Under 9s - Juniors
| Ryan Ward | Mob: 07970686974 rward159@aol.com |
| Paul Merry-Smith | paulannams@yahoo.co.uk |
| Kieron Breen | breenocov@hotmail.co.uk |
Match Reports
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Christ The King (League Cup Semi)
13th May 2012 at Woodlands
Result: 1 - 3
Scorers: Patrick
Man of the Match: Patrick
After last weeks disappopintment, this semi final offered us a great opportunity to get something from a long long season.
This was a really good game with both sides cancelling each other out during the opening exchanges. CTK took advantage of some indecisive defending late on in the first half to take the lead at half time.
At the start of the 2nd half the boys came out strongly & the pressure finally paid off - Mikey made a surging run & crossed for Patrick to convert. This game could have gone either way, with chances going close at both ends. Unfortunately it was CTK who managed to convert with a close range effort. The boys then threw everyone forward & with Pat going so close - but again we got caught on the break & CTK finally got the decisive goal from a neatly placed free kick.
Out of the cup & having played our final game of the season, we look back at some of the decisions that didn't go our way - & there were lots pre Christmas! The near misses, the if only's & the ones that got away! This group of boys have given their all this season & they have given their parents a great reason to get up on a Sunday morning - thanks lads, can't wait for the 12/13 season to start!!!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Stratford Town
6th May 2012 at Stratford
Result: 3 - 5
Scorers: Mikey, Patrick, Joe M
Man of the Match: Team
This was the big one - our final league match against the team that came second in the league.
The lads started brightly & kept Stratford pinned in their own area - our constant pressure deservedly paid off after 10 minutes with Mikey firing an unstoppable drive into the far corner. One nil up & looking good, then a 6 foot 9 year old took to the pitch for the opposition! Somehow, Stratford had three attempts & scored three soft goals before half time???
The boys came out strongly + went close with shots from Cameron, Harvey, Pat, Joe & Mikey but again the opposition scored on the break. Patrick steered a fine shot into the net & then Joe converted a penalty with applomb! We pushed forward for the final 5 minutes & got hit on the break yet again.
This game probably sums up our season - we had by far the most of the possession, outplayed the opposition & had double the amount of shots that they had - but still didn't win??
Really proud of the effort from the lads & we'll learn from our experiences this year & convert many more chances next season.
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Coundon Court (Supp Cup)
22nd Apr 2012 at Theatre of Dreams
Result: 3 - 0
Scorers: Cameron, Harvey, Patrick
Man of the Match: Cameron
We have never beaten Coundon Court! Our record against Coundon Court this season has been Lost, Drawn - so by the law averages, we were hoping this was going to be our day - & wasn't it just!
Captain Jude decided to kick down hill (& with the wind) in the first half, & the lads started strongly. We had the better of the posession in the first half, but were restricted to a few long range shots from Mikey, Joe & Pat. CC were holding their own & even had an effort cleared off the line by Joe. We couldn't find a way to break them down, so nil nil at half time.
In the second half, the lads pressured CC from the start with some great runs from Harvey & Cameron opening up the opposition defence. Harvey, Cameron, Joe, Pat & Mikey all went close before a goal mouth scramble ended with Cameron's shot slipping into the far corner & a deserved lead was in place.
CC's heads seemed to go down with that effort & soon after a great run by Harvey resulted in a corner, which he took himself. The ball rebounded off an opposition player & Harvey expertly hit a left foot half volley into the top corner - tremendous effort - this must be getting costly for your Dad now Harv!
CC had a few counter attacks, but couldn't find a way through our top defence, & the inspired captain in our goal - another great diaply Jude!
2 minutes from the end, Patrick went on one of his mazy runs straight through the centre & was up ended by a CC defender. Pat stepped up & placed an ustoppable drive into the roof of the net to round off a thoroughly deserved 3 nil victory which confirmed our position at the top of the Supp Cup league!
Who would have thought before Xmas with the run of bad luck that we had, that we would be sitting on top of the Supp Cup group table & one win away from a Cup Final??
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Cov Jag (Supp Cup)
1st Apr 2012 at Daimler Green
Result: 1 - 0
Scorers: Patrick
Man of the Match: Jude
Hopes were high after last week's stunning game & on the back of our previous trip to Jag when we probably played our best game of the season.
This was a completely different game though against a good Cov Jag team. Mikey, leading the line up front had a few shots from distance, & Jamie played some great crosses - the closest of which bobbled over Harvey's foot in front of goal which would otherwise have put us one nil up at half time.
In the second half, again most of the game was played through the midfield with the battling Joe & Patrick holding their own & when Jag did get through they had the solid wall of Padraic, Joe & the excellent Jude in their way.
This match was always going to be won with a piece of individual excellence - step forward Patrick Ward! Pat went on one of his mazy runs down the left hand side & the Jag defender took him down just outside the box on the left hand side. Pat took the free kick & placed his shot just inside the near post - one nil Firefighters.
This was a really close game & for once this season (for a change) we nicked it! Jude had to make some amazing saves today & fully deserved the MOM award. We are top of the (Supp Cup) league, say we are top of the (Supp Cup)league!!!!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Dunlop (Supp Cup)
25th Mar 2012 at Burnaby Rd
Result: 4 - 4
Scorers: Mikey x 2, Patrick x 2
Man of the Match: Jude & Mikey
What a game! This was the third time that we've played Dunlop this season - all have been close, but this one topped the lot!!
Dunlop (lying 4th in the table) took an early two goal lead with two top notch strikes from their skipper - he must love playing against us, because he scores cracking goals every time he plays against us!
After this initial shock, the lad started to control the centre of the pitch & Jamie laid a great through ball onto Mikey who lobbed the keeper & got himself back in goal scoring mode. Patrick rounded the keep soon after to bring the score in level at half time.
After the break, Dunlop pushed forward & their skipper notched his hat trick with another fine finish. The tireless Mikey then ran half the length of the pitch, cut inside & stroked in the equaliser for 3 a piece.
Midway through the second half & the boys started to dominate the game & looked solid right throughout the team. On the breaks that Dunlop had, they couldn't get past the excellent Jude - except for the skipper, who netted another goal of the season contender to make it 4-3.
But these lads never give up, & another searching run from Mikey saw him look up & play a great ball across the face of the goal for Pat to tuck away.
The last 5 minutes was end to end, edge of the seat stuff, but maybe the draw was the fairest result.
Not losing is getting to be a tremendous habit that we don't want to break - we've lost just once in 2012!!! What a great end to the season!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Christ The King
18th Mar 2012 at Bablake
Result: 3 - 3
Scorers: Patrick, Harvey, Jamie
Man of the Match: Padraic
On a freezing cold morning, the lads looked to keep their unbeaten league run going with a visit to Christ The King. This also presented us with a rare opportunity of a league double!
Both teams started brightly, but CTK took the early initiative & went one nil up afetr 10 minutes with a decent effort from just inside the box that Jude didn't stand a chance with. The lads bounced straight back though, with Joe Clay playing a great through ball which was expertly lobbed over the advancing keeper by Patrick.
The lads started to control the game by midway through the first half but were caught on the break by CTK to put them 2 - 1 up at half time.
CTK came out strong after the break & were soon 3-1 up with a neat finish. But this Firefighters Under 9's team don't give up!!!
Commanding performances in particular from Padraic & Joe M at the back & the tirelss working & movement of Mikey up front eventually paid off. A great run & shot from Mikey saw CTK keeper fumble the ball & in the scramble that followed, Harvey netted with his second in two games. Another great run, this time from Cameron led to Jamie converting from close range - top following up!
The lads sensed a win & were now going for the killer goal - Patrick & Mikey going close & then with the last kick of the game Joe M shaved the outside of the post......AAAARRRGGHH, so close!!!!
Top performance yet again from the boys against a very good CTK side - ome league game left, bring on Stratford!!!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Cov Jaguar
11th Mar 2012 at Daimler Green
Result: 4 - 2
Scorers: Patrick, Cameron x 2, Harvey
Man of the Match: Patrick
The lads were really up for this game today, they've been playing well, we should have beaten Jag at the "The Theatre of Dreams" earlier this season & add to that we were playing against one of our ex galactico's!!
The boys started strongly & showed their intent with some excellent long range efforts with Mikey & Pat both going close in the opening minutes. After 10 minutes the pressure finally paid off - Joe's long throw finding Pat on the edge of the box & Pat hit a great effort into the top corner - one nil & new boots christened!
We continued to press on & then another of Mikey's fine efforts proved too hot to handle for the Jag keeper & Cameron followed in & slipped the ball into the open net - 2 nil at half time.
We expected Jag to come out flying for the second half & use the wind to their advantage, but our dominance continued & Jamie linked well with Mikey to put Harvey through to place an unstoppable shot beneath the advancing keeper for his first ever Firefighters goal - well done Harvey, this will definitely be the first of many!
The constant pressure continued & poacher Cameron picked up his second half way throught the second half with a neat finish - 4 nil up & cruising.
Jag pulled two goals back in the last 5 minutes, but the game was over by then & a top team performance duly rewarded with another 3 points.
Jude, Padraic & Joe C at the back held firm throughout & snuffed out any signs of danger. The midfield dominated the game throughout with sterling efforts from Jamie, the excellent Pat, "Duracell Joe", Harvey & Cameron. Mikey worked his socks off & led the line up front to top a tremendous team effort. Two league games left - bring on Stratford & Christ the King!!!!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Alvis Juniors EXTRA TIME
26th Feb 2012 at Whitley Common
Result: 1 - 2
Scorers: Mikey
Man of the Match: Joe C
After two postponements due to the weather, we finally got to play our cup game against the runaway leaders from the B league.
On a bright & warm February morning & on a large pitch, Alvis started brightly & had a lot of the early posession - this led to a well taken goal after 10 minutes. For the rest of the first half, Firefighters really took the game to the home team with Mikey going close with a long range shot & Jamie\\\\\\\'s cross shot narrowly going past the far post. With 5 minutes to go before half time, Mikey picked up a loose ball outside the Alvis area & drove his shot under the keeper.
The second half was end to end stuff with Pat having a couple of long range efforts Harvey & Cameron going close at one end & the defensive wall of Padraic, Joe C, Joe M & Jude keeping Alvis out at the other end. One each at full time, so extra time beckoned.....
Extra time proved to be as close as normal time - the deciding factor being the free kick that led to Alvis converting into their second goal with a good finish. Despite constant pressure for the remainder of the game, the equaliser didn\\\\\\\'t arrive & after another top game, we have to concentrate on our remaining league games now.
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Leamington Hibs
19th Feb 2012 at Woodlands
Result: 1 - 1
Scorers: Joe M
Man of the Match: Joe M
This was the big one - the two strongest teams in the league (holding all the others up) going head to head. We didn't expect to see snow on the ground when we woke up this morning, but the lush surface was playable.
The lads started strongly & put the Hibs keeper under constant pressure & with 15 minutes gone, we had a corner. Patrick floated a a great cross in & Joe thundered in a cracking diving header one nil up at half time.
The flood gates were getting themselves ready to be fully opened for the second half when Hibs were awarded a free kick just outside the box. In Hibs's only strike on goal during the second half, the ball floated straight through the defence & past the freezing cold Jude - one each.
Despite a barrage of shots from Mikey, Pat, Cameron, Joe, Harvey & another header from Jamie this time - yet again the ball wouldn't cross the line AAARRGGHHH!!!!
Special mention to the two Joe's - C (he's back!!)for an outstanding display in defence & M for commanding the game from his new deeper midfield role - great stuff keep it going boys.
So unlucky not to get the win we thoroughly deserved, but it's another point, which means that the lads have achieved more points in the last three league games than in the previous 12 - let's keep this run going now until the end of the season!!!!!!!!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Coundon Court
29th Jan 2012 at Woodlands
Result: 0 - 0
Scorers: None
Man of the Match: Cameron & Harvey
The lads were buzzing after last week's victory & hopes of avenging the narrow one nil defeat to CC earlier in the season were high.
Both teams started brightly & despite chances at both ends, the first half remained goalless.
The second half was again competitive with Harvey & Cameron going close & Jude having to be on his toes at the other end. In summary, yet another really good game & another point for the Juniors.
This is the type of game that we would have lost a few weeks ago, but we hung on in there for a well deserved point. In just one week, we've doubled our points for the season - keep it going boys!!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Cov Sphinx
22nd Jan 2012 at Woodlands
Result: 3 - 1
Scorers: Patrick, Joe M, Mikey
Man of the Match: Mikey
WE WON! WE WON! WE WON! WE WON! WE WON! WE WON!
In the words of the recently deceased Etta James "AT LAST" WE WON!!!!!
We always have a good game against Sphinx & this was no exception, the lads started strongly & were unlucky not to take the lead early on after some great chances by Cameron & Mikey squeezed wide. Then an inspired substitution paid off with Patrick latching onto Joe (Rory Delap) M's long throw to lob the advancing Sphinx keeper - one nil up & cruising - great finish Master Ward!!
Then a lapse in concentration at the back & it was 1 each at half time.
In the second half with the wind blowing across the "Theatre of Dreams" the boys battled for everything & got their deserved reward when the lightening quick Harvey's run & shot was parried by the keeper only to be turned in by the hard working Joe to make it 2 -1 with 10 minutes to go! We then came under some intense pressure, but the brick wall that is Joe C & Padraic (with some help from Joe M & Jamie) held firm & Jude didn't really have a lot to do today!
In the closing minutes, the lads broke away & after a bit of a goal mouth scramble the excellent Mikey steered home the decisive goal, a well deserved victory & it's Happy Meals all round on Wednesday!
It's about time too - we now have to use this as the platform for a sustained charge up the table for the last five games of the season - GAME ON!!!!!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Dunlop
8th Jan 2012 at Woodlands
Result: 1 - 4
Scorers: Jamie
Man of the Match: Patrick
If SKY SPORTS had leant us their Carling OPTA stats machine today, then it would have been returned to the manufacturers! There is no way that a team can totally dominate a game with at least 60% of possession, have at least 18 attempts at goal (vs 8 for the opposition) & then lose 4-1???? But then again this is the U9's Juniors in 2011/12!!
The lads played really well again, but we just cannot convert any chances into goals?? The Dunlop goal was peppered with shots from Jamie, Mikey, Cameron, Pat, Joe, Harvey & even Joe C throughout the game, but only one squeezed in??
That said, Jude had a fairly quiet game apart from picking the ball out of the net 4 times from some admittedly stunning strikes from the opposition!
We've got a cup game next week - the cup's been good to us this season, so let's score some goals & get back to winning ways so we can come good for the remainder of the season - BRING ON ALVIS!!!!!!!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Copsewood
11th Dec 2011 at Allard Way
Result: 0 - 4
Scorers:
Man of the Match: Joe M
The lads really went for it today & had the runaway leaders on the ropes for most of the game. Close to half time & at one nil down, Mikey was through on goal when he was brought down inside the box (yes it was referee!!!) & got a free kick outside the box. This decision probably sums up our season so far, so near yet so far..
One down at half time & some great performances from the lads, with the midfield of Joe, Pat, Cameron & Jamie all working their socks off.
Surprise, surprise we had a penalty awarded against us & at 2 nil up with 10 minutes to go, the lads kept going & were unlucky not to at least pull one back.
Two more goals followed, but after last weeks climb down, the lads really restored their pride with a great performance - looking good for 2012!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Leamington Brakes
4th Dec 2011 at Woodlands
Result: 0 - 4
Scorers:
Man of the Match: Jamie
What a run of games - playing the top two over a four week period! The lads started brightly today & were unlucky not to go ahead with some great work from Jamie, Mikey & Joe all going close. Pat & Cameron put in a solid performance in midfield with Padraic, Jude & Joe blocking anything that Brakes could throw at us in the first half.
Then came the break....... & we capitulated in the second half, which was the most disappointing display of the season! The only bright point from today was a sound debut from Harvey! Bring on Copsewood next week.....
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Copsewood
27th Nov 2011 at Woodlands
Result: 0 - 5
Scorers:
Man of the Match: Mikey
Really windy day plus giving the league leaders too much respect in the first half = 5 nil down at half time.
Tremendous second half performance typified by the excellent Mikey in midfield & Captain Fantastic Padraic at the back & it's Chomp bars all round!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Leamington Brakes
20th Nov 2011 at Campion School Lmngtn
Result: 1 - 2
Scorers: Patrick
Man of the Match: Whole Team
AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Now this is getting beyond a joke - how can a team totally control a game (apart from the first 5 minutes of the second half) & not get at least a point against a team riding so high in the league (they re 3rd)?????
We started well with Joe hitting a great looping shot (from all of, must have been 200 yards out!) only for their keeper to somehow manage to keep it out, then we piled on the pressure even more with Mikey & Cameron going close. Patrick then finally got our just reward after 15 minutes. He chased down a seemingly lost cause putting pressure on their keeper & defender which led to Pat blasting home from close range -top vcentre forward play! That was it until half time - Firefighters fully in control.
Then for 5 unexplainable minutes at the start of the 2nd half we threw it away losiong 2 goals?????
The boys kept battling (great performances from all)& it all came down to a a last minute goal line scramble (surely it crossed the libe referee??). Jamie hit both the bar & the post - how that stayed out was the subject of me not getting any sleep last night!!!
And so our three week residency in Leamington (where every road is currently being dug up) comes to an end. In summary, we've won 1, lost 1 & drawn 1. Goals scored 14, goals against 4, league points 1 & into the next round of the cup - can we play at home next week please mr league secretary???
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Leam Hibs
13th Nov 2011 at Newbold Comyn
Result: 2 - 2
Scorers: Cameron, Patrick
Man of the Match: Cameron/Padraic/Jude
Another trip through the roadworks in Leamington for the second week running.
The boys got off to a flyer with Cameron taking the ball from inside his own half & then dancing through the Hibs midfield & slotting a neat shot inside the foot of the right hand post - one nil up after two minutes!
Hibs then hit back & struck the post twice & would definitley have scored if it wasn't for the excellent Padraic (with a C!) in defence & safe hands O'Connor in goal (again)! The boys were under pressure, but we kept the lead for half time.
The lads started brightly in the 2nd half, but we were coming under increasing pressure from Hibs. This pressure finally paid off for them & they equalised when a speculative shot deflected off an unlucky Joe C & diverted into the net past Jude. Hibs then took the lead with a great shot from the right hand side that gave Jude no chance. It was looking like it was going to another one of those days of which we've had too many this season!
But the lads never gave up & with the combative Joe M, Mikey & Jamie in midfield driving the team on - we kept pushing forward. With a minute left on the clock, Joe was taken down in the box - a dead cert penalty - the ref never gave it, but he did give the handball outside the box. Up steps "No nerves" Patrick to steer the ball into the back of the net direct from the free kick to level the game & give us our second haul of points for the season! GET IN!!!!
It's about time our luck changed - the season starts from now, onwards & upwards....
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Leam Hibs Colts (Cup)
6th Nov 2011 at Newbold Comyn
Result: 11 - 1
Scorers: Josh x 3, Jamie x 2, Joe M x 2, Patrick x 2, Mikey x 1 , Cameron x 1
Man of the Match: Padraig / Jamie
After disappointing results recently, & despite playing well, it was nice to be able to concentrate on the cup this week.
This Hibs team are flying in the C league, so we weren't taking anything for granted. The lads started well & took control early doors with Mikey going on a trademark mazey run & finishing confidently to put us one nil up.
Hibs then came back with a great strike to level things. They then nearly took the lead but for a contender for save of the season from "safe hands" O'Connor who flew to his left to stop a shot that was headed into the top corner - top man Jude!
That was about the good it got for Hibs, with Jamie & Patrick netting before half time - Patrick finishing off Joe M's shot at close range (last week I told you these things come back to get you didn't I Joe!!!!) 3 - 1 at half time & well in control.
After the break, the boys took full control of the game & didn't give Hibs any time or space. When Hibs did threaten, the unmoveable Padraig was there to clear things up. Skipper Jamie led form the front & netted again from the wing. The goals then started to flow with Josh (x3), Joe M (x2), Patrick again & a fine finish from Cameron completing the rout!
Hopefully we can now take this cup form & confidence into our league campaign & start gathering the points that have so far eluded us this season
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Cov Jag
30th Oct 2011 at Woodlands
Result: 3 - 5
Scorers: Mikey x 1, Joe M x2
Man of the Match: None chosen
After a well deserved half term break, the lads started strongly against Cov Jag. Our early domination was rewarded after 10 minutes when Mikey drilled a low drive into the bottom corner after a great run - one nil up & cruising! Then, as with so many games this season, we failed to make the most of our posession & how we were punished! A cracking little player for the opposition took the game to us & netted four times in ten minutes before half time.
Shell shocked to be 4-1 down at half time, the lads rallied in the second half & once again domintated the play. After a great piece of skill by Cameron which was goal bound, Joe sneaked in at the far post to volley the effort home from close range - good finish Joe, but these things come back to bite you in the future!!! Jamie then played a great through ball & Joe slotted for his second & Firefighters third. The Jag were getting worried at 4-3, but then scored on a break away closing the scoring for the morning.
But for that loss of concentration in the first half, we could & should have got something out of this game - there's always the cup next week!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Stratford Town
16th Oct 2011 at Woodlands
Result: 1 - 4
Scorers: Patrick
Man of the Match: Patrick
The last time we played Stratford, they wallopped us 10 - 1, so after a long 12 month wait, the lads were looking to get some pride back.
We started off slowly, & Stratford took full advantage going two nil up within the first three minutes. The boys then started to play & some great pressure led to a corner. Joe M floated becomes the second Under 9 to score from a header!! Macdonalds for the crosser & scorer!
A close second half followed, but Stratford put away their chances & in the end the boys lost out 4-1 - but pride restored!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Cov Sphinx
9th Oct 2011 at Sphinx, Siddeley Ave
Result: 1 - 2
Scorers: Mikey
Man of the Match: None Chosen
We have had a great record against Sphinx in the past 18 months & should have extended our unbeaten run against them today. The lads started brightly & came close with some great long range shots from Mikey & Patrick - both hitting the woodwork early on, but Sphinx were quick on the break & went one nil up after 10 mins with a shot that looped over the unlucky Jude.
This spurred the boys on & Mikey soon hit back with a great long range effort that sailed into the roof of the net - one each at half time.
This game was here for the taking, but it just wasn't our day today - Sphinx were first to the ball & they controlled the midfield. Another break away down the right hand side & a nice finish past Jude & Sphinx copmpleted the scoring. Despite some late pressure with Joe, Josh & Cameron going close - it just wasn't happening today. Back to the drawing board & some new ideas needed for the visit of Stratford Town to the Theatre of Dreams next week.
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Christ The King
2nd Oct 2011 at Woodlands
Result: 3 - 2
Scorers: Patrick x 2, Jamie x 1
Man of the Match: Whole Team
At last, we have a win in the league! On a really hot Sunday morning, the lads started off strongly & after a number of near misses & hitting the woodwork on 3 separate occasions, Patrick hit a stunning drive into the roof of the net - one nil.
Some great footwork on the right from Jamie & he crossed in again for Pat to slot home from close range for number 2. Against the run of play, CTC broke swiftly down the centre & beat Jude with a neat effort to reduce the deficit.
Just before half time, some tricky footwork from Cameron helped Jamie lose his marker & slide the ball in from close range to make it 3 - 1 at half time.
The heat began to take it's toll & our lads seemed to suffer more in the 2nd half. CTC came back strongly & managed to pull one goal back. Some great saves from Jude & strong defending from Joe & Padraig meant that we kept the lead & gained our first points of the season - great effort lads.
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Triumph
25th Sep 2011 at Woodlands (U9's Cup)
Result: 15 - 0
Scorers: Joe M 4, Patrick 3, Mikey 3, Cameron 2, Jamie 1, Padraig 1, Joe Clay (yes, Joe Clay) 1
Man of the Match: Whole Team
If only I had done the lottery this week! At the end of last week's match report I wrote that some unlucky team were going to get a hammering in the near future - I wasn't quite expecting it to be 15 nil!!!
After a lively start from Triumph, the lads got into their stride with Patrick & Jamie striking each post before Patrick got the proceedings underway direct from a corner kick. Two more goals followed from Jamie (1st left footed goal of the season) & Patrick with a stunning drive that looped over the keepers head. Then the flood gates opened - further goals from Mikey, Cameron (2) & Pat again meant a half time lead of 7 nil.
We changed things around in the 2nd half with Jude coming out of goal & by pushing Hansen & Lawrenson (Joe C & Padraig) into forward positions. Less than 30 seconds of the second half gone & we were 8 nil up - skipper Joe M moving forward straight from the KO & hitting a cracking shot into the roof of the net.
We were practising crossing at training last week & this paid off in great style today with Josh sending some great balls into the middle - this helped Padraig to net his first of the season with a stunning volley (off his thigh!) & Mikey to convert again. Further goals from Mikey (great run a shot), Joe M (with some real sharp shooting from distance) & it was 14 nil.
The biggest cheer of the day was when the two Joe's combined neatly & Joe Clay scored his first ever goal for Firefighters diverting the ball past the oncoming keeper - well done Joe. However, you need to practice your goal celebrations for next time, we couldn't decide if you were just really cool or very embarassed!!
Great to get a win under our belts, we now need to push on with confidence in the league & start coverting chances against other A league teams - starting with Christ the King next week.
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Coundon Court
18th Sep 2011 at Coundon Court School
Result: 0 - 1
Scorers:
Man of the Match: Padraig & Jude
After last week's result, & a morale boosting victory over the under 10's in midweek, the lads were keen to get back on the pitch & get back into the winning groove at Coundon Court.
The long walk to the pitch must have taken it's toll in the first half as CC looked dangerous going forward & more likely to score - only for the excellent Padraig to clear the lines & Jude to make some outstanding saves throughout the game. We were playing on the break & came close to opening the scoring with some great runs & shots from Mikey & Cameron. We held out for 15 minutes, then CC took the lead through a decent effort that looped over Jude - one nil down at half time.
A complete reversal in the second half as firefighters dominated the game & CC were left to play on the odd break. Some great corners were coming in from Joe - Mikey, Jamie & Cameron all went close, but yet again the opposition keeper was in fine form & despite constant Firefighters pressure we couldn't find the back of the net.
With no subs, the 7 lads we had out there today worked their socks off & deserved at least a point - our luck's going to change soon & one unlucky team are going to get hammered in the next few weeks - I can just feel it!!!
Fixture: Under 9s - Juniors vs. Dunlop[
11th Sep 2011 at Burnaby Rd
Result: 2 - 3
Scorers: Mikey x 2
Man of the Match: Mikey McTigue
The waiting is finally over - the sun tan lotion put away, school's are back, the Autumnal weather is here & the Under 9's are fit & raring to go with their first campaign in the A league!
The last time we played at this venue, we walked away with a trophy, so hopes were high of a repeat performance. So with great new kits (lads, you will grow into these - one day!) & high hopes we took to the field.
Captain Mikey won the toss & decided to play into the driving wind in the first half - great decision as he then put us one nil up inside the first two minutes, converting Joe M's cross neatly at the near post! The wind was playing havoc at the back, Jamie had cleared one effort off the line, but it eventually helped Dunlop get level after 10 minutes.
20 mins gone & the lads were controlling the middle of the park - Joe Clay won the ball in the centre & played a lovely pass to Joe M, who in turn played in Mikey for his second with a great finish the the outside of his right foot from just inside the box 2 - 1 up at half time.
Playing with the wind behind us in the 2nd half, we were controlling the game & had many chances that we just couldn't convert. Patrick hit a left foot drive towards the top corner, but the keeper (having a great game) leapt & turned it just around the post, Cameron had a couple of chances, so did Joe & Josh - we then got the feeling that it could be one of those days!
Then the turning point - we were 2-1 up & looking like win no 1 was on it's way with two minutes to go. A dubious decision by the ref & Dunlop had a free kick just outside our box & then it's 2-2. Into injury time & Dunlop's captain ran down the right & fired in an unstoppable shot despite Jude's best efforts - how cruel!!!
The lads played well & we deserved at least a draw, but we paid the price for not converting our many chances - a hard lesson learned today - but onwards & upwards. Bring on Coundon Court next week!!!