September's Reflections...what a month!!

Hello everyone, 

Another outstanding match report by Jasmine and Andrew, always a delight to read, thank you so much for doing this and offering players, parents and others an account of all the games.

On that note feel free to invite wider family members, grandparents etc to subscribe to the blog, I think we currently have nearly 120 different subscriptions to the website which is really great. 

I remember saying to a Jayne Worth during pre-season training this summer that I am not sure we would ever be able to replicate the extraordinary experiences of the end of last season…..but blimey we are doing an AMAZING job and we should be so proud of what we are achieving so far this season. 

It is worth reflecting on how well we are doing this season so far as September comes to an end. 

We have had a brilliant start to our season but this is no fluke, it has come through hard work, training hard and such an exceptional team spirit. Unlike other clubs that we are playing in this division, we do not have a trials policy, we do not turn boys away from our squad and we work hard to improve the skills and ability of all players. 

We are a team that never shouts or moans, always encourages and always try to play with a spirit and a focus which I believe is at the heart of our success. 

We show great sportsmanship both on and off the pitch and are playing a delightful style of football. So to all the players I say really well done, our first month in Division 1 has been a really strong one, we are sitting joint top of the table with Bideford Blues and have a 3 from 3 unbeaten record. 

Perhaps even more importantly we are playing great football, passing the ball with confidence, playing with a creativity and dynamism that is so inspiring to watch. 

To all the parents and supporters, John and I would like to say thank you for the support and encouragement that you give us and all the team. 

Looking ahead to October now we have a set of challenging fixtures ahead, so careful planning and preparation will be important. 

We have Ottery St Mary this Saturday (4th Oct) at home which is a cup game. In past seasons we haven’t fared that well in the Cup but it would be great to see us progress through to the quarter finals. 

The following week will perhaps be our toughest challenge of the season so far……as Bideford Blues come to town! This will be a top of the table clash and promises to be one of the highlights of the season. The planning for this match is well under way!! 

We then have games against Okehampton and Broadclsyt both of which will be tough matches. I am just trying to find my feet with managing such a big squad of players and would ask that you bear with me for a bit.

A good example of that was on Saturday when we didn’t use Oscar. In the management of a game I have to weigh up the balance between the team shape and rhythm of play with the need to be fair and give as many people match time as possible. On Saturday I felt that making a substitution in the last 20 minutes of the second half would have disturbed our shape and rtyhm hence not bringing Oscar on. 

It might be that this happens again during the season and I hope that you understand why this is sometimes import. 

What I will always do is to try and make it fair for everyone over the course of the season. If you ever want to chat this over with me I would be very happy to do so. 

You will see that I have made some improvements to the blog this weekend, specifically putting the fixtures and results into a table format which I hope you agree looks a bit better and easier to read.

It is a work in progress (under construction I think is the techy term!!) so please check back on a regular basis. 

One final thing and then I will shut up. Some of you will have seen the photographer on the touch line last week.  

He was from the Express and Echo and came over to introduce himself to me before he started snapping away. So keep your eyes peeled to see if they print any pictures. 

At the start of the season you were asked if you were happy for pictures and names to be included in match reports for the paper. If you would rather this didn’t happen I would be grateful if you could let me know. 

See you for training on Wednesday evening at Isca (6pm to 7pm).

Thanks for your time…..I know I waffle on a bit :-) 

 Mark

City tame the Panthers!

And so it could go on and on with the feline anecdotes.

They used to call the Chelsea keeper of yesteryear,Peter Bonetti,The Cat,and our two cats,Sam R first half and captain Will A second half certainly stepped up to that level.

Reflecting on the Man of the Match award,this was designated a Men of the Match award simply because the whole team performance was outstanding.

Due to some unavoidable absentees it was a City side that had to adapt to a 4-3-1 formation with usual striker Alfie W back in the heart of the defence.

From the moment the teams strode on (a missed opportunity to hear the old Al Stewart number*) to the halftime whistle the contest was closely and keenly played.Some great goalkicking kept the ball in Alphingtons’ half as much as in ours and City pressed forward with several corners and a freekick sailing over.

A pinball pattern on the Panthers goal just would not break

City’s way and just before halftime the home side broke the deadlock moving swiftly from defence to unleash a shot only partially parried.

The manager had seen enough to have the confidence to change to a 3-4-1 set up which gave City more attacking options whilst maintaining discipline at the back.

When a typically searching Will P corner was headed out,Alfie W,who had drifted forward,steadied with one touch and delivered a bending thunderbolt of a shot to level the score.

With some nerves creeping into the Panthers’ game City secured the win when Dan was alert to follow up from a freekick that was sent at pace into a crowded wall and penalty area.

City then dug deep with every player stepping up to the plate and needing several defensive headers to keep the Panthers at bay including one from Tom who had just previously put the ball in the net at the other end,sadly offside.

So a great start to the season continued with the pleasant fine weather a bonus because this was a game to be savoured in any conditions.

*Al Stewart “Year of the cat”.We will probably return to the issue of songs that teams come out to in future reports

It's Alphington away on Saturday!!

Hello everyone, 

 A really good training session last night and I think that we will enjoy training at Isca this winter. I thought the surface was a great and it was nice not having to out up the goals!! 

 It was really good to see our goal keeping coach Gillian working with Sam and Will and by all accounts they enjoyed the session and learnt a lot. She is away next week but will be a regular member of the coaching team which is great. 

News overnight is not so good in that poor old Josh is poorly and is not going to be able to play on Saturday. Added to this we will be missing Ewan from the game. 

So with two key members of our defence team missing we are going to have to make some changes ahead of the match against Alphington. 

The more positive news is that Dan will be fit enough to play for us again on Saturday which is great news after such a nasty looking injury last week. 

John and I have given this considerable thought and we feel that switching to a 4 – 3 – 1 formation might be our best chance, giving us more defensive strength and stability. 

We will also be asking some of the players to play outside their normal positions, most specifically Alfie W. 

So quite a few changes, but we are lucky to have a large enough and talented enough squad to make this work I am sure. 

Starting Team : Goal Keeper – Sam R

Defence – Will A, Charlie, Alfie W and Sam P 

Midfield – Dan, Will P and Joe 

Striker – Tom 

Starting Subs: Ryan, Alfie R and Oscar 

Injured, rested or unavailable – Josh, Cameron, Ewan 

Will A has the captains armband, this is for showing a great attitude and commitment during training and also for a great couple of performances at the start of this season. Well done Will. 

 

The essence of the formation is that we try and stay nice and compact at the back, strong defensive play and then try and counter attack quickly when we can.  

We will be looking for the left and right backs to take opportunities to break down the flanks and when they do so for the other 3 defenders to draw together to offer support and protection to Sam in goal. 

 If you can arrive at the Alphtington ground at 10am sharp please that will give us the time to prepare and talk some of this through in a bit more detail. 

Speaking of which the match will be played at Cowick Barton Fields (EX2 9DD) I have been in contact with Nick their manager and he told me that “The pitch is the furthest away from the main car park so it would be easier to park up that end which you access via Alphington Road” Hope that makes sense!!

 Snack Bar duty on the 4th October – still looking for a team of 4-6 volunteers to take this on please, nothing too onerous but would be grateful for any assistance. 

Think that’s it from me, thanks again for all the support and encouragement. 

 Mark

Inaugural home victory for City!!

An unusually quiet Saturday morning at KGV saw City run out 3-1 victors over Copplestone United in calm overcast conditions,at least meteorologically.

Any optimism regarding the outcome of an hours’ U12 football against a side lining up a player short dissipated shortly after the visitors kicked off and the first half provided few opportunities for either side to break the deadlock despite an early vicious shot by Alfie W temporarily poleaxing the keeper.

When City failed to capitalise on corners forced by good work by Ryan on the right and Alfie R on the left,and a great run by Will P ending in a shot bending to the side of the right post,the half time whistle was fast approaching with a goalless scoreline thanks to solid defensive lines.

With Will A remaining alert at all times and being called upon to make clean catches from several threatening shots behind the trio of Josh,Ewan and Charlie,it was the last named who opened the scoring when pushing forward on the left and cutting inside to jink past several players before expertly lobbing the keeper,the team earning a five minute break with a confidence boosting 1-0 lead.

The second half saw a noticable injection of pace by City and an increase in the physical nature of the opponents game and encouragement bordering on overcompetitiveness.

Sadly Dan was unable to continue and required hospital assessment following an ankle injury but not before he had seized the opportunity to play to the whistle,as it had not blown,clever midfield determination allowing the ball to break for Will P to double the City score with a right top corner screamer. 

Subs Tom and Joe were increasingly riding harsh challenges to threaten down both wings and this persistence allowed Joe to further increase the score with a magnificent effort.

There were frustrations with City being caught offside following passing,flowing movement from all sections of the pitch but the defence and goalkeeper held firm as the team ran out with their second win and a Division 1 unbeaten record.

Top of the table at 2pm Saturday 20th September 2014!.

A real victory for sportsmanship and intelligence and damned good defensive play by parents Man of the Match,Josh.Great stuff. 

Footnote.

Unannounced FA official reports on our coach as part of a league assessment process and determines he is doing an excellent job.

Not like the FA  to recognise the blindingly obvious!!!  

Andrew & Jasmine

Social outing......calling all mothers of players!!!!

News has come through from the awesome group of mum's of the City boys of a social event on Thursday 23rd October. 

Details are hush hush to avoid any infiltration from the DOP's (dads of players!!) however if you are able to make it please see Jane or Emer on the touchline or text Fran on 07799776634. 

A second event has also been organised for 4th Decenber. 

Should this spur on the DOP's to organise their own exclusive event?? 

Da Management!! 

X 

Satruday 20th Sept.....home v's Copplestone United

Hello everyone, 

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

Just a few thoughts from me from training this week, then the squad for Saturday, a few dates and then I will leave you in peace!! 

 A good session last night at KGV and thank you, as ever, for such a great turn out. I think we have really benefited from the 90 minute sessions on the grass this pre season, asto pitches are fine but it is only really on grass that you get the feel for the ball. Just a gentle reminder from John and I about training for the players. 

Whilst we are all up for having a laugh and catching up, training has to be about learning and listening. That means that when we are talking through, for example, set piece drills, you might not be very active. We would ask that at these times you are patient with us to give us that time to focus on individual positioning etc. 

We will always try and incorporate a match at the end of the session but whilst the weather is warm and dry it is a good chance to run through set piece plays.

On that note that will be our last midweek session at KGV, as of next Wednesday 24th September we will be moving our sessions to Isca College (EX2 6AP). 

These sessions will be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. We will revert to the 3 x 20min sessions focusing on fitness, skill development and then a match.

We have also managed to acquire the services of a specialist goal keeping coach Gillian who will be working with Sam R and Will A on Wednesday evenings for the first 40mins of each session which is great news and I am sure we will make her feel very welcome to our team. 

So to Saturday and our second League match of the 2014/15 season.

This will be a home match at KGV and if we can meet at 10am for a warm up and match preparation that will be great. Also a hand setting up the goals would, as always, be really welcome. 

Goal Keeper – Will A 

Defence – Ewan, Josh & Charlie 

Midfield – Alfie R, Will P, Dan & Ryan 

Striker – Alfie © 

Starting Subs: Tom & Joe 

Unavailable & Rested: Sam P, Oscar & Cameron 

Injured: Sam R 

Alfie W will lead the team out once again, he has done a fine job so far this season. 

We will also have an allocated referee for this match, this will be a first for us, so please ensure if you have metal studs they are smooth, no jewellery etc. 

Other Bits:- 

You will recall from last season that the club runs a snack bar at KGV each week, this is not only a nice thing to offer spectators and players on a Saturday morning, but it is also a significant revenue generator for the club. The staffing of this is done on a rotational basis with each team doing it roughly twice a season. 

Our teams first time comes on Saturday 4th October (which is our home Cup match). I would really appreciate a minimum of 4 volunteers to help set this up and run it for the morning, there are a lot of home team matches so could be a busy morning. 

It will mean being at KGV for 10am at the latest and setting the hot water up etc. 

Anyone interested or able can they let me know; we could set up a rota so you can also watch a bit of the match!

Okay think that is it……I know the ‘mothers of players ’ are trying to organise a social event sometime soon so watch this space for details!!!!

See you all on Saturday 

Mark

A friendly workout!!

Central AC U11's kindly provided City with a welcome opportunity for a match style practice at KGV.

The format followed that of the previous friendly against United.

With virtually a full squad to choose from and the match divided into four separate sessions,the manager was allowed the opportunity to give everyone a decent runout and try a few different positional options and although these are to an extent settled,the players benefit as it is likely that at some stage the classic lineup will have changes forced upon it.

I doubt though that this will include lending opponents players of the class that sportingly attempted to even up the gulf by ditching the Argyle green bibs of City and shoring up the defences of AC.

For the record though,6-1 was the score at full time in City’s favour,2 for Alfie W and 4 for Tom ( and a hat tricks a hat trick in any game) and  parents Man of the Match,well done to Ryan.   

Andrew & Jasmine 

Midweek thoughts and weekend friendly!

Hi everyone,

Thank you once again for such a good turn out for midweek training and what a lovely evening it was.

John and I opted for a slightly less formal session last night, I know many of you have had full days at school with cross country and football, so hope you all enjoyed the change.

It is also nice to have chance to talk as a team, when the weather gets colder we have less chance to do this without all freezing!

The final exercise last night was fun when you all took turn to manage your team, this is building us toward encouraging you to all take more responsibility for communicating and making good decisions mid game.

This Saturday we have another friendly.  This time it will be against Central U11 AC Team.  This will be a good challenge for us as they are well organised and drilled team.  If we could meet at 10am at KGV and we hope to kick off at 10:45am.

Starting team:

Goal Keeper - Sam R
Defence - Oscar, Josh and Will A
Midfield - Alfie R, Joe, Dan, Ryan
Striker - Tom

Starting Subs - Charlie, Sam P, Will P, Alfie W & Ewan

Alfie W will be the team captain again for his second match.

No Cameron this week, in fact he is next available for us for the 11th October match against Bideford Blues.

If I could remind you to please come in your full kit and Micky has kindly offered to do some pictures for the website.

See you all on Saturday

Mark

Website upgrade!!

Hi everyone,

You will see that I have finally figured out how to update the teams website (thanks to Jon G!)

So over the next couple of weeks I hope to make further changes.

We will need to take some new squad pictures as well so could I ask you to all wear your team strip (black shorts and socks) and jackets if possible on Saturday. 

If anyone (player or parent) has any suggestions of content to include on the site then please let me know. 

Cheers 

Mark 

Dates for your diaries!!

Hi everyone. 

Just wanted to flag up some dates for your diaries. 

4th October - cup match against Ottery st Mary. The match is at KGV 10:30 KO. 

Tuesday 10th Feb - Exeter City game. this year the club has spilt the ganes so the under 12's match is the one against Cambridge Utd. It's £15 per player/parent which includes match ticket in Flybe stand, match day programme, pizza, drink and the boys take part in a half time penalty shoot out!! All good fun and a nice chance to socialise. No need to commit now just thought I would mention it. 

Training is on Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30 at KGV. Seems to make sense using  the grass as long as the light permits.

We have no league match on Saturday so we will be training or I might try and find us a friendly. Either way can we meet at  10:00-12:00 at KGV. The match last Saturday against collumpton was brilliant but has also identified some areas to work on. 

Hope your all having a good start to the week. 

Regards 

Mark  

Sensational season start for City

A rollercoaster ride of a match which marked Central City’s baptism of fire in division 1 of the u12 league,the opening game of the new season and away against Cullompton Rangers,an established league 1 side that had finished runners up last season. 

The opening 15 minutes were a delight to behold and,as the stopwatch showed that time,the (metophorical) scoreboard showed 0-3 in favour of the visitors.The facts are that City were one up within a minute thanks to Alfie W who,before 10 minutes,had further persisted on a determined run down the righthand side to cut back and send over a left foot cross which Tom controlled and despatched into the top righthand corner of the net.

As City pressed,a corner was whipped in low by Will P * which Dan was alert to and put in near post to the vocal appreciation of the well attended away section.

But you don’t finish second in division 1 of any league for nothing and despite the obvious disappointment the Rangers players must have been feeling, the side continued with the basics of their passing and strong team play and a quick move following an offside decision led to them pulling one back with 5 minutes of the half remaining.

As City held on,Dan received an accidental boot to the head after a brave defensive header and to great relief was able to shrug off the injury as the team jogged off to the halftime oranges.

The second half was all about resilience and belief.With Joe and Josh coming on as straight swaps for Ryan and Euan,the homeside were galvanised by their team talk and expectation.They quickly levelled the tie within 5 minutes of the restart and narrowly had a fourth goal ruled out as it had crossed the byeline.

City’s resolution could be summed up in the calm,measured defensive play of Charlie at right back and the never say die attitude of Dan shrugging off another wild tackle to complete the match and uphold the City spirit.It was no more than deserved when Cameron despatched the direct freekick through the sea of players with power in what proved the winning goal.That’s the type of initiative Arsenal lack**.

Despite continued Rangers pressure City rode the final storm and managed to breakaway a couple of times with a Joe effort and an off balance Alfie narrowly missing the target.

A sterling performance all round with parents Man of the Match being awarded to Cameron.

* Referees note.Will P was singled out for special mention for all round sporting behaviour,a pleasing personal quality and one which the Central City team as a whole uphold.

**  Rapidly being corrected by Mr Wenger’s scout obviously.

Division One here we come!!!

Hello everyone, 

 Really good training session last night boys and thank you all for putting so much effort and concentration into the session. 

 For the boys that have started Secondary School today or tomorrow hope that it has gone (or goes) well, be great to see you all making the school’s football team!! 

 Okay so this Saturday we have our first league match of the season. It is away to Cullompton Rangers. As will be the case through this season I know very little of this team so we will need to set out our intentions with a great performance. 

 The Cullompton manager has contacted me to say that the match will NOT be at Speed Meadows as advertised but instead is at Willowbank School Fields, Cullompton. Postcode is EX15 1PZ. 

 As we discussed last week we are going to manage the team in a slightly different way this season, we will rest players on a rotational basis throughout the season and aim to have 2 or 3 subs maximum per game. 

 So the starting team for Saturday will be:  

Goal Keeper – Will A, 

Defence - Ewan, Cameron and Charlie 

Midfield – Tom, Dan, Will P and Ryan 

Striker – Alfie W 

 Starting Subs – Joe and Josh 

 Players rested – Alfie R, Oscar and Sam R 

 To all players I say that this will be a long and hard season, so no matter where you are starting, on the pitch, on the bench or being rested there will be a lot of football ahead of us!! 

 This will be an exciting but testing season but we always need to try and play with passion and energy, win, loose or draw we need to play in the same ‘firm but fair’ way that we did last season, with sportsmanship and pride in wearing the Central FC shirt! 

 Alfie W will be the team captain for the next couple of games, he has been handed the armband for showing great commitment to training and in the summer tournaments. Well done Alfie. 

Any problems as ever please just get in touch but if not I look forward to seeing you at 10am in Cullompton.

 Cheers 

 Mark

Our Pre Season friendly!

Central City vs Central United 30/8/14

Central City took on Central United in a friendly match on a sunny but quite windy day. The match was split into 4 quarters of 20mins each serving as a good opening competitive game with training emphasis incorporating the offside rule.

City started strongly and have developed a good passing game through training,leading to a good cross by Will P followed by several efforts on goal from distance.After only 6 mins Ryan scored the first goal of the season for himself and for City.

United stepped up to test Will A in goal and he caught the ball firmly in his hands on several occasions.

City pressed on with Charlie and Ryan linking well and Dan and Alfie testing the United keeper.City made it 2-0 when Sam hit a sweet left foot shot into the right corner.Euan also went close before the session ended. Tom and Joe took the places of Ryan and Will P with Alfie in defence. 

Sam made a typical left side run and Joe then crossed well for Tom to force a good save.The City defence was showing real potential to keep United at bay before Tom made it 3-0 with a clever effort from another Joe cross. Session 3 started with Ryan in goal and Sam P and Euan being rested.

More positional changes allowed further assessment and the changes were well adapted to.City tested the competence of those involved in the goal construction this morning by rattling a couple of rasping shots and a header against the crossbar.

Shooting from distance continued and City were rewarded when a shot by Charlie was not quite held and Tom sharply followed up:4-0.City were showing no tiredness after the summer break.

Just at session end Ryan came out to kick the ball but the ref blew up before he had any chance to even touch the ball in 20 minutes play. 

 Session 4 saw our friends at United score a couple of goals,the second from a great direct free kick.Both teams were playing really well now and their passing was immaculate. Ryan was still in goal and saved several shots by United. Josh and Euan were defending solidly.

Final score 4-2 to City,a good work out and much promise for the season ahead and the opening game next Saturday away at Cullompton.

Parents Man of the match went to Charlie for all round play in any position asked.

Well done everyone!

Jasmine & Andrew