Great Horwood FC

Under 13's 2009-10

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STEWKLEY 2 GREAT HORWOOD 1

7th March 2010

The Ravens played a hard physical game today but were unfortunate to come away without any points to show for their efforts.

the game started with the home team playing some good football and they went ahead after 10 minutes with a good finish. This woke the Ravens up a little and they started to compete across the pitch. As the game went on the Ravens started to create chances with one of the moves ending with a cross finding Dan B to cut in at the far post and slot home the equaliser.

Confidence grew in the team with the goal and the remainder of the half saw some end-to-end play with Robin putting in a Man of the Match performance in goal to keep out Stewkley ably assisted by the back four. Joe P was also in outstanding form tackling well and bringing the ball out of defence when required to mount attacks..

1-1 at the break and a little chat to just stop the flicks and concentrate on playing the simple ball. Robin agreed to continue in goal which eased disruption to the formation and the Ravens duly set about playing the second half in the same manner as the first.

The game was decided with just one error when a goal kick went straight to the home side with horwood players not marking. The ball was swiftly returned and ended up in the net for 2-1. Try as they might the mighty Ravens could not get the equaliser their efforts deserved and the game ended with the narrowest of defeats.

All the players did their bit today with each one improving on recent performances. We need to keep this momentum going into the remainder of the season and continue to work hard in training to improve specific areas. It all looks positive for the Ravens .....

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GREAT HORWOOD 1 CITY COLTS FALCONS 2

14th February 2010

The cruel game of football came to Horwood today with the Ravens playing probably their best football of the season with some great passing moves.

The game started with the Ravens playing some good football through the middle but the moves all ended with a couple of early offside decisions. Just as we were settling into the game the visitors went up the other end to win a corner. They took a quick short corner and then had far too much time to think about a shot which hey duly sent from distance into the top right corner. With their first attack and shot City Colts were now 1-0 up.

The Ravens responded very well and spent the next 30 minutes of the half cutting through the midfield and taking shots. Joe P had a good run then Tom broke down the left before seeing his shot hit the post. Will then broke through to fire another good strike towards goal but the ball just didnt want to go in. This was confirmed a short while later when Alex had a good run followed by Alex K hitting a fantastic shot which unfortunately hit the under side of the bar and then the post before rolling along the line and out.

Half time saw a change in keeper which did cause some disruption to the shape of the team and although they still played very well in the second half it wasnt to the same very high standard as the first - a lesson for the management in future games.

The second half followed much the same pattern as the first although this time the visitors had two shots and only one went in, skidding off of the slippery surface.

At 2-0 it was difficult to see what the lads had done wrong, it was just turning out to be one of those games.

The Ravens attacked again and this time found the net with a good run and shot from Joe. Try as they might they just couldnt get the equaliser or winner.

Celebrations at the end for the visitors were well deserved as they had held out for nearly all the game. For the Ravens, if they play the same football for the rest of the season they will do very well.

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GREAT HORWOOD 1 NETHERFIELD SAINTS 5

7th February 2010

The long break since our last game really showed as a very rusty performance from the Ravens saw the physically stronger visitors ease their way to victory and end the Ravens unbeaten run.

Although the team performed a lot better in the second half it was the first period where the game was lost. Early passages of play showed the strength of Netheffield as an early goal settled them into the game. More chances followed as the Ravens gradually worked their way into the game before Alex K scored a lovely goal going around the keeper to level the score.

This should have seen the Ravens roll their sleeves up and start working and whilst they did show good determination in patches it was the visitors who effectively killed the game with a poorly defended free kick and then a toe poke from a corner for two late goals just before the break.

The second period was an improvement as the lads competed more across the pitch but they still struggled to build any pressure and chances were few and far between. A more even period still saw the visitors score twice for a harsh scoreline but deserved victory.

The Ravens will hopefully have learnt a lesson from this game and will be back on song next week with a fully fit squad. Minor errors were costly today but they are all areas which can be resolved quickly.....

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PRESTON GAWCOTT 2 GREAT HORWOOD 5

29th November 2009

The Ravens unbeaten run goes from strength to srength. Terrible conditions again were suffered by both teams on a pitch which really took a hammering.

The Ravens are slowly returning to form and undoing all the experience from last season, we are still making some mistakes, but they can be worked on , as the team gels into a formidable unit.

The game was a very even affair with end-to-end football played. Alex K scored the first of his hat trick after a neat interchange with Jack and Alex JB. Unfortunately we didnt keep the lead for long as a long free kick saw a very wet and slippery ball squirm through the wall and the keeper for Gawcott to equalise right on the stroke of half time.

The second half saw the Ravens have the conditions in their favour and they took the lead again with Jack scoring from a corner. Edwards strength was the key up front as he burst through and laid the ball off to Alex K to score his second and the Ravens third.

As the half progressed the Ravens confidence grew and pressure built on the home team. Edward again burst in the box and would have scored but for a well timed tackle and then the birthday boy gained his reward when chasing down a through ball to slide in and chip over the keeper.

A little over confidence then crept into the Ravens game (something to be worked on ) as we needlessly pressed forward and they lost their shape.

After one such example the home team broke down into the open space and defence were unable to cope with the numbers pressing forward. At 4-2 it could have been game on, but the Ravens regrouped and worked their football up the pitch for Alex K to score his hat trick.

Man of the Match was very difficult to decide. All the players had played well, across the back four with Harry, Cookie, Robin and Henry Bo being very solid. Alex W and JB had been strong in midfield, Dan although injured had added to the pressure on the home team and Jack had run his socks off as usual. Edward had been a revelation up front and a definite boost to the team performance and Alex K of course had not only been captain for the day but also scored a hat trick.

Having said all that the most assured performance came from Joe at the back who played the ball when he should have, tackled strongly, and communicated with his team mates to deservedly win the award.

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GREAT HORWOOD 3 CRANFIELD COLTS 2

22nd November 2009

The Ravens continued their unbeaten run with a great performance in difficult conditions.

The first half saw some very good football from the Ravens as they start to recover their form and confidence from last season. Alex K worked his socks off running after every ball and pressurising defenders. A couple of very strong runs in the opening minutes kickstarting his game very nicely.

Man of the match Daniel C had a great game throughout as right back with the new combination of Joe and Harry in the centre being very strong and assured. Joe had to make a last gasp tackle to stop the visitors opening the scoring before Henry Bo at left back had a storming run down the left completed with a superb finish to put the Ravens ahead.

A couple of breaks from Cranfield required Toby to be quick and alert before Tom scored his first and the Ravens second. Alex K continued to impress with another good run from a throw. The Ravens were applying the pressure with several corners making the most of the strong wind. Tom knocked a great ball in to cause havoc in the defence and then scored his second after some neat football.

Will had a good shot towards the end of the half as the teams went into the break feeling the cold and wet but with the Ravens in confident mood.

The visitors knew they could take advantage of the conditions in the second period and so it proved. Several attacks threatened before they scored with a free shot on the edge of the box. The second was a sloppy goal to concede but after that the Ravens perked up and started to apply their own pressure again. Jack went close and several chances went begging as the game became more and more end-to-end. Will had a couple of strong shots go close.

With all players suffering from the cold the final whistle came as a relief in more ways than one. A tight affair could have gone either way but in better conditions, and belief returning, the Ravens would be unstoppable.

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GREAT HORWOOD 1 PRESTON GAWCOTT TIGERS 0

1st November 2009

The Ravens finally secured their first win of the season in a very scrappy game ruined by the awful conditions.

To be fair to the opposition the game could have gone either way but the Ravens just edged it after making the most of the conditions in the first half by applying pressure but failing to shoot on sight.

Without a goal at the break a brief time was spent trying to dry out and warm up before the second half saw a reversal of the pressure.

Both defences played very well throughout with the Ravens allowing the opposition few clear chances. Tom had a debut on goal and Ed had a stormer out on pitch.

As the Ravens put the ball in the penalty area a handball was seen and Jack stepped up to crack home the resulting penalty for 1-0.

Preston Gawcott pressed for an equaliser but to the Ravens relief the final whistle blew and we could celebrate the best result for a while.

All the players were awarded Player of the Week as we look to build on the result over the next few weeks. They all deserve praise for playing in what was quite simply the worst weather for years....... come on the mighty Ravens!!!

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GREAT HORWOOD 3 NEW CITY SAINTS 3

25th October 2009

The Ravens just failed to hold on for their first win but still played very well, building on last weeks performance.

The game started brightly for the Ravens as they played some good football with Joe going on a strong run ending with a shot just over the bar. Will had another shot just whistle past the post before Jack opened the scoring after being put through by Robin.

It was all one-way traffic at this point as the Ravens took advantage of the strong wind. Will continued his good form with an attacking run and cross for Alex JB to score his first and the Ravens second.

Discipline in formation just started to wain as the team started to push forward to keep the score rate going and this allowed the visitors to get back into the game.

Robin increased the lead from a corner and the Ravens went into the break three goals in the lead.

The second half saw the Ravens defend well for most of the period but make some simple mistakes allowing pressure to build.

An early goal set the scene which gave a boost to the visitors, conceded after a series of play which highlighted the discipline needed in the team.

The second was a little unlucky as a goalmouth scramble ended with the ball poked into the net. As the game drew to a close the lads just couldnt hold on as a poor ball was knocked inside straight to the attackers who pressed on to equalise.

Right at the end New City could have grabbed the winner but a draw was probably a fair result.

Although its the best result for a while it felt like a loss after being ahead for so long. We must get rid of the simple errors but much progress is being made as confidence returns.

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GREAT HORWOOD 2 OLNEY TOWN COLTS 4

18th October 2009

The first league game saw the under 13's perform as two completely different teams. The first half was notable for the poor positional play from many of the team coupled with some poor distribution which consistently put the ball close to the main player from Olney who was then able to dictate play.

An early goal from distance was added to, with the opposition being hungrier for the ball. Another run through the middle gave them their third before some very good football ended with a goal to go in at the break 4-0 down.

The lads are all good players but they need to maintain shape and get used to the big pitch we are playing on this year. Changes at half time and further instruction to maintain position saw a big improvement in the second half restricting Olney to very few chances.

Robin got his first goal of the season from a Sam corner before a great goal was scored by Toby. He used his strength to win the ball in the area, then nutmeg the defender and finally chip the keeper for a second half 2-0 scorline.

Discipline is the key for the under 11's - being able to see the game and how their efforts contribute to the teams performance and result. The second half shows they are more than capable of doing it....

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GREAT HORWOOD 2 CRANFIELD COLTS 4

4th October 2009

The first game of the 'real' season for the under 13's saw a patchy performance with excellent play at times with some indifferent form in between.

The game started with the visitors playing some good football with the Ravens creating their first chance with a shot from Dan. Joe P, playing up front had a good run forward but was unable to get any power in the shot under pressure from the defender.

A soft goal opened the scoring as a kick was returned with interest, allowing Cranfield to grow in confidence. At 1-0 down the Ravens pushed forward and earned a free kick which was expertly dispatched by Jack into the top right corner to level the scores.

Another good run from Joe P went close but as the half progressed the Ravens staretd to play very narrow. A few loose balls were picked on by the visitors before they slotted a nice ball through the middle. The good pass was run onto and ended with a shot nestled just inside the post for Cranfield to restore their lead.

2-1 at the break. Half time team talk just requested to play wider and concnetrate on one or two danger players at corners.

As the second half commenced the squad were left a bit flat footed and conceded an early penalty for Cranfield to increase their lead to have a 2 goal buffer.

That was it for the visitors, the remander of the half saw the Ravens build up the pressure on the Cranfield goal and create several chances to score before Jack netted. At this stage it looked like there would be only one winner as the Ravens had all the pressure and were dominating play.

Several players had chances - Will could have scored, Toby burst through only to hit the shot just wide, Jack had a fantastic cross met by a brilliant header from Henry Bu fly just over the bar, but it just wasnt to be.

Just as the clock was running out Cranfield broke away and scored a great goal after a missed header - the ball landing up in the top right hand corner for a rather generous 4-2 scoreline.

Dissapoinitng for the Ravens as they continue to search for that elusive win to get them back on track but its definately coming and hopefully will be here very soon over the next few weeks...

Today was an enjoyable game as we look to build on the positives for the rest of the year.

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GREAT HORWOOD 2 PITSTONE & IVINGHOE 6

27th September 2009

This game marked the end of the experimnental line ups to check on new players best positions and how the squad reacts to the new formation. Overall it was a very promising performance as the Ravens twice took the lead only for the visitors to draw level on each occassion. The first half confirmed we have 6 players to choose from to make up a strong back line. It also confirmed the holding midfielder role is working and can be filled by at least two players. The management now also have a clear plan for who will play midfield and up front - so all-in-all an excellent days work.

Jack opened the scoring before Will had a good run to create another chance. At the back the defence were holding a good line and Man of the Match Henry Bo was tackling anything that moved. A lost ball on the edge of the box was pounced on for the equaliser before Jack restored the lead running onto a through ball for 2-1.

A little lack of concentration saw a goal kick delivered straight back for the visitors to again peg back the Ravens to go in 2-2 at the break.

As it was our last friendly the management took the opportunity to change the whole of the midfield and give a debut to another player - the second debut of the game.

It was always going to be tough but it was worth doing to confirm a few ideas for the games to come. Unfortunately it did mean too many changes too quickly and as the team looked to settle, the opposition took full advantage scoring three quick goals, the last being a penalty.

Further changes settled the side again but the opposition were still able to score a final goal from a throw-in.

Jack had another shot for his hat trick, which would have been deserved for his effort, but it wasnt to be. At the end of the second half there was a momentary feeling of dissapointment but in truth it was only due to a 15 minute spell when the management decided to try the last changes - it was no fault of the players and they should all feel proud of their efforts today in a very good performance.

A cup match is on for next week as the season for the under 13's gets underway in earnest. We can now all look forward to a positive season and enjoy the considerable number of games ahead - 22 league games, plus cup games....

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GREAT HORWOOD 1 DEANSHANGER 6

20th September 2009

The Ravens played very well today in probably their best performance so far. The score line doesn't reflect the effort put in and the growing understanding from the players of what is required from them.

Two goals in the first and last minutes of the first half were all that seperated the two teams at the break. In between these goals the Ravens had defended superbly with the backline getting the offisde trap just right on several occasions and making several adventures into the visitors penalty area without really causing the keeper too many problems.

The second half saw Joe P introduced to the fray and he made an immediate impact running up the wing with an excellent finish to bring the score back to 2-1.

Unfortunately a break away goal soon after gave the momentum back to the visitors and as the game moved into its last quarter the Ravens were guilty of loss of concentration and a bit of tiredness to give some soft goals away.

A lot of positives can be taken from the game with Harry and Toby being strong, Sam at the back and Tom also playing well alongside Player of the Week Alfie. Lets see what next week brings.....

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GREAT HORWOOD 0 MK ATHLETIC 8

13th September 2009

The second outing of the year for the under 13's saw them play familiar foes from last year who have also picked up some new players. Their number 6 had a very good game and was instrumental in many of the good things they did. We never really got to grips with him which led to Athletic punishing any mistakes and being allowed to play some very good football.

A ball poked through the middle saw the opening goal force its way past Toby in goal. Joe B being tried out in the centre of midfield played a loveley ball wide which opened up the visitors but we failed to capitalise. Jack was being very busy up front pressuring the defenders but the half dozen strong players on the opposition slowly built up the pressure on the Ravens.

Poorly defended corners were responsible for a couple of the goals - the first by number 6 - unmarked on the edge of the box - with a later goal being just a simple toe poke through a group of players. In between, the pitch contributed to the game as a very nasty bobble saw the ball jump over Tobys foot and into the net.

Jack had a good free kick followed by a fine shot by Alex K. Our back line improved throughout the game as new players became more used to the offside but a fine ball over the top saw an attacker run on and score to make it 5.

A goalbound deflection appeared to be saved on the line but was given to make it 6 to the visitors before some more personnel changes improved the balance of the team and the Ravens grew in strength towards the end of the game.

A couple of missed challenges saw the visitors score again, this time against the run of play and the final goal was probably the goal of the game wth a good move and great strike.

Difficult for the lads and the parents as we can all see they are not far short of being a very good team - they just need a little luck and a good result to burst into life and get us back on track. Having said that, there were many positives from today with Henry Bu settling into the wide right position with a fine Man of the Match display, Tom and Robin appear to be settled in the central defence and defensive midfielder roles and Jack continues to impress up front being a nuisance to all defenders.

All other players are either progressing very well or confirming their preferred positions so it bodes very well for the future.

We just need that result......

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BRACKLEY ATHLETIC JAFFAS 8 GREAT HORWOOD 0

6th September 2009

The opening game of the league season saw the Ravens travel to Brackley.

The hangover from last season is still obvious to see as the lads just lack that little bit of confidence to play the game the way they can.

A new formation was tried of 4-3-3 which took a little while to settle but it looks like it be worthwhile persevering with.

The opening session looked even with both teams having some good moves and both sides looking to exploit areas of the pitch.

However, the home team opened the scoring with a good through ball behind our defence to run on and score for 1-0. Some good moves down our right saw Horwood push forward with Will and Cookie combining. Brackley soon doubled their score after Sam had fought hard to stop an attack but had no support from the rest of the team when the striker recovered to slot the ball home and make it 2-0.

Horwood were not keeping the ball for long enough periods and were giving the ball away too easily. A last minute change to the team due to injury did not help with settling the team but they didnt deserve the third goal which looped in from the touch line after a throw in to Brackley.

3-0 at the break and the instruction was to keep the ball and remain positive. The home team just looked a little more competitive and this small difference was having a big impact on the scoreline.

Henry Bu was introduced after the break and showed some good agression, tackling high up the pitch to win the ball and create pressure on the opposition.

A poorly defended goal kick saw the ball straight back to our net for 4-0 - then a free kick for a back pass saw another added.

Two late goals flattered the home team but did not help to build the confidence we need to get the lads going again towards winning ways.

Positives from the game include man of the match Ed achieving his goals with much improved communication. Henry Bu strong performance and some good moves throughout the remainder of the team.

With this seasons new additions we are still experimenting on the best position for all players but Joe B looks a very good candidate for that elusive central midfield position.

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GREAT HORWOOD 3 PRESTON GAWCOTT 4

29th August 2009

The Annual Fun Day saw a game played in good spirit between two even teams. The Ravens had a guest player in Josh competing in his first ever game and with almost his first touch he put the Ravens ahead after some neat play by another new lad Joe B.

1-0 up and the Ravens looked to be passing the ball around on the new pitch and playing some excellent football.

Jack and Alex had strong games throughout, with Dan teaming up well in the middle with another new player Tom.

Both goalkeepers saw plenty of action with Jack hitting the bar from distance before the visitors grabbed some goals to go 3-1 up.

Joe P gave Horwood a chance to get back into the game to make it 3-2 and at this point the Ravens were really applying the pressure. Unfortunately a mix up in communication and the run of the ball on the new pitch allowed Gawcott to restore their 2 - goal cushion almost immediately.

A second half break gave an opportunity to give the lads encouragement to keep going as only having 11 was starting to tell against the oppositions greater numbers. The last session of the game saw Toby press forward to lose the ball and then battle to win it back. The ball broke to Dan who played a lovely through ball to Alex to finish expertly.

With the clock ticking away Tom had a great chance to level it but it just wasnt to be our day.

Lots of positives can be taken from the day - the lads just need a little luck to get that win under the belt and get them buzzing for the season.

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