Under 13 Juniors
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 Oadby Owls Under 12 - Home Kit 2011-2012
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 Oadby Owls U12 - Away Kit 2010-2011
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The team play in the Leicester & District Sunday Juniors League – Division A
http://full-time.thefa.com/Index.do?divisionseason=8440345&league=9293439
Oadby Owls 0 Ravenstone Youth 4 – 29th January 2012 (League)
A scoreline that flattered the opposition. Oadby have a tough run-in to the last 5 games of the campaign and have to tighten up to clinch vital points. Three of the four conceded goals could have been avoided with closer attention, the fourth was a great team goal from the opposition.
Let’s look at the positives. At several times during the game we proved how far we have come with the passing game we have trained so hard on over the past two seasons. When we have the ball and control possession we are a match for most of these Division 1 sides. Using the width on both sides we have the ability to open up defences, composure when going forward would have created some good opportunities today, extra touches and not releasing the ball cost us attempts on goal.
Having conceded two sloppy goals, one a through ball after lost possession and one from a corner we could have cleared, we then switched on and played some good football. Two or three opportunities were created, Ryan had the ball in the net only to see play brought back for a free kick. Needing defensive concentration we pushed forward but never had the clear cut chance we needed. Half time arrived with a two goal deficit, usual story, the next goal was so important.
We came out with a bite, Owen giving us attacking options at left back, Ollie M the same on the right. Jordan had a snap shot after some great footwork, Wills had a couple of postive runs into the box that just didn’t bounce right and a smart chip from Max was well saved. The sides were evenly matched, but Ravenstone scored that all important goal after a cross from the left rolled across the box without interception before a tap in put the game beyond us. The fourth was pass and move goal any side would have been proud of.
We did have some great performances throughout the team, Daniel edging the vote for a tireless defensive and midfield effort. Special mention to Wills and Ryan on the flanks, great work rate from both, Billy in midfield and Max in attack and, despite the scoreline, another solid Chez and Toyon partnership.
Cut out the silly goals conceded, make that final pass positive when moving forward and have a bit more composure and creativity generally and we have all the recipes for success…..nothing we don’t train!
Come on lads, five games left, couple of wins and we are safe. Keep the faith, who are we….?
Player of the Day: Daniel Cole
Goal Scorers: N/A
Sileby Juniors 2 Oadby Owls 1 – 22nd January 2012 (League Cup)
There was a strong wind blowing for this cup tie, which was going to test both sides. The match got off to a frantic start but before the Owls had chance to settle down, some hesitation at the back let Sileby in for their opener.
Owls hit back immediately, first Billy saw a shot just creep over, then a good build up found Max well positioned, and he slotted home with a cool finish : 1 – 1 ! Will was putting in a great shift on the left and a cross from him saw Jordan hit one just wide with a first time effort.
Max was also performing well and Sileby were struggling to make an impression on the game, despite the strong wind behind them. Matt was finding plenty of space in the middle, and was not afraid to test the Sileby keeper. Will and Jordan continued to combine well and Jordan produced a great shot, only to see the Sileby keeper to make a crucial save.
Dan made a couple of big tackles in defence and Max had another chance well saved. However it was Sileby who broke the deadlock after 20 mins, a free kick was really well saved by Ben but Sileby were first to react and they got the goal which proved to be the winner. Owls continued to press, Olly B hit a great shot just over, but the lads couldn’t get back into it.
Player of the Day: Jordan
Goal Scorers: Max
Oadby Owls 0 Woodgate ’80 5 – 8th January 2012 (League)
The first game of 2012 brought us up against one of the League favourites. Woodgate are a big strong side and they imposed their quality early on, winning most of the 50/50 challenges and playing with confidence. An early set back saw them take the lead with a shot above Ben’s outstretched hands, yet the Owls started to make progress and were unlucky not to draw level when Jordan’s first free kick rattled the bar. A goal at that stage would have settled the nerves, instead Woodgate went further ahead when the main striker broke into the area and lashed home a second goal. He was in fact a handful all game, Chez and Toyon certainly knew they had a game on their hands! A second Jordan free kick was well saved at the foot of the post, Daniel then had an opportunity but his shot was too high. A further goal, really one that we shouldnt have conceded, took Woodgate in at half-time with a three goal advantage.
The message was damage limitation, pass that ball and try to keep some possession, and yet we conceded twice more and all of our positive training deserted us at a time when we needed to play the ball around. Positives taken from the match included Ben producing several great saves to keep us in touch and Ollie Mac having a good game at right back, but really we lost too many challenges, made life too easy for Woodgate and all felt we could have done a lot better.
Bad day at the office, however, we move on to the next challenge with the new squad having learnt a bit more about what is needed to stay in the top flight which is where we believe we belong.
Player of the Day: Ollie McGowan
Goal Scorers: N/A
Oadby Owls 3 St Andrews 1 – 11th December 2011 (League)
A classic bottom of the table cash between two sides keen for points.
The Oadby half time team talk centred around “next goal wins” and what a superb effort!
We started brightly, we know the quality of the new squad and we knew we had to give all to get those 3 points.
Chances for Wills and Jordan went close and we were the team that looked like taking the lead. Again, against the run of play and refereeing decisions we found ourselves a goal behind after a tame penalty appeal went against us, converted by the opposition. Then character kicked in. An unfairly disallowed goal from Chez prompted us to make amends.
A justified penalty saw Billy convert and thereafter we dominated.
1-1 at half time gave us the chance to take stock and realise what was at stake, anything less than 3 points was a problem.
In the second half we were awesome, battling, challenging and with the will to win we took on the “next goal wins” message and made it happen!
Ben M kept us in the game with a smart save from a one on one situation and we knew their keeper could fumble. A smart move fired a ball in and Jordan was on hand to convert the spill, a great roar from the crowd followed and continuous support carried us on.
An off-balance tough tackle from Toyon followed and we were down to ten men when the referee deemed it unfairly as a straight red.
A re-shuffle and a third goal followed with a hugely influential Owen closing in on a Muhammad cross for 3-1. The referee equalled the players with an unnecessary removal of a St Andrews player, both captains had received marching orders.
A tired Jordan, who had given his all as front man, gave way to Wills, who battled only to see a ball that crossed the line unnoticed by referee and linesman twice, the game should have finished more convincingly in Oadby’s favour.
We know what is left, we know what is required, more of the same will preserve our Div 1 status, great win boys!!
Player of the Day: THE WHOLE SQUAD
Goal Scorers: Billy Tebbatt (pen), Jordan King and Owen Pryor
Oadby Owls 6 Braunstone Trinity 2010 0 – 27th November 2011 (League Cup)
We knew what we had to do and, eventually, delivered. A frustrating first half for the Coaches saw Oadby create half a dozen chances that should have been converted.
A tweaked format back to 4-4-2 again saw the defence give nothing away, Ben in goal have a comfortable first half where everything he had come at him he dealt with superbly and a midfield that started to look the part with the graft and pass and move we aspire to in training week in week out. Understanding the squad concept special, praise to James B who declared himself unfit to take part after a groin strain from yesterday, every player had a major contribution. The front line were lacking with their inability to convert chance after chance, but a totally dominating first half display had the opposition on the back foot from the start.
0-0 was not the perfect half-time score, the half time message was more of the same, we knew if we scored one we would get a few. That was the case. A superb cross from Max was met by Ryan at the back post for the first, quickly followed by a superb individual goal from the same player who battled hard to add a second when the keeper fumbled.
The Owls were rocking! Jordan danced through several challenges to see his rocket blocked by the keeper and then Billy went one better when his dance ended with a top corner finish, a true candidate for goal of the season.
Max, through on goal after a great move, chipped the keeper, Olly B then took on the defence and his run ended with quite superb finish for a rare but quality finish and Muhammad completed the scoring with a smart shot from close range.
Not the strongest opposition, but wins breed confidence and the Owls did the job!
The new and existing players are starting to gel, Daniel Cole and Billy Tebbatt were a strong central midfield partnership, Toyon and Chesney at the back stood firm in not conceding a goal and special praise to Oliver M and Matt D for the great full back performances. Every player had a part to play in the victory, we look forward to the next round draw.
Well done boys!!
Player of the Day:
Goal Scorers: Ryan Davies (2), Billy Tebbatt, Max Shipley, Olly Braybrooke and Muhammad Wobi
St Andrews 1 Oadby Owls 1 – 20th November 2011 (League)
There was a frantic start to the game, with a few early nerves from both sides. St Andrews had the best of the early exchanges but slowly Owls started to gel together, and Ryan and Max combined well more than once, to keep St Andrews defence busy. On the other flank, Will kept up his recent good form with some lively runs. A great run took him into the box, and he unselfishly crossed for Max who was unlucky not to get a touch.
Half time – 0 : 0.
Into the second half and Billy was working his socks off in midfield, with some strong tackling. Ryan showed some great skills and put a shot just wide after a lovely run. A number of refereeing decisions appeared to go against us, but Owls kept battling hard. Ten minutes into the half saw Owls fall unluckily behind. A speculative shot was initially well dealt with by Ben, who’s been Mr Consistent this season, but the ball trickled from his grasp and into the net.
Owls fought back and lovely inter-play between Owen and Will saw Billy hit a sweet strike just over. The introduction of Mohammed soon caused problems in the St Andrews defence and a few minutes later he was bundled off the ball by two defenders for a penalty, Owen making no mistake from the spot. A deserved equaliser. Luke had been having a good game throughout, with good composure on the ball, but a strong tackle badly twisted his knee and he could not continue. Hopefully he will be back from injury very soon.
Substitute Olly was soon involved with his strong tackling and sniping runs, and Owls could sniff the winner. After neat play, Olly fired a shot that looked goal-bound until the St Andrews keeper got a fingertip to it – top save. From the corner, Owls were dealt two bits of bad luck, the St Andrews defender appeared to handle the ball, and seemed to be behind the goal line at the same time – a harsh decision. The team battled hard, Olly in the thick of it again, but Owls were denied and the game finished all square.
Billy Tebbutt picked up the man of the match award for a great all-round display.
Player of the Day: Billy Tebbutt
Goal Scorers: Owen Pryor (pen)
Oadby Owls 2 Barrow Town Youth 5 – 13th November 2011 (League)
Shortly after we were two behind when a distance shot squirmed through Ben’s outstretched hands. It was an uphill struggle, but we battled back. Moving Jordan alongside Billy and introducing a battling Ollie B improved the formation and an increased desire began to show results. Despite losing a soft third goal the heads didn’t drop and when Ryan finished a smart move down the right it really was game on. We felt if we could score again we would claw our way back into the game.
The second half started strongly, Toyon again showed great leadership in defence, but without the ability to create chances two further poorly defended goals put the game beyond our reach despite a penalty from Owen reducing the deficit.
We learned today that a 4-4-2 formation will suit us better against first division opposition, Billy battled bravely, Jordan stopped the Barrow playmaker from making his early advances and both Olivers improved as the game went on. Our inability to find the lively Wills throughout the game limited our forward opportunities, but good displays from Dan and both Luke and later on Owen in respective fullback roles were encouraging.
The larger squad numbers will take some adjusting to and we still have to find our strongest line-up, but there is still a long way to go and we are positive that it will all come together.
Keep going boys!!
Player of the Day: Jordan King
Goal Scorers: Ryan Davies and Owen Pryor (pen)
Kibworth & Smeeton 2 Oadby Owls 5 – 6th November 2011 (Friendly)
A new message was preached before the game. Squad play replaces team play, individuals learning the necessity of squad rotation to win games was taken on board and a great performance with loads of changes proved the point!
With the new squad members in place the emphasis is on retaining our Divison 1 status, despite a new parent suggesting we have the ability to win the League! We have to learn to gel a new group of players together, anyone watching the first 15 minutes would have seen a display that suggests they have played together for years!
A back three supported by a superb Billy in holding midfield held off much of the attacking threat, the pass and move in front was exquisite! With Max on the right and Wills on the left providing superb outlets on the flanks it was only time before we took the advantage, Wills finishing off a great move to open the scoring.
Shortly afterwards a great left side move involving four players saw Oliver arrive to finish with a smart header to double the scoreline.
Billy’s battling and Jordans vision pulled the strings in midfield, but we lost our way after the early positive start. Rarely troubled we conceded a weak goal and, after personnel changes, starting the second period with a new approach, “get back to that pass and move!”
The second period was a stalemate with neither team really getting in the flow, two smart saves by Ben kept out the Kibworth frontline, one being a superb free kick save. Oadby struggled to get any real key possession, stuttering along without really doing anything wrong.
Reverting back to the starting line up in period three Oadby took command.
A second headed goal from Oliver, a second close range conversion from Wills and an outside of the area strike from Jordan sealed the victory despite a poorly defended response from Kibworth.
We deserved the win, no question. For a squad that has not played together before and with certain players adopting new roles I thought they were all awesome. We know we will come up against stronger opposition but if we continue this positive pass and move start we can compete with the best! Well done the whole squad!!!
Player of the Day: Oliver McGowan
Goal Scorers: Wills Page (2), Oliver McGowan (2) and Jordan King
Oadby Owls 0 Thurmaston Magpies 5 – 30th October 2011 (County Cup)
Pre-game we had practised defending corners yet managed to concede early on when a far post corner reached the effective Thurmaston Ben who swivelled and hit a great volley beyond Oadby Ben. Two further goals followed, one again from a corner, and a disappointed Owls came in at halftime deflated. A great inspired performance from the excellent Toyon, a guy who really showed he wanted to win, formed the basis for the team talk.
Player of the Day: Toyon Pegg
Goal Scorers: N/A
Oadby Owls 0 Allexton & New Parks 4 – 23rd October 2011 (League)
Player of the Day: Toyon Pegg
Goal Scorers: N/A
Thurlaston Magpies 1 Oadby Owls 2 (aet) – 16th October 2011 (League Cup)
Player of the Day: Ben Mathews
Goal Scorers: Max Shipley and Owen Pryor
Oadby Owls 1 Sileby Juniors 2 – 9th October 2011 (League)
A game that really neither team deserved to win or lose. A scrappy encounter, from Oadby’s viewpoint too much lost possession in midfield, lack of creative chances and lack of composure at the back ultimately cost us the game.
Both sides had limited chances, Sileby packed a midfield to stifle the usual effective Oadby pace and the first half was a virtual stalemate, neither side really having a good chance to talk about.
With loads of space on either flank in the first half Oadby failed to exploit the advantage and coupled with a lack of challenge up front when in possession Sileby dealt quite easily with any pressure.
Playing uphill in the second half saw Oadby take the lead, a great through ball from Daniel and a great cross from Owen, met by initially by Chez before Muhammad followed up with a smart header from the rebound.
Oadby were not convincing in being able hold out and a snap shot from the Sileby striker from the edge of the box flew in over Ben’s head.
Fairly end to end from thereafter saw both sides have chances, none clear cut, and Sileby snatched the points when a scramble in the goalmouth saw the ball fall to the Sileby sub who slotted home. Too late to recover Oadby saw a third League game where they lost points when composure on the ball would have seen them through.
Again positives, but again lost points, we need to see a greater winning desire to help us forward in this tough Division.
Player of the Day: Ryan Davies
Goal Scorers: Mohammed Wobi
Oadby Owls 4 Aylestone Park 1 (aet) – 2nd October 2011 (County Cup)
A real tough fixture that went to the wire! In very warm conditions against an Aylestone Park side with a bare 11 players, the Owls made hard work of the victory, but battled until the end again with just reward.
The efforts and performance of the previous week put a new standard forward and the squad responded well. With Chezza again partnering with Jordan up front early on there was sure to be some challenge, the pair combining well early on with Owen and Max on both flanks providing some great service. On a day when squad rotation was needed due to the heat it was Muhammad’s pace and right wing cross that again proved key in opening the scoring, Jordan’s looping header clearing the outstretched keepers hand. Owen had a couple of great chances to extend the lead further, denied by good saves. The defence held firm with Toyon and James strong as a central partnership, Ben in goal was relatively untroubled in the first period.
The second half started well, continued swaps saw Scott, James H, Ryan, Ben and Charlie all play a valuable part, but the ball never really got forward in the way we hoped. Olly and Dan continued their good form with battling roles, but the smooth passing eluded us and Aylestone grabbed an equaliser with a long range shot flying in over Ben’s head. That gave them inspiration and a poorly defended free kick was luckily deflected wide and a quite stunning save from Ben kept Oadby in the game.
And so to the demolition job of extra time. Awarded a free kick 25 yards out on the right Jordan hit a top strike direct into the top corner. Three minutes later he did it again from a similar distance in a more central position! Practise in the back garden had paid off! Then, direct from the kickoff of the second half of extra time, he was on hand to add the finishing touch to a quite superb run from Chezza who ran through the complete Aylestone defence before rounding the keeper and squaring the ball perfectly into Jordan’s path.
Although at one point not good for the faint hearted but loyal fans, a great personal achievement coupled with a never say die attitude of the whole squad, the right and deserved result. Bring on Round 3!
Player of the Day: Jordan King
Goal Scorers: Jordan King (4)
Oadby Owls 4 Harborough Town 0 – 25th September 2011 (League)
Having lost all three of the first 2011/12 fixtures and encountered some real bad luck to date, the Owls knew exactly what was needed to stop the rot and responded superbly!
On the larger home pitches we were able to use the pass and move and speed of attack to great effect and were unlucky not to be in front when the pace of Muhammad beat the Harborough defence after great work by Scott and Max, his cross being met by Jordan who fired at the keeper. Two further strikes on goal by him failed to hit the target and he then put us in front with a sharp shot on the turn. The midfield battling from Olly and Dan and strong defending by Ben, Toyon and James kept Harborough at bay and meant Ben in goal had little to do. The right hand side continued to be the area of success with Scott playing some great balls forward, the second goal was never far away.
We got further ahead after the break, Max whipping a cross shot in past the large and impressive keeper, by this time Chezza was causing all sorts of problems up front with his pace and presence. Harborough then hit back with a long range shot flying over Ben into the net. The Owls stood firm, went up a gear and were rewarded again when a great chase, turn and cross from Jordan found Chez at the front post and he buried his shot to great cheers from the loyal crowd. With two penalty claims turned down it was up to Muhammad to complete the scoring when he headed in at close range from a great Max cross, just reward for his efforts of the first half. Left hand players James H and Owen were great outlets and Charlie stood firm at full back after his introduction, special mention to the tireless work of Olly.
Every squad member played a key role in a display that is one of our best across the last two seasons, to win in this tough Division that is exactly what is needed, well done boys, totally undefeated at Coombe Park!!
Player of the Day: Scott Leedham
Goal Scorers: Jordan King, Max Shipley, Chezza Howes and Mohammed Wobi
Harborough Town 2 Oadby Owls 1 – 18th September 2011 (League)
This week, in the absence of Olly, Chesney stepped into midfield, and Mohammed was the target man up front. Harborough started brightly and Scott was kept busy at right back. Owls started to exert pressure though and played some slick football, with Dan battling well in midfield and Jordan linking up nicely with the front men.
A long clearance from the Harborough keeper was well covered by Scott and Toyan but mysteriously, the ref pointed to the spot for what seemed no more than a tangle of legs, and Owls found themselves 1-0 down. Good skills from Mo saw Jordan put through, his shot just drifting past the left hand post. Good response from Oadby !
Soon after a cross from Ryan was heading straight to Mo, who was clattered by the keeper, but the ref waved play on. It was a heavy knock for Mohammed and he came off for some recovery time. At the other end, Ben pulled off a point blank save to keep the defecit down to one. A lovely through ball from Dan, who was tireless in midfield, saw Owen through but his attempted lob was kept out by the Harborough goalie. Their keeper was on hand to deny Max this time, who couldn’t quite get enough on it for a finish.
The second half began slowly, but it was Harborough who extended their lead after getting behind the Owls defence. A few too many Owls passes were going astray but the reintroduction of Mohammed saw Oadby enter a great spell, with Jordan again involved and Owen seeing more of the ball.
Oadby got the goal they deserved on 23 mins, a missed clearance from the Harboro’ keeper resulted in a corner – Ryan delivered a cracker, and Mo headed home ! The team sensed an equaliser and had a great spell, Mohammed and Owen linked well and Oadby played some lovely one-touch football. From a Max corner, Owen’s volley was just over and another Oadby shot drifted just wide. On the stroke of full time, an Oadby free kick was beautifully struck by Max, only the cross bar denying us a deserved point. Unlucky Owls !
Jordan picked up the man of the match award for a great all-round display.
Player of the Day: Jordan King
Goal Scorers: Mohammed Wobi
Ravenstone Youth 3 Oadby Owls 1 – 11th September 2011 (League)
The starting line up saw a few changes from last week, with Ollie stepping in at right back and James Hill an the left. Subs Scott and Mohammed were joined by Ben Bevins – good to see ‘Bevo‘ at the game – and on the road to recovery.
Owls started brightly with some neat football but went a goal behind following a blocked clearance – but that didn’t deter the players and after Dan and Toyan linked well, Max had a blocked shot soon followed by a neat free kick. Then a trademark run from Owen saw his pass just drift ahead of Ryan steaming in !
Oadby continued to play nice football with only the final pass letting us down and James B had a shot blocked from another great corner from Max. From the resulting corner, Max delivering another cracker, Oadby got the goal the supporters were waiting for with Owen on hand! 1-1. At the other end James B was on hand again to deny Ravenstone at the near post. Oadby had a great spell up to the interval, with Dan influencing well in the middle – but couldn’t quite get the deserved second.
Some tactical changes at half time saw Ollie and Ryan reintroduced, and when Max returned soon after he put Ryan through with an inch perfect pass ( Giggs would have been proud of it) who’s shot was well blocked. At the other end, Ben M saved well low down to deny a goal-bound free kick.
Ravenstone got their second with a back post shot and at the other end, Oadby missed an opportunity to level when a lobbed shot from Ryan was fluffed by the goalkeeper, but no one was close by for the follow up shot. James H was replaced by Chesney for a well earned break. Ravenstone then hit their third leaving Oadby to reflect on an improved display without the rewards.
Dan deservedly won the man of the match award for a tireless display.
Player of the Day: Dan Cole
Goal Scorers: Owen Pryor
Barrow Town 3 Oadby Owls 0 – 4th September 2011 (League)
So Division One football begins, and although the score ended 3-0 to Barrow, it didn’t feel like a 3 goal defeat. Martin King’s new formation saw new goalie Ben Matthews supported by a back three including Toyan Pegg and another debutant, Chesney. An early free kick from Max Shipley brought a good save from the Barrow keeper, but as the half developed, the strong Barrow midfield got the upper hand and a lobbed pass to the Barrow right winger brought the opening goal. Soon after, a harsh free kick against Scott Leaden, who had put in a great tackle, was well converted by Barrow – a top corner strike that was unstoppable.
Scott then cleared another Barrow shot off the line, before Oadby finished the half well with a goalmouth scramble ending with a close effort from Toyan hitting the woodwork.
The second half saw Mohammed on for Max, and a great battling display from Olly kept Oadby in the game. A super cross from Ryan just drifted away from Owen and then a neat back header from Mo put Owen through who put a great shot onto the inside of the post , before the ball rolled to safety! Barrow grabbed a third against the run of play but Oadby continued to press.
Jordan then had a chance denied by the brave Barrow keeper before another quality cross from Max picked out Mohammed but he couldn’t find the target. Chesney was putting in a determined display at the back and Oadby hit the woodwork again – Ryan this time the unlucky player. Max hit another cracking free kick but the Barrow goalie denied him again. And to prove it wasn’t our day, Max had the ball in the net but the offside flag was up. Despite the opening day defeat, the Oadby players can take many positives from the match – some excellent chances, good work rate and good team spirit. As Rocky said to Rio at the final whistle, “ it’s early days, mate, early days . . . . “
Chesney deservedly won the man of the match award for a great league debut.
Player of the Day: Chesney
Goal Scorers: N/A
Oadby Owls Tawnys U14′s 2 Oadby Owls U13′s 3 – 7th August 2011
On a day that marked the first silverware of the season going to the mighty Reds it was fitting that the great post-season form of season 2010/11 should continue with the JFC Reds beating the team directly above them.
Dividing a game into three twenty minute slots allowed some swapping and changing in what was billed as an equal contest by age and ability. Starting with a new line-up of 3-5-2, the youngsters started really smartly, despite their uphill challenge. The requirement is slick pass and move with an emphasis on communication and holding position within their zone and a ten second rule to retain lost possession. Moving up to a tough Division 1 we believe that this will enable us to compete with the best.
With an equal midfield battle developing it was going to be a tough call to break the deadlock which came halfway through the third with a shot from outside the box which looped over Ben in the U13s goal. The response was fantastic, Muhammad charged down a defensive challenge, the ball broke to Max who, rather than shooting, slipped the ball across to Jordan for a simple tap-in, a great team goal!
Both teams were sharing some good possession, but a free kick 25 yards out allowed the youngsters to take the lead when a rifled dead ball drive from Jordan slipped through the keepers grasp, 2-1 at the break. On a sloping pitch we knew that the emphasis was on getting the ball out wide to Ryan who duly obliged with a superb individual goal, beating two defenders before slotting the ball home from a tight angle.
With solid performances from Toyon, Scott and Chezza at the back and the tireless running from Dan in midfield we knew we could hold on. With few major problems to deal with we knew that the game was ours to win.
Despite a late defensive mix-up between Scott and Gabes which allowed the Tawnys back in to the game, the Under 13s can be proud of their performance against a strong and tall side who we wish all the best in their own coming season.
Man of the match today was shared between the goalscorers, Jordan in his new creative advanced midfeld role and Ryan in his more accustomed wide right position with his usual energy and probing runs. Valuable contributions from all the lads maintained our unbeaten run, long may it continue. We welcome the return of additional squad members which we hope will strengthen us again in our future challenge.
Player of the Day: Jordan King and Ryan Davies
Goal Scorers: Jordan King (2) Ryan Davies 1
Daventry 6 a-side Tournament – 17th July 2011
Spirits were high after two successful tournaments and manager Martin King set the teams up as follows –
SNOWYS – Ben M,Toyan,Jordan, Arjun, Mishka, James H, Owen.
EAGLES – Gabriel, Ben B, Charlie, Jorvan, Mohammed, Scott, James B.
The quality of opposition was the strongest yet, the pitches were small and the pass and move possession football had to be played! Scoring first was a massive priority.
The SNOWYS got off to the perfect start with Arjun sliding in for the opening goal after just 30 seconds. Owen scored the second after some neat passing and it ended 2 –0.
It was Owen and Arjun on target again in the second match for a repeat score line before a couple of nil- nil stalemates for the Snowys, the first of which was helped by a point-blank save from Ben M.
On the other pitch, the EAGLES had a promising start with James B and Mohammed getting them off to a 2-0 victory followed by a 1-0 win thanks to a neat header from Scott.
Their third match was again a 1-0 win, this time thanks to a lovely goal from skipper Ben Bevins and in the fourth game, 1-0 was enough again; James B on the score sheet once more.
So we arrived at the final round of league matches with both teams unbeaten. The Snowys had a resounding 6-0 win (not bad in a 10 minute match!) while the Eagles had their first reverse, a 3-0 loss. That defeat meant they were paired with the Snowys for an all-Oadby semi. The Snowys came out on top courtesy of a 2 x Jordan beauties, one into the top corner, one a team goal and great finish, while the Eagles rued a couple of missed chances.
So to the final against Sundon Reds and after a slow start and going 1-0 down (the only outfield goal conceded over seven games), we began to play some cracking football with Jordan and Owen in particular forming a slick partnership, Mishka and Toyon solid at the back. A perfectly weighted through ball fromJordanset Owen up for a deserved equaliser andJordannearly squeezed in a winner. It was Sundon who were relieved to hear the final whistle. Five minutes of extra time could not split the teams and so penalties followed and after two magnificent saves from Ben , Arjun stepped up to slot the decisive goal. The celebrations began for the entire squad with the Eagles cheering on their squad team-mates from start to finish.
Whilst the Snowys were worthy winners on the day the whole squad should take credit for their performances over this and two previous tournaments. We entered six-a-side tournaments due to the lack of eleven a-side events and are champions ofNorthampton,Nuneatonand Daventry.
If the Oadby Owls players can show this level of skill and confidence in Division 1, we could be in for a great season.
Grove Farm 6 a-side Tournament – 26th June 2011
After missing the team’s success two weeks ago at the Moulton Fields 6-a-side tournament, manager Martin King was hoping to see for himself just how well the two squads had played by leading them through a repeat performance at Grove Farm. But this was likely to be a tougher proposition with more teams coming from farther afield and an improvement in the quality of the play. A cloudy day turned into one of the hottest days of the year so far as we set up the gazebo and scanned the fixtures. The team was divided once again into Snowys and Eagles but individual players were swapped around so the boys didn’t think of themselves as two teams but still as the Oadby Owls, one squad cheering on the other as they played.
The Snowys were in the first game of the day in Group A against one of the four home sides, Grove Farm Rangers Yellow and took no time in asserting themselves to a 3-0 win with goals from Owen, Jordan and an unfortunate own goal. In Group B, the Eagles started against Luton Borough Youth who looked quite useful themselves and were only undone by a superb solo effort from Olly for a 1-0 win.
The Snowys then took to the field to play their toughest opponents, Four Corners Peterborough, matching the Eagles with a 1-0 win of their own with a masterful header from Jordan. The Eagles dropped their first points with a 0-0 draw against Rugby Town before cheering on the Snowys in probably their best performance of the day, a very impressive 4-0 win against a tough Coventry Jaguar Youth Red with goals coming from Jordan, two from James / ‘Chesney’ and the result finished off by Owen. Chesney could have got a hat-trick as he was played through with only the keeper to beat but he put it over the bar and in the end, it’s a team game and the boys look out for each other. Chesney had to put up with some gentle ribbing but the Snowys were nine points up and looking forward to the semis.
Meanwhile the Eagles were looking confident in their group with an impressive win of their own against Grove Farm Juniors Yellow. An early goal from Max was disallowed for a shove but an own goal and then a strike from Muhammad saw the boys notch up a 2-0 win. They too were looking good for the semis.
The Snowys then suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the second Grove Farm Juniors teams, the Greens, while the Eagles beat Grove Farm Rangers Green with a well-taken penalty from Max. By now, the heat was telling but the boys were taking on plenty of fluids, mostly staying in the shade of the gazebo or wandering around to sample the amusements on offer, the fastest shot, the burger stand… and the cheerleaders.
To top their group, the Snowys had to finish on a high against St Nicolas Sporting and Owen secured the points and a 1-0 win. For the Eagles to advance, a draw against their last opponents, Coventry Jaguar Youth Blue, would be enough, but to avoid each other in the semis, the Eagles too needed a win, James Hill starting and finishing a team move for a superb goal, another 1-0 win, thirteen points, and an unbeaten run to the semis.
So far, all the boys had played well and to see the Owls dominate the competition as they had at Moulton Fields seemed only fitting for all the skill, spirit, and hard work that they had displayed. After five games each, both sides looked strong. In goal, Gabriel had a clean sheet and Ben M hadn’t had much to do, the Snowys defeat the only goals conceded up to now, while the outfield players had swapped positions in every game, giving everyone the opportunity to practice their defensive and attacking qualities. For the players not yet on the score-sheet, Dan, Kalis and Ben B all showed excellent skill for the Snowys, while Toyon and James B made up a strong Eagles squad.
In the semis, the Snowys played Luton and Jordan saw them through to the final with a 1-0 win. In the other semi against Peterborough, Toyon and Olly got the team off to a great start with two early goals. Peterborough tried to get back into the game and Gabriel had a few saves to make before a deflected goal made the last few minutes nervy but they hung on for a 2-1 win and for two tournaments in a row, the Juniors provided both finalists.
The other teams had packed up and gone before the final kicked off for an all Oadby affair. For most of the game, there was stalemate as the two squads cancelled each other, so familiar are the boys with each others’ games. Both side wanted to win but chances were few and far between and in the end, it was going to take penalties to separate them. The penalty spot was just a few yards away from the goal-line so Ben for the Snowys and Gabriel for the Eagles had little reaction time to keep out a well-driven shot. After five pens apiece, they were still level, 3-3, and some of the boys had to step up again. In the end, luck favoured the team in red once again as the Snowys finally saw off the Eagles 5-4.
For some, elation, for others, deflation, but no-body really minded since, as the Juniors, they had seen off all-comers and spread their reputation further afield. Boys and parents from Peterborough, Coventry, Luton and Rugby were going to be going home that afternoon talking about the team from Oadby, the six-a-side kings.
Moulton Fields Festival of Football – 12th June 2011
In the absence of any 11-a-side tournaments, the Juniors divided themselves into two teams and entered the Moulton Fields 6-a-side tournament in Northampton. With a chance to display the close control and short passing game that they practice in training every week, the format seemed perfect for the players although the conditions were far from ideal. The dry weather of the past few weeks ended abruptly with persistent drizzle all morning making the pitches greasy and difficult for the boys to weight their passes accurately. The smaller size of the pitches and the uneven bounce were equally testing but the boys adapted to the conditions superbly. For the first few games, both teams kept it on the floor as much as they could but as the day progressed, the long ball out of defence was used more often and spectators were treated to the odd round of head tennis.
Notionally calling themselves the Snowys and the Eagles, they were kept apart in the group stages, playing teams from Moulton, Billing, Brixworth, Wollaston and Vicarage Farm. The Snowys started off by letting in an early goal against home side Moulton and with the first round games only eight minutes long, the pressure was on to secure an equaliser, ably provided in the end by Snowys captain for the day, Dan Cole. The Eagles, led by Jordan King, were on better form with a convincing 2-0 win against Vicarage Farm with goals from Max and James number 3, otherwise known to all as ‘Chesney’. The Snowys then secured two wins, both 1-0, with goals from Owen and another from Dan. The Eagles matched the Snowys form with a draw of their own against eventual semi-finalists, Brixworth Pumas, and a 2-1 win against Wollaston with goals from Toyon and Jordan.
After the first few results, it was clear that the Juniors were more than capable of providing at least one of the finalists, if not both! Every player was playing well up to their best. Ben M in goal for the Eagles was solid, Kalis showed excellent ball control, Max had several long range efforts to test the opposition and Olly worked tirelessly in midfield. For the Snowys, Gabriel stood firm between the sticks, facing one dubious penalty which the striker scuffed wide. Scott defended stoutly with some well-timed tackles and interceptions, James Hill continued to display the impressive form and confidence in his game which he has shown towards the end of the season, Mohammed ran for every chance and provided some fantastic long throws into the opposition box while Ben Bevin was having a day to remember.
After the group games, both the Snowys and Eagles topped the tables and so would avoid each other in the semis. First the Snowys faced Brixworth Pumas, the games extended to twelve minutes with five minutes of extra time and penalties to follow. And so it proved as the game ended goalless. For every keeper, a penalty shoot-out holds out the dubious honour to be hero or villain. There are no second chances when the striker hits the ball goalwards and training, skill, and instinct play their part. Football is a team game and his team needed Gabriel to get them into the final. Billing scored first, cancelled out by Mohammed. One-one. Billing’s keeper took the second and scored. James H kept the Snowys in it. Two-two. Then the cracks began to show…, but not for Oadby. Gabriel saved with his feet and Ben scored. The Snowys were in front three-two. Gabriel stepped up again, a save now and the Snowys were one step away from the final. The Brixworth player blasted it towards the roof of the net and Gabriel tipped it over. Could the Snowys show the England team a thing or two about how to take penalties? It was left to Owen, the pressure on his shoulders. He struck it hard and low, time stood still. It was in! Four-two! The Snowys had one hand on the trophy. Now it was up to the Eagles.
The Eagles faced the team from Billing who had proved so tough for the Snowys to break down but this was no penalty shoot-out in waiting. Jordan struck a superb low shot for a one-nil lead and that’s how it stayed. As the seconds ticked down, the Billing keeper came up for a final effort from a corner. Ben came out for the ball and kicked it downfield. The ref blew his whistle and Max saw the ball across the line. A few seconds longer and Ben would have put his name on the scoresheet too!
Manager Martin King was missing his team’s best result of the season. The only team who were going to beat the Juniors were themselves. But which one? The Snowys with Dan, Owen, and James H all playing magnificently. Or the Eagles, with four boys with their scoring boots on (or in Chesney’s case, trainers!)
The spectators mingled amiably on the touchline, coaches Adam Cole and Jason Braybrooke offered last minute advice to their teams and the boys wished each other luck… but not too much. All season, the boys have ended practice with a five-a-side kick-about and it felt strange to see them doing the same now but with a trophy to play for. Possession was equal with perhaps the Snowys shading the early play. Chesney, Jordan, Max and Toyon all pressed forward for the Eagles. Jordan struck a hard shot at goal which Gabriel stopped and at the other end, Owen squeezed one past Ben M. Was it going to be enough or did the Eagles still have something to say?
The Eagles pressed for the equaliser but in the end, the last word was left to Ben Bevin with a goal that no-one saw coming. Like Ricky Villa against Manchester City thirty years ago, it was skillful and sublime. A solo effort, a mazy run, rebounds off defenders, he was through on goal and curled the ball past Ben M. Two-nil and the Snowys had the victory.
No one likes to lose and the Eagles weren’t exactly happy about it but the winners were the Juniors, the whole team. Both sides put in superb displays. Every player had his moment to shine and no-one let his team-mates down. They played the ball around and they took their chances. Nine different goal-scorers and only two goals conceded in open play. The Owls had flown south of the border and nicked the silverware.
The final score: Oadby one, the combined might of Northamptonshire nil!
Fixtures
- Oadby Owls vs Made Up Team – 05th December 2009
- Oadby Owls vs Made Up Team – 05th December 2009
- Oadby Owls vs Made Up Team – 05th December 2009
- Oadby Owls vs Made Up Team – 05th December 2009
- Oadby Owls vs Made Up Team – 05th December 2009
- Oadby Owls vs Made Up Team – 05th December 2009
- Oadby Owls vs Made Up Team – 05th December 2009
- Oadby Owls vs Made Up Team – 05th December 2009
Team Notices
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Team Sponsors
