FOOTBALL: Latest results from Stratton Youth FC

Stratton Youth U/7's

Took a journey down the M4 to play Hungerford Town Whites. The match may well be the last for a few weeks and the children put on a performance which will be remembered for a long time to come! The blues started quickly with driving runs towards the opponents goal and some impressive team positional play. As the game settled Frank Parker was able to push elegantly forwards and began to display some quality skills and cool finishing. Ethan Morse had his long range 'game on' today with some great passing and two goals from distance. Captain Georgie Cummins looked at ease in her higher starting position and once again did not allow her smaller frame to be a disadvantage. She, along with Player of the Day Amelie Kingsbury, did not give the Hungerford defence one second of time on the ball. They both pushed the play high into the whites' box, which allowed Stratton to play some lovely passing football. Ted Dicker decision making was impressive again and his distribution and kicking is improving week on week. Pedro Aparicio and Johnny Cowle are learning the technical and tactical elements of the beautiful game so well. Their ability to place themselves ready to face danger is impressive. Theo Raban was a handful for the whites. He picked the ball up in every area of the pitch and positively took the ball forwards. He was able to rise to the challenge and play some awesome passes. Lucas Graves was again athletic in goal. his goal kicks are improving and kicking from his hands is a piece of cake!! Dexter Larner was like a whippet running up and down the pitch and he was able to somehow find space for some amazing drag backs. Both teams applauded one another at the end of a good game of football. Oscar Newport was updated with the result immediately at the final whistle......whilst on holiday!

Stratton Youth U/8’s

Were on the road this week travelling to Liden in a match that had both teams eager to show off their skills. The first quarter saw a great contest between the two sides and Stratton were unlucky not to open the scoring with Isaiah Allen testing the goal keeper early on. Isla Bailey was breaking up constant attacks and bravely threw herself at a well taken free kick to deny the opposition from scoring. With James Pearcey making some great saves in goal it looked like the first quarter was going to end up goalless, however the opposition had the last touch of the ball and managed to sneak a goal before the whistle. The second quarter saw a change of personnel and it wasn’t long before Stratton got on level terms with a great interception from Jack Baxter, he was able to set up Theo Pritchett who took the ball forward and coolly finished in the bottom left corner. A great passage play then followed with ArthurJanvrin winning the ball, looking up and setting up an unmarked Ethan Head to finish with ease inside the box. Not long after the kick off Ethan Head pounced on a loose ball and slotted the ball passed the keeper. Henry Sutton had a quiet game in goal this week from previous weeks, but he was focused and alert when called upon. The third quarter was a lot closer and with Isaiah Allen’s distribution of the ball from goal kicks, he soon released Elliot Fountain on his way with a great run down the wing to then cut inside and burying his shot passed the keeper. Oscar Branigan was soon in on the action and after being pushed out wide by the defender he managed to get his shot off and find the gap between the post and the goal keeper. Stratton continued piling on the pressure with James Pearcey and Isla Bailey winning their tackles. The forth quarter saw a great display from Arthur Janvrin, Theo Pritchett, Ethan Head, Jack Baxter and Henry Sutton who all linked up well and were unselfish in their play, with lots of tackling, passing and calling for the ball, this resulted in Arthur Janvrin netting four well taken goals and Ethan Head finishing off a great afternoon with a great strike with his left foot. This weeks player of the day went to Jack Baxter for his disciplined defending, commitment and attitude towards the game.

Stratton Youth U/9s

Played away at Super marine on a very windy day. The game started well for both teams, with some great passing and skill but it was Super marine who took the lead. With the wind in there favour, a long shot caught the wind and flew into the goal. Then a few mins later, again a long shot by Super marine was very nearly saved by Harry Johnson in the Stratton goal but with the ball moving and slippery, it ended up in the back of the net. Super marine then extended the lead again with a carbon copy of the first goal. Harry Johnson had no chance with all 3 shots. However for the next 30 mins, Super marine hardly forced Johnson into any saves as the defence of Luca Andrews, Henry Strange and Lucas Garvey played outstanding, with every Super marine attack ended by these 3 defenders. Even when replaced by Jamie Boulton and Harry Johnson, Super marine couldn’t get past. Stratton were on top for the majority of the match with central mid-fielders Henry Hurst and Sion-Ellis Jones constantly breaking up any attack and then pushed forward with great passing. Captain Daniel Price was close to scoring on a few occasions and with Archie Graves and Ethan Parry attacking, chances were created but unfortunately with the wind, didn’t end up in the back of the net. Outstanding goalkeeping from the Super marines also denied Ollie Saunders on a number of occasions. Stratton did pull one back when a corner from Daniel Price came off a Super marine player and ended up in the net. Stratton piled on the pressure but just couldn’t find the back of the net. Player of the week went to Luca Andrews who defended outstanding and played out some good passes out of defence.

Stratton Youth U/10s

A great performance from the boys today who showed real resilience under pressure in the last quarter. It was very pleasing to see us return to our passing game with great ball possession. We had lots of attempts on goal and their goalkeeper played really well. With 8 players available, everyone had to put in a lot of effort and I was so pleased with our commitment and energy. We rotated players positions on the pitch and everyone stuck to their task, regardless of where they were asked to play. Scorers: Freddie Jones (1), Seb Phillips (1), Louis Janvrin (1), Capt: Josh McGlone

Player of the Match: Nathan Paddock for his wonderful dribbling and close control of the ball. Thanks again to the GK volunteers, without a regular player in that position it is really helpful that the boys put their hands up. Well done all!

Stratton Youth U/11s

Latest league match was played at home versus Chippenham. Played in windy conditions, the game proved to be a closely fought and terrific contest between two highly competitive teams In great form. Chippenham looked dangerous in the early stages of the game particularly on the counter attack but Stratton’s high pressing game started to have a bearing, winning a series of corners for the home side. Indeed it was from these set pieces where excellent crosses from Lucas Scotford and Woody Whitehead led to bravely headed goals from Leighton Emson and Tom Pritchett. Chippenham responded well at the start of the second half pulling a goal back after good play on the right. The last quarter was closely fought with chances at both ends but resolute goal keeping from Xavier Elderby Harris and his Chippenham counterpart denied the strikers from both teams. This was the strongest performance of the season by Stratton built on teamwork and inter play, with a stand-out midfield performance from Woody Whitehead and once again a towering display by Josh Price at the back.

Stratton Youth U/11s Blues

After a week without a match the Blues were excited to return to the field, away against a very strong Fairford Hawks side. Both sides started positively, with Fairford gaining the upper hand and scoring first. The Blues equalised through some good teamwork and a well-taken shot from Tom Hoskins.

Fairford continued to push forward, with the Blues’ defence holding up well initially. However, the Fairford attack kept searching for a way through and some excellent long-range shooting gave them a comfortable cushion at half time. After a half time rest and team talk, the Blues heads lifted a little and the second half was closely fought. Both teams created opportunities to score, although Fairford again played the more fluid football and the Blues struggled to find the rhythm, quality and focus that had been so evident in recent weeks. Overall, it was not a match the Blues will remember fondly, but there were some great learning points and they will look to return stronger and more focussed next time.

Player of the match was Luke Richmond, who put in a strong performance at the heart of the Blues defence whilst making some great forward runs forward.

Stratton Youth U/12s

Were away to a strong and physical Lydiard Irons side. In all three of Stratton’s last games they’ve managed to keep clean sheets. This game was to be no different with another great defensive team effort, the question was whether they could get a goal at the other end? It was a slow start to the game with both teams pushing to try and stamp their authority. Of the two teams, Stratton had the clearer opportunities to score. Dylan Morse did well to create some space and get an early shot on goal which was unfortunate to come back off the post. The U12s continued to press for openings with Idris Thomas-Jones constantly pressing the opposition and breaking up play. A consistent theme in recent games has been the team’s inability to put their chances away and this game was no different, Idris did brilliantly to turn the defender and with only the goalkeeper to beat he couldn’t find the corner. Louis Kingsbury continued to look strong in the defensive midfield role and provided Ezra Allen with a defence splitting pass only for the shot that was destined for the top corner, to be stopped with a fantastic save. The second half continued in the same manner and credit goes to our defence in the way they adapted throughout the game to the long balls over the top. Oscar Edwards continued to look comfortable in his new centre back role. Shai Robinson and Sam Potter grew in confidence the longer the game went on. Playing from the back, turning defence into attack with some quick one two’s. Harley Bennett was looking to continue his rich vein of form in front of goal but was met with a resolute Lydiard defence, limiting him to rare opportunities. The wingers in Jack Cummins and Toby Rossiter-Stallard worked tirelessly to restrict the Lydiard attacks and support in Stratton’s offensive play. In goal Luke Dawson did well throughout the match to deal with the long-range efforts Stratton restricted them to, holding the ball well and communicating with his defence. After taking a painful shot to the stomach he still managed to hold onto the ball whilst injured, then going on to what must only be described as probably the save of the season. With the ball falling to the Lydiard centre forward on the six-yard box he smashed it goal bound, only to be met with an amazing reaction save that was tipped over the cross bar.

Stratton were unlucky not to put one of their chances away, but this still gave for an exciting 0-0 draw. It was another tough game for the boys, battling and working hard for each other. Player of the match went to Luke Dawson for his all-round performance and miraculous save. Stratton Youth U/14s Had to work hard to beat a much-improved Wootton Bassett team, edging them out with a flurry of second half goals to win 8-4. From the kick-off it was clear Wootton Bassett, on their home ground, would be a different prospect to last week and if Stratton thought they were going to repeat their big win they soon learned that wasn't the case as Bassett took the lead about 10 minutes into the game after a mix up in the Stratton defence was punished with a goal. When Jonny Reynolds equalised five minutes later Bassett simply responded with a second goal to take the lead again and it took a long-range strike from Harvey Williams which deceived the goalie to keep Stratton in the game at 2-2 as they went into half time. As Dan and Danny reshuffled the side in an attempt to bring in a game-winning pattern, it seemed like the main goal-threat, Jonny Reynolds, was being well contained by a resolute Bassett defence but he managed to break free shortly after half time and give Stratton the lead for the first time at 3-2 with a firm, close-range finish. Bassett responded again, scoring from a penalty and were deservedly still in contention with about 20 minutes left. This seemed to spark Stratton into another gear as a more assured defensive line exemplified by calm work by Ollie Watkins and Miguel Valverde on either flank created more chances for the forward line. Tom Williams gave some urgency to the attack and Jonny Reynolds persistence was rewarded with four more goals, one from the penalty spot, which seemed to take the game out of reach. An eighth goal from Brad Risby was enough to confirm the win, with a well-taken fourth goal from Bassett proving only a consolation. Nye Thomas's hard work in midfield was recognised with the player of the match award. Stratton Youth U/15s Lost there first game of the season to a very good well drilled team in Durrington Lions 6-2. Stratton had both regular centre backs missing so Jake Meredith and Lennon Skinner stepped in at the back. The start of the game was end to end for the first 20 minutes then Durrington got the well deserved breakthrough from their centre forward who was a constant threat all afternoon. By half time the visitors were 4 nil up and looked very comfortable. Stratton showed character and pulled 2 goals back from Meredith and Evans. Durrington were shaken and Stratton pushed for a 3rd unfortunately Skinner pulled the centre forward down for a penalty, 5-2 knocked the wind out of the sails. Stratton had 3 good Further chances but was not their day and Durrington made it 6 with 5 minutes to go. A very good game of football and the visitors were worthy winners. Stratton MOM Lennon Skinner a superb all round performance. Stratton players all gave 100% in the second half and showed why they have had a great start to the season.