Twyford Match Report

Central City (0) 0 Twyford (1) 3

With CHRISTMAS looming this game was far from a CRACKER.


Central City were SLEIGHED by their opponents from Tiverton.


Although City started brightly a PRESENT from Josh gave Twyford an early lead, and despite City's defence remaining STABLE for the rest of the first half they rarely threatened the Twyford Goal. YULE not be surprised that City went in at half time a goal down, and another defeat was on the CARDS.


The second half was MYRRH of the same and despite a string of substitutions City were unable to get their CLAUS into the opposition. Some of the ball control and passing was VIRGIN on poor and a second goal duly arrived as Twyford went straight through the middle and finished into the roof of the net.


A third goal followed shortly afterwards and the game was WRAPPED up.


It was a tough full time talk despite the managers PUDDING on a brave face.

You can see my last report of the year is FAIRY LIGHT hearted

Hope everybody has a great Xmas.

Steve Tapp

Central United Match Report

Central United 4 (1) Central City (0) 1

Derby day blues as United take a deserved three points against City.

In a very even first half City had the best of the early chances with Josh hitting the post from a free kick and Sam missing from close range. However as the game progressed United began to win the midfield battle and started to take control, and with the game drifting towards stalemate at half time, Alfie Worth was given too much time on the edge of the box and placed a shot into the top corner.


City were 1-0 down at half time for the third game running.


The second half began with United once again winning the physical battle, and with City rushed in possession, they rarely threatened the United goal. The fluent football of the previous two matches never materialised. 


A stroke of bad luck led to United's second goal with a very debatable penalty being awarded for a challenge in the box by Ewan. Alfie duly knocked it in for his second.


From this point on the contest was over and goals 3 and 4 followed before Dylan headed in a late consolation goal.


We will have to wait for the next fixture against Twyford to give the new kit the outing it deserves.


Thanks to Emer for organising the xmas meal at Urban Burger.

Steve Tapp

Derby Day

Hello everyone

Another good training session last night, was good to see you all as always.

Just to remind you that we have the first of two derby games on Saturday against our sister [brother?!] team Central United.

The match will be at KGV, no surprise there but I am not sure what pitch we will be on.

If we could meet at 9.45am please for warm up and match preparation.

I know that we will be missing a few players but if you cannot make it please let me know.

Regards

Mark

Cullompton Match Report

Cullompton 1 (1) v Central City 1 (0)

It was a first half of very few chances. On a bobbly pitch Central struggled to play their good passing football and jet lag had set in on a rare away match. Whilst the defence coped well with any attacking threat Cully possessed, City struggled to make an impression at the other end and most of the half was spent in the middle third. It was nearly 30 minutes into the game when Cully had their first meaningful shot that flew in from 25 yards. Although City went in at half time 1-0 down, it was clear that if they could raise their game by 10% they would get a result. 


The second half was a vast improvement and the benefits of having a good choice of substitutes on the bench enabled City to get themselves back into the game. Max was brought on in the centre of midfield and Charlie pushed forward on the right wing. Central's attacking threat grew and it was Max who got the equaliser with a cracking strike from outside the box into the bottom corner. City once again realised that they are good team, and in a repeat of the previous match against St.Martins they took control of the game and looked like they were going to move on and take all three points. 


Charlie had a goal unfortunately disallowed for high feet from Dylan and just moments later he lobbed the keeper only to see his shot hit the base of the post. Dylan followed up with a goal bound effort that the keeper managed to block. It was all City and in their final attack of the game Dylan ran through on goal but just overran his first touch which enabled the keeper to smother the ball. 

The first draw of the season, but enough to move City above their Central neighbours who they meet next in the first derby of the season.

Steve Tapp

Cullompton match and some important information

Hello everyone,

A really good session last night, really feels like we make the most out of the mid week hour that we have together.  Ideally I would have liked 90minutes but astro pitch availability is tight and so an hour it is.

We worked on throw in's this week which an part of the game in which we gave away a few opportunities last week. 

I have attached a basic, yet informative, you tube clip just to remind of the basics and also to ensure that we get it right each time. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRUAiHWWLRQ

Also this made me laugh......it can happen to the best of them!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFF7iWDCozg

Anyhow, back to this weekend.

The match is away against Cullompton, a strong team who will pose us quite a challenge.

They play at Speed Meadows which many of you will know from their summer tournmant.  Their pitch is through the gate and beyond the main pitches.  The post code is EX15 1DW

Sadly I am away again but John will be there calling the shots and will be supported by Steve Tapp (thanks Steve).

John would like the full squad to attend, we are missing Tom O, but we anticipate everyone else being there.  He will let the boys know about the starting team on arrival. 

Any problems please let me know and I will pass messages onto John.

Also just to say that we have re-arranged the match against Cullompton which will now be played on Saturday 3rd December at KGV.  I have emailed the league to update their fixture lists accordingly.

Hope that will be okay for everyone.

Good luck for Saturday

Mark

St Martins Match Report

St. Martins 1 (1) v Central City 3 (0)

One game, Two halves, Three points.

What a difference a week makes with a full squad available.

St. Martins controlled the early stages of the match, keeping the ball well and passing amongst their midfielders. Although they had most of the possession they rarely threatened the City goal and it was Central who had the first clear chance when Dylan went through one on one with the keeper. The goalie stood up well and blocked the shot. Moments later the two came face to face again, this time the keeper decided to block Dylan rather than the ball, and was deservedly shown a yellow card. The resulting free kick from Cameron was well saved.

City's belief grew and Tom D had a good effort pushed around the post.

As half time approached St Martins undeservedly took the lead as they followed in on a powerful free kick. City were unfortunate to go in at the break 1-0 down.

The second half began and within a couple minutes City were level, with a smart finish from Dylan. Heads were up and their performance went from good to excellent. Another attack 5 minutes later and Sam played a great ball across the goal for Dylan to bundle the ball over the line for his second. City were now well in control and St Martins looked like a beaten team. As City dominated, Noah spent the most of the game spectating and was able to enjoy Dylan's third as he drove the ball into the home teams net.

City at 3-1 up maintained control for the remainder of the match.

Well done to the squad and let's build on this win.

         Steve Tapp 

 

Back to ful numbers and full strengh!

Hello everyone,

What a good training session last night, hope all the boys enjoyed it and thank you for putting in such concentration and commitment.

We have a rare away fixture this Saturday against St Martins who play over at Starcross on a very nice pitch in the middle of the village.  (Full details can be found on the League website)

Could I ask that we aim to arrive at 9.45am please for a 10am warm up please.

I would like to get back to naming the starting line up for each match if I can.  This week the starting team will be:

Goal keeper - Noah
Defense - Josh (cap), Cameron and Charlie
Midfield - Zak, Da, Will P, Tom D and Ewan (welcome back!)
Strikers - Dylan and Sam P

Starting subs will be Max, Tom O, Joey and Will A.

Rested players will be Onur.

Any problems please give me a ring or text.

Just to remind mums about the social evening at Jo's on Friday night and also to see Emer about the social lunch after the derby match on Saturday 10th December at Urban Burger.

Kind regards and see you on Saturday

Mark

Heavitree Match Report

Central City 0 (0) v Heavitree 4 (2)

For the second time in 3 matches Central had the bare 11 players.

To compound the problem, the eleven did not include a goalkeeper. This meant Josh left his defensive role to go between the posts, and Zach was moved back into defence.

Despite Central having a good start in the game they were 1-0 down to early goal as the ball was swept in from a corner. City kept trying to play football through a very even first half but rarely threatened the Heavitree goal. A handling error from our stand-in goalkeeper gifted Heavitree a second goal, and Central were unlucky to go in to the break at 2-0 down.

In a bid to give more attacking threat in the second half Dylan was pushed forward to play alongside Will, but it was Heavitree who scored the third goal of the game after a defensive error by Zach, who otherwise had a good game playing out of position.

It is disappointing that despite City's efforts, the lack of players turning out for the team, are essentially handing games to the opposition.

A fourth goal came towards the end of the match with a smart turn from the Heavitree striker. With a full squad turning up, this would have been their only goal.

Steve Tapp

Challenging Times!

Hello everyone,

I thought I would sneak a quick note in before the match report from the weekend comes in.  Was thinking long and hard on the journey back from Milton Keynes yesterday to try and find the right for of words!

This season continues to pose new challenges for John and I in managing this wonderful bunch of players.

I was really upset to hear about what happened on Saturday, massive respect and credit to the boys that pitched up and played but I am sorry that it was a tough defeat against a strong Heavitree team. 

Sadly two players who had been asked to play withdrew late on Friday night and one on Saturday morning which left us with the bare 11 players, no substitutes and no one to cover injuries, of which there were a couple.

This made the task of beating Heavitree almost impossible and I do not think this was fair on the players that turned up.

Injuries, illnesses are totally understandable and even other opportunities that the boys have are great and we support this if we can have notice.  But John and I are trying to run a football team and I do not think it is fair on him or the players to be put into these situations.  I cannot imagine anyone would disagree with that.

Moan over.  So sorry to the players and parents that turned up and lets train and build now for the next match which away against St Martins.

See you on Wednesday for training 6pm (prompt!!) please.

Regards

Mark

Christmas lunch at Urban Burger. Saturday 10 December 2 p.m.

It is that time of the year again to celebrate the boys footie Christmas lunch . 

Urban Burger has been recommended by a few folk:  www.urbanburger.co.uk , on Queen's St, just up from Central station on the opposite side of the road. 

We have booked a table at 2pm On Sat 10th Dec. 

We hope you can make it. 

Please click this link to see the burger menu and let Emer know your burger + side options. 

If you would like to come please can you give Emer a £5 deposit per person with your choice of food by Sat 26th Nov. (gluten free and vegetarian options available). Balance to be paid on the day. Drinks to be paid for at the bar.

Emer's deails: emer_scanlon@hotmail.com, 07843 252529

Hope to see you there

The week ahead!

Hello everyone,

Hope that you all enjoyed the weekend off and are raring to go again this week.
A number of us had a really good Sunday afternoon at the basket ball in Plymouth, the home team lost but a good time was had by all.

Training tomorrow (Wednesday) from 6-7pm at Isca and then another home match on Saturday against Heavitree.  Sadly I am away, making the pilgrimage to Milton Keynes again!

So any assistance that you can offer John to get the nets, corner flags, respect barriers put up please would be appreciated.  Steve T has kindly offered to assist John with the match management, thanks you Steve.

Getting back to winning ways has really helped us get our mojo back and whilst I am sure Heavitree will be tough opposition I am sure we will give a good account of ourselves.

Can I ask that if any players are going to miss wither a Saturday match or training on a Wednesday that you email me (marksloman@Hotmail.co.uk) or text me (07876018577), with the best will in the world I only have a small brain capacity and cant always remember verbal messages.

It is great to see that Jo C is orgnaising a 'mums night in' in a couple of weeks and also just to say that Emer is kindly organising a post match/pre Christmas lunch after the derby game on Saturday 10th December so if you can keep the date free and more details in the next week or so. 

Thanks for your time and see you soon, good luck to all the players for Saturday's match!

Mark

Mum's night out .... 18 November .... Save the date

The next Mum's night out will take place at Jo's house in Topsham on Friday 18 November. Details to follow. 

Please let Jo know by Saturday 12th if you can make it. 

Sidmouth Raiders Match Report

Central City 4 (1) Sidmouth Raiders (0)

City's week on week improvement continued with a comfortable win over a big Sidmouth side. It was there best passing performance of the season and they could have won by more. They opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a great strike from 25 yds by Joey, who had a solid game on the right wing. They continued to try and play good football but could not add any further goals before the half time whistle. Sidmouth were limited to one chance in the opening 35 mins with Noah making a great double save.

The second half burst into action with Dylan finishing into the bottom corner in the first minute. This gave City a bit of daylight and their confidence grew. Onur and Tom D both missed good chances before Josh scored with a superb free kick from the right hand side of the Sidmouth penalty area. With City looking unlikely to concede, with another accomplished defensive performance, they wrapped the game up with a late strike from outside the box by Dan. Four different goal scorers in a good team performance.

Steve Tapp

West Exe Match Report

Central City 1 (1) West Exe 0 (0)

City got their first win of the season in a well deserved victory over West Exe.

City were down to a bare 11 players for this match which meant that no substitutions were available, giving every player a full 70 minutes of football.

City were on top from kick off and after a couple efforts on target from Onur and Tom O, they were awarded a penalty after 20 mins for a shove in the box. Captain Charlie stepped up to slot the ball into the bottom corner. They maintained their dominance for the remainder of the first half with the defence standing strong with the welcome return of Cameron, and went in at half time with a 1-0 lead.

The second half began in a similar pattern and the only way they were going to concede was through the lack of concentration or the work rate dropping. Tom O who showed a good level of commitment for the whole a game had a couple of good chances to extend city's lead but was unable to find the net.

The match entered the final quarter and the game suddenly became scrappy with City losing focus. The good pressing and passing deserted the team for ten minutes and it almost let West Exe steal a point with a couple of good chances.

City picked up again for the last 10 mins and Tom D almost doubled the lead with a powerful shot that hit the top of the cross bar. As the final whistle blew on a good mornings work, the whole team should be pleased with a solid performance.

Steve Tapp

Saturday's match

Hello everyone

Just a quick note from me to confirm that we have a home game on Saturday against West Exe.

We are really struggling this year with injuries which this weekend will see Ewan and Sam P unable to play, and with Noah at rugby trials (good luck Noah!!) and Dylan and Max both away......you can see that we will have another challenge.  It does pose quite a headache for John and I and it is hard to know how best to manage it, whilst it is tempting to sign on new players we currently have a 17 man quad and I am reluctant to increase it at this time.

Fear not however as I am confident we will do our very best against West Exe and it would be so so good to get a win on the board!!

See you at 10am at KGV please for a warm up.

Regards

Mark

Alphington match report

Central City 0 (0) Alphington 7 (2)

City were knocked out of the cup in a one sided match against a big and strong Alphington side.

Struggling with injuries to key players it was always going to be a tough game, but city fought well after conceding an early goal and went in at half time with a narrow 2-0 deficit. The second goal being conceded through a fortunate Alphington shot that went through Noah’s legs.

The second half started okay but after we conceded a third some positional changes were made in an attempt to become more offensive.

Unfortunately this led to more gaps appearing at the back and Alphington ran away with a comfortable victory.

We are a good team, but we need to work harder on our physical side and make better use of the ball when we are in possession.

Unfortunately there were too many passes lacking thought or direction.

Come on City

Steve Tapp

Few thoughts

Hi everyone,

Well this is proving to be a testing season already isn't it and it is only September!!  No trouble, we are a great bunch and it will all come good I am very confident.

A few things just to mention….

I have had to submit a form last week to postpone the match planned for this Saturday 8th October.  We were due to play Collumpton however we have Sam, Max, Onur and Joey all away on a school trip so this would have left us without enough to raise a team.  Added to this we still have Josh out for another week and Ewan out with a fractured wrist.  

We also had confirmation yesterday that Cameron has a stress fracture to a metatarsal in his left foot!!  This will see him out for as as yet unknown period, but potentially 4- 6 weeks, although we will know more in 2 weeks when he has another x ray.  

Training will now switch for ISCA from this Wednesday 5th October  6pm to 7pm.  

No match or training this weekend, leaves our next match an away fixture against Alphington (deep joy!!) on Saturday 15th October.

I am going to organise a team social trip for those that would like to come down to Plymouth on Sunday 6th November to watch the Plymouth Raiders basketball team.  I know many of you will have been down there before, but it is a great afternoon (4pm tip off), fun atmosphere and a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Depending on how many people we get I will try and negotiate a group booking, but either way I wouldn't anticipate it being more than £10 per ticket.  If we have enough interest then I would be happy to hire a minibus or see if we can get enough cars to bring everyone down.  This is open to players, parents, siblings so just let me know and I will book up.  Could I have confirmation please by Monday 10th October and I will book the tickets.  We can sort the money out later.

Think that's it from me, see you on Wednesday at Isca.

Regards

Mark 

St Martins Match report

Central City 1 (0) v St Martins 4 (2)

A disappointing start to City's league campaign with defeat to a well organised St. Martins side.

The away team started the brightest and were well worth their 1-0 lead after 15 minutes. 

However, the introduction of Onur after 20 minutes helped energise City and they came back into the match and could have equalised with 2 good chances falling to Dylan. 

Just before half time City were hit by a stroke of bad luck when Charlie deflected a shot past Noah and City went in at half time 2 goals down.

The second half was evenly matched, but ten minutes in the Saints made it 3-0 when too much time and space was left on the edge of the City box, and a low shot was drilled into the bottom corner.

City became more physical and their work rate remained high and with 15 minutes remaining they were awarded a penalty when Ewan was fouled in the area. Dylan calmly stroked it past the keeper to bring a goal back. Moments later City could have easily been awarded a second penalty when Dylan was pushed in the back, but the referee did not deem the challenge to be a foul.

That was City's last chance and St. Martins finished off the game with a late fourth.

A good battling performance by City in a tough opening match to this season’s campaign.

Steve Tapp.

Fixtures up until Xmas

Fixtures to Christmas:

24/09/16 10:30 Central City u14s v St Martins u14s King George V

01/10/16 10:30 Central City u14s v Alphington Panthers u14s King George V Cup

08/10/16 10:30 Central City u14s v Cullompton Rangers u14s King George V

15/10/16 10:30 Alphington Panthers u14s v Central City u14s Cowick Barton Playing Fields

22/10/16 10:30 Central City u14s v West Exe Youth FC u14s King George V

29/10/16 10:30 Central City u14s v Sidmouth Raiders u14s King George V

12/11/16 10:30 Central City u14s v Heavitree Dynamo u14s King George V

19/11/16 10:30 St Martins u14s v Central City u14s Starcross Sports Field

26/11/16 10:30 Cullompton Rangers u14s v Central City u14s Cullompton Rangers FC

10/12/16 10:30 Central United v Central City u14s King George V

17/12/16 10:30 Central City u14s v Twyford Spartans u14s King George V

Fixtures, Results, Goal scorers etc.

Just a quick one to let you know that you can find the league table, fixtures etc. on the FA Full Time website by clicking this link.

The Results and Goal scorer pages of the Blog will also be kept as up to date as possible.

Please let me know if there is any other information that would be useful.

Thanks

Rupert 

Looking for Cup glory!

Hello everyone,

Well it was such a pleasing way to begin our season a comfortable 6-1 win away against Feniton in the cup.  I am afraid this report will not be worthy of our previous match reports but the good news is that we have a new hack preparing to take the reigns and offer us all with the witty review of each match this season.  Who will it be I hear you ask!?

So yes a comfortable win but also an opportunity for us to change a few things around and to make the most of the lovely playing surface that Feniton have.

It was good to welcome Cameron back to the defence and along with Josh, Noah, Ewan and Charlie looking every bit as strong as they did last season.

Was pleasing to see Dylan taking the chances that he had with his first hat rick for City and also for Dan and Tom O to also get their goal tally ticking!

We face a tough season this year but I am confident that with a good spirit and energy we will do well and never let our heads drop.

Some of you will now be familiar with the FA Full Time website which the league have used to place fixtures on, you will see that our first match is on the 24th September, a tough home fixture against St Martins.

Training this week will be at KGV from 6.00pm to 7.30pm.

We will not have a match or training on the 17th September so a weekend off before the busy schedule begins.

As ever if anyone has any difficulties or issues please let me know.

Regards

Mark

Bad news/ good news!!

Hi everyone, 

Was a tough night at 'the office' last night but I thought you put all the effort in and I don't think we should feel too down on ourselves. 

St Martins are a fine team and it was a good test. 

I have some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that cameron after a 6 week trial with Ashburton/ South Dartmoor academy has been offered a place in the squad. 

The good news is that after considering their offer he has said thank you but no thank you and explained that he loves playing for Cebtral too much, that he misses playing with his mates in a team full of spirit and respect!!  

All I can say is whoop whoop!!!! 

So we will be welcoming cameron back into the squad as of Saturday, I am sure this will come as good news to one and all!!

See you on Saturday. 

Thanks 

Mark 

Cup match to begin our campaign!

Hello everyone, 

So it appears that the league have adopted the FA website as their preferred  site this season, I am not sure if this is a permanent thing or just temporary.  

If you google 'FA full time' you should be able to identify Our league. 

It will reveal that we have a cup match on Saturday 10th September against Feniton away. 

Feniton play at Acland Park, Station Road, Feniton, EX14 3EA. It will be a 10:30am kick off so 10:00am meet please for warm up and match preparation. I am keen to see us do well in the cup this season. 

More details at the friendly/trAining on Wednesday at kgv. 

Regards 

Mark 

27/08 - Friendly

Hello everyone,

It was great to start training again last night and hope those that were able to make it enjoyed it......I suspect there might be some stiff legs this morning, you all worked really hard.

Sadly the friendly that we had scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled as St Martins have not been able to raise a team so I propose the weekend off and that we re-group on Wednesday 31st August 6-8 at KGV for training and then we have the friendly against Sidmouth the following Saturday.

Thanks

Mark

2016/17 Season nearly upon us!!

Hello everyone,

Hope that you are all well and having a good summer break.

As we head into August John and I are now starting to plan and prepare for the 2016/17 season.

Pre season training

We appreciate that some of you will be away but if you are able to come we would be grateful, important work done now will ensure that we can start the new challenging season strongly.

Here is the schedule for pre season training

Tuesday 23rd August - KGV - (6pm to 8pm) get together, fitness work and small matches

Saturday 27th August - Starcross - (10am) pre season friendly v's St Martins.

Wednesday 31st August - KGV - (6pm to 8pm) fitness and small matches.  This will include a meeting of all parents if possible, if I could ask as many of you to attend please just to chat over the season. 

Saturday 3rd September - KGV - (10am) pre season friendly v's Sidmouth

Wednesday 7th September - KGV - (6pm to 8pm) fitness and small matches

It is anticipated the our first match will be on Saturday 10th September but this is not yet confirmed.
Please keep a close eye on the Leagues website for all fixtures.

http://www.exeteryouthleague.co.uk/under14s-division1

I hope that most of you will have now completed the paperwork to sign up for the season, and this will then enable us to register the players with the league, any rpoblems please do let me know.

We are excited, and I am sure all the players and families will be too.  We look forward to catching up with you all soon.

Mark and John

City reaches the final at Crediton 6 aside

Just a quick note to congratulate the ‘Crediton 8’ who played on Saturday at the well organised and well run Crediton 6 aside tournament. 

We won all 6 of the pool matches without conceding a single goal, that was some achievement and one that we should be very proud of.

Then as we progressed into the quarter finals the heavens opened!!  Boy was it wet!!  But we kept our concentration and nerve especially when it went to a penalty shoot out!!  The semi final was equally as wet and another penalty shot out with Josh having a great game in goal and scored the winning goal.

And so to the final! A tough match against a spirited Cullumpton team, it was such a tight game and we gave it everything we had, losing 1-0 was no disgrace and the day was a spirited and enjoyable day to rival with “the” Bideford trip!!

Well done to all that played and hope next Saturday will be as good an experience!

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.

Points and goal difference boost!

Two match reports once again as City start to get through a busy timetable of rearranged fixtures prolonging the season.

First up was an away fixture at the now familiar Copplestone ground,a 10am kick off on,appropriately,St Georges day.On a good flat pitch that had dried out in the cold wind,Copplestone United kicked off facing,once again,eleven English knights,no substitute available.Stand in goalie Josh gave an early indication of what was needed with three great confident saves before City hit their stride.

First up,Will P sent in a close near post corner.Exeter Citys’ top goalscorer of a couple of seasons back popped up as 12th man to deflect it in.Good old OG.The hard ground was making for fast ball movement and City were at their best just as last time,passing out of defence and through midfield.The home side levelled on the half hour though when the ball broke kindly for a finely executed effort.This only served as a catalyst for what followed.

In the final ten minutes,Cameron tested the fixtures and fittings,well the Copplestone right post,rattling a freekick against it from just inside their half.Then City went a goal up again as the aforementioned passing game sent Tom D away to lob the keeper from distance.The impetus continued after halftime,1-3 as Will A netted from just outside the box,Dan did so from a crosstype ball from the right and finally Oner crowned a Captains’ performance by latching on to a through ball from midfield to finish in style.

A consolation goal right at the end meant a final score of 2-5,Ewan earning the Man of the Match award for resiliance in the face of battle,to politely put it.

Two days later it was back to KGV for an evening KO against Central United in the return Derby.In extremely windy conditions,after a professional line up handshake the match got underway with City playing away from the carpark.A temporary stoppage by the ref was called in order for United to sport green bibs,the new City kit still providing something of a colour clash.As great a relief to those watching at home in black and white as it was for City to have Noah back between the sticks and Josh outfield plus one sub to alleviate injuries or tired limbs.

If anything both sides played best when facing the wind but as this was City in the first half,they continued their fine run of form.A brace from Alfie settled the nerves and with Charlie and Dan faster than exercising greyhounds, the half ended with a three goal advantage,good old OG popping up again to turn in a fine Sam cross.

United enjoyed more of the play in the second half and City had to maintain their defensive discipline.Following a well worked United goal,City went on to score five once again and for the third game in a row.First Alfie secured his hat trick with a neat touch in front of goal and then Tom D lit the fuse for the firework celebrations by striking a sweet shot from just inside the United half which skyrocketed into the roof of the net and enough to secure the Man of the Match award.

So 15 goals in three games with three in reply and three more to play,City look the team in form once again.