Leo and Max scoring in quick succession followed by a goal for Tommy to end a sun drenched morning on a high!
Falcons too did superbly well against sides we had never encountered before and in very hot conditions, winning 2 and drawing 1 of their 6 matches. Both Albury teams went home sun kissed, tired and having experienced a thrilling morning full of highs and lows. Well done Eagles and Falcons for playing so well and representing Albury so brilliantly!