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Under 14's
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East Grinstead Town Under 14's Team
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[Last Updated: Monday 20th April 2009]
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| Under 14 Team Match Reports |
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| :: East Grinstead Town U14's 5, Ashurst Wood U14's 1 :: |
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East Grinstead were down to the bare eleven players yet put in a dazzling display to achieve the double over Ashurstwood by winning 5-1 and go top of the table in the Horsham League 'A' Division.
Town were fast out of the blocks and stroked the ball around the pitch as they outplayed their opposition in every department and it was only a question of how long Ashurstwood would hold out - not long as Town scored within the first 5 minutes after an inch perfect pass from James-Bettell put Tocher through, only to be denied by the Ashurstwood keeper, however the ball fell to Steers who struck his shot with deadly accuracy into the top corner to see Town go one up.
Soon after Byrne was put through by Steers and he finished with a sublime finish to put Town two up. Ashurstwood did rally though and a goal from their speedy forward just crept inside the post. Wood now had their tails up and put Town under pressure however a strong defence withstood the attack and Town gradually got the upper hand as they outran their opponents with Brazenell unlucky to see his powerful drive hit the crossbar.
A reshuffle at half time saw East Grinstead dominate the second half as Green led by example as he encouraged his team to play the ball. Goals started to come thick and fast as first James-Bettell scored with a powerful header into the top corner which was quickly followed by Byrne's second as got on the end of a Tocher cross and finished with style. 4-1 up and Town were in the ascendancy and James-Bettell scored his second after being put through by Green to seal an outstanding performance. East Grinstead should have added to their tally but had to settle for a 5-1 victory which left the Wasps fans buzzing.
Specsavers Player of the Match: Callum Tocher
East Grinstead Town are on the look out for one or to players of a high standard to strengthen the team for next season. Midweek training sessions will be held during the summer under the guidance of qualified coaches and one of East Grinstead Town's first team players. Players should contact Martin Byrne in the first instance on 07738 766432
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| :: Dorking U14's 1, East Grinstead Town U14's 2 :: |
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Ten Men Wasps Overcome the Odds
East Grinstead Town were down to ten players and carrying a number of injuries but put in an amazing performance against Dorking who had recently drawn with Ashurstwood. From the start the attitude and determination was top drawer as it was East Grinstead who dictated the play and it was no surprise to see James-Bettell get onto the end of a Green through ball to finish in the top corner. Dorking however came back and went close to equalising when a shot from their lively forward took a wicked deflection which was superbly saved by Dixon. East Grinstead continued to create chances though and it was James-Bettell again who got onto the end of a Byrne flick-on and he finished with some style. 2-0 up at half time and Dorking were stunned.
The second half again saw East Grinstead open up the Dorking defence with powerful running from Tocher and Steers and Town had the opportunities to wrap up the game at this stage however they failed to take their chances and allowed Dorking back into the game. A defensive error from a corner saw Dorking score with a well taken header to make it 2-1 and now it was Dorking who upped the tempo. However, East Grinstead held firm and a tremendous effort from the Wasps defence of Karaolis, Axten, Biggemann and Davies kept them at bay as East Grinstead held out for a well deserved 2-1 victory which keeps them at the top of the Horsham 'A' Division. A fantastic team effort.
Specsavers Player of the Match: Aaron James-Bettell
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| :: Henfield U14's 0, East Grinstead Town U14's 5 : East Grinstead Town U14's 15, Henfield U14's 1 :: |
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Under 14's Top of the Horsham League 'A' Division
East Grinstead had a full strength team to choose from and their quality showed in this double header as they ran Henfield ragged and went top of the league in the Horsham 'A' Division. The damage was done in the first match as East Grinstead wore their opponents down with non stopping running off the ball and some excellent movement. A neat interchange of passes on the edge of the penalty box saw the ball laid off to Karaolis who hit a 25 yard screamer into the top corner. Town now dictated the play and were rarely troubled in defence with goals coming from Tocher and Steers to secure the points in the opening match.
A few changes to the midfield for the second game allowed Town to increase the tempo and they were soon into their rhythm putting in a stunning performance as they scored fifteen against Henfield with goals coming from almost every player the pick being hat tricks from Dixon and Walker, and two each from James-Bettell and White.
Wasps secured all six points at a canter and showed why they are the team everyone wants to play for.
Specsavers Player of the Match: Kane Walker
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| :: East Grinstead Town U14's 3, Lingfield U14's 0 :: |
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EGTFC maintained their current form as they out battled Lingfield in this local derby to deservedly take all three points. From the start Town dictated the play with Jamie Green finding the channels for Karaolis, Brazenell and Byrne, however Town lacked a little composure in front of goal as they failed to take advantage of their possession. A commanding performance from Kane Walker in defence settled EGTFC but they still could not find the breakthrough, despite Biggemann hitting the bar from a free kick. Shots from Steers and Karaolis sailed over as Town failed to break the deadlock before half time.
The second half saw EGTFC raise the tempo and they began to out-pass Lingfield and create clearer opportunities - the first falling to Brazenell who struck with cool strike. Lingfield rarely threatened although there was a heart-stopping moment when a Lingfield free kick went just past the post. Another chance fell to Lingfield but was thwarted by Tommy Dixon as he pulled off a world class save to deny Lingfield. This spurred Town into action once again. More pressure from Town followed and they quickly followed up with another strike from Brazenell who took advantage of a defensive mistake. East Grinstead's fitness was now beginning to tell as they began to create a number of chances. When Steers was brought down outside the box it was Green who flighted a perfectly weighted free quick to Byrne who ghosted into the penalty box to power his header into the top corner. 3-0 was probably a fair result although Town should have taken more of their opportunities.
This win leaves East Grinstead in second place in Horsham League Division A. Town have games in hand over the leaders Ockley, who they face this Saturday at the Kings Centre. Kick off is at 11.00am in what should be an exciting match - all spectators are welcome.
Specsavers Player of the Match: Nicholas Karaolis
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| :: Ashurst Wood U14's 3, East Grinstead Town U14's 4 :: |
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East Grinstead Town put in a superb display of attacking football to win this match against last season's cup winners and league runners up in this Horsham 'A' division league match.
After soaking up some early pressure EGTFC begun to get their passing game moving and it was no surprise to see East Grinstead open up the scoring with a well taken goal from Rhys White after a fine though ball from Jamie Green. As the Wasps turned up the heat so Ashurst Wood began to melt and after some fine work from Rhys White he picked out Aaron James with a pinpoint cross who took the ball first time and crashed the ball into the back of the net putting EGTFC 2-0 up. Ashurst Woods only real chance came from a corner which EGTFC failed to clear and they were unfortunate to see the ball bobble into the back of the net. Even at this stage the Wasps were looking comfortable however a penalty decision from out of the blue gave Ashurst Wood a chance, however they missed the target and EGTFC deservedly went in 2-1 up at half time.
Inspirational captain Jamie Green then needed to come off for the second half and was replaced by Daniel Byrne who made an immediate impact along with Carlos Biggemann. Ashurst Wood then capitalised on two defensive lapses to take the lead 3-2. Much to the credit of EGTFC they simply raised the bar to a new level and Ashurst Wood were unable to compete as first Daniel Byrne had his free kick cleared off the line and then had his shot tipped over the bar by the keeper. Strong performances by Kane Walker, Nicholas Karaolis, Daniel Axten and Toby Sawyer in defence set the platform for a storming passage of play from East Grinstead. Aaron James then collected the ball on the edge of the penalty box and struck the ball with such power that it soared into the top hand corner and almost broke the back of the net making it 3-3.
Ciaran Steers, who put in a tireless display in midfield, then saw his header graze the top of the bar and his powerful performance was rubbing off on the whole team. Jamie Brazenell's first match back from injury caused Ashurst Wood countless problems as he began to link up with Scott Fletcher. Fletcher then laid the ball back to Kane Walker who drilled his shot into the top corner from 35 yards to put EGTFC in the lead 4-3 and the supporters went wild. EGTFC should have added to their tally as first Daniel Byrne saw his volley tipped around the post and then Aaron James dragged his shot past the post. There was now no denying who the new kids on the block were with EGTFC pulling off a famous victory as the referee blew for full time.
Special mention should go to Tommy Dixon in goal who put in a brave performance as he was playing with a fractured hand, and to Ashurst Wood who battled all the way. An excellent local derby that was played in a good spirit throughout.
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