UNDER 13'S EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE TEAM

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UNDER 13'S EASTERN JUNIOR ALLIANCE TEAM INFORMATION      

 WOODBRIDGE TOWN U13 4 BISHOPS STORTFORD U13 1   30 October 11

The return fixture against Bishop Stortford and the Woodbridge boys were keen to set the record straight after going down 1-0 at their ground.

Stortford kicked off and a frenetic tempo was set, it quickly became clear that this was going to be a game of football with both teams wanting to play a passing game. A change of shape for Woodbridge this week had Jason at the back with Harry, Bradley and wingbacks Luke and JC. Isaac, Kieran and Taylor in midfield, while Santo and Ollie spearheaded upfront, leaving yes, Danny between the sticks.

Competitive all over the park, but it was Woodbridge making the passes count and after settling, it wasn’t long before a driving run down the left wing by JC, getting behind the Stortford defence to whip a teasing cross over for the instinctive Santo to finish and make it 1-0.

Woodbridge now had their tails up and were clearly enjoying the flow of their passing. A few minutes later, a measured long ball from Jason out of defence released Santo again, going clear to deftly lob the huge keeper for 2-0.
Sustaining the concentration and tempo was becoming harder which allowed Stortford a foot in the game and a break down the right gave the winger a sight of goal from very wide from where he blasted an unstoppable shot into the far corner of the Woodbridge net. 2-1.

Stortfords Goalkeeper was kicking long but to no avail as the three in the centre of defence were heading back upfield, winning everything in the air and reducing Stortford to one shot on goal.

Woodbridge took the cue to step it back up and got a firmer grip on proceedings leading up to half time with the help of Will on for Luke. The whole team were in the game and working very hard for each other, Luke and JC putting the K’s in up and down the wings, were causing their opposition all sorts of problems by dragging them out of shape so that when Stortford got possession there were few options open, allowing Kieran, Taylor Isaac, Will and Anthony to close down and win back possession. It was Stortford that were pleased to hear the whistle to end the half.

 Both sides took advantage of the break to fit in a motivational teamtalk but Stortford’s seemed more intense as they would need to battle to get off the ropes in the second half.

Woodbridge kicked off as the spectators wondered if the game could live up to the first half. Both sides came out fighting but superior workrate and passing from the Woodbridge side was still the telling factor. On the occasions that Stortford got a break it was from a speculative through ball, but Danny was always there to clear or find one of his defenders feet where they could play out of trouble.

Santo and Ollie upfront were chasing tirelessly and getting reward more often than not, if they didn’t win back possession they were forcing mistakes allowing Isaac and the midfield to win the ball.

Taylor was running the midfield with composure, looking up, changing direction when required and making telling passes, allowing Kieran and Will to get forward more. This was no more evident than when a short freekick from Jason to Harry was crossed diagonally for Kieran to rise like a salmon (just for you ED) and powerfully past the keeper into the top corner for 3-1.
Luke back on as Anthony went off with an ankle injury which broke his ankle protector. Luke and the whole team were still giving 100% and they got their reward with a fourth goal when Santo fought to get possession out wide and had plenty to do before getting a superb crossed pullback for Will to run onto and finish.

A well deserved 4-1 win for Woodbridge in a performance watched by appreciative spectators which included a West Ham scout, Parents, Grand Parents, Friends, Former Players and family members all of whom I’m sure would not ask for a refund had it been an all ticket affair.

As always, huge thanks to the touchline team and all those who help with stuff that can go un-noticed, you know who you are. A special mention this week to our own statue of liberty lino, Andy positive flagging Docker.
 

 WOODBRIDGE TOWN U13 5 HAVERHILL ROVERS U13 0   25 Sept 11

Sunday 25th Sept and the second fixture in the Eastern Alliance of the 2011/12 season. A Beautiful sunny September afternoon as the boys arrive, smartly dressed in shirt and tie and looking like a team ready to take on all comers.

After the toss with teams staying put it was Woodbridge to get things underway. A fierce pace was set and there was nothing between them early doors. As the game settled, Haverhill were first to have a sustained period of pressure forcing a good save from Nathan. As Harry, Bradley, Luke B and JC got their shape, they set out their stall as a solid unit.
Early pressure from Haverhill dealt with, Woodbridge found the midfield of Kieran and Jason with much more of the ball, which enabled them to take advantage of the movement upfront from Ollie and Santo. Santo was unlucky to have a good effort cleared off the line and send another chance just over the bar from a good ball delivered from a Luke B free kick.

Haverhill continued to get forward but never really threatened, it was Woodbridge who seemed to be getting the better chances. A corner superbly floated over by Danny found Jason rising above the Haverhill defence to head wide. But it was Ollies superb volley going in via the bar and a great ball from Danny that put the Woodbridge side ahead.
From the restart Haverhill, determined to get level, got through only to find a very brave Nathan diving at the feet of the attacker in red. It was Bradley who broke up the next attack, holding off the challenge of two, coming away with the ball to find feet. A free kick for the reds could have threatened but the ball went sailing over the bar. As half time approached it was Haverhill who were starting to become unsettled. Harry in defence rose above his man to stamp his authority on the game which was met with an off the ball niggle from the player in red. The stage was set for an exciting second half as the whistle went, 1-0 to Woodbridge at the break.

As the second half approached it was great to see the already good supporter numbers swelled by the arrival of former players and triallists, still taking a keen interest in proceedings.

Haverhill kicked off the second half, which briefly picked up where the first had left off, but a buoyant Woodbridge changed up a gear and started to take control. Anthony came on and fitted straight in, putting in an accomplished performance at right back.
Woodbridge now had their tails up and the passing and movement from front to back was starting to overwhelm a hard fighting Haverhill, surely it was only a matter of time.
That time came soon afterwards as pressure on the Haverhill box resulted in a hurried clearance falling to Kieran who scored with his now trade mark long range effort from just outside the centre circle.

Danny was getting more opportunities to run at the defence and Santo took advantage of a great cross in the danger area finishing into the roof of the net, giving the busy keeper no chance.

On the occasions that Haverhill found themselves with good possession in midfield it was a hard working and strong Jason that made it awkward, second balls being won by the whole team, who managed for the most part to find a team mate. This hard work led to attacking dominance and a great patient team build up releasing Luke Y to smash home number four.

Number five summed up a great second half footballing performance from Woodbridge. Harry won the ball at the back and after a driving run through the midfield, found Luke Y out wide who whipped the ball in for a Santo tap in, definitely one out of the textbook.
To sum up, a well deserved 5-0 win for Woodbridge who fought hard for a 1-0 lead at half time and went on to play some superb football in the second.

Thanks to Gavin and James, once again making up the 14 man squad and getting the best out of the boys. To the Ladies, Marie, Tracy & co for doing the teas and food, nice spread (in the nicest possible way), the ref and linesmen from both sides. Also thanks go to the Saturday gardening club. Thanks to Colin for the training and not forgetting unseen backroom efforts from David K. Last but not least the Parents and supporters.
Congratulations to Ollie S for firming up a 2year deal with ITFC, well done and good luck for the future.