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Boys U10's Action Pics 04~05
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| Aylesford Tournament With Adam away in the South of France Glynn took the squad to the Aylesford tournament at the beginning of September, 3 wins in the group stage took us to a quarter final against Larkfield Juniors, The Boys won that 3-0 although the result did not do the Juniors justice as they battled hard to keep us out. This brought a semi final against Bearsted whom we had beaten in the group stage 3-0, we repeated the result and went on to a final against Coxheath. In recent times we have had the better of the tournament clashes and this time was no different. As the evening drew in we came through as 3-1 winners, a very happy group of boys went up to receive their medals and collect a very nice large cup. Glynn had the pleasurable task of telling Adam the good news, not difficult, as Adam seemed to have been on the phone all afternoon. The only downside was that the boys had been promised an ice cream if they won but the van had shut up shop and gone home, ah well a few pounds saved.
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| Home v Sittingbourne Ath The weekend following the Aylesford tournament the season commenced, our first scheduled game was due to be away at Sittingbourne. However, the cricket season had not finished so the tie was switched to Larkfield.
A tight first game eventually saw us come through as 2-0 winners with both goals coming from midfield players, Daniel and Nathan. The second game saw us take full control as we went on to win 5-0 with goals coming from Joe, Callum (2), Mitchel and Kieran.
Overall a pleasing opening game with some good passing moves resulting in chances being created and goals scored. Man of the Match in the first game was Nathan with Mitchel getting his reward in the second game.
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| Home v Bearsted The first game saw us comprehensively break down a stubborn Bearsted team with some determined play. Goals came from Gareth, Mitchel, Ryan B and Joe and we won 4-0.
The second game was tighter as Bearsted found their feet and made us work very hard, a goal right at the start of the game by Kieran had given us the lead but not until Joe scored the second late on did we breath more easily as we came home 2-0 winners.
Whilst the first game was won with good passing and movement from the team the second was much harder, this has to be put down to our commitment to give everyone in the squad a full game each week, it is difficult for those coming on to get into the game when the opposition is already warmed up having played the first game. Man of the match in game one was Joe with Alex getting the award in game two.
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| Away v Coxheath This was going to be our first real test, Coxheath double winners last year were going to be a tough team to draw with, let alone beat. Although they had lost some key players since the end of last year they remained a formidable team.
We were on the defensive for most of the first half of the first game, Coxheath pressed but could not find the killer pass, then with the first half drawing to a close during our first real bit of pressure Joe got the opening goal. Coxheath pushed for the equaliser in the second half but stout defending gave us a win.
The second game saw Kieran open the scoring with a goal in the first minute; Coxheath got the equaliser with an unstoppable shot dipping just under the bar. For the remainder of the game both teams pushed for the winner but it was the defences that came out on top.
There were good performances from the whole squad in this hard fought match but Louis in the first match and Jordan in the second raised their games to get the rewards.
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OCT 2004
We commenced October with a friendly/training match against Larkfield Juniors as neither of us was involved in the preliminary round of the Challenge Cup. Whilst playing a friendly is not unusual if you don't have a game, after all you want to keep the momentum going, this game was unusual, it was eleven-a-side.
This is our last season playing mini soccer; next year we commence playing `proper' football, big pitches, big goals and the dreaded offside rule.
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| Home v Leybourne We were looking forward to this game, a spot of getting our own back was required, why was this? The last game of last season saw us soundly beaten by a Leybourne team that were very much `up' for the game whereas we were not even on the park.
The games were played in very windy conditions that would effect how the game was played. Larkfield had the wind in their faces for the first half of the first game and managed to contain a fighting Leybourne team. Using the wind in the second half Larkfield took the lead thorough Callum's low drive into the corner of the net, Louis then added a second from one of Joe's corners.
It was almost a case of déjà vu in the second game, Leybourne pressed in the first half playing with the wind only to go behind when Joe finally missed the woodwork to open the scoring. Leybourne looked for an equaliser but were met with an organised defence that they could not breach. Ryan B then took tips off Johnny Wilkinson to put one over the bar when it was easier to score. Mitchel then put the game beyond Leybourne's reach with a typical poacher's goal.
It was hard to choose the match of the Match awards as Leybourne had stifled our way of playing. However, Daniel's performance in the first game and Kieran's in the second game earned them their medals.
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| Away v MPE The middle of October saw us make the journey to Madginford School to play MPE.
It became very clear from the outset that MPE would try to smother our play, every time we had the ball our player was quickly surrounded to kill off any threat on their goal.
We were somewhat surprised to therefore fall behind, our defence stood and watched as MPE's striker was allowed time to place the ball and shoot passed Alex to score. What a soft goal to concede, a roasting for our defenders was duly issued from the touchline, manager and coach understandably unhappy!
However, credit must be given to the boys as they persisted in spite of MPE's tactics, eventually the equaliser came just before half time when Joe slotted home from close range. In the second half we started to take charge, our defence now sorted remained strong and defiant, leaving Alex to tidy up small half chances. Daniel added a second to give us the lead and Joe added his second of the game to ensure that the 3 points were ours.
Immediately the second match starts it is apparent that MPE are not going to change their tactics, any chance of getting the play spread and playing our normal game are dashed. With our team cold MPE press forward and try to go ahead but we hold firm. After a MPE attack is stopped, Mitchel flicks on Alex's quick goal kick to Callum who crosses only to watch in dismay, as Kieran's header is inches wide. The first half ends 0-0 in spite of us playing the better football.
The second half brings rewards for our efforts, a super shot by Mitchel gives us the lead and a shot by Joe goes underneath the MPE goalkeeper hits the post and slowly crawls across the line just before Callum got to it. MPE battled away but our defence held firm and we came through 2-0 and had another 3 points in the bag.
Man of the Match awards went to Joe for his all round performance and Louis for his work on the right wing, both were well deserved.
 The Sunday morning Blue Jeans
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| Home v Barming Youth For some reason we have struggled against Barming, the games are always tight but in most cases Barming come out on top.
The first game was tight, the midfield and the defences on both sides controlled the game, wingers had difficulty getting crosses over and strikers saw few chances. Barming were playing the better football and what opportunities there were came their way. A crisp shot by Barming's striker brought a superb reflex save from Alex as he pushed the ball round the post. Larkfield chances were few and far between as Barming controlled the game and stopped us from playing our normal style. As the second period of the first game drew to a close, a Barming player put his shot inches wide after following in on a header by the Barming striker. The first game finished all square.
The second game saw much of the same, service to the strikers was poor and when the striker did get the ball they had no space to operate. It was however Barming that showed the attacking flair creating the better opportunities but without converting them. The game remained goalless at half time.
The final half of the morning saw Barming push forward and halfway through the half a route one ball evaded the Larkfield defence and the Barming striker took his chance well to put Barming in front. There is however, a spirit in the Larkfield team this year, a never give up spirit, Joe won the ball in midfield and set Callum free down the right, after turning the Barming defence inside out Callum crossed the ball into the centre, Mitchel had it in front of goal, he seemed to take ages, the Barming defence was closing in but Mitchel remained calm and slotted the ball past the Barming keeper for the equaliser. Barming kicked off and attacked, Alex punched clear, Daniel flicked the ball forward to Joe, and his run brought Barming defenders out to him and with a deft touch Joe placed the ball between the defenders and into Callum's path. Callum took the ball at pace, rounded the Barming keeper and placed the ball into the back of the net. You would think the world had ended; the noise was incredible, Larkfield supporters jumping and shouting for joy, 2-1 up. With only moments to go Larkfield needed to concentrate, no last minute slip-ups. After what seemed an eternity the whistle blew, we had won. Players were happy, supporters were happy and Mr Capper, his smile was broadest anyone had ever seen.
Man of the match in game one was Alex for his outstanding performance; his save had kept us in the game. In game two the award went to Callum, his stunning work on the right to get the cross in for the equaliser and his cool finish to get the 3 points got him his reward.
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| Away v Borough Green Juniors Halloween saw us travel to Borough Green; we anticipated a tough game as previous experience had shown that they have the ability to cause an upset.
The first game saw us dominate but fail to put the ball into the net, we hit the post, their goalie made some good saves and we could not put the final touch on balls going across the face of the goal. It was not therefore a surprise that Borough Green took the lead with almost their first attack, our defence went to sleep and allowed the Borough Green striker time to slot the ball past Alex in goal. The half ended with the score 1-0. The second half saw much of the same, we created the better chances but failed to convert them and Borough Green caught us cold with a quick break, which brought their second goal. No matter what we did we could not get a goal back and the game ended with our first defeat of the season 2-0.
The second game saw a much improved Larkfield side, there was a conviction about their play and the goal we had been threatening came, Joe took the ball just inside the Borough Green half, accelerated, took on two players and fired the ball home. From then on we looked comfortable. Our defence stood firm against the odd attack that Borough Green made and the half ended one nil. The second half saw us improve even further, Callum started moving wide, stretching the Borough Green defence, space started appearing for our forwards to work in. Daniel slipped a fine ball through to Callum, who from the tightest of angles found the back of the net, 2-0. With Joe and Callum linking well the Borough Green defence was looking vulnerable, a crisp pass from Joe to Callum and thump the ball was in the back of the net 3-0. Further chances followed as Callum ran riot down the right and kept firing the ball across the Borough Green area but we could not make the final connection. The match ended three nil and the points had been shared.
Although defeat is never pleasant it may have had the necessary effect, we certainly had not been up for the first game but the second game was much, much, better. The man of the match awards went to Nathan in the first game, his command of the centre of the park had been excellent and he reward was justified. James took the award in game two; his command of our defensive line made the difference and gave the midfield the confidence to push forward.
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Challenge Cup Campaign 2004 - 2005
Round 1 -
Away at Senacre DolphinsWith nerves being to the fore at the start of any cup competition an easy draw is always hoped for but not always achieved, so it was for the first round of the Challenge Cup, Senacre Dolphins, second in Division 1 were to be our opponents. Senacre had played in the preliminary round and disposed of Swale Magpies, second in the Premier Division, this was not going to be an easy game.
We were on the defensive to start with but eventually took control, Callum started the scoring with a fine effort, and Daniel added a second before half time and the game looked comfortable. Early in the second half Senacre got one back, game on. Our defence was working overtime keeping them out, the full time whistle arrived and we had held on 2-1.
The second game saw us play some stunning football, the ball never seemed to be out of the Senacre half but we could not break through, the Senacre goalie was superb, he stopped everything. Eventually the breakthrough came when Joe poked the ball home, 3-1. Ryan B came on to replace Callum and with his first touch put the ball into the net, 4-1, surely we were home and dry. The final period of the game saw Senacre push us back, a thumping strike made the score 4-2, we needed another goal. After some great midfield play Joe was clear on goal and cracked the ball home, 5-2. As Senacre kicked off the final whistle went. We had been made to work very hard for our win, well played Senacre Dolphins.
The Man of the Match awards went to Ryan C in the first game for an outstanding performance in midfield and Ryan B in the second game for coming on after a long wait and showing great commitment from the moment he got on the pitch.
 Power heading
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| cup v Coxheath Larkfield came through as 2-1 winners in a very competitive match.
In the first game Coxheath took the lead in the first half only for Joe H to pull Larkfield level with a fine run and shot early in the second half. Although Larkfield pressed hard the Coxheath defence stood firm and the scores remained level at the end of the first game.
The second game saw both teams play some good football although the better chances fell to Larkfield but they were unable to convert them.
Midway through the final period of the match Larkfield's pressure told, Coxheath failed to clear the ball and Daniel B fired the ball home. Coxheath pressed but were unable to break down a stubborn Larkfield defence to get the equaliser and Larkfield came through as 2-1 winners.
Larkfield's team Captain Daniel B and Joe H were the recipients of Larkfield's men of the match awards.
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| Cup v Bearsted A Sunday morning in January, Bearsted Green looking idyllic in the winter sun, what more could you ask for? Some of that bacon that we can smell wafting on the breeze as someone cooks their breakfast.
The game against Bearsted was one we felt we should win but Bearsted have improved since we last played them back in September, both games ended in draws eventhough we had the better of the play.
In game one we attacked from the whistle,and could, possibly should, have been 2 up in the first few minutes. Further chances fell our way but we could not convert them.
In their first venture across the halfway line Bearsted created an opening, our defence hesitated and the ball was clinically put past Alex into the net. Oops!
We scrambled and equaliser shortly after, Adam is going to have to rule on whose goal it was, Callum's or Ryan C's, but although we created virtually all the chances the ball would not go in the net. A strike from Callum rocketed twowards the top corner, goal! No, the Bearsted keeper produced what will probably be the save of the season by driving and tipping the ball up and over the bar. Stunning.
In game two it was much of the same, we created, their goalkeeper saved. We hit the bar twice, we hit the post, we were less than the width of a boot lace away from getting on the end of numerous crosses but the ball just would not go in. The game ended 0-0.
Everyone in the squad got on the pitch and had a run out and good performances were had from everyone. However two performances stood out; Nathan's and Luke's, man of the match awards were duly awarded.
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| V Sittingbourne Athletic This weekend saw us make the trip up the A249 to Sittingbourne for the return fixture against Sittingbourne Atheltic, the match a rescheduled fixture kicked off at 10.00am, this meant leaving Martin's Square at 09.00am !!!
On arrival the first thing we noticed was the cold, it was very cold. During the warm-up we realised that something was missing, the kids parents, where had they gone?? Into the clubhouse, into the warm. Did I mention that it was cold?
Anyway, a kind parent noticed that the coaching staff had turned to ice and was considerate enough to bring our coffees, thanks Graham.
Kick off, those boys not playing at the start were well wrapped up, it was very cold, those boys on the pitch, well they just looked cold. It was a poor first half, nothing seemed to click, passes went astray, players were not where they were supposed to be. Eventually Nathan managed to prod the ball home from close range. The second half saw an improvement, the boys had warmed up, Joe added a second, Mitchell a third, Larkfield were dominating the game. In the Larkfield goal was Alex, he was keeping his cool, well actually he was frozen solid, he had so little to do as his defence kept the ball away. The same could not be said for the Sittingbourne Keeper, he was kept very busy indeed, attack after attack came his way, his efforts kept the score at the end of the first game to 3-0.
Game two saw Larkfield press from the start, Westie opened his account with a finely struck goal, Mitchell added a second with a cracking effort. In the second half we pushed forward, great midfield play from Gareth gave Mitchell the opportunity to get his second of the game. A jinking run from Gareth appeared to take him too far but a deft touch pushed the ball across the face of the goal and Luke had the simplest of touches to open his Larkfield account. Callum then showed great skill and total team play by passing when he could easily have short, his pass fell to Mitchell who completed his hat-trick. Further pressure failed to get another goal although the chances were there, the game ended 5-0.
Overall 6 points and a clean sheet, an excellent result.
The team talk at the end of the game was held in the biting wind, boy was it cold, Callum was awarded man of the match for a totally unselfish performance, Mitchell for his overall work rate and 4 goal haul.
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| Larkfield Boys v Staplehurst Monarchs - Sunday 6th Feb 2005 The game opened with Larkfield nervous, or at least Glynn was as Adam was still on his way back from Somerset.
Although we were the better team we did not create clear chances, Staplehurst defended well and when an opportunity did come our forwards were lacking in confidence. Eventually the breakthrough came, Callum took the ball on the right, dribbled his way into the area, past defenders, set himself up and flicked the ball into the net, 1-0 Larkfield.
After the interval we pushed forward but could not get the second goal, their keeper pushed a crashing drive from Ryan B over the bar. Although Staplehurst probed they could not find their way past, but at the end of the half they got the ball into the area, and after a scramble equalised. With no time to reply the first game ended 1-1. Would we rue those missed chances?
We pushed hard from the start of game two, a fine cross from the right evaded everyone except Callum at the far post, and Staplehurst's defence stood and watched as Callum gave us the lead back. As Staplehurst pushed forward space began to appear, a great pass from Louis bisected the Staplehurst midfield and found Joe in acres of space. In these one on one situations you put your money on Joe, cool as they come Joe made it 3-1, and that was how it was until the end of the half.
Staplehurst however did not give up, although 3-1 down they still pushed forward, corners had to be cleared, midfield battles fought and won before we could claim our place in the Cup semi-finals. Glynn made his final changes midway through the half, we must have had the smallest forward line ever seen in U10's football, but it was effective. Kieran took the ball on the right, looked up and sent over the most perfect of crosses, Luke the smallest on the pitch by far, all alone in the box, met the cross with a delightful cushioned header, directing the ball into the space vacated by the keeper, 4-1. Shortly after, the whistle blew and we were through for the 3rd year running to the Challenge Cup semi finals. Can we go one step further this year?
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Alex is concerned
