Boys Under 14's

4/10/09

 

First home game of the season, and a dissapointing one to say the least.

 

In truth we never going at all throughout the 70mins. They always looked like scoring, and apart from some decent saves from Josh, we would have been behind at half time, but as it was it was 0-0.

 

The second half i hoped for better, but it never came. Their pressure eventually told and they went 1-0 up after Callum scored a OG. This became 2-0 shortly after, and finished 3-0.

 

This is probably the worst we have played for a long while, we just seemed to want to hoof the ball up the pitch and hope someone will do something, instead of taking responsibility for our own performance, and actually at least trying to play some football on the ground.

 

Things must improve else we are going down.

 

 

Josh (8)* Ollie (7) Callum (6) Baiden (6) James (7) Stef (6) Toby (6) Dan (7) Jacques (7) Josh (7) Sam (6) Oz (6) Frankie (6) Nat (6)

 

 

 

27/09/09

 

This week we travelled to Rusthall, for our 3rd away game on the trot.

 

We spoke before the game about the importance of this fixture, and everyone seemed up for the fight.

The first half was a pretty close affair with no real clear cut opportunities, but we probably shaded possesion. We were kicking down the slope though which may of helped.

 

The 2nd half was a tougher test as the Rustics took the game to us, we seemed to be on the back foot from the off and never seemed to get any decent spell of possesion. This pressure eventually told, when there centre mid scored with a low drive from outside the box. He should have been closed down quicker though.

Then came a pivotal moment, Josh williams broke clear and fired a shot low and hard, their keeper saved, but Josh will feel he should have scored. What would have been 1-1, soon became 2-0, when there skipper scored a free kick. Baiden will also feel he could have done better with this. We kept battling away, but were tiring up the slope. They could afford to hit us on the break, and eventually they got a 3rd.

 

I dont feel they were 3 goals better than us, but we have to learn to keep possesion better, especially when up against it.

 

Starman this week was James, who showed continued desire and determination throughout the 70 mins.

 

Baiden 7, Ollie 7, Nat 6, Callum 6, James 9*, Oskar 6, Josh 8, Dan 6, Toby 7, Stef 6, Jacques 7, Sam 6

 

 

 

13/09/09

 

Little Common 2-4 Ridgewaye

 

First game of the season, and the usual sense of anticipation, of how will we start what on paper looks a difficult season ahead.

 

On speaking to their coach, they had come direct into the A league having won the Rother league and cup the previous season.

 

They only named the bare 11 on their team sheet, and one of there players injured himself in the warm up, so we had a man advantage from the off.

 

We started very positively, and took the lead after some good play, Toby (in a new midfield role for himself ) found himself clean through and finished cooly. We continued to take the game to them, restricting the oppo to the odd long shot. Stef then scored direct from a corner to make it 2-0. I hoped we could get to half time at this score, but we conceded from a corner after some sloppy marking. 2-1 half time.

 

The second half Ollie, Baiden and Oz replaced Frankie, Sam and Nat. This however did not upset our rhytm as we continued to pressurize the oppo. This resulted in Stef breaking free and finishing whilst under pressure from there centre back. James then made it 4-1 with a excellent header from a corner.

 

The oppo continued to play though and took more chances, leaving players up field. They did score again after a long shot was parried out by Josh, only for them to net the rebound. 4-2 was how it ended though.

 

An excellent performance, aided by the oppos lack of players. Little common will feature come the end of the season mix, so a valuable 3 points.

 

Well Done!!

 

Josh (7) Sam (7) Frankie (7) Callum (8) Nat (7) James (8) Toby (9*) Dan (8) Josh (8) Stef (8) Jacques (8) Ollie (7) Baiden (7) Oz (7)

 

 

20/09/09

 

Hastings Town 8-4 Ridgewaye

 

 

The annual trip to hastings, on not to bad a day weather wise for a change. We arrived in good spirits after the previous weeks exploits.

 

They had a new look team, but speaking to one of there parents from last year, he said they were still a very good side.

They started well retaining pssession, and moving the ball side to side. However it was from a goalkeeping error that their first goal came from. 1-0 down but we struck back quickly when Josh Williams finished after some good play. two minutes later we took the lead when Jacques scored. Hastings were still having the lion share of possession though and hit back twice before the break to lead 3-2.

 

We were a tired bunch at half time, but we were to score first in the second half, when Jacques poked home after good work down the left from Josh W. 3-3. Their fourth goal was another gift, and this seemed to knock the stuffing out of us. They scored two more before we scored again when Josh W netted after a good individual run. They had the final say though with two further goals. 8-4.

 

There were some positives in Josh W performance, Dan and Callum stuck at it. Jacques and James were ok, but other than that we were average at best.

 

Despite them being a better side than us, we cannot let our heads drop so easily.

 

 

Josh H (5) Sam (6) Callum (7) Nat (6) Frankie (6) James (7) Dan (7) Toby (6) Josh (9*) Stef (5) Jacques (7) Ollie (6) Oz (6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5th April 2009

 

Ridgewaye 11-1 Javis Brook

 

Today was the return fixture of our last match.

 

Lovely day for it and we produced some decent football to run out comfortable winners.

 

We opened the scoring early doors, when Stef shot but it deflected in off of Josh Williams backside. 1-0 became 2-0 when Toby got his first of four goals when he fired across the goalie. Ollie then produced an excellent first touch to set himself up to fire home. Toby then got his second to complete the scoring. Half time and 4-0 up.

 

Not quite sure how the scoring went in the second half , but they scored from a corner, Stef got a hat trick, Josh got a second and Oscar finished the scoring with a goal on his debut.

 

All in all a good game, with some signs of what we have worked on in training paying off.

 

Well done!

 

 

 

 

 

22nd March 2009

 

Javis Brook 1-4 Ridgewaye

 

Today we were up against the team which are bottom of the division. Not always easy as complacency can often creep in before the game.

 

The oppo only had 10 players, but in the opening exchanges we failed to use the numerical advantage. A combination of poor play by us, small pitch and poor surface all contributing factors. This continued for most of the half resulting in a 1-1 scoreline at half time. Jacques scoring our goal with a sweetly struck shot, only for them to score from long range on the counter.

 

The 2nd half we were kicking down hill, and had spoken about pass and moving, and keeping our width. This happened and Josh Williams broke down the left, he put a great cross in which Toby met at pace and headed at goal. The keeper could only parry this and Toby finished the rebound. 10 mins later Sam scored for the 2nd week running at the far post. 3-1 and some breathing space. Things were made some what easier when they went down to 9 men after some ill discipline by 1 of there players.

 

There was time for 1 more goal, which Stef scored from the penalty spot after a hand ball.

 

A good result, but average display. Some good moves late on, but in general a bit erratic.

 

 

 

 

15th March 2009

 

Broad Oak 0-2 Ridgewaye

 

After some indifferent displays since Christmas, we went into this game knowing that a victory would almost secure are A league status for next year with still 6 fixtures to play.

 

The lads started very well, first to the ball and using it well when we were in possession. After a few corners from Stef, we broke through eventually after about 15 mins when Sam finished from close range. It was Stef himself who made it 2-0 when he turned on the corner of the box and floated it over the keeper, and into the top corner. We continued to press for the rest of the half without extending our lead.

 

The 2nd we were not as fluent in possession, but Broad Oak were harrassing us more. This resulted in them having some half chances which they spurned. We were having spells of pressure, but were unable to convert this into any more goals.

 

On the whole a very good team performance, with some great individual performances.

 

Josh H kept a clean sheet, and looked solid. This after his first goalkeeping 1-1 session.

The back four of Baiden, Callum, Sam And Frankie were excellent. A new position for Frankie who excelled.

Middle of the park Josh and James were a little quieter than usual, Nat played some great passes and we saw Flashes that Dan may be getting back to his best.

Up front Toby hassled, and held up play well. Also showing some fine touches as well. Stef got his goal but again was probably a little quiter than normal.

 

A good, and well deserved result.

 

 

 

 

8th March 2009

 

Raw Skills 2-2 Ridgewaye

 

We went into this game after some home truths were talked about in training regarding commitment etc.

 

In all the fairness to the lads, the reaction we got was excellent.

We started like a train from the off and Jack Moore had a shot well saved within the first minute. Other chances fell to James, Toby and Josh W, but these were also saved or wasted. With the elements in our favour, we totally dominated, with the oppo rarely getting in our half. But it was from one of these rare breaks they took the lead with a cross which looped into the net.

 

1-0 down at thalf time, but only positives to be talked about.

 

The second half was going to be trickier with us kicking up hill. We needed a good start though, and we got this when Toby fed James who finished cooly. We continued to press, but the oppo were also taking the game to us a lot more. However we did take the lead with about 15 to go, when Toby finished from close range.

 

As the oppo took more risks to get back in the game, we found ourselves under more pressure. This eventually told when they scored after scramble in our box. The ball broke to one of their players and he fired home from 12 yards. Both sides had chances thereafter to take the points, but this is how it remained.

 

All in all it feels like 2 points dropped rather than 1 gained, but we performed better, than last week.

 

Lesson to be learned. Take your chances, and clear your lines.

 

 

 

 

1st March 2009

 

Ridgewaye 2-3 Tonbridge Juniors

 

The home fixture against Tonbridge was arranged for this week.

Having lost the week before by the odd goal, after a pityful 2nd half performance, we went in to this game thinking a change of attitude, would bring a better result.

 

We changed formation slightly, which seemed to pay dividends as we went into a early 2-0 lead. James got the first from close range and Stef the second from a long range free kick. I was hoping we could push on from here, but we let them back into the game far to easily. Two soft goals again. 2-2 at half time.

 

We made changes at half time, but it was Tonbridge who were on the ascendency from the off and we were hanging on a bit. We did however ride out this period of pressure, and got a foothold back in the game. During this time we created a couple of good opportunities that were wasted. We were made to pay for this when tonbridge netted the winner late on. There was still time for Stef to squander a chance to rescue a point.

 

Over the 2 games I am disappointed we have not taken any points as there is very little between the 2 sides. Maybe they believe, and want it just that bit more than what some of our players do.

 

 

 

 

22nd Febuary 2009

 

Tonbridge Juniors 4-3 Ridgewaye

 

After a 10 week break we restarted our league campaign this week.

During this break we have trained, but with no game at the end of the week, it has been difficult to keep enthused.

 

However I fully expected the 14 boys who played today to be raring to go. Once again the lads made the right noises before the game, but unfortunately actions speak louder than words.

 

Tonbridge have always been a side that have been around the top of the league, and have always got the better of us. Today though, despite going 1-0 down to a very poor goal, it soon became apparent that we would have a great opportunity to bury the hoodoo they have had over us. We soon were 1-2 in front after Stef and the Josh W had netted. I thought we needed to push on, but we again gave away another poor goal. Stef then weaved in and out of there defenders to put us up 2-3 at half time.

 

We spoke at half time about believing we could win, but frankly we just did not show up for the second half. Tonbridge capitalised to score twice more and take all 3 points.

 

I have rarely lost my rag with the boys over the last 7 years, but today i could not contain it any more.

 

Once again I believe training is a big part of our problem. If we train half hearted we play half hearted. So if you dont want to concentrate or put any effort into it, dont bother coming.

 

Maybe it is time for shake up in the team.

 

 

 

 

 

14th December 2008

 

Ridgewaye 1-2 Westfield Youth

 

I cant remember the last time we played in anything you could describe as decent weather. Today was no different, the rains had gone, but freezing fog was the order of the day.

 

We went into the game with the bare 11, due to illness, holidays etc, so new we would be up against it. Westfield have only the one blip on their league record. a loss to hastings.

 

We set up with James P and Dan at full back in a bid to nullify their pacey forwards. This worked in the first half as we ended the half 0-0. Not only had we restricted them to long range efforts, we had chances ourselves with Sam J and Stef working the keeper. Half time chat was positive, but i feared we may tire as the game went on.

 

We started well in the 2nd half on the front foot from the kick off, but as against all good sides there is going to be times you have to soak the pressure up. We too were doing this well, until Baiden spilled a high ball, which fell to the feet of there striker to make it 1-0. Great character was shown by us as we continued to push them. We however conceded a 2nd as there winger cut in and set up there striker for no2.

 

We then pushed Dan and James forward, and started to create again. This resulted in Stef driving the ball home from a tight angle after good work by Toby and James. With 5mins to go there was time for one last chance. This fell to Toby, whos overhead kick beat their keeper but skimmed the outside of the post.

 

All in all they probably deserved it on the possesion they had, but we as a team put in a much improved performance than the 1st game of the season when we lost 6-1.

 

Credit to all that played.

 

Baiden was decent in goal, Callum and Jack were excellent individually and as a pairing. James and Dan solid at full backs. The midfield were industrious and in Stef and Toby we posed a threat throughout.

 

This concludes football this calender year, and having played most of the top sides in our league, hopefully we can start to pick up some wins in the New year, as we have proved to ourselves we can compete even with the better teams.

 

Well Done, hope you have all thawed out.

 

B French;J Moore;C Luckett;D Roche;J Prentis;S Jacquin;O Roberts:F Fuller;J Thornton;S Swift;T Wright.

 

 

 

9th November 2008

 

 

Performance of the season so far.

 

It is not often you can say that everyone who played has a decent game, but today all 1-13 played well.

 

I asked for the same sort of commitment they had shown in the previous week, and the lads did not dissapoint as they flew out of the traps. Stef had warned me he had a broken toe before the game, so may have to come off. He did have to come off at half time, but heroically had scored four times by then to put us 4-0 up at the break.

 

The second half we had the strong wind in our face, but the defence, were determined not to be breached, and with a few lucky breaks which they had earned held on to the clean sheet. Josh Williams managed his customary goal with about 5 mins to go.

 

Josh was good in goal, Jack Moore who was also poorly was solid, Callum intercepted well, Sam and Baiden provided support for the wide men. The midfield of Dan, Frankie,Josh W and James were destructive as well as creative and Toby " The Barger" Wright and Stef were a constant menace. When introduced Ollie and Jacques slotted in well.

 

Great result well done.

 

J Harris, B French, J Moore, C Luckett, S Jacquin, J Prentis, D Roche, F Fuller, J Williams, S Swift, T Wright, O Roberts, J Thornton.

 

 

26th October 2008

 

 

After a week off, we had the pleasure of travelling to Hastings on a wet and windy day, to face one of the best football teams around at our age group, in the laegue cup.

 

We know what to expect from them and anything less than 100% commitment is recipe for disaster.

 

They started strongly, but we were having some joy on the counter attack. It was from one of these attacks, that we took the lead. Stef was brought down in the box, and duly converted the penalty. They got back on level terms when a shot was deflected in off Baiden. They then made it 2-1, when they scored from an acute angle.

 

Half time and 2-1 down, but we were pleased with our efforts. The second half they pinned us back in our half and scored six more, to finish it 8-1.

 

Usually with a score line like this you would be a bit annoyed but, i can honestly say i was chuft with the effort we put in all over the pitch. We must however learn the lesson, of ball retention. The ball is precious and to give it away cheaply is criminal, we did this to often in the second half.

 

Big games the neext two weeks, same effort and better use of possesion and we will gain points.

 

J Harris, S Jacquin, C Luckett, B French, J Prentis, N Paine, F Fuller, S Swift, D Roche, J Williams, J Thornton, O Roberts

 

 

 

 

12th October 2008

 

 

We were up against a team today who are looking to go unbeaten for a 3rd season running in league and cup comps.

 

We set our stall out to be hard to be broke down with a 4-5-1 formation. We were not intent on only a damage limitation tactic, but wanted to express ourselves when we were in possession as well. The problem is, when you play better sides they punish you for small errors. Their first was a good strike, but we did not close down the scorer. The second was from a quick throw which we switched off from. We then got 1 back, when Josh W scrambled home after good work from James and Stef. They scored twice more before half time, again slopping play in our box being punished.

 

The second half we started poorly and they scored twice early on. After this we regained a foothold in the game and created some chances of our own. They continued to create, but with some good stops from Josh, good defending and poor finishing this is how it remained.

 

The scoreline is no disgrace, and I was very pleased with the effort shown by everyone. We must though take this into the rest of our fixtures, and try and learn from our mistakes, which often are basic errors.

 

We have a talented team, but you must communicate and be switched on from start to finish. As I have said before, this starts with training, treat it as a match, there is a time for work and time for play.

 

Well Done

 

We will get there.

 

 

J Harris, B French, J Moore, C Luckett, D Roche, J Prentis, J Williams, N Paine, J Thornton, F Fuller, S Swift, S Jacquin, O Roberts.

 

 

5th October 2008

 

 

Our first win in the league this season, and a very important one at that.

Raw Skills are a team who are going to be around us in the league, so I emphasized the importantance of this game, from the offset of training on Friday night. The lads seemed to take this on board and trained very hard, and I hoped we could carry this through to Sundays' match.

Our first challenge was the dreadful conditions. Driving rain and a strong wind.

We chose to play with the conditions against us in the first half. I thought to myself if we were level at half time, we would have done ok.

However, the lads had other ideas and took the game to the oppo, from the off. Within 10 mins we were 1-0 up, when Nat drove home for the second week running from just inside the box. after about 20 mins . Jack Moore got his ear/shoulder to a corner to make it 2-0.

We then visibly dropped off the pace and invited Raw Skills back into the game. They took the invite with both hands and scrambled a corner home. 2-1. This kick started us again, as we created a few chances before half time, but did not take any.

 

The second half started fairly even, but we managed to restore our 2 goal cushion, when Callum Luckett got his first goal for the club, again from a Stefan corner. The oppo were not finished and they continued to take the game to us, whilst leaving 3/4 players up field at all times. we did not take advantage when we were in possesion and gave it away to cheaply, to often. They managed to get 1 back and hit the bar as well, but we held out, for a deserved win over the 70 mins.

 

Everyone played there part. Josh handled well in goal, Sam J and Nat attacked well from Full back. Jack Moore solid as ever. Callum, best game for us so far. James, Josh, Dan and Jacques linked well in midfield and Stef and Toby battled well up front. When introduced, Ollie, Frankie and Baiden all made important contributions.

 

Good win, well done.

 

J Harris, S Jacquin, J Moore, C Luckett, N Paine, J Prentis, D Roche, J Thornton, J Williams, T Wright, S Swift, O Roberts, F Fuller, B French.

 

 

 

 

 

28th September 2008

 

 

Two years in the same fixture we comprehensively beat Roselands 22-1, a memory that still lives with the players that played. However we spoke before the game about approaching this game with the correct attitude, as despite the fact they are struggling in the league below, this game would be completly different.

 

To say we started poorly would be an under statement as we found ourselves 2-0 down within 10mins. Two poor defensive mix ups. We had to improve, which we did, but it wasnt until Stef scored direct from a corner, 10 mins before half time, did we have anything to show for our play. Just before half time Stef was brought down for a penalty, which he duly dispatched. 2-2 at half time.

 

We started quickly in the second half and Josh scored from close range. Nat then smashed home from 15 yards to make 2-4. The scoring was complete when Josh got his second towards the end of the game.

 

A win and progress to the next round.

 

I feel we still have not played nowhere near to our potential, our team play has been in fits and starts. Some individuals have still got to raise their game and take what we are trying to do in training onto the pitch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

21st Septenber 2008

 

 

Second game of the season and a second defeat.

 

We were hoping that we would get are season up and running today, against the Division B champions of last year, but it was not to be, as they proved a strong outfit.

 

We started poorly, and although we were containing them we were not able to get a foothold in the game, and impose our play on to them, Apart from the odd counter attack. We fell behind to a very good strike from the angle of the 18 yard box which flew into the opposite corner. A good goal, but a poor clearence and lack of pressure on the ball from us, helped.

This kicked us into action and with about 10 mins to go to the half, we broke from the back and with a swift passing move down our right, equalized when Stef blasted home. Half time 1-1.

 

The chat at half time was positive, and the lads were making all the right noises about going on to win the game.

 

The old saying " it only takes a second to score a goal " or in Uckfields case 15 seconds, as we found ourselves 1-2 down straight from the kick off. Disappointing to say the least, even though there was a hint of hand ball by their scorer.

 

We continued to huff and puff, but they again scored a screamer from about 30 yards, to make it 1-3. We managed to get a second with about 5 to go but no equalizer and no points.

 

Positives to be taken, was our willing to work, Jack Moore and Callum Luckett were strong in defence, Josh Harris had his most assured game for a long while and Josh Flowers netted again.

 

The main negative, is our lack of communication on the pitch. YOU CANNOT play well if you are not aware of the space/time you have. This info not only comes from yourself, but more importantly your TEAM MATES around you. We will be working on this in training. Fitness is also becoming more of a factor now, and we have a few players who cannot last a whole match, they need to imporove this as well.

 

We have a cup game this week against lower league opposition, but I will be looking for the correct attitude, and hopefully we can get our first win.

 

J Harris, B French, C Luckett, J Moore, T Wilson, S Jacquin, D Roche, N Paine, J Flowers, T Wright, S Swift, F Fuller, J Prentis, O Roberts.