United MK 5 Great Horwood Ravens 5

21st December 2008

The Ravens scored 5 again for the second game running but again almost gave the game away completely. This aspect will be the subject of much thought over the Christmas break and the main area to work on as the standard of overall play continues to be excellent and very enjoyable to watch.

The Ravens looked to be a little off the boil during the warm-up probably already thinking of their Christmas puddings and unfortunately it took a goal within  the first couple of minutes to wake them from their slumber.

After the rude awakening of going behind the Ravens then went about playing some lovely passing and movement football which repeatedly opened up the United MK defence. It looked like it would be just a matter of time before we would score and so it proved. Ben Baker, with a perfectly crafted left foot shot. Shortly afterwards Haydon scored his first and then scored again finishing off an intricate sequence of passes with a great turn and shot inside the box.

3-1 at half time and the Ravens were well on top. Conditions would be against us in the second half but the quality on display meant confidence was high.

The second half saw the home team press forward more going down the hill with the wind behind them but the Ravens still looked very dangerous going forward and it wasn't long before Ben Baker increased the lead to 4-1 and then Jack R had an easy tap in after an error from the keeper. At 5-1 it should have been game over, but United MK had already come back from a deficit when we played them at home so they just went for it ....

A big shot from distance was the first to find the net then a good goal taken well just inside the corner of the penalty area nestled just inside the post for 5-3 and the home team were swarming forward. The Ravens still had some opportunities at the other end but a decision was taken to try and hold onto the win and shut up shop by packing midfield. This seemed to work until another big shot from distance found the net for 5-4 as the game came towards the end.

The equaliser was disputed by all Horwood players and management as the ball was judged to have already crossed the line by the time Luke saved a shot after a corner had been taken by the home team. 

It was a goal, because the referee gave it as a goal.......

Shortly afterwards the final whistle went to end the game at 5-5.  Discussion continued with the referee and the end of game team talk was a little disjointed as the general feeling was more that we had lost the game rather than drawn but when you are 5-1 up there really should be only one result.

In hindsight you can see the early goal after 90 seconds was the one that lost us the 2 points not the last goal, next game should see a brighter warm up and a little reminder of this game .

Great Horwood Ravens 5 Woodside Wanderers 4

7th December 2008

The Ravens played a very good first half and then struggled with conditions and a little lack of composure in the second half to nearly throw the game away. Thankfully they held on to take the three points and hopefully learn a little lesson in what it needs to close out a game they are comfortably winning.

The game started brightly for the Ravens with good attacking play leading to a corner. Ben B takes a very good corner and we are starting to learn how to get on the end of them. This time it was David P who got his head on the ball to open the scoring. Shortly afterwards a poor goal kick was delivered back with interest from Joe for Ben B to get on the end of it and slot home for 2-0 within ten minutes.

A few comments to hold shape were all that was needed for the remainder of the half as Woodside attacks were absorbed and then good football played to create chances on the break. Ben B then chased a lost cause to put the full back under pressure and win the ball for David to score his second.

The scoring was complete in the first half when Joe turned well in the box and finished neatly to go in at the break 4-0 up.

A few changes were made at half time with Ollie building on his experience  in goal and he had much the busier half. Conditions meant identifying team mates looking into the sun was difficult but the Ravens never really reached the level of play from the first half. To their credit the first half dissent amongst the opposition was replaced with a positive attacking mentality that sought to exploit the lack of composure being shown sporadically throughout the team. Injuries throughout the game meant several changes had to made to the Ravens line-up with a special mention to Haydon whose football brain was called upon several times as he was asked to play three different positions.

Defensive mistakes led to the first goal for Woodside as they capitalised on indecision in the box . A good goal from distance really buoyed the opposition and it looked game on at 4-2.  Jack R then burst through to finish with his customary aplomb and settle the nerves at 5-2..... but it wasn't to last.

Woodside hit the post and then another couple of examples of poor decision making from the home team saw the visitors back to 5-4.

The final whistle was very welcome for the Ravens as they returned to winning ways. A good hard game against friendly opposition, we always have good tight games against Woodside.

A brief chat at the end just asked the team to think about the need to close out games - dropping another player into midfield and a little more composure would have made all the difference today.

Great Horwood Ravens 2 Moretonville 5

23rd November 2008

League Cup Round 2

Well done to the mighty Ravens who with a little more luck could have progressed through to the next round.

The lads all played very well throughout the game but were just undone by a couple of long shots looping in under the bar and just missing out on a few chances themselves.

Three minutes into the game and Ben Baker burst through to nick the ball into the bottom right hand corner to take an early lead. For the remainder of the half the lads looked to play football but were always susceptible to the long ball game played by the opposition with occasional breaks down their left. Shortly before half time the visitors broke the offside and went through to equalise for a 1-1 scoreline at half time.

The second half saw the Ravens continue to play good football with the little triangles of play between the various units and the defence play well especially Luke in goal. David made some great challenges and throughout the squad they all added that little extra bite.

An injury to a defender caused a little confusion at the back which led to the visitors second goal, it all happened very quickly but was just enough to upset the balance for a little while. The luck just didn't go for the Ravens as the ball just wouldn't bounce right in the box or loose balls wouldn't find a Raven whilst at the other end two speculative lobs from distance just looped under the bar.

Having said that the Ravens never let their heads drop and they continued to play their football and deservedly got anther goal when Andy nipped in to slot one in. At 4-2 is was game on again but as the Ravens piled on the pressure they couldn't find that extra goal which would have seen an interesting end to the game.  Unfortunately for the Ravens they again let the long ball find space and the visitors restored the gap to 5-2.

All the squad should proud of their efforts today, the gap between Division 2 and 4 is obviously  closing and on a different day we could have won the game, as it was, the scoreline definitely flattered Moretonville.

Special mention must go today to Ray Heath who did a great job running the line under pressure from both sides. The extra little bit of tension that comes with a Cup game sometimes spilling over from friendly banter to unacceptable behaviour in light of the FA respect campaign. We all need to remember everyone is a volunteer and especially thankful when they do such a good job.

To end the day the lads went out singing "always look on the bright side of life""........... marvellous...

Great Horwood Ravens 3 United MK 3

16th November 2008

Wow... what a game...... this one had everything ......

The Ravens started brightly and stroked the ball around as we are becoming accustomed to seeing. Lovely movement and accurate passing saw them make good progress towards the final third but they consistently failed to penetrate the opposition defence. At the other end our defence were coping very well with some big lads and direct play but we kept on being pressured down our left as the visitors overloaded the right wing and created chances.

A good goal from the visitors in the aftermath of a corner opened the scoring and  it was soon doubled when they shot from outside the box and a wicked deflection sent Luke the wrong way.

2-0 ....not quite against the run of play but the Ravens were just a little off the pace and as comments made by the players themselves at half time confirmed they were being just a little too casual in their play.

Changes to stop the attacks down our left were effective and the second half was totally different as the lads bounced back. Joe forced his way into the box to claw one back and then Ben B scored a couple for the mighty Ravens to deservedly take the lead.

Haydon had been taken off after a Man of the Match performance - not only for his time on the ball but also  demonstrating he was thinking about the game and communicating with his team mates accordingly. Jamie had another good game and overall the standard of passing by the Ravens was a joy to watch. At the back we sometimes got in each others way so communication will be worked on this week but we never really looked troubled as Luke acted as a sweeper when necessary.

Just when it looked like the three points would be safe in the bag the visitors broke away and scored to level the match and although there was still a couple of minutes left on the clock we couldn't find the opening to grab the win our standard of play deserved.

This result extends the unbeaten run to 6 games but it was tinged with a little disappointment as the second half performance looked like it would keep the winning run going.  Lets see next weeks cup game as a chance to extend the unbeaten run even further.

Wing Raiders Pumas 2 Great Horwood Ravens 9

2nd November 2008

A very strange game saw the unbeaten run for the Ravens continue with lots of sporting gestures throughout the game.

The nature of the game led to a below par performance in midfield with the exception of Jamie who continued his recent run of form. Discipline in keeping the shape of the team needs to be reinforced in training if we are to keep this run going but overall it would be difficult to criticise any players after a run out on a cold and damp Sunday afternoon.

Jack R scored after enjoying several strong runs into the box. Ben B scored in both halves with the best goal being taken on the turn. Jamie flicked a goal in from a corner and Joe burst through to net a goal in the second half. Dan nodded an easy goal in after a poor clearance across goal from a defender.

Passing at the beginning of the first half was good and the back four played it very cool and passed the ball around all game. The holes in midfield need to be plugged for our next game in two weeks and more movement up front will also be required.  Well done to the lads for enjoying today, not the easiest of games to play in.

Woodside 1 Great Horwood Ravens 3

26th October 2008

Some forced changes to the team demonstrated the strength in depth of the squad.

Woodside have not enjoyed a good start to the season but the team they put out today contained many good players which in  previous seasons would have probably seen a loss for Horwood.

This squad are starting to add a little mettle to their ability and although we didn't play our passing game consistently the squad defended very well throughout the team with Ollie enjoying a man of the match performance in goal.

Whenever the team did string passes together they looked the better team and cut open the opposition several times down both wings and through the middle. Close shots from Jamie were the highlight of the first twenty minutes with the Ravens playing some good football around the edge of the box but not being able to put much pressure on the keeper.

At the other end we were being dragged around a bit with the home team overloading alternate sides but strong tackling and good sweeping by Ollie kept the goal safe.

Dan was introduced up front and shortly afterwards finished off a lovely move instigated by Jamie down the left - crossing it in for Dan to neatly side foot it home in first half injury time.

Half time concentrated on the movement and discipline needed to shuffle across the pitch and help out team mates. The squad played the second half very well again and snuffed out the main attack when Will was dropped to right back and Andy came on to play very well on the right.

Jack R came back on with renewed enthusiasm and had a great run down the left followed by a cross which Andy eventually picked up on the goal line at the edge of the box. Good communication from Haydon led to a nice ball being played back for Haydon to neatly slot into the bottom left hand corner for 2-0.

Woodside were a bit deflated at this point and Horwood were in the ascendancy. Within  a few minutes Jack R used his strength to  muscle through and finish with his usual aplomb for a 3-0 scoreline.

If anything the score was a little flattering to the Ravens who just switched off a little for the last five minutes and invited pressure. With just seconds to go, a long shot found its way into the net for 3-1 and a few reminders from the sidelines to keep the discipline and concentration going.

Woodside are a good strong physical team whose qualities do not match their league position. We should enjoy the fact the result extends our winning run to four games but we will need to be at our best when we play them again in a few weeks time.

Steeple Claydon 2 Great Horwood Ravens 4

19th October 2008

The same team as .the last few weeks would have started but two changes were forced. The players coming in duly took their chance and David P had a storming game alongside Jack R, with Will performing admirably on the right but went off with a slight injury.

The Ravens started very well and had some really good passages of play before Jamie's run in the box led to Joe opening the scoring. Several missed chances followed before a mistake at the back allowed the home team to sneak in and score an equaliser for 1-1 at half time.

The ball had been bouncing around a bit during the first half so we concentrated on getting it down and playing football for the second half. Claydon started well and it needed Luke to pull off a great save to keep the scores level.

A typical Claydon goal gave Horwood the lead when a straight ball through the middle gave David P a one-on-one to slot it in for 2-1.

It wasn't long before another break from Horwood saw David with another one-on-one but this time David was wrestled to the ground for a penalty - in the premiership the keeper would have been off but local junior football has different rules. Jamie stepped up to calmly place the penalty inside the post for a well deserved 3-1 lead.

The back four were looking good albeit with a little loss of discipline on occasion, but Keenan was having a Man of the Match performance keeping his position and being strong when needed. James H came off injured and Ben T was given a run out at left back as it is one of the few positions where we don't have recognised cover.

The Ravens were looking good but still raised the blood pressure a little when Claydon poured forward. Two block tackles were not enough to keep the ball out when the rebound fell kindly for the home team player to finish well into the roof of the net for 2-3.  A free kick from outside the box was also well hit and scrambled away after Luke had made the initial save.

We were breaking well down the wings and after one through ball had gone out for a throw, we pressured Claydon into making a mistake and David P finished the scoring with his second goal - a well taken strike from just outside the box looping over the keeper and into the goal.

Overall,  very good in patches with lots of positives to extend the unbeaten run to three games. We still need to work on our discipline at the back and be a bit tighter in the middle but the competition up front is sparking some very impressive displays.

Great Horwood Ravens 5 Brackley Athletic Jaffas 2

League Cup Round 1:- 12th October 2008

The new selection regime was again in evidence with positive results. The Ravens put on another good display to follow on from last weeks first half.

The team played the whole game with confidence and new found desire which was a joy to see. The same starting line up as last week played some good football after a slow start but went behind after a flukey bouncing cross found its way into the net for the visitors to go 1-0 up.

The Ravens soon bounced back with their brand of football for Jack R to equalise and go 1-1 at the break. Half time concentrated on getting the ball out wide to make the most of the width and the same team started the second half.

Within a couple of minutes the Ravens were ahead again when a through ball found Ben B to calmly go on and chip the keeper. Brackley were still very much in the game and had a shout for a goal which for the second time in the match was just saved on the line by Luke. A quick clearance found James B whose through ball went to Jack to go and score for 3-1. This should have been game over but a free kick was conceded very soon afterwards on the edge of our box and expertly put away by the visitors for 3-2.

The Ravens continued to play good football and let a couple of chances go, one of which just skimmed the post from Ben B after a great through ball from Man of the Match Jamie. Jack R completed his hat trick to ease any residual nerves before Andy came on to score an impressive header from a corner to end the scoring at 5-2.

Lots of positives from today's display, the teamwork, the growing strength and discipline in defence. James H solo displays of skill and agility (particularly in the first half) and the blend of players working well together.

But probably the most impressive fact from today was the level of performance that is keeping some very good players either on the bench or not even in today's squad.

Great Horwood Ravens 3 Two Mile Ash 2

(5th October 2008)

Having played so poorly in their last game the lads looked to put some pride in their play and get back to the  quality of football they are capable of.

The first half showed a vast improvement and they played some really good football stroking the ball around and showing the right level of aggression to compete for the ball.  James B and Joe combining very well in the middle.

Jack R opened the scoring very early and it helped settle the rest of the team. Playing against the wind they did very well to keep the ball. Early release of the ball would have opened up the opposition more but overall the team were tighter and more disciplined in defence. Still lots to work on but a good start....

Ben B doubled the lead when Jack R was fouled but continued the play to run on and cross, Ben just nodding the ball easily past the keeper.

At the other end Luke was being called on to make some good saves as a very even game saw the balance go to the Ravens.

The gap was increased again when Jack's shot found its way to the goal to make it 3-0. The visitors were still causing us problems at the back and eventually got their reward on the stroke of half time when a through ball was run onto and a good shot just beat both David R and Luke to go in at the break 3-1 up.

Changes made shortly after half time disrupted the balance of the team and it took a little while for us to settle again. Ollie made his league debut in goal and did well when called upon.

Shots from Ben B and a couple of forays forward were the highlight as Two Mile Ash increased pressure on the defence when the midfield left big gaps through the middle. A run down their left ended with a 2nd goal for the visitors and an increase in blood pressure for all spectators.

Another change to the middle settled the team as they saw out the last few minutes for a well deserved first win of the season.

Training will again focus on defensive units as we look to build on the progress made this week. We have played better but this performance should start to instil the confidence in the team and reinforce what is needed to compete.

Great Horwood Ravens 1 Steeple Claydon 5

(21st September 2008)

Missing players led to a choice in starting line up which was never really resolved. Four different right backs give an indication of the dilemma , coupled with an ineffectual attacking force, a 12- 3 victory on Fun Day over Claydon, and opposition who play the same way as they have done for the last four years........... a recipe for disaster.... and so it proved....

Some blame must go to the management for failing to resolve some of the problems but the players need to sit down and consider if today's performance was acceptable.

The Ravens strength is in playing football, passing the ball on the ground and making simple triangles across the pitch. Missing players or not, the Ravens failed to string any number of passes together as they reduced their game to the oppositions aerial game and head tennis.

We simply must want to improve this performance, we cannot be happy with having played for 4 years to revert to the standard of play on show today.

Midweek training focussed on getting goal kicks to be improved and this was achieved today with Luke's kicks. David R gave a captains performance in defence and Ben O did a great job completing what was asked of him. Dan E played well up front and James B played well when in possession.

We have a week off next week and therefore have two weeks training before  our next game. A little talk will be asking the players what they want to do but from my perspective we are 'Training to Train' which means effort and desire to show the will to improve in training will judge team selection.

We play Claydon again in 4 weeks.

Wootton Blue Cross 8 Great Horwood Ravens 1

(14th September 2008)

The Ravens suffered some tough luck and a below par performance in the first half to lose their opening game.

A close call for offside saw the home team open the score after a very even opening period of play. Shortly afterwards we lost the ball just over the half way line and failed to recover quick enough allowing Wootton to double their lead. A strange penalty led to the third when everyone stopped to see why the whistle had blown, only for a handball to be given....

In between times Ben T had a fantastic shot saved by the keeper who was at full stretch to push the ball onto the bar.

Having chalked up a comprehensive victory last week and now seeing themselves 3 goals to the good the home team started to play with confidence and the Ravens looked a little under the weather failing to string any sort of passes together. Wootton's new player this season will be a big boost for them as he looked to try and run the show. David R at he back was being called on to make several  last gasp tackles and Will was making good runs forward.

Not for the first time we were caught out from our corner, a quick break saw pressure leading to Wootton gaining a corner, from which they scored to make it 4-0. Their new player again proved too strong after a big shoulder barge from our defence hardly move him and he went onto to score the home teams fifth.

Talk at half time concentrated on playing our game, passing the ball, not panicking and going out to win the second half.  To their credit the lads responded and played a much better second half. Very quickly they scored when Jack R hit the bar for Ben B to follow up and tuck the ball away for 5-1.

If we could have scored another quick goal it would have been interesting to see the response but the Ravens couldn't really get their goal scoring going and as the half wore on the home team again scored twice to ease any doubts. The final goal was a contender for goal of the season as their new player controlled the ball, beat a player and then blasted into the top right hand corner from fully 40yds....  a goal to be applauded...

Overall we should be disappointed with the performance and the result. We are far better than the scoreline suggests and the lads should be keen to prove it in next weeks game and particularly when we get Wootton at home later in the season....

Great Horwood Ravens 12 Steeple Claydon 3

"The Swan Cup"

(31st August 2008)

The Ravens got off to a flier in awful, wet conditions. The game looked like it was going to be a cricket score after the first five minutes when every attack seemed to end with a goal.

Will set the ball rolling with a great finish in the opening minute. This was quickly followed by Ben Bakers first goal for the club. At the other end Claydon burst through to open their account before Joe also scored on his debut.

Claydon played with a high line trying to catch our strikers offside and it took a while for us to work it out.

A lull in scoring lasted until Ben B burst  through to score his second then complete his hat trick.

Joe notched up another then Haydon burst through the offside trap to go on and finish expertly for a 7-1 score at half time.

Four changes at half time did little to upset the balance as Jack R got his name on the scoresheet before Claydon again bounced back for 8-2. Jack R scored his second then Will before Jack R completed his impressive hat trick - especially the lobbed shot from the edge of the box.

In between Claydon had again sneaked another goal for 11-3 before Jamie made up his mind he was going to score and run round defenders to slot one in for a 12-3 final score.

Claydon were missing some of their players but overall a very promising start for the mighty Ravens....