Our junior teams are back on the pitch after the break, and we’ve got an exciting edition packed with all the action from this weekend’s games! Enjoy reading the Weekend Wrap.

The U/12 Girls Blue and Essendon FC played a super entertaining and evenly matched game in Moonee Ponds. Great football, many chances and amazing effort from both sides. Memorable game! Result 1-1 👏

The U/12 Girls Yellow team faced off against Yarra Jets FC Red at Fairfield Park, putting up a valiant effort against a strong opponent. Despite Alphington Yellow’s tireless efforts to contain the Jets in the first half, the home team managed to secure a 3-0 lead by halftime. Undeterred and without any substitutes to rely on, the Alphington Yellow players drew on their collective determination and grit to ensure the game remained competitive in the second half. This led to an entertaining and closely contested second half, with both teams scoring a goal each. Although the final score resulted in a 4-1 defeat, the team can take pride in their resilience and consistent improvement throughout the game.

The U/15 Boys played out a thrilling 1-1 draw away to Ringwood. Despite having no substitutes, two players who’d only just returned from overseas a few hours earlier and a stand-in goalkeeper, the Bluetongues put in one of their best performances of the season against a strong and well-organised opposition. Ringwood had the best of the first half but disciplined defending and some commanding goalkeeping meant that our goal was rarely under threat. The Bluetongues gradually got on top after the break and soon took a deserved lead after a flowing move. Ringwood equalised from a very unlucky deflected own-goal but our boys stepped up a level and played some stunning attacking football on a very fast pitch and defended superbly all over the field. Both sides pushed hard for a winner in the last few minutes that saw some spectacular saves, the post hit and a penalty missed but no further goals. A fantastic game.

U/11 Boys Solid 5-1 victory to the lads at home vs Yarra Jets Red. The boys played some super football for the first 25 mins, scored 4, and could’ve had 10 goals with some more purposeful passing. In the second half there were some lovely passing moves and probably many more moments of individual brilliance but Yarra Jets defended stoutly and even pinched a goal.

U/9 Boys Yellow had an entertaining game in wet conditions. Although the score read 2-5 at the end, we were probably the better of the sides but just couldn’t get past a goalie who must have saved a dozen shots. Boys continue to develop their passing and team play which is great to watch.

The chilly start to the day was a challenge for the U/9 Girls with many asking if they could play in jumpers. Having not played for four weeks it took a little while to get back in the swing of working as a team but they soon found their groove. Was great for the girls to play against the same Yarra Jets team they played on first game of the season just to see how far they have come in all areas including skills, positioning, passing and team work. Another great effort by all the girls.

Tough one for the U/9 Boys White team today. We had lots of possession and plenty of shots, many hitting the post or bar but we just couldn’t get one to go in. The boys kept positive after conceding which was great to see but we went down 8-0 to a strong Clifton Hill team.

Great start to the 2nd round of the season from the U/10 Boys Yellow team, taking on Alphington Blue’s in wintery wet conditions. In a very tight and tough game with both teams putting in their all and not giving an inch! It was so encouraging to see the boys at time’s playing team football with great passing and keeping structure. The team took a 3-1 lead into half time and did well to hold off a good come back from the Blue’s, the Yellows held strong with good defending and won the game 6-4. This performance showed the team is improving, well done boys.

The U/10 Girls Blue travelled away to the Northern Falcons for their first game after the break. In wet and muddy conditions it looked like we hadn’t had a break at all with the girls scoring just after the game started. The team continued to play well and score as the game progressed, eventually winning 11-2. Great effort by the whole team!

O/45s played the experienced Brunswick Juventus at Alphington Park. Certainly a wild first half with us quickly leading 2-0, then 3-2 behind, to then lead 4-3 at the break! A quality 2nd half performance meant we wrestled back control winning 6-3. Some high quality goals, controlled possession and great team spirit saw the Bluetongues to victory. 4 wins of the spin now!

U/8 Boys played Birrarung at Princes Park. The first half was a good end to end game, both teams scoring good early goals. The second half was more in favour of Birrarung, a team with better structure and shape. However the young Bluetongues never gave up and competed right until the final whistle, scoring some good goals and keeping Birrarung on their toes. An 11-5 defeat but in reality was closer, and some good points to work on in training.

U/10 Girls Yellow played Darebin Falcons at home in wet, cold and rainy conditions. After going in 1 nil behind at the break, the girls came out firing in the second half attacked and defended with complete determination, skill and the never give up attitude they all possess. With only 7 players on the pitch and no bench, the girls were outnumbered all match but still managed to score two fantastic goals to take away a brilliant come from behind victory 2-1.

With no Wrap last week – here are the results from our 0/55’s, Senior Men’s and Men’s Reserve teams from the last two weeks.

(6/7/24) Senior Men’s: Heidelberg Stars 2 – Alphington FC 3
Boys were fantastic playing with 10 men from 30’ to come from behind twice to beat the league leaders.

(6/7/24) Reserves: Heidelberg Stars 2 – Alphington FC 0
Boys tried hard but conceded from 2 free kicks to lose to the league leaders.

(6/7/24) The O/55 Legends played Brighton at Alphington Park on Saturday afternoon. While the Legends opened the scoring, we ended up losing 1-4. The team lacked intensity, and never really got going. Brighton put in a strong performance, and took their chances well. A disappointing afternoon for the team, but we will now focus on bouncing back next week.

(13/7/24) Senior Men’s: Doreen Utd 1 – Alphington FC 2
Great effort by the senior Men to take the points in a tough away match.

(13/7/24) Reserves: Doreen Utd 1 – Alphington FC 2
Strong performance by our Reserve team to take the points.

(13/7/24) O/55s UTD back to their best with 8-1 away win at Sandringham. An all team contribution was the difference.

Thanks for reading – have a great week! GO BLUETONGUES! 🔵🟡⚽️🦎