After a week off last Sunday, we were back in league action today.

With our Spring Cup semi-final match scheduled for next Sunday, I told the players before the start today that they were all playing for their places next week; I’m not sure if this tactic worked or not?!

Having lost 2-7 to APW earlier in the season, I was determined that we would give them a better game today, and so it proved.

We matched APW for the first 15 minutes or so, but then a defensive lapse allowed them to score, despite Alex P making a great initial save.

Notwithstanding, we kept going and actually created two or three good chances, which on another day may have found the back of the net.

1-0  at half time.

We started the second half brightly, and within 5 minutes of the restart, Christos was felled by a very clumsy tackle in the box, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. David stepped up and calmly converted the penalty. 1-1.

The APW second goal when it came was very unfortunate on us (to say the least!), with the referee totally missing an obvious foul tackle on Jack, which directly led to the goal. Despite our protests, the referee stood firm. (He apologised to me after the game, but by then it was too late!).

The third APW goal came from a corner/free header in the box. I’ve lost count of how many goals we’ve conceded from corners this season, and needless to say, I was not happy!

I used the game today to change a couple of things, and I was impressed with Christos’s work rate up front. On another day, he could have had two or three goals.

Next week we play our Spring Cup semi final, and as I write, I don’t know who we’ll be playing (either Whetstone Wanderers or Panathinaikos – both yellow division teams). However, regardless of who we play, we will need to compete much more strongly all over the pitch, and ensure that we win headers and tackles. As I said after the game, some of the Bengals visibly wilted during the second half, and this can only be addressed by fitness related work on the part of individual players.

As soon as I have details of next Sunday’s game, I’ll let you all know.

It would be a real achievement for us to reach a cup final (particularly after the difficult season we’ve had), and needless to say, it would be great to have as many supporters as possible cheering the boys on next Sunday. I know I can rely on you all to make your voices heard!

See you all next Sunday.

Brian

Tony C co manager

This week we only had one sub, as Faud & Jamie were out injured and Zach was ill. Blair came back into the centre of defence and Kyle played in Midfield.

Lewis lost the toss so we kicked off against the wind kicking slightly up hill. As usual we started slowly and Riverside were competing very well. The opposition all seem to up there game when they play the league leaders. There were not many clear cut chances in the first 15 minutes our passing was just a little but off, we were not finding the pass or it was hitting a Riverside player. Riverside forced a few corners and had a good strike for outside the box that just cleared the bar.

The game was now fairly stretched although only 20 minutes had gone. We had a corner from the left side that had the Riverside defence in a panic the ball cleared everyone and fell to close to Owen who could not make contact from an acute angle and ball went out for a goal kick. Riverside were winning a lot of ball and had one excellent break out, the attacker took the ball clear of our defence and played it through the middle, Harry timed his rush out from goal well, but the ball was slide past him and looked to be a certain goal, however Owen and kept running and some how managed to slide in and clear the ball off the goal line for a corner.  Brandon took a knock on the knee and was replaced by Alex.

At half time Kyle came off and Ahrmed went into Midfield with Alex going up front. We asked the boys to up the tempo of the passing and win more ball. We started much better and immediately Riverside were under more pressure. Matthew had a good shot saved by the keeper and Daniel shot wide from a good chance when under pressure from the defender. We were playing better, but Riverside were dangerous on the attack as we were committing to many players forward. On one occasion the ball broke from the Riverside penalty area and Daniel chased the attacker all the way to our area, Harry narrowed the angle well and the shot was luckily straight at him and he saved it well.

We went back on the attack, it could be another Croxley match, when we just could not score and missed a hat full and chances. We dominated possession; even Blair was joining the midfield and attack. Ahrmed shot wide when well placed, Alex and Daniel both had half chances and from several corners we could not find a way through. Matthew switched over to the right hand side and had the beating of the full back cutting in side put we could not find the final pass. Brandon was brought down in box by the keeper but the ball had gone out for the throw in.

With only 10 minutes left Daniel and another good opening but shot over the bar. The clock was running down with 5 minutes left Matthew passed into Ahrmed who cross well into the six yard box and there was Brandon who slide in and lifted the ball over the keeper and into the net. The boys all cheered as they knew this was an important goal.

We then created another two chances but did not take them, so the last 2 minutes were a little tense, but the boys held out well for a well earned win.

They all played very well and tired to play football throughout the match, one more win and the title will be there’s.

Regards

Chris 

Man of the Match: Owen Bloomfield for a great goal line clearance in the 1^st half followed closely by Brandon, who took a few knocks but came back on to score the winning goal and Blair also had an excellent game.

Skill of the Match: This week’s winner is Daniel for one piece of great skill with side flick pass and for several incredible dribbles and one with only one boot on.

Tony C .   

Man of the Match: Danny Ing

Today’s match was a top of the table clash, between Northwood Blue currently top and ourselves currently 2^nd. This was the 2^nd time that we have played Northwood this season, in the 1^st game we were soundly beaten 1-6, but we have improved since then, in fact this game would indicate how far we have progressed this season.

It was a mid day kick off, which was just as well as the clocks went forward the night before. In the early stages of the match it seemed apparent that some of our team could do with that extra hours sleep. Northwood Blue were livelier, they seemed to be that little bit more alert, and quicker to the ball than us. Michael Tomaso in goal however was alert, and had to gather the ball and makes saves to keep Northwood at bay.

Northwood scored the opening goal mid way through the 1^st half, we’d been under some pressure in the box, when the ball bounced up, Danny Ing went to control the ball on his chest, but the ball unfortunately bounced up on to his arm, the ref instantly pointed to the penalty spot, 1 nil.

This set back however kick started us into action, Danny Ing in particular wanted to make amends for the penalty, our game was raised and we deservedly got our equaliser when Danny Ing made a determined run with the ball, he cut through their defence like a knife through hot butter before unleashing a superb shot into the roof of the net, 1 – 1. Northwood now knew they were in a match. For the rest of the 1^st half both teams fought for the ascendency, but neither could make a break through.

Half time 1-1.

It was clear that we had started to believe, that we could win this game, we knew that they were a dangerous team, but mid field was the area that we had to control, and then stifle their supply to their attackers.

The 2^nd half started, we looked determined to claim the 3 points, and went about our business in a very focused way, we were looking very tight in defence, with Callum in particular looking very commanding, Aiden as always was strong, but it was apparent that he was carrying an injury to his rib cage that he’d sustained in the 1^st half, also he was limping, being the player he is he’d had played on, but he needed to be substituted, which he was for Henry Billam. Henry played well in the centre of defence when he was on, as did Alex Campbell  coming on for Sean Heneghan who’d made a good contribution in the 1^st half, Jake Keaney had a very assured game as right then left back, showing some great skill on a couple of instances to dribble out of some very tight corners.

Our mid field began to get a real strangle hold on the match, Danny Pugh was pulling the strings but was being aided greatly by  Danny Ing, Daniel Headland William Dias-Prada and James Wauchope. James was giving Northwood’s right back a torrid time, I’m sure that he couldn’t wait to see the back of James.

Our domination of the game was rewarded with our 2^nd goal which was a deflected shot from Daniel Headland off one of Northwood’s defenders.

Our 3^rd was a neat finish by Danny Ing which was his 2^nd of the match.

We began to run riot, Northwood were visibly shaken and could not muster a reply,

Michael Green scored a well deserved goal to make it 1- 4, we’d made a couple of substitutions with James Kraven and Alex Shine coming on in mid field to continue our good work.

We could have score again when Michael Green hit the bar after a cross ball from our left into the box.

Our 5^th and final goal was scored by Man of the match Danny Ing, to finish of a resounding victory over the division leaders.

All in all, another tremendous game for us.

Well done boys, you’ve done it again.

Mark Hartley

After a week off last Sunday, we were back in Spring Cup action today, and we needed a win to seal our place in the semi-finals.

The pitch was far from perfect, but we started brightly, and within 10 minutes, Alex G calmly slotted home from close range after good build up play.

It stayed at 1-0 until half time, and it was clear to us all that the next goal was going to be vital.

Cassiobury were certainly intent on forcing the pace, and had their chances early in the second half, but defensively we stood strong.

We were awarded a penalty after Adam was barged over in the box, David stepped up and smashed the spot kick down the middle of the goal – 2-0.

Our third came midway through the half, with Christos bursting forward and scoring a fine left footed goal from 10 yards out.

Our fourth was turned in by David from close range, and the victory was complete.

I was really pleased with the patience and discipline that we showed today, particularly in the face of some strong tackling from Cassiobury. To keep a clean sheet (for the first time this season) was as pleasing as the result!

Today marked our last game at the Walker this season before the ground is given over to cricket, so our remaining two home league games will need to be switched in due course.

Next Sunday, we have a week off for Easter, but we should be back in action on 11 April – the league has yet to publish the next batch of fixtures, but as soon as I have details, I will of course let you all know.

Have a good Easter.

Brian

We told the boys to try and put more on the passers as the ball was sticking in the long grass.

We kicked off with the wind, but it did not seem to make much of a difference. AEK had obviously improved from the first meeting and recently had a good draw against Croxley red. They had several very large U11 compared to our small team. The boys were losing out again in the physical battle. We were slow starting and not moving the ball quick enough and getting knocked off the ball to easily all over the pitch. AEK were very direct and through balls were catching us out. This seems to be our major defensive problem and we must improve this aspect of our game. Only a great double save by Harry from a through ball kept the scores level, he blocked well the first shot and then caught the rebound very well.

However, very soon we were 1 nil down. One of our other weaknesses, “communication” came back to haunt us again. The ball dropped in the middle of our defence and one of three players could have cleared the ball, two decided to try and kick the ball at the same time and probably kicked each other leaving the AEK centre forward with the ball who ran on to fire a stunning strike past Harry into the roof of the net . We did respond well to this and finally started to apply some good pressure. Brandon received a kick to the knee and came off for Adam, with Matthew switching to right wing.

We then put to together some great moves down the left with a series of passers and interchangers, but could not create a chance. AEK were putting in 110% effort today and we were on the end of some robust challengers. Daniel (Didi) started to get more on the ball and he had the beating of his markers, with 5 mines left in the second half we drew level, after good work by Alex and Ahrmed the ball fell to Didi who found the bottom left corner from 8 yards. I thought we would push on, as for a 2 minutes were forced several corners, but before half time we lost the ball t easily and did not press enough to win it back and one quick pass and the attacker was through again and slotted the ball home, we could not re start as the ½ time came.

The boys were dejected, but some of the basics were missing. We were not competing physically with AEK, our ball control, and technical ability was far superior but we need to win more balls and pass the ball at the faster pace.

The boys said they were up for challenge, however after just 2 minutes we were 3:1 down. We were caught 2 against 2 on the counter attack and failed to clear the ball and the attacker again finished well. 

Was the title slipping away, this would be a test of character now. The boys immediately respond well and the parents started to encourage them. Lewis and Ahrmed got grips in the middle and both putting in some great tackles and blocks and we started to apply pressure. AEK managed to block all our shots on goal. The ball was ping about the box but we could not get a clear shot on goal. Then Matthew was played into space and beat his marker, but the ball flew just over the bar.

We still tried to hang onto the ball for to long instead of releasing to a man in space and AEK we dangerous on the break. Alex came off for Brandon and he immediately had a good run down the right and forced a corner, the ball was well flighted Brandon by we did not attack the ball and it was cleared. 15 minutes to go and Alex replaced Matthew, it was all Oakhill now and AEK seemed to flagging we were playing all the football and at times passed it very, but we still were trying to beat to many players, when easy options are available.

However we were fighting well without having a rarely clear chance, then more pressure and another shot coming in from Ahrmed, the keeper seemed to have it covered, but somehow managed to miss kick the ball directly at Alex and the ball hit his shin and rolled into the back of net. 3:2 with 7 minutes to go. The boys we rarely going for it now, Lewis was battling well and had 2 great runs and was hacked down badly 10m yards outside the box. He recovered well to float over a nice free kick AEK failed to clear this and it fell to Arhmed who volleyed just wide. Daniel and Arhmed both had shots just wide of the post.

The match was now end to end and Blair pushed in to mid field to try and win us more ball, it did leave us exposed at the back but Harry kept the score at 3:2 with a trade mark flying tackle to block the shot. We immediately went on the attack though and Blair brought the ball down well beat two men on the edge of the box and fired in shot, the keeper could only parry this and pushed into the path of Alex who calmly found the net 3:3, and fully deserved. Could we go on to win? we did have a ½ chance but the shot wide and AEK gave us scare, but we stood strong and cleared the danger.

The ref finally blew up and the boys were very happy and had given a good 2^nd half performance. We extend the run to 12 unbeaten now in the league and require just 2 more points to secure the Yellow division title. We are away to Finchley next week in double header, which concludes our fixtures; it should be an exciting morning, as Finchley have an outside chance of promotion.

Regards

Chris 

Man of the Match: This week goes jointly to Ahrmed and Lewis who both battled well and showed good skill and attitude all game in the midfield area. Both of them kept driving the team forward to earn a well earned draw.  

Skill of the Match: This week’s winner is Adam and flick turn followed closely by Matthew with a near complete 360.

We kicked off and had some ball for the first few minutes, but the boys were slower to the ball and the St. Albans were very motivated. We were holding on to the ball for too long at times or making a rushed pass and not finding our men, our crossing was poor generally our game was not at 100% and only good defending from Owen and Blair kept out St Albans. The match was pretty close though and our technical skills seemed better than the opposition, but our application seemed lacking.

We managed to block out St Albans until half time, Harry rushed the forward and the striker pushed his attempt wide. I cannot recall us having a clear opening in the first half, which was most unusual for us.

At time Dave & I talked to the boys, we must do things quicker, think faster, move the ball accurately, and get to the ball first. Within 5 minutes of the kick off we were head. We pinned St Albans in the penalty area and put together several nice moves and forced a number of corners, from which the ball was played back into the area to Faud who controlled the ball well and steered this into the bottom right hand corner. St Albans respond well and only great last ditch from Blair on the penalty stopped a certain goal. Harry had to make a good block when one on one, and as always came of best. We did luck dangerous on the break Daniel had great run from half way beating the last defender, but was judge to have pushed him, which seemed harsh.

St Albans then had another great chance to score, when clean through , but Harry made a great diving save to his right, we cleared the ball well quickly to half way to Ahrmed who raced clear and with some neat footwork beat the defender to fire past the keeper to make it 2 nil. But St. Albans came straight back and after 2 corners the ball fell in the box to there attacker we had time and space to steer the ball home.

Now the game was stretched end to end, and the speed of our attackers nearly gave us a third goal, but we could not fine the final pass or the keeper made a good save, one fine cross from Alex went across the six yard box but Brandon just failed to reach it, Jamie had a free kick that went past the post. St Albans then had a free kick and forced 3 more corners that we defended well.

In the end the boys 2^nd half performance just gave us the edge, we finished are chances very well, St Albans unfortunately did not take theirs or were denied by some great goalkeeping by Harry Watts. 

Regards

 Chris 

Man of the Match: This week it goes to Harry for a two great saves that kept us top of the league. Followed closely by Blair, who played very well at centre back.

Skill of the Match: This week to Zach for and another piece of magic on the right hand side with an inside flick pass evading to players and found a Pumas player.

Today’s match was a Spring Trophy Group B Match. Our opponents for the 2^nd week running are from the division above us.

It was an afternoon kick off, the facilities and pitch were first rate, but there was a stiff breeze which remained present for most of the Match.

We welcomed back Aiden to the heart of our defence, and he again put in a very strong performance, as did the rest of the defence.

The match was played in a very good spirit, but it was evident that both teams really wanted to win. Borehamwood had the best of the early exchanges, had hit the crossbar in the 1^st half, also Michael Tomaso in goal had to pull off a brilliant diving save to keep the score at nil nil.

As the game went on we started to get more into it, it was as if we gained more self belief, this really started to show in the 2^nd half, where we more than held our own, Daniel Pugh had a very influential game in mid field, and William Dias-Prada being a continual nuisance to the opposition, getting any clear cut chances was proving very difficult, as Borehamwood defence and centre back in particular were very good. We did though make a couple of chances, with a drive from Daniel Headland being comfortably saved.

Although the score was nil nil, this was a very entertaining close fought match.

All the players tried their hardest, which is all that we can ask for.

Well done boys

Mark Hartley