On Wednesday, the U11 boys travelled to Repton for the annual ISFA tournament; the first time it has been played in 3 years due to covid restrictions. The boys had been working extra hard in additional training sessions and were keen to get underway. The build-up of excitement showed in the first game against the unknown Eversfield Prep, as Fairfield flew out of the blocks to a convincing 4-0 victory. Next was local rivals Leicester Grammar, who defended stoutly and looked to be frustrating Fairfield until a keeper error saw the boys escape with a 1-0 win. After winning the first 2 games, Fairfield re-grouped and reminded themselves of their 3 focus points for the day; being relentless, pressing and working hard for each other, as up next were pre-marked as the two toughest games of the day. First up, in the third game, was Warwick, who had beaten the Year 6s in a previous fixture earlier in the year 3-0. It was nip and tuck until a brilliant cross from Will was converted by Lewis and Fairfield escaped with a 1-0 victory. In the second of the two big games were tournament favourites – The Elms, who always bring a strong squad. The boys did a fantastic job of pressing smartly, going 3-0 up inside the first 4 minutes and adding 1 more later in the game to seal a great 4-0 win. The last group game was Derby High, Fairfield was determined to finish unbeaten, and did so, running out 4-1 winners; the first goal they had conceded all day! Fairfield comprehensively won group B, and played the runners up of group A, which were Altrincham, another team with a great track record at this competition. Again, the boys flew out of the blocks, an early header from Enzo and a screamer from Will put us 2-0 up in as many minutes. Fairfield added another 2 during the semi-final to win easily 4-0 and progress to the final, where they would meet Warwick again, the toughest opponents all day and deserved finalists. The boys changed nothing, and were relentless from the word go, pressing hard and Lewis got the reward with an early goal. Warwick fought hard and just before the break they deservedly equalised, half time 1-1. This was the first time the boys had been level at the break, or anyone had equalised all tournament. They showed great character and stuck to their guns with Lewis grabbing yet another important goal to make it 2-1. Soon after, Mac showed great composure to put the final nail in the coffin at 3-1. There was a late Warwick fightback as a deflected free kick made it 3-2, but it was too late, as the final whistle blew. The boys were amazing all day and really were well-deserved winners, scoring 22 and conceding just 3 on the day. Excellent work boys; onto the Nationals at St Georges Park in May!