WEEKEND ROUND UP
U8 Wolves v AFC Stoneham Spitfires
Another Stoneham Derby, with the Spitfires in Purple vs the Red Wolves looking to apply more pressure and position ourselves to pounce at the right the time.
The Spitfires got ahead early on with a corner nicked in at the near post, but Shay, Harry, Fyfe and Jack worked themselves back into the game and pushed for an equaliser. Jasper made some decent stops to see out a tight quarter.
Jacob defended well with the ball on the ground but the fast bounce on the astro caused us trouble. Vinnie pressed from the front and Harry and Louie were combative in midfield but two quick fire goals gave us a real uphill struggle.
Q3 we saw more of the ball, and a couple of good chances went close before the highlight of the game for Wolves. A free kick from distance gave Fyfe a chance to set his sights and he delivered a beauty to give us a shout going into the last 10.
We huffed and puffed, but couldn't blow the Spitfires house down and they well deserved the result today with a couple more either end of Q4.
We've had better days, and will in the future so the Wolves will dust themselves down and hope to see 2023 out on a high next week. Shay was solid at the back and Jasper made some good stops on top of his great distribution and so they took the players of the match.
U9 Panthers v Winsor Utd Youth Red
The Panthers were on fire today despite the rain and miserable weather. They stayed warm by passing quickly and both teams played at a fast pace making the game entertaining for all the soggy supporters.
Fraser kept a clean sheet with lots of impressive saves and was awarded Man of the Match. We saw a fantastic assist and goal from Billy and a hat trick from Manny with further assists from Freddie and Cooper.
A great team performance all round!
U9 Eagles v AFC Stoneham Hurricanes
A cold but dry 3pm U9 derby game today for the Stoneham Eagles against Stoneham Hurricanes. The boys started strong straight off the bat with Albert getting a shot on target within minutes of starting the game. He was a force across the pitch from the get go and he was constantly on the ball which meant a good start for us.
Kian was constant attacking on all his quarters and was hard to catch up front.
Julius was perfectly placed at times on the pitch and this was very clear to see when he managed to get a well-deserved first goal of the season!
As per usual our defence was phenomenal across the back, Quinn made 11 successful passes and stopped shots towards goal so this earned him man of the match. Jenson was hard to beat and managed to hit the back of the net with a wonder strike from long range but unfortunately the whistle blew as it left his foot, cancelling a superb finish. Wali also stayed strong across the back.
Leo was putting some excellent kicks in and worked hard across the field and James was constantly attacking and made some excellent forward runs. Freddie managed to put himself near the goal constantly and was able to put a shot in.
Harry made some excellent saves and was strong in goal.
Billy put on a good show across the pitch and helped with some good assists and also his own goal.
So far this season the boys have proved they are a team to be reckoned with and should be proud of how far they have come. It's fantastic to watch this well gelled team and see the work Will and Andy have put in at training come to fruition!!!
U12 Wolves v Winsor United White
Wolves overcame the pressure that comes with expectation to eventually beat Winsor 5-0 at a windy Stoneham Lane today.
Winsor started strongly, packing the midfield and preventing our forward passes, although Wolves still created chances through Evan who provided threat with his pace down the right and Talal who always shows skilful touches down the left.
But for once, more composure in front of goal was needed and 0-0 at half time was probably a fair scoreline.
Second half and Wolves were now learning the importance of patience whilst keeping possession more and making stronger passes. Our high levels of fitness were also now making the difference and it wasn't long before a through ball from Adam gave a goal for Ahmed and a directed clearance from Alfie set up Frankie for a goal from distance.
Dominik was then called on to make a great save, before Talal scored from a Muhammed corner and Frankie cut in from the right to add his second.
The introduction of Dylan's dribbling down the left and Harry's awareness in midfield then added yet more creative options.
Dominik made two more fine saves before Evan made it five for the Wolves with a fierce volley from close range.
The defensive four of Rayane, Jude, Alfie and Dominik were all outstanding today in helping to keep the clean sheet. Rayane also added to his skills by dribbling from deep to finish with a shot, Jude's positioning was excellent today while he was also strong and committed in every challenge, Alfie's key interceptions together with his improved distribution made him our Wolf of the Week, while Dominik's saves at key moments in the game were crucial to the outcome.
Congratulations to the whole team!
U14 Spitfires v Sarisbury Sparks
The boys came up against the team immediately below us in the league so crucial they got a positive result, and that they did.
After a couple of bad recent results we wanted the boys to get a result their efforts deserve and after a 1st half with very little chances for either team we went in 0-0 at the break.
2nd half we looked a better outfit moving the ball around nicely with a few chances being created but could not get that opening until…….. Harry Halligan after being tripped on 2 occasions kept the ball and out of frustration for not getting a foul kicked the ball away which landed perfectly at the feet of Harley Marjason who on the outside of the box looped his shot over their keeper into the back of the net. A lead the boys deserved.
Sarisbury got an equaliser against the run of the play but this fired the boys up who immediately responded when Charlie Gray’s mis-hit shot turned into an amazing assist landing perfectly for Ethan Cripps to poke home restoring our lead, 2-1.
This was the final score and some last ditch defending with players throwing their bodies on the line to keep Sarisbury out got the deserved win for the boys.
Some excellent performances today but what was pleasing was the togetherness in the 2nd half and determination to win.
POM went to Charlie Gray who was excellent with some great skills on show, superb assist and constant chasing/closing down all over the pitch. Special mention to Ethan Cripps who worked tirelessly upfront and got a goal his efforts deserved.
U14 AFC Stoneham Athletic away to Millbrook in the Hampshire cup.
Gutted for the lads to concede a late goal but we hope they are all as proud of themselves as we are of them.They fought for each other, worked hard with and without the ball and went toe to toe with Millbrook. Great attitude before, during and after the game Thanks as usual for the help running the line etc, to Charlie, who along with Toby had a great first competitive game, after stepping in late and to the United lads that supported.
Well done
Great performance by all of our teams who played....well done!!
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