Under 18 Team Match Reports for Season 2007-2008

Andy Clarke

Wednesday 10th October 2007 -  Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   1 - 2  Brantham Athletic 

TEAM;

Max Wilding (Miller); M.Eggleton; Kieron Jones; James McCallum (Monk); Callum Beecroft; Kristian Heighton; Ricardo Phillips; Sam Osborne; Jack Colson; Sam Stopher; Ash Childs

SUBS; Tom Monk; Joe Miller;

Two weeks since our last game had given us the chance to reflect on what had been going wrong and to work hard in training to try and rectify the problems.

To those looking at the league table and thinking it’s not good are entitled, but the fact being success in our eyes is not measured in silverware but the number of lads improving and pushing for a place in the reserves.

To date Eggy, Sam, Kieron, Ash & Jordan have all played a number of games so in reality it’s not looking too bad.

Our thanks and appreciation was shown on the night to the sponsors of our new warm up tops KEEDAN LOGISTICS. Former youth player and son of the die hard supporter Les Soall, DANNY was responsible, so many thanks to you and your company

We welcomed Brantham on another perfect night for football. The squad was being stretched to the full with Butcher, Hollis, Ellwood, Dalby, Hopkins & Midgley all injured. Our plight was not helped when stand in skipper Beaver picked up an injury in the warm up & was forced to pull out.

We have been trying to get the boys to become solid from the kick off & not give away needless goals early on and give ourselves a mountain to climb.

That was right out the window when we were two goals down after 10 minutes.

The first a catalogue of errors, the second a marvellous shot from distance by Brothers,  who on the night was the best player on the park by some distance.

Queue the inevitable collapse we thought but no, the boys rallied, huffed & puffed and got themselves back in the game. For the last 20 mins of the first half we were the better side and when Jack Colson pulled a goal back just before the interval things were looking up.
 

The management were pleased with the second half performance. Although very even it was good to see that we played the better football out of the two sides.

Unable to find the goal needed we went down 2-1.  With plenty of effort, commitment & pride shown it was nice to be in the changing room & give the lads well earned praise.

Mentions for; Sam Stopher playing his first game who was our best player on the night (definitely one for the future). Not far behind Ricardo whose attitude & work rate was first class. Both keepers Max & Joe made a number of top draw saves and Ash who worked tirelessly for the cause for 90 mins.

With a number of players expected back from injury soon competition for places will be hotting up.

Next week sees us venture to the Central league leaders Walsham for the first round of the league cup.

Andy Clarke

Saturday 6th October 2007 -  Ipswich & Suffolk Youth League Knock Out Cup
Felixstowe & Walton United   7 - 3  Sizewell   (4-1)

Following the cracking game we had 2 weeks previously in the League both teams expected a close contest.

Felixstowe started extremely strongly and Jason Woods volleyed home from a Josh Smith cross inside 2 minutes. Jason Scored his second when his low drive following a neat through ball from Scott Parsley was too powerful for the keeper to hold at his near post. Scott Parsley then finished off a neat move to make it three. Jason had 2 other close opportunities before they got one back.
Jason completed his first half hat-trick with another well taken goal HT 4-1.

Second half began with Sizewell pushing and getting a second. We then went down to 10 men following a sending off.  I then expected a tough 30mins and it looked ominous when they were awarded a penalty but fortunately for us they hit the bar. Jason then got his 4^th which was the pick of his tally he burst on to a through ball drew the keeper and chipped it over him this was quickly followed by his 5^th Jordan Mathews then finished close in following a right wing run and cut in. Sizewell completed the scoring  resulting in a final score of 7-3.

Wednesday 27th September 2007 -  Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Harwich & Parkeston 5 - 0 Felixstowe & Walton United  (2-0)

TEAM; Max Wilding ;Kieron Jones(Butcher); Matt Eggleton; Ricardo Phillips; Jake Hollis; James Reynolds(McCallum); Adam Dalby; Sam Osborne; Jack Colson; Kristian Heighton; Ash Childs
SUBS; James McCallum; Jordan Butcher; Joe Miller 

On a blustery night we were looking to show some bounce back ability when we visited top of the table Harwich.
The night did not get off to the best of starts with Dalby snr’s car having an argument with a shock absorber and needing a sub vehicle before we had left the town boundaries (things not boding well).
So a late arrival at the ground and a rather rushed warm up, only 2 outfield subs (work commitments, injuries and suspension) and some serious attitude problems from some of the more senior players the management felt that maybe tonight might not be our night.

90 mins later the lads proved us right.

The story of our season continued with us not matching our opponents from the first whistle. In all truth the home side should have come in at half time 5 goals to the good, so much was there supremacy. We did not match there efforts in the middle of the park and some more horrific defending did not help our cause.

Poor finishing and a couple of great saves from Max meant we went in at half time only 2 goals down and a glimmer of hope.
Harsh words from the management were received at half time, hoping for a positive response from the players.
Credit where due the lads rallied and matched Harwich in every department without looking a huge threat in front of goal.

With 15 to go we were still in it only for our lack of fitness to show and thus with that also our concentration, allowing Harwich to score a further 3 goals. A score line in fairness with our much improved second half performance flattered the opposition.
The two players to come out of the game with credit, Kristian making his first full start and James coming on from the bench reminding the management of what he can produce.
Still a lot of work to be done in all areas, with us needing to build on the positives, instil confidence back in the lads and just get back to the basics from the defence upward.

Our next game is 10^th October at Home to Brantham, look forward to seeing you there

Andy Clarke

Wednesday 12th September 2007 -  Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  0 - 4  Long Melford (0-0)
TEAM; Max Wilding ;Alex Ellwood(Eggleton); Kieron Jones; Jordan Butcher(Heighton); Jake Hollis; James Reynolds; Adam Dalby; Sam Osborne; Jack Colson(Monk); Luke Hopkins; Ash Childs
SUBS; Tom Monk; Kristain Heighton; Matt Eggleton; James McCallum

What a long time a week can seem in football. This time last week it looked as though some of the hard work was starting to pay off with a fine display. This week not two but probably three steps backwards.
A larger crowd than the previous week (by 2, I am sure this would have been more but for the England v Russia game) was expectant of more of the previous weeks showing. We welcomed Long Melford to Dellwood on another perfect night looking to continue from where we had finished the previous week.
With nothing between the sides in the league & the chance for both sides to top the table with three points we were under know illusions to the task ahead. Looking at results in the league it appeared that it’s going to be a very open league with my favourites Witham being beaten by Harwich and last weeks victims Wivenhoe beating the much fancied Brantham. With this in mind imperative to take three points.
The first half was an evenly contested yet scrappy affair. Melford pressing us constantly not allowing us to play. Chances were few & far between with Ash having the only clear cut effort, having left the Melford defence for dead with his pace was unable to find the finish when one on one with the keeper.
All square at the interval with us just shading it without hitting the heights of the previous weeks.

Short sharp words at half time with it always looking like the side that scored first would go on to win the game (by how many was just not expected) Melford broke the dead lock mid way through. Possession was given away cheaply (the storey of the night for us) and when Max was unable to gather
the shot Melford were the first to react with our defence at best statuette. It now needed courage, heart, composure and fire in the belly, all of which seemed in short supply on the night. There second goal came having given away a needless free kick in a dangerous position (Steve had words in relation to this both prior to the match & again at half time, falling on deaf ears one feels!!!).
The cross was poorly defended & with Max rooted crept in the far corner of the net, game over with 15 still to play.

What we witnessed next can’t be accepted and must be put right asap. To almost just give in and roll over will not be tolerated. Even when the chips are down & things have gone against us we need to show character and inner strength, not giving up until the final whistle. As long as some harsh lessons are learnt Steve, Colin and I are sure we can go on and improve as the season progresses.
Melford added a further two goals to finish up 4-0 winners. There manager was as amazed as us that we didn’t press on and improve in the second half and was fully expecting defeat, but as they say “it’s a funny old game”
A friendly has been arranged for next Wed against Achillies at Dellwood. Ko 7.45

Andy Clarke

Saturday 8th September 2007 -  Under 18s
Felixstowe & Walton United  6 - 2  Witnesham  (3-0)

This was an extremely good result as I am sure all of the opposition were a year older than our lads. We took the lead with a superb team goal .Joe Hanley played it into Lee Witchalls from left back his first time lay off found Jason Woods who again played it first time inside the fullback for Sam
Stopher to run onto and finish with a timely lifted shot over the advancing keeper.

The second was a stunning volley by Jason Woods. Sam Stopher played the ball into Jason who was about 25yds out with his back to goal. He volleyed the ball with his left foot over his right shoulder from about chest high and it flew in just under the right angle. You really needed to see it to do it justice. The third came from Jordan Mathews persistence down the left his run took him past three defenders and his square pass beat the keeper for Scott Parsley to slot home. HT 3-0.

Witnesham was clearly stunned by the Felixstowe 1st half performance and came out in the second half with the bit between their teeth. They pulled it back to 3-1 and then hit the framework twice before Philippe Dale was brought down 25 yards from goal. The resulting free kick was dispatched in some style by Jason Woods for his 2nd superb goal of the game. Witnesham then managed to score a 2nd from a corner. Our 5th came from an OG but it was Sam Stopher’s left wing run and cross which cut out the keeper and the defender could only turn it into own net under pressure from Jason Woods.

Jordon Mathews scored the 6th when his awareness pounced on a short goal kick and beat the keeper low into the bottom right. Overall as first game of the season against a bunch of older
lads it was a very good performance.

Andy Clarke

Wednesday 5th September 2007 -  Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  7 - 1  Wivenhoe Town (4-1)
Team: Max Wilding ; Alex Ellwood; Kieron Jones; Jordan Butcher; Jake Hollis; James Reynolds (Eggleton); Adam Dalby (Phillips); Sam Osborne; Jack Colson; Luke Hopkins (Monk); Ash Childs
Subs; Tom Monk; Ricardo Phillips; Matt Egelton; James McCallum

On a perfect night for football two teams came together looking to improve on their far from perfect starts to the new season.
The squad was looking a lot stronger as the boys that had been on their pre-season breaks returned, those still on the absentee list included Joe Miller (injured) Callum Beecroft (suspended) and Kristian Heighten (Holiday) On paper the side looked to have a much better natural balance than the previous weeks.

The game kicked off in a scrappy fashion with neither team settling into a pattern and taking hold of the game. We took the lead on 17mins with a Luke Hopkins goal, this we hoped would settle the side but within 5 mins things were all square. Another needless corner was conceded that we failed to deal with, the resultant clearance striking the back of Sam & ending up in the back of the net.

A week ago this would have seen heads drop but tonight we rallied and responded with Jack Colson putting us 2-1 up. Then the pivotal moment of the game; Wivenhoe’s centre half aiming two head buts in the direction of Ash Childs and receiving a red card. Compliments to the boys for not getting involved and getting on with the game. For the remainder of the half we dominated proceedings playing some delightful football causing Wivenhoe problems a plenty. They had no answer to the pace of Ash, Jacks strength and great team play down the right flank from Alex & Luke.

Two further goals were added before half time with a cool finish from Sam Osborne & Jack adding his second.

It was always going to be difficult to match the first half performance with Wivenhoe scrapping and battling for every ball. Changes were made but to be fair this did not upset the balance as we continued to play good football. Ricardo Phillips was welcomed back in the fold and when he came on gave us good natural width on the left hand side.
The boys stayed composed with two further goals from Luke to complete his hat-trick, both extremely cool finishes from the youngster.
He was joined by Jack in the hat-trick stakes who completed the scoring for the night.

A word on Jack who may not be the most elegant of footballers in some eyes but when he listens to advice & instructions has shown that he can be a handfull for a lot of defences.
A good performance all round with all the boys playing their part in a team effort. With work still to be done on organisation and fitness I can only see the side getting better & better. Shouldn’t be long before a number of the boys are on Andy’s team sheet in the reserves.

Next week we are at home again, Long Melford 12th Sep Ko 7.45, hope to see you there.

Andy Clarke

Wednesday 29th August 2007 -  Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Witham Town  5 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  (2-0)
TEAM: Max Wilding ;Alex Ellwood; James McCallum (Monk); Jordan Butcher; Jake Hollis; James Reynolds; Adam Dalby; Callum Beecroft; Jack Colson; Luke Hopkins; Ash Childs
SUBS: Tom Monk

Our first league game finally arrived with an away trip to the much fancied Witham Town.
Having endured what can only be described as a transitional pre season we went into the game with reasonable confidence on the back of two victories over Debenham and Harpers.

Our plight was not helped with the fact that 6 of our boys were enjoying a pre, pre season break before we had even started.
The game kicked off on a perfect night for football on a less than perfect pitch (or is it the fact that we are spoilt by the great surface at Dellwood this season?) Witham were straight out of the blocks and immediately took the game to us, not allowing us to settle into any rhythm or pattern.
Falling 1-0 behind on 25 mins to a well worked goal from a corner, aided by our inept marking that at best was pitiful.
Looking to hold out until half time and make some tactical changes we fell further behind to a very dubious penalty.

It was now time for the boys to show some real character in the 2^nd half.
Changes were made at half time and we began the 2^nd half the more lively side, taking the game to our opponents. Looking the more likely to score we fell 3-0 behind from a counter attack having just hit the bar.
Two more goals were conceded to counter attacks with a number of boys suffering from lack of match practice & cramp; fitness is defiantly something that we will be working hard on in the coming weeks.

I am sure that we won’t come up against to many centre forwards this season of the calibre of there No 9 Reis Farley Hearn who looked like a man amongst boys. He would not look out of place in our first team such was the young lad’s talent & strength.

Praise to Max Wilding making his debut in goal whom looks like being a great long term acquisition for the club at 16. Also mentions to James Reynolds, Alex Ellwood & Jake Hollis for whom without their hearted performances in defence we may have lost by more.

To put things in perspective it’s the first league game with a lot of new young faces who I am sure will only improve as the season progresses we have much to be positive about.
Let’s look to get our season on track in the next game at home to Wivenhoe Town on 5^th Sep Ko 7.45