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2005-6 Tournaments
Mursley Tournament - 9 July 2006
With only one team in the tournament the Ravens put on an excellent show against higher opposition ending the day on a real high note.
The first game against Water Eaton Yellow saw a good performance with some truly awful refereeing. Not ones to normally comment on referees performance, the man in black just had a bit of a nightmare giving successive decisions to the opposition to help them win the game 4-0.
The second game against Central MK FC saw a very good referee penalise the opposition for dissent. A bit more speed required from the Ravens but the quality of Central MK play was enough to lose the game 2-0.
Next up saw 'Newton Longville A' win 2-0 when the Ravens performance left a lot to be desired. Poor positional play, an own goal and all round below par was not good enough from the Ravens.
A long break away from playing games saw a completely different Horwood side turn on the style for the last two games. Woodside B were dominated for the entire game with the Ravens peppering the goal before a David pass to Jamie then a pass into James Bennett saw James control the ball and plant it into the back of the net. James Bennett should have had another one shortly before when a header just went over the bar after another good move.
Last up was a game against a good 'Waterhall Stars A' team who were sitting in second place in the league. Another impressive Ravens display saw them again dominate all the game and apart from acrobatic goalkeeping from Haydon they never looked under pressure. At the other end David could have scored but it was Jamie who squeezed the ball into the corner after a good run. 1-0 to end the tournament with two wins against higher opposition.
Tournaments this year have been a positive experience and one which should build confidence and hope for a good season next year. Here's looking forward to the 31st August when we return to training.
Squad members:-
Sean, James H, Keenan, James B, Jamie, Haydon, Ben O, David.
Great Horwood 0 Water Eaton Youth Yellow 4
Great Horwood A 0 Central MK FC 2
Newton Longville 2 Great Horwood 0
Woodside B 0 Great Horwood 1
Great Horwood 1 Waterhall Stars A 0
Burton Youth Tournament - 17th June 2006
With two teams the squads had been roughly split into an A and B, however some late drop outs caused a little disruption to team planning and a late injury to Jack caused a hasty change in goal. Special mention must go to Ben Oxley for volunteering to go in goal for the B team, he performed heroics all day.
All in all another very good day for the under 12's who again showed further improvement from last season. Playing against teams from higher divisions including Division 1 champions Scot Youth.
The B team started with a new look line up which took time to settle. Unfortunately for them it took most of the first game against Kettering Generals Red to get organised, by which time they had conceded three goals. Not to be deterred they thought about it and came out again for the second game against Wilby youth with a tighter performance that kept the score down to a single goal right up until almost the last kick to finish their first two games 3-0 and 2-0. Ben had pulled off some great saves making his debut in goal and new players Ben and Will both gave impressive performances. A slight change in formation from the Manager John tightened up the team for their third game against Weekley Rovers with Ben recording his first clean sheet with a 0-0 scoreline. David, Andrew, Jack, Ben T, Ben O and Will made up the minimum squad of six and with no subs they all had to work really hard to get something out of each game. They deserved better in their last match when Jack scored to take the lead against the eventual league winners Corby Castle Rose, but after dominating most of the game they fell to a soft headed goal right at the last to draw the game 1-1 and just miss out on progressing.
The A team played very well in all but one of their games. They started with a solid 0-0 performance against a very good Kettering Generals Blue. Then followed it with a fantastic performance and result against Division 1 champions Scot Youth drawing 0-0 in a closely fought match with chances falling to both sides. A significant milestone in our improvement and a bit of a shock for Scot Youth.
Buoyed by their display the team went into the next game over confident and paid the price with a 3-0 loss against Boro Alliance. The trait of underperforming against teams which the squad incorrectly identify as being inferior is something of a hangover from last season and something we need to address.
With three points for a win it all went down to the last game against the home team Burton Youth to decide who would progress into the quarter-final. A tense encounter with chances at both ends the whole team competed with James B tackling and passing in a 2-1-2 formation. Jamie in the middle and Haydon being busy up front after Ben E had performed well and taken his turn in coming off. Keenan and James H continued to look solid at the back and Dan impressive between the posts. Just when it looked like it wasn't to be our day Jamie got the ball, knocked it to the right of a defender and unleashed a shot into the corner of the net. After the team celebrations their was only time for Burton to take the kick off before the final whistle went for the team to finish third in their group.
The quarter final against Wilby youth could have gone either way. We had chances which we failed to convert and the game was eventually decided by two cruel bounces right on the edge of the box. As the ball bounced up off the hard pitch it was impossible for Dan to decide whether it was safe to catch or head the ball and between him, the defence and bad luck twice the ball just fell at the feet of an attacker to knock home. A 2-0 loss and some disappointed players who knew luck had not been on their side.
A long afternoon for the under 12's after a 90 minute delay in organising the event, but all the players should be proud of their performance and be able to look forward with some confidence to next season.
Great Horwood A 
Squad members:-
Dan, James H, Keenan, James B, Jamie, Haydon, Ben E.
Kettering Generals Blue 0 Great Horwood A 0
Great Horwood A 0 Scot Youth 0
Great Horwood A 0 Boro Alliance 3
Great Horwood A 1 Burton Youth 0
Quarter final
Wilby youth 2 Great Horwood A 0
 Great Horwood B
Squad members:-
Ben O, Jack G, Ben T, Andrew, David, Will E.
Kettering Generals Red 3 Great Horwood B 0
Great Horwood B 0 Wilby Youth 2
Weekley Rovers 0 Great Horwood B 0
Great Horwood B 1 Corby Castle Rise 1
Great Horwood Ravens U12s at the Newport Pagnell Tournament (27 May 2006)
With two teams the squad was roughly split into an A and B. The day turned out to be a good one for the under 12's showing a marked improvement from last season. Playing against teams from higher divisions they competed in all but the last B fixture. By the time the B squad lined up against Waterhall Stars the awful weather had finally taken its toll and everyone just wanted to get out of the wet and get home.
Up until that last fixture the A squad had performed very well, all of them putting 100% into the games. The B squad took a little juggling before settling into their strongest formation and were particularly unlucky against Great Linford. Jack performed heroics in goal and Sean finally managed at the 99th attempt to score directly from the kick off.
The A team squad had some close encounters with narrow losses, twice a second goal being conceded with almost the last kick of the game. Although defence and approach play was good we need a little killer instinct in front of goal. They probably saved their best perfoamnce until last when the team played City Colts in an end-to-end encounter which could have seen a goal awarded when Ben Ettaoussi's shot went past the keeper but not apparently over the line.
 All in all an awful days weather but good promise from the under 12's as they continue to improve.
Great Horwood A
Squad members:-
Luke, David R, James H, James B, David, Haydon, Ben E, Joe.
Great Horwood A 0 Newport Pagnell 2
Waterhall Stars B 0 Great Horwood A 2
Kettering Generals 1 Great Horwood A 0
Earls Barton Utd 0 Great Horwood A 0
Olney Town Colts 1 Great Horwood A 0
Great Horwood A 0 City Colts Jets B 2
Great Horwood B
Squad members:-
Jack G, Richard, Ben O, Jack R, Sean, Greg, Dan, Andrew.
Weekley Rovers 3 Great Horwood B 0
Great Horwood B 0 Great Linford Rangers 1
In our best game the Ravens had probably the best chances of the game including a tremendous run andstrike from Sean with a follow on strike from Dan after the keeper blocked the first effort. Unfortunately Dans shot just whistled past the post.
City Colts Rockets 3 Great Horwood B 1
Great Horwood B 0 Abington Athletic Green 4
Great Horwood B 0 Downsbarn Vipers 2
Waterhall Stars A 6 Great Horwood B 0
MKDons Tournament
(12 May 2006)
 High expectations from a strong squad didn't quite come to fruition as the Ravens gave a good account of themselves but paid for lapses.
In a group of four against first division sides and the champions of division 2 the Ravens kicked off their tournament against Great Linford. Some early nerves were evident as a sluggish performance still made some decent chances but Linford scored the only goal of the game late on when a breakaway skipped passed the challenge of the last defender. At the final whistle the disappointment was obvious but there wasn't much time to regroup as the Ravens were on again in the next game.
This time playing another Division 1 side the Ravens were always on top and missed a couple of chances before Will tucked one away to win the game 1-0. Now we were off and running and started to look a little like the Ravens that finished the season on a high.
 After a short breather the Ravens were on again against the Division 2 champions Water Eaton Youth. This was a tight game with a lot of pressure from the Ravens but unfortunately a good goal meant we went down 1-0.
The return matches against the same teams started again with Great Linford. This time the Ravens played better but a couple of lapses saw two goals go in to record our heaviest defeat of the evening. This spurred the Ravens on for the last two games. As only the winners of the group were to go through to the final they realised they would not be qualifying and relaxed to play their best football. The game against Cranfield saw several chances wasted and lots of pressure not rewarded to finish the game 0-0.
Our last game saw a change in formation as Haydon went in goal and Dan had a late run out on pitch. Pressure from the Ravens saw Will convert a good chance to go 1-0 ahead. Although the Ravens had further chances they couldn't increase their lead. A late corner somehow made its way over the line as a desperate late save failed to impress the well positioned referee who awarded the goal. 1-1 the final score.
All in all, and on reflection, a good tournament for the Ravens and good experience. The players learned from the occasion and can now certainly hold their own with the best teams but need to be a little more relaxed to play their own football and ensure they are mobile enough to pressure the opposition when they are in possession. A definite improvement since last season and a good indicator of progress. Bring on the summer tournaments.
Squad members:-
Dan, James H, James B, Jamie, Will, David, Haydon, Jack G.
2005-6 Results
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Sun 11 Sep
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Grading
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vs Brackley Athletic
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0-3
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Home
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-
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We 14 Sep
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Grading
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vs Milton Keynes City
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0-5
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Home
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-
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We 21 Sep
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Grading
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@ Olney Town Colts
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1-4
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Away
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David
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Sun 25 Sep
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Grading
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@ Southside United
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1-4
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Away
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Haydon
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Start of League Season
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Sun 16 Oct
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Lge
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Houghton Conquest Owls
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7-0
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Home
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Jamie(3), Richard, David (2), Haydon
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Sun 23 Oct
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Cup
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Wing Raiders
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5-2
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Home
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Jamie(2), Haydon, James H, Sean
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Sun 30 Oct
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Lge
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Wootton Rangers
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3-4
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Away
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Haydon(2), David
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Sun 6 Nov
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Lge
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Willen Juniors
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1-0
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Home
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Will
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Sun 13 Nov
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Lge
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Old Stratford Lighting
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0-0
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Away
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-
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Sun 20 Nov
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Lge
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Stewkley
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1-2
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Away
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James H
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Sun 27 Nov
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no match
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Sun 4 Dec
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Lge
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New City Saints
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2-2
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Home
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Haydon, Will
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Sun 11 Dec
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Lge
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Fenny Stratford "B"
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0-4
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Home
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-
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Sun 18 Dec
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Cup
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Ampthill Aragon
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P
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Postponed - Frosty pitch
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Christmas Break
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Sun 8 Jan
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Lge
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Wing Raiders
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1-2
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Home
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Jack
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Sun 15 Jan
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Lge
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MK City
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1-7
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Away
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David
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Sun 22 Jan
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Lge
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MK Wanderers
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4-5
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Away
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Jamie(2), Will, David
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Sun 29 Jan
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Cup
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Ampthill Aragon
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P
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Postponed - Frosty pitch
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Sun 5 Feb
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Lge
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Wooton Rangers
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2-6
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Home
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Will, James H
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Sun 12 Feb
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Lge
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Houghton Conquest Owls
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Away
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Postponed - Opposition unable to field team
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Sun 19 Feb
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Lge
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Willen Juniors Red
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1-4
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Away
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Jamie
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Sun 26 Feb
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Cup
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Ampthill Aragon
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1-2
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Home
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Haydon
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Sun 5 Mar
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Lge
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New City Saints
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0-3
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Away
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Sun 12 Mar
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Lge
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MK City
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0-2
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Home
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Sun 19 Mar
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no match
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Sun 26 Mar
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Lge
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Stewkley
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6-0
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Home
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Haydon (2), Will (3), David
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Sun 02 Apr
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Lge
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MK Wanderers
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1-9
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Home
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James H
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Sun 09 Apr
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Lge
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Old Stratford Lightning
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3-6
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Home
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Will, Jamie (2)
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Sun 23 Apr
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Lge
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Wing Raiders
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2-6
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Away
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Will(2)
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Sun 30 Apr
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no match
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Sun 7 May
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Lge
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Fenny Stratford "B"
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2-4
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Away
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Will, Jack G
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2005-6 (as Under 12s) table
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Under 12 Division 4
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Team
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Pl
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W
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D
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L
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Pts
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C
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MK Wanderers
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20
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17
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1
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2
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35
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R/U
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Milton Keynes City
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20
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15
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3
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2
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33
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3
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Fenny Stratford B
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20
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15
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1
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4
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31
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4
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New City Saints
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20
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13
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4
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3
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30
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=5
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Old Stratford Lightning
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20
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8
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4
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8
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20
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=5
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Willen Juniors Reds
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20
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10
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0
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10
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20
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7
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Wootton Rangers
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20
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6
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4
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10
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16
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8
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Wing Raiders
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20
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6
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3
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11
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15
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9
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Great Horwood
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20
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4
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2
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14
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10
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10
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Stewkley
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20
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2
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2
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16
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6
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11
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Houghton Conquest Owls
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20
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1
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2
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17
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4
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2005-6 (as Under 12s) Match Reports
Fenny Stratford B 4 Great Horwood Ravens 2
Scorers :- Will, Jack G
Division 4 (7 May 2006)
What a game..... The Ravens finished their 11-a-side season with a really positive performance but without the points as a reward. The previous encounter with Fenny had seen a physical encounter which had allowed Fenny to play to their strengths. This time the Ravens were aware of what was required and competed right across the pitch for the whole game, a first for the season....
That said, the first half saw a few close shaves with Dan punching impressively in goal and a few forays into the opposition half. Although the Ravens were competing they needed to play a bit more football as possession was conceded too easily creating more pressure. 0-0 at half time the Ravens had surprised the home team and themselves with a strong performance.
Half time team talk concentrated on doing the same things again but this time with a bit more passing to try and keep possession and build attacks. A few changes at half time were made to ensure everyone had a game and we kicked off again.
Almost from the start the Ravens were under pressure and nearly conceded. This provided the wake up call for the team which they responded to by creating their own chances and start to push forward. However, after a bit of end-to-end play a ball played across the goal hit a defenders hand and went in. The referee awarded a penalty rather than let the goal stand which Fenny then despatched high over the bar.
A little while later a ball broke to the edge of the box and with nobody closing the player down the Fenny midfielder was able to pick his spot and hit the corner of the net. 1-0 and all to play for.... at this stage the decision was taken to finish the season on a high. Some of the team changes made at half time had not settled into the ebb and flow of the game so they were reversed and the Ravens quickly struck back with a goal from Will. 1-1 and a cracking game.
Just as the Ravens looked to be on the up the home team pressed forward causing the Ravens to concede a free kick after a short corner had been taken. As the Ravens looked to organise themselves the attacker chipped the ball into the far top right of the goal. A well taken opportunity but a little fortunate not to have to be retaken from the correct spot. 2-1 to Fenny.
The Ravens rallied again and pressed forward to win a corner. As Jamie whipped the ball in Jack G scored a wonderful headed goal from 6 yards out to level the scores. He knew exactly what he was doing and directed a powerful header into the net, the away crowd cheered and his team mates congratulated him.....2-2 and big smiles all round...
Both teams and sets of supporters were getting into the spirit of the game as the end-to-end play led to an exciting end of the game. As the clock ticked away a scramble in the Ravens box which should have seen someone take responsibility and clear the ball led to a toe poked goal and the lead going again to Fenny.
The Ravens now really went for it and could have scored another equaliser on at least two occasions until an attack from Fenny led to a clearance hitting a defender and cruelly going in past Dan. A tough goal to concede but to their credit the Ravens just picked the ball out of the net and rushed to take the kick off only for the whistle to blow for the end of the match.
Many positives could be taken from the game and should hold us in good stead for next season. We have learnt to compete and are improving positional sense. Communication was much better today and although disappointed at the end all players enjoyed the game. The referee commented it was the best game he had seen 'in a long while', hopefully next time we meet will see the Ravens getting the edge...
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Sean, Keenan, Ben Y, James H, James B, Jamie, Will, David, Haydon.
Wing Raider 6 Great Horwood Ravens 2
Scorers :- Will (2)
Division 4 (23 April 2006)
For the second game running the Ravens failed to convert chances against an opposition who finished more difficult opportunities.
The Ravens started brightly with well placed balls for the forwards to run onto. However after 15 minutes a quick throw over the defence followed by a looping cross made its way straight over the keeper to go in under the bar in the corner. Not intentional and not much anyone could do about it!!.
The Ravens picked themselves up and went again to pepper the opposition goal including one lob under pressure in the box which just hit the top of the net behind the cross bar causing celebrations on the sidelines. Celebrations that were cut short when the goal kick was awarded. The home team second goal saw a statuesque defence pay the price for not being quick to close. The forward running through to finish clinically. This period of play was seeing the Ravens attack well and play well going forward in the middle, particularly Jamie showing good skills, but was noticable for the gaps between forwards and defence, meaning the rest of midfield were not working hard enough. The defence were guilty of hurrying clearances, sometimes missing the ball and the attack just couldnt find the net. If the opposition goal had just been a foot higher we would have had five or six goals but as it was it took a good move and shot from Will to open the Ravens account but unfortunately not before Wing had squeezed another one in.
3-1 at half time the spectators couldn't quite understand how we were losing, the reality being just silly mistakes or near misses making the difference. Half time concentrated on getting the midfield to join up the play by being more mobile which worked better in the second half. Unfortunately although the midfield worked better it was the defence turn to sleep and too many times leave the star striker for the home team free to run onto goal or just have a single defender to beat. Some of this problem was due to team changes trying to get positive players forward but also ensure all players had a fair run out, but the rest was due to lack of concentration and communication throughout the team. We really need to work on this aspect as its having a huge impact on results, scorelines the rest of the play doesn't deserve.
The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with the Ravens attacking only to concede another goal after a free kick had been awarded on the edge of the box. Shortly afterwards Haydon hit the crossbar and it looked like the Ravens were never going to score again....
By now the Wing star striker was getting used to free runs and his team were also getting used to it. A ball over the top allowed him to run on and cleverly chip the advancing Dan for a good goal. Again the Ravens pushed on with chances being created and spurned, Will hitting the post being the most memorable. As the Ravens pushed forward again the home side broke down their right to cross for an unmarked player to score their last goal. Not deterred the Ravens still tried to get something for their efforts and could still have scored several goals with a scramble in front of goal leading to a miss from 2 yards and another another chance being scooped just past the past after a cross from David.
Finally Will scored his and the teams second after a cross wipped under the strikers foot before Will despatched it into the corner.
At the end there was obvious dissapointment from the team and supporters. For the last two games we have deserved better but keep paying the price for lapses. We must work on the whole team communicating and installing that little bit of grit that is the difference between winning and losing.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Jack G, Ben Y, Richard, Andrew, James B, Jamie, Will, David, Haydon.
Great Horwood Ravens 3 Old Stratford Lightning 6
Scorers :- Will, Jamie (2)
Division 4 (9 April 2006)
Well, after last weeks display this week saw a much improved performance in a game that once again showed how cruel football can be when luck is against you. The team started a little sluggish and the impressive visitors ripped down the wings and through the middle with a little too much ease. As the game then started to settle the Ravens came more into the match and started to threaten themselves. The game turned however, when a looping shot/deflection/cross deceived everybody and dropped in under the bar for Stratford to take the lead. Not deterred, the Ravens pressed forward again and had good periods of play with Will bursting down the left and Haydon and David being busy up front.
The next goal came from a cross which was deflected into the net by one of our defenders - against the run of play it could have set the home team on the downward slide but they regrouped to fight on. Shortly afterwards a good goal from distance hammered into the bottom corner for a 3-0 lead. The Ravens were then up against it but after much pressure was applied in the box Jamie took advantage at the second attempt to get the ball past the keeper to go in at half time 3-1 down.
The half time team talk concentrated on the many positives and urged the players on to enjoy the game and hopefully their luck would change. Apart from two fluky soft goals it had been an even half during which the Ravens had certainly enjoyed their share of chances.
We started the second half brightly and looked up for the challenge then a break through left an attacker with a one-on-one which he squeezed through Dans legs (it happens to all the best keepers) - again on another day it might of hit his leg or just been blocked. Still not downhearted the Ravens picked themselves up and went for it...
At 4-1 down we attacked with pressure forcing corners which eventually paid off as Will volleyed in a goal from a Jamie corner. With nearly all the team giving 100% we looked on the up and keen to get back on level terms. However, in keeping with the rest of the game the visitors attacked and another cross was deflected into the goal for a second own goal. 5-2 but still the team kept on going....
As the Ravens again pressed forward Jamie burst into the box to let fly with a shot into to the top of the net, 5-3 and the pressure was building on the visitors. After the goal we continued to press but try as we might the ball kust wouldnt run for us. Haydon, David, Jamie and Will all had chances but it wasnt to be. Then with just about the last kick of the game as tiredeness took hold the visitors scored again.
The final score just didnt reflect the game or show the level of effort put into the game by the Ravens. Our last home game had been an enjoyable action packed event played in good spirit against a good old Stratford team who play well on their travels. Two games to go, lets kick on and carry this performance through to the next game against wing.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Jack G, Ben Y, Richard, Andrew, James B, Jamie, Will, David, Haydon.
Great Horwood Ravens 1 MK Wanderers 9
Scorers :- James H
Division 4 (2 April 2006)
Oh dear..... where to start.....
The game against the wanderers was a three-way split of the first 20 minutes - the last 10 minutes of the first half and all the second half. if we concentrate on the first twenty minutes we could say the Ravens continue to impress; building on last weeks performance. The game started with James Heath bursting through and scoring within seconds of the whistle. The home crowd thought we were in for a feast of entertainment as the Ravens attacked again only for the visitors to break away and attack down our left. The winger cut in past the defenders and squeezed the ball into the net. 1-1 and still less than five minutes played.
The next fifteen minutes saw a competitive game with the Ravens just having the edge. Then as we neared half time the crowd could sense the team starting to lose concentration and gradually start to switch off. The visitors took advantage to score two late goals and go in at the break 3-1.
The half time team talk tried to instil the need to maintain concentration and go out and give the visitors a game. Unfortunately any instructions were lost as we conceded a soft goal almost from the kick off. The next 25 minutes seemed like a lifetime as the team forgot any sense of teamwork, passing or touch and repeatedly gave the ball away to the visitors who play in a similar style to MK City by throwing players forward. Too many of our players were not on form and too little thought was given to playing football. The final whistle came as a welcome relief and a reminder of how capable the team is of playing good and bad football, both extremes being displayed in one match.
Credit should be given to Haydon and James H for continuing their usual 100% effort right up to the last minute.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Jack G, Jack R, Ben Y, Andrew, James B, Jamie, James H, David, Haydon.
Great Horwood Ravens 6 Stewkley 0
Scorers :- Haydon (2), Will (3), David
Division 4 (26 March 2006)
Finally, the team got what they deserved from a game they dominated. The under strength visitors never really threatened apart from some excellent corners. The Ravens at the start looked too keen, too quick and rushed many of their passes. They also seemed to be offside every time the ball went through in their haste to get goals. After 10 minutes one of the strikers was withdrawn for a chat to get some calm into the side and gradually as the half progressed the side started to play some good football.
Memorable moments from the first half included a fantastic strike from James H hit on the volley which rattled the bar. Will, playing his best game of the season had some good runs down the left and some excellent crosses. Then just as it looked as it was going to be one of those days Haydon pounced to score the opening goal and go into halftime at 1-0. Jamie should have opened the scoring before Haydon but, when it looked easier to score, the ball somehow just crept past the post.
The second half saw some changes and after the half time team talk had again concentrated on getting the players to play football, rather than rushing, the team set about passing and playing some good stuff. Very quickly Haydon scored after a pressured attack then Will added another to make it 3-0. At this point further team changes were made to ensure the game remained competitive. The changes didn’t make much difference as Will scored another and then another great individual goal running past players with a superb finish at the end for his hat trick. 5-0 and the Ravens were rampant. Over the next ten minutes James B, Andrew and David could all have scored but shots were blocked or deflected at the key moment.
As the game came to a close most of the team kept their discipline to maintain a clean sheet. Then David ended the scoring with a creative chip from the edge of the box to loop over the keepers head and end the day at 6-0. Tough for the visitors but for the Ravens it was a performance and result that has been brewing for some time. Hopefully we can continue this form into next week and reinforce the discipline required to get these results.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Jack G, Ben O, Sean, Keenan, Will, James H, Jamie, Jack R, David, Haydon.
Great Horwood Ravens 0 MK CIty 2
Scorers :-
Division 4 (12 March 2006)
The Ravens played some good football and should have come away with a win, however a brief two minute spell midway through the first half saw a soft goal just creep over the line quickly followed within two minutes by another goal after the whole team stood and watched the ball on the edge of our penalty area. 2-0 within a couple of minutes against the run of play was tough but in common with what seems to happen in all games during this middle patch of the season.
The visitors defence stood firm throughout the rest of the game with a strong big lad dominating the play. The highlight was Haydon being unlucky to hit the post after a good move down the left. Jack G had a great game in goal commanding his area and acting as sweeper for a few of the direct attacks from the visitors. The game plan from MK city was the same as before piling players forward to pressurise the defender on the ball. If it works and they gain possession they score. This had worked very well for them in our previous two encounters but today looked like we had finally worked it out. Hopefully next time we will start to utilise the space this tactic leaves behind the attack and have some success ourselves.
All in all another good display and the players came off feeing quite pleased with the performance but obviously disappointed with the result. Unfortunately the team talk was cut short with some poor behaviour from a minority but this should detract from the fact we are playing ourselves towards getting another win to restart our season.
Starting line up:-
Jack G, Ben O, Sean, Keenan, Richard, James H, Jamie, James B, Will, Jack R, Haydon.
New City Saints 3 Great Horwood Ravens 0
Division 4 (5 March 2006)
The Ravens again continued their form from the previous game but are missing the confidence going forward that would come from a win. The defence were again solid for nearly all the game only once letting a player free in the box unopposed. This solid back four display allowed the midfield to play some football but we were always being caught offside when going forward.
Although we didn't create any clear chances we still looked the more likely to score for the first twenty minutes. Then as the half was nearing its end a diagonal long ball through the middle was swept across for the home side to score. Then just before the whistle Dan was forced into a full stretch save that unfortunately fell to another attacker to hit back across the goal for another tap in. The half time team talk concentrated on making more of our possession particularly from throw-ins and trying to ensure our clearances were just not hit and hope. The team couldn't quite understand why we were 2-0 down, so set about the second half in the same manner. Two changes at half time, one enforced with Ben O going off with a foot problem, saw a little re-organisation in the team. Jack R was getting used to the offside trap up front and worked well coming back into midfield to get the ball.
As the half progressed we still failed to get any clear chances and the game degenerated into a lot of silly fouls leading to a New City player being booked. New City had several attacks snuffed out by the Ravens defence until the one time a ball was played across the box to an attacker all by himself on the penalty spot. 3-0 saw the end of the scoring, a good performance from the Ravens but we really need a win to get back in the groove.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Jack G, Keenan, Ben Y, Andrew, Jamie, James B, James H, Jack R, Will.
Great Horwood Ravens 1 Ampthill Aragon 2
Scorers :- Haydon
Cup Round 1 (25 February 2006)
The Ravens continued their form from the last game, this time with more of the squad available. After surviving an onslaught in the first few minutes the Ravens started to force their way into the game. A change of formation to combat a speedy left midfield player made a difference as Ben O showed a big improvement from last week, eventually snuffing out the threat from the opposition down his side. After a few breaks forward with Haydon and David hustling the defence and Andrew and James H pressing down the wings the game was looking to settle. Unfortunately just when we were starting to establish ourselves an uncontested cross in from the left saw a forward tap the ball past Dan for the visitors to go 1-0 ahead.
To their credit the Ravens rallied and continued to go forward contesting just about every ball and trying to play football. The half ended with some tired legs but a team selected by the Captain and Vice Captain walking off proud of their efforts. One change at half time saw the introduction of Jack R for Richard. We started and soon looked a little ragged before the team started to settle again. Jamie was battling for everything and throw-ins from Ben O and Ben Y were a constant threat down the wings. Dan's decision making was much improved from last week choosing his moments to clear or come out. Great kicking from our keeper also kept the pressure off the midfield allowing the attack to build. Keenan and Jack G were immense at the back listening and learning to get out and play the offside. After 10 minutes the team were again undone by another uncontested cross (this time from the right) for another attacker to tap in. A few more attacks from the visitors which should have been converted let the Ravens start again to build some momentum. Eventually this paid off with a cross from James Heath converted by Haydon to get the score back to 2-1. Now it was game on...
As the Ravens poured forward looking for the equaliser they were sometimes exposed at the back but the defence held strong. One such break led to Dan clearing the ball against Jack who managed to block it with his nose, forcing a blood replacement and the return of Andrew to the fray. As the game drew to a close the Ravens just failed to get another goal.
Team talk after the match concentrated on the many positives from the game. The team considered themselves unlucky not to get at least a draw. Next week we need to take forward this self belief into the game against New City Saints and get back into the winning ways the team deserve.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Jack G, Keenan, Ben Y, Andrew, Jamie, Richard, James H, David and Haydon.
Willen 4 Great Horwood Ravens 1
Scorers :- Jamie
Division 4 (19 February 2006)
No repeat this week of previous displays where we dropped off the pace for patches of the game. This week the team started brightly but were almost immediately under pressure as the home team pushed forward on a soggy pudding of a pitch.
The makeshift Ravens struggled to clear some balls and some poor decision making led to the goal being under more threat than it should have been. However, it was a big hoof from distance that finally undid the Ravens as a speculative effort from distance crept in under the bar.
The Ravens then picked themselves up and had some foraging runs, particularly down the left with Haydon, Jamie and Will linking up for Will to have some good runs at the defence. As we looked to be getting more into the game Willen forced a corner which Dan couldn’t quite punch clear. The ball hit the post, then flew out to hit a defender on the head and just cross the line before James B could clear it. 2-0 and the team were starting to look a bit ragged.
As the half progressed some good attacks down both flanks were snuffed out by an impressive Willen defence and then just as the half was closing weak clearances from the Ravens led to the ball bobbling around the edge of the penalty area for a Willen player to dart through and hammer the ball home.
Half time team talk concentrated on the positives, better decision making was required throughout the team starting with Dan in goal. No changes to the team were made and we set off the second half immediately pressing forward. Numerous chances went begging with one-on-ones and shots just going wide before a goalmouth scramble ended with Jamie getting his head on the ball to force it over. 3-1 and we were the only team looking likely to go and win. Unfortunately, just as they kicked off they attacked down our left and cut infield to squeeze the ball inside the far post. A real kick in the teeth after all the hard work the team had put in.
Notable moment of the second half was a penalty save from Dan after a striker had been taken down in the penalty area. As the penalty was taken Dan dived low to his right to push the ball wide, and then dive on the ball after the scramble that followed.
Further chances were few and far between but we still played some good stuff with James B threading some balls through and Keenan and Sean looking strong at the back.
The game ended 4-1, played in good spirit as usual against Willen but a result that is getting too familiar. We need a win to remind the players they are a good team. We need all the squad back and to look forward to a good performance against Division 2 team Ampthill in the cup next week. Team selection will concentrate on getting a result.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Sean, Keenan, Richard, James B, Jamie, Andrew, Will, Jack G and Haydon.
Houghton Conquest Owls P-P Great Horwood Ravens
Milton Keynes Border Counties League Division 4 (11 February 2006)
This match was postponed 24 hrs before kick off due to the home team only having half a team available.
Great Horwood Ravens 2 Wootton Rangers 6
Scorers :- Will, James H
Division 4 (5 February 2006)
The pre-match team talk concentrated on previous performances where the team fail to play for the full game. If only they could play for 60 minutes instead of 50 the results would be so different.
So much for the team talk.... 3 goals conceded in the first five minutes just proved the theory and made it hard work for the rest of the game..... Too many players were not fresh enough for the start of the game and it showed.
Three goals, all soft, all down to poor defending by the whole team..... After this period had passed, they spent the rest of the game starting to switch on but still conceded another goal to go in at half time 4-0 down.
Not a good half for the home side... an awful start followed late on by a bad injury to David as a clumsy challenge scraped his ankle leading to him leaving the field and Ray taking him home complete with ice pack... Jamie then came off at half time suffering from his exertions on the Saturday and a bad blister...
The second half was a lot better with a goal from Will and another from James H running through the middle, but we still conceded a couple of soft goals, one from a corner where the defence did well to get out of the way rather than attack the ball. The other left Jack G with no chance after a badly deflected shot from distance went in.
The team to their credit didn't give up in the second half but another loss is starting to be a habit. They are better than the results show, they need to believe in themselves and concentrate on getting back into winning ways.
Positives from the game was Jack G performance again in the second half in goal, not giving up ... particularly Haydon and James H. The strength at the back as Keenan and Jack R build some understanding.... If only we hadn't had those first few minutes.....
Starting line up:-
Sean, Ben YO, Jack R, Keenan, James B, James H, Jamie, Richard, David, Will and Haydon.
MK Wanderers 5 Great Horwood Ravens 4
Scorers :- Jamie(2), Will, David
Division 4 (22 January 2006)
Back on the swing meter for the Ravens as they turned in a cracking performance for 45 minutes and just let it slip for 15 -enough for the league leaders to get 5 goals and cruelly rob the Ravens of a great victory.
The game started with a high tempo and quick moves from the Ravens. It was too much for the home team as Haydon was taken out in the penalty box for Jamie to step up and coolly put away the penalty. 4 minutes gone and 1-0 up the start could not have been better! The next 10 minutes followed with the home team making some attacking moves and gaining a few corners but the feature of the match was the number of offside decisions against the Ravens. The home team were very good at stepping up but we need to be a bit more aware of the trap and not get caught so easily.
As the game settled into a pattern the Ravens started to push on with some great runs by Haydon, David, Jamie, Will and Matt. Eventually we managed to break the offside with Will making a quick break down the left to cut in and slot the ball inside the far post for a great goal.
2-0 at half time we knew we were still in for a tough second half against the top side and so it proved. We were a little slow to start and the home side had obviously been given a few pointers by their management team at half time. They started attacking and could have scored if Jack G making his debut in goal had not been on top form. Then, against the run of play the Ravens attacked and David scored from just outside the 6 yard box to make it 3-0.
The players were buzzing but the goal just reinforced the home teams resolve and coincided with a drop in concentration and aggression with the Ravens. For the next 15 minutes we just dropped off the pace, not getting the tackle in which we had been up until then. A strong shot from distance was too much for the keeper for Wanderers to open their account followed in reasonably quick succession by another four. The visiting crowd and players were stunned but to their credit at 5-3 down the Ravens picked it up again and pushed on.
As the game drew to a close the Ravens were again forcing the play and when Jamie grabbed his second and the teams fourth it looked like we were going to get it back. However, the clock was against us and the final whistle went with the Ravens on top and looking for the equaliser.
Lots of positives to take from the game, the team said they were going to play better than last week and they did. They competed for nearly all the game and the disappointment shown at the end said it meant something and it hurt to lose - all good for building that competitive edge. To score four goals and lose was tough, the 4-3 at Wooton, the 2-1 against Wing and now this 5-4 loss are all cruel results but show the team how close they are to getting more points on the board - points they deserve.
Great debut in goal for Jack G and Greg in midfield. Before the game a presentation was made to Matt to mark his time at the club. He played his last game in great style, before moving to the USA , a game he will remember. The team will miss him but we wish him well for the future.
Starting line up:-
Jack G, Ben O, Jack R, Keenan, James B, Matt, Jamie, Richard, Will, David and Haydon.
MK City 7 Great Horwood Ravens 1
Scorers :- David
Division 4 (15 January 2006)
Here we go again......
The Ravens followed last week’s performance with another lack lustre display. Too many players had an off day with too many mistakes made.
Some good football was played and indeed the first twenty minutes we looked the better side and took the lead with a well taken goal from David.
Unfortunately the home side then started to play the ball through the Ravens defence with great effect and too many chances were presented to them with one-on-one situations with Dan in goal.
Mistakes from poor clearances or not getting tight at corners was the order of the day and as time passed some of the Ravens really looked like they didn’t want to be there. Changes at half time and again through the second half failed to make much of an impact. We looked a bit tighter with Keenan coming on but lost out going forward with a re-arranged defence.
It wasn’t quite back to the bad old days of last season but the players need to find some of their form for next weeks game against top of the table MK Wanderers followed by the re-arranged cup game against Division 2 Ampthill Aragon.
This weeks training will be interesting as the list of things to work on is a long one but team spirit is good and should be enough to see us bounce back.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Jack G, Ben Y, James B, James H, Richard, Jack R, Matt, David and Haydon.
Great Horwood Ravens 1 Wing 2
Division 4 (8 January 2006)
Scorers :- Jack R
The Ravens played some of their best football of the season but paid the price for not finishing and one mistake. The team are starting to grow and take responsibility for their game. Vice Captain Dan is responsible for all warm up routines and together with Captain Jamie also took the pre-match team talk and warm up exercises.
The whole squad are being asked to contribute to the pre match discussions and half time analysis with positive results being shown on the pitch as communication improves.
This was another game which could have gone either way with the Ravens dominating most of the play and Wing always looking dangerous on the break. Both goalkeepers played very well but the Wing stopper was the busier. The stats for the game would show the corner count for the Ravens to be extremely high but shots on goal failed to find the net.
Midway through the first half, and against the run of play, Wing took the lead after a through ball down our left beat the line of defence. Dan came out to narrow the angle and nearly got to it but the forward just got it past him. The Ravens picked themselves up and carried on playing some good stuff threatening the Wing goal.
Half time came and no player deserved to come off because they had all played well. However, with four subs all itching to get on changes were made with an immediate impact. Jack R burst through tackles to fire off a shot which the excellent Wing keeper could only parry for Jack to rifle home the rebound. Most of the crowd missed it as they were still appearing from the pavilion with teas and coffees. The Ravens then continued to push on with yet more corners and attacking play which the Wing keeper handled with ease. At the other end a couple of scrambles with Dan diving on the ball in his penalty area were not enough to stop the Ravens dominating most of the play. As time went on the visitors started to pump more balls forward and build some pressure. Even so it was a badly placed throw-in from the Ravens which put our defence under pressure and gave the nippy wing striker the opportunity to nick the game with just minutes to go. Some cavalier attacking at the end in attempt to rescue the game including Dan going up for the last corner was just not enough to get the result the Ravens play deserved.
All in all another close game against wing played in the right spirit. We look forward to our next encounter.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben Y, Keenan, Jack G, Ben O, Sean, Jamie, Richard, James H, David and Haydon.
Great Horwood Ravens 0 Fenny Startford 'B' 4
Division 4 (11 December 2005)
The Ravens paid for a poor start to the game by conceding two early goals. They never recovered in the first half and were fortunate to go in at half time with the score staying at 2-0.
The half time team talk concentrated on getting the team to compete. Fenny had been allowed an easy ride in the first half and had hardly broken a sweat. We needed to 'get amongst them' and at least challenge for the ball. We also need to get the ball wider more quickly, a common theme in most games.....
Changes at half time were made to give the subs a run out and attempt to bolster the midfield which had struggled to maintain position and deal with the physical game employed by the visitors.
To their credit the whole team responded with a much better second half, at least Fenny knew they had been in a game.
A lot of neat interchanges through the Ravens midfield failed to result in any clear chances with the Ravens unable to threaten the Fenny goal at any stage in the game.
A stronger performance unfortunately still saw a couple of goals conceded as a mistake and a fortunate cross-come-shot resulted in the biggest loss of the season for the Ravens.
We need to learn from this game and react more positively to the physical game employed by some teams. It is a major part of the game which when played within the rules demonstrates a desire to compete and often is enough to make the difference in tight games.
Roll on the cup game next week
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben Y, Keenan, Jack G, James B, Will, Jamie, Ben O, Matt, David and Haydon.
Great Horwood Ravens 2 New City Saints 2
Scorers :- Haydon, David
Division 4 (4 December 2005)
The Ravens see-saw season continues with a return to form against a good New City side. A tight game of end-to-end football saw the Ravens perform well for large parts of the game, only losing shape close to the end with a little loss of concentration.
Some of the football was a joy to watch as the crowd lost count of the number of little through balls sending the attackers and wingers towards goal.
Keenan and Jack are building a good understanding at the back with Keenan acting as sweeper and Jack getting his head on anything that moves in the box. James B is using his awareness to good effect at right back and Ben Y is strong at left back. Over the coming weeks we need to work on the attacking options for the back four but their defence is coming along nicely.
Centre midfield still needs work as the personnel are shuffled around. Richard is getting stronger with each game and had a great first half. Ben O came in as his replacement and gave a good performance for his first go in the middle. Out left Sean had an outstanding game constantly breaking tackles and making a nuisance of himself going forward as well as doing his bit defending. Out on the right Will had a good game hassling the defence. Haydon was his usual busy self up front and crowned his performance with a great goal after a big kick from Dan was flicked on by David for Haydon to lob the keeper from the edge of the box. It was nice to score one of those goals instead of being on the receiving end.
1 0 to the Ravens at half time.... we all knew we were in for a long second half.
Sure enough as the second half kicked off the visitors had a quick break through the middle which over whelmed the defence for New City to equalise. The midfield then had to dig in to get the team work back again. Sean had a strong run into the box bursting through tackles before the ball broke for David to punch the ball back through the crowd to go 2-1 up.
The game never looked like ending 2-1 with the visitors going close and the Ravens having their fair share at the other end.. James Heath gave a good performance sticking to his position at right back and having some good runs and long throws. Andrew made his debut, replacing Haydon and looks a good player for the future.
With just ten minutes to go the visitors had a corner which the Ravens failed to clear allowing an attacker plenty of time to choose his shot from within the penalty area.
The game ended 2-2 but at least the Ravens are back to playing as a team......good performance.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben Y, Keenan, Jack G, James B, Will, Jamie, Richard, Sean, David and Haydon.
Stewkley 2 Great Horwood Ravens 1
Milton Keynes Border Counties League Division 4 (20 November 2005)
Scorers :- James H
A woeful performance from the Ravens had all the hallmarks of the MK City game.
Cold weather may have been an excuse at the start of the game but pre-match confidence in obtaining a result without having to work was identical to the MK City match.
The first half saw lots of breaks forward down the left and as always through the middle with little distribution out wide right. The centre midfield supported the attacks but as with the whole team, they all seemed to be in slow motion when defending or having to turn and chase back.
James H scored against the run of play for the Ravens to go 1-0 up after a strong run. Some strange decisions by officials were a feature of the game including a strong lecture to a Great Horwood Player after a home team player had been kicked by one of his own side.
The second half saw some major changes to the team with the return from injury of Jamie and Sean getting some experience in goal.
The second half display gradually disintegrated as the home team pushed forward leaving four of five players up front with sometimes only two Horwood defenders to cover them. It was only a matter of time before an attack paid off as they levelled the score at 1-1.
With so many home team players pushing forward the Ravens were still incapable of playing any form of team football as individuals consistently tried to take on the whole opposition, only to lose it and allow a big kick up to the waiting group of attackers.
The game ended with almost the last kick of the game taking the victory for Stewkley. Post match behaviour of the Horwood team was less than acceptable as disappointment took over from reason and individuals incorrectly felt they were to blame, or dissent was voiced against the officials.
It was the teams performance that was responsible for the loss not any individual...
The team needs to decide if they want to win games or just enjoy having a run out, if the former is the case then training needs to improve and desire to support their team mates on and off the pitch needs to be more evident.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben Y, Keenan, Jack G, James B, James H, Jack R, Richard, Sean, David and Haydon.
Old Stratford Lightning 0 Great Horwood Ravens 0
Milton Keynes Border Counties League Division 4 (13 November 2005)
A cracking end-to-end game that somehow managed to finish 0-0.
The Ravens played well throughout the game, still some work required on maintaining positions to keep the shape but speed and strength are so far proving to be just about enough to get us out of trouble.
The defence of James B, Keenan, Jack G and Ben O kept their second clean sheet in a row with Dan making a couple of great saves. One in particular was a spectacular full stretch which had the crowd roar with approval. Midfield worked hard to get back and cover then support the attack with Ben Y, Sean, Richard, Jack R, James H and Matt all having a go at different times during the game to break down the spirited home side.
A couple of chances put over the bar and a great corner from Sean which just needed a header were probably the closest the Ravens came to scoring but during the game a succession of chances had gone begging with last gasp defending just getting a foot in to deny David, Haydon or a marauding midfielder.
Overall it was a fair result as it would have been an injustice for either team to lose.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Keenan (capt), Jack G, James B, James H, Sean, Richard, Ben Y, David and Haydon.
Great Horwood Ravens 1 Willen Rangers 0
Milton Keynes Border Counties League Division 4 (6 November 2005)
Scorers :- Will
The Ravens kick started what will hopefully be another winning run with a well deserved hard fought victory in atrocious conditions.
The game was an end-to end affair right from the kick-off. The Ravens attacked with a good cross from Will which should have been converted then shortly after Will attacked again to score his opening goal of the season with a deflection into the Willen net. 1-0 and only five minutes played...
The Ravens showed lots of promise attacking away from the pavilion and kept the visitors at bay as Willen threw players forward. Captain for the day Dan, had to keep mopping up at the back as through balls ran on in the slippery conditions. Keenan and Jack are getting used to their roles at the back and James B and Ben O are supporting well in the full back positions.
Will is playing his best football defensively getting back to support. Richard and Jack R are learning their roles and James H did well to take on injured captain Jamies job in the centre.
The second half saw the introduction of Ben Y, Matt and Sean which bolstered midfield. Sean and Jack R pushed forward, sometimes a little too far in their wish to add to the goal tally, but overall the shape of the team held and apart from a couple of incidents we never really looked like conceding. At the other end numerous one-on-one opportunities went begging to make it a nervous end of the match.
A narrow 1-0 victory from a game that could have ended with a higher score, both teams played really well considering the conditions.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Keenan, Jack G, James B, Richard, James H, Jack R, Will, David and Haydon.
Wootton Rangers 4 Great Horwood Ravens 3
Milton Keynes Border Counties League Division 4 (30 October 2005)
Scorers :- Haydon(2),David
The Ravens winning run came to a cruel grinding halt with a loss that is still hard to believe.
With a bare eleven players the Ravens started slowly and conceded a freakish goal that slipped in at the near post. It was questionable whether the ball went through the side netting as the home team nets seemed incapable of stopping any shots, consistently letting the ball pass straight through.
The Ravens picked themselves up and from then on played some excellent passing football to repeatedly break through the home team defence. Haydon scored a great goal, turning a defender inside the box to chip the goalkeeper. David scored running onto to a ball to finish well as the Ravens had chance after chance to increase the lead. Finally Jamie had a great run down the left to cross the ball for Haydon to get his second and the Ravens to finish the half leading 3-1. The score should have been higher as chances were missed and some good saves from the home side keeper kept it respectable.
The second half continued in much the same vein as the first. The Ravens played really well throughout the half but the home team started to adopt a direct approach which the tiring Ravens failed to deal with. Two big hoofs up the pitch bouncing off the top of the defenders heads allowed Wootton to run on and score. Another mix up at the back with poor communication allowed the other goal for Wootton to come away 4-3 winners after having only 5 shots in the whole game. The Ravens felt robbed at the end,having failed to convert more than 20 chances, dissapointed to suffer the first loss, but positive for the next game to bounce back against Willen.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Keenan, Jack G, James B, Richard, Jamie, Jack R, Will, David and Haydon.
Great Horwood Ravens 5 Wing Raiders 2
Citizen Cup Preliminary Round (23 October 2005)
Scorers :- Jamie(2), Haydon, James H, Sean
The Ravens continued their winning ways with another impressive display. The first half saw the visitors have most of the play but stout defending from Keenan, James B, Ben O and especially Jack G kept the score at 0-0. Corners were a constant threat as a well drilled Wing looked dangerous every time the ball was wiped across. However, Just as the half was coming to a close the Ravens broke away for James H to score with his left foot. David and Richard were pressing but couldn't quite repeat their goal scoring from the previous week. The half ended with a fortunate 1-0 lead.
A change to the formation in the second half saw the introduction of Jack R in midfield and Sean up front to add a bit of strength. The plan didn't start well as the Ravens unfortunately were slow out of the blocks. They allowed Wing to score very early from a corner as the ball passed across the six yard box without anyone attacking it to clear it.
Buoyed by their success, Wing pressed for another. As the Ravens defended well they had to dig deep before breaking again for Haydon to edge the ball in for a 2-1 lead. The Ravens pushed on again with Ben Y narrowly missing and the woodwork being hit twice before Jamie's cross was deflected into the goal to make it 3-1.
wing responded and continued to attack. Dan was called on again and again to keep the visitors out but it was only a matter of time before their direct approach paid off pegging the score back to 3-2 by lobbing the advancing Dan from distance.
The visitors were in the ascendancy until an attack from the Ravens forced a hurried clearance from the Wing defence which Sean managed to steer back into the goal to make it 4-2.
Another period of end-to end play culminated with Jamie finishing the scoring with a well turned in left foot shot from a tight angle.
A really good enjoyable game that could have gone either way, the scoreline not really telling the full story. Dan and the Wing goalkeeper both had to make spectacular saves to keep the scores down and the Ravens learnt how to battle hard to get the victory and to continue their unbeaten run.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Keenan, Jack G, James B, James H, Jamie, Richard, Ben Y, David and Haydon.
Great Horwood Ravens 7 Houghton Conquest Owls 0
Milton Keynes Border Counties League Division 4 (16 October 2005)
Scorers :- Jamie(3), Richard, David (2), Haydon
The Ravens first ever clean sheet and the highest ever number of goals scored just about sums up the performance in the opening league game of the season.
A weakened team with no recognised centre back played at the top of their form in the first half. However, this was only after Dan in goal had made the first of many great saves in the opening minute from a break by the visitors. The new centre back pair of Jack G and Ben Y had to learn quickly before the Ravens started to get on top with James H and Matt providing lots of ammunition for the forwards and chasing back to cover the full backs.
A scrappy goal opened the scoring with David forcing the ball over. As the half progressed David scored again, with Richard opening his account and Jamie getting two. The best goal was probably Jamie's spectacular free kick from just inside the half way line put away expertly into the top right hand corner. Half time came with the score at 5-0, an excellent all round team performance.
The second half opened and all credit to Houghton who were not getting the breaks their play deserved but refused to give up. The visitors took advantage of a sleepy second half performance from some of the Ravens and sent several long balls through to pressure the Ravens goal. Dan had to be at his best and mopped up everything that was thrown at him. James B saved two off of the line from corners and Ben O had to be at his best to stop the visitors marauding down our left wing. Will provided fresh legs on the right and came close on several occasions to improving the scoreline.
Late on, after a spirited second half from Houghton, Jamie completed his hat trick and Haydon finished off the scoring to make it 7-0.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Ben Y, Jack G, James B, James H, Jamie, Richard, Matt, David and Haydon.
Southside 4 Great Horwood Ravens 1
Milton Keynes Border Counties League Grading Game (25 September 2005)
Scorer : Haydon
The Ravens continued their good form from Wednesday with another strong performance against last years Division 2 champions. The home side were shocked by the aggressive start to the game as the Ravens started to play the ball around and through their midfield for James H, David and Haydon to all have good moves threatening their goal.
The Ravens supporters were enjoying watching the team start to play as a team with the full backs of James B and Ben O being supported by the central defence of Keenan and Jack R. They were coping easily with the attack until a corner was cleared only for a cracking goal to be scored from 25yds (which Lampard would have been proud of!). The goal had come completely against the run of play but the Ravens picked themselves up and started again.
Pressure was forcing corners for the Ravens which were expertly wiped in by Jamie causing the Southside defence all sorts of problems. Eventually one of the corners finally counted when Haydon scored a great volley from the corner to stun the home support and start off celebrations amongst the visiting supporters.
Half time came with the score at 1-1. Steve E commented the difference in the team was noticeable in how they were talking to each other, working as a unit. Care was taken to ensure the team didn't lost their focus and they started the second half a little slowly but kept the home side out.
The Ravens still looked for chances but as the half went on fitness, concentration and the fact we only had eleven players started to tell as Southside used their three substitutes to bolster their attack as the Ravens tired. A lapse down the right allowed Southside to get across and score for the second. shortly followed by a lapse on the left as the Ravens failed to clear and Southside knocked in their third.
The Ravens then rallied again with James H bombing down the left and getting the ball in the box which neither David or Haydon could quite get onto. Jamie then tried to lob the keeper from distance (eat your heart out David Beckham) which unfortunately just went past the post. As the Ravens pushed to get a goal with Matt and Richard getting forward they were more and more exposed at the back, Southside eventually took advantage which for the second game in succession led to a goal being conceded with the last kick of the game to leave a score line which did not reflect the game.
Southside manager admitted the score was harsh and commented on the improvement we have made since last season. If only we had played like this against MK city!!
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Keenan, Jack R, James B, James H, Jamie, Richard, Matt, David and Haydon.
Olney Colts 4 Great Horwood Ravens 1
Milton Keynes Border Counties League Grading Game (21 September 2005)
The third grading game of the season proved to be a complete change again from the second game.
A team talk before the game had highlighted the need to step up from last week’s dismal performance to regain the momentum for improvement.
Both sides appeared to be quite even from the first whistle. The management decided to issue lots of instructions from the side lines in an attempt to get the team to keep some shape. In a tight first half one slip down the left hand side led to an attacker sprinting in on goal as Dan came out to narrow the angle. The striker however was too good and lobbed the keeper from 20yds. This led to the Ravens upping their game and attacking the home side. Several corners were taken with no real threat before a run and shot by David was deflected into the goal for the Ravens first goal of the 11-a-side season. More chances at both ends went begging before the half time whistle went for a well earned break at 1-1. The half time team talk concentrated on the positives and tried to instil the need to keep on ‘doing what they were doing’. Unfortunately as the Ravens continued to press for a goal the Olney colts broke away to score against the run of play.
The Ravens although disappointed picked themselves and went on the attack again. We were unlucky on a number of occasions as the ball seemed determined to fly past the goal without anyone getting on the end of it. Another late goal with just five minutes left, again against the run of play and a final goal with almost the last kick of the game celebrated some quality finishing by Olney and exposed the Ravens weakness. All the support play and defending was back on track for the season but some goals and a win would boost the confidence to be able to finish off the goals.
So, still a Jekyll and Hyde start but hopefully this time we won’t lapse into another poor performance for our next game away to Southside. Next time we need to shoot on site and not attempt to dribble the ball into the net.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben Y, Keenan, Jack R, James B, James H, Jamie, Sean, Matt, Ben O and Haydon.
Ravens 0 Milton Keynes City 5
Milton Keynes Border Counties League Grading Game (14 September 2005)
The second grading game of the season proved to be a complete change from the first game.
The game kicked off with the home team playing down the hill into the sun. Both sides settled into periods of disorganised play as the Ravens persisted in trying to play the ball when they should pass and pass when they should keep the ball. All the good passing and play from Sunday seemed a distant memory as MK City took advantage of a loss of possession on the edge of the penalty to slot the opening goal. Still the Ravens tried to push forward but the organisation and team work just wouldn’t click into place.
Another goal for the visitors ended the half at 2-0. A useful discussion with plenty of input from the team at half time highlighted the fact they knew where they were going wrong. Changes were made to bring Keenan back to sort out the central defence and make the most of James H who had been left out of it playing up front. The changes started to work as the Ravens at last looked a little like the team from Sunday. However, a bizarre goal conceded when a hoof up field caught the defence napping, deflated the Ravens as the visitors went 3-0 up. Late surges forward and near misses from David, Sean, Jamie and Matt were not enough to finish the game on a more positive note for the Ravens.
So far then, a Jekyll and Hyde start to the season which it is hoped will see the side settle into the positive mode we started with and they finally start to play.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Sean, Jack R, David P, Ben Y, Jamie, Keenan, Richard, James H and Jack G.
Ravens 0 Brackley Athletic 3
Milton Keynes Border Counties League Grading Game (11 September 2005)
The opening game of the season proved to be a tough one against a team from last years first division.
The game kicked off with the home team playing up the hill. Brackley attacked in numbers but soon realised the Ravens could be dangerous on the break. After five minutes the Ravens conceded a soft goal against the run of play as the ball just crept inside the post. The Ravens picked themselves up and carried on where they left off. The back four of James H, Sean, Jack R and Ben O were hard to break down and considering it was their first game together they defended excellently throughout the day. Positive breaks up front from Haydon and James B showed promise without any real chances being created. The midfield marshalled by the captain Jamie looked for openings and Jack G, Matt and Ben Y kept closing down the opposition and generally made life difficult for Brackley.
Changes made after 20minutes proved a little disruptive as the management and players get used to the luxury this season of having a good squad to choose from. As the side settled again, the introduction of Will, Keenan and Richard changed the formation to allow James H a run up front and give a bit more height in midfield.
A good goal from Brackley before half time and a last minute change as Jack G looked to be tiring gave a slightly harsh score line at the break. As the second half kicked off the last changes were made to allow a more settled team to get back into the game. There followed end-to end action, although the visitors had the better chances and the game still held at 2-0.
Just before the end James H was odds-on to score a goal when the goalkeeper expertly came off his line to force the attacker away from goal. Then just as the game was drawing to a close a weak clearance gifted the opposition a third goal with just minutes to spare.
All in all a great performance from the Ravens as they played with energy and desire. A lot still to work on (particularly heading the ball) and maybe a few tweaks in formation but definitely a positive start to the season.
Starting line up:-
Dan, Ben O, Sean, Jack R, James H, Ben Y, Jamie, Jack G, Matt, Haydon and James B.
Great Horwood Ravens 0 Willen Juniors 0
Club Fun Day Friendly (4 September 2005)
 The Ravens kicked off their season with an enjoyable friendly against Willen. Many thanks to Richard for bringing his team along and joining in the day.
The Ravens continued their positive progress from the summer tournaments with an excellent display and were unlucky not to score as they pressured the opposition for long periods of the game. At the end of the two halves and in keeping with the ‘fun day’ the Ravens gave a debut to two new players Greg and Joe to give them experience and allow Dan our number one goalkeeper a run out on pitch for a final fun session.
Although this final session was still close, a couple of errors allowed Willen to score to end the session 2-0. A good lesson for the new players and one we will repeat in a few nine-a-side friendlies this year as we aim to give all players experience .
Together with the ‘real’ game the morning proved to be very positive as we look towards our first training session with the MKDons and forward to what should be a good season for the squad.
2005-6 (as Under 12s) End of Season Awards
Spectators Player of the Year
1st Haydon Morrison 2nd Jamie Seddon 3rd James Heath
Players Player of the Year
1st Jamie Seddon 2nd= David Powley, James Heath 3rd Dan Elliott
Most Improved Player of the Year
1st Jack Goodger 2nd Will Law 3rd James Bennett
Managers Player of the Year
1st James Heath 2nd Dan Elliott 3rd Ben Oxley
2005-6 (as Under 12s) News Items
Great Horwood Under 12 Ravens were recently pictured at the MK Dons vs Gillingham match on 1 April 2006. A picture of the Ravens players with MK Dons Matt Baker appeared the programme at the Hartlepool home match. Click here for details.
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