Eagles u9 Blues and Yellows - 06/07 Season
Contact:
Dave Northfield - 01767-313940 - dave@letchworthcouriers.co.uk
Phil Oram - 07970-855291 - phil.oram@premiersystemsit.co.uk
Thanks to our sponsors Premier Systems IT - who supplied U9's with kit and jackets
The Eagles Echo – Season 2006-7
No.22 : Saturday 5th May 2007
Diamond Cup VII Tournament
Venue : Nene Stadium, Rushden and Diamonds F.C.
The Blues again travelled up to Nene Park, the home of Rushden and Diamonds, for the Diamond VII competition, with teams from all over the country participating in one of the largest tournaments of its kind in Europe. The boys played initially in Group D on pitch 2d, with 5 teams in opposition and had just 6 players in the tournament, until Dan and Lee arrived to give us more options.
Under 9 Diamond Cup
Group D results
Letchworth Eagles Blues 2 (Alli 2) AFC Lightning 3
Letchworth Eagles Blues 4 (Marcus 2, Alli, Ethan) Priory Parkside 0
Weekley Rovers Juve 0 Letchworth Eagles Blues 1 ( Alli)
Boston FDC 0 Letchworth Eagles Blues 2 (Ethan 2)
Worcester City Colts 0 Letchworth Eagles Blues 3 (Marcus, Alli, Matthew)
The Blues had their traditional slow start when losing unexpectedly in the first match and after taking the lead – this meant that there could be no further slip ups, despite two qualifying from the group. An easy win then followed and then another put the boys back on track as they got into their stride. A crunch game followed against Boston who had previously won all their games, but by now the boys were motoring and Ethan’s brace swept them aside. We still needed to beat Worcester in our final game to qualify as winners of the group and this we did with a commanding performance with Matthew driving energetically from midfield and scoring with a great solo effort.
Quarter Final
Letchworth Eagles Blues………….2 Nunnery Wood Colts…………..0
(Marcus 2)
The Blues won comfortably against Nunnery Wood with a lot in hand. Marcus scored two well taken goals and although there were chances at each end , with both goalkeepers having to make saves, the result was never in doubt. Less savoury was the attitude of the opposition manager who misjudged the length of the match and mishandled his substitutions and then berated the referee at the end. It wouldn’t have mattered if we had played for another hour – they wouldn’t have scored and would never have beaten our boys who were vastly superior.
Semi Final
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………..3 Yaxley Juniors…………..0
(Alli 2, Lee)
The Blues eased into their second consecutive final of this competition with a stylish victory that left their opponents shellshocked. Now playing in the stadium, the boys’ teamwork and passing play was always in evidence and Alli scored twice to give them a cushion of a lead. Despite looking dangerous at times and the urgings of their manager, Yaxley could never match the boys’ class which was exemplified by Lee’s screamer from the right to seal a 3-0 victory and which would have graced larger stadiums than this one. Another final now beckoned for the boys as the day was extended even further!
Final
Knaresborough Celtic Junior……………1 Letchworth Eagles Blues 1
(Marcus)
(After extra time – Knaresborough win on penalties)
As with last year, it was a great thrill for the boys and their supporters to emerge from the tunnel for their match against a team which had travelled all the way down from Yorkshire to participate in the tournament. In a match that was played the best of spirits which was also evident before and afterwards, the Blues were extremely unlucky to lose on penalties after taking the lead in the game through a Marcus header, only to be pegged back by a late equaliser. Both teams were evenly matched although we did have more of the chances to extend our lead and put the result beyond doubt. Our penalties were a little weary, no doubt due to the magnificent efforts that the boys put in during the day, but in this habitual lottery, it was just bad luck that saw us lose out. Well done boys on your wonderful performances today and third time lucky next year!
Team : Dan Sam Charlie Matthew Alli Marcus Ethan Lee
Under 8 tournament
Group C results
Shefford Saints 0 Letchworth Eagles Yellows 2 (Marcus 2)
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 5 (Marcus 2, Zidane 2, Cam C) London Eagles Youth 0
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 3 (Marcus 2, Zidane) Ise Lodge YFC B 0
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 1 (Marcus) Brackley Athletic 1
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 5 (Marcus 4, Charlie pen) Knaresborough Celtic 1
The Yellows had a more comfortable passage through their group games than the Blues, against opponents some of whom they outclassed in one sided matches. Marcus was absolutely deadly, scoring 11 goals of all types in the five matches and the whole team put up excellent performances with good tackling, covering and passing.
Final
Letchworth Eagles Yellows……………………..2 Worksop Town A………………….0
(Marcus, Cam C pen)
Surprisingly through to a final when we had originally thought it was a non-competitive format, the Yellows comprehensively won their final match, with Marcus scoring again and thus managing to find the net in every game. It was just a shame that although their opponents presented them with a sportsmanship trophy, there was no official winning cup or trophy, nor winning medals, which the boys thoroughly deserved after their excellent winning performance. Well done Yellows!
Team : Sam Tommy Charlie Regan Marcus Ethan Zidane Cam C
No.21 Saturday 28th April 2007
Royston Crow League – Final qualifying round
Playing in Stevenage and in separate groups, both the Blues and the Yellows qualified comfortably for the finals of the Royston Crowe. On a sunny, breezy morning, the Blues started off by getting past a skilful Ashwell team who had most of the play and chances but couldn’t fashion a goal – we played well for the first and last minutes and Alli scored to give the boys a winning start. Two more comfortable wins followed, 2-1 and then 4-0, with goals from Oscar (4 in total) and Cam W (2). Our traditional slow start had not hindered our progress into the finals of the competition we won last year.
The Yellows won their three games very comfortably – 4-1, 1-0 and 2-0, with Stuart in excellent, forceful form and netting a hat trick in the opening game and contributions also form Brandon, Stan and Ethan. Particularly sweet was the win over Stevenage Tornadoes in the middle game and the Yellows duly joined the blues in the finals. Well done to both teams!
No.20 Saturday 31st March 2007
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………………3 Sawbridgeworth……………………1
(Charlie 3)
Letchworth Eagles Yellows …………………………2 Sawbridgeworth……………………0
(Stuart, Cam C)
No.19 Saturday 17th March 2007
Knebworth Lions A…………………………2 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………………2
(Oscar, Cam W)
We played our old rivals Knebworth today on a bright but quite chilly morning. Sometimes, the contrast in footballing styles is very clear to see as it was in this match. Whereas Knebworth took every opportunity to boot the ball long, trying to hit their big target man, the boys played some lovely fluent passing football, which was light years ahead of their opposition. Itw as remarked today on the touchline that it was like watching Arsenal playing Chelsea with their different approaches and styles of play and there was certainly something in this. Our boys played some great football today with exquisite passing moves that impressed all who saw them. We went 1-0 up when Oscar headed in from a corner but they came back to score two goals, our boys being a little intimidated at times by their strength and size and with their second we were outnumbered at the back when we pushed too far forward on an attack of our own. However Cam W powered the ball home from the right to make it 2-2 and we even had penalty saved right at the death. If it had been on points we would have won easily but even so some of the football today was joy to see. Charlie was Man of the Match. Well done boys!
Knebworth Lions B……………………1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows…………………………4
A very comfortable victory, with especially strong performances from Jack and Stuart. Ood passing play and teamwork and an excellent morning’s work. Again well done boys!
No.18 Saturday 3rd March 2007 v Baldock Crusaders
Baldock Templars…………………………0 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………………4
(Alli, Marcus, Cam We, OG)
For this local derby, played at Hartsfield School in Baldock on a sunny and breezy morning we lined up with Sam in goal, Charlie, Matthew, Alli, Tommy, Marcus and Cam W on the right. From the kickoff the boys exerted almost consistent pressure in the first half, having a number of shots saved or going wide and forcing one corner after another. Tommy hit the post but the Baldock goalkeeper kept his side in it with a string of assured and excellent saves. We attacked by thrusting down both wings with Tommy and Cam W and our passing football was accurate and of a high standard but the goal wouldn’t come until finally the pressure paid off as Charlie’s free kick went across the goal and Alli pounced to slide it home – 1-0. Oscar and Cam We came on and there were some lovely diamond passing moves and one twos in the middle of the pitch. Sam had little to do but needed to be alert from the restart as they launched a shot towards our goal. Marcus finished some good passing interplay by scoring the second goal -2-0 and we ended the first half totally dominant. With the gradient and the wind in our favour in the second half, a big score might have been expected – that only two more goals materialized was due in the main to the outstanding Baldock goalkeeper who repeatedly denied us with a series of brilliant saves including a double one and one at point blank range when Oscar was clean through; certainly one of the best goalkeeping performances witnessed at this age level. It was an unfortunate own goal – a header- that made it 3-0 to us and we continued to miss chances, often shooting too powerfully high and wide on a small pitch. Cam We looked very lively and shot sweetly to make it 4-0 just before the end of the match. Some excellent football played today, good passing and teamwork and we were totally in command throughout – well done boys!
Baldock Crusaders……………………1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows…………………………5
(Stuart, Brandon, Ethan, Stan, Alfie)
The Yellows bettered the Blues’ goal tally but had the same margin of victory in a match that was similar in pattern to the earlier one. Lining up with Stan in goal, Mylles, Jack, Brandon, Ethan, Stuart and Alfie, the boys created pressure from the beginning and there was good team work and passing interplay, particularly up front. Stuart looked very powerful and determined on his debut and made several chances before firing home for 1-0 a lead that was doubled when Brandon fired into the top of the net. The Baldock keeper was the same as in the Blues match and again distinguished himself and our opponents as a whole came more into the match and responded with pressure of their own. Certainly this was evident in the second half which began with much more even play from both sides. However Ethan finished lethally to make it 3-0 and the result certain and then Stan made it 4-0 after some clever approach play by Alfie. Baldock got one back to make it 4-1 and give themselves something to cheer about before Alfie, showing his class and some superb trickery on right wing, wrapped things up with an unstoppable shot from outside the penalty area. 5-1 and the second impressive and totally dominant performance of the morning. Very well done boys!
No.17 Saturday 17th February 2007 v Bishop’s Stortford Town
Bright sunshine and crisp temperatures saw the boys in Bishop’s Stortford this morning and an unusual format to the games, with the Blues and Yellows, both down to minimum numbers each, playing their matches and then a combined team playing their opponents who had a large squad and wanted to give all their players a game. The pitches were quite wet and sticky underfoot.
Bishop’s Stortford Town A……………….0 Letchworth Eagles Blues ………………….4
(Marcus 2, Alli, Cam W)
The Blues had Sam in goal, Tommy, Matthew, Alli, Charlie, Cam W and Marcus up front and on a small pitch, enjoyed an easy victory. We had already created a few chances before Alli rounded the goalkeeper and fired it high into the net to make it 1-0 and subsequent to this there were a series of corners and more shots on the Stortford goal which went wide or were saved by their goalkeeper. Our opponents hardly managed to get into our half and it was just a matter of time before we scored again – this happened when Matthew slid the ball through to Alli who fed Marcus and he slotted it home – a well worked goal and 2-0. It remained this score at half time but things continued in the same way in the second half and Marcus made it 3-0 with a great shot from a long way out. Some rare forays into our half led to few chances for our opponents but Sam was alert to any dangers and saved comfortably and generally it was more even in the second half with Stortford stronger and more determined with their tackling. We missed several chances when it looked easier to score but rounded off a very comfortable performance when Cam W won the ball and went first one way and the other before shooting it into the net for a clever goal and the best one of the match – 4-0. Another good performance, one where the boys were never really extended and were always in control.
Bishop’s Stortford Town B………………….2 Letchworth Eagles Yellows………………….2
(Stan, Ethan)
The Yellows started with Tommy in goal, Mylles, Brandon, Ethan, Jack and Stan and lined up as 6 against 7 in their match. An odd match, played at the same time as the Blues’ game, in which we were generally on top, with first Stan and then Ethan putting the Yellows ahead with well taken individual goals. However only a few seconds from the end, Stortford had a free kick and broke away to level the scores and a game that should have been won ended in a draw.
Bishop’s Stortford Town A & B………………….0 Letchworth Eagles Blues & Yellows………………….4
(Ethan, Alli, Marcus, Jack)
We played a different combination of Blues and Yellows in each half and the boys gelled well in unusual circumstances and there was some excellent teamwork and passing. Quick thinking from Sam led to the ball going out to Charlie who fed Ethan to put us 1-0 up and then Alli made no mistake with a determined effort – 2-0. Birthday boy Marcus, who had looked lively all morning, got the third and completed his hat trick over two matches with a power packed finish – 3-0 and wonderful passing from Matthew to Marcus to Jack saw him finishing a great move to make the final score 4-0. Circumstances led to an unusual and changing team in this game, but the way the players combined together and passed in the ‘Eagles way’ showed the strength in depth across the two teams. Well done boys!
No.16 Sunday 4th February 2007
Herts County Cup – Fourth Round
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….0 Broxbourne Rangers Youth Reds ………………….0
(AET Broxbourne win 4-2 on penalties)
A disappointing exit from the County Cup by the Blues who never at any point played anywhere near their best and yet despite this they could and should have won against their opponents. We lined up with the usual formation and created most of the early pressure but soon fell into the mistake of players not seeing team mates in better positions on attacking moves, making the wrong choices with passes and trying to take on too many defenders, eventually losing the ball. Gradually, the match took on a more even feel as Broxbourne, strong in defence but often kicking it long, launched dangerous attacks of their own and play was end to end for much of both halves. Charlie and Matthew were excellent in defence, snuffed out dangerous attacks and distributed the ball intelligently, setting off thrusts forward of our own, but our attacks somehow lacked consistent penetration. The Broxbourne goalkeeper handled the ball and held shots assuredly and in our goal Sam too had to be alert and saved well on several occasions. Both sides threatened from corners but there were few really clearcut chances at either end. Cam W looked lively down the wing but Broxbourne were resolute in defence. Near to the end of normal time, Man of the Match Matthew went down and was carried off with a nasty knee injury and took no further part in the match and this may have unsettled the team who had to soak up quite lot of pressure throughout extra time in keeping it scoreless. The pitch was quite muddy and sticky which of course did not suit our passing game but generally we were below par as a team. Having said that, we could have won it close to the end of extra time when Tommy was through but his shot agonisingly hit the post and somehow you felt that it might not be our day.
I didn’t have a good feeling about the penalties this time after the success in the previous round at Potters Bar and today it was exactly the reverse scenario; we were under pressure immediately after missing our opening effort and although Charlie and Tommy scored with excellent penalties, Broxbourne missed none of theirs and decisive shots put them into the last eight. A shame to go out after the excitement of the last round, but just one of those days and the boys put in as much effort as they were able to this Sunday. The opposition manager was generous in praise of the efforts of both teams and when it comes to penalties, it is the proverbial lottery, with nothing in it. We all know they can play much better than this but we go onto the next match and learn from the experience. Well done boys and hard luck!
No.15 Saturday 27th January 2007
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….2 Wymondley Park A……………………1
(Charlie, Cam W)
The Blues lined up with the same formation as in their heroic Cup victory two weeks earlier, with Sam in goal, Tommy in defence, Matthew in the hole, Charlie on the right, Cam We on the left and Alli in the middle, with Marcus to his left and Oscar and Cam W starting on the bench. Pressure came from both sides early on with Sam having to be alert to save a shot from Wymondley and then Charlie narrowly heading over after an accurate cross from Marcus. Out on the right, Charlie was enjoying himself with powerful thrusts into opposition territory and it was he who got the first goal – an excellent team effort with Mathew passing it through to Marcus who crossed it in for an unstoppable header from Charlie – 1-0. This really got the team going – the passing moves began to take shape and Alli had a shot just go wide of the post. We had a lot of the play but Wymondley responded in kind and Sam had to palm several shots out for corners – an attractive match was taking shape. Both goalkeepers were kept busy as chances came at either end – Tommy and Matthew made some excellent interceptions and laid the ball off intelligently for the Blues to begin another attack. It was only 1-0 at half time, although the Blues deserved to be further ahead and they began the second half with Charlie reverting to defence and Marcus to his usual centre forward role, Cam W on the right and Oscar now on the left. Despite a lot of possession and more chances, the Blues still could not get a second goal and as a result, the match remained liable to go one way or the other – the last match we played against this opposition, they came back from 2 goals down and we were hoping that history was not going to repeat itself. Fortunately, we got the second as Matthew released Cam W with a pass from midfield and he cleverly slid the ball beneath the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. Comfortable however it was not – the end to end play continued and Wymondley racked up the pressure with some skilful play and at one point three corners in a row and the ball several times was bobbling around our penalty area dangerously as we lost our shape at the back. Just before the end, Wymondley got their goal which was in fairness deserved, although it was an unfortunate deflection off one of our players from a powerful shot that beat Sam – 2-1. There was no time for a full comeback again and the Blues deservedly won an attractive and end to end match with committed play from all the players on the pitch, a victory that was all the more satisfying because of the different formations that were experimented with today. Well done boys – now bring on next week’s Cup game!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows………………….3 Wymondley Park B…………………….2
(Cam C, Stan, Ethan)
The Yellows lined up with the unusual formation of Ethan in goal, Mylles in defence, Jack in front of him and Stan just behind the forwards who were Cam C in the middle, Tommy on the left and Alfie on the right. The first few minutes were all dominated by Wymondley and we hardly got out of our half but things then switched around completely as the Yellows created
sustained pressure and Stan, Cam C and Tommy all had shots that went wide or were well saved by the Wymondley keeper. There were too many bodies in the way as our forwards tried to weave their way through and as the match swung back the other way Wymondley went ahead – their attacker muscled his way through and shrugged off our defenders to poke the ball home – 1-0 to Wymondley. Stung by this, the Yellows responded almost immediately as Cam C cleverly flicked the ball over the opposition keeper to bring us level – 1-1. In this even game, Wymondley came back with pressure of their own but this time we held firm. Tommy and Alfie were playing excellently out on the wings, with accurate passes and runs forward and the whole team settled had now settled down and was playing more as a unit. Ethan was called into action and made some important saves and at the other end we did have a couple of occasions when we outnumbered their defenders but we couldn’t find the shot that mattered. Wymondley were playing their part in another good match, with several tricky, skilful players and always looked dangerous on the break, when we had to remain alert. Honours even then at half time and at the beginning of the second half, Cam C and Ethan swapped places. Immediately Ethan had a golden chance to put us ahead, doing everything right as he ran through the centre with the ball but he just pulled his shot wide. The stalemate did not look like it was going to be broken as we were reduced to shooting inaccurately from too far out or were stopped by their determined tackling. However in the last few minutes, the boys seemed to raise their game and Alfie and Tommy in particular were instrumental in making the breakthrough. Two powerful shots were both only parried by the Wymondley keeper and first Stan and then Ethan followed up with poachers’ goals to quickly make it 3-1. Wymondley then got one back as the goals wouldn’t stop coming -3-2 and before the end Cam C twice had to make vital saves to avoid it being a draw or even worse a defeat! The Yellows held on and a very entertaining game finished as a victory, 3-2, a result that was fully merited on our overall superiority but with Wymondley fully playing their part in the proceedings. Well done boys!
No.14 Sunday 14th January 2007
Herts County Cup – Third Round
Potters Bar Crusaders………………2 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………2
(Cam We, Oscar)
(AET Letchworth Eagles Blues win 3-2 on penalties)
A pulsating match, played in the best spirit by both sides, which saw a remarkable performance and comeback by the Blues who, after being 2-0 down early on, fought back to get level, nearly win in both normal and then extra time and then did so on penalties to advance into the last sixteen of the competition. Rather used as we are as parents and supporters to the boys winning regularly and more often than not comfortably, this was a different kind of performance required and shown and at the end of the match, everyone was left feeling drained by the emotion and excitement of it all and incredibly proud of the team’s efforts and character.
We met early and had a good, trouble free journey to Potters Bar via the A1 and M25. Getting there in ample time, we were the first to arrive at the cricket club which is the Potters Bar team’s pitch and saw the goals being put up and our opposition emerge as our boys got down to pre match preparations of our own. It was a glorious morning – bright and crisp, with sunshine and blue skies a welcome change after the greyness of recent days. It was bracing too with a deceptively keen wind which meant that the refreshments that were well underway in the clubhouse were well received by our supporters and with bacon rolls at only 50p, this was an added bonus! Gradually the kickoff time approached – both teams completed their warm ups, the corner flags were put in place, Potters Bar won the toss and chose to kick with the wind, and the referee blew for the start of the game, with the Blues kicking off. Our line up, against opponents who almost uniformly looked tall for their age, was Sam in goal, Charlie in defence, Matthew in the hole, Alli, Tommy on the left, Marcus and Cam W, with Oscar and Cam We starting as subs.
The very early play saw the Blues on the attack and pushing back Potters Bar but it wasn’t long before the pressure was reversed. We were perhaps a bit intimidated by the power and strength of the opposition and didn’t get stuck in as much as we should have done. We gave away two corners and, largely due to the strength of the wind, were unable to clear the ball properly from our goal area. Potters Bar were already showing that they were hitting the ball powerfully and after only 4 minutes they went 1-0 up when a high shot from outside our penalty area went unstoppably and high into our net, giving Sam no chance. This was something of a shock to us all and the pressure was kept up by our opponents who were using the undoubted wind advantage to keep the Blues pinned back. Again we conceded a number of corners and were really struggling to get any kind of passing game going. When Potters Bar slid in a second goal to make it 2-0 a few minutes later after a goalmouth scramble, we knew that we were up against it and that at all costs we needed to make sure that we didn’t concede a third. Charlie kept us in the game with a goal line clearance and Sam too performed heroically with a number of saves to keep the score as it was by half time. Our attacking moves were limited and although Marcus and Cam W had a number of half chances, the passing and teamwork was not really flowing, not helped by a wet and in places a muddy pitch.
Half time came with us still in the match and knowing that the third goal, either way, could prove crucial. We knew we could play better – possibly we were a little rusty after no match for a month? – and Phil stressed to the boys that we were the better footballing side who didn’t deserve to go out to opponents who were big and strong but basically intent on hitting the ball long and powerfully.
The second half saw an immediate and marked improvement. We now had the wind advantage but it was our much more fluent and confident passing and teamwork that were making the difference. We were more incisive and had more possession in the first few minutes of the second half than we had had for large chunks of the first and all round we began to improve and carve out chances. Matthew and Alli won most of the balls in the middle and distributed sensibly and creatively and Oscar, coming on as a substitute, was instrumental in driving the Blues forward and feeding Marcus up front. Now it was the Blues creating all the pressure as they probed for the goal that would get them back into the match. It came when Sam launched a long goal kick that was threaded through by first Oscar and then Marcus and Cam We pushed it over the line – 2-1 and game on! Excitement and nervousness was mixed in even measure on the touchline by now – would we score again, was there enough time? – and at the same time we were on edge as our opponents threatened but Sam was in great form and kept out their rare attacks. More chances went begging and shots went close or straight into the hand of the Potters bar goalkeeper and at one point we had 5 corners in a row. We were hoping for any kind of equalizer, even a scrambled effort but when it did come it was a magnificent effort – Oscar exchanging a clever one two with Marcus right down the centre of the opposition box, like a knife through butter, before coolly slotting home – 2-2 and pandemonium on the touchline! It seemed that with the momentum, only one team was going to win now; Charlie was played in a forward role on the right wing and made several marauding runs deep into opposition territory, ending in near misses, efforts by Oscar and Marcus went close and Cam We had a shot go narrowly wide but the goal wouldn’t come and the final whistle signalled an epic comeback and the rigours of extra time (10 minutes each way).
No further goals were scored in extra time and both teams understandably were getting very tired as they neared the end of an hour’s play. In the first period, Blues again had to be wary of the wind effect and being under pressure but this time they defended stoutly and Potters Bar were reduced to shooting from long range and well wide of the target. The Blues had attacks of their own but could not find that one incisive through ball to release Marcus. In the second period, both sides had chances as they looked for the winner and both went incredibly close. Sam made two unbelievable point blank saves as the ball first flashed across the area and then an opposition striker was clean through on goal and like others on the touchline, your correspondent’s heart missed a beat when he felt that Potters Bar were bound to score. Charlie continued to play up front and attack in the second period and Matthew and Tommy were calm and collected in defence with their interceptions and winning of the ball. Only a save on the Potters Bar goal line by their keeper a la 1966 (but with a different result!) prevented us getting the winning goal and after an hour of play, the referee blew and it was the lottery of penalties.
Such was the nature of this game, even the penalties turned into a rollercoaster ride. Potters Bar missed and Marcus scored to make it 1-0 and when Sam saved their second, we began to think we were almost home and dry. However two successive misses form us and two successful penalties from Potters Bar saw the pendulum markedly swing the other way as they went 2-1 ahead. Charlie showed no nerves in blasting us level at 2-2 and when Sam tipped their final penalty over the bar the advantage was with us again. However unbelievably, the referee deemed that Sam had moved from his line before the kick had been taken and ordered it to be retaken, which was rather harsh after a match where everyone had given their all over one hour’s play. Sam responded in the best possible way by a point blank save which only served to cement his Man of the Match performance. Cam We, holding his nerve well, put away our fifth and final penalty and both the players and all the supporters erupted – we had won and were through to the next round!!
A fantastic performance by the boys this morning in every respect. We were not at our very best, judged by our normal very high standards, but the character and resilience they showed to dig deep and battle back and to keep trying to play their passing football was wonderful to see and all of us are very proud. The opposition supporters were generous in their praise of our performance and Potters Bar it should be said, played some very good football too and were worthy opponents. As we headed away from the ground, we all needed to calm down after the frantic excitement of the comeback but all of us had a warm glow of appreciation of the magnificent efforts of the Blues this morning. Very well done boys – it was a privilege to be there today!!
No.13 Saturday 16th December 2006
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………6 Hormead Hares A……………………1
(Marcus 4, Tommy, Oscar)
The Blues lined up with no subs this morning – Sam in goal, Charlie, Matthew, Oscar, Tommy, Cam W and Marcus – but had an easy victory against Hormead Hares who it had been hoped would provide a competitive game. Right from kickoff we went on the attack and Marcus and Charlie (playing in a more forward position) both went close with chances. Cam W was looking very lively on the right, beating his defenders and powerfully crossing the ball into the box and he was fed the ball well by Matthew who was as usual distributing it intelligently from midfield. Their goalkeeper had made several good saves but could do nothing as Tommy cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable shot high into the net to open the scoring – 1-0 and soon after this Matthew fed Charlie, whose shot was saved by the keeper but then followed up with a great finish by Marcus. 2-0, the Blues comfortably in control and they went in at half time 3-0 ahead after Charlie this time raced up the right wing and crossed in for Marcus to score his second goal of the match. Soon after the restart, two almost identical goals saw the lead go to 4 and then 5-0 – Cam W worked his magic down the right wing, beat several players and crossed in for Marcus to finish twice with great assurance and skill. We needed to be alert to opposition attacks for Hormead did not give up and they scored a cracking goal – a thunderbolt high into the top of net with Sam having no chance – to make it 5-1. However it went to 6-1 just before the end of the match when Oscar powered the ball home after a scramble in the box following a corner. Another excellent victory – what a satisfying way to end the year and go into the Christmas break – and Cam W, who was outstanding today and was involved in most of the goals, was deservedly Man of the Match. Well done today boys and on all your magnificent achievements in 2006!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows…………………6 Hormead Hares B……………………0
(Ethan 4, Cam C, Alfie)
The Yellows had Jack in goal (pictured above), Myles, Alfie, Stan, Ethan, Cam C and Brandon and completed an equally emphatic a victory over Hormead Hares as had their Blues counterparts. All the boys were extremely comfortable on the ball, passed it around fantastically well and the teamwork was of a very high standard. Ethan got a hat trick for the second consecutive week and was almost unplayable at times – first powering the ball home, then following up a Brandon cross and finally angling in deftly to make it 3-0 and the Yellows were out of sight relatively early in the first half. At times, we were almost queuing up to have a shot and all the bodies in the opposition box made it hard to squeeze the ball through! Well in control by half time, the Yellows kept up the pressure in the second half. Myles was alert and snuffed out any dangerous breaks and Jack was confident and assured in goal. Ethan scored his fourth to make it 4-0 and then took up a more defensive midfield position but the teamwork and shape of the team continued to impress. Stan slipped the ball through to Stan for Cam C to finish ruthlessly and Alfie flicked the ball home with the outside of his foot to make the final score 6-0. Another outstanding all round performance (‘the whole team was Man of the Match’ in the words of the manager) and the Yellows are also to be congratulated on how they have developed and what they have achieved in 2006. Well done boys!
No.12 Saturday 9th December 2006
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….2 Knebworth Lions A……………………0
(og, Marcus)
The Blues faced our old rivals, Knebworth Lions this morning who had players well known to our boys and a large group of visiting supporters. On a breezy, bracing morning, we lined up with a squad of Sam in goal, Charlie, Matthew, Oscar, Cam We, Cam W, Alli, Marcus and Tommy. It was tight and well contested half, with Blues having most of the play and certainly the best passing and teamwork but Knebworth coming back into the game towards the end of it and having a few chances of their own. Tackles were determined and both sides had near misses, but whereas the Blues constantly were looking for the passing ball, Knebworth always seemed to be relying on the long ball up the pitch in the hope that their big striker would run onto it and score. It was quite tense at half time, with Blues not having had the breakthrough and. Playing against both the wind and the slope in the second half, we thought that things would get tougher for them. However as it was, Blues’ passing play if anything got better and we went 1-0 up with an unfortunate own goal – a Knebworth defender inexplicably turning the ball back into his own net after their goalie had brilliantly saved from Oscar. 1-0 fortuitously perhaps, but the Blues’ overall play deserved this and from then on it was one way traffic. The boys fought for the ball and tackled tenaciously, snuffing out any breakaway dangers and closing down the opposition players. Marcus was delighted to get back on the scoresheet when he stabbed the ball home after a scramble from a corner. 2-0 was the final result – thoroughly deserved, very satisfying and a match where the Blues combined their excellent passing play with a determined, tough tackling and gritty performance that shows how hard they will be for any team to beat. The pitch was heavy and not at all suited to the Blues’ normal free flowing football but they adapted very well to the prevailing conditions. Sam was Man of the Match for a series of confident saves. Very well done boys again!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows………………….3 Knebworth Lions B…………………….0
(Ethan 3)
The Yellows had Sam in goal, Myles, Stan, Tommy, Ethan, Brandon and Alfie and totally dominated this match. Ethan scored a stunning hat trick, the last goal a superb solo effort after beating several opposition players and the team as a whole was a class above this Knebworth side. Superb passing movements and linkup play had the opposition chasing shadows for much of the match and it could have been a much bigger margin of victory if some of the near misses had gone in. Very well done Yellows this morning!
No.11 Saturday 25th November 2006
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….6 Potton Colts……………………0
(Oscar 2, Charlie, Alli,
Jake, Matthew)
Unscheduled opponents for Blues this morning as they took on Potton Colts on a small pitch, with very damp and heavy conditions underfoot and with a strong wind blowing. The Blues had Sam in goal, Charlie, Matthew, Oscar, Alli and Jake and James playing up from the Whites and from the kickoff they put pressure on the Potton defence. A couple of chances went begging before the Potton goalie saved but pushed the ball into the path of Jake who shot in to make it 1-0. Clever play from Marcus then set up Oscar who drilled the ball home for 2-0 and before half time it was 3-0 – Alli showed exquisite quick footwork and then finished stylishly to give the boys a very comfortable lead. The same bright play continued in the second half and Oscar grabbed his second goal of the match when he fired the ball home high into the Potton net-4-0.
Charlie again had the freedom to break forward and scored with a powerful shot on one of his customary charges down the right wing and Matthew sealed a comprehensive win at 6-0 when he powered home the rebound from his initial freekick outside the Potton penalty area, superbly finding the top right hand corner of the net. A very comfortable victory again, with some superb teamwork and every player well on his game. Well done boys!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows…………………1 Baldock……………………0
(Alfie)
The Yellows had Jordan (from the Whites) in goal, with Brandon, Alfie, Cam C, Tommy, Myles and Jack. In a tight and well contested match, played at the same time as the Blues, Alfie scored to give the team a narrow, but nonetheless well deserved victory.
No.10 Saturday 11th November 2006
Letchworth Eagles Blues 14 - Bishop’s Stortford Town A 2
(Oscar 4, Tommy 4, Charlie 2,
Alli, Cam W, Marcus, Matthew)
The Blues played high tempo and customary excellent passing football today, even though it was a hopeless mismatch against a side out of their depth. We were full strength apart from a recognized goalkeeper, lining up with Cam We, Charlie, Matthew, Oscar, Tommy, Marcus, Cam W and Alli and showed no mercy right from the outset. An early feature was Cam W’s superb wingplay and two powerful crosses (one from a corner) were headed in by Oscar, with Tommy’s first being sandwiched between these for our first three goals. The only surprise was Bishop’s Stortford equalising at 1-1 but after that it was one way traffic. Cam W got one himself from the right, Oscar completed his hat trick and went one better and Charlie got two (one in each half), relishing his unfamiliar position as a striker. Marcus grabbed one before playing the second half in goal and Tommy cleverly found the net four times, leading to the spectators losing track of the score. Alli got in on the act with a goal and Matthew, playing towards the end like a demon, as if we were losing, finally got one himself with a drive from outside the box. The opposition got one back towards the end, but played for the whole match without dropping their heads and it was played in good spirit. One sided yes, but the class of the Blues, even with players in unfamiliar positions, was there for all to see. Very well done boys!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 14 - Bishop’s Stortford Town B 0
(Brandon 6, Cam C 4, Jack 3, Stan)
A match that made the Blues game look competitive! The Yellows had scored 14 by the time that your correspondent and most of the spectators had lost track of the score and to save embarrassment for the opposition, it is recorded as 14 – 0! As with the Blues however, you can only beat what is in front of you and all the Yellows were superb – special mention should be made of Brandon and Cam C who were both on fire and scored in rapid succession, with Jack also chipping in with an excellent hat trick. Again well done boys!
No.9 Sunday 5th November 2006
Herts County Cup – Third Round
Letchworth Eagles Blues 1 London Maccabi Lions 0
(Marcus)
The Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Charlie in defence and Matthew just in front of him, Alli in the centre, Tommy on the left, Cameron W on the right and Marcus up front. The Blues started well by putting lots of pressure on the opposition who we were led to believe were undefeated this year. However although they were well organised and determined tacklers, the Blues were well on top for the whole match and Sam was hardly troubled in our goal. We had several chances and near misses before Marcus poked the ball home on one of our many attacks and despite other close calls, this score remained the same until the end of the match. The Blues played some excellent football, undoubtedly impressed the visiting team from London with their slick passing and teamplay and moved comfortably into the next round. While it was only 1-0, there was some nervousness that the opposition would grab an equalizer but this would have been a travesty of a result and it was another great all round performance. Well done boys!
Buntingford Community 1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows 0
Not the best performance from the boys this morning and as a result the Yellows disappointingly exited the Cup competition.
No.8: Saturday 28th October 2006
Buntingford Cougars Blues 0 - Letchworth Eagles Blues 4
A good performance by the boys. Oscar was Man of the Match.
Buntingford Cougars Whites 0 - Letchworth Eagles Yellows 4
Another smart performance by the Yellows this morning, adding to their goal tally. Jack was Man of the Match.
No.7: Saturday 21st October 2006
Wymondley Park A 2 - Letchworth Eagles Blues 2
(Alli, Marcus)
The Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Charlie, Matthew, Alli, Tommy, Marcus, Cam We, Cam W and Oscar, looking to get back on the winning trail. However, despite going 2-0 up, they were pegged back by Wymondley and had to settle for a draw in a highly attractive and well contested game of football. The first half began with chances for both sides – Sam had to palm over a powerful shot and then made an unbelievable point blank save and Tommy hit their post with a shot and it was the Blues who scored first as Alli smartly followed up a Marcus shot to net – 1-0. Soon after that, Marcus himself slotted the ball home after a great passing move involving Matthew and Alli. 2-0 then at half time and, we thought, victory assured. However, Wymondley had other ideas and scored two goals in the second half and even had chances to score a winner. The boys had to be on their guard towards the end of the match, not to concede a careless goal and we were pressed back in our own half for long periods by their resilient and determined opponents. Tommy had shot blocked just near the end of the game but a draw was probably a fair result in an exciting game that was much enjoyed by all the spectators present. Well done to all the players today!
Wymondley Park B 0 - Letchworth Eagles Yellows 9
(Ethan 3, Stan 2, Cam C 2, Brandon, Mylles pen)
The Yellows had Sam in goal, Mylles, Tommy, Stan, Brandon, Ethan, Alfie, Cam C, Jack and totally destroyed their opponents this morning with a ruthless and crushing performance. The match actually began with some Wymondley pressure and Sam had to be alert to save some shots from breakaway moves. However Tommy got the ball rolling when he won the ball, took it forward and threaded through a wonderful pass to Ethan who slotted it home for 1-0. Another great reverse pass from Tommy again, having a storming game, saw Ethan put through in the clear and again he finished with aplomb – 2-0. Brandon had a fine game down the wing, constantly crossing in dangerous balls and from one of these, Ethan scored again to grab a hat trick before half time – 3-0. In the second half, palying this time with the slope and the wind, it was totally one way traffic and the final score could have been anything but for some good saves by the Wymondley keeper. Stan powered the ball home in typical fashion for 4-0, Brandon got a highly deserved goal when he shot home from the right wing – 5-0 and a solo effort form Cam C made it 6-0. Another ‘Stan special’ gave the goalkeeper no chance – 7-0 and Mylles enjoyed playing up front for once, going close with a chance before scoring from a penalty with an unstoppable shot – 8-0. Cam C got his second and the team’s ninth, just before the final whistle and a truly excellent all round performance was sealed. Very well done boys!
No.6: Saturday 14th October 2006
Letchworth Eagles Blues 1 - Stevenage Tornadoes 2
(Alli)
A very disappointing game for the Blues, losing for the first time to old foes Stevenage who had brought with them a large and vociferous support. Lining up with Sam in goal, Matthew in front of Charlie and Cam W, Marcus, Alli and Oscar up front, things looked to be going well when early on Alli scored a great goal, dragging the ball back and shooting it in from outside the Stevenage area. However, despite some promising passing moves, too many of the team seemed to be off their game today and, this combined with a determined and strong tackling Stevenage team which were definitely on theirs, led to the most lack luster performance of the season so far. Instead of easing further ahead, the Blues allowed their opponents back into the game and could not then pick up again themselves. A scrambled goal made it 1-1 and in the second half, from a corner, Stevenage scored again to go 2-1 ahead and into a lead that we didn’t really look like pegging back. A competitive game but it wasn’t to be for us today and just one of those atypical performances that we know is not out true form. The greyness of the morning seemed to match our performance but well done to Stevenage on their performance.
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 4 - Stevenage Crusaders 0
(Alfie, Stan, Ethan 2)
It was left to the Yellows to restore some pride and normal service this morning and this they did with a comfortable victory. They had Sam in goal, Tommy, Brandon, Stan, Jack, Cam C and Alfie and after an even start to the game, the Yellows began to assert their superiority and the pressure was one way. Cam C battled through and his shot was blocked and then followed up by Alfie and then a great break saw Stan poke the ball home for a 2- 0 lead at half time. In the second half, Ethan scored two and had one disallowed; his first came from a sweet cross in by Brandon and his second was a poacher’s goal after Cam C had driven the ball in towards the penalty area. An excellent all round performance – well done boys on lifting all our spirits on this murky morning!
No.5 : Saturday 7th October 2006
Herts County Cup – Second Round
Bury Rangers 0 - Letchworth Eagles Blues 11
(Marcus 3, Alli 2, Cam W 2 Tommy 2
Charlie, Oscar)
The Blues travelled to Hertford for the first round of the Herts County Cup and played Bury Rangers on Hartham Common. On a bright and breezy day, with quite strong cross wind, Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Charlie, Matthew, Oscar, Alli, Cam W, Marcus and Tommy and a few minutes into the match, they were 1-0 up as Marcus bundled the ball across the line after a fumble by the Bury keeper. From then on it was constant pressure from the Blues on their opponent’s goal and the demolition of Bury Rangers continued apace. Alli played brilliantly in the middle of the pitch, laying off passes in all directions, especially to the wings where Cam W and Tommy were a constant threat with their crosses into the box. Alli cleverly set up Marcus, who cut back in from the right to score his second goal, 2-0 and then Charlie was an unlikely scorer as he knocked in a powerful cross from Cam W – 3-0. Several shots by Blues
were palmed over by the Bury keeper, playing a heroic game, before Tommy’s powerful shot made it 4-0. Alli continued to have a significant impact on the game and both started and finished a wonderful passing move involving Tommy, to put the Blues 5-0 up and then he grabbed his second when powering home an unstoppable shot from just inside the Bury half. 6-0 at half time, with excellent wide play and if it had been a boxing match it would have been stopped. As it was however, it was more of the same in the second half. Oscar intercepted a goal kick and ran through for a solo goal to make it 7-0 and then turned provider with a corner that was headed in by Cam W – 8-0. Marcus completed another hat trick, having been put through by Alli – 9-0 and Cam W and Tommy each scored once more to make the final score 11-0. Sam had very little to do and Matthew was very solid in defence but again was not really put under any pressure and it literally could have been an even bigger score had it not been for the Bury keeper who played extremely well and didn’t deserve to be on the end of such a massacre. Even though it was something of a mismatch in terms of quality, nothing can take away the fact the Blues played extremely well today. Ali was fantastic and deservedly Man of the Match and all the team passed the ball well. With goals coming from so many different members of the team, this also augurs very well for the rest of the season. Well done boys!
John Warner Youth1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows4
No.4 : Saturday 30th September 2006
Sawbridgeworth Juniors A 0 - Letchworth Eagles Blues 4
(Oscar 2, Marcus 2)
The Blues, with their usual line up, beat a strong looking Sawbridgeworth side on a heavy pitch with long grass that wasn’t didn’t ideally suit their fluent passing play. It took some time to assert their superiority but by the second half they were well on top. Marcus scored a wonderful first goal, a solo effort and then headed in a corner from Cam W and Oscar capped a fine performance with two goals coming from midfield. Blues even had the luxury of seeing one of their penalties saved and had many other chances to create an even bigger margin of victory. The team play, passing and wing play involving Tommy and Cam W was superb, Matthew was Man of the Match as he sprayed balls out from midfield time after time and the overall shape of the team was excellent. Their opponents were quite useful themselves but were made to look very inferior to a Blues team totally in control – well done boys.
Sawbridgeworth Juniors B 0 - Letchworth Eagles Yellows 8
(Stan 2, Ethan 2, Marcus 2, Cam C 2)
The Yellows, also lining up as usual, scored an emphatic victory over Sawbridgeworth and, camped in their opponents half for most of the match, could have reached double figures in terms of goals scored. Again there was excellent team play and passing throughout. Special mention is made of Cam C who looked very lively and sharp, Tommy who went in goal for the second half and made an number of good saves, and Stan who put in a powerful performance.
No.3 : Saturday 23rd September 2006
Pin Green Juniors 1 - Letchworth Eagles Blues 9
(Alli 3, Matthew 2, Marcus, Oscar, 2 og)
The Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Charlie, Matthew, Oscar, Alli, Cam W, Cam We, Marcus and Tommy and totally dominated their opponents in a one sided match. Great wing play from Tommy and Cam W on both sides of the pitch saw dangerous crosses regularly going into the box where they were more often than not converted. Alli completed a fine hat trick and spread the ball out from the middle with excellent passing and Matthew got two goals with powerful long range shots. The passing interplay was slick throughout the team and everyone worked for each other. A fine victory.
Pin Green Juniors 0 - Letchworth Eagles Yellows 5
(Alfie, Cam C 2, Ethan, Stan)
The Yellows had Sam in goal, Myles, Tommy, Jack, Alfie, Stan, Ethan and Cam C and had
no problem either in winning very easily. The link up play was very good from all the team and with all the chances they had, there could have been more goals but for good saves from the Pin Green keeper. Cam C took both his goals very well, the second after a superb pass from Tommy and Stan finally capped a high profile, energetic performance with a goal just before the final whistle.
No.2 : Saturday 16th September 2006
Knebworth Lions 1 - Letchworth Eagles Blues 3
Knebworth Lions 0 - Letchworth Eagles Yellows 5
No.1 : Sunday 10th September 2006
Baldock Templars & Crusaders 0 - Letchworth Eagles Blues 6
Baldock Templars & Crusaders1 - Letchworth Eagles Yellows 5