1st April - Haunchwood (H) 1 - 6 (L)

We took to the field for our last game of the season hoping for a good performance against the Champions elect. Although our lads worked hard, Haunchwood proved too strong. The game started quite even, lots of midfield play, but very few chances. As Haunchwood upped their tempo, our def became more stretched & they soon took the lead, when their striker turned in a cross. Shortly afterwards it became 2 after we failed to clear a corner. Their player hopefully overhead kicking the ball into our box, only to find it take a high bounce over our stranded keepers head. We continued to struggle as they kept up the pressure & a 3rd wasn’t long in coming, following some miss tackles. We were handed a life line just before ½ time. When a free-kick from the halfway line by Charlie, was missed by their def & keeper under pressure from Michael & the ball carried on into their net.

Half Time - 1 – 3 - Charlie Mahon

Haunchwood came out strongly in the 2nd half & had us on the back foot right from the start. This pressure was never to let up for the rest of the game & it wasn’t a surprise when they eventually scored their 4th. Our def battled on bravely, doing their best to stop them scoring, but there was no rest bite as we couldn’t keep the ball in their half for more than a few seconds at a time. By the end of the match we had conceded another 2 goals, which wasn’t bad considering the amount of pressure our def had been under.

Full Time - 1 - 6

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25th March - Bedworth Utd (A) 5 - 3 (L) - League

Although we enjoyed the bulk of possession & put Utd under a lot of pressure with some good positive play, we found ourselves going behind from a couple of breakaways which our stand-in keeper & def. couldn’t deal with. We continued to pressing forward, but found Utd difficult to break down. Meanwhile with the pace & strength of their attackers causing us problems we found ourselves 3 down after barely 15mins. We battled on creating chances & managed to pull a goal back thru Michael. Aided by the slope Utd stretched our def. every time they attacked & they didn’t have to wait long for a 4th following in after Charlie had saved the initial shot. Credit our lads as they showed even more determination to get back into the game & shortly before ½ time Jamie D scored with a powerful shot from just outside their box.

Half Time - 2 – 4 - Michael Moore & Jamie Donely

We pressed forward in the 2nd half, trying to make good use of the slope, but their def. held firm. By now our def. we’re getting the better of their attackers & chances became limited. As the game entered the final stages Utd scored a 5th following some good build up play. Our lads still didn’t give up & pressurised their def. more & more, eventually scoring our 3rd when Michael followed up after their keeper couldn’t hold a shot from Lewis. There were no more goals in the dying mins, although we did come close on a couple of occasions. At the end of the match we were left to reflect on what might have been had we had not conceded those early goals. But fully credit to our lads for the way they battle their way back into the match.

Full Time - 3 – 5 - Michael Moore

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18th March - Grove Farm Rangers (H) 1 - 6 (L) - League

With only 9 players, we needed everyone to be at their best, but unfortunately too many lads had an off day. After a tight start to the match things when horribly wrong, poor forward play left us defending a quick breakaway, from which Rangers won a corner. The ball was played into our box, where no 1 reacted & the ball went in off our keeper. Shortly afterwards we were 2 down, when the def stopped thinking there was an offside. We create a couple of excellent chances to get back into the game, but neither was taken. Then another defensive error gifted them a 3rd. We battled on, but found Rangers difficult to breakdown, although some of our play was sloppy at times. As we pressed forward, Rangers took advantage of the gaps in our mid & def, but couldn’t add to their lead.

Half Time - 0 – 3

Again we pushed forward in the 2nd half, in search of a way back into the game & kept getting caught on the counter-attack. This brought about 2 more goals for Rangers. We kept going & from 1 of Jamie D’s breaks, he found Tom R making a run down our right, then he carried on forward to meet Tom’s return pass & fired in a shot which their keeper could only parry, Brandon H was on hand to tap-in the loose ball. As our lads surged on for more goals, Rangers exploited the gaps in def, but they could only add 1 more goal. Unfortunately we couldn’t make the most of anything that came our way. Even though we only had 9 players, this had been a disappointing performance & we really should have done better. Full credit to Rangers they worked extremely hard thro-out the match & more than deserved their win. We must do better in our remaining games, hopefully next time with a full team.

Full Time - 1 – 6 - Brandon Hutt

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4th March - Ambleside Hearts (H) 2 - 3 (L) - Police Cup Qtr-final

After 2 very close matches so far this season, we knew this game wasn’t going to be easy & so it proved. We started well enough, having lots of possession & created many chances, but poor finishing let us down. Our best chance fell to Michael, who was put thru, only to be denied as their keeper spread himself well. Later on Ambleside took a shock lead, when 1 of our def. missed his attempted clearance & their striker was left with a simple chance. Things got worse shortly afterwards, when a miss tackle presented another easy chance. We worked hard to get back into the game creating more chances, but again we couldn’t make them count.

Half Time - 0 – 2

It was the same again in the 2nd half, as we continued to put Ambleside under pressure & more chances came & went. Following a good run by Jamie D we were awarded a penalty, but unfortunately Brandon H missed. The game was all but over a while later, when a clearance from their corner fell to an unmarked player just outside our box, who returned a shot high into the net. After some more miss chances, we got a foot back into the game, when Tom B sieged the ball on the edge of their box & fired home. This goal lifted our lads & surged on by some good play from Lewis, Michael pulled another goal back. With time running out we piled on the pressure & with almost the last touch of the match Michael headed over a great cross from Brandon H. Somehow this match was lost. Ambleside worked very hard for their win, but the number of chances we created during this match, we should have won comfortably, which was very disappointing.

Full Time - 2 – 3 - Tom Brown, Michael Moore

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26th February - Chetwynd Tigers (A) 4 - 0 (L) - League

We started this match very brightly, not letting Tigers settle. All our lads were on their game & played their roles well, restricting Tigers to a few breakaway chances, which our def dealt with. We created a number of good chances during the half, Brandon coming really close on a couple occasions & Danny fired over with another good chance. But no 1 could make the break thru.

Half Time - 0 – 0

Our lads kept up their work rate well during the 1st half of the 2nd half, as Tigers could only create half chances. Although Tigers upped the pressure & had more possession, we seemed to have everything in control. Then a moments lapse in concentration & their centre-mid was allowed some time & space to run into our box & score. Shortly afterwards we failed to deal with a cross & we were 2 down. Tiger’s confidence grew with these goals & put us under more pressure & our lads couldn’t cope. Soon it was 3, again poor marking left a simple chance, & then a 4th went in as our lads seemed to lose complete focus on the game as Tigers ran riot. Luckily time was up & what had been a very good match for us had turned into a bit of a disaster. Which was a shame, our overall performance didn’t deserve a 4-0 scoreline, but that’s what happens if you don’t keep up your concentration levels & work rate thro-out all stages of the match.

Full Time - 0 – 4

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19th February - Bulkington Sports (H) 0 - 6 (L) - League

Not a great deal to report on this match. Bulkington came to win. Although we matched them in the 1st half, their “will to win” showed thro-out the 2nd half, which was reflected in the scoreline…. HT 0 – 1 ….. FT 0 – 6.
No bad performances, just a lack of winning attitude. Need to step it up for next week’s match.

Full Time - 0 – 6

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29th January - Bedworth Eagles (A) 2 - 1 (L) - League

We made another slow start to this match, as Eagles dominated the early stages, but without causing us too many problems. We eased into the game & started to attack deeper into there half, but couldn’t apply the pass to create a clear chance. During 1 of our attacks, we gave away a free kick, which their def took, firing a long ball over our def for their striker to score. Eagles kept the pressure on, but James in goal & def stood firm. Attacking wise we continued to struggle creating any chances, apart from a few corners.

Half Time - 0 – 1

Possession wise the 2nd half was very even, but again the final pass let us down & we had James & our def to thanks for keeping the score at 1-0. Eventually following good work down our left an opening appeared for Michael, but he couldn’t apply the finish. Shortly afterwards Michael was harshly adjudged to have fouled their def & followed an Eagles player into the ref book with a yellow card for similarly kicking the ball away in frustration at the decision. From the resulting free kick another long ball wasn’t cleared & Eagles made it 2. The ref who wasn’t having a good game for either side, made things worse for us when his gave Michael a 2nd yellow for a 50/50 tackle where both players went in with their foot raised. Even though we were down to 10 players our lads kept going & with time running out we got back into the game, when Lewis won the ball, surged forward past their def to fire into the top corner. We soaked up a bit of pressure, then in the dying mins we broke away & nearly equalised, but the ball wouldn’t fall kindly for us & the chance was gone.

Full Time - 1 – 2 - Lewis Rogers

Player of the Month – Daniel Sugars – Dan has shown a good attitude in training this month with a wiliness to work hard. Which he has carried over to match days, where he has ran his legs off to win the ball & try & create attacks.

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22nd January - St Nicolas (H) 1 - 5 (L) - League

Due to the strong wind it took a while for either side to settle into the match. We seemed to take a bit longer to get going, as St Nic began to dominate the early stages, without really threatening our goal. Then almost out the blue a long wind assisted free-kick sailed over our def & 1 of the forward’s guided it home. We nearly hit back straight away, with Charlie coming close after some good work in midfield. We pressed on & created a couple more good chances, but couldn’t apply the finish. A while later St Nic extended their lead, following up on a loose ball, after their initial shot was saved. We battled on to get back into the game, but couldn’t quite force an opening & as half time approached they added a 3rd, following some good work down their right.

Half Time - 0 – 3

Both sides pressed each other early in the 2nd & it wasn’t long before there was a goal. St Nic scoring after we had missed several chances to clear the ball. We pulled a goal back soon afterwards, when Addy played a thru ball to Michael, who powered past their def to score. We kept pushing on for more goals, but their def held firm. The 2nd half was very end to end, with some good football played by both teams, but without goal success. Then with time running out St Nic were awarded a penalty when their player belatedly dived after a challenge. Our lads had worked hard thro-out this match & deserved better than the score line suggests.

Full Time - 1 – 5 - Michael Moore

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15th January - Ambleside Hearts (A) 0 - 2 (W) - League

Ambleside came at us from the start & never let us settle. Fortunately our def were on their game & managed to stop them creating any serious chances. It was a long time into game before we put any sort of passing move together. Ambleside continued to dominate, but it was us who took the lead, very much against the run of play. Dan won the ball just inside there half, stormed forward beating a few of their players & firing past the on coming keeper. This goal knock them a bit, as we got more into the game, however we had to thank Addy & our def for keeping onto our lead going into half time.

Half Time - 1 – 0 - Daniel Sugars

We came out for the 2nd half with more purpose & attacked them a lot more, creating a few chances, but couldn’t find away pasted their keeper. Ambleside didn’t give up & created a few chances of their own, thanks to Jamie D & our def they also couldn’t find away thru. The 2nd half progressed very competitively with both sides having good possession without really creating a clear chance. As the game was drawing to a close, Lewis & Lee combined well down our left, before Lewis cut inside & struck a sweetly timed shot into the top corner of their net, to wrap up a good hard fought win for us. Although this wasn’t 1 of our best attacking displays, it was a good win for us. The way our lads battled in all other areas of the pitch was excellent, Ambleside pushed us all the way & we ground out the result our performance deserved.

Full Time - 2 – 0 - Lewis Rogers

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8th January - Grove Fam Juniors (H) 3 - 1 (W) - League

We started this match with a very attacking line up, but although Juniors defended well, we never really got going. We did however take the lead when Charlie turned in Brandon H’s corner. Then after some poor play from our defence Juniors equalised. Both teams created half chances as the 1st half progressed, without either keeper really being tested, although the Juniors keeper was the busier. Eventually we regained the lead when Tom B picked up a loose ball on the edge of their box & placed the ball into the top corner.

Half Time - 2 – 1 - Charlie Mahon, Tom Brown

Although we had virtually all the play in the 2nd half, we struggled make it count. Some credit must go to the Juniors for the way they battled thro-out, preventing us from creating many chances & the one’s we did, their keeper was on hand to make the save. Juniors created sporadic attacks, but fortunately their shots weren’t on target. Following a good break out of def by Jamie D in the closing mins we made the game safe, when he fired in an unstoppable shot from long range. At the end of the match we were happy with the 3 points, if not the performance, especially in the attacking 3rd of the field.

Full Time - 3 – 1 - Jamie Donely

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18th December - Grove Farm (A) 0 - 4 (W) - League

We started this match very strongly, attacking Grove Farm right from the start & created plenty of chances, but our shooting wasn’t up to standard as we either shot wide or straight at their keeper. This pattern carried on thro-out the 1st half, interrupted by only brief attacks by Grove Farm. Best of which saw Tom R in goal come out well to block a 1-on-1.

Half Time - 0 – 0

The 2nd half started in the same fashion, with us laying siege on their goal. Eventually we took the lead when Brandon B played in Michael. We had to wait awhile for our 2nd. Jamie E made a good run out of def to set up Brandon H, A 3rd shortly followed, this time Brandon H slid a pass to Charlie to score on his debut. Grove Farm tried to get back into the game, but our def held firm preventing them from having any clear chances. Brandon H completed the scoring, when he won the ball in Mid & dribbled pasted a few players & shot pasted their keeper. Although we scored 4, our lads were disappointed, as we missed sooo many really good opportunities to have scored an awful lot more.

Full Time - 4 – 0 - Michael Moore, Brandon Hutt 2, Charlie Mahon

Player of the Month – Tom Brown – Tom has continued to show a really positive attitude in training & carried that work ethic into our matches, where he’s worked tirelessly thro-out our games battling for the ball in midfield & setting up attacks.

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10th December - Ambleside Hearts (H) 3 - 1 (W) - League

A cold frosty start greeted the teams for our early ko & that seemed to be the same for our players as we took awhile to get into this match. Ambleside took advantage & opened the scoring early on with a good shot, which went in via the bar & the back of our goalie Adam’s head. Slowly we got more & more into the game & caused Ambleside a few problems, which their sweeper dealt with quite well. After some good play from our lads Josh was played into space & fired in a shot which was parried by their keeper, only for Michael to drive home the loose ball. After a period of even play Tom R made a good break out of def pasted a few of their players & played a delightful ball to Michael to shoot us into the lead & score his 2nd. The game carried on to half time with never side really creating any clear chances to score.

Half Time - 2 – 1 - Michael Moore 2

The 2nd half carried on the same way, with both teams having periods of pressure, but neither team could find away thru. As we entered the final ¼ of the match the action really livened up, firstly after some good build up play we scored a 3rd, when Michael completed his hat-trick following a goalmouth scramble. Then Ambleside thought they should have had a penalty, when 1 of their players appeared to be fouled inside our box, having already tried to win a penalty earlier with an unbelievable dive, probably put doubts in the ref head, as didn’t give it. Shortly afterwards Brandon B thought he had scored a debut goal, only to be denied by their cheating linesman, who probably thought he was righting any wrong from not being awarded the penalty. Both teams battled on to the end without any further success. Our lads put in a good performance & more than deserved their victory.

Full Time - 3 – 1 - Michael Moore

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4th December - Nuneaton Town (H) 2 - 2 (D) - League

Nuneaton started very brightly, putting us under pressure straight away, not letting us settle. They forced a number of corners, but they couldn’t find a way thru. Eventually we managed to create an attack, which they didn’t clear properly & after some good pressure Brandon fed Michael, who opened the scoring with a firm strike. This settle us down & we started to get a grip on the game, dominating the midfield, keeping the ball well as we tried hard to increase our lead. Dan saw a good effort go narrowly wide from outside the box & Tom B hit the post with another, were 2 of our best efforts. Nuneaton created moments of concern, only to be denied by some good defending. We kept up the hand right up to ½ time, but could find a way thru.

Half Time - 1 – 0 - Michael Moore

We made a poor start to the 2nd half, giving away an equaliser after not dealing with a long high hopefully ball. Buoyed by this Nuneaton upped their game & mounted lots of attacks on our goal & eventually took the lead, when their player headed in a corner, unchallenged. Nuneaton sensed victory & kept up the pressure, trying to make the best of the wind & driving rain. However our def stood firm not letting them create anymore clear-cut chances. We pressured their goal on rare occasions in-between without too much success until 1 attack, when Addy pick up the ball, went passed a few of their players & fired in the equaliser. As both teams pushed for a winner, we thought we should have been awarded a penalty when Michael was fouled, but it wasn’t to be. 2 very cold & wet teams battled on for a draw, which was probably a fair result.

Full Time - 2 – 2 - Adam Day

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27th November - Haunchwood (A) 2 - 1 (L) - League

We only had 9 players to start with, but that didn’t make us any less determined to win this game. Although Haunchwood came at us strongly, our lads worked hard to keep them out & created some pressure of our own. Haunchwood maintained the upper hand, making their extra number count in the way of possession, but they struggled to create any real opportunities to score. By the time Addy joined us we were looking more comfortable creating lots chances of our own & it wasn’t long before we took the lead, when Michael fired home a Jack cross. Haunchwood again tried hard to break thru our def without any joy. The game ebbed & flowed for a while, then slight hesitation in our def let them in to score an equaliser, which came as some relief for them & gave them a boost going into half time.

Half Time - 1 – 1 - Michael Moore

Haunchwood came out for the 2nd half full of determination to get the win they thought was there’s by right. But our lads had other ideas as they battled away preventing them from having any clear chances & pushing on to stretch their def as well. The arrival of Lewis meant we were now at full strength & we could push on in search of a winner. We came very close, only to be denied by their keeper, when Addy had a good chance. Both sides battled on with Haunchwood now resorting to long range shooting to get their goal. As the game neared the end Haunchwood took the lead with a fast breakaway goal. We battled on though & Danny went close with a couple of good efforts. At the final whistle we congratulated our lads for their performance, as we unlucky not to come away with at least a draw against very good Haunchwood side who refused to make any of their 5 subs during the match in fear of giving us the upper hand.

Full Time - 1 – 2

Player of the Month – Tom Robinson – He had an excellent month, his performances on Sunday’s have been tremendous, stopping almost everything that has come his way & he has made some good breaks out of def linking up well with his team-mates. Also his attitude in training is 1st class.

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20th November - Bedworth Utd (H) 1 - 2 (L) - League

The boot was on the foot this week, we had a full team & Bed only had 9. Like when we had fewer players, it was Bed who started full of determination not to be dominated. We struggled to get any decent play going & before we new what had happen we were 1 down, following some sloppy marking in def. We slowly started to create more in attack & came close to scoring thro Addy who had a couple of good efforts. Bed kept up their impressive work rate & scored again with a breakaway goal.
We battled on without too much success, although thought we had scored when Jamie D went extremely close with a long-range shot that just went the wrong side of the post we remained 2 down going into the break.

Half Time - 0 – 2

We had a lot to do to get back into this game in the 2nd half & came out stronger applying a bit more pressure on their def, but couldn’t create any clear chances. Bed continued to cause us problems, our def held firm & prevented them adding to their lead. Eventually we pulled a goal back, when Michael played a lovely thro ball to Josh, who crowned his debut with a cool finish. As the game went on Bed began to tire, but we still couldn’t find an equaliser. The closest we came was when Addy created a good opening, only to see his shot well saved by their keeper.

Full Time - 1 – 2 - Josh Yemm

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13th November - Grove Farm Rangers (A) 1 - 9 (W) - League

This week we started with 10 players, including Jack who was making his debut. We didn’t start well & Rangers put us under pressure, making our defence work very hard to keep them out. When we attacked we were met with stiff resistance from their def, & found it hard to create any clear chances. We eventually took the lead when Dan spectacularly volleyed in a Brandon corner. Rangers continued to keep the pressure on our def & Tom B had to be at his best in our Goal to keep them out. The game was end to end, but neither side could find the net, although Tom B was again on song, pulling off a brilliant double save. Brandon later doubled our lead with a superb free-kick into the far top corner. Rangers were unlucky to be going in at half time 2 down, having been arguably the better team.

Half Time - 2 – 0 - Daniel Sugars, Brandon Hutt

The arrival of Lewis just after half time gave us added momentum & we started to control the game a bit better. It wasn’t long before Brandon added a 3rd from an Oliver cross. Then a momentary lapse at the back allowed Rangers a well deserved goal, but that didn’t stop our dominance & a 4th soon followed when Lewis scored his 1st goal for our team, heading in Brandon’s free-kick. Soon afterwards Lewis played a thro ball for Michael to run onto & fire home. We kept up the pressure & forced their keeper into a series of good saves. But it wasn’t long though before Brandon got his hat-trick, when he was teed up by Lewis following another good cross from Oliver. The Lewis & Brandon show continued when Lewis fired in a great long range shot after being set up by Brandon. Rangers couldn’t believe they hadn’t pulled a goal back from a good breakaway, which saw their shot come back off the post for us to clear. Then Brandon & Lee combined for a short corner move, from which Brandon scored his 4th, when his cross went straight in. There was time for us to add a 9th, Lewis again the provider when he set up Dan for his 2nd. At the final whistle you had to feel sorry for Rangers they had given everything during this match, but come out with nothing. The 2nd half performance by our lads was superb. The number of chances they created & the football they played was a joy to watch.

Full Time - 9 – 1 - Brandon 3, Lewis Rogers 2, Michael Moore, Daniel

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6th November - Grove Farm Juniors (A) 1 - 5 (W) - Police Cup 1st Round

Playing with only 8 again didn’t stop our lads approaching this game in good spirits. We attacked Juniors from the start not letting them settle, putting them under pressure & creating chances. On of our early chances came when Brandon played Michael thro, but he couldn’t quite get his shot in as the ball rolled thro to their keeper, helped by the hard ground. It wasn’t long before our 1st goal, Lee playing in Michael who finished coolly. Juniors tried hard to get thro our defence, but they stood firm. Michael scored his 2nd after winning the ball from their goal kick & cut thro their def to score. We went very close to a 3rd when an attempted clearance nearly went into their own net, but somehow the ball bounced over the bar from only a few feet from their goal. Both keepers made some good saves as both continued to attack. Juniors did managed to grab a goal back when they had spare players on hand following a cross & scored with a good shot, which went in off the post.

Half Time - 2 – 1 - Michael Moore 2

We continued to work hard supporting both attack & defence as we went thro the 2nd half. Michael made a good run down our left past their def & crossed to Brandon who sided foot home. Shortly afterwards Brandon added his 2nd. His 1st shot was saved, but he battled to win the ball back & fired in a good left foot shot. Juniors battled on trying to create chances only to be denied by our defence & Jamie E in goal who made a number of good saves. We continued to be a threat upfront, but it wasn’t until late on we scored our 5th. Brandon grabbing his hat trick with a clever lob from a good thro ball from Oliver. At the final whistle we congratulated our lads for another magnificent performance with all 8 of them working their hearts out for each other, showing great team spirit. It make me proud to be part of this team, well done lads lets keep it going into our next match.

Full Time - 5 – 1 - Brandon Hutt 3

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30th October - Chetwynd Tigers (H) 1 - 3 (L) - League

The match started very evenly with not many chances created by either side, as both sides struggled to get a hold on the game. The match continued in the same vain, with neither side looking likely to score. Then just after the halfway mark Chetwynd eventually took the lead from a defensive error, having come close shortly before on a couple of occasions. There weren’t many more chances to add to the scoring as we reached half time, with both sides looking very evenly matched.

Half Time - 0 – 1

The 2nd half was much the same, with us struggling to create any chances & our defence working hard to keep Chetwynd out. After awhile a 2nd goal was scored, when 1 of their midfielders found himself in lots of space & picked his spot with a long-range shot. We nearly pulled a goal back, when their keeper missed a cross, but the ball didn’t fall kindly to 1 of our strikers. As the game went on they scored a 3rd, again from a long range shot, when their player was given too much time to hit his strike. With time running out Addy went clear, only for his shot to be well saved. But from his resulting corner Oliver scored with a glancing in a header. From the kick-off the ref blew for full time, to end what had been a good workmen like performance, but we lacked any cutting edge.

Full Time - 1 – 3 - Oliver Copson

Player of the Month – Jamie Elkins – He has worked extremely hard in all our matches trying to prevent his opponent from threatening our goal, by being 1st to the ball & making lots of tackles & clearances. Plus he always works hard in training.

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16th October - Bulkington Sports (A) 1 - 1 (D) - League

THE MAGNIFICENT EIGHT. We turned up for this match with only 8 players & once we’d decided who was going in goal we set about how we where going to approach this match against an informed Bulkington side who had 5 subs. As you’d expect with their strong numerical advantage, we were under pressure from the start. Our lads however were up for the challenge & worked tirelessly to keep them out, so much so that they hardly created a serious chance to score. As the half went on we started to create opportunities around their goal & nearly took the lead following a Michael free-kick which their keeper saved well, then from Tom B who shot over from close range. We still had to work extremely hard to prevent Bulko from taking the lead. Their best effort came from a shot, which Jamie D brilliantly tipped over.

Half Time - 0 – 0

Bulko again dominated the play in the 2nd half & our lads weren’t giving in. The more they pushed forward the more resolute we became. The about halfway thro the half we took the lead, when Michael won the ball around the halfway line & surged forward to fire past their keeper. Unbelievable our 8 men v their 11 + subs were winning. Bulko became more desperate & panicky piled forward with a lot of long balls trying to make us crack. Eventually an equaliser came after we had failed a couple of attempts to clear a corner. Bulko sensed they could go on & win the match, but our lads didn’t give up & kept on working hard to keep them out. Best of which were firstly when Tom R brilliantly cleared off the line & then Tom R again with a fantastic sliding tackle just as their player looked certain to score. As we reached the last 15mins we welcomed the return of Addy to boost our numbers & morale. Although rather tired now our lads kept going & nearly grab a winner, 1st Addy had a shot well saved, then somehow Bulko managed to scramble away the resulting corner. Bulko tried in vain as the clock ticked down, but held on for much deserved draw. At the final whistle we congratulated our players for a magnificent effort. Every single 1 of them worked their heart out to support & encourage each other thro-out the match in true team spirit. I look forward to our next match keep it up & well done.

Full Time - 1 – 1 - Michael Moore

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9th October - Nuneaton Town (A) 4 - 3 (L) - League

Another autumn afternoon amongst the leaves at Paul’s Land, I believe there was a football pitch under there somewhere. This made the conditions tricky, but both teams coped quite well with some good end to end football, as both teams worked hard to gain the upper hand. We came close to opening the scoring on a couple of occasions with good efforts from Dan. At the other end our def looked solid. We did eventually take the lead when Lee played a lovely sliding pass to Kieran, who finished well. Then after some frantic defending Michael scored with a good turn & shot. Nuneaton kept battling away, but couldn’t find away thro our def. A 3rd came following a cross from Michael, which Brandon forced into their net. We were looking comfortable as half time approached, then out of the blue their striker reacted 1st to a cross to pull a goal back.

Half Time - 3 – 1 - Kieran Tullis, Michael Moore & Brandon Hutt

Right at the start Michael had a great chance to increase our lead, but their keeper saved well. Everyone battled on gamely in search of a goal, but it was Nuneaton who scored next, following some confusion in our def. It wasn’t long before some more poor defending lead to an equaliser. Shocked by this our seemed to lose concentration for a while & it wasn’t long before we conceded a 4th, when their player scored with a free header from a corner. We did rally a bit after that & put Nuneaton under pressure, but couldn’t find an equaliser. Michael was unlucky with our best efforts.

Full Time - 3 – 4

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2nd October - Bedworth Eagles (H) 0 - 4 (L) - League

The match started very even, with both sides enjoying good pressure on the defences. It was Eagles who took the lead from an in swinging corner, which our def misjudged, due to the strong wind. They made it 2 a while later, when a long ball caused confusion in our def & their player was left with a simple chance. Moments later Kieran has a good shot well saved by their keeper, diving full length to turn it wide. The game ebbed & flowed for a while, then after some poor marking Eagles scored a 3rd.

Half Time - 0 – 3

Our lads kept battling thro-out the 2nd half creating a number of good chances, but couldn’t find the net. The best of which came from 1 of Ben’s goal-kicks, which sent Brandon clear. He chipped the on rushing keeper, but it went narrowly wide. With time running out Eagles scored their 4th, when a clearance fell to an unmarked player on the edge of our box & he fired into the roof of our net.

Full Time - 0 - 4

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25th September - St Nicolas (A) 7 - 2 (L) - League

We started this match very positive, everyone working hard, putting a lot of pressure on the St Nic def & looked comfortable at the back. We took a deserved lead, when Michael headed in a Kieran corner. After some more pressure we were unlucky not to make it 2, when Michael saw a good shot well saved by their keeper. Then out the blue, the ref gave a harsh free-kick just outside our box & their shot was allowed to go straight in. Before we had time to draw breath, more poor defending let them make it 2. Suddenly St Nic looked world-beaters as they put us under more pressure & it wasn’t long before they made it 3, showing more desire to get to the ball.

Half Time - 1 – 3 - Michael Moore

The 2nd half never got going for us, as too many players went missing & we spent the majority of the half defending. Although the defensive did their best, there were far too many mistakes being made all over the pitch & St Nic helped themselves to 3 more goals, before our only move of any quality saw us score again. Kieran made a good run & passed to Brandon, who played in Michael for his 2nd. This was little consolation as St Nic scored a 7th with time running out to end a disappointing half where too many of our players could only be bothered to do anything if the ball came to them & gave up if they lost it. We need to show more determination to do better next week. This was a particularly disappointing result, especially after we were playing so well & in control for the 1st 20mins or so.

Full Time - 2 – 7 - Michael Moore

Player of the Month – Jamie Donely – He has played well in the heart of our defence in every game, making lots of tackles & clearances. Generally making it difficult for their attackers to score. He also put a lot of effort into training, doing his best at all times.

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18th September - Brinklow (H) 0 - 7 (L) - Bedworth Nursing Cup

We started brightly & from our 1st attack Kieran went close with a good run passed their fullback & shot narrowly wide. Shortly afterwards following 2 defensive errors we found ourselves 2 down. We tried to battle our way back into the game, but their def held firm. Then a sliced clearance & a poor tackle left their winger free to make it 3. Kieran then had another chance, but their keeper saved well. They scored a 4th when we failed to deal with a corner.

Half Time - 0 – 4

The same pattern continued in the 2nd half, with Brinklow pressurising our def & it wasn’t too long before they scored a 5th following a good passing move. We continued to struggle to create anything upfront, as their def worked hard clearing everything. A 6th was conceded when their player scored unchallenged from a corner. Then another flowing passing move cut us open again & they scored. This completed a miserable afternoon for us, with far too many players putting in below par performances. We will need a much-improved performance next week.

Full Time - 0 – 7

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11th September - Grove Farm Juniors U13's (A) 1 - 10 (W) - League

Our season finally got underway with a dream start, Ben getting on the end of a Brandon cross from Lee’s flick-on to make it 1-0, inside the 1st min. We continued to keep the pressure on; but were kept out by some good defending. We doubled our lead when Lee headed back a goal-kick into the path of Brandon, who scored. Then a long thro-ball by Danny set up Michael to score with a shot into the top corner. The chances kept coming, but a mixture of good def & keeping prevented us from adding to our leading. Grove Farm created sporadic attacks, which our def dealt with well, preventing any serious shots. Lee was the provider again, when he set-up Brandon for his 2nd. Although the wind & bouncy conditions had made life difficult, it had been a good 1st half performance.

Half Time - 4 – 0 - Ben Baxter-Crofts, Brandon Hutt 2, Michael Moore

We came out for the 2nd half determined to keep up the pressure & were met with some very stubborn defenders, who worked hard to keep us out. It was quite awhile before we scored again. Jamie D floated a free-kick over their def for Brandon to run onto. He rounded their keeper to complete his hat-trick. Following a series of attacks down our right flank, we scored again when Dan’s cross, found Kieran, who made no mistake. During a rare Grove Farm attack, they scored. A long range shot helped by the strong wind went sailing towards our goal, where helpless Ben could only stand & watch as it freakishly landed & ballooned up over his head into our net. It wasn’t long before we scored our 7th. Brandon’s crossed to Kieran, he went passed a couple of players to score his 2nd. Kieran won the ball in our half & made a quick run down the wing, before passing to Oliver who feed Michael to score. Soon afterwards Nathan played a good ball down the line to Dan, who crossed it in for Michael to head home & complete his hat-trick. In the dying seconds, Oliver seized onto a defensive mix-up to make it 10. At the end of the match we congratulated our players on a good performance against a stubborn team & difficult conditions.

Full Time - 10 – 1 - Brandon, Kieran Tullis 2, Michael 2, Oliver Copson

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4th September - Grove Farm U14's (H) - (W) - League

Grove Farm forfeited, awarding us the points.

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