Tuesday 17th November 2009 New Bradwell St Peter 6 Dunstable Town 1
There are some games where you simply don't need a team talk to get the lads fired up and this was one such game. When we played Dunstable in our second game of the season, they came from 2 – 1 down to beat us 5 – 2 and a couple of their players decided to point that fact out as the two teams did their cool downs. Our lads were advised to not get involved and wait for the return match to give their reply – and boy did they.
The first 15 minutes saw a tight game with both teams protecting the ball and it was Dunstable that had the first effort, their striker was played through, but Sam Jay in goal made a great reaction save with his leg to deny them, almost immediately Bradwell worked their way up field to force a corner and Ben Rymer delivered a great cross which Stephane Kemoagna meet on the volley but the effort went inches wide. Stephane again came close after some good work between Charlie Fisher and Ben and only a good save denied him, but on 22 minutes Bradwell's and Stephane's hard work paid off, Pius Ofori up front controlled well and played the ball in to Stephane, his neat footwork took him clear of the defence and he slotted home to make it 0 – 1. Dunstable doubled their efforts and on 27 minutes pulled level, a lack of communication from Bradwell allowed a midfielder to make an untracked run and he finished well to make it 1 – 1. Bradwell's recent run of wins has given them a new sense of belief and they didn’t let their heads drop, they continued to push and only a great save from the Dunstable keeper denied Charlie Fisher from scoring, however from the corner, Darryl Wilson sent in a great cross with his left foot and Matt Hayes powered his way to the ball and headed home in the top left corner to make it 2 – 1 to Bradwell on 35 minutes. Charlie Fisher had another effort sail just wide of the right post on 40 minutes and on 43 minutes Will Wright stepped up to take a free kick from 30 yards out and he fired home to make it 3 – 1 (that was also his third goal from his fifth free kick so far this season – he's becoming a bit of a dead ball specialist) at half time.
The second half saw Derrick MacDonald come on to replace Jack Howells, Derrick slotted in on the left wing and Darryl dropped to left back and Derrick had an immediate impact, on 51 minutes he drifted inside his marker, beat two more players and thumped home to make it 4 – 1. Within a minutes the game was then put to bed as Pius and Stephane linked well again and Stephane grabbed his second of the game to make it 5 – 1. Bradwell continued to press and only two great saves from the replacement keeper (the original keeper playing with a thigh injury from the end of the first half decided at 5 – 1 that enough was enough and retired hurt) denied Charlie Fisher who certainly wasn't having the luckiest of games, the scoring was finally wrapped up on 36 minutes with the goal of the game, the ball being passed through 7 players before Pius clipped the ball to the back post, Ben controlled well and played the ball back to captain Ryan Coyle who thumped it home to make it 6 – 1. This was an all round fantastic team performance, Charlie Fisher and Ryan Coyle worked tirelessly in a 4 – 4 -2 formation against a 4 – 5 – 1 formation but never looked overrun, the back four never looked flustered, our keeper's concentration and anticipation was excellent, the two wide players played with width and speed and the two upfront worked tirelessly in defence and attack – all round, our best performance of the season so far.
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Man of the match was shared between Stephane Kemoagna up front and Ryan Coyle in defence due to a split vote, but both deserved a mention. Next week sees the team on their travels to Hemel Hempstead Town on the 26th November.
Team;- Sam Jay, Jack Howells (45 Derrick MacDonald), Collum Rooney, Matt Hayes, Will Wright, Ben Rymer, Ryan Coyle (C), Charlie Fisher, Darryl Wilson (55 Adam Moore), Pius Ofori, Stephane Kemoagna
Goal:- Stephane Kemoagna 2, Matt Hayes, Will Wright, Derrick MacDonald, Ryan Coyle.
Tuesday 03rd November 2009 New Bradwell St Peter 2 Crawley Green 2
Having won their two previous League games, New Bradwell were on a bit of a winning run and keen to avenge their close defeat at the hands of Crawley Green when the teams meet earlier in the season.
With the players who were missing in the last game, back and available, the squad had a settled look about it and from the off they quickly settled in to their football. Andy Gray and Ryan Coyle were beginning to form a good partnership in the centre of midfield and both looked to feed the ball to Stephane Kemoagna and Pius Ofori up front, or wide to the wings, where Derrick MacDonald and Ben Rymer were playing with some good width. On 12 minutes, New Bradwell could have opened the scoring, Andy fed Stephane, but his effort was well saved by the Crawley keeper. 8 minutes later and Stephane linked well with Pius who gave a wall pass back to Steph but his shot slid past the post and another chance went begging. Crawley then showed their class, a strong run up the wing and cross was met at the back post and headed home, 0 – 1 to Crawley. Bradwell continued to push and on 29 minutes Stephane was again through on goal from an Andy Grey pass but he hit his shot over the bar, however his hard work finally paid off when in first half injury time a Ben Rymer cross was met by Ryan Coyle but his header thumped in to the cross bar, however Steph was on hand to thump the ball home and make it 1 – 1 at half time.
The second half saw Bradwell really pumped up and within 8 minutes this effort paid off, Stephane made a strong run in to the box and was brought down – penalty. Ben stepped up to slot home the spot kick and New Bradwell had their noses in front. Crawley upped their game at this point and only some resolute defending from the back four of Tom Thornton, Matt Hayes, Colm Rooney and Sam Oxley kept them at bay, but on 24 minutes one small slip allowed Crawley in for their equaliser. Now Bradwell really had to show their mettle. With both teams pushing for the win, Pius was unlucky on two occasions not to score and Stephane was again brought down in the area for what looked like a nailed on penalty but after the Crawley management's outburst and abuse for the first penalty, did the referee bottle it? He certainly didn't give the spot kick. In the end both teams either defended to well, or failed to take their chances and the game ended in a draw 2 - 2, but that is now 7 points in 3 games which after the teams start to the season is not to shabby at all.
Man of the match went to Andy Gray for his display in midfield.
Team;- Sam Jay, Tom Thornton, Collum Rooney, Matt Hayes, Sam Oxley (65 Jack Howells), Ben Rymer (55 Adam Moore), Ryan Coyle (C), Andy Gray, Derrick MacDonald (50 Darryl Watson), Pius Ofori, Stephane Kemoagna
Monday 5th October 2009 Leighton Town 2 New Bradwell St Peter 2
After last weeks first win of the season, the lads went in to this game with a new found sense of optimism and belief and a desire to record their second win of the season against a strongly fancied Leighton Town team. With the new players in the team now settled in, the squad had a settled look to it and the bench now looked like a tactical weapon to be used in the last third of the game rather than being there to replace injured or tired players. The opening exchanges saw lots of possession for Leighton Town, with New Bradwell's defence absorbing the threat and then looking to break quickly on the counter attack. This excellent defensive effort kept Leighton to long range efforts on target and Sam Jay in goal was little troubled. Matt Hayes and Collum Rooney looked unflustered at centre backs and even though Leighton had pace a plenty out wide, both Sam Oxley and Will Wright shepherded the lively wingers in to positions where their crosses were ineffective or the wide midfielders of Ben Rymer and Adam Moore could drop and help win the ball. It took until the 29th minute of the game for the first goal, some great work in the middle by Ryan Coyle and Andy Gray meant the ball was won from Leighton and Andy hit a long range effort which the Leighton keeper didn't deal with and it was 0 - 1 to Bradwell. This was the spur the lads needed and within two minutes Pius Ofori used his pace and strength up front to beat the defender, cut inside the centre back and smash home a left footed shot to make it 0 - 2. This goal caused some consternation for the home team and now Pius and Stephane Kemoagna his strike partner were causing all sorts of problems, Stephane saw a thunderous shot hit the post and rebound to safety and another shot from Steph wasn't held by the keeper, but Adam's netted rebound was adjudged offside minutes before the end of the half.
The half time team talks were probably diametrically opposed to each other, Bradwell's consisted of composure and structure and you'd have thought Leighton's would have been reminiscent of a Ferguson hairdryer episode and it was certainly Leighton who came out more fired up in the second half. Within the first minute Sam was called on to make a great save from a shot he didn't see till late and on 3 minutes a penalty was awarded to the opposition which was duly dispatched 1 - 2 and game on. In previous game this is the point were Bradwell have looked vulnerable, in the lead but with the opposition pressing, tonight was different, though. Stephane could have restored a two goal lead but his thunderous shot cleared the cross bar when sublety would have lead to a goal, Ryan hit over from the edge of the area with a first time shot when he probably had time for a touch, but we were still looking dangerous. It was Leighton however that did score next, some good work out wide saw a cross sent to the back post and it was headed in to make it 2 - 2 on 73 minutes, how would Bradwell react? Derrick MacDonald had come on to replace Adam and Charlie Fisher came on to replace Ryan and these two both lifted the team with their injection of effort. On 77 minutes a free kick was won some 25 yards from goal and Will Wright stepped up to slot the ball home past the outstretch hand of the keeper and make it 2 - 3. Derrick kept up his attacking runs and with his pace alongside that of Steph and Pius, Leighton had to keep defenders back, Derricks pace eventually told and only a great save from the keeper denied Pius scoring from Derricks cross, however on the 90th minute another great run from Derrick saw him cross to Pius who unselfishly passed the ball on to Stephane and he slotted home in to an empty net, 2 - 4 and 3 points well won.
Man of the match went to Andy Gray for a great performance at the heart of midfield with a notable mention to Adam Moore for his efforts on the wing.
Team;- Sam Jay, Sam Oxley (83 Tom Thornton), Collum Rooney, Matt Hayes, Will Wright, Ben Rymer, Ryan Coyle (C) (75 Charlie Fisher), Andy Gray, Adam Moore (60 Derrick MacDonald), Pius Ofori, Stephane Kemoagna
Tuesday 29th September 2009 New Bradwell St Peter 3 Leverstock Green 2
So far this season New Bradwell St Peter's Youth have played 4 and lost 4 so to say it has been a disappointing start to the season is a bit of an understatement, but in every game the team has more than matched their opponents and in the last 3 games with a quarter of the game to go or less, Peter's have held the lead, so after being on the road for these last three games Simon & Graham were keen to see how they lads would play at home again and with Stephane Kemoagna finally available after suspension, would we see him able to replicate his pre-season form.
Leverstock Green had secured a good win in their first game of the season against much fancied Leighton Town and it was easy to see why as their big, strong and pacey side looked to impose themselves early on in the game. The Peter's defense which has been solid overall this season was also cutting out the silly mistakes that had gifted teams' goals and Matt Hayes in particular was having another strong game at center back. Neither side was able to fashion a clear cut chance in the first quarter of the game, Derrick MacDonald out wide on the left made some good runs but was unable to deliver the crosses and Sam Jay in goal for the Peter's had little to do. It took until the 28th minute for the first goal to come, Charlie Fisher had swapped sides with Derrick and from his tenacious battling, the ball was won and fed in to Andy Gray in central midfield. Andy quickly released the ball to Pius Ofori who in turn played in his strike partner Stephane and Steph calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 1 - 0 to the Peter's. Leverstock continued to press themselves without really creating any chances and it was again the Peter's who were next to score, more good work by Charlie and Andy saw the ball played to Stephane and he outpaced the defense and then audaciously lobbed the keeper from fully 30 yards 2 - 0 to the home team. Stephane wasn't finished though, on 44 minutes he and Pius linked up well and Steph rounded the keeper to make it 3 - 0 at half time.
The second half saw Leverstock come out all guns blazing, but it was the Peter's who nearly increased their lead on 50 minutes, Stephane picked up the ball and the Leverstock defense worried by his pace backed off allowing Steph to hit a thunderbolt of a shot which rocked the corner of the goal, the rebound fell to Adam Moore who had replaced Derrick MacDonald at half time and although Adam netted the rebound he was adjudged to have been offside. Leverstock then showed themselves how dangerous they could be and only a great save by Sam on 10 minutes denied them. Leverstock were now seeing a lot of the ball and on 20 minutes they made this pay, slotting home to make it 3 - 1. Less than 10 minutes later 1 became 2 as they slotted home their second to make it 3 - 2, surely the Peter's wouldn't be denied again in the final quarter? Perry Musto came on to replace Andy Gray who was injured after a couple of very heavy challenges and Jack Howell had replaced Tom Thornton at right back. With virtually his first touch, Perry could have restored the 2 goal lead but his effort was well saved and with time running out, Stephane headed over from close range when he looked sure to score. Leverstock, didn't give up and with extra time of extra time being played only a great reaction save from Sam in goal kept the Peter's in the lead and they held out to secure their first win of the season.
Man of the match went to Stephane Kemoagna for his hatrick of goals with Andy Gray deserving a mention for a great display in midfield. Next week sees the team on their travels again to Leighton Town on Monday 05th October.
Team;- Sam Jay, Tom Thornton (60 Jack Howells), Matt Hayes, Collum Rooney, Will Wright, Charlie Fisher, Ryan Coyle (C), Andy Gray (65 Perry Musto), Derrick MacDonald (45 Adam Moore), Stephane Kemoagna, Pius Ofori
Thursday 24th September 2009 Crawley Green 4 New Bradwell St Peter 3
What's the difference between David Blunkett and New Bradwell's Youth side - David knows how to keep hold of a lead!!!
In their last two away games, Bradwell have held the lead going in to the final quarter of the game but then ended up on the losing side and again that proved to be the case again. Playing away at Harpenden Towns Ground, the lads went in to this game with three new faces and real sense of optimism that this would be their day. Andy Grey and Adam Moore bolstered the squad's ability in midfield and Will Wright came in as a left back and all three added to the strength of the squad. From the off, it was Bradwell that were seeing more of the ball and playing some decent football, but all of this was undone on 5 minutes when with their first entry in to Bradwell's defensive third, a slip by Tom Thornton allowed Crawley to steal in slot home the first goal. Bradwell didn't let their heads drop and on 16 minutes a goal of real craft drew them level, Derrick MacDonald picked the ball up on the left, played infield to Charlie Fisher and his pin point pass found Pius Ofori free and he netted his 5th goal of the campaign to make it 1 - 1. The half looked like it would be heading for honours even but again another defensive slip allowed Crawley to take an unlikely lead on 43 minutes 2 - 1 to the home team and neither goal really made, just gift wrapped by Bradwell.
The second half saw Bradwell really pumped up. Jack Howell came on to replace Tom Thornton at right back and the lads quickly got back in to their passing football. Pius was always a threat up front and both Ben Rymer and Derrick on the wings were seeing a lot of the ball. Ryan Coyle and Andy Gray in midfield were controlling the tempo and it was Bradwell that looked the most likely to score and so it was on 22 minutes a Ben corner found Pius unmarked in the box and he thumped home the ball to make it 2 - 2. This really gave Bradwell the lift they needed and within a minute some great ball work from Pius saw him release Ben and he fired home to make it 3 - 2, would Bradwell get their first win of the season? Crawley were definitely not going to roll over and let this happen and within 5 minutes they drew level again, however in dubious circumstances, with at least two players looking well offside, but the goal stood 3 - 3. Now it was Crawley that sensed a win and Bradwell's doubts returned. Both Pius and Ben had opportunities to restore the lead but on 43 minutes a sucker punch of a goal saw Crawley take a 4 - 3 lead. Even still, Bradwell had chances to draw level, from the kick off Pius ran at the defence and was brought down on the edge of the box, but Ben's effort went just wide and Charlie Fisher broke through the defence but his shot went wide of the right hand post so in the end another disappointing loss. The lads must keep believing, they haven't been second best to anyone this season so far, they have had some harsh calls go against them and not had the rub of the green, but with this level of performance that elusive win must come soon.
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Man of the match went to Matt Hayes for a great performance at Centre Back with debutant Will Wright a close second for his defensive performance. Next week sees the team at home to Leverstock Green on the 29th September.
Team;- Sam Jay, Tom Thornton (45 Jack Howells), Collum Rooney, Matt Hayes, Will Wright, Ben Rymer, Ryan Coyle (C), Andy Gray (55 Adam Moore), Charlie Fisher, Derrick MacDonald (60 Tola Adesina), Pius Ofori
Thursday 17th September 2009 Newport Pagnell Town 4 New Bradwell St Peter 2
This was a local derby against fierce rivals Newport Pagnell Town so a battling game was always on the cards. Bradwell opened the scoring on 6 minutes when Charlie Fisher tucked the ball away to make it 0 - 1. Within 5 minutes Newport equalised, 1 - 1. Sam Oxley was next to score his free kick beat everyone at the far post to again give Bradwell the lead on 28 minutes, a lead which Bradwell took in to half time.
Bradwell had played a lot of good football in the first half, with Newport either looking to counter attack quickly of play long to their striker and this often made Bradwell turn to recover and eventually these tactics told. A corner saw the Newport striker bag his second but then an unsavoury incident saw the Newport midfielder stamp on Sam Jay in goal trying to get the ball back. The referee to his credit calmed the away management team down, spoke to his assistant and then sent the player off, closely followed by their manager. This should have been the point where Bradwell upped their game and made the extra man tell, but instead it was Newport who upped their game scoring two late goals in the final 10 minutes to make it 4 - 2. Bradwell did have their chances still, Derrick hit the cross bar from a free kick and Pius could have netted late on, but in the end another disappointing loss.
Man of the match went to Collum Rooney for a great defensive performance. Next week sees the team away to Crawley Green on the 24th September.
Team;- Sam Jay, Tom Thornton, Collum Rooney, Matt Hayes, Sam Oxley (75 Jack Howells), Ben Rymer, Ryan Coyle (C), Charlie Fisher, Derrick MacDonald, Tola Adesina (78 Jason Cohen), Pius Ofori
Thursday 10th September 2009 Dunstable Town 5 New Bradwell St Peter 2
After last weeks disappointing loss to Hemel, St Peters saw themselves away against last seasons league runners up Dunstable Town.
The first 20 minutes saw St Peters under the cosh with the Dunstable number 8 in particular controlling the game. Only a great save from a Dunstable free kick by Sam Jay in goal denied the opposition and some superb defending by the back four of Sam Oxley, Dan Hassell, Matt Hayes and Collum Rooney kept the score line even. A formational change from St Peters saw Derrick MacDonald drop to the left wing from striker and Tom Thornton move to a midfield role of man marking the number 8 and all of a sudden St Peters started to apply pressure of their own. Within less than two minutes of this change Bradwell forced a corner and Ben Rymer's cross was met by Pius Ofori and he slotted the ball home to make it 0 - 1 to Bradwell. This stunned the Dunstable team as they had enjoyed the lion's share of possession, but now St Peters were creating chances themselves. Pius should have doubled the lead less than a minute later, he outpaced the defence but couldn't find the finish. On 30 minutes great work by Ryan Coyle in the middle saw his through ball find Tom Thornton in unfamiliar territory one on one with the keeper but his rushed finish drifted wide and St Peters could have and should have been 3 to the good. However, it was Dunstable that had the last word on the first half, when in injury time a poor clearance saw their midfielder drift inside to slot home his shot and make it 1 - 1.
The second half started with St Peter's making the running and a Sam Oxley free kick was met by a thumping Matt Hayes header which narrowly went over the crossbar on 50 minutes. However on 54 minutes Pius picked up the ball after dropping deep to create space, he drove at the defence and smashed home his shot to make it 1 - 2. St Peter's rode their luck for a 10 minute period and only some great goal line defending and reaction saves from Sam in goal kept the lead intact, but again it was St Peter's who could have nicked the next goal, a through ball to Pius saw him control the ball only for the Dunstable keeper to jump all over him. To the amazement of both sets of coaching staff and fans, the referee adjudged Pius's complete lack of movement to be impeding the keeper and for the second week running a cast iron penalty shout was turned down. Bradwell then made a couple of changes Tola Adesina had already replaced Derrick on 50 minutes and now Jason Cohen and Harry Melhuish replaced Tom Thornton and Sam Oxley respectively. With less than 20 minutes remaining, Dunstable threw everything at Bradwell and eventually the pressure told, on 74 minutes they equalised and on 76 minutes they took the lead. Bradwell then had another extremely good shout for a penalty turned down and in the end a lack of experience at this level allowed Dunstable to slot home a couple more goals to give them a very flattering 5 - 2 win, something their players and friends failed to appreciate with their unnecessary comments at the end of the game and this certainly sets up at lot of anticipation for the return fixture later in the season.
Man of the match went to Sam Jay in goal for some great saves with Matt Hayes a very close second with a sublime performance at centre back. Next week sees the team on their travels again to Newport Pagnell Town on the 17th September.
Team;- Sam Jay, Dan Hassell, Collum Rooney, Matt Hayes, Sam Oxley (67 Harry Melhuish), Ben Rymer, Ryan Coyle (C), Charlie Fisher, Tom Thornton (65 Jason Cohen), Derrick MacDonald (50 Tola Adesina), Pius Ofori
Tuesday 1st September 2009 New Bradwell St Peter 3 Hemel Hempstead 4
This was the first league outing for the new Youth Team of New Bradwell St Peter and it couldn't have been a more difficult game up against last season's league winners Hemel Hempstead Town.
The first 20 minutes saw a bright start for the Peter's with captain Ryan Coyle and Charlie Fisher in the middle seeing a lot of the ball and playing with good width to wide midfielders Ben Rymer and Derrick MacDonald and a lot of the play was taking place in the Hemel half of the pitch. On 5 minutes, Derrick looked as though he might open the scoring after a great through ball from Charlie but the opposition keeper made a good save. From the resulting corner, Hemel themselves showed what they could do on the break and their two rapid strikers looked dangerous and only good cover defending from St Peters stopped them. However on 20 minutes, another Bradwell corner was cleared quickly and from the resulting break a shot from outside the area went through a crowd of players and beat Sam Jay in goal to make it 0 - 1 to the visitors. This goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of the New Bradwell and within 4 minutes Hemel doubled their lead to make it 0 - 2. Hemel were now seeing a lot of the ball and the Peter's were showing them too much respect, on 28 minutes it was 0 - 3 after a mix up between the defence and Sam in goal and the scoring for the half was wrapped up with a fourth for Hemel on 41 minutes, leaving New Bradwell with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Although 0 - 4 down, New Bradwell had shown that they could easily match Hemel in all areas when they played with belief and commitment and with this ringing in their ears at the start of the second half they looked determined to get back in to the game. Hemel also to their credit started off very brightly and only resolute defending by Sam Oxley and Tom Thornton at fullbacks and Dan Hassell and Coolum Rooney at Centre backs denied them. Sam in goal was also having a better half, pulling of one fine save in particular to deny Hemel. On 53 minutes this self confidence was rewarded when Ben picked up a good ball from Striker Pius Ofori and slotted home to make it 1 - 4. New Bradwell were now seeing a lot of the ball themselves, a change on 65 minutes saw Jason Cohen came on to replace striker Tola Adesina, Jason was asked to drop in behind Pius and he found lots of space to bring the ball down and play and on 70 minutes, he picked up a through ball from Ryan and neatly played Pius through who calmly beat the keeper to make it 2 - 4. The final substitution saw Antony Jordan come on to replace Derrick and now with a 4 - 3 - 3 formation, New Bradwell were pinning Hemel in their own half. Pius again latched on to a Jason Cohen pass and his run in to the area saw him brought to the ground for what looked like a cast iron penalty but to the amazement of the crowd, the referee waved play on, however this did not deter the lads and on 81 minutes, Pius latched on to a Ben Rymer corner and headed home to make it 3 - 4. New Bradwell then threw everything at Hemel but try as they may, they were unable to find the equalising goal and ended up on the wrong end of an opening game 4 - 3 score. This was definitely a case of "a game of two halves" with the first half being a rude awakening for the squad, but the second half showed what they are capable of.
Man of the match went to Collum Rooney for a solid display at Centre Back with Charlie Fisher deserving a mention for a great display in midfield. Next week sees the team on their travels to Dunstable Town on the 10th September.
Team;- Sam Jay, Tom Thornton, Dan Hassell, Collum Rooney, Sam Oxley, Ben Rymer, Ryan Coyle (C), Charlie Fisher, Derrick MacDonald (70 Antony Jordan), Tola Adesin (65 Jason Cohen), Pius Ofori