U9s 'Bls' REPORTS
Brixington
Blues Tournament
So the 5th May saw the final action of a hugely successful 2006/7 season for Blues with a mini tournament at Blues’ St. Peter’s School headquarters. The tournament was organised as a thank you to the school for providing the boys with pitches – marked and cut – throughout the season, and they also did us proud for the tournament laying on a barbeque and supplying a steady stream of burgers and sausages as well as drinks for the thirsty.
Anyway, onto the action. Blues first opponents were Blues! Except this was U9s v U8s. U9s superior strength and size told, and despite a good showing by U8s, the bigger lads ran out eventual 6-0 winners with Cameron Deighton scoring four and Glen Davison and Josh Mingo scoring one apiece.
The second match was against regular league opponents Central Reds. Reds made Blues work hard for their victory with Blues only a single goal to the good at half time. By full time, however, Blues fitness showed as they finished up 5-0 winners with Cameron again scoring four and Glen netting the other.
Next up were Axminster, a team new to Blues. As it was Blues needed to be at their best to secure the win with two Cameron first half goals. Nothing further was added in the second half and the final score was 2-0 Blues.
Blues fourth opponents of the evening were U8s again, and despite not enjoying another five goal first half romp as they did in the first encounter, three goals unanswered in each half ensured the eventual result was the same with Blues ending the match 6-0 winners. The goals were shared out amongst the team, with Cameron getting two, Glen matching him and one each for Edward Doble and a first of the season for full back Ewan Anderson.
The final match of the tournament – and season – was against another of their league opponents Sidmouth. This was Blues best performance of the tournament combining strong tackling with determined passing and a cutting edge up front. Blues were deservedly 2-0 up at half time thanks to goals from midfielders Glen Davison and Harry Moxey. No further goals followed and thus the game ended 2-0.
So with five wins out of five, 21 goals scored and none conceded, Blues were deserved winners of the inaugural St. Peter’s tournament. The school’s headmaster presented captain Glen Davison and the rest of the boys with a splendid trophy to commemorate the win, and everyone left happy that our first attempt at hosting a tournament was a resounding success and an event we’re keen to host again next season.
The Blues squad, for the final time this season, was Ben Berkhout in goal, Ewan Anderson and Sam Smith in defence, Glen Davison, Harry Moxey and Edward Doble in midfield and Cameron Deighton up front. Josh Mingo was introduced from the bench in either midfield or up front and slotted in seamlessly, sharing starts with the rest of the team as manager Bush rotated the squad throughout the tournament with games coming in thick and fast in quick succession.
So that’s it until August when training resumes and we start the 2007/8 campaign, this time as U10s. The boys and management have worked hard this season and deserve their summer break. Personally I can’t wait for the new season to start, and I’m sure you can’t either. See you all back at St Peter’s in August then, and thanks to Bushy and all the lads for giving us a fantastic season of quality Blues football to enjoy. Cheers lads.
Report by Anthony Moxey
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So on a warm spring morning Blues surrender their proud unbeaten home record to a very good Twyford Inter side at St. Peter’s.
It started so well for Blues in their final home games of the season with a strong Harry Moxey run down the right earning a corner. However, Inter weathered Blues’ early pressure and in the fifth minute deservedly took the lead when a cross from the right was confidently slotted under keeper Ben Berkhout from close range to make it 1-0 to the visitors.
In the tenth minute Blues had a great chance to equalise when Moxey played a killer through ball to fellow midfielder Glen Davison, but unfortunately the keeper was alert to the danger and came out quickly to smother.
The final minute of the half produced a flurry of action with first Davison having to be withdrawn due to a painful ankle injury and being replaced by Edward Doble. Seconds later top scorer Cameron Deighton burst down the right and saw his cross deflected for a corner, and from that corner Inter broke away upfield and from the tightest of angles the ball was slid under Berkhout to make it 2-0 Twyford.
From the restart Blues immediately set about reducing the deficit as Deighton battled to win the ball from the Inter defence before crossing dangerously to Doble at the far post. Unfortunately Edward’s shot lacked any real power and the keeper had an easy collect, but not so in the final action of a pulsating minute of play when a Moxey first time snapshot from a scorching Deighton cross whistled inches the wrong side of the post with the keeper nowhere.
The boys came out for the second half in a more determined mood, no doubt their ears ringing from the wrath of manager Bush’s tongue after such an uninspiring first half! After a mere four minutes a wonderful move involving Moxey, Deighton and Josh Mingo resulted in some determined Mingo play to force an opening and turn and curl a delicious whipped drive around the keeper’s flailing dive and into the far corner to bring it back to 2-1 Twyford.
Blues pressed on and a minute later a lung bursting run down the right produced a corner for full back Ewan Anderson then a couple of minutes later a smart cross from Doble was steered onto the bar and away by the unfortunate Mingo.
But then disaster: a huge punt form the Inter keeper upfield foxed defensive duo Sam Smith and Anderson and left their striker with an easy run in on goal where he confidently stroked the ball home for a 3-1 scoreline to Twyford. Just to compound matters, it was now Moxey’s turn to hobble off after (accidentally) getting a set of studs down the back of his ankle to be replaced by the not properly recovered Davison for the final five minutes, where other than Anderson’s deep cross being nodded over that was it.
But what a disappointing result, and even worse a disappointing and lacklustre display. It has to be said it’s most uncharacteristic of the boys to appear so lethargic and out of sorts, and it’s no coincidence that the only other time they turned in such a display was when they lost 2-0 at Heavitree Comets in their only other defeat of the season. It also has to be said that the fixture computer did them no favours either, scheduling a month long break between the previous fixtures against Westexe and Stoke Hill and the two today against the two Twyford sides.
But that’s not to take anything away from a rather good Twyford Inter side, themselves having so far suffered only a single defeat all season. It would have made for an interesting contest if both sides had had their game heads on, but alas it was not to be, and Blues rather deservedly lost their unbeaten home record in their penultimate home game of the season, as well as conceding a goal from open play for the first time at home too – the only time the defence had been breached previously was through a rather harshly awarded Newton Town penalty in the final minute of a 3-1 win!
Blues:
- Berkhout; Anderson, Smith; Davison, Moxey, Mingo; Deighton.
Scorer: - Mingo:
So
after a brief pause it was soon time for the second game of the morning, this
time an easy 5-0 canter over Twyford Milan.
Keen to restore normal service, Blues came out fired up for this one, and in the first attack of the game in the first minute went 1-0 up when Anderson invited Deighton to scamper down the right before feeding Doble to whip in a peach of a cross that the centrally stationed Mingo side footed home with nonchalant ease.
Two minutes later Blues nearly doubled their lead when Deighton set off on a mazy, crazy run before crossing to the unmarked Doble who watched in agony as his glancing header rebounded from the angle of post and bar.
Keen to give all the boys as much match time as possible, manager Bush then withdrew Mingo for Davison in the fifth minute to test Glen’s injury, and although not directly involved seconds later it was 2-0. A fierce Doble drive was parried well by the keeper but unfortunately for him straight to the lurking Deighton who smashed home gleefully from close range.
After ten minutes Doble had another chance well saved after Deighton and Moxey combined to set him up, but he finally got his reward a minute later when Deighton fed the ball through from the left where Edward dinked the ball under the keeper to give Blues a 3-0 half time lead.
The second half began with Deighton making way for Mingo who marked his return to the fray by squeezing a Beckam-esque defence splitter through to Smith who failed to capitalise by crashing his shot wide in typical defender’s fashion!
After
six minutes Doble got his second of the match when Davison crossed for Smith who
in turn fed Doble to fire high into the roof of the net for 4-0, then took a
breather as Deighton was reintroduced into the action. A minute later it was
nearly five when defenders converted to strikers Smith and
With his ankle still not right – despite that shot! – Moxey was forced to sit out the rest of the game as Doble was hastily reintroduced in the tenth minute, then two minutes later Mingo copied Moxey’s earlier effort sending a rasping drive just over.
The final action came with just two minutes to go when Sam Smith netted his first of the season. Despite the rarefied atmosphere of the opposition penalty area, Smith battled his way manfully through previously uncharted territory, and a gaggle of closing defenders, to finally poke the ball under an advancing keeper to end the match and the scoring 5-0.
But still the performance wasn’t convincing. This was a game Blues were always going to win, but their play, passing and awareness of each others’ positions on the pitch just wasn’t there. Had they played Westexe, St. Martins, Hemyock, Beacon Knights or Alphington, the result would have been just the same as the Inter match earlier.
Why this is is hard to fathom, although as mentioned earlier the long lay-off before the final scheduled game of the season certainly didn’t help. But let’s not be too harsh, the boys have had a fabulous first full season with Andy Bush at the helm, and even Manchester United and Chelsea have off days occasionally.
But thankfully there is one last chance to end the season on a proper high, as Cullompton have offered to play their previously postponed fixture in two weeks’ time on Friday evening at their Speeds Meadow headquarters. These two games – Cullompton and Moors – will bring the curtain down on the 2006/7 league season with second spot still very much there for the taking. Make sure you come along and cheer the lads on for their final two games as they look to end the season on a positive note.
Blues:
- Berkhout; Anderson, Smith; Doble, Moxey, Mingo; Deighton.
Scorers: - Doble 2; Mingo; Deighton; Smith:
Report by Anthony Moxey
So
the best two teams in the league meet again in a real slobbernocker at St.
Peter’s, and rather like the cup game before the penalties a couple of weeks
ago it finished honours with the teams drawing 0-0.
The game got underway at the same frenetic pace as the cup game, and once again it was Westexe who made the early running. As early as the second minute keeper Ben Berkhout was called into action, but had little more to do than an easy collect from range.
The game flowed from end to end with chances at a premium, such was the dominance of each defence, but in the eighth minute Blues had a rare opening when top scorer Cameron Deighton charged down an attempted clearance and after poking the ball past the rushing keeper, didn’t put enough on it to prevent a covering defender getting back in time and hacking away to safety.
The move of the half followed two minutes later when Josh Mingo sprayed a superb diagonal ball to fellow midfielder and captain Glen Davison on the opposite side of the pitch who in turn fired in a delicious low driven cross to the steaming Deighton who pulled his shot narrowly wide of the far post.
A minute later it was central midfielder Harry Moxey’s turn to try his luck with a cheeky flick at the near post from a Mingo corner but he didn’t put quite enough on it to see it through a crowd of players. All too soon however a pulsating half was bought to a close to give both the players and the crowd a breather.
But
it was soon time for the second half, and as with the cup match a Westexe player
broke away down the left and fired in low to the near post. This time though,
despite spilling the fierce shot, Berkhout managed to keep the ball out although
a Westexe player following up should have done better than stabbing wide with
the goal at his mercy.
Midway through the half manager Bush decided to introduce the lively Edward Doble at the expense of Mingo to try and push on in search of a winner, but by and large neither defence was giving anything away and as the game drew to a close it was clear that it would take something special to get the winner.
That nearly came in the final minute when a ferocious Westexe drive from the edge of the box had Berkhout scrambling across his goal, and despite looking like he hadn’t got enough on it to prevent it going in, Ben did superbly to stretch out a second time and turn the ball around the post in the last meaningful action of the game.
But what a quite wonderful game of football that swung from one end to the other. Both teams were fully committed, strong in the tackle and firm in the pass. Westexe again showed why they haven’t lost a game in two seasons, yet for the second time Blues showed them that they are no pushover and became the first team this season to take a point off them.
In goal, surprisingly, Ben Berkhout only had two real efforts to deal with, and despite spilling one he still had the wherewithal to keep his eighth consecutive clean sheet in the league – a fine record that goes back to the 4-4 draw with Beacon Knights back in early November.
Credit must also go to the back line of Sam Smith and Ewan Anderson, who restricted the league’s most prolific strike force to less than a handful of chances. Combine that with the central midfield play of powerhouse Harry Moxey dropping back to cover, both had licence to support the attack down the wings and pull Westexe wide.
As well as Harry in the middle, there’s also Glen Davison on one flank and Edward Doble or Josh Mingo on the other, and as a midfield the work well as a unit covering each other, the full width of the huge St. Peter’s pitch and supporting lone striker Cameron Deighton up front.
It was hard work for Cameron today – the Westexe defence is bettered only by the Blues one – and he had precious few opportunities to add to his 20 goal haul so far this season, but he kept working and on another day might have managed to generate a bit more power when a defender managed to get back and clear his early effort.
But to criticise would be nitpicking. The team did themselves and the Brixington organisation proud today in a real humdinger of a game played in the best spirit and fiercest determination. Everything about Westexe’s stats is impressive: 100% win record, most goals scored, second fewest conceded, unbeaten for two seasons, yet for the second time this season Blues matched them stride for stride, shot for shot, tackle for tackle. I just wish we could play these sorts of games every week.
Squad: - Berkhout; Anderson, Smith; Davison, Moxey, Mingo; Deighton.
So then it was on to the second game in the day’s double header, this time a thoroughly deserved and wholly convincing 5-0 thrashing of Stoke Hill when football came out the winner. Blues lined up: Berkhout; Anderson, Smith; Davison, Moxey, Doble; Deighton.
Blues were obviously a little sluggish after their titanic efforts earlier against Westexe, but still they had the best of the opening exchanges against Stoke Hill and could have been in front as early as the first minute had the keeper not saved well from Cameron Deighton’s strike after being put through by Harry Moxey.
Such was Blues dominance that defender Sam Smith found himself in the rarefied atmosphere of the opposition penalty area after a mazy run from his own half. His low shot was blocked and the rebound fell to Deighton who somehow contrived to prod wide when it seemed easier to score.
In the seventh minute manager Bush was forced to substitute defender Ewan Anderson after a late tackle left him with a sore ankle – a precursor for the rest of the day, as it unfortunately turned out – and Josh Mingo was introduced in his stead.
In
the tenth minute a Moxey throw in sent Deighton away down the right who crossed
inch perfect to Edward Doble patrolling the edge of the box. However, as Doble
shaped to shoot, a defender showed good awareness to nip the ball away to
safety. But it was only postponing the inevitable, and with half time
approaching Blues took the lead. Mingo’s strong run fed Moxey who crossed for
Doble to fire low to the corner. Poetically the keeper spilled the shot, and
straight into the path of the alert Deighton who gleefully smashed the ball home
via the far post. It was no less than Blues deserved.
At the start of the second half Deighton was given a rest and Anderson gingerly made his way back onto the pitch, then following another ludicrously late challenge from behind an injured Moxey had to be replaced by Deighton. It made the boys more determined to go in search of further goals and two minutes later they got their just rewards. Mingo bulldozed his way powerfully through the Stoke Hill defence and saw his shot well saved, but the rebound fell kindly to the lurking Glen Davison who had the simplest task of side footing into an empty net for 2-0.
Midway through the half and it was three, this time Mingo, Doble and Davison all combining well to set up Deighton to crash an unstoppable shot high into the net for 3-0. Blues were rampant now, and a minute later it was four, Deighton this time turning provider running powerfully down the right and whipping in a delicious cross to the far post where Davison just beat fellow midfielder Mingo to the ball to make it 4-0.
In the tenth minute it was Doble’s turn to go off injured, this time thanks to an off the ball challenge unseen by the referee, and he was replaced by the recovered Moxey. A minute later and the rout was complete when Mingo charged down a clearance and sent Deighton on his way. Showing a deft touch and no little skill, Cameron nonchalantly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper and watched it drop into an empty net to complete his hat trick and a 5-0 scoreline. The final action of the game came with a few minutes remaining when Doble was reintroduced at the expense of the hard working Davison for a well earned rest.
And so for the second game today – and ninth in succession – Blues kept a clean sheet. To be honest it was never really in any doubt, and the only mystery was how long it would take them to get properly in their stride and let their football do the talking. It’s rare that a win feels as sweet as this one did, and coming off the back of the excellent Westexe performance it’s turned out to be a fine day for the boys.
In
goal Ben Berkhout had a much easier game than the earlier one, and for all the
work he had to do might as well have sat there reading the paper! Not so the two
defenders, Ewan Anderson and Sam Smith; both ventured forward as often as
possible and made sure virtually all of the action took place in the Stoke Hill
half.
Once again, when they ventured forward Harry Moxey was there deep to cover, but at the same time such is Harry’s strength and stamina that he can equally be found just as often at the business end of the pitch supporting the attack. Fellow midfielders Glen Davison and Edward Doble continue to show great discipline patrolling the flanks and not getting pulled inside, and this in turn stretches opposition midfields leaving holes for other players to exploit.
Add
to that the fearless tackling and keen eye for a pass from Josh Mingo and you
have a potent support for leading striker Cameron Deighton who’s now scored in
eight of the last ten league and cup matches.
Today’s games have shown that the boys are a match for anyone, and whether the opposition relies on skill and teamwork or a more physical approach it matters not, Blues can either match or overcome it. With the boys on a bit of a roll it’s a shame there’s something of a break until the next set of fixtures when the two Twyford teams visit in mid April. I’m sure after watching the two games this morning the crowd will be there in numbers for those final two home games of the season. The boys have earned their support with some fine displays this season, so you know you can’t afford to miss out now so close to the end of the season with the top of the table still very much in sight.
Squad:
- Berkhout; Anderson, Smith; Davison, Moxey, Mingo; Deighton.
Scorers: - Deighton 3; Davison 2:
Report by Anthony Moxey
©Lee Davison
More photos of
the U9 Blues can be found at
U9
Blues Photos
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Blues
2-2 Westexe AET Westexe won 2-1 on pens
U9s Cup – Quarter Final
So
in the cruellest way possible Blues cup dream is cut short at the hands of an
excellent Westexe side at
As befits a game involving easily the two best teams in the division, the game got off to a frenetic start with Westexe making the early running. In the fifth minute captain Glen Davison needed to stay alert to block a Westexe shot at source and then a minute later fellow midfielder Edward Doble made a quite superb tackle deep in his own area as a Westexe forward shaped to shoot after breaking through the defence.
In the seventh minute it was keeper Ben Berkhout’s turn to be on his toes making a tremendous double save from a deep far post cross for his first meaningful action in about half a dozen games.
Midway through the half manager Bush swapped the industrious Doble for the enthusiastic Josh Mingo to try and keep the team fresh, and soon after Blues had their first real sight of goal when a Cameron Davison break down the right ended with Cameron having to shoot from a tight angle as some clever defensive play prevented him crossing to Davison at the far post. As it was, the angle proved too tight and the keeper had an easy collect.
With half time looming, Blues kept their concentration levels up just enough to allow a combination of Berkhout in goal and defender Sam Smith to hack the ball away to safety off the line from yet another deep Westexe corner.
After a short break to collect their thoughts, it was time for the second half and within two minutes Westexe were in front. A strong run down the left saw their striker crash the ball across Berkhout low into the far corner for a 1-0 lead. Having taken the ball in his face trying to make the save, Berkhout was substituted and Doble reintroduced.
Westexe were clearly tiring after their first half dominance, and an equaliser looked as though it would only be a matter of time before arriving. As it was Doble and Davison combined well down the right to send Deighton chasing a ball into the Westexe area. With defenders closing in Cameron smashed the ball high stinging the keeper’s fingers on its way into the roof of the net for a wonderfully worked equaliser and making the score 1-1.
A minute later and Blues were in front. This time a corner was only partially cleared to Davison lurking on the edge of the box, and in one swift move he crashed the ball through a throng of players into the back of the net for a 2-1 score line. Blues were well on top by now and went in search of a third with Westexe on the ropes.
On ten minutes Harry Moxey and Edward Doble set up Cameron for a chance but his shot was blocked for a corner. A minute later the game winning chance finally arrived when Deighton broke free down the right before planting a delicious sweeping cross at the feet of the charging Davison. Unfortunately Glen didn’t quite realise just how much space he actually had and snatched at the shot scuffing it horribly wide.
Hearts were in mouths with full time looming as a Westexe breakaway left their forward one on one with stand in keeper Josh Mingo, but Josh saw the danger and came storming out to bravely save at the attacker’s feet.
Surely that was it now, but no, with the ref about to blow for full time a Westexe player out wide on the left spotted a colleague deep on the right in space. He hoicked in a hanging cross that he miss hit completely with the ball spinning off the edge of his boot and looping into the top corner of the net for the flukiest of equalisers. There wasn’t even time for the restart before the ref blew to signal the game would be going into extra time.
Westexe tails were up at getting out of jail, and in the first five minutes it was they who were on top. Mingo had to stay sharp with the only real chance, diving majestically to his left to turn a long range pile driver round the post.
In the second five minute period, as with the main game, it was Blues who were the stronger, however they only had a good Deighton effort that was turned away for a corner to show for their efforts.
And so onto penalties, surely the cruellest way to decide such a titanic struggle. Westexe went first and scored, then Davison stepped up and did likewise to make it 1-1 in the shootout. Westexe then scored their second before Deighton’s high shot was tipped up and gathered at the second attempt to make it 2-1 Westexe. Mingo then plunged superbly to deny Westexe a 3-1 lead before it was Moxey’s turn. In U9s football there are three penalties each before sudden death, so it was up to Harry to score to keep Blues in it, but alas he smashed it six inches the wrong side of the top corner and Westexe were through.
The boys were completely distraught at being denied in such a fashion, but they shouldn’t forget just what a part they all played in the best game seen at St. Peter’s all season. Westexe are a quality side and it’s easy to see how they’d won every game they’ve played so far, but up until that very last kick they were on the rack and heading for a cup exit and first defeat, and knew they’d been in a game when they went home.
In
goal Ben actually had stuff to do that wasn’t just regulation, and rather well
he did too with a couple of very good saves before copping one in the jaw and
unfortunately having to depart injured. Defensive stalwarts Ewan Anderson and
Sam Smith were also worked harder than they’re normally used to, but by and
large coped with Westexe’s at times relentless attacks. Indeed, it took a
smart piece of skill to actually breach the defence for the first time in nine
matches, and the second that flew in was just a miss hit fluke.
In midfield the trio of Glen on the left, Harry in the middle and Edward on the right worked tirelessly, covering every blade of grass on the huge pitch. Harry in particular was often combining both helping out the defence or supporting the attack. Edward and Glen did well to keep their shape pulling the Westexe midfield wider than they’d like, and Glen popped up with a ferocious strike that looked to have handed the tie to Blues.
Up front Cameron scored a peach of an equaliser and showed good composure to pick his spot despite the close attentions of several fast closing defenders. On the bench Josh Mingo came on to great effect and with boundless enthusiasm. Going in goal proved no problem for him and late on he matched Ben’s earlier heroics with a couple of smart saves himself.
But these are the games you dream about, and want to be playing every week. I’m sure Westexe feel the same and the only way to properly improve is to play your best against the best. Games like these are what football is all about – skill, passion, determination, jubilation, dejection, tension, pride and belief. This had it all, and in the end it was a shame someone had to lose.
However the boys can take a lot from this game, especially as we play Westexe again in a fortnight. They showed they can match – and beat – the quality in this division and can take heart from a superb performance from every single one of them today. Hopefully next time the tears will be tears of joy and normal service is resumed at Westexe and Stoke Hill in a fortnight’s time. Could it be Game of the Season II? There’s only one way to find out!
Blues:
- Berkhout; Anderson, Smith; Davison, Moxey, Doble; Deighton.
Scorers: - Deighton; Davison:
Report by Anthony Moxey
©Lee Davison
More photos of
the U9 Blues can be found at
U9
Blues Photos
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So on a chilly morning Blues cruise to their biggest win of the season so far beating a brave West Hill Hornets side 9-0 on a heavy St. Peter’s pitch.
Blues got off to the best possible start when midfielder and captain Glen Davison broke away down the left in the first minute. Shooting from wide he looked on in agony as his shot cannoned back off the post, but agony soon turned to ecstasy as fellow midfielder Edward Doble followed up to lash the rebound into the roof of the net to make it 1-0.
Doble
nearly doubled Blues’ advantage three minutes later when good work from Harry
Moxey and Josh Mingo set Edward up but unfortunately he poked his effort wide.
Davison had a further chance a minute later after Mingo was sent on his way with
a neat ball from
But immediately after the inevitable second goal did arrive, and what a corker it was! With Doble getting stuck in on the edge of the box his tenacity paid off with a lay-off back to Moxey lurking deep. With only one thing on his mind Harry looked up and smashed an unstoppable 15 yard piledriver high into the top corner to give the Hornet’s keeper no chance and make the score 2-0.
In the tenth minute it was 3-0: Moxey and Mingo doing the spadework for Mingo to square to Doble whose shot was fumbled by the unfortunate keeper into the net. With the game seemingly beyond West Hill’s grasp now, manager Bush decided to give Davison a breather and unleash top scorer Cameron Deighton from the bench, with Josh Mingo dropping back into midfield to cover for Glen.
A minute later it was almost four when Moxey managed to escape a defender’s close attention to squeeze a delicious through ball that just evaded the lurking Doble in space in the area. But it was four soon enough. Collecting the ball out wide on the right Mingo lifted in a sumptuous far post cross to cut out the whole defence and leave Doble the simplest task of sweeping home into an empty net for 4-0.
The final action of a pulsating first half came a minute later in the 13th minute when Hornets were awarded a free kick just outside Blues’ penalty area. The kick was cleared to Moxey breaking from deep who drove forwards majestically before playing in Deighton on the edge of the area who smashed home gleefully to make it 5-0 at half time.
The
second half began with Moxey making way for Davison as Blues continued to
dominate. In the fifth minute
In the tenth minute Hornet’s keeper unfortunately shanked a clearance straight to Deighton who showed great awareness in setting up Doble to guide the ball into the net at the far post for 8-0 and Edward’s fifth of the match. But Blues weren’t finished just yet, and with three minutes remaining scored their ninth when another misplaced Hornet clearance found itself at the feet of Deighton. Cameron blazed forward with authority before shimmying deftly to sit the keeper on his backside and rolling the ball nonchalantly into the empty net from a couple of yards out to make it 9-0 with the final action of note in the game.
But forget the scoreline for a minute, what a totally dominating performance. Right through the team the boys remained strong and alert for the whole 30 minutes, and as well as making the ball do all the work with some neat and slick passing on a sodden pitch – this was the only pitch deemed playable throughout the U9 league either this week or last week due to recent heavy rain – good rotation with plenty of substitutions ensured the boys’ energy levels didn’t drop on the huge Wembley-esque St. Peter’s pitch.
At the back Ben Berkhout had yet another easy game with not a single save to make, except for the odd loose through ball, and this was due entirely to full backs Sam Smith and Ewan Anderson in front of him.
Both
enjoyed the odd foray forward, and this is possible because central midfielder
Harry Moxey is able to drop back and support when necessary. But Harry’s game
is about more than that, and you’ll be hard pushed to find a better box to box
runner, nor one with as ferocious a shot, and anyone who saw Jon Challinor’s
winner for
Keeping a midfield stranglehold along with Moxey are the two wide players – Glen Davison on the left and Edward Doble on the right. In the goalscoring stakes Glen has edged ahead of Edward in recent weeks, but today there was no stopping Edward with a magnificent five goal haul, the most any Blues player has scored in a single game all season.
That left little for the strikers today, although Cameron Deighton helped himself to a classy hat-trick, but he and Josh Mingo put themselves about to good effect and held the ball up well for the midfielders to overlap and create plenty of chances. However, there was little time to dwell on past glories and soon it was time for the second fixture in the morning’s double header against West Hill.
Scorers:
- Doble 5; Deighton 3; Moxey:
Blues Squad: - Berkhout; Anderson, Smith; Davison, Moxey, Doble; Mingo.
So after a brief respite Blues made it two wins out of two with a very hard fought and physical battle to run out 4-0 winners against West Hill Wasps.
With United’s pitch unplayable, Wasps had sat out the first game, so Blues were determined to start well and not let Wasps take advantage of the early rest. This showed in the second minute when leading scorer Cameron Deighton powered his way down the left and crashed a shot against the post. Fortunately, as with Edward Doble’s opener in the first game, Glen Davison had the presence to follow up and tap the rebound into an empty net to make it 1-0.
Two minutes later Blues had a minor scare when Wasps broke away and one of their forwards had a one-on-one with keeper Ben Berkhout. Ben stayed big and with Wasps’ forward hitting the ball a little too long was able to rush out to smother the ball at the attacker’s feet just as they shaped to shoot.
Midway through the half and it was Blues turn to attack as defensive stalwart Sam Smith carried the ball effortlessly out from his own area to send Harry Moxey away down the left. He cut in and slipped the ball through to Deighton who could only wonder how his powerful drive fizzed inches the wrong side of the post and not into the net for a Blues second.
For much of the rest of the half the game got bogged down in a titanic midfield battle, but wary of an energy sapping second half to come, Edward Doble played out the final five minutes of the half as Josh Mingo took a well earned rest.
Some well chosen half time words from manager Andy Bush left the boys in no doubt as to the size of task required and amount of effort expected, and with that in mind the boys came out in determined fashion at the start of the second half. In the third minute good work from Smith saw Deighton through purposefully on goal. As Cameron looked to shoot, Wasps’ keeper came out to block superbly, but only succeeded in parrying to Moxey bursting forward toward the edge of the box. His low stinging drive was deflected by a Wasps’ defender, but only into the path of the lurking Davison at the back post who beat fellow midfielder Doble to the ball to pass the ball into an empty net from two yards for his and Blues’ second and a nerve-calming 2-0 scoreline.
With a bit of breathing space Blues were now able to open up a bit and play more expansive football, and midway through the half Deighton found himself with the ball midway inside Wasps’ half. Showing great strength and determination, he burst into the box only to be clipped by a desperate late challenge to give the ref no option but to point to the spot. Up stepped Davison to power the ball low into the corner – despite the keeper’s great attempted save – to make it 3-0 and the third hat trick of the day to go with Doble and Deighton’s in the first game.
But there was still plenty of time for more and although chances were rare Blues’ knew they’d done enough to win. As they eased up, content to run out the clock with some measured and controlled passing, Deighton saw a chance for one more with five minutes to go. Collecting the ball out wide and towards the corner of the Wasps’ box, he looked up to see the keeper had wandered ever so slightly off his line, and with that hit the most delicious swooping looping drive over the keeper’s head dipping just under the bar into the top corner for a magnificent 4-0 scoreline.
Having come this far, the boys were determined not to let in a soft consolation and so with legs and minds tiring Josh Mingo replaced Edward Doble to ensure fresh legs kept Blues eighth consecutive clean sheet and their twelfth in sixteen games played in all competitions so far this season.
But this was a much tougher game than the first this morning. The scoreline maybe a little flattering, but in the end the result was never in any doubt. At the back keeper Ben Berkhout once again had a quiet game, although he still remained on his toes enough to spot a dangerous break and snuff it out before the striker had chance to shoot. Once again Sam and Ewan in front of Ben made sure that apart from the one chance all he had was regulation stuff to deal with, and once again both full backs were able to push on down the wings to support the attack.
In midfield Harry Moxey continued his dominant central role sweeping behind the defence as well as supplying both wide men and the strikers. After his first match shenanigans Edward Doble shared much of the subs duties with Josh Mingo – both benefiting from rests afforded them good running and battling when they were on the pitch.
Having had his thunder stolen as leading scoring midfielder by Edward in the first game, captain Glen Davison rose to the challenge superbly in this, earning himself a well deserved hat trick to cement his position as second in the goalscoring charts. Second to Cameron that is, who despite having a tough time of it against a resolute Wasps defence, still managed to find the net with a wonderful finish late on.
And so to next week. No weekend off in between as today’s matches were carried over from last weekend, but the boys will go to Cullompton next Saturday to play them and Moors in great spirits after their efforts today, scoring 13 and conceding none. Games are coming thick and fast at the moment, as straight after the Cullompton games it’s the Cup quarter final at home to Westexe before visiting them a fortnight later in the league. Exciting times to be a Blues player, and the next three or four weeks could determine the outcome of both the league and the Cup. It doesn’t even need saying that you’ll be there cheering on Bushy’s Barmy Army to a possible historic double, does it? Thought not.
Squad:- Berkhout;
Anderson, Smith; Davison, Moxey, Mingo; Deighton.
Report by Anthony Moxey
[ Back to top ]
So the dream of a league and cup double still remains after a hugely entertaining 1-0 win over a spirited Pins side at Blues’ St. Peter’s School headquarters on a bright winter’s morning.
With no second game today Blues came racing out at the start and went on the attack immediately, registering their first corner with less than a minute on the watch. Unfortunately though leading scorer Cameron Deighton couldn’t quite convert captain Glen Davison’s corner and sliced wide at the far post. In the second minute it looked for all the world that Blues had opened the scoring, as after a good run across the box Deighton clipped the ball back the way it came past the keeper only for a defender to appear from nowhere to hook it off the line.
Chances disappeared somewhat for much of the middle section of the half as both defences comfortably got the better of their opponents’ attack, but Blues livened up two thirds of the way through when midfield powerhouse Harry Moxey left half the Pins team trailing in his wake before smashing a low drive inches wide from distance.
The big St. Peter’s pitch takes its toll and to keep things fresh manager Bush decided in the eleventh minute to give zippy winger Edward Doble a breather and introduced lively sub Josh Mingo into the action. A minute later Mingo’s corner from the right was met at the near post by the rushing Moxey, whose first time volley was somehow cleared at the base of the post from near point blank range.
Again Mingo was involved as the half time whistle approached, this time latching onto good Moxey work down the left before driving powerfully into the keeper’s midriff. Almost immediately though, Blues dogged persistence paid off when Davison collected the ball out wide and fed Deighton in the centre. He in turn pressed on and with the keeper rushing out to smother calmly poked the ball under his body and watched as it trickled over the line to give Blues a 1-0 half time lead.
As the second half got underway Blues thought they’d scored almost straight from the kick off. A Deighton drive from a tight angle was parried into the path of Davison bursting forward to join the attack. However as he shaped to shoot with the goal gaping, a Pins defender flung himself in his path to block the ball away to safety.
Three minutes into the half and Pins had their first real chance of the match when an attacker finally managed to break the stranglehold defensive stalwarts Sam Smith and Ewan Anderson had at the back. However, finally beating the defence is one thing, but all that means is that you have keeper Ben Berkhout to get past next, and as it was Ben stood firm to smother the ball from a strong low drive.
With Pins’ tails up at a rare attack, they tried their luck again with their second and final shot of the morning, this time Berkhout parrying a ferocious drive from distance before bravely pouncing on the loose ball at the feet of an onrushing attacker looking to take advantage.
Deighton was then replaced by Doble in the fifth minute, who slotted into Mingo’s midfield berth allowing Mingo to return to his favored attacking role. Within seconds a good run from Moxey from deep saw his through ball to Doble smashed first time, but it was well saved.
As
with the first half the defences began to take control of the game, and it
wasn’t until the watch showed five minutes remaining that Mingo had a chance
thwarted by the excellent Pins keeper after a sweeping cross from
Mingo’s last action of the half came a minute later. A Pins corner was comfortably cleared to the edge of the box where Mingo set off on a blistering run towards Pins’ goal. Locked in a fearsome tussle with determined Pins defenders, he eventually ran out of pitch before getting the chance to shoot and the ball went away to safety.
After his exertions it was time to let Deighton loose again at Mingo’s expense and he was involved in the final move of note in the game when Doble and Anderson combined well to set up Deighton but his shot was well saved by the inspired Pins goalie.
And but for that keeper it could have been more, although that’s not to say it was a one sided game by any means. Blues enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and goal scoring opportunities, but a much improved Pinhoe Wanderers from the 3-0 victory on the opening weekend of the season made Blues fight all the way for a hard earned victory.
At the back keeper Berkhout had to remain alert to collect two well struck opportunities, especially difficult given he’d had little to do beforehand. Much credit for this must go to Anderson and Smith in front of him, once again dominating the opposition attack and yet still able to get down the sidelines and support their own attackers.
That they are able to bomb up and down the wings is due to the increasingly influential Moxey. Marshalling team mates for defensive set pieces, dropping back to cover defenders’ upfield forays as well as supporting attacks himself with strong running from deep, Harry provides the lynchpin in the centre that makes the team so good to watch.
That’s not to denigrate the huge amount of work done by fellow midfielders Doble and Davison by any means. 15 goals between them is anything but shabby, and showing great discipline to maintain their wide positions, it pulls defences apart leaving space in the middle for Deighton to exploit with devastating affect.
Having an enviable combination of both strength and speed is an asset any player would be pleased to have, but Cameron also possesses no little finesse too, as shown by his clever goal today showing great awareness to casually dink the ball home in the face of a keeper rushing out to block. And finally we have Josh Mingo on the bench, willing to play anywhere from goalkeeper to centre forward and all positions in between, he comes on to create havoc in the opposition defence running powerfully toward goal and showing a sharp eye for goal too.
But that’s it for a couple of weeks now. The next visitors to St. Peter’s are the two West Hill teams in three weeks time before the visit to Cullompton and Moors a fortnight afterwards. Then it’s the cup quarter final against the winner of either Heavitree Comets who inflicted Blues’ only defeat of the season so far on them or Westexe, possessors of the only 100% record in the division.
Exciting weeks ahead then, and plenty of football still to go, but you new that already and already have the dates in your diary anyway. Don’t you?
Scorers:
- Deighton:
Squad: - Berkhout; Smith, Anderson; Davison, Moxey, Doble; Deighton.
Report by Anthony Moxey
Photos to Follow
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So on a blustery drizzly day Blues start 2007 as they finished 2006 with a hard fought 3-0 victory away to a strong Sidmouth side.
For the first time in many a week Blues were able to field a full strength side and welcomed Ben Berkhout back in goal after a long holiday abroad. Buoyed by his return, they started off strongest although it took a defensive mix up in the second minute to give Blues the opening chance of the game when Edward Doble’s quick fire run and shot was blocked for a corner. A minute later Blues were awarded a free kick some fifteen yards out and to the right. Full back Ewan Anderson stepped up and unleashed a ferocious head height drive into the box that the lively Doble glanced into the net from close range to give Blues a 1-0 lead and their first headed goal of the season. This stung Sidmouth into action, and although neither keeper was really ever tested, the midfields and defences worked hard to cancel each other out, and it wasn’t until three minutes before the end of the half that Blues had another clear sight on goal. Central midfield powerhouse Harry Moxey intercepting a Viking clearance to feed midfield partner and team captain Glen Davison down the left, who in turn pushed the ball through to lightning quick forward Cameron Deighton who saw his well struck drive drift wide of the post. A minute later it was Deighton who turned provider, slipping the ball through to Doble, but unfortunately he steered his first time shot wide of the far post, and that was it for the first half.
At half time manager Andy Bush withdrew keeper Berkhout – clearly still suffering the effects of a twelve hour plane flight the day before – for striker-turned-reserve-keeper Josh Mingo. In the third minute of the half, Moxey set off on a strong run down the left before laying the ball off to Davison who squared for Deighton, but the defence were alert to the danger and crowded Cameron out before getting the chance to shoot. He did get a chance to shoot two minutes later when full back Sam Smith decided to sample the heady delights of the opposition half embarking on a mazy run upfield before playing in Deighton whose looping shot towards the top corner drifted agonisingly wide of the angle of post and bar. Once again the middle section of the half became bogged down in a midfield stalemate with once again neither side able to break down the opposition defence, but midway through the half Doble and Deighton combined well down the left to give Davison the opportunity to shoot, but his far post shot was blocked at source. Two minutes later and Sidmouth had their first genuine sight on goal of the game with a rare break into the Blues box, but Mingo bravely charged out to block at the attacker’s feet, whilst Anderson remained alert to clear the follow up. Then in the twelfth minute Blues finally got their much needed second goal when a venomous Moxey smash from distance was deflected to the lurking Davison patrolling the far post, who gleefully turned and stabbed home from close range to make the game safe at 2-0. Blues weren’t finished though, and almost immediately from the restart made it 3-0 when a surging Deighton run ended with the ball unselfishly being prodded through to Davison to notch his second of the game by casually slotting home past the keeper. In the final minute Blues could have had a fourth, but a delicious Doble cross whipped in from the right just evaded the outstretched boots of both Deighton and Davison rushing in to meet it.
But what a good game of football
between two very hardworking sides. In goal it was good to have Ben back after
his excursions overseas, and good for him to ease himself back in having little
more than regulation stuff to deal with in the first half. Josh deputised well
making a superb block when Sidmouth looked to equalise, although in the end both
he and Ben were virtually spectators. And that was because of the defence in
front of them. Sam Smith and Ewan Anderson simply refuse to be beaten, and with
central midfielder Harry Moxey playing just in front of them, it affords them
the cover necessary to allow them to attack down the flanks too. All of which
means that the two wide midfielders – again supported by Harry in the middle
– of Edward Doble and Glen Davison can push on to form a three pronged attack
with striker Cameron Deighton who possesses the lethal combination of both speed
and strength that defenders hate. However, it’s not about individuals, it’s
about teamwork, and you don’t keep ten clean sheets and score 28 goals in
eleven league games if you don’t all work together and for each other, and
that’s exactly what these eight boys do each time they cross the white line.
Scorers: - Davison 2; Doble:
So after a brief respite it was onto the second match of the morning and once again Blues prevailed in a tough battle to beat Hemyock 2-0 at Sidmouth’s Long Park headquarters. Blues lined up: Berkhout; Smith, Anderson; Doble, Moxey, Davison; Mingo. Once again it was Blues who started the game the strongest, and in the third minute good work from Glen Davison and Josh Mingo – restored to his favoured striker’s role – set up Edward Doble to power a first time shot at the keeper. Two minutes later it was Ewan Anderson’s turn to venture forward, scuffing a shot wide after a good Mingo cross from the right. A minute later Anderson sent Mingo scampering down the left and his cross in to Doble was once again dragged wide by Doble as Blues conspired to somehow miss a hat trick of good chances. With manager Bush keen to keep the squad fresh, Doble was withdrawn for Deighton with Mingo slotting in to a wide midfield position five minutes before the half time whistle as the game got bogged down in midfield in similar fashion to the previous game against Sidmouth.
The second half couldn’t come soon enough for Cameron Deighton and in the second minute set off on a lung bursting run from deep in his own half culminating in an audacious chip that unfortunately not only beat the keeper but crossbar too. But midway through the half, after a spell of Blues pressure, the opening goal inevitably arrived, and equally inevitably it fell to leading scorer Deighton who smashed a through ball high into the net through the despairing keeper’s arms to make it 1-0 Blues. Immediately Josh Mingo made way for Edward Doble in a straight swap at right midfield, and from then on it was virtually all Blues. In the tenth minute Hemyock had a brief respite through an injury stoppage when a Harry Moxey special poleaxed an unfortunate Hemyock defender and then he followed up by smashing an equally ferocious rebound that the keeper struggled to parry. Happily the defender was okay to continue but he and his team mates could do little to stem the tide. With the final minute approaching Edward’s industry had earned him a rest with Josh Mingo rejoining the fray, and what an inspired substitution it turned out to be! The final action of the half and a pulsating game was for Moxey to send Mingo away with a huge clearance from deep inside his own half. With the defence nowhere Mingo strode forward purposefully and choosing to ignore the option of Deighton to his right sublimely passed the ball into the net with authority from the edge of the box to make it 2-0 and seal a well deserved victory right at the death. So two very hard fought and very well deserved victories away from home cements Blues’ position at the sharp end of the table. Once again, as with the first game, Ben had very little to do in goal, and couldn’t have wished for a better way to return to the team. In front of him his two defenders, Sam Smith and Ewan Anderson, never let the opposition have any space or opportunity, and coupled with Harry Moxey’s running from box to box covering both the defence as well as supporting the attack makes it a formidable back line. Indeed, only Westexe, who sit at the top of the table with a one hundred percent record, have a better defensive record, conceding one goal less, however they have played three games less too. And this diamond formation in front of the defence works well too, with Harry at the back, Cameron at the front and Edward and Glen out wide. Plus there’s Josh Mingo who can slot in seamlessly to any position on the pitch, and there’s not many sub goalies that’ll end the season scoring double figures!
Scorers: - Deighton; Mingo:
Team:- Berkhout; Anderson, Smith; Davison, Moxey, Doble; Deighton.
Next up in a fortnight is Pinhoe in
the U9s cup before we host the two West Hill sides in mid February. Given the
way boys have performed heroically over the past couple of weeks now’s the
time to show your support and really get behind their push for league and cup
glory, so we’ll look forward to seeing – and hearing – you all in a couple
of week’s time.
©Lee Davison
More photos of
the U9 Blues can be found at
U9
Blues Photos
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Culm United Tomahawks 0-8 Blues
So the boys finish off the year in excellent style with a couple of thumping wins at Culm United Tomahawks on a fresh and boggy morning that did it's best to dispel the usual Christmas over indulgence.
The day started with a friendly game warm up against Tomahawks' Seconds, and despite Blues being without regular keeper Ben Berkhout on holiday in Australia, the boys came away with a comfortable 12-0 win with eight of the goals coming from Deighton, and Davison, Smith, Doble and Moxey providing the rest.
But soon enough it was time for the main event and Blues took little time to assert their authority as on two minutes Deighton showed great strength and determination to power his way through the tackles to drive home majestically and give Blues a 1-0 lead. Blues kept up the pressure with a stranglehold on midfield and were a threat every time they broke forward.
Midway through the half Moxey aimed a superb ball down the line for Deighton to chase before whipping in a peach of a cross from the dead ball line. Cries of despair at the charging Doble's effort being well saved quickly changed to cries of joy as Davison followed up the rebound to gleefully smash home from point blank range at the far post to make it 2-0. A minute later Davison was this time the architect sending Deighton and Doble chasing through the middle before Deighton eventually won the race and slotted home to make it 3-0. A further minute expired before a speculative Moxey cross/shot found midfield partner Davison lurking deep who turned cleverly to steer the ball into the back of the net for 4-0.
Davison went on to complete a six minute hat trick in the eleventh minute when a wonderful Anderson corner bamboozled everyone including the keeper, and there was Davison again lurking at the far post to stab the ball into an empty net to give the Blues a full deserved 5-0 half time lead.
In the second half a clearly tiring Blues - two games in quick succession when a man short will take its toll on anybody - had to work desperately hard to maintain dominance. Three minutes in Doble showed valiant battling qualities to shrug off the tackles and play in Davison for a one on one with the keeper. However Davison unselfishly spotted Deighton running up on his right and played him in with a delightful pass sideways to give Deighton the easiest task of rolling the ball past the hopelessly outnumbered keeper for his hat trick and a 6-0 score. Two minutes later Doble found himself with the ball at his feet in plenty of space, and whilst team mates tried to get forward in time to support, he had little option but to cheekily chip the keeper with the ball just falling under the bar for 7-0.
The
scoring was complete late on when Davison fed Doble who skipped past a couple of
desperate challenges before confidently dinking the ball in with the outside of
his boot for a final score of 8-0.
But that's not to say it was as easy as it sounds. The boys had to work very hard for both victories, and it shows their great stamina and determination that they were able to sustain the pressure for both matches without a full team. It was both good and bad for Mingo in goal. Good that he kept two clean sheets and distributed the ball well, but bad personally for him as he was a spectator for virtually the entire duration of the games and saw very little of the action. However, he can be pleased with his work today after agreeing to convert from his normal striker's role to a very demanding and specialist position.
In front of him Anderson and Smith made sure he remained bored throughout, giving Culm not a single clear cut chance on goal at all. Indeed, such was the team's overall dominance both were keen to explore the previously uncharted territory of the opposition's half, and both made full use of the opportunity.
In midfield Davison and Doble used the width to devastating effect, pulling the Culm defence all over the place and also weighing in with a hefty five goals between them, whilst Moxey held his central role in both supporting the attack as well as dropping deep to cover for the defence's upfield shenanigans. Speaking of which, Deighton had a field day up front. Lightning quick and strong as an ox, at times the poor Culm defence just couldn't cope with his deadly combination of speed and power and had he really been on his game he maybe could, and should, have helped himself to a bucketload of goals today.
Although
there's no need to be greedy, and it would be disrespectful to the Tomahawks to
expect more. It could be so easy for them to let their heads drop and give in on
the wrong end of such a scoreline, but they didn't, and credit must go to them
for battling to the end and giving their all. And that's it for 2006, and a
great way to end the year - good football, strong tackling, crisp passing and
great teamwork. Let's hope there's more of the same in 2007 when Bushy's
travelling army pay Sidmouth and Hemyock a visit in two weeks' time. Of course
you'll be there to find out, won't you?
Scorers:
Deighton 3: Davison 3: Doble 2:
Squad: Mingo; Smith, Anderson; Davison, Moxey, Doble; Deighton.
Report by Anthony Moxey
©Lee Davison
More photos of
the U9 Blues can be found at
U9
Blues Photos
[ Back to top ]
So
with the team decimated with injury and illness, a depleted Blues squad earned a
hard fought draw against Countess Wear at
Manager Bush was rocked with the news that defensive stalwart Smith would be missing through sickness, and the prospect of two hard games against quality opposition with no substitutes would have seen weaker teams cave in, but not this team, and it was Blues who started strongest. As early as the second minute Deighton broke from defence on a surging run to force an early corner, and then another corner moments later from Mingo saw Davison poke wide when well placed. Almost immediately after Davison was again involved, conjuring a neat one-two with midfield partner Moxey before advancing to see his shot blocked.
In
the fourth minute, with Blues well on top, Moxey stepped up to try his luck but
his double effort was blocked at source. Chances were reduced to a premium after
this as the midfields took a stranglehold on the game. Both defences mopped up
comfortably and neither keeper was really tested until Countess Wear earned a
throw in deep in Blues territory in a rare excursion upfield. The ball seemed to
evade everyone in the box save for an attacker lurking deep to prod goalwards.
Joy on the Countess Wear players' faces turned to disbelief as
With boys taking a well earned half time rest, it was soon time for the second half to get underway, and once again it was Blues who dominated early. In the first minute good work from Deighton and Davison saw the ball fed to Doble out ide who launched a cross in from deep. With the keeper scrambling and misjudging the flight of the ball, he was relieved to see it drift agonising wide.
Blues continued to have the upper hand without really threatening until the seventh minute when Deighton embarked on a lung bursting run down the right before cutting in to fire low into the side netting. A minute later Deighton found himself central with the goal at his mercy and waited for the keeper to make his move before dinking the ball the opposite way high into the top corner. Unfortunately, and to his and his team mates' horror, a Countess Wear defender sprang from nowhere to magnificently head away to safety. The final action of a pulsating half, inevitably, fell to Deighton who once again charged menacingly down the right before seeing his ferocious drive beaten away for a corner.
But
despite the 0-0 scoreline, it was a great game to watch from two fully committed
sides determined to win. As it was, Blues edged it in terms of possession and
chances with Berkhout having little to do other than collect easy stuff. In
front of him
In the middle Moxey and Davison remained solid and strong in the tackle, and looked constantly to help out the defence when under pressure to feed the ball on to either Doble or Mingo patrolling wide. Up front Deighton was a different gravy today, and Countess Wear's defence had no answer to his surging powerful runs down the right. Such was his speed and determination his team mates found it difficult to keep up at times trying to get up and support, and as such he was often forced to shoot from difficult angles, but it does nothing to detract from the sheer effort and running he put in, and the same goes for the rest of the team in such difficult circumstances.
So
in the end, although Blues didn't win, a draw against a good team and a clean
sheet isn't shabby in anyone's book.
So Blues second game of the morning and a very good 2-0 win against quality opposition as dark clouds loomed. Blues lined up: Berkhout; Anderson, Mingo; Davison, Moxey, Doble; Deighton.
Despite a short break from the first game and the fact that St. Martins hadn't played so far this morning, it was Blues who started the more brightly. After a mere four minutes Doble sent Deighton scampering away down the right, where he skipped past challenges and stormed round the outside towards goal. Showing great strength and determination, he skilfully slid the ball under the keeper and into the net for an excellent individual goal to give Blues a 1-0 lead.
For much of the rest of the half it was the same as with the previous match with midfields battling ferociously and defences giving the strikers no joy. However in the tenth minute Blues fashioned a rare scoring opportunity when Davison prodded the ball forwards to Doble who unfortunately shot straight at the keeper. Moments later Deighton had a great chance to double Blues lead, but the keeper was alert to the danger and charged out well to block his shot at source.
In
the second half, despite the huge pitch, no subs and two games in quick
succession, Blues looked to get stronger and St. Martins began to tire. Three
minutes were up when a Moxey throw was guided across the box by Deighton where
Doble was lurking to fire at the keeper. In the tenth minute a strong Moxey run
from deep culminated in a fizzing drive that was pushed round the post for a
corner, and almost immediately a rare St. Martins break saw Berkhout remain
alert to produce a superb smothering save low at his ear post.
But
two minutes later the result was made safe when Deighton charged down a
clearance and barged through from the half way line on goal. His shot from the
edge of the box was palmed skywards, but Deighton showed good composure to
follow up and stab home from close range.
So
a great result against one of the strongest teams in the league. It has to be
said that Blues showed real character in both matches to battle right to the
end, despite losing key defender Smith to sickness. Mingo deputised admirably in
defence and complemented the cool and measured play of
In
midfield the victory was secured in great part thanks to the tireless work of
Doble, Davison and Moxey. The box to box running on a heavy pitch was strength
sapping, but the three kept going magnificently and ensured their opposite
numbers never had time to settle. Up front Deighton was simple unstoppable.
Given the freedom of the huge
And
now a well earned rest for the boys after their heroic efforts today. Blues
aren't scheduled to play again until after Christmas, so you've got plenty of
time to plan the trip to Culm at the end of December. If that is anywhere near
as intense as the two superb games we saw this morning, you're in for a real
treat. How can you even think of missing them?!
Scorer:
- Deighton 2:
Team: - Berkhout; Anderson, Deighton; Davison, Moxey, Doble, Mingo.
Report by Anthony Moxey
©Lee Davison
More photos of
the U9 Blues can be found at
U9
Blues Photos
So despite a stuttering start Blues eventually run out 3-2 winners in the first round of the cup away at Alphington on a gloriously sunny morning. Blues lined up: Berkhout; Anderson, Smith; Davison, Moxey, Doble; Deighton.
Manager's Bush's pre-match preparations appeared to be of no avail as Blues made an uncharacteristically sluggish start to the match. It came as no surprise that as little as two minutes in they found themselves a goal behind. A free kick out wide on the left was bravely parried by Berkhout, unfortunately if fell to an Alphington player who gratefully poked home from close range to make it 1-0.
Blues eventually got out of their half in the fifth minute - a surging Deighton run from the half way line culminating in a shot from distance that cannoned off a post with the keeper well beaten. A minute later Deighton had another chance after good work down the left from Doble and Davison, unfortunately he snatched at his shot and it was easy for the keeper.
Blues were still looking nervous though, and most of the action was at their end. Their lack of cohesion and normally fluid passing gave the advantage to Alphington, and it was no less than they deserved when Blues players continually missed tackles or backed off to allow an Alphington player to advance unimpeded in the tenth minute and slot the ball under Berkhout for 2-0.
With three minutes of the half remaining, the hard working Doble made way for Mingo as manager Bush looked to inject some fresh legs to try and rescue something from the half. It appeared to be working as Blues forced a series of corners, all superbly executed by Mingo causing all sorts of problems in the Alphington box, most notably from Davison who had a powerful header cleared off the line.
But with the whistle about to go for half time, Blues forced their umpteenth corner. The ball eventually came out to Moxey patrolling the edge of the box, and after seeing his initial effort cleared back out to him, let fly with a thunderous net busting rocket from fully fifteen yards that screamed into the top corner of the net to make it 2-1 and give the Blues a lifeline for the second half.
Buoyed on by the way they ended the first half, Blues soon made the second half their own, pinning Alphington back in their own area for huge chunks of time. As the game wore on, the boys appeared to get stronger, wearing down Alphington's beleaguered defence with wave after wave of attacks and dominating ossession. It was only a matter of time before an equaliser would arrive, and midway hrough the half the inevitable happened.
Mingo launched a speculative ball into the box from out wide way back near the half way line, hoping Deighton would be able to capitalise. He did succeed, however, in distracting the keeper sufficiently that the ball sneaked in at the far post for a fully deserved, if a little fortuitous, equaliser at 2-2.
In the tenth minute Doble was reintroduced for Deighton - again keeping things fresh - as Blues went in search of a winner. It came two minutes later when a Doble throw down the right was pushed across goal by Davison where Mingo was lurking five yards out to craftily steer the ball low into the corner for 3-2.
With two minutes to go Doble was withdrawn for Deighton as Blues looked to protect their lead. The minutes ticked away slowly and Berkhout had a couple of easy stops that were no more than regulation stuff but Blues kept an iron-like grip on midfield until the final whistle and a quite wonderful victory.
At the back the defence looked, well, ordinary to start with. However, once Alphington's second went in it was a different story as both Anderson and Smith hardly let a thing past them and tackled fiercely. On the odd occasion they were beaten Moxey was usually there to tidy things up, playing a deeper role than he has of late. As a result, Berkhout had a fairly uneventful time in goal. There asn't a great deal he could have done about either goal, and later on had simple stuff to deal with.
In
midfield Davison and Doble held the flanks well and both got forward as often as
possible to support Deighton up front. Davison covered the central ground too,
as Moxey looked to sweep in front of the defence. It didn't stop him getting
forward though, and it was a special strike that bought Blues back into it.
Up
front Deighton was unlucky to see his early shot hit a post, and Mingo came off
the bench to cap a fine game with two goals - the second a lovely piece of cool
finishing.
So onto the next round and the dream of a league and cup double is still on. Next weekend it's back to league action and two massive games against St.Martins and Countess Wear. The boys'll have to play a lot more like they did in the second half today than they did in the first if they are to prevail next week, but they are more than up to the task. Make sure you are too by coming along and getting behind the lads for the biggest games of the season so far - they promise to be a couple of crackers.
Scorers:- Mingo 2;Moxey;
Report by
Anthony Moxey
©Lee Davison
More photos of
the U9 Blues can be found at
U9
Blues Photos
So Blues come through their first real test of the season with a hard earned 0-0 at Alphington on a crisp and sunny morning.
Blues were quickly out
of the blocks and keen to dominate straight from the off. In the second minute a
strong challenge from Deighton gave Doble a chance from the right but his ten
yard smash fizzed narrowly wide. Two minutes later Deighton shrugged off
defensive challenges to burst through
but the Alphington goalie was alert to the danger and came out quickly to smother the ball before Deighton had chance to shoot. A minute later Deighton again burst through, although unfortunately his shot lacked power and the keeper had an easy collect.
Chances were at a premium for the remaining ten minutes of the half as Alphington made home advantage tell putting Blues under some torrid pressure with a succession of corners and attacks. However, on the stroke of half time Davison and Moxey finally got the chance to combine and manufactured an opportunity for Deighton who was unlucky to see his firm drive well saved.
At the start of the second half the hard working Doble made way for Mingo and then after firing narrowly wide from a tight angle Deighton made way for Volpini. A virtual spectator for much of the first half, Berkhout was finally called into action midway through the second half, dropping sharply onto a low cross from an Alphington break down the right.
In the eighth minute good work from Davison released Volpini down the right who in turn fed Mingo patrolling the edge of the area. However, as he looked to advance on goal a defensive boot snuck in to poke the ball away for a corner just as he shaped to shoot.
Ten minutes in and manager Bush introduced McLean into the action in place of Mingo to keep things fresh for the final onslaught, and with time rapidly running out a fierce Volpini smash drew a fine save from the keeper. That wasn't that last action though, as Berkhout produced a last gasp save to deny an Alphington winner from a close range poke from a corner.
But a good game nonetheless and a good result away from home. Blues had a couple of good chances early on and although under some heavy pressure for much of the first half, restricted Alphington to no more than a couple of half chances here and there. In goal Berkhout remained alert throughout and made a couple of smart stops. The reason he had mainly regulation stuff to deal with was the dogged resistance of Smith and Anderson in front of him, mopping up most of the opposition's efforts.
In midfield the spine of
the side - Moxey and Davison - worked tirelessly from box to box helping both
the attack and defence when needed and were ably supported by wide players Doble,
Volpini and McLean who stretched the opposition midfield and defence providing
chances for the attack. Up front
Deighton and Mingo looked lively throughout, and on another day may well have done enough to win the game.
However Alphington are a
good side who close down quickly and give their opponents little time or
opportunity to settle on the ball. They also break very quickly so to keep a
clean sheet away to them is no mean feat at all.
So Blues were cruelly
robbed of a deserved victory to end up drawing 4-4 with Beacon Knights despite
being in front for all but 30 seconds of a fiercely contested match. Once
again Blues started in terrific fashion, and despite drawing a blank in the
previous game it took a mere two minutes to trouble the scorers in this. A
wonderful clearance from
No sooner had Knights restarted than it was 2-0 when Deighton smashed the ball across the keeper high into the net from close range. In a frantic first four minutes Knights reduced the deficit to 2-1 when a lack of concentration allowed the ball to find its way through to an attacker who expertly despatched a fine strike into the top corner.
On ten minutes Blues' two goal advantage was restored when the ball was swept in from the right for Deighton to crash home from five yards out to make it 3-1. Two minutes later Deighton turned provider feeding Doble who's snapshot from distance unfortunately drifted the wrong side of the post. Blues didn't have it all their own way though, and despite dominating the half they allowed Knights back in on the stroke of half time when a long range daisy cutter crept in under Berkhout for 3-2.
With the second half
underway Doble was again sacrificed for Mingo, although immediately after
Knights were on the attack. A ball across from the left was well struck but
Berkhout made it look simple turning it round the post for a corner. For a long
period the game got bogged down in a titanic midfield battle, and chances became
something of a rarity, however once chance came in the tenth minute from the
best move of the game. Mingo emerged from midfield with the ball, and dragging
defenders wide with him, unselfishly played the ball across the box to the
unmarked Deighton at the
far post. His hat trick
was a mere formality as his confidently rolled the ball into the unguarded net
for a 4-2 scoreline.
His work done, Mingo made way for Volpini with the game apparently safe, but seconds later disaster struck. With the ball appearing to be shepherded away to safety Knights were awarded a very dubious penalty when an attacker stumbled giving chase. Berkhout stood tall and blocked the spot kick with some aplomb, but could do little to prevent the penalty taker burying the rebound home to make it 4-3 in very controversial circumstance.
Hoping to keep fresh legs going, the livewire Volpini was replaced with the equally livewire McLean with time fast running out, but with Knights winning a throw in deep into Blues territory, the cruelest blow was struck when it was glanced in at the near post to make it 4-4 at the death.
But it doesn't take away from the strong performances right across the Park from all the boys. Four goals conceded doesn't do either the keeper or defenders justice - they were so much better than that. In midfield again the two in the middle dominated for much of the game, and the three wide players again stayed full of running and pulled defenders everywhere.
Deighton scored his second hat trick of the season, and fellow striker Mingo showed composure and unselfishness setting one of the goals up when perhaps he could have had a pop himself. It was a shame that they were denied a well deserved win through a controversial penalty, but we won't let that cloud a good couple of results today. Not many teams will face these two and come away unbeaten, and today's games set up the next one well - a visit back here in a couple of weeks to face Alphington in the first round of the cup.
We've seen what their
all about, and last year got a heroic quarter final victory in manager Bush's
first game in charge. Make sure you're all back again in three weeks time when
hopefully the boys can complete the job again and keep the dream of a famous
double alive.
Scorers: -
Deighton 3; Davison:
Squad:- Berkhout; Anderson, Smith; Davison, Moxey, Doble; Deighton
Report by Anthony Moxey
©Lee Davison
More photos of
the U9 Blues can be found at
U9
Blues Photos
So with the demise of Central only one game for Blues this weekend, a handsome 2-0 away win against Central Reds on warm winter's morning.
Blues came out of the blocks at a frantic pace, keen to assert authority as soon as possible. Dominating the early exchanges, Reds' keeper pulled out a smart save to deflect a Mingo cross from the bonce of the lurking Davison at the far post, and Davison was again involved minutes later when some good persistence down the left fashioned a chance that produced another decent save from the keeper.
Blues pressed on determined to make their possession count, and midway through the half they almost made the breakthrough when a strong Doble run down the right ended with a cross into Davison who's first time shot was once again thwarted by the alert keeper. Almost immediately Blues were again pressing Reds' defence when Moxey and Doble combined well down the right to feed Mingo who smashed his piledriver inches over the bar.
But as sure as night follows day the inevitable happened and Blues took the lead. Eleven minutes had expired when the ball broke to Davison stationed centrally about fifteen yards out. Showing Brazilian footwork and Travolta-esque hip swivels, he first cut back one way then again in another to see the goal gaping before him and defenders trailing in his wake. With a quick look up to pick his spot he crashed an unstoppable shot high into the top corner of the net to give Blues a hugely deserved 1-0 lead.
As with buses, you wait ages for one then a bunch turn up all that same time, and so it was with Davison goals as mere seconds later it was 2-0. A delicious defence splitting pass from midfield partner Moxey was all that was needed to set Davison away again, this time unleashing an arrow straight howitzer into the roof of the net from ten yards out to make the game safe with his second goal in double quick time.
With
the half drawing to a satisfying conclusion, there was still time for further
action with the best move of the game.
Soon it was time for the second half to get underway, and manager Bush's two subs - McLean and Deighton on for Mingo and Doble - had barely time to settle before Reds had a free kick just outside the box. The attacker let fly with a ferocious strike that for all the world looked to be heading forthe top corner before Berkhout, with his first touch of the ball all game, sprang cat like to claw the ball away to safety.
But
it was a rare foray into Blues territory, and once again they were soon back on
the attack, this time Moxey embarking on a strong run and cut in from the left
before letting fly a powerful drive the whistled past the post from range. The
second attack of the game by Reds in the third minute was soon snuffed out
though, as both Smith and Anderson combined to give
Midway through the second half and Reds' goal was leading something of a charmed life thanks to some inspirational goalkeeping. Davison smashed a vicious drive that was desperately parried but only as far as Deighton. As surprised as everyone else that the ball was at his feet, a shocked Deighton failed to capitalise and his first time poke was turned round the post for the umpteenth corner.
With time fast running out, Moxey set off on a lung-bursting run down the right, skipping past defenders with ease. Only Deighton was quick enough to keep up, and spotting him racing through the middle Moxey bent a superb ball into the danger area. Deighton unfortunately could only watch in agony as his instinctive volley screwed wide of the far post.
The
final action of the half was to give a well earned rest to the extremely hard
working Smith and Davison with the reintroduction of Doble and Mingo, but they
didn't really have enough time to make further impacts on the game.
But
what a good game of football it was. Everyone played a full part in the game,
and despite not getting a single touch in the first half, Berkhout remained
alert and produced a breathtaking save to deny Reds a route back into the game
just after half time. The fact that he had so little do was in no small part to
the performances of defenders Smith and Anderson, who had the Reds forwards in
their pockets all morning.