Come on the mighty Ravens !!!!!

Woburn Lions vs Great Horwood Ravens

Division 1 :- 19th April 2009

The Ravens fought hard today and created chances to score but unfortunately couldnt find the back of the net.

They gave themselves a hill to climb very early by conceding a penalty within 4 minutes. It was duly converted which gave the home team the confidence to start knocking the ball around and behind our full backs. To their credit the lads eventually sorted themselves out and started to limit the chances for the opposition and create some of their own.

The best chance fell to Alfie who's stinging shot needed a good save to stop the Ravens getting a deserved equaliser. The game was very even until just before half time when a mix up due to poor communication allowed a striker to toe poke the ball in for a 2-0 lead at half time.

The second half was much the same as the first but with Player of the Week Harry getting involved in everything at the back and keeping the Woburn winger generally quiet.

The Ravens were undone by a big through ball for 3-0 then too much time on the ball in our penalty area led to the ball being lost and converted for 4-0.

At the other end breaks from Robin, Alex and Alfie couldnt be converted and as the game petered out a lob from distance found the net for a rather harsh 5-0 score.

We need a goal to come from somewhere to lift the lads .... not fussy where it comes from, but a goal would start to reward the effort all the lads are putting in to each game as we head towards a busy week to get our season finished.

Great Horwood Ravens vs Bletchley Youth

Division 1 :- 16th April 2009

The Ravens again showed they are willing to compete across the pitch with all players putting their foot in when needed. Man of the Match Daniel C had a stormer and has set his sights high for the remainder of the season.

Playing one of the top teams again was always going to be tough but we need to show a little more composure on the ball particularly in our area as half of the goals conceded came from losing possession or poor passes in our own box from many of our own players.

A couple of soft early goals looked like we would be in for a long night but to their credit the lads buckled down and fought hard to keep the score at 4-0 at the break. During the half a crunching tackle from Daniel C and good play up front from Alfie and Alex had looked like creating a goal but it wasnt to be.

Joe is settling into his preferred position at right back but we need a little bit extra across the whole team in order to play a bit more football. Composure comes with confidence and if we continue to compete in this way the confidence will grow and hopefully we will cut out the silly mistakes.

A little more focus on a couple of key areas to keep the ball better, together with the battling mental strength the lads are developing will ensure we continue to improve throughout the remainder of the season. 

A rough five minute spell in the second half, when we lost our way a little, was quickly recovered and we were still pushing on at the end with Jeremy beating three players from the kick off.

Keep going Ravens and we will be a much better side for the experience.....!!!

Scot Youth vs Great Horwood Ravens

Division 1 :- 5th April 2009

So much better from the Ravens..... they fought hard in every position across all areas of the pitch. Having just 11 players again on a hot morning meant we did flag a little at the end but overall the training session and the message all got through to the players and they responded magnificently.

The first 10 minutes saw a very even game and the home team were nearly surprised on a couple of occassions as the Ravens looked to play the ball through their defence.

Scot Youth were breaking well down our left but as the half progressed the Ravens created more chances than any recent game and seemed intent on competing for everything.

Tobys goalkicks were causing problems and both Dan and Alfie had good chances to score with balls crossed in from Robin or Alex. Dan's shot asking the keeper to make a save and Alfie just narrowly missing the ball after a strong run into the box.

Ed made his usual quota of outstanding saves and Man of the Match Joe had a stormer at right back. Sam was knocking some lovely balls over the top and both Jeremy and Cookie made some good tackles and passes throughout the game.

Being in our position the ball never seems to bounce our way and so it was today. A lofted ball bounced across our defence like a skimming stone to find its way to an unmarked fella at the back to make it 3-0. Then just before half time a very good goal from distance made it four.

The scoreline didnt reflect the amount of effort being put into the game and the desire to win the ball. If the two early chances had gone in we would have certainly have seen a different game but as the second half progressed the home team kept pressing forward and had some success but only after the Ravens had created more chances at the other end - Robin just failing to get to a through ball. Highlight of the game was Alfie's lovely back heel pass in the middle of the pitch.

Many positives can be found in todays game against much stronger opposition than last week. We need to keep this effort going and then we should start to see more opportuniities being created to score.  More tough games ahead but nothing to deter the mighty Ravens!!!!

Woodside vs Great Horwood Ravens

Division 1 :- 29th March 2009

The Ravens suffered today in a game that should have seen a competitive encounter. The home team were bouyed by recent relatively easy cup games which had done much to restore some confidence. At the end of the day it was this reason which was the most obvious for the lads and the final result.

The game started brightly enough but as it went on and a couple of goals went in it was obvious the home team were up for the challenge and the Ravens struggled to make any challenge at all.

Much to work on in training but we will only get something out of this season if we compete for every ball and close down every player as quickly as we are able. Most Division 1 teams only have 2 or three outstanding players so if we can pressurise teh rest of the team then we can look to build on their mistakes. Lets hope next week sees better things for Ravens as they need to lift their game and their spirit and understand what our objectives are for the remainder of the season. 

Great Horwood Ravens vs Woverton Tiger Moths

Division 1 :- 22nd March 2009

The Ravens bounced back from last weeks game and performed very well throughout The lads played very well with Ed in goal being called upon many times as usual but proving to be up to the task.

The first half was characterised by the Ravens performing well up until the final third but still spending long periods of time in the opposition half. However, it was the visitors who opened the scoring with a good through ball to their very big lad who ran on to convert. The remainder of the half saw a very even game with Jeremy having his best game so far and the defence coping well with the attacks.

1-0 at half time and it could have gone either way. The second half was just as even but ended with an undeserved scoreline. Defence was caught out a little for the second goal as players were played onside. 

The Ravens continued to play some good football and battled consistently but a little lack of confidence in front of goal and a hesitancy in shooting cost us with the possesiion and territory not converted into goals. Instead,  the visitors went on to score a very good goal with a volley from 18yds and then a handball in the goal area from a corner resulted in a penalty.

Overall the lads should be pleased with their effort and performance, there wasnt much wrong with today but if we dont score then everyone is always under pressure. This weeks training will focus on shooting to score which will hopefully be repeated in our next game and allow the lads the confidence to start playing the football we all know they are capable. of .

West Bletchley vs Great Horwood Ravens

Division 1 :- 15th March 2009

A fantastic performance from the Ravens on a big pitch against tough opposition.

The lads played as well as last week and played right up until the final whistle.

If they all continue to show this level of competitive spirit and support for each other then we will definately benefit from this division 1 experience.

The Ravens started very brightly and competed all across the pitch. Throughout the game little mistakes were punished heavily, any loose ball being pounced on. A penalty didn't help but Ed had a great game in goal and Sam was player of the week. Toby again showed his desire and agression with a slight change in formation likely over the next few weeks.

Todays game was all about picking up on small areas of play and putting into pratice things we had worked on in training. The ref stopped a well worked free-kick which was unfortunate as he brought the play back to restart only after he had blown his whistle. By this tiime Bletchley were ready for us....... 

Dan put lots of effort in and made some nice little passes through to the impressive Joe or Jack. Alex was busy in the middle and Jeremy did well to get his foot in when needed.  Alfie was strong up front and shows good potential for other players to play off of him with his strength.

Will and Henry were kept busy and their pace was called upon many times as they chased back after a Horwood attack. Cookie was trying his best to get forward but was more often found defending along with the rest of the team. Robin had a little run up front to try and get something from the game but at the end of the day it was just one of those games where everything worked for the opposition.

Over the next few weeks we have some tough games but we can take many positives from todays performance which should hold  us in good stead for the upcoming matches.

City Colts Ospreys 4 Great Horwood Ravens 1

Division 1 :- 8th March 2009

Well.... after a pre-match players and parents meeting the squad certainly carried on from where they left off in Thursday's training with a real positive performance and a great show of aggression and competitiveness across the whole squad.

Every player played at their best with a real team spirit demonstrated throughout which bodes well for the remainder of the season.

At the start we were guilty of hanging a little too far off some of our opposition and that allowed them to play a bit, particularly down our left hand side. One such lapse allowing the visitors to open the scoring.

It also took a little while to realise the power of their massive goalkeepers kick but we soon started to settle and Toby had a good chance just narrowly miss the goal.

Joe was having a man of the match performance with his most aggressive display this season adding to his ball skills to really put the opposition under pressure.

Dan B was having his best game this year playing a succession of passes into strikers but somehow we couldn't open up the opposition.

Sam C was also having a really strong game and was only narrowly pipped for man of the match after a succession of interceptions and marauding runs forward.

All the team were playing really well ... "much better" was the general view of all spectators.

1-0 down at the break the lads knew they had competed throughout and had the chance of creating some goals.

However, for all the effort of the second half we conceded some soft goals with the second being a break away. The third and fourth taking advantage of the change in conditions which were much more favourable to the visitors in the second half. 

All goals seemed to be scored against the run of play as the Ravens repeatedly sought to compete across the pitch and fight for every ball. Toby was battling very hard in the middle, Jack was having a strong game competing in his usual style with some lovely turns and tricks , and Robin displayed his usual uncanny knack for the right challenge.

Joe kept charging forward and deservedly gained a goal, much to the delight of the home support and the rest of the squad.

At the final whistle all the lads were feeling the effort they had put into the game. Thursday's  training will look to go over again some of last weeks session and build up for next weeks encounter.

Overall a very pleasing week for the squad. A post match informal meeting clarified selection policy which again should add to the team spirit and understanding of each other that is being nurtured amongst all the lads.

Great Horwood Ravens 0 Brook End Colts 6

Division 1 :- 1st March 2009

After a months rest the Ravens restarted their league campaign with another tough lesson. The first half saw a strong performance and the defence played very well in competing for the ball and catching the opposition offside. They were sometimes too slow off the line and conceded one goal when they remained on the line after a corner. This allowed the visitors far too much space on the edge of the box which they duly took advantage of, drilling the ball back into the net.

The Ravens did create chances,  with Alfie getting a good shot in before sustaining an injury. Another knock to Jack led to the introduction of Joe and Callum just before the break.

2-0 at half time but we were definitely in the game.

An unexpected change to the team at half time caused some disruption to the plan as the Ravens struggled to create many more clear chances.

Unfortunately for the Ravens the second half didn't start well with an early goal for the visitors giving them the confidence to play the ball around. An attack down our right broke down with Brook End getting the ball forward very quickly, ending in another score to go 4-0 up. Shortly afterwards a harsh penalty was given against the Ravens when a shot was hit hard at a defender. 5-0 was tough on the players and was further compounded when slow reactions to a loose ball led to the last goal for a 6-0 score line.

This season is proving to be tough, and tough for a combination of many reasons. We have struggled to gain any consistency due to the many breaks caused by the bad weather but have also played two of our seven games with just 10 players.

Some players and parents are unhappy with the Division as the result of our successful grading campaign, but we have to make the best of the hand we have been dealt. We have only played 7 games and the management and coaches are keen to ensure the lads all remain focused on the remaining 13 games  with positives to be found in each game played.

We all still believe we are learning a lot form this experience but accept there are various areas we can improve. We will continue to improve game on game as we have in our first third of the season and aim to end the season on a high.

At the end of the season the management and coaches will sit down, breath in and  review our progress and decide the best way forward for the squad.

MK Athletic 3 Great Horwood Ravens 2

Division 1 :- 1st February 2009

Scorers:- Joe, Toby

A very even game which should probably have seen a draw as a fair result. The Ravens were a little off the pace at the start of the first half but grew in confidence and aggression as the game progressed.

We need to work on specific jobs particularly in midfield and we need to be stronger in the tackle throughout the team. Other than that the lads all performed really well slowly easing their way into the match. The defence were initially slow in getting up but gradually worked out the offside trap and then started to consistently catch the opposition.

Toby was being strong up front but in keeping with the rest of the team needed a little more composure on the ball. Dan and Joe had some good passes in the middle and Cookie had a lovely drag back and pass followed shortly afterwards by a shot just saved at the right post.

MK Athletic were strong going forward and broke through to open the scoring. Shortly afterwards they broke through again, apparently onside, to double their lead.  Apart from these goals Ed had some good saves in goal. Callum and a very busy Jack were seeking to find openings in the MK Athletic defence.

A little chat at half time requested the team get closer to the opposition and get some more tackles in. A little more composure was requested so we could start to play more football and pass our way into the game.

To their credit the lads responded and played a much tighter and positive second half.  However, a free kick awarded on the edge of our box saw a well taken kick and poor defensive wall, giving Ed no chance in goal for the home side to take a 3-0 lead.

The Ravens didn't drop their heads and instead played the  better football for the remainder of the half.

Jeremy played well in the middle and Liam sparked some more aggressive tackling throughout the side. Some good play down the left saw a good ball in for Joe to slot home. Almost immediately afterwards Toby showed his strength to slot home another goal and it was game on.

From then until the end of the match it was very end-to-end with the Raven just shading the best of the chances. Try as they might they couldn't find the net again and as time ran out it proved to be our best game so far this season but still without any reward.

The lads all came off in a positive spirit, knowing they should have got something from the game. We need to carry this positive vibe through into our next games as we look to compete in tight games against 4 or 5 teams in this division and look to learn from the other fixtures.

Great Horwood Ravens 2 Newport Pagnell Town 8

Division 1 :- 18th January 2009

Scorers:- Callum, Liam

Well done to all the lads today, they all played well but suffered from a poor ten minute patch at the end of the first half when the two strong wingers from Newport ran the show, and with luck on their side managed to knock in a few goals.

An early goal from the visitors down their left woke up the Ravens but afterwards and for the next twenty minutes it was a very even game with little to choose between the sides.  The Ravens were playing well, without being particularly well organised. If we could have got to the break at 1-0 we could have sorted out some problems and had a good go in the second half.

Unfortunately it wasn't to be, as (in quick succession) Newport broke down their left (after the Ravens had enjoyed their best spell of pressure) to go 2-0 up against the run of play.  They then took advantage of poor marking at a throw-in to score a heavily deflected goal, score again from a cross-come-shot which dropped inside the post and then broke through again after a big goal kick to run on and score to go in at the break 5-0 up.

It was a cruel score for all the effort the lads had put in but evidence again of the concentration and quality required to get results at this level.

The second half was much better for the Ravens . The visitors scored first and then scored the best goal of the game with some good inter-play. The Ravens then  responded quickly when Man of the Match Callum scored a great solo goal to make it 7-1 and Liam battled through to make it 7-2. The Ravens were competing for everything and trying to play some good football but a goalmouth scramble ended the scoring when Newport poked the loose ball home.

Good points to take from this game would be the battling qualities shown throughout the squad. We need to be more organised, particularly at the back keeping the line for offside. We also need to get back to using the width as our small pitch requires thought to create space. We are still learning, but can take heart from the learning experience against these top teams who seem to have just the odd one or two players that make a big difference at this age.

Great Horwood Ravens 1 City Colts Ospreys 8

Division 1 :- 20th December 2008

Scorers:- Callum

Unfortunately for the Ravens we could not field 11 players again for the second game running. City Colts must like playing us, hopefully the return leg will see a full squad compete after reminders are sent out to restate 4 weeks notice is needed if players are not available so we can can cancel games.

The game started horribly for the Ravens as the visitors scored with almost their first attack. At 1-0 it looked like it could be a long morning but the Ravens dug in and played some excellent football to keep the score at 1-0 until just before half time. They also created some good chances with Liam, Jack and Joe all getting forward into the opposition box but unable to convert any chances.

As the half drew to a close City Colts burst through twice to go in at the break 3-0 up. The lads all played very well in the first half, a bit more bite to ensure tackles were not missed was all that was needed to keep competing.

The second half was much the same as the first with the defence keeping a good line, catching the strikers offside and Ed repeating his heroics from our last match. The back three of Robin, Henry and Harry all kept to the task with Jeremy supporting them and Liam and Joe looking to set Callum or Daniel Cook free out wide for Jack to convert up front. They all worked their socks off and gained their reward when Callum went through to score. We could have had a few more throughout the game to make the scoreline more respectable. The final score did not reflect the game and the level of effort put in by all 10 players. It was only  tiredness at the end that led to momentary losses of concentration which City Colts capitalised on.

Man of the Match went to all 10 players with the referee commenting "it was a pleasure to referee the lads as they played the whole game in the right spirit" - high praise indeed from the league referees secretary but thoroughly deserved.

Great Horwood Ravens 0 City Colts Ospreys 11

League Cup Round 2 :- 16th November 2008

Unfortunately for the Ravens we could not build on last weeks performance due to the dreaded sickness bug and other injuries decimating the squad to leave just 10 players available to play a tough Cup game in awful muddy conditions.

Having said that, all the lads were magnificent. Ed making his debut in goal put in a Man of the Match performance and every single one of the lads put their heart and soul into a game they soon realised they couldn't win but they never, ever gave up.

The opposition played with their full squad and enjoyed having the luxury of introducing fresh legs every few minutes. The Ravens on the other hand had just the 10 players and as the game wore on the hard graft of running through such thick and slippery mud slowly started to tell.

The first half saw chances carved out by the Ravens and we could have had at least two or three goals. Unfortunately the rather tall visitors keeper was equal to the challenge and we went in at half time at 4-0 down.

The second half saw the difference in numbers start to bite but the lads just kept going and going.

We play City Colts again in a few weeks and should hopefully be able to give them a tighter game. When we are all available and fit we are starting to show we can give anyone a game.

Great Horwood Ravens 1 MK Athletic 3

League:- 9th November 2008

Scorers:- Callum

The Ravens played very well all game in what was probably the most competitive game we have had so far this season. The lads have all picked up and learnt from training with the improvement in defence obvious to all players and spectators.

It was a tight game right up until the third goal just seconds from the end so the lads should all be rightly proud of their performance and look to improve again by continuing to concentrate in training.

Right from the start the Ravens looked to be up for the game and ready to tackle anything that moved. Considerable changes to the positions and formation since our last game almost a month ago soon settled and the Ravens looked to play through the middle to get Callum into the game. Good through balls from Dan B, Joe and Liam all set Alex or Will off on runs to attack the visitors defence requiring good tackles to stop the mighty Ravens.

At the other end Robin was marshalling his defence very well with a captains performance  alongside a strong looking back four of Henry B, Sam and Harry. A few things to work on in training but they worked well as a unit catching the visitors offside many times.

The wide play from Alex and Will was bursting forward and getting back to help out in defence. Toby made a couple of good saves but stood no chance when a high defensive line was breeched for MK Athletic to break through and open the scoring. Considering the conditions were very much against the Ravens the lads did well to keep it at 1-0 until half time.

The second half saw the visitors start very quickly and brightly nearly catching us off guard. A couple of corners were defended well before we started to play our own football with Joe linking well with attack for Callum to knock home a lovely goal to level the score.

It really was end-to-end stuff at this point in a very close encounter, however, we didn't put their goalkeeper under enough pressure with shots from distance so we need to work on this in training. Changes to the team saw Daniel C come on and play a stormer down the right midfield with Ed on for Harry and Jeremy in the middle both slotting in nicely.

Unfortunately a couple of tackles saw players diving in and we paid the price as the visitors got round behind us to again take the lead with just 10 minutes to go. We battled to try get the goal back but just as we tried to push forward we got caught at the back again with just seconds to go for a final score of 3-1.

Lots of positives to take from the game, we competed throughout against a team we have played and lost heavily against in the past. Next time we play against them we know we can compete and hopefully get a result.

Roll on next week for another cup game against City Colts.

Great Horwood Ravens 1 West Bletchley 8

League:- 12th October 2008

Scorers:- Callum

In a game marked by some erratic decisions the Ravens players and management continued their learning curve against experienced opposition.

Within seconds of the kick off the Ravens had conceded a penalty which fortunately Toby saved. Not much more to say about the penalty because nobody seemed to know what it was for, including the opposition.

The first half for the Ravens saw Bletchley exploit our inexperienced left side and consistently knock good balls down the wing for the visitors to carve out chances. Toby was performing heroics in goal but couldn't stop the shots going past him when the outfield players missed tackles. First down our left and then a couple of times through the middle.

A physical encounter was allowed to progress and the greater experience of the opposition took full advantage. The Ravens struggled to get the ball forward and keep it there and still failed to adopt good body position when defending despite several training sessions on the topic. At half time the Ravens were losing 5-0 and looked for some changes by the management.

A change in formation and a desire from the whole team to keep going was the key to a much improved second half when the Ravens frustrated the visitors for most of the half hour and scored with their best passage of play when Callum knocked the ball into the net after several good passes.

The defence were playing well and Henry B did a good job on  Horwood 'old boy' Harry to frustrate any forward moves. The defence were slightly out of position as a result of Henry sticking to his man so we may reshape the defence in next weeks game.

As the second half progressed the Ravens played the ball around and again showed positive signs for the future. They need to keep the confidence their performances deserve and maintain the team spirit. More concentration in training and a bit more guidance and input from the management and we will be ok for the year.

Newport Pagnell Town 7 Great Horwood Ravens 4

League:- 28th September 2008

Scorers:- Callum (3) , Liam

The Ravens marked their Division 1 debut with a fantastic second half performance winning 2-1. Unfortunately the scoreline shows the first half was a learning curve but they responded admirably and provided lots of positives to take forward into the coming season.

Full size goals on a full size pitch meant any shots on target stood a very good chance of going in. Defending positions from free kicks were a weakness for both sides but the home side were able to capitalise first after already having burst through the middle to make it 2-0 quite early in the game.

Callum scored the first of an impressive hat trick when chipping the keeper before Newport again showed our positional naivety from our own goal kicks. The first half continued with Newport breaking and the Ravens having some good periods of play especially going forward. Liam scored to go in at the break 6-2 down.

A chat about defensive positions was listened to and acted on in the second half as the squad brushed themselves down and were the better team in the second half.  Attack after attack saw the mighty Ravens breaking through with only some excellent defending and good goalkeeping keeping us out.

A good run from Joe and chip nearly opened his account and Jack had a great cross nearly met by Jeremy.

Callum scored after going around the keeper to coolly slot home whilst at the other end Robin was called on for a goal line clearance and Toby had to rush off his line to dive at an oncoming player.

At the final whistle Newport were a little relieved to not have their lead slip and the Ravens were rightly proud of their improvement through the game.

It will take a little while to get there but this game shows we are more than capable of competing in Division 1 and we can all look forward to a great season ahead.

Brackley Athletic 7 Great Horwood Ravens 1

Friendly 21st September 2008

Scorers:- Callum

A pre-season  'friendly' turned out to be a little different than expected as the Ravens came across a very experienced Brackley team who had already played 11-a-side for a season and appeared in a Cup final last season at the MKDons stadium.

Throughout the game the home team capitalised on the smallest of our mistakes, demonstrating that extra bit of experience. This all started with a very quick break and cross, ending in a poked home goal after just 90 seconds.

The Ravens  responded immediately and showed that steely resolve which will be needed this season as they competed for every ball and indeed throughout the game proved to be the more aggressive and wanted to win the ball.

Another 25 minutes passed before Brackley again broke the Ravens down to sneak another goal.

The Ravens were settling into new positions and making the most of the experience as all players showed a desire to get stuck in and try to play their football. Callum pulled it back to 2-1 with a net buster from close range but Brackley soon restored their cushion with another run down their right overloading our defence and crossing for another goal to go in at the break at 3-1 down.

The second half saw a similar pattern to the first with our new and inexperienced players battling to get the ball and play football but consistently being punished severely for little mistakes and also suffering from some basically flukey goals.

Lots of positives can be taken from the game. Jeremy almost opened his scoring for the season with a burst into the penalty area and Jack had a man of the match performance with his determined running all over the pitch, fighting to get the ball and create chances.

Will had a great game on the right and both Harry and Ed showed true potential as they play 'catch-up' in experience with the rest of the squad.

All-in-all, although the scoreline suggests something different, this was a positive experience. I think we have had some relatively easy games in the grading series and this was a wake up call to what will be required this year.

Considering Brackley have played a whole season at 11-a-side (and playing up a year) I thought we equipped ourselves very well.

This year we need to compete for everything, every ball, every header and keep competing to the final whistle.

If we do that and then consider the score, only at the end of the game, I think we will have a successful season.

Moretonville 1 Great Horwood Ravens 2

Grading Game 17th September 2008

Scorers:- Joe, Liam

On a grey evening, a small pitch, small goals, incorrect pitch markings, long grass and poor light, the mighty Ravens flew high to reach the heady heights of Division 1 this season!!

Enough......

The lads all played really well tonight to deservedly go through to Division 1 after beating both opponents in the grading games. It looked like it would be a low scoring game  when we saw the pitch but at this stage of the season and after the poor recent weather we have be pleased to get any game on.

The whole game was a scrappy affair with a lot of crowding particularly in the middle of the pitch and both sides struggled to use any width. The Ravens had the best of the chances throughout with Callum hitting the bar and several good runs through from Jack, Joe, Alex, Liam and Dan.

With the ball holding up so much in the grass it looked like the best tactic would be a lob over the defence and a run through from the middle, and so it transpired..... A ball through from Toby saw Joe run on and slot home for a well deserved 1-0 lead at half time.

The second half was a quite period for Toby in goal but it was always a little nervous with just the single goal separating the sides. Liam then eased the nerves with a coolly taken goal through a crowd of players.

It looked like that would be enough but as the game came to a rather dark and gloomy end the home team squeezed a goal in when a disputed corner saw Toby making a save only for the ball to ping around and land up in the net.

From there the home side tried to push forward but some neat play from the Ravens saw the game come to a close and the realisation we were now going to be in the top flight

Well done to all the players... a well deserved reward from some very good football....

Look out Division 1 here come the Ravens!!!!

Great Horwood Ravens 3 Steeple Claydon 1

Grading Game 14th September 2008

Scorers:- Liam, Callum, Joe

The Ravens enjoyed another close game against Steeple Claydon and again had to work very hard to break down the defence and especially the impressive visitors keeper.

Toby and Sam were both making their 11-a-side debuts with Harry playing for the first time out on pitch. Overall every player did something special and they can all be proud of  their days efforts. Player of the week was Henry who had another stormer at the back, great tackles throughout the game really made a difference alongside  Robin who is maturing into the player we all thought he would be; marshalling his defence.

Having moved the pitch since the Fun Day, the players took a little while to get used to the new size and surroundings. Consistently throughout the game we failed to use the limited width but as the match progressed we slowly started to  reap the rewards of individuals efforts.

Liam opened the score after a great ball from Robin. Harry came on for Sam and soon sent a wonderful ball down the line for the attack to run onto. The visitors were pressing hard and their number 7 in particular was causing us a lot of problems.

1-0 at the break, but not for long as the second half saw Claydon run down the right to score soon after the whistle.

As the second half continued the Ravens got their passing game together, including a great passage of play between Joe and Jack ending with Joe slotting home for 2-1.

The result was sealed when a great corner from Jack saw Callum deftly flick the ball into the net for 3-1.

Overall a pleasing performance but still lots to work on. The defence seem to have grasped the idea of offside and just need a bit more practice to be perfect. Speed at the back is a bonus and up front Dan,  Liam , Jeremy and Jack all made excellent contributions. Alex seems to have had some extra Weetabix every time he plays as he gets stuck in at every opportunity and uses his skills to good effect. Daniel Cook, Sam and Harry  are looking good as full backs and Joe made the pass of the match when he knocked the ball in behind the defence for Callum.

Well done Ravens .... Bring on our next game - away to local rivals Moretonville...... 

Great Horwood Ravens 7 Steeple Claydon 2
     "Taylored Kitchens Cup"

Fun Day 31st August 2008

Scorers:- Liam (2), Callum(2), og, Joe, Alex

The Ravens had a great first ever 11-a-side game against Claydon on a unusually wet Fun Day.

After going behind to an early goal the Ravens slowly got their game together when Liam equalised. A good corner caused a bit of a mix-up in the visitors goal mouth with going in for Horwood to take the lead.

2-1 at the break but Claydon equalised within a minute of the restart. The game then was an end-t-end affair with several chances being missed at both ends. As the game came to its close both managers were looking for penalty takers when the Ravens burst through for Callum to take the lead.

The goal spurred on the Ravens and they quickly notched up further goals from Alex and Joe before Callum and Liam finished off the scoring.

A very close game with all Ravens playing very well. Lots to work on in training but good signs for the season to come.

Claydon will be difficult to play against again in the grading games....