Under 10s match reports

Ross 1 - FC Highnam 8 (CUP)

The boys returned to action after a long Christmas lay off and no trip to La Manga.  Despite this they were all up for the challenge and quickly set about the opposition with Alex G starting the scoring with 58 seconds on the clock.  There then followed a frenzy of everyone trying - and succeeding - in getting on the score sheet.  The team stato struggled come the final whistle to agree with the excellent referees goal tally of 8...however, we had an Alex G hatrick, 2 from the Kaiser (what are you doing that far up the pitch), a wonder goal from Matt about 30yds out into the top left hand corner of the net.  Justin - rock solid as ever, moved the ball around effortlessly - the boy plays great football.  However, special mention should go to Coxy who bagged a brace and very nearly 3, and Scotty who left Finn between the sticks in the second half and smashed in two excellent goals!  Finn looked the part in goal, but dont get too used to it son!  Alex W ran his socks off up front and had a stint in the middle of the pitch still managing to smash one shot against the Ross upright.  Isaac and Will were solid in defence and moved the ball around well.  In all, a good performance boys - you passed the ball around and tried to give your game some width on a small pitch.  One more cup fixture to go before we head to Hinton for the big one

FC Highnam 4 - Ledbury Swifts 0

Fortunately the home pitch thawed in time for the boys to put on an impressive display of football.  Playing up the slope in the first half the boys demonstrated exactly what they are capable of - flowing passing movements dragging the opposition where they didn't want to be and opening gaps which Justin and Josh exploited for 2 well taken first half goals.  The midfield combination of Finn, Matt, Alex G and Justin gave us great energy with the ball and we moved equally well down both flanks.  There was little for Scott to do on the saving front as the miserly combination of Isaac and Luke frustrated the opposition.  Turning round at the break and with some changes in the team, we continued to play a high tempo passing game - great dribbling by Alex G confounded the Ledbury defence and he finished in style.  There was also some great passing between Finn and Josh with the ball arriving at Alex W's feet - he showed composure, turned and blasted past the keeper for 4-0.  Isaac took a knock toward the end and had to spend time with the physio before visiting the salon later in the day for a cut, blow dry and crimping.  Nevertheless this allowed for an interesting experiment with Finn partnering the Kaiser at the back and a midfield of Coxy, Alex G and Josh.  Pleasingly our passing game was just as accurate and we continued to create chances - infact Coxy got into some great positions and could have added a 5th before the whistle were it not for good work from the Ledbury keeper.  Final Score 4-0.  Well done to all the lads - fantastic passing, tackling and you all worked really hard to keep a good team shape.  Thats it match wise for 2011.

Ross Juniors 1 - FC Highnam 1 (League)

The last 3 games have delivered a win, defeat, draw oh and a red card and 1 bloody nose (the last two of which were not connected)!  Some of the boys turned up for the match having done a tour of the football pitches of Ross.  As it happened we ended up playing on one of the smallest pitches we have ever seen on our travels - which did not suit our game.  The 1st half was frantic, no space and no time to put a foot on the ball.  Scott did well to adjust his goal kicks once the first one had sailed high over the Ross goal!  We went one down to a cross come shot from the right that looped over Scott and into the top corner. 1-0 down at half time, the boys came out for the second in determined mood.  There was great work early on from all the boys which was rewarded when Matt hit a beautiful shot high into the net.  We continued to press the Ross goal with both Isaac and Josh smashing the post and crossbar respectively from distance.  Good tackling from Justin and Finn meant that the boys retained alot of possession, something we had worked on training at Hartpury.  Obviously training at Hartpury's rugby ground has benefited Luke who, tripping on the boggy Ross pitch, accidentally knocked over the Ross striker advancing on goal - unlike David Luiz of Chelsea, the referee decided Luke should take an early bath and he made his way without complaint to the tunnel!  THe closing minutes of the game were played out with Alex W and Coxy putting in determined performances, the latter replacing Will whose steely defending ended in a bloody nose and time to console Luke in the changing room.

Well done to all you boys.  Luke - disciplinary committee sits Thursday night!

FC Highnam 1 - Pegasus Juniors 2 (League)

As expected, the Pegasus boys turned up to the Oakbank fixture with steely determination and gave our boys a tough first half challenge.  Highnam were sluggish playing up the slope and were second to the ball throughout the first period.  With Justin out of action, the midfield trio of Alex G, Finn and Matt tried to get their passing game together but without success as Pegasus shut us down and played their game.  Luke and Will were kept busy and worked hard to thwart a number of attacks.  However, Pegasus took an early lead, poaching a goal that was shortly followed by a floated free kick into the top left hard corner - nothing Scott could do to stop it.  Pegasus could have added a third had Scott not made an agile stop at the foot of his left upright.  Finn worked tirelessly in midfield and his efforts galvanised the team toward the end of the first half.

Half time 0-2.  After the break the boys began to wake up and demonstrated what they are capable of.  We began to link our passes and win 50/50 ball.  Nevertheless our chances were restricted.  Pegasus didn't get a look-in during the second half as we worked hard as a team, with Isaac and Luke pushing our defensive line up the pitch and Alex W throwing himself into every challenge.  Coxy showed some nice touches coming on for Alex G who had worked hard up and down the right side.  These efforts were rewarded in the dying minutes where a nice floated corner from Josh pinged around the box before Will fired it hard and low past the keeper.

Boys - a game of two halves as they say - show the spirit of the second half, pass and move, and the wins will follow.  Well done & now on to Ross away.

Pegasus Juniors 0 - FC Highnam 2 (League)

A mild Herefordshire morning provided perfect football conditions for the boys against a well organised Pegasus side.  Right from the off the boys were on their game, working hard, looking for passes and trying to keep their shape.  Midfield was well contested with Justin, Matt and Finn all battling hard to close down Pegasus space and build our own attacking moves.  Persistence from Matt was rewarded when he struck a sweet right footed shot from far out, just rising over the keepers crossbar.  Shortly after, neat interplay between Finn and Josh - playing as the lone striker - brought Highnam's well earned opener, with Finn blasting a shot the keeper couldn't parry - Matt followed up well, albeit the ball had already crossed the line!

Pegasus pressed our defence but Luke's positional maturity continued to frustrate them.  Tackles and headers were strong and decisive from both Luke and Isaac.  Pegasus then forced a threatening cross from the right which could so easily have brought an equalising own goal were it not for Scott's right hand post and the lack of goal line technology!  Alex G came on to maintain our high energy attacking game, constantly asking questions of Pegasus, whilst keeping a good shape to our midfield.

Half time and 1-0 up, the boys were red faced after their efforts - Justin inparticular had run himself into the ground.  Second half, Alex W came on for a stint as lone striker.  As with the first half, the formation worked well with all the midfield lads pushing hard to support him and track back when required.  Great harrying from Alex W gave Highnam a throw-in deep into the opposition half, after good work from Matt and Alex G, the ball was moved on to Isaac.  10 yds outside the box, Isaac leathered the ball - a screamer into the top left hand corner of the net! 2-0 to Highnam.

Inevitably Pegasus threatened the Highnam goal and Scott refused to concede, palming one shot onto the angle of the crossbar and also saving well with his legs from an accurate half volley.  Despite tiring legs all the boys continued to battle on, with Coxy coming on and showing some nice touches in the striker role.  FC Highnam pressed on for a third only to be thwarted by the referees whistle as Coxy was about to pull the trigger.

Well done to all the boys - you continued to show the skill and spirit we have become used to.  Pegasus return to our place on Saturday with pride to restore - be prepared for another battle.

Hinton 2 FC Highnam 1 (CUP - aet)

It was another disappointing result for Highnam, but once again a tremendous performance they should all be proud of. Hinton started stronger than last week and had the best of the first half chances. Their goal came from a goal kick which Matt glanced on and the defence were caught napping as the Hinton striker rounded Scott and found the net. The best move from Highnam in the first half was when Alex out-skilled a defender on the left and cut the ball back to Josh who in turn laid the ball back to Matt and his strike had plenty of power but just went the wrong side of the post. Half-time 0-1. The second half was mainly played in the Hinton half with Highnam pressurising their goal but the Hinton keeper was equal to anything we had to offer. In fact to this day I still can’t believe how he got a hand to a well hit shot from Alex which seemed destined for the far corner. With 10 minutes to go, Paul gambled with 3 up front and eventually the pressure paid off when a strong shot from Alex was only parried out by the keeper directly to Alex W to finish off in style. Full time 1-1. In extra time, Highnam continued to press and looked the more likely to break the deadlock, but with penalties looming an unstoppable drive from an un marked Hinton player found the top corner of Scott’s net. Even late on, Highnam did not give up and had chances to level it, but it was not to be! Final Result 1-2. Unfortunately, this match report does not adequately explain the excitement of the day and the quality of the football on offer. We were all privileged to see such a fantastic game of football, it really was one of the best I have seen at any level, it had drama from start to finish and we, as parents, must thank all of you boys for playing your part. Of course, it is disappointing to be on the wrong side of the result again, especially as it was Paul’s last game in charge. I am sure, though, that Paul will be as proud as we are by way you played. It was great to see the team becoming more than the sum of its parts, this is definitely down to Paul and his inspirational leadership. On now, to the next chapter for FC Highnam; let’s hope it is equally enjoyable and successful.

FC Highnam 1 Hinton 3 (League)

The first defeat of the season for Highnam, let’s hope it’s the last! The was a very one sided game with Highnam having almost all of the play, created lots of chances and Hinton had 3 shots and got 3 goals to show for it; football can be a cruel game sometimes! Straight from the whistle Highnam pressed forward and an early chance for Finn was palmed away by their keeper and two further close range efforts from Justin were also pushed away. 10 minutes in, against the run of play, Hinton forced a corner. It eventually found their player at the far post, unmarked, and he stroked the ball home. To Highnam’s credit, they kept on pressing and eventually scored one of the goals of the season. The ball was played in at waist high to Alex who volleyed it towards Justin and he hit it on the volley, with defenders pressing him from both sides, finding the top corner of the net. The rest of the half was all Highnam, with Luke and Isaac mopping up any potential problems in style. The closest we came to breaking the stalemate was a corner from Alex which Matt headed just wide. A thumping tackle from Luke in the last minutes completed a great half of football. Half-time 1-1. The game continued in the same vain in the second half with numerous goal mouth scrambles and shots from Finn and Matt, but the sucker punch came when Hinton stabbed a hopeful ball forward passed the defenders, allowing the attacker to place the ball in the corner. This was an absolute travesty but worse was to follow when the smash and grab was completed when a similar shot found the same corner minutes later. Highnam to their great credit pressed to the end but shots from Josh and Finn (after a nice pass from Matt) failed to close the gap. Final Score 1-3. What a disappointing result, but what an equally impressive performance by the whole team. One Hinton parent did comment, “I must say, your {Paul’s} team plays some great football”. You were all a great credit to your club and parents, we couldn’t be prouder. Heads up –It’s the cup next week!

Pegasus Colts 0 Highnam 2. (League)

This was always going to be a tough game with Pegasus Colts having made a good, solid start to the season. They set their team up with 3 at the back and defended stoutly making it very difficult for Highnam to create any clear-cut opportunities. Throughout the first half, there was huge amount of endeavour from both sides,  and although Highnam had the best of the ‘half-chances’, it remained goalless at the break. Half time 0-0. Cometh the hour, cometh the man! Immediately after the restart, Justin had a powerful mazy run and it was just halted by the final defender. Soon after this Alex passed to Justin who in turn threaded a ball to Finn but the keeper made himself big and caught his shot. Highnam were turning the screw but just couldn’t find the back of the net. The chances kept coming; Matt had an effort which was tipped onto the bar, Justin had a 1 on 1 with the keeper which came to nothing and Alex volleyed over. Was this just not going to be our day? Then, the turning point of the match, a hopeful through ball caught Scott out and the ball bounced over his shoulder and towards the goal, with the attacker ready to pounce, Scott turned quickly and managed to stretch out and get 2 hands on the ball to the delight of the away supporters. Galvanised by this near miss Highnam again pressed for the goal their play deserved and with less than 10 minutes to go a corner from Alex was finally poked home by Justin at the far post. The relief was tangible! A minute later the crowd were finally allowed to relax when some good work from Josh found Justin at the far post and he finished clinically. Justin twice went close to getting his hatrick but his brace was enough to secure all 3 points.Lets not forget Luke & Isaac  who have yet to concede a Goal in open play in any game this season, Well done Dolly & Daisy . Full time 2-0. Overall then, this was an excellent result against a team who I am sure will cause problems for any team. They are well organised and defend well. The final, 'Well Done!' should go to their keeper who was absolutely superb. Get plenty of rest, as we have a little break until our next competitive game!

Man of the Match - Scott & Justin

Ross juniors colts 0 FC Highnam 11 (CUP)

Not alot to say, but we had a good fun day, with lots of players getting game time, who don't always play every week.

We also played lots of players in different positions.

Scott's conversion rounded off a good fun day.

Scorers(I think!): Josh3,Luke2,Alex,AlexW,Ollie,Finn,Justin,William(First goal for Highnam!)

FC Highnam 5 Lads Club Rebels 0 (League)

After the great fun and frolics of Thursday training at Hartpury it was down to the serious business of a home league match against a team with, up until now, a 100% winning record. Straight from the off Highnam played with a great energy level and the game was played at a punishing pace in the searing heat. The first goal came from a huge goal kick which bounced and caught the defence napping. Alex latched onto the falling ball, turned and hit the ball firmly into the corner. Highnam generally had the better of the game although Lads club Rebels did break with pace and looked dangerous. Highnam continued to create good chances and a through ball found Finn who was unceremoniously brought down by the keeper in the box. The resultant penalty was hit well by Matt but the keeper saved well to his right. Seconds later Matt had a shot which went agonisingly wide with Josh not quite able to redirect it into the net. The second goal came from great work from Josh who passed to Alex who hit it left-footed into the corner. The third goal was very similar to the second when Alex ran on to another excellent through ball from Josh and finished before the goalkeeper could set himself. The fourth goal came just before the break when Alex ran down the right and put in a cross/shot which the goal keeper pushed into the top corner. Half-time 4-0. With the game effectively won and the temperature high, it was bound to be difficult to maintain Highnam’s intensity level. To their great credit they continued to push and the second half performance was controlled and confident. Justin went close, early on, when his header was well saved at the near post. Matt then had a shot which was saved at full stretch and again went close from the resulting corner. From another corner, Luke also had a good shot which forced another great save from the keeper. Lads club Rebels did have a few half-chances but Luke, William and Isaac mopped up any difficult situations with skill. The final goal came late on in the second half and after some good work from Alew W. pushed a through ball to Josh who managed to muscle-out the defender before hitting his shot low in the corner. The final action was a free kick, from Matt, which was hit just over the bar. Final score 5-0. Overall then, we played a good team today and the 50 minute performance was one of our best. It was great to see the whole team gelling so well including our valued new-comers, and it was nice to see our front two back to their goal-scoring best. As a team we passed crisply, we tackled and finished confidently and it all bodes well for the rest of the season. Well done to you all!

Man of the Match - Alex G (Greenie)

Ledbury Swifts 1 Highnam 5.(League)

This was a game where Highnam looked in control from start to finish although I am sure they will play a higher quality of opposition later in the season. The tackling was hard and most of the opportunities came Highnam’s way. In the middle of the first half a cross to the far post found Josh in space but his shot hit the angle. The first goal came from a familiar thump from Matt and the second followed some good, quick passing and was finished with a pass from Finn which Justin stabbed home. There was also a strong run from Isaac, but he shot wide of the goal. Half-time 2-0. The second half continued in the same vain with the majority of the play in the opposition’s half and with a long range shot wide from Matt and a header from Isaac just wide, maybe this wasn’t to be our day. Time was ticking on, but eventually the ball broke to Finn at the edge of the box and his shot found the net. In the last 15 minutes Highnam were much the stronger team and it was only a matter of how many they would score. The fourth goal was headed in by Matt straight from a corner and with the Ledbury defence dizzy from being moved all over the place, the last was from a scuffed shot from Matt which was turned in by Alex W. There was a slight element of controversy in the dying minutes when the ball struck Josh’s arm (which was not raised) from point blank range and the result was a penalty. This consolation goal was dispatched with confidence. Final score 5-1. Tougher tests ahead but it’s another win. Well done.

Man of the Match - Matthew Berry

FC Highnam 3 Ross Juniors 1 (League)

This was the first league match for FC Highnam in the Hereford league and if this is the general standard of opposition, then this will prove to be a testing year. The game was hard fought from start to finish with some uncompromising tackling from both sides and a performance to build on. The first half was a close affair with Ross going close with 2 long range efforts before Luke won the ball in midfield and powered forward then coolly thumped the ball low and in! There were few real chances in the first half, the best of which was when Josh ran onto a ball the goalkeeper and defender were at sixes and sevens and Alex pushed a shot goal-ward but with not enough power to cross the line. Half time 1-0. The second half was still hotly contested but Highnam gradually began to dominate in patches. The second goal came from a corner from Alex which was headed towards the goal from Matt and finally stabbed home by Luke. There followed a long range shot from Matt which went just wide, then a nice move started on the centre right with skill from Alex, breaking down the wing and slotting the ball back into Matt’s path who slammed the ball in the top of the net. Soon after this, Ross broke forward and Luke miss-timed his tackle in the box and caught the forward not the ball (It should be noted that this was the only time he missed a tackle all game, every other time they were hard but fair). The resulting penalty was dispatched with ease and nerves were on edge for a little while. Alex W did some nice work on the left and his cross was perfect for Alex but he took a touch when it was crying to be hit, the chance to shoot was then lost. Still, the game finished 3-1, a match in which Highnam didn’t play their best and will definitely have to improve if they are to challenge for the top spot in this league. But we all know that improvement is possible and a win is a win, let’s put it behind us and look ahead confidently to the next challenge. Well done to you all a strong, steady start, “We’ve only just begun...”

Man of the Match - Luke G

The Final ‘Friendlies’

Saturday 10th Sept : Golden Valley vs FC Highnam. Highnam played really well in this game. They passed the ball quickly and their high quality finishing and hard tackling was the difference in this encounter. At no point were Highnam troubled and it was only a question of how many we would score. The final result was 7-0 (Scorers: Alex 4, Josh 2, Justin)

Sunday 11th Sept : FC Phoenix vs FC Highnam. The pitch was absolutely dreadful, who knew Hereford had sand dunes? It was pretty much 100% attack from start to finish and Highnam passed crisply and moved swiftly. Final score 17-1 (Scorers: Alex W (magnificent!) 7, Josh 3, Matt 3, Justin, Alex, Coxy, Luke) This was a confidence boosting win; let’s hope we can keep this level of energy and commitment throughout the season, starting next week! Well done to you all.

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