Hall of Fame: Packed programme of fixtures for Maidenhead United Juniors

Maidenhead United Juniors u11s Cobras

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Maidenhead United Juniors teams had a packed programme of fixtures last weekend.

U7s Blacks did not have Lady Luck smiling down on them in their match as countless shots on goal went astray. Blacks will face the same opposition in their match next weekend.

U7s Colts continued on their learning against a well drilled Harefield United Reds team. After a slow start, Jack finished off a lovely quick counter attack to get the Colts back in the game. Yoan hit a post and Fin hit the crossbar in the middle period before Seb finished off a lovely team move with a nice assist from Rory. Rory Walters displayed a real fighting spirit, determination and willingness to work for the team and deservedly earning him the Colts POTM. Coach Richard enthused: “it’s a real pleasure to watch this new team in their first season develop week on week, making new friends, learning from mistakes, becoming more physical and learning how to play as part of a team. Well done boys! Super proud”.

U8s Whites played away against a strong Cookham Dean side. The Whites fought back their way back into the game with skilful goals from Finley before Bradley scored his first of the season after an encouraging passing move. Alfie made a string of fine saves and some strong tackles by Fahad kept the Whites into the game. Henry made good use of his pace down the flanks and Dylan also attacked with determination. A skilful run and shot by Jude hit the back of the net in the fourth quarter. Finley won Managers for the Player of the Match for his two goals, an assist and bravery. Both Jude and Bradley shared Players Player of the Match for superb performances and great finishing in an exciting match.

U8s Blacks had a hard-fought match away to Henley Hurricaines. Playing on a tiny pitch, Henley pressed at every opportunity and made life difficult for the Blacks who scored when an unfortunate Henley player turned a corner into his own net. Lachlan finished coolly when through on goal in the second quarter some good goalkeeping from Hayden and a few last ditch blocks - plus the woodwork - kept Henley at bay until just before the end of the half. A competitive second half saw the Henley ‘keeper keep out a few good efforts from the Blacks. Manager Tony expressed a big ‘well done’ to Hayden, Alistair and Jude for their stints in goal. POTM for this game went to Jude.

U8s Galaxy were involved in a tight match against Shinfield Rangers. Galaxy scored twice through firstly POTM Aadam and then Viren and could have added more. Manager Dhiraj was pleased: “A really pleasing display which showed increased maturity and a developing friendship amongst them all. If they keep training as they are and playing with a smile the results will come. Well played boys!”

U8s Braves hosted SK4 Marvels in a really competitive match. The game was played in the right spirit from both teams. Harry showed composure and class to slot home a goal in the first quarter for the Braves. Keeper Joseph Stebbings had another great game in goal for Braves. Harry sprung to life in the second half and helped create a goal, sending Thomas through to neatly beat the ‘keeper with a side foot finish. The Braves had a few more chances but good goalkeeping and defending from SK4 meant that the game ended with an even outcome. POTM match went to Harry who buzzed around the pitch all game, winning tackles whilst creating chances for himself and his team mates.

There was a good game for U8s Juniors against Thames Valley Youth Development. The Juniors started very strong during the first half with an impressive collective performance, with good passing and positioning on the pitch. Manager Eduardo summarised: “It is difficult to nominate a POTM today as all the boys gave their best, but Patrick with great saves and Tian for scoring the opening goal and creating great chances deserve today the nominations. We also gave them today the medals for coming up joint-first in the U8 Development league. It is really nice to see them coming together as a team. Well done boys, keep enjoying!”

It was a tough day at the office for the U9s Diamonds against Binfield Chargers. Coach Tom explains: “We knew Section A would be tough and we didn’t help ourselves today but will learn from the experience and will regroup in training on Tuesday. Player of the Match was birthday boy, Jesse for some tenacious defending and progress with his personal development areas.”

U9s Colts played at home against Explorers Blues looking to take confidence from an energetic and intelligent performance the previous week. Colts made a slow start however in the second half they got back in to the game, being more productive going forward. Colts reacted to the transitions more readily as they became more creative in attack, with players improving their decision-making. Coach Matt offered a ‘well done’ to Maq who enjoyed a defensive role once again, anticipating when beat his opponent to the ball and when to hold them up. POTM went to Ethan for his energy in midfield, impacting the game at both ends throughout the match and showing great strength despite being the shortest player in the squad!

U9s Blacks enjoyed a fantastic game. A well taken finish from Joseph and a lucky deflection from a strike From Sidney kept Blacks in a close match. Manager Wayne reflected: “all the boys really enjoyed their football today and in some parts it was a pleasure to watch, with some great football from both sides. All in all a good game.”

The Falcons carried on from their first U11s success last week with a second positive result in a row. Coach Alan explained: “You can sense the boys have grasped 9-a-side now. They have worked out when to play and when to clear their lines. Communication has improved as has the shape and balance; people hold when they need to cover their mates. Last two weeks the boys have dug in whilst still creating chances on the counter attack. Our work on transition for several weeks has really supported that speed of attack. Proud of them as always, but today defensively it was our best showing at 9-a-side”.

U11s Stripes were back in league action, welcoming Marlow FC. Both teams attacked and defended very well and were able to cancel each other out in open play. A feature of game was the way in which both sides showed their improving game management and technical ability to play out of tight situations. Stripes played with confidence, playing on the front foot to work time and space and showing that they were able to read the game situation and problem solve different situations. POTM Barney Johnson showed relentless energy, good footwork, loud communication, scanning, awareness, strength and movement whilst always playing with his head up.

U11s Cobras players put in a great effort against Harefield. Adam trying out a new position played a strong defensive game with Johan, Dexter and Cyrus all getting stuck into all the action .Cyrus made a great run resulting in a fine goal. The match was well refereed by an official who was fair, supportive and encouraging to both players and managers. Manager Karen name the entire team as joint POTM.

U11s Bullet Greens (pictured) hosted highly rated Chalfont at Summerleaze and acquitted themselves well. Despite being under pressure for much of the game, heads did not drop at all and the famous Bullets team spirit carried them to the final whistle, still battling for every ball. The team rotated positions and saw positive reactions from all the players to the new challenges they were presented with. POTM was James who adapted to his role in central defence well and played with positivity to the end.

U12s Jets performed well against Aylesbury despite having just the bare 9 and no regular ‘keeper. There was a hat-trick from Brodie, a brace and four assists for Katie and a calm finish from Sam to cap a superb team move. POTM went to Angus who dropped into defence and played superbly. Coach Matt reflected: “Without the right mentality this could have been a very tricky game; plenty of excuses on hand if we lost but the players were fully focussed until the end, making sure that we kept at our game plan even when playing in unfamiliar positions.”

U13s Whites made it through to the Semi Finals of the Berks & Bucks Cup after a 1-3 away win in Milton Keynes against Stoke Hammond FC. 3 very good and very different goals from Lennon, Ollie and Daniel sealed the win and a further chance to play against some of the best teams in Berks & Bucks.

There was a hard fought draw for the U13s Diamonds. Coach Simon looked back on the game: “We missed some oil in our cogs all over the pitch. We made some really good chances first half with no end product against a very strong keeper, even up the dreaded slope. We then fell behind to a well place free kick finding ourselves a bit dis organised. One for training. We were stronger second half and showed good character to level with a lovely team goal from the back. Keeping it nice simple with a positive, strong run by Clipper and an accurate cross and a great finish by H. Arun was great again today; reading the game, putting in some strong tackles and accurate distribution when he won it back, our POTM. Still unbeaten since Christmas but need to sharpen up for next week.”

There was a nail-biting 1-1 draw for the U14s Vipers in the top of the table clash against Flackwell Heath. Overall a draw was probably the fairest result as neither team deserved to come away with nothing in a really tight game on a very heavy and boggy pitch. POTM went to Bobby Pocock for not only finishing off a great move with a goal but also for working tirelessly all game long, giving the Flackwell left back a torrid time.

U14s put in their best performance of the season with a 4-1 win against Ashridge Park Royals, dominating from start to finish with goals in the first half from Samuel, Shay and a first ever goal for the club from Ben N. Player of the Match Ben F added the fourth early in the second half and only an own goal near the end gave the opposition their goal. An excellent team display with some great performances with special mention given to Conor for a fantastic job of leading the forward line.

U15s Panthers travelled away to Stokenchurch, a team convincingly beaten by Panthers in their last outing. This time round it was not so simple, however Panthers did break-through with 2 well worked goals before half time. Into the second half, Panthers were more physical and played more as a team. The Panthers players were strong enough to hold off for a 2-1 victory. Captain was Matt with Player of the Match going to Isaak.

U15s Colts won 5-3 to keep up their fine unbeaten run against Wokingham & Emmbrook Oranges. The Colts have now played 11 games, scoring a whopping 58 goals to date and are sitting pretty at the top of the league on 33 points, 9 points clear. Player of the Match was Harry with two fine goals, one directly from a corner pushing the Colts closer to a league title.