Eagles u11 Blues - 08/09 Season
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Phil Oram - 07970-855291 - phil.oram@premiersystemsit.co.uk
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The Eagles Echo
No.13 Sunday 21st December 2008 Herts County Cup U11 – Fifth Round
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………….3 Stevenage Borough Youth…………………..0
(Harry 3)
The Blues finally got to play their twice postponed County Cup match against Stevenage and immediately picked up their form from the victory against Buntingford with a performance that was equally as commanding and decisive, as they advanced to the quarter finals for the second year running. This was a very satisfying and ultimately enjoyable win, against skilful opponents and the Blues showed that after a somewhat stuttering start to this season, they now appear to have wised up and both truly look and play like an 11 a side team.
On a sunny, breezy morning and on a pitch that was reasonable, if inclined to be a bit sticky in the middle, the Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Alfie, Charley, Matthew and Tommy across the back, Harry, Hanney, Cam and Oscar and Stuart and Marcus up front – a smaller than usual squad today saw Billy and Myles starting as subs. Much of the early play was scrappy, with the ball in the air and in and out of play down one wing and neither goalkeeper was called into action. Charley fired in a free kick but it came to nothing and once again we whipped in some dangerous balls from corners but no one got on the end of them. Slowly but surely, the Blues passing began to pick up - Harry, Marcus and Stuart combined very well with quick interplay and Hanney was a real threat as he pushed forward with menace down the flank. Our back four looked completely solid and although Stevenage pushed forward several times into our half, their threats didn’t look dangerous, so assured were our defenders. However the Blues too were having trouble breaking through the Stevenage defence – Marcus was very lively and showed great skill but found himself outnumbered in the middle. The first goal was urgently needed to reflect the Blues’ superiority and it came when Tommy lifted in a high looping ball from the left which deceived the Stevenage keeper and, after a fumble, was bundled in by Harry – 1-0. A great start but it wasn’t plain sailing for the rest of the half as Stevenage responded well to going behind and pushed forward themselves – a dangerous free kick right on the edge of our area could easily have found the net but was watched all the way and saved assuredly by Sam, whose alertness and handling throughout the game today was superb. Billy came on to give fresh energy and the Blues saw out the first half comfortably, ensuring that they didn’t give away their well earned lead.
The second half had three things in our favour – the slope, the wind and the sun which was now shining directly into the faces of the Stevenage defence and keeper. Right from the restart, the Blues went on the attack and Marcus was almost through on goal. Back came Stevenage however and for a brief period they held the upper hand and had some shots on our goal. However once again, on the touchline, there was a quiet confidence that our back line wouldn’t let us down; Alfie, Charley, Matthew and Tommy, this was the best you have played as a unit all season – a mature and totally confident display – outstanding, terrifically well done boys.
Higher up the pitch. Oscar and Cam were winning vital balls and linking up play very effectively. Stuart too was having his best and most effective game of the season as his power and skill punched holes in the Stevenage defence. It was he who put through an exquisite ball – the best of the match – to Harry who squeezed it in the corner with his right foot to make it 2-0 and give the Blues the proverbial breathing space. Harry then completed his hat trick when he hooked the ball in after a corner to ensure that the Blues would be going through to the last eight. Myles came on up front and almost scored in the last few minutes and Harry again had a good chance to add to his scoring record when through on goal but his shot was well saved. Right to the end, the Blues kept up their standard of play and just before the final whistle, Marcus, Stuart and Harry combined with a fantastic set of passes that deserved a goal at the end. The Blues thus saw out the match totally in command and ultimately as very comfortable winners.
Very well done today boys – a performance that made us all extremely proud as parents and supporters. Stevenage are a well drilled, good footballing side but were decisively beaten and the improvement shown in recent matches and the momentum of the side continues. All over the pitch, our boys played well individually but even better as a team and their confidence is high, with goals flowing and another clean sheet being kept. Now into the quarter finals of the County Cup, we are the only team from the same stage last year which has repeated the feat, which is another great tribute to our boys - now we hope we can go further!
Wishing all of the Blues and their supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you boys for all the memorable moments you have given us in 2008 and we look forward to many more of the same in 2009!
No.12 Sunday 30th November 2008
Buntingford Cougars Blues…………………..0 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………….1
(Charley pen)
Outstanding is the only way to describe the performance and result this wet Sunday afternoon as the Blues put up their best performance of the season in deservedly beating the league leaders on their own ground. Buntingford are a strong, powerful side with good players and had won all of their games to date but they had no answer to the Blues who really clicked for the first time this season. We passed the ball around beautifully on a good surface and matched our opponents for determination and grit. Whether this turns out to be the game in which our boys finally turned the corner in adjusting to the demands of 11 a side only time will tell but it confirms that all the positive signs in the game of two weeks ago (report no.10) were indeed encouraging and it looks as if the Blues are a threat to all once again.
Everyone played for each other today and the Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Alfie, Charley, Matthew and Tommy across the back, Alli, Oscar, Harry and Cam and Ethan and Marcus up front. Reuben, Hanney, Billy and Stan started as subs but all played a part in the victory and today the rotation of players was not a problem with nothing disturbing the flow of the teamwork of our boys.
The Blues began really well – immediately on their game and one could sense a determination to take the fight to Buntingford and put right the previous league defeat. From the kickoff the passing was slick and accurate – the Blues tore through their opponents’ midfield and defence and put them on the back foot. Ethan and Marcus combined well up front and had several attempts on goal and Oscar was very lively, continuing his fine weekend form in seeing a lot of the ball and launching moves forward. Harry pushed on down the wing, taking on his man and Cam had the first real shot of note as the Blues also forced three corners. Alli also was having his best game of the season as he won balls and made vital interceptions in midfield. In a repeat of the home match, our boys were well on top without getting the goal their superiority deserved and although the slight breeze was in our favour, this was much better, high quality football that we were seeing which must have been worrying and impressing the Buntingford supporters in equal measure. Ethan went close with a shot but Reuben had the best chance as he blasted just wide after yet another chance had been created.
Buntingford came more into the match as the first half unfolded and in the main hit it long, looking for the ball over the top. We had to be alert to dangerous through balls but Matthew and Tommy were rocks in defence, Alfie covered possible dangers on the left and Charley’s power game was ideally suited to today’s conditions and opponents. Sam handled well and for once we didn’t concede a soft goal, although again there was a heart stopping moment with a ball from a corner that wasn’t cleared properly – this time however we rode our luck!
Phil and Steve were fulsome in their praise for the whole team at half time and if ever there was a collective will to win a match you could sense it amongst our boys at this point. Despite playing against the wind as the second half began, it was this that seeped into every part of their play. The passing moves continued, as did the fierce tackling and interceptions and as Buntingford raised their game and racked up the pressure with their key players having storming games, so our defence rose to the challenge and snuffed out the dangers. Corners now were cleared properly and the width of the pitch was used to full effect, with our boys holding up the ball well and supporting each other, relieving pressure on our own defence. Billy and Hanney came on and fitted seamlessly into the pattern of play and throughout the side there was concentration and effort in abundance. All of this however would have been in vain had it not been for an incredible, out of this world save from Sam who tipped a vicious shot over the bar when a goal could so easily (and unjustly) gone against us. Definitely a leading contender for save of the season – brilliant work Sam.
It looked like a draw was going to be the final result which in the circumstances would have felt like a disappointment but when Cam was fouled in the box just before the end, Charley decisively scored the penalty (after a retake – well done on keeping your nerve!) which sent the excitement levels rocketing. There wasn’t time for much more play after the restart and the Blues were thus able to celebrate a famous victory over a very good team that does not lose often and which does so much to put their season back on track. Most pleasingly, although only 1-0, this win was decisive and comprehensive, achieved by brilliant football and a team ethic that has been the Eagles’ trademark over recent seasons.
Well done boys – heroes each and every one of you. It was a pleasure to be there today.
No.11 Sunday 23 rd November 2008
Royston Crow League Cup – 1 st Round
Buntingford Cougars Stripes…………………..0 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………….7
(Billy 2, Matthew 2, Oscar, Reuben, Harry)
On a freezing cold day, the League Cup match went ahead, surprisingly, after earlier rain and sleet, on the pitch at the Community Centre in Buntingford, which was in a good state considering the conditions. The hardy Blues supporters saw our boys outclass a Cougars side that are playing their football in Division 4. The Blues never played anywhere near their best but did what they had to do and the side benefited from not too many substitutions, with many of our boys trying out unfamiliar positions.
We lined up with Sam in goal, Myles, Oscar, Matthew and Harry at the back, Jake, Cam, Ethan and Marcus across the middle and Billy and Reuben up front – Charley began as the lone substitute. The pattern of the game was set from the start as the Blues pushed forward and pinned back their opponents in their own half. Our boys won most possession and when passing the ball looked good, although a tendency to rush things and take on one too many players held up our progress. Sam was a virtual spectator and the first goal, although some time in coming, was inevitable – Oscar powered the ball into the net after a scramble from a corner – 0-1. Buntingford packed their half and our boys didn’t show enough guile to get through the massed rank of bodies – it only became 0-2 when Billy poked the ball in after a goalkeeping spill. The third goal was the best to date – a sweet pass from Marcus up the line saw Reuben give chase and he was both strong and skilful in rounding the keeper to put it away stylishly – 0-3 at half time and fortunately the freezing rain had now stopped!
More of the same in the second half and the play became very congested with 21 players deep in the Buntingford half. Another nice passing move involved Reuben sending Charley down the line and he crossed it accurately for Harry to bundle it in over the line – 0-4 and then the lively Marcus set up Billy to finish with a well taken drive – 0-5. Myles and new left back Marcus snuffed out any hint of Buntingford break by accurate tackling and interceptions, Sam came out to kick clear a couple of times and Jake and Cam linked things well in midfield – one deft lob by Jake over the Buntingford defence which almost led to another goal was beautifully executed.
Matthew then added the last two goals as he came on and enjoyed the change of being up front. Firstly Ethan did great solo work in intercepting a goal kick, beating several players and laying the ball off to Matthew who finished like an expert centre forward – 0-6 and then he got his second when turning poacher and finishing off Charley’s powerful shot on goal – 0-7. A hat trick beckoned but his glancing header was saved by the Buntingford keeper.
An emphatic victory then but no more than was expected in a match which the Blues were expected to win comfortably. Well done to Buntingford for competing throughout the game and to all the players on a very wintery November day. Sterner tests lie ahead but these well taken goals, some passages of nice play and lessons learnt from trying out new positions should all further help our boys’ confidence and strengthen their repertoire as they continue to build and develop. Well done!
No.10 Sunday 16 th November 2008
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………….1 Buntingford Cougars Blues…………………..2
( Cam)
The Blues narrowly went down to defeat at the hands of the unbeaten league leaders and our old rivals Buntingford. The match was a story of two halves, two sloppy goals conceded and our passing game foundering on the very muddy, almost unplayable pitch. Both teams were strong and determined but the Blues lacked a cutting edge and a late goal couldn’t prevent our third loss of the season. Ironically however, there is a lot of promise coming out of the game which shows more than ever what a transition season it is for our boys, adjusting to 11 a side.
Everyone was really up for this game, sensing its importance, which went ahead despite preceding heavy rain which turned the pitch, especially in the centre areas, into a mudpatch, The Blues lined up in familiar fashion, with Sam in goal, Alfie, Charley, Matthew and Tommy across the back, Alli, Stuart, Hanney and Cam in midfield and Ethan and Marcus as our strike force. After only a couple of minutes, disaster struck as a corner wasn’t cleared properly and the ball was poked over the line to make it 0-1 and the worst start possible. After this, Buntingford kept the Blues pinned back for a period as the play got disjointed and narrow but then there was a transformation. The Blues began to pick up their play and took the game to their opponents. Nice passing interplay repeatedly took our boys deep into the Buntingford half and all the good play came from the Blues. At one point, three corners in succession were forced as the pressure ratcheted up but dangerous balls flashed across the penalty area without any of our boys getting on the end of them. Charley and Matthew both had shots but they were comfortably saved and Ethan and Charley combined nicely in another attack. The Blues were all over Buntingford but the finishing touch was missing, although the battling qualities and attitude of our boys in coming back from going behind so early on was great to see. Oscar and Jake both came on and fitted in well to our overall play and Reuben, Ethan and Marcus put pressure on the Buntingford defence. The main problem was that the Blues tried to play too much football, which was impossible on the sticky, muddy surface, particularly in the middle of the park.
The half time talk from Phil, Steve and Gary made this point clear. The boys were praised for their workrate and attitude but were told that in the conditions, they needed to use the only really good ground in the corners by knocking the ball into the spaces there and putting pressure on their opponents rather than overplaying in the middle areas.
How things can unravel so quickly! The second half had hardly begun when in a carbon copy of the first couple of minutes of the match, the Blues conceded another goal and were 0-2 down. This time, we were caught short at the back without defensive cover and the ball was flicked in in almost in slow motion, Now it was the proverbial mountain to climb as our boys faced not only a two goal deficit but the slope and the wind. Buntingford certainly had the better of the second half and put us under considerable pressure but our defensive qualities meant no more goals were conceded – even more frustrating then that two such soft goals had been given away. In the last 6 minutes, we came alive again, took the play to Buntingford and Cam scored the best goal of the game as he twisted and turned in the area and beat several defenders before rifling the ball into the net for 1-2. This gave us some hope but it turned out to be too late and Buntingford held on to win in a game where based on the two halves and on balance, we had done enough to force a draw at least.
A disappointing result, especially as we were beaten by two preventable goals and had looked so good early on, dominating the play. Here however are the optimistic signs. The Blues’ great passing football is still there but they have not yet got used to adapting it to different conditions and need to know when and how to play during matches too, when things are not being productive – today Buntingford did precisely that as they consistently pushed the ball into wide areas and put pressure on our defence and midfield. However in all other aspects, our boys were admirable today – they more than matched their strong, physical opponents who have won all their games this season, punctured any feeling of being overawed by them and hinted that great things can lie ahead for the Eagles. The Blues have always been a terrific footballing side and today they showed this at times and all the other qualities too. Phil remarked on our boys “heart, determination and commitment” afterwards and this was exactly right. Well done on your efforts today and bad luck on this defeat.
No.9 Sunday 9 th November 2008 - Herts County Cup U11 – Fourth Round
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………….2 Wymondley Park…………………..1
(Ethan, Stuart)
determined mood as he threatens the Wymondley defence.
In a really good, competitive match, the Blues exacted revenge on Wymondley for their league win at Pixmore and in so doing advanced to the last 16 of the County Cup. Both sides deserve credit for they way they played on a very muddy, heavy pitch and the action was fast paced and exciting. It was a sweet victory for our boys who showed how far they have come from their disappointing defeat earlier in the season by playing as a solid unit and defending resolutely when the pressure was on.
The formation this morning was 4-1-4-1, with Sam in goal, Alfie, Charley, Matthew and Hanney across the back, Tommy in the hole just in front of them, a midfield of Ethan, Stuart, Harry and Cam and Marcus as the lone striker up front – Stan, Oscar and Reuben began as subs. The two keys to success this morning were everyone knowing their role, the team keeping its shape and the Blues starting the match sharply, with crisp passing and tackling. The fight was immediately taken to their opponents and Marcus and Stuart typified the team’s intent by thrusting forward and putting the Wymondley defence on the back foot. Charley had a free kick on target but it was comfortably saved and despite some threats, it was all Eagles pressure as we took full advantage of the slight wind in our favour. It was hard to muster shots of any power with the pitch in this condition, but all the early pressure paid off when fantastic quick passing interplay up front saw Ethan bear down on goal and he rocketed the ball high into the net off the crossbar for 1-0, sparking great celebration on the pitch and the touchline. In all positions, our boys worked their socks off – tenacious tackling in midfield, dangerous attacking moves and watertight intercepting and defending. Wymondley’s dangerous forwards were closed down in numbers and had their threats snuffed out and were denied the space that had been our undoing last time. When they did break and threaten, Sam was alert and came out to gather the ball securely. Marcus laid some great passes off to his team mates – one diagonal defence splitting ball was outstanding – and it was he who set up Stuart who drilled it into the bottom of the Wymondley net for 2-0 and some breathing space for our boys. By now the Blues were well in control and could have extended their lead as Reuben came on to create more threats – through and in the clear on goal on one occasion but his shot saved – but they were rocked by Wymondley pulling one back just before half time as their forward swivelled expertly to power his shot unstoppably past Sam with a ball pulled back from the byline. 2-1 then at half time, with the complexion of the game very much changed and our boys knowing that they would be put under severe examination in the second half.
The half time talk rang in our boys’ ears as the second half began – namely the need to keep their shape and deny Wymondley space and possession. The slope and wind were both against the Blues and reinvigorated opponents were determined to pull back the deficit. However the story of the second 30 minutes was one of great defending and a ‘they shall not pass’ attitude. Wymondley did look dangerous, put us under some sustained pressure and went close a few times, most notably from corners. However each and every one of the Blues tackled, defended and chased heroically. One or two last ditch tackles were fantastically timed to deny opposition forwards who were almost through on goal, Charley and Matthew shepherded threats out of danger and where we had to play safe we did so – careless mistakes hardly figured at all today. Alfie and Hanney defended confidently at the back, Tommy broke up attacks in the middle and Harry and Cam ensured Wymondley were unable to venture too far forward as they looked dangerous and pushed down the flanks. Stan and Oscar played important link roles as the Blues gelled extremely well and confidently. As the second half went on, we began to launch more attacks of our own - Reuben twice went very close with shots and when we pushed forward, this gave helpful respite to our defence from being under constant pressure.
The final whistle was greeted with great celebration and some relief for the Blues were under a lot of pressure in the second half and did extremely well to hold firm, albeit in a match which they did deserve to win. Credit to Wymondley too and this is just the type of game from which you learn and develop so much. For the Blues, this helps to take away the memory of the previous encounter and it really shows how they can defend as a team and withstand heavy pressure when needed. This will put them in good stead in the next round and also of course in their forthcoming tough league games, starting with possibly the hardest of them all, next week against Buntingford.
Very well done boys – a great morning’s work!
No.8 Sunday 26th October 2008
Letchworth Eagles Blues………5……… Biggleswade United Youth Blue ………1…………
Winter arrived early for the Blues this year. On a wet and cold morning the Blues had their first encounter of Biggleswade United.
The game set off in an uneventful manner until a cross from the right turned into a shoot that cleared the eagle’s keeper and ended in the top left hand corner of the goal. Yet again, the eagles putting themselves under pressure in the first half of the game.
The goal seemed to trigger the Blues into action with a number of attacks and more possession. Just before half time the work paid off with a goal from Ethan. 1 – 1 at half time was a fair reflection on what had been an up and down half.
The second half kicked off and the Eagles started to pass and move with more confidence and pace. This resulted in free kicks in and around the box and more shooting opportunities for the Eagles. With the continued pressure on the Biggleswade goal the eagles managed to put 4 more goals to our tally.
A good result by the team in the end.
No.7 Sunday 19 th October 2008
Ashwell Academicals……………………0 Letchworth Eagles Blues……………………1
(Charley)
On a chilly morning in Ashwell, the Blues got back to winning ways as they beat their old rivals by a narrow margin in a match that didn’t sparkle and won’t live long in the memory. It’s very strange that the two best passing sides from last season didn’t string too many together for the whole match today, but the windy conditions certainly had an effect, as the ball spent more time in the air than on the ground and was hit long and often inaccurately. Ashwell have struggled so far this season, not winning a point (another mystery considering they have some good players) but were up for the match against the Blues today – they tackled strongly, closed down our boys and pushed forward themselves – and in the end, this was a game where we ground out a win and where the three points were all important.
We lined up 4-4-2 as usual, with Sam in goal, Alfie and Hanney flanking Matthew and Charley in central defence, Cam, Alli, Stuart and Harry and Reuben and Marcus leading the attack. The effects of the slight slope on what was also a small and narrow pitch and the wind were not immediately apparent but became so; after some even play, Ashwell pinned back the Blues in their own half which they hardly escaped for the first 10 minutes. Our habitual slow start meant that our opponents had the better of the play and forced several corners which we defended. Gradually the Blues came into the game more – Marcus had a break and was in the clear but his shot was saved and we ended up hitting the post three times and the bar once before the end of the first half as our boys searched for the first goal. Yet overall, Ashwell were determined opponents and didn’t give us any space and we both rushed most of our moves and failed to build from the back with passes when the ball came out from our goal. Our defence was solid – Matthew and Charley let nothing pass – and Sam was outstanding, commanding his area and making one excellent save from a powerful Ashwell shot. Oscar came on for Stuart, Ethan for Marcus and Billy for Hanney as we rotated our squad to find the combination that would give us the breakthrough but this didn’t come and the increasingly strong wind made most of the overall play rather scrappy. This was despite some flashes of excellence – Oscar put a precision pass through to Ethan but his shot was saved. Once again also, we got caught offside several times which was frustrating.
Getting to half time at 0-0 was a bonus considering how the wind had been against us and how moderately we had played and the Blues began the second half with a solo run through on goal by Cam who dragged his shot just wide, as if to signal our intent to take the game to Ashwell. Yet despite more chances and pressure created on our opponents’ goal – now most of the game was played in the Ashwell half as they struggled against the wind – our passing play still didn’t come together in a sustained way. It was perhaps inevitable, given the pattern of the match, that it was a long ball hit powerfully forward that would win the day – Charley’s rocket free kick from just inside our half somehow went all the way into the net after deceiving the Ashwell keeper to make it 0-1 and there was great relief on the touchline and the pitch as the breakthrough was made. Still it didn’t bring on our normal fluid passing play however and despite intercepting most Ashwell goalkicks, the long ball was still too dominant and passes not accurate enough. Chances from Ethan and Harry (played well again today) were matched by our opponents still taking the game to us – they hit the post and Sam also made a fantastic point blank save to deny their attacker a certain goal. In the last few seconds, we almost paid for this when Ashwell crossed the ball incredibly dangerously into our area but it flashed across in front of our goal without any of their forwards making contact. It could have been disaster but soon after the whistle went and the hardest of hard fought wins was secured.
Certainly not the most attractive of matches but a well deserved win despite not playing at our best. The Blues’ defence and Sam were excellent this morning but Phil and Steve at the end emphasized the need for our attackers to be defensive and help out too, not just be active when attacking, as well as the need to go wide again – our habitual problem of keeping things too narrow and trying to go down the middle was apparent again today. Nevertheless it was a victory and this is just what the Blues needed in their league campaign.
Well done boys on a well earned three points as we climb a place in the table!
No.6 Sunday 12 th October 2008 - Herts County Cup U11 – Third Round
Lea Sports PSG Youth……………………0 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………….9
(Harry 3, Marcus 2, Stan 2, Cam, Reuben)
This was more like it. The Blues convincingly got their first win in three matches as they turned on the style and easily beat Lea Sports PSG Youth to advance to the last 32 of the County Cup. On a beautifully sunny morning in the picturesque village of Pirton, near Hitchin, our boys enjoyed themselves, playing some eye pleasing, attractive football on a superbly prepared pitch and this was just the confidence booster that they needed after recent setbacks. PSG initially promised to be stern opponents but the Blues soon asserted themselves and dominated with their play and goals.
The Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Oscar, Charley, Matthew and Tommy across the back, Stuart, Alli, Jake and Cam in the middle and Ethan and Reuben starting up front. The first few minutes saw even play – Stuart had an early shot and a corner was forced for us but this was evened out as PSG pushed us back and had a spell of pressure themselves, deep in our half, also winning corners. Their tall, imposing centre forward was constantly looking to run at our defence and caused us some worry as he thrusted forward with imposing presence but our defence was excellent in closing him down and putting in some crucial tackles before finding team mates with passes to launch our ownmoves. Lots of our attacks came down the right and slowly but surely we began to take command. Cam fired in a corner which flashed across the area without a touch and then Alli had a great shot that rebounded off the bar. The boys’ passing was slick and incisive and was typified by a great diagonal ball from Stuart to Jake who crossed it in but we were then blown up for offside. Harry made an immediate impact when he came on as he ran powerfully at the PSG defence down the left, confidently taking on and repeatedly beating his man. Marcus too came on as a sub and by now we were dominating, without being able to put away that all important first goal. Shots were still too weak or snatched at but Marcus went close and forced a good save from the alert PSG keeper. We could sense the goal was coming and it arrived when Reuben broke on the left and crossed in superbly for Cam whose shot was initially saved but he then followed up to put the ball into the net. 0-1 then quickly became 0-2 when a clever flick in from the lively Harry was skilfully hooked in by Marcus with his right foot. Stan, Hanney and Billy were now on and blended smoothly with the passing teamwork of a confident Blues side that were by now really motoring and Harry’s unstoppable drive made it 0-3 at half time.
Phil and Steve’s half time talk was simple – play down the wings, not the middle and keep a clean sheet – and rightly praised some very good play for the first 30 minutes. Right from the restart, the Blues attacked and forced a corner but we were fortunate not to concede when PSG made a rare break and, in the clear, their forward hit the post. As if determined to fully reflect their superiority with goals, Reuben finished a nice move to make it 0-4, surprised that he wasn’t offside and then Harry got his second when he finished a move with great momentum to extend the lead to 0-5. Credit to our opponents who didn’t give up and kept pressing themselves and Sam needed to make a save to keep his goal intact. Four goals of real class completed the morning’s work; first Marcus, with cheeky self confidence, back heeled the ball on the edge of the PSG area for Stan to unleash his piledriver shot to make it 0-6 and then Marcus himself turned in Ethan’s cross for 0-7. Harry completed his hat trick and a very impressive personal performance today with a solo goal – 0-8 – and great link up play between Jake and Stan saw Stan show the close control and skill of Wayne Rooney to score the goal of the game as he shimmied, beat his man and unleashed a high curling shot into the net past the valiant PSG keeper – 0-9.
A terrific performance this morning with each and everyone of our boys at the top of their game and passing, skill and goals of the highest standard. Hopefully this will now carry across into our league games and let the boys really kick on. Thanks to our gracious hosts this morning. Very well done boys – great stuffNo.5 Sunday 5 th October 2008
Royston Celtic...2 Letchworth Eagles Blues...1
(Harry)
The Blues went down to an unprecedented second defeat in a row at the hands of new opposition for this season, Royston Celtic at Greneway School, in the driving rain on a morning of grey, overcast skies in Royston. How this match was lost however all the Blues’ supporters can only puzzle over for seldom has there been such a one sided game at this level – our boys were absolutely dominant for three quarters of the encounter, played by far the better football, with some outstanding passing and passages of play, but they conceded two goals from just about the only two chances their opponents had for the whole 60 minutes. This was a hard defeat to take for everyone but it serves as another harsh lesson in how to play 11 a side football and defend tightly as well as attack with style.
As usual we were 4-4-2 - Sam in goal, Matthew and Reuben as centre backs with Hanney on the left and Alfie on the right, Alli and Cam in the middle flanked by Jake on the right and Harry on the left and Charley and Marcus up front – Billy, Stuart, Myles and Oscar began as subs. The Blues began well, taking the attack to their opponents, but the play soon evened out and we knew we were likely to be in for a tough match as Royston came into it more and launched forays forward of their own. As in last week’s match, our boys weren’t tight enough in closing down the ball and it was truly déjà vu as we went behind again 1-0 as a shot was spilled in the slippery conditions and the Royston forward had too much space and shot the ball into our net with force. A poor goal to concede again but, unlike last week, this seemed to wake us up and shake out any complacency, for the response from the Blues was fantastic and they started to play their passing football and came back at Royston with some dominant play that was to last for the rest of the match. We used the width of the pitch to good effect, with Jake and Harry very effective, thrusting deep into the Royston half and several good chances were created before Harry scored a cracking goal with a great drive from the edge of the penalty area after a one two with Jake from a corner. 1-1 then and the Blues then played more great football for the rest of the half. There was only going to be one team scoring next but unfortunately we were just not able to grab the lead.
Urged at half time to keep solid at the back, use the wings and cut out overplaying the ball in the middle and defence, the Blues took this to heart for the second half was extraordinary one way traffic. Royston hardly got out of their half, our boys carved them open time and time again with slick passing football and interplay and shot after shot rained down on the Royston goal. At one point, we had four corners in a row, but in the packed penalty area, the ball was cleared, hit bodies or just went wide when it looked like we were bound to score. Mention should be made of the Royston goalkeeper who did very well, showing good handling in the wet conditions and several times palming away fierce shots from our boys – excellent efforts came from Marcus, Harry, Charley and Stuart. At times, we were attacking at will and holding a very high line up the pitch and Sam was almost like a back line defender, always alert to clearing the ball when danger threatened. It was a really good and entertaining match and quite stunning to see how much on top we were but the enjoyment quickly drained when one unfortunate mistake at the back saw Royston grab a goal and the lead with virtually their only break of the second half. 2-1 then but to their great credit, our boys’ heads didn’t drop and they continued to push forward with even more urgency. Despite more pressure from us, numerous chances and agonizingly near misses, this was how it stayed – possibly the most misleading scoreline of the season, for if we had won by 5 or 6 goals, this wouldn’t have exaggerated our overall superiority.
Everyone was very disappointed at the end because we all knew how well our boys had played and they didn’t deserve to lose like that – even the opposition were in admiration of our passing game. A very different performance from last week and more progress in the gelling of this team and on another day, the goals will reflect the massive superiority the Blues demonstrated today. For now though, this is a whole new situation that our boys have got to get used to – and quickly – and we remain confident that they will emerge from this testing time even more together and determined to come out on top. Well done boys on your play and hard luck this morning – back to County Cup action next week!
No.4 Sunday 28th September 2008
Letchworth Eagles Blues…0 Wymondley Park…2
Another glorious sunny autumnal morning, but there was nothing glorious about the performance or result today as the Blues went down to their first league defeat in over a year at the hands of a tough and determined Wymondley side who seemed to want the game more than our boys and ran out deserved winners. On the balance of play and chances created, certainly in the first half, the Blues were on top but it’s goals that count and two decisive finishes saw the opposition race into a two goal lead that in all honesty we never really looked like pulling back as the match progressed. For once, the Blues’ accurate passing play deserted them, we lacked any kind of punch up front and our defence, which has been so assured and solid so far this season, veered between being hesitant and non existent. Bearing in mind Wymondley had previously drawn with the Knebworth side that our boys had beaten easily 4-1, this shows how below par we were this morning but hopefully this shock result will prove to be just what is needed to get rid of any kind of complacency as the season gathers pace.
We lined up 4-4-2 as usual with Sam in goal, Alfie, Reuben, Stan and Hanney across the back, Matthew and Alli flanked by Charley and Oscar and Stuart and Ethan starting up front in the centre – Marcus, Myles, Billy and Jake began as subs. Early on, we pushed forward and created several chances – Oscar broke well down the left and went just wide with his finish and Charley shot over from close range. At one point, we forced four corners in succession but these were weakly hit and shots of any real power or penetration were missing. Wymondley came more into the match and their defence was rock solid, denying the Blues any real penetration. Worryingly, they were running at and through our defence far too easily, causing all kinds of problems and we were guilty of being intimidated by robust challenges, making several unusually half hearted tackles, overplaying the ball and not taking the simple option, Finding space on the right on one break, Wymondley went 1-0 up when their forward scored with a great finish high into the net, giving Sam no chance and it went to 2-0 when there was a scramble in the box after a free kick and again there was a decisive finish from the right. Now the Blues had a real mountain to climb but, unused to being in this position, their usual slick play disappeared and passes went astray and we didn’t use the wings to any real effect. Alli had a free kick, but the ball went safely to their keeper who also made some good saves to snuff out the few chances we did create.
In the second half, an early goal was needed for the Blues to give them a chance of a famous comeback and some self-confidence, but after a bright start, the same pattern of play developed and Wymondley grew in confidence – hitting balls powerfully from corners and all over the pitch, they were the most likely to get a goal and there developed an air of inevitability on the touchline amongst the Blues’ supporters. Our boys deserve credit for continuing to try hard but shots that we did have were blocked or saved and chances not taken and it began to look like one of those days. Marcus, Billy, Myles and Jake came on as subs but couldn’t make the difference and the frequent rotation of players, although necessary, didn’t help the consistency of our play. We had two good shouts for penalties – one, where Charley was upended in the box looked as clearcut as it gets – and, when finally getting in the clear, our forwards fell into the offside trap again, but any excuses would be just that and Wymondley finished the match elated as 2-0 winners and deserved their victory.
The bottom line is that this was a very bad day in the office – as Phil said, our ‘Bury Rangers’ game from last season’s County Cup - and much more will be needed by the Blues if they are going to win the league this season. On the weekend where Hull beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates stadium, this result was an equally big a shock but an abrupt reminder to our boys that results like this can and do happen and that they have to be at the top of their game now they are playing at this level. Let’s not overdo it though, for this may prove in the long run to be a very valuable lesson since it takes away the pressure of the unbeaten tag and therefore the prize that all the teams are looking for when they take on the Eagles and it should serve to make them extra focused to put things right in their next matches. Certainly we can’t complain now that we haven’t got the competitive games that we wanted many times last year! This defeat definitely stings however and it is not something that I have been used to writing about so come back next week boys ready for the physical challenge, rediscover your touch and teamwork and be singlemindedly determined to put the Eagles back on track and on top where they belong!
No.3 21st September 2008 - Herts County Cup U11 –Second Round
Hertford Heath Junior……………………2 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………….13
(Ethan 3, Cam 3, Marcus 2, Jake, Matthew pen, Sam pen, Charley , og)
The Blues began their quest to win the County Cup in their first season at 11 a side with a huge win as they outclassed and annihilated Hertford Heath Junior, but without clicking into top gear and playing at their very best throughout. Much sterner tests await but this was a match which was never a real contest and seven of the team got on the goalsheet.
It was a brilliantly sunny morning at Pinewood School in Ware and the pitch was excellent to play on – the type of flat, even surface with a lush covering of grass that suits the Eagles’ football so well. The Blues lined up 4-4-2 again, with Sam in goal, Alfie, Stan, Reuben and Hanney across the back, Matthew and Cam in the middle with Harry on the left and Charley on the right and Stuart and Ethan leading the line in the middle. It didn’t take long for the boys to show their class and superiority, when a threaded ball through the middle saw Ethan give the Hertford Heath goalkeeper no chance as he slotted it home – 0-1. Charley then crossed for Cam to make it 0-2 and when Ethan again shot high into the net after a nicely weighted ball from Cam, it was already 0-3 before our band of supporters had really settled into the match. The ever developing teamwork between our boys was evident all over the pitch and pleasingly, we were not getting caught offside so much as last week. Marcus and Jake came on and after Ethan’s brilliant control and flick forward, Marcus had an instant impact as a supersub as he lobbed the goalkeeper with his first touch – 0-4 and everyone enjoyed that goal – especially Marcus who celebrated accordingly! Billy came on and joined his teammates, all enjoying themselves and hungry for more goals and Jake’s deflected shot saw the score rise to 0-5 as we began to fear that it was looking a bit like many of the Yellows’ matches last year! Reuben got in on the act with a powerful freekick from a long way out which was spilled by the unlucky Hertford Heath keeper and Cam pounced – 0-6 and then Marcus finished clinically with just one brief glimpse of the ball to make it 0-7. There was just time for him to turn provider with a great cross that was met and put away cleanly by Jake to make it 0-8 by half time.
Phil, Steve and Garry applauded the boys’ efforts in the half time team talk whilst stressing the need to avoid complacency and keep on with their passing football. The Blues were certainly playing very well, but not at their very fluent best and a certain sluggishness kicked in at the restart – it must be difficult to keep up the momentum when so easily and so far ahead of their opponents. We lost our shape a little, didn’t close down enough in the middle and conceded a sloppy goal with a deflection from a rare attack and corner from the Hertford Heath forwards. It took a few minutes for the Blues to click back into gear and another Reuben freekick did the trick as it was met and glanced in superbly by the lively Ethan who completed his hat trick – 1-9. Now our boys pulled away again; talking a lot to each other and spraying out clever balls wide and changing direction, Matthew first won and then converted a penalty by shooting high into the net – 1-10 and then Sam came up and also scored from another penalty as the Hertford Heath defenders couldn’t keep up with our trickery and speed of movement in their area. No problems for Sam as he joined Matthew as the second of our new penalty takers team and it was now 1-11. It must have been rather dispiriting for our opponents, whose mistake from a goalkick led to yet another goal as Cam ran through and accurately fired it into the net for his third, but no-one begrudged them a moment of glory, as their skilful winger ran through down the left, beating several of our players and shot high into our net – an excellent effort and something for them to celebrate, even though our management team were righty disappointed that we had conceded twice today. Charley scored a final goal to make it 2-13, putting Hertford Heath out of their misery and wrapping an extraordinary morning’s scoring.
Well done boys – a very pleasant way to spend an hour in the sunshine today and some of your individual goals and moves were fantastic to see. However, things will get much tougher in the weeks and months ahead – starting with the return to league action next week!
No.2 Sunday 14 th September 2008
Knebworth Lions Youth………………………0 Letchworth Eagles Blues……………………4
(Charley 2 (1 pen), Ethan, Harry)
‘Spot the ball’ - Myles and Hanney keep a close watch as they defend the Blues’ goal.
On a sunny, breezy morning, the Blues travelled to the familiar surroundings of their old rivals Knebworth, which has been a happy hunting ground in recent seasons and where we have played some good, competitive matches. This morning produced a comfortable victory, with our boys still developing and learning to play together as an 11 a side team but the result was never in doubt and the excellent progress continues.
The Blues lined up as 4-4-2, with Sam in goal, Oscar on the right and Hanney on the left, flanking a powerful twin central defensive partnership of Reuben and Stan, Alli, Matthew, Charley and Tommy across the middle and Ethan and Harry leading the attack. Just like last week, it was a brisk and aggressive start from our boys as they went on the attack and an incisive thrust after only a few minutes saw Ethan feed Charley who coolly flicked it high into the net to make it 0-1. Much of our play was down the right, with Charley very prominent and dangerous and the score doubled when he raced down the wing and crossed in a super ball for Ethan to finish with precision – 0-2. Knebworth had no answer to the accurate passing and distribution of the Blues and paid dearly for their slow start as the match was by now as good as over with our boys firmly in control. A trip in the box meant a penalty was awarded to us and you would have put your house on Ethan scoring but unfortunately he dragged the ball wide. Some respite for Knebworth then but not for long when Matthew’s clever lifted through ball led to a chase by Ethan who rounded the keeper and set up Harry who couldn’t miss from close range to make it 0-3. A host of substitutes were used today and it must have been a fearsome sight for the opposition to see the strength in depth of our squad and Cam, Myles, Jake and Marcus all made important and instant contributions. 0-3 at half time then and the Blues in cruise control and they were reminded to keep things tight at the back and not over commit and also keep going wide in the second 30 minutes.
Knebworth began the second half however like a different team and came on strong, buoyed by now having the slope of the pitch in their favour. It was fair to say that they had the better of the first part of the second half, pushing back the Blues and forcing several corners in succession. Several scrambles in the box ensued but excellent, resolute defending kept our goal intact and Sam, who had made several good saves in the first half, was very assured, vocal and in command of his goal. All of our defenders were excellent and attacked the ball – Oscar, Hanney and Myles again (having another great game) in particular let nothing through and Knebworth were denied even a consolation goal. Up front, the Blues had several chances to extend their lead but the Knebworth keeper was excellent in winning several one on one encounters (he later went off injured after a brave interception) and we failed to put away dangerous crosses and shot harmlessly from too far out. There was some lovely passing interplay between Marcus, Jake and Ethan and Marcus also held up the ball well and took on the defenders as he ran through on goal. Improving from last week, the Blues used the wide ball to much greater effect and Stuart attacked powerfully through the middle. Two clear areas for improvement are heading the ball more when attacking and above all learning to stay onside! Charley put away a penalty just before the end to make it 0-4 and, notwithstanding the fact that the score could have been 8 or 9-0 if all our chances had been taken, all credit to Knebworth who put up a spirited and determined performance in the second half to make the Blues fight for their win.
Another excellent victory for the Blues who now sit proudly at the top of the league. Some very tough battles to come undoubtedly but this is a as good a start to the season as we could have hoped for and progression and development taking place all the time. Well done boys and now onto the County Cup next week!
No.1 Sunday 7 th September 2008
Fairlands Youth………………………1 Letchworth Eagles Blues……………………4
(Ethan, Stuart, Alli, Marcus)
(Alli ‘does a Beckham’ and makes it 0-3 to the Blues with a brilliant free kick)
The brave new world of 11 a side football began for the Blues this morning at Barclay School in Stevenage and there was great excitement and anticipation amongst the team’s supporters as we wondered what the forthcoming season will bring and how our fantastic boys will fare as they step up after last season’s heroics. New season, new format and some new teams to play in Under 11 Division 1 and it should be extremely interesting to see how the former Blues and Yellows mould together, play as one unit and take on their opponents and, on the evidence of this morning, all the signs are very encouraging indeed.
Inevitably, given this summer, a grey morning but although it was damp underfoot, the pitch played well and didn’t cut up and for their first match, the Blues were pitted against Fairlands Youth who had won their league last season. The line up was Sam in goal, with a defensive back four of Matthew, Charley, Alfie and Hanney, Stuart and Alli in midfield, Ethan and Marcus up front in the centre, flanked by Harry on the left and Cam on the right. From the kickoff, the Blues took the game to Fairlands and, after only a few minutes, Ethan, providing the incisiveness up front that we had lacked against the Under 12s, twisted and turned cleverly in the penalty area and slotted the ball home to make it 0-1 and the Blues’ first competitive goal at 11 a side. Everyone looked on their game very quickly this morning – the familiar passing interplay was present and the back four looked very compact as a unit and as if they had been playing together for a long time. Play got a little more even for the next part of the half but there was no doubting the Blues’ superiority, as chances were created, corners forced and shots targeted at the Fairlands goal. Marcus cleverly set up Stuart whose shot went under the goalkeeper to double lead - 0-2 and Harry and Hanney showed some nice touches as they thrusted forward and caused their opponents all kinds of problems. Sometimes it got very crowded in parts of the pitch – with our own boys encroaching on each other’s space as much as their opponents and play rather narrow and congested, whilst the offside rule is a whole new factor in the equation, but all of these are to be expected as our boys learn to adapt to 11 a side and the overwhelming feeling on the touchline was how well the Blues were playing and how outstandingly they were coming to terms with everything. Alli scored a magnificent goal from a sweet free kick that was always destined for the top corner (see photograph) to make it 0-3 and it was a very satisfying first half for Phil, Steve and Garry to reflect upon after what is now 30 minutes play!
In the second half, the Blues continued in the same way and controlled the game. Regular and large scale substitutions will not always help the pattern of our play and are inevitable this year, but everyone today took their place with ease and Billy, Oscar, Jake and Myles (playing very assuredly in defence) slotted into the formation extremely well. The Blues didn’t get the ball wide often enough and this is an area which will improve the performance in the future but there were some moments of very classy play – for example a lovely overlap on the left involving Marcus and Hanney. Fairlands didn’t lie down as the second half unfurled and got a goal back with a header over Sam who had a confident first game, showing good handling of the ball. Our boys always had to be vigilant to breakaway attacks but our defence was solid, closing down forwards and intercepting where necessary, before setting off an attack of our own. We forced several corners in a row and created lots of chances before Marcus deservedly got a goal when his shot went in off a Fairlands defender to make it 1-4 and put the seal on a great first performance of the season.
Well done boys – a terrific display that shows so much promise for the future. It is going to be a lot of fun and excitement following your exploits this season and all your supporters are looking forward to the season ahead!