ALCONBURY COLTS FOOTBALL CLUB
MATCH REPORTS UNDER 11S
Saturday 17th February
Godmanchester R White 0-8 Alconbury
Goals: Jo 3, Archie, Oscar, Toby L, Lewis & Alex
MOTM: Jo
The boys looked fresh and full of energy after last weeks game was postponed and once again they all came out the blocks flying!
We struck and early goal within the first 5 minutes, after Oscar caused havoc down right wing, (which he did all game long) the ball fell to Jo to strike in the first goal. Archie had recently rejoined the team and he announced his return with a goal to make it 2-0 Alconbury. The Godmanchester keeper and defenders blocked and tackled bravely to keep us out but Oscar and Jo both added to the score line to make it 4-0 at half time.
The second half was more of the same, we continued to press for more goals and the teamwork was great to watch. The two brothers, Lewis and Josh, combined brilliantly to make it 5-0. Toby L showed great determination to follow up a good save to make it 6-0. The highlight of the game was Jo’s hat trick, the ball fell to him inside the box on his (weaker) right foot. Rather than take a touch or use his right foot, he performed an outrageous rabona win his left that beat the keeper! Alex made it 8-0 with a fine long range effort into the bottom corner. A big shout out to all the other players as well. Bones with another commanding performance in goal and another clean sheet. Andreas bossing the midfield as always. Jordan was superb in defence, having his best game of the season. Jayden and Toby R denied the opposition attackers any sniff of a chance for the whole game and played the ball out of defence calmly every time. Also Monty who worked tirelessly up front and gave 100% for every second he was on the pitch. Another cracking result and our second 8-0 win in a row. Hopefully can continue next week at home to Little Paxton Navy.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 3rd February
Somersham 0-8 Alconbury
Goals: Josh 3, Oscar 3, Lewis 2
Man of the Match: Josh
In our last outing, we had a disappointing result against a very tough team but we were looking to bounce back this week against Somersham.
I couldn’t have asked for a better start, as we scored after 54 seconds. Oscar broke down the right and delivered the ball into the area early, which seemed to catch the keeper off guard, because the ball went straight in. Only Oscar knows if he meant it as a cross or a shot. Our pressing and positioning was really crating problems for Somersham who struggled to get out of their own half. We continued to dominate and Josh completed a first half hat trick with 3 well taken finishes. His hard work and link up play doesn’t always reward him with goals, but he certainly took advantage today. Not wanting to let his brother get all the glory, Lewis made it 5-0 with a screamer from 25 yards out! Oscar grabbed his second of the game with a trademark mazy run from inside his own half to make the score 6-0 at half time.
We hanged our keeper at half time to give Bones some well deserved time on pitch, he stepped up to playing in goal his season brilliantly and made the position his own. Toby L put on the gloves for the second half, and although he didn’t have much to do, he kept a clean sheet.
Lewis slotted away a penalty to add to his tally for the season and Oscar competed a well deserved hat trick to make the final score 8-0. A great team performance, not just from the goal scorers, but the whole team played exceptionally well. Even though the game was very easy at times, all players still tried to pass the ball around and use the space effectively. Well done to all involved!
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 27th January
Little Paxton Sky 10-0 Alconbury
Man of the Match: Bones
The boys and parents were all excited for our quarter final clash. We knew it was always going to be a very tough game against an unbeaten Little Paxton side. The boys battled hard and never gave up in our hardest match of the season. Despite the result, all the players should be extremely proud of themselves for getting into a quarter final. We can now concentrate on finishing the season strong with our remaining league matches and start looking forward to next year.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 13th January
Alconbury 3-1 Warboys
Goals: Oscar 3
Man of the Match: Oscar
Our first game back after the winter break was a second round cup match against a tough Warboys team. They had beaten us in both previous meetings this season but we were confident we could finally get that elusive win.
All the boys showed no sign of being rusty after a few weeks without matches because the pace we started with was electric. We took the lead when Oscar picked up the ball in space and took on a couple of players and blasted a shot past the keeper. His second was more of the same, getting the ball in space and driving past opposition players. He added his second and third before half time to give us a 3-0 lead.
After the shock of the first half performance, Warboys grew back into the game and created chance after chance but every time or defence stood strong and denied them. We did eventually concede which made for some very nervous last minutes of the game but we held on the progress into the quarter finals. Thoroughly deserved from all the boys, very proud and we look forward to continuing our cup run.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 25th November
Alconbury 1-8 St Ives Blue
Goal: Josh
MOTM: Josh
We went into this match, knowing it was going to be a difficult game and we were hoping to shake off our disappointment after the defeat to Warboys.
Just like the Warboys match, the score didn’t reflect our performance. The first half was very even, with both teams creating chances. A couple of defensive errors gave St Ives a 2-0 lead going into the break.
Although we were behind, there were many positives to take from the opening half. Our midfield and attack linked up well to create problems for St Ives but we just couldn’t find that finishing touch.
The second half we continued to press for a goal, which at times, left us open and vulnerable at the back, which St Ives punished us for. It seemed that every attack or shot they produced ended up in a goal for them, with our efforts, never resulting in a goal. We fell further behind and understandably, our boys started to drop their heads with the game running away from us. We managed to get on the score sheet via Josh L, who tireless work up front was finally rewarded after some good positional play.
After the game I asked the boys, that if the game has finished 0-0, would they have been happy with the way they played, to which most replied with a yes. Very similar to last weeks game, frustrating scoreline, but many positives to take away from the match. Next week we travel away to an unbeaten Ramsey team which can hopefully be a competitive game for us to finally get a bit of luck and a result that our hard work deserves.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 2nd December
Ramsey 1-4 Alconbury
Goals: Oscar, Lewis (pen), Josh & Monty
MOTM: Monty
After last weeks disappointing result, we looked to bounce back with another tough game away to Ramsey, who were unbeaten so far this season.
We could see from the very first minute that we were in for a tough game as Ramsey attacked with pace and power down both wings and managed to get a few shots away. We held on and the game settled down, both teams created chances but struggled to get the opening goal. However, the deadlock was broken when Ramsey played some good football to create an opening for their striker, who took his chance to give his team the lead.
Our reaction to going 1-0 down was brilliant from every player, no sulking or heads down, but everyone looking really determined to get back into the game.
We kept the pressure on Ramsey and got a deserved equaliser through Oscar’s brilliant solo goal. He picked the ball up in his own half and never looked back, his pace took him past 3 players which left him one on one with the keeper and he cooly slotted the ball into the net. We went into half time 1-1 and the boys were buzzing from a great half of football.
The second half we really stepped up a gear and Ramsey couldn’t live with us.
We took the lead from a corner, after a great ball into the box, and a bit of confusion, we were awarded a penalty for a handball from a defender. Lewis stepped up to take it, but slipped as he struck the ball. He scored but had to retake it because he touched the ball twice. There was no mistake from the second attempt, Lewis smashes the ball down the middle leaving the keeper no chance. We continued to show what a great side we can be when we put our minds to it. All the boys gave 100% with special mention to Josh and Monty who’s tireless efforts up front were rewarded with a goal each. Their strike force partnership worked wonders today and they both deserved their goals. A great 4-2 victory!
Lewis lead like a true captain from the back. Andreas was all over the pitch, making tackles and beating players with skill and pace. He was helped by Jo and Alex who put in great performances with their tough tackling and solid performances. Bones was commanding in goal and controlled his area well, he’s really growing into a very good keeper. Toby R and Jordan were solid as ever, their calming presence in the team has been a really asset this season. Toby L was full of energy, tackling anyone in sight and linking up to create our attacks.
Great performance from all the boys, very proud of all the hard work they keep putting in at training and matches.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 18th November
Warboys 5-2 Alconbury
Goals: Toby L & Jayden F
MOTM: Oscar P & Jayden F
It was the second time we would face Warboys this season, and it won’t be the last, as we will be playing them in the next round of the cup.
We were confident of a close and competitive game, just like in the previous match (a 4-2 defeat). The opposition keeper put in a Man if the Match performance last time, and there was no change in the way he played this time around, making several good stops in the first few minutes. Despite our positive start, we fell behind when their striker reacted quickest to pounce on a loose ball to make it 1-0 to Warboys.
Alconbury produced the perfect response and we equalised almost straight from kick off. Some clever link up play between Jo, Lewis and Josh, lead to the ball being played into the area and Toby L was there to tap in the equaliser. The rest of the half saw both teams playing a tough competitive game with both GK’s kept busy.
The second half followed the same pattern as the first but Warboys slowly started to take control of the game. After some quick counter attacking, and a few defensive mistakes we found ourselves 4-1 down in the blink of an eye. The opposition keeper was utilising his big drop kicks and we struggled to deal with the long ball. Once we steadied ourselves in defence we started to dominate the game. We pushed more players forward in search for goals and we had a lot of success with Oscar on the right side and Andreas down the middle. After having all the possession and numerous corners and shots, we finally got our second. Oscar broke down the right, beating 3 or 4 defenders and drilled a low cross for Jayden to sweep home his first goal of the season.
Their keeper had another great performance during the second half and we just couldn’t find another breakthrough. Warboys scored once more right at the end of the game to make the final score 5-2. A great team performance, with many positives to take away. The score didn’t reflect how the game was played and we’ll be looking to get revenge in our rescheduled match on December 16th. Back at home next week against St Ives Blue Sox and will be looking to continue the good performances.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 11th November
Alconbury 2-2 Godmanchester Rovers Youth Blue
Goals: Andreas x2
MOTM: Jordan
Last weekends washout cup game against Warboys had to be put behind us as we started the new winter league mini season against Godmanchester Rovers Youth Blue. We were without a full squad because we had 3 players away which made a tough game even tougher.
Both teams started brightly, creating chances early on, it was always going to be an even match up. Alconbury just about edged the first half, having several chances either saved or blocked by the Godmanchester keeper and defence. Our own defence stood strong, the combination of Jordan, Jayden, Toby R and Bones (keeper) managed to keep the opposition attackers at bay for the first half.
We broke the deadlock just before halftime, after a few corners and some good pressure, Andreas managed to find space for a shot, which the keeper parried, Andreas reacted quickest to get to the rebound and tucked it away to give us a 1-0 lead at half time.
In the second half, the game started to open up a bit and both teams started creating more chances. Godmanchester got their equaliser, which had a touch of luck about it after a deep cross went in off the post. The boys looked deflated but determined after this set back and soon re-took the lead. It was a great solo goal from Andreas, he picked the back up on half way and after beating a couple of players, drilled a low shot from the edge of the box past the keeper for his second of the game.
We continued to attack to try to finish the game off with Lewis, Josh and Monty all having chances that just wouldn’t go in. Godmanchester gambled and pushesd more players forward and the gamble paid off with literally the last kick of the game. After a couple of deflections the ball fell kindly to their striker who struck the ball first time into the back of the net. We kicked off but the ref then blew for full time. The boys were gutted and it felt like a loss, which shows how much effort they put into the game. A hard fought, battling draw and another unbeaten game is just what we needed to take into next weeks rearranged cup match against Warboys.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 28th October
Alconbury 1-7 Hemingford
Goal: Toby L
MOTM: Jordan D and Andreas I
After having a week off, the Under 11’s hoped to continue their winning run against a tough Hemingford side. This would be our last league game of the first mini-season and we had high hopes of going out with a win. It was always going to be a tough game, especially with 3 players missing from the squad.
The first half was a vey even contest, with no side being able to take control. Alconbury began to edge the game, creating some good chances with Lewis and Oscar on the flanks. Despite creating the better chances and having the majority of possession. Hemingford took the lead with a well taken chance after a scrappy period of play. Alconbury still threatened the Hemingford goal but just couldn’t get that elusive equaliser.
At half time we were behind 1-0 but were the better team, even their manager said they were lucky to be leading at the break.
It seemed that we ran out of steam in the second half, with Hemingford punishing any mistake we made. We soon found ourselves 3-0 down. Despite the score, the boys kept on going and didn’t give up and we deservedly got our goal when the ball fell to Toby L inside the box and he tapped in his second goal of the season.
Hemingford replied almost instantly to make it 4-1 which we really struggled to pick our heads up from. Hemingford continued to press hard and as we pushed more players forward to get back into the game, their effective counter attacks were successful in giving them a 7-1 lead.
Sometimes in football, the score doesn’t reflect how the game was played and this was definitely one of those occasions. The boys played very well and battled until the final whistle. We lost our way in the second half but there are many positives from the first half which we’ll take into next weeks second round cup match at home to Warboys.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 14th October
Alconbury 3-1 St Neots Town Sky
Goals: Monty F, Oscar P & Lewis L
Man of the match: Toby G
Alconbury were hoping to continue their good form with a home encounter against an in-form St Neots side, who had recently joined from the Cambs League. We knew this was going to be a difficult game, as St Neots were unbeaten so far this season, including a 9-0 victory against Little Paxton.
The game got off to a scrappy start, with neither team being able to settle in possession or find any rhythm. Once the frantic pace started to calm down, St Neots began to take control, with Alconbury struggling to get a foot hold in the game. Although St Neots enjoyed the majority of possession and territory, they couldn't get that elusive first goal. The boys really had to work hard and keep concentrating as St Neots kept on coming. The combination of our tough tackling defenders and Bones (Toby G) in goal, was really impressive, made even more impressive by the fact Bones was a late replacement as our keeper for the day.
The first half was a bit of a snatch and grab performance, with Alconbury taking the lead right before half time, the perfect time to score. After some good build up play we earned a corner, and Oscar P delivered a beaut of a ball into the box, where Monty F was on hand to tuck away his first goal of the season. Alconbury went into the break, exhausted but leading 1-0.
The second half was much more even, with St Neots beginning to tire and become frustrated at Alconbury's resilient defending. We began to build our way back into the game, with all the boys holding positions and showing great team work to put in blocks and tackles at every opportunity. About half way through the second half, we made it 2-0 with a classic counter attacking goal. Oscar P picked up the ball in his own half and with a direct pass found the feet of Josh L. Josh showed great composure to control the ball, hold off his man and wait for Oscar to make the run and play him through. Once Oscar gets going, no one can catch him and he raced away from the defenders with ease and finished with a well struck shot across the keeper.
St Neots replied almost instantly, after some more pressing attacks, we finally conceded after a bit of a goal mouth scramble, it fell to an opposition player who got St Neots a well deserved goal. Alconbury started to look nervous and a few mistakes started to creep in here and there, but all was calm again as soon as we added our third. The ball fell to Lewis L, and with it bouncing, he struck a sweet volley from distance which bounced over the unlucky keeper and into the net. This was Lewis' 8th goal of the season in just 5 games!
The game finished not long after that goal and Alconbury came away with a hard fought 3-1 win against a very strong team. It wasn't the prettiest of games, but sometimes you have to 'win ugly'. Big well done to all the team, 3 games unbeaten now and hoping to continue our good form. Man of the match went to Bones, who had a solid performance as our stand in keeper.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 7th October
Little Paxton Sky 2-5 Alconbury
Goals: Lewis L(2), Jo S, Andreas I & Toby L
Man of the Match: Jo S & Toby R
Alconbury were hoping to continue their good from, after last weeks triumph in the cup, with a potentially tricky away match against Little Paxton Sky. After another really good training session together on Monday, the boys started positively and were on the front foot from the first whistle. In difficult conditions (playing up hill against the wind) Alconbury were disciplined with their positioning and battled well with a Little Paxton team who were searching for their first win of the season. After a few chances at each end, the deadlock was finally broken when Lewis struck a shot that proved too powerful for the opposition keeper to give us a 1-0 lead.
Alconbury controlled the rest of the half, with our two defenders, Toby R and Jordan, looking very solid and calm on the ball. Alex, playing in a defensive midfield role, was at his best, picking up the ball numerous times and dispossessing Little Paxton to start our attacks. Unfortunately with almost the last kick of the half, Little Paxton equalised with a long range strike. The teams went into half time at 1-1.
At the start of the second half, the rain and wind subsided to make playing conditions easier. We were now playing down hill, which we were hoping would help any tiring legs. The second half started very evenly and Little Paxton took the lead with a free kick. Despite this setback, the attitude of the Alconbury players was spot on and we got a great reaction from every player. The boys looked determined to get back into the game. Sam R found his voice again, and after some good saves and distribution from him, we began to dominate.
The pressure soon told and we equalised when Lewis grabbed his second of the game to make it 2-2. The boys weren't done there and soon enough we took a deserved lead. After a couple of fantastic corners from Jordan, a scramble in the box, it fell to Jo who rifled it into the roof of the net. 3-2 Alconbury! Little Paxton still continued to threaten and counter attack but the combination of Sam, Alex, Toby R, Jordan and Jayden, kept them at bay and restricted their chances.
As a manager, it was a joy to watch the boys play so well as a team and not panic when we went behind. After some good link up play involving Josh, and some great pressuring from Toby L, Monty and Toby G we went onto score 2 more goals in the final minutes of the game. Andreas, who didn't stop working and running for the entire game, grabbed the fourth, a poachers goal after a good save from the keeper. Our fifth was very similar, after another good save from the keeper, Toby L was on hand to poke the ball into the net for his first goal for Alconbury.
The score finished 5-2 to us and it reflected a great overall team performance. Every player was outstanding today and it was a very hard choice to pick a man of the match. Dan and I decided to give a joint award this week, with Jo and Toby R receiving the trophy. We have a home game against a very strong St Neots side next week and will be hoping to take our good form into that game.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 30th September
Alconbury 12-5 Gransden Blue (Cup)
Goals: Lewis L (3), Ted G (3), Oscar P (3), Andreas I (2) & Sam B
Man of the Match: Josh L
Any memories of last weeks heavy defeat to Little Paxton was well and truly gone! The boys came out flying in the first half, Gransden didn't know what hit them! It was an all round great team performance, with all players holding their positions well, playing simple football and trusting their teammates. At half time we found ourselves 9-0 up! As a manager, I couldn't have asked for more from the boys. All the players were really working hard together, regardless of if there were a Red or Blue last season.
The second half, we took our foot of the gas a bit and allowed Gransden to get back into the game. It's always hard to keep the momentum going, especially when you're winning 9-0, so the boys learned a good lesson about not relaxing too much when you're winning. It also showed how important it is to stick to positions and not all play as a striker.
All credit to Gransden who played some good counter attacking football to score 5 second half goals to make the game more competitive. Alconbury did continue to press and attack, forcing the Gransden keeper into multiple saves. We scored 3 in the second half to finish with 12 goals in the match and could have possibly had a few more.
The boys all worked really hard in training on the previous Monday and it really showed in what was a pulsating first half display.
Josh L was awarded Man of the Match for his tireless effort up front. His brilliant hold up play, lead to 5/6 assists for him and his performance deserved a goal.
Great result, great performance from all the players and hopefully we can continue to train hard and take our good form into next weeks league game against Little Paxton Navy.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 23rd September, Alconbury 2-12 Little Paxton Sky (Friendly)
Goals: Lewis L & Josh L
Our first home game of the season didn't quite go to plan. We chose this friendly match because we knew it would be a tough test for the boys and the score line proved that. A very disciplined and skilful Little Paxton side played some brilliant football at times and showed why they are unbeaten on the top league this season.
Alconbury played some really good football in short periods and made 5/6 good chances in the first half, but just weren't able to convert them into goals. Unfortunately for us, Little Paxton were clinical in front of goal and punished any mistake we made.
It wasn't a compete shut out, the L brothers both bagged a goal each (much to the distress of Sam's wallet) to ensure we got on the scoresheet.
Overall a disappointing result, but if we don't make mistakes then we won't learn and improve. We take the positives into next weeks cup match where we'll be hoping for a better result.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell
Saturday 16th September, Warboys 4-2 Alconbury
Goals: Lewis L & Ted G
Man of the Match: Lewis L
It was our first game together since we merged the two teams together so it was always going to be a tough game for players, managers and supporters. If there were any nerves, the boys didn't show it as we raced into 2-0 lead. The first goal from Lewis L, charging down the left wing and rocketing a 25 yard effort over the keeper into the net. The second came after some good build up play, starting with Alex at the back, involving the Lawman brothers and Ted G was on hand to finish smartly.
From then on, Alconbury were on top, forcing the Warboys keeper into 8 or 9 great saves. We counted that 7 different players had shots all kept out by the Warboys shot stopper and a Jo S strike against the post. We conceded a sloppy goal just before half time which Warboys had deserved after a good passing move. We went into half time leading 2-1 with all players working hard together.
At half time the heavens opened and made the game scrappy and end to end. The boys found it difficult to get going again and Warboys quickly scored 3 goals to take the lead. We had a few chances but couldn't continue the pressing and passing from the first half. The weather didn't help, with the pitch becoming sloppy and hard to negotiate. Unfortunately we couldn't get back into the game and it finished 4-2. An unlucky result considering how on top we were at one point.
Man of the Match went to Lewis L for his great first half strike. Sam R was solid and confident in goal, and all the boys in defence played well in very tricky wet conditions.
We move onwards and upwards into what should be a very competitive season.
UNDER 11S
Manager - James Mackrell