Under 11 Youth
NEHYL Division 2
Match Reports 2009/10

6th February 2010.  Wey Valley Knights 2 Cove Youth 2
Scorers Jake Miller, Jake Woods
MoM - Too many to choose from.

Team awarded.At last a game of football; it seems an eternity since the squad were together due to the bad weather and pitch conditions.  Anyhow seeking revenge for a 2-1 defeat at home we started the game by packing the midfield with 5 and Joe Harte supporting lone striker Jurgen.  A surprise package and formation was planned for 20 mins in due to the way Wey Valley play but we did not implement it.  Maybe should have started with it never mind.  As the game unfolded some players were a little rusty and we lacked crisp, precise passing and movement; some of it was excellent, Joe Endacott made a move on his marker, out paced him but hurried his shot one on one with the keeper and spun it wide.  Jurgen was busy in front of goal but either the Knights defence or the keeper smothered his chances.  Our three centre backs as always were solid as were the Knights defence and not much was given either way.  0 - 0 at half time.   Jake Woods was now on the pitch and he had made an immediate impact.  Turning and rolling the Knights defenders and getting goal side caused them no end of problems.  But it was Wey Valley who struck first and broke the deadlock.  Confusion in the Youth defence cost us as the Cove players seemed to leave it for each other and in shot a Knights player from close range.  Cove fought back but a lucky punt at goal agonisingly for us dipped under the bar and beat Billy with ease.  You would have to be Petr Cech to palm that over!  Two down and 20 mins to go.  Cove had their chances to close the gap.  Chris Lewis got on the end of a cross the box ball only to bulge the side netting.  We had many goal mouth scrambles but The Knights defended resolutely as they did at Oak Farm in our first encounter.  'De Ja Vue' and 'here we go again' comments from the Knights Manager as he started to chew his finger nails.  Then in another 21 players in their box play Jake Miller blasted a close range shot through a mass of bodies to give the travelling lot some hope.  2 -1 come on!!   Some changes for the tired legs and Cove Youth continued to keep the pressure up.  We thwarted some chances being offside and a bit too desperate but finally a through ball from the midfield set Jake Woods free; a glance to the lineo and his flag was down, this was it our chance for Cove to get something from two games where we had competed and fought greatly with the Knights.  Jake did not mess about, similar to Rooney this season he was never going to miss - and he did'nt. 2-2 and deserved; now hold on or nick it at the death.  But it was the Knights who nearky did pinch it with a shot and thankfully a smack against the crossbar.  Ref blew his whistle and that was that; 2 -2.  Two encounters this season with the Wey Valley Knights where Cove had played well at times with lots of pressure but not won.  We will learn alot from teams who play the way our opposition did today and hopefully make it easier for ourselves next time.  Well done lads a well earned point - deserved nothing less.  This result does however play into the hands of CPR Vikings as they stretch their lead in the table to 5 over us and 1 behind the Knights with a game in hand.  The game we have left against them is now even more important.  We're good enough so bring it on!

12 Dec 09 - Petersfield Leopards 5 Cove 0 (Hampshire Cup Quarter Final)
The end of a great cup run at the hands of the second best U11 side, presently sitting high in the Prem division.  The scoreline is not a true reflection of how it went but Cove were limited to only one or two chances as the Leopards were good all over the pitch.  We matched them in some parts but they just had too much quality and an excellent back four.  Highlights were Billy's save of a harsh penalty given against us.   Enjoyed this cup and we hope to do well again next season.

5 Dec 09 - Mytchett Kestrels 3 Cove 2 (League Cup Quarter Final)

Scorers: Jake Woods (2)
MoM: Jake Miller

A cold morning saw the Youth make the short trip down to Mytchett’s ground at Frimley Lodge. It was always going to be a difficult cup game having drawn the team who are currently top of the first division, but no-one could have predicted the excitement that lay ahead….

Unfortunately, the boys were slow to settle which was in part due to a shortened warm-up caused by the late pitch change.

Mytchett began in dominant fashion and in the 2 nd minute of the game they were unfortunate not to open the scoring when a corner kick fell to one of their players whose shot only just went over the crossbar. Seconds later Mytchett did indeed take the lead as a quick throw caught the Cove defence out and a neat finish put the first division team one up. Only a minute later the score was 2 – 0 as the home side’s early pressure told again. Things looked bleak for Cove!

It was at this point that Cove kicked into gear and started to organise themselves. Billy, Josh Strong, Louis and Chris sorted themselves out at the back and Joe Endacott, Josh Harding, Ben, Craig and Jake Miller began to make more of an impression in midfield. Jake Woods and Jurgen started to trouble the Mytchett defence. Cove maintained their pressure and Jake Woods and Joe Endacott in particular made good progress down the right wing. However, Mytchett’s lively forwards remained dangerous and it was disappointing when just before half-time Mytchett scored again direct from a corner. With a 3-0 deficit was it still possible for the Youth to make a comeback?

The second half saw a number of substitutions as Joe Hart replaced Jurgen and Miles came on for Joe E. Josh Harding came off, Chris moved into midfield and Jordon came into the defence. The next 30 minutes saw Cove play some of their best football of the season and pin Mytchett into their own half for virtually all of the remainder of the game. The back three snuffed out Mytchett’s rare attacks, the midfield dominated and the forwards were a constant threat. Jake Woods’ adventurous play was rewarded with two excellent goals and in the final minute he hit the bar with another great effort. With the Cove posse encouraging the boys to ‘keep it up’ their determination showed through as they sustained their pressure right up to the final whistle, but the deserved equaliser eluded them, and the League Cup dream was over for another season.

Cove displayed excellent teamwork with plenty of strong tackling in all areas, and accurate passing and crossing of the ball on both the left and right wings. The midfield worked hard and Man of the Match today went to Jake Miller for his fantastic all round contribution in the game.

The final result was not an accurate reflection of the overall game, especially as the Youth played an excellent second half. Never mind boys, today’s defeat was not deserved, you could not have tried any harder and you should be as proud of your performances today, as we are of all of you.

28 Nov 09 - Cove Youth 7 AFC Dummer 0

Scorers: Jake Woods (2), Jurgen Stuart, Miles Slee, Isaac Winn, Chris Lewis (2)
MoM: Chris Lewis 

Cove Youth ended this game comfortably in charge and keeping their first clean sheet this season.  AFC are bottom of the league but for the first 15 minutes we all wondered why.  Cove was in disarray and did not look like the team they have been for the past few weeks.  AFC dominated and probably deserved a goal for their efforts but they could not convert their chances.  It was completely against the run of play that we took the lead.  Confusion in the pass back to their keeper as he thought he could not pick it up but he should have as it was unintentional.  In pounced Jake Woods to nick it away and slot it home.  Still AFC pushed but they bunched around the ball a lot and were not as disciplined as the Youth.  We exploited this and started to use the space available to us.  Cove were settling down.  Jurgen Stuart got on the score sheet through some strength and decent control with his volley to beat the keeper high and left.  A shot had rebounded from a defender and Jurgen sensed the target and hit the back of it!  The Youth were 2 up but not deservedly so; there still was not a great amount of interplay going on.  There was however for our third.  Miles Slee had started to make a nuisance of himself in midfield winning some good balls and using Joe Endacott to his right.  Joe made progress down the right and got it back to Miles.  Miles cut inside and shot but the ball was blocked and it went left.  On the edge of the area Jurgen unselfishly played in Miles who on the half turn released a shot which the keeper had no chance of saving.  3 – 0 at half time.  A couple of like for like changes on the pitch and Cove carried on as they left off.  After a series of attacks and sustained pressure by Cove an AFC defender handled the ball in the area and under the rules (I mean laws!) of the game a penalty kick is awarded and Jake duly smashed it home.  4-0. AFC tried but whatever they threw at Cove’s back three; it achieved little proving once again how good we are defensively when we have the full squad to choose from.  Couple that with a MoM performance from Chris Lewis who was asked to play in front of the three centre backs in a new position for him.  Chris did well also supporting the midfielders just behind them.  He richly deserved the two goals he got; the second being the best.  He picked up the ball on the edge of the area and comfortably found space to get a left footed shot away dipping under the bar at pace.  Our discipline was good in the second half; Isaac Winn and Joe Endacott stuck to their wing positions which stretched Dummer.  Joe hit the post after a good run from the right but Isaac got on the score sheet after he picked up a loose ball 12 yards out.  He finished nicely low and hard to the keeper’s right.  A deserved win after a dodgy start by the Youth.  Our preparation was poor today; there was havoc with the goal nets as we had no clips and as AFC lined up ready at 11am Richard, Rick and I were running about with shovels for hammers and 4 pegs per net.  Not good.  I guarantee the farce with the pegs won’t happen again but it might explain the poor start.  We threw anyone on who had their team jackets off!  Anyway well done lads keeps the pressure on the leaders to keep winning.

21 Nov 09 - Camberley Town Royals 2 Cove Youth 7

Scorers: Joe Harte, Jake Woods (4), Ben Raymont, Craig Stewart
MoM: Jake Woods

This week was a local venue for the Youth and hopefully a similar performance to last week in the rain. The Royals are well known to many of the Youth as some attend the same school.  Although Camberley have not had great results they have good players to watch out for and they have had a close encounter with league leaders CPR Vikings so potentially a difficult encounter lay ahead.  Camberley started better than Cove by doing the right thing; first to the ball and quick ball.  We were average for the first 10 mins and struggled to get any control.  We were punished for this as Camberley broke down our left flank and scored a decent goal to take the lead.  Cove’s reaction was good with positive play and an equaliser which came from a well positioned Joe Harte.  He managed a left foot shot from in or around the penalty spot to beat the keeper to his left.  Relief from the sideline to draw level and even more when Jake Woods started his goal exhibition with a familiar run from deep onto a ball from the right wing. One on one with the keeper; only one winner.  2-1 at half time.  With a bit of a flea in their ear and some rousing words from management Cove started the second half fantastic with lots of pressure and better passing play.  The lads were up for it now and no more so than Jake Woods who scored 3 more goals in sublime fashion.   His finest was a run into space from Craig Stewart’s throw, a 180 turn to lob the keeper.  Another was a battle and race with a defender who was quick but not quick enough; Jake chipped the oncoming keeper to the applause of both sets of supporters.  He beat his hat trick quota with a fourth, very well deserved goal and at that point the MoM award from Rick and me.  A superb performance scoring great goals.  Additional goal contributions were given by Ben Raymont and Craig Stuart.  Ben was played in by Joe Endacott on the right after some great pressure play from Joe.  Ben ran on, ball at feet and was strong enough to brush off defenders with a final flick over the oncoming keeper.  Craig had done very well down the left all game and finished nicely midst a crowded box to register our 7^th.  We were especially pleased the way Craig recovered from a bad foul in the first half to take the field in the 2^nd half and resume his strong play as per the first 20 mins.  This was another must win game to maintain the gap on the leaders.  Camberley were magnanimous in defeat and all four managers and coaches discussed the game at length afterwards.  We were absolutely right to look out for their very quick striker up front who was contained by our 3-1-4-2 formation and another solid defending performance from our three centre backs. 

14 Nov 09 - Worthys Youth 1 Cove Youth 5 ( Hampshire Cup)

Scorers: Jake Woods (2), Luis Nash, Joe Endacott, Ben Raymont
MoM: Joe Endacott

This was another away fixture for a cup game, this time 2^nd round of the Hampshire cup.  Really winding and wet weather overnight forced an early pitch inspection but their pitch had drained well and we made the journey south to face more opposition in the Test Valley league.  This time though Worthys Youth are in a higher league so Cove were not sure what to expect.  Both teams started equally well but we had the wind with us and this helped so it was important to take advantage.  With a 3-1-4-2 formation Cove looked solid in the middle and won most loose balls; very pleasing to see.  We also coped well with over the top balls matching the Worthy strikers for pace and strength.  Jake Woods and strike partner Luis Nash were busy up front chasing through balls and this pressure told as Jake Woods got us off the mark with a great bit of determination to get a shot away beating the keeper low and hard to his left.  Without doubt Cove had improved their game from previous weeks.  We had more possession and determination.  We won several corners and it was during one of these Jake got his second goal with a header.  The corner came in and went back again; it was sent back in and Jake met it two yards.  The Worthys got a goal but it was called back after a foul against Captain Louis Stride.  Before the break Luis Nash managed to get onto a long ball but was closed down quickly.  He fortunately sent the ball forward with a blocked/scuffed shot past the keeper; it agonisingly crept over the line to give the Youth a healthy 3-0 lead.  2nd half and the wind against but it had dropped slightly to 80mph and horizontal rain.  The conditions were very testing but all Cove players we well up for it, no more than MoM Joe Endacott who this week had proved he is a menace on the wing with pace and support for the strikers. For his troubles he was rewarded a left foot tap in as he followed up a shot which had hit the post.  The final blow for the Worthys was a great individual run from Ben Raymont.  He ran from just inside their half swapping passes with fellow players to finish brilliantly in the roof of the net giving their keeper no chance.  Worthys Youth got one back but as the rain and wind continued but in short Cove were too good today and it was great to see the lads play well again.  Special mentions to the individual performances of both Jakes – Woods and Miller; the 3 centre backs of Jordon, Josh and Louis but due to an improved individual performance Joe got the award this week.  Well done lads – dried out yet? 

7 Nov 09 - Headley Leopards 4 Cove Youth 5 (League Cup)

Scorers: Jake Woods(3), Jake Miller, Ben Raymont
MoM: Josh Strong

Cove Youth are through to the quarter finals of the League Cup; don’t really know how but we are!   Headley Leopards are a division below the Youth and their management had decided they were ‘really up against it’ with us today a “huge challenge lay ahead”.  This type of talk clearly energised the Leopards and gave them a great desire to beat us as the so called underdogs.  Our Cove players on the other hand had decided a mid table Division 3 side would be a stroll with everyone singlehandedly able to beat them; urrr No not quite!   Cove knew they were in for a difficult time as Headley were defending in numbers with two or three rushing to the ball at any one time.  This left space elsewhere on the pitch but we ignored playing as a team to exploit this; instead adopting the “individual crusade” approach.  The Youth’s passing when it got going was slow and there was simply not enough of it compared to games a month ago.  With all this poor play how did we win; with some fortune I think.  We also managed a few good passages of play allowing in form striker Jake Woods to notch up another hat trick.  Jake opened up the scoring with a great shot under the bar after a neat pass back from Miles Slee.  Headley equalised I believe but Jake got another with a strong run down the right, cutting inside to take on the keeper.  Headley were getting better and stronger in the second half, Cove were not matching them but we had some luck.  Jake Miller had a shot on goal which bounced in front of the keeper.  Joe Endacott was off side as he ran in to challenge; the linesman flagged but the ball bounced over the keeper and in without Joe touching it.  The Ref gave offside but upon some appealing that Joe did not touch it and was therefore deemed passive or inactive he overruled the offside and gave a goal.  This injustice seemed to spurn the Leopards on.  They had us at sixes and sevens; no more so than the Youth Captain Louis Stride who at one time watched a ball through the air with his back to goal and instead of heading or kicking it simply reached up with both hands and sort of palmed it over an imaginary bar!   Fortunately outside the box but unfortunately the Headley striker smashed it in over our wall.   3 -2 to Cove I think.  Headley went ahead 4 – 3 though a great individual run and goal from their own half and a penalty kick awarded for a foul in the box.  Jake Woods got us back to 4 – 4 with 5 mins to go I think!   This game is too much of a blur looking back at it today – Monday.  Throw in a penalty for us which was superbly taken by Josh Harding except for the post in the way and we had the lot.  All we needed was extra time and penalties to complete the set.   If that was the case Headley were going to win we were convinced; we just did not know how Cove Youth were going to get some composure and control to beat them.  But alas for the Leopards their great charge came to an end when after some pressure in their half and several attempts on goal, Ben Raymont struck one through a crowded box to find the back of the net.  Seconds after kick off the whistle went and Cove went through.  I have never felt so sorry for an opposing team; Headley were at their best and they deserved to win or at least push it to extra time.  It does however say something about Cove Youth’s ability to drag a win from nowhere.  We give individual praise for Jake Woods; consistently doing his job and finding the net.  MoM was decided on a goal saving tackle by Josh Strong late on in the game.  Pine cone award and maximum ribbing for a week – the Captain.  Mytchett Kestrels next on 5^th December; Cove are good enough to challenge them, if not beat them but we have got to get some form in the coming weeks or they will have a party! 

31 Oct 09 - Rushmoor Saints Greens 1 Cove Youth 4

Scorers: Jurgen Strong, Jake Woods (2), Josh Harding
MoM: Jake Miller

After last week’s ‘mauling’ by CPR, The Youth were keen to bounce back and keep the pressure on the leaders.  Having lost to both the top two and dropped two points against the Falcons; a three point gap is now between us and the top.  Fortunately the top two have slipped up also helping the chasing pack.   The Greens are known to former Cove Lions side in mini soccer and over the years there have been some tight matches.  As 11 aside though their results recently were two six nil defeats so Cove had to be wary of a side up for changing their play and outcome to the game.  Like CPR were last week!

Both sides were presented with a full size pitch for this encounter which Cove immediately fancied due to our expansive play and discipline on the wings.  The Youth players started well with lots of possession and domination in the Saints’ half.  Frustratingly we did not get the breakthrough with an early goal.  Chances were plenty but they were thwarted by the defence or just wide!   The Greens threatened little in the first 15 minutes but their first chance came down our left hand side.  Their winger got in behind our defence and managed to get a shot away which Billy Neal saved by palming round his near post.  MoM Jake Miller was playing in a new role just in front of the defence.  Previous games we had struggled with the midfield venturing forward and teams hurting us on the break.  Jake was superb at doing his new job.  Anything the Saints tried through the middle was a waste of time as he was there to stop and then distribute.  He even managed a shot on goal also.

Eventually after quite a bit of messy football Cove got a tap in but well earned goal through Jurgen Stuart who in the six yard area found the net.  Relief all round.  1 – 0 at the half. 

Fortunately for us Rushmoor came at us more in the second half opening up the game.  The youth wingers and forwards were being more destructive and during a good passing phase of play Jake Woods got his first.  After a nicely weighted pass from the midfield Jake bore down on the keeper with a defender giving chase; he got his shot away into the bottom left corner; much to the relief of the Cove supporters.  Sometime after with three up front Jake once again made a nuisance of himself by closing down any defender with the ball.  This paid off as catching a Saints player in possession on the 18 yard line; he battled and wrestled the ball away from him and turned on goal.  The keeper had no chance with Jake in rich form.  3 – 0 to the Youth. 

What followed was the most interesting point in the game.  A pass back to Billy forced the ref to blow for a free kick.  The ensuing melee was nail biting to watch.  Cove players reacted well and all 11 stood on the line and prepared to rush and block the kick.  Billy bossed his fellow players into position, Captain Louis Stride barked out the orders to “charge it down”.  Seemingly the world stood still as the Rushmoor player composed himself and picked his spot.  The whistle went and “bang” he drove it hard and aerial bound only to be met by the hands of Billy high above his fellow players.  He managed to get enough on it to deflect it out of danger.  Great save. 

Cove then went from strength to strength forcing a free kick in a dangerous area.  Josh Harding; one of our free kick maestros was given the job.  The Saints were busy getting sorted but not quite organised enough.  We were all expecting a high effort under the bar as per training but unknown to us Josh had spotted a hole to the keeper’s left and prompted slotted it in with brilliant pace and precision.  After that we made a few changes to sure things up and give some lads a rest, but it cost us slightly as Rushmoor got a consolation goal.  But 4-1 and a good three points. 

On reflection my post match chat was a little harsh on the lads, going on about an average performance.  I know they can play much better but we should be picking out the highlights of breaking down a team and forcing their mistakes.  To do well in this league we have to beat the opposition and get as many 3 points as we can.  Today we did this so well done the lads.   

24 Oct 09 - CPR Vikings 7 Cove Youth 3

Scorers: Jake Woods (3)
MoM: Jurgen Strong

Cove Youth were beaten fair and square today by a more determined and energetic side.  Although Cove were without both centre backs who always start and finish the game; it was not entirely their absence to blame for so many conceded and lack of control in the game.  This score line either reflects how much we need the centre backs or more likely how 8 or 9 players were second to the ball and not taking control when they had it; much too much kicking to rid of it as the opposition closed us down.  The boys must learn to keep up with the opposition; match everything they do and more!   Enough said it’s over – it will be fixed! 
CPR looked keen to win this game after they lost to Wey Valley last week and their manager said they had received a ‘roasting’ after their poor performance last week.  Bad time for us to play them then.  Anyway Jake Woods got us in front against the run of play with another great shot on goal beating the keeper on his head.  CPR scored immediately afterwards and destroyed any chance of us gaining some momentum.  From this point on and for the next 50 mins Cove Youth chased the game with a small amount of football now and again which got Jake two more goals and his hat trick.  Another one in two weeks; shame they got 7.    Jurgen Stuart received MoM as he was so determined when he went on causing alot of problems for their defence.  Each time we scored or threatened, the Vikings cancelled us out with one of their own.  No amount of enthusiasm from the sidelines could ‘lift Cove’ and as the goal gap widened so did our heads drop.  Hope the lads learn from the feelings felt at the end of a whipping and take it to training and next weeks game with renewed vigour and determination.  Its only a game but Cove Youth don’t like losing and we’ll bounce straight back – fingers crossed.

17 Oct 09 - Cove Youth 5 Mytchett Falcons 2

Scorers: Jake Miller, Jake Woods (3), Joe Endacott
MoM: Chris Lewis 

Today’s game is a repeat fixture to the start of this season which was played out 6 weeks ago.  Cove threw away a two goal advantage and 2 additional points then and we did not want the same again.  The home posse were not disappointed.  The Youth had their best half to date in a 5 goal fiesta which visibly demoralised and shocked the Falcons.  Unable to get out of their own half with total domination from the midfield Cove, today in red were slicker, faster and keener than we have seen before and basically gave Mytchett no chances on the ball or chances to create.  The scoring started with a slice of luck for us, Jake Miller was on the ball and he crossed/shot into the danger area for someone to get onto it.  Nobody did but it eluded the keeper who may have been unsighted to give us the lead after 5 or so minutes.  Hat trick hero Jake Woods was very busy with strike partner Jurgen.  His first and our second was a superb strike from 18 yards; the ball bounced kindly after a series of headers, he pushed the ball into space with his first touch, his second was a screamer just under the bar and over the keeper.  A brilliant strike.  Cove did not let up, they were enjoying it as their interplay and overall pace was better than Mytchett.  Jake Woods added to his tally after good work down the left flank.  Craig Stewart has been helping his forwards out massively these last few games with good skills and runs with the ball. In another charge down the left the ball was played across the penalty spot to the charging red shirts, Jurgen missed his shot (or was it a clever dummy) but it rolled through to Jake Woods who slotted home with ease to the keeper’s right hand side.  The Youth came again; this time down the right.  Jake Woods and Joe Endacott worked a few passes in midfield before an excellent bit of ‘partner’ play got Joe on the score sheet. Jake cut inside towards the box and Joe ‘ran off him’ giving Jake options and the defenders a real problem.  The defender was drawn toward Jake already having scored twice and this left Joe alone; a wonderful timed pass to Joe baffled the keeper, he tried to get across to cover but to no avail as Joe precisely and confidently slotted it between his legs.  Nuts!  We were not finished but nor were Mytchett they showed their metal with a decent piece of play and a goal to match.  It was important Cove learnt from the last encounter and not to let the Falcons re-group.  We did exactly that with Jake Woods’ hat trick goal shortly before half time.  Once aging bearing in from the right with support runs from other midfielders he was able to get a shot away once he had got goal side of his marker.  Up an over the keeper shot brought delight to the Cove sideline and his first hat trick at 11 aside.  Well done Jake; many more to come I am sure.
The half time talk was simple – Mytchett will ‘come at you’, they must chase the score and stick on more strikers so look out for the change in players and attitude.  We were not wrong; Cove ‘comfortable’ in their lead were suddenly on the back foot.  Midfield went missing and lacked discipline.  Several changes made no difference.  We went 4 5 1 to secure it up a bit but still Mytchett were bashing our defence.  Although superb the back four eventually conceded a messy goal when we failed to clear.  Mytchett were suddenly more vocal and sensed something; the first half was ours without doubt but they were romping the second half.  We believe the turning point came next.  The Falcons got a penalty from a handball in the box.  Billy in goal had remembered the previous Tuesday drills for penalties and did his best lateral movements on his line to deter their striker.  It worked, he missed the target to Billy’s right post and from then on Cove Youth never looked like losing this one.  We managed to curtail their good 15 minutes of play and get some composure back.
The first half performance had secured victory against a good Falcon team who took their defeat very sportingly.  Well done to all the team a good performance.  With such a good show the MoM is difficult; hat trick from Jake, good punching clearances from Billy in goal during the pressure spell, superb support play from others, but quietly and masterfully getting on with his job was Chris Lewis at left back stopping most threats.  Great defence work.  Well done.

10 Oct 09 - Littleton Town Juniors 1 Cove Youth 4 (Hampshire Cup)
Scorers: Jurgen Stuart (2), Joe Endacott, Jake Woods

A long trip to just north of Winchester for this encounter with an unknown side from another league.  Checking them out on their website revealed they were 3 wins from 3 and in Division 3 from 6.  A similar league position to Cove so an interesting game was in prospect. From the start Cove dominated and pressed their defence constantly showing their superior quality football.  Less than five minutes in Jurgen Stuart was nicely placed to shoot past a few bodies and their keeper to make it a comfortable start.  Several more chances went begging before Joe Endacott duped his marker and ran onto a long quick throw from Miles Slee; with a one on one with the keeper Joe slotted it home.  Billy in goal was begging for some action as the midfield did well keeping the ball away from him.  But as soon as our guard dropped and we looked forward to the halftime drinks and chat we allowed a Juniors player too much room to get his shot away; practically the only one on target but it beat Billy for height.  His only job in the first half to pick the ball out of the net and chat to his sister who went round to tell him to pay attention but ended up making daisy chains with her!   Not too many games will be this inactive for him I’m sure.  Anyway a little annoying to have let one in but the lads went out with the same enthusiasm and pace as the first half, but this time downhill and with some wind.  If Billy was bored in the first half then the second half was like a maths lesson – excruciatingly dull.  He got the ball once we think.  That tells you the dominance the Youth had over Littleton and time told on them as firstly Jurgen headed a well directed cross past their flailing keeper and earning himself a tenner from his Dad (team rule) and then Jake Woods got goal side of their defence and beat the keeper to finally defeat the lads from the country 4 -1.  A ‘job done’ performance today; made sure we played good enough football and got through.  Need to score more of our opportunities though as 4 may not be enough in some games although another solid defence and MoM performance from Jordon Whiteley whose assassin nick name once again prevailed; he snuffs out striker’s chances without leaving a trace!

Tip of the day however – never let a woman either read a map or more importantly print out the directions to the match; you might never get there!   

3 Oct 09 - Cove Youth 5 Petersfield Pumas 2 (Cup game)
Scorers: Jake Woods (2), Jurgen Stuart, Jake Miller, Craig Stewart
MoM: Craig Stewart

The cup draw pulled out a division 1 side who two seasons ago romped the Div 3 title in mini soccer.  They also held their own in Div 1 last season so a difficult prospect on the cards.  But it would appear the step up to 11 aside has stretched their ‘strength and depth’ as the Youth took control and masterfully swept them aside especially in the second half.  In an equally balanced first 10 minutes both sides tested each other at the back but good defending from our three centre backs stopped the Puma pace men.  But having said that they got in behind us and in a goal mouth scramble took the lead 1-0.  We pressed and they seemed to defend in more numbers and therefore invited Cove onto them. After good work from his fellow players Jake Woods got his first as he slotted it through a crowded penalty area.  The yellow onslaught continued with tireless work down the wings especially MoM Craig Stewart who had some great footwork going on leaving the opposition in his wake.  He was rewarded with a superb taken goal 10 mins later.  Waiting patiently in the gap the ball was knocked back to him by Miles Slee; he lofted it over the crowd and the keeper to take the lead.  The Pumas did have a nice play of their own shortly before half time undoing the solid Youth defence and drawing level 2-2.  It was believed we had the better chance to win this and next 30 minutes proved we did.  Some changes and fresh legs for us; a bizarre 4 at the back and the rest get up front and try and score approach for them.  It did not work we dominated the midfield and carved up their defenders.  Firstly Jurgen got onto a through ball and stayed strong with a defender to beat their keeper in the corner to his left had side.  Similarly Jake Woods did the same for his second.  Cove Youth were enjoying this; it was very obvious but this week we kept our discipline and shape.  Jake Miller; last weeks MoM had another good game and this time was rewarded with a goal.  It was a bouncing ball in the box scenario and it might have gone in 5 times but on the sideline we were not sure!  Jake got it over the line and the ref blew his whistle so that’s all that matters.  5 – 2 and a deserved win and onto the next round.  Well done lads.  

26 Sep 09 - Cove Youth 1 Wey Valley 2
Scorers: Joe Harte
MoM: Jake Miller

Fantastic weather, marvellous venue as we played on the Senior Cove FC pitch, superb team performance, great effort – WRONG RESULT!!  Our team today were given the great chance to play in the true ‘ground’ scenario of the senior side and we enjoyed it immensely.  Cove started well and were organised as ever on the huge pitch but the final third was our “Achilles” today as we simply did not put the ball in the net enough!  The Youth dominated in midfield and defence; we looked impenetrable for long periods at the back with our solid back four but a single long ball over the top and a run on goal cost us the first half.  Their player took it well to be fair but it was a defensive mistake and not us being out played.  Billy in goal took a knock for his efforts and needed some attention.  1-0 and amazement on the bench that we were not at least level as the game went on.  Cove were superb with the better football and team work; Wey Valley resorted to hoofing it and getting distance between their goal and the yellow ‘cove’ onslaught.  Their blue bus was firmly positioned in front of their goal.  Too many Cove chances to mention individual names but they were many.  It was turning into a great game with good ’open’ football; there were some chances in midfield to expand the play and that is exactly what MoM Jake Miller did.  Although on as a sub his presence made a difference – he battled and ran with the ball into space, distributing when he could – he was up for it today and had a chance or two for a goal.  The sucker punch for Cove was another ball smacked into open space; our first line of defence was slightly caught out but cover was there with Jordon Whiteley as he honed in on their striker.  Albeit he had a yard to make up we were sure the job was done but credit to their player he got a shot away under severe pressure and found the side netting for an incredible 2-0 lead.  Cove fought back and through Joe Harte equalised.  In JH style he was on or about the penalty spot for a half volley into the net after a good team effort and sustained pressure by Cove.  2-1 and we were still in it; only the goal eluded us as previously mentioned.  Our move of the game came with 5 minutes to go.  Joe Endacott was up front to help the cause and as a ball was pushed to his right he had the pace to beat their defender and get a shot into the danger area – possibly on target; Jake Woods had lost his marker and was one on one with an empty net BUT it bobbled, bounced and basically eluded him to agonise the home posse; we were on our knees and it was killing us!   The Wey Valley staff were pleading with their stop watches to go faster; Cove’s watches would not slow down and eventually we had to take our defeat after an hour of great football and excitement for both sets of supporters.  An excellent performance and great match to watch; well done Cove Youth; a moral victory in most respects.  

19 Sep 09 - Cove Youth 3 Alton United Gladiators 1

5 Sep 09 - Mytchett Falcons 3 Cove Youth 3

Scorers: Jake Wood (2) Joe Harte
MoM: Jake Woods, Louis Stride

A good start to the season for Cove with a point but it could have been so much better.  Cove dominated the whole game except for 10 minutes of average play when the Falcons drew level in the second half.  Cove had most of the ball for the first 20 minutes which culminated in great goals from Jake Woods and Joe Harte.  Jake ran at their defence and scored twice in similar fashion; beating their defence line for pace and lobbing the keeper.  Joe managed to find a great position in the box after a well delivered corner from Craig Stewart.  Roughly on the penalty spot he half volleyed into the roof of the net for a 3 -1 lead at the half time whistle.  Cove pressed for more goals in the 2^nd half but Jurgen Stuart and Jake Woods were denied by good keeping from the Falcons net master!  Cove’s defence was solid and Captain Louis Stride put in a sterling performance alongside Jordon Whiteley who was equally solid.  The back four were breached through a couple of mistakes which is a shame but at least Cove did not lose as this would have been a travesty on the balance of play.  Two Man of the Match wards as it was too difficult to decide between them.  Well done lads; good start to our 11 aside campaign.