Eagles u10 Blues and Yellows - 07/08 Season
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Phil Oram - 07970-855291 - phil.oram@premiersystemsit.co.uk
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The Eagles Echo
No.34 Sunday 13th July 2008 - Letchworth Garden City Eagles Tournament
The Blues and the Yellows took part in their home tournament on a hot summer’s day, at the end of a long, draining but glorious season. Matches were 12 minutes in duration and with a smaller than usual turnout of 10 teams, 5 of them were from Letchworth Garden City Eagles. The Blues played in Group B on pitch 6 and the Yellows in Group A on pitch 3.
Group A results pitch 3
Stotfold Juniors Lions 0 Letchworth Eagles Yellows 1 (Ethan)
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 0 Letchworth Eagles Golds 3
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 1 (Ethan) Rising Stars FC 2
Letchworth Eagles Mixers 1 (Alfie) Letchworth Eagles Yellows 1
It was a disappointing tournament for the Yellows who failed to show anywhere near their true form, looked jaded and didn’t qualify for the knockout stages. Ethan continued his fine form by scoring near the end of their first match to give them a narrow win over Stotfold and the perfect start, but our boys were rocked by their fellow Eagles side the Golds as they crashed to an uncharacteristic heavy defeat –they lacked firepower up front early on and never recovered from going behind. Against the fancied Rising Stars side in match 3, normal service appeared to have been resumed as Ethan again gave the Yellows a very early lead and we hoped that this would be the win to put them back on track. However clearly the gods were not on the Yellows’ side today for Rising Stars got a goal back and then cruelly got the winner with a breakaway second near the end which sealed the fate of our boys. In the dead rubber of the match against the Letchworth Mixers, the Yellows once again went behind but Alfie restored some pride by equalising and it finished 1-1. Disappointment for all the Yellows today but they should remember this season with nothing but pride for all their wonderful play, teamwork, skill and will to win. Their record has been outstanding and they deserve all the credit in the world. Well done and good luck in particular to Jack who will be playing with his age group next season. Congratulations boys and thanks too to Gary and Steff for all their great coaching and encouragement.
At the Awards evening, Jake was voted the Most Improved Player of the Season, Myles was the Manager’s Player of the Season and Alfie the Player’s Player of the Season.
Team : Callum Myles Jack Jake Stuart Ethan Billy Hanney Stan Alfie
Group B results pitch 6
Letchworth Eagles Blues 2 (Harry, Cam) St Albans Rangers 0
Letchworth Eagles Aces 0 Letchworth Eagles Blues 5 (Harry, Matthew, Charley, Cam 2)
Letchworth Eagles Blues 2 (Marcus, Harry) Stotfold Juniors Tigers 1
Letchworth Eagles Blues 1 (Marcus) Great Linford FC 0
The Blues really clicked into gear from the very first kickoff – who would have known that so many of them were partying until late the previous night?! Playing some superb slick passing football, they were soon ahead against St Albans Rangers in match 1 – first Oscar fed Harry who tucked the ball away and then Harry turned provider, whipping in a first time cross for Cam to bury, making it a comfortable 2-0 opener. Against their fellow Letchworth side, the Aces, the Blues made their vast superiority tell and had a field day. Harry from an angle on the left opened the scoring and then Matthew drove a stunning shot in from way outside the penalty areas to make it 2-0 – clearly he is now getting a taste for scoring and hopefully will try his luck on goal more often! From the restart, Charley ran through almost unopposed to make it 3-0 and then Cam added two more, from close range and from a rebound to make the final score an emphatic 5-0. Nothing looked like derailing the Blues at this stage but the next two matches were tougher. Against Stotfold, Marcus scored from close range to give the Blues the lead 1-0 and then Harry finished well after a stunning move where Matthew had thrusted down the right and laid the ball in – 2-0. However, Stotfold got one back with a powerful free kick on goal that one could see happening in slow motion and which our boys didn’t deal with – 2-1 and this turned out to be the only goal conceded by the Blues today. In the last match against Great Linford who had also won all their games, the Blues were by far the best side but had to rely on a narrow win, courtesy of Marcus. ‘Feisty’ is a term that could be applied to this game during play, with several strong challenges going in – ‘unacceptable’ describes the behaviour of one of Great Linford’s players who acted in an aggressive and unsporting manner after the defeat – conduct that unfortunately was to be seen after the final itself as well. The Blues thus qualified as comfortable group winners.
Semi Final
Letchworth Eagles Blues ……………………..1 Letchworth Eagles Golds……………….1
(after extra time – Letchworth Eagles Blues win 4-2 on penalties)
No Yellows at this stage and the Blues themselves were fortunate to progress to the final as they had their toughest game of the tournament against a skilful and lively Golds side, most of whom were playing up a year and who had Tommy Murray doing great things for them down the wing! They proved stern opponents for the Blues who couldn’t break them down and the Golds went into a shock lead when they scored from a corner. An almighty upset was looming but to their credit, our boys didn’t let their heads drop and continued to play their football.
Marcus made it 1-1 to great relief on this side of the Letchworth fence and with deadlock at full time, it went straight to penalties. The Blues are showing no fear at this lottery these days and all four of our penalty takers scored, combined with Sam’s goalkeeping, to send the Blues through to the final 4-2. A great result in the end but it was close! Great credit to their young Eagles opponents who had done terrifically well today.
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………….4 Great Linford FC……………………….0
(Harry 2, Cam, Charley)
The Blues saved their best performance, appropriately enough for the final of their last match of this record breaking season, their last match of mini soccer and their home tournament which has been a hoodoo for them in recent years. Playing Great Linford again, they turned on the style, ensured goals reflected their superiority this time and were so much better than their opponents that the result was never remotely in doubt – Sam hardly had any saves of note to make. Harry slotted the ball home early on to make it 1-0, Cam then settled any nerves by doubling the lead and when Charley lifted the ball over their keeper, it was already 3-0 and everyone connected with the Eagles could enjoy the match and their great football. Marcus laid the ball off for Harry to get his second and the Blues fourth before the end and it was the most emphatic of victories- the perfect way to end the season. Typical of their play this season, we once again witnessed fluent passing football, teamwork and vision and opponents kept at bay and in our pockets with individual class.
It was unfortunate that some of those connected with Great Linford could not act with a better attitude, for some of the reactions both during and after the game were highly unsavoury and it was a shame, coming right at the end of the season in what after all is football for Under 10s! Learning to both win and lose with good grace is surely what we should all be about – both adults and children.
Fortunately, the moment passed and the Blues richly deserved their applause as they received their winners medals and it was highly fitting that Tommy joined his team mates, to make it the full squad of 10 boys that celebrated together. Nothing more can be added to the praise and glowing comments that already have been said and written about this magnificent team this season and it has been a true privilege to be able to write about their exploits. Thanks to all of you reading and very well done to you all boys - heroes each and every one of you!!
At the Awards evening, Sam Oram was voted the Most Improved Player of the Season, Tommy Murray was the Manager’s Player of the Season and Matthew Reynolds the Player’s Player of the Season.
Team : Sam Matthew Oscar Tommy Reuben Alli Harry Charley Cam Marcus
Thanks to Phil and Steve for their tireless coaching and encouragement of the boys this season.
No.33 Saturday 5th July 2008
Knebworth Youth F.C. Mini Football 7 a side Tournament
Freshened up after a break, the Blues and Yellows took part in the penultimate tournament at old rivals Knebworth’s home ground, an event which previously has been one step too far and which has seen disappointing exits. Not today though and the result was a carbon copy of the Royston Crow Finals, with both the Blues and the Yellows reaching and fighting out the final once again on another day of triumph for Letchworth Garden City Eagles football.
It was a late start today – the Under 10s matches were meant to kick off at 2.40 but were delayed due to the previous tournament over running and our matches got further and further behind so it was the early evening when the final was played. 16 teams were competing, placed in four groups and many of these were new to us. Matches were 8 minutes each way and it was an afternoon of alternating sunshine and grey skies with strong winds.
Group 2 results
Panshanger Lions 0 Letchworth Eagles Blues 1 (Marcus)
Letchworth Eagles Blues 0 Welwyn Pegasus 1 0
Broadhall Youth 0 Letchworth Eagles Blues 7 (Marcus 3, Alli 2, Matthew, Tommy)
The Blues were full strength today, starting with Sam in goal, Matthew, Reuben, Marcus, Alli, Cam and Tommy with Harry, Oscar and Charley a formidable trio of substitutes. However the Blues were very average to begin with and then got a lot worse (!) before finally hitting more normal form in the third group match. Panshanger Lions, who last year’s report reveals beat the Blues at the same stage in 2007, provided stiff competition in the first game – quick and strong in the challenge and direct on goal. It was an uncomfortable 0-0 at half time, with Panshanger at times looking threatening and our passing non existent. Harry made a real difference down the left when he came on and it was his cross that was put in brilliantly by Marcus to make it 1-0 in the one move of any real quality, almost against the run of play and the Blues held onto this lead for a win which they hardly deserved. Just as well, for the 0-0 draw against Welwyn Pegasus was dreadful and hardly deserves any comment! Playing like virtual strangers and not releasing the ball or finding their team mates with passes, this performance was one of the worst of the season! Other results meant that the Blues were pushed down to third place by the time of their last game and they actually needed a draw at least to progress. It was just as well that they suddenly woke up and clicked against the weakest team in the group and Broadhall Youth were ruthlessly put to the sword as our boys showed some scintillating form – Marcus with a superb and opportunistic hat trick, Matthew with a great shot from a short corner, Alli two and Tommy one made it 7-0 and the team was unrecognizable in every way from the previous match. By winning the group, it also meant that the Blues would be kept apart from the Yellows until the final.
Group 3 results
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 2 (Ethan 2) Ware FC 0
Welwyn Pegasus 2 0 Letchworth Eagles Yellows 2 (Jack, Jake)
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 5 (Billy 3,Ethan, Stan) Symonds Green 0
The Yellows too had a full complement today, with Callum in goal, Stan, Jack, Jake, Hanney, Stuart, Ethan, Alfie, Billy and Myles. Ethan was in lethal form this afternoon and was the striker of the tournament – his two goals comfortably saw off Ware FC in the first match and Jack and Jake then scored to beat Welwyn Pegasus 2 by the same scoreline. The Yellows were in a different class to their group opponents and a hat trick from Billy and one each from Stan and Ethan (following up a rebound from his blistering free kick) saw Symonds Green annihilated with a performance that was like one of their league game romps. There was no doubt that the Yellows were on top form by now and nothing looked like stopping their progress to the final.
Quarter Finals
Letchworth Eagles Blues………….4 Ware Youth Whites……………….0
(Marcus 2, Charley, Harry)
The gulf in class was apparent as the Blues were never in danger and they were also by now playing at near their best. Harry set up Charley to make it 1-0 and then a solo goal from Marcus, running through and beating almost the entire Ware defence doubled the advantage. The confidence of our boys was now very high and first Harry and then Marcus again made the final score a very easy 4-0, although credit should be given to the valiant Ware keeper who several times made great saves and prevented an even bigger defeat for his team
Letchworth Eagles Yellows………….3 Pin Green Juniors……………..0
(Jake 2, Stuart)
No danger for the Yellows either as they beat group runners up Pin Green handsomely with two goals from Jake and one from Stuart in match that was played at the same time as that of the Blues.
Semi Finals
Elsenham Youth……………………0 Letchworth Eagles Blues………………4
(Marcus 2, Harry, Tommy pen)
Elsenham had done well to reach this stage by winning their group and then a penalty shootout in the previous round but they were never in the match as the Blues cruised to a very easy 4-0 win with the minimum fuss. Our defence and midfield was rarely threatened, with Matthew and Reuben putting in quality performances,Tommy making a series of excellent covering and defensive tackles for the fifth match running and Oscar creating from the middle of the pitch. Marcus was looking hungry and sharp and again got on the scoresheet with the first and fourth goals and Tommy (with a penalty) and Harry got the other two to ensure a smooth passage into the final. Played on the adjacent pitch to the Yellows’ semi final, the drama from this match was unfolding simultaneously.
Letchworth Eagles Yellows………………….2 Panshanger Lions……………..1
(Ethan 2)
The Blues’ first opponents, the dangerous Panshanger Lions, had steadily improved and fancied their chances against the Yellows. However our boys played the better passing football, kept their game together and didn’t allow their opponents to get through on goal and create any real chances. Ethan was continuing in the form of his life and scored a breathtaking goal to give the Yellows the lead as he swivelled on the ball and powered a fantastic shot high into the Panshanger net – 1-0. Just before half time, the Yellows were unlucky to be pegged back to 1-1 after a mixup in their defence and could have lost heart against their strong opposition. Not a bit of it though and Ethan settled it with a second goal of arguably even more brilliance, flicking the ball over two defenders like Gazza against Scotland in Euro 96 and drilling it into the net. 2-1 then and it stayed like this until the final whistle to make it a great win for the Yellows in their only real test of the tournament so far. Now the Blues awaited again in the final!
Final
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………2 Letchworth Eagles Yellows……………1
(Matthew, Charley) (Ethan)
Once again, it was just the Eagles players and supporters left at the end of the tournament and on another famous occasion. This time it was a really good and competitive match, with the Yellows not fazed by playing the Blues and giving their all which was entirely appropriate given their storming performances today. It was in truth the best and most competitive match that both sides had today when they were by a distance so much better than all the other teams and also the final that should have been at the Royston Crow tournament. The Blues took the lead early on with a rasping drive from Matthew but the Yellows didn’t let
their heads drop and came roaring back, putting pressure on the Blues defence and goal and equalising when Ethan slotted the ball home after good link play with Stuart. There was nothing in it going into the second half until Charley scored for the Blues after the ball wasn’t cleared properly from the Yellows’ defence to make it 2-1 and a narrow win for the Blues who took the trophy.
Hard luck again on the Yellows and well done to the Blues but once again all of you are winners and another tremendous occasion and achievement which made us all extremely proud. Yet more records set and heights reached by the magnificent soaring Blues and Yellows Eagles teams! Well done boys!
No.32: Sunday 22nd June 2008 - Tottenham Hotspur Junior Cup
The Blues journeyed to Chigwell in Essex to take part in a new tournament for them, the Tottenham Hotspur Junior Cup and it was a large, well attended event with matches gong on over the whole weekend. Matches were 6 a side and it was 10 minutes straight through. The squad today was Sam in goal, Matthew, Alli, Marcus, Harry, Cam and Oscar.
The Blues were in Group 4 in which two teams didn’t turn up, leaving just three games to begin with. Playing Panathinaikos Youth in their first game, our boys were much the classier and they got their passing going against a big, physical side that constantly kicked it long. Once again, as in most tournaments, there wasn’t much time to play and three points from a win were priceless – when therefore Charley finished a move with a thunderbolt shot to make it 1-0, it was the perfect start. In their next two matches however, the Blues couldn’t find the net and disappointing 0-0 draws against Harold Hill and Ridgeway Rovers ‘2’ meant that they only qualified for the quarter finals as runners up on goals scored. The team seemed to be looking rather jaded and lacking the cutting edge and finishing touch up front. The Blues only really showed a glimpse of their true form as they dispatched Chettle Court Rangers – who has previously won all their group games convincingly - 1-0 in the quarter final, with Alli scoring, chances being created and determined defending denying their opponents. Special mention must be made of Sam, easily our best player today, whose outstanding point blank saves ensured that the Blues kept their lead and progressed to the semi final.
In the semi final however, the Blues went out tamely to Abbey Youth ‘1’ who were more up for the match, quicker and stronger in the tackle and produced efforts on goal, one of which, a great shot from long range gave Sam no chance. Despite being way off their best, the Blues had reached the last four in a big tournament but were found out in this match and really created very few chances. Just two goals scored in five matches shows how far off our normal form we were today! A momentary disappointment but look how well our boys do even when not at their best and every team can have an off day. Well done on your efforts anyway boys and here’s to the next success!
No.31 : Sunday 15 th June 2008
Royston Crow League - U10 League Cup Finals
The Blues and the Yellows served up a thrilling and memorable treat for Father’s Day by both battling through to the final of the Royston Crow League Cup and meeting in the climax to the tournament – highly fitting after both had won their respective leagues. In what was an exceptional day for Letchworth Garden City Eagles Under 10s football, the Blues won the trophy for the third year running, but this was a day when all our boys were winners.
In this rearranged tournament in Stevenage and on a day which alternated between warm sunshine and grey, chilly weather, the Blues were placed in Division H and the Yellows in Division A. It was the familiar 7 a side format and everything was set fair for both sides to put up the performances of their lives.
Division A
Bishop’s Stortford Rovers 1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows 1 (Ethan)
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 3 (Ethan, Hanney, Billy) Fairlands Youth A 0
Melbourn Dynamo Panthers 0 Letchworth Eagles Yellows 3 (Ethan 2, og)
The Yellows lined up with a squad of Alfie, Ethan, Stuart, Jake, Jack, Myles, Hanney and Billy. Ethan scored early on in their first match to make it 1-0 against Bishop’s Stortford but the Yellows were pegged back to 1-1 with a long range shot that found its way into the net. A more comfortable win followed against the first team from Fairlands Youth with a penalty from Ethan and then two more from Hanney and Billy making it 3-0. Yet the Yellows still needed to win against Melbourn in their last match to ensure that they qualified as group winners and didn’t play the Blues in the first knock out round! It was therefore a tenser than usual match and the Yellows created lots of chances but the goal just wouldn’t come. Into the second half we went and it remained goalless even though attack after attack was being launched on the Melbourn goal. Finally there was great relief as Stuart pushed the ball up the line to Ethan who ran onto it and put it away coolly to make it 1-0. The pressure now off, the second goal came swiftly with an unfortunate deflection off a Melbourn defender and the Yellows were now comfortable at 2-0. Here, Hanney showed great sportsmanship in consoling the unlucky defender and was later rightly commended on his actions by the tournament organisers – well done Luke.
Ethan then scored again to wrap things up at 3-0 and now we knew that the Yellows and Blues would be kept apart and couldn’t meet until the final (though that couldn’t possibly happen could it?!...)
Division H
Fairlands Youth B 0 Letchworth Eagles Blues 2 (Alli, Matthew)
Letchworth Eagles Blues 3 (Marcus 2, Harry) Sawbridgeworth Juniors A 0
Bishop’s Stortford FC United 0 Letchworth Eagles Blues 3 (Marcus 2, Charley)
The Blues lined up with Sam, Reuben, Matthew, Alli, Marcus, Harry, Charley and began with a match against Fairlands Youth B. Our boys began strongly and Alli soon made it 1-0 before Fairlands were awarded an unjustified penalty for foul when the ball had clearly gone out of play – it was poetic justice when the penalty kick was hit wide. Sam made some good saves and some of the Blues’ play was excellent – fast paced and one touch. Matthew was an unlikely goal scorer when his powerful shot was deflected in to seal a 2-0 win which settled any nerves and gave three priceless points in a format where wins were vital. The crisp passing and excellent teamwork continued as Sawbridgeworth were comfortably despatched 3-0 with two goals from Marcus and one from Harry and already we could sense that our boys were really up for it today, determined to hold onto their trophy.
Qualification for the knockout stages was assured with another bloodless 3-0 win, this time against Bishop’s Stortford FC United – Marcus again got two and was having a great tournament and Charley also powered one in. Noticeable was the developing relationship between Harry and Marcus, with slick, incisive moves penetrating the opposition defence as the Blues laid siege to their goal.
1 st Round
Letchworth Eagles Blues 2 (Harry, Marcus) Fairlands Youth A 0
In the first knockout match, the Blues had to work hard to convert their superiority into a win. Alli shot over several times from close range as chances were regularly created and headers and shots rained in on the opposition goal. Fairlands were proving stubborn opponents, having lost earlier to the Yellows but then Sam cleverly launched a quick and powerful goal kick deep into their half and Harry lifted the ball expertly over the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Matthew then set another attack in motion and Marcus ran onto the ball and put it away to seal a 2-0 win.
Letchworth Eagles Yellows 2 (Ethan, Hanney) Bishop’s Stortford Wanderers 0
Ethan and Hanney fired the Yellows into the quarter finals with a comfortable win over yet another Bishop’s Stortford side in a match played at the same time as the Blues – as almost all the games were today.
Quarter Finals
Royston Town Colts A………….1 Letchworth Eagles………….1 (Marcus)
(after extra time Blues win 4-2 on penalties)
It nearly all came unstuck for the Blues against a Royston side that were pumped up for the match, fancied their chances and totally disrupted our normal style of play, Our boys never got their customary fluent passing game going and were hustled into playing long and direct balls. Marcus gave the Blues an early lead but a clinical move down the wing by Royston saw the ball crossed in and put away decisively to make the scores level – 1-1 and the first goal conceded by the Blues in the tournament. Now the match was really on and the tense action continued through to the Golden Goal drama of extra time when Royston almost scored with a goalmouth scramble and close range shot that rebounded off our bar. In the penalty shootout, Matthew, Cam (who had arrived to bolster the team), Charley and finally Marcus scored to give the Blues a 4-2 win after a match which they had come very close to losing.
Letchworth Eagles Yellows……………..3 BSCFC Rangers……………..1
(Ethan 3)
An Ethan hat trick saw off the strong Bishop’s Stortford side that had caused the Blues so much trouble in the league. This really made us all sit up and take notice of the Yellows who were by now motoring into some great form and were playing some of the best football of the day, with Ethan in red hot form.
Semi Finals
Ashwell Academicals A……………0 Letchworth Eagles Blues……………4
(Marcus 3, Harry)
The Blues absolutely destroyed our old rivals Ashwell with a breathtaking display that was as far removed from the style of play of the Royston match as could be imagined. Some of the passing moves (more in the first few minutes than in the whole of the quarter final game) and interplay was outstanding and Ashwell, a good side themselves, had no answer to the rampant Blues who looked in a different class. Marcus scored a hat trick and Harry got one to ensure that our boys would be in the final once again.
Letchworth Eagles Yellows…………………….. 1 Wymondley A…………………..0
(Ethan)
Cheered on by the Blues who came across to the touchline as their match had finished earlier and all the Letchworth supporters, the Yellows scored a famous victory over the tough Wymondley A side to earn their place in the final. Ethan grabbed the all important and deciding goal and there was an unbelievable level of tension as the Yellows stood firm in the face of opposition pressure in the final few minutes and then relief and huge excitement as the final whistle went and we knew it would be an all Eagles final!
Final
Letchworth Eagles Blues...........5 Letchworth Eagles Yellows………….0
(Marcus 2, Alli 2, Matthew pen)
An unprecedented match, with the just the two Eagles teams and their supporters left from the fields thronging with so many teams and crowds at the beginning of the tournament. In the end, it was comfortable victory for the Blues but the result was harsh on the Yellows who didn’t deserve this, didn’t play anywhere near their best and even before the kickoff seemed in awe of the Blues and almost defeated themselves. It was hard for the boys, playing against their friends and Eagles team mates and trying to maintain the necessary intense level of competition.
Marcus made it 1-0 and Matthew converted a penalty to double the advantage – 2-0. When Alli deftly put away a cross from a corner, the Yellows’ heads collectively dropped and the match was as a good as over. Alli and Marcus scored again before the end to make it 5-0 at the final whistle and both sides were slightly distracted and showed their concern for Matthew who went off with a knee injury in the second half but recovered later.
The Blues thus won the Royston Crow trophy for the third consecutive year but the Yellows too deserve enormous credit for how they played today and their performances, some of which were their best of the whole season. Both teams are a great credit to Letchworth Garden City Eagles and their play and attitude today made all of us lucky to be there today full of pride and admiration. Very well done to you all!
No.30 Saturday 14 th June 2008 - Gosling Tournament
After the previous week’s Ware Tournament, where our two teams were mixed up but didn’t secure any success, both the Blues and Yellows were back in action as their normal teams in the Gosling Tournament at Monkswalk School in Welwyn Garden City. On what was the first of two consecutive days of tournament football this weekend, the Blues played in one group on pitch 6 and the Yellows in another on pitch 7, with only the winners of each group and the best overall second place teams going through to the semi finals. The format was 7 a side, with 6 minutes each way – a return to slightly more familiar football after last week in St Albans.
Pitch 6 results
Letchworth GC Eagles Blues 5 Lemsford Youth A 1
Letchworth GC Eagles Blues 1 Panshanger Lions 0
Letchworth GC Eagles Blues 0 Cuffley A 1
The Blues had Sam in goal, Matthew, Charley, Reuben, Harry, Marcus and Oscar. Playing their first match against Lemsford Youth A, our boys were stunned to be 1-0 down within 10 seconds without ever touching the ball as their attacker ran through on goal. However a superb response and some excellent passing football and individual moves saw a tremendous comeback and the Blues eventually ended up winning stunningly 5-1 with goals from Marcus and Charley (2 each) and Harry. Against Panshanger Lions, it was a less convincing, hard fought match and Sam had to pull off some great saves before Harry edged us through 1-0. During this match, there was a welcome return for Cam Currie, making a guest appearance for the Blues this morning.
Yet remarkably, the Blues failed to qualify for the semi final stage by losing 1-0 to Cuffley in their final match, although quite how this happened is a mystery. Cuffley scored with a penalty after a handball and battled determinedly to deny our boys who couldn’t break them down. The Blues therefore had to support the Yellows as they flew the flag for the Eagles in the knock out stages.
Pitch 7 results
Letchworth GC Yellows 1 Panshanger Whites Leopards 2
Letchworth GC Eagles Yellows 4 Lemsford Youth B 0
Letchworth GC Eagles Yellows 2 Cuffley B 0
The Yellows had Callum in goal (playing up from the Under 9s), Myles, Jack, Jake, Stuart, Billy and Alfie. They performed in a completely opposite way to the Blues by losing their opening game 2-1 to Panshanger (Billy scoring) but then improving and winning their next two – destroying Lemsford Youth B 4-0 with a hat trick from Billy and one from Stuart and then Cuffley B 2-0 with Billy and Stuart again netting.
The Yellows therefore qualified for the semi final as the best second place team, narrowly edging out the Blues by one goal!
Semi Final
Panshanger Whites Leopards 1 Letchworth GC Eagles Yellows 0
Playing against their first opponents from the group stage, the Yellows put up a spirited performance but lost narrowly to a strong and determined Panshanger side. Having just made two outstanding point blank saves, Callum was beaten by a fine shot from the wing and over the match, Panshanger just about deserved their victory. A good effort nonetheless by the Yellows this morning – well done boys!
In the final, Milton Colts, managed by Dave Northfield, who the Blues might have expected to meet, beat Panshanger Whites Leopards in an exciting match. The Blues and Yellows meanwhile began to contemplate the following day’s Royston Crow tournament.
No.29 Saturday 31st May 2008
St Albans City Youth F.C. Six a Side Tournament
Both of our teams took part in the tournament that the Blues won last year and once again it was a hive of activity as players, supporters and organisers gathered on the busy playing fields of Sandringham School in St Albans on the first day of a weekend tournament. It turned out to be a very warm, muggy afternoon which made playing hard work and added to this was the unusual format of 6 a side, played on very small pitches and with only 5 minutes each way, the matches were ridiculously short and only one team qualifying from each group meant that it was tough to qualify and there was no margin for error.
It turned out to be an afternoon of ultimate disappointment for the Blues and Yellows but this should not be a cause for too much concern - the factors above are now even more against our teams as they get used to and are ready for 11 a side games and passing and moves on bigger pitches and quite frankly, the standard of football seen today was very poor – more kick and rush at a frantic pace and a marked absence of skill and passing football – just what our boys are used to and excel at. Both of our two teams had important players missing and different formations were experimented with in the matches. It is no exaggeration to say that at full 11 a side level or even under normal 7 a side conditions, both Eagles sides would have taken most of the other teams apart.
Group A results
Harvesters North 0 Letchworth GC Eagles Blues 0
Letchworth GC Eagles Blues 1 Watford Youth Sports White 0
Tornados JSC 0 Letchworth GC Eagles Blues 3
Letchworth GC Eagles Blues 3 St Albans City E 0
St Albans City B 1 Letchworth GC Eagles Blues 2
The Blues started slowly and 10 minutes came and went in a flash as they drew 0-0 in their first match but fortunately goals were hard to come by all round and all six sides in the group drew, picking up just one point each. Picking up the pace gradually in the second game, they inched past Watford with a solitary goal from Charley who had been set up by Harry, but despite huge superiority, it stayed at only 1-0 and there was always the danger that a breakaway or a mistake on our part could let the opposition in. Against Tornados, it was much more like the normal Blues as their passing really clicked. Cam crossed brilliantly for Charley to open the scoring, then Matthew intercepted a goal kick and slotted it away for collector’s item of a goal and then he turned provider for Cam to stroke the ball home for a comfortable 3-0 win. It was much the same in the next match as two from Marcus and Charley again saw an effortless 3-0 repeat scoreline and a useful goal difference being accumulated. Things were more tense in the last game, against St Albans B, because they too were unbeaten and had one match still to play afterwards. A draw at least was required and things didn’t go to plan as they went 1-0 up with a header from a corner. It stayed like this until just after the turn around and then Reuben put away a Cam cross and then Harry followed up a Reuben shot that was spilled by the keeper to make it 2-1 and the Blues had shown great fighting qualities to come from behind and qualify for the semis as comfortable, unbeaten winners of the group.
Group D results
Letchworth GC Eagles Yellows 1 Harpenden Colts Lightning 2
St Albans City C 2 Letchworth GC Eagles Yellows 2
Letchworth GC Eagles Yellows 0 Comets B 0
Headstone B 0 Letchworth GC Eagles Yellows 3
Letchworth GC Eagles Yellows 2 Watford Youth Sports Red 0
The Yellows never really recovered from a poor start and were always playing catch up. They played the eventual group winners first and despite coming back from a goal behind eventually went down 2-1. There was an unbelievable result in the next match – Stan gave them the lead, then an own goal made it 1-1 but when a solo effort from Billy restored the margin at 2-1, there looked to be only one winner. The Yellows were virtually camped in St Albans’ half and had loads of chances to go even further ahead. An equalizer for their opponents couldn’t have been anticipated but it came with a breakaway - a real sucker punch which reduced their chances of qualifying even further. This became impossible when they failed to score and could only drew their third game. The final two games were much better and restored their pride as they eased past Headstone and Watford with goals from firstly Stan (2) and Jack and then Billy and Myles.
Unfortunate for the Yellows today in that they finished with their best performance when it was too late to qualify but a great attitude shown throughout and some very well taken goals. Well done boys – another day will bring a different result.
Team : Stan Stuart Jack Jake Billy Myles Alfie
Semi Final
Letchworth GC Eagles Blues…………….. 1 Sherrardswood & Birchwood………………2
(Harry)
The Blues unfortunately and surprisingly went out at the semi final stage when all looked on target for another final appearance. We have played Sherrardswood several times before in the past and in footballing terms, the Blues are vastly superior and had the majority of the passing play. Their opponents tended to hit it long and powerfully and went 1-0 up early on from yet another corner that wasn’t cleared and we were back in the same situation as our last group game. Plenty of time to come back however and when Harry scored with a great volley on a break to great excitement to make it 1-1, we were all confident of winning through. However, a long throw in from Sherrardswood escaped our entire defence and was flicked into our net with only a minute or so left and this time there was to be no escape. A disappointing end to the tournament, just when we looked like we were running into top form, but an important lesson learnt about clearing dangerous balls and above all the need to improve defensive headers!
Well done to you today boys – so many things alien to your style of play and skill and different things to adjust to – formation, positions and the pitches. In spite of this, there were some fantastic team goals scored and a number of deeply impressive performances. Many more tournaments to come this summer and surely successes too.
Team : Sam Matthew Reuben Charley Cam Marcus Harry
No.28 Sunday 18th May 2008
Letchworth Eagles Blues ..1 Ashwell Academicals ‘A’..0
(Charley)
The newly crowned League Champions finished their season with another victory, unbeaten and well clear at the top of the table. With a starting line up of Sam in goal, Matthew, Oscar, Alli, Marcus, Cam, Harry, Reuben and Charley, the Blues played a well controlled and disciplined game against old rivals Ashwell and deservedly took the three points that their performance deserved, even though there was only a one goal margin at the end. Ashwell are a good side who play passing football in the right way and are generous in both victory and defeat and fresh from a recent win over the Blues in the recent Royston Crow qualifying round, they arrived at Pixmore looking to spoil the Blues’ proud unbeaten league record.
The first half saw the Blues playing with the strong wind but despite having most of the play and pushing Ashwell back into their own half, our boys couldn’t breach the solid opposition defence. We had had a good, competitive match against Ashwell earlier in the season and once again they frustrated the Blues with their strong tackling and closing down of our players whilst their keeper made some good saves as we went close. The Blues had most of the possession and played some fluent passing football but the Ashwell defence held firm and having weathered the wind assisted pressure for the first 20 minutes, were hopeful of going ahead in the second half. Yet this didn’t happen and if anything, the Blues benefited more from the ball holding up against the wind in the second half and they continued to play their passing football, moving the ball intelligently between them, up and won and across the pitch. We were certainly under more pressure though and one heart stopping moment saw the ball go right across our penalty area and hit the post from close range when it looked like a certain goal. Reuben and Sam stood out this morning as being very alert and sharp – cutting out and saving respectively when Ashwell threatened but the whole team really dug in and defended, determined not to end the season with a loss. Then, from an opposition attack, we broke away and Marcus cleverly slipped the ball early to Charley who ran on and flicked it past the Ashwell keeper to make it 1-0 to great delight on the touchline and the pitch. This classic counterattacking move proved to be the decisive moment of the game, for despite renewed efforts from the gallant Ashwell side, this remained the final score.
Very well done boys – a terrific way to end the season and your proud record is shown below. Roll on the tournaments now, starting with the defence of the Royston Crow next week!
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AWAY |
OVERALL |
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| POS | P | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | LGCE U10 Blues | 22 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 2 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 7 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 85 | 9 | 76 | 64 |
Letchworth Eagles Yellows..4 Ashwell Academicals ‘B’..2
(Stuart 3, Jake)
The Yellows complete a remarkable clean sweep of victories this season with their 20 th consecutive league win but this was a curious match in which Ashwell got closer than they should have in terms of the score and for a brief period, the unthinkable of a draw could have been possible!
Lining up with Ethan in goal, Myles, Hanney, Jake, Stuart, Tommy (guesting from the Blues today) and Jack, in a 1-1-3-1, with Billy starting as a sub, the Yellows set about their business straightaway and threatened to blow Ashwell away. Tommy immediately relished being given his head on the left and struck up a good partnership with Stuart and sweet passing interplay between the two saw Stuart finish clinically early on for 1-0. Surprisingly, Ashwell then came back and equalized- 1-1 – but the Yellows continued to press and play good football and after a series of great shots from Tommy, Stuart got his second to restore the lead at 2-1. When Jake’s corner was headed in brilliantly for Stuart to get his hat trick and 3-1, there seemed no way back for Ashwell and the pressure was unrelenting up to half time as the Yellows were all over their opponents and Hanney saw one of his screamers tipped over with a great save from their keeper.
In the second half, the Yellows played more good passing football and created several chances – Ethan went up front and forced yet another save from the excellent Ashwell keeper – but our opponents too played well, kept the ball and strung together some smart moves of their own. We had a warning when they shot just wide of our post and minutes later they broke away and scored a well taken goal to make it 3-2. Suddenly, from being well in control and in no danger of seeing anything other than a win, it was too close for comfort and Billy, now in goal, had to save a powerful shot to prevent the scores being leveled. As if shaken up by this, the Yellows now responded and on a break, Ethan slipped the ball to Jake who rifled it high into the Ashwell net from close range to make it 4-2. This was how it stayed and it sealed a famous last victory of the season for the rampant Yellows.
The Yellows’ record for the season is shown below and it really doesn’t get much better or more impressive than this. Well done boys and we look forward to your tournament performances this summer!
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OVERALL |
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| POS | P | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS | ||
| 1 | LGCE U10 Yellows | 20 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 70 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 76 | 8 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 146 | 18 | 128 | 60 | |
No.27 Sunday 11 th May 2008 - Champions!
Hormead Hares A………………………….1 Letchworth Eagles Blues……………………5
(Alli 2, Cam 2, Charley)
On a very hot and sunny morning in Great Hormead, the Blues cruised to another win and collected the three points that made them the League A winners for 2007-8. We all knew this was coming over recent weeks but it was a sweet moment indeed once the final whistle went and the celebrations by our boys were richly deserved and applauded by a very proud band of supporters. Seldom can one age group at Letchworth Garden City Eagles have had such two outstanding teams as the Blues and Yellows this season.
Playing on a lush green surface but in hot conditions that made lots of regular intakes of drink necessary, the Blues produced a performance to defeat Hormead that was entirely typical of this great season – fantastic passing, teamwork, skill and vision and everyone playing their part to the full. Beginning with Sam in goal, Matthew, Oscar, Reuben, Alli, Marcus and Cam, with Charley as sub, it didn’t take the Blues long to exert their dominance and Alli scored two goals in quick succession to put Hormead on the back foot – first with a controlled and measured shot from the edge of the penalty area and then following up a Reuben shot that rebounded off the keeper. 0-2 early on then and the crisp passing interplay and particular moves – such as a piece of delightful one touch play between Marcus and Oscar – promised more goals. However these didn’t come immediately as despite a host of chances being created as Hormead were pushed back deep into their half, too many shots were almost too powerful, going over the bar or wide, although Reuben was unlucky when he hit the post. Matthew let nothing through at the back and pushed up to a very high line and Marcus showed some nice touches of skill on the wing. Marcus it was who set up Cam to shoot home powerfully from long distance to make it 0-3 and just before half time, Charley, who had come on, poked the ball in after a scramble and a save from the unlucky Hormead keeper to make the interval score 0-4.
In the second half, the boys were urged to keep their patience by moving the ball around and up and down the pitch and they were rewarded with one extra goal when Cam scored from close range after a Marcus shot. Before this however, Hormead came more into the match and surprisingly got a goal of their own when they scored on a breakaway. Great delight on their touchline at scoring against the mighty Eagles and the fact that this was only the ninth league goal conceded this season speaks volumes about the incredible defence the Blues have had, in addition to their attacking strength.
The match thus finished 1-5 with the Blues winning as they pleased and just one more match to get through to remain unbeaten for the whole season. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to see each of you play individually but also crucially as a team this season and great things surely lie ahead. You thoroughly deserve all your tributes – very well done boys - a magnificent effort!
Hormead Hares B………………………….1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows……………………7
(Ethan 2, Harry 2, Stuart, Jake, Hanney)
The Yellows had their victory celebrations a few weeks ago and today continued in their ruthless and dominant way as they swept aside Hormead to get within one match of a flawless full set of league victories. The team today was Jack, Alfie, Stuart, Hanney, Billy, Ethan, Jake and Harry, making a guest appearance from the Blues.
From the kickoff, there was little doubt that the Yellows were going to win by a large margin as they set about their business in aggressive, driving fashion, pushing back their opponents. In actual fact, it took slightly longer than usual for the first goal to come but when it did, the floodgates began to swing open. Ethan, who has been such a predator of late, scored with a shot in off the post for 0-1 and then he deftly guided in Alfie’s clever cross to double the Yellows’ lead and his own tally. Chance after chance began to be created and Harry made it 0-3 and Stuart 0-4 as Hormead began to wilt with both the heat and the incessant pressure. Harry was linking well with his new team mates of today and he selflessly set up Jake who powered the ball home unstoppably to make it 0-5 just before half time. There was little new that Gary and Steff could add in the half time team talk but instead they praised the Yellows’ play and told them to keep it going. This they did and Hanney made it 0-6 when he finished a nice move involving Stuart and Billy. As if to give Hormead some heart and copying the Blues, the Yellows then let the opposition get one back to make it 1-6 but this merely served to sting the our boys into action once again and after a Stuart thunderbolt was palmed out, Harry swivelled skillfully and turned the ball into the net from close range to make the final score an emphatic 1-7.
Another wonderful performance and the Yellows earlier had also celebrated the Blues’ triumph to make this a morning of real triumph for Letchworth Garden City Eagles Under 10s. As has been said before, we as supporters are truly spoilt each week by seeing football and team performances of this standard but what a pleasure it is and all our boys deserve congratulations and the highest praise. Very well done to you all!
No.26 Sunday 4 th May 2008
Letchworth Eagles Blues……………………3 St Neots Town Youth A………………………….0
( Cam, Marcus, Harry)
The Blues played very well this morning to record yet another comprehensive victory and move within touching distance of winning the league title. On a pleasant, sunny morning but playing on a pitch where the grass was unsuitably long, they lined up against St Neots with Sam in goal, Tommy, Matthew, Oscar, Reuben, Harry and Cam with Marcus starting as substitute.
From the kickoff, the Blues clicked into some terrific passing football with flowing moves that saw the ball find each player in Blue as if it was being attracted by an Eagles magnet! Early on, Matthew slipped the ball to Reuben who thrusted down the wing and then found Harry whose effort was just pushed onto the post by the St Neots keeper who played very well and thwarted several of our efforts early on. The Blues pressed St Neots back deep into their half and wave after wave of attacks began to build. Marcus came on and caused all kinds of difficulties for the opposition as he held the ball up and used his skill to get past the defenders. It was he who made the first goal when he received the ball from a corner, got to the byeline and then pulled it back for Cam to shoot powerfully and high into the net – 1-0. More shots on goal and other efforts then followed and St Neots too came into the game a little more as the game went from end to end. The Blues’ second goal was an absolute beauty and pure class – Oscar cleverly and with great vision threaded the ball past two defenders and right into the path of the on running Marcus who slotted it home for 2-0 and the Blues now had the goals their play and dominance had deserved.
In the second half, Tommy exchanged places with Reuben and had an early volley saved as the pressure on the St Neots goal began again. The pattern was more chances created and several more goalmouth scrambles but no goals to show for it. Matthew continued to be calm and controlled at the back, covering assuredly and setting off most moves forward with his distribution, whilst Marcus put up a performance that was a textbook example of holdup play and intelligent use of the ball. 3-0 finally came when Tommy linked with Marcus and inevitably it was his ball pulled back across the box that was taken high on the half volley and powered into the net by Harry.
An excellent all round and even team performance by the Blues this morning and the final score and margin of victory could both have been bigger. Over this long season, the performance of our boys has been quite incredible and it is just worth standing back and reflecting on the incredibly high standards that they have set themselves and which we have got used to but nevertheless been fortunate to witness each week. Next Sunday they should reap their richly deserved reward. Well done boys!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows……………………8 St Neots Town Youth B………………………….0
(Ethan 4, Stan 2, Hanney, Stuart)
The juggernaut that is the Yellows carried on its remorseless journey as a familiar story of opponents ruthlessly put to the sword continued. Not the least remarkable feature of this campaign has been that the Yellows have lacked a regular goalkeeper – this week Stuart and then Hanney wore the gloves – although with so many goals being scored down the other end every week, this has hardly seemed to matter!
Beginning with Stuart in goal, Myles, Jack, Hanney, Jake, Ethan and Billy, the newly crowned league champions signalled their intent early and Hanney put them 1-0 up after only a few minutes. Stan then got in on the action and scored the next two in similar moves as he won the ball and shot unstoppable piledrivers into the net – after the first one the defenders were wise enough to get out of the way when he lined up a shot! 3-0 already then and St Neots could hardly get out of their half in a pattern of play that was not unlike the Blues match. Stuart was hardly troubled and had little to do but was called into action once and saved with his feet as a shot came in.
In the second half, Hanney went in goal and Stuart, now looking eager to get involved out on the pitch, had an early shot well saved. Jake did some very good work on the right and one cross was narrowly headed wide by Stan. Then Ethan, once again looking very sharp and hungry, took centre stage as he scored the next four goals – a mixture of a solo effort, when he intercepted a goal kick and beat three defenders, good passing moves involving both Stuart and Jake and a miss hit ball that trickled in past an unlucky, unsighted keeper. 7-0 reached therefore in double quick time - how many times have we been here this season? As the match drew to its conclusion, Myles went up front and went looking for his customary goal, a sure sign of the dominance and confidence of the Yellows and Hanney copied Stuart by also saving with his feet. In the last few minutes, Stuart, who had been so lively and keen to score, finally got his goal when Myles linked with Ethan who then selflessly laid the ball off and the score went to 8-0.
Another tremendous victory and all the superlatives about the Yellows have already been used. Suffice it to say that once again it was great to see the teamwork this morning and the confidence oozing through all aspects of their play. Well done boys!
No.25 Sunday 27th April 2008 -Royston Crow League Tournament Qualifying Round
The Blues and Yellows both qualified for the Finals of the Royston Crow, albeit both of them in second place at the end of the morning’s games and we can look forward to an exciting competition with both teams having live chances in a few weeks time.
Playing in Group 1, the Yellows had just three opponents and after a comfortable 6-0 win over Hormead D, found things much tougher against a strong Wymondley A team. Pushed back more than usual, they found it hard to breach the opposition’s defence but came into the game more and created chances of their own. The match ended 0-0 and this was a very good performance - it was great to see them have a real battle for a change! In their last match, the Yellows were on top for most of the game against Arlesey A but couldn’t convert their chances and had to settle for a draw – 1-1.
In Group 2, the Blues started in confident mood as they beat Wymondley B 3-0 and then, as the weather deteriorated and the lashing rain came down, cruised past Hormead C 6-0 and Arlesey B 5-0 in mismatches, where the scores could easily have been in double figures. They didn’t get on for their last match until after 1pm in what had been a long, drawn out morning and perhaps this, plus the lack of real competition up to now, counted against them as they seemed rather lack lustre and lacking their usual fluency as they took on old rivals Ashwell A. Our nearest league challengers took an early lead with a well struck goal from a corner and played some confident, well controlled football to achieve a deserved win – 1-0. The Blues were out of sorts and lacked their usual fluency and sharpness and perhaps also a sense of true urgency since they knew they had already qualified for the Finals. Well done to Ashwell (they were delighted at the end!) and this gives added spice to the league encounter at Pixmore in a few weeks time when a very different performance by the Blues is confidently predicted. Also a reminder however that in their quest for a third Royston Crow title in a row, the Blues will have to work hard and not let their standards slip.
Well done to both the Blues and Yellows this morning!
No.24 Sunday 20th April 2008
Letchworth Eagles Blues……………………5 Hormead Hares A………………………….0
(Charley 2, Marcus, Harry, og)
The Blues returned to form this week after the disappointment of the Cup defeat and beat Hormead Hares very comfortably, playing some of their best football of recent weeks and moving very close to winning the league title, as their nearest rivals slipped up or didn’t have a match.
No Sam this morning, so we had two unusual goalkeepers making their debut – Reuben in the first half and Marcus in the second. On the pitch, the Blues began with Tommy, Matthew, Marcus, Alli, Harry and Oscar, with Cam and Charley as subs. The story of the first half was some very attractive passing and interplay between the Blues, great approach work and a huge number of chances created but not taken. Alli had an early shot that unluckily hit Oscar when it looked goal bound and then hit over from close range. Marcus did some good work up the line and set up chances whilst Harry hit a sweet half volley which just went over the bar. Matthew drove us forward and had a great shot himself pushed away for a corner and the time ticked on without the goal coming but with our boys engaged in what sometimes resembled shooting practice. Then Marcus set up Charley who powered the ball into the net to make it 1-0 and then followed up his spilled shot to quickly make the margin 2-0 and we reached half time with a score that much more fairly reflected the Blues’ dominance and overall play.
In the second half, the Blues eased to a comfortable and comprehensive win. Harry got the best goal of the game when he struck a tremendous volley after good approach play by Oscar – 3-0 and then Cam’s shot was deflected in off a defender for 4-0. Charley got his second when his shot from the left went in off their keeper to wrap things up at 5-0 and by this time the Blues never had to get out of second gear but still consistently managed to create many chances. Tommy in defence cleaned up confidently on the rare occasions he was called into action whilst Marcus in goal must have thought that this goalkeeping job is easy, so little did he have to do! Reuben and Harry continually threatened the Hormead defence whilst Matthew sat out the second half, with his Wembley appearance next week in mind.
A confidence boosting win for the Blues this morning, back on form and with last week now well behind them. A performance that was highly attractive to witness and this was the team we all know so well. Well done boys – league champions in waiting! Doesn’t that sound good?!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows……………………7 Hormead Hares B………………………….0
(Ethan 3, Stuart 3, Billy)
The Yellows, playing first today, won in a canter this morning, wrapping up the league and underlining their great play this season and massive superiority over their rivals. Lining up with Billy in goal, Stan, Myles, Jack, Stuart, Jake and Ethan, our boys were on top from the start and immediately pinned back Hormead deep into their own half. It was a grey, chilly morning, but the passing play of the Yellows was warming to see and there were come great pieces of interplay between the boys. Ethan quickly made it 1-0 when he cleverly lifted the ball over the Hormead keeper and then got another when he was deadly with his finish after a defensive mistake. 2-0 and the pattern of the match was set – Hormead made little progress into the Yellows’ half and were under incessant and intense pressure. Stuart and Ethan linked particularly well this morning and many chances were created in quick succession, with shots put out for a corner or saved by the keeper. Ethan almost got our third and his hat trick, with an audacious overhead kick that just went over, (Ronaldo would have been proud of that!) but despite the Yellows’ overwhelming superiority, it remained at 2-0 half time.
In the second half, Myles went in goal and Billy went to the left wing. The crisp, accurate passing moves began again and this time Stuart got in on the act as he marked a powerful, lively performance with a quick hat trick, the last one a rocket of shot from the right after a good pass from Jake. Suddenly therefore the margin had leapt to 5-0 and we were once again in the familiar territory of a second half goal rush. Ethan got his hat trick to make it 6-0 and it was fitting that he and Stuart, playing and linking so well today, both made such a major contribution to the scoreline. Billy made it 7-0 just before the end with a drilled shot and this was the perfect way to seal the winning of the league which our boys did with great delight and celebration.
The statistics are incredible – 17 straight victories, 127 goals for and a goal difference of 112. The Yellows have played magnificently as a team and it has been a pleasure to watch their matches this season. More great things to come and they richly deserve their success – how exciting it will be to see our Eagles next year when they go to 11 a side. Very well done boys!
No.23 Sunday 13th April 2008 - Herts County Cup – Quarter Final
Letchworth Eagles Blues……………………0 Bury Rangers Youth ……………………………2
The long awaited and several-times-postponed County Cup match finally took place this morning, initially in bright sunshine but then in heavy rain as April showers came on with a vengeance. With a full strength Blues side, the result was an unexpected reverse against strong, physical opponents who were up for the game and in the end ran out deserved winners on the day. From only two minutes into the match, when a bullet of a shot went into the bottom of our net after a Bury corner wasn’t adequately cleared, to make it 0-1, our boys never really got into their stride and a similar goal after 15 minutes made it 0-2 and the Blues had a deficit which they couldn’t pull back. In between the two goals, Matthew went off (and to hospital) with a bruised rib after a crunching tackle and this may have disturbed both the effectiveness and mood of our boys who were off their game, off song and hardly mustered a shot of note on the Bury Rangers goal. Our normal fluent, passing football was virtually non existent and although Charley hit the post in the second half, the Blues were just a shadow of their normal self and this was truly a bad day at the office. The surprise and elation of the whole Bury Rangers contingent at the end of the match said everything about what an upset this was but, even in defeat, lessons can be drawn about the need to play at our best at all times and take nothing for granted. Great things can hopefully be achieved as the league season comes to its climax and, with several tournaments also to compete in to come, the Blues will undoubtedly sparkle again. Hard luck boys and all the best to Bury Rangers in the semi final.
No.22 Sunday 30th March 2008
Royston Town Colts A……………………1 Letchworth Eagles Blues………………………………….2
(Marcus 2)
Playing away against a Royston side that were unbeaten at home and fresh from securing their place in the semi finals of the County Cup, the Blues played their best football of recent weeks and with a high quality and even team performance, they scored a victory that was much more decisive than the scoreline suggests.
On a sunny, breezy morning at Roysia School in Royston, the Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Tommy in defence, Matthew (captain) in the hole, Reuben and Alli up front in the centre, Cam on the right and Harry on the left. Playing with the slope in the first half, our boys immediately took the game to their opponents, creating pressure to pin them back in their own half and swiftly clicking into some slick passing moves that characterized their play this morning. Alli had the first real shot of note and then we had two corners in quick succession but unfortunately they came to nothing. The tempo really rose when first Harry had a fantastic shot that was just palmed away by the Royston keeper for yet another corner and then they went closer still when a shot hit our post and thankfully rebounded to Sam. Despite this close shave and the need to remain vigilant with their attempted long balls through to their tricky and skilful forward, it was still the Blues who were playing all the polished and most controlled football and the best move of the match, involving the ball being moved sweetly from Cam to Reuben to Alli eventually saw Harry shoot just wide when a goal was richly deserved. Oscar and Marcus came on as subs and made an immediate impact – from a wonderful cross by Reuben, Marcus just headed wide but he gained compensation just a few minutes later when he drilled the ball home, having been set up by Harry who in turn had received the ball after Alli had made an interception in midfield. Half time arrived therefore with the score 0-1 but hardly doing justice to some great passing football and teamwork and everyone playing at the top of their game. On another day, we would have been 3 or even 4 goals clear but, as if to blow away any kind of complacency, after a lively start to the second half by the Blues, Royston first got a corner and then an equalizer – 1-1 – as a hole opened up in our midfield and they ran straight through. Playing with the slope and with their tails up, seeking revenge for the big defeat they had suffered earlier in the season, just for a few minutes, it looked as if we might be under some pressure, but then a fantastic volley from Marcus saw a goal that would grace any stage and the Blues were back in the lead at 1-2. From then on, the game opened up and more chances fell to our boys but no more goals were forthcoming – we even had the luxury of missing a penalty! Three more points in the bag and with our nearest rivals not playing today, the gap is now 6 points at the top of the league. As previously said, this was a very even, high quality team performance today, with Blues keeping going right until the end of the match and a good way to go into the crucial County Cup game next weekend. Worthwhile underlining the individual qualities of the Blues this morning: Sam – alert and sharp all game, Tommy and Matthew – rock solid in defence and with their distribution, Alli and Oscar – tenacious with their interceptions, tackling back and feeding the ball to others, Cam and Harry - driving forward and always a threat up front, Reuben – playing some of his best and most controlled football and Marcus – fantastic hold up play, trickery with the ball at his feet and two brilliantly taken goals. Very well done boys on your all round play this morning!
Royston Town Colts B……………………0 Letchworth Eagles Yellows………………………………….8
(Hanney 3, Ethan 2, Stan 2, Jake)
The Yellows barely broke sweat this morning and finished the match in third, let alone second gear as they dispatched Royston by a margin that could have been double at least had they put away all their chances. Not that they were complacent in any shape or form – far from it, for their passing play and willingness to work for eachother is still a delight to see and they appear to be getting better with every match. They lined up with Stan in goal, Jack in defence, Billy in the hole, Ethan and Jake in the centre up front, Alfie (captain) on the right and Hanney on the left. The match was effectively over as a contest after only a few minutes – first Ethan put away a penalty after a handball and then he doubled his and the Yellows tally when he poked the ball home after a scramble in the box - 0-2. We were playing against the slope but this made no difference as our boys played some beautifully controlled, passing football that cut Royston to ribbons - one sweeping move involving Billy and Alfie in particular stood out early on. Royston were being pushed back deep into their half and it was only a matter of time before more goals came. Alfie retrieved the ball from the byline and pulled it back for Jake to thump it high into the net to make it 0-3 and then it was the Hanney and Ethan show as they combined in quick succession for Hanney to score a quick hat trick to put the match well beyond Royston’s reach; first of all Ethan - looking incredibly sharp and ruthless in front of goal today – came forward with some tremendous approach play and set up Hanney to shoot home (0-4); then Hanney followed up a shot from Ethan that was spilled with a rocket (0-5) and he completed his hat trick with a tap in after Billy and Ethan again had won the ball and sent it across the Royston area. 0-6 then at half time and if things had followed the familiar pattern, one feared for the final score. However this didn’t happen and there were just two further goals from Stan as the Yellows settled on a final score of 0-8, with Ethan, now in goal, a virtual spectator for the entire second half.
A very comfortable victory again and now the goal difference is over 100 as the Yellows go striding on. Great viewing boys and a pleasure to see, bringing great pride to all of us watching – very well done!
No.21 Sunday 9th March 2008
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….1 Hitchin Youth Arrows……………………0
(Harry)
The Blues ‘got away with it’ today as they gained the narrowest of victories and three more points with virtually the last kick of the game, in a match that was as far removed from the romp of the Yellows as could be imagined. There have been several high profile upsets recently, to name Barnsley (twice), Portsmouth and Cardiff as just three and this was nearly another as Hitchin, seemingly not dangerous opponents, lurking well down the table, very nearly took points off us – certainly two and for one split second we were staring at the unthinkable of a first loss of the season. It just goes to prove once again that absolutely nothing can be taken for granted and every team is looking to knock the league leaders off their perch.
There was no inkling of this as the match started as we lined up with Sam in goal, Reuben in defence, Matthew in the hole, Cam and Harry in the middle up front, Tommy on the left and Oscar on the right. Normal service looked like being the order of the day as the Blues pushed forward, with Tommy immediately dangerous down the left flank, three corners forced in quick succession and Harry hitting the side netting with a shot. Charley and Marcus came on to give fresh impetus to our efforts but several more chances came to nothing, with Cam shooting wide and weak shots comfortably saved by the Hitchin goalkeeper who looked assured and played well throughout the match. Matthew was doing some lovely interceptions and was driving forward more than usual and we thought he had given us the lead with a fantastic high shot that took everyone by surprise, thumped against the bar and then bounced down but not across the goal line according the referee. Still the breakthrough goal that would have settled everyone down wouldn’t come and the next chance saw an effort from Charley go straight into the Hitchin keeper’s confident hands. The Hitchin goal was leading something of a charmed life and continued to resist being breached, despite a succession of corners and Reuben was the last player to miss the target just before half time as he shot wide after good work on the left and a cross from Tommy.
The half time talk centered on the fact that we had being playing good passing football but were too static and not clinical enough with our finishing. Admittedly Hitchin had ridden their luck but they had earned it too with their blocking and tackling which was frustrating and blunting our attacks. It was up to us to break them down and this was the message the boys went out with as the second half began, as our new formation had Oscar in the hole, Charley on the right, Cam in the middle up front and Marcus on the left.
The second half saw much of the same – more chances not put away decisively enough by the Blues and more blocking and determined play by their opponents who grew in confidence as the clock ticked down and they sensed points could be taken from their visit to Pixmore. It truly seemed to be ‘one of those days’ and it could have been even worse when first a mixup in our defence on one of Hitchin’s rare attacks nearly saw their attacker through on goal and then a freak rebound off their player from a kick by Sam just went past our post – I’ve seen those go in several times before and just for a few moments the home supporters’ hearts missed a collective beat!
This was it we all thought – dropping points in a very unexpected manner and against opponents who if we hadn’t actually underestimated (themselves coming off the back of a comfortable win last time), hadn’t been expected to run us so close. With time virtually up, from a throw in, there was then another scramble in the Hitchin box and in the melee, Harry drove the ball into their net to make all the difference and a 1-0 win was confirmed just seconds later. Hard luck on Hitchin who had battled really well this morning , but there was no doubt that the Blues were vastly superior and deserved their win. More, much more will be required if they want to progress to the semis of the County Cup next week, but we all know this is possible and we hope, likely. Very well done again boys on your skill, determination and willingness to keep going and press until the final whistle. Victories coming in all shapes and sizes this season and lessons learnt in each and every match.
Letchworth Eagles Yellows………………….14 Hitchin Youth Bullets……………………0
(Ethan 4, Billy 3, Jack, Stuart, Alfie, Myles, Hanney,Jake,Stan)
The Yellows played first this morning and even by the standards of this incredible season, this was the most dominant of performances and a crushing victory, their biggest so far, in which the 100 goal mark for the season was passed and every player in the team scored a goal. Today, everything came together, with the boys working for each other and complementing their natural skill and ruthless finishing with effort and determination from the first whistle to the last. One feels for Hitchin, on the end of such a pummeling and they were unlucky to come across a team like the Yellows on such a day as today.
On a breezy, chilly morning, the Yellows began with Jake in goal, Myles in defence, Stuart in midfield, Stan and Jack up front in the middle, Billy on the left and Alfie on the right. The pattern of the match was set from the first minute as the Yellows immediately went on the attack and pushed Hitchin back into their own half. Jack had a shot saved by their goalie who kept out the Blue tide briefly before a smart move involving Myles, Stan and Stuart saw the ball crossed for Billy to open the scoring from close range – 1-0. Everyone knew the next goal – the remarkable 100th of the season – wasn’t far away and it duly arrived when Billy turned provider, running down the left and cut the ball across for Jack to finish expertly – 2-0 and the milestone was cheered enthusiastically by the large crowd of home supporters on the touchline. Soon progress on the second hundred began when Alfie crossed the ball from the right this time and set up a trademark piledriver from Stan to make it 3-0. We were only a few minutes into the match which was already over as any kind of contest and in all truth it was like training and shooting practice as shots, headers (one in particular from Jack) and corners came in quick succession and Hitchin couldn’t get out of their penalty area, let alone their half. Hanney and Ethan came on – not bad subs these – and Ethan made an immediate impact as he flicked in a ball from Jack which bounced in the Hitchin box to increase the margin to 4-0. When Hanney’s shot was only palmed into the path of Stuart who finished accomplishedly for 5-0, Steff and Gary at half time were able to reflect on a first 20 minutes of hugely entertaining ‘total football’ from the Yellows and everyone watching wondered what the score would eventually be, so absolutely dominant were our boys.
In the second half, Stuart went in goal, Stan went in defence behind Jake and Ethan, with Billy up front in the middle, Myles trying his luck down the right and Hanney continuing on the left. What we had seen from the Yellows in the first half continued but in an even more pronounced way as they proceeded to annihilate poor Hitchin who didn’t know what had hit them. Soon after the restart, Ethan made it 6-0, finishing off after good work from Myles and Hanney and then Myles hit the post as he looked to get on the scoresheet and Billy put in the rebound – 7-0 ( little did we know at this time that this was still only halfway to the final score!) Jake’s speculative shot went in off the keeper to make it 8-0 and then Ethan completed his hat trick when he too shot in from long range – 9-0. Billy equalled this feat when he tucked the ball away after a shot from Stan to get his third goal and put the Yellows 10-0 up and the ball continued to fly around the Hitchin penalty area in a large version of pinball as our boys hungrily searched for even more goals. The teamwork was fabulous to see , even though it wasn’t really any kind of competitive contest and it was particularly impressive to see the boys looking to set up eachother to score – although this was slightly indulgent (and no real need to see our goalkeeper come up the field – rather over the top this!), it did show the spirit of the side and everyone working very hard. Not for the first time, the team was keen for Myles to score and this he did, after several close chances, as he poked the ball into the net after yet another scramble to increase the score to 11-0. Ethan steered another one in for 12-0 and now only Hanney and Alfie hadn’t scored, with a few minutes left. We hit the bar when it was easier to score and it looked as if the dream result of everyone getting on the scoresheet was just going to fall short as the time began to run out. However in an exciting last few minutes, first Hanney hit the back of the net – 13-0 and then finally Alfie, who had been one of our best and most influential players in the match as he tormented Hitchin, finally got his goal to seal an awe inspiring 14-0 victory.
Very well done boys – not a lot more that hasn’t already been said can be added to describe what was a truly fantastic performance. Big wins like this are not, in all honesty, always very helpful and it is much better to be tested by strong opponents in closer, more competitive matches. However the Yellows can only beat what is put in front of them and their tremendous teamwork, will to win and ruthless eye for goal are all only further developed and sharpened by a match like the one this morning and this was a pleasure to witness – congratulations to you all on your fabulous achievements and attitude.
No.20 Sunday 2nd March 2008
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….3 Bedwell Rangers……………………0
(Stuart, Oscar, Cam)
The Blues had another tough match this morning as lowly Bedwell Rangers proved to be determined and perhaps surprisingly harder opponents than may have been expected. Playing with a changed side, due to there being just the one match today, the win in the end was comfortable enough and yielded another 3 points for our boys at the top of the league, but once again, we saw the opposing team digging in and playing above themselves as they looked to inflict on the Blues their first defeat of the season.
On another sunny, breezy morning, the Blues had Sam in goal, Tommy in defence, Matthew in the hole, Hanney and Stuart, playing up from the Yellows, on the left and in the centre respectively, Harry also up front and Cam on the right. The ball was in the net in less than a minute as the two new boys combined for one of the quickest goals of the season - Stuart latched onto a Hanney throw in and drove it home decisively to make it 1-0 and more goals were confidently expected. However this didn’t happen and despite considerable pressure, some good passing and neat approach play from the Blues, the end result was missing and the next goal refused to come. Good interplay between Hanney and Stuart led to chances being created but shots went wide or were saved by the Bedwell keeper and at our end, Sam had to be alert to threats from their strong and skilful forward as he tried to take the ball through and threaten the defensive wall that is Matthew and Tommy and also launched huge throw ins towards our penalty area. Cam created a chance for Harry but his effort flew over the bar and then Charley – on as a sub with Oscar and Marcus – beat three players on the right but could only pull his shot wide. There was nothing wrong with our boys’ football throughout the first half but it lacked the decisive finishes and all too often our attacks foundered as sometimes we tried to take on and beat too many players and ended up losing the ball to opponents who were strong and determined in the tackle. In the second half, encouraged to get more balls into the opposition box, there was a similar pattern of play as the Blues played some nice football and were confident in possession and some patches of play were easy on the eye – Marcus and Hanney combining well on the left and a string of corners was forced. However again the chances weren’t taken and shots went high or wide or were saved and this meant none of us on the touchline could be very comfortable. This was even more the case as Bedwell created chances of their own and put us under some pressure – the long throw ins were a constant threat in the by now gusty wind and now it was our turn to concede a series of corners. Sam made an outstanding save as he tipped over the one real chance that Bedwell had - a powerful shot which looked like a certain goal and his concentration and distribution to the wings in the match deservedly made him Man of the Match. As if shaken by these close shaves, the Blues surged again and from a throw in, Oscar looped a high ball over the Bedwell keeper to make it 2-0 and more or less made the match safe and when Cam drove the ball home just before the end for 3-0, it gave a margin that was certainly deserved from all the pressure and chances created but which hadn’t looked likely as the second half had unfolded.
Another really important win and the lessons from last week about avoiding complacency reinforced once again. The boys were not at their best but their attitude, teamwork and commitment cannot be faulted and any team wanting to try and take points off them is going to have a huge battle in overcoming these qualities. Well done boys – your hard work paid off in the end!
Man of the Match - Sam
No.19 Sunday 24th February 2008
Knebworth Youth A………………………0 Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….1
(Alli)
When you are top of the league, matches can get harder because everyone wants to beat the leaders and no game or opposition can be taken for granted. So it proved for the Blues this morning as there was no repeat of the big win over Knebworth from earlier in the season but instead a victory that was ground out against determined opponents who raised their game in an attempt to cause an upset.
The Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Charley in defence, Matthew in the hole and captaining the side, Alli and Marcus up front, flanked by Ethan, stepping up from the Yellows today, on the right and Tommy on the left. The pitch had an awful uneven surface and the deceptively strong wind, against which the Blues played in the first half, led to some fairly mediocre and disjointed play for the first few minutes and Knebworth had the better of things as they hit the ball long and we were a little hesitant in midfield. Our first thrust forward however saw the only and decisive goal of the game as from a Knebworth corner, we broke swiftly and Marcus cleverly controlled and held the ball up before laying it through to Alli who just got there ahead of his defender to poke the ball into the net – 0-1. Cam, Reuben and Oscar came on as a strong set of substitutes and Cam had an immediate impact, marauding down the right and then just going wide with a great header from a corner. There were some nice moves created – one involving Reuben and Cam saw Alli finally shoot just wide and Reuben then went close with a well controlled header that was palmed away for a corner in an excellent passage of play. The Blues finished the half strongly but could not get the second goal and were urged at half time to keep playing it simple and above all to keep getting the crosses into the box, where it was hoped, with the wind now in our favour, more chances would be created.
The formation took on a very different look at the beginning of the second half, with Reuben now in defence, Oscar in the hole, Ethan and Marcus up front, Cam on the right and Tommy on the left. Despite playing with the wind however, we didn’t make the advantage count and there were no more goals as the boys held onto their slender advantage. Surprisingly, Knebworth came more into things and had a few chances of their own – several corners, and only a brilliant saving tackle from Oscar denied their forward as he looked to shoot on goal Matthew, Alli and Charley came on after 10 minutes as the shape took on a more orthodox look and generally we looked solid and assured at the back as Matthew and Charley covered and distributed well, Ethan was lively and dangerous up front and Tommy was very strong in the tackle, getting a blow to the head at one point for his troubles ! The wind didn’t help either side as the ball spent too much time in the air but what good moves there were came from the Blues – Tommy fed Oscar who then set up Ethan to go close with one shot and then another involving Matthew and Ethan saw Marcus just shoot wide. The Knebworth keeper did very well with some saves from close range and could even have levelled the game in the last few seconds as he came up for a corner and saw his glancing header just go wide as our nerves jangled and we nearly saw the three points disappear before our eyes. However the match finished with another win, albeit with the boys not playing at their best, but showing their determination against opponents who set out to try and match them. Another important lesson learnt about avoiding complacency and a vital victory. Very well done boys once again!
Knebworth Youth B…………………1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows ………………..6
(Stuart 3, Stan 2, Harry)
The Yellows had a comfortable win against Knebworth and moved onto 98 goals for this extraordinary season as they put up another polished and confident performance. Starting with Jack in goal, Myles in defence, Stuart in front of him and then Jake, with Harry up front, Hanney on the left and Billy on the right, the Yellows were playing against the wind in the first half but this made no difference as they put all the pressure on their opponents. Stuart, Hanney, Harry and Jake had all threatened before a great solo effort from Stuart, taking the ball forward and lifting it over the keeper, made it 0-1. Some of the approach play was excellent and a shot from Hanney was just pushed over by the Knebworth goalkeeper who was being made to work hard this morning, but he was then deceived by a seemingly harmless shot from Stuart which went through for his and the Yellows’ second goal – 0-2. A tidy finish from a Knebworth corner reduced the deficit to 1-2 but by half time the Yellows were well in control and looking likely to score from all parts of the pitch.
The second half saw the familiar onslaught on the opposition goal by our boys as the lead was extended smoothly and decisively. Stan launched a thunderbolt free kick from just inside the Knebworth half which sailed into the net for 1-3 and after a goal had been disallowed for a foul on the keeper, Harry made it 1-4 when he just got there first to a ball that was put into the penalty box and then steered it into the net. Knebworth tried to push forward themselves but we were too strong with our tackles, interceptions and tackling back and there was another goal when Harry intercepted an opposition move forward and put Stan through on goal and he accurately slotted it past the Knebworth keeper – 1-5. Myles had time to show his goalkeeping prowess when he saved a shot from close range, turning it round the post. There was just time for Stuart to complete his hat trick when he clinically finished after Harry had again been the provider, pulling the ball back from the goal line to make it 1-6. This completed the most comprehensive of victories for the Yellows who played as a team throughout and whose performance drew compliments from the opposition manager as well as making all their supporters immensely proud. Well done boys!
No.18 Sunday 17th February 2008
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….2 BSCFC Rangers……………………1
(Alli, Harry)
A tough game for the Blues this morning and for a large part of the match it looked as if their proud unbeaten record was going to disappear as they trailed to the only side that has taken points off them all season. We had put the autumn 2-2 draw down to a below par Blues performance, coupled with a poor pitch, but on this bright, cold morning, Bishop’s Stortford showed themselves to be a strong, hard tackling and determined side which grabbed the lead and for a long period looked likely to end up winning the game. After a lengthy delay due to concerns over the semi frozen pitch, the Blues lined up in traditional formation with Sam in goal, Tommy in defence, Matthew in the hole, Alli and birthday boy Marcus (captaining the side) up front in the centre, Harry on the left and Cam on the right. After some early pressure from the Blues, creating a corner, Bishop’s Stortford came much more into the game and began to press us back into our own half. The Blues played some lovely, assured passing football at the back but were not penetrating enough up front and created very few chances in the entire first half, being guilty of either taking too few or too many touches on the ball and lacking their usual passing fluency. Bishop’s Stortford had had several attempts on our net before the goal, which had been coming, finally arrived as their striker shot home from close range after the ball wasn’t cleared – 0-1. Half time arrived and the Blues were in the doubly unusual position of being behind and having been second best for the first 20 minutes. Phil and Steve urged them to get the ball wide more and be more clinical up front, whilst at the same time not sink back too deep and invite on pressure from their opponents.
The second half saw a huge improvement in the Blues’ play, a virtual transformation into a different side from before and their intent was signaled when a thrust forward created a chance almost from the kickoff. Charley and Oscar, on as first half subs, went into defence and up front respectively and now our great defending was matched by more penetrating attacks. However we were still behind and there was the thought that it might not be our day when chances were not put away, so imagine the great relief on the touchline when the ball came to Alli and he slotted it home to draw the Blues level – 1-1. Now the confidence and belief returned in abundance and the Blues forced a series of corners before Marcus made a great interception, passed it to Charley who then found Harry who shot home from close range for 2-1 and a match that looked lost was now in our control. This was how it stayed for the rest for the match, as the Blues held on for a very creditable and hard fought victory in what possibly will turn out to have been their toughest match of the season. Great character shown by our boys today as they never let their heads drop but instead worked hard for eachother to produce a fantastic second half comeback performance and achieve another great three points. Very well done boys!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows ………………..5 BSCFC Park ………………….1
(Ethan 2, Hanney, Alfie, Billy)
The Yellows had a much more comfortable victory over their Bishop’s Stortford opponents and were never in danger at any stage. They began with Billy in goal, Jack in defence, Jake in the hole, Ethan and Stuart in the middle up front, Hanney on the left and Alfie on the right. Hanney put us ahead 1-0 early on and it was then quite even, end to end play for a short period, with Jack’s saving tackle in defence one minute then being followed by Ethan hitting their post. The pitch was by now becoming very muddy and heavy, with the clinging surface not ideal for the Yellows’ passing play but our boys began to crank up the pressure, with terrific approach play from Alfie being matched by a series of chances falling to Ethan who finally beat three players before doubling our lead – 2-0. At half time, the Yellows were encouraged to up the tempo of their passing to counteract the sticky pitch surface and Hanney replaced Billy in goal. From the restart, most of the pressure came from the Yellows and a piledriver from Stuart hit the post. The third goal, when it came, was superb – Ethan lofted a high ball into the opposition area and Alfie, watching it all the way, volleyed it sweetly into the net – 3-0 and the match was now all but over. The Yellows kept pressing however and Ethan was the provider again, this time for Billy to pick his spot and place his header in the goal – 4-0. Surprisingly, Bishop’s Stortford got one back as they broke in numbers themselves and the ball squeezed into our goal but then it was back to the other end as Stuart rattled the bar before Ethan wrapped things up with a clever turn and half volley after being fed by Alfie – 5-1. Another excellent win by the Yellows who could have got more goals but did play extremely assured football to tighten their grip on the top of the league still further. Well done again boys!
No.17 Sunday 10 th February 2008
Baldock Town Templars ………………………0 Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….5
(Harry 2, Marcus, Charley, og)
It was top against bottom on a bright and sunny morning at Hartsfield School in Baldock as the Blues never needed to be out of second gear to record a very comfortable win which exactly matched the score in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. The team lined up with Sam in goal, Oscar in defence, Matthew in the hole, Marcus and Alli in the middle up front, Tommy on the left and Charley on the right. Two goals came within the first few minutes as first Marcus scored and then a deflection off a Baldock defender made it 2-0 and we wondered if this was going to become a victory of cricket score proportions, fearing the worst for Baldock who have had a difficult season. All the pressure was coming from the Blues who were passing the ball around intelligently and looking for the spaces to run into and creating lots of chances – Marcus laid the ball off for Tommy who shot wide in a great move and Alli hit the post from close range. Several scrambles in the Baldock box took place as their goal led a charmed life but the expected avalanche of goals didn’t come. Oscar had a powerful shot go over the bar before Charley finally made it 3-0 just before half time, poking the ball home after another goalmouth melee. Phil reflected with the boys in his half time team talk that they were playing some very nice football, passing into spaces very well and that they needed to continue in the same way and also keep getting the ball wide.
The second half unfolded in the same way – us driving forward and putting on the pressure, now playing with the slope on a deceptively angled pitch – and only rare forays by Baldock into the Blues half. Soon the fourth goal came and it was the best of the match – Harry, on as a substitute, began the move by spreading the ball wide to Alli who in turn found Marcus whose excellent cross was headed home by Harry himself with a classy finish – 4-0. More pressure and chances then followed and the fifth goal was only a matter of time in coming, although before this Baldock got a corner of their own, about the only time that our defence was remotely threatened. Harry made it 5-0 with his second goal of the match, when he followed up a shot from Charley which couldn’t be held by the Baldock goalkeeper and it stayed like this until the final whistle with the Blues in virtual cruise control. Another excellent win, three more points, some tremendous passing football and another clean sheet (just 6 goals against all season so far). Very comfortable all round but great application and ‘professionalism’ shown by the Blues this morning – well done boys!
Baldock Town Crusaders…………………1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows ………………..11
(Ethan 3, Billy 3, Stuart 3, Jack, Hanney )
The Yellows notched up another huge win and boosted their already stupendous goal difference by another ten, as they thrashed Baldock, with three players grabbing hat tricks. Strangely, they began very slowly and took some time to start scoring, in a total reverse of the Blues’ performance, but they finished like a train with their familiar second half onslaught and equalled their biggest win of the season. Lining up with Alfie in goal, Jack in defence, Jake in the hole, Ethan and Stan up front, with Hanney on the left and Billy on the right, the first part of the first half was mediocre fare as the Yellows played in a rather disjointed and lack lustre way. Ethan was lively, created one or two openings and blasted over the bar but in general the Yellows found it hard work adapting to playing uphill on the pitch and were not playing with their customary fluency. Ethan was always likely to be the one to break the deadlock and this he did when, fed by a throw in from Jake, he followed up an initial shot which was saved with another which this time found the net – 1-0 and now the Yellows began to settle down and warm to their game. Stuart came on for Stan and immediately had a major impact as he drove forward powerfully and at times unstoppably. Great approach play from Stuart saw him feed Billy who powered the ball home for 2-0. All the boys were now picking up their game – Jake made some fantastic raking passes across the field to pick out his team mates – and only tremendous set of saves by the Baldock keeper who several times denied our players from close range kept the score down. Baldock were not just rolling over though and got a goal back with an unstoppable finish from a corner which gave Alfie no chance – 2-1, but Billy restored the two goal lead as the Yellows broke away in numbers and it was 3-1 at half time. Gary and Steff praised the boys on their effort at half time, saying that much of the hard ground work had been done, playing against the slope and now they were in a position to really play their best football. This the boys certainly did in the second half, as the goals came thick and fast. Hanney started things off as he beat four opponents and then set up Stuart for a clinical finish – 4-1 and then Hanney himself got on the scoresheet when he shot home after great work by Jake who pulled the ball back from the byeline – 5-1. All the pressure, in wave after wave, was now coming from the Yellows who were overpowering their opponents and first Stuart, showing great control, made it 6-1 and then Jack, setting up Ethan for his second, made it 7-1, although despite this, the Baldock keeper was having a very good game, with a number of great saves as he proved himself the pick of their players! Billy turned provider for Jack to follow up with a shot which made it 8-1 and then Stuart became the first player to get his hat trick with another unstoppable shot – 9-1. Jack could have scored again as he bore down on goal but unselfishly set up Billy for his hat trick – 10-1 and there was even time for Alfie (obviously wanting some of the action himself) to come up from our goal for a corner. Although he didn’t score, his header went close and there was then just time for Ethan to join the hat trick club as he bundled the ball home. 11-1 therefore and another amazing performance where as much as the clinical way in which the goals were taken, it was the teamwork and unselfish play, with everyone working hard for eachother, which was so pleasing. The Yellows go marching on – well done boys!
No.16 Sunday 3rd February 2008
Herts County Cup – Fifth Round
Barnet Azzurri FC Under 10s……………………0 Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….1
(after extra time) (Oscar)
There are good days and memorable days and this fifth round cup tie certainly falls into the latter category, as after a tight and tense match against opponents who were also unbeaten this season, the Blues went through to the last 8 in the County Cup with a thrilling climax as Oscar scored with the very last kick of extra time.
On a bright and breezy morning, we journeyed down the A1 and after a lengthy delay due to a decision to change pitches, the Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Tommy in defence, Matthew in the hole, Alli and Marcus in the centre up front, flanked by Cam and Oscar and with Reuben and Charley coming on later as subs. The Blues dominated the play in the first half and slowly but surely began to crank up the pressure on Barnet. Several flowing moves moved the ball nicely around the pitch and an early strike from Marcus signaled the team’s intent. Barnet were determined but were mainly hitting the ball long and relying on getting it to their central striker - however he got no change at all from our back line and never was the phrase ‘in someone’s pocket’ more appropriate than describing how Matthew completely snuffed him out of the entire game with his interceptions and tackles. An early strike from Marcus was soon followed by a piledriver from Cam which hit the post but the boys had no luck with the final ball – passes up front and shots were overhit (perhaps due to the strong cross wind blowing) and the goal wouldn’t come. We were not at our very best, lacking a directness and killer instinct up front and Barnet came more into the game and hit the post themselves as gradually the match took on a more even complexion as they tackled determinedly and we struggled to make the breakthroughs. Urged at half time to keep the ball wide, Marcus went to the left and Reuben to the centre at the restart, but as the second half progressed, Barnet definitely began to push forward more and create chances of their own and several times the nerves were jangling as crucial interceptions prevented them having shots on goal and Sam also had to be alert, making one excellent save in particular. Extra time came and the Blues raised their game once more with a great chance created almost immediately through Alli, but after this it became more even and a there was a huge amount of tension on then touchline as first we realised that one goal either way would be decisive and then that the spectre of penalties was looming. Phil had already made substitutions in readiness for this when the magical moment arrived. From a corner by Cam, the ball was cleared and found its way to Oscar, whose sweet shot went through a cluster of bodies like an arrow into the bottom of the Barnet net. Pandemonium ensued on both the pitch and the touchline and most of us missed the restart and almost immediate final whistle. Hard luck on doughty Barnet but undoubtedly the best team was victorious and when it happens like this – like winning the playoff final – is there any better way of winning?! Great credit to both teams for the spirit in which the match was played.
Now through to the quarter finals, a tremendous win by the Blues who were below strength and not at their very best, showing how important it is to play to the very final whistle. Well done boys on your great determination, skill and effort this morning and what an exhilarating start to a Sunday for us all!
Man of the Match – Matthew R
No.15 Sunday 27th January 2008
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….9 Melbourn Dynamos A……………………0
(Harry 4, Oscar,Alli,Marcus,Reuben,Tommy)
The first league game for the Blues for over a month, due to waterlogged pitches and the rustiness showed, even though they equalled their biggest winning margin of the season and inflicted the heaviest defeat so far on their opponents. Lining up initially with Sam in goal, Tommy in defence, Matthew in the hole, Reuben and Alli in the centre, flanked by Harry on the left and Oscar on the right, the Blues started very slowly and were pushed back by Melbourn who put on the pressure. We were undoubtedly missing recent match practice and it was against the run of play when Oscar put the boys ahead as he picked up the ball, ran through and slotted home in our first attack of the game – 1-0. Settled by this, the Blues began to pick up their customary fluency and after good interplay between Alli and Harry, the ball came to Reuben and he controlled it well before finding the net to make it 2-0. Marcus, Cam and Charley came on as a strong set of substitutes and immediately had an effect by pushing forward more and racking up the pressure on Melbourn. Harry fed Alli who scored with a sweet shot to make it 3-0 and then quick thinking by Matthew with a throw in to Alli created a goal for Harry, to make it 4-0 by half time and the Blues by now well in control. In the second half, with Tommy now on the left, Melbourn again began strongly, refuting any idea that they were wilting under the pressure, and forced an early save from Sam. However there were few other dangers on our goal for the remainder of the match and after Marcus deflected in a Reuben shot to make it 5-0, the floodgates opened and a goal from Tommy, now a potent attacking force down the left wing and three more from Harry, ensured that the Blues finished with a very handsome margin and preserved their position as league leaders. More will be needed in the County Cup next week but this was a good, if not spectacular victory in a match that was urgently needed and with goals coming from all over the pitch. Very well done boys – onwards and upwards in 2008!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows ………………..5 Melbourn Dynamos B………………….1
(Stan 2, Hanney, Stuart, Ethan)
The Yellows were never in danger against Melbourn but, even more so than the Blues, they were very rusty and this was a very ‘un Yellow like’ performance, in the main lacking their usual teamwork and lethal finishing. Lining up with Stan in goal, Myles, Jack, Ethan, Stuart, Billy (on the right) and Hanney (on the left), the Yellows began briskly, with Stuart on his game from the kickoff and pushing the ball home after only a few minutes to make it 1-0. Some nice passing interplay followed, although in a crowded Melbourn half and penalty area, we seemed to want to walk the ball into the net. From an acute angle on the right, Ethan shot the ball in the net to double the lead and when a lovely move from Jake (on as a sub) to Ethan and then Hanney saw Hanney make it 3-0, another glut of goals was anticipated against a side languishing at the bottom of the table. However this didn’t materialize. Melbourn got one back – 3-1 – and our shape and passing began to go missing. Melbourn blocked and tackled well to frustrate the boys and we seemed curiously below par – again a lack of a recent match is surely the explanation here. Stan got two more goals to make it 5-1 and a scoreline that was possibly a little flattering, although some of our approach play was good – Jake made some excellent passes and had a good game. Nevertheless, 5 more goals, an even firmer grip on the top spot in the league and with the knowledge that there is more – so much more – to come. Not a bad morning’s work then boys! Well done!
No.14: Sunday 16th December 2007
Buntingford Cougars Blues………………………..0 Letchworth Eagles Blues………………………….1
(Harry)
Back to league action for the Blues this week and a hard fought victory over their nearest rivals to go three more points clear at the top. Buntingford are a strong, physical side who have improved since the Blues beat them comprehensively in the first match of the season and had won all bar one of their subsequent games (drawing the other one).The stern test that was anticipated at the Cougars’ home ground duly materialized and although a draw may have more reflected the overall balance of possession and chances created, our boys played the better football, defended determinedly and magnificently and left with three priceless points in the bag. A well earned Christmas break now awaits after an almost faultless first half of the season and a series of consistently outstanding performances.
The Blues lined up below strength this morning with Charley deputizing for Sam in goal, Cam on the left, Harry on the right, Oscar (passed fit to play but still not 100% well) and Reuben in the centre, Matthew (also having woken up unwell this morning) in the hole and Tommy in defence. Marcus started as substitute and there was no Alli this morning. Playing on a very narrow pitch and on an incredibly muddy and heavy surface, everything was against the Blues’ slick passing football and preferred style of play but we know our boys and despite this they were up for it from kickoff and tried to carve our chances and take the play to their opponents. The early action was even – Buntingford were strong in the tackle, thrusted forward and squeezed the ball so that our players were sometimes caught as they waited for it to come onto them and had little time to pick their passes. Chances were created at each end – Charley saved well and then Harry was put through in the clear but his final shot was saved comfortably by their keeper. This was a very different game to last week and other qualities were needing to be shown by our boys, not least of all alertness to Buntingford’s breaks and their shots for they were obviously relying on direct play and power to score. The Blues’ passing teamwork shone through even on this dreadful surface and superb linking play involving our front line moved the ball quickly across the pitch whilst Matthew and Tommy (the new Pallister and Bruce or Ferdinand and Vidic for younger readers) once again defended brilliantly, often holding up their attackers and forcing them into running into blind alleys down the wings.
The Blues took the lead when a great break saw the ball moved to Reuben who in turn spread it to Oscar and then to Harry who finished coolly, cutting inside from the left and finishing with his right foot (see photograph) – 1-0. Great to get our noses in front in what was developing into a very tight and tough match and as Marcus came on for Reuben, Buntingford had more chances from two corners in a row and also shot from long distances which didn’t cause too many problems for Charley. No doubt about it, our boys were having to fight hard all the way -Tommy and Matthew continued to be crucial members of the team this morning and Marcus held the ball up well to relieve the pressure, typified by his running and chasing a seemingly lost ball right up into the corner in their half.
1-0 at half time and the Blues were urged to get the ball as wide as possible and work the lines to ensure that they didn’t get caught out on this awful surface against opponents who were well set up defensively. In the second half, Oscar went to the hole and Matthew dropped back in defence and the substitutions were used regularly and effectively to minimize the chance of our boys getting tired. Buntingford were on the attack from the restart and Charley tipped over a shot with a great save. They consistently looked dangerous from corners and long throw ins and several times the ball bobbled around dangerously in our area but some outstanding defending and blocking by our boys prevented the Cougars from drawing level – their best chance was a header which hit the crossbar. It looked like it was going to be our day even though we didn’t have too many chances ourselves – when we did have a break, we missed a golden chance to go two goals clear when Cam just shot wide after a brilliant move involving passes from Marcus to Harry. The final whistle went and it was a well merited victory, the second over Buntingford this season. Today showed the outstanding defending of our boys and the teamwork once again, in the face of so many things conspiring against them, not least of which was an understandable tiredness, after being on the go since September.
Very well done boys – the tenth win of the season and a series of magnificent victories that make all of us parents and supporters very proud. Merry Christmas and onwards to further success in 2008!
Buntingford Cougars Whites………………………..2 Letchworth Eagles Yellows………………………….4
(Stuart, Jake, Hanney, Jack)
The Yellows notched their tenth straight win of an already memorable season by dispatching Buntingford very comfortably although today was a reverse of recent performances, with a dominating first half display when they scored all their goals and then a quieter second half when their opponents got two back. Lining up with Alfie in goal, Stan in defence, Myles, Stuart and Jack, Hanney and Jake, (no subs today), the Yellows started the game with a very quick tempo with good moves involving Jake on the left and Stuart powerfully running through the centre. It was Stuart who got an early goal and it was a brilliant shot with the outside of his right foot from the edge of the box on the left which made it 1-0. Buntingford then responded with two attacks in quick succession with first a header and then a shot from the right both being confidently saved by Alfie. Good work by Stuart again saw his shot saved and Jack shot the rebound over the bar but the second goal soon came when Hanney crossed in from the left and Jake slotted the ball home – 2-0 and the Yellows already well in control. Stuart yet again, having a great game, had another strong effort just tipped over the bar but it then became 3-0 when Jake found Hanney with an accurate pass and he feinted, came inside and finished well. Myles covered confidently and was evidently enjoying being on the ball and also came forward up the pitch on several occasions and it was a great pass to Stan which made the fourth goal – his shot hit the post and Jack followed up – 4-0. By this point and as half time was reached, the Yellows had been playing some of their best football of the season and there is a lot of competition for that prize! The whole forward line was lively and alert and Stan and Myles were intercepting everything. In Gary’s words, it was ‘like watching Brazil’ and we all were anticipating the familiar second half goal avalanche.
However it just shows one should not take anything for granted and the second half was totally different. It may have been the sun more in the boys’ eyes or the fact that they felt they had already made the game safe or more likely that their opponents were determined to restore some local pride but Buntingford were a very different team in the second 20 minutes. On the attack from the restart, they showed that they are a decent passing side and got a goal back when Stuart, now in goal, made a great save from a powerful shot but couldn’t prevent the follow up being put in - 4-1 and with their tails up, they created more chances and pressure in a few minutes than they had in the whole of the first half. We had one chance when Jack headed over from a throw in and both Hanney and Alfie broke away on the wings but Buntingford definitely had the best of the play and made it 4-2 with a smart header from a corner. Lacking a powerful centre forward, our attack was blunter than usual and at our end, Myles almost put into his own net but them made an unbelievable goal line clearance when a goal looked certain. The Yellows’ victory was never in doubt after all their good work in the first half and at the final whistle, we were thus able to celebrate a tenth straight league victory and a proud 100% record, well clear at the top of the league. Very well done boys on all your great performances this season which have shown your fantastic work rate, developing team work and goals from all over the pitch. (goal difference now 60!) Merry Christmas to you too and here’s looking forward to 2008!
No.13 Sunday 9th December 2007
Herts County Cup – Fourth Round
Chorley Wood Common YFC Dynamites……………………1 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………4
(Marcus 2, Charley, Reuben)
In this fourth round cup tie, the Blues put up another fantastic performance to decisively beat a good Chorley Wood side and advance to the last 16 of the County Cup. With a display that was if anything even better than the previous week’s victory and in similarly rainy, windy and inclement conditions, the boys played outstandingly well as a team and we are all very proud of the standard of football they exhibited. The pitch was muddy and heavy but generally in good condition in view of all the rain leading up to the game and credit to the home team’s ground staff who made every effort to make the surface playable, on a morning when all their home league games were postponed. The football on show was skilful, the match competitive and entertaining and with a wonderful level of sportsmanship, devoid of hardly any fouls of note.
Our Letchworth convoy arrived in good time and had almost an hour to keep warm in the bitter temperature and as the match began the Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Tommy in defence, Matthew in the hole, Alli and Marcus in the centre, Cam on the right and Harry on the left, with Reuben, Charley and Oscar starting as subs. As in all our recent games, the boys started really quickly and were at their opponents from kickoff. The first 10 minutes saw crisp, passing football that was breathtaking and possibly our best of the season as the ball was moved quickly across and up and down the pitch and pressure almost exclusively in the Chorley Wood half. The Blues were dominating already as an unbelievable goal line scramble just saw the ball being cleared but the pressure told as Harry, who was looking very lively on the left, pulled the ball back and Marcus expertly slotted it home from close range – 1-0 and a great start. Our lively play continued and Chorley Wood struggled to make any advances into the Blues’ half. Harry thrusted down the left, Marcus was holding the ball up well with his back to goal and Alli shot just wide. A succession of corners followed at one point and from one of them, Harry’s powerful header hit the bar and some of the passing moves and one twos were a delight to see – one in particular involving Oscar and Cam deserved a goal and saw Alli go close again. Matthew and Tommy initially didn’t have too much to do but as the half went on they had to be alert and precise with their interceptions as Chorley Wood came more into the match and drove forward with purpose. Reuben, Charley and Oscar came on and immediately fitted in with the selfless, passing teamwork that characterized the Blues’ play today.
Half time was reached with the score not fully doing justice to the Blues’ play, Chorley Wood still very much in it at only 1-0 down and things on a knife edge, with some concern over how they were breaking down the flanks and causing us some problems. However a few minutes into the second half, there was some daylight as the Blues extended their lead – Marcus deftly flicking in a Charley corner to make it 2-0. Great excitement and some relief amongst our supporters but then came a reality check as Chorley Wood got one back after a corner was spilled – 2-1 and their subsequent attacks immediately afterwards then looked dangerous and with one or two balls flashing across our area but just not being finished, your correspondent had his heart in his mouth a couple of times! At one point, the Blues were definitely under more pressure as we were unable to clear the ball very far from goal kicks and had to withstand several waves of attacks – it was tremendous on these occasions to see the tackling back and resolution of the boys who just refused to let their opponents past. It was a great feeling therefore when the two goal margin was restored and it was Charley who was responsible, latching onto a clearance and running powerfully through towards the Chorley Wood goal and then finishing with an unstoppable piledriver from the right – 3-1 and victory within sight. It became 4-1 when Reuben followed up a shot from Harry, having been set up by a pass from Charley. By now, the play was very stretched and open - raking passes involving Reuben and Charley cut through the Chorley Wood defence and the outstanding Marcus tormented his opponents as he twisted and turned out on the left. Sam played his part to the full, preventing a certain second goal for Chorley Wood when he saved with his feet when their skilful and strong forward was clean through on goal. The entertaining football continued from end to end until the final whistle when we celebrated not only a famous and very well merited victory but an outstanding game of football.
An amazing match given the conditions with some spectacular football from the Blues which warmed us all up on this very cold morning. Chorley Wood were worthy opponents and deserve a great deal of credit for the way they continued to play throughout the match and for their generosity on the day and in their match report which is glowing in its praise of the Eagles and which I commend to my readers (see their website). Like their reporter, I also think today was a tremendous advert for the superb young talent we have in this country and I would take this morning’s match over many professional games on view any time. Very well done boys – two testing pre Christmas matches down and one to go! Outstanding in every respect!
No.12: Sunday 2nd December 2007
Ashwell Academicals ‘A’………………………..1 Letchworth Eagles Blues………………………….3
(Marcus, Cam, Harry)
This was a proper football match. The Blues took on Ashwell in the eagerly anticipated top of the table clash and, in atrocious weather conditions on a sloping, muddy and uneven pitch, both sides produced a match that was keenly contested, had an abundance of skill and determination on show and was as fine an exhibition of Under 10s football that you could hope to see. The spectators, braving the cold, wind and rain were treated to some tremendous play and the Blues played brilliantly throughout to gain a fantastic victory.
There was a setback even before kickoff with Sam going ill so Charley went in goal, with Tommy in front of him in defence, Matthew in the hole, Marcus and Alli in the centre up front with Harry on the left and Cam on the right. Playing up the slope and against the gusty wind in the first half, everything was against the Blues but the boys played with skill and a gritty determination that time after time repelled attacks from Ashwell. Chances came at both ends – Alli shooting wide and Charley being called upon to make several saves and we found it hard to get quick passing moves going because we were both running into the strong wind and the Ashwell players were quick and strong in the tackle themselves and couldn’t just be left behind by a burst of speed. Once or twice we had some incisive moves – one great piece of play by Oscar saw him beat three players but then shoot just wide and we did threaten the Ashwell goal several times with the ball flashing across their penalty area – but Ashwell too put dangerous balls into our area which a couple of times were just inches away from being put into our net. In the main however this half was about us defending deep in truly horrible, adverse conditions. The boys held firm and no chances were taken with stray passes – Matthew and Tommy at the back shut everything out and formed a defensive wall that was consistently solid for the whole game. Our nerves on the touchline were jangling every time an attack threatened our goal but the Blues reached half time with the score still 0-0 and were instructed to keep playing the same way, have more shots and this, with the conditions to come in their favour, would then yield results.
In the second half, the Blues exerted their dominance and pinned Ashwell back much more into their own half. Good passing early on led to a corner and then Harry almost had the ball in the Ashwell net but Marcus couldn’t poke it over the line. Ashwell came forward themselves and Charley did really well in goal and Oscar just shot wide after being set up by Cam. Tommy and Matthew continued to be inspired in defence, passing and tackling with precision and Alli drove us forward from midfield. We could feel the goal coming and it was sweet relief indeed when Marcus finished expertly after being set up cleverly by Cam – 1-0. If we thought it was then going to be a formality however, the Blues were rocked when a high shot from the right sailed over Charley’s head to make it 1-1 and for a few minutes afterwards, Ashwell scented a second goal and the lead. A draw at that stage looked possible as the weather worsened and wouldn’t have been a bad result given the conditions but the Blues had other ideas - Cam’s brilliant David Beckham like free kick from the edge of their penalty area soared into the net and restored the lead - 2-1. Still Ashwell were not finished and came forward but again the Blues snuffed out the danger and when Harry got hold of the ball, feinted and then drilled it in sweetly to make it 3-1 at last we could feel that the game might be safe. So it proved, even though Ashwell had another chance to narrow the margin once more and meant we had to be vigilant until the final whistle.
A truly memorable and priceless victory in surely to be one of the best games of the whole season, against undoubtedly the classiest team we have played. Both sides are to be congratulated on the quality of the football they produced in these weather conditions and the Blues go marching on at the top of their league. This was an excellent way to lead into the County Cup game against Chorley Wood next week. Outstanding in every respect – very well done boys!!
Ashwell Academicals ‘B’………………………..0 Letchworth Eagles Yellows………………………….9
(Stuart 2, Ethan 2, Jack 2, Hanney, Reuben, Myles)
The Yellows dispatched their Ashwell opponents rather more comfortably than the Blues and followed the pattern of recent matches by finishing strongly in the second half and running up a huge score – whether it is down to their fitness or sheer ruthlessness, the boys invariably seem to destroy teams in the final 20 minutes of games.
The starting line up was Myles in goal, Stan in defence, Billy in the hole, Ethan and Stuart in the centre, Jake on the right and Hanney on the left. Right from kickoff, Ethan was lively and in the first couple of minutes he had set up Stuart to finish to make it 1-0. Nice interplay between Stuart and Jake then returned the favour for Ethan to have a shot himself but this went wide. Already pushing forward in numbers, Jake led a break and passed it to Ethan whose shot was pushed out into the path of the onrushing Hanney who made it 2-0. The Yellows were creating all the pressure and Stuart hit the post after a cross from Hanney but Ashwell had a great chance to get one back when their attacker went clear – Stan however did a great job defending to take the ball away and clear the danger. Jake and Billy tackled and passed the ball with purpose in the middle of the pitch. Reuben and Jack came on and soon after linked very well on the left before setting up Stuart who grabbed his second and the Yellows’ third with a lethal finish – 3-0 and the match was effectively over as we were hardly being threatened at all in our own goal. Just before the end of the half, a great move again involving Reuben and Jack saw Hanney going close as he shot over the bar.
On the attack from the whistle in the second half, it wasn’t long before it was 4-0 – Reuben once more went forward with menace and power and had a powerful shot which was spilled by the Ashwell keeper and Ethan put in the rebound. Now out on the pitch, Myles was everywhere again, blocking opposition attacks in the faultless way he has been doing all this season and seemingly contemplating a goal himself (more of that later!) A fantastic move involving passing from Reuben to Ethan eventually fed Jack who finished confidently to make it 5-0 and we all knew it wasn’t going to end there. After a goalmouth scramble, with virtually all of our players except our goalkeeper queuing up to score in the Ashwell penalty area, Jack got his second to make it 6-0 and he had a key role too in the next as he held the ball up cleverly for Reuben to slot it home – 7-0. The weather had improved somewhat from the first match but with the wind then picking up again, it only served to reinforce the dominance of the Yellows. The biggest cheer of the morning and certainly the biggest smile came when Myles went forward, picked up the ball and finished coolly like an experienced striker to make it 8-0, to the delight of his team mates and the visiting spectators and Ethan completed a 9-0 rout when he slid the ball in just before the end of the match.
Another outstanding team performance and goals from all over the pitch adding to a goal difference that will at this rate be in three figures by the end of the season! A superb way to end a very good morning’s work indeed – well done boys!
No.11: Sunday 25th November 2007
Bedwell Rangers Reds………………………..0 Letchworth Eagles Blues………………………….5
(Reuben 2, Marcus, Jake, Harry)
Lifting our spirits after a dismal week for English football, the Blues secured another win this morning, against a lowly Bedwell Rangers side, but put up a far from impressive performance and the victory looks better on paper than it did watching the match, albeit five more goals were scored and another clean sheet kept. The team’s play was rather disjointed for long periods, not enough passes were made and we never really seemed to get going in a sustained way. Part of this may have been due to the change in personnel this morning and this seemed to be rather disruptive to our normal gelling together as a team. The Blues began with Sam in goal, Jack in defence, Tommy in the hole, Reuben and Oscar in the centre with Harry on the left and Jake on the right – Matthew, Marcus and Cam made up a very strong set of substitutes. This was technically a home game for Bedwell but it was played at Pixmore because they didn’t have a suitable pitch.
For the first few minutes, play was quite even and the boys certainly realised quite quickly that their opponents, despite their league position, had not just come to roll over. Fresh from their first win of the season last week, they had one or two strong and skilful players and had a few assaults on our goal early on. The Blues began to exert some pressure – Oscar laying the ball off to Harry who shot wide and then Reuben hitting the side netting – but our passing game wasn’t flowing and moves broke down at crucial moments. Bedwell had a corner but no danger came from it and then at last we got the first goal – Reuben laid the ball off to Oscar whose shot hit the bar and came back and Jake stuck it away – 1-0. Oscar was doing some great work, passing the ball and setting off moves and Reuben regularly went forward menacingly but the final ball was missing. Harry made it 2-0 with a wonderful high shot over the Bedwell keeper after some good close control and we were by now creating all the chances and pressure – Bedwell didn’t help their cause by playing three at the back which just invited us to get forward and play deep in their half. The three supersubs of Matthew, Cam and Marcus came on and, all playing in an advanced role, immediately linked together with a great passing move that ended with a shot just going over the bar; soon after this, Marcus twisted and turned down the left and brilliantly pulled the ball back for Reuben to finish from close range – 3-0. Matthew was enjoying playing further forward than usual and had some shots of his own and one combined effort from Cam and then Reuben was unbelievably saved on the line when it looked for certain that a fourth goal had been scored. Half time then and a three goal margin but everyone knew that we hadn’t been playing at anywhere near our best and Steve impressed on the boys the need to pass the ball much more and particularly to play wider and create chances this way.
In the second half, our passing improved and there was indeed some good play on the wings – Tommy won the ball and beat his man skillfully several times and Marcus’s movement continued to impress, but there was no goal avalanche and just two more were added. Bedwell had a chance early on and their forwards were always looking to muscle their way forward, but our boys tackled back well and several times closed down potential dangers in numbers, standing up their attackers and invariably coming away with the ball. Effectively pushed up to the half way line, we kept the pressure on Bedwell and it became 4-0 when Matthew fed Marcus who cleverly twisted, turned and finished with a great shot. Soon after this, Reuben put away a corner from Cam and made it 5-0 with his second goal, but there was no further scoring, with shot upon shot going wide or straight into the Bedwell keeper’s gloves.
A decisive and never-in-doubt-at-any-stage victory but a performance overall of perhaps only 60% of what the Blues are capable. Such are the fantastically high standards that the boys have set and to which we have all become accustomed but a win is a win and no team anywhere performs at the very top of its game every single match – at least, unlike England this week, we ensured we got the result we needed! Some cracking fixtures coming up in the next three weeks and we look forward to some exciting times and memorable play. Well done boys!
No.10 Sunday 18th November 2007
Letchworth Eagles Blues………………….7 Royston Town Colts A……………………0
(Harry 3, Alli 2, Cam, Marcus)
The Blues sent out a message to all the teams in their league with a devastating victory over a Royston side riding high in the table and with just one defeat themselves prior to this week’s match. The boys have seldom played better (although we say this so often with tremendous performances week in week out) and now show that they have added real steel and determination to their excellent individual skill and teamwork. The Blues also appear to have kicked last season’s habit of starting matches slowly – today, as in the Cup last week, they were on their game immediately, pushing forward and imposing themselves on the opposition. With their nearest rivals slipping up, the Blues thus cemented their position at the top of League A.
On a grey and incredibly cold morning, with the icy wind cutting through even the thickest clothing the spectators could muster, the Blues lined up without two of their regulars in Charley (groin strain) and Tommy (ill) and had Sam in goal, Matthew in defence, Oscar in the hole, Alli, Marcus, Cam on the right and Harry on the left. After some early sparring, with strong tackling but unthreatening shots from both sides, the Blues quickly stepped up a gear and began to launch dangerous attacks into their opponent’s territory. Harry was looking very lively down the left and linked well with both Oscar and Matthew and Marcus was holding up the ball well and bringing his teammates into it. Two shots went just wide before a great effort from Alli was pushed out for a corner and from this, the ball went across the box and then back again and then ended up at the feet of Cam who slotted it home assuredly from close range to make it 1-0. Soon after this, Sam had to make a good save, one of several he made during the first half as he kept alert and on his toes, but the traffic was largely one way. The boys were playing with calmness and composure from the back and were releasing Cam on the left and Harry on the right who in turn were both finding acres of space to run into. Cam, Oscar and Marcus were involved in a wonderful flowing move which deserved a goal but our second wasn’t long in coming and it was worth waiting for as the Blues brilliantly turned defence into attack when Cam fed Oscar who ran to the byline and pulled it back into the box for Alli to put it away with his left foot – 2-0. Stan made his debut for the Blues, coming on for Oscar and was solid and powerful in defence as Matthew moved to the hole. Alli had a high shot unbelievably scooped off the line by the Royston keeper but he could do nothing as the score went to 3-0 – Marcus cleverly directing in a shot from Cam. Half time then and the Blues totally in control and with a goal margin that we perhaps wouldn’t have expected before the match started. However it was impressed on the boys the need to keep their heads up and keep looking for the pass against opponents who were playing deep and, with enough speed in their team, would continue to tackle and try to close us down.
The second half began with a Royston attack from the kickoff and at times they came more into the game, with several corners and attacks. Although the strong wind was more blowing across the pitch rather than from end to end, it did serve to even up the play at times. However, the Blues’ clear superiority continued to show itself and a move of sheer class and just three touches made it 4-0 – Matthew won the ball in the centre, pushed it to Cam and Harry buried it with his left foot. Matthew had a couple of shots himself as the Blues continued to play high up the pitch, Oscar drove determinedly up the centre and Alli showed that he is human after all when shooting wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Harry intercepted a clearance and tucked it away with a solo effort for his second – 5-0 and Alli then got his second when he finished a great passing move involving Marcus and Harry – 6-0. Royston must have been shellshocked by now and still the Blues, sensing even more goals, continued to push forward ruthlessly and made us wonder what the final score would be. In fact it was 7-0 as Harry controlled the ball, turned cleverly and shot home after being set up by a pass from Matthew, to complete his second half hat trick and a blinding personal performance.
A deeply impressive victory which lit up a morning of dreadful weather. Everyone played at the top of their form and it is doubtful whether any team of this age group anywhere could have lived with the Blues today. A very good morning’s work all round – well done boys!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows ………………..7 Royston Town Colts B………………….2
(Jack 2, Jake, Ethan, Stuart, Alfie, og)
The Yellows emulated the Blues with another emphatic victory where they were in almost total control for the whole match. They lined up with Hanney in goal, Myles, Jack, Jake and Ethan in the centre, Alfie on the right and Stuart on the left. Full of confidence from their string of victories this season, the boys started with great energy, Ethan showing great skill and hitting the post in the first couple of minutes. Numerous chances were created as the Yellows laid siege to the Royston net but the goal just wouldn’t come. Brandon and Billy came on as subs and soon after, there was the breakthrough at last as Ethan connected with a crossed ball in from Jake - 1-0. Soon after this, Jake’s speculative high shot towards goal was unfortunately misjudged by the Royston goal keeper and it bounced in to double the lead - 2-0. Stuart got in on the action as he shot powerfully but it was deflected out for a corner and it remained at only the two goal margin at half time. In something of a repeat of recent matches, the goals then came thick and fast in the second half as the Yellows flexed their muscles. Hanney, now out on the pitch, injected great energy into the team and from his cross in, Stuart finished beautifully with the outside of his boot to make it 3-0 ; Jack soon after made it 4-0 with a solo virtuoso effort as he intercepted a Royston throw in deep in their own half, ran through on goal and finished expertly. Royston got one back from a corner - 4-1 and for a brief period this gave them some confidence and they played with their tails up, coinciding with some slacker play from our boys who gave the ball away too easily. However, then it became 5-1 with a goal totally made by Myles – he won the ball in defence, drove forward and passed it to Stuart who very unselfishly from point blank range set up Jack who slotted the ball home. Royston however were not finished, kept their heads up and fully played their part in an entertaining match by continuing to press forward . From a free kick on the edge of our area, they pulled it back to 5-2 with an outstanding and unstoppable free kick and in the wake of this the Yellows once again began to make some silly mistakes with their passing. However, normal service was resumed as the match drew to its conclusion and the boys cut loose once more. Jake’s strong corner was deflected in off a defender to make it 6-2 and finally, Alfie scored his first of the day and our seventh when he put away a cross from Hanney who had used his trademark speed to chase down a ball in the Royston half – 7-2.
The second outstanding performance and victory of the morning, again showing what a fantastic group of players the Under 10s are and what strength in depth we have. Very well done boys – tremendous stuff!
No.9 Sunday 11th November 2007
Herts County Cup – Third Round
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………5 Broxbourne Youth Rangers……………………0
(Alli, Marcus 2, Cam, Tommy)
The Blues soared comfortably through to the next round of the County Cup with a 5-0 victory over Broxbourne on a cold and windy
Sunday morning, thus reversing the cup tie result from last year.
Before the match the two teams lined up for a moving and impeccably observed two minutes silence for Remembrance Sunday.
The Blues started the match with Harry on the left, Cam on the right, Alli in the middle, Marcus up front, Tommy in defence, Oscar in the hole and Sam in goal. The team started well, attacking their opponents from the whistle and the boys were really up for it, playing with determination and absolute focus. The Broxbourne goalkeeper made some unbelievably outstanding saves, putting up one of the best performances surely ever seen at Pixmore and the Blues just couldn’t finish off some wonderfully flowing moves and approach play with a goal. Broxbourne were thumping the ball high up the pitch, using the wind, which meant the Blues needed to head the ball more than usual, but they did this with calm assurance and all the pre match practice paid off to a tee. Harry was constantly thrusting forward and made some good touches to Marcus and Alli and even had a shot himself that unfortunately went into the side netting. Marcus, Harry and Oscar had some great interplay that resulted in a series of fantastic saves by the Broxbourne goalkeeper. Up the other end, Sam hadn’t had much to do, but when a high bouncing shot came near, he had it safe in his hands. The Blues had had all the shots and chances but just couldn’t finish and were denied by the Broxbourne keeper time after time, including another shot by Harry that deflected and went out for a corner. Then finally it went out for another corner and this time Charley passed to Ali and he put it in at last to make it 1-0 Blues and our nerves were settled a little as we finally got our noses in front. The Blues attacked again straight from the restart, with Ali chasing it down and giving it to Marcus who had a shot that deflected off the defender and made it 2-0. There was some confusion initially as some spectators were unsure as to whether the ball had gone into or through the net due to a hole in it. Great credit must be given to the Broxbourne defender who confirmed that it had gone into the net and this typified the whole match which was played in a tremendous spirit by all the players.
At half time then it was 2-0 and Sam had only had a few touches. Soon after the restart it became 3-0 with some great play by Tommy, giving the ball to Marcus who shot, the goalie stumbled and Cam poked it over the line. Now with a more comfortable cushion, we could all feel a little more relaxed but vigilance was still needed and Matthew crucially cleaned up and intercepted at the back and set off attack after attack with his distribution. Charley then made a promising cross, Marcus tried to pull it back, but there was no-one there that time. By this time there was a storm blowing over and both teams were finding it harder to play in the gusty wind. Alli crossed it, Charley shot and it was touched in by Marcus, a deserved goal, making it 4-0. Marcus today had a terrific game, one of his best for the Blues, when his linking play and holding up of the ball as well as his trickery and beating of defenders was a major element in the Blues’ victory. Finally Tommy then beat two players and shot with his trademark left foot, and it went in, a fantastic goal and 5-0 to complete a fantastic and completely deserved victory for the Blues. Very well done boys and the last 32 here we come!
Reporter - Hannah Reynolds
No.8 : Sunday 4th November 2007
Hitchin Town Youth Bullets A………………………1 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………………3
(Marcus, Charley, Harry)
The Blues got back to winning ways with a comfortable victory in the end over Hitchin on a wonderfully bright and sunny November morning. Playing in Ickleford on a better sized pitch and a truer surface than the previous week, it wasn’t all plain sailing for parts of the match, the boys had to work hard to convert their overall superiority into goals and Hitchin, who were on a losing run, raised their game in an attempt to unsettle the league leaders. The team lined up with Sam in goal, Matthew, captaining the side in defence, Jake, making his debut for the Blues in the hole, Marcus and Cam in the centre, flanked by Oscar on the right and Harry on the left. The Blues began in very lively fashion, taking the attack to their opponents and pushing them back into their half. Harry beat his marker several times down the left and one chance resulting from a ball into the area had gone close before Marcus made it 1-0 after only a few minutes when he finished well after Harry had got to the byline and pulled the ball back into the penalty area. Ahead so soon and creating all the pressure, chances being made and corners forced, it looked like it was going to be a facile victory but things didn’t turn out that way for the rest of the half. Shots went close and there was some excellent approach play but the finishes didn’t come off. Oscar and Harry, who both had played very well, were replaced by Tommy and Charley. From being pinned back, Hitchin came more into the game and created some pressure of their own. Charley hit the post after a sweet move that turned defence into attack but we began to show a curious mixture of overhitting our passes and the final balls in attack and rather underhitting them in defence. The boys unnecessarily began to put themselves under pressure by overplaying the ball at the back in and near to our own penalty area and were punished for this when Hitchin won possession and squeezed a shot in from the left – 1-1 and shades of last week’s game. The equalizer gave the home side a further injection of confidence and for a period of time they came forward more and began to get the upper hand. Our boys wanted to beat too many players individually instead of passing the ball and it was some relief indeed when Marcus switched the ball for Charley to power it home to restore our lead at 2-1. Half time was reached and it had been something of a curate’s egg of a first 20 minutes – some very good pieces of play but mixed in with other parts that were more sloppy and it was impressed on the boys the need to stick to their passing play rather than everyone trying to beat the opposition players on their own.
In the second half, Oscar went in defence with Matthew reverting to the hole, Cam and Harry in the middle, Tommy on the left and Charley now on the right. An early corner signalled more pressure from us and this half, the passing and teamwork improved markedly. A lovely passing move up the pitch from Matthew to Charley led to Harry finishing with his left foot to give us some daylight at 3-1 and there could have been several more goals to more adequately reflect the dominance of the Blues. Tommy on the left showed persistence and skill as he repeatedly was fed the ball by Oscar and Matthew and launched raids into the Hitchin half and there were some outstanding passing moves up the length of the pitch, one in particular involving Charley and Cam which deserved a goal to finish it. At one point we had three corners in a row, balls were whipped dangerously across the Hitchin area, the post was hit and only a point blank save from the Hitchin keeper, when one on one with Charley prevented the Blues’ from scoring again. Hitchin played their part with attacks of their own, skilful play and possession on both wings and determined tackles that broke up some of our attacks. This was good win for the Blues, a marked improvement on last week and a steely performance without being at their very best. Well done boys!
Hitchin Town Youth Bullets B……………1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows…………………11
(Ethan 2, Jack 2, Stan 2, Brandon 2 Billy, Alfie, Stuart)
A Sunday morning massacre as the Yellows annihilated Hitchin with a second half performance that meant both a calculator and a dictionary were needed as the goals came thick and fast. Lining up with Jack in goal, Stan in defence, Billy in the hole, Stuart behind Ethan up front and Alfie on the right and Hanney on the left, it was 2-0 almost before one could blink. Stuart started the match with tremendous energy and power and he slipped the ball to Ethan who finished lethally and like lightning to open the scoring. Carrying on with his sparkling form of recent weeks, it was Ethan again who made a fantastic pass to Billy in the box and he made no mistake to double the margin. Hitchin were shellshocked but grabbed a goal of their own when with an opportunist strike, a high looping ball from a long way out gave Jack no chance as it sailed into our net – 1-2. However, any idea that this would lead to a close match was far off the mark, for the Yellows then launched wave after wave of attacks on the Hitchin goal. Ethan and Hanney linked well on the left, Hanney and Stuart had powerful shots palmed over and just go past the post and Alfie used his skill and trickery down the right to put Hitchin under constant pressure. Brandon and Myles came on and Brandon just flicked the ball wide from a Hanney cross when one of the goals of the season beckoned. Stan had two powerful shots saved and one sensed that the floodgates were about to open and a goal fest was waiting to happen. Alfie tormented the Hitchin defence time after time and it was he that scored the Yellows’ third goal when he tucked away a penalty after a handball from a Hitchin defender in the box. It was 1-3 at half time therefore and a perfectly normal score but the Yellows then ran riot in the second half as all their good work and passing play paid off in spectacular fashion. Stuart showed good control and passed the ball to Jack, now up front and making up for lost time after hardly touching the ball as goalkeeper in the first half and he finished well – 1-4. Time after time the goal kick from Hitchin never cleared their half, was cut out by our boys and used as a platform for another attack. Brandon got in on the act when he shot high from the right and it came off a Hitchin defender – 1-5 and then a wonderful guided header by Stuart from an Alfie corner made it 1-6. Alfie, again involved and selflessly setting up others, laid the ball back for Brandon to curl it in from outside the area for one of the best goals of the match and one where you could see it was in from the moment it left his boot – 1-7. Now with the idea that headers stood a good chance of going in (how rarely does anyone go for the header in the area, especially from corners – how many extra goals could we get each week this way?), Stan placed his header in the Hitchin net from a Hanney corner and it was 1-8. Jack was put through by Stuart again for his second and the Yellows’ ninth as we began to lose track of the score and Stan then completed his brace when he drilled home from close range – 1-10. Myles had a few bits of defending to do and snuffed out any attacks that Hitchin threatened. There was still time for a Stuart thunderbolt to be well saved by the valiant Hitchin keeper and he made four excellent close range saves right at the death but could not prevent Ethan from poking the ball over the line to make it 1-11 and one felt sorry for the goalkeeper who didn’t deserve that ending, having endured almost incessant pressure from the rampant Yellows.
A truly outstanding performance today – admittedly not the strongest opposition but the teamwork by the boys, all passing to each other was tremendous and it was excellent to see goals coming from all over the pitch. Now 8 points clear at the top of their league – very well done boys!
No.7 : Sunday 28th October 2007
BSCFC Park U10A………………………..2 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………………2
(Harry, Alli)
On a damp and then rainy, blustery and grey real autumnal morning, our two teams travelled to Bishop’s Stortford and both had tough matches where they had to overcome determined opponents and the conditions. The wind got up during the course of the morning, making it difficult to play good controlled football and giving a distinct advantage to whoever was playing with it and things weren’t helped by the ball often going high and the very small pitch which didn’t suit our style of football at all. The Blues were particularly affected by this and struggled to get going this morning, twice coming from behind to come away with a hard fought draw, thus preserving their unbeaten record this season. Lining up initially with Sam in goal, Alli in defence, Oscar, Marcus, Harry, Tommy and Cam, the Blues performed well below their usual standard in the first half and, despite some shots going close from Oscar and Harry and a couple of decent moves turning defence into attack, they went behind when they didn’t clear a ball bouncing in their penalty area and the lively Stortford centre forward hooked it past Sam and into the net – 1-0. It stayed this way until half time and the boys seemed rather subdued and stunned at being behind. Few fluent moves came off, passes were underhit and the opposition, playing with their tails up, looked threatening whenever they went forward. The second half saw a much improved display by the Blues. Playing now against the increasingly strong wind and with the rain heavier, Harry took a pass from Cam and ran through strongly to hit a powerful shot unstoppably into the net – 1-1 and we were all hopeful of the Blues now going onto victory. However Stortford continued to be tenacious and determined opponents, strong in the tackle and threatening with their shots from around our area as the wind really had a significant effect in pinning us back deep in our half. What we didn’t expect was to go behind again, this time from another ball that maddeningly wasn’t cleared in our box and which trickled over the line – 2-1 and only a few minutes to go. Now Alli took the game by the scruff of the neck and drove the team forward. With Matthew covering at the back with Tommy and Charley on the right, our passing football, despite the conditions, finally clicked and Alli shot in from an acute angle on the left to the great relief of us all – 2-2. For the rest of the match, we had a few more chances but just couldn’t get that final touch to put the ball away. We finished strongly and were the only team that was going to win this but, on what looked and felt like ‘one of those days’, when we played nowhere near our best, a 2-2 final score was not the worst result ever. Well done boys on your application and efforts this morning and important lessons learnt today for the rest of the season.
BSCFC Park U10B …………………0 Letchworth Eagles Yellows……………………………………3
(Stuart 2, Ethan)
The Yellows adapted to the difficult conditions very well this morning and ran out comfortable winners to cement their position at the top of the league. Lining up with Stuart in goal, Myles, Jake, Ethan, Stan, Hanney and Alfie, they set off from kickoff at a great pace and slowly but surely increased the pressure and their dominance over Bishop’s Stortford. Right from the off Ethan had an excellent game and was involved in everything- attacking his opponents with menace, chasing down balls, creating chances and setting up his teammates. Several shots – from Stan and Hanney amongst others – had gone close before Ethan glanced home Hanney’s cross with a superb header to make it 1-0 and for the rest of the first half it was one way traffic – admittedly we were playing with the gusty wind in our favour but it was more the quality of the Yellows’ passing and overall teamwork that was pinning back their opponents. Billy and Jack came on and there was some excellent approach play and players selflessly laying the ball off for others but despite the pressure, it was only 1-0 at half time. In the second half, Stan went in goal, Jack was in defence, with Hanney in the hole, Stuart ahead of him and Ethan again boldly leading the line. Stuart immediately had a chance when he ran through and just shot wide and the ball was bouncing around in the area like a pinball several times but we just couldn’t apply the necessary finish and some unbelievable chances went begging. It was all the Yellows and Stortford rarely threatened deep in our half, despite now having the strong wind with them and when they did look dangerous, Myles continued on from last week with a faultless defensive display. Finally the second goal came and with it some degree of comfort for the Eagles’ supporters, when from a throw in, Jack cleverly threaded the ball through to Stuart who turned and finished accurately – 2-0. A few minutes later it was Stuart again who stuck the ball away with a clean finish having been set up by Jake, whose excellent play and thrusts down the right did so much to put the Yellows on top today. An excellent win today, with a great team performance allround where everyone worked very hard for eachother – well done boys!
No.6 Sunday 21st October 2007
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………10 Knebworth Youth A……………………1
(Alli 3, Tommy 2, Marcus 2, Oscar, Harry, Charley)
On another bright, sunny autumn day, the Blues lined up against their old rivals Knebworth with Sam in goal, Charley, Matthew, Alli, Oscar, Cam and Tommy and produced an outstanding team performance that crushed the opposition. Immediately from kickoff the boys launched into their attacks and after only a couple of minutes, Tommy, showing what he would be doing for the whole match, crossed the ball in for Oscar to slot it home - 1-0. No anxiety about converting chances into goals this week because a repeat ball in from Tommy saw Alli double the advantage - 2-0 and the Blues were already in total control. Dangerous going forward, with Tommy thrusting down the left and linking superbly with Oscar, the boys were equally determined in defence, Matthew covering assuredly and Alli tackling back and snuffing out any dangers. Charley scored a great goal – but unluckily into his own net with an unfortunate deflection to make it 2-1 but the Blues then responded in the best possible way when a sweet move involving Tommy and Oscar eventually fed the ball to Alli who finished to make it 3-1. Tommy was outstanding, his pace terrorizing Knebworth and the passing of the whole team had them chasing shadows and Alli completed an excellent hat trick to make it 4-1 – he and Tommy then took a well deserved break and were replaced by Harry and Marcus. If Knebworth thought they were in for some respite however they were to be disappointed for the Blues kept up their relentless pressure and attacks as the half drew to a close. Cam saw his shot scorch over and then hit the bar and Marcus immediately clicked again into his clever, selfless and linking play up front. It was he who retrieved and won a ball which seemed destined to go out and pulled it back for Harry to finish expertly and a 5-1 margin at half time was totally deserved after a truly magnificent team performance. In the second half, Alli moved to defence and Marcus and Harry continued in the middle. The pressure once again was on the Knebworth defence and goal from the start and we had several corners in succession before Tommy bundled the ball in after a goalkeeper error to set the goal counter in motion again – 6-1. A familiar pattern was now repeating itself – Knebworth took their goal kick, we cut the ball out and immediately launched another attack. We were scoring freely but several other chances were near misses – Marcus scooped the ball over and a rocket from Cam was deflected past the post. Alli, and Matthew brilliantly covered and distributed the ball and turned defence into attack time and time again. Harry drove powerfully from midfield and it was his strong shot that couldn’t be held by the Knebworth keeper, allowing Marcus to finish from an acute angle – 7-1 and Marcus rubbed salt in their wounds when a few minutes later he cleverly saw the keeper out of his goal after a weak clearance and floated the ball into the net once again – doubling his haul and making it 8-1. Your correspondent, like the admiring home supporters, was finding it hard to keep track of the score (and to find ways of describing each goal!) but there was still time for a fantastic placed header by Tommy from a Marcus corner (see photograph) to make it 9-1 and Knebworth must have been longing for the final whistle. Charley then got in on the act and hit the post before following up a piledriver from Harry to signal the end of the scoring – 10-1. Sam, largely a spectator today, made one save before the end and, what looked like an understrength Knebworth side ended up being well and truly thrashed. Another outstanding team performance from the boys, with each person playing his part to the full. One or two little things to work on still (and other teams will present more of a challenge) and the passing football needs to continue whatever the goal margin is but on behalf of all of us lucky to be able to witness this match today, this was truly a pleasure to watch – very well done boys!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows ………………5 Knebworth Youth B…………………0
(Ethan 2, Hanney, Alfie, Billy)
For the first half, the Yellows had Ethan in goal, Myles, Jack, Alfie, Brandon, Jake on the right up front and Hanney on the left. For the first ten minutes, the match was much more even and hard fought than the final score eventually suggested. The Yellows struggled to get their passing game going and Knebworth, determined to put up a better performance than in the first match, were strong and determined, having the better of the early play and going close with a couple of chances – only a fantastic point blank save from Ethan kept us from going behind. The Yellows were quite up against it, having to defend desperately at times from their fluent attacks and it was therefore something against the run of play when we took the lead – Hanney was pulled down in the box and he converted the penalty to make it 1-0. This seemed to be the signal for the boys to show their real form and from then on, for the reminder of the first half and continuing into the second, the Yellows turned on their passing play and began to dominate. Chances were created, corners forced and we began to see the same excellent teamwork that had characterized the Blues’ performance. Billy and Stan reinforced things as they came off the bench and Billy just shot wide when set up by Alfie who cleverly pulled the ball back from the touchline with a virtuoso piece of skill. Some wonderful passing moves saw several Knebworth players just taken out of the game and it was just a question of time as to when the next goal would come. It was Alfie who supplied it as he coolly controlled the ball on the edge of the Knebworth area and placed a sublime shot high into the net – 2-0 and now the goal margin reflected our growing superiority. Alfie was having a stormer and made the third, chasing a seemingly lost cause to find Billy who this time made no mistake – 3-0 by half time. The second half saw the Yellows’ superiority increase as Knebworth also tired. Ethan, freed from his goalkeeping duties, grabbed two goals, the first wonderfully steering in the ball from Brandon’s great cross early on and then poaching his second and the Yellow’s fifth, just before the final whistle. The boys turned defence into attack time after time but also needed to defend stoutly themselves from sporadic Knebworth attacks and particular mention should be made of Myles who was truly outstanding today, letting nothing get past him, distributing the ball intelligently and even having a shot on the Knebworth goal himself near the end of the game – nosebleed territory for him indeed! Jake too had one of his best games for the Yellows, Brandon gave Knebworth constant difficulties down the wing and Hanney was called upon to make one important save and did it confidently. Knebworth were good opponents who played valiantly and only some very good saves from their goalkeeper kept the score down to just 5-0. The Yellows are now 5 points clear at the top of their league and will gain huge confidence from this win since they overcame a slow start and had to withstand considerable early pressure. Well done boys – a good morning’s work!
No.5 Sunday 14th October 2007
Herts County Cup –Second Round
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………2 Pin Green Juniors……………………0
(Alli 2)
“Never underestimate your opponents” was the message given by Phil at the end of the game today, after a match against a reshaped Pin Green side that, with an influx of several new players, provided considerably more of a test than has been the case in matches over recent seasons. The Blues won comfortably enough in the end, with two excellently taken goals by Alli and were very superior in terms of passing play, team work and possession, but a hatful of chances were not taken to make the margin of victory bigger and what it should have been. The finishing will need to be sharper and more ruthless in the next and hopefully subsequent rounds of the County Cup if we are to be confident about progressing further.
Lining up with Sam in goal, Alli and Harry up front in the centre, Cam on the right, Matthew in the hole and Charley in defence, the first few minutes saw even play, with Pin Green determined in the tackle, showing that they were not going to be a pushover and some sloppiness exhibited by our boys with their play. Gradually, the Blues’ passing game improved and took over and they began to launch attacks on the opposition goal. Marcus was looking lively, Harry thrusted down the left and had several near misses and the ball was being creatively distributed from the middle by Matthew. Just when we needed a goal to settle things down, Alli provided it, controlling the ball wonderfully well from a corner before unleashing an unstoppable shot high into the net – 1-0. We were now in the ascendancy and saw another shot go narrowly over the bar before Alli again struck with another sweet shot after a good layoff by Marcus – 2-0 and more goals were eagerly anticipated. Oscar and Tommy came on and there were some great passing moves and one-twos between different players but the score remained at 2-0 at half time. Urged by the coaches to continue with the passing football, the formation changed for the second half, with Charley up front on the right. It was all Blues’ pressure and possession in the second half, with numerous shots going wide or just over, a succession of corners and other dangerous balls drilled into the Pin Green area and chances that were spurned when it looked easier to score. We were almost over anxious to have the final shot at times as the ball bobbled around the Pin Green area and when we slightly lost our shape, our passing became less effective. Harry looked very lively and dangerous and linked very well with Marcus and all the team tackled back when it mattered. Tommy scooped a shot over the goal, Oscar had a great shot well saved by the opposition keeper and Charley had piledriver that scorched over the bar. Nothing got through Matthew and Tommy who also both set numerous attacks going from defence and the middle and when Pin Green did launch a rare attack, their final ball was overhit and was covered by an Eagles player anyway. Sam had little to do but was always alert to possible dangers coming his way. Amazingly, there was no further score in the second half and the Blues thus progressed to Round 3 – exceedingly comfortably on superior play and overall dominance but more narrowly with a goal margin that should have been much larger. Nevertheless a good victory, progression to Round 3 and a satisfying outcome on a glorious warm and sunny autumn day. Well done boys!
Bishop’s Stortford Community………………..2 Letchworth Eagles Yellows………………….1
(Hanney)
An unexpected and disappointing exit from the County Cup by the Yellows. It was a game of two halves, with a strong Bishop’s Stortford side coming out on the attack straight from kickoff and hitting a lethargic looking Yellows with two goals that put them well in control by half time. An unlucky deflection of a ball that looked to be heading for the corner flag gave Myles no chance to give the home side the lead and then a well worked move led to a powerful shot that made the score 2-0. In the second half, the Yellows woke up and were transformed. They went on the attack, had most of the play and Hanney hit a screaming shot from 30 yards to reduce the deficit to 2-1. However the damage had been done and despite considerable pressure, Bishop’s Stortford were unable to be broken down and it finished 2-1. Never mind boys – as they say, now you can concentrate on the league!
No.4 Sunday 7th October 2007
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………………5 Baldock Town Templars…………………0
(Harry 3, Oscar, Cam)
The Blues took Baldock apart with an excellent display of teamwork and passing football that kept them clear at the top of the Under 10 A League and maintained their 100% start to the season. Lining up with Sam in goal, Tommy behind Matthew, Hanney on the left, Oscar and Alli in the centre and Cam on the right, the boys were on the attack straightaway and launched attacks on the Baldock goal. After a few near misses, it was 1-0 when good linking play from Matthew and Cam saw the ball being crossed for Oscar to slide it home. The pressure built up during the first half and a series of great attacks were made on the Baldock goal but a combination of a packed defence and the excellent opposition keeper (who we remembered from the games last season) denied the Blues their second goal. Hanney was very lively, twisting and turning on the left, Matthew commanded the middle of the pitch, Oscar and Alli had shots saved and turned round the post and we also hit the woodwork and our own players as shots were rained in but it remained at the single goal margin at half time. Some lovely football saw ball after ball being crossed/ shot into the Baldock penalty area but the final touch just wouldn’t come. Keeping our concentration – especially Sam, who hardly had to touch the ball – was an important part of the team talk at the interval but there was no complaint about the quality of the football that was being played. In the second half, Charley switched to the right wing and the same passing football and team interplay continued. Harry, who had come on made it successively 2-0 and then 3-0 as he turned and finished well, each time being set up by Tommy and only a series of fantastic saves by the Baldock keeper, again excelling himself, kept the score down. Charley had a powerful shot tipped over but Cam bundled the ball in after a rare fumble by the keeper – 4-0. With corners coming thick and fast and the ball buzzing around in the penalty area like a pinball, it was no surprise that one more goal arrived – Harry completing his hat trick to make it 5-0 and a score that although handsome, still did not show the vast superiority of the Blues this morning. Wonderful selfless teamwork and passing football today boys - your shape, finding of space and work for each other was outstanding – very well done!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows …………………………9 Baldock Town Crusaders…………………0
(Ethan 3, Stan 2, Marcus 2, Jack, Stuart)
The Yellows lined up with Alfie in goal, Myles, Jack, Stan, Marcus, Ethan and Brandon and ran riot, destroying Baldock by a huge margin in what became something of a mismatch and extended their lead to a commanding 5 points at the top of the Under 10 B League. As in the Blues match, the Eagles went on the attack immediately from kick off – Jack fed Ethan whose shot was saved and Brandon headed over from close range. The good football being played yielded dividends with a goal made by the brilliance of Marcus who in a solo effort beat 5 players before setting up Stan who shot home for 1-0. Stan grabbed another goal soon after to make it 2-0. Jake and Stuart came on and the Yellows stepped up their pressure on Baldock – another shot hit the bar and then Ethan fired in a high, unstoppable drive to increase the margin to 3-0. A series of corners followed as Baldock were pinned back but there were no more goals by half time, which arrived with the boys well in control. Perhaps it was slight complacency but at the beginning of the second half, the fluent passing wasn’t there from the Yellows who gave the ball away more in the first few minutes than they had in the whole first half. However, normal service was resumed as the passing and movement came back and the floodgates then opened. A clever ball from the tireless Marcus set up Ethan to make it 4-0 and Ethan then completed a very good hat trick when he slid the ball home after it had been bobbling around in the Baldock area – 5-0. Marcus got in on the act with a goal to make it 6-0 and he turned provider yet again with a cross for Ethan who hit the bar with a header in his search for his fourth goal. Jack had only just come on with Myles when he glanced the ball in from a Marcus corner to make it 7-0 and Marcus powered the ball in with great aplomb from the edge of the area to make the score 8-0 and his thoroughly deserved second goal. Just before the end, Stuart poked the ball in past a deflated Baldock defence to make the final score 9-0 and a crushing victory. Excellent teamwork again boys – moving the ball around and playing with freedom and enjoyment. This league is there for the taking – well done!
No.3 : Sunday 30th September 2007
Melbourn Dynamos A………………………1 Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………………3
(Alli 2, Cam )
A tight game, which the Blues won comfortably enough in the end, but they were never at their best and they had to fight hard against a determined Melbourn team. The starting line up was Sam in goal, Charley in defence, Matthew in the hole, Cam and Stuart as central strikers, Oscar on the right and Harry on the left – Alli and Marcus began on the bench. Right from the start, the play was even and Melbourn tackled determinedly and posed a threat to our goal, showing that they were no pushovers. Harry launched some good threats down the left wing and shot just wide on our first real attack. Stuart came closer when he hit the bar with an excellent header and several other chances saw the Blues threatening but the goal wouldn’t come. It felt very tight, almost like a cup game and Melbourn were dangerous coming forward. Alli and Marcus replaced Harry and Charley and Alli brought relief to us all when he coolly controlled the ball at the edge of the Melbourn penalty area and slotted it home to give the Blues a narrow lead. Soon after this however, the home team showed that were going to put up a real fight when they equalized with a terrific volley from long range that gave Sam no chance – 1-1 and game on! Marcus twisted and turned and shot wide, Matthew covered and distributed well from midfield and we had a few more corners but couldn’t get the goal to give us the lead and it was a tense 1-1 at half time – was this the end of the winning start to the season? In the second half, Charley went to the right wing but despite being in control and on top, the Blues couldn’t get through with the final passes and shots and credit to Melbourn for their tenacious tackling, especially their goalkeeper for some great saves. Alli again came to the rescue when following up a shot from Charley to make it 2-1 but still the opposition didn’t give up and the boys found themselves losing their shape a bit and being stretched at the back on occasions and we were always wary of being vulnerable to another powerful shot from long range, as with the earlier Melbourn goal. Several agonizingly close chances came and went before Cam poked the ball home right at the end of the match to make the final score 3-1 and a result that curiously reflected the Blues’ superiority whilst at the same time was very hard fought and narrow. The Blues duly won their third match of the season to go clear at the top of their league. Not at their very best but still winning is always the hallmark of a good team and this was a really well earned victory today in a good, testing game. Well done boys!
Melbourn Dynamos B……………………..1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows……………………………………9
(Reuben 5, Jake, Ethan, Billy, Brandon)
The Yellows began with Jack in goal, Myles in defence, Alfie in the middle and Brandon and Jake in the centre up front, flanked by Hanney on the left and Billy on the right. The early pressure was mainly on the Melbourn goal and the Yellows saw a number of shots go wide or saved well by the opposition keeper before Jake poked the ball home to make it 1- 0. Ethan and Reuben came on as subs and immediately had an impact as the pressure on the home side built up and the Yellows fired more and more shots on goal. Reuben shot home unstoppably to make it 2 -0 and then Ethan slid the ball home after good work on the right by Jake to increase the margin to 3 – 0. Melbourn tried to make a game of it and surprisingly got one back – 3-1 - after posing very little threat to Jack’s goal and the score remained like this until half time – there were plenty of times that the ball was fizzing around the Melbourn goal but a little more composure, with the Yellows almost queuing up to have a shot, would have seen the margin get even bigger. Just before half time, the best move of the match saw a great shot from Ethan just tipped over by the Melbourn keeper when it looked a certain goal. In the second half, Jake went in goal, with Ethan reverting to defence, Jack, Brandon and Reuben in the middle up front and Alfie and Billy on either wing. Reuben quickly began to show his power and beat three players before making it 4-1 and Billy followed up Brandon’s excellent shot to increase the score to 5-1. The Yellows were still rushing their chances although there was an excellent sweeping move involving Brandon, Jack and Billy which really stretched their opponents and Alfie was a calm, unhurried presence showing excellent passing on the pitch. Brandon this time scored with a high lifted shot over the keeper to make the score 6-1. Reuben scored three more goals in similar fashion before the end, overpowering the Melbourn defence and being virtually unplayable, to end with an impressive personal tally of five and seal a dominant 9-1 win for the Yellows. An unexpected striker appeared with Myles having two excellent chances – one a volley and one a header – but despite a willing crowd, the goal didn’t come. A terrific victory this morning boys, outclassing the opposition and showing a ruthless streak – well done! The Yellows now also sit proudly, unbeaten and clear at the top of their league
No.2 : Sunday 16th September 2007
St Neots………………………..0 Letchworth Eagles Blues………………………….6
(Cam 3, Harry 3)
The Blues and Yellows teams were mixed up today as the boys made the longish trek up to St Neots on a breezy but sunny morning. Despite some of the convoy getting detached on the way, everyone made it safely to the ground and the Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Matthew in the hole, Cam, Ethan, Tommy in the centre up front, Oscar on the left and Alfie on the right. The performance this morning was outstanding. Playing superb passing football, the Blues completely outclassed their opponents and everyone was at the top of their game. From the kickoff, the Blues exerted all the pressure, moving the ball out to the wings, forcing several corners and having shots just go wide. St Neots were not even getting into our half – another quiet day for Sam – and it was no surprise when we went ahead, when lovely trickery from Oscar saw him beat three players before laying the ball into the opposition box for Cam to slide it home – 1-0. The same two players were soon involved in the second goal – this time Oscar was fed by Matthew and the ball was moved across the box for Cam to fire it powerfully into the net – 2-0 and a move of absolute class. Harry and Alli came on for Cam and Oscar and continued the powerful, passing football that didn’t really enable St Neots to get near the ball and Harry made an immediate impression as he took the ball through the centre and slid it confidently past the keeper for 3-0 and the match was effectively over. All over the pitch, the boys were playing brilliantly – nothing was getting past Tommy and Matthew, forming a formidable partnership in defence, many of our moves began with sensible, sweeping passes out from the centre of the pitch and Alfie and Harry down the wings and Ethan, lively and lethal up front, were all causing constant problems for the home team. The Blues’ close passing, one two interplay around the St Neots box and moves from corners was a joy to see and deserved many more goals but it stayed at 3-0 by half time. We switched the formation around slightly in he second half but there was no disruption to the smooth flowing football. Although now playing against the wind, the Blues dominance continued. Several shots had gone close and had been saved by the St Neots keeper, doing well in trying to stem the tide of Eagles attacks but he could do nothing about Cam’s high shot from the right, after having been set up by Matthew which made it 4-0 and Cam bagging a hat trick. St Neots came a little more into the game and Sam was very alert in fantastically pushing a dangerous shot around his post to keep his goal intact. Harry made it 5-0 when he ran through, took the ball on the bounce and shot it powerfully past the unlucky St Neots keeper and he completed his hat trick a few minutes later – 6-0. St Neots had a header go over our bar but posed very little threat and if the score had been 15-0 it wouldn’t have flattered the Blues this morning.
A fantastic all round team performance which made all our supporters watching very proud. The team, as Phil told them afterwards, is setting very high standards and the passing, teamwork and fluidity of their play, with the ball being moved about across and up and down the pitch is truly a joy to see. Very well done boys – a great morning’s work!
St Neots……………………..1 Letchworth Eagles Yellows……………………………………8
(Stuart 3, Stan, Jack, Marcus, Jake, Charley)
The Yellows betterd the Blues’ margin of victory by one goal and also played an excellent match, totally dominating their opponents. The team lined up with Charley in goal, Stan in defence with Jack just in front of him, Jake in the centre and Marcus up front, flanked by Hanney on the left and Stuart on the right. The Yellows started slowly and there was some fairly disjointed play from both sides until a super move saw Marcus pass the ball upfield to find Hanney who showed electric pace and unleashed a shot that just went over the St Neots bar. The Yellows’ pressure now began to build up and they were launching attack after attack. Marcus was showing superb holdup and linking play in the centre and creating chances for his team mates – Stuart also went close with a strong shot before an almost carbon copy move, with the ball being moved quickly from the back to Hanney to Marcus then found Stuart again and this time he made no mistake with a rocket – 1-0 and the boys were on their way. Billy and Myles replaced Stuart and Jake and continued to add to the overall excellent teamplay. Hanney and Marcus showed that they were developing a really good understanding and partnership down the left and many of our attacks came from this direction. One of Stan’s trademark thunderbolts almost broke the St Neots net to make it 2-0 and a deft clip from Jack from Hanney’s corner a few minutes later steered the ball into the net to make it 3-0. One beautiful move – a sweeping passage of play from Myles at the back to Charley (now out on the wing) saw Marcus unluckily go wide, when one of the goals of the season was beckoning but Marcus did get one later to make it 4-0 – just reward for all his work and selfless play in the match. In the second half, Brandon went in goal, with then Myles, Billy in the hole, Jake, Marcus, Charley on the right and Stan on the left. It was 5-0 when Marcus, again involved, laid the ball off to Stuart who blasted it into the net. St Neots, as in the first game, were not causing any serious dangers to our defence – Myles had a very good game and Jack was as determined and tigerish as ever with his tackles and interceptions. Stuart completed a terrific hat trick when poking the ball home – 6-0 and although the skilful St Neots forward got one back to salvage something from the morning, goals from Jake (after a Marcus cross) and then a piledriver from Charley made the final score 8-1 and another crushing victory. Well done boys on an excellent performance, with so many people chipping in with goals – both teams as sharp as a razor this morning and a great way to kick off Sunday!
No.1 Sunday 9th September 2007
Letchworth Eagles Blues…………………………3 Buntingford Cougars A………………….0
(Charlie 2, Cam W)
The Blues kicked off another season with an emphatic victory over resolute local rivals Buntingford. Looking fresh and eager to play in this season where the manager will be looking to try players in different positions and mix up the two teams in preparation for the 11 a side matches next year, this was a deeply impressive performance which already puts down a marker for the season. Although the long grass didn’t suit the boys’ passing moves and conditions were quite warm for football, the Blues played with their customary skill and intelligent teamwork and bettered their opponents (who will not lose so emphatically nor by such a margin often this season one suspects) in every respect.
The Blues lined up with Sam in goal, Tommy in defence, Matthew in the hole, Alli in the middle and a forward line of Cam W on the right, Marcus in the centre and Oscar on the right. For the first few minutes, it looked as if we were in for a very tough game as Buntingford pinned us back in our own half and there were several threats on Sam’s goal. However the Blues increasingly began to get more of the play, their slick passing moves became more frequent as the ball was sprayed out from the middle of the pitch by Matthew and Alli and things started to turn around. Charley came on and Matthew moved to the right and Oscar began to create a lot of threatening moves as he forayed down the left. The Blues deservedly went 1-0 ahead when Cam W crossed from a corner and Charley put an unstoppable shot into the net and soon after, with more and more chances being created, it was no surprise when it became 2-0 –Oscar was found with a clever through pass and he was tripped in the box – Cam W put away the penalty. Half time was reached with the Blues well on top and their dominance something of a shock to the large number of Buntingford supporters that had made the short journey to Letchworth. In the second half, the boys carried on with their excellent play – they continued to put together terrific passing moves, created more chances but equally in defence were outstanding – very little found its way past Matthew and Tommy who tackled and defended as if their lives depended on it. The Blues’ performance deserved a third goal and it came with a solo effort from Charley who picked up the ball at the edge of the area, turned and rifled another rocket into the net – 3-0. Buntingford had a few shots but no real clearcut chances due to our solid defending and the Blues could have had five or six more goals – Charley hit the post twice and Marcus got himself into a lot of threatening positions and had a few near misses but just didn’t have the ball running for him. No matter – the match ended with the Blues totally dominant. Playing on a large pitch for the first time (hard work but suitable for our passing game) and against good, strong and skilful opponents who provided a real test, this was an excellent all round team performance with football that was joy to watch. From defence to attack the boys’ football was, in the words of their manager “spot on” and, without being complacent, everything looks very rosy indeed for the season ahead. Well done boys!
Letchworth Eagles Yellows …………………………6 Buntingford Cougars B………………….4
(Hanney 3, Ethan 3)
The Yellows also had an excellent win, in a tremendously exciting and end to end game where the goals came thick and fast. The team lined up with Myles in goal, Stan, Jack, Jake, Alfie Ethan and Hanney making his debut. From the kickoff, the Yellows had nearly all the play and pushed back their opponents and after only a few minutes they had raced into a 3-0 lead with goals from Hanney and two from Ethan. A penalty for Buntingford reduced the deficit to 3-1 but Ethan, looking very lively and threatening up front, restored the three goal lead – 4-1 to the Yellows. Almost immediately from the restart, Buntingford scored with a powerful shot from long range – 4-2 – and it was becoming difficult to keep up with the score! The action was end to end and there were chances for both sides – only a fantastic reflex save by the Buntingford keeper denied Ethan another goal. Jack did some excellent intercepting work in midfield and some of the passing moves and interplay was first class. Half time gave an opportunity for both teams and sets of supporters to draw breath but the action continued apace in the second half. Hanney was having an excellent match, looking extremely busy and lively and he squeezed the ball in from an acute angle to make it 5-2 after chasing down the goalkeeper at the edge of the opposition penalty area. All over the pitch, the boys were performing at the top of their game – Myles, now in defence, Alfie on the wing, Stan in goal and Brandon coming on a sub. Hanney completed his hat trick and a memorable debut performance when he turned in Ethan’s cross to make it 6-2 and two late consolation goals from Buntingford to make the final score 6-4 didn’t detract from another wonderful team performance, the second one of the morning. Well done boys!