Solid Finish to 2013

Due to availability issues on the part of our opponents and a booking error meaning that we graciously gave up one of the pitches we had legitimately booked to enable our friends and neighbours Bedgrove Dynamos and Bucks CC to fulfil their fixture the game took on a slightly different format from normal with 4x15 minute games of 8 a side being played.

The first game saw team one (Oliver F, Charlie D, Jack R, Jacob O, Harry G, Igor C, Kaelin S and Nelson N) play. Despite a vibrant performance the boys saw themselves one goal down after conceding softly at the near post from a corner. Fortunately the team's never knowingly beaten attitude came to the fore and a well worked team goal finished off by the in-form Kaelin S ensured the game finished level.

Team two (Oliver F, Josh H, Josh C, Andrew C, Elliott B, Ben P, Nathan B and Aqib Z) played next and improved massively on their performances from the week before thanks to the return of both Josh H and Elliott B who brought their usual creative flair with them. With Andrew C and Josh C thriving on the return of their attacking colleagues and Ben P, Nathan B and Aqib Z holding the fort at the back a single goal victory was achieved (goal scorer Elliott B) in a game which saw a great performance from the Chalfont goalkeeper.

Team one were back in action for the third game and came away with a two goal victory thanks to goal scorers Kaelin S (once again) and Harry G who kept his head up after missing an earlier penalty to secure the win. Chalfont always looked dangerous when attacking and the defensive set up of Igor C, Jacob O and Jack R remained solid at all times whilst Charlie D and Nelson N looked to pull the strings in midfield in what was an impressive performance.

Team two's final game finished goalless, again thanks to the visiting goalkeeper who made a number of good saves throughout the game as Andrew C, Josh H and Elliott B all threatened to break the deadlock. Some of the attacking football played by the boys in this game was a pleasure to watch as they caught the opposition on the counter attack on numerous occasions.

An honourable mention must be given to Oliver F who played all four games in goal and only conceded one goal in an hour of football - a real testament to his hard work and continued development over the first half of the season.

Manager Lee, in his final address of 2013 said "a pleasing end to what has been a brilliant 2013 for this age group. I think we struck the right balance by playing 4 x 15 minute games this morning as the boys have played a lot of football since September, although it has left me looking forward to facing Chalfont over a series of longer matches after Christmas as they are a strong side and exactly the kind of test we need to continue our development.

I actually got to watch both of our teams in action this morning which was really pleasing. Everyone played really well and whilst we are nowhere near the finished article yet we have no reason to go into 2014 anything but excited and confident as to what we can achieve. We have three more months worth of league matches (including a first appearance in the blue division cup in March) before we enter tournament season and I would like to think we can make a mark at the tournaments we enter and we will enter those tournaments that best match the stage we are at in our development.

I would like to thank all the players and parents, grandparents etc for their support throughout the year. I hope everyone can see that we are heading in the right direction. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you all for the recommencement of training on Saturday 11th January.'