The U13 Yellows first game of the season was a visit to the home of their oldest rivals, Bromleians Youth, and this being the same team (less ringers) that beat them in the final of the Hayden  tournament, it was
always going to be a feisty and highly charged affair.

Seventy minutes and six goals later, and with an opposition spectator red carded and sent to the clubhouse, unfortunately all three points had been won by the home team.

Hayden started strongly and full of intent with Olly and Ryan putting the Yellows two up within ten minutes. Ryan grabbing the first with a brave header to bundle the ball past the flailing keeper and then Olly finishing
a good move whilst the manager sorted his match subs. Sorry Gary no slo-mo replay.

Bromleians then started to make in roads through the mid field with Charlie and Joe both doing their utmost to contain the flowing football that the opposition started to play.

However the first half was played out with no further goals thanks to some resolute defensive tackling from a new centreback partnership of Lyndon and Jack, and some sharp saves and quick thinking from Jono.

For the second half Hayden kicked up the steep hill and with Bromelians attacking down the flanks the boys struggled to keep the advantage. The score was soon level and then a looping freekick to the back post and some lacklustre marking allowed the home team to take the lead.

A penalty appeal was waved away by the referee after Charlie got back to put the ball and a mouthy Bromleian striker into the carpark. The ref then gave one of the Bromleian's dads his matching orders after his constant abuse of our linesmen.

Hayden pushed forward to try and snatch an equaliser with Will playing up front however the boys were caught out when the opposition's nippy winger ran the length of the pitch to finish competently and to put the game beyond Hayden.

A tough first match against one of the teams who will be favourites to win the title and despite the final score Darren and Gary were very pleased with the effort and workrate shown by all 12 of the boys.