Cove Youth FC

Under 10 Leopards
NEHYL Premier Division
Match Reports 2009/10

17 April 2010 Cove Leopards 5 - 1 Petersfield Town Tigers
Cove Scorers: Jack Ayrton 1, Harry Philby 2, Daniel Meyer 1, James Patterson 1

The third game against a quality Tigers outfit in as many weeks with the Leopards having lost the first 2 games but today the bright sunny morning was matched by the Leopards play. A typically tight start as both teams measured each other up but the Leopards started to take the initiative through each chances fashioned by Callum Chapman and Harry Philby although it was Jack Ayton that gave the Leopards the lead with a good shot throgh a melay of legs in the penalty box following a run down the left hand side and cross by James Patterson. However, it seems the the Leopards (like so many teams in fact) are at their weakest having just scored with the Tigers breaking quickly from a Leopards corner and before you could blink that ball was in the Leopards net to level the game at 1-1. Never a team to let their heads drop, the Leopards fought back quickly to go 2-1 up with Harry Philby getting on the score sheet with a decent shot. Ben Strong made some excellent saves in goal and Tom Pole was solid at the back to keep the Leopards ahead. James Patterson capitalised to make it 3-1 after holding off 2 defenders to get to the back post and slot home. The Leopards continued in the same vein after the break with Callum Chapman getting down the left hand side and crossing low into the six yard box for Daniel Meyer to finish off to make it 4-1 and Harry Philby scored with his left to make it 5-1. Well done the Leopards on a first class display which was thoroughly entertaining to watch. Tyler Rowlands won Man-of-the-Match for a sound performance as captain at right back.

10 April 2010 Petersfield Town Tigers 3 - 1 Cove Leopards

Cove Scorer: Harry Philby

After a weekend's lay-off for Easter the Leopards travelled down to Petersfield to play the Tigers who had recently beaten them in the quarter-final of the cup but unfortunately the Leopards had the bare 7 players and of these 2 players had the bug! That's enough excuses - in fact, the Leopards were well on top in the first half with Daniel Meyer, Callum Chapman, Jack Ayrton and Harry Philby all involved in good inter-play with Harry Philby heading on to the bar early on and narrowly missing with 2 excellent shots from distance. However, Harry had his range and with 10 minutes gone the Leopards went 0-1 up although the Tigers pulled the score back to 1-1 at half time. Into the second half and the extra players for the Tigers made the difference with several subs coming on with fresh legs and despite some good defending from Tyler Rowlands and Tom Pole the Tigers scored 2 goals to clinch the game - the first on the break and their third from a well worked free-kick.

20 March 2010 Cove Leopards 2 - 2 Mytchett Athletic Kestrels

Cove Scorers: Harry Philby 1, James Patterson 1

What a game! These 2 sides know each other well and as a result this was always going to be an edgy encounter. Both sides started well with Harry Philby coming close early on. This was followed by some great passing football involving James Patterson and Callum Chapman but it was the Kestrels that took the lead on the break and against the run of play. The Leopards battled on but suffered another blow with the Kestrels showing good speed up front and again scoring on the break. Ben Westwood played well in goal and made a number of good saves to keep the score at 0-2 and avoid the game running away from the Leopards and it could have been 1-2 at half time with Callum Chapman shooting just wide. The Leopards came out fighting in the second half with James Patterson and Callum Chapman again linking well and James forcing a corner. The corner was defended well and followed up by James but his shot went over the bar - still the Leopards had the Kestrels on the back foot and this was a sign of things to come. Another Leopards corner saw the ball bounce out and Callum Chapman shot - the shot was cleared to Harry Philby who buried the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-2 with only 2 minutes to go. The Leopards were by now pouring forward and with only seconds remaining James Patterson picked up the ball at the back post from a Jack Ayrton cross from the left and hit the back of the net to level the game at 2-2 but it felt like a win!!

6 Mar 10 - Cove Leopards 4 - 1 Headley Youth Piranhas

Cove Scorers: Harry Philby 2, James Patterson 2

The Leopards needed to show some bouncebackability after being knocked out of the cup last weekend and they did not disappoint. Against a well organised Piranhas outfit - albeit playing with only 6 in the first half - it took the Leopards a while to get into their stride but they were soon ahead with Harry Philby burying the ball in the back of the net from just inside the penalty box giving the keeper no chance. The Leopards started to play the ball around confidently with James Patterson, Callum Chapman and Jack Ayrton involved and Harry Philby linking up with the forwards well. Tyler Rowlands and Daniel Meyer were pretty solid at the back and managed to snuff out the few chances created by the Piranhas and with Ben Westwood playing well in goal this gave the Leopards the platform to go 2-0 up through James Patterson who was having a great game down the left hand side. The great thing about the Leopards side is that they have strength in depth with Tom Pole coming on to help out in defence and making some important interceptions in the second half. Back up to 7 players the Piranhas were getting more of the ball and Ben Westwood was called on to make some excellent saves. A slick Leopards move put them 3-0 up with Callum Chapman slotting the ball through to Daniel Meyer who passed the ball across the face of the goal for James Patterson to finish well. Shortly after a defensive mix-up from a corner gave the Piranhas a goal back and after withstanding some pressure another quality long-range shot from Harry Philby stretched the Leopards lead to 4-1 and game over. Well done to Ben Westwood for a Man-of-the-Match performance.

27 Feb 10 - Cove Leopards 1 - 3 Petersfield Town Tigers
An important quarter-final cup game pitted these two good teams against each other and it was a tight start with both sides vying for the ball in midfield. It looked as though the Leopards had taken the lead through a James Patterson flicked header but the Tigers keeper pulled off a good save. The Tigers then attacked and Ben Westwood pulled off a good save at the other end. The Leopards created further chances with James Patterson and Callum Chapman getting shots in but with no success and shortly after the Tigers scored on the break with Ben Westwood having little chance to save. The Tigers scored again quickly thereafter and another great save from Ben Westwood kept the score at 0-2 - but only for a few moments with the Tigers extending their lead going into half time. The Leopards came out fighting in the second half and a wonder goal from Harry Philby - fully 25 yards from the touch line - gave the Leopards the scent but despite coming close a number of times the score remained at 1-3 with the Leopards left to concentrate on the league!

30 Jan 10 - Cove Leopards 6 - 0 Aldershot Town Whites
Cove Scorers: Harry Philby 1, Daniel Meyer 4, Jack Ayrton 1
The Leopards started this game positively with a passing move down the left hand side which saw Callum Chapman and Daniel Meyer combine well to get the ball over to Harry Philby who buried the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-0 after 3 minutes. Harry Philby, playing centre midfield, was involved again this time with Jack Ayrton on the right hand side and supplying an accurate cross into the box for Daniel Meyer to finish with a trade mark tap-in to put the Leopards 2-0 up. The Leopards continued to apply pressure with a near miss from Daniel Meyer and a shot just wide from Jack Ayrton although Jack made up for the miss a few moments later when Callum Chapman picked the ball up from a throw in and fired a cross into the box for Jack to put the Leopards 3-0 up after 15 minutes and cruising. However, we know from the last game against the Whites that they can come back quickly so a good half time talk was needed to keep the Leopards focussed!

The Whites started the second half well but Tom Pole and Tyler Rowlands, both looking assured and comfortable on the ball at the back, managed to snuff out most of the Whites attacks with relative ease and there was one moment when Tyler picked the ball up from a Whites attack, weaved his way around 2 Whites players and calmly passed the ball to set up a Leopards forward move. A big mention for both Leopards' keepers, Ben Strong and Ben Westwood, who shared a half each, never putting a foot wrong and keeping consecutive clean sheets. The Leopards then stepped up their game with Callum Chapman chasing everything that moved up front and Harry Philby winning the midfield battle, eventually crossing the ball to give Daniel Meyer another tap-in for 4-0. The Leopards supporters were then treated to 10 minutes of classy play with several excellent passing moves involving one-two's, some one-touch passing and even the odd triangle and there was no surprise when Daniel Meyer took his tally up to 4 goals with Daniel's fourth goal, and the Leopards sixth, being nicely lifted over the keeper into the net. A fantastic game of football with Callum Chapman earning Man-of-the-Match for continually hounding the Whites in selfless fashion for the team. Well done Leopards.

23 Jan 10 - CSA 07 Titans 0 Cove Leopards 4

Cove Scorers: Callum Chapman 2, James Patterson 1, Harry Philby 1

Two questions; 1. Would the Leopards players be able to find their football boots after not playing or training for over a month and 2. Having found their football boots would they remember how to play football? Both questions were quickly answered when a full squad turned up in Basingstoke on a chilly January morning and following a swift move down the left involving James Patterson, Callum Chapman put the Leopards ahead with a low shot into the corner of the net. The Leopards pressed on with good play and near misses from Harry Philby and Jack Ayrton. The Titans then broke into the Leopards half but the move was snuffed out by Daniel Meyer and Tyler Rowlands in defence with both players showing good speed over the ground in front of an assured looking Ben Westwood in goal. Soon after, another move down the left saw James Patterson jink past the last defender and cross the ball for Callum Chapman to put the Leopards 0-2 up. A back pass from the Titans to their keeper inside the penalty box then resulted in a free kick for the Leopards which was well taken by Jack Ayrton although the ball frustratingly bounced off the top of the Titans crossbar but soon after the Leopards were 0-3 up with James Patterson adding his name to the score sheet to take the Leopards into half time with a healthy lead. Early in the second half a Leopards breakaway saw Harry Philby notch the Leopards fourth and round off a commanding midfield display which earnt Harry Man-of-the-Match award. Whilst the second half ebbed and flowed with some good football the Leopards managed to keep a clean sheet with some good defending by Tom Pole and Daniel Meyer and Ben Strong looking very solid in goal. A great way to start 2010 - more of the same please Leopards.

12 Dec 09 - Aldershot Town Whites 3 - 4 Cove Leopards

Cove Scorers: Harry Philby 1, Callum Chapman 1, Tyler Rowlands 1, Jack Ayrton 1

An early Christmas present for the the Leopards supporters who were treated to a superb display and an edge of the seat 50 minutes on this chilly but sunny morning in Aldershot. The Leopards were out of the blocks quickly with Harry Philby hitting the post after 5 mniutes to indicate that the Leopards meant business. The Leopards continued to dominate the game with Jack Ayrton, Callum Chapman and James Patterson all featuring in slick forward passing moves. The Leopards won a corner which was floated over by James Patterson and met strongly by Harry Philby to put the Leopards ahead. Daniel Meyer and Tyler Rowlands swept up well at the back showing pace to snuff out the Whites attacks and Ben Westwood kept the Whites out when they got through the Leopards defence and the Leopards rode their luck when the Whites hit the bar from close range. However, it wasn't long before the Leopards were back on the front foot when Jack Ayrton chipped the keeper but narrowly missed the right hand post. This gave the Leopards momentum and soon after a Rory Delap style throw in from Harry Philby was turned in by Tyler Rowlands who wheeled away in delight having put the Leopards 0-2 up and soon after Daniel Meyer, who had moved into left midlfield, passed to Callum Chapman who finished well to give the Leopards a 0-3 lead going into half time.

If the Leopards thought that the game was over then they were wrong because they took their foot off the pedal and let the Whites back into it with two well finished goals from quick breaks to bring the score back to 2-3. However, the Leopards stayed calm and played football despite continued pressure from the Whites and with 5 minutes left Jack Ayrton put the Leopards 2-4 up with a quality finish. More nail biting was to come when the Whites pulled another goal back but they'd left it too late and the ref blew the final whsitle to the Leopards delight. A well deserved win for the Leopards with Daniel Meyer earning Man of the Match after a solid performance in both defence and midfield positions. Happy Christmas!

28 Nov 09 - Cove Leopards 3 - 0 Curley Park Rangers Sabres
Cove Scorers: Jack Ayrton 1, Harry Philby 2

The Leopards always seemed to be on top in this game but we know from past experience that the Sabres can punish teams given the chance. James Patterson and Jack Ayrton combined well down the left to set up a chance and then James popped up on the right to set up Harry Philby with a shot which was well saved. An attack from the Sabres saw an important save from Ben Strong in goal but the Leopards defensive pair, Daniel Meyer and Tyler Rowlands, are quick over the ground and managed to snuff out many of the Sabres forward moves. Further pressure from the Leopards after a 20 yard shot from Harry Philby and one-two's from Callum Chapman and Jack Ayrton so it wasn't long before the Leopards took the lead through a well taken goal from Harry Philby. The Sabres fought back and Tom Pole got an important clearing header in. We were then treated to a sublime piece of football with Harry Philby making a strong run through midfield and moving the ball forward to Jack Ayrton who, under pressure from a Sabres defender, managed to lift the ball over the head of the on-rushing Sabres keeper who could only turn and look in despair as the ball bounced into the net! A memorable goal for Jack. Soon after a Harry Philby shot made it 3-0 and the Leopards were enjoying themselves. The Leopards could have had a fourth after Callum Chapman crossed for Harry Philby to hit the post. Man of the Match Harry Philby for a commanding display in midfield but another all-round excellent team performance.

21 Nov 09 - Cove Leopards 1 - 3 Aldershot Town Reds

Cove Scorer - Jack Ayrton

This match saw a high standard of football with the Leopards dominating the first 15 minutes and some skillful play from both Callum Chapman and Jack Ayrton but, crucially, without taking advantage against a solid defensive set-up from the Reds. The Reds took the lead after 20 mintues but the Leopards pulled level through Jack Ayrton. Going into the second half the Leopards suffered a defensive mix-up and conceded a sloppy goal to make it 1-2 to the Reds who shortly after sealed the game with a third goal. However, the Leopards didn't give up with Harry Philby showing character in midfield and Tom Pole narrowly missing from 20 yards. Man of the match Jack Ayrton.

7 Nov 09 - Liss Athletic Firebolts 1 Cove Leopards 4

Cove Scorers: Jack Ayrton 1, Harry Philby 1, Callum Chapman 2

This game against the Firebolts was the second round of the League Cup and the Leopards were raring to go after playing Aldershot Blues off the park last week. A beautiful sunny morning albeit rather chilly! The Leopards got off to a great start with Jack Ayrton scoring after a minute from a good passing move involving James Patterson and Harry Philby and then Callum Chapman narrowly missing at the far post shortly after. One way traffic against a decent Firebolts team. Not that much for Ben Strong to do in goal with both Tom Pole and Daniel Meyer shoring things up at the back. Further good play from Tyler Rowlands playing at left-midfield which won a corner which he took, flighted over and was met by Harry Philby but the header went just over the bar. Amazingly only 0-1 to the Leopards at half-time. The second half started much like the first with the Leopards increasing their lead to 0-3 through a well taken goal slotted past the keeper by Callum Chapman and a shot with the outside of the foot by Harry Philby. Ben Westwood back in goal had safe hands during the second half. The work rate of the Leopards team at the moment is first class with Daniel Meyer moving up into left-midfield running his socks off and Callum Chapman hasseling the Firebolts defenders up-front in Torressesque fashion. Towards the end of the game another brilliant jinking run by Jack Ayrton who crossed the ball for Callum Chapman (well deserved Man-of-the-Match) to finish of at the back post to make it 0-4 with the Firebolts pulling a goal back shortly thereafter. A great game to watch with thanks to the Firebolts for hosting and contributing to an enjoyable morning.

31 Oct 09 - Cove Leopards 0 Aldershot Town Blues 0
It is some time since the Leopards were involved in a goalless draw (in fact the writer cannot remember one!) but the scoreline gives no clue as to the quality of this performance from the Leopards. Quite simply the Leopards played their socks off and after the game there were some utterances that this may have been the Leopards finest performance particularly as the Aldershot Blues were a solid side and the Leopards were without any subs. It would be somewhat unfair to single out any one Leopards player for this match report because to a man they all made significant contributions (although we do need to mention Ben Strong who earned Man of the Match for a resolute and brave performance in goal). The Leopards were first to the ball from the kick off and were first to the ball at the end of the match and in between they were unlucky not to see one of their many shots get past the Aldershot Blues keeper. Well done lads - you can be proud of yourselves!

24 Oct 09 - Cove Leopards 4 CSA 07 Titans 2

Cove Scorers - Harry Philby 3, Jack Ayrton 1

Against a strong opposition in the Titans the Leopards were boosted by the return of Harry Philby (arm) although missing 2 key players in Tyler Rowlands and Ben Westwood. The Leopards got off to a great start after 3 minutes with a powerful shot from Harry Philby and they were 2 up after 7 minutes with another good goal from Harry Philby. The Leopards played some decent passing football with James Patterson and Jack Ayrton linking up well down the left and Callum Chapman working hard in the middle to break down the Titans play. However, as we have seen before the Leopards failed to get the ball clear and the Titans pulled the score back to 2-1 approaching half time.

The Titans shot towards goal from the kick off but Ben Strong saved well although soon after the Titans pulled the score level at 2-2. This signalled the start of the Leopards step up in their level of play with some flowing Leopards attacks and resolute defending from Daniel Meyer and Tom Pole with Ben Strong having safe hands in goal. With the Leopards breaking forward in waves the Leopards third goal was inevitable. The third goal should have been Callum Chapman's after 3 shots on target in the space of 30 seconds but it came again from Harry Philby with Jack Ayrton wrapping the game up at 4-2. Daniel Meyer voted Man of the Match for a sound defensive job.

Well done Leopards!

26 Sep 09 - Petersfield Town Juniors Jaguars 4 Cove Leopards 8

Cove Scorers: Jack Ayrton 4, James Patterson 3, Daniel Meyer 1

The long trek down to sunny Petersfield was well worth it to see the Leopards notch their first win of the season! The Leopards started well with some intricate passing moves and could well have been a couple of goals to the good after 10 minutes but it was the Jaguars who took the lead after 20 minutes and ended the half in front. The Jaguars stretched their lead to 2-0 after 3 minutes into the second half but the Leopards then began their fightback with goals from Jack Ayrton and James Patterson and in fact then took the lead through Jack Ayrton's second goal. The Jaguars levelled the score before James Patterson nudged the Leopards in front and Daniel Meyer added the Leopards fifth. From this point the Leopards supporters could relax and enjoy the game (despite the Jaguars getting one back) with the Leopards in control with solid defending from Tom Pole and Tyler Rowlands, Ben Strong and Ben Westwood sharing the goal-keeping duties keeping out some long range efforts and Callum Chapman working tremendously hard in the middle breaking down the Jaguars play and starting the Leopards forward moves. Jack Ayrton picked up his third and the Leopards sixth with a cheeky back flick into the goal and soon after this his fourth crossed the line to make it 4-7! A long range shot from James Patterson just managed to beat the keeper as it rolled over the line passed outstretched fingers. A great start to the weekend!!