Signing Off

Hello to everyone and anyone who still subscribes to this forum.

I have been mindful that I have never really signed off properly and wanted to just post a final message.

In doing so just wanted to pay tribute and thank you to my friend, your friend, footballs friend John Braddick.

John has been such a wonderful source of friendship, support, advice and wisdom (not to mention fish!) over the years that we co-managed the Central City team.  His unfailing support and motivation to be involved in youth football over the years has been really inspirational.  I hope you read this John, I miss you and I know the boys do as well.

John has been involved in football, both playing and coaching for most of his life, I am sorry that we didn't get to finish in the manner that we would have wanted but hope that you will still get to enjoy the game and I am sure that you will continue to take a keen interest in youth and adults football.

I love this image taken by Jo at the Plate final in Tiverton, coolness personified....we complimented each other well!!

Best wishes to everyone and hope that you all keep enjoying football and sport, whether watching, playing or supporting.

Regards

Mark 

The season that was.....

Hello everyone

Am sat in a hotel in Leicester on Wednesday evening and reflecting on the end of this football season.  It is a feeling of sadness.

Congratulations to all the players for the 3-1 win this evening against Twyford and it sounded like an exciting match. 

It has been a season when we have lost more games than we have won (even when considering our good run in the Plate competition).  This has been a new experience for us as we have always been a competitive team.  None of us like loosing. But it is the manner in which we have lost that has caused me and many others frustration and disappointment. 

In all probability we will be relegated next season.  I know that there is talk of there only being two divisions next season but if we stay up it will be by re-design rather than on merit.

Essentially we have not had the commitment and respect throughout the squad this season.  I have no intention to blame anyone other than myself for what has happened this season.  It is my responsibility to ensure that we have enough players each week to be competitive and stand us with a chance to win games. 

I have always tried my best to communicate clearly with parents and players.  All I ask is for that in return.  That this has not happened and time and time again we have been left wondering who will be turning up at kick off is not fair.  It is not fair on the players who battle so hard for the team and put there all in each and every week.  It is also not fair on John who gives of his own time and is ever present through rain, snow and wind!

I know that this is felt by many in the team, players and parents and has been cited as the reason that we will be loosing some of our most loyal, talented and committed players now that the season has finished. 

I have put my heart and soul into this team.  I have really enjoyed watching the boys grow into fine young men and the friendships that are formed now will be lifelong for many.

To those players and parents who have shown such commitment and passion for Central City I say sorry.  For those moving on I say good luck and thank you.  For those staying I say see you in August for pre-season training!!

Regards

Mark


 

2018 Plate Cup Winners!!

Well they say football is a cruel game at times, but after the toughest of tough seasons it was simply brilliant to travel to Tiverton for the Plate final against a spirited Lympstone Youth team.

 I cant deny I was desperate for the team to win and to have a bit of a celebration at the end of a hard season.

 On a baking hot day and on the best pitch we have probably ever played on we were able to play in an open, expansive and exciting manner.

 Well done to all of the 15 lads who participated and were worthy winners of the trophy.

Thanks and credit also to John who has been a great coach and support to the players in the last few weeks. Jo took some great pictures of the match and if you haven’t seen them and want copies just let me know and I can forward them on. Thanks Jo. It was lovely to celebrate the win back at the pub as well.

 We have two matches left. Wednesday 9th May at KGV against Central United Saturday 12th May at KGV against Twyford. However we have a major problem as I understand that at least 6 players are missing due to D of E and Ten Tors. We are not allowed to play any matches at LGV after the 12th May so cannot delay it. I have appealed to the league and the Twyford manager to play it on Wednesday 16th May but will keep you posted.

 To all the players, parents and supported I thank you and congratulate you all, it was a lovely occasion and a great experience for us all. Mark

The final few weeks

Hello everyone It occurs to me that now Charlie and Steve have left we have lost our match reports, so unless anyone else fancies their hand at doing the match report then I will try my best. This tough season seems to get tougher each week. Having lost Brandon and Charlie mid season has made our challenge of being able to produce a team each week even more difficult. We started the season with 17 which I felt was enough but clearly not. Our mid-week match was made tricky by parents evening at both Isca and St Peters and meant that we had to start the match with only 10 players. Whilst the Isca express dashed up the motorway (speeding tickets in the post I am sure!!) a well organised and disciplined Twyford team had managed to drive past our stand in goal keeper Max. We started the second half well and pressed consistently on their goal, for 20 minutes, alas without success and despite all efforts the ball just didn’t run for us. However to concede another three second half goals felt unfair and not a fair reflection on us at all. Football is a cruel game at times! Anyway onward and upward and we have a testing 6 pointer on Saturday away at Sidford. The pitch at Byes Lane, Sidford EX10 9QX) should be nice and allow for a fast match. We should have a full squad available for this match and it is a must win! Sadly I am working but John B will be leading the boys and I really really hope that we can come away with 3 big points. Also just to mention the Plate Cup final. This has now been confirmed for 3.30pm kick off at Tiverton Town’s ground. This should be a great occasion and nice to be able to play on a quality pitch with what could be a nice sized crowd! I am still none the wiser about who our opposition will be however!! Please invite as many family and friends as you can/want. I was going to propose that we go out for some dinner after the match. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions of a suitable venue? Might be worth trying to book something up? Can you text any ideas through to me asap, thanks. Many thanks for your on-going commitment and support Mark

Colyton 3 (0) Central City 5 (3)

This was a must-win match for City against their relegation rivals Colyton. On a pitch that resembled a field left out to pasture, City started brightly and created an early chance for Dylan who unfortunately missed the target from 6 yards out. Colyton then had a spell of pressure and only two fantastic saves from stand-in keeper Max stopped Central from falling behind. 15 minutes into the game and to everyone's relief City took the lead with Dylan turning his defender and rifling the ball into the far bottom corner. Despite City playing with 3 up front, Dylan remained the only real threat and soon added to his tally with his second goal of the match, almost a carbon copy of his opener. City were now cruising and following a fantastic run and cross from Sam Plumer, Dylan ran in to slam home his hat-trick just before halftime. The halftime talk was easier than normal with the focus on keeping it tight and making the tackles count. The second half commenced and the next goal was crucial. Colyton had an early chance and Central were fortunate that their long-range effort flew back off the crossbar. City then had the next opportunity and when Sam Plumer burst through the middle, he buried it into the bottom right-hand corner, with another smart finish for Central. 4-0 up and apparently strolling to a comfortable win. However, as the game wore on the City legs began to tire and after an hour of running through the long wet grass, Colyton began to take over. After a spell of pressure Colyton deservedly pulled a goal back in the 65th minute, but within two minutes Dylan restored the four-goal lead with an increasingly rare City break into the opposition half. That was the end of Central's contribution to the game and with Will Pye going off with cramp, Colyton pulled a couple late goals back to make the scoreline a bit more respectable. A win for Central that takes them off the bottom of the league. Well done to the team and let's build on it.

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

Central City turned in their best performance of the season, but once again came away without reward. The whole team kept its shape throughout the match and with Josh starting as Captain he set the standard for the team with a great performance. City started well and dominated the early stages of the match and they could have taken the lead when Lucas hit a superb volley just past the post. A couple further efforts from distance also went narrowly wide. With Zac struggling with his groin, City had to shuffle the team and bring Onur on up front. Without any further subs to utilise, Central were once again down to a bare eleven. This enabled St. Martins to come into the game, although Central could feel aggrieved that they were not in front at halftime. Central started the second half well with both Will and Sam coming close with free kicks from outside the box. Their tackling and closing down was faultless and St. Martins struggled to play any of the flowing football you would normally expect from them. As the second half wore on it seemed that we were heading for a 0-0 draw, which was the minimum that City deserved, but with the final attack of the match the Saints weaved past a couple defenders and lifted the ball over Noah and into the net. An unfair end to a terrific Central display. If we can maintain this form and get a bit of luck that we deserve, surely we will start to pick up points.

Central City 8 (2) v Crediton 0 (0)

City cruised into the final of the Plate Trophy with a comfortable win over Third Division Crediton. After a slow scrappy start, the midfield was juggled around with Sam, Dan, Charlie and Joey being charged with getting City on the front foot. The changes did the trick and it wasn't long before Lucas controlled the ball and tucked it in at the near post. Within two minutes they had doubled their lead with Dylan turning sharply on the edge of the six-yard box and smacking the ball home. 2-0 up at the break, but with Charlie suffering from a cold and Cameron with a sore back it was time to make more changes and bring on Pacey and Max. The second half started with Central's first lucky break of the season, as Dylan's week effort bobbled over the defender's foot and rolled into the Crediton goal. City were 3-0 up and for the first time this season the players relaxed on the ball and showed what ability they all had. It wasn't long before Dylan completed his hattrick and the game was in the bag. Lucas scored the next two goals, the first following up on Tom D's superb long range effort that came back off the crossbar, and his hattrick was complete with a 20yd strike that dipped in over the keepers head. In the final two minutes, Tom D made it 7 and Joey completed the scoring, ending a morale boosting performance from the team. With 4 subs available the team rotation worked really well and let's hope for good squad attendance in the remaining games this season. Wembley here we come, or is it Wembury.

Who'd be a manager!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to share some thoughts with you all about the current situation. As you know I have organised a friendly tomorrow away at Feniton. Sadly it looks like we only have 9 players available and able to play. This was a friendly that I had organised as I feel that we really need to have some match time to try and develop some momentum and to start scoring some goals! I hope that you all feel that I am supportive, encouraging and understanding of the players doing other activities and obviously allowing for injuries etc. But we increased the squad from 15 to 17 pre season and yet we are still struggling to raise a team. I feel the responsibility to try and make us as competitive and successful as possible for all the squad. With our match against Central United and the semi final of the plate coming up I feel anxious that we are going to struggle to find our mojo, which we need to do urgently. For those able to make it tomorrow the address is Feniton Football Club, Aclan Park, Station Road, Feniton. EX14 3EA. Kind regards Mark

Axminster 2 (1) Central 1 (1)

Another disappointing match for City. Once again City were down to the bare 11 players, with no subs and very little in the way of options in order to change the game. Central started the game with a front three in a bid to pose more of a threat in front of goal and after some great work by Will on the right wing they took the lead in the fifteenth minute with Sam turning the ball into the net from close range. City continued to play the better football but despite dominating the match you knew that one goal would not be enough. On the stroke of half-time the inevitable happened, and after some poor defending on the right side they let Axminster cross the ball into the box and the ball was steered into the corner. The 1-1 scoreline at half-time did not reflect the match, but once again the lack of a goal scorer in the team was going to prove costly. The second half was a lot scrappier affair but City remained the better side. A fiercely struck free kick by Will was well saved, and Lucas missed a good opportunity inside the box. Now was the time to look to the bench, but it was empty. With ten minutes remaining, Tom O let the Axminster striker get a shot away on his favoured left foot and it nestled into the far bottom corner. It was only their second shot of the game. 2-1 down against poor opposition, and once again City were facing defeat against a team they should be beating comfortably. Tom D was pushed forward for the remaining time and had two good chances to equalise, but missing the target is Central's speciality. Another loss and back to the drawing board.

Crushing!!

Hi everyone Like you I felt crushed by the result on Saturday, we were by a country mile the more skillful and creative team on the pitch yet once again come away with a frustrating loss and no points. It sadly has been the theme of the season, some lovely linking play but not being able to be more clinical and effective in the final third of the pitch is costing us dearly. I am determined that we don't loose spirit and determination which have always been our strengths and that we keep working hard to try and win some matches. I know that some of you follow the FA Full time website which has the details of fixtures on it. Training tomorrow (Wednesday) as normal with a 7.30pm swift start please. Saturday 24th Feb - AWAY friendly against Feniton (no Joey, Max, Tom O and Dan) Saturday 3rd March - no match as many players away. Saturday 10th March - at KGV against Central United Saturday 17th March - Home v's Crediton in Plate Semi Final. This is a really important match please. if you are away that week PLEASE let me know as soon as possible. Saturday 24th March - Home v's St Martins. I will text around specific details and addresses as and when. Kind regards Mark

Central City 0 (0) Heavitree 2 (1)

City now have a solitary point from their last 6 league matches as their lack of goal scoring once again proved to be their downfall. With Dylan the only City player to have scored in the league this season, City appear to be running short of ideas in front of goal. In a very even first half with City playing against the wind, chances were few and far between, and Heavitree's only real shot on target unfortunately flew in over Joey, after 20 minutes.

The second half would hopefully be better with a stiff breeze behind, but whilst City enjoyed the majority of possession, they rarely created any chances. Lucas managed to get the ball in the net with fifteen minutes remaining but the referee disallowed it for knocking the ball out of the goalkeepers hands. The final ten minutes saw Tom O run it to the box, only to see his shot come back off the bar from 10 yards out. Nobody was there to tap it in as it dropped into the six yard box.

In the final minute Heavitree sealed the 3 points when Josh got dispossessed just inside the City half and their striker ran through to tuck it past Joey and into the corner.

A 2-0 defeat which leaves City one place off the bottom.

Thanks to Joey for going in goal.

Central City 2 (2) Alphington 3 (1)

Xmas Pun Match Report There were many expecting City to be SLEIGHED by their unbeaten opponents in the final match of the year, but they were wrong. A SPIRITED city performance gave Alphington probably their toughest game of the year. YULE not be surprised that Alphington took an early lead with a GIFT of a goal. They strolled into the box, and despite City players being PRESENT, they were left with a simple finish. Alphington dominated the first 20 minutes and only NOEL in goal stopped the opposition extending their lead. Then against the run of play, a through ball put Dylan clear, and he stroked it into the far corner of the goal, what a CRACKER. City were level and they grew in stature all over the pitch. The work rate and commitment was excellent and unbelievably the same move again saw City take the lead. Two chances and two goals for Dylan. The final 10 minutes of the first half saw Alphington still have the majority of possession, but Cameron SNOWMAN, Will (MINCE) PYE and Dan WilDING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH protected the slender City lead up to the half time break. The second half continued in the same vane with Alphington in control, but City always looked a threat on the break. Brandon had a good chance when he got on the end of a set piece, but placed the BAUBLE just over the bar. The defence remained STABLE and City held out until the 65th minute before the visitors finally equalised as they rounded NOEL in goal. It was 2-2 and with City tiring due to their great endeavour, it was just a case of hoping that they could see the game out. 80 minutes had past and the final CROSS of the game saw the ball get dropped on the line, with City unable to SHEPHARD it out, a fortunate Alphington turned it in for the winner. An undeserved ending to a great match. Well done to all the City team, a STAR performance. Have a good xmas and a happy new year to you all.

Mark's musings

Hello everyone Before we get Steve's match report in I just wanted to post a quick message to say hello, extend John and my seasons greetings to you and to reflect on what has been a tough start to our season. Football can be a cruel game and this was no painfully played out this morning in our match against an impressive Alphington team. At 2-1 up at half time I was starting to this that Christmas had come early. To finally loose 3-2 felt a harsh result. It ends what has been a tough few months for us as a team, so many narrow defeats and only only one win to our campaign. It will mean that we will need to up our game if we want to stay in the 1st Division for the final season of youth football. I am confident that we can do it, but we will need to work hard at training and convert our chances on the pitches in our remaining games. We can do it, but being more clinical and ruthless will be qualities we need to bring to every match from now on. Having said that I love our spirit and ethos and think we should remain proud to our values and the manner that we conduct ourselves. None of the shouting, swearing, aggression or dirty tricks that we see from our opponents. John and I were so grateful for the kind card and vouchers that we were presented with a couple of weeks ago. Thanks also go to Steve Tapp who has been a source of advise and guidance this season, especially when John was in Oz. Can I wish you all a very happy festive break, hope that Santa brings you all you want and that City's fortunes change for the better in 2018! Warm regards Mark

Central City 0 (0) Axminster 1 (1)

City have now scored just one goal in their last 4 league matches as their ability to find the net continues to desert them.

A lacklustre start to the match saw City go behind to a tenth-minute goal when three players failed to close down the Axminster winger quick enough. He had time to look up and then place a great shot over Noah into the roof of the net.

With Cameron starting up front with Dylan in a bid to end our goal scoring woes, his presence was missed in the middle of the park, and midway through the first half, he was moved back in order to try and bolster the midfield.

City then had a good ten-minute spell and with Will's shot from outside the box heading into the top corner, the opposing keeper produced a fantastic save to tip it onto the bar and away for a corner. City's best effort of the half.

Axminster were the better team though, just through their desire and physicality, and they deserved to go in at halftime with a narrow lead.

The halftime talk asked the players to search for their heart and passion to win, as this cannot be taught on the training ground.

The second half was an end to end affair, but neither side looked able to produce that little bit of class required in front of goal. Dylan was moved back to centre-half and Sam was sent up front to drive at the defenders. He created a couple good chances himself but each time narrowly missed the target.

A collection was held on the touchline, were City looking to buy a goal from somewhere or perhaps a barn door !

As the game entered the final ten minutes Central were all over their rivals. Tom D had a great chance with 2 minutes left, but dragged his effort across the face of goal and out for a goal kick. Several corners were whipped over to the far post, but nobody could get on the end of them. 

The referee added on 3 or 4 minutes injury time, but not long enough for Central to find the net. Another defeat and City drop to second from bottom. 

Come on Central, we are far better than this.

Well done to Will for his performance.

Quarter Finals of the Plate

Central City (1) 2 Sidmouth Vikings (1) 2

Central City 3 Sidmouth Vikings 2 After Extra Time

Central were missing four players for this match, Cameron, Pacey, Lucas and Onur and also had Zac and Charlie both carrying injuries.
City started the game sluggishly with the Vikings more determined in the challenges and picking up most of the loose passing.
Ten minutes into the tie and Sidmouth took a deserved lead. This is probably what Central needed as they woke up and started to created chances around the edge of the box, taking 5 or 6 shots from range. After 30 minutes with Zac needing to leave the pitch due to injury, Charlie moved to left back and Brandon came off the bench to play up front with Dylan.
Within two minutes Central were level with a great shot from Brandon into the bottom corner.
The match became an end to end encounter and Noah produced a superb save tipping over a dipping shot from outside the area.
They went into the break level and all to play for in the second half.
Only one half-time change with Tom D coming on for Joey on the wing.
The second half commenced and it wasn't long before Brandon grabbed his second of the game with another good finish. Before the game could restart Charlie went off injured, with Josh taking over at left back and Joey coming back on in the centre of midfield.
City were now 2-1 ahead but it was now Sidmouth who took control of the match, with City's play becoming very loose again. The Vikings were given numerous chances to score and eventually they got their equaliser and it was back to all square.
With City down to just 11 fit players, they did well to hold out and see the game into extra time. 7 minutes each way would follow a short break.
City shot out of the blocks in extra time and within a minute Dan's determined run into the area lead to Dylan sweeping home to put City 3-2 up. This time Sidmouth had nothing left to give.
Tired legs meant that opportunities were rare and Central saw out the remaining time to take themselves through to the semi-finals.
Well done to Brandon for his first two goals for the club.

Next few weeks

Hello everyone, A great training session last night and hope that you have all dried out lads!! I just wanted to confirm that there will be no match or training on Saturday 25th November. I am not quite sure if I had got mixed up or if the fixtures had been changed, however no match and no training for one Saturday if that is okay. Our next match is on Saturday 2nd December, a second round plate match against Sidmouth at KGV. We also have a match on Saturday 9th December also at home against Axminster. We thought it would be good to have a pre Christmas lunch after this match like we have done before so I have booked a big long table at The Stables in the Guildhall. The cost is £10 for pizza, wedges, onion rings, chocolate brownie and a drink (cider, mulled wine or soft drinks!) It would be really nice to get as many players and parents/fans to come along and share some time together away from the touchline! It is booked for 2pm. Could I ask that you text me (07876018577) if you are able to attend and the number in your party. Be really great if we could have a full squad and parents as well. Just to confirm that we also have a match on Saturday 23rd December against Alphington.....ho, ho, ho!! Regards Mark PS - Hello John hope your trip to Australia is going well, we thought of you last night as we were standing in the torrential rain, freezing it was!! G'day mate!

St Martins 3 (1) Central 0 (0)

Central's fourth league match of the season saw them face one of their toughest opponents of the campaign. City needed to be on their best form in order to get a result at St.Martins who are currently unbeaten so far this season.
Central started the match well and worked hard in containing the opposition, and with a full subs bench, everybody was playing for their place.
Despite having their fair share of possession for the first 15 minutes, City rarely looked like they were going to score the opening goal, despite the hard work up front from Dan and Joey.
As St. Martins slowly took control a wonder strike from 20 yards saw them take the lead. He just wasn't closed down quick enough and had time to pick out the top corner.
The final twenty minutes of the first half saw St Martins have the majority of possession, but City battled well to keep the game at 1-0 going into the break.
Half-time brought the arrival of a tired Dylan, following a morning of rugby training.
He was put up front at the start of the second half in order to try and create some goal scoring chances and Central started the half in a higher gear than the Saints.
City had the majority of possession but time after time the final cross or pass around the penalty area was lacking quality and accuracy. The work rate and commitment were great but the Saints keeper was rarely brought into action. As Dylan was removed from the pitch, City changed to three up front in order to try and salvage a point, but as they threw numbers forward St Martins scored two late goals to give the final scoreline an unfair look.
A 3-0 defeat and that is now only one goal scored in the last three league games.
Back to the drawing board for next weeks match against Axminster.

Plate Cup 1st Round

Central City 3 (3) Wonford Galaxy 1 (0)

Devon's version of the Europa league brought the visit of league two side Wonford Galaxy to KGV.
City started the match as clear favourites and anything less than a comfortable win would have been a disappointment.

City took control of the match within the first few minutes and after tiring out the linesman's arm with numerous offsides, it was left to Dan to coolly slot past the keeper after receiving the ball from a throw in. 
The match was played mainly in the Wonford half and Lucas was unlucky to see his shot tipped onto the crossbar by the keeper. 

This was followed closely by a fierce low shot from Will that struck the base of the post.
It was all City and they eventually doubled their lead with a headed effort from Dan, to give him his second of the match.

A Wonford mix up lead to a quick third from Tom D and the half closed with the job done.

The second half was a much more even affair as Central lost their way and the standard of football dropped to a level usually only seen in the lower divisions.

With limited options on the bench Dan was eventually pushed up front in a bid to secure his hatrick, but chances were at a premium.

As the game fizzled out Wonford managed to nick a last minute consolation goal but it was City who went through to the second round.

Availability

Hi everyone,

Am just getting a bit anxious that attendance at both training and on match days is falling again to a level where we are struggling to raise a team.

We only had 6 players at training last night, and whilst I understand that we have a number of players with injuries or are poorly, can I ask that you text me (07876018577) just to keep me updated if you/your son cannot attend.  John and I put considerable thought into the training sessions and this will only work if we know who will be attending.

This Saturday (4th Nov) we are at home against Wonford Galaxy in the Plate Cup.  It is a later kick off (11.30am) due to pitch congestion!  At this time we only have the basic 11 players (Brandon, Tom O, Tom D, Cameron, Sam P, Onur, Lucas, Dan, Will P, Pacey and Josh) 

We hope to welcome Noah and Charlie back next week to training after they had recovered from injury.

The lack of a goalkeeper will be another problem on Saturday but we can cross that on the day!!

Regards

Mark

Central City 1 (1) Central United 1 (1)

This game produced all the commitment and passion you would hope from a local derby and it was Josh who got the team fired up by retaliating with an early strong challenge.

This set the tone of the game and City more than matched their neighbours.

It was also another game with stand-in keepers which meant that the defence had to put in another solid performance to protect both Tom D and Brandon.

The match flew into action and in the 6th minute Cameron played a superb pass over the United defence for Dylan to steer a close range header past the goalie.

1-0 ahead and just the start the Managers had asked for.

The match continued with challenges flying in, and was only when United were given too much time on the edge of the box that the opponents equalised with a bit of ball juggling and a firm shot past Tom D.

1-1 at half time and a solid first half performance.

The second half kicked off with Tom D moving upfront and Brandon going between the posts. Lucas also dropped back into midfield to replace Josh who went off with a neck injury.

City's energy levels remained high for the whole of the second half and although both teams fought hard to take all 3 points there were very few opportunities for either side to grab a winner. Most shots were from distance and both keepers had very little to do.

The final action of the game was when Will P went down with cramp with ten minutes to go which epitomised the work the team had put it.

The game finished 1-1 and well done to all the players.