A perfect finish to a very good season saw the Ravens avenge their 9-0 drubbing by the Blues at last years Fun Day with a 3 -1 victory.
In a tight first half where both defences were on top and George was having a solid game in goal, the Blues took the lead when a long kick from their keeper picked out the striker who for the first time had space on his own and was allowed to take his time and place the ball into the Raven’s net.
Far from letting this get to them the Raven’s continued holding their own with Jemima and Mark in midfield supporting Sam upfront ably supported by Jack V and Oliver Cain at the back.
Changes were made at half time with Oliver Kemp replacing Sam, Mark slotting into the defence and Oliver Cain going into midfield and the tight game continued with chances at both ends.
Further changes for the last 10 minutes saw Sam coming back on in defence and having a solid game, Jack S in midfield for Jemima and Ollie C going up front. As in the previous game v MK Wanderers, this caused havoc for the Blues and saw a neat move being finished off by Jack V to make it 1-1. You could then sense the heads dropping in the Blues allowing the Raven’s to take advantage with Ollie C bagging another hat-trick before the final whistle.
With an end of season record of Won 9, Drawn 2 and lost 4 this has been a great season of which you should all be proud of yourselves and we look forward to even better things next season.
Player’s of the week were George and Mark
Squad: George, Jack V, Oliver C, Jack S, Jemima, Sam, Mark,
Oliver K.
Great Horwood Ravens 8 Brookfield Rangers 3
2nd May 2009
Another really good/solid performance on a really good day for football, blue skies and sunshine!
Although, going 1 - 0 behind in the first few minutes, the Gt Horwood U8's should some real resilience and by half time were 6 - 1 ahead, thanks to some really good build up play and some really nice finishing from Olivier C & Jack V.
The second half started pretty much as the first had finished with Gt Horwood driving forward, although, we did allow Brookfield to score 2 more goals, before returning the compliment with goals from Jack S, Jack V and Oliver C.
Yet again, a great, positive attitude and a good team spirit gave us the victory we deserved!
MK Wanderers Hawks 4 Great Horwood Ravens 4
(18th April 2009)
They say
football is a game of 2 halves and this was definitely one of those games!!
An unfamiliar line up of George in goal, Jack V and Ollie C at the back, Ollie K and Daisy in midfield and Jack S up front took to the field against the other MK Wanderers team trying to follow up their 3 – 1 victory over the Kestrels 2 weeks ago.
A poor start by the Ravens saw MK take the lead early on with a goal scored from a corner, placed beautifully in the roof of the net. Unfortunately it was Ollie Kemp into his own but well taken none the same!!
MK then continued to dominate the first half as the management team struggled to get the right positional places for the team who were trying to get into the match without success. By half time we were 4 – 0 down and struggling.
A total reshape saw Oliver Kemp move back into goal allowing George to take up a defensive position alongside Jack V, Ed and Daisy in midfield and Ollie Cain in his more familiar striker role.
The fight back started when Ollie won a free kick some 15 - 20 yards out and despite a 2 man wall, Jack V placed the ball over them and into the top far corner.
By this time Daisy had got into her stride playing her best game so far and was linking well with both defence and attack and Ollie C was running their defence ragged.
This resulted in 2 goals for him and then the moment of truth. A through ball down the right which the defender handled but the referee played on. Daisy picked the loose ball up and 2 touches later it was in the back of the net with the goalie nowhere. All the training and her extra practice in the garden on how to kick a ball with the instep and not toe punting paid off and she duly celebrated her 1st goal for the team in front of all the family.
By now MK were wobbling but we could not get the 5th goal so a draw was the end result and was probably deserved by both teams.
Player of the week – Daisy
Squad – George, Jack V, Daisy, Oliver C, Oliver K, Jack S, Ed
MK Wanderers 1 Great Horwood Ravens 3
(4th April 2009)
Where do I start other than to say what a great team performance!
When we were 1 - 0 down with only a few minutes on the clock, the heads stayed up and that's when we really started to play, players staying wide, players in the box, the movement was great to see.
Goal, Jack V with a run form defence scores, we are now level pegging, bang, Goal Oliver C puts us 2-1 ahead, by this time though we could have been 4 ney 5 -1 ahead.................more finishing practice next week!!
With 10 minutes or so on the clock, Oliver C takes a corner and for the life of (and him), we don't know how the ball hits the back of the net!!!!! (Who cares) - Goal!!
Well done to all, a great team effort!!!!
See you next week for training
Great Horwood Ravens 3 Bletchley Colts 6
(28th March 2009)
A poor start to the game saw the U8’s go 2 – 0 down in the first 45 seconds and 3 – 0 within 5 minutes but slowly and surely started to find their way back into the game.
By half-time the score was 4 – 1 thanks to a great goal by Jemima Hughes after Mark won the ball in midfield and sent Sam away down the right touchline and his cross was met first time to beat the goalie with ease.
The second half was played more in their half and when Oliver Kemp grabbed a second for the Ravens tucking the ball into the far corner, it was game on.
Bletchley then increased the lead against the run of play before Sam tucked away another good move. The visitors then added a 6th before the final whistle.
A lesson learnt in that it is very hard to come back from giving away early goals as has been the case in the last few weeks!!!
Player of the Week – Jack Van Rooyen!
Squad – George, Jack V, Archie, Ed, Jemima, Sam, Mark, Oliver K
Samba Pele 11 Great Horwood Ravens 2
(14th March 2009)
In a game in which the score line flattered the opposition the Ravens took to the field and straight from the kick off Samba went on the attack and were soon 1 – 0 up.
It could have been worse soon after but an excellent save with his face at close range by the deputising goalkeeper Oliver kept it out.
Despite some good link up play by Player of the week Mark, Jemima and Jack S, the Ravens could not break through and soon found themselves 2 – 0 down.
Harry was having a solid game a the back with some timely interventions as was his defensive partner Jack V but soon the Raven’s went further behind before Jack V pulled a goal back direct from a corner.
By half time Samba had scored 2 more goals to lead 5 – 1.
Daisy and Sam came on for Jemima and Jack S but still they could not find a way through the Samba midfield and soon found themselves further behind so by the end of the 3rd quarter were losing 8 – 1.
A further change was made for the last 10 minutes bringing Jemima back on to give Mark a well earned rest.
A final push in the last 10 minutes saw a good forward move by the Ravens end with Sam sweeping home a second goal only for Samba to get 3 more. Further changes were made with Mark and Jack S replacing Harry and Jack V before the game ended with Samba 11 – 2 winners.
Player of the Week – Mark Bannister
Squad: Oliver Kemp, Harry Day, Jack Van Rooyen, Jemima Hughes, Mark Bannister, Jack Smart, Daisy Daymond and Sam Bryant.
Great Horwood Ravens 0
United MK Magpies 1
(21st February 2009)
In a tight game against an unbeaten team, the U8’s lost to a last minute goal having put in a spirited performance in which a draw would have been the fairer result.
With a new line up of George (who was terrific) in goal, Jack V and Harry in defence, Ed and Archie in midfield and Oliver Kemp playing as striker the Raven’s tackled and chased and both teams created chances to score.
Both keepers were in fine form and we went in at half time 0 -0.
Changes were made to the Raven’s line-up in the 2nd half with both Oliver Cain and Sam replacing Ed and Archie who had worked tirelessly in the first 20 minutes. Sam moved up front with the 2 Ollie’s in midfield. The game continued as the first half with chances being created at both ends but no goals.
Oliver Kemp was replaced by Ed for the last 10 minutes and we were holding our own until the very last minute when the visitors managed to squeeze the ball over the line for a fortunate winner.
With no time left to get a goal back, the Magpie’s went on to win 1-0.
As the U8’s have had no matches since Mid December and only 1 training session since Christmas, the performance put in was of tremendous credit to those involved.
Team: George Nagy, Harry Day, Jack van Rooyen, Ed Samways, Archie Martin, Oliver Kemp, Sam Bryant and Oliver Cain
Samba Pele 2 Great Horwood Ravens 3
(15th November 2008)
I can't think of what to write today, I am totally emotionally exhausted!
What a game, what a team and what a great result!! The team played as a team, everyone playing hard and all looked to be enjoying themselves ------ GREAT!!!!
Great movement off the ball, defending, passing, goalkeeping & goal scoring Jack v (1) & Oliver C (2) - today we had it all - WELL DONE!!!
Great Horwood 6 Brackley Athletic 3
(1st November 2008)
What can I say, other than well played and played as a football team! All should be proud of their achievement today, it is was good win against a good team.
With Sam B (2) and Oliver C (4) scoring and plenty of near misses, we did ourselves proud.
If we continue with this attitude, every game will be a joy to play in and to watch.
WELL DONE to you ALL!
Roman Rovers 1 Great Horwood 4
(25th October 2008)
U8 Ravens visited Roman Rangers FC for a friendly and came away victorious with a 4-1 win.
3 goals from second half substitute Oliver Cain secured the victory after Sam Bryant had scored early on and Roman had equalised before half time.
It was an excellent team effort marked by Player of the week Mark B who was closely matched by Harry D who at present can only play in our friendly games.
Oliver K in goal was never really troubled but when needed he put off their striker when taking a penalty forcing him to send it wide and saving a close range effort in the 2nd half. His distribution of the ball both off the floor and by hand is improving.
Harry and Jack V formed a solid defensive combination and had the battling Jemima, Mark and Ed in front of them leaving Sam and Olliver C to share the duties up front.
Overall a great game to watch in which both sides did themselves proud but in the end the better side came out winners.
MK City Saints 1 Great Horwood 2
(18th October 2008)
A blue day to remember and one to be proud of.
With what has had to have been our hardest game of the season, the Gt Horwood Ravens U8's left
the field of play victorious with 2 goals from Oliver Cain, both, from some good team play and personal
endeavour!!
Final Score - 1-2 to the Ravens
Well done you ALL!!
Great Horwood Ravens 4 -
Brookfield Rangers Ospreys 3
A great start to a great game Oliver Cain (1) scores the opening goal in the 2nd minute, bang Sam Bryant scores another, 2-0, is this going to be a walk over???
No, Brookfield score, first 1, another shot from Sam B (2) takes the game to 3 - 1, but Brookfield score again making it 3-2, bang then 3-3..............not even "twinkle toes" Jack could stop that shot!!
The Ravens Manager is losing his hair (what's left of it anyway) and the coach is losing his voice!!! The Ravens players, start to dig deep, passing this way and that, 4 minutes to go until full time, Whoosh, the ball hits the back of the net and Jack Smart scores the winning goals for the Ravens!!!
Come on you Blues!!!!
Olney Town Colts Hawks 4
Great Horwood Ravens 4
(20th September 2008)
A real game of 2 halves, back and forth like a swing in the park @ Olney. In what a tight match that we could have won! This was a great team effort and all dug deep, to ensure that we improved on last seasons 3-2 result. Olney opened the scoring, but soon after Gt Horwood U8's responded with a goal from Sam Bryant - then 2-1 to Olney, but the Ravens kept on the pressure BANG 20 yds out Sam B lets rip again...................................GOAL!!! 2-2. Half time and a well deserved break for all. The ref blows his whistle, the Ravens were still resting Olney score again 3-2. However, the Ravens were having none of it, Bang first Oliver Cain 3-3, then last weeks birthday boy, Oliver Kemp and today's first half keeper scores - the Gt Horwood Ravens are leading 4-3. In the dying minutes of the game Olney score to finish the game 4 - 4!! Well done all of you - a fixture to remember!!!!
Great Horwood Ravens 6 Willen 1
What a great start to the new season, all of the squad should be really proud of their efforts. Good passing, running off the ball and we found the back of the net , not once, but 6 times. Jack V opened the scoring and with the aide of Daisy banged in a second!! Then with a second half substitution the prolific Oliver Cain scored 2 followed by George Nagy with a close range effort, his second coming via a long range shot from the edge of the area. A special metion mention for our bithday boy goaldkeeper (Oliver Kemp), who at the grand age of 8, was dogged in his goal, safe hands and quick clearances kept the game alive and free flowiing. Lets hope ENGLAND can play as well against Andorra tonight!! Again, a very well done to ALL!!!
Scorers: (Jack V (2), Oliver C (2), George N (2))
