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)