Congratulations to Barton Rover Royals who won our league, they were the most consistent team and deserve their title. We can at least say we got a draw and a victory against them!!

So the last 3 reports of our season,

 V Caversham Trents – 1-1

We didn’t get off to the best of starts being a little on the back foot, Trents scored a well worked goal giving Taylor little chance with a well low struck shot.

We then got into our stride a little more with “Speedy” Callum putting in a very good performance in midfield, he broke away a couple of times showing his willingness to chase down long passes. Trents were always dangerous coming forward and Jake and Leon had to defend well at times to keep us in the game. Then came our onloy real moment of quality when Brandon fed in Harry down the right who broke forward cutting inside on his left foot and scoring in the far corner, not bad for his “weak foot”.

So 1-1 half time, the game continued to be even in the second half, Kyle was working the channels hard and Ben was flying into tackles as usual, in the end he came off worse in one and had to go off for a while. No real clear cut opportunities in the second half and a draw turned out to be a good fair result. We had a late appeal for a penalty turned down which looked a nailed on spot kicked but as before we have been victim of some bad refereeing decisions.

V Caversham AFC Kings 0-0

This was just one of those games we have been prone to during the season and the reason we haven’t quite managed to get our noses in front at the top of the league. We huff and puffed a lot in midfield with Kyle working his wotsits off in the channels but really we never really threatened to score. Just after half time Kings broke through and we had Taylor to thank for keeping the score 0-0. Kyle and Harry both spurned good opportunities. Special mention to Joseph who made his debut for us and acquitted himself very well.

V Woodley Wanderers Wolves 6-2

Well where did this one come from! Playing on a bigger pitch clearly suits us! The first half was the most impressive we have been in terms of pass and move, Harry, Brandon and Ben were pulling the strings in midfield, great to see Ben score the first of the goals following a dribble and shot in the box, just showing how much he is now progressing. The difference from where I was standing was the midfield having a greater desire to support the attacks, it was very noticeable to see Brandon running beyond the last defender which is a break from the norm for him, this led to our second goal as he fed in Kyle who hit a “rasper” into the far corner, what a strike! Kyle was chasing down the ball well and his perseverance brought a long throw from Brandon which he almost volleyed in. Harry wasn’t really wanting to miss out on the action and despite catching one on the ankle moved clear to fire one of long range efforts into the net (took a slight deflection but the dubious goals panel has awarded it to him!). Then Harry threaded a through to Kyle who again fired a powerful shot home – 4-0 and the parents are all looking at each other in disbelief! To be fair to Woodley they had a couple of really good strikers up front who caused us problems and got their just reward scoring just before half time.

Second half and with Nathan and Callum on we continued to press, Woodley hadn’t given up and their front men combined to score another. Taylor, Leon and Jake then got a lot tighter with Taylor organizing the defence better and we never looked conceding again. It was then Brandon’s chance to riffle a powerful shot home after good work from Nathan and Callum in the box. Then just before the whistle the now free-scoring midfield player that is Ben scored his most spectacular goal of the game firing in off the crossbar for 6-2, Nathan almost got in on the scoring using his sledgehammer of a left foot from distance just seeing his shot go wide…………what a great way to finish the season as Nigel and Simon said we are all proud of what the lads have achieved this season. There will be more on the review of the whole season to follow,

Thank you to all our readers! See you again for the 2010/2011 Season!

We started the game brightly and pressed Woodley from the half in truth we spent most of the first half playing in Woodley’s half of the pitch. Callum was starring in midfield but we were struggling to break down the Woodley defence. Brandon again was using his long throws and corners to great effect but we couldn’t quite get on the end of them.

Half time break and a few changes, in the second half Kyle was chasing down lots passes and hassling the Woodley defence, The defence looked rock solid with Jake putting in another great performance , he really has developed into a consistent defender. Finally Harry was getting on the ball more and we were getting more clear cut opportunities. In the end the goal was a bit scrappy but following another Brandon delivery, Woodley failed to clear the ball and Harry riffled his 10^th goal of the season into the roof of the net. Kyle picked up the effort award.

 V Whiteknights

In truth in this game we never really got into our stride although we created a few chances our Achilles Heal of not scoring enough goals was ultimately to haunt us. Against the run of the play Whiteknights broke away and scored in off the post. In fact the “woodwork” would play a pivotal role in this game. Ben was like a man possessed and dragged us level through sheer determination he broke free in the box and finished well with his left foot low into the corner. The lads had a few things explained to them at the half time break but unfortunately the message didn’t really get through. We created more than enough chances but good goalkeeping, defending and poor finishing would cost us dear. Another factor we were worried about pre-kickoff all came back to haunt us, we had raised concerns before the game to the ref that the goal areas were very difficult make out and we had been assured that he would be mindful of this during the game. A long ball over the top was going nowhere and with no Whiteknights player within 20 yards of him Taylor came out and picked up the ball on what he thought was the edge of the box. The ref clearly with x-ray vision and a case of amnesia from prior to kick off gave one of the worst decisions we have seen all year pulling Taylor up for handball. From the resultant free kick which was well taken Taylor got his fingertips to the ball put could only tip the ball onto the cross-bar and on this occasion it dropped agonizingly over the line. The awful decision clearly knocked the lads but they fought on and in the dying minutes Harry swiveled and hit a half volley which crashed against the upright and stayed out………………………………..it just wasn’t our day. Ben picked up the effort award.

So 2^nd defeat and the 2^nd one down to a controversial decision. It may sound like sour grapes so the managers want to stress that although we may feel hard done by it was a game we probably didn’t deserve to win but one we also didn’t deserve to lose, but well played to Whiteknights who rallied very well after their previous big loss, they showed great character. Onwards to the last 2 or maybe 3 games, lets hope they manage to mark the pitches out for next week!!

Last week’s results pushed us up into 2^nd place and by the quirks of the fixture list and the bad weather delays we ended up playing the Woodley Saints Cougars who were 3^rd one point behind us and Barton Rovers Royals the long time leaders of the division now only a point in front of us.

A tense and expectant band of parents, grandparents and supporters gathered for the first game against Woodley, the game started brightly we chances coming at both ends. Both teams looked dangerous at corners both going close before the break. Some stern words at half time from the management team failed to really fire us into action as the close battled continued. Taylor was the busier of the 2 keepers but the game seemed likely to finish as a draw but Woodley had a great chance in the last few minutes which Taylor couldn’t quite get to but somehow Harry managed to backtrack and cleared the ball off the line. So a draw was a good result in the end against a very powerful Woodley side. Brandon picked up the effort award, was there a blade of grass on the pitch he didn’t cover? As their assistant manager remarked, he has the longest throw in the league and takes probably the best goal kicks as well!

Then onto the 2^nd game against the very accomplished Barton side, the lads really raised their game in this match, from the off they pressed Barton hard for the ball and had the better of the opening exchanges. Barton play the ball very direct from the back so our defensive duo of Jake and Leon had to be at their best with Leon particularly prominent in the air. Then a goal from the top draw, awesome floated pass from Brandon, we watched holding our breath as the ball dropped to Harry who dispatched his volley into the net for a 1-0 lead. The game continued to be a hard battle before Brandon knocked in another great ball which Harry controlled before swiveling and hooking over the keeper for 2-0. In truth we started the second half very poorly and conceded an early goal, would they stand firm, would they roll over, could they show the character, you bet they could! To Barton’s credit they threw everything at us for the last 10 minutes, we had the odd breakaway which Kyle almost scored from but the man machine of a defence stood firm. We had our hearts in our mouths in the last minute when Barton broke through but Taylor came to rescue making a great tackle to clear. Harry picked up the effort award for his 2 goals and all round work rate.

V Burghfield Reds  on the 6th Feb we drew 0-0

v Woodley Town Kestrels Colts on the 13th Feb Brandon and an Own Goal were our scorers in a game we deservedly won 2-0.

So on to this week and back in action with the fixture pile up with 2 games, this was going to be a stretch for us with our squad of 9 and with Harry picking up a knock on Wednesday and aggravating it the night before we had a tough situation to overcome.

So against Barton Rovers Red who have come on miles this season we dominated possession but they were always dangerous breaking out. Their Goalkeeper was outstanding making a particularly fine save from the patched up Harry in the first few minutes. Our powerful midfield of Brandon, Ben and Callum pushed forward hard and pressed the game hard when we didn’t have the ball, we created a few opportunities before the break but neither Kyle or Harry could find the back of the net.

Half time and an encouraging team talk from the managers saw the team go out and continue where they left off in the first half but steadily Barton got a foothold in the game and from a free kick were pretty unlucky not to score hitting the post. The game was seemingly heading for a draw when we got a last minute corner. One from the training ground as Nathan whipped in the corner and Harry climbed majestically at the far post to head the winner (ok so he shut his eyes and scored with his ear!). The game could have gone either way in truth in the last 5 mins;  Taylor picked up the effort ward for his all round display and organization of his defence, he was the only player you could hear at times!

So onto Streatley Strikers !

Quite an even beginning Jake and Leon were more prominent in this game having more work to do. We took the lead after a couple of good moves when Brandon did his Rory Delap impression delivering a great long throw which Harry controlled and turned and laid off to Nathan who struck it goal-wards, the keeper almost saved it but we were relieved to see the ref give the goal, the ball was over the line but we have seen them not given! The game got physical at times with Ben and Leon picking up quite nasty cuts. Second half continued in much the same way before Harry controlled the ball outside the box and dispatched the ball into the bottom corner. With 10 mins remaining we dug in with Brandon, Jake and Taylor making vital contributions in defence. Nigel decided to put Brandon at the back and he wore the armband with pride holding firm for a 2-0 win and the effort award.

Well done Lads

 What happened in a week!

The teams usual high energy and work rate was just not there in the first half with many of the team playing below par in terms of movement. We have had lots of colds and flu in the team and maybe that had something to do with it. In truth we could have been out of sight in the first half as there was only one team showing any attacking intent. Simon decided to give Leon a go off the bench up front rather than at the back to add a bit of an aerial/physical threat but we weren’t really getting the ball down and controlling the game.

Few choice words at half time at least picked the performance levels up in the second half but we just couldn’t manage to break down the stubborn Woodley defence and credit to them for working as hard as they did shutting us down. We engineered enough chances in the second half to win two games but as Simon remarked we could have been out there all night and not scored. Harry was unfortunate not to score with the last kick of the game seeing his half volley over the bar had that gone in it would have been the least we deserved on the balance of play.

We have to look at the positives as well and Jake looked again very assured at the back and deserved the effort award.

One more fixture before xmas against Woodley Hammers Royals the team we played the week before this fixture so the lads will need to up their game for that one!

After last week’s disappointment and also with a few absentees this week this was a tremendous performance and result.

Short of Nathan, Callum, Leon,  - Billy and Lewis stepped in and as Nigel said before the game to everybody it was appreciated even allowing for the result it meant the game was actually ok to go ahead and the rest of the boys got a game.

We started well creating a few chances which Kyle and Billy couldn’t quite convert and although Woodley threatened a couple of times we always looked assured at the back. Jake is really developing into his role as the last defender and as Simon remarked has become the most disciplined player we have in terms on holding his position. When the ball (or player) did get past Ben,  Jake and Taylor cleaned up really well.

So following a positive team talk from the managers at the break and with Lewis coming on for Billy we pressed in the second half. Harry really found his passing range and with Brandon restored to his central midfield role this week we dominated the game from there. Harry played a great ball in for Kyle who as we held our breath slotted the ball home for the first goal. From there our confidence soared the second goal was equally as good with Lewis playing a great one two with Harry before Harry curled it in the far corner before the high 5’s down the line!! In between Brandon played the through ball of the game to Harry which nearly led to another goal, something we hope to see more from him “going forward”.

Nigel and Simon selected Harry for the effort award based on his all round performance and work rate, well done Harry.

Hope Nathan and Callum get well soon!

Result  Purley Jubilee 1 (own goal) Woodley Saints Cougars 2

Well it had to happen some time!

 We started the game quite brightly and pressed early with some nice football being played. However Woodley were always a threat and we had to be at our best at the back at times to keep them out. We scored for the 3^rd week running from a corner although this time the last touch was by a Woodley player for an own goal.

After the break Woodley came on strong although we still threatened going forward, in truth you could see the equalizer coming after some sustained pressure and corners to Woodley. Taylor was unlucky not to keep the corner out but had saved us at least twice before and for me was well worth the effort award for the 2^nd week on the trot.  

With the game poised and chances at both ends we can feel aggrieved at the manner of the winner as I still feel Taylor has the ball in his hands and under control as the Woodley player kicked it out of his hands and into the net, a sentiment shared by their manager and supporters! But that is football I guess and at the end of the day you have to accept the ref’s decision. Again in truth maybe on the balance of play Woodley just deserved the points although a draw would not have been unwarranted.

So it’s important now we pick the lads up, if you would said before the season we would have been towards the top of the league and playing as well as we have done I am sure we would all be happy. So onward and looking forward to training and playing next week! As Simon said after the game we are proud of how the lads have played and took the defeat, we can understand them being disappointed but it’s how we respond now that will be important.

Score Barton 0 Purley Jubilee 2 (Nathan, Harry).

We sensed a little bit of complacency before kick off following our victory over Reds in the pre-season friendly. Nigel and Simon did their best to get the lads focused before kick off but we didn’t get going in the first half. We had Taylor, Jake and Ben to thank in keeping a solid base at the back before we started to influence the game towards half time with Nathan scoring another goal from a corner to have us leading 1-0 at the break.

Some stern words from the managers at half time (not quite the Ferguson hairdryer!) certainly did the trick with a great second half performance. The least we deserved was another goal but credit has to go to Barton who have really improved since pre-season. Our second goal was a bit controversial as Barton were trying to make a substitution during a mis-hit goal kick which Harry did well to direct first time back on goal and in, just rewards for him as he is now starting to produce all round consistent form in the centre of the park, this being one of his best performances to date.

The effort award went to Taylor, this award has been really over due, he is now becoming more dominant at the back and is starting to Marshall the defence with instructions very well. He has now kept 6 clean sheets out of 8 games played so far this season.

Finally, get well soon Leon, we are missing you. Hope your shin injury clears up quick!

We got out the blocks very fast and dominated the opening part of the game.

We were well worth the 2 goal lead with Kyle and Nathan again getting on the score sheet and now forging a good partnership up front. Harry and Callum were covering lots of ground in midfield with Leon and Ben looking assured at the back. Ben fully deserved his effort award and had taken Nigel’s advice pre the match about the timing of his tackles. Our new attacking style maybe worked against us slightly for Caversham’s opener with everybody looking to push up. Taylor had just made a great save and almost kept this one out.

In truth we rode our luck a bit in the 2^nd half and the game could have gone either way with Harry’s late chance and them hitting the post (was it over the line?).

All in all in was a great game to watch played by 2 pretty even teams. But we remain unbeaten!

Result – Purely 4- Woodley Town Kestrels Colts 0 

Another solid performance from the boys if not quite up to the standards from the week before.

In last week’s report I said that a goal was surely round the corner for Kyle, well he proved me right scoring 2 good goals this week, great to see his hard work and enthusiasm paying off!

The mean machine at the back kept another clean sheet.

The managers decided to rotate the team around during the game to give everybody a good run out and I hear a rumor that Taylor was up for coming out on pitch!

Last comment about the match has to go to Nathan who picked up the effort award as well as scoring 2 good goals, well done Nathe! It is great to see goals now starting to come from all round the team, may it long continue!

Last comment for this note is to let you know that I have managed to sort out submitting brief reports to the Evening Post so our first write up should be in there this week.

10/10 v Burghfield

Result – Purely 2- Burghfield Red 0

What a performance, it was hard in the first half to tell if we were watching Purley Under 9’s or Barcelona!

As Nigel remarked we did more passing in that match than the previous 4 put together. 2-0 didn’t flatter us and if that shot of Brandon’s had gone in it would surely have been a contender for goal of the season! The interplay and the one two with Harry which led up to it was just from the top drawer.

Apart from one little wobble Taylor looked assured in goal and the defence is now turning into the “mean machine”. Jake and Leon were pretty flawless with Leon deserving of the effort award, his throw ins have improved and he heading was particularly evident today. Nathan slotted in seamlessly and made some important interceptions. 

We ran the game in midfield Harry, Callum and Brandon were dominant and when Ben came on he put in his usual all action display. Nobody could fault Kyle’s effort up front and that goal is surely not far away now!

If the first goal by Brandon was a shade fortunate (although if you don’t shoot you don’t score), Harry’s goal was again the result of great teamwork with the finish as cool as you like.

I think you can see from the change in our performance level going forward that Simon’s influence is now paying dividends and backs the decision to bring him on board.

I am not around this Wednesday for training as I’m up in Scotland but I have to say I am so looking forward to our next game, win lose or draw if we can build on today we will surely be developing the boys in playing attractive football and playing more as a team which it what it is all about. We need to keep our feet on the ground and not get ahead of ourselves but I think we have to say well done to Nige and Si as well as the lads!

3/10 v Caversham Trents – result 0-0

Hi all,

Sorry for delay as most of you know I have been a bit under the weather.

Sorry to hear Brandon was poorly at the weekend as well!

With Brandon and Ben out understand the boys did excellent and could have won the game late on if H’s freekick had been just placed a bit better, but nil nil was a good result in the end. Jake turned in another good display to pick up this week’s effort award. Taylor excelled in goal with one (showing my age now) Gordon Banks like save!

Also good to see the twins along for their first league action – Nigel said they did very well.