Match Reports Beighton Falcons.

The Season so far:

Fixtures 2007 - 2008 Season Table is available at the Junior League Website

Sunday	Under 14	Score	MOM	Team Rating
02/09/2007	Heeley Boys	P-P
09/09/2007	Oughtibridge Juniors	5-1 w	Michael Spence	6/10
16/09/2007	Brunsmeer (Trophy)	3-1 w	Richard Minahan	8/10
23/09/2007	Herringthorpe Millers	0-4 L	Lewis Jones	5/10
30/09/2007	Maltby Juniors	0-0 D	Adam Froud	7/10
07/10/2007	Whiston Wildcats	1-3 L	Adam Harrington	8/10
14/10/2007	Charnock Ridgeway	1-0 w	Zack cawthorne	8/10
21/10/2007	cup Parramore Sports	5-0 w	Michael Spence	7/10
28/10/2007	Junior Tykes	4-1 w	Alex Clarke	7/10
04/11/2007	Nether Green	0-2 L	Richard Minahan	5/10
11/11/2007	Porter FC	0-1 L	Richard Minahan	3/10
18/11/2007	Bramley Sunnyside cup	0-2 L	Tom Bradley	7/10 2nd half
25/11/2007	Middlewood Rovers	3-0 w	Adam Froud	7/10
02/12/2007	Heeley Boys	1-2 L	Michael Spence	6/10
09/12/2007	Oughtibridge Juniors	0-3 L	Zack Cawthorne	7/10
16/12/2007
23/12/2007	Herringthorpe Millers
30/12/2007	Maltby Juniors
06/01/2008	Whiston Wildcats
13/01/2008	Charnock Ridgeway
20/01/2008	Junior Tykes
27/01/2008	Nether Green
03/02/2008	Porter FC
10/02/2008	Middlewood Rovers
17/02/2008
24/02/2008
	Bold = Home Falcons Score always given first

The table below includes freindlies

Player	CS	GA	GS	MOM
Richard	1	1		3
Clarkey	1			2
Josh	1	1	1
Tom	1	1	2	1
Raddish		1
Adam			2	1
Razz	1	1	4	1
Zack		4	2	3
Jonah		12	8	1
Spike		4	6	3
Monti		4	3	1
Sam
Froudy		2	1	2
Danny			2

CS = Clean Sheets GA = Goal Assist GS = Goals Scored MOM = Man of Match

League Outibridge Home Lost 3-0

1. Zack Cawthorne
2. Adam Froud
3. Alex Montisci
4. Tom Bradley
5. Michael Spence

I love football thats why I do so much to do with junior football and also at other levels, and  today the team was to play against Outibridge a team who in recent weeks, showed they had new players and were going to be a hard team to beat. The first time we played them it was a comfortable win, but today as the result says we lost.  Does this run of results now make Falcons look not so good, well not in this case. Its true we did not dominate like we had the week before, we were not robbed like the week before or so many times this season. I couldn't say anything to the lads after this game apart from not one of the lads let me or the fans down.  Sometimes you can be unlucky on the pitch, todays first goal saw this, we had 3 chances to clear the ball, when it was cleanly hit, to rebound of someones shins directly in front of there main threat, and bingo goal number 1. This goal wasn't against the run of play, in fact Outibridge looked good, and played some beautiful build up play, but we seem to get to them before the final shot. Where in reverse Falcons would get in behind the defence to miss and put the ball wide, or directly at the keeper. A good scoreline at half time would have been 2-1 to falcons. This does make you wonder, can you be unlucky when you play teams? By this I mean Outibridge have got a couple of good new players, a striker who is big and strong and can certainly finish, and another good player. The style of football they played truthfully was good, and apart from Herringthorpe at home I would say it was the best I had seen. When Herringthorpe beat the Falcons, they were on there way to 2nd place in the league, and Falcons played them, when we played Outibridge yesterday it was after they had beaten the top teams and are clearly on their way up the league. So can you be unlucky when you play a team, are we playing teams when they are clearly on their way up. Yesterdays game, truthfully first half I thought we edged, both teams played some great football, the lads tried the right moves but like a team that is a bit low in confidence it doesn't always happen. Then up front which is where the problems clearly are, or clearly were, now we have a new signing this may just change at our next game.
the second half was just as good as the first, both teams going toe for toe, Outibridge broke with speed and venom, with a midfielder who was a pleasure to watch as he closed down as much as possible. Falcons managed to get down the sides but with no luck, the goals came and it was to Outibridge, at this moment it was with the flow of play. The third and final goal wasn't it came at a time when falcons looked like they could get back into the game, with froudy down the left, getting behind the defence. With the balls through the middle, but it wasn't to be and Outibridge got there 3rd goal. The lads kept going they kept fighting, Zack impressed with his urgency on throw ins and corners, we were into the last 10 minutes and you have a 1 on 1, with the keeper and its wide, followed by another and another, then the final one on one Monti, broke free and hit the ball superbly and the keeper dived and saved it. The lads played well, I cannot argue with that, and they created chances against a good team, ok had Falcons buried a chance or two the game could have been different, ignoring our striking problem were these two teams the best two teams on the pitch. I am not being delusional, I believe this, I have witnessed this team play great football and completely dominate teams higher up, I have watched the team create more chances and better chances apart from finishing. The defence until yesterday was equal the best in the division, so hopefully in 2 weeks after a small break the lads will come back heads held high and score some goals. Once the goals go in who knows what will happen.

Managers Thoughts:
You speak with the manager of the opposition, before the game, and top bloke, you speak with him after the game and top bloke, he could see how good they were and could see where we were struggling. However during the match, he shouts every decision and argues with everything, and while the ref yesterday was brilliant and certainly managed the game including rules that the opposition did not agree with, you can admire it slightly. As a referee younger refs would crumble, however I also admired his consistency to win the game, I am often described as too nice, and I am. Being a ref I can see it from both points of view. My opposition manager yesterday played the game to win, is his desire more than mine that it spills out onto the pitch. I don't know, I want to win and have an amazing desire, I do believe we lost because we didn't score not to do with the ref decisions. Ricky Hatton lost because he wasn't as good as the other chap, he didn't blame the ref like commentators. Yesterday I saw and learned the managers view, and the ref's view. That side of me won't change I have a foot in each camp, but if I agree or not that desire rubs off on them lads and they won 3-0. As for Falcons, I belive it will come right, football is great the chances we create are good, and it will all happen.
 

League Heeley Boys Away Lost 2-1

1. Michael Spence
2. Tom Bradley
3. Zack Cawthorne
4. Lewis Jones
5. Adam Normington
   

The writing was on the wall, when Ryan hit the crossbar, or was it when Tom hit the post, or Zack the crossbar and post, can't remember which time, but the sneaky feeling of a sneaky goal was going to happen. Its awful when your right, the team today didn't deserve to lose in fact should have been 3 goals to the good first half and another 4 on top the second half would have been fair. However today was going to be a day where the lack of luck we have not had for 18 months was going to take its toll, because there was no luck today either. How can a team create so many good chances lose points the way they are, the chances that falling to Falcons are unbelieveable. However if you don't score you don't win and thats teh basics of football.
I am not going on about the game as I don't want to go on too much. I feel flat today after things I have witnessed and things I have heard.

League Middlewood Rovers Away Won 3-0

1. Adam Froud
2. Tom Bradley
3. Michael Spence
4. Danny Simms
5. Sam

The lads played today really well, for long periods of the game, but todays was about the lads. The fact I have a top 5, which many others could have been in, is the way it should be. It was to create the top 5 that in this game where the lads played football, they kept the ball on the ground and played it about. They worked for each other making sure there was cover when it was needed.  This is how they need to play week in week out, they need to improve in sections, where the passing is crisper and quicker, also the finishing needs to be improved, the second half could have been a goal fest but the finishing didn't allow this.
The first half was a very competitive half, Middlewood rovers broke away from their own box with speed, they picked out the right pass which had Beighton Falcons scrambling back to cover. Middlewood forced several corners and caused many moments of unrest during the first half. Falcons kept pushing for the breakthrough as well, Adam H and Monti were a constant thorn in the side of the rovers defence. They worked hard, trying not to get caught offside when Razz or Jonah threaded the ball through, and when they weren't caught offside the keeper was quick off his line and gathered the ball. Sam got several great balls into the box and the non stop runner, electric legs froud was constantly a threat, but the final shot was missing. The Rovers centre back "Frayer"(I think) had an outstanding game, stopping several chances. For all the attacking Falcons tried, Rovers were always dangerous on the break and they came close on several occassions. The breakthrough came in the form of a penalty, the ball was crossed in from the right when a Rovers player raised their arms in the box stopping the ball from going any further. I refereed the first half, and fortunately the decision was an easy one. Captain Marvel, Tom Bradley stepped up to the spot and saw the ball home. Half time 1-0.

The second half was different as for the first time in a few weeks Falcons  dominated and created lots of chances,  there were glimpses the week before, but this week the lads started playing the majority of the game the same way. They were attacking through the middle and down both wings, Jonah tormented the full back, Zack battled like normal in the middle of the park, the shots kept getting closer, with Sam, Danny, Monti all going close, when Froudy got his goal he has been promising for weeks, Razz went close, he says it was a cross, but who knows. Danny then chipped in with a great goal, his first of many for Falcons, he lifted the ball over a defenders head before running round and finishing the move off. Danny went close again as did other players. The defence looked good and solid in the second half, and kept Rovers at bay, the final score was 3-0.

Mangers Thoughts: Its great to have a dilemma and finally I got it, everyone who walked on the pitch performed, everyone did their jobs today and kept formation which created more chances than we have for weeks. Each player battled and put it 100%, my aim is to now keep the team fighting the way they did but playing the football they did more and more, so much more it becomes a habit. I have given 7/10 as we need to play this way more consistently and against teams further up the table.

Trophy Bramley Sunnyside Lost 2-0

1. Tom Bradley, Michael Spence
2. Alex Montisci
3. Ryan Hall (2nd Half)
   
4. Lewis Jones (2nd Half)
   
5. Josh Bramall

Please exit stage left, this was the end of the cup run for another year.  "Don't worry we can concentrate on the league now" what a load of rubbish, I wanted to win this and the second half performance showed the lads wanted to do as well. The game was a great game, it was the first time these two sides have ever met and it was well worth the wait. I know Falcons lost, and the first half performance was minus what was done in training, the goal was a well worked goal with the Bramley winger using his great speed to get behind the defence and the goal they deserved. Falcons weren't playing great but they had chances with a Razza corner and Toms Header going inches wide. Other chances saw the resolute Bramley defence covering each other. Bramley had chances to extend their lead  but shots went just wide. Half time was 1-0.
The second half was going to be an interesting one, and it was, both teams played football, Bramley with there overlapping play and getting out wide, and Falcons were starting to get their passing game going, chances would come for both sides without either making the breakthrough. Falcons eventually edged on top, and Monti went close, and Adam H had a great chance to level things, but still 1-0. Falcons now won the ball back quicker, they made the right passes, and got shots at goal both on and off target. As a manager I believed it was a case of when we equalised we would go on and win it. How wrong I was, one of those moments when the pitch would have a say on the outcome and it was 2-0. It was shame that this would be the final score, even after this second goal Bramley could have extended their lead and Falcons could have got back in the game, the Bramley keeper pulling off a great save.

Good Luck to Bramley in the next round.

Managers Thoughts: If the team played the league champions on a Wednesday night at training they would hammer them, on a Sunday its a different story until today. The second half things came together and for the first time in weeks, the lads showed guts determination and played the football we see at training. It can get better providing they keep this momentum going into the next game and then the next. Making it a habit to pass and move and to fight for every ball. If this happens and only "if" this happens the Falcons will start winning games and start climbing the league.


League Porter Home Lost 1-0

1. Richard Minahan
2. Alex Clarke
3. Tom Bradley
4. Josh Bramall
5. Michael Spence (1st half)

Annoying, disappointed and baffled to why this display happened, I have no idea why this game happened the way it did. Porter came and battled and they battled hard, winning headers, winning tackles and fairly. They won the 1st ball and the 2nd and if their was a third ball to win they won that as well. So to say I wasn't happy was an understatement, the game lost its flow, the two sides normally play some great football, but Porter although there usual flair wasn't quite there for all to see, there battling qualities were. Falcons passing game had deserted them, the midfield was missing and the supply to the front didn't exist, the dilemma was quite clear the lads that provide the battle in the middle and the balls through to the front were not there, they were up front as they were the ones that had started to score goals when they got chances. So its back to the drawing board for that combination. The Porter goal was all about not clearing when they had the chance, however Porter deserved this victory. This is why for the 2nd week running Richard was MOM, with several great saves that kept Falcons in the game. The majority of the back line kept them at bay with midfield caught not attacking or defending. The lack of desire to score goals is worrying, with a great defence it is so clear where the team is lacking. 10 minutes into the second half saw some football and some pressure from Falcons, creating a few half chances but nothing great, it lasted over 5 minutes :o(, and then was gone again. It was frustrating but the lads did start to battle and they battled to the end. A change of formation and dropping a couple of lads back made a difference. At the end I saw a glimmer of what could be. Porter were worthy of the 3 points today and Falcons go back to the drawing board ready for a cup match on Sunday.

Managers Thoughts: Clearly not happy, and parents at the end didn't get chance to hear what I said, but it is fair to say what you read above is what was said. I am baffled why it happened and why the football didn't exist, why people were taking 4 touches when they could have delivered in 2 I don't know. Passing to feet had gone, and playing too close together just about sums it up.



League Nether Green Away Lost 2-0

1. Richard Minahan
2. Josh Bramall
3. Tom Bradley
4. Adam Normington
5. Alex Montisci

This was not the normal game between these two teams, normally its an encounter of great football and numerous chances at both ends, today wasn't one of those games, in fact chances were very few and far between.  It was a toe to toe battle, but like in so many encounters the Falcons can not say why but they get no luck at this ground, it was a new pitch but still not luck. The first goal, saw Clarkey hit the ball cleanly to go down field when it rebounds of a player and instead of looping in the air or going out for a throw in, it bounces in front of an opposing player who runs on and creates the goal. The second half sees a mis-kicked shot loop up and head for the top corner, the save was fantastic and it earnt Richard MOM for this save. Then Mr Luck looks the opposite way when Jonah hits a volley destined to equalise, when it hits one post goes across the face of the goal hits the other and goes back safely into the keepers hands, and in true no luck fashion, it was 2-0 a minute later. In truth a draw today would have been good, but at the end of the Day Nether Green took their chances and apart from a few Falcons did not create enough, what they did create wasn't good enough. The game was actually a bit like this report "flat", the sparks were not there, but that is where I learn and hopefully so do the lads.

Managers Thoughts: Today I was about mistakes, firstly the team that went out was more than good enough to win this game, playing the way they can, releasing the ball when the opportunity is there, moving off the ball all things they do week in week out. This was missing today. The bits I learned were regarding formation, the team and the way I want them to play. You can respect a team too much and we did that today, more importantly I did that today. I played a more defensive formation from the off and it didn't suit, that’s why we created less chances than ever before. So my lesson is to make sure form next week we go out and play our game and not care about what others are doing. The other lesson is with the lads, there are too many of them thinking that they belong in other positions, so that’s something that will be addressed before next. There are a couple of other things that need sorting so the team can get back to their winning ways and playing football the way it should be played.

League Junior Tykes Home won 4-1

1. Alex Clarke
2. Ryan Hall
3. Josh Bramall
4. Zack Cawthorne
5. Lewis Jones
   

An interesting game this one, Falcons were playing bottom of the league but they were also facing a potential banana skin. The opening 10 minutes meant Falcons weren't wrong, the sides stood toe to toe and the match went one way and then the other. Chances came from the off for both sides, with Junior Tykes starting to edge control in the middle of the park. A quick formation change and falcons went toe to toe once more. The game was still anyones to control, Tykes tackled and battled and Falcons realised the danger, but couldn't quite cope. Tykes got their goal from some sloppy defending, 4 people could have cleared but none did, it just left Tykes to score and that is precisely what they did. The rain was hammering down on everyone, and now Falcons started to play, they started to get on top, the ball was zipped around, but it wouldn't go in, it was the story of the season so far. Falcons started to camp in Tykes half, but without the breakthrough, Tykes hit Falcons on the break and fortunately survived. A glance at the watch and there was a minute left to half time. Falcons attacked and just beyond half Way, Jonah played a great through ball left, Razz ran through, took control and played it from the left of the box to the far top corner. 1-1 Half Time
The second half was going to be interesting, and it certainly was. Falcons carried on the same as the first half ended, the new formation worked and it allowed the team to get forward and put pressure on the Tykes. This time it was the Tykes turn not to clear, after a few chances to clear Monti buried the ball in the back of the net, to make it 2-1. Tykes showed why I think they will climb the league, as they broke quick and with accuracy the lad on the wing had a real go at our full back. Without the ball getting in the back of the net. Now the Falcons were playing, they played triangles 1 and 2 touch and they were about to play some of their best football. This would last about 15 minutes but could Falcons capitalise on this great football? Zach battled in Midfield and Alex Clarke decided to skin the full back so many times, he ran with the ball skipping passed tackles. The performance was brilliant, and it Allowed Jonah and Razz to make sure the pressure was on the right people, the third goal came from determined play from Razz who won the ball and ran across the edge of the box, he then played it a couple of yards for Jonah to fire home. The 4th and final goal came after some good football one again from Jonah, as the keeper came out he knocked the ball passed him, it was just going wide when Razz came in to claim his 2nd. More chance would fall to Razz and Jonah, to Clarkey and Zack but with no more additions to the score. MOM was Alex Clarke. The team now move forward to play top of the league next week, and history shows the game could go either way.

Trophy Parramore Sports Away won 5-0

Top 5

1. Michael Spence
2. Ryan Hall
3. Zack Cawthorne
4. Jobe Downs
5. Adam Harrington

Its getting harder to choose the top 5, as other players deserve a mention, in fact the whole team deserve a mention. Its been a tough season so far, but in the last few weeks the team have started gelling, the passing and moving is getting better and an atmosphere of enjoyment is really sweeping through the team. The team seems to be getting better, and today was no exception, on another 3/4 ish pitch it was going to be hard, and Parramore stood there ground well, the early exchanges saw shots going straight to keepers. Monti was always lively, with Jonah and Razz always popping up some where.  a few chance came and went, and Parramore showed that they could hit on the break at speed with some great touches, but with in form Spike and Adam h at the back, not too much was going to get passed them. This resulted in long range shooting which Richard was quite happy to deal with. Zack busied him self in midfield winning countless balls, and then the football began flowing, on the ground to feet and the tempo was raised. The ball was kicked by Richard and the ball was allowed to Bounce and Razz popped up ahead of the keeper and he headed the ball home, his first headed goal in football. The second goal was a great ball from Zak, to put through Jonah who didn't allow the second bounce and put it passed the keeper. Half Time was 2-0.
The second half was a change a formation to see what would happen, and in truth a lot happened, more goals, and alot more chances that were missed. Parramore had a really good first half, but we took a risk with our 2 goal lead and it paid off, Tom and Zak, started controlling the midfield and upfront, Razz was full enjoying himself. Obi was really hitting Parramore with pace now, and at the moment it was Falcons, Parramore had a particular player who was outstanding, no14 was full of running, and had a great presence and he was keeping the Falcons at bay, the best he could when Tom had a shot, and the keeper spilled, for Monti to run, skip away with the ball and slot home. This was brilliant, the smiles were on all the players faces and after a few weeks absence it was back on Monti's. Razz decide to miss a sitter to make it 4, he did hit the cross bar, but it was still funny to see. So it was left to Obi to make it 4, Mitch took a great corner which was spot on, when Obi out jumped everyone and headed the ball home. The 5th goal was after a great run by Mitch, he started his run from the half way line, and skipped passed several players, and then another, and as he just got passed a last defender the ball went a yard further, but Razz was there to slot the 5th and final goal home. Final score was 5-0. MOM was Michael Spence

Managers Thoughts: This was a comfortable win against a gutsy team, who nearly got a goal right at the end. The squad I was happy with, they played well and after struggling to score we started finding the net today. BUT and you knew it was coming, teh but is I rated the performance 7/10 as I felt with missed some good chances today, but the other side was the speed of the passing, I felt the tempo was a bit slow and the ball wasn't released as quick as it can be. In parts it was good, and in the last few weeks it is getting better, I just felt today that when we were on top with did slow it down and there was no need to. Anyway back to the league next week, lets hope we can keep playing the football we have done the last few weeks, and start putting those chances away.


Charnock Ridgeway Away won 1-0

Top 5

1. Zack Cawthorne
2. Josh Bramall
3. Ryan Hall
4. Alex Clarke
5. Tom Bradley, Lewis Jones, Adam Harrington
   

Sometimes the lads perform that make a top 5 very difficult, and this was one of those games that made it very difficult. I have chosen an extra two for this but others could have been there, I just felt that these 7 played consistently well throughout the whole 70 minutes. This is not too mention that the 6 other players who were involved were not as good. In fact there were some brilliant passing moments in this game, Adam Froud and Ryan Hall seem to have a special understanding, the front line worked themselves into the ground, with chances falling to Spike, Monti and Razz, but the Keeper was equal. In fact It would be good to see this keeper in a full size net, sadly the pitch was a 3/4 in size and the nets were 3/4. So it made for a compact game which was nail biting, the midfield led by MOM Zack played many great balls through but the length of the pitch meant the quality balls weren't pounced upon as just behind the defence was the goal area. Jonah battled well and tried to create something but again every time something was there to chase onto, he ran out of room. Shots from Adam Froud and Ryan just went wide and you wonder if a full size goal was in place would they have crept in. Charnock eventually started to get some time on the ball, but the defence were solid at the back. Richard in goal also played a great game getting out quick to clear any danger. The first real chance Charnock created may have been a goal in full size nets or hit the crossbar and bounced back in to play. So it showed it was the same for both sides. Falcons played some of there best football to try and get through and small gaps, but they were unlucky each time, Zack even tried a Jonny Wilkinson with a very high ball which was there to be headed, but the keeper cam and cleared again. Half time was 0-0.
The second half would carry on the same, a great battle in the middle of the pitch was basically the edge of each box, each team fighting for the upper hand and each being denied. Obi had come on for the injured Froud and after calming down started to show some great signs of determination and fight for the ball. Chances came and went, and Raddish a second half sub hit a ball low and hard and there was the keeper once again. Then the corner found Adam H head he got power and accuracy on it, sadly the keeper was there once again. Was the break through going to come? Then Charnock broke and it was a good one, The player was through until Captain marvel Tom got back and just as the striker was about to the pull the trigger, Tom managed to get an edge on the ball and away it went. It was a brilliant tackle. More pressure and Jonah had a couple of half chances but he was making a huge nuisance of himself. Another corner and this Jonah got the ball across and Tom was there to send the ball home and 1-0. 4 minutes left to play, were Falcons going to get the 3 points or was there a sting in the tail after another great performance. 2 minutes left and Charnock were all guns blazing and a corner to Charnock, it was heart in your mouths time. The corner wasn't cleared and as Richard scrambled for the ball, Tom was coming to clear it. It was safe in Richards hands. The game was over and it was 3 points. Both these teams are in a false positions in the league and I am sure they will both start edging up the league. However Falcons got what they had deserved in this game and the game the week before. The team was unified and they played with hearts on their sleeve.

Managers Thoughts: Each player deserved the mention they got after the game, all players played out of their skin today and played some amazing football. I was proud of them, but this is one game we need to take each game as it comes. The cup will be a welcome break next week, a chance to build more confidence. There is something lacking in front of goal but we are looking to change that, and get the lads scoring once again like they so freely did pre-season.

 

A special mention needs to go to the referee, too many times people criticise the refs, today was a great performance. This ref was confident spoke to the lads and I thought was great. More on refs Page

Whiston Wildcats Home Lost 3-1

Top 5

1. Adam Harrington
2. Zack Cawthorne
3. Ryan Hall
4. Lewis Jones
5. Alex Montisci
   

What a game, that’s all I can say, and if you look at the team rating we lost and it was the highest it has ever been. This was a unbelievable game, purely because anyone watching wouldn't believe that Falcons lost, it is fair to say Falcons should have been 5 up in the first half maybe more, but the keeper was outstanding and things were not happening. This was a great game the first half after the opening exchanges was all Falcons, with Whiston hitting us on the break. Falcons were playing amazing football from the back forward, passing and moving, contesting the space they were going wide and through the middle. Monti was a terrier upfront putting the defence under lots of pressure. A revitalised Zack in the midfield got the first killer pass through to Monti who buried the ball home. A few more corners and a few more close misses and then a fantastic move by Whiston, down the wing and a beauty of a ball into the middle and it was 1-1. It was a great move. The team were truly playing teh best they had done this season, MOM Adam Harrington wasn't just commanding his area he was distributing the ball brilliantly. Half Time was 1-1.
The second half changed a little bit, it became more even the first 10 minutes it was Whiston they came at Falcons with speed and more accuracy, they got through on several occasions and Falcons were now the ones hitting them on the break. Just towards the end of this 10 minute spell Whiston shot a cracker from 25 / 30 yards and it was 2-1. Falcons then kept going and the chances came and went, but they were in a real game, Whiston also kept going they were now sparring toe for toe with one exception and that was when they got a clear chance the ball ended up in the back of the net. Some more chances came when Whiston broke again down the wing cutting in and 3-1. Disbelief, yep 100% disbelief, how were we losing by two clear goals, yes Whiston had upped there game second half but Falcons had created so much but as the game rules say you don't score you don't win. Even in the closing minutes Falcons pushed, Razz was chasing everything, linking well with Adam Froud, Jonah was still looping balls in and Zack never stopped running. Tom covered the team with Adam H and Josh was always there to help. The final score was 3-1 and it was the best team performance of the season. The best football but not the best finishing. Well done to Whiston you scored and you were a great bunch of parents and lads.

Managers Thoughts: Truthfully I don't know what to say, I had asked for a response and I got it, I got it in a big way I can pick a first 11 from that performance no problem. To all players you need to pick your heads up and be more determined next week to make sure them chances are buried.

Maltby Juniors Away Drew 0-0

Top 5

1. Adam Froud
2. Lewis Jones, Tomas Bradley & Ryan Hall
3. Richard Minahan
4. Monti

This is the first 0-0 at this level and it was on the edge of your seat stuff. This was no means a boring 0-0 draw. The first 10 minutes in truth belonged to Maltby, they completely dominated the opening of this match, and Falcons looked very shaky. Then eventually Falcons started playing, just a few good passes to start with a one or two attack's. This is when the game got interesting, it was a right old ding dong end to end battle. In truth nothing really separated the two teams through out the game. Josh Bramall cleared it off the Falcons line, and then a Maltby defender cleared off his line. This showed what a difference a year makes, last year the ball would have been watched to roll over the line this year Maltby chased back and cleared. Both keepers were great today, and made sure of the clean sheets. The only thing that probably did separate the two teams was that Falcons created more chances, however the finish wasn't there.

Managers Thoughts: Falcons need to pass and move, a bit quicker and get crosses into the box when they have a chance. I rated the team performance higher than Outibridge purely for the battling side of the game, Maltby are a good team and to get a clean sheet was great. I witnessed a team getting part of the way back to the football that was played pre-season but I have also witnessed several players taking a step backward and that worries me. An extra 10% by several players would have been enough to get the three points against Maltby, we certainly had the chances.

Herringthorpe Millers Home Lost 4-0

Top 5

1. Lewis Jones
2. Richard Minahan
3. Tomas Bradley
4. Obi Downs
5. ??????

Not great today, it was a weird game, not sure how to describe what happened but plain and simply the better team won. The lads need to take it as a compliment that Herringthorpe had to play at the best to beat them even on a day the lads were far from good. The first half saw chances go begging at both ends, saves from Richard and chances from Monti, Spike and Zack went begging. Herringthorpe broke at speed in the early exchanges switching play and creating some good openings. They got the breakthrough half way through the first half after hitting falcons on the break. Tomas Bradley cleared this up the threat on several occasions and Jonah broke up a lot of play down his side, he then proceeded to attack and get balls into the middle on several occasions he caused trouble, however today was one of those days that was never going to fall right, the two centre defenders in particular played really well and saw of all the danger.  Half time was 1-0 to Herringthorpe.
The second half is where the balance changed, there was a lack of commitment from many of the players, and some need to look at what they want. (See manager’s thoughts) the game was played in the Falcons half for most of the opening 15 minutes. Falcons were pressed but there was an unorganised feel about the team, for all his running Jonah, was now done, we subbed the MOM and started the re organising. Players were moved positions, some back in the favoured and some in new positions, Adam Harrington came into the game at centre back and looked good, he showed a composure on the ball, Razz teamed well with Mitch, and Tom now in the middle stemmed the flow of the attacks. Obi's battling started creating chances and it was now more even on the field. Sadly it was too late, Herringthorpe had scored 2 good goals reasonably early on, and were about to hit on the break to get there 4th. Jonah had finished his breather and went back on. This was the only time Falcons looked like the winners they could have been. The keeper had to pull of a few saves, and the ball got down the wings. The game finished 4-0 to Herringthorpe,

Managers Thoughts: The lads let themselves down to day, in several areas of the pitch they could have done better. Playing instructions were not followed and the usually fantastic pass and move had disappeared for the majority of the game. Like so many other teams early in the season we are title hopefuls, and based on a couple of our performances this is a reality. BUT, some players need to decide what they want, based on this performance it isn't about fun and playing or even trying to win. Some players gave a no where performance, lets hope Herringthorpe have given the Falcons the kick up the backside they need.

Brunsmeer Away Prelim of the Trophy 3-1 Win

I might as well say "ditto" to the last two competitive games, as this was no different, both teams I feel have improved from last season, I would like to think both have improved a lot. Both teams got drawn against each other sadly as these are a team I would like to meet further down the line. What a battle once again, each time we play its a good fair game of football, each sets of lads respect each other and get on with the game.

Top 5

1. Richard Minahan
2. Lewis Jones
   
3. Tomas Bradley
4. Zack Cawthorne
5. Mitchell Deane, Alex Clarke, Ryan Hall, Josh Bramall, Adam Froud, Adam Normington, Adam Harrington, Michael Spence, Alex Montisci, Jobe Downs.

The game started and the opening minute I thought falcons would be dominant, how wrong I was when Brunsmeer played they really did, a young player sitting in front of the back 4, I thought was outstanding. They  had the majority of play , but it was all in front of the Falcons back 4,  the falcons seemed to have got organised this season, actually listening in training and  on match day.  The dangerous thing is that Falcons  can break quick and that is what they did, adding Razz into the back 4 saw a ball coming out more accurate to other players and a turn of pace which is a amazing. Then add this to a  midfield which battles as if there lives depend  on it, and it makes it very interesting. Tackles went in from both sides hard but fair. Falcons would have possession and then Brunsmeer would attack. Again end to end, the deadlock was broken when Jonah whipped in a great cross for Spike to bury the ball home. Again Brunsmeer attacked but a couple of offsides demonstrated how creative they are as they probed around the edge of the area, the Falcons defence were well organsised, Clarkey teaming up well withe razz, Tom teaming with Josh, and the the pairing of Tom and Razz all the time working to cover each other. All the time talking, what a difference talking makes on a pitch. The game carried on at an amazing pace, once again at one end then the other. The second goal came from another great ball in by Jonah, this time Adam H buried it home and the Falcons were winning 2-0. As a manager you can sometime relax at this score line depending on what you are seeing on the pitch. Not here you know the previous season how you were pegged back on the same pitch, you know they are having good possession. Both teams worked hard up to half time when Beighton Falcons won a corner, Jonah once again found another head this time the returning Zack buried home his first goal of the season and Falcons 3rd. This was just a minute from half time, a good time time to go defencively and make sure it is 3-0 at half time which it was. The second half and little bit of tinkering saw electric legs Adam Froud enter the game. Currently the unluckiest player not to be in the staring 11, his work rate is great and as a manager I am lucky. Could this be the game he pushes one of the 11 out. He didn't disappoint getting down the left at speed and with determination, communicating with team mates he looked dangerous and lively. The game was swinging Brunsmeers way as they battled to pull back a goal that would give them that big lift. The defence stood tall and so did the Keeper, balls were dipping under the bar when he pushed the ball over, he gripped every ball and spoke to his defence. He was outstanding all game, another save and then another, Brunsmeer were certainly stepping it up and now they were getting good shots away. Falcons faced the storm face on and kept them at bay. Until the break through came through, the ball swirled in the wind and then was headed home, nothing anyone could have done it was a good goal.
 The game was really on now, and a few changes followed to keep the lads fresh, now the extra fitness training was about to kick in, several breaks were broken down, but the pressure was stepped up and the game was now stretched, lots of space to move the ball for both teams but Falcons just managed to get a foot back in to controlling more and getting back to restricting shots. A few more chances came for both sides but the team stood up. The game finished 3-1 and Beighton Falcons were on there way in the hat for the 1st round. Well done to both teams for another great game.

Managers Thoughts:
Impressed, I have rated the team 8/10 as there is room for improvement, I do believe they can play better, but today the football at times was amazing, the battling and determination was the big plus point. Every lad deserves the praise they go on and off the pitch. They do need to keep their feet on the ground. The other plus point was how the team talked to each other and praised each other, this needs to become a habit as it like having an extra man on the field. A special mention from me to Richard the keeper, today was the best performance I have witnessed in Junior football as a keeper. However for the whole team we have over 20 games to play yet and this is just the beginning.

First League game Outibridge Away 5-1 WIN

Top 5

1. Michael Spence
2. Alex Montisci
3. Richard Minahan (only needed for 1 save and what a save it was)
4. Tomas Bradley
5. Lewis Jones
   
   

Well here we are at the start of another season, and this morning I could wait, even though my other team U13's girls had already kicked off with a fantastic 5-1 win I couldn't wait for this one. Then yes it happened again another 5-1 win, so England won in the cricket, football and rugby and both my teams won 5-1. You would think I am happy well sadly this isn't the case, my expectations on how I expect my teams to play are high and this wasn't the way. The opening 5 minutes were great, great play and two beautifully threaded balls and two goals. I was beginning to wonder how many we would win by, but then in true Falcons fashion we stopped playing, we stopped winning the ball in the middle. We still had most possession and prodded and probed and the keeper had a few saves but nothing of any importance. Then another great ball down the right this side and Jonah threaded a beauty for Spike to finish on the volley 3-0 and a bit more football. Just after this the opposition started getting into the game more, winning 1st and second balls and there number 16 started causing problems down the left, and a few shots at goal which didn't really trouble the keeper. Finally the break through came and with the midfield not helping to cover the defence were exposed and Outibridge got 1 on 1 and goal.
Half time 3-1
The second half started off very fast and very end to end, Falcons tried the left and right and got plenty of crosses in but no finished product, then the save of the match and definitely the save of the season, Outibridge broke through, they had tried but couldn't release any real shots at goal when they finally got through the lad hit the ball towards the far post, everyone thought it was in, until Richard dived at full length arms were at full stretch and his hand were strong, they pushed the ball away from goal, it was truly fantastic, even though he didn't have much to do today he was ready when needed. The game was fast and feisty when Wade scored after a good ball from Monti. This seemed to be the winning goal, Outibridge were not about to give up and kept going, in the final third MOM Spike who had swapped from attack to defence was great covering the injured Tom. This kept Outibridge out of the area, until a break away saw Froudy on the overlap receive the ball from Wade and a beauty of a cross was put in the back of the net.
Final Score 5-1

Managers Thoughts:
I wasn't happy because the football we can play wasn't there, also after dominating teams pre-season we may have restricted the shooting from Outibridge BUT we did not dominate,  we could have but took our foot of the gas. I realise players cannot perform week in week out, but effort is key a couple of players had a bad game but still worked others just decided to not put it in. I have to address this issue, with Zack back from his holiday next week you would think it would be hard to walk back into a team that won 5-1, but I am not so sure. The lads are U14's and it is a lot harder and more serious, and at the moment they are fighting for the starting 11 with there team mates, whilst also working together as a squad. Oh well its the cup next week and who knows.


FRIENDLIES DETAILS BELOW

What a few weeks, firstly the team is playing some great football, nicely carving there way through teams, then who knows what happens. The results speak for themselves lots of goals scored for and then the unthinkable and plenty conceded.
The good side is these are friendlies and we have time to put things right before the big season kick off, but one minute your looking at your squad wondering who deserves to start and who doesn't as everyone is looking great, the next your looking at the squad and trying to find 11 who want to start, and 11 who have a desire to win. Then you have those great issues as a manager to pick your words carefully. The last two defeats have hurt a lot and have dug hard, the one against Clowne isn't too hard to take as it was freak day, only 3 of the lads played well, it was just an off day. However the defeat against Hollinsend is harder to take the reason being is last season the team beat Hollinsend comfortably, this season the squad is a lot stronger, and first half it is fair to say Hollinsend ventured into the Falcons half twice, sadly they scored twice. The 2nd half there was only one team and that was Hollinsend and they deserved there goals. However a lot of talk after the match has identified problems that is down to the team and management to get it sorted. The big question is when you watch the falcons in training and how much quality they display, why can't they transfer it to a Sunday?

Last season I started naming the top 5 players for each game and will carry on this season to allow people a chance to make that top 5.

Clowne Comets

1. Ryan Hall
2. Tomas Bradley
3. Alex Clarke
4. Wade Cummings
   
5. Josh Bramall

Hollinsend

1. Alex Clarke
2. Zack Cawthorne
   
3. Jobe Downs
4. Tomas Bradley
5. Ryan Hall

The lads are improving but they need to all take a step up, and to remain a step up, with so many going on holiday the only time I get my full squad together will be the first game of the season. So we will change and tweak until they all know there jobs and hopefully we have a great season. There will only be about 3 friendlies to get it right so fingers crossed

Brunsmeer Won 6-1

What a funny game football is, last week I couldn't get the lads to play with passion and play football, yesterday I couldn't have asked for anything more. Straight from the first minute they were battling and tackling, winning the ball in the air all over the pitch, no matter how big the opposing player was they winning in the air, they would soak up pressure and hit on the break, they would then have the pressure and punish Brunsmeer. The good thing is Brunsmeer were runners up in our league last year, and in true Brunsmeer style they didn't lie down. They battled hard and played hard, they were everything we remember and that was a gutsy team that kept going even after the first few goals went in. Falcons did not have it all their own way, three fine saves from Richard in the first half kept them out and kept them from creeping back in the game. The second half was the same in 28 degree of heat both teams and the ref felt it. The battling carried on and Brunsmeer got their breakthrough, the difference this week was the Falcons were not about to take that and went straight up the other end and scored. The game sort of slowed in the heat, but both teams were fit and kept going as much as they could. MOM was given to the whole team as they played as a team, hunted as a team and attacked as a team. I can't do a top 5 as they were all amazing, 2 goals from Monti on his birthday, Jonah scored two to take his pre-season to 5, Wade scored from an indirect free kick, which the whole team could have been on the line and it wouldn't have been saved. Josh with a great header, regardless of what his brother thinks.
Well done to all the team and all the parents support, whilst we went through this trying time, I think the team has set a level to build on, so hopefully we can push on from here.

Well another friendly a few weeks before the start of the season, this time it was Brinsworth Juniors, and 3 of the back 4, and no keeper it looked like this one was going to be tasty. The first 20 minutes it was, Raddidh in net pulling of a fantastic save, to keep it at 0-0, the opposition keeper showing great agility, saving several goal bound shots. The game started to move end to end, before the Falcons started stamping some authority, the midfield started to get a grip, the defence played it out rather than "have it" style football.  Suddenly the pressure was on Brinsworth and the goals started to go in, at first it was the M and M show with Monti and Mitch getting a brace each. Brinsworth counter attacked nicely in this period, and carved through the defence to score their only goal of the game. The falcons kept pressing and pushing for more goals, this is when the lads played training ground football, and passed and stroked the ball around for fun, 1 and 2 touch football, left to right on the pitch and then a shot, and a save and then the ball came straight to one of our players  Jonah deciding to crack a 20+ yard goal. One minute later same again, please and they did, passed and move with ease, and several passes later and number 6 Mitch Deanes Hatrick. Then back to sunday football, for the rest of the game, which meant that Brinsworth would attack and have chances with Raddish the stand in keeper making yet another great save. We would finally get one more, with Mitch Deane getting his 4th and the MOM award, with his 4 goals and an assist. The 11 players had done quite well, it was a good win, but it wasn't great. The football they can play was missing.

Top 5

1. Mitchell Deane
2. Alex Montisci
3. Michael Spence
4. Lewis Jones
5. Adam Froud

This was a hard one, as the team played at a reasonable level, I just felt these lads did things to edge out others.