ASC Strikers u10s vs Seagulls u10s: 22nd January 2012

The 'A's

Whilst Matt was away [well, sort of - my phone was buzzing all afternoon - dedication!], Fin's Dad, Ryan was put in charge of the boys. As Seagulls ran around like the proverbial blue-bottomed flies for their warm-up, Ryan was putting the boys into some sort of stretch-induced trance. This was followed by a thirty five minute talk involving the Spirit of the North & Coal-mines [probably]. Any doubt about this new-fangled motivation technique was soon blown into smithereens as ASC set about their task with absolute aplomb.

Joe W. [GK], Fin, Ross, Ryan, Reg, Sam, Matt W, Caldé were out of the blocks like very fast 100m runners. Seagulls come to us with previous history, being a strong team who aren't averse to the odd psychological tactic. However, ASC were having none of this as they passed the ball around with infinite skill; it was genuinely breathtaking at times.

Reggie soon showed intent with an absolute screamer that only just missed its target. Any nerves about Seagulls strength were soon dispelled as ASC took a comprehensive grip on the game. Fin in midfield has no peer this season; his touch, skill and vision combine to create what can only be described as accomplishment beyond his years. At times, it's liking watching an adult play.

Ross was looking good; a long range shot went  . . . just wide ['ere we go]. Reggie, so often the goalscorer came into his own as playmaker with a looping ball into the path of Caldé who struck into the side netting. His provider almost scored soon after Seagulls took a poor goal-kick which ended up in the path of our ubiquitous striker.

Seagulls made the occasional foray into our half, but Matt W. was having none of their attacking malarkey. Never troubled in defence, he pushed into midfield and was able to sow the seed for many an attacking opportunity.

Seagulls are well known for their strong defending. One such example of this strength resulted in a free kick out on the left, not far from the half-way line. Ross received a short ball; luckily for me and my diminishing powers of written description, not 24 hours earlier somebody decided to execute EXACTLY the same move and it was captured on film.
ASC 1 Seagulls 0

A splendid strike which took ASC into half-time largely untroubled by their opponents.


Half time: ASC 1 Seagulls 0

Seagulls came out quickly and went just wide on their first attempt on goal. Once again, Fin controlled things in midfield and was able to calm ASC into their normal smooth pattern of play.

A break down the right wing saw Caldé as decoy, allowing Reggie to blast through and strike low & hard into the Seagulls' net. Genuinely intelligent and exciting play.
ASC 2 Seagulls 0


Caldé now looked most likely to add to the tally as Seagulls capitulated. Joe W. was called upon only once with a brave collection at the feet of the on-coming Seagulls attack.


Sam, always exciting out left, was reminiscent of a certain Mr LuaLua with his runs to the by-line. Out on the right, Reg and Caldé showed everybody how you do a one-two. Brilliant.


A supremely confident ASC were now building from the back as Joe skirted round a Seagulls attacker to spin the ball out to Sam. Finding Ross, he was able to whip a cross-field ball to Reg who put on the pressure to win a corner. Fabulous.


Two runs on the right wing saw Seagulls finally give up the ghost as Reggie was able to pass a ball in to Sam whose easy tap-in wrapped up a magnificent display.
ASC 3 Seagulls 0


An absolutely marvellous demonstration of Association Football from the whole team and a deserved victory made even better by the Ref's sure-fire use of his brand new whistle.


Final Score: ASC Strikers u10s 3 Seagulls u10s 0




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The 'B's

Charlie [GK], Sunny, Sharpy, Max, Bill, Joe W., Joe G., Fraser & Henry took to the field on the back of a magnificent run; one defeat in three months of play.

It was ASC with the early pressure as Sunny switched play out to Joe G who, taking a long shot went just over; a real message of intent.


For the next few minutes it seemed we were witness to a prolonged display of throw-in practice as both teams stuck to the flanks but a through ball to Joe G saw him bamboozle the Seagulls defence and , rounding the keeper, he tapped in the first goal of the game. Sweet.
ASC 1 Seagulls 0

Seagulls looked to come back but Henry was an absolute ROCK at the back of midfield and nobody was able to break through.


It was time for Bill & Fraser to kick in to gear and they were both soon vying for the Man Of The Match crown; their combined skill and tenacity in midfield and out on the right wing was causing so many problems.


Joe W. looked to switch play, allowing Fraser to blitz into the heart of the Seagulls defence who were closing things up desperately.


Half time: ASC 1 Seagulls 0


Straight out and Bill struck a beautifully placed shot to trouble our opponents. Fair play to the boys in green and black, they pushed for the equaliser but Sunny gave an object display in standing the player up; you'd've needed a battering ram to get past him today.


The promise of a five pound note for any boy scoring with his head [from a large man pitchside] almost came off as Joe W. saw a deft headed flick go just wide from one of Max's corners. The latter almost scored twice from two of them today; a great striker of the dead-ball.


Again, Seagulls didn't have a lot up front but, when needed, Charlie came into his own with a fine save from one of the opposition's few attacks.


And so the game wound down with Seagulls stepping things up; however, Strikers had done the job and their tenacity didn't allow a breakthrough from their opponents.

The 'B's soldier on - still unbeaten for so long. What a team!


Final Score: ASC Strikers u10s 1 Seagulls u10s 0

Southwick Rangers u10s vs ASC Strikers u10s: Sunday 15th January 2012

The 'A's

Joe W [GK], Matt W, Ryan, Ross, Reggie, Caldé, Rhys and Fin arrived at what can only be described as a windswept postage stamp. Somebody in the crowd was heard to say 'I've seen bigger Subbuteo pitches!' With our brand of quick passing football, it should prove no problem. Surely?

The first exchange came with Ross blasting in a shot that skimmed off the defender's head, on to the SR keeper's hand and on to the bar. It was all ASC as a beautifully floated corner from Ryan was met by Reg with a looping header. Just over. He was soon involved in a one-on-one with the SR keeper who spread himself well with a fantastic save at close quarters. It seemed the only concern today would be the ability to open my 'Snickers' with heavily gloved hands.

Of course, I've got experience in taking things for granted. Distracted by a small girl walking my dog, I turned round to see Joe picking the ball out of our net? It didn't seem right - the boys were all over 'em. I'd managed to open my wholesome nougat, chocolate and nut snack. What could've happened. Interrogation of the keeper has yet to yield the definitive answer.

SR 1 ASC 0

All was soon well with the world as Caldé became poacher, picking up a rebound from the SR defender and planting it gracefully in the back of the net. Right - now for la déluge.

SR 1 ASC 1

The boys picked things up now and applied good pressure, but SR were proving tough opponents. However, they struggled with Fin's skill in midfield and Ross and Matt were absolute powerhouses at the back. Soon, we were on the attack again and a blocked shot saw the ball loop high in the air. Reggie was there with a cracking half volley as it alighted. 

SR1 ASC 2

Our hosts heads could have dropped so easily but they were well up for it and began to set up attacks of their own. A speculative shot from distance skimmed the post and Joe was equal to a well-struck free-kick. Soon after, a high ball from out of the sun was caught well. What was needed was the cushion of another goal.

Half time SR 1 ASC 2

The half time pep talk produced dividends with a couple of lovely moves through the SR defence. Caldé shot a zinger just wide and Ryan and Reg linked up well; again just wide. As SR's very own Norman 'Bites Yer legs' Hunter worked his way through the ASC side it seemed that the day may be quite frustrating. Ross went . . . yep, just wide and Reggie fell victim to a couple of nasty bobbles; shots he would've buried on another day.

They kept the pressure on and a beautifully worked move from defence almost paid dividends. Great vision from Rhys to find Reggie who rounded the keeper but could only hit the side netting from a very acute angle.

SR's confidence now began to build and an uncharacteristic mix-up in defence saw Joe called on to make a double save that kept our lead intact.

The pendulum was swinging in ASC's favour now with Ross and Reggie giving the keeper all sorts of problems. It wasn't long before the cushion was established; Reggie knocking in a parried ball.

SR 1 ASC 3

SR came on strong from kick-off and Joe made a good save from a well struck shot outside the box. As the clock ticked down, a melee in front of goal saw the ball headed against the post and drop just behind the line. Joe was able to get on it, but the whistle had blown. [They had one that worked this week!]

SR 2 ASC 3

Thankfully, that was the last piece of action preventing a tense finish. A good victory against a team that refused to lie down.

Final Score: Southwick Rangers 2 ASC Strikers 3

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The 'B's

The last meeting saw the boys on the wrong end of a 3-0 loss so Charlie [GK], Fraser, Joe W, Joe G, Sunny, Bill, Matt S, Henry & Max were back in action with a quick turnover and a chance for revenge on this chilly afternoon.

ASC kicked off. SR moved up. San Marino 1993? SR 1 ASC 0

So, the boys had a bit of work to do but SR were looking good even at this early stage. Charlie was called into action on a number of occasions and his bravery shone through, diving at the feet of all & sundry as our hosts maintained their barrage.

The boys were soaking it up well though and were soon making progress through midfield. Sunny hit a peach of a corner that caused a fluster in the SR defence and Max was called on to defend on more than one occasion. Still our opponents came on to us, hitting the ball just wide [the phrase of the day]. Charlie made yet another double save to keep us in the game and just as I was writing We haven't got much up front [story of my life!], Bill popped up with a deft little nutmeg on the SR keeper.

SR 1 ASC1 

Half time SR 1 ASC 1

The boys blasted out on the attack with Joe W even managing a left foot shot. SR returned the compliment with a lovely little back-heel flick changing the direction of a well struck drive. Thankfully, just wide [again].

ASC were looking confident now and a lovely through ball from Max allowed Joe W to pass the ball beyond the SR keeper. Smooth.

SR 1 ASC 2

In an evenly matched game, the home side soon worked a great move of their own and Charlie could do little about the resulting tap-in. Honours even.

SR 2 ASC 2

Sharpy was having a great game and was instrumental in marshaling the defence to keep SR out. Joe W, Henry and Joe G linked up well through the middle; the latter being very unlucky not to convert his chance.

It was a case of all hands to the pump. Bill, it seems, was prepared to sacrifice more than just his hands as a hard struck ball connected with that special area just below the waist line. Let's just say, he looked like he had mumps for a short while afterward; I think you get the picture.

The Continuing Story of Bionic Bill
This has been the second week in a row that Bill has been in the wars. Not long after, Fraser absolutely blasted a shot which, had it connected with the net would've knocked a couple of the pegs out. Unfortunately, its progress was impeded by something else; namely, Bill's face and on a cold day like today - that's gonna smart.

Though SR continued attacking, the boys stayed strong. Sunny and Sharpy kept us in the game and Henry and Max shored things up in midfield.

It's worth noting that the Bs haven't lost a game since October - a feat of which they should be rightly proud! [That's put the kiss of death on things . . .]

Final score: Southwick Rangers 2 ASC Strikers 2

ASC Strikers u10s vs Hove Park Colts u10s: Sunday 8th January 2012

The 'A's

An' a Happy New Year one an' all - the boys are back in town!

It seems ages since last we stood in a windy field, supping on hot chocolate and nibbling on a small bar of muesli, but my word it's good to be back!

Joe W. [GK], Ross, Rhys [a welcome return following his injury nightmare - great to see you back, mate!], Caldé, Reggie, Sam, Fin and Matt W. turned out champing at the bit against a team that had already proved to be pretty good themselves this season.

As the Ref blew his whistle for kick off . . . . one moment . . . Where's the pea? [ahem!]

As the Ref had to borrow a whistle to blow for kick off, both teams sprang into action; both looking good - both looking for an early goal. ASC won an early corner but, not for the first time today, the HPC defence proved strong, quick and clinical in their ability to clear their lines. They were soon at the other end, taking a free-kick just outside the ASC box. Rhys, making a glorious return was relying on muscle memory to get him through and those big ones in his neck [sternocleidomastoids?] reminded us what a great header-er-er-er of the ball he is.

On the break, Reg picked up the ball and was able to thread it through to Sam; his right foot shot seemed a dead cert for the opener but it was cleared on the line by the nippy HPC defender.

They don't come much nippier than Reggie when he gets going though - another great ball into Sam went agonizingly just wide. ASC looking good.

The HPC keeper was having a good game but in a 1-on-1 with Reggie was only able to parry it back to where it came from; Reggie's right foot. ASC 1 HPC 0

Soon after, Caldé showed great skill with a volley/cross that just missed the attacking ASC forwards. Another bit of individual skill from Fin followed soon afterward with a majestically executed move between him, Reg and Caldé. Looked like it was gonna be a good day!

Half time: ASC 1 HPC 0

The open stages were much as they'd been at the close of the first half. Joe W. was called into action with a fine save from a sharply struck HPC free-kick. However, not long after our opponents found the net with a blinder of a goal into the top right corner; beautifully struck. ASC 1 HPC 1

That's how it stayed in a game of end-to-end excitement. Ross got to the by-line and was able to zing a ball into the six yard box; ably defended by HPC.

Matt W. continues his great run in defence, remaining cool when the heat is on. HPC grew stronger as the game went on, but ASC were enjoying the test.

Joe averted a possible HPC winner as he marshalled his defence to pick up a runner on the edge of the box; great vision.

HPC then had their Russian Linesman moment as the ball rattled the bar from distance and landed just in front of the line for Joe to get down very bravely in the face of another onslaught from their attackers.

Fin showed great skill on the ball and led the siege on the HPC goal with Caldé and Reg. Once again, our opponents' defence was equal to it and as the whistle blew, it was the fairest result for all.

Well, when I say 'as the whistle blew' - you had to be standing down-wind of it to hear it. HPC didn't and went on an attack that saw a great goal scored. Shame it didn't count! [Phew!]

Final Score: ASC u10s 1 Hove Park Colts u10s 1

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The 'B's

Another good game for us proud families as Charlie [GK], Joe G., Sunny, Matt S., Joe W., Bill, Fraser, Max and Henry took to the field for the first time in a few weeks.

Bill was certainly in the wars today [that phrase was used with kind permission of ThingsYourGrannyWouldSay.com] as he fell victim to two thunderous, clattering tackles.

Max was looking good in midfield, but it was always going to be a tight affair as the boys looked for an opening. Enter Mr Joe G - or Thunderbolt as he's known in these here parts.

As he knocked it down a cog, the HPC defender was left clearing the mud from his eyes as he got caught in his wake. BOOM! ASC 1 HPC 0

HPC were quick to come back with a free-kick, ably cleared by Sunny & Matt S.; both staying as cool as ever. And they were called into action soon after in the face of an HPC break. 

Our opponents were on fire but Charlie was equal to the onslaught with athletic and brave keeping.

Half time: ASC 1 HPC 0

A few 'A'dditions for HPC saw them work a beautiful move through the ASC defence and nab a quick equaliser. ASC 1 HPC 1

Bill returned to the field after the first half clattering only to be smashed into once again; nothing malicious, but his speed when he gets going was proving a bit too much for the HPC defenders' sense of timing.

It was end-to-end stuff with Max shooting just over and Henry playing strong in midfield. HPC executed another fine move but there was no beating Charlie again today.

Another fine display from the boys against a very good opposition from along the way.

Bill was asked to comment on the game but struggled somewhat ;)

Final Score: ASC u10s 1 Hove Park Colts 1