Alvechurch Lions Athletic (Under 11)
Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to MWB Professional Services/Mark Baller (Adam's Dad) for sponsoring the team.
The current team consists of: -
Daniel Allsop,
Max Stokes
Ethan Smith
Thomas Pumphrey
Oliver Marsh
Thomas Johnstone
Caleb Philpott
Chad Powell - Vice Captain
Adam Baller
Jacob Wykes
Oliver Draper - Captain
Riley Hughes-Kerr
Leigh McLellan
Callum King
Zico Mellard
Fixtures
26/02/2012 v Knowle Juniors Harriers away 2.00 kick off National Trust Ground, Kixley Lane, Knowle
04/03/2012 v Knowle Juniors Rangers at home 2.00 kick off
Lions 2 Olton Ravens 1
This was the Lions first run out in an 11 a side game, which made the result all the more pleasing. There was an unfamiliar line-up with Bailey and Joe D making guest appearances for the team. Dan moved to the left wing and Oliver filled in at centre back. Max, Tom P and Jacob all made their debuts.
It was a great performance by the boys. Riley gave the team an early lead with a cool finish after a square ball from Joe. Shortly after half-time Olton equalised with a good finish but a fine finish from Matthew after a great pass from Riley ensured we got the win.
Lions 3 Shard End 3
Supporters Man of the Match - Matthew Stratford
Managers Man of the Match - Riley Hughes-Kerr & Ethan Smith
Our first league game of the season saw both Leigh and Caleb make impressive debuts. Caleb was quick and solid at left back and Leigh a handful upfront, creating the first goal for Riley. Chad and Adam were also playing their first 11-a-side games.
The Lions took an early and derserved lead with a super finish from Riley after great work by Leigh. Despite the Lions having the lion share (excuse the pun) of the play midway throught the first half Shard End took the lead through a free-kick and then a penalty. Once again the boys showed great spirit to fight back and an excellent through ball by TJ sent Riley racing through for the equaliser shortly after half-time. Unfortunately, after a rare bit of Shard End pressure the Lions found themselves behind again. However, the lads get their heads up and secured a draw when Matthew hammered home into the roof of the net following an intelligent ball from Adam.
It was a great performance by the team which really deserved a win so well done lads.
Lions 1 Woodbourne 1
Supporters Man of the Match - Daniel Allsop
Managers Man of the Match - Caleb Philpott
With players missing the trip to Woodbourne it was good to welcome big Oliver Marsh back for his first game of the season. Elsewhere in the team we had to rely on the versatility of our players. Dan Allsop switched from goalkeeper to left wing, with Oliver Draper moving into centre midfield for his third different position in three matches. Chad Powell also moved to his favoured holding midfield role.
The Lions started brightly and were pasing the well on an excellent pitch. Slightly against the run of play Woodbourne took the lead with a well constructed goal. In typical fashion the boys battled straight back into the game when Dan finished a lovely mazey run to clip the ball over the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net. The rest of the first half was a very even affair with good performances throughout the team. Unfortunately, Riley took a knock & had to leave the field for the last 5 minutes of the half.
With the advantage of a strong wind behind them, Woodbourne piled on a lot of pressure after the break. The combination of off super defending, especially from Caleb and TJ, and tremendous workrate of the midfield led to us weathering the storm. Having battled away the lads finished strongly and for the last 5 mins looked the more likely to snatch a win. Dan was causing all sorts of trouble down the left and Jacob was getting more and more involved. Unfortunately, the lads were denied a chance to grab a win when a penalty was not given after Oliver was bundled over in the area.
All in all though a draw was a fair result and the undefeated tun maintained.
Lions 1 Santiago Colts 3
Supporter's Man of the Match - Max Stokes
Manager's Man of the Match - Chad Powell
A tough cup draw for the Lions saw us going away to a team 2 divisions higher and who had won their first games. With Ethan (who has been in excellent form) unavailable Caleb switched to right back, with Tom P returning at left back & Leigh coming back for the first half.
Although the scoreline suggests otherwise there was nothing to choose between the 2 sides, in fact the Lions looked the stronger team for big parts in the game. That in itself is a very big positive especially considering the standard of the opposition. I want to congratulate the lads on the many other positives that came out of the game:-
* Max - I always talk up the team spirit and character in the team & this was opitomised by Max. Max responded to an early error with great character and made a series of excellent saves including a stunning one from a freekick. He has only played a couple of games but already looks like he is going to a very big asset to the team.
* Chad - Chad is an example to everyone with excellent attitude. He was solid as rock in 3 different positions during the game - 2 of which are not his favourite positions including 1 which he has never played in before.
* Jacob with a great finish for his first goal for the team & his best performance yet. Well done Wykesy
* The creative passing shown by the midfield.
Well done boys - be proud of your performances.
Lions 1 Knowle Juniors Rangers 6
Supporters Man of the Match - Ethan Smith
Whatever the result I always look for the positives but with the exception of Ethans performance I am finding very hard to think any. It is no coincidence that Ethan won the award and is one player we can rely to listen to instruction and to show a desire to improve his game. Well done Ethan.
A big thank you to Trev & Chad Powell for changing their plans to ensure we could field a full team 11.
Lions 2 Glades 5
Supporters Man of the Match - Adam Baller
Managers Man of the Match - Jacob Wykes & Riley Hughes-Kerr
Another cup game against a team from a higher division. The Lions started brightly and soon found themselves 2 goals to the good. Firstly great play by Jacob & Riley sent Dan racing clear to score with a clinical finish. Soon after Oliver D picked up a loose ball and fed a measured pass in to Riley. Riley then showed great pace and skill to beat 2 defenders before calmly stroking the ball home.
Glades piled on the pressure but the lads were defending well and were unlucky to let in an unfortunate own goal on the stroke of half-time. Glades came flying out in the 2nd half and that combined with some of lads being affected by on and off the pitch events meant the defence were once again under the kosh. Just as it seemed we had weathered the storm, a penalty decision went against us and gave Glades a equaliser. The decision turned the game with Glades really lifted by the equaliser and too many of our lads deflated. For the rest of the game the Lions were shown why the other team are in a higher division.
A great 1st half lads but we still need to be mentally & physically stronger and remember to not let the basics slip when things are not going our way.
Lions 1 Lyndon Colts 6
Supporter's Man of the Match - Thomas Pumphrey
Manager's Man of the Match - Ethan Smith
There were some outstanding performances by some the lads, especially the men of the match Tom P and Ethan who were awesome. Jacob and Riley also put in tireless displays. Poor Jacob seems to play in a different position every game but always shows 100% commitment. Ollie D also deserves a special mention for trying to keep the lads going and again showing flexibility in playing the 2nd half out of position.
As can be seen from the reports so far this season, the same names keep cropping up as the players who are really putting in the effort, showing the determination and team play. Unfortunateky, too many of the other players are letting themselves and most importantly their team mates down at the moment. We will work hard in training, continue to look at players positions to get the right balance and we are looking for new players too to give us a boost. I will be looking to get existing players playing in different positions to get the best out of them.
I know it's hard lads when you're on a bad run but the best way to get out of it is simple.............stick together, work hard and play as a team.
Lions 0 Kings Heath 7
Supporter's Man of the Match - Adam Baller
Manager's Man of the Match - Jacob Wykes
Congratulations to the men of the match. Again the awards reflected the determination and effort showed by the lads. There were also good performances from Chad & Max (who was playing his first game outfield for us). Unfortunately, Chad picked up an injury in the first half and had to come off early in the second, which really didn't help our cause.
I had high hopes for this season and I am confident that we can still do well - as we proved in the first few games of this season.
Lions 2 Knowle Juniors Rangers 4
Supporter's Man of the Match - Caleb Philpott
Manager's Man of the Match - Leigh McLellan & Thomas Johnson
The Lions started the game with a new partnership of Caleb & Chad in the centre of defence. Max returning to goal, Ollie D switching to right wing and Dan to the left wing. Caleb and Chad made an impressive pairing.
Chad with his great reading of the game and assured calmness and Caleb with fierce tackling, pace and excellent covering. In centre-mid TJ and Wykesy were also combining well. TJ showed great touch, vision and a good range of passing. Alongside him Wykesy, was his usual tireless, determined self. Upfront Leigh and Riley were battling away, with Leigh having by far his best game for the club so far. Tom P was also making some of his now trademark beefy tackles.
In a very even game the lads were unfortunate to fall behind when a mis-hit Knowle shot looped over Max’s head. Shortly after half time we slipped 2-0 down when a speculative shot bobbled up in front of Max deflecting off his shoulder on to the post and in. It was rough luck on the boys who were all playing really well & it would have been easy for their heads to drop. However, this was certainly not the case with the lads showing an excellent attitude. This was typified by Ethan who attacked the ball to win 2 great challenges that started the move for our first goal. Wykesy showed great skill to turn in the box before finishing in to the bottom corner after a good ball from Leigh.
A few minutes later Riley scored a superb individual effort after running from his own half before scoring with a composed drive. Credit should also go to Dan and Leigh who both made great runs to allow Riley more space. We were now playing some great football with TJ and Ollie in particular showing super passing and creativity. TJ was really beginning to dominate the midfield and Ollie was playing some great balls in to the box. Dan was also having a strong second half, using his pace well to get at the Knowle defence.
Unfortunately, with the combination of Lions pushing for a winner and some very tired legs we got hit on the break by 2 very late goals against us. Although the result did not go our way, this was a vastly improved performance. The lads put in a tremendous effort and played collectively as a team. Whilst some of the tactical changes played a part, the crucial reasons for the improvement were the lad’s better work rate and them responding correctly to the instructions they were given.
Well done lads – keep it up and the good results are only around the corner!!
Lions 1 Redditch United 3
Supporter's Man of the Match - Adam Baller
Manager's Man of the Match - Oliver Marsh & Oliver Draper
Fielding the same team as last week, we made a bright start to the game. Dan and Riley were combining well down the left and it was not long before Riley forced the keeper in to save. Redditch were looking quick on the break and piling men forward at every chance. After a small spell of pressure Redditch took the lead, with the first real attempt on goal. On the balance of play it was tough on the boys but once again it was caused by our own poor play - failing to take various opportunities to win or clear the ball. Shortly after Redditch doubled their lead with a free header from corner.
The second goal seemed to kick start us but in to action. Great work by Ollie D down the right created a great chance which produced a good save from the keeper. Adam & Ollie M came on as subs. Ollie slotting in to an unfamiliar right back position and Adam adding more bite to the midfield. Just before half-time Adam was unlucky not to score with a powerful left foot volley.
Overall, the second half was a better performance but another poor goal was given away when most of our midfield was caught too far forward and disappointingly did not make the effort to get back. However, the boys put in a real determined effort in the last ten minutes to get back in to the game and got a goal that their play deserved. Yet another fine finish from Riley after a great through ball from Ollie M who was pushed up front to add a bit of muscle. Soon after Ethan was unlucky not to get his first goal for the club.
Finally, congratulations to Riley on his 50th match for the team.
Lions 0 Shard End 1
Supporter's Man of the Match - Jacob Wykes
Manager's Man of the Match - Tom Pumphrey
Congratulations to Chad on his 50th game for the Lions. Thank you to Callum for stepping in at the last minute & to Mark Pumphrey for releasing Tom from his suspension to ensure we got a full team out. Unfortunately, despite an excellent defensive performance we were unable to capitalise at the other end with key attacking options missing.
Lions 0 Woodbourne 2
Supporter's Man of the Match - Adam Baller
Manager's Man of the Match - Daniel Allsop
I was delighted to welcome new signing Zico to the team for this match and I am sure that he will form a very strong partnership upfront with Riley. Unfortunately, we had the reverse problem to last week for this fixture with key defenders missing.
Lions 2 Lyndon Colts 6
Supporter's Man of the Match - Chad Powell
Manager's Man of the Match - Tom Johnson & Ethan Smith
I was delighted that the Chad got the recognition of the supporters. Chad was once again great in the heart of the defence. Chad has an excellent attitude and gives his all in every game. He has formed an impressive partnership with Caleb, who also had a very good game.
Likewise, TJ and Ethan were worthy award winners. Ethan rewarded with his deserved first goal for the club. TJ was outstanding in centre mid, with in my opinion his best ever performance.
Despite being up against a very good Lyndon side, I was optimistic of good performance following a few encouraging training sessions. After 5 mins that optimism had turned to frustration with 2 goals conceded from corners (something we had worked hard on in training the previous day!!).
The frustration did not last long though as the lads showed great character and some good football to keep plugging away. Further goals came the way of Lyndon - some of which were quite fortunate. Still the lads kept battling especially in the second half.
Ethan was on target for the first goal. Ollie D won the ball in our own area and played the ball out to TJ. TJ in turn played an excellent ball down the line to Ethan. The combination of Ethans pace and determination drive him in to the box, where he finished in style.
The second goal came from new signing Zico. Ollie D this time picking up the ball in midfield before picking out Adam. Adam crossed the ball to Leigh who turned the ball goalward to Zico. Zico, just like his namesake finished with a touch of class.
Lions 0 Football Futures 2
Supporter's Man of the Match - The Whole Team
Manager's Man of the Match - Oliver Draper
Despite the result I doubt there was a prouder manager around than me on Sunday. Playing in awful, cold & wet conditions the whole team put in an incredible effort against a very good "footballing" side (in my opinion the best team we have played this season & that includes the teams from higher divisions).
With unavoidable last minute unavailabilities the lions played with the bare 11 players. Dan returned to goal, Max switched to right-back, Leigh to left wing and Oliver D to centre back.
All 11 players ran themselves in to the ground - it was an unbelievable effort to constantly close down and break up the opposition play. The defence was amazingly solid especially when you consider that there was only 2 of our recognised back 4 playing.
With a bit of luck we may have even got a draw. Riley was unlucky with a second half chance and once again a penalty decision went against us when Riley was obviously being pulled back in the area. Although it was a great team effort I would particularly like to mention 3 players.
Firstly, Oliver D - Oliver is one the players that never really gets the credit he deserves - especially from me! But once again he showed excellent versatility. His positional play, reading of the game and organisation skill was outstanding. He looked like he had been playing centre back for years.
Next Leigh - Leigh is by far our least experienced player both in terms of matches played and in coaching received. Leigh played on the left wing for the first time ever and worked his socks off, keeping to his new position very well. I also want to mention that following his assist last week, Leigh is joint top goal creator for the season.
Lastly Dan - Dan returned to playing in goal & gave everyone a reminder of how well he can play in goal. This was particularly impressive considering they were the worse possible conditions for goalkeeping. He commanded his area and pulled off some tremendous saves.
Well done to all the lads. Rob, I and all the supporters were very proud of you.
Enjoy Xmas!!
Lions 2 Knowle Juniors Harriers 3
Supporter's Man of the Match - Dan Allsop
Manager's Man of the Match - Oliver Marsh
Following our excellent performance in the last game, I was looking forward to this fixture against high flying Knowle. Over the years we have played Adrians Knowle team plenty of times and they have always been good matches and this game was no different.
The Lions started brightly putting Knowle under pressure. It was great to see the lads maintaining the same level of performance they put in against Football Futures. Half way through the first half Knowle took the lead against the run of play. The goal spurred the Lions on to play even better and soon got a deserved equaliser through Oliver Marsh.
Good work from Riley kept the ball in the danger area, where Oliver controlled the ball and fired in to the bottom corner. It was a great reward for Big Ollie, who was having a fine game upfront using his strength to good effect. Oliver had shown good finishing and attitude both training and in the warm up so I was delighted for him.
Shortly before half-time the Lions took the lead. An fierce free kick from TJ was too hot to handle for the goalkeeper and the determined Adam followed in to force the ball home.
After half-time, the lads continued to play well but Knowle upped their game and pushed forward. The Lions looked to be coping well with Caleb and Adam particularly defending well and Dan having a fine game in goal. Despite the Lions best efforts Knowle scored a very good second goal. This lifted Knowle and only a perfectly timed tackle in the area from Ollie D prevented their striker breaking clear. Unfortuantely, the relief was short lived as Knowle managed to get a third. It was tough on the lads especially as they thought that Tom P was fouled in the build up.
In the last few minutes, depite some very tired legs the lads pushed for an equaliser and were very unlucky not to get one.
Another great performance lads - keep battling, keep believing, keep your heads up & the results will come.
Lions 1 Headless Cross 4
Supporter's Man of the Match - Jacob Wykes
Manager's Man of the Match - Caleb Philpott
This was the last of our consecutive trio of games against the top 3 in which the last can take credit from giving them all a run for their money. The first half performance was excellent with a half time scoreline of 1-1. Unfortunately, some old bad habits sneaked back in during the second half.
Our goal came from a very well taken penalty from TJ.........yes you read that right - we got a penalty. Our first for over 2 years!! After recovering from the shock that a penalty decision had actually gone our way attention quickly turned to who was going to take it. By this point TJ had already got the ball in his hands and I was really pleased to see the positive body language he was giving off about taking it.
Finally, a quick about the men of the match. Jacob had a tremendous game and his pace created countless problems for Headless Cross. I was chuffed that Wykesy great paly was not just recognised by our supporters but the opposition manager management were also very complimentary about him.
Caleb was once again very solid at the back. He has been consistently good since moving to centre back. He again shown great maturity in his play and is one the best communicators in the team. Well done Caleb.
Lions 1 Redditch 3
Supporter's Man of the Match - Thomas Pumphrey
Manager's Man of the Match - Oliver Draper
The game was played in awful windy conditions and credit must go to both teams for still playing football. The Lions had the advantage of the wind in the first half and took advantage of it with a superb strike from TJ. A 25 yard free kick which he smashed in to the roof of the net.
Despite piling on the pressure we were unable to extend the lead before half-time. The lads were dealt a major blow at half-time as Chad had to come off due to ankle injury, leaving the lads without both first choice centre backs. This also meant a re-organisation with Oliver D having the move to defence. We knew that Redditch were very strong down the right side from our first game. Oliver & Tom P had done an excellent job for the team on that side to keep them quiet in the first half.
The positive side of this was that Dan was brought on to the left, which gave us a more attacking threat and Dan looked the most likely player to get us a second goal. However, it was always going to be difficult in the second half against the wind.but the lads battled gamely for the first 10 mins.
Unfortunately, the Redditch pressure paid off and despite them missing a penalty they took lead. Our cause was not helped by Oliver also being restricted by ankle injury & having to leave the pitch.
Overall it was another good performance by the team. They have improved so much as a team and as individuals. Finally congratulations to TJ on his 50th game for the team and another very good game.
Lions 1 Headless Cross 1
Supporters Man of the Match - Dan Allsop
Managers Man of the Match - Caleb Philpott & Zico Mellard
Dan was absolutely excellent in goal. A couple of superb saves, great handling and excellent communication with his defence. This was the best goalkeeping performance I have seen from any goalkeeper this season.
Caleb was also awesome. His reading of the game and positioning were first class. He won every tackle and played with great maturity.
Zico adapted to a new position really well and it helped him have by far his best game for us so far. I was particularly chuffed for Zico as he has an excellent positive attitude.
Another tough game at home to the top of the table team. We were boosted by the return of Caleb at centre back but unfortunately lost our other centre back Chad to illness. Tactical changes were also made with Zico switching to left wing and Ollie D moving upfront. Riley was also instructed to stay further forward. The tactic worked well with Zico looking a lot more comfortable on the ball and being more involved in the game.
The lads started very well with TJ and Adam looking very strong in centre mid and the defence looking very determined and organised. Caleb and Ethan were particularly standing out in defence. Going forward we were playing some good stuff and some intelligent through balls came close to paying off. Mid way through the first half our one and only defensive mistake led to Headless taking the lead.
The lads reaction at half-time was pleasing as I could sense a great believe from the lads that they could still get something from the match and so it would turn out. In the second half Dan produced a couple of superb saves to keep the score at 1-0. We were looking dangerous going forwarding especially down the wings and with Riley playing right up against the last defender.
The decision to give Wykes a rest in the first half so he could use his pace and fresh legs against tiring defenders was paying off. He was giving their full back a torrid time. With 5 mins to go another tactical switch with TJ moving up front to give us more strength up there and Ollie moving to centre mid to provide fresher legs. Within a minute the equaliser came. Great work by Wykesy down the right and a good ball through to Riley who finished with style. I was delighted for Riley who always works so hard for the team but has not had many chances to get on the scoresheet recently.
I also want to mention Max, who due to Dans great form has not had much time recently in his favourite goalkeeping position. Max has done a fine job at full back for the team and is improving in that position all the time. He has played a big part in our vastly improved defensive play lately and has shown he can play equally well at right or left back.
This was a great performance by the whole team and I was delighted with their attitude and determination. Well done lads - keep it up.
