 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Archived Match Reports |
|
2007/8 Season |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008/9 Stats |
|
|
|
|
|
Appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
Clean Sheets |
|
George T |
9 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
|
Ryan B |
13 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
|
Matthew V |
11 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Kalum M |
7 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Joe P |
7 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Alex R |
14 |
26 |
10 |
0 |
|
Bradley C |
13 |
9 |
10 |
0 |
|
Seth B |
12 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Ciaran C |
12 |
2 |
8 |
0 |
|
Keilan R |
10 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
|
William S |
5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
George N |
11 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
|
Ben S |
10 |
22 |
5 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
2008/9 Match Reports
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 13 Sep 08 Taverham v Old Catton B |
Sat
20 Sep 08 Reepham v Taverham |
|
|
|
Sat 27 Sep 08 Taverham v Soccer
Stars |
Sat
11 Oct 08 Stalham v Taverham |
|
|
|
Sat 25 Oct 08 Worstead Wolves v
Taverham |
Sat 8
Nov 08 Taverham v Cromer B |
|
|
|
Sat 15 Nov 08 Mundesley v
Taverham |
Sat 29 Nov 08 Taverham v East
Coast Warriors |
|
|
|
Sat 7
Dec 08 Taverham v Mundesley |
Sat
13 Dec 08 Old Catton B v Taverham |
|
|
|
Sat 24 Jan 09 Soccer Stars v
Taverham |
Sat 31 Jan 09 Taverham v Stalham |
|
|
|
Sat 7 Feb 09 Taverham v Worstead |
Sat 14 Feb 09 Taverham v Reepham |
|
|
|
Sat 28 Feb 09 Cromer v Taverham |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 13 Sep 08 Taverham v Old Catton B |
|
|
|
For all the the pre match talk, hype and excitement,
Taverham B finally had a taste of competitive league football on their
hands. 3 years of friendly leagues and training had prepared the boys well
for todays visitors, Old Catton B. With the new 40 min rule applying per
match, the manager packed the subs bench full to its grassy brim. With 6 a
side and a max of 6 subs per match, 12 players were included within the
squad.
The Lions fielded a strong looking team to kick off
the season. George T took the keepers shirt with the defensive pairing of
Ryan and Matthew looking to carry on where they left off last season. The
midfield pairing of Alex and Bradley [c] and lone striker Ben made up the
6.
The game was off to a lively start. On the 2 minute
mark Alex controlled the ball on the half way line and threaded through a
perfectly weighted pass for Ben to slot home. Almost straight from the
kick off Bradley picked up a loose ball and fired a blaster at the Catton
keeper - despite a good save the keeper failed to control the ball and the
resulting spill was converted by Benny Boy. The Lions continued to
dominate for the remainder of the first half with both the midfield and
defence denying Catton any real chances. Alex made a strong solo run
before slotting away for his first of the season with a 3rd for Ben
following shortly after, this following further tidy work from Alex.
Taverham pushed on for the remainder of the half with
Bradley claiming a goal from his neatly curled corner kick. Ben followed
his earlier efforts with a further two goals, one of which was neatly
provided by Matthew. The half finished with a neat four pass move from
the Hinksiders, only to be denied by the Catton keeper. He is certainly
worthy of a mention for some great saves throughout the half.
Half Time 7-0
Some substitutions were made early on with the
manager introducing Seth, George N and Joe from the start. Seth made an
immediate impact on the game setting up George N. He followed up this good
work with a solo mazy run to beat 3 players before slotting home - a truly
great goal. GK George was called into action early on with a couple of
strong saves. He also claimed his first assist with a quick goal kick
finding an unmarked Keilan for his first of the season. Kalum and William
were also brought on with all 12 squad players making their first
appearance of the season. Kalum was his usual combative self in the
midfield with Will also working hard up front when called into action. Joe
had a couple of neat runs down the wing with some tidy balls back into the
box. Ryan picked up a knock so a refreshed Matthew wall called back onto
replace him. Catton picked up a well deserved goal midway through the
half, this was followed up by a good finish from George N following some
tidy work from Seth. Shortly afterwards George N made the clearance of the
day, unfortunately it was off the Old Catton line ... 6.9 for effort
nonetheless.
This was a great start to the season with Taverham
bagging a 10-1 victory. It was pleasing to see all the players involved in
the match with everyone giving 100% throughout the morning. A mention for
Old Catton who continued to battle throughout the game - not a dropped
head in sight.
Roll on Reepham, happy days.
Full Time 10-1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 20 Sep 08 Reepham v Taverham |
|
|
|
The fixture mixture served up a spicy away treat against
Reepham. The pitch was beautifully prepared, this without doubt the finest
the boys have played on since starting out 3 years ago. The setting was
also helped by some balmy early Autumnal sunshine, however the managers
decision to drop his trousers for shorts did take the shine off
proceedings a little.
The bare legged chief took the bull by its horns and opted for a
Bargemanesque 3 man midfield, leaving Rico to mop up defensively and Ben
to continue his rich form in front of goal. Alex, Bradley and the
mercurial winger CJ made up the numbers centrally with Seth starting in
goal.
The game kicked off at a lively pace, Taverham forced an early corner with
the resulting shot brushing the side netting. Reepham impressed early on
with little between the two sides. After some tight midfield action
Reepham claimed their first corner of the match. The ball was whipped into
the area .... unfortunately the Lions failed to clear the resulting
scramble with Reepham prodding the ball passed the sprawled keeper - 1-0.
Seth made a couple of fine saves, both 1 on 1's, with the keeper quick off
his line to close down and see off the danger .. great work Seth. These
seemed to be the wake up call needed with CJ immediately called into
action down the left wing. He progressed well pushing the ball passed a
defender before flipping the cross into the mix. Benjani was on hand to
collect and despatch, 1-1 .. great work CJ, more of the same please.
Shortly afterwards ref Harriet called for half time - this a very even
affair with little between the two teams.
Half Time 1-1
A slight change was made during the break with Ben slipped into left
midfield to replace CJ and George coming on up front. The team now took on
a different look with more strength in the middle of the park. The early
exchanges went Taverham's way with Ben having a screamer stopped by the
away keeper. Another move saw Alex progress nicely down the middle after
controlling and turning a goal kick from Seth. The midfielder looked up
and ripped a blaster into the opposing teams net - this a great goal and
build up. Once in front Taverham seemed to step up a gear with chances now
comparable to Louise's coffee ... hot and plentiful.
Alex continued his crossbar challenge mission with a further couple added
to his pair from the Catton match. The second rebound was gratefully
received by predator Ben who simply had to tap in for his second of the
match. Reepham managed a counter attack, however this was snuffed out by
the ever steady Rico. The blues midfield combo were now in full swing with
captain Brad having several good chances, however it was Ben who grabbed
his 3rd [and 2nd hat-trick in as many weeks] to push the visitors into a
1-4 lead. It was a great to see George grab his second of the season after
chasing down a loose ball to prod home, this well deserved and just the
boost the striker needed. Kalum came onto replace the tiring Brad in
midfield to find himself straight in the thick of it with some typically
strong challenges flying in. The final goal of the day came from Alex who
fired a shot into the top right corner. CJ was reintroduced for Alex with
a few minutes to go. The final few minutes of the match passed by with
little to report, in fairness the job was already done.
A steady first half and a great second were enough to see the Taverham
outfit move to the top of the table, early days.
Full Time 1-6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 27 Sep 08 Taverham v Soccer Stars |
|
|
|
The Lions entertained joint leaders Soccer
Stars at Hinks Meadow this Saturday. The Thorpe outfit came with a good
reputation with various tie ups in place between themselves and
professional clubs and talk of an academy in the offing.
Barry kicked things off with Taverham out of the blocks at a cracking
pace. Bradley was first to shine with some neat possession work before
sliding a tidy pass through for Alex to finish. Shortly after the restart
the Lions continued to push. Some neat work on the wing led to a teasing
cross into the box for Ben to squeeze home. Captain Brad turned playmaker
again with another lay off to Ben for Taverham's 3rd of the morning.
Matthew was rested for CJ with the Lions resorting to a single player at
the back, Rico. The winger was straight into the action with a half volley
blasted just over the crossbar from inside the box - a contender for goal
of the season had it have found the net. In the last few minutes of the
half Alex grabbed a further two goals to give the midfield maestro his
first hat-trick of the season - well done Alex.
Half Time 5-0
A couple of changes were made during the break with Joe and Keilan
introduced to replace tiring legs. Once off, Taverham again started the
livelier with several chances coming and going, this partly down to some
solid goalkeeping from the SS keeper. A resulting goal kick was met by the
head of Rico who found Alex, the midfielder managed to earn a corner from
the possession with CJ asked to do the honours. The result was a great
ball into the box which Alex converted for his 4th of the day. The tiring
Ryan was replaced with Matthew after some excellent work. Taverham
snatched their 7th of the day with the dogged Joe controlling the ball in
the box before blasting it into the net, this hopefully turning out to be
his first of many goals this season. George came on up front with Will
introduced into defence to help Matthew. With all the changes to the squad
the shape started to break down a little. Soccer Stars took advantage of
this and came into the match, one period of pressure saw a cracking
goalmouth scramble in the Taverham box, however, this was eventually
cleared without harm. Hopes of a first clean sheet were dashed shortly
afterwards with Soccer Stars taking advantage of some basic defensive and
goalkeeping errors, with 3 soft goals conceded towards the end of the
game. However not to be downhearted, George, Keilan and CJ continued to
battle hard with Ben finding the net with two further goals before the
end.
Despite another good win there were lessons to take from the game, not
least defensively. With Stalham beating Worstead 8-0 and an away trip to
the joint leaders in two weeks time, its starting to look very interesting
up there.
Full Time 9-3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 11 Oct 08 Stalham v Taverham |
|
|
|
Rarely does an occasion grip the players,
parents and passers-by like this one, but lets talk about Martin later.
For those in the convoy to Stalham it seemed like this game would never
happen, once again I failed to hit the target first time. Nonetheless we
soon weaved our way through the obligatory nursing home car parks, and a
couple of cul-de-sacs before finding Stalham sports centre.
With two weeks since the last game the boys really were chomping at the
bit for this table topping clash. Both teams came into the game with
maximum points from their three previous matches. Over the last couple of
seasons Stalham have edged us on matches won, however we came into the
game having beaten them in our last 2 meetings - a real six pointer if
ever there was one.
The weather rose to the occasion with a mild sunny morning providing the
perfect setting for the game. 8 players were in with Seth back in goal
following some outstanding performances in training. Matthew, Rico, Alex,
Brad, CJ, George and Ben made up the remainder. We stuck to our orthodox
2-2-1 formation with a defensive look to the team early on ... just as
well !
We started lively. In fact we took an early lead thanks to a tidy cross
from Ben which was converted by Alex. There were a few other efforts early
on, however the game slowly turned with Stalham having the upper hand from
then on. It was only a matter of time before their number 11, who
impressed throughout, hit the corner of the net from distance. This really
knocked the stuffing out of us. The passing stopped as did the running,
chasing down and the general flow of the team. Ben was replaced by George
with the little man looking off the pace early on. Losing Brad midway
through the half with a foot injury was also a blow, however this opened
up doors for CJ who looked lively when introduced. The pressure continued
with Seth called onto make a couple of great saves midway through the
half. There was an inevitability about their 2nd goal. The ball was flying
around in our box for far too long without clearance - it simply needed a
good size 3 put through it, unfortunately when it came the player was
wearing a white shirt and not a blue one. As if that weren't bad enough we
fell to a sucker punch shortly afterwards. A Stalham corner crept into the
goal, unchallenged at the near post. In fairness to Rico he had a good go
at it, however we must learn to hold the posts until the danger is over -
more on this later.
Half Time 3-1
Calvin got his freshly peeled bananas out during the half time team talk
.. what an inspirational idea .. Ben and Brad came back on at the break.
With the downward slope with us during the 2nd half we set about the
recovery. The team appeared transformed - whether this was down to the
half time talk or Calvin's bananas remains a mystery of Scooby
proportions. Talking of which, the game was in mid flow when suddenly, for
no apparent reason, our very own Velma decided to trip over the water
bottles. Rarely do you see players and supporters alike stand and applaud
as they did. The funniest bit was the way Martin quickly pulled himself up
in the vain hope that nobody had noticed .. no chance .. anyway back to
the football.
We were cooking on gas. The only worry was whether we could convert any of
the chances which were flying wide early on. The answer was simply yes.
Alex picked up a loose ball in midfield and rifled it home from distance,
with confidence growing we equalised after Brad struck gold from Benjanis
assist. Stalham looked ragged, heads had dropped and there was no stopping
the boys in blue. A quick throw from Brad found Ben who once again
provided the assist for Alex to hit his hat-trick. Matthew had really
upped his work rate and was shining in his new midfield position. He
provided a pass to Bradley, only for the hardworking midfielder to be
tripped in the box. Our first penalty of the season was the reward with
Ben asked to do the honours. Frankly it was never in doubt .. the forward
bombed one into the corner roof of the net .. class. Shortly afterwards a
failed Stalham goal kick was picked up by Bradley who netted for his 2nd
of the day. George and CJ were re-introduced with 10 mins to go. Stalham
had a few chances however the ever steady Rico was ready on most occasions
with one nicely cleared from a corner at the near post with his head -
this especially nice to see after the half time reminder. Seth mopped up
some rare Stalham attacks with some sharp interceptions off his line, well
done.
CJ continued to look lively with good work across the pitch, one pass fell
to George who just failed to capitalise in the box. It was CJ who whipped
a corner into the box that was turned in by a Stalham defender. The winger
made a claim for the goal afterwards, however the dubious goals panel
stood firm, he gets the assist for asking though.
With a few late injuries for Stalham the match drew to a close. This was a
fantastic turnaround by the team, winning the second half 6-0. This just
highlights the great spirit we have in the camp. Our heads could have
dropped but they didn't. Thanks to Vicky and her Stalham side for playing
their part in what was a cracking match.
I can't sign off without thanking a special couple for their very kind
donation to the team. This really is much appreciated by all.
Full Time 3-7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 25 Oct 08 Worstead Wolves v Taverham |
|
|
|
"We were awesome today" said striker George,
confirming everyone's thoughts after another solid performance saw
Taverham FC take 3 oh so important league points away at Worstead. A
number of changes were made to the squad with big guns Brad, Benjani and
Matty rested. Doors were opened for others and boy did they jump through
them.
Sue lead this weeks convoy from the Chippie with the destination found in
one, nice work. In fairness she did have an advantage with Alex an ex
Worstead player, this certainly a game he did not want to miss. There were
firsts all round with Rico defying all pre-match odds, arriving with his
laces actually tied up for a change. Furthermore Sharon proved beyond any
doubt that she is a lightweight .. couple of shandys on Friday night and
the rest is history ... on arrival CJ was overhead saying "messy, very
messy". However without doubt the biggest first of the day can be found in
the scoreline below ... more on this later ...
George and Joe bagged their first starts of the season with Alex and Seth
working the midfield and Rico asked to shut up shop at the back. GK George
claimed another start thanks to some good work in midweek training. We
often mention slow starts and strong finishes in these reports, however
this week seemed different. There was a very steady flow to this game with
passing to the fore throughout. Whilst we managed to carve out some good
chances early on, they all seemed to creep just wide or over. If anything
there was a little too much passing, especially in front of goal.
However it wasn't long before the goals came, the first in the shape of a
side footer from Joe with a first assist of the season from George. Roles
were reversed moments later when Joe repaid the favour to George. As if
often the case, a couple of goals go in and they start to come thick and
fast - Alex surged through the middle of park to slot one home from
outside the box. Seth worked tirelessly all morning with some excellent
chasing back when needed. He set up George for his 2nd of the day with
some nice link up work down the wing. With half time rapidly approaching
we managed to squeeze out another goal, this time Alex converting a sloppy
clearance from the keeper.
Half Time 0-5
Keilan replaced the hard working Joe at half time with the rest unchanged.
The team talk emphasising the many positives with few negatives. Worstead
worked hard in the second half, their passing had improved with a couple
of chances nipped in the bud by the ever steady Rico early on. Alex
continued to boss the middle of park with Keilan putting in some good work
too, in fact it was the 'wii man' who slid one agonisingly wide after some
good work from Seth. A nice early goal kick from George found Alex in the
middle who knocked it past two before finding the net for his hat-trick ..
great work Alex. Midway through the half CJ arrived and swiftly replaced
the tiring Seth down the left. Will also came on to replace George who had
worked his socks off up front all morning.
CJ immediately made an impact with his turn of pace a little too much for
tiring legs. It was some great work from him down the right [yes right!]
that found Keilan waiting to tap in, first touch - no messing. Great play
from both and certainly the goal of the day. Will had a couple of chances
however neither quite sat up for him.
Full Time 0-7
As I mentioned above, not only was this a big 3 points it was great to
secure our first clean sheet of the season. Without stating the obvious
this was mainly down to Rico and George. Not one got past the defender all
day, in fact it was some dribbling down the left wing that drew praise and
applause from the away coaches, this a really nice touch. As for the
keeper, he had little to do, however when called upon he was there. It was
his late 'do or die' scramble that ensured a clean sheet .. well done
guys.
Enjoy the Halloween break everyone, well deserved feet up until Nov 4th ..
Before I go here's a little homework for you ... out of the 15 people who
I have shown this to, not one person has got it right first time .. let me
know how you get on .. kids too ..
Read the following sentence carefully and count the number of 'F's you can
see .. no trick, just simply count them.
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RE-
SULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIF-
IC STUDY COMBINED WITH
THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS.
If you counted 3, have another go ...
Don't read this until you have tried again ...
There are actually 6 .. yes 6!! Go on read it again and you will see. Very
clever eh ??
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 8 Nov 08 Taverham v Cromer B |
|
|
|
Remember remember the
8th November, we will indeed for it was a cracking match on a wet and
blustery morning at Hinks. Once the poo patrol had been out on the pitch
and scooped up what they could find .. seriously come on! .. 12 players
were chomping at the bit throughout the pre-match warm up, this taken by
coach Calv. Seth [GK], Rico, Brad, Alex, Matty and Ben were given the nod.
Cromer came into the
game with a good reputation. We had a tight pre-match friendly before the
season with much the same expected this morning. The game got off at a
good flow with possession fairly even. Cromer's number 6 Georgia looked
very sharp early on with some great tackling and awareness in the
midfield. If anything we looked a little off the pace with school holiday
hangovers the likely cause. Alex threaded a good early ball through to
Brad who could only head wide. Brad and Alex continued to whizz a few high
and wide, a little more composure needed on occasions. However it wasn't
long before Brad squeezed a lovely pass into the box from the left wing,
this found Benjani who duly obliged with a nice side footed first touch
finish, phew.
Another goal followed
shortly afterwards with a Matty pass finding Alex unmarked, the midfielder
took a couple of touches before planting the ball into the net. At 2-0 we
still had plenty to do. Cromer made some good runs and always looked
dangerous on the break. Ben was replaced with George and Brad with CJ. The
nippy winger looked sharp when he came on and injected a little pace into
what remained a slightly tired looking first half.
Half Time 2-0
Alex got the second half
off to a promising start with a cracking long range effort, however the
keeper managed to hold onto it. Joe replaced George up front.
Frustratingly we wasted a couple of corners in quick succession, these
failing to stay on the pitch from the corner spot. Alex continued in the
goals with a couple of neat finishes .. what can we say?
CJ was replaced by Brad
in midfield. Rico continued to snuff out anything that came his way, in
fact at one stage the nippy defender passed 4 players before winning a
throw in deep into the opponents half .. great to see. Keilan replaced
Matty in midfield. Cromer remained defiant and continued to knock the ball
around well. Alex found his 4th goal of the day after a sloppy clearance
from the Cromer keeper. Seth looked sharp with good kicking and total
awareness throughout.
With just under 10 mins
to go a mass substitution was made with all 5 outfield players replaced by
the entire bench. Our boys knocked it around really well with Kalum making
some trademark challenges deep in the heart of defence. Will made a couple
of tidy passes early on with the youngster claiming his first assist after
one crept through to George who smashed the ball low into the net for his
first of the day. Ben claimed his second after George turned provider.
Seth managed to retain
the clean sheet with some great saves and early takes towards the end of
the game.
All in all a good
performance with the scoreline a little flattering to the home side.
Nonetheless, this our second clean sheet of the season and a convincing
win .. more of the same please next week at Mundesley.
Full Time 7-0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 15th Nov 08
Mundesley v Taverham |
Back to league action it was. This time a
first away trip to Mundesley, the North East Norfolk side having recently
given rivals Stalham a good run for their money. This clearly was a
special occasion for all ... Barack Obama arrived hot from election
victory in his new blacked out silver pope mobile ... even the geese
arranged a fly by in honour.
Anyway back to business. Blustery, sticky and hard work was the general
opinion on the conditions. A fair bit of rain had fell prior to the game
and this was sure to take it out of our players over the 40 mins. A few
surprises were in order. Of the 10 taken, Rico made his first start up
front, this a great chance for the ever present defender to get on the
score sheet. Matty picked up the pieces in defence with Alex, Brad and CJ
starting across the middle. George went back in between the sticks with
Seth, Will, Kalum and Keilan keeping the grassy bench warm.
We got off to the dream start with a free-kick awarded just outside the
box within the first minute. CJ grabbed the ball, always great to see, and
proceeded to blast a left foot thunderbolt into the back of the net, nice.
Could it get better, yes, Brad picked up a ball in the box and forced the
keeper into a spill, he duly mopped up the leftovers to push us 2-0 ahead.
Alex created our 3rd after picking up Rico unmarked in the box, the little
man got off the mark with a big cheer from one rather proud dad on the
touchline. Alex found himself in the goals shortly afterwards, a tasty
little left footed half volley winging its way into the net .. super stuff
! It wasn't all one way traffic, George made a couple of important
clearances after breaking quickly off his line, the Mundesley forward had
ability for sure. More goals followed with CJ delivering a great corner to
Rico who picked out Brad to do the honours. Rico was involved once again
with a solo effort making it 6. With only a few minutes of the half
remaining we managed to pick up another couple of goals from CJ and Alex.
Half Time 0-8
Bananas all round. Keep up the good work, keep trying hard, you know the
stuff. Seth replaced Brad.
The second half was a different affair to the first. All credit to Andy
and his Mundesley team who really stepped it up. They looked sharper in
the tackle and would have grabbed a couple of goals had it not been for
George in goal who was again quick to see off the danger. Matty was also
involved in some great tracking back early on, Kalum came onto replace him
after the defender started to tire. Keilan also replaced Rico up front. It
was a good 10 mins into the half before we managed to break through, this
courtesy of a Seth assist for Alex to put away another hat-trick,
brilliant.
Brad came back on for CJ who also started to tire on the surface, he
assumed more of a holding role behind the middle pair. Alex went down in a
heap with a knock to knee, Will replaced him in midfield. Brad worked hard
in the middle clearing the danger on more than one occasion, he turned
provider after a good long range effort fell to Keilan who battled hard
down the wing to knock one through to the waiting Seth, a really nice goal
based on hard work and sheer effort alone.
Full Time 0-10
Great result which takes us nicely to some non league action over the next
couple of weeks. Drayton at home in a friendly next Saturday is followed
by the mother of all cup draws at home the week after .. we welcome East
Coast Warriors to Hinks Meadow on the 29th. The unbeaten Division 1
leaders against the unbeaten Div 2 table toppers ... Bring it on ...
|
 |
|
|
|
Sat 29 Nov 08
Taverham v East Coast Warriors (League Cup) |
The waiting was over. Top of Division 1 vs
top of Division 2, both teams unbeaten and having won all of their
combined 15 matches in the league this season.
The day did not get off to the best of starts. East Coast turned up on
time, looking the part and proceeded to set about their warm up drill.
Despite the big billing we fell at the first fence .. players turning up
late and un-prepared is not what I would have expected for this mouth
watering clash. As such our pre-match warm up, team talk and build up was
all over the place. That aside we did finally manage to get 6 players on
the pitch with shin pads, full kit, laces tied up and eyes partly open ..
Moan over parents ..
We started well knocking the ball around, closing down and creating some
chances. These fell to Ben and Alex in the main, however we failed to
convert and went onto pay the price. Rico looked sharp in defence with
Matty sat just in front between the midfield pair of Alex and Brad. Some
sustained East Coast pressure led to their first goal, Seth got a hand to
the ball but it fell to their big forward who tapped in from close range.
Heads fell for a while and we quickly conceded a further couple of goals,
loss of possession by Brad and a great passing move from East Coast saw
them move 3-0 up. The subs, with CJ and George for Ben and Brad failed to
make much of an impact, albeit both looked lively.
During the break we tried to lift heads, concentrating on the positives.
No changes were made other than George replaced Seth in goal.
East Coast again looked brighter in the early exchanges. They move the
ball around so well with positioning and passing their main strengths. We
slipped further behind after we failed to close down. At 4 down we had to
gamble and reverted to an attacking 3 man midfield, this helped and we
started to equal East Coast in possession, looking more dominant in the
middle of the pitch and picking some good passes.
George looked assured in goal when challenged, some good takes with his
hands and awareness throughout, well done. Rico also did what he had to
with East Coast failing to break him down from then on. We got our reward
after 35 mins with Alex picking up a loose ball and sliding it into the
bottom left corner of the goal giving the keeper no chance.
Full Time 1-4.
All in all a really disappointing performance for a change. Whilst
appreciating East Coast are a very good side and arguably Norfolk's number
one with 8 out of 9 tournament wins last year, I firmly believe we have
the ability to push them, alas it was not to be. Heads up, take the
medicine and move on .. we will benefit from this in the long term for
sure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat
7 Dec 08 Taverham v Mundesley |
Back to league action after our brief foray
into the cup. It was really great to see all the players arrive on time
and well kitted out.
All 13 players were on duty, this compared to Mundesleys 6 .. Andy, the
opposing manager looked on enviously at our available players. The weather
was grim, cold and wet, lovely.
The first half started with George in goal, Rico in defence, CJ, Joe and
Kalum in midfield and Brad up front. The players responded well. There was
little action of note throughout the half albeit some real determination
from some, notably Kalum who gave 110%, well done !! .. Passing remained a
little off colour with shape also a problem, however all credit to those
who played with 0-0 the half time score.
The game came to life in the 2nd half. A number of subs were made at the
break with Seth replacing George in goal, Matty replacing Rico in defence,
Alex, Keilan and Ben in midfield with George up front. Chances came and
went with some good work from Keilan in the middle early on. It was the
little man who knocked a wide ball to Ben. He stepped inside onto his
right foot and planted one into the far corner .. phew !! Keilan turned
creator once again with his pass deflecting off a Mundesley defender
before falling to striker Benjani to hammer home, 2-0.
Whilst we moved ahead we never really got our passing game going,
especially in midfield. We paid the price shortly afterwards with some
sloppy passing allowing Mundesley to pull one back. At 2-1 this game was
far from over. The Mundesley keeper gave a man of the match performance
between the sticks, defying Alex, George and Ben midway through the half.
Brad came back on as did CJ for Keilan and George. These prompted our next
goal with CJ doing some great work down the wing to knock back for Brad to
pick up our 3rd, well done.
We lived a little dangerously towards the end with Seth making a couple of
great saves, one to the top right of his net which he managed to knock
wide for a corner, great stuff.
Full Time 3-1.
Not really what we have come used to in the league this season, however
all credit to Mundesley who gave their all, especially their keeper who
really impressed. Nonetheless another 3 points sees us maintain pole
position going into the second half of the season, well done boys. Thanks
also to the ever present Barry who once again reffed well throughout.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 13th Dec 08
Old Catton B v Taverham |
|
Few words are sufficient for this match report. Cold, windy,
wet, tiny pitch and duff car batteries probably cover most of it. I think
this photo covers things off nicely.
Highlights included a blaster from outside the box for
Matthew; this the defender's first goal of the season. Alex and George
also picked up goals with Matthew, George and Bradley claiming the
assists.
The pitch was far too small for under 9's football, this
making the whole game a lottery, however we held on to claim another
victory and clean sheet. Well done guys.
Multi-tasking came into its own after the game when Barry
and Calv stepped into the breech to assist The Robinsons in their hour of
need, what a team eh?
Full Time 0 -3
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 24 Jan 09 Soccer Stars v Taverham |
|
After a 6 week break we were back into league action away to
Thorpe based Soccer Stars. We ran out comfortable victors earlier in the
season with a 9-3 victory at Hinks, this proved a far tougher assignment.
Soccer Stars have the luxury of the new 3G pitches at Thorpe
St Andrew High School. The facility is first class and reinforces just how
poor the Hinks Meadow surface actually is. We set out with a familiar look
to the line up with no chances taken in this one. Seth, Ryan, Matthew,
Alex, Bradley, CJ, George and Ben made up the contingent of 8. George and
Brad sat out the early stages with Taverham passing the ball around nicely
to start with. We started with Rico on his own at the back and Soccer
Stars set out to exploit this from the off. The home team had improved
markedly since we last met with their goalkeeper outstanding throughout
the match. We were caught light at the back on several occasions early on,
this partly down to tactics, but mainly down to the lack of tracking back
from the midfield trio. With hands on hips the boys looked tired as early
as 10 mins into the game.
Soccer Stars got their reward shortly after with an own goal
off the rear of CJ. The little man could do nothing about it after Seth
accidentally kicked the ball into him from close range in clearance.
Soccer Stars continued to pressure prompting Brad’s introduction into the
middle holding role. This shored things up a little, however the home team
broke with such precision and pace we struggled to contain them.
We had a few chances in the first half with a couple of
great saves from their keeper holding us at bay.
Half Time 1-0
George replaced the tired looking Ben. Alex who also looked
off colour managed to restore the balance with a great individual goal
from wide right, the ball looping over their keeper into the top far
corner.
Just when we looked like we might start to push on we
conceded a sucker goal. A poor throw in from us fell to their forward who
knocked it around before slotting below Seth, this a real blow after
dragging ourselves back into contention minutes earlier.
We rode our luck thereafter and Matty replaced the tiring CJ
who had worked his socks off down the left. Whilst the nippy winger caused
problems going forward it did leave us vulnerable in the middle and
defence. Seth kept us in the game on several occasions with some great
breaking off his line to block the danger, well done. Slightly against the
run of play Brad picked up a loose ball in the middle. With everyone
urging him to pass he looked up, picked his spot and struck a pearler into
the top right corner of the net, great stuff.
With just under 10mins to go the game ebbed and flowed with
good chances falling to both sides. None better than a 1 v 1 for George,
however the striker's extra touch cost him dearly with the keeper closing
him down before he could get his shot away. Brad was next to miss with his
clear shot on goal blazed high and wide. After a few late scares we
managed to hold on.
Full Time 2-2.
This was a major surprise. All credit goes to Soccer Stars
who have improved hugely since we last met. They played the better
football and from a neutrals perspective would feel hard done by with the
draw. All said, great credit must go to our boys. Twice they were behind,
twice they came back. All of this on a day when we were nowhere near our
best.
Next week sees our biggest game of the season when we host
2nd place Stalham. We desperately need to find our early season form if we
are to maintain our league leader status ... Come on boys lets do it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 31 Jan 09 Taverham v Stalham |
They don't get much bigger than this .. I
half expected to see Andy Gray with mic in hand on arrival. This was
without doubt our most important game of the season with last weeks draw
setting up a real classic. Our top spot was just intact with the lead
reduced to 1 point. Stalham were well aware a win here would see them
leapfrog us in the table, the title then firmly within their grasp.
Our recent form had been a little shaky, gone were the 8s, 9s and 10s,
these replaced with 2s and 3s. On the other hand Stalham have maintained
and arguably upped their game, with a 9-2 thrashing of Worstead a week
earlier.
Both teams arrived bright and early, the sun was shining albeit there was
a minus 3 wind-chill to contend with. We set ourselves up for a battle
with maximum work rate needed to give ourselves any chance. George
re-assumed the keepers jersey with Seth given his 2nd outfield start of
the season in midfield. He was joined by Brad with Rico and Matty in
defence. Matty was given the job of marking Byron, Stalham's danger man.
Alex headed the attack, this his first time in an the striker role.
The game got off to a brisk start. There was little in it with both sides
passing the ball around well, good closing down. Some of our boys looked a
little slow to start, however I put this down to the cold. We created a
few early chances, however there were few clear cut openings. Matty
matched his man across the back with Brad looking back to his best in
midfield. Seth gave 100% as usual, albeit he did struggle against some of
their bigger players, notably Kyle who was a real handful in the middle.
George T started to come under a little pressure, some of this self
inflicted, with his distribution a little wild to say the least. Stalham
took a deserved lead midway through the half with our defence failing to
clear the ball, if in doubt get it out guys. The first half continued in
much the same vain until 2 mins before half time. Brad chased a ball down
the right wing, knocking it past 2 players before finding Alex in the box.
The striker stuck his foot in and managed to do enough to take it past the
keeper before knocking it in with his left foot .. this against the run of
play and a real shot in the arm for us.
Half Time 1-1
Seth replaced George in goal with Ben up front, allowing Alex to slip back
into his orthodox midfield role. We started the half much the brighter
with several half chances falling our way. Ben held the ball up well and
linked up nicely with Brad and Alex. Matty continued to chase with Rico
rock solid as ever in defence .. he does what is says on the tin, simple
as. Again there were few if any clear cut chances in the half with no 1 on
1's like the week before. Stalham upped their game into the last 5-10 mins
and some of our boys started to tire, notably Matthew who had worked his
socks off for 30 mins. CJ replaced him and stepped into his shoes nicely,
looking a real livewire when he came on. This really was squeaky bottom
time with Stalham sensing a winner. Shots rained in on our goal with Seth
making some neat saves and others flying narrowly wide .. we hung in. With
a couple of minutes to go we nearly put it to bed. Ben was released by
Alex and the little man was through 1 on 1, he was shaping up to shoot
when he was blatantly hacked down from behind .. the resulting free-kick
went into the wall. Soon after, the all important whistle blew .. a point
in the bag, well done to all our boys.
This sets up nicely for the end of the season with 3 to go. Most
importantly its now in our hands, lets make sure we grasp it tightly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 7 Feb 09 Taverham v Worstead |
It was a tough call with the ground rock hard
early on, after a little head scratching both managers gave it the green
light.
Joe was given the nod up front after a good showing in training the
Tuesday before. Seth started in midfield with Alex and Brad either side.
Rico ever present in defence with George close behind. George, CJ and
Kalum waited eagerly on the touchline.
We started brightly with Seth rattling the post in the first minute. It
was only a matter of time before we broke through with Alex picking out
Joe who in turn set up Seth, 1-0. Shortly afterwards Alex fired one
against the crossbar. Passing was tricky with the ground still hard and
very bobbly.
Half Time 1-0
George was called into action early on with a couple of neat saves from
the keeper. Worstead nearly equalised after Seth switched off in the
middle, thankfully the ball hit the post. We made hard work of our chances
with numerous long range efforts flying high and wide .... a little more
composure needed. Eventually we put the game to bed. The goal was a
classic with Alex breaking down the left before cutting inside the
defender. He fired a left foot blaster into the roof of the net ..
Worstead's manager Trevor stood and applauded. Kalum, CJ and George N came
on with all looking lively, especially Kalum who held the ball up well. He
could have scored had he managed to get his shot away before the final
whistle, nonetheless 3 points is 3 points.
Full Time 2-0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 14 Feb 09 Taverham v Reepham |
My pre-match routine has followed a familiar
pattern during weeks of late .. Friday evenings weather forecast with our
Jules standing in front of her weather map, in itself warming, to discover
how severe the frost will be .. -6 ?, maybe only -3 if we are lucky ..
Well this week we got away with it and the game was on. This re-arranged
fixture with Reepham promised another test for our boys. 9 in the squad
with George T, Rico, Brad [c], Alex, Kalum and Benjani getting the nod.
We started well with 2 early goals from Ben. The first was created by
Kalum who won possession in his roaming midfield role, he slotted a neat
ball through to Brad who in turn found the striker. The second one was
again courtesy of a Brad assist, this time with a left foot finish.
Instead of pushing on we conceded a soft one, we found ourselves short in
the middle, ala Soccer Stars, with the nippy Reepham number 10 through,
job done. Midfielders take note ..
We kept up the good work going forward with Ben sending a half volley
narrowly wide. Alex cracked a nice left foot volley at the keeper,
unfortunately for Reepham he was unable to hold it with the resulting
spill mopped up by Benji .. this Bens and the teams first hat trick since
mid November. But within minutes we opened the door once more .. Alex,
Rico and George failed to clear the ball, 3-2. Fortunately our goal
scoring boots were firmly in place at the opposite end with Brad once
again the provider for Ben to finish.
Just when thoughts turn to a settled half time team talk we dropped
ourselves firmly in it once again. This time Reepham were through 4 on 1
with poor Rico rather overrun to say the least. Needless to say Reepham
had been gifted 2 of their 3 goals and we had made them look good.
Half Time 4-3
We needed to strengthen in the middle and who better to drop in the hole
than Matthew. CJ also came on for Alex to inject a little pace down the
wing. Things got off to a steady start with no real action at either end.
Matty mopped up brilliantly in midfield/defence with Reepham's forward
effectively taken out of the game, great work. CJ also looked up for it on
the left, he had the better of the Reepham defender on several occasions.
Shortly afterwards Ben found himself wide on the left and managed to
deliver a peach into the middle for Brad to rifle home, a really nice
goal, 5-3.
CJ continued to push on and was unlucky when a shot from the corner of the
box clattered against the upright. It was all Taverham with Ben going
close once more after flashing a ball across the box. Ben had worked his
socks off and was replaced by Keilan with 10 to go. The little fella
stepped into his shoes a treat, some great passing and flicks went on to
set up Brad and CJ, however neither managed to finish. He also had some
early chances himself however the final shot lacked the power to trouble
the keeper. With Brad tiring on the left Alex came back into midfield with
5 to go. He laid a neat ball across to CJ who battled his was through two
players before finding Keilan. The striker had a couple of pops before
firing his foot through the ball and picking up his first of the year ..
great stuff, boy was he chuffed !!
Full Time 6-3
The game was over with a fairly comfortable second half display. Brilliant
to see the boys getting back into the swing of things after some under par
performances of late. All eyes now turn to Cromer away, our last and
most decisive game of the season. If we perform like we did today no
problems, if ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat 28 Feb 09 Cromer v Taverham |
On what turned out to be a shocking weekend
for Norwich sport, how warming was it for the Lions to give a little back,
one bulky league title in the bag.
The match turned the earlier encounter of the season on its head. Whilst
we won that 7-0 we did flatter ourselves, however this time out the 0-4
victory was woefully short of its potential. We hit the post twice, sent
numerous efforts high, wide and handsome and totally dominated the game
from start to finish. Seth and George took even dibs in goal, neither had
a save to make ... the legends Rico and Matty made certain of that.
Goals from Alex [2], Ben and Brad made sure of the title with assists from
Keilan and Brad not to be forgotten. Captain Brad bossed the middle with
Alex and CJ charging up and down the wings throughout. George, Keilan and
Ben took turns up front and in the middle with all working hard for the
cause.
Post match celebrations spilled onto the pitch with the players chuffed to
bits .. 14 games unbeaten for the former 'B' team kind of has a ring to
it. Ask a premiership side that's just fallen to a newly promoted team ..
?? Ok, it shouldn't happen but it does. We have faced some good sides and
some not so good, that's the same of every league up and down the land,
yet we ground them out one after the other. I look back at Soccer Stars
away, twice down, twice we fought back. Stalham away 3-1 down at half
time, 6 goal reversal 2nd half. Stalham at home 0-1 down, we came back.
Reepham away 1-0 down, 6 goals later, 1-6 victory .. the list goes on and
on and on.
2 words sum this up nicely for me .. teamwork and honesty. We have kept
this unit of 13 players together from the start, no toys out of the pram.
Never an argument between the boys on duty. The whole certainly is greater
than the sums of its parts as far as this team is concerned. To cap off
the celebrations nicely Calv cracked a Gazza on the touchlines .. 11 empty
water bottles later .... nice one. Emm provided the bubbly.
So, with a nice little league presentation to come, tournaments a plenty
lined up and the prospect of Division 1 football next season, the future
sure is bright .. the future's Lions. Well done boys, keep the faith.
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under 9s 2008/9
Photos
(Click on image for full size) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
