Wednesday 15 November 2017

MATCH REPORT - SAT 11 NOVEMBER

BEES 5 - 0 TARVIN WHITES

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!! This was by far our best performance ever against a Tarvin team who put 22 goals past us last season but who didn't seem quite so big this season.

The warm-up was really good and I could tell that the boys had come with a focus and desire. We talked about the mistakes against EP and how we needed to go more organised at the back and think about 'safety first'.

After a number of weeks of rotating positions we went for a more fixed line-up for the key parts of the match and this paid dividends as we looked very solid. Our motto of 'safety first' meant we avoided getting caught on the ball and we could re-group for throw-ins and corners.

Oliver, Isaac, George and Samuel were getting 100% stuck-in, pushing, shoving with high energy and breaking up the play. This created space and time on the ball for Ben, Henry, Emlyn and Pablo to terrorise the Tarvin defence and its not an over exaggeration to say it could have been 15-0 by the end.

Remarkably the match was level after the first quarter. From there we scored 5 excellent goals from Emlyn (3), Henry (1) and Pablo (1) but the result really came from great teamwork where everyone was backing each other up and playing for each other.

Its not often a hat-trick doesn't get MOTM but the award this week went to Pablo who is showing that he can break-up play, bomb forward or pass and has a powerful shot. His goal at 1-0 up was crucial as we were all very worried at this stage after being so dominant.

Well done boys. Great performance.

MATCH REPORT - SAT 4 NOVEMBER

ELLESMERE PORT RANGERS 7 - 3 BEES

The boys played really well in spells and our first quarter display (2-2) goes down as probably our best 10 minutes so far.

After conceding an early goal the boys started to knock the ball about brilliantly and following a pass and wing play from Emlyn the ball was squared for Henry to get us level. Emlyn then put us ahead before EP equalised right at the end of the quarter.

After lots of changes over the next 2 quarters we lost our way a little at times. We had asked the boys to really pressure the EP back line but the opposite occurred as EP upped their tackling and we got caught bogged down in dangerous positions. Some of our tackling was more 'hanging out a leg' rather then getting stuck in which is frustrating. We also need to learn in 50/50 challenges to get to the ball rather than stand and wait for it!

The boys battled back into the match at 3-5 from Ben but we got caught on the break again to give EP a flattering score-line.

The boys were always in the game which was pleasing and we had plenty of the ball and lots of good chances. We can take positives from the first quarter as our passing was superb. If we can cut-out the silly mistakes at the back and not get caught on the ball then we can match these bigger sides as our attacking threat and firepower will give us goals.

MOTM went to Henry.

Well done boys, a good effort against a decent team.

Saturday 21 October 2017

MATCH REPORT - SAT 21 OCTOBER

SAUGHALL BLACKS 4 - 5 BEES 

What a difference a week makes! The boys were absolutely on fire this morning as we came back from 2-0 down to win the match in the final quarter. 

The performance was "chalk and cheese" compared to last week as we played with huge confidence in our passing moves, held our positions well and we all battled hard against some big lads. 

Our decision making was excellent, with players not overrunning the ball and looking to play a forward pass rather then lose possession. This meant for a great 'team' display with every player playing their part and reaching their full potential. 

At 2-0 down against powerful shots we came back into it, firstly from a mazy Henry run and finish for 2-1 before Saughall scored again whilst Ben was having his laces tied! 

The boys stormed back to parity through a brilliant assist (Tom) and finish (Emlyn), then followed by another Emlyn goal which he swerved high over the oncoming keeper. 

With Samuel and George punching above their weight in midfield and passing simply we got in on goal repeatedly.

In defence or midfield and particularly in the CDM position Oliver, Isaac, Pablo and Thomas did brilliantly to win ball and either run it from trouble or play a pass. 

Oliver beat a player to feed Emlyn for our fourth but Saughall battled away and got back level with a fortunate goal, rebounding off the post to their strikers feet. Henry had been doing brilliantly in goal repeatedly rushing off his line to clear danger like Manuel Neuer! 

Yazan was doing well to hold the ball upfront and we created further chances with his physical threat up the pitch. 

At 4-4 we went into the final quarter with Emlyn in goal and Ben chomping at the bit after sitting our the middle quarters (as Samuel had to leave early). After  some end to end football and great saves it fell to Ben to grab the winner and complete a brilliant comeback! 

With 3 wins and a few close losses in a tougher league format this season the boys can be really proud of the start we've made, and especially how we played today and against Princess Villa. If we can bottle these performances and bring them every week that would be fantastic...

Well done boys.

Monday 16 October 2017

MATCH REPORT - SAT 14 OCTOBER

BEES 2 - 4 NOMADS COLTS

This was a frustrating result against a team who, player for player, probably don't carry the talent we have but who fight hard in the tackles, defend well and put there bodies on the line in terms of clearances and last ditch tackles.

We can learn a lot from today!

It's easy to say we were unlucky (and we were), that we had too many subs/changes, we hit the cross-bar, there was goal line clearances and last ditch tackles but that might mask over a few basic issues and the fact that Nomads were organised and got stuck in.  

Although the Bees had most of the possession and we created by far the most chances we also need to stay alert when defending and put proper tackles in. If we allow players to run (unchallenged) 30 yards into our box or decide we aren't going to track back and help, then we are in for a tough season.

Going forward with Emlyn, Ben and Henry we looked dangerous but Nomads had an organised defensive line up. With no substitutes it also helped Nomads to concentrate on their positions and shape.

After Nomads had scored (totally against the run of play) we got back to 1-1 with a run and goal from Sam. In Q3 we then conceded 2 really poor goals from our point of view as tackles and effort went missing for 10 minutes - much to work on!

Henry got us back to 4-2 with a fine run and finish and with Ben smashing one off the cross-bar it proved not to be our day.

It was frustrating today and perhaps it highlighted that we need to get more organised positionally and in our line-ups and game management to each quarter.

Work to done from both coaches and players point of view!!


MATCH REPORT - SAT 7 OCTOBER

PRINCESS VILLA 4 - 2 BEES

The boys played really well today and came back into the game after conceding 3 goals in the first quarter. Having discussed the need to start quickly and make our tackles we stood off Princess Villa and allowed them to take some long range shots which all hit the target!

In the following 3 quarters we played much better and our tackling and aggression to win the ball was really good. We forced saves from the Princess Villa goalie and the match was being played for long periods in their half.

After conceding a 4th goal the boys still pushed hard to get something from the game we deservedly grabbed a goal from a good move which resulted in a scramble in the box which Henry finished off. We then scored again from a Emlyn free-kick which found its way to the bottom corner.

At 4-2 we pushed hard and George and Sam in particular were fighting hard and putting in good tackles whilst Ben was picking the ball up and running at pace. We ended the game on top and the boys looked like they were really enjoying the muddy conditions.

With the league now split into 3 leagues we won't have any easy games this season and can expect a challenge every week to get a result.

Well done boys. This was a good effort against a talented team.





Wednesday 4 October 2017

MATCH REPORT - SAT 30 SEPT

ROCKETS 4 - 6 CHESTER NOMADS AMBERS

After the fixtures were changed again we were drawn for a second time against Nomads stronger team in our league. In the first game of the season we had struggled a bit and went down 6-2 in terrible conditions.

This week we gave a much improved performance in a game we were unlucky not to take something from.

Coach Chris was very pleased and in particular said Isaac put in a great performance in Q2 (which was 0-0) and the Nomads big lad up front didn't get a touch. Ben also put in a great shift with the best work effort we've seen from him.

Goals and the score-line went as follows:

Q1; 1-2 (Emlyn)
Q2; 0-0
Q3; 1-2 (Ben)
Q4; 2-2 (Emlyn and George)

MOTM went to Isaac.

Well done boys, a close and competitive game.

MATCH REPORT - SAT 23 SEPT

HOPE FARM FC 5 - 15 BEES

The boys were really 'on it' as we scored lots of great goals and held our positions brilliantly.

The score-line and win is far less important than the fact that we continued to switch players around in different positions and everyone did fantastically to understand their position even if it isn't something natural to them. This will really help all the lads in the future when tracking back and covering each other comes more into the game on bigger pitches.

Our goals as follows, we think! If we have missed anyone let us know.

Thomas (3)
Emlyn (7)
Pablo (1)
George (1)
Isaac (1)
OG (2)

Great progress in the last two matches in terms of how each player tried to do the right things.

MOTM went to Emlyn for a double hat-trick with some cool finishes!

Well done everyone!




Sunday 17 September 2017

MATCH REPORT - SAT 16 SEPT

BEES 3 - 2 CHESTER NOMADS COLTS

A really positive response from the boys. We looked far more like ourselves in the dry and warm conditions and our work rate was much higher.

Henry got us ahead with a tidy finish following a build up of pressure on the Nomads goal. Going in at 1-0 up after the first quarter we looked in control of the match and the better football was being played by the Bees.

This week we switched the boys about with everyone taking a turn in different positions, particularly in defence or defensive midfield. Isaac and Pablo looked good at the back in their spells there and were either able to clear or run the ball out of danger.

Nomads got back in the game before first Yazan hit a hard low shot to the bottom corner and then George volleyed one in direct from a corner. At 3-1 we looked like we might extend the lead as Ben and Henry were combining and using the width.

Nomads scored with a brilliant cross/shot but the boys saw out the match in the ascendency.

MOTM was awarded to the whole team for their first win of the season. Well done boys, much better this week.

Saturday 9 September 2017

MATCH REPORT - SAT 9 SEPT

BEES 2 - 6 CHESTER NOMADS

Really tough conditions didn't suit our boys as a physically bigger Nomads side coped better in the long grass, mud and driving rain. 

We went ahead after dominating the opening quarter with a great finish from Thomas. Thereafter the game opened up and with one big and athletic boy in their team Nomads went ahead 4-1 with some good goals but some generous tackiling and defending! 

Emlyn was our bright light throughput the game and he got us back in the game at 4-2 with a terrific run and finish. 

With everyone very cold we succumbed to a couple more goals while at the other end the Nomads keeper made save after save.

The boys were always in the match and ability wise there wasn't much in it. We will take the positives and work on the tackling, work rate and aggression required in matches like this. 

Well done boys. Good effort in terrible conditions! 

Wednesday 28 June 2017

BEES TOURNAMENT REPORT - PREES - SAT 24 JUNE

PREES TOURAMENT

In the Bees first proper tournament with short games we did exceptionally well. The most pleasing aspect was how we improved with every game as we got used to the short games and pace.

In the first game we lost to Shawbury 4-1 as the lads were caught a bit surprised at the pace against a decent opposition. George scored a fine goal.  

In the 2nd game we were winning 1-0 with a couple of minutes to go after Yazan had scored. Some silly errors at the back let Worthen FC back in and frustratingly we conceded 2 late goals.

Our 3rd game pitched us against the hosts Prees FC and we earned a very solid 0-0 draw. We battled much harder in this game and our determination really warranted a win.

In our 4th game against Walsall we played the best football of the day as Samuel and George got stuck into the opposition and Ben and Henry found space to run. Henry scored a lovely 10 minute hat-trick, for a super 3-0 win.

Our results placed us in the Shield group and with two more matches we felt we could do well.

We played Bunbury in a very enjoyable game which we won 3-2 (Henry 2, George 1). Samuel's save, tipping over the bar, from a thunderbolt shot will be one of the memories of the season. If we had a golden glove award that save would win it!

In our final match we replayed Prees FC and this time around we won 3-0 to show how we'd improved over the day. Henry bagged his 6th and 7th and Ben got a deserved goal after excellent displays all day.

We didn't select a player of the tournament but;

Samuel's improvement was evident since understanding he can be physical! He loves a tackle!

Isaac played through the pain barrier all day and was in the wars! He was a warrior.

Henry got 7 goals and he was very happy with that! Enough said.

Ben's running and passing was brilliant - back to his best!

George's tackling and running was super. He scored 2 goals as well! All rounder.

Thomas is getting more physical every week...to match his undoubted skills!

Yazan gave us the unexpected in attack (and defence!) and showed some great skills!


Well done boys.

Tuesday 13 June 2017

BEES MATCH REPORT - SAT 10 JUNE

BEES 1 - 6 CHESTER NOMADS 'A'

With the Bees playing 7v7 for only the second time this season against a very big and strong Nomads side, we were not quite sure what to expect.
 
The boys started the better of the two teams going 1-0 up within the first 5mins courtesy of a well struck goal by Yazan following a nice through ball from midfield. We were enjoying a good spell of procession and playing some nice football before Nomads beat us the counter and equalized just before the end of the first quarter. 

As the 2nd quarter began, we still looked good and were very much holding our own, until the referee awarded Nomads a penalty for a handball (Thomas) on the goal line – a little harsh in my mind as the ball would have hit his chest, but there you go!! Pablo tried his best to keep it out, but unfortunately it was not to be. The Bees continued to battle hard and looking dangerous on the break.  There were some really nice link up plays between Emlyn, Ben and Henry, and some strong tackling from Samuel, George and Oliver, but we were just unable to convert the chances. Mid way through the quarter Nomads doubled their lead with a high shot that Pablo was only able to parry, unfortunately dropping to an oncoming player at the back post. 

With Nomads 3-1 up going into the 3rd quarter it was always going to be a struggle, however this was not made any easier by the fact that the boys appeared to run out of steam.  Previous hard battling and running was less effective and had it not been some heroic goalkeeping by Ben, Nomads would have scored more than just the one goal in this quarter. 

Unfortunately, in the final quarter the bees could not mount a comeback and Nomads scored a further 2. That said, the play did intensify and there were a couple of lovely moves from the back that resulted in some close efforts.  Of note, Yazan’s goal kick to Oliver on the left, quick pass down the line to Henry who beat his player to cross to Thomas, who’s first time strike narrowly missed the outside edge of the post.  And there was almost a carbon copy down the right. 

MOTM was shared by all the boys as they all worked really hard, against a bigger and stronger side. All in all a positive display by everyone, just not a favourable result.

Thank you to all the parents for your help in putting away the goals and cones - much appreciated

 

Monday 5 June 2017

BEES MATCH REPORT - SAT 3 JUNE

BEES 13 - 4 HOPE FARM FC

This was a really enjoyable game to watch as the boys played some attractive passing football and looked very much like a team trying to do the right things. They also looked like they were having great fun in a match which was open and energetic.

The goals were spread amongst the team and the fight for top goal scorer will go to the wire! Henry (3), Yazan (2), Pablo (2), Emlyn (2), Ben (2), Oliver (1) and Samuel (1).

The boys looked really organised from set pieces and we are starting to think about when we can take a quick goal kick or throw, when to go long or diagonal and when is a short corner on! 

We scored goals and created lots of chances through quick thinking and we can see the boys have learnt that it is important to remain switched on to the opportunities we can make this way (rather than Chris and I directing them all the time). The boys also worked out the oppositions weaknesses and we hunted them down from their goal kicks.



The boys were very happy with their performance - nice photo Enrique. MOTM went to Isaac who was really committed and busy around the pitch.

Well done. Our 16th win of the season with goals scored now at 116!!

Tuesday 30 May 2017

BEES MATCH REPORT - SAT 27 MAY

BEES 11 - 1 ELLESMERE PORT JETS

A fabulous display after a tough but worthwhile practise match in training. We showed that when we get slightly more time to play we can string together brilliant passing moves and score some great goals.

Our last match against this team was a narrow 2-0 win and it was a scrappy match against a team set up defensively. Today though we got about our work quickly and managed to get the ball wide which created lots of space for overlaps and crosses.

The goal-scorers were Henry (3), Ben (2), Yazan (2), Emlyn (2) and Harry (2). Samuel went close a few times and Oliver hit the post twice so it was a pretty attacking display!

The most pleasing thing was the style of our play in terms of passing inside and outside, wing play, crosses and some quality finishes. The boys really tried hard to keep to their positions which was the most obvious improvement we can make as a team looking at the training match V Wasps.

All the boys who went in goal did a great job and its nice that we can play with different options. Yazan showed he can defend and hold position which was a big positive from the day as we try to get the boys to understand various positions and recognise the different areas and what is required to be a team.

In training from now to the end of the season we will focus on positions and hopefully the boys can work hard on keeping the formations and shape we talk about going into each quarter of the match. This will ensure that when we come up against talented sides we don't get 'caught' as much.

A great effort boys, well done. MOTM was shared across the whole team as we had so many awesome displays.

Monday 22 May 2017

BEES MATCH REPORT - SAT 20 MAY

SAUGHALL COLTS 3 - 1 BEES

Playing 7v7 for the first time today the boys started really well in wet conditions and whilst we didn't quite hit the heights of recent weeks the game was very even until the last quarter.

Yazan put the Bees 0-1 up with a finish from close range and the boys looked quite comfortable and dangerous on the break.

In the 3rd quarter we conceded a goal direct from a corner. We were set-up correctly but the ball sailed over our tallest player Thomas and right into the top corner, even though he leapt valiantly to try to get it. Really, really unlucky.

At 1-1 both teams had chances and in fairness to Saughall they did start to pass the ball with more control than the Bees and they opened us up on a couple of occasions.

In the final quarter we conceded from a good move and then we switched off at a Saughall throw-in (marking the wrong side of the player) to give them a soft goal and take the match away from us.

The boys all tried their best against a team we've been close against in the last two games (one win, one defeat). There are things we can learn from and take back to training on Thursday. The main aims by the end of this first season are to be organised, less bunching up and a bit more relaxed on the ball. We are not far away! 

Oliver was named MOTM for a committed and calm display.

Well done boys. We can't win them all!

Sunday 14 May 2017

BEES MATCH REPORT - SAT 13 MAY

BEES 6 - 1 CHESTER NOMADS COLTS

A really encouraging performance after a good training session and warm-up where all the boys showed they can pass and move.  

We recorded our 9th win in 13 games since Christmas to keep our good form and progress going.

In the first quarter we started a little slowly and Samuel in goal and Thomas in defence made good clearances. It was particularly nice to see Isaac using his tackling and high energy. We ended 0-0.

After the first 10 minutes we talked to the boys about being first to the ball and raising the efforts to win possession. Soon after Samuel won the ball, headed towards goal and after a clearance Henry coolly slotted home his 14th of the season.

After that we started to dominate and Henry doubled the lead with a smart finish before Nomads scored an own goal for 3-0. Yazan also went close after good runs on the left.  

In the third quarter Ben came into the game as an attacking threat down the right and was really unlucky not to get on the score sheet. Oliver moved further forward into midfield and was doing what we asked by getting shots on goal and the ball forward quickly.

From a good midfield tackle we set Pablo free on the left who cut inside and buried his chance to the bottom right for 4-0 and Pablo's first goal. Shortly after Nomads conceded again through their own net from a perfect Ben corner.

In the final quarter Emlyn really showed what he can do against a tiring Nomads. He picked the ball up deep on the right, ghosted past two players before slotting home to the bottom corner. A great goal caught on video!!

Nomads did score late on to deny our defenders a clean sheet.

MOTM award was a tough call but we went with Emlyn this week. A great contribution and a very, very good goal.

We can still relax more on the ball and get into space rather than crowd the ball and own players. We can also work on attacking our set pieces as with Ben, Oliver and Henry we have quality corners and free kicks.  

Well done to everyone...

Monday 1 May 2017

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MINI TOURNAMENT - 29 APRIL

BARCELONA 4 - 3 JUVENTUS

Rather than play our Arrows V Bees league match we mixed things up with a mini tournament and short matches which will be the format for future competitive tournaments.

Nick was Manager of Barca
Chris was Manager of Real
Rob was Manager of Juve

The Group stage results were as follows:

Barcelona 2 - 0 Real Madrid

Barcelona 2 - 1 Juve

Real Madrid 1 - 3 Juve

This meant that the final was Barcelona V Juventus. Real Madrid's players were transferred across to the other teams to give us a 20 minute final on a bigger pitch.

Chris was sacked by Real Madrid but picked up a coaching job with Barca!

The first half was dominated by Barca whose tiki-taka football meant they went 2-0 up. During the break coach Rob got his Juve players together and commented that Barca were already celebrating.

A change in formation with Oliver going further forward to join Yazan brought Juve level 2-2 and then remarkably Oliver scored with 2 minutes to go for what surely was the winner!?

Unbelievably Henry (aka Lio Messi) got Barca level with 30 seconds to go. The coaches were shaking hands thinking a 3-3 draw would mean everyone was happy. Henry though had other ideas as he picked up the ball 25 yards out, jinked and span in the box before hitting the winner with the last kick of the match!

Player of the Tournament went to Henry, for obvious reasons! Other notable performances were Frankie with a great goal, Samuel with two against Madrid, Yazan with three against Madrid and Oliver B for two in the final.   

All the boys played really well and the passing from our Arrows and Bees was superb.

Good fun and we will do it again next time we are drawn in the league. 

Thursday 27 April 2017

BEES MATCH REPORT - SAT 22 APRIL

BEES 7 - 4 WESTMINSTER PARK

We came up against a team who we had narrowly defeated twice over Christmas when helped out by a few boys from the Wasps. So it was really pleasing to see us score 7 goals with a full Bees squad of 9 players who all contributed and gave 100%.

We went behind in the first quarter but as always the boys kept trying to play our football and Yazan got us level with the first of a memorable morning for him! The assist coming from brilliant play by Henry down the wing and putting the cross in early.

The game was quite even but the Bees always looked a more likely threat as we played a higher line, even at the risk of getting caught on the break.

Over the middle period Yazan grabbed another 3 goals to take us 4-1 clear before Westminster Park got back to 4-2 and 5-3 with Henry and then George taking the score to 6-4! Yazan then somehow used some top and side spin on his lobbed shot to deceive the goalie and make the score 7-4.

Pablo played really well on his debut and was unlucky not to score.

Man of the Match was actually quite a tough decision as Henry had assisted 2 and scored 1 but after some consideration it was impossible not reward a 5 goal performance from Yazan. Well done.

Great stuff. Our 13th win of the season, scoring an incredible 85 goals!


Tuesday 11 April 2017

ARROWS MATCH REPORT - SAT 8 APRIL

ARROWS 3 - 4 HOPE FARM

A very evenly fought contest which could have gone either way with period scorelines of 1-1, 0-1, 0-1, 1-0. 

Waverton opened the scoring in the game and deservedly so with lots of positive possession and passing. Hope Farm equalised quickly and for a time this took the wind out of the Waverton sails. 

Hope Farms second goal was a screamer from half way as Oliver was trying his laces. Unfortunate. Ben, Rafa and Henry all created chances only to be denied by some solid goalkeeping. Ellis proved to be a great engine in midfield and Christopher and George played exceptionally well at the back. Always ensuring the last man was marked and cancelling out Hope Farm attacks before they could build. Save of the season from Oliver late in the first half kept the team within a goal of each other. 

Hope Farm scored their third early in the second half and some heads dropped. However collectively the Arrow's picked themselves up and pulled one back with time to spare. 

Special coaches thanks to Steve for supporting with some substitution timings. 

Thanks also to the Bees for lending Ben and Henry.

Wednesday 29 March 2017

BEES MATCH REPORT - SAT 25 MARCH

BEES 3 - 4 SAUGHALL BLUES

A very narrow defeat against a team who put 12 goals past us early in the season again highlighted progress but we were left to rue the result as we conceded a couple of goals which were preventable.

With 6 regular Bees starting and Zac and Harry from Wasps waiting on the bench we started really brightly. Samuel opened the scoring with a great right foot finish to the bottom corner before we gave the ball away carrying from defence for Saughall to cross and score to make it 1-1.

In the second and third quarters the game was end to end and after Saughall had scored again from another "ball carrying, head down, in the danger zone incident" we got back level through a Yazan deflected shot from distance which deceived their goalie.

Saughall always looked a threat on the break and physically they are a strong bunch which made it hard for some of our boys. However, as Zac in particular came into the match from a more central role Samuel put us 3-2 up with a left foot finish.

A draw would have been a fair result but we conceded two goals and our amazing run of results comes to end just in time for the Easter break.

Saughall cut down the space quickly and pressurised the boys which made it hard for our skilful runners. Lessons are two-fold:

    1. the ball is the fastest thing on the pitch if we can learn to relax and pass a little more

    2. we need to match teams physically and in work rate

Overall though the boys can be proud about coming so close against a team who are definitely one of the stronger teams. For this reason MOTM awards went to everyone!




ARROWS MATCH REPORT - SAT 25 MARCH

ARROWS 0 - 11 ELLESMERE PORT RANGERS

A tough match against a very good Ellesmere Port Town team with a number of skilful players.

The first half saw Waverton slow to start and whilst good zonal formations were maintained (George always remaining in the Waverton half to defend, and Rafa always remaining in the Ellesmere half to attack) the team lost seven goals. In the most part these were to polite defending in front of our own goal or taking the ball into dangerous positions from our own goal kicks. Something that needs a lot of work in training. Despite this there were the first few – of many – encouraging signs. Freddie, Guy and Coby taking the time to control the ball, look up and spot a team mate to pass too, this created one great chance  a piece for Rafa and Christopher during a passage of pressure that also saw back to back Waverton corners. Oliver did well in goal preventing the scoreline from getting worse on at least 2 occasions.

In the second half – and rather confusingly for the coaches – the shape was lost completely, but only 4 further goals were conceded. Coby’s spell in goal was the best of the match with the third period only conceding 1 goal. Again Chris and Rafa finding themselves with great opportunities to open the scoring for Waverton.
Towards the end of the game Waverton again pushed forward, helped by Eric looking up and picking out three great forward passes, they had back to back corners and were unfortunate that, in throwing the full team forward to try and score, left a big gap at the back to allow Ellesmere Port to score their 11th with the last kick of the game.

Saturday 18 March 2017

BEES MATCH REPORT - SAT 18 MARCH

SAUGHALL 1 - 2 WAVERTON BEES

We cannot underestimate what an achievement this result is and how much the boys have improved and gelled as a team. With the boys now much more organised and our formation of 1-3-1 working well, we are conceding hardly any goals which always makes life easier!

That said, we did go 0-1 down in the first quarter after losing possession in our own half and Saughall passing the ball very well on the angle to the striker who scored a good goal. This kind of mistake, borne out of running at the opposition rather than passing around them, is far less worrying than organisational errors and we can deal with this at the training sessions.

The boys certainly never let their heads go down and with Henry always looking to attack the space at speed, Yazan being a skilful and physical threat up front backed up by industry in the middle we deservedly equalised as Henry shot early to the bottom corner to deceive the goalie.

Just before the equaliser Samuel had pulled off two great saves, the second one being a potential match winner to keep us from going 2-0 down.

At 1-1 we dominated the 3rd quarter with both Samuel and Ben being denied by some fine Saughall goalkeeping.

In the 4th quarter we camped in the Saughall half but it was looking like it might not be our day with Ben going close and lots of penalty box scrambles. However, we got the winner as Yazan dribbled the ball to the goal and finished well.

Its really pleasing that we have a team where we have no real weak links and our players can cover multiple positions. Thomas and Oliver can be confident about coming forward as they know that George will intelligently drop to cover. Samuel and Isaac don't mind scrapping for the ball and breaking forward and Ben, Henry and Yazan are real threats on the break and are finding space. We have now scored 75 goals this season!

Now we are better organised we can work on being more relaxed on the ball and to play with a higher speed both in passing and attacking space. From this point of view we are ahead of where we thought we would be in the development of the team.

MOTM went to Henry who always looked to play the game how its meant to be played and whose voice has now got much louder constantly asking for the ball in good space.

Well done everyone, brilliant.

ps. we still need a permanent goalkeeper so if any of the boys have friends who want to try out please ask them to get in touch!! There might be some rugby boys who fancy it??

Sunday 12 March 2017

MATCH REPORT 2 - SAT 11 MARCH

WAVERTON BEES 2 - 2 PRINCES VILLA 

Having been beaten 8-1 earlier in the season by this tough Princes Villa A team, the game was another test of our progress. The boys stood up to the task superbly with a battling display where individually our boys didn't shirk from a single challenge.

In the first quarter we pressurised the opposition really well with a fast start and a series of corners from Ben. From this Princes Villa put into their own net at the near post. 

Unbelievably the game remained 1-0 until 5 minutes to go across 25 minutes of football which went end-to-end and was good to watch with both teams putting together decent passing moves and opportunities which had goal line clearances at both ends. One goal seemed to have a force-field around it! 

With 5 minutes to go we had a small mix-up at the back and Princes Villa hit a scooped lob which George had no chance of reaching. Shortly afterwards Princes Villa scored again and we sensed from their supporters that usual service had been resumed! 

Princes Villa though underestimated our new found resolve as the Bees poured forward and from a great Oliver pass Henry hit a guided left foot volley into the corner to get us back to 2-2 and bring some loud celebrations. 

With seconds remaining Henry was brought down and we sensed a famous victory as Oliver stepped up and thundered one off the post in the games final play.

Well done to all the boys. Again everyone contributed brilliantly. MOTM went to Henry for his equaliser which is a contender for goal of the season. 

MATCH REPORT 1 - SAT 11 MARCH

WAVERTON ARROWS 1 - 4 ELLESMERE PORT JETS

The continued development of this Arrow's team was very evident during today's match versus an equally improving Jet's team.

A goal was conceded by Waverton in each of the 4 periods with Waverton only responding in the first period. Again an excellent first half but energy, focus and attention drifted in the second.

In the first period Waverton had the better of the game with excellent movement creating chances for both front men with Christopher and Rafa coming close on more than one occasion. Good shape was maintained throughout with George and Frankie keeping Jet's chances against Guy in goal to a minimum. Ellis creating an energetic bridge between defence and attack. A moment of note was Rafa's excellent free kick - struck well but kept out by the Jet's keeper. 

In the second period the defensive half of the team was kept together and again good shape was maintained, George and Frankie making good tackles - complementing each other well. Guy made some good saves and his distribution from goal kicks much improved. Eric supported Ellis well in midfield and both picked out good passes to create opportunities for Freddie. 

1-2 down at half time and things looked tight. The next goal was always going to be decisive. 

In the 3rd and 4th periods Waverton were caught with 2 break away goals as some focus was lost in ensuring the defensive zone was always populated/protected. The Jet's had a continuous period of pressure with corner after corner being defended well. A highlight was a passage of 3 deliberate passes between Freddie, Guy and Rafa which moved the ball quickly from midfield to attack and split the Jet's defence. Very encouraging.

A great effort from all the boys. A special thanks from the coach for Arrows's parents, Bee's Coaches and Will as Referee for additional support on the day.

Saturday 4 March 2017

MATCH REPORT - SAT 4 MARCH

WAVERTON BEES 4 - 1 HOPE FARM FC

A solid performance and 11th win of the campaign from a full strength Bees team. The boys swept away Home Farm with a scoreline which doesn't reflect the possession, territorial advantage and the twenty or so corners! 

The boys started well against a disorganised opposition and dominated the first quarter with Thomas hitting a pile-driver into the bottom corner from distance. Hope Farm were giving away free-kicks, corners and never really looked terribly organised from goal-kicks but the boys couldn't add to the advantage.

In the 2nd quarter we lost a moments concentration with all our players the wrong side of the opposition from a simple throw-in which led to Hope Farm being in on goal and equalising from their first attack.

The team talk at half-time needed to be strong and we explained that some of the displays had not been up to speed and we needed more effort and concentration. In fairness the boys responded with 3 goals in 3 minutes! Yazan put us 2-1 up with a good finish to the inside netting before George hunted down the ball from a goal kick and battled it all the way into the back of the net. Henry then slotted home (his 11th of season) with a nice left foot finish to put us 4-1 up. 

Ben looked a threat throughout, Isaac was tackling and getting around the pitch and Samuel was energetic and through on goal before being taken out with a tackle that made us all wince! Oliver looked a threat off all set pieces as Hope Farm resorted to rugby and wrestling tactics to keep the score down. 

The 4th quarter went without too much alarm and the boys were glad to get off uninjured as the large group of Hope Farm supporters egged on their lads to "go through them" whilst then being astonished at the referees decisions, even though I was letting quite a few go! 

There was only one team who tried to do the right thing this morning in terms of clean tackling, passing and skilful running and we were rewarded with a good result so the boys can be proud to come through with credit. 

MOTM was shared. Henry always tried to do the right thing, passing and moving against bigger opposition. George was everywhere again and won countless battles. One particular ball winning tackle could be heard and felt in North Wales! 

Well done boys, great effort from everyone.

Monday 27 February 2017

MATCH 2 - SAT 25 FEBRUARY

ELLESMERE PORT RANGERS 2 - 1 WAVERTON BEES

With a number of boys away for half term, the Bees only had 4 available (Thomas, Ben, Yazan & Oliver) for this fixture, so were grateful to welcome Marcus and Joseph from the Wasps to the team.

EP Rangers applied some early pressure and were rewarded with a long range effort sneaking into the bottom corner within the first 5 mins of the game.  In the second quarter, the boys dug deep, and with Ben making a number of excellent saves (at least 3-4), Oliver drew us level with a deflected shot that wrong footed their goalkeeper.

1-1 at half time, Waverton could have edged ahead in the third quarter, and after some dogged defending by the team, Thomas cleared the ball thought to Yazan who was clear on goal with only the keeper to beat...but he hit the ball too well and it thundered over the bar.

In the final quarter, tiredness really showed (the suggestion of bringing Jaffa Cakes for half time could be a good one!!), and in contrast to EP who had made substitutions every 7minutes, the boys struggled to get out of their own half.  After watching a great strike by EP hit the inside of the post and somehow not find itself into the Waverton net, we thought we might hold out for the draw.  Unfortunately, our positivity was short lived and after a few more miss-haps at the back, it was 2-1 to EP Rangers.

The crowd urged the boys on and although a couple of late chance were created, it was not to be (on this occasion).

Man of the match given to Thomas for his positional play and consistent tackling at the back.

We look forward to having a full team back for next week's game (and maybe some Jaffa Cakes)...

Our progress against this team, one of the best in our league, shows how far we've come though. Results against EP Ranger are 6-1 loss, 4-2 loss and today 2-1 loss so by our reckoning we should win 2-1 next time we play!



 

 

MATCH 1 - SAT 25 FEBRUARY

WAVERTON ARROWS 1 - 7 CHESTER NOMADS

Following the excitement of last weeks win the team started with the same spirit following a strong warm up. In the first period good groups formed with Oliver, George and Frankie working really well in defence and Rafa, Ellis and Christopher teaming up well at the front, this meant that the Nomads got very little opportunity in the Arrow's half and the Arrows got the lions share of the shooting chances. With Christopher and Rafa both coming close and George - picked out brilliantly by Ellis from a corner - nearly finding the bottom corner, but for a deflection off his own team mate.

In the second period the Arrow's continued the pressure, though the Nomad's did start to get more into the game. After good periods of play, set up by midfield interceptions from Coby and then Eric, Ellis came close at the near post - and very nearly following up on a ball spilled by the Nomads keeper.
 
Soon after Frankie scored a wonderful opener from a tight angle and it felt like the Arrow's may have the upper hand. However, moments later the Nomad's equalised from a corner - with some sloppy defending and perhaps a spot of good fortune with the shot being deflected. 1 - 1 at half time.

In the 3rd and 4th period concentration really fell away quickly and the Nomad's took full advantage scoring 3 goals in quick succession in both. The Arrow's started to stand back from the tackle and lacked the 'Monsters' that were on show on the first half (and away to the Nomad's earlier in the season). One real highlight that was worthy of recognition was the Nomad's final goal, scored by the only girl on the pitch and fired into the top corner from a tight angle across the face of goal. Really great effort.

Despite the result the team were in high spirits after the final whistle as both they and the coaches took a lot of positives from the first half - with plenty to build upon. Concentration will follow.

MATCH REPORT - SAT 18 FEBRUARY

BEES & ARROWS 2 - 0 ELLESMERE PORT JETS

A wonderful win from a scratch team made up in equal measure from depleted Bee's and Arrow's squads. Despite being completely new to each other the lads played as a really strong unit with standout defending right the way through the match to add a clean sheet to the win. A great game for the spectators as well, late in the 4th quarter some parents could barely watch whilst others had the mobile phones out to record the result for posterity! 

The first quarter was a cagey affair - understandable given the team had not played together before - but both teams came close. Waverton's first of 4 keepers - Yazan - starting what would become a long string of great saves in the game.
 
In the second quarter the heat started to rise and tackles started to fly in all over the park - George, Thomas, Ellis and Christopher working especially hard in their own half. Great long clearances from the second keeper of the day - Oliver - rattled Ellesmere Port creating chances for Yazan and Rafa before George took advantage, scoring late from close range and through the keepers legs.
 
In the third quarter (and after some much needed half time orange......flavoured Jaffa cakes) the game started to get stretched, with real end to end football thrilling the crowd. The third goalkeeper - Christopher - made a string of really brave saves clearing off the line several times - he was certainly aided by some close quarter touchline coaching, and also some excellent defending from Coby, Ellis and Thomas. It started to feel as though Waverton needed a second goal to secure the victory but when Yazan hit the post it felt like it may never come. However soon after Yazan again shot - from a corner and at a very tight angle - and found the top corner of the net.
 
In the final quarter it was one way traffic with Ellesmere Port pushing for goals but again great defending kept them out - George (4th in goal) continued the superhuman effort between the posts.
 
No-one worked harder during the game than Ellis, both he and the team improved in each of the 3 quarters played, as they got better at following their forward passes and then later including a tough tackle at the end. The crowd were willing a 3rd goal and in the dying moments Ellis' endeavour put him through 1 on 1 with the keeper......a cruel bobble preventing him hitting the target - it deserved a goal but certainly demonstrated the potential with Ellis and across the team for future games.

Thanks to the parents for their great support it certainly was a draining experience for all!

Sunday 12 February 2017

MATCH REPORT 2 - SAT 11 FEBRUARY

WAVERTON BEES 4 - 1 CHESTER NOMADS COLTS

A good win this morning as the boys came back from 0-1 down in the final two quarters. The small pitch and Nomads playing three across the back made for a scrappy and congested game but the boys did manage to string some moves together and we improved as the game went on.

Nomads scored against the run of play after Samuel accidently threw the ball to their striker from his goal-kick! A few of our goalies today had some issues with re-starts so we will go back to basics in training on this - until we find a full-time keeper!

After that Nomads 'parked the bus' Mourinho style and other than one or two breaks the Bees dominated the match but some good defending and saves from Nomads kept them ahead going into the third quarter.

Finally we scored with Thomas following up and firing low into the net for his first goal for the club! It was well deserved and shortly after we were 2-1 up after Nomads scored an unlucky own goal.

In the final quarter we kept up the pressure. Firstly Henry did brilliantly to chest down a high ball before turning and volleying into the roof of the net. Henry then followed up and finished well again to take his tally to 10 goals from midfield and give him the MOTM award this week.

Comparing today against the performance last week against Blacon it seems the boys may be suited to more space than we can offer at the 4G. We have good runners in the team and today the pitch looked very congested.

Rob will check the Waverton Primary school pitch condition after half-term and perhaps we should get back to grass and play a bigger pitch size head of moving to 7-side next season...

Well done boys.  

MATCH REPORT 1 - SAT 11 FEBRUARY

Waverton Arrows 0 - 8 Blacon Youth
 
Some great players for Blacon turned this game with at least one of their goals being scored from a speculative drive from within their own half! Their number 2 especially impressed with some meandering runs from the back to the Waverton by-line - we were all disappointed that he didn't get a goal for himself. 

Good performances from within the Waverton team - Frankie especially improving in the take - and getting them in earlier as well preventing the pressure building. Freddie also made some great tackles and also some good runs - there were times when, with a little more confidence, he could have taken the ball beyond the last defender and make a chance for himself. There was some brave goalkeeping also: Guy made a great saves in the first half, Marcus and Eric in the second. The best being Eric's goal line clearance - with the help of Frankie's face..

Each of the 4 x10 minute periods contained chances for Waverton but each was lost by a score line of 2-0 (8-0 overall). Rafa came close on many occasions but failed to hit the target - this will be an area of focus going forward. Coby made a good break towards the end of the game - but it was Christopher who impressed the most - and was man of the match - with several great passages of dribbling, most notable was one which took the ball around 3 Blacon defenders and created a shooting chance - after having won the ball with a great midfield tackle.

Nick

 

Monday 6 February 2017

MATCH REPORT 2 - SAT 4 FEBRUARY

BLACON YOUTH 0 - 11 WAVERTON BEES

An emphatic win, against a Blacon team who are new to the league, showed how much the boys have listened and have improved. We looked really well organised against a team who are a couple of months behind us in their development.

The most pleasing thing today was that all the boys were full of running and put in 110% in every challenge. When we won the ball our decision making to run or pass was perfect.

Even better than that was Isaac, Yazan, Thomas and Samuels' contributions throughout the whole game. We've come to expect high level performances from George, Oliver, Henry and Ben but today the whole squad played brilliantly.

We went in 0-1 up after the first quarter with Samuel scoring to the bottom corner. The game, against Blacon's strongest 7, was excellent and it was a shame they made so many substitutions in the 2nd quarter.

In the second quarter we completely dominated with Samuel completing his hat-trick first from finishing a corner and then cleverly deflecting a Yazan shot! Ben then scored a wonder goal (echoes of Dalian Atkinson for Villa!) after he picked up the ball in his own half, beat 3 players, before cutting in to bury one into the corner. Samuel and Ben (2 more) completed a 2nd quarter rout!

The third quarter was slightly more even but Yazan scored two good finishes and Henry grabbed his eighth of the season with a great shot to the corner.

The gamed ended 0-11 with goal-scorers Ben (4), Samuel (4), Yazan (2) and Henry (1).

MOTM was shared between George who proved that the big pitch just means there is even more ground to cover (!!) and Samuel who stormed back to early season form with a combative performance and some goal hanging that Gary Lineker would be proud of.

Thomas and Oliver as our main defenders and Isaac who covered from midfield can be proud of their clean sheet!

Well done. By far the best we've played so far.

Rob & Chris.

MATCH REPORT 1 - SAT 4 FEBRUARY

SAUGHALL 10 - 1 WAVERTON ARROWS
 
A scoreline that didn't really tell the story of the game. Waverton were 3-0 down before they really got going in the game but for the next 25minutes played really well, during that 25minute period the scoreline was 2-1 to Saughall but Waverton created far more chances with many turning into shots on goal. In the last 10minutes the focus dropped and we lost concentration across the whole of the field - with Saughall scoring 5 good quality goals - but most of them came from unchallenged runs through our defence.

So let's focus on the 25minute period. Ellis listened carefully to the coaches’ advice at 3-0 and converted that into excellent effort on the field, both in defence and attack. At the end of the first quarter he came close to scoring an opening goal for Waverton.

In the second quarter Ellis, Coby, Christopher and Rafa all came close with some really good positions taken up - in space - by Waverton players from corners and thrown ins. Tackles also started to improve - with a notable crunching tackle executed by Eric. Both Ellis and Frankie appearing at both ends of the pitch getting tackles in. It was just a single breakaway goal from Saughall that separated the teams in this second period.

In the third quarter Coby and Guy started proceedings with great tackles but a 20 yard drive from Saughall saw them stretch their lead to 5-0. What was noted was the way players were starting to look up from the ball to pick out a pass - Christopher was notably doing this, even when under pressure from the opposition. Waverton really had the best of the third quarter and towards the end came close on 4 occasions (Rafa twice and Eric & Ellis once each) before finding the net in the dying seconds through Rafa - made by him finding great space from a throw in.

In the final 10 minutes, changes for both teams seemed to really effect Waverton's momentum and concentration dropped allowing a very skilful set of Saughall strikers to put 5 goals away in the blink of an eye.

Well done to the Waverton team - especially for that 25min period!
 
Nick & Graham

Monday 30 January 2017

MATCH REPORT 2 - SAT 28 JANUARY

WAVERTON BEES 2 - 4 ELLESMERE PORT RANGERS

The boys were unlucky to lose the game this morning and on another day we would have converted more chances.

Ellesmere Port Rangers are very physical and had beaten us 6-1 earlier in the season, dominating that fixture. Today, based on clear cut chances created and possession we can be really pleased with the progress. Next time we can win this fixture.

The first quarter saw us give the opposition too much respect and we let them in on goal twice to end the quarter 2-0 down. We spoke to the lads and asked them to raise their tackling and movement and they responded really well.

In the middle two quarters the game was very even and was end to end. The Bees forced a succession of corners and were camped in the EP half most of the time. With Oliver's delivery from corners we can expect to score more goals from this route.

The boys sadly succumbed to a couple of silly goals from kick-offs which again highlights that we are in the transfer market for a full-time goalie if anyone knows of lads at Chester Rugby club who fancy a go in goal!

The goals we conceded were against the run of play but to their credit the boys kept going and from another corner EP conceded an own goal which was followed by another goal from Ben who poked in after a 30 second goal-line scramble! 

At 2-4 down with 5 minutes to go the boys sensed a comeback and we battered the EP goal with shots and truthfully we missed a few sitters as well! EP were pleased to hear the final whistle.

MOTM went to George for an energetic display and covering Oliver at the back.

Lessons to be learnt are to take the training performances into the matches. On Thursday the play was great with heads up and some good passing moves. On the whole our play in the match wasn't bad but on top of the basics such as tackling and running around we need to relax on the ball, pass and move.

Well done boys.