Princes Still Rule but Ducks Catching Up!

Rangers were the first team the boys faced upon their promotion to the Blue Division back in October so this match would hopefully give an indication of how far the boys have progressed since the first game some two months ago although the unavailability curse that has hit the team struck again with six players (1/3 of the squad) unable to take part in the match.

Stuart Clark was once again on hand to take one of the teams and his side consisted of Toby C (GK), Igor C, Harry G, Jacob O, Kaelin S and Nelson N.

Manager Lee took the other side which consisted of Oliver F (GK), Josh C, Ben P, Andrew C, Nathan B and Aqib Z.

The first games saw Stuart's side record a brilliant four clear goal victory with goals in this game coming from Kaelin S (2), Harry G, a headed goal from Jacob O and a fine individual effort from Igor C.

Lee's side did not fair so well and despite going into the half time break level at 0-0 two second half Risborough goals saw a valiant AUJFC team defeated as they struggled to come to terms with the absence of some creative players. The game was however notable for another brilliant goalkeeping performance by Oliver F and a return to action for Nathan B who had missed the previous week's game through illness.

The second set of games saw a narrow defeat for Stuart's side (by the odd goal in three) although Nelson N's first goal for the club in this game meant that every outfield member of the team had managed to get on the score sheet throughout the morning! Lee's team suffered a defeat as once again they struggled to cope with the absence of creativity although the mood was lightened somewhat by a superb individual goal from Andrew C who showed what he can do when he takes a game by the scruff of the neck.

At the sparsely attended post match press conference Lee remarked "when you compare the last set of results against Risborough Rangers Blue with today's set of results you can see a definite improvement. I only wish we had one or two more players available this morning and I think at least two of the games would have been tighter.

My team in particular had a real lesson in adaptability. You cannot play the same style that you play when certain players are playing when those players are not playing. I cannot fault the boys' effort but we need to be a bit more streetwise when we come up against better opposition like we did today. We will become more streetwise as we progress and I have no doubt that you need mornings like this as you make your way up the footballing ladder. Risborough Rangers Blue are at the top of that ladder as far as the Blue Division is concerned and I think over the last two months we have climbed a few rungs closer to them. Hopefully we will meet them again before the season ends and show yet even more improvement.

I cannot praise Stuart's team enough, they always perform well when Stuart takes them and that is testament to his ability as a manager and a coach. All players got themselves on the score sheet today and they only conceded three goals in a hour of football which is fantastic. Kaelin S has become something of a goal machine this season whilst Harry G's influence on the side is priceless. Add to that Jacob O scoring with a header, Igor C having the confidence to take on virtually the whole of the opposition to score and Nelson N opening his Ducks account they can be pleased with their morning's work."

The boys round off 2013 with a home game against Chalfont St Peter on Sunday and it is hoped that as many of the squad as possible will be available to celebrate a fine 2013 at McDonalds afterwards!