The season finale ! We are guaranteed an excellent league finish no matter what - third place is a certainty. If Sundon lose and we win, then 2nd is our reward. Under a freak scenario we can even win the league.
Back to the job in hand, however. Houghton Athletic, away. The early sunshine has given over to overcast conditions, and a not-so-distant rumble of thunder is a reminder of the rain forecast.
Thanks to Derek for the material for the previous 2 blogs. He was so pleased not to have to take notes today, that he instantly volunteered to run the line when Sandra asked. He did run away to the car when kick-off beckoned though ....
Brickhill enjoyed good early possession and Fred forced an early fingertip save from the home goalkeeper and nearly got on the end of a speculative effort from Josh.
However, after 8minutes, it was Houghton who opened the scoring against the run of play, and they could have added a second shortly afterwards.
Sandra brought Elijah into the attack. He doubtless wanted to score Brickhill's 100th league goal of this season, but it was in fact Greg who took the honour of The Chiltern Hundred - meeting Josh's through ball and guiding it across the line.
Greg nearly gave Brickhill the lead but was denied by an outstretched foot. The resulting corner led to a real goalmouth melee. However, the last touch was from Sam Hall whose headed effort sailed into the net - our 101st goal and Sam's first of the season, finally !
We would have hoped to control the game now, but in fact Houghton equalised right on half time.
The story of the second half was mainly rain. The boys continued to put in maximum effort and created some long-range chances. However, nothing went our way and with less than 10minutes to go, Houghton scored in a 1-on-1 with our keeper.
Dominic then made a great save to hold the deficit at one goal. We continued to apply as much pressure as we could, but the last goal of the game came from the home side.
A disappointing end to the season - both in terms of the result, and the weather ! However, there is no denying the fact that - with 3rd in the league and a semi-final in the cup - it has been an excellent debut at 11 aside.
Thanks are due to Sandra and Darren of course, and to Reuben for his regular contributions in training and on the line. And thanks to all the parents for their support and help.
HOUGHTON ATHLETIC 4 - 2 BRICKHILL WANDERERS
Greg (19min), Sam H (23min)
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Thursday, 24 April 2008
All white on the night
Back to our familiar home strip for this vital fixture at home to Ampthill. The visitors are going to the the league winners this season. Having been defeated just once and conceding only two draws, their record is impressive.
The match was especially important for Brickhill as a victory tonight and on Sunday would secure us 2nd place on goal difference.
The away fixture at Ampthill was a highly-charged match. The return leg turned out to be a real battle in footballing terms, but without the bad-temper of that encounter.
The first half saw a close-fought game in all areas of the pitch and it was Ampthill who came away the better with a goal about half way through. Sandra made changes to the line-up and shape of the team at half-time to cope with the fast-paced opposition strike-force.
This may have worked as Brickhill started to edge the fight and create opportunities in midfield. One such move resulted in a very near miss from Josh, who found the post in the way. With the Hawks showing great commitment, it became a nerve-wracking time for the spectators.
We had to defend well to avoid falling two behind. Meanwhile, we were still creating chances, and Fred shot just wide.
Then with less than 10 minutes left, we won a free kick. Elijah's shot hit the wall but Ewan pounced on the rebound and buried the ball in the net to the delight and relief of the crowd.
It was now virtually sudden-death with chances at both ends. However, the whistle cut short the battle for a winner. A great effort by the team, despite the disappointment. We remain the only team to have played Ampthill twice without losing the the division champs.
BRICKHILL WANDERERS 1 - 1 AMPTHILL TOWN
Ewan (52min)
ps - the next goal scored by Brickhill will be our 100th league goal of the season ! Who will be the century-maker?
The match was especially important for Brickhill as a victory tonight and on Sunday would secure us 2nd place on goal difference.
The away fixture at Ampthill was a highly-charged match. The return leg turned out to be a real battle in footballing terms, but without the bad-temper of that encounter.
The first half saw a close-fought game in all areas of the pitch and it was Ampthill who came away the better with a goal about half way through. Sandra made changes to the line-up and shape of the team at half-time to cope with the fast-paced opposition strike-force.
This may have worked as Brickhill started to edge the fight and create opportunities in midfield. One such move resulted in a very near miss from Josh, who found the post in the way. With the Hawks showing great commitment, it became a nerve-wracking time for the spectators.
We had to defend well to avoid falling two behind. Meanwhile, we were still creating chances, and Fred shot just wide.
Then with less than 10 minutes left, we won a free kick. Elijah's shot hit the wall but Ewan pounced on the rebound and buried the ball in the net to the delight and relief of the crowd.
It was now virtually sudden-death with chances at both ends. However, the whistle cut short the battle for a winner. A great effort by the team, despite the disappointment. We remain the only team to have played Ampthill twice without losing the the division champs.
BRICKHILL WANDERERS 1 - 1 AMPTHILL TOWN
Ewan (52min)
ps - the next goal scored by Brickhill will be our 100th league goal of the season ! Who will be the century-maker?
Monday, 21 April 2008
Red Letter Day
I can picture it now. Derek huddled over a dictaphone all match instead of shouting "SHOOT" at the top of his voice. It seems like I missed a great game.
Brickhill's own Mr (W)Right has provided me with a rundown so detailed that I even know what the boys had for breakfast.
However, the most important pre-match fact (and I am not aware of whether the coaches shared this with the squad) was that Sundon dropped the ball midweek, losing to Westoning. This made Sunday's match at home to Luton Borough especially crucial. If we continue our winning streak, we will now finish 2nd !
A full Brickhill squad, in changed red strip, got off to a bright start with several breaks early on. Cameron is still looking for a break that will see him net his first goal, but the good passing did see the home side open up the scoring after 5mins - Elijah with the final touch after Niall and Luke set up the opportunity.
However, Luton countered and were only held by Dom's good reactions and a typically fearless determination from Sam C and the strength of the whole back four.
Both sides were also having some trouble judging the dimensions of the goal as numerous chances went wide and over.
The net result was no further scoring at half-time, and a very tense second half in prospect.
As often happens, Brickhill made a robust start to the second period and another promising shot from Cameron saw a save from the keeper but left him out of position and Ewan took full advantage with a well-judged lob.
2 - 0 was a more comfortable position but Luton created several chances from the wings and set-plays and could count themselves unlucky not to narrow the deficit.
Inside the last 10 minutes, Elijah added a second (our third) from Romao and Ewan. A great team goal ,and three goals would surely be enough ? Probably, but Luton got through again and converted this time (3 - 1) and continued to put great pressure on. They were eventually rewarded with a second goal (3 - 2) but ran out of time to find an equalizer.
Phew !
BRICKHILL WANDERERS 3 - 2 LUTON BOROUGH
Elijah (5min, 54), Ewan (35)
Thank you to Derek for the material. It was almost as good as being there.
Brickhill's own Mr (W)Right has provided me with a rundown so detailed that I even know what the boys had for breakfast.
However, the most important pre-match fact (and I am not aware of whether the coaches shared this with the squad) was that Sundon dropped the ball midweek, losing to Westoning. This made Sunday's match at home to Luton Borough especially crucial. If we continue our winning streak, we will now finish 2nd !
A full Brickhill squad, in changed red strip, got off to a bright start with several breaks early on. Cameron is still looking for a break that will see him net his first goal, but the good passing did see the home side open up the scoring after 5mins - Elijah with the final touch after Niall and Luke set up the opportunity.
However, Luton countered and were only held by Dom's good reactions and a typically fearless determination from Sam C and the strength of the whole back four.
Both sides were also having some trouble judging the dimensions of the goal as numerous chances went wide and over.
The net result was no further scoring at half-time, and a very tense second half in prospect.
As often happens, Brickhill made a robust start to the second period and another promising shot from Cameron saw a save from the keeper but left him out of position and Ewan took full advantage with a well-judged lob.
2 - 0 was a more comfortable position but Luton created several chances from the wings and set-plays and could count themselves unlucky not to narrow the deficit.
Inside the last 10 minutes, Elijah added a second (our third) from Romao and Ewan. A great team goal ,and three goals would surely be enough ? Probably, but Luton got through again and converted this time (3 - 1) and continued to put great pressure on. They were eventually rewarded with a second goal (3 - 2) but ran out of time to find an equalizer.
Phew !
BRICKHILL WANDERERS 3 - 2 LUTON BOROUGH
Elijah (5min, 54), Ewan (35)
Thank you to Derek for the material. It was almost as good as being there.
Thursday, 17 April 2008
How it Looks
Here is the current league. Not all teams have played an equal number of matches, but the picture is somewhat clear anyway:
As we can see, Ampthill are in great shape to win the league - already top with 2 games in hand over all contenders. Technically any of the top 3 could win but really the fight is for 2nd - 4th.
We can now see how important our close defeat to Sundon at home was - that was a real 6-pointer. We look good for 3rd at least, however, as we lead Dunstable by 3 points with a spare game. To get past Sundon we need them to drop points. All we can do is win all 3 games and hope for other results to favour us.
Whatever happens, we can see that we were in the top cohort of teams, and a fine debut season at Under-11 no matter where we finish now.
As we can see, Ampthill are in great shape to win the league - already top with 2 games in hand over all contenders. Technically any of the top 3 could win but really the fight is for 2nd - 4th.
We can now see how important our close defeat to Sundon at home was - that was a real 6-pointer. We look good for 3rd at least, however, as we lead Dunstable by 3 points with a spare game. To get past Sundon we need them to drop points. All we can do is win all 3 games and hope for other results to favour us.
Whatever happens, we can see that we were in the top cohort of teams, and a fine debut season at Under-11 no matter where we finish now.
Monday, 14 April 2008
Linesman Wanted
I am away for the next two matches (Sunday 20th and Weds 23rd) so I won't be able to write a report. But if anyone wants to email me the news - anything between just the result up to and including a full report (which will go with your byline) then I will post it up on the blog.
At a minimum, if someone could mail me the result for completeness, that would be great.
It's a shame to be missing the Ampthill rematch in particular....
At a minimum, if someone could mail me the result for completeness, that would be great.
It's a shame to be missing the Ampthill rematch in particular....
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Far, Far Away.
Off to Leighton today to face Leighton Town, who beat us 4-1 in the home fixture - one of our worst performances. Leighton, I think, had a poor start to the season but have played themselves back into a reasonable position in the league and they are the only side to have beaten Ampthill.
In any case, their pre-match demeanour and vocal performance on pitch showed us they meant to do the double over us.
They enjoyed the better of the early possession, despite playing up the slope. Local conditions also featured a very pleasant daisy-marked pitch, steam-locomotion in the background and a lost ball in the ditch every 5 minutes.
We began to even up the match and Fred conjured up an effort over the bar from a Greg throw and Luke flick-on. Greg was involved again with a wonderful cross that found a Leighton boot and flew into the net. Technically an own goal, but it looked good. One up after 14minutes.
However, despite seeming to have the upper hand, we gave up the lead just 2 minutes later. A defensive header arced into the box and was chased down by Leighton who nodded it in over the keeper.
It was a busy period of the match - it wasn't long before we restored our lead. Fred forced a corner, and a typically sweet delivery found Luke's head.
2 - 1 lead at half time, as we played hunt the oranges. The tight scoreline was a fair reflection of a close half.
As the second half began, we conceded a penalty - no complaints about the decision. It's the first time Dominic has faced a penalty in goal. He must have put the striker off effectively, as he shot wide of the target.
The game remained very tight with plenty of pressure coming from the home side, but it was Fred's persistence that allowed him to win the ball and keep it, ultimately converting with a strong strike away from the keeper's reach. We led 3 - 1 now with less than 10 minutes left.
We were at least even in terms of this phase of play, but when they forced a rare corner, we gave away a second penalty (for handball this time). Dominic decided to dive the same way, and indeed the shot went the same side. In fact, it was a copycat effort and also went wide of goal ! 2 missed penalties in one game is a rarity.
This was the last significant action of the game and it finished:
LEIGHTON TOWN 1 - 3 BRICKHILL WANDERERS
o.g. (14min), Luke (19), Fred (52)
In any case, their pre-match demeanour and vocal performance on pitch showed us they meant to do the double over us.
They enjoyed the better of the early possession, despite playing up the slope. Local conditions also featured a very pleasant daisy-marked pitch, steam-locomotion in the background and a lost ball in the ditch every 5 minutes.
We began to even up the match and Fred conjured up an effort over the bar from a Greg throw and Luke flick-on. Greg was involved again with a wonderful cross that found a Leighton boot and flew into the net. Technically an own goal, but it looked good. One up after 14minutes.
However, despite seeming to have the upper hand, we gave up the lead just 2 minutes later. A defensive header arced into the box and was chased down by Leighton who nodded it in over the keeper.
It was a busy period of the match - it wasn't long before we restored our lead. Fred forced a corner, and a typically sweet delivery found Luke's head.
2 - 1 lead at half time, as we played hunt the oranges. The tight scoreline was a fair reflection of a close half.
As the second half began, we conceded a penalty - no complaints about the decision. It's the first time Dominic has faced a penalty in goal. He must have put the striker off effectively, as he shot wide of the target.
The game remained very tight with plenty of pressure coming from the home side, but it was Fred's persistence that allowed him to win the ball and keep it, ultimately converting with a strong strike away from the keeper's reach. We led 3 - 1 now with less than 10 minutes left.
We were at least even in terms of this phase of play, but when they forced a rare corner, we gave away a second penalty (for handball this time). Dominic decided to dive the same way, and indeed the shot went the same side. In fact, it was a copycat effort and also went wide of goal ! 2 missed penalties in one game is a rarity.
This was the last significant action of the game and it finished:
LEIGHTON TOWN 1 - 3 BRICKHILL WANDERERS
o.g. (14min), Luke (19), Fred (52)
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Getting Ahead
First mid-week game of the campaign. This time facing bottom-of-the-table Bedford Park Rangers. Clearly we expected three points, but the plan has been known to fail before.
At least we had a full squad of 15. Perhaps the prospect of goals a-plenty was a factor. That, and the fact it would be hard to find an excuse to be unavailable on a school night. And devotion to the team, obviously.
The main feature of the early game was the Walcott-like pace of Cameron, which resulted in a number of enthralling runs at the target, but no actual goal. However, one of these attacks brought a loose ball which Elijah grabbed hold of (not literally of course), and made a clean finish to open the scoring after a little less than 10 minutes.
Good work from Luke and Fred in midfield opened up another chance for Elijah 3 minutes later, doubling the lead.
The game was not entirely one-sided, so Dominic had something to do in goal and his kicks out of goal were working well, assisted by the windless conditions and the hard ground. From one such launch, Elijah won a free-kick but he was off the field receiving treatment when Josh took the free ball. The keeper parried the shot, but Luke easliy dealt with the rebound to make it 3 - 0 at the 15-minute mark.
Cameron finally converted a chance: Dom's long kick was met by Elijah who took the ball forward and passed to Cameron who took aim. Unfortunately, his conversion was of the rugby type. His first goal will have to wait !
BPR now made a break and, though the play was judged offside by Adrian (who had kindly volunteered for line duty), the referee felt the move was valid and allowed the resulting goal, which was well taken at the end.
However, Greg restored the 3-goal lead with a Lineker-style effort. 4 - 1 at Half-Time.
It felt like we missed more than we scored in the second half. Niall scored after a Greg run and a deflection (5 - 1) and Elijah made it back-to-back hat-tricks when he added his third, and Brickhill's 6th.
That is how it stayed although BPR rattled the crossbar in pursuit of a second goal.
A good win for us, and a game played in great spirit by BPR who have not had an easy season.
BRICKHILL 6 - 1 BPR
Elijah (9min, 12, 45), Luke (14), Greg (30), Niall (36)
At least we had a full squad of 15. Perhaps the prospect of goals a-plenty was a factor. That, and the fact it would be hard to find an excuse to be unavailable on a school night. And devotion to the team, obviously.
The main feature of the early game was the Walcott-like pace of Cameron, which resulted in a number of enthralling runs at the target, but no actual goal. However, one of these attacks brought a loose ball which Elijah grabbed hold of (not literally of course), and made a clean finish to open the scoring after a little less than 10 minutes.
Good work from Luke and Fred in midfield opened up another chance for Elijah 3 minutes later, doubling the lead.
The game was not entirely one-sided, so Dominic had something to do in goal and his kicks out of goal were working well, assisted by the windless conditions and the hard ground. From one such launch, Elijah won a free-kick but he was off the field receiving treatment when Josh took the free ball. The keeper parried the shot, but Luke easliy dealt with the rebound to make it 3 - 0 at the 15-minute mark.
Cameron finally converted a chance: Dom's long kick was met by Elijah who took the ball forward and passed to Cameron who took aim. Unfortunately, his conversion was of the rugby type. His first goal will have to wait !
BPR now made a break and, though the play was judged offside by Adrian (who had kindly volunteered for line duty), the referee felt the move was valid and allowed the resulting goal, which was well taken at the end.
However, Greg restored the 3-goal lead with a Lineker-style effort. 4 - 1 at Half-Time.
It felt like we missed more than we scored in the second half. Niall scored after a Greg run and a deflection (5 - 1) and Elijah made it back-to-back hat-tricks when he added his third, and Brickhill's 6th.
That is how it stayed although BPR rattled the crossbar in pursuit of a second goal.
A good win for us, and a game played in great spirit by BPR who have not had an easy season.
BRICKHILL 6 - 1 BPR
Elijah (9min, 12, 45), Luke (14), Greg (30), Niall (36)
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Snow Business
We awoke to a white Sunday morning but, by the time we were listening to the sound of leather-on-leather in pre-match warm-up, the thaw was well underway.
We were playing at home to Kempston but, due to a pitch availability issue, we in fact played at their ground. We easily beat them in the away fixture, but their team was clearly fired up and they enjoyed the first attack.
We soon found some attacking form ourselves - Luke making several threatening runs. The first goal, though, was a rare headed effort from Elijah. 1 - 0 up after about 8 minutes.
However, Kempston very nearly cancelled this out immediately. Their shot struck the post before rebounding into Harry's grasp.
Greg was also looking very dangerous, and Luke found a cross for another Elijah header - this time just over the bar. Elijah, in turn, provided a pass for Fred whose shot ran across the face of goal.
However, we were not dominating and a single-goal lead is always fragile. Perhaps we needed to take our chances better.
Greg took a shot from the wing and as it passed in front of goal, Fred looked like he ought to be able to get a final foot on it. However, he strangely pulled out of the move, to the dismay of the crowd. Then, strangely, the ref pointed to the centre circle. Realisation dawned - the ball had crossed the line and passed through a hole in the side netting. 2 - 0, finally !
Cameron - taking a midfield role - was very active and played a key role in goal #3. The end of that move involved a Fred cross into Elijah who made a simple tap-in.
It was almost four on the stroke of half-time - Fred headed onto the post and Cameron hesitated as he thought the ball would fall into the net. Kempston were able to get it away to hold the deficit the three goals.
However, it was not long into the second period that goal #4 arrived - Luke getting a deserved goal originating from an early corner.
Elijah's hat-trick came as he combined well with Greg and it looked like Brickhill could run away with the game. Kempston wasted a golden chance as their strikers hesitated on the line and on the counterattack, Ewan got a strong shot in to make it 6 - 0.
Kempston did finally score and then entered a period of good possession, but failed to add a second. In fact, Fred added his name to the scoresheet with a minute or so to go.
A good performance from the team, which included a number of positional changes. A good start to our run-in where we really need to take maximum points from all the remaining games if we are to challenge for promotion.
BRICKHILL WANDERERS 7 - 1 KEMPSTON COLTS
Elijah (8min, 27, 34), Greg (25), Luke (31), Ewan (38), Fred (59)
We were playing at home to Kempston but, due to a pitch availability issue, we in fact played at their ground. We easily beat them in the away fixture, but their team was clearly fired up and they enjoyed the first attack.
We soon found some attacking form ourselves - Luke making several threatening runs. The first goal, though, was a rare headed effort from Elijah. 1 - 0 up after about 8 minutes.
However, Kempston very nearly cancelled this out immediately. Their shot struck the post before rebounding into Harry's grasp.
Greg was also looking very dangerous, and Luke found a cross for another Elijah header - this time just over the bar. Elijah, in turn, provided a pass for Fred whose shot ran across the face of goal.
However, we were not dominating and a single-goal lead is always fragile. Perhaps we needed to take our chances better.
Greg took a shot from the wing and as it passed in front of goal, Fred looked like he ought to be able to get a final foot on it. However, he strangely pulled out of the move, to the dismay of the crowd. Then, strangely, the ref pointed to the centre circle. Realisation dawned - the ball had crossed the line and passed through a hole in the side netting. 2 - 0, finally !
Cameron - taking a midfield role - was very active and played a key role in goal #3. The end of that move involved a Fred cross into Elijah who made a simple tap-in.
It was almost four on the stroke of half-time - Fred headed onto the post and Cameron hesitated as he thought the ball would fall into the net. Kempston were able to get it away to hold the deficit the three goals.
However, it was not long into the second period that goal #4 arrived - Luke getting a deserved goal originating from an early corner.
Elijah's hat-trick came as he combined well with Greg and it looked like Brickhill could run away with the game. Kempston wasted a golden chance as their strikers hesitated on the line and on the counterattack, Ewan got a strong shot in to make it 6 - 0.
Kempston did finally score and then entered a period of good possession, but failed to add a second. In fact, Fred added his name to the scoresheet with a minute or so to go.
A good performance from the team, which included a number of positional changes. A good start to our run-in where we really need to take maximum points from all the remaining games if we are to challenge for promotion.
BRICKHILL WANDERERS 7 - 1 KEMPSTON COLTS
Elijah (8min, 27, 34), Greg (25), Luke (31), Ewan (38), Fred (59)
Friday, 4 April 2008
Fixtures
REVISED Fixtures
SUN 6th April Home (but at Hillgrounds) vs Kempston Colts B
WEDS 9th April 6:15pm KO. Home vs. BPR
SUN 20th April. Home vs. Luton Borough
WEDS 23rd April 6:15pm KO Home vs Ampthill
SUN 27th April Away vs Houghton
SUN 4th May Away vs Leighton
SUN 6th April Home (but at Hillgrounds) vs Kempston Colts B
WEDS 9th April 6:15pm KO. Home vs. BPR
SUN 20th April. Home vs. Luton Borough
WEDS 23rd April 6:15pm KO Home vs Ampthill
SUN 27th April Away vs Houghton
SUN 4th May Away vs Leighton
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