Sunday 21st December: U14 v Lydiard Youth

The shooting practice obviously worked because we scored more goals than any other game this season and were 3-2 ahead after only five minutes, having twice been behind. Unfortunately we were lacking in our eagerness to win the ball and communication with the rest of the team, which meant that we lost the ball too easily and let in some goals that could easily have been avoided. When we show both commitment and finishing in the same match, as well as increased stamina, it won't be too long before that elusive first win comes...

An excellent hat trick from Luke B capped another impressive game, whilst there were debut goals from James and Connor. Dom was the other scorer with another goal from left back, whilst Peter made a number of crucial saves at the other end.

Enjoy the break, but keep fit and see you at training on 8th January!

Captain's MOM: Matt R, for his tireless running and passing.
Coaches' MOM: Chris, for putting in a determined performance both in midfield and defence.

Squad: Luke B, Jack B, James, Connor, Peter, Ryan, Dom, Jack P, Matt R, Dan, Chris, Luke W and Oli H

Shooting Practice Results - Thursday 18th December

Just in case anyone is interested, here are the results from Thursday. Well done to Jonathon N (cheeseman) who won two games and had the best score overall.

Name 1st 2nd 3rd Total

cheeseman 836 827 1110 2773
dizzyizzy 417 897 1061 2375
billybecon 685 717 736 2138
g warrior 767 656 668 2091
jacob 409 1079 518 2006
matt 573 602 793 1968
wesley 491 770 696 1957
dom 558 502 884 1944
jon 553 523 851 1927
john a 345 747 722 1814
a fail 602 554 602 1758
denise 194 625 919 1738
jerry 423 552 711 1686
fred 535 468 575 1578
chris 289 631 613 1533
chief 392 641 452 1485
arnold 640 844 1484
sonic 435 315 725 1475
haxster 399 579 486 1464
guinniboy 529 457 453 1439
lumpychump 267 631 539 1437
harry 558 363 425 1346
andy 258 638 381 1277
neverumind 258 450 535 1243
guinniboy3 192 409 548 1149
luke 331 255 518 1104
lee 125 324 544 993
pogo 228 263 153 644
tecky 231 150 235 616
ollie 252 124 210 586
yogan 133 208 203 544
ryan 13 100 296 409

WINNERS RED RED GREEN

Sunday 30th November: U14 v Cricklade Youth

A horrible morning, with an icy wind and the odd snow flurry, but all the players continued to show some excellent spirit. The match was lost in the first half, with some well-taken goals from Cricklade and our own failure to convert any of the many chances. It was much the same in the second half, with Wanborough having more of the possessions but not managing to score and Cricklade scoring from two of their counter-attacks.

Overall, the team played well, with an improvement in passing and committment, although there is still room for improving fitness level (and some shooting practice!).

Captain's MOM: Dom, who had a solid game in defence, particularly in the second half.
Coaches' MOM: Matt J, who worked tirelessly both in attack and defence.

Squad: Oli B, Will, Toby, Luke B, James, Jack B, Matt J, Dom, Matt R, Ryan, Dan, Chris and Luke W

Sunday 23rd November: U14 v Coleshill Juniors

A disappointing result against a strong Coleshill side. The weather didn't help the passing game that has started to develop in recent weeks and the heavy pitch meant that Coleshill's better fitness was crucial. The main learning point is that we need to have fourteen players who want to give everything whilst they are on the pitch. We cannot afford to have anybody losing their concentration because of a goal or a decision against them, and we also need every player to show 100% commitment to support their team-mates and to want to win the ball.

Captain's MOM: Toby, for pulling off some excellent saves.
Coaches' MOM: Luke B, for another inspirational performance in the middle, capped by a fine solo goal.

Squad: Oli B, Will, Toby, Luke B, James, Matt J, Dom, Jonathon, Jack P, Matt R, Jack B, Ryan S, Chris and Luke W

Sunday 16th November: U14 v Shrivenham & Watchfield

For the third match in a row there was a noticable improvement in the way the team worked together, passing the ball well and challenging for everything. After going a goal behind, the team fought back well to take and hold the lead in the first half; Jack P scoring both goals. The main difference in the second half was that players started to tire, which allowed Shrivenham more space to attack and get their shots in. It was good to see that heads did not go down and there was no arguing when the goals went in. The main point to concentrate on is a continuation of the work in improving fitness of all players.

Captain's MOM: Luke B, who had another excellent game in the centre of the field.
Coaches' MOM: Peter, who pulled off a number of brave saves, particularly in the first half.

Squad: Oli B, Luke B, James, Jack B, Connor, Peter, Oli H, Matt J, Dom, Jack P, Matt R, Ryan, Chris and Luke W

Sunday 2nd November: U14 v Stratton Youth

By all accounts, another exciting game where a stronger team performance again almost got a result. With the continued increased commitment of all team players, together with additional work on developing fitness and skills, it should not be too much longer before that elusive first win of the season is secured!

Luke B had another excellent game, scoring two goals, with the other scored by Oli B for his first of the season.

Captain's MOM: Jack P
Coaches' MOM: Dom

Squad: Oli B, Will, Toby, Luke B (captain), James, Jack B, Connor, Peter, Dom, Jack P, Ryan, Dan, Chris and Oli H

Sunday 26th October: U14 v Ramsbury

The performance in this match was a massive improvement on previous games. All the players worked tirelessly, there was plenty of challenging for the ball and we managed to avoid the usual squabbles when a goal went in. It was obviously disappointing to lose after having been ahead at half time for the first time this season, but it gives something to build on for the next few matches.

It is very difficult to single out particular players for praise because the whole team played at a new level. In addition to those who deservedly won the MOM awards, Peter had a superb first game in goal, Ryan was very strong in the centre of defence, Oli got in some crucial tackles in midfield, Jack created problems for their defence and Luke showed the way in battling hard for the whole game. Dan started to take charge all the way down the right hand side, and Dom did the same down the left, whilst Chris, Jack, Will and Connor all made sure that there were many fewer gaps between the defence and the forwards.

Captain's MOM: Matt J, who had an inspirational game up front, scoring two superb goals and giving the whole team confidence.
Coaches' MOM: Matt R, who had an excellent game in the centre of defence, missing little in the air and on the ground, as well as clearing two goal-bound efforts off the line.

Squad: Will, Luke B, Jack B, Connor, Peter, Oli H, Matt J, Dom, Jack P, Matt R, Ryan (captain), Dan and Chris

Sunday 19th October: U14 v Marlborough Town

The first half started very promisingly, with a number of chances created but, unfortunately, none were converted. Marlborough then scored with their first two attacks and heads dropped. Once again, the second half proved to be much better, with goals from Luke B and Matt R, and an improved all-round team perfoemance. Well done in particular to the three players who made their debuts.

Captain's MOM: Luke B, who had a very impressive debut in showing a great desire to want to win the ball and create chances for his team-mates.
Coaches' MOM: Jonathon, who worked hard in his tenancious, battling way.

Squad: Toby, Oli B, Will, Luke B, James, Jack B, Connor, Oli H, Matt J, Jonathon, Jack P, Matt R, Ryan and Dan

Training Update

Just a reminder that training is now at The Liddington (formerly Zurich’s King Edward Place training centre) from 7-8pm. The entrance to the facility is on the Wanborough to Foxhill road, just before the Shepherd’s Rest pub and opposite the moto-cross track.

Cars should be parked in the large car park on the right as you come in (opposite the stables) and the pitch can be found by walking straight across at the fountain pond, past the entrance to the main building, and following the road round – the floodlights should be on, so you should see the pitch once you have passed the fountain. Please do not use the small car park by the house, as this is now rented out separately.

The pitch is astro turf, so trainers (and shin pads) will be required. The training session starts at 7pm, so make sure that you arrive in plenty of time to walk round.

Sunday 5th October: U14 v Fairford Town

This was another game of two halves. The first half was characterised by a lack of wanting to be first to the ball and some basic errors that we should not be making. We will need to carry on working on showing more eagerness to win the ball both in open play and from set pieces. The second half was a considerable improvement, with a number of players slotting into more unfamiliar positions with great enthusiasm and success. It paid off in the end with two goals that involved both persistence and teamwork, first with Jack set up by Matt R and Matt J then setting up Dom for the second.

Captain's MOM: Matt R, for his hard work throughout the match.
Coaches' MOM: Dan, for acquitting himself well in defence and two different midfield positions.
Squad: Toby, Dan, Matt J, Oli B, Dom, Will, Matt R, Jack P, Ryan, James, Luke, Chris, Jonathon and Peter.
Special thanks to Oli H for sitting out this match and to Jack B for coming along to support.

Sunday 28th September: U14 v Shaw B

Although the result went against us, it was a much-improved performance in this match against a strong Shaw team. We had a few chances to score, but didn't manage to find the net and Shaw's superior finishing made us pay.

Captain's MOM: Jack, for another assured display in midfield and defence
Coaches' MOM: Will, for his versatility in this match and also on Thursday
Squad: Oli B, Will, Toby, James, Matt J, Dom, Jack, Matt R, Ryan, Dan, Chris, Luke

Thursday 25th September: U14 v Cricklade Youth

The positive point about the first half was that we scored first! Fortunately everyone seemed to learn from the mistakes that were made in the first half and the performance in the second half made us look like a different team.

The points to improve are again the importance of wanting to be first to the ball in challenges and ensuring that all sections of the team link together. The main positive to take from the match is the way in which everyone in the team worked in the second half; this is how we should aim to play the whole of every match.

Captain's MOM: Jonathon, for his excellent second half performance in goal.
Coaches' MOM: Ryan, for a good strong performance in defence.
Squad: Oli B, Will, James, Oli H, Matt J, Dom, Jonathon, Matt R, Ryan, Dan

Sunday 21st September: U14 v Coleshill Juniors (Cup)

As with the other Wanborough teams playing in the cup today, we'll now be free to concentrate on the league!

It was another excellent first half display, with some defensive lapses in the second half making the final score a little unfair. The points to work on remain the need to increase fitness levels, which will make it easier to outpace the opposition and give a greater opportunity to be first to the ball.

Captain's MOM: Oli B, who provided good leadership in defence
Coaches' MOM: Dom, who had another two excellent games this week

Squad: Toby, Dan, Oli B, Matt J, Ryan, Dom, Will, Jack, Luke, James, Matt R, Oli H and Chris

Thursday 18th September: U14 v Croft Juniors B

Unfortunately the final result did not really reflect the good performance put in during the first half, to keep the score at 0-1. Having conceded a couple more goals early in the second half, it was good to pull a goal back through Dom, but then the tiring legs told and a few more goals were let in unnecessarily.

The positives were the good performance in the first half. Areas to improve include the need to ensure that all players attack the ball and want to win it, plus ensuring that everyone joins in the three cheers at the end.

Captain's MOM: Toby, who pulled off some great saves.
Coaches' MOM: Jack, who put in another strong performance.
Squad: Toby, Dan, Oli B, Matt J, Dom, Will, Matt R, Jack, Ryan, Oli H, James, Peter and Luke

Sunday 14th September: U14 v Highworth Town Juniors

After going a couple of goals behind in the first half, it was pleasing to see how all the players battled back to draw level, with goals from Jack towards the end of the first half and Lewis in the second half. The whole team worked well together in the second half, showing a lot more commitment and passing the ball around well.

There is still room for improvement though and it is important that everyone starts showing this level of commitment from the first whistle.

Captain's MOM: Dom, who had probably his best ever game
Coaches' MOM: Lewis, who scored a vital goal and showed good enthusiasm for the rest of the match

Squad: Toby, Dan, Oli B, Matt J, Dom, Will, Jack, Ryan, Luke, James, Matt R, Oli H, Lewis and Peter

Thursday 11th September: U14 v Ramsbury

This turned out to be a tough first match, with the Ramsbury forwards causing lots of problems in the first half. Matt R scored a good goal to pull one back in the first half (1-4). The second half was a lot more even, with plenty of chances at either end, but Ramsbury ended up 1-6 winners.

The positives were the good performances by the three new players, Peter, Ryan and James, how well the rest of the team has made them feel welcome and the good sportsmanship shown by the whole team in the match. Areas to improve include ensuring that the defence does not play too deep, that the midfield players do not leave a gap in front of the defence and the strikers chase every ball.

Captain's MOM: Matt R, who scored a well-taken goal and worked hard all game
Coaches' MOM: Oli B, who showed exactly the right attitude for the captain by being vocal and encouraging his team mates

Squad: Toby, Dan, Oli B, Matt J, Dom, Will, Matt R, Jack, Ryan, Lewis, Oli H, James, Peter and Jonathon

September Fixtures

Following the withdrawal of Robins and Stratton Juniors, and Sunday's postponement, the next few fixtures have changed slightly. The remaining games in September will now be:

Thursday 11 September - away v Ramsbury (kick off 18:15)
Sunday 14 September - home v Highworth Town Juniors (kick off 14:00)
Thursday 18 September - home v Croft Juniors B (kick off 18:15)
Sunday 21 September - home v Coleshill Juniors (CUP - kick off 10:30)
Thursday 25 September - home v Cricklade Youth (kick off 18:15)
Sunday 28 September - away v Shaw B (kick off 14:00)

2008/09 Season Preview

There will be a newsletter out in the next few days. This will include some important information about the new season, as well as the league registration form for completion.

Firstly, as I mentioned at the AGM we really do need a couple of extra players – there are one or two who might be interested. We could do with a full squad of 14 for each match next season, which means having a few more registered to cover illness and other absences, so keep your eyes and ears open for anyone else who is looking for a team.

There was a vote at the League AGM which, unfortunately, went in favour of having two divisions, rather than three in the U-14 age group.

This means that there will be matches almost every Sunday from the start of September until the end of April, as well as three matches on Thursdays in September.

The full fixture list will be in the newsletter, but remember to check the FA Fulltime website for the latest position (there's a link on the right).

The other teams with Wanborough in U-14 Division 2 are:

Cricklade Youth
Coleshill Juniors
Croft Juniors B
Fairford Youth
Greenmeadow B
Highworth Juniors
Lydiard Youth B
Marlborough Town
Ramsbury
Robins
Shaw B
Shrivenham & Watchfield
Stratton Juniors
Stratton Youth

There will obviously be plenty of games!

With such a small squad, it is even more vital that I know as soon as possible whether anyone is unavailable for a particular match, so please check your calendars and let me know.