Happy Christmas

 

Hi all

I hope you all had a good time at Footgolf yesterday; well done to Oakley for shooting the lowest round. 

Thank you so much for your kind gifts, it was very generous of you and really appreciated.

I will be in touch in the New Year regarding training but in the meantime have a fantastic Christmas! 

Jon 

Tomorrow

Hi all

Quick note re tomorrow, no studs or blades are allowed so make sure you bring your astros.  

See you there!

Jon

Footgolf

Hi all

I said I would try and sort a social out for you all so I have booked 9 holes of Footgolf (Lympstone) on Saturday at 12pm followed by a small pizza and a soft drink each - cost £10.  I would say pick up will be about 2ish.

Address is Opposite Royal Marine Camp, Exmouth Road, Lympstone, EX8 5AR.  

Can you let me know asap if you can attend so I can firm up numbers please. 

Jon

Central United 4-1 Central City

Well done chaps for an excellent performance yesterday.  

Man of the Match has to go to Alfie for scoring 4 superb goals.

Tomorrow is our last training session before the New Year so hopefully see you then.

Jon

Central United v Central City

Hi all

It's the Derby on Saturday, usual 10:30am KO so can we meet at 10am please.  We will be playing on the pitch to the far right as you enter KGV via Topsham Road.  

See you then!

Jon

Friendly

Hi all

I tried to arrange 5 a-side and Pizza hut for Saturday but Riverside is fully booked i'm afraid but will look into arranging something for 17th December if I can. 

Nigel has asked me for a friendly which I have agreed to as thought you would prefer this to training, so it's 10:30am KO at KGV.  Everyone will get a decent amount of game time.  Not sure which pitch yet but it's likely to be the side we played last season.   

Please let me know if you are unable to make it otherwise I look forward to seeing you then!

Jon

Twyford Spartans 3-2 Central United

A disappointing result on Saturday, especially as we beat Twyford so comfortably only a few weeks ago.  We didn't play particulary badly but just didn't quite match Twyford's competitive spirit, which seemed to give them the edge.  However, they did get the rub of the green which played a part in them taking a 3-0 lead and giving us a mountain to climb.

Credit to you all for not folding and getting back into the game with goals from Oakley and a another (sorry but Luke and I can't recall who got this one!) but unfortunately it was too little too late.  It was disappointing the referee didn't allow any additional time for all of the Twyford time wasting as maybe we could have got something out of the game but we can't really grumble too much over the final result as we were not at our best and a draw was probably the most we deserved.  

Man of the Match goes to Oakley who worked hard to try and get us back into the game and provided our biggest threat going forward.

See you at training later.

Jon

Twyford Spartans v Central United

Saturday's game is away to Twyford Spartans, 10am meet for a 10.30 KO.   Address is Happy Meadow, Bickleigh, EX16 8RJ.  Their manager said to park in the Fisherman's Cot car park - the pitch is across the road.  

Being a fair distance to travel i'm naming the starting 11 this week to give subs the option of making the journey.  If I am able to get everyone on I will but obviously it depends how the game is going.  If you decide not to go please let me know.  

Ollie
George
Luke
Asher 
Ted
Pacey
Oakley
Zac B
Francis
Zak WD
Alfie

See you Saturday!

Jon

Heavitree Dynamo's 3-2 Central United

I'm the first to admit when we lose to a better team but I don't believe this was the case on Saturday; a draw was the very least we deserved.

We played the better football and had the best chances in the first half yet it was Heavitree who somehow went into half time ahead 1-0.  A stunning Alfie free kick put us level and soon after Matt pounced on a loose ball in the box to put us ahead but 2 late goals from set plays snatched the points for Heavitree.

This weeks' Man of the Match goes to Ted for some solid defending and excellent ball winning.

Mentions for George and Zak B for their commitment in showing up despite feeling unwell - it certainly didn't show!

See you at training later.

Jon

Heavitree Dynamo V Central United

Hi all

We're away to Heavitree Dynamo's on Saturday, usual 10am meet for 10:30am KO.  They also play at KGV, I think it's the next pitch down from ours so not far to go!  If any different I will let you know. 

See you then!

Jon

Central United 8-0 West Exe Youth

Well done everyone on a comprehensive win yesterday which takes us to 3rd place in the league with a healthy goal difference - you really are playing some superb football which is great to see.  The goals were top drawer too coming from Alfie (hat-trick), Zak WD (brace), Marcus, Oakley and Zak Milling.

There were a few contenders for Man of the Match but the award goes to Alfie for providing a constant threat up front and scoring his second hat-trick of the season. 

See you all at training tomorrow.

Jon




  

Saturday's game

Hi all

Saturday's game is home to West Exe, 10.30am KO so 10am meet please.  Hopefully we will be on same pitch as last time. 

See you then!

Jon

West Hill Wasps 1-3 Central United

Not the prettiest of performances yesterday but you still got the job done to take us through to the semi-finals of the cup.

Yesterday was a great example of why you should never underestimate your opponents, which is exactly what we did and as a result could have come unstuck due to a really committed performance by West Hill who were clearly up for it. 

A very composed finish from Alfie came just in the nick of time to take us into the break level.  It took a while for us to find the net again in the second half, but it eventually came via  Zac B who blasted home from close range and then Oakley wrapped things up with a spectacular long range shot.  

Man of the match this week goes to Ollie for some excellent handling and much improved kicking.

I'm away tomorrow but training is still on; Dean has kindly offered to help Luke take the session.  

Jon 

Central United v West Hill Wasps

Hi all

Sorry for the late post - had a pretty hectic week!  Tomorrow's game is against West Hill Wasps in the quarter finals of the cup, KO 10.30am.  Address is Kings School Playing Fields, Ottery St Mary, EX8 4JT (I think it's up a little lane opposite the school and then pitch is on right hand side).  Can we meet at 10am please.  

See you then!

Jon

Central United 0-2 Alphington Panthers

It was always going to be a tough game against Alphington but with some key players missing and sustaining some injuries during the game, requiring lots of reshuffling, it turned out to be an even tougher task.  Despite this, you put in a really spirited performance and played the better football but we didn't create nearly enough chances compared to Alphington which was the difference in the end.  

Joseph gets Man of the Match for a really solid performance at full back and making 2 excellent goal line clearances.  

Zac B deserves a mention for standing in at centre back and defending brilliantly..  

There's no training Monday so see you all next Saturday when we are away to West Hill Wasps in the quarter finals of the cup.  

Jon

Satruday's game

Hi all

We're home to Alphington on Saturday, 10.30am KO so usual 10am meet please.

I'm not sure which pitch we're on yet but will try and get the same one as against Twyford. 

See you then!

Jon

Halloween

Regarding previous post, I have no idea what made me think Halloween was this Monday - was way ahead of myself!  Anyway, if you could still let me know for the following week that would be good.

Thanks.

Jon

Match postponed

Hi all

We are missing 7 players in total for Saturday so are unable to field 11, therefore I have managed to move the fixture to the 15th April, which is the only date available when both sides are free. 

I will be at KGV on Saturday between 10am and 10.45am for those who would like a small sided game.  

Regarding Monday (Halloween), can you let me know if your son is not going as I don't want to be there on my own!!!!

Thanks
Jon

Central United 2-1 Twyford Spartans

Another excellent display of football yesterday to beat Twyford Spartans 2-1.  The scoreline suggests the game was closer than it actually was; we were far superior and should have really put the game to bed before they got their late goal, which made for a slightly nervy finish.

Alfie added to his goal tally with a stunning long range free kick and Marcus made a real impact coming on in the second half by heading home our second.  

There were many impressive performances throughout the team but Man of the Match goes to Oakley who was outstanding and dominated the midfield  - well done Oakley.  

See you at training tomorrow.

Jon

Tomorrow's game

Hi all

We are home to Twyford Spartans tomorrow, it's the usual 10:30am KO so can we meet at 10am please.

See you then!
Jon

Training Saturday

Hi all

The general concencus at training was that you all want an extra half hour in bed on Saturday, so i've moved training to 10-11am.

See you then you lazy lot!

Jon 

PS. We have drawn West Hill Wasps in the quarter finals of the cup; game to be played on 5th November! 

Central United 7-0 Lympstone Rangers

Another impressive display yesterday lads to take us into the third round of the cup - 7 goals, another clean sheet and some excellent passing football.  Congratulations to Alfie and Oakley who were on form again to claim respective hat-tricks and well done to Matt for getting on the score sheet too.

Man of the Match this week goes to Luke who defended brilliantly and showed great composure playing out from the back.

There is no match next week but I will be holding training at KGV, 9.30 to 10.30am.  

See you at training tomorrow!

Jon

Central United V Lympstone Rangers (Cup - 2nd round)

Hi all

Saturday's game is home against Lympstone Rangers in the 2nd round of the cup.  Can we meet at 10am for 10:30am KO.

I have just re-arranged 4 league fixtures due to Ten Tors training in the new year. To see full list of fixtures (now up-to-date) and league table click this link League and fixtures

Look forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

Jon

6 goals, clean sheet and scintillating football!

Well done all on a fantastic performance yesterday lads - you completely out-played Sidmouth with superb football.   Alfie scored an impressive four-goal haul to earn himself the Man of the Match award - well done Alfie but unfortunately I can't give you the match ball as it has to last all season!  

Pacey's brilliant strike completed a stunning passage of play down the left wing and Euan made sure he was in the right place at the right time to get on the score sheet. 

There were so many good performances but Oakley really stood out in midfield and Zak WD was excellent in the first half at left wing encouraging the passing game.  

See you at training tomorrow night.

Jon

Saturday

Saturdays game is against Sidmouth Raiders at KGV, 10.30am KO.  Can we meet at 10am please.

See you then.

Jon

Alphington 5-1 Central United

Not quite the start we were hoping for but you have to say we lost to a very good Alphington team who I can't see dropping many points this season. That said we could have made things much harder for them with a bit more fighting spirit and better communication, which probably would prevented us shipping 3 of their goals!

We went ahead early with some great persistence from Alfie and held out for while until they struck back with a quality goal.  They went ahead soon after and then dominated the game ending up comfortable winners.  

We know we are a lot better than that so lets put this result behind us and move on to the next game.  

Man of the Match goes to Oakley for his work rate in midfield.

See you at training tomorrow, 7-8pm at Exeter school.

Jon

First league match of the season

Hi all

We are away to Alphington on Saturday for our first league match of the season.  KO is 10:30am so can we meet at 10am please.  They play at Cowick Barton Fields, St Thomas,
EX2 9DD

As it's a local game i'm not going to name 14 but as explained at training last night I can't confirm how many subs will be used. 

See you then!

Jon

Through to next round

Well.........we certainly made hard work of it but got there in the end and think we we're deserved winners.  We were really poor in the first half giving yet another soft goal away from a corner; we really need to work on this some more!  

Second half was much improved, especially when we changed to 3-5-2, and the equaliser came through a brilliantly controlled long range shot over the keeper by Alfie.  Despite dominating we couldn't get the winner and extra time saw bit of a stalemate with so many tired legs so penalties it was.

It's not easy taking a penalty in a shoot out so well done to all those who stepped up to take one; there's no disgrace in missing - like I said yesterday even Ronaldo and Messi do sometimes!  Fortunately, we had Ollie who replicated his heroics in the cup final at St James Park a couple of seasons ago and pulled off some superb saves to put us through and for that reason has to get the Man of the Match award - well done Ollie! 

Other mentions go to George and Zac B who were excellent at the back.  

Due to such a busy week of football and being back to school, i'm also aware several of you are struggling with knocks, I think it's sensible to cancel training tomorrow night so you can all rest up a bit.  Instead there will be training at KGV on Wednesday 6.30pm to 7.30pm.  Exeter School on Monday, 7pm to 8pm will commence the following week.  

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and look forward to seeing you Wednesday.  

Jon

Team for tomorrow's game

Ollie 
Joseph
Luke
Ted
George
Oakley
Matt
Zac B
Pacey
Zak M
Zak WD
Francis
Marcus
Alfie

Saturday

Hi all

Saturday's game is away against Brixington United in the cup.  KO is at the slightly later time of 11am.  The address is Withycombe Raleigh, Common Outer Ting Tong, Exmouth, EX8 5EE

As mentioned previously, I will not be taking the whole squad to away games, so I will name 14 tomorrow.  I know a few have knocks so please let me know asap if you don't feel fit enough to play.  

Jon

This week

Hi all

I have managed to arrange 2 friendlies for this week so there will be no training tomorrow night. 

Tuesday night we are at Lympstone, 6.30pm KO.  Address is Cliff Fields, Burgmanns Hill, Lympstone, Exmouth, Devon EX8 5HP.

Thursday night is at KGV against Alphington, 6.30pm KO.

Can we meet at 6pm for both games.  Please let me know if you son is unable to make the games.

The start of the league season has been pushed back to 17th September but we have a cup match against Brixington United on Saturday.  We have been drawn away but I've heard they have issues with pitch availability, so its possible the game will be slightly later or played at KGV - I will keep you posted!

Jon

Registrations, ID Card, Payments

Hi all

I'm still waiting on quite a few Registration Forms and payments so may I ask that you bring these along tomorrow please?  If you would prefer to transfer monies direct to Central account let me know and I will give you the details.    

Also, if you have not done so already please email Belinda@rowan-hse.co.uk a photo if your son's name appears below.
  
Luke Anderson
Ollie Banwell
Marcus Kay
Zac Burnard
Pacey Large
Zak Milling
George Caton-Pike
Sean Laws
Asher Rutherford

Matt Williams

Thanks.
Jon

Saturday

Just to confirm Saturday's friendly is against CS Leopards, 10:30am KO.  Address is Magelake Playing Fields, Meadow View, Uffculme, EX15 3XG.  If you could try and be there for 10am that would be great.

See you then!

Jon

Friendly

Hi all

I have managed to arrange an away friendly next Thursday against Alphington, 6.30pm KO.  Please let me know if your son is unable to make it.  

I was planning to fit a training session in before then but i'm afaid i'm away this weekend and also Tuesday and Wednesday next week.  Training will start properly the following week and I might be able to do something on Saturday 3rd too - I will let you know.

I'm waiting on the Lympstone manager to return from holiday to confirm another friendly before start of the season on the 10th.

Enjoy the bank holiday weekend!

Jon

Friendlies

Hi all

I'm afraid i've had to cancel friendlies for Thursday and Saturday due to so many being away. I'm hoping to re-arrange one of them for early September and another with Alphington.  

I have a managers' meeting on Monday evening to sort out all kit and equipment for the new season and i'm expected to hand back our kit for the younger age group, so may I ask that you drop in shirts to me before then if possible please.

My address is 5 Fernpark Close, EX2 6AW and there is a green box to the left of my front door you can put it in.  

Thanks.

Jon

Registration Form, ID Cards etc.....

Please click here to download a Registration Form, may I ask that you complete and return it to me asap please - I can complete the FAN number section.   If you need me to print a copy and bring it to training let me know. 

Please se below re fees:

The annual youth player’s fee remains at £160 before discounts.
Second and subsequent siblings are entitled to a £30 discount on the fees.
Managers and coaches (maximum two per team) are entitled to £30 discount for the child/children in their team.
In addition, a prompt payment discount of £20 is given if the full amount is paid at the start of the season (latest date for full payment discount is 14th September 2016).
Prompt payment discount of £10 is given for payment in two instalments, the first instalment must be received before 14th September 2016 and the second on or before 1st January 2017.  Training only fees are set at £40 for the season. 

Quite a few ID Cards have expired so may I ask that if your son's name appears below that you email a photo to Belinda@rowan-hse.co.uk asap please so she can arrange for a new one to be issued.

Luke Anderson
Ollie Banwell
Marcus Kay
Zac Burnard
Pacey Large
Zak Milling
George Caton-Pike
Sean Laws
Asher Rutherford

Matt Williams

A few other things:

Friendlies:

So far I have arranged 2 friendlies and am working on another for early September.

St Martins (away) Thursday 18th August
Lympstone (away) Saturday 20th August

Training starts at Exeter School on Monday 5th September, 7-8pm.  Up until this date I will post details of ad hoc sessions at KGV, the next one being Tuesday 6.30pm to 7.30pm.  

Our pitch this season is the one next to the play park, the other side of the changing rooms.  

I have purchased a new full kit which is currently at the printers which i'm hoping will be available for our first game which should be on 10th September but the fixtures are not out yet. I will need all old shirts (i think a few of you may have 2) back to pass down to younger age group.

New season

Hi all

The new season is now fast approaching and I have plenty things to sort out so I will be posting details on what I need from you shortly and would appreciate a quick turn around on this please.  Before I do this, though, I thought I would share my plans with you first. 

I think this season is going to be one of the most competitive yet but I believe we have a great squad of players that can do really well. On that note I would like to welcome new additions Alfie Worth and Oakley Willis to the team which takes us up to a squad of 17 players - this is about average for 11 a-side and give us extra flexibility to cover players doing other sports such as frisbee, rugby and Ten Tors, aside from sickness and injury.  

   

This does mean that when all players are available it's unlikely everyone will get a game.  For home games I would like to suggest that everyone turns up and as there will be a handful of subs the players get in the habit of playing small sided games amongst themselves to keep match ready and utilise the time to develop their skills.  

For away matches, I don't think it is fair to expect players to travel and not play so I will be naming the team a few days before which will include 3 named subs.  

The reality is, though, as is always the case in team sports, that there will be players disappointed at being left out but I believe at the age the boys are now and with only 3 seasons of youth football left there has to be healthy competition for places.  I can assure everyone that Luke and I will be fair in our selections and pick the team based on merit, attitude and consistent attendance to training and no player will automatically be selected.

If you would like to discuss this with me further please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jon

   

Friendly

Hi all

I'm afraid Saturday is a no go as too many are away.  I'm on holiday myself next week so I'll try and sort out a couple of friendly's when I get back; we'll also start proper pre-season training!

See you in a couple of weeks.

Jon 

Friendly

Hi all

I have an option for a friendly next Saturday morning, 10.30am KO in Exmouth.  I know quite a few of you will be away so before I commit can you let me know asap if your son can play please.

Thanks

Jon 

Training

Hi all

I will be at KGV 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday for those who want to join me.

Jon

Tomorrow

Hi all

I will be at KGV 6.30pm to 7.15pm tomorrow if you want to another kick about.

Jon

Saturday

Hi all

Entry for both teams on Saturday is £50, so may I ask that you bring £3.50 each to contribute towards this please.

Many thanks.

Regards
Jon

Get together

Hi all

I thought it would be a good idea to get together before Saturday's 5 a-side tournament, so I'll be at KGV on Thursday 6.30pm to 7.30pm for those who want a kick-about.  

Saturday's tournament is at Newton St Cyres FC, can you be there for 9.15am please.  If your son is no longer able to make it can you let me know asap.

Thanks
Jon

Next season

Hi all

Now that the dust has settled from last season it's time for me to start thinking ahead to the next one with regard to numbers.  I'm currently working on the assumption that you are all going to register again for next season but if this is not the case I would appreciate knowing asap please.

Many thanks.

Regards
Jon

Summer Tournament

Hi all

It looks like we have enough players to enter 2 teams into the Newton St Cyres 5 a-side tournament on Saturday 9th July, although it would be good to have 1 or 2 more so if you have not responded yet I would appreciate it if you could still let me know whether or not your son can make it.

I will post further details closer the time.

Jon

Summer tournament

Hi all 

I've managed to reserve the last 2 places in the Newton St Cyres 5 a-side tournament on Saturday 9th July.  Can you confirm asap if your son is available to play as I need to make payment by Tuesday to keep the places.  

Thanks.
Jon

Bideford 0-1 Central United

What an amazing way to end the season, beating our nemesis to stay up.........I never doubted you for one minute!!  We were deserved winners playing some fantastic football with fantastic team spirit.

Early in the second half George delivered a dangerous whipping free kick into the box that only needed the faintest of touches to guide it in which Marcus gladly obliged.  With about 25 minutes to see out on a slender lead it was always going to be nervy but I felt we were pretty much in control of things and could have even grabbed another when Marcus, with his back to goal, turned and volleyed a great shot forcing a great save by the Bideford keeper but it wasn't required, as due to some brilliant defending, 1 goal was all we needed in the end to see them off and finish the season on a great high.  

There were a number of brilliant performances but I am going to give Man if the Match to Joseph for having one of his best games of the season, despite not feeling 100%.  Also, his goal line clearance in the first half was so important in preventing us going behind before half time. 

I thought it would be good to get together tomorrow at KGV for one final kick about before we break for the summer.  As my treat, there will be hot dogs, chips and some soft drinks afterwards. I thought we could meet at 6.15pm and play a game amongst ourselves until about 7pm and then grab some food which will take us to about 7.45pm.  If there are any vegetarians amongst you, pop me a text.

Well done all and look forward to seeing you tomorrow.  

Jon

Bideford v Central Utd

Hi all

It's our last game of the season on Saturday away to Bideford.  KO is 10.30am so can we meet as close to 10am as possible please.

Address is:

Sandy mere
Northam
Bideford
EX39 1XX

See you then!

Jon

Central Utd 3-7 Cullompton Rangers

Hi all

Well.....not the result we were looking on Monday night chaps, especially as it now means we need to go to Bideford on the 14th......and win!  But there really is no reason why we can't as we have pushed them close on a few occasions now, last time only losing to single goal so we have to go there with the right frame of mind.  

If we fail and other results don't go our way and we drop to Division 2 it's hardly the end of the world and actually may not be a bad thing, as we would be able to compete for some silverware next season and hopefully bounce back stronger.  As discussed with you all after the game, whilst we all like to win, enjoying playing football and being part of a team with friends are the most important things.  

Awards Day 2pm Saturday at Exeter City in the Marquee and training Monday 6pm to 7pm at KGV.

Jon

West Exe 1 - 0 Central United

Positives: Had most of the possession and played the better football

Areas to focus on:  Being more aggressive in the tackle, chasing in on the keeper, finishing

Man of the match: Pacey - was our most physical presence and retained the ball brilliantly under pressure.  

Managers comments:  A really disappointing result losing once again to just a single goal and having had most of the possession - West Exe barely threatened our goal in the second half.   The pitch was quite short and West Exe kept plenty of players behind the ball, which made it difficult to break them down, especially with the amount of fouls they committed with many going unpunished.  

We should definitely have had a penalty to put us level when Francis was pushed in the back but getting such a decision away at West Exe is unlikely! 

Anyway, staying in Division 1 is still in our hands boys if we beat Cullompton tomorrow night at KGV.   KO is 6.30pm so can we meet at 6pm please.

Look forward to seeing you then!

Jon

Central City 5-1 Central United

Positives: Good team spirit and kept going until the end, good spells of passing

Areas to focus on:  Closing down and getting challenges in

Man of the match: Zac Burnard - worked tirelessly for the team

Worth a mention: Zak Milling - excellent attacking play and delivered some great balls into the box

Managers comments:  Conceding two early goals against a good City side gave us a real uphill battle but I was really pleased with the way you all stuck together and kept going until the end.  When we scored to make it 3-1 it looked like we might get back into it and went close on a couple of occasions, which would have pegged them back to 3-2 with all to play for but in chasing the game and committing more players forward we ended up conceding 2 late goals which I felt made it a harsh scoreline.  

We go again tomorrow evening at West Exe, 6.30pm KO, so 6pm meet this time. 

See you then!

Jon

6.15pm KO

Hi all

Sorry but I got the KO time wrong for tomorrow, it's 6.15pm not 6.30pm, so can we meet at 5.45pm please.   

Jon 

Colyton Redsocks 2-5 Central United

Positives: An important win, scored 5 goals, better attitude 

Areas to focus on:  Clearing our lines, a bit slow getting challenges in 

Man of the match: Zak Milling - was superb playing as a second striker scoring an absolutely fantastic hat-trick

Worth a mention: Asher - didn't put a foot wrong and was brilliant all game both defending and going forward with the ball, Marcus - scored 2 excellent goals and linked up really well with Zak providing 2 assists. 

Managers comments:  Focus and attitude from the warm up was much improved and you took that into the game with a strong positive start.  Despite a few wobbly moments we controlled the game and run out comfortable winners, so a big well done for such a good response to a recent poor run of form.  

Tomorrow's game against Central City is 6.30pm KO so please be there for 6pm.  Same times for Wednesday's game against West Exe, which is at Cowick Barton Playing Fields, EX2 9EE.

Look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!

Jon

Saturday

Ok boys......I'll brush over Tuesday nights game as no point dwelling on it; instead lets focus on winning our next game on Saturday against Colyton Redsocks.  KO is at the slightly earlier time of 10:15am so that we have a referee.

The address is Chantry Playing Field, Colyton, EX24 6DT.  Can you try and be there as close to 9.45am as possible so we can do our stretches/warm up together please. 

Look forward to seeing you all then.

Jon

Copplestone v Central United

Hi all

We are away to Copplestone on Tuesday evening, 6.30pm KO (slightly earlier if possible). My car is full but other parents have offered lifts so let me know if you need me to arrange this for you.

Following this game we have a busy schedule starting with Colyton Redsocks away on Saturday, Central City on Monday 25th April and then West Exe away on Wednesday 27th. We don't have a fixture on 30th April due to the Exmoor Challenge.

A reminder re Bubble Football on Sunday 24th April at KGV https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-RWy4Ejo0cdqhSg3fuj60wuSDXLvt_SyY7-WwF5eWZ4/edit?usp=sharing

I have brought forward tomorrow's training to 5.45pm, as this fits in better for Luke - 7pm finish.  Due to a long session yesterday and a game on Tuesday (also many of you on Exmoor all day today) it will be a very light session, primarily focusing on formation and tactics.

Jon

Twyford Spartans 2-0 Central United

Positives: Played some good football in the second half

Areas to focus on:  Creating more chances, fitness, being more physical, still far too quiet

Man of the match: Luke - defended really solidly, 100% commitment and carried the ball well out of defence

Worth a mention: George - once again gave his absolute all right to the end and made some great tackles, Francis - was at the heart of most of our passing moves and showed some real quality on the ball

Managers comments:  Once again we were so slow out of the blocks and fortunate to be level at half time.  Following the changes there was a big improvement and we finally started to string some good passes together but unfortunately no end product.  

The free kick for their first goal was very harshly given in my view and fortuitously found a way through everyone to end up in the back of the net.  Heads dropped a bit after that and Twyford soon took advantage getting another from close range to wrap up the points.  

I think the lack of football recently has really affected us both in terms of fitness and sharpness and now confidence is a bit shot too but you will recall a poor run of form after Christmas last year and then we went on a brilliant run to finish the season and see no reason why we can't repeat this again.  

We have training Saturday morning at KGV, 9.30am to 11am and then again Monday 6.30pm to 7.30pm with a game away to Copplestone on Tuesday evening, 6.30pm KO.  Let me know if you need a lift.

Jon

Tomorrow

I have a few spaces free if anyone needs a lift tomorrow, just pop me a text! 

Central United 0-3 St Martins

Positives:  When 3-0 down we could have completely folded but we actually improved greatly and were probably the better team in the last 25 minutes.   

Areas to focus on:  Commitment, being first to the ball, energy, more vocal 

Man of the match: George - worked hard to try and lift the team and changed things when moved to midfield.  

Worth a mention: Ollie pulled off some great saves to keep us level in the first half, Joseph put in an improved performance at fullback.

Manager's comments: The first half performance was probably as poor as I've seen us this season lacking in all areas but most concerning was effort.  We were very fortunate to go into half-time level as St Martins completely dominated the game up to this point and continued to do so in the second half when they got a couple of goals in quick succession, which was no more than they deserved.  I think the nature of their goals said it all which came from them being generally more switched on and showing more urgency in their play.

It's a shame it took being 2-0 down before we started stringing some passes together and it's no coincidence that this led to much more possession and chances that could have got us back in the game.

We really can't afford to take so long to get going and need to show the right attitude from the start, in fact before the start in the pre-match warm up during which I can often tell what sort of performance I'm going to get out of you - yesterday all were very quiet reflecting the low energy and passion shown in the game.

Hopefully, being a 6.30pm KO tomorrow everyone will be wide awake and raring to go from the off.  The game is against Twyford Spartans and they play at the following address:

Bickleigh Recreation Ground, 
Happy Meadow
Bickleigh
EX16 8RJ

Can we meet there as close to 6pm as possible please.  My satnav indicates that it takes about 30 minutes to get there without hitting traffic, so I expect it will be a bit more than this tomorrow.

Jon