Today Blog comes from our defensive utility player Morgan Rember as i had to go and sit in the cold watching more football

It was the first game after Christmas and it was a cold, wet and windy day

This weeks squad was Josh, Callum, Gabe, Morgan, Edonis, Theo, Louie, Faizan, Connor, Charne, Reynolds, Kevin, Tom and Joel

We started the match well and took control of the midfield very quickly and pushed them on to the back foot. However they caught us on accounted attack and they unleashed a shot over josh into the goal. 1.0. We responded well and got a corner straight away, floated into the middle there defense make a mess of it and its an own goal 1.1 The chances were coming but we weren’t finishing them. Finally we got the goal our good play deserved Connor fed Faizan who in turn fed Gabe and he finished well. 2.1 . However Josh kicks out straight to there striker and he shoots from 20 yards into the goal 2.2 just before halftime Josh makes up for his miss kick with a great reflex save to deny them and we go into halftime 2.2 . We were causing them problems all half with Theo’s, Faizan’s and Charnes pace/dribbling and Connor’s probing balls, I felt we should have been winning.

The second half was always going to be tough as it was getting colder and josh injured his leg as well. There striker goes past our entire defense and thunders it into the bottom right corner. We replied really well with Theo picks up the ball and plays it to Tom his shot hits the post and then the back of the keeper and goes in 3.3

Tom Reynolds had a long shot which looked like the keeper would hold however this was not to be as he spilt it and it rolled over the line 4.3.

There was a little scare after one of there players went through 4 of us but Morgan (thats me) tactically fouled to stop the shot and the free kick resulted to nothing.

The full time result was 4.3 and I felt we really deserved this win played much better than them.

MotM went to Tom he marshaled the defense well and took his goal very well.

Thanks again Morgan See you all training tomorrow if you are not going to make it please let Nick or myself know

We don’t have new fixtures yet but as soon as we do we will let you all know

Happy New Year and a great way to Start

It was the last game before Christmas and all around was covered in snow …………. Err well actually it was a mild but windy day

This weeks squad was Josh, Callum, Morgan, Edonis, Jack, Theo, Louie, Faizan, Connor, Charney, Reynolds, Kevin, Tom and Joel

The match started a quick pace but we definitely took control of the midfield very quickly and pushed them on to the back foot. Reynolds had a couple tricky chances first of all but at least worked the keeper each time. Theo also was released by Connor down the left and did well to beat his man and get the shot away. The chances were coming thick and fast but we still had to be aware defensively as they were very much a route one team. Callum made an excellent sliding tackle to stop one of these break a way’s. The best chance for me in the first 20 minutes fell to Charney who’s pace caused them trouble all day as he ran into the box the keeper made an excellent diving save. It was then the turn of our keeper to make a great save from a free kick which Josh pushed out from going into the top corner. It was about now that Nick played a master stroke and gave Reynolds a rest and pushed Tom upfront. Very quickly we scored what for me was a good goal however the referee went with the linesman decision for an offside on a player who was offside but didn’t get the ball. (Linesman must of had a very bad shoulder as his flag was up most of the day). Anyway you kept probing and got the goal you play deserved in the first half. Morgan won the ball from the opposition who then passed to Connor who then played the ball into space for Tom to run on to. As the keeper came Tom calmly slotted the ball with his LEFT foot. Half-Time 1.0

The second half was always going to be tough as we were against the wind and they were going launch it at us. It was here that Jack, Kevin, Edonis, Morgan and Louie really stepped up clearing the lines and pushing the ball forward all the time. We defended really well the long throws and Corners. however after 15 minutes they pulled a goal back a cross was deflected off a defender and it nestled in the corner. 1.1. Now usually we go into our shells a bit, argue a bit , blame each other but not today you encouraged rallied round and wanted to push for the win.

Nick played his second tactical stroke of the pushing Kevin upfront and pulling Tom to centre half. This was soon to pay off. After about five minutes Charney got away down the right played a great ball to Kevin who got in front of his man to power home a great header. 2.1

Almost straight from the kick off Faizan won the ball back and drove into the box and unleashed a thunderous shot. Great goal 3.1

We still had 10 minutes to play and didn’t need any silly goals conceded Josh made another great save from a free kick but other than that back four were resolute and cleared everything that was thrown at them. Connor had a couple of shots that went wide from outside the box one which was pushed away for a corner. From the corner Faizan played the ball in and Reynolds hit a bullet header home 4.1

We still had time for one last chance Joel broke from the half way line and run towards goal pursued by the entire back four. As the goalie came out he clipped it past the keeper for it too only hit the post ….. So unlucky Final score 4.1

Just have to say you all played really well today and supported each other. MotM went to Morgan who cleared and tackled really well today he was a rock in defence.

Nick and I will see you all on 4th Jan away 2PM Kick Off. Please let us know if you cannot play

All have a great Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a Fantastic New Year.

Today squad was Josh, Jack, Morgan, Edonis, Louie, Faizan,Tom, Connor, Kevin, Saul , Reynolds, Joel, Joey & Charney.

It was our first afternoon kick off for ages and this morning i thought it was going to be a very wet. In the end the sun came out but it was still very cold.

We kicked off and started well and applied a lot of pressure. The first few chance came Reynolds way cutting in from the right and firing wide. It was from one of these chances we took the lead. Joey played the ball forward and Reynold out muscled his opponent and finished well 1.0. To be honest we had the better play but chances were few and far. Towards the end of the first half we were troubled by some corners but manged to get the ball clear. Half time 1.0

Second half started well again and we had the early pressure. Unfortunately some sloppy defending down the left and they got in behind us it broke to there forward who finished well. 1.1. From here we still had more possession but looked suspect able to the counter attack. It was from a counter attack that Josh saved at point blank and also Edonis stopped what seemed a certain goal with a fabulous goal line clearance still the pressure grew but we just couldn’t find the right pass or lucky break. With a minute left we got hit on counter attack again. Too many of you were forward, they broke and scored 1.2

Straight from the kick a long ball from Edonis put Kevin through but the keeper made an excellent save to put in wide for a corner. From the resulting corner Tom shot and the goalie made another fantastic save to push it on to the bar. to be honest these were our only clear cut opportunities in the second half. The Referee blew not long after for the final whistle. 1.2

Overall we were unlucky we should of at least had a draw. To many of you had average games to really makes us as dominant as we were last week. We have the return game in a couple of weeks and i think you all have something to prove. I felt at times we played too slowly and made a extra unnecessary pass or tried to beat a extra player when the quick ball was on either out wide or over the top.Heads up and move on to the next game.

MoTM : Edonis defended really well under a lot of high balls

Training tomorrow please let Nick or myself know if you cannot attend

After last weekends wash out it was nice to play this week. And play you did!!!

Squard this week : Josh, Jack, Tom Morgan, Louis, Reynolds,Kevin,Faizan,Connor, Callum, Gabe, Joey & Saul. This weeks blog is brought to you by Tom Rackind.

First of all there were too many goals to talk about our missed chances.

Our first goal came from a free kick, which Tom Rackind whipped in with precision to find the head of Jack on his debut. Finally Dan’s training is paying off as Jack flicked it on into the back of net.

Soon after restarting Connor chipped a ball over the defence which Gabe buried with precision. Gabe went on to score 3 more in the first half being the clinical finisher he is. At this point we got too confident with our dominance in the game and were caught in possession with too many players up the field to allow them to score. 5-1

Just before the signal for half time Kevin scuffed his shot yet still scored against a below par keeper from outside the box. 6-1

Second half we started slowly and took our foot off the gas a bit but we weren’t punished for this as we were sound defensively. This allowed Nick to try out new positions for some of us. After about 15 minutes we got our rhythm back and proceeded to slot 2 home through Kevin, 1 more from Jack and a volley from Tom Reynolds. Then, their right back proceeded to have a belter of a shot and score! An own goal.

Right at the end their striker was through on goal with only Josh to beat, who made a spectacular one handed reflex save for Callum to clear. Top class goalkeeping.

Great performance lads!

See you at training,

P.S. I think we deserve a long match because we were really good.

Thanks Tom for doing the blog, As Tom eluded to a couple of really good debut performances from Kevin and Jack while the rest of you all had a really good came. Most of  all i like the fact that you all took on instructions that we gave you. Also i was pleased that you didn’t harass the referee even though in the second half you could of had a couple of penalties that were not given.

This weeks MoTM really could of been anyone ! so we decided it was everyone. It makes such a difference when we hit the target and take our chance, You were solid at the back,strong in midfield, Clinical upfront and reassured in Goal. Really well done everyone

Remember to let Nick or myself know if you can’t make training.

Now that was an action packed game. I think we all learnt something from the game.

The game started off very tight not much was given away by either side . The midfield was congested and packed. Tackles were tough and challenges were robust. But we kept our heads, and played football. We created the first real chance Gabe found some space down the left and played a great cross field ball to Reynolds who took it forward and round the keeper but hit the side netting. Oakhill had the next real chance a free kick just outside the box. Josh got a good hand to it and pushed it wide. With Ten minutes to go the ball broke to Joel who had a chance to shoot early however he took one touch to many and the ball got cleared by the keeper. Half Time 0.0

Second half we seemed to start really slowly for the first five minutes we gave the ball away cheaply and put our selves under pressure, however we weathered the storm and finally the ball broke to Gabe who finished well as the keeper came off his line. 1.0 Suddenly the pendlum swung again and we had all the pressure another through ball and Gabe finished well 2.0.

Very soon we lost Faizan who got a stud in the knee and Mario also got kicked in the knee. So we had to ring changes this also coincided with pressure from them. We had a few chances to clear the ball but the ball seemed to ricochet off some players and nestles in the bottom left hand corner 2.1. Now we came under more pressure and i felt some decision went against us. The referee must of gave three free kicks for hand ball which for me were never hand ball , FA guidelines ( The referee must consider the proximity of the potential offender to the person last playing the ball, the speed of the ball and importantly whether the offender’s arms are in a natural or unnatural position) for me they either kicked the ball at us or hands were down by the side. Another comment from the Referee was that’s not a foul as it was accidental – Ref i think you find most fouls are accidental or they are card-able offenses !!! Louie also got injured from a rather dangerous tackle by there tall player who they say “is learning the game” so that’s OK.

With all this going on we started to lose our heads a bit which only encouraged them on more. Kicking the ball away after a free kick is given against you only makes you a target and increases frustration. I know you get frustrated but its not the premiership, you have accept the decision and look up to make sure that you are marking someone at the free kick. Move on hurt them with football not by moaning. I don’t want to asked “Are you really gonna pay this ref” or “This Ref hasn’t got a clue”

With five minutes to go the got the equalizer, not even sure how they got so quickly in the box but they finished well. 2.2 Last five minutes and the Pendulum swung again we had two chances to score first Connor shot for outside the area with goalie off his line but it went wide, Second and last chance Reynolds beat the full back and shot, it looked like it was going in hit the post and Gabe followed in to score, however the linesman put the flag up for offside now as long as player comes from behind the player who shot then he is on side. For me it looked on-side but the referee went with linesman. Whistle went shortly after and the game finished 2.2

I was not happy that their manager had a go at our players, yes i will listen to criticism and take on board comments but i will not have them shout at our players. Also i felt that some of their tackles were just as bad if not worse than ours. Yes the game got to heated and maybe Nick & I should of done something to take the sting out of it. We didnt want to lose 3 games in row that we should of won and maybe we too got too involved in the game. We are all learning and we all make mistakes.

I refuse to end the blog on a down note. The boys played really well against the team second in the division who i believe are unbeaten. Believe me they are beatable. If you all carry on playing football then you will all be winners.

Squad this week Josh, Louie, Morgan, Edonis, Mario, Charney, Tom, Faizan,Connor, Reynolds,Gabe, Callum, Theo & Joel.

MotM – Josh he made some good saves and made some good clearances under extreme pressure. Training tomorrow night please let Nick and I know if you cannot attend.

“Miscarriage of Justice” that was the phrase Reynolds mum used and it just about summoned up the match !!!

First I want to thank you all for putting in the effort today as it was hard for you all today with so many substitutes. We had a full squad available today which meant 5 substitutes ! I thought Nick managed it well to give as time as he could with disrupting the match.

Starting Eleven was Josh, Louie,Morgan,Edonis,Mario, Theo, Faizan, Tom, Callum,Connor & Gabe. Subs Charney, Reynolds, Joel,Joey & Saul

The game started very similar to last week, where we had all the pressure and created the first chances. Gabe forced the keeper into a great save in the first 5 minutes and that set the tone for the first 20 minutes. We broke again and again and yes they did have a good keeper but we just didn’t take our chances. We should of had a penalty when Gabe was pushed but the referee (Who was very poor) didn’t give it. You cannot dwell on referee decision once they are made you have to move on and keep playing. After 20 minutes or so Nick ran the changes but didn’t change the game we were still in control. Reynold’s hit the post and cross bar. The chances game and went and in the end we were made to pay. We even had a bit of WWE with Tom being thrown to the floor and their player being asked to leave  the game. A hopeful ball into the box and i think Saul got a kick in the “Lower” region before they then poked the ball home for a very soft goal which was in the 40th Minute OMG !! Half-Time 1.0

Second half we had the worst start possible and they scored within three minutes Mario sold himself to easily and they crossed to a unmarked man in the box. 2.0. Now usually i start to worry about collapse if you get your heads down but today you kept playing and pushing for the goal. Gabe had another couple of chances Charney and Faizan tried from long range, Connor went through and hit the keeper. Reynolds was really unlucky not to score. I thought he did after about 15 minutes but it went just wide. We had a couple of big penalty shouts for pushes in the box but the referee turned a blind eye. Chances still came but we were never going to score. In the last 5 minutes we pushed up too much and got caught on the break. No ones fault really when we were so desperate to score. 3.0. In injury time we had another blatant penalty turned down but the referee must of felt guilty as he then gave us a penalty for nothing Tom Scored 3.1 and the referee blew for full time. It was a consolation goal but you deserved it and more.

Just a couple of points about your play:

1) When in attack unless its a through ball, come to the ball and win it !

2) Try to get the ball in the box as early as possible, Don’t run around in circles even if it means hitting it with your weaker foot.

3) Every 1st and 2nd ball should have a challenge, If you are going to clear a ball give a big shout so you don’t get in each others way.

Overall very pleased how you played again and same as last week you didnt take your chances 😦

MoTM went to Faizan who broke up play well, attacked, created chances and had an all round good game well done

Training tomorrow night will be shooting practice for the first 30 minutes

Rain Rain go away come back another day ……….

Nick started with a slight change Josh in Goal Louie, Morgan, Adonis and Joey in defence. Tom and Faizan in the middle with Connor just behind the striker, Saul & Charney on the wings and Gabe upfront. Theo, Jonathan and Callum started as subs. I think as soon as you kicked off to started to rain and looking at the photos some got on the camera.

However the rain seemed to revitalize you as you started the match fantastically. In the first 15 minutes Gabe must of had Six chances and on another day he would of taken at least three, however between some good goalkeeping and slightly wayward shooting the goal remained intact. Connor put one wide and another saved for a corner while Saul had one cleared off the line. The defense was strong with Louis excelling in his role at right back. We kept pushing for the goal that we deserved but it was one of those days. Suddenly on the break we got caught down the left and the ball got played through to their left back who scored 1.0. You all kept your heads but five mins later an almost identical goal was scored 2.0. Just want to say here that who ever is playing on the right or left of midfield/Wing you are not a forward. You must track back and help your full back. Yes i know its a tiring job but that is why we rotate the wings more than any other position to keep you fresh and working hard. Half Time 2.0

You did not deserve to be losing 2.0 😦

Second half began and you started really well again and it paid off straight away. Gabe got the goal his play deserved 2.1. A ball played through by Connor he ran and shot at the edge of the box and it slipped past. However soon after we were under a bit of pressure and we had a couple of chance to clear but we didn’t connect well with the ball 3.1.Heads didn’t drop and you kept looking dangerous on the break. Good play by Louie and Charney down the right freed Gabe again and he didn’t miss 3.2. Oakhill came back strong and you got pushed back but defended really well. A free kick was given away just outside the area the opposition put the ball over the wall but Josh made a excellent save to tip it over for a corner. Still the pressurized us but Morgan and Edonis remained strong with Tom sweeping up infront. 15 Minutes to go you broke again with Charney down the right who fed Gabe and i thought it went in but it hit the side netting……. Aarrrgh. Five minutes to go and we won a corner Connor played it in and both Louie and Charney nearly scored however after a bout of ping pong the ball broke loose and fell to there forward who broke quickly. Josh came out but he rounded him and slotted into a empty net 4.2. Last five minutes you still pushed for goal but no luck was coming. Final score 4.2 —– And the rain STOPPED

I know you came off upset and annoyed but you shouldn’t be. You all played really well and play like that you will win more than you lose. Both the Referee and there Manager said we should of been  three or four up before they even got a look in.

MoTM went to two players Louis who had a great game at right back, helped attack down the right, covered defensively and Connor worked hard in midfield closed the opposition down and played some great balls through.

Training tomorrow night see you there

That was a tough game and i felt a tough result. You all had a better first half than second but overall you all did well.

The first half started really well and you came out of the blocks firing obviously that extra hour sleep paid dividends. In the first 10 minutes Reynolds, Gabe and Connor all had chances but either hit the woodwork or the keeper saved well. Nick had to change the formation today with Tom away but the back four of Saul ,Morgan Adonis and Charne looked solid and coped well. To be honest the best chance fell to the opposition, after Josh saved well the follow up was blasted over the bar. We must remember to follow in the shots. We still pushed in the first half with Louis and Joel working hard breaking play up. Faizan had two shots towards the first half one which was well blocked and the other went just wide when the keeper was off his line. Callum and Jonathan both came on in the first half to freshen things up but we just couldn’t find the goal our play deserved.  Josh i thought also had one his most commanding halves i seen for a long time in goal . Half-time 0.0

Second half started well but very soon we stopped challenging for the ball enough, we let them push us back and we invited on pressure. We still looked a threat on the break with Gabe and Reynolds pace. Unfortunately with about 15 mins gone the pressure finally told. We had a couple of chances to to clear the ball but it either hit a forward or would not get from under our feet. They scored from about 5 yards out. Nick ran the changes again and pushed Jonathan back upfront and Charne pushing up to right midfield with Callum going to right back. Still we had chances but nothing really clear cut. With about 10 minutes to go came the decisive moment the forward went offside but the referee continued play and Edonis took him out in the area penalty. I know it was a hard decision but thing happen at all levels of football you just all have to pick yourselves up and move on. They scored 2.0. Heads did drop a bit and Nick sacrificed the holding player to create more upfront but within a few minutes they scored. Again we had two or three chances to clear but i think you were all nervous about giving another penalty away so ran through 3.0. Last 5 minutes at least we kept pushing and again created some half chances but nothing clear, i think Gabe and Reynold both had half chances. Match finished 3.0

MoTM this week was Morgan I thought he was really strong against there forwards and cleared the ball well when we were under pressure. Also it was his first center half start for over a year.

Heads up boys it was not that bad, another day and we could of one this. Match is at home next week 10AM and Nick will confirm later in week. Otherwise training tomorrow night. see you all there.

Good Afternoon. First off someone has gone home with one of my white water bottles, Please can you bring to training tomorrow night. LOL

Lunch time kick off was no issue for us, you were all there early and raring to go. We started the game really well and had the first sustained pressure Charney and Reynolds had the first few chances and were unlucky. With 10 minutes gone Connor picked the ball up from a opposition clearance he fed the ball to Callum, who Cooley finished against a on rushing keeper. It was a really good finish.

From this point we had all the chances and the pressure. Connor hit the post when he should of scored and then the defender cleared on the line on the follow up. With 17 Mins gone Nick decided to Freshen thing up and brought on Faizan,Theo and Joel. Lets say it was a inspired substitution, within a minute neat triangles between Faizan, Connor and Theo resulted in Theo being put clear, who then finished well. Faizan had a couple of chances towards the end of the first half and so did Theo. The defence held really well and Louis and Joey broke up play continuously in midfield. Josh was commanding in goal during the half and made some great throws to set up counter attacks. Half time 2.0

Second half started and the wind really picked up making it very tricky to play against. Again you started really well Charney had a great chance in the first minute then Reynolds chased down what looked like a lost cause and with some help from Callum they won the ball back, Reynold turn and shot was excellent 3.0 (Just as his uncle arrived to watch). After this i felt you dropped your pace, stopped closing down as quickly and invited them on maybe a bit too over confident. A couple of times we over committed and it took some desperate defending  from Morgan, Saul Tom and Edonis to keep them from scouring. However the pressure finally told and they scored a really goal 3.1 20 minutes to go.

Nick decided to rotate again to allow some of you a breather and freshen things up. This seemed to work as you all started to close down again. The wind against us made it hard but you kept battling. Then suddenly out of no where Edonis hits a shot on the half volley and it flys into the back of the net, Beckham style from the half way line. 4.1 OK the wind may of had something to do with it but it was a good strike. However the winds contribution did not end their and with 10 minutes to go they hit a speculative shot that drifted in 4.2, not closing down quick enough on our part.

The last 10 minutes still produced some great moment Tom hit a free kick that just went wide and then a couple of minutes later hit another free kick from Tom that Reynolds got a bullet header on to which hit the side netting. Joel broke down the right a couple of times and little bit quicker passing could of set up some chances. We finished the stronger side and probably should of scored at least one more.

I thought you all played really well today and there was probably 3 or 4 of you who were contenders for MoTM, it went to Theo Rubins on his debut. Theo took his goal really well but also worked tirelessly down the right, winning more tackles he should of and closing the opposition down.

Training tomorrow night hopefully not raining as much as last week.

Next week Home to Whetstone Wanderers Nick will confirm details midweek

Just a note to parents about the respect campaign can I please remind parents not to give “direction” to the players during the game. Whist we encourage you all to support and motivate the players please leave “direction” to Nick and myself. We do not want to confuse the players by giving them varying messages. Thanks Everyone

Let’s not talk about the game too much, Yes you all tried but you had decided before kick off that you were going to lose. No matter who we are playing you always must believe that you can win and give 110% trying. They were 4 division above us and physically looked like two school years and to be honest they played football like it. So the result for me didn’t matter.

From now on we concentrate on the league so far we have won one & lost one and to be honest if you had taken your chances it would be two wins. In this league its about hitting the target and working the goalie. If you we can go two goals up most teams heads will drop and we push from there.

On the match the most annoying thing today was short / hospital passes and then not releasing the ball quick enough. We always have two or three quick players on the pitch. If you cant see a pass play the ball into space for people to run on to. From this we might get a throw, create panic at the back or get the ball first and create a chance.

One thing the opposition showed us today was how to take corners. Good corners that cleared the front and then five men running in at pace. This made them hard to mark and pickup. When you come against teams like this you need to stay in front of your man (Goal side) and at least challenge for the ball run across their line to make them check or let them run into you.

Highlight of the game was Charney goal which came from good closing down and a great strike. So for that he get MoTM

We all wish Mario a speedy recovery from his injury, Home next week to Brady and see you at training tomorrow.