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Sunday 14th February
FC Bluestar 6 - 3 High Lane Juniors
Fog Lane Park at 10:45am
Scorers
Joel - Five Goals!
Richard - One
My first report in several weeks (feel free to volunteer to write these.....). Unfortunately, I didn't take any notes, so not much detail.
Bluestar went ahead in the second minutes. Joel latched onto a through-ball from Richard, sped past the defenders and put the ball past the keeper. Thus began an exciting game, which really could have gone either way until Bluestar sealed the result in the last ten minutes.
High Lane had the best of the play in the first half, easily having most of the possession and territory. Playing a sweeper for only the second time, Bluestar defended very well, keeping High Lane at bay for most of the time. Bluestar also moved forward quickly and strongly when they had the ball, testing High Lane’s keeper several times. At half time, High Lane were 2-1 up, both goals coming when Bluestar had lost shape and players were out of position.
After an unusually strong word from the manager at half-time, Bluestar went out with a better attitude and a determination to play at their best. They equalised in the first minute, but then relaxed to allow an immediate response from their opponents. The score was 2-3.
Bluestar refused to give up. They defended brilliantly and attacked with vigour and imagination.
In defence, Louis, Will A, Matthew and Jayde played intelligently, holding their positions, closing down High Lane’s forwards and making clean, strong tackles. They were ably supported by George, in his second match as sweeper. The team has adapted quickly to the new system, showing a new ability to close down nearly all attacks before they reach the penalty box.
In midfield, Mohamad and Luke, on the wings, stuck to their positions and gave real width to the team. Sam B, who had a great first half, was replaced by Oliver in the second. Oliver got stuck into tackles and made life difficult for the on-coming players. Richard continued to drive forward the team, twisting past defenders and finding the wingers and Joel with some accurate passes and through-balls. Joel scared High Lane with his speed, continually getting past their defence. Sam B came back on for the last fifteen, replacing Louis at centre-back.
Eventually, Bluestar’s dominance paid off. After they equalised, they kept their resolve and concentration, stopping another quick goal from High Lane. Running onto an accurate long ball from Matthew, Joel flew past the defenders and lobbed the ball over the keeper into the net. Bluestar were ahead again. Lots of shouting from the sidelines, telling the players to concentrate – don’t relax. High Lane turned up the pressure for the last five minutes, really testing the Blue’s new system which held up magnificently. In the last minute, the ball was cleared from the box by Jayde to Richard, who turned quickly and threaded it through to Joel for his last goal of the match.
Analysis
What a difference a few weeks make! Not long ago, Bluestar played its worst game of the season. Today, the team played superbly. The difference was clear to see in the second-half: everyone stuck to their positions, which had two effects:
1. It made it very difficult for High Lane’s players to get to Bluestar’s penalty box – there was always somebody in the way.
2. It allowed Bluestar to push forward quickly and effectively, using the full width of the field.
The sweeper system also worked, bolstering the defence. And Joel’s speed left the opposition in clouds of dust.
Continue playing with this level of discipline and effort, and more wins will come.
Men of the Match
A difficult decision when there were so many deserving players.
Parents' MOTM: Jayde
Manager's MOTM: George
Fog Lane Park at 10:45am
Scorers
Joel - Five Goals!
Richard - One
My first report in several weeks (feel free to volunteer to write these.....). Unfortunately, I didn't take any notes, so not much detail.
Bluestar went ahead in the second minutes. Joel latched onto a through-ball from Richard, sped past the defenders and put the ball past the keeper. Thus began an exciting game, which really could have gone either way until Bluestar sealed the result in the last ten minutes.
High Lane had the best of the play in the first half, easily having most of the possession and territory. Playing a sweeper for only the second time, Bluestar defended very well, keeping High Lane at bay for most of the time. Bluestar also moved forward quickly and strongly when they had the ball, testing High Lane’s keeper several times. At half time, High Lane were 2-1 up, both goals coming when Bluestar had lost shape and players were out of position.
After an unusually strong word from the manager at half-time, Bluestar went out with a better attitude and a determination to play at their best. They equalised in the first minute, but then relaxed to allow an immediate response from their opponents. The score was 2-3.
Bluestar refused to give up. They defended brilliantly and attacked with vigour and imagination.
In defence, Louis, Will A, Matthew and Jayde played intelligently, holding their positions, closing down High Lane’s forwards and making clean, strong tackles. They were ably supported by George, in his second match as sweeper. The team has adapted quickly to the new system, showing a new ability to close down nearly all attacks before they reach the penalty box.
In midfield, Mohamad and Luke, on the wings, stuck to their positions and gave real width to the team. Sam B, who had a great first half, was replaced by Oliver in the second. Oliver got stuck into tackles and made life difficult for the on-coming players. Richard continued to drive forward the team, twisting past defenders and finding the wingers and Joel with some accurate passes and through-balls. Joel scared High Lane with his speed, continually getting past their defence. Sam B came back on for the last fifteen, replacing Louis at centre-back.
Eventually, Bluestar’s dominance paid off. After they equalised, they kept their resolve and concentration, stopping another quick goal from High Lane. Running onto an accurate long ball from Matthew, Joel flew past the defenders and lobbed the ball over the keeper into the net. Bluestar were ahead again. Lots of shouting from the sidelines, telling the players to concentrate – don’t relax. High Lane turned up the pressure for the last five minutes, really testing the Blue’s new system which held up magnificently. In the last minute, the ball was cleared from the box by Jayde to Richard, who turned quickly and threaded it through to Joel for his last goal of the match.
Analysis
What a difference a few weeks make! Not long ago, Bluestar played its worst game of the season. Today, the team played superbly. The difference was clear to see in the second-half: everyone stuck to their positions, which had two effects:
1. It made it very difficult for High Lane’s players to get to Bluestar’s penalty box – there was always somebody in the way.
2. It allowed Bluestar to push forward quickly and effectively, using the full width of the field.
The sweeper system also worked, bolstering the defence. And Joel’s speed left the opposition in clouds of dust.
Continue playing with this level of discipline and effort, and more wins will come.
Men of the Match
A difficult decision when there were so many deserving players.
Parents' MOTM: Jayde
Manager's MOTM: George
Sunday 1st November
FC Bluestar 2 - 4 Stretford Vic
Fog Lane Park at 10:45am
Scorers
Richard (35)
George (42)
Team
GK Callum
LB Jayde(1st Half) / Sam C (2nd Half)
RB Matthew
CB Louis
CB Will A
LM Will L
RM Mohamad (1st Half) / Oliver (2nd Half)
CM Sam B
CM Richard (Captain)
CF Luke (1st Half) / George (2nd Half)
CF Joel
"We were really unlucky", "I can't believe we didn't win", "We deserved at least a draw".
Usually, when people say these things, they mean "We were almost good enough, but not quite". Now and again, though, it's true: Bluestar really were unlucky to lose this match - and Stretford players and manager knew it.
The match began in typical Bluestar fashion: Stretford were straight into it, but Bluestar took about five minutes to wake up. By that time, the Vics were one goal up.
The next twenty minutes were fairly close. Stretford had the better of it, mainly because they had a very strong wind behind them. Despite that, Bluestar got into Stretford's half plenty of times and had two very good chances on goal.
Then Stretford won a harsh, but fair penalty - handball in the box - and they were two-nil up. Two minutes later, the score was 3-0 to Stretford.
At the half-time team talk, Bluestar's players were actually feeling quite upbeat: they reckoned (and the manager agreed) that they could win this match. Especially with the wind behind them.
And so the second-half began. Where was the wind? Mysteriously, it had dropped completely, just when we wanted it. It didn't dampen Bluestar players' enthusiasm, who took the game to Stretford right from the whistle. Five minutes in, and Bluestar got their reward: Richard received a pass on the edge of the box, just managing to stay on-side, dodged past two markers and scored.
Bluestar continued to attack, having several attempts on goal. Then Joel took the ball from about 20 metres out and ran past two defenders. A third defender stuck with Joel, forcing him to the left by-line. Joel put the ball across the goalmouth, past his marker and another defender and under the goalkeeper. George was at the other post to receive it - all he had to do was touch the ball to score. He missed! George turned, took two paces, caught the ball. There was a defender right on top of him. George took a step towards the by-line and kicked the ball, from a ridiculously narrow angle, towards goal. Over the 'keeper it went, hitting the inside of the far post and into the net. What a goal; on it's own, a contender for goal of the season so far - with Joel's assist (his best move of the season), it becomes a very strong contender.
The wind picked up now, at last supporting Bluestar. For twenty minutes, Stretford hardly got out of their half. When they did, Bluestar's defence were more than up to the task of stopping them; Will A in particular, in his debut match, was magnificent.
Going forward, Bluestar's midfield, supported by their attacking full-backs, held back Stretford and kept pushing towards goal. Several players had chances, it was just a matter of time before the equaliser came. But it never did.
With five minutes to go, Stretford caught out Bluestar with a counter-attack and scored. It was unfortunate and completely against the run of play. Bluestar kept attacking, but the moment had passed. At the final whistle, Bluestar were the victors in all but the score.
Analysis
Though the scoreline suggests otherwise, except for the first five minutes this was Bluestar's finest performance to date. By far. Stretford knew they were lucky (I heard their coaches taking!).
Your discipline and positional play is improving all the time.
Your passing and teamwork was at it's best.
You never gave up: you were attempting a massive comeback and you almost succeeded.
Men of the match
Once again, several contenders. Will A received the parents' award for his superb debut. Matthew took home the manager's award for another consistently good performance.
Parents' MOTM: Will A
Manager's MOTM: Matthew
p.s. thanks to Amy for her copious match notes.
p.p.s. sorry the report is a bit late this week.
Fog Lane Park at 10:45am
Scorers
Richard (35)
George (42)
Team
GK Callum
LB Jayde(1st Half) / Sam C (2nd Half)
RB Matthew
CB Louis
CB Will A
LM Will L
RM Mohamad (1st Half) / Oliver (2nd Half)
CM Sam B
CM Richard (Captain)
CF Luke (1st Half) / George (2nd Half)
CF Joel
"We were really unlucky", "I can't believe we didn't win", "We deserved at least a draw".
Usually, when people say these things, they mean "We were almost good enough, but not quite". Now and again, though, it's true: Bluestar really were unlucky to lose this match - and Stretford players and manager knew it.
The match began in typical Bluestar fashion: Stretford were straight into it, but Bluestar took about five minutes to wake up. By that time, the Vics were one goal up.
The next twenty minutes were fairly close. Stretford had the better of it, mainly because they had a very strong wind behind them. Despite that, Bluestar got into Stretford's half plenty of times and had two very good chances on goal.
Then Stretford won a harsh, but fair penalty - handball in the box - and they were two-nil up. Two minutes later, the score was 3-0 to Stretford.
At the half-time team talk, Bluestar's players were actually feeling quite upbeat: they reckoned (and the manager agreed) that they could win this match. Especially with the wind behind them.
And so the second-half began. Where was the wind? Mysteriously, it had dropped completely, just when we wanted it. It didn't dampen Bluestar players' enthusiasm, who took the game to Stretford right from the whistle. Five minutes in, and Bluestar got their reward: Richard received a pass on the edge of the box, just managing to stay on-side, dodged past two markers and scored.
Bluestar continued to attack, having several attempts on goal. Then Joel took the ball from about 20 metres out and ran past two defenders. A third defender stuck with Joel, forcing him to the left by-line. Joel put the ball across the goalmouth, past his marker and another defender and under the goalkeeper. George was at the other post to receive it - all he had to do was touch the ball to score. He missed! George turned, took two paces, caught the ball. There was a defender right on top of him. George took a step towards the by-line and kicked the ball, from a ridiculously narrow angle, towards goal. Over the 'keeper it went, hitting the inside of the far post and into the net. What a goal; on it's own, a contender for goal of the season so far - with Joel's assist (his best move of the season), it becomes a very strong contender.
The wind picked up now, at last supporting Bluestar. For twenty minutes, Stretford hardly got out of their half. When they did, Bluestar's defence were more than up to the task of stopping them; Will A in particular, in his debut match, was magnificent.
Going forward, Bluestar's midfield, supported by their attacking full-backs, held back Stretford and kept pushing towards goal. Several players had chances, it was just a matter of time before the equaliser came. But it never did.
With five minutes to go, Stretford caught out Bluestar with a counter-attack and scored. It was unfortunate and completely against the run of play. Bluestar kept attacking, but the moment had passed. At the final whistle, Bluestar were the victors in all but the score.
Analysis
Though the scoreline suggests otherwise, except for the first five minutes this was Bluestar's finest performance to date. By far. Stretford knew they were lucky (I heard their coaches taking!).
Your discipline and positional play is improving all the time.
Your passing and teamwork was at it's best.
You never gave up: you were attempting a massive comeback and you almost succeeded.
Men of the match
Once again, several contenders. Will A received the parents' award for his superb debut. Matthew took home the manager's award for another consistently good performance.
Parents' MOTM: Will A
Manager's MOTM: Matthew
p.s. thanks to Amy for her copious match notes.
p.p.s. sorry the report is a bit late this week.
Sunday 18th October
Bramhall Juniors 75 0 - 3 FC Bluestar
Linney Road Playing Field at 10:45am
Scorers
Richard (23)
Luke (26)
Joel (40)
Team
GK Callum
LB Jayde
RB Matthew
CB Louis
CB Elliot
LM Will
RM Oliver (1st Half) / Mohamad (2nd Half)
CM Sam B
CM Richard (Captain)
CF Luke
CF Joel
With some players absent and others playing in unfamiliar positions, Bluestar played brilliantly to gain a deserved 3-0 win and take the team up to fifth place.
Sam C and George were off camping with Scouts, so the team took on a different look this week. Bluestar had just eleven players at kick-off, against a team with a similar record this season: played three; won one; lost two.
Bluestar started positively, pushing forward quickly; Joel was caught just off-side chasing a through-ball from Richard. One minute later, Bramhall had a shot on goal which was just too high. And so the scene was set for a very close first half, both teams having a couple of corners in the first ten minutes. Bluestar defended well - Callum looking and sounding much more confident in goal as he shouted commands and directed his defence. Richard took corners in place of George and the rest of the team attacked the ball and came very close to scoring.
Oliver in his first game at RM, ran on and off the ball, passed accurately and got involved in attacking and defending. Jayde, playing at LB for the first time, tackled and marked well and played and held his ground, holding Bramhall at bay. Louis and Elliot continued to demonstrate the kind of strong tackling required of a CB, and Matthew played his usual strong RB role, holding off Bramhall on that wing. With Bluestar's midfield getting back quickly to help defend, the team had it's strongest defensive display this season (or, dare I say, ever?).
With a strong defence and Will and Oliver supporting in midfield, Richard and Sam B began to play their best football this season. Sam B was in great form, playing with the determination and skill he has shown all season and demanding the same from his teammates. Richard showed some of his flair, weaving past players and passing with accuracy, and Joel made Bramhall's defence very nervous with his bursts of speed.
In the twelfth minute, Richard, in the centre of the pitch, made an inch-perfect pass over the top of the defenders to Joel, who timed his run expertly to stay on-side; the shot went only just wide. Two minutes later, Matthew took the ball out of defence, over-lapping Oliver, and passed to Richard; his shot was almost identical to Joel's, just to the left of goal.
Bramhall attacked again, gaining another corner cleared by Sam B.
Another Bluestar attack, Richard passing to Sam B, who was caught only just off-side.
In the 23rd minute, Richard pushed the ball forward from centre, past a defender and chased it; he got to the ball first, ran to the edge of the box and shot. One goal up, a close game was just beginning to turn Bluestar's way. This was confirmed three minutes later. Sam B, driving forwards as always, won a free-kick 20 metres out from the right post. Richard took it, shooting over the wall towards the bottom-left corner of the goal. Bramhall's 'keeper did very well to stop the shot but couldn't hold on to the ball; Luke was there immediately and scored.
A well deserved goal, for the team and for Luke. Playing in a CF position for the first time, Luke had an excellent first half; he put himself into (and won) tough tackles, he chased back to help in defence and he combined well with Joel and the midfielders to take the game to Bramhall.
Half-time and Bluestar were two goals up.
Mohamad replaced Oliver at RM and the second-half began. Bluestar had a chance to go three up in the second minute, but Richard's shot went just over, and in the fifth minute: Richard and Will linked up on the left, Will's shot just too high.
It wasn't all Bluestar, though. Bramhall attacked with skill and a determination to get back into the game. They moved quickly and spent much of the first ten minutes in and around Bluestar's box. Unlike in previous matches, all Bluestar's midfielders rushed back for defensive duties. In conjunction with the back-four's sterling work and strong tackling and Callum's more assured 'keeping, this made a massive difference: today, Bluestar kept their FIRST EVER CLEAN SHEET!
In the tenth minute came the clinching goal. Richard took the corner from the right. The ball landed in the middle of the 6-yard box. It bounced around as several defenders and attackers got their foot to it. Then it was cleared to the edge of the box, but Richard was there to put it back in to the middle. A defender tried to clear it but Joel got to it and back-headed it into the goal. (Some commentators may have suggested that Joel was walking away from the ball and it was just good luck, but I say: you make your own luck, and Joel was in the right place at the right time, exactly where and when he should have been :-) ).
The next fifteen minutes were much the same. Bluestar came close to adding another couple of goals. Credit to Bramhall - they never gave up. They continued to attack, won more corners (all well defended by Bluestar) and won a potentially dangerous free-kick just outside the left-hand corner of the box. Callum instructed his defence - who listened - to set-up the wall. A good free-kick was then saved by Callum.
The match ended 0-3.
What went well
Linney Road Playing Field at 10:45am
Scorers
Richard (23)
Luke (26)
Joel (40)
Team
GK Callum
LB Jayde
RB Matthew
CB Louis
CB Elliot
LM Will
RM Oliver (1st Half) / Mohamad (2nd Half)
CM Sam B
CM Richard (Captain)
CF Luke
CF Joel
With some players absent and others playing in unfamiliar positions, Bluestar played brilliantly to gain a deserved 3-0 win and take the team up to fifth place.
Sam C and George were off camping with Scouts, so the team took on a different look this week. Bluestar had just eleven players at kick-off, against a team with a similar record this season: played three; won one; lost two.
Bluestar started positively, pushing forward quickly; Joel was caught just off-side chasing a through-ball from Richard. One minute later, Bramhall had a shot on goal which was just too high. And so the scene was set for a very close first half, both teams having a couple of corners in the first ten minutes. Bluestar defended well - Callum looking and sounding much more confident in goal as he shouted commands and directed his defence. Richard took corners in place of George and the rest of the team attacked the ball and came very close to scoring.
Oliver in his first game at RM, ran on and off the ball, passed accurately and got involved in attacking and defending. Jayde, playing at LB for the first time, tackled and marked well and played and held his ground, holding Bramhall at bay. Louis and Elliot continued to demonstrate the kind of strong tackling required of a CB, and Matthew played his usual strong RB role, holding off Bramhall on that wing. With Bluestar's midfield getting back quickly to help defend, the team had it's strongest defensive display this season (or, dare I say, ever?).
With a strong defence and Will and Oliver supporting in midfield, Richard and Sam B began to play their best football this season. Sam B was in great form, playing with the determination and skill he has shown all season and demanding the same from his teammates. Richard showed some of his flair, weaving past players and passing with accuracy, and Joel made Bramhall's defence very nervous with his bursts of speed.
In the twelfth minute, Richard, in the centre of the pitch, made an inch-perfect pass over the top of the defenders to Joel, who timed his run expertly to stay on-side; the shot went only just wide. Two minutes later, Matthew took the ball out of defence, over-lapping Oliver, and passed to Richard; his shot was almost identical to Joel's, just to the left of goal.
Bramhall attacked again, gaining another corner cleared by Sam B.
Another Bluestar attack, Richard passing to Sam B, who was caught only just off-side.
In the 23rd minute, Richard pushed the ball forward from centre, past a defender and chased it; he got to the ball first, ran to the edge of the box and shot. One goal up, a close game was just beginning to turn Bluestar's way. This was confirmed three minutes later. Sam B, driving forwards as always, won a free-kick 20 metres out from the right post. Richard took it, shooting over the wall towards the bottom-left corner of the goal. Bramhall's 'keeper did very well to stop the shot but couldn't hold on to the ball; Luke was there immediately and scored.
A well deserved goal, for the team and for Luke. Playing in a CF position for the first time, Luke had an excellent first half; he put himself into (and won) tough tackles, he chased back to help in defence and he combined well with Joel and the midfielders to take the game to Bramhall.
Half-time and Bluestar were two goals up.
Mohamad replaced Oliver at RM and the second-half began. Bluestar had a chance to go three up in the second minute, but Richard's shot went just over, and in the fifth minute: Richard and Will linked up on the left, Will's shot just too high.
It wasn't all Bluestar, though. Bramhall attacked with skill and a determination to get back into the game. They moved quickly and spent much of the first ten minutes in and around Bluestar's box. Unlike in previous matches, all Bluestar's midfielders rushed back for defensive duties. In conjunction with the back-four's sterling work and strong tackling and Callum's more assured 'keeping, this made a massive difference: today, Bluestar kept their FIRST EVER CLEAN SHEET!
In the tenth minute came the clinching goal. Richard took the corner from the right. The ball landed in the middle of the 6-yard box. It bounced around as several defenders and attackers got their foot to it. Then it was cleared to the edge of the box, but Richard was there to put it back in to the middle. A defender tried to clear it but Joel got to it and back-headed it into the goal. (Some commentators may have suggested that Joel was walking away from the ball and it was just good luck, but I say: you make your own luck, and Joel was in the right place at the right time, exactly where and when he should have been :-) ).
The next fifteen minutes were much the same. Bluestar came close to adding another couple of goals. Credit to Bramhall - they never gave up. They continued to attack, won more corners (all well defended by Bluestar) and won a potentially dangerous free-kick just outside the left-hand corner of the box. Callum instructed his defence - who listened - to set-up the wall. A good free-kick was then saved by Callum.
The match ended 0-3.
What went well
- The whole team held it's shape much better than ever before. That means that everyone was much more disciplined and aware of their position in relation to their teammates.
- Great performances from those in unfamiliar roles: Luke, Oliver, Jayde, Will.
- Much better performances from those who sometimes perform less well than they are able: Richard.
- Confident and commanding performances from Sam B, Callum and Matthew, supported by Louis, Elliot, Joel and Mohamad.
What can still be improved
- Consistency: you need to perform like this every week.
- Throw-ins: definitely need everyone to practice, in case Matthew and Sam C are unavailable. Indeed, as an incentive, parents (well, Matthew's dad) suggested that Jaffa Cakes should be withheld until throw-ins improve.
There were several notable performances today. After much discussion and cogitation, parents rewarded Sam B's authoritative display. Luke received the Manager's award for his all-round exhibition of skills and teamwork.
Parents' MOTM: Sam B
Manager's MOTM: Luke
p.s. come back in a couple of days to see some photos.
Sunday 11th October
FC Bluestar 0 - 5 Chapel Town Juniors
Fog Lane Park at 10:45am
Team
GK Callum
RB Matthew (45 mins) / Sam C (15 mins)
LB Sam C (45 mins) / Will (15 mins)
CB Elliot (45 mins)
CB Oliver (35 mins) / CB George (25 mins)
CB Will (30 mins)
LM Luke
CM Richard (Captain)
CM Sam B (25 mins) / CM Jayde (35 mins)
RM Mohamad
CF Joel
CF George (25 mins) / Sam B (35 mins)
Bluestar felt this match: injuries during the game (look at all the changes in that team-sheet!) and two off-side goals took their toll this week. Despite the loss, Bluestar held on to 6th position with a game in hand.
Mr. Tony Cregg blew the whistle to start the match. Chapel immediately got into their stride, leaving Bluestar looking as though they were still in their pyjamas watching Cartoon Network. The first twenty minutes was all Chapel: they ran with more pace and determination, passed better and out-foxed Bluestar in every area. Bluestar struggled to close down Chapel attacks, and some players were consistently guilty of not getting back to help out the defence.
Chapel's passing was not more accurate than Bluestar's, but they put more weight behind the ball so that it reached their teammate. In comparison, Bluestar kicked the ball too lightly; invariably, Bluestar passes were intercepted by a Chapel player. Chapel also used their strength effectively, time and again bustling Bluestar players off the ball. Callum made some fine saves, but he was left on his own against Chapel's players too many times.
And so it was that Bluestar were a goal down inside two minutes and two goals down by the 10th minute.
At this point, the first team-change: Sam C and Will swapped positions; with Sam back at LB, attacks down that wing were noticeably reduced. Five minutes later, Oliver came on for his stint, replacing Elliot at CB.
Slowly, Bluestar started to respond. It has to be noted that, unlike the previous week, no-one gave up, no heads went down. The last ten minutes were much better, resulting in an injury to George, who had to come off: Sam B moved to the front and Jayde came on to fill Sam's CM position. A couple of minutes later, Joel won and took penalty; it was well placed - low and to the corner - but too slow. The keeper parried the shot and Joel almost got to the rebound, but the keeper recovered quickly and got to the ball first.
At half-time, a slightly despondent team were told to go out and play with more confidence and strength. Elliot came back on for Will.
The first ten minutes of the second half were much better for Bluestar. The team pushed forward with more confidence and much more strength: players were now standing up to strong tackles, muscling Chapel's players off the ball (particularly Luke: the smallest player on the pitch was seen pushing his way into tackles and past Chapel over and over again) and putting more weight behind their passes. Chapel were pinned into their own half and Bluestar had several shots on goal, from Joel, Richard, Sam B and Mohamad. Unfortunately, against the run of play, Chapel scored on a swift, well-executed counter-attack.
Recovered from his injury, George came back on, replacing Will at CB.
Bluestar continued to push on for a goal, and held Chapel in their half for much of the next quarter of an hour. Despite that, Chapel scored again, catching out Bluestar with a ball over the top of the defenders to an off-side striker. Continuing the improvement from last week, Bluestar players did not give up. Going all-out, George was moved up-front, leaving the team with just three defenders, but now with three centre-forwards.
For the next ten minutes, the game moved from one end to the other, with both teams having chances to score. Matthew got an elbow in his eye in thanks for his strong defending; Sam C moved to cover Matthew's RB position and Will filled the hole at LB.
Both Sams had a good game: Sam C held up most attacks on his wing and Sam B led by example, chasing the game and encouraging (and instructing) his teammates to play better.
In the dying seconds of the match, Chapel lobbed a ball over Bluestar's defence. It was picked up by a player a couple of meters off-side. Chapel scored, the final whistle was blown.
The Referee
As in this game, there have been times when decisions have gone against Bluestar in the past. Players will always have the tendency to blame the ref or say he was biased. Today, Tony did a good job and proved how hard it is to police a match - especially off-sides - when a game is played at this speed. Over the whole match, Chapel deserved their win. Referees make mistakes. Players make even more. (p.s. Thanks Tony).
The Good
Fog Lane Park at 10:45am
Team
GK Callum
RB Matthew (45 mins) / Sam C (15 mins)
LB Sam C (45 mins) / Will (15 mins)
CB Elliot (45 mins)
CB Oliver (35 mins) / CB George (25 mins)
CB Will (30 mins)
LM Luke
CM Richard (Captain)
CM Sam B (25 mins) / CM Jayde (35 mins)
RM Mohamad
CF Joel
CF George (25 mins) / Sam B (35 mins)
Bluestar felt this match: injuries during the game (look at all the changes in that team-sheet!) and two off-side goals took their toll this week. Despite the loss, Bluestar held on to 6th position with a game in hand.
Mr. Tony Cregg blew the whistle to start the match. Chapel immediately got into their stride, leaving Bluestar looking as though they were still in their pyjamas watching Cartoon Network. The first twenty minutes was all Chapel: they ran with more pace and determination, passed better and out-foxed Bluestar in every area. Bluestar struggled to close down Chapel attacks, and some players were consistently guilty of not getting back to help out the defence.
Chapel's passing was not more accurate than Bluestar's, but they put more weight behind the ball so that it reached their teammate. In comparison, Bluestar kicked the ball too lightly; invariably, Bluestar passes were intercepted by a Chapel player. Chapel also used their strength effectively, time and again bustling Bluestar players off the ball. Callum made some fine saves, but he was left on his own against Chapel's players too many times.
And so it was that Bluestar were a goal down inside two minutes and two goals down by the 10th minute.
At this point, the first team-change: Sam C and Will swapped positions; with Sam back at LB, attacks down that wing were noticeably reduced. Five minutes later, Oliver came on for his stint, replacing Elliot at CB.
Slowly, Bluestar started to respond. It has to be noted that, unlike the previous week, no-one gave up, no heads went down. The last ten minutes were much better, resulting in an injury to George, who had to come off: Sam B moved to the front and Jayde came on to fill Sam's CM position. A couple of minutes later, Joel won and took penalty; it was well placed - low and to the corner - but too slow. The keeper parried the shot and Joel almost got to the rebound, but the keeper recovered quickly and got to the ball first.
At half-time, a slightly despondent team were told to go out and play with more confidence and strength. Elliot came back on for Will.
The first ten minutes of the second half were much better for Bluestar. The team pushed forward with more confidence and much more strength: players were now standing up to strong tackles, muscling Chapel's players off the ball (particularly Luke: the smallest player on the pitch was seen pushing his way into tackles and past Chapel over and over again) and putting more weight behind their passes. Chapel were pinned into their own half and Bluestar had several shots on goal, from Joel, Richard, Sam B and Mohamad. Unfortunately, against the run of play, Chapel scored on a swift, well-executed counter-attack.
Recovered from his injury, George came back on, replacing Will at CB.
Bluestar continued to push on for a goal, and held Chapel in their half for much of the next quarter of an hour. Despite that, Chapel scored again, catching out Bluestar with a ball over the top of the defenders to an off-side striker. Continuing the improvement from last week, Bluestar players did not give up. Going all-out, George was moved up-front, leaving the team with just three defenders, but now with three centre-forwards.
For the next ten minutes, the game moved from one end to the other, with both teams having chances to score. Matthew got an elbow in his eye in thanks for his strong defending; Sam C moved to cover Matthew's RB position and Will filled the hole at LB.
Both Sams had a good game: Sam C held up most attacks on his wing and Sam B led by example, chasing the game and encouraging (and instructing) his teammates to play better.
In the dying seconds of the match, Chapel lobbed a ball over Bluestar's defence. It was picked up by a player a couple of meters off-side. Chapel scored, the final whistle was blown.
The Referee
As in this game, there have been times when decisions have gone against Bluestar in the past. Players will always have the tendency to blame the ref or say he was biased. Today, Tony did a good job and proved how hard it is to police a match - especially off-sides - when a game is played at this speed. Over the whole match, Chapel deserved their win. Referees make mistakes. Players make even more. (p.s. Thanks Tony).
The Good
- Despite the score-line, no-one gave up. Once they woke up and started playing, all Bluestar's players gave it their all.
- The defence held their shape much better in the second-half; that two of the goals were off-side is actually a good (though very disappointing) thing.
- When the whole team played at its best, Bluestar matched Chapel.
Things to Improve
- After the first ten minutes of second-half improvement, Bluestar's players began to fragment; at one point there seemed to be eleven players and no team.
- Some players need to be more committed in getting back quickly to help out in defence.
- Continue to watch your positional play. The team is getting better, but everyone needs to look at where they are and where they should be. For example, wide players must stay wide, especially for goal-kicks - give something for Callum to aim at.
Parents took a while to decide their man of the match; with several contenders they plumped for Mohamad, who showed promise in his first game and almost scored. The manager picked Sam C, who only just pipped Sam B for his determination and drive.
Parents' MOTM: Mohamad
Manager's MOTM: Sam C
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Sunday 4th October
Hale United Vikings 3 - 2 FC Bluestar
Jim Everson Playing Fields, Wilmslow at 2pm
Scorers
Jayde (23)
Joel (50)
Team
GK Callum
RB Matthew
LB Sam C
CB Elliot
CB Oliver (1st half) / Louis (2nd Half)
LM Luke
CM Richard (Captain)
CM Sam B
RM Jayde (1st half) / Will (2nd Half)
CF Joel
CF George
Clive started off proceedings with another professional warm-up routine. The whistle was blown and a very close match started brightly for Bluestar, with most of the first 10 minutes spent in Hale's half. Unfortunately, although Bluestar came close a couple of times, they couldn't quite make their dominance count. Against the run of play, Hale scored in the 16th minute.
Bluestar heads went down for a few minutes, and Hale took advantage by continuing to press forward, resulting in another goal in the 18th minute.
Bluestar's usually calm manager was getting agitated and actually shouted at the one or two players who continued to be despondent ("Get your head in the game" he called, which just shows that he's watched High School Musical too many times). Most of the team responded well, and the fight-back began. In the 23rd minute, Bluestar pulled one back: Jayde received the ball in the 6-yard box and calmly put it past the goalkeeper for his first Bluestar goal. There were several chances and close misses in the last few minutes before the half-time whistle was blown. 2-1.
In the second half, Bluestar began with a tighter defence and again tried to push forward for that equaliser. Hale caught them out with a counter-attack that resulted in another goal. 3-1.
All three goals, though well-taken by Hale, were the result of whole-team defensive errors. Bluestar's midfield did not close down Hale's players quickly enough, and Bluestar's defenders lost shape, allowing Hale to take advantage of the gaps they left behind.
Bluestar heads went down again. Bluestar's manager quoted HSM again (he definitely needs to get a life). Richard dropped into a defensive-midfield role and helped the defence to tighten up. Sam B, Luke, Will, George and Joel started to take the game to Hale again. Eventually, the reward came, Joel scoring to take it to 3-2.
In the last ten minutes, the match was very close and could have gone either way. With just two minutes to go, Joel took the ball to the goal line, crossed to George whose shot from point-blank range was saved by Hale's keeper (who had an excellent game, stopping most of Bluestar's shots).
A draw would probably have been a fair result: Hale defended very well, always having two or three players closing down the Bluestar player on the ball, and they counter-attacked with speed and efficiency. When they rejected hopelessness, Bluestar took the game to their opponents and matched Hale in every respect. The draw was not to be: Hale won 3-2.
With a good goal-difference, Bluestar stay at 6th place in the league table.
Good points
When Bluestar pushed forward, when the defence tightened up and held their position, they more than matched Hale. When they thought and played positively, Bluestar was stronger in every area of the field, and every player made strong contributions to the game.
Lessons to learn
Keep your head in the game (sorry, HSM again), even when - especially when - you go behind. Pass players and the ball and continue to take the game to the opposition. Remember that football is a team game: you need to attack and defend as a team - be constantly aware of your position relative to your team-mates.
Parents had a long discussion to decide their man of the match. Eventually they picked Matthew, who has been Bluestar's most consistent player so far this season. He never gave up, defended well for most of the game, and turned defence into attack countless times.
The manager picked Elliot, who held his position well at centre back and stopped numerous Hale attacks with some well-timed tackles.
Parents' MOTM: Matthew
Manager's MOTM: Elliot
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Jim Everson Playing Fields, Wilmslow at 2pm
Scorers
Jayde (23)
Joel (50)
Team
GK Callum
RB Matthew
LB Sam C
CB Elliot
CB Oliver (1st half) / Louis (2nd Half)
LM Luke
CM Richard (Captain)
CM Sam B
RM Jayde (1st half) / Will (2nd Half)
CF Joel
CF George
Clive started off proceedings with another professional warm-up routine. The whistle was blown and a very close match started brightly for Bluestar, with most of the first 10 minutes spent in Hale's half. Unfortunately, although Bluestar came close a couple of times, they couldn't quite make their dominance count. Against the run of play, Hale scored in the 16th minute.
Bluestar heads went down for a few minutes, and Hale took advantage by continuing to press forward, resulting in another goal in the 18th minute.
Bluestar's usually calm manager was getting agitated and actually shouted at the one or two players who continued to be despondent ("Get your head in the game" he called, which just shows that he's watched High School Musical too many times). Most of the team responded well, and the fight-back began. In the 23rd minute, Bluestar pulled one back: Jayde received the ball in the 6-yard box and calmly put it past the goalkeeper for his first Bluestar goal. There were several chances and close misses in the last few minutes before the half-time whistle was blown. 2-1.In the second half, Bluestar began with a tighter defence and again tried to push forward for that equaliser. Hale caught them out with a counter-attack that resulted in another goal. 3-1.
All three goals, though well-taken by Hale, were the result of whole-team defensive errors. Bluestar's midfield did not close down Hale's players quickly enough, and Bluestar's defenders lost shape, allowing Hale to take advantage of the gaps they left behind.
Bluestar heads went down again. Bluestar's manager quoted HSM again (he definitely needs to get a life). Richard dropped into a defensive-midfield role and helped the defence to tighten up. Sam B, Luke, Will, George and Joel started to take the game to Hale again. Eventually, the reward came, Joel scoring to take it to 3-2.
In the last ten minutes, the match was very close and could have gone either way. With just two minutes to go, Joel took the ball to the goal line, crossed to George whose shot from point-blank range was saved by Hale's keeper (who had an excellent game, stopping most of Bluestar's shots).
A draw would probably have been a fair result: Hale defended very well, always having two or three players closing down the Bluestar player on the ball, and they counter-attacked with speed and efficiency. When they rejected hopelessness, Bluestar took the game to their opponents and matched Hale in every respect. The draw was not to be: Hale won 3-2.
With a good goal-difference, Bluestar stay at 6th place in the league table.
Good points
When Bluestar pushed forward, when the defence tightened up and held their position, they more than matched Hale. When they thought and played positively, Bluestar was stronger in every area of the field, and every player made strong contributions to the game.
Lessons to learn
Keep your head in the game (sorry, HSM again), even when - especially when - you go behind. Pass players and the ball and continue to take the game to the opposition. Remember that football is a team game: you need to attack and defend as a team - be constantly aware of your position relative to your team-mates.
Parents had a long discussion to decide their man of the match. Eventually they picked Matthew, who has been Bluestar's most consistent player so far this season. He never gave up, defended well for most of the game, and turned defence into attack countless times.
The manager picked Elliot, who held his position well at centre back and stopped numerous Hale attacks with some well-timed tackles.
Parents' MOTM: Matthew
Manager's MOTM: Elliot
.
Sunday 27th September
FC Bluestar 10 - 2 Chinley Juniors
Fog Lane Park at 10:45
Scorers
Joel (2, 7, 13, 29, 55)
Richard (26, 36)
George (40)
Sam C (41, 50)
Team
GK Callum
RB Matthew
LB Sam C
CB Elliot
CB Oliver (1st half) / Louis (2nd Half)
LM Luke
CM Richard (Captain)
CM Sam B
RM Jayde (1st half) / Will (2nd Half)
CF Joel
CF George
Our first match of the 2009/10 season! After some defections away from the club over the summer, FC Bluestar U12s began with (the best :-) eight players from last season and six new players.
Clive got all the players limbered up and in the right mood by putting them through a thoroughly professional warm-up and stretching routine. Then, onto the field. The whistle was blown by referee Mr. Mark Branney, and the game was on.
In a fire-cracker start, all nervousness was quickly banished as Sam B received the ball shortly after KO, put it through to Joel, who skipped round a defender to score. 1-0 in the 2nd minute!
Bluestar continued to push forwards from the restart, resulting in a corner in the 7th minute. George placed it smack in the middle of the box. A goalmouth scramble, a least two shots by two different people and then Joel stuck it in the back of the net for his second.
On 13 minutes, a superb through-ball from Sam C to Luke, whose shot was just cleared off the line only for Joel to score from the rebound. First match. First Hat-trick.
All this attacking play was made possible by Elliot. In his best game for the team, he broke down nearly every Chinley attack. The few that got away were picked off by Oliver, in the first half, and Louis in the second, who both made some important tackles to stop Chinley. Callum also had his best match. It's easy for a keeper to lose concentration when he doesn't have much to do. Callum stayed alert, commanding his defence when Chinley managed to get two free-kicks and a couple of corners. He made some excellent saves in both halves, and helped out his defenders several times by clearing back-passes.
In the 23rd minute, Chinley finally got to the Bluestar penalty area and won a corner. Luke was first to the ball, putting it behind for another corner which was caught by Callum.
Three minutes later, Richard took the ball from the centre of the pitch, past four defenders and ended up out of space, on the goal-line with the goalpost behind him. In an early bid for goal-of-the-season, he flicked the ball over his right shoulder and into the net. 4-0.
Joel scored again in the last minute of the half, from another excellent corner taken by George.
Bluestar started the second-half where they left off. Luke, Joel and George all had shots close to the target. In the 36th minute Matthew intercepted a Chinley pass, again overlapped Will on the wing and laid off the ball to Sam B. A great cross from Sam B into the middle of the box. Luke and a defender were both onto it when Richard charged through, bundled them both off the ball and scored.
Jayde (who had a great first half) was replaced by Will on the right wing at half-time. Despite being on his wrong foot, Will made some great runs and crosses. Luke was also beginning to get the hang of the left wing, holding his position and putting in some nice crosses.
Bluestar were starting to get a little carried away and lost concentration, leaving Callum on his own against three attackers. 6-1.
After this wake-up call, Bluestar went back to tighter defending and even more attacking play. Matthew and Sam C (at RB & LB) attacked and defended with ever more vigour and verve. In centre midfield, Sam B and Richard (in his first game as Captain) shouted out orders, tackled, ran (on and off the ball) and passed with accuracy, controlling the pace and direction of the game. George was all over the Chinley defence - retrieving loose balls, dodging tackles, putting in great passes and a couple of close shots. On 40 minutes he got his reward with a classic poacher's goal, picking up a loose ball in the box and firing it into the corner of the net.
One minute later, Sam C got his head onto another George corner, looping the ball over the keeper and into the goal. Sam C scored again in the 50th minute shooting from the edge of the box - we won't mention the deflection off a defender ;-)
Joel had spent most of the first half running past defenders and causing trouble for Chinley (not to mention four goals). He continued throughout the second half, but Chinley's defence worked hard to control him. Eventually, on 55 minutes, his pace, enthusiasm and skill brought yet another goal. George's free-kick had been headed off the line (great defending by Chinley), but Joel pounced onto the rebound, striking the ball on the volley low into the goal. Five brilliant goals for him, ten for the team.
Tiredness set in, Bluestar were already thinking about lunch when Chinley managed to grab a late consolation goal, two minutes from the end.
Well done to Everyone! Choosing the Men of the Match was difficult: there were at least six players worthy of the award this week. Still, we had to pick just the two.
Parents' MOTM: George
Manager's MOTM: Joel
Click here for the league table
Fog Lane Park at 10:45
Scorers
Joel (2, 7, 13, 29, 55)
Richard (26, 36)
George (40)
Sam C (41, 50)
Team
GK Callum
RB Matthew
LB Sam C
CB Elliot
CB Oliver (1st half) / Louis (2nd Half)
LM Luke
CM Richard (Captain)
CM Sam B
RM Jayde (1st half) / Will (2nd Half)
CF Joel
CF George
Our first match of the 2009/10 season! After some defections away from the club over the summer, FC Bluestar U12s began with (the best :-) eight players from last season and six new players.
Clive got all the players limbered up and in the right mood by putting them through a thoroughly professional warm-up and stretching routine. Then, onto the field. The whistle was blown by referee Mr. Mark Branney, and the game was on.
In a fire-cracker start, all nervousness was quickly banished as Sam B received the ball shortly after KO, put it through to Joel, who skipped round a defender to score. 1-0 in the 2nd minute!
Bluestar continued to push forwards from the restart, resulting in a corner in the 7th minute. George placed it smack in the middle of the box. A goalmouth scramble, a least two shots by two different people and then Joel stuck it in the back of the net for his second.
On 13 minutes, a superb through-ball from Sam C to Luke, whose shot was just cleared off the line only for Joel to score from the rebound. First match. First Hat-trick.
All this attacking play was made possible by Elliot. In his best game for the team, he broke down nearly every Chinley attack. The few that got away were picked off by Oliver, in the first half, and Louis in the second, who both made some important tackles to stop Chinley. Callum also had his best match. It's easy for a keeper to lose concentration when he doesn't have much to do. Callum stayed alert, commanding his defence when Chinley managed to get two free-kicks and a couple of corners. He made some excellent saves in both halves, and helped out his defenders several times by clearing back-passes.
In the 23rd minute, Chinley finally got to the Bluestar penalty area and won a corner. Luke was first to the ball, putting it behind for another corner which was caught by Callum.
Three minutes later, Richard took the ball from the centre of the pitch, past four defenders and ended up out of space, on the goal-line with the goalpost behind him. In an early bid for goal-of-the-season, he flicked the ball over his right shoulder and into the net. 4-0.
Joel scored again in the last minute of the half, from another excellent corner taken by George.
Bluestar started the second-half where they left off. Luke, Joel and George all had shots close to the target. In the 36th minute Matthew intercepted a Chinley pass, again overlapped Will on the wing and laid off the ball to Sam B. A great cross from Sam B into the middle of the box. Luke and a defender were both onto it when Richard charged through, bundled them both off the ball and scored.
Jayde (who had a great first half) was replaced by Will on the right wing at half-time. Despite being on his wrong foot, Will made some great runs and crosses. Luke was also beginning to get the hang of the left wing, holding his position and putting in some nice crosses.
Bluestar were starting to get a little carried away and lost concentration, leaving Callum on his own against three attackers. 6-1.
After this wake-up call, Bluestar went back to tighter defending and even more attacking play. Matthew and Sam C (at RB & LB) attacked and defended with ever more vigour and verve. In centre midfield, Sam B and Richard (in his first game as Captain) shouted out orders, tackled, ran (on and off the ball) and passed with accuracy, controlling the pace and direction of the game. George was all over the Chinley defence - retrieving loose balls, dodging tackles, putting in great passes and a couple of close shots. On 40 minutes he got his reward with a classic poacher's goal, picking up a loose ball in the box and firing it into the corner of the net.
One minute later, Sam C got his head onto another George corner, looping the ball over the keeper and into the goal. Sam C scored again in the 50th minute shooting from the edge of the box - we won't mention the deflection off a defender ;-)
Joel had spent most of the first half running past defenders and causing trouble for Chinley (not to mention four goals). He continued throughout the second half, but Chinley's defence worked hard to control him. Eventually, on 55 minutes, his pace, enthusiasm and skill brought yet another goal. George's free-kick had been headed off the line (great defending by Chinley), but Joel pounced onto the rebound, striking the ball on the volley low into the goal. Five brilliant goals for him, ten for the team.
Tiredness set in, Bluestar were already thinking about lunch when Chinley managed to grab a late consolation goal, two minutes from the end.
Well done to Everyone! Choosing the Men of the Match was difficult: there were at least six players worthy of the award this week. Still, we had to pick just the two.
Parents' MOTM: George
Manager's MOTM: Joel
Click here for the league table