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.

MATCH REPORT 1 - SAT 28 JANUARY

Waverton Arrows 2 – 3 Ellesmere Port Jets. ‘Beaten in Fergie Time’

A fantastic team performance from the Arrows this week saw them narrowly beaten with the very last kick of the game (some dodgy timekeeping by the referee giving then time to snatch a last gasp victory). Playing the same EP team that last week beat the lads 13-0. Standout performances came from across the Arrows team where the experience of last week had certainly made them more resilient to some physical and verbal confrontations (both on and off the pitch!).

 

Freddie an Eric really took the game to EP in the first period with robust challenges across the field, and EP were held to just one goal and it was clear that the exercises in training on Thursday night were paying off with Frankie and Rafa taking the time to look up and around them before picking out a team mate with an accurate pass.

 

During the second quarter both teams kept clean sheets but it was Waverton who really took the game by the scruff of the neck in the 3^rd quarter. Guy scoring an equaliser with Rafa quickly adding a 2^nd. There could have been more as Ellis powered in a volley from 10 yards, Rafa and Guy came close as well. The EP keeper made some great saves.

 

It remained 2-1 until the very last kick of the of the quarter. Then a tense final quarter was full of strong challenges from Oliver, George and Freddie and it looked like EP would be the most likely to snatch it, Waverton held on admirably but the game was finally won with the very last kick of the game. 

Positives were the increased physicality, at this age legs will fly around and accidents will happen but this week saw a tougher performance that more than matched the opposition. Good passing around at times, heads were up looking for team mates and passes were into good area of the park. Opportunities remain around clearing our lines both when under pressure as the opposition attack, but also ensuring we don’t put ourselves under pressure from our own goal kicks.    

MATCH REPORT - SAT 21 JANUARY

ELLESMERE PORT JETS 13 - 0 WAVERTON ARROWS

A very frosty morning where a brave display from the Arrow's wasn't reflected in the scoreline. 

 

Ellesmere Port were a much bigger team and their use of upper body in the tackle in all areas of the pitch, combined with very polite Arrows team, meant they had the best part of the game.

 
At times this physicality really rattled the Arrow’s players but we feel confident that over time the lads will grow physically and develop strength in this area, giving them the cutting edge needed to compete in this type of game.

The team also struggled with new surroundings. The boys were not sure how to win the ball when it was trapped up against the sides and often lost the ball in that area, large 6-a-side goals meant we shipped 3 own goals which would have been good clearances in the normal width goals and the majority of Ellesmere's other goals were well placed into the corners where the keeper couldn't reach.

Positives have to be around the team's determination to continue competing, despite the scoreline and heads dropping a little at times the Arrow's fought on. Some hefty saves from the keepers, good tackling from the defence and some notable skills up front.

MATCH REPORT 2 - SAT 14 JANUARY

WAVERTON BEES 2 - 1 CHESTER NOMADS COLTS

A fine result against a good side with a couple of ex Waverton lads takes our run to 6 unbeaten, with 5 wins in the period.

The boys started really quickly again as Nomads struggled to get out of the blocks. With our 1-3-1 formation again we flooded midfield and were pretty much 4 across the middle as Ben was also coming back to get the ball and run. This resulted in our first two goals, both from Ben (taking his tally to 16 for the season!).

The first was a long range hit which went in off the post and the second was a contender for goal of the season as Ben beat two players before slotting the ball home to the bottom left. Samuel, making his 3rd appearance as 1st quarter goalie, actually had a save to make this week (!) and was smart off his line to clear.

In the middle two quarters we lost a little bit of shape but we showed another improving side to our game which was tackling and clearing our lines.

All the boys really dug-in during periods of Nomads pressure. Oliver was having a storming game and was rock solid and Thomas in particular continues to improve every week in terms of commitment in tackling, looking to get forward and pace of pass or clearance.

George was everywhere again and at 100%, Isaac read the game brilliantly to drop off and tackle when Oliver went forward, Henry and Samuel were always a threat on the break and Yazan was looking to get forward and play passes in only his second full game.

In the final quarter we did concede and Thomas made a great save but we saw the game out to take the victory which we can be proud of.

Back in September or October we would have struggled against this team and may have shipped a lot of goals...so its really good to see we can dig in, stay organised and match bigger teams physically.

MOTM went to Ben for two fine goals. Oliver and Thomas can also be very happy with their performances.

Well done boys. Excellent.

MATCH REPORT 1 - SAT 14 JANUARY

Waverton Arrows 0 – 3 Chester Nomad Colts 

A full squad of 10 players turned out for this week’s match meaning that each 10 minute ¼ featured a number of changes. As a result the team never really settled into the rhythm that they have in the last few games.  

There were some good examples of strong tackling (especially from ‘Monster of the Match’ Frankie, George, Freddie and Eric) and good energy levels and dribbling forward with the ball (especially from George).

 

The first ¼ finishing goalless as a result. A notable save was made in the second period by Ellis with great follow up support from Oliver when the rebound fell dangerously to the Nomad’s striker, but Chester squeezed their first goal of the game just before the whistle blew.

 

An unfortunate own goal in the 3^rd ¼ - after a great save was bundled into their own net by Waverton, was followed by a period where Waverton heads dropped and allowed Chester to score a simple 3^rd.

 

Waverton regained their composure in the 4^th ¼ with Christopher coming close with one of Waverton’s best chances, the final period also ending goalless like the 1^st.  

With such a good turn out the coaches had another great chance to see a number of formations and players in different positions. Moving forward we will start to focus the matches – meaning from the squad of 10 we will need to rest players each week to ensure we can focus on certain tactical elements which is hard to do with too many players to rotate.     

MATCH REPORT 2 - SATURDAY 7 JANUARY

WAVERTON BEES 4 - 0 ELLESMERE PORT JETS

Wow, what a difference between the final two quarters last week and our entire performance this morning! The boys were epic and we harried, hassled, pushed and pummelled a much bigger Ellesmere Port team into submission with an energetic display of "Full Throttle Football" that Jurgen Klopp would have enjoyed.

Following on from the highly entertaining 'Monsters' drill in training our little monsters hunted Ellesmere Port down like a pack of Wolves. We can't remember a single missed tackle and when one of the boys didn't put in a tackle we had another running round them to get there first! Even a few sliding tackles from those boys who got FIFA 17 for Christmas.

We again went for a shape of 1-3-1, packing the midfield and with Oliver our last man but allowing him to push into the space when we attack and take pot shots on sight (more to come on that!). It was really pleasing to see that when Oliver went forward either to shoot or for a set piece then our midfield of George, Isaac, Thomas, and Henry filled in the gaps. We honestly can't remember a point where an Ellesmere Port player got on the wrong side of us - so something has clicked (perhaps!).

The first quarter ended 0-0 and in the second quarter we applied a lot of pressure bringing a string of fine saves from the excellent EP goalkeeper. We finally scored when Samuel swept home a tidy finish with Henry following up to make sure. Both boys claimed the goal, as they should, so without goal line technology to hand we'll say they both scored.

The pattern of the game didn't change throughout. Our defence was too solid, our midfield was too energetic and our strikers were staying high up the pitch waiting for the inevitably breaks from our tackles. It was pretty much perfect.

At 1-0 Ben was brought down about 15 yards from goal and Coach Chris suggested Oliver have a crack. Oliver then hit a screamer into the top corner bringing applause from both sets of supporters. 

In the final quarter Ben scored to bottom left after applying high pressure on the goalie and then Henry tapped in a nice cross from Samuel to put deserved gloss on the 4-0 score-line.

ALL the boys had their best games so far this morning. Lads whose tackling has been light was much stronger. Boys who's energy or concentration has been hit or miss were 100%. So very well done to all of them - overall it was a great team performance which obviously the boys enjoyed.  

MOTM was shared between Oliver and Henry, and having thought since the game a special mention goes to George who covered every inch of the pitch and has made a big difference to us since coming back from injury.

Thanks to everyone for helping set-up and for encouraging the boys.

MATCH REPORT 1 - SATURDAY 7 JANUARY

CHESTER NOMADS COLTS 7 - 4 WAVERTON ARROWS

Waverton Arrow’s first match of 2017 – and first with their new name – came away at a very well organised Chester Nomads Colts team. The team made a fantastic effort following a training session on Thursday night focussed all around tackling. This exercise was repeated just before the match – and the ‘tackling monsters’ were definitely on show throughout. With the ‘Man of the Match’ award replaced by the ‘Monster of the Match’ award.

In the first quarter Waverton fell a goal behind in the very early stages but soon recovered and drew level through a well worked Rafa goal. Both Rafa and Frankie came close soon after and Waverton could have easily taken the first period by 3 goals. Some really good passing from the back to the front (the boys really taking the learnings from training sessions earlier in 2016) with the best passage going through Joseph, Christopher and Rafa. What was most pleasing was that the coaches counted 15 very solid tackles that prevented the Nomads team from building any further threat.

In the second quarter Waverton took the lead through another well worked goal – great tackles in mid field creating a ball for Joseph to run onto, he shot low and hard but the keeper made a great save. Rafa’s great positioning meant he was there to mop up the keepers spill and put Waverton 2-1 ahead. Joseph then came close hitting the post after a great run. After that it was again all about the tackling, an intense period where all members of the team notched up good challenges. Highlights being a goal saving tackle from Eric in from of our own goal, then shortly after Eric combined with Rafa and Frankie to keep the Nomads out of the final third. Guy also notched up 8 tackles in 10 minutes covering all corners of the park. James did really well in goal but couldn’t prevent the nomad’s from equalising close to the end of the quarter.

In the third quarter Joseph scored an excellent goal and the tackles kept coming. However, Nomad’s scored twice and the 3^rd quarter finished 4-3 up. At this stage both teams were well matched, but signs of tiredness we setting in.

In the final quarter an unfortunate own goal followed from the rebound off the first of many great saves by George in between the sticks. Rafa converted his latest hat-trick soon after. With the score poised at 5-4 both sets of supporters were confident their team could snatch the win. However, tiredness and focus slipped in the last 2 minutes and Nomad’s stole in to score their 6^th and 7^th.

A great start to the new year. Despite the final score, the boys worked incredibly hard on their tackling and the ‘Monster of the Match’ award was shared by Guy and George. Remarkably Guy made 8 of his 10 key challenges in the 2^nd quarter and George pulled his score to 10 in the last quarter as goalkeeper.

A nice clean game of football. Thanks to the parents on a damp morning – your support and encouragement is so important to the process.

MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN - CLUB MEETING MINUTES

Dear All

Hope all well and had good Christmases.

Belatedly please find the minutes from our last Club meeting on 17th November.

Following the meeting and as part of the Standard Charter discussion I did then meet with Jim Green, Chief Exec at Chester FC Community Trust.  In short they are very supportive of working with us and a recent example is our under 11 squad was - very last minute - invited as squad of the week at a recent home match.

I need to clarify with Cheshire FA how we formalise the relationship - if the majority agree - but Jim and I discussed:

- They would provide Coaching sessions for our Coaches at the Stadium through the Manager Jon McCarthy

- Could assist Coaches with CPD (continuing professional development)requirements
- Offer specialist Goalkeeping coaching with Dan Evans who heads it up
- Become an ambassador Club where they provide us tickets to use as awards across the Club
- Have AFC Waverton day at the Club where we “takeover” - have a stand to ourselves for a match
- Potentially host a tournament at the Stadium in close season
- They will be starting a futsal league (likely to be at Blacon High) next year
- Provide additional coaching at squad levels

As we go into 2017 the Club is in good health and the children are enjoying their football - thanks to you all.

We will need new and more people to help in the New Year - we will have a change of guard with a number of the current committee and there are people holding positions who I suspect no longer wish to.

To move the Club forward we will need new assistance so please do share the minutes with your Parent supporters - especially at the mini level.

I will liaise with the other committee members and we will aim for a next meeting towards the end of January.

Thanks again for all that you do for AFC Waverton & Wishing you all the very best for 2017.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

MINUTES - Thursday 17th November, 2016

 

Attendees

Stuart Scheuber, Phil Lathean, Carl Broadhurst, Simon Smith, Steve Lloyd, Steve Roberts,

Dom Corley, Rob Stewart, Natalie Jackson, Mike Worden, Luis Da Cunha, Duncan Stewart, Mike Stanley

Apologies

Mike Binns (treasurer), Shiralee Williams (Secretary), Nick Isles, Sean Lanni,

Julie Adams-Guppy, Simon Mageean

1. Chairman Update

 
MS provided context that there had been incidents involving parents/contact with children/

 

how coaches/parents communicate re training/matches etc

The upshot is as a Club we don't have proper permissions to hold or use certain information.

Therefore it was proposed for the new season the registration form would be updated so

that the Club has clear consent to:

(1) Can hold Player/Parent data

(2) Clearly state who point of contact is and how can communicate

(3) Process to go through if change of contact details

(4) How data may be used (never passed outside of Club) but Club may send emails

 

supporting sponsors

(5) It was also suggested that further information may be asked for/collected to help support

 

the Club further at this stage - e.g. Parent occupation/willingness to help Club.

 

MS also explained that a number of Coaches felt that, as a Club, we should be formally

 

reinforcing Code of Conduct. It was recognised we have a very good standard of

behaviour but it was worth further formalising as it would assist our ambition to reach the

next stage of Standard Charter as would be seen favourably by FA.

Therefore, again at next registration also get Players, Parents and Coaches to all sign up to.

Documents to be produced for next full meeting

Squad Sizes were then discussed

Context

 

 

Overall objective of allowing as many children as possible play/represent AFC Waverton in a

secure/safe environment - again in keeping with FA requirement

 
 
Virtually all year groups have waiting lists (unresolved question was within waiting lists

should we give priority to siblings?

 

 

The Club have had year groups asking for further subsidy on training facilities - this has

been where Coaches have kept smaller squads

 
 
We have turned away boys in spite of Parents offering to sponsor kits - is this right for the club? Agreed that the Club setting guidelines can assist Coaches in decision making where 

Club the has put squad limits in place;

Mini - Squad for 5 a side - 9/10 players! Squad for 7 a side 11/12 players

Junior - Squad for 9 a side - 14 Players Squad for 11 a side 16 players

 
 
If individual Coaches can manage larger squads that is their decision but as a Club we would like to be able to offer football to as many children as is possible within these guidelines 

Thanks - ClubPerson of the month

Dom Corley - arranged for purchase and set up of the new Goals at Waverton playing fields.

 

He raised the following contributions - £250 Waverton village hall, £250 Waverton Fete, 

£100 Waverton FC - £600 of £912 total cost!

He, with Jason Roberts, then installed the new goals. Thanks to Dom and Jason.

Treasurer Update

MS in MB’s absence

Balance on account is circa £20k - subscriptions banked

However, No expense including pitch hires gone out yet

Next Monday - need to have to Brio Coaches details who use facilities/their qualifications

Mike B needs from Alison/Geoff - Phil may be able to assist?

Action - Phil agreed to speak with Brio to clarify

2. Team Updates

Those Coaches present gave some insight on current squads - apologies if any highlights missed
  

Under 7s - RS explained good start for under 7s with 2 squads performing well. Plan is to split to 3 squads in new year due to 28 boys now signed up. Discussions with league about 3 divisions to reflect mixed abilities as currently not aligned which not helping development of players

Under 9s - CB has been running a development squad outside of his team which is resulting

in another new team - again for the New Year. 4 teams now within our under 9 section

Under 12s have had good wins in the Cup & Shield both triumphing 9-0 against Groves & Upton

Our under 18s continue to perform well with a squad of 17 - a great effort to have so many in 

the squad at this age

 
 

Our Girls football is a real success story - we now have teams at u18, u15, u13, u11 and u9.

 

The girls are competing well across Cheshire and supply a number of representative sides.

3. Standard Charter

 
 

Geoff Elvey wasn’t present but had shared documents on requirements for next level of

Standard Charter. Some clarity required around benefits but all present agreed it was

something we should prepare ourselves to deliver on.

 
 
Amongst other things a Club business plan will be required and also links with a professional club.

 However the majority of requirements are in place - we just need to stay on top of all

Action - to be represented at next meeting. MS said he would speak with Chester FC which                                        

has happened and they are supportive.

4. New Club website

 

Phil Lathean has tidied up the existing website, made sure content relevant and has been

updating new articles.

However he has also been trialling “Pitchero” and proposed that the more professional look,

ease of use, and added features means it would be preferable to move all over to this.

There are costs which need to be finalised but likely to be between £500-£1000.

All present agreed with move to Pitchero and Phil agreed to pick up with Mike Binns re costs
 

Further update at next meeting which will include administration of site.

5. Any other business

(i) Phil raised opportunity for Coaches 5-a-side at 3G Wednesdays 8.30-9.30 as slot not being used

Email to be sent to all

(ii) Simon Smith will present on fund-raising event at next meeting

 

 
 
Next meeting to be held in January 17

 
 
 

Mike

Mike Stanley
Chairman
AFC Waverton
07980 723865
 
 
 
 
 
 

THIS WEEKEND - SAT 7 JANUARY

Hello all, happy new year

Training will take place again now on Thursdays at 5:30pm at Christleton High School, from this Thursday 5^th.

We have two matches this weekend:

MATCH 1    HOME V Ellesmere Port at Christleton High School 3G at 9am KO (so 8:45am arrival)

Ben

Oliver B
Yasan
George T-B
Isaac
Samuel
Henry
Thomas

MATCH 2     AWAY v Blacon Youth at Cairns Crescent (Playing Fields), Blacon, CH1 5JF at 9:30am KO (so 9:00am arrival)

Eric

Guy

Coby

Raphael

George D

Ellis

Freddie

Frankie

Christopher

Oliver P 

If anyone is unavailable please let us know.

Kind regards

Coaches

MATCH REPORT - SAT 31 DECEMBER

WAVERTON BEES 3 - 2 WESTMINSTER PARK

The boys went four unbeaten (3 wins, 1 draw) with a decent result over a stronger and full strength Westminster Park. We welcomed George back from his long injury this morning and were also helped out by Thomas R from the Wasps.

Just like last week the boys started the game brilliantly and if anything our energy levels and effort in the first quarter was even better than last week. George was giving us great running and tackling and Thomas R was covering the pitch like Stevie Gerrard!

Our pressure resulted in the ball falling to George who swept the ball home for his first goal for the Bees. We ended the quarter 1-0 up but in total control.

Having switched to a 1-3-1 formation today with Oliver as our central defender we were able to pack the midfield and it was good to see that when Oliver did get forward or intercept that George, Isaac and Thomas G were getting back to cover and Henry, Samuel and Ben were able to hold positions, or get into space and wait for the pass. This balance is going to be vital as we move forward.

We went 3-0 up by the end of the second quarter with Thomas R scoring twice, firstly with a screamer and then by applying high pressure to win the ball and get on goal to score.

In the final two quarters we let Westminster Park back into the game through a couple of defensive/goalie errors which we can easily eradiate in training, but even though we were under pressure at times we still created clear cut chances on the break.

MOTM went to Thomas R for his high level of effort, and intensity in tackling and covering the pitch.

Overall the display was brilliant for the first 20 minutes but we lacked a little energy in the final 20 minutes and we ended up relieved at the win. We've got to keep up our effort levels right to the end and every player needs to win their individual battles.

Well done to all.

MATCH REPORT - SAT 24 DECEMBER

WESTMINSTER PARK 3 - 6 WAVERTON BEES

The boys produced a solid, organised and energetic display this morning to take us to 3 games unbeaten and increase our confidence.

We started really quickly and were hunting the ball down and tackling well. This resulted in us winning the ball far higher up the pitch and Samuel latched onto the ball to put us 0-1 up. We quickly scored again through Henry's fine finish.

In the second quarter Thomas was able to get forward down the left, beat a couple of players, before Henry finished again to take his tally to 5 goals in the last 4 games.

Harry was helping us out this morning and alongside Oliver and Isaac we looked very solid in terms of tackling, energy and effort levels going into the 3rd quarter. Ben was using the width really, staying out wide and stretching Westminster Park which left space in the middle.

A couple of defensive and goalkeeping errors gave Westminster Park some hope before first Harry scored a belter to the bottom left to make it 2-4. Henry then, in search of his hat-trick, cut in the from the wing and forced the goalie to make a save and Samuel tapped in from one yard for his 12th of the season.

We dominated the final quarter and pushed Harry into midfield where he created havoc with incisive passes and tackles before he grabbed our sixth goal.

The final quarter was interrupted by a visit from Santa and we nearly used him as a decoy to grab another as the Westminster Park lads were rightly more interested in his appearance than the game! Our opposition then scored a fine goal to end the game 3-6 to the Bees.

MOTM awards went to both Henry and Harry for brilliant displays.

Excellent performance from everyone, well done.