Christmas comes early to end a sensational year

So the Central City year ends,once again at KGV with the fifth appearance there in as many weeks.A much anticipated clash,for those betting without the favourite,a top of the table encounter.It clearly meant much to the opposition,to respect City,to try to consolidate their own position in the table.

Who is a Spartan.A person from Sparta,Ancient Greece?.These Spartans were from further north,Tiverton way.The11am kick off saw them choosing to play into the breeze,away from the carpark end.Any thoughts of a yuletide slog were quickly dispensed with,as both sides set out a defensive stall but with skill and vision to attack the opposition as the breaks allowed.City had to immediately adjust from the planned formation due to the absence of Cameron,so Sam P dropped back and Joe started.The KGV pitch was holding up well despite the recent rains and it was City who were first to develop several threatening attacks through use of open play.At times,the short game in training was brilliantly complimented with the ball being spread wide to the wings,the midfield engine forcing several City corners.The allocated ref will be adding an alarm clock to his Christmas list after arriving late,taking over from the gallant John B after 10 minutes.This coincided with the first test for Sam R in goal,making a good save,returning the ball with speed and suddenly an offside effort by Tom was hitting the side netting at the other end.

Sam R was once again called upon as the half ticked on,this time,he parried a stinging shot airwards and caught it decisively and securely after it hit the bar on the way down,despite being surrounded by Twyford strikers.Almost immediately an unstoppable shot beat him and City were behind.A critical period leading up to halftime followed,and with delight and to their great credit,City continued to build from defence,passing the ball,again over some distance.A moment later,a move found Tom in space,a jinking run,a cut inside and a low right foot screamer levelled the score.

The second half saw more positivity from City.There may have been a theoretical or perhaps definite advantage in terms of the direction the Spartans were now playing,more so as the wind had picked up considerably,blowing straight into the City boys faces.But,if anything,the quality of the football improved and it was end to end stuff in places.Midway through the second half,City were pressing once again,with the ball in the top right opposition corner.Seconds later,said opposition were away down the left,almost reaching the far corner before turning inside and restoring the Twyford lead.

What followed was a battle of wits and attrition.The ref,who may now be adding a stopwatch to the alarm clock on the Xmas list,had played a 35 minute first half and was well into doing so in the second.City had tactically changed formation,subtly dropping Alfie W back a bit to right midfield.In an exhilarating moment,the said player found the top left corner with a Beckhamesque effort well into Fergy time.In true Ferguson era Manchester United,Twyford had just enough time to kick off before the final whistle blew.

More Spartan anecdotes.”Theme from Sparta FC” by The Fall,was used as the backdrop for the BBC’s football results on a Saturday,maybe still is.Despite the intonation of James Alexander Gordons’ voice,which would have given away the draw result as he announced:Central City 2,Twyford Spartans 2,as with many other 2-2 draws,it is unlikely that the true excitement of the match was ever portrayed.And in another spurious Spartan Chrimbo link,the fabulously named Birkenhead band Half Man Half Biscuit,recorded a song entitled “ All I want for Christmas is a Dukla Prague away kit”.So,in case it comes up in a Xmas quiz,Who is the other team in Prague.Oh Yes,Sparta Prague.You couldn’t make it up.

Back in the spring it was probably an away win at Colyton that sent City on their way to promotion.If a Xmas wish were to have been granted then,3rd in Division 1 of the league,unbeaten bar the Blues,would have been high on the list.We didn’t have Man of the Match Josh then,the award makes us glad we have now,together with all our squad.You all deserve a Dukla Prague away kit for a Happy Christmas.

One last big effort then we have a break!!

Well our last session before the festive break was a good one I thought and my thanks to Gillian and to John for their input. 

Charlie hit the nail on the head last night seeing how the training that we do on a Wednesday impacts our performance on the Saturday in our matches. 

 That is why it is so important that we are focused and concentrating on the drills and practice that we do. We always try and mix it up a bit and last night offered something for everyone so well done.

 Okay here we go then the last game of 2014….what a year this has been for us hey! It is against Twyford Spartans who are clearly a class team and are having a very strong season. 

 They will pose us a great challenge but I am sure that we will give them a run for their money! 

The starting team for Saturday will be: 

Goal Keeper – Sam R © 

 Defence – Josh, Cameron and Charlie

 Midfield – Sam P, Dan, Will P and Tom

 Striker – Alfie W 

 Starting Subs – Will A and Joe 

 Rested injured or not available – Oscar, Ryan, Ewan and Alfie R 

 We have an allocated referee again which is working well this season and it is s a slightly later kick off at 11:00am to accommodate two games on the same pitch. 

 We will be playing on our favoured pitch nearest the car park.

 Sam R is our captain for the second time and enjoyed a good (and busy!) training session last night so should head into the match full of confidence. 

 Can we ask you to get to KGV for a 10:15am warm up and match preparation, if you can come wrapped up as we will spend the first 10-15mins talking through the tactics and match plans.

 I have had a good look at their website and have read their match reports, what is clear is that they have two main striking threats who between them have scored almost all their goals. 

 If we can identify these boys it will help the defence who will have to be alert at all times to the danger that they pose. Whatever the result on Saturday we will finish 2014 no lower than third place in Division One! 

 What a great success boys you should be exceptionally proud of yourself and what you have achieved thus far.

 If I had said that we would have been third in the league at Christmas I am sure we wouldn’t have believed it!

Will look forward to seeing you on 

Saturday 

 Regards 

 Mark

Wow!!!!!

Hi everyone, 

 Hope that you are all well and having a good week. 

 The final week of school before you break up for the festive break is always fun! 

 What a great match report as well, I say it every week but brilliant to be able to remember the match and some of the things that we all miss in a match so thanks to Team Worth! 

 I am still smiling after the great game on Saturday, not just because it was a brilliant result but it was the style of football that we played, energy, space, confidence and trust in one another.

 These are great qualities and have served us well in the past and I hope will do so in the future for the rest of the season. 

 On Saturday we play Twyford Spartans. Anyone following the league tables will know they just piped us into the second spot at the weekend and are having as strong season thus far so will be a tough team for us to play.

 I will post the starting team on Thursday as per normal after training, but we already know that we will be missing Ewan and Ryan for the last game of 2014! 

 Speaking of training….Isca on Wednesday 6pm to 7pm, hope to have a mixture of normal training with some festive fun and games! 

 Just one quick note to say that the kick off on Saturday has been delayed until 11:00am to enable another match to take place on the intermediate pitch. We have an allocated referee again. 

 On a personal note I really wanted to thank everyone for the kind gift at the weekend, I was really genuinely touched and appreciative. We have a really special thing going on with Central City and I feel proud to play my part in what we are able to achieve and give to all the players. Hope you all enjoyed the lunch at the Waterfront, such a great venue. Also thanks to Lynn and everyone who helped with the organisation of this event. 

 Seats on the Bideford Bus are filling up nicely so please let me know if you would like to reserve one! 

 That’s all I think, see you tomorrow at training. 

 Thanks again 

 Mark

Warriors put to the sword!

The penultimate game before the Christmas break,home against Sidmouth Warriors,it would have been apt to have taken the field to the dulcet tones of Roddy Frame when with Aztec Camera.Walk out to Winter.It certainly was,the choice for Sam R as captain, was to play the first half with the blinding sun in his eyes,or to select the white,frost filled goalmouth of the carpark end to slowly freeze his boots,legs,but hopefully not beyond.

Maybe the choice was not available but City kicked off the game playing towards the carpark end,Sam R’s baseball cap required attire.Josh sadly a last minute absentee (get well soon):Who we going to call?.No,not Ghostbusters,the boy in the blue shorts.Ha,no rest for Chelsea fans.This was City back to their best,back on top form,earning the pizzas.There was so much quality to enjoy,delightful passing,finding space,so much team spirit.The Warriors are without doubt,a well organised outfit,so it was particularly pleasing to defeat a good side playing this style of football.On 20 minutes, a fine individual effort by Dan was rewarded with the first goal.As City kept up the pressure,a second foul on Alfie W,resulted in City doubling their advantage as Cameron dispatched the freekick.The knock,however,was enough to prevent Alfie W from continuing.

Within 3 minutes of the restart it was 3-0 as Tom unleashed a left foot shot past the Warriors keeper.City had developed an adeptness at keeping the ball,so it was a somewhat rare foray into the homeside half,that saw Sidmouth force a corner.But a nearpost clearance by Charlie,a surging run by Joe,and a telling pass to boot,found Sam P.

Sam P running at goal,leftside,head down,focussed on burying the ball into the righthand side of the net.Outcome?.Exactly that:4-0.

It was an ebullient post match debriefing.Man of the Match,chosen by the rested but still attending and supportive Will A,was Dan.The Sidmouth managers’ Man of the Match was Charlie,singled out and sportingly voiced to us,as a player of rare ability and talent.He also praised City as a quality,passing team.Even more importantly,the boys recorded and sent a message to Ryan.And then they swaggered,just like Marlon Brando,in “On the Waterfront”.Well,that was the next destination.

Sidmouth on Saturday!!

Cold, windy and wet but such a positive training session tonight thank you boys for putting such a great effort into the training.

To recap this evening we focused on controlling the ball, looking up and then distributing the ball.  This is really important to ensure that we remain composed in possession of the ball, don’t panic and can build from the back.

It’s just great spending time with you all, lovely to have John B back with us and lets hope we can head into the festive break with some positive football.

On Saturday we play Sidmouth Warriors a tough team who have a reputation of being a well organised team, they are currently 4^th in the league just below us.  Its a 10:30am kick off at King George V.

The starting team will be:

Goal Keeper – Sam R (c)

Defence – Charlie, Josh and Sam P

Midfield – Ewan, Dan, Will P and Tom

Striker – Alfie W

Subs – Oscar, Alfie R & Joe

Injured, unavailable or rested – Cameron, Ryan, Will A

Sam R has been handed the captains armband, Sam has been training well with Gillian and has had a few good games.  Its a tough to play in goal and Sam has been doing a good job for us, so well done Sam and I am sure you will do a good job as team captain. 

Assistance putting the goals up would be great as always.  We also have an allocated referee so its all good.

Pizza at the Waterfront afterwards, table booked for 12:30pm for 1pm so plenty of time, but I suspect parking might be a bit tricky down at the quay.

Just to confirm that there will be NO training on Wednesday 24^th December or on Wednesday 31^st December .

We do have a game on Saturday 3^rd January though so not much of a break.

Also on Saturday 31^st January we are away at Bideford Blues.   I would like us to go to Bideford for the boys to experience and play on what I understand to be excellent pitches.  I understand that this is a fair trip so have hired a minibus to take players and parents from KGV and drop you back after the game.  I will ask the club to subsidence this so can offer this at £3 per seat!  If you would like to book a seat please let me know ASAP, if we have enough interest we can get a second minibus or even a coach!

Have a good few days and will look forward to seeing you on Saturday for a 10am warm up.

Cheers

Mark

City fight back to earn a draw

City were once again tested at KGV on Saturday,this time by the renowned St Martins,historically a competitive, spirited team.A slightly later than usual11am matchtime, saw City kick off in perfect December footballing conditions.All frost had come out of the ground,with the freshly mown grass of the second intermediate pitch providing the setting.

City had only a dead nine to select from so all were required to line up.The first half initially saw an equal opening of exchanges between the sides.The eagle eyed among you would have spotted the talented and promising Exeter City player Matt Grimes,watching with interest on the touchline.Rumour has it that he is worth £1 million more than the house whose back garden he was standing behind.

St Martins eventually settled into a good passing game that had City chasing and uncharacteristically pulled out of position.They seized their opportunity to lead one nil at halftime.City welcomed back John B to aid the manager with the teamtalk,two heads maybe better than one,to come up with a strategy to reverse the position in the second half.

As City took up an immediate,positive approach,playing less deep,it was satisfying that heads did not drop after St Martins had capitalised on an inevitable breakaway,a consequence of those tactics,to double their lead.Matt Grimes had departed,surely not on account of the increasingly vocal City mums who began to kick every ball.Suddenly it all came together,City had the bit between their teeth,and amongst a flurry of near efforts,a last minute scare as the ball rattled the home side post,two deflected efforts levelled the score.

As the distant bells of a church signalled 12 noon,five minutes before,it was high noon for a City comeback of merit.Do we owe the bells five farthings?.

We owe Josh,Man of the Match,showing great class to come back from injury to defend and play with inspiration and pride. 

Saturday and a trip to Spain!?

Hi all!

What a great training session last night, was a chilly night but boys you were really focused and worked so hard so thank you.

A few things from me and then I will leave you in peace!

Firstly the match on Saturday.  It is a home game against one of the top teams in the league St Martins.  This will be a tough test for us, perhaps our toughest since our game against Bideford.  But, as with the Bideford game, I feel confident in our ability to match them and have a really tough contest in all areas of the pitch. 

I popped into look at the pitches today and they have just been cut so thats good news and should be in great order! (Aw that was a Bill McClaren phrase....sorry wrong shaped ball!)

It will be a busy day at KGV with both Under 11 & Under 12 teams at home.  This means a staggered kick off times, so we will be kicking off at 11am.  Could we meet (wrapped up!!) at 10am though please so we can have a longer match preparation and quality warm up.  The good news is that the goals will already be set up!

It will be good to welcome back John B to the touchline after his trip to Oz. 

We also welcome back referee Lionel to KGV as he has been allocated to our game which is great.

So the starting team for Saturday will be:

Goal Keeper – Sam R

Defence – Josh, Cameron and Ewan

Midfield – Ryan, Dan, Will P and Tom (C)

Striker – Alfie W

Starting Subs – Charlie & Will A

Rested, injured or not available – Joe, Oscar, Alfie R and Sam P

Please remember that we now have three tough home games in the run up to the festive break so lots of football to come.

An International Opportunity!!

I have been approached and asked if we would like to put a team forward for a 7 a-side tournament in Cantabria, Northern Spain.  This would be on the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th April 2015!

It sounds a really well run tournament and lots of opportunity for playing against teams from across Europe and also to soak up some of the Spanish sun and explore the local area.

Accommodation can be provided locally by the tournament organisers for roughly £100 for the 4 nights.  We could either look to fly or get the ferry to Santander which would be the other expense.

I wonder what people think?  I would be up for it and happy to try and get this off the ground if there is interest.  

Perhaps we could do some fund raising over the winter to raise some funds?  I will also speak to Nigel to see if we can use some of the Central funds!  It would be good to have at least 4 adults to support this as well.  If you are interested then could you let me know, if there is enough interest perhaps we could have a planning meeting over a festive drink!

Dad’s Night In!!

Calling all DOP’s.....Dad’s of Players!! 

Russ has kindly offered to host a dads night in at his place in January.......we thought a sweet sherries, a fun and friendly game of cards perhaps, a takeaway and a bit of a laugh on Will’s xBox playing Fifa15....only joking Will!!

This will be on Saturday 24^th January 2015 if you are interested again catch me or Russ so we have a rough ideas of numbers.

So looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, any problems as ever please just let me know.  I know that at this time of year the boys are  tired and being pushed at school as well.  If you feel your son needs a rest from training or on a Saturday just let me know.

The weather is looking great for Saturday so exciting times

Mark 

And the draw for the quarter finals is.......

Hello everyone,

A fabulous match report from our touch side reporters once again, thank you so much for doing this Andrew and Jasmine and offering a chance to relive the matches,

So yes a tough match on Saturday, a game of two halves, but (if you will allow me just one more footballing metaphor....a win is a win!!

I have put out an SOS to Nigel to see if we can get the grass cut at KGV as I think it is bordering on being too long to play really.

Any of you that follow the League website will see that the quarter final draw for the U 12 cup has been made and we have a tough away draw against Copplestone United on the 10th January!  That is a tasty draw and I hope you will all be up for that challenge and the allure of semi final action!

Training on Wednesday night as per normal, the training focus will be on developing and consolidating some of the things we have been working on in recent weeks, namely attacking in 1-1 situations, passing combinations, defensive lines pushing out and up in offensive phases and....as always communication :-)

Was great to see improvement in throw in's on Saturday so well done boys we are really doing well this season.  Hope your all happy with the way things are going.


Best wishes

Mark

Tight win extends winning form!

City were truly tested at KGV on Saturday by a tough Broadclyst side that could easily have won the game or at least forced a draw on another occasion.

The rearranged fixture saw the second home appearance in a run of five leading up to Christmas,on a pleasant morning with no breeze,turning cooler as the game went on.On the now familiar wet long grass,the visitors kicked off towards the carpark end,with City initially lining up with a positive 3-2-3 formation.

Any preconceptions that Broadclysts’ position in the table reflected their true ability were quickly dispelled in the first couple of minutes,as the bright orange shirts surged forward forcing a corner.A second immediately followed after City survived the bar and then post being rattled but essentially keeping them level.Sam R was called into action again and again making some great saves as City seemed unsure and uncharacteristically nervy.Didn’t someone once say that there were no easy games.

The shock seemed to wake up the home side and they responded to their managers calls to play to their game.Some delightful touches followed,confidence slowly creeping back in,as Wills A and P both went close with shots from distance.It certainly wasn’t an unlucky thirteenth minute for City as Alfie W laid the ball off for Tom to rifle in,right foot.Later,a similar offensive concluded with a delightful backheel by Alfie W to set up Charlie for a desperately close effort.Cam had also tested the keeper with a well held direct freekick,before another quality sequence of touches,ended frustratingly after Tom found the head of Alfie R,perfectly placed to head home but ruled offside.Morally a goal in all but counting on the scoreboard,it would have been a fine reward for Alfie’s efforts.

Ryan and Oscar came on as subs in the second half,both seeing plenty of the ball as,despite Joe going close immediately,City had to concentrate on resolutely defending for much of the 30 minute period.Charlie had another outstanding game and there was a degree of comfort watching Cameron clearing from defence and stepping up for free kicks that went so close to increasing the score.Ryan clearly played through the pain barrier making several critical interventions.With ten minutes to go there was a definite feeling that City were,to a degree,hanging on,the only light being two Will P efforts from distance.There was probably some relief as the young ref called an end to the match with City 1-0 to the good.

Tom opened his captaincy tenure by leading by example,scoring the only(official) goal of the game and being named Man of The Match.Some start!!.