Ashridge Park Royals –Under 10s  - Aug / Sep Highlights

Friendly v California Stingrays (Div1)  (Won 2-0)

This pre-season friendly turned out to be more than just a gentle warm-up on a huge (11 aside) pitch for the new Royals team. With just one sub to rotate the players everyone got a good work-out playing a full 25mins e/w. The Royals went one up after Eoghain capitalised on the confusion caused by Dominic’s well taken free-kick in the first half. Mark looked lively down the right and Will was making crucial tackles and interceptions throughout the first half. Eoghain’s pace looked devastating when he was able to link up the play with Stephen’s clever lay-offs & flicks.

The crucial 2nd goal came from Stephen when he converted a nicely worked move with a tap-in and this knocked the stuffing out of the stingrays. As legs got tired in the 2nd half Sean's pace down the left gave the Royals an outlet whilst Louis was rock solid along side Dominic in defence.

• Mark’s shot from wide on the right to just go over the bar.

• Dominic’s free kick blast to make the first goal.

• Stephen’s link up play and perfect pass to Eoghain to split the defence wide open.

Friendly  v Ascot Utd Royals (Div1)  (Won 2-1)

The Royals came up against one of the more physical teams they will play this season and put in a great performance.  Matt was called upon frequently in the first half to keep the Royals in the game with brave goalkeeping as usual. It was only when Louis found Mark with a great pass over the top that we got our first chance on goal and what a finish! The Ascot team turned up the heat as changes were made with Sean and Stephen taking a turn in goal and after some great saves from Stephen Ascot got a lucky bounce and equalised.  Having taken a few injuries and made more changes Ashridge weren’t finished yet and pushed for the winner. Stephen went close with a header from a delightful cross from Sean. But just as a draw seemed likely Eoghain broke clear again and beat the advancing GK with a wonderful finish into the roof of the net.  Yet again Ascot came back again at Ashridge in the last few minutes (after the coach had left for his cricket match) to be thwarted by a last ditch tackle from Sean.

• Louis through ball to Mark and a great striker’s finish at the far post.

• Eoghain scoring the winner with the coolest of finishes.

• Sean’s last ditch tackle in the last minute of the game.

League v Sandhurst Town Spartans  (Won 1-0)

With both Ashridge sides losing convincingly to Sandhurst last season there were some scores to settle and sure enough the Royals put in a fantastic team display against a strong physical and great footballing team to win their 1st league game.

Ashridge started a bit slowly and came under severe pressure in the first 10minutes and had Matt and the woodwork to thank for staying on level terms. As the Royals began to pass the ball though chances were created and at times played some scintillating high paced football. Will C, Will F and Louis were solid in defence and Dominic made a couple of great headed clearances as the aerial bombardment continued from Sandhurst. In fact the Royals probably finished the game the stronger with quite a few chances to put the game safe as they hit Sandhurst on the break but the tension continued to the final whistle with just the one goal separating the teams.

• Great team effort from all the players and great concentration to defend the lead.

League v Ascot Utd Racing  (Won 2-1)

The Royals started this game playing absolutely brilliant attacking football and at one point with some great passing moves involving Sean, Mark, Stephen and Eoghain. Although with 4 players attacking this put increased pressure on Louis & Dom.

The Royals’ 1st goal came as the ball was crossed in to Mark who met it with his left foot to take the lead. Ascot pressed hard down the right and eventually got their equaliser from a cross that was deflected and left Matt no chance and at that point the game was pretty evenly matched. It took a special moment to create the game’s winner as Stephen met Mark’s cross with a superbly directed header that gave their GK no chance. Sean and Eoghain had chances to put the game beyond Ascot and both came close or were blocked by the excellent Ascot GK.  Will C was able to prove his match fitness in only his second game with a full half in defence and Will F was able to venture into midfield before returning to left back to finish the game solidly.

• Mark’s finish with left foot to get the opening goal.

• Stephen’s superbly directed header from Mark’s cross to score the winner.

League v Pinewood Predators  (Won 3-1)

On paper this looked like it might be a walk in the park for the Royals but Pinewood battled so hard that they ended the game probably the stronger side. With some changes to formation etc most notably Matt playing out on pitch and doing a great job in the centre midfield role the Royals got their noses in front at half time with yet another headed goal from Mark as the ball bounced loose from a good pass in from Louis. The Royals went into the H2 strongly and created numerous chances as they did in H1 but failed to convert but by now Dominic was forcing the pace down the right and eventually a slip from the GK from a long range effort gave Dom his first goal in Div2 and the Royals that bit of luck needed to put the game safe but yet again the Predators came forward in numbers and forced some excellent saves from Eoghain who was quick off his line each time to save as the Royals defence and midfield went to sleep (or looking for more goals!!).

Stephen finally managed to convert a chance before getting winded and that 3rd goal enabled the Royals to really enjoy the last minutes of the game.  Both Wills played full games in defence to help build stamina giving Sean, Dom, Mark and Louis a chance to rotate positions.

• Matt’s majestic performance in the centre & Dominic barnstorming down the right.

• Eoghain’s speed of mind to come off his line and stop Pinewood’s attacks.

Friendly v Whitegrove Eagles (Div 1)  (lost 5-0)

As cup warm-up games go the Royals got taught a bit of a lesson in teamplay and the importance of passing after what can only be described as catastrophic start to the game to go behind after 10 seconds. The Royals dug in with a gritty and determined display to hold the Eagles to 1-0 at h-t having also hit the woodwork.. Matt was brilliant to keep the Royals in the game during the first half but as the legs got tired in H2 the Eagles found more space/time on the ball to play around the Royals.  This was capped off by an unstoppable flying header as the aerial assault continued unrelenting. – The opposition  (parents & coach) were full of praise for the Royals efforts and heads were held high for the thoroughly enjoyable penalty shoot-out.

• Dominic’s brave headed clearance in H1 and Louis’ first time passing & vision.

• Louis first time passes & vision to find his teammates.

• Stephen giving 100% effort & going to help Dominic when injured on the ground.

• Matt burying his penalty & then saving his counterpart’s attempt in the shootout.

Ashridge Park Royals –Under 10s  - Oct Highlights

Cup 1st Round v Burghfield FC  (lost 1-0)

Having been given probably the worst 1st round draw ever the Royals put in  a monumental performance (by far the best of the season) to push the Hick’s league champions all the way to the final whistle. Pre-match preps weren’t ideal with 3 players arriving late but the whole side stuck to their task with brave tackling and blocking working to a slightly different formation to try and stifle the Burghfield’s attacking instincts.  A rather scrappy soft goal gave Burghfield the lead they probably deserved on the balance of play in H1 but the Royals came out with renewed belief in H2 with the wind behind them they took the game to the Div1 side and created at least 4 chances with Eoghain just heading over , Louis & Stephen found themselves in front of goal and came close and Sean was foiled by the GK after a superb pull-back from Eoghain. Mark worked his socks off in the midfield and Dominic and both Wills were fantastic in defence. Sean fell awkwardly in trying to stop a break-away and Matt was still keeping the long range shots out throughout the whole gameWill C made the tackle of the game to stop a certain goal from the Burghfield striker and the resulting injury meant he played no further part in the game.  This commitment for me personified the performance of all the 9 players that worked so hard and fought all the way to final whistle to push for that elusive equaliser that could have sent shockwaves through the East Berks Junior Football league.

• Will C’s brave tackle to stop a certain goal and the effort & commitment from all the 9 players for the whole 50 minutes.  

The coach and all the parents can be very proud of the display from the Royals!!

League V Camberley Town Raiders  (Won 6-1)

The Royals probably put in their finest display of the season against a big and physically strong Camberley team who had the stuffing knocked out of them during the first 10minutes of the match as 2 goals and plenty of shots rained in on their GK.

Stephen got 2 and the woodwork prevented a 1st half hatrick with Eoghain getting the other to go into the break 3-1. Matt having touched the ball twice (once to pick it out of the net) . Changes were made just before the break with Will C replacing Stephen (having played out of his skin for the 1st half) up front in an uncustomary role which worked a treat. Will C hit a cracking volley into the top corner and then drilled a shot in at the near post and by then the game was over for Camberley as the Royals celebrated again with a 6th goal from Mark towards the end. The Royals superb defence (Louis & Dom) were restricting the opposition to long shots and Sean  and Will F worked hard in the central role to keep the pressure on Camberley.

• Louis at left back didn’t put a foot wrong all game.

• Stephen’s volley that crashed against the bar in H1

• Will C getting 2 great goals and being discovered as a striker as well.

• Eoghain chasing back to defend and some delightful close control from high balls.

League V Maidenhead Magpies  (Won 2:1)

A 7 Man Royals team took to their task admirably in this hard fought and sometimes a little bad tempered affair against a strong physical side fresh from 1st Division football last season. Prior to the game the magpies were the only other unbeaten side in Div2 along with ourselves. Matt was his usual assured self showing great handling & bravery throughout which gave the Royals great confidence. Mark got clipped going down the right and the resulting free kick was drilled in at the near post by Louis.

 The royals put pressure on the Magpies goal kicks as they had been instructed to and created more chances in the 1st half. –Meanwhile Louis and Will were looking safe & solid in defence getting good protection from Will F.  H2 was always going to be tough as the legs got tired but Stephen knocked the stuffing completely out of the Magpies just after the restart by capitalising on hesitation in their defence. As the Magpies got more desperate for a goal the tackles started to fly in and with shouts of “stand on the goalie” at set pieces the Royals knew that the Magpies were running out of ideas. Matt made more great saves and Will F kicked one off the line but this was by no means one way traffic;-. Stephen had another blast against the cross bar and could possibly have completed his hatrick with more luck. Mark went close with a free kick after Stephen had been mugged 3 or 4 times going down the left until the ref finally blew for a foul and Sean took more knocks making last ditch tackles. The Magpies got one back with 10mins to go to put extra pressure on the Royals but they came through very tired but elated with the result.

• Matt’s  superb and brave performance in goal.

• Louis free kick drilled in at near post to score the opener.

• Will F pass of the day to dissect the Magpies defence to put Mark through.

• Also a thank you to Stephen for offering to go in goal when Matt got his knock.

Friendly v Binfield Bulls (lost 4:1)

Just 5 of the Royals this time to face 7 Div1 players in the Bulls squad. The coach became the ‘tinker man’ for this one using 4 goalkeepers Sean,Louis,Matt & Eoghain and experimenting with players in new positions with Louis ,Sean, & Eoghain having a crack at the holding midfield role. Callum & debutant Nick were industrious and creative in midfield and defence on the left side. Ralph put in an excellent performance as captain all game linking well on the left as well as masterful at right back towards the end. Matt F showed good hands in goal and could have also had 2 goals playing at left midfield as the Binfield side became a little ragged having moved their defenders up into attack. Mark got the only goal for the Royals with a tap in and the defence opened up for Will C up front in the 2nd half but being thwarted by the Binfield defence added to the day’s frustrations as the Royals failed to hit the target with quite a few more chances in front of goal.  It took a superb flying header to finish the Royals off after Binfield really turned on the class from a cross from the right.

• Sean’s long range shot from a well worked corner that hit the bar and seemed to go in but was not given as a goal.

Ashridge Park Royals –Under 10s - Nov Highlights

League v Crusaders (Drew 1-1) “Unlucky”

Post match comments from the opposition would suggest that Crusaders got away with daylight robbery to be the first Div2 side to take a point off of the Royals this season. Brave goalkeeping and the woodwork kept numerous attempts on goal out.

The Royals has done well to recover from the shock of going 1-0 down for the first time this season caused partly by having only 6 active players at the time the goal was scored. The only bit of good luck for the Royals during the game was the equaliser as a shot from Eoghain was deflected into the net. Will F had gone close from distance having been given acres of space behind the front men and the Royals continued to pile on the pressure. Communication broke down a few times with wasted set pieces, and players sometimes getting in each others way in midfield seemed more of threat than the Crusaders. In H2 Dominic and Will C gave Stephen good protection in goal who had only the one heart stopping moment as he went on walkabouts outside his area but he kept his cool. Matt settled into central midfield in H2 nicely as Eoghain and Mark continued to ask questions of the Crusaders defence.  Matt had a pop from distance with his left as he grew in confidence but the defining moment came in the game when Louis hit the post with his outstretched left foot with the GK finally beaten. By this time the tackles were really flying and Eoghain came off injured having lit up the 2nd half with his fast counter-attacks. The Royals kept their composure even as some of the language from the opposition deteriorated and finally had to settle for the draw.

• Matt’s left foot strike from distance.

• Dominic bringing the ball majestically out of defence all the way to the edge of the Crusaders penalty area.

League v Laurel Park Hurricanes (Won 2-1) “Gritty”

The Royals for the 2nd week running conceded the first goal against a very well organised and again physically strong side.  Chances were being created in the LP half but the final pass or shot just wasn’t there until Mark was given time to unleash a stronger shot to beat the lively LP goalie.  With the equaliser and a few personnel changes the Royals got their shape back and for 10mins in the 2nd half completely overran the Hurricanes with Stephen, Mark and Eoghain and Will F combining well.  The royals took the lead to great relief of the coach and parents when Eoghain forced the ball home. -  Earlier on in the half the Royals conceded the opener with the old habit of standing around staring at the ball in their own penalty area and not clearing it.  The 2nd half saw LP come at Ashridge yet again but leaving gaps which we couldn’t capitalize on and in some cases made the Royals forget about defensive duties yet again.  Dominic being forced to make the tackle of the match when only Matt stood in the way of an equalizer as LP broke straight through the middle. Will C wasn’t able to recreate the magic playing up front this time and was rotated with Sean and Stephen. Louis looked comfortable playing the deeper role in defence with the team taking advantage of that big left boot, and Sean wasn’t able to wipe the smile off his face when he finally managed one of his crunching tackles that we hadn’t seen for a few weeks and even went close with an audacious long shot that nearly caught out his cricket mate in the LP goal.

Like any good team to win games when you don’t play well is always a good sign and this was certainly the case today.

• Dom’s perfectly timed slide tackle in the second half much to the displeasure of the LP parents incorrectly demanding a penalty.

League v Bracknell Town Lions (Lost 1-0)  “Brave”

It’s a pity that the weather and the safety of the players ended up as the talking points after this game because it drew the attention away from what was possibly the game of the season.  Both the Lions and the Royals slugged it out threw the most atrocious conditions I have ever witnessed and still managed to play thrilling quality football right up to the final whistle as the pitch turned into stream.

In better conditions in H1 the Royals looked a bit edgy and confused but Matt and the defence kept a clean sheet through to half time having recovered from only having 6 players on the pitch at one time and ending the half with just 7 players.

Louis and Dom were forced to make big tackles and with the midfielders finding their feet the Royals took the game to the Lions in the 2nd half. 

A touch of genius with perhaps some (a lot?) of good fortune as well from the Fulham academy player put a long range free kick precisely out of Matt’s outstretched hand as he back-pedalled onto the boggy goalmouth. –A real blow to the heart!

But the Royals came back and piled on the pressure to force the equaliser but the lions stood up to wave after wave of attack. Stephen went so close as he shot curled agonising over the bar, the re-introduction of Eoghain’s pace startled the home team but still they repelled our attacks. With Dom joining the midfield he went close with a blast from distance and it seemed just a matter of time that we would score as Sean and Mark were finding space in front of their defence.  Inevitably with just Will C on his own in defence as Louis pushed forward to threaten from corners Matt was called upon once again with a fantastic diving save to his left as the ball aquaplaned towards goal. Then with possibly 2-3 minutes left Sean drilled a super low drive that beat the goalie at last to find it just sped past the far post at which point the Royals knew that the equaliser was going to evade them.

• Sean showing more strength and coming so close to getting the equaliser

• Matt exceptional in goal yet again and possibly making the save of the season diving to his left.

• Stephen’s long range effort that just missed the far post.

• Whilst the game will probably be remembered for the unacceptable conditions each player (incl the Lions) can be proud of taking part in a game that was played as if it was a Cup Final!

December 06 Highlights

Friendly v Finchampstead A (Div 1) Lost 3-1  “ Lessons from Div1”

As usual a friendly game provided for some tinkering of positions and a chance for Sean and Louis to have a crack at goalkeeping. Starting with probably the biggest and physically the strongest midfield line up of Matt, Louis and Dominic gave Eoghain some opportunities to run at the Finch defenders.  Apart from the lapse of concentration to gift them the goal the Royals outplayed their Div1 opposition for most of the first half but still went to the break one down. The boggy ground wasn’t helping both Wills out in defence but they were making their tackles time and time again and even Matt surprised himself with a successful run out at right back. The Div1 stamina and fitness started to show through in the H2 and the Royals conceded a couple of fairly softish goals but still looked threatening with Eoghain, Stephen, Mark and Sean combining well was brought down as he jinxed his way past the defence and promptly got up to bury the resulting penalty in the corner with great ease. A well deserved goal for the Royals for a great effort and some very useful learnings to take to the training ground on passing and communication.

• Eoghain converting his well earned penalty to get the goal we so deserved.

• Matt’s versatility and strength in mid-field (as well as defence)

• Will C who battled it out against an excellent Finch left winger

League V Ascot Utd Lions (Won 4-1)  “ The Dominic Effect”

The final game of the year took the Royals back to Charters School to face 2nd from bottom Ascot in what turned out to be known as Dominic’s match.  Playing in the central midfield Dominic appeared almost as a 2nd attacker and within minutes had put the Royals 2-0 up.  Again another penalty successfully converted but unfortunately the foul that led to this winded Dominic so much he only rejoined the game late in the 2nd half. Captain Will C was solid as a rock against some physical play as you would expect from Ascot and yet another rather fluky /speculative long range effort gave the lions anything to smile about or be hopeful for as again the Royals launched wave after wave of attacks as Mark got our 3rd soon after Dominic went off. The Ascot GK bravely kept the Royals out down the slope in his boggy goal mouth because the Royals created so many chances. 3-1 up at half time the Royals went out to play all the football in the drier Ascot half to good effect as Louis emerged as a major threat down the left with Sean controlling things in the centre with some booming tackles and great distribution to set Eoghain off down the right with Mark. Stephen came off his sickbed to play (as well as Will C) and had to replace Louis after getting trod on having done the hardwork to score as the ball rolled agonisingly out of play. Eoghain could have had a hat-trick but we knew it just wasn’t going to go in for him today. It finally took Dominic with his 2nd wind to leap off the bench pick the ball up and drill home a long range effort into the corner to massive celebrations of  a well-deserved hat-trick (possibly from just 20-25minutes playing time).

• Mark’s long range effort with his left foot that was timed so sweetly.

• Louis completing a number of well hit passes often first time strikes

• Will C with a great captain’s performance with strong tackling throughout.

• Dominic’s 2 goals in 5 minutes and a completed hat-trick.

Ashridge Park Royals –Under 10s -  Jan –Feb 07  Highlights

League v Ascot Utd Racing (Lost 1-0)  “Xmas Hangover”

First game back after xmas and a combination of lack of match practice and playing on the wider pitch saw the Royals get badly caught out by a strong physical Ascot team. Being honest we could have been 4-0 down at half time and out of the match  but as it was just a perfect unstoppable header was the difference between the 2 sides. For once the usual “well done you’re playing really well” team talk didn’t seem appropriate and the players were given a few ‘home truths’ about their performance – this and a bit of reorganisation had the desired effect and gave the parents really something to cheer for in H2.  The Royals took the game to Ascot and had most of the possession but Ascot were well organised and repelled most of our attacks sometimes by great tackling but sometimes by just using their arms/bodies until a fairly blatant push inside the area was missed by the ref. Mark went close at the death with another low drive that went passed the far post and other shots just weren’t strong enough to beat the GK. Dom did well back in his usual RB position and Will F as captain rallied the players to give the extra effort required but just a bit more composure in front of goal. From the 2nd half effort alone from the Royals deserved to get a point from the game but have had to learn the hard way that you can’t get away with playing just half the game.

• Will C with yet another goal saving clearance in defence

• Sean with a strong well directed header.

• A great 1st half from Matt to keep the Royals in the game.

Friendly v Laurel Park Hurricanes (Won 4-1) “Back on Track”

Against a quite severely weakened LP side this friendly game didn’t start out as the confidence booster it was expected to be as LP scored first from distance as most of the team just watched the ball roll slowly into the corner of the net. Mark, Stephen, Sean and Matt all got a to go in goal for Quarter as both sides reorganised and experimented with different positions.  With Will F and Matt looking threatening in midfield Matt got the Royals first goal with a bit of toe poke but got good power on the shot. Sean had a cracker playing at left back for the first time and saved a goal with great clearance. Louis got a chance to play on the left & right of midfield and Eoghain seemed to become more of a threat with his pace as the game went one.

Dominic, Will C and Matt also all defended well but LP were now not posing such an attacking threat with the little no.9 in goal (seemingly wasted) but he popped up to make a miracle save from a rocket from Dominic that was heading for the bottom left corner. Mark popped up (as he often does) at just the right time and place to score a bit of tap-in and Eoghain ended up with a brace. The Royals were able to coast a bit in H2 with Sean and Matt not having much to do but hopefully learned some lessons about passing and support play and how not to leave a team mate stranded on his own (Louis desperately holding the ball up waiting for support that never came!!)

A very exciting penalty shoot-out followed with Matt completing a clean sheet throughout. Sean buried both his spot kicks with ease and Mark looked very determined Stephen stole the show 2nd time round with some entertaining acrobatics as well as a save.

• Great link up play between Will C and Will F to lay on Mark’s tap in

• Matt’s unbeatable display in the penalty shoot-out as well as a first goal.

• Sean’s hard work at left back and timely clearance.

League v Camberley Town Raiders  (Won 4-0) “Impressive”

On the first really good pitch to play on for many weeks the Royals started this game with energy and pace and looked very threatening in attack but just wary of the size & physical strength of the Raiders players. That first important goal took a little while to come but really settled the Royals. Eoghain used his blistering pace down the right and Will F (first goal for the Royals). Dom proved himself to be of great value as the ‘last’ defender to snuff out any chances Camberley had of giving Matt anything to do. Eoghain followed up his assist with a good goal to go 2 up but then from out on the right from a throw he unleased a shot on the half volley into the top left corner of the goal that sent the crown wild!.  The Camberley coach with his team almost down and out could nothing other than applaud a great goal. –

The 2nd half drifted and went a bit flat with the Royals almost sitting back on their 3 goal cushion until perhaps a few niggles & some more physical play inspired Sean, Mark, Eoghain and Stephen to really turn on the style and outplay Camberley resulting in yet again Eoghain turning provider for Stephen to get the goal he deserved and was overdue for (first goal since October!) . Louis withstood some physical play very well at left back and Will C showed what a great utility player he is both upfront and in defence making key tackles/clearances.

• Will F’s first goal of season becoming the 8th Royal to get on the score sheet.

• Eoghain’s wonder goal from the right almost on half volley..

• Dominic for a really good display in defensive tacking against a physical side.

League v Earlwood A  (Won 3-0)  “GR-EIGHT Performance”

This was possibly the most impressive display of the year from the Royals against a real physical (prev Div1) and well organised team. With Stephen missing Eoghain played as the lone striker with Sean, Mark and Will F really battling it out in midfield to gain the upper hand. Will C starting at left back stood up strongly with fierce tackling and Dominic sometimes seemed omnipresent to pick off their no.14 every time he seemed to be clear or looking threatening.

Eoghain was looking very sharp and showed no mercy as the Royals broke out of defence and scored a great solo effort with a delightful finish. Louis made an immediate impact coming on to give Sean a rest with a great through ball to Mark who combined very nicely with Eoghain for the 2nd goal.  The Royals were really buzzing now in attack went 3 up with Mark & Eoghain both scoring from close range but this left some some gaps as Earlwood countered (possibly with the Royals taking their foot off the gas) . One attack down the left brought Matt into action who showed that even when not in the game he is ready for anything with a great block and then a miracle 2nd save from the rebound. Again the Earlwood coach could only look on in disbelief as his team were kept out.  The Royals attacked again and Will F blasted over the bar when a 4th goal looked certain but by half time it was really job done.

Earlwood battled back in H2 to their credit but Matt was always alert to come off his line & clear and Will C got a nasty kick having made a great clearance at left back.

Louis stepped in to cover bringing Sean back on in midfield who was able to create more pressure with some good wing play and crosses. The legs were getting tired by now but still Mark and Will C made good use of the acres of space allowed to them but the Royals weren’t able to add to the half time score.  All 8 had a Magic moment:

• Eoghain’s goal & link up play with Mark, Louis’chipped pass/Matt’s double save / Louis left foot through ball/Will F’s defensive headers/clearance from Will C/ Sean’s work down the left wing/Dominic keeping the dangerous no.14 quiet all game.

League V Maidenhead Magpies (Won 6-4)  “ Goalfest”

Not quite sure where to start for this game. We seemed to have done enough to win the game twice in the first half to come very close to losing it in the 2nd half when we forced to win the game once more. The Royal went from almost being seemingly able to score at will in H1 to struggling to fend off the Magpies attacks in H2 in what was one of the most ‘open’ flowing games on a very small pitch.

Eoghain was looking lethal up front as he bagged a first half brace but more chances also fell to Louis & Mark but on many occasions the GK wasn’t troubled. Meanwhile at the other end the 2 chances that were created ended up in the back of the net despite Matt’s valiant efforts to keep the first short range strike out.

An uncharacteristic defensive lapse gifted the Magpies the lead and the Royals made some more changes as they now faced defeat to the 2nd from bottom team in the division. Finally with a bit more urgency and some direct football the Royals took control of the game scoring 3 goals very quickly to massive cheers from the  small away crowd that drowned out the passing Intercity 125s. Eoghain completed his hatrick with a very delicate finish and Stephen was rewarded for his tireless effort and hard work with a strong run and drive past the advancing GK. There was still time for another defensive mishap as the ball was not cleared from the goal mouth but Dominic had sealed the game with a lung busting run from defence down the right hurdling challenges and lunges before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top left corner.

So the Royals go back to the top of Div2 having played their ‘get out of jail card’

A big lesson learned yet again was that there are no Easy games in Div2 and that more of the team have to contribute to tackling and winning the ball rather than leaving it to just  1 or 2 of the players!

• Louis passing accuracy in the first half leading to first goal.

• Will C and Seans goal celebrations from the bench.

• Delightful turn and first time lay-off from Eoghain in the 1st half.

• Stephen’s long range effort that sailed just over the bar and physical effort in H2.

• Noise from the parents cheering the 3rd and 4th goals. – Deafening!

Ashridge Park Royals –Under 10s -  Mar-May 07  Highlights

League v Laurel Park Hurricanes (Won 4-0) “Blown away”

Eoghain turned provider as this game went with form as the Ashridge pace and clinical finishing from Mark (2)  in a matter of minutes meant the hurricanes were sent into a bit of a whirlwind. LP had no answer to the cutting runs from Eoghain that sliced through the LP defence and some very unselfish lay-offs created chances.

Sean got his knee or something to one to start off an amazing celebration for a first league goal of the season.

Dominic was outstanding in defence against one of the quickest wingers in the division whilst Will F controlled things from the middle on a big pitch.  Louis popped up with a neat finish in the 2nd half and Stephen went close on a few occasions.

LP were very complementary about the way the Royals encouraged each other on the pitch and had their Gk to thank for keeping the score respectable in the end.

This was possibly the finest display of attacking football so far.

• Sean’s first goal of the season.

• Mark putting in a big physical performance and 2 goals in 3 minutes.

• Eoghain general attacking play and unselfishness.

• Team attitude & levels of encouragement given to each other.      

League v Bracknell Town Lions  (Won 2-1) “The Big One!””

With scores to settle from the first game with the old foe the big academy pitch at cantley hosted another fantastically thrilling game of football between 2 excellent sides.

First half was all Ashridge and the BT loss of discipline in tackling created 2 chances from free-kicks.... Up stepped Dominic and bang 2-0 ......no nonsense with unstoppable shots from well outside the penalty area. Having put us 2-0 nil up Dom then made the slide tackle of the century on their No.9 when he was all but through.The  Royals passed the ball so well with Sean, Will F and Eoghain threatening down the left repeatedly and Mark creating space down the right the BT boys lost discipline as the tackles started to fly in and with the No.9  probably being lucky to stay on the pitch after a run in with the ref Nick J who handled the situation very well indeed.!

The big pitch took its toll on tired legs in the 2nd half and evan though the Royals had chances to put Bt out of the game back they came at us with relentless attacks.- Desperate defending was now needed from Louis , Will C, Dom and Matt and even stephen but we ended up defending too deep in our own penalty area towards the end and the inevitable brush with the arms that always goes on ended up with a real tough penalty decision.

So 2-1 and about 2 mins to play the Royals just managed to keep them out.

The lions had been tamed!. The Royals had gone clear at the top of Div2!!.

• Dominic with his two devastating free kicks..

• Eoghain’s pace & work rate that created the dead ball opportunities.

• Will F ‘s goal bound effort some how saved on the line at the post in H2.

League v Earlwood A  (Lost 3-1)  “Bad day at the office”

Earlwood appeared stronger with newsignings and held the Royals in what was abit of a scrappy first half.  Sean hit the post from close range and chances had been created but the Royals appeared a bit tired & sluggish on what was a very cold day.

Stephen put in massive performance against a really strong and well organised defence that became so resolute after Earlwood snatched the lead much to the shock of many spectators.  For a short period the Royals heads dropped and before we knew it we were 2-0 down so some hasty changes saw the Royals throw the kitchen sink at Earlwood with Dominic pushing up to support Eoghain  & Steve up front with Mark going down the right. Sean and Louis contined to try and support as well as defend but gaps were opening up as the game went on. Steven got reward for his tireless efforts all game with a very well taken goal and at that point Ashridge were in the driving seat. Just as quick again though some brutal finishing by Earlwood made it 3-1 and put the game beyond the Royals.  The first points dropped in the league since the 13th ending a 5 game league winning streak.

• Sean working so hard to the point of exhaustion

• Stephen working really hard throughout  and a good goal

League V Ascot Lions (Won 3-0)   “ Back to business as usual”

On paper this looked like 3 points in the bag as long as the Royals turned up but the morale of the story is that Ascot sides are never easy to beat and this was no exception. A tense first half with Ashridge dominating but not finding the net saw Matt really have nothing to do in goal and Louis & Will C played throughout unchanged in defence and allowed the Lions no chances. In the end it took a lapse in concentration from the Ascot defence and Mark with his razor –sharp predator instincts put the Royals 2-0 up by being the quickest to react and take the opportunities. The Royals had now edged another step closer to the Div2 title  and waiting to hear how other results were going for Bracknell Town.

• Mark’s presence of mind to react quickest and grab a brace.

• Eoghain’s run down the right and cross met by Dom with the head.

• Stephen again working really hard to create chances but with little/no luck.

League V Sandhurst Town Spartans.(Won 4-1)   “ Outstanding/unstoopable? “

3rd Place Sandhurst with their backlog of fixtures seemed to be holding the key to Div2 with so many permutations possible (one of which being Sandhurst taking 2nd place) meant this was a huge game. On  a very small pitch the first half was absolutely thrilling with end to end action and some first class football.  Eoghain was looking very lively and along with Sean was getting some mileage out of the Sandhurst right back and with Will F marshalling in the middle a few chances were created. The Royals took the lead after Eoghain had jinxed his way around a number of challenges and Mark as so often as he has done this season calmed any nerves by burying the ball in the net.   Within minutes however a speculative long range effort got a bad bounce and skidded past Matt but the heads didn’t drop and came back looking more determined. Louis came on toward the end of H1 and Sean moved into the central role to give Will F a well deserved breather having marshalled all the attacks upto that point and both looked well set for the 2nd half. For the 2nd week running Dom and Will C were magnificent playing through the whole game in defence unchanged.

With the advantage of 2 fresh subs to Sandhurst’s none the warm weather seemed to have an impact as the Royals mounted wave after wave of attack with Mark & Eoghain combining well and then Louis & Stephen working magic down the left as well. One surging run from Louis down the left saw the ball centred and into the path of Sean who timed his shot so sweetly to beat the excellent Sandhurst GK at the far post at which point along with an eruption of celebrations amongst the players & parents a moment of pride and relief came over the coach with the realisation that Div2 was now there for the taking. The Spartans resolve had been broken with that one shot and with an unfortunate injury to one of the Spartans (finished the game with 6 players) the Royals moved into almost exhibition mode with some of the scintillating football seen all season. Eoghain had a volleyed screamer disallowed and Stephen picked up a 2nd half brace as the Spartans GK stopped the score line from looking silly.

• Sean’s precision strike low and into the corner (2-1!)

• Stephen & Louis combining well down the left with one touch passing

• Eoghain’s disallowed goal from an instinctive volley with the GK down.

League V Crusaders (Won 1-0)   “ CHAMPIONS”

The crusaders arrived at Cantley having been walloped by B Town the week before 4-0 and hence doing wonders for BT’s goal difference and this and the result from Friday night that BT also walloped Sandhurst meant the maths were simple: Win the game win the league.! – Again on paper beating Crusaders looked straightforward but being the only side in Div2 that the Royals hadn’t defeated this season meant it was always bound to be close.

The Royals played positively throughout the game, played good football and tried to pass but just couldn’t get that goal. Sean was looking solid in the middle and Dominic at the back was outstanding as usual. Mark, Stephen and Eoghain were creating chances galore but still Crusaders defended as if their lives depended on it.

A quiet team talk at half time and the injection of a bit more pace up front in the shape of Eoghain supported by Mark and Louis on the flanks – gave the impression that everything was going to plan .  The Royals remained focused and kept working until about 10 mins into the 2nd half the moment we had all been waiting for arrived. Mark almost as regular as clockwork came up with the finish to put the Royals and send Cantley Park into raptures.  But was it over there were still 15mins to go. The Royals still pushed ahead in attack but kept an eye on the Crusaders lively wingers and had to defend stoutly as they have done all season. Late corners added pressure but Dom headed clear on more than one occasion and with just minutes left Matt showed the brilliant handling he has shown all season and with a flying save almost from the last kick of the game it was fitting that the managers  Player of the Year Matt made a brilliant save to preserve a clean sheet. With by now the Park & Rangers teams cheering the Royals on for the last 2-3 minutes of the game  much to the astonishment of the ref (Rob) who on blowing the final whistle had his first pitch invasion to deal with! 

• That Goal from Mark – just the ticket!

• That save from Matt at the death high above his head.

• The pitch invasion and team celebrations.

THE ROYALS ARE CHAMPIONS – THE CROWD ARE ON THE PITCH!

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This page was last updated at 11 August, 2007 16:53      

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