ST ALBANS CITY YOUTH F.C

Sunday Youth Team Match Reports

Season 2008/09

Please note, due to the increased number of City Youth teams taking to the field this season we can only publish those match reports that have been sent in by e-mail.  

5th July 2009

City Disability Win Second Trophy

St Albans City Youth Disability Football Club took two teams to the South East Ability Counts Regional Qualifiers tournament in Maidstone on Saturday, with the A team triumphing in the Championship section to win their second trophy of the season and qualify for the National finals to be held at the David Beckham Academy in London. The B team were runners up in the League section and pushed eventual winners Brighton and Hove DFC all the way.

The City A team won all three of their matches to comfortably triumph in the Championship section with 2-0 wins over Maidstone United and Thanet Galaxy and a 1-0 win over Larkfield. City’s goals were shared between the attacking duo of Rob Drew (3 goals) and Anthony Roche (2 goals) although the whole team contributed to the victory. Goalkeeper Hayden Fryer kept three clean sheets in goal, making some good saves at key times, and was ably supported by defenders Matt Caller and Hayden Brown who were always alert to danger. Midfielders Toby Smith, Pete Bishop and Matthew Potter all worked hard to deny the opponents any space and to create the chances for Drew and Roche to put away. City finished the day with a friendly match against Larkfield which resulted in a 3-0 win. Drew opened the scoring, before turning provider with a great cross for Potter to head in at the back post for his first goal for the club. The icing on the cake was provided by Roche who scored late on for his 50th goal of the season in all competitions.

The City B team managed by Jason Cousins played six matches in total in the League section, playing each team twice. They beat Brighton and Hove B twice by 2-1 and 1-0 scorelines, and drew with St Margarets 1-1 before winning the return fixture 1-0. The City B team’s closest rivals, Brighton and Hove A, won all four matches against the same opponents leaving the result of the tournament to the matches between the two teams. The first game was tightly fought and finished 0-0 and therefore the result of the tournament came down to the rematch with City needing a win, but Brighton knowing a draw was enough for them to triumph. City started strongly but struggled to create clear chances against a good Brighton defence. As the game progressed Brighton began to push forward and have the better of it but were repeatedly denied by good defending from David Impey, Nathan Murdoch and John Webster and a couple of smart saves from goalkeeper Tom Christmas. As City pushed for the winner time ran out and meant a second 0-0 draw between the teams, leaving the City B team as runners-up in their category. The B teams top scorer was Kieran Webster with 3 goals, with John Webster and Rob Peters scoring one each.

Coach Anthony Roche said “I am obviously delighted that we won the Championship tournament for our second trophy of the season. All the players played their part and it was a real team effort. We are looking forward to competing at the National finals which will be a great experience for everyone. I was also very pleased with the performance of the B team who were unlucky not to win the League tournament. It was a great way to end this season and gives a lot of confidence ahead of playing in the North and Mid Herts League for the first time next season”.

City A team: H. Fryer, M. Caller, H. Brown, T. Smith, P. Bishop, M. Potter, A. Roche, R. Drew

City B team: T. Christmas, C. Harpur, N. Murdoch, D. Impey, J. Webster, R. Peters, D. Augustine, K. Webster

16th June 2009

City Disability Triumph in the Sun

On a hot day on the south coast on Sunday St Albans City Youth Disability ran out comfortable winners against Brighton and Hove Albion DFC by four goals to nil. City dominated the match throughout and only a combination of poor finishing and some very good saves from the Brighton goalkeeper prevented a cricket score.

City opened the scoring after a Pete Bishop corner somehow made its way through a penalty box full of players to skipper Anthony Roche at the back post who calmly cut inside a defender and lashed the ball home with his left foot from twelve yards out. The second goal was well worked as Roche set Kieran Webster free on the right wing, who took on the full back before playing a delightful pass back inside for Roche to fire into the top corner for his 47th goal of the season in all competitions. Further chances were wasted before half-time although City had a goal of the season contender disallowed by the linesman’s flag after Roche hit a 30 yard pass with the outside of his right foot over the defence for strike partner Rob Drew to run onto and volley over the keeper and into the net from 20 yards out.

City did not let up in the second half, with the industry of Bishop and Toby Smith in the centre of midfield providing the platform for City’s attacks. The third goal arrived after a good run down the right wing from David Impey, who beat a couple of defenders before pulling the ball back to Roche who gave up the chance of a hat trick to unselfishly pass for Drew to drill into an empty net. The fourth was scored by Kieran Webster, a reward for an excellent display from the youngster, although the Brighton keeper was unlucky not to keep out Webster’s effort. On the few occasions Brighton attacked, City’s defence led by Matt Caller and Hayden Brown were able to prevent any danger allowing keeper Hayden Fryer to keep a clean sheet without having any shots to save.

Manager Dan Rogers said after the game “I was delighted to finish our league season with a good win. The result confirmed our best ever points tally in this league, which is more than the last two seasons combined. It shows the team is improving as we build towards entering a disability team in the North and Mid Herts League next year. If any players with disabilities are interested in joining us for next season we will be entering teams into a number of different competitions to provide many more opportunities to play, at appropriate levels, for each player. Details are on the disability section of www.cityyouthfc.com”

City team: H. Fryer, C. Harpur, M. Caller, H. Brown, G. Darling, D. Impey, T. Smith, P. Bishop, K. Webster, A. Roche, R. Drew; Subs D. Augustine, T. Ward, R. Peters, J. Webster

10th May 2009

Under 15's

UNDER 15s EAST ARE DOUBLE CUP WINNERS


U15s Challenge Cup Final:  City Youth Under 15's East  2  v  0 Muswell Hill Athletic

The Under 15 s East made it 2 cups in a week after adding the Challenge Cup to last week’s success in the League Cup.

For the second week running City overcame the unbeaten League Winners Muswell Hill Athletic in the final, playing some of their best football of the season.

On a hot day & a rock hard pitch City once again took the game to the opposition and dominated for long periods culminating in a well worked opener coolly slotted home by Harvey Scott. The second half started with increased Muswell Hill pressure but a disciplined City defence & midfield held strong. City took hold of the game again and were rightly rewarded with a second goal after Jamie Denyer rifled in from a George Hunter corner.

The team have now won the “full house” of Youth Football trophies – adding to their previous successes of Herts County Cup winners & Red Division League Champions.

WELL DONE BOYS – ANOTHER FANTASTIC SEASON!

3rd May 2009

Under 18's

What a Season for the 18's West

St Albans City Under 18s West were named league champions on Sunday, with a thumping 4-0 win away at Hemel Town, which also maintains their unbeaten league season this year.

However much you try to treat a game like this as ‘just another game’, there’s always pressure to play well and get the win. And Hemel Town weren’t going to role over without a fight! The boys got off to the perfect start just five minutes in, when Reece May just latched on to a Martin Hunter cross before the Hemel keeper, chipping it into the net. 1-0.

The boys then went through a long period of play with lots of possession, but we were struggling to find the net. That was until 10 minutes of the first half was remaining, when James Manfre picked up the ball in the Hemel box, and turned skilfully, before smashing the ball into the bottom corner. Half time score 2-0.

The second half started well, and City continued to create opportunities. However, Hemel started to come back into the game, but had no end product. Eventually James Watt got City’s third, when he picked up the ball in the Hemel box, before calmly picking his spot in the empty net, after having beaten the keeper. 3-0. The fourth came 2 minutes from time, when a Daniel Burtt free kick was parried by the Hemel keeper, leaving Christie Tyler with an easy tap in on the line. 4-0. Hemel’s best chance came from the following kick off, when a shot from half way that was destined for the net was saved well by keeper Matt Bennett, proving he doesn’t get lobbed any more! Final score 4-0 St Albans.

Every player in our squad, got Man of the Match, for the effort and commitment that everyone has shown throughout the season.

This is a fantastic achievement for the lads, and we have to say a massive ‘thank you’ to manager Chris Mawhood and coach Tony Glasgow for giving up their free time over the last eight years for us. This league title goes some way to repaying that!

However, the league is not over. A massive match against Chorleywood next week could stand between ourselves and an unbeaten league season.

Under 15's

League Cup Final

The Under 15's East won the League Cup on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over Muswell Hill.

The goals came from George Hunter with 2 well taken efforts and Marino Hadjisavva.

26th April 2009

Under 18's

Fantastic result

St Albans City Under 18s West had a fantastic result against Sun Postal on Sunday, with an impressive 5-3 win at home.

The boys had a few early chances, but failed to capitalise on good possession. 15 minutes in Sun Postal went 1-0 up, with a cracking goal from the edge of the box, which found the top corner. 0-1. It took the boys 20 minutes to get back on level terms, and it was Adam Vennard who got the equaliser with a right foot shot. 1-1. A minute later the boys were on top, with a front post volley from Martin Hunter, following great play down the left wing. 2-1.

Half time score 2-1.

Ten minutes into the second half the boys doubled their advantage, when James Watt’s cheeky chip found the back of the net. 3-1. With 30 minutes to go, Christie Tyler was sent off for answering back to the referee – a stupid thing to do when you’re 3-1 up against one of the top teams in the league.

Sun Postal capitalised on their one-man advantage, when a Postal striker evaded the offside trap, and finished well one-on-one with the City keeper. 3-2. With eight minutes to go, Adam Vennard got his second goal of the game, with a well placed header past the Postal keeper. 4-2. Three minutes later Martin Hunter added another, with a great shot from within the area, after a great run. 5-2.

Two minutes later Sun Postal scored to make the last few minutes extremely tense, when the ball was bundled over the line from a Postal corner. Neither side managed to worry either goalkeeper in the last few minutes.

Final Score 5-3.

Nick Glasgow got Man of the Match for a great game at the back, making superb challenges and interceptions throughout the game.

This was a great result for the boys, and underlined to Chorleywood how much we want to win this league.

Midweek joy for the West

Every game from here on in is a Cup Final for the Under 18's West. The boys got off to the perfect start in terms of their final sprint for the league title, with a 3-1 win at home to Kings Langley.

Kings Langley, fifth in the league, started the brighter of the two sides, but, due to strong and resilient defending, couldn’t turn possession into goals. Half an hour in Reece May put the boys 1-0 up, latching onto a Martin Hunter cross. 1-0. With 10 minutes of the first half remaining, James Watt put the boys 2-0 up, evading the offside trap, and firing in a fantastic left footed strike past the Kings Langley keeper.

Half time 2-0.

St Albans started the second half brightly, and were soon 3-0 up, when Reece May got his second of the day, latching onto a James Watt pass, and finishing well past the keeper. 3-0. Kings Langley then came close, but great defending and an impressive double-save from keeper Matt Bennett kept Kings Langley at bay. But, with 20 minutes remaining, Kings Langley scored the first league goal against St Albans for over 6 hours of football, with a thunderous strike from 15 yards. 3-1. The game threatened to boil over at times with strong, committed challenges, but the game finished with just one yellow card, to a Kings Langley player.

Final score 3-1 St Albans.

James Rosson got Man of the Match for a strong game at left back, reading play well and making vital challenges at the back. The boys need just five points from the remaining three games to win the league, but with Sun Postal and Chorleywood still to play, the league is by no means over.

Under 16's

Treble winning season for the 16's Girls

The Under 16's Girls played Northwood in the League Cup Final.

A very up beat warm up was ended by the start of the match with strong early pressure by Northwood, which resulted in a break down the right with the defence unable to get in a tackle allowing the Northwood player to drive the ball hard across the keeper into the net. With the restart City began to up their game and began to put pressure back on Northwood with a few long shots that were just off target.

Then Northwood playing long balls broke into the box and after a few air shots the ball ended in the back of the net again. City came back fighting and just missed a quick response before the half time whistle went.

The start of the 2nd half City came out with more fire in their belly's and hit back with a shot in to the bottom left hand corner by Lucy Hancock. With the pressure building Lucy hounded the defenders to win a penalty which Megan Kiff tucked away with ease. Andrea continued to hassle the Northwood defence as city gained momentum.

The game now started to be come one way traffic with the City girls gaining in strength and starting to play great passing football. Northwood were becoming very tired with the pace and determination of the City girls. Molly Slade had a fantastic long range shot that looped over the keeper. A great come back to take the cup – but it wasn't over yet....

A cross came in from the right and Lucy Hancock connected with a header and got her second to tie the cup up in yellow and blue ribbons!!!

Player(s) of the match was shared between Lucy and Andrea

End result 4-2 to St Albans City.

Under 12's

Local Derby Victory

The Under 12's Girls were fired up and ready for the rematch with Harvesters. The game began with the City girls piling on the pressure straight way. The majority of the play was in the Harvesters half and eventually the hard work paid off as Niketa Dinnall made a run up the right wing and fired home a great shot to start the scoring.

Harvesters battled on for a while resulting in a goal to bring the scores level. City then fought back with amazing determination and after a few attempts at goal Demi Harris managed to place the ball neatly into the back of the net after running passed 2 defenders to give City back the lead. This seemed to be all the girls needed and every one upped their game even more and Emma Sullivan fired home another bringing the score up to 3 – 1.

After a scuffle with the defence Louise Herren managed to first lob the keeper then finish the scoring with a beautiful run through the Harvesters midfield to end the game 5 – 1 to St Albans City.

Player of the match went to Georgia Murphy, for her perseverance and commitment throughout the game.

19th April 2009

Under 18's

West back in League Action

After a slightly disappointing tour in terms of football, the boys were back in domestic action on Sunday, with an impressive 9-0 win over Elstree Vale.

Elstree only started with nine men, and City immediately took control of the game. After some frustrating misses, it was clear that there were goals in the game if the boys remained calm and patient. Eventually Reece May broke the deadlock ten minutes in, with a well-controlled right footed volley. 1-0.

The boys then endured an extremely frustrating half hour. City had chance after chance, and all were kept out by good saves, great defending and poor misses. Having said that, Elstree didn’t go without their chances, but some resilient defending, particularly by James Rosson, was enough to preserve City’s clean sheet. On the stroke of half time Christie Tyler doubled the boys advantage, following some great work from James Watt. Half time score 2-0.

Ten minutes into the second half James Watt scored City’s third, tapping in from close range. 3-0. Three minutes later James got his second, latching onto a through ball from Jamie Wallis, and finishing well past the struggling Elstree keeper. 4-0.

Elstree began to fold at the back in their attempt to push forward for goals, and Adam Vennard was the next to capitalise on this, with a deflected shot from 25 yards, which just evaded the Elstree keeper. 5-0. With 15 minutes to go, James Manfre got his only goal of the day with a left footed shot. 6-0.

Five minutes later, a thunderous volley from James Watt completed his hat-trick, and put the boys 7-0 up. James Watt got his fourth as the Elstree defence just failed to follow him, allowing him to calmly and effortlessly place the ball into the bottom corner. 8-0. Jamie Wallis completed the rout five minutes from time, stealing the ball off an Elstree defender, and finishing confidently in the bottom corner. 9-0.

James Watt got Man of the Match for a great game up front. He never stopped running, and bagged himself four well-taken goals.

The boys played well to get their nine goals, but in truth should have had more, despite not playing at 100% what they’re able to. This is the boys third clean sheet in three games, and the boys have scored 19 in that period. Hopefully these results will give the boys the confidence to complete their push for the league title, with difficult games against Kings Langley and Sun Postal coming up.

5th April 2009

Under 18's

West Focus on the League

With the focus now firmly on the league, St Albans Under 18's West won comfortably against league-strugglers AC Finchley on Sunday.

The boys started superbly and hardly allowed Finchley out of their own half. Possession was rewarded with a goal from Martin Hunter, who took his time before smashing the ball in from six yards, to give the boys a deserved lead after 25 minutes. 1-0.

On the stroke of half time the boys went 2-0 up, when Adam Vennard rose highest to connect with a Reece May long throw, heading into the Finchley net. Half time score 2-0 St Albans.
The boys picked up where they left the first half after the break, immediately taking control of possession. A superb through ball from James Rosson was met by James Manfre, who put in his first of the morning. 3-0.

James Watt got the first, with a cheeky chip over the struggling Finchley keeper, from a superb through ball from Adam Vennard. 4-0.

The fifth goal was the result of some great passing and moving. James Manfre eventually tapped the ball in on the line, although there are suspicions that the ball came off the defender. 5-0.

65 minutes in James Watt got his second of the game, turning three defenders before chipping the ball expertly over the Finchley keeper. Another contender for goal of the season from James Watt! 6-0. Martin Hunter got his second of the game 20 minutes from time, to give the boys their seventh. 7-0. Just three minutes later Reece May capitalised on a rebound from the Finchley keeper, slotting the ball home from a tight angle. 8-0. Adam Vennard completed the rout with a right footed shot, from a Jamie Wallis through ball three minutes from time. 9-0.

The boys were completely on top the whole game, and our keeper only got two touches of the ball! This is great confidence for the boys, before our tour to Rotterdam next weekend.

Man of the Match this week went to Adam Vennard, for a superb game in centre midfield, creating chances and bagging two goals for himself.

Under 16's

Herts F.A Challenge County Cup Final

Under 16's Girls  3  v  1  Hormead Hares

The Under 16's Girls played Hormead Hares in the Hertfordshire F.A. Challenge County Cup Final, played at Hitchin Town FC ground.

The first half was end to end with the Saints hitting the woodwork twice, once from a corner kick before Paige Kenny popped up to put the Saints into a 1-0 lead.  However Hormead pressed forward and scored an equalising goal before the half time break.

In the second half Andrea Endobor scored two goals to see the Under 16's Girls to a 3-1 victory, making it a hat-trick of County Cups for the side. Andrea's first goal was a fantastic shot on the turn that flew into the back of the net.

Team:  Hilton,  Slade,  Sherlow,  Cameron,  Shaw,  Hancock,  Kenny,  Kiff, Connolly,  McGinness, Endobor,  Clark,  List  (All Played)

29th March 2009

Under 16's

Berkhamsted Raiders 1 v 0 Under 16's South

To say the only goal came with only two minutes to play will tell you everything. The team deserved at least a draw from this encounter and they were bitterly disappointed when the final whistle went.

The home side dominated the start of the game making good use of the excellent, and large, Berkhamsted Town pitch. The visitors were forced into dogged defending to keep them out as chance after chance was blocked and forced wide. In order to get the team functioning properly on the pitch the three midfield players were replaced en bloc after 15 minutes. They helped get a grip and force the home team back with a more direct style. The game became much more even and it flowed backwards and forwards.

A goal bound shot by Tom Pile from outside the box hit a defenders back and harmlessly went through to the keeper. A sign of things to come. On a good day it would have ballooned into the top corner of the net.

Half time allowed the visitors to think and make even more changes. The result was dramatic. The game was now all one way and it was the away team in charge as they played a longer ball game on the big pitch. Opening after opening was created and the home midfield were forced to retreat to help block the holes. Initially the chances came from the right wing and when that was blocked off they came through the middle and then down the left. Chance after chance but no goal. Close, so close, but it would just not happen.

The visitors were now defending close to the half way line and dealing with a few quick counter attacks. However as the last 10 minutes appeared it was obvious there were tired legs out there and the team was paying for having to chase the game too much in the first half. Eventually disaster. Richard Cook and Kieran Rawal shared the Player of the Match for their displays at the heart of the defence.

22nd March 2009

Nicholas Breakspear Academicals 2 v 1 St Albans City Youth Managers XI

Fundraising Match

The early start, in terms of those in paid employment outside education, meant it was a patchwork squad on the pitch. A First XI only because they were the first eleven to actually turn up before the kick off.

This may explain the lack of understanding that was evident with excellent passing into space, down the channels and using the diagonals but not actually to another player in red. The Academicals also took advantage of the confusion to make a series of quick counter attacks in numbers that required some desperate measures in defence. It was only a matter of time before a first time shot after a cross beat the keeper followed by a second on another break.

Still not a quarter of the match gone it would appear a thrashing was on the cards. It was not to be. Instead the managers took control of the game and increasingly began to dominate. This could have been down to the teachers simply exhausting themselves after 10 minutes of running about or Dave Wray coming on in the centre of defence. Obviously it was a case of the now red-faced and wheezing teachers having run out of steam.

The second quarter saw the Managers start to create chances and expose the handling of the home keeper. However although the chances were created the keeper was not really given much to do.

The second half saw some crucial changes. More managers had arrived and were now formed up in an orderly queue, waiting for their fifteen minutes of fame. Some of the teachers were involved in an after school detention and had to go allowing some of the managers to infiltrate their ranks in a blue shirt. The result was dramatic.

The game did become one-sided but it was the managers who created attack after attack. The Academicals were only able to keep the score down thanks to the efforts of the Clarke twins. Given that they had four between them, it is not possible to say that they single-handedly kept the score down to one but you get the picture. Chance after chance foundered upon this rock and attacking move after attacking move was broken up with the ball sent safely off the pitch and out of danger. The only blemish in the display was the fact they were the Manager's forward line.

Eventually Nick Doyle (a fine prospect from the Under 8's) took matters into his own hands and with a measured shot scored from distance. The equaliser would not come. As the team threw more and more players forward the gaps appeared at the back and the Manager's keeper had to make three great saves. But it was still one way traffic without a goal to cap it off.

The Winner of the Bendtner-Alves trophy was Paul Clarke.

Match report by Ian Jardine

Under 18's

11 League Matches Undefeated

St Albans Under 18s West did the club proud with a superb 1-0 win over top-of-the-league Chorleywood on Sunday, to maintain their undefeated start to the league season, which now stands at 11 games.

It’s a difficult time of the season for the West in terms of fit players, and three unfit players put themselves on the line for the team in the most important game of the season. Matt Mawhood played after being ill all week, Jamie Peters had been up all night with sickness, and Michael Gamble has been out for weeks with an injured back. None were 100% fit, but all played for their team mates.

The first half went quite well. St Albans dominated possession and chances, but were unable to find the net. Half time 0-0.

The second half started well, and James Watt pounced on a wild shot from Adam Vennard, deflecting the ball past the stretched arm of the Chorleywood keeper. 1-0 St Albans.

With 30 minutes left, Jamie Peters couldn’t continue, leaving the boys to play half hour with just 10 men, but the boys worked together and managed to hold out to the final whistle. Final score 1-0 St Albans.
As has been the case in most games this season, there were several candidates for Man of the Match. On the day, Jamie Wallis was named Man of the Match for a solid game at the back, making goal saving challenges and commanding the backline as captain.

Under 16's

Under 16's South 2 v 4 Edson Youth

On the face of it, yet another defeat. The score does not tell the story. The out of sorts home team, struggling for players for this game, were playing the runaway league leaders. You would not have known which team was which if you had been watching.

In fact it was the home team who dominated the game from the start. A tremendous display of commitment and aggression. All that was lacking was confidence and composure in the final third. The visitors eventually got into the game and started to create chances but it was a lucky break when a handball was not spotted that saw them take the lead. Their much better second goal came after a quick counter attack. The arrears should have been reduced when Harry Gray hit the keeper instead of the net.

The second half required more of the same and the team produced the goods. A brief spell saw them loose impetus and a further goal when a long range shot found the top corner. A re-shuffle changed it all and the home team again toook over but another chance was blazed over the bar.

Soon after George Franklin was put clear but before he could do anything he was hit by a dreadful wild challenge from the keeper. Harry Gray made no mistake from the spot. The team then blew this lifeline by failing to deal with a high bouncing ball through the middle - 1-4.

With less than 10 minutes left the team simply threw caution to the wind and went at the visitors and there then followed an amazing period when the game could at least have been saved. Two chances were put over the bar, never mind other attacks. Eventually Will Ellis got on the end of a long cross and put away a difficult chance. Time ran out as the league leaders hung on.

Everyone agreed it was a great game of football played in the right spirit. It was very difficult to choose from all 13 players who should be the player of the match and it is perhaps significant that the two contenders, Sean Sullivan and James Sissons finished the game on the edge of the pitch whilst the other eleven continued to throw everything at the visitors. James was given the nod for the trophy.

15th March 2009

Disability Team

Goalkeeper Fryer Saves the Day

St Albans City Youth Disability won a hard fought match with Ipswich Town Disability by two goals to one at Highfield on Sunday, to move into third place in the London and South East Ability Counts League and continue their best ever season. prevailed 2-1.

City Manager Dan Rogers stated after the game “I was delighted with the team performance, with all players fighting for every ball from the first whistle to the last. We are now guaranteed to have our best ever finish in the London and South East Ability Counts league even with two matches left to play. The club is looking at entering a disability team into a mainstream weekend league next season and if any players with disabilities are interested in joining us please look at the disability section of www.cityyouthfc.com for our contact details”.

St Albans City Youth Disability: H.Fryer, C.Harpur, M.Caller, H.Brown, G.Darling, T.Smith, P.Spink, R.Fox, A.Roche, K.Webster, R.Drew, Subs: T.Christmas, G.Tuitt, K.O’Kane, J.Webster, D.Augustine

Under 16's

Spring Shield

Pinner JFC 3 v 0 Under 16's South

A refreshing change to have new opponents instead of the usual suspects. Sadly the team seemed unable to score if we had played for a week. The first half saw a good performance but after twenty minutes there was a lack of positive play by the defence which allowed the home team to have a ten minute spell camped in and around the away penalty area which resulted in a scrambled goal from yet another corner.

We created only a few chances but either failed to make better use of good position or rushed the opportunity.

The second half saw the team step up their game and dominate. But even more chances were wasted with dismal shooting . Slack play allowed the home team to have a shot from a long way out that went over the keeper into the net with 15 minutes left. Despite creating more chances in the final stages it was then bad luck that saw good shots and crosses deflected. The final nail was the result of a harsh penalty decision when the keeper was adjudged to have brought down the forward when he dived for the balland won it. One of those days but there again you have to make your luck and we seemed lacking in steam all over the pitch.

Some good performances, Freddie Brown probably had his best game of the season as he showed commanding form at the back and surging runs through midfield. Harry Gray had a great game filling in as a central defender. Special mention to Sean Sullivan and George Franklin for their midfield contribution. However the Player of the match went to Daniel Kitchen in goal who showed command and leadership throughout.

8th March 2009

Under 18's

Under 18's West v Hertsmere

St Albans West maintained their unbeaten start to the league season, with a 5-3 win at home to Hertsmere.

St Albans started brightly and set about continuing their superb scoring record this season. Just five minutes in Martin Hunter put the boys 1-0 up, with a great solo run, finishing well in the bottom corner with his left foot. 1-0. Five minutes later the boys had a second goal, when Nick Glasgow tapped in after an Adam Vennard header was saved. 2-0. However, just five minutes later, Hertsmere managed to pull one back, showing they weren’t going to be pushovers. 2-1. With half an hour gone, Nick Glasgow got his second of the day to re-establish the boys two goal cushion, with a well taken header from a corner. 3-1.
Half time score 3-1.

Both teams came out for the second half fighting, but it was Hertsmere who got the early goal, when a striker was allowed through one-on-one with the City keeper, to chip the ball in just beyond the stretch of left back Reece May. 3-2. A minute later the boys thought they had their fourth, when James Watt tapped in from five yards, but this was disallowed for offside, despite the player clearly being behind the ball when it was played to him. Following this, the boys endured a frustrating period of play. The boys forged chance after chance after chance on the Hertsmere goal, but were frustrated by good saves, poor finishing and the woodwork. It looked like it might turn into one of those unlucky days.

Our frustrations finally came to an end on 80 minutes, when Nathan Sandiford broke free and headed in the boys fourth. 4-2. With five minutes left, Hertsmere were gifted a route back into the game, when confusion at the back allowed Hertsmere to score their third of the game. 4-3. The game was put beyond doubt with two minutes to go, when James Watt got his name on the score-sheet from six yards out. Final Score 5-3 St Albans.

Adam Vennard got Man of the Match this week for a commanding game in the centre of the field, working tirelessly from start to finish.

Under 16's

A 6-5 Special. (For our older readers)

Spring Shield
Under 16's South  5 v 6 Evergreen

As I said to the Evergreen Manager, a very silly game but interesting. Hard to believe both teams had battled out a 0-1 game the previous week with a goal in the final minutes. Same margin but a totally different game.

No hint at the start of what was to come as both teams took time to settle, in fact the visitors seemed to dominate the midfield. However they began to leak goals to some quick counter attacks that saw Matt Frohlich notch up a hat-trick after 30 minutes. The visitors became ragged and unsettled which stopped them creating any real threat. However they have shown in recent games that they don't give up.

Just before half time the home defence fell asleep and allowed two quick goals that left the match in the balance. Anything said at half time was ignored and the visitors equalised immediately. Another quick counter attack saw Peter Style finish well to restore the lead. From the kick off it becomes 4-4. 3 goals and not even five minutes played in the second half.

It calms down after that but Evergreen score two spectacular goals, a cross, caught in the wind goes over the keeper and into the top corner and then a spectacular volley to dispatch another long cross. This effectively seals the game although the home team take over again for the final 15 minutes but have no similar luck in front of goal, two shots narrowly wide and another straight at the keeper. It takes Anthony Marriott, in the final minutes to find the net with a spectacular effort from wide on the right to end the scoring. He was delighted to score against his old team.

Many players put on good performances and it was difficult to make substitutions and choose a Player of the Match but Matt Frohlich was given the nod for his hat-trick.

1st March 2009

Under 18's

18's West run continues

St Albans Under 18 West had not been in a game with less than six goals since early November, four months ago, and this ran continued, with well-deserved 4-2 win in the St Albans derby against the South.

It took a while for either team to make a breakthrough, with both teams settling down, and knocking the ball round well.
South eventually got the breakthrough, when one of their wingers managed to get around stand-in left back Reece May, and put the ball across the edge of the six yard box for an easy tap-in by the South striker. Matt Mawhood claims he didn’t knock the ball into his own net, but it must be said I have my doubts… 0-1.

Minutes later it was 2-0 to South, when an attacker slipped through the back four. Keeper Matt Bennett managed to stop the first attempt, but another attacker was on hand to tap the rebound into the empty net. 0-2. City looked to have had a route back into the game when they were awarded a penalty, for hand ball. However, Jamie Wallis’ penalty was saved, and the score remained 2-0 South. It takes a lot of character for any team to come back from 2-0 down, especially having just missed a penalty. But the boys regrouped, and began playing the sort of football that had put them in such a strong position in the league this season. Eventually their efforts were rewarded, when James Manfre picked up a loose ball in the City South’s box, and hammered the ball into the bottom corner, across the keeper. 1-2.

Just minutes later Martin Hunter levelled the scores, with a typically powerful strike, beating the keeper from 10 yards. Half time score 2-2. The first half was a fiery affair, with constant scuffles and arguments on and off the pitch. A strong statement came from coach Tony Glasgow at half time: Lose your heads, and you’ll lose the game.

The boys started the second half in better fashion than they had the first half, playing superb football, without any final product. With 20 minutes to go, St Albans were awarded a second penalty, when Christie Tyler was brought down during a clear burst at goal. How the defender was not sent off, or even booked, I will never know. Jamie Wallis stepped up, and put his nightmare penalty of the first half to the back of his mind, as he confidently placed the ball in the bottom corner. 3-2.

The game was put beyond doubt two minutes from time, when winger Martin Hunter got his second of the game, with another confident strike, which rounded off a solid second half performance. Final Score 4-2 West.

Man of the Match went to Matt Mawhood this week, for a strong game at the back, making solid challenges when necessary.

Under 16's

Under 16's South  0 v 1 Evergreen

When things are going wrong, don't they just pile up.

This was a good performance after a series of defeats. The goal in the final minutes was particularly disastrous as the team deserved a share of the points. A solid performance by the defence stifled one of the form teams at the moment and gave few chances. The midfield worked very well and special mention should go to George Franklin who responded well to the big demand he faced when moved to central midfield after 10 minutes. Anthony Marriott worked hard against his old team.

The problem was at the front where there was no cutting edge to capitalise on the chances. As stated at the beginning - last week's star Neil Jardine was not really fit enough, with a cold, to play and could only offer short bursts at the front, a major loss. James Sissons, another cutting edge from midfield, had to leave the field after 10 minutes. Tom Pile, after a long break, seemed off the pace. So it goes.

22nd February 2009

Under 18's

‘A game of two halves’

‘A game of two halves’ is a good phrase to describe the Under 18's West’s impressive 7-1 victory against Kings Langley in the league on Sunday.

Having had a three-week layoff since their last game, the boys understandably had a nervy start, as Kings Langley looked to push on and get the first goal. However, they were unable to do so, and Jamie Wallis put West 1-0 up 25 minutes in, with a superb volley over the Kings Langley keeper from 30 yards. A contender for goal of the season from a player with 11 goals already this season. Not bad for a centre back…

Just five minutes later Kings Langley hit back with their only goal of the day, when a long ball over the top was picked up by a Langley striker, who rounded the City keeper and finished well from a tightening angle. 1-1.

The boys weren’t playing at their best, and at times like this, you need your key players to pick the boys up, and set an example. Jamie Wallis and Christie Tyler did this superbly, being calm on the ball and picking out some superb passes. Without performances like this, teams can fold against strong opposition.

Both sides kept it tight until half time, meaning Half Time score 1-1.

After a firm word at half time, the boys went out and attempted to dominate the game, as they have been used to doing this season. The second half breakthrough came 10 minutes in, when Nathan Sandiford continued his superb goal scoring record for West, with a volley from six yards from a Martin Hunter cross. 2-1.

Martin then turned scorer, with a well placed right footed volley into the back of the net, from just inside the 18-yard box. 3-1. The right winger picked up his second of the day with 20 minutes remaining, this time with a left footed volley from 12 yards, giving Martin his eighth goal of the season. Five minutes later, James Watt got his first of the game, with a tap in from 2 yards out, although his contenders for Top Goalscorer will claim that it was an own goal. But we’ll give it to James. 5-1.

There was no doubting James’ second goal five minutes from time, and he ran in from wide before cheekily chipping the ball over the stranded Kings Langley keeper. 6-1. Nathan completed the scoring with a header from a well taken corner, two minutes from time. Final Score 7-1 West.

It was a day for the big players to put in a big performance, which they did, especially in the second half. As we have come accustomed to this season, there were several candidates for Man of the Match this week; Nathan Sandiford and James Watt both continued their excellent scoring record this season, Martin Hunter didn’t stop running, and Christie Tyler tied up the midfield, making goal-saving challenges throughout. The accolade eventually went to Jamie Wallis, for a great game in centre midfield and later at centre back, making strong challenges, and scoring a superb goal.

Under 16's

Spring Shield

Under 16's South 3 v 7 Finchley Revolution

Another patchwork team with five players missing due to half term commitments. Despite this the 12 available put on a good performance and the scoreline did not really do them justice.

Only 11 players at the start thanks to a car breakdown but they comfortably played through the first 10 minutes until Freddie Brown could go into his usual commanding role at the centre of defence. Problems then appeared on the right side of the defence and two goals were given away.

Neil Jardine produced a tenacious run through midfield wit the ball and was tripped before reaching the box. The referee played advantage and William Ellis was able to capitalise on the confusion and score. Although this put the team back in the game the advantage was lost when casual defending allowed the visitors a third almost immediately.

The team went into the second half hoping to convert more of their own chances and reduce the deficit in an even game. However the half started with gaps now appearing on the left side of the defence and first a player was left with space and then a long hopeful ball deceived the goalkeeper. Again the team battled back and got into the game and their efforts were rewarded by a solo run and shot by Neil Jardine to make it 2-5. Neil Jardine set off on another run and was tripped inside the area. Unfortunately the keeper guessed correctly and was able to palm out Freddie Eames penalty kick and away from any player following up. Two more goals were given away at the back but the goal of the game came from Neil Jardine who chased a bouncing through ball, outstripping the defence and getting there just before the keeper. With great skill he flicked the dropping ball over the keeper and then into the net.

George Franklin had his best game yet for the team showing he is settling and coming to terms with the demands. David Paton again filled in well in defence despite not having a good day as did Harry Gray who battled on despite his thigh problem. Freddie Brown was composed at the back but Dan Kitchen was dominating and commanding in goal and sneaked the Player of the Match award. This was despite Neil Jardine starting to show he is getting back form after a year of trying to deal with a foot injury.

15th February 2009

Under 16's

A loss, but with credit

The Under 16's South played Harpenden Colts hawks away and despite the scoreline the team earned themselves some credit today.

We were in trouble before we started with so many players unavailable. We went back to 4-4-2 simply because there were not enough defenders to to play any more at the back.

In the first Harpenden attack, Harry Gray, who was standing in as a central defender, pulled something in his thigh and they scored. Before we got him off they went through the middle again and scored. 1 minute played, 0-2 down and only 11 fit players left.

The next 30 minutes were chaotic as the makeshift defence struggled to get a hold of what they should be doing and who was doing what. The midfield also seemed at a loss as to what they were doing and who they should be marking and picking up. I felt I was back with the girl's team when I described it as 11 spinning plates on sticks and me running up and down the line desperately trying to keep all 11 plates spinning at the same time.

However to their credit the team got a grip and battled back into the game and scoring a goal through James Sissons. Thoroughly deserved but it only seemed to anger the gods as Sean Sullivan then twisted an ankle. Neil Jardine was also looking to come off after a number of heavy challenges and he could feel his toe (recently operated on) bleeding. Harry Gray was going to come on to keep 11 on the pitch but I persuaded him otherwise. Just like Harry, Sean would not come off leaving us with 10 but he was clearly in trouble. He tried to give it 5 minutes after half time but the first heavy challenge finished him off. We then played with 10.

To their credit the 10 took over the game and dominated and William Ellis scored. This reflected the way the game was going. However in the last 15 minutes they tired and conceded a goal followed by some poor defending from corners which let in three more.

David Paton was outstanding as he filled in as a central defender for the whole game. Others worked hard obviously and William Ellis excelled himself at times. He and Neil Jardine shared the Player of the Match.

1st February 2009

Under 18's

West Convincing in the Challenge Cup

St Albans City Under 18's West battled through to come out on top on Sunday in the Challenge Cup against Oakhill Tigers, with a convincing 6-2 victory.

The win looked in doubt just five minutes in when Oakhill, 23 league places below City, took the lead in somewhat controversial fashion, when the ball appeared to be kicked out of the City keepers hands, and finished to give Oakhill a 1-0 lead. It didn’t take long for West to equalise, with a powerful shot from wide by James Manfre, which found its way in by the front post. 1-1. Oakhill then regained their lead 15 minutes in when James Rosson was adjudged to have handled in the box, although it clearly happened outside the box. The Oakhill striker dispatched the penalty to give the division four team a 2-1 lead.

This was a wake up call for City, and they began to pick up momentum, and within 5 minutes of conceding they were back level, when Nathan Sandiford’s shot was fumbled into his own net by the Oakhill keeper. 2-2. The boys began to show their class, boxing Oakhill into their half. 15 minutes before half time the boys took a deserved lead, when Christie Tyler smashed the ball in with his left foot from outside the box, beating the struggling keeper with ease. 3-2. From then on until half time, City dominated possession, but couldn’t find a way to extend their lead. Half time score 3-2 City.

It took 20 minutes of heavy pressure from the boys before they got their fourth, which was a calm finish from Martin Hunter one-on-one with the keeper, from a Nathan Sandiford cross. 4-2. It was 5-2 just five minutes later, when Jamie Wallis scored a penalty after Nathan Sandiford was taken down in the box, with a confident strike into the bottom left corner. 5-2. Adam Vennard came close to scoring, but slid the ball onto the post with the keeper beaten. There were also some good saves from City keeper Matt Bennett, and some strong defending in the backline, but in all honesty Oakhill never really looked like scoring in the second half.

Nathan Sandiford rounded off the victory five minutes from time, with another calm finish one-on-one, as he waited for the keeper to commit himself, before tapping the ball into the empty front post. Final Score 6-2.
Martin Hunter got Man of the Match for a superb game at right midfield. He had the defender in his pocket all afternoon, and swung in pin-point crosses all through the game.

Under 16's

The Under 16's South played Finchley Revolution away.

A high ball caught in the wind and threatened to go over the keeper with the defence watching. At the other end some good interplay saw the keeper beaten and the ball rolled towards the goal - only to be kicked off the line. This perhaps turned the game.

The defence were caught again resulting in mayhem and eventually the keeper's hurried kick rebounded off an opponent to set up a goal. Later in the half the midfield failed to close down and a hopeful punt, helped by the wind crept in at the far post.

The visitors kept creating chances but they were always wanting too many touches in the box, poor quality lay offs to free players or simply poor shooting. Significantly the best attempt came from a mis-hit chipped cross.

The second half was little better despite the pressure and chances created. Every shot went straight at the keeper when they were well hit. Two great attempts came back off the woodwork and were cleared.

As more players were thrown forward to try to turn pressure into goals the defence were caught by a quick break and then again just before the death when the defence again failed to deal with a counter attack.

A number of players played well with Harry Gray being named Player of the Match for his domination of the left side and excellent provision of passes for the forward line.

25th January 2009

Under 16's

16's South go down by the odd goal in three

The heavy rain meant the original pitch, and then its replacement were ruled out but the game eventually took place at the now deserted Berkhamsted Town ground in the centre of the town. One of the best pitches we have played on as well as the largest.

This was a factor in our downfall. We had to start the game with the only 11 players there. Neil Jardine, still recovering from his toe operation was only there to play 10 minutes and see how it went. A thirteenth player arrived just as we started. The squads lack of match fitness was exposed on the big pitch against a team who constantly played the ball wide to both wings.

This was the story of the game as the home side started well and kept the visitors in their own half and relying upon odd counter attacks. Daniele Kitchen in goal made a number of excellent saves to deny the home team. However it was on a counter attack that Matt Frohlich robbed a defender and advanced on goal to put away a difficult chance into the corner.

The goal gave the whole team more confidence and the defenders began to dominate the game much more, allowing the game to become more even. Matt Frohlich hit the cross bar from a free kick and other chances came and went. It was more of the same in the second half with one excellent move, instigated by Matt Frohlich, allowing Tom Pile to make a run and cross and Anthony Marriott to head narrowly wide.

Then it went wrong with about 20 minutes left. Berkhamsted put their big players in midfield and they were given too much space and time. 2 goals in 5 minutes were the heavy price. Despite creating more chances near the end in a desperate finish the equaliser would not come.

Freddie Brown, Kieran Rawal and Richard Cook put on a fine display at the centre of the defence with Daniele a rock behind them. A tough decision then to give Richard the Player of the Match award.

18th January 2009

Under 18's

West continue impressive form

With 18 goals in their previous two games, St Albans City Under 18's West have taken firm control of this season. On Sunday they increased this impressive tally to 28 in three, as they annihilated Hemel Aces 10-0 in the league.

It’s always easier when you get an early goal, and the boys were ahead after just three minutes, when Nathan got in in front of the defender, to flick a James Watt cross into the back of the net. 1-0. City settled down and went about looking for a second. Hemel attempted to get back on level terms, but strong defending from centre backs Jamie Peters and Nick Glasgow kept the score at 1-0. Eventually the boys were 2-0 up, when Nathan Sandiford converted his second of the day, with a skilful back-header from a Matt Mawhood free kick. 2-0. Just five minutes later the boys went 3 up, when Nathan completed his second hat-trick in as many games, when a long goal kick from the City keeper was flicked into his path, to net calmly past the struggling Aces keeper. 3-0. Soon after Nathan had a fourth in 40 minutes, as he capitalised on poor defending from the Aces backline. 4-0. Moments before half time, Jamie Wallis snatched his first of the morning, placing the ball neatly into the far corner from a James Manfre free kick. Unfortunately, Jamie’s goal celebration was to break up a fight that had erupted on the sideline. Half time score 5-0. At half time the boys were told to continue to take the game to Aces, to increase their goal difference to contend with that of Chorleywood, who have consistently hammered teams recently by five or six goals.

After a slow start to the second half, City eventually broke the second half deadlock 15 minutes in, when James Manfre cut across the Aces backline, and finished neatly at the front post. 6-0. Christie Tyler scored on his welcome return from injury, with a typically powerful shot from 18 yards out. 7-0. Jamie Wallis completed his double 5 minutes from time, with a well-timed header from a James Watt corner. 8-0. A minute later James Manfre scored his second of the day, picking up a loose ball that was saved from a James Watt shot, and powering the ball into the top of the net. 9-0.

Nathan Sandiford made it double figures for the team, and five goals for himself, with his tap in late on in the game. Final Score 10-0 St Albans.

This performance was a continuation of the supreme form the boys have been in recently. And there were several contenders for Man of the Match. James Watt, without even scoring, terrorised the Aces defence, and worked well with Nathan Sandiford to create some well-crafted goals. Nathan himself scored five, another strong candidate. The accolade on the day fell to Nick Glasgow, who was solid at the back, and made goal-stopping challenges, ensuring the boys picked up their third clean sheet of the season.

Under 16's

South go down to the Eagles

After four weeks without a game the Under 16's South seemed very flat in their match against Harpenden Colts Eagles . It could be said that it was just the same for the other team but if the long gap was a leveller, we were the bigger losers.

The wind and slope affected the game and helped the home team establish a 2-0 lead before half time. However apart form the conditions there seemed to be little between the teams in terms of territory and possession. If anything, tactical changes through the half had given the visitors an edge.

This proved to be true when Matt Frohlich scored an early goal in the second half. But the team failed to kick on with this momentum and with the wind behind them. The home team had more chances as they made quick counter attacks whilst the home team huffed and puffed but rarely troubled the goal keeper. To make matters worse the defence then gifted the home team the chance to make it 3-1.

More tactical changes resulted, throwing players forward and taking off defenders. However it did not break down the home defence and on a quick counter at the death they scored a fourth.

Although the scoreline flattered the visitors did not deserve much more. Few players shone on the day despite everyone working hard. Sweeper Freddie Brown provided some high points with some surging runs and George Franklin showed a solid and intelligent approach on his debut. However Daniele Kitchen in goal put on a great display, to show just how good he has become, and earning him the Player of the Match.

21st December 2008

Under 18's

Keeper Bennett is man of the Match

Playing in their first league game since October, St Albans U18 West delivered a spectacular performance to ease past AC Finchley at home on Sunday.

In truth, the boys could have gone 1-0 down when some sloppy play in the midfield gave Finchley a chance in the first minute, which was well saved by the city keeper, and cleared with some good defending. The boys went 1-0 up just five minutes later, when James Watt scored his first of the game, skilfully flicking the ball into the net from the back post.
Their lead looked under threat when defender Matt Mawhood gave away his second penalty in two weeks, for a soft handball decision. However, this penalty was saved well by keeper Matt Bennett, diving to his left.

This was a warning for the boys, who quickly set about scoring a second. Superb balls from full backs Matt Mawhood and Daniel Burtt continually put the Finchley back-line under pressure. Eventually the boys did double their lead, when James Watt struck for a second time to give the home team their 2-0 lead 25 minutes in. Just a minute later the boys had a three-goal cushion, when Nathan Sandiford scored his first of the game. 3-0.

By this time the boys were beginning to play superb flowing football. The five offensive City players were dominating the Finchley back-line, with nice football being played between James Watt and Nathan Sandiford in particular. Five minutes after his first, Nathan got a second, with a powerful header from a superb James Manfre corner. 4-0. It was 5-0 30 minutes in, when James Watt scored his first hat-trick for the team, in his eighth season. With the form he’s been in recently, I doubt it will be his last.

Just five minutes later the boys had put a sixth past the struggling Finchley side. The referee pointed to the spot after Nathan Sandiford was tripped in the box, and Nick Glasgow netted the resulting penalty, in off the post. 6-0.
Two minutes before half time the boys found a seventh, when Nathan Sandiford completed his hat-trick, with another powerful header from a corner. Half time score 7-0 St Albans.

Finchley came out a much better side second half. Defender Jamie Wallis, on his way back from injury, fell down injured again, and had to be replaced. This unsettled the boys at the back, and Finchley immediately picked up a deserved consolation midway through the half. The boys failed to track a Finchley striker, who got to a cross before the City defence, to slot home from three yards. 7-1.

Martin Hunter scored City’s eighth, tapping in from six yards after a well-worked attack. 8-1.
In truth the boys probably could have scored another few goals, but could have conceded a few more, but for strong, resilient defending. Keeper Matt Bennett got Man of the Match for a solid game in goal, making good saves and saving a penalty.

Under 16's

South sign off for Christmas with a win

A Merry Christmas to all the regular readers. And it will be for the Under 16's South squad after this comprehensive win over Harpenden Colts Hawks, the team that were second in the league.

After a three week break it was essential to be quick out of the blocks. We were. 1-0 up after less than a minute and the second attack. 2-0 before five minutes were up and it became a question of how quickly the home team could stop the avalanche. The goals slowed down but Matt Frohlich made it 3-0 and claimed his hat trick with a great free kick. His fourth followed after another pause and Peter Style made it 5-0 with only 30 minutes played.

Then the three week break started to catch up and the team lost its impetus as players tired and the home team began to come back into the game. They eventually scored before half time and it created anxiety despite the apparent huge lead.

The second half became a question of hanging on and it was the home team who dominated. The defenders came into their own as the midfield and forwards paid for their early burst. Another home goal brought about some re-shuffling and the midfield was packed to stifle the opposition.

It did the trick and also helped swing the game again and a number of chances were created and wasted as the home team tired and became exposed. Eventually a sixth goal came from James Sissons and that effectively ended the home teams hopes of any fightback.

There were many fine performances on the day. Danieli Kitchen in goal was back to his commanding best. Freddie Brown and Richard Cook dominated in defence and Harry Gray clocked up an effective 60 minutes as he gets match fit. Tom Pile started to show his speed and skill again. Matt Frohlich's four great goals did not win him Man of the Match as it was Kieran Rawal another rock in defence who got the vote.

7th December 2008

Under 18's

South take the points

The Under 18's South had only eleven fit players available this week but still played superbly to grind out a well deserved win. Both teams worked hard to break each other down but neither could score the first goal. Hertsmere had slightly more of the ball but St. Albans had the better scoring opportunities but missed their chances. With only a few minutes of the first half remaining, Dan Gurney, the substitute goalkeeper playing as a striker, struck a superb shot from the edge of the box into the top corner of the net to make it 1 - 0.

In the second period, the pattern was the same as the first half, Hertsmere again had more posession than St Albans but St Albans had the better chances. Rory Suttie, Ben Lazarus and Luke Campion all went close but were unlucky not to score and increase the lead. With the score at 1 - 0 and with Hertsmere pushing forward, there was always the possibility that they might equalise. However, the St Albans defence marshalled by Tommy Hunt and Micky Doherty defended brilliantly throughout to make sure that they didn't. A confident, battling team performance.

Team - Harry Honeywood, Mario Concialdi, Tommy Hunt. Micky Doherty, Toby Irish, Ben Lazarus, Spencer Clarke Mardel, Luke Campion, Rory Suttie, Dan Gurney

30th November 2008

St Albans Disability at the Double against Banbury United

For their second round of fixtures in the new BOBI 7-a-side league St Albans City Youth Disability took both their Yellow and Red teams to play at Banbury United’s Spencer Stadium against the newly formed Banbury United Disability team. It was to prove to be a difficult afternoon for Banbury against the more experienced St Albans sides who scored a total of sixteen goals.

St Albans Reds played first and opened the scoring with a move direct from kick off which ended with Keiron Webster finishing well. St Albans Reds continued to press the pace and Webster went on to complete a first half hattrick of well taken goals. Callum Harpur pushed forward from defence to score a fourth which gave St Albans Reds a comfortable half-time lead. The highlight of the half however was undoubtedly a slaloming run out of defence from Jay Tipping, who rounded a number of players as he dribbled the length of the pitch before unselfishly passing to a teammate rather than trying to score the goal his run deserved. In the second half St Albans Reds were instructed to ease off by manager Dan Rogers, but were still able to score another couple of goals through Tom Ward to run out comfortable 6-0 winners.

In the second match St Albans City Yellows eased into a comfortable lead despite playing well within themselves and both managers making changes to try to reduce the difference in abilities between the two teams. Two goals each from Rob Drew, Rob Peters and Anthony Roche put City Yellows in control, but in response Banbury were awarded a generous penalty which they successfully converted. In the second half Drew, Peters and Roche all completed their hattricks but it was left to Matt Caller to finish the scoring with his first goal for the club. City Yellows stay top of the BOBI league with their 10-1 win.

Manager Dan Rogers said after the game “It was a difficult day for Banbury. Our team has been together for 4 years now and this is still only Banbury’s first season and you could see the difference. Myself and the players who have been with the team from the beginning remember how difficult it was for us at first and I hope Banbury stick with it as the more disability teams there are in the country the better for all of us.”

St Albans Reds: D.Augustine, H.Brown, C.Harpur, J.Webster, G.Darling, T.Ward, K.Webster, J.Tipping
St Albans Yellows: H.Fryer, M.Caller, R.Williams, R.Peters, T.Smith, A.Roche, R.Drew

Under 18's

Impressive win

Before the game, manager Chris Mawhood stated, “In these conditions, good teams would come unstuck, but better teams would rise above it.” The Under 18's West certainly proved their calibre with an impressive win against Chorley Wood White in the Challenge Cup on Sunday.

The boys took charge of the game, immediately taking control of their lower league opposition. Just five minutes in the boys were 1-0 up when Adam Vennard made a superb run across the Chorley Wood keeper from a James Manfre corner, to head his fourth goal of the season. 1-0. The second came from Nathan Sandiford, although indebted to a large deflection from the Chorleywood defender, to score his first goal for West. Own goal? Not according to Nathan. 2-0. The boys continued to dominate, and strong challenges all over the pitch prevented much attack from Chorley Wood. Superb cross-field balls from Matt Mawhood continued to open up weaknesses in the Chorley Wood back line. Martin Hunter scored the third with a tap in from the back post, after another well taken cross from James Manfre. 3-0. There was no doubting Nathan’s second goal as he powered the ball through the legs of the Chorley Wood keeper. 4-0 after 25 minutes. The boys sneaked a fifth before half time when Reece May marked his return from injury with a superb low strike from the edge of the box. Half time score 5-0 to City.

15 minutes into the second half James Watt scored his first of the day with a simple tap in at the back post, from another James Manfre cross. 6-0. The boys then began to relax, and started taking some pressure. Some great challenges from all of the back four, as well as saves from keeper Matt Bennett, attempted to keep Chorleywood out.

Eventually the boys did concede, when Matt Mawhood’s clumsy challenge in the box gave Chorley Wood a penalty, which was taken well. 6-1. This gave Chorley Wood some confidence, and they soon got a second, with a well taken goal from 10 yards, one-on-one with the keeper. 6-2. Any thought of a comeback soon vanished when James Manfre took the ball from the kick off straight down the left wing, and finished superbly with a near post drive. 7-2.

With 10 minutes to go, Martin Hunter scored his second of the game, with a similar goal to James Manfre’s, driving the ball low into the bottom corner. 8-2. Five minutes later it was 9-2, when Nathan Sandiford completed his hat trick with a good finish. James Watt finished the rout, when he made it to the back post and drove the ball into the net. 10-2, in a game which could have seen five or six more goals, if the boys had taken chances.

With a 10-2 scoreline, it is always difficult to select a single Man of the Match, with good performances all over the pitch, but the award went to Matt Mawhood on this occasion, for his best performance of the season, coming back from injury and making match-winning tackles, and playing superb balls forward.

Under 16's

What a difference a week makes

What a difference a week makes. The same opposition ( Finchley Revolution) but on their pitch. Instead of 16 players the Under 16's South were down to 12 and one of those unwell. Three of the squad were not match fit after long breaks. Injuries and problems during the game left no room for manoeuvre and the players simply had to grit their teeth and get through it - and they did.

This was a relatively even game but the visitors did not take their chances in the game. They could have been two up before the home team scored when at least two good chances were wasted with wild finishing or a good save. The home opener was quickly equalised after a great piece of skill by Neil Jardine. He managed to keep his feet after a foul challenge in the area failed to stop his run and then he looked up and chipped the ball over the keeper from a difficult angle. Tom Pile followed up but the ball was in the net when he made contact.

The game continued to be even but St Albans started to be disrupted, first by an injury to midfield dynamo James Sissons and then Harry Gray had to give in to his stomach upset. The home team took advantage and opened up a two goal lead. The second half continued in the same vein. More chances were wasted as players and the ball got stuck in the midfield mud. The home team were attacking the drier end and scored three goals. Sean Sullivan capped a fine game by again robbing a defender and getting past the keeper on the second attempt to tap home.

Dan Kitchen played really well in the first half but had little to do in the second. Freddie Brown stood out in defence as he seemed to win every challenge. However the Player of the Match went to David Paton who simply dominated the left side and provided some excellent, creative passes to the players in front of him. A solid performance from start to finish.

23rd November 2008

Under 16's

16's South Bounce back with a win

Last weeks improved fitness began to show and with the help of a full squad this was a good win. It was not as comfortable as the score suggests but the home side were not the ones to run out of steam and two late goals were required to reflect the deserved win.

The conditions were dreadful and with the visitors trapped on the M25 it was a late start that at least allowed the pitch to thaw. St Albans started well but seemed unable to create many chances in the attcking third. Moving Neil Jardine into the forwards proved to be the missing element and chances appeared. So did the bad challenges. From one free kick Matt Frohlich opened the scoring. This was followed by a second but at 2-0 the chances again dried up and the game became more even.

The second half started in similar vein and the home team seemed to be making heavy weather of a general domination. A few quick counter-attacks always threatened and the visitors duly got a goal back. Eventually a cross was misjudged by the keeper and Tom Pile scored a third to create a little more comfort. The visitors pushed people forward with time running out which allowed more space for the home team to create chances. Far too many were wasted until James Sissons picked up a clearance to score and settle the nerves.

It also unsettled the visitors who lost their cool with some dreadful challenges. At the end another wild lunge resulted in a penalty and William Ellis blasted it through the keepers hands.

Goalkeeper Dan Kitchen was named Player of the Match as he made a number of crucial saves at key moments in the game. Everyone else did their part but he led from the back, demanding no drop in effort and concentration.

16th November 2008

Under 18's

West out of the County Cup

The Under 18's West were dismally dumped out of the County Cup on Sunday against lower division side Croxley Guild, for their first defeat of the season. City started fairly brightly, immediately making use of the pace of wingers James Manfre and James Watt. Good chances fell to Adam Vennard and James Watt, but neither could convert. The boys found themselves 1-0 down half way through the first half, when a through ball was threaded through the central defenders, for their pacey striker to run on and net his first of the day. Dominant defender and captain Jamie Peters then fell injured just after the goal. With no subs on the bench, he braved on through the game, pushing up into centre midfield. His determination was rewarded with his first of the season. Half time score 1-1.

The boys dominated the start of the second half, but couldn’t make any clear cut chances. Forward runs from Arron Shaw and Nathan Sandiford attempted to create chances, but all were cut out. The boys eventually conceded a second in exactly the same way they fell behind at the start, with a through ball latching on to the quick striker, to score his second. It was their only method of attack, but we couldn’t defend against it, especially with tired legs and injuries. Final score 2-1 Croxley.

Nathan Sandiford got Man of the Match for a superb game in centre midfield, often being the creator of any chances the boys got. Daniel Burtt represented the club for his 200th appearance, so congratulations also goes to him (although probably not the result he would have wanted to mark the occasion.

Under 16's

Game of two halves

A weird one. The visitors start well and take the game to the home side, who head the league, and expose their defensive weakness. After some good attacks the home side manage one of their own. 1-0. The St Albans defence seems asleep. Another attack another mistake and it is 2-0.

Despite this the attack is still looking good and Ashley Bryant caps a fine solo run with a good finish. Belief and confidence returns. But the defence is still making mistake after mistake. The makeshift midfield is not getting near their opponents who are either playing balls forward or making runs into the box. Goals are leaked at a steady rate but another run by Ashley Bryant results in a difficult cross from the goal-line whilst under pressure and a great headed goal at the far post by Anthony Marriott to make it 4-2.

The rest of the half goes steadily downhill and ends at 7-2. A difficult half time tried to sort out the non-functioning midfield and the total absence of anything on the right.

Well something seemed to come out of it. The second half was a totally different game. The home team created a few chances in the first ten minutes but the defence seemed much more solid and everything was blocked or forced wide. Meanwhile at the other end the attack really began to function and the game started to be played in the home half. Chances were created and wasted but eventually Matt Frohlich kept his composure to score. More pressure and more chances. Eventually a goalmouth scramble saw James Sissons pick up the clearance and rifle it home.

Although the home team scored another it was the visitors who looked most likely to score. Ashley Bryant watched two shots go the wrong side of the post, Matt Frohlich had two great shots that were straight at the keeper, Anthony Marriott just failed to connect on a good cross etc. etc.

Tiredness and a tactical change created a large gap in the centre of defence that saw the home side score two late goals where they ran straight through the middle of defence. It was a disappointing end to a good half.

Ashley Bryant pipped James Sissons as Player of the Match as they kept up their performance level in both halves.

9th November 2008

Under 16's

Under 16's South back in Action

Three weeks without a game and a couple of weeks without training showed its effect as the team ran out of steam in this one. The visitors were on top form having just defeated the runaway league leaders but were totally outplayed for the first 10 minutes.

It was the best spell of football the team has produced this season, totally blotting out the opposition and carving them open with passes and driving runs. Neil Jardine was brought down after one such run to give Ashley Bryant a spot kick. He put it away to end a year of misses by a variety of takers. Not long afterwards Sean Sullivan picked up a clearance from his own penalty area and set off on a quick break. When the retreating defence decided to challenge him he played a quick 1-2 with a forward and was put through to finish a great move.

The home side continued to dominate for the first 20 minutes and their emergency keeper was a spectator for much of the time outside his own penalty box. However as the half progressed the attacks became less incisive and a series of corners were also wasted.

The second half was a different story. Play was now in the home teams half and they failed to clear the ball as they had done in the first half. Discipline broke down and the opposition were allowed space to play. An injury to Neil Jardine was not only a loss to the midfield but also to numbers so that it was increasingly difficult to rest tiring players.

Although the visitors eventually scored after a couple of earlier scrambles Ashley Bryant seized upon a defensive mistake to take the ball round the keeper and score in an empty net to make it 3-1. However tiredness and a loss of discipline saw the visitors peg back a couple of goals with 10 minutes to go. The team still created its own chances as everyone tired but leaked two more goals in the final minutes.

26th October 2008

Under 18's

West continue great start

The Under 18's West continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 3-1 win away at Hertsmere, in a game which could have gone either way.

St Albans started brightly, and immediately took control of the game. Their early pressure was rewarded when Nick Glasgow netted his first of the season, skilfully directing the ball into the net from a driven James Watt cross.

The boys continued to press, despite some increased pressure from the Hertsmere players. Some good chances fell to Adam Vennard, James Manfre and Christie Tyler, but none were converted.

Half time score 1-0 St Albans.

The second half was fairly even, with good chances for both team. City centre-backs Jamie Peters and Jamie Wallis did well to keep Hertsmere chances to a minimum. With just 20 minutes to go Hertsmere equalized, when their striker rose powerfully to head a whipped free kick into the top corner.

But the boys didn’t give up, and soon found themselves back in the lead, when James Watt set up James Manfre this time, to tap in with confidence.

There was soon daylight between the teams when James Manfre got his second of the game, taking advantage of a defensive error, to volley the ball neatly over the keeper and into the top corner. Final Score 3-1 St Albans.
Jamie Peters got Man of the Match for a strong performance at the back, often making goal-saving challenges.

19th October 2008

St Albans Disability Continue Impressive Start to Season

Following on from the 5-2 win in their first game of the season, St Albans City Youth Disability won their second successive match and again notched five goals with a fine 5-1 victory over Brighton at Highfield Park on Sunday. Starting with an unchanged line-up, City skipper Anthony Roche led the way with a hat-trick from left wing to take his tally for the season to 26 in all competitions.

City had much the better of the first half and took the lead when Paul Spink played a free kick over the top of the defence for Roche to run in and slide past the Brighton keeper. The lead was extended when Rob Drew crashed in the second for his fourth goal of the season. Drew was later unlucky to have a goal ruled out for a foul on the keeper following a flowing passing move which took City the length of the field. City grabbed a third when Keiron O’Kane finished from close range after Drew’s effort came back off the crossbar. Just before half-time Roche scored his second, winning the ball forty yards from goal before out pacing the defence and finishing well.

The second half saw City take their foot off the pedal but they continued to create chances, most notably Hayden Brown coming close to scoring on six occasions from Spink corners. Brighton gained a foothold in the match when they converted a penalty following a foul in the box by Gary Darling. A number of enforced substitutions also disrupted City but they wrapped up the game when Roche ran onto a through ball from Richard Fox and finished coolly from the edge of the area to complete his hat-trick.

Manager Dan Rogers commented after the game “I was very pleased that we built on the victory in our last match and some of our attacking play was excellent. We have now scored 10 goals in two games We are now beginning to see the rewards of four years hard work with the disability squad, but there remain things to work on and we do not want to get carried away. I also want to thank all the supporters who came to watch and am glad we were able to reward them with another five goals”.

St Albans City: Hayden F, L. Robinson, G. Darling, M. Caller, H. Brown, T. Smith, P. Spink, R. Fox, A. Roche, K. O’Kane, R. Drew, Subs G. Tuitt, T. Ward, Jon E, R. Peters Unused sub B. Groom.

Under 16's

Under 16's South lose unbeaten record

If you are going to lose your unbeaten record why not do it big time. The visitors were also unbeaten and top of the league and proved they deserved to be there. Against a fit and hard running team you must be at your best.

Unfortunately too many players under-performed on the day. Very often it was not a case of being second to the ball but still waiting for a starting pistol. Due to absences the centre of defence saw two new people and there was a general failure of the defensive line to communicate and get on top of the opposition. The midfield failed to pick up a player.

Goals came at regular intervals as the visitors charged through unmarked and got on to the ball. At 0-3 Ashley Bryant got on the end of a through ball to score a great goal and make it 1-3. From the kick off Edson scored and immediately ended any thoughts of a fightback.

At half time it was 1-7. Shades of the great Stockport County chants of "We're gonna win 7-6" turning into " If you'll settle for a draw, clap your hands." The script was thrown away and the second half was used as a practice session for a different formation given the situation and players available. 5-3-2 gave way to 4-5-1.

The second half score was 1-3 and the game was much more even. The tactics worked even if the players did not. A great free kick by Ashley Bryant put the goalkeeper under pressure and Tom Pile reacted first to bundle the ball over the line to give us a second goal.

Daniel Kitchen performed heroics in goal and kept the score down. Anthony Marriott followed up the previous weeks performance with another solid display now that he is settling in but the Player of the Match went to Ashley Bryant for his hard work and contribution to both goals.

12th October 2008

Under 18's

West make life difficult, but take the points

St Albans City Youth Under 18's West made life difficult for themselves on Sunday, but eventually came away 3-2 victors against second in the league Sun Postal.
The boys started brightly, and immediately took hold of the game. Just five minutes in the boys took the lead when Jamie Wallis played a ball over the top for James Watt to run on, and finish neatly in the bottom corner. Ten minutes later, City were two up when James Watt got his second of the game, when he skilfully bought the ball down and finished brilliantly with his left foot, driving the ball across the struggling keeper into the bottom right corner. Ten minutes before half time the boys went 3-0 up when Jamie Wallis continued is recent scoring streak with a superb curling free kick which found the top left corner. Half time score 3-0 St Albans.

The boys faced stern attack from Postal after the break, but superb challenges across the back line, including Matt Mawhood, Jamie Wallis, Nick Glasgow and Arron Shaw prevented Postal from potentially equalising. Eventually Postal did get their reward for possession in our half, when a Postal winger ran the ball 40 yards before somehow finding the bottom corner past the out-of-position City goalkeeper. Postal had more chances which they failed to convert, including one which Nick Glasgow managed to pull out a “goal-saving challenge” on the line to prevent Postal scoring a second.

Postal pulled themselves back to within one goal of City, when a misjudged back header from a City defender went straight into the path of a Postal striker’s run, which he finished well from 10 yards. The boys withheld heavy pressure, and are indebted to the decision of the referee (the Sun Postal manager), who disallowed a Postal goal in the dying minutes for a push on the keeper. A correct decision, but one that, from previous experience of decisions, was not one we expected he would give. Final score 3-2 St Albans.

James Watt got ‘Man of the Match’ for a superb performance up front. His forward runs and strong challenges, as well as his brilliant finishing first half, earned him the accolade, on a day where, potentially, 6 or 7 boys were strong candidates.

Under 16's

16's South show new confidence

Another great performance from the Under 16's South. The loss of the regular keeper saw the visitors build up a two goal lead in the first 15 minutes as the replacement keeper found his feet or to be accurate his hands.

The team did not let this affect them and some good football had its reward when Anthony Marriott was put through and he opened his account for the season. Even better was to follow when a move started in the home area moved down the wing involving four or five players in a quick passing movement with eventually Ashley Bryant being put clear and finishing from a difficult angle. It will be difficult to score a better goal this season but that is our aim.

Some tactical manoeuvring saw the home team begin to dominate for the rest of the half but unable to turn chances into goals. Playing up the Greenwood slope in the second half proved to be a problem as the team never got to grips with the problem. Too many through balls were not weighted properly or the direction was not quite right. Although Harpenden made a late rally during the half, with the advantage of the slope, they only tested the second replacement keeper once. The home team finished the stronger and substitutes were thrown on to try to find the vital gap in the visitor's defence. It was not to be.

It was a sign of the new confidence that the team was going all out for a win against the second placed team in the League rather than holding on for a draw. It was also a sign that it was difficult to take off players to put on replacements as everyone on the pitch played well. Many players excelled themselves on the day, Jamie Spurway, Anthony Marriott, Kieran Rawal and James Sissons in particular but the Player of the Match went to yet another, Freddie Eames.

5th October 2008

Under 18's

Under 18's West progress in the County Cup

Two yellow cards, one penalty and ten goals, two of which will be contenders for goal of the season. Sounds like a decent cup match. City West U18s beat Buntingford 8-2 in the Herts County Cup.

The boys started brightly and took charge of the game from the off. Their early pressure was rewarded when James Watt broke down the right, before cutting the ball back for Adam Vennard to get the first of the game. Just 10 minutes in the boys found themselves 2-0 up, when a corner was not dealt with properly, and Jamie Wallis got on the end of a Michael Gamble shot to get his first of the game. Buntingford began to hit back with a few chances themselves. They narrowed the deficit when their striker turned skilfully on the edge of the box, before placing the ball neatly in the bottom corner from 10 yards.

The boys continued to press and were rewarded with a third five minutes before half time. The boys were awarded their third penalty in as many weeks, which Jamie Wallis confidently converted for his third penalty goal in as many weeks, and his second of the game.The boys lost concentration a couple of minutes before half time. they failed to clear a corner properly and allowed a Buntingford striker to head down into the net from two yards. The boys may have had a fourth late in the half, when Jamie Wallis struck, but the referee deemed the ball had not crossed the line.
Half time score 3-2 to City.

After the break, the boys came out and completely dominated. James Watt, Nathan Sandiford and James Manfre made it difficult for the defence to handle them. The boys went 4-2 up when Jamie Wallis completed his hat-trick with a low-drilled free kick, which got under the wall and into the bottom corner. The boys hit a fifth through James Watt, when he latched onto a clearance by Jamie Wallis, and slotted neatly for his first of the game. The sixth came when Christie Tyler picked up the ball 25 yards out, and smashed a volley straight into the top right corner. Goal of the season candidate one. It was 7-2 not long after, when James Watt got the easiest goal he will ever score, as he was allowed time to turn on the ball in the area, and slot the ball calmly into the corner. The boys continued to dominate, and could have had a few more goals. Nathan Sandiford perhaps had the best chances, but failed to open his account for the season. Instead it was James Manfre who completed the rout. His cross from wide on the left manages to lob the Buntingford keeper and land in the top corner. Goal of the season candidate number two. Final score 8-2 St Albans.

Adam Vennard got Man of the Match for a strong performance as attacking midfielder, putting himself about and working hard in the midfield, and scoring the first goal.

Under 16's

16's South show what they can do

The team finally, this season, showed what they could do and the result was an away win. From the start the team dominated the opposition and put them on the back foot on a difficult pitch with its slopes and wet grass. Matt Frohlich and Ashley Bryant enjoyed themselves as they carved out openings for other players and each other. They created mayhem in the home penalty area but the ball always seemed to break kindly for the home team. However and excellent build up left nothing to chance and Ashley put the ball in the corner from Matt' cross. Another Ashley chance hit the post and bounced back to the keeper rather than the on-rushing attacker.

James Sissons was next to benefit when the forward pressure gave him space in midfield to pick up the ball and score. Despite the domination, that saw the visitors defence simply mopping up the odd attack, there were no more goals before half time. A heavy downpour did not help the game.

The second half saw Tom Pile much more involved, thanks to the slope, and he made yet another run down the wing that left the defenders in his wake. This time he played the ball back to James Sissons, who again found himself in space, and he blasted in from the edge of the box.

At 3-0 the game looked to be over and so some tactical experiments were attempted. The use of extra forwards did not work as the defence and midfield found themselves over-run as Harpenden kept more players forward. Dan Kitchen was much busier in goal and produced an excellent save to push a shot over the bar. Matters were not helped by a serious eye-injury to the left back Peter Styles, forcing him off, and it was soon after that Harpenden scored. A quick break and a great shot by Ashley Bryant soon restored the three goal lead.

Another home goal after another goalmouth scramble raised the possibility of a fight back but the experimentation was ended and everything tightened up for the last 10 minutes where the game moved back into the home half much more.

A number of players played well, all the defenders certainly including the keeper. However for his battling first half performance that helped create the lead, Matt Frohlich was given the Player of the Match award.

28th September 2008

Disability Squad

St Albans Disability Open Campaign With A Win

St Albans City Youth Disability started their league campaign with a fine 5-2 victory away at Queen Elizabeth Training College on Sunday. A number of players made their debuts including Richard Fox, fresh from representing Great Britain at the Paralympics earlier in the month, who added a calming influence in midfield.

During a finely balance first half City twice took the lead through debutant Rob Drew but defensive lapses allowed Queen Elizabeth to peg City back on both occasions. Shortly before halftime Rob headed in a Paul Spinks corner for his hat trick.  The half was also notable for two outstanding saves from keeper Hayden  who showed a strong character to bounce back from his mistake which had allowed Queen Elizabeth to score their first.

The second half saw City take a stranglehold on the game, playing good football and threatening on a number of occasions. However it took an exceptional piece of defending from left back Gary Darling, clearing off the line, to maintain City’s lead. The game was made safe when skipper Anthony Roche was played in by Keiron O’Kane before rounding the keeper and slotting home past a defender on the line. The icing on the cake for City was the fifth scored by Tom Ward when his attempted cross from the left wing flew over the keeper into the top corner.

Manager Dan Rogers commented after the game “I was very impressed with all the lads who played today. It was an excellent team performance with everyone working hard to contribute to the victory. I would like to single out my unused substitutes Ben, Dan, Kieron and John for praise as they supported the team throughout although they were no doubt disappointed not to have got on the pitch”.

St Albans City: Hayden , L. Robinson, G. Darling, M. Caller, H. Brown, T. Smith, P. Spinks, R. Fox, A. Roche, K. O’Kane, R. Drew , Subs C. Harpur, T. Ward, Unused subs B. Groom, D. Augustine, K. Webster, J. Webster

Under 18's

Under 18's West continued their unbeaten start

St Albans U18 West continued their unbeaten start to the season, with an impressive 1-0 win against St Albans South. I know for a fact that referees are never biased, being one myself. However, they do have good and bad games. This happened to be a very poor game for the man in the middle.

West, with just the bare 11 players due to injuries, started well, working hard all over the pitch. This was rewarded 10 minutes in when the referee got his one decision of the game correct, awarding a penalty for a trip on James Watt who was through on goal. Jamie Wallis converted the penalty confidently, making it two goals from his first three games for the team.

The team continued to create chances, with Adam Vennard, James Watt and James Manfre working hard up front. However, none were converted, making the half time score 1-0 West.

The boys started slowly in the second half, absorbing a lot of early pressure. South were then awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the second half for a ‘foul’ ‘inside the box’ by Martin Hunter. I say a ‘foul’ ‘inside the box’, because it wasn’t a foul in the first place, and it was a good two feet wide of the box. Justice was served when keeper Matt Bennett stopped the penalty, diving low to his left.

South had more chances, but challenges from Jamie Peters, Jamie Wallis and saves from Matt Bennett kept them out. With twenty minutes to go, James Watt was taken out by the South keeper, through on goal, in the box. To which the referee awarded a free kick, and said nothing about the challenge on the player, despite it being an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The boys failed to convert the chance, and had the feeling they were playing 12 men out there.

The boys managed to hold on, despite injuries, to record a superb 1-0 win against local rivals St Albans South.
There were many candidates for Man of the Match, including Nathan Sandiford for a superb debut, working hard in the midfield. However, it was Jamie Wallis that received the award, for a well taken goal and some vital challenges at the back.

Under 16s

St Albans City Youth South    1    v    1    Berkhamsted Raiders

What a difference a week makes.  Last weeks non-performance was put behind them and the team were almost back on form.  This was a great result against a team who finished third in the league last season.  Even more so in that the squad was reduced to only 13, with 6 absentees, and four of those present were carrying injuries.

The defence was a makeshift affair but apart from a few scares they managed to blot out the visitors attacks.  The first half goal was deflected leaving the keeper diving the wrong way.  The midfield was a real engine room as they broke up the opposition and tried to start attacks.  The big Highfield pitch and a long ball game created havoc in the first half and ultimately exhausted the visitors who faded badly towards the end.

After a number of opportunities for the forwards, Ashley Bryant scored from a mess in the goal-mouth created by the visitors own defenders with 15 minutes to go  After that it was a question of trying to get a winner but another wild goal-mouth scramble suggested it was not going to happen.

A long list of players up for the Player of the Match but it went to tireless Sean Sullivan.

21st September 2008

Under 16's

Comets 15 v 1 St Albans City Youth

Not only did the bulk of the squad turn up late some seemed not to be there at all. A collective off day that allowed the home team to do as they wished. An emergency change of goalkeeper before even starting did not help settle things down and goals went in regularly during the first half. A penalty was awarded after one of many dangerous challenges by the home team and new player Matt Frohlich stepped up. Had someone told him we miss every penalty? He was on target but the keeper made a great save and the ball was scambled away.

The second half saw the defence tighten up but the midfield then went awol. James Sissons got on to a long through ball and took his shot first time to beat the keeper. A great goal that helped him to share the Player of the Match with Neil Jardine.

Under 14's

St Albans City West 3   Hadley Wood 1    (WFL Red Division)

An injury ravaged squad meant that St Albans had only ten men from the start on Sunday but even so they were too strong for Hadley Wood, running out 3 – 1 winners.

Although under strength, the St Albans side was always in control and despite falling behind to a breakaway goal in the first half, the Saints dominated the match.

Energetic performances from Sam Groves, Ollie Wildman and Kobayne Wilson made the difference in the second half as Saints deservedly leveled and then went ahead through Ben Blight(2) and Kobayne Wilson.  

A good three points gained as Saints ran out worthy winners.

14th September 2008

Under 16  League Cup

Herons   2   v   1    St Albans City Youth – South

Having not had the opportunity to play a game the week before thanks to the opposition folding, the team were already at a disadvantage in this first round of the Cup against a team from a higher league.

Injuries and a lack of available players did not help leaving only three substitutes.  One of those did not get through the warm-up and another was carrying a hip injury.  A migraine attack at halftime then reduced the fit players to 11.

Bearing all this in mind the squad produced a great performance that blew away the cobwebs that had gathered since last April and proved to everyone we were still on the up.  At half time there was nothing to choose between the teams, an even game where quite frankly the visitors had created the better chances.  Ashley Bryant looked up and attempted to put a long distance shot over the keeper.  It also went over the bar.  Jamie Spurway unleashed from outside the box and it too went narrowly over.  Tom Pile put a shot across the goal and wide.  He then was presented with the best opening of the half but somehow contrived not to get the shot away.

At the other end the defence had suffocated the home team and Daniele Kitchen found himself mopping up over-hit through balls.

The second half continued as before but after about 15 minutes the hard work began to take its toll.  Tired legs and a lack of concentration allowed a quick break and a crossfield ball to provide an opening that was put away.  A penalty was awarded soon after when the keeper was adjudged to have brought down an attacker when he dived on the ball.  2-0 down the visitors then threw on substitutes that began to expose weaknesses.

Some changes were made to the team to counteract this and they were off again.  They began to take the game to the home team and create chances.  With 10 minutes left Ashley Bryant used his first half shot as a practice but this time put it over the keeper but under the bar.  The visitors finished the strongest and almost equalised when cross/shot from Neil Jardine was somehow blocked  from the top corner.  The block did not drop to a yellow shirt but in the scramble to clear it was put in the air in the box and a yellow shirt just could not get high enough to power it home.  Again blocked on the line it was scrambled clear.

Everyone emerged with great credit from this although Danieli Kitchen was made Player of the Match.  He has returned to the team looking much fitter and as a result much more confident giving the whole team a boost

Under 14's

Edmonton Rangers 1  St Albans City West 3  (WFL Red Division)

A confident display by St Albans saw them run out 3–1 winners at Edmonton to pick up their first points of the new season.

On a small pitch space was at a premium but the opposition was clinically opened up three times by St Albans’ slick passing game which was too good for the newly promoted Edmonton.

Sam Groves gave a great all round performance and goals from Tom Fazakerley (2) and Cormac O’Regan sealed the Saints win.

7th September 2008

Under 18's

Under 18's West earn a point

St Albans West were be disappointed to drop two points in the first game of the season against newly promoted Hemel Town, with a 2-2 draw at home.

St Albans started brightly and should have taken the lead through an Adam Vennard header and a James Rosson shot in front of goal, but the boys failed to capitalise on the chances, and found themselves 1-0 down when a Hemel striker breezed through the City defence and slotted smartly into the bottom corner.

City continued to press despite the setback, crosses from James Manfre just needed a touch to be turned in, and Christie Tyler had three speculative efforts, but the boys frustratingly went into the half time interval 1-0 down.

The boys dominated the start of the second half in the way they had ended the first. Eventually their persistence was rewarded with a contender of ‘Own Goal of the Season’, when a Hemel defender turned into his own net under pressure from James Watt.

The boys continued to press forward, but began to leave holes at the back, possibly through early-season fitness issues, and the boys were indebted to some fine challenges in the midfield from Christie Tyler, and a few good saves from keeper Matt Bennett.

With 20 minutes to go the boys took the lead, when James Manfre finished neatly past the struggling Hemel keeper.

The boys never looked 100% safe at the back, and Hemel got their equalizer when their striker was first to react to a great save from the city keeper, and pass into the net with ease.

Despite pressing until the death, the boys couldn’t force another clear-cut chance, and finished the game with a disappointing 2-2 scoreline, which really should have been a win.

Christie Tyler got Man of the Match for strong challenges in the midfield, playing neat football from start to finish.

Under 14's

U14s West 0 Harvesters North 1 (WFL Red Division)

St Albans put up a brave battle against last season’s Red Division champions Harvesters, having only 11 players for the majority of the game.

Dalian Davis in goal made some terrific saves to keep St Albans in the game, until they were cruelly overcome by a late attack just 3 minutes from time to hand the points to Harvesters.