City clinch promotion with another 5-star performance

Central City wracked up 5 goals for the second time in the space of 24 hours to complete a hard-fought 5-0 victory over Tiverton Town Youth and ensure third spot and automatic promotion to the 1st division.

The first half was a tight affair with Tiverton pressing and passing well and putting pressure on the home defence. At times, Central struggled to get the ball into attacking positions with Alfie W becoming a bit isolated and having to battle to take on the Tiverton defence. Tiverton created a few half-chances from corners with a couple of shots flashing just wide of the post. At the other end, City came closest to scoring when a fantastic free-kick from Cameron crashed back off the far post and there were also chances for Will P, whose rasping shot was tipped over superbly by the keeper, and Sam P who saw a great cross headed to safety from almost under the bar. The game remained goalless at half-time and City certainly knew they had a game on their hands.

City re-grouped and put in a fantastic 2nd half display with five unanswered goals. The warning signs were there from two set piece deliveries from free-kicks by Sam P and Cameron but the deadlock was finally broken when a low cross from Sam P left Joe with a straight-forward tap in to put City 1-0 up. As in the game the previous day, City doubled their lead almost instantly, Sam P bursting down the left and firing in from outside the box. In the blink of an eye, City had gone 2-0 up and were in control of the game. The momentum was clearly with the home team now, Will P charging through midfield and firing narrowly wide, and the third goal duly arrived when a shot from the edge of the box by Julen took a hefty deflection to wrong-foot the keeper. Having worked tirelessly throughout the game, Alfie W got his reward with a brace of his own, finishing expertly from a blocked clearance and then latching on to a wonderful lofted pass from Joe to beat the keeper from close range and round off the scoring.

All in all, another wonderful team performance full of determination, effort and no little skill. Having played a physically hard game the previous day, it was to the boys great credit that they kept going all game. MoM went to Ewan W for his composed performance in defence, with excellent positional play and some some vital clearances. Well done Ewan!

Central City's promotion was confirmed with news that Colyton Redsocks had lost to leaders Bideford, meaning that City cannot now be overtaken in 3rd place. Congratulations to all the boys and the management team for this fantastic achievement!

From today and into tomorrow!!!

Hello everyone, 

A brilliant match report from Jonathon which summed up perfectly such an amazing performance from our City hero’s this morning.

 I hope that you all came away from the match with a beaming smile and that as you read this, the excitement and anticipation of tomorrows match is burning bright!! 

Not too bright so that you can’t get to sleep though!!

We played really well today boys, another strong second half performance. We do seem to lose our way a bit after about 15-20minutes of the first half, no obvious reason but let’s be aware of that tomorrow and see if we can try and keep things fosuced in the final stages of the half. 

 So we are without Dan and Alfie R tomorrow so here is the starting team. 

Goal Keeper – Sam R 

Defence – Will A, Cameron & Ewan 

Midfield – Sam P, Will P, Ryan & Julen © 

Striker – Alfie 

Starting Subs – Sam W, Joe and Oscar. 

Julen has been handed the captains armband. This is well deserved and an acknowledgement of the key part of the team that Julen has been for a number of years and ahead of his move in the summer. 

The weather is looking a bit inclement for tomorrow with rain coming in about 11am, I will bring my gazebo for some shelter for parents, if anyone else has one they are able to bring that would be great but no worries if not.

 Tomorrow is all about Tiverton Town, if we prepare and play like we did today I hope that we will do well, but I fancy that Tiverton (who scored 8 today against Lympstone) might push us all the way, so early nights, big breakfasts and lets meet at KGV for a 10am warm up. 

Any problems please let me know, 

These are great days, brilliant youth football and it really feels like we are all part of something very special. 

Until tomorrow 

Mark

City close in on 3rd spot after Leopards win

Central City continued their push for promotion with a convincing 5-1 victory away at CS Leopards. It was another great team effort against dogged opponents who dragged themselves back into the game and made life difficult for City.

City were quick out of the blocks and created several excellent chances in the opening stages of the match. Will P fizzed a low shot just wide of the post, Ryan saw an acrobatic scissors kick crash on to the bar from a corner, Sam P shot just off target from the first of several mazy runs whilst Cameron tried his luck from distance and Alfie was unable to convert a lovely through ball from Dan. It wasn't all one way traffic, though, and Sam R had to be alert to push away a goal bound shot from a rare Leopard's attack. 

City did break the deadlock, however, with two goals in the space of as many minutes. First, Alfie W blocked a clearance from the keeper before rifling in a shot to put the visitors 1-0 up. Shortly afterwards,  Alfie W showed great determination to close down a defender and win the ball back before bursting into the area and teeing up Sam P to make it 2-0. City seemed destined to add to the scoreline, Sam P sending in a fantastic cross from the left which just evaded a City touch and then whipping in a free-kick from the right which Ryan was just unable to reach. The home keeper was certainly proving a match for all that City could throw at them and his stunning save from a fierce shot from close range by Alfie W was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch. However, in the blink of an eye, the home team had halved the deficit, a forward capitalising on a lapse in the home defence and firing past Sam R. The final stages of the first half saw the home team grow in confidence and the half-time whistle provided a welcome chance to regroup.

With some fresh faces on the pitch, City continued to press forward and Dan was prominent, seeing a shot saved and then setting up Sam P who shot just wide. Cameron also saw a goal bound effort tipped past the post and just when a deflected shot from Dan seemed to be on its way in, the keeper somehow scrambled across his goal to make another brilliant save. City kept pressing and got their rewards when Cameron burst forward and scored from long range to make it 3-1. City extended their lead further when some lovely interplay saw Dan tee up Will P who lashed a fantastic effort into the top right hand corner to give the keeper no chance and make it 4-1. The day's scoring was completed when Joe made it 5, lofting a shot above the keeper from close range.

It was another excellent team performance against opponents who were resolute and quite physical at times. Man of the Match went to Sam P for his lung-bursting runs on the left-wing, frequently leaving players in his wake and sending in a number of crosses. His weaving run past 4 defenders late on in the game was testament to his power, pace and determination. Well don Sam P!

Tomorrow it's home to Tiverton Town and another vital match at the business end of the season. Come on City!!!!

Exciting and busy times!!

Hi everyone,

Lovely to see you all last night and hope you enjoyed the session. It was a bit different but important to use the time to ‘walk and talk’ through some of the attacking and defending routines ahead of the final set of games. 

So here we go!! 

With three games to go until the end of the season it will be important to maintain our concentration and focus on what we are doing and let everything else unfold! 

We need to remember to do the basics well, communicate well and play with energy and spirit! 

Important News 

The final match of the season against CW Dynamos has now been rescheduled to Friday 2nd May 6:30pm kick off at KGV. This is to allow the boys starting Isca in September to attend their meeting. 

So we have matches both this Saturday (away against CS Leopards) and Sunday (home against Tiverton Town). Both start at 10:30am so can I ask you to be at the pitches at 10:00am for warm up and match preparation. 

The starting team for Saturday will be: 

Goal Keeper – Sam R 

Defence – Ewan, Cameron & Will A

Midfield – Sam P, Will P, Dan & Ryan © 

Striker – Alfie W 

Starting Subs – Julen, Sam W, Oscar and Joe 

Ryan has been handed the captains arm band after a good season of playing and training so well done Ryan.

Also just to say that Jasmine (Worth) and I are working on a top secret project at the moment, she might be approaching you over the weekend with a camcorder and asking parents for your most memorable moment of the season!! I appreciate that not everyone likes being on camera….but this is just a bit of fun, so if you can have a think in preparation that will be great!!! 

Just to remind everyone of……. 

Awards Ceremony 

 Saturday 3rd May at Exeter City FC (2pm to 5pm). This is a special event for the boys and their families so will be great to see as many there as possible. If you are not able to attend could you let me know ASAP so I can make suitable arrangements etc. 

End of Season Social 

River Dart Country Park on Saturday 21st June for a day of fun, food and a time to enjoy the company of others away from the touchline!! Looking for a volunteer to help me organise this is possible. 

These are busy and exciting times for the squad and I thank everyone for their on going support and commitment. 

Thanks 

 Mark

The final push!!!!

Hello everyone, 

 Hope that you have all had a good break over the Easter holidays and that all the players feel rested and ready to go again!! 

 The last few weeks have been so exciting haven’t they!! Our back to back wins against Colyton were really impressive, all of you played your hearts out and never gave up, our fitness and concentration really shows in the second halves of these games. 

 We now move into the final part of the season and we have three games left to play. 

 We are away on Saturday against CS Leopards. 

 They play at Uffculme (EX15 3XG) 

 Then we have a game on Sunday against Tiverton Town at King George V. 

Our final match is against CW Dynamos and is currently due to be on Wednesday 30th April, however I am trying to get this match rearranged as it clashes with a important meeting at Isca school for the 5 boys who are starting there in September. I have suggested that it be played on Friday 2nd May at 6:30pm at KGV but this currently not confirmed yet, I will let you all know when I know. 

 We have training tomorrow evening (Wednesday) at 6pm at KGV. 

 This will be a light training session focusing on preparing for the final three matches, some specific work on defending corners and set pieces and will also try and have some fun things as well, a cross bar challenge or penalty shoot out!! 

 I am aware that we will be missing some players for the next set of matches. Alfie R on both Saturday and Sunday, Dan on Sunday and Will P on Friday 2nd may (if rearranged). 

 If you are not down on this list and are unable to play please let me know ASAP. 

Important Dates for your Diaries 

Awards Ceremony 

The annual end of season awards ceremony is nearly upon us, it will take place in the Grande Marque at Exeter City Football Ground on Saturday 3rd May starting at 2pm. It would be great to see all the players and families there to celebrate the clubs season. 

 End of Season Social 

We have talked about holding an end of season social event just for our team at the River Dart Country Park. 

 This will be on Saturday 21st June from 11am. More details to follow but a nice chance to celebrate this season, enjoy a BBQ and some fun and games in the woods!!! 

 If anyone would have a bit of time to help me get this organised I would be grateful, I have organised a discounted entry for all players and their families, but would be good to coordinate food etc. 

Whatever the outcome of the next few games there is little doubt that this has been a great season of football and we have played with a passion and a spirit which does you all credit. 

 See you on Wednesday for training 

 Mark

Late City comeback stuns Colyton

Central City produced a stunning turnaround against Colyton Redsocks to notch up a 4-1 victory and extend their unbeaten run to 7 games. Having fallen behind to a first-half Colyton goal, City struck late on in the game and two goals apiece from Dan and Alfie W mean that City have done the double over Colyton in the space of 3 days.

Despite starting brightly and putting together some lovely moves with neat passing and intricate interplay, City struggled at times against opponents who were compact and well-organised. As the first half wore on, City were increasingly on the back foot and it was no surprise really when Colyton took the lead moments before half-time. The second-half followed a similar pattern and it appeared likely that the visitors would get revenge for the home defeat of a few days earlier. 

As with the first game, however, City fought back in stunning fashion. The all decisive equaliser came from a ferocious shot from Dan which found it's way into the corner of the net and brought renewed belief to the home side. At this stage, the game still seemed destined for a draw but City had other ideas. When Alfie W hit the side-netting, having latched on to a long ball and got the better of the keeper, it seemed that a winner would prove elusive. Moments later, though, the same player finished expertly from a superb Dan cross to put City 2-1 up. Victory was sealed with further goals from Dan following a strong run by Alfie, before City's top-scorer doubled his tally with a simple tap in after a goalmouth scramble. 

It was a hard-fought victory and whilst the final scoreline was perhaps a little flattering, it was testament to the team's refusal to give up. The whole match-day squad played its part in contributing, with Ewan adding grit and no little skill when deployed in right-midfield and enabling the team to push forward at a vital stage in the match. Man of the Match performance went to Joe for his probing runs and great determination. Well done Joe!

The win sees City leapfrog Colyton into third place in the table on goal difference and into the automatic promotion positions. Wherever City finish in the table, nobody can doubt the wonderful team spirit and sense of togetherness which brought about today's win. Having had several games in a short period, City now have a 2-week break with the next match being away to CS Leopards on Saturday 26th April. So, plenty of time to rest tired legs ahead of the final end of season matches. Have a great Easter everyone (but go easy on the chocolate bunnies).

Boom, boom, boom!!!!!

We love you City….we do!!

We love you City….we do!!!

We love you City….WE DO!!!!

Ohhhhhhhhhh CITY WE LOVE YOU!!!!

 

Well I thought I would reflect overnight on a superb match before waiting the match report, but was so pleased and proud of you all that I found it difficult to nod off!!!

 

Sam P, Joe, Dan, Alfie W, Ewan, Sam W, Ryan, Oscar, Cameron, Will A and Will P you all played out of your skins last night and you should all be so proud of the part that you played in coming away with a 3 -1 win against a spirited and tough Colyton Redsocks team.

 

With Julen and Alfie R away we knew this was going to be a tough match, but with Sam R laid up in a hospital bed we had to make big changes for this key match.

 

Sam R we hope that you are feeling better and this result lifted your spirits!!  We dedicated this win to you Sam and look forward to having you back with us soon!!

 

The first half was a tight affair mainly played in the midfield, everyone played their full part and tackled with spirit and energy.  We were unlucky to go a goal down but as is the character of the team we did not let our heads drop, we continued to press and try and claw a goal back before the half time whistle. 

 

Our captain of the day Oscar had a great first half and was unlucky not to draw us level just before the half time whistle.

 

At half time we called some changes, we brought Sam P out of goal and into the left midfield position, Will A agreed, without hesitation, to put his gloves on and it was much appreciated. Oscar and Joe both came off after good first half’s and Ryan and Sam W slotted nicely into the right midfield and right back positions. 

 

The second half was our half!!  We played with pride and with energy, the tempo of the football that we play is so exciting, everyone looking hungry and wanting the ball.  It was a skilful finishing that resulted in us drawing level with an Alfie special. This got our tails up and we continued to press and Ryan and Will P came close to scoring.  It was from a midfield move that we got a penalty from a handball which was dispatched into the back of the net by Alfie.

 

Again great to see the communication within the team, Cameron reminding everyone of the importance of following up from penalties.

 

With the (metaphoric) wind at our backs we pressed on, we had to withstand some well organised attacking but the defensive line held strong, Ewan, Cameron and Sam W were always talking and ensuring that they covered each other when required.  Will A had a great second half in goal and made a few terrific and important saves.

 

Then boom……another fabulous goal created out of not giving up, skilful and clever inter play between the midfield team of Dan, Sam P, Ryan and Will P allowing Alfie to fire home another goal to take us into a final score of Colyton 1 Central City 3!!

 

Speechless!!  What was a brilliant result against a team above us in the league and who are pushing for promotion next season.  We were well organised and well disciplined, great communication throughout the team and we played with the smile on our faces that we said was so important at the start of the match.

 

The parents Player of the Match was Ewan.  Andrew picked Ewan for his all round excellent game, strong defensive play and for getting up from one of the worst and potentially most dangerous tackles we have seen all season, well done Ewan.

 

If you follow the leagues website like me, you will see that last night brought some interesting results.  Brixington had their game of the season to win 2-1 against Bideford their first defeat of the season.  You will also see that we are nestled very nicely in fourth place which is great achievement, aided by our 6 match unbeaten run!!

 

I am sure that Colyton will be feeling a bit bruised after last nights result and will come to King George V on Saturday with a determination to take 3 points back with them.  We will need to be focused and on our game, being complacent is not something that will be a problem for us, we are a balanced and mature team and we know that Colyton will offer another stern test for us.

 

We will need to plan for Saturday missing Julen, Alfie R and also Sam R, but we hope Sam might be able to join us on the touchline to cheer on the boys!

 

The starting team and formation will be:

 

Goal Keeper – Will A

 

Defence – Sam P, Cameron & Ewan

 

Midfield – Oscar ©, Dan, Will P & Joe

 

Striker – Alfie W

 

Starting Subs: Ryan & Sam W

 

It is probable that we will be on the full sized pitch for the game on Saturday, Central United are also at home and it is their turn to use the intermediate pitch, so big breakfasts as it could be a hard match with lots of running.

 

See you on Saturday then at KGV for a 10am for a warm up and match preparation.  John B will be the ref.

 

Thanks everyone

 

Mark

 

 

Matches coming thick and fast!!!!

Hello everyone, 

Hope that you have had a good start to your break from school boys, I am sure the 3 points win on Saturday helped!! It was a good win for City, hard fought and competitive, but good to come away with a pleasing win. 

 I was really pleased for Alfie R who was not only a great captain for the team but had a great game and made some really nice runs down the right wing. Well done Alfie. 

 We now have Colyton Redsocks back to back on Wednesday (away) and Saturday (home). This should be a great contest, they are having a strong season, currently second in the league, and playing them twice in a short space will be interesting. 

 The rotation of the captains arm band continues and I am pleased to hand this to Oscar for the matches against Colyton. Oscar has been really committed to training and to playing this season, has shown great improvement and a great attitude. Well done Oscar. 

We go into these matches without the services of Julen or Alfie R, so we will need to be fuelled up for long and hard matches. 

The starting team for Wednesday’s away match at Colyton will be: 

Goal Keeper – Sam R 

Defence – Oscar (c), Cameron and Will A 

Midfield – Sam P, Will P, Dan & Joe 

Striker – Alfie W 

Starting Subs: Sam W, Ryan and Ewan 

If we can meet at Colyton’s ground (EX24 6PU) at 6:00pm please for a warm up please that would be great. 

IMPORTANT OTHER BITS!! 

End of Season Social 

Have had a few thumbs up about holding our end of season social event at the River Dart Country Park, probably on a Saturday in May or June. I have been in contact with them and have negotiated a nice discount. Suggest that maybe going for the day might be enough, have a nice lunch, BBQ etc, could be a lovely day (depending on weather!!!) 

 Would anyone be interested and willing to work with me on this to ensure we get it all organised, coordinate food etc?? 

Under 11’s Plate Competition.

 Each year the league hosts a Plate Competition for those teams knocked out of the Cup in the early rounds. From memory this was the event in Exmouth last year when it was ubber hot!!! As yet a date has not been set but it is likely to be a Saturday in May or June, hence us holding off naming a date for the end of season social!! I check the leagues website every day and will let you know as soon as it is posted. 

Awards Ceremony 

Just to remind you all that the very popular end of season awards ceremony will be on Saturday 3rd May 2014 from 2pm at the Exeter City FC ground. It is looking like it will be a very well attended event. 

All the nominations are in and nobody goes home empty handed!! If you are unable to attend would you be kind enough to let me know so I can make suitable arrangements. (We know we will be missing Will and Andrew) 

Thanks as always to everyone, players and parents, who show such commitment to this team, lets have a great last handful of matches and close out the season in style! 

See you Wednesday 

Mark

Colts shot down in hard-fought win

City extended their unbeaten run to 5 matches with a 3-1 win over Kentisbeare Colts. Having raced into a 3-goal lead within the first 15 minutes, City dominated the first half but were unable to add to their tally and the second half was an altogether scrappier affair.

City fired an early warning sign with a header from Alfie W landing on the crossbar, but he was not to be denied a few minutes later when he burst forward and fired a shot under the keeper to put City 1-0 up. With City dominating possession and creating chances almost at will, the next goal was not long coming although it came from the head of an unlucky Kentisbeare defender who put an excellent Sam P cross into his own net to double the lead. Alfie R went desperately close with a near post effort from a Sam P pull-back but the keeper managed to push it round the post to safety. The third City goal came from the spot after a home defender had handled in the area following a City corner. Alfie W stepped up and dispatched the penalty with aplomb. 15 minutes gone and City were well worth their 3-0 lead.

Further chances came and went in the first half and City had a flurry of corners which were delivered by Will P and then Ryan and it was from the latter's delivery that Will P had a near-post header saved. City were using the flanks well and a great Sam P run and pull-back saw Alfie W almost claim his hat-trick but the keeper was equal to the task and saved well. Shortly before half-time, Sam R was called upon to make a save from a Kentisbeare break but the teams went into half-time with City leading 3-0.

The second half saw less of the flowing football which City had produced early on and, with the home team seemingly taking a more physical approach to the game,  City struggled to create as many clear cut chances. Mid-way through the half, Kentisbeare pulled a goal back from a break following a heavy tackle on Will P which seemed to temporarily cause a loss of concentration but, whilst the home team certainly pushed forward more, the City defence held firm. City thought that they had extended their lead when Cameron delivered a wonderful indirect free-kick from distance, but it was ruled out as no other player had got a touch on it before it went in.

Man of the Match went to Alfie R for a great captain's performance, full of running, passes to team-mates and determination. Well done Alfie R!

Next up it's back-to-back games against Colyton Redsocks who will no doubt provide another great test.

Its is off to Kentisbeare we go!!!!!

Hi boys, 

 How are your legs feeling after the match last night? 

What a game we had against United! 

So as we spoke about we now have back to back games so we need to stay focused on the next game which is away to Kentisbeare. 

The Sam W update remains unclear I am afraid, the league have very strict rules and I am still waiting to hear a decision from them about his eligibility to play for us this season. He is being understanding although it must be frustrating! 

With so many matches in such a short space it is important to rotate and rest players when we can. 

With that in mind the starting team for Saturday will be: 

Goal Keeper – Sam R 

Defence – Oscar, Cameron and Will A

Midfield – Sam P, Will P, Ryan and Alfie R (C) 

Striker – Alfie W 

Starting Subs:- Dan, Ewan, Joe and Sam W (hopefully) 

As you know Julen will now miss the next three matches for City but I am sure will be looking out on the blog to see how we are doing! We will miss you Julen

If we can meet at Kentisbeare for a 10am warm up and match preparation that would be great. 

As ever any problems just drop me a line. 

Thanks everyone and see you on Saturday! 

Mark

A tough derby game on a beautiful evening!!

Hello everyone, 

Well what a tough match we had this evening against a spirited and much improved United team. 

 It was a lovely evening to play football and we had a good solid game, on balance a nil nil win was a fair result but we came so close on a couple of occasions to scoring. 

 This was a tough physical encounter, blood was spilt early in the first half when Ewan took a blow to the mouth, and meant some early changes but everyone seemed up for the game and adapted nicely through the match to changes in players, changes in positioning and it was good to see you all communicating and encouraging each other. 

Hope your lip isn’t too sore in the morning Ewan!!

It was a tense and close game but we had the majority of the possession and continued to press down both flanks, great passing play from all the players as is our norm now. 

 I would also like to pay tribute to the defensive players who had an outstanding match and kept a very nice formation throughout. 

The parents Player of the Match was Ryan for a very good first half performance. Playing in that unfamiliar position you showed good awareness and ball distribution. Well done Ryan. 

So a good draw I felt and a well deserved point. 

Next up is Kentisbeare Colts away on Saturday which should be another close match. I would like to make a few changes to the team for this match but as yet I am still awaiting confirmation that we can play Sam W from the league so will hold off naming the starting team until tomorrow. 

After two good games as captain Joe has had the armband prised off him. Well done Joe and thank you. 

The arm band and captains duties have been passed to Alfie R for the match against Kentisbeare. Alfie you have trained hard all season and have been playing increasingly well this season so all credit to you and enjoy leading out the boys on Saturday! 

For information the address for the Kentisbeare match is Rectory Park, Kentisbeare EX15 2BR. 

Once again check back tomorrow for the starting team and see you on Saturday 10am at Kentisbeare. 

Thanks 

Mark