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Under 7's Reports 2008-09
Roman Rangers vs Great Horwood Ravens
(4th April 2009)
Rampant Ravens
As the sun burnt away the early morning gloom the Ravens took to the pitch buoyed by a two game unbeaten run.
Owen was in nets, Theo and Jack at the back, Eddie and Henry in the middle and Finlay up front.
It was a marvellous through ball by Finlay that set Henry up for the first goal. Bemused parents were left with the sight of the boys actually passing to each other. I knew that could do it. A very tight first quarter ended with the Ravens one up.
The second quarter saw Chris in nets, Owen and Theo at the back, Jack and Louis bossing the midfield and Ciaran up front.
Looked a very defensive line up but cometh the hour, cometh the Ciaran. Playing in 'the hole' just off the last defender Ciaran benefitted from all the other boys hard worked by tormenting the Two Mile Ash defence.
Slicing through at will he scored four times in the quarter including one penalty. Needless to say all goals were converted with the right boot.
Half time saw the Ravens 5 goals to the good.
The third quarter began with Eddie in nets, Louis and Henry as an untried back two, Chris and Ciaran in the midfield and Finlay up front.
Lack of defensive experience allowed Two Mile Ash a first goal but the Ravens soon bounced back as Ciaran put Chris through to finish with the inevitable left foot.
The home team were having a good spell and scored another goal to close out the quarter with the Ravens 6 - 2 up.
The fourth quarter saw Theo 'the cat' Terkelsen in goal, Owen at the back, Eddie, Chris and Louis in midfield and Finlay up front.
It looked like Finlay wasn't going to get the goal he deserved when he hit the post but, as any good striker does, he followed up a Chris shot and netted the rebound.
Theo pulled off two magnificent saves and the game ended with the Ravens running out 7 - 2 winners.
Easily the best performance of the season so far. Delighted to see the boys actually looking up and passing the ball to each other.
Ciaran took man of the match but all the boys had a stormer.
Roman Rangers vs Great Horwood Ravens
(14th March 2009)
Sat morning saw the Ravens facing up against the Roman Rangers with Coach Tony donning the sheepskin (well jacket as dont own sheepskin) as Martin had gone off for a jolly!
Nerves were edgy (well my nerves anyway) on basis roman Rangers had thumped Brookfield 11-4 who had beaten us 5-1 the previous week.
The boys turned up and were keen to get going so much that Owen volunteered a run round the footy pitch as warm up, we then had a little team talk and practised some passing and some one –twos. We had 30mins to warm up as the pitch was being used by another team.
The boys were all keen to volunteer to go in Goal so no problems there – everyone was given the instructions and they took to the field.
Formation was changed slightly as coach Tony decided to take a more defensive approach against a team that seemed to be scoring hat fulls in every game so we played a 2-2-1 formation. Although the boys did line up 1-1-3 which achieved approval from crowd for ambition!! Soon sorted though!
The first quarter didn’t lead to many chances for Ravens but the defending was outstanding and Eddie played a blinder in goal making some great saves.
2nd Quarter saw the Ravens starting to grow in confidence and started to put pressure on the opponents goal only to get hit on the break with a long ball over top and Romans to go 1 up.
3rd Quarter again we pushed for equaliser but were also defending with the game being very even, Romans best player hit a shot from outside the area which looked a certain goal but Louis made a great save, unfortunately their player followed up quickly and got the ball into the net.
4th Quarter saw an onslaught on the Romans goal with Finlay hitting a shot from long range just wide and Chris going close after some fine passing down the left, finally the breakthrough came after some good tackling in the middle setting Chris free who coolly curved the ball into corner past the keeper sending the crowd wild!
Couple more efforts to equalise right at the end but sadly time was against us and it wasn’t to be.
The boys did very well, they talked to each other, passed well, did some excellent tackling and all the goal keepers did a fine job.
Man of match was a tough decision with everyone playing so well but decided Chris for his overall effort and superb finish.
Big thanks as well for the support of the parents encouraging and cheering the boys on.
Come on the Ravens!
Great Horwood Ravens vs Brookfield Rangers
(7th March 2009)
In a game the ‘Ravens’ couldn’t lose (Brookfield have the same nickname) a full strength GH squad arrived at the cricket club full of high hopes.
Many thanks to Simon for transporting the goals and Paula for baking.
With an agreed 6-a-side format this meant the ‘volunteer’ goalkeepers would get a full half of outfield play as well but, as always, there weren’t too many takers.
Finally Timothy, Jack, Henry and Eddie agreed to don the green jersey.
The first quarter was end to end but again the inability to clear the lose ball in the box cost us dear to the tune of 2 goals.
However a rocket clearance by Timothy in goal was seized upon by Christopher who blasted the ball high into the net.
The second quarter was very even and despite chances at either end there was no addition to the score.
I’m not sure what happened during the interval but the boys completely forgot how to pass to each other and Brookfield scored 3 unanswered goals in the second half.
A disappointing half and passing drills await at training.
Squad:
Timothy ,Owen, Henry, Jack,Louis, Christopher, Theo,Finlay,Eddie, Ciaran
Man of the match: Theo
Great Horwood Ravens vs Leighton Corinthians
(21st February 2009)
The U7s started their 2009 league campaign with a tough away trip to the Leighton Corinthians.
Still without a ‘proper’ goal keeper volunteers were sort. Ciaran and Theo put their hands up meaning Chris and Eddie were press ganged.
Playing up the hill for the first half the boys found it hard going and ended the 1st quarter 3-0 down.
The 2nd quarter showed some improvement with Owen steady at the back and Finlay working hard up front but the interval was reached with a 4-0 deficit
The second half saw a couple of soft goals conceded but momentum was being found. Louis and Henry working hard in midfield.
6-0 at the start of the 4th quarter was soon 6-1 as Ciaran shimmied into the box and finished with his right foot. What else?
This spurred the Corinthians on and they scored twice to make it 8-1 but Ciaran scored again to reduce the deficit to 8-2 at full time.
A reasonable effort from the boys who, once again, gave maximum effort right to the end.
Squad:
Christopher, Eddie, Ciaran, Theo, Henry, Louis, Owen, Finlay
Man of the match: Finlay
Great Horwood Ravens vsSamba Rio
(22nd November 2008)
Unbeaten run ended:
The Ravens unbeaten league record ended on Saturday against an impressive Samba Rio team.
In a 6-a-side fixture Timothy began in goal, Owen and Theo held the back line, Louis and Christopher were the engine room and Ciaran led the line.
The first quarter was very even with the Ravens just shading it until Rio snatched a late goal.
The second quarter saw the old enemy (being unable to mark from throw ins and corners) return and Samba had a 3 goal lead at the interval.
The second half saw a change of keeper with Ciaran going in nets. Despite some fine saves Samba increased their lead to 5.
In the 4th quarter Louis replaced Ciaran and despite his cat like efforts Samba scored again. Christopher scored a fine consolation goal with a fierce shot from the edge of the box.
A good effort from the boys against one of the best teams at this level.
Preston Gawcott Tigers vs Great Horwood Ravens
(8th November 2008)
Unbeaten league run extended:
An away fixture against Preston Gawcott Tigers saw the Ravens extend their unbeaten league run and record their first success of the season.
With Timothy between the sticks, Owen led the team from a deep lying role at the back. Louis and Christopher ran the midfield and it was the latter who set up Ciaran for the 1st goal. A typical finish low past the keeper.
Q1 PGT 0 GHR 1
The second quarter saw Theo replace Louis in midfield. The Ravens continued to dominate and Ciaran returned the assist favour for Christopher to double the lead. A smart shot with his left foot.
Q2 PGT 0 GHR 2
The third quarter saw the Ravens play uphill against the wind but this did not diminish their dominance. Louis replaced Christopher in midfield and his tigerish tackling set Ciaran free. The end result was never in doubt when one on one with the keeper.
Q3 PGT 0 GHR 3
The fourth quarter began with Owen up front and he went agonisingly close to making it 4. The Tigers goalkeeper was having a great game and kept the Ravens at bay with one brilliant save denying Ciaran his hattrick.
Q4 PGT 0 GHR 3
An excellent effort from the boys. Two tough league games coming up but the squad is in high spirits.
Squad:
Timothy, Owen, Theo, Louis, Christopher, Ciaran,
Man of the match: Christopher
Great Horwood Ravens vs Brookfield Rangers
(25th October 2008)
The U7s remain undefeated in the league.
Quarter 1 saw a 1-2-1 formation with Timothy in goal, Owen at the back, Christopher and Louis running the midfield and Ciaran leading the line. The Ravens struggled to find their rhythm and fell behind when a long distance shot found the back of the net. With their first meaningful attack Ciaran finished neatly from just inside the box to make the scores level. Only a fantastic save by the Brookfield keeper denied Ciaran his second.
Q1 GHR 1 BR 1
Quarter 2 saw the introduction of Eddie and Theo. Theo took over from Owen at the back allowing Owen to play further forward. This inspired change led to the Ravens second goal as Owen steered the ball into the corner of the net. Sadly Brookfield equalised just before half time.
Q2 GHR 2 BR 2
Quarter 3 saw end to end action but no finished product.
Q3 GHR 2 BR 2
Quarter 4 saw Louis debuting in goal with Timothy moving into the midfield. Despite a lot of possession the Ravens could not find the winner and the game ended in stalemate.
Q4 GHR 2 BR 2
Another very good display from the boys who are learning week by week.
Squad:
Timothy, Owen, Theo, Christopher, Eddie, Louis, Ciaran,
Man of the match: Owen
Great Horwood Ravens vs Tattenhoe Tigers
(18th October 2008)
The U7s entertained the Tattenhoe Tigers in a friendly game on Saturday.
A near full strength line up saw Timothy in goal, Owen at the back, a 3 man midfield of Christopher, Louis and Eddie with Ciaran up front.
The first quarter started poorly with the boys being unable to understand what goal side means when defending throw ins. This led to 2 really soft goals being conceded. Once again though their heads did not drop and Louis got an opportunist goal just before the end of the first quarter.
Q1 GHR 1 TT 2
The second quarter saw the debut of Henry Fuggle and it was his through ball to Ciaran that led to the equaliser. A smart turn and finish from Ciaran inside the penalty area. The Ravens had a chance to take the lead but Christopher put his penalty narrowly wide after one of the Tigers had handled in the area.
Q2 GHR 2 TT 2
The third quarter saw the Ravens change their format slightly with Timothy coming out of nets and playing in the midfield. Henry went in goal and made some fine stops but the Tigers took the lead again with a shot from outside the area. The Ravens came storming back but could not find the equaliser.
Q3 GHR 2 TT 3
The last quarter saw the Ravens dominating but couldn’t turn field position and possession into a much needed goal.
Q4 GHR 2 TT 3
Squad:
Timothy, Owen, Eddie, Louis, Christopher, Ciaran, Henry
Man of the match: Eddie
Two Mile Ash vs Great Horwood Ravens
(11th October 2008)
On a glorious Saturday morning the U7s had their first taste of league opposition in the form of Two Mile Ash.
A strong start saw us take an early lead when Eddie capitalised on some defensive panic created by a rampaging Louis. Theo was having a magnificent game at the back along with Timothy in goal. It was Timothy who turned defence into attack when his kick from our area set Ciaran free to go half the length of the pitch and finish neatly into the corner. Two Mile Ash upped their game and got one back just before the quarter ended.
Q1 TMA 1 GHR 2
The second quarter saw Christopher and Owen come into the fray and they combined for a terrific goal but sadly 3 more had gone in at the ‘wrong’ end despite the best efforts of Timothy who was having a stormer.
Q2 TMA 4 GHR 3
The third quarter was completely dominated by the Ravens, Christopher delivering quality corner after corner, but sadly a goal was not forthcoming.
Q3 TMA 4 GHR 3
It was the same story in the last quarter and with a minute to go it looked like our best efforts would come to nought. Suddenly the ball broke to Ciaran in his own half but with no defenders in front of him. He quickened away, steadied himself in the area and, even though the keeper got a hand to it, the ball nestled in the corner of the net. Cue hysterical scenes (his mum was crying) on the GH side of the pitch. A brief manager pitch invasion was soon sorted out and the game ended in a draw.
Q4 TMA 4 GHR 4
A truly enjoyable match. All the players gave a huge effort on a big pitch in very warm conditions. They were all magnificent.
Squad:
Timothy, Theo, Owen, Christopher, Eddie, Louis, Ciaran
Man of the match: Timothy
Great Horwood Ravens vs Water Eaton
(4th October 2008)
The U7s and U6s entertained Water Eaton in their first home friendly of the season.
In keeping with FA guidelines the U7s and U6s the teams were kept apart to see how they played in a team completely of their peers. In this way the Ravens started with Timothy in goal and a Xmas tree formation of Christopher, Eddie, Owen, Louis and Ciaran.
In a tight first quarter the deadlock was broken by Ciaran who broke away in midfield and finished clinically with his right foot.
The second quarter saw the U6s take to the field. Max in goal and 1,3,1, 3,1,1, 5,0,0, 0,0,5 formation of Oliver, Luke, Callum, Theo and Joe.
Despite being up against some older children they put on a fine display and only conceded 3 goals.
Half time: Great Horwood 1 Water Eaton 3
The second half started with the same line up and a further goal was conceded before the U7s came on again halfway through the 3rd quarter.
Theo replaced Ciaran but not even his defensive prowess could stop Water Eaton scoring again. With the U7 game delicately poised at 1-1 Owen intercepted a goal kick and drove on to score.
Ciaran came back on for Louis and the Ravens rampaged forward looking for more goals, Ciaran coming close twice.
Just as the final whistle was about to be blown a Water Eaton penalty area melee ended in an own goal.
A fine performance from both the U7s and U6s
U6s man of the match - Max
U7s man of the match - Eddie
Great Horwood Football Club
Seniors:- Firsts and Reserves
Juniors:- Under 15's, 12's 11's,10's 9's, 8's 7's an for this year only Under 6's
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