Our opening defeat meant we would sit third in Group A, which was one of three groups of four teams at U-14 age group. Groups B and C featured other teams from Spain, Sweden and the Ivory Coast.

Our next opponents, Fesport topped our group with a 4-0 victory in their opening game. The team departed the hotel for the stadium at La Pobla de Mafumet for our 6pm KO.

It was clear that the opening fixture that day had taken a lot out of some members of the squad. Thankfully our supporters club was still in high spirits, as Jimmy and Mags travelled on the team bus to support us once again.

The weather had changed and the direct sun from earlier was now hidden behind dark clouds and a very close atmosphere. We rotated the squad for this game and as the game kicked off it was clear from the low energy levels of the squad, we would be in for a tough match. Fesport were aggressive from the start and played a very attacking formation, flooding the midfield and forward areas of the pitch. Our new look line-up managed to contain them for the first ten minutes but could not hold out much longer.

The first goal was quickly followed by goals two and three. At that point tired legs began to tell in our team and confidence began to flow through our opponents. Fesport saw their opportunity and took ruthless advantage. The goals were being racked up and for once there was nothing Connor could do. Heads and legs had gone and only one or two were battling, Harry Gregory and Josef Honeyman amongst them. Fesport were ahead of us in all aspects of the game and were in cruise control.

The game was stopped as the thunder storm passed over. The referee asked if we wanted to stop the fight there, due to the biblical rain but we declined and maybe the rain had woken us up at last. Rob Douglas was first in with robust challenge which stemmed the tide. Then, in reply to some showboating and poor sportsmanship by the opposition, Joe Jeffers committed fully to win a superb arial challenge. It was too little and far too late, but we learned lots of valuable lessons from what was a tough encounter.

On another day and with more favourable prep and conditions we may have run them closer but it was a well-deserved and comprehensive victory (let's just say double figures) by team that set the standard. I’d go as far to say they could be the best side we have ever played.

It was back to the hotel after the game, to dust ourselves off, freshen up, team dinner before that evening's opening ceremony…

The bus collected us at 9.30pm to travel back to Cambrils Stadium for the opening bash. Disembarking the bus we realised this would be quite an event. A packed stand would welcome each team onto the pitch as they were announced over the PA system. We were handed a Jeanfield sign and a Scotland flag and off we went.

It was not quite London 2012 but there were dancing girls, a DJ, a packed stadium and even fireworks. The announcer was doing a great job of hyping the crowd and announced each team; ‘Lets have a big welcome to a team from a classic country, all the way from Scotland, our friends from Jeanfield." It was a brilliant welcome and we felt proud to fly the flag for Jeanfield and Perth at such a big tournament.

Daniel was our enthusiastic flag bearer as we joined the teams from Russia, Spain, Sweden etc on the pitch. Unfortunately our lads were less enthusiastic to take part in the mass participation dancing!

We left the event at 11pm and headed back to get some rest as our relentless schedule continued with 9AM KO the next morning Vs Vasconia A.

Report #3 to follow