CYFL round-robin 3

It was 6 teams out and about again this week at the various locations. Thankfully it seems they all ended-up in the right place!

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For the Lions, we had Ash Moss in charge, thanks to him for his report:

This weekend’s round-robin fixtures would take the Lions to Chosen hill school, which is the home of Churchdown Panthers. We would come up against Churchdown Panthers Blacks, Leckhampton Cobras and Winchcombe Town Youth! The Lions team was Finley, Rhys, Thomas, Tommy, Zachary, Teddy and Samir, who were looking to carry on from their superb results from last weekend!

The Lions kicked off the day against Winchcombe Town, with Finley in goal, Rhys and Samir in defence, with Tommy and Thomas in attack. This also saw Paul and Greg (Thomas & Samir’s dads) step into the technical area as I was referee!

The Lions started off very slow and were shocked to go a goal behind with a very quick Winchcombe attack! Paul and Greg were telling the Lions to stay positive and pass the ball about, which the Lions took note and got straight to work!! Thomas and Tommy continued their partnership with some great link up play, which saw Tommy rifle the ball into the back of the net!

The Lions then went about their business, with Rhys and Samir making some great tackles! The Lions playing out from the back saw Samir pass the ball through to Thomas, who took it first time to put the Lions ahead! Tommy then found himself clean through after beating the last man, to slot the ball home.

Half-time saw Zachary on for Rhys and Teddy on for Samir. Teddy playing a hybrid role, which allowed him to push forward! Teddy would pick the ball up on the halfway line and hit a screamer with his left foot, which saw the net ripple! Zachary working hard at the back to ensure Finley wasn’t called into action. Full time 4-1 Lions win

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Second game saw myself back in the technical area, much to my delight as we faced Churchdown! This was by far the toughest game the Lions had and really showed their character and teamwork! Finley between the sticks, Zachary and Rhys in defence, with Samir and Teddy as the attackers.

Churchdown came out the blocks flying and went into an early lead! The Lions were struggling to get the ball to stick, which saw Churchdown capitalise on some poor play and go 2 goals to the good. The Lions never gave up and with a high press were unlucky not to get a goal, after a shot from Samir went just wide! Rhys and Zachary were being pulled all over the pitch, with Teddy battling hard in midfield, but Churchdown’s pressure paid off when they slotted for 3-0!

Half-time and Zachary and Teddy were swapped for Tommy and Thomas. Samir slipped in to defence alongside Rhys, with Tommy and Thomas in attack, the Lions came out at wanting to show Churchdown that they weren’t here just to make up the numbers! Tommy and Thomas started to run the channels and Rhys and Samir looked like they turned into a prime Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, by not giving Churchdown and time or space to play and making every single tackle! Tommy found a bit of space, which allowed him to get his shot away to pull a goal back!

Lions still battling saw Thomas weave through the Churchdown defence and poke the ball home! 3-2 and Lions now pushing for the equaliser, which was only a matter of time as Tommy and Thomas were running riot and causing the defence problems, which led to Thomas getting the ball in the area and with 2 players trying to get the ball, he managed to tap the ball past the keeper and equalise!!! A game of two halves, but the Lions did fantastically well to get a result in this game! Full time 3-3 draw

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Last game saw us play Leckhampton and another cracker was played out! Finley keeping the goal line warm, with Zachary and Teddy in defence, with Tommy and Thomas up top! Lions got off to a flyer, with Tommy continuing his hot streak by putting the Lions into the lead! Leckhampton never let up and pulled a goal straight back to make it 1-1. Thomas took it upon himself to run through the defence and fire the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

Teddy and Zachary were battling hard at the back, but they couldn’t stop Leckhampton clawing another goal back with a great strike which Finley was equal to, but it fell to a Leckhampton player who fired the ball high which Finley managed to tip onto the underside of the bar, but bounced over the line!

2-2 at half-time, which saw Zachary and Tommy come off for Rhys and Samir, which pushed Teddy into attack. Rhys and Samir started as they finished the last game, with complete dominance in the defence! Thomas managed to link up with Teddy, who came close but couldn’t finish the move off. Samir then slipped Thomas through, who coolly finished past the keeper to make it 3-2.

Leckhampton came fighting back and saw Finley called into action with a close-range strike fired straight at him, which rebounded out for Teddy to run clean through, but for another great save from the Leckhampton keeper. Leckhampton broke from a Lions corner and forced the covering Samir to knock the ball out for a corner! Leckhampton whipped it in only for it to be cleared by Thomas, which Rhys then charged up the pitch to dispossess the defender and run clean through to slot the ball home! Full time 4-2 Lions win!

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Goals
Tommy x 4
Thomas x 4
Teddy x 1
Rhys x 1

Just like to thank Paul and Greg for stepping in during the first game to help me out!

Player of the Day could have gone to any of them again, but Thomas fully deserved it for his all-round performance and attitude!

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For the Tigers, we had Jon Doherty and Matt Williams as the management team. In their team we had son’s Henry and Harrison respectively, plus Jacob, Oliver, Charlie, Nathan, Jordan and Marley. Thanks to Matt for his report:

Game 1 - Southside Tigers vs Heart of Glos

With a familiar Tigers side from the week, with Marley as the added addition, all the boys were ready to go from the off. We spoke to the boys before the game about positions and using the space, challenging them as a team to make 3 passes in the game.

The start was a bit edgy, with both sides going close and battling in the middle of the park. Henry in goal making two crucial saves in the opening 5 minutes. We then settle and started to play some nice passes, with Jacob and Nathan linking well in the middle and Jordan providing much needed support to them. Oliver was solid at the back with some really good tackles and Harrison marshalling the defence and midfield. Tigers got the breakthrough, when Jacob found space down the right-hand side after a pass out of defence from Oliver, which took out their midfield. Harrison made a run, with Jacob finding him with a lovely pass and Harrison finishing first time through the keeper’s legs.

Halfway through saw Henry come out of goal and Marley come on and Jordan coming off for a well-earned rest. The boys really went through the gears, with constant pressure on the oppositions goal, both Henry, Nathan and Jacob forcing their keeper into some fine saves. Tigers got their well-deserved 2nd after some great work by Henry, who found Nathan and with a lovely piece of skill he beat the defender before finishing well past the keeper. The 3rd and final goal came shortly after, this time a solo effort from Nathan, who ran from midfield, beating two on-rushing players and then finding space to finish in the bottom corner.

Final score 3-0

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Game 2 Tigers vs Leopards

This game can only be described as a Derby that didn’t disappoint!! Harrison started this game in goal, with Oliver in defence with Jordan. Henry and Jacob in the midfield and Marley leading the line up top.

The game got off to a flying start, with both sides going close early on but the Tigers stood firm with some brilliant tackling from Oliver and Jordan. Henry and Nathan constantly battling in midfield. The first clear chance fell to Marley after some really good work from Henry in midfield, finding a pass to Marley who controlled the ball really well to hit his shot just wide of the Leopards goal. As the Tigers continued to push for the opening goal they were caught on the break, couldn’t clear our lines and a fierce shot from Leopards striker Riley, which Harrison managed to get a hand to but it still found its way into the net. Soon after the Leopards found a 2nd when Riley scored again and the Tigers faced an uphill battle.

Soon after, Harrison swapped with Jordan in goal and Oliver came off to be replaced by Jacob. The boys definitely reacted to the 2nd goal and provided an immediate response with some lovely footwork from Jacob on the edge of the box, whose shot found a way past the Leopards keeper. Next came the goal of the day, Harrison found himself pinned into the corner of the Leopards penalty area, he turned away from trouble, nut-megged the Leopards player to then find a lovely pass to Jacob, who was in the space we talked about and from there he found a cross into the box, finding Henry who finished well.

The winning goal came in the dying seconds of the game after a great tackle from Marley in midfield, finding a pass to Henry who again found Nathan, who was able to control the ball first time and with a powerful shot, finish past the Leopards keeper.

Final score 3-2 Tigers.

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Game 3 Southside Tigers vs Cheltenham Saracens

Oliver was in goal for this game, with Henry as our game changer. Which left Marley and Jordan in defence, Harrison and Jacob in midfield and Nathan leading the line.

It only took a few minutes for the Tigers to find the breakthrough, after Marley made a great tackle when he found defending one-on-one, he found a pass to Nathan who then passed to Jacob, breaking the defensive line, beating the defender and finishing well past the keeper. The Tigers didn’t let up there, with a further 2 quick goals from Nathan, assisted by Jacob and Harrison respectfully. Jordan and Marley kept it tight at the back, giving Oliver very little to do after limiting Saracens to very few shots on target. Through some tough tackling, Marley took a knock which saw Henry introduced, operating on the wing and dictating a lot of the Tigers attacks. The Tigers 4th came after a great strike from Jacob in the middle of the park, giving the keeper little chance.

With some changes for the Tigers, seeing Oliver swap with Jacob and moving into the striker position, Harrison dropping back into defence, the boys pushed on. Saracens pressed and were able to pull one back with a really well struck free-kick. Jordan and Harrison then kept things tight at the back, Jordan making some good tackles and Harrison finding yet more penetrating passes into the midfield. It was from one of these passes where he found Henry, who then went on a trademark run of his, beating three players to then finish really well past the keeper, a great solo goal.

The Tigers wrapped up the victory with a lovely ball from Nathan into Oliver, who raced through, held off the defender with good strength and finishing really well with a powerful strike.

Final score 6-1 Tigers

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The boys did fantastically well today, holding a lovely shape and using the space with a great range of passing. It was a really close Player of the Match and it could have gone to everyone, but one player who played every position today, giving 100%, was Marley, who deservedly received the trophy.

Jon and I would once again just like to thank the parents for their really positive support and encouragement from the side lines.

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For the Panthers, we had Matt Charriaux running the show. In his team was son Jacques, plus Lucas, Jaxon, Eligh, Jackson, Henry J, Harley and Max. Thanks to Matt for his report:

For the second consecutive sunny Saturday morning, the Panthers took to Burrows field for their round-robin matches. The squad was unchanged from the previous week, aside from the addition of Max ,who, despite the fact that the Wildcats were made up of a lot of his friends, put in some terrific and selfless displays in all three of our matches. Thank you once again Max!

Game 1 vs Southside Wildcats
Result = 1 - 0 Win
Scorer = Eligh

First up, we came up against our very own Southside Wildcats. The game was a really even and competitive one from the first whistle. Both teams were defending resolutely, making it difficult for either side to create a great deal of chances. When the Wildcats did break through, they came up against an inspired Jaxon, who made a couple of brilliant saves. The difference between the two teams came late on, when Eligh gained possession in his own half, beat a couple of players down the left-hand side and unleashed a rocket which the keeper had no chance with. A draw would probably have been a fair result, but for that moment of magic which, from a Panthers perspective, we'll definitely take!

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Game 2 vs Lakeside Whites
Result = 2 - 0 Win
Scorers = Eligh & Max

The second match saw us face our Lakeside neighbours. Our opponents started on the front foot, but thanks to some really clever positional play from both Lucas and Henry, alongside some good ball distribution from Harley, we managed to stem the tide and gradually impose ourselves on the match. The opener came around the halfway stage, when Jackson, with another terrific pass, setup his teammate Eligh to stroke in his second of the day. A few minutes later, Eligh became the assister when he set Max up, having run the length of the pitch to slot the ball home and effectively seal the win.

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Game 3 vs Leckhampton Eagles
Result = 2 - 0 Win
Scorers = Jacques x 2

The Panthers cohesion and confidence was growing and this was in full evidence in the third and final game. We started brightly, with some more really good interplay between the players. The first goal came on the 5-minute mark, Harley and Jackson combined to get the ball into a really dangerous area and Jacques was able to slam it home from close range. The second came a few minutes later, when Jacques pounced on a loose ball and slotted it nicely for his and the team's second.

Energy levels were waning a little from both sides in the closing stages, but the Panthers still managed to create a few more really good opportunities whilst keeping it relatively tight defensively. Thank you to our hosts for another really enjoyable and competitive game.

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Player of the Day went to Eligh Gardiner for his two goals, assist and a great attitude. Continuously encouraging his teammates and driving them on, well done Eligh!

Three games, three wins and three clean sheets but more importantly a group of Panthers who seemed to enjoy one another's company and playing together, brilliant morning all round!

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For the Pumas, it was Chris Weisberg in the hot seat, thanks to him for this report:

Last week's squad of Jack, George, Theo, Rex, Kayden and William were supported by Christopher and Henry who were drafted in this week. Following last weeks success of having a single sub rolling on every couple of minutes, we decided to replicate this over the three games. Unfortunately with the additional players, our team struggled to find rhythm and lost it's shape at times due to the constant changing. I take full responsibility and definitely a lesson learnt by myself, although I cannot take anything away from all players on show as they performed excellently and worked their socks off to support each other.

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Game 1 v Leckhampton Bombers (4-0 loss)
Chris stepped up to take the goalkeeper gloves in the opening game, and was excellently marshalled by Henry and Rex in defence. Kayden started strongly in midfield supported by Jack with William leading the attack. After a very strong start from the Pumas, with players utilising the wide channels and playing a controlled passing game, we quickly found ourselves 2-0 down due to some excellent finishing by the Bombers. The Pumas continued to press well and break the Bombers defensive line but were met by a spirited performance from the Leckhampton defence. Theo and George both had opportunities thwarted, and then two late goals compounded an unlucky performance by the Pumas.

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Game 2 v Gotherington (2-0 loss)
The Pumas were finding rhythm in their play in the second game, and the final score of 0-2 flattered the opposition. Henry was exceptional in goal, performing the sweeper/keeper role with authority. Chris led the defensive line alongside Kayden, with George and Theo supporting Rex up top. The Pumas continuously broke through the defensive line of Gotherington by utilising the space on the flanks, but could not find the little bit of composure needed in the final third to pass to a better placed team mate. Kayden also had the audacity to take on the entire Gotherington team and almost pulled off one of the goals of the season with a mazy run from deep. Again, lady luck was not on the Pumas side and two late goals wrapped up the win for Gotherington.

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Game 3 - Lakeside Reds (3-2 win)
This was a really competitive game, and a spectacle for the neutrals in the crowd. This was a high intensity, end to end game that could have finished 5 goals each. Rex stepped up to be in goal, and was supported by Chris and George in defence. Jack and William bossed the midfield, and Theo was always playing on the shoulder of the last defender, giving the team a quick option when in possession.

George broke past the defensive line and had the composure to play in William, who had ghosted to the back post. First time finish and 1-0 to the Pumas. Theo then was released by Jack and he found the composure to finish with a low drive to the bottom corner! Lakeside rallied but where met by the goalkeeping performance of the day by Rex.

The attacks continued against the Pumas and finally our goal was breached from a scrappy corner. Up stepped Kayden to restore our two-goal lead, with a great team build up. Chris played the ball down the channel to William, who turned and squared neatly for Kayden. Kayden then powered the ball into the roof of the net, a fine finish.

Lakeside weren't finished and managed to press our goal kick to have a clear run on goal. There was nothing Rex could do to save this one, but managed to save the best for one of the last kicks of the game. A thunderous strike from the edge of the area was destined for the top corner, only for Rex to dive at full length to tip around the post. An outstanding save, worthy of winning any football game!

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Player of the day - Christopher Green

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For the Wildcats, we had Dan Harte and Wayne Partridge in the dugout. In their team we had son’s Elliott and Landon respectively, plus Jesse, Thomas D, Alexander, Reuben and Grayson. Thanks to Dan for his report:

On a lovely, sunny spring morning, the Southside Star Wildcats travelled to Burrows Field for a set of round-robin friendlies against fellow Southsiders the Panthers, Leckhampton Rovers and Lakeside.

Opening with a Southside derby, the Wildcats started promisingly against their clubmates in a closely fought game. The tough tackling of Landon and brave defending from Grayson kept things nice and tight, while Alexander continued where he left off in the previous tournament with a tenacious performance in the middle. With the game heading for 0-0, the Wildcats were caught by an excellent Panthers goal in the final minute, which flew in at the near post with goalkeeper Elliott able to do nothing about it.

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There was no time to feel sorry for ourselves and the Wildcats dusted themselves down and immediately set about making amends against Leckhampton. The Wildcats started on the front foot and laid siege to the Leckhampton goal. Elliott, in his best performance down the left for the Wildcats, hit the post and then poked one just wide. The ever-dependable Reuben went close from long range as did Landon. With Thomas driving attacks forward at every opportunity, it seemed to be only a matter of time before the Wildcats scored. But the team were hit by a late sucker punch, as Leckhampton scored the winner.

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Next up were familiar opponent, the Lakeside Whites. In a game that mirrored the opening game, a tight, evenly-balanced contest was decided by the odd goal. Lakeside took the lead but, in a hugely determined team response we pulled one back through Elliott, who capped a fine weekend with a well-taken free-kick fired into the bottom corner. The mercurial Jesse showed some excellent close control to get in behind the Lakeside defence on numerous occasions, but the Wildcats, not for the first time, were undone by a late winner.

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It was a tough one to take, as the players acquitted themselves really well and deserved much more for their efforts over the weekend. But as they play more games together, it is clear that the players are forming a bond and togetherness that will surely see more positive results around the corner. The coaches’ Player of the Day was Elliott.

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For the Leopards, we had Stewart Turpin and Andy Bates taking charge. In their team we had sons Elliot and Joshua respectively, plus Albie M, Sam, Daniel, Flynn and Riley. Thanks to Stewart for his report:

GAME 1 - Saracens vs Southside Leopards

Very evenly matched from the start. Danny had a great game in goal, gathering up any ball that came near him and keeping a clean sheet. Sam and Riley were solid in defence, feeding Elliot and Flynn in midfield. Joshua played up front 1st half and on came Albie at half time, who looked dangerous with the ball - several pot shots narrowly missing and came within inches of a top bins. With seconds to go, a free kick was awarded 20 yards out. Elliot had a shot and narrowly missed wide.
FINAL SCORE 0-0

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Game 2 - Southside Tigers vs Southside Leopards

Some tough competition from our fellow Southsiders. Leopards took an early lead, with Riley putting away a well-placed close range shot. Just before half time, Riley scored his second, giving us a healthy lead. The Tigers however brought on some super subs and they peppered poor Albie with shots. He did a great job, making some great saves, but the shots were too regular and the Tigers got two back to equalise. With seconds to go, the Tigers scored their third - which was to be the winning goal.
Leopards 2 - Tigers 3

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GAME 3 - Heart of Gloucester vs Leopards
The team were pretty puffed out by game three, having only had 1 sub. Sam put on the goalie gloves for this game. Albie and Flynn in defence, Joshua and Riley in midfield and Danny up front. A pretty slow start to the game. A few unforced errors and fumblings let Heart take the lead. 1-0. Soon enough, as the half-time approached, Heart got their second.

Elliot came on as sub for Danny. Our performance picked up a bit, with more pressure in their half and a few shots that didn’t quite convert. Flynn hurt his knee, so Danny came back on. Albie had worked his socks off and was exhausted, so Flynn can back on for the closing 2 minutes.
Final Score 3-0 to Heart

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Excellent performances from everyone, very hard work with just the 7 players. Player of the Day went to Joshua Bates.

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Well done once again to all our teams. Sounds like some fantastic performances! And some great reports from our managers too!!