Cup Cancellation

Our cup opponents have pulled out of our game on Saturday due to a lack of numbers.
I have organised a friendly against Chantry Grasshoppers. 10.30 kick off at Dellwood.

Boxford Rovers 26th September 2009

Boxford were unable to use their normal pitch due to a dog show taking place. The pitch we used was a full sized affair and the goals looked massive!!

The team for the day was-
Ollie S in goal, Cameron, Jack and Connor in defence, Freddie, Curtis, Charlie, Ollie Mac and Alex in midfield, Dash and Damien up front. Kyle, Charlie W, Callum and new signing Georgi on the bench.

The game kicked off in the bright sunshine and before we knew it we had got off to the best possible start. We won an erly throw in on the left around the halfway line. Freddie caught the Boxford defense off gaurd with a quick, long throw over their heads as Dash ran on and carried the ball all the way to their box before beating the keeper with a low shot. 1-0 with a minute on the clock.
With 5 minutes played we found ourselves with an identical throw in from Freddie and the same outcome from Dash!! A carbon copy goal and 2-0.

Boxford were by no means out of the game and showed their intent on 11 minutes when their striker managed to hit a superb shot. Luckily for us Ollie pulled off agreat save to keep us two ahead.
On 20 minutes I made a mass substitution with Kyle, Charlie W, Callum and Georgi replacing Jack, Freddie, Ollie mac and Damien.

With 22 minutes played Boxford pulled a goal back to make it 2-1. This was also the half-time score.

The second half saw Boxford dominate the better of the play. We struggled to get the ball wide and play our usual passing game. Boxford totally dominated the middle of the pitch and almost got the equaliser they deserved when somehow they hit both posts and missed from point blank range. I still can't work out how the ball didn't go in!!
After that scare we started to get back into the game. Our strikers had suffered from a lack of supply. Damien managed to break through but their keeper pulled off a great save to deny him. A few minutes later Georgi broke through and raced towards the keeper one on one. He coolly slotted it past him to give us a 2 goal cushion. 3-1. There were sighs of relief all over the pitch.
We pressed forward again with Freddie and Curtis causing problems down the left until Curtis took a blow to the throat and had to come off!! He lived!! Charlie W managed to get the ball off the defenders toe as he tried to clear it, and kept it in their box. Charlie B picked it up with his back to the goal, he immediately had three players lining up in support, calling for it and in space. Charlie chose the fourth option, which was to turn, avoiding two defenders and fire it strongly into the net. 4-1
This was the final score. We had scored 2 in the first 5 minutes, 2 in the last 4 minutes and struggled for the rest of the game!! A hard fought 3 points!!!

Man of the match was Ollie Spink for a commanding performance in goal. A special mention goes to Connor, Jack and Cammy for a strong performance at the back. Also some great finishing From Dash and Charlie B and a debut goal from Georgi.

Thanks to Whitton Utd beating Framlingham we are now 3 points clear at the top of the league with a very very long way to go!!!

Rattlesden 19th September 2009

This was our second game of the season and our first at home. Fortress Dellwood!!

The pitch was in surprisingly good condition considering the lack of rain.

The squad for today was-
Ollie S in goal, Matty G, Jack and Connor in defence, Freddie, Matty H, Charlie B, Keiran and Ollie Mac in midfield, Dash and Damien up front,with Curtis, Alex, Cammy and Kyle on the bench.

Rattlesden had a good win in their opening game and had performed very well against the Hawks and Ransommes. So we were expecting a tough game.
From the kick off most of the early play took place in the middle of the pitch. With less than 3 minutes on the clock Rattlesden attacked and shot from inside our penalty area. Ollie thought the it was going wide and left it, only to see it sneak inside the post!! So much for fortress Dellwood!!! 0-1
We restarted and began playing with more purpose. we pushed forward and began to pressure the Rattlesden defence. With 5 minutes gone Matty H pounced on a loose ball and fired home to level the score 1-1.
Less than a minute later we took the lead with a powerful strike from Ollie Mac down the right. 2-1.
10 minutes in Damien extended our lead to make it 3-1.
We continued to push forward and kept most of the play in the Rattlesden half. However some very sloppy defending when, either Connor or Jack could have cleared the ball but left it for each other, let the striker through to make it 3-2. this was a pity as Matty G, Jack and Connor had played well for and were looking assured at the back. Both Matty and Connor had put some great passes through and started moves from the back. One of which had led to a goal.
Dash restored our two goal lead on 20 minutes to make the half time score 4-2.
All we needed to do was keep a clean sheet in the second half and we had won the game.
Rattlesden pushed forward but a great performace from Cammy, Jack and Kyle kept them out of our area.
We pushed forward and again put them under pressure. Freddie managed to squeeze the ball past their keeper in a crowded area to make it 5-2.
Soon after Charlie B hit a long range shot inside the post to make it 6-2.
Curtis finished off the scoring with another shot from outside the box to make it 7-2.
Rattlesden almost pulled on back when the broke into our box and unfortunately our defence retreated giving them space to shoot. Luckily Ollie was on hand to pull off a superb save.

The game ended 7-2. Another 3 points for us which took us to the top of the league!! Even though there's only been two games played we can enjoy being at the top!!

Overall this was a much improved performance from last week. The pitch allowed a better use of the ball and we managed to get some nice moves going all over the pitch. Freddie and Curtis worked well as a team on the left, whilst Keiran and Ollie M combined on the left. The pleasing thing was that even after substitutions the good play continued with Matty H and Alex fitting in well. Alex and Damien combined very well down the right in the second half. A lovely series of one two's between them led to one of our goals.
Man of the match went to Cameron Dwelley. Even though he only played in the second half, he took the brunt of the Rattlesden attacks and dealt with them superbly. A great performance.

We were really pleased that every boy performed well today and put in a good team performance. Seven goals with seven different scorers!! A good day all round.

Kirton Kestrels 12th September 2009

This was our first game of the new season and our first competitive 11 a side game. Unfortunately due to holidays, Dutch trips and even a case of swine flu etc. we were unable to organise as many pre season friendlies as I would have liked. We did put in a very good performance against Ransomes before fatigue set in.!!

The conditions were not ideal for football, very hot and sunny with a rock hard pitch. The footballers and the gardeners need rain!!

The squad for today was -
Ollie S in goal. Cammy, Jack and Connor in defence. Curtis, Freddie, Charlie B, Keiran and Ollie M in midfield. Dash and Damien up front. Alex, Kyle, Callum and Charlie W on the bench.

The hard, dry pitch made it very difficult for both teams to keep the ball on the ground. passing was hampered by the unpredictable bounce and more often than not the ball would be bobbling about at knee height!! Not easy to play on. This made it a very scrappy game although both teams did try to play good football.
The balance of play was pretty even although I thought we looked the more dangerous side going forward. several times Ollie Mac made some good runs down the right and got a couple of quality crosses into their box. Damien was looking dangerous up front but Kirton were defending in numbers.
With 17 minutes on the clock we were pushing forward but lost the ball, Kirton attacked quickly and scored to make it 0-1.
The game carried on in the same scrappy style until half time. 0-1.

Alex, Kyle an Callum replaced Cammy, Connor and Keiran at half time.

The second half had barely begun when Kirton broke through into our box. As the striker was about to line up his shot Alex got across and put in a superb tackle. Before the second striker could pounce Alex was back on his feet and made a second crucial tackle. Thenkfully the score remained 0-1!
Kirton broke through again soon after, this time Ollie pulled off a great save to keep us still in the game.
After those coule of scares we began to impose ourselves in th Kirton half. Keiran was re-introduced and added a bit of bite to the midfield. We began to put together a few passing moves and a great piece of play between Keiran, Freddie and Charlie saw Freddie thread the ball through to Dash, who controlled it well and managed to turn and get in a shot. The keeper saved but we were starting to create chances. Another move down the left with Ollie Mac and Callum saw a great ball being deliverd across the Kirton goal. We were unlucky not to poke it in.
Finally with 4 minutes remaining our pressure paid off as Damien managed to slot the ball past the keeper for a well deserved equaliser.
This was one of those games where most people watching would agree that a draw would be the fairest result. However with the last kick of the ball charlie managed to lob the keeper from way out on the right touchline, it somehow dipped under the bar and we had pinched it 2-1!! Heart-breaking for the Kirton players in particular the goalkeeper who had played well all game and was distraught at the end.
Kirton kicked off and the final whistle was blown. We finished the game 2-1 winners.

Overall I was very pleased with the effort and comittment shown by the lads. It's always good to start the season with a win. Even one clinched in the dying seconds. There were positive signs all over the pitch. Jack was confident and strong in the central defensive position and the rest of the defenders looked solid. Charlie B worked hard in the centre with some really good linking play going on with him, Freddie and Keiran. Ollie Mac had his best game down the right with some great crosses going in. Dash and Damien worked hard up front and I'm confident they'll bag a decent haul of goals before the season is out.
Man of the match was Charlie Bance. He worked his socks off for the whole game and the wonder strike at the end was the icing on the cake.

Wickham Market Tournament 11th July 2009

We have a superb record at this tournament, having won it for the last two years. this time we were going for a hat trick.

We had two strong teams entered this year. We were confident of both teams performing strongly.

The squads were-

A team-

Ollie S, Connor, Curtis, Ollie M, Damien, Matty H & Charlie B

B Team-

Keiran, Matty G, Jack, Cammy, Dash & Charlie W. Unfortunately Alex had to withdraw at the last minute. The B's also lost Charlie W early in the day due to an injured foot. This left them with no subs and no recognised goalkeeper.

As there were so many games I will only give an overview of how the day panned out-

A team

v F&W B team

Damien opened the scoring 1-0

Dash equalised to make the half time score 1-1.

Damien score two more to complete his hat-trick 3-1.

v Wickham A

0-0 at half time

Charlie B scored to make the final score 1-0.

v Somersham A

Charlie score the first two 2-0

Damien got another to make it 3-0 at half-time.

Curtis scored to make it 4-0

Charlie got his hat-trick to make it 5-0.

v Somersham B

Charlie made the half-time score 1-0

Damien scored two and Charlie another to make it 4-0

v Wickham B

Matty H and Connor got on the scoresheet to make it 2-0 at half-time.

Matty got another along with Ollie Mac and Curtis to make it 5-0.

The boys have cruised into the final with style and a hatfull of goals.

B Team

v F&W A Team

1-3 see above

v Somersham B

Dash opened the scoring to make it 1-0 at half-time

Dash added a second before Somersham pulled one back to make it 2-1 the final score.

v Wickham A

0-0 at half-time

Jack scored two and Keiran got one to make it 3-0

v Somersham A

Jack scored to make it 1-0 at half-time

Jack got his second to make it 2-0

v Wickham B

Jack opened the scoring 1-0

Dash added another 2-0

Jack got his second 3-0

Cammy got on the scoresheet 4-0 the half-time score

Matty G got on the scoresheet to make the final score 5-0.

The B team had also made it comfortably to the final.

The Final

A v B

This was a very close game with good football and commitment being shown by both sides. It could have gone either way as both teams created chances.

The B's were awarded a penalty in the first half. Matty G bravely stepped forward to take it. Ollie made a great save to keep the half-time score at 0-0.

Damien broke the deadlock soon after half-time 1-0.

Soon after Curtis made it 2-0.

The B's kept going and threw everything forward to try to get back in the game. this left gaps at the back and Damien finished of the game 3-0.

Overall another fantastic performance from both teams. It is a great acheivement to get two teams in the final. Unfortunately one team had to lose.

The stats again make impressive reading.

The A's won every game and only conceded 1 goal all day!!! Dash gets the honour as the only player to score against them.

The B team won all their games apart from the two against our own A team.

Every outfield player got on the scoresheet!!! The scorers were as follows-

Damien - 8

Charlie B - 6

Jack - 6

Dash - 4

Curtis - 3

Matty H - 2

Connor - 1

Ollie M - 1

Keiran - 1

Cameron - 1

Matty G - 1

Ollie Spink - 1 penalty save( as good as a goal!!!)

The lads looking relaxed between games.

Can you believe we allowed Ollie S and Connor to represent us in Holland!!!

The A team with the famous trophy!

The gallant finalists.

Every boy performed today with both teams receiving compliments for the way they played football.

Well done lads!!

Whitton Utd Tournament 28th June 2009

Two tournaments in one weekend!!! This was also one of the hottest days of the year, it was a scorcher. Rule number one today was to curb the boys natural compulsion to play football between games. Something we almost managed to do.......some of the time!!!!

The squad for the day: Keiran, Freddie, Charlie B, Ollie M, Dash, Ollie S and Matty H. Plus two old blokes who sneaked into the background!!

Mascot for the Day was Connor S

The tournament was five a side. All teams playing each other once in a league. The games were 6 minutes each half. The winners and runners up getting the medals and the glory.

Holbrook Hornets

We made a slow start in our first game of the day. As we got into it and pushed forward we were punished by a quick break and a back heel which opened us up. Ollie came out and did everything right just to see the ball squirm between his legs. 0-1 was the halftime score.

We stepped it up in the second half and got a deserved equaliser when Dash scored. Freddie fired home to make it 2-1. there was a slight moment of controversy when Dash ran from the half way line with the ball beating several players and blasting low into the net. The ref blew his whistle as the ball left his boot and didn't give the goal. Very pedantic refereeing from the young ref. One more second was all it took. 2-1 was the final score.

Whitton Sports B

We dominated this game and took the lead when Keiran scored. 1-0 was the half time score.

Whitton equalised near the end of the game but in the dying seconds, great work from Keiran who chased a lost cause and stopped the ball going out, he then cut it across the goal for Freddie to blast it high into the net. 2-1 the final score.

Claydon

Charlie fired home a ferocious free kick which lifted the goals off the ground as it went in off the underside of the crossbar. 1-0 at half time.

In the last minute Dash was bundled over in the box, no penalty given. The ref then gave Claydon a free kick when our player had been fouled. They took the kick and scored. 1-1 the final score.

Whitton Utd B

We took the lead when Ollie mac broke out of his defensive role and carried the ball into the box and fired low past the keeper. 1-0.

Charlie got the second and Dash the third to make it 3-0 at half time.

Freddie completed the scoring in the second half to make us comfortable 4-0 winners.

Whitton Utd A

This was a tough one with both teams playing well and both keepers doing their jobs well. it was 0-0 at halftime.

It was the same pattern in the second half until we got a free kick just inside their half. Charlie fired it in with so much power that it hit the keepers chest, bounced up and burst his nose and still bounced over Matty's head as he ran in for the rebound from the edge of the box. The game was stopped for a while as they tried to stop the keeper's nose bleeding but eventually had to replace him.

We won the game soon after with the scrappiest goal in the world!! Charlie had the ball at his feet inside their area. He sheilded it and moved it brilliantly to try to get some space for a shot but there were too meny players in the way. It moved to Dash who did the same, eventually it popped out to Matty at the far post who managed to somehow force it through three players on the line. They all count and we finished 1-0. Great determination from the lads against some ferocious defending.

Whitton Sports A

We found ourselves needing a point from our last game to make it certain that we'd win. A clean sheet would do it. Unfortunately the ref that had cut off Dash's goal in the first game endeared himself further with us as he gave the softest of penalties against Ollie mac who was having his best tournament ever. The striker gave Ollie S no chance 0-1.

We kept our heads up and ploughed forward. We were rewarded when Keiran and Charlie linked brilliantly on the right, then played the ball across the edge of the box for Freddie to fire into the top corner. 1-1 was the halftime score.

It was all one way traffic in the second half and a great ball down the left from Matty split the defence and sent Dash on his way to finish confidently 2-1.

A few minutes later Matty and Dash combined again to make it 3-1. This was the final score.

Another superb day for the lads in the blistering heat. we won this trophy last year and have retained it by being undefeated in both years. The stats were:

Played 6/ Won 5/ Drawn 1/ Lost 0. For 13 Against 4 Points 16 GD +9

Scorers: Freddie 4, Dash 4, Charlie 2, Matty 1, Keiran 1, Ollie M 1. Once again every outfield player got on the scoresheet.

The lads waiting for the presentation.

The parents showing the boys how to do a proper cheer!!!

Club Captain Charlie Bance lifts the trophy!!!!!!!!!

We were joined by Whitton Utd Chairman Ruel Fox. (And mascot for the day Connor Savage, Well done Connor for coming along to cheer on the lads. Curtis also made an appearance but wasn't around for the photos)

We Won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chantry Tournament 27th June 2009

We played in the Chantry Tournament on Saturday. There were a few teams entered, strangley Chantry weren't one of them!!
We had two teams entered the Reds and the Whites. The format was two leagues of five teams, everyone playing each other twice with the winners of each league playing in the final.

With so many games going on it is too much for my unreliable memory to cope with match reports. I managed to record the results for the Red team. Unfortunately we don't have the results for the White team. All I know is they were in a tough group and well done to Charlie Wilson for getting the only goal of the day.
The White Squad was: Matty H, Ollie Mac, Curtis, Cammy, Alex, Kyle and Charlie W.

The Reds were: Ollie S, Keiran, Connor, Freddie, Will, Jack, Charlie B and Dash.
The results were:
1-1 v Wickham market. WO got the equaliser.
3-0 v Lawshall Lions. KW, JM 2.
0-0 v Kirton
0-2 v St Johns
0-0 v Wickham Market
1-0 v Lawshall Lions. CB
1-0 v Kirton. JD
0-0 v St Johns.

We finished runners up in the group behind St Johns, who went on to beat their B team on penalties in the final.

Overall it was a hot day with a lot of games to play. We put in some very good performances but were unable to score more goals as the games were quite short.
An enjoyable day all round.
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presentation Day 7th June 2009

The Presentation day is on Sunday 7th June at Dellwood. Doors open to the public at 10.30 till 4pm.

We have the Gladiators stall to run for the day and have a couple of slots to help out serving on the BBQ. There will be someone else doing the cooking.

Our slot for the Boys v Parents match is at 10.45. We will present the medals and trophies at 11.15 till 11.30.

I’ve allocated slots to cover over the day. Can you make sure you are at the stall promptly to cover your stint.

Rota

Gladiators

10.15-10.45 Freddie/ Ollie M
11.30- 12.30 Charlie B/Dash
12.30- 1.30 Dan/ Sam
1.30- 2.30 Harley/ Jack
2.30-3.30 Nat/ Connor R
3.30-4.30 Will/ Alex

BBQ

9.45-10.45 Keiran/ Jake
12.30-1.30 Kyle/ Connor S/ Ollie S

There’s not a lot for each to do on the day. The slots can be covered by parents, grandparents, older siblings etc. as long as everyone does a little bit we can make it a great finale for the boys to finish off a great season.

St Johns Tournament 30th May 2009

This is a tournament we weren't supposed to be in. Another team pulled out late in the day and I was asked if I was interested in entering a team to make up the numbers. Never one to turn down a days football I jumped at the chance.

We knew we were in for a tough day when we saw the line up. St Johns A & B (we have never beaten St Johns), Claydon and Debenham.(Who narrowly missed out on winning the first division)

Our squad was- Ollie S, Connor S, Sam, Jack, Freddie, Charlie B, Will, Keiran & Dash.





Here are the hopeful squad lining up in the sunshine before the tournament kicked off.











All games were 7 a side, 7 minutes each way, played as a league.

St Johns B

St Johns seemed to have put a number of their stronger players in the B team. The game kicked off and we started to impose ourselves immediately. A crunching tackle from Freddie set the tone as he won the ball and got it to Charlie, he sent a lovely ball through to Dash who carried it forward and smashed it into the net. 1-0 with 90 seconds on the clock.
St Johns came back strongly but we battled well and started to create a number of openings. Unfortunately the curse of the "Fancy Flicks" creeped into the game up front and we squandered them without troubling their goalkeeper. We paid the price when St Johns equalised soon after half-time. The game ended 1-1 and it's an indication of how well our midfielders performed that I was disappointed with the draw!! (If it had been offered to me before the game I would have snapped his hand off!!) Ollie was again solid at the back, commanding his area well. The rules were changed to prevent goalkeepers kicking the ball out. This played into our hands as Ollie throwing was superb. Some keepers can't kick the ball as far as he can throw it. connor was strong at the back and was replaced by Sam who went on to have his best tournament ever.
Still a 1-1 draw with St Johns was on balance a very pleasing start as they had chances to nick it at the end.

St Johns A

Our next game was against their A team. Once again our midfield dominated the game. Freddie, Charlie and Keiran were involved in every attack and defending strongly covering every blade of grass between them. Will and Dash caused problems up front and again Ollie and Sam were solid at the back.
We opened the scoring when Dash received the ball, controlled it, then took on a couple of players, drawing them in before he released it to Charlie who fired it home. Great work from the little man, the fancy flicks had been banished and never reappeared!!
Just before half time Charlie got the second. I can't remember anything about it except it was a great goal and a huge relief!! 2-0 was the half-time score.
I thought we'd be in for a torrid time in the second half and had the option of playing two at the back to weather the storm if needed. In the end it was us who were doing all the attacking as St Johns seemed to lose their appetite for the game and we finished comfortable 2-0 winners. A great win for the lads and thoroughly well deserved

Claydon

Will and Freddie took their turn on the bench for this one. Unfortunately Claydon kicked off and went straight into attack. A scrum of players battled it out on the edge of our box and we managed to get it clear. In the process Jack had blocked a shot with his face and was unable to play for the rest of the half.
It was a pretty even game. We played the better football but Claydon looked dangerous in attack every time their striker got the ball. Sam was superb in this game. Every time the striker thought he had got past him, Sam caught him and blocked him again leaving him with no way through.
Charlie, Keiran and Freddie worked hard and played some lovely passing moves. Dash was defending well from the front and again holding the ball and was unlucky not to get a breakthrough.
We finally broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. We were pinned in our own box, Claydon were attacking in numbers but with Freddie, Charlie and Sam tackling strongly they had hit a brick wall. Eventually after yet another drawn out scrum Freddie won the ball and laid off to Sam, who took no chances and cleared it well over the halfway line. This left Connor on a one on one with the advancing keeper. Connor ran forward and from outside the box stroked the ball with the outside of his boot into the bottom corner. A fantastic finish. 1-0. As soon as Claydon kicked off the ref blew for half time.
We dominated the second half and went two up when Keiran shot from just outside the box, through a crowd of players into the bottom corner. 2-0 was the final score.

Debenham

This was our final game. If we won the game we would finish winners of the tournament!! Unfortunately it was not to be. Debenham were too strong for us and had played very well all day. It was still 0-0 at half-time. In the second half Debenham scored a great header from a corner and then finished us off with a penalty. 0-2 was the final score.

We then went into maths overload as we worked out that regardless of what happened in the final game between St Johns B and Debenham, we couldn't win it but we would definately finish runners up!!
Another trophy for the boys to show off! A nice way finish off a very good tournament. Once again we received compliments, not only on winning a trophy but the manner in which we play.

Bring on the next one!! We've played three tournaments already this summer. We've won one and finished second in another. We still have three more to play over the coming weeks. There are teams around that aren't playing in any which I think is a shame as they are great days out. Getting a trophy is only a nice bonus!




Here are the lads posing with their trophies. Note Keiran is balancing his on his head!!













Stop posing, start celebrating. Well done lads, thoroughly deserved.

















I dread to think what Connor is doing that is so amusing to a bunch of 11 year olds!!!!
Note Keiran and his broken trophy!! That's what happens when you balance it on your head!! Luckily he got a replacement.

Training and Tournament

We have training on Saturday the 16th May at the Grove. 10am till 11.30. This will be the last training session until the 13th June which will also be 10 till 11.30 at the Grove.
We are playing in St Johns tournament on the 30th of May. There are limited squad places as usual. The squad for this one is Ollie S, Matty G, Freddie, Charlie B, Will, Matty H, Damien, Sam, Jack. It is taking place at Gainsborough Sports centre in Ipswich. I'll post more details as I get them.

The Presentation day is on the 7th June at Dellwood. We will have a stall to run and will draw up a rota so that everyone has a short stint covering it.
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