U12S Archive

ARLESEY TOWN YOUTH FC Under 12 Sky 2004-05
MATCH REPORT ARCHIVE

Bishop Stortford Rovers U12s 1 Arlesey U12 Sky’s 5
Sunday 6 March 2005

Arlesey Sky’s went to Bishop Stortford on a cold afternoon. Would they be up for the challenge as it was a late kick-off? Sometimes the Sky’s don’t play well in afternoon matches.

The game kicked-off on a very muddy pitch and it was clear we wasn’t up for the challenge as Bishop Stortford on their first attack scored within the first couple on minutes. Could it be one of those games? Halfway through we started to play some passing football and had a number of chances to score which we failed to do.

At half time Manager Kevin Phillips had to sort us out as we wasn’t playing as good as we could and should be. At the start of the second half, Sky’s went straight on the attack and Phillips scored in the first minute of the second half. Could Sky’s turn it around?

Then on eight minutes D Panico scored his third goal of the season when he slotted the ball home at the back post. Midway through the second half Buck had the opportunity to score his first goal of the season. Just as we thought it was going in, it just went wide.

Dineen took a free kick 10 yards from the half way line he kicked it, Hyde controlled it on his chest and then laid it off to Grindal who then made his hat-trick by scoring his third goal in the game. Before the whistle blew Bishop Stortford had a free kick which was two yards from our penalty area which they could have scored another goal from but they kicked it at our goalie Day.

We went on the attack, their keeper caught the ball in his hands and he then kicked it out. S Panico controlled it and kicked it straight at Marshall who went crashing to the floor as it had struck him on the side of his face. The three points were in the bag. This was a game of two halves a very poor performance from us in the first half yet an excellent second half and a perfect end to our season. Report by: Jamie Hyde.

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, S Panico, Winwood, Hyde, Hare, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Albone, Dineen. Buck

Arlesey U12 Skys 2 WymondleyPark Wdrs 2
Sunday 27 February 2005

Arlesey Sky’s finally saw any chance they had of finishing third in the League slip from their grasp, as they threw away a two-goal lead against Wymondley Park.

The visitors scored twice with less than fifteen minutes left to play in a game which the Sky’s had controlled. Hearts were broken as any faint hope of promotion faded fast.

The game got off to a brisk start for Sky’s and within minutes Hyde found himself one on one with the keeper but shot straight at him. At the other end the defence were playing very well and broke down Wymondley’s attacks.

When they did break through, Day was again in outstanding form, getting his fingers to a well struck shot which he managed to tip onto the top of the crossbar and away for a corner. Hyde found himself through on goal once more and again the keeper blocked his shot. It seemed that it was going to be one of them days.

Then on twenty six minutes Grindal collected the ball, played perfectly through by Marshall, as he broke out of defence. Grindal with twenty seven goals to his name this term took it around the keeper to fire home the opening goal.

Two minutes later and Phillips puts Hyde through, third time lucky maybe? Unlike Grindal, he shoots again, but this time the keeper fails to hold it; the loose ball gets pounced on but skips around the grounded keeper only for Grindal to move in and slot the ball into an open goal for 2-0.

At half time, Manager Kevin Phillips reminded the boys that the game was not won yet and more hard work was needed. Suddenly, the snow began to fall; it was another bitterly cold day. The Sky’s seemed to drop their heads. Wymondley sensed a way back into the game.

A runner down the wing and a shot which the keeper just couldn’t reach and that was it. Sky’s had the opportunity to make it 3-1. Grindal had the keeper beaten for his hat-trick but the post came to their rescue. Panic had now started to creep in as Wymondley went in search of that all important equaliser.

With about five minutes to go they were on the attack and, as we have seen on a number of occasions this season, the midfield pushed too far forward and were out of position.

Trying to get back they failed to break the attack down. From almost the same spot as the last one, a shot came in from the left which seemed to give goal keeper Day no chance as it hit the top corner. But for another great stop from Day and Wymondley could so easily have taken all three points.

In the end Wymondley worked extremely hard for the result they needed to clinch third spot in the table and that possible promotion spot. It was clear when they scored their second how important it was to them. You could be forgiven if you thought they had just won the league. This may have been one of the gutsiest performances we had seen all season from Skys but sadly with no end result.

Arlesey Sky’s: Day, Maycock, Marshall, Fell, S Panico, Winwood, Hyde, Hare, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Albone, Dineen, Buck.

ArleseyTown U12 Sky’s 7Sawbridgeworth U12s 0
Sunday 20 February 2005

Sawbridgeworth came to Arlesey on a very bitter cold Sunday morning with a wind chill factor of around -6 and they got no change from Arlesey Sky’s. It must be said though Sky’s weren’t ‘firing on all cylinders’ yet still managed to hammer seven past a ten man Sawbo side. It took Grindal just ten minutes to open the scoring when he banged in a well taken corner from ‘bullseye targetman’ Hyde.

Two minutes later and Phillips passed the ball through to Hyde; whose clever flick put Grindal in on goal. He made no mistake in making it 2-0. It was very hard for the defence to keep their concentration as Sawbo were finding it hard to get out of their own half. When they did venture forward Fell, Marshall, Maycock and Buck held a tight line and soon broke down their advances.

Putting his last game behind him, Day was there to pick up any loose ball in goal. Winwood then had a powerful shot but was just of target. Hyde playing upfront somehow managed to flick one over the crossbar from six yards when it looked easier to score. As we reached the twenty two minute mark, Phillips had a great shot from the edge of the area, only he will know if it was going in.

Grindal wasn’t taking any chances and stuck a foot out and that was enough to beat the keeper and give Grindal yet another hat trick. Two minutes later and we have contender for ‘goal of the month’ if not season. Marshall picked the ball up just inside his own half, beat one player then another and as the crowd were screaming ‘pass it’ Marshall was having none of it.

Grindal and Hyde then made great runs which took defenders out of the game. This made the way clear for Marshall. As he entered the penalty area the supporters held their breath, cool under pressure and after a great run, Marshall then calmly put it past the keeper. 4-0 to Arlesey as half time loomed.

Manager Kevin Phillips said he needed more work in the second half from everyone and upfront Arlesey needed to watch the line as they were continually being caught offside.

Early in the second half, Sky’s started to lose their shape and discipline, as it seemed everyone wanted to play up front and get on the score sheet. It took twenty one minutes from the re-start before Hyde made it 5-0, finishing off after Grindal rattled the crossbar.

Three minutes later and Phillips made it 6-0 with a well taken goal as he came in from the right. With the clock running down and the snow falling, ‘man of the match’ Grindal wrapped things up with number seven. Albone struck a thunderbolt, in time added on, from outside the area but sadly for him it was straight at the keeper.

Not the best performance of the season but three points in the bag, all we hope is that other teams do Arlesey a favour and the boys win the last two games. This week’s ‘most improved player’ was Dineen.

Arlesey:Day, Maycock, Marshall, Fell, S Panico, Winwood, Hyde, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Buck, Albone, Dineen.

Report written by John Hyde.

Arlesey U12 Sky’s 3 Manuden U12s 1
Sunday 30 January 2005

This was a very important game for Sky’s. A game that both the manager and his coaching staff knew the boys needed to work hard at, if they were to secure the points.
   The game got off to a brisk start with Sky’s dominating the early play. However, Manuden did get going and put the defence under pressure. Adam Day was again in superb form in goal and his quick thinking and safe hands kept Manuden at bay.
   Twenty minutes into the game and the ball broke free to Sean Winwood who neatly flicked it inside to Jake ‘the snake’ Phillips. He slid the ball through to Jordan Grindal who lived up to expectations and calmly beat the keeper.
   This was no more than the Sky’s deserved and four minutes later Jake teamed up with Daniel Panico, this time out on the left, when some great one touch football put Daniel through. Daniel using his strength held off the defender and got a great shot on target which the goal keeper did well to save at his right hand post.
   Matt Dineen, who was having a great game in midfield, whipped in the resulting corner. Jordan Grindal spun on his right and half volleyed it in the bottom corner with his left, 2-0 to Sky’s.
   Manuden were guilty of some poor finishing in front of goal when a mix up in the Sky defence saw them hit the post. We all thought it was in. But their pressure paid off when yet another mix up at the back let them in just before half time as they pulled it back to 2-1. Kevin ‘Wenger’ Phillips demanded a greater improvement at half time as Manuden were forcing their side back into the game and at 2-1 the game wasn’t over.
Manuden started the second half in much the same way as they finished the first. This kept the Sky keeper on his toes as he was called upon time and time again.
   Jake ‘the snake’ Phillips was again involved in the build up for the third goal when he headed the ball onto Jamie Hyde. Jamie took the ball all of thirty yards and again, like Daniel holding off the defender and with the calmness of Arjen Robbens, he slotted the ball passed the oncoming keeper, game over with all three points in the bag.
   Manuden continued to pump the ball up to their front runner but by now his head had dropped and he gave the defence fewer problems. It was in the end a good all-round performance by Sky’s and there were a number of players contesting the ‘man of the match’ and ‘most improved player of the week’ awards. ‘Man of the match’ was Sean Winwood and Adam Day was ‘most improved player of the week’.

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, Panico S, Winwood, Hyde, Hare, Panico D, Phillips, Grindal, Albone, Dineen. Buck.

Match report by John Hyde. Cheers John!

Baldock Knights U12s 0 Arlesey U12 Sky’s 3
16 January 2005

Arlesey Sky’s went to Baldock knowing only a win would be good enough if they had any hope of finishing in the top three. It took just eleven minutes for Jake ‘the snake’ Phillips to open the scoring and end Sky’s goal drought from the two previous games, a total of 141 minutes since the loyal supporters had seen the ball in the back of the opponents net.
   It was no more than the team deserved after some good build up play. If you thought at this point Baldock were just going to roll over, we were all very much mistaken. If Baldock had had a little more luck and Adam Day, returning in goal, hadn’t made a number of important stops, sometimes out of his area as a fifth defender, then Baldock could have got on level terms.
   However, Sky’s had rode their luck for a while. On twenty five minutes they were awarded a penalty. Up stepped Jordan Grindal who powered it to the keeper’s left. The goalie was more than a match and got both hands behind it. Sadly for him, Jordan was first to the ball and slotted back past him to make it 0-2.
   The second half went much the same way with Baldock for periods the better team, talking to one another and passing the ball but unable to get that break through they needed. The supporters waited until the fifty-ninth minute before Sky’s put the game out of Baldock’s reach when Sean Winwood remembered to bring his shooting boots and found the back of the net from 10 yards.
   Overall Sky’s properly deserved the win with ‘Captain Marvell’ Charlie Marshall working tirelessly to earn ‘Man of the Match’. But Baldock have improved greatly and the way they battle as a team deserve a better league position than the one they currently hold. Well done Sky’s.

Man of Match: Charlie Marshall; Most improved player of the week: Dominic Buck

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, Panico S, Winwood, Hyde, Hare, Panico D, Phillips, Grindal, Albone, Dineen. Buck.

StotfoldU12s 0
Arlesey U12 Sky’s 0
9 January 2005

Arlesey Sky’s took the short trip across the A507 to local rivals Stotfold for this much awaited local derby, the first game of the New Year. Most of the boys go to the same school, so the tension had been building all week.
   A minutes silence was impeccably held by both sets of players and supporters before the start, as a mark of respect for those who had lost their lives in the tsunami. When the game got underway, with Matt Dineen making his first appearance in the starting eleven for a number of weeks, Sky’s pressured Stotfold for sometime with the home team only getting into the Sky half of the pitch on a few occasions.
   When they did venture forward reserve keeper and ‘man of the match’ Jamie Hyde was on his toes and bravely threw himself at anything that came his way. At the other end the Arlesey forwards, despite a number of chances, were finding it hard to beat the Stotfold keeper, who was also stopping every thing that came his way.
   As the game went on it looked more like one goal could take all three points as chances were being missed by both teams. Was the pressure getting to the boys about what would be said at school on Monday morning? Adam Day went close with a header from a Jordan Grindal corner.
   There was a big appeal from the boys that the ball had crossed the line. But the referee was well placed and without Sky Sports there to capture the moment on video we will have to take his word for it.
   A few minutes later, James Hare laid a lovely ball into the path of Jake ‘the snake’ Phillips. As the keeper came rushing out Jake hit a cracking shot and everyone shouted “GOAL” (well, the Arlesey supporters did, at any rate).
   Cruelly, the wind blew it just passed the far post at the last second. A 0-0 draw, I got the impression that the home supporters were more than happy with the result. Points dropped for Sky’s and for the second game running the boys have failed to score.
   This is something which the Sky’s will need to work on in training. Nevertheless they worked hard and a point is better than nothing at all. This week’s ‘most improved player’ was Reese Maycock. Well done, Reese!

Arlesey: Hyde, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, Panico S, Winwood, Day, Hare, Panico D Phillips, Grindal, Albone, Dineen. Buck.

Match reports and photos by John Hyde, cheers mate!

ArleseyTown U12 Sky 0 Pin Green Blues U12s 2
Sunday 19 December 2004

It was a true winter’s morning, crisp and sunny when Pin Green came to town for this top of the table clash. Arlesey Sky’s sitting in third place with their visitors in second. Everyone was looking forward to a good game of football and expectations were high in the Sky camp. From the off, Sky’s got straight into some nice passing football with the ball being passed around like a hot potato. Within minutes, the Referee refused a free kick after a deliberate back pass to the keeper. Pin Green seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the progress of the Sky team since their last meeting and soon found they were defending deep inside their own half. Sky’s continued to dominate the game making a number of chances without finding the back of the net. The back four of Salvatore, Charlie, Reece and Sean F stood firm breaking down the Pin Green attacks. As half time loomed Pin Green earned themselves a corner, could it be that one goal was about to clinch this match and against the run of play? With a goalless score line at half time, Kevin demanded much of the same in the second half with the midfield working just as hard and hopefully the forwards would find the net if they continued to play as a team. Sadly, against the run of play, as so often happens, Pin Green went ahead when a ball over the top was pounced on by their striker who calmly beat the keeper. Sky’s went on the attack and continued with the onslaught on the Pin Green goal, looking for the equaliser. Just then the ball was played into the Pin Green area and seemed to strike the hand of a defending player. “Penalty” was the cry from the crowd! The Pin Green linesman raised his flag and pointed at the spot. “Play on” said the Referee. “I didn’t see it”. This was to be the turning point of the game as Pin Green played another ball over the top minutes later and again we witnessed the lightening speed of their front runners, this time calmly slotting the ball under the keeper as he came out. Driving home passed the now famous Arlesey house, were we also robbed? Not wishing to take anything away from our visitors who knew they had walked away with three lucky points. However, this was the first time this season Sky’s had failed to score yet it was an excellent all round team performance, well done lads! Have a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy and winning New Year. Man of Match: Charlie Marshall. Most improved player of the week: Jake Phillips.

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, Panico S,Winwood, Hyde, Hare, Panico D, Phillips, Grindal, Albone, Dineen. Buck.

Bedwell Rangers Eagles U12s 2 ArleseyTown U12 Sky 4
Sunday 12 December 2004

What a difference a week makes - from last week's poor performance to an outstanding one, this week - funny game football! Bedwell were straight off the blocks and Sky's soon found themselves up against a team that were determined to get the double over them. It took Bedwell only 10 minutes to breach Sky's defences and take the lead. Oh no, not another afternoon kick off! Were we about to see the normal result? Within 15 minutes Jordan 'Golden Boots' Grindal had levelled the score and it looked like Sky's could get something from this game. Bedwell were having none of that and within minutes were back in front with a well taken goal after their forward was put through the middle to cleverly round the keeper and slot the ball home. Sky's seemed a little down and rightly so. They had matched Bedwell blow for blow with both teams playing some good football. What was needed was a good half time team talk from the inspirational atyfc.net 'Manager of the Month' for November, the incomparable Mr Kevin Phillips. Games are often won or lost in midfield; although strong, we needed to be stronger in this department, if Sky's were to turn the game around. From the whistle, Sky's were strong in challenging for the ball and winning a greater number of tackles and passing well. Following a period of sustained pressure, Sky's won a corner. The corner was swung in from the right and the keeper came and punched it clear. Sadly for him, it went straight to the right foot of James Hare who despatched it to the back of the net. Sky's were back on level terms and the home team looked rattled. So it was no surprise that Jordan 'Golden Boots' Grindal was in the right place again 12 minutes later to put Sky's ahead and looking like a team that wanted to win. So just to settle the Manager's and the supporters' nerves young 'Golden boots' claimed his third hat trick of the season and secured the three points for Sky's. What a good all round team performance, but what a great performance in midfield by Jamie Hyde and James Hare who won 'man of the match' and 'most improved player week' respectively; which is no mean feat when you have a player on a hat trick.

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, S Panico, Winwood, Hyde, Hare, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Albone, Dineen, Buck. 'Man of the Match' Jamie Hyde. 'Most improved player of the week' James Hare.

Wymondley Park Wanderers4 Arlesey U12 Sky’s 2
5 December 2004

Without taking too much away from Wymondley, this was Arlesey Sky’s worst performance of the season. This game could have seen Sky’s establish the third spot in the table by putting some space between themselves and Wymondley.
   Could the pressure have been too much? Or did they just assume the match would be easy?
   Wymondley played some nice football, moving the ball around and within 15 minutes were 1-0 ahead. Although you could say it was against the run of play.
   The Sky’s didn’t seem to know what to do, finding themselves behind following such a good run of three wins and a draw in November (a feat which secured ‘Manager of the Month’ for Kevin Phillips).

The Sky’s did however manage to get forward on a number of occasions but either couldn’t find that touch that had seen them net 22 goals last month or Wymondley’s back line stood firm while Sky’s forwards drifted offside.
   The home team were to score again before halftime. Kevin Phillips gave some firm instructions during the interval calling on all his knowledge and skill to lift the boys for the second half. Sky’s came out fighting from the whistle and were unlucky not to pull one back straight away.
   But again, that finishing touch was missing. Wymondley again took full advantage of this when they scored their third and it seemed Sky’s winning streak was now coming to an end. Then as if someone had waved a magic wand over the pitch, we witnessed the best piece of football of the entire game.

Jamie Hyde picked up a loose ball deep in his own half on the right. He easily took the ball past the on-coming Wymondley player, looked up and played a well weighted pass down the line straight into the path of Jake ‘The Snake’ Phillips.
   Jake also went past his maker with the same determination. He got himself almost to the by-line before putting into a inch perfect pass for the on-rushing James Hare to calmly find the net. Was this the start of a Sky’s fight back?
   In a word, no!! Wymondley then decided that they too could string some passes together and soon went 4-1 ahead.

James Hare was on hand again with about five minutes to go when he tapped in from three foot to salvage a little pride. The boys now need to put this behind them and ask themselves some questions, like, ‘did I give 100%?’ as sadly there were some that didn’t.

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, S Panico, Winwood, Hyde, Hare, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Albone, Dineen. Buck. ‘Man of the match’ Reece Maycock. ‘Most improved player of the week’ Salvatore Panico.

Report and pictures by John Hyde.

Arlesey U12 Sky’s 8 Potton Colts Whites 1
Sunday 28 November 2004

Arlesey Sky’s continued their goal spree again this week by putting eight past Potton Colt Whites at the home. This has seen the team score 20 goals yet concede only three over the last three weeks, giving them a better record than even Premiership leaders Chelsea.
   Sky’s soon took the game to Potton and after some great inter play between Sean Winwood and Jake Phillips out on the right wing, the goal machine Jordan Grindal opened the scoring. Were we about to witness another Grindal hat trick? The lead was short lived.
   Potton attacked almost from the kick off and were rewarded with a corner on right. The ball was played in and only half cleared away by the Sky defence. From outside the area, the ball was lobbed back in towards the goal.
   Reserve keeper Jamie Hyde back peddled but as the ball came down he found himself under his crossbar and all he could do was push the ball into the roof of the net. One thing the team has learnt this term is not to drop their heads and to give each other encouragement.

Pic: Another good old fashioned goal mouth scramble.

This paid off as Adam Day playing his first game on the pitch restored the lead with a toe poke after a good old fashioned goal mouth scramble.
Sadly, not being disrespectful to them, Potton seemed to roll over and never really gave the goal keeper anything more to do in the half. However, Arlesey were looking to score more goals and midway through the half, Sean Winwood had his goal scoring boots on again making it 3-1.
Jake Phillips popped up to make it 4-1 before the interval as Sky’s continued the onslaught on the Potton goal. Potton were given some stern words at half time as they came out with more desire than the before the break. Their keeper made a number of brilliant saves to keep the score down. But like just before half time Jake Phillips was there again to make it 5-1.

Pic: Jamie takes a goal kick

At the other end Jamie Hyde needed to be on his toes as Potton pushed forward. He made a couple of fine saves of his own diving bravely at the feet of Potton players.
Adam Day scored his second of the day next, making it 6-1. Finally Sean Albone wrapped it up by scoring his first for the team, ending the game 8-1 to Sky’s but not before Jake the ‘snake’ stole the limelight by scoring his third and his first hat trick for Sky’s, an excellent all round team performance, well done lads!

Team: Hyde, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, S Panico Winwood, Day, Hare, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Albone, Dineen. Buck. ‘Man of the Match’: Adam Day. ‘Most improved player of the week’: Sean Albone.

Report and pictures by John Hyde

Sawbridgeworth U12Blues 1 Arlesey U12Sky’s 7
Sunday 21 November 2004

Following on from last week’s five goals, Arlesey Sky’s this week put seven past Sawbridgeworth Juniors Blues on a very muddy pitch. Sky’s didn’t get off to the normal slow start which we have seen in previous weeks.

Pic: Day makes an important save

Instead they got straight into the game and it wasn’t long before the goal machine Jordan Grindal opened the scoring.
Sawbridgeworth pressed forward and what can only be described as a rare error in defence let them back into the game within minutes 1-1.
At long last however, the team started a game in the same frame of mind as they had finished the last one and again Grindal popped up to score his second.

Pic: Grindal makes it two!

Were we about to witness another Grindal hat trick? After a number of missed opportunities and saves from the home team’s keeper, Grindal was there again, another hat trick and we hadn’t reached half time.
Daniel Panico found the net on the stroke of half time but the Referee disallowed it for what can only be described as a strange decision, when asked he said “Time was up before the ball crossed the line and he was about to blow his whistle anyway”.
Showing good sportsmanship his decision was accepted if not agreed with and we continued with the half time team talk.

Pic: Kevin Phillips gives his half time team talk

Despite the muddy conditions we witnessed some good creative play but unlike last week, Sky’s managed to continue putting the finishing touches onto the chances they were creating.
   Grindal had obviously listened to his Manager when told to be a greedy striker, as he capped a fine performance despite hitting the crossbar by completing a second half hat trick.
   However, the goal of the day went to Jake Phillips who made it 5-1 midway through the half. After picking up the ball on the right he came inside and, just when we all thought he had over done it and the chance had gone bang, he hit the ball right foot back and it was in the net.
   The Manager went mad and rightly so Sky’s were now on their way to a well earned win. This week’s ‘man of the match’ again goes to the whole team for a great all round performance.

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall, Fell, Panico Winwood, Hyde, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Buck, Albone, Dineen.

Report and pictures by John Hyde

Arlesey U12 Sky’s 5 Stortford Rovers U12s 1
Sunday 14 November 2004

Following last week’s poor second half performance Arlesey Sky’s turned it around and got back into winning ways at the expense of Bishops Stortford Rovers this weekend.
   Sky’s got off to another slow start and it seemed that all the talking and hard work put in at training by both the players, manager and coaching staff had failed to pay off.
   We witnessed some good creative play but again Sky’s failed to put the finishing touch on a number of chances, as yet again the team had forgotten how to talk to one another.
   Despite this Jordan Grindal opened up the defence to make it 1-0 and on 22 minutes James Hare made it two and all seemed well. Sky’s finding themselves 2-0 up and not playing as a team thought the game was won.

Pic: Sky’s go two up as hare gets the ball first.

Bishops Stortford were having none of it and soon scored a well worked goal when the ball was feed in from the right and flicked past the keeper at the far post.
Half time arrived and Sky’s were glad to see it, that was until Manager Kevin Phillips read the them the riot act and demanded a better second half performance as he wasn’t impressed with what he had just watched.
Bishops Stortford must have wondered what had happened during the interval as Sky’s came back a totally different team and put in a performance the manager had demanded. Jordan Grindal soon made it 3-1.

Pic: Grindal claims his second.

Jordan then completed his second hat trick of the season when he superbly headed in a Jamie Hyde corner. This was no more than Sky’s deserved.

Pic: Phillips bears down on the keeper

Jake Phillips was on hand in time added on, when he volleyed in from six yards after a good cross from the right, final score 5-1. This week’ ‘man of the match’ went to the whole team. Well done boys.

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, S Panico, Winwood, Hyde, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Buck, Albone. MOTM: Whole team. MIP: Albone.

Match report and photography provided by John Hyde.

Sunday 7 November 2004

Special Congratulations to Sean Winwood on scoring both Sky’s sensational goals in this game - the natural winner of today’s ‘Man of the Match’ award!

Eternit Colts U12s 2 Arlesey U12 Sky’s 2

Arlesey Sky’s made the short trip to Eternit Colts ground for their second away fixture on the trot. Having lost only once on their travels, the boy’s expectations were high and they hoped to come away with all three points. The game started with both teams a little unsure of one another and neither team really created any clear-cut opportunities. Then after only six minutes, we had a pitch invasion from a German shepherd dog the size of a small Shetland pony. The referee rightly stopped the game, as the dog seemed to have good ball control. The dog thought it great fun and gave us a laugh as he was either chasing cars that were driving past or chasing the ball but there was no way he wanted to be caught. The dog was eventually given his marching orders and sent off for time wasting when his owner turned up to catch him.

Pic: Stand still and he’ll go away

The ref re-started the game twenty-five minutes later and within two minutes Sean Winwood was through on the right just midway in the Eternit half. He took the ball inside and after a further five metres hit the ball with the power of a top class striker.
The keeper had no chance 1-0 Sky’s. Eternit’s players were now making a number of telling runs and again Adam Day was on form and pulled off a number of fine saves.
Arlesey continued to push forward and midway through the half, Sean found himself in the same position. This time he didn’t even look up he knew what he was going to do and again fired into the net giving the keeper no chance, 2-0 Sky’s.

Pic: That’s my ball

Eternit Colts were not going to be beaten and started playing some good football. A clever bit of management worked for the Colts when they dropped their centre forward back into a defensive role to halt Arlesey’s speed up front.
The Colts soon found themselves back on level terms with two well-taken goals. With both teams having chances towards the end to secure the points, a draw seemed to be a fair result following some poor finishing by both teams.

Pic: Great save from the Arlesey keeper

After Sky’s best second half performance last week, sadly, this must be their worst and gives the Manager and coaching staff the big task of picking them up for next week’s game. Sean Winwood wins ‘man of the match’ for two outstanding goals.

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, S Panico, Winwood, Hyde, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Buck, Albone, Hare, Sockalingum

Report and photographs contributed by John Hyde.

Ashwell Academicals U12s 2 Arlesey U12 Sky’s 2
Sunday 31 October 2004

Arlesey Sky’s went to table topping Ashwell Academicals after suffering a 3-1 defeat by them last week. As with last week, the game started at a blistering pace and Ashwell were soon on the attack.
If it hadn’t been for some fine goal keeping by Adam Day, Ashwell could have easily been 2-0 up before Arlesey had realised the game had started. Following another fine save Day quickly launched the ball forward. One bounce and some good ball control saw Jordon Grindal one on one with the Ashwell keeper.

Sky’s leading goal scorer made no mistake in making it seven this season when he powered it past the keeper with ten minutes gone.
Ashwell were a little shocked to find themselves one down at home and were soon pressing for the equaliser. Again it took some fine goal keeping in the Sky’s goal to keep them at bay.
Arlesey went forward looking for goal number two but again they missed a number of opportunities. Ashwell broke on the counter attack to get a well-deserved equalizer, 1-1 with half time not far away.

After a few stern words and instructions by Manager Kevin Phillips, Sky’s started the second half with the belief ‘Kevin’ had asked for.
   15 seconds from the re-start James Hare sprung the offside trap through the middle. He hit a shot with so much power it gave the outstanding Ashwell keeper no chance as it dipped under his crossbar.
   Some excellent goal keeping at both ends made for an entertaining second half and Sky’s thought that maybe they could end the home team’s 100% record. Ashwell were having none of it and again forced the equaliser midway through the half.
   Both teams tried hard for the win but at the end a draw was a fair result. Well done, Sky’s best second half performance of the season!

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, S Panico, Winwood, Hyde, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Buck, Albone, Hare, Sockalingum MOTM: D Panico MIP: Maycock

Sunday 24 October 2004
Arlesey U12 Sky’s 1 Ashwell Academicals U12s 3

Arlesey Sky’s took on table toppers Ashwell Academicals at home knowing Ashwell had a 100% record so far this season.
It was always going to take a good display for the Sky’s to take the points from this game.

Pic: Arlesey defend their goal

From the whistle, the game started at a blistering pace with both sides making chances and some fine work by both goalies keeping the score at 0-0.
Ashwell continued to pin Sky’s back until they broke the deadlock with a well taken goal. Sky’s have leant this year not to drop their heads and were soon looking for the equaliser.
Some great work in defence by Reece Maycock stopped another Ashwell attack and after some great passing we saw Jamie Hyde put through the middle, with a player breathing down his neck and the goalie coming out, Jamie calmly slotted the ball in the net for 1-1.

Pic: Arlesey goalscorer gets closely marked

Ashwell tried to dominate the second half with some fine play but Arlesey continued to push forward. They lacked the clinical finishing we’ve seen in the last three games and wasted a number of chances.
   At the other end, Adam Day was making a number of fine saves to keep the score at 1-1, but Ashwell got on top and played some good football and eventually got their second.
   Arlesey were three inches away from making it 2-2 when a good old fashioned goal mouth scramble saw a number of shots either blocked by the goalie or kicked off the line.
   Eventually the ball found its way out to Charlie Marshall who, from the edge of the area, cracked a stunning shot against the crossbar.

Pic: Are you sure I was offside Ref?

Ashwell scored again to make the final score 1-3 in a thoroughly entertaining game. Adam Day was ‘man of the match’ following some really top class saves.
New signing Sean Albone, starting only his second game for Sky’s, was the ‘most improved player of the week’. Well done, boys!

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall (C), Fell, S Panico, Winwood, Hyde, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Buck, Albone.

Potton Whites 12s 1 ArleseyTown Sky U12s 7
Sunday 17 October 2004

Potton Whites took on Arlesey Sky’s at home following on from their first win last week and were keen to make this game their second. However, Sky’s being just as keen to make it three straight wins on the trot went at Potton from the start.
There wasn’t an area on the pitch where a Sky player didn’t battle for the ball as Potton were pinned into their own half. It wasn’t long before Sky’s went 1-0 up when Jordon Grindal scored twice.

Pic: Potton defend in numbers

Potton did venture into the Arlesey half on a number of occasions but the back four held a tight line and the flag went up for offside.
Jake Phillips scored his first of two to make it 3-0 after some fine build up play. Just as well Sky Sports cameras weren’t at the match because the ball appeared to take a wicked deflection to beat the goalie. Andy Gray may not have awarded it to him but lucky for Jake the only ‘Sky men’ in attendance were Nick and John (and they couldn’t get a replay).
Potton were trying hard to get back into the game and made it 3-1 before the break when a great ball over the top was well slotted past Sky goalie.

Pic: It can be lonely for a goalie!

Arlesey tried to dominate the second half with some fine play but Potton continued to push forward and wasted a number of chances.
At the other end, their own goalie made a number of fine saves to keep the score down until Jordon Grindal capped a fine performance by completing his hat trick.
James Hare and Daniel Panico were on hand to score a goal each to cap an excellent Arlesey Sky win, 7-1.

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall, Fell, Panico, Winwood, Hyde, Hare, Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Buck, Dineen, Sockalingum, Albone. Man of Match: Jordon Grindal. Most improved player: Jamie Hyde

Manuden 1 Arlesey U12 Sky’s 4
Sunday 10 October 2004

Arlesey Sky’s stretched their unbeaten run to two games conceding only one in the process at Manuden’s famous sloping pitch. With the wind blowing across the open space and Arlesey playing up hill and against the wind, Manuden were surprised to be on the back foot.
Again ‘Captain Marvel’ Charlie Marshall controlled at the back and made surging runs forward, it wasn’t long before James Hare pushing forward from midfield scored his first goal of the season.

Pic: Arlesey’s flying forwards pressure the Manuden goal.

10 minutes later the ball found its way to Daniel Panico out on the left, just as we all thought he had gone too far he fired in a wicked shot with his left foot into the far corner of the net 2-0 Arlesey. Manuden trying to make the most of the slope and the wind hit a long ball down their left and scored making it 1-2 at half time.
Arlesey now playing downhill with the wind behind them were soon 3-1 up when Jake Phillips scored his second of the season.

Pic: Another great shot!

Manuden were now finding it hard playing uphill and against a stiff wind so much so they conceded a free kick midway in their half about four yards in from their right hand touch line.
   What happened next is already a contender for goal of the season, Matt Dineen stepped up full of confidence and just ‘bent it like Beckham’ into the only place the keeper could reach his top left hand corner, was it a cross or was it a shot Matt wasn’t telling, but ‘what a goal’, 4-1 Arlesey.
   Great team effort well played Sky’s. Who are we?

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall, Fell, Panico, Winwood, Hyde, Hare, Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Buck, Dineen, Graham, Sockalingum.
   Most improved player: Maycock. ‘Man of the match’: ‘Captain Marvel’ Charlie Marshall.

Report by John Hyde. Photos from the incomparable lens of Mr Nick ‘David Bailey’ Winwood. PS. ‘Another great shot!’ subsequently published on 15 October in the sports pages of the Biggleswade Chronicle together with John’s report.

Arlesey U12s Sky 2 Baldock Knights U12s 0
Sunday 3 October 2004

From the whistle, the Sky’s were keen to put the last three games behind them; it didn’t take long before we witnessed some great football.
With ‘Captain Marvel’ Charlie Marshall controlling the back four, the midfield were free to move the ball around and we saw some really great passing from the middle out to the wingers.

Pic: Baldock defend in numbers!

It wasn’t long before Arlesey’s pressure paid off and they won a free kick on the right. Up stepped Sean Winwood who fired a powerful shoot into the far corner from outside the area, 1-0 Sky’s.
Baldock went looking for the equaliser and were quick to realise that maybe it wasn’t going to be their day when they missed a penalty. Maybe this was the little bit of luck Sky’s needed.

Pic: Stand by for the long throw!

After some half time team changes, the midfield worked hard with Dominic Buck continuing where Jamie Hyde had left off.
Dominic soon found himself having a number of shots. But for some fine keeping by the Baldock goalie, he could have had a few goals. He shot from just inside the area only to see Charlie Marshall pop up and flick it past the outstretched keeper.

Arlesey: Day, Maycock, Marshall, Fell, S Panico, Winwood, Hyde, Hare, D Panico, Phillips, Grindal, Buck, Dineen, Graham, Sockalingum. Most improved player: Sockalingum. Man of Match: D Panico

Report and pictures supplied by John Hyde.

Pin Green U12 4 Arlesey U12 Sky’s 1
Sunday 26 September
After last week’s first round League Cup exit, the boys were all fired up for their visit to Pin Green. At the start Arlesey took the game to the home side with the wind behind them and playing down hill.
All the talking and hard training started to pay off. The ball was being passed from defence through midfield and onto the forwards.

Pic: First to the ball wins it!

It wasn’t long before the home side’s keeper was making some fine stops and we started to think it was going to be one of those days. Pin Green had now settled down and it was their turn to attack.
Arlesey’s Adam Day pulled off a string of fine saves as the visitors rode their luck. After some great midfield work Charlie Marshall was through and confidently found the back of the net, 1-0 Arlesey.

Pic: Mind my head!

The home side equalised before half time with a great effort to Day’ left. Pin Green scored three more in the second half, as Arlesey’s heads dropped, to win the game 4-1.

Report and pictures supplied by John Hyde.

Arlesey U12 Sky 2 Hormead Hares 6

The boys were up for a hard first round League Cup game but it didn’t take long for Hormead Hares to open up the Sky defence. Before Arlesey could get into any kind of rhythm they found themselves 3-0 down after only 10 minutes.
All of a sudden the characteristics of Arlesey’s Sky team came shining through and Hormead soon found themselves on the back foot. Some strong work in defence by Charlie Marshall stopped the Hormead onslaught.

Suddenly the Arlesey midfield turned up and started moving the ball around. Sean Winwood made some great openings down the right moving the ball inside for Jordan Grindal to pull the trigger only to see the goalkeeper pull off a great save.
   Arlesey now had the bit between their teeth and continued to push forward pinning Hormead back in their penalty area. From a corner Jamie Hyde found Jake Phillips who hit the ball first time only to see his effort saved yet again.
   As the pressure continued Charlie Marshall cracked a 30-yard shot just past the post with the keeper beaten. The ball continued for long periods to remain in the Hormead half, but they were able to break away on two occasions making it 5-0 just before half time.
   At half time some much needed inspiration was required if the boys were to save some pride if not the result in the second half. Kevin Phillips along with John Hyde and Kevin Marshall were on hand to administer this.

The boys came out fighting from the whistle and as Hormead attacked again we saw some great defending from Reece Maycock on the right. The ball was quickly moved forward and Sean Winwood found himself one on one with the keeper. As the keeper advanced Sean slotted it past him and into the far corner of the net.

This lifted the boys no end and Jamie Hyde was soon to put Jordon Grindal through. He also made no mistake in finding the back of the net for his third goal of the season.
Sadly it was all too little too late and Hormead were to score again with the final result 2-6, but for the second week running the boys gave an outstanding second half performance. We now need to teach them, football is a game of two halves, or so they say!

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