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