Echoes 1 U 12Y 6

Straight from the kick off the boys took the game to Echoes and picked up an early goal when Sam's angled through ball saw Joe race in from the right to slot home from a tight angle,0-1. the lead was quickly doubled when Ollie turned provider for Tom to drill the ball home,0-2. James had a fine effort saved, Jordan saw his effort saved then Sam's chipped pass let Tom in to draw the keeper and pass the ball into the net,0-3. Echoes pulled a goal back when the beat Matt D to the ball and Keiran's luckless effort to clear put the ball into the net with his hand,1-3.

The 2nd half continued the same way, Matt R and Keiran combined for Tom to shoot home for his hat trick,1-4. Ollie saw his effort saved before Sam again played Tom clear to power home,1-5. Josh was unlucky to see his shot blocked before James raced into space to finish with style, 1-6.

Managers Man of the Match. Tom superb in front of goal.

U 12 Y 3 Evergreen 0

Under a scorching sun, the boys took an early lead when Sam's clever through ball let Kevin race clear to chip over the advancing keeper,1-0. A change in formation saw a central diamond slowly begin to take shape. Jordan and Joe worked hard on the right flank and Joe got his reward with Sam again the provider playing an angled pass into space, Joe drew the keeper and tapped home,2-0. As the temperature increased the boys struggled and Evergreen came back into the game. Harry made a great recovering tackle while Josh, Keiran and Matty R worked hard to keep Evergreen at bay, when they did break through Matt D was at hand to make two good saves to keep the goal intact for 1/2 time.

Evergreen continued to battle in the 2nd half and kept the defence on its toes. James made some timely blocks and Amir came into his own at right back. Ollie and Kevin were unlucky not to make contact with Joe's low cross and Jordan played Kevin clear but was unlucky to see his effort hit the side netting. Matty R headed of the line and Matt D caught a well hit shot through a crowd of players. Evergreen were caught out when Amir and Ollie combined to set Andre up for a fine drive high into the net,3-0. The boys then controlled the match through to the final whistle.

Managers Man of the Match    Matt D Assured and confident keeping.

Croxley Guild 1 U 12Y 1

A spell of early pressure kept Croxley on the back foot and Jordan's cross to Kevin found Matt R who in turn laid the ball off to Sam and was unlucky to see his effort bundled away for a corner. Ollie nearly netted soon after and James chased down a through ball but the keeper saved. Matt D had to be alert to scramble away an angled shot but Croxley's attack was generally well marshalled by Josh and Keiran with Harry and Amir keeping the flanks secure. The boys continued to press, Ollie's near post corner was met by Kevin and scrambled away for another corner and Sam headed just over, Kevin made a run and cross which found James and his lobbed effort was saved. Just before half time Tom had a long range effort caught at the 2nd attempt by the keeper.

The 2nd half saw a midfield tussle but Jordan nearly opened the scoring when his effort was saved after Kevin's deep cross. Croxley the broke down the flank, the cross eluded Matt D's dive and fell to a forward at the back post,1-0. Jordan playd a neat pass to Tom who's clever flick hit the bar, Jordan and Harry then forced the keeper into a couple of good saves, then Kevin laid the ball into space for Tom to curl in a screaming drive, 1-1. It was one way traffic as the boys pressed for the winner. Matt R had a cross come shot saved, Sam powered a shot just over and Andre's fine shot flew just wide. These were the pick of efforts as the boys dominated untill the final whistle

Manager's Man of the Match. A tough one this week but Sam and Jordan shared the honours.

Abbotts Youth 1 U12Y 4

From the kick off, the boys took control, Sam, Andre, Joe and James dominated the midfield supported by Tom and Ollie in attack. Joe nearly opened the scoring, running on to Tom's chipped pass, beat the keeper but his effort drifted just wide and Ollie was unlucky when the same pair combined to set up his chance that was blocked. Abbotts tried the long ball tactic but Matt D, Amir, Josh, Keiran and Harry dealt with everything comfortably. The boys got the breakthrough their play deserved when Kevin brought a fine save off the keeper and his accurate corner found Tom at the back post to head home,0-1. The lead was quickly doubled when the ref gave a penalty for a push on Tom, Josh stepped up to place the ball into the corner of the net,0-2 The boys continued to press and Andre's clever pass found Tom at the edge of the box who turned and placed aneat low drive into the corner of the net,0-3.

A change in weather saw a change in tempo as the boys seemed to take their foot of the pedal and Abbott's made a game of it without really threatening, Taylor worked busily on the flanks and Joe was unlucky when he burst through and lobbed the keeper but like the  1st half his effort was just wide. Abbott's continued to press and hit the bar with the defence floundering, but Tom took matters into his own to power the ball home from distance,0-4. Matt D the pulled of a smart save low to his left and then had to face a penalty which he saved but the ref called for a retake which Abbott's scored,1-4 Tom then hit the bar from the kick off and Josh saw his fine effort drift wide.

Managers Man of the Match. Tom  A hatrick performance

Finchley Revolution 1 U12Y 2

The boys had to dig deep from the start, a hard fought midfield battle with little in the way of chances. A reshuffled back line had Jordan and Joe working hard on the right and Taylor supporting on the wing. Tom had an early free kick which curled wide and Sam shot wide following up Jordan's corner. After some great supporting work in attack James had to come off after a collision to be replaced by Kevin, Jordan's dangerous corner was headed off the line from Sam's header and Taylor's follow up was also headed clear. A deep cross was well caught by Matt D, then after some great interplay by Taylor, Harry and Sam put Tom into space who tapped home after his first shot was parried,0-1. Andre was unlucky not to double the lead when his shot was blocked and Matt D ensured the lead was held turning a low shot around his far post.

As the 2nd half progressed it was clear that only one team wanted to play football and Kevin took advantage as he ran the ball from the half way line, clipped over an accurate cross for Tom to head home,0-2. The boys continued to press to increase the advantage and defended strongly untill the final hour of extra time when Finchley smashed home a consolation goal,1-2

Managers Man of the Match Kevin, Kept a cool head during a difficult game

Hemel Aces 1 U 12Y 3

Virtually straight from the kick off the ref gave a free kick which the home side tookadvantage of, floating the ball which caught everyone flat footed,1-0. The boys pressed hard on a difficult running track (sorry, pitch) Harry and Keiran on one side of defence worked hard to shield Jordan supported by Josh & Matt R on the left. The midfield struggled to make an opening for Tom and Ollie but did however create a few chances, Ollie combined with Joe to force a corner, James had an angled shot saved and Matt R blasted high and wide. Jordan confidently caught a looping effort and both Tom and Kevin were unlucky to see their efforts blocked.

The boys stuck to their task in the second half and after a couple of efforts scored a deserved equaliser when Tom flicked on Harry's throw for Ollie to bundle over the line,1-1. Taylor then played Ollie into space but his effort was blocked for a corner, Ollie's corner was half cleared to Kevin who's effort was just wide. Kevin the made run down the left flank into the box and saw his shot blocked but Tom followed up to tap home, 1-2. Jordan then punched a dangerous cross clear as Hemel pressed looking for an equaliser then Kevin broke clear and found James in space to cleverly turn home his cross,1-3. Josh nearly chipped in with a goal before the whistle but his effort drifted wide.

Managers Man of the Match Harry, assured at the back and always looking for an opening

At last, a game of football and despite the long break the boys quickly slipped into gear, Harry and Matt R dominated the flanks supported by Josh and Keiran. The boys pressured Enfield 's back line and Kevin took advantage of a poor clearance to shoot home from just inside the box, 0-1. A reshuffle at the back did not affect the team and Joe slotted into the central defence, Tom had a free kick saved and from Ollie's corner was unlucky to head at the keeper. Harry then fed Andre who's cross come shot was turned into the net by an Enfield defender,0-2.

The boys began to dominate the 2nd half as Enfield struggled to break out. Jordan's dangerous corner was headed off the line and Sam's follow up hit the bar. Ollie kept stretching the defence with some great runs allowing Tom and Andre space to attack the home goal. Kevin was unlucky not to increase the lead when Olllie's chipped pass was just to high and then Matt D ensured a clean sheet with a magnificent near post save when Enfield broke clear. Ollie then got on the score sheet with a fine looping free kick, 0-3. Enfield's change of keeper kept the score down with a string of saves denying Jordan, Kevin and Andre before the final whistle.

Managers Man of the Match. Harry, a fine performance at right back

Amonia Green 0 U12 Y 4

It tooka while to get going, both midfields worked hard to create an opening untill Tom's run resulted in a corner and James was unlucky to see his shot fly over the bar. Matt D had to smother a loose ball on his goal line and Matt R worked hard at left back. Sam then laid a perfect pass to Tom who shot high into the net,1-0. Jordan was unlucky not to double the lead when he shot just wide but Kevin popped up on the left flank and drilled the ball into the far corner,2-0. Amonia tried to get back into the game but Keiran and Josh held firm at the back, Sam dominated the midfield supported by Amir and Andre. Then fine work from Joe played Tom into space and his pass found Kevin unmarked at the back post to slot home. Just before half time Ollie chased a ball down the flank and was unlucky to see his shot saved.

The boys continued to press in the second half, Andre continued to try and open up Omania's back line with some clever passes, one in particular sent Ollie clear and he was really unlucky when his lob beat the keeper and the post. Joe and James combined on the right flank to keep the home defence on the back foot and Andre finally got his reward when his shot trickled under the keeper after a fine cross from James,4-0. With Matt D able to read the Sunday Papers as Harry and his defenders dealt with anything Amonia threw at them the rest of the team continued to look for goals. Joe had an effort cleared off the line, Ollie's probing runs kept the linesman busy and just before the whistle James burst through three defenders, drew the keeper but his shot trickled just wide.

Managers Man of the Match. A tough choice but Andre deserved it for his all round effort, clever passing anda well deserved goal

U 12 Y 3 Enfield Rangers 1

There was little to choose between the teams in the early exchanges. Amir and Keiran kept cleared probes from Enfield and James's cross nearly found Harry in space. The boys had to re shuffle when Matt D limped off and Jordan went between the sticks. Sam lead the defence and protected Jordan superbly while Andre, Matt R and James battled to win the midfield. Andre's clever pass played Ollie in but his shot was saved, then Ollie turned provider when his deep cross found Joe at the back post to head home,1-0. Then Jordan stopped Enfield in there tracks, first turning away a difficult cross, followed up by punching away the resulting corner and then turning a looping shot onto the bar and away for a corner. Amir then made a great run on the left but Joe just could,nt reach the cross.

Andre began pulling the strings in the 2nd half and was unlucky when his fine shot drifted just wide, then Ollie and Tom followed his clever ball into the box and crossed for Joe to power home from the back post,2-0. Andre turned provider again when Ollie latched onto his pass, ran the ball deep into the Enfield box and slotted the ball home,3-0. Matt R was at hand to help Jordan with a magnificent goal line clearance as the whole back line stood firm against Enfield's raids. Sam saw his header hit the bar from Ollie's corner, then after two saves by Jordan Enfield pulled a goal back,3-1. The boys continued to press, Ollie was unlucky to be called offside after he beat the defence to shoot home, Matt R's free kick put Enfield's defence into a panic and Amir was the victim of another offside flag when he ran from behind the back line and lobbed the keeper.

Managers Man of the Match, Well, men this week. Jordan for a sterling show in goal and Amir for a strong display on the left flank

U 12Y 4 Abbotts Youth 0

The boys took the game to Abbott's straight from the kick off and Joe forced the keeper into an early save, Kevin and Tom kept their back line under pressure and a superb flick by Kevin from Joe's corner was put away cooly by Tom,1-0. James and Andre controlled the midfield and Ollie's runs kept the Abbot defence at full stretch. Jordan worked tirelessly on the left flank ably supported by Matt R. The boys pressed hard looking for a second goal as Abbott's struggled to contain them. Joe, Jordan and Ollie combined together to set up Joe to power home a deserved goal,2-0. and Kevin picked up a poor clearance to cross for Joe who sped in at the back post to finish in style,3-0.

The second half saw the boys control the midfield again, Keiran and Josh stopped Abbot's play their pass and move game, Ollie was unlucky when he latched onto Tom's long throw and the keeper pulled off a flying save. Taylor made some telling contributions on the right flank before Joe's corner gave Abbott's problems and Tom was at hand to tuck away the loose ball,4-0. So dominant was the midfield and defence that the only meaningful effort by Abbotts was a floated free kick that was confidently taken by Matt D

Managers Man of the Match. A tough call with so many great contributions but Tom just edged it.

U 12 Y 6 Harvesters 2

Straight from the kick off the boys charged at Harvesters and Sam's neat cross found Kevin in space on the left flank, a quick turn and a fine volley home,1-0. Within minutes of the restart James found Kevin in space but the keeper pulled off a great save but Joe was at hand to plant home the loose ball,2-0. Harvesters pressed the back line but Keiran and Harry held firm on the right flank, Ollie rode some crunching tackles to play James into space but his effort was just wide. Harvesters pulled a goal back from a well taken free kick but Sam's clever pass found Joe in space who in turn laid the ball to James who just beat the offside trap to slide the ball home, 3-1. Sam stopped a dangerous attack with a great tackle, then Joe's cross found Tom free in the area and his looping header beat the keeper,4-1. Havesters pulled a goal back with a well crafted break through the centre,4-2. Matt D then made a terrific save clawing away a shot through a crowded box and Amir made a courageous clearance to make sure of keeping the 2 goal lead.

Harry was switched to deep midfield and after Matt D made a great save in the line Harvesters struggled to break through. Sam nearly scored but his fine effort was just wide, Taylor and Jordan made a nuisance of themselves on the right flank and Sam had another effort blocked. Kevin was then played clear on the left flank, charged through some wilting tackles and finished from a tight angle,5-2. Harvesters tried to get back into the game but Harry covered the entire back line and they could'nt get through. Kevin took Sam's pass in his stride and finish with ease,6-2.

Managers Man of the Match. Harry a superb performance which just eclipsed Kevin's Hat trick

Evergreen 0 U12 Youth 2

A midfield struggle saw few chances in the first half, James hit the bar from a half cleared corner and Tom saw his deep cross tipped away. The boys found it hard to create an opening on a short pitch but managed to force a series of corners which Everegreen struggled to clear. Sam controlled the back line and made sure any loose ball went to a yellow shirt.

The second half started as the 1st half ended but slowly the boys began to stretch the home defence, Tom had a shot blocked and then hit the post. Kevin's fine through ball found Andre in space but his shot was just wide. Then boys forced the ball into the net from Joe's cross but was called offside. Fine work on the left between Jordan and Ollie put Kevin clear to slot home,0-1. Tom had a fine curling effort saved and Kevin again working the left flank was unlucky to see his drive saved. Ollie followed a long ball into the area and Joe was quick to rap home the loose ball,0-2. As the boys looked for the 3rd goal, the defence again stood firm as Evergreen tried to get back into the game.

Managers Man of the Match. Sam, a fine display at the back which resulted in the home team only managing two shots on target.

Hemel Aces 1 U12 Youth 2

It took a while to get going, James probed away up front supported by Joe, Tom and Kevin, after a couple of half chances Kevin took over, burst through the Hemel back line and slotted past the keeper,0-1. Hemel struggled against a solid defence as Harry, Keiran, Josh and Matt R controlled the back line. Kevin made all the openings up front but the boys could'nt find a way through. Matt D pulled off a fine save when Hemel struck through a crowded box and Joe nearly doubled the lead but his powerful shot flew over. Hemel then scored a fine equaliser from a corner,1-1. Matt D had to be at his best to turn away another Hemel shot. Kevin then charged down the flank but his cross failed to find a team mate.

A change of formation in the 2nd half saw Joe move to centre half and Ollie play in midfield which brought some shape back to the team. Emir linked well at left back and Ollie worked tirelessly to make openings for Andre and Kevin. Sam worked hard in midfield and Andre put pressure on the Hemel defence. After some fine work by Jordan Hemel conceded a corner, Ollie's clever pass was worked into space for Kevin to slide the ball home,2-1. James nearly increased the lead with a cross come shot after being played clear by Taylor and Matt D again looked sharp turning a low shot to safety when Hemel made a rare break out.

Managers Man of the Match. Ollie a fine 2nd half performance in a difficult role.

U12Y 3 Aldenham 1

An early start and detour for a rearranged home match in Watford saw the boys struggle to get going against an Aldenham team prepared to attack. Josh and Keiran looked strong at the back and repelled a slick Aldenham forward line. James worked hard in midfield but the boys struggled to make an opening. Aldenham took the lead when they broke down the right wing and the defence for once were caught napping,0-1.

Gary's team talk at half time resolved the midfield problem and the boys began to take control and after forcing a couple of corners Kevin was in the right place to force the ball home,1-1. Aldenham tried to put pressure on the back line but Sam lead the midfield and we began to take control, Kevin then charged down the left flank, cut in and took advantage of a change of keeper to ram tha ball home from a tight angle,2-1. Matt D then came into his own pulling off a great parry which was superbly cleared by Josh and followed up with a neat tip onto the bar and Andre cleared the danger. Joe looked sharp on the right flank and played Tom into space who crossed for Kevin to head home for a deserved hat-trick. Matt R,Emir, Andre, James, Harry and Josh then dominated the last 10 minutes of the game to see the boys home for a deserved 2nd half win.

Managers Man of the Match, Kevin, Hat-trick performace. (Thanks to Sally for being reserve Harry Harris.)

Sun Postal 3 U12 Y 1

The conditions turned out to be a great leveller in the 1st half as the boys matched Sun Postal and made the better chances, Joe was unlucky when his effort was blocked for a corner and Jordan's follow up drifted wide. Then Tom (as centre forward) took matters into is own hands and placed the perfect corner into the keepers hands knowing he would fumble it into the net,0-1. James worked overtime in midfield as Sun Postal began to test the defence which suprisingly was sitting very deep and Matt D showed confidence dealing with their crosses, disaster struck just before 1/2 time when two Postal forwards were left clear at the edge of the box and rounded Matt D to equalise,1-1.

The boys struggled to find any fluency in the 2nd half and Postal stared to take control, a fine shot gave them the lead,2-1 which soon increased when a poor clearance was turned over and slotted home,3-1. The boys tried to take the game to Postal but sadly fell short on the day

Managers Man of the Match James, covered every blade of grass to drive the boys forward

U 12 Y 4 Echoes 0

It took a bit of time for the boys to blow away the Xmas cobwebs but slowly they took control, Kevin had the first shot that drifted wide after fine work down the right flank. James  and Joe combined for Ollie to force a corner, Tom ran into the area only to see his shot hit the bar and Echoes scrambled the ball away for a corner. Kevin saw his effort cleard off the line, Andre's through ball put Joe into space but his effort was parried and Tom's follow up was saved. When Echoes finally beat Keiran and Josh at the back Matt D denied them with a fine save from a bouncing effort. James found Joe in space, his volley was parried but Tom pounced to slide the ball home, 1-0. Ollie played Tom into space but his shot was turned away for a corner, Joe's corner found Kevin in space to ram the ball home, 2-.-0.

The boys pressed on in the 2nd half, James & Joe combined down the right, Joe's clever pass found Ollie but his shot drifted just wide. Kevin had a cross shot that hit the bar, Jordan followed up and laid the ball to Joe who in turn laid the ball to James who took his goal calmly,3-0. The boys continued to attack at will Sam saw a great header saved, Kevin had another cross come shot that was cleared straight to James who saw his effort saved and Andre hit the bar following Kevin's cross.Kevin was unlucky when his angled effort rolled along the line. Echoes then made a rare break and raced clear, Matt D pulled off a flying save to ensure a clean sheet. There was still time for Kevin to take on the whole right side of defence and lay a pass on for Tom to complete the scoring,4-0. In the dying minutes Ollie headed Kevin's corner over the bar, Joe's corner was hacked off the line and Matt R fired Ollie's corner wide.

Managers Man of the Match James. A tireless performance on the right. 

H M H 1 U12Y 0

After moving fixture and pitch, a delayed kick off in sub arctic conditions the boys struggled to get out of the blocks and were 2nd to everything during the match. HMH took the lead when a hanging shot just went over the line despite Matt D's efforts 1-0 and try as they might to chase the game AP rarely troubled the home keeper, even missing a penalty just before half time.

The boys tried harder at the start of the 2nd half but faded as time went by leaving Keiran to make sure that HMH did not double their lead. Kevin could have nicked an equaliser with a cheeky back heel but lacked the power to trouble the keeper.

Managers Man of the Match Keiran, Imperious at the back.........Merry Xmas all and a prosperous new year

U12 Y 3 Croxley Guild 0

Straight from the kick off the boys looked to dominate the game, Andre, Sam and Andre controlled the midfield and Joe attacked the right flank. The pressure told when Croxley gave away a free kick and Tom picked out Sam to power home,1-0. Josh and Keiran worked hard at the back, ably supported by Matt R and Harry while Kevin and Ollie kept the away defence on the back foot. Andre nearly doubled the lead but his shot drifted just wide and Ollie was unlucky not to get on the end of Andre's clever chip. Kevin tore the defence apart with one mazy run, Tom's shot was blocked and Joe was unlucky to see his follow up shot hacked clear by the keeper.

The boys continued to press in the 2nd half and doubled their lead when Ollie and Joe combined from a short corner to set Matt R up for his 2nd goal of the season contender, 2-0. Matt D then made a crucial one on one save to make sure Croxley did not have a way back. Andre, Tom, Kevin and Ollie all had chances to stretch the lead but somehow Croxley managed not to concede untill Tom jinked along the by line to calmly slot home, 3-0. Croxley then started to press as the boys tired but they hung on for a deserved clean sheet.

Managers Man of the Match Matt R What a goal!!

Chaseside 2 U12 Y 0

The boys faced a stern challenge against a well organised Chaseside team and found it hard going despite their best efforts. The midfield battled hard to make inroads and Keiran and his worked tirelessly to contain some lively forwards. The boys made the job even harder when they fell behind to a weak free kick, 1-0, Andre nearly snatched an equaliser,Matt D made amends with some crucial saves and Tom nearly played Kevin into space but the home defence held firm.

The boys continued to battle in the 2nd half, Joe was unlucky to see his cross come shot saved before Chaseside broke clear to cooly finish, 2-0. Kevin nearly pulled a goal back but found the side netting and Joe fired wide from Kevin's cross.

Managers Man of the Match Keiran

U 12 Y 3 Finchley Revolution 0

The boys took control of the conditions in the 1st half and did everything but score, Matt D had to be sharp to stop Finchley taking a shock lead when they broke clear of a strong defence marshalled by Harry and Keiran. Joe, Kevin and Andre all had chances to score before Kevin found space to turn and curl a great over the keeper to take a deserved lead, 1-0. Tom began to dominate the midfield, playing clever balls into space for Ollie and Kevin to run onto and creating havoc with some telling free kicks. Again Finchley broke the offside trap but Matt D made sure they could'nt equalise making a big save when one on one with Finchley's lone striker. The boys finally doubled their lead when after a series of blocks, the ball landed at Joe's feet and he powered it into the net,2-0.

As the temperature dropped in the 2nd half, the boys pressed home their strength in midfield and defence, Jordan and Josh helped the midfield keep Finchley in their own half while Tom and Joe kept pressing on the flanks ably supported by Sam in the centre. Tom then made space but his shot was saved and Ollie followed up to tap into an empty net, 3-0. Matt D then stopped a rare Finchley break by smartly diving at the edge of his box to smother the ball and then made sure of a clean sheet when he turned away a dangerous cross and Matt R took the ball away.

Managers Man of the Match, Tom, A towering performance in midfield

Aldenham Athletic 0 U 12 Y 4

The first 10 minutes was a midfield struggle as both sides battled with the conditions and pitch. Ollie and Tom finally combined to give Joe space but he found the side netting. Sam was superb as the holding midfielder and as usual Harry, Keiran, Josh and Matty R controlled the back line and Matt D was composed in goal. Tom came close with a header from Ollie's corner and Ollie was unlucky to see his shot trickle just past the post as the boys increased the pressure but could not find the back of the net.

From the whistle the boys took advantage of the slope and wind, Kevin forced a good save from the home keeper and Matt D showed how hold the ball with a fine save on the line. James's through ball nearly found Ollie and Joe shot just wide from Kevin's corner, Andre was unlucky to see his snap shot saved. Finally the boys got the goal they deserved, Tom hit the bar after fine work by Kevin and Sam and Joe smashed the loose ball home,0-1. The boys quickly doubled the score when Tom latched on to Josh's through ball and lobbed the Keeper, 0-2. The boys did not let up and played some superb football to tear Aldenham apart, Matt R had a good effort scrambled onto the post and Kevin was at hand to tap home, 0-3. Matt D saved low to his right before Matt R was played into space on the left flank to curl a screamer past the keeper,0-4. There was just enough time for Aldenham to miss a penalty before the final whistle blew.

Great performace by all capped of by a Man of the Match display by Tom 

U 12 Y 1 Omonia Green 1

From the whistle the boys seemed in control, Kevin nearly played Ollie into space and Joe found Jordan in space after a clever crossfield ball. The defence and midfield held firm and Omonia's chances were few and far between, Matt D looked sharp stopping a low cross shot and Matt R continued his good work at left back. Sam's long range shot nearly caught Omonia napping and Joe linked with Ollie to play Kevin into space but his bobbling shot was just saved by the keeper. Tom and Harry had chances before Jordan headed a corner back across the goal which was turned into his own net by Omonia's defender, 1-0.

The boys lost their shape at the start of the 2nd half, Matt D pulled off a near post save after some confused defending and Omonia took advantage of space to drive a high drive into the net for a deserved equaliser,1-1. This seemed to stir the boys and they picked up where they left off in the 1st half. Kevin kept the Omonia defence on the back foot ably supported by Joe and Tom. Andre controlled everything in midfield and his passing created several good openings for Ollie and Kevin but the winner just eluded us.

Managers Man of the Match, Andre who has taken to a new role superbly

Harvesters 5 U 12Y 1

Due to an accident on the M25 the boys had to start the match with only 10 players, a stand in goalkeeper and shy of 2 midfielders. Despite this they took the game to Harvesters and Kevin opened the scoring with a tidy finish,0-1. As Harvesters pressed Ollie hit the bar but Harvesters eventually ended up 3-1 ahead despite the boys efforts.

5 minutes into the 2nd half the cavalry arrived and we were back to full strength, Matt D was called into action straightaway diving full length to turn away a dipping shot. Joe and James started attacking the flanks as the boys pressed hard to get back into the game. Andre's shot hit the side netting, James combined with Kevin who unluckily could not beat the offside trap. Sam and Tom chased down whenever Harvesters threatened and Jordan saw a fine effort from distance just drift past the post with the keeper scrambling to get across his goal. 15 minutes to go and confidence was building when disaster struck. Harvesters took advantage of some weak defending to increase their lead, 4-1. and quickly killed off the game a couple of minutes later, 5-1.

Managers Man of the Match. (To be confirmed)

U 12 Y 5 HMH 1

The boys took advantage of the conditions in the first half (my notes unfortunately did'nt survive). Harry, Josh, Keiran and Matt R at the back kept HMH's attack under a cloud and the midfield made sure the away defence was kept on the back foot. Sam saw his fine effort saved but Kevin reacted quickly to power home the loose ball, 1-0. Kevin continued to stretch the defence and when Tom's fine through ball was blocked, Ollie was sharp enough to double the lead, 2-0. Kevin then took advantage of a poor goal kick to prod home,3-0. and James latched on to a fumble by the keeper to blast home,4-0. The Tom and Kevin partnership opened the defence up for Kevin to score for a deserved hat trick, 5-0.

The boys listened to the warnings at half time and stood firm against the 2nd half Cavalry Charges by HMH. Matt D made two fine saves which seemed to take the heart out of the oposition, Andre was a powerhouse in a midfield role and with a little more thought the boys could quite easily have increased their lead. HMH to their credit kept pushing forward and got their consolation goal when Keiran unfortunately gave away a late penalty,5-1.

Managers Man of the Match. Kevin, Hat trick hero

Northwood 1 U12 Y 2

On a sloping pitch the boys faced an uphill struggle in the first half but chances were few and far between. Northwood controlled the midfield but rarely troubled Jordan, Keiran, Harry and Matt R. who repelled everything that was thrown at them. Slowly the boys began to make e few chances, James combined with Matt R but saw his shot saved. Sam and Tom made a couple of openings for Kevin but found themselves behind when Northwood took advantage of some space when the boys struggled to clear a corner and powered the ball home,1-0. Kevin put Joe into space but his lob drifted just wide then Tom laid the ball to Andre who cleverly found Kevin in space to equalise,1-1.

The boys took control straight from the whistle in the 2nd half, Joe's cross just failed to find both Andre and Kevin who lost their markers. Kevin then began to harry the home defence and chased everything, Ollie's corner was headed over by Kevin, Kevin's corner was headed over by Tom and Tom's fine cross was headed just wide by James. It seemed only a matter of time before the boys should take the lead and Kevin obliged after picking up a loose ball, cut in from the left and slotted the ball past the keeper,1-2. The boys kept pressing looking for a third goal when Tom was hacked from behind after some great defensive work. Ollie took over the left flank and the boys held firm led by Matt R at left back as Northwood pressed for an equaliser. and Matt D made a fine clutching save when Northwood broke through.

Man of the Match, A hard one to call between Matt R and Debut boy Kevin........Our thoughts however turn to Henry, even though he wants to go South. Get Well Soon

Whetstone 0 U12Y 2

The boys turned in a powerful performance, dominating from the back with Harry, Keiran, Henry and Matt R stopping Whetstone everytime they pressed. The midfield too looked in command with Tom, Joe, Jordan and James working tirelessly and Andre and Ollie keeping the Whetstone defence on the back foot. Chances were few and far between though and they all came from AP's attacks. Ollie and Andre combined for Matt R to force a corner and Tom was unlucky to see his header flash just wide. Joe looped a loose ball into the area and Andre made the keeper save his effort. Andre was marginally offside when he burst clear to power home and then James played Ollie into enough space to turn two defenders and calmly slot home,0-1.

The boys carried their fine form into the 2nd half. Tom kept probing with long range shots and passes. All the play was compressed in the Whetstone half, Jordan and Joe working the right flank and Matt R and James attacking the left. Whetstone had a few breaks but the defence held true. Matt D had one dangerous corner to deal with as the boys pressed to make the game safe, A fine move between Andre and Ollie found Jordan in space, the keeper half blocked and the ball was cleared off the line. Then Ollie ran past three defenders but shot wide and finally Joe cooly played Jordan in behind the defence and he calmly beat the keeper, 0-2. With the game wrapped up the boys played down the clock.

Man of the Match. Matt D. Matt R, Henry, Keiran, Harry, James, Jordan, Joe, Tom, Ollie, Andre and Sam. Oh well better add Gary and Dane. Great Game boys.

HMH 3 U 12Y 1

HMH pressed from the start but Harry, Keiran, Matt R and Jordan dealt with their attacks and Matt D found his form in goal. Tom nearly found the top corner with a trade mark free kick and Joe worked hard on the flank. HMH always looked dangerous on the break and took the lead with a sharp break,1-0. Matt D made a couple of big blocks before Henry's sharp interplay opened up the home defence but the chance went begging. HMH broke with speed again to double their lead,2-0. Joe put in a dangerous cross before Andre worked some space to drive home from the edge of the box,2-1.

The boys began the 2nd half looking for an equaliser but were unlucky to concede when HMH scrambled in their third,3-1. Sam and Tom started to dominate the midfield supported by Henry and Joe but the chances would not go in, Joe, Ollie and Andre all managed to work the keeper while at the other end Matt D stayed alert to make sure the boys were still in with a chance of snatching something from the game.

Managers Man of the Match. Matt D Safe Hands and Assured in goal.  

A C Finchley 2 U 12 Youth 2

On a difficult half field, half snooker table pitch the boys used the slope in the 1st half to create plenty of chances, Matt R caused the home side problems with his overlaps on the left and Joe used the smooth surface on the right to press the the home defence. Joe's lobbed shot was tipped away by the keeper and Ollie was unlucky not to make a clean contact from the resulting corner. Tom saw his fine effort from distance saved and Dan blasted just wide. When Finchley tried to break out Keiran, Harry and James seemed to clear the dangers with ease. Ollie was unlucky to see a header flash just wide after fine work by Jordan and Joe on the right flank. Then disaster struck, Finchley broke down the left flank, moved the ball across the defence leaving a forward free to finish high into the net.1-0.

From the kick off, the boys pressed hard looking for an equaliser but Joe, Jordan and Henry found the long grass dificult to move the ball around. Tom worked hard up front with Andre as they looked for an opening. Finchley's forward punts were dealt with comfortably by the defence and Matt D used his area well to smother any dangers. The equaliser finally came when Matt R fired over a splendid cross which found Joe lurking at the back post to blast home,1-1. Ollie and Andre nearly put the boys in front but Finchley broke and fired home with another high finish,2-1. Henry then got clear to drive a low cross that was finally cleared, Tom looked for a deserved penalty, Ollie then showed great control only for the keeper to pull off a great save before Sam flicked on a long throw for Joe to power in a well earned equaliser,2-2. The boys pressed for a winner but the clock denied them the chance against a tiring Finchley team.

Managers Man of the Match. Matt R. Superb display at left back

Brigdale Rovers 1 U 12Y 7

From the kick off the boys showed their desire to put last week's result behind them. Joe and Jordan soon tore holes in the Brigdale defence setting up chances for Ollie and James, while Matt R, Max and Dan caused problems on the left flank. The boys finally broke through when Tom's shot was blocked and Joe pounced to finish crisply.1-0. The boys pressed on and both Jordan and Ollie were unlucky to see their efforts saved then Joe, again creating havoc down the right powered in a cross shot that hit the net so hard it confused a heat affected ref. 2-0. The defence marshalled by Keiran and Harry kept Brigdale quiet giving Joe space to set up Andre  but the keeper saved. Joe worked the ball into space for James to find the back of the net,3-0.

The boys continued pressing in the 2nd half, Joe, Max, Dan and Andre all had chances which were either scrambled clear or saved. Matt D showed his alertness smothering a couple of dangerous passes at the edge of his box and Max proved just how wide a goal post can be. Joe then cut in from the right and blasted home a deserved hat trick,4-0. Harry and Keiran continued to control the back line when Brigdale threatened to break out of their half. Tom then took advantage of a keeper's error when his free kick squirmed over the line,5-0. Brigdale then broke down the right and scored with a low drive, 5-1. The boys continued to press down either flank and cause Brigdale problems. Tom's free kick was flicked home by Max, 6-1 and Ollie finally got on the score sheet after putting up with some bad tackles to finish the game,7-1.

Managers Man of the Match Joe, a tireless performance rounded off with 3 goals

U12 Y 1 Hadley 5