AFC Stoneham 5 Christchurch 0

AFC Stoneham continued to make inroads into their league campaign with a 5-0 win

against Christchurch FC at Stoneham Lane on Saturday. Goals from Oli Jenkins, Tyrell Sampson two from Duarte Martins and one from Alex Welch secured the win.

After a short interlude in play at around eight minutes, Stoneham registered their first effort of the game with a header that tamely rolled into the goalkeepers hands from Duarte Martins after Alex Welch diverted the ball back across the box.. With eleven minutes on the clock, the Purps took the lead with a ball into the box that was laid off by Duarte Martins before Oli Jenkins coolly lobbed the goalkeeper on the half volley.

Christchurch threatened almost immediately after the goal, playing a through ball that came off the Stoneham defender that would proved to be dangerous had Ross Casey not been able to get a hand to the ball and flick it past the post. Alex Welch soon thought he had a golden chance to double his sides lead as Duarte Martins flicked on a long ball that was then laid off by Oli Jenkins to set Welch up, however the goalkeeper narrowed down the angle well to save.

Christchurch almost had the equaliser as half time drew closer as Joe Freak latched onto a through ball with a half volley however he saw his effort hit the post. Alex Welch missed another chance for the home side with a gaping gap in the penalty box however he was unable to adjust himself and keep his header under the bar.

After a quiet period at the start of the second half, Stoneham registered the first effort as a corner ball fell to Oli Jenkins who came agonisingly close, seeing his shot cleared off the line. Stoneham eventually had their second goal midway through the second half as a lovely through ball was played to Lewis Nagle who whipped in a ferocious ball for Duarte Martins to tap home.

Their third followed soon after as the ball was whipped into an unmarked Alex Welch who headed into the roof of the net. As the game drew nearer to a close, Duarte was able to grab his second goal the match as he was able to bring down a pass from Jake Thomson and swivel and drive home.

Tyrell Sampson was able to get amongst the goals before the end of the game after driving home on the half volley to add a fifth and complete the Purps win.

James Phillips , First team manager interview, with Cam Donaldson.

Stoneham vs Christchurch interview transcription:

Me: Another win James, what did you make of that one?

James: Slow burner, real slow burner. We started quite well and obviously got a fairly

early goal, but I wasn’t too happy to be honest. I thought we moved the ball too

slowly and took too many touches. It is always difficult to go from such a high on

Tuesday and play again on the Saturday. I thought we lacked tempo and intensity

but obviously you see the results of that later on in the game as we managed to

speed it up and play a lot quicker, and got a couple of late goals which is good.

Me: Clarkey departed the game at half time and JT came on, what was the

reasoning for that and what did JT bring to the game?

James: Purely tactical, Clarkey has been excellent for the last five to six games but I

just felt our distances between the units were too big and JT is a bit quicker and

reads the game very well so I thought that we could play a higher line. He obviously

also has the quality on the ball to help us tick in possession. So it was both coins

really, defend higher up the pitch and keep more possession.

Me: Five games now where you haven’t conceded and two assists from defenders

today, how pleasing is that?

James: Really, really pleasing. It is something that we have always been good at it,

defensive records. We try and beat it every single season. We had the best

defensive record in the league last year and we are intending to have the same this

year as it gives you a great platform to build on. As I said to you a few weeks ago, it

doesn’t seem to matter which goalkeeper is playing, which centre back is playing,

the whole back four and the whole team is chipping in to be defensively structured

which gives us a platform to score a couple of goals as well.

Me: How nice is it to be able to utilise your squad in the sense of playing players in

different positions for example Jim Orvis playing out wide today, in central midfield

and at full back in previous times?

James: Yeah, massively important. Obviously if you have someone that can play two

or three roles it saves you from having a bigger squad, so that helps. They are all

happy to play where they get told really and the flexibility allows us to change

formation quite regularly. Obviously we ended up in a slightly different shape at the

end there, but it just gives us the flexibility to change games and that is what we

have been able to do.

Me: Thoughts ahead of next week and how good it will be to push further in the cup?

James: Yeah, fingers crossed. It will be a difficult game. We don’t know too much

about them obviously because of the distance involved but we have a few little

scouting reports from them. We expect it to be a physical battle, a tough game, but it

is a challenge that we are all looking forward to. It is exciting when you play a team

that you don’t play every week. They don’t know us, we don’t know them, but may

the best team win and that is all there is.

New Online Merchandising Store - Coming Sunday

New Online Club Merchandise Store

Launching on Sunday !

The club will be launching a new online merchandise store this Sunday.

Items can be ordered and paid for online with a direct delivery or collection.

The store is being finalised and will include 12-15 new branded items including Steel Flasks, Boot bag, Mugs, Backpack, Cooler bags, Umbrellas and aluminium Water Bottles.

All playing and training kit plus tracksuits, coats etc are available through our existing online shop accessible via our website at : www.afcstoneham.co.uk. We now have stock of hats and snoods.

Further details of the new merchandise store and link to access will be available on Sunday.

Thank you

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AFC Stoneham 3 Fareham Town 0 - Media

On a mild Tuesday evening, Stoneham returned to league action with a 3-0 win at home against Fareham Town. .Two goals from Duarte Martins and one from Ben Clarke secured the win.

Jamie Johnston went close for Stoneham as a good lofted through ball from Jake Thomson found Duarte Martins who laid the ball off to Johnston on his right hand side, before Johnston saw his low curling effort sail just wide. Bridgman had another effort for the visitors after a ball was swung in from the left hand side towards the player, but his shot went over the bar once more.

Duarte soon had his effort for the home side, receiving the ball just inside the box before drilling a low effort wide. Stoneham tried their luck from distance as the half wore on as Jim Orvis played the ball infield for Alex Welch who saw his effort narrowly miss the top left hand corner.

Duarte Martins soon broke the deadlock for the home side however as he was played through by Jamie Johnston and coolly chipped the goalkeeper.. As Stoneham gained a grip on the game, Duarte was played clean through by Oli Jenkins and coolly finished in the top corner to double the lead.

Alfie Bridgman had the first opening of the second half for the visitors as he cut inside and forced Ross Casey to save low to his right.Fifteen minutes into the second half, the Purps had had a couple of half chances, with the closest coming from Duarte Martins who flicked a cross on with his head and narrowly missed the left hand bottom corner.

Stan Bridgman forced Ross Casey into his best save of the night 25 minutes into thesecond half as he dribbled into the penalty area, forcing a reaction save from the Purps’ shot stopper.

Oli Jenkins thought he had his name on the scoresheet for Stoneham after receiving the ball from Duarte Martins and taking it past two players before drilling a low effort just wide.

Ben Clarke added the home sides third as the final drew nearer, creeping round to the back post to head home from a corner.

By Cameron Donaldson

Fareham Towm report:

AFC Stoneham 3-0 Fareham Town

For this evenings league fixture Fareham made the short trip down the M27 to AFC Stoneham's ground at the Hants FA hub at Eastleigh. It's never an easy place to go and certainly hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Fareham, we're thinking Fareham have never won at this ground.

A cold chilly day had been made a bit worse by the arrival of some drizzle just before KO. Alfie Bridgman making his debut with Stan starting in midfield and Jamie Truckel upfront.

The game got off to a frenetic start, both sides moving the ball quickly but unable to really create anything of note. The main issue for Fareham early on was a nasty knock on Kieran Clark that saw him hobble off to be replaced by Ash Tattersall in defence.

Stoneham saw a shot just wide on 7 mins but it took until 15 mins for Fareham's first chance, Stan Bridgman with a shot just over the bar.

So after 20 mins we were watching a high paced game with very few chances. But the home side were slowly getting the better of proceedings, a good chance on 23 mins as Stoneham broke on the left, the shot across the face of Declan McCarthys goal and out on the far side.

Fareham responded immediately as Elliot Holmes got to the bye-line on Fareham's left, his cross finding Stan Bridgman who again put his shot just over the bar.

 

As the half wore on so Stoneham became the controlling side, and sure enough on 33 mins the homes side danger man Duarte Martins was played through and finished with a lovely dink over Dec and into the net 1-0 down.

Fareham went onto the back foot for a period now, Alfie Bridgman with a good chance on 39 mins which went high but other than that it was a midfield tussle with Stoneham getting the better of it.  A few Stoneham chances coming before a mistake in midfield on 47 mins, the ball given away to Duarte Martins who again didn’t need a second invitation and easily placed the ball into the net  2-0 .

Half Time AFC Stoneham 2-0 Fareham Town.

By now the rain was lashing down, the cold and wet Fareham fans not really enjoying this one.

The second half started with a Fareham chance, Alfie Bridgman with a shot low to the near post which Ross Casey in the Stoneham goal saved well.

But then it was back to the midfield battle with Stoneham having the better of it.  Although Fareham's best chance of the night came on 62 mins, Stan Bridgman weaving through the Stoneham back line, his shot low and hard saved at the near post by Casey.

Harvey Aston and Stan Ridgway were replaced by Matt Pates and Sam Woodward as Fareham looked for a way back in.

Midway through the second half and Fareham seemed to have weathered the storm a bit and were coming back into the game, some nice passing moves across the park but unable to find a way through the well organised Stoneham defence. 

Josh Benfield replaced Jamie Truckel and on 76 mins a corner to Fareham dropped to Matt Pates, his shot completely wrongfooted Casey in the Stoneham goal but unfortunately went the wrong side of the post.

No sooner had the ball been cleared then Stoneham won a corner and a long ball to the far post found Stoneham's Ben Clarke who powered his header down and into the net.  3-0.

Henri Graham replaced Charlie Cole but Fareham despite better possession still struggled to break down the Stoneham defence, Alfie Bridgman with a good chance at the death into the side netting.

 

FULL TIME AFC Stoneham 3-0 Fareham Town.

I did say it wasn’t a happy hunting ground and so it proved.  Stoneham are a very strong, well organised side who play good passing football. After a slow start to the season they have really hit their stride and will be challenging for the title by the end of the season.  I would say the best team we've played this season so far.

 

Creeksiders MotM.   Very difficult call this week,  nobody really stood out but nobody did that badly. The Creeksiders fans went with Ash Tattersall, came on early in the game into a central defensive role and worked tirelessly.

 Team: McCarthy, Wingfield, Sullivan, Cole (Graham), Bennett, Clark (Tattersall), A Bridgman, Aston (Pates), Truckel (Benfield), S. Bridgman (Woodward), Holmes,

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10TH - ROUND UP

Sunday Round Up

By Sarai

AFC Stoneham Owls U8 v Hedge End Rangers Hawks U8

The minute’s silence was impeccably observed by both sides, but as soon as the whistle went for kick off, the boys were raring to go.

The Owls only had 5 players today giving them all the full 40 minutes on pitch. Players swapped up their normal positions to cover those missing, usual GK/defender Archie played as striker and bagged himself a goal, and striker Ted went in goal and pulled off some great saves. No rest for Charlie, who played as striker and defender and didn’t stop running.

The Owls scored 6 in total, but the 4th goal was pure quality... a superb flowing move from back to front with an excellent, teasing cross from Luca to the back post which Tommy dispatched clinically.

MOMT: Went to Luca, for reading the game superbly and outstanding work rate.

Wolves U9 vs AFC Stoneham Jaguars

Showing respect is important every weekend, but none more so than on Remembrance Sunday.

The Wolves were joined by the AFC Stoneham Jaguars on derby day and the two sides observed the minute silence impeccably.

The boys got underway and asserted themselves early with Fozzy showing great instinct to chest in a Fyfe corner.

Jaguars responded with a terrific passing move down their right and an excellent finish to level up. Teddy and Shay showed great strength and aggression to win key tackles at the back and release Vinnie down the right, who's skill and creativity caused no

end of trouble. When Fyfe broke free his shot was well saved but Louie was on hand to guide his finish into the corner.

Vinnie put another great ball into the box and after a goal mouth scramble Fozzy got the decisive toe in to increase

the advantage.

Jacob and Cohen switched into defence with Jack out wide for Q2. Vinnie and Fozzy repeated their last trick with

another poachers strike from a wicked cross.

Jack whipped in another great corner for our Foz in the Box to help himself to a fourth of the day. We were keen to not let complacency slip in and the Jags were keen to fightback; a superb freekick was palmed away

brilliantly by Jasper and Jacob got back to clear away off the line. Cohen's positional play is getting better and better and enabled him to make some vital clearances. Jasper was lucky enough to get Jordan Pickford's water bottle yesterday and there must

be something in that water as his next stop was even better.

We continued to press from the front and Louie snaffled up a risky pass and made no mistake. Teddy and Shay ran the

game from midfield with their physical presence. Louie turned provider with a measured ball to Jack who initially hit the post but knocked in the rebound. With the team turned upside and minutes on the clock there was room for one more highlight. Jacob is

known for his combative defending and never say die attitude, but goals are not his normal currency. Fozzy's cross come shot fell at his feet and he tapped in for the biggest cheer of the afternoon.

Another outstanding team performance, with some really effective football. We're a team that trusts eachother and

it's a joy to watch. Fozzy's potency in front of goal got him the match ball but it was Jacob's solid defending topped by a collectors item of a goal that earned today's MotM.

U13 Spitfires

The AFC Stoneham Spitfires U13s produced their best performance of the season in their Hampshire cup fixture against Moneyfields Youth this morning.

The Spitfires started well and went one goal up early on when Alfie L’s cross was met by Freddie who slid in to knock the ball into the bottom corner. Soon after, a through ball from Adam was calmly slotted away by Freddie for his second. The Spitfires went into half time with a comfortable three goal lead when a short corner taken by George F was met by Ashley who lofted it over the keeper from the edge of the area.

Stoneham maintained the intensity in the second half being patient in the build up and switching play well. The fourth goal of the match came when Charlie took a quick throw in down the line for Ashley to use his pace to get behind the defence and cross the ball across the face of the goal for Matt to dispatch. Captain James then scored a great long range shot from the edge of the area which went high into the corner of the net with the Moneyfield keeper having no chance. Stoneham scored two late goals from near post shots.The first from Ashley for his brace and the second from Freddie for his hat-trick. The match finished 0-7.

Man of the match went to Adam for his role in a strong performance from the Spitfires’ defence who quickly turned defence into attack. Well done lads for putting all the hard work and passing play from training into a 70 minute performance.

AFC Stoneham Jaguars U14 4-1 Littleton Galaxy U14

The Jaguars overcame a lacklustre first half and an obdurate opponent to run out comfortable winners in the end.

Unusually for the home team, they started off in flat-footed fashion. The visitors employed a 4-5-1 formation, utilising long long balls to their influential centre forward and sending runners from deep. The Jaguars gave the visitors far too much time and space to play their raking passes, and the midfield failed to keep pace with the Littleton runners. By and large the defence kept Littleton at bay initially, and with Ibs largely crowded out by physical centre backs, it was left to the in-form Tiago to provide guile and threat by latching onto channel balls from Jamie.

With Littleton playing an excellent pressing game and the Jaguars off the pace, it was no surprise when the visitors went ahead, and even less of a surprise to see the ever dangerous Littleton 16 score the goal, pushing the ball into the top corner past Fin’s despairing dive.

The Jaguars continued to be stretched, but with the introduction of Daniel at centre back, and Matteo and Harry D into midfield, looked a more solid outfit. At times, the Jaguars looked good on the counter attack: Freddie poking wide from Ibs’ slide rule pass and Ibs then heading over from an inviting Tiago cross. Littleton continued to create half chances at the other end, their shots from distance either rolling wide or nestling into Fin’s grateful arms.

On the stroke of half time, and against the run of play, the Jaguars found an equaliser. Archie burst down the left and clipped a cross to the back post. Tiago saw his effort cannon off the bar from close range only for the ball to fall to Ibs who calmly slotted home.

The Jaguars took the field for the second half a completely different team; one prepared to fight for every ball and work for the right to play. Littleton were as lost as the balls that ended up in the deep brambles behind the goal as the Jaguars poured over them. Archie and Jamie continually made threatening overlapping runs, Harry W made penetrating runs from deep to fashion shots for himself, and Charlie, Harry D and Matteo prised open the Littleton defence with clever passes. All the while, Isaac and Daniel snuffed out the danger posed by the Littleton counter, dominating in the air and on the ground.

Within minutes, the Jaguars took the lead. Some intricate play involving Charlie in the middle saw Harry W take the ball from the angle and drive the ball into the corner. Two goals quickly became three when Archie scored an outrageous free kick from the half way line. And it began to rain chances. Taylor saw multiple efforts from range saved, and a header from a corner hit the post. Matteo found Josh with a cute pass who slammed the ball just wide. Archie crashed a drive narrowly the wrong side of the post. Ibs saw a point blank shot somehow clawed out by the Littleton goalkeeper.

A fourth goal seemed an inevitability and so it proved. Harry W won the ball and drove forward from deep before unleashing a shot into the top corner.

More chances came and went as the Jaguars never loosened their stranglehold on the half. In the end, despite the anaemic first half display, the Jaguars deserved their victory. At the half way point they sit on top of the league. Up the Jags!

U14 Royals v Totton Yellow

The Royals started the match minus a goal keeper and two strikers. Not to be deterred they battled hard after two goals from an attacking opposition.

Jack scored a great goal followed by Totton giving Maisy an early Christmas present, she popped one in with ease.

Despite great play from the Royals Totton managed to steam ahead, with the final score resting at 5-2.

Alfie and Arthur were stand out players today with some great defence and attacking.

Shout out to Joe and Olly for stepping up in goal again today.

A good competitive game all round.

Well done to Totton.

Well done to everyone on Remembrance Sunday .

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9TH - ROUND UP

Saturday Round Up

By Sarai

AFC Stoneham Under 8 Girls Panthers v Chineham Tigers

A hugely entertaining game resulted in the Panthers progressing to the next round of the Plate Competition. Both teams contested an even game which eventually went to penalties with the Panthers edging out their opponents in sudden death.

Superb performances all round with Bella always a threat in attack scoring four goals. Bonnie, Penny & Esme worked tirelessly in midfield with both Esme and Bonnie getting on the scoresheet. Alyssia had another great game in defence and Raven keeping us in the match saving penalties in the shootout and scoring her own.

Opposition managers POTM was Alyssia for her outstanding defensive display.

U9 Pumas

The lads respectfully held their silence well done pumas

Absolutely fantastic showing from the pumas this Saturday!

We had conceived a very soft first half goal with a bit of a slip up at the back. But that wasn't all she wrote this time, our player of the match Wilf stepped up to the fray and bagged 2 cracking 2nd half goals to finally break the curse and give us our 1st very well deserved win!

Great showing from every single player dug in to protect the win and get to the end with 3 points!

Well done to Romeo who won parents player of the match with an assist and getting stuck in

Well done to our goals scorer Wilf getting man of the man

Excellent performance from all the lads. Same again next week please

U12 Pumas v City Sapphire

After an impeccably held minutes silence in advance of Remembrance Day the u12 stoneham pumas kicked off their trophy plate campaign earlier today . The city sapphire girls had evidently woken up before the pumas and were rewarded by taking the lead but this served to wake the pumas up who had evidently forgotten to put sugar on their weetabix . Lining up in a classical 4-3-1 formation with Skye owning the goalkeeping spot , the central defence was marshalled by the once again imperious Emily who rarely let a single ball past her let alone a player . She was ably marshalled by Darcey, Lottie and Betsy who would assist Emily in winning the ball back and moving it to midfield to progress the ball forwards . Midfield was controlled by Poppy , Nerila and Zoe in the first half and they were unwilling to yield a yard of territory . Leading the line was the tenacious Kamillah who relentlessly chased down lost balls using her strength and pace to latch onto a pass from Zoe to take the ball into the box before unleashing a fantastic punt into the bottom corner bringing the scores level . With tackles going in that would make the likes of Ron Harris wince the pumas consolidated their territory winning a ball upfield before Emily was found on the edge of the sapphires area unleashing a shot that was unstoppable into the sapphires goal to make it 2:1 to the pumas which is how it ended . The second half started with The pumas ringing in the changes to bring on some fresh legs and after repeated attempts to successfully break the sapphires offside trap which the pumas were able to do kamillah was able to grab a second after concerted pressure from players like blueberry easha and Zoe ended up with the latter finding kamillah in space who took the ball into the area with a deftly placed shot . The goal bulged and the cheers went up as the deserved 3rd goal hit the back of the net . The sapphires tricky no 9 made a number of fantastic dribbling runs and helped her team earn a deserved 2nd goal , however , the pumas defence were able to hold the fort . The players deserved their win . Skye was a brave protector of her goal and her distribution launched several counter attacks that saw kamillah thwarted by their keeper on countless occasions as her tireless running broke the offside trap . Emily , Betsy , lottie and Darcey all stood out for the willingness to protect Skye , Darcey earning the golden boot from her manager in the process . Emily is the pumas own beckenbauer . The midfield generals included Zoe who used her shoulder faint on a number of ocassions to launch forays down the left wing . She was ably assisted by Blueberry’s box to box approach and Nerilas ability on the ball . Easha showed some magical touches to create space and launch counter attacks spearheaded by kamillah . Poppy owned the right wing and deserved a goal which sadly was thwarted after she launched a long range effort that was saved by the keeper . The team was the best the spectators had ever seen them play . They have progressed and have found a great formula . The enthralling match ended 3-2 with the parents erupting in applause at the final whistle and the pumas own four legged mascot , “Flash” the boxer dog , wanting to hug all of the pumas at the final whistle .

Match Report - Saturday, 9th November 2024

Winchester City Flyers Girls U12 Wrens vs AFC Stoneham Youth U12 Girls Tigers

Final score: 3-0

Great game from our Tigers today against a formidable opponent. It was not to be this time, and we are out of the cup competition, but the girls put in a brilliant performance against a very well-positioned and skilled team at the top of Division 4.

In the first half, we started strong and had some chances that kept their goalkeeper busy. Despite that, our opponent was deadly and took advantage of a loss of concentration during a corner. We ended the first half conceding another goal close to the end. Aside from the two goals, the opposition had a couple of clear chances that we managed to fend off.

In the second half, we tried a more attacking tactic by moving Caterina into CDM and Ava into CAM. Unfortunately, this gave no results as we did not manage to score, but we created a few good chances that kept us on the edge of our seats. Due to our more attacking mindset, we left more space in defence for our opposition, who capitalized once to score the only goal of the second half.

Another very enjoyable and exciting game from our Tigers, who ended the game tired and proud of themselves. 100% performance!

U13 Jaguars

A game of 3’s today with the Jaguars enjoying their 3rd cup outing of the season at home for the 3rd consecutive time, against a Division 3 side.

A bright start from the girls put the Stubbington Swans on the back foot from the beginning, with plenty of possession and early pressure eventually giving Julie the opportunity to shoot, the goalkeeper did well to keep the ball out of the net but couldn’t keep hold of it, allowing an alert Evie to follow up and score from the rebound.

Masey was unlucky not to add to the score further with a shot from Evie’s corner well saved and another chance just wide.

Stubbington’s first chance of the game came around the half hour mark but they were unable to keep the ball down resulting in the shot going over the bar, but they were able capitalise from a corner of their own a short time later. HT 1-1.

The second half was less one sided with the Jaguars being the ones to have to deal with some pressure, brilliant performances from Millie, Anya, Pip and Amelie helped reduce the shooting chances, with Emelia saving the shots that were made. The whole team battled for each other throughout, and had a couple of late chances from Julie and Evie saved by the keeper, FT 1-1.

Penalties scored by Evie,Masey and Julie along with two penalties saved by amelia saw the Jaguars progress to the next round.

Final score 1-1

Pens 3-2.

Parents Player Pip

Coaches Player Millie

U14 Lionesses

AFC Stoneham Lionesses U14 girls vs Southbrook in the cup.. After losing to Southbrook in the league 8-4 recently we had the opportunity to turn the tables on the Saturday before remembering Sunday.. Game started very slow neither team took control of the game in the 1st half AFC Stoneham created a few chances but a southbrook counter goal before half team..

Second half we scored from a goal kick and created a very good opportunity in 3 passed for amelie who took her goal very well.. With both teams drawing at full time unfortunately one team had to lose.

Southbrook won 3-2 on penalties good luck to Southbrook in the next round


Remembrance weekend

Remembrance weekend

All of our teams and opponents have observed a minutes silence this weekend.

Our managers have all taken time to explain to our young players as to why we hold a minutes silence.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.

Lest we forget

Thank you

FA Vase : Hamble 0 AFC Stoneham 2

Hamble vs AFC Stoneham match report:

Stoneham won 2-0 as they faced Hamble in the FA Vase second match on Saturday

afternoon.. Two goals from Oli Jenkins secured the win.

Stoneham had the first chance of the game as Jake Thomson won the ball back in midfield and the ball then went out to Ryan Cluett who whipped a ball in for Tyrell Sampson who connected well with a header which was well saved by his counterpart.

Sampson soon had another effort after being laid through by Jim Orvis, but a last ditch challenge from the defender ensured the ball spun over the bar for a corner which came to nothing.

The breakthrough for the purps came on the ten minute mark when Owen Fee played a lofted through ball to Oli Jenkins who had an open net and calmly slotted home.

The combination of Fee and Jenkins almost proved to be pivotal again five minutes later as Fee laid the ball off for Jenkins but his shot trickled wide of the post. Jenkins was once again in the action as the ball was squared across the box but his side effort was saved from point blank range.

Oli Jenkins popped up again to add his second goal and make it 2-0 after Tyrell Sampson played a one two with Jim Orvis then laid across the box for Oli to turn home.

The next Stoneham effort came courtesy of Owen Fee as Ryan Cluett put in a lovely cross on the head of Fee however Fee was only able to steer his header wide. The first effort of the second half fell to Hamble as centre back James Johnson drove forward before unleashing a shot that was comfortably saved by Callum Lee, before Clayd Roach had a curling effort that was saved in a similar fashion.

Owen Fee thought he had his goal after he turned home from a Jim Orvis cross, however Jim was adjudged to have been offside.. Skipper Matt Casey thought he had a way back into the game for the home team near the end, but his shot hit the post, meaning the game finished 2-0 and Stoneham progressed.

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!

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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 .

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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