Classy display in seasons finale

City saved their very best performance of the season,not for a rainy day but to secure a Top 3 finish in the U13 Division One,runners up for those who took the odds without the favourite.

Basking in the sunshine enjoyed by the ripening grapes in the overlooking Yearlstone Vineyard,once again the strong travelling contingent packed the luxury seats in the away end.On a wide top end of the specification full size pitch,newly mown grass and starting in cool,pleasant conditions,City adapted their game to use the space for the full 70 minutes.

Once again with no sub to use the dugout,the team kept going for the duration,playing a passing game that sapped the energy.It was certainly well earned refreshment as City and their supporters filled the coffers of the local hostelry in post match celebration.

The whole team 11 were granted Men of the Match,not for the first time this campaign, as it became apparent that it wasn’t only Jim Kerr and Simple Minds that promised miracles.Every player was involved in so many moves it was difficult to keep tabs so fluent was the play.Three cracking goals,a first half opener/screamer from Sam,two from throughballs on to Alfie that were finished with customary aplomb,with just a solitary Twyford reply.

The season had been dogged with frustration,postponements and infuriating draws mainly,so it was in many ways a deserved finale to leave a lasting memory of the football year.

Managers reflections!!

Hello everybody,

Hope that you are all well and have had a good week so far.

Blimey what an intense end to the 2015/16 season we had, and how well we did to finish in a very respectful 3rd position in the league table, as we did last year.

It was such a great way to end the season, away at Bickleighand to be able to have a drink in the beer garden afterwards in the sunshine just capped off a great morning.  

There are so many things to say and to reflect on.

Perhaps the best place to start is to acknowledge the big decision that Alfie has made in deciding to move on from Central City after many seasons of hard work and effort.  Alfie has been a key member of our team and has enjoyed scoring well over a hundred goals in the last 3-4 seasons. 

 I am sure that I speak on behalf of all the players and parents when we wish him all the best as he moves to Central United and (save for derby days!!) we hope that he keeps banging in goals from all over the pitch!

We will of course also be missing Jayne, Andrew and Jasmine from the touch line and in particular Andrews great match reports which I know so many of you enjoy reading.

Thanks also go to John Braddick once again for his dedication and commitment to the team, especially this year he has brought a tactical awareness to the team which I learn from all the time and without which we would be a very different team, thank you John.

Thanks also to everyone who has helped and shared in the team’s success over the season, to the parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents  who have run the touchline, set up goals, updated the blog, transported players miles and miles, cut up oranges and stood in the wet, cold and wind cheering our heroes on!  

I am determined that the 2016/17 will be OUR season and the season in which we can really push both in the league and in the cup competitions and try and break through into the top spots!

This leaves us currently then with a squad of 12.  The foundation for next season will be Noah, Josh, Cameron, Charlie, Ewan, Will P, Will A, Sam P, Dan, Tom D, Tom O, Dylan and Onur.  

I am sure you agree with me that we have been a bit thin on the ground for some games and with players having long term injuries such as Tom and Dylan we need to make sure that we have a bigger squad.  I am also keen that we can accommodate players doing other things and not need to make decisions about doing one activity or another.  

On that basis I think we need to sign another 3-4 players. 

 I am pleased to announce that we have already secured one player for next season Zac Hagger.  Many of you know Zacwho has played for Central before and has been with West Exe for a few years, but Zac will be joining us as a strong, versatile and positive attitude player.   Welcome Zac.

I am in early discussions with 1-2 other parents and players and hope to have more news in the next couple of weeks, but in the mean time if you know of anyone who you think will be suitable please let me know.

As I said at the end of the Twyford match next seasons training will be much more focused on tactics and positioning within matches, this we hope will include some guest appearances from Gillian and other specialist coaches.

Over the summer I have entered three tournaments, all 6 aside.  I am still awaiting final confirmation of places but just to give you the heads up they will be on:

11th June at Crediton; 18th June at Tiverton and 3rd July at Honiton.  

As before I am keen for everyone to have the opportunity to play in at least one of these so when I have confirmation I will text around for expressions of interest!

Pre-season training will start in mid August and will include a return of Marine Simon which I know was ‘enjoyed’ by all!!

Do we want to try and organise another day at the River Dart Country Park?? I am hapy to try and set this up but would welcome (via text) any thoughts.

Blimey I have rabbited on a bit, sorry but hope that you have found all of the information useful.

See you in the summer, and thank you all.

Mark 

 

 

 

 

Mixed fortunes in the funny old game

Two match reports once more,this time the second the penultimate contest of the season.The first one,a home season bow against Twyford is best described by an Ultravox song title....”Sleepwalk”.Starting with the statistics;On 7/5/16 playing 3/5/2 with 11 vs 9 and winning 1-0.

Any advantage in the numbers disappeared in psychology and tactics.There wasn’t the perceived urgency of competition and Twyford were set up well,not to chase lost or even 50/50 possibilities and defended with determination.City had late unavailability and a no sub team once again but it was fully 21 minutes played before a shot was made on the Twyford goal.

With the City striker gingerly marshalled throughout the contest and out of the game,the midfield just could not keep the ball long enough to string moves and passes together.Halftime came and went and there were audible signs of relief when Dan struck the only goal of the game with a fine individual effort,15 minutes before the final whistle blew.

Josh tested the eyesight near the end,landing the ball on the roof of the net and Tom D collected the Man of the Match award for keeping the Duracell batteries running.But City needed to pick up for Wednesdays visit of Cullompton Rangers and have an eye on the tactics for presumably a full Twyford side on the 14th.

Starting in humid conditions on Wednesday evening,Cullompton kicked off playing towards the car park end.The heavy pitch,mainly as a result of long grass,made a passing game difficult and especially against a strong,physical side.After an early scare alleviated by Noahs’ excellent handling,City pressed on following the first of many Will P corners and picked up the bit.Notable efforts were a Cameron freekick that sailed over and several quick moves that forced saves.Finally,after plenty of City chances including a pinball type event where the ball went everywhere bar the net,the whistle blew seconds after a breakaway Cullompton goal,which deflated spirits.

Injuries started to pile up in the second half,a hobbling Oner replaced by Will A,and Tom D and Ewan finishing the game limping.City had turned the game around with an Alfie brace,both from high throughballs from midfield,the first a powerful shot and the second a calm header on a one on one with the keeper.However despite Dan and Sam creating from midfield,the ball was lost and switch offs in concentration allowed the opposition to win the game 2-3 with well taken goals giving Noah no chance.After 70 minutes play plus injury time,Will P still ran the whole length of the pitch to prevent one of Cullomptons’ strongest players the chance of a further opportunity.

As the mist rolled in from the coast and also on Citys’ season,the final rematch away at Twyford looms.Men of the Match for this one were Josh for defensive acumen and Charlie for right wing play of the same.