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.