BADSEY RANGERS UNDER 15'S SEPTEMBER REVIEW

The 2007/8 season is well and truly underway for the Under 15’s with 5 league games played in the month of September.Very much a mixed bag of results with 3 wins out of five games but in truth a record that should read five out of five.

The two losses came against our old adversaries Southside and Bishops Cleeve, Southside to a last minute goal giving the Cheltenham side a 2-1 win, and losing four two to Cleeve.A result which on the face of it was a poor one but as always in this game you have to be there to make an objective assessment.Hitting the woodwork four times in the first half we led at half time one nil following a 35 yard screamer from Charley Craze.Conceding an incredibly quick equaliser following the break we then went on to take a 2-1 lead following a super individual goal from Ollie Davies before conceding another sloppy equaliser.As is usually the case in these situations when you have had all the play heads go down and we conceded another goal followed by a fourth chasing the game.

The lesson to be learnt from both of these defeats particularly the Cleeve game although we were just as guilty of making numerous chances in the Bad tempered Southside game but failed to convert them into goals is that when you are on top in these games you must score.You get nothing for hitting the woodwork or for near misses.

In contrast to these two games we have enjoyed substantial wins over the two Charlton Kings side Blues and Rovers.Blues in the opening game of the season saw us run up a score of eleven goals with only one in reply.The goals coming from Jake Hall (4), Mat Magee on debut (4), and one apiece from Nick Hyatt, George Ricketts.Apart from some exceptional finishing from Jake and Mat the highlight of this game was some excellent wing back play from Ben Davies and Charley Craze who both worked tirelessly up and down their respective flanks setting up numerous chances for the front line.

In the last game of the month we ran up another eleven goals against Charlton Rovers the goal scorers being Jake Hall (3), Chris Foster on debut (4) Ollie Davies (2) Nick Hyatt and one from the penalty spot for Charley Craze.This was a scrappy game against a team who were determined to get as many men behind the ball as they could.We were guilty of individually trying to do too much on the ball and for long periods were content to play the game at Charltons pace.An half time team talk was effective for the first 20 minutes of the second half when the team showed considerably more energy and capitalised by scoring a further five goals in that time.With both keepers in the side unavailable Karl Myers donned the goalkeepers jersey and went between the sticks and gave a very creditable performance.Well done Karl.

The remaining game was that against Churchdown in which the team produced an excellent display against a much-improved side from last term.Two goals from Mat Magee were good enough to bring home the three points and the outstanding performance came from Ben Jones in defence.

Facts and Figures

New Players

Mat Magee has joined us this season and is a very effective strong front runner.Mat scored four goals on his debut and a further two to win the game away to Churchdown.Just when it seemed that he was forging an effective striking partnership with Jake Hall and Ollie Davies Mat has had the bad luck to break a collarbone playing school rugby.This injury will keep him out of the game for at least 4 weeks and we wish him a speedy and complete recovery.

Liam Hundley is a very good defensive player who has already acquitted himself with considerable credit.His absence against Bishops Cleeve in my opinion was a decisive factor in the outcome of the game.He has the ability to read the game well and is very quick over the ground.His addition to the side has allowed Connor to have a welcome break from sweeping and move into midfield.

We have also gained the services of Ben Goss whose stature could mislead you into thinking that he would struggle against opposing players in this age group.Not a bit of it he is able to compete against any size of opponent and relishes the challenge.He can run all day and has excellent ball skills.If we can just get him scoring the odd goal we will certainly have acquired a gem of a player.

The latest addition to the side is Chris Foster who brings with him height and power.Someone who will be very useful both in attack and defence.Chris scored four goals on his debut against Charlton Rovers and looked a very accomplished player with the added bonus of being able to play in an offensive or defensive role.