u13 Match Reports

10/4/11 5-2 v Eastbourne Town
We asked for a Champions performance for our last game of the season and following last week's disappointing showing. We knew we had only 11 of the squad available for the match and with Henry not turning up until 20 minutes into the game we had to start with 10. I could not have asked any more from the players we started with a goal in the first minute with Ausi lobbing the keeper. This was followed by a great flick on from Max putting Kelsey through to make it 2-0 after 9 minutes. Henry's late arrival reverted us back to our normal shape but 5 minutes after coming on we conceded when Ausi's header went in his own net following a corner. Ausi made amends 4 minutes when his chipped free kick was turned in by Max. On a rock hard pitch in hot sunshine we were playing like Champions. At half time we said we had to keep playing our football pass it about and not let them back into the game. Some sloppy defending though let them in on 45 minutes to pull it back to 3-2. We had the best response 2 minutes later when some great passing throughout the team from the back Josh and Kelsey played a neat one two for Josh to finish well on the return pass. We extended the lead even further when Max fired us 5-2 into the lead after 49 minutes. Jack was then called to make a superb save diving to his right to tip a shot onto the post. He injured his thumb in the process and had to play the last 10 minutes on pitch with Ausi going in goal. The boys continued to look solid throughout and Todd was voted players player of the match in what again was a great final end of season team performance.

3/4/11 1-4 v Eastbourne Borough
The Championship win hangover hit us today when a good Eastbourne Boro side gave us a real test. The boys were asked to play 4 3 3 a different formation to what they have been used to this season and looked sometimes confused as to their indivisual job roles. The game was pretty much even until Eastbourne scored a cracker of a goal that was unstoppable after 31 mins. We asked for more effort and pressure in the second half but fell further behind after 40 minutes. Max Bi then scored a good goal to get us back in at 1-2 but we fell to two sucker punches on 62 and 69 minutes to lose our first league game 1-4. We felt we had some decisions go against us but the chances we had we didn't take with shots at the keeper, over the bar or not taken quickly enough. Max Bi was voted by the players as players player of the match closly followed by Ausi. The top teams are all capable of beating each other on their day and Eastbourne Boro fully deserved the points. Again we must bounce back from this game and finsh strongly next week in our last game.

27/3/2011 4-3 v Eastbourne Town
We held our nerve and saw off a determined Eastbourne Town team in a really entertaining match. Having had the best of the early play with chances coming and going we failed to find the back of the net. We then fell behind after 20 minutes against the run of play when Billy turmed the ball into his own net. We didnt let our heads drop and Austen scored to get us level after 27 minutes. Henry then put us 2-1 up with a good turn and shot on the stroke of half time. We asked for more of the same in the second half but again conceded after failing to clear our lines properly after 56 minutes. The play was quite evenly spread with Eastbourne being a threat on the break with their long ball down the middle and we tried to get the ball down and play but on a hard pitch couldn't get the ball under control. We finally got our noses ahead when Tom scored after 63 minutes. Henry then went close but hit the bar following a great move down the right. Our hearts stopped when they had a shot that looked like it was going wide hit the inside of the post and bounced across the goalline and out the other side for a goal kick. Billy then scored with a great chip on 67 minutes to put us 4-2 up but credit to Eastbourne who scored again on 70 minutes to make it 4-3. The win and three points gave us the Division One title and it was well deserved with all the effort the boys have put in over the season. The players player of the match was Bradley but once again it was a team effort that got us the win.

20/3/11 Knockout Cup Final 1-2 v Lindfield FC
With both teams having cancelled each other out this season our first Cup Final against Lindfield was always going to be a tight game and so it proved with neither side converting their chances in the first half. We hit the post from Austen and Billy had a chance that went wide. We were often second to the ball and did not show our passing game to the best of our ability. The ball was the proverbial hot potato and spent most of the time in the air with no one putting their foot on it and playing a simple pass. We made a couple of changes at the start of the second half to try and inject some more physical play to our game but Lindfield opened the scoring after 39 minutes following a well taken corner that we didn't clear and the ball was bundled over the line. We were caught out again down the right 6 minutes later when a good cross was converted well into the top of the net. We were not creating any chances and our play was disjointed. James went close with a well struck free kick which was well saved. They had a good effort that thumped the crossbar but bounced to safety. Tom was working tirelessly upfront whilst Bradley and Louis were kept very busy all afternoon and both competed hard for everything. We snatched a consolation goal right at the end when Max Bi bursted through and finished well but it was a little too late. Bradley was deservedly voted player of the match. Big congratulations to get to our first final and although we lost we hope that we learn from the experience.

13/3/11 4-1 v Eastbourne Borough
Tremendous performance by the boys today from the start they pressed hard and played when they could. We knew Boro would do the same and leave us little time on the ball so we had to be alert and play with quick feet. Their keeper pulled off some great saves to keep us from going ahead, whilst we dealt comfortably with what they threw at us. We were then unlucky to fall behind on 33 minutes when we let a cross come in and some indecision failed to see us clear the ball, Jack had no chance with the resultant shot.
At half time the message was to keep playing, keep pressing and finish the chances. We went out and did exactly that totally dominating the second half. Our equaliser came with a great header from Josh on 42 minutes. We went 2-1 up after some great work by Max down the right touchline saw him cross the ball back for Tom to score on 60 mins. James then curled one of his trademark free kicks from the touchline into the top corner on 63 minutes. Tom rounded off a superb second half display with his second on 69 minutes. This was such an important victory as it puts us back to the top of the league knowing one more win from the final three games will give us the league title. Josh was voted players player of the match in what was a great all round team performance.

6/3/11 10-0 v Hastings Town
A comfortable win with us playing great football once again totally outplayed our visitors. I asked the boys for a quick start and with 2 goals from Josh in 5 and 6 minutes put us in the lead. Austen scored a great chip after 13 minutes and Billy after 30 mins and Henry a couple of mins later put us 5 up at half time. The second half was much the same into a strong wind Billy on 45 scored our 6th and Louis our seventh on 52 minutes where the linesman adjudged the ball to have crossed the line. Josh got his hat trick and our 8th on 57 minutes with Billy wrapping up his hat trick and his 4th and our 9th and 10th goals on 66 and 67 minutes. Ausi saw his penalty saved and then the keeper saved the rebound from Henry. The post and bar saved Thomas and Kelsey from increasing the lead even further. Good all round performance from the team and a few individuals were top form today, Todd was voted players player of the match.

20/2/11 3-1 v Hove Park Colts
A very good all round performance today from the boys. We passed the ball around well and looked in control for most of the first half despite a couple of good breaks down our left hand side. Max Bi scored after 14 minutes and then increased our lead with a great header from Tom's cross after 28 minutes. At half time we put Henry on to get hold of the midfield where we let them have too much space at times. Austen lobbed the keeper to put us 3-0 up after 57 minutes. We then conceded a goal almost straight away after a mix up at the near post following a corner. We then saw aout a few nervy minutes at the end as they pressed to get another goal but again we didnt panic and played our way out of trouble well. Max Bi got players player of the match.

13/2/11 3-0 v Seaford Wasps
An entertaining game played on a heavy pitch in windy rainy conditions. We had most of the play and but for their keeper pulling off 3 or 4 great saves we could have won more comfortably. They defended well but some of our passing at times in the first half was superb. We took the lead on 9 minutes with some great inter play before Tom crossed for Max Bi to side foot it past the keeper. It took a penalty from James to put us further ahead after Kelsey was brought down in the box on 26 minutes. Some changes were made at the start and during the second half to give everyone a run out and we lost some of our free flowing football. Kelsey put us 3 up on 69 minutes with a well struck shot which the keeper couldn't reach. Austen and Kelsey shared the players player of the match award where a total of 8 players were voted for.

6/2/11 8-3 v Maidenbower Colts
Back to the League from our Cup triumph last week it was important to get off to a good start and play the way we can. On 5 mins Max Bi got us off to a great start with a header from a well delivered corner from Kelsey. We played some great football and had some good chances to go further ahead. We were then punished for not clearing our lines after 22 mins when a well struck shot from out of the box nestled in the bottom corner. We carried on playing our football and Max Bi scored his and our second with a header from another Kelsey corner after 33 mins. On the stroke of half time Kelsey scored direct from another corner to put us 3-1 at half time. Max Bi got his hat trick on 41 mins and Tom burst through to score on 55 mins. Max Bo chipped a great goal in to put us 6-1 up on 58 mins. We then had a funny five minutes conceding a penalty and a sloppy goal after 63 and 65 mins. The game finished with us scoring two more in the last two minutes through Billy and with a free kick from James. A bit of a crazy game but a good 3 points, good performance save for a few blips. Max Bi got players player of the match closely followed by Kelsey.

30/1/11 Knockout Cup Semi Final 1-0 v Eastbourne Town Blue
Although we were not at our best as far as our usual game was concerned in a tight and evenly contested semi final we battled hard for the win. Played on the Seaford Leisure Centre astroturf should have suited our passing game but we were not given time to settle on the ball being closed down at every opportunity. Defending against a strong wind it was important to go in all square at half time and it was thanks to both keepers that the score remained scoreless. Jack pulled of a good save and when Tom's was heading for the top corner their keeper stuck out a strong hand. We changed our shape and formation at half time and score withing 3 minutes of the restart with billy tapping in from close range. Jack was called on a couple more times to pull off great saves and we held on despite missing a hatful of chances in the second half. kelsey's corners to Max giving us the biggest chance of increasing the lead. the result was much better than the performance and we have a Cup final to look forward to at the end of the season. Jack was voted players player of the match.

23/1/11 1-1 v Lindfield Juniors FC
The boys bounced back after last weeks defeat and played some great football. Some changes were made which all worked and we took the lead through Tom scoring in 6 minutes. We had chances to increase the lead but failed to do so. Their well taken corners caused us most concern but again our defence proved how strong and resolute they are. We lost concentration as the half was coming to the end and let a ball come straight through us for them to equalise. The second half we had to defend strongly again as we were playing up a slope on a bobbly pitch. Despite a couple of goalmouth clearances we held on and got a well deserved point in a good hard game of football played in the right spirit. Some big performances today throughout the team with Tom a constant thorn in their defence, Thomas playing better and better each week, Austen controlling the midfield play but James was voted man of the match for his Captains performance.

16/1/11 County Cup Quarter Final 1-3 v Lindfield Juniors
For the first thirty minutes there was nothing much between the teams and both had a fair share of possession although Lindfield had more chances. Jack had to make a couple of good saves and the defence battled hard against a much more physical side. Following a Lindfield corner Jack was felt to be pushed when claiming the ball and as the ball fell down Louis was adjudged to push their forward in the box and the ref gave a very harsh penalty. This was well taken into the corner and we were 0-1 down. At half time we talked about our shape and to stop giving the ball away so cheaply. Five minutes into the second half Jack came to clear but missed the ball completely and the ball fell to their striker who slotted into an open goal. On 42 minutes Jack called for a ball but it skimmed Max's head and the ball fell to their player who lobbed Jack. So we found ourselves 0-3 down but still 20 minutes to go. We battled on and should have had a penalty ourselves when Ausi was clearly tripped in the box. Tom then scored a tap in but was ruled out because he was standing in an offside position when the first shot came in which was parried by the keeper. We finally got a consolation through Max Bi in the 69th minute but it was a little too late. Too many players again had quiet games and we didn't play as well as we can today although it didnt help that decisions went against us. Louis was voted players player of the match.

9/1/11 KO Cup QF 3-1 v Hawks Youth
After a long break we finally got back to playing on a Sunday morning. It was important to get off to a good start and couldn't have asked for more when Louis put in a great cross for Josh to run on and score after 3 minutes. We took control with our passing game from then onwards and almost a replica cross from Louis found Josh again to put us 2 up. They replied from a good strike from a direct free kick after 20 minutes but we restored our two goal cushion when Max Bi ran through to calmly slot home five mins later. No further scoring and limited chances fell to both sides in the second half but Jack had to be called on to make a great save low down to his left near the end. Although we tired towards the end changes allowed us to maintain the advantage and we ran out 3-1 winners and booked a place in the Semi Finals. Louis was voted man of the match for a commanding central defensive display.

5/12/10 County Cup 4th Round 6-0 v Southdown Rovers
After the frozen pitch from last week we had snow, hail and pouring rain during the week so it was quite amazing to get this game played. The pitch was in good condition and although the temperatures were low it was a pleasant morning. Key players were missing today for a variety of reasons and we had only one sub for the first time this season. We controlled the match from the start and chances came and went. Tom scored on 19 mins and then again after 21 mins to put us 2-0 up at half time. Tom got his hat trick on 38 minutes with a great volley from Austen's free kick. Bradley scored on 40 minutes and then 10 mins later Billy set Thomas up for his first of the season. This meant that 15 members of the playing squad have now scored. We rounded off the win with Bradley scoring a great lob with 60 mins played. Jack was rarely troubled and dealt with pass backs with authority with Louis other defenders were solid. We looked comfortable throughout and although we got caught in possession on a few occasions played really well to get through to the quarter finals. Austen was voted players player of the match.

21/11/10 4-3 Hove Park Colts
This was always going to be a close game and so it proved. The rain held off and the pitch although sticky in parts was fine. We came under a barrage of long throws and good corners for most of the first half and had to defend resolutely. They were first to the ball a lot of the time and put us under pressure and stopped us playing our normal game. We conceded on the 10th and 19th minutes and found ourselves 2-0 down. Straight from kick off we got straight back into it with James playing Tom through to score after 20 mins. They had a good penalty claim for hand ball which went un-noticed and we were pleased to go in 1-2 down at half time. We did well not to rise to their intimidatory tactics both on and off the pitch. We started to play more in the second half and looked the better side with chances coming and going. Jack covered his area well and when his long kick found Tom to burst through and score after 40 mins. We then took the lead with a great lob by Kelsey after 55 minutes only to be back to level pegging with a great strike from range after 60 mins. Our winner was scored by James with a great volley after 64 minutes. Controversy followed minutes later when the Ref ruled out an equaliser for offside. Overall we held our nerve and came through as winners in a tough game and Austen was voted players player of the match.

14/11/10 KO Cup 3rd round 11-1 v Polegate Grasshoppers
A minutes silence for Remembrance Sunday was observed by both teams. The rain fell and did not let up for the whole game and today we proved we are no longer a fair-weather team but an all-weather one. 17 seconds were on the clock when Bradley nicked the ball from their kick off and played Billy in to score our fastest goal this season. Although they replied on 7 mins with a long range shot that Jack could do nothing about, we took control and the floodgates opened. 4 goals in 6 minutes finished the game off Bradley 17 mins and 19 mins, Max Bi on 20 mins and Bradley's first half hat trick completed on 23 mins. 5-1 up at half time changes were made as per the pre game plan with James replacing Louis, Tom for Bradley and Ausi for Max Bo. We finished off the game with goals from Henry on 39 mins, Ausi scored a superb chipped goal on 49mins, Henry again on 51 mins. A great cheer for Todd scoring on 54 mins. Henry getting his hat trick on 57 and then another big cheer for Ben scoring on 61 mins. Game plan accomplished with three new squad scorers and a fine 11-1 win by playing really well. Henry was voted players player of the match in a vote that saw the votes spread across 9 players showing what a great team effort this was.

7/11/10 County Cup 3rd round 3-2 v Wealden Rangers
We planned for a tough game against a side who are top of the Mid Sussex League and we were caught a couple of times on the break by their very good striker who was strong and quick. They went 2 -0 up after 5 mins and 20 mins and despite numerous chances we could not find the back of the net. We were playing well and almost camped inside their half but were desperate for a breakthrough. A couple of changes at half time saw Henry come on for Josh to mark their number 10 man for man and allowed us to push Austen further up and Billy was replaced by Kelsey on the left. We controlled most of the second half and finally Max Bi scored after 55 mins with a rocket of a shot. Within a minute we were level with James curling his shot over the keeper. More chances were being created and we were pushing for a winner. Billy came back on to give us some more attacking options and he created a ball through to Tom who scored our third after 65 mins. This was a great comeback by the boys and again showed the strength of the squad and the ability of our players to play in different roles. Max Bickell was voted players player of the match closely followed by Henry for his second half performance.

31/10/2010 7-1 v Seaford Wasps
We asked for a quick start and the boys couldn't have responded better with Tom scoring in the 1st and 4th minutes. We played some great football and went further ahead on 15 mins with James chipping the keeper. 4 minutes later we were 4 up following a quick throw by Max to Billy who crossed well for Tom to get his hat-trick with a great finish. Jack found out what it is like to be Paul Robinson when a bobble beat him to his clearance and they scored in the ensuing chase for the ball. Half time we were 4-1 up and again substitutions were made to give minutes on the pitch to everyone. We started the second half more slowly and we did not play with as much composure as we had witnessed in the previous 35 minutes. Then we came back to higher standards when Max Bi played Josh through to round the keeper and slot home after 42 minutes. Max Bi then scored two great goals to round things off in the 65th & 69th minutes. Players player of the match was split between Tom and Thomas and there were strong performances from the rest of the team.

24/10/10 5-1 v Maidenbower Colts
Beautiful sunshine, a minutes silence calming atmosphere paved way for a relaxed performance which saw us take control of 90% of the game. The first half chances came and went and the scores were level at half time. A penalty given by the ref was then reversed after Austen said he had clipped his own heels - an amazing feat of sportsmanship in what is sometimes a cut throat game. We had three goals ruled offside during the match but continued to play some great pass and move football. The second half created an avalanche of goals, Tom on 40 mins, Billy on 47 and Max Bi on 48 put us 3-0 up and coasting allowing frequent substitutions to be made. James then got his deserved goal after 60 minutes with them pulling one back three minutes later. Bradley rounded off the scoring with one on 68 mins. Jack was called into action on few occasions and handled competently when required. James was voted players player of the match in what was a good all round team performance.

10/10/10 Knockout Cup 2nd round 3-1 v Dean Valley Youth
Played on a bright sunny day but with a strong wind making it hard for both teams to get the ball down and play good football. Dean Valley started strongly and we were on the back foot early on. Once we got the ball down and tried to play we looked the better side. We had to wait until the 25th minute for the first goal which came from long range from Max at left back. We went futher ahead after 34 minutes with Billy chasing down a half chance and lobbing the keeper. We made changes at half time to vary the players up but lost our shape and commitment.
We didn't listen to the half time instructions and warnings given about expecting a long ball with the wind behind and we fell behind to a sucker punch goal from a free kick which bounced over Jack after 40 minutes. They were winning a lot of balls in midfield and we were constantly in danger of being out of position from their dead balls with wind behind. After a nervy 15 minutes we settled again and Billy calmly put us further ahead after 55 minutes slotting the ball home for his second and our third. We avoided a cup shock by keeping better possession towards the end of the game and were relieved to hear the final whistle. Credit to Dean Valley who made it tough for us and didn't give up. Bradley just pipped Billy for players' player of the match.

3/10/10 County Cup 2nd Round 4-0 v Bognor Regis Town
We played some great football throughout the game and controlled everything in all positions. Chances came and went and only their keeper making good saves and the woodwork kept us out. Billy popped up to score our first after 30 mins and take us in 1-0 at half time. We started the second half quickly and within a minute of the restart we were 2-0 up with a great chip from Max Bower. Again we had chances and hit the bar three more times during the second half. Finally goals by Louis (50) and Max Bickell (60) put the game out of sight. A mush better all round team performance allowed changes to be made without any disruption to our play. Max Bower was voted players player of the match.

26/9/10 KO Cup 1st Round 11-0 v Eastbourne Borough Black
We witnessed a very one sided game v the 10 men of Boro as we took control from the start. With some more composure and better final passing in front of goal we could easily have doubled the tally but too many shots were hit at their keeper who was kept busy for 70 minutes and clearly their best player. We must learn to keep our football brains in gear against weaker opposition and still play the way we do best, too many times we were caught offside with their defenders playing a high back line. On the bright side there were hat-tricks for Max (23, 45 & 47mins) and Austen (22, 27 & 64 mins) with Billy (20 & 25)getting a couple, other goals from Tom (7), Max Bi (40)and Jack (60) completed the rout. We also had the luxury of giving time for all players on the pitch and everyone moved around in different positions. Thomas was voted players player of the match.

19/9/10 3-1 v Lindfield FC Juniors
We knew we were in for a tough physical game and with the wind in our faces in the first half this proved to be the case. We were playing well and had some good chances in the first half to go ahead. We fell to a sucker punch of a goal after 15 mins when we saw a goal kick fall straight to their midfield player who shot straight away and the ball flew in to the back of the net. More chances fell our way to firstly to Tom then Max and Josh but we couldn't hit the target. On 28 minutes Max broke through and finished well to get us back on level terms before half time. In the second half, playing with the wind behind we did not force things and our patient build up play was paying off against their more physical approach. Max came off as we wanted more of a pace attack and within a minute of the substitution Tom burst through and was brought down for a penalty. James used power and we were 2-1 ahead after 48 minutes. We were now controlling the game and despite a few heavy tackles managed to remain composed. With 6 minutes to go Tom put us 3-1 up with a great left foot finish. James and Louis looked a solid partnership at the back , Max and Billy were superb down the left with Austen and Henry strong in midfield. With the rest of the team playing their part in an all round team performance. Billy was voted players player of the match.

12/9/10 4-0 v Hastings Town Youth
An excellent start to the season with some great football played, first half goals from Josh and Max saw us through to half time. They pressed us more and gave us less time on the ball in the second half and tried to catch us on the break with some long balls through the middle but we held firm continued to play our way and two superb second half goals from Tom and Kelsey saw us through 4-0. Jack pulled off a great save at the feet of their striker and just missed out on the players vote for man of the match which went to Josh. It was good to give everyone a run out and showed how strong the squad is as the changes did not affect us.