Under 16s Fixtures/Results
Match reports -
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