Under 11s - Juniors
| Mark Goodwin | Mob: 07557530654 mark.goodwin@meggitt.com |
| Mick Shepherd | Mob: 07968738722 shephemich@aol.com |
Match Reports
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Eastlands
26th Feb 2012 at Eastlands
Result: 0 - 4
Scorers:
Man of the Match: None chosen
After a few weeks off due to bad weather and half term, FF’s resumed their league fixtures with an away trip to Eastlands. In only their 2nd league fixture of 2012 the FF’s looked rusty as Eastlands took firm control of the game with some neat passing. A superb finish from the Eastlands striker gave them a 1-0 lead half way through the first half.
The remainder of the first half saw FF’s defending and holding on by the skin of their teeth. Half time came and the FF’s received a stern talking to by coach Mark. With their ears still ringing FF’s conceded 2 early second half goals which effectively ended the game.
To the boys credit they dug in and battled very hard for the rest of the game in warm February conditions and on a HUGE pitch. Eastlands scoring a late goal to make it 4-0.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Pinley
22nd Jan 2012 at Away
Result: 0 - 4
Scorers:
Man of the Match: Matthew
FF first game back after Xmas didn't go to plan. A very blustery day rather spoilt the game as spectacle and FF never really got going at all.
The defence stood up well in the first half, with the wind directly in their faces, it was difficult to even get into their opponents half. With the score 2-0 down at half time, FF still had every chance of a result. Unfortunately they couldn't match those performance levels achieved before the winter break and were soundly beaten in the end.
With few positives to be found, Khelan did lead by example, making some crunching tackles throughout the match.
At full time, a longer than usual match review might well have needed the hair dryer treatment from Mark, if it wasn't already blowing a gale.
Let's not get too down hearted, FF can still bounce back next week.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Southam
11th Dec 2011 at Home
Result: 4 - 3
Scorers: Max 2, Owen 2
Man of the Match: None chosen
FF started very brightly against Southam, being first to the ball and creating some opportunities. Max was unlucky to see his hammered long range shot hit the bar. Soon after his low drive found the corner of the net. Owen calmly made it two, running through from a long ball and grabbed his second by bundling it in from a corner. just before half time southam got themselves back in the game, making it 3 - 1 at half time.
FF looked to have secured victory when Nathan headed the ball through to Max to finish. But Southam were far from beaten and two goals got the score line back to 4 -3. Credit to the FF defence, who didn't panic and never conceded that one opportunity that might have squared the score line. Khelan was reliable to cover tons of ground to make important tackles. Sam worked tirelessly in midfield, unselfishly passing the ball to people in space.
Another narrow victory for FF which is proving to be a very nice habit. Southam may have lost but they will surely be at the top end of the league by the end of the season.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. ChapelField Colts
4th Dec 2011 at Away
Result: 2 - 2
Scorers: Matthew, Max
Man of the Match: Harry
Chapelfields started brightly and opened the scoring via a header from a corner. FF responded immidiately when Max crossed for Matthew to finish a good team goal. Moments later FF were ahead when Max turned on the Turbo to out run the defender and prod the ball home.
Hayden played vey well in goal to catch a number of shots and keep FF ahead at half time. Jack was bright on the left an Owen strong in midfield.
Chaps made it all square moments after half time and there after FF had to dig deep to hold onto the draw. At times chaps threatened to out muscle FF but they held on bravely to secure the point. Taylor had a couple of knocks along the way but we all know how tough he is.
Well done boys, a creditable draw.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Southam
27th Nov 2011 at Away
Result: 4 - 3
Scorers: Owen, Haydon, Max2
Man of the Match: John
Another close game was played out at Southam. FF raced into an early lead thanks to goals from Owen and Haydon.
But a hand ball gave Southam the opening to get back into contention from the penalty spot. John came to the rescue with the save and again from the rebound.
But a mad few minutes before half time saw three goals conceded and a stronger half time team talk required.
But with the wind now slightly behind, FF were still with a chance going into the second half. Max brought FF level knowing instinctively where to shoot with his back to goal and put them back into the lead with a perfect lob.
FF managed to hold onto the win, but not without a few scares along the way. John had a good Game in goal, managing to snuff out a number of one on ones. Charlie is looking very assured at right back, Owen was competitive in the middle and Max offered that goal threat.
A good result, but it could have been different if Southam had been more clinical in front of goal.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. ChapelField Colts
20th Nov 2011 at Home
Result: 2 - 2
Scorers: Owen, o.g.
Man of the Match: Matthew
FF started brightly against chapelfield colts but suffered a setback when a speculative long range shot found it's way into the net. FF didn't learn their lesson and allowed the same player time space to repeat the feat to fall further behind.
But FF kept to their principles and a passing sequence freed max to get through on the left and his cross/shot fell to Owen to finish. The scoreline was level when an awkward cross could only be diverted into their own net.
The half time instructions seemed to be forgotten as FF resorted to the long ball which created little in the way of chances. Chapelfields had chances of their own put were rather wasteful in front of goal.
A fair result in the end which both teams will see as an opportunity missed.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Hawkesmill
13th Nov 2011 at Away
Result: 7 - 1
Scorers: Max3, Keelan2, Nathan, Hayden
Man of the Match: Charlie
After looking around for a few moments it dawned on us that near adult size pitch was where the match was going to be played.
With tiredness likely to have a big say in the outcome, the full squad was going to have to play their part. And it was the former Rangers that really did come to the party, with Keelan making intelligent runs, Hayden being industrious and confident on the wing, Nathan his usual energetic self, Khelan winning headers all day long and Charlie never giving the ball away.
The formation seemed to work well, allowing the industrious midfield to dominate the game for long periods.
Credit to an inexperienced Hawkesmill team without any subs, who kept battling right to the end.
Onwards an upwards boys, and win next week and you get right back in the promotion race.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Rugby Town
6th Nov 2011 at Home
Result: 3 - 8
Scorers: Max2, jack
Man of the Match: Haydon
Fire Fighters took an unlikely lead against Rugby Town. This seemed to annoy them somewhat and the score line was quickly turned around to 6-1 against by half time.
The re-jigged back four simply couldn’t cope with the constant through balls and runners from midfield and half time came as a relief. Taylor was left exposed in goal all too often, but a few good saves from him stopped the score line being any worse.
A few changes were made at half time and FF were more competitive in the second half. More pressure on the ball made the Rugby long passes were a little more hurried and often over hit for John to collect in goal with little problem.
A good diagonal pass from Matthew split the Rugby defence giving Jack time to hit a sweetly struck shot into the net, probably the best goal of the game if that counts for anything? Eh. no. Max got his second goal of the match which made the second half a commendable 2-2 draw and reward for FF efforts.
In the end too many FF players were off the pace against a strong Rugby Town team.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Finham Park Rangers
30th Oct 2011 at Home
Result: 5 - 3
Scorers: Max3, Ben, Haydon
Man of the Match: Max
The last clash between these two teams was a thriller, with FF winning by the odd goal in eleven and the expectant crowd were hoping for more of the same.
For the opening 20 minutes FF laid siege in the Finham half but just couldn’t find that final touch their play deserved. Eventually Max found the back of the net, quickly followed by a shot from Haydon right into the top corner of the net. Finham did get a goal back just before half time and even levelled things up when a corner was bundled in.
A breakaway then set Finham up for the most unlikely of victories as a shot went in off the post.
Trailing 3-2, FF didn’t let their heads drop (Mrs Vickers) continued with their passing football and finally began to take the chances they were creating.
Max levelled things up when he cheekily teed himself up to volley home from the edge of the box. Ben got FF back in the lead, getting into a good position to finish. Max finally put the result beyond doubt when he forced his way through a bunch of defenders to complete his hat-trick.
Edward put in a fine performance at right back, not putting a foot wrong all game. Max won man of the match for his impressive hat-trick and was closely followed by strong performances by Haydon with his measured passing, Matthew for his good deliveries from wide positions and Owen for breaking up the opposition attacks.
Well done boys, a thoroughly deserved win.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Pinley
9th Oct 2011 at Home
Result: 3 - 3
Scorers: Matt 2, Max
Man of the Match: Sam
Pinley looked the brighter in the opening exchanges as they constantly tested FFs off side trap. On the whole the defence held the line well, catching a striker off side on numerous occasions. When they eventually did get through John came out to block the shot but the rebound fell kindly to the striker and FF were behind. Pinley were threatening to take control of the match with FF battling to stay in contention. A rare FF attack earned a corner and Matthews deflected shot levelled things up.
Pinley soon restored their lead but FF came back again as Matthew poked the ball home from close range. 2-2 at half time by virtue of FF determination to battle, if nothing else.
Max's long range free kick gave the the keeper no chance as FF lead for the first time. The test of Stamina was also being felt by the linesmens arms, as both defences continued to catch the opposition offside.
Sam lead by example in defence, giving the opposition no time on the ball. Harry was assured at left back, making some tidy interventions.
FF spurned a couple of half chances to wrap things up but Pinley always looked dangerous too. When Pinley did look likely to score Kelans amazing last ditch challenge cleared the danger. With seconds to go Pinley earned a corner which was well delivered and bundled home. A draw was certainly a fair result but FF were oh so close to all three points.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Ernesford
2nd Oct 2011 at Home
Result: 0 - 2
Scorers:
Man of the Match: Jack
On a day more suited to sun bathing the boys battled hard in a closely fought encounter with Ernesford.
Plenty of chances were created at either end, but neither team could find the finish and it was goalless at half time.
In the second half the Ernesford midfield turned the screw and were first to everything, putting FF on the back foot. Eventually two break away goals decided the outcome in Ernesford’s favour.
FF created chances to get back into it, including two free kicks which just sailed over the bar but it wasn’t to be.
But a great effort in sweltering conditions, well done lads.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Finham Park Rangers
25th Sep 2011 at Away
Result: 6 - 5
Scorers: Owen 2, Nathan, Jack, Ben, Keelan
Man of the Match: Owen
What a strange game this proved to be against Finham Park Rangers. For large parts FF were in command but Finham kept punishing FF mistakes, which were all too common.
FF raced into a two goal lead with Owen finishing calmly and Nathan firing in from a tight angle. But Finham bounced back with two quick goals to level things up. Jack and then Ben restored FF two goal advantage but with half time approaching Finham scored again with Goalkeeper John, injured in the process. The defence was re-organised and Taylor put on the somewhat larger gloves.
With the elements now favouring FF, the parent’s general consensus was that the boys would pull clear. But it was Finham who struck first to level things up again at 4-4. The game remained in the balance for much of the second half but with FF looking the more likely. Eventually the pressure told as Owen headed in another well delivered corner. Are they becoming set piece specialists? Keelan then made it 6-4 and surely the decisive goal. With 3 mins to go a Finham cross was fizzed into the box which somehow ricocheted into the net to set the nerves jangling once more.
But FF hung on with no further dramas to claim a deserved win.
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Eastlands
18th Sep 2011 at Home
Result: 4 - 2
Scorers: Taylor 2, Ben, o.g.
Man of the Match: Matthew
Having licked their wounds after last weeks defeat, FF were raring to go head to head with Eastlands.
The early signs were good as it became clear the player’s fitness levels and the competitive edge were returning.
Taylor broke the deadlock with a strong near post header from Haydon’s perfectly delivered corner. Ben got the second being careful to stay on side before running on to the cross to tap in.
A well deserved half time lead, but Eastland’s scored the next goal to get themselves back in the match. FF stood firm and slowly took control as their fitness levels stood up well to the pace of the game. As spaces in the midfield started to appear, Charlie’s silky skills came to the fore, constantly giving through balls for the forwards to run onto. Nathan showed energy levels which can only be described as bionic and was very unfortunate not to get a goal his performance deserved.
In the end the two very similar goals came as a result of Taylors well delivered free kicks which were causing all sorts of confusion in the box.
Well did Marks gruelling training session pay dividends? it sure did, more of the same say the parents, stop moaning kids, you enjoyed the win didn’t you?
Fixture: Under 11s - Juniors vs. Leamington Hibs
11th Sep 2011 at Away
Result: 2 - 7
Scorers: Max, Nathan
Man of the Match: Kelan
Over the summer the Rangers and Juniors joined forces to embark into the new world of 11 a side football. The hours of extensive FIFA 2010 Playstation action would surely have the boys prepared for the tough season ahead.
First up was an away trip to Leamington Hibs, fresh from their promotion into DivC. The first half proved to be a pretty even affair but with FF benefitting from a large slope and having the wind behind, a substantial lead was needed to try and hang onto in the second half. Max tried a speculative shot which rather ominously caught the wind and left the keeper with little chance.
However, a slender 1-0 half time lead was surely not going to prove enough and so it proved. Leamington Hibs were just to sharp and racked up several quick goals as they took advantage of conditions to dominate the game. Against the run of play FF did get the score line back to 4-2 with the impressive Nathan applying the finish. Shortly after FF could have got within one goal but the overall lack of sharpness from the team meant the opportunity was wasted. In the end Hibs rattled in a couple more goals as long range shots assisted by the wind flew into the net and they were worthy winners.
Mondays training may not be pretty as Mark will surely look to rediscover the teams hunger and sharpness.