Under 8s - Rangers
| Manager | Andy Vickers | Mob: 07805769692 andy.vickers@eonenergy.com |
Match Reports
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Cov Jag
5th May 2012 at Away
Result: Lost
Scorers: Louie, Ewan 2
Man of the Match: Kavan & George & Louis
The final fixture of the season was against Cov Jag.
With lots of subs to rotate the organisation of the team suffered a little, but it was good to see everyone available and playing with a smile on their face.
FF did lead briefly against a team a year older an certainly weren't far off matching their opponents overall. A superb 1st time finish from Louie go us off to a great start. Kavan also made some heroic saves in goal. George ran his socks off again in the midfield.
In the end a loss, but over the season we were very competitive within the Whittle league.
Louis deserved his long overdue MotM award in the additional shortened match played afterwards.
The team have been a credit to the firefighters club.
Louie
Kavan
Joe
Finn
Cameron
Louis
Stephen
Bradley
George
Will
Daniel
Ewan
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Pinley
28th Apr 2012 at Away
Result: Won
Scorers: Ewan 4, Kavan 3, Cameron
Man of the Match: Will
In midst of a drought, most games this weekend were called off due to waterlogged pitches. However, the Pinley pitch was in remarkably good condition.
But playing into the wind and rain in the first half, Pinley had the majority of the play. Will showed a much improved focus on the game, getting his challenges in and making passes to his team mates. Finn made a good couple of saves to keep FF in touch at half time. George had a good run out in midfield making some timely interceptions.
With 2nd half conditions now in their favour, FF took control of the game. Ewan running at the opposition at every opportunity. Kavan, a real handful up front. Daniel grew in confidence, dribbling past two players at one point.
Cameron notched up his first FF goal, taking up a clever far post position from a corner to finish well, then showing off the biggest of smiles running back for the restart.
Pinley still looked dangerous however, a cute finish to chip the goalkeeper the only one conceded in the second half. Will commanded his area well to intercept Pinley attacks and make good clearances out of his hands.
A terrific performance and a thoroughly enjoyable match, which helped distract everyone from the cold, at least for a while, well done!
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Mount Nod
21st Apr 2012 at Away
Result: Lost
Scorers:
Man of the Match: Daniel
The impressive Mount Nod, filled with Academy level players were too strong for FF.
They battled on bravely throughout but it wasn’t enough this time. The manager kept to an ambitious attacking formation which did leave space for the MD attacks, but at least this mean’t FF managed a few attempts on goal.
Still, this shows the level we can aspire too, as I think this opposition must be the strongest U7 team in the city.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Mount Nod Blue
7th Apr 2012 at Home
Result: Won
Scorers: Kavan 2, Ewan 1, Louis 1, Stephan 1
Man of the Match: Joe
FF played some beautiful football in the first half. Retaining possession and being confident on the ball to find that right pass.
Stephan bagged his first FF goal and showed great confidence on the ball. Louie played a valuable team role to link the team together. Ewan showed his determination to run at the opposition and create opportunities for others. Joe positioned himself well in defence, not let the attackers get in behind him ,alongside mr consistent, Cameron. Louis continued to impress and notched up another goal.
Perhaps the manager gave them too much praise as the second half was completely different to the first. Mount Nod to their credit never gave up and got themselves back in the game down to honest hard work. Bradley made a good save to keep FF in front.
Kavan never touched the ball in goal in the first half but got right involved in the second with two cool finishes.
FF ran out worthy winners in the in end with an impressive display.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Ernesford Dynamos
24th Mar 2012 at Home
Result: Lost
Scorers: Louie
Man of the Match: Louie
Firefighters started well to match a strong ED team.
Ewans cross picked out Louie whose first time shot was unstoppable.
Kavan stood up strong to save a firmly struck penalty.
FF were on the back foot as the team struggled to adapt to the changes made at half time. Louie ward was superb in defence, constantly coming to the rescue to keep out he ED onslaught.
Joe worked hard in midfield to break up the opposition attacks. Stephan in goal for the second half, was alert to quickly come off his line to clear the danger. Bradley showed bursts of speed up front, but we still need to work out how to get him on the ball more.
Almost enough for a result but a bit more fire and fight needed next time!
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Coundon Court
17th Mar 2012 at Home
Result: Lost
Scorers: Kavan, Ewan
Man of the Match: Stephan
Firefighters weren't quite at it today and paid the price. A couple of CCB goals were certainly a little fortunate but FF didn't do enough to win.
A little more effort to work their team mates and passing to them at the right moment, might have made the difference to get a result.
Stephan was bright in midfield and Ewan scored a great solo goal but there was certainly some things to work on in training.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Leamington Hibs Shamrocks
3rd Mar 2012 at Away
Result: Won
Scorers: Kavan, Louis 3
Man of the Match: Bradley
Firefighters maintained their unbeaten away record against leamington hibs shamrocks.
Even after conceding an early goal against the run of play, they confidently played their way back into the game.
Kavan got us back in the match with a good strike.
Louis kept looking for space in the box, being in the right place to complete a hat-trick, I think his family may be reminded of that a few times over the weekend.
Daniel was flying into the tackles and Bradley struck a superb shot which needed a good save onto the post. Finn nearly burst the ball with his power driven shot which rattled the bar.
Great industry from Louie, Stephen and Ewan linked the team up well throughout. Cameron was dependable in defence but also showed confidence on the ball.
2 wondrous goals from leam hibs, but it was a deserved win for FF.
Well done boys
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Pro Santos
25th Feb 2012 at Home
Result: Lost
Scorers:
Man of the Match: None chosen
Pro Santos were far brighter in opening exchanges and raced into the lead.
The discipline of recent weeks was lacking and the defence was often exposed on the break, when the midfield were found out of position.
A rare highlight was Stephans shot which was unlucky to come back off the post.
At half time the troops were regrouped and a much improved display followed. Pro Santos chances were restricted to a couple of half chances as FF kept to their individual roles for the team. Louie was excellent in defence even though he didn't believe it.
Cameron had a run out up front and when brought down in the box took the responsibility himself, only to see his spot kick go just wide. (If Gerrard(s) can miss, so could anyone!)
Bradley was excellent in goal which included some huge clearances out of his hands. Finn was his usual tenacious self and contributed well throughout.
An even second half to FF's credit and some defensive skills to work on for this weeks training.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Southam Colts
18th Feb 2012 at Away
Result: Won
Scorers: Louie 3, Ewan, Kavan
Man of the Match: Louie
A terrific game was played out at windswept Southam. The team started well but failed to take some early chances and then fell behind against the run of play.
But to their credit, they kept their heads up and deservedly got themselves back into the game. Louie was playing with great confidence and got a superb hat-trick. Stephan was unfortunate to see the ref pull the game back for a free kick, just as he was about to run in on goal. Super sub Daniel came off the bench and really got stuck in, which was great to see.
Ewan showed tremendous energy to run at the Southam defence and good discipline to quickly return to his defensive position.
The good team play continued into the second half as FF threatened to run away with the game. But Southam took advantage of FF not keeping to their defensive positions to put the result back in the balance.
With time running out Kavan pounced to fire the ball into the roof of the net to seal a great win.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Santos
28th Jan 2012 at Away
Result: Won
Scorers: Louie, Kavan 3, Ewan 5
Man of the Match: Kavan
FF continued to make strides forward with a great team display against Santos. They are now getting into good habits of looking to pass at the right moment. Louis and Daniel both set up shooting chances with clever through balls.
Cameron, Joe and Finn were tenacious in defence, snuffing out lots of opposition attacks. Will positioned himself well in goal, being in the right place to deflect several shots wide of the goal.
Louie reminded us what a sweet left foot he has with another to his goal tally. Kavan was full of energy marauding forward and bagged himself a deserved hat-trick. Ewan also had his shooting boots on again.
Confidence should be very high to take into their next game.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Brinklow
21st Jan 2012 at Away
Result: Won
Scorers: Ewan 3
Man of the Match: Ewan
FF switched to an ambitious 2-2-2 formation as they looked to go on the attack. But the first half was one of survival as driving rain left a quite a few players looking cold, wet an miserable by half time.
With Joe and George battling bravely on after receiving smashed balls to the face and Cameron and Will getting knocks the FF's were walking wounded by full time.
As second half weather conditions improved, so did the performance as the team linked up some nice passing moves. Ewan was in top form with all left foot hat-trick, who combined well with the ever impressive stephan in midfield. George and Bradley got stuck in and showed good confidence on the ball. Finn may have suffering frost bite after being in goal in the first half, but got well involved and managed some strong strikes on goal.
Cameron was very close to notching up his first FF goal when his shot from the edge of the box hit the bar.
Well done boys, a good performance, especially considering several players were missing through sickness.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Mount Nod Blue
3rd Dec 2011 at Away
Result: Draw
Scorers: Ewan, o.g.
Man of the Match: Stephan
The boys weren't at the races today, several appeared to be suffering from coughs and colds. Louie made several good 1st half saves in goal and in the outfield in the second half, linked the team up well with some unselfish passes.
Stephan earned his MoTM award with his determination to work for his team mates and always kept himself in intelligent positions.
The manager holds his hands up for the first goal but we still want to encourage the players to be confident in possession and bring the all out from the back.
FF briefly lead after another unselfish pass gave Ewan time and space to finish. A lapse in concentration let Mount Nod right back in, but a draw was the right result on the day but we can hope for a fully fit FF team next time.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Mount Nod
26th Nov 2011 at Home
Result: Lost
Scorers:
Man of the Match: Louie
FF struggled against a good mount nod Team.
The effort was there, but the team work was not. With FF not passing to each other very much, the Mount Nod team were able to hunt down the possession in packs and dominate the game.
Some lessons to be learn’t about passing and moving in order to be more competitive against good teams like this.
With little in the way of chances provided by the team Louie did very well up front to create some shooting opportunities against a defender we have seen play well a number of times now.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Coundon Court
19th Nov 2011 at Away
Result: Won
Scorers: Louie 2, louis, Kavan, Ewan
Man of the Match: Finn
FF rattled up plenty of goals in a entertaining encounter with coundon court.
Louis made a great debut in midfield and Joe stepped up a gear in his new boots. Louie put in a real shift in midfield and was a constant goal threat when up front.
Daniels confidence is growing all the time and Bradley showed glimses of great pace. Kavan showed good responsibility to track all the way back after his marauding runs forward.
With the result in the balance until the latter stages, FF kept their cool and took their chances to pull clear.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Leamington Hibs U7
12th Nov 2011 at Home
Result: Won
Scorers: Finn, Ewan
Man of the Match: Cameron
After a few last minute discussions it was decided the Leam Hibs U7 should play the FF U7 rather than what the Listed fixture may have said. Leaving the two U8 teams to fight it out on the adjacent pitch.
Both teams looked solid at the back in a first half of few chances. Finn got the first goal by managing to block a clearance which flew into the net.
Ewan then broke forward from his defensive role to fire his shot into the top of the net. Hibs then hit back straight away to put the result back in the balance.
After half time FF had several chances to score more goals were reluctant to give that final pass or standing too close to receive the ball in space.
But you couldn’t fault the effort, epitomised by Stephan who worked tirelessly and must have run Cameron very close for Man of the Match.
Well done boys, but plenty to work on in training.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Leamington Hibs U8
29th Oct 2011 at Home
Result: Lost
Scorers: Kavan 1
Man of the Match: None chosen
This was a bridge too far for the U7's.
Playing a team a year older, filled with academy players and FF having one or two absent, a lesson in football was duly taught.
Fair play to boys they kept trying right to the end and at least we know the standard we can aim to be in a years time.
Fixture: Under 8s - Rangers vs. Dunlop
15th Oct 2011 at Away
Result: Won
Scorers: Ewan 4, Louie 3
Man of the Match: None chosen
Playing their first fixture as a purely under 7 team, the boys did remarkably well against Dunlop. They worked hard for each other through out and showed glimpses of great passing sequences which is promising for the future.
The Debutants of Daniel, George, Finn and Bradley fitted well into the team and all acquitted themselves well.
The game itself was a feast of goals, which was hard to keep up with the scoring. So if any goal scorers are incorrect, please let the manager know. Louie and Ewan deserve a mention not just for their hat tricks but their passing really linked the team together.
Stephen showed great energy on the wing and was unlucky to see his goal bound long range shot blocked. Finn was decisive in defence, making some good clearances, alongside was Cameron who was his usual wall, thou shall not pass.
Kavan showed how adaptable he was, being in goal for the first half and equally effective up front for the second. Joe showed great endeavour to clear his lines in the first half and his willingness to be a team player by offering to go in goal for the second.
Well done lads, and we look forward to welcoming more debutants next week.