Great Horwood Ravens 5 Wolverton Tiger Moths
Blue 2
League :- 6th December 2008
Alex Barnes (GK), Ben Olley, Jonathan Kemp, Robert
Churchill, CJ Smart, Joe Nugent, Charlie Attwell, Jake Hodges, Lawrence
Rudd, Tom Foster, Ben Adams
In what was by far our toughest test yet, the
Ravens came through as 5-2 winners in a very close fought but excellent
game played by two sides that both endeavoured to play good football in
very tough and challenging conditions. The Ravens looked distinctly off
colour for most of the first half as, with Louis missing and us
therefore not having much balance on the left, we were highly reliant on
Charlie for our attacking drive from midfield down the right hand side.
Ravens created a few half chances but the Tigermoths were dangerous with
good midfielders and strikers creating a lot of congestion in our box.
As we pushed back too far or attacked with too many numbers there were a
few scrambled half-clearances and Alex made a series of excellent saves
in the mud-bath that was his area!
Not a lot of flowing football from the Ravens and a
good move saw the Tigermoths’ right midfielder pick the ball up on the
right of the goal and shoot. Ben’s lunge to protect the goal clipped
the shot as it went past him and that took it past the keeper – 0:1. It
was clear before the goal that we had a game on our hands and it was now
down to the boys to pick up the pace. Not much was coming off with
Lawrence and Tom not in their usual form, probably as a result of a late
night at the school disco the night before! Charlie was still working
it though and another characteristic drive saw him cross the ball into
the box. Jake shot but the keeper saved only for Joe to tap in the
loose ball (1:1). Five minutes later and just before the end of the
half after another couple of Tigermoths attacks were scrambled clear,
Tom drove through the middle and laid on the pass to Jake who, seeing
the keeper advance, lifted the ball over and into the net (1:2). The
half ended at this score and it was fair to say that it was not as a
result of much skill and passing – it was one of those days where the
passes were just not coming off. The score at half-time was purely down
to the attitude of the boys that, despite loose passes and some shaky
positioning, they would keep on working and create the chances for the
strikers to score.
Joe came off to be replaced by Ben A and CJ, after
some dogged work, came off for Jonathan down the left. As usual, the
second half started as badly as it could. Seemingly from the kick off
we lost the ball and the Tigermoths’ excellent defensive No9 drove
through the heart of the pitch. Tom ushered him to the right but the
shot came in and flew out of Alex’s reach into the top corner of the
goal (2:2). Tom was injured in the challenge but bravely carried on.
As usual, the boys again showed what they are all about by almost
instantly replying. A lovely pass up the line from Lawrence saw Charlie
dance past a couple of lunges to the by-line. His cross was met by Tom
at pace and he diverted it past the goalkeeper and into the far side of
the goal (3:2). This was a terrific goal and I think this disheartened
the Tigermoths as we then proceeded to dominate much of the second
half. Another cross from Charlie was controlled nicely by Jake and he
then made no mistake by putting it away into the far corner (4:2). The
Ravens were dominant now as Ben A and Jonathan were combining well with
Jake down the left and giving Charlie a break! CJ came back on for a
tired-out Lawrence and Joe replaced Jake who had had one of his more
effective all-round performances in recent games despite being ill
during the week. CJ’s energy at the end of the game was having a
critical effect on the flow of the game and it was his just deserts for
his solid first half performance and effort on coming back to score. As
he picked a ball up on the edge of the area after a corner, he looked up
and drilled a left-foot shot across the keeper (as we have been working
on in training) to score the fifth and final goal of the game (5:2).
This was a tough match against a good team that see
us as the team to beat in the league. Despite the level of competition
it was played in a terrific spirit and we look forward to the return leg
in the New Year. Notable performances came from Alex, Jake, CJ,
Jonathan and Tom but the clear match winning performance was from
Charlie who picked up his second consecutive man of the match award.
Well done boys for a gritty and determined performance – if you can win
by not playing all that well (without doing a disservice to the ability
of the opposition), then you must a pretty good team!
Scorers (Joe, Jake 2, Tom, CJ).
Halse United 0 Great Horwood Ravens 3
League :- 29th November 2008
Alex Barnes (GK), Ben Olley, Jonathan Kemp, Robert
Churchill, CJ Smart, Joe Nugent, Charlie Attwell, Jake Hodges, Lawrence
Rudd, Tom Foster, Ben Adams
This was a tough match and Halse gave us the best
competition so far throughout a very good game played by two decent
outfits. The first half saw the Ravens dominating early on with Charlie
and Louis threatening down the wings and creating chances for Joe and
Jake in the middle but either the goalkeeper or wayward shooting was
preventing the breakthrough. Halse forced the Ravens to take up a
defensive formation for attacking moves as they were well able to hit
hard on the break with their front two showing great skill and passing
to create openings. Fortunately Alex was the better of these chances
and kept the scores level. The breakthrough came about half-way into
the first half with Charlie again breaking beautifully down the right
riding past a couple of challenges. At the by-line he crossed
beautifully for Jake to control with his first touch and hit the ball
first time into the roof of the net from 10 yards. A great goal with
some sublime skill. Charlie continued to rampage down the right and
Louis’ movement saw him supporting on the right to create a number of
chances. We continued to get exposed at the back with our midfield
pushing too far forward looking for the second goal and some great
defending from Robert, Ben Olley and Alex in goal prevented an
equaliser. After a succession of crosses and missed opportunities, our
second came just at the right time – a minute before half time. A
corner from the left saw the ball run low through the box for Joe to
control and slam into the back of the net at the back post. What
followed was probably the worst goal celebration ever with Joe claiming
it was a flip but to everyone else looked suspiciously like a
three-year-olds forward roll! (Sorry Joe, your dad is allowed to
criticise!!)
The second half saw the Ravens dominate far more
convincingly with Halse visibly tiring. The half started with a
beautiful move from the kick off which saw Lawrence lay off a sublime
pass to the right for Charlie who crossed the ball accurately for Jake
to control but he hit his shot straight at the keeper. The final goal
came from a corner with the ball running free to the edge of the box and
CJ hitting it high into the net. Chance after chance followed but a
combination of good keeping and defending saw us stay at 3-0.
This was an excellent performance against a strong
and well organised side. Charlie was superb for his wing play and
defensive duties earning him the man of the match award. Our defenders
were again excellent and worked well in the cold conditions when they
were needed. The cross field passing of Lawrence and Tom was excellent
and CJ’s work in the second half totally nullified the break-away
attacking threat of united. Well done boys, another great team
performance.
Scorers (Jake, Joe, CJ).
Great Horwood Ravens 8 Woodside Wanderers 1
League :- 22nd November 2008
Alex Barnes (GK), Ben Olley, Jonathan Kemp, Robert
Churchill, CJ Smart, Joe Nugent, Charlie Attwell, Jake Hodges, Lawrence
Rudd, Tom Foster,
In a fluid and composed performance, the Ravens ran
away with this game. With no Ben Adams and Louis out with a sore throat
just before the game started, a quick reorganisation of the side did
nothing to stop the Ravens imposing themselves. Passing, organisation
and teamwork were the order of the day with some sparkling performances
from Lawrence, Tom and Charlie in particular. Starting with CJ up front
and Jonathan on the left we soon imposed ourselves on the game. Goals
came from a number of avenues but corners in particular are proving to
be fruitful with Tom benefitting in the first half and another goal
forced from an own goal. Charlie was particularly impressive on the
right wing again and is beginning to work hard in defence as well as
attack picking up a couple of goals. Jake was the hat-trick hero
benefitting from great Charlie crosses but will need to work harder to
make a contribution in defence as well as attack.
The score could have been more with Lawrence skying
a penalty and Tom just missing out on a hat trick himself from all of
three yards
A great team effort with all players contributing –
well done boys.
Scorers (Tom 2, Charlie 2, Jake 3, OG).
Olney Town Colts Arrows 1 Great Horwood
Ravens 5
League Cup Round 2:- 15th November 2008
Alex Barnes (GK), Ben Olley, Jonathan Kemp, Robert
Churchill, CJ Smart, Joe Nugent, Charlie Attwell, Jake Hodges, Lawrence
Rudd, Tom Foster, Louis Carter, Ben Adams.
The Ravens continued their unbeaten start to the
season with a well-disciplined and strong team performance. Starting
with CJ up-front we had great pace and skill in our front pairing with
Jake. The Ravens made an excellent start by using the full width of the
pitch. A couple of close chances went by and it was beginning to look
like we would struggle to make the breakthrough. However, after a great
passing move down the left with Ben Olley and Louis using space and
movement, the ball was slipped through to Jake to shoot. The goalkeeper
could not hold on to it and Louis’ electric pace saw him react first and
swivel on a 6-pence to knock the ball in to the net from a narrow
angle. The second followed soon after as the Ravens were in total
command. A dazzling run of pace and strength from Charlie saw him
dribble past three players and knock a terrific cross in the middle and
CJ was there to stroke the ball home. As we discovered last year
however, the Arrows are a side of great character and skill and the
following 15 minutes saw the Ravens pegged back in their own half. A
combination of great defending from Ben Olley and Robert as well as a
great save from Alex meant that we were able to keep them out. After
that period, Tom and Lawrence began to get themselves back into the game
and the midfield pairing began to impose themselves. The third goal
came just before the end of the first half with Tom picking the ball up
on the left, cutting inside and launching a good shot which the
goalkeeper could not keep out.
A couple of changes for the start of the second
half saw Charlie replaced on the right by Jonathan and CJ replaced by
Joe up front. CJ had a terrific game and showed us that his pace and
tenacity will be a real asset to us in an advanced position. The Ravens
often start the second half sluggishly but one player in particular was
not going to let that happen. Lawrence, who had appeared a little off
colour in the first half led through example and was dynamic and
intelligent across the pitch. His passing range was back and his
ability to make a 50-50 chance all his was superb. With Johnny
rampaging down the right and showing us that he is a real asset to the
team and Louis continuing to impress on the left, the Ravens dominated
but could not make the telling opportunity. Unfortunately for Joe, who
had taken up a good position his goal-bound shot was saved by the
‘keeper. The next breakthrough came 10 minutes into the half. A fluid
passing move on the left with Ben, Tom, Lawrence and Louis saw Louis
cross the ball where Joe and Jonathan were lurking. Jonathan capped off
a great start to the half and slammed the ball into the back of the net
for his first competitive goal for the club – well done Jonathan you
deserve it!! A further change with Ben Adams coming on to the left to
replace the excellent Louis meant that we inevitably lost some momentum
and this saw the Arrows finally make the breakthrough (1-4). A final
change, bringing Charlie back on to replace the hard-working Jake saw
the balance of the game shift back in our favour and it was good to see
Charlie return to form after a strangely slow first half. One of his
characteristic mazy runs from the heart of midfield saw him through on
goal and a Charlie rocket slammed into the far corner of the net (1-5).
More opportunities came and went with Joe picking himself up after the
save and defending from the front, Ben Adams passing and moving fluidly
down the left and Charlie continuing his power game but that was it for
the scoring and the win was finally confirmed by the referees whistle.
This was a great team performance with many players
working their socks off for the team. Ben, Alex and Robert are a tough
defensive unit, Tom protects the back line superbly and triggers off
attacking moves, Louis and Jonathan give us options out wide and CJ
showed he can more than cut it up front for the team. The man of the
match performance was once again Lawrence who showed real leadership
guile and ability to ensure that we progress through to the next round
of the cup. Well done boys!
Scorers (Louis, CJ, Tom, Jonathan, Charlie).
Brook End Colts Jaguars 3 Great Horwood
Ravens 6
League:- 11th October 2008
Alex Barnes (GK), Ben Olley, Jonathan Kemp, Robert
Churchill, CJ Smart, Joe Nugent, Charlie Attwell, Jake Hodges, Lawrence
Rudd, Tom Foster, Louis Carter.
On a beautiful October morning, the Ravens
continued their unbeaten start to the league season with a good 3-6 away
win against a feisty Jaguars side. Ravens started as sluggishly as
three boys who had been up all night celebrating a birthday and took a
while to gel. The unexpected absence of Archie (get well soon Richard)
meant we had Louis playing on the left, Charlie on the right with Joe
and Jake on up front. The ravens began to impose themselves and put the
pressure on with a series of corners – the pick of which saw Louis hit
the cross-bar with a terrific flicked header. Other scrambles in the
Jags area saw the ball cleared but eventually the breakthrough came with
a terrific move down the right from Charlie started by Robert and the
cross falling to Jake to score (0-1). The Ravens settled into their
play with Tom protecting the backline excellently and Lawrence producing
his best half so far this season with intelligent probing passes and
movement. A handball on the halfway line saw Tom line the ball up and
with great power and direction he scored as Jake leapt out of the way in
front of the keeper (0-2). The half was nearing its end but the action
was not complete with a great run by Jake jinking in from the left
touchline past three players to lay the ball on to Joe. Joe saw the
keeper advancing so he quickly back-heeled the ball beyond the keeper
into the goal from 10 yards –audacious and cheeky, a great way to score
his first competitive goal (0-3).
With Lawrence now leaving as he had to go to London
a reorganisation was required and as usual the Ravens started the second
half in jittery fashion – flicky passes, no control and panic-stations
defending saw the Jags gain in the ascendancy and score with a scrappy
goal (1-3). The ravens are a funny bunch and actually seem to thrive
when the game gets a bit close so they simply went up the other end and
scored. Jake flighted yet another terrific corner and Louis, this time
at the back post, did the rest (1-4). Ravens then continued to dominate
but were liable to being hit on the break. A loss of shape and some
tired legs saw a thunderbolt scored from 20 yards and then a good move
down our left saw a good cross and goal (3-4). When you think the boys
might cave in though their character always comes through and with
Charlie now beginning to wake up and impose himself the pressure was
back on the Jags. Determined play from Jake saw a scrappy but well
earned second come (3-5) and then Robert, driving down the right put in
a great cross that the defender could not help but help into the net
(3-6).
A very good first half performance followed by a
so-so second but character and ability shone through for another fine
win. Well done boys. This looks like a closer league and you are never
safe until the final whistle so we need to keep up the good work and
maintain our shape and application.
Scorers (Jake 2, Joe, Louis, Tom, Robert).
Great Horwood Ravens 4
Waterhall Stars 2
League:- 27th September 2008
Alex Barnes (GK), Ben Olley, Robert Churchill,
Jonathan Kemp, Ben Adams, Joe Nugent, Charlie Attwell, Lawrence Rudd,
Tom Foster. Louis Carter, Archie James, CJ Smart, Jake Hodges.
The squad was pretty well at full strength and the
football returned – particularly in the first half. With Archie on for
a single half because of his return from injury we had the balance back
in the side and with Charlie on the right with Louis and Jake up front
it was a very skill-full and determined front line. Behind them,
employing Lawrence at the top of the midfield diamond and Tom in
defensive midfield we had shape and balance. Ben O and Robert also
meant we were strong in defence with Alex in goal after his heroics last
week. We started really well and passing and movement saw us create a
number chances but no goal. A series of corners and throw ins saw more
pressure on the goal but the breakthrough came about half way through
the half. A driving run from Charlie down the right past three players
and then a great cross saw Jake free in the box to slam the ball home
(1-0). Two goals followed in close succession where our work on set
pieces paid off. Two throws from Tom saw chaos in the box and Jake
scored another with Charlie getting the third (3-0).
With changes to the team (Archie now rested), Joe
on up front, Ben Adams on the left, Jonathan in defence, it is always
difficult to keep the momentum and while we still had a number of
chances, the Stars started the half brightly and got a well-deserved
goal. Charlie moved back to the right when Jake came back on up front
and this saw a terrific run from him as he went past four players and
slammed the ball in to the far post (4-1). A consolation for the Stars
followed but the Ravens held off easily to wrap up their first league
win of the season.
Well done to Charlie for a much improved
performance this week and a MoM performance. Well done to the boys as
well for retaining their shape and composure in the face of much
intimidation from both on and off the field.
The football was back and great to see we can
produce this with the 9-a-side format.
Scorers Jake 2, Charlie 2.
Flitwick Eagles Reds 0 Great Horwood
Ravens 0
Penalties Eagles Reds 2: Ravens 3
Cup:- 20th September 2008
Alex Barnes (GK), Ben Olley, Robert Churchill,
Jonathan Kemp, Ben Adams, Joe Nugent, Charlie Attwell, Lawrence Rudd,
Tom Foster. Louis Carter.
This match can be summed up in two words – Alex
Barnes. What a Magnificent display of goalkeeping from the boy
mountain!! Ably supported by the terrific Ben Olley, Robert Churchill
and by a one-legged Tom Foster in the second half, the Ravens pulled off
a great spirited performance. Crippled by injuries again and key player
absences, we were always going to struggle but we actually managed to
play some good stuff in the first half without ever really looking like
we would score. Joe and Louis did a good job holding the ball up and
playing around a strong defence from the Reds but no clear cut chances
could be developed. Alex pulled off a couple of saves but nothing that
gave us a feeling for what was to come!
The second half came and with Tom off with a bad
leg it was backs to the wall. The highlights (from a defensive
perspective):
-
Great defending from corners – good organisation and bravery (as well as
a bit of luck at times!)
- A
terrific diving save from Alex
- A
goal-bound shot headed away by Ben who seemed to appear from nowhere
-
Another brave palm-away by Alex
- A
one on one with the keeper that saw Robert magically appear from the
right flank to make a diving block.
Once the bombardment of the first ten minutes
passed, it became more even although we did not really threaten until
the last five minutes when Ben Adams stabbed the ball just wide of the
far-post from a corner.The game was over and it was now down to
penalties. Despite the view of the opposition that we had ‘fluked’ the
nil-nil, it was entirely down to guts and determination from the boys
with Lawrence and Tom really working their socks off. The key was Alex
though – we had the penalties won before they started because of his
saves during the match and he really filled the goal when they came to
take the pens. Three saves out of five and terrific penalties from
Louis, Tom and Lawrence (super-cool) saw us through.
Skin-of-the-teeth stuff but a well fought victory –
well done boys (we only had ten men). Now on to the next round! We
still need to find the right blend of the team and begin playing
football but we are through and that is what counts.
Brackley Stars 3 Great Horwood
Ravens 3
League :- 13th September 2008
Alex Barnes (GK), Ben Olley, Jonathan Kemp, Ben
Adams, CJ Smart, Joe Nugent, Charlie Attwell, Jake Hodges, Lawrence
Rudd, Tom Foster.
In a tricky away tie for the Ravens first out, we
saw a lot of determination but not much in the way of football. We were
without three players through absence and injury so it was always going
to be a tough match against a well organised team with a similarly vocal
coach!!!
We started slowly and were a little fortunate to
get the first goal. A good corner from Jake was bundled in by debut-boy
tom at the near-post (1-0). That was it from the Ravens in the first
half in terms of quality however and a combination of sloppy passing and
nervousness saw three goals scored by the Stars by half-time (3-1).
The Ravens needed a good second half to avoid a
poor start to the season and they started well. Charlie moving to the
right of midfield put more energy into the team and he laid on a
beautiful pass from the right between two defenders for Jake to run on
and lift the ball over the keeper with his left foot. The half
continued but became more even as both teams tired. Fortunately for the
Ravens the final breakthrough came with 5 minutes to go. Tom threw the
ball in from the right and a cheeky flick from CJ saw the ball creep in
at the near post. We nearly won it with a couple of chances at the end
but a draw was a fair result.
A good effort from the boys – lots of heart after a
disastrous first half but not much football so much to work on.
Scorers (Tom, Jake, CJ)
