Latest Reports - Team from 2000

Match reports -

Saturday 2nd May 2009
Central 2 westexe 1

Well the final game is upon us and well it's kind of sad, but all good things must come to end sometime!
Only eleven players available, so picking the team was easy! 4-4-2 again with Aaron Hunt and Ben upfront with Paddy and Cody centre mid, Ty left wing and Ross right with Huggy and Sam centre backs and Ruben and Joe left and right backs with the dependable Scotty in goal. Felt kind of relaxed as we beat Westexe comfortably at their pitch and I think the lads also felt that the result was a foregone conclusion, however, someone forgot to tell Westexe that!!
Whilst we had alot of possession in the first half Westexe defended really well and they stifled Ben's runs and what chances we had, which were few, we squandered by either good saves by their keeper or hitting shots wide. Westexe looked dangerous on the break and several times Scotty had to make good saves to keep the score at nil nil. However, sloppy defending allowed a Westexe striker to force his way through and hit a low shot from close range under Scotty 1 - 0 Westexe which it remained at half time. Second half again we had alot of possession but Westexe were defending valiantly and were playing really well and we were just not up for it until finally a cross field ball from Aaron Hunt went behind the Westexe defence and Ty in typical fashion came from the wing and smashed it in from 4 metres out 1-1. A huge sigh of relief was heard from the Central parents and grandparents who came to watch, however, still Westexe looked dangerous on the counter, so we moved Huggy into centre mid and Cody back into centre defence to try and force the winner. We did come close a couple of times when Ben hit the post and Ross fluffed from close range but ten minutes from the end it was Paddy on one of his special runs passed a couple of Westexe defenders and hit a great shot low and hard 2-1 to Central which it remained to the final whistle. Credit to Westexe who were mostly their under 15s team who played with real determination and spirit and maybe deserved a point out of the game.

Man of the match: Ben Burak for tireless running back helping in midfield and causing all sorts of problems up front.
Goal scorers: Ty Fisher, Patrick Clark.

Mon 27th April
Civil Service 0 v 4 central

Our third match in 5 days saw us away at Flowerpots to Civil Service with a 6.15pm kick off. The rain throughout the last couple of days left Neil and Paul with a fork and broom to clear the goal areas and penalty spot of surface water but apart from that the pitch was in very good condition. 4-4-2 again with Jack Leech and Ben up front with Pat and Ed centre mid Ty on the left Ross on the right, Luke, Sam, Huggy and Joe in defence and Scotty in goal. Civil started off the brighter team and did not allow us to settle on the ball and were winning the second ball putting us under constant pressure for the first 20 minutes or so. Both Ben and Jack had chances on the break but the Civil keeper, who was excellent on the night, managed to block the shots by closing down the strikers. Scotty made some excellent saves and some of the Civil striker's shots were not on target but they were certainly on top, so I substituted Ross for Cody and Ruben came on for Luke to give us more strength in midfield and defence and five minutes before the interval Ben got the breakthrough muscling his way passed a couple of defenders hitting a shot low and hard into the bottom corner 1-0 at half time. Second half Jack Leech was replaced by Aaron Hunt upfront and we began to take more control of the game, Ty, who played some terrific football, drifted inside and half volleyed a pass from Aaron at close range 2-0 soon to be 3-0 as Ben weaved his way through two or three tackles and side footed into the bottom corner. Ross and Luke came back on for the last 20 minutes and Ross almost scored getting in front of the defender from a Ty cross but aaron finished off the scoring drifting into the box unmarked for a side foot tap in from 1 metre from an excellent drilled ball across from the near the corner flag by Ed. Final score Civil 0 Central 4

Man of the match: Scott Hosea for keeping Civil at bay in the first 20 minutes which allowed us to take control of the game.

Saturday 25th April
Central 8 v 0 Pinhoe

Pinhoe were the visitors to King George on our penultimate home match of the season. We played Pinhoe a couple of weeks ago at their home ground and they gave us a real decent game and they were the better team in the first half of that game, however, this time they were not up for it and they were duly punished! 4-4-2 again with Ross starting up front to partner Ben and he was the first on the score sheet with a kind of slow motion tap in from a goal mouth scramble 1-0 soon followed by Pat with a typical run from midfield and a good finish top corner 2-0. Five minutes later a good cross from Ty with Ben pealing off to the back post with a good header 3 - 0 and coasting. Pinhoe had the wind behind them but had no real penetration they couldn't really get hold of the ball as we were in full control with some excellent midfield domination by Ed Pat Ty and Joe controlling things and Jack Leech, Luke Huggy and Sam keeping a solid back four Scotty in goal rarely had a save to make.
Ty was next peeling in from the right wing with a one two on the edge of the box with Pat coolly slotting it bottom corner 4-0, next Ross, determined to get a brace, half volleyed in from close range and Ben finished another midfield move for 6-0 half time. second half with the wind behind us Huggy thought it was a bit boring in the back so he smacked one from deep inside our half straight over the stranded Pinhoe keeper 7-0. Thinking it was going to be a large margin I changed it to 3-4-3 and pushed Jack Leech up front to get on the score sheet, however, this didn't really work and the only other goal came from a penalty coolly slotted by Ed to make final score 8 - 0.
All in all a good result however, I felt Pinhoe just weren't up for the challenge on their last game of the season.
Man of the match: Ty Fisher for an excellent display of controlled passing - well done.

Weds 22nd April Cup Semi

Honiton 7 v 4 Central

The lads were looking forward to this midweek semi- final but I had to get back back from working on Portland so it was touch and go whether I could get there or not. Luckily the A35 was quite and all the team managed to arrive in time so game on! Went for 4-4-2 formation with Ben Burak and Jack Leech up front with Ed Hammond and Pat Clark centre mid, Aaron Hunt on the right and Ty Fisher on the left with a back 4 of Ruben Richardson, Sam Philpot, Aaron Hudson and Cody Lewendon with Scott Hosea between the posts. Both teams were clearly up for this encounter and Honiton bought many supporters with them so the atmosphere was buzzing! Within 3 minutes of the kick off Ed found himself in space and had a shot from the edge of the area straight over their keeper 1-0 Central, 3 minutes later Pat Clark pounced on a loose ball in the centre of midfield rang forward and hit a wicked shot top corner 2 -0 Central. OMG I thought this wasn't in the script! This seemed to be the awakening call for Honiton who suddenly sprang back into life hitting us with many attacks which resulted in 2 goals in as many minutes 2 - 2 after 15 minutes soon became 3-2 to Honiton as we could not deal with their physical presence from a corner. Pat then stepped up to force the ball in over a stranded keeper from a good cross from Ty 3- 3 however, 2 minutes later we fouled one of their strikers in the box and Honiton buried the penalty 4-3 at half time. Ross Clotworthy came on for Ruben and Joe Harrison for Aaron Hunt as Ty switched to the right wing but early in the second half Honiton scored again from a corner 5-3, we pushed forward and Ben headed in from close range from a great cross from Ty 5-4, goodness, what a game for a neutral to watch, but no one there was a neutral! However, we were beginning to tire and yet again we were outdone at a corner 6 -4 which soon became 7 -4 as we chased in vain for a goal. Final score 7 -4 to Honiton who played some excellent football on the day and were just too big to defend against!
Although the lads were disappointed they all put in 100% effort and gave Honiton a good game of football - the ref said after the game that it was a great game of football which deserved to be the final!

Man of the Match Patrick Clark for an outstanding midfield display - well done
Goal scorers: Pat Clark 2, Ben Burak 1, Ed Hammond 1.

Saturday 11th April 2009

Pinhoe 0 v 3 Central

Being the Easter Break I wasn't sure if we could muster a team however, this week we were fortunate enough to have 12 players available so Cody who had a damaged foot could sit in the sunshine and watch from the subs bench.
4-4-2 again but with Paddy away Ty went into centre mid with Ross on left wing. I had a feeling that it wasn't going to be plain sailing as, after lasts weeks great cup result they may have thought they would just turn up and the result was there's. Not so, Pinhoe were certainly up for it and challenged for every ball and although they may not be the best play making team they certainly put in 110% effort and endeavour and kept us pinging in long shots which when on target their keeper saved with ease, they almost went in front from a good ball through to their striker who hit a powerful volley which rebounded off the cross bar so nil nil at half time. We weren't really passing the ball that well and the midfield were not linking with the strikers and Ben Burak kept coming back to receive the ball, so no real penetration up front and the game was a stalemate. So we had to change things half way through second half, still at nil nil we moved Ross Clotworthy up front with Jack Leech dropping into midfield with Ty Fisher moving out to left wing. This seemed to work as Ty was getting so much space and he threaded a through ball to Ross who got taken out in the penalty area penalty to Central. Ed Hammond stepped up full of confidence as he hasn't missed a penalty all season and yep you guessed it hit the outside of the post for a goal kick! Pinhoe were beginning to tire and 15 minutes from the end Sam headed an unstoppable header from a corner 1-0 Central. At 1-0 the games wasn't over as Pinhoe looked sharp on the break and had a couple of chances to draw level but when we introduced Cody Lewendon to the midfield replacing Ruben Richardson we stepped up a gear began to dominate the game and pass the ball more freely. This led to a great cross from Jack Leech to Ben Burak to volley in from close range 2 - 0. Within the last three minutes Ed Hammond took passed a couple of tired Pinhoe players and hit a great shot from the edge of the area for a final score 3-0.
Credit to Pinhoe who battled and fought for every ball but in the end Central came out on top and probably deserved the three points.
Man of the Match: Sam Philpott for a faultless defensive display and for getting the goal that changed the match.
Goal scorers: Sam Philpott, Ben Burak and Ed Hammond

4th April 2009
Civil Service 1 v 9 Central

Being the Easter holidays we were missing 4 of our players on holiday and Connor and Ty went to their school prom the night before which as a result Connor didn't manage to make it at all and Ty looked really tired after getting in at 4.30am! Luckily Cody turned up otherwise we would only have 10 players. So the starting and finishing eleven were Scott in Goal, Cody, Sam, Huggy and Ruben back four, Aaron Hunt and Ty on the wings with Ed and Pat in the middle with Ben and Jack Leech up front. We had a ref we hadn't seen before who checked everyone's boots and as it was a cup match got the players to line up and then shake hands with the opposing players which was amusing to say the least! As Tim was away Neil and Paul organised the team and motivated the lads and game on! We started against the wind but that didn't matter, Ben got through and scored another great goal in the first few minutes. The first half we dominated having lots of chances with both Ben and Jack getting 2 each. Second half Civil had made a few subs and were still up for giving us a good game, they did have a couple of great shots which Scotty saved well but one did get through by our defence losing focus and also, the ball hit Cody's arm which everyone thought was a penalty but the ref did not agree. Huggy had free kick in the centre circle and ended up scoring another fantastic contender for goal of the season, both Aaron and Ed also got goals and there was also two own goals to make the final score 1-9 to Central, a really great team performance from everyone, bring on the semis!

Man of the match: Neil and Paul gave the whole team man of the match as everyone played exceptional well.
goal scorers: Ben Burak 2, Jack Leech 2, Aaron Hudson 1, Aaron Hunt 1, Ed Hammond 1 plus 2 own goals

28th march 2009
Central 1 v 2 Stoke Hill

I've tipped Stoke Hill to win the League from day one and as they haven't lost a game yet, this prediction may come true! So there was no pressure on us we could go out win or lose and play football and enjoy the game which is exactly what we did! Went for a 4-4-2 formation with Ben and Jack Leech up front, Ed back from injury linking with Paddy in midfield Ty and Aaron Hunt on the wings and a back 4 of Huggy, Connor, Joe and Ruben with Scott back in goal and Sam and Luke on the bench. Stoke Hill kicked off with the wind and the slope of the pitch with them, they put us under relentless pressure for the first 20 minutes with the ball rarely coming out of our half. However, they failed to take advantage of their domination we defended well and Scotty made some excellent saves but even so they should have really punished us but the wind made it difficult to keep the shots on target and many times it sailed over the crossbar to our relief! 10 minutes before half time, one of our rare forays into their half lead to a fantastic goal from Ben with his back to goal on the edge of the penalty area he bikied it over the defenders and over the stranded keeper just under the cross bar 1 - 0 Central. I thought 'um that wasn't in the script, now we've got a game!' Two minutes later Paddy took a free kick from outside the area which beat the keeper and hit the post came back into play only to be hurriedly cleared by Stoke Hill. Whilst we basked in the glory for about 8 minutes our lead was short lived and just before half time a Stoke Hill striker shot from the edge of the penalty area and although Scotty got his fingers to it he couldn't keep it out 1-1 at half time. Second half we had the wind and the slope with us but unfortunately after about five minutes from a poor goal kick a Stoke Hill player weaved passed three defenders and coolly finished 2-1, still however, we battled hard especially the midfield who were excellent, Sam came on for Connor who had a solid game and Luke replaced Ruben but we failed to get the equaliser, so we lost 2-1 but the lads did extremely well and it was a great all round performance.

Man of the match: Ben Burak for the goal of the season so far.

15th march 2009
Broadclyst 0 Central 2

We had the luxury of Scotty returning from his sickness 'bug' and three subs on the bench. Tried a 4-4-2 formation with Huggy joining Ben upfront for his first foray out of defence. This gave us a target man when Ben drifts back into midfield to help. Ed was still struggling with his back but thought he'd play and see how it went but after 20 minutes he had to come off and Huggy dropped into midfield with Jack Leech going up front. With Ty and Aaron Hunt on the wings we had width and options but it was so windy any ball over hit ended up no where near it's intended target so it was tricky. We haven't beaten Broadclyst for probably over 3 seasons so a win was going to be tough. First half we had the wind behind us and it was extremely difficult to string any passes together and the first 20 minutes was very frustrating, we were dominating the game but the ball ended up behind the goal line more times than I can count! Finally, Jack Leech latched onto a Paddy through pass and a cleanly hit shot which went under the keeper and under the back of the net for 1-0 Central. Ten minutes later Ben latched onto a cross field ball by Ty and shot low and hard for 2-0. At half time Ross came on for Aaron and Broadclyst attacked us straight from the kick off pouncing on a poor pass their striker hit an unstoppable volley which Scotty tipped over the crossbar, one of the saves of the season and then ten minutes later he did it again this time with a lower shot tipped around the post for a corner, we were under constant pressure but somehow managed to keep the ball out of the net. Sam, Cody, Connor and Ruben were immense in defence as they battled and scraped to keep a rejuvenated Broadclyst attack at bay. We did have the odd breakaway chance but with Jack Leech effectively playing as a lone striker as Ben was trying to help the midfield cope with the pressure, we didn't have too many chances, however, when Joe Harrison came on in the last ten minutes replacing an exhausted Sam, his fresh legs and running caused Broadclyst a few problems and we were unlucky not to score when Joe's side footed pass to Jack who's shot narrowly missed the post. Final score 2 - 0 Central which I felt was a deserved win against a strong and spirited Broadclyst side.
Man of the match: Scott Hosea for some great saves at the beginning of the second half which kept us in the game.
Goal scorers: Jack Leech, Ben Burak

7th March 2009
Colyton 4 Central 2

Knowing that Colyton were back to full strength and after their fantastic win against Heavitree the week before in the Cup I knew that they would be up for this encounter and strangely enough they were!!!

We went for a 4 - 5 -1 formation with Aaron Hunt press ganged into goal in place of a 'sick' Scotty, Cody tasked to mark their very talented striker, Miles and for the first twenty minutes it was pretty even but a lack of concentration from a corner allowed Miles a free header from close range 1-0 Colyton soon to be 2-0 as Colyton broke from the midfield and although Aaron got his fingers to it he was unable to stop in nestling in the corner of the goal 2-0 at half time. Second half we pushed Huggy up into a more attacking midfield role and Ed, our only sub, who was recovering from a knock in the back came on to anchor the midfield and this changed the dynamics as we pushed forward Ed hit the post then Huggy crossed in a wicked ball for Ben to head in the back of the net 2 -1. Soon after Central levelled with a mix up in Colyton's defence allowing Ben to pounce and slot the ball under a stranded keeper 2-2 and game on. Unfortunately, the ref harshly penalised Aaron for holding the ball for more than 6 seconds with no previous warnings and awarded an indirect free kick to Colyton (the week before the same ref did the same to Colyton keeper but instead of awarding a free kick he just warned their keeper) and after a couple of deflections the free kick ended up in the net 3-2. Well we pushed forward for the equaliser and left ourselves exposed at the back allowing Miles to weave his magic and with an exquisite lob finished the scoring at 4-2.
Man of the match Ruben Richardson for some excellent goal saving tackles in defence well done.
Goal scorers Ben Burak 2.

Saturday 17th Jan 2009
Westexe 1-20 Central

The first game of 2009 was played at Cowick Barton on a pitch that was holding alot of water but the ref deemed it was playable so game on!
Went for a 4-4-2 formation with Jonnie Clark and Scott Hosea returning from long term injuries (Jonnie playing on the right wing and Scott back in goal after breaking his knuckle boxing!).
From the kick off we attacked and Ben Burak was really up for this encounter scoring within 2 minutes the first of his five then shortly afterwards Aaron Saunders latched onto a Ben cross 2 - 0 in four minutes. Westexe were shell shocked and never really recovered they could not deal with the pace of Ben and Aaron up front and with Ty Fisher and Patrick Clark completly dominaing the midfield there was only going to be one outcome The goals were coming thick and fast Ben was rampant up front and with Aaron Saunders latching onto every through ball with his pace time after time we attacked missing as many chances as we scored. Fair play to Westexe they kept battling and their heads didn't drop but they were being outplayed in all areas of the pitch. Jonnie Clark and Aaron Hunt were also on form with Jonnie scoring 2 the best being an overhead 'biky' inside the box. There were so many goals it was hard to keep tabs with who scored but end of first half we were 11-1 up. Best goal of the half going to Joe Harrison sprinting up from the defence great chip over the defender by Ben Burak and Joe calmly slotted into the side netting from a tight angle.
Second half Luke Howlett and Ruben Richardson came on in left back and right back and Westexe came out with spirit and kept us at bay for ten minutes but as soon as the first goal went in they began to tire and 8 more goals followed including first goals for Ross Clotworthy and Ruben Richardson. Even Scott Hosea in goal was called upon to take a penalty and slotted beneath a valiant Westexe keeper. Aaron Hunt also got a deserved hat trick as he battled and ran his socks off all through the game. Best goal of the second half was Ben Burak's header from a corner as we rarely score from corners and even rarer score from headers!
We have had a few close defeats in the last few games so this result will give the lads a real boost, unfortunate for Westexe though as I know they had a few key players missing hopefully they will bounce back and enjoy the rest of the season.
Man of the Match: Ty Fisher for an outstanding midfield display his passing and awareness was awesome.
Goal Scorers: Ben Burak 5, Aaron Saunders 3, Aaron Hunt 3, Ty Fisher 1, Scott Hosea 1, Patrick Clark 2, Jonnie Clark 2, Ross Clotworthy 1, Joe Harrison 1, Ruben Richardson 1

Saturday 20th December 2008
Central 1-2 Honiton

I knew Honiton were a strong physical side so I went for a 4-5-1 formation with a surprised Aaron Saunders starting on the left wing and Ben Burak up front on his own with Paddy, Caddy and Cody in centre mid. The first ten minutes was all Central with lots of possession but little penetration, Honiton then taking a grip on the game and forcing a number of good saves from Aaron Hunt in goal. After about 30 minutes Central broke the deadlock with a breakaway by Charlie Caddy on his own racing forward with a superb chip over the bewildered keeper 1-0 at half time.
Connor Taylor came on for his debut at centre back replacing Sam Philpot and against the wind and slope of the pitch we had our backs to the wall for most of the half with Honiton attacking with strength and it was only the heroics of Aaron Hunt in goal that kept them at bay until about the 35th minute when a deflected shot from a corner beat Aaron and trickled into goal 1-1. We were physically throwing ourselves in front of the attacks Joe Harrison got a nasty bash to the head and Cody Lewendon got taken out in midfield but we still defended well and looked dangerous on the counter, unfortunately 2 minutes into injury time another corner Jack Leech headed out well straight at the feet of their player who hit it through a crowded penalty area passed an unsighted Aaron to finish 1-2 to Honiton. I was gutted, we battled so hard, gave it everything, deserved a draw and walked away with no points, this is a cruel game to say the least.
One positive though, as we go into the New Year we can give any team in this league a run for their money and with the rub of the green we will win more than we lose next year.
Bring on 2009!
Man of the Match: Charlie Caddy for a great goal and working tirelessly in midfield.

Saturday 29th November 2008
Sidmouth 3-4 Central

Out of a squad of 20 players I had 12 players available for this match so yet again the team pretty much picked itself!
As Saunders was injured and Caddy was ill I went for a 4-5-1 formation with Ben on his own up front and Paddy, Cody and Ty in centre with Aiden on the right wing and Ross on the left, with no Scotty or Ed, Aaron was press ganged into goal again and Sam and Huggy played in the centre back roles with Ruben left back and Jack Leech (as captain) right back. Still a good team with players who looked comfortable in their roles and sure enough we pretty much dominated the first half with Cody helping the defence when necessary and Sam looking and reacting much sharper than he had been in previous games. Aaron made a couple of good saves early on which settled him into the role. The scoring was opened by a wicked cross from Aiden which Ben volleyed passed a helpless keeper 1-0 soon to be 2-0 to Central as the Sidmouth defence didn't stick close enough to Ben allowing him time on the ball to pick his spot from an excellent pass by Ty 2-0 half time. This is were it went slightly 'Pete Tong' as I promised Aaron he could play outfield so Cody 'volunteered' to go in goal and Luke came on for Ruben. Poor Luke had been freezing on the touchline all first half and struggled to get into the game and Cody ran out of the goal area in a moment of madness to allow a Sidmouth player to slot the ball in. Two minutes later same again an attack down our left side allowed their striker to hit a clean shot passed Cody 2-2. At that point Aaron decided it was probably a good idea to retake the goalie shirt back from a shell shocked Cody and Ruben came on for Luke and we resumed our first half shape. Cody was clearly wound up by his catastrophic 10 minutes in goal and decided to smack one from inside the centre circle which looped over the stranded Sidmouth keeper for a fantastic goal 3-2. Sidmouth were not going to give up and really battled hard and their striker weaved passed a couple of tackles and slotted in a neat shot 3-3. Sidmouth then put on the pressure and Aaron was on top form saving many times to keep the score level until 2 minutes from the end Ty latched onto a deflected shot and volleyed from the edge of the penalty area to make the final score 4-3.

This win was just what the team needed against a very physical and skilful Sidmouth side. Well done I was very pleased to say the least, made my weekend!

Man of the Match Aaron Hunt for making some brilliant saves throughout the game and to realise that it was probably better for the team if he went back in goal and win us the game!

Goal scorers: Ben Burak 2, Cody Lewendon1, Ty Fisher 1

Saturday 22nd November 2008
Heavitree 5 - 2 Central

We went into this match without Cody, Ben, Jonnie, Scotty players who were missed but the team on the pitch worked extremely hard and gave Heavitree a run for their money. Saunders up front, playing with a groin strain, still looked threatening and Ty was asked to play in the centre linking well with Charlie and Paddy. Ross had a rare opportunity to play on the left wing and he did well and was unlucky not to score in the first half. The first 20 minutes was quite even but Heavitree opened the scoring against the run of play with a well taken shot, 1-0 but soon after Paddy was fowled in the box and Ed stepped up again and sweeped the ball into the corner 1-1 at half time. The team played really well in that half but in the second half the strength of Heavitree told and they began to dominate and scored 2 goals in the first 20 minutes 3-1. We changed our formation and put Jack Leech in a more forward role which paid off as he latched onto a deflected shot to pull one back 3-2. This seemed to spur us on and in the last five minutes whilst we were pushing for the equaliser, yes you guessed it, we conceded two goals to make the final score 5 - 2.

The players really put 100% effort into this game and probably played the best first half they have played all season well done.

Man of the match: Aaron Hudson

Goal scorers: Ed Hammond, Jack Leech.

Saturday 15th November 2008
Central 2- 4- Broadclyst

This was a very close game with 2 sides who are very similar in their style of football and their abilities. Central took an early lead with a typical Ben Burak shot but Broadclyst drew level soon after and then just before half time Paddy was fouled in the box and Ed slotted the penalty with his usual composure 2-1 at half time. The game then became very tight and there was little between the 2 teams until 6 minutes from the end when a loss of concentration in the back allowed Broadclyst to equalise. Broadclyst were then going for the win and we had run of steam and 2 minutes later they scored 3 -2 we then tried to push up to equalise left no one in the back and sure enough in the last minute we conceded another to make the final score 4-2. We lost 3 goals in 6 minutes at the end and I was very disappointed in the way we failed to defend and were punished accordingly.

Man of the Match: Joe Harrison
Goal scorers: Ed Hammond, Ben Burak

Saturday 08th November 2008
Bow 5 - 3 Central

I have 20 lads in my squad you would think that was enough but on Friday night I only had 11 available for this clash with top of the table Bow, luckily I got a text at 7.30am from Cody on Saturday morning to say he could play, so I was relieved to have a sub. The good thing is that the team pretty much picked itself and I didn't have to leave anyone at home!

With Scotty out for 8 weeks with a broken knuckle, Aaron Hunt kindly volunteered to go in goal, we had to stop off in JJB on the way to Bow to buy some goally gloves and we had a spare goally shirt so game on! I went for a 4 -5 -1 formation as Saunders was unavailable, Ben had to battle on his own with support from a centre midfield trio of Cody, Ed and Caddy.

After the heavy rain the pitch was pretty much saturated and the goal mouths were muddy, so it made playing the ball to feet difficult and Bow started off the brighter with Aaron making a couple of early saves, however, after 15 minutes the deadlock was broken when Bow sprung the offside trap too easily and left Aaron stranded twice in five minutes 2-0 Bow. 2 soon became 3 when their striker hit a wicked shot from outside the penalty area and we went to half time 3 - 0 down.

We've been 3-0 down before and come back and I thought that if we could get a goal early in the second half we may be in with a chance as we weren't playing too badly and Joe and Ty on the wings were causing problems for Bow's defence. However, as we pressed forward Bow hit us on the break and finished well for a 4-0 lead. I thought that, at that point, we could be in for a hammering if the lads heads drop we could lose by a double figure margin but you know that's the difference in the team this season, they don't get frustrated, they don't bicker and they don't give up they continued to battle and from Ty's cross a Bow defender handled the ball in the penalty area and Ed finished the penalty in true captain's style 4 -1. Then Ty, who gives so much to the team, managed to pull away at the back post to slot a Charlie Caddy pass 4-2. You could feel the belief and urgency surging through the team at this point and soon after Ben, who was back with his demon, forced his way through a stunned Bow defence 4-3! Umm, could this be the comeback of the decade I thought, the team certainly believed it could be, unfortunately Bow didn't though and as we were pressing forward they broke away and finished well for a final score of 5-3.

We really did battle hard in this game and with a depleted squad I thought the players on the pitch did exceptionally well, well done.

Man of the match: Aaron Hunt for an impressive season debut in goal making some excellent saves.

Goal scorers:Ed Hammond, Ty Fisher and Ben Burak.

Saturday 1st November 2008
Brixington 4 - 0 Central

Well, what can I say, our unbeaten run had to come to an end sometime but on a bitterly cold day at Brixington the team didn't let themselves down and battled hard throughout. I thought we were the better team in the first half with Aaron Saunders latching onto a number of through balls but luck wasn't with him as he hit the post and the keeper made a couple of good saves. Half way through the first half Jonnie Clark picked up an injury and was replaced by Aiden Murphy still playing some excellent football but I knew if we didn't take our chances we would be punished and sure enough 5 minutes before the interval an unstoppable shot from the Brixington striker from 5 metres outside the penalty area 1-0 half time. Not sure what Brixington were fed at half time because they came out second half a different team and took control of the game scoring in first ten minutes from another good long range shot and as we pushed forward to redress the balance we left our defence open to more and more pressure and Brixington scored again half way through the half. Joe Harrison came on to replace an injured Sam Philpott and although his enthusiasm raised our game and we had a few breakaway opportunities we had run out of steam and it was Brixington who scored again just before the end to make a final score 4-0. It was extremely cold maybe that kept Ben's demon at home in front of or even in the fire and the biting wind blew away Paddy's magic as we really didn't have a look in second half but overall the team shape was good and spirits remained high and there was no ill discipline that plagued us last season, so there is no complaints from me.

Man of the match: Cody Lewendon for a solid display at the back.

Saturday 18th October 2008
Central 3 - 3 Alphington Comets

Alphington are a quality side unbeaten in the League, so I knew this was going to be tough. I chose a 3 - 5 -2 formation with Aaron Hudson, Jack Leech and Joe Harrison as the defensive three hoping that we could stifle their attacking capabilities in midfield, how wrong was I! Alphington attacked from the kick off passing the ball through our midfield with ease, they were getting to the first ball first and the second ball first, we were chasing shadows and it was inevitable that after 7.5 minutes they took the lead with a well taken shot. Five minutes later they were 2 - 0 up and cruising, we were shell shocked and unable to keep the ball opting for the long ball option more in panic than design!
Ten minutes later after wave upon wave of attack Scotty was unable to hold the ball from a cross/shot leaving a tap in for their striker. We got to half time relieved to be only three down but I knew that we had players who could score if they were given the opportunity so maybe we had a chance. 4-4-2 was our changed formation with Ed Hammond filling in as centre back and Ben Burak dropping off the front to pick the ball up in midfield.
Ben was slightly wound up and it was like he was possessed by some demon or something cause he really went for it like never before! His dad said 'well he just doesn't like loosing', he was awesome! He tracked back got the ball on countless occasions and laid it back for Jack Leech to smack one in from the edge of the area for 3-1. Rumblings of a comeback began to bubble from the watching supporters and Paddy felt it to as he joined in with Ben linking well and suddenly we looked like a team that wanted to win. Joe Harrison was replaced by Ruben Richardson and Jack Leech by Sam Philpott fresh legs on the pitch and we began to take the game to Alphington. Paddy was next on the scoresheet picking up on a deflected shot to finish well into the corner 3-2 our tails were up then and Alphington began to defend deeper which allowed to press on with our attacks. Scott Hosea in goal made a couple of fine saves to prevent the Comets sealing a victory and Paddy picked up a through ball from Ty Fisher who also had a great game, to shoot from the edge the Comet's keeper did well to keep it out but Ben the demon was at hand to tap in the rebound 2 minutes from the end of the match which ended 3 - 3.
This game proves that Central can mix with the better teams in the League and have the capability to get results. Well done all the lads for a fantastic comeback.
Interesting to note for you statitions out there we have now scored 39 goals conceded 8 with 12 members of the squad on the score sheet, now that ain't bad!!

Man of the Match: no surprises, the demon, Ben Burak, what more can I say!
Goal Scorers: Jack Leech, Patrick Clark, Ben Burak

Saturday 11th October 2008
Westhill Wasps 1 - 13 Central

Last season we lost 7-3 to Westhill away so I knew that this wasn't going to be an easy game. However, Westhill never really came out of the starting blocks today and they were 2nd best to a much improved Central team.
First goal was a free kick from Huggy half way between the centre line and the penalty box he absolutly rifled the ball into the back of the net passed a stunned Westhill keeper 1-0, soon to be 2-0 when Ben, who was on fire today, just weaved through a static Westhill defence to fire a shot into the top corner. Then Ed with a left foot volley from the edge of the penalty area 3- 0. Then Aaron Hunt pushing in from the right wing picking up a parried Paddy shot to finish well 4-0. Westhill pulled one back though 4-1, then Central pressure soon told again with Paddy firing an unstoppable volley passed a dejected keeper 5-1 at half time. Second half Luke Howlett, Cody Lewendon (with a broken rib) and Aaron Hunt were replaced by Ross Clotworthy, Jonnie Clark and Sam Philpott and same again really, Jonnie's skill on the ball was just too much for the Westhill's midfield and he soon carved many openings for the strikers, Ben first on the score sheet, then Jonnie clinically finishing himself then Ed with a long distance shot 5-1 soon became 8-1, then Ben took a corner scuffed it looked away in disgust and the unlucky keeper fumbled it on the line and it went in for an own goal 9-1. By this time Westhill's heads were down and really couldn't stem the relentless tide and time after time Central with 4 up front now were just camped in and around Westhill's penalty box, Sam next to score with a fine header from a corner, then Ben again for a well deserved hat trick then Ty who played some excellent linkage football throughout, then Jonnie pouncing on a deflected Paddy shot for a tap in to finish 13 -1.
Central played some excellent football today the defence was strong and solid midfield were completely dominant the score reflected Central's domination of the game. One thing though poor Caddy tried and tried to score but the ball just wouldn't go in for him today but he ran his socks off for the team and never stopped chasing - well done.
Man of the Match: Patrick Clark for an awesome display in midfield.
Scorers: Aaron Hudson 1, Sam Philpott 1, Jonnie Clark 2, Aaron Hunt 1, Ed Hammond 2, Ben Burak 3, Ty Fisher 1, Patrick Clark 1 and 1 own goal.

Saturday 27th September 2008
Central 9 - 1 Exeter Civil Service

Another hot day in September and another testing match for Central. When I heard our ref was ill I thought oh no not again must find a ref, as the last match with Civil last season was a tough encounter to put it mildly!
Fortunately we managed to borrow a ref from another age group (thanks Nigel) and I could breathe a sigh of relief so game on!
Again choosing a 3-1 -4-2 formation we attacked straight from the kick off with Ty linking with Saunders to release Ben for a whicked shot 1 - 0 in less than 30 seconds! Nearly 10 minutes later another link up between Ed and Paddy in midfield playing a great ball through for Ben to pounce on 2-0. Civil battled hard and tried to stem the tide but yet again great link up between the midfield and the attack this time down the right to allow Jonnie a simple tap in from a deflected shot 3 -0. We let down our guard at the back Jack L losing concentration to allow a Civil attacker through to slot one just to the right of Scotty who almost kept it out 3-1. This seemed to stimulate more attacking football and Civil were unable to deal with the pace of Saunders up front who laid the ball back for Paddy to smash one in 4-1. Ed was next on the scoresheet with a pile driver from the edge of the box 5-1 at half time.
Second half we reverted to a 4-4-2 formation with Joe H coming on at left back and Aidan replacing Jonnie on the left wing. With fresh legs and enthusiasm we kept pressing forward but Civil were defending well and were unlucky not to score themselves from a couple of free kicks but yet again, Saunders running, set up Ben who was determined to get his hat trick and finished well into the top corner 6-1. Saunders then finally got the goal that all his unselfish running deserved with a fine finish for 7-1.Civil were beginning to tire and in the last 10 minutes Paddy hit two more from the edge of the penalty area weaving his magic through several defenders to finish cooly for a final score of 9 -1. Fair play to Civil they battled hard to the end of the match which was played with respect from both teams which was pleasing to see.
Man of the match Aaron Hudson - never put a foot wrong, was strong and dependable in the centre of defence - well done.

Saturday 20th September 2008
Central 10 - 2Colyton Reds

We have played Colyton many times over the past few seasons and all the games have been close with usually Colyton coming out on top, not this time however! They were missing a few key players and we had pretty much our full strength team out and really from the kick off Central dominated the game throughout.

Anticipating Miles, their quality striker was available, I chose a 3 -1 - 4 -2 formation with Caddy told to sit in front of a back three and man mark Miles but luckily for us and unluckily for Colyton he was unavailable but I still stuck with that formation to give us more depth in midfield. With Paddy and Ed back in centre mid, Ty was asked to play on the right wing with Jonnie on the left Ben and Saunders up front, game on!

With this midfield we had players who could pass the ball on the ground and link well with the forwards and through the midfield most of the goals were either scored or created. Aaron Saunders as a target man up front with his lightening pace got to balls that Colyton's defence should have cleared and created so many chances for the team unselfishly not scoring but allowing his team mates to take the rewards. First on the scoresheet was Ben with his skill on the ball weaving through the defence for a well taken opener, then Jonnie for his first pouncing on a fumbled save to make it 2, then Aaron Hudson for his debut goal not one that will go down as a screamer but he scrambled the ball in from a corner 3 - 0. Then up steps Ty for a great link up with Saunders and Ben to make it 4 - 0 at half time. Luke Howlett came on replacing Ruben at right back to meet his ex team mates (at Buckland tournament he played for Colyton all day as they were short!). Patrick then got on the scoresheet when his first shot was blocked and smashed in the rebound 5-0. Scotty fell awkwardly in goal and had to be substituted Caddy volunteered to replace him and then sloppy defending allowed Colyton to pull one back 5 - 1. Strangely Caddy didn't want to be in goal after that so Cody then went into goal and Paddy scored again 6-1 then Ben 7-1 then Colyton pulled one back 7 - 2 but by this time Colyton had given it all and we were now completely dominant in midfield with Ben weaving his magic and a good finish 8-1, then a rejuvenated Ty causing havoc down the right dropping in behind the forwards to take the last two goals and a well deserved hat trick to make the final score 10 - 2.

Man of the match: Difficult decision as Ty and Paddy played some fantastic football but Caddy pipped them this week for an awesome display of running and tackling in the first half. Charlie Caddy Man of the Match

Goal scorers: Ben Burak 3, Ty Fisher 3, Jonnie Clark 1, Aaron Hudson 1, Patrick Clark 2.

Saturday 13th September 2008
Central 4 Westhill Wasps 1

Our first home game of the season was unbelievably played in sunshine on a pitch which was in perfect condition and with a referee, couldn't have asked for more!

We welcomed four new players to the team Jonnie Clark, Aaron Hudson (Huggy), Aaron Saunders and Charlie Caddy but with Ben, Ed, Ruben and Paddy partying in North Devon we knew that a win wasn't a foregone conclusion. I chose a 4-4-2 formation with Caddy and Saunders up front to use their pace with Huggy and Ty centre mid and Jonnie on right wing.
Westhill started the brighter side with crisp passing and movement through the midfield getting in three or four shots before we had one with Scotty pulling off some good saves but we opened the scoring with a breakaway goal from Caddy that typifies his pace and terrier attitude. Unfortunately Westhill again playing some excellent football and from a rebounded shot finished clinically to make it 1 - 1 at half time. We changed the formation to 4-5-1 with Caddy dropping into midfield with Jack Martin and Ty with Huggy moving into centre defence and the game changed as we retook control of midfield and Cody and Jonnie got back into the game more leading to the a well taken brace of goals from Saunders the second being an exquisite lob of the keeper, which was first class. Westhill were deflated by this point and had given it everything but we had taken control of the game and Cody finished off a good move down the left to make the final score 4 -1 to Central.

Fair play to Westhill who played some excellent football and I thought were the better team in the first half.

Man of the match went to the captain Joe Harrison for a domineering display at the back with some great forward runs being unlucky not to score himself.

2007/8 Results here