(Many thanks to Thomas' Dad, Richard, for the match report)

MKDDL U13 SHIELD
Bletchley Scot U13 1 - 3 Linslade Galaxy U13 Ajax

Galaxy Ajax U13 were up against Bletchley Scot Youth in the cup today, a team one division higher and who had beaten Ajax three times in the last 12 months. And the challenge loomed even larger - the Bletchley team all stood a least a head taller than their opposite number as they faced each other during the minute's silence.

But Ajax were not to be cowed. Right from the whistle, Ben and Maddy were winning the 50-50 ball, and Captain Harry T was getting stuck in. Ajax needed to be alert as the Bletchley's numbers 7, 8 and 9 were strong and skilful. But time and again, Ajax were winning the midfield battle, enabling Fantastic Mr. Fox to burst through. First he chipped the keeper, unlucky to go wide, then his next shot was saved at the near post and finally when he did hit the back of the net, his run was flagged offside. Matt's face looked like his namesake Hancock after eating a bowl of cockroaches.

And on they pressed, with Luke and Harry P now not letting Bletchley settle, and when Foxy next took a turn round a defender, he was unceremoniously tripped. Penalty. Up steps Joe who blasted the ball past a keeper who barely had time to turn his head. 1-0 Galaxy.

Ajax were on top. Harry P, unafraid to stand up to challenges from the tall opposition, started showing moments of brilliance, and laid the ball to William who's piledriver glanced off a defender's back.

Galaxy started the second half with even greater intensity than before - if that was even possible. An early cross from Joe landed at Noah's feet who struck the ball so sweetly that it nearly tore through the netting. 2-0 to Ajax.

This game, though, was won from the back. In a master-stroke the Sun Tzu would have approved, Coach Cooper played his top goal scorer in central defence. Joe was immense. Between him and Thomas, there was absolutely no way through. But if Bletchley thought the wide channel was open, they were sorely mistaken - Luke and Ben kept the right side safe and the crowd were treated to Little Seb's masterclass who's flawless display saw him and Joe awarded Gartec players of the match.

It was testament to the solid defence that last week's player of the match, Ethan, didn't have to make one save. So it was completely against the run of play that a Bletchley free kick hit a nasty bobble and deflected into the goal. 2-1.

But there was no panic. Ajax were cool in midfield (despite some anxious yells from the crowd) and delivered more chances. George, who was bright as ever just shot wide, and Harrys P and T both had half chances blocked.

So it was that rare thing that finished the game - as precious as a bottle of Prime - a William goal. William who had had a great game, gave himself a bit of space with a deft touch and then hammered it past the keeper.

The game finished 3-1 and Ajax made a division 5 team look ordinary.