ARLESEY TOWN YOUTH FC Under 14s 2004-05
MATCH REPORT ARCHIVE

ArleseyTown U14s 9 Bishop Stortford Youth U14s 1
Sunday 8 May 2005

This outstanding performance from the team has set up a nail biting “finale” to the season.  Arlesey totally dominated the game from start to finish, but more importantly the side produced a flawless display, every player on the pitch was on top of their game. Jamie Osborne started the scoring in the second minute, rounding the keeper & slotting home. 

It didn’t take long for No.2 after the keeper had pulled off a fine save; Osborne reacted quickest & tucked the ball away. Five minutes later he notched his twentieth hat trick of the season. Stortford pulled a goal back just before half time, but Arlesey hit back straight away, again Osborne scoring for a 4-1 half time lead.

Arlesey soon made it 5 & the goal of the game, Greg Howard’s fine ball found Jamie, who split the defence & Mike Ricketts superb movement saw him coolly pass the goalie.  After a lull of 10 minutes Mike Ricketts grabbed his second & he didn’t have to wait long to grab his hat trick, again a fine move saw him outstrip the defence & round the keeper & score.  Greg Howard deservedly scored No.8 & Jamie Osborne finished the rout with No.9.

Adam Dineen & Dan Ibbotson came on for the last 15 minutes & both slotted in and performed admirably. Every player played their part today, but ‘Man of the Match’ went to Adam Dommett, who was outstanding in his play & marshalling of the team.

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, G. Baker, R. Dobson, A. Dommett, G. Howard, S. Flint, A. Winwood, S. Fisher, A. Atkins, M. Ricketts, J. Osborne, A. Dineen, D. Ibbotson. 

Stortford Jets Black U14s 3 ArleseyTown U14s 4
Sunday 1 May 2005

Arlesey travelled to lowly Stortford full of confidence, after a fine run that has seen them climb the table into fourth place. They were very fortunate to take maximum points today, as the whole teams performance was way below the standards that the boys have been achieving these last few weeks. 

I am sure the weather didn’t help, very hot and humid and quite a lot of the asthma sufferers in the side struggled badly to cope.

Jamie Osborne opened the scoring after only 2 minutes, a miss-hit shot somehow going under the goalies body, but it didn’t take Stortford long to equalise and five minutes later they went 2-1 up. 

The last ten minutes of the half saw Arlesey enjoy their best spell, Sam Flint’s volley hitting the underside of the bar and a great save by the goalie to deny Mike Ricketts, but Jamie sent the sides in level at half time with his second goal of the match.

The second half pattern was very similar to the first, Stortford’s big physical approach, pumping high balls into the box was always a constant threat, but Arlesey were coping a lot better then they did in the first half and were starting to catch Stortford regularly on the break. 

Quite a few chances went begging but finally Arlesey looked to have got the winner when Jamie went through, rounded the keeper for 3-2. Back came the spirited Stortford again, and from a resulting corner the ball was scrambled over the line for 3-3. Only a minute later and in the dying seconds of the game a long Gurpy clearance went straight through the middle of defence, Jamie pounced on it and reacted the quickest, going through and rounding the keeper yet again for 4-3.  As was said after the game the boys certainly used their get-out-of-jail card today!

Jamie Osborne, deservedly picked up Man of the Match for his 4 goals, taking him to an incredible 73 goals for the season, but more importantly the side got the 3 points.

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, R. Dobson, A. Dommett, G. Baker, G. Howard, S. Flint, A. Winwood, S. Fisher, A. Atkins, J. Osborne, M. Ricketts, D. Ibbotson, C. List

Stevenage Colts U14s 1 Arlesey U14s 5
Sunday 17 April 2005

This was one of the best results & performances of the season, against one of the more physical teams in the league. 

The boys gave an accomplished display and at times playing some delightful football.  Arlesey went behind after 10 minutes; a long throw into the area was deflected off Adam Dommett’s head, past Gurps. 

Mike Ricketts had two or three glorious chances but Arlesey had to wait nearly half an hour for the equaliser, Jamie Osborne, pouncing to beat the Colts goalie.  Mike’s fine run & cross was turned in by a Colts defender to put the lads 2-1 up at half time.

Arlesey dictated play in the second half, Winwood & Coles tightened their grip on the midfield & Chances were coming at regular intervals, the killer goal was the third, a great move saw Josh Coles perfect cross put away by Sniffer Fisher for his first goal of the season. 

Josh Coles had two efforts brilliantly saved by the Colts goalie before Jamie Osborne wrapped up things with No.4 & No.5 for yet another hat trick.  This was some result for the lads, they knew exactly what they would face today, including the referee & he certainly lived up to expectations. 

After a shaky 10 minutes the defence were superb, Alex & Josh shone in midfield & Mike & Jamie again gave the defence a torrid time.

The whole team took the Man of the Match award, with 4 games to go Arlesey have had a fine run recently and this has seen them well placed with 4 or 5 other teams for promotion, well done boys.

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, G. Baker, A. Dommett, R. Dobson, S. Fisher, A. Winwood, S. Flint, G. Howard, J. Coles, M. Ricketts, J. Osborne, A. Atkins, D. Ibbotson, C. List, A. Dineen

Arlesey U14s 11 Stortford Jet Blacks U14s 2
Sunday 10 April

Talk about a funny old game.  The first 15 minutes of this game saw Stortford completely run the show & take a deserved lead, Arlesey were simply second best in every department.

The game turned when Greg Howard’s superb cross shot beat the Stortford goalie to level.  Then Arlesey scored 4 more in about 7 minutes, Mike Ricketts scoring two & Jamie Osborne entering the score sheet with No.4, Alex Winwood’s individual piece of skill saw No.5 & Jamie wrapped up half-times proceedings with No.6.

Arlesey started the second half  very strongly & it didn’t take long before the goals started to flow again.  Greg added No.7 with a sweetly taken volley, Jamie completed his hat trick, not to be outdone Mike soon wrapped up his hat trick, Mike & Jamie added No.10 & 11 to finish with 4 each.  The boys took the foot off the gas in the last 15 minutes & again Stortford took control of the match & scored their second. 

Another three points for the side, another great result, but at times the boys made hard work of it, again some splendid performances, but Man of the Match went to Sean Fisher, who gave a gutsy hardworking performance

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, A. Dommett, R. Dobson, A. Atkins, A. Winwood, S. Flint, S. Fisher, G. Howard, J. Osborne, M. Ricketts, G. Baker, C. List, A. Dineen. 

Arlesey U14s 8 Stevenage Colts U14s 1
3 April 2005

Arlesey produced a great team performance to thrash Stevenage Colts, who stood just one point ahead of them before the game. Arlesey started the game against the wind, but performed admirably throughout the side, reducing Stevenage Colts to just two or three long range efforts. 

Arlesey could have been 3 or 4 nil up but were content to go in 1-0 at half time, thanks to Mike Ricketts fine run and superb finish.

The second half, with the wind at their backs, the boys dominated the game; Mike Ricketts soon made it 2-0 before Jamie Osborne joined in on the act, making it 4-0 with two quick goals. 

It was all Arlesey now, with most of the Stevenage lads heads down.  Osborne scored number 5 making it 15 hat tricks for the season so far! and it didn’t take too long for his partner in crime Mike, to get his first hat trick of the season, diving about all over the line he still managed to get the ball in the net. 

Goal number 7 was all down to Mike Ricketts superb run, being turned in by a defender for an own goal, and Greg Howard deservedly scored number 8, chipping the goalie.

Stevenage Colts scored a consolation penalty in the last couple of minutes, and but for the heroics of the Stevenage Colts goalie Arlesey could have bagged a cricket score. 

A solid game by the back three of Dommett, Baker & Fisher, the midfield of Howard, Flint & Winwood were outstanding today, which to their credit was the major  reason for this outstanding result. 

Mike and Jamie’s form at the moment is such a pleasure to the eye, this result puts Arlesey into sixth place in the league and a top five finish is certainly within their reach, but the side can be proud because they have already surpassed expectations for the season. 

Man of the Match this week went to Michael Ricketts, who had an outstanding game today.   

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, A. Dommett, G. Baker, S. Fisher, G. Howard, S. Flint, A. Winwood, A. Atkins, D. Ibbotson, M. Ricketts, J. Osborne, A. Dineen, C. List 

LGC Eagles U14 Whites 0
Arlesey Town U14s 6
Sunday 20 March 2005

Not a classic, but three well earned points. Letchworth with injuries and illness, only had 9 boys, but as Arlesey found out to their cost earlier this season, you cannot afford to rest on your laurels.  A scrappy opening 15 mins saw both sides counteract each other, but Arlesey were starting to find gaps in the Letchworth defence, Greg Howard opened the scoring, lobbing the keeper from close range and Jamie Osborne added No.2 to put the Blues 2 up at half time.

With the slope and slight wind behind them, Arlesey took control of the game, Jamie added No.3, Mike Ricketts persistence paid off for him to score No.4.  Alex Winwood scored the goal of the game, Ryan Dobson’s long throw found Alex, who controlled and unleashed a 25 yarder past the keeper.  Jamie Osborne wrapped up proceedings with No.6 and yet another hat trick. 

Not the best display of the year but more importantly the team showed how they have gelled as a unit this year and today’s result showed that.  Some of the boys had fair games today but Gary Baker was outstanding at the back, earning himself Man of the Match.

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, R. Dobson, A. Dommett, G.Baker, A. Atkins, A. Winwood, G. Howard, S. Flint, M. Ricketts, J. Osborne, J. Coles, S. Fisher, C. List, D. Ibbotson, A. Dineen 

Arlesey U14s 8 Buntingford Cougars U14s 2
Sunday 6 March 2005

A stunning victory for Arlesey should see them climb to mid table and virtual safety of staying in Division 2, next season. Again two influential players missing, but yet again the team responded in tremendous fashion. 

Playing against a strong wind in the first half, the objective was to be disciplined and try and catch Cougars on the break. Arlesey certainly started the brighter, pushing Buntingford back. 

Two excellent through balls sent Osborne through and both times he made no mistake, rounding the keeper to finish on both occasions to put Arlesey two up. Arlesey continued to dominate the half, Ricketts and Howard both striking the upright, but by the final five to ten minutes of the half, Cougars had started to get back into the game.

They punished Arlesey just before the break for 2-1. The second half started with probably the ‘goal of the season’. Arlesey kicked off, Ricketts laying to Osborne and from fully 45 to 50 yards out he beat the keeper with a fantastic shot.  Howard’s fine run saw Ricketts score goal number four with his left peg which bought a smile to his face as big as a Cheshire cat. 

Buntingford never gave up and were beginning to pile the pressure on the defence, but every time Arlesey attacked, they looked like scoring, Osborne scoring goals five, six, seven and eight to finish the game with seven goals for yet another double hat trick!

This has been coming for a while and the boys can be very proud of this display.  Cougars pulled another goal back and Dhesi pulled off a magnificent save near the end.  Some excellent performances, Flint and Atkins played very well in midfield but the dependable Dobson and Osborne both share the ‘man of the match’ award, both having great games.

Arlesey: Dhesi, Dobson, Fisher, Baker, Winwood, Howard, Flint, Atkins, List, Ricketts, Osborne, Dineen, Ibbotson

Hormead Hares 14s 0
Arlesey U14s 1
Osborne
MOTM: Ibbotson

Sunday 27 February 2005

Arlesey came away from Hormead with three valuable points, due mainly to a huge team effort.  With injuries and other commitments, the team was left weakened in some vital areas. Ibbotson, Dineen and List came into the side. All three lads performed admirably. Arlesey started playing up the hill and against a strong biting wind.

The defence coped very well, keeping Hormead mainly to long range efforts.  In attack the lads struggled against the wind, but the impressive Ricketts kept the Hormead defence on their toes with some fine runs. Half time was a welcome break. With the wind at their backs, Arlesey started to dominate play. Various chances were being made but Hormead’s defence and goalie were very resolute in keeping the attack at bay. 

The only goal came midway through the half. A fine turn by Jamie Osborne in the box saw him beat the Hormead keeper with a cool finish.  Although Arlesey had the vast majority of the play they still had to be on their toes as Hormead searched for the equaliser. 

This was a real gutsy display by Arlesey and hopefully two more wins will see them safe from the drop.  Ricketts, in difficult conditions ran his socks off today, Baker and Dobson both had fine games at the back, as did Winwood, who is slowly but surely getting back to full fitness after five weeks out, but ‘man of the match’ went to Ibbotson, who sat in the hole between midfield and defence and never put a foot wrong. 

Arlesey: Dhesi, Dobson, Ibbotson, Atkins, Winwood, Dineen, List, Flint, Howard, Baker, Osborne, Ricketts.

HarlowTown Reds U14’s 2 Arlesey Town U14’s 3
Sunday 20 February 2005

Arlesey bounced back in style today after last week’s disappointment, inflicting the first defeat on League leaders HarlowTown. Arlesey started the much stronger; Osborne, Ricketts and Howard all had glorious chances before Ricketts was bundled in the area. 

Up stepped Osborne to put the spot kick away. Harlow started to get into the game but the defence were coping admirably. Arlesey deservedly took a 2-0 lead when Osborne turned the two centre halves inside out and tucked the ball away with his left foot, past the keeper. 

Harlow pulled a goal back with the last kick of the half. Harlow started strongly in the second half but time after time their defence could not cope with Arlesey’s breakaways and but for the post and some fine goalkeeping Arlesey could have won even more convincingly.

It was Arlesey though who struck next, Osborne again harassing the defence into a mistake and punishing them for his third goal and his eleventh hat-trick of the season so far. 

Harlow pulled a goal back in the dying minutes, but Arlesey deservedly held on for a superb win.  This is as good as Arlesey have played this season and everyone certainly played their part, ‘man of the match’ going to the team for their overall performance.

Arlesey: Dhesi, Baker, Dommett, Dobson, Howard, Fisher, Winwood, Coles, Atkins, Ricketts, Osborne, Dineen, Ibbotson, List.

Arlesey U14s 3 Stotfold U14s 4
Sunday 13 February 2005

This eagerly awaited fixture certainly lived up to expectations.  Both sides had to battle their way through an awful strong wind, but it was Stotfold who took the points away.  Arlesey only have themselves to blame, the game should have been wrapped up in the first 20 minutes, with chance after chance being missed. 

Osborne finally put Arlesey in front, only to see Stotfold, with their first attack equalise.  The second half saw Stotfold take the lead early on, a through ball that Dhesi should have dealt with, wasn’t 2-1. Osborne’s fierce free kick bought the game level again, but Stotfold again took the lead when Dhesi failed to hold a cross shot, the ball eventually tapped in at the far post. 

Arlesey again came back strongly and Osborne deservedly netted his hat trick tucking the ball away in the far corner, but a superb Stotfold corner was headed home in the last five minutes to give Stotfold the points. 

Considering the weather, both sets of players should be congratulated for all their efforts on the pitch, but yet again this season, Arlesey have paid the price for missed chances. Ricketts, Atkins and Baker all had fine games, but Osborne’s overall contribution saw him pick up ‘man of the match’ today.

Arlesey: Dhesi, Baker, Dommett, Dobson, List, Flint, Howard, Ricketts, Osborne, Dineen,  Fisher, Ibbotson, Atkins  

Northolt Utd 5 ARLESEY 3
Sunday 6 Feb 2005

Arlesey came away from Northolt totally aggrieved. For 70 minutes, they matched their Division One opponents in every department, should, on chances, have won the game and had to endure the antics of a disgraceful cheating referee. 

The game itself was played on a bog of a pitch but Arlesey dominated early proceedings. Ricketts, Howard and Osborne all had glorious chances to score but it was Northolt who did. They soon added a second against the run of play with a 30-yard wonder strike. 

Northolt’s third was a joke. The referee awarded Arlesey a throw but a Northolt player took it and the player scored with the defence still thinking it was an Arlesey throw.  Osborne soon pulled a goal back but again another diabolical decision gifted Northolt a half-time 4-1 lead.

Arlesey came out firing on all cylinders. Osborne soon pulled it back to 4-2 and Arlesey had Northolt under the cosh. Flint’s 25-yarder made it 4-3 and it was all Arlesey.  Ricketts’s great through-ball to Osborne saw him equalise but he was half a yard offside. Yet two minutes later Northolt scored their fifth, the striker being five yards offside but that stood. 

All the management and supporters were proud of the boys’ performance today but also gutted for them.  Some great performances on the pitch, Osborne and Ricketts were electric and Howard ran his socks off, but the others weren’t far behind and ‘man of the match’ was given to the whole team.

Arlesey: Dhesi, Winwood, Dobson, Dommett, List, Flint, Howard, Coles, Ricketts, Osborne, Ibbotson, Dineen, Atkins.

Arlesey 3 LGC Eagles Whites 3
Sunday 30 January 2005

With injuries and absentees, changes had to be made.  Greg Howard was asked to play at left back and he performed admirably. Adam Dineen made a start and he can be very proud of his performance but many of the boys today were second best. 
   Jamie Osborne soon put Arlesey in front when Mike’s neat header put him through to beat the goalie but Letchworth Garden City soon went ahead. Poor marking on two occasions enabled the Whites to take a 2-1 lead at half-time. Play started with both sides attacking each other. Greg Howard coolly beat the goalie to put matters level. 
   A mistake by Gurpy put the Garden City side in front again before Greg Howard rescued a point, again coolly side footing past the keeper.  A fair result in the end, Adam Dommett, Greg Howard, Adam Dineen and Mike Ricketts can hold their heads high.
   I’m afraid the rest of the boys were just not at the races today. Greg Howard picked up ‘man of the match’ providing heroics at both ends of the pitch for the team.

Arlesey: Dhesi, Dommett, Howard, Baker, Dineen, Flint, Atkins, Fisher, List, Osborne, Ricketts, Ibbotson
 

U14’s Quarter Final Beds County Cup
ArleseyTown 0 BedfordTown 4
Sunday 16 Jan 2005

Arlesey’s magnificent run in the County Cup ended with a home defeat against formidable opponents BedfordTown.  Early pressure from Bedford saw them dominate play but Ricketts and Osborne kept the Bedford defence on their toes.  Arlesey’s defence was coping admirably for the first twenty minutes, but a poor 5 mins saw them concede two goals that normally they would cope with. 
   We then went three down when a Bedford player volleyed a Gurpy kick straight back into the roof of the net. Just before half time Jamie Osborne had a glorious chance to pull a goal back but after a great run his usual deadly finishing let him down.
   The second half was much more even, Arlesey with a slight wind at their back pressed forward, a Mike Ricketts effort hit the post, Jamie Osborne had several chances but it wasn’t going to be our day and Bedford finished the game off with 10 minutes to go. 
   Bedford certainly knew they were in a game today and words cannot depict how much effort the boys put in throughout the game.  All the players deserve a mention today but Mike Ricketts was voted ‘Player of the Match’, his work rate and constant threat to the Bedford defence saw him pick up the award. 
   This has been a great cup run and puts into perspective how far this team has come, WELL DONE BOYS!

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, G. Baker, R. Dobson, A. Dommett, G. Howard, S. Flint, C. List, A. Atkins, S. Fisher, M. Ricketts, J. Osborne, D. Ibbotson, A. Dineen

Potton Colts 1 ArleseyTown 3
League, Cup: Friday 14 January 2005

A fine team performance enabled Arlesey to progress into the next round of the League Cup at the expense of Div 1 side Potton.
   Potton started the game in a lively fashion, dominating the middle of the park and probing the defence on numerous occasions, but some stout defending kept the Potton attack at bay.  Arlesey were now starting to cause Potton problems, Jamie Osborne clipping the bar with a free kick seemed to spur Arlesey on and after 25 minutes a clever ball to Mike Ricketts saw him outpace the full back and drive a quality cross into Jamie who put the ball away to put and send the boys 1-0 up at half time. Arlesey started the second half more brightly. 
   Sean Fisher was dominating in the centre, enabling Arlesey to attack more frequently and they deservedly went two up when Jamie’s low drive beat the Potton Goalie.  Still Arlesey had to be on their toes, as Potton tried to get back into the game, but Ryan Dobson and Adam Dommett were in no mood to give anything away. 
   Arlesey went three up with ten minutes to go; Jamie Osborne turned and chipped the keeper into the far corner of the net. Potton pulled a consolation goal back with 5 mins to go, but the boys held on to pull off a magnificent victory for the team. 
   Everyone gave their all for the team, but Man of the Match went to Adam Dommett for Arlesey, who yet again gave a commanding performance at the back
   A big thank you to Arlesey Town for allowing the game to be staged under lights on Friday night and to Potton FC, who were gracious in defeat “ but to no surprise” as their players, Managers and supporters are a credit to their Club. 
   A small presentation was made after the game by each team, Adam Dommett chosen by Howard King, Potton Manager and Lewis Griffiths chosen by Trevor Flint Arlesey Manager picked up player of the night, and a splendid buffet laid on by Arlesey Youth parents was enjoyed after the game in the Clubhouse.

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, G. Baker, R. Dobson, A. Dommett, G. Howard, S. Flint, S. Fisher, C. List, A. Atkins, M. Ricketts, J. Osborne, A. Dineen, D. Ibbotson

Buntingford  Cougars 1
Arlesey Town 2
9 January 2005

Arlesey  came away with maximum points against high flying Cougars, thanks largely to a  humungous team effort. Playing against a  strong wind in the first half, the boys had to give a resolute performance, this they did and probably shaded the first half.
   Alex Winwood’s early injury caused a reshuffle with Lofty being sent on and Sean Fisher moving towards the middle, but this didn’t seem to unsettle the side and if anyone was going to score it was going to be Arlesey. Twenty minutes gone and Jamie Osborne’s superb finish put the Blues one up. Two or three  more chances went begging before half time, but to no avail.
   All credit to Arlesey’s defence; in difficult conditions they gave the Cougars attack nothing and were very instrumental in sending Arlesey in 1-0 up at half time.
   All set  for a good second half, but within five minutes Buntingford had equalised, but that  was about their only noteworthy attack, as Arlesey dominated the second  half. With Cougars’ goalie in outstanding  form, it was going to take something special to beat him, Sean Fisher and Greg  Howard delightfully sent Mike Ricketts through, only to be denied again by the  keeper, but this time his persistence paid off and the rebound fell nicely and Mike made it 2-1.
   With Gurpy hardly seeing any action, Arlesey comfortably got to the final whistle to take the three points. As said before, this was a fine performance by all the boys, but Sean Fisher stood out today having been moved to the middle, he went on to give a sterling performance.

Arlesey:  G. Dhesi, G. Baker, A. Dommett, R. Dobson, G. Howard, S. Flint, A. Winwood, S.  Fisher, A. Atkins, C. List, M. Ricketts, J. Osborne, A.  Dineen

Arlesey Town U14s 11 Albion U14s 1
19 December 2004

Arlesey ran out comfortable winners against a depleted but highly spirited Albion side. Jamie Osborne opened the scoring after six minutes but the team had to wait another 20 minutes before Jamie found the net again.

Two minutes later he completed his hat trick. Greg Howard added number four before half time but, to be honest, the lads should have gone in with a lot more. The second half started with Mike Ricketts getting on the scoreboard after only two minutes. He soon added another one, five minutes later.

Greg Howard notched the seventh and Jamie Osborne added number eight. Albion then got onto the score sheet courtesy of the linesman, who I think at the time was buying a hot dog! Jamie added number nine after 25 minutes and then a fine run by Greg Howard saw him chip the goalie for his hat trick, only to see Lofty storm in and tap the ball in on the line. 

Mike Ricketts completed his hat trick with a few minutes to go.  This was a very hard game for the lads due toAlbion's misfortunes, it can sometimes work the other way and at times it was too easy and the boys play was, at times, lethargic.

All credit to Albion whose boys never gave up and were a credit to their club. Adam Dineen and Daniel Ibbotson, two great team members both enjoyed longer run outs than usual and both performed admirably.  With three or four lads catching the eye today, ‘Man of the Match’ therefore went to the whole team.  

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, R. Dobson, S. Fisher, A. Winwood, A. Dommett, C. List, G. Howard, A. Atkins, S. Flint, G. Baker, J. Osborne, M. Ricketts, D. Ibbotson, A. Dineen

ArleseyTown U14s 2     LetchworthGarden City Eagles Yellows U14s 3
12 December 2004

This was probably Arlesey's worst performance so far this season.  Too many players went missing today and against a side of Letchworth's calibre, the team are always going to struggle.  Ironically, Arlesey had the upper hand in the first ten minutes.

Josh Coles’ fine run and cross was only cleared to the edge of the area and the incoming Sam Flint sweetly struck a crisp shot past the keeper. Letchworth were soon level, very poor defending from a corner, 1-1.  Letchworth's second was poorly defended all over the pitch. The centre-half picked the ball up in defence and ran right through for 2-1 at half time.

The second half saw Letchworth get the upper hand and they made it 3-1 with a well-taken goal.  Jamie Osborne scored a late consolation goal but in truth this was a very disappointing display and the boys really never deserved anything out of the game. 

Gary Baker's second half display deserves a mention but Gurpy was superb in goal, making some wonderful saves to keep Arlesey in the game and fully deserved ‘Man of the Match’.

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, A. Dommett, R. Dobson, A. Winwood, S. Flint, G. Howard, J. Osborne, M. Ricketts, A. Atkins, G. Baker, S. Fisher, C.List, J. Coles, D. Ibbotson, A. Dineen.

Broadhall U14s 1 Arlesey U14s 3
Sunday 5 December 2004

A workmanlike team performance was the key to success this week as Arlesey came away with maximum points against an in-form Broadhall side.  After the initial five to ten minutes of each side settling down, Arlesey got on top and but for some brave goalkeeping, Arlesey could have gone two or three up. 
   Greg Howard was causing his marker nightmares, weaving his magic down the flank. He and Mike Ricketts were both unlucky not to get on the score sheet but the goal eventually came.
   After a frantic scramble it was that goal poacher, Sniffer Winwood who coolly slotted the ball away to put Arlesey 1-0 up at half time.
   Broadhall started quite brightly after the interval but the back three of Baker, Dobson and Dommett were coping admirably. Then incident number one, an atrocious penalty decision, Gurpy saved only to see the rebound put away. 
   ‘Sub’ Jamie Osborne was sent on with 20 minutes to go but the game was still tight. Two excellent moves put Arlesey in front. 
   Again good work by Greg and Mike saw Jamie score from an acute angle, then five mins later Aaron Atkins’ superb run into the box saw him bravely clash with the goalie, the ball falling to Jamie for 3-1.  Then incident number two, a penalty again to Broadhall.
   If the first one was laughable then this was farcical but it summed up the referee’s efforts. Fortunately the spot kick was put wide and the game finished 3-1 to Arlesey.
   Arlesey’s first half performance was very pleasing with Greg Howard and Mike Ricketts very prominent but ‘man of the match’ went to Aaron Atkins who had an outstanding game in midfield for the Blues. Congratulations go to Greg Howard and Sam Flint who both achieved 100 games for the Club. Big thanks to both of you from all at the Club, for all your efforts.
Arlesey: Dhesi, Dobson, Fisher, Baker, Dommett, Winwood, Atkins, Flint, Howard, List, Ricketts, Osborne, Dineen, Ibbotson.  

Arlesey U14s 0 Harlow U14 Reds 5
Sunday 28 November 2004

On paper this was always going to be a tough match for the boys and with leading scorer Jamie Osborne trialling with LutonTown, the task was made even greater.
   Harlow soon opened up a three goal lead and when number four went in after 20 minutes, things looked very ominous. However, the boys rallied and battled their way back into the game. 
   A fine move between Josh Coles and Mike Ricketts nearly bought the team reward. At half-time the tactics were changed. Coles was pushed forward and straight away he caused the Harlow defence problems. 
   Mike Ricketts sent Coles through after 10 minutes; he went past three defenders only to blast the ball over the ball from 5 yards out. The whole team played very well in the second half and matched Harlow in every department. 
   All of the team can be proud of their efforts, but Ryan Dobson in defence caught the eye to pick up ‘man of the match’.

Arlesey:Dhesi, Baker, Dobson, Dommett, Howard, Flint, Winwood, List, Dineen, Fisher, Ricketts, Coles, Ibbotson, Atkins

Stotfold U14s 3 Arlesey U14s 1
Sunday 21 November 2004

This eagerly awaited fixture between these two sides certainly lived up to expectations.  Passion, commitment and the desire to win, it had it all. Unfortunately for Arlesey, they were second best in every category.
   Stotfold wanted this game more and deservedly took the three points.  After Jamie Osborne should have put Arlesey one up, it was Stotfold who struck first. One ball over the top, two out of three defenders asleep, 1-0. 
   The second soon followed, a ball that should have been won in midfield was centred for three or four Stotfold players to take their pick as to who wanted to put the ball in the back of the net for 2-0. The second half was very open.
   Both sides had plenty of opportunities to score but credit to both goalies, the pair of them having outstanding games. Arlesey hit back with ten minutes to go. Osborne turning his marker and firing passed the goalie. 
   The lads pushing for the equaliser were caught out in the final minutes for Stotfold’s third and game over.  Many Arlesey boys were below par today but take nothing away from Stotfold’s performance, they out muscled the boys, out thought and out played Arlesey for lengthy spells. 
   Adam Dommett can hold his head high, in giving a Captain’s performance and thoroughly deserving ‘man of the match’ for Arlesey.

Arlesey: Dhesi, Baker, Dobson, Dommett, Flint, Howard, Winwood, List, Fisher, Atkins, Ricketts, Osborne, Dineen, Ibbotson. 

Arlesey U14’s 7 Hormead Hares 1
Sunday 14 November 2004

Arlesey’s first league game for a month saw them entertain old friends Hormead.  The visitors had the better of the early exchanges and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 10 minutes. 
   Arlesey started to get back into the game and after several chances went begging, Osborne finally equalised. It didn’t take long for Arlesey to go in front, neat work by Josh Coles saw him fire past the keeper. 
   Arlesey went in 3-1 up at half-time courtesy of a fine through ball by Winwood to Greg Howard who made no mistake.
   The second half saw Arlesey dominate the proceedings. Osborne, Ricketts and Coles added to their tallies. Osborne finished off the scoring with a stunning free kick and another hat-trick. 
   The scoreline should have been even greater but for some outstanding keeping and missed chances the boys could have had far more goals but the 3 points are more important as they have a lot of catching up to do if they want to challenge the top teams this year. 
   Again a very good team performance but three lads stood out today: Adam Dommett at the back; Sam Flint in midfield; and Mike Ricketts up front, all sharing the ‘man of the match’ award.

Arlesey: Dhesi, Baker, Dobson, Dommett, Howard, Flint, Winwood, Atkins, Coles, Ricketts, Osborne, Ibbotson, List, Dineen.

Leighton Utd Corinthians U14s 1 Arlesey U14’s 3
Sunday 7 November 2004

Arlesey superbly reached the Quarter Finals of the Beds County Cup with a gutsy display against last year’s semi-finalists, Leighton United. 
   A nightmare journey to the ground severely hampered preparations, the boys more or less having to run straight onto the pitch. 
   Leighton dominated the opening 15 minutes pouring forward at every opportunity and but for some resolute defending and Gurpy Dhesi being at his best, the game could have got beyond them. 
   But yet again, the team showed their character, clawing their way back into the game.  Leighton’s opener was cancelled out after 25 minutes. Jamie Osborne fended off his marker and coolly found the net for his 99^th goal for Arlesey, half time was a welcome break for the boys.
   The second half started off in great fashion. Straight from the kick-off Ricketts laid the ball back to Dobson whose exquisite pass found Ricketts again, who turned, laid to Osborne, history and 100 goals up, in only 41 games, a remarkable feat by any standards.
   Osborne notched number 3 ten minutes later and by this time Arlesey were totally in control of the game. Even the disgusting behaviour of the ‘home’ supporters could not distract the boys focus. With 5 minutes to go, Leighton had a couple of efforts but Dhesi was not having any of it! 
   This has to be one of the boys’ best results against a very big, physical side. They came back, took control of the game and probably surpassed any expectations they or the club had of reaching the last eight.
   Many outstanding performances, Adam Dommett stood out at the back. Sam Flint again broke up many of their attacks but Gurpy Dhesi and Jamie Osborne were both awarded ‘man of the match’.  Well done lads!

Arlesey: Dhesi, Baker, Dommett, Dobson, Howard, Flint, Winwood, Fisher, List, Osborne, Ricketts, Atkins, Ibbotson

ArleseyTown U14s 6 Houghton Conquest U14s 0
Sunday 24 October 2004
Arlesey progressed into the next round of the County Cup at the expense of a poor but spirited Conquest side. Having only ten players didn’t help Conquest’s plight.
   Arlesey started very brightly and had their opponents on the back foot from the whistle. Several chances went begging before Josh Coles opened the scoring with a near finish.
   The lads were playing some good attractive football. Again and again they split the defence. Mike Ricketts’ superb strike made it 2-0 and a couple from Jamie Osborne put the boys 4-0 up at half-time and thoroughly deserved too as they had played some of their best attacking football of the season so far.
   The second half was a complete mystery. Although Arlesey added two more, both from Jamie Osborne, they completely lost their way and were dragged down to the level of their opponents.
   Only in the last ten minutes did they seem to redeem themselves. Gary Baker picked up ‘man of the match’ for his tenacious display at the back.

Arlesey: Dhesi, Dobson, Flint, Baker,  Winwood, Dommett, Dineen, Fisher, Howard, Atkins, List, Ricketts, Coles, Osborne.
 

Bishop Stortford Youth 4 Arlesey U14’s 3
Sunday 3 October 2004

Injuries and illness forced several changes this week, but all credit to the boys who came in and performed admirably, no one more than Dan Ibbotson who had a fine match.
   The disappointing aspect of this game was how Arlesey never managed to win it, or even come away with a point. Poor defensive mistakes put Stortford two up after 15 minutes and then when some awful marking in the box gifted Stortford number three, there seemed no way back.
   Arlesey had several chances to reply but wasted most of them with some poor finishing. Jamie Osborne pulled one back just before half-time with a superb long range effort.
   The second half wasn’t pretty but Arlesey pushed Stortford back and were rewarded when good work by Lofty saw him cross to Jamie to head number two. 
   It was all Arlesey now, with Stortford desperately defending.  The Stortford goalie made some terrific saves and his handling was spot on, with only minutes to go, Stortford’s only serious attack of the half ended with them scoring.
   Ironically, 30 seconds later Osborne notched his hat-trick but to no avail as Stortford hung on for the points. A great effort by the lads to get back into the game but harsh lessons hopefully learnt today that you cannot make basic errors and hope to get away with it in this league!
   Nevertheless some fine performances from some of the boys, Aaron, Jamie & Dan, three to mention, but ‘Man of the Match’ went to Gurpy Boy who, although he didn’t see much of the action still managed to produce three or four wonderful saves.

Arlesey: Dhesi, Fisher, Dommett, Baker, Flint, Howard, Winwood, Atkins, List, Osborne, Ibbotson, Dineen.  

Wootton Rangers U14s 1 ArleseyTown U14s 4
Sunday 26 September 2004

Arlesey began by handing possession to their hosts. Wootton pressed forward unchallenged and within minutes were 1-0 up. Arlesey continued to struggle seemingly unable to string two passes together or finish in front of goal.
   All that changed just before half time when Jamie Osborne fired in two fine goals. The team’s second half performance improved 100% with new signing Gary Baker firming up the defence and ‘Man of the Match’ Winwood commanding the midfield.
   Dommett netted from a set piece and Howard added the fourth, an absolute screamer from 25 yards out. Wootton, to their credit, never surrendered and were unlucky not to add to their tally in the last ten minutes.
   Arlesey lost this tie last year on penalties. Today’s win sees the blues progress to the second round of the Beds County Cup.

Arlesey: Dhesi; Dobson; Fisher; Baker; Dommett; Winwood; Atkins; Flint; Howard; Osborne; Ricketts; List; Dineen; Ibbotson.

Report by Alan Howard for atyfc.net
 

Albion 1 Arlesey Town 9
Sunday 19 September

Arlesey dominated this match from start to finish, playing up the hill & against a slight head wind.  Arlesey had to be disciplined, this they were, pushing Albion on the back foot. 
   Osborne & Ricketts both had several chances to open the scoring without success, then on 15 mins a nice move ended with Greg (I told you so) Howard finishing to put Arlesey 1 up. Jamie Osborne added 2 more before half time, but it could & should have been a lot more!
   The second half saw Arlesey score six more times, it could have been 12.  Apart from a 5 to 10 minute period in the second half, it was one-way traffic, although missed chances are disappointing, credit must go to the team for setting up & getting into goal scoring positions on a regular basis. 
   Michael Ricketts added a solo goal, but Jamie Osborne ended with seven goals, & deservedly took the Man of the Match award, he already has 11 goals in two games.  This was again a very good team performance, but credit must go to Albion, who never once gave up & gave a gutsy performance.
   Arlesey: G. Dhesi, R. Dobson, S. Fisher, A. Dommett, A. Winwood, S. Flint, A. Atkins, G. Howard, C. List, M. Ricketts, J. Osborne, D. Ibbotson, A. Dineen.

Report by Trevor Flint

Sunday 12 September 2004
LGC Yellows 1 Arlesey Town 5

A superb start to the season saw newly promoted Arlesey take maximum points away to local rivals Letchworth. The first 10 minutes, Letchworth dominated play and deservedly took the lead. However, it didn’t take Arlesey long to reply. Mike Ricketts’ solo run and shot was parried out to Jamie Osborne who shot to make it 1-1.  The rest of the first half saw the boys settle down and defend stoutly against a strong wind, half-time 1-1.
   Arlesey dominated the second half from start to finish. The defence pushed up, the midfield was very solid and the front two caused Letchworth’s defence serious problems.  Sam Flint’s fine through ball sent Osborne away. His shot was parried out to Mike Ricketts this time who tapped the ball in for 2-1. 
   Again and again Arlesey split the Letchworth defence enabling Jamie Osborne to grab three more, four in total. This was a very disciplined team performance. Adam Dommett marshalled the defence superbly, Alex Winwood repeatedly won a lot of ball in midfield enabling Arlesey to open their account in emphatic style. Well done lads!

Arlesey: G. Dhesi, S. Fisher, R. Dobson, A. Dommett, G. Howard, S. Flint, A. Winwood, A. Atkins, C. List, D. Ibbotson, A. Dineen, J. Osborne, M. Ricketts

Report by Trevor Flint
 

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