First Thanks to Nick for actually getting the game on. It was a nightmare to organize . The second thanks goes to your parents who got you all to the right ground at the right time. Third thanks to you for all really playing well today and trying your best.

It actually turned out to be a really warm day which made it really hard going we also kicked up the slope in the first half. We started really well Charney broke a couple of times and so did Reynolds. The first real chance fell to Reynolds who put his shot over the bar. Then Connor had a shot from outside the box that went just wide. We were playing the better football with Faizan committing the defenders and playing the ball forward at every opportunity. We still had all the pressure and Josh swept well from the back. However just before halftime they broke a long clearance from the back and we were caught short. Saul did his best but was in a 2.1 situation. They scored a well worked goal. 0.1 Half time

Second half started and we had the slope and the pressure and after two minutes it was 1.1. The ball was worked down our left and cane into Charney who i can only say Miss-hit but the ball rolled straight into the Corner. We now had all the game. Adonis and Tom defended really well at the back against the constant long ball. Morgan and Saul both helped and kept pushing our wingers forward. First chance fell to Joel who should of shot with his left instead he ran round the ball and hit with his right this gave the defender time to clear it off the line. Next both Reynold and Charney dragged shots wide of the post. Faizan and Connor both had shots from outside the box that the goalie saved. Suddenly though HMH broke and the center forward beat two players and should of scored but some dogged defending by Saul prevented him from getting the shot away and eventually we cleared our lines. We continued to apply pressure but it felt as if we were not going to break them down. 36th minute the goalie took a goal kick which Connor picked up in the middle who brought it forward and fed the ball to Joel whose first touch pushed it into space. He hit it and the ball nestled in the bottom corner 2.1 Great Goal great comeback !!!!! Full time whistle went a minute later.

Nick said i could pick a MotM and my choice was Joey. Who while not maybe doing the pretty things he worked hard closed down players and made about 50 tackles. But to be honest it was a close call i thought you all played well and worked for the team

Josh – Much better calling and sweeping from the back

Saul – One of you best games made some vital tackles

Tom – Good sweeping and good captaincy kept encouraging everyone

Edonis – Solid and kept looking to play the ball forward

Morgan – Worked hard down the right linked up well

Joey – Excellent tackling and closing

Connor – Really good 2nd half and dictated the game

Faizan – Always a handful and had the beating of their midfield

Callum – Closed down helped the defense best game so far

Charney – Tireless running beat the defense for pace on numerous times

Joel – Should of Scored but made up for it with a Excellent winner.

Reynolds – Chased everything, battle hard upfront on his own, another day will score a hat trick

See you at Training tomorrow 🙂

PS The Ref was awesome

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.

All

Please see below info from Nick regarding next season. Also please see below some summer fitness tips for everyone.

Next season i plan to have each boy write up a match report and i will just add some extra comments and humour. Have a great summer David.

Hi

For those of you who don’t know me I along with David will be managing the U14 Hadley Wood and Wingate Herons for the 2014-15 season. If you need to phone me my mobile is 07776 191026 or David on 07802 430304 and you now have my email address if you have any queries.

So you know we have been told that provisionally the new season starts on Sunday 7th September but as yet I have not been given any actual fixtures yet. For the new people who have joined this season we play our home matches at Walker Cricket Ground in Southgate. All matches are played on a Sunday and most of them will be in the morning. Matches last for 35 minutes per half. I will tend to text and or email you 5 or 6 days before the match to let you know where we are playing i.e home or away and at what time the match is. I would like to meet at least 30 minutes before kick off time but this will all be confirmed in the text/email that I send.

Training has now finished for the summer but for those of you who are around we will try and organise some training for the last couple of weeks of August. Either David or I will contact you during August to see if your son is around. There is a chance we might try and do this training on a Sunday morning before the official training in September starts but this will be dependent on everyone’s availability. Once the season has started training will ordinarily be on a Monday evening, time and venue to be confirmed but likely to be 6:30pm at Finchley Rugby Club in Summers Lane, Friern Barnet. Traning lasts for 1 and a half hours. I will confirm the exact details of these once they have been finalised.

Full macth kit will be provided prior to the first match.

We are also on the look out for 1 or 2 more players so if any of your sons do know of anyone who might be interested in joining up then please feel free to pass my details on to them and there parents and I would be more than happy to have a chat with them.

In the meantime if anyone has any queries I am more than happy to answer any questions that anyone has.

Thanks, enjoy the summer and look forward to seeing you all soon.

“We was NOT robbed” Could this rag tag bunch of young men upset the footballing world …. Oh yes they could.

The drama to the cup final started on the Saturday night, Keith was at home checking his game plans and drinking hot Chocolate when suddenly the phone rang. It was Josh’s dad, Josh had come down with flu we had no keeper for Sunday. Keith phoned Nick and tried to convince him that he could play in goal and be Josh as he looked so young or was it the same height……. Anyway it was never going to happen and Frankie Fox volunteered to go in goal.

We all arrived in good time how ever we did have a bit of nightmare with the whole kit situation what with the Club presentation day to follow that afternoon so we played in our “Third Kit” Blue tops, Yellow Shorts and Black socks, not our most professional look. I got say the opposition  thought they were going to walk it……

Team started with Frankie     Morgan, Tom,Connor, Dubaye    Charne,Kevin, Sam,Carl,    Archie & Mario Sub Saul

We started well and played the better football, however we kept giving then chances with miss placed passes. On our first corner Charney flashed one in and the opposition smuggled it away. Very Soon we got another and this time Sam put it well into the box. The balled pinged around in the area and suddenly it fell to Morgan who buried it in the roof of the net 15 mins gone 1.0.

Now that was the easy was bit done, we knew they would come back . Frankie came out well a few times but one occasion he missed the ball at least it made the man push it too long who ran it out. Dubaye battled all day with their number 10 and used his pace to get us out of trouble a few times.

Tom swept well in the middle all day allowing Connor to be the ball playing centre half who attacked the first ball and kept pushing us forward with his passing. With 15 minutes to go and us under a bit of pressure down the right. Keith too Mario off for a rest, pushed Carl right up top and sent Saul on to sure things up. It worked a treat. You held out well and finished the half well at 1.0.

Second half. Charney came off for a rest and Saul moved to the right with Mario down the left wing the rest stayed the same. They came much more at us and i think they were playing three upfront trying to get the early goal. You weathered the storm but not without some scares. First they thought they scored from a corner but the ball went out first, Second a great cross found their striker unmarked who instead of control and shoot decided to over head volley aka “FIFA” and it went wide, Finally  Frankie decided to bounce the ball off the post and catch ……

But that’ not to say we were outplayed Kevin and Sam had a great second half and it was a break away that Kevin got too that created the penalty. Kevin’s first shot was blocked when he should of scored but followed it up for the defender to use his are PENALTY !!

Tom stepped forward right foot bottom left corner goal……. 2.0

I think they had one more real chance where they got past Frankie but slid the ball wide, Not long after Sam went on a great run that end with the ball in the side netting, Archie chased a lost cause and ended up with a good shot on the turn that went just over and Charney nearly robbed  their keeper but it went just wide, Charney also produced one of the best defensive headers to clear a dangerous corner.

You actually saw the game out well. Carl took the ball into the channels and the rest of you never stopped working or chasing, you were all fantastic.

Final score 2.0

One word of warning – Now we know you can play like that we want to see it more often

So off we went to Wingate for presentation day. It was great too see Louie who couldn’t make the game. Keith gave you all a little speech each of you a medal. Keith then announced the main awards:

Players Player of the Year : Sam

Managers Player of the Year: Morgan

Well done both of you

Tomorrow is training at the Rugby ground see you all there 🙂

The score didn’t really reflect the play they broke on the counter attack four times to score.

Keith started with the following:

Josh

Frankie, Tom, Patrick, Dabaye,

Charne, Sam, Connor , Kalid

Archie,Kevin

Carl arrived just after K.O. ….

So the game started and we pressured well Connor’s shot deflected back to him , he passed to Charney who smashed it home, good goal. we continued to play the better football but too often our passes went astray. It was from one of these we conceded the equalizer. Still we had the pressure Sam was unlucky , Connor had a shot just wide, but i felt we were acceptable to the long ball and so it proved  as a long ball over the top caught us out and it was 2.1 half time.

Second half we had the pressure and after the third corner in a row  the pressure told Tom from the left hand side in a “Van Basten” moment screamed it home,( Yeah you wish)

Anyway back in the game but suddenly we gave two goals away in 5 mins Tom & Josh and really it was beyond us. From then we had all the pressure but to be honest the goalie didn’t have a save to make.

You must put the ball in early ! Do not give the defense time to get back !!! we attacked so often but didn’t get the ball in the penalty box.

Wingers you need to put the ball in early don’t worry if the forwards are not there (but they will be) a defensive error can lead to goals or will break to midfielders coming in.

Keith’s MotM was Sam – Worked hard all match and was a constent threat. some really good footwork and passing outwide.

OK so thing to learn for next week

Wingers early, early balls work the back four . Forwards the same close them down and give the no time.

Centre mids keep to your side trust your partners, but most of all go with the runners.

Defenders look to the wingers pass the ball out (you all can), Alternate between early throws on down the line or to feet/back.

But most of all do your best, encourage each other and be proud in how you played.

Next Week team is :

Josh
Mario Connor Tom Morgan

Louie Sam Carl Charne
Archie Kevin

Subs
Saul Kalid Frankie Patrick Dabaye

Watford Friendly League 2014 Cup Finals @ Harvesters FC

U13 SPRING TROPHY FINAL

HADLEY WOOD HERONS v BURNT OAK RANGERS

Sunday 11th May 2014 kick off 3.15pm check in time 2.30pm

Address :OAKLANDS LANE
SMALLFORD
NEAR ST ALBANS
HERTS
Postcode :AL4 0HR
Telephone :
Directions :From Watford / M25 :

See you all there  and then for end of season presentation !!!!!

Sorry no pics today as i was busy refereeing the games.

Lets just say i wont talk about the first game. We did lose it 4.0 but i have never seen us play so bad a quick list below of what you did wrong.

No one tackled, we constantly passed the ball to the opposition, no one tracked the players, we didn’t shoot, I could go on on on on……

Anyway second game Keith changed it around and lined up Josh, Morgan, Tom, Patrick & Mario at the back. Louis & Connor in centre midfield Carl & Charney very wide left and right with instructions to stay out. Sam in the hole and Archie up front. Saul,Kevin & Frankie on the bench.

First half we kicked up hill and straight away i felt it worked a lot better. Yes they had a lot possesion but when we got the ball down and passed it on the ground we created the best chances. The defence repelled everything thrown at them for 20 minutes. However just before half time. They broke and a cracking shot beat Josh.

Second half we had the hill and after that they had no chances. Connor & Louis took control of the midfield and played the ball left & right setting free who ever was on the wings. Archie was really unlucky with two or three chances. Their goalie made two or three miracle saves to keep a clean sheet. Mario should of buried a chance and Sam could of also had two, maybe even a penalty but the referee didn’t see it in the fading light. LOL

Chance after chance came i felt if you scored one the flood gates would of opened, but lady luck was not on our side. however you kept trying and putting on pressure all the way to end and by the end it very very dark.

My MoTM had a few contenders:

Tom – Sured up the back and tackled anything that moved

Sam – Was a constant threat and a outlet for all the game either on the left or just behind the strikers

But my men of the match was Louis & Connor – They played really well together always talking & supporting each other. One would drop and the other challenged, Short passes to each other then played the ball wide. They trusted each others game which is so important when you play in a team. They both constantly tried to drive the team forward whilst covering in defence as well.

Some dates for the diary

11th May 2PM Spring Trophy Cup Final at Harvesters

1st June 11AM Trials & Training at Bartrams Lane

21st June Registration day

24th June Club AGM

We all arrived at the ground in good time today, however we had no idea what pitch we were on so the warm up was all delayed.

Tom won the toss and we licked down hill and with the wind, the match started you all started well our first attack brought a good save from their goalie. We were looking good down the wings with Carl and Charney and were winning the midfield battles. Sunddenly in the 15th minute they broke down the right we had two or three chances to clear but didnt take them agood cross and one nil down. 😦

What i liked now was that there was no arguing or complaining but you encouraged each other and you got your deserved reward. Carl picked the ball in from the left beat only one play and shot – good goal 1.1

Back in the game from now on we had all the play and 5 minutes later you went ahead as Kevin finished a good move. 2.1. Sam then had a great shot from outside the box saved.  Keith ran the changes bringing on Kalid, Frankie and Saul. It was a stoke on managerial genius. More pressure from us and a shot was only parried by the keeper. Saul followed in smash it home from 30 yards – Opps sorry 3 inchs. We ended the first half 3.1 but really it should of been 4 or 5.

Second half was always going to tricky they had the slope, the wind and were always going to play a high line and long ball. Almost straight away we got caught long ball over the top no one went with the runner clean through 3.2

After the silly goal we got back into the game and we created so many chances to kill it off. We were by far the better team, however we overplayed it so many times.

Beat a player put a cross in, don’t always shoot from tight angles. Don’t try to go round players in the box push the ball out of your feet and shoot. If your back is to goal play the ball back to players running in don’t turn into defenders. We must take our chances and we really needed the fourth goal. They held such a high line you needed to put the ball into space and run on to it. Early, early balls don’t let their defenders recover. I remember one early ball from Connor to Charney and we should of scored.

The chances were piling up and Archie’s grandfather said to me “Its got equalizer all over it” and bang on cue they scored Long ball from the back Dubai and Tom couldn’t get the ball down to clear, there player broke down the right good cross, Connor lost his man – goal 3.3 that was with 2 minutes to go DOH !!!

Still we had a chance at the end but we couldn’t put the ball in the net. The Game finished 3.3

Keith’s MotM was – Dubai who worked really hard up down the left all game.

No training on Monday.

Game Tuesday Ashmole Academy School

Cecil Road, London, N14 5RJ Meet 6PM