Under 13 - Match Reports
29-Apr-10
AFCH 6 v 5 Oakwood Colts
Last game of the season, and a crucial one if we want to finish 2nd to gain our first trophies and promotion to the 2nd Division. With a full squad available for duty, and a significant number of spectators, this game was set to be a bit special. Oakwood had to win to beat us to second place, whereas due to our superior goal difference, all we needed was a draw. As this was such an important game to both sides, 3 officials had been allocated to the game.
The game started with Oakwood winning the kick , but AFCH soon won the ball and started to threaten the Oakwood goal, and on the whole benefited from the majority of play. It wasn't long before Rian played Jaye in for our opening goal. Even though this was still early in the game, Oakwood looked rocked, yet within five minutes, they were level, scoring from a corner that wasn't cleared.
Half time and the score remained 1 v 1, and Rian would take no further part in the game having badly injured his knee just before half time. Our talk focussed on continuing to play football, and shutting their players down early. The second half started in a dramatic fashion, within minutes of the restart we were ahead throughDan and a well worked short corner. Oakwood fought back and equalised, but only to see AFCH come straight back through Jaye, following good work from Alex and Lewis.The back three continued to defend valiantly against the physical play of Oakwood, with Sam, Elliott and Alex protecing them in midfield. This effort was soon rewarded by a further goal from Dan giving a two goal buffer. However, Oakwood soon pulled one back, but again, we pushed forward with some great football and soon had our fifth goal from Jaye following a long throw in from Dan. Oakwood came back stronger than ever and brought the score within 1, they then hit the cross-bar twice within five minutes, followed by Lewis doing the same at the other end. The game flowed from end to end with both teams pushing for a further goal, and through determination and great strength, Ben hit our sixth with minutes to go, everyone on the sideline willed the boys to hold out, and we did so in style, pressing Oakwood back to their own penalty box.
The final whistle went and the air errupted with cheers from our spectators, and several friends of the lads joined them on the pitch to celebrate. Oakwood showed great sportmanship, and their coaches came across to wish the boys well and congratulate them on their success.
So here we go, following a short break in May, we will return to training in June, knowing that we have a challenging year ahead of us.
Well done everyone, boys and parents alike, all your hard work and effort has been rewarded... come on you REDS!!!
Final Score: 6 v 5
Most Improved: Not awarded...
Man of the Match: Everyone!!!
25-Apr-10
City Central 2 v 4 Oakwood Colts
This result means we only need to draw our last game to finish 2nd!
18-Apr-10
Winsor United 2 v 1 AFCH
Two games remaining and we needed to get something out of today's game to ease the pressure, but this was a tall order based on Winsor havign a won 13 from 13 so far. Still the boys were up for the challenge and showed great determination and perseverance. Half time saw the score 0 v 0 and we could only praise the boys for their efforts and encourage them to strive a little further havign threatened to score on several good counter attacks.
The second half started on the back foot, and the longer the game went on the more it looked like we would gain a draw and take a point form Winsor. Despite valiant defending Winsor finally scored from a corner following what looked like a push on James in goal, the boys didn't drop their heads and pressed for an equaliser, but were then given a further blow with Winsor being awarded a harsh penalty, 2 v 0 and you could see disappointment in everyone's eyes. Yet we still rallied and got rewarded through Jason scoring a cracking goal from just inside Winsor's own half. The last five minutes saw pressure build on Winsor's goal and it really looked like we may get the equaliser, but the Winsor goalkeeper saved the few chances we had.
The game ended 2 v 1 but again gave us confidence for our last game of the season the decide for second between us and Oakwood, bring it on.... checking results in the evening threw up an unexpected loss to Alresford meaning that if Oakwood lost their game in hand to City Central, we would secure second place.
Final Score: 2 v 1
Most Improved: Thomas
Man of the Match: Elliott
11-Apr-10
Oakwood Colts 2 v 1 AFCH
This was a crunch game to make the run in easy, especially with Winsor still to play and still not havign dropped a point this season. Unfortunately, we didn't appear to turn up for the first half and playing a little too defensively we allowed Oakwood to lead 2 v 0 at half time. Half-time team talk concentrated on showing more passion and commitment to win the ball and to play the footbal we had trained so hard to achieve. Second half showed a marked improvement and havign rested from his first half injury, Rian wona penalty that Elliott coolly put away.
The final score ended 2 v 1 in favour of Oakwood, but what we saw of the second half, we knew that if the last game against Oakwood decide on our fate in securing second place, we had a very good chance of achieving it!
Final Score: 2 v 1
Most Improved: Alex
Man of the Match: James
14-Mar-10
Hythe Strikers 1 v 7 AFCH
With a further two week break in football created by the weather and fixtures jam, this was an important game to maintain our push for second division football in 2010/11. With ever reliable Matt and Alex away on a school trip, our squad still meant 12 players would be available, until Ozzie fell ill and wasn't available.
Away games are always a concern especially when played at a venue we haven't been to before, and travel posed a sizeable issue for this game. With minutes to kick-off, 3 players were stuck in traffic and an other one was still looking for the venue. Fortunately all had appeared by the kick-off, but Tom still needed to warm up. The game started with 10 men, James, Kieran, Sean and Dan at the back, Sam, Ben, Elliott and Lewis in midfield and Jason and Rian up front. Within minutes of kick-off and with Tom still warming-up, Jason smashed the ball in to the back of the net.
Tom joined the game and Kieran took up his usual role. AFCH dictated play and looked to have the upper hand until lapse defending in midfield saw a switch of play catch out our defensiveline and a first time volley beat an outstretched James. A real quality goal by anyones standards! Hythe seemed to get a confidence boostfrom this and continued to apply pressure with AFCH looking decidely rocky at times. However, a great first time passing move between Kieran and Elliott saw Rian break free of the right back, and showing great upper body strength squeeze his left footed shot in at the near post. Hythe continued to bussle and hassle and AFCH's defensive play still looked fragile. A free kick given away just inside our own half saw Hythe hit the cross-bar, and although warning bells should have sounded, a further defensive lapse produced a what looked to be a certain chance to draw scores level, but the scuffed shot saw the ball slice right. AFCH pulled their socks up and soon Jason had provided a third.
Half-time and the talk focussed on mid-field and positional play. We really needed to start playing our football of old, passing and splitting the defense. We also needed to be quick in pressing the ball and strong in our block tackles.The boys obviosuly paid attention as the play in the second half was exquisite, total football and commitment. The last month's training had sunkin and play was quick and a pleasure to watch, so much so that I lost track of how each goal came about, but I know Jason completed his hat-trick and also set Rian up to complete his. Going route one, Lewis added his name to the scoresheet smashing a first time left footed thunder flash past the advancing keeper from Rian headed flick. Final score finished 1 v 7 and everyone had played their part. When questioned everyone had raised their game, something to be proud of and also to be maintained for the remaining three fixtures! Stay strong and focussed - come on you reds!!!
Final Score: 1 v 7
Most Improved: Ben
Man of the Match: Jason / Rian
21-Feb-10
Wyvern Dragons 1 v 1 AFCH
A tricky game that needed a strong mind set and determination to win every ball... starting line up consisted of James, Tom, Sean, Matt, Kieran, Sam. Elliott, Dan and Ozzie across the middle and Rian and Jaye up front. Lewis and Alex waiting patiently for thier part in the game.
The game started with several exchanges of play, although Wyvern had the uppper hand in midfield and AFCH still lacked a commitment in the tackle, looking as though they thought someone else would step in and help. Although AFCH were making some forward moves, they tended to fizzle out with the Wyvern goal keeper beating Rian and Jaye to the ball. Wyvern took first blood, following what felt like slow motion football, somehow the Wyvern winger pressed forward unchallenged, walking the ball past 3 AFCH players before squaring to an unmarked player who gave the unprotected James no chance at all.
Pleasingly AFCH dug in and started playing football, although still not being able to beat the Wyvern keeper, it looked like a goal would come. With Lewis and Alex now on, and Sam pushed forward, a flowing move saw Sam drive down the right wing and deliver a far post cross. Lewis fought off close attention of the Wyvern right back and fed Rian to feet, turning and ever determined, Rian scrambled in an equaliser. Defensively AFCH held strong and finsihed the first half 1 v 1.
Half time team talk discussed the determination required and the need to be first to the ball. The second half started with Wyvern again on the up, a goal mouth scramble, and few last ditch tackles/clearances, had everyone watching taking sharp intakes of breath, but James had a good pair of hands today, and excellent starting positions. Towards the end of the second half, AFCH got on top of the game and had several chances that if playing in the bigger goals may have got us a vital win.
On reflection with Wyvern hitting the bar from a free-kick and James bravely saving to feet, a 1 v 1 draw was a fair result for both determined teams. Interestingly we appeared to attract quite a bit of attention today from the other managers in our league, so we must have them worried... four game to go lads and 2nd is still ours for the taking, we need strong minds and physical determination to secure the remaining points. Come on you reds!
Final Score: 1 v 1
Most Improved: Kieran
Man of the Match: James
14-Feb-10
AFCH 7 v 1 Chamberlayne
After last week's game we needed to bounce back showing the determination and desire we had earlier in the season. With ten minutes to kick-off we were still waiting for our opposition, spending more time on wondering whether they would turn up rather than warm-up! With five minutes to go, 9 players turned up for Chamberlayne and whilst walking across the park, spoke about not giving up whatever happened... something we weren't ready for as it looked as though we thought this was going to be a walk in the park... not so!
Starting line-up saw Ben rewarded for his efforts of last weekend, with James, Matt, Sean (back from injury), Thomas, Kieran and Sam. Midfield consisted of Dan, Elliott, Ben, Jason and Rian. Lewis, Ozzie and Alex as subs.
Huge credit should be given to Chamberlayne, they were so determined and playing 4, 3, 1, looked to boss the game in mid-field with several AFCH players flinching out of tackles. Gradually AFCH came into the game and Elliott found Rian with a well weighted through ball. Rian dropped his shoulder and sent the keeper the wrong way, coolly rounding the flaying legs to knock home our first goal. Not long after Elliott scored from distance smashing the ball in the top left hand corner. Dan came off for Ozzie, Sam and Matt for Alex and Lewis. Chamberlayne looked for their first goal and scored from distance AFCH looked on the back foot and Chamberlayne thought they had a chance in the game. Against play, Lewis was fed through and finished well, Ben later on towards the end of the half also hit the cross-bar.
Half-time, and everyone acknowledged it was a poor perfromance and things needed to improve. The second half was a totally different game and AFCH camped in Chamberlaynes half, on the odd occassion of any threat, Sean cleared the lines, and Alex stayed strong in the tackle. Tom and Matt kept their respective wings clear of danger and the midfield started to play footbal using the width of the pitch, gradually undoing the determined Chamberlayne defence. Elliott scored his second direct from a corner, Rian added his second and also combining well with Elliott on a short corner set up Ozzie to head home. The final goal came from Elliott to complete a hat-trick and finish the game 7 v 1.
Final Score: 7 v 1
Most Improved:Alex
Man of the Match: Ozzie
7-Feb-10
Tadburn 5 v 2 AFCH
Although we beat Tadburn 9 v 0 at home, I looked on this game as a potential bannana skin, and unfortunately I was right.... today was just one of those day's, injuries, incredible saves, and chances that just didn't hit the back of the net!
Starting line up James, Kieran, Sean, Matt, Dan, Sam, Lewis, Elliott, Ozzie, Jason and Rian. With Tom on his way back from a badminton tournament and Ben and Alex watching from the side-line.
The game started in a scrappy fashion, with Tadburn midfield looking the more determined in tackles and desire to get to the ball first. AFCH had an early warning with Tadburn's left wing beating both Matt and Sean for pace. However, despite this scare, AFCH were the first to score through a well worked passing move finished by Jason. Within 5 minutes, AFCH had had several more chances that were either well saved or snatched at and not struck with enough venom to beat the defense or goalkeeper (something we would come to rue).
Tadburn's pace on the break was causing all sorts of trouble, at times the defence found themselves 3 v 6, with no midfield support, energy looked to be drained from several of the team. Breaking on the right this time, Tadburn took their chances with a one on one and slotted the ball past the inside of the near post. Racing to stop another Tadburn attack, Sean became injured and had to leave the game, requiring Dan to play out of position. With Tom arriving Kieran pushed forward and Ben swapped for Ozzie. Tadburn soon scored a second and AFCH continued to strive to get those illusive goals. Half-time and Tadburn remained 2 v 1 up.
The team talk focussed on desire and want, Tadburn were beating us in all areas and we needed greater support and more passing football. The second half started stronger although against play, Tadburn counter attacked and the left winger smashed a Jaye type shot in over James' head. This seemed to rally the team, and AFCH again started to dominate the football but just couldn't score the goals. Sam and Ozzie rejoined the game for Lewis and Rian, and Ben continued to fight and battle with total heart. Alex had some individual battles and set Ben away out wide, cutting in to Elliott and receiving a wall pass, Ben crossed for Ozzie to guide home. Could we still get back with only ten minutes remaining? Unfortunately not, Tadburn got the buffer goal back and with AFCH still trying to get something out of the game scored thier fifth, with the game finishing 5 v 2.
The boys came off looking down trodden but need to look at it as one of those games where the ball just didn't go our way. Tadburn showed great desire, and injury meant several of our players played out of their normal position. Reflecting on the day's other results, we are still in a strong 2nd position, so lets forget today and push on forward!
Final Score: 5 v 2
Most Improved:Alex
Man of the Match: Ben
21-Jan-10
AFCH 3 v 0 CIty Central
A very similar tale to the last match report, with all the recent bad weather, this was our first game in a further five weeks, and it was an important one at that - City Central could be one of our closest rivals at the season's end - so how would we fair today?! If the result was to be determined by sheer commitment, we stood a good chance as James was playing nursing a recent foot injury and Sean was suffering from a headache...
Starting line up, James in goal, Matt, Sean, Thomas, Kieran and Dan in defence, Ozzie, Elliott, Lewis in midfield with Rian and Jaye up front. Ben, Sam and Alex waiting for their chance to impress.
The game got off to a confident start with AFCH linking up quickly and having the confidence to play out of defence, we pressed the ball very well, and the back three made some telling tackles. AFCH won nearly every second ball and started to dictate play. James looked relaxed in goal, and was brought into action several times to mop up the overhit through ball. Going forward we always looked confident, with Elliott and Dan bossing the centre of the park, and Ozzie providing great width and determination. Within 5-10 minutes, AFCH went ahead following a great through bal from Elliott, Rian's air control was sublime and his finish emphatic!
Our second didn't take long either, after good work from Ozzie and Dan, Jason was set free down the right wing, and on breaking in to the penalty area let fly with a shot-cross into the far top corner (still no mark on his goal of the season, but a great goal all the same!). Further chances came down our left created by Lewis and followed by Ben and Sam when they came on for Lewis and Kieran respectively. Tackles continued to be made and AFCH looked determined to win this encounter. Matt and Tom were outstanding in defense and Sean swept up any lose ball and won every straight race for the ball when City Central tried an alternative tactic of hit and run.
Half time and the score remained 2 v 0. The team talk revolved around more of the same, nothing really to add apart from keep up the good work and show the same determination. Alex came on for Ben and Jason made way for Lewis up front. City Central showed more passion in the second half and AFCH went on the defensive, but staying resolute we started playing some lightening quick counter attack football. Although Matt and Tom were still solid in defense, City Central began to out number them, however, Sean was still providing great cover, snuffing out any possible chance of a consolation goal. With ten minutes to go, Kieran, Ben and Jason rejoined the game for Lewis, Sam and Alex. Again AFCH looked impressive on the counter attack and solid in defense. Ozzie had run himself into the ground with a 110% performance, so Sam rejoined the game with five minuted to go, and helped see out the game to finish 3 v 0.
An other excellent performance from the whole squad, resulting in our third clean sheet of the season, and strengthening our position in the league... well done guys, keep up the drive and desire to win!
Final Score: 3 v 0
Most Improved: Sean
Man of the Match: Dan
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13-Dec-09
AFCH 2 v 0 Wyvern Dragons
Followng a five week break due to the weather, I started today wondering how would we perform? Something I needn't have worried about....
The pre-match talk centred on our desire to win the ball, hold possession and beat Wyvern to the second ball. The boys had to demonstrate today how much they really wanted to win, taking the game to Wyvern. We started the game with our usual formation, consisting of James, Thomas, Sean and Matt, Kieran, Sam, Ozzie, Dan and Lewis across mid-field and Jaye and Rian up front. Ben and Alex patiently waiting for their inspired performances.
The game started with AFCH making most of the play in the first five-ten minutes, everyone bid for the ball, battling Wyvern and making the second ball Hiltingbury's. Wyvern's keeper kept them in the game and soon Wyvern using the advantage of the bitter wind began to threaten. Stout defence and determination, smoothered everything Wyvern threw at us, and despite the pressure, Lewis, Ozzie, Jaye and Rian looked dangerous on the counter attack. On reflection, although Wyvern may have edged the amount of possession in the first half, AFCH had the greater number of shots. It was just a matter of time, and with Matt, Sean and Thomas protecting James, I felt confident that this would be our day.
Half time blew with no score, the team talk focussed on continuing the great work, shutting down the play and giving Wyvern no time on the ball. Our own flowing football was beginning to show and that meant goals would come. Now with the wind behind our backs, AFCH pushed on, going up a gear. Dan bossed centre midfield all day, making great use of the ball. Both Ben and Alex had joined the game at half-time and now shone in their roles. Flowing moves started to strip the Wyvern defense and it wasn't long before Rian having seen his first attempt parried, pounced on the rebound, side stepped a challenge and thumped a left footed shot into the gaping net.
Wyvern pressed for a reply but our defense were fantastic today, providing balance and cover, Sean with a cool head continued to protect James down the centre and Thomas and Matt won ball after ball on the wings. When Wyvern did get the better of us, James had immaculate hands and held on to everything goal bound, would this be his second clean sheet of the season? An other quick counter attack started by a crisp clearance from Matt, a nod on by Alex and an exquisite pass by Dan, saw Jaye turn the Wyvern left back inside out and shoot to the goalies near post, glancing in off the woodwork. Ten minutes to go and the hatches were battened down. Despite further pressure, AFCH just couldn't beat the Wyvern keeper who kept the score line 2 v 0 at the finish.
A great game of football and a very deserved victory ! An excellent squad effort with everyone giving their all.... BELIEVE guys!!!
Most Improved: Ozzie
Man of the Match: Jason
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8-Nov-09
AFCH 2 v 5 Winsor United
Final Score: 2 v 5
Most Improved: Dan
Man of the Match: Jason
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25-Oct-09
AFCH 9 v 0 Tadburn
Final Score: 9 v 0
Most Improved: Ben
Man of the Match:Kieran
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18-Oct-09
AFCH 10 v 2 Hythe Strikers Youth
After last week's game the boys were in a good frame of mind but needed to be cautious, playing on a bigger pitch meant that we needed to make the ball do the work, and press the ball without hesitation.
James batteld his cold to turn out for us today, so that meant the ususal starting line-up at the back, with Thomas , Sean and Matt, followed by Kieran, Sam, Lewis , Elliott and Ozzie in midfiled. Up front we had Rian and Jason, with Ben, Dan and Alex all waiting for their turn in a high energy game.
A fast paced game saw AFCH take an early lead with Rian listening to the pre-match chat and calmly placing the ball underneath the advancing Hythe Keeper. Hythe responded with counter attack football that was well swept up by Matt, Sean and Thomas at the back. AFCH won the first conrer of the game and Sean nearly headed his first goal, only to see it stopped on the line, but being alert he bundled the ball home in the goal mouth scramble!
Hythe weren't down and given half a chance by a poorly cleared, smashed the ball high over James' head from just outside the penalty area. AFCH buckled down knowing this game wasn't finished, and a great move involving Sam, and Ozzie saw a determined goal from Ben. Replacing Ozzie for Dan and a very similar goal came from Elliott, playing a through ball in behind the left back for Dan to meet and cross and Jaye beat the keeper with the outside of his boot flicking the ball past the advancing keeper. Half-time AFCH 4, Hythe 2.
The team talk revolved around playing football, making the ball do the work, and it wasn't long before AFCH got their fifth from Rian. Hythe still playing counter attack football had a further chance through indecisive tackling and took their chance to make the score 5 v 2. Nearly straight from the kickoff, Jaye got his second followed by a well-worked corner met by Thomas to head home. Hythe continued to counter attack and looked threatening, but good work by Matt, Sean and Thomas backed up ably by James held the score. Rian notched up his second with a determined run through the central defence, poking home the ball. Great work from Lewis and Rian set up two further goals for Jaye, to finish the game 10 v 2. Well done lads!
Final Score: 10 v 2
Most Improved: Thomas
Man of the Match: Matt
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11-Oct-09
Alresford Town 1 v 9 AFCH
This was our first return leg of the season against a team which we should have beaten first time around, coming back form two nil down to lead four two to then give away two silly goals, sharing the points.
Both Kev and I expected a similar game, and wondered whether the boys were up for it... something it turned out we didn't need to worry about!
Formation remained the same as all our league games to date with James, Tom, Sean, Matt, Kieran, Sam, Lewis, Elliott, Ozzie, Rian and Ben in the starting line-up. Alex and Dan waited on the side to make their impact felt when they came on (Jaye was still on his way having mistaken the kick off time for 2:00).
Due to the size of the pitch the game started at a low tempo, with a lot of bunching in the centre and half hearted tackles. Alresford were the first to threaten goal with a well timed through ball but James was awake to the threat and comfortably met it on the edge of his box.
It seemed to take a while for AFCH to settle and start to play our football, using width and speed to get in behind the defense and threaten goal. It wasn't long before Rian opened the day's account with a well weighted chip over the top of the defense, causing confusion between the keeper and centre back allowing Rian the time to slot the ball home.
Another flowing move saw the ball set back for Sam to drill narrowly wide, and not long after a similar move saw Elliott curl a left footed 18 yarder into the top left hand corner.
Lewis was causing all sorts of problems out on the left with his speed leaving the defense for dust, breaking loose he calmly side footed the ball curling it in past the advancing keeper to make it three. Persistent tackling from Kieran saw us win the ball again on the left and Kieran pierced the defense for Lewis to accelerate into warp speed down the left, cutting back in on his right foot he crossed to the far post which Ben met with a first time effort to put us on a four nil lead at half time.
Team talk focussed on concentration and playing the same football in the second half. By this time both Alex and Dan were playing and Jaye had also entered the game. Alresford seemed to have rallied at half-time, but were soon knocked back by a further two well taken goals. The first came from Rian controlling a Sean clearance, flicking the ball up over his head and turning to volley home. Jason also found the net through a determined run pokig the ball through the goalies legs.
Going six up, AFCH lost concentration and allowed Alresford a concellation goal which was a shame as James had made some outstanding saves in the first half and controlled his box with clear communication. A quick rally call from the lads and Dan shot forward from the kick off. Rian laid the ball back fro Elliott to hit a precise ball that Dan picked up and drilled across the goal. With both Jaye and Rian threatening to knock the ball in, a desperate defensive leg unfortunately slid the ball home for an own goal.
The boys continued to apply pressure despite this Alresford kept looking for more goals, but Matt, Sean and Tom all tackled well and stood fast. In fact from one such tackle, Matt clipped the ball over the Alresford advancing defense for Ozzie to chase and cross to Jaye's feet who proded the ball. Still not finished, Rian got his second hat-trick of the season, by heading Elliott's free kick home, making the final score 1 v 9!
Well done lads, one of our best performances all around the pitch...
Final Score: 1 v 9
Most Improved: James
Man of the Match: Lewis, Kieran, Elliott
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4-Oct-09
City Central 1 v 2 AFCH
In previous years, games against City Central have always affected our final position in the league. Many statos amongst you will know, out of four previous meetings, AFCH have lost one and drawn 3. Would this game break the mould and shine good fortune on the season....
Keepign a 3-5-2 formation, starting line-up of James, Tom, Sean and Matt, Kieran, Sam, Dan, Elliott, Ozzie, Rian and Ben. Leaving Alex and Lewis as able subs waiting for their chance to play.
The game started on a very hard and bumpy pitch with AFCH receiving most of the possession through wayward passing from City Central. As the game settled AFCH looked second to most challanges, but through interception found Rian through one on one with the advancing keeper, just as he pulled the trigger the ball bumped up sailed over the cross-bar.
AFCH looked the favourite to score first, but as the game went on, City Central posed a greater threat from a counter attack goal. At times stepping off the big #9. Alex came on for Kieran and Lewis for Dan, but the first half still ended 0 v 0.
Half time discussed the need to get the ball moving and playing football to space or in behind the defence. City Central were down to 10 men and yet we still looked lethargic and worried about the tackle.
The second half continued as teh frist with AFCH doing all the play but City Central's counter attacks threatening to undo us as in previous years. With 10 minutes of the game remaining, the big number 9 appeared to walk teh ball aroudn 6 players and cross to the far post for a tap in finish.
Heads remained high and AFCH appeared to come alive and within minutes, Rian had drawn us back level. Pressure continued and AFCH went ahead through an other well worked move. The boys really looked like they wanted to hold the lead adn with 3 minutes remianing, the formation changed without a word fromthe side-line, returning to the more defensive 4-4-2. However, the remaining midfield and forwards contiued to pose the question of City Central looking for a third which very nearly came, but the game ended witha very well deserved victory.
Final Score: 1 v 2
Most Improved: Ozzie
Man of the Match: Matt
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27-Sep-09
Chamberlayne 2 v 8 AFCH
Back to the league and our bread and butter... today's opposition were an unknown factor in as much as they were newly formed for this season comprising a few of the old Itchen Tyro team.
Starting line up in a 3-5-2 formation with James in goal, consisted of Alex, Sean, Matt, Kieran, Sam, Dan, Elliott, Ozzie, Rian and Jason, with Lewis, Ben and Tom waiting their turn in the scorching sun!
Losing the toss, we found ourselves playing uphill and knowing that Chamberlayne had a slight advantage. The game looked evenly poised with a lot of chasing the ball and Chamberlayne looking favourite in the majority of tackles.
Several chances fell to AFCH but after great work getting into position we just couldn't quite get the outcome we wanted. Finally Rian got his chance and slotted the ball home. Shortly after Ben won free kick out on the right wing's corner flag, and Elliott crossed to the six yard to see three AFCH players going for the ball. Rian jumped highest to nod the ball home for his second.
A spell of scrappy defending and hesitation saw a Chamberlayne long distance shot sail over James' head and into the top of the net. Chamberlayne looked to get a bit of drive from this goal and applied pressure but AFCH held fast and improved their pressure and started to play football.
Half-time and the scores remained 2v1 due to heroics by the Chamberlayne keeper. Team talk focussed on making the ball do the work through passing and receiving. The lads were reminded about their training drills and that we were now shooting downhill and needed to pull the trigger a little earlier from distance.
The heat saw substitutions being made all game, and the lads that were taken off prior to half-time were swapped back in. From Chamberlaynes kick-off AFCH won the ball and went straight on the attack, playing some very good fast flowing football, and it wasn't long before Jason got his first goal of the day.
Rian came back on and scored his hat-trick, followed by Elliott. James made a brave save at the feet of two Chamberlayne players, and Alex, Sean and Matt held fast at the back. Tom scored our second goal from a corner with his head and then we had a lapse of concentration that allowed Chamberlayne a rare second half chance that they took with style, volleying in from the 18 yard line.
However, the day wasn't done and AFCH continued to march on, with two more goals from Ozzie after some great work by Lewis and a thunderbolt goal from Jaye (I've never seen the ball hit so hard by players of our age, and knew it was in before it even left his foot!)
Final whistle and we finished 2 v 8 victors.
Final Score: 2 v 8
Most Improved: Alex
Man of the Match: Jason
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20-Sep-09 Tyro Cup
Laverstock and Ford 9 v 0 AFCH
Final Score: 9 v 0
Most Improved: Sean
Man of the Match: Sam
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13-Sep-09 Hants Cup
AFCH 1 v 2 Hurstwood Rangers 'A'
Final Score: 1 v 2
Most Improved: Elliott
Man of the Match: Lewis
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06-Sep-09
AFCH 4 v 4 Alresford Town
Our 2009/2010 start to the season saw the same opponents as last year visiting our home ground. Last year's eventful game somehow ended goalless, with a share of the points and our first clean sheet. With a change in formation to 3-5-2, this year's game was an entirely different matter!
Having had a good finish to the Colden Common tournament on Bank Holiday Monday, it was only fair to have the same lads who finished the tournament start this year's campaign. So our starting line-up consisted of James, Alex, Sean, Matt, Kieran, Sam, Lewis, Elliott, Ben, Jason and Rian. Tom, Dan and Ozzie supported the team from the sideline (all three being unable to finish the tournament due to injury).
The first ten minutes produced a bitty affair, with neither side really bossing the game or having the majority of possession. AFCH played some lovely flowing football, with Lewis smashing the Alresford cross-bar. However, a quick break away and Alresford took first blood following a defensive melee that saw the ball prodded home past James (although I’m sure I saw the ball go in, I still can’t explain how the ball ended up outside the goal!).
Alresford began to believe and although their football wasn’t as smooth as ours, they were more alert and soon doubled their lead with a hit and run goal that was well taken. AFCH suddenly woke up and played Alresford off the park with decisive flowing football, within ten minutes, we were back level following a goal from Rian and rare headed goal from Jaye. Alresford’s keeper pulled off some vital saves as did James bravely claiming the ball at the advancing forwards feet.
AFCH continued to apply pressure and Rian pinched is second to finish the half 3 v 2 up, with Alresford on the back foot. Half-time spoke about keeping the ball moving and finding our targets, but also staying alert to changing roles and responsibilities.
Within 5-10 minutes, a well worked corner saw Rian dance through the Alresford defense and set Tom up to open his season’s tally. The energy being expended by the midfield was huge and it looked like we were always going to score again, however, Alresford’s keeper had other ideas and clawed several shots to safety including a thunderbolt from Dan that he tipped onto the cross-bar to see slam down and out from the goal-line (who called for goal mouth cameras?!). Alresford seemed to get a second wind from this point and pressed our goal to earn two similarly conceded goals.
Although we valiantly tried to get the winner, nothing would fall right, and in the last few minutes, Kieran saw a lofted shot (that had their keeper beaten) cleared off the line by an alert defender, leaving the game to finish 4 v 4.
Having been 4v2 up, the result felt more like a defeat than a well earned point., but in hindsight we did well to bounce back from 2v0 down and as manager I have to hold my hands up and say that I probably should have changed our shape back to a more defensive 4-4-2 to see the game out. A wake up call requiring us to be sharper and wiser in our decisions – including me!
Well done lads a great start to the season, we set our stall out from the start, to play total football, at times very exciting, and a real joy to watch. Now let’s build on our good work!Final Score: 4 v 4
Most Improved: Not awarded
Man of the Match: Sam
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