Another season comes to an end & the U15's have done it again by clinching back-to-back league titles. A fantastic achievement for ALL involved with them but most of all for the squad itself. "Well Done lads" you deserve this & I am looking forward to what the next season will bring already.
Under 15’s – Division 3
Aylesbury Vale 1 – Wendover Juniors 0
Aylesbury Vale completed their last game of the season with a win & league (back-to-back) title.
Vale played a little nervously to start but managed to hold the visitors at bay, with the midfield putting in one of their strongest performances this season. Wendover managed to break on the right wing midway through the first half with a cross into the box that Cameron Palombo struck to the top right corner, Vale keeper, Gary Bidgway, managed to push the ball against the right post with his finger tips & the ricochet came back across the goal mouth which Ashley Kent cleared away to safety before Palombo could get a second strike. Vale continued to move the ball around accurately (mostly) & 10 minutes before the interval it was a Luca Forchione break & shot at goal that Chris Hawes put a final guiding touch on to put Vale ahead. Vale almost managed to double the tally 2 minutes later but the Juniors defence strengthened to deny them a clear shot.
The second half was a similar affair, both teams having half-chances that didn’t come to fruition. Wendover had the slightly more shots at goal, (Palombo & Josh Marshall), but none were to be strikes on target. The tail of the second half saw a final burst from Vale with Pat Hurst along the right wing, having out-paced the Juniors left back, which he played back to the box for the incoming Forchione but the ball was placed just a little too far ahead & Juniors keeper Chris Beckford came out to retrieve it from danger.
Vale manager David Hawes was clearly delighted at the back-to-back achievements of his squad & the effort that everyone had put into what has been a roller-coaster season for the lads.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Easy just seems to be too easy...
A real anti-climax for the squad of the Under 16's, their final game of the season was called off when the visitors, Gerrards Cross & Fulmer, were unable to field sufficient players. A sad day for the U16's manager & best dressed linesman (see And the award goes to.... May 5th) as that would have been his final game with a squad he has brought through for many years & at present (we will make you change your mind) has no plans to continue with youth football.
Now the Under 15's, oh boy, thats a whole different deal altogether. Ok so there has to be disappointment at not raising the Cup on Tuesday, but the Div 3 title is only 2 points away......
Under 15’s – Division 3
Wendover Juniors 3 – Aylesbury Vale 2
Wendover Juniors improved their chances to avoid relegation yesterday (Sunday) while Aylesbury Vale did nothing to improve their claim on the Div 3 title.
The first 5 minutes saw chances for both sides to open the scoring, the Juniors striking the cross-bar from a free kick just outside the area & Vale flicking a head into the keepers hands from a corner at the other end. Vale should have gone ahead in the first half with more possession in the opposing half but lack of finish & strong defending made it impossible to break the deadlock. Wendover also had a few breaks through front-runner Cameron Palombo but were unable to hit target either.
The second half was a much more action packed affair, the home side pushed through a hole in the midfield & attempted a long strike which keeper Gary Bidgway took without too much effort. Vales Segun Fawole picked the ball up in midfield & made a break towards the right, he stopped & turned it back at goal with a lob that was raised just over the cross-bar. Juniors response was immediate, Palombo charging through to see the ball into the net in the 46th minute. Another corner awarded to Vale in the 49th, Pat Hurst supplied a superb ball into the box that was brought to the ground a tucked away by Andy Thorp. There was no time for Juniors to regain composure; a right wing Vale assault pushed through, Chris Pope taking the ball to just beyond halfway & pushing out it to Hurst who touched it forward for Pope to collect. The whole manoeuvre was finished off with a final cross in to Luca Forchione who had managed to push up almost unnoticed & buried the ball into goal. Wendover were not going down without a battle & came back with an equalizer care of Connor Tregarthen just before midway through the half. The remainder of the period was less paced than the former 20 minutes but not without drama. A distinct lack of communication cost Vale with an OG putting the home side ahead again with only minutes to play.
Vale were unable to retrieve the point & are set to meet Wendover again at home next week in the final game of the season for both teams.
Now the Under 15's, oh boy, thats a whole different deal altogether. Ok so there has to be disappointment at not raising the Cup on Tuesday, but the Div 3 title is only 2 points away......
Under 15’s – Division 3
Wendover Juniors 3 – Aylesbury Vale 2
Wendover Juniors improved their chances to avoid relegation yesterday (Sunday) while Aylesbury Vale did nothing to improve their claim on the Div 3 title.
The first 5 minutes saw chances for both sides to open the scoring, the Juniors striking the cross-bar from a free kick just outside the area & Vale flicking a head into the keepers hands from a corner at the other end. Vale should have gone ahead in the first half with more possession in the opposing half but lack of finish & strong defending made it impossible to break the deadlock. Wendover also had a few breaks through front-runner Cameron Palombo but were unable to hit target either.
The second half was a much more action packed affair, the home side pushed through a hole in the midfield & attempted a long strike which keeper Gary Bidgway took without too much effort. Vales Segun Fawole picked the ball up in midfield & made a break towards the right, he stopped & turned it back at goal with a lob that was raised just over the cross-bar. Juniors response was immediate, Palombo charging through to see the ball into the net in the 46th minute. Another corner awarded to Vale in the 49th, Pat Hurst supplied a superb ball into the box that was brought to the ground a tucked away by Andy Thorp. There was no time for Juniors to regain composure; a right wing Vale assault pushed through, Chris Pope taking the ball to just beyond halfway & pushing out it to Hurst who touched it forward for Pope to collect. The whole manoeuvre was finished off with a final cross in to Luca Forchione who had managed to push up almost unnoticed & buried the ball into goal. Wendover were not going down without a battle & came back with an equalizer care of Connor Tregarthen just before midway through the half. The remainder of the period was less paced than the former 20 minutes but not without drama. A distinct lack of communication cost Vale with an OG putting the home side ahead again with only minutes to play.
Vale were unable to retrieve the point & are set to meet Wendover again at home next week in the final game of the season for both teams.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Referees Charity Cup Final
An evening of quality football with nail-biting tension. Played with absolute determination & passion right up until the final whistle...
Under 15’s Referees Cup Final
Aylesbury Vale 3 – Long Crendon Youth 5
Marlow FC hosted the final of the Referees Cup last night (Tuesday).
Vale, playing towards the setting sun started well finding space & making a break. Chris Hawes slotting the ball towards the top left corner that was palmed away by keeper Matt Ricketts. But Crendons reply was strong & controlled, stretching the play across the pitch. An awarded corner to Long Crendon provided a powerful shot at goal. Vale keeper Gary Bidgway managed to block the attempt & the ball was put out to & picked up by the Crendon midfield, Ryan Scott dodging through the Vale mid & defence to plant the ball in goal. The Crendon assault continued for several minutes with neat short passes & advances keeping the Vale defence working at maximum. At 23 minutes Long Crendon overcame the defence once more with Joe Russell adding his name to the score sheet. The “never say die” Vale attitude was in full flow & Luca Forchione reduced the deficit after a string of short passes only 2 minutes later. Vale took a break along the left wing; a battle for possession & a series of challenges saw Forchione emerge with a lob from 25yds out that fell into the top right corner & brought the scores all square into the break.
Long Crendon started quickly again; an awarded free kick passed over the heads of the forwards & fell to the left of the Vale goal. Ryan Scott found the space to turn the ball back into the net putting them a goal clear again. A battle for possession kept the game moving at a pace & a switch from left to right gave Scott another blast at target but he swung the ball out left of the post. Midway through the half Vale got another break through the middle of the field; pushing the ball left to Nathan Scarfe who having stretched the defence out switched the ball out to Pat Hurst as he came in from the right wing. Hurst tipped the ball forward & Hawes coming through the centre finished off cleanly. Crendon responded with a break to the centre-left, the strike was palmed away by Bidgway. Another push in the Vale half moved inside the 18yd box & an unfortunate error forced an OG. A few minutes to recompose & Vale were set to put the scores back level again. Forchione starting from the centre put the ball left once again for Scarfe; he took the ball forward & swung it towards the far post where Hawes was heading at speed. Hawes connected cleanly & with ferocity but the ball struck the left post & although Scarfe managed to retrieve, the defence strengthened to their prior error & the threat passed. As the game moved into stoppage time a push through into the Vale end gave the defence its final shaking. A blocked shot that left Bidgway at ground level, a loose ball for Scott to slot away putting Crendon out of reach. The dying seconds of the game gave a final glimmer the Vale boys’ attitude & commitment. A free kick awarded to them was received by Tom Grantham who sadly hooked the ball just left of the post.
Well done Vale. You put in a truly magnificent perfomance & there should be no shame from the result.
The league title is still firmly in your sights & a Cup title awaits you next season I'm sure.
Under 15’s Referees Cup Final
Aylesbury Vale 3 – Long Crendon Youth 5
Marlow FC hosted the final of the Referees Cup last night (Tuesday).
Vale, playing towards the setting sun started well finding space & making a break. Chris Hawes slotting the ball towards the top left corner that was palmed away by keeper Matt Ricketts. But Crendons reply was strong & controlled, stretching the play across the pitch. An awarded corner to Long Crendon provided a powerful shot at goal. Vale keeper Gary Bidgway managed to block the attempt & the ball was put out to & picked up by the Crendon midfield, Ryan Scott dodging through the Vale mid & defence to plant the ball in goal. The Crendon assault continued for several minutes with neat short passes & advances keeping the Vale defence working at maximum. At 23 minutes Long Crendon overcame the defence once more with Joe Russell adding his name to the score sheet. The “never say die” Vale attitude was in full flow & Luca Forchione reduced the deficit after a string of short passes only 2 minutes later. Vale took a break along the left wing; a battle for possession & a series of challenges saw Forchione emerge with a lob from 25yds out that fell into the top right corner & brought the scores all square into the break.
Long Crendon started quickly again; an awarded free kick passed over the heads of the forwards & fell to the left of the Vale goal. Ryan Scott found the space to turn the ball back into the net putting them a goal clear again. A battle for possession kept the game moving at a pace & a switch from left to right gave Scott another blast at target but he swung the ball out left of the post. Midway through the half Vale got another break through the middle of the field; pushing the ball left to Nathan Scarfe who having stretched the defence out switched the ball out to Pat Hurst as he came in from the right wing. Hurst tipped the ball forward & Hawes coming through the centre finished off cleanly. Crendon responded with a break to the centre-left, the strike was palmed away by Bidgway. Another push in the Vale half moved inside the 18yd box & an unfortunate error forced an OG. A few minutes to recompose & Vale were set to put the scores back level again. Forchione starting from the centre put the ball left once again for Scarfe; he took the ball forward & swung it towards the far post where Hawes was heading at speed. Hawes connected cleanly & with ferocity but the ball struck the left post & although Scarfe managed to retrieve, the defence strengthened to their prior error & the threat passed. As the game moved into stoppage time a push through into the Vale end gave the defence its final shaking. A blocked shot that left Bidgway at ground level, a loose ball for Scott to slot away putting Crendon out of reach. The dying seconds of the game gave a final glimmer the Vale boys’ attitude & commitment. A free kick awarded to them was received by Tom Grantham who sadly hooked the ball just left of the post.
Well done Vale. You put in a truly magnificent perfomance & there should be no shame from the result.
The league title is still firmly in your sights & a Cup title awaits you next season I'm sure.
Referees Cup Photo Gallery
Pictures taken from yesterdays Referees Charity Cup Final
Aylesbury Vale Youth v Long Crendon Youth FC
The young men of Aylesbury Vale Under 15's Suited & Booted
The Squad Kitted up & ready for battle
The starting line up - Aylesbury Vale Youth
& Long Crendon Youth FC
Collecting their medals after a fantastic performance
And Finally....
Well done to the Final winners Long Crendon Youth FC
Aylesbury Vale Youth v Long Crendon Youth FC
The young men of Aylesbury Vale Under 15's Suited & Booted
The Squad Kitted up & ready for battle
The starting line up - Aylesbury Vale Youth
& Long Crendon Youth FC
Collecting their medals after a fantastic performance
And Finally....
Well done to the Final winners Long Crendon Youth FC
Monday, May 5, 2008
And the award goes to....
Saturday night was the presentation evening for Aylesbury Vale FC 1st team, reserves & under 18's. Many faces turned out, suited & booted. I also scrubbed up & dressed in finest black with yellow piping & reflective chevrons, managed to catch the "Mentioned in Dispatches" section before the main event unfolded & I had to resume my day(?) job. However as the title suggested, for those that read right through this post there may just be a little reward.....
Under 16’s – Division 1
Aylesbury Vale 0 – Loudwater 0
Aylesbury Vale under 16’s came away from their penultimate game with a point yesterday (Sunday) against mid-table side Loudwater.
Loudwater were strong from the start & set themselves up deep in the Vale half with a succession of attacks but the Vale men battled to keep themselves from danger. A Loudwater awarded corner was sent into the box but having been out of reach of its target player was headed out to safety. The middle of the period was Vales first real sight at the visitors goal; a cross from right wing to centre-left gave captain Jason Street the opportunity to turn the ball back in, but an incoming defender gave little time to set himself up & the ball was lifted over the crossbar. Loudwaters Jordan Gumbs had an equally fine opportunity at the other end of the pitch 5 minutes later as he went for the ball in the air heading it cleanly as he closed on the 6yd box; Vales’ keeper Nathan Davis plucked the inbound ball & Vale countered with a break along the left wing. Street supplied a cross, which was unfortunately just beyond teammates Aaron Grant & Mo Waqar.
Confusion between defender & keeper almost cost Loudwater just before halftime; a Vale forward pass, which fell just beyond the forwards, was knocked back by a defender towards keeper, Ben Elliott, but it rolled through his hands & he had to scramble back to cover it as Mo Waqar continued his charge.
Vale were more switched on for the second half. A throw deep in the Loudwater half (right wing) received by Grant who turned on his heels and rounded two defenders but a right footed attempt at goal skimmed past the goal & out of play. Gumbs was back in the thick of things, 70 minutes played, when he blasted a shot on goal; Davis managed to block the shot which was put back at goal a second time to be blocked by the defence. As Davis was returning to his goal line Josh Otudeko joined the frenetic activity but his attempt went wide of target. Loudwater continued to make chances but were unable to hit the target. The closest anyone came to breaking the deadlock was minutes before the final whistle when Vale having been awarded a corner swung the ball over the area & a flick header rattled the far post.
As promised.....
Award for Best Dressed Linesman
Steve MacDonald
(also the Under 16's manager & club Chairman)
I believe the phrase went "Get that thing out of here!!"
Either that or
"I'm a little teapot, short & stout!"
Under 16’s – Division 1
Aylesbury Vale 0 – Loudwater 0
Aylesbury Vale under 16’s came away from their penultimate game with a point yesterday (Sunday) against mid-table side Loudwater.
Loudwater were strong from the start & set themselves up deep in the Vale half with a succession of attacks but the Vale men battled to keep themselves from danger. A Loudwater awarded corner was sent into the box but having been out of reach of its target player was headed out to safety. The middle of the period was Vales first real sight at the visitors goal; a cross from right wing to centre-left gave captain Jason Street the opportunity to turn the ball back in, but an incoming defender gave little time to set himself up & the ball was lifted over the crossbar. Loudwaters Jordan Gumbs had an equally fine opportunity at the other end of the pitch 5 minutes later as he went for the ball in the air heading it cleanly as he closed on the 6yd box; Vales’ keeper Nathan Davis plucked the inbound ball & Vale countered with a break along the left wing. Street supplied a cross, which was unfortunately just beyond teammates Aaron Grant & Mo Waqar.
Confusion between defender & keeper almost cost Loudwater just before halftime; a Vale forward pass, which fell just beyond the forwards, was knocked back by a defender towards keeper, Ben Elliott, but it rolled through his hands & he had to scramble back to cover it as Mo Waqar continued his charge.
Vale were more switched on for the second half. A throw deep in the Loudwater half (right wing) received by Grant who turned on his heels and rounded two defenders but a right footed attempt at goal skimmed past the goal & out of play. Gumbs was back in the thick of things, 70 minutes played, when he blasted a shot on goal; Davis managed to block the shot which was put back at goal a second time to be blocked by the defence. As Davis was returning to his goal line Josh Otudeko joined the frenetic activity but his attempt went wide of target. Loudwater continued to make chances but were unable to hit the target. The closest anyone came to breaking the deadlock was minutes before the final whistle when Vale having been awarded a corner swung the ball over the area & a flick header rattled the far post.
As promised.....
Award for Best Dressed Linesman
Steve MacDonald
(also the Under 16's manager & club Chairman)
I believe the phrase went "Get that thing out of here!!"
Either that or
"I'm a little teapot, short & stout!"
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