U13 Archive

ARLESEY TOWN YOUTH FC Under 13s 2004-05
MATCH REPORT ARCHIVE

Ashwell Academicals U13s 3 Arlesey U13s 1
Sunday 24 April

A disappointing performance from the Blues in this Divisional Cup game, luckily their past performances meant they were already assured of a place in the final.

Both teams struggled on a difficult pitch which was much smaller than Arlesey are used to and rock hard causing a difficult bounce. In the first half the two teams cancelled each other out with little more than half chances at either end.

The game woke up in the second half and was end to end with both teams missing good opportunities to take the lead. Arlesey made the breakthrough when a through ball from Alex Coles put Luke Springall clear and he made no mistake to open the scoring.

This seemed to spark Ashwell into life and they replied when the Blues failed to clear a corner. Ashwell were now on top and winning all the 50/50 balls. Ashwell were awarded a penatly when their forward was brought down in the area and made no mistake to lead 2-1 with 5 minutes to go.

In the last minute Ashwell made sure of their victory with a well worked third. Man of the match went to Jordan Wells who worked tirelessly at right back.

The Blues now have 2 weeks rest before the final against Albion.

Team : D Swain, S Horwood,(A Eaves) J Wells, M Wheatley, P Smith, A Mardle, A Fye, T Norton (A Hood), A Coles, B Smith, L Springall

ArleseyTown U13s 2 Ashwell Academicals U13s 2
Sunday 6 March 2005

This divisional cup fixture ended in a draw with Arlesey coming back to score twice in the last 4 minutes.The Blues were not at the races in the first half and allowed Ashwell to boss the midfield in particular, Ashwell's finishing let them down and they were left to rue missed chances later in the game.

Although 0-0 at half time Ashwell hit the bar and B Smith had an effort cleared off the line for Arlesey. Arlesey's defence held out well with stand in keeper Wells looking very assured in goal and P Smith, Wheatley, Eaves and Horwood defending well.

The game seemed to open up more in the second half and became an end to end affair. Springall, having a quiet game by his standards, chipped the Ashwell keeper but hit the bar. Ashwell broke the deadlock midway through the half with a well taken strike when Arlesey lost the ball in midfield.

The Blues then sent on another attacker and played with three at the back to try and get back in the game. This appeared to backfire when the Accies scored a second after a goalmouth scramble.

However Arlesey had other ideas. Following a corner, centre back Wheatley rifled the ball home with four minutes remaining and this lifted the whole team. A couple of minutes later Hood slipped the ball through to Springall who slotted the ball past the keeper to equalise.

Arlesey looked the more likely to score in the dying minutes but in all honesty their first half performance didn't merit a victory and a draw was a fair result. Wells got the ‘man of the match’ award for his inspired performance between the posts.

Arlesey: Wells, Horwood, P Smith, Wheatley, Eaves (Norton), Reeves, Mardle, Coles, Fye (Hood), Springall, B Smith

ArleseyTown U13s 7 Pin Green Juniors U13s 0
Sunday 27 February 2005

Despite the convincing end result Arlesey made hard work of this victory. Yet again the game was played in bitterly cold conditions with a strong wind.

In the first half the Blues were against the wind and found it hard to get out of their own half. However, they always looked the more likely to score. Pin Green had plenty of the game in Arlesey's half but lacked any cutting edge up front and Swain in goal was fairly untroubled. Arlesey broke the deadlock when Reeves was put through and shot past the keeper. Arlesey missed other chances and the score was 1-0 at half time.

In the second half it was all Arlesey and it was just a case of how many they could score. As it was further goals from Springall 2, B Smith, Coles and man of the match Reeves who scored his first hat trick for Arlesey sealed the points. The lads missed numerous other chances to increase the winning margin, but in the end in freezing conditions it was job well done.

Well done to Peter Smith who played his 100th game for the team!

Arlesey: Swain, Horwood, Wheatley, P Smith, Wells, (Eaves

Pin Green Jnrs 2 ARLESEY 11
Sunday 6 Feb 2005

Missing four regulars through injury and illness the Blues went into this game with some trepidation. However, their concerns were unnecessary and they simply outplayed their opponents with B Smith and Springall hitting hat tricks. J Smith and Chapman were drafted in from the Under 12's Blues squad and certainly did not look out of place.

On a heavy pitch the lads played some nice football, using the width of the pitch well, particularly in the first half knocking the ball about at the back and creating some good chances. B Smith helped himself to a first half hat trick and Mardle and Springall scored to lead 5-0 at half time. Chapman played exceptionally well and put together some superb through balls.

At the start of the second half, Pin Green gave a much better account of themselves and came out fighting. They managed to add two consolation goals but never seriously threatened a recovery. The Blues continued to keep the pressure on and added further goals through B Smith, two from Springall, Fye, Chapman and J Smith. The latter after a surging run from his own half.

‘Man of the match’ went to Wheatley who had a very good game at sweeper and kept Pin Green at bay. Thanks to Wolfie for helping out with two of his players.

Team : Swain, Horwood, Wells, Wheatley, Chapman, Fye, Norton (J Smith), Eaves, Mardle, B Smith, Springall.

ArleseyTown U13s 3 St Neots Town Sky Blues U13s 1
Sunday 13 February 2005

This game was played in an atrocious wind that ruined this game as a spectacle. The fixture was actually first against bottom of the table but for long periods, particularly in the second half, you would have been hard pressed to know who was top!

The game started well for Arlesey when Springall broke clear and slotted past the keeper to maintain his record of scoring in every league game this season. The Blues (playing in changed white!) continued to press and Springall hit the post and Ben Smith had an effort cleared off the line. It was Smith who scored the second finishing well past the keeper, 2-0 at half time.

In the second half Arlesey played against the wind and St Neots had much more of the play. Arlesey scored their third to seal the points when Adam Fye's shot was parried by the Saints keeper and Smith had a simple task to score his second of the game and 30th of the season.

The boys had 3 or 4 good chances to increase their goal tally without success the St Neots keeper pulling off some good saves. This was probably Arlesey's worse performance of the season which can be put down to the conditions and St Neots, who to their credit really fought hard and closed Arlesey down at every opportunity, it is difficult to see why they are bottom of the table and they scored a deserved consolation goal.

The Arlesey defence of Swain in goal, Wells, Horwood, Wheatley and ‘man of the match’ P Smith had to really be on their toes to repel Saints.

Arlesey: Swain, Horwood, Wells, P Smith, Wheatley, Norton, Hood, Coles, Fye, B Smith, Springall.

ArleseyTown Youth 3 Newhall Rangers 3
Sunday 30 January

This was a tremendous performance by Arlesey as they held Rangers to a draw. Prior to Sunday the Harlow based team had a 100% record.
   The Blues made a superb start and opened up a two goal lead inside the first five minutes. The first after fine work by Jake Reeves putting a defender under pressure then crossing for Adam Fye to slot home.
   Luke Springall scored the second as he broke free on the left and fired past the keeper. Newhall however, are not top for nothing and came back at Arlesey strongly scoring three goals without reply despite some stout defending from the Arlesey defence.
   The third 3rd goal a superb solo effort from the talented Newhall number 11. The Blues refused to give up and following good work in midfield from Adam Mardle and Alex Coles. ‘Man of the match’ Springall scored his second from the edge of the box to bring the scores level at half time.
   The Blues could have gone in leading as Fye had an effort cleared off the line and Ben Smith was thwarted by a fine save from the Rangers keeper. In the second half Newhall had much more of the possession and pushed Arlesey back for long periods. They could not find their way past the defence marshalled by Peter Smith. Dean Swain in goal made a couple of fine saves. Arlesey had a couple of half chances on the break but could not snatch the winner.
   The Blues remain unbeaten in the league since September and this result consolidates their position in the league as they look to finish in a promotion spot.

Team : Swain, Horwood (Eaves), Wheatley, Smith, Wells, Mardle, Reeves, Coles, Fye, Smith (Hood), Springall.

Trident F.C. 'B' U13s 1 ArleseyTown U13s 2
Sunday 12 December

Arlesey stretched their league unbeaten run to nine games with this hard fought victory against third placed Trident. Missing two key players the Blues shuffled the team around. In particular the central midfield pairing of Tom Norton and Alex Coles provided the groundwork for the victory.

All of the lads battled for every loose ball and were 100% committed. The first period of the game was fairly even with chances at a premium. Arlesey scored first when Luke Springall, as busy as ever up front, raced clear and coolly slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper.

Trident battled back and scored an excellent equaliser when a corner was cleared to the edge of the area and the long-range effort dipped just under the bar out of Dean Swain's reach. In the second half Trident had some good early pressure without creating any clear-cut chances.

The reorganised defence was playing well marshalled by Peter Smith in the sweeper role. Springall hit the post for the second time in the match. The game looked to be heading for a draw, until Adam Hood won the ball on the right and slotted the ball through to Ben Smith, having a quiet game by his standards, who smashed home from an acute angle.

There was still time for Swain to make an outstanding save to retain the lead. ‘Man of the match’ went to captain Alex Coles who dominated midfield and led by example throughout.

Arlesey: Swain, Coles, Smith, Horwood, Wells, Wheatley, Fye, Eaves (Hood), Norton, Smith, Springall.

Arlesey U13s 3 Ashwell Academicals U13s 3
Sunday 5 December 2004

This was a superb game of football immensely enjoyed by both sets of supporters, which swung one way then the other. In the end a draw was probably a fair result.
   Arlesey took the lead after 15 minutes. An excellent through ball from Jordan Wells found Luke Springall who raced clear and lobbed the oncoming Ashwell keeper. However, Ashwell equalised 10 minutes prior to half time when the Blues were caught napping at the back.
   Ashwell finished the half the stronger team and Arlesey were glad to hear the half time whistle. Arlesey began the second half much better and Ben Smith scored within minutes taking his chance very well for goal number 20 of the season.
   Despite Arlesey pressure they could not increase their lead and Ashwell forced their way back into the game and took a 3-2 lead with two well taken goals. In between Dean Swain had to make a couple of good saves to keep Arlesey in the game.
   Arlesey dug deep and fought back Ben Smith had another good strike pushed over the bar by the Ashwell keeper. From the resulting corner ‘man of the match’ Jake Reeves rose above the Accies defence to head goalwards. The ball was deflected back to Reeves who made no mistake to score the equaliser.

Arlesey: Swain, Horwood, Coles, P Smith, Wheatley, Mardle, T Norton, Reeves, Wells, Hood, Fye, Eaves, B Smith, Springall.

Arlesey U13s 8 Albion 4
Sunday 28 November 2004

The Blues must enjoy making their supporters sweat as, for the second week running, the boys showed their resilience as they came from behind to record a convincing victory.
   Playing the only team to beat them in the League this season, it seemed a repeat was on the cards as Albion led three times in the first half alone. However the speed of Arlesey's attack was catching out Albion every time and in the first half Ben Smith (twice) and Jake Reeves raced clear to score.
   At half time the game was very even and the score 3-3. In the second half the boys seemed fitter than their counterparts and two early goals finished them off. Smith completed his hat trick with an excellent finish following superb work by Captain Alex Coles who once again never put a foot wrong.
   Reeves got his second when the Albion defence could not react to his run through their defence and he chipped the advancing keeper. Smith scored two further goals to make it five on the day and 11 in three games!
   One created by Luke Springall who unselfishly passed when he could have shot himself. Springall got his reward by scoring later on. Adam Mardle was very unlucky not to score after a superb double save by the Albion keeper denied him. Stand in keeper Jordan Wells deserves a special mention for helping out the team and making two fantastic saves in the second half.
   ‘Man of the match’ Tom Norton battled for everything and led his team mates by example. Anthony Eaves came on for the injured Wheatley and also had an excellent game.

Arlesey: Wells, Coles, P Smith, Wheatley, Eaves, Horwood, Reeves, Mardle, Hood, Norton, Fye, B Smith, Springall.

Trident U13sA 3 Arlesey U13s 4
Sunday 21 November 2004

Arlesey, missing a couple of key players, made hard work of this fixture and despite not being at their best were relieved to come away with all three points.
   The Blues were slow to get into their stride and Trident seemed to be winning most of the 50/50 balls. However Arlesey scored the first when Adam Fye broke down the left and pulled the ball back to Adam Mardle who scored with a ferocious shot.
   This should have been the platform for Arlesey but Trident fought back and on the stroke of half time Arlesey failed to clear a corner and they equalised, 1-1 at the break.
   In the second half it was fairly end to end, Trident took the lead when a corner was not cleared at the near post and went in off the unfortunate Swain in goal. Arlesey to their credit refused to give up, despite being man marked, Jake Reeves began to influence the game more and it was no surprise when Ben Smith and Fye gave Arlesey the lead.
   It was now Trident’s turn to fight back and ‘man of the match’ Swain made a couple of important saves. Alex Coles and Michael Wheatley had to work hard in central defence. The Trident equaliser came with some 10 minutes remaining.
   A draw would probably have been a fair result but Arlesey threaded the ball through to Fye in the last couple of minutes. His shot was parried by the Trident keeper and Smith was there to poach his second of the game and seal the points. Well done lads!

Arlesey: Swain, Coles, P Smith, Horwood, Wheatley, Reeves, Wells, Mardle, Hood, Eaves, Fye, B Smith.

Potton Colts U13s 0 ArleseyTown U13s 7
Sunday 14 November 2004

Arlesey made sure of victory over local rivals Potton with a purple spell of 20 minutes before half time when they scored six goals. The game remained scoreless for the first 15 minutes, when the Blues, despite considerable pressure, could not find the back of the net.
   Arlesey were having a lot of joy down the left wing in particular with some fine inter passing from Scott Horwood, Adam Fye and Luke Springall. It was Ben Smith who got the breakthrough with a strike from inside the six yard box.
   The Blues then seemed to be threatening with every attack and Smith scored a further three goals and Adam Mardle broke clear to score his first goal of the season with a good strike prior to half time. Potton re-organised their defence second half and Arlesey made some changes and the game was much more even.
   The Blues could not reproduce the form of the first half and Potton never gave up chasing. The Arlesey defence got caught pushing forward a couple of times and if it wasn't for some good keeping by Dean Swain and strong tackles from Peter Smith and Alex Coles, Potton could have scored.
   Springall had a couple of one on ones with the keeper and Jordan Wells shot narrowly over on two occasions. As it was, Springall added his second to complete the scoring. ‘Man of the match’ went to Ben Smith for four well taken goals.

Arlesey: Swain, Coles, P Smith, Wheatley, Norton, Horwood, A Eaves, J Reeves, A Mardle, A Hood, Fye, Wells, Springall, B Smith.

Arlesey Town U13s 2 Shefford Saints U13s 4
Sunday 24 October 2004

The Blues were knocked out of the County Cup by a strong team from Shefford who deserved their victory but probably expected an easier game.
   Arlesey feared the worst as they conceded a goal after 27 seconds whilst still rubbing the sleep out of their eyes. However to their credit the boys got stuck in and battled hard for every ball.
   Luke Springall scored a well taken equaliser after out pacing the Saints defence and slotting home. Shefford then had their strongest spell of the game keeping Arlesey on the back foot and scoring twice before half time.
   In the second half Arlesey found further reserves of energy and following superb work on the left from Adam Mardle and Springall, Jake Reeves raced through to finish well and force the Blues back into the game at 2-3.
   Shefford continued to dominate possession but the defence worked very hard to keep them at bay. Jordan Wells playing out of position at right back played very well and got the nod for ‘man of the match’ and even ended up in goal following a late injury to goalkeeper Dean Swain.
   Shefford ensured their progression to the next round with a well taken strike 10 minutes from time.

Arlesey: Swain, Horwood, Coles, P Smith, Wells, Reeves, Hood (Eaves), Mardle, Fye, Springall, B Smith

St Neots Town U13s 2 ArleseyTown U13s 9
Sunday 17 October 2004

This was a very convincing win for the Blues who, after a slow start, overwhelmed the Saints in the second half. Playing against the wind in the first half, Arlesey played some neat football to carve out numerous chances.
   The first, something of a goalmouth scramble, was put away by Jordan Wells. The Blues didn't relent and ‘man of the match’ Jake Reeves added a fine second when he was put clear by a superb flick from Ben Smith to chip the advancing Saints keeper.
   St Neots then fought their way back into the game and reduced the deficit with a close range effort. They then had a decent period of pressure without being able to add any further goals.
   Just before half time, Luke Springall broke free and maintained his record of scoring in every league game so far this season. The second half was one way traffic with Springall completing his hat trick and Smith adding two. Adam Fye scored a tremendous goal from an acute angle and Anthony Eaves scored his first goal for the club.
   St Neots never gave up battling and added a further consolation goal near the end. The defence, well marshalled by Alex Coles, never lost concentration. In truth if it wasn't for some superb saves by the Saints keeper, it could have been many more.

Arlesey: Swain, Horwood, Coles, Wheatley (Norton), P Smith, Wells (Hood), Mardle (Eaves), Fye, Reeves, B Smith, Springall.

Arlesey U13s 4 Potton Colts 0
Sunday 10 October 2004

Manager Russell Fye will be disappointed that his Arlesey side failed to take advantage of this game and turn in a more emphatic result.
The visitors started the game trapped in their own half and under attack along the right flank. Jordan Wells battled superbly along the touchline pressing back the oppoistion in combination with Captain Alex Coles and ‘man of the match’ Adam Mardle.

Pic: Smith sees his corner converted by Reeves

Eventually, Arlesey’s pressure paid off after a superb corner from Ben Smith found Jake Reeves. He made no mistake firing in the loose ball for 1-0.

Pic: Smith celebrates yet another great score!

Twenty minutes later Smith made it two with a great finish. Luke Springall’s skilful run and shot gave the home side a three goal advantage at half time.

Pic: The blue shirts of Potton press Arlesey back

In the second half, Potton put in a much improved performance with their right back doing a superb job to keep Arlesey out.
Indeed, it wasn’t until the 66^th minute that Arlesey made it 4-0, Smith getting his second. So it ended another three points but perhaps not Arlesey’s most convincing performance.

Arlesey: Swain, P Smith, Wheatley, Coles, Fye, Mardle (Norton), Horwood (Eaves), Wells (Hood), Reeves, B Smith, Springall.

MINUTE BY MINUTE

8mins
Potton under pressure and seemingly unable to clear the ball from goal kicks, Jake Reeves exploits this weakness heading back a ball from the keeper to find Ben Smith in open space. Luckily for the visitors, his shot fires over the crossbar.

10 mins
Arlesey contain the ball within the Potton half. They dominant the right hand side of the field where Jordan Wells is making some great runs. If only the home side can get the ball across field where Luke Springall is unmarked, his repeated calls to team mates going unheard.

12mins
Arlesey’s pressure pays off. A fantastic corner from Ben Smith is not dealt with and Jake Reeves makes no mistake in hammering the loose ball home from the edge of the six yard box, 1-0 Arlesey.

15 mins
The home side are starting to find their game, and the other side of the pitch. A great run and cross by Luke Springall from the left hand side ends in Adam Mardle’s excellent header gliding just past the post.

20 mins
Another excellent Arlesey move is scuppered. Again, danger man Luke Springall’s lethal left sided play conjures up a chance from nothing. Jake Reeves is unlucky not to score his second as shot just misses by six inches. Springall’s unlucky not to get on the score sheet himself after his shot hits the post.

22 mins
Some great individual touches help Arlesey keep the ball in their opponents half, Fye, Coles and Mardle leading the way here.

25mins
A great run from Mardle finds Wells who wins another Arlesey corner.

26mins
Arlesey substitution: Horwood off, Eaves on.

29 mins
Potton catch Arlesey out on the break. Alex Coles saves to day by turning the ball away. The Captain shows great determination, vision and leadership in pushing his team forward.

32mins
A magnificent clearance from the Arlesey defence finds Ben Smith in open space. He runs at the Potton goal, beating the keeper and pushing ball superbly into the corner of the net for 2-0.

34mins
A superb run and sweet finish by Luke Springall takes the score line to 3-0.

Half-time, 35 mins
Arlesey 3 Potton 0

40 mins
Mardle and Springall linking up superbly as Arlesey are unlucky not to make it four.

50 mins
Arlesey substitutions: Wells and Mardle off, Hood and Norton on

54mins
Potton denied after a fine save by Swain in the Arlesey goal.

55 mins
Arlesey substitutions: Eaves off, Horwood on

60mins
Potton’s right back is doing a superb job. His determination, tackling and running sets a fine example to all those on the pitch.

63mins
Ben Smith appears to take on the entire Potton defence only to put ball wide.

65mins
A great ball from Coles finds Springall who has only the keeper to beat but his shot goes wide.

66 mins
Finally, Arlesey make it 4-0 as Ben Smith fires home.

67 mins
Arlesey substitution; Fye off, Mardle on.

68 mins
Tom Norton goes for goal after a great pass from Jake Reeves.

Full-time, 70mins
Arlesey 4 Potton 0

BaldockTown Knights 3 Arlesey U13s 0
Sunday 3 October 2004

Arlesey fought Baldock all the way in this Cup tie but could not stop the Knights progressing to the next round.
   Arlesey started well and had some good early pressure, they did not allow the Baldock players any time on the ball and this tactic worked well. Despite some good approach play, Baldock struggled to break down the Arlesey defence with Alex Coles and Peter Smith excelling.
   They were restricted to long range efforts which failed to trouble Dean Swain in the Blues goal. Arlesey had a couple of half chances but no more. A couple of minutes before the interval Arlesey failed to close down a Baldock forward whose long range effort Swain could only touch with his fingertips as the ball looped over his head.
   The second half continued in the same vein with Baldock having most of the possession without creating much in the way of goal chances. However, as the game wore on, Baldock started to create more clear cut opportunities and added two further goals to make sure of the tie.
   Given the three divisions difference between the sides, the Blues should not be too critical of their performance as they gave Baldock a tough game. If a couple of the chances they had in the second half had found the net, it could have been a different game. Now the Blues can concentrate on the League!

Arlesey: Swain, Horwood, Coles, Smith, Wheatley, Fye, Wells, Reeves, Mardle, Smith, Springall, Eaves, Norton, Hood.

Ashwell Academicals U13s 1 ArleseyTown U13s 5
Sunday 26 September 2004

A strong first half performance gave the boys victory. The lads dominated the half, keeping Ashwell hemmed into their own half. In fact keeper Dean Swain only touched the ball once during the half.
   Jordan Wells opened the scoring, driving the ball in following a corner. The second goal came from Luke Springall who beat a defender and slotted the ball past the keeper. Jake Reeves scored the third which was created by ‘man of the match’ Ben Smith who went on a fabulous run crossing the ball for Reeves to shoot home first time. Springall completed the half's scoring with another good strike again created by Smith, 4-0 at half time.
   It would have been easy for Ashwell to give up in the second half, but to their credit they came out battling and were much stronger. Following pressure in the Arlesey box, Michael Wheatley conceded a penalty which Ashwell converted. Swain was unlucky as he got his hands to the ball but it spun in.
   Arlesey struck back through Springall who scored a scrappy goal to complete his hat trick, but they all count!
   The game was fairly end to end after this and Adam Hood, Adam Fye, Springall and Wells all went close for the Blues without increasing the lead. However, all in all, it was a very good performance from the Blues.

Arlesey: Swain, Horwood, Coles, Smith, Wheatley, Wells, Fye, Reeves, Mardle, Springall, Smith, Hood.

Arlesey Town U13's 3 Trident 'B' 2
Sunday 19 September 2004

This was a hard earned win for the boys as they put last week’s performance behind them with this win against the early division pace setters from Harlow.
   Despite missing a couple of boys, the team performed superbly. All the lads seemed to be up for it and pressurised and harassed the opposition at every opportunity. In the first half, Tom Norton, Adam Fye and Jordan Wells in particular led by example.
   The defence also did well against some sustained Trident pressure early in the half, Michael Wheatley making his debut performed very well with some strong headed clearances.
Arlesey took the lead mid way through the first half when a long clearance from Peter Smith put Luke Springall through.
   Springall made no mistake sliding the ball past the advancing keeper. The defence restricting Trident to some long range efforts which failed to find the target.
   Trident equalised early in the second half and started on top. However the Blues dug in and scored two fantastic goals through Ben Smith and Springall, Smith working out an opening and slamming the ball home and Springall chipping the keeper.
   Smith and Springall passed the ball well and caused the Trident defence considerable problems. Some sloppy defending at the near post from a corner enabled Trident to pull a goal back late on but the Blues hung on for a well deserved victory.
   Peter Smith was outstanding, playing as sweeper with some excellent tackles and interceptions and won the man of the match award.
   Arlesey: Swain, Eaves, Horwood, Wheatley, P Smith, Reeves, Norton, Fye, Wells, B Smith, Springall. Sub: Hood.

Sunday 12 September 2004
Albion 6 Arlesey 3

After the euphoria of last week’s winning start to the season this was a very disappointing result and more importantly a poor performance!
   The boys fell behind after 30 seconds when Dean Swain dropped a routine pick up in goal at the Albion striker’s feet. However Luke Springall equalised within a minute after racing onto a through ball. The next 25 minutes were a disaster for the boys as they conceded three goals due to errors in defence.
   The defence struggled to cope with the tall Albion centre forward and Albion could have scored more goals if it were not for Swain in the Arlesey goal who pulled off some fine saves. So the lads found themselves 1-4 down at half time.
   In the second half the boys seemed to wake up and probably had the better of possession. It was Albion who extended their lead from a break away goal. The Blues battled back and Jake Reeves and Ben Smith pegged the score back to 3-5.
   The Blues then proceeded to miss numerous good opportunities to reduce the arrears further with some wayward shooting. A dodgy offside decision against Reeves who had slotted the ball home prevented Arlesey getting back into the game. It was Albion who had the last word with a well taken goal at the death.
   Some of the boys really need to concentrate on doing the basics right if the team is to succeed and not underachieve as they did last season.

Arlesey: D Swain, A Eaves, S Horwood, P Smith, A Coles, J Wells, A Fye, J Reeves, A Mardle, B Smith, L Springall Subs T Norton, A Hood

Sunday 5 September 2004
Arlesey Town 4 Trident 'A' 0

This was an encouraging opening Royston Crow League fixture for Arlesey as they ran out comfortable winners in weather more suited to cricket than football.
   Trident started the match strongly and early on had the Blues on the back foot, however the first goal was created and scored following excellent work by Jake Reeves, chasing an apparent lost cause, he dispossessed a defender and slotted the ball past the keeper to open the scoring for the Blues. This goal gave Arlesey confidence and they never looked back, playing some attractive football, along the way.
   Arlesey even had the luxury of missing several good chances to add to their score. Ben Smith scored the second goal just before half time with a confident finish.
   Despite the hot weather, plenty of fluids and use of the rolling substitutes, the boys lasted the pace well. In the second half Luke Springall shot home and Smith scored his second after a free kick cannoned off the wall and he hammered the rebound into the roof of the net. It was debatable what Smith enjoyed more, his two goals or the notoriety of becoming the first Under 13's player to be booked after a fairly innocuous challenge!
   The Arlesey defence all played well, Dean Swain on his debut in goal looking very assured and Anthony Eaves, captain Alex Coles, Peter Smith and Scott Horwood holding the line well. Coles getting the man of the match award narrowly from Ben Smith.
   Team: D Swain, S Horwood, A Eaves, P Smith, A Coles, J Wells, A Mardle (T Norton), J Reeves, A Fye (A Hood), B Smith, L Springall.

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