Cambs mini-soccer League 10D - 02/02/08
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Thurlow Under 10’s - 3
Spartak 78 - 3
A early morning frozen pitch threatened the re arranged fixture with Spartak 78, however despite a short delay to the proceedings both teams were up for an encounter which proved to be extremely entertaining with both sides netting three times.
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Thurlow attacked from the start with impressive movement from Matthew Rose and Daniel Marsh who linked well throughout the game, however the first chance for Thurlow fell to Graham Culley who was through on goal and could have scored but for a last ditch tackle from the Spartak defender.
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The resulting corner from Matthew Rose found Billy Jarvis who shot wide. Further movement and attacks from Daniel Marsh, Matthew Rose and Daniel Passmore encouraged the Thurlow support for the game ahead. Spartak had their moments and on one occasion a ball skimmed across the box but no advancing player was on hand to push the ball home.
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On 12 minutes Matthew Rose was fouled just outside the box, dusted himself down and produced a superb free kick that found its way into the back of the net to give Thurlow a well deserved lead. Graham Culley and Conor Rankin looked strong in midfield areas supplying Matthew well to carry the ball forward.
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On 14 minutes Matthew ran wide and passed across to Daniel Marsh who missed an effort from close range. Billy Jarvis and Daniel Passmore both made very important late interceptions And when called upon Brandon Dixon also looked strong and convincing by coming out to dive bravely at the feet of the advancing Spartak strikers. The whole of the Thurlow team had a good look to them keeping their shape well.
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The early pressure from Thurlow was beginning to fade so Jesse Luff was brought on to bolster the attacking play. Thurlow attacked and had chances as did Spartak but Thurlow could not hold out and on 20 minutes a shot was chased down by the advancing Daniel Passmore but the ball fell kindly for Spartak who dispatched a powerful shot that nestled in the back of the net
Daniel Marsh missed a gilt edge chance just on half time but could not convert the opportunity and the teams were level at the break
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Half Time Thurlow Youth 1 – Spartak 78 1
With the second half underway Spartak had the early pressure but Thurlow worked hard to get themselves back into the game.
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The reward came on 28 Minutes when the ball fell to Jesse Luff who passed it wide to Daniel Marsh. A strong shot just outside the box found its way into the net - 2.1. Within a few minutes Daniel Passmore found Jesse who seemed to take ages but his shot found the net to make the score 3.1.
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Thurlow were growing in confidence with good driving runs by Matthew Rose who was awesome as he chased down every opportunity. He was clicking with Daniel Marsh and was a real player maker throughout the game.
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Brandon was still being kept busy but come out on top on various one on one encounters with the Spartak attack. Conor Rankin ran his heart out and was a real engine in midfield. Jesse Luff, Matthew Rose and Daniel Marsh were creating chances and Billy Jarvis was also able to advance forward for the occasional shot on goal.
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Then the concentration was lost for a short period with a few players out of position and not challenging back which allowed Spartak to enjoy a move through the middle on 33 minutes. A good passing movement allowed the Spartak player to dribble around Brandon and slip the ball in the back of the net. Thurlow 3 – Spartak 2.
15 minutes into the second half Daniel Marsh handled the ball in the box to concede a penalty but luckily the resulting kick was wide and high much to the relief of the Thurlow support.
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Scot Robins and Jake Holland made brief appearances as second half substitutes but could not stop Thurlow conceding a third goal as possession was lost on the half way line, Spartak moved forward in numbers, took it past our last line of defence and hit it into the roof of the net.
A few other changes of personnel included Conor Rankin taking a short rest and Graham Culley briefly returning to the action. In between times Scott Robins was involved in a one two with Jesse who receiving the ball back from a good pass from Scott advanced forward and shot only for the keeper to make a fine save.
Billy Jarvis made a run down the right but was thwarted at the last minute by some solid defending.
But in the end on reflection 3.3 was a fair result.
Final Score - Thurlow Youth 3 - Spartak 78 3
Man of the Match - Thurlow - Daniel Marsh
Runner Up – Matthew Rose
3rd Place - Daniel Passmore
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Cambs mini-soccer League 10D - 22/12/07
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Haverhill Rovers 0
Thurlow Youth 1
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A CHRISTMAS ROBIN !!!
Christmas arrived early for Thurlow Youth Under 10's with our little piece of magic from our own Christmas Robin - Scott.
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Scott Robins was on hand to score his first goal and to give Thurlow their first win of the season. Not only was it our first win of the season, it was our first official league win and the first time we have not conceded a goal in a game. The task made even more impressive due to the fact that three players were missing from the starting line up. Matthew Rose, Graham Culley and Sam Sackett.
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A very entertaining game saw the ball fly from box to box with both teams having attempts on goal and near misses. In the Thurlow defence Daniel Passmore and Billy Jarvis both short in height stood tall and battled for every ball to deny the Haverhill attacks. Conor Rankin played for the first time in central midfield and sprayed passes wide for Daniel Marsh and Scott Robins whilst Jesse lead the attack with some impressive runs and fizzing free kicks as the yellows grew in confidence.
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9 minutes into the game and Billy Jarvis defended with a virtual backward somersault to clear our lines and launch another attack up field. A superb through pass by Daniel Passmore to Jesse Luff was thwarted by Paul Jenks in the Haverhill goal on 15 mins. Another near miss on 19 minutes when Daniel Marsh shot only for the ball to be tipped wide by the advancing Haverhill keeper.
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At the other end when needed Brandon Dixon put in a stirling performance with confident moves off his line, good accurate passing upfield to instigate attacks and fine saves from Haverhill's front runners. Brandon came off of his line on 21 minutes to block on the edge of the box and to move the ball upfield to Jesse Luff who on 23 minutes short and missed the net by inches. Conor Rankin was strong in midfield and was moving the ball forward with accuracy and commanding the midfield area.
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Good constant pressure by Thurlow however did not result in a goal and at half time both teams were level for what was a hard fought half by both sides. Half Time - Haverhill Rovers 0 - Thurlow Youth 0.
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Haverhill had the best of the early spills in the second half and Thurlow struggled to cope with some accurate corners from Haverhill. Thurlow edged their way back into the game and ten minutes into the second half a thunderous shot by Jesse Luff was met and pushed on into the net by our very own Christmas Robin - Scott Robins !! Haverhill Rovers came back at us but both Daniel Passmore and the to be crowned man of the match Billy Jarvis again stood firm.
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They did not make a mistake all game and on the odd occassion were able to move forward into attack, indeed Billy Jarvis had a good attempt on goal and late on in the game Daniel Passmore had a thundershot which hit the crossbar and rebounded out Daniel Marsh came off injured and was replaced with Jake Holland on field more so as injury cover As Jake normally plays in goal and did himself proud on the right wing, fighting for every ball and making a major contribution to the teams advancing attacks. Indeed Jake himself could have also scored late on with a shot which was driven low but was collected by the keeper.
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Aware that Thurlow had not gone through a game and not conceded the dying minutes of the game were tense with Haverhill desperately trying to bring the scores level. With only a few minutes left on the clock three reds broke forward and were clear on goal only for Daniel Passmore to come out of nowhere and make a vital incerception to keep our sheet clean.
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At the final whistle there were wild celebrations as the hard work put in over the first months of the season for a new team had finally paid off. An even game played in the right spirit could have gone either way but Thurlow Youth recorded their first victory of the season.
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Final result - Haverhill 0 Thurlow Youth 1
Goalscorer - Scott Robins
Man of the Match - Billy Jarvis ** (Voted in first place by every single parent) Christmas has definatley arrived for Thurlow Youth Under 10's
Cambs mini-soccer League 10D - 24/11/07
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West Wratting Youth 13
Thurlow Youth 0
A cold frosty morning and a short trip to Bull Lane to play West Wratting which was to the be first ever encounter with our local rivals.
Thurlow battled well against a Wratting side that have been together for a few years and this showed with some good organised play by our hosts.
The pre match talk was about focus and getting stuck in, but alas within seconds of the whistle we found ourselves 1-0. down. This was going to be one of those days !
However, whilst nice to win, an encouraging note was that not one of the Thurlow players let there heads drop.
We started with a three man defense with Billy Jarvis supporting both Graham Culley and Conor Rankin on the flanks.
Constant pressure from Wratting resulted in some desperate defending but our man of the match Conor Rankin grew in statue as the game went on and made many a fine interception and strong tackles.
Scott Robins started his first full league game, earned as a result of hard work and the right attitude in training.
Thurlow were unlucky to loose three key players with Sam Sacket, Daniel Passmore and Graham Culley having to leave the field early through illness or injury.
Jesse Luff whilst starting as centre forward versatile asever filled in the defensive positon for the second half.
The players left on the field whilst heavily defeated kept their heads high and on occassions spilled forward.
Late on in the game chances fell both to Matthew Rose and Daniel Marsh to convert but it was not to be as it just was not our day.
Whilst busy in goal both Brandon Dickson and Jake Holland both made some superb saves to keep the rampant Warriors at bay on many occassions.
A heavy defeat .. But if sportsmanship and endeavour was judged we would be winners everytime !!!
Bottom Drawer Man of the Match as judged by parents
3rd place - Jesse Luff
2nd Place - Daniel Marsh
1st Place - Conor Rankin
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Saturday 17th November 2007
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Thurlow Youth 9 Balsham 4
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Back to winning ways wways for the Under 10's
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After a series of defeats the Under 10's got back to winning ways despite the threat of the game being postponed early on to a frozen pitch.
Early into the game Jesse Luff was through on goal and netted comfortably to put us ahead, but alas the lead was short lived due to a lapse of focus when on 8 minutes a low shot from Balsham flew past Brandon Dickson who had to contend with a solid surface whilst waiting for the big thaw !!
Thurlow Youth dusted themselves down and showed determinatin to get their noses back in front, constant pressure resulted in a Thurlow corner which was sweetly taken by Matthew Rose gliding high above the congested box for Jesse to blast the ball into the net.
Instantly from the kick off a shot from more or less the half way line glided past both Conor and Brandon and into the net. We found ourselves level, Possession changed in Balsham's favour and five minutes later we found ourselves 3-2 down. The goal of the game came on the 28th minute when pressure from Thurlow resulted in a free kick. A note to shoot from the coach and Jesse Luff produced a Beckham type free kick with a superb effort which hit the back of the net with pace.
The team were gaining in confidence and it was extremely encouraging to see some good forward play and some good passes from Daniel Passmore.
3-3 at half time. A rallying call to step up one extra gear was heard and put into practice. A change of personnel for the second half with Billy Jarvis, Jake Holland and Scott Robin entering the field of play.
On 30 minutes a corner was intercepted by Sam Sackett, shot goalwards into the net taking a bobble off Balsham leg. 4-3 Two minutes later a good run and shot by Jesse Luff rebounded only for Daniel Marsh to bury the ball 5-3 and confidence rising.
A team should never be complacent and it wasn't long before we were pegged back once again when the Balsham attack was not picked up and a low shot with good accuracy was too good for Jake and the ball nestled in the back of the net.
On 42 Minutes Billy Jarvis scored his first goal for the club with a knock in from another superb corner from Sam Sackett. We were on the ascendancy, Good defending when neccesary from Conor Rankin and surge after surge of attacks by Jesse Luff, Daniel Marsh and Scott Robins.
Daniel Marsh who had a good game on the right side grabed his second of the game and sixth of the season when he picked up on a rebound from a Matthew Rose shot who had been reintroduced to the game. Matthew Rose grew in strength and showed us how capable he is and got his just rewards on 48 minutes to make the score 8-4 getting on to a Jesse Luff rebound resulting from a Daniel Passmore cross.
As the final whistle drew closer Matthew Rose getting stronger by the minute netted again for his second of the day, his fourth of the season and to finish the scoring at 9-4 to Thurlow Youth.
The Balsham boys were spirited and had periods of pressure but it was refreshing to get such a convincing win under our belts .
A long time coming. Nice preparation for our visit to Bull Lane next week to play West Wratting which surely be our biggest test to date.
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Man of the Match
3rd Place - Matthew Rose
2nd place - Daniel Marsh
1st Place - Jesse Luff
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Saturday 6th October 2007-10-14
Sawston United 8 - Thurlow Youth - 0
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BEATEN BUT STILL SMILING !!!
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Thurlow Under 10’s travelled to the Spicers sports ground for the third league game of the season to take on an inform Sawston United. A fired up team talk highlighting the need to be focused and determined worked well for 15 minutes as the boys in blue fought for every ball.
Graham Culley who later went on to win the man of the match was alert and turned in a first class performance in the heart of the defence.
Injuries in the first half disturbed the performance as Jesse Luff came off injured replaced by Daniel Marsh, who himself because of a back injury literally left the field 90 seconds later. Scott Robins also replaced Sam Sackett towards the end of the half following a strong tackle which resulted in Sam taking a whack to the ankle.
Up front Thurlow had some chances to open their account for the season with a thunderous shot by Scott Robins and a effort from Matthew Rose who chased for every ball up front.
Half time came and with the result at 4.0. there was still a lot to play for. Thurlow Youth playing one of the strongest sides in the league were not overawed and certainly not as the score suggests we were not outplayed. The half time score a result of some silly lapses of concentration leaving Sawston players free in front of goal. Brandon Dixon had been busy in goal but made some superb saves to keep the score at a respectable level.
The second half resumed with Jake Holland replacing Brandon Dixon in goal. Sawston took early advantage with some strong and direct long shots which found their way into the Thurlow net. A period of Thurlow pressure midway through the second half unfortunately did not reap any benefits. Matthew Rose found his way through one on one but just as he went to pull the trigger the chasing defender managed to put a foot in tot push the ball wide.
Sawston grew stronger as the game progressed and were excellent in their delivery of corners and some long shots from outside the box. Four further goals were conceded in the second half but a creditable performance was put in by all concerned.
Scott Robins, returned to the field as did Brandon Dixon in the dying minutes but the game finished as an 8.0 defeat for the visiting side. Every boy deserves credit for this battling performance although beaten were were not down.
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Man of the match
3rd – Sam Sackett, 2nd Matthew Rose, 1st – Graham Culley
Team
Brandon Dixon, Jake Holland, Connor Rankin, Graham Culley, Sam Sackett, Daniel Passmore, Daniel Marsh, Jesse Luff, Matthew Rose, Scott Robins.
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Pre Season Friendly
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Tuesday 14th August
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Thurlow Youth 4 Whittlesford Warriors 2
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The wet weather didn’t dampen the atmosphere for our first home game at Thurlow Rec.The boys turned out in their new yellow kit, with the name of our sponsors
“Thurlow Village Garage” blazened on their shirts.
The tuck shop was open selling sausage and chips and all things healthy to get the boys prepared !!!A well contested match lay ahead, which was to be dominated by the home team for long periods. Sam Sackett scored his first goal for the club midway through the first half with a powerful shot hitting the back of the net which was the signal for some jubilant celebrations both on and off the pitch. Sam went on to win the man of the match award for an industrious display showing that he is the engine of the team with many driving runs from defence.Conor Rankin & Graham Culley coped well with Withersfield attacks, however a lapse in concentration in our defence by not picking up the last man resulted in an equaliser for the visitors.The goal was scored from Charlie Ripp who was loaned to their team for the night as their numbers were light.
It wasn’t long before Thurlow got back in front with a fine effort from Daniel Passmore, Industrious play including a pass and run movement resulted in a well deserved goal for Daniel. Brandon made a few good saves when called upon and distributed the ball well to allow the front runners the chance to attack. Unfortunately, another lapse in concentration and come half time the scores were equal. 2.2. at the break.
Jake Holland replaced Brandon Dickson in goal for the second half , the spirit was high and the boys sensed that we could gain our first victory in four games.Various substitutions were made throughout the game with Nial Watts, Scott Robins and Billy Jarvis all coming on and making valuable contributions.The determination was clear to see, the constant drumming in of pass, position yourself and talk to your team mates was beginning to pay dividends.Daniel Marsh made it 3.1 relatively early in the second half with a shot which to be fair should have been saved by the keeper, but bobbled and was misjudged with the ball rolling into the back of the net. Thurlow continued to push forward and fine attacking play from Matthew Rose, Jesse Luff and Man of the Match Sam Sackett at times proved too much for our visitiors.
Had we pulled the trigger a little earlier and not hesitated the score would have been higher. When on the back foot our defensive duo of Graham Culley & Conor Rankin who are forming a strong understanding and partnership at the back coped well.Billy Jarvis came on for his first appearance in a Thurlow shirt and held his own in the defensive area.
To try out a few other tactics Nial Watts and Scott Robins were used in a midfield role and chased down to stop Whittlesford attacks.The final goal of the evening came from a good run by Jesse Luff which whilst possibly an own goal has been claimed by Jesse to add to his tally of three goals scored in competitive matches since signing for Thurlow F.C.Jake Holland once again kept a clean sheet in the half which is a result of some hard work and solid support from the back four.
The final whistle signalled some wild celebrations amongst the boys not to mention the manager and a proud set of parents.It was time to savour the moment and enjoy that winning feeling.
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Man of the match - Sam Sackett
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FRIENDLY FIXTURE
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Saturday 21st July
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NEWMARKET TOWN ‘B’ 4 THURLOW YOUTH 1
An away fixture over at Newmarket was the venue for our fourth game.
After loosing one or two parents on the journey the boys sat down, listened to the pre match team talk and were focused on the job in hand.
We lined up with four across the back the intention to shore up our defence but in doing so offer the middle two defenders Sam Sackett and Jesse Luff the opportunity to move forward to support the two attackers.
A solid start in defence with some crucial blocks by Graham Culley and strong play from Conor Rankin saw us settle our nerves. We grew in confidence and began to play some good flowing football.
We kept our position and our game plan was beginning to work.
Jesse Luff broke forward for our first attack and combined well with Sam Sackett but was eventually tackled before being able to pull the trigger and shoot for goal.
Daniel Marsh once again put in a consistent performance and impressed with some neat turns, dribbling and driving runs to combine with Daniel Passmore.
Our little terrier – Daniel Passmore put in a big performance and held his position well. He obviously listened to the pre match talk as he passed, linked and run well and gave the defenders a torrid time.
There was no major test to our goal until the seventh minute when Jake Holland
made a superb save to keep the score at 0-0.
On ten minutes our man of the match Jake Holland was at it again.
First a fierce shot by Newmarket which was palmed away by Jake, the ball bounced and came back but again our keeper was up and equal to it.
Once more the ball bobbled and when most people thought the worst an unbelievably brave effort throwing his body to the ball prevented us conceding a goal. Absolutely superb effort!
It was not until the 12th minute that Thurlow conceded as Newmarket gained possession in the middle of the park and moved forward and scored a good goal by Lachlan Allan who let fire with a fierce shot. Whilst the ball hit the back of the net Jake Holland who was not going to let anything get by him easily managed to get a hand to it
A few more neat bits of play from Thurlow impressed the parents.
Conor Rankin launched the ball up field with a massive kick to be taken by Daniel Passmore, who turned and ran at the Newmarket defence.
Scott Bailey scored Newmarket’s second goal as a shot came in from long distance, but another attacking player standing immediately in front of Jake Holland blocked his view and back heeled into the net.
The score may have been 2-0 but our defence stood firm.
Graham Culley and Conor Rankin stayed in position with some good interlinking play. Such confidence at the back allowed Sam Sackett and Jesse Luff to move forward to launch further attacks.
Great dribbling by Daniel Marsh lined up shots for Daniel Passmore and Jesse Luff but we just could not find the net.
Just before half time Sam Sackett took a free kick which flew just wide of the post. The half time whistle blew and every man on the Thurlow side came off with their heads held high. A brilliant first half performance.
Nial Watts came on in the second half to make his debut slotting into a midfield role. The man making way was Jake Holland who had well and truly earned a rest. The goalkeeper’s shirt was taken by Jesse Luff. .
It took just one minute in the second half for Thurlow to hit the back of the net.
A goal kick by Jesse Luff intercepted by Daniel Marsh, who took the ball wide, turned inside and put the ball into the centre. The goal keeper and Daniel Passmore went for the same ball, it deflected off the keeper and our striker prodded the ball home amidst jubilant scenes from a proud set of parents.
A quick response by Newmarket but our defence stood firm, Graham Culley reliable in defence was there to tidy up.
For the next ten minutes or so Thurlow had a good bulk of the possession and threatened to equalise.
A scramble in the box following some neat attacking play resulted in Nial Watts having a shot goal wards which bounced to Daniel Marsh who would have scored but at the last minute toe punted the ball and failed to find the net.
Newmarket pressed a few times with one spectacular save by Jesse Luff denied the hosts a goal. Our first major lapse of concentration occurred when the ball found an unmarked man and Lachlan Allen coolly slotted home his second of the day and Newmarket’s third.
With just over ten minutes gone in the second half Charlie Ripp entered the arena, Conor Rankin took a break and Daniel Passmore was moved to defence to add some strength, however it wasn’t for long as a strong tackle from Nial Watts defending the oncoming ball resulted in an injury and so it was back on the pitch for Conor.. No rest of the wicked!!!
The fourth goal finally put pay to our chances when Jack Robinson drove a low shot into the right hand corner. However, regardless of result this was our best performance to date.
Charlie Ripp, dribbled, weaved and caused havoc to the defence and was unlucky not to score, Daniel Passmore had a few more chances as again our confidence grew.
Sam Sacket seemed to be everywhere, a little powerhouse heading, tackling and running his heart out, He is proving a great asset to the team having settled in very well.
Nial Watts recovered and returned to the pitch. Graham Culley was heard to be giving some encouraging support as you would expect from a Captain and even Jake Holland off the pitch was supporting from the sidelines.
A nice little team spirit is beginning to form.
Thurlow battled to the end and it was pleasing to see the day’s objectives being fulfilled. We kept our position well, passed well, defended and above all played as a team. A satisfying day, one to build upon.
Man of match - Jake Holland
SQUAD: Jake Holland, Samuel Sackett, Graham Culley, Conor Rankin, Jesse Luff,
Daniel Passmore, Daniel Marsh, Nial Watts, Charlie Ripp
FRIENDLY FIXTURE
Saturday 14th July 2007
NST Strikers 11 Thurlow Youth 0
An early start for our friendly game away at Stapleford to play a good
NST Strikers side in Cambridge.
The day started badly with the news that both Jesse Luff and Scott Robins were unavailable for selection. Our latest signing Sam Sackett and currently on loan Jack Ferguson were in the squad but started off on the bench.
Thurlow supporters were shell shocked after we fell behind to three early goals, in quick succession the first coming on three minutes.
Even so in adversity the boys in yellow made some vital blocks with Conor Rankin closing down the attacking play, Graham Culley running across the park to make vital last minute interceptions and to launch the ball back upfield.
Daniel Marsh started the game well, Matthew Rose settled in again to the position that he is making his own as our target man centre forward and Daniel Passmore our “Little terrier” continued to impress with his tough tackling and driving runs.
Whilst we struggled to get to grips with the neat play by the experienced opposition we did have the occasional flurry forward.
We introduced our debutants half way through the first half and some neat early play lifted our spirits but again we were undone with two extra goals where our attacks broke down to be caught out with neat passing through the unmarked man from NST to coolly slot home.
20 minutes gone and the score at 5.0, but the boys kept plugging away and rightly so kept their heads up. Sam Sackett had a shot saved by the keeper and this seemed to inspire the team who had a further shot where the ball bobbled around with chances from Jack Ferguson and Daniel Passmore just not being able to find its way into the net.
Just before the half time whistle Graham Culley made a heroic tackle to save our blushes and save us going in at half time further behind.
Two minutes into the second half and Jack Ferguson had a long shot which went just wide. After ten minutes in the second period Brandon Dickson changed the goal keepers jersey with Jake Holland and Daniel Passmore returned to the field to move into the centre forward position.
Sam Sackett grew stronger and stronger as the game went on and settled in really well to his new team. Jack Ferguson still familiarising himself with his new surroundings blended in well and looked dangerous on the wing.
Daniel Marsh for the right reasons grew increasingly frustrated when we lost possession and was determined to hassle the opposition and retrieve the ball.
Late on in the game, Matthew Rose re appeared as Sam needed a quick breather and within seconds Matthew moved forward with conviction and could have scored a late consolation.
More goals followed for Nst and the boys began to tire, however Jake Holland made some good saves to prevent the score from being higher than it was.
Not the result we had hoped for, but the individual performances are improving and it shouldn’t be long before we are once again finding the net and record our next win.
Man of the Match - Conor Rankin
FRIENDLY FIXTURE
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Wednesday July 11th 2007
Haverhill Rovers 5 Thurlow Youth 0
Two weeks had lapsed since the opening game and victory for the newly formed Thurlow Youth F.C. A few changes in personnel and an opportunity to experiment. There was to be no repeat of two early goals conceded as was the case in the last game.
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The team were focused on a good start and for the first fifteen minutes whilst under pressure our defence stood firm due to some good marshalling from the Captain Graham Culley. Haverhill continued to press but Jake Holland came through his first period in goal with a clean sheet.
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When we did move forward both Matthew Rose and Daniel Passmore gave their all covering every blade of grass, however despite a few close misses Thurlow failed to find the net.
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Jesse Luff and Brandon Dickson came on for Thurlow to make their debuts allowing Scott Robins & Jake Holland to take a well earned break. Thurlow continued to endure some nervous moments, Some good play winning throw ins and free kicks at vital times from Conor Rankin and some good tackling back and accurate passing from Daniel Marsh confirmed we were to be no walk over.
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Through the constant wave of attacks by Haverhill, Thurlow still created chances when moving forward with superb offensive displays by Matthew Rose and good support by Daniel Passmore.
Unfortunately Thurlow’s resistance was broken by a thunderous shot which Jesse Luff gallantly tried to stop but the ball nestled in the back of the net. One further goal was to be conceded by half time with the deficit nearly reduced when Daniel Passmore went on a run which resulted in a shot which was goal bound but just failed to meet the target.
As a friendly we were always going to experiment with players and positions and come the start of the second half a third keeper appeared in goal
Brandon Dixon put on the jersey, took the gloves and away we went.
Further changes saw Leon Bailey emerge up front supported by Mathew Rose from midfield. Matthew run his heart out and was unlucky not to score on a few occasions. Jake Holland re appeared but in a defensive role and supported with some carefully timed tackles and good interceptions.
Leon Bailey narrowly missed the target as the ball rolled agonizingly wide of the goal. Whilst our confidence levels rose, and moments of pressure promised a return we fell behind further in the game to two extra goals making the score 4.0 to the Rovers. Haverhill should be credited for their structured approach and good set piece play.
Graham Culley had a tremendous game at the back and is growing in statue with every performance. At times Matthew Rose appeared in a defending position working for the cause as he continued to battle for every last ball and when able to he drove forward to link well with Leon Bailey.
Daniel Passmore took a short break following a slight injury to the foot.
One late change saw Scott Robins replaced by Daniel Marsh for the final thrust forward to claw back a goal but it was not to be.
The last goal from Haverhill Rovers to make the final score 5.0 came in the dying seconds of the game. Beaten by a well organised team but not despondent each child gave their all and deserve real credit.
We now dust ourselves down and look forward to our next friendly on Saturday to NST Strikers.
Man of the match - Jesse Luff
Spartak 78 Youth 3 Thurlow Youth 10
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Saturday 3rd June
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With the threat of rain, a new team competing in their first competitive friendly match arrived at Herbert’s Farm to take on an enthusiastic Spartak 78 side.
A nervous start saw the boys from Thurlow concede two early goals. However any worries soon disappeared as the boys clawed their way back into the game with excellent goals from Leon Bailey and Daniel Marsh.
A few hesitant moments and our defence was beaten for the third time despite a brave effort from Jake Holland in goal.
The tempo was raised; Thurlow enjoyed increasing levels of possession with some great passing from Conor Rankin, Driving runs from Daniel Passmore and a more solid defence with Scott Robins and hard tackling from the Captain for the day Graham Culley.
Thurlow , visibly gaining in confidence equalised close to half time by an excellent strike from Leon Bailey.
A quick team talk at half time, three changes and away we went for the second half. On came Mathew Rose and Charlie Ripp into midfield roles and Owen Boddey to add extra steel in defence.
Neat linking play from back to front marshalled well by Graham Culley and Owen Boddey saw wave after wave of attacks. Daniel Passmore covered every blade of grass on the pitch and was tenacious and strong in the middle of the park. Mathew Rose strode forward with great confidence to support the forward play and scored a great goal with some individual play.
Further goals from Leon Bailey, (2), Charlie Ripp (1) and a hat trick from Owen Boddey added to our goals tally.
Conor Rankin, Scott Robins and Daniel Marsh returned to the field and continued to impress with some neat touches and accurate passing.
When needed Jake Holland provided a safe pair of hands to keep Spartak at bay and with ten minutes left Leon Bailey went between the sticks to continue to keep a clean sheet in the second half.
A fantastic game played with great spirit by both teams.
Spartak 78 were wonderful hosts for our opening game which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
A wonderful performance and a magnificent start in the life of Thurlow Under 10’s.
Man of the match - Leon Bailey