AFC Stoneham Vets - What a Season

AFC Stoneham Vets - What a season!

Our Vets had to play in the 3rd tier of 6 in the Open Age Junior 1 City of Southampton league this season as they were deemed slightly too good for the Vets league.

Despite having at least 20 years on some of their opponents they won the league !

They also won two cup competitions just to add to this awesome achievement !

However the "icing on the cake" was recently being awarded The Southampton League "Team of the Season ".

Led by their Spiritual Leader Stewart Beck ,aka Becko , they have enjoyed an outstanding season and brought huge credit to our club.

We are all hugely proud of our Vets!

Well done guys on a superb season

Adam Lee - New Ladies Manager.

Welcome back Adam !!

The club is delighted to confirm that Adam Lee has returned as First Team Ladies manager.

Adam will oversee the first team and ladies structure including the progress and development of our young players.

The two senior squads have already enjoyed some excellent pre-season sessions and very much look forward to the new season.

Please share

#upthepurps

Managers and Coaches wanted!!

New Managers,Coaches and Volunteers wanted!

As a purely voluntary run community club we can only offer children organised football with the support of adults volunteering to manage,coach and support our teams in numerous ways.

If you would be interested in one of these vital roles please do make contact via 07841696579 or chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk

4TH BEST NON LEAGUE CLUB !! - NON LEAGUE BIBLE AWARDS

Non League Club of the year award.

Having been nominated in the Top 10 we are delighted to announce that we have been awarded 4th place in the "Best Non League Football Club" category and 8th in the "Best Womens Football Club" category across all non-league clubs in the UK

This is an immense achievement for our club when one considers that the top two clubs in non-league football, Wrexham and Notts County, took first and second place awards.

Well done to everyone and the whole club should be very proud of this national recognition and fantastic achievement.

#upthepurps

FC VLAARDINGEN TOURNAMENT

Three of our age groups travelled to the FC Vlaardingen Tournament at the end of May and had a tremendous time!

The tournament is held just outside Rotterdam and we competed against teams from Holland, Spain, Czech Republic and Germany.

Well done to everyone who made it a weekend to remember!

#upthepurps

FC Vlaardingen Tournament

A great first day with excellent weather and a lot of smiles from both children and parents.

Building wonderful memories

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WE ARE RECRUITING !!

We have our Open Training session day on Saturday June 3rd across all age groups for boys and girls which players can register for by emailing chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk

In addition to this event we have specific recruitment posters for the new season on social media for:

U7-U9 Girls and Wildcats Contact: Vicky 07970 928521 vicky84wicket@googlemail.com

U10 Boys Panthers Contact: Brian 07786 245225

U11 Boys - Mid Solent League Sats Contact: Matt 07428 403102

U11 Girls - Contact: Richard 07941 611734

U12 Girls - Contact: Josh 07810 503301

U13 Boys - Contact: Chris 07732 083064

U13 Boys - Mid Solent League Sats Contact: Phil 07867 790892

U14 Boys - Contact: Kevin 07881 504700

U15 Boys - Contact: Jason 07901 763017

U18 Boys - Contact: chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk or 07841696579 (Trials 25/5, June 1,3 and 8)

NEW MANAGERS AND COACHES WANTED!!

New Managers and Coaches wanted!

We require both male and female managers/coaches for next season

If you are interested in stepping over the line and inspiring young people please do get in touch.

Our club and the positive effect we can have on our local community only works due to the huge contribution of our army of fantastic volunteers. Can you please be one of them?

Please contact chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk or 07841696579

Thank you

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OPEN TRAINING - SATURDAY JUNE 3

AFC Stoneham will be holding open training sessions for talent identification on Saturday June 3rd

All age groups will be holding sessions for both boys and girls teams with an aim to add to both existing teams and potentially create new teams.

We will be using all three full size 3G pitches at our ground throughout the day to hold the sessions. Age groups and times to be announced soon.

AFC Stoneham have recently been nominated in both the best 10 non-league clubs and best womens club in the UK whilst we have also been awarded a 3 Star club accreditation by the FA only given to the top 8% of grassroots clubs in the country.

If you are interested in joining a very progressive , ambitious and fully inclusive club with a structured player pathway for both boys and girls we look forward to seeing you on Saturday June 3rd.

To register interest in joining AFC Stoneham please contact 07841696579 or chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk

Further details to follow..

U18 WOLVES - PLAYERS WANTED

Our U18 Wolves are looking for new players to add to their existing squad who played in CSYL Div 1 in 2023/24.

Our U18 players sign for our CSYL, Hampshire League, U23 and reserves making them eligible for all four teams during the 23/24 season as they progress along our structured player pathway hopefully into our first team although we recognise that all players develop at different rates.

If interested in joining our U18 set up for season 23/24 and joining a very progressive club please contact Darren on 07917061976 or stonehamwolves@outlook.com

FA 3 Star club accreditation

We are very proud to announce that today we have been awarded the 3 Star club accreditation by the FA and England Football. The 3 Star accreditation is the highest level and only awarded to 8% of all grassroots clubs in the UK.

The FA’s accreditation scheme is open to all grassroots clubs and aims to raise standards in the grassroots game through supporting the development of clubs whilst also recognising and rewarding commitment, quality and achievement.

The clubs who achieve accreditation demonstrate they offer well-run and sustainable football. They are proud to prioritise qualified coaching and safeguarding, as well as the values of The FA’s Respect programme as part of their game.

The award is undoubtedly testimony to all of the fantastic volunteers involved with our club. Thank you to everyone of them.

Along with our recent nominations for Best Non-League Club and Best Womens Club in the UK the last few days have brought great pride and recognition to AFC Stoneham.

#upthepurps

NON LEAGUE BIBLE AWARDS

We were proud and delighted to learn that our club has been nominated for three awards in the Non-League Bible awards,

AFC Stoneham have been nominated across the UK for:

- Best non-league club

- Best Womens club

- Best Womens manager

AFC Stoneham were announced as one of 10 finalists in the "Non-League Club Of The Year" award with the Non-League bible, Non-Leagues number 1 news and media source with 23000 followers on instagram

Other Non League Club Of The Year Finalists are @Wrexham_AFC, @Official_Darlo, @WealdstoneFC,@Official_NCFC, @SheppeyUFC, @StamfordAFC1896,@altrinchamfc,@LewesFCMen,@needhammktfc

The finalists include the top two clubs in the National Conference League Wrexham and Notts County.

We have also been announced as a finalist in the prestigious "Best Womens football club" award along with @WrexhamAFCWomen,@LancasterCityFC,@AltyFC_women,@LewesFCWomen,@NewarkTownFC, @WoodleyUtdLFC,@NCFC_Women,@NMFCWomen,@BuryAFCWomen,@hashtagutdwomen,@MancunianUnity, @BuryFCWomens

Our whole club has put a huge amount of work and focus into female football over the last few seasons resulting in growing from one female team to twenty four today. This is a very proud moment for the whole club and especially all of our female teams.

Womens managers, Tom Forbes, has also been nominated as “Best Womens manager”,

Voting is now open and we would kindly ask that you please go to the link below and add your vote. Please also ask your friends and family to vote for us as well !!

The link is:

https://nonleaguebible.weebly.com/nlbible-awards.html

The nominations are a hugely proud achievement and to be bracketed with some of the other clubs nominated is a humbling moment for our club and great recognition for the many people who have contributed to our clubs progress and success over the last few years.

Thank you.

#upthepurps

Hamble preview

AFC Stoneham return home and will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Hamble on Saturday 8th April in the Wessex Premier League.

 AFC Stoneham:

 With the weather postponing last week’s game, it means thePurps enter this contest off the back of their first home loss of the season, losing 1-0 to high-flying Horndean.

 Zak Willet’s 42nd goal of the season ended Stoneham’s 17 match unbeaten home run, so they will be looking to bounce back and keep pressure on at the top of the table.

 This match will be somewhat of a warmup for when the two sides meet later on in the Semi-finals of the Russell Cotes Cup

 The Purps remain in second place but need to keep putting points on the board as teams below them have games in hand and also have a better goal difference.

 

Hamble:

 

Hamble come into this game unbeaten in four games, most recently beating Shaftesbury 2-0 away from home.

 Jack Barnes and Bradley Johnson scored the goals and kept them sixth, just three points behind Moneyfields, with both sides having six games remaining.

 Stoneham came out on top the last time the two sides met, winning 2-0 courtesy of goals from Nathan Clements and Duarte Martins.

 However, with a Semi-final looming, Hamble will want to prove a point to the Purps and will try to add to their impressive record against them.

 

Last Five Meetings:

 

25/10/22 Hamble 0-2 AFC Stoneham (PREM)

 01/03/22 AFC Stoneham 1-2 Hamble (SSC)

 01/02/22 Hamble 2-2 AFC Stoneham (PREM)

 05/10/21 Hamble 3-3 AFC Stoneham (WLC)

Hamble win 4-3 on pens.

 28/09/21 AFC Stoneham 1-2 Hamble (PREM)

 

By Freddie Dorman

 

Horndean preview

AFC Stoneham take on Wessex Premier League rivals Horndean in a huge clash towards the top of the table on Saturday 25th March.

 AFC Stoneham:

 The Purps come into this game off the back of a 4-0 win away to Shaftesbury on Tuesday.

 Goals from Duarte Martins, Lewis Nagle, Liam Callaghan, and Jim Orvis helped Stoneham come away with three points, extending their unbeaten run to 17.

 Nine points separate them from Horndean in third, but the away side have four games in hand on the Purps, making a win vital for both sides.

 Stoneham managed to edge past the Deans last time out courtesy of a single Callaghan goal, scoring past the best defence in the league as they have only conceded 18 in 29 games.

 

Horndean:
Horndean enter this game in free-flowing form, scoring 22 and conceding just one in their last five games.

 Most recently, they swept aside U.S Portsmouth 5-0, with Zack Willet scoring a hattrick, as well as goals from Thomas Scutt and Tommy Tierney.

 Willet is their key threat heading into this game, scoring eight in his last four matches, taking his tally up to 41 for the season, just eight behind the league highest scorer.

 The Deans’ last loss came at the hands off the Purps so they will certainly be looking for revenge, especially in a game of high stakes at the top of the table.

 

 Last Five Meetings:

 

21/02/23- Horndean 0-1 AFC Stoneham (PREM)

 29/01/22- AFC Stoneham 1-3 Horndean (PREM)

 04/09/21- Horndean 0-2 AFC Stoneham (PREM)

 27/10/20- AFC Stoneham 1-3 Horndean (PREM)

 28/01/20- AFC Stoneham 0-0 Horndean (PREM)

 

By Freddie Dorman

 

 

Laverstock preview

AFC Stoneham will look to maintain their unbeaten home record when they host a Laverstock& Ford side who have beaten them already this season.

 AFC Stoneham:

 The Purps come into this game after a 3-2 win against Brockenhurst on Tuesday night, moving them back up into second.

 Lewis Nagle, Liam Callaghan and Duarte Martins all scored in the first half, before the home side scored two near the end to provide a late scare.

 However, the win extends Stoneham’s unbeaten run to 15 games in all competitions, with their last loss coming in the Southampton Senior Cup to AFC Totton.

 Despite a good run of form, Stoneham will know the dangers that a physical side like Laverstock possess.

 

Laverstock& Ford:

 The Bulldogs also enter this game off the back of a 3-2 victory, beating Hamble courtesy of goals from Jacob Rawkins, Adam Bourner and Russel Jones.

 The latter is currently their top scorer on 21 goals, just five away from his tally last season despite playing a division higher.

 Laverstock have only lost two of their last five, with one being a very tight 2-1 loss to table-topping Portchester, showing that they are a tough challenge for any team.

 A win here could see them go as high as 9th and in their first season back in the Wessex Premier League.

 

Last Meetings:

 19/11/22 - Laverstock& Ford 4-2 AFC Stoneham (PREM)

 30/03/19 - Laverstock& Ford 2-5 AFC Stoneham (DIV ONE)

 26/03/19- AFC Stoneham 3-0 Laverstock& Ford (DIV ONE)

 

By Freddie Dorman

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOIN OUR CLUB !!

We currently have numerous opportunities for children and adults to join AFC Stoneham and have listed some of those opportunities below.

NEW UNDER 7 TEAMS FOR 2023/24

The club is creating 7 or 8 new teams for Under 7 players next season as the children start their football journey. Boys and Girls must be 6 as at 31/8/23 or soon after.

The teams will play in local leagues and train once or twice a week.

NEW GIRLS ONLY TEAM FOR 2023/24

AFC Stoneham have increased our female teams from one in 2019 to twenty three currently.

We are creating brand new girls teams next season at U7, U8, U9 and hopefully U10.

At all older age groups we are looking for new players to join our existing teams and to take on teams who may currently be with other clubs but could sadly be folding due to lack of numbers.

GIRLS ONLY WILDCATS SESSIONS - MONDAYS 5-6PM

These sessions are held on our main stadia pitch each week and are to introduce girls aged 5-10 into football in a Fun, Safe and Enjoyable environment with qualified coaches.

Many of the girls then join one of our new teams if indeed they wish to however some carry on just enjoying the fun of Wildcats.

BOYS TEAMS

We are always on the look out for new players and are very interested in hearing from anyone who may be interested across all age groups. We initially will invite a player into training with a current team and/or invite along to a dedicated training sessions for potentially new players to the club.

These sessions for new players will increase in April, May and June and be held on a regular basis during this period.

MANAGERS AND COACHES - MALE AND FEMALE

The club would love to hear from anyone who is interested in volunteering to manage, coach or support one of our young teams and inspire young children.

You do not need to be of premier league standard but do need to be committed and want to give something back to children in your local community.

The club will help and support you on your coaching journey with football qualifications should you wish to take them whilst offering regular in house CPD meetings and managers meetings.

SATURDAY MORNING FUN CLUB - EACH WEEK AT 9AM ON OUR GRASS PITCHES

An introduction to football in a Fun, Safe and Fully inclusive environment for children age 5-10 with qualified coaches.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON ANY OF THE ABOVE OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE CONTACT :

07841696579

chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk

Christchurch preview - Sat March 4th

AFC Stoneham are back on the road following a disappointing result last week as they take on an in-form Christchurch side in the Wessex Premier League.

 Christchurch:

 The home team come into this game winning four of their last five matches, including a 1-0 win away from home last time out against United Services Portsmouth.

 A wonder-goal from centre back Chris Speers was enough for Christchurch to return home with all three points, moving them up into 9th position in the table.

 However, the Church will be without Fawzi Saadi for this clash as he received a straight red against U.S Portsmouth, a player who has played 19 games so far for them this season.

 Christchurch have lost their top scorer Eder Batista, who has moved to Fareham Tow following his 11 goals this season, meaning that they have found goals hard to come by since his departure and will need other players to step up to get past a solid Stoneham defence.

 AFC Stoneham:

 The Purps come into this clash off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to a resilient Baffins Milton Rovers, who are the first team to come away from Stoneham Lane in the league this season with a point.

 Duarte Martins scored his 34th goal on his 34th start for the club, but that wasn’t enough as Roux Hardcastle in goal proved to be a problem for Stoneham yet again this season.

 Despite not losing a game in their last 14 league matches, Stoneham have slipped down into third for the first time since early January, showing how tight it is at the top of the table.

 Stoneham do not have the best record away record, especially compared to their home, but will almost certainly prove a tricky customer at Christchurch in the bid to move back into second and ‘do the double’ over the Church this season.

 LastMeetings:

 17/12/22 AFC Stoneham 2-0 Christchurch (PREM)

 15/03/22- AFC Stoneham 5-0 Christchurch (PREM)

 02/11/21- Christchurch 0-5 AFC Stoneham (PREM)

 17/08/19- AFC Stoneham 0-1 Christchurch (PREM)

 By Freddie Dorman

 

 

Sunday Feb 26th round up

Sunday Round Up

U7 Panthers

Well done today boys against a good Alresford Town U8 Lions. Thought you all battled and fought for each other, even when they had the extra two players on.

Jacob was superb in goal today with some important saves and great distribution. Morgan defended brilliantly today, with some great tackles and great passing out from the back.

Evan and Edison was brilliant in midfield, controlling the game, driving with the ball, with Evan grabbing himself 2 magic moments. Matthew and Seth worked tirelessly up front against some strong defending. Seth grabbing 2 magical moments. But my man of the match went to Harley, his workrate, passing and shooting was outstanding today, and grabbed himself 4 magical moments. Well done Harley, well done all of you today.

U8 Panthers

Tough match for the Panthers today v Stoneham Jaguars U9. The opposition were strong and defended well while finding some good passes.

The Panthers battled throughout the match, never giving up, making some great plays and working together as a team. Billy, Oscar, Vinnie and Logan were brilliant breaking up play and looking up to find their teammates.

Lots of shots on target were stopped by the oppositions goalkeeper who made a number of great saves whilst at the other end Fraser made some amazing stops.

Goals came from Freddie with a great assist from Jack, Hayden and Cooper.

Man of the match went to Manny for sticking to the plan he was given by Chris before the match.

U9 Spitfires

U9 Spitfires came up against a very good FC Salisbury side and played on another level from the start.

Early pressing resulted in winning possession back and some great passing resulted in a free kick being awarded which was excellently taken by Brody Hibberd and this was followed by some great pressure from Mazen Ismael to double the lead with a sweet strike in the corner. The Spitfires continued to move the ball well and from another free kick Leo Duncalfe found the bottom corner.

FC Salisbury pulled a goal back just before half time but immediately as the 2nd half started Elliott Finch got on the end of a corner to strike in the corner to extend the lead. FC Salisbury did fight back with 2 goals but the boys defended superbly.

POM was tough as everyone played their part today but Brody Hibberd took the accolade as chased and pressed all game.

Great performance boys and with just 1 sub today aswell.

U9 Panthers

Unlucky today boys against a very good Millbrook side. I thought you matched them for nearly 3qtrs. It was just their overall passing was a bit better than ours. That’s what we keep saying use the ball, get into space, pass and move. All these will help you be a better team. That’s why we concentrate on this at training. The work rate and energy was great most of the time, but you have to keep up the energy in every Qtr. On the positive side, as we did have chances and unluckily hit the woodwork on two or three occasions, so if they went in, things could have been different. Man of match went to Henry, apart from his goal, his passing, tackling and overall work rate was outstanding today, never gave up and kept their midfield very quiet today. Well done Henry, well done all of you today. Special mention to David, his saves again, kept us in the game.

U11 Jaguars

AFC Stoneham U11 Jaguars vs Romsey Town Youth U11 Panthers

The Jags knew today's game would be difficult having lost to Romsey Town earlier in the season.

After a bright start the Jags took the lead after a corner from Billy fell to Egit who hit home

2 minutes later, a well worked run and finish from Harry B extended the lead for the Jags.

Romsey had chances, but the Jags defence stayed strong. When the ball did get through goalkeeper Riley was on hand to make a series of saves including rushing off his line to make a fantastic 1v1 block.

In the second half the Jags midfield and defensive players worked hard to win every ball and push for another goal.

Some great corners and runs from Alex created chances but the Romsey defence stayed strong.

At the other end Riley continued to keep Romsey out with some impressive saves.

It was a very tight half, both teams could have scored but the next goal didn't come until 5 minutes before the end when Harry B would score his second.

Parents player of the week goes to Riley thanks to a fantastic display in goal making sure of the well deserved cleansheet 🫷

Coaches player of the week goes to Alex.

Worked hard all game, pushing the team forward but also tracking back to help his defensive teammates when needed

Jag of the week goes to Will who's attitude towards training and matchdays and willingness to ask questions of the coaching team to improve his game is a good example to the rest of the team.

U11 Spitfires

A blistering start to this cup game against PACE saw the U11 Spitfires 1-0 in the first minute with a great finish from Ethan.Stoneham then went on to control the game, defending well and playing some good football to score a further two goals . Goals today came from man of the match Ethan x 2, Alfie B and Alfie L x2.

U11 Wolves

U11 Wolves v Hythe & Dibden Cyclones

In games such as these when it's the attack that draws all the attention, it's easy to forget those with a defensive role who today put in a faultless display. So it's a huge 'Well Done' to Dominik, Dylan, Frankie, Harry, Dash, Rayane and Jude for being disciplined. keeping concentration and making good decisions.

Further forward, it was Hot Shot Harrison who remains our leading scorer for the season, but for shooting power and accuracy it's midfielder Evan who leads the way and becomes our latest Wolf of the Week. Both players have pushed hard for a starting place and both took full advantage of their opportunity today.

Wide players were full of running with Dylan and Dash both providing quality crosses from good positions.

Muhammed was once again a key provider and finisher and his confidence continues to grow. Fuku showed his combination of strength and touch that makes him so difficult to play against, while Adam was rewarded today for once again taking up excellent positions in the front line.

Congratulations Wolves!

U12 Jaguars

AFC Stoneham Youth Jaguars 2

Baddesley Park Youth Templars 1

The Jaguars finally got back to winning ways with a hard fought victory over the obdurate Templars in the most dramatic fashion.

Perhaps it was the early morning kick off, but the hosts lacked the energy and intensity of previous weeks in the first half. Chances were at a premium and both keepers remained largely untroubled for the first quarter. Both teams greater threats were down the Jags left side, and so the game became a battle for supremacy along that channel. Freddie began to make serious inroads against an extremely physical defence, and was hauled down on several occasions when he had beaten his man. Isaac and Daniel proved to be their normal stoic selves when questions were asked of the Jags defence, whilst Matteo began to find his feet in the centre of the park, threading through to Elliot and Krish some really intelligent balls that couldn’t quite be capitalised on. Then, the breakthrough. Some lovely combination play down the right saw Charlie released out wide, whose perfect cross from the byline picked out Elliot to finish calmly into the corner. It was fair reward for the Jags probing attacks and growing level of ascendancy in the game. Freddie continued to prove problematic to the Templars right back and went close on several occasions, Krish, Rob, Ramesses and Fred worked hard to gain physical superiority in the centre, and Jamie defended skilfully on a number of occasions to snuff out the threat of the left winger. However, just before half time the visitors caught the hosts napping, and a lack of defensive structure saw the visitors burst through the centre to equalise.

The goal was against the run of play, but actually served as a wake up call at half time. The Jaguars returned to the field to produce a much improved performance in the second half. Every player stepped up their intensity and the chances began to flow. Neat footwork from John provided Elliot with a chance which was snuffed out, and the visiting No.6 saved the Templars on countless occasions with last ditch blocks and tackles when a goal seemed a certainty. When the No.6 wasn’t in the way, the Templars goalkeeper was, tipping Elliot’s free kick onto the bar, and blocking several other of his shots. Fred blasted wide, Freddie continued to beat his man but found the defence in determined mood, and Matteo timed a run perfectly into the six yard box only to see his header rebound off the post and to safety. Sniffing blood, the Jaguars moved in for the kill. Whilst Archie and Isaac kept things tied up at the back, Charlie was switched to right back to provide a further attacking option. He made numerous runs and overlaps, and just missed out on connecting with a dangerous cross when free in front of goal. Finally, in the dying seconds, Freddie took the ball out wide, beat his man, lost the ball to second defender but then won it back before cutting inside to blast underneath the visiting goalkeeper with the aid of a slight deflection. It turned out to be the last kick of the game.

Having been on the other end of a last minute loss last week, the relief and happiness was palpable. Respect is something the management team have been working hard to imbue in to the players, and so, arguably, the finest moment of the game was seeing several of the Jaguars not celebrating the victory but commiserate with the disconsolate visiting goalkeeper. A very well done to those boys, and to the team for a never-say-die attitude. Up the Jags!

U13 Panthers

Under 13 Panthers continued our good run today.

We started the game quickly with the right attitude and went into half time 4 goals to the good.

We made lots of changes and tried a few players in different positions in the 2nd half and became a bit sloppy at times needing Ryan to pull of a few important saves in goal. We ran out 9-2 winners and our scorers today were Ewan Halliday with 3, Sam Robinson with 2 and singles from Liam Holloway, Isaac Webb, Joe Taylor and Alfie Weldon.

Man of the match went to Ewan for another good display.

U13 Spitfires

U13 Spitfires played away to 2nd in the league Sholing in great game of football played in the right spirit by both teams.

Some great early possession/passing by the Spitfires found them deservedly ahead through Ethan Cripps striking in the corner followed closing by Zach Marshman doubling the lead with another good strike. Sholing came into the game and pulled a goal back and then just before half time got an equaliser.

2nd half the boys started with the same intensity and went back ahead when Harry Halligan looped the ball over their keeper to make it 3-2.

Sholing then got level after a long ball split open our defence followed closely by a similar ball to put us 4-3 behind. The boys pressed for an equaliser which their performance deserved by against the run of play another through ball left us exposed at the back and somehow we were 5-3 down which was the final score.

I couldn’t have asked anymore from the boys today and so proud of them all. POM was shared between Harley Marjason & Harry Halligan who were both at the centre of all our attacks today.

Well done to all of our teams!

#upthepurps

Saturday Feb 25th round up

Saturday Round Up

AFC Stoneham U7 Tigers

This mornings game was against a good attacking side who had some skillful players which had shot after shot.The boys done well to stay in the game,narrowly being edged out on the result the boys worked hard .Some good passing and solid tackles. MOTM FINN

A solid performance in goal pulling off some great saves,also on the pitch with some Big tackles.

U7 Hurricanes

Good game today for the boys with some great passing and tackling on display the boys all played really well, Ryder created a great assist and there was some great team work on show, Parents Player was awarded to Leo who got a Hactrick of magical moments & motm went to George for pulling off some great saves.

U7 Wolves

Today's fixture was the hotly anticipated AFC Stoneham derby between the Wolves and the Hurricanes. These boys know all about each other and the form both sides are in suggested it was going to a close fought, competitive match.

Hurricanes started the stronger; Vinnie and Fyfe passed the ball around well but couldn't find a clear opening, Harry had to adapt to the Hurricanes passing game and Jacob went toe to toe with this week's tricky forward. The Wolves were a little short of their normal intensity and gave themselves a two goal hill to climb.

All change for both sides into Q2 and the midfield combo of Ollie and Jack injected some energy into our attacking play. Louie dominated defensively and gave nothing away and Shay threatened going forward with the Hurricanes having to bunch up to keep him out. It was Jack who got us back in contention. Ollie ran towards goal and committed a couple of defenders and then laid off to Jack who knocked it in off the post and wheeled away with the golf swing.

Q3 was a cagey affair, both sides clearly felt the next goal was crucial. Fyfe forced a good save from a free kick, Vinnie found a few openings and Harry hustled but the keeper was up to the challenge each time. Right at the end the Hurricanes drew Jacob out to engage but then laid it into the path of their striker to complete his hattrick. A killer blow which could have easily seen us capitulate from there.

The Wolves aren't beaten that easily though and came out all guns blazing in Q4. Jack was so unlucky to only find the crossbar from a great free kick. Louie was excellent in defense and kept us in possession which released Jack for a run down the wing who in turn played in Ollie, whose superb finish set up a tense finish. With the clock ticking down, it looked like the Hurricanes would hold us out, chances came and went but with the referee looking at his watch Shay played a perfectly weighted pass and that man Ollie made no mistake.

An excellent match with the right result in the end. Both sides can be really proud of the football they played and showed why they are the best two sides in the division. Louie was a tower in defense today and picked up the coaches MoM and Ollie's two goals and an assist capped a great performance from him and he rightly took the fan's award.

U8 Lionesses

Lionesses 12-9 Hythe

The score is yet to be verified, let’s just say there were loads of goals and we definitely won

Even with that delayed start (to be fair their manager was working nights and didnt get in till 6am) the girls were buzzing and lively and really focused.

Sadie was brilliantly calm and contained and pulled off a couple of great saves and blocks.

Abbie battled HARD and not only scored 5 goals, she won us loads of corners

Scarlett was yet again on fire. I think everyone can see how much she has stepped up over the last few games and watching her track back to defend and work her way through to score was

The girls were tasked with not having a stationary defender and that, along with the fast pitch, meant we were able to do what we do best, press, make chances for each other and attack.

Hythe were great opponents . Thank you.

What a game! Well done girls

U9 JPL Athletic

Outstanding day!! Our U8’s playing a year up U9’s notched up their 4th win of the JPL season in simply fantastic style..some of the best football I’ve seen in a long while at this age was one of the quotes..Billie ‘I’m on FIRE’ Christopher with 5 goals was simply in the mood for scoring..Charlie Catt notching 2 ( one of which was a worldly) was in a skill full playmaking mood spraying balls all over the park..Ollie Ledger marauding down the left wing scored 2 super goals , The ever busy and skilful James Cooper with 1..abley backed up by the ever industrious Lincoln and Freddie who both went looking for their first JPL goals..and came ohhhhh so close..Logan skilfully glued everything together whilst the safest hands in Hampshire AKA Wilf and the best defender James Freeman kept the Pro-Co team at bay..well played boys quite fabulous performance by everybody!! Enjoy your weekends..Billie Christopher MOTM!!

U11 Lionesses

Well done to the girls today on their 4-1 win!

The game started well with both teams working the play up and down the pitch but it was the Finches who took the lead within the first 10 minutes with a cracking goal shot straight over the keeper, leaving the lionesses chasing back, which they did very well.

As play carried on the ball fell to Sophia who took a shot which got deflected in to make it 1-1. This gave the girls some fire in their bellies and they all kept on fighting for every ball and the work paid off when Lola scored just before half time leaving us starting the second half 2-1 up.

Second half saw all the girls fired up, they played well as a team, looking for those passes and creating some great opportunities which eventually came to April with an excellent strike which landed in the top corner.

As the girls carried on fighting we saw Hettie seal the win with a run from her own half to finally score her 1st well deserved goal of the season!

Huge thanks for Floss, Mille and Grace for stepping up to take a turn in goal with POM going to Sophia.

Again well done girls, a great effort shown by all today!

AFC Stoneham Girls Panthers U11 v Whiteley Merlins

In a completely one side game, the Panthers took the lead after a few minutes when Mimi lobbed the Merlin’s keeper.

Georgia doubled the lead running through the visitors defence before Lyra made it three with a nice finish. Jess P made it four with another nice finish.

The Merlin’s bought on another player using the parity rule but any attacks were defended well by Ilyse and Victoria giving Abigail a very quiet afternoon.

Emily scored her first goal of the season to make it 5.

Lyra then scored twice to seal her first ever hat trick.

The Merlin’s added another player under the parity rule before Jess H made it 8.

Two goals apiece followed from Aimee and Mirela with a Jess H penalty sandwiched in the middle.

Merlins never stopped and were great sports.

Away team POM - Victoria

Parents POM - Lyra

Managers POM - Aimee

U16 Knights

U16 Knights won on penalties against Champion Sports in semi final of the cup. Today the boys weren’t at their best and if I am honest the opposition were the better side. However, the boys kept battling didn’t give up and in the end we kept our cool in the shout (with a great last penalty save from Fred ). We are in the final boys!!! .

MOM goes to Adrian. Worked his socks off all game, broke up the play and kept the midfield going. Well done also to the boys at the back solid and kept us in the game.

Final here we come and well done again Boys!!!

Well done to everyone !

#upthepurps