NW&DFL vs North Somerset Reps - 28 November 2011

Shrivenham again hosted the North Wilts U13s as they faced North Somerset on a bitterly cold evening. There were a few changes to the squad who had had beaten Oxford Mail ten days earlier, to ensure all the boys had plenty of game-time before heading into a Christmas break.

Match Day Squad: Jack Gibson, Oliver Bilsby, Kyle Parker, Oliver While, James Winfield (captain), Callum Wilkinson, Ben Leonard, Brad Warren, Jordan Smith, Sam Grounsell, Matt Berry-Hargreaves, Harry Hoareau, Biagio Mazzotta, Charlie Knight, James Denton.

The North Wilts boys have been in excellent form, gelling tightly together as a unit, always looking to pass and move. The need for this was re-emphasised before the game and during the warm-up - North Somerset looked a big side.

The boys tried to click into gear right from the off, moving the ball around quickly and using our potent flanks. It took a bit of time to get into a rhythm, with some passes not quite sticking or being overhit, but the intent was there and North Wilts still dominated early possession. A number of excellent chances were created throughout the first 20 minutes, including 3 strikes of the cross-bar, but some good goalkeeping from the North Somerset keeper and a bit of bad luck meant the boys had a nil to show for their efforts.

With so many opportunities being created, it was only a matter of time before one would be taken, provided the boys didn't get over eager or impatient. A good clearance from the Somerset keeper was returned with interest by Jordan with a great header, straight to James D, who controlled the ball and, seeing the keeper off his line, coolly lobbed the ball cleanly into the far corner of the net.

From the re-start, the match followed the same pattern for a few minutes - plenty of North Wilts possession and pressure, but surprisingly, and completely against the run of play, North Somerset equalised.  A long clearance from North Somerset turned North Wilts high up the pitch, caused a bit of confusion as the first ball wasn't dealt with, and ended with a low, clinical finish into the corner for an equaliser neither they nor the home side could quite believe.

There was enough time left for North Wilts to recover, and it says much about their belief and confidence that they shook off this setback to slot right back into their rhythm.

Half-time: North Wilts 1 North Somerset 1

The dressing room at half-time was very calm. Nothing needed changing other than being more clinical in front of goal. Everything else was in place - pace, possession, territory, opportunity. With a couple of replacements already on, there were no personnel adjustments to start the second half other than, once again, Oliver Bilsby replaced Jack Gibson in goal as the keepers shared their duties.

North Wilts kicked off the second period with the wind behind them, and got straight down to business. With the centre midfield dominant to and on the ball, the flanks benefitted with our full-backs and wingers interchanging instinctively. At time, the North Wilts play was a genuine joy to watch. So many quick passes, reversing play, switching play, and all on a sticky and increasingly soaked surface. A great through ball from Callum in centre field was picked up by the effervescent Biagio who slid a pass into Charlie. With still some work to do, Charlie shook off 2 defenders and drilled the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

Pleasingly the boys just kicked on, more of the same. Never hurried, they played to a passing tempo throughout and created chance after chance. The decisive third goal came, when a through ball from the tireless Jordan on the right saw James D outpace the defender and fire the ball into the left hand corner.

Further changes were made reverting North Wilts to their starting line up. Now it was about killing the game off, taking further opportunities as they came, and most importantly enjoying the football. A fourth goal came via an assist from Kyle, who overlapping dangerously all night supplied a cross for James D to out-challenge the keeper and 2 defenders for his Hat-trick.

Soon after North Wilts scored a great team goal. A nice build up acros the back resulted in James W playing a beautifully crafted pass to Matty, who played a great diagonal ball into Sam who turned his marker and fired home for the fifth.

Still the application and concentration did not drop off. It was very encouraging to see so much passing and movement yet still structure, discipline and shape, with a game well won. A sixth and final goal came as time ticked away, with Kyle releasing a long ball down the left-wing which was picked up by James D running diagonally into the left channel. He turned, ran at the Somerset defence and crossed the ball to Jordan, bombing in from his right wing, who slotted the ball into the right corner.

Result: North Wilts 6 North Somerset 1

North Wilts scorers: James Denton (3), Sam Grounsell, Charlie Knight, Jordan Smith.

This takes the North Wilts U13s tally to 24 goals in their last 3 outings, from 9 different players. However there will be many challenges ahead so the boys need to keep building performances and working hard.

In summary, an excellent performance from the North Wilts U13s. They passed and moved from first to last and never stopped believing in their tempo. There was no rush, just efficient use of the ball. A great squad effort, and everyone can be very proud of their contribution. Special mentions go to: James Denton, who scored a hat-trick and whose pace and movement was relentless. Kyle Parker, who gave a superb demonstration of the modern, overlapping left full-back, a constant threat going forward at pace, without ever getting caught out behind. But man of the match was awarded to Sam Grounsell. Always consistent in the Orange of North Wilts, this was unquestionably his finest game. His work-rate was outstanding from first to last, picking up so many balls in the centre, but even better still was his use of the ball throughout the game. He kept the boys ticking over all night.

North Wilts man of the match: Sam Grounsell.

 

 

NW&DFL vs Oxford Mail - 16 November 2011

Shrivenham hosted the North Wilts U13s return game against the Oxford Mail on a damp evening, in sticky conditions under the lights. The boys were looking to take their superb form from the Bristol game up a notch against a strong Oxford side. Once again, quick passing and width would be the key to unlocking well organised opposition.

Match Day Squad: Jack Gibson, Oliver Bilsby, Kyle Parker, Oliver While, James Winfield (captain), Callum Wilkinson, Andrew Hunt, Jordan Smith, Sam Grounsell, Matt Berry-Hargreaves, Harry Hoareau, Ben Powell, Biagio Mazzotta, Charlie Knight, James Denton.

The North Wilts boys started brightly, relaxing into the game and passing and moving very well. Retention of the ball would be key as Oxford would break quickly whenever possession was lost. The boys had seen in the first Oxford game that moving the ball wide, quickly, down the flanks, is the best way to get behind their defence, keeping the ball out of a congested central area. For the first 10 minutes the game plan unfolded perfectly, with the boys following instructions and hitting their rhythm. Oxford were struggling to contain the North Wilts interchanges down each flank as a number of early chances were created. However, whenever Oxford got the ball, they were quick to turn the North Wilts' defence and great concentration was required from the off. When a North Wilts' goal game, after 10 minutes, it came via a throw-in down the far right. Some quick, neat inter-passing around the Oxford left back resulted in a ball being fired across the box and Harry stole in untracked off his left wing to finish well. Strangely, scoring early seemed to knock the boys out of their rhythm, as well galvanising Oxford of course. The rest of the first half was very attritional for North Wilts. Oxford started to win the first balls, and without possession, North Wilts were unable to use their passing game, getting drawn into precisely the sort of physical, catch-up football we needed to avoid. At times the boys were hanging on. A defensive re-shuffle was required when Oli While took a nasty stud down his achilles defending deep in the North Wilts box, in what seemed like a clear foul. Andrew Hunt came on to deputise, as Oli had treatment and, as the pressure continued, Jack Gibson made a great stop to prevent a certain goal. Sadly, shortly before half time, a goal for Oxford finally came and was really no more than they deserved after 20 minutes of pressure.

Half-time: North Wilts 1 Oxford Mail 1

The half-time discussion centred on calmly going back to basics - win the first balls, get the ball down and play. If anything, the North Wilts boys had been guilty of almost trying to play almost too much at times, ceding the advantage back to Oxford by running into traffic instead of looking to release simple, early passes to available team mates. At least that was a sign of the boys' confidence, which is a good thing of sorts. Oliver Bilsby replaced Jack Gibson in goal for the second half. The first period of the second half carried on in a similar vein, despite the team talk. Oxford had more of the ball, better field position, and hence more chances. Happily, Oliver Bilsby was impressively calm and tidy on his debut between the sticks. All in all it was pretty tense, and in the respective dug-outs, too. A couple of changes were made to the North Wilts team, and a fit again Oli While re-took the field. After about 50 minutes, the boys started to find their passing game again, and visibly relaxed. Raids down the Oxford left and right flanks became more prominent and chances were created as we got behind the opposition again on a regular basis. At the back, we started to look very solid, holding a much higher line, squeezing Oxford up the pitch, and relatively easily coping with the odd attack. With 15 minutes still to play, North Wilts scored a decisive goal from a set play. A corner on the left side was swung in beautifully by Matty, and under pressure from Sam, Oxford bundled the ball over their own line. From there, North Wilts kicked on again, belief running through the side, confidence high. The boys continued to dominate possession for most of the last 10 minutes, with Oxford getting increasingly desperate, either playing higher risk, hurried balls which were picked off by North Wilts, or shooting from distance. Whilst it couldn't be said North Wilts were ever comfortable (certainly the coaches and the parents weren't!) - Oxford are far too good a side for that - as time ticked by North Wilts looked like holding on and seeing the game out. The final whistle was greeted with relief. The North Wilts U13s had swept all before them in 4 other games against various opponents, but had lost to Oxford twice over the same period.

Result: North Wilts 2 Oxford Mail 1

North Wilts man of the match: Matt Berry-Hargreaves.

The boys had an early opportunity to bounce back from their promising but ultimately disappointing first outing with a game at Keynsham Town versus the Bristol Saturday League Rep Team, on a bright, dry Saturday morning on a fantastic playing surface.

Match Day Squad: Jack Gibson, Kyle Parker, Oliver While, James Winfield (captain), Callum Wilkinson, Ben Leonard, Jordan Smith, Sam Grounsell, Matt Berry-Hargreaves, Harry Hoareau, Mason Lach, Jack Blow, Biagio Mazzotta, Charlie Knight

The instructions before this game were simple: more of the same, but more width early in play, and more accuracy in front of goal. These were the only elements missing from the Oxford defeat. Otherwise, North Wilts set-up to play the same way, formation-wise and tactically. The artificial surface at Keynsham was magnificent, and totally compatible with ball-on-the-ground, pass and move football. There was a decent crowd of watching families, too. So, the last instruction was easy: "enjoy it".
The boys started well from the off. The early exchanges were quite even, but it was clear North Wilts were following instructions perfectly. Passing was quick, accurate, and in passages, truly exceptional. Every boy looked to go wide at every opportunity and both our right and left sides were having a great time. There were a couple of early scares, but then the game became one-way traffic completely. Almost every time North Wilts picked up the ball, there would be 4,5,6 passes and either a chance or a goal. Some of the play was a joy to watch. Substitutions were made but the pattern continued just the same - fourteen talented footballers fully expressing their ability - and the way the game should be played.

Half-time: Bristol 0 North Wilts 8

In the dressing room, we discussed how the challenge now was one of concentration. Could the boys keep the same shape, the same discipline, and keep a clean-sheet? Of course, at 8-0 and with changes, this proved difficult, and combined with some "throwing of tea cups" by the Bristol coaches, the first 10 minutes of the second period were completely different. North Wilts played only in patches, fell-off too many challenges, over-committed, and soon discovered that the Bristol boys could play a bit, too. In this period, they scored twice, and firm words were conveyed from the touchline about relaxing, getting back into shape, and playing the same way as the first half. Thankfully, the boys should maturity and application in regaining a lost momentum, and started to play again. Despite a couple of lucky Bristol goals, one looping right out of the sun from fully 40 yards, the North Wilts boys matched their first half total by scoring 8 more! Our scorers were: Charlie (4), Biagio (3), Harry (3), Sam (2), Jordan (2), Kyle, Mason.
Whilst the result was most pleasing (when did a Rep Team last score 16?), it was great to see the boys re-impose themselves in a game after they had mentally dropped off. That is the difference between a good team, and a very good one.

Result: Bristol 4 North Wilts 16

North Wilts man of the match: Callum Wilkinson.

The first outing for the 2011/12 North Wilts U13s Rep Team came on a chilly, windy evening under the lights at Abingdon Town, versus a strong Oxford Mail side.

Match Day Squad: Jack Gibson, Kyle Parker, Oliver While, James Winfield (captain), Andrew Hunt, Brad Warren, Jordan Smith, Sam Grounsell, Matt Berry-Hargreaves, Harry Hoareau, Ben Powell, Biagio Mazzotta, Charlie Knight, James Denton

Many of the boys were still smarting from last year's match where a sloppy start undermined a fantastic subsequent 50 minutes. Despite the tricky conditions, the North Wilts boys were determined to start fast and impose their passing game on a physical Oxford side. The first half of the game settled into a cat and mouse affair - with the North Wilts passing game contrasting with the more physical, direct approach from Oxford. Largely it was even-steven, with chances at both ends, though North Wilts created more of the better opportunities in front of goal. Slightly against the overall run of play, Oxford broke quickly, moved the ball wide left, and scored a great individual goal as their player cut inside from the by-line, travelled into the 6 yard box and on a tight angle, smashed a strike into the top of the North Wilts goal. The boys responded very well, and continued to pass and probe, though there was a lot of traffic in centre midfield causing moves to breakdown or stick in the middle. Just before half-time, North Wilts missed a glorious chance to equalise after great work down the left, between first Sam and then Matt, created a sharp chance around 9 yards out for James D, but under pressure from their rapidly closing defenders he couldn't quite keep his crisp shot down.

Half-time: Oxford Mail 1 North Wilts 0

in the dressing room, we discussed moving the ball wide more quickly to try to take the game out of the congested centre midfield. The North Wilts boys weren't quite hitting the channel or wide balls often or accurately enough on a very wide pitch. On the occasions we had moved the ball wide, we'd got behind Oxford and created opportunities.

The second half started better, the boys following instructions and showing the power of width. A number of scoring opportunities were created but not taken, either due to excellent blocks by committed Oxford defenders, or because North Wilts tried a pass too many. The game settled into a pattern of North Wilts attacking and looking to equalise, with Oxford very dangerous and tricky on the break. As a couple of good shooting opportunities inside the Oxford box were again put over the bar, the opposition broke quickly and incisively to score 2 further goals, rocking the North Wilts boys back on their heels. A number of changes were made, and the team set-up even further up the pitch, with caution thrown to the wind. The game was now about whether we could respond with character and score some richly deserved consolation goals. As another shot was blocked, followed up with the rebound put over the Oxford goal (again), North Wilts were hit with a final sucker-punch as Oxford broke with pace and power and killed the game off at 4-0. Football can be a very cruel game and, despite having played some superb football in patches, and created 5 or 6 clear-cut scoring opportunities, the North Wilts side suddenly found itself staring down the barrel of a totally unjust score line. The boys responded magnificently, refusing to panic, passing and probing away and finally got the goal they so richly deserved from James D. Hope flickered briefly that more goals would follow, but very committed defending from Oxford, some last minute blocks and some good goalkeeping kept the score at 4-1.

Result: Oxford Mail 4 North Wilts 1

Afterwards, the Oxford coaching team were gracious enough to acknowledge that the scoreline did not reflect the quality and parity in the game, and hugely flattered Oxford.

North Wilts man of the match: skipper James Winfield.