Sunday 1st November: U15 v Ramsbury

It was another fantastic team performance in another close battle against Ramsbury. On the balance of play this turned out to be a well-deserved win. The first half was very even, with James finishing off an excellent cross from Jonny L to continue his fine scoring spell. Unfortunately we conceeded shortly before half time, but it was good to see that heads did not go down and everyone continued to play their part.

The second half was almost all one-way, as the Ramsbury goal was peppered with shots. The finishing let us down, as the game should have been safe before Will followed up his own shot to net our second goal. The only time that Ramsbury put the goal under pressure in the second half was during the last ten minutes, so Luke (and, briefly, Matt) did not have much opportunity to show off their goal-keeping skills!

It was once again a team performance that contributed to the result, with every player working hard, closing the ball down and getting involved in some excellent passing moves, and finally securing a win at Hooper's Field!

Division 3 Table
1 Penhill Knights - 12
2 Marlborough Town Youth - 12
3 Wanborough Juniors - 10
4 Ramsbury Juniors - 7
5 Hungerford Town - 6
6 Lydiard Youth - 6
7 Highworth Town Juniors T - 6
8 Stratton Youth - 0

Captain's Award: Oli B, who had an assured game in the centre of defence.
Coaches' Award: Ryan, who had his best game for the club in keeping the Ramsbury forwards at bay.

Squad: Luke (captain), Oli, Will, James, Frank, Jonny L, Dominic, Jonathon N, Jack, Dan, Matt R, Ryan and Tom

Sunday 18th October: U15 v Ramsbury

The game was very tight with neither team creating any clear chances, our defending was strong and we matched them in midfield. In the first half we definitely were the more creative team, we were shooting from outside the box and in general getting more scoring opportunities than Ramsbury. James scored after approx 30 minutes with a left footed ‘thunderbolt’ at a very tight angle. It was a really well taken goal - following a bit of a goal mouth scramble, James was in the perfect position to pick up the loose ball.

Again we started the stronger after the break with some lovely passing moves up the right wing between Dan, Will and Jonny L and lots of shots, with some of them on target! James then scored again coming in on a Jonny L cross. The game was now really hotting up with Ramsbury throwing everything at us. Luke was quite outstanding in goal and after another 5 minutes Dom scored only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.

Straight from the free kick the ball was hoofed up field and following a desperate scramble Ramsbury managed to nick one back.

20 minutes to go and Ramsbury now had the upper hand, they were more creative and hungrier than we were and were relentless in attack. Luke B pulled off some quite magnificent saves, Matt R and Ryan were tireless and cut off attacks before they got to Luke, as a team we were a little shaky and a little panicky and with 5 minutes to go they scored the equaliser and though it pains me to admit it it was all that Ramsbury deserved.

The efforts that Ramsbury made in forcing the equaliser now took its toll and we finished the stronger team creating two clear chances. All in all I would say that the result was a fair reflection on an excellent game, so well done to everyone.

Development points
- We were not first to the ball often enough
- Our first touch let us down too many times
- Shooting on target
- More fitness!

Good Points
- A great all round team performance
- Positional play was much better
- We finished the stronger team despite the set back of Ramsbury’s equaliser

Captain's Award: James for an excellent attacking display.
Coaches' Award: Luke, who was magnificent in goal.

Squad: Luke, Will, James, Matt C, Jonny L, Frank, Dom, Jonathon N, Jack, Matt R, Ryan, Dan and Chris

Training Update

There will be an extra training session at Hooper's Field at 2pm on Sunday.

Training will start at The Liddington on Thursday 15 October from 8pm to 9pm. All players will need to wear trainers suitable for astroturf.

Sunday 4th October: U15 v Penhill Allstars

It was another tight, competitive match against Penhill and a very narrow defeat in the end. We were short of a number of players who were either ill or injured and, on the balance of play, it was probably a fair result. Although the team worked hard, we didn't make quite enough use of the width of the pitch and allowed Penhill too much room in midfield.

The positives were Luke's first goal of the season, after we had gone behind, and the general competitiveness of the team. It is noticable that there is still not enough communication on the pitch and this is an area that needs to be improved.

Captain's Award: Dan, who had an excellent game in defence.
Coaches' Award: Matt J, who also worked hard to keep their attackers quiet.

Squad: Luke B, Oli B, Will, Toby, Matt C (captain), Matt J, Jonny L, Gregor, Dom,
Matt R, Ryan, Dan and Chris.