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Glyn Wells (Foxes) 07775828337
Andy Cotton
(Cubs & Hounds) 
(0116) 2215736
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Colin Young (Foxes)
John Idle (Cubs)
Pete Holgate (Cubs)
Training
Information
Saturday Morning at Lakeside Meadows, Meadow
Lane, Birstall . 10.30am - 12pm
Squad Members:
Cubs:
Alfie Poulton, Ben Pole, Brandon Holgate, Callum Topley, David Sweeney, Dominic
Cotton, Josh Langton, Nahum Kinch, Tom Vyce
Foxes:
Ryan Gibson, Liam Hopkins,
Finlay Knockles, Jake Wells, Liam Jeffries, William Kelly, Harry
Cotter, Zak Barnsby, Charlie Young, Jack Calvert (c)
Hounds:
Ben Joinson, Declan Downward-Rushton, Jamie
Bailey, Jordan Scragg, Masuma Sakwe, Oliver Hodgson, Sam Cross, Sam Davis, Zac Cochrane
Blaby / Whetstone Panthers 4 – 1 Cubs (6 Apr 08)
And the wheels fell off !!!! This was a truly dismal performance from all the
team, even when Alfie scored, in his final game for us, to bring the score back
to 2 -1 the boys were unable to raise themselves and Blaby ran out deserved
winners, even Blaby managers and supporters thought that this was the worst
performance they had ever seen from us. So the less said the better. Although
this was a poor game and disappointing the boys should hold their heads up and
be proud of what has really been a good season. To be in with a chance of
winning the league up to the last game is an achievement and with a bit of luck
could already have won the league before this game. The first game of the season
against Hinckley and the mad 5 minutes against Oadby come to mind as costly slip
ups. At times this season the boys have played some really good football and
have outplayed some very good teams and I believe that on their day are capable
of beating anyone. They should all look forward to next season when the
competition should be even tougher.
Thurmaston Thunder 0 – 1 Cubs (30 Mar 08)
In complete contrast to the Houghton game the Cubs played fantastically
against top of the table Thurmaston, limiting them to very few chances in either
half. The first half began with the Cubs attacking up the slight slope and
causing Thurmaston all sorts of problems both down the wings and through the
middle. However Thurmaston have the best defensive record in the league and you
could see way and despite the pressure clear cut opportunities were hard to come
by and it looked like something special was needed and this is what happened.
Brandon picked the ball up on half way surged forward beating two defenders
before cracking a fantastic short through a packed area in to the net from about
15 yards out for what turned out to be the winning goal. The second half was
keenly contested by two good footballing teams but resulted in very few clear
openings. This was a very very good performance by all the players with in
particular Brandon who performed brilliantly all game. It means that the boys
need 1 point against Blaby to take the league for the second time.
Houghton Rangers 2 – 0 Cubs (16 Mar 08)
This was a pretty poor performance from the boys and the less said about this
the better. Although having most of the first half possession they were unable
to score and given the fact that Houghton are a good side the Cubs were punished
with a goal in each half. This means they need to win against Thurmaston to have
any chance of the league.
FC Raj 1 – 3 Hounds (9 Mar 08)
Champions !!!! What a fantastic way to finish off the season and say goodbye to
Jordan. The boys played an great game against a good passing team. Knowing they
had to win put extra pressure on the team but you couldn’t tell as from start to
finish they all played excellently. FC Raj are a good technical team but the
Hounds managed to limit them to very few clear cut chances but were also finding
it difficult to break the opposition down. However, after around 10 minutes a
long goal kick from Ben enabled Jordan to spin the last defender and poke the
ball past the keeper for his fiftieth goal for Birstall. FC Raj hit back 5
minutes later after being allowed time to get in a high cross in to the box and
head the ball in to an empty net. It looked as though it would be all square at
the break but just as in the first encounter between the team the Cubs got back
in front. Jordan picked the ball up, beat a defender and passed a nice ball
across the area for Masoma to put it in to an open goal. The second half saw the
Hounds up their performance and take control of the game. After another good run
from Jordan, down the wing, he fired it across the area, the keeper was only
able to get a hand on it and it fell to Zac to put it away. The Hounds kept
control up until the final 5 minutes when they started to tire but FC Raj were
unable to take their chances. With the final whistle the boys were league
champions, which is a fantastic achievement that all the players have
contributed to and should be very proud of themselves for what they have
achieved. Sam Davis was particularly solid today and Jordan again was superb.
Cubs 7 – 0 Stoke Golding Dragons (2 Mar 08)
This was a very good performance from the Cubs that eventually ended up in a
rout but for the majority of the first half this didn’t look like it would be
the case. Although the better team in the first half the Cubs were finding it
difficult to get a clear cut opportunity to score and when they did some good
goalkeeping was keeping them out. It was looking as though the half would end
goalless until Birstall won a corner with a minute to go. The ball was swung in
and Dominic rose at the near post to crash a fantastic header past a helpless
Dragons keeper. After half time the story was completely different and the Cubs
got on top virtually from the off and began to cut apart the Stoke defence with
ease. The Cubs second came from Callum, his first for the Cubs, after he picked
the ball up inside his own half, beat three players on his way to the edge of
the opposition area before finishing with the outside of his foot. Numbers three
and four came via the boot of David both times with clinical finishes, the
second of which brought up his 50 goals for Birstall. Tom added number five
after a run and shot, Dom added number six with a finish from just outside the
area and David rounded off the scoring with his hat-trick. This was a good
performance from all the boys and leaves us with three difficult games to go and
still in with a shout of the title.
Hounds 2 – 1 F.C. Raj (2 Mar 08)
This was a must win game for the Hounds and the boys, to their credit, raised
their game from the previous day to beat a very good and big FC Raj. The first
half began with FC Raj playing some good passing football and on occasions
opening up the Hounds defence with ease but with some resolute tackling at the
back from Sam Davis the boys started to get in to it and began to apply some
pressure. It was from one of these moments that Birstall won themselves a corner
and as the ball was swung in Sam Davis met it with his head and brilliantly
looped it over the keeper in to the far corner, which was no mean feat
considering the size of the keeper. FC Raj were playing some nice football but
were not really creating any clear cut opportunities but then after a hopeful
cross/shot was played in to the area the ball was in the back of the Hounds net.
Ben looked as though he had it covered but it some how squirmed through his arms
in to the net and with that it looked as though it would be all square at half
time. However, with a couple of minutes left some good play by Jordan, taking on
a couple of defenders, he got to the line and crossed the ball in for an on
rushing Olly to smash it in to the net.
The second half followed a similar pattern with some neat football and good
defending from both teams but neither team was able to add to the score leaving
the Hounds one win away from the title with the return fixture at FC Raj to
come. The boys played really well today but will need to produce another
performance like this next week. Particular mention should go to Sam Davis who
was fantastic at the back and also to Olly who had another good game and also to
Declan who was great at the back.
Glenfield Jaguars 2 – 0 Hounds (1 Mar 08)
A win here would have guaranteed the title but unfortunately it wasn’t to be and
the champagne had to go back on ice. Glenfield had proved in the first meeting
between the two teams that they were a big, strong and good footballing side and
so it proved again. Although the Hounds didn’t perform to their best, Glenfield
were the better team throughout never really giving the Hounds an opportunity.
Birstall had done well to keep the score to 0-0 at half time but in the second
half the Jaguars pressure finally told and they scored two goals mid way through
the half and despite a late rally from the Hounds it never looked likely they
would score and the better team on the day won. These means the boys have to win
their last two fixtures to be certain of winning the title.
Oadby Owls Tawnys 0 – 1 Cubs (17 Feb 08)
This game was almost a mirror of the Hounds game with the Cubs being the better
team and having the majority of the possession but not being able to make the
scoreline more convincing. Oadby are a good defensive side and were again
proving difficult to break down but after around 15 minutes the Cubs made the
break through. A good run down the right by Tom saw him cut in to the box draw
the keeper and then lay it off to David to finish from a very narrow angle. The
Cubs dominated the majority of the remaining play during the game with some good
opportunities to increase the lead but were also having to defend well to stop
the occasional Oadby attacks. The Cubs played some good football if not as well
as they can play but it was a far better performance than against Blaby. All
contributed to the victory but particular mention should go to Brandon who
worked tirelessly all game. This win keeps the Cubs in contention although at
least 3 other teams are also in the hunt and there are still some difficult
games to come but if they continue to play like this they should still be in
with a shout come the final game at Blaby.
Wigston Youth 0 – 1 Hounds (17 Feb 08)
This was an important victory for the boys. Fielding the basic seven players
they put in a solid performance, not the flowing passing football that has been
played previously but a solid compact team performance with all the boys working
hard to keep Wigston out. Wigston never looked like they were going to score,
being limited to long range efforts, but were proving difficult to break down
and the first half finished goalless. The second half followed the same pattern
as the first with Birstall having the better opportunities and midway through
the half they were rewarded for their persistence. The ball was played in to the
area towards Jordan but he was challenged and the ball ballooned in to the area
and as it was falling Sam Cross hit it in to the bottom corner for what proved
to be the winner. This win means that if we can beat Glenfield next week we will
have won the league which will be a fantastic achievement.
Birstall C.C. 1 – 3 Hounds (10 Feb 08)
A quick return game saw the Hounds again getting the victory but this time C.C.
put up more of a fight. It took some time for the Hounds to gain the ascendancy
partly due to not playing quite so well as the day before but also as C.C.
raised their game. The first half ended with the Hounds two up with Jordan
clinically finishing past the opposition keeper after some good build up play.
However, C.C. were having a few chances and were looking slightly dangerous at
times. Jordan quickly finished the game with his third, being his seventh of the
weekend, with another crisp finish. Other chances came and went for the Hounds
and then finally C.C. scored a consolation goal after getting the upper hand for
a few minutes. Another solid performance with Jordan again putting in another
great performance and this moved the boys four points clear at the top of the
table.
Cubs 1 - 3 Blaby/Whetstone Panthers (09 Feb 08)
This is probably a game best forgotten. The Cubs never turned up and coupled
with a good and physical Blaby side it was an extremely disappointing
performance. Blaby were always going to be one of the main threats this year and
so it’s proving and with this defeat it has handed them a slight advantage. One
down at half time and then gifting Blaby a second early in the second half made
it an up hill struggle. David managed to pull one back after a good run by Tom
but this didn’t result in any urgency in the boys and they were punished soon
after from a free kick on the edge of the area. This was the first defeat of the
season and could end up seeing the title resting on the result of the final game
of the season away at Blaby but for this to happen the boys need to perform far,
far better.
Hounds 8 – 0 Birstall C.C. (09 Feb 08)
This was an excellent performance from the Hounds with all players playing well
and was a good way to bounce back from the previous game. The game was over
after a six goal blitz in the first half. Jordan, who had an outstanding game,
was giving the C.C. defence a torrid time and within a very short space of time
had scored his hat trick and the game was effectively over. Masoma then added a
fourth, Zac a fifth and Jordan rounded off the half putting in the sixth. The
boys went a little gung-ho in the second half with them all trying to score,
which resulted in them getting in each others way and only managing to add a
couple more both scored by Zac. This was a great and ruthless display with
Jordan far too good for the opposition to cope with and Olly having a fantastic
game all over the pitch.
Cubs 1 - 0 Houghton Rangers (3 Feb 08)
With the rustiness from the Hinckley game out of the system this was a very good
game between two equally matched teams. The whole game was a very tightly
contested affair with both teams showing good quality passing football. The
first half ended goalless but wasn’t without chances for both teams with both
defences and keepers having to be performing well. The Cubs had marginally the
more chances but these were few and far between and Houghton were getting most
of their opportunities through quick counter attacking. The second half was
again played at a really high level. The Cubs were starting to have more of the
possession with Houghton being limited to less frequent counter attacks,
although it required an excellent one on one save from Josh mid way through the
half to keep the Cubs level. At the other end the Houghton keeper was playing
well and it looked as though the game was going to finish all square then with
around 5 minutes to go Nahum received the ball on the right and managed to
squeeze a left foot shot past the keeper in to the net, for what turned out to
be the winner. This was an important win with a great performance from everyone
well and most pleasing was that it lasted both halves rather than being just
one. A particular mention should go to Callum who turned up not feeling the best
but never put a foot wrong throughout the game.
Hounds 1 – 2 Glen Villa (Sakwe) (3 Feb 08)
This was a disappointing result and performance from the Hounds resulting in the
first defeat of the season. The boys just didn’t seem to be able to get going in
the first half and found themselves two down at half time after not clearing the
ball when having the chance and allowing the Villa forwards to poke the ball in
to the net. Performances improved in the second half and after 17 seconds of the
restart Masoma had finished off a quick passing move with a neat finish in to
the net. Unfortunately this was to be the only goal the Hounds could manage
despite having the majority of the play in the half, with the Glen Villa keeper
playing well and managing to hold on to everything and then when he did get
beaten the ball cannoned back off the bar it just wasn’t to be the Hounds day.
Although disappointing and letting a couple more teams back in to the title
race, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been as Glenfield lost as well.
Hopefully the next few games will see the boys back on track.
Under 10 Cubs 2-2 Hinckley (27 Jan 08)
I just don’t know what happens when we play Hinckley all known form just
disappears out the window, it’s now six times we’ve played them and still not
beaten them. This really was ‘a game of two halves’ with the Cubs not getting
going until after half time and in the end getting out of jail in the last
minute. How much was to do with not having played for nearly two months, having
a couple of positional changes or being half a sleep the Cubs had what can only
be described as a shocker of a first half. After 55 seconds Hinckley were one up
following a ball down the line and a shot on the turn from 10 yards out the ball
was in the far corner. The Cubs tried to get going but the passing was sloppy,
they were getting out of shape and being knocked off the ball too easily, plus
any shots on target found a Hinckley keeper in fantastic form. After about ten
minutes Hinckley were two up following a free kick in to the top corner past a
wall that had suddenly decided to break apart at the last second. The half
finished 0-2.
The second half could only get better and it did with the Cubs spending long
periods camped in the Hinckley half with only the occasional counter attack to
deal with. Both goals came from set pieces, the first from a corner on the left
which was swung in for Alfie to put a fantastic volley into the far corner. The
second came, in the last minute, following another corner form the left, the
fourth in a row, with the ball bobbling around in the box and every player apart
from Josh in the area it was smashed towards goal only to be fantastically
saved, unfortunately for Hinckley not by the keeper. With the keeper in such
good form I decided to go with power rather than placement for the penalty, so
up stepped Alfie to bury it in the back of the net. Credit to the boys for
coming back from two down and hopefully this was just rustiness and we will see
an improvement for the next game
Hounds 2 - 0 Stoneygate Royals (6 Jan 08)
The first game of the New Year saw the Hounds continuing on from where they had
left off last year. This was a game where the boys were on top for large periods
but could never take it easy as Stoneygate remained dangerous on the break. The
goals both came in the first five minutes with a quick double salvo from Jordan
who on the day was outstanding, particularly in the first half. The first of the
goals was a quality finish in to the far right hand corner of the net after he
had won the ball in midfield, rounded a couple of defenders and then shot it
back across the keeper from around ten yards out. The second came from an
impossibly tight angle and seemed to take everyone, including the Royals keeper
by surprise. Looking as though he had run out of pitch Jordan crossed the ball
back into the box and it seemed to just roll past everyone, through the static
keepers legs and into the net. It looked as though this would be another big
score but no further goals came despite both teams having some good
opportunities. Any on target chances that Stoneygate had were all well saved by
Ben who produced an excellent display that was commented on by the opposition
supporters. I was particularly pleased with the fact that a number of the
players played in a number of different positions that they were unaccustomed to
and all played well.
Although we have only played half the games this season, this win combined with
other results are starting to make it look a two horse race between us and
Glenfield who are currently top two points ahead but we have two games in hand.
Hounds 10 - 1 Braunstone Oaks (23 Dec 07)
This was the second meeting of the season between the two teams and this time
there was no doubt of what the outcome would be with the Hounds totally out
classing the Oaks from start to finish. After a few chances already to score,
Jordan opened the scoring with a good finish in to the bottom corner after
beating a couple of defenders. It was long before he had added number two with
another neat finish. Then against the run of play a long clearance ended up at a
Braunstone attackers feet with only the keeper to beat, Ben rushed off his line
but the ball squeezed under his body and rolled over the line despite Jamie’s
best attempts to head it off the line while on his hands and knees. However,
this was a mere blip in the Hounds performance and they stretched the lead
almost from the restart with Olly moving down the left passing inside to Jordan
who’s shot was deflected in to the path of Sam Cross who knocked it in for his
first ever goal. Then just before half time another first ever goal arrived for
Sam Davis who headed the ball in to the net after a corner was cleared. The
second half hadn’t been going very long when Zac popped in between two defenders
to poke the ball home. Number six came from a powerful finish from Masoma
turning on the edge of the area and smacking it past the keeper. Numbers seven
and eight arrived via the boot of Declan with two close in finishes. Jordan then
completed his hat trick after beating 2 or 3 defenders and slotting the ball
home. The final goal completed Dec’s hat trick with another close in finish. The
last five minutes ended up with the Hounds all trying to score but being unable
to manage it. This was a great performance and a good way to finish the year.
Cubs 6 - 1 Thurlaston Starlings (2 Dec 07)
This was the second meeting of the season between the two teams and was again
the result was never in any real doubt. The weather was appalling as the game
kicked off with wind, rain and cold making the decision to switch the game from
the 6th of Jan seem a little bit of a mistake. The boys were however able to
play some nice football to dominate most of the play without ever needing to
play at their best. The first goal came, after about 10 minutes, from a defence
splitting pass from Tom up to David whose excellent movement had lost his marker
and enabled him to calmly slot the ball away past a helpless keeper. Number two
followed quickly from Tom and Birstall could have had at least 3 or 4 more with
the ball having flashed across the goal, just out of reach, numerous times.
However, just before half time Thurlaston got one back after Josh dropped the
ball to stop him giving away a hand ball as his momentum took him outside the
box, unfortunately it fell to a Thurlaston striker who knocked it in to the net.
After half time the Cubs took complete control and scored another four goals,
and it could have been many more, without reply. The first came from Alfie who
received the ball on the left of the area and smashed it in to the far corner of
the net giving the keeper no chance. Nahum then picked up the ball in his own
half, surged forward and belted it past the keeper from about 10 yards. David
added his 2 and the Cubs fifth when he put away the ball from a cross from the
wing. Finally, Dom won the ball just outside the box and hit it left footed in
to the bottom corner. Another solid performance from the boys who were in
control throughout and it shows how well they are progressing.
Stoke Golding Dragons 0 – 2 Cubs (Sweeney, Holgate)
This was a very good performance by the Cubs in a game that they dominated from
start to finish and without the combination of excellent goalkeeping, near
misses and hitting the woodwork would have won by a much larger margin.
A few of the players were struggling with coughs and colds and it was hoped
that this wouldn’t effect the performances too much, it didn’t for the first
half where the Cubs were on top throughout creating a number of clear cut
opportunities without being able to find the back of the net and with Nahum and
Callum keeping it tight at the back Josh wasn’t having anything to do. Both
David and Alfie had shots saved well by the Dragons keeper and David and Tom had
a couple more efforts that narrowly went wide. Tom had a shot saved by the knees
of the keeper and then also ended a good flowing move with a shot in to the side
netting. Next the Cubs got a free kick right on the edge of the box Alfie
stepped up and blasted against the bar with the Dragons managing to scrabble the
ball away. Birstall then hit the post, another good move found Dom who found his
shot parried away, he followed it up and then from what seemed an impossible
angle shot past the keeper only for the ball to come off the inside of the far
post and bounce clear. The only chance the Dragons managed was after a highly
dubious pass back was punished with a free kick but Josh made a good save
tipping the ball over the bar. It was starting to look as though it was going to
be one of those days. The second half was exactly the same with the Cubs piling
on the pressure and despite some good opportunities failing to capitalise. Then
with about 10 minutes to go Dom worked the ball out to Brandon who crossed a
fantastic ball in to the box, it looked just a little high but David somehow
managed to jump and not only connect but direct a fantastic header in to the
back of the net much to the relief of the Cubs. Then virtually straight away the
Cubs got some breathing space. David received the ball and played it nicely out
to Brandon just on the corner of the area and he rifled an unstoppable shot in
to the far corner. The game ended with Birstall comfortably holding on and
dictating much of the play. This was a really good performance from all the
players, especially considering a number of players were a little under the
weather and also some having to adapt to a couple of positions due to injuries
picked up during the game.
Glen Villa 2 – 3 Hounds (18 Nov 07)
A hard fought victory for the Hounds played in miserable freezing rain against a
physically bigger and stronger Glen Villa side. Although not playing fluent
football as in the previous game, partly due to the conditions, the boys showed
all their battling qualities and managed to come out on top in a game that could
have gone either way.
The first half finished all square at 1-1 after Birstall had just about edged
the majority of possession. After around 15 minutes Jordan opened the scoring
with a good finish, after winning the ball himself he took on the final defender
and buried the ball past the keeper from just inside the area. However, the lead
was short lived as Glen Villa found the back of the net after breaking through
the Birstall defence. Playing outstandingly in the first half, Ben had no chance
with the finish this time as it was powered past him from about 5 yards.
As the second half began the rain kept coming down make it more and more
difficult to play decent football. Glen Villa took the lead from a corner early
on after the ball was stabbed it from close range following a corner that wasn’t
cleared. It took a little time for Birstall to get back in to their stride but
the equaliser eventually came, after a pass from Jordan found Zac on the edge of
the box he diverted the ball on the half turn in to the far corner of the goal.
It looked as though this would be the final score until just before the final
whistle Jordan received the ball turned and blasted it in to the net from
outside the area. This was a good victory in which everyone played well but
particular mention should go to Ben who was fantastic in goal, Olly who worked
tirelessly up and down the wing and Jamie who was magnificent at the back.
Cubs 2 – 2 Oadby Owls Tawnys (11 Nov 07)
Despite the scoreline this was a very enjoyable game to watch and one in which
the Cubs should have won but you can’t win them all and the first half
performance in particular was excellent. The boys started quickly and Oadby had
no answers to the flowing play that the Cubs were playing and were struggling to
get hold of the ball. As the half went on they got slightly more in to the game
but the Cubs were out playing them everywhere. David opened the scoring with a
close range finish after Tom had drilled the ball across the area and but for
some good goalkeeping the game would have been out of sight before half time.
Unfortunately being only one up leaves you vulnerable and so it proved straight
after half time. For some reason the Cubs seemed to switch off for the first 5
mins and they were twice punished for failing to clear the ball properly. Oadby
went 2-1 in front from there only 2 proper shots on target in the whole match.
The second half was much more even and despite conceding two goals the Cubs were
still the better team and got a deserved, if slightly lucky, equaliser. The ball
was drilled across the area and turned in to his own net by a defender, although
David was just behind him and would probably have scored anyway. Birstall pushed
for a winner but were unable to get one and the game finished as a draw. This
was another good performance and it was just unfortunate that we didn’t get what
we deserved.
Hounds 5 – 0 Wigston Youth (11 Nov 07)
The Hounds dominated this game from start to finish and could have had more than
the five that they scored. The first half finished with Birstall three up after
Jordan had finished clinically on two occasions, the first in particular was a
class finish and a Wigston defender had turne one past his own keeper. The
Hounds were dominant in all areas and after half time nothing changed with Zac
adding two more with cool finishing when one on one with the keeper. This was
another good performance and I can only see them getting better. Continuing like
this will see the Hounds pushing very close for the title.
Cubs 2 – 1 Thurmaston Thunder (7 Oct 07)
This was another good display from the Cubs and we could possibly run out more
convincing winners. Playing with only the minimum 7 meant that no substitutions
were possible but this probably was an advantage as the players were not having
to change positions and could settle down to playing in their usual positions.
The first half was evenly contested with both sides having a number of chances
without being able to convert. Thurmaston were providing a good test and took
the lead rather fortunately when they got a freekick wide out on the right. They
pumped the ball hopefully in to the area and it looked as though Josh had it
covered but unfortunately took his eye off it at the lst minute and fumbled it
in to the back of the net. Half time came with the cubs behind.
The second half was a different matter, the cubs upped their game and
Thurmaston couldn’t live with them. Tom and Brandon were causing problems on the
wing and David was a constant threat up front. It wasn’t long before the Cubs
were back on terms after a slick move and good finish from close range from
David. David again finished from close range to put the cubs in front mid way
through the half and once in front Birstall looked the only team likely to
score.
This was a good result and shows that we are well capable of winning the league
again.
Hounds 3 – 1 Glenfield (7 Oct 07)
The Hounds are really starting to get in to gear and this was again another good
performance against a very good footballing side in Glenfield. The game was
evenly contested in the first half with the Hounds having the majority of the
chances but with Glenfield passing the ball around nicely. The half finished all
square. The Hounds took the lead just after half time after Declan broke away
from the defence and coolly slotted the ball home. The Hounds continued pressing
right from the restart and it wasn’t long before they had gone two up. The ball
was pinging around in the box and eventually fell to Masoma who smashed it past
a helpless Glenfield keeper. No long after Declan scored his second and made it
three after Glenfield failed to clear the ball, he finished well just in side
the near post. Glenfield managed to get a consolation goal after the Hounds
defence just pushed up a little too far. This was a good performance with Declan
in particular having a very good game.
Hounds 2 – 4 Syston Town Foxes (30 Sep 07)
After a win the previous week this was always going to be a tough match against
a good Syston team and although the boys lost it was again another improvement
in performance. In the first half the boys more than held their own, limiting
Syston to efforts from outside the box and with a goal from Callum led at half
time. This half was the best the Hounds had played this season. Unfortunately,
after half time the boys had a 5 minute period when everything seemed to go
wrong and Syston scored 3 quick goals but the Hounds dug in and battled back and
following a goal from Masoma were right back in it. Despite making a few more
chances they were unable to equalise and in the last minute Syston were able to
add a fourth.
Despite the result this was a pleasing performance and should encourage the team
to push on for the rest of the season. Masoma and Declan put in really solid
performances and ran themselves in to the ground.
Shepshed Warriors 3 – 2 Cubs (30 Sep 07)
This was a disappointing result against a good but beatable Shepshed team.
Due to injuries the Cubs were down to a basic 7 but it still doesn’t excuse a
really below par first half. Shepshed started well and scored twice mid way
through the half, the Cubs had a number of players playing out of position and
because of this didn’t really look comfortable. It wasn’t until a few minutes
before half time that they seemed to get in to gear and managed to pull one back
when David laid the ball off for Dom to drill one in from just outside the area.
The second half was all the Cubs, who had a much better shape when Dom was moved
to the back, with Jordan putting away the equaliser shortly after the restart.
Shepshed had one or two efforts but were few and far between, the best of which
required Josh to charge out of goal to bravely save at the forwards feet. The
Cubs had a number of good opportunities to take the lead but were either denied
be the keeper, who didn’t make a mistake all game, or narrowly placing the ball
wide. Then, in the last minute, the Cubs defence slightly lost the plot and 3 of
them went to close down an attacker leaving 2 Shepshed players free in the box.
The ball back across wasn’t the best and allowed one of the 3 defenders to get
back across the area and just reach the ball first but this meant what should
have been an easy clearance was now more difficult. Unfortunately as the ball
was smashed clear it hit the shin of a Shepshed forward and rebounded in to the
bottom corner past a stranded Josh. The Cubs didn’t have a chance to get back in
to it before the whistle went. A mention should go to a Dom who put in a good
performance both in midfield and defence.
The boys can hopefully bounce back for the next league game.
Stoneygate Royals 0 – 1 Hounds (23 Sep 07)
After a good cup result last week the boys were looking to build on the
positives and put in another good display. Although making things a lot closer
than they should have been they still ran out winners. The first half was mostly
contested in the midfield with a good competative display from the Hounds.
Chances were few and far between but those that there were all belonged to
Birstall but they never really troubled the Royals keeper. The best passage of
play saw a neat piece of interplay down the right and a good cross from Sam
Cross just evading an on rushing Birstall forward. Callum, Sam Davis and Jamie
were keeping things tight at the back and limiting Stoneygate to long range
efforts the one chance they did get saw the Royals forwards break away 1 on 1
with Ben who came out and spread himself brilliantly and take the ball off the
strikers feet, enabling Declan to get back and clear. At the other ned Olly was
battling well but not getting anything more than half chances, if the boys had
been able to pass it around like they can it would have been 2 or 3 by half time
but they seemed to lack the confidence to do it and the half finished 0-0. The
second half was much the same with Birstall being the better team but not
passing well enough, Masoma was battling away in the middle and nearly enabled
Zac to get an effort in but the Royals defence was able to block it. However,
Callum was now starting to have a few shots from long range which were getting
closer and closer and the winning goal came after a clearence from the Royals
defence landed at his feet, he composed himself went round a defender and
unleashed an unstoppable effort in to the top of the net from about 18 yards.
Again this was a better performance from the boys but they can play much much
better. They seem to be lacking a bit of confidence at the moment but if they
just got the ball down and passed it about they would start to cut teams apart,
at the minute everyone seems to think the balls a hot potato to get rid of as
quickly but saying that they are still unbeaten this season.
Riverside Hawks 0 – 3 Hounds (16 Sep 07)
This was a much improved performance from the Hounds, building on the opening
match of the season. The first half was a very scrappy affair with the Hounds
battling against a strong wind and finding it difficult to pass the ball around.
The boys didn’t look particularly relaxed and were trying to be too careful with
their passes resulting in a number of balls going astray. The Hawks were
benefiting from the wind and were putting in a number of long range shots that
were never seriously causing problems. As the half went on the Hounds started to
move the ball about a little better and it was from one of these moves that
Masoma slipped a ball through for Zac to finish nicely in the corner. Birstall
managed to carve out a few more chances as the half went on but were unable to
add to their lead. The Hawks had one or too dangerous moments but were unable to
get any shots on target due to some good defending. The second half followed
much the same pattern as the first with the Hounds the better team but allowing
the Hawks one or two opportunities. Birstall were not making it easy for
themselves but were unlucky not to double their lead after a thunderous drive
from Callum cracked against the bar and bounced away. It wasn’t until 5 minutes
from time that the boys started to pass the ball around like they are capable of
and it was from this that they scored two more to finish the game off. The first
came after neat interplay between Sam Cross and Callum, after receiving the ball
15 yards out Callum unleashed a spectacular unstoppable shot over the keepers
head in to the top corner. Then just before the final whistle another nice move
down the right saw Sam Cross knock the ball across the area to an on rushing
Olly who finished in to the bottom corner. This was a better performance than
last week but the boys need to realise they have to get the ball down and start
passing, the way they do in training, because as soon as they did that in this
game they cut the opposition apart.
The boys have the ability to play some very good football, they just have to
believe that they can do it. Hopefully we will build on this in the next couple
of weeks.
Cubs 16 – 1 Westfield Spartans (16 Sep 07)
(Vyce 3, Poulton 3, Scragg 4, Holgate 4, Sweeney 2)
Unfortunately for Westfield this was a real mismatch and as hard as they
tried, were simply no match for a superior Birstall side. What was very pleasing
from the Cubs was they played some very good football in getting the win and
really punished any mistakes Westfield made. All the players put in a good
performance and they also all worked very hard to close down the opposition
improving their fitness all the time. The goals came thick and fast throughout
the match and it would have been no surprise if the Cubs had gone on and scored
5 or 6 more but the Westfield keeper made some good saves. The first half
finished 8-0 after a hat-trick from Tom, who had a great game as apart from his
goals set up many of the others, a goal from Brandon and four in a row from
Jordan. The second half was more of the same with the Cubs cutting through the
Spartans with ease and followed up with three more from Brandon, a couple from
David and a hat-trick from Alfie. The Cubs conceded a consolation goal, towards
the end of the game, after Westfield were awarded a free kick on the very edge
of the ridiculously small area. Even with 5 men on the line it was difficult to
stop a well hit shot from six yards out.
Obviously we will face much harder competition in the coming weeks but take
nothing away from the boys as this was a good ruthless performance from start to
finish.”
Hinckley Reds 1 – 1 Cubs (Poulton) (9 Sep 07)
A new season, in a new division, with number of old adversaries, began quite
encouragingly with a fairly dominant display against one of them. This was
probably the fifth or sixth time we have played Hinckley Reds over the years and
we have still yet to beat them although this was probably the closest we have
got. The Cubs had by far the majority of possession and pressure (as usual
against Hinckley) throughout the game and were incredibly unlucky to score only
the one goal. Starting brightly the Cubs were making a number of chances, with
some really flowing moves, without making the keeper work too hard and it wasn’t
until around 5 minutes from half time that they got their reward for all the
pressure. A free kick was awarded wide on the left, Alfie took control of the
situation and floated a great shot over the keeper in to the far corner.
Hinckley chances were few and far, leaving Josh very little to do. However, 5
minutes in to the second half the Cubs were made to rue the chances they had
missed. A lack of concentration at the back let Hinckley in down the right and a
wicked cross in to the box was unfortunately diverted in to the top corner via
the head of Nahum who was trying to desperately get back and clear. Birstall
still had the majority of the play but Hinckley managed a few more attacks in
the second half and nearly took the lead part way through after a panic at the
back but were kept at bay by Josh and the defence. The final chances of the game
fell first to Brandon after a great cross in to the box found him unmarked with
an open goal 3 yards out, unfortunately the ball took a wicked bobble off the
pitch, bounced off his shin and went over the bar and then Jordan, one on one
with the keeper managed to poke it past him but the ball rolled agonisingly past
the post and this just about summed the day up.
It was an encouraging start to the season and gives us something to build on.
One of the most pleasing aspects was the effort the boys put in and also a
mention should go to David who, playing in a number of positions, was at the
heart of a lot of the Birstall moves.”
Braunstone Oaks 4 – 4 Hounds (Sakwe 3, Cochrane) (9 Sep
07)
This was a slightly disappointing result for the Hounds particularly after the
good preseason results they had achieved. The boys had showed some very
encouraging displays in preseason with some nice passing and most importantly
having a nice shape to the side. Unfortunately they seemed to loose all
positional sense and rather than pass the ball tried far too often to dribble
their way through the opposition when nice through balls would have been the
better options. Fitness also was a cause for concern towards the end as most of
the lads were running on empty. However, it was the first game of the season
they did score four goals and had more than enough chances to score more. The
Hounds had the better of the first half creating a number of chances without
being able to apply the finish and on another day may have been 2 or 3 up before
Braunstone had managed a serious attack. However, it was Braunstone who opened
the scoring after the Hounds were caught out at the back twice and were punished
on both occasions. Encouragingly after the second the Hounds scored almost
immediately after a nice move found Masoma in the box he beat the final defender
and fired in to the net. The equaliser wasn’t far away and came from Zac placing
the ball in to the top corner after another nice move. Birstall had a fair
number of chances to increase the lead and it was just before half time the
Hounds went 3-2 up after a mazy run from Masoma and, just in front of the
waiting Declan, saw him poke it wide of the keeper. It wasn’t long in to the
second half that Braunstone equalised after braking forward quickly to finish in
the corner. Birstall were now starting to struggle with fitness as Braunstone
pushed on but the Hounds managed to get in front again with another good finish
from Masoma. Unfortunately, the equaliser came shortly after from a corner, with
the defence waiting for each other to clear an Oaks forward stepped in and poked
the ball in. Both teams had chances to win it but the game ended all square. Not
the best performance but there were positives to build on, especially if the
boys understand that when they passed it about they caused the opposition
problems. The boys also showed good battling qualities in coming back when 2 – 0
down and most importantly we didn’t lose.
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Results and tables for ALL teams in the Leicester & District Mutual League can
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