U10 Spitfire Squad Page

SQUAD 2007 / 8
Levi Knight Jake Tumbridge Andrew McKelvie Kane Macey Tyler Pope
Conor Bowdler Daniel Briant Lewis Kerby Jay Campbell Hadley Iles
Managers Lorraine & Terry Stewart & Tina

U10 Roundshaw Colts A (Spitfires) v Bookham Colts

Team: Jake (Goalkeeper), Daniel, Hadley, Andrew, Levi (Captain), Jay and Conor

Subs: Kane, Tyler and Lewis

The first of the return matches this season saw the Spitfires take on Bookham Colts on a bright but cold and windy day at the airfield.

The Spitfires have been slow starters this season and it looked that way again as Bookham applied early pressure down the right, winning a corner, although nothing developed from it. However, the Spitfires replied immediately in the best possible way with Levi feeding Conor who broke through the away defence to slot home: 1 – 0. Within a minute, the home team almost scored a second as a kick out from Jake bounced through to Levi who hit a cracking shot that rattled the Bookham crossbar. The Spitfires tails were up and first Andrew got in on the act, receiving the ball in space on the left and hitting a strong shot at goal. Then Levi, playing extremely well, provided a great cross into the opposition penalty area that Jay got under and hit over the bar. It seemed only a matter of time before the second goal arrived. However, as is the case when a team dominates but can’t score, Bookham turned on the pressure and only desperate defending from the Spitfires defence averted a goal as the ball ping-ponged around in the Spitfires penalty area. The Spitfires survived though, and created another good chance as Andrew did well down the left and put over a cross that resulted in a shot hitting the Bookham crossbar. The second goal duly arrived courtesy of another scintillating Levi run and cross that Jay headed into the top corner of the Bookham net: 2 – 0. However, Bookham got back into the match with a minute of the re-start as an attacker was allowed to carry the ball into the Spitfires penalty area and shoot into the corner: 2 – 1. With Bookham revived, they almost equalised as another attack produced a shot across the Spitfires goal that was just wide. The Spitfires countered and took the game to Bookham, with Kane almost putting through Tyler and then Tyler showing tenacity down the left to get into a shooting position and hit a shot into the Bookham side-netting.

With the Spitfires shooting up the slope in the second half, they were quickly into their stride and extended their lead as strong battling by Levi up the right wing saw him reach the bye-line, produce a dangerous cross into the near post which Conor flicked into the goal: 3 – 1. Straight from the re-start, Levi picked up the ball and found Conor, whose shot was saved by the keeper. The continued pressure told as the Spitfires scored again; dogged play by Jay in midfield found Conor who ran on, crossed into the box where the ball fell to Jay who had continued his run. He coolly slotted home to make the score 4 - 1. The Spitfires were enjoying the domination and Andrew came forward once again and hit a thumping shot which had top corner written all over it. However, the Bookham keeper made a marvellous save to tip it away. Andrew was having an excellent game and at the other end, he made a vital last man saving tackle as a Bookham attacker bore down on goal. In fact, the defence in general had a good second half and Hadley also put in a sterling performance at right back, mopping up Bookham forward balls and setting up attacks with some intelligent passing out of defence. Jake in goal had a largely uneventful second half as Dan marshalled Bookham’s only real threatening player mostly out of the game. In the closing minutes, Lewis created a good chance for Kane as Hadley set him off down the right; he made it to the Bookham bye-line where he produced a strong cross that Kane headed over. Lewis then had a go himself with a shot that the keeper saved.

Another home win sees the Spitfires consolidate their position of fourth place in the Premier league. Well done!

Man of the Match – Andrew

24 November 2007

U10 AFC Wimbledon Colts A v Roundshaw Colts A (Spitfires)

Team: Jake (Goalkeeper), Daniel (Captain), Hadley, Andrew, Kane, Jay and Conor

Subs: Levi, Tyler and Lewis

A bitterly cold morning saw the Spitfires take on Wimbledon in their first league game for three weeks.

On one of the largest pitches the team has played on, the Spitfires kicked off and Lewis immediately took the ball into the opposition half and attempted a shot that was blocked by a defender. Wimbledon responded by attacking the Spitfires goal and with the defence easily beaten, Jake had to divert a shot out for a corner. This should have been a wake up call for the Spitfires, but they failed to clear the resulting ball in and a Wimbledon striker pounced to score: 0 – 1. The Spitfires did get their act together after this slow start and good interplay on the left side between Andrew, Kane and Conor saw them make progress in the Wimbledon half. Then, a quick kick out from Jake found Conor on the left who ran into the Wimbledon penalty area before blasting a shot wide. The Spitfires subs came on and Levi made an immediate impact down the right wing with a series of strong runs and crosses into the Wimbledon area. He also had on his shooting boots and let loose a couple of cannon-ball shots at the Wimbledon goal. One cross from Levi found Tyler in front of goal who met the ball beautifully but his shot just went the wrong side of the post. The Spitfires were showing great fighting spirit with, particularly, Andrew, Jay and Tyler battling away in the midfield area. As the half came to a close, Jay had a couple of chances with a shot at the keeper and then another that hit the side-netting.

With both sets of supporters agreeing that this was a tight and fascinating match, the second half got underway. Lewis showed great determination in picking up the ball in his half, holding off challenges and running almost to the opposition penalty area before being dispossessed. The Spitfires continued to pressure the home team and won a throw near the Wimbledon corner flag. From the throw, the ball fell to Kane who turned and hit a thumping shot from a tight angle into the Wimbledon net to level the scores: 1 – 1. The Spitfires were in the groove now and Kane produced a great run down the right to worry the home team. Moments later, Levi charged down the right and hit a dangerous cross into the Wimbledon penalty area which everybody missed. Wimbledon though were looking to re-take the lead and the Spitfires had to defend well, with Daniel and Hadley particularly noteable in their stalwart defending, in order to keep the home team at bay. Then a break by the Spitfires found Conor sprinting down the left; he looked up, saw Levi in space on the far side and produced a pin-point cross which Levi took in his stride and smashed into the back of the Wimbledon net: 2 – 1. The Spitfires were looking for more goals as Levi charged towards the Wimbledon half, but a good defending tackle saw the home team get the ball quickly up the field. Their striker cleared the final defender and hit a shot that Jake almost saved but which squirmed out of his grasp and across the goal-line. 2- 2. With the clock ticking down, Wimbledon pushed for the winner and the Spitfires had to resort to some last ditch defending, with Jake making a number of excellent saves, in order to keep the score line intact. In the final seconds, the Spitfires could have won the game as Conor again found Levi in front of goal but his shot clipped the wrong side of the post.

This was a lively and exciting game that at times was played like a cup-tie - end to end football and lots of commitment. Well done boys!

Man of the Match – Levi.

14 October 2007

U10 Old Coulsdon Colts A v Roundshaw Colts A (Spitfires): Under 10s Inter league cup

Team: Jake (Goalkeeper), Daniel, Hadley, Andrew, Kane (Captain), Levi and Tyler

Subs: Conor, Jay and Lewis

The location of the Spitfires cup win last season saw the team meet Old Couldsdon Colts in the first round of the Inter league cup.

On a heavy pitch, the Spitfires started well with Kane producing the first shot at goal. However, Old Coulsdon soon found themselves in front as a through ball split the Spitfires defence and a striker slotted it past an out-rushing Jake: 0 – 1. The Spitfires couldn’t get a grip on the game and Hadley had to be alert in defence, making some critical clearances as Old Coulsdon pressed forward. When the ball did leave the Spitfires half, Kane was seeing a lot of it, battling away on the right wing. Jay almost scored when a speculative effort from distance hit the Old Coulsdon post and then had another shot in the midst of a throng of players. Tyler on the left wing was having a tough time with the old Coulsdon defence and wasn’t able to make much impact, but was nevertheless showing great commitment. Old Coulsdon came looking for a second goal and Jake had to save bravely at the feet of an attacker. At left back, Andrew was defending stoutly and producing some intelligent passing when he won the ball. However, the last word of the first half was with Jake as he produced a fine save to deny Old Coulsdon again.

The Spitfires started the second half in determined mood with Levi shooting from distance and Conor showing good skill on the Old Coulsdon bye-line to pull the ball back for Jay who smashed a shot against the crossbar. Although the Spitfires were putting in shots on goal, they were not troubling the Old Coulsdon keeper, who was handling assuredly. The Spitfires kept the pressure up and Conor put through Kane on goal but his first touch took the ball too close to the keeper who thankfully collected it. Old Coulsdon pushed forward and both Dan and Andrew were defending well, with Dan making a number of last man saving tackles. Jake was being kept busy in the Spitfires goal and had to be alert when the ball deflected off Andrew and was heading for the corner of the goal, but he saved well with his feet. As the clock wound down, the Spitfires came at Old Coulsdon again but just weren’t getting the rub of the green nor were they able to fashion the final ball that would see them break through the Old Coulsdon defence. The last chance fell to Lewis who hit a solid shot at the Old Coulsdon goal but the keeper saved well with Conor at his shoulder waiting to pounce.

Although Old Coulsdon played well, the Spitfires will feel that they should have got something out of this match.

Man of the Match – Daniel.

13 October 2007

U10 Roundshaw Colts A (Spitfires) v Epsom Eagles A

Team: Jake (Goalkeeper), Daniel, Andrew, Kane, Jay (Captain), Levi and Conor

Subs: Hadley, Lewis & Tyler

The game started brightly for the Spitfires with an early chance for Conor as he sprinted up the left wing and fired a shot into the side netting. Then Levi picked out Jay in the Eagles penalty area but he was unable to control the ball and hit his shot wide. Epsom had won both their matches and their class began to show as they got a grip on the game. Jake had to make a save as Epsom cut through the Spitfires defence and then they scored as an incoming shot squirmed out of Jake’s grasp and into the goal: 0 – 1. Epsom were controlling the game now and Dan was busy repelling the attacks, putting in a number of vital clearances. The Spitfires were let off the hook as Epsom missed an easy opportunity almost on the Spitfires goal-line. Andrew was playing well at left back and some fine passing found Tyler to relieve the pressure but Epsom were well marshalled and the ball simply came back at the Spitfires. Levi and Jay showed tenacity and hard graft to move the ball up the pitch but the half ended with Hadley making a vital block as an Epsom striker hit a goal-bound shot.

The second half saw the Spitfires playing down the slope. Conor was seeing a lot of the ball down the left but Epsom had him smothered and he was unable to use the possession meaningfully. A rare Spitfires attacking opportunity saw Levi win the ball strongly, pass to Jay who won a corner as a defender came in to block. At the other end, Jake produced a fine save as an Epsom striker hit a fierce shot at goal. Epsom were again controlling the game with the Spitfires just not getting any time on the ball to create opportunities to move forward. However, Kane was re-introduced and his dynamism saw him almost produce a chance for Conor but his pass was blocked by good defending. Epsom, however, extended their lead as an attacker placed a shot into the corner of the Spitfires net: 0 – 2. Kane was putting in some hard work down the right and the few forages into the Epsom half that the Spitfires achieved were mainly down to his commitment. Epsom continued to pressure the Spitfires goal and Jake was called into making a number of fine saves to stop Epsom scoring a third. With only a minute to go, the Spitfires finally won a corner and from it, Andrew launched a high ball into the area which was flicked on to Conor at the far post who scored from close range: 1 – 2.

Life in the Premier league is definitely hard and they were taught a lesson in ball control, passing and movement by Epsom today. However, if the boys can learn from these experiences, they will play all the better for it and compete in this tough league.

Men of the Match – Jake and Kane.

6 October 2007

U10 Roundshaw Colts A (Spitfires) v NPL Youth (B): Raynes Park Rovers Cup for Premier and First Division teams -Epsom and Ewell mini league

Team: Jake (Goalkeeper), Daniel, Andrew, Kane, Jay, Levi (Captain) and Tyler

Subs: Hadley, Lewis & Conor

Last season these two teams met in the semi-final of the divisional cup that the Spitfires won, so NPL were keen to avenge that defeat.

NPL kicked off and the first few minutes saw the away team in the Roundshaw half. However, the first real chance fell to the Spitfires as a goal kick from Jake bounced all the way through to Tyler who ran on to it and shot just past the post. The Spitfires then got into their stride with Tyler and Levi combining particularly well, demonstrated by a strong run down the right wing from Levi, providing a chance for Tyler. NPL came back at the Spitfires and Kane showed stout defending to get across to block an attacker’s shot. However, Jake was soon called into action, saving from a fierce NPL shot. At the other end, Levi almost put through Tyler and then a super pass from Tyler to Kane saw him bearing down on goal but a defender got back to put Kane off. Lewis was playing solidly in the middle and he put through Conor who shot past the post. Conor returned the favour as his cross found Lewis but his shot was wide of goal. Conor was seeing a lot of the ball down the left and he had another shot and then provided a cross to Levi who glanced the ball wide of goal. The pressure was all on NPL but the Spitfires made the mistake of all pushing forward and fell victim to a break-away when their influential no 4 ran the length of the pitch unopposed and scored a fine goal: 0 – 1. The Spitfires were undeterred and on the re-start, Andrew knocked in a pass to Levi who had a great opportunity to score but blasted over.

The second half saw an immediate chance for the Spitfires as Conor crossed, the NPL keeper spilled the ball and Jay, on the turn, shot just past the post. The play was going end to end now and a last ditch tackle from Kane was needed to thwart a NPL attack. Then a lovely move from NPL saw them score a second to go two up and moments later they hit the post. The Spitfires were living dangerously and Dan and Hadley were frequently called upon to stop NPL pulling further away from the Spitfires. The home team rallied as first Conor hit the post and then Kane won a corner after a fine shot from a tight angle was saved by the NPL keeper. NPL were looking to extend their lead and Jake had to pull off a good save as NPL sliced through the Spitfires defence. The Spitfires pushed forward and Levi had a shot saved by the NPL keeper before a lung bursting run from Jay from his own penalty area saw him win a corner – excellent commitment. Levi then had another opportunity when Conor found him with a pin-point cross, but he took one touch too many and the chance passed. However, Levi made up for this when his corner found Jay who bundled the ball into the net in a packed penalty area: 1 –2. With only minutes to go, Conor who had moved into centre-forward position, chased down a long ball and won it off the last defender. He ran on and shot past the NPL keeper to tie the match 2 – 2 and send it into extra time!

Six minutes each way. A nerve racking 12 minutes as both teams attacked and defended equally well. Levi created a chance for the Spitfires as he ran all the way down the right wing and crossed for Jay who shot over. NPL had a free kick which Kane diverted just past the post with Jake stranded and then Kane headed off the line from another NPL chance. Extra time ended with Kane running up the pitch and shooting past the post. Penalties!

Levi took the first and scored. NPL equalised: 1 - 1. Jay put his penalty wide and NPL missed. Still 1 – 1. Conor scored his and Jake saved from NPL: 2 - 1. Lewis had his penalty saved and NPL scored: 2- 2. Kane and NPL scored: 3 – 3. It was now sudden death. Tyler’s penalty was saved and Jake had to save to keep the Spitfires in the match. He did! Jake stepped up to take the next penalty and scored: 4 – 3. He moved back into goal and superbly saved the NPL kick to send the Spitfires into the next round.

An exciting match with NPL probably feeling they had played well enough to win. A great come-back from the Spitfires though and the boys showed a lot of spirit with a never-say-die attitude.

Man of the Match – Jay.

29 September 2007

U10 Netherne Falcons A v Roundshaw Colts A (Spitfires)

Team: Jake (Goalkeeper), Daniel, Andrew, Hadley, Jay, Kane (Captain) and Conor

Subs: Levi, Lewis & Tyler

An early morning start saw Roundshaw meet the current league leaders who had yet to concede a goal in their opening two matches, whilst scoring plenty at the other end.

The early start almost caught out the Spitfires as Jake made a hash of clearing an innocuous ball and their striker ran in to hit it into the side netting –a let off if ever there was one! After that initial scare, Roundshaw woke up and some neat play from the team and particularly Kane down the right wing, saw them create a chance in the Falcon’s penalty area. However, Netherne were soon threatening the Roundshaw goal as they put a chance past the far post. Their attack-minded play paid off as the home team won a corner which was cleared by the Spitfires, but the ball back in slid through a melee of players before creeping over the line for a soft goal: 0 – 1. Roundshaw attacked after the re-start and won a couple of corners, but the home team keeper was in assured mood, cleanly catching a high in-swinging corner from Conor with ease. No wonder they hadn’t conceded any goals. And the reason why they had scored so many goals also became apparent as the Netherne front two effortlessly passed their way through the Spitfires defence to slot home their second beyond an out-rushing Jake into the corner of the net: 0 – 2. Levi came on and immediately got stuck into the action, hitting a thumping shot over the Falcon’s bar. Netherne though came back at the Spitfires and Jake had to make a number of saves to stop them going further ahead. One of the best chances for the Spitfires came as Lewis won the ball by the left corner flag, beat two defenders on the bye-line and hit a rasping shot at the Falcon’s goal. However, their keeper was up to it and pulled off a fine save. Netherne were a strong team but at times were a bit too committed. A conceded free kick saw Levi hit a shot that travelled all the way through but just wide of the Netherne goal. As the half wound down, Tyler and Levi combined well to give Levi a shooting chance that he hit over the bar.

The second half saw Roundshaw shooting down the slope and the advantage saw Jay win a corner almost immediately from the kick-off, although the Spitfires couldn’t capitalise on it. At the other end, Dan, Hadley and Andrew had to defend deep in the penalty area as Netherne came looking for a third goal. Kane was having a solid match and he showed some silky skills to glide past the Netherne defence and shoot for goal. This was a purple patch for the Spitfires and Kane again got on the end of a through ball, resulting in a strong shot across the Netherne goal-face. Conor had been giving a torrid time to the Falcon’s right back and a strong run from his own half saw him win a corner for the Spitfires. On another occasion, Hadley, in the right back position, found Kane and his pass to Jay put him in a shooting position but he hit his shot over the Falcon’s bar. The Spitfires were pressing for a goal, but it just wasn’t happening for the team as a Spitfires corner landed in the penalty area but there was no Spitfires player nearby to put a foot to it. The next opportunity saw Lewis almost through but strong defending by Netherne denied him a shot on goal. With Hadley replaced, Kane had moved into the right back position and excellent commitment from him saw a Netherne striker rushed into a shot, allowing Jake to pull off a good save. With five or so minutes to go, Netherne made it three as a neat one-two between their formidable strike pairing put their striker though to score: 0 – 3. With only two minutes to go, tired defending on the part of the Spitfires let in a Netherne striker, who nevertheless, had it all to do but scored with a precision shot into the far corner from a tight angle: 0 – 4.

Netherne were deserved winners but the Spitfires worked hard, played well as a unit and created a number of chances. Keep it up boys!

Man of the Match – Levi.

U10 Roundshaw Colts A (Spitfires) v Epsom & Ewell Colts A

Team: Jake (Goalkeeper), Daniel (Captain), Andrew, Hadley, Jay, Levi and Conor

Subs: Kane & Lewis

The first home game at the airfield saw the Spitfires take on the team that had narrowly pipped them to the league title in the U9 Division One competition last season – Epsom & Ewell Colts.

The Spitfires started strongly and the ball rarely left the Epsom half in the opening minutes. However, when it did, Hadley wasn’t letting anyone past him, putting in some excellent defending. The Spitfires took the lead when Conor broke down the left wing and put in a searching cross that found Jay at the far post, scoring off his chest: 1 – 0. Epsom restarted and came looking for the equaliser and they almost grabbed a goal when the ball squirmed out of Jake’s hands but the Spitfire’s defence were able to scramble the ball away. In midfield, Lewis was playing well and the Spitfires almost scored a second when he found Conor on the wing who crossed to Kane, whose glancing goal-bound header was well saved by the Epsom keeper. On the left, Andrew, in the left back position, has built a good understanding with Conor and the Spitfires were always looking to push forward using this combination. Andrew, though, not shy in coming forward when the opportunity presents itself, hit a long range shot just wide of the Epsom post. As the half drew to a close, the Spitfires pressured the Epsom defence, with Lewis and Kane combining well to present a chance for Kane.

The Spitfires started the second half as they did the first, with tenacious play from Jay in the midfield driving the team forwards. It wasn’t long before the second goal for the Spitfires arrived; Conor again producing a left wing cross into the Epsom penalty area that found Kane. His shot deflected off a defender and hit the post but he was first to the ball to knock it into the net: 2 – 0. The Spitfires were fired up now and a sharp turn and strike saw Jay hit a good effort past the Epsom post. It was then Andrew’s turn to charge up the left wing and put in a cross that Kane hit just wide of the Epsom goal. Lewis also got in on the act with a strong run into the Epsom penalty area but his shot was comfortably saved by the Epsom keeper. Epsom rallied as the half progressed and the Spitfires had to defend stoutly, with Dan marshalling his defenders well. However, Jake had to be alert from an in-swinging Epsom corner that he tipped away expertly. Levi had had a quiet game by his standards but he run half the length of the pitch to chase down an Epsom attacker and thwart that particular attack. Great commitment! With the clock ticking down, Epsom pushed forward and the Spitfires had to be alert in defence. Kane, in particular, was tireless in pursuing Epsom and produced some fine tackles to break up their play.

A well deserved win for the Spitfires that sees them move into second place in the Premier league; next week they meet the current leaders – Netherne Falcons.

Man of the Match – Kane.

10 Bookham Colts v Roundshaw Colts A (Spitfires)

Team: Jake (Goalkeeper), Daniel (Captain), Andrew, Hadley, Jay, Lewis and Conor

Subs: Tyler, Kane & Levi

The first match of the season saw the newly promoted Spitfires take on Bookham Colts in the Epsom and Ewell U10 Premier league. The Spitfires had finished second by one point in Division One and won the division league cup to cap a fine U9 season. The only change of personnel during the summer was the departure of Bradley, he being replaced by new boy Tyler.

On a sloping Bookham pitch, the Spitfires, playing down the slope in the first half, started well and the first chance fell to Jay as he shot at the keeper. Lewis then had a half chance before the Spitfires opened their account, with Conor sprinting down the left wing and producing a fine cross to Jay, who made no mistake with a fierce shot into the Bookham net: 1 – 0. Bookham were spurred into action and pressured the Spitfires goal, with a shot hitting the post. Moments later, they equalised when Jake mis-timed a clearance and the ball rolled into the net: 1 – 1. Bookham were now into their stride and Dan, Andrew and Hadley in defence had to be sharp in order to prevent the Spitfires being over-run at the back. A rare break-away by the Spitfires saw Tyler and Levi combine to almost put through Kane on goal but the Bookham defence was alert and cleared the danger. As half time approached, Bookham took the lead when a Spitfires goal-kick was intercepted by a Bookham striker in front of goal, who coolly controlled the ball and knocked it into an empty net: 1- 2.

The second half saw the Spitfires push for the equaliser and a great drive up the wing and cross by Lewis resulted in a scramble in the Bookham penalty area as Jay and then Conor tried to get a shot in on goal, before Conor eventually blasted the ball over the bar. Bookham, though, were looking to extend their lead and the Spitfires defence again had to be strong to withstand the assault with Hadley, in particular, proving a stalwart at right back. The Spitfires were looking to break against Bookham and one opportunity saw Conor take the ball up the left wing but his cross towards an unmarked Levi in the penalty area was intercepted by the keeper. As the half progressed, the Spitfires won a free kick just outside the Bookham penalty area. Levi stepped up and let off one of his trade-mark thunderballs which hit the wall and went out for a corner. Indeed, the Spitfires won a succession of corners from this pressure, but couldn’t create a scoring opportunity. Bookham rallied strongly and the Spitfires again had their backs to the wall, but from adversity comes strength and a superb passing movement saw the Spitfires regain parity. A ball out of defence from Levi found Kane who looked up, saw Tyler in space on the left and a pinpoint pass put him clear through. Tyler ran on and powered the ball into the back of the net: 2 – 2. Bookham weren’t going to settle for the draw and with only minutes remaining, their striker ran through and with only Jake to beat blasted the ball at the Spitfires goal. However, Jake has shown that he is a great one-on-one shot stopper and he produced a fine diving save to deny Bookham. There was one more chance for the Spitfires as Tyler produced a cross from the left wing to Levi, who, in front of goal, was unable to control the ball and the chance went begging.

This first game of the season has shown the Spitfires that this is going to be a tough league to compete in. In particular, the boys will need to learn to deal with the greater physicality of the premier league teams but this was a good start away from home.

Man of the match: Conor.

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