ST ALBANS CITY YOUTH F.C

Sunday Youth Team Match Reports

Season 2007/08

Please note, due to the increased number of City Youth teams taking to the field this season we can only publish those match reports that have been sent in by e-mail.  

4th May 2008

Under 16's

27th April 2008

Under 14s East crowned County Champions

The Under 14s East were crowned County Champions with a hard fought win against local rivals Hemel Aces in the County Cup Final.

After a nervous start and the conceding of an early goal the young Saints gradually started to find their feet and impose themselves more culminating in a well worked equalizer slotted home by Dan Pett at the far post.

All square at half time but City were in the ascendancy with George Hunter, Michael Lee and Frazer Harper controlling midfield and Jamie Denyer and Harry Kentish getting to grips with the opposition’s long ball style of play. Ashley Talbot led the line superbly with Niall McGowan & Dan Pett breaking dangerously.

City finally got their just rewards as super sub Richard D’Rosario headed home to give the Saints the crucial advantage.

Hemel continued to threaten with their trademark long punts up field but City saw out the remaining 10 minutes to crown their season in style.

A fantastic achievement by all the players and a fantastic day out for the hoards of travelling City supporters.

The winning squad:- David Bastin, Alex English, Sam Rogan, George Wright, Harry Kentish, Jamie Denyer, Michael Lee, George Hunter, Frazer Harper, Dan Pett, Niall McGowan, Ashley Talbot, Richard D’Rosario, Alex Jerram.

20th April 2008

St Albans City Youth South 3 v 1 Panathinaikos

This game confirmed the massive progress made by the squad this season. The opposition were second in the league and looking to secure the title in the next few weeks.

You would not have known this if you had watched this game. St Albans dominated from the start and never allowed the visitors to get into the game. The defence suffocated the opposition and the midfield worked their socks off to win the ball and feed the forwards.

William Ellis and Sean Sullivan led the line in their respective styles and exposed the vulnerability of the defenders. William in particular began to expose the mental and emotional state of his opponents. They provided a number of quick attacks that eventually produced a result. James Sissons had just replaced William and fresh legs exposed the defence yet again. Sean's shot was parried but Tom Pile, as always lurking for the half chance, fired off his shot, blocked it was left to Sean to finish off what he had started.

The visitors started to crumble. It was not so much going a goal down it was going a goal down to a team they expected to walk over. They could not get their game going and desperation began to appear. Another quick attack saw the ball played out right to Tom Pile who whipped in a quick cross that was met by Neil Jardine to hammer first time into the roof of the net. A killer goal. The excellenece of execution simply added to the impression that the home team were totally dominant. The visitors collapsed. One player was booked for his reaction and the whole side were visibly unsettled.

Half time was not what was needed. The visitors gained more benefit as they came out with more composure. Fortunately the home team were tackling the next 40 minutes as if it was 0-0. The game continued as before with the visitors gaining little opportunity whilst St Albans carved out openings and wasted them with fast counter attacks. Twenty minutes in there were problems with the midfield and the visitors got too much space, we were under a long spell of pressure. Just before the substitution to try to change this the visitors scored after a scramble in the box. To make matters worse Keiran Rawal, as he flung himself to block the shot, took all the skin off his knee in the gravel littered goalmouth.

A quick change round with Jamie Spurway moving from forward to central defence saw the defence continue to dominate, the changes at the front saw even more chances as the visitors pushed forward for an equaliser. Richard Cook broke up yet another attack and played the ball to Neil Jardine in left midfield. He left his opponent behind and headed up the wing, the defender who approached was ripe for plucking and Neil simply played the ball past him. Before he could run on to it William Ellis had anticipated the move and latched on to the ball and headed for goal. With Peter Style and Tom Pile providing support and stretching the defence in the centre and right William continued his run and put the ball home to effectively kill the game.

It is difficult to express the feelings of everyone after the game. The whole squad has worked so hard all season and this game, never mind last weeks, proved we are now one of the best teams in the league. We can now enjoy the summer in the knowledge that we have dragged ourselves up to match the best and possibly beat them.

Player of the Match: Danieli Kitchen, Freddie Eames, David Paton, Freddie Brown, Kieran Rawal, Richard Cook, Tom Pile, Max Ward, Neil Jardine, Sean Sullivan, William Ellis, James Sissons, Jamie Spurway, Iqbal Johal and Peter Style jointly and deservedlly shared the trophy for their efforts in this game and since last July.

13th April 2008

Under 15's

Penultimate match

16th March 2008

Under 10's

West back on top

In an end to end battle, man of the match Sam Cormell produced the bravest performance seen this year in a 3-2 win for St Albans City West against a very good Watford Sports White.

Goals from Alex Cleaver, Myles Shahidi and Stuart Peet put the West back at the top of the league.
 

9th March 2008

Under 15's

Spring Plate

Under 15 South 1 v 5 Chipperfield Corinthians

An under par performance for some reason. The team started well enough against opposition from a higher league but seemed to lack any spark or ambition to take it further. The first half was very even with the home team perhaps dominating possession and territory as the visitors relied on quick counter-attacks.

Despite this the team failed to create many chances in the penalty area, poor in the final third as they say. The home equaliser came from a long through ball that yet again was too near the keeper. Luckily the keeper was unable to get near the ball and missed his clearance leaving Jamie Spurway an open goal to reward his chasing of a lost cause.

The visitors scored just before the half time whistle and this increased the general lack of fire. The second half was even worse as the visitors took their chances and the home team failed even to trouble the goalkeeper. A late flurry at the end when defenders were sacrificed for forwards showed what was possible but again the final ball tended to be poor.

Richard Cook and Freddie Brown shared the Player of the Match. In truth there was little competition but James Sissons worked throughout filling in as a central midfield player and proving to be very effective.
 

w/e 24th February 2008

Under 15's

w/e 10th February 2008

Disability Team

First win of the season

St Albans City Disability won their first match of the season at Highfield Park on Sunday, with a convincing team performance against Chelsea DFC3.

City started strongly, moving into a two goal lead by mid-way through the first half. Both goals followed a similar pattern - skipper Anthony Roche breaking from defence to feed Keiran O'Kane making his first start upfront, O'Kane then feeding his strike partner Matt Nash who finished well on both occasions. With Roche and Matt Caller, controlling the defence Chelsea rarely threatened and when they did Ben Groom was on hand to make some timely saves in goal. City scored a third before half-time as Paul Spinks coolly slotted a penalty into the top corner after a Chelsea defender handled.

The second half followed the same pattern, with the City defence very much on top and Chelsea struggling to find a way through the offside trap. City continued to threaten with Pete Bishop coming close to scoring on a couple of occasions with breaks from the centre of the park and John Webster constantly probing and stretching Chelsea down the right flank. Chelsea were able to gain some consolation with a goal from the penalty spot after a City handball. However City were comfortable 3-1 winners at the end of the game.

Coach Daniel Rogers said after the game "I was really pleased with all of the lads, who produced one of the team's best displays in our short history. We controlled the game from start to finish and it was a well deserved win". I would also thank the supporters who turned out in numbers to cheer for the team, which include some of the younger player who train with us “
St Albans: B.Groom, L.Robinson, G.Tuitt, M.Caller , A.Roche, J.Webster, G. Darling, P. Bishop, P.Spinks, K.O'Kane, M.Nash, T.Ward, C.Magee, L.Webster

Under 15's

w/e 3rd February 2008

Under 15's

St Albans City 15's South 0 v 3 Berkhamstead Raiders.

Despite the score line it was an even game and there was no evidence one team was at the top of the league and the other at the bottom.

Things went badly from the first whistle for the home team, starting the game with only nine players on the pitch. 15 minutes in and one of the key defenders had to leave the pitch with a foot injury and force emergency repairs to a makeshift defence.

It was during the later stages of the first half that the defence and midfield seemed to lose their shape and focus and seemed unable to clear the ball. The visitors scrambled two goals during this period when after so many chances the ball eventually went in the net.

The second half saw a re-grouping and the team matched the opposition again for the whole 40 minutes. Unfortunately the keeper dropped a ball and again in the scramble another goal was conceded.

Although there were many positives from the defensive display it was a disappointing day for the forwards and midfield in attack. The strong cross wind, the long grass and the uneven surface made it difficult for them to play football and work together. They did not create as many chances as the week before.

Daniele Kitchen played well in goal, an outstanding save early in the game lifted the team. David Paton shone in central defence although filling in emergency. Neil Jardine, again filling in, played left defence and showed how to attack from deep. Peter Style started to do the same on the right. Max Ward and Joe Sheridan had solid games in midfield but Sean Sullivan shone with his drive playing in three midfield positions. However it was James Sissons who produced a commanding display of strength, aggression and skill to win the Player of the Match award.

w/e 27th January 2008

Evergreen 2 v 1 St Albans City Youth 15's South

A disappointing result given that the game was one -sided for most of the time. 10 -0 at half time might have been a fair reflection given the chances created and missed by the visitors. The game was one sided with Daniel Kitchen having little to do in the St Albans goal as the defence in front of him cut out any threat. The home teams attempts to play offside led to constant opportunities but all of them came to nothing. Poor crosses were one factor but when they were accurate they were not put away by the players on the end of them. At times two players would fail to convert the same cross, just to indicate the dominance and failure to convert. Many more through balls carved open the defence for shots to be blazed wide or run into the keeper.

Eventually Jamie Spurway put away a difficult chance with a shot from outside the area on the left. This did not settle the nerves as hoped. More chances were wasted as players took them first time rather than taking the time they were given.

The home team stepped up their game in the second half and too often they were winning the ball in midfield unchallenged. This created pressure for the defence. Eventually they were caught by a quick break and conceded a goal. Soon after in a chase for a long ball an attacker ws brought down in the area. Unfortunately the keeper dived to save a good shot into the corner rather than wait to collect the mishit shot that went down the middle.

A double change brought about renewed dominance by the visitors, the pressure increased when an extra forward was added at the expense of a defender. Yet again dominance did not turn into goals. A long shot by Richard Cook, Player of the Match, forced the keeper to tip it over the bar. If it had not been in the middle of the goal he would have scored.

Freddie Brown also shone in the new defensive line-up and David Paton dominated the left side with a dynamic performance.

w/e 13th January 2008

Under 8's

Under 8 Teams on their best behaviour

The U8's played Tring Tornadoes yesterday and another good win for both the North & South teams.

The boys for the North team had the pleasure of being refereed by no other than Graham Pole!

Apparently his son was playing for the opposition. It was a great thrill & experience for the boys, he was very supportive to both teams giving lot's of guidance. At the end I asked him to say a few words to the boys which he kindly did.

Needless to say the both players & supporters conduct was exemplary!

w/e 6th January 2008

Under 16's

South take the points

St Albans City Youth U16's South recorded another league win over Croxley Guild. The match was a dour affair as both sides appeared to be still digesting their festive bingeing. This may be unfair as your roving reporter only experienced the second half....... yet another vacant look on the faces of the city "fan club" would suggest otherwise...... or were they still digesting their festive bingeing..... Actually the team played with a lot of spirit considering the conditions weren't quite suited to their usual style of flowing football.

Had the team not suffered some "dodgy" defeats at the start of the campaign they would surely be top of this league (if only's!)

Anyway it was good to get "back in the groove" and stand on the freezing touchline looking forward to the second half of the season .........oh sorry................. they won 2-0. Two goals(ish) from Kieron Ferndinand who also managed to "fall out" with the ref and get himself sent off.....one can only imagine for offering too much of his own opinion.. oh well .....onwards and who knows.... upwards?
 

Under 15's

w/e 16th December 2007

Under 12's

12's North go into Christmas with a win

Our away match against Omonia White started off well with us controlling the game. Within 10mins our all round player Eddie Rose scored after some good work from our midfielders. Then as the half progressed we pushed on and right winger Craig McConnell  added another to make it 2-0 at half time.

At the start of the second half Omonia White gave themselves hope and scored early on after 3mins. Omonia  White kept putting the St. Albans city’s defence under a lot of pressure, but on the counter attack St. Albans scored another through Eddie Rose, and then 2mins later Josh Smithers added another . But St. Albans weren’t finished yet because 2 mins later Max Andrew finished the scoring with a wonderful goal to make it 1-5 to St. Albans.
 
 
Report by Luke Ferdinand
 

w/e 2nd December 2007

Under 11's

Girls unlucky

w/e 25th November 2007

Under 15's

Berkhamstead Raiders 5 v 2 St Albans City Youth South

Despite the scoreline this was an even game and with the score at 2-1 for much of the game it was a tense end to end struggle.

Early in the game the home side found time and space on their left to convert two cross field balls into goals. However the visitors continued to give as good as they got and after a number of chances finally hit back when, at a corner, Iqbal Johal surprised everyone to appear at the far post and blast home from one metre. His first goal for the Club.

After that the game settled down into a scrappy end to end battle with chances going begging at both ends. However the home team seized upon another failure to clear the ball and score again down the left. A quickly taken throw resulted in a fourth as the defenders failed to react.

The visitors did not give up and a quick break down the left and great cross by Neil Jardine found David Paton who finished it well. Slack defending through the middle gave the home team a fifth.

There were many good displays by the squad without anyone being outstanding. However Freddie Brown, technically filling in at central defence, gave one of his consistently solid displays of the season and claimed the Player of the Match award.

w/e 18th November 2007

Under 16's

Awesome North turn on the style

The Under 16 North played East Herts Youth in the County Cup.

East Herts , from the Premier Division of the Mid Herts Rural Minors League, should have been a testing opponent for a North team who were prepared to battle to stay in this Competition. The North kicked-off and strung 10 passes together ending with a rasping shot without East Herts even touching the ball. The writing was on the wall and the North bombarded East Herts with relentless attacking one-touch football . At half-time the score was 5 - 0 despite a missed penalty and two blatant hand-balls on the line being missed in all the mayhem by the referee.

In the second half it was even more one-sided as the shots and goals rained in from all angles and the team tried to get as many players as possible on the score sheet. The final score was 13 - 0 but in truth could have been 20 - 0 , the performance was that dominant.

The scorers were :- Luke Thatcher ( 3 ) , Charles Norman ( 2 ) , Jack Ashcroft ( 2 ) , Conner Baker ( 2 ), Ben Talbot , Harry Crawford , Olly Galea and James Yates.

A future revenge game against Hemel Town, the North's perennial opponents in the closing stages of Cup competitions remains on course, but in the meantime they should remember how they played in this magnificent display of football.

Under 15's

What a difference a week makes

What a difference a week makes. The Under 15's South squad used last weeks heavy defeat to learn and develop and make the first steps towards matching the league opposition. They should be proud of themselves for their attitude and resolve.

Make no mistake this was well deserved. They should have been three or four goals ahead before they scored close to half time. Finishing was again the big problem. The failure to score then piled mental pressure on everyone.

Sure enough in the second half the Evergreen scored from a scramble after a corner and it looked as if we would again fail to convert domination into victory. A second goal came soon after but the team then became defensively minded, hanging on rather than trying to play well. Self confidence is so important.

Both goals were basic and simple. Neil Jardine found time on the left to send in a quick cross. Massimo Marenghi's dummy where he missed the ball completely at the near post fooled everyone and Tom Pile at the far post was untroubled as he fired home. The second was almost identical. This time Joe Caunce was out on the left and put in the quick cross for Freddie Brown to run in and put into the net.

Richard Cook was named the Player of the Match but many others put in similar performances.

Under 11's

One goal is enough for the Under 11's Girls

After their win against Hatfield last week the girls went out today determined to keep their winning ways and clean sheet. The first half started fast and St Albans girls kept all pressure on the  Luton girls. Within 5 minutes a good pass by Emma Sullivan to Isabel Jenkins who put the ball in the net, to score her first goal  for St Albans, made it 1-0 to St Albans.
 
The second half was good end to end play with both defence and Lorna Gear in goal, keeping another clean sheet. The final score 1-0 to St Albans, keeping them firmly in second place.
 
Player of the match was shared between Isabel Jenkins and Ashleigh Harvey who worked hard in defence.
 

w/e 11th November 2007

Under 15's

15's South out of the Challenge Cup

Throughout the minutes silence before the game the team held their own and there was nothing between the teams.

Two minutes into the game and the home team was kicking off for the third time, aware that the game was effectively over. The two teams were separated by the whole Under -15 league structure and the gulf in skill, fitness and attitude could be clearly seen.

Despite the scoreline the team came off with their heads up. They never gave up and battled to the end and they can be proud of themselves. I hope they learnt from playing such a good team what they must do to improve their own performances.

There were spells in the game where the team played very well and created chances that were not put away. All the players can look back on the moments they played well but Daniele Kitchen earned the Player of the Match award with a brilliant penalty save during the second half.

Under 12's

No points for the North

On the 11th of November the 12's North played Borehamwood in a tight and ferocious affair. The Under 12's North went two goals down due to lack of concentration conceding after 7 minutes followed by a goal early in the second half. Then two minutes later Eddie Rose netted a corner from a great cross from Daniel Cassotti.

After this the boys were unlucky not to get back into the game. Unfortunately the boys finished with no points in a tough fixture. Man of the match was Max Andrews because he worked hard up and down the left wing.
By Jacob Noonan
 

Under 11's

Girls take the points

A hard game for the girls today, after their loss to Hatfield Town a few weeks ago the Under 11's Girls knew they had to win today to take revenge.
 
The game was hard fought and right from the start Hatfield let St Albans know they were in a hard game. Louise Herren had to come off early in the game after a nasty tackle, but a good tackle from Tara Graham let the girls now they were there to win. Just before half time a good bit of play from the St Albans girls saw Georgia Murphy put them 1-0 up.
 
The defence and goalkeeper Lorna Gear kept Hatfield girls out of the goal and the game finished 1-0 to St Albans, a great result which still keeps them in 2nd position in the league.
 

w/e 4th November 2007

Under 15's

15's South v Harpenden Hawks

A number of regulars were rested for this game as they were carrying injuries. Despite this the team matched a strong Harpenden team in most departments but a relatively poor first half performance saw the visitors concede 5 goals at regular intervals. Defensive errors were punished with good finishing whilst at the other end half chances and chances were allowed to get away.

The second half saw a much better response with the home side reduced to two more goals before the visitors efforts were finally rewarded when Neil Jardine yet again left the defenders in a daze and his quick cross landed at the feet of Jamie Spurway who had his easiest goal of the season so far.

Many players played well but in patches, sometimes drifting in and out of the game. Joe Sheridan and David Paton shared the Player of the Match award.

Under 12's

North hit Six

On a beautiful afternoon for football at Highfield , the 12's North started off at a brisk pace & took an early lead after 6 minutes when Craig McConnell’s shot beat the keeper. Seven minutes later they doubled their lead when Jacob Noonan followed up Luke Ferdinand’s partly saved shot. In the space of two minutes Luke Ferdinand had stretched the lead to 4-0 with two well taken goals.

In the second half \Chorleywood tried to find an opening in the Saints defence , but Eddie Rose, William Pellington, Cameron MacIndoe, Josh Smithers & Robert Ward all stood firm to keep out the opposition and preserve their clean sheet. Twenty minutes into the second half, Jacob Noonan scored his second & his teams fifth. Nine minutes from the end, Luke Ferdinand completed his hatrick when his shot went in off the post.

Team-: Eddie Rose, William Pellington, Cameron MacIndoe, Robert Ward, Jamie Renfrew, Craig McConnell, Josh Smithers, Daniel Casotti, Jacob Noonan, Max Andrew, Luke Ferdinand, Robbie Graham, Aaron Greenaway.

Reported by Craig McConnell

Under 11's

Under 11's Girls share the points

w/e 28th October 2007

Under 16's

The Saints Under 16's South again notched up a 2 -1 win this time against London Road.

Again the Saints were the stronger side, yet allowed the opposition back into the game. Winter was here, the rain lashed down and there were two WW1 bomb craters on the pitch ......... aah the joys of Sunday footy. The best move of the game was before it started when an over-eager fan vaulted the perimeter fence. It looked good until the slip! As the other fans whistled a tune similar to the "Escape to Victory" theme the team obviously took this as a good omen. The goals came from another fine individual effort from George Owens-Nash and a finely executed penalty from Kieron Ferdinand (well he scored!) A win is a win.
 

Under 15's

Harpenden Eagles 5 v 2 St Albans City Youth

The scoreline was a travesty of the game. The home manager admitted he did not know how they had won. The answer is simple when they had a chance in the box they scored. When we had a chance we did not.

In the first five minutes the visitors could have been three goals up; Neil Jardine carved through the defence to miskick his shot under pressure; a repeat performance saw him shave the crossbar from a tight angle and then Joe Sheridan put a shot wide. The home side then score from virtually their first shot at goal.

A make-shift visitors defence was not helped by Conor Hogan starting with a thigh problem. Eventually contingency plans were organised so that he could be brought off. David Paton stepped into the breach and never looked back, getting the Player of the Match award. Plans B, C and D were binned as a result. Freddie Eames, Freddie Brown and Iqbal Johal were outstanding in defence given the problems and Danieli Kitchen in goal was a driving force behind them.

The rest of the squad all contributed to tearing apart the home team and to failing to put the ball in the net. Meanwhile the home side had built a 3-0 lead by half time making the most of Conor's limitations.

The second half started with Joe Sheridan scoring and belief was back. A home goal did not help but it looked to be only a matter of time until chances were turned into goals. Jamie Spurway made it 4-2 but the dam would not burst and another quick break saw the home team score again.

Under 12's

Derby Win

Under 12's North played their first league game of the season - a derby against St.Albans Rangers. It was windy and rainy but that did not dampen any spirits. City got off to a slow start conceding two goals - one in the 5th minute and another in the 11th minute. It looked bleak for City battling uphill and into the driving rain. Then a corner ended with a confident header into goal from Jacob Noonan on 21 minutes gave them hope.

In the second half, City really began to play and a few well placed balls saw Jacob Noonan take his tally to four goals – and turn the lead around. Jacob’s second half goals came in the 31st, 36th and 37th minutes. After Jacob’s goals, a well struck corner rebounded off the shoulder of Josh Smithers getting City’s 5th goal. A blatant stop with the hand by the Rangers defence in the 53rd minute gave City a penalty, which Craig McConnell executed perfectly. This brought the final score to 6-2 in City’s favour. Jacob was awarded man of the match for his outstanding performance and four goals.

Under 11's

Bouncebackability

St Albans Girls came back this week eager for the win after last weeks defeat. After a hard fought 1st half which ended 2-1 to St Albans the girls went out to hold onto the win. Lorna Gear was full of confidence in goal and worked hard to keep the Denham goals out. Louise Herren scored both goals. Maddie O'Dell and Emma Sullivan keeping the midfield strong. Player of the match shared between goalkeeper Lorna Gear and Erin Foster in defence.

w/e/ 21st October 2007

Under 16's

South win again

The U16's South won again at Croxley Guild. Most supporters would have gone away thinking "how was it only 2 -1?"

After going 1 -0 down to a fortunate "bounce" the defence showed too much strength and commitment for the Croxley attack to get any clear chances again.

Good build up play by the South was somewhat wasted by many missed chances but the goals, when they came, were well deserved. Glen Hall capped another good display when he neatly rounded the goalkeeper and Toby Irish grabbed the winner.

Your roving reporter was concerned by the display of our own linesman, who apparently at one point whilst scratching his head with the "flaghand", was flagging a non-existent off-side. The referee, to his credit merely put it down to eccentric stupidity. I do feel that this particular linesman should never be asked to do the job again! Who was that "flagman" I hear you ask.. erm..... well.... it was your roving reporter. Good win lads - keep it going.
 

Under 15's

Under 15's South 0 v 3 Wood Rangers

This was the worst performance this season as it appeared the whole team had mentally broken up for half term. The body turned up but the brains did not.

The whole first half lacked sparkle and aggression but despite this the game was even. A cruel deflection just before half time seemed to sap the last of any energy. A second half saw too many walking heads down and two more goals conceded.

At least the defence kept going and never gave up. Joe Caunce stood out for his 100% effort although Tom Pile pipped him for the Player of the Match.
 

St Albans City Disability Squad

w/e 14th October 2007

Under 16's

Good run continues for the South

St. Albans City Youth Under 16's South continued their good recent form with a 2-0 victory over Hemel Aces. With Harry Honeywood in outstanding form between the posts the South again played well, with teamwork being a major factor in their new found belief in themselves.

Your roving reporter had roved as far as Cambridge for the weekend (a fine place from which to witness England's exploits on the footy and rugby pitches) and was unaccountably very late for this match. Therefore, all information was supplied by those very nice, unbiased, South supporters who had organised their lives sufficiently well to ensure that they attended the whole game!

The winning goals came from Luke Campion and George Owens-Nash. From a shaky start to the season the team appear to be settling down well, and further good results are eagerly anticipated.

Under 15's

VEP Knights 3 v 4 St Albans City Youth South

The score looks close and it was nail-biting stuff near the end but in truth the home keeper kept the score from reaching double figures.

The visitors started very slowly, although dominating they seemed unable to break down the home defence. The midfield were too slow to move the ball on and passes were too short and the whole build up over-elaborate. A few substitutions brought about a difference but not before the home side had taken the lead with a penalty.

A short lived lead as Neil Jardine reacted quickly to a loose ball in the area to jab it home. The second goal came from the substitutions when David Paton on the left collected a ball out from defence and then sent a great through ball for Jamie Spurway to score. The home team equalised when the midfield all dropped too deep and allowed the home midfield general to lash a defensive clearance back into the net from outside the box.

Jamie Spurway shook the crossbar with a great free kick and the rebound just would not bounce kindly for the onrushing attackers. On the half time whistle Neil Jardine collected another partial clearance on the edge of the box to lash an unstoppable volley at goal. The goalkeeper pulled off perhaps the save of the season to prove it was stoppable.

The team knew they could win if they believed in themselves and they set about it in the second half from the first few seconds when Jamie Spurway broke clear but shot wide. This set the pattern and he failed to convert many chances for 15 minutes until he restored the lead. More midfield dithering and short passing led to a quick counter and an equaliser. All the action was at the other end. James Sissons had two good chances. Neil Jardine seemed to dance through the defence and then dance through again only to run it into the keeper on three occasions. Cometh the hour......

After spending Tuesday's training on long range shooting Joe Sheridan picked up another partial clearance out on the left and lobbed virtually 15 players and the keeper to score, despite a desperate defender on the line.

Although it was a matter of hanging on to the lead as the other team tired more and more chances were created but not converted to provide a breathing space.

The team played with energy and imagination unlike the previous week. A little more thought and composure would improve things.

Under 11's

Under 11's Girls earn the points

Back to full strength St Albans girls under 11's had a hard game to play top of the league Hoddesdon Owls, who are unbeaten. The girls started strong and full of confidence. The game was tight in the first 10-15mins, but St Albans girls always looked the strongest.
 
A good move involving Emma Sullivan, Louise Herren and Georgia Murphy saw the girls go 1-0 up with Georgia scoring. The second half Hoddesdon came out stronger and scored a goal within the first few minutes. The girls then realised they had a game on and the defence with Ashleigh Harvey, Erin Foster and Jade Williams worked hard trying keep the ball away from Lorna Gear in goal.
 
Tara Graham, Isabel Jenkins and Tattie Bee all worked hard and it all paid off when Louise Herren scored a great goal. The game finished 2-1 to St Albans and the girls are all on high. Player of the match Louise Herren.
 

w/e 7th October 2007

Under 18's

w/e 30th September 2007

Under 18's

City 'West' fight back.

St Albans City West 4 - St Albans City East 4.

Two yellow cards, eight goals, one penalty, one ambulance and one suspected broken angle.

Typical local derby then…

St Albans West faced St Albans East for their second league game of the season.

West got off to a great start when Reece May opened the scoring, when a goal kick was headed on by Adam Vennard for Reece to run through and score his first of the game. But St Albans East replied quickly when they were allowed to put a low cross in, across the box that went undealt with and was tapped in from close range.

Martin Hunter scored a cracking volley from outside the box to score his first goal for the Saints. West 2 – East 1.

Just five minutes later East equalised, when a goal very similar to their first found the back of the net. A few dubious challenges begun to crop up all over the pitch, and without any real punishment from the ref, apart from an East booking, the inevitable happened, 5 minutes after the booking, the same player involved again, Christie Tyler went down in the challenge.

The result wasn’t good, and resulted in a 30 minute wait for an ambulance to take the City captain to hospital, with a suspected broken angle. As the boys fired themselves up they were caught napping just a couple of minutes into the restart when a corner went undealt with and was eventually turned in.

Half time score 3-2 to St Albans East.

The boys looked cautious as they went out for the second half and St Albans East looked to have wrapped up the game when a striker was allowed through the defence to score East’s forth of the game.

But the boys were not going to give up without a fight, especially considering the injury to Christie in the first half.

“Do it for Christie !” was the message from half time. So the boys regrouped and began to take control of the game.

Good possession and constant pressure were rewarded when a near identical goal to St Albans West’s first went in, when Adam Vennard flicked on a goal kick for Reece May to score his second of the game.

3-4.

More strong play resulted in the chance to equal the match late on when a shot was handled off the line, onto the crossbar, by an East defender.

To be honest he was lucky to stay on the pitch, let alone get away without a card, something two of his team mates had failed to do during the course of the game.

Up stepped Ben Ryan who sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

4-4.

Some good defensive challenges saw the West boys in control, and hold out for their first point of the season, soured by the events of the first half.

Jamie Peters got Man of the Match for a dominant game in midfield and covering at the back, making superb forward runs and a few vital challenges.

 

Under 16's

Tough first round successfully negotiated

The Under 16 North played Hemel Celtic in the first round of the County Cup.

The vagaries of a random draw pitted City against Hemel Celtic , both teams losing Semi-finalists from last years County Cup. The game got off to a disaster for City who gave away a free kick deep in their half. The well flighted ball was headed into the top corner for 1 - 0 after 60 seconds.

City really ran the game from this shocking first minute , but superb defending and one of the best keepers I have ever seen at this age kept City working hard to create chances. A penalty for City saw more frustration as Norman saw his shot come back off the upright and Hemel held on till half time.

The second half was more of the same but City kept to their game plan , playing some attractive passing football with Hemel chasing shadows. Crawford eventually broke through and shot under the advancing keeper for a deserved equaliser. City upped their game at this point attempting to close out the match but Hemel's defenders were throwing their bodies infront of any shots and their keeper made two amazing saves and the full time whistle came at 1-1.

With extra-time, City's fitness began to tell and Hemel were pushed back time and again. Crawford got his second beating the keeper with his eyes, looking one way and shooting another for a superb individual goal. With a few minutes to go a Yates shot was deflected , looping over a stranded keeper and City were through 3 - 1.

Hemel defended heroically and would have no doubt had a good run in this cup , had they not met a City team with something to prove this year.
 

South back to winning ways

Due to overwhelming demands from certain members of St. Albans City youth U16's south happy supporters club, your roving reporter has finally got his A into G!! Not before time I here you mutter.

After losing their first three games of the season (results that were generally against the run of play in all three matches) the South got back to winning ways by beating Bovingdon 5-1.

Bovingdon had apparently won their first three games yet the Southerners blew them away with a very positive display of attacking football.

The opening goal was a headed effort from Mickey Docherty, a joint winner of last seasons player of the year. The team seemed to gain confidence from this and began to dominate the game in all departments. Further goals were added by Luke Campion (2), affectionately known as "Stick" by his father, Spencer Clark-Mardell and Keiran Ferdinand.

Hopefully some more interesting reports will develop as the season progresses but this will have to do as a starter - apologies for any mispelt names.

Under 15's

St Albans City Youth South 4 v 3 Croxley Guild

Playing against a team from a league above in the Challenge Cup, this was a great result. It was a result that was earned by a great team performance. It has given everyone a great boost and hopefully persuaded everyone connected witht he club that anything is possible.

A slow start saw the visitors dominate and squander a number of chances. The introduction of Jamie Spurway after 15 minutes turned the game. He caught the visitors by surprise and could have scored a hat trick but only converted one of his chances. Similarly the introduction of William Ellis to midfield gave the team another boost and he got on the end of a ball to head home. Well not - quite the keeper touched it on to the bar but Will managed to deal with a high rebound and force it home.

2-0 up in an even game. Too good to be true and so it proved. The visitors finally put away a chance at the far post and then the centre of the defence went AWOL to gift an equaliser.

2-2 at half time was a fair reflection but the team knew the game was in their grasp. It was theirs for the taking but so far this season we have failed to grasp the moment. 10 minutes into the second half the midfield fail to recover against a quick counter attack. A visiting midfielder has so much time to simply lash a ball at goal and score.

The team did not give up. Tactical changes were designed for a charge in the last 10 minutes to get an equaliser. Three at the back to flood midfield, an extra forward is stripped and ready when Freddie Brown calmly puts away the equaliser. Plan A is scrapped and we revertb to four at the back and look for extra time.

James Sissons, in his first game, doesn't fancy that, and after taking what seemed an eternity finally hammered the ball into the net. It is then two minutes of touchline hysteria as the coaches try to get the team to concentrate on defence. They do.

A harsh result for the visitors but a thoroughly deserved win for the squad. Dan Kitchen was a rock in goal again. Iqbal Johal's half time introduction and display helped the team turn the screw and dominate. Joe Sheridan last week's MOTM played even better, but still did not retain the trophy which went to Connor Hogan who proved to be a rock in defence throughout.

One swallow....we are building but we are looking at an Indian Summer this winter.
 

Under 12's

Under 12's North hit Six

Early sunny morning kick off at Highfield, the Under 12's North warmed up and got going to a good start as Jacob Noonan a cracking goal 2 mins into the game, against Berkhamstead Raiders in this League Cup Group D fixture, .

After that we looked pretty solid in all positions and had a few chances, Luke Ferdinand made those chances into two goals in the 7th and 18th minutes. 20-30 mins into the game Mike started to make some rotations within the squad and once we went to half time he also made some substitutions.

SACY started the second half looking quite lively with Eddie Rose breaking through and scoring 32 mins into the game, only 4 mins later Jacob Noonan crossed the ball into the box for Daniel Casotti to volley home. One minute later Cameron Macindoe just looked at the player from the opposition and the player went down in the penalty box, the referee gave a penalty which Ryan Cobb almost saved.

The following 20 mins SACY was creating some good chances with Max Andrew down the right wing, after 56 mins Eddie Rose scored a good second goal.

The game finished and man of the match was awarded to Max Andrew for playing superbly on the right and left wing.

Match report written by Cameron MacIndoe.

Under 11's

City Youth Under 11's Girls

With 3 key players missing on holiday St Albans girls struggled this week. Louise Herren started the game in goal and did a great job, Ashleigh Harvey and Erin Foster were strong in defence and the midfield of Tattie Bee, new girl Jade Williams kept the play all St Albans way. Tara Graham worked hard and with a return of Lauren Berrymam scoring a great goal, the girls finished the 1st half 1-1.

In the second half Erin Foster volunteered to take up the gloves in goal, the defence worked hard with Isabel Jenkins and Ashleigh trying hard to keep the ball out, but Luton Town Hatters hit with 2 quick goals. First loss for the girls, but hope they will keep their heads high! Player of the match Tara Graham, great performance and after a nasty clash of heads went back on the pitch.

w/e 23rd September 2007

Under 18's

City 'West' put in a good performance.

St Albans Rangers 1 - St Albans City West 7.

After a difficult introduction to Under 18 football, St Albans West put their season on track with a 7-1 win against local rivals St Albans Rangers in the Challenge Cup.

Aaron Lumsdon and Christie Tyler scored two goals apiece, with Adam Vennard, Nick Glasgow and James Watt also scoring for the Saints.

West were disappointed to concede a sloppy goal late on, but were delighted with the first win of the season.

Adam Vennard got man of the match for a superb game, with a good goal and creating many good attacking chances throughout.

Under 15's

Unlucky South

Under 12's

League Cup, Under 12's North

We felt confident after a good game on Thursday, but from the start ECSA looked a strong team.

Within 15minutes they went 2-0 up and then in the 20th minute Luke Ferdinand had a one on one with the goalkeeper and almost scored.

Sadly the majority of the team looked tired and by half time we were 4-0 down.
Our manager Mike gave us an encouraging talk to try to get the team back into the game, but by 55minutes we were 7-0 down.

However, if or when we win our last game against Berkhamsted Raiders we could be playing in the White or Blue division.

Cameron Macindoe was Man of the Match.
 

Narrow defeat

In an early evening kick-off City put up a good fight, with everyone in the team giving 100%, but lost narrowly to a very strong Bushey team.

City got off to a good start with Eddie breaking down the left in the first minute only to see his cross picked up by the keeper. Bushey soon settled into the game and had lots of possession in the first 10 minutes, hitting the post in the 7th minute and getting a couple of early corners. After 8 minutes, Bushey’s efforts paid off when a cross from a corner was forced over the line. Bushey nearly made it 2 a few minutes later but Ryan made a great save.

Half way through the first half Max broke down the left but unluckily his cross was headed just wide by Robert. Luke and Craig combined well down the right as City started to create a few chances. City were again under pressure at the start of the second half, but great defending by Jamie and Josh kept City in the game.

8 minutes into the second half City nearly equalized when a free-kick by Jacob was headed off the line.

Ryan then made another couple of great saves but had no chance with a shot into the top corner 18 minutes into the second half. 2-0 to Bushey. City responded almost immediately. A throw in from Jamie, cross from Craig and Daniel fired the ball into the bottom left corner. City kept on battling but couldn’t find an equalizer.

Ryan was man of the match for a great goalkeeping display.

Match squad:
Max Andrew, Daniel Casotti, Ryan Cobb, Luke Ferdinand, Robbie Graham, Scott Harper, Cameron MacIndoe, Craig McConnell, Jacob Noonan, William Pellington, Jamie Renfrew, Eddie Rose, Josh Smithers, Robert Ward.
Report by William Pellington

Under 11's

Local derby win

A great team performance for the second week, with St Albans girls coming out winners against local rivals Harvester. The first half finished 1-0 after a goal by Louise Herren, the second half started the same way, with St Albans girls having the most of the game, Louise scored her second goal to put the game out of reach for Harvester's.

A first clean sheet for goalie Lorna Gear who was assisted by strong tackling from Ashliegh Harvey and Erin Foster in defence and hard work in midfield from Emma Sullivan & Tatty Bee.

Player of the match Louise Herren.

Under 10's

County Cup Success for the 10's South

St Albans South were the victors in the first round of the County cup at home against AC Finchley. The boys were back to their best playing some good football. Goals from Gerardo Smalldone and Callum Clifford secured the win with Nathan Dimmock playing in defence being awarded man of the match.

 

16th September 2007

Under 18's

City 'West' muscled out of the Cup

St Albans City West was hosts to 1st Division Gladstone Rangers this week, in the 1st Round of the League Cup.

In a match of two equally matches sides, Gladstone came out winners with a flattering 5-2 scoreline.

City started the game well, but conceded a goal after 20 mins of stalemate, when failing to clear the ball in defence.

A superb lob from James Manfre (his first goal for City), put City back in contention, score 1-1. But as soon as St Albans started to settle and play good football, sloppy mistakes at the back saw City concede another 2 goals.

Aaron Lumsdon also found the net for the Saints to make the score 3-2.

Just when it looked like St Albans might be able to force the equaliser that would take the game to extra time, St Albans conceded two late goals including a penalty to lose the game 5-2. The teams were equally matched throughout the game, but Gladstone’s strength and power all around the pitch showed in the end.

Christie Tyler received ‘Man of the Match’ for a superb defensive performance, dominating the back line and making vital challenges when necessary.

Under 15's

Some good points

The Under 15's South played Panathinaikos in the league. The defence was already stretched with a late withdrawal requiring a quick patch up. Two goals conceded in the first 10 minutes, both from corners to the near post helped the home team to settle and get some confidence.

Then it really went pear-shaped. Whilst preparing for the first substitution a central defender started to limp and was then caught out of position when the opposition broke through the middle and scored. Before he could be taken off the other central defender puts up his hand to say he has aggravated last weeks thigh strain. He is first off and Freddie Brown, instead of midfield, goes to central defence. The other central defender is then replaced but at the same time a midfield player goes down injured and before he can be sorted out the left back says he is in trouble too.......

Eventually all 4 injured players are replaced by the substitutes leaving only the 11 players on the pitch still upright. Fortunately the midfield player is only suffering from cramp allowing a little more room for manoeuvre near half time. Just as well as during the second half the third central defender limps off the pitch.

During all of this we only concede one more goal and Tom Pile opens the season's account with a good goal to make it 4-1 at half time.

The patched up defence does well in the second half but they are the midfield players who can't then replace the now exhausted players who had started at high speed with the promise of being taken off after 20 minutes. Joe Sheridan was exhausted when he got his break after 75. The team gets a second when Massimo Marenghi finishes some good work by Jamie Spurway.

Tired legs leading also to mistakes sees the home team benefit from a deflection to get their 5th and then score again from a corner, this time at the back post. We immediately win a penalty but it is blasted over the bar.

At the end of the day, "might have beens" don't count. If we had defended all the corners properly and not got caught out with an injured covering defender I doubt if the home team would have even scored 2. We should have had three.

Jamie Spurway and Tom Pile were joint Players of the Match. A tough choice as Dan Kitchen in goal was in great form, Freddie Brown shone in the centre of defence, Peter Style, David Paton and Neil Jardine all ran themselves into the ground like Joe Sheridan.
 

Under 12's

12's North hit five

Early Sunday morning, the U12's North played Cassiobury Rangers who they drew with twice last season. The game kicked off with Cassiobury Rangers having all the possession and after just 10 minutes they scored. After conceding the goal, the U12's North woke up and started to create some good opportunities but they came to nothing. But after 20 minutes Robert Ward scored a well deserved goal to bring the score to 1-1.

After half time, both teams got straight back into the game with a few opportunities at each end of the pitch, but it was Cassiobury who came out on top after scoring from a corner after 40 minutes. The game carried on in the same style and it was Cassiobury's turn to score next but in their own net after 53 minutes to bring the score level once more.

Two minutes later, Luke Ferdinand was on the break for the U12's North. He dribbled it past the keeper leaving an open goal to score in and he made the U12's North go in front for the first time for the whole game. 59 minutes into the game and St Albans had a free kick in a dangerous position, Jacob Noonan took the free kick and put past the keeper and in off the post. Just before the full time whistle, Eddie Rose was on the break and shot at the keeper. It came back to his feet for Eddie to slot it in to make the final score 5-2 to St Albans U12 North.

Man of the Match was awarded to Eddie Rose.

 

Under 11's

Good start for the Under 11's Girls

A new season and a new team, St Albans under 11's girls started their first ever season together with a draw against Enfield Town Girls B, (who are playing their 2nd season together).

St Albans girls went ahead with 2 goals from Louise Herren and Emma Sullivan, at half time Enfield had pulled one back to make it 2-1. The second half started as it began with Georgia Murphy scoring with a good strike, 3-1, but the Enfield girls pushed forward and brought it level with 2 goals, the St Albans defence with Ashleigh Harvey and Erin Foster tried hard but Enfield piled on the pressure and scored again. After pulling themselves together, another goal from Louise Herren (the best strike of the match) ended the game 4-4.

A great performance for their first ever league game together for the St Albans girls, goal keeper Lorna Gear worked hard to keep the goals out and player of the match for St Albans was Emma Sullivan. Good luck with the rest of the season.

Under 10's

St Albans City Youth U10 South v St Albans City Youth U10 North (Challenge Cup 1st Rnd)

Goals from Joe Lowthian, Max Bull and Hugo Harding completed a 3-0 away win over St Albans City Youth Under 10's South. Jack Rutty and Shay Ralph were named joint Man of the Match for their defensive hard work and determination.
 

Under 10's East vs Herts Signs FC

9th September 2007

Under 10's

St. Albans City Warriors have arrived

An air of expectancy hung over the Highfield Park stadium. Finally the day had arrived and St. Albans City Warriors were to play their long awaited and eagerly anticipated first ever league match in the highly acclaimed Mid Herts Rural League.

The Warriors arrived, resplendent in their new kit, which, to the untrained eye, may have appeared to give a slightly yellowish hue to their traditional orange club colours. Immediately the boys were put through an impressive pre-match warm up of drills by their demanding coaches. (I’m not sure what the collective noun for a group of coaches is, but a group of ravens can be referred to as a conspiracy of ravens, a storytelling of ravens, a murder of ravens or an unkindness of ravens – hmmn, food for thought there?! )

Other, more experienced members of the St. Albans City set-up duly arrived and the fledgling Warriors were warmly welcomed to the football club community with the words ‘Oi, get off. This is our pitch!’ As is often the case with big league matches, the kick-off needed to be delayed. This was partly due to the huge crowd, but also to the fact that someone had forgotten to unlock the gate at the Hill End Rd end of the stadium.

The opposition arrived. How Watton Greens must have trembled to see the Warriors line-up. We looked over and only one thought struck us – do all teams in this league play in yellow??

The Warriors captain and defensive lynchpin, Will Sherwood, went up for the toss. The referee blew his whistle and the match was under way. Finally the talking was over, well, except for Katy and Lisanne on the touchline, of course, and it was time for the action to begin.

The Warriors soon began to assert themselves; their smooth-flowing football resulting in wave after wave of attacks. Soon they were playing like the well-oiled machine we have come to expect. Their coaches, Keith, Steve, Sean and Mark, who are also usually well-oiled, looked on admiringly.

Finally the historic moment we had all been waiting for arrived - another incisive pass and a stunning shot that smashed into the stanchion and threatened to break the net. The Warriors’ first ever league goal had arrived – and, rather sadly, we may never know the identity of the scorer!

Lewis Glasscoe made telling tackles in midfield, Edward Anders produced lovely flicks and passes, Sean made willing runs on the wing and Alex Thomson latched on to a number of telling passes to record the first ever Warriors’ league hat trick. The defence looked sound. Felix ‘the Cat’ Hull was rarely called into action as his defence, immaculately-marshalled by Will Sherwood, stood firm with Daniel Hull making several determined tackles.


Half-time and 4-0 to the Warriors. It left the opposition wondering Watton earth had hit them? (gettit??) Now for an inspirational team talk from the coaches. When the boys had woken up, it was time for the second half and Sam came on to lead the front line. Liam was sent on with a few well-chosen words form The Warriors’ eloquent, loquacious and insightful manager, Keith Glasscoe, - ‘You’re in defence!’ and Alec Newton made numerous key interceptions. Sam added the inevitable 5th goal and Edward rounded things off with a crisp, left-foot shop that left the beleaguered Watton keeper helpless. By this stage the Warriors’ innovative coaches had replaced Felix with Liam in goal and there was just time for Liam to make a remarkable save in a one on one with an opposition striker.

6-0, a result that is bound to send shock waves through the Mid Herts Rural League. Premier League scouts will, in all probability, be flooding to future Warriors’ fixtures. Keith and Steve may need to go on courses to deal with Press conferences. The crowd went home happy and Team Treasurer Maxine went away dreaming of charging stadium entrance fees for forthcoming home fixtures and wondering about Warriors’ merchandise in time for Christmas.

There was no doubt about it - The Warriors had arrived with a bang.