FOOTBALL: Latest results from Stratton Youth FC

Stratton Youth U/7s

Stratton Youth U/7s welcomed Fairford Vulcans for a home fixture at Baunton Lane. The 'local derby' didn't disappoint as it turned out to be one of the toughest and evenly matched games so far this season. Both teams started quickly with driving runs towards the opponent’s goal. As the game settled Ethan Morse was able to find space to finish calmly from an angle. Captain Ted Dicker was offering some great words of advice to his team-mates and his decision making was impressive. Pedro Aparicio once again placed himself perfectly to deal with dangerous attacks from some talented Fairford boys. Georgie Cummins demonstrated again how to use both feet and how to never give up. Her influence encouraged the others to go an express themselves and Theo Raban (who was back from injury) was the first to show off his dribbling skills. Oscar Newport found the net brilliantly again and was able to assist with defensive duties. Lucas Graves was athletic in goal with some awesome diving saves and big goal kicks. Johnny Cowle was like a rock at the back. He was able to dictate play with the ball in front of him. Amelie Kingsbury battled hard and was willing to take on the challenge of winning the ball back. Franklin Parker scored the best team goal so far this season when Ethan Morse 'scooped' the ball in the air and Franklin Parker headed the ball back across goal into the far corner. Player of the day went to Johnny Cowle his willingness to learn new skills in training and then transfer them to match days is brilliant., Well done blues, another great team performance.

Stratton Youth U/8s

Stratton Youth U/8s were hosts to Abbey Meads and with all ten players keen to get going it wasn’t long before Stratton struck first with a quick throw from Oscar Branigan to Elliot Fountain, who found himself in lots space in the box ready to dispatch a fine goal. Stratton kept on piling on the pressure and were unlucky not to score through Isaiah Allen who made the keeper work for his effort at goal. Yet again Isla Bailey was a rock at the back and thwarted the opposition with tackle after tackle. The second quarter saw Stratton pressing further up the pitch with Arthur Janvrin, Ethan Head and Theo Pritchett all linking up well and with some great spells of passing it wasn’t long before each of them had a goal to their name. Stratton didn’t hold back, and Arthur Janvrin completed his hat-trick for the second week in a row. With Henry Sutton solid once again in goal the opposition were unable to find the back of the net. Going into the third quarter Stratton once again found another gear, hitting the target a further three times. Oscar Branigan had a mazy little run through the defence to slot home with his left foot. Battering through the crowds of players James Pearcey found the target through a tight angle. The fourth quarter was a repeat of the second with Jack Baxter pushing further on he scored his first goal of the campaign from close range. The last ten minutes saw Theo Pritchett go between the sticks, pulling off some very brave saves. Henry Sutton and Jack Baxter defended excellently cutting off the supply to the opposing attackers. Ethan Head was on the score sheet again adding to his brace from earlier on. The closing stages saw Arthur Janvrin add another with a great run from the wing, twisting and turning the opposition. This capped off a great afternoon from all the players. This week’s player of the day went to James Pearcey for his great performance in goal and his ambition to drive forwards with the ball.

Stratton Youth U/9s

Stratton Youth U/ 9s kicked off at home early afternoon against a strong Swindon team, with the three previous matches between the two teams being very tight and very entertaining. This game lived up to those expectations. SYFC started the brighter, with Henry Hurst and Harry Johnson breaking up any play in midfield and going on the attack. It didn’t take long for Stratton to score from this with Henry Hurst winning the ball and playing in Archie Graves to run through and score his first ever Stratton goal. The opposition tried to come back but were unable to find a way past Henry Strange and Luca Andrews in defence as they pressured the forwards and won back the ball numerous times. Captain Jamie Boulton playing just ahead of the defenders, picked up any loose balls and linked the defence with midfield. Unfortunately, an injury forced Jamie off (but he is all ok now). Stratton carried on attacking and a good passing move enable Harry Johnson to run through but his shot hit the crossbar but Archie Graves was there to put in the rebound. Stratton then changed players and formation and went on the attack with Ethan Parry taking a quick throw to Ollie Saunders who turned and shot into the bottom corner. Sion Ellis Jones then took a throw in which bounced, and Ollie Saunders turned and half volley over the goalies head to put Stratton 4 up. The opposition then had some very good moves and attacks but some outstanding saves by goalie Jamie Portlock ensured Stratton didn’t concede going into half time. The second half continued with both teams defending well. Defender Lucas Garvey winning the ball again and again and Harry Johnson pulling off great saves. However, a great shot from the opposition found the top corner. But Stratton wanted more goals and a fantastic long ball from Daniel Price in defence found Archie Graves who scored a great top corner goal to seal his hat-trick. Stratton then kept pressing but with the final few mins of the match, the opposition ran through twice to score. Stratton defended well, with some great passing, skill and finishing on display from both teams. Player of the week went to Archie Graves. He not only scored his first ever football goal but ended with a hat-trick. But he also harried and chased down the ball to win it back a number of times

Stratton Youth U/10s

Stratton Youth U/10s had a tough game, coming up against a well organised, strong team in a physical but fair contest. The game was very close and with a bit of luck the U10s might have scored some more. They welcomed a new player, Lucas Beckley, who has a hammer of a right foot and who looked very comfortable in the team. As a result of opposition pressure, they found it difficult to get their passing going and when they did they created good opportunities. There were lots of positive performances today and well done to Blain Bartoloni for his tenacity against much bigger players. When he had the time, he showed his skill and vision to find a pass. Nathan Paddock was very brave in a physical contest and showed some great dribbling. Hector Kojima displayed positive communication and encouragement of other players, his team ethic is outstanding and again he volunteered to go in goal. Josh McGlone showed great determination and skill and commitment, whichever position he plays. The U10s improved their communication with lots of positive interaction to each other - this is something we will continue to encourage and work on. The team kept their heads up and they should be proud of their effort. Player of the Match: Seb Phillips for an amazing turn of pace to burst through two defenders, working hard for the team and for volunteering to go in goal!

Stratton Youth U/11s Blues

Stratton Youth U/11s Blues returned to their Kingshill home for a thrilling encounter against Purton Tigers. From the beginning both teams showed the quality and pace that have given them excellent starts to the season. The Blues upped the pressure after the first five minutes and deservedly gained the upper hand, albeit through a slightly fortuitous deflected goal followed by a well-taken penalty. Purton then seemed to suddenly find another gear, quickly levelling the match, and the Blues looked a little fragile after their most difficult five minutes of the season so far, However, they showed their increasing maturity and raised their heads, pushing forward once more and using the width of the pitch to create problems for the Purton defence. This paid off just before half time with another long-range Blues goal, giving them a positive end to a very exciting first half. Some brilliant defending and a few last-ditch clearances had kept the Purton attack at bay. With no substitutes available due to an early injury, the Blues retained their line up and formation in the second half. There were few signs of tiredness on either side and the match was delicately balanced, with both defences hard to break down. It was clear the next goal would shape the rest of the match, and the Blues converted at close range following a corner, with the Blues’ ability to exploit set pieces clearly improving. Purton responded with a brilliant individual goal, setting up a tense last few minutes, but the Blues kept their focus and held on. It was a fitting end to great match for players and spectators alike, with huge credit to both teams. Toby Briggs, Xander Dean and Finn Pearcey were the Blues’ scorers. Bayley Robertson was named Player of the Match for a great defensive performance, including a number of well-timed essential tackles in the Blues penalty box.

Stratton Youth U/11s

Stratton Youth U/11s had an early start for Stratton U/11’s this Sunday playing away against Wanborough. Stratton had a strong start with two well-battled goals by Archie Miller. Wanborough fought back to level before Woody Whitehead hit an outstanding strike from outside the box which dipped into the top of the net. Some magical play by Tom Pritchett in midfield placed a perfect cross to Lillie-Ann Woodley resulting in her first goal since joining the team. The match was concluded by Tom Pritchett scoring a magnificent free-kick. Archie Miller was awarded player of the week for his strength and determination throughout the game.

Stratton Youth U/12s

Stratton Youth U/12s had played brilliantly in their last two games. While they failed to live up to the previous performances, they ground out a win away to FC Calne which briefly moved them to joint top in the table. The big difference in this match was that the U/12s were over-confident and thought they would sweep the opposition aside. With everyone pushing up to try and score it put extra pressure across the back three of Oscar Edwards, Sam Potter and Shai Robinson. Oscar’s reading of the game was excellent, and he made a number of timely interceptions while Sam and Shai made last ditch tackles to limit the chances for the opposition. Harley Bennett continued his rich vein of form by slotting home after rounding the ‘keeper but the U/12s were fortunate to go in ahead at half time. The second half was more composed from the visitors with Dylan Morse, Idris Thomas-Jones, Ez Allen, Toby Stallard and Jack Cummins all creating chances. However, the opposition were a constant threat and the U/12s had a series of close shaves when they looked like they would concede but managed to keep the ball out. Eventually the ball dropped to Dylan Morse who sped through to calm everyone’s nerves by taking the chance fantastically and striking the ball into the net. Even with a few moments to go the U/12s were lucky not to concede as a goal bound shot went past Luke Dawson but was brilliantly cleared off the line from Ez Allen. The lesson from today for the team is to keep working off the ball and maintain their shape. Player of the match went to Ez Allen, mainly for his efforts at the very end when he was superb in defence.

Stratton Youth U/13s

Stratton Youth U/13s were away to RWB U/13s in their latest match. A fabulous game with both sides playing a lovely brand of football, passing with conviction and purpose. Stratton started strongly with Ollie Wilson having a superb game in midfield, breaking up play and driving forward with great effect. Ollie also got on the score sheet twice. Sam King again was a dominant force upfront scoring twice and only denied a hat trick by some great saves from the opposition keeper. Sam ran tirelessly and never gave up even on what seemed like lost causes. Jaden Mullis added to his tally of goals with a left foot strike which was just reward for his hard work. Caleb Kavannagh also got his name on the score sheet. Stratton were 1-3 up at half time, with the game finishing 5-6 to Stratton. RWB gave Stratton their hardest game of the season and were unlucky not to get anything from the game. Players of the match were Sam King, James Bassett and the parent’s choice was Ollie Wilson.