After last weeks postponement due to storm Darragh, Albury Eagles U8’s were keen to get back to action and made the short trip to Dorking to play St Pauls Panthers Blues.
Set at the foot of Box Hill in the beautiful Surrey Hills we parked at Denbies and warmed up with a short walk down Pixham Lane, on a pleasant if chilly morning.
P1 - with all players present and correct the Eagles got off to a flyer with four unanswered goals in the first period. Captain Max opened the scoring with a close range effort which was soon followed by a long range strike from the edge of the box, their keeper not even close. After a couple of wayward strikes Leo scored from close range before Sullivan was rewarded for his hard work and great distribution with a goal, his first for Albury, congrats Sullivan! Alfred was solid at the back protecting Tommy in goal who had little to do in the opening ten mins.
P2 - saw the welcome return of Jack who made it 5 when he pounced in the box scoring from the rebound in Alan Shearer style. With Albury players sensing goals positioning became less disciplined and with the power play the home side now had an extra player and they began to find their feet. Albury’s 5-0 lead soon became 5-3 and was summed up when Digby blocked a shot and was winded in the process and had to take a short breather.
P3 - Eagles regrouped at the half and welcomed back Alfred at centre back, Leo and Sullivan. Leo’s persistence in the midfield was rewarded when he robbed a defender and beat the keeper to score his second, soon followed by a kick in and ‘top bins’ strike to complete the hat trick and make it 7-3. Alexander was now wearing the gloves but had little to keep himself busy, but when it mattered he was alert and bravely pounced on the ball in a melee of bodies and boots, suffering a cut to the leg for his troubles. He picked himself up and ensured a clean sheet in the third period. Rui was bossing the left and linking up well with the midfield and constantly putting the Panthers defence under pressure.
P4 - saw Max complete his hat trick with a lovely breakaway goal that was well taken. The boys tried hard to pass and move today, with some moves coming off beautifully, others not quite so, but that’s fine, it will come. The home side scored once more to conclude a hard fought match played in good spirits with plenty of entertainment for those watching. Well done Eagles on a well deserved win with some great passing and teamwork!

Eagle of the Week - Rui