Police given a lesson

This is the Academy starting XI v National Police U-15s

The Academy boys of Phnom Penh Crown put in another sterling performance this morning, on a surface resembling a swimming pool rather than a footy pitch. Hours of rain had threatened the game for the U-13 boys against the bigger and older opponents from National Police's U-15 team, but it went ahead despite the conditions and in hindsight, I'm sure the Police team wish it hadn't. When a team is given a footballing lesson by boys two years their junior and considerably smaller in stature, it must be hard to stomach. That probably accounted for some of the rougher passages of the match, which was played in three halves. Phoeun Sopheak began the 6-1 rout from the penalty spot and Yeu Muslim netted a second. The Police netted a consolation effort in the second half before four more goals for Crown emphasized their superior passing and teamwork. Sopheak scored two more to complete a hat-trick with his third coming direct from an inswinging corner kick. Sraing Titchhy and the smallest player on the pitch, Theang Chhaya rounded off the victory. Watching the Academy boys is pure joy. Not only do they play football the right way but they are smashing kids as well.

The starting team for the 2nd of three halves

Chhuot Senteang was as brave as a lion in goal

Goalmouth action as Theang Chhaya tries to get the last touch against much bigger opponents

The Academy coaches giving their interval team-talk

This time Theang Chhaya sends a header the wrong side of the post

The Academy squad stretch and warm-down after this morning's game