Full lists of results for cricket, tennis, rounders and football

Match Reports

U14 girls drew 0-0 against Bishop Heber away March 11, 2010

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U14 girls drew 0-0 against Queens away March 11, 2010

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U14 girls drew 0-0 against Abbey Gate College away March 11, 2010

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U14 girls drew 0-0 against Upton away March 11, 2010

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U14 girls won 2-0 against Christleton HS away March 11, 2010

This was one of those frustrating tournaments that although the ball was in the King's attacking half for much of each game the girls could just not get the ball in the goal.  With four draws in total and eventually a 2-0 win in the final game the squad came 3rd place overall.  Everyone gave it their all.  Kitty Abberton was very solid in defence, at one point moving upto centre forward in a last ditch effort against Upton to put the ball in the goal as her hit was so strong.  But it was not to be our night.   Eleanor Barnard and Sara Ashworth along with Lucy Armatage tried so hard to find the goal on numerous occasions but we couldn't get the shots off quick enough or we just topped the ball.  Ellie Kerney Mitchell had a great tournament and it was pleasing to see her score in the final match against Christleton.    King's will face these teams again in the final of the County tournament in a weeks time, hopefully we can turn things around for then and the goals will flow as they deserved to tonight. 

U13 A XI won 3-0 against Upton home March 11, 2010

After reading Mr Punnett's glowing match reports of late I was looking forward to taking charge of this talented bunch tonight.

My pre-match talk was focussed entirely on the difficulty of playing 'after school' fixtures and how we often struggle for fluency and energy in these games. My fears were realised as an instantly forgettable first half passed with little incident, with little football being played if the truth be told.

The early stages of second half promised little more with the team lacking shape and energy until captain for the night Sam Gareh, with much cajoling from the side, latched onto a through ball to finish brilliantly from twenty yards. This superb strike both settled us down and sparked us into life and from then on we dominated the game and strung moves together sporadically without ever hitting the heights of recent weeks.

Sam G and Alistair Dunn both spurned 1 v 1opportunities through lack of composure (a theme of the night all over the park really) but with Cameron Faulkner in excellent form down the right flank chances continued to come and eventually the second goal both sealed the result and gave us the confidence to start playing in the more controlled and consistent manner that we have come to expect of this team.

The scoring was completed when Johnny Wright glanced home another Cam cross with his head.

Whilst nobody played 'badly', the team did not function tonight and the result owed much to several individual performances of note. Kay was outstanding in defence, strong and determined and his partner  was man of the match. Ben was Hansonesque in his positioning, anticipation, coolness and distribution - a real player of the future (he hasn't always been a TV pundit Ben - he used to play a bit !).

Cameron pushed them both close for m.o.m. He was one of the few who played with the necessary combination  of composure and energy and his second half performance in particular was largely responsible for the result.

James I-J showed flashes of real class but needs to be more aggressive if he is to become the force his talent means he is capable of, Chris Anderson too showed up well but needs to be more determined to get to the ball before his opponent. Luke Thompson impressed at right back and it was good to see Kallum Poppleton well on the road to match fitness after his long lay off. Alistair Dunn grew in confidence as the game wore on and his goal demonstrated quick thinking and good close control as he rounded the 'keeper to walk the ball(eventually) into an empty net.

All fourteen players played at least a half tonight and contributed to the win. I hope they gained belief that they can win tough games without Sam J and Jack who were both on ISFA duty tonight.

Big games are looming in the next two weeks. Four big performances could make this a memorable season.

BH

1st girls lost 6-24 against Shrewsbury School home March 10, 2010

After a very postive start with King's dfence of Ellie Sowden and Fizzy Elesgood gaining a lot of posesssion for King's, the score line starte to slip away from King's.  Megan Rudge although shot well was soundly marked by the Shrewsbury GoalKeeper and as the Goal defence was extremely tall Millie Johnson did well but both shooters struggled to get any rebounds.  Mid court worked well despite changes each quater with Jaimie Crowther, Zoe Duckworth, Miranda Harle and Kate Coppack.  To be fair Shrewsbury's passing and timing was outstanding and as the score line reflected this.

1st XI won 5-4 against St Anselms home March 10, 2010

Another mixed performance saw the King's boys go in front through two excellent goals early in the game, only to concede either side of half time allowing St Anselms back into the game. King's did show some character and twice more went ahead only to concede at the other end. The winner came from an excellent move in the final 2 minutes, neatly finished by John Reeves. It was pleasing to bounce back from last weeks disappointment and the team will be looking to build on this in the run up to the Holland Tour in April.

U12 A girls lost 2-11 against Christleton away March 09, 2010

The end of year tournament was played in cold conditions at Bishop Blue Coat in Chester. King's played 7 matches and ended up coming a respectful 4th place after a slow start to the tournament. It took 3 matches for King's to warm up and play as well as they have shown they can during the season. The eventual winners Christleton were very strong and beat us comfortably in our first match. In the second match against Upton, King's conceded less and played some nicer netball but all too often rushed and lost possession of the ball up the court. In the third match against Queen's again the team work and communication was getting stronger however we let the ball in the goal semi circle far too often and Queen's took their chances. Having lost the opening three matches was disappointing for the girl's but their determination seemed to get stronger (combined with a bag of jelly babies) and they played their last three matches with a more direct approach to goal. Harriet Fisher and Lucy Fisher seemed to have better luck in front of goal against Heber and although the score line was close at 3-2 in our favour, King's were actually technically stronger and had a lot more of the ball. Against Bishops again, King's were dominate in both circles and Emily Scott and Emily Boothroyd battled mid court. In King's final game against Catholic High it all seemed to come together if not a little late. Finishing fourth is a good result for their first tournament and I am confident they can work over the next year to finish higher next season. The girls' represented King's very well and their sportsmanship, behaviour and attitude was to be proud of.

U12 A girls lost 1-5 against Upton away March 09, 2010

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U12 A girls lost 2-7 against Queen's away March 09, 2010

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U12 A girls won 3-2 against Bishops Heber away March 09, 2010

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U12 A girls won 5-2 against Bishops away March 09, 2010

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U12 A girls won 4-0 against Catholic High away March 09, 2010

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1st XI lost 0-3 against Christleton away March 09, 2010

A horrible game, played on a horrible pitch, which was horrible to watch and probably horrible to play in.  A 3-0 defeat is difficult to take, but ultimately it is difficult to deny the facts.  Our first shot on target did not come until the last fifteen minutes of the game when substitute Jones managed to call their keeper into action.  The first half saw Peel go close with a fierce drive from twenty five yards, but otherwise that was our only real effort of the half.  We went behind after five minutes to poor defending from a corner when we let the opposition get their heads to the ball first following a near post cross.  After this we never looked like seriously threatening the opposition goal even though we pushed them back into their own half.  It was not a pitch which allowed you to play a great deal of football and the opposition realised this from the outset and adopted a robust approach which was more suited to the conditions.

There were signs right at the beginning of the second half which suggested we might get back on level terms when we had a couple of openings which we failed to capitalise on.  Against the run of play Christleton went further ahead when once more we succumbed to poor defending in our six yard box.   We failed to clear and ultimately the ball was knocked over the line in the scramble.  Several times the ball popped up invitingly in the Christleton box, but we lacked the ultimate desire to get a part of our bodies to it and knock it over the line.  The game gradually developed into a bad tempered affair as we grew increasingly desperate to score and Christleton increasingly determined to keep us out.  Both sides could count themselves lucky not have players sent off or booked.  The well struck effort that made it 3-0 for Christleton seemed at odds with the nature of the game that had gone before it.  It might be a harsh score line when one considers how much of the ball we had, but if you do not get shots on goal you will never win a match.  

2nd XI lost 1-2 against Wilmslow High School home March 09, 2010

This was a different looking Second Eleven with several regulars playing for the U16's, so some first teamers were drafted in and we had a late replacement goalkeeper in the form of James Goulbourne who played very well and made some excellent saves. Wilmslow were a young and very mobile team and it was great after playing against the slope in the first half to go in level at half time, nil nil. The hard work done, I thought we would start well in the second half, how wrong i was! Within two minutes of the restart we conceeded a simple goal when we just did not defend and paid the price. Following this we attacked  constantly and eventually were rewarded when David Allinson's header was pushed into the goal by a Wilmslow  defender. The video replay, thank you Mrs Jones, confirmed it was an own goal, but more importantly it was a well deserved equaliser. We continued to attack, Michael Dyne, Edward Pilkington and David Allinson all came close but it was left to the last kick/header to decide the game and that fell to Wilmslow. They took a free kick on the half way line and all King's has to do was clear it but again they did not defend at all and paid the price. There was not even time to restart the game.

A disappointing defeat and one that was not deseved. Another disappointment for me, was the lack of respect shown  by certain of our players towards the referee, that sort of behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Thanks  go to the referee who, as ever, did a splendid professional  job and to the groundstaff for preparing such a great pitch. We need to pick ourselves up before the next two big games -Grange at home then MGS away. lets finish the season with a couple more wins. CM 

U16 XI lost 3-4 against Wilmslow H.S. home March 09, 2010

It was good to get back with my Under 15 team of last year in this one-off game. Some things were not so good though- I had forgotten what notoriously slow starters they were, and how difficult it was to get the best out of them sometimes. On the positive side it brought back memories of the fighting spirit they could show when the mood took them and what skill there was in that team. It was good to Dave Cartmell playing football again- he is too good a player not to be playing the ‘beautiful game’.

For the imported Under 15’s it would be valuable experience for next year when they will play with some of these older boys. They played so well they did not look out of place.

We were one goal down after 28 seconds –a record I think! It was immediately obvious that Wilmslow possessed very skilful players who were ultra competitive, they chased lost causes, hunted down our players in possession and argued with every decision that went against them!

We could get at them at the back though and had chances. We equalised from a Ben Sawney penalty after a wrestling-move in the penalty area (even that decision was disputed!).

It was short lived though and Wilmslow hit us hard with 3 more goals, some skilfully executed and by riding their luck.

If we hadn’t done so already it was now obvious that we had a game on our hands and at last we started to compete. Rory Benson got a  goal back with a perfectly executed volley looping over their goalkeeper – the best goal of the game in my opinion.

At half time we talked about how we would have to have all eleven players giving everything if we were to have any chance of getting back into the game. Immediately from the restart we were a different team, not giving Wilmslow any time on the ball with more of our skilful players getting into the game. Within a minute we had pulled one goal back with a Rory Benson header.

We continued to dominate the second half, attacking in wave after wave. We restricted Wilmslow to the odd break out from their own half. We came mighty close to getting the equaliser, which would have been the minimum we deserved but it was not to be. The reaction of the Wilmslow team at the end showed how relieved they were to hear the final whistle.

I hope the under 16 players can get these slow starts out of their systems. At 1^st and 2^nd XI standard you simply cannot afford to go one or two goals down after ten minutes and expect to claw it back. They have the skill and the passion it just takes time to prise it out of them!  DY

U12 A XI won 4-1 against Wilmslow HS home March 09, 2010

This was a great way to finish a tough few days, with several of the boys having played 4 games in 4 days (3 of which were for school).  King's defeated a strong Wilmslow side after a competant 1st half performance followed by an outstanding second period down the hill on the 'JS 1' pitch.

Mr Lunn had learnt his lesson after yesterday's great performance, keeping the warm-up simple and keeping quiet (well, relatively quiet) on the sideline.  King's started really well, with midfield General Al Jaquiss stroking the ball majestically around the 'park'.  His right-hand-man Sam Pode was equally effective (if slightly less majesterial) and this allowed the sparky front two of Tom Hill and George Back to worry the Wilmslow defence.  However, the visitors looked dangerous in possession particulalry when their left footed forward got 'on the ball'.  King's defence, to their great credit, held firm and a combination of strong play and good communication, allied with a slice of good luck ,allowed them to keep the opposition at bay. 

Unfortunately one moment of indecision would cost King's the lead, a well-struck forward pass, which would have harmlessly run through to AJ being 'top-headed' into the air then agonisingly headed past AJ by the well-meaning Nick Dyne as he and AJ failed to deal with the threat.   A further moment of indecision could well have made matters worse, Will Smith handling the ball in the area after struggling to make an early clearance. 

Resigned to 'going in' to the break 2 goals down the team looked nervous before the kick, but a great decision by AJ to stand his ground allowed him to parry the ball over for a corner which King's eventually dealt with.

As was stated at half-time, King's would have 'taken' a 1-0 deficit up the hill had it been offered at the start of the game, so they started the second half confidently.  Matt Traynor immediately showed some class and it was his strong decision, cutting out a through ball in midfield, which allowed the ball to fall to Luke Sawney.  He laid the ball off to George Back to blast the ball home.  King's kept up the pressure and a good Tommy Speed throw was worked by Sam Pode to Luke Sawney who then bagged a goal himself to give King's the lead.  Soon afterwards Sam again provided a goal, this time a beautiful lofted pass which George coolly controlled and poked past the keeper.

King's now relaxed and looked confident on the ball and this enabled George to get his hat-trick, the unfortunate Wilmslow keeper, who had played well, allowing George's shot to squirm under him into the net.

All 15 lads used today played sensibly and maturely. Only a few more games now and, if the current excellent level of play continues, there will hopefully be more victories to come.

U16 girls lost 14-31 against Weaverham HS away March 08, 2010

This was a mixed game containing players from three age groups and thank you to Elizabeth Cousins for stepping in at the last minute. Although losing in the end, the score during the second quarter was 7-8 to Weaverham, but their lead increased in the second half as their shooters couldn't miss.Considering the mixture of players, the team worked well together especially towards the end and special mention goes to Hannah Porter who was voted man of the match and Charlotte Gurran who played the whole game out of position.

U14 girls lost 21-24 against Weaverham HS away March 08, 2010

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U13 A girls won 8-0 against Weaverham HS away March 08, 2010

U13’s match vs Weaverham (match report by Kitty Abberton)

For us this was the last game of the season and we wanted to finish on a high, and we did!  We had the advantage from the start as we had first pass. This was then followed by a great hit from Gabi Tuite from top ‘d’ scoring the first goal in the first 5 minutes of the game, shortly followed by Georgina Hodson’s powerful hit also from top ‘d’. Their centre was taken quickly and our defence was tested for the first time but we stayed strong, Emily Gregg, Claire Kaye and Siân Jackson working on marking closely. Our next goal was a short corner taken very well by Kate Huber to Kitty Abberton who had a sharp strike from top ‘d’. Later on a great dribble up the line by Anna Longson who passed to Georgie Hodson to Kate Huber, then passed to Ellie Kearney-Mitchell who was waiting at the penalty spot, who then guided the ball into the back of the goal. The defence was tested again but this time leading to Weaverham’s first and only short corner this was Zoë Soutters ‘time to shine’ but the ball was expelled from the ‘d’ by good team work by Anna Longson and Gabi Tuite. D’arcy Tuite also had several great runs down the line.

Half time was a good time to have a talk about tactics. Weaverham had obviously had a stern talk because their push back was strong but not strong enough! A good tackle by Georgie got us running down the pitch and then a foot in the ‘d’ led to another short corner, Kitty Abberton scoring again. Ellie K-M with another strike ricocheting off the post past the keeper into the goal. A hard hit from Bronwen Hulme sent the score from 6 to 7 with 5 minutes left of the game, this leading to D’arcy Tuite wanting to score, so much to the extent of when ever we had the ball in the ‘d’ we passed to her she finally got her goal which was also the last goal of the season, as Kate Huber passed to a skillful Anna Longson to Ellie K-M with a quick pass to D’arcy on the penalty spot, who then wacked it for all she was worth into the goal. It was 8-0 at full time. Kitty Abberton was voted ‘’Man of the Match’. Unfortunately Zoë didn’t have much to do, as the ball only twice went it to our ‘d’. We had most of the possession because all of the squad played very well. We all finished off the season well.

Squad: Zoë Soutter (GK), Emily Gregg, Claire Kaye, Kate Huber,

Georgie Hodson, Bron Hulme, Anna Longson, Siân Jackson, Ellie Robson, Kate Robson, Ellie Kearney-Mitchell, Kitty Abberton(c), Gabi Tuite, D’arcy Tuite.

U12 A girls won 12-1 against Weaverham HS away March 08, 2010

U12 match report by Katie Lawrence-Smith

Kings dominated quickly in the first third, starting off very well. Emily Boothroyd scored within the first minute and great passing upfront led to a fast 6 goals. In the second third Kings were strong all round and had great clearances and tackles in defence. Anna Willis often pushing the ball back up the pitch again. The second third ended as 9-0 to kings. By the last third Weaverham were fighting back but Kings still managed a way around them, in the end Sophie Drew scoring 4 goals, Emily Boothroyd 6 and Katie Lawrence-Smith 2 goals. Charlotte Knight was named player of the match for her amazing defending, Weaverham unable to defeat her. Overall Kings played a great match winning away to Weaverham 12-0.

U13 A XI won 6-0 against Bishop Heber, Malpas home March 08, 2010

The U13 momentum continues apace with another fine performance, albeit today one that was not so testing after the intensity of Saturday.  It gave us the opportunity to rest a few players and give games to others who perhaps have not played so much this season, but nevertheless everyone should be heartily satisfied by a job very well done again.

Goals came at regular intervals, and many other chances were had too (two off the woodwork, another two ruled out for offside), and it enabled the manager again to rotate personnel and positions with comfort and confidence.

Mention must be made of a very unlucky Alex Smith making his A-team debut.  Working tirelessly down the left he should have had two goals, but both were to be "poached" by George Thompson - one from a blatantly (!) offside position, thus denying Alex, although the second, which was beautifully curled, from a tight angle, over the advancing 'keeper and was goalbound anyway, did see a fine glancing header from George.  Keep going, Alex - you'll get your goals in the future!

Thanks as ever to all on the line for your support; the serious run-in now begins on Thursday against Upton, with plenty more to follow.  MJP

U15 XI lost 3-4 against Bishop Heber home March 08, 2010

Today’ game was one of those I think you just have to accept as ‘not a good day at the office’. We could play Bishop Heber every other day this week and win quite easily but not today unfortunately.

At some points, especially in the first half we looked a tired team and we were missing players through injury but that would be making excuses. A win today was just not meant to be!

We were two goals down after 5 minutes caught out largely by the pace and skill Bishop Heber had right through the middle. Their attacks were not subtle but mighty effective. You could see major weaknesses in the opposition though and I felt there was plenty of time to get back into the game. We exploited those areas of weakness and clawed back our way back with two goals from excellent work once again by Ben Sawney.

Ben Leaman coming off with an injury meant we were limited in our ability to change things around to bolster up the midfield. A third goal for Bishop Heber, once again route one stuff, meant that we would go into half time adrift once more.

I felt that we could, and should, still win, especially since we have come back strongly in the second halves of many a recent game. Playing up the slope should limit Heber’s pacey attacks and their use of the ball over the top – it didn’t –after ten more minutes we were 4 -2 down!

We continued to attack in wave after wave but chasing the game so much we took the wrong option when in good positions or shot from too long a range. We did get one goal back to give Ben his hat -trick but it was too little too late.

A surprise defeat but perhaps it will do us good to take nothing for granted in the future. A good rest now until Saturday when we play The Grange away. They will want revenge after a heavy defeat just before Christmas but equally I think this team will want to get back into winning ways as soon as possible.  DY

U12 A XI won 3-1 against Bishop Heber home March 08, 2010

This was an excellent match and an outstanding performance for the U12s.  To King's great credit they played to their strengths, with a high work-rate throughout the team, crisp passing and great communication allowing them to beat a strong Heber XI.

That the game went well was even more impressive given that there was a limited warm-up, a late kit change and no manager, with RL having to don his 'flamboyant' yellow ref's kit.

King's started strongly, though there was no doubting the potential of the Heber team to create chances.  Al Jaquiss and Sam Pode played well from the off, however, and coped admirably with the threat posed by the opposition.  Though Heber had a lot of the ball King's were able to soak up the pressure, indeed, this allowed them to counter-attack dangerously and, King's did look the more likely team to break the deadlock.  Fortunately for  this proved to be the case, with an excellent through ball from Sam Pode allowing George Back to slot the ball home.

King's continued to defend well, though, through sheer good play, Heber were able to equalise, an excellent lay-off being poked past the helpless AJ Riddy.  The next goal was going to be the key score and King's persistence and sensible use of the space behind the 'outrushing' Heber defence saw it fall for the home team.  The excellent Aiden Kiely made an great decision and met a goalkeeper's clearance firmly with his head.  Tom Hill timed his run beautifully to clip the ball past the keeper and coolly convert with his left foot.

King's started the second period equally well and harried Heber into mistakes.  The brick wall that is Will Smith dropped off sensibly and cut out the majority of through balls, Nick Dyne had his best game for some time and Shun Sato demonstrated the 'pester, poke, pinch' defensive mantra to perfection.  Shun also captained wonderfully, cajoling, encouraging and organising his troops with aplomb.

When the final goal came it made the game safe and what a beauty it was.  Sam Pode made a firm tackle just inside the King's half which went out to Steve Wynne on the left.  The ball was worked to AJ Riddy, impressive in his 'Tasmanian Devil' cameo up front , who layed the ball off for George Back to finish.

The team can take great credit for this mature performance.  The team's ability to take charge in the absence of encouragement from the side augurs well for the future and has the added benefit (for the parents and subs) that Mr Lunn may not have to bellow so much when on the sideline in future matches!

U16 XI won 3-2 against Bishop Heber home March 08, 2010

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U14 XI drew 7-7 against Bishop Heber home March 08, 2010

This was truly a game of two halves, and a game from which King’s are still shaking their heads in disbelief. An outstanding opening half from the home side saw them go into the break with a 5 goal deficit.  Confidence was soaring and there was a chance for them to take the game into double figures and beyond the reach of Bishop Heber.

Double figures were indeed achieved come the final whistle, with all of 14 goals on the sheet. Unfortunately for King’s, this wasn’t entirely in their favour, as a superb 2^nd half comeback from Bishop Heber saw the final score at 7-7.  This leaves King’s with a lot to think about as they quickly approach their next fixture - only 24 hours away.

The first half saw King’s moving the ball around well and it didn’t take long for them to slot home the first goal. Rudi showed great composure as he moved the ball onto his stronger foot and drove into the side netting. This new composure in front of goal is the result of a book called “How to score goals”, which he informs me is available from the Wickson library, if any of the rest of the team should wish to read it.

The addition of Jack and Sam from the U13 XI had a great effect on the team, and they immediately settled in, providing a number of assists and one sensational strike from Jack as he found the top corner of the net from all of 40yards. A second goal from Rudi and a well taken hat trick from Peter saw King’s take a 6-1 lead at the half time whistle.

Sheer determination from Bishop Heber and perhaps some complacency from King’s saw the second half turn in the away teams favour. King’s saw very little of the ball and only managed to find the back of the net once as Rudi completed his hat trick through a flick on from Ali’s header. Bishop Heber were a new team and managed to find the net from all angles and distances, leaving King’s standing as goal after goal rippled the net. A change of keepers saw James Ryder move from right back into the number 1 position.  The adjustment of mindset from a defender to a goalkeeper proved a bit tricky and on many occasions he found himself off his line acting as a sweeper-keeper. A complete turnaround saw the second half score at 1-6 come the final whistle.

Final Score: 7-7

This should act as a good wake up call to King’s who went in at half time thinking the match was theirs. A game of football is not over until the final whistle, and the result cannot be determined before then.

 JKW

U15 XI won 5-1 against Crompton House home March 06, 2010

Mr Williams called it ‘samba football’ this morning and at times he was right, especially in the second half when we were well on top and playing with a lot of confidence, the passing  and movement, playing to feet was a joy to watch.

We started brightly enough but it looked as if Crompton House would give us a good game. They didn’t appear to have any obvious weaknesses and played some good football. Jordan Williams was to have his best game for a long time though, probably because he was able to shake off this nausea which has been affecting him recently, and his delivery from a corner was crying out to met and George Kaye did not disappoint.

We then sat back somewhat and although we were still creating chances we simply were not clinical enough. The Crompton House equaliser also came from a corner when we simply chose the wrong options, we must get our biggest and most powerful players defending against their equals in the opposition and even if we do not get clean headers we must at least ensure the opposition don’t either.

That equaliser was the cue for us to step our game and we went back on the offensive with some purpose and it was no surprise to see Nathan putting us ahead with another powerful display. We continued to look really threatening from corners, the delivery deserving of better reactions from us.

At half time I felt we would have to step up our play to be sure of the win and we responded well although we could not impose ourselves through goals. Declan came on, allowing Ben Sawney to play up front and Lloyd Stanley also took a break to rest a niggling ankle injury for Monday’s league game. The result was almost instantaneous with Simon Edholm putting us two goals clear.

I think the combination of Crompton House heads dropping and our confidence being high meant that we had our best period of play. It was no surprise to see two further goals from Ben Sawney.

Goalscorers always take the limelight but some of the through balls played by George Okell were exquisite and Ben Leaman worked tirelessly and almost got himself on the scoresheet with a goal that would have been talked about for a long time.

At the back George and Michael were dominant and James Lewis was like a Duracell Rabbit and I mean that in the best possible way!  Oli Green stepped back into defence and the back line allowed Matt to have a quieter second half. He has to take a lot of praise for two excellent saves in the half half. We will have to wait until Monday for that clean sheet but it is as important as scoring at the other end.

Monday it is Bishop Heber in the league, we remain undefeated but Upton have a far superior goal difference so the challenge is there, a win first, a big win second.

Thank you to our biggest crowd of the season, as always it is a massive boost to the team and the positive encouragement can only help the team.   DY

1st XI won 3-0 against Crompton House home March 06, 2010

Today’s game against Crompton House from Bolton was exactly what we needed after the midweek fixture which saw the quality of our performance dip somewhat.  Games against Crompton House have been close fought, competitive affairs and today was to be no exception.  The Crompton House side contained a number of skilful players who would also challenge us with their height and physique.  Our aim from the outset was to produce a performance which could set us up for Monday’s semi final.  The result was secondary to ensuring that we played to the maximum of our ability.

Crompton House started well and for the first few moments of the game our defence needed to steady themselves and get up to pace.  However, it did not take long before we collected our composure and began to settle on the ball.  The defence began to find its shape and midfield began to assert itself and play with increasing authority.  Up front, the willing runs of Fyfe and Cooney provided us with a regular outlet and their ability to hold on to the ball when up against much taller and stronger opponents was admirable.  Without the ball sticking up front we allow the opposition to put us under pressure, but once it sticks with the forwards we are able to get close and give them support so that we can create our own openings.

Although our first goal after ten minutes was a well taken one, we would have to admit that it owed a lot to the mistake of the opposition keeper.  Leech collected the ball in our area after a Crompton House attack broke down.  He opted to go for route one and punted the ball down the pitch.  His kick saw the ball run beyond both the King’s attackers and the opposition defence for the keeper to come to the edge of his box to meet and clear.  Sensibly, Cooney had chosen to chase the ball down even though the keeper should have had no problem in clearing.  His presence was enough to take the keeper’s eye off the ball and as a consequence he made a hash of the clearance with the ball landing at the feet of Jonathan.  The easy thing to do might have been to have struck the ball first time as the keeper strove to get back on his line, but to do so might have seen the effort go wide or be intercepted by the defenders.  Instead Jonathan got the ball down, controlled it and then lobbed the keeper and defenders to plant it in the back of the net.  His composure meant that we saw ourselves go 1-0 ahead.

The next twenty five minutes saw us play some very good football in all parts of the pitch.  Our defence looked assured with Bate and Torr commanding and the full backs of Goulbourne and Coppack regularly looking to support the midfield.  Peel had started the game in tremendous spirit and alongside him Dermott began to look more and more commanding.  We got our wide players into the play as much as possible and up front our forward line continued to work indefatigably to enable us to keep the majority of the play in the opposition half.

We created more opportunities which might have seen us go further ahead.  Good work down the right saw Stein put over a good cross which found Peel who had made a timely run into the penalty area.  With his back to goal he laid the ball off to Cooney whose shot went narrowly wide. 

Dermott was becoming an increasing influence on play and picking the ball up on the edge of our box he beat his man and drove downfield.  Sidestepping a defender who came to meet him he found himself transferred to the edge of the Crompton House box and was able to unleash a low shot which beat the keeper only to hit the bottom of the post.  Fyfe was quick to the rebound, but saw his effort saved by the legs of the goalkeeper.

Shortly afterwards we might have gone further ahead when a cross saw panic in the Crompton house six yard box.  We knocked the ball beyond the keeper towards an empty goal and just as Fyfe was about to make sure of the goal by heading the ball into the net the central defender managed to extend a leg and hook the ball to safety.

There was not much more that we needed to do in the second half other than sustain the quality of our game.  We expected the opposition to come back at us at some stage, but we knew that a determined response on our parts could see us through. 

After such a good first half it was natural that both teams might tire as the match progressed and when that happens one would expect a rather more open game.  Thankfully, our defence was up to anything that was thrown at them today and they kept their shape really well.  Ahead of them Allinson began to see much more of the ball and was far more effective in how he used it.  He put over a number of telling crosses and linked well with those around him. 

After fifteen minutes of the second half it was substitute Lindsay who struck to score the goal that effectively sank the hearts of Crompton House.  A half cleared corner for King’s was knocked back into the six yard box and Lindsay reacted first to sneak beyond the defenders and head home from close range.

From here on in King’s never looked really threatened even though Leech was still called upon to make a couple of saves, one from a fine shot which he tipped over the bar and the other when he tipped the boot of an attacker over the bar as it flew towards the goal!  We were very effective in marshalling the opposition attackers and perhaps it was no surprise when we managed to nose further ahead.  After Cooney had been fouled on the edge of the opposition box Peel stepped up to take control of the free kick.  In similar fashion to a strike of a few weeks ago he hit a superb shot up and over the wall into the top right corner of the goal leaving the keeper with absolutely no chance of making the save.  The goal was a just reward for Harry’s efforts throughout the game which had laid the foundations of our win.  He had raised his game after the midweek match and did exactly what was asked of him. 

To run out such convincing winners against a half decent side shows how far we have come this season, but we must now ensure that we do not let ourselves down in future games starting on Monday against Chritleton.

2nd XI drew 3-3 against Crompton House home March 06, 2010

An injury time equaliser from Alex Haworth salvaged a draw from a game we looked likely to lose after fifteen minutes of madness in the first half. 1-0 up through an excellent Matt Jones lob, King's then missed a penalty, had Arthur Thomas sent off and defended terribly as a team to go in at half time 3-1 down.

The introduction of Joe Benson and Will Goulbourne galvanised the team and with Kal Marsden sitting in front of the back four we regained our shape and proceeded to dominate the game territorially. Kal Choudhry was  desperately unlucky with a great header and Matt Jones  blazed wide when put through but the same player fired in a low shot which at last beat the impressive Crompton House keeper with ten minutes to go. The visitors' one real chance of the half came moments later when Luke Robinson was forced to make a superb goal line clearance. With Owen Dawson linking up well with Haworth and Goulbourne down the right, a stream of crosses and corners were put over. It was left to Alex Haworth to sweep the ball home in some style to cue great celebrations borne out of relief .

Now the dust has settled, it is worth reflecting how well as a team we are responding to the RESPECT campaign Mr Horne and Mr Lunn have instigated. There is no place for retaliation and talking back to the referee under any circumstances. PN

U14 XI lost 1-2 against Crompton House home March 06, 2010

U13 A XI won 3-1 against Crompton House home March 06, 2010

So, the U13 maintain their momentum with another cracking footballing performance and victory, this time against a very talented and tough opposition.

This was very much another one of those "proper games of football" that I like to refer to, and which the lads will increasingly have to play as they grow older and physically.

The warm-up today too was very positive, and just as well too, as the first 15 minutes of the game saw Crompton House and King's battle hard for control of the midfield, with perhaps the away side just having the edge.  If we had been less well prepared, perhaps we might have been having to chase the game.

However, slowly we began to exert a little more dominance, and our best spell of the game was started in the second quarter by a superb individual goal from Bradley, turning his defender inside and out before cutting in to rifle past a wrong-footed 'keeper.

Crompton were under some pressure until half-time, albeit themselves having a few chances on the break, and winning a few corners, but which we defended superbly, the rotating centre backs of Jack, Ben and Kay again having a superb game.  But there was to be one blip just short of the break when a momentary switching-off at the back allowed Crompton to poach an equaliser, although perhaps on the balance of play of the whole half which they deserved.

Crompton started the second half with their tails up, then, and again it required a supreme King's effort to weather that storm and then begin to hit back again.  Much like the first half, we came strong in the final 15 minutes though with two well taken goals, one from Chris, and one from Tom J to clinch a well-earned victory over as I say a fine opposition.

Games come thick and fast for the rest of the term, so let's endeavour to keep up this momentum now, lads.  Well done - and see you again on Monday.  MJP

U12 A XI won 4-3 against Crompton House home March 06, 2010

Another good result for King's, who were really made to graft by a skilful and hard-working Crompton House XI.

King's started the brighter of the 2 teams, using the advantage of the considerable slope to put the opposition under pressure.  Good use of width, nice interplay and simple football allowed King's to stretch Crompton House.  From such a 'play' Will Smith lofted an excellent cross which a well-positioned Sam Pode eyebrowed into the goal for an well deserved 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately, as has happened a little too often this season, over-elaboration in midfield let the dangerous Crompton House winger surge onto the ball and force a corner.  This was very well struck and unfortunately Will Smith deflected the ball past AJ Riddy for the equaliser.  King's showed admirable composure in keeping their shape after this set-back and were handsomely rewarded when a wonderful through ball saw allowed Tom Hill to lob the ball past the keeper for his debut goal for the a team.  Tom continued to influence the game when he disrupted the Crompton House defence after a corner, the ball falling to Sam Pode to lash home from short range.

During this time Crompton House showed some skill and the outstanding AJ Riddy allowed King's to keep their 2 goal cushion, his kicking was also tremendous, playing the 'sweeper-keeper' role to perfection.  The first half finished on a high with George Back finishing off a move to poke the ball home after a fumble by the keeper.

The second half was a tough 30 mins, though King's did really well to maintain the lead.  Tiredness and lunging challenges did help Crompton House, but they showed their skill and discipline in winning the second half 2-0.  Fortunately, King's held on for a deserved victory to take into next week's tough games against Bishop Heber and Wilmslow.