Guildford Saints FC

Match Report Sunday 21st Feb 2010 vs Walton & Hersham

SukhjitKhera — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:24:34 +0000

This week we played hosts to Walton and Hersham.

This was the 1st meeting between the 2 sides and having had a look at their previous results, they were a team that were capable of beating anyone on their day, and had a healthy ‘goals for’ record.

Scott and I were hoping that the boys would start as they played against Teddington, and they didnt disappoint.

We were 1-0 within 5 minutes, folloing a good move which led to Jasper ‘The Wasp’ running through from the right and finished with one of his trade mark ‘lobs’ over the keeper (Good finish Wasp – nice one).

Walton didnt let this unsettle them and they looked dangerous on the break, with a nippy little forward and a good right winger and central midfield player who were combining well and causing us some problems.

Armin Ansari, continued his fine run of form and notched our 2nd, following a tap in at the far post, after good work by Jasper on the right.

(Armin, great timing of the run to ensure that you were at the right place at the right time. Any earlier and you would have been marked – any later and the chance would have gone. A great example of timing from a wide player, when the ball is on the opposite side of the field)

Armin, wasnt happy with 1 goal, and soon got his 2nd and Saints 3rd of the game, when a shot by The Wasp was saved, but good following up by Armin allowed him to tap home.

At 3-0 we were cruising, but a ‘mad’ 5 minutes just before half time led to Walton scoring twice, to leave the score 3-2 at the break.

The half time talk was frank and to the point. All the players shouldered the responsibility for the lack of concentration. No fingers could be pointed at any individual for the 2 goals that we had just seen put past us.

(Remember – we score as a team, and we concede as a team).

The players picked up in the second half, and we tried to keep possession and close the opposition down early.

We played well in patches, but the performance wasnt as ’fluid’ as we have been when we have been at our best.

However it was Saints who were looking more threatening and our 4th came from Callum Hartin.

The Saints 5th soon followed and it was the move of the match.

Walton had the ball in our left back area. Sam Clarke confronted the player but was unable to win the ball. James Price correctly came over and ‘doubled’ up at which point we won the ball back.

Clarkey ran the ball out and played it into Dan Graingers feet just inside our half. Dan turned and played an over the top through ball, which Callum ran onto, and slid it under the body of the advancing keeper, with his 1st touch.

Superb example of defending (delay + doubling up), good transition (defence into attack), and clinical finishing!

The full time score was 5-2 and we notched up our 5th league victory of the season.

Walton were a good side and physical, but we matched them in that department.

Again some good performances from a number of players, but this week the MOM accolade went to Calum Hartin.

Match Report vs Teddington COLTS (Sunday 14th Feb 2010)

SukhjitKhera — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:46:15 +0000

This week we were were hosted by Teddington, who had earlier in the season beaten us 8-1 in our own back yard.

If they had any ideas that it would be a similar result, and that we would roll over and have our bellies tickled, they would soon find out that this would certainly not be the case.

Teddington are a very good footballing side, but also have a physical presence about them, but this week we matched them in both departments.

We were playing some good football and looking to retain possession. We tackled hard and battled for the loose balls (not so good on the ‘heading front’ though, and this would be our undoing when the final curtain fell).

Despite matching Teddington in every department, it was the hosts who would score the opening goal. A well work moved down our right, led to their striker being allowed an un-Opposed shot on the edge of our box, which was well put away, low to Tom’s right, having got some assistance off the post.

Shortly after this, we went close when Malik hit the post from close range. unfortunately the post did not help our shot into the net, it only helped to clear the ball away for Teddington!

The half came to an end at 1-0, but we more than in the game.

The 2nd half was another even affair, but Teddington struck twice (both with headers), to go 3-0 up.

(1 goal from a striker who was unmarked on the far post, and the 2nd by a midfielder running to the far post un-tracked from a free kick)

Remember lads, its ok to head a ball and get your hair dirty – thats what shampoo is for!!!

Daniel Grainger scored a consolation goal for us, with a sweetly struck shot from the edge of the box, and the game ended 3-1.

It was very pleasing to see that we can compete against the very best sides in the league.

If we can show that type of commitment and effort every week, then we will win more games than we lose, and it will be us, challenging for league titles.

A good display boys – well done.

Tom DOWNHAM won the MOM, award, having made some very good saves throughout the game.

Cup 1/4 final vs Guildford CITY – Sunday 7th Feb 2010

SukhjitKhera — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:13:19 +0000

Hello everyone

It was cup day yesterday, and we hosted Guildford City in the 1/4 finals of the league cup competition.

The Guildford City side contained some of the players who were part of the team that we beat on the opening day of the season.

However the result was not to go as it did on that day!

The Saints were down within 3 minutes, and by half time it was 2-0.

It was a good game, and we were retaining possession really well. Unfortunately we couldnt turn that possession into goals.

Guildford City had 2 very good, fast and skilful forwards, who combined very well. They were giving us lots of problems, and forced several good saves from Tom.

We started the second half full of belief but soon found ourselves 3 down. Daniel pulled one back for us, but it was Guildford City who notchd the next 3, and we were 6-1 down.

Kieran D, scored our second with a neat left footed finish, before the final whistle, to end the game 6-2.

The scoreline did not reflect the game, as we certainly played better than the scoreline suggested.

However Guildford City were worthy winners, and we wish them luck in the semi finals.

Everyone played well yesterday and positives can be said about them all, but the MOM was down to the ‘in-form’ Armin ANSARI and Mr consistent Ed Wallace.

Ed just got the nod ahead of Armin, for his commitment, work rate and desire to win.

He didnt pull out of a challenge all game, and let the City forwards kow they were in a game, and were not going to have it their own way all game!!!!

Theres always next year!!!

Thanks Suj and Scott

P.s Who was the Ref? He was good!

Match report – Guildford Saints vs Byfleet (Cup) 24/1/10

SukhjitKhera — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:53:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

This week saw the team play their 1st competitive match since the 20th December when we beat Farnham Panthers.

The winning run was extended to 2, following a 9-1 win over Byfleet in the last 16 of the cup.

It was clear that the players hadn’t played together for a while as we disjointed for the main, although we did show improvement in the second half.

I didn’t write the goals down this week, so from the best of my memory they went like this:

1 – A great ball by Max Downham, split the Byfleet defence and found Harry Smith who had made a good run down the right. A low hard cross beat the Byfleet defenders to find Kieran Dennis unmarked on the far post who tapped home to score into an unguarded net.

(Pass of the game also – well done Max)

2 – The ‘Machine’ Malik Adeniran-Adams, had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, when he was the quickest to react to a loose ball in the box, and poke the ball past the on-coming Byfleet keeper into the corner of the net.

3 – Jasper Willow-Hart aka ‘The wasp’, doesn’t seem to score simple tap ins! A great run out on the right, a cut inside and then a smashing shot from the edge of the box saw the ball fly high over the keeper and into the net, to give the Saints a healthy lead.

4 – The 4th came from Archie Foy, who following a good solo run, from just inside the oppositions half, ended up with a shot from the edge of the box, which beat the keeper low to his right.

HALF – TIME.

Although we were 4, up, the players were too compact when attacking. We talked about how we could improve in the second half, and we decided that Width and Depth was the key when attacking, and anticipating the play. Therefore players around and away from the ball needed to, move into space early and not be static waiting to receive it.

This is where my memory could be wrong!!!!

5 – Malik, once again was the 1st to react in the box when the ball was loose and nipped in to score his 2nd of the game.

6 – Malik, got his hat-trick (and added a few £ to his pocket money) when his speed once again, unlocked Byfleet. A straight race between Malik and the Byfleet keeper, ended with Malik just nipping the ball past the Byfleet keeper, before slotting the ball home for a well deserved hat-trick.

It may have been at this time that Byleet scored one. As usual I missed it!!!! Im told that we lost the ball on the edge of our defending 3rd, which resulted in a Byfleet player, scoring one of those ‘wonder goals’ that Tom couldn’t do much about (unless he was a couple of feet taller)

To be fair to Byfleet, it was what they deserved, as they continued to play hard, despite being 6 goals down.

7- Harry Smith, notched his 1st for the club, following a good shot from the edge of the box.

8 – Archie – Another run, by Archie, had the same result as the 1st half, when a well struck shot from the edge of the box, saw the ball ripple the net – good brace Archie.

9 – Max was the recipient of some good following in when he got himself on the score-sheet.

Great work by Armin Ansari down the left (Super turn – allowing the ball to run, outfoxed Byfleet) and ended with a shot which was well saved by the keeper. Olly Luscombe followed up and everyone was willing for him to score, as he had worked hard up front, saw his shot run out of steam, as it failed to cross the line. Good anticipation by Max, ensured that when he came up against the Byfleet defenders and keeper, it was Max that won the duel, and he forced the ball over the line for the Saints 9th.

Some great individual displays today, and I could write positives on each and every player, but as always there can only ever be 1 MOM.

Armin ANSARI took the accolade this week. Great work rate, super retention of the ball, creativity in the attacking third, and didnt fail on his defensive duties. Well done Armin, a very well deserved recipient of the award this week.

(Jasper, Max and Harry Smith were also contenders this week)

Well dones to Malik on his Hat-trick, Archie on his brace, along with the other goal scorers (Max, Jasper, Harry and Kieran)

Lets hope we can keep the cup run going. Through to the quarter finals – only 2 wins away from wembley!!!!

match report v Guildford City (spl cup jnr)

TimDennis — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:59:37 +0000

Perfect 10 as saints go goal crazy.

Someone pinch me ,i must be dreaming!! Saints marched into the next rd of the cup with a stunning display against near neighbours Guildford City. With key players Toby Holmes,Jake Matravers, Joe Griffiths & Harrison Caleawart all missing ,this game could have been a potential banana skin , but saints rushed into a three goal lead with the prolific Dennis Foster scoring two , and Andy Harris the other,Charlie dennis’s lovely through ball setting up the first.

Foster netting his third,and saints fourth just before half time.But city pounced on a defensive error to pull one back right on half time.

After the break city started quickly and soon added a second . Robbie Orr then raced free to score his second of the season to make it 5-2 ,Andy Harris got his second after some nice football ,then Dennis the menace hit an unstoppable curling drive to make it 7-2. City grabbed another to keep it interesting, but then the champagne moment and the biggest cheer of the day ,as rare as a white christmas, Zach Houghton finished another fine move by prodding the ball in from a few feet. His celebration was straight out of the Tom Daley book of dives , at least two somersaults and a treble spin !!!! ER at this stage we began to loose count ,but Dennis Foster was looking for a double hat-trick and added a 9th goal .” We want ten” the crowd sang , but what they got was a 4th for city. Then, with the end in sight ,Foster grabbed his 6th of a most memorable game. Saints now meet Abbey rangers in the next round ,and a repeat of this would be most welcome . Thanks to Adrian for doing the line ,and a big thank you to all the parents and friends for their support . I feel it really does give the boys a massive boost when there’s such good support.

Onwards and upwards .Tim.

U13’s team that played Byleet WHITES at Byfleet Rec

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:12:55 +0000

PAN DISABILITY FOOTBALL AT GSFC

DawnDavies — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:43:52 +0000

Pan Disability Football Team: We are due to start training sessions for our disability team on Sunday 31^st January, sessions will be held at the Varsity Centre on astro turf. It is intended that the team will play competitive football tournament games every 4 - 6 weeks. We are looking looking for players: Ages 7-16 Boys & Girls

Eligibility : Players must attend a Special School, have a recognised / registered disability or have a statement of SEN.

Training every Sunday 9 – 10am – Varsity Centre, Guildford, Eggerton Road.

Further enquiries: Dawn: 01483 827339

Under 8s -Guildford Saints Blues

CathyHicks — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:12:14 +0000

Guildford Saints Blues Under 8s have had a fantastic first half of the season with one defeat in the first seeding game and then a run of 9 straight victories.I have been especially pleased wih the boys showing greater positional understanding and now looking up and passing.We also had a good lesson in our 4-3 victory over Farncombe when our defence completely disappeared for the second half leading to us letting in 3 goals and nearly letting a 4 goal lead disappear.We had a fantastic day’s training at Chelsea’s training ground which has certainly enhanced our passing and shooting.Happy New Year to everyone and a big thank you to Cathy and Keith for their continued support,Richard for his whistle skills and all of the parents for cheering us on every week come rain or shine,sometimes even snow.Mark

Match report 13/12/09 vs Farnham Panthers

SukhjitKhera — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:22:37 +0000

Our losing streak was put to a quick end at 2, following a convincing victory over a battling Farnham Panthers side.

The ghosts of the past 2 games which saw us concede 11 and score only 2 were put to bed as we went away from Farnham with a 6-1 victory under our belts.

It was great to see that the players found their passing game, and were attempting to play the ball around and pass our way through the opposition.

The Saints struck in the 6th minute when Max DOWNHAM notched his 1st goal of the season, when he hit a great shot from 20 yards out that hit the underside of the bar and went over the line before bouncing back into play. There was a moment of ‘will it count, wont it count’ before the referee pointed to the centre circle.

The 18th minute, saw The Wasp (Jasper) do what he does best, when he skipped past a defender out wide right, before cutting into the box and unleashing a shot, that gave the Saints a 2 goal cushion. (looked like it hit the top of the net from where we were stood. Jasper said that it was defo in, and as one of the most honest young players I have come across, if he says it went in, then it went in!!!)

Not wanting to miss out on the goal scoring, current top scorer Malik ADENIRAN-ADAMS got himself on the score sheet in the 29th minute. A good through ball by Harry Smith, saw Malik pick the ball up in the box and shoot hard and low across the keeper.

The half time whistle came and it was 3-0 Saints.

The 39th minute saw Armin ANSARI get his 2nd in 2 games. Good strong play by Malik in the oppositions box, saw him shrug off a defender, before shooting low across the keeper. The keeper could only parry it out to the on-coming Ansari, who tapped the ball into an unguarded net.

58th minute and Armin got his second and the Saints 5th of the match. A shot from inside the box saw it sail high into the net. Theres no stopping Armin at the moment. Having been unleashed from his defending duties of late has seen him notch 3 in 2 games – well done Armin.

63 minutes – Not wanting to be outdone, Malik got his second of the game, to take his seasons tally to 10 at the Christmas turn. It was a 1 v 1 in the box which saw Malik win the duel! Good return from our nippy striker.

With around 3 and a half minutes left, our clean sheet went up in smoke. (I didn’t see it as I was speaking to the subs who had come off). Scott tells me, that we ’switched off’ at a thrown in, and paid the ultimate price. Remember lads play till the final whistle.

From a coaches perspective, Scott and I were very very pleased to see the boys trying to do the right things.

There were a number of good performances on Sunday and every player did their bit.

However there can only ever be 1 MOM and this week it went to Max DOWNHAM. A good solid display in the centre of the park. Retained possession well, and rarely played a misplaced pass. Also scored a great goal to settle the nerves and get us on our way.

Our record now stands at 4 wins and 5 defeats, which gives us mid-table respectability going into the Christmas break.

Match report u11vs Staines town colts

TimDennis — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:09:15 +0000

The under 11s signed off for christmas with a great display of passing football (at last !!). Not only was this our best display of the season as far as the football was concerned,but the determination of the boys was the best we have witnessed in a long time. Keeper Jack Haywood was off his line more often than Peta Check to clear anything that went long,and looked assured and confident.At the back ,the lads were very solid,left back Matt Price was his usual tenacious self and looked to link up with Jake Matravers on the left of mid to good effect. Ben Wardley looked very confident at right back,and in the centre, Bradley Smith looks more confident with every game. His partner at the back was Charlie Dennis who put in a man of the match performance ,who’s all round game was tremendous.

Dennis Foster was pulling most the strings ,as usual, in the middle of the park and was given some great protection from recent recruit from RSA Braydon Kelly,who’s really finding his feet now. On the right side of midfield , skipper Toby Holmes was finding acres of space which allowed himself lots of time when receiving the ball.

Saints started the brightest,and after 7 minutes ,striker Jo Griffiths was quickest to react and stroked the ball in for his 1st goal of the season. More was to follow when the lads served up a goal that would have had Arsene Wenger purring. some neat slick passing which started with the impressive Zac Houghton ,found its way to Dennis Foster to bang into the bottom corner. Both Robbie Orr and Toby Holmes each playing their part in a lovely passage of play.

With half time looming , saints looked comfortable until their failure to clear a corner was given the treatment by a Staines player . Half time .

In the second half, saints created fewer chances ,but always looked the better team, and midway through , some fine individual skill saw Dennis Foster break free to score his 10th goal of the season in some style.

Staines did reply deep into injury time but the game was over and anything less than a saints win would have been an injustice.

As long as the lads show the same levels of determination and skill ,then the second half of the season should be very enjoyable and rewarding.

So ,thanks to all the boys, and parents for their support so far .

Merry christmas and c u in the new year .

Tim xx