Saints match postponed

The rain put pay to the Saints v Mayford match on Sunday morning

Guildford Saints Blues 2 Guildford City Tigers 0

The Blues cleverly managed to avoid a drenching in the rain on Sunday... by bringing their match forward to a sunny, but windy, Saturday morning!! With Dan missing through illness this match gave Mike Bell the opportunity to regain his place in the centre of midfield alongside the in form Alex O and the two of them excelled in a very dominant first half performance as the Blues surged into a 2-0 lead and could have had more save for the woodwork!

Mike Bell got the first as he turned cleverly in the six yard box to get in a great header. Minutes later it could have been two as a fine through ball found Ed clear but his first time (right foot!!) shot pinged back from the base of the post. Ed didn't take long to find the back of the net though as, with almost his next attack, he again took a first time shot - this time with his left - and the ball flew past the stranded City 'keeper.

Any attacks City did launch in the first half were comfortably dealt with by the Blues very solid looking defence and by half time we looked very comfortable with our lead.

In the second half and playing with the wind we didn't really dominate and eventually, as tiredness began to show amongst our players, City began to get more of the ball in midfield and began to find gaps behind our defence. However Nathan was in excellent form in goal and when a shot did finally beat him it also beat the outside of the far post. We had chances too. Chris went close with a free kick and Alex W had a chance that he put wide but to be fair City did have the lion's share of possession and quite often we were chasing to get the ball back rather than creating attacks ourselves.

This was a good performance and result from the boys - our third win in a row! Our defence was very good in the first half but tired in the second and that's a concern for me. The midfield worked very hard and it's testimony to their good performances that we didn't miss Dan at all today. Up front I was delighted with Ed's goal - it's taken some time for him to realise that he can get his shots off earlier but it works and today his finishing was excellent... and he was very unlucky with the shot that hit the post too! Next up is Perrywood - this will be the real test. If we can beat them then the boys can really believe that they could be up amongst the leaders at the end of the season and competing for the title!

Man of the Match - Mike Bell

Ottershaw Boys Vipers 1 Guildford Saints Blues 2 (aet)

While Simon was busy getting the Saints knocked out of the Senior Cup, Derek kept up his 100% record as Blues manager with a thrilling 2-1 extra time win at Ottershaw. In his usual short & succinct way here's Derek's view on the game;

"While other games were abandoned or called off, our game started with sunshine but then turned to the worst weather conditions that I have seen a match played in. Simon will be proud of you all (despite his nagging session on Thursday) because I feel that you all played (including the subs) as a team 100%, no matter what the weather threw at you. You dug in and got the result you so rightly deserved, against a team that should no way be in the 5^th division.

At one point I was thinking just what have we got to do to get the ball into the back of the net, as shots from Dan, Scott, Jack, Ed, and even Chris had one cleared off the line. Then up pops Ed and gets the first goal. After that we kept putting the pressure on Ottershaw but again just could not get the ball in the back of the net. It was then that our defence made the only real mistake of the match by giving Ottershaw’s "7ft tall" centre back too much room and we were punished as he headed the ball into our goal.

It was just before half-time when I had to make some adjustments as Mike P was clearly not well, so he had to be replaced by (super sub) Alex O, who came on and filled a hole in our tiring midfield. Shortly afterwards, Tom had to be replaced by Tyler, as he caught the ball exactly where you don’t want to catch the ball - first time I have known him to be completely speechless!

Second half was pretty much the same, but changes to the right wing and the right back by Joe and Ellis did produce some very good breakthrough opportunities. One even ended up in the back of the net but the linesman went against the ref’s decision and declared it offside (not so in my opinion).

It was in the second half of extra time (with just one minute left on the clock) and just when I was wondering who would have enough strength left in them to take penalties that young George (who not five minutes earlier had come on to replace a tired Ed) became the hero of the day, playing in a position he not normally plays in, he used his speed and a little shuffle to find himself through on goal and put the ball in the back of the net. I have never seen a team so happy to hear the whistle blow a minute later, and quite rightly so, for they thoroughly deserved the victory as the Ottershaw manager came over after the match and said so too.

I do not want leave out my praise for the defenders, and of course our captain Nathan, who all did exactly what was asked of them. To finish I personally would like to THANK ALL OF YOU BOY’S for the effort you put in today, it certainly made for a satisfying result."

Man of the Match - Alex Oldland

Milford Pumas 2-1 Guildford Saints

All the ingredients for a Cup giant killing were there. A struggling Division One team at home to an in form Premier Division side on a ropey old pitch in driving rain and gale force winds... and the Saints duly obliged with a lack lustre performance littered with errors and missed opportunities! To their credit Milford were very good today. They obviously lifted their game and right from the start were the dominant side putting Saints under pressure and breaking quickly exposing big gaps behind our defence. Josh made three outstanding saves before we even got a shot off today and despite the fact that we took the lead through Tommy R we never really looked like ever winning this match. We did have chances but they always seemed to be scrambled or mis-controlled where as Milford continued to break quickly and got off another couple of excellent shots that Josh performed miracles to keep out before the home team eventually did equalise in the fourth minute of added time in the first half.

In the second half Saints were the better team but the conditions were horrific and again any good approach work was generally followed by a misplaced ball or a poor shot. When Milford scored the second you could visibly see the Saints heads going down. Various formation changes were made to try and provide more attacking options but the ball failed to stick up front and by the time the final whistle went the team were out on their feet, freezing cold and very despondent.

In matches like this you need character as well as ability and today it was the character that was missing from our players. The ability is there but we were half hearted for too many periods of this game. The defence clearly forgot the basics and too often were caught square rather than covering for each other while we rarely worked the ball around the park in midfield like we do on our good days and as a result gave away possession too easily. Credit to Milford - they were really up for it and battled extremely well for their win. Lets hope that we can pull ourselves together when we return to league action next Sunday against Leatherhead.

Man of the Match - Josh Betts

SPL Cup Draw Details

The draw was made for the 1st Rounds of the SPL Senior & Junior Cups on Thursday evening. Both our teams drew away matches. Details are below. These matches will be played on Sunday 22nd November 2009;

SPL Senior Cup 1st Round - Milford Pumas v Guildford Saints

SPL Junior Cup 1st Round - Ottershaw Boys Vipers v Guildford Saints Blues

Milford are currently struggling in the lower reaches of Division One and won't be looking forward to the visit of high flying Saints but Ottershaw are flying high at the top of Division Five and will no doubt be rubbing their hands at the chance to pit themselves against the Blues on their own pitch. Good luck to both our teams in their matches.

County Cup 3rd Round - 6/12/09

After Sunday's fine win over West Wickham the Saints have been drawn AWAY to Surrey Youth League side Oxshott Royals Youth A. Oxshott currently prop up the Premier Elite Division but had a fine 7-1 victory in their second round match on Sunday.

This fixture is scheduled to be played on Sunday 6th December 2009

Woking & Maybury 1 Guildford Saints Blues 3

What a difference a week makes!! After some intense work with Kevin in training this week the Blues defence today was outstanding and provided the back bone for this excellent victory - our first for five games.

W & M were lively from the start and showed great determination in their challenges and lightning pace on their wings but Luke, Tom O, Jacob & Lawrence were impeccable as they maintained good shape, covered for each other and battled strongly and with good common sense to win the important tackles. Jacob and Tom especially were totally dominant in the first half snuffing out any threat down the centre of the park and limiting W & M to hopeful long balls to their speedy right winger who, in turn, was marshaled superbly by Lawrence. The midfield today also played their part working back well to form a second line of four in front of our defence, closing the gaps that Grayshott had exploited so well last week and providing good protection for the defence.

This defensive backbone allowed us plenty of opportunity to counter attack and it was from one of these attacks that Mike B put us ahead, breaking through and sliding the ball past the Woking 'keeper. In a pretty even game it was the Blues who looked most threatening as Alex, Ed, Jack & Mike B regularly broke quickly thanks to excellent work from Dan & Mike P in the centre of the park who looked to put the W & M midfield under pressure at every opportunity and in doing so were able to win good possession high up the pitch.

W & M did eventually equalise from a corner when their striker reacted quicker than us to a low driven corner which he flicked past the returning Nathan. It only took a few minutes though for the Blues to regain the lead as somewhat fortunately a W & M clearance ricocheted of the advancing Mike B and crawled over the goal line past a despairing 'keeper.

In the second half our defence had less to cope with but still handled everything thrown at them with comfort. Marcus replaced Luke at right back at half time and it was he who put in a superb cross, fabulously headed in by Dan, for the Blues third midway through the second half. We still continued to create chances after this and could have added more but for a couple of close offside decisions and some poor finishing. In the final moments Chris S took a tremendous free kick that just passed the far post but the game was clearly already won by this point.

Overall an excellent team performance - with the emphasis on team. The 'keeper and defence provided a fantastic foundation while the efforts and energy of our midfield and strikers meant that we always looked threatening when we had the ball and pretty secure when we didn't. The standards have been set now though and we need to maintain this form and consistency week in week out if we are to get something positive from this season. Special mentions today for Jacob, Tom O, Lawrence, Dan and Mike B who all had massively improved games today. Well done to all the boys that took part though as it was the all round contributions from everyone that achieved us this victory.

Finally, I must say a quick word of thanks to Kevin for helping identify and resolve some of the defensive problems in our recent matches. The boys worked hard with him on Saturday and the results were obvious for all to see in Sunday's performance. Cheers Kev.

Man of the Match - Mike Bell

Guildford Saints 3 West Wickham 1

A great win for the Saints sees them through to the 3rd Round of this season's Surrey County Cup. Here's Kevin's match report;

"A cold, early kick off for Saints's foray into the County Cup saw them pitched against West Wickham from the Tandridge League. From the off Saints took complete control of the game and it was a joy to watch the sublime football we played. The starting line up was Josh, Chris, Ben, Martin, Ross, Jamie, Alex, Matt, Julien, Mike and Tom and it was Tom who nearly finished off an early flowing move only to see his shot go the wrong side of the post. Still he didn't have long to wait to open his account. Another sweet flowing attack and Tom was sent through and this time he finished across the 'keeper and into the net. Wickham tried to raise their game but just could not get time or space on the ball as Saints continued to dominate and after 15 minutes Saints went two up when Tom finished off another move dinking the ball over the 'keeper from a tight angle. We really should have pushed on and got a third but Julien hit the post, Jamie tried to set Tom for his hat trick when he had the time and space for himself and Matt was close from a free kick. Poor old Josh in our goal was just getting cold having virtual nothing to do. What was really pleasing today was that our defence was snuffing any attack out on the half way line with Chris and Ross playing particularly well.

Half time saw five changes - as we are allowed to do in the County Cup. Ollie replaced Ross who moved into Julien's position, Joe replaced Chris, Connor replaced Matt, Seb replaced Jamie and Nathan replaced Mike and again we just played the ball around showing great possession but, unfortunately, without the same penetration and purpose as the first half but the guys were all playing well. Ross should have scored when through but slipped, Connor was busy all over the park and Seb looked threatening with his pace so it was a huge surprise when Wickham scored. Ollie held up the play well but the ball was eventually played back in and Ross just got his head to it but only managed to flick on to the Wickham forward whose powerful shot came off Josh's arm and into the net... even his pink gloves that his mum had given him failed to keep the ball out!!!

The passage of play midway through the second half saw little action in either goal mouth and with just a one goal lead there was always a chance that extra time would be required. Julien was put back in the game in place of Ross - who had had a great game - and within a few minutes his run and cross was turned into his own net by a Wickham defender to secure the match. It was really no more than Saints deserved and we really should have gone on and scored more with Joe and Seb linking up well late in the game but we were unable to convert. Still full time 3-1 winners - job done!! Well done boys.

This was a really good passing and move display today. We just need to be a little more clinical in future.

Man of the Match - Alex Mattock

Guildford Saints Blues 3 Grayshott 5

The Blues entertained league leaders Grayshott in appalling weather conditions at the Varsity on Sunday. In driving rain and gale force winds it was the Blues who took the game to their opponents and Ed should have scored early on when a great kick by Alex O got carried over the Grayshott defence by the wind. Unfortunately he took a touch too many and ran the ball into the 'keepers arms. Assisted by the wind the Blues totally dominated the early stages with chances falling for Dan, Scott, Mike P and Alex W but the away team goal led a charmed life until midway through the half a speculative effort from Alex W was fumbled by the 'keeper and the Blues took a deserved lead. Grayshott rallied a little but never looked like scoring until a harshly awarded free kick somehow found it's way passed Alex O for the equaliser.

In the second half and playing into the wind we came under far more pressure and Grayshott took full advantage using their pacy and skillful forward to excellent effect with long balls over the top of our defence. Two quick goals saw them take a 3-1 lead before Jack & Scott combined well to bring us back into the game with Craggie's first goal for two seasons. Minutes later we were level when the hard working Dan Price was rewarded for his efforts with a fine goal from distance that left the goalkeeper helpless. With over 25 minutes left Grayshott threw everything at us and, as we tired, gaps began to appear all over the field - particularly in our defence - and almost inevitably in the end one of Grayshott's many attacks led to their fourth and eventually their fifth goals.

Our overall team performance was good today in very trying conditions and against a good side but, as much as I have praised them in the past, I must say that our defending today was extremely disappointing. George unfortunately got injured quite early in the game and that very much effected his mobility and he was caught flat footed too often. Also, as good as he was two weeks ago, Marcus was poor today. Little or no attempt at tackling and very poor concentration often left us exposed to the pace of the opposition strikers. Jacob too was often caught wrong side of the ball and he also was guilty of poor concentration allowing our opponents plenty of time to control the ball during their attacks. Finally, Chris - as Derek & I regularly remind him - needs to improve on the strength of his challenges and tackling. Our opponents were not finding it difficult enough to get down our left flank and quite often were able to get telling balls into our area from there. All four players allowed the opposition too much time on the ball and because they were good players they were able to punish us. It may be a question of fitness, or alertness, but all four must improve on the speed and strength needed to close opponents down or, even better, win the ball before it reaches them! On the other hand our attack play was good today - the finishing could have been better and a big lead at half time wouldn't have been undeserved. The midfield were excellent with Tom & Dan, in particular, putting in excellent shifts. Despite my harsh words there were lots of good things on the pitch today and if we can stop conceding goals so easily there's still time to get something out of this season.

Man of the Match - Dan Price

Latest League Table - Premier Division

POS		P	W	D	L	F	A	PTS
1	Staines Town Juniors U15	4	4	0	0	15	7	12
2	Guildford Saints U15	5	3	1	1	18	10	10
3	Farnham United Flyers U15	5	3	0	2	18	15	9
4	Guildford City Lions U15	4	2	1	1	11	7	7
5	Mayford Athletic Oaks U15	4	1	2	1	8	13	5
6	Knaphill Wanderers Lions U15	2	1	1	0	6	3	4
7	Staines Albion A U15	5	1	1	3	9	14	4
8	Ascot United U15	5	0	2	3	9	18	2
9	Leatherhead Predators U15	2	0	1	1	4	6	1
10	Burpham Juniors A U15	4	0	1	3	7	12	1