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.