Penkridge Junior U10 Result
28th February 2010

Stafford Rangers U10’s 6 v 3 PJFC U10’s

Fantabulous, what a performance! I’ve been saying for weeks now that the performances have not reflected the results and every game we’re getting stronger with this week being no exception and our strongest yet, the whole squad worked as one.

Conceding two early goals again in quick succession the lads heads could have dropped as at the start of the season, but they found some belief that they can compete, OK don’t get me wrong Rangers are a very good side with very good attacking players and deserved the 5-1 lead at half time, but the second half we had them worried and ended up winning the half 2-1.

Another all-round squad performance and man of the match could have gone to anyone, in particular Marcus who had an outstanding game with fight, drive and strength that I haven’t seen in him before (must be the new hair cut) but Joe just piped it with an impressive display of strength and determination.

Well done everyone

MoM – Joe Newman
PMoM – Ben Marson
Goals – 2x Marcus, 1 x Malek

Result 0-0

This was the second time we’ve played Stafford Soccer School away in a couple of weeks. This may have accounted for the stalemate - with both teams aware of individual threats, strengths and weaknesses. Stafford were certainly up for the game - possibly still smarting from the cup defeat a few weeks before!

The game was a very even contest with Penkridge arguably having the better possession in the first half and SSC shading the second.

Once again the Penkridge showed why it has the best defence in the league. Centre halves Reece and Ryan were once again in tremendous form. Ryan put in a couple of solid tackles in the first half and bravely continued with a nasty graze to his right shin. Reece was also in the wars, continuing after a heavy clash of heads and after being hacked down late in the second half when his team were under considerable pressure. Goalkeeper Scott had another ‘shut-out’ and pulled of a couple of fine saves as well as being very brave, smothering many loose balls at the feet of the opponents. Starting full backs Ben Yates and Jack Croty, had busy days, but managed to keep there markers at bay for most of the match. However one moment summed up the defence . With just a couple of minutes remaining, Stafford’s big No6 burst through in to the area, Goalkeeper Scott dived at the players feet, but was beaten with an unfortunate bobble, No6 but with the goal at his mercy… second half sub Jacob Dore bravely put his body on the line, getting a vital toe to the ball, before getting bundled over by his opponent. As we said at the end, tackles like this carry the same value as a goal at times.

Further up the pitch Centre Midfielders Mike and Matt dominated in the first half, but found it difficult to get our normal wide play going on a ‘bubblewrap’ pitch and a match ball that had the bladder popping out of it!! Mat Smith intelligently took up a more defensive role through the match, and put in a string of excellent tackles that set the tone - for a tough uncompromising afternoon.

With much of the play scrappy, and through the centre of the pitch, wide men Jack James and Greg Marshall didn’t see much of the ball in the first half. One of the best moves in the first half was however down the right hand side, with a great passage of one a two touch football from back to front with a final pass releasing Zack Porter who just shot wide of the Stafford goal. Jack and Greg were rested in the second half with Jack Hill and Ben Dobson taking up the wide positions. Both looked very busy, showing some nice touches and working hard for the team but ultimately they also were starved of the ball.

The same could be said for our front men, who found it difficult to get hold of the ball. Jack Philpott and Danny Tudor (second half) had very few clear cut chances… but always remained a threat. Zack Porter worked tirelessly throughout trying to make something happen, but was restricted to half chances at best.

In the end Penkridge held out for the draw which their discipline and effort deserved. Our target at the start of the season was 4th with anything higher being a bonus. This result puts us 9 points behind second place with 3 games in hand… so still plenty to play for.

Well done guys.

MOTM - (TBC)

Monckton Sports Centre

Shield - Coniston League

Stone Hammers 3 - Penkridge Jun Wanderers 1

Stafford Falcons 0 - Penkridge Panthers 1

Stafford Falcons 1 - Penkridge Jun Wanderers 5

Stafford Soccer School 7 - Penkridge Panthers 1

Not a bad day each team won one game and lost a game.  Some brilliant passing by both teams and great teamwork.

Penkridge Junior U10 Result
28th February 2010

PJFC U10’s 2 v 6 Stafford Junior U10’s

Well what can I say, another brilliant hard working performance from the squad, went down to an early goal, a shot from way outside the box on the left went through everybody to end up in our net. Quote from Stafford Junior player after game “How did we fluke that one in ”

Stafford Juniors are a well organised team with the difference being in the first half they managed to put away there chances, a lot of braves saves from our keeper limiting it to only five goals in succession but the half finished with a well worked team goal with Malek Kent putting the ball in the net to celebrate his Birthday went in at half time 5 -1 down, quick team talk telling them to build on the last five minutes and straight back at them, the team worked harder and stood firm, with Jack Pope instigating the majority of attacks, a mazy run and Jack was brought down just outside the box, up stepped Ben Marson with a ferocious shot that was parried by their keeper but a quick thinking follow up saw Jack slot the ball home.

We were unlucky to conceded in this half which ended us drawing 1-1 so lots of positives and an improvement from our last game against them which we lost 11-2, another great team performance and man of the match could have gone to anyone of Ben, Elliot, Rob, Matt, Joe, Jack, Malek and if we’d have managed to finish our chances we could have been at least 8 or 10 up at the end,

KEEP THE FAITH

MoM – Jack Pope
PMoM – Rob Shaw
Goals – Malek Kent, Jack Pope

Another outstanding performance from our lads against a good team lying just below us in the league despite us being short of a number (3) of established key players. It was clear from the way in which all our players approached the game that they were all proud to represent PJFC.

We played direct entertaining football with all players demonstrating improved skill and confidence levels.

The game was played in atrocious conditions with lying water in places, long grass and a generally very heavy pitch which all served to make the victory all the more sweet.

No one man of the match as everyone gave 110% for the entire game.

League performance to date P11 W8 L3

Goalscorers Whitto 3  Billy wizz 1  Jamie Smiff 1

Well done again lads  -  onwards and upwards !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Simon

Burntwood Dragons 4- U 11 Girls 0

With Burntwood pushing for top spot in the league and Penkridge fighting to get off the bottom going into this match with a bare 7  was going to be really tough, but then on the morning of the match losing another player to illness, this was going to be an impossible task for the girls. First job was to find a volunteer goalkeeper and thanks to Chloe for stepping forward. As expected most of the play was in penkridge half but this seemed to spur on the girls to by far the best performance of the season , every one of them did a tremendous job. When the first goal went in after only 3 minutes the girls should have crumbled and then after a goalmouth scramble and Chloe believing she had saved a shot on the line the Burntwood supporters appealed for a goal from the other end of the pitch, the young ref hesitated then gave it !! From that point every girl battled their hearts out. Half time came 4 nil down. After a positive team talk from Alex and Ben the girls came out strong keeping the second half score to 0-0 and with a couple of good chances falling to Anna and Jodie, with good saves from their keeper keeping us out.

Well done girls

Players of the match,

 Chloe, Charlotte, Kathryn, Ellie, Anna and Jodie

Result 7 - 0

An all round excellent performance by the boys today, with some wonderful, free flowing football.

After focussing on passing, and movement off the ball in training - the theme for the match was to try and pass the other team to death. Anyone present at the game would have seen the lads execute to to the letter.

It could be argued our goals for column should have been swelled by a far greater margin - but that was never our main concern. After playing Stafford earlier in the season - we were looking for a collective effort from the boys to stay disciplined and not be tempted to increase their own goal tallies through ‘individual’ goals.

Starting with the traditional 4-4-2 formation, the lads calved open 4-5 clear cut goalscoring opportunities in the first couple of minutes, and we unlucky not to be a couple of goals to the good before Mat Smith’s defence splitting pass found Jack James, who centred from the right hand byline, to find Zack Porter who timed his run to perfection - heading the ball over the oncoming keeper.

Jack Philpott continued his fine form in front of goal, Bundling one home from a Corner, as well a cooly finishing from close range - clipping the ball over the keeper in to the right hand corner of the net.

Greg Marshall, (Left Wing), showing some great vision at times, was rewarded with a fine left footed finish, lifting the ball over the on rushing keeper - after being put through by a wonderful pass from Mike Hartwell. Greg also grabbed a second again after a fantastic passing move, finishing from close range - just right of the penalty spot.

In between the teams fine passing display Mike Hartwell, who’s corners had caused Town trouble throughout - struck a delicious free kick, high into the oppositions net, from 20 yeards - illustrating his clinical dead ball ability.

Scott Oakden was rarely troubled in goal, but he looked sharp when called into action and his distribution to the fullbacks Jacob Dore (RB) and Ben Yates (LB) lead to many of our best moves. One of the reasons for Scott having a quiet day at the office was the superb display by our two Centre Backs - Ryan Lucas and Reece Jecketts - who marshalled the defence to great effect.

The defence collectively, were excellent at offering attacking cover… as were the midfield, who supported strikers and defenders alike.

At half time we made 4 changes - bringing on all the subs, and asked the lads to continue moving the ball quickly. To Staffords credit they kept battling and saw a lot more of the ball. However Penkridge continued playing some mouthwatering ‘one touch play’… and were unlucky not to double the goal tally - with shots and crosses raining in from all angles.

We talked at the begining of the game, about the importance of having a strong set of substitutes, and our tactical reasons for our selection. To their credit each substitute made a telling contribution. Ben Dobson, kept up the intensity with some fine play and excellent crosses from the left wing, Jack Hill entered the play at centre forward and yet again caused the defence loads of problems with his pace and movement, but he was again left wondering how he did not score. Danny Tudor replaced Ryan Lucas in the heart of defence - he too could have been on the scoresheet, but was thwarted by some brave keeping a defending from the Away team. And Jack Croty, who started the second half at right back, then moved forward to right wing, caught the eye with some blistering runs and fine crossing.

In the end, the boys only added one goal to the 6 scored in the first half, but that really doesn’t tell the story of the second half performance. Zack Porter grabbed his second goal - blasting home from close range after a sustained spell of pressure. Jack Philpott was denied a hatrick by the post and again some desperate blocks and tackles.

As the game went into the last 15 minutes, we changed things around to give stalwart centre midfielders Mike Hartwell and the excellent Mat Smith a rest. Ryan Lucas and Greg Marshall equited themselves very well, playing together for the first time in the centre of the park. Jacob Dore came back on at right back and continued to show his recent great form with some decisive inteceptions and intelligent passing.

From a coaches perspective, the match was a world apart from the display (away to Stafford) earlier in the season, even though the scorelines were similar. We asked for a certain style of performance and to a man - that is what we got. I am sure all of those who were there, offering great t vocal support will agree - when Penkridge play their passing game - they are a joy to watch.

Maybe next weeks training session should concentrate on finishing! (LOL)

Goalscorers (Jack Philpott 2, Zack Porter 2, Greg Marshall 2, Mike Hartwell 1)

MOTM  - Greg Marshall

Our visit to Stafford Soccer School was the first time we’ve played back to back weekends since November! Long may it continue.

This game turned out to be a typical Cup match with plenty of excitement and vocal support from both sets of supporters.

Stafford took the lead against the run of play, with a wonder strike midway through the first half. Penkridge had opened brightly and forced a couple of corners which we should have converted to goals. There was also some fine passing and excellent link up play from strikers Jack Philpott and Zak Porter. However, a powerful first time volley from 20 yards beat Scott, in goal, who had no chance.

Penkridge didn’t let their heads drop, and continued to look to pass the ball. But it took a while to get to grips with a very strong SSC midfield. As the half went on, Zack and Jack P began to dominate in the air, and Centre Backs - Reece and Ryan were able to cope comfortably with the direct ball through the centre.

With regular left back (Ben Yates) missing, and right back Jack Croty still carrying a knock to his knee. Ben Dobson and Jacob Dore stepped up to the plate. Both looked solid and put in a great shift for the team.

Our breakthrough came about with a training ground move. A ball into Zak’s feet was held up, then played ‘round the corner’ to winger Jack James - who in turn played another ball into the feet of striker Jack Philpott on the edge of the area. JP then beat his marker with a fine turn only to see his powerful strike beaten out by the keeper… luckily Penkridge where alert to the rebound and Mike Hartwell had a simple tap in, after timing his run from Midfield to perfection.

The goal settled the yellows and Mat Smith and Mike started to impose themselves in the midfield, reducing SSC to long range shots as the fist half came to a close.

Both teams came out strong in the second half, as the game went from end to end. But it was Penkridge who got the breakthrough with a fine piece of individual skill. After some strong center forward play and an excellent cut back from the byeline, Mike Hartwell picked up the ball on the left hand side of midfield and struck an unstoppable, dipping shot from 25 yards out.

Penkridge followed this goal with a sustained period of pressure, and quickly extended their lead. A fine performance from Zak Porter was rewarded, when he finished from a tight angle, under pressure from a defender and the goalkeeper. Zak and Philpott remained a constant threat through out and were a real handful for the SSC defence.

As the second half wore on, frustration grew for both teams. Niggling tackles and fouls combined with some inconsistent referee decisions - seemed to get both sets of players riled. Matters weren’t helped when Stafford were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Penkridge penalty area, after Jack James was harshly ruled to have brought a player down. The free kick was well struck and deflected high into the Penkridge goal.

Penkridge didn’t let the set back get to them, and if anything, were galvanised by Stafford’s goal. As the game came to a close, Penkridge supporters we relived to see the referee, correctly signal a goalkick after the SSC striker went down in the penalty area under little to no pressure from the excellent Reece Jecketts. All of the team played an important part as they held on for the remaining few minutes… and a place in the quarter finals.

Man of the match - Zak Porter

Goals - Mike Hartwell (2) Zak Porter.

Our cup run came to an end, away to a strong and well drilled Chase Stags side.

This was our first game in almost two months and only second game in three months - which wasn’t the best preparation on what must be one of the biggest football pitches around.

At times we played some great one and two touch football, but the physical presence of Stags combined with the size of the pitch were the two key reasons for the defeat.

Playing down the slope, Penkridge took the lead after a fine move, culminating in a wonderful chip from Mat Smith, which beat the offside trap, and let in Jack James who timed his run perfectly - and finished cooly under pressure.

Stags equalised shortly before half time, with a long ball through the centre after intecepting a ‘killer pass’ that would have put Penkridge in for a second. The stags player still had plenty to do, but took his goal well - lobbing Scott from the edge of the area after out pacing our central defenders.

Injuries to Jack Croty (RB) and Jack Hill (CF), meant we needed to shuffle the pack at half time.

The second half continued with both sides having chances, but arguably Stags being unfortunate not to take the lead through a couple of goal mouth scrambles. And then missing a penalty after Ben Yates brought down their striker when through on goal. (Ben had little option, and in the end took the correct decision). Scott also pulled of another ‘Save of the Season’ palming away a fierce shot that was destined for the top corner.

Lifted by the penalty miss, our lads had a continued spell of pressure. Penkridge were then unlucky not to take the lead, when Jack James ended a fine passing move with a curling lob that beat the stags keeper - but struck the right hand upright and bounced back to the keeper.

With just a few minutes remaining, the Yellows were now visibly tiring. From a Penkridge clearance Stags got their chance, when their big No7 was allowed to bring the ball down unchallenged,  and then shoot from long range, through many bodies, beating an unsighted Scott at his far post.

The boys continued to press for an equaliser, but Stags held strong to the end for a deserved vistory.

Some great performances on the day, special mentions to Ryan Lucas, Jacob Dore, Scott Oakden, Ben Dobson, Jack Philpott and Jack James, who all received votes for Man of the Match.

The county cup has been a great experience with some memorable performances. It would have been great to get to the quarter finals, but with the league cup and  6-7 games in hand in the league we would no doubt find it difficult to perform in all competitions as the season comes to a close.

Well done boys.

Man of the match - Jack Philpott (Just pipping Ryan Lucas)

Goals - Jack James

Calling all Reception and Year 1 boys and girls we are holding a Saturday Soccer School

Held at The Monckton Recreation Centre

Every Saturday from 27th February 10:00 until 11:00

Please make sure you have shinpads and a drink

For further details please call Chris Lester 01785715790 or 07717846003