First League game of the season on a very warm day at the end of September

Due to injury we had no Josh and also Mario had a family emergency so no back up. Morgan volunteered to go in goal with a good kick from his dad. We started really well and had the first few chances on another day i think Gabe would of scored 1 or  2 but he was carrying an injury from last week and didn’t convert as we know he can do. Suddenly they broke down the left and a cross/shot nestled in the corner so so so unlucky. Still we pressed whilst playing up hill both Reynolds and Gabe getting in good position just missing a bit of luck. With 10 mins to go in the first half a mix up at the back and we were 2.0 down.

Second half we changed big Saul went in goal and Morgan to right back but before we could settle they hit us on the break 3.0 However we went straight up the other end and got a penalty Tom converted to make 3.1. Still i believe we were the better team with Charney now pushed up on the right his pace was tormenting his full back. Finally the pressure told and Reynolds broke and finished really well 3.2. The chance still came, Connor played Charney through who’s shot just went wide, who then also had a chance to lob the keeper but it also went wide. Saul made a very good save down to his left he they cleared the ball and ended up with Faizan putting a shot just wide. With about 5 minutes to go they hit the ball long Joey headed the ball clear but we didn’t pick up the second ball, Then we didn’t close quicker enough and they scored 4.2. Nick last roll of the dice was to go 3 at the back and unfortunately we got picked off 5.2 hands.

Overall performance was OK a couple of things to remember on defending once they are in the penalty box close the man with the ball quickly. Shooting still try to get the shots off a bit quicker.

Man of the Match was Louie who didn’t stop running or working just in front of the back four.

Right off to watch the Ryder cup ,See you all at training tomorrow.

Well What a game, it had everything from missing goal posts to amazing comebacks.

It was great to see everyone arrive bright and early and raring to go unfortunately we had no goals on the pitch !!! After numerous calls and walking up and down, those poor park keepers finally got out of their beds and turned up at 10.20am only to give us the wrong cross bars first of all. Finally we kicked off around 11AM !!!!!!

We decided to start with a new 5 – 3 -2 formation and initially it worked a dream. We created a couple of chances for Reynolds who used his strength and pace to good effect. Also Charney had a good chance. To be honest we really should of been one up. Suddenly  a mix up at the back and they rolled the ball into as empty net. 1.0 Nil to Brady. I think you were all still shouting  and blaming each other and the second goal went in no idea what happened. Before you could re-group they broke the shot was parried and they tapped into a empty net. no one followed the shot in. That was 3 goals in about 5 minutes and we were only 20 minutes into the Game. Nick changed it back to 4 -1 – 4 – 1 and finally we got the goal we deserved Gabe finished well after good work down the left. Back in the game. Connor shot from outside the box and was cleared off the  line by there defender who wasn’t under any pressure. However we let them take a quick throw and we were not strong enough in the tackle and the laid the ball back to there midfielder who curled a goal in to the top corner 4.1. Difference was now that you wanted it a bit more and began to fight for the ball and just before half time you got back into the match Charney scored via a deflection but to honest he deserved that goal. Half – Time 4-2.

At half time we lost our goalie, Josh hurt his leg and Saul volunteered to go in big THANK YOU.

Second half started and it was obvious you wanted it a bit more  but we struggled to create any real chances we kept pushing but it would not fall for us. Finally after about 20 minutes we scored Faizan starting his first game for us closed down the defender out muscled him and cracked in a great goal from the edge of the penalty area 4-3 . Next bit of drama probably actually decided the game. Brady were given a harsh penalty Saul stood tall in the goal gave their striker the eyes and he put it wide ……….Saul didn’t even move he was that sure !

With this new surge in confidence we played the ball down the right between Louie & Morgan onto Charney who crossed for Gabe to side foot in 4-4 we were now on top with 10 minutes to go. Callum was first to go close with a shot and run that the goalie saved. Faizan was unlucky again with another shot just over. The midfield of Louie, Connor and Faizan were winning everything and pushing the ball up to the front three who were hounding the defense . With 5 minutes to go the ball was worked down the right Gabe picked it up and drove to goal. Charney and Reynolds were free in the center and would of had a easy tap in but Gabe wanted the hat trick and he duly provided 4 – 5

Drama still not over with about 2 minutes to go they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Saul lined up the wall then hid behind it LOL, But they pulled the shot wide. Last few minutes we held out with Tom and Adonis holding firm at center back ably supported by Morgan and Joey.

It was a great come back performance by you all. We gave away some silly goals and missed some chances but in the end you all worked encouraged each other and tried your best.

Well Done

Man of the Match : Gabe

See you training Tomorrow night – Faizan i have a yellow kit for you

First sorry i forgot to take any photos, promise i will do some next week.

We started the game really well and probably should have scored in the first 10 -15 minutes Reynolds and Charney both had a couple of chance. We were playing the better football but not really testing their goalkeeper. The partnership of Tom and Adonis seemed to holding well even if the centre forward was a bit physical and liked to leave a foot in.

Unfortunately we conceded a soft goal. We gave away possession attacking in their half they countered and shot early the ball just dipped under the bar 1.0.

Still we pushed but we just couldn’t find that killer ball or a really fierce shot. Then just before half time they took a throw on to a man standing on the dead ball line (YOU CANNOT BE OFFSIDE FROM A THROW) we should have been a) marking and b) Goal side however we were neither. He crossed and after a bit of pinball they scored 2.0 and then it was half time.

Second half we had the slope but to me you all lacked a bit of urgency. I know it was hot but we needed a little more effort. The first 20 minutes dragged by no real chances for either team. They slowed the game at every opportunity and we didn’t seem to be able to pick up the pace. Suddenly they broke and scored very much against the run of play. One or two of you then had a little hissy fit but if anything you pushed on from this.

Tom laid the ball to Connor who fed Mario who finished well 3.1 The game suddenly changed. We suddenly got some more energy started to close and pushed the game. Soon we had a corner the ball was cleared to Adonis who struck the ball really well 3.2. Game was definitely on with 9 minutes to go. We broke down the right and with three men on side and one of their players on the goaline we were given offside OMG. With 5 minutes to go they broke and a speculative long short crept in 4.2 😦  The best thing was you kept pushing in the last couple of mintues but no real opportunity came by.

Man of the Match was Adonis who played really well at centre half

See you all at traing tomorrow If your yellow kit is clean then please wear if not just another top.

Another season and a very difficult way to start.

It was Herts County Cup and we were drawn a team 4 divisions above us also the referee didn’t turn up due to the fact she had a operation last week, so i had to step in and thanks to David & Robert for running the line.

We battled well in the first half but after half time we let in 3 quick goals and your heads dropped. We started on the back foot straight away and but for some goal line clearances we could of been well behind in the first 10 minutes. I think some of the new players were surprised by the intensity and pace of the game but i feel you will adjust as the season goes on.

Things to be learned from this match, everyone needs to track back and help defend. Also if you are the main forward you need to working the opposition back line and challenging for every ball. Clear the ball when defending in you own penalty box do not try to play your way out. Be firm and assured!!! Other thing we lacked was fitness …..

At least you all tried and kept working – They were a very good team who usually get to the Quaters / Semi finals every year.

As for the match i thought Tom had a good game in defense, Gabe went on some good runs and Joey battled hard .

If you have the yellow kit please come to training in that. we will try to get yellow kits for the new players in coming weeks. See you all Monday

PS – from next week a player will asked to write up a match report and so i can publish on the site each week.