Under 13s : 2007-2008
Cambridge and District Colts League Under 13 A
Match Reports
Match played Sunday 9th March.
Saffron Walden Town “A” 3 – 2 Burwell Swallows
“Comeback kids” secure vital win
The Young Bloods ended their home campaign for the season by maintaining their
challenge for a top six finish with a fine comeback in a thriller at Ridgeons
Park on Sunday morning.
Walden opened quite brightly but it soon became apparent that a ten man Burwell
were desperate for the win that would give them hope to avoid relegation and
this determination to succeed was rewarded on 10 minutes when they were awarded
a penalty that was neatly tucked away for the opener.
If Walden were under any illusions they were in for a battle, five minutes later
it was completely dispelled as Burwell capitalised on a Walden error to double
their lead. This finally woke up the Young Bloods and gradually their makeshift
forward line of Noonan and Davies began to find their feet as did the team begin
to use the width of the pitch particularly Ben Appleby and the back from injury
Liam Clark. A succession of half chances from Appleby, Noonan, Falzon and Davies
went unrewarded until a few minutes before half-time when a fine corner from
Appleby was bundled in by a determined Alfy Wells who had a fine game
throughout. The goal brought the half to a close and gave Walden renewed hope
for the second half.
The second half saw some great play from two sides desperate for a win and
Walden’s midfield of Dan Rock, Archie Adams, David Falzon and Ben Appleby began
to take control and cause Burwell problems whilst at the back the team looked
stronger than in the first half with Josh Dutton Will Bullen-Smith and Dan Bear
all making crucial tackles and clearances whilst Alex Paskins won his usual
quota (100%!) of headers. The reward for the all-round improvement in Walden’s
game came 10 minutes into the half as Sanjay Noonan bravely chased a huge Jack
Butler goal-kick to nod home the equalizer pass the unfortunate Burwell keeper
to leave a thrilling last period of the game.
Both teams in fact had their chances to win the game and a draw looked in all
probability the most likely as well as fairest outcome before ten minutes from
time a David Falzon in-swinging corner was finally forced in by Noonan despite
the keeper’s best efforts, to give Walden a precious 3-2 lead.
The remaining few minutes saw both teams go close but Walden managed to hold on
for what could be crucial points in the shake-up for final positions.
Finally a good luck message to Burwell, their manager, coaches and their team
who are always a pleasure to meet and play against and on this showing will
hopefully bounce back next season.
Walden’s joint players of the match - Dan Bear and Alfie Wells.
Walden’s Squad : Butler, Bear, Wells, Bullen-Smith, Dutton, Paskins, Falzon,
Clark, Appleby, Rock, Adams, Noonan (Captain) Davies.
Report – Mike Bear.
Saffron Walden Town ‘A’ V Ramsey Colts
Match due to be played 2.3.2008
Due to late notice of cancellation Walden were awarded the points helping them
to maintain their top six status.
Bloods draw the Hornet’s sting
Histon Hornets “A” 0 – 2 Saffron Walden Town “A”
Despite being reduced to a squad of eleven players on Sunday due to a minor Wembley cup final(!), the young Bloods rose to the challenge magnificently to achieve a win that lifts them up to fifth in the age group’s top division.
Walden’s defence of Josh Dutton, Alfy Wells, Alex Paskins, and captain Daniel Bear had to be on their guard with Histon having the better of the opening exchanges, and Walden’s trusted deputy keeper, Will Bullen-Smith looked like he would be in for a tough time, however, Walden gradually worked their way into the game as their defence held firm and the midfield began to find their feet on the big pitch with the central pairing of Dan Rock and Archie Adams finding Ben Appleby and David Falzon out wide who began to carve out openings in Histon’s defensive line with Charlie Davies and Appleby coming close to opening the scoring. However, the half was to end goalless with Walden having it all to do against their determined, and desperate for points opposition.
Cliché alert! but it really was a case of the “all-important first goal” that proved so crucial and it was Walden who managed this as forward Marlon Geen applied the final touch despite the best efforts of the Histon keeper to clear. The goal visibly lifted Walden to a higher level of effort and though there were one or two scares at their end, their resolute defence held out with great support from the midfield - no more so than from Rock while at the other end they continued to look a threat through Appleby and Davies’s strong and skillful play and Falzon’s opportunist efforts, and finally Walden were rewarded and the points sealed when ten minutes from time, a free-kick on Histon’s wide right was superbly delivered by Ben Appleby to the keeper’s far post to where the ever alert Archie Adams was on hand - bravely nodding in to the Histon net to the obvious delight of his teammates and the large and always positive away support.
Walden managed to play out the final few minutes without conceding thanks to the team re-doubling their efforts and using up their last reserves of energy, however, it was the terrier-like Charlie Davies who caught the eye with what can only be described as an extraordinary final quarter of an hour’s effort chasing every single cause, and giving the Histon defence and midfield down their left, a torrid time. But make no mistake, this was very much a team effort earning Walden three priceless points and giving real hope that they can reflect their efforts this season with a final league position to be really proud of.
Next week Ramsey Colts provide the opposition at “Fortress Ridgeons” with an 11a.m. kick-off.
Walden player of the match – Alex Paskins – a towering performance from the Walden centre-half despite being far from 100% well and typifying the team’s effort on the day.
Walden’s team v Histon: Bullen-Smith (GK), Paskins, Bear (captain), Dutton, Wells, Appleby, Rock, Adams, Falzon, Geen, Davies.
Report – Mike Bear.
Godmanchester Rovers “A” 5 - 0 Saffron Walden Town “A”
Match played 3rd Feb.2008
Walden suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of a very impressive Godmanchester
side who extracted ample revenge for their defeat earlier in the season at
Ridgeons.
Not that the playing field was as level as Walden would have liked for this
return match as they arrived with no less than 5 players unavailable from the
team that played in the earlier fixture and in truth as the score-line suggests,
it showed.
That it took nearly half an hour for the home side to open their account was
perhaps the biggest surprise as the pressure on the Walden back-line was intense
except the opening ten minutes when Walden had a couple of good chances
themselves. However, once the first goal was conceded it seemed the team’s heads
dropped a little and with this Godmanchester raised their game further to score
two further goals before the break.
It would not be harsh on the team to say that the score could have been double
figures but for the combination of some heroic defending from Will Bullen-Smith,
Dan Bear and keeper Jack Butler in particular, whilst Sanjay Noonan and Charlie
Davies did their best to try and stem the onslaught from a team that whilst much
physically bigger and stronger than Walden also played some very good attractive
football on the day.
So a day to forget for Walden who after a difficult set of fixtures but still
disappointing results ( except Histon at home), are in danger of relinquishing
their top half position, however, their remaining fixtures on paper at least,
give hope that a turnaround in results can be achieved.
Walden Players of the match Will Bullen -Smith & Jack Butler.
Walden Team:- Butler, Dutton, Bullen-smith, Noonan ( Captain), Bear, Paskins,
Adams, Appleby, Clark, Falzon, Geen, Davies.
Match Report – Mike Bear.
Saffron Walden Town u13A 4 - 3 Godmanchester Rovers ‘A’
Cambs & District Colts League – ‘A’ Division
Walden’s first season in the league’s top division reached a new high on Sunday as they ended Godmanchester Rovers 100% record with a superb display of attacking football and dogged defending.
Walden tore in to the opposition from the start and the pace of Archie Adams and Ben Appleby on the wings together with Charlie Davies gave early cause for optimism which was justified by two goals in as many minutes from Davies and Appleby both showing their speed of thought as well as feet in doing so.
Dan Rock and Connor Foxall were pulling most of the strings in midfield with Alex Paskins looking strong and committed. At the back, David Falzon and Josh Dutton played particularly intelligently whilst defending, often contributing to Walden’s attacks, Sanjay Noonan was his usual commanding self, leading by example and, with further back-up from Will Bullen-Smith and Dan Bear, Walden looked well in control.
A shell-shocked Rovers tried hard to get back into the game in the following ten minutes but it was Walden who pulled further ahead courtesy of David Anthony’s 11th of the season as he coolly picked his spot from close-range. However, Godmanchester showed they hadn’t a perfect record for nothing, as they immediately hit back with a goal ending the half’s scoring at 3-1 to the home team.
The expected immediate onslaught in the second half from Godmanchester never really materialised with Walden continuing to play some fine football – Adams particularly, having an inspirational game on the left wing, and Foxall increasingly influential. Fifteen Minutes in to the new half, Walden were rewarded for their continued enterprise as they stretched their lead further courtesy of Josh Dutton.
The next 15 minutes saw Rovers increasingly threaten Walden as they understandably tired, and 5 minutes from time they pulled a goal back. Alarm bells gently ringing were to be replaced by blind panic as with just a couple of minutes remaining, Rovers scored a third, but Walden held out for their undoubtedly deserved victory having once again, being reminded of how matches at this level are never over until the final whistle.
This has to rank as Walden’s finest victory to date in this, or any previous season and signals to the rest of the division that they are not here to make up the numbers or just to survive – well done boys for a tremendous display and to coach John Butler, for masterminding a victory that three of last season’s top four teams had already failed to achieve!
Next week sees a chance for Walden to further cement their top half placing when they entertain local rivals Spartak 78 at Ridgeons Park. Should they display the same attitude and ability as against Godmanchester, it promises to be another memorable day.
Walden Team from: Butler, Bear, Falzon, Noonan, Dutton, Bullen- Smith, Paskins, Foxall, Rock, Adams, Appleby, Davies, Anthony.
Player of the match – Charlie Davies – terrorised the Rovers defence throughout.
Match played
6.1.2008
Priory Parkside A 4 – 2 Saffron Walden Town
Walden conceded two late goals as they went down to a physical but fair Priory
team who’s performance suggests they are surely capable of climbing the table in
this second half of the season.
The Bloods were forced to field a makeshift defence however Alex Paskins and
stand-in skipper Dan Bear held their own in it’s middle with Josh Dutton and
Will Bullen-Smith the full-backs. 25 minutes in Archie Adams gave Walden the
lead with a well-taken close-range shot that was to be the only goal of the
first-half.
Priory came out in a very determined mood and had the Lion’s share of pressure
before finally cracking the Walden defence with 16 minutes left. Walden’s
disappointment at conceding was soon doubled as the home side took the lead – it
has to be said, deservedly.
There were further chances for Priory before with just six minutes left Walden
somehow managed to carve out an equaliser through Charlie Davies to give them
what looked like a likely share of the points. However, it was not to be as
Walden conceded a soft goal with a couple of minutes left on the clock, and to
add insult to injury a fourth was added a minute later leaving Walden
shell-shocked and the home side jubilant.
So a case of so close yet so far for the lads who’ll need to battle that bit
harder as the opposition increasingly seem to be that shade more physically
committed this season.
Walden player of the match: Alex Paskins
Walden team: Butler, Bear (Captain) Paskins, Dutton, Bullen-Smith, Adams,
Appleby, Rock, Falzon, Jordan, Geen, Davies.
Spartak 78 0 - 4 Saffron Walden Town “A”
The young Bloods took the spoils in the local derby against their local rivals with an exciting and disciplined display that moves them up to fifth in the table.
This was Walden’s first away fixture of the season and for the first ten minutes with the different surroundings, bigger and sloping pitch, they looked a little uncomfortable. However, gradually the Walden midfield of Rock, Adams, Foxall and Appleby began to take control and the chances for the front two of Anthony and Davies began to appear. On 14 minutes the breakthrough came as a good move was finished neatly by David Anthony for his first of the game.
Walden immediately looked more relaxed and with the defence looking tight and well marshaled by Sanjay Noonan, and keeper Jack Butler looking in control, the second was never going to be far away with Charlie Davies looking most likely to oblige, however it was one of David Anthony’s trademark efforts from the edge of the area that dipped over the Spartak keeper giving him no chance, and giving Walden a two goal lead at the break.
The second half saw some great football from Walden throughout – Liam Clark looking lively on the right – and just as when replaced by Ben Appleby for his second stint, linking up effectively with Dan Rock, resulting in the home defence being breached almost at will with numerous opportunities created. On the left, it was the same story with Connor Foxall and Archie Adams working well together, as eventually the pressure told with Anthony scoring his hat-trick with a neat finish. Hard work also from Marlon Geen and Alfie Wells during their time on the pitch gave the playmakers the possession they needed.
Not to mention Charlie Davies at this point would be an injustice – his energy, bravery and skill was clearly appreciated by the large away support when he came off near the end and I’m sure the goals that his play deserves, will come sooner than later – for now though, he’ll just have to be content with clearly being the crowd’s new favorite!
Perhaps the only frustration of the day was that Walden didn’t manage to turn their complete second half superiority into more goals – David Anthony the obvious exception, as he applied the finish for his, and Walden’s fourth, to end the games scoring at 4-0 to Walden.
At the back David Falzon, Josh Dutton and Will Bullen-Smith all had good, steady games giving precious little away, Alex Paskins gave his usual heading master-class winning out every single time in my recollection, Captain Noonan was commanding throughout and, as mentioned by John Butler after the match, Dan Bear was outstanding in keeping Spartak’s talented winger pretty much in his pocket.
So a fine all-round performance from Walden who now hold the bragging rights in the Newport and County High playgrounds (if that’s what they still call them!?) – at least until the teams meet again in two weeks time at Ridgeon’s park.
Next week though, Godmanchester Rovers are the vistors to Walden with their to date, 100% record – a huge test for the boys but one they will hopefully relish, as playing the best teams in Cambridgeshire, and surrounding districts is precisely what they achieved promotion for last season – to be considered amongst the best, and at fifth position in the top league tonight, they aren’t too far off – how far this team has come!
Well done Walden!
Player of the match - Connor Foxall - skillful and strong throughout – immense second half.
Match Report – Mike Bear.
Saffron Walden Town ‘A’ 3 - 5 Histon Hornets ‘A’
Despite a great all-round effort, Walden were left regretting missed chances and lapses in concentration as they let slip a three goal lead to suffer an early exit in the League Knockout cup on Sunday.
Where do I start!? Firstly, with congratulations to a Histon team who never gave up the ghost even when three goals behind - courtesy of the best ten minute spell of football from Walden that I‘ve seen all season - from any team.
This three goal blitz in the middle third of the first half, courtesy of Archie Adams and top scorer David Anthony (2), was the result of imaginative and enterprising attacking play particularly from Charlie Davies, Dan Rock, Alex Paskins and Connor Foxall, that helped feed the speedy and skilful Walden wingers Adams and Ben Appleby, the latter looking particularly impressive in his first appearance out wide. At this point, with the defence well focused, the game looked all but over, with only 20 minutes on the clock.
However, Histon were handed an early life-line when their forward was brought down on the six-yard line, and the resulting penalty was duly converted. This clearly raised the opposition’s hopes and Walden were suddenly under pressure.
The second half saw a couple of opportunities for Walden go begging before they were hit by two Histon goals in the space of a few minutes to level the game. A missed penalty saved by Jack Butler looked like it could cost Histon the game as Walden went agonizingly close on a couple of occasions – including a fine shot from Anthony that hit the bar, and was so nearly bundled in from the rebound, but as the thoughts began to turn to a penalty shoot-out Histon took advantage of a hesitant defence twice to end the match winners – perhaps a cruel score-line for Walden who’s football didn’t deserve to go unrewarded – had it been a league game and ended 3-3 after normal time, I think most would have agreed, it would have been a fair reflection of the game overall – however it was the cup and one team had to win it on the day – unfortunately, it wasn’t Walden.
So an early exit for unlucky Walden who now have the perfect opportunity to put the result behind them when they play their first away match at local rivals Spartak on Sunday.
Walden’s team from: Butler, Dutton, Wells, Falzon, Bear, Noonan, Geen, Clark, Appleby, Adams, Rock, Paskins, Foxall, Davies, Anthony.
Match report - Mike Bear.
Saffron Walden Town A 1 - 1 Priory Parkside A
The Young Bloods continued their encouraging start to the new season with a gritty performance against a well organised and very sporting opposition.
Walden took to the field missing the injured Alfie Wells who we all wish a speedy recovery and who it was great to see still turning up to cheer on his team, in addition to their regular number 1 – Jack Butler, for whom the ever reliable Will Bullen-Smith was to ably deputise for.
Walden opened quite brightly but were denied a breakthrough by no-nonsense defending and as the half wore on the match became very even possession wise, ending at the interval goalless – quite a rarity.
It was Walden, courtesy of the lively Archie Adams, who finally made the break- through very early into the second period, cleverly lifting the ball over the oncoming keeper, however Priory quickly equalised by a similar fashion, and to be fair always dangerous both on the break and at set pieces.
Despite repeated attempts, Walden never again found the key to unlock Priory’s defensive door and to be fair, a goal looked just as likely at the other end.
In midfield Ben Appleby particularly, had a bright game and his enthusiasm as ever, was matched by Charlie Davies up front, but their efforts were to prove fruitless as the match ended all square.
Walden’s defence has taken some stick in the past (particularly on these pages!), however, for the second time this season, they well and truly came out on top and deserve a special mention being Falzon, Noonan, Bear and Dutton not forgetting stand-in keeper, Bullen-Smith.
Match Summary – Hard fought draw, fair result and upon reflection, as much a point gained rather than two lost, illustrating just how competitive this league is.
Final thought on day – Priory Parkside were in my opinion the most refreshingly honest and sporting opposition- exemplified by their coach, and mirrored by his assistants, their supporters and team, that I have had the pleasure of meeting / or officiating for – in a long while – fantastic! if only all…. Oh, won’t go there!
Next week, in a welcome distraction from the League, Walden entertain fellow ‘A’ Division opposition in the shape of Histon Hornets – again at home.
Walden's joint players of the match - David Falzon and Sanjay Noonan.
Walden squad – Bullen-Smith, Noonan, Falzon, Dutton, Bear, Paskins, Adams, Rock, Appleby, Foxall, Clark, Geen, Davies, Anthony.
Match report – Mike Bear
Saffron Walden Town “A” 1 - 6 Fulbourn Falcons
Walden were taught some harsh lessons of life in the top division by the reigning champions, as they suffered their first defeat of the season at Ridgeon Park on Sunday. The sheer physical stature and play of the opposition was clearly something that a Walden team missing their three rugby playing players were always likely to struggle with – and so it proved on the day, as Walden despite their efforts, were regularly out-muscled in the battle for possession.
However, my view is that it was the overall alertness/reaction to be first to the ball that was Walden’s main downfall – highlighted in midfield, despite the notable effort of Dan Rock in particular, where Walden were exposed to a constant stream of attacks - particularly in the second half, as the ball was swiftly distributed out wide - a tactic that Walden have used so effectively at home, but were unable to get going in this game.
The first half was generally one of Walden defending well against a series of attacks yet looking vulnerable at set pieces, which was to prove decisive as a well taken corner was converted to open the scoring for Fulbourn.
There followed some more chances for Fulbourn but Walden bravely held firm at the back with Dan Bear and Alfie Wells particularly, making crucial interventions. Then deep into first-half injury time, Walden unexpectedly maybe, equalized as top scorer, David Anthony found the net with a superb opportunist shot from 20 yards.
A clearly determined Fulbourn took just 3 minutes from the restart to take the lead and five minutes later, added to their tally. The next 15 minutes disappointingly for Walden, saw three further goals added to put the game , but seemingly encouraged by a suddenly very vocal support, the boys seemed to find the extra fight that was upon reflection, perhaps a little missing at times, to thankfully stem the flow of goals and to leave the final score 6-1 to Fulbourn.
So the first set-back for Walden who needn’t panic, as long as they learn from this experience and work on areas of their game where required. Do this, and along with the returning players, they can still look forward to a great first season and view this game as merely a temporary blip - to be rectified hopefully, next week when they host Priory Parkside.
Walden Player of the match – Alfie Wells.
Walden Squad: Butler, Bullen-Smith, Dutton, Bear, Wells, Falzon(captain), Adams, Rock, Appleby, Clark, Geen, Davies, Anthony.
Match report – Mike Bear.
Match played 16.9.07
Saffron Walden Town F.C. ‘A' 4 - 3 Cottenham United Colts
The Young Bloods continued to enjoy the challenge of top flight football at the weekend, when despite missing several regulars, coach John Butler's team staged a dramatic late comeback to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. Walden opened the scoring after 18 minutes through David Anthony, and briefly threatened to add to their tally as they began to find their passes. However, they were rocked by two fine strikes in the space of four minutes before the interval to leave the pitch a little shell-shocked.
Things were to get even worse though for Walden as they conceded a third goal with just three minutes gone of the second half. To their credit, Walden’s heads didn’t drop and they re-doubled their efforts with Dan Rock and Archie Adams particularly trying hard to create chances for their strikers, however the Cottenham defence defended resolutely, and despite all Walden’s efforts, defeat looked likely.
Step forward Daniel Bear! intercepting a poor clearance, he took the ball into the opposition area before coolly lifting the ball past the oncoming keeper, the former under 9’s striker’s first goal for his current team at Colts level, and suddenly, with 15 minutes left, Walden were back in the game.
Charlie Davies was then brought on and his livewire presence caused immediate problems for Cottenham and gave David Anthony much needed support. Walden’s efforts were finally rewarded with 9 minutes remaining as David Anthony finished coolly just inside the area.
Walden sensed a chance for victory and David Anthony came agonizingly close to scoring the winning goal as a cross shot of his bounced off the inside of the post into the arms of the Cottenham keeper who like Walden’s number one, Jack Butler, had a fine game. With just 4 minutes remaining Anthony broke free of his man marker and from just inside the Cottenham area, applied a great finish to complete Walden’s comeback much to the joy of his team mates and their supporters.
The final remaining minutes were largely spent in the Cottenham half as Walden saw the game out without any major worries. A tremendous game with credit to both sides, and once again, showed the great fighting team spirit that has developed so well in the past year.
So two games in, 4 points from 6 against two of last seasons top four – a great start, with the ultimate test next Sunday as Fulborne provide the opposition – a team yet to be beaten in a competitive 11-a-side match! Despite again being hit by several absentees, Walden will still be looking to provide a stern test for the Champions.
Walden player of the match – Hat-trick hero David Anthony.
Sunday’s squad: Butler, Noonan, Bullen-Smith, Dutton, Paskins, Falzon,
Bear, Rock, Adams, Appleby, Geen, Davies, Anthony.
Match Report - Mike Bear
Saffron Walden Town FC “A” 1 – 1 St. Ives Rangers “A”
9 September 2007
The Young Bloods announced their arrival in their age groups top division with a well earned, entertaining draw at Ridgeons Park on Sunday. Walden welcomed back Will Bullen-Smith, Alex Paskins and Liam Clark – giving coach John Butler, a squad of 16 when added to the boy’s who had won the pre-season Aztecs tournament the previous Sunday.
St. Ives – last season’s third placed team finishing 13 points clear of fourth place in fact!), held their own in the opening period but were rocked in the 20th minute as new boy Charlie Davies was first to react to a parried effort from Archie Adams to give Walden the lead.
Charlie’s infectious enthusiasm was matched by the other two new Walden boys – Marlon Geen and Ben Appleby both of whom making impressive debuts, with Ben, notably developing an instant understanding with last season’s manager’s player of the year, Dan Rock.
They say a team is most vulnerable just after they’ve scored, and so it proved unfortunately for Walden as only a couple of minutes later, Walden were caught napping at the back and despite their best efforts, were unable to prevent the St. Ives centre forward coolly levelling the scores at the interval.
The second half saw some great end to end football with both teams having chances to win but their respective defences were the dominant forces and held firm – in Walden’s case superbly marshalled by Captain, Sanjay Noonan, and backed up by a faultless display of goalkeeping by Jack Butler, who time and time again, had to react quickly to the through ball, without once failing to do so.
As for the other defenders Josh Dutton played his customary intelligent football – particularly during the second half. Alfie Wells showed once again that he’s maturing very quickly as a player as well as owning the loudest shout for the ball I’ve ever heard!
These fine performances at the back were further complimented by Dan Bear who’s knack of getting to the ball first and making crucial interventions shouldn’t be underestimated, and by David Falzon showing signs of getting back to his best, the ever-reliable Will Bullen-Smith, and the best header of the ball Alex Paskins – although Alfie might begin to contend that claim after Sunday!
One of my candidates for man of the match was Connor Foxall who, like wingers Liam Clarke and Archie Adams, gave his all trying to get the crucial winner either himself or for Walden’s star striker David Anthony – himself limited to a couple of chances by a very well organized opposition defence, but admirably keeping his cool and his work-rate up despite his obvious disappointment at the lack of chances falling his way – one of the big differences in this league.
All in all, a fair result, after a match played with in great spirit by two fine sides, and one that illustrates Walden surely have great cause for optimism at this level.
Final notes:- Very good result, great performance, fantastic effort!
Man of the match – Jack Butler – as commanding a display of keeping I have seen at this level.
Report - Mike Bear – match referee.