ASC Strikers vs West Hove Dynamos: Sunday 21st November 2010

As the cold air of late autumn took hold at Buck Park, the boys faced a well known adversary going by the name of the 'West Hove Dynamos', and sparks were certainly flying in todays matches! 

The 'A's

Joe G. [GK], Fin, Alfie, Matt W., Ryan, Max B., & Nathan took to the field on the back of a run of results that saw them sorely needing a return to the form of last season. The first few minutes of the game saw both sides evenly matched as, like duelling eastern block chess masters, they calmly awaited the first false move from their opponents.

The first bit of goalmouth action saw Joe G. calmly collecting a ball from the Dynamos forward. And it was their frontline that stretched the midfield play toward the ASC area and allowed West Hove's Isaac to get in a searing shot from 20 yards [well, just outside the area] that pierced the ASC defence. A blinder. ASC 0 WHD 1

Galvanised, ASC pushed for the equaliser; Nathan seeing successive shots skim past the WHD post. The front of the midfield showed great interplay and a beautifully placed shot from Max B. was millimetres from its target. WHD really soaked up this pressure from the wounded animal called ASC; every player in black and blue pressed the boys in yellow and perhaps the save of the game came from the WHD keeper as he took a six yard blaster straight on his conk. Ouch!

As ASC pressed against the wall of black and blue, it was inevitable that breaks would be a problem. WHD turned defence into attack and once again Isaac had a great shot fly just pass the post. Of course, Joe G. had it WELL covered. ;-)

Half time: ACS Strikers 0 West Hove Dynamos 1

Gravity and the slope of the pitch came into play in the opening few minutes of the second half as both sets of players decided to have a game of 'who could get the most throw-ins'. Dogs, hot chocolate slurping parents and lazy relatives who brought deck chairs to sit on were up-ended as the midfield stood around wondering if they were going to see the ball again that day. They needn't have worried though as a swinging ball out to the right allowed Matt W. to go on an epoch making run along the top flank. Inspired by his team-mate's endeavour, Fin took the ball to the WHD byline and zinged a ball into the mixer; the WHD still soaked up the pressure like a really absorbent washing up cloth that has been injected with extra absorbency molecules [look, I'm tired].

And the opponent's defence of their lead continued as a Premier League Class through-ball [if the Premier League was populated by 8 year old boys] from Alfie split the backline in half. Once again, ASC saw their efforts come to nought as the ball went past the post. WHD's one major offensive of the half was nipped in the bud by Max B. with a sliding tackle, Moore-esque in its precision.

A fine performance from Strikers was held at bay by the continuing strong defence from their worthy opponents who were able to mount a late charge themselves. Alfie spun a ball across the face of the WHD goal which saw Nathan stretching valiantly across to tap it just past the post. Max B. saw a shot just pass over the bar, Fin had a game of 'keepy-uppy' before volleying, again just over. It was going to be one of those days.

The blow of the final whistle saw a well deserved win from the Dynamos; fantastic defending after taking their early chance handing them the spoils. Strikers can take real heart from the game and appear to have turned a corner. It's only a matter of time before the goals start flowing again!

Final score: ASC Strikers 0 West Hove Dynamos 1

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The 'B's

Once again it was left to the 'B's to restore some Buck Park pride and, my word, they delivered it in spades!

Joe W. [GK 1st half], Fin [GK 2nd half], Bill, Fraser, Joe G., Sunny, Max M., Tom & Matt S. comprised a squad looking to cheer up the Shoreham parents [even those on their deck chairs] on this cold, damp November morn.

The Near Legendary Bill [henceforth known as NLB] was first out of the blocks with a stunning left foot shot, soon followed by a blast out of defence that he decided to put his face in front of. Max M. with a lovely touch on the ball, coupled with some fine running laid an early claim to the MotM crown. Tom followed his lead and worked hard for a corner which saw Sunny hit the post from the resulting dead ball. Two minutes in and things were looking promising.

This was a WHD team, led by the talismanic James H., that had just seen their colleagues in the 'A's put in a fine display and they returned the pressure, resulting in some brave keeping from Joe W. in the ASC goal.

As the play swung into ASC'S favour, NLB was proving a real problem for the opponent's backline. Again, Joe W. was called into action and the resulting drop kick was the first of three precision touches:

1. Joe W. - drop kick

2. Tom - pass into the WHD box

3. Sunny - bottom left hand corner

ASC 1 WHD 0

The game had hardly re-started when ASC found themselves with a free kick just inside the WHD half. With a strike of almost mythical proportions, NLB slammed the ball into the WHD net. ASC 2 WHD 0

As the great Buck Park mistral pushed into the ASC backs, play turned into HD quality 'slo-mo' replays with a beautifully timed tackle by Sunny leading to ice cool defensive play from Max M.; Joe W. like a Brent goose heading ever southward across the goal to collect the ball. Matt S. sent a beautiful through ball from defence. Captain Fraser [no, not a character from 'Dad's Army' - Fraser was Captain for the match] always harrying the brave defenders from just along the Old Shoreham Road. Poetry.

Half time: ASC 2 WHD 0

Fin took over goalkeeping duties for the second half while Joe W. seized his opportunity upfront. His first action coming as WHD's steely eyed defender, Louie W. showed Joe he wasn't just along for the ride. ASC then had a period of genuinely exciting passing play with Max M. a rock at the back, holding up play and pinging a through ball into the front of midfield for Fraser to connect with and drive across the face of the goal.

WHD compiled their own passage of pressure which needed all the ASC players to get back and defend. A bit of a mix up from the corner saw the black and whites pull the lead back. ASC 2 WHD 1

Undeterred, ASC pressed again and gained a corner from the top end of the pitch. Joe W. saw his light touch sneak agonisingly past the far post. A second spell of pressure and NLB received the ball on to his left side. A mark of his millennia-straddling greatness saw a beautifully struck left foot strike into the back of the net. Honour regained. ASC 3 WHD 1 

With tails up the boys pushed on and got yet another corner from the far end. A sweetly struck ball into the middle took a rebound straight on to the right foot of a waiting Joe W. who, Cantona-like, placed it into the bottom right hand corner. Game over. ASC 4 WHD 1

It could have been worse for WHD but excellent defending from Louie W. kept the score within the bounds of respectability.

As Max M. faultlessly swept up another loose ball at the back, the whistle blew marking the end of one of the 'B's finest performances since donning the yellow shirts all those months ago. A real team effort, from the coaching of Matt & Phil all the way down to the boys giving 110% on the pitch.

Final score: ASC Strikers 4 West Hove Dynamos 1

ps - is there such a thing as 110%?

Seagulls u9s vs ASC Strikers u9s: Sunday 17th October 2010

Another gloriously sunny Sunday for the boys; we really ought to make the most of it because it won't be long before the thermals and space blankets are required! After a week that saw the mighty Liverpool being sold to the US owners of the Boston Red Sox Baseball team, you'd be forgiven for thinking that you'd witnessed another American sport at Mowden Prep - but more of that later.

The 'A's

Joe G. [GK], Matt W., Nathan, Fin, Rhys, Callum, Ryan & Max B. made up the squad that would take on a strong Seagulls team, today performing on their home turf. The last time the teams met it was a thrilling 3:3 draw in March at Buck Park.


Strikers were given an early free kick that saw a stinging shot from Max B. just miss the target. A very organised Seagulls team then pressed hard in the early stages with a dewy pitch causing a few slips, with Matt W. making a good recovery as Seagulls crafted zippy attacks on the Strikers penalty area.


Matt & Phil's ethos of getting the boys to pass in all areas of the pitch is starting to pay dividends as defence and midfield strive to keep a cool head and pass their way out of trouble. A free kick for Seagulls from the left side of the area looked to be a real problem for the boys. The ball was hit with real ferocity toward the goal but, with a maturity belying his age, it was Rhys that got his head behind the ball to put it out for a corner. A move that received a generous round of applause from supporters on both sides; and he didn't even flinch - what a player!


This seemed to help the boys' confidence as they put moves together that threatened the Seagulls back line. Fin had a scorching run on the right wing and managed to shrug off some of the 'tough' defending that was going on. Nathan saw a shot from left wing go just wide and Callum, playing 'in the hole', was pinging through some great balls to the Strikers attack. 


Seagulls weren't there just for the ride however and gave the boys a wake up call with a power strike that hit the post. Joe G. clearly had it covered though ;-).

Half time 0-0

With Strikers now playing uphill, Seagulls made the most of the slope and got in a great early strike that saw the more skilful elements of their play get a deserved reward. Some great running and passing from their players a real joy to watch and learn from. Seagulls 1 Strikers 0

The boys knuckled down to look for the equaliser and saw shots from Ryan and Fin rain down on the Seagulls goal. Fin's pace was proving a real problem for the opposition defence; it seemed their only plan of action during this time was to get physical and a lot of pulling and pushing was stopping Strikers from getting through. Unfortunately, this was neither being addressed by Seagulls' Coach or the Referee; the final straw coming when Fin was thrown in the air by a move that wouldn't have looked out of place on a Miami Dolphins pitch! Just as Strikers were preparing to take the free kick, jaws dropped all around the ground as the ball was given to the Seagulls player to take.

An artist's impression of Fin's 'foul'

 Unfazed by this clear injustice [don't worry, I'll be over it by next week] Strikers pushed on with renewed vigour, Rhys sending a majestic through ball that saw Fin strike the side netting. The Strikers pressure continued and it was a flash of Cruyff-like brilliance from Fin that saw him wrong foot the defender completely and drive the ball into the left hand corner of the Seagulls net. A bit like this, but with a goal at the end of it:


 
Seagulls 1 Strikers 1


The boys were really switched on now with some great running and a shot from Ryan that could have wrapped the game up. Seagulls are a really good side though and placed a lot of late pressure on their West Sussex visitors; Matt W.'s cool head saving the day on more than one occasion toward the close. The final action of the match saw a great save from Joe G. and as he sent one of his powerful drop kicks into the early autumn sky, the final whistle blew.


Final score: Seagulls u9s 1 ASC Strikers 1

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The 'B's

Alfie, Max M., Joe G., Joe W., Fraser, Bill, Sunny, Matt S. & Nathan [GK] saw Strikers put early pressure on the Seagulls B team. The boys had a point to prove after losing 3:0 at home in March and with Alfie playing like a 'steam train' through their midfield, early signs looked good.

Joe W. was vocal at the back and led the defence well, although goalmouth action was a bit sparse in the early exchanges.

It took a tap in from a Seagulls corner to open the game up. Seagulls 1 Strikers 0

Good defensive pressure from Strikers saw Seagulls struggling to cope with a couple of breaks and Strikers gained two corners in quick succession. This seemed to galvanize the team and Alfie, reminiscent of Paul Gascoigne in his pomp, drove through the defense for a fantastic equaliser just before half time. Seagulls 1 Strikers 1

The second half opened up with some great passing play from the boys which earned them a free kick from the right wing. Joe G.'s looping ball into the box being latched onto by Alfie who sent a precision lob on to the Seagulls bar. Max M. remained a stalwart at the back with Matt S. Sunny, at the centre of midfield, was rarely second best to any ball. Bill tried a few of his near legendary runs from defence and Joe G. sent in a stinger, despite being pulled back as he struck the ball.

Seagulls stayed cool and took heart at Strikers inability to break their defensive line. Against the run of play the Seagulls forward hit a stunning strike into the top right hand corner of the Strikers net; an adult would have had trouble getting to it - a bit like Matt had trouble getting to Rhys's left foot winner in Buck Park the day before ;-). Seagulls 2 Strikers 1


Strikers were now committed to looking for the equaliser again and a great piece of interplay between the two Joes [W. & G.] saw the latter's shot skim just wide. The Seagulls keeper had a blinder of a match and the result could have been so much different were it not for his safe hands. As the boys legs began to tire, Seagulls broke again and after a spell of pressure on the Strikers back line sealed things with a strike just before the full time whistle.


At least the boys managed to get on the scoresheet this time round and even in the aftermath of a defeat, it's good to see some of the players showing real flashes of intelligent play and flair on the ball.


Final score: Seagulls u9s 3 ASC Strikers 1

Fishersgate Flyers Sunday 3rd October

The 'A's

Fin, Nathan, Max, Rhys, Ryan, Joe G. (GK), Matt W. & Alfie dominated the game with Joe Green a lonely figure in goal. Fishersgate's height advantage counted for nothing compared to the silky intelligent passing game of Strikers.

Some solid defending from Fishersgate who played an effective counter attacking game for much of the second half but Strikers, captained by Rhys, were on top of their game and deserved the win.

Fishersgate Flyers 0 ASC Strikers 1

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The 'B's

Nathan (GK), Max M., Bill, Fraser, Matt, Sonny, Joe G. & Alfie took part in a very even game with each side keeping possession for long periods. Fishersgate scored first after some sustained pressure in the first half.

Strikers fought back gallantly with some fine passing play; Joe G. a constant threat up front with good support play from Alfie. The equaliser came in the second half and Strikers deserved their draw.

Fishersgate Flyers 1 ASC Strikers 1

Reminder: No training or match next weekend

Fishersgate Flyers Sunday 3rd October 2010 - Directions

This Sunday's game against Fishersgate Flyers is at Victoria Rec, adjacent to Old Shoreham Road.

The Postcode is BN41 1XD

Here's the link:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=bn41%201xd

ASC Strikers u9s Fixtures 2010/11 [update]

October 10th fixture against Forest Youth postponed till after Christmas

ASC Strikers u9s Fixtures 2010/11

These are subject to change of course!

ASC Strikers u9s vs Hangleton Rangers 19th Sept. 2010

A beautiful sunny sunday morning saw the 'A's & 'B's return to 'Fortress Buckingham' hopeful of making progress from the startling run at the end of 2009/10 and through the summer tournaments.

The 'A's

Hangleton brought a strong looking team to face the pace of Fin & Nathan, with Joe W. in goal, Rhys giving a Captain's performance at the back with Ryan, and Max B., Callum & Joe G. making up a team that showed lots of potential.

And so it proved initially; ASC laid siege to the Hangleton goal as they passed the ball among themselves with great skill. Fin and Nathan looked to be in good form as they saw shots ping over the bar and past the upright.

Rhys pushed from the back with beautiful control and a lovely shot. Hangleton stayed calm and were able to impose themselves as the half progressed and hit the woodwork from a free-kick; a real 'shot across the bows' for ASC and a sign of things to come.

Hangleton's strength lay in their defence who worked hard for every ball and were always quick to close down play. Fin got on the wrong end of a slightly clumsy tackle just outside the box and saw his resulting free kick sail agonisingly a few centimeteres above the Hangleton bar. The two-footed Nathan then saw a left foot 'screamer' skim a hair's breadth by the opposition left hand post. It felt like it was going to be one of those days!

Half time 0-0

The second half started with Hangleton looking to push forward. Callum dropped back and defended bravely which saw Hangleton awarded a throw on the left wing, parallel to the edge of the area. A strong throw went through every player on the pitch and pass into the bottom right hand corner of the ASC net. As FIFA Law 15 para. 3 states, 'A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in', it must have taken a touch from one of the boys as it went through. It was very hard to see though!

Strikers 0 Hangleton 1

Not allowing their heads to drop, Strikers pushed on and maintained their silky forward play forcing three corners in succession, the last with a great strike from Max B. Rhys and Ryan looked really solid and calm in a lot of their defending today; avoiding the need to panic and always looking to pass their way out of trouble.

A quick break from Hangleton allowed Max B. to help out in defence and Joe W. stood strong to collect the ball. His drop kick through to Nathan saw a pinpoint through ball to the feet of Joe G. who controlled it beautifully and slotted it past the Hangleton keeper on to the inside of the left hand post.

Strikers 1 Hangleton 1

It's often said that the most dangerous time for a defence is after their team have just scored and that came to pass with an immediate riposte from the Hangleton winger. A majestically struck ball swinging in from the right and dipping into the far left corner of the goal. Class.

Strikers 1 Hangleton 2

Hangleton now eased into a strong defensive game and as Strikers chased the game things opened up at the back allowing their opponents to look for rewards on the break. Callum and Rhys came close to equalising; the former's long range shot rattling the bar - a fantastic strike. With the search for the goal seeing the boys push forward, a drop kick out to the Hangleton forward saw a beautifully taken ball lobbed over the advancing Strikers keeper.

Strikers 1 Hangleton 3

Still Strikers pushed forward. Nathan saw another strike saved as Hangleton battled for every ball. The Hangleton forwards pinned themselves to the edge of the Strikers box and a fine bit of control allowed them to turn the defence and slot the ball into the Strikers net to wrap up a very good away victory on the opening day of the season.

Final Score: ASC Strikers 1 Hangleton Rangers 4

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The 'B's

As the sun continued to shine the 'B's took the field and seemed really up for the challenge of making honours even for the day. A few new faces this year; Matty, Fraser and Alfie joining the likes of Strikers stalwarts Bill, Tom, Matt S., Sunny, Joe W. and Joe G. who was taking on goalkeeping duties for the game.

Similar to the first game Strikers came out with all guns blazing and a couple of 'one on ones' involving Fraser and Bill gave Hangleton something to think about from the off. At the opposite end of the park a revelation was forming in defence. Matty [from Hove, actually :-)] was giving the Hangleton attack a lesson in calm, controlled defence. His first match nerves were not at all evident as he took control of the back line, ably abetted by Sunny who has developed into a really intelligent player this year.

For a team that have only played in a few practice games it was really rewarding to see how they gelled so quickly as defence turned into attack with Bill making a couple of devastating runs through their midfield. Out on the wings Joe W. and Alfie created real problems for the backs and Fraser was always on hand, playing the classic 'poaching' role.

Strikers' breakthrough came as Joe W. came inside and sent a killer ball through the gap to Fraser who, with the Hangleton defence bearing down on him, kept the ball on the ground and slotted it under the Hangleton keeper.

Strikers 1 Hangleton 0

Sunny now saw a chance to push forward and created real problems for the Hangleton defence. However, pressure was put on Strikers as Hangleton searched for the equaliser but Sunny was on hand with some fantastic tackling which kept the boys in the game. Alfie & Fraser showed great understanding between themselves as they passed the ball around the Hangleton back two. Joe G. was on fine form as Hangleton upped the ante, stopping a number of close range shots and showing real bravery. A fine interception from eventual Man of the Match, Matty, saw the first half end on a high note for the new team.

Half time 1-0

'As you were' from both sides in the initial phase of the second half with Tom drafted into the left back role, maintaining the strength at the back. Joe W. made a fine saving tackle as Hangleton (now bolstered by a couple of substitutions) sought to pull one back. A through ball from Sunny saw Fraser through on goal with a low strike into the side netting. The resultant break allowed Hangleton's forward in to get the equaliser they'd worked hard for.

Strikers 1 Hangleton 1

The move of the day was Strikers' reply. Matty picked the ball up deep in his own half and powered forward down the right wing, passing Hangleton's midfield and defensive line with ease. As he took the ball into the right corner he chipped a delightfully flighted ball into the box where Alfie was waiting. A quick turn from him, followed by a marvellously executed right foot volley into the Hangleton net saw Strikers taking a deserved lead. Flair.

Strikers 2 Hangleton 1

For the second time though, Strikers fell victim to the 'Curse of the Quick Reply' as within a few short minutes the Hangleton forward hit a solidly struck left foot drive into the net.

Strikers 2 Hangleton 2

Joe G. kept things even with a couple of fine saves soon after and Bill was instrumental in a great break that could have seen the boys wrap things up nicely. As legs on both sides began to tire, the game wound down to a draw but we were lucky enough to witness a really entertaining performance from the 'B's with a great deal of promise in all areas.

Final Score: ASC Strikers 2 Hangleton Rangers 2

ASC u9s 2010/11 - We're back!

A new season looms after a successful run in the three summer tournaments for both the 'A's & 'B's.

Check out this link to the FA website to see how we're progressing throughout the season:

http://full-time.thefa.com/Index.do?leagueid=1697069

Good luck to all the boys and remember that whatever happens in the months ahead - ENJOY IT!

Come on you Strikers!

Match Reports: ASC Strikers vs Seagulls u8s

A return fixture for Strikers who last met the Seagulls on a stormy day before Christmas. The weather was much kinder today with a few of the spectators complaining they were too hot! We are British, I suppose . . .

The 'A's

Fin, Rhys, Max, Joe W., Joe G., Ryan & Callum faced a Seagulls team who'd clearly done their homework since last year's 'blustery' performance. Their No.3 and No.7 gave the boys a real test but once again Strikers showed what they were made of. Some splendid midfield work from Callum and Ryan in support of 'The Mighty Fin' and a new strike partner, Joe G., tested the Seagulls defence to the limit at times.

As a tight game developed it was Strikers who opened the scoring; Fin's tenacity against tough opposition won through and it's a rare sight to see him waste the striking opportunity given to him. 1:0 Strikers

It wasn't long before Seagulls lightning quick No.3 levelled things. The power of his left foot shot from outside the box was impressive to say the least. 1:1

A game more resembling a tightly fought tennis match swung back in Strikers favour with Fin blasting the ball (after some stunning footwork) into the roof of the opposition net. 2:1 Strikers 

Seagulls came again with some strong attack, the Strikers midfield needing to drop back to help out the 'Captains Courageous' at the back. Another loose ball ran into the home team's area and the opposition attacker was just quicker than the advancing Joe W. The teams went into the second half level. 2:2

As expected, Seagulls turned on the pressure in the second half with the back two of Max and Rhys earning their stripes again with some solid defence in the face of a blue and white onslaught. A beautifully floated corner from Seagulls fooled everybody - including their own attack - as it found its way into Strikers net. 3:2 Seagulls

Of course, this is a Strikers side that refuses to lie down and after a period of tight midfield play the ball broke loose again into the path of Joe G. who was standing in for Nathan today. Like jousting warriors the Seagulls keeper and Joe sprinted at each other; a true 50-50 ball. It would be a case of who would blink first and, as we've seen so many times this season, that's just not a part of Joe G.'s game. His outstretched foot slotted the ball under the keeper and into the middle of the Seagulls net to the tumultuous applause of a capacity Buck Park home crowd. About twenty people. 3:3

And that's how it ended; some joyous passing across the front of midfield failing to find the way through for that decisive winner. More importantly, the team ethic remained strong and support was given at the back when it was needed. Fin's continuing dominance in attack earned him a highly deserved Man of the Match.

Final score: ASC Strikers 3:3 Seagulls u8s

 

Joe W. even found time to give the Seagulls Coach some tips on keeping goal

 

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The 'B's

After a great run of recent results it was clear that Strikers would have their work cut out against the Seagulls u8s 'B' Team.

Tom, Matt, Dylan, Cameron, Bill, Jordan, Charlie, Joe W. and Sunny didn't have long to wait to feel the force of the Seagulls attack with an early goal striking the back of the home team's net. 1:0 Seagulls

A rewarding response from Strikers saw Dylan mighty at the back of midfield as he looked to spread balls out to the wings in hope of a repeat of last weeks performances from Bill and Jordan. The Seagulls are not afraid of putting in a challenge though and a combination of Bill's speed and the Seagulls defensive strength saw him fly through the air on a number of occasions; nothing malicious from either side but some real power-play.

As Strikers pushed forward Seagulls took advantage of the gaps at the back and a stunning floated chip from their No.6 put the visitors even further ahead. 2:0 Seagulls

Seagulls now had their tails up and rained shots down on the Strikers defence, even hitting the bar early in the second half. However, Sunny's powerful right foot from defence spurred the home side on and as Joe W. moved into a more attacking midfield role he was able to get a powerful strike which was greeted with safe hands from the Seagulls keeper. 

Cameron and Charlie had a splendid run-out as they came inside from the right and left wing, troubling the Seagulls backs on more than one occasion.

As the game went on Sunny (Man of the Match for the second week in succession) and Matt's relentless defending was finally worn down by the Seagulls as they forced home the decisive strike to put the game beyond their hosts. 3:0 Seagulls

A comprehensive victory for the visitors but the Strikers should take great heart from some excellent keeping from Tom toward the end of the match and a high level of passion from the team in trying to get back into the game. As somebody very old and very wise once said 'You're never a loser until you give up trying'.

Final score: ASC Strikers 0:3 Seagulls u8s 

 

Match Report: Hangleton Rangers vs ASC Strikers 'B's

ASC Strikers u8s: 'B' Team

The second game in Sundays match-ups saw the fast improving 'B's pull off a stunning victory in the closing stages of a well matched game.

Bill, Charlie, Dylan, Joe G., Joe W., Jordan, Cameron, Sunny & Tom are becoming a force to be reckoned with in their own right and today demonstrated just how far they have come under Matt & Phil's stewardship.

In goal Joe G. proved unbeatable despite his diminutive size; his bravery and shot-stopping a real feature of his game. Strikers were helped by the intervention of the post and crossbar on two occasions, but rather than be intimidated by the onslaught they knuckled down and showed they weren't there to just make up the numbers.

Bill's wing play was a sight to behold as he blazed down the flanks to give the Hangleton opposition some real worries. At the heart of defence Sunny led by example and, as the Gaffers mixed things up, those joining him were boosted by his presence and ability to clear the ball; a performance that saw him narrowly miss the goal from well within his own half and deservedly won him the Man of the Match.

Just as it looked as we were heading for a deserved draw against a well organised side, the ball broke loose to Bill who remained calm and buried it with a low drive into the right side of the opposition's net. The boys' 'Chicken' celebration certainly gave lie to the courage they showed in going for the win.

Less than a minute later and the final whistle blew heralding a fantastic performance from the 'B's.

Final score: Hangleton Rangers 0 ASC Strikers 1

Match Report: Hangleton Rangers vs ASC Strikers 'A's

ASC Strikers u8s: 'A' Team

A beautiful sunny day on the slopes above Hangleton and the 'A's arrived at the Knoll Recreation Ground full of heart after a number of successful outings against local opposition.

The established side of Finn, Joe, Callum, Nathan, Ryan, Max & Rhys were looking to extend a run that saw them take victories against some of the tougher teams in their age group.

Today's opponents were a friendly side with a good physical presence and no shortage of skill on the ball. A tightly packed pitch saw the boys presented with a number of opportunities to practice their throw-ins as much of the play was confined to the flanks. A solid performance in goal from Joe highlighted the tightness of the game as both teams struggled to make the breakthrough in the first half. Finn and Nathan's usual goalmouth assault was stifled somewhat by stalwart defending from the Hangleton backs.

The deadlock was finally broken with a speculative cross/shot which saw a floating ball arch over both keeper and defenders into the back of the ASC goal - 1:0 Rangers

Rather than let their heads drop the boys pushed on. Skill at the back from Rhys and Max again built a foundation for a comeback that saw Finn, Callum and Ryan wear the Hangleton defence down. This constant pressure allowed Nathan to put his killer finishing into action with a deserved hat-trick before the halftime whistle - 3:1 Strikers

The second half saw a resurgent Rangers put pressure on the Strikers defence with a loose ball running into the path of their striker which was deftly slotted into the back of the Strikers net - 3:2 Strikers

That proved to be the last major worry for Strikers as firm defence and support in midfield from Ryan and Callum kept the ball in the Rangers half until the final whistle

Another good performance from a Strikers team that really understand the need to act as a unit. Some excellent vision and passing from the boys saw them persevere to achieve a well deserved victory

Final score: Hangleton Rangers 2 ASC Strikers 3