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Great Horwood FC
Under 16's Reports 2009-10
-----------------------------------------------------------------------UNITED MK 1 GREAT HORWOOD 3
7th March 2010
An impressive bounce back from our most recent game saw the Ravens play some very good football and do enough to ease past a dogged and physical home side.
The first five minutes saw the Ravens pass the ball around for fun with United MK finding it difficult to get hold of the ball. This backfired a little when the Ravens became slightly over confident with some loose flicks not quite making it and as the half progressed United MK worked their way into the game. The middle third of the first half was probably the most even period of the game until Dan had a good shot parried for Jamie to slot home the follow up - all very impressive. Dan was Man of the Match as his performance was typical of the team who all seem to be learning their jobs and performing them very well.
Commiserations to Rob for his restricted time today as an injury after just five minutes ended his efforts in this match but hopefully not for the rest of the season.
1- 0 at the break a little chat to ensure the passing was sharper was all that was needed. The colourful language of our opposition was testament to the competitive edge the Ravens were enjoying as the physical side of the game was being won by Horwood.
Throughout the game the only trouble the home team caused was after a mistake or loose ball across the pitch - very rarely were they allowed to construct any chances. On the other hand the Ravens were getting the ball forward but without being able to prise open the defence until James B knocked a lovely ball into Joe in the 6yd box for a neat finish and a bit of breathing space at 2-0.
This should have been enough but a slight problem in covering a forward run led to some space down our right which United MK exploited - ending with a goal to make it 2-1 and a likely nervous end to the game. We neednt have worried as the Ravens calmly built up the play until Jamie rolled the ball back to the edge of the box for James B to knock a lovely goal into the top right corner and restore the cushion.
3-1 at the end and an assured performance. What is more pleasing is we know we can play a lot better than this - particulalry with a bit more energy in certain areas which if displayed today would have seen a more comfortable score line... but heh its only nit picking.....
-----------------------------------------------------------------------BROOK END COLTS 10 GREAT HORWOOD 0
14th February 2010
A bad day at the office for the Ravens saw a scoreline which is hard to accept but has initiated a review of the season so far for the manager.
Having several players not available for a range of different reasons saw a change to the normal line-up which on reflection caused an imbalance in the side and may not have been the best idea the manager has ever had.....
The first half saw the home team strike force finishing two half chances very well, score another from a fortunate rebound off the post and keeper and then a soft goal with no marking at the back post.
Apart from that, the Ravens played some excellent passing football cutting through midfield but not shooting enough when the opportuntiy arose. 20 minutes passed before Ben B had the first shot, quickly followed by another from Jan, causing the keeper to make a save and concede a corner.
4-0 at half time but the goals could all be explained and we could see we had a way back into the game if we continued to play the passing game.
As it was, the second half saw some more changes to the team and an understandable growth in confidence and numbers in attack from Brook End. The combination was not a good one and as the half wore on the home team began to dominate the general play. With the game lost a desire to give some players a run disrupted the side again and contributed to some late goals .
The final whistle came as a relief - the lads deserve better than this - from the manager and from each other.
We live to fight another day - the withdrawal of TMA gifted us 5 points on our nearest opposition and moved us from 3rd to 2nd in the Division. We need to build on the results that have deservedly put us in that position and chalk this one off as very nasty blip.... Hopefully our remaining 5 games will see a full squad to choose from.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------GREAT HORWOOD 1 Leighton Corinthians 0
7th February 2010
Last weeks friendly with the Reserves saw both teams this week end with tight 1-0 victories.
At the end of the game it felt like Leighton had applied pressure for the whole 80 minutes but on reflection it was probably only 60 minutes!!
A dogged, determined performance from all the lads saw them grind out a result today in a game which they would almost certainly have lost in the past... A sign of maturity, and also of a good team, to win without playing their best and keep the momentum towards next weeks clash against the leaders.
The first half was notable for the strong Leighton start to the game and the Ravens dragging themselves into the match. Good passes from Jamie and a good shot from Ben T were quickly followed by the first of many good saves from Ollie. Joe then scored the winner with a well taken chip over the keeper.
Leighton were not to be deterred and they again pressed forward requiring Ollie to save again before a couple of free kicks from Jamie - the second hitting the bar - reminded the visitors of the Horwood threat.
As the half came to a close Ollie was again called upon to make a save and a second desperate save to keep the lead and go in at the break 1-0 up.
The second half was a less dramatic affair but still saw the visitors camped in the Horwood half with sporadic breaks from the Ravens almost ending in goals on several occasions. Ben T putting one over the bar and a couple of shots going just wide. This period saw the stength of the team - with every player putting in a shift to defend and ensure the win.
We all know we can play a lot better than this (and will probably have to next week to reverse the result against Brook End from earlier in the season), but confidence is high and we can look forward with anticipation toward the run in for the season.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------GREAT HORWOOD 2 Woodside Wanderers 1
24th January 2010
The Ravens maintained their top three position with a patchy display but enough to do the double over a competitive Woodside team. Both sets of players seemed a little short of match practice, particularly as the second half wore on but at times the Ravens played some fantastic football which was very entertaining to watch.
The Ravens settled well with the opposition playing just one up front and the second striker playing deeper. Defence soon sorted this out and didnt allow the opposition many chances all game. The first action of the game saw a free kick from Jamie go just wide for the Ravens as they started to impose themselves.
15 minutes on the clock and James H , playing wide right for a change, nipped in between the defender and keeper to poke the ball home for a 1-0 lead.
Man of the Match Jamie then had a storming run - beating three players but couldnt quite hit the target to finish what was a great move. Dan was causing problems for the defence and forced an error which the ref gave as a penalty. The opposition thought this was a little harsh but Jamie stepped up and finished cooly to double the lead.
The Ravens were playing some good stuff with a throw by Ben O being nodded on by Jamie with Joe running on, to again see the ball fly over the bar. If the teams shooting boots had been on there would have been more daylight between the teams in terms of goals but as it was we went into the break at 2-0 and time to just settle the lads in what had proven to be a bit of a battle for the first 40 minutes. Midfield had worked hard with Ben T and James B linking the play and the back four of Ben O, Will, Keenan and David had played thoughtfully to protect their goal and give Luke an easy time.
Attempts to cool the play probably worked a little too well for the second period as the half dragged along with little goalmouth action from either side. Rob and Jon were introduced to replace tiring legs as Woodside started to exert a little pressure with a free kick going just wide. A corner was then deflected just over the line before Luke could scoop it out. With the goal given and the score at 2-1 it left the last 10 minutes a little more stressful than it should have been, excluding any further changes to the line up, as the Ravens saw it out to the whistle to extend their run.
We will need to be a bit sharper next week but overall this game was a good start after such a long rest without playing....
-----------------------------------------------------------------------LEIGHTON CORINTHIANS 4 GREAT HORWOOD 5
13th December 2009
The Mighty Ravens got back to winning ways today but almost paid the price for a little over confidence.
The pitch was in surprisingly good condition considering the recent weather and past experience. The ball was still not bouncing much in the middle but overall the conditions were ok for football on what turned out to be a cold and bitter sunday afternoon.
The game started well enough for the Ravens with some neat interchanges and good football being played. The shape of the team looked good albeit with one or two players looking a little rusty or tired with Christmas fast approaching.
Ben B opened the scoring with his usual neat finish after a nice passing move through the middle involving James B and Dan. This was quickly followed by the first of four goals from Man of the Match Joe who was put through to double the lead. Joe then did a very good impression of West Hams finest (Geoff Hurst) when a shot from distance hit the underside of the bar and over the line to make it a comfortable 3-0.
At this stage Horwood were playing some really nice football with Jamie and Ben B linking with Dan and the midfield of Ben T, Joe and James B. At the back Ollie was under used in goal and protected by David, Keenan, Ben O and Jon. All was ticking along nicely with the feeling reinforced when Joe scored his hat trick to make it 4-0.
Over confidence took hold and the team just stepped back a little thinking the job was done. Leighton took full advantage breaking down our left to cross and score. This was quickly folllowed by a free kick being hit into the box and Horwood failing to react quickly enough to the loose ball. 4-2 and suddenly it was game on when only moments before it had looked like a cricket score was coming.
The Ravens saw out the half to keep it at 4-2 and a little plea to 'up their game' and switch on again was all that was required.
Leighton were now playing down the hill which is obviously their preference for the second half and it showed. Most of the second period was spent with the ball in our half with the lads all battling to win the ball in the increasingly sticky conditions and then get the ball forward to widen the gap again. Rob and Jan played their part in still trying to get the ball forward whenever they could
Pressure was building on the Ravens with consecutive well taken corners and it was only a matter of time before a Leighton head connected and so it proved. 4-3 and nerves started to get a little tight.
Joe eased the pressure with another burst through the defence and cool finish to make it 5-3 and at last it looked like the game was over. To their credit Leighton kept on coming and again mounted several attacks earning corners. Again a well taken corner found the back of the net for 5-4, followed by the longest 6 minutes of the season to end the game with a hard earned 3 points.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------STEEPLE CLAYDON 3 GREAT HORWOOD 1
22nd November 2009
Football is a tough game and this season in particular is showing the difference between winning and losing in this division in miniscule.
The pitch was not good, suffering from the wet weather and the conditions together with a couple of key moments proved decisive.
The first half saw the Ravens play well but not take advantage of the wind. Throughout the game they strugged to break through with either the ball running away from them or the ball being held up in the mud and wind. Claydon were very quick on the break and nearly opened the score from our corner ending in 6 vs 3 attack.
Dan opened the scoring with a superbly taken goal lobbing the keeper. Injuries to Ben B, Rob and Jan during the game did little to help the flow of the Ravens but they were still very unlucky to go in a the break 1-1 after James H was adjudged to have fouled a striker on the goal line leading to a cross and header.
The lads knew they would be up against it in the second period but throughout the half they competed for everything with good combinations throughout. The back four all had good games and man of the match James B playing the simple ball when required. Rob was unlucky to go off with a gash down his leg and Joe spent his usual amount of energy and commitment driving the team forward.
Jamie and James H combined all game with neat passing down the wing with Dan linking the play. Jan had a good debut with a bloody nose early on to welcome him to the league. Jon had a storming game when he came on causing havoc with his steam train runs. Jack T was busy but it was Claydon who took the lead when a cross caught the wind and landed on the attackers head from distance to beat Luke.
To compound the frustration a shot shortly afterwards saw Luke slip in the mud and the ball nestle just inside the post.
A contentious last miute is best forgotten and the lads all finished proud of their efforts but a little bemused to find themselves without anything to show for their efforts for the second week running.
Management also learnt a little today for future team selection as we need to have the succesful plan b, used in the past, available to us in future games.
----------------------------------------------------------------------- TWO MILE ASH 6 GREAT HORWOOD 4
15th November 2009
A hugely dissapointing result to end the fantastic recent run. In hindsight it could have all been very different if any number of the multiple chances created had gone into the net but overall the Ravens were guilty of maybe a little over-confidence and just started with the wrong tempo.
On a small pitch playing against a couple of ex-Ravens Horwood were soon having to defend with Ben O making a last gasp tackle to stop the home team. Jamie then hit the bar from distance and so the pattern of the game was set.
Poor defence in midfield coupled with a poor kick led to the opening goal as TMA finished well and visibly grew in confidence as a result.
The high standard of passing evident in recent performances deserted the Ravens as possession was conceded too cheaply. Still, chances were still being created with Joe having a good shot saved by the TMA keeper followed by another from Jamie after a good ball through from James B. Another nicely chipped free kick from Ben O saw a good shot from Dan before TMA doubled their lead with a long ball.
This second goal was against the run of play causing a good reaction from Horwood who pulled one back just on the whistle with a well taken goal by Dan lobbing the keeper after being put through by James B.
The chat at half time just asked for the tempo to be upped a little and to play the type of football we see every week at training which would suit the small pitch. The lads listened and started brightly to level the score within a couple of minutes with Ben B finishing nicely. A good ball from Rob created another chance before TMA again took the lead and then restored their two goal cushion with a really poor goal to concede.
4-2 but still all to play for. We had to push forward and try and score some more goals as chances were strating to dry up. Changes were made with a quick impact - Ben B scoring his second of the game and it still looked like we could get something out of the game.
Unfortunately another poor goal was conceded from a free kick to ease TMA worries and then another to make it 6-3. Joe had a shot just past the post before Will was completely taken out closing down on the keeper but an unsighted referee was unable to award a free kick or any further punishment. This piece of bad luck just about summed up our day as the Ravens still pushed forward to score a consolation right at the end with a deflected goal from a corner.
The 'End of match chat' was limited as we all felt the frustration and dissapointment of todays performance. The only way to get over it is to start another winning run next week at Claydon....
----------------------------------------------------------------------- GREAT HORWOOD 4 BRACKLEY ATHLETIC JAFFAS 2
8th November 2009
Five wins on the trot indicate an excellent run of form which is even more pleasing knowing the squad can play better than this performance. Howver it was still enough to reverse the result from our early season fixture when the new formation and a bit of rustiness was enough to allow Brackley the points.
This afternoon was a different story. Everyone knows the system and their job. If we have half of the team playing well it appears to be enough to get the result. Today we started poorly and some players returning from injury or illness took a little while to settle and others not quite 100% fit started the game.
We gave the lead to the visitors when a lost ball on the edge of the box was whipped in to bypass everyone and find itslef in the back of the net. Although the Ravens were starting to play in patches it took a great run from Will to equalise when Jamie stuck the ball in the net.
The remainder of the half saw an even contest with both teams creating chances after some good play. Brackley opened up our defence a couple of times with some excellent interchanges whilst Horwood were playing off Man of the Match Dan up front and creating good openings but they were unfortunately not able to convert.
1-1 at the break. Just a couple of words were all that was required as the defence of Ben O, James H, Keenan and Will coped admirably with the second half attacks. James B was having a stormer in midfield just passing the ball at the right time to the right place.
Dan had a great shot requiring the keeper to make a great save and then James B played the ball for Ben B to take the lead with a well taken goal.
Rob was re-introduced and showed his skills with a 'twinkle toes' performance in the box to beat the defenders and lay the ball on for Joe to increase the lead.
At this point the Ravens had found their form and were starting to play the football we all know they can. Chance after chance was being carved out with Ben T marauding forward until Jamie was put through and finished neatly for a 4-1 scoreline.
A couple of changes by the management caused some disruption and allowed Brackley to peg a goal back with an excellent goal, which in the past may have signalled some panic in the ranks. As it was another slight change was made, and the Ravens played out the remaining 5 minutes with ease to make it 5 wins and raise the expectations for next weeks game away to to TMA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------- GREAT HORWOOD 3 UNITED MK 1
1st November 2009
Another good result for the Ravens against a team we have struggled to beat in the past.. this time was different, with a controlled performance showing the strength of the squad.
Good football took a while to arrive as the Ravens were a little subdued in the first few minutes. Fortunately the conditions were in their favour and they gradually fought their way into the game to apply pressure to the visitors goal.
A corner was floated in by Ben B and not for the first time this season the ball found its way into the back of the net to open the scoring. After this goal the Ravens controlled the remainder of the half. Each time the visitors tried to get forward they were thwarted by the Ravens defence with Player of the Week Keenan and Ben O being the busier of the back four.
At the other end we created pressure and then a throw-in was flicked on by James B for Joe to score his first and the Ravens second.
Ben B was pressurising the United MK defence and his persistence earned a corner. Every corner was knocked in superbly by Ben causing all sorts of problems for the defence.
A neat passing move ended with a great ball through from Dan for Ben B to go on and score to make it a comfortable 3-0. But then, just when the Ravens thought they could relax United MK broke through for their first real chance of the game but Olly blocked the shot.
3-0 at the break but the Ravens now had the conditions against them. They again started a bit slowly as the visitors sought to apply pressure.
An unfortunate mix up and a bad bounce accounted for the visitors goal as missed headers saw the ball drop in the box for the advancing striker.
In the past this may have signalled a bit of panic but the Ravens kept their heads and continued to play football, limiting any chances for the opposition.
As the game came to a close the Ravens were again in the ascendency and Joe could have capped his performance off with another goal when one-on-one with the keeper but just shot over the bar.
Overall a very pleasing display with the squad all playing their part in the run of four wins. Lets keep it up next week and ensure we reverse the earlier result against Brackley.
------------------------------------------------------------------------HANSLOPE 3 GREAT HORWOOD 4
25th October 2009
A fantastic result for the Ravens with congratulations to Jamie on reaching his half century of goals on his way to scoring a deserved hat trick.
The strong wind was a big factor in the match particularly with the first notable incident of the game. The sharp eyes of the linesman and goalkeeper were the only two people to see the ball from the corner kick go out before being blown back in by the wind. Luke didnt bother going for the ball as the flag went up and the Hanslope player knocked it into the net. A big relief all round when the referee signalled for a goal kick.
With that early shock out of the way the Ravens then set about dominating the remainder of the half creating many chances. Jamie opened the score after a great through ball from Ben B. Hanslope fought back as the midfield were all guilty of diving in to the tackles allowing a shot from distance to bounce horribly just in front of the diving Luke for the equaliser.
Joe played Jamie through for his and the teams second to retake the lead and then the Ravens pressed hard to give themselves some daylight as they knew the second half would be tough. A great free kick from James H ended with Ben B cracking a shot just past the post. He followed that effort with another very near miss after a big clearance from Luke. More shots followed only just missing the target as Jamie and Joe shot from distance. For Joe it seemed he had just being tuning his sights as a very strong run ended with the ball hitting the top left of the net for a 3-1 score.
As the half came to an end Ben O had a go from distance and then Rob was unlucky as his shot just sailed over the bar from a good corner by Ben B.
3-1 at the break - was it going to be enough?
The conditions favoured the home team in the second half and they tried to exert the pressure their top of the table position and unbeaten start to the season showed they are capable of.
It was 60 minutes before a good corner ended in the back of our net as defenders were pressured to defend the ball, a last gasp effort to clear the ball off the line still not enough to keep it out. 3-2 and 20 minutes to play..
Hanslope were creating a few chances but Horwood were still playing good football and catching them on the break. Then Hanslope grabbed the equaliser as the Ravens lost posession and a good through ball was played giving Luke no chance.
Dismayed to lose the lead the Ravens set about moving the ball forward to pressure the opposition. Joe had a great run into the box flicking the ball through the middle of two defenders, one of which stopped him with a tackle that was heard on the touchline and judged by the referee to be a penalty.
Up stepped Jamie to cooly slot home and the Ravens escaped a couple of late half chances to win the contest 4-3.
A very enjoyable game against two evenly matched teams - three wins on the trot ...lets keep the run going for as long as possible. Todays game showed the strength in depth we enjoy, even with players missing the formation and standard of football remains consistent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------GREAT HORWOOD 5 WINSLOW UNITED PUMAS 3
18th October 2009
A shocking start to the game for the Ravens saw a bright and feisty opposition score two quick goals.
It took a little while for the defence to sort out their shape with the midfield to support. This lapse was pounced on by Winslow to score the first. The second goal was conceded from a corner, but to be honest several early corners looked dangerous as we struggled to get organised.
Thankfuly the team pulled themselves together and to their credit came back strongly. Nice football was played before Dan scored to ease the pressure then Ben B equalised after a good ball through.
After that initial 10 minutes Winslow were now restricted to their own half or hopeful balls kicked forward as the Ravens dominated the remainder of the period culminiating in Joe finishing a good move to go in at the break leading 3-2.
I think the lads had been surprised by Winslow as the game was not as easy as they had thought it would be. Instructions to keep it tight and not have a repeat of the first ten minutes were listened to and acted on and the Ravens started brightly.
Ben B had been replaced by Jack P due to illness but we still looked strong. A great run and cross from Joe saw Jamie pounce on the end for a cool finish and a bit of breathing space.
A great cross from Jack P and lovely pass from Dan cut open the Winslow defence but unfortunately Jamie was unable to keep the ball down.
At the other end Winlsow had a rare attack and scored after some loose marking. This had an almost instant impact on Winslow who then started to believe they could get something from the game and pressed forward. Horwood were strong in defence but escaped several near misses, most notable when Ollie made a great reaction save to keep the Ravens ahead.
Just as the nerves were getting a little tight on the sidelines Jamie had a run down the right ending in a cross which looped majestically just inside the back post for a deserved 5-3 final score.
Without the appaling start and that 10 minute spell of pressure in the second half, the game would have been comfortable for Horwood. However, they are starting to realise not only how good they are but also that they need to be at that level for all of the game. This weeks performance was not quite as good as last weeks, but still good enough for the three points..... next week away to Hanslope.
------------------------------------------------------------------------WOODSIDE WANDERERS 1 GREAT HORWOOD 4
11th October 2009
A classy dislplay from Horwood saw passages of high qualty play as the squads growing understanding of the system continues to show in games.
The match couldnt have started any better as the Ravens early pressure was converted into a goal from Joe after some neat passing and just 3 minutes on the clock. Shortly afterwards a good run from Ben T followed by a good run and cross from Ben B saw Dan get on the end of it for his first shot of the game.
Joe had a good header as Horwod looked to boss the game. Then, against the run of play a poor clearance led to an equaliser and a more even period of play.
Jamie restored the lead before Dan hit the bar and Ben B had a shot over the bar. Horwood were playing some really good football with Man of the Match Rob having a stormer in midfield, Ben T and , Joe were pressing well and the width was being exploited by Ben B and Jamie.
Woodside still looked dangerous on the break with No's 20, 8 and 9 causing problems but they were dealt with very well by James H , Keenan, David and Ben O. Luke was never really tested.
2-1 at the break and a request to just keep doing what they were doing, but be more aware of the dangerous players from the opposition.
An early corner ended with a shot past the post before Dan opened his account for the year with a great goal from distance ending in the top right hand corner of the net.
Changes to give the squad more experience impacted on the flow of the Ravens football but they still held it together to deny Woodside any real chances. Jack P had a chance go over the bar before Jack T had a shot needing the goalkeeper to make a save after a good ball though.
As the game came to an end Jamie converted another chance after a strong run from Joe to make the scoreline a more accurate reflection of the game and the quality shown by the Ravens.
Overall a very positive display and one which bodes well for the remainder of the seaspn.
------------------------------------------------------------------------GREAT LINFORD 8 GREAT HORWOOD 0
League Cup Round 2
4th October 2009
A tough game for the Ravens against League 1 opposition. All the team played very well today only really conceding very good goals (with just one or two exceptions including a penalty).
The game plan to use our new formation worked well throughout the match and shows the lads have all adapted very well. Although the scoreline says different I dont beleive it was an easy game for the home team and any time they looked to ease off the Ravens pounced and put them under pressure.
Dan is growing into the lone striker role and learning to use his strength for the team, Jamie and Ben are proving flexible in their movement and Rob had his best game so far.
In the middle some nice one-two's between James and Jamie were memorable moments as Horwood passed it round the opposotion and Joe and Ben were their usual energetic selves being strong and determined in the tackle and breaking forward.
At the back Will, David, Keenan, Ben O and James H all had great games with Ben being a little too strong at the start of the second half!!
Ollie in goal had a Man of the Match performance and overall the team kept going right up until the final whistle with the last chance of the game falling to Horwood with a good effort from Joe.
Other good chances included Joe hitting the bar after a great ball from Dan.
Overall the lads can be proud of their days efforts - we just need to keep this standard of play and competitiveness going over the next few weeks so we can start to reap the rewards our passing and movement game deserves.
------------------------------------------------------------------------GREAT HORWOOD 0 BROOK END COLTS 4
27th September 2009
A good reaction from the team to last weeks game saw a much better quality performance but still not quite at their best. A few players were just a little jaded or under the weather which was just enough to take the edge off of their perfomance on such a warm day -they all still played well but hopefully they will all be fighting fit for the return match.
The early exchanges in the game saw the visitors play with some confidence in our half but we still had opportunities to break. No clear chances were created for either team until a harsh penalty was awarded for a handball to give the visitors the lift they needed.
The Ravens were having to be competitive all over the pitch to keep Brook End out and they were being succesful until one half-yard gap was given and the visitors created a chance to go 2-0 up at the break.
Not much to say to the lads at the break, we needed to be a little more creative up front but otherwise they were doing ok.
The second half saw an early break for Horwood with good ball play ending with Dan just putting the ball wide of the post with a nice side-footed shot.
As the game continued the exceptional hot weather started to take its toll as the larger squad from the visitors kept them fresher and the Ravens tired. A sluggish return to mark up for a corner allowed the visitors to have unmarked players from the second ball across and they duly slotted it away.
The Ravens still kept going and Jamie hit the post from a throw-in. However, at the other end a good throw landed up across the box to an unmarked player at the back post for a 4-0 score line.
The lads still kept playing football and enjoyed several good passges of play where they cut open the opposition without creating a clear cut chance.
We need to keep this level of perfomance going and seek to add that missing 5% - good football is being played but we need that edge to start getting the results. Joe deservedly won Man of the Match but Will was a very close second being very quick and agressive to every ball - both setting an excellent example for all.
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BRACKLEY ATHLETIC JAFFAS 3 GREAT HORWOOD 2
20th September 2009
Overall a below par performance from the Ravens on a rock hard pitch. The ball spent far too much time in the air or bouncing around as the home team made the most of the lottery of loose balls.
Lessons were learnt today by the manager in the number and use of substitutes which didnt help the team build any consistent pressure on a very hot afternoon.
Having said all that the game was only lost by some soft goals - one from a cross in the first half that evaded everyone - falling very kindly to the home team and a second half goal which should also have been dealt with more positively.
The formation we have needs a review as it only works if the ball can be held up to allow the team to particpate - losing the ball easily leads to the wingers having to drop back into a formation that looks more like 4-5-1 than 4-3-3.
The Ravens took the lead with a well taken goal by Ben B after a nod on from Dan. At this point it looked like it would be enough to settle the Ravens, but it wasnt to be as the home team hit back. A ball down their right went across goal for an attacker to find the net , then a ball across the box from a throw-in saw no Raven attack the ball to deal with it and it landed up in the back of the net for 2-1.
The rest of the game saw occasional good play from both teams but not enough football on the ground from the Ravens.
2-1 at the break it was game on again when Joe lobbed the advancing keeper after a very good move.
Unfortunately at the other end a missed tackle and loose header saw a one-on-one with Luke for the home team to take the lead again. The Ravens still created chances with Joe almost repeating his earlier goal, only for this one to just miss the post.
A very frustrating game for all... more work for Thursday but a definite improvement required to make the best from the ondoubted talents of the squad.
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GREAT HORWOOD 3 Two Mile Ash 3
13th September 2009
An entertaining encounter saw the usual end-to-end play between these two sides.
The Ravens should have wrapped the game up in the first 10 minutes when consecutive chances went begging. The best was probably from 2yds out when the ball hit the bar. Shots wide and over the bar from good moves were then punished when TMA broke down the wing after a loose ball to fire across the front of goal and convert for 1-0.
The Ravens were playing the better football and creating chances but suffered again as TMA broke with a strong shot being well saved by Luke but the parry was followed up to go 2-0 ahead.
Half time team talk focused on the positives - keep doing what they were doing but sharpen it up and get a little bit tighter to overcome the dissapointment of being two goals down after dominating large sections of the play.
The Ravens responded.. they came out of the blocks in the second half determined to put the score right.
Joe clawed the first one back with a good header then Ben B equalised with a well taken looping shot.
At this point it felt like there would be only one winner, and then TMA fought back to take the lead again with a toe poked shot.
Again the Ravens lifted their game and created chances. Offside and team formation needs some work on Thursday but they were still able to force TMA back into their own half.
A good ball forward then saw Jamie nick the ball over the advancing keeper and head home the equaliser.
Was the game over..... not with TMA throwing players forward to force one last chance and after a scramble in our box they hit the bar for the game to finish 3-3.
Applause all round as the spectators had enjoyed the game. The Ravens start their season with two draws (last season was two losses).
Many positives from today with the defence working very well. Man of the Match Ben Turner playing a great game - ably supported by Keenan, Ben O and James H.
We will work on the triangles needed for this formation on Thursday but the fitness training organised and run by the lads themselves last week had a definite impact this week.
Same again next week guys.....
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GREAT HORWOOD 4 Steeple Claydon 4
6th September 2009
The Ravens looked a lot sharper than the Fun Day but still not at their collective best against visitors from Claydon.
The first ten minutes were the highlight for the Ravens as they stroked the ball around and played some lovely football.
Jamie scored the first of his hat trick of goals after a great nod on from Dan saw Jamie run on and finish expertly in the corner of the goal.
The 4-3-3 formation needs a bit of work but after a little tweak the side looked better balanced and they continued to impress. A lob from Joe saw Jamie score his second and it looked like we were on for an enjoyable afternoon.
Unfortunately the visitors gained a foot hold in the game with a speculative strike from distance which found its way into the net.
At 2-1 and bouyed by their good fortune Claydon starting lumping the ball forward and pressing on our back line. In turn we became more anxious on the ball and started to give the ball away cheaply - adding to our own pressure.
Half time talk just asked the lads to try and keep the ball more and to work the ball forward.
The second half started in a familiar fashion with long balls through catching the defence and midfield too far up the pitch - an old trait come back to haunt us.
After a couple of lucky escapes Claydon finally found the net to equalise.
Horwood didn't give in and again set about to win the game for the third time.
Jamie completed his hat trick with a marvellous diving headed goal from a corner for 3-2 and briefly it looked we had done enough for the three points.
To their credit Claydon again came back after players were allowed to run unchallenged through midfield to find an unmarked player and equalise again for 3-3.
This time Horwood had to pick themsleves up as continued failure to close out the game was starting to eat away at them.
Ben B scored a wonder goal direct from a corner as it curled inside the far post, surely this time we could hang on to the lead?
No... it wasnt to be.... a ball into the box saw a penalty awarded for a shove in the back and Claydon duly stepped up to slot it away and draw level for the last time.
A couple of good chances at both ends with Claydon hitting the bar saw a tense end to the match with a draw probably a fair result.
The Ravens need to up their game from here on in as tougher opposition awaits - although we gave them two of their goals some defensive frailty and more expansive play needs to be worked on in training - fitness already ebing recognised by the lads as another area they can sort out themsleves.
Still.... many positives to be taken from the game and confidence rightly remains high within the squad.
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GREAT HORWOOD 1 Hanslope Hornets 5
29th August 2009
The football fun day found the under 16's a little rusty after the long lay off as they came up against a reformed Hanslope, who have obviously picked up some strong players for this season.
The game started with the Ravens playing their usual brand of passing football and they deservedly took the lead with a well taken goal.
As the half progressed the visitors were pushing forward in numbers and found gaps between the Horwood units to be able to knock in three goals for a 3-1 lead at the break.
Half time team talk just asked the team to be more aware of the gaps created in the middle of midfield and try and defend a bit more narrow when the opposition had the ball.
The team reacted well to instruction and limited the chances for the opposition. Unfortunately it also limited our own attacking options. As the second half went on the Ravens tired, and suffered injury, to disrupt the flow of their game and allow a couple of late soft goals for a harsh scoreline.
Overall, some promising play but we need to shake of the rust in a hurry if we are to start the season well aganst a stronger claydon side next week. Training this week will review our tactical play and seek to focus on the positives to take into our first league game.
Dates for your Diary
Football Fun Day
Saturday 29th August
Great Horwood Football Club
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