Great Horwood FC

Under 9's 2009-10

Date

Comp

Venue

Opposition

Res.

Score

Scorers

12th Sept 09 Lge Home Willen Juniors Athletic

26th Sept 09 Cup Rnd 1 Away Linslade Greenleas Santos W 4-5 Oliver C (4), Jack V (pen)

03rd Oct 09 Lge Away Tattenhoe Reds L 2-0

17th Oct 09 Lge Away Samba Pele W 3-6 Oliver (5), og

24th Oct 09 Lge Home Toddington Rovers Leopards L 3-5

31st Oct 09 Cup Rnd 2 Home New City Saints W 5-1 Oliver C (4), Mark

14th Nov 09 Lge Away Woodside Rovers

28th Nov 09 Lge Home Olney Town Colts Hawks D 2-2 Oliver K, Jack V

05th Dec 09 Lge Away Brookfield Rangers Ospreys W 0-2 Oliver C, Jack S

19th Dec 09 Cup Rnd 3 Home Toddington Rovers Leopards P

30th Jan 10 Lge Home Old Stratford P

6th Feb 10 Lge Away Scot Youth L 4-3 og(2) Archie (pen)

13th Feb 10 Cup Rnd 3 Home Toddington Rovers Leopards L 3-4 Oliver C, Oliver K, Jack V

27th Feb 10 Lge Home Newton Longville

20th Mar 10 Lge Away Wing Raiders Saxons

10th Apr 10 Lge Away Olney Town Colts Hawks W 1-3 Oliver C (2), Jack S

17th Apr 10 Lge Home Samba Pele W 3-2 Oliver K, Oliver C(2)

8th May 10 Lge Away New City Saints

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GREAT HORWOOD RAVENS 3 SAMBA PELE 2

Saturday 17^th April

Fresh from their win at Olney last week a changed team took to the field on another beautiful morning in Great Horwood.

George returned in goal and Harry lined up alongside Jack V at the back. Max filled in on the right side of midfield (Mark was stranded by ash clouds after his holiday in the Maldives) along side Jack S and Archie D behind Ollie Kemp as the lone striker.

Far from being bouyed up after last week, it took the boys 15 minutes to wake up during which time the ball was camped in our half and we were soon 1-0 down despite some strong tackling from Harry and Jack and some good saves from George. A switch was made as Max was struggling with a side injury bringing on Ollie Cain to central midfield and Jack S moving out to the right. During the next 10 minutes we started to pass and move the ball around which lead to the equalizer. Some good interchange play between Jack S and Ollie C saw a cross come in from the right and Ollie Kemp despatched it into the far corner with his left foot. A great team goal and proved again that we can play football when we want to!

H/T 1-1

Max replaced the hardworking Harry at half time and we came out more up for it from the whistle. Archie D was chasing up more than down the pitch, Jack S was proving again that he can play after his eye operation with one great run and cross down the right that deserved more than the corner we got from it.

We then scored a second after some more good team work that was finished off by Ollie Cain. 2-1

A few minutes later, the Pele keeper came to the edge of his box to clear but it only reached Ollie C just inside their half. With a call of lob him from the coach, this is precisely what he did and despite his best efforts, the keeper could not keep the ball out. 3-1

Harry then replaced Max again after his short breather and as the clock was ticking down, we allowed Samba to pull one back but held on for another well deserved victory.

Player of the week went to Harry for his great defensive contribution especially in the first 15 minutes.

SQUAD: George, Harry, Jack V, Archie D, Max, Jack S, Oliver K, Oliver C.

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OLNEY TOWN HAWKS 1 GREAT HORWOOD RAVENS 3

Saturday 10^th April

On a beautiful morning in Olney a rejuvenated under 9's took to the field after some heavy losses in the last few weeks.

The game started brightly with some neat passing between the midfield duo of Jack Smart and Jemima linking up with Ollie Cain upfront which was a feature that had been missing over recent games. Behind these 3 we were strong in defence with Daisy and Jack V whilst Charlie was showing a safe pair of hands in goal and Archie Martin was holding his own on the left side of midfield. In fact both keepers were playing well with Charlie turning a fierce shot round the post and was gathering all the loose balls in his area whilst Jack S and Jack V were just off target with long range efforts at the other end.

It came as no surprise when the Ravens took the lead through Ollie Cain taking on the Hawks defence and sliding the ball into the far corner from a tight angle. The Ravens kept pressing whilst holding their shape with the impressive Daisy more than a match for the Olney forward. Charlie was continuing to impress in goal having come off a few dodgy games in the last few weeks but was unable to stop the Hawks equalizer when a quick throw was not dealt with by the defence and the striker slotted it home from close range.

Far from letting this get to them, the Ravens continued to dominate the game and Archie Denne replaced Archie Martin on the left side of midfield giving even more balance than we had before.

H/T 1 - 1.

A further change was made at half time with Ollie Kemp replacing Jack Smart and playing up front with Ollie Cain in central midfield. This combination along with Jemima who had toiled tirelessly on the right and Archie D on the left started to create chance after chance, with Ollie K unlucky to see his efforts saved on the line 3 times by the Olney defender and keeper. A further break saw an effort by Ollie K hit the bar and Archie D was causing havoc by running rings round the Olney defence and getting crosses in that we were not able to convert. At the other end Charlie was having less to do as Daisy and Jack V were stopping any Hawks attacks well before they reached the box.

A second goal came from Ollie C after some more good interplay and then soon after, Jack S replaced Jemima on the right of midfield. A third goal followed from a corner when the Olney defence were busy watching Jack V making late runs into the box that they did not pick up Jack S who guided a header into the far corner. This was great credit to him having just come back from eye surgery but the goal celebration needs to be toned down (back flips are for the professionals).

Archie M replaced Daisy for the last 6 minutes and we held on for another well deserved victory.

Final Score 3 -1.

Player of the week was a very difficult decision as they had all played well, but for her tireless effort up and down the right side, the vote went to Jemima.

SQUAD: Charlie Parker, Jack van Rooyen, Daisy Daymond, Archie Martin, Jack Smart, Jemima Hughes, Oliver Cain, Archie Denne and Oliver Kemp.

Summary: Let's keep positive for the remaining games of the season as you have proved that on the day you are more than a match for most teams and next season we start to play league gamesl!!!

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GREAT HORWOOD RAVENS 3 TODDINGTON ROVERS 4

13th February 2010



In a pulsating game, Raven’s came out on the end of a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Toddington Rovers in this third round cup tie.

With a strong line-up of Charlie in goal, Jack V and George at the back, Archie D, Mark and Ollie C in midfield and Ollie K up front we soon got into our stride and for once did not concede any early goals. There was plenty of passing and moving of the ball between all players and we thought we had scored but the referee ruled it out for a handball that was not obvious to anyone on the touchline. On the balance of play it was no surprise when we took the lead midway through the 1^st half when a shot from Ollie C was palmed over his head by the Toddington keeper and whether the ball had crossed the line is still in dispute before Ollie K made sure.

As the instruction to keep it tight from the coach was still in the air, Toddington went straight from the kick off to get the equalizer by running through the midfield and defence to put the ball past Charlie.

Far from letting this get to them the Ravens carried on and an inspired substitution saw Max replace the extremely hardworking Mark. He collected a goal kick from Jack V, ran from the half way line to the edge of the Toddington box and put in a great cross which Ollie K buried into the corner of the net with his RIGHT FOOT!!!

A few minutes later we were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area which Jack V struck low and hard into the net at the near post to make the score 3 – 1 at half time.

During the break the Ravens were reminded again to keep playing the quality football they had been doing in the first half as this would see them through because Toddington had not been able to penetrate our defence during the first 25 minutes apart from getting the equalizer. A further change saw Jemima replace Ollie K up front.

Unfortunately this did not go to plan as straight from the kick off Toddington pulled a goal back with a speculative effort. This was soon followed by a 2^nd and then a 3^rd and so from going into the break 3-1 up we were soon 4-3 down.

More changes were made with George moving back into goal, Max dropping into defence and Ollie K replacing Jemima upfront. As we continued to press for the elusive equalizer, the Toddington keeper was playing a blinder keeping out a close range effort from Ollie K, a long range shot from Ollie C and a barrage of corners in the final few minutes. In between this George pulled a superb quadruple save with his feet, hands and anything else that would get in the way of shots coming in.

As the whistle blew the teams received rapturous applause from both sets of spectators and coaches for what was a brilliant game to watch and was refereed brilliantly by Keenan Shaw to whom we owe our thanks as he was only meant to do one half of the game.

So for this year the fairytale has ended but hope that now they have had a taste of competitive football it will be used next season when everything we play for will be real.

It was decided that there was no Player of the Week but a team award as it would be unfair to say one person had contributed more than another.

Squad:

Charlie, Jack V, George, Mark, Archie D, Ollie C, Ollie K, Max and Jemima.

Scorers: Ollie?, Ollie K and Jack V.

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SCOT YOUTH 4 GREAT HORWOOD RAVENS 3

6th February 2010



In a great game to watch as a spectator the U9’s came out of this game at the wrong end of a 7 goal thriller.

Throughout the game Scot Youth played some really good passing football and the lack of match and training practice was telling on the Ravens who soon found themselves 3 – 0 down.

During this period there were notable battling displays by Archie Martin, Daisy Daymond, Max Hatton, Harry Day and Oliver Kemp.

Mark who was suffering with a tight chest was replaced by Archie Denne and the game picked up from a Ravens point of view. A further change saw Ollie Cain come on.

The Ravens soon hit back when a cross from the right saw the first of 2 own goals conceded by Scot Youth to bring the score to 3 – 1.



A re-shuffle at half time saw George take over in goal from the injured Charlie and Jack V replacing Harry and as we continued to press the 2^nd own goal was conceded and at that moment there only looked like one team who were going to win the game however a lack of concentration at the back saw Scot extend their lead again.

More pressure on the Scot goal was applied and a penalty was awarded for handball which Archie Denne put away on the rebound after a great save from the keeper.

Both teams had more chances and then in the final minute the Ravens were awarded a 2^nd penalty again for handball but on this occasion Jack V hit the bar with it and the keeper collected the rebound.

The final whistle blew immediately and a huge cheer went up from the home team parents as they knew they had been in a competitive game that they were fortunate in the end to win.

All our attention now focuses on the cup game against Toddington this Saturday where we hope not to concede the early goals that we seem to do and so make it difficult to come back from.

Team: Charlie, Max, Harry, Mark, Daisy, Archie M and Oliver K, Archie D, Oliver C, Jack V and George.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Max – solid in defence and passed the ball well.

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BROOKFIELD RANGERS 0 GREAT HORWOOD RAVENS 2

5th December 2009

In heavy conditions after the overnight rain, the U9’s came away with another win over a very good Brookfield Rangers side whose previous score-lines did not do justice to their performance against us.

The first 15 minutes was a tight affair with some good interplay between Archie D and Jack S and an impressive start by Archie Martin on the left of midfield.

Daisy and George were holding firm at the back and with Jemima tracking up and down the right we were looking good.

Charlie was having a slightly nervous time in goal but as the half wore on he became more confident.

Ollie C then came on for the hardworking and tiring Archie M and within a few minutes the Raven’s were 1-0 up as he coolly slotted the ball home.

George then picked up a knock which brought Harry on to play upfront , Jack S dropping to midfield and Archie D in defence. This almost led to Harry getting on the score sheet on a couple of occasions but he was unfortunate not to hit the target. Half Time 0 – 1.

We started the 2^nd half with the same line-up and continued to press although Brookfield were getting into the game more themselves.

George came back on and Archie replaced Jemima who had worked tirelessly and he then had a couple of opportunities to open his account for the team.

With Brookfield looking good, the Ravens scored their 2^nd to some relief from the management. After some good build up play a cross came in from the left and with some part of his body, Jack S put the ball into the net.

We then held on till the whistle for another win.

With our squad rotation system working again there were a lot of good performances from individuals but the POTW trophy went to Archie Martin.

Squad: Charlie, Daisy, George, Archie M, Archie D, Jemima, Jack S, Harry, Ollie C

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GREAT HORWOOD RAVENS 2 OLNEY TOWN 2

28th November 2009

In trying conditions, both sides played good football in which a draw at the end was a fair result.

The Ravens created a number of half chances in the first 10 minutes but could not score and then against the run of play with only their first shot Olney took the lead after a slip by the Ravens defence left their striker one on one with Charlie in goal and he duly put the ball into the back of the net to make it 0-1.

Undeterred the Raven’s battled back and Harry playing as striker and not his normal defensive position won the ball on the edge of the Olney area and it found its way to Oliver Kemp at the far post. The keeper saved his first effort but the rebound was put away to make it 1-1.

The second half was more even with chances at both ends but it was Olney who regained the lead. Again the Ravens battled and were rewarded with an equalizer when Jack V hit an unstoppable shot from outside the area.

Both teams had chances to win it but in the end a draw was a fair result.

This was a solid team performance with some players asked to fill positions they do not normally play in and did well in them.

Many thanks to James Bennett for refereeing the game for us.

There were notable performances from Charlie, Max, Archie D, Mark and Harry but the Player of the week trophy went to Oliver Kemp for his continual improvement, playing in an unfamiliar left midfield role and scoring the Ravens 1^st goal.

Squad: Charlie, Max, Jack V, Mark, Jack S, Oliver K, Harry, Archie M, Archie D, George.

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GREAT HORWOOD RAVENS 5 NEW CITY SAINTS 1

31st October 2009

In what looked like a tricky game after the overnight weather conditions a slightly re-organized side took to the field in this 2^nd round cup game.

Having conceded 2 goals in the first 2 minutes of the last game against Toddington Rovers, the team were determined not to let it happen again and set about the task in a stern fashion.

With the trio of Mark, Ollie C and Archie D running the midfield it was no surprise when the Ravens took the lead through another Ollie Cain goal. This was soon added to with his first ever goal for the team by Mark, tapping in at the far post. George in goal was mostly a spectator in the 1^st half as he was protected by Daisy playing her best game for the team and Jack V and the hardworking Mark and Archie in front of them.

Ollie Kemp then chased down a Saints defender and won the ball before laying on the pass for Ollie C to grab his second to make the half time score 3-0.

Changes were made with Jemima replacing Mark and coupled with some more adventurous play by the Saints we were put on the back foot for a while with George making some timely blocks. However it was not long before Saints pulled a goal back, but this only inspired the Ravens to better things and the 3 goal advantage was soon restored with Ollie C scoring again and then finishing off with his 4^th. Mark then replaced Jemima and George was having to work much harder. With the change of Harry replacing Daisy at the back we gave no sign of our domination waning and the Saints were unable to get a second.

The final whistle blew and the Ravens had won 5-1 and therefore making history for them as a team.

This was probably the best team performance that they have played and deserve all the praise they get.

Finding a Player of the Week was hard as there were outstanding performances from George, Daisy, Archie and Ollie C, but the decision was given to Mark Bannister for his tireless running, tackling and passing and in scoring his 1^st ever goal. Congratulation you have come a long way in a short period of time.

SQUAD: George, Daisy, Jack V, Archie D, Ollie C, Mark, Ollie K, Jemima and Harry

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SAMBA PELE 3 – 6 GREAT HORWOOD RAVENS U9’s

17th October 2009

A superb display saw the U9’s avenge their 11-2 defeat at the hands of Samba earlier this year with a resounding 6-3 win at their ground.

From the kick off the Ravens showed their intent by taking the game to their opponents and it was not long before the goal machine that is Ollie C got his first of the game running through the defence and slotting the ball past the keeper.

Ably assisted by Jemima, Archie and George in midfield Ollie soon scored his 2^nd and then an exceptional save to push the ball over the bar by Charlie kept the score line the same.

At the back Charlie was playing with an ever growing assurity, Jack V and the ever improving Daisy were keeping Samba out until a moments lapse saw a long kick from their goalie saw the ball bypass them and the striker put the ball past Charlie.

However it was not long before the 2 goal lead was restored thanks to an own goal from a corner put in low and hard by George and Ollie C had another hat-trick before Samba pulled another goal back themselves.

H/T 2 – 4

At the break Oliver Kemp came on as striker with Ollie C dropping back into midfield, Max for Jemima and Harry for Daisy.

The changes caused no sign of our superiority being diminished and it was soon 5-2 as some excellent ball control by Ollie K saw him slide a ball through for Ollie to put away for his 4^th of the game. Samba pulled another goal back before the 2 Ollie’s combined again for Mr C to bag a 5th. The final whistle blew and another win was secured.

Player of the week - Charlie

Squad: Charlie, Daisy, Jack V, George, Jemima, Archie M, Mark, Max, Ollie C and Ollie K.

What we are now seeing from the squad is that we can shuffle the team around without losing too much as we have cover in all positions.

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TATTENHOE REDS 2 GREAT HORWOOD 0

3rd October 2009

In blustery conditions the Ravens took on Tattenhoe Reds and played the first half into the wind. Both sides battled the conditions and the Ravens held their own until a corner was deflected into the net for a 1-0 lead to the home team.

Tattenhoe then went on to dominate the remainder of the half although there were some good displays of tackling and chasing by the midfield trio of Daisy, Mark and Charlie. At the back Harry, George and Max in goal were also playing their part and Jack Smart was toiling alone up front with very little service as the ball would not carry in the wind.

A second goal came after some great work by the Tattenhoe forward who from a very tight angle managed to squeeze the ball home.

Second half changes saw Charlie revert to goalkeeper, Max to defence(to keep warm) and Archie Martin, Archie Denne and Oliver Kemp on for Mark, Daisy and Jack Smart.

This new formation and with the wind behind them saw the Ravens have more possession and started to create chances, whereas the opportunities for Tattenhoe became less frequent.

One sweeping move saw Oliver Kemp collect the ball and run at the Tattenhoe defence before putting in a cross that Jack Smart was just unable to get on the end of.

Unfortunately the Ravens could not break through and the final result remained 2-0 to Tattenhoe.

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LINSLADE GREENLEAS SANTOS 4 GREAT HORWOOD 5

26th September 2009

In their first ever cup match Raven’s U9’s to the field in Leighton Buzzard against a big Greenleas side and it was not long before some neat interchange of passing between Oliver's Kemp and Cain saw the Ravens take the lead through Ollie C.

With George and Jack V solid at the back and Max in goal for only his second competitive match, we were unlucky to concede an equalizer soon after. However it was only a matter of time before Ollie C restored the lead and then went on to secure his hat-trick to make it 3-1. By this time Archie, Jemima and Ollie C were running the midfield and it was against the run of play that Linslade got a goal back and soon after a third to make the score 3-3 at half time.

A change of line-up at the break saw Charlie making his debut for Archie, Mark replacing Jemima and Jack S for Oliver Kemp who had played his best game so far as striker since moving from goal-keeper.

Some more neat play saw Ollie C grab a 4^th and but for some good saves by Max and both post and crossbar the lead was held before another move by Linslade saw them grab another equalizer to make it 4-4.

A penalty shootout loomed until a Linslade defender handled in the box and Jack V slotted home the penalty to make it 4-5. Less than 1 minute later the final whistle blew and the Ravens had progressed to round 2.

In what was probably one of the best team performances the squad have produced, all parents and coaches were mightily proud of their achievement.

Man of the match: Jack V – back to his best, sure footed, good ball distribution and scored the decisive goal when under pressure.