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Under 13's
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Akorn Recruitement - EGTFC U14s kit sponsor
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East Grinstead Town Under 13's Team
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[Last Updated: Wednesday 21st March 2007]
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| Under 13 Team Match Reports |
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| :: East Grinstead Town U13's 2, Halsford Lions U13's 4 :: |
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East Grinstead Town U13s played at home against Halsford Lions Saturday March 17th 2007.
This match - typical it seems for the current season, should have been more straightforward.
With no more than thirty seconds on the clock - Wasps found themselves a goal down. From the kick-off the ball was knocked one way then the other, a fortunate bounce and then a defensive clearance opportunity was converted into a gifted goal scoring chance for the visitors - which they duly took.
The home side however, recomposed themselves and for the most part of the first half took charge. As the game progressed Wasps played better and better working themselves a well deserved equaliser from a well struck corner which met perfectly the forehead of defender Noi Olafson.
The second period resumed with Wasps taking charge and playing some good passing and moving football. Fifteen minutes from time Noi scored again from another well taken corner. At 2-1 and firmly in charge, two moments where their concentration seemed to be completely missing saw two quick goals from Halsford giving the initiative back to the visitors with a lead at 2-3. Their victory was sealed shortly before the end with an exceptionally well taken strike bringing the final score to 2-4.
Wasps under 13s have four games remaining - one of which is a doubled header being played away at Roffey Robbins - and potentially one of their toughest away games March 24th at Old Dorkinians. Old Dorkinians are very much the team to beat and the team in form who are currently leading the table. Good luck for next Saturday.
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| :: Horsham Crusaders U13's 7, East Grinstead Town U13's 7 :: |
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East Grinstead Town U13s played at away against Horsham Crusaders Saturday March 10th 2007.
With no competitive games for the best part of two months, Wasps spent the first twenty minutes reminding one another how to play football and during this period of the game Horsham scored twice. Our boys responded - finally awake - with three excellent goals. And very much in charge to half-time the score was 2-3. The goals came from a fantastic Ryan Scott strike followed by two in quick succession from Miles Borrett.
The second half found Wasps wanting again and within five minutes another two goals from Horsham carried the game to 4-3. The first penalty award by the home coach in favour of his side for a ball to hand incident on the 18 yard line came shortly after Horsham's fourth goal. However, a spectacular diving save saw Jordan Poultney dampen the anticipated celebrations from the Horsham players, crowd and coach.
Wasps responded well. A good spell of passing, movement and composure saw Joseph Morris-Clarke level the score at 4-4 and then Matt Davies took the initiative to give Wasps a 5 to 4 lead.
Only moments after this and perhaps ten minutes from the end of "full-time", the home coach awarded a second penalty to his side. The penalty was taken - the ball hit the post and was knocked away by keeper Poultney. The home coach insisted there was "encroachment" and the penalty was re-taken - this time straight down the keeper's throat and into his safe hands. Encroachment was offered up to the Gods once more and the penalty was retaken finally seeing a goal scored to level the match at 5-5.
East Grinstead had throughout this scenario attracted many new fans made up of visiting Under 14's preparing for their match. Several members of the home fans were clearly "defecting" and not too happy about what they saw as "biased and unfair" refereeing. Undeterred, Wasps were tough and determined and pressed on looking for a winning strike before the final whistle sounded. Within a minute, Joseph Morris-Clarke aided by several team-mates scored and the away crowd roared its approval - and justice so we thought was finally done - 6-5 to Wasps.
Only it wasn't over. Despite being way beyond any reasonable amount of added time, Horsham charged into Wasps defensive 18 yards box to level the game again at 6-6. Wasps responded the only way they know how - a great corner take from Miles Borrett and a superb header from Matt Davies put Wasps back in the lead 6-7. But still the final whistle did not come - until that is the home coach awarded a third penalty to the home side - and despite protests from home fans, away fans, players and visiting players and coaches - the penalty was taken and the game finished after 17 minutes of added time at 7-7.
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| :: East Grinstead Town U13's 7, Horsham Crusaders U13's 1 :: |
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East Grinstead Town U13s played at home against Horsham Crusaders in their eighth league game of the season, Saturday November 25th.
Despite gusting winds and occasional Lakeland-style down pours, Wasps won by a deceptive six goal margin. Both teams battled. Both had numerous chances. But credit where due - the opposition battled for goals not giving-up for one moment despite the task ahead of them getting bigger as the match progressed.
At training last week we reminded the lads of the qualities which took them to second place and a promotion last season. They trained hard for the 90 minute session. When we met Saturday morning it was clear before the warm-up they were more determined them ever. After the 30 minute pre-game workout, they looked ready to take on Chelsea.
Firmly in control from the start, Wasps took possession of almost every free ball, drop ball and goal-kick. Ten minutes of thoughtful play made for several chances. Just about eleven minutes on the clock and Horsham scored. Looking back, I don't know where it came from. One chance, one strike, one goal.
How would Wasps respond? There were no signs of dropped heads or sinking shoulders. No looking forlornly at the sodden grass and ensuing field of mud. With the better part of sixty minutes to play - they provided a first class demonstration of how to get gritty - determined - how not to give-up. The ball was extracted from the net and run back to the centre spot. I heard a lad shout: "That wasn't supposed to happen!! C'mon!!"
It reminded me of a race in the movie Chariots of Fire, when the Flying Scotsman, Eric Liddell, is forced off the track on the first bend by a Frenchman, yet over 400 yards and despite the widening gap, not to mention the odds, he tore round the cinder like a man possessed. Coming off the final bend and bearing down on the leader, the camera breaks to Sandy, Eric's long time close friend and mentor. A man in the crowd turns to Sandy and says, "He'll not make it". To which Sandy responds in a strong Scottish accent, "His Heid's No Back Yet!" Liddle was a brilliant heartfelt runner whose best distance was 400 yards, but had this odd inefficient running style towards the end of races whereby he would thrust his head back and up, and just find another gear mowing the opposition. Needless to say he won the race.
We have a young team, heartfelt and strong - willing to work together to win - and from the moment play resumed they - each and every one - resumed one hundred percent committed to the task at hand.
A goal down the boys just looked more determined than ever and sure enough by half-time the score was 2-1. Well worked balls cut trough the opposition lines finding Miles Borrett running through the centre for a cleanly finished first goal. At 1-1 Horsham countered creating a second chance but hit the crossbar. Twenty minutes in and play preceded mostly in the midfield back and forth. A superb ball out right from Matt Davies was picked-up by Joseph Morris-Clarke who chased up the right side of the park, cut inside, took a shot but safely into the keeper's hands. Excellent play especially through the midfield - Ryan Scott, Matt, Alex Marshall and JMC were creating options to move productively forward. Matt took a high ball neatly on his chest, placed it inch perfect for Jamie Parrett who took it with superb control, ran the ball forward moving a touch to the right and fired a brilliant "Roy of the Rovers" shot into the left side of the net for 2-1. Brilliant goal!
After the break, the rain fell harder and play became faster, more furious and despite a lack of goals for ten minutes, it was a great game to watch. Near constant pressure from Wasps resulted in three corners in quick succession. From the third corner Joseph controlled the ball well and took his shot like he'd never have another chance - 3-1 to Wasps.
With every counter-charge from Horsham - working together, Wasps' defence and midfield worked in unison like a Roman military unit, foiling the opposition at every turn launching counter attacks of their own. Probably the weakest part of the Horsham game was goal-kicks - from which many opportunities presented themselves.
Notably in this game, Sam Rintoul dug deep into his reserves doing a great left-back-left-wing overlapping role and working well with Ryan Scott. Many advanced-position throw-ins were taken by Sam, who then tirelessly chased back to defend the counter attacks. At one point Sam worked three long throw-ins about sixty yards up the pitch. Noi and Chris were solid and flexible in the centre of defence holding position well but providing good cover when required. Captain James Charman offered a captain's performance hollering and barking commands and support to his team-mates, not to mention his own solid defensive work for seventy minutes.
Off the back of good pressure from Horsham, the defensive unit moved the ball out to Ryan Scott, who crossed into the centre for Alex Marshall to knock on to Joseph M-C. I must confess to missing Joseph's second goal. This account is pieced together from those who witnessed the action resulting in a 4-1 lead and is attributed to his unashamedly biased supporters and team mates: "With his back to goal, perhaps twenty yards our and right of centre, Joseph collected the ball from Alex Marshall's knock-on. With one graceful movement he slipped the ball under his foot goal-side, turned 180 degrees and without breaking stride looking every bit as graceful as Carlos Acosta at the Royal Opera House, he then smacked the ball with his right foot into the net."
Shortly after his second goal Joseph - who perhaps should be known as the Silver Streak, flew down the right side winning a corner. and the corner taken fell neatly to Alex Marshall who came very close to scoring, as did Miles also.
Jamie played out of position (forward) extremely well in place of Rhys who was uncharacteristically on the bench until the last twenty minutes. Jamie worked hard - and did well scoring twice although the linesman deemed one of his goals offside. Substitute Rhys Linford came on for Jamie, and Charles Dawson came on for Ryan Scott, who despite illness had a solid midfield game. The third substitute was Jack Keeley for Noi Olafson.
With Ryan off the park, Sam chased up the field to take a brilliant corner which so nearly found Matt Davies in the box. The next action saw Sam defending and taking a throw for Wasps deep in our territory. The fresh legs of Charles, Jack and Rhys had a swift impact - more solid defending and a goal the other end for Rhys Linford for 5-1.
Despite the score Horsham Crusaders pressed on - and during a scrappy five minutes and at 5-1, they battled and battled and finally hit the post. Notably during this part of the game at times it looked as if Wasps had eight defenders every one focussed and determined not to concede any more goals. Chris covered for James and then Jack for Sam - knocking the ball through for Alex - in turn for Miles - excellent counter-attacking once more. The ball then came back to Matt who held-up play in the centre of the park, tapped it back for right-back James, who put a great ball over everyone for Joseph to run on, which finally went out for a Wasps' throw deep inside Horsham territory.
More play - end to end. Then a free-kick for Horsham, saw great defensive work from James, and again the ball being worked up the pitch, this time collected by Miles who skipped past defenders and opposition keeper carrying the ball almost to the end line. Finally, with an implausible if not impossible angle, he scored regardless. Great goal Miles!!
At 6-1, remarkably, Horsham persevered chasing something more for their valiant efforts. Two players on the pitch however, were chasing a hatrick. On the defensive front, with pressure from Horsham, Jack Keeley made the tackle of the game well inside the penalty area with support from both Chris and Sam chasing down other Horsham attackers to make sure Keeper Jordan had little to do at this point. It may sound as if Jordan took a day off - he didn't - at times he had to work hard - whilst at all times he had to stay focussed with so much end to end football.
The very next counter-attack for Wasps ended with Morris-Clarke smacking another goal into the Horsham net for his hatrick and a final score or 7-1.
Fantastic effort across the entire 14 lad squad - well done!!
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| :: East Grinstead Town U13's 0, Old Dorkinians U13's 3 :: |
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East Grinstead Town U13s played at home against Old Dorkinians, Saturday November 18th.
A reminder at training Wednesday last and again in this week's Newsletter - talked of the many positive attributes displayed by Wasps U13s especially for the past two seasons. Until recent weeks, this team has shown great character - albeit often during the second half of games and also with some degree of urgency.
First class attributes regularly displayed by Wasps Under 13s:
Commitment, hard work, and determination
A willingness to learn and make mistakes
A desire to win
Encouragement and support for one another
We saw brief moments of this during last Saturday's game - however, consistency and commitment across the team was sadly lacking.
Despite being two goals down at half time and conceding another late on in the second period, Wasps provided a "quite" response and a decided lack of urgency. Despite this third league loss of this season - they have everything to play for.
The game finished 0-3.
But lads take heart and remember: "Working together to win" is the essential value which lies at the heart of East Grinstead Town Under 13s - YOU ALL made it that way - so let's train hard and work to win the next game.
First class attributes regularly displayed by Wasps Under 13s:
Commitment, hard work, and determination
A willingness to learn and make mistakes
A desire to win
Encouragement and support for one another
Together they are creating a greater sense of esprit de corps and it is this winning attitude that will see them achieve again this season
It's not about stars; it's about having a sense of team
"Working together to win" is the essential value which lies at the heart of East Grinstead Town Under 13s
Every member of our team has the capacity to be fitter, stronger and faster
All can improve their skills
All would enjoy playing football even more as a consequence
We expect the levels of endurance, speed and skills to range widely at this age
We are working continuously to raise the team's overall capacity to the highest common denominator
We gather on Wednesday evenings to build confidence in our players and to develop these young impressionable sportsmen
Stamina, strength and endurance needs to be increased across the squad
during the 90 minute sessions, the first thirty minute period is focussed exclusively on exercises and games designed to produce tougher and faster players who can keep going for longer. Out of the blocks dynamic sprinting can make all the difference in the world between defending well and also being in the right place at the right time to score more goals-and let's face it-we need more goals.
Developing two great feet with excellent ball control is paramount
The plan? The second period of the new longer sessions is focussed on Skills. All are focussed on the respective roles of forwards and midfielders finding various ways of getting past defensive players to score-whilst defenders learn to anticipate the best ways to prevent advanced forward positions being turned into goals.
A message from Steven Gerrard? "Never give-up and always have self belief!!"
I repeat what I said last week in the Newsletter: "It isn't over until the fat lady sings."
We have much work to do before this season is over.
DMC.
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| :: Tuesday 14th November 2006 :: |
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For Saturday November 11th there is no Under 13s match report, but please be aware there is an Under 13s Newsletter prepared which the lad s will be bringing after this week's Wednesday evening training session. If you would like an electronic version please email David at davidmorrisclarke@themableproject.com
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| :: East Grinstead Town Under 13's 7, Heron Olympic Under 13's 3 :: |
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East Grinstead Town U13s played hosts to Heron Olympic in their fifth league game of the season, Saturday November 4th.
With Heron Olympic sitting fifth in the table directly below East Grinstead and only a point separating the two teams, Wasps desire to win was high. With Halsford Lions sitting in third on 12 points but having played an extra game, East Grinstead had the opportunity to move into third place this weekend.
A slow start by Wasps, and two defensive errors within ten minutes saw the visitors take a two goal lead. Typical though of the home side - each restart saw the boys place the ball centre spot and press ahead as if the scores remained level. Fifteen minutes into the game and the balance of play began to swing in favour of the home side. Twenty minutes in, and smart thoughtful play saw the ball worked neatly though the centre for Alex Marshall to put the ball across to Ryan Scott (left) who scored with a neat finish into the left side of the net for 1-2.
Within minutes, a succession of great passes culminated with Alex once again playing the ball wide, this time to the right - and it dropped perfectly for Joseph Morris-Clarke, who knocked the ball up field and ten yards from the end line crossed centre where Jamie Parrott with the most subtle of touches eased the ball across the line for 2-2.
Firmly in control, Wasps took possession once more and again Alex Marshall knocked the ball out wide to the left. A succession of passes ended with a goal-mouth scramble where Rhys Linford found the left corner for 3-2. Only minutes passed and the next action saw Marshall switch pay to the right and wide to Morris-Clarke. Joseph MC set-off on a great solo, trademark run, along the right wing, cut inside and smashed a shot cleanly past the keeper, once more hitting the left side of the net for 4-2.
After the restart, the ascendancy remained with East Grinstead as a certain 5-3 lead was brilliantly palmed away by a stretching Heron Olympic keeper. Twenty minutes from the end, a third mistake at the back resulted in Heron Olympic taking the score to 4-3, and only moments later they would have equalised but for a stunning save diving wide right from Jordan Poultney.
East Grinstead recovered their composure and went on the rampage. Working balls all over the opposition half, eventually a ball dropped for Matt who finished dead centre for a 5-3 lead. Five minutes later again, and Morris-Clarke took-off along the right wing and again cut inside leaving defenders for dead, shooting low and wide to the left taking the home side into an unassailable 6-3 lead. The seventh goal was only a question of when - and just before the end, Rhys Linford took his second neatly and with great confidence. At the final whistle the score was 7-3, with three much needed points in the bank.
Lad of the match this week is shared between Alex Marshall and Joseph Morris-Clarke. Alex was instrumental at some point in all the goals feeding balls from the centre and making a thorough nuisance of himself with the opposition midfield. Joseph, finally "found" those whippet legs and big lungs which provides so much time, space and speed on the right hand side - not to mention his goal-assists and the two he scored this week. Well done to the entire team - and especially for the efforts of Alex and Joseph.
With fixtures coming up against Albury Eagles followed by Old Dorkinians - we are facing two must win games, if that is, we are to be serious contenders for league champions this seasons. Good luck lads!!
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| :: East Grinstead Town Under 13's 0, Eastbourne Borough Under 13's 2 :: |
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East Grinstead Town U13s played at home in the first round of the Sussex Cup against an inform Eastbourne Borough, Sunday October 29th.
The best analogy for this match is a knock-out game between Southampton and Chelsea - a game where you'd expect Chelsea to win - but you just don't know until the end.
Coming into this game, our U13s had a couple of wins, a draw and a loss, seven points and are lying 4th in the Horsham League C Division. The contrast could not be obvious with Eastbourne Borough flying high and sitting top of their A Division. And with morale lower than where it needs to be, following a couple of non-league games and an early exit from the Horsham League Cup - EGTFC U13's had much to do, and would have to battle hard to avoid a whitewash.
By half-time, the visitors from the south coast knew they were not in for an easy ride. Despite hitting the post once in the first half, great defensive determination from the back four - Noi, Chris, James, and Sam - closed the door at every turn. On most occasions that Eastbourne broke through the EG Midfield, they were foiled by the solid line of defence. And on those occasions when they managed to get shots away, Keeper, Jordan Poultney pulled off a handful of great saves - including one near the half-time whistle - stopping a near certain goal with lighting reflexes to palm the ball away for a corner. Eastbourne were clearly rattled and frustrated by EG's dogged determination to prevent the opposition from scoring. And despite so much defensive work, East Grinstead did manage some moments of excellent football working the ball forwards with neat passing around the field and came close to scoring twice themselves.
The second half began much as the first had finished with wave after wave of attacks swarming in from Eastbourne. Quite possibly for fifteen minutes the ball was locked in East Grinstead's defensive half with keeper Poultney making again some first class saves. Eventually though the visitors broke through and managed to get the allusive away goal. Although our U13s didn't look like scoring during the rest of the game they did manage to break away on two occasions but were unable to finish the moves. Eventually Eastbourne scored a second despite resilient defending which was better managed between defence and the EG midfielders.
It was a good game to watch - with some first class youth football being played from an all round quality team. We wish them well on the journey in this competition.
For the home side - Lad of the match definitely well earned and deserved goes to Jordan Poultney for what was probably his best performance thus far. Well done Jordan!!
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| :: Monday 16th October 2006 :: |
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Apologies for the absence of an Under 13's report for the past four games - normal service will resume from Saturday next.
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| :: East Grinstead Town Under 13's 3, Albury Eagles Under 13's 5 :: |
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East Grinstead Town U13s played at home against Albury Eagles, Saturday September 9th.
Albury played well for the 70 minute encounter - EGTFC U13s found their way ten minutes into the second half balancing a 0-2 deficit at 2-2. Albury resumed the lead with a break against the run of play - EG equalised once more. At 3-3, the game was under the firm control of the EG lads - when Albury had two breaks and scored on both occasions. It didn't help that EG did not have their Goal Keeper - although 10 out of 10 and a gold star goes to Jamie Parrott for volunteering with almost no goal-keeping experience or practice. Well done Jamie! Despite the score - flattering to Albury though it was - for the twenty five minutes that EG played well and controlled most of the play, good performances were displayed by the first team and all three subs during the last fifteen minutes. Last season similarly we lost our first game but managed to finish second overall. This year we aim to come top.
Painful Poetry
On both occasions, the season before
East Grinstead Town FC had wiped the floor
Away and at home, we had made an oath
Enthused mighty strong, our lads had won both
Against Albury Eagles, lost in their way
Now soaring high, to their five goals we say
We're better than this just watch us and learn
Still this one we lost not much to discern
So the season begins with nerves stretched wide
Winning memories past and no place to hide
The pitch having grown in length and its width
With an acre of space the only hitch
And this field of battle of pristine baize
On which we lost the first game in a haze
Forty-five minutes we were not on the park
Yet took control with a confident bark
But too late in the game we found our voice
Our strength and our pride, our lads preferred choice
So with Forest Row the second game up
This league we shall win and also the cup!
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