League table

League: Herons 6-1 Harpenden Colts Cobras

The boys carried on with their unbeaten streak and made it 8 league games in a row. To make todays result better, Bovingdon who were previously unbeaten in the league lost their match.

Archie didn't take part in todays game, and won't be here for next week either as he is in New York.

Goals: Liam (3), Ricc (2), CC (1)

League table

League: Rickmansworth Rebels 0-2 Herons

Today we played Ricky rebels for the third time this season and won again. Archie was back to play but was started on the bench.

The game wasn't as comfortable as some have been soo far but the boys are doing what is important... grinding out wins. In all Archie played about 20 minutes in which time he managed to make 2 defensive clearances with his head, put 2 very good crosses in and came close to scoring twice. Our first goal came during the first half with John smashing a volley over the keepers head and the second came from James S, he was in the right place at the right time to mop up a rebounded shot.

Next weeks game is against Harpenden Colts Cobras, a game that Archie will not be available for which is a shame as he's really missing not playing week-in week-out.

Goals: John (1), James S (1)

U12 Senior League Cup - Grp 3: Herons 2-2 Bovingdon Panthers Red

Another game missed for Archie. Last time we played Bovi the game ended in a draw. Today Herons were 0-2 down at half time but bossed the 2nd half to finish the game at 2-2.

A play-off will have to be played to include extra time and pens if needed to sort who finished 1st & 2nd.

Goals: Liam (1), Harry (1)

U12 Senior League Cup group tables

All group games have been played but 3 more games are required to sort 1st & 2nd places in the respect of groups 1, 3 & 4.

Grp 1: Garston Boys v Tring United
Grp 3: Herons v Bovingdon Panthers Red
Grp 4: Leverstock Green Willows v Comets Cougars

League table

U12 Senior League Cup group tables

U12 Senior League Cup - Grp 3: Chorleywood Common Lions 1-2 Herons

The boys sorted out qualification for the next round without the help of Archie, beating Chorleywood Common Lions 1-2 away from home. The next game in this group will be to sort out 1st & 2nd place.

Goals: Ricc (2)

U12 Senior League Cup group tables

U12 Senior League Cup - Grp 3: Herons 6-0 Rickmansworth Rebels

Another game and another comfortable win for the boys. The last time we met this opposition we only actually managed 4 goals but should have scored 10... looks like we took our chances this time. Archie was not present again.

Goals: Ricc (2), Sammy (1), Samson (1), John (1), James S (1).

League table

League: Comets Cougars 1-5 Herons

Another game and another win. Archie didn't play in this one again but the boys did fine. Reports suggest that the 1st half wasn't that good but Herons finished the game off in the 2nd half.

Goals: Ricc (3), James S (1) & Philippe (1)

League table (upto 30/10)

League: Bovingdon Panthers Red 3-3 Herons

Today we faced a rampant Bovingdon team that has been scoring for fun, beating teams convincingly and not leaking goals. The boys were up for this one with captain Liam pumping them up just before kick off. Archie started the game upfront alongside James S.

I can safely say that this was the best match that I've watched in a long time. Archie was unlucky not to have opened the scoring when his shot was parried by the goalkeeper... into Ricc's path who was on hand to tap the ball home. 0-1. Herons played some fantastic football and were confident enough to play the ball back in order to go forward. The second goal came when the ball was played across the front of goal and found its way to James S. Needless to say he burried it to make it 0-2. The game was by no means one way traffic. Herons' back four were tremendous and saw off a number of attacks. Bovingdon managed to pull a goal back just before half time, going in 1-2.

The second half was alot like the first except a little more in favour of the home team. They managed to get the equaliser and then take the lead. 3-2. Our heads didn't go down and we kept pressing. This really is a different team to last season, at this point the boys would have conceded defeat and let in more goals. Not this season though. Corner after corner, finally the equaliser came. Liam crossed in well and Samson was there, infront of the keeper to head the ball in. 3-3. I jumped up and celebrated, it was a goal that we deserved. The final whistle went before we could grab another.

Goals: Ricc (1), James S (1), Samson (1).

U12 League Cup Senior groups

The draw for the U12 league cups have been made today. Archie and the boys find themselves in the senior tournament which consists of all the teams in the top two West Herts Youth League under 12 divisions. There are four groups of four (as below) and teams that finish 1st & 2nd progress:

League table (upto 23/10)

League: Herons 4-0 Leverstock Green Willows

Today Herons took on Leverstock Green Willows who were mid table at the start of the day. This was to be Archie's second of the season and his team mates have been running riot in his absence. He started the game upfront alongside James S.

The boys started very well and they just about had the run of the first half. Archie was working hard at putting the pressure on and had a few efforts on goal. Ricc was unlucky not to have opened the scoring after a sweet left footed volley was saved well by the Leverstock goal keeper. After a couple more opportunities JJ was on hand to tuck the ball away from close range after James S played in a low cross. 1-0.

After half time it was obvious that the opposition were tiring and our boys had plenty more stamina and took advantage. John scored the second, taking advantage of a loose ball and volleyed it in. 2-0. Liam was causing havoc with his corners putting them right in the mix. Sure enough we took advantage of the deliveries and Archie headed the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-0. By this time Leverstock were playing to keep the score down but Thomas made it four with a lovely toe poke. 4-0. Archie had a spell on the side lines then returned to play centre mid alongside Ricc and they played very well together impressing the coaches. Both boys can pick a pass out and are confident on the ball, this might be a position that Archie will find himself in a few more times this season.

Altogether a good game with some cracking football being played. Archie gelled well with the team and looked as though he's been playing with them all season.

GOALS: JJ (1), John (1), Archie (1) & Thomas (1)

Next week's opponents are Bovingdon Panthers Red who are currently unbeaten, scoring 38 and conceeding only 3 in the three games that they've played. It will be a difficult one for sure.

League table (upto 16/10)

League: Harpenden Colts Cobras 0-5 Herons

Another game and yet another win. It would seem that the boys have found their game right at the beging of the season. Archie wasn't here for this one again and will face stiff competition if he's to get into next weekends squad!

GOALS: Ricc (4) & James S (1).

League: Herons 14-0 St. Albans City Youth West

Well, the scoreline say's it all.

Unfortunately for Archie he wasn't involved in this game... but I suppose it was fortunate for the opposition who took enough of a beating.

GOALS: Ricc (4), John (3), James S (3), Harry (1), Thomas (1) , Martin (1) & CC (1).

Well done boys.

County Cup 1st round: Knebworth Town 6-0 Herons

Herons were knocked out of the county cup by Knebworth Town. This was a team that we encountered at the Evergreen 6-a-side tournament during the summer who were a very strong outfit with Luton academy players.

ESFA Under 12 Danone Nations Schools' Cup 1st round Thomas Tallis School 1-5 Ravens Wood School

Archie took part in the 2nd half of the game by which point Tallis were losing 0-3. He helped set up a goal to make it 1-3 but then they conceeded twice more.

ESFA Under 12 Danone Nations Schools' Cup 1st round

Thomas Tallis School (Blackheath) vs Ravens Wood School (Bromley)

Today Archie is playing his first game for his secondary schoool Thomas Tallis as they take part in the English Schools FA Danone nations cup round 1. There are 10 rounds to the final and 652 schools taking part so to say it's going to be difficult is an understatement. They have been drawn at home against Ravens Wood School from Bromley, a school in which Archie's best friend Zaki from primary school goes to and will be playing for, which is a nice little incentive for Archie to win.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to watch him. This will be the first ever competitive match of Archie's that i'll miss. I will update the blog later once I have spoken to Archie.

League: Herons 4-0 Rickmansworth Rebels

Today, Archie took part in his first game of the season. Last years fixture saw him score a hatrick as won comfortably 3-1. Last week the opposition won their opening game 8-0 so it looked like today's game was going to be a difficult encounter. Not so!

Archie started the game upfront alongside James S. Both were looking to open their accounts. The first goal came after 5mins. Archie played a lovely through ball to eventual man of the match Ricc who slotted the ball home easily. 1-0. Not long after, he added another this time from distance. 2-0. Archie had a few darting runs down the left flank and was causing trouble resulting in the Ricky manager changing his marker. We went in at half time with a 2 goal lead but the game was not one sided at all.

The second half was a completely different game, it was all Herons. Some lovely football was played and the third goal came after captain Liam had whipped in yet another brilliant corner which rebounded off an unfortunate Ricky defender and into the back of the net. 3-0. Archie could have scored 3 goals but was very unlucky, so too was CC. The fourth was scored by Dan. A loose ball found it's way to his feet and all he had to do was poke it in... which he did. 4-0. The finishing scoreline could easily have been double figures in favour of us but most didn't have their shooting boots on!

It looked as though Ricky turned up thinking that this game would be a walk in the park after their result last week but they certainly got a wake up call.

GOALS: Ricc (2), OG (1) & Dan (1)

Next week see's us heading to Knebworth for the County cup. Archie will not be able to make the game though and also won't be able to make the following 3 games. It's a long wait until he plays again.

2011/12 Fixtures & Results

Sep-11
11-Sep League Away 1 v 3 Chorleywood Common Lions
18-Sep League Home 4 v 0 Rickmansworth Rebels
25-Sep Cty Cup Away v Knebworth
02-Oct League Home v St. Albans City Youth East
09-Oct League Away v Harpenden Colts Cobras

League: CCYFC Lions 3-1 Herons

Myself and Charlie took a drive upto Chorleywood this morning to cheer on the boys and although they lost, the team is looking strong and could be stronger with Archie playing and also Harrison and James S who were also missing.

Our new goalkeeper Andre is excellent as are our new midfield pairing of John and Tom.

Looking forward to next weekends game at home vs Ricky Rebels.

Archie has trial for secondary school football team...

...and gets himself in in impressive style.

Out of 40 trialists, 20 got put through. Out of those 20, 19 got asked to come back to re-try tomorrow and Archie got told there was no need to re-try - he's in!

Well done Archie, soo proud of you.

Looking forward to watching you play for Herons again.

2011/12 Fixtures & Results

Sep-11
11-Sep League Away v Chorleywood Common Lions
18-Sep League Home v Rickmansworth Rebels
25-Sep Cty Cup Away v Knebworth
02-Oct League Home v St. Albans City Youth East
09-Oct League Away v Harpenden Colts Cobras

Herons U11's win Sun Postal 6-a-side tournament

NEW SEASON IS UPON US!!!

Archie will be playing for Herons Youth again for another season. He has had interest from his old team Evergreen Juniors who have been promoted to the 1st division, but he's quite happy where he is. The only major change to Archie's football is going to be the fact that he is only going to be playing half the amount of games due to him coming to Watford every other weekend now (which is a shame).

West Herts Youth League have published the league tables of which there are 4. They are:

Division 1:
Chorleywood Common Panthers
Evergreen Juniors
Garston Boys
Harpenden Colts Pirates
Hemel Stags Aces Diamonds
Little Gaddesden
St Albans City Youth East
Tring United

Division 2:
Bovingdon Panthers Red
Chorleywood Common Lions
Comets Cougars
Harpenden Colts Cobras
Herons
Leverstock Green Willows
Rickmansworth Rebels
St Albans City Youth West

Division 3:
Berkhamstead Raiders White
Bovingdon Panthers Blue
Chorleywood Common Leopards
Evergreen Youth
Harpenden Colts Tigers
Hemel Town Youth
Kings Langley
St Albans City Orient
Tring Albion

Division 4:
Berkhamstead Raiders Blue
Comets Lions
Evergreen Colts
Harpenden Colts Rhinos
St Albans City Youth Boreal

Friendly: Herons 13-2 Comets Lions

Well, today's game was a closely fought encounter... not. Comets turned up 45mins late for kick off too which I think probably helped encourage our boys to give them a beating. Archie started the game off upfront alongside James S who was only 1 goal away from matching Archie's tally.

I can't remember the sequence of goal scorers apart from the first goal, which was poked home by James S. This Herons team have improved brilliantly as the season has gone on and played some fantastic football today. Archie seemed to be getting back to scoring ways by bagging himself 5 goals!! The goal scorers were: Archie 5, Joe 2, JJ 2, Liam 1, James S 1, Harry 1, Kian 1.

League results & table 10/04

Sat 09/04
Hemel Aces Diamonds 4-4 Little Gaddesden

Sun 10/04
Harpenden Colts Cobras 4-4 Chorleywood Panthers
Hemel Aces Diamonds 7-3 Kings Langley
Herons 2-0 Little Gaddesden
Herons 0-0 Little Gaddesden
Rickmansworth Rebels 7-2 Hemel Town Youth

League: Little Gaddesden 0-2 Herons & Herons 0-0 Little Gaddesden

Today the boys played a double header due to the snow that we had delaying matches. Archie had never played against Little Gaddesden before and I have to say that their pitch is amazing and the setting is very plush. Little Gaddesden play on the grounds of Ashridge Estate which is a National Trust centre.

Anyway, back to the football. Archie played the whole of the first game at Left midfield and imediately set about playing for the win. He played some cracking balls, made a few runs and had a couple of digs at goal. The goals came from Franky via a goal mouth scramble and captain Liam from a brilliantly placed free kick.

The 2nd match saw Archie sit out the first half and play left full back during the 2nd half! No goals in this one, Archie was lucky because the lad he was marking did lose him on a few occasions. Defence is not Archies position but he was happy to help the team out by stepping into Elliots usual place as he had injured his leg.

Both matches were hotly fought but i felt that Herons had the upper hand and looked most likely to win.

League results & table 03/04 & 06/04

Sunday 03/04
Harpenden Colts Cobras 2-5 Evergreen Juniors
Herons 0-3 Chorleywood Panthers
Kings Langley 0-7 Rickmansworth Rebels

Wednesday 06/04
Rickmansworth Rebels 4-2 Little Gaddesden

League: Herons 0-3 Chorleywood Panthers

Archie played his first game for atleast a month today against top of the league side Chorleywood Panthers. It was a very tough game, one that we were unlucky to lose. Archie didn't really show up for the game, he was subbed once. James S hit the post early on as did Ricc on two occassions.

Next week we are playing two games on Sunday, both versus Little Gaddesden.

Division 2 results & league table 27/03

Hemel Aces Diamonds 1-2 Chorleywood Panthers
Hemel Town Youth 0-5 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Little Gaddesden 3-1 Kings Langley

Division 2 results & league table 20/03

Hemel Town Youth 0-6 Little Gaddesden

Junior League cup, Quarter final: Comets Cougars 4-2 Herons

Archie unfortunately did not play in the junior league cup quarter final. His team, the current holders, were knocked out by division 3 side Comets Cougars.

Junior League Cup Quarter Finals results 20/03

Division 2 results & league table 13/03

Hemel Town Youth 0-6 Rickmansworth Rebels
Herons 7-1 Kings Langley

League: Herons 7-1 Kings Langley

Archie wasn't availble again for todays game but, again, that didn't seem to phase the boys. With 2 goals a piece from Ric & James S and goals from Samson, Joe & Connor P, they are now unbeaten in their last 6 league games. I told Archie and he was very pleased to hear the news but sad that he'd missed the opportunity to play.

League: Herons 3-2 Hemel Aces Diamonds

Archie wasn't availble for todays game but that didn't seem to phase the boys. With goals from Ric, Franks & James S, they are the first team to defeat Hemel Aces Diamonds in the league this season. I told Archie and he was very pleased to hear the news but sad that he'd missed the opportunity to play.

Challenge Cup round 2: St Albans City East 4-4 Herons (S.A.C.E win 4-3 on pens)

A great match took place. Archie started the game left mid. Liam scored 2 cracking free kicks to take the boys in at half time with the score 0-2. Archie played upfront in the second half. The home team got a goal back but then James S put us 1-3 up. The home team then got 2 goals back late on the take the game into extra time. In the first half of extra time they scored another to make it 4-3. Samson scored a last minute goal to take the game to penalties.

This was Archie's first ever penalty shoot out and he was the first to offer to take one. After the coin toss, Herons decided to take first and up stepped Archie. I was soo nervous for him. He placed the ball on the spot and spanked it towards the top right corner but unfortunately he hit the bar!. Everyone else scored theirs up until the home team 4th which they missed. Harrison, our goalkeeper, took the next one but also missed.

Not a bad game played by the boys considering that the opposition are having a great season in the 1st division. They battled hard.

Division 2 results & league table 20/02

Evergreen Juniors 2-2 Herons
Harpenden Colts Cobras 0-6 Little Gaddesden
Hemel Aces Diamonds 11-2 Hemel Town Youth

League: Evergreen Juniors 2-2 Herons

Archie was very much looking forward to todays game. Not only are Evergreen his old team but they are also Herons' closest rivals in the league. They've also only dropped two points in the last six games, drawing 2-2 with unbeaten Hemel Aces Diamonds. It was important that we didn't roll over today!. Nothing like a local derby.

I'm glad to say that Archie and the boys definately turned up today, all seemingly getting out of the right side of their football beds. I honestly think that Evergreen thought they were in for a walk in the park today, the win a formality. It was a closely fought contest though... too close for Evergreen.

Both teams started well from kick off but it was Herons who were winning headers in the middle of the field and getting to the ball first too. Every single one our boys were making tough challenges and giving their all. Archie was unlucky not to have opened the scoring with a volley from outside the area, but it went straight to the keeper. Our goalkeeper James made some crucial saves and some brilliantly flukey saves too. The opening goal did come before half time and first blood was drawn by Herons. A lovely through ball from Franky for James S to run onto and calmly finish. 0-1. Half time came and the boys were told that they had played a blinder and to carry on.

From the restart, Evergreen looked hungry to get back into the game but to my suprise we got a second goal. Archie played a wonderful pass to Franky for him to hammer it home. 0-2. Archie went close on a couple more occasions but couldn't find the net. Evergreen were getting annoyed and decided to fight back. That was when the tables turned. Harry Chalis, Evergreens #7 hit the bar and Harrison in defence cleared one of the line. Although they got two goals back, our boys didn't give up in trying to get a winner. Again, Archie came close but couldn't find the back of the net. The game ended at 2-2.

A great game today and a well earned point... more so for Herons.

Division 2 results & league table 13/02

Harpenden Colts Cobras 3-9 Rickmansworth Rebels
Hemel Town Youth 1-4 Herons
Kings Langley 1-5 Chorleywood Panthers
Little Gaddesden 0-8 Hemel Aces Diamonds

League: Hemel Town Youth 1-4 Herons

After a nightmare journey to Hemel involving a flat tyre, we finally managed to get the game just before half time with Herons losing 1-0. Talking to the parents, it would seem that we were unlucky to be losing.

At the restart, Archie was bought on and put upfront alongside James. Within the first 2 mins of the half Archie was unlucky not to get an equalizer when he smashed the ball against the post and the keeper was able to collect comfortably. Not long after the equalizer came. Liam lofted in a brilliant corner and defender Samson was there to execute a fantastic header. 1-1. Shortly after we took the lead. Archie made a one-on-one with the keeper count, blasting the ball past the keeper. 1-2. The onslaught was relentless and Archie created the 3rd goal. He beat a defender on the turn and headed for goal, he took a shoot across the keeper who was unable to keep hold of it and Connor was there to tap it in. We finally put the forth in. Another easy goal for Connor, he took a shot and it bounce horribly over the keeper. 1-4. Game over.

Archie dedicated his goal to his brand new baby sister, Rae Anna Pearl, who was born (finally) on Weds 9th Feb.

Junior League Cup group tables

Q = Qualified for knock out stages

Junior League cup, Group 1 - Match 3: Herons 0-3 Hemel Aces Diamonds

Today we played host to Hemel Aces Diamonds in the last game of the group stages of the junior league cup. Both teams had already qualified with 2 wins and this game was to see who would finish top of the table. The opposition have so far conceded only 9 goals this season and have scored 61!

Archie started the game up front. He usually has a good game against Aces but today was a different story. He didn't seem interested and was watching the game mostly. Aces scored 3 goals. Two of the goals were balls that bounced over the goal keeper and the other was scored after our goalkeeper was unable to keep hold of the ball, it was tapped in.

Next week we play Hemel Town Youth in the league.

Junior League Cup fixtures 06/02

Division 2 results & league table 30/01

Chorleywood Panthers 3-2 Harpenden Colts Cobras
Comets Lions 0-15 Little Gaddesden
Evergreen Juniors 4-3 Kings Langley
Hemel Aces Diamonds P-P Herons
Hemel Town Youth P-P Rickmansworth Rebels

Hemel Aces Diamonds P-P Herons

Sunday's league game against Hemel Aces Diamonds was postponed due to a frozen pitch. I think that the west herts youth league are seriously going to have to look at starting the season earlier on in the year and including a winter break.

Junior league cup group tables 16/01

Junior League cup, Group 1 - Match 2: Herons 4-1 Harpenden Colts Cobras

FINALLY. A month has passed since Archie and his Herons team last played a game of football. Our last match was against todays opponents, Harpenden Colts Cobras, and the game ended 2-2 but soo should have been a comfortable Herons win had not of been for a few dubious offside shouts...!!

Archie was ready to get amongst it today and I was hoping that he'd be able to pick up where he left off in terms of the form that he had managed find in the last 5 games. He started the game upfront alongside James S.

The game got under way and Herons decided to set a furious pace, attacking HCC nice and early. The opposition weren't sure how to defend against us. Herons opened the scoring with Franky picking up a loose ball just inside the area and pelting the ball into the back of the net. 1-0. We didn't stop there or sit on a one goal lead. Archie was proving to be a real handful again, whipping in a couple of nice crosses and hitting the post. He got the 2nd goal though, a carbon copy of Frankys goal. 2-0. HCC had a little crack at us but the attacks came to nothing, thanks to the Herons defence and CC in goal. One of our boys, JJ, a lad that in my books is improving everytime he plays was very unlucky not to have added another. He took advantage of a lovely bounce just outside the area, connected nicely on the volley and the ball was dipping in but the keeper did well to tip it over the bar. The boys went in at half time with a 2 goal lead.

The second half was a very simalar story to the first. Out of the blocks quickly and passing the ball about nicely. The boys signalled their intent and added another goal. A lovely pass across field from Riccardo (Ricstar) to an oncoming Franky. He hit the ball sweetly, it took a slight deflection and went in. 3-0. Again, we attacked them, had a few opportunities and a few (legal) offsides. Archie bagged himself another. He picked the ball up in midfield and ran at the two defenders standing in his way, knocking the ball past them. He out muscled and out paced both defenders took a touch and them drove the ball across the keeper and into an empty net at the far post. A cracking finish, even the opposition manager shouted out 'lovely goal, GREAT finish'... thats my boy! Harpenden got a consolation goal back in the form of a punt from the centre circle which dipped over our keeper. Archie scored another cracking goal only for me to rule him offside (marginally), which he didn't let me forget about it all day!

Overall, I was impressed with how we played as a team today and the amount that the lads were talking to each other out on the pitch. Man of the match was awarded to the captain Liam for his constant mentoring of the defensive line. Good game.

Juniors League Cup results 16/01 (updated 16/01)

Division 2 results & league table 09/01

Chorleywood Panthers 3-4 Evergreen Juniors
Hemel Aces Diamonds 17-0 Comets Lions
Hemel Town Youth 2-6 Kings Langley
Little Gaddesden P-P Harpenden Colts Cobras
Rickmansworth Rebels P-P Herons