Under 8's
Fixtures
Match Reports
The FA do not allow results to be shown, our reports give highlights within the match...
26.04.09
Today we played Tibshelf for the first time this season, so I really didn't know what to expect!
We competed in every area of the pitch and the committment was second to none, all 9 players played with such determination and effort it made choosing the man-of-the-match an extremely difficult task.
I told the boys the first thing was to to take their time on the ball, not to panic and make their passes accurate, which they did. We set out to keep a clean sheet by working hard especially in midfield and this they certainly did. The boys made a good account of themselves and were not outplayed in any way today.
Robin Hood were in the driving seat throughout the first half with Tibshelf guilty of not offering any attacking edge to their game.
The first half started with Tibshelf on the attack (even though it was our kick-off!). I was hoping that wasn’t a sign of things to come and thankfully, it wasn’t. Both teams battled hard and Robbie-Jay more than most trying to keep their captain quiet. Our passing and running off the ball seemed to be working well.
Tibshelf probably had as much ball as we did but they didn’t seem to be causing us many problems with only one corner and a couple of long shots troubling us. We seemed to be defending too deep again, but we were hitting them on the break with quick passing so I let it continue. We had a few half chances and several corners, we just seemed unable to convert in the final third of the field. Matthew had acouple of good chances as did Logan, Robert & Josh.
Half Time.
At half time our lads came off shattered with the amount of effort they had put in. But we still had another 20 mins to play. Stay tight, track back and tackle to win the ball in their half of the field were my instructions and that’s the way the 2nd half went. Tibshelf started off better this half and produced 5 or 6 chances without really testing our keeper. Our midfield in Josh, Dominic and Thomas were closing their players down and made it very difficult for Tibshelf tpass or have much time on the ball at all. They were more and more relying on their captain to produce something. But with Rhys, Eddie & Robbie-Jay working their socks off to keep him quiet it made things very difficult. We had a string of nine (YES NINE!) consecutive corners but were unable to produce the final article. Matthew was creating really goos space running off the ball as Logan played slightly deeper in order to gain posession in their half. This worked a treat as then the chances started to come. If it wasn't for the outstanding effort and gallant bravery of their goalkeeper we would have had this game wrapped up by a big margin. Josh was having the game of his life, tackling hard, passing well, creating chances and having a couple of shots on goal. Josh was responsible for more than half of our tackles today and nearly 80% of our play going forward. It was alink between Josh and Robert that saw a shot on goal in the final seconds for their goalkeeper to clear his lines frantically. The ball bounced akwardly in front of Matthew but he still managed to strike it well, with great direction. The ball looped over the retreating keeper and seemed to be falling nicely (I had my arms raised in celebration!) only to see it strike the crossbar.
I was so very proud of you guys today. You showed the team-play and awareness that got us put in "The Division of Death" in the first place.
It was a great end to a difficult season. This is a team that is going to surprise everyone next season. Everthing has started to come together very nicely.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Rhys 9 - Started off in goal (by his request !?!) played really well made some good saves, although was not troubled too much. Wasn't long before he
was back in defence, controlling the game for us at the back. A fine display!
Eddie 8 - Had agreat game today, got caught too far forward a couple of times, but that was to be expected. ball tracking was absolutely perfect today.
Robbie-Jay 9 - Held his postion and marked his man perfectly. This was a game where he did everything right - Well Done Robbie-Jay!!!
Thomas 8 - Worked really hard, one thing you can rely on with this young man is he will always give you all he's got. Today he did, even when he lost
possesion or didn't quite make the tackle, his head didn't drop and he got straight back into the game with such determination it was as if it
hadn't happened at all. A really good effort!
Dominic 8 - Unlucky not to score, he certainly deserved a reward for all his hard work and effort today. A really good performance.
Robert 9 - What a difference a week makes! Robert's determination today meant that he was going to fight for every ball and when he was in
(Trainer of the week) posession he wasn't going to give it up easily. Football brain was turned on today as he linked up well with Josh to jointly create nearly
every chance on goal we had. A FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE!
Matthew 9 - Good positional awareness today, some great runs off the ball & very unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. In fact his final effort on
goal in the dying seconds of the game would have been the perfect way to crown such a confident display. Well Done!!!
Josh 11 - What a difference a week makes! This player was not being knocked off the ball today, he had come today with a new found bravery which
(MOTM) meant he was going to control the game for us today. Words cannot describe how well Josh played today, you had to see him play today!
Unlucky not to score today, but the chances he created meant that the team could move forward confidently. The Best performance I've
witnessed this season.
Logan 9 - Was played out of position again today due to a sprained wrist. However you could hardly tell, he had some good chances at scoring today
before dropping back slightly to win the ball and hold it up whilst the forwards created space. A truely fantastic reflection of how adaptable this
player is. I always ask more of him than anyone else and he always rises to the challenge. A great Season Logan!
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19.04.09
Today we played South Normanton Colts for the third time this season. The boys had worked very hard in training and I knew that if they concentrated and put their minds to it, the boys would get a result that would reflect their hard work and determination.
During the first half we played some fantastic football nad were really unlucky not to have scored by half time. The boys were doing everything they learnt in training and applying it well.
At half time the game was still anybodys and the result was still there for the taking. I instructed the boys to carrying on as before as the first half had gone really well. The only criticism I had was they were not tackling as much as I would have liked.
The team that played the second half was a shadow of the team from before the break. There was now NO tackling at all and we seemed to have gone back a year to playing individually. I don't remember changing the formation at half time but we now seemed to have four strikers on the pitch, which left our defence and keeper very exposed.
A very petulant, nasty kick to the knee (which went un-noticed by the referee) saw Logan ruled out for the rest of the game. Josh bravely donned the goalkeepers Jersey and had a really good game.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 8 - Some brilliant saves today, came out well & good awareness. Unfortunately was injured during the second half and unable to continue.
Robbie-Jay 8 - Played his position well, good at forcing the oppostion out wide an nuteralising their forward play.
Thomas 7 - Tried hard today, but confidence and bravery seemed to be lacking. Let's hope the old Thomas is back next week.
Dominic 7 - Looked confident on the ball, but the passing and tracking back was lacking. Some really confident runs with the ball.
Robert 7 - Enjoyed his time on the ball today and looked like scoring. However when not in possesion didn't look like he wanted it back.
Rhys 8 - Played really well, good tackling and some really fast pace saw him dominate his defence today.
Matthew 7 - Had some fine moments in posession and some great passes and crosses but when not in posession looked lost.
Eddie 8 - Played really well, looked strong and confident, covered nearly every inch of the pitch today, took on the captains role really well and
(MOTM) commanded confidently. Never looked tired and more importantly never gave up. A very good mature performance!
(Trainer of the week)
Josh 9 - Seemed to be getting kicked all over the park today. When he put the goalkeepers jersey on he was throwing himself around and intercepting
long balls like a pro. Was really let down and over exposed by his team-mates today. A fantastic performance as always in goal. Well Done!
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05.04.09
Today we played Beaufort United for the third time this season.
Their team have improved considerably since our last meeting, and we allowed them to show it. They were not the most skilled team we've played but they wanted it more than we did today!
Here are todays player ratings:-
Josh 8 - Had a really tough time with the set peices today, his defence really left him exposed! Overall, a really good game. Worked really hard and
never gave up. A credit to the team!
Sam 8 - Played very well. Always looking confident with the ball. Covered well when required and put some great through balls up the field as well as (MOTM) some solid tackles.
(Trainer of the week)
Logan 7 - Was played out of position but he rose to the occasion and gave it his all. Unfortunately had to bring him off when he was just getting into it.
Robbie-Jay 8 - The only player who stayed in his position. Worked hard, gave his all and put in some fine tackles.
Thomas 7 - Never stopped running, tried his hardest and listened well.
Dominic 7 - A great show of determination, his first touch was really letting him down but he didn't let it bother him. Went on to notch up his second goal of
the season.
Robert 7 - Had a tough game today, but as always, gave his all and got stuck in regardless.
Rhys 7 - Tried hard today, struggled to mark his man and drifted out of position a few times. A shadow of his usual self. Hope he's back to his true form
after the Easter break...
Matthew 7 - A good performance today, didn't see much of the ball. Some great running off the ball but was playing too deep to have an impact on the
game.
Eddie 7 - A bit of a shakey start, but his confidence shone through and finished the game playing some great balls to his team mates.
Overall, a bad day at the office. Which was totally out of form for how these lads normally play. Lets hope they're back to normal form after the Easter break.
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29.03.09
Today we played Codnor Boys for the third time this season. We knew today was going to be a close game, and a close game it was.
My instruction before the game were to be more confident on the ball & to make every tackle count. We set out to improve effort by working hard especially in our ability to defend as a team. Un fortunately this was taken to the extreme and we ended up playing far too deeply.
During the first half we seemed to have control of the game but Codnor defended very well and resticted our goal scoring chances. At the other end Eddie was playing very well within the sticks. The goalkeepers were definately the stars of todays game, with countless number of chances being denied at both ends.
In the second half, playing downhill, with fresh legs on the field and with a new found confidence we went forward really well. The first five minutes looked as if we were going to get back in the game. Unfortunately, this was short lived and we started playing far too deeeply again.
However, despite the few mistakes, there were a number of positives to take from today's game and we will looking to practise these in training & exploit them in next weeks game.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 9 - Played in three different positions today, none of them his own and really caused the opposition some real problems today. Well Done!
Thomas 9 - Played some really wonderful passes through the heart of their defence today. A confident and intelligent performance.
Robbie-Jay 8 - Was played out of position today but he rose to the occassion and had a really good game.
Dominic 8 - Got caught out of position a few times today, but when in possession of the ball looked confident & strong.
Robert 9 - Some really good runs today, both with & without the ball. Very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, some really good tackles going in,
some confident running with the ball. A good all-round performance.
Josh 8 - Played so well today, every aspect of his game and his commitment to the team really shone today. Always looking confident with the ball.
On the rare occasions he lost possesion, he ran the length of the field to retreive it. Well Done!
Rhys 9 - Another fantastic performance today. Worked really hard, listened well and really frustrated the opposition today.
Matthew 9 - Much better today. Good awareness today, held his position well and made some really good runs. Unfortunately he didn't see much of
(Trainer of the week) the ball today, but his head never dropped and still continued to peel off really well. Made some good runs into the box today, even if the
balls weren't getting into the final third he was well positioned to cause problems for the opposition today.
Eddie 9 - Played out of his skin today, really commited to every save and put his body on the line every time. Really took to the role today, and it isn't an
(MoTM) easy one, but made it look like he'd been playing between the sticks all season! A truely FANTASTIC performance!
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22.03.09
Today we played South Normanton Colts for the second time this season. If my memory serves me correctly last time we played this team we had no substitutes. I remember the game not being very close at all.
Today we were going into this game off the back of some really good performances, the boys have been playing the best standard of football I've seen from them in two years. So, we were all very optimistic about todays game.
If I am truely honest, the scores deserved to be level at the break as both teams were equal and both goalkeepers seemed to be having a really good game!
While we may have made quite a few goalscoring chances, their keeper (and the woodwork) meant that we were not to score today. Eddie was unlucky a couple of times and it was only the woodwork (well plastic!) that prevented him from scoring a really good individual effort today. At the other end Logan was having a really good game. Robert, Dominic and Josh were battling so hard in midfield, but the real hero in the middle of the park today was Thomas. He put pressure on the opposition every time they got the ball and his confidence on the ball and his passing were first class! Rhys and Robbie-Jay were solid at the back as always with Marcus having a really good game up front. He was really unlucky not to get on the score-sheet today.
As a coach, I couldn't ask for anything more, and as I said on Sunday this team is building and improving with every game. We have improved in every department and the boys resilience is a credit to them all. Every player gave their all today and that makes me the proudest coach in the world...
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 9 - Made a couple of errors today, but his play for 95% of the game was fantastic. He really kept the scoreline down today and had to work
hard. At some points it was like a shooting gallery.
Thomas 10 - Truely deserved man-of-the-match today. His confidence on the ball is admirable also his bravery during pressure play looked effortless.
(MoTM)
Robbie-Jay 9 - Drifted a little at the start, but as always, worked really hard today and thwarted the opposition at every break in play.
Dominic 9 - Was recoving from a very serious injury, but if you didn't know you, you wouldn't have been able to tell. He never backed out of a challenge
& ran his socks off for the whole game. A real team player.
Robert 9 - Got a little out of position today, but other than those tiny errors, his game was as good as ever. Strong in the tackles, great forward
movement and the vision behing his passing was excellent.
Josh 9 - Played really well again today, his confidence is showing great improvement and his bravery is highly commendable.
Rhys 9 - A great performance today. Worked endlessly for the team today, covered well and caused the opposition problems.
Eddie 9 - Played all over the pitch today, great covering at the back, some well controlled runs with the ball along with some great passing. (Trainer of the week) Really good awareness today, held his position well. He worked so hard and his technique was first class today. Keep it up!
Marcus 9 - Much better today. Good awareness today, held his position well and made some really good runs. Unfortunately he didn't see much of the
ball today, but his head never dropped and still continued to peel off really well. Made some good runs into the box today, even if the balls
weren't getting into the final third he was well positioned to cause problems for the opposition today.
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15.03.09
Today we played Market Warsop Tigers for the first time this season. We knew today was going to be a tough game, as they are a side that hasn't lost a game for two years.
We had a plethora of players today, but everyone got an equal amount of time on the pitch. Maybe the substitutions was the reason we didn't win today, but all the kids got a run out and they all enjoyed themselves.
It was quite a close contest in the first ten minutes, both teams seemed to be equal, but this didn't last for long.
At half time we seemed to have the opposition slightly rattled, they hadn't been able to play the ball around like they are used to. This was because the boys were really putting themselves in the mix today.
The heads started to drop a bit towards the end of the game and that was understandable. However, the team played really well today and they should be very proud of how much work they put in.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 9 - Had a shakey start, but picked up his game. Again just like the other week really shone when realesed into defence for the second half.
Thomas 9 - Had a great game today, held the ball well, tackled confidently and played some great balls through the middle.
Robbie-Jay 9 - A great performance today. Worked endlessly for the team today, covered well and caused the opposition problems.
Dominic 9 - Some really confident tackles today, kept his head up and worked the ball well.
Robert 9 - Struck the ball up the field really well today, was aware of his team-mates and really shone as a team player.
Josh 9 - A really confident performance in the first half, second half he donned the goalkeepers jersey and again had a fantastic game!
(Trainer of the week)
Rhys 10 - Really solid performance, ran his socks off and really reduced the oppositions chances on goal. Well Done!
(MoTM)
Matthew 9 - Played really well today, didn't see much of the ball today but his runs off the ball and his tracking back was fantastic.
Eddie 9 - Very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, some really good tackles going in, some confident running with the ball. A good all-round
performance.
Marcus 8 - A bit of a shakey start, but his confidence shone through and finished the game playing some great balls to his team mates.
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08.03.09
Today we player Moorgreen Colts, a team we have become quite familiar with. We turned up with 10 today, so tactically we had a good chance of a great game of football today.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to train this week and this meant we started the the game a bit unorganised and conceeding quite early on.
However, the team showed their resiliance again today. They didn't give up and came from behind twice to make the scores even.
The weather conditions were terrible today and some of the boys found it difficult to deal with. It was a very closely contested game with their goalkeeper playing very well because we created so many chances this week. In fact, our play in the final third of the field was outstanding.
I believe a draw would have been an accurate result of how the two teams faired today.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 8 - Tried really hard today, concentration was good despite the weather conditions. Those goal-kicks are much better. Well done!
Thomas 9 - Had a really good game this week, went for every ball and won about 90% of them. Showed really good awareness today. Well done!
(MOTM)
Robbie-Jay 8 - Another solid performance at the back today, got caught of of position a few times. However, nearly got his name on the scoresheet again.
Josh 9 - A really strong performance today. Some fantastic runs forward today really opened up the play. In fact on one of these great runs he was
taken down quite unfairly, but he came straight back on after being treated and continued his great game.
Robert 8 - Went for every ball today, showed some really good positional awareness for our set pieces and in open play.
Dominic 8 - Back in the team today, but looked like he'd never been away. Some really strong takles going in and his vision is 100 times better.
Rhys 9 - Another fantastic performance today. Worked really hard, listened well and really frustrated the opposition today.
Matthew 8 - Good awareness today, held his position well and made some really good runs with the ball along with some really good crosses. He
worked so hard and his excellent goal crowned a great performance.
Eddie 9 - Another really solid performance today, worked every inch of the pitch and worked the ball brilliantly today. Looked confident and in control
for the vast majority of the game today. Scored a really good goal to inject confidence into every one. Came off just after scoring (which I
apologise for) but didn't complain showing that he has massivly improved as a team player. Great game Eddie!
Marcus 8 - Back in the team today, made some very confident runs with the ball. Was tackled quite hard a few time times, but showed really good
determination to continue. Unlucky not to score today.
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01.03.09
Today we player Quarrydale United for the second time this season, if my memory serves me correctly last time we only turned up with six players. Today wasn't much better as we only had seven, this meant with no substitutes today it was going to be vey difficult.
We started quite well, but we were a shadow of the team that played last week. Unfortunately, due to a few players not maintaining their positions and others not tracking back properly we left ourselves very exposed at the back.
However, it wasn't all bad because every player kept going to the final whistle, for quite a few their legs had gone. This meant that not having any substitutes today was going to cement our downfall.
A special mention today needs to go to the man of the match - Robbie-Jay. Was carrying an injury today but refused to let it beat him, he tried his hardest, gave 110% today and was rewarded with his first goal of the season. It was a penalty box scramble but Robbie-Jay put a very well placed shot away. His injury worsened as the second half went on & looks as though it may rule him out for a while. Rest up mate and only come back when you're 100%.
I was very pleased to see the team still trying their hardest, even though they knew they were up against the wall today. This kind of team-work makes me very proud as a coach.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 8 - Unfortunately, it wasn't the same goalkeeper who turned up last week, but he certainly tried hard, never gave up & concentrated well.
(Trainer of the week)
Thomas 8 - Really got stuck in today, his bravery and confidence is improving with every game.
Robbie-Jay 10 - Gave his all today, went for every ball, tackled well and scored his first goal of the season. Just like every week, he played with passion and
(MoTM) commitment today. If the score was for commitment he would get a 16 out of 10
Robert 8 - Had a tough game today, but as always, gave his all and got stuck in much better today. A good standard of imrovement.
Rhys 9 - Ran all over today, was left very exposed today on numerous occassions, but as always did his job perfectly. Well Done.
Matthew 8 - Played well today, unfortunately didn't see much of the ball today, but when in possesion his con fidence to run with the ball has greatly
improved.
Eddie 9 - A great performance today, played all over the pitch. From making a goal saving tackle at one end of the pitch to putting in some fantastic
crosses at the other end. Well Done Eddie!
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22.02.09
Today we player Whaley Thorns for the first time since last season, in fact it was the start of last season when most of our boys were still 6. We knew today was going to be a tough game, as they are a very physical side but we certainly weren't going to roll over and submit.
We are playing the best football ever as a squad and the team are playing so well.
We started the game on the back foot today, conceeding a soft, early goal. We were very strong today, both physically & mentally. The boys knew they were doing their jobs right when the opposition started falling out and shouting at each other and making each other cry (which was appauling to see!).
Apart from the opening minutes of both halves and a hectic couple of minutes near the end, we were by far the better team. Whaley Thorns known for their passing were not allowed to thanks mainly to the fantastic approach from our players. Committment is never usually a problem for us and it showed today, it was there in buckets. I think the best thing was the passing we passed like never before and had plenty of chances to put pressure on our opponents. Matthew was sending in Premiership standard corners but we couldn't get on the end of them!
In the second half the boys were moving forward much better, so much better that it left the opposition using really aggressive, reckless, illegal tackles (which went totally unpunished by the referee!).
While we may have only made a few goalscoring chances, our play up until the final shot was superb. Eddie was unlucky a couple of times and it was only the woodwork (well plastic!) that prevented him from getting a hat-trick today. At the other end Logan was having the game of his life throwing himself at everything that came at him. Robert, Dominic, Thomas and Matthew were battling so hard in midfield, Rhys and Robbie-Jay solid at the back as always with Marcus having a good game up front.
We couldn't ask for anything more, and as I said on Sunday this team is building and improving with every game. We have improved in every department and while i can't see us winning all our remaining fixtures, I just hope we can get a few good results. This half of the season is going better than expected, so keep it up boys and well done!!
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 10 - Played out of his skin today, really commited to every save and put his body on the line every time. A truely FANTASTIC performance!
(MoTM)
Thomas 8 - Tried really hard today, made some good runs and a great turn on the ball in the first half left me speechless, well done.
Robbie-Jay 9 - Looked as though an injury might keep him out today but refused to let it beat him & had a fantastic game. Nearly scored too!
Dominic 8 - Played really well today, has improved in his control of the ball greatly. Concentration today was a vast improvement.
Robert 8 - Had a good game today, got caught out of position a couple of times but other than that ran his socks of and tried to win every ball.
Rhys 10 - Had a great game today, used his pace and football brain to force the target man out wide. Tackled well & commitment was AWESOME!
(MoTM)
Matthew 9 - Some fantastic corners today and a great goal. Did everything right, made all the right runs off the ball and maintained possession much
better today.
Eddie 9 - Played all over the pitch today, great covering at the back, well controlled runs with the ball along with some great passing and a well
deserved goal.
Marcus (C) 8 - Made some good runs today, worked really hard & showed no fear today. Was tackled really hard in the second half but carried on like a
real trooper.
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01.02.09
Today we played FC Interski for the first time since last season. We knew today was going to be a tough game, but we certainly weren't going to roll over and submit.
Jeff told the boys the first thing was to concentrate on marking their player and to make sure every tackle went in strong. We set out to make sure that we didn't allow the opposition to play their normal fast paced passing game. We managed to close them down early and Robbie-Jay (Captain Fantastic) marked his man out of the game completely.
Every player played their part today and they worked very hard, for each other!
We started the game on the back foot today, with everyone getting to know where they were were playing and who they should be marking. We certainly didn't allow them to enjoy the way they are used to playing. We were very strong today, both physically & mentally. The boys knew they were doing their jobs right when the opposition started falling out and shouting at each other (which was appauling to see!). In the second half the boys cut out the play in our half so well that it left the opposition trying to win penalties by deliberately diving in the box (which was even more appauling to see!).
Overall, every single player did what they were asked today. We asked them before the game to try their best, make us proud & make their parents pround. The boys delivered on all fronts.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 9 - Tried really hard today, but just like the other week really shone when realesed into defence. A good solid performance.
Thomas 9 - Great performance again today, worked really hard today and never gave up. Some really confident tackles going in today & great
awareness of play.
Robbie-Jay (C) 10 - A true captains performance today. Led from the back, marked his man out the game. A truely great performance, was even itching to get
back on whilst being treated.
Dominic 9 - Was played out of position today but covered well when required and put some great through balls up the field as well as some great
tackles.
Robert 9 - Just like every week, he played with passion and commitment today. Listened well, did everything we asked of him & gave that little bit
extra too, Well Done!
Rhys 10 - Played so very well today, looked confident with the ball & looked passionate and aggressive without it! Went for ever single ball with
confidence.
Matthew 9 - Good awareness today, held his position well and made some really good runs. Unfortunately he didn't see much of the ball today, but his
head never dropped and still continued to peel off really well. Made some good runs into the box today, even if the balls weren't getting into
the final third he was well positioned to cause problems for the opposition today.
Eddie 9 - Never stopped running today, 3 goal saving tackles today - Strong as ever!
Josh 10 - Some brilliant saves today, came out well & good awareness.
(MOTM)
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25.01.09
Today we played Manor 4th Blue for the first time since last season. We knew today was going to be a tough game, and a tough game it was!.
I reinformed the team what we learned in training this week, which was going forward as a team working together & all coming back together when possesion is lost. Jeff told the boys that he was looking for strong, competitive tackles today & looking up before releasing the ball.
We started the game very well with a couple of good chances in front of goal & a great one-handed save from Logan from such a powerful strike (I bet that stung a bit?). Unfortunately, we conceded two very soft goals which really affected the team spirit. We didn't seem to get much of the ball today & when we did they didn't give us very much time at all. Manor 4th Blue defended very well today.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 8 - Some good saves today, came out well, but not as many times as I'd have liked. Was very busy today and gave his all until the end.
Thomas 8 - Good performance again today, worked really hard today and never gave up. Some really good tackles going in today.
Robbie-Jay 10 - ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!!! where do I start??? A solid performance, totally fearless. Covered his man and his position perfectly, (MOTM) looking really confident going forward too! If it had not been for this man today, the game would have ended in a rugby score. WELL DONE!
Dominic 8 - Some really good tackles today, did his very best to make sure the ball was played to a player today. Not afraid at all when commiting to a big
tackle, which unfortunately saw him take a nasty kick to his ankle which ruled him out the rest of the game. Let's hope he's back real soon.
Robert (C) 9 - A true captains performance today. Led from the middle, went for every single ball with confidence. A very well taken goal crowned a very
confident display.
Rhys 9 - Just like every week, he played with passion and commitment today. Listened well, did everything we asked of him & gave that little bit extra
too, Well Done!
Matthew 8 - Good positional awareness today, some great runs off the ball & very unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions.
Eddie 9 - Played so well today, every aspect of his game and his commitment to the team really shone today. Always looking confident with the ball.
very unlucky not to get more than one today, but a fantastic top corner goal it was!!!. Covered well when required and put some great through
balls through to Matthew. Well Done!
Josh 8 - Never stopped running today, tried his hardest, gave his all and listened much better.
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18.01.09
Today we played Codnor Boys for the second time this season. We knew today was going to be a close game, but try telling the boys this.
We competed in every area of the pitch and the committment was second to none, all 9 players played brilliantly.
Jeff told the boys the first thing was to concentrate on their player and compete in every tackle which they did. We set out to improve effort by working hard especially in midfield and this they certainly did. We were not outplayed in any way today.
We seemed to be in control and the better team in the first half but Codnor defended very well and resticted our goal scoring chances. Every player got to play a lot today and it wasn't until 10 minutes from the end when the ball fell for our opponents in the box after a goalmouth scramble & the ball was forced over the line (JUST) dispite Logan's best efforts. We were still pushing forward and only for good saves from their keeper kept the game very close.
Today was a very close match with lots of opportunities at either end. Another great example of non-competitive mini-soccer.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 9 - Some brilliant saves today, came out well & good awareness. Not much to do today, but did what was required when needed.
(MOTM)
Thomas 8 - Put some really important tackles in today, tried his hardest, gave his all and listened well.
Sam 9 - Played so well today, every aspect of his game and his commitment to the team really shone today. Always looking confident with the ball.
Covered well when required and put some great through balls up the field as well as some solid tackles.
Dominic 8 - A good performance today, worked really hard today and never gave up. Some really hard tackles going in today & great awareness of
play.
Robert 8 - Was drifting a litlle today, but there were some great runs off the ball & very unlucky not to score.
Rhys 10 - Played fantastic today, tried to win every ball on every inch of the pitch.
Matthew 9 - Good awareness today, held his position well and some really great runs off the ball. He worked really hard today and his goal crowned a
really good display.
Eddie (C) 8 - Good awareness today, held his position well and put some great crosses in & came back for some tackles that really cut out the oppositions
ability to play the ball. Some great with the ball today. Very unlucky not to score.
Josh 7 - Was drifting a litlle today, but there were some great runs off the ball & very unlucky not to score.
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11.01.09
Today we played South Normanton Colts for the first time this season on a very cold & windy Sunday morning.
Every player who played today certainly made up for those that were missing. We started with one less man on the field and no substitutes, but for much of the game you could hardly tell we had a handicap. Robbie-Jay again was the saviour, sidelined through injury, he requested to make up the numbers & played in goal. All the players were felling the cold, however, due to many players outstanding contributions today you could hardly tell we had a handicap.
They really picked up their game in the second half, we stopped playing so deep & moved forward a lot more confidently.
I was so very proud of all the children today, they never gave up. Everyone gave their all, both for their team and for their extremely proud parents watching from the sidelines.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Robbie-Jay 9 - Fantastic display today, didn't start the game as he was carrying an injury. Came on and donned the goalkeepers jersey and played so well
today, every aspect of his game and his commitment to the team really shone today.
Logan (C) 9 - A couple of good goalmouth scrambles today, but really shone today when released back into defence with some really solid tackles.
Robert 9 - Was played out of position today but covered well when required and put some great through balls up the field as well as some great tackles.
Rhys 10 - Played so well today, every aspect of his game and his commitment to the team really shone today. Always looking confident with the ball. On
(MOTM) the rare occasions he lost possesion, he ran the length of the field to retreive it! Well Done!!!
Matthew 9 - Good positional awareness today, some really great runs off the ball & a well deserved goal.
Thomas 9 - Never stopped running today, tried his hardest, gave his all and listened well.
Eddie 9 - Good awareness today, held his position well and came back to cover with some goal saving challenges. He worked so hard and his
technique was first class today, excellent goal to crown a fantastic display.
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04.01.08
Today we played Mansfield Athletic for the second time this season on an absolutely freezing Sunday morning.
We had a very shakey start today which was expected as we hadn't trained for a fortnight.
The boys played brilliantly in the second half with only a few lapses in concentration.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 8 - Some good saves before the game today. Unfortunately got injured halfway through the first half and it wasn't until the second half that he
could be replaced. Soldiered on really well today!
Robbie-Jay 9 - Never stopped running today, 3 goal saving tackles today - Strong as ever!
Josh 9 - Great awareness today. Covered well when required and put some great through balls up the field as well as some great tackles.
Rhys 8 - Unfortunetely Rhys wasn't fit to play today, but due to the goalkeepers injury he came on for the last ten minutes and gave all that he had!!!
Matthew 10 - Good awareness today, held his position well and put some great crosses in. A very good goal deserved of the hard work he put in today!
(MOTM)
Thomas (C) 8 - Great performance again today, worked really hard today and never gave up. Some really good tackles going in today & great awareness of
play.
Eddie 10 - Good awareness today, held his position well and put some fantastic balls through to Matthew. Some great runs off the ball & two great
goals today.
Dominic 8 - Played so well today, every aspect of his game and his commitment to the team really shone today. Always looking confident with the ball. On
the rare occasions he lost possesion, he ran the length of the field to retreive it! Well Done!!!
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21.12.08
Today we played Moorgreen Colts for the second time this season on a much brighter & slightly warmer Sunday morning.
We had a very shakey start today and really didn't get into the game until the second half, but after pulling the troops back together at half time, the boys went out and composed themselves amicably in the second half.
The boys should be very proud for not letting their heads drop and rising to the occasion when it was required..
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 7 - Some good saves today. Came out much better in the second half, but we still need to work on concentration. Those drop kicks are
AWESOME!
Robbie-Jay 9 - Fired up and looking really confident with the ball. Listened really well today, covered when required and created some good attacking play.
Josh 8 - Arrived in time for the second half, really put himself about today with some great interceptions and good control.
Robert 10 - Played so well today, every aspect of his game and his commitment to the team really shone today. Always looking confident with the ball.
(MOTM) very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. covered well when required and put some great through balls up the field as well as some great
tackles.
Rhys 10 - Another fantastic performance today. Looking more and more confident with the ball each week. Those throw ins are certainly causing the
opposition some real problems, in fact, on some occasions I wish it had gone out for a throw rather than a corner!!!
Matthew 9 - Held his position much better today, made some great runs with and off the ball. A very good goal deserved of the hard work he put in today!
Marcus 8 - A good performance today, some great individual runs & some great crosses too. Very unlucky not to score today.
Eddie 9 - Good awareness today, held his position well and put some great crosses in. Some great runs off the ball & another well taken goal today.
Dominic 9 - Great performance again today, worked really hard today and never gave up. Some really hard tackles going in today & great awareness of
play.
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30.11.08
Today we played Beaufort United for the second time this season on a very cold Sunday morning.
We had a very shakey start today and really didn't get into the game until the second half. All the players were felling the cold and during the first half our goalkeeper got a kick to the wrist which made life quite difficult for him. He soldiered on until half time when it was strapped up but not long into the second half he was in too much pain to continue.
With no substitutes, it was then down to Robbie-Jay to don the goalkeepers' jersey and for the second time this season not let a goal in!
They really picked up their game in the second half, we stopped playing so deep & moved forward a lot more confidently.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Robbie-Jay 9 - Back in the team today after illness kept him out, but looked like he'd never been away. Good awareness today, covered well and put some
great through balls up the field.
Logan 8 - Some good saves today, good awareness & much better concentration.
Josh 9 - great awareness today, very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. covered well when required and put some great through balls up
the field as well as some great tackles.
Rhys 10 - Played so well today, every aspect of his game and his commitment to the team really shone today. Always looking confident with the ball. On
(MOTM) the rare occasions he lost possesion, he ran the length of the field to retreive it! Well Done!!!
Matthew 9 - was drifting a litlle today, but there were some great runs off the ball & very unlucky not to score.
Thomas 8 - A good performance today, looked much more confident with the ball.
Eddie 8 - Much better today. Good awareness today, covered well and put some great through balls up the field. Some great runs off the ball & a well
taken goal (a contender for goal of the season).
Dominic 9 - An all round good performance today. Worked hard when needed and covered well.
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16.11.08
Today we played Manor 4th Black for the second time this season.
Their team have improved considerably since our last meeting, and we allowed them to show it. They were not the most skilled team we've played but they wanted it more than we did today!
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 6 - some good saves today, concentration was lacking again though.
Thomas 8 - never stopped running today, tried his hardest and listened well.
Dominic 9 - great performance again today, worked really hard today and never gave up. Some really hard tackles going in today & great awareness of
play.
Robert 6 - was played out of position today and unfortunately it showed.
Rhys 10 - Played fantastic today, tried to win every ball on every inch of the pitch. If the rest of the team played like Rhys I'd be able to nip off for a cuppa!
(MOTM) His work rate and natural skills are also starting to show interest from other teams. Well Done!!!
Matthew 6 - Tried hard today, struggled to mark his man and drifted out of position a few times.
Eddie 4 - Unlucky not to score today after two good tries on goal. Drifting out of position most of the time along with marking and tackling his team
mates today. Hope he's back to his true form next week...
Overall, a bad day at the office. Which was totally out of form for how these lads normally play. Lets hope we do better next week.
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09.11.08
Today we played Market Warsop Strikers for the second time this season.
Their team have improved considerably since our last meeting, but we were definately up for the challege today after last weeks cancelled match.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 8 - some good saves today, good awareness & much better concentration. Not much to do today, but did what was required when needed.
Robbie-Jay 9 - never stopped running today, never gave up & held his position so very well.
Dominic 9 - great performance today, worked really hard today and never gave up. Some goal saving tackles & great awareness of play.
Robert 9 - great awareness today, very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. covered well when required and put some great through balls up
the field as well as some great tackles.
Rhys 10 - Played so well today, every aspect of his game and his commitment to the team really shone today. Those throw-ins are causing the
(MOTM) opposition real problems. A fantastic engine again today, always running back to cover. Well Done!!!
Matthew 9 - good positional awareness today, some great runs off the ball & a well deserved goal.
Eddie 8 - Again some great individual runs & some great crosses too. Very unlucky not to score today.
Marcus 9 - Back in the team today after personal problems kept him out, but looked like he'd never been away. Good awareness today, covered well and
put some great through balls up the field. Some great runs off the ball & a well taken goal.
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26.10.08
Today we played Mansfield Athletic, a new team in our league. Unfortunately, again we only turned up with seven players.
Every player who played today certainly did their best to try to make up for those that were missing. We had no substitutes and just 7 minutes into the game our goalkeeper got a kick to the ankle which would rule him out for the rest of the game.
With no substitutes, it was then down to Robbie-Jay to don the goalkeepers' jersey and for the team to try and finish more than 3 quarters of the game with only six men on the field.
However, due to many players outstanding contributions today you could hardly tell we had a handicap.
I was so very proud of all the children today, they never gave up. Everyone gave their all, both for their team and for their extremely proud parents watching from the sidelines.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Robbie-Jay 9 - Never stopped running today, 3 goal saving tackles today - Strong as ever.
Logan 5 - Some handling errors today, but due to an injury early on, wasn't allowed to make up for it.
Robert 9 - Two very well developed goals today and as always good awareness too, covered well when required and put some great through balls up
the field unselfishly, even though he could have gone on to get his hat-trick.
Rhys 10 - Once again, played out of his skin. His throw-ins are now travelling further than the goal kicks! A fantastic engine today, always running back
to cover. Looked absolutely exhausted but kept finding that little bit extra. A true hero today!
Sam 8 - A good performance today, looked much more confident with the ball.
Thomas 9 - Made some good runs into the box today, even if the balls weren't getting into the final third he was well positioned to cause problems for the
opposition today. Also some good runs with the ball.
Dominic 9 - Another man-of-the-match performance, took one for the team today and was quite lucky not to sustain a concussion. Unlucky not to get a goal today and there were some very silky turns with the ball today(Where have they come from???)
(MOTM)
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12.10.08
Today our opposition was Skegby Colts, who we became quite familiar with last season. They had bolstered their squad and looked much better than last season. On the other hand, we had also improved our squad and proved to be much more competitive.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Josh 10 - some fantastic saves today, great awareness & fantastic agility.
Robbie-Jay 9 - never stopped running today, never gave up & held his position very well.
Logan 9 - Solid at the back with Robbie-Jay. Never looked like anyone would get through such a solid pairing. Some saving tackles today.
Robert 9 - Back in the team today after illness kept him out, but looked like he'd never been away. Good awareness today, covered well and put some
great through balls up the field.
Rhys 9 - Once again, played out of his skin. Always looking confident with the ball. On the rare occasions he lost possesion, he ran the length of the
field to retreive it!
Matthew 9 - good positional awareness today, some great runs off the ball & very unlucky not to score.
Thomas 9 - Well done! another step up today, if he keeps improving like this week on week I can see a future star developing.
Eddie 9 - Again some great individual runs & some great crosses too. Very unlucky not to score today.
Dominic 9 - Another man-of-the-match performance, worked really hard today and never gave up.
(MOTM)
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05.10.08
Today we played Quarrydale United from the other division, unfortunately due to circumstances that are still not clear to me at this time, only six of the 12 man squad turned up...
Every player who played today certainly made up for those that were missing. We had one less man on the field and no substitutes, but for much of the game you could hardly tell we had a handicap.
I was so very proud of all the children today, it was a real 'lump in the throat' moment to speak to players after the game, as you all probably noticed. Everyone gave their all, both for their team and for their extremely proud parents watching from the sidelines.
Here are todays player ratings:-
Logan 8 - some fantastic saves today, good awareness & much better concentration.
Robbie-Jay 9 - never stopped running today, never gave up & held his position so very well.
Rhys 9 - some great tackles today, a truely battling performance & some great little runs too.
Matthew 8 - good positional awareness today, some great runs off the ball & a well taken goal.
Eddie 8 - much better today, some great individual runs & some great crosses too. Unlucky not to score today.
Dominic 10 - What a debut! was running everywhere trying to get that ball. Stopped two efforts on goal & broke down the opposition fantastically.
(MOTM)
