U11 Colts Match Reports

Match Reports

Latest Score

19/02/2012

U11 Fleet Town 5 Raynes Park Target Reds 0 (SYL Premier League)

Coaches Neil Selby and Jeff Hollis demanded a positive reaction after last weeks cup woe, and they got it! Fleet played their finest football of the season against strong opposition and ran out worthy winners. Straight from the first whistle Town was eager for the ball, passing it swiftly and battling with urgency when they lost it. The first chance fell to Luke Hollis who’s first shot was saved by the keeper but seized on the rebound only to see it deflect onto the bar and over. The same player had a further chance shortly afterwards after a Jack Dean through ball but shot tamely at the keeper. Although Raynes Park had a physical presence it was clear that they did not like set pieces and this become a recurring theme throughout the match. Reece Miller thumping header from a Jack Selby cross was saved and immediately the Reds were on the counter attack with some swift interplay culminating in their first chance of the match and Michael Pearson’s first save of the game. Sam Whitehead was then thwarted by the keepers legs, whilst at the other end Callum Washington had to be strong to defend another Raynes Park breakaway. Another Fleet corner caused confusion on the box and Callum Palmer had two great efforts blocked. Then Olly Manning intercepted a weak goal kick but rolled the ball past the keeper and narrowly wide. Finally the deserved Town breakthrough came; and it is no surprise it was from another corner; Jack Dean turning home the loose ball from close range. In the second half Fleet came out with even more passion and determination; Luke Hollis’ free kick was tipped over. Shortly afterwards Sam Whitehead made it 2-0 running onto a through ball to slot home. The third goal came from yet another corner with Callum Palmer smashing home a well deserved goal. Raynes Park were really on the ropes now and could not cope with the desire and want of the entire Fleet team. They did however have a couple of shots to show for their efforts, first Michael Pearson plucked a long range drive out the sky and then turning another attempt round the post. Reece Miller scored Fleet’s forth goal with a typical marauding run through the defence to fire home. The Raynes Park keeper was having a good game and doing his best to keep the score line respectable, first tipping over Sam Whitehead’s shot then diving full length to turn Luke Hollis’s well place attempt round the post. It is no surprise how the final goal of the game was created; Sam Whitehead ghosting in at the far post after yet another corner had evaded everyone. There was just time before the final whistle for the Reds to glance a post with a long range shot but it would’ve been really tough on Fleet to concede after today’s performance. Every player in a Fleet Town shirt gave their heart and soul today and more than made up for last weeks first half performance. Raynes Park are a strong physical side, who also play some quick and attractive football but they were not in the same league as Fleet’s performance today. The man of the match accolade could have gone to any of the players today but ended up with Captain Jack Dean who battled more than anyone and gave his most impressive performance for some weeks. Well done boys, it’s great to see you back!!!!

12/02/2012

U11 Sholing 1 Fleet Town 0 (Cup)

Probably the worst possible round to lose a cup match; probably the worst first half performance of the season; probably the victim of some weak refereeing decisions – overall this was a very disappointing day for Fleet Town. This Semi Final match of the Hampshire Cup had already been postponed after last weeks snow, switched to be played in Southampton due to the Fleet weather and then delayed for an hour to ensure the pitch was playable. Not the best preparations for the team and in the first half it showed. Fleet were woeful; as Sholing were stronger, quicker, sharper and generally more determined than Town. We always knew that this would be the hardest match of what has been a faultless season so far; Sholing are a well drilled team coached by a former Aldershot player but we also knew that Fleet were well capable of winning this match and progressing to the final. In the first 20 minutes there were very few clear cut chances, Sholing choosing to pepper the Fleet goal from long range which Michael Pearson dealt with comfortably. Fleet had very little conviction going forward and spent most of the half clearing wave after wave of Sholing attack. The turning point of the first half, and indeed the match came when Sholing poked home after a goalmouth scramble although at the time Fleet were protesting for a blatant push that left a Town player floored. Unfortunately neither the referee nor lineman saw the incident and the goal stood. The remainder of the half was scrappy as Fleet lost composure when a few players started to lose their heads. Coaches Neil Selby and Jeff Hollis gave a rousing half time team talk; they reenergised every player and told them to get passing the ball, use the width of the flanks and to ensure that every player finished the game with no regrets. It was like a different 11 players took the field, and from the whistle Fleet harried, closed down, and were the better team putting Sholing under real pressure for the first time in the match. Jack Dean made a powerful run down the wing and crossed into the centre only for Olly Manning and Reece Miller to get in each others way. Shortly afterwards Reece Miller’s header thumped the bar and rebounded to safety. For all the Fleet pressure Sholing could still be dangerous especially on the break; Callum Washington blocking a goal bound shot. It was during one of these moments of pressure that Sholing were rewarded with a penalty when their attacker has his legs whipped from under him just inside the box. Michael Pearson spectacularly saved the spot kick and quickly released the free flowing Fleet midfield to catch Sholing on the break. Olly Manning rushed on to the through ball only to be thwarted as the defender made a last ditch tackle. From the resultant corner the ball fell nicely to Reece Miller on the edge of the area but his thunderbolt cannoned back off the bar with the keeper motionless. Sholing then had a lightening quick break of their own but Ben Roebuck charged the length of the pitch to slide the ball away as the attacker prepared to shoot. Michael Pearson in the Fleet goalmouth decided that saving a single penalty wasn’t going to earn him enough column inches so he saved a second Sholing penalty, tipping it over the bar after the attacker had had his standing leg taken away as he tried to trick his way through the defence. After that the minutes ticked down with Sholing content just to clear any danger and Fleet unable to get any further goal scoring opportunities. The final whistle blew causing shrieks of adulation from the home team and tears of despair from Fleet. Although losing in the Semi Final is a very painful experience Fleet can take heart from their second half performance. They did themselves, their coaches and the travelling supporters proud and as a result all took a share of the man of the match accolade. I hope that the pain of defeat felt today combined with the determination shown in the second half can spur the Team on to league and league cup success.

29/01/2012

U11 Corinthian Casuals 0 Fleet Town 3 (SYL Premier League)

It was fair to say that today was a game of four halves – Fleet’s excellent run in both the League and Hampshire Cups has meant a massive league fixture pile up, this was somewhat alleviated by a double header against the Casuals. Two separate matches played one after another each 17 minutes per half. In match one, Fleet started strongly and confidently passing the ball around the pitch with authority. The game was being played almost entirely in the Corinthian’s half; Town having chance after chance. First Sam Whitehead shot narrowly wide, and then Jack Selby’s effort was gathered by the keeper with Olly Manning lurking menacingly. Fleet did think that had taken the lead but Sam Whitehead had strayed offside; but the deadlock was broken almost immediately after when Reece Miller finished from close range. Ben Newcombe, who was having an excellent match, was unlucky when he planted his header just wide after meeting a sweet Jack Selby cross. He went closer still when his vicious shot was tipped over by the Casual’s keeper after a marauding run through the middle from Callum Washington. Just before the half time whistle it was 2-0; Sam Whitehead’s shot was parried, and from the resulting corner Reece Miller doubled his tally when he headed high into the net from Ben Roebuck’s pinpoint cross. Into the second half, Fleet kept up the pressure allowing the Corinthian players very little time on the ball especially MoM Callum Washington who was having an exceptionally fine match. Luke Hollis made it 3-0 when he poked in from close range after Jack Selby’s cross had evaded everyone. The only meaningful attempt that the Casual’s had on target was a free kick from the edge of the box after a quick break, Michael Pearson easily plucking it out of the air from just under the bar. The final chance of the match fell to Olly Manning who could only shoot directly at the keeper after a great cross from Callum Washington. This was a professional performance from Fleet who went out and did a job against a team languishing towards the bottom of the division, but this was match one of a double header and after only a 15 minute break the boys would be straight out for match two, and Corinthian’s would have nothing to lose……

U11 Fleet Town 4 Corinthian Casuals 0 (SYL Premier League)

After a relatively easy victory Fleet could’ve gone into the second of today’s matches very complacent, but coaches Neil Selby and Jeff Hollis made sure that every player took nothing for granted. Corinthian’s may have lost the first match, but they had nothing to lose in the second, and came out with far more determination. Fleet, to their credit, put in a workmanlike performance, using the width of the pitch and their passing ability well to dominate the re-match. Sam Whitehead had the first chance of the match when he headed over from a Olly Manning cross. Luke Hollis opened the scoring when his cross shot was fumbled across the line. Shortly afterwards Jack Selby fired a free kick narrowly over. Reece Miller made it 2-0 midway through the first half with a smart turn and shot into the bottom corner. Just before the break it was 3-0 when Jack Selby clipped Olly Manning’s cross past the stranded keeper for a well deserved goal. When the teams came out for the second half, Fleet continued their dominance; Olly Manning shot at the keeper and then Daniel Ellis headed wide and then had a shot tipped round the post. The move of the match came when Ben Newcombe and MoM Callum Washington combined well to release Reece Miller but unfortunately his shot was always rising. Luke Hollis then had a fine long range shot headed off the line with the keeper beaten. There was controversy midway through the half, Sam Whitehead thumping a header over the keeper into the top of the net only to see it bounce back out into the safety of the keeper’s hands. Unfortunately neither the referee nor lineman saw the ball cross the line. Sam Whitehead did get the goal he deserved when he followed up after Reece Miller’s shot had been spilled to make it 4-0. There was just time for some late Corinthian’s danger but Michael Pearson smothered their shot. So after 68 minutes and 2 matches of football, Fleet came away from South West London with 6 points, 7 goals scored and none conceded. Not a bad day’s work! More importantly Town have continued their unbeaten run this season and played some great football in readiness for next week’s Hampshire Cup Semi Final which will almost certainly be the toughest match they have faced.

22/01/2012

U11 Fleet Town 2 Oxshott Royals 1 (SYL Premier League)

It felt like Hundred Acre Wood was hosting this match against the league leaders; well it was certainly a very blustery day! The swirling wind added a further dimension to a very tight match between two very good teams. Oxshott went into the match a massive 11 points ahead of Town; this has a lot to do with Fleet’s amazing cup run which has left them having played 5 games less than the Royals. Unsurprisingly the match started fairly evenly with both teams just trying to keep possession and testing the opposition for weakness. In the first 20 minutes there were limited clear cut chances on goal; although Reece Miller blazed over when through on goal (although the flag had been raised for offside), whilst at the other end Michael Pearson dived full length to smoother a free kick. Fleet took the lead midway through the half when Reece Miller raced onto a Jack Selby through ball to slot home. Oxshott immediately responded but found MoM Callum Palmer and Ben Roebuck in the heart of the Fleet defence in fine form. On the occasion the Royals did get a glimpse of goal there were unable to fashion an attempt to trouble Michael Pearson. Late in the half Neil Selby made a tactical substitution throwing Olly Manning into the action, the effect was almost instant when he doubled the Fleet lead with a dipping shot from outside the box. Into the second half and the pace dropped considerably; Oxshott looking for a opening to put them back in the game whilst Fleet nervously defended without really creating many chances. As the clock ticked down the Royals did start to dominate proceedings playing some great football. Their persistence finally paid off when Michael Pearson couldn’t hold the follow up after making two fantastic reflex saves. Fleet saw out the final fifteen minutes of the game with some more frantic defending, but did have a few chances of their own with both Stephen McShane and Luke Hollis going close. It was a relief when the final whistle went and three points were in the bag. Overall this was a difficult match in difficult conditions against a very strong team who will certainly be thereabouts at the end of the season. Fleet defended stoutly, passed confidently and ultimately took their chances. The unbeaten season continues…….

15/01/2012

U11 Winklebury Wizzards 0 Fleet Town 2 (Cup)

The game kicked off at 2pm thus avoiding the early morning frost. However, this was a full size pitch - bumpy with sticky mud that stuck to the boots making them heavy to run in and difficult for players to maintain balance. All of this did not suit Colts normal passing game. Nevertheless, they started quite brightly and pushed into the opponent’s territory. Within a few minutes the tables were turned and Winklebury pinned Fleet back in their own half. On 10 minutes Michael was forced to make two good saves, diving at the feet of the incoming forwards. A foul was give away on 16 minutes in dangerous position 18 yards out in the middle of the pitch but Town did well to head the ball over the bar and clear. This sparked a fight back by Colts and for much of the rest of the half they pushed forward. Owen shot wide; Sam and Reece had some good interplay that forced a corner which was ultimately cleared; Sam had two further shots but these did not trouble the Wizards keeper. Michael was called into action on the edge of his area to clear the ball away. Just before half time Jack Selby did some good work down the right and forced another corner but again the defence cleared the ball away. Half Time 0 – 0 In the second half the Colts played much better. Reece, who had moved upfront, went on a good run but shot wide. Two minutes later he had another shot which the keeper parried. Deano followed up and sent the ball slowly rolling into the net. 1-0. Meantime, Jack Selby was working very hard in midfield, chasing everything, retrieving balls from the opponents and building up further forays into the Winklebury penalty area. On 38 minutes Sam raced down the left beating two players before slipping the ball to Reece. He continued into the area slotting a shot past the keeper – unfortunately into the side netting. Ten minutes latter Reece pushed forward again. The ball broke to Olly who beat the keeper only to see the ball roll onto the post and out again! Winklebury were forced to continue defending with the occasional breakaway but Town were not finished and 4 minutes before the end Sam made another of his determined down the left this time rounding the keeper to slot the ball b home. 2-0. Man of the Match Jack Selby

08/01/2012

U11 Carshalton Athletic 1 Fleet Town 6 (SYL Premier League)

This was the first match back after the Christmas break and the first match for nearly a month and in the early stages against Carshalton it showed. Town started the match in a very slow fashion, failing to show any dominance in the ball. Athletic on the other hand were clearly ready to give everything in an attempt to revenge the defeat suffered earlier in the season. Not surprisingly the home side took the lead within the first 10 minutes when a free kick caused pandemonium in the Fleet box, the first shot cannoned back off the post, but the Carshalton striker made no mistake in burying the rebound. This was the shot in the arm that Fleet needed as they suddenly woke up, realising in order to get anything out of this game they would need to match Carshalton physically. On a short pitch that stunted the usual beautiful passing game of Town, Fleet worked hard to keep possession, and for the remainder of the first half did not allow Athletic another chance on Michael Pearson’s goal. Town were unlucky not to get level when a cracking volley from Olly Manning that sailed into the net was harshly adjudged to have been offside; immediately after Sam Whitehead was thwarted by the keeper whilst Luke Hollis overrun the ball when clear through. The equaliser came from move straight from the training ground; Olly Manning feinted to shoot direct from a free kick, the ball was passed sideways to Jack Dean, who fired high into the net from distance. Once level, Fleet continued to increase their dominance, bossing the ball and becoming stronger in each tackle especially Ben Newcombe, Callum Palmer and Ben Roebuck who won every ball in the air and snuffed out every sign of a Carshalton attack. Town then scored two goals in quick succession; Sam Whitehead shot from the edge of the area into the bottom corner after a goalmouth melee, and then Jack Dean rode two strong challenges and then delivered a pin point cross to Olly Manning whose pinpoint cross looped over the goalkeeper to make it 3-1. Just on the stroke of halftime Ben Roebuck was unlucky not to get on the score sheet when his shot from distance was turned round the post. From the resultant corner Sam Whitehead made it 4-1 as he again rifled in from the edge of the area. Fleet started the second half looking to increase their ascendancy; Olly Manning chipped narrowly wide whilst Sam Whitehead shot narrowly over from a Jack Selby corner. As the second half went on Jack Selby started to take control of the middle of the park and showed some deft touches and skill to frustrate the Carshalton midfield. The fifth goal came midway though the second half, some wing wizardry from Sam Whitehead picked out the onrushing Callum Washington who thumped home a header for his first goal in over two years. The sixth and final goal of the same came courtesy of Sam Whitehead, who notched his hatrick and secured the Man of the Match award with a stunning volley from a Jack Selby corner. As the final minutes ticked down, Carshalton did have a few chances as Fleet took their foot off the gas, but Owen Whiter stood firm in defence and Michael Pearson went untroubled. This was a good game to get Fleet back into football after the enforced break; a game that Fleet had to battle to win but in the end their class was clear. Next week it is a return to the cup as Fleet continues their quest for a potential treble. Well done today boys, a solid performance and win.

11/12/2011

U11 Newport St Georges 0 Fleet Town 6 (Cup)

04/12/2011

U11 Fleet Town 6 Sutton United 2 (SYL Premier League)

A strong Sutton United team arrived in Fleet determined to end Town’s unbeaten start to the season, and by their pre match drill it looked like we might have a match on our hands. We were not disappointed, as Fleet encountered their strongest opposition of the season so far and were made to work for the victory. Unlike last week Town seemed to be much more awake and sharper from the off, and they needed to be as Sutton were strong in defence and nimble in attack. In the early exchanges the game was packed tight into the middle of the park with neither side really have a decent effort on goal with Jack Dean shooting into the side netting and Michael Pearson dealing easily with a Sutton long range effort. The first notable shot on target was a Luke Hollis free kick which was plucked from the air just under the top left corner. The breakthrough came by luck when Sam Whitehead, who had been closely marked in the early stages, wriggled free of the Sutton defence and managed to scuff a shot on target. The United keeper fumbled the ball allowing Olly Manning to help it over the line. As too often, Fleet are a confidence team, and this lead put some extra pace on the runs, extra vigour into every challenge and an extra spark into the creative play. This advantage was perfectly demonstrated by Jack Dean who held off the United player to collect the ball on the halfway line, danced though a couple of challenges on his way to the corner where he whipped in a cross that Olly Manning couldn’t fail to convert; 2-0 Fleet. The Sutton manager reorganised his team, and encouraged by the good away support went close on a couple of occasions late in the first half. The first nearly helped Fleet increase their lead; the Sutton attack broke away at speed, Michael Pearson raced out of his goal and slid in to block the shot with his knee with so much force that it looped up and over the half way line allowing Jack Dean to steal in only to shoot narrowly wide. Then the talented Town goalkeeper was again Fleet’s saviour when he leapt high to claw a fierce Sutton shot away from the top corner. Neil Selby made a tactical change in the second half pushing Reece Miller into the Fleet attack, this quickly paid dividends as Town quickly doubled their lead. The first a fine solo effort when Reece Miller nodded the ball over the defender ran round to collect it and finished in the bottom corner with the help of a post. The same player foraged forward to score the forth, and then missed the chance of a hatrick by looping a header straight into the keepers arms. At the other end Michael Pearson was still being tested, again having to rush out and save with his feet. It was when a Sutton attack broke down that Ben Roebuck arrowed a delicious cross field ball into the path of the onrushing Jack Dean; and although the keeper bravely saved his first effort he was able to chip the ball into the empty net over the despairing lunge of the last defender. Credit to Sutton, they did not give up and their resolution was rewarded when sloppy Fleet defending let Sutton score twice, the first from close range and then to rise unchallenged from a corner. 5-2 with 10 minutes to play; Sutton could sense the first sign of weakness in the Fleet camp and tried hard to get themselves back in the game, the result was put beyond doubt when Callum Washington played the ball back to Ben Roebuck who again set up Sutton’s chief tormentor Jack Dean to sweep in. Sutton fought on to the end, but stout defending from Callum Palmer and Ben Newcombe limited their attack to a shot which cannoned back off the crossbar. In the final few minutes Owen Whiter epitomised Fleet’s desire to restrict Sutton’s goal tally but sliding in at full pace just when the forward was about to pull the trigger. Without question the hardest match we have had all season, without question the best team performance of the season. Every single Town player battled hard, ran until it hurt and gave every last ounce of energy for this victory. MoM award went to Michael Pearson who was in top form every time he was needed, brave with very sure hands. It’s a rest bite from the League next week and the penultimate match of the year sees Fleet travel over Southampton water for another Hampshire Cup match in the Isle of Wight – if the scout from Newport was at the match today, he will be very afraid of what might be in store!!

27/11/2011

U11 Fleet Town 7 Sheen Lions 0 (SYL Premier League)

The autumn sun shone down but the bitter wind swirled round the Basingbourne pitch as Fleet entertained Sheen Lions in a league fixture. Although at opposing ends of the league table, the early stages were fairly even with no real clear cut chances. Sheen were happy to defend in numbers and overpower the Town attack, whilst Fleet seemed to be nine individual players rather than a team as the play didn’t really seem to be very fluid. The introduction of Jack Selby midway through the first half seemed to spark Fleet into life, and they started to play with much more assertiveness and conviction. Unsurprisingly the chances started to come for Fleet with Sam Whitehead having a shot blocked on the line, both Callum Palmer and Ben Roebuck going close with a long range efforts and Reece Miller heading against the bar. Any chances on target were saved by the Lion’s keeper who was certainly the opposition’s best player by some distance. The breakthrough came through after great link up play from Sam Whitehead and Luke Hollis down the left flank with the latter turning in a cross from the former. The second goal came shortly afterwards when Sam Whitehead flicked in after a cross had caused confusion in the Sheen penalty area. Jack Selby nearly increased the lead further on the stoke of half time but his shot flashed narrowly wide. The Lions did have some chances but they were expertly dealt with, by either a defence marshalled by Callum Palmer or Michael Pearson whose handling and decision making was faultless in the Fleet goal. Into the second half and Fleet seemed to gel a lot more, there was certainly more simple effective passing going on, and the boys seemed to have woken up a bit. The third goal didn’t take long to come as Jack Dean slotted in when Reece Miller’s shot had been parried. Goals four and five followed in quick succession, first with Luke Hollis running on to a loose ball and slipping in past the onrushing keeper; and then Sam Whitehead who had a simple job of tapping the ball in after the Lions keeper had made a fantastic reactionary save from Olly Manning’s flick. Luke Hollis completed his hatrick to make it 6-0 with the goal of the game. After a sustained period of keep ball, Ben Roebuck received the ball on the right wing and his inch perfect deep cross was met by the head of the onrushing Luke Hollis who left the keeper no chance. The final goal of the goal, to make it a Len Goodman “Sev-ven” nil, was when Reece Miller thundered through the Sheen defence and the keeper hesitated just long enough in coming out that the ball was in the back of the net before he could react. Not a perfect performance today, but one of a slow disjointed start that developed into one of gritty determination demonstrated none more so by MoM Callum Palmer who ledby example and made sure that his head or foot was first to every ball.

20/11/2011

U11 Fleet Town 5 Kingstonian Boys 1 (Cup)

Fleet were quick out the starting blocks in the League Cup match against a team who play in the Premier Elite league. The pace on the flanks of Sam Whitehead and Jack Dean plus the guile and battle of Luke Hollis and Reece Miller in the centre of the park was causing the Kingstonian defence many problems. Wave after wave of Town attack was either thwarted by the Kingstonian goalkeeper, the woodwork or some slack finishing. Fleet were dominant in possession and on the very rare occasion that Kingstonian broke, they were faced with stout defending by Callum Palmer, Ben Newcombe and Ben Roebuck. In the event the ball did get through on the Fleet goal Michael Pearson was alert to any danger. Fleet took a deserved lead midway through the half when MoM Reece Miller picked up the ball just outside the Kingstonian box danced past three defenders and planted a delicious chip just out of the reach of the keeper.. There then followed a period of sustained pressure for Fleet with Jack Dean, Luke Hollis, Olly Manning, Ben Newcombe and Reece Miller all going close to increasing the lead. Just on the stroke of half time Kingstonian had their best chance of levelling the match, but Owen Whiter made a well timed tackle and Michael Pearson smothered the loose ball. Into the second half and Fleet came out the much more determined and quickly increased their lead. First when Jack Dean followed up after Olly Manning’s shot had cannoned back off the post, and then when Jack Selby’s unmarked run allowed him convert Sam Whitehead’s corner. Jack Dean ensured the result was never in doubt when he broke away down the right wing and shot across the keeper into the opposite corner in text book fashion to make it 4-0. As Kingstonian poured forward, desperate to salvage some pride, Fleet started to look a little less comfortable in defence. Kingstonian made Town pay for this unusual slackness by converting a consolation goal from a corner. The final kick of the match was by MoM Reece Miller who deservedly scored his second after being released by Luke Hollis. The final result was 5-1, and Fleet progress towards the final stages of the League Cup. Not a vintage performance today, but they were made to battle hard by Kingstonian. Fleet’s quality ended up being too much, but it good to see the boys having to work for victory as opposed to run away with it like the previous few weeks.

13/11/2011

U11 Fleet Town 13 Townhill Lingland 0 (Cup)

Fleet destroyed Townhill today to proceed to the next round of the Hampshire Cup. Two goals were scored by each Ben Hageman, Olly Manning, Luke Hollis, Jack Selby & Sam Whitehead. Ben Roebuck, Jack Dean and Reece Miller completed the rout. MoM Owen Whiter.

06/11/2011

U11 Fleet Town 11 Whitton Wanderers 0 (SYL Premier League)

Most of the crowd were expecting a Whitton Wanderers backlash today after last week’s comprehensive victory in this return fixture. Coach Neil Selby had primed the team not to be complacent and ensure that we started the game strongly. In fact, Fleet could not have started the match in any better fashion. Straight from the kick off Town were on the offensive using width to stretch the opposition’s defence. Very quickly Fleet took the lead when Jack Dean poked home after some goal mouth ping pong. In the following 15 minutes Town dominated possession but could not increase the lead; Luke Hollis hit the bar twice from range whilst Reece Miller headed narrowly wide. The breakthrough came after Ben Newcombe’s fierce shot could only be parried and Sam Whitehead swept home the loose ball. Fleet made it 3-0 with what could be the goal of the season; Jack Selby picked up the ball in the centre of the pitch and after tricking the Whitton midfield passed to Callum Washington who waited to release the perfect ball to Ben Newcombe whose pass split the defence for Jack Dean to score his second of the match – Total football!!! Fleet went into half time 4-0 up when Jack Selby blasted in from the edge of the area. Whitton pushed higher up the pitch in the second half in an attempt to salvage some pride which left even more gaps for the Fleet attack to exploit. When the Wanderers did get the ball into the Fleet danger area it was always confidently dealt with by the Town defence of Callum Palmer, Owen Whiter, Ben Roebuck and Callum Washington. Michael Pearson spent most the match as a bystander in the Fleet goal was always ready when called upon. The fifth goal came from the penalty spot; Luke Hollis nonchalantly slotting home after a handball was spotted by the referee. Oliver Manning then scored a quick brace to make it 7-0; the first after a through ball from Jack Selby and the second when he rounded the keeper and slid in after a lob from Sam Whitehead released him. After a Whitton change of goalkeeper and a flurry of opportunities Sam Whitehead scored to make it 8-0, whilst Luke Hollis’s long range effort was spilled over the line for Fleet’s ninth goal. The rout was completed when both Jack Dean and Oliver Manning completed their respective hatricks, the latter a follow up after Reece Miller had seen his effort cannon back off the crossbar. It is difficult to describe quite how good these boys have performed so far this season and whilst the attack continues to accumulate a volume of goals that even Manchester City would be proud of; it is the defence that remain the silent heroes of the team. Week after week the opposition strike force is thwarted by intelligent defending and expert goalkeeping, and this week this was epitomised by MoM Ben Newcombe who slick play often turned defence into attack was unlucky not to get on the score sheet himself. It’s a rest from the league next week as we return to the Hampshire Cup, looking for a place in the last sixteen.

30/10/2011

U11 Whitton Wanderers 0 Fleet Town 7 (SYL Premier League)

Directly under the Heathrow flight path, on paper this looked like a tough test for Town; and in the first half this certainly seemed to be a tight match. Playing against the wind Fleet did had the better chances with Reece Miller having the best effort when his header from a corner crashed against the underside of the bar and was cleared. The only other notable chances fell to Jack Dean who when through on goal could only scoop the ball into the arms of the goalkeeper under pressure from the last defender and Luke Hollis who had a shot parried. At the other end Whitton were restricted to just one long range shot that flew harmlessly wide, this was mainly down to the tight defending from Callum’s Washington & Palmer and Ben Newcombe. Fleet started the second half in dominant fashion, and it was after only a few minutes that they went ahead albeit in slightly fortunate circumstances. Luke Hollis picked up the ball on the edge of the area and his cross shot was spilled into the net by the Wanderer’s goalkeeper. This was one game the Whitton goalkeeper will want to forget, as once Fleet took the lead then the floodgates opened. Reece Miller, who had gone close with a long range effort moments before, bravely challenged the goalkeeper on a loose ball to poke the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0. That lead was nearly increased when Sam Whitehead shot straight at the keeper when clean through. The third goal did come when the luckless Whitton keeper had carried the ball out of his area; Jack Dean blasted the ball from the resultant free kick into the bottom corner. Olly Manning, desperate to join the scorers list was unlucky when he slid Sam Whitehead’s cross wide and then fired past the post with just the keeper to beat. He did however make amends by scoring the 4th. Jack Dean got his second with a shot off the inside of the post as Fleet started to run riot. A quick free kick released Olly Manning to fire in goal number 6; whilst Sam Whitehead rounded off the perfect second half performance to make it 7-0 at the finish when he collected a short corner and curled home. Overall a polished performance from Fleet; and although the Whitton goalkeeper helped the goal tally the overall result was never in doubt once Town had got their noses in front. Great play from the entire team especially Jack Selby who again orchestrated the midfield and MoM Luke Hollis whose trickery was always a threat in attack. Next week the return fixture at home, and Fleet can certainly expect a Whitton backlash; although if Town play like this, the outcome could be similar!

23/10/2011

U11 Ewell Saxons 3 Fleet Town 3 (SYL Premier League)

The toughest match of the season so far ended with the honours shared in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Ewell started the stronger of the two sides and went ahead when Michael Pearson could only parry the initial shot only to see it fall kindly to the attacker who stroked home. After going a goal down Fleet started to come to life with Ben Roebuck and Jack Selby controlling the midfield area. The wind was with Town in the first half and this certainly helped the play, even if Fleet did not make the most of it. Midway through the half Town were level, Sam Whitehead racing away to slot in an equaliser. There then followed a sustained period of Fleet pressure, first the Saxon’s keeper parried an Olly Manning shot after a delightful chip over the defence by Reece Miller. Shortly afterwards Fleet did take the lead, Sam Whitehead crossing from the wing, with Olly Manning bundling in. Before half time Fleet had scored another when Olly Manning nicked the ball off the toe of the last defender, raced clear to fire home; there was even time for Sam Whitehead to hit the post after a mammoth clearance from Michael Pearson. At the whistle Fleet had taken control of the match, and were letting Ewell have very little opportunity to create an attempt on goal. After the break, the story was very different; the wind was in Ewell’s favour, and this certainly helped their confidence. In an early Saxon attack Michael Pearson raced to clear but his kick hit a defender to balloon over his head, and whilst everyone stopped to stare the ball smacked the post before being hacked away. It was in the next attack that Ewell scored; Reece Miller was caught in possession just outside the area leaving Michael Pearson no chance of a save. The Saxon’s were now piling on the pressure and seemed to be camped in the Fleet half. Wave after wave of Ewell attacks were being thwarted by some desperate Fleet defending or the steady hand of Michael Pearson in the Town goal like when he leapt full stretch to tip a Ewell free kick round the post. The equaliser seemed inevitable, and came eventually from a third successive Ewell corner; the defence static as the Saxon’s attacker stooped in at the far post. Fleet regained some composure after this and did go in search of the winner, with both Sam Whitehead and Olly Manning going close. In the end both sides did have chances to snatch the result, but the draw was probably the fairest outcome. Overall a good performance by Town, who now know they are not invincible and do need to learn how to kill teams off once in the lead. MoM accolades could’ve gone to a number of players through their drive and desire but in the end Michael Pearson was the most deserving as he was certainly solely responsible for keeping Fleet in the game during the closing stages.

16/10/2011

U11 Epsom Eagles 0 Fleet Town 6 (Cup)

Another Cup game this week, and on paper a very tricky visit to a Team that ply their trade one division higher amongst the Premier Elite. Within the first five minutes it looked as if Fleet had met their match, with Epsom very much dominating possession and putting Town on the back foot. Pressure was relieved when Fleet poached an opening goal; Jack Dean turning in a deflected corner. This seemed to inspire Fleet who were now putting more strength and determination into their play to break down the strong Eagles. Jack Dean, who has had a blistering start to the season, got his second a few minutes later ramming the ball home at the near post. Epsom had few chances in the first half; their best was when their centre forward lobbed the onrushing Michael Pearson only to see his effort hit the post. By the time the half time whistle blew, Fleet had taken an unassailable 5-0 lead; Jack Dean completed his hatrick when he seized on a defensive blunder to blast in, shortly afterwards Sam Whitehead ghosted in at the far post to knock in the forth after a teasing free kick from Luke Hollis. The fifth goal was an unfortunate own goal when Reece Miller’s shot was deflected by the home defender leaving the goal keeper completely wrong footed. It was clear that the Eagles had had the full hairdryer treatment at half time, as they came out more determined than ever to rescue some pride even if the result was out of reach. This renewed vigour did result in what can only be described as a few tasty challenges. Fleet did not seem to get rattled by this at all; competing strongly in challenges especially MoM Callum Washington and Jack Selby who yet again orchestrated the midfield with some delightfully simple passes. Chief tormentor Jack Dean seemed to be singled out for quite a rough time and was unlucky not to add to his tally when his bending shot beat the keeper, but hit the upright and rolled agonising along the length of the goal line, being cleared just before Oliver Manning could bundle home. Luke Hollis was having a good game and it was his quick feet that nearly increased the lead although his shot went narrowly wide. The sixth, and what was to be the last goal of the game, was far and away the best. Ben Roebuck’s industry won the ball in midfield; he passed to Luke Hollis whose skills released Jack Dean. The Epsom keeper came out smartly to block the first effort but there was Luke Hollis to calmly chip the ball over everyone into the empty net. The Eagles did have a few chances late on, but found Michael Pearson in the Fleet goal both resolute and incredibly brave; there was no way this Fleet defence would even let in a consolation goal today! Today was the performance of the season so far against the strongest opposition we have come across. It may only be October, with plenty of football still to be played this season, but if Fleet Town continue to perform like this it is going to take an exceptional team to beat them!! Well done boys.

09/10/2011

U11 Gurnard Youth 0 Fleet Town 10 (Cup)

It was an early start when the convoy left Fleet on Sunday. Four hours later via car and ferry, Town were basking in the sunshine in the Isle of Wight ready to kick off round two of the Hampshire Cup against Gurnard Youth. Fleet dominated the match and started very quickly from the first whistle. First Luke Hollis saw a shot palmed away before both Oliver Manning and Reece Miller rattled the bar. Deadlock was broken when Oliver Manning fed Luke Hollis whose shot sneaked into the far corner. Jack Dean then netted a quick double to put Town in a commanding 3-0 lead; the first after great skill and vision from Jack Selby and his second scored when he shot from the right of the penalty area. By half time Oliver Manning had poached a forth whilst Ben Hagueman scored Town’s fifth when he collected the ball midway in the Gurnard half and planted a shot just inside the post. In between these final two goals of the half, Reece Miller had charged in from the left by line and hit an unstoppable shot that crashed into the net via the underside of the bar only to be harshly adjudged as off side. The second half started in a very similar vain to the first, with both Sam Whitehead and Reece Miller being thwarted by post and bar respectively. The sixth goal arrived with a helping hand when an unfortunate Gurnard defender helped Luke Hollis’ scuffed shot over the line. Reece Miller unselfishly set up Sam Whitehead to blast in it to make it 7-0 and then scored a well deserved eighth himself when his long range shot cannoned off both bar and keeper before crossing the line. The result was completed MoM Jack Dean completed his hatrick and then Jack Selby scored the tenth of the day as a reward for his fine personal display. On a full size pitch, Fleet were just too strong for Gurnard using their neat passing and speed to exploit the additional pitch space. To be fair to Gurnard, they never gave up and although had good possession in the second half didn’t really trouble Micheal Pearson in the Fleet goal. Gurnard had arranged for this match to be played at the ground of their local non league side – Cowes Sports FC. A fantastic venue made even more special by the generous and kind hospitality afforded to the Fleet boys by the islanders. So overall, good weather, a great day out, fantastic hospitality and an even better result. Well done boys, the rest of the teams left in the hat will be fearful of drawing Fleet Town as we head towards the last sixteen in the competition.

02/10/2011

U11 Fleet Town 12 Carshalton Athletic 0 (SYL Premier League)

It’s a well used football cliché to say that a certain team just didn’t turn for a match; well today this was true in every sense. Carshalton Athletics’ players arrived in dribs and drabs, and even with the kick off postponed for nearly fifteen minutes could only muster a starting 7 in this 9-a-side league fixture. Now don’t let the numerical advantage hide any conclusion to why the final score ended as it did – Fleet dominated this match and were rampant from the first minute. By the time Oliver Manning had opened the scoring, Fleet had already been very close with efforts from Callum Washington, Ben Roebuck and Jack Dean. The same player made it very quickly 2-0 when he flicked the ball on and finished bravely, slipping the ball past the keeper. Carshalton were shell-shocked and although two players down could not cope with neither the physical strength nor the slick passing of Fleet. Jack Dean poked in a corner to make it 3-0 whilst Oliver Manning completed his hatrick by winning and then comfortably converting a penalty to make it four goals in the opening fifteen minutes. Daniel Ellis scored a fifth, a shot in the top left corner of the goal. Manager Neil Selby then made an inspired substitution; Reece Miller hadn’t been on the pitch for more than 10 seconds when he scooped the ball into the net from a corner. He then netted his second to make it 7-0 when he followed up Sam Whitehead’s free kick. It was 8-0 as the players left the pitch at the break, Luke Hollis racing clear to fire home. By the time the second half started, Carshalton had managed to reduce the numerical advantage to just one with the arrival of a “lost” player. There seemed to be a bit more battle from Carshalton with the centre of the pitch getting a bit congested. This did not stop Fleet, Ben Roebuck tucked the ball into the net from a corner and Jack Dean scored with a well taken shot to take the score into double figures. Luke Hollis went close on a couple of occasions first when he wrong footed the keeper but his header went agonisingly the wrong side of the post, and then when he tried an audacious effort from the half way line which smashed against the joint of post and bar. Reece Miller deservedly completed his hatrick to make it 11-0 when picked up a loose ball just inside the Fleet half, danced his way through the Carshalton defence and drilled home. The rout was completed the way it had started; Oliver Manning receiving the ball in a wide area, turning the last defender and firing in at the near post. Overall another comprehensive victory for Fleet and even against a full complement of Carshalton Athletic players the score might’ve been different but the result would’ve been the same. A great effort by the whole team but particularly by MoM Oliver Manning whose effort and passion epitomised how much Fleet wanted to win. Back to the cup next week; get your passports ready, we’re off to the Isle of Wight!!!

25/09/2011

U11 Fleet Town 3 Kings Park Royals 2 (Cup)

It was another Cup match this week; the League Cup and our first competitive match to be played at our Basingbourne home ground. The visitors, Kings Park Royals, who play their league matches in the Premier Elite were always going to be a big test for Town. Royals stated strongly, with ten minutes of sustained pressure, moving the ball cleanly around the pitch. Fleet seemed a little overawed by the size and strength of the opposition and it was no surprise when Kings Park took the lead, a header thundered home from a corner. In the past Fleet have been guilty of a slow start and today was no different. After going a goal down Town started to show their grit and determination and it wasn’t long before they were level. Reece Miller released Sam Whitehead down the left wing and his cross was met by Luke Hollis who turned the ball home. The same player could’ve increased the lead but blazed over from a tight angle and then had a shot saved by the keeper’s legs. Just before the half time whistle Fleet did have a warning when goal keeper Michael Pearson clawed a long range effort away from under the bar. Fleet came out strongly after the break, Oliver Manning had a shot saved whilst Jack Selby’s free kick was parried and Callum Washington couldn’t quite follow it up. Sam Whitehead was still causing the Royal’s defence some problems with his wing wizardry and it was from one of these crosses that Fleet went close, a shot deflected over the bar. Jack Selby whipped in the resultant corner finding Reece Miller running in towards the near post to flick home. Shortly afterwards Fleet took a 3-1 lead; the same pair with the same result. Jack Selby delivered another perfect ball into the box from a corner, but this time a Royals defender got to the ball just before Reece Miller and could only turn the ball over his own goal line. A tense finale was set up when Kings Park scored a late goal, Michael Pearson’s goal kick was headed straight back over him into the unguarded net, but in the end Fleet held on for victory. An entertaining match, which showed that Fleet can mix it with the best of the Surrey Youth League especially MoM Jack Selby who armoury of passes swiftly turned defence into attack.

18/09/2011

U11 Raynes Park Target Reds 2 Fleet Town 5 (SYL Premier League)

A new team playing in a new division against testing opposition; Fleet got their league campaign off to the best possible start today. In the opening stages of the first half the game against Raynes Park was evenly matched with the ball zipping around the wet grass; but it was Town who took the lead when Sam Whitehead slotted at the back post. It wasn’t long before parity was regained when a complete lack of communication and some slack defending allowed Raynes Park to level. This equaliser seemed the jolt Fleet out of their daydream; they played some fantastic football dominating possession and creating chance after chance. First both Oliver Manning and Luke Hollis shot wide, then Reece Miller missed the target with a header. Jack Dean’s free kick was saved by the keeper’s legs whilst Callum Palmer misplaced his header over the bar. The breakthrough came when Reece Miller’s clever reverse ball released Jack Dean who slipped the ball past the onrushing keeper. It was 3-1 shortly after when MoM Sam Whitehead collected a weak kick from the Raynes Park goalkeeper and finished with aplomb. Fleet scored another just before the half time whistle when Reece Miller timed his run to perfection and despatched a bullet header into the net from a Jack Selby corner. As quite often in the second half, the opposition came out stronger and far more determined, although Raynes Park did not really trouble Micheal Pearson in the Fleet goal. The victory was put beyond doubt midway through the half when Callum Washington released Jack Dean who made no mistake from the edge of the area, although Raynes Park did score a late consolation goal. Fleet, with precise passing, tough tacking and ruthless finishing, secured victory against a team who had hardly recorded any losses in the previous two seasons, This will have certainly sent out a warning to the rest of the league; Fleet Town could be serious title contenders this season!

11/09/2011

U11 Sway Athletic 0 Fleet Town 13 (Cup)

With the boys still celebrating victory from the Hanworth Tournament last weekend, it was down to business proper today, with a trip to the New Forest for the first round of the Hampshire Cup. The late summer sun shone down on a pitch perfectly suited to Fleet’s neat passing style. Town’s dominance was evident from the first whistle; Deano running onto a ball after great strength from Sam to open the scoring. This opened the floodgates, and after both Sam and Reece had seen efforts saved, Luke scored a quick brace. The first a close range effort and his second when he ran onto a loose ball and prodded home. It was 4-0 when Sam impressively curled in a shot from distance giving the keeper little chance. Luke then completed his hatrick when he followed up after the Sway keeper had parried Deano’s initial shot. Three more goals followed before half time when Luke grabbed his forth of the match by trapping a long pass, swivelling and firing into the top corner. Deano then flicked the ball past the onrushing keeper whilst Sam scored a great individual goal from the left wing. After the break Sway came out strongly, and in fairness to them they did not let their heads drop; and for the first 10 minutes of the second half put Town under pressure in the middle of the park without getting a clean effort on target. It was during a Sway attack that Fleet scored their ninth goal; defender Callum Palmer’s long clearance, assisted by the wind, travellling the length of the pitch, and bouncing over the unfortunate home keeper into the net. Deano completed his hatrick with Fleet’s tenth with a precise lob before Jack Selby scored a deserved goal to make it 11-0. The rout was completed when Reece scored after the keeper has parried his first effort, and then Deano scored with a trademark free kick from just outside the area. Overall a fluent performance from Fleet, who high on confidence go into next week’s first league match of the season playing attractive and effective football. After such a performance the MoM award had to be shared by all the players. With a new look team for this season, a new chapter for Fleet Town has begun……