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. 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!!!