Eagles u12 Gold - 08/09 Season
Contact:
Rob Bates - 0789 055 0095 - rob_bates102@tiscali.co.uk
Peter Butler - 0798 363 7484 - t.volland@ntlworld.com
Match Reports
Gold’s V’s Royston (h) 07/12/08 Won 5-0
On another heavy pitch the lad’s set about trying to play their customary passing game, with a lot of success.
Due to injuries there was a bit of reshuffling position wise, but such is the attitude and aptitude of our players, nobody looked out of place and this is a big compliment when you consider the ability of the missing players.
Jack and Callum slotted in at full back and both had encouraging games, working hard in closing down and tackling, whilst also linking up well with their wide men, Sam and Charlie.
Brad moved into central defence and his pairing with Perry looked as strong as any other combination we’ve played there this season. Brad put in his customary tackles, regularly beat his bigger opponent in the air and provided some lovely link-up play. Perry delivered a commanding performance and is playing so well at the moment that you cannot envisage an opposition striker getting the better of him. His confidence and understanding with Brad was such that Perry was regularly able to foray into attacking positions and cause Royston problems at the other end of the park.
Sam worked unselfishly on the right flank, linking up well with Jack, George B and Kieran. Chaz had an inspired first half on our left flank, working tirelessly in defence whilst backing up attacks and causing lots of problems for the opposition. He had a hand in two goals and turned in his best performance to date.
George B is starting to control games with some regularity of late and if his consistency continues any side will struggle to contain him. He is also beginning to strike up a good understanding with Reece, who again turned in an accomplished performance.
Up front, George F was moved up to partner Kieran and they terrorised the Royston defence with sheer hard work and a refusal to give up any cause.
Another encouraging sign to come from this game was the unselfishness of many players whilst in the area. K, Perry, Jordan, Chaz and both George’s put people in when they were entitled to have a shot themselves.
Our first goal came after a nice passage of play on our right flank which culminated in George B providing a pass which George F coolly finished.
Georgie B was again influential in the second goal, which saw Charlie, unable to finish the chance himself, lay the ball back for George F to smash an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from 6-yards.
George F then completed his hat-trick with another tidy finish after another good team move.
To round off the first half, Charlie made his way into the opposition 18-yard box and was felled by a clumsy challenge. This left the way open for HP to take a penalty instead of saving them and he placed it low to the keeper’s right, before having to run for his life as his team-mates attempted to congratulate him. (Or was he trying to get to the club café for a bacon roll before it closed?)
The second half saw Royston make a little more of a game of it, although we always looked comfortable. But, they did provide the chance for HP to show he had remained focussed on a couple of occasions, when he made a smart save down to his left- hand post and later got in amongst 3 attackers and smuggled the ball off their toe caps.
HP’s kicking from pass-backs was also re-assuring, whilst he also showed good awareness with quick throw-outs.
Callum, Reece and Jordan all shone in the second half as Gold’s strove to increase their lead. Indeed there were plenty of close calls, but we settled for adding just one more goal when Sam followed up a blocked shot to provide a precise finish and take the score to 5-0.
Again, the whole team should be pleased with themselves for continuing to try and play football on a pitch more suited for sowing rice. I’m sure I saw a Chinese guy with an ox and plough waiting to go onto the pitch as we took the nets down!
Gold’s V’s Hitchin (a) 30/11/08 Drew 2-2
Gold’s dominated the first half of this game, so much so that we deserved to go in at the break with more than just a 1-0 lead.
Harry O, Kieran, Reece and George B all had chances, one of which hit the post and others which were saved by the Hitchin keeper, who had an inspired match.
George B opened the scoring and, although the ball took a deflection, it was no more than his performance deserved. He tormented the opposition whenever in possession and was at the heart of everything we built.
Kieran too was immense, holding the ball up well and working doggedly to pressure the opposition defence.
Reece, too, built on his impressive debut appearance, showing an assured touch and good realisation of what is going on around him.
To top this attacking display off, the midfield was bolstered by a truly outstanding display from HVB, who battled for every tackle and put his head on everything that came within his radar. (I apologise now, Harry, for not giving you a mention in the last write-up, as you had another good game then. You are Too consistent, see?)
We should, perhaps, have seen the writing on the wall, when H blemished his perfect penalty taking record before half time, drilling his spot kick inches over after Kieran had been scythed down when bearing down on goal.
The second half saw Hitchin exert a little more pressure, although we made some good chances and extended our lead when H had the simple job of tapping in after a brilliant solo run down the wing by Perry.
Hitchin pulled a goal back from a penalty and then scored an equaliser when the referee over-ruled an off-side flag and allowed the goal to stand.
At the end of the day this was a display the whole team could be proud of, as we battled with adversity in the shape of constant rain and quagmire pitch we were worthy of taking all three points and this was the performance of winners.
We play some lovely football at times, even in conditions which don’t suit us, and all credit to the lads for continuing to do so, when reverting to the big boot would be the easy option.
Hopefully, the 4 or 5 lads who took knocks will all be available for our next match.
County Cup 16/11/08 Gold’s V’s Comets (h)
Drew 0-0 (aet)
Lost 2-1 on pens
This, arguably, was as good a performance as Gold’s have ever produced. Against a well organised team with a very tight defence, we battled dourly in dismal conditions.
The first half was probably just edged by us in terms of possession and pressure around our opponent’s 18-yard box, but we were just unable to find the final pass or the finish to our moves. Comets were always dangerous on the break, but the speed and tenacity that Perry and George F possess means opportunities for our opponents were extinguished before the trigger could be pulled. Brad linked up well with Sam and George B on several occasions, an encouraging sign, particularly against such accomplished opponents.
Sam had a great first half, showing tenacity one minute and trickery another.
George B ran the show in the first period, a constant threat which the opposition recognised, and he was the victim of a couple of hefty challenges and fouls.
The second half was nip and tuck again, with our midfield probing for weaknesses whilst our defence provided the cover and tackling we, the spectators, have become accustomed to.
Reece was introduced at half-time and turned in an excellent display on his debut. He was comfortable on the ball, linked well with players around him and showed confidence, two good feet and a great work ethic.
We were denied what seemed a penalty when George was brought down by the keeper having rounded him, only for the ref to over rule the appeals.
Both periods of extra-time were similar to those in the match, with Gold’s just edging the first half and Comet’s the second.
Indeed Comet’s looked most likely to score towards the end, but were thwarted on several occasions by George F, Perry and Brad. On one occasion both Brad and Perry put in a tackle at the same time, just as an opposing forward looked certain to score from 6-yards.
Perry provided two sublime last ditch tackles, which epitomised the spirit of the WHOLE TEAM during this game.
Unfortunately we lost the penalty shoot out, despite HP making his customary couple of penalty saves.
But nobody should be disappointed or upset. Every single player gave their best, against another very good side. Our attitude was outstanding and every player battled throughout. All you lads should be proud of yourselves because we, the parents and supporters, are.
This was an excellent game of football but there has to be a loser. On this occasion it was us, but we will be winners in the long run because performances like this teach you so much about yourselves. You could give anybody of your age a game and I mean Anybody!
Well played lads!
League Cup 09/11/08 Gold’s V’s Knebworth (a) Won 4-1
On a cold morning, having observed a minutes silence due to Rememberance Day, the lad’s went about the job in hand with their customary good attitude.
The first half passed without much to report in the way of incidence, although Kieran came close with a couple of cross shots and it was a total lock out as far as Knebworth attacks were concerned.
Changes were made at half-time, and throughout the second half, and these seemed to spur the boy’s into action.
The introduction of H triggered an instant response from the rest of the team. He seemed hungry for the ball and determined to show us all what we’d missed whilst he was away.
The whole side started to knock the ball around and the confidence level improved.
Within minutes of his arrival H caused problems and made our first goal with a lovely lobbed cross, which HVB finished with a powerful header into the net, to round off a nice move.
Almost immediately we doubled our lead, when George B clipped a free kick over the wall and just out of the keepers reach.
The game was as good as over with regard to a comeback from our opponents, as our defence was as solid as ever, and we peppered their goal constantly throughout the rest of the half. The Knebworth keeper had a great game, making two or three very good saves. Sam was unlucky on a couple of occasions when backing up rebounds, their goalie beating him to them.
Jordan made his debut in the second period and instantly showed confidence, linking up well with George and K, whilst making some encouraging bursts down the line.
HVB made the score 3-0 when he timed his run to perfection to power in another header, this time from a sublime corner from George B.
Harry wasn’t going to be denied and he finished off another good move after being put in by George, a goal H’s performance deserved.
Knebworth scored a consolation goal whilst HP was inexplicably still strolling up the pitch, eating a bacon sandwich, having made a foray forward for a corner and then visiting the local café!
This was a comfortable win which see’s us progress into the next round of the cup.
Gold’s V’s Bedwell (h) - 26/10/08 Won 4-0
On a drizzly morning and a boggy pitch, Gold’s set about trying to play football in conditions more suitable to rugby or mud-pie fighting. The effort they made in not resorting to kick and run was admirable, though many of them would have been unable to kick it far, due to the clods of earth on their boots making them resemble clown’s shoes.
The lad’s quickly asserted themselves on the opposition and were dominant throughout the match. As mentioned, some of the link-up play was excellent, and it was soon apparent that it was just a matter of time until the first goal was scored.
After two or three decent opportunities were not converted, we scored our first goal after a nice move. George P supplied an accomplished finish with his left foot, which goes to show an improvement in confidence and technique, as usually this is only used for standing on!
Gold’s pressured constantly and any Bedwell attacks were dealt with by a solid back-four performance.
After another period of Letchworth pressure Bedwell half cleared the ball, but only to have it headed back by Brad towards Kieran. He squared the ball and George P doubled his days tally, finishing from close range.
HVB, Lee and George B had excellent first halves, and we went in at half-time with the two goal lead.
In the second half George B became more and more influential; every time he had the ball he struck fear into the opposition. His touch was good and his confidence high and he began running at defenders and taking them on. He made a terrific run down the left flank, outpacing and tricking defenders as he went, before supplying a pinpoint pass for K to finish with relish and take the score to 3-0.
Jack made his return to the side, coming on at half-time, and soon continued where he’d left off a few weeks back, showing improved confidence and work rate.
We were also grateful Mitch and Lorraine delayed leaving for there holiday for a couple of hours, as George F had an outstanding game and made some brilliant surging runs up the right flank.
Charlie, Brad and Pebs supported him in their usual enthusiastic style, at one time queuing up to tackle a midfielder as he tried to ride the challenges, before being ceremoniously dumped on his pants in the centre circle!
George B was again involved in the making of our fourth goal, which Callum dispatched so emphatically that had the keeper caught it he was in danger of being taken into the net with it!
In testing conditions it was a good performance and it is so refreshing to see Brad, Jack, Charlie, K and the George’s consistently trying to play football and keeping the ball on the deck.
Perry threw in a couple of back-heels which came off, whilst regularly checking the progress of Bidwell’s right winger if he managed to escape the tigerish efforts of Sam and Chas, whilst the link-up play from Callum and Charlie was inventive and assured.
All in all a good mornings work, even though a fair reflection of our dominance would probably be a scoreline of double the outcome.
19/10/08 Gold’s V’s Baldock (A) 2-0 win
Gold’s got back to winning ways with a thoroughly deserved ground-out win. After the disappointment of last weeks performance, against one of the bottom sides, it was hard to expect to beat the top of the table side if we played the same way. With Harry on international duty again, we had the same squad with the addition of Sam, who was out injured last week and, as it turns out, wasn’t fully fit for his return.
From the kick-off we battled for every ball and although it wasn’t pretty it proved to be effective. George B was given a free role in front of the midfield quartet, with Kieran played up front alone. It was hard to see how we might fashion a chance with a lone striker against two tall central defenders, but K battled valiantly up front all game, turning in a Man-of the –match display.
Lee, Sam, Charlie, George P and Callum all backed up the attacks as often as they were able, whilst never forgetting their defensive duties, whilst HVB backed them up in his own inimitable style, and contesting every header. This meant George was afforded some freedom, which he took advantage of more and more as the game went on.
A half –time scoreline of 0-0 was probably a fair reflection of the first period, although K had fashioned a couple of chances for himself out of sheer persistence, and Baldock having rarely threatened our goal.
The second half saw an even more committed attitude from the boys, as if they’d recognised the game was there for the taking.
George F and Perry were back to their normal standards, whilst Brad had probably his best performance of the season so far. Baldock had trouble penetrating our defence and in the end reverted to pumping long balls over the top, which the defence dealt with effectively by outbattling the opposition or occasionally employing the offside trap to perfection.
Our first goal came via a combination of Gold’s players consistently and persistently chasing, harrying and pressuring every opponent who was in possession. Eventually Kieran chased down a defender, causing him to poke the ball into his own net past a stranded keeper.
This visibly raised our spirits even higher, whilst serving to extinguish any hopes our opponents had of gaining a foothold by scoring first.
From then on we pressured every opponent in possession, and Baldock’s main hopes of scoring came through free-kicks, which HP dealt with confidently.
Another period of pressure from Gold’s resulted in a corner to us.
George’s delivery is so consistently good that sooner or later we should take advantage of them. And so it turned out, HVB leaping above everybody else to power in a header, which wrapped up the points.
12/10/08 Gold’s V’s Sawbridgeworth (h) Lost 2-1
This is a very hard report to write because nobody, with the exception of Lee, was recognisable as the players who usually perform week in and week out.
It was a horrible performance which is so hard to explain. We lead 1-0 at half time and could arguably been three or four up.
The second half saw us over-run by a side who realised they were in with a chance if they exceeded our work rate, which in honesty wasn’t too hard to do.
A scrappy goal from a corner which was badly defended, and another after a foot race between Perry, George F and an opposing striker race which ended with the opponent toe poking a lob over HP’S head from 18yards, meant we were beaten, perhaps a little unfortunately. Unfortunate in the sense that we’d made enough chances to win the game, although in the 2 nd half we were totally outworked.
Gold’s V’s Ware Youth (a) - County-Cup
With HP, Jack, George P and Lee all unwell, we travelled to Ware for this first-round match with only 10 fit players.
HVB went in goal and Chaz slotted in at left-back, where he’d played last season. On a slippery surface and in drizzling rain, we started tentatively, and although the back four were as combative as usual, they were a little edgy, and didn’t really settle until we’d scored. (Probably partly due to the conditions and partly because they were too worried about the disadvantage of only having ten men.)
The opposition were maybe unaware of their numerical advantage, but were unable to make it pay.
After taking five minutes to find her feet, we started to apply some pressure, and a break down the left resulted in a corner to us. George B took a lovely in-swinger, which may well have gone in directly, but Kieran and Perry, in typical poacher fashion, both made sure it went over the line, neither knowing who got the final touch!
Almost immediately we doubled our lead, George B providing a slide-rule pass to H, who drew the keeper before coolly slotting home.
Sam was working like a demon on the right flank and one time put in the type of tackle, inside our 18 yard box, usually associated with one of our defenders, dumping the opponent before coolly carrying the ball out of the area.
Perry, Jeff and Brad all made timely tackles and interventions throughout the half, which gave us a solid base on which to continue to build.
HVB looked comfortable in goal, his kicking being an added bonus. From one of his long balls down the park H outran the opposition defence to latch onto it, before calmly lobbing the out-rushing keeper and extending our lead.
George F hit a couple of solid tackles, and always tried to play football from the back when in possession, whilst Perry commanded the back line well, and he and Brad’s talking needs to be used as an example by others, as there are times when we have two men around a ball with neither knowing the other is there.
From a rare Ware attack Brad made an excellent covering tackle, which went for a corner. Inexplicably, the ball was allowed to bounce in the 6-yard box and amid the confusion the ball hit K before trickling over the line, taking the score to 3-1, and offering our opponents a brief glimmer of hope.
We restored our three goal cushion when some good work by Callum put K in around the edge of the box. The resulting finish could be seen coming a mile off, as Kieran looked up before providing an immaculate chipped finish.
Sam continued his good work out on the wing, and he supplied an inch perfect cross to Harry, who converted with a classy side-foot volley, and take us in at half-time leading 5-1.
For a while in the 2 nd period we lacked penetration, and it was only after Ware scored from the penalty spot to make the score 5-2, that we motivated ourselves to reinforce our dominance.
Again Harry supplied a sublime finish, drilling a low shot into the bottom corner, to de-rail any Ware ideas of a revival.
Sam made a mazy run, beating four players before crashing the ball off the upright, a goal his performance deserved. After another surging run into the area he was shoved over which resulted in a penalty awarded to us. Brad was given the opportunity to score his usual one goal of the season, and he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.
We made several chances to increase our lead, and K, Callum, Sam, George B, Brad and H all almost scored. In fact Callum was very unlucky, having netted twice but having both ruled out for offside.
Considering everything this was a pretty solid performance, although I have seen us play better on many occasions. But taking into consideration the 10 men and the conditions, the lads deserve a pat on the back.
HVB was so confident in goal that everybody had faith in passing back to him, and his distribution was first class.
Brad often puts himself in areas others fear to tread, and can be relied upon to put head or body on the line for the cause.
Charlie is a pocket dynamo, flitting from defence to attack whenever the chance arises.
George F is immense, his physical presence and bravery coupled with good feet and speed.
Perry is becoming a real leader, is vocal with a never-say-die attitude, and the uncanny knack of turning up to score vital goals.
Callum has improved in leaps and bounds and can be relied upon to work his socks off each game.
George B has the ability to change a game in an instant, as our first two goals testify, has a cannon-ball shot and pace to burn, and yet there’s still so much more to come.
Sam too is improving by the week. Has a good awareness of what’s going around him and always tries to play football. Possesses a terrific shot, as does Callum, for a small fella. This was probably his best performance to date, and he gets my vote for M.O.M.
Kieran has a sublime first touch and is a typical old style centre forward –tough, strong and reliable – Just like it says on the tin!
Harry O is probably the best finisher in the club, possibly the league. Can thread a ball through the eye of a needle. Supplied four good finishes, and could have had six with a little luck!
Golds V’s Royston (a)
Let’s get any excuses out of the way now. The pitch had a terrible slope across-ways and was the size of a postage stamp – virtually a 7-a-side pitch with full size pitch markings. This didn’t help us to play our usual brand of football. Also, the referee made some curious decisions.
But that’s it.
We were outworked by a side that had 11 players wanting to win, in comparison to some of our players not seeming up for it, or not realising that hard work is the foundation on which wins are built and games have to be battled for to enable us to win them.
The back four are excused from the above criticism, as are a couple of other players. Brad, George F, Perry and George P all put in excellent tackles at some point during the game, were constantly making blocks, and the four of them battled admirably throughout the game, often when outnumbered.
Too often they were left isolated, so if tackles were won they were unable to pass the ball out, such was the gap between defence and midfield.
Royston’s first goal came from just such an occurrence, and it was a poor goal to concede. In what was the oppositions first real attack, our defence was pressured from a long throw-in. Despite it being half-cleared, on several occasions, the ball fell to an opponent who finished from 12yards, and still only the back four were in our box!
We went in at half-time a goal down, expecting a 2 nd half revival. But it never came. Although we dominated possession wise, we struggled to put 3 passes together and rarely threatened their goal.
The 2 nd Royston goal was unfortunate in that Brad got his head on the ball, but was only able to glance it upwards and not away. An opposing attacker reacted quickest and stabbed the ball home.
Although there were still 20 minutes left, some player’s heads went down or hands went on hips, and the fight and effort visibly drained from them.
HVB often seemed to be fighting a lone battle in midfield from then on, as although Callum, Charlie, Sam and Lee didn’t lack effort, this was a day when physical attributes came into play and they were often outmuscled by bigger opponents.
In the last 10 minutes we began to exert a little pressure, and from a precision HVB free-kick, Perry rose at the far post to nod in, and hand us a life line.
In all honesty, Perry looked the most likely candidate to score from then on, and was denied what looked a certain equaliser by an excellent, brave, save at feet by their keeper.
Although we had plenty of possession we didn’t make many clear chances, though Royston were restricted to just the odd breakaway. In the end time ran out for us, when we looked likeliest of the two sides to score.
In conclusion, it didn’t look like some players were up for this game from the start, and so it proved. Lessons need to be learned, in as much as; if we have an ‘off day’, either individually or as a team, the work ethic always applies. If we don’t work as hard as the opposition we are unlikely to beat them.
U12 Golds v’s Yellows
This local derby kicked off with both sides trying to play football, and it was refreshing to spectate a game where the referee’s whistle wasn’t heard for fully 15 – 20 minutes, such was the standard of the game and the total lack of fouls. This meant the football flowed freely, and we were treated to an end-to-end game.
In fact it was Yellow’s who came closest to opening the scoring, only to be frustrated by an excellent save from HP, who reacted brilliantly to make a fingertip save, forcing the ball over the bar.
The Gold’s opened the scoring after 20 minutes following some good work down the left flank from Charlie and H which resulted in the ball being worked into the box and Harry picked out the bottom corner with a precise finish.
Five minutes later the Gold’s doubled their lead, when a quick corner taken on the left caught the defence napping and Kieran supplied a deft header into the roof of the net.
Callum worked tirelessly in the first period, and drilled a ball inches over the bar from outside the box just before the break.
The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, with both sides trying to keep the ball on the floor and play football. What developed was an intriguing chess match, with attack followed by counter attack. The next goal was going to be crucial, and although Yellow’s had an equal share of possession, the difference between the two teams was twofold:
Firstly the determination and strength of our defending, combined with the skill and cunning of our attacking players.
The defence are beginning to look like a tight-knit unit and the full-backs are starting to sweep round behind the central pair when attacks come down the opposite flank. Add to the mix that the four of them are as tough as teak, who rarely foul, and you have a formidable barrier.
George F is fast and strong, a colossus, or in Jane’s words “a bear!”
Perry plays with such determination and passion that rarely anything passes.
This central pair are ably assisted by George P and Brad, who tackle tigerishly whilst also supplying some excellent through-balls.
In front of the defence HB is proving to be an excellent defensive midfielder, who often breaks up opposition attacks before they can begin, whilst also freeing up Georgie B to do what he does best – torment defences and pick passes.
This means H and K are regularly fed a diet of quality balls, which they feed on hungrily. They also possess the skill and cunning to unlock defences and fashion chances when nothing seems on.
On the flanks we have the ever-improving services of Sam, Charlie, Jack or Callum,
Any permutation of two from these four ensures excellent work-rate.
Yellows forwards were rarely given a sniff of goal, and were restricted to long range efforts. When they did hit the target HP defied them again with two top class saves to parry goal-bound efforts over the bar.
Due partly to the oppositions determination to make a game of it, the match looked as if it may finish two-nil, though the second-half was an entertaining battle, and George B, Harry and Kieran all came close to extending our lead.
Out of the blue Brad chipped a ball over the defence for H to chase and harry drew a defender in to nick a corner. This gave us an opportunity to use a corner from a training ground routine, which worked perfectly. George and H played the routine and from the resultant cross Perry drove a low shot into the bottom left corner of the net.
Yellow’s visibly wilted, this third goal killing off the game. To top things off, George P made a marauding run down the left wing, cut into the box, and supplied Harry with the chance to tuck away his 2 nd goal of the game, and take the score to 4-0 withwhat was the final kick of the match.
This was a really pleasing team display, where everybody played well, against a Yellow’s side who have noticeably improved since last season. There aren’t many other sides, if any, who will beat them four-nil.
I believe the referee, Connor Finan , deserves a mention. He let the game flow and did a first-class job. Well done!
It was nice to see Jack is on the mend, and hopefully results like this will help speed his recovery. Hopefully Lee will be better soon too!
Lastly, Good luck to Luke, who has moved on to pastures new. I’m sure everybody in the club would like to wish him well in whatever he chooses to do, and also thank Alison and Graham for all their organisational help over the last couple of seasons.
Whites 14/09/2008
Following our great start to the season last week, with our 8-4 defeat of St Neots, we continued in the same vein with a 5-0 demolition of Letchworth Whites.
Whites played one up front and five across the middle, which stifled our passing game, and as the half went on we struggled to get our foot on the ball and dominate. We were restricted to few chances, which seemed to be snapped at and rushed, and the half seemed likely to close at 0-0. But, just on cue, Brad supplied George B with a throw-in to feet, and George slotted a slide-rule pass for Harry O to finish with his customary aplomb, as he swept a left foot shot low into the corner. Immediately a sense of relief ran through the team and spectators alike, and we nearly scored a second before the break.
After a half time ear- bashing from Rob, the team came out for the 2 nd half with a totally new attitude.
Kieran became more involved, and had a tremendous 2 nd half scoring 1 goal and making 2 others.
A saved shot from K fell invitingly for Chaz who had no problem tapping in the rebound to make it 2-0.
George B also had an outstanding 2 nd half, pulling the strings and supplying some lovely passes and touches. A great long range effort from him curled towards the top corner, hitting the angle of upright and bar. The rebound bounced diagonally across the six yard box and Sam smashed home an emphatic half-volley. 3-0.
Kieran then supplied a clinical finish to a great move, to make the score 4-0, and take his tally to 5 in 2 games!
Harry O was introduced to supply the coup-de grace, firing a stinging drive high into the net after skinning a couple of defenders with quick feet and pace.
Although the score line was impressive and goal scorers get mentioned in dispatches, I believe some other players deserve a mention.
In a stale first half our best four players were: Callum who battled and harried admirably; Sam who chased and worked tirelessly and continued to try to play football whilst others panicked; Charlie, who worked doggedly with little reward; and Perry, who commanded a back 4 which looked a little jaded.
Although he didn’t have a shot of any significance to deal with throughout the whole game, Harry P looked assured. He handled and kicked well, dealt with pass backs confidently, (side stepping an opposing attacker on one occasion) and another time rushed from his area to sweep up behind the back four.
By their own high standards Brad, Jeff and Harry B had quiet first halves, but showed their true capabilities in a dominant second half team display.
We have made an excellent start to the season and players are improving at such a rate and gelling as a team, that we are becoming a really useful side.
Well done to all players and please lads, just remember, when things aren’t going your way, just keep your heads up and keep battling. Class tells in the end and cream always rises to the top.
(H) St Neots 07/09/2008
Perry opened the scoring against St Neots with a headed goal from a corner. Goals of this type have long been on the cards, considering the great corner delivery of George B.
Almost immediately we doubled our lead when Harry O unleashed a missile from 20 yards which gave the keeper no chance.
Goals flowed from then on, with Kieran giving a typical old - style centre forward display and bagging four goals. Two from tight angles, and his 4 th and our last being a great finish into the roof of the net.
Despite reaching the break with a 5-1 lead, we had a sticky period just after half time, which St Neots took advantage of, scoring a couple of goals. The re-introduction of George B and K turned the tide again, and George gave a commanding display, topped off with a deserved goal.
There were other encouraging things to come from the game, such as;
(a) George P slotting in at left back and looking like he’d played there forever, giving his best display so far for the Gold’s.
(b)Jack showing more confidence, working tirelessly and putting in a couple of good tackles. On one occasion he was the last man, but his presence and pressure made the opposing attacker miss a good scoring opportunity.
(c) Kieran’s team play, which flourishes when his energy and hunger are fed with the confidence boost goals bring.
The decision to play HVB in the middle of the park proved to be a masterstroke and he gave an immense display, winning countless tackles and headers.
Perry and Harry O also deserve a mention, as they too gave good displays.
In truth, 8-4 flattered the opposition, who scored two or three goals which on another day we wouldn’t have conceded.
Ah well, perfection will have to come later in the season! Well played lads!