Southcott Owls U11 in emphatic win

Youth soccer round-up

WOODSIDE

Willen Juniors Rhinos 1

Woodside Rovers U10 6

WOODSIDE could not have had a better start. Within seconds Owen Claridge caught a Willen defender in possession, stole the ball and passed to Luke Williams who lashed it home. Minutes later Owen scored one himself.

After the initial shock Willen found some momentum and started to put pressure on the Woodside defence. Blake Lewis and Sam Cook kept them out for a long time but eventually they managed to get a goal back.

Mason Coleman, Joe Harley and Joseph Raymen responded, causing problems for the Rhinos up the middle. Woodside found the net again from a corner, Owen getting his second firing home from close range.

Willen started the second half with purpose and only a great save by keeper Noah Heath stopped them.

Moments later Owen made a strong tackle in his own half, took the ball to the other end and slotted it past the keeper. He added another after linking up well with Mason and scored his fifth from a well struck Luke Williams corner. Willen continued to try and get a goal but Ben Crallan put in some big tackles towards the end of the game to make sure the score stayed 6-1.

Woodside Rovers U11 2

Moretonville Jrs Rangers 1

DESPITE being below par, Woodies ground out another league win against a physical Moretonville outfit.

The match was close throughout with the visitors strong in the tackle. But Rovers were the better footballing side and used the ball well when they had it. Defenders Peter Ulyett, Morgan Bell and Conor Drosihn were resolute and protected their goal superbly. Midfield was the real battleground with Harvey Jones, Kerry-Louise O'Connor, skipper Alex Batty, Cat Connew and Max Coleman working extremely hard to keep honours even.

Woodside took the lead when Michael Davies fired in a cross-shot which nestled nicely in the far corner. Nathan Winters held the ball well and brought others into play. But Woodies were unable to extend their lead and allowed Moretonville a scrappy equaliser. The game was won with a piece of brilliance from Michael when he returned a goal kick from the half-way line with a Beckham-esque lob. Candidates for MoM were: Lloyd Milliken, ho had a great game in midfield winning tackles galore.

Stuart Matthews showed his tricky skills on the right flank and Michael, who was involved in everything that Rovers did well. But Mark Roberts takes the honours this week for bravely diving amongst the boots many times to keep his team in the match, taking a kick to his head in the process.

Woodside Rovers U12 5

MK Wanderers 4

AFTER a month with no football both sides were rusty but MK paid the price for time wasting as Woodies "never say die" attitude, epitomised by MoM Robbie James, shone through as they came from 4-2 behind to snatch a dramatic winner deep into added time.

Dominic Lombino scored his first goal of the season to put Woodies ahead but, sloppy defending cost them as they fell behind 2-1.

Kieren Fosberry scrambled an equaliser but, lethargic defending from a corner enabled the visitors to go 3-2 in front at half-time.

It got worse as MK went further ahead midway through the second-half. A comeback stirred as Rhys Davies first had a shot from a free kick disallowed because the referee hadn't blown, then he dribbled past two defenders before firing low into the corner to make it 4-3 and then had another fiercely stuck free kick cleared off the line.

Keigan Smith used his determination and strength to get to the bye-line to cross for Tom Boozer to sweep home the equaliser with a minute remaining.

Woodies bombarded the MK goal and Lombino finished off a game of head tennis by putting Woodies into the next round of the cup with seconds remaining and extra-time looming.

Woodside Wanderers U13 4

Woodside Rovers U13 2

A CLOSELY-fought local derby saw Wanderers come out on top to keep up their good run of results in the league.

Samuel Tompkins opened the scoring early in the game with a smart finish. Further chances followed with Callum Read and Sam Walker both going close.

Alex Barnes in goal was also having a fine first half and was unlucky to be beaten by a looping lob just out of his reach.

The lead was regained following a well worked corner with defender Harry Cootes slotting the ball home from close range.

A goal from Jake Tubb saw Wanderers 3-1 up at half time.

Defenders, Ben Roff, Jake Keenan and Ben Mayles got forward a lot more helping to create further chances but Rovers' defence were playing well. Matthew Fisk had a quiet second half in goal and could do nothing to stop Rovers second goal.

Strong tackling from midfielders Josh O'Dell, Callum Keenan and debut boy, Hugh Britt, helped to keep Wanderers in the game as Rovers got stronger.

With a draw looking possible, a cool finish from Andre Clarke sealed the win for Wanderers.

Woodside Wanderers U15 4

Wootton Blue Cross 4

PLAYING their first match in nearly two months following postponements, Woodside looked rusty at the start of this game and took time to get going. Wootton started the more positive, and a series of good moves resulted in three goals leaving the home side trailing.

Minutes before half time Pat Bell finished a sequence of good play scoring from just outside the box.

The second half started well with Mark Mitchell twice latching onto long balls from Keeper Robin Corston to level the score. Good defensive work by Luke Taylor Gavin Russell and MoM Sam Hurley kept Wootton at bay.

The match continued to be end to end with Mitchell completing his hat trick and Wootton also gaining a fourth. Michael Johnson put in a captain's performance urging his team on. With the visitors now under pressure Woodside looked to be the more likely winners.

Over the two halves a draw was a fair result. Wanderers should push on from this result and gain some victories. Squad: Robin Corston, Mitchell O'Connor, Sam Hurley, Dan Blythe, Gavin Russell, Luke Rhodes, Mark Mitchell, Tom Holloway, Luke Taylor, Gary Wells, Michael Johnson, Shane Tiffen and Pat Bell.

LEIGHTON TOWN

Bedford Town Youth U9 4

Leighton Town U9 2

IN their first game for four weeks, Town looked very rusty and had over indulged on the chocolates by the looks of things!

In the first half, Town started slowly and Alex and Bradlee were strong as Bedford took the game to Town.

In a rare break away, Town scored through Nathan with a left foot shot after a great ball by David. George and Jack were trying to get the midfield going but were under par by their standards. After a good reflex save by Isaac Bedford equalised.

In the second half Leighton were not at the races at all but still created chances with Leyton having a decent game in midfield and Callum coming on and having a strong game at the back.

Bedford edged in front and struck another two quick goals which were shocking by Leighton's standards.

A penalty was awarded to Bedford and Isaac made amends for his mistake by saving his second penalty in a row.

Jack hit a trademark screamer and still chances came and were missed by Leighton. Hopefully a bad game out of the way and a vast improvement next week. MoM Callum.

Caddington FC 4

Leighton Town Spartans U12 2

IT was an exciting start to the first game after the Christmas break with both teams not giving way initially.

However, after continuous pressure from Caddington, Leighton were soon two goals down. Town were then fired into action with shots coming fast and furious from Whitby, Patterson and Boniface and after Leighton were awarded a free kick taken by Vines who fed the ball into the opposition's corner for Patterson who then fizzed it across the keeper into the back of the net.

Working from defence, Franklin looped a ball for Whitby to run on which beat the keeper and three defenders to make the score all square at the interval.

Goalkeeper Cox pulled some fantastic saves out the bag frustrating the opponents and was served well by the stalwart defence of Farrugia, Vines, Franklin, Wavish and Sutton. Midfielders Waldock and Koch worked tirelessly feeding balls forward allowing Sanderson and Cardinale to showcase their skills up front.

Despite shots from almost every member of the team at some point during the match, Town were extremely unlucky not to add more to the score sheet and in fact it was Caddington who were to reap the spoils on this occasion.

Biggleswade Girls U12 5

Leighton Town Girls U12 2

TOWN were away to the league leaders on Saturday and the challenge proved to be an extremely tough one.

Two fantastic individual goals by Milly Mander gave Town equality just after half time and then followed a period when Town matched Biggleswade in all aspects of their play.

Chanice Ellis ran her socks off in midfield and was joined in spirit and performance by Sian Kennett.

Alicia Franklin was reasonably well protected by Charlotte Carpenter and Rae Glennon but late attacks in the last quarter brought three goals to the hosts.

Jodie Turney competed well against some powerful opponents and Kiera Lewis fought hard despite losing some mobility through injury.

Becky Langthorne deserves a special mention for her spirited display which was full of effort and intelligence.

A heavy defeat against a good team but Town competed well for the vast majority of the game and can be proud of their efforts.

LEIGHTON UNITED

Leighton United U8

v AFC Dunstable

UNITED were back in action for the first time since the Christmas break facing tough opponents AFC Dunstable. Both teams were determined and battled hard from the start, but it was clear that lack of play over the Christmas holidays had taken its toll with some scrappy play.

Leighton kept up the pressure and were rewarded with a goal by Morgan Emmett, but Dunstable fought back.

The teams were starting to find their feet and began to move the ball well and again United clinched another goal through Charlie Pattison just before half time.

Second half, Dunstable came out all guns blazing with a physical period of play that earned them a goal from a great cross that beat the United keeper.

Dunstable piled on the pressure and Max and Jake stood firm in defence. However, Dunstable got the equaliser and it was game on.

United bagged a third with five minutes left and supporters thought it was all over, but with another attack, Dunstable levelled again.

Leighton United MoM Morgan Emmitt.

Stotfold U10 Girls 1

Leighton United U10 Girls 2

UNITED attacked from the start with Jasmine Page and PoM Alisa Chapman going close early on. Rachel Moffat saw a long shot parried away and another shot on the break well saved.

At the back, Lucie Webster and Jade Linders mopped up the pressure from the home team well. Charlotte Mulford in goal had very little to do in a goalless first half despite all the pressure exerted going forwards by her team mates.

Early in the second half, following a goalmouth scramble, Charley Lambert laid off a perfect pass for Moffat to smash in a shot to take a deserved lead for the visitors.

United were inspired by the strike, with Chapman putting Page through only to see the ball come back off the post. United had to work harder in defence and Stotfold won three corners in quick succession.

The last of these resulted in a toe-poked equaliser which somehow evaded the massed defence.

United poured forwards with Page and Lambert unlucky not to score. Moffat then made her entry for goal of the season by controlling a goal kick from Stotfold before lobbing the retreating keeper from 20 yards to give United the lead back.

Webster was now playing up field and had a fierce shot crash back off the post. Stotfold broke in the last minute and two great blocks by Savannah Shepherd on the line saved the day for United and earned a terrific 2-1 away win.

Leighton United U10C 3

Bedford Youth 1

STRAIGHT after kick off Leighton were on the attack with four great strikes at goal within the first 10 minutes from Reece Padmore, MoM Connor Coulson, and Aaron Dann.

The lads performed well making great use of the space available on the pitch. Training had obviously paid off, as their passing and well thought out teamwork was at times top class.

Bedford Youth were caught many times and eventually one goal from Connor and another from Reece following a great run down midfield secured Leighton a 2-0 lead at half-time.

The second half saw Bedford on the attack but Leighton's side knocked them again with a cracking shot by Adam Farmer Patel which made Bedford's keeper stretch to save.

Great play from Owen Chambers, Oliver Read and counter attacks from Mark Childs and Nathan McCarthy kept Bedford at bay.

Leighton's keeper Aiden Matthews had a rather easy time saving just a handful of shots on goal. A scramble at Bedford's end lead to a quick flick in by Reece to make it 3-0 and despite Bedford pulling one back and Leighton missing a penalty.

Leighton United U10B 1

AFC Luton 4

UNITED played their second round cup match on a very wet and boggy pitch. Keeper Brett Smith was soon tested but as usual he made several outstanding saves.

United started to settle into the game and Jonah Gutteridge made some fantastic runs pushing the ball through to Jamie Leighton and Louie Clowes.

It was very much a game of end to end football and Theo Cox and Alex Aldous-Ball were kept busy in defence both tackling hard and winning the ball. Jay Denniston battled in midfield passing through to Clowes who was waiting in the box, but at half time United were 1-0 down.

The second half saw United pull one back when Denniston struck a free kick into the top right corner.

Gutteridge continued pushing hard making some great links with Leighton and Nathan Ashburner. United kept getting bogged down in quiet a few goal mouth scrambles missing several chances.

With 10 minutes extra time United were under pressure and Cox and Aldous-Ball worked relentless in defence, but United were 4-1 down when the final whistle blew. MoM went to keeper Brett Smith yet another outstanding performance.

Leighton United U10 6

Wootton Rangers U10 2

UNITED took the game to Wootton and played some excellent football.

United went down one nil but soon after Jay Parish scored with a well taken shot.

Nickolas Tompkins in goal was in great form and earned MoM with quality goal keeping. The defence of Louis Lelander and Joel Parish performed well, in midfield Zoe Molloy and Oliver Brown supported Grant Brandon well.

Torrum Ozturk and Robert Smith played well when they came on.

Wootton scored against the run of play and made it 2-1, but just before the break United were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box.

Up stepped Jay to bang in his second. The second half saw United turn it on and excellent passing throughout the team was good viewing for the supporters as it was end to end entertainment.

There was one young lad called Grant Brandon who fired in four goals after an excellent team performance.

Leighton United U11 Girls 4

Crawley Green U11 Girls 1

UNITED played some great football throughout. Goalie Charlie Hedges was in good form even though she got a knock in the face.

United were soon one nil with a well taken goal from Zoe Molloy. Excellent passes from Georgia Carey and Taylor Dolan from the back found Abi Luby who crossed for Zoe to score the second.

Niamh Ryan and Sammy Lay-Flurrie worked well together in midfield as did Sarah Miller and Miave Kenny put in good tackles.

In the second half a good pass found Zoe and a lovely pass to Abi saw her connect well to fire in United's third.

Crawley battled well and pulled one back before a flowing move found Niamh to make it four. Again Sammy earned PoM.

Crawley Green U14 Girls 3

Leighton United U14 Girls 0

SATURDAY saw the top of the league clash as United travelled to Crawley green for their first game of 2009.

The girls started brightly and always looked like troubling their opponents. Keeper Paige Blacow and her back four of Stephanie Johnson, Sophie Mulivhill, GoM Abi Dolan and Shannon Butler looked solid and denied Crawley on several occasions.

Top scorer Jodie McClelland had a difficult 60 minutes being marked out of the game; however this allowed Grace Yee and Rachel Quinn to break through down the wing and go close on a few occasions. At half time the girls looked as if they had the upper hand.

In the second half Leighton reshuffled and played against the wind which they never really adapted to and conceded an early goal.

Skipper Jodie Molloy played well in the middle of the park and tried to lift her team in difficult conditions Bethany Taylor worked tirelessly upfront and was unlucky not to set up McClelland.

Beth Hill came on and tried to press the opposition but Crawley continued to press and was rewarded with two goals in quick succession. The girls are at home to Berkhamsted this week and still remain two points clear at the top.

Olney Town U17 2

Leighton United U16 2

UNITED started the game the better side and took an early lead when MoM Minney fired in a cross which was neatly controlled by Corbett who drilled the ball home.

United edged further ahead when Corbett combined with Roberts who converted his chance. Roberts had a great game holding the ball up well and combining with Minney who was in the thick of things, as United tried to extend their lead.

The defence of Holden, Dyer, Lynch and Nichols were superb throughout the game.

The midfield of King, Butler, and Goodyear ably supported the attack and defence, with Goodyear covering a lot of ground.

The second half saw Webb take over in goal for the first time since May, he made a great diving save across goal, but had no chance saving either goal, the second being an unfortunate deflection off Perrin, who had been outstanding in goal. The introduction of Ratcliffe and Cheshire saw no change to the style of play.

Lafferty also played well when introduced into the game and showed strength, skill and enthusiasm for the game. In what proved to be a physical second half.

The team deserved credit for a great performance.

LEIGHTON

CORINTHIANS

Heelands Rangers 7

Leighton Corinthians Tigers U14 2

A DEPLETED Tigers put in a decent performance against strong opponents who asserted themselves quickly scoring after five minutes.

Once they woke up Tigers played some neat football and there were a couple of half chances for Matthew Ferguson and Rhys Richards.

Felix Long was finding good space in midfield for Tigers and used the ball intelligently, putting through Morgan O'Connell whose shot was well saved by the Heelands keeper.

However, Heelands doubled their lead from a corner despite the best efforts of goalie, Jordan Lapworth, and two long range strikes condemned Tigers to a 4-0 deficit at the break.

The second half saw Tigers outplay their opponents in terms of skill, endeavour and possession and get rewarded with a host of chances and two goals.

First, though, Heelands capitalised on a loss of concentration in Tigers' defence and made it five, before O' Connell won a penalty for Tigers that Billy Pantling smashed home.

Great battling in midfield from Jack Ellens, Pantling and MoM Long, having his best game to date, helped put Heelands on the back foot as Tigers surged forward. Chris Lawford, Adrian Nicholson and Tyron Foster played their part too and when Macauley Conway set up Richards for Tigers second, Heelands were rattled.

A succession of corners nearly produced more but Heelands were able to break out and score with long ball counter-attacks that made the final score an unrepresentative 7-2.

HEATH PANTHERS

Letchworth Garden City 0

Heath Panthers U11 Kittens 1

HEATH Panthers Kittens travelled to Letchworth. The sun was out but it was very windy. The girls played very well. Samantha Davis and Ami Spalding stopped all the balls that came to them. Chloe Pinder in midfield carried out her sweeping and didn't give up. Charlie Kaye, Danielle Kaye and Lily Norton owned the midfield and worked together.

Within 15 minutes of the first half, Charlie scored which put us 1-0 up at half time.

Danielle and Lily both had miss hits. All the team had Letchworth on their toes for all of the game. Toni Kaye did her best to keep their shots out. Well done girls keep it up. PoM Chloe Pinder.

EATON BRAY LIONS

EB Lions U9 Reds 2

AFC Dunstable 1

A MATCH with everything - high tempo, all action, tension and end to end football.

It took an unlucky own goal after fifteen minutes to give Dunstable the lead and then Lions had to dig deep to get a well deserved equaliser a minute before half time.

The goal came after some great movement and passing from the Lions to give George Oliver the opportunity to slot in a great goal.

The second half continued at the same pace with both teams creating scoring chances, and after three minutes Jack Quigley scored from a really tight angle to put the Lions in the lead for the first time.

Soon after Lions had a penalty awarded against them. Toby Higgs in goal, who had been having a great match, was in the hot seat and he pulled of not one but two great saves, the first from the penalty spot and the second from the rebound from his first save. The match continued in true cup fashion with both teams giving their all.

Oliver played a true captains role today and lead the team to a well deserved victory. Lions can now look forward to a well deserved place in the final.

Well done and thank you to both teams for an entertaining, fair and exciting match.

Team: Roe, Quigley, Nevitt, Oliver, Barbato, Mines, Higgs, Giblin, Shrowder.

EB Lions U11 1

AFC Dunstable U11 0

LIONS kicked off the new year with their maiden win of the season, overcoming a tenacious Dunstable side.

Goalkeeper Dan Kennell made a series of stunning stops to deny the visitors, while midfielders Chris McGee and Charlie Nevitt linked up to establish a continued goal threat with pinpoint passing and jinking runs.

Sean Woodhouse was happy to entertain fans with his slicing runs at goal which looked set to put Lions ahead before the break.

It was not until the second half though that their resolve finally paid off, a corner from Adam Bradley sailing first in front of goalmouth and then, on the rebound, bending in to secure a narrow lead.

Not ready to capitulate, Dunstable countered with impressive resolve, and thanks only to solid defensive work from Aarin Johnson, Ben Roberts and James Pratt were they able to fend off the efforts of their opponents.

Mason Ashby posed his usual problems to the Dunstable attack drives, needling the ball away from the forwards and then establishing intelligent passes to maintain possession, while Tom Horner showed real discipline to drive play forwards to active front men Will Juster and sub Will Petherbridge.

The return of Dominic Ryan, who has lost none of his skill and determination, also buoyed the team.

EB Lions U13 Girls 1

AFC Kempston 2

THIS was the Lions first match for six weeks after the Christmas break and then the cold weather.

You would never have known, the Lions dominated from start to finish and only two opportunities against the run of play stopped Lions from what would have been a well deserved win.

From the start Nancy Oliver in goal with defenders Katy Thiel and Eden Scott were solid, our midfield of Darcy Ashby and Emily Hudson were in total control and up front Megan Viljoen and GoM Hattie French, were causing all sorts of problems for Kempston. The Lions' subs Bethan Woolsey, Shannon Byrne and Elsa Kirkwood all had an impact when they were brought on.

Five minutes into the second half Kempston scored after an unlucky bounce and the Lions were one down.

It was only ten minutes later after a move started in defence by Thiel and then Ashby in midfield who made a great run and set up French who took her chance well to send the ball into the back of the net, the Lions were back on even terms. With less than five minutes remaining, Lions conceded another goal.

As always, Lions responded the only way they knew how by pushing forward and attacking strongly, and with four or five good chances in the last few minutes of the game, only the post and two good saves stopped the Lions scoring again.

Team: Oliver, Thiel, Scott, Ashby, Hudson, French, Viljoen, Woolsey, Kirkwood, Byrne.

SOUTHCOTT OWLS

Luton Borough 2

Southcott Owls U11 7

EXCELLENT finishing from Matt Stacey (3), Fraser Prophet (3) and Adam Stacey ensured an emphatic Southcott win in their first game of the new year.

Both teams strive to play attractive easy to watch football, but Southcott, playing with confidence and hunger, were the stronger team dominating possession and territory to convert more chances than in any previous game.

Jonathon Adams assisted with several of the goals through confident skilful breaks down the left wing.

Nickie Chamberlain had another good performance in midfield, and Paolo Bagatti, Fraser Prophet and Connor McGarry all made space and chances through strong running and good passing.

The coach's MoM award deservedly went to the whole team for their best performance of the season.

Memorial Park U14 5

Southcott Owls U13 5

LEAGUE title hopefuls Memorial Park scored first. A trade mark throw from Messum found Waterhouse, who nudged the ball in for 1-1.

Owls defenders played well. Captain Clegg and MoM Bell were strong in the centre. Tift and Quinn had all the running to do first half with Thomas and Howard in the second half adding steel.

Park soon replied, but a through ball from Moffat found Foulger who slotted home. A cross by Bramston found Brown on the far post to poke home. 3-3 at half time.

Owls came out second half with the more aggression. Murray and Hearn came on to bolster midfield, Foulger volleyed across goal from another Messum throw presenting a chance that Bramston popped in for 3-4.

Moffat then put a perfect ball over that found Bramston. He put everything into his header, which hit the top corner to make it 3-5 with 10 minutes to go.

Harfield saved excellently on a one on one and then an unsavoury incident knocked the stuffing out of the Owls letting the home team in to make it a 5-5 draw.

LINSLADE GREENLEAS

Brookfield Rangers 0

Linslade Greenleas Athletico U9 3

THE first match of the new year saw Athletico in the third round of the MKDJ7 cup.

A very tight first half saw Athletico put on the early pressure, but Brookfield defended well and were quick on the counter, but it was Athletico who took the first goal with a strong effort from Culley in midfield.

An unlucky handball in the area offered Brookfield a way back in, but the penalty was put over, although well covered by Axford in goal.

The second half saw Athletico come out with more determination and a quick second goal by Captain Liggett.

The home team was then awarded a second penalty, to the bemusement of both sides, but the spot kick was superbly saved by Axford.

Meanwhile, Kharawala showed his versatility in both defence and attack, coming close to add to his season's tally and Williams began to find some form with some trademark runs in the second half.

Brookfield continued to apply the pressure, but the usual good efforts and communication between Potter and Cantwell in defence kept the ball out.

But it was Dillamores' Furnishings MoM Dimeo, in devastating form, who made the difference. He made his presence felt around the pitch, a strong run from Dimeo gave a well taken third for Culley to secure the win.

A final special mention to Axford who was outstanding in goal, making it four clean sheets this season, and ensuring Athletico's progression to the Quarter-finals.

WING RAIDERS

Wing Raiders U15 4

United MK 3

WING Raiders won 5-3 in the away fixture to United MK last week, but got off to the worst possible start in the return fixture, conceding a goal inside the first few minutes.

Raiders had a lot of possession and had plenty of efforts on goal with Ross Elliot, Lewis Henley, Louis Lacovara and Tom North all going close.

Wing levelled the score on the half hour with Matt Miller's stunning curling shot.

They then went ahead early in the second half after a long kick by Wing keeper Ian Lawson found Tristan Higgs who held off an MK defender to fire home.

United's counter attacking style meant central defenders Jack Edwards and Harry Green had their hands full but could do little with two very good individual goals from MK which put them 3-2 ahead.

With 10 minutes to go Higgs hit the equaliser and in the dying seconds scored with a low drive to complete his hat trick.

Wing's 4-3 victory kept them top of the league with Bromham Youth.

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