Sherborne Town match report - 24/2/24

AFC Stoneham comfortably beat Sherborne Town 5-2 to maintain a four-point lead at the top of the Wessex Premier League.

 The Purps are now on a ten-game unbeaten run and have full confidence going into the business end of the season.

 The Purps took the lead in the 4th minute, when top scorer Duarte Martins finished from close range after Josh Batt’s initial header had been saved.

 A lightening quick start saw the lead doubled on the 7th minute, this time Josh Batt nodding home from another excellent corner.

 Stoneham player Owen Fee said, “We started the game very positively with two quick goals, despite being relatively average throughout the first half.”

Sherborne Town responded quickly, when Ollie Hebbard finishing a well-worked move down the left-hand side.

 The Purps’ effective pressing eventually paid off as a disastrous mistake at the back led to Tyrell Sampson being clean through, where he made no mistake and calmly slotted past Sherborne keeper Liam Morris.

 Before half time, the Purps had keeper Callum Lee to thank, making a couple of incredibly smart saves to maintain the two-goal advantage and go into half time 3-1 up.

 Following the break it was one-way traffic, as the Purps’ dominance in possession proved too much for the visitors.

 “In the second half we looked a lot sharper, brought on some subs and saw out the game well.

 Our mentality is very good, and we just must keep doing our job in this title race.”

 On the 55th minute Tyrell Sampson scored the pick of the goals, bringing the ball down excellently and getting his second of the game with a well-placed finish.

 “Tyrell was always lively, and carried a real throughout the game,” said Assistant manager Graham Purser.

 This was swiftly followed by substitute Liam Callaghan reacting first and poking home a fifth, after good work from a short corner.

 As the game petered out, Sherborne found a consolation in the 86th minute, Ben Wood finishing smartly at the near post from eight yards out.

 “We’re going to need all our front players to contribute throughout this title race and each week we have to keep them hungry and firing.”

 “Lewis Nagle was a massive threat and Duarte Martins was a handful throughout the game.”

 .

People Plan for Volunteers with Disabilities.

FA Grant award

People Plan - Recruitment of volunteers with disabilities.

AFC Stoneham is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant from Hampshire FA to support our recruitment of volunteers with disabilities.

We have created a People Plan with a specific goal of using the creation of our disability teams to attract volunteers with disabilities, which is part of our Club Development Plan.

We have created a Deaf Team (Adults) and a Pan-Disability Team (Children) both of which began training in January 2024 in preparation for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. We continue to seek players and volunteers for these teams, as well as within our mainstream pathways. If you’d like to become involved, please contact Mark Stupple at chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk.

AFC Stoneham is hugely proud to be developing our Disability Pathway further and the grant award for our Disabled Volunteers People Plan is another step forward and recognition of the work being undertaken.

We would like to thank Hampshire FA and especially Glenn Brailey for their support towards our club in respect of Pan Disability Football.

Thank you

Next Home game: Saturday v Sherborne town 3pm

We host Sherborne from Dorset on Saturday (Feb 24) at Stoneham Lane with a 3pm kick off.

Our visitors currently sit 10th in the league with possibilities of making a play off place at the end of the season , their first in the Wessex League.

Admission prices:

Adults £7

Concessions £4

Under 16 Free

All AFC Stoneham registered players and one parent - Free

All local support is hugely appreciated and does make a difference.

Please come along and support the Purps!!

Ladies Reserves reach Cup Final !

A superb result for our ladies reserves on Sunday who reached their first ever cup final!

They defeated Millbrook Ladies 5-3 in todays semi final who had only lost once this season before today and had previously drawn with and beaten our girls.

Another great indication of the progress made this season with a squad of predominately 17 and 18 year olds under the leadership of the experienced management duo of Rees and Neil. Manager Rees Pake said “I have been absolutely delighted with the progress the girls have made this season, their first ever in Senior football. The Millbrook game, more than any, illustrates this progress against an experienced side who will probably win our league.

Millbrook have already drawn with us and beat us earlier in the season but the progress could be seen today in the way the girls were far more able to compete on a physicality and speed level with a strong team which was not always so evident in the earlier part of the season.”

The girls have climbed the second division of the Hampshire County Womens league and currently sit second whilst being hopeful of gaining promotion to the top division for next season.

Well done girls on a fantastic result!!

Ladies First Team report - Base of the Pyramid

Thank you to non-league blogger and ground hopper Base of the Pyramid for visiting us on Sunday and posting a report on our Ladies First team v Fleet Town.

This Sunday BotP took the opportunity to visit a new ground and watch two new teams. A 3 hour round trip of 156 miles to the Stoneham Lane Football Complex, but well worth it. The game in question was the Southern Region Women's League Division One South clash between AFC Stoneham and Fleet Town.

This would be their first meeting of a season that has, so far, been a great contrast for the teams. Following the withdrawal of Eastleigh Reserves, who Fleet drew with on the opening day, Town are still looking for their first point of the season, albeit having only played seven. However, they have been a different team in cup competitions, last week's 5-2 defeat of Abbey Rangers a prime example of this change in form. Stoneham are still in with a genuine chance of winning the league but, after losing their last home league game against Havant & Waterlooville, need to ensure they don't drop any more points before they face title-rivals Portchester in 2 weeks time. 

​The game ran to form almost from the very first minute. Stoneham quickly established themselves as the dominant force but a combination of solid Fleet defensive work and sloppy final balls kept the scores level for much of the first-half. Top scorer Chloe Melton was the first home player to get a strike off but her third-minute effort went well wide of the target. Jodie Freeman-Woods was the first to make Jenna Temple work but even then her 12th minute effort was comfortable for the goalkeeper. Just past the quarter-hour mark the Fleet defence, which up until then had looked quite solid, showed a little hesitancy which allowed Chloe Melton to latch onto a loose ball. However, her shot again went wide.

The pressure on the visitors was relentless with the ball rarely making it into the home half of the pitch, and Stoneham came very close to opening the scoring on 20 minutes. Following a corner which was cleared to the edge of the box, full-back Kayden Wood struck a glorious effort that beat Temple but not the woodwork, crashing back off the crossbar. Laura Ingram reacted quickly to get onto the rebound but Temple got across swiftly to block the follow-up and keep it at 0-0.

Temple saves the spot-kick....

but not the rebound

​Temple was called into action again six minutes later. Melton swung in a peach of a ball behind the last line of defence but curling away from the goalkeeper. Larnie Bisson came in from the left flank and looked odds on to finish before Temple threw herself bravely at her feet forcing the Stoneham player to put her shot narrowly wide of the post. A great piece of goalkeeping, closely followed by another decent save after a cross from the left went through to Meadow Barton coming in from the right. Temple again was there to keep out the strike.

With ten minutes to go before the break and Fleet still hanging on to a goalless score line, Stoneham got a glorious opportunity to go in front when Heather McCabe brought down Chloe Melton just inside the box. A clear penalty. No complaints from Fleet.
Melton stepped up to take the spot-kick but was once again thwarted by Jenna Temple. However, the keeper was unfortunate to see her parry fall back into the path of the Stoneham striker, who gobbled up the rebound. 1-0

The goal sparked a good response from Fleet who, almost immediately, registered their first real effort at goal when Ruby Harwood struck a shot on the turn from the edge of the box. Lucy Venables looked unworried but it was not too far wide of her right-hand post. 
With the clock ticking down, it looked very much like Stoneham were only going to take a single goal lead into the half-time interval. However, in the last minute captain Laura Ingram tried her luck from way out, forcing Temple into a full-length save to turn the ball around the post. From the resulting corner, delivered right under the bar towards the back post, Abbie Awdas was on hand to prod the ball over the line and double the lead. 2-0

HT AFC Stoneham 2 Fleet Town 0. Fleet up against it and defending well with Jenna Temple producing a string a very good stops. Stoneham dominated the ball but didn't appear to be firing on all cylinders.
​

Fleet clear their lines

​If Fleet had any thoughts of getting back into the game they were extinguished two minutes into the second period. Larnie Bisson, who had switched to the right flank, burst past her defender before cutting the ball back across the penalty area for Chloe Melton to slide in and guide the ball home, despite the best efforts of Temple, who got a fingertip  on the strike. 3-0.

As with the first goal, the third generated a response from Fleet. Their top-scorer Dot Usher flashed a snapshot just wide of the post. However, chances for the visitors were few and far between. 
The reason that Bisson had switched to the right was to make room for Chloe Marshall to come in on the left hand side. Just past the hour mark the substitute made the first of what was to be three very telling contributions. Collecting the ball out on the left flank, Marshall stepped inside before curling a superb shot into the 'postage stamp' of the opposite corner. Nothing that Temple could do with a strike of that quality.

4-0.

It really was game over now and, consequently, there was something of a lull in the game. Fleet made more changes and huffed and puffed, but Stoneham were completely in command of the game. One of the reasons for this was the total dominance of the Stoneham midfield. As the father of a young central midfielder, I was really wishing my daughter had been at the game so that she could have had a free lesson on how to play her position. The pairing of Abbie Awdas and Mia Flood were, at times, perfectly demonstrating some of the skills I have been trying to get her to hone. Awdas makes the position look simple. Always available to receive the ball. Calm and comfortable. One touch, and a well-weighted pass to a player in space. Football really is simple when you break it down to its basics. Flood is a totally different player, buzzing around, snapping into tackles all over the pitch, she really gets in the face of her opponents. A very difficult combination to play against.

On 85 minutes Chloe Marshall was at it again. Chloe Melton played an intelligent reverse pass which allowed Marshall to smash in an almost identical finish, once again giving the keeper no chance whatsoever. 5-0

That could well have been that. However, there was still just about enough time for Marshall to grab her hat-trick when she latched onto a ball across the edge of the box, controlled well and unleashed a low drive just out of Temple's reach. 6-0. Three excellent strikes from Marshall.

FT AFC Stoneham 6 Fleet Town 0. A comfortable victory for Stoneham, who keep up the pressure at the top end of the table. Fleet defended stoutly for much of the game and never threw in the towel. Goalkeeper Jenna Temple made a number of good saves but the team could never get a grip on the game at all. Stoneham were just that bit too good all across the pitch. The result lifts Stoneham into third spot, level on points with AFC Portchester, having played two more games. Both Stoneham and Portchester are five adrift of Havant & Waterlooville but have two and four games in hand respectively. The March 10th clash between The Purps and Portchy is now looking like a massive potential title decider. Fleet's search for a point goes on but they don't have the best run-in to the season. Not only do they have to face Stoneham again, they also are yet to play Portchester home and away plus, next up, the visit of leaders Havant next Sunday. Stoneham make the short journey to Bournemouth Sports Reserves on Sunday. They won the reverse fixture 5-0 back in October through two each from Mia Delaney and Mia Flood and one from Chloe Melton.

Another great afternoon of football. The only downside was having to shoot off immediately after the final whistle. I didn't get time to chat with Abbie Awdas as originally planned. Next time. Maybe even at the Portchester game in 2 weeks, if I can make it.

​AFC Stoneham: 13.Venables, 2.Wood, 3.Curtis, 4.Feeman-Woods, 5.Ingram(c), 6.Stevens, 8.Awdas, 9.Melton, 10.Flood, 11.Bisson, 17.Barton. Subs: 7.Marshall, 12.Tuck, 14.Lewis, 15.Dancer, 16.Delaney
Fleet Town: 1.Temple, 15.Benton, 6.Burrows(c), 10.Graves, 4.McCabe, 3.Wise, 12.Usher, 11.Harwood, 8.Greenaway, 13.Paterson, 18.James. Subs: 7.Dias, 14.Barker, 5.Tafrey
​

The Ground
Stoneham Lane Football Complex is a large facility situated between Eastleigh and Southampton. Eastleigh FC's Silverlake Stadium is a just a few hundred yards North, separated by the M27. Less than half a mile to the East is Southampton Airport. The complex, accessed off Stoneham Lane, has two large car parks, one adjacent to the facility and an overflow on the opposite side of Stoneham Lane. It needs them. This is an extremely busy and well-used community facility and, like Rushmoor a couple of weeks back, it's great to see so many players, of all ages, male and female, taking part in the game. There are three full-size 3G pitches. The two community pitches are marked up to provide small-sided football at all ages (the club proudly has 113 teams this season, with over 1,000 players). Access to all pitches is through the reception building. Please note that you need to register and obtain a QR code to gain access through the turnstile system. You can do this on the day by scanning a code on your mobile. Once inside you will find all of the usual facilities, including the Pitchside Café, which provides refreshments and looks out over the main pitch. There's another turnstile between the café and the stadium which is used for access on matchdays. However, as the women's games are free entry, the turnstile was not in use and the gate next to it was open. There is a covered seating stand to the right hand side as you enter, straddling the halfway line. The dugouts are on the opposite side, the motorway side. Currently, there is no other spectator cover,  just hard-standing and fencing surrounding the entire playing surface.

Ground Number: 397
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

Recruitment - U13 Girls teams

Please read in conjunction with the “Come and Join us” article. Thank you.

Player recruitment - U13 Girls (U14 24/25 season)

Our current U13 Girls are now actively looking for players for next season.

The club will be creating a new Girls team (U14. 24/25 season) which will be a development team for girls wishing to start on their football journey or who may have played for a season or two.

The new team will be in addition to our current U13 Lionesses who play in division two and are also now looking for new players.

Please contact Tony on 07701 341212.

Please share

Thank you.

Recruitment - Girls teams.

Please also see “Come and Join us” article in respect of recruitment across all AFC Stoneham teams.

Girls Teams - Recruitment

AFC Stoneham are very proud of the development of our girls football in recent years having grown from one team some 6 years ago to 25 teams today.

We are now recruiting for both new and existing girls teams across all age groups and are keen to discuss opportunities with any interested party.

We are particularly interested in encouraging girls aged 6-9 who may want to start their football journey to make contact.

Please contact:

chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk

07841696579

Please share

Thank you.

COME AND JOIN US !!

AFC Stoneham are now recruiting across all age groups for boys and girls with a view to the 24/25 season.

If interested please contact: chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk or 07841696579

Age groups refer to 24/25 season.

New U7 Age group - 8 teams

The club will create another eight mixed teams in our youngest age group for the new season. These teams have now started training on a Thursday and Friday evening and will be entered in leagues for the new season starting in September.

U7 - U11 Girls

We are creating new teams in each age group for our youngest girls teams.

U7 - New team

U8 - New team

U9 - Our current three teams will expand into four.

U10 - Our current team will expand to create a new team.

U12 Girls - New players wanted to add to existing four teams

U13 Girls - New players wanted to add to our existing six teams

U14 Girls - New players wanted to create a new team

U16 Boys - New players wanted to add to existing teams

U14 Boys - New players wanted to add to our existing five teams

U8-U12 Boys - New players wanted to add to existing teams

We are also interested in hearing from any teams or coaches who would be interested in moving over to AFC Stoneham for the new season.

Please contact : chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk or 07841696579

Thank you

FA THREE STAR ACCREDITATION.

AFC Stoneham - FA Three Star Accreditation.

We are delighted to announce that AFC Stoneham have again been awarded a Three Star Club Accreditation.

The club is amongst only 4-5% of Grassroots Clubs in the country who are awarded a Three Star Accreditation by the FA and their highest award.

The FA recognise accredited clubs who aim to raise standards in the grassroots game through supporting the development of those clubs. It also recognises and rewards commitment, quality and achievement. The clubs who achieve The FA Charter Standard demonstrate they offer well-run and sustainable football.

All Three star FA Accredited Clubs offer the complete accredited player pathway for both male and female whilst offering a minimum of one disability team at any age group, all playing within FA sanctioned League competitions.

The FA embarks on a journey to grow, develop and support a collaborative and sustainable club and league network which unites communities by providing opportunities for all.

Three Star clubs offer more playing opportunities, look to grow participation, involve a variety of different people and offer different formats for male, female and disability players in their football environments.

The award is further testimony to the growth and continued development of our club.

As always, we wish to thank all of the fantastic volunteers who make this award and recognition possible.

Another proud day for AFC Stoneham.

AFC STONEHAM VISIT DOWNING STREET!

AFC Stoneham were delighted to be invited to 10 Downing Street recently to celebrate our positive impact on the local community.

With 113 teams and 1500 players, our club is one of the largest community grassroots sports clubs in the country. We gained national recognition for our work as a volunteer-run, community club.

We were invited to attend by The Right Honourable Lucy Frazer, The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. AFC Stoneham were represented by Club Chairman, Mark Stupple, who said:

"It was great to visit Downing Street and represent the whole club. We discussed our recent growth, our positive impact on the local community and our future plans which were very well received. The invite is undoubtedly recognition for a lot of people who have undertaken an enormous amount of work to ensure that the club is where it is today and can be prosperous and sustainable in the future”.

The club is acutely aware that this recognition is a very proud moment for the whole club and every volunteer that contributes to both our success and the positive impact on our community.

We would therefore like to send a huge thank you to every manager, coach and club volunteer who contributes towards our club and made this national recognition possible.

Without these great people there is no national recognition.

A very proud day for AFC Stoneham.

JOIN GIRLS ONLY WILDCATS !!

GIRLS WILDCATS

EVERY MONDAY 5-6 PM

MAIN STADIA PITCH

Our Wildcats sessions are an introduction to football for girls aged 5-9 in a Fun, Safe and Enjoyable environment.

Many of the girls then progress into joining one of our teams from U7 upwards if they so wish to.

We are currently starting to recruit for both our new and existing teams for the 24/25 season.

For more details on both Wildcats and teams please contact:

Vicky 07970 928521

chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk

Please do come along and join in!!

Please share

U18 SPITFIRES - COUNTY CUP SHOCKS!

U18 Spitfires - Big Cup Shock! (V2)

Match report:

Meon Milton U18 v AFC Stoneham U18 Spitfires

The boys, after their massive cup upset last round , came up against Meon Milton from the same league, so 6 divisions above us in the round of 16.

Wow is all I can say!!!!

Massive underdogs but the boys played with no pressure and matched Meon Milton for the whole 1st half and were unfortunate to go behind after a shot came back off the bar landing at the feet of a Meon Milton player who put them ahead. This was the half time score.

Half time team talk was very easy, keep doing what you’re doing.

2nd half couldn’t have started any better as Taylor Waters played a superb ball over the defence that sent Aaron Batista clear, his shot came back of the keeper but hit Aaron and trickled over the line to make it 1-1. Within minutes of this the boys went ahead when Billy Tierling’s corner was cleared back out to him but sent a superb ball into the box which David Cavalcanti got some part of his body on it to put us deservedly 2-1 ahead.

This fired up Meon Milton but some superb defending by all the boys kept us ahead. The pressure eventuallly led to an equaliser which was harsh on the boys as goal should not have counted as Mitch Shrimpton (our GK) was flattened but goal stood!

This then fired our boys up and superb through ball from William Drew sent Billy Tierling clear who finished superbly in off the post putting us 3-2 ahead, and deserved!

The final whistle seemed to never come and must have played 10 minutes injury time but the boys put the bodies on their line and the scenes at full time where amazing.

POM was deserved by everyone today but David Cavalcanti took home the award as was a defensive masterclass and even got on the scoresheet!

This team has pulled off another massive cup upset against another team 5 leagues above and on their own patch!

Words cannot describe how proud of this team we are and now in quarters finals of the Hampshire Cup!

Club Comment:

Very difficult to quantify what a massive result and achievement this is for Kevin and his Spitfires team.

Meon Milton are six divisions above the Spitfires and this is an exact repeat of the last round when they beat AFC Totton.

For a Division five team to reach the last eight of the Hampshire Cup and beat two teams from six divisions above is unheard of!

A remarkable and unbelievable achievement.

The whole club is hugely proud of the Spitfires fantastic progress. Well done to Kev and all of the boys!

Please share

#upthepurps

#upthespitfires

SUPER U13 TIGERS

Super U13 Tigers - County Cup Last Four!

Our U13 Tigers finished 2023 unbeaten in the league and found themselves in the Semi Final of the Tyro Cup and Quarter Final of Hampshire Cup. In fact they actually haven’t lost a competitive game since October 2022!! A fantastic achievement from a great bunch of lads.

They went into their tough Hampshire Cup quarter final away to division one Romsey Town Panthers who play a division above the Tigers who were cruelly denied promotion from division two last season.

The boys continued to show their qualities and pedigree with a superb 4-3 away win to reach the County Cup Semi final for the first time.

Goalscorers were Miles Griffiths with a brace, Charlie Allen and Connor Pendergast. At the other end of the pitch debutant goalie Oliver Kiloh ,thrown in at the deep end, was outstanding.

A fantastic team performance from everyone and a huge well done to Chris, Richard and all of the boys .

#upthepurps

U18 Panthers - Floodlit Cup v Aldershot Town

U18 Panthers - Hampshire FA Midweek Cup

Our U18 Panthers Hampshire FA Midweek Floodlit Cup run came to an end in the quarter final with a 4-1 defeat to Aldershot Town including two penalties.

Although disappointed the boys have enjoyed a tremendous season to date and run in this competition. To exit to a full time academy team is no disgrace.

The boys played exceptionally well and as always were a credit to our club.

Well done to George, Matt and the team.

Please share

#upthepurps

See Insights and Ads

Boost post

All reactions:

2626


SUMMER TOURNAMENT - JULY 6 AND 7

SUMMER TOURNAMENT

JULY 6 and 7

The club will be holding our very popular summer tournament during the weekend of July 6 and 7.

The age groups will be based on 24/25 season and the format will be as per age group for that season.ie U9 will be 7-a-side.

Saturday AM: U7 Boys, U8 Boys,U8 Girls, U11 Girls,U12 Girls

Saturday PM: U11 Boys, U12 Boys, U15 Girls

Sunday AM: U9 Boys, U9 Girls,U10 Boys, U10 Girls, U14 Girls.

Sunday PM: U13 Boys, U13 Girls , U14 Boys

Last summer we hosted over 5000 people during the weekend with 180 teams from all over the South of England.

The club will be asking for help and anyone wishing to volunteer please contact chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk or tournament@afcstoneham.co.uk

Entry forms and further details will be available very soon.

Thank you

Please share

#upthepurps

PAN DISABILITY AND NEW DEAF TEAM

Pan Disability football and New Deaf Team

AFC Stoneham is proud to be a fully inclusive and diverse club. We are therefore delighted to announce that we will be creating a new Pan Disability pathway structure in 2024.

The first team to become part of the pathway will be our new Deaf Team who will start training on January 9th.

We already have a few players and are currently looking for any other players who may be interested in joining the team.

In addition to our Deaf Team we will soon be announcing details of our first Pan Disability sessions in January which we very much hope will lead to new players joining the club and forming additional groups and teams.

As always, the club is looking for volunteers and support for our new initiative. Anyone interested or wishing to obtain more details please contact :

chairman@afcstoneham.co.uk

Rob 07525649136

Mark 07841696579

We would like to take the opportunity to thank Hampshire FA for their help and support towards our club in moving this fantastic initiative forward.

AFC Stoneham is very excited about the future growth of both our Pan Disability pathway and our new Deaf Team.

Thank you

WEEKEND ROUND UP: DEC 9/10

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!!

#upthepurps