Half Term Details

Hello everyone, Hope that you are having a good half term break. What a tight game we had on Saturday at Okehampton, been thinking a lot about it since the final kick off. One thing is certain that no matter what happens in the rest of the season, I cannot imagine anything surpassing Sam P’s extraordinary header off the line at the end of the match. It is rare, as the match report said, for there to be universal applause from home and away spectators…even the referee was applauding for the amazing athleticism that Sam showed to put in that match saving clearance! Training on Wednesday as per normal at Isca (6-7) and will focus on 1v1 & 2v2 attacking play…..retaining the ball in attacking play. We have no match on Saturday 1st November but we will be training at KGV. I am trying to organise a friendly match, failing that we will be working on a few things and then have a 5 a side tournament. So if you are able it would be great to see you at KGV 10am – 12noon. Any problems please let me know, Thanks, Mark

Argyle clash ends with honours even!

Simmonds Park provided the setting for Citys’ latest away game visiting Okehampton Argyle,fellow promotees from last season and a much anticipated further test.

There was a distinctly autumnal feel given the chill in the air and the colours of the surroundings,on the banks of the East Okement river (simplified by a pre Grease Olivia Newton John to Ohio).As the teams lined up there appeared a tactical conundrum about to unravel,with City lining up in the 3 4 1 formation the manager had alluded to previously,Okehampton looking to an ambitious 3 1 4 facing downhill.

However as the choice went captain Sams’ way,it was City who looked to start the delayed kick off playing against the gradient and Okehampton reverted to a lesser attack minded structure.

As the teams settled over the opening minutes,City pressed,notably with a Will P shot,but back in defence,Charlie and Sam P had to show body strength to hold off spirited Argyle offensives.

Gradually,over the first 15 minutes,the balance of play was definitely with the visitors,Joe and Alfie W getting plenty of the ball on the right hand side,at one stage forcing the keeper to leave the area,and suddenly a Ewan shot was close and City were taking a fourth corner.

First blood to the away side as Will P swept over a flighted ball and Dan made a clever run to head the ball with power,rippling the net in a move that had practice ground meets inspiration written all over it.A certain top three goal of the season contender,at this early stage anyway.

The rugby pitch was certainly a sapping surface to control and measure a passing game of football so it wasn’t just the residential last week that some of the lads had enjoyed that contibuted to the weariness displayed by both teams as the game went on.

The half ended with City a goal to the good but not one nil.Okehampton had levelled with five minutes to go but Citys’ lead was immediately restored when Alfie W went on a poaching mission to capitalise as the Argyle goalkeeper could not pick the ball up outside of the area.He almost cajoled the ball back to his feet and put it in the net, tumbling as he did so.

Following the break,substutions made saw the introduction of Ryan,Will A(outfield) and Alfie R,with Charlie given more free rein in midfield.

Although the sun had come out,the wind was blowing off the moor and it seemed to negate the perceived advantage of the gradient.Sam R was drop kicking consistently with distance and Josh in the centre of defence was constantly battling the onslaught as it came back.

Ewan continued to run byline to byline,more so defensively in the second half,a tireless display earning the Man of the Match award.Ryan took over corner duties but City just couldn’t press home the advantage when presented and the final score was secured when Sam R was given no chance from the penalty spot.

Those looking for the magic of Dartmoor however only had to wait until near the end of this game.Prior to handing over the captains armband to Dan,Sam P executed a remarkable diving header to divert a certain goalbound ball over the crossbar and maintain the unbeaten away record,the incident provoking spontaneous applause from all around,including the referee.

Now then Sam,with Halloween approaching,was that trick or treat?.A treat to watch from the City followers.       

A meal of two halves!!

News has reached the sports desk of a great night out last night with a strong squad of mums taking on the strong Nandos line up. 

As you can see it was an interesting 3-3 formation with Aggett, Worth and Sloman proving to be a right well drilled unit. Nothing (including any white wine) got away from this strong formation. 

The attacking formation of Scanlon, Tapp and Cuningham showed great awareness and were dynamic in polishing off anything the waiting staff throw at them. 

It was a clear win for Central City and a good time was had by all!! Next weeks training focus will be on nutrition in high performance sport ;-) 

Half term training

Hiya

Sorry I should have said in my last message that we will be training next Wednesday evening. Appreciate it's half term, but if your not going away training will be from 6-7 as normal. 

Thanks

Mark 

Great training .....but we missed the Isca boys!

Evening all,

What a delight it was at training this evening, everyone working really hard and with focus.  We missed the Isca boys but hope they are having a great time.

So Saturdays game is away against Okehampton.  Just a reminder that kick off is at 11:30am so if we can meet at their ground at 11:00am for warm up and match preparation that would be grand.

We know that Okehampton are a strong team and will offer us a tough physical test. 

The starting team will be:

Goal Keeper – Sam R

Defence – Charlie, Josh & Sam P

Midfield – Ewan, Dan, Will P and Joe

Striker – Alfie W

Starting Subs: Will A, Ryan, Alfie R & Oscar

Rested & Unavailable: Tom & Cameron

Sam P will be the captain for the day.

See you on Saturday, should be a great game.

Thanks,

Mark

PS – Wishing the mums a good night out tomorrow!!  Send in pics for the blog!! :-) 

Midweek fun!!

Hi everyone

 

Hope that you have had a good weekend, Saturday seemed weird without football!

The draw for the quarter finals of the Cup has been made and we have a home draw against Division 2 team West Exe Youth.  A team we know well from last season.  The game has been scheduled for Saturday 22^ndNovember at 10:30am at KGV. 

 

I will update the fixture list when I can but wanted to give you advanced notice.

 

Midweek training will be without the Isca boys who are in Bude on a residential trip. 

 

The focus will build on last weeks excellent session. Specifically receiving the ball at pace, both on the ground and off the ground and trapping the ball.

 

We will also be thinking about Saturday’s match away at Okehampton.  Just to remind you that the kick off has been put back until11:30am.

 

Best wishes to you

 

Mark

Go on.....have a lie in!!!!

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to wish you a lovely weekend and hope you enjoy the rest. 

Brilliant....no outstanding training session last Wednesday, thank you for putting so much into the session. Moment of the night has to be watching Alfie R's great skill in rising a good foot in the air and showing great control to bring the ball down. 

So see you all on Wednesday. We will be without the Isca boys who will be in Bude for a cheeky residential. Have a great time boys. 

Hope you all have a great weekend

Mark