Day 6: August 5, 2023

Saturday was transfer to Manchester with a game on route against Ilkeston Town Youth. The younger ones won their game comfortably on a decent grass pitch. They got off to a flying start scoring 2 quick goals both after goalkeeping errors. Ilkeston managed terrific goal themselves, when the striker was able to flick the ball towards goal from a difficult position. Oliver Dissenger scored an even better super strike which went in off the crossbar. Probably the best goal this team has scored on the trip. The spectators enjoyed the game despite the non-stop rain throughout the whole game! The older ones also won comfortably the stadium pitch which they loved. It is a lovely little ground with stands and lights, so it felt great to be able to play in such surroundings. It was a shame Ilkeston could not field a team match the Charlotte boys on the day though. After food served in the Ilkeston FC clubhouse we were ready for our trip to the professional game at pride park home of Derby County FC. This was a league 1 match played in front of 30,000 spectators. We were treated to a great game . Wigan the visitors scored 2 counter attack goals to force a 2-1 victory away from home. Their fans were noisy and happy to record a win, even though Derby were the more dominant team in the game. We all went off to our hotel in Manchester with some great memories of football played at this level. Older age group Day 6- We wake up early in the morning to eat a scrumptious breakfast. After that we head to our soccer game in a really nice stadium and locker rooms. We won 6-0 and the goalie made brilliant saves all game. When the game was over we headed to the derby game. We walked in and you could hear the crowds roaring. The game ended 2-1 to the away team. To finish off our great day we ate at the hotel. Jude and Carter And Brian