Marlow Royals.... an opposition that always makes for a good football match. They were also promoted this season & deservedly so....
Under 16’s – Division 2
Hale Leys Youth 1 – Marlow Royals 1
Hale Leys Youth were held to a draw at home yesterday, (Sunday), against former Division 3 rivals, Marlow Royals. In another afternoon kick off, the start belonged to the visitors. Making play on goal in the first minute; forwards Dean Bonwick & Ben Lutterman were keen to open the scoring. The strike was lofted over the crossbar & Leys had a reprieve. The Royals continued to apply pressure on the home midfield & defence for the next 5 minutes.
Then Hale Leys got a their first real chance, Luca Forchione just inside Marlow’s 18yd box was closed in, touching the ball out right to Pat Hurst who despatched it at goal. Sadly, like the previous Marlow attempt, it was high.
The visitors were awarded a free kick from midway inside the Leys half. The delivery was accurate & found a strikers head. The touch in at goal was palmed away by keeper Gary Bidgway. A second Royals free kick was awarded in the 10th minute, this time just inside their own half on the left wing. Delivered by Ben North, the incoming ball cleared the wall & glanced the head of defence James Marsh & ricocheted over the reach of Bidgway to put the visitors ahead.
A few minutes spent settling themselves & Leys were starting to switch on. Chris Hawes taking a free kick from a good position that left Royals keeper Ollie Atkins only able to block but not pickup the ball. Without sufficient backup in the box Leys weren’t able to capitalise on the loose ball.
Just over midway through the period & two Hale Leys corners in quick succession gave the home side their opportunity. Pat Hurst delivering & with Atkins out-stretched the ball passed between his hands & Forchione positioned almost right behind him turned it into the net.
The Leys morale lifted they toughened up in all areas & started to tip the balance of play back in their favour. Bidgway giving a long goal kick that Forchione took up the pitch, the blast-strike at goal was gallantly blocked & sent away by Atkins.
The second half & Marlow managed to battle their way up to the edge of the area, James Marsh standing his ground against the striker put sufficient pressure on to force a poor cross that Bidgway had no trouble in collecting.
Hale Leys Simon Dunn also managed to get a break & finding space poked a cheeky shot at goal but the score remained unchanged.
The rest of the game descended into a stalemate, with both sides having played hard for the previous 55 minutes; no one was able to break the deadlock. The final score reflected a fair representation of the game.
So unlike previous encounters neither side managed to steal a last minute winner, so over the meetings we've had thats all three results covered; a loss, a win & now a draw!!
As a final note
On Saturday afternoon I managed to get to Aylesbury Vale FC to watch the recent leg of the FA Cup preliminary rounds. Drawn against Gosport Borough, Vale were to be the underdogs; but with 'dogged' determination held the visitors to a draw. Good Luck for the squad, who are travelling to Hampshire tonight for the replay.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
The boys are back in town...
In what was threatening to be a strong match, the HL boys pulled off another thrilling victory. An afternoon kick-off on a warm & sunny afternoon made a pleasant change from some previous games (Berkhamsted 28th April!!) Plenty of goal scoring opportunities for the boys but sadly, as the scoreline reflected, they didn't all come to fruition...
Under 16’s – Division 2
Hale Leys Youth 2 – Chalfont Saints 0
Hale Leys Youth put in a solid performance yesterday afternoon (Sunday) against Chalfont Saints, with the whole squad focused on what was set to be a gritty game.
Leys pushed hard from the start. A lob over Saints midfield fell to the feet of Luca Forchione; unable to get a clean shot off, a cross to the head of Nathan Scarfe was tapped inches past the post. Saints managed to get themselves forward through the efforts of James Whitfield & although they filled the Leys area, were unable to gain any advantage from an awarded throw & subsequent corner kick.
A second Leys attack was inches from target & Saints reply was equally unlucky; having made a run along the right wing edging past the defence, keeper Gary Bidgway came forward to close on the attack. The through ball eluded Bidgway & rolled up to the post & gently rebounded back to safety.
With only 15 minutes having been played, a penalty awarded to Leys for an attack on Forchione was sent skywards & the deadlock remained. The home side continued to make chances & a switch of play delivered forward by Pat Hurst gave Nathan Scarfe the deadlock-breaking goal; slotted just inside the left post in the 22nd minute.
The visitors strengthened themselves making for a stalemate for the remainder of the half except for a last Forchione strike. Saints keeper, Gregor Wallace, blocked the first strike; Forchione struck the rebound & the ball was cleared off the line by a defender.
Refreshed by the break, the Hale Leys squad were on a mission. Forchione, having made a run down the right, pushed the ball just wide of target. 55 minutes played & Leys went one more ahead. Pat Hurst delivering a superbly placed corner & Chris Hawes capitalizing from a late run into the area.
Saints keeper wasn’t given much breathing space just over midway through the half either. Scarfe raised the ball over the midfield to captain Michael O’Neill who blasted a shot at goal. Wallace blocked the first & rebound attacks & managed to stretch on top of the loose ball before O’Neill got another chance on it.
The visitors were battling to get back into the game. Awarded a corner which they took short & then delivered into the heavily filled Leys 18yd box, Joe Keigh getting a shot in which Bidgway palmed away.
Well into the second half & a lofted ball that Hurst picked up & having out-paced the Saints left-back brought him one-on-one with Wallace. The keeper stood his ground & Hurst could only manage to send it wide of the post.
With only the dying minutes of play left a Saints free kick was delivered cleanly over the defending wall but was collected by Bidgway & immediately despatched forward for Leys. Kasim Zargar sent the ball across the defence; only the swift action of Leys Jeanmal Prosper kept it in play just left of goal. Pushing it out to Jordan Murphy to give himself space to receive it back, Prosper despatched the ball towards the target but sailed it across the goalmouth.
Under 16’s – Division 2
Hale Leys Youth 2 – Chalfont Saints 0
Hale Leys Youth put in a solid performance yesterday afternoon (Sunday) against Chalfont Saints, with the whole squad focused on what was set to be a gritty game.
Leys pushed hard from the start. A lob over Saints midfield fell to the feet of Luca Forchione; unable to get a clean shot off, a cross to the head of Nathan Scarfe was tapped inches past the post. Saints managed to get themselves forward through the efforts of James Whitfield & although they filled the Leys area, were unable to gain any advantage from an awarded throw & subsequent corner kick.
A second Leys attack was inches from target & Saints reply was equally unlucky; having made a run along the right wing edging past the defence, keeper Gary Bidgway came forward to close on the attack. The through ball eluded Bidgway & rolled up to the post & gently rebounded back to safety.
With only 15 minutes having been played, a penalty awarded to Leys for an attack on Forchione was sent skywards & the deadlock remained. The home side continued to make chances & a switch of play delivered forward by Pat Hurst gave Nathan Scarfe the deadlock-breaking goal; slotted just inside the left post in the 22nd minute.
The visitors strengthened themselves making for a stalemate for the remainder of the half except for a last Forchione strike. Saints keeper, Gregor Wallace, blocked the first strike; Forchione struck the rebound & the ball was cleared off the line by a defender.
Refreshed by the break, the Hale Leys squad were on a mission. Forchione, having made a run down the right, pushed the ball just wide of target. 55 minutes played & Leys went one more ahead. Pat Hurst delivering a superbly placed corner & Chris Hawes capitalizing from a late run into the area.
Saints keeper wasn’t given much breathing space just over midway through the half either. Scarfe raised the ball over the midfield to captain Michael O’Neill who blasted a shot at goal. Wallace blocked the first & rebound attacks & managed to stretch on top of the loose ball before O’Neill got another chance on it.
The visitors were battling to get back into the game. Awarded a corner which they took short & then delivered into the heavily filled Leys 18yd box, Joe Keigh getting a shot in which Bidgway palmed away.
Well into the second half & a lofted ball that Hurst picked up & having out-paced the Saints left-back brought him one-on-one with Wallace. The keeper stood his ground & Hurst could only manage to send it wide of the post.
With only the dying minutes of play left a Saints free kick was delivered cleanly over the defending wall but was collected by Bidgway & immediately despatched forward for Leys. Kasim Zargar sent the ball across the defence; only the swift action of Leys Jeanmal Prosper kept it in play just left of goal. Pushing it out to Jordan Murphy to give himself space to receive it back, Prosper despatched the ball towards the target but sailed it across the goalmouth.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Back in the high life again...
Oh yes... its back to the rituals of the weekends. Lots to catch up on from the summer break.
Firstly a bit of closure on a subjest from way back. Cast your mind back to January & the clash between AVFC U16's & Aylesbury Town (posted 8th Jan). Dean Broomhead, who suffered an horrific injury in the match, is now back on the pitch & played approx 55 minutes for Aylesbury Town last weekend.
I also had a free opportunity to catch up with the Aylesbury Vale 1st team game on Saturday. An FA Cup qualifying round against Downton, which the home team took 2-0 (Full match details via the AVFC link). Draw for the next round is to be announced later today.
Being back at the club also gave me an opportunity to catch up with friendly faces from the last two seasons & Im encouraged to hear (& see) that the club, in its entirity is turning itself upward. Its good to see all involved so positive for the clubs future & the formerly retired Chairman, Steve McDonald, back doing his stuff! (I knew it wouldn't last long!!).
And finally..... Well only chronologically (Sunday coming at the end of the weekend & all that)
Sunday was the opening game of the season for Hale Leys Youth FC in the 2nd Division. Without doubt a battle... but as these boys have proved time & again... If it ain't a battle it probably ain't worth doing!!
Under 16’s – Division 2
Prestwood Colts 3 - Hale Leys Youth 4
The visitors went to work from the opening minutes & when a free kick was awarded to Leys within the first 5 minutes, Chris Hawes was inches from leading the scoresheet, the well-placed ball striking the right corner of the crossbar. The Colts managed to get a break a few minutes later when Gareth Chendlik, playing up front, received a lob that he then turned in at goal. Keeper Gary Bidgway, having moved forward to try & intercept was helpless except to watch the ball clear his reach before a final bounce saw it into the net (6th minute).
Hale Leys kept pushing at the Colts goal area & keeper Richard Smith had plenty of work to keep him busy. A corner delivery into the swarming 6yd box from Leys Kasim Zargar required lightning reactions from Smith. Chris Hawes also had another long strike that Smith managed to block & hurriedly pick up.
Hale leys made a lot of the play through the half but Prestwood were exceedingly dangerous on a sudden break, utilising the pace & timing of Chendlik & Luke Warner.
A few changes to the Hale Leys squad at halftime completely changed the dynamics of the visitors. 9 Minutes played and another set piece corner for Leys; this time delivered by Pat Hurst that found the head of Michael O’neill (capt). The levelled scores didn’t stay that way for long, Charlie Hudson punishing Bidgway for his poor goal kick.
Undeterred, the visitors maintained their focus. In an incident in the 55th minute that brought Luca Forchione down in the area, a penalty was awarded & Forchione sunk the ball away without hesitation. He was back again in the 58th minute when he received a forward pass but quickly had his options cut; passing the ball out left then receiving it back almost immediately he turned it in on goal taking the visitors ahead for the first time in the game.
A Prestwood corner in the 70th minute became a Prestwood penalty* that Chendlik placed beyond Bidgway to bring the scores level once more.
In a final push of determination for the visitors, Simon Dunn managed to battle through from the halfway line. Having got himself on the edge of the 18yd area he slotted the ball through the defence & left Smith too little time to get sight of it.
*Bemusement around the sidelines over this decision as none of the spectators could say what had occured to give rise to the decision; but as this wasn't the first or even the last 'unusual' decision made through the match, who are we to comment...??
Firstly a bit of closure on a subjest from way back. Cast your mind back to January & the clash between AVFC U16's & Aylesbury Town (posted 8th Jan). Dean Broomhead, who suffered an horrific injury in the match, is now back on the pitch & played approx 55 minutes for Aylesbury Town last weekend.
I also had a free opportunity to catch up with the Aylesbury Vale 1st team game on Saturday. An FA Cup qualifying round against Downton, which the home team took 2-0 (Full match details via the AVFC link). Draw for the next round is to be announced later today.
Being back at the club also gave me an opportunity to catch up with friendly faces from the last two seasons & Im encouraged to hear (& see) that the club, in its entirity is turning itself upward. Its good to see all involved so positive for the clubs future & the formerly retired Chairman, Steve McDonald, back doing his stuff! (I knew it wouldn't last long!!).
And finally..... Well only chronologically (Sunday coming at the end of the weekend & all that)
Sunday was the opening game of the season for Hale Leys Youth FC in the 2nd Division. Without doubt a battle... but as these boys have proved time & again... If it ain't a battle it probably ain't worth doing!!
Under 16’s – Division 2
Prestwood Colts 3 - Hale Leys Youth 4
The visitors went to work from the opening minutes & when a free kick was awarded to Leys within the first 5 minutes, Chris Hawes was inches from leading the scoresheet, the well-placed ball striking the right corner of the crossbar. The Colts managed to get a break a few minutes later when Gareth Chendlik, playing up front, received a lob that he then turned in at goal. Keeper Gary Bidgway, having moved forward to try & intercept was helpless except to watch the ball clear his reach before a final bounce saw it into the net (6th minute).
Hale Leys kept pushing at the Colts goal area & keeper Richard Smith had plenty of work to keep him busy. A corner delivery into the swarming 6yd box from Leys Kasim Zargar required lightning reactions from Smith. Chris Hawes also had another long strike that Smith managed to block & hurriedly pick up.
Hale leys made a lot of the play through the half but Prestwood were exceedingly dangerous on a sudden break, utilising the pace & timing of Chendlik & Luke Warner.
A few changes to the Hale Leys squad at halftime completely changed the dynamics of the visitors. 9 Minutes played and another set piece corner for Leys; this time delivered by Pat Hurst that found the head of Michael O’neill (capt). The levelled scores didn’t stay that way for long, Charlie Hudson punishing Bidgway for his poor goal kick.
Undeterred, the visitors maintained their focus. In an incident in the 55th minute that brought Luca Forchione down in the area, a penalty was awarded & Forchione sunk the ball away without hesitation. He was back again in the 58th minute when he received a forward pass but quickly had his options cut; passing the ball out left then receiving it back almost immediately he turned it in on goal taking the visitors ahead for the first time in the game.
A Prestwood corner in the 70th minute became a Prestwood penalty* that Chendlik placed beyond Bidgway to bring the scores level once more.
In a final push of determination for the visitors, Simon Dunn managed to battle through from the halfway line. Having got himself on the edge of the 18yd area he slotted the ball through the defence & left Smith too little time to get sight of it.
*Bemusement around the sidelines over this decision as none of the spectators could say what had occured to give rise to the decision; but as this wasn't the first or even the last 'unusual' decision made through the match, who are we to comment...??
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
'ere we go, 'ere we go, 'ere we go....
So we're back on the trail again, another year older & another division up. A few new signings this season & sadly the loss of one or two lads that helped achieve that status the team holds to-date(under Aylesbury Vale U15's banner).
Joining the squad (in no particular order) are; Simon Dunn, Kasim Zargar, Jeanmal Prosper & Jordan Wells.
We say farewell to Craig Stillwell, who played up a year group last season to great effect but who is going to pursue his football career elsewhere this season. Segun Fawole is also pursuing interests away from the squad this season. We wish both of them all the best with their futures, they were an asset to the bench & will be missed by those of us that paced the sidelines last season.
Also released from the squad are; Aidan Knight, Alex Drury & Dom Pickles.
But before I go there is the little matter of a pre-season friendly to mention.
Custard creams - Check
Large Latte - Check
Phones on 'silent' - .......enjoy.
Under 16’s – Friendly
Hale Leys Youth 3 – Aylesbury Town 1
The newly established Hale Leys Youth, (previously Aylesbury Vale Youth) gave a sparkling performance in a friendly against last season Div 2 winners Aylesbury Town.
The home team looked in great shape from the start, stepping up a level on last season’s game play, setting the tempo & keeping control. Leys kept play well into Towns’ half through the early stages & it wasn’t until midway through the half that Towns’ George ‘Nobby’ Hatt managed to get a run on the home side; receiving a pass just outside the 18yd box which he despatched towards goal. Hale Leys keeper, Gary Bidgway, came out for the save & cleared back for the start of a break for Leys.
Town now had to defend hard as the surge by Hale Leys gave plenty of options. A keeping error from Liam Twyman and Nathan Scarfe slotted the ball in. Debuting for Hale Leys, Simon Dunn took a chance shot that nearly put the home side two goals clear into the break; his strike from midway into Towns’ half had Twyman stretching to tip the ball out for a corner from the bottom left of goal.
The start of the second half and Hale Leys made some squad changes. The scene wasn’t quite that of the first period with Leys not gelling as they had; a costly error in their defence brought the scores level when Tom Grantham struck an own goal 10 minutes into the half. However it was their only real error of the match & the shape returned to the game.
In the 22nd minute Dunn was on the advance again; & netted two more for Hale Leys within 5 minutes, getting a run on Towns’ quick defender, Gage Boyle. With the final whistle poised to blow; Towns’ Twyman had to react quickly after a misplaced goal kick passed straight to Jordan Murphy who in turn despatched it straight back at goal. The subsequent block by Twyman brought the match to a close.
Joining the squad (in no particular order) are; Simon Dunn, Kasim Zargar, Jeanmal Prosper & Jordan Wells.
We say farewell to Craig Stillwell, who played up a year group last season to great effect but who is going to pursue his football career elsewhere this season. Segun Fawole is also pursuing interests away from the squad this season. We wish both of them all the best with their futures, they were an asset to the bench & will be missed by those of us that paced the sidelines last season.
Also released from the squad are; Aidan Knight, Alex Drury & Dom Pickles.
But before I go there is the little matter of a pre-season friendly to mention.
Custard creams - Check
Large Latte - Check
Phones on 'silent' - .......enjoy.
Under 16’s – Friendly
Hale Leys Youth 3 – Aylesbury Town 1
The newly established Hale Leys Youth, (previously Aylesbury Vale Youth) gave a sparkling performance in a friendly against last season Div 2 winners Aylesbury Town.
The home team looked in great shape from the start, stepping up a level on last season’s game play, setting the tempo & keeping control. Leys kept play well into Towns’ half through the early stages & it wasn’t until midway through the half that Towns’ George ‘Nobby’ Hatt managed to get a run on the home side; receiving a pass just outside the 18yd box which he despatched towards goal. Hale Leys keeper, Gary Bidgway, came out for the save & cleared back for the start of a break for Leys.
Town now had to defend hard as the surge by Hale Leys gave plenty of options. A keeping error from Liam Twyman and Nathan Scarfe slotted the ball in. Debuting for Hale Leys, Simon Dunn took a chance shot that nearly put the home side two goals clear into the break; his strike from midway into Towns’ half had Twyman stretching to tip the ball out for a corner from the bottom left of goal.
The start of the second half and Hale Leys made some squad changes. The scene wasn’t quite that of the first period with Leys not gelling as they had; a costly error in their defence brought the scores level when Tom Grantham struck an own goal 10 minutes into the half. However it was their only real error of the match & the shape returned to the game.
In the 22nd minute Dunn was on the advance again; & netted two more for Hale Leys within 5 minutes, getting a run on Towns’ quick defender, Gage Boyle. With the final whistle poised to blow; Towns’ Twyman had to react quickly after a misplaced goal kick passed straight to Jordan Murphy who in turn despatched it straight back at goal. The subsequent block by Twyman brought the match to a close.
The season-proper starts next week with an away meeting to Prestwood Colts.
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