Sunday's game was postponed once again due to the covering of snow! Archie & Herons' next game is scheduled for 9th Jan 2011.
Have a good xmas folks.
Monday, 20 December 2010
Monday, 13 December 2010
Division 2 results & league table 12/12
Evergreen Juniors 2-2 Hemel Aces Diamonds
Harpended Colts Cobras 2-2 Herons
Harpended Colts Cobras 2-2 Herons
League: Harpenden Colts Cobras 2-2 Herons
Finally, the weather had warmed up a tad and allowed Archie and his Herons team to actually play a game. It felt like the 3 week break that we just had couldn't of come at a worse time. The boys had started to get in the rhythm of playing some good passing football and Archie had also got back to playing the way in which we've become accustom to... as a menace to defenders. The pitch that we were playing on today was absolutely awful. It was soggy, sticky and really very heavy. Archie started the game has he has done most of the season, upfront alongside James S.
The game kick off and the boys got off to a furious pace with most of the play taking place on the left hand side. Archie and Dan (on the left wing) were linking up well along with our very own Gareth Bale in the form of Elliot playing at left back. The first half belonged to Herons, the boys dominated possesion and attacked relentlessly. There were a few contentious offsides given (more about that later!) but it was Archie who finally opened the scoring after 10 minutes with his seventh goal of the season. After a heavy pass, the ball looked as if it was going to roll out but Archie chased the ball and managed to keep it in play. He knocked the ball passed 1 defender, shrugged off another whilst darting down the line. He ran across the pitch, along the byline, taking the ball past 2 more defenders and smashed the ball in and an acute angle. 0-1. We were unlucky not to make it two on more than one occasion. Just before half time, the home team were awarded a penalty after Samson handled the ball in the area. They scored from the spot to take them in at half time at 1-1.
The second half was a bit more evenly contested, but Herons still had a bit more of the possesion. Now, onto the opposing teams linesman. If I were to suggest that he suffered from a mild form of tourettes where by his flag arm jolted and waved every time there was an attack, I wouldn't be doing him enough justice. He did manage to get 1 or 2 decisions right but he did however get atleast 5 or 6 wrong. I'm actually really proud of Archie because, this season, he has managed to spend more time onside than he has offside. Today, nearly all his runs were timed to perfection but his awarded for beating the offside trap came in the form of an offside given! The last straw was when Archie found himself one on one with the keeper only to be flagged AGAIN. In the build up to this situation we all saw Archie use his blistering pace to run past a defender to win the ball. He came from behind the defender, he wasn't in-front of him or even level with him. He was about 4 paces behind the defender!!. I couldn't help myself and ended up letting the lino know what a mistake he had made. This was just after Herons had gone 1-2 with Riccardo scoring his first of the season after Archie put himself about in the area, so the boys would really have been home and dry. I was a tad annoyed to say the least. Harpenden managed to equalise with two minutes left to play to make it 2-2 and the game came to an end.
Man of the match was awarded to JJ in midfield for his battling and fighting spirit.
The game kick off and the boys got off to a furious pace with most of the play taking place on the left hand side. Archie and Dan (on the left wing) were linking up well along with our very own Gareth Bale in the form of Elliot playing at left back. The first half belonged to Herons, the boys dominated possesion and attacked relentlessly. There were a few contentious offsides given (more about that later!) but it was Archie who finally opened the scoring after 10 minutes with his seventh goal of the season. After a heavy pass, the ball looked as if it was going to roll out but Archie chased the ball and managed to keep it in play. He knocked the ball passed 1 defender, shrugged off another whilst darting down the line. He ran across the pitch, along the byline, taking the ball past 2 more defenders and smashed the ball in and an acute angle. 0-1. We were unlucky not to make it two on more than one occasion. Just before half time, the home team were awarded a penalty after Samson handled the ball in the area. They scored from the spot to take them in at half time at 1-1.
The second half was a bit more evenly contested, but Herons still had a bit more of the possesion. Now, onto the opposing teams linesman. If I were to suggest that he suffered from a mild form of tourettes where by his flag arm jolted and waved every time there was an attack, I wouldn't be doing him enough justice. He did manage to get 1 or 2 decisions right but he did however get atleast 5 or 6 wrong. I'm actually really proud of Archie because, this season, he has managed to spend more time onside than he has offside. Today, nearly all his runs were timed to perfection but his awarded for beating the offside trap came in the form of an offside given! The last straw was when Archie found himself one on one with the keeper only to be flagged AGAIN. In the build up to this situation we all saw Archie use his blistering pace to run past a defender to win the ball. He came from behind the defender, he wasn't in-front of him or even level with him. He was about 4 paces behind the defender!!. I couldn't help myself and ended up letting the lino know what a mistake he had made. This was just after Herons had gone 1-2 with Riccardo scoring his first of the season after Archie put himself about in the area, so the boys would really have been home and dry. I was a tad annoyed to say the least. Harpenden managed to equalise with two minutes left to play to make it 2-2 and the game came to an end.
Man of the match was awarded to JJ in midfield for his battling and fighting spirit.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
League: Harpenden Colts Cobras v Herons
Today's game has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. I would say that Archie and the boys will be lucky to play a game this side of Christmas.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Division 2 results & league table 21/11
Chorleywood Panthers 14-2 Comets Lions
Hemel Aces Diamonds 5-1 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Herons 3-1 Rickmansworth Rebels
Kings Langley 1-8 Evergreen Juniors
Little Gaddesden 4-2 Hemel Town Youth
Hemel Aces Diamonds 5-1 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Herons 3-1 Rickmansworth Rebels
Kings Langley 1-8 Evergreen Juniors
Little Gaddesden 4-2 Hemel Town Youth
Sunday, 21 November 2010
League: Herons 3-1 Rickmansworth Rebels
With no training had yesterday and the thought of today's match being played on the big pitch, I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of the boys facing a team that has lost only 2 games this season. I suppose the opposing team was looking forward a bit too much to playing a team that only won once in the league. Archie was playing today's game in his Nike T90s due to losing his Adidas boots during the week, after scoring a hatrick for his school! Herons were playing a changed strip of Black Shorts & Socks with Yellow shirts.
Archie played the full game as a striker alongside James S. The game got under way and the first 10 minutes were very tight once again, but the boys were playing some good football. Archie came close to scoring very early on, beating his marker down the left flank but took too many touches and the keeper was able to collect. Herons were passing the ball about with purpose and Franky, in midfield, played a lovely through ball for Archie to run onto and slot underneath the keeper and into the back of the net. 1-0. He then made it two a couple of minutes later. Connor was heading towards goal but his options were limited so he played the ball across the goalkeeper for Archie to finish. 2-0. The opposition attacked our goal but CC was strong in goal and denied them a comeback. Half time came, the Ricky team were getting torn apart by their coach and our boys were being praised but warned not to relax yet.
The second half kicked off and Archie had quickly got his hatrick. He won the ball just outside the area, took it past 2 or 3 players into the penalty area and confidently placed it passed the keeper. 3-0. The boys were unlucky not to get more goals and Archie was unlucky not to get a fourth. Ricky Rebels scored a consolation goal with 5 mins to go. The final whistle went and the boys were really happy with the 3 points they had just won. Archie was awarded Man of the Match for the second time this season.
Next weekend we play Harpenden Colts Cobras in the League.
Archie played the full game as a striker alongside James S. The game got under way and the first 10 minutes were very tight once again, but the boys were playing some good football. Archie came close to scoring very early on, beating his marker down the left flank but took too many touches and the keeper was able to collect. Herons were passing the ball about with purpose and Franky, in midfield, played a lovely through ball for Archie to run onto and slot underneath the keeper and into the back of the net. 1-0. He then made it two a couple of minutes later. Connor was heading towards goal but his options were limited so he played the ball across the goalkeeper for Archie to finish. 2-0. The opposition attacked our goal but CC was strong in goal and denied them a comeback. Half time came, the Ricky team were getting torn apart by their coach and our boys were being praised but warned not to relax yet.
The second half kicked off and Archie had quickly got his hatrick. He won the ball just outside the area, took it past 2 or 3 players into the penalty area and confidently placed it passed the keeper. 3-0. The boys were unlucky not to get more goals and Archie was unlucky not to get a fourth. Ricky Rebels scored a consolation goal with 5 mins to go. The final whistle went and the boys were really happy with the 3 points they had just won. Archie was awarded Man of the Match for the second time this season.
Next weekend we play Harpenden Colts Cobras in the League.
Monday, 15 November 2010
Division 2 results & league table 14/11
Chorleywood Panthers 3-0 Little Gaddesden
Comets Lions 3-7 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Evergreen Juniors 6-1 Hemel Town Youth
Kings Langley 1-0 Herons
Rickmansworth Rebels 3-6 Hemel Aces Diamonds
Comets Lions 3-7 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Evergreen Juniors 6-1 Hemel Town Youth
Kings Langley 1-0 Herons
Rickmansworth Rebels 3-6 Hemel Aces Diamonds
League: Kings Langley 1-0 Herons
A cold, damp and miserable Sunday morning and the pitch wasn't much cop either, part pitch - part bog!.
Archie had not played against Kings Langley at their ground before today and I was very surprised to see that they insisted that the boys play on a full size adult pitch complete with full sized adult goals. The kids looked lost. Archie started the game as a forward alongside Kian. The match, as it was last week, was very tight and the first half saw only a handful of chances for both teams. Archie managed to beat the offside trap a couple of times but met his match again with the same massive kid marking him. We went in half time at 0-0.
The second half was much the same as the first but with more opportunities at goal. Kings Langley scored a lucky goal. The ball was lofted into the air and literally bounced too high for CC to catch. 1-0. Our boys battled, Archie came very close on a couple of occasions but was then subbed for 5 minutes. When he came back on he was put into central midfield, then moved to left wing. Archie came close to scoring again with a fantastic run down the wing and into the box taking on 4 or 5 defenders. He smashed the ball across the goal but the keeper saved. We attacked for the last 5 minutes of the game and again Archie had the ball saved on the line by the keeper.
Man of the Match was awarded to JJ for his bull dozing runs through midfield. I thought that Elliot in defence had an excellent game along with CC in goal.
Archie had not played against Kings Langley at their ground before today and I was very surprised to see that they insisted that the boys play on a full size adult pitch complete with full sized adult goals. The kids looked lost. Archie started the game as a forward alongside Kian. The match, as it was last week, was very tight and the first half saw only a handful of chances for both teams. Archie managed to beat the offside trap a couple of times but met his match again with the same massive kid marking him. We went in half time at 0-0.
The second half was much the same as the first but with more opportunities at goal. Kings Langley scored a lucky goal. The ball was lofted into the air and literally bounced too high for CC to catch. 1-0. Our boys battled, Archie came very close on a couple of occasions but was then subbed for 5 minutes. When he came back on he was put into central midfield, then moved to left wing. Archie came close to scoring again with a fantastic run down the wing and into the box taking on 4 or 5 defenders. He smashed the ball across the goal but the keeper saved. We attacked for the last 5 minutes of the game and again Archie had the ball saved on the line by the keeper.
Man of the Match was awarded to JJ for his bull dozing runs through midfield. I thought that Elliot in defence had an excellent game along with CC in goal.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Junior League cup, Group 1 - Match 1: Herons 2-1 Kings Langley
Today's game was the first in the defence of the title that Herons won last season, and Archie was determined to get the team off to winning ways in the junior league cup. The boys took delivery of their new 'Joma' kit for the season. So, instead of turning out in a shabby ten year old kit as they have been so far, they looked the part. I was assigned as the match delegate for today. The first thing I thought I'd do was make sure that their number 15 was in fact a 10/11 year old and not some 15 year old ringer! Sure enough he was legit. And sure enough his job was to mark Archie! Great.
The game got under way and after the first 5 minutes, Archie was having a hard time shrugging off the giant sat on his shoulders. He had a look over to me and mouthed the words 'have you seen the size of him?' whilst rolling his eye balls!. 'Keep plugging away Arch, you'll be OK', was my reply. Archie didn't really get much, but you could see glimpses of him at his best (as he was last week). The first half was the tightest game I'd see Herons play and we went in just as the game had started, 0-0.
Herons had a lot more to offer during the second half, as did Archie who was playing a blinder and proving to be a handful for the young Arnold Schwarzenegger who was marking him. Fifteen minutes into the second half we finally broke the deadlock. Connor P and Archie beat the offside trap, the easiest pass out of the two was directed at Connor who smashed the ball home. 1-0. Kings Langley pressed a bit more than they had been and were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Herons box. The kick was converted brilliantly straight passed CC in goal. 1-1. Game on. Our captain, Liam, rallied the boys up, urging them to keep their heads up, and that's exactly what they did. Archie was unlucky on two occasions not to put us ahead again. The first was a volley from the edge of the area which went narrowly wide. The second even closer. He beat his defender and smashed the ball past the keeper, only for it to hit the side of the post, it bounce back onto the keeper who was quick enough to pounce on it just before it crossed the line... or did it?!?. The boys were in disarray and almost conceded on the counter attack. The game got a bit heated off the field with the Kings Langley assistant questioning every decision but the boys didn't let it faze them and with 2 minutes left on the clock we got the winner. Archie new best mate, James S placed the ball into the bottom right hand corner. It was the most I'd celebrated a Herons goal. It was very important that we got the 3 points as we have a very tough group. The other match saw Hemel Aces Diamonds beat Harpenden Colts Cobras 0-5.
Well done to the boys and well done to Archie who was awarded the 'Man of the Match' accolade. Next weekend we are away to Kings Langley for a league game... should be interesting.
The game got under way and after the first 5 minutes, Archie was having a hard time shrugging off the giant sat on his shoulders. He had a look over to me and mouthed the words 'have you seen the size of him?' whilst rolling his eye balls!. 'Keep plugging away Arch, you'll be OK', was my reply. Archie didn't really get much, but you could see glimpses of him at his best (as he was last week). The first half was the tightest game I'd see Herons play and we went in just as the game had started, 0-0.
Herons had a lot more to offer during the second half, as did Archie who was playing a blinder and proving to be a handful for the young Arnold Schwarzenegger who was marking him. Fifteen minutes into the second half we finally broke the deadlock. Connor P and Archie beat the offside trap, the easiest pass out of the two was directed at Connor who smashed the ball home. 1-0. Kings Langley pressed a bit more than they had been and were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Herons box. The kick was converted brilliantly straight passed CC in goal. 1-1. Game on. Our captain, Liam, rallied the boys up, urging them to keep their heads up, and that's exactly what they did. Archie was unlucky on two occasions not to put us ahead again. The first was a volley from the edge of the area which went narrowly wide. The second even closer. He beat his defender and smashed the ball past the keeper, only for it to hit the side of the post, it bounce back onto the keeper who was quick enough to pounce on it just before it crossed the line... or did it?!?. The boys were in disarray and almost conceded on the counter attack. The game got a bit heated off the field with the Kings Langley assistant questioning every decision but the boys didn't let it faze them and with 2 minutes left on the clock we got the winner. Archie new best mate, James S placed the ball into the bottom right hand corner. It was the most I'd celebrated a Herons goal. It was very important that we got the 3 points as we have a very tough group. The other match saw Hemel Aces Diamonds beat Harpenden Colts Cobras 0-5.
Well done to the boys and well done to Archie who was awarded the 'Man of the Match' accolade. Next weekend we are away to Kings Langley for a league game... should be interesting.
Monday, 1 November 2010
Junior League Cup group results & tables 07/11
Group 1:
Harpenden Colts Cobras 0-5 Hemel Aces Diamonds
Herons 2-1 Kings Langley
Group 2:
Berkhamstead Raiders White 2-3 Tring Albion
Hemel Town Youth 1-4 Evergreen Juniors
Group 3:
Comets Cougars 6-0 St. Albans City West
Harpenden Colts Tigers 5-2 Echoes
Group 4:
Chorleywood Leopards 8-3 Leverstock Green Cedars
Harpenden Colts Panthers 10-0 Evergreen Colts
Harpenden Colts Cobras 0-5 Hemel Aces Diamonds
Herons 2-1 Kings Langley
Group 2:
Berkhamstead Raiders White 2-3 Tring Albion
Hemel Town Youth 1-4 Evergreen Juniors
Group 3:
Comets Cougars 6-0 St. Albans City West
Harpenden Colts Tigers 5-2 Echoes
Group 4:
Chorleywood Leopards 8-3 Leverstock Green Cedars
Harpenden Colts Panthers 10-0 Evergreen Colts
County cup round 1: Tring United 7-0 Herons
An early game for the Archie and the boys this morning. Myself, Archie and Charlie were in the car and on our way to Tring Cricket Club, 16 miles away, at 09:00 for 10:00 kick off. I pre-warned Archie that it was going to be a very difficult match against a team currently sitting 2nd in the top division.
As you can see from the scoreline, you would have thought that it wasn't a successful day at the office, but, to be fair to the lads, they played a pretty good game. The only flaw being that they weren't winning the 50/50 tackles and were rarely first to the loose ball. The whole team gave it their all and was particularly impressed with the way in which Archie played, along with Harry (who was awarded our man of the match), Franky, Liam, Ric and Elliot. The first half seemed like a very evenly fought out contest. Archie had a couple of darting runs on the left flank beating several defenders and also took part in some wonderful one touch football with his team mates. We went in at half time only 2-0 down.
At half time the boys were told in no uncertain terms that they had to be more physical. A couple of the boys did well not to lose face as the deficit grew. Archie was subbed along with Ric and Liam but they got put back on the field and finished the game. Towards the end of the game we were unlucky not to get a consolation goal, which we more than deserved, but the home teams defence was very difficult to penetrate (as the 1st division league table confirms, they have kept 3 clean sheets in 5 games).
Even though we got beat 7-0, Archie was upbeat with his performance on the way back home, i thought it was the best I'd seen him play without scoring. Next week Herons begin their defence of the Junior League Cup with a home match against Kings Langley.
As you can see from the scoreline, you would have thought that it wasn't a successful day at the office, but, to be fair to the lads, they played a pretty good game. The only flaw being that they weren't winning the 50/50 tackles and were rarely first to the loose ball. The whole team gave it their all and was particularly impressed with the way in which Archie played, along with Harry (who was awarded our man of the match), Franky, Liam, Ric and Elliot. The first half seemed like a very evenly fought out contest. Archie had a couple of darting runs on the left flank beating several defenders and also took part in some wonderful one touch football with his team mates. We went in at half time only 2-0 down.
At half time the boys were told in no uncertain terms that they had to be more physical. A couple of the boys did well not to lose face as the deficit grew. Archie was subbed along with Ric and Liam but they got put back on the field and finished the game. Towards the end of the game we were unlucky not to get a consolation goal, which we more than deserved, but the home teams defence was very difficult to penetrate (as the 1st division league table confirms, they have kept 3 clean sheets in 5 games).
Even though we got beat 7-0, Archie was upbeat with his performance on the way back home, i thought it was the best I'd seen him play without scoring. Next week Herons begin their defence of the Junior League Cup with a home match against Kings Langley.
Monday, 25 October 2010
Hertfordshire County Cup round 1 results 31/10
Aldenham Jnrs 11-0 St. Albans City West
Bovingdon H-H Watford Ladies
BSFC 4-1 St. Albans City East
Comets Cougars H-H Wodson Park
Echoes 2-5 Barnet Azzuri
Evergreen Colts A-A London Macabbi Lions
Flamsted Youth A-A Garston Boys
Harpenden Colts Cobras 1-3 Cuffley Youth
Harpenden Colts Pirates 6-2 Chorleywood Lions
Hemel Aces Diamonds 3-5 Royston
Hemel Aces Yellows 11-2 Cassiobury Rangers
Hemel Panthers 1-6 Little Gaddesden
Hemel Town Youth 1-2 Ware Youth
John Warner Youth 4-7 Rickmansworth Rebels
King George FC 6-0 Comets Lions
Kings Langley 1-3 Baldock Town
Knebworth 2-7 Tring Albion
Leverstock Green Willows 2-1 Broxbourne
Panshanger FC 7-0 Leverstock Green Cedars
St. Albans City North 9-0 Evergreen Juniors
St. Albans City South H-H Harpenden Colts Panthers
Tring United 7-0 Herons
Bovingdon H-H Watford Ladies
BSFC 4-1 St. Albans City East
Comets Cougars H-H Wodson Park
Echoes 2-5 Barnet Azzuri
Evergreen Colts A-A London Macabbi Lions
Flamsted Youth A-A Garston Boys
Harpenden Colts Cobras 1-3 Cuffley Youth
Harpenden Colts Pirates 6-2 Chorleywood Lions
Hemel Aces Diamonds 3-5 Royston
Hemel Aces Yellows 11-2 Cassiobury Rangers
Hemel Panthers 1-6 Little Gaddesden
Hemel Town Youth 1-2 Ware Youth
John Warner Youth 4-7 Rickmansworth Rebels
King George FC 6-0 Comets Lions
Kings Langley 1-3 Baldock Town
Knebworth 2-7 Tring Albion
Leverstock Green Willows 2-1 Broxbourne
Panshanger FC 7-0 Leverstock Green Cedars
St. Albans City North 9-0 Evergreen Juniors
St. Albans City South H-H Harpenden Colts Panthers
Tring United 7-0 Herons
Division 2 results & league table 24/10
Comets Lions 3-7 Kings Langley
Hemel Town Youth 0-5 Hemel Aces Diamonds
Herons 4-5 Evergreen Juniors
Hemel Town Youth 0-5 Hemel Aces Diamonds
Herons 4-5 Evergreen Juniors
Sunday, 24 October 2010
League: Herons 4-5 Evergreen Juniors
Evergreen Juniors. Archie's old club. He's scored past them on a few occasions. He's scored for them too, last season. But, he's never won a game against them... and that unfortunately is a fact that remains. Both myself and Arch had been looking forward to this one as soon as we learned that EJ were going to be in the same league as us. A beautiful day for a game of football too. When we arrived at the Harebreaks and saw EJ warming up, we only recognised 4 or 5 of the players and also recognised a couple that have recently moved from Comets Lions to join EJ. They looked like a dangerous outfit who last weekend thumped Harpenden Colts Cobra 9-2!!
Archie started the game upfront alongside Kian. The match kicked off and the boys attacked the goal very early on and within 3 minutes we were 1-0 up. There was a goal mouth scramble and Archie managed to stroke the ball into the back of the net. A very soft goal to concede. Two minutes later and we had doubled our score. Archie battled for the ball and laid it off for Kian to slot home. 2-0. The EJ coaches were furious with the sleepy team. They responded with a really well taken finish to make it 2-1 and moments later had crafted an equalizer. 2-2. Both teams were fighting really hard in the middle of the field and the were called upon a couple of times too. Archie put us 3-2 up just before half time. A lovely ball was threaded through, Archie beat his man to the ball, opened his body up and placed the ball past the keeper. Great goal. Half time.
The second half was just as end to end as the first. The boys won a corner, and from that came our 4th goal. Riccardo whipped in a fantastic cross and the ball was headed in by an Evergreen player. 4-2. For some reason, the boys stepped off the gas and conceded 3 goals in quick succession. Archie was subbed and didn't return.
Today's match was very even, Evergreen had the edge but we look forward to going to South way to beat them on their ground. Next week we play 1st division side Tring United in the County Cup.
Archie started the game upfront alongside Kian. The match kicked off and the boys attacked the goal very early on and within 3 minutes we were 1-0 up. There was a goal mouth scramble and Archie managed to stroke the ball into the back of the net. A very soft goal to concede. Two minutes later and we had doubled our score. Archie battled for the ball and laid it off for Kian to slot home. 2-0. The EJ coaches were furious with the sleepy team. They responded with a really well taken finish to make it 2-1 and moments later had crafted an equalizer. 2-2. Both teams were fighting really hard in the middle of the field and the were called upon a couple of times too. Archie put us 3-2 up just before half time. A lovely ball was threaded through, Archie beat his man to the ball, opened his body up and placed the ball past the keeper. Great goal. Half time.
The second half was just as end to end as the first. The boys won a corner, and from that came our 4th goal. Riccardo whipped in a fantastic cross and the ball was headed in by an Evergreen player. 4-2. For some reason, the boys stepped off the gas and conceded 3 goals in quick succession. Archie was subbed and didn't return.
Today's match was very even, Evergreen had the edge but we look forward to going to South way to beat them on their ground. Next week we play 1st division side Tring United in the County Cup.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Division 2 results & league table 17/10
Evergreen Juniors 9-2 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Herons 4-3 Hemel Town Youth
Kings Langley 0-4 Hemel Aces Diamonds
Little Gaddesden 4-1 Comets Lions
Rickmansworth Rebels 5-5 Chorleywood Panthers
Herons 4-3 Hemel Town Youth
Kings Langley 0-4 Hemel Aces Diamonds
Little Gaddesden 4-1 Comets Lions
Rickmansworth Rebels 5-5 Chorleywood Panthers
Monday, 18 October 2010
League: Herons 4-3 Hemel Town Youth
Archie wasn't available for this game so missed out.
Herons went 2-0 up, then went down to 2-3 but bought it back and won the game 4-3.
Man of the match was awarded to CC.
Herons went 2-0 up, then went down to 2-3 but bought it back and won the game 4-3.
Man of the match was awarded to CC.
Monday, 11 October 2010
Division 2 results & league table 10/10
Chorleywood Panthers 4-1 Herons
Harpenden Colts Cobras 4-3 Kings Langley
Hemel Aces Diamonds 6-2 Evergreen Juniors
Rickmansworth Rebels 4-2 Comets Lions
Harpenden Colts Cobras 4-3 Kings Langley
Hemel Aces Diamonds 6-2 Evergreen Juniors
Rickmansworth Rebels 4-2 Comets Lions
League: Chorleywood Panthers 4-1 Herons
Another game against a team that has now firmly placed itself in mine and Archie little memory banks as the "bogey" team. The last time Archie has played and won against Chorleywood was way back in the Herons Under 9's team when he scored a fantastic hat-trick and won the game 3-1... Good times!
Great weather for today, no rain, and no injury worries for Archie (fully recovered from last week). The game was held back for 20 minutes because we had to wait for a replacement referee. Before the game, looking over at the Chorleywood Panthers team warming up, they looked a lot bigger than our boys. We knew it would be a physical challenge, something that we haven't been very good at... up until now that is!. The 4-1 scoreline really does flatter CP, a fairer result would have been either a marginal win or a draw.
Archie started the game as he did last week playing upfront alongside Kian and big Sam was back at Herons for his first game of the season to play in defence alongside captain Liam. From the start, our boys were giving it their all. We had a couple of go's at goal and had the opposition on the back foot. Then they turned on the pressure and had a crack at us. The boys were dealt a blow when, with 10 minutes gone, we went 1-0 down, a cruel result of a deflected save hitting Liam and bouncing into the goal. Lots of encouragement from Paul and the Herons' parents spurred the boys to keep their heads up and pile some more pressure on. We got our equalizer, and what a goal it was. Kian made a great run down the right wing, using his pace to beat the challenging defender and passed the ball to Archie. He controlled the ball beautifully but had it snatched away from him. He won the ball back, ran across the box beating 1 defender then turned another inside out and spanked the ball into the far right bottom corner. 1-1! We went in at half time in a buoyant mood.
The second half got off to a furious pace, both teams trying nick a goal... then it all went downhill thanks to some disgustingly rude CP parents/fans and what would appear to be a bad decision from the ref. It all boiled down to a goalmouth scramble and the ball being saved on the line (or was it over the line!) and someone shouting 'CHEATS' at our players. Paul was not please and ended up having a big disagreement with a handful of CP parents pointing out that our boys aren't cheats and that it was unfair to brand them as that. Our boys lost a bit of direction by that point and CP did manage to bag themselves a goal to go 2-1 up. We fought back and Archie was denied another cracking goal due to being marginally offside. The rest is pretty much down to 1 or 2 mistakes that we made, but it wasn't really surprising given what was going on around them.
Man of the match was awarded to Harry for his strong defensive tackles and none stop running. To be honest, a couple of the boys could have been given the the award, Archie included.
Archie is not available for next weeks game against Hemel Town Youth, so his next game is on the 24 October against the team he left, Evergreen Juniors, in order to join Herons. We are really looking forward to this one!
Great weather for today, no rain, and no injury worries for Archie (fully recovered from last week). The game was held back for 20 minutes because we had to wait for a replacement referee. Before the game, looking over at the Chorleywood Panthers team warming up, they looked a lot bigger than our boys. We knew it would be a physical challenge, something that we haven't been very good at... up until now that is!. The 4-1 scoreline really does flatter CP, a fairer result would have been either a marginal win or a draw.
Archie started the game as he did last week playing upfront alongside Kian and big Sam was back at Herons for his first game of the season to play in defence alongside captain Liam. From the start, our boys were giving it their all. We had a couple of go's at goal and had the opposition on the back foot. Then they turned on the pressure and had a crack at us. The boys were dealt a blow when, with 10 minutes gone, we went 1-0 down, a cruel result of a deflected save hitting Liam and bouncing into the goal. Lots of encouragement from Paul and the Herons' parents spurred the boys to keep their heads up and pile some more pressure on. We got our equalizer, and what a goal it was. Kian made a great run down the right wing, using his pace to beat the challenging defender and passed the ball to Archie. He controlled the ball beautifully but had it snatched away from him. He won the ball back, ran across the box beating 1 defender then turned another inside out and spanked the ball into the far right bottom corner. 1-1! We went in at half time in a buoyant mood.
The second half got off to a furious pace, both teams trying nick a goal... then it all went downhill thanks to some disgustingly rude CP parents/fans and what would appear to be a bad decision from the ref. It all boiled down to a goalmouth scramble and the ball being saved on the line (or was it over the line!) and someone shouting 'CHEATS' at our players. Paul was not please and ended up having a big disagreement with a handful of CP parents pointing out that our boys aren't cheats and that it was unfair to brand them as that. Our boys lost a bit of direction by that point and CP did manage to bag themselves a goal to go 2-1 up. We fought back and Archie was denied another cracking goal due to being marginally offside. The rest is pretty much down to 1 or 2 mistakes that we made, but it wasn't really surprising given what was going on around them.
Man of the match was awarded to Harry for his strong defensive tackles and none stop running. To be honest, a couple of the boys could have been given the the award, Archie included.
Archie is not available for next weeks game against Hemel Town Youth, so his next game is on the 24 October against the team he left, Evergreen Juniors, in order to join Herons. We are really looking forward to this one!
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
U11's Juniors League Cup Groups announced
The Juniors League Cup draw has been released onto the WHYL website.
This cup competition is played in a league and knock-out format involving teams the 6 teams from the 2nd division currently sitting in 5th, 6th, 7th (Herons), 8th, 9th & 10th and the whole of the 3rd division. The teams are split into four groups of four with the winners and runners up of each group going through to the knock out competition.
Last season, Archie and his old team, Evergreen Juniors, managed to reach the semi-finals of this competition but were beaten after a frustrating game against Chorleywood Pumas. The current holders of this cup are infact Archie's new(/old old) team, Herons.
The groups are as follows:
Group 1:
Harpenden Colts Cobras
Hemel Aces Diamonds
Herons
Kings Langley
Group 2:
Hemel Town Youth
Evergreen Juniors
Berkhamstead Raiders White
Tring Albion
Group 3:
Comets Cougars
St. Albans City West
Harpenden Colts Tigers
Echoes
Group 4:
Chorleywood Leopards
Leverstock Green Cedars
Harpenden Colts Panthers
Evergreen Colts
This cup competition is played in a league and knock-out format involving teams the 6 teams from the 2nd division currently sitting in 5th, 6th, 7th (Herons), 8th, 9th & 10th and the whole of the 3rd division. The teams are split into four groups of four with the winners and runners up of each group going through to the knock out competition.
Last season, Archie and his old team, Evergreen Juniors, managed to reach the semi-finals of this competition but were beaten after a frustrating game against Chorleywood Pumas. The current holders of this cup are infact Archie's new(/old old) team, Herons.
The groups are as follows:
Group 1:
Harpenden Colts Cobras
Hemel Aces Diamonds
Herons
Kings Langley
Group 2:
Hemel Town Youth
Evergreen Juniors
Berkhamstead Raiders White
Tring Albion
Group 3:
Comets Cougars
St. Albans City West
Harpenden Colts Tigers
Echoes
Group 4:
Chorleywood Leopards
Leverstock Green Cedars
Harpenden Colts Panthers
Evergreen Colts
Monday, 4 October 2010
Division 2 results & league table 03/10
Evergreen Juniors 4-6 Rickmansworth Rebels
Hemel Town Youth 2-8 Chorleywood Panthers
Herons 1-2 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Kings Langley 0-4 Little Gaddesden
Hemel Town Youth 2-8 Chorleywood Panthers
Herons 1-2 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Kings Langley 0-4 Little Gaddesden
League: Herons 1-2 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Today's game almost didn't happen for Archie. He suffered a terrible injury whilst at the park with his friends, falling 1.5 metres... or was it 2.5 metres, erm probably about 5 metres (the height slightly more exaggerated with everytime the story was told) off a swing and landed funny on his ankle. Admittedly, his ankle was a bit bruised but nothing a bit of 'deep heat' and support bandaging couldn't sort!. The weather didn't look too good either, but Archie advised me that "drizzly fine rain" was his favorite weather to play football in... 'Great' I thought, 'but Arch, its pouring with rain out there' I told him!
Paul set the team up in a 4-3-3 formation with Archie playing as the left sided striker, which he was happy with. The match got underway and within the first 3 minutes, Herons had gone 1 nil up. Kian (the right sided striker) had shot on goal which was parried by the keeper straight into the path of James S (the central striker) who stroked the ball home. The first half was very well contested by Herons. We were unlucky not to double our lead. Archie almost scored an absolute cracker, a shot from the edge of the area, but was denied by a great save from the keeper. Our goalkeeper, Andre, had very little to do in the first half.
The second half was a different story. The boys were shying away from challenges, not talking to each other on the field and also managed to conceded two very soft goals in the last 10 minutes of the game. In all, the game was very close, a little bit ruined by the linesman who was officiating on behalf of Harpenden. He was flagging absolutely every dash towards goal as offside for no reason. We almost equalised as a result of a desperate goal mouth scramble but the ball found an opposing defender rather than the net... about 4 or 5 times!
The boys got a proper talking too at the end of the game, they have to step their game up if they are going to start winning games. Next weeks game will be a tough one, we are due to play Chorleywood Panthers who are top of the league.
Paul set the team up in a 4-3-3 formation with Archie playing as the left sided striker, which he was happy with. The match got underway and within the first 3 minutes, Herons had gone 1 nil up. Kian (the right sided striker) had shot on goal which was parried by the keeper straight into the path of James S (the central striker) who stroked the ball home. The first half was very well contested by Herons. We were unlucky not to double our lead. Archie almost scored an absolute cracker, a shot from the edge of the area, but was denied by a great save from the keeper. Our goalkeeper, Andre, had very little to do in the first half.
The second half was a different story. The boys were shying away from challenges, not talking to each other on the field and also managed to conceded two very soft goals in the last 10 minutes of the game. In all, the game was very close, a little bit ruined by the linesman who was officiating on behalf of Harpenden. He was flagging absolutely every dash towards goal as offside for no reason. We almost equalised as a result of a desperate goal mouth scramble but the ball found an opposing defender rather than the net... about 4 or 5 times!
The boys got a proper talking too at the end of the game, they have to step their game up if they are going to start winning games. Next weeks game will be a tough one, we are due to play Chorleywood Panthers who are top of the league.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Division 2 results & league table 26/09
Chorleywood Panthers 6-3 Hemel Town Youth
Comets Lions 8-5 Herons
Harpenden Colts Cobras 1-5 Hemel Aces Diamonds
Little Gaddesden 7-2 Evergreen Juniors
Rickmansworth Rebels 5-2 Kings Langley
Comets Lions 8-5 Herons
Harpenden Colts Cobras 1-5 Hemel Aces Diamonds
Little Gaddesden 7-2 Evergreen Juniors
Rickmansworth Rebels 5-2 Kings Langley
League: Comets Lions 8-5 Herons
A very windy morning perched up on Comets' home ground, Gadebridge Park in Hemel. Looking back through my records, it would appear to be a pitch that Archie has had mixed results on in the past. The most recent match he played here was for Evergreen Juniors in the semi-final of the league cup which ended in defeat (albeit due to a couple of extenuating circumstances already discussed on this blog). Archie started todays game upfront alongside Kian, but spent most of the game in midfield.
I'm not really going to write much about the first half of this game as none of the lads (Archie included) really turned up until the second half. We went in at half time 6-1 down! Our only goal of the first half was scored by central defender and captain Liam, from a free-kick. Good goal, but the Comets keeper was at fault really as fumbled the catch.
Herons' manager Paul gave the boys what for during the half time team talk, I chipped in too with some advice. The second began and we got straight back into the game. Archie had a couple of half chances against the Comets keeper but nothing came of them. Nothing really seemed to be going his way. Archie's confidence picked up a little and manage to set up two of our second half goals. The first was for James S's goal. The ball came to Archie with his back to goal, he turned the defender brilliantly, took a touch and James (who was running at speed) kind of took the ball from Archie in his stride and took it around the keeper and planted it in. He then set up Kian's goal. He ran with the ball down the left wing, muscling his way past a couple of defenders, looked up and absolutely spanked the ball. The keeper got over it, took some of the speed off and deflected it a little but Kian was there to mop up.
The highlight of the game for me, apart from Archie showing one or two glimpses of his previous outstanding season with Herons, was Riccardo's performance in midfield and Connor P's second goal. Ric put the mileage in, took some lovely touches and made some wonderful passes. As for Connor P's second goal... Corner floated into the edge of the box + fantastic movement to lose his marker = powerfully place header right into the top right corner of the net. Early contender for the goal of the season award I think.
I'm not really going to write much about the first half of this game as none of the lads (Archie included) really turned up until the second half. We went in at half time 6-1 down! Our only goal of the first half was scored by central defender and captain Liam, from a free-kick. Good goal, but the Comets keeper was at fault really as fumbled the catch.
Herons' manager Paul gave the boys what for during the half time team talk, I chipped in too with some advice. The second began and we got straight back into the game. Archie had a couple of half chances against the Comets keeper but nothing came of them. Nothing really seemed to be going his way. Archie's confidence picked up a little and manage to set up two of our second half goals. The first was for James S's goal. The ball came to Archie with his back to goal, he turned the defender brilliantly, took a touch and James (who was running at speed) kind of took the ball from Archie in his stride and took it around the keeper and planted it in. He then set up Kian's goal. He ran with the ball down the left wing, muscling his way past a couple of defenders, looked up and absolutely spanked the ball. The keeper got over it, took some of the speed off and deflected it a little but Kian was there to mop up.
The highlight of the game for me, apart from Archie showing one or two glimpses of his previous outstanding season with Herons, was Riccardo's performance in midfield and Connor P's second goal. Ric put the mileage in, took some lovely touches and made some wonderful passes. As for Connor P's second goal... Corner floated into the edge of the box + fantastic movement to lose his marker = powerfully place header right into the top right corner of the net. Early contender for the goal of the season award I think.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Division 2 results & league table 19/09
Evergreen Juniors 2-6 Chorleywood Panthers
Hemel Town Youth 0-1 Comets Lions
Kings Langley 1-3 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Little Gaddesden 4-1 Rickmansworth Rebels
Hemel Town Youth 0-1 Comets Lions
Kings Langley 1-3 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Little Gaddesden 4-1 Rickmansworth Rebels
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Changes to the league
After the first weekend of fixtures, West herts youth league have been forced to reduce the amount of divisions in the under 11's age group, this is due to a handful of teams withdrawing from the league.
There are now 3 divisions, with Herons being placed in the 2nd. This means that the win we picked up last weekend is null & void as the league campaign begins (again) next weekend.
Division 2 lines up as such:
There are now 3 divisions, with Herons being placed in the 2nd. This means that the win we picked up last weekend is null & void as the league campaign begins (again) next weekend.
Division 2 lines up as such:
Monday, 13 September 2010
League: HTYFC 1- 2 Herons
Archie's first season of competitive football, 2 years ago, began against the same team, Hemel Town Youth, on the same pitch as the match today. Today was Archie's first competitive 11-a-side match and it also started with a win.
Herons kicked the game off and Archie started the game in left midfield alongside his good mates Connor (right wing), Riccardo (left wing) & Frankie (right mid). At first, the game was a little bit messy, lots of bundles running after the ball but it soon calmed down and some good passing football was played by both teams but it was Herons that look the team that was more likely to open the scoring. Archie was linking up really well with his fellow midfielders and also with the strikers and it was Kian (up front) who opened the scoring with a shot that sailed to the top left corner. 0-1.
HTYFC battled back but never really tested the Herons keeper, who incedidently was very vocal and very confident between the sticks. Around 10 minutes passed, Archie was switched to play up-front alongside Kian, and Herons were awarded yet another corner. Ric floated the ball across the goal mouth, there was a touch and the ball found its way to Archie on the far post. Needless to say, Archie being as clinical in front of goal as ever poked the ball home. 0-2.
The home team bagged an equaliser in the first half, a little before the half time whistle, but they didn't really pose a big threat during the second half. Archie was subbed for 5 or 7 minutes during the second half and was used as a striker and left mid throughout the game. The final whistle went, Archie and the boys were pleased to have bagged themselves 3 points. Frankie was awarded the Man of the Match medal.
Herons kicked the game off and Archie started the game in left midfield alongside his good mates Connor (right wing), Riccardo (left wing) & Frankie (right mid). At first, the game was a little bit messy, lots of bundles running after the ball but it soon calmed down and some good passing football was played by both teams but it was Herons that look the team that was more likely to open the scoring. Archie was linking up really well with his fellow midfielders and also with the strikers and it was Kian (up front) who opened the scoring with a shot that sailed to the top left corner. 0-1.
HTYFC battled back but never really tested the Herons keeper, who incedidently was very vocal and very confident between the sticks. Around 10 minutes passed, Archie was switched to play up-front alongside Kian, and Herons were awarded yet another corner. Ric floated the ball across the goal mouth, there was a touch and the ball found its way to Archie on the far post. Needless to say, Archie being as clinical in front of goal as ever poked the ball home. 0-2.
The home team bagged an equaliser in the first half, a little before the half time whistle, but they didn't really pose a big threat during the second half. Archie was subbed for 5 or 7 minutes during the second half and was used as a striker and left mid throughout the game. The final whistle went, Archie and the boys were pleased to have bagged themselves 3 points. Frankie was awarded the Man of the Match medal.
Monday, 23 August 2010
West Herts Youth League Under 11's division 3
This season Archie will be playing 11-a-side football for the first time, complete with the Offside rule (which should be interesting!) and playing on a junior sized pitch. There are now fewer teams competing this season in the West Herts Youth League at Under 11 due to a lack of players available to squads. There are now only enough teams for 4 divisions.
The new leagues are finally out and on the WHYL website. Archie and his Herons team have been put into the 3rd division alongside his old team, Evergreen Juniors. Here is the line up for the division:
As you can see, Archie's old team, Evergreen Juniors are in the same league. That'll be interesting.
The new leagues are finally out and on the WHYL website. Archie and his Herons team have been put into the 3rd division alongside his old team, Evergreen Juniors. Here is the line up for the division:
As you can see, Archie's old team, Evergreen Juniors are in the same league. That'll be interesting.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Transfer News: Archie leaves Evergreen
Archie has decided that he would like to rejoin his old club, Herons Youth.
Myself and Archie have both enjoyed the season spent at Evergreen playing for the Juniors and we are planning on keeping in touch with all involved.
This blog will be updated fully soon
Myself and Archie have both enjoyed the season spent at Evergreen playing for the Juniors and we are planning on keeping in touch with all involved.
This blog will be updated fully soon
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Transfer News: Lewis P leaves
Evergreen Juniors' top scorer Lewis Phillips has left Evergreen FC to join Watford Friendly League team Croxley Guild who play in the top division.
Archie and myself wish him the best of luck with his new team.
Archie and myself wish him the best of luck with his new team.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Evergreen FC 6-a-side tournament 20/06/2010 outcome
Notoriouosly Evergreen Juniors don't do well in their own tournaments but today was a slightly different story in that they managed to get out of the group stage.
We lost our first game 3-1 to Belmont A, won our second game versus Headstone Manor White 3-0 and drew our last game against Harpenden Colts Red 1-1. The other team, Chorleywood Common Tigers, didn't show up so each team in the group was awarded a 2-0 win.
We got to the Quarter finals where we met the winners of group 4, Abbots Youth A. It was a close match but was lost 2-0.
We lost our first game 3-1 to Belmont A, won our second game versus Headstone Manor White 3-0 and drew our last game against Harpenden Colts Red 1-1. The other team, Chorleywood Common Tigers, didn't show up so each team in the group was awarded a 2-0 win.
We got to the Quarter finals where we met the winners of group 4, Abbots Youth A. It was a close match but was lost 2-0.
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Evergreen FC 6-a-side tournament 20/06/2010
The annual Evergreen FC 6-a-side tournament takes place on Sunday 20th of June, with 3 Evergreen Under 10's teams taking part in the respective age group. The teams are the Juniors, Colts & Youth. Matches are 10mins long (5mins each way)
Archie has been chosen to take part in the Juniors side who line up as such;
Archie, Lewis P, Harry F, George, Adam & Harry C.
There are 4 groups detailed below:
Under 10 Group 1
Evergreen Youth
Abbots Youth B
Chorleywood Common Pumas
Gadeside
Headstone Manor Blues
Under 10 Group 2
Evergreen Juniors
Belmont A
Chorleywood Common Tigers
Harpenden Colts Red
Headstone Manor White
Archie's fixtures:
09:30 Evergreen Juniors V Belmont A
10:00 Evergreen Juniors V Headstone Manor White
10:45 Evergreen Juniors V Chorleywood Common Tigers
11:15 Evergreen Juniors V Harpenden Colts Red
Under 10 Group 3
Evergreen Colts
Belmont United B
Finchley Flyers A
Harpenden Colts Blue
Herons
Under 10 Group 4
Abbots Youth A
Bushey Rangers
Finchley Flyers B
Headstone Manor Reds
Ruislip
This will be a very difficult competition as only the top 2 teams qualify through the quarter finals.
Quarter Finals
1. Winner grp 1 V Runner-up grp 3
2. Winner grp 3 V Runner-up grp 1
3. Winner grp 2 V Runner-up grp 4
4. Winner grp 4 V Runner-up grp 2
Semi Finals
5. Winner game 1 V Winner game 3
6. Winner game 2 V Winner game 4
Final
Winner game 5 V Winner game 6
Archie has been chosen to take part in the Juniors side who line up as such;
Archie, Lewis P, Harry F, George, Adam & Harry C.
There are 4 groups detailed below:
Under 10 Group 1
Evergreen Youth
Abbots Youth B
Chorleywood Common Pumas
Gadeside
Headstone Manor Blues
Under 10 Group 2
Evergreen Juniors
Belmont A
Chorleywood Common Tigers
Harpenden Colts Red
Headstone Manor White
Archie's fixtures:
09:30 Evergreen Juniors V Belmont A
10:00 Evergreen Juniors V Headstone Manor White
10:45 Evergreen Juniors V Chorleywood Common Tigers
11:15 Evergreen Juniors V Harpenden Colts Red
Under 10 Group 3
Evergreen Colts
Belmont United B
Finchley Flyers A
Harpenden Colts Blue
Herons
Under 10 Group 4
Abbots Youth A
Bushey Rangers
Finchley Flyers B
Headstone Manor Reds
Ruislip
This will be a very difficult competition as only the top 2 teams qualify through the quarter finals.
Quarter Finals
1. Winner grp 1 V Runner-up grp 3
2. Winner grp 3 V Runner-up grp 1
3. Winner grp 2 V Runner-up grp 4
4. Winner grp 4 V Runner-up grp 2
Semi Finals
5. Winner game 1 V Winner game 3
6. Winner game 2 V Winner game 4
Final
Winner game 5 V Winner game 6
Monday, 17 May 2010
Monday, 19 April 2010
League: Evergreen Juniors 1-2 Comets Cougars (18th Apr 2010)
Today was Archie and Evergreen Juniors' last league game of the season vs Comets Cougars.
Archie started the game in his usual position of left midfield.
A long story short on this one. The first half was great to watch for an Evergreen follower. Some delicious pieces of individual skill and equally delicious pieces of team work too, one of which i reckon contributed to the goal of the season (so far). Adam retrieved the ball from a Comets player in the middle of the field and played a short pass to Harry F who had his back to goal just within Comets' side of the field. Lewis P made a run pass Harry F who backhealed the ball into his path. He took a touch then took the ball around the keeper and slotted the ball home. 1-0. A host Evergreen players had chances to score, mostly with long range efforts. Archie hit the post on 1 occasion, shot just wide and also made the Comets keeper make a few saves. He was very unlucky not to score.
Half time came and Archie was subbed for the 1st 10 or 15mins of the 2nd half. He came back onto the field in place of Lewis P. During Archie's spell on the sideline Comets had somehow equalized and gone in front. They only had 1 chance at goal in the first half!!
It was a shame to have lost this game. It means that Archie and Evergreen Juniors go into next weekends Semi final against Chorleywood Pumas on the back of a defeat.
Next weekends game is to be played at a neutral venue.
The results & fixtures, league & goals scored tables and golden boot features have all been update below.
Archie started the game in his usual position of left midfield.
A long story short on this one. The first half was great to watch for an Evergreen follower. Some delicious pieces of individual skill and equally delicious pieces of team work too, one of which i reckon contributed to the goal of the season (so far). Adam retrieved the ball from a Comets player in the middle of the field and played a short pass to Harry F who had his back to goal just within Comets' side of the field. Lewis P made a run pass Harry F who backhealed the ball into his path. He took a touch then took the ball around the keeper and slotted the ball home. 1-0. A host Evergreen players had chances to score, mostly with long range efforts. Archie hit the post on 1 occasion, shot just wide and also made the Comets keeper make a few saves. He was very unlucky not to score.
Half time came and Archie was subbed for the 1st 10 or 15mins of the 2nd half. He came back onto the field in place of Lewis P. During Archie's spell on the sideline Comets had somehow equalized and gone in front. They only had 1 chance at goal in the first half!!
It was a shame to have lost this game. It means that Archie and Evergreen Juniors go into next weekends Semi final against Chorleywood Pumas on the back of a defeat.
Next weekends game is to be played at a neutral venue.
The results & fixtures, league & goals scored tables and golden boot features have all been update below.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Monday, 12 April 2010
WHYL Challenge Cup, Quarter Final: Evergreen Juniors 1-2 Harpenden Colts Raiders (11th April 2010)
Today, Evergreen Juniors faced Harpenden Colts Raiders in the Quarter final of the West Herts Youth League Challenge cup. This was a game that Archie had been looking forward to for ages. He hasn't been able to play in the last couple of games that Evergreen have played so he was ready to get stuck in.
The end result was a frustrating one to be honest for all involved except Harpenden of course. Archie played the whole match in Left midfield but didn't really get stuck into the game until after the 1st 10mins or so of the 1st half. During the 1st 10mins he only really had one chance. Harry F floated a cross in high and Archie was there to volley just wide and over the bar... should have used his head really. We went in to half time with a 1-0 lead. Lewis P had made use of a pass from Archie and converted his shot brilliantly.
Both teams came out fighting in the second half but i felt that Harpenden wanted it more. They equalised and some of the boys' heads went down. Archie stepped up his pursuit in winning balls back and put a lot of mileage in but there was no end result. With 5 mins to go (and after i put a hex on the game by saying that the game will go into extra time) Harpenden scored another to make 1-2. A few more heads went down but some still battled.
Archie was a bit frustrated at the end of the game, mainly with me for nagging at him for making use of acres of space that he had on the left side of the field. You live and you learn...
Next week Archie and Evergreen Juniors play their last league game of the season. Hopefully Archie will be a bit more up for that game and give it his all from the outset.
The end result was a frustrating one to be honest for all involved except Harpenden of course. Archie played the whole match in Left midfield but didn't really get stuck into the game until after the 1st 10mins or so of the 1st half. During the 1st 10mins he only really had one chance. Harry F floated a cross in high and Archie was there to volley just wide and over the bar... should have used his head really. We went in to half time with a 1-0 lead. Lewis P had made use of a pass from Archie and converted his shot brilliantly.
Both teams came out fighting in the second half but i felt that Harpenden wanted it more. They equalised and some of the boys' heads went down. Archie stepped up his pursuit in winning balls back and put a lot of mileage in but there was no end result. With 5 mins to go (and after i put a hex on the game by saying that the game will go into extra time) Harpenden scored another to make 1-2. A few more heads went down but some still battled.
Archie was a bit frustrated at the end of the game, mainly with me for nagging at him for making use of acres of space that he had on the left side of the field. You live and you learn...
Next week Archie and Evergreen Juniors play their last league game of the season. Hopefully Archie will be a bit more up for that game and give it his all from the outset.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
League: London Macabbi Lions 2-1 Evergreen Juniors (7th Apr 2010)
Once again Archie wasn't playing today due it being a mid-week fixture and him being with his Mum.
Conrad advised that we shouldn't really have lost this game.
Lewis P scored Evergreen Juniors' only goal.
Conrad advised that we shouldn't really have lost this game.
Lewis P scored Evergreen Juniors' only goal.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
League: Hemel Panthers 2-1 Evergreen Juniors (28th Mar 2010)
Archie wasn't playing today.
Conrad advised that the 1st half was fantastic but the 2nd half wasn't.
Lewis P scored Evergreen Juniors' only goal today.
The next game is on 7th April (mid-week) vs London Maccabi Lions. Archie won't be able for selection for this game either.
Conrad advised that the 1st half was fantastic but the 2nd half wasn't.
Lewis P scored Evergreen Juniors' only goal today.
The next game is on 7th April (mid-week) vs London Maccabi Lions. Archie won't be able for selection for this game either.
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Monday, 22 March 2010
League: Tornado JSC Black 1-5 Evergreen Juniors (21st Mar 2010)
Today was a perfect day for football. Perfect conditions.
Archie and the boys went to Tornado JSC knowing that a win would take them off of the bottom of the table. Before the game started I told Archie that I was expecting a good game from him, and for him to play as part of a team. Conrad had already had words with the team on Saturday afternoon about them arguing amongst themselves and how if they all put the same effort in, the rewards will come. Well, today was a fine example... with only one or two little hic-ups along the way.
Myself and Grand-Glyn were there as always along with Dena and Charlie, taking advantage of the nice weather.
Archie started and finished the game in Left midfield.
The game started at a very quick pace. Both teams battling for the ball, but I would say that Evergreen were the stronger team. Archie, Lewis P and Harry F had a few chances and for some reason all were resorting to long range efforts, most straying wide and some forcing saves from the opposition goal keeper. The long range shots stopped and normal play resumed. Archie and Lewis P looked exceptionally threatening, always charging forward and very good link up play. No doubt they were able to get forward more thanks to the cover they received from Lewis C & Harry C in defence and also Harry F (who also broke forward) & Adam in midfield. The boys finally broke the deadlock with not much of the 1st half left to play. The ball broke for Lewis P to run on to and he managed to hit it hard and low into the bottom left corner. The keeper had no chance. We resisted a few attacks from the home team and Anthony made some fantastic saves in goal. Half time came and we went in 0-1 up.
The second half started at a similar rate of speed, with JSC making some breaks for goal. The game also started to get a little heated, free-kicks were awarded to both teams. One of the hic-ups that I mentioned earlier then happened. Archie clearly barged a JSC player off the ball and a free-kick was awarded. Harry F decided to argue to decision. Conrad wasn't having any of it and pulled him off the field. With only 7 players available, it meant that the boys were playing 6 against 7. It was Conrad's intention to keep Harry F off for 2 minutes to allow him to calm down, but after the time was up, he refused to go back on. While this was happening, JSC put the pressure on for 5mins then went in for the kill and levelled up the scores to make it 1-1. Centre was taken and within a minute or so, some more good link up play enabled Lewis P to respond with a great goal. 1-2. After some encouraging (and strong words) from Harry F's Mum, he took to the field again. From there on, the game turned into a bit of a goal fest. Archie bagged himself a goal after he was provided with a cross from Lewis P. 1-3. He was unlucky not to get a second on 2 occasions, hitting the post with 1 attempt and slotting the ball wide after nicely chipping over the keeper. Then, returning the favour again Archie played Lewis in for his hatrick. 1-4. Harry F also got in on the act and made it 1-5.
A very good game today and with that win it meant that Evergreen were lifted from the bottom of the table. Not only that, but with Comets Cougars losing to Chorleywood Tigers, we jumped 2 places higher to 3rd from bottom... or as I like to say; 6th.
Archie is unfortunately not available for selection for the next game at the weekend and it looks as though a league game will have to be played on a week day during the Easter holidays which will also mean that he won't be able to play that game either. He is looking forward to the thought of facing Herons in an 11-a-side friendly game which hopefully will happen on 10th April. Also, he looking forward to the Challenge cup quarter final game that will follow on the 11th April.
Archie and the boys went to Tornado JSC knowing that a win would take them off of the bottom of the table. Before the game started I told Archie that I was expecting a good game from him, and for him to play as part of a team. Conrad had already had words with the team on Saturday afternoon about them arguing amongst themselves and how if they all put the same effort in, the rewards will come. Well, today was a fine example... with only one or two little hic-ups along the way.
Myself and Grand-Glyn were there as always along with Dena and Charlie, taking advantage of the nice weather.
Archie started and finished the game in Left midfield.
The game started at a very quick pace. Both teams battling for the ball, but I would say that Evergreen were the stronger team. Archie, Lewis P and Harry F had a few chances and for some reason all were resorting to long range efforts, most straying wide and some forcing saves from the opposition goal keeper. The long range shots stopped and normal play resumed. Archie and Lewis P looked exceptionally threatening, always charging forward and very good link up play. No doubt they were able to get forward more thanks to the cover they received from Lewis C & Harry C in defence and also Harry F (who also broke forward) & Adam in midfield. The boys finally broke the deadlock with not much of the 1st half left to play. The ball broke for Lewis P to run on to and he managed to hit it hard and low into the bottom left corner. The keeper had no chance. We resisted a few attacks from the home team and Anthony made some fantastic saves in goal. Half time came and we went in 0-1 up.
The second half started at a similar rate of speed, with JSC making some breaks for goal. The game also started to get a little heated, free-kicks were awarded to both teams. One of the hic-ups that I mentioned earlier then happened. Archie clearly barged a JSC player off the ball and a free-kick was awarded. Harry F decided to argue to decision. Conrad wasn't having any of it and pulled him off the field. With only 7 players available, it meant that the boys were playing 6 against 7. It was Conrad's intention to keep Harry F off for 2 minutes to allow him to calm down, but after the time was up, he refused to go back on. While this was happening, JSC put the pressure on for 5mins then went in for the kill and levelled up the scores to make it 1-1. Centre was taken and within a minute or so, some more good link up play enabled Lewis P to respond with a great goal. 1-2. After some encouraging (and strong words) from Harry F's Mum, he took to the field again. From there on, the game turned into a bit of a goal fest. Archie bagged himself a goal after he was provided with a cross from Lewis P. 1-3. He was unlucky not to get a second on 2 occasions, hitting the post with 1 attempt and slotting the ball wide after nicely chipping over the keeper. Then, returning the favour again Archie played Lewis in for his hatrick. 1-4. Harry F also got in on the act and made it 1-5.
A very good game today and with that win it meant that Evergreen were lifted from the bottom of the table. Not only that, but with Comets Cougars losing to Chorleywood Tigers, we jumped 2 places higher to 3rd from bottom... or as I like to say; 6th.
Archie is unfortunately not available for selection for the next game at the weekend and it looks as though a league game will have to be played on a week day during the Easter holidays which will also mean that he won't be able to play that game either. He is looking forward to the thought of facing Herons in an 11-a-side friendly game which hopefully will happen on 10th April. Also, he looking forward to the Challenge cup quarter final game that will follow on the 11th April.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Archie's first taste of 11-a-side football and today's game
Yesterday, Archie played in his first 11-a-side game. It wasn't a full match, just a 30min game, one of many practice games coming up to prepare for next season. Archie played in left midfield and up-front alongside Lewis P.
Having to contend with a bigger pitch and the offside rule, you could see all the boys were finding it difficult keeping their positions, but with practice they will get better. Archie impressed me with his constant glancing across the defensive line to check if he was offside or not... more often than not he was but he always made up for it!
Today, Archie and Evergreen Juniors face an away league match versus Tornado JSC. This is the team that walked off the field and refused to play because the manager didn't like the tackles. JSC are 2 places above Evergreen in the league but we have 2 games in hand on them. The last time Archie played at JSC's pitch he scored just the 1 goal, but only played half of the match.
The weather looks nice today, rained a little last night so the pitch should be in perfect condition. Looking forward to it. A win today will ensure that Evergreen will no longer be bottom of the league. Let's hope I haven't jinxed us!
Having to contend with a bigger pitch and the offside rule, you could see all the boys were finding it difficult keeping their positions, but with practice they will get better. Archie impressed me with his constant glancing across the defensive line to check if he was offside or not... more often than not he was but he always made up for it!
Today, Archie and Evergreen Juniors face an away league match versus Tornado JSC. This is the team that walked off the field and refused to play because the manager didn't like the tackles. JSC are 2 places above Evergreen in the league but we have 2 games in hand on them. The last time Archie played at JSC's pitch he scored just the 1 goal, but only played half of the match.
The weather looks nice today, rained a little last night so the pitch should be in perfect condition. Looking forward to it. A win today will ensure that Evergreen will no longer be bottom of the league. Let's hope I haven't jinxed us!
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Monday, 8 March 2010
League Intermediate Cup, Quarter-final: Evergreen Juniors 5-1 Harpenden Colts Buccaneers (7th Mar 2010)
Today Archie and Evergreen Juniors faced a team from the league below, Harpenden Colts Buccaneers. The fact that they are in the league below didn't automatically mean that it would be easy pickings and making that point to the boys was very important. The weather was much the same as yesterday but was a bit colder.
Conrad and Mark must have got the "don't think it'll be easy" point across quite well because the boys came out with all guns blazing and played some fantastic football throughout. Evergreen took the lead early on. The move came from the right wing, Lewis P starting where he left off yesterday put in a lovely cross which was beautifully guided in off the head of Archie!! His first ever headed goal and very Rooney-esq! 1-0. From there-on-in the boys seemed to reek havoc on the opposition's defence. Archie almost scored a 2nd with a well executed bicycle kick, again from a Lewis P cross, but the keeper dealt with it. The second goal came soon after and what a fantastic goal it was. A lot of passing down field and a cross which Adam meet with absolute perfection. Blam! 2-0. Lewis P scored his 1st of the game, our 3rd. He also hit the post a little while after. Harpenden were glad to hear the whistle for half time.
The boys were told that nothing had been decided yet during the half time team talk and to carry on with the pressure.
Within almost a minute of the 2nd half, Lewis P made it 4-0 with a well taken goal. Harpenden started giving something back and forced a couple of saves from Anthony and called the defence into action. They finally got a goal back. It was another sloppy goal to concede but a comeback was never really on the cards as the boys had done the damage early on. 4-1. Harry F won a free kick and scored direct from the set-piece to make it 5-1. The refs whistle went of not long after, handshakes all round and a Semi-final looming.
A good weekend's football for Archie and his team mates but we were all still left wandering where it went wrong in the league. Silverware is very much a possibility this season though.
The draw for the semi-finals of the Intermediate league cup is as follows:
Chorleywood Pumas vs Evergreen Juniors
Watford Town Youth Red vs Herons
As you can see, Archie's old team Herons are still in the competition. We need to get through the Semi's first but the prospect of Archie's first ever final is mouth watering... let alone a final against his old team! Evergreen Juniors got to this point last season but failed to get to the final.
Bring on the Semi-final and good luck to Herons. Myself and Archie will be gunning for them to get through too.
Conrad and Mark must have got the "don't think it'll be easy" point across quite well because the boys came out with all guns blazing and played some fantastic football throughout. Evergreen took the lead early on. The move came from the right wing, Lewis P starting where he left off yesterday put in a lovely cross which was beautifully guided in off the head of Archie!! His first ever headed goal and very Rooney-esq! 1-0. From there-on-in the boys seemed to reek havoc on the opposition's defence. Archie almost scored a 2nd with a well executed bicycle kick, again from a Lewis P cross, but the keeper dealt with it. The second goal came soon after and what a fantastic goal it was. A lot of passing down field and a cross which Adam meet with absolute perfection. Blam! 2-0. Lewis P scored his 1st of the game, our 3rd. He also hit the post a little while after. Harpenden were glad to hear the whistle for half time.
The boys were told that nothing had been decided yet during the half time team talk and to carry on with the pressure.
Within almost a minute of the 2nd half, Lewis P made it 4-0 with a well taken goal. Harpenden started giving something back and forced a couple of saves from Anthony and called the defence into action. They finally got a goal back. It was another sloppy goal to concede but a comeback was never really on the cards as the boys had done the damage early on. 4-1. Harry F won a free kick and scored direct from the set-piece to make it 5-1. The refs whistle went of not long after, handshakes all round and a Semi-final looming.
A good weekend's football for Archie and his team mates but we were all still left wandering where it went wrong in the league. Silverware is very much a possibility this season though.
The draw for the semi-finals of the Intermediate league cup is as follows:
Chorleywood Pumas vs Evergreen Juniors
Watford Town Youth Red vs Herons
As you can see, Archie's old team Herons are still in the competition. We need to get through the Semi's first but the prospect of Archie's first ever final is mouth watering... let alone a final against his old team! Evergreen Juniors got to this point last season but failed to get to the final.
Bring on the Semi-final and good luck to Herons. Myself and Archie will be gunning for them to get through too.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
WHYL Challenge Cup, 3rd round: Evergreen Juniors 2-1 Tring Tornadoes Yellow (6th March 2010)
Today was Archie’s 1st ever Saturday game and it was an important one at that. The 3rd round of the Challenge Cup and we were up against tough opposition in the form of Blue division's (2nd division, 1 div higher than Evergreen) Tring Tornadoes Yellow. This was also Archie's 1st game back after 4 weeks without football. The weather looked nice (no rain or snow), blue skies, but there was a very cold wind that caused the boys issues. Archie started the game playing at Left midfield.
We started terribly in the first half and were getting absolutely battered. More so by the wind which was freezing cold and blowing towards our goal. The opposition were passing well but they weren't a great deal better than us if the truth be told. Our boys were making some silly errors and gave away a very sloppy goal. In our goal was Anthony who made some good saves to keep us in the game and Harry C's defending was also very good. We went in at half time 0-1 down.
Conrad, Ian and Mark gave the team a stern talking to which mainly consisted of re-iterating what the parents were shouting at the team all half... "WAKE UP!". Archie and Harry F also switched positions, so Arch was playing Right midfield.
The 2nd half started brilliantly and we looked like a totally different team, as did Tring. A couple of our boys had a few shots on goal which were either saved or went wide. Lewis P had the better of his marker for the whole of the second half and became a bit embarrassing to watch. I could tell that it was only a matter of time before we would score. The equalizer came courtesy of Archie. He managed to get on the end of a Lewis P cross with a left footed half volley. 1-1. The boys had got the opposition rattled and they carried on taking advantage of the run of play. Tring picked their game up a little but not enough to cause us any issues. We took the lead a few minutes later. Lewis P making took a couple of players on and beat them, he a few options. To pass to Archie or Harry F who were both unmarked in the box, but he went for goal and made it look very easy. 2-1. The boys started having a bit fun, not being too risky, and comfortably won the game. Every single player played their part and kept the opposition quiet throughout the whole of the 2nd half. Anthony played his part in goal very well. Harry C was dominant in defence alongside Lewis C who seemed to stick to the player that he was marking. Archie, Adam and Harry F were tough & controlled the middle of the field whilst Lewis P attacked, attacked and attacked keeping the defenders in his back pocket.
Archie and Evergreen Juniors are now through to the Quarter-finals of the Challenge cup.
We started terribly in the first half and were getting absolutely battered. More so by the wind which was freezing cold and blowing towards our goal. The opposition were passing well but they weren't a great deal better than us if the truth be told. Our boys were making some silly errors and gave away a very sloppy goal. In our goal was Anthony who made some good saves to keep us in the game and Harry C's defending was also very good. We went in at half time 0-1 down.
Conrad, Ian and Mark gave the team a stern talking to which mainly consisted of re-iterating what the parents were shouting at the team all half... "WAKE UP!". Archie and Harry F also switched positions, so Arch was playing Right midfield.
The 2nd half started brilliantly and we looked like a totally different team, as did Tring. A couple of our boys had a few shots on goal which were either saved or went wide. Lewis P had the better of his marker for the whole of the second half and became a bit embarrassing to watch. I could tell that it was only a matter of time before we would score. The equalizer came courtesy of Archie. He managed to get on the end of a Lewis P cross with a left footed half volley. 1-1. The boys had got the opposition rattled and they carried on taking advantage of the run of play. Tring picked their game up a little but not enough to cause us any issues. We took the lead a few minutes later. Lewis P making took a couple of players on and beat them, he a few options. To pass to Archie or Harry F who were both unmarked in the box, but he went for goal and made it look very easy. 2-1. The boys started having a bit fun, not being too risky, and comfortably won the game. Every single player played their part and kept the opposition quiet throughout the whole of the 2nd half. Anthony played his part in goal very well. Harry C was dominant in defence alongside Lewis C who seemed to stick to the player that he was marking. Archie, Adam and Harry F were tough & controlled the middle of the field whilst Lewis P attacked, attacked and attacked keeping the defenders in his back pocket.
Archie and Evergreen Juniors are now through to the Quarter-finals of the Challenge cup.
Monday, 1 March 2010
WHYL Challenge Cup, 3rd round: Evergreen Juniors P-P Tring Tornadoes Yellow (28th Feb 2010)
Today's game was postponed due to the weather.
Friday, 26 February 2010
League: Evergreen Juniors 0-1 Hemel Stags Aces Black (21st Feb 2010)
Again, Archie wasn't available for this game. I banned him due to his recent behaviour.
Reports suggest that it was a closely fought game even though Evergreen were playing with 6 against 7.
Archie will not be available for the next game either.
Reports suggest that it was a closely fought game even though Evergreen were playing with 6 against 7.
Archie will not be available for the next game either.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Monday, 15 February 2010
League: Evergreen Juniors 0-3 Hemel Panthers (13th Feb 2010)
Archie wasn't available for this match as we were attending a family wedding in Surrey.
Not too sure what happened in the game but hopefully Archie and the boys will get back to winning ways next weekend when they go to Hemel Stags Aces Black.
Not too sure what happened in the game but hopefully Archie and the boys will get back to winning ways next weekend when they go to Hemel Stags Aces Black.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
League: Evergreen Juniors 3-3 Hemel Stags Aces Black (7th Feb 2010)
A tough game today against a team that is not only top of the league but also a team that Archie is yet to beat. He likes playing against Aces, he knows that they are a good team.
Needless to say that after the last encounter that they had on the field (vs Tornados), the boys were well up for this and the prospect of actually playing a game of football. The weather was perfect as was the pitch, great conditions. It was however, top vs bottom.
Archie was playing in-front of some extra spectators in the form of his Nana and his Aunt and also new Archie fan, John (a friend of the family). This worried him a little bit because when people come to watch him, he doesn't usually play too well but today was clearly the exception.
The match started at a fast pace with some good defending coming from both teams along with some sound goalkeeping. Tackles were going in nicely too, both managers appreciating the nature of the game (that isn't a dig at anyone...). The boys were passing the ball about when they had the opportunity but it was Aces who made the breakthrough via a cruel deflection off Harry C. 0-1. We battled hard and finally the equalizer came. Evergreen were awarded a free-kick which had to be re-taken due to an Aces player charging the ball down before the kick was taken. The ball trickled its way through the defence and Lewis P was on hand to poke the ball home. 1-1. Archie had a tremendous first half and seemed to be suffering from a slight stitch.
The second half was much the same. After 5mins, Aces made it 1-2 through a very well worked goal. The boys' response was furious. Harry F beat a couple of players and gave a superb cross which was met by Lewis P who struck the ball and hit the post. We had them worried and a couple of minutes later we equalized again. There was a shot which the Aces keeper couldn't keep hold of but Archie was there to mop up and put the ball into the back of the net. 2-2. Archie didn't really celebrate the goal as he was too busy checking to see if the Aces keeper was ok... good sportsmanship and a good attitude shown by him. It was clear that the boys were going for the win. Lewis P hit the post twice more just to put the frighteners on them and then we managed to take the lead. A fantastic ball from Lewis P played down the left flank to Archie. He ran with the ball, holding the defenders advances off, looked up and shot the ball across the Aces keeper and into the net! 3-2. I missed his celebration as I was too busy jumping about myself!
Aces took kick off and put a lot of pressure on the boys and responded with another cruel equalizer. The ball taking a bobble and passing under Louis feet and into the goal. Neither team gave up after that and it wasn't long until the final whistle had gone.
A good result for in fairness. On paper, looking at the league, most people would have said it would be an away win but it is clear from that performance that Evergreen Juniors' league position doesn't really mean a thing. Another positive would also be that fact that Berko lost so Evergreen are now off the bottom of the table! GET IN.
Next weekends game vs Hemel Panthers is due to be played on Saturday. Archie will not available for selection for this game due to a family wedding.
Needless to say that after the last encounter that they had on the field (vs Tornados), the boys were well up for this and the prospect of actually playing a game of football. The weather was perfect as was the pitch, great conditions. It was however, top vs bottom.
Archie was playing in-front of some extra spectators in the form of his Nana and his Aunt and also new Archie fan, John (a friend of the family). This worried him a little bit because when people come to watch him, he doesn't usually play too well but today was clearly the exception.
The match started at a fast pace with some good defending coming from both teams along with some sound goalkeeping. Tackles were going in nicely too, both managers appreciating the nature of the game (that isn't a dig at anyone...). The boys were passing the ball about when they had the opportunity but it was Aces who made the breakthrough via a cruel deflection off Harry C. 0-1. We battled hard and finally the equalizer came. Evergreen were awarded a free-kick which had to be re-taken due to an Aces player charging the ball down before the kick was taken. The ball trickled its way through the defence and Lewis P was on hand to poke the ball home. 1-1. Archie had a tremendous first half and seemed to be suffering from a slight stitch.
The second half was much the same. After 5mins, Aces made it 1-2 through a very well worked goal. The boys' response was furious. Harry F beat a couple of players and gave a superb cross which was met by Lewis P who struck the ball and hit the post. We had them worried and a couple of minutes later we equalized again. There was a shot which the Aces keeper couldn't keep hold of but Archie was there to mop up and put the ball into the back of the net. 2-2. Archie didn't really celebrate the goal as he was too busy checking to see if the Aces keeper was ok... good sportsmanship and a good attitude shown by him. It was clear that the boys were going for the win. Lewis P hit the post twice more just to put the frighteners on them and then we managed to take the lead. A fantastic ball from Lewis P played down the left flank to Archie. He ran with the ball, holding the defenders advances off, looked up and shot the ball across the Aces keeper and into the net! 3-2. I missed his celebration as I was too busy jumping about myself!
Aces took kick off and put a lot of pressure on the boys and responded with another cruel equalizer. The ball taking a bobble and passing under Louis feet and into the goal. Neither team gave up after that and it wasn't long until the final whistle had gone.
A good result for in fairness. On paper, looking at the league, most people would have said it would be an away win but it is clear from that performance that Evergreen Juniors' league position doesn't really mean a thing. Another positive would also be that fact that Berko lost so Evergreen are now off the bottom of the table! GET IN.
Next weekends game vs Hemel Panthers is due to be played on Saturday. Archie will not available for selection for this game due to a family wedding.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Monday, 1 February 2010
League: Hemel Panthers P-P Evergreen Juniors (31st Jan 2010)
This weekends game postponed due to a frozen pitch!
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Monday, 25 January 2010
League: Evergreen Juniors 1-0 Tornado JSC Black (24th Jan 2010)
A bit of an anti-climax this one. Right from the start of the day it wasn't looking good. I'd washed Archie's boots on Saturday late afternoon and left them out to dry, checked them in the morning and they were still damp and stunk! I had to put them on the radiator in the kitchen in order to hurry along the drying process which didn't please Dena! One smelly kitchen later we had some dry boots.
Boots dry and Grandpa Glyn lacing them up on the way to the game, I received a text advising me that today's game was going to be at home due to Tornado JSC's pitch being waterlogged. Change of direction.
The match was due to kick off at 11am but the game didn't get under way until just after 12. Archie started well and was unlucky not to convert a chance early on, after that, his head went down and didn't look that interested. He was subbed off after 10mins. Right from the start, the opposition manager decided that his favorite sport was touch rugby and I think he thought we were playing the same rules only using our feet instead of hands. He didn't like ANY of the tackles that were being made by the boys on his team and threatened to remove his players from the field on numerous occasions and argued every decision with the ref (i felt sorry for Mark). It was clear to me and every other person watching the game that Evergreen were winning pretty much every 50/50 there was (fairly) and their manager didn't like it.
At some point during the 1st half Harry F opened the scoring. Harry C had won the ball in our area and after beating a couple of players, looked up and played a fantastic ball across the field to Harry F who converted easily. 1-0.
Archie came back on for the 2nd half and looked much more interested, but once again failed to add to the lead with a one-on-one with the keeper, he was unlucky. With a little more than 5mins of the second half played there was shoulder barge from a Tornados player. The ball looked to be rolling out of play. This happened in front of the Tornado JSC's manager who wasn't pleased at all. He promptly called his players over to him and said that he doesn't expect them to play "like that". Play resumed and after a while, with the game taking a turn for the better, Evergreen were awarded a throw in. From the throw in, all hell broke loose. The ball was lofted over a couple of players and made it's way to Archie. He went to flick the ball on with a volley but the top of his foot met with the studs of an opposition player instead. Archie being Archie (he's been described as feisty before) then, wrongly, kicked out (and missed) at said player. It was unfortunate that this was done right in front of their manager. That was that, game over, children crying, parents bemused and Evergreen coaches looking for Jeremy Beadle.
Shame, Myself and Archie were looking forward this game....
According to the West Herts Youth League website, It would appear that the result has been awarded to Evergreen Juniors.
Boots dry and Grandpa Glyn lacing them up on the way to the game, I received a text advising me that today's game was going to be at home due to Tornado JSC's pitch being waterlogged. Change of direction.
The match was due to kick off at 11am but the game didn't get under way until just after 12. Archie started well and was unlucky not to convert a chance early on, after that, his head went down and didn't look that interested. He was subbed off after 10mins. Right from the start, the opposition manager decided that his favorite sport was touch rugby and I think he thought we were playing the same rules only using our feet instead of hands. He didn't like ANY of the tackles that were being made by the boys on his team and threatened to remove his players from the field on numerous occasions and argued every decision with the ref (i felt sorry for Mark). It was clear to me and every other person watching the game that Evergreen were winning pretty much every 50/50 there was (fairly) and their manager didn't like it.
At some point during the 1st half Harry F opened the scoring. Harry C had won the ball in our area and after beating a couple of players, looked up and played a fantastic ball across the field to Harry F who converted easily. 1-0.
Archie came back on for the 2nd half and looked much more interested, but once again failed to add to the lead with a one-on-one with the keeper, he was unlucky. With a little more than 5mins of the second half played there was shoulder barge from a Tornados player. The ball looked to be rolling out of play. This happened in front of the Tornado JSC's manager who wasn't pleased at all. He promptly called his players over to him and said that he doesn't expect them to play "like that". Play resumed and after a while, with the game taking a turn for the better, Evergreen were awarded a throw in. From the throw in, all hell broke loose. The ball was lofted over a couple of players and made it's way to Archie. He went to flick the ball on with a volley but the top of his foot met with the studs of an opposition player instead. Archie being Archie (he's been described as feisty before) then, wrongly, kicked out (and missed) at said player. It was unfortunate that this was done right in front of their manager. That was that, game over, children crying, parents bemused and Evergreen coaches looking for Jeremy Beadle.
Shame, Myself and Archie were looking forward this game....
According to the West Herts Youth League website, It would appear that the result has been awarded to Evergreen Juniors.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Preview to Sundays game (24h Jan 2010)
On Sunday we are playing at home vs Tornado JSC Black who have drawn 4 in the league (inc. draws against Chorleywood Tigers & London Macabbi Lions), lost 2 (inc. a lose against Comets) and won 2 games (against Berkhamstead Raiders Blue and getting one back on Comets). Archie and the boys will be hoping to hit the floor running and make it 5 games in a row unbeaten. If the boys can play with a bit of consistency then we should start to make a steady rise on the league table and put ourselves amongst it.
Last season Archie's old team won 9-0 and 3-1 against Tornado JSC Red and Archie bagged himself 4 goals over the 2 ties.
Last season Archie's old team won 9-0 and 3-1 against Tornado JSC Red and Archie bagged himself 4 goals over the 2 ties.
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