Eagles u8 Whites and Yellows - 08/09 Season
Contact: Tom Hennessey - 0782 568 0704 - tom.hennessey@hertshighways.org.uk
Match Reports
Letchworth GC Eagles Whites & Yellows v Baldock Saturday 22nd November 2008
LGCE Whites (W) v Baldock
On a bitterly cold morning both teams took some time to get into the game but gradually the game opened up to be a very entertaining contest. Although both goal keepers had little to do in the first half there were lots of chances for both teams with Alfie C playing with a great deal of confidence and prepared to shoot at every opportunity. Eagles shaped up well in this first game with Eagles Number 1 goalie Alfie H behind captain Jake A and a hard working Tom in defence with George in the middle and Alfie C and Danny on the wings and Arun up front. Jake A put in a real exemplary performance ensuring that tackles were made at the right time and the ball cleared from danger areas. Danny and Alfie were typically full of running with George in great form making Eagles a very tough team to break down. Arun lead the line for the first time this season and was excellent at harassing defenders for the ball. We definitely had the better of the fir! st half but Baldock were a constant threat. Eagles broke the deadlock with a fine run from Danny with George supplying the finish. In the second half Zak and Jack came on and kept the tempo of the game flowing. Danny scored a second for Eagles but Baldock came back and deservedly scored a goal from the penalty spot to make it a tight finish but Eagles held out for a close victory.
LGCE Yellows (L) v Baldock
This game followed on from the first with teams were evenly matched. With Harry agreeing (after some tough negotiation) to go in goal for the first half and Bradley and Elliot in defence Eagles looked strong at the back with playmaker James in the middle, Robbie on the left and Sam on the right with Jake B up front looking to grab a goal. There were lots of endeavour on both sides with Baldock slightly edging it in terms of possession Harry had little to do in the first half. Against the run of the play Eagles managed to break away with some great work from James who sprayed the ball out to Robbie to tried to pick out Jake B who made a great run only to put the Baldock goalie off for Sam to find the net from close range. In the second half Joshua and Nathan came on and we started brightly. However, as has happened a few times this season, Eagles began to lose their shape which opened the game up for Baldock to take advantage. Taking nothin! g away from Baldock who deserved their win, Eagles did not help themselves at times with some indifferent defending and hesitant tackling in the second half which meant that Sam (replacing Harry in goal) found himself picking the ball out of the net four times in five minutes. There were some positives from the game, Jake B's performance in the first half was as good as we've seen this season, James worked tirelessly all game, Nathan showed the form he is renown for at training and Joshua, Bradley, Elliot and Robbie never giving up. But this game showed that every one needs to take responsibility for winning and clearing the ball from danger areas as well as remembering to stick to your position and not watching the ball or games can run away from you as it did this morning. However, the coaches are seeing the steady improvements in the players ball control and willingness to link up with each other which is more important than the scoreline.
Well done Baldock, better luck next time Eagles
Eagles Whites & Yellows v Bassingbourne Saturday 15th November 2008
LGCE Whites (w) v Bassingbourne
Our first visit to Bassingbourne was a very enjoyable one, we were met with a warm welcome by the coaches and their players gave us a real test in both matches. Starting out with Sam in goal with Harry and Jake A in defence with Nathan, Tom and Alfie across the middle and Jake B up front. Eagles started brightly moving the ball well with Alfie particularly looking impressive with the ball at his feet. Nathan showed flashes of skill on the ball but Bassingbourne marked us closely and gave us little room to create chances. Tom was very combative in the midfield and is becoming one of our most reliable players this season with Harry and Jake A forming an imposing back line. Eagles broke the deadlock half way through the half when Alfie thundered in a low shot, Alfie doubled his and Eagles tally towards the end of the half with another strong run and expert finish. Bassingbourne came back to score before half time which is what their performance deserved. At half time, James replaced Sam in goal with Sam going up front for the hard working Jake B, Harry moved into right wing with Tom supporting Jake A at the back. George came on in the second half and with Harry having another fine game, Eagles started to take control. Sam scored a good goal from close range only for Bassingbourne to get a goal back to set nerves rattling. Tom went close only to be foiled by some resolute defending. But man of the match Alfie scored his hattrick with a another excellent finish.
A great game to watch where Bassingbourne pushed us all the way!
LGCE Yellows (w) v Bassingbourne
Arun took up the goalie gloves for this one with Elliot and Bradley in defence, Aaron, James and Joshua across the middle and Jack up front with Robbie and Danny warming the bench. Similar to the first game, Eagles looked to take the game forward but found that Bassingbourne were holding strong and keen to break away towards our goal. However, it was the Eagles who ran out stronger in the first half with two great goals from Joshua from close range. At half time, Danny came on for James and Robbie replaced Elliot who's been excellent all season. George also came back on for Eagles and with Aaron having a super game on the wing we were looking strong - however, as we now know Bassingbourne are a very good team and scored a great goal leaving Arun stranded. Some tentative defending allowed Bassingbourne to score another goal but Danny - who always knows where the goal is scored a fine individual goal to take his tally into double figures for the season. Joshua, not to be outdone by Alfie in the first game scored his hattrick late on but this took nothing away from Bassingbourne who gave a fine account of themselves throughout.
Great football played in the right spirit - enjoyed by all
Letchworth GC Eagles Whites & Yellows v Melbourn Dynamo
Saturday 1st November 2008
LGCE Whites (D) v Melbourn Dynamo
A really close game ended in an unlikely goalless draw but there was no shortage of chances in a very close game with Eagles enjoying the bulk of the possession with Melbourn aiming catching us on the break. Eagles came close to scoring on a number of occasions hitting the wood work twice and having two cleared off the line. However, if it were not for a very fine performance by goal keeper Arun and some last ditch tackling by James and Tom Melbourn could have grabbed a win late on. Great game enjoyed by all players and spectators.
LGCE Yellows (W) v Melbourn Dynamo
Melbourn Dynamos fielded virtually the same line up for the second game and were maybe a little tired after playing so well in a tight first game - but still put on another great performance. Goal machines Alfie (3) and Danny (2) along with a fine central midfield performance from George proved to be too strong for Melbourn in the end although Melbourn continued to catch Eagles on the break scoring two fine goals in response. Melbourn would have scored more but for an excellent goal keeping display from the fast improving Alfie
Really enjoyable football from both sets of players
Letchworth GC Eagles Whites & Yellows v Shefford Saints
Saturday 8th November 2008
LGCE Whites (W) v Shefford
This excellent game of football where both teams looked very organised and were well matched. The team was made up of Arun in goal, Harry and Elliot in defence, James in the middle, Nathan on the right, skipper Robbie on the left with Jake B leading the line. In very difficult conditions, Eagles started very brightly and were possibly the more attack minded of the two sides early on. Eagles deservedly took the lead halfway through the first half when after an great run by Harry linking up with Nathan the ball broke for Jake B who was well placed to slip the ball into the net. Eagles doubled their lead soon afterwards when this time captain Robbie leading by example took the ball into the box where again Jake was in the right place to smash the ball home. Shefford then took hold of the game and pressed Eagles back and were rewarded with a fine goal before half time. In the second half, Aaron replaced,! Elliot, Sam for Nathan and Harry came into midfield with James dropping back into defence. Shefford were stronger in the early stages of the second half and should have equalised after a very fine Shefford player rattled the woodwork from some distance. However, Aaron and James were excellent in protecting Arun in goal and Harry really played well in midfield always looking to pass the ball forward. Sam went close on a couple of occasions before Jake rounded a brilliant strikers performance off with his hattrick. Shefford didn't give up and deservedly scored a good goal late on that Arun (who is a real find in goal for us this season) could do nothing about, but Eagles held on for a very good win. Great game, well done everyone.
LGCE Yellows (W) v Shefford
The second game saw Eagles start with a slightly stronger line up of 'Mr Reliable' Alfie H in goal Zak and Bradley in defence, George commanding the midfield and Alfie C, Jack and Danny leading the attack. George was in dominant form for Eagles in midfield always looking for the ball and very quick to release a searching pass, Eagles will always look dangerous with Alfie C and Danny running riot down the wings but it was one of the hardest working Eagles players that stole the show in the first half with Jack poaching a hattrick - so well deserved for his workrate each week. Shefford were not out of it by any means and very solid and enterprising in bringing the ball forward. But when they did get passed George they ran into Zak and Bradley who give very little away. However Shefford do get a goal back before half time. With Elliot replacing Zak part way through the second half, Aar! on on for Bradley and Sam on for goal hero Jack Eagles restarted where they left off pressing Shefford back. A free kick outside the box saw Alfie drill the ball into the net from an impossible angle but everything he deserved for a great performance. Jack came back on for Alfie and was keen to add to his tally but it was Danny who scored Eagles 5th goal of the game with a clever run and neat finish. Shefford scored a goal that was coming for them but Eagles ran out victors.
Both games were really enjoyable to watch and played in a very good sporting spirit. Thank you Shefford for being good hosts
Well done everyone
Letchworth GC Eagles Whites & Yellows v Potton Colts
Saturday 25th October 2008
LGCE Whites (W) v Potton
Eagles visit to Potton are always very good contests and this was no different. Eagles took charge early on with Danny, Alfie C and George looking strong across the middle with Jake B up front sniffing out goal opportunities, and with Jake A and Tom at the back we looked very much in control. With Alfie H in goal Eagles were looking very strong and up for a challenge. Eagles didn't have it all our own way though with Potton looking very keen to press forward and create chances. But Eagles took a lead almost from the kick off with great work down the wing by Alfie squaring the ball for Danny to prod home, A second goal came quickly with Alfie C striking the all sweetly into the bottom corner. At half time Eagles looked to be coasting. But Potton came out for the second half very determined and very direct. But great defending from Jake A and Arun B limited their chances. Danny and Alfie grabbed another goal each with Josh coming on to add to the pressure on a struggling Potton defence. Potton got a deserved goal back before George skilfully flicked the ball into the net from a corne. excellent result and great performances all round
LGCE Yellows (D) v Potton
The second game was much closer but no less entertaining. With Arun B in goal Elliot and James at the back with Harry, Nathan and Robbie across the middle and Sam leading the line Eagles looked very balanced. Eagles were the better passing side in the first half and with some great ball work by Harry in the middle and a telling pass to Sam in the box setting up a simple finish. But Potton came back at us very strongly and equalised before half time. Harry dropped back into defence with James coming into midfield, Sam took a turn in goal to allow Aaron C go up front. Aaron battled exceptionally hard for the ball and never let the Potton players settle and was very unlucky not to score himself. However, two break aways Potton take what looked like a commanding lead. But Eagles did not lie down, and kept the pressure up, Nathan showed great skill and guile down the wing before scoring from a tight angle before setting up James to loop the ball into the net late on to take a very well earned draw.
This weeks performance by all the boys was a great improvement on last week, where some let their heads go down when we fell behind. We showed today that irrespective of the result all the players have to match their ability with effort to get something from matches. Excellent performances, Well Done!!
Letchworth GC Eagles Whites & Yellows v Bishop Stortford FC Colts and Rangers
Saturday 18th October 2008
LGCE Whites (D) v BSFC Rangers
This was a very entertaining and close game with both sets of players giving a fine display of attacking football. Eagles knew they had to be at their best to compete with Bishops Stortford and the team talk before the game focussed on the boys maintaining their effort throughout. It definitely paid off with Eagles enjoying much of the ball in the first half. Bishop Stortford arguably were the better passing side but chances were limited in the first half by some fine defensive display from Tom and James with Joshua in goal looking very comfortable. Midfield battled hard with Harry in the middle continuing with his impressive form and Nathan and Arun on the wings. Jake A led the line and his effort and presence up front meant that Eagles were always a threat in front of goal. Jake led the way scoring a first half hat-trick but Jake would be the first to acknowledge the contribution from Nathan with his skill on the wing and superb crosses. Eagles ahead at half time. The second half saw Bishops Stortford come at Eagles strongly and they created a number of chances to score. Danny came on at half time along with Alfie H and Elliot alongside Harry slipping in defence and Josh replacing Jake A up front. But the pressure began to take its toll and Eagles were down in the closing minutes, but after some great work by James to win the ball and carry it forward supplying Josh to fire it into the net. In the dying minutes Danny saved the day with an excellent finish to share the spoils, great game - well done everyone.
LGCE Yellows (L) v BSFC Colts
The first half of this game was very similar to the first with some excellent battles going on all over the pitch. Sam was in goal with Zak and Arun in defence, Robbie, George and Jack in the middle with Aaron up front giving us a good shape to take the game to the opposition. However, Bishops Stortford passed the ball better than we did and we found ourselves down at half time. Whilst the opposition deserved their lead we were far from out of it. In the second half, we brought Sam out of goal with Jack volunteering to go in goal, and Alfie C and Bradley coming we were hoping to get back into the game. However, after a couple of long range shots that looped over Jack into the goal it has to be said that some heads went down and with some of the boys looking a little deflated and resigned to defeat. What this game shows us is that when we compete and work hard (illustrated by Robbie in particular) we will win the ball and create chances, but when we switch off and lack confidence we will struggle to stay with teams. Our boys have the talent and can link up with each other as good as any team at this level but we need to believe in ourselves a bit more. Taking nothing away from Bishops Stortford, the managers will be looking for our boys to play with a bit more confidence next time out.
Letchworth GC Eagles Whites & Yellows v Hatfield Greens and Yellows
Saturday 4th October 2008
LGCE Whites (W) v Hatfield Greens
Eagles started slowly in this game with both teams looking evenly matched in the early stages. The game was peppered with stops due to players going down with various knocks and scrapes. However, as the game went on, Eagles began to move the ball well and with Alfie C, Harry & Danny across the middle Eagles more likely to score. It wasn't long before eagles broke the deadlock with Danny rifling in 2 goals and James adding a third to take full control of the game. Hatfield fought back with a goal
LGCE Yellows (W) v Hatfield Yellows
The second game started much as the first, with both teams sharing possession but no one team dominating. Eagles fell behind in the first half which may have flattered the visitors but proved to be just the motivation needed to Eagles greatly improve in the second half. It was a storming second half which saw Sam come out of goal to score twice, a fantastic individual goal by George and a well earned goal by Nathan who sets up more than he scores, so it was great for all to see his name on the score sheet. There were some great performances by our boys particularly by Robbie, Tom, Josh & Aaron C but the plaudits go to Elliott who was outstanding at the back.
Well done boys!
Ashwell Academicals vs Letchworth GC Eagles Whites
Saturday 27th September 2008
Ashwell v Eagles (W)
This week Eagles took just one team to play a much improved Ashwell side from the team we played last year. Ashwell started much brighter than Eagles and had a few early chances in a game which was very competitive and entertaining. Sam started off in goal and looked very confident behind the ever reliable Bradley and Tom in defence. Tom continued his impressive form this season with an excellent display of tackling and closing down opponents. Bradley playing just behind Tom swept up comfortably to give Sam some breathing space with long range clearances. However, it was Ashwell who had the first real chance which was cleared off the line by Sam with his feet. Going forward we had a new look midfield of Nathan, Harry and Joshua who again gave their all winning the ball and importantly keeping possession. Some clever footwork by Nathan and artful one-twos with Harry created Eagles first real chance with Nathan shooting just wide! . Harry also had a narrow miss after a great run down the middle. With Aaron up front chasing every loose ball you could tell a goal was coming for Eagles but it was surprise when it came from such a tight angle. Aaron and Joshua pressed and pressed the Ashwell defence and when the ball came loose near the by-line it was picked up by Joshua who turned and fired it into the net from an acute angle!
The second half saw Joshua go in goal and Sam came out to take up a striker role. Danny came off the bench for Bradley in defence and Robbie came on for the hard working Aaron taking up a wide left position. Facing down the hill in the second half, Eagles enjoyed much more possession and chances came thick and fast. But Ashwell defended superbly and almost caught Eagles on the break once or twice. Our second goal came thanks to some individual magic from Sam. Intercepting a throw on, he headed it forward and out-ran two defenders before firing in a scorching strike. It was nearly three after some great running from Nathan who made another superb cross which Harry rose to head just wide. Aaron came back on for Nathan towards the end to add to the attacking display by the Eagles. A deserved win but a great game to watch for both sets of supporters.
Well done everyone and thank you to Ashwell for being very good hosts!!
Letchworth GC Eagles Whites and Yellows vs Stotfold Falcons and Hawks
Saturday 20th September 2008
Eagles Whites (W) v Stotfold Falcons
Both games saw possibly the best performances by the players since the team formed. On a glorious sunny morning the Whites played out a close match with an impressive and organised Stotfold side full of energy and endeavour, the game was end to end with both sides creating chances and if it wasn't for eagles Alfie H in goal we could have been behind at half time. You could tell by the smile of Alfie's face that he was enjoying himself and his performance in goal has been unrivalled so far this season. However, the whole team played brilliantly right from the back with excellent defending by Zak and Jake A making life very difficult for Stotfolds quick and skilful attackers. In midfield, James, Danny and Alfie C were full of running, kept their positions and most pleasingly got their heads up and were always looking to pass the ball. Jack led the line tirelessly and was rightly rewarded when his concentration and positioning paid off with a simple goal passed a very good Stotfold stopper. The first half was capped by an excellent goal from Danny passing the ball into the net with his left foot after a typical surging run. The half time score may have flattered Eagles a little but the second half saw Eagles pressing forward more and more. However, Stotfold were far from beaten and gave everything only for a sizzling long range strike by Jake A to seal the win.
Eagles Yellows (W) v Stotfold Hawks
The second match was even closer than the first. Stotfold had a great deal of possession in the first half and possible passed the ball better than Eagles. However, Eagles desire to chase the ball and win tackles meant that neither side had an advantage over the other. With Alfie H in goal again (changing shirts halfway through) our defence of Elliot and Bradley played with a great deal of confidence and kept attacks at bay. Bradley and Elliot made some very timely tackles and kept looking to move the ball forward to Robbie, Arun and George in midfield. Our midfield as in the first game worked very hard to win the ball and move the ball forward to Jake B who was always in the right position to receive the ball. However, Stotfolds defence stood strong and made Jake B's chances few and far between. As we have come to expect Jake never gave up and was full of running knowing that Robbie, Arun and George were playing superbly to win the ball. Goaless at half time was a fair reflection of this tight game but the second half saw Eagles maintaining the work-rate and pushing forward. George, on his birthday took the spoils with a deserved goal right at the end of the game but it was very much a team effort. The result took nothing away from an enterprising Stotfold side who gave a great account of themselves and will definitely cause Eagles problems on the return match.
Both sets of supporters and coaches were delighted to see two great games played in the right spirit and did both clubs proud - well done all players
Eagles Yellows and Whites vs Bishops Stortford Wanderers and Rovers - 13th Sept 2008
Eagles Whites (L) v Wanderers
This game proved to be very tough against a quick and well organised Bishops Stortford side. All the boys got stuck in and the first half was a very entertaining and end to end contest. Eagles took an early lead with a true poachers goal from Jake.B after an excellent run down the wings by Alfie C. But this game was more about defending and Harrison and Jake.A stood out with some tremendous tackles and blocks. Despite the scoreline Harry had a great game and made some excellent saves and kept the score down to single figures. However, Bishop Stortford proved to be just too strong in the end on the day and have given us something to aim for this season.
Eagles Yellows (L) v Rovers
Another tough game but as before the boys played well, none least so that James Davies who put an incredible amount of effort in midfield with constant tackling and winning the ball. Aaron and Josh battled hard to move the ball forward but it was not easy for us. Like the first game most of the traffic was coming towards our goal but again some great defending from Bradley and Tom ensured that we put up a great fight. When they did get through Alfie H stood strong and made some fantastic saves to keep the score down to a minimum.
Well done all the boys - keep up the effort and the results will come!
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday 6th September 2008
Letchworth GC Eagles Whites and Yellows
V's
Letchworth GC Eagles Orange and Blacks
Well done Eagles!!
What a fantastic start to the season, the first game witnessed a good natured but hectic derby match between the Whites and Yellows and the newly formed Oranges and Blacks both from Letchworth GC Eagles
The Whites and Yellows have been playing together for two years now and this showed in the end with the Whites battling to a win against the Oranges who although are a very new team, showed their manager Graham they have a lot to offer as they develop this year.
There were a number of brilliant goals scored from (amongst others) Jake.B, Danny, Jack, Alfie C and Zack. But it was great to see all the boys get stuck in to the new season. Both teams showed some excellent defending, and controlled passing, which pleased the managers. The Oranges never gave up and put on a superb debut display throughout.
The second game was equally exciting with the Yellows coming out on top. Again there were plenty of excellent goals from Nathan, James, Aaron.C, Sam, Danny and Robert for the Yellows, with Finlay scoring a cracker for the Blacks to add to the goal he scored against the Whites. The boys showed their true style with some excellent defending and ball control also some great saves from Alfie.H. Both sets of teams played the game in a great sporting spirit and all were rightly applauded from the pitch. Great start to the season and great fun had by all.
Well done to all the players and supporters
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!