VICTORY OVER AFC TOTTON

Southampton Senior Cup

AFC Totton 1 AFC Stoneham 1

Scorer: Sampson 27

Penalties : AFC Totton 4 AFC Stoneham 5

An outstanding cup win tonight against Southern Premier League leaders AFC Totton who have won this trophy at St Mary's Stadium for the last three seasons.

In truth the win should have been sealed by half time following our excellent football which deserved a lot more than a 1-0 half time lead from a Tyrrell Sampson goal.

We continued playing more good football in the early part of the second half until the 60th minute when Sampson was shown a red card.

This changed the flow of the game and the hosts soon equalised and had a lot more of the game.

Our 10 men valiantly fought for 90 minutes and 6 minutes of added time to end the game all square.

Penalties were taken at the AFC Totton end of the ground and Thomson, Orvis, Martins, Fee and Jenkins all converted their penalties whilst the hosts had also scored 4 from 4.

As our keeper Casey, who had an excellent second half, was relishing the penalty shoot out he dived to his left to make a superb winning save from the hosts fifth penalty and record a fantastic win for the club.

A great night and a thoroughly deserved victory for the boys!

#upthepurps

AFC TOTTON MATCH REPORT

AFC STONEHAM (4-5 PENS), SDFA SSC 2ND RND

SDFA SOUTHAMPTON SENIOR CUP | Second Round
Monday 04 November 2024 | Snows Stadium, Salisbury Road, Totton | Att: 463

AFC TOTTON      1
Remus Nixon 62mins

AFC STONEHAM     1
Tyrell Sampson 27mins

AFC Stoneham won 5-4 on penalties

AFC STONEHAM ENDED TOTTON’S HOPES of winning an historic fourth consecutive SDFA Southampton Senior Cup trophy by holding a youthful Stags team to a one-all draw before triumphing in the penalty shoot-out by the odd successful conversion in nine, courtesy of a match-winning save by former AFC Totton goalkeeper Ross Casey.

AFC TOTTON: 1. Max EVANS; 2. Cruz WRAGG; 3. Logan LAIRD; 6. Leo TAYLOR; 7. Dylan ANDREWS; 9. Scott RENDELL (Capt.); 10. Owen PELHAM; 11. Remus NIXON; 15. Will KEITA; 17. Runo AGBERHIERE; 18. Connor BENT. Substitutes: 5. Charlie KENNEDY; 8. Mason REDWOOD; 12. Luke HALLETT; 14. Jack MASTERTON; 16. Hugo RAWLINGS. Substitutions: REDWOOD for KEITA (11mins); RAWLINGS for AGBERHIERE (58mins); KENNEDY for ANDREWS (73mins); HALLETT for TAYLOR (75mins); MASTERTON for WRAGG (77mins).

AFC STONEHAM: 1. Ross CASEY; 2. Tom ANNETTS; 3. Lewis NAGLE; 4. Mat BAINBRIDGE; 5. Jake THOMSON; 6. Ben CLARKE; 7. Tyrell SAMPSON; 8. Alex WELCH (Capt.); 9. Duarte MARTINS; 10. Oliver JENKINS; 11. Jamie JOHNSTON. Substitutes: 12. Dan NGUYEN; 14. Jim ORVIS; 16. Ryan CLUETT; 17. Owen FEE; 18. Tim NGUYEN. Substitutions: ORVIS for BAINBRIDGE (58mins); FEE for JOHNSTON (77mins). Red Card:SAMPSON (Violent Conduct).

Before kick-off, MC Denis Bundy led the 463-strong attendance in a Service of Remembrance in honour of all of those who have given their lives and lost loved ones in war throughout the years. The service was impeccably observed by everyone around the ground.

AFC Stoneham — known as The Purples due to their all-purple strip — started brightly and forced an early left-wing corner, which Totton defended. Logan Laird, who has been playing on loan at Shaftesbury, intercepted a dangerous through-ball and diverted back to his goalkeeper, Max Evans. Then, Will Keita, playing at centre-back, misjudged the pace of a pass towards Stoneham’s inside-left channel and had to stretch to recover in time to prevent the striker running clean through on goal.

A late sliding tackle by Leo Taylor earned the defender a ticking-off from the referee and presented Stoneham with a free-kick within shooting range, about 25 yards out at the left corner of the penalty area, from the visitors’ perspective; the shot was curled over the crossbar.

The distinctively mop-haired Ross Casey sliced his kick after receiving a back-pass under pressure. From the left-wing throw, Remus Nixon received the ball and hung a high cross towards the far side where Scott Rendell managed to get his head to it despite being surrounded by three defenders, but he could only steer his effort wide.

Stoneham won a corner on their left. The arced cross struck Keita in the face near the penalty spot and fell kindly for Oliver Jenkins, who blazed his shot over the bar. When Totton went up the other end, Runo Agberhiere did well to keep the ball in play at the right-wing corner flag before playing a sharp one-two with Rendell, but his cross was blocked.

Will Keita had to come off after just 11 minutes with what appeared to be an aggravated thigh. Midfielder Mason Redwood came on to replace him, prompting a positional reshuffle within the defence. Rendell tried to thread a through-ball into Nixon’s path but Casey read it well and beat the rangy centre-forward to it.

Stoneham should have taken the lead when full-back Lewis Nagle burst down the left flank to beat the offside trap and centred into the box for Jamie Johnston, whose first-time shot with his left foot was well-saved by Evans, who had rushed out to narrow the angle. Then, neat footwork from Johnston on the right-wing touchline enabled him to get past Cruz Wragg and cross to the far post; Duarte Martins headed the ball against Agberhiere’s back and Evans was able to snatch up the rebound.

A moment of hesitation from Laird, as the ball bounced back into Stoneham possession inside the centre-circle, gave Martins the time and space he needed to look up and, spotting Evans standing well off his goal line, attempt a spectacular long-range lob that dropped wide of the left-hand post.

Taylor headed out a long ball and was then quickly involved again to dispossess Jenkins, as the visitors continued to apply most of the attacking pressure. Johnston fired in a cross from the right, which Evans did well to catch high at his near post.

Rendell and Nixon tried to pick a path through a cluster of purple-shirted defenders on the edge of the Stoneham penalty area but were eventually crowded out. Stoneham quickly countered by feeding the ball forward to inside-left where Tyrell SAMPSON raced onto it, advanced into the penalty area and fired a low, angled shot under Evans, who got a touch on the ball but couldn’t prevent it finding the bottom-right corner of the net.

Totton responded by mounting an attack, but it was cut short when the ball bounced up and struck Taylor on the arm. At the other end, Wragg rushed to keep the ball in play at the Totton left-back position, but his clearance was intercepted by Johnston, who advanced into the penalty area and fired high and wide of the near post, with the goal at his mercy.

With Totton’s defence having been pulled out of shape a few times, order was restored by the unusual and unexpected sight of veteran centre-forward Scott Rendell taking up position at centre-back. And the captain made his presence felt by encouraging his young teammates to pass the ball in a style much more reminiscent of the first team. Receiving possession in the middle of the pitch, Rendell spotted Connor Bent’s run and tried to feed him with a direct through-ball, but once again Casey was one step ahead and made the crucial interception.

Stoneham managed to pin Totton back into their own penalty area, peppering shots into a crowd of players only to see the ball bounce back at them. The inevitable shout of “hand-ball” was routinely turned down by the referee, and Totton stood firm to limit The Purples’ lead to one goal.

Agberhiere dealt with the next right-wing delivery from the energetic and skilful winger Johnston. Then, Martins received the ball on the edge of the Totton area. With space to attack on his right, he opted instead to try and curl a left-footed shot into the top-left corner, bending his effort wide of the post.

Intricate approach play by Stoneham on their left resulted in a high, looping cross into the box. Tom Annetts arrived to strike on the half-volley but his shot sailed high over the crossbar, as the right-back hid his face in his hands.

Bent and Nixon combined to attack from Totton’s left, but Bent’s low cross was turned away. Then, Taylor had to get back into defensive position quickly to clear a right-wing cross with the Totton defence stretched.

During four minutes of first-half stoppage time, Martins sprung free behind the Totton defence and fired over from a tight angle on the left — although, the offside flag was belatedly raised against him. Then, warming to his new defensive role, Rendell made an impeccable sliding tackle in the centre-circle to win the ball back for The Stags. Owen Pelham spread the play wide to the right for Agberhiere, who dribbled back infield to return the ball to Pelham. The midfielder played a short pass to Nixon; with his back to goal and a defender marking tightly, Nixon performed a few keep-me-ups, but whatever he was planning was scuppered when his marker punted the ball away.

HALF-TIME: AFC TOTTON 0-AFC STONEHAM 1

There were no substitutions from either side at the break, with Rendell remaining in place at centre-back.

Annetts advanced at pace down Stoneham’s right-wing touchline before pulling back to Johnston. He teed-up Martins for a low, angled shot that Evans reacted well to push wide for a corner. Taylor headed out the cross and Nixon completed the clearance by running the ball through a challenge at the edge of the box and a pass to Mason Redwood in space on the right flank. The counter-attack was on, with Bent shifting through the gears with a dash between two defenders, but Redwood’s pass gave him little chance of connecting with the ball.

A well-timed sliding tackle by Wragg halted Johnston’s progress, at the expense of a right-wing corner for Stoneham. The cross was flicked upward at the near post; Rendell headed out as far as Purples’ captain Alex Welch, whose fierce volley was blocked and diverted out for another corner. Evans reclaimed the ball for Totton from the subsequent delivery.

A deft clipped pass by Sampson put Martins in behind Rendell at Stoneham’s inside-left, but the forward rushed his shot and the ball skewed off his left foot to veer away from goal. Then, Sampson received the ball on the left and dragged it back infield to line up a right-footed shot from the edge of the box. A deflection off Laird took the sting out of it and Evans was able to pick up the loose ball.

Laird played a cross-field pass to Agberhiere on the Totton right. Taylor had made an underlapping dash under the flight of the ball and took Agberhiere’s pass in his stride, but his cross was deflected wide for a corner. Dylan Andrews crossed to the near side of the penalty spot, where Rendell arrived to strike first time. Only pinball wizardry prevented the ball flying into the net, with at least three players knowing absolutely nothing of the part they played in deflecting the ball around the penalty box, before it was eventually hooked away by a Stoneham defender.

Both sides made substitutions in the 58th minute, with Hugo Rawlings coming on for Agberhiere for Totton. Taylor went on a swashbuckling run into the Stoneham area, after receiving Rendell’s pass on the right flank. He went down in the area, possibly seeking an undeserved penalty. As the ball was cleared, Taylor went down holding his face; the referee consulted his Assistant on that side of the pitch and showed a straight red card to Tyrell Sampson. From the resulting free-kick, Nixon fired a low left-footed effort at the defensive wall, which jumped in unison to allow the ball to slip under them, but it crept just wide of the right-hand post.

The Stags made their numerical advantage count by drawing level two minutes past the hour. Andrews took a right-wing corner that was partially cleared, before being redirected back to Andrews, who did well to keep it in play in the right-wing corner. He found Rawlings to clip into the box, where Remus NIXON received with his back to goal but managed to turn his marker and slot the ball past Casey into the bottom-left.

A foul on Taylor gave Pelham the chance to deliver a free-kick into the Stoneham box from the Totton right. The cross fell to Laird, whose half-volley flew over the bar.

Totton were suddenly looking the more likely side to go on and win the cup tie. Nixon’s ferocious shot struck Jenkins in the face, prompting Jimmy Ball to implore Stoneham’s physio to get out there quickly, irrespective of the referee taking his time to assess the situation. Then, Evans launched an up-and-under clearance straight down the middle of the pitch that caused Casey some problems in the opposite goal; as the ball bounced high at the edge of the box, Casey could see that Connor Bent was racing ever-closer, with the striker making a fair challenge before the Stoneham ‘keeper could grab the ball. Bent tried to turn the ball towards the open goal from a tight angle, but a defender got back to clear.

Rawlings tried to drive through a purple wall on the edge of the Stoneham area, from Totton’s right. The ball fell to Taylor, who crossed into the middle and Nixon struck on the volley to bring a brilliant reaction save out of Casey, pushing the ball over the crossbar for another Totton corner. Stoneham cleared it and launched a counter-attack, with Johnston crossing from the right and Martins jumping high in the middle, to head narrowly over the bar, clashing heads with Rendell in the process.

With 17 minutes remaining, Andrews was withdrawn to make way for Charlie Kennedy. And a couple of minutes later, Luke Hallett stepped off the bench to replace Leo Taylor, who was limping after a heavy challenge in the right-back position.

Pelham’s perseverance won a corner on the Totton right, from which his own cross was flicked off course just before it could reach Rendell’s forehead.

Former Totton & Eling midfielder Owen Fee replaced Jamie Johnston for Stoneham, and at the same time, Jack Masterton made a welcome return to the AFC Totton fold when he replaced defender Cruz Wragg to slot in at left-back.

Rendell had by now moved back into a more advanced position, operating behind Nixon. He won the ball high up the pitch and found the No.11 whose cross-shot was repelled by the Stoneham defence. Then, Rawlings passed infield to Rendell in the centre-circle, who swept the ball out to Nixon on the left. Rawlings raced towards the right-hand post but Nixon’s cross drifted too far ahead of him and out of play.

Hallett headed out for a corner from Fee’s free-kick, from deep on the Stoneham right. Fee crossed to Ben Clarke, who performed a neat trick to give himself half-a-yard but then missed his kick. The ball came out to Fee again, who drove in a powerful, low cross-shot that Totton turned away.

Rawlings tried again to run through the defence. The ball popped loose to Bent, who slipped at the crucial moment. When Rawlings received the ball in space high on the right flank for Totton, his cross into the box struck a defender on the arm, prompting loud calls for a penalty; the referee made a gesture to indicate that he was happy that the defender’s arms were by his side, and allowed play to continue.

Hallett had to make a sliding interception to stop Fee’s through-ball releasing Martins behind the Totton defence. Then, Kennedy and Pelham combined to play Redwood to the right-wing byline but Casey caught his cross at the near post.

With the threat of a penalty shoot-out looming, Totton were occupying possession and territory in the Stoneham half. Masterton received the ball near the half-way line and picked out Rendell near the penalty spot. With defenders between him and the goal, Rendell chested down for Nixon to strike; Nixon went for power but got too much elevation and saw his effort fly high over the top.

With six minutes of stoppage time having been indicated, a succession of right-wing throw-ins eventually resulted in a corner, which Pelham took. Stoneham cleared but Totton came back again, Bent turning neatly to escape his marker but from a tight angle, he couldn’t find the target.

Casey came out to kick clear into Salisbury Road, as Totton pushed for a late winner. Then, Nixon, Rendell and Masterton worked the ball infield for Kennedy to bend a high cross towards the right-hand post, but Bent couldn’t get there before Casey.

Pelham and Bent worked the space on the right flank for Pelham to cross towards the near post area, where the unmarked Rawlings steered his header wide of the near post. Rawlings then had a shot blocked after Rendell played him in. He recovered possession and found Pelham, whose cross reached Nixon on the left; a heavy first touch enabled Casey to block his shot. The resulting left-wing corner was headed away at the near post, shortly before the referee blew the final whistle to send the cup tie to a penalty shoot-out.

Stoneham went first, with the first nine-out-of-nine spot kicks all being successfully converted. Former Southampton Academy player Jake Thomson went first for The Purples, with Owen Fee, Duarte Martins, Jim Orvis and Oliver Jenkins all finding the net; Hugo Rawlings, Scott Rendell, Charlie Kennedy and Remus Nixon all did likewise for Totton. So, it came down to Totton’s fifth spot-kick, with Jack Masterton needing to score to take it to sudden death. However, Ross Casey guessed the right way and parried Masterton’s shot to send Stoneham through to the Third Round.


SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3RD - ROUND UP

SUNDAY ROUND UP

BY SARAI

AFC Stoneham Owls U8 V Littleton Juniors Youth U8 Lions

An early kick off for the Owls but all were raring to go, injured midfielder Lucas took on the role as coach and cheered from the sidelines. The first half saw loads of chances and some great saves from both sides.

Those shooting boots were well and truly on in the final two quarters and there were goals galore from both sides with a combined goal count of 6.

Well done to Archie, Luca, Charlie, Ted, Tommy, Finley & Archie for their effort throughout.

MOTM - went to Archie for his solid performance in defence & show stopping saves as GK

Match Report

Wolves U9 vs Colden Common Royals

The Wolves have been a frightening prospect for any team this season, but with Halloween over it was back to business with a second consecutive game against a Colden Common side. This week it was the Royals, a side we encountered in the summer friendlies.

We started the brighter and settled into a nice rhythm early with Shay pulling the strings in front of a Cohen and Teddy defence. Vinnie whipped in a low cross which evaded everyone except Mason at the far post who showed great control to make room for a shot and open the scoring. Colden Common were a threat down their left and Cohen managed his position expertly and timed his tackles. Louie always looked lively up front and when Shay played him in his strike oozed confidence.

Jacob, Fozzy and Fyfe switched in and we faced a rejuvenated Colden Common who hit back twice to level. The early passing rhythm wasn't quite there but the boys rallied and in spite of chances for Louie and Fozzy and some determined defending from Jacob and Cohen the teams went in all square.

Into the second half game was very open with some great skills on display. Jacob saw off another attack and released Fyfe who in turn weighted his pass perfectly for Fozzy to finish off a brilliant counter attack. Colden Common pressurised and looked certain to score but a goal line clearance from Jacob, a super tip over from Jasper kept them out before the best bit of combined goalkeeping and defending all season; a double save from Jasper and last ditch tackles from both Teddy and Jacob to keep the advantage.

I commented last week about him dealing in the spectacular and Fyfe pulled out an outrageous effort, dinking his touch over a defender and then fully sending it from 30 yards. With the opposition pushing men forward we exposed their defence twice more, firstly Louie completing a brace with a ball from Teddy, the Louie turning provider for Fozzy for his second of the day. Colden Common got another back towards the end but by then we'd done the damage.

An action packed game with some terrific goals from both sides, great credit to Colden Common, we hadn't noticed they only had 6 players until a good way in and at times they played through us. We've played better football and not taken chances as well as today so we'll take it but we need to make sure we keep working as a team and sticking to the passing style that's worked so well. Several great candidates for MotM today but with two great goals and an assist (plus a birthday wish from Tyler Dibling), Louie takes this weeks honour.

The AFC Stoneham Spitfires U13s beat AFC Totton 4-1 in a league match this morning. The Spitfires struggled to get out of first gear for much of the game, however they continued to create chances throughout. Stoneham went 1 goal down early on and got back into the match when Freddie was pushed in the back in the penalty area. James slotted the penalty away calmly into the corner of the net. Freddie then put the Spitfires in front and then scored his second after a run and shot from Eli came back to Freddie to hit into the bottom corner.

A sluggish second half performance saw one goal for Stoneham after a short corner was played to Eli who crossed into the danger area. The Totton defence failed to clear and Sam was in the right place to smash the ball into the net.

Man of the match went to Forbes for his good defensive and attacking display as left back. The boys will be disappointed with the performance and look to improve in the next match.

Tyro div 6: Stoneham U13 Wolves 0 Winsor U13 Red 1

A first league defeat for the Wolves today, but a very good performance in another entertaining match full of high quality from both teams.

Dominik was called into action early to rush out and make a key block, before scoring opportunities fell to Mamadou, Bobby and then Muhammed. The end-to-end play continued with Dominik making a second great block, but this time the ball fell unkindly for the Wolves and it was 0-1 against the run of play.

Bobby then showed great technique by making a superb tackle after tracking an advancing defender back into midfield, before four more chances to score for the Wolves were followed by a goal line clearance from Jacob. This was the first of 4 key blocks inside our 6-yard box by Jacob who overall had an excellent first game at centre back and deserves his first Wolf of the Week award.

Wolves continued to get closer, the first half ending with Talal then Mamadou both hitting the bar.

Our chances were being created mostly by great passing moves within our midfield where Talal, Muhammed and Ahmed were working well together. In particular, this was Ahmed’s best performance this season, continually showing great skill on the ball to beat players in a congested midfield and then lay off a pass that would usually lead to a chance being created. Muhammed also provided some attacking width down the right in the second half and almost created a goal from a high quality cross. Talal had to play all over the pitch to restrict Winsor on the break, including in the second half making a full stretch tackle to save a certain goal from inside our 6-yard area.

Width was also provided today by the hard-working Dylan, Frankie and Misha. Dylan showed great energy and commitment today, reaching the bye-line on a couple of occasions, while Frankie took up some excellent advanced positions, and Misha was particularly brave in supporting the forwards from his unfamiliar more defensive starting position.

Centre-backs Jacob, Charlie and Harry had to maintain full concentration in containing our attack minded opponents to just the one goal, especially considering it was a first start this season in that position for both Jacob and Harry. Charlie showed his usual amazing energy and work rate while Harry made the transition with another faultless display.

Wolves finished the game on top, pushing for a goal that so nearly came. We created 15 scoring opportunities today with at times some very bad fortune preventing the equaliser, and special praise must go to our forwards Mamadou and Bobby for their perseverance and for never giving up on that chance of a goal.

Kings Copse U14 1-2 AFC Stoneham Jaguars U14

On a boggy pitch, and against a big, physical, quick opponent, the Jaguars continued their fine run of form to come from behind and grind out a huge victory to take them top of the league.

It was a first half of few chances where Kings Copse dominated territory and possession for long spells. The midfield was a battle, and Taylor, Harry W, Josh, then Charlie, had to work exceedingly hard without the ball, and show nimble feet with the ball to find the forwards. The front three of Tiago, Freddie and Jamie worked manfully to shut down the defenders, whose chief tactics were long balls to the dangerous Kings Copse number 7, who Dyllon managed well. Alongside him, led by Isaac, Daniel and Harry D worked terrifically hard as a defensive unit to limit Kings Copse to shots from distance. Fin dealt comfortably with the ball all half until the last play, where a seemingly innocuous shot managed to squirm under him and into the net.

At half time the management team tweaked the tactics to focus on turning the Kings Copse defenders, and moving the game out of the centre of the pitch; and from the first whistle of the second half, the pattern of the game changed. Time and time again the Jaguars pinned their opponents back with dinked balls into the channels, and the Jaguars began to enjoy more territory. Suddenly, it was the home team’s goalkeeper being called into action, albeit from well manufactured long shots from Harry W, Taylor and Tiago. Freddie played a slightly higher line and began linking much better with the wide players, and with Isaac and Daniel rock solid at the back, Kings Copse began to sit deeper. It was going to take something special to break a well organised home defence, and that’s exactly what Taylor delivered, finding the corner from thirty yards out.

Suddenly, what was a compact game opened up and became more end to end. Fin more than made up for the first goal with two outstanding saves, whilst Harry D showed huge desire to continually shut down the Kings Copse right winger. At the other end, Charlie played some really intelligent poked passes between the lines and Josh, in a wide left position, created havoc with some silky skills. In the middle of the pitch, Harry W provided a terrific example of box to box midfield play to provide support to the defence and the attack.

With the game in the balance, it was the visitors who took the points with a decisive strike. The ball was fed into Freddie on the half way line, who rolled his man, drove forwards and then found Tiago with a perfectly weighted ball. Tiago took the ball in his stride, and from the angle produced a deft dink over the goalkeeper.

Kings Copse weren’t finished, however. With only one substitute to the home team’s four, the Jaguars were running on fumes for the last ten minutes, but threw their bodies on the line to make tackle after tackle, typified by virtually the last attack of the game where Isaac launched himself to block a shot that looked destined to nestle in the goal.

Today was a wonderful example of the old saying that it isn’t the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. Or in this case, the Jaguar. Up the Jags!

ST FRANCIS 3-4 SHARKS

Naderi (2)

Enninful

Dube

PPotM – Okwin

PotM – Dube

A hard-earned result today with credit going to all players as that was a fantastic team effort. Whilst, for the most part, we dominated possession and territory we missed a lot of chances resulting in this being a much closer game than it should have been. All credit to St Francis though who always looked dangerous on the break.

We started the game brightly and nearly scored in the first minute. We continued to dominate looking likely to score until the sixth minute when St Francis broke clear and scored with their first visit to our box. After the goal conceded we continued to apply pressure albeit with our opponents always looking dangerous on the break. On 20 minutes, we turned the tables with Naderi breaking free and slotting the ball calmly past the keeper. Unfortunately we then switched off and St Francis immediately worked their way down the right wing and a good cross found an unmarked player in the box to restore the lead. Three minutes later we were again found wanting in defence as St Francis doubled their lead on the break.

I’m proud to say that we didn’t let our heads drop and the players dug in and some sustained pressure told when Dube latched onto a brilliant cross from Naderi to bring the score back to 3-2 seconds before the half-time whistle.

The second-half saw a much improved performance with our midfield and attack dominating and our defence looking calmer and more assured (until the final few minutes). One of Crofton’s long throws found Enninful in the middle of the box where he pivoted brilliantly and a powerful shot gave the keeper no chance and brought the scores level. At this point it was clear that we were brimming with confidence. On the 51st minute we saw a fantastic piece of play with Naderi winning the ball just outside our area and calmly playing a diagonal ball to Okwin who drove into space – somehow, Naderi sprinted the length of the pitch and latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Okwin. Once Naderi was one on one with he keeper, there was only going to be one result as Naderi put us in the lead for the first time in the match.

What followed was a nervy 19 minutes with us mostly dominating and their keeper brilliantly keeping them in the game but ultimately we were able to see the game out for a deserved win.

Parents felt that the PotM should go to Okwin for his work rate and a great mix of dribbling skill to beat defenders but also some great passes to his team mates, one of which was awarded an assist. He was also unlucky not to score in the dying seconds of the game.

Managers PotM went to Dube who was playing out of position as a striker. Not only did he score a well deserved goal, he created several opportunities as well as managing to press the St Francis defence into mistakes on several occasions. It was great to see Dube show his full range of skills today.

In truth, this was a true team effort and the awards could have gone to any of the team as they all, without exception, played their part.

Thank you to St Francis for a great and close game today. We wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season and look forward to the return leg.

U18 Knights were home to Poole Town (currently top and unbeaten in Combination West) in the Hampshire Combination cup. We made a great start and looked dangerous going forward creating several good chances. From a Ewan corner, Jack headed home to go 1 up.

Poole had their chances but Joe made save after save. HT 1-0.

We changed our shape in the 2nd half to try and get Brandon and Ewan higher up the pitch which worked and then felt more comfortable in possession.

Our defence today were outstanding and Joe made more great saves for anything that did get through. Waseem was unlucky not to make it 2 nil after smashing the crossbar. FT 1-0.

MOTM goes to Joe. Outstanding with his shot stopping and didn't put a foot wrong.

Great result and back in the hat.

Well done everyone!!

SAT NOV 2: AFC STONEHAM 4 ANDOVER NEW STREET 1

AFC Stoneham vs Andover New Street match report:

By Cameron Donaldson

Stoneham were back at Stoneham Lane in a Wessex Premier League fixture on Saturday afternoon and win 4-1 against high flying Andover New Street.

A hat trick from Tyrell Sampson and one from Owen Fee secured the win. .

Owen Fee swung in a lovely inswinging corner that Jake Thomson was able to connect to on the volley, but he steered his shot wide.;The fast start continued for the Purps as a switch of play allowed Tyrell Sampson to cut inside at pace, however he skewed his shot high and wide.

Stoneham had the next shot on target as well as the lively Tyrell Sampson cut inside and played the ball through to Duarte Martins whose shot from the angle was comfortable for the opposition goalkeeper.

This fast start ensured that the Purps took an early lead as Mat Bainbridge received the ball on the edge of the area and laid off to Tyrell Sampson, who calmly slotted home for the lead.

A further effort came from a Ryan Cluett free kick with Mat Bainbridge getting the flick on which was well saved by the goalkeeper and Jake Thomson had a further header at the far post, forcing the keeper into action once more.

Owen Fee was left to rue a missed chance on 60 minutes as Duarte Martins slid him through one on one, however his curling effort was well saved by the goalkeeper who palmed it to safety.

The first Andover chance was a good one however, as a mistake from Ash Wells allowed Lewis Williams to nip in, however Ross Casey saved well from point blank range.

Tyrell Sampson doubled the lead and doubled his tally soon after with a curling effort into the bottom right corner after a lay off from Owen Fee.

The third followed for Stoneham as a lofted ball from Jim Orvis found Owen Fee who connected well to volley home. Tyrell Sampson soon grabbed his hat trick after connecting to a low driven ball across the box with an audacious backheel that rolled into the corner of the net, before Andover’s Lewis Williams pounced on a defensive error to grab a consolation for the away side before full time.

Team: Casey, Cluett, Nagle, Thomson, Wells, Orvis, Sampson, Bainbridge, Welch, Martin, Fee.

Andover New Street interview transcription:

Me: Good solid win today James, thoughts?

James: Yeah really impressed today. I thought that we were outstanding from minute

one. I think it was similar to the Baffins performance, with all respect to Andover, they

have had some brilliant results and are near top of the table and we have beaten one

of the top sides but I thought we made them look pretty poor to be honest. They are

a good side with lots of energy, but I think they had one opportunity which we gave

them in the last couple of minutes and they have scored from that but apart from that

I don’t remember casey having to make a save really and we could have had a

couple more , so yeah, top performance.

Me: A word on Tiz’s hat trick performance?

James: He was outstanding, really good. Believe it or not, he was miserable as

anything at training on Thursday and I was tempted to drop him really but he was

outstanding. His third goal we knew the moment he hit it really that it was curling in.

The keeper was a bit blindsided with the bodies in the way, but no, really good

performance from him and that is what I expect from him to be honest , those are the

levels that I think he should hit. When he plays wide, no one in this league wants to

play against him to be honest. He cuts in really well, so if he plays like that he will be

a handful for anyone.

Me; Did the quick start get aided by rotation on Tuesday?

James: Definitely we made changes on Tuesday obviously with this game in mind

and Monday night in mind as well. As I said before, the squad is so good we need to

use everyone. I trust all of them to play, regardless of what game it is .. We started

really well today, it was a feature we needed to do and we did, Baffins we started

really well and we scored really early. So I thought it was another good start and it

was similar to Tuesday to be honest. I think we have managed to turn that corner in

terms of starting slow so hopefully it continues.

Me: A word on the Josh Batt departure?

James: I love Josh to bits he is a lovely lad and played very well when he did feature

for us. Unfortunately for him, with the addition of Wellsy coming in his game time

would be very limited and understandably so, he gave it a month or so to try and get

into the team and when he got the opportunity to move on he did. We wish him all

the best, i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him back here at some point but hopefully

he goes and does really well like we know he can do.

Me: Totton on Monday preview?

James: We will make some changes. So this competition obviously we want to do

well with it, but it is not high up on our list, Again, we will use the squad. We have

five boys on the bench today that will probably play. We will still go there to win, but

they will be incredibly strong even if they play some of their under 23s. But it is a

game we are looking forward to, nice ground and nice gamje to hopefully show what

we can do.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2ND - YOUTH ROUND UP

SATURDAY ROUND UP

U 9 Pumas

What a Saturday!

Absolutely brilliant game from our pumas pressure from the start that had us all on edge!

The boys were giving their everything and working as a team the best they have the whole season!

Tommy got coaches player of the match

Well done to our brilliant keeper Ewan for parents player, you were on fire today!

Our nippy little Harry with a Goal, which was set up for him by our Newest member Lyndon on his very first match! What a start and welcome to the team Lyndon. Very well deserved and what a celebration.

We go again AFC Stoneham pumas

U9 Scorpions

Today we travelled to Bedhampton for a game against Portsdown Pumas. We knew we would be in for a good competitive game, having played Portsdown this season already.

From the start, Portsdown had us pinned in our area for the 1st quarter, Milo made some cracking saves and the defence worked hard to ensure no goals.

2nd quarter we settled and played some great football, much more even and end to end chances, great decision making from the boys and once again showcasing what we have worked on in training.

3rd quarter we made a couple of position changes and this was probably our best of the whole game, the team work, football being played was outstanding and it was our turn to pin the opposition in their box.

4th quarter we told the boys, keep playing as you are and work hard as a team, absolutely smashing the game today. A very suspicious penalty was awarded (sorry ref, it totally was outside of the box! ) but keeper Milo stood confident and made a cracking save. To see his team mates all run up to him to congratulate his save is what this team is all about!

Super proud of my Scorpions today!

Well done to Milo for Parents player- outstanding in goal today

Ollie was incredible in defence today, so solid and well deserved coaches player.

AFC Stoneham Youth U12 Girls Tigers vs AFC Whiteley Youth U12 Girls

Final score: 2-2

We had a very good friendly game against the leaders of our division. We managed to draw against a strong team that counts its games as victories. The girls dug in and produced a great performance.

We started strong. We had numerous chances to score during the first half, but we could not finish in front of the goalkeeper. Only in the 18th minute did Isla score in a good counterattack opportunity, which we have been practising over the past couple of weeks. The opposition had their chances, but our defence was impeccable, denying all of their efforts.

Our legs were not as fresh during the second half and they had more opportunities. Despite that, we managed to fence them off successfully. It was only when we scrambled positions, putting Thalia as a centre back, Caterina as CDM and Ava as CAM, that they managed to score due to the girls getting used to their new positions. We conceded two quick goals in minutes 40 and 42, which shows how dangerous the opposition was and how well the girls had been keeping their position. Ava scored a late equaliser in minute 59 after a good attack combination, which evened the match and gave the girls a well-deserved draw.

It was a very enjoyable game to watch. As always, I’m proud of managing this bunch of girls!


LUCY AND AIMEE - ENGLAND TRIALS

Lucy Bicknell and Aimee Gritt

U18s and Ladies First team.

Lucy Bicknell and Aimee Gritt who play for our U18 Girls and Ladies 1st team, took part in the southern regional trials for the England Colleges team on Monday

Both girls have been with the club for three years and graduated into our first team towards the end of last season.

The whole club is very proud of both Lucy and Aimee, as we are with all of our young players, and wish them both the very best of luck in progressing to the next stage of the England trials.

Well done girls!.

#upthepurps

New Sponsor - Dolphin Motorhomes

Dolphin Motorhomes - Thank you

A huge thank you to our friends at Dolphin Motorhomes for sponsoring both our First Teams Kit and U8 Hurricanes team.

Like all volunteer run grassroots community clubs local sponsorship makes a huge difference.

Dolphin Motorhomes can be contacted via:

https://www.dolphinmotorhomes.co.uk

We are hoping to expand on our relationship with Dolphin in the next few months and thank them for their great ongoing support to the club.

Thank you Dolphin Motorhomes.

#upthepurps

SUPER ALEX - U9 SCORPIONS!

Super Alex - U9 Scorpions

Our first team were delighted to be supported by their number one fan Alex from our U9 Scorpions last night at Brockenhurst.

The team clubbed together to by Alex a birthday present for his 8th birthday. A new shirt with his favourite player on the back , Tyrrell Sampson, was presented to Alex on the pitch after the game which we won 2-1.

Thank you Alex for being a great supporter of the team.

#upthepurps

SUNDAY OCTOBER 27TH - YOUTH ROUND UP

SUNDAY ROUND UP

U9 Wolves vs Colden Common Rangers

The Wolves have progressed really well this season and last week showed they are well capable of competing in this league. Today's opposition was Colden Common Rangers; a side with a strong reputation.

The early exchanges demonstrated the quality of all the boys on the pitch, with some solid defending from Shay and Jacob providing a platform and Fyfe keeping the ball moving from the middle. The opener came our way after Jack broke free down the left, turned inside his man and found Fyfe at the far post, who normally specialises in the spectacular, but this time had a simple finish.

Mason and Cohen came into the attack for the second quarter and the excellent passing interplay continued through Shay from centre midfield. The pressure told with a series of corners and kick-ins with an accurate strike rifled in from Mason who'd held a great position just outside the box. Louie showed great intent down the right and always made the right decisions.

Colden Common were always dangerous so we felt we needed another goal, and it came courtesy of a lovely looped pass from Shay which Fozzy took brilliantly to clear his marker and finished off a fine move. Cohen and Jacob continued to battle away attacks and Jasper pulled off some great stops including a superb double save before Colden Common did manage their breakthrough.

With a slight cushion going into the final quarter we were keen to see this out and when Jack ran clear and brilliantly lobbed the onrushing keeper the call came from the sidelines, 'Do the Worm!' he duly broke out his trademark celebration.

The opposition pulled one back shortly after and could have had another if not for a goal line clearance from Jacob and another great save from Jasper. The final goal of the game went to the opposition with the ball adjudged to have crossed the line in the last minute.

A high quality game of football and would like to call out Colden Common for some good sporting behaviour throughout. We were very good value for the result today and showed great maturity. Jack grabbed himself an assist and a goal but more than anything it was his energy and workrate that earned him today's MotM

U13 Spitfires

In a cup match against Romsey this afternoon the AFC Stoneham Spitfires U13s ran out 4-0 winners. The Spitfires showed great team spirit, battling hard for each other and playing some good football. Alfie L got the Spitfires off to a great start, heading the ball into the net after a corner from George F. Stoneham were unfortunate not to convert several more chances in the first half, whilst the Stoneham defence held strong and coped well with the long ball. Romsey’s chances were limited with Carmel dealing well with their best chance, a cross-shot across the face of the goal.

The Spitfires went into half time with a deserved lead. The second half saw Stoneham take control with three more goals to put the tie to bed. Man of the match Ethan who terrorised the Romsey defence all afternoon scored with a run and strike across the keeper. Alfie L then scored his second with a strong right foot curling shot high into the net.

The Spitfires continued to control possession and Freds completed the scoring with great close control, weaving one way and the other before striking the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. Well done boys.

U13G Moneyfields Yellow vs U13G Stoneham Phoenixes

Today the Phoenixes were going against a team that has beaten them in the past.

After a very high quality warm up (Thanks Joe ), they went in with determination and gave them a hard time.

Isla opened the game with a great goal from a free kick at the 12th min.

The opposition equalised 10 minutes later.

Both teams battled a lot but it went to our advantage with a great goal from Lily at the 42nd minute.

Overall the girls fought well against a physical team. Kudos to the defense line for holding the fort. As a result, both players of the match are centre backs Milly C and Lucy.

Final score 2-1 for the purps.

AFC Stoneham Jaguars U14 3-0 Hamble Sunday Spitfires U14

The Jaguars qualified for the knockout phases of the Tommy Traynor Trophy with a game to spare as they won their third game in a row to see off tricky opponents.

On a sticky and undulating pitch, it was the visitors who settled first. For the opening 15 minutes Hamble enjoyed the lion’s share of territory, and in playing a high pressing game, pinned the Jaguars into their own half. However, excellent defensive discipline by Dyllon, Daniel, Isaac and Harry D meant Fin’s goal was well protected. Harry D had a terrific game in an unfamiliar left back role, and was tested early on as Hamble continued to feed their dangerous No. 7. However, Harry stood admirably up to the task and gave the Hamble winger little joy.

Little by little the midfield trio of Josh, Matteo and Harry W got themselves onto the ball and, playing neat passes out wide, pushed the Jaguars into more dangerous positions. Josh linked well in particular with Tiago, who made a number of threatening runs, and Freddie provided a useful outlet out on the left. Isolated for the first ten minutes, Ibs began to enjoy the ball more to feet, and on the 15 minute mark made the breakthrough, perhaps slightly against the run of play, when he latched onto a through ball to expertly lob the stranded Hamble goalkeeper.

The goal seemed to rock the visitors confidence and simultaneously, the Jaguars belief grew. Despite the condition of the pitch, the home team played some neat football, and pressed their guests all over the park. Chances began to flow. Tiago blazed wide from the angle, and Ibs took a heavy touch when through on goal to allow the goalkeeper to snaffle the ball. Eventually the pressure told, though from a set piece. Harry W swung in a wonderful corner where Dyllon, unopposed at the back post, cushioned his header into the net.

The remainder of the half passed largely without incident, aside from a bobbed shot against the post, as the Jaguars defence contained the threat of the Hamble forwards. Tiago, Ibs and Freddie worked hard to defend from the front, and Taylor used his physicality and directness to provide a useful outlet from deep. Fin enjoyed a comfortable first half, dealing well with balls to feet. However, in the dying embers of the first half he was forced into a magnificent save, diving to his right, to claw the ball round the post.

The Jaguars took a few minutes to settle in the second half, but when they did, they were largely in control. Harry W provided an excellent defensive shield for the back four, Isaac and Daniel stoically repelled any threats from the Hamble forwards, and Harry D and Josh negated the wingers’ threat with a combination of resilience and no little skill. On the occasion that the visitors did breach the defence, Fin was on hand to pull off another stunning full stretch save.

The Jaguars continued to carve out good chances by playing impressive combinations around the park. One such combination led to the third and final goal of the match. Ibs took the ball just inside his own half, rolled his man, looked up and found Tiago’s run from wide perfectly. Tiago, through on goal, showed calmness and precision to slot the ball into the corner.

Overall, a really impressive team performance, and one that demonstrated the Jaguars have real strength in depth. Up the Jags!

U14 Royals v Littleton Olympique

Todays cup match saw the Royals away at Littleton. With our GK Charlie under the weather, Eddie took the first half in goal, keeping a clean sheet, whilst Jack scored the team’s first goal of the morning. The defence kept Littleton at bay, then Taav came in with another goal in the first half. The second half saw Olly in goal, with some great saves, then Littleton managed to get one past. The game ramped up towards the end with both teams battling hard, Maisy hit the top post narrowly missing a 3rd for the team. The match ended 2-1. Onwards to the next round of the cup. Well done team.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 26TH - YOUTH ROUND UP

SATURDAY ROUND UP

Chineham Tigers U8 Girls vs AFC Stoneham Lionesses U8 Girls.

A nice early start for the U8s Lionesses with an away trip to Chineham tigers. What a game with both teams playing really good football and having loads of fun .

Alma grabbed herself a Hatrick today, Roxy played well in defence in an unfamiliar roll, then grab herself a contender for goal of the season scoring from taking the corner and finding the back of the net. Flo added another goal to her seasons tally. Summer worked well in attack and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet this week. Hope-Willow put in an outstanding performance pressing the Chineham players whenever they were in possession, with a few last ditch tackles and blocks.

Harper in between the sticks had another fearless game, with her confidence growing each week showing some good shot stopping, working with our goalkeeper coach is really improving her game week in week out.

Opposition player of the Match chosen by Chineham- Hope-willow

#Upthepurps

#Lionesses

#thenewforestcateringcompany

U8 Phoenix v U8 Panthers

This week’s AFC Stoneham clash on a muddy and slippery pitch made for great fun. Both teams playing well and showing how far they’ve come since only playing together for this season. Lots of hard work and determination.

The Phoenix girls working hard to get goals back and Millie our star goalkeeper, fearless in making sure she kept the ball out. All the girls giving their best on a difficult pitch. Mia earned herself opposition POTM for some great goals, whilst Maisie was awarded coach’s POTM for all her hard work up and down the pitch as usual.

U9 Pumas

Strong start today with an early goal for our Pumas, the other team were strong but that didn't stop our boys putting their all into it!

Some great blocks from our defence and some brilliant attacking from our strikers. Then there is our goalie who is on form every single week with some amazing saves that not many other people would be able to do much with!

Each week sees more and more of our training being brung into play and the support and cheering for eachother is great to see. POTM for our team today was Roman. Vincent also managed to bag the fair player award from our opposition coaches

U11 Girls Lionessess.

Today we travelled to Petersfield for an Early start, we knew it was going to be a tough game as we only had minimum 9 players for the game.

Due to sickness we were down to 8 players for a 9 aside match, we told the girls, no pressure, go out, do your best and work together as a team.

Well what a game we had, the 8 players, showed true Stoneham Heart and battled for every minute of the game, frustrating the opposition who had a full squad and subs!

Fantastic football on display, battles on the ball and holding off the opposition, despite being exhausted, they gave everything they had on the pitch.

These girls showed true determination today, Sam, Lucy and Owen could not be prouder of them

AFC Stoneham U11 Girls Phoneix V Hythe and Dibden

Away game today for our newest team, these girls are all brand new to football and coming together as a team so nicely.

After the opposition scored early in the game, Darcie capitalised off a goalkeepers mistake, followed closely by Isla who got her first league goal Another goal from Darcie in the 3rd quarter showed these girls are finding their scoring boots

All the girls kept fighting and didn’t give up, 3 great goals and improving weekly.

Parents player off the match was Mollie and coaches player was Katie. Well done girls

AFC Stoneham U12G Pumas vs Gosport Borough Youth U12 Bluebells girls.

After going out of the cup on penalties a couple of weeks ago to the same Gosport side, the Pumas were up for today’s home match, knowing it would be a close game, that either side could win.

It was a good start to the match, with lots of energy from both sides. The Pumas had a few of the girls moving positions to give them different opportunities from the kick off. This lasted for about the first 15 minutes before worries about the shape led to a few changes. With the girls back into more familiar positions, it didn’t take long before Kamillah got onto the scoresheet.

The first half was busy with a few chances that went close to notching up more goals for the Pumas. Pulling together a few passes from midfield though, led to a well timed run from the central players. After a little bit of a tussle in the box, Nerile managed to make it 2-0 to the Pumas.

It was definitely a game of two halves today, with the Bluebells starting the second half a bit brighter. Still plenty of battling from the Pumas but the Bluebells managed to get a goal back within the first 10 minutes of the second half.

This then led to another one for the Bluebells with about 10 minutes to go, which led to a nervous finish for both sets of coaches. All in all, an even game that ended up 2-2, with both teams having enjoyed a good, evenly matched game of football.

AFC Stoneham U13 jags v Gosport

Back to back home games saw the Jaguars looking to put last weeks cup defeat behind them with a league game against Gosport. A bright start from the girls saw them dominate, with Gosport having to defend for much of the first half, with shots from Amy, Julie and Elyssa all narrowly missing the target in the first 15 minutes.

The deadlock was finally broken by Evie at 21 mins with a low shot into the corner of the net. Despite the pressure Gosport were able to break through on a rare counter attack to score an equaliser a few minutes later. HT 1-1.

The second half started in much the same way, before Gosport began to get back into the game, creating chances of their own and winning more of the possession.

The Jaguars defended well, and managed to get themselves ahead for a second time following another goal from Evie 10 mins into the half. A clever pass from Julie released Izzy down the left, and after beating a player she was able to slot the ball into the back of the net. Gosport managed to get one back late in the second half after Emelia was beaten by a shot through a crowded box but the Jaguars held on to win 3-2.

Parents Player Izzy

Coaches Player Evie

Sent from my iPhone

Well done to all of our teams .

Please share

New Sponsor - Install Projects

Install Projects - Thank you!

A big thank you to our longstanding sponsor Install Projects for their generous sponsorship of our U13 Girls Phoenixes team.

The girls who play in division one of the Hampshire County Girls League are shown wearing their new kit sponsored by Install Projects.

Further details on our sponsor are available via their website : https://installprojects.co.uk

Thank you Install Projects!

#upthepurps

Tobias signs for AFC Bournemouth

Tobias joins AFC Bournemouth !

The club is delighted to announce that Tobias from our U13 Spitfires has signed for the AFC Bournemouth Academy.

Tobias has recently been on an 8 week trial at the Premier League Club and becomes the 5th player from AFC Stoneham to sign for AFC Bournemouth since the end of last season, a record we are very proud of.

Huge congratulations to Tobias and U13 Spitfires manager, Jon, who like all of our volunteer managers and coaches does a brilliant job.

The whole club wishes Tobias the very best of luck at AFC Bournemouth and will very closely follow his progress.

Well done Tobias!

Thank you

Please share

#upthepurps

SUNDAY OCTOBER 13TH - YOUTH ROUND UP

Sunday Round Up

Wolves U9 v BTC Cobras

Last week the Wolves continued their fine form but BTC Cobras were set to be a big challenge at Fleming Park.

We started positively with the boys looking to play out from the back and exploit wide areas and it was Jack who forced the opener, with his whipped cross being turned in by a BTC defender. BTC responded with two goals, the second an excellent move finished at the far post. Jacob and Louie had plenty of work to do and both put in strong tackles and clearances. Shay used his skill to progress through the middle looking to create chances for Fyfe and Cohen.

Vinnie, Mason and Fozzy came in to give us something different going forward and Teddy slotted in at the back. With BTC battling hard in defence we struggled to create a clear opening with shots coming in from wide and their keeper matching them. Jasper at the other end was called into action with some good saves but BTC extended their lead further. Louie had a stint between the sticks and we rallied well but couldn't quite make the key passes stick, nor bury the big chances when they came. On the long, narrow pitch the easiest ball was long but with 3 at the back BTC handled it.

It was going to happen eventually and the run comes to an end for the Wolves. The lesson is keep focused on the pass and move style that has served us well and don't let the opposition rush our decisions. Jasper pulled off some good stops today and played the sweeper keeper role well earning him today's MotM.

The U13 Stoneham Spitfires started their defence of the Hampshire cup with a victory against Hiltingbury Harriers this morning.

The Spitfires went one up early on with a penalty into the bottom corner by Alfie L after Freds was taken down in the box. Several chances were then spurned before Stoneham scored several goals in a short period. Matty F cut the ball back to Freds who laid it off to Charlie M to score and soon after Alfie L was put through to score.

The good passing and unselfish play continued as Ashley played the ball down the line to Matty F , who passed to Alfie L who cut the ball back to Freds to side foot the ball in to make it 4. Matty F shot across the keeper into the bottom corner and then Ethan used his pace to latch onto a through ball and knock it past the advancing keeper.

Ashley then got on the score sheet with a strong shot that deflected over the top of the keeper, followed by a goal by Freds with a shot into the bottom corner. Stoneham maintained the pressure with a run down the line and cross by Ethan for Alfie L to tap in.

Matty F then played the ball down the line to Ashley who crossed to Freds to slot in. Freds passed to Alfie L to score in the bottom corner and a skilful turn and ball to Freds from fellow striker Ethan saw Freds strike into the corner.

There was still time for a couple more goals before half time with Matty F once again linking well with the strikers, passing down the line to Alfie L who crossed to Freds to score, followed by a ball through by Ads to midfield which was skilfully dummied and left to run through to Ethan who slotted the ball past the keeper.

In the second half the Spitfires continued to pass the ball well and to open up space in the opposition’s half, with several more goals coming from balls down the line which were cut back to the advancing strikers. The second half scoring was started by Bushy who chested the ball in from a good cross from Eli. Bushy then turned provider, whipping the ball across from the left for Ethan to yet again use his pace to beat the keeper to the ball and to tap it past him. Bushy then had another run down the left, crossing for Eli to smash it into the net.

The Spitfires continued to build from the back with a great ball through by Sam to Bushy to set up another goal with Ethan getting on the end of the cross. It was time then for Bushy to score his second when Matty F cut the ball to Bushy in the box who lashed it home. Ethan then scored his fifth goal when Ads and James to link up and for James to find Ethan in the box.

The pressure continued as Ashley made another run into the box, cutting back to Alfie L who steadied himself with a touch before smashing the ball into the net. Alfie then turned provider with a cross to Freds who skilfully dispatched with a side-foot volley. Alfie L then scored his sixth before Charlie M’s clever ball through to Freds saw him convert his seventh goal of the match.

In the last few minutes of the game Ashley scored his second and Charlie M scored his second after a good run and cut back by Alfie L.

All in all a good performance by the Stoneham Spitfires who demonstrated respect to the opposition and continued to play as a team throughout.

AFC Stoneham U14 Jaguars 6-0 Romsey Town U14 Cougars

The Jaguars put together a performance with a real cutting edge to ruthlessly dispose of the visitors 6-0.

The home team made light of their goalkeeper being absent with both Harry D and then latterly Jamie keeping clean sheets. Much of that was made possible by an outstanding defensive performance which limited to the visitors to wild shots from range.

In the first half, Jaguars drew first blood within minutes. Archie burst down the left and his drilled cross flew over the stranded Cougars goalkeeper and into the net. The Cougars tried to respond in an often very physical manner, but the home team weren’t to be intimidated. Daniel kept the noisy centre forward quiet, Dyllon read the game well and Isaac organised the unit really effectively. All the while, Harry W, Taylor and Josh battled hard to limit shots from midfield.

One goal became two when Isaac played a wonderful through ball to the ever dangerous Ibs, who cut inside before being hacked down from behind in the box. Archie stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot to double the host’s lead.

The Jaguars continued to limit the visitors in terms of territory and chances. Tiago and Jamie worked tirelessly down the flanks, and it was the latter that scored the Jaguars third. Another lung-busting run from Archie saw him overlap Tiago and find Jamie beautifully with a floated cross which Jamie tapped in.

With two goals and an assist, Archie wasn’t done. Ibs once again caused problems and a rising shot was deemed to have hit a defender’s hand just outside the box. Archie curled the resulting free kick into the goal for his hat trick. Moments later he scored his fourth, and the Jaguars fifth, scything through the Cougars’ defence and crashing the ball home.

Jamie took the gloves for the second half, but the pattern of the game didn’t change. The Jaguars controlled the tempo, were resilient and miserly in defence, and dangerous up top. Charlie and Freddie made intelligent runs and held the ball up well, and Harry D, now in the middle of the park, made some big tackles and used the ball in simple, effective ways.

Harry W burst through the midfield to win a corner. He and Matteo thought quickly and creatively to score the Jaguars sixth goal, with Harry rolling the ball to the advancing Matteo who chipped the goalkeeper expertly.

That was the end of the goal scoring, but not the action. Harry W saw a free kick from distance kiss the top of the bar, and Jamie pulled off a save for the cameras when the ball seemed destined for the corner of the goal.

A clean sheet and a really sharp attacking display from the Jaguars will certainly put the rest of the league on notice, and they may have just uncovered a couple of star sweeper-keepers in the process. Up the Jags!

U16 Girls Eagles v Winchester Flyers Cardinals

What a fabulous game to watch.

Such tenacity and determination. The positive attitude started with an impressive save from GK Kyla 3 minutes in, the ball was tipped onto the crossbar. Our new team member Jess started with a determined attitude from the off. Jess had a shot on goal assisted by Iris, unfortunately the shot went wide. Some good throw ins from a determined May, parents feared we’d all get knocked over!

Parents on the sidelines observed Stoneham’s fighting spirit with good consistent press from the Purps. Imposing tackles from Poppy A. Another attempt on goal by Jess, Purps defended well under pressure when scrambled by Cardinals. Good defensive block from Megan just before the half time whistle. First half goalless but Stoneham keeping Cardinals at bay.

Matt’s verdict of the first half that wants noted “Stoneham have suffocated the opposition by showing an early stranglehold of the game”!!

Strong start to second half by Jess, Natalia proving pretty unbeatable in defence. Control gained in midfield and good chances had. It is evident that The Purps have more belief this week. Lou and Iris working well together to control the game from the centre. Kyla had another great save with a strong long goal kick. Couple of balls to both Poppy A and Poppy S ‘s faces - ouch!

Cardinals had a shot on goal, luckily for us didn’t go in, came from a free kick. Substitution 15 mins in to second half, Annabelle off and Christiana on. Another confident save from Kyla. Good pressure from Christiana in a one on one. Good control and time taken by Iris in the centre. Great tackle by Annabelle on their no 8. Their attacker one on one with our goalie, Kyla came out of goal to save it, ball came free, another shot on goal and saved again by Kyla.

Very impressive attitude and perseverance from Kyla today. Second substitution, May on for Poppy A. Great battling from Natalia against their no 16. Cardinals had shot on goal, ball hit the post, then crossbar, then saved again by Kyla. Just before the final whistle.

Ended 0-0 now for pens!

Parents stressed!

Cardinals no 2 scored. Kyla dived the same way.

Poppy A’s shot was saved by their goalies hand.

Cardinals no 7 missed the goal as ball went wide.

Lou’s shot was saved by goalie but goalie off their line, Lou had another go, saved by goalie’s hand.

Cardinals no 9 scored. Kyla dived the same way.

Iris’s shot saved by goalie.

Cardinals no 10 scored. Again Kyla guessed the same direction again.

Dad of Cardinals no 7 passed on his view that he thought Stoneham deserved to win that game, that was nice to hear.

Parents Player of the Match was awarded to Natalia.

Coaches Player of the match was awarded to Izzy.

Oppositions Player of the match was awarded to Poppy S.

Well done Purps!

What an awesome bunch these girls are! It makes a hell of a difference to have more girls available but to turn a 7-1 defeat into a 0-0 draw in the space of a week is some achievement. The girls never give up, they took on board everything we worked on in training in the week and everything we discussed pre-match and executed it brilliantly. Obviously a shame to lose on pens but it really seemed irrelevant at that point!

Special things are happening with this group and if they maintain that desire to work for each other and give their absolute best in each training session and each game then there is no limit to what they can achieve. So proud as a coach and an absolute pleasure to work with.

Saturday October 12th - Youth Round Up

SATURDAY ROUND UP

U 8 Phoenix Girls

Really proud of the AFC Stoneham U8 Phoenix girls. Played a lot of great football in the Winklebury tournament today. Working hard, scoring goals, playing as a team and having fun

U9 Chichester city vs AFC Stoneham Phoenix

The Phoenix’s had to travel to their furthest away game to play a really good and organised Chichester team. A game that was a great advert for U9 girls football, that no one wanted it to end!

A battle in midfield that saw Summer, Grace and Amelie pass the ball around and create space and opportunities throughout the game along with Amelia, Wren, Taylor and Amelie again on the wings throughout the game working really hard and also getting rewarded with their positive clever play. Issy and Taylor started in defence and both were stepping in to cut out passes and playing beautiful passes in to the midfielders throughout the game and defended really well.

The game was tense, end to end and it took 30 minutes before we saw a goal. Amelie found herself in space and scored from a tight angle to break the deadlock following a couple of chances at the other end which Maisie dealt with really well! Soon after taking the lead Chichester had equalised but even sooner after that we were ahead again another great finish from Amelie who was in the right place at the right time after a quick kick in found Wren and the ball was presented to Amelie on a plate, not a chance of her missing from there! Rosie got in on the action and got herself on the scoresheet with a brilliant finish with the right foot in to the bottom corner!

The Phoenix’s conceded a late goal after a great save from Maisie fell to one of their players in the box which caused a tense finish to the game but we managed to get over the line! Taylor was player of the match for her great defending and passing.

Rosie won the oppositions POTM for the second week in a row! Everyone deserved it today. A great performance all round, well done girls!

U 9 Pumas

Another great team effort from the boys this week. They stood strong throughout the whole game even when the weather decided to come down on them! Couple shots taken, unluckily just came off the posts, but this didnt deter them from giving their all! Loads of communication throughout the game from all the team, getting stronger and stronger every week. MOM this week is Harry S. Top tackling throughout and getting it down to the goal.

AFC Stoneham Youth U12 Girls Tigers vs Chineham Tigers U12 Girls Gold

Final score: 3-3

It was a splendid game from our roaring Tigers today. They showed strength and determination to overcome the bad streak we were going through and achieve a deserved draw against a good team.

We started the first half under their attack. They had the momentum, but due to our intricate defence and midfield efforts, we fended off their attacks. Slowly, we overturned it, and we started to test their goalkeeper. Isla scored our first goal in a brilliant counterattack, using her speed and skills well. Shortly after, one of their players gave us an unfortunate penalty, which Caterina executed beautifully.

The second half was one-way traffic. We did not stop creating good chances. They defended fearlessly until our Ellie scored a magnificent goal, her first for the team. Well done, Ellie! There are many more to come. We kept the pressure up, but despite our greatest efforts, we lost concentration in the end, allowing them to equalise in the game's last minutes.

It was very enjoyable to see our team play as a unit and start to show good attack combinations. As always, I’m proud of coaching this bunch of girls!

AFC Stoneham U13 girls Jaguars's vs Colden Common

A change of positions by the manager for the start of the game produced an energetic, positive start from the Jaguars with plenty of pressure on Colden Common throughout. Despite going a goal down in the first 5 mins the girls kept battling, enabling Evie to level the score 5 mins later before Julie pounced on an open ball to put the Jaguars ahead. HT 2-1

The second half started much the same with the Jaguars playing most of the match in the oppositions half and going further ahead when a ball from Amy put Evie through to score her second, shortly followed by an amazing individual effort from Izzy just inside the 18 yard box made it four to the Jaguars.

A really good performance from all the girls today giving the Jaguars their first league win of the season. FT 4-1

Coaches Player of the match Evie

Parents Player of the match Julie

U13 Girls Pompey ITC vs AFC Stoneham Phoenixes

During the first 15 min the phoenixes dominated the game, but then it became harder for the girls and they struggled to create chances in the final third.

Despite a few tries from Isla, Ali, Ella and Maelys, some good work in defense from Lucy, Milly C, Olive, Lily, Teagan, Mollie and Billie, and some great saves from Sofia, we lost 0-3.

Player of the match: Lily

Well done to all of our teams.!

#upthepurps

U11 Girls Phoenix - "Winners"

U11 Girls Phoenix - "Winners"

This crazy bunch of girls our New U11 Phoenix team; who we put together in the summer, after a couple of tough first games, today they got their first goal!

The cheer from the players and parents was incredible, like we had won the lottery they didn't win the match but they all came off winners in our eyes

Well done girls!

Bonnie U13 Girls Pumas JPL

Bonnie - U13 Girls Pumas JPL

Fantastic news that our U13 Girls Pumas JPL goalie,Bonnie, has this week signed for Southampton FC.

Unbelievably, Bonnie will be the FIFTH player from the Pumas to join Southampton in the last three months!

Bonnie only started playing football two years ago and all credit for the success of the team must go to team manager Kev Martin and his management team along with the girls themselves.

Kev said " I am so proud for Bons , she has a fantastic opportunity at Southampton FC in their U14 Academy Squad, there's a few of us that have helped coach Bons including Nick Scutt, John 'waca' Bushell and Matthew Willsher who must all take credit for the success of both Bons and the team. For us this is what grassroots coaching is about".

Well done to Bonnie on a fantastic achievement. Everyone at AFC Stoneham wishes you good luck and further success at Southampton FC.

Please share

#upthepurps