01. Under 9 Division One - last update 9-12-08
Canterbury Youth 5 – 0 Kennington Juniors
06-12-2008 Under 9 Cup
A hat-trick from Ryan against his old team and a goal apiece for Dan and Jack saw Canterbury comfortably through to the next round of the cup. All the goals came in a ten minute spell either side of half-time. First Dan scored after weaving his way through the defence to slot the ball home. Next Ryan cut in from the wing and shot low into the far corner. On the stroke of half-time, another fine passing move sliced through the opposition defence culminating in Jack volleying home Ryan’s cross to give Canterbury a three nil lead.
In the second half Canterbury continued where they left off in the first; passing the ball about assuredly and creating chances. Ryan then scored his second after great work by Jack set him free through the middle and he completed his hat-trick just minutes later when his powerful shot squirmed under the unlucky goalkeeper. To their credit Kennington never gave up, but their attacks were met with resilient tackling by Oli, Molly and Matthew and with Tanaka and Conor busy in midfield, there was no way through for the visitors.
Team: Sullivan, Bailey, McAllister, Rule, Curtis, Shipton, Matutu, Bate, Huckle, Stanley.
Canterbury Youth 2 – 0 Ramsgate FC
29-11-2008 Under 9 Division 1
The second game of the double header against Ramsgate was another great game, albeit less stressful for the spectators. There was a tentative start to the game as both teams seemed wary of the opposition’s quality. Tanaka, Dan and Conor were combining well with Jack and the Ramsgate ‘keeper had to be quick to snuff out several promising attacks. Whilst in defence, Matthew was putting in a solid performance turning defence into attack superbly. Ryan opened the scoring with a jinking run and powerful shot midway through the first half.
In the second half Canterbury were prepared for the Ramsgate rally. Luke looked sharp in goal and with George, Oli and Matthew in front of him, the Ramsgate attacks were repelled. However, it needed an excellent goal-line clearance from Ryan to stop them drawing level. At the other end, Henry and Molly were giving their defence plenty to think about with some positive runs and hard tackling. The win was secured after Ryan’s cross found Dan and Molly unmarked in the box. Dan’s effort was well blocked by the ‘keeper, but Molly turned the ball back toward goal for Henry to emphatically smash home from close range. This was another excellent team performance, with everyone giving their all right throughout the team. Well done to both sides for putting on a fine display of football.
Team: Sullivan, Bailey, McAllister, Rule, Curtis, Shipton, Matutu, Bate, Huckle, Dwyer, Stanley.
Ramsgate FC 2 – 4 Canterbury Youth
22-11-2008 Molten East Kent Youth League Under 9 Division 1
Canterbury met Ramsgate for the first time on a cold November morning and came away with a victory as reward for the quality and confidence they exuded. Canterbury had the better of the opening exchanges and soon won a penalty for a trip on Dan. However the spot kick was excellently saved by the big ‘keeper. But Canterbury kept pressing and were soon rewarded when Jack gathered the ball on the by-line and sublimely lifted it over the ‘keeper inviting Dan to tap home into an empty net.
Ten minutes into the second half, Conor extended the lead when he lashed home from the edge of the box to finish off a superb counter-attack. The game sparked into life after Ramsgate pulled a goal back from a free kick. Canterbury were being pushed back, but Matthew, Oli and George defended well and Luke made some crucial saves when called upon. But Ramsgate’s persistence earned them an equaliser with just three minutes left. Canterbury then showed the character that has made them so hard to beat this year by scoring twice more in the final minute. First Dan carved his way through the defence to score his second and restore the lead. Then there was still time for Molly to bundle home Ryan’s cross before the final whistle.
Team: Sullivan, Bailey, McAllister, Rule, Curtis, Shipton, Matutu, Bate, Huckle, Dwyer, Stanley.
Canterbury Youth 2 - 1 Kennington Juniors
15-11-2008 Under 9 Division 1
In an enthralling contest, Canterbury had to dig deep for victory. Canterbury had the better of the opening exchanges, but Kennington held fast with strong defending. Having weathered the early storm, Kennington took the lead after ten minutes. Canterbury responded with Ryan and Dan both shooting narrowly wide. Jack put a header just passed the post from Ryan’s deep cross and Tanaka broke clear of the defence but his early strike missed the target. Kennington were protecting their lead fiercely and could have extended it on the counter-attack, but Luke was out quickly to pull off an excellent save. Matthew, Oli and George worked hard to ensure Kennington were denied any more opportunities to add to their tally in the first half.
Canterbury stepped up a gear in the second half and piled the pressure on the Kennington goal. Conor worked tirelessly up and down the wing as Canterbury pinned Kennington in their own half. Henry was causing the defence problems and after he was brought down just outside the box, Dan put the free kick narrowly over. With the introduction of fresh legs Canterbury went into overdrive in search of a goal. With less than ten minutes remaining the breakthrough finally came when Ryan’s cross found Molly unmarked at the far post and she calmly slotted the ball passed the helpless ‘keeper. The tension on the sidelines was unbearable as Canterbury went in search of the winner. It was all one-way traffic. And in the dying minutes Dan picked up the ball on the edge of the box, skipped passed two tackles and, with his left foot, passed the ball into the far corner to send the team (and supporters) wild! Canterbury’s second half performance of determination and belief in themselves meant they deservedly keep their unbeaten record intact. Credit to both sets of players for putting on such an exciting game, one that will live long in my memory!
Team: Sullivan, Bailey, McAllister, Rule, Curtis, Shipton, Matutu, Bate, Huckle, Dwyer, Stanley.
Canterbury Youth 5 – 0 Faversham Strike Force
08-11-2008 Under 9 Cup
Canterbury’s first-ever cup match started slowly on a slippery, muddy pitch, with both teams finding it hard to find their feet (literally). However, it was Canterbury who looked more threatening, with Conor especially attacking well down the right. The hard work in midfield by Dan, Tanaka and Conor resulted in plenty of possession, but the conditions hampered the final passes. Canterbury’s attacks were met with resolute defending and some tidy goalkeeping from a determined Strike Force team. It took 20 minutes before the deadlock was finally broken when Ryan beat the ‘keeper at his near post from a tight angle.
Canterbury’s second came ten minutes into the second half after Dan threaded a neat pass through to Jack, who, all alone in the area, had the simplest of tasks to knock the ball passed the stranded ‘keeper. Assured defending by Oli, George and Matthew made sure that the Faversham attacks were snuffed out early so that Luke was only occasionally called into action. Dan then extended the lead, smashing home from the edge of the area. Then straight from the kick-off, Conor dispossessed the Faversham player and passed the ball out wide, and Ryan’s cross was blasted into the roof of the net by Molly. Conor lashed home the fifth to cap a fine personal performance.
Team: Sullivan, Bailey, McAllister, Rule, Curtis, Shipton, Matutu, Bate, Huckle, Stanley
Herne Bay Harriers 2 – 6 Canterbury Youth
01-11-2008 Molten East Kent Youth League Under 9 Division 1
Canterbury Youth continued their excellent start to the season in torrential rain at Herne. Canterbury went on the attack first and Tanaka and Dan created the first opening for Ryan, who shot confidently passed the diving ‘keeper into the far corner after just two minutes. But Harriers responded and quickly equalised after a great run and shot. Then it was Canterbury’s turn, as Jack controlled a lovely through ball to turn his marker and bear down on goal. The ‘keeper got a hand to his shot but could not prevent it crossing the line. Almost immediately Harriers equalised for a second time. Canterbury’s lead was restored less than a minute later though when Jack’s shot was turned passed his own ‘keeper by a Harriers defender. The lead was extended on the stroke of half time when Ryan’s strong run and early pass set Jack free to tap the ball round the ‘keeper.
With Matthew, Oli and George looking stronger and more confident now in defence, Canterbury pushed on in the second half. Canterbury were creating the better chances and Henry and Conor could have increased the lead but for some fine goalkeeping in difficult conditions. Molly added a fifth goal to cap another fine personal performance. To their credit Harriers kept battling and, but for an outstanding save by Luke, could have scored again late on. But the final goal came from the penalty spot after Jack was fouled and he coolly converted the spot kick to complete his third hat-trick of the season. Big thanks to all the parents for supporting so enthusiastically; and huge praise to the players of both teams for putting on such an enthralling match in appalling conditions!
Team: Sullivan, Bailey, McAllister, Rule, Curtis, Shipton, Matutu, Bate, Huckle, Stanley, Dwyer.
Canterbury Youth 2 – 2 Folkestone Invicta Youth
25-10-2008 Under 9 Division 1
Both teams went into this game with 100% records; and this top-of-the-table clash lived up to expectations. Canterbury started the strongest and dominated the first half. An outstanding display of midfield craft orchestrated by Dan, Molly and Ryan created several early chances. The breakthrough came after five minutes when Matthew controlled a long clearance and played an intelligent ball forward to Dan, who in turn slipped an early ball through for Jack to take round the despairing ‘keeper and roll into an empty net. Midway through the first half the crowd were treated to an early contender for goal of the season! George latched on to a Folkestone clearance and from just inside their half he unleashed a thunder bolt that was still rising when it nearly burst the net. Canterbury’s play deserved more goals, and would have had them but for some outstanding goalkeeping by the big Folkestone stopper.
A two-nil lead was never going to be enough though against a strong and determined Folkestone side. They started to retain greater possession without creating too many openings. Matthew, Oli and George were protecting Luke well in defence. But a quick passing move undid an otherwise solid defence to give Luke no chance in goal. Having pulled a goal back, Folkestone piled on the pressure. Conor and Henry were both battling hard and picked up knocks for their efforts. But the equaliser came in similar, but not such spectacular, fashion to Canterbury’s second goal, as a long range shot eluded everyone and crept through a crowded penalty area and passed the unsighted Luke.
Canterbury possibly had the better chances to win the game, but it wasn’t meant to be. This really was “a game of two halves”, and although a share of the points felt like a defeat – it wasn’t, and it was a fantastic game to be involved in. Well done to both teams – still nothing to separate them!
Team: Sullivan, Bailey, McAllister, Rule, Curtis, Shipton, Bate, Huckle, Stanley, Dwyer.
Dover Rangers Colts 1 - 5 Canterbury Youth
18-10-2008 Under 9 Division 1
After two weekends without a game, everyone was itching to get back to action. And on a lovely sunny afternoon it took just two minutes for Jack to open the scoring; capitalising after the ‘keeper spilt Ryan’s early shot. Canterbury enjoyed plenty of early possession. Tanaka and Ryan were causing havoc with their runs and created several good chances. Dover were threatening on the break and from one quick attack they won a corner, which led to a scrambled equaliser. Canterbury went on the attack and created several more good chances. There were appeals for a penalty when Molly’s cross appeared to hit a defender’s arm, but the referee correctly waved play on. Moments later Canterbury were awarded a free kick on the corner of the box. Dan struck the dead ball over the wall and into the far corner to restore the lead. Canterbury were in full flow now and a lovely passing move starting at the back and involving every Canterbury player ended in Ryan shooting narrowly over. A similar build up on the stroke of half time culminated in Henry playing a lovely ball inside the full-back for Ryan to run on to and this time he unleash an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
The second half saw both teams going on the attack. Some strong running and great tackling back by Conor meant Canterbury continued to look dangerous going forward and solid in defence. Molly extended Canterbury’s lead as she squeezed a shot in at the near post after another strong run. Dover’s attacks were being dealt with firmly by Matthew, Oli and George, leaving Luke with only a handful of saves to make. Jack wrapped up the scoring after pressuring the defence and nipping in to poke the ball home through the ‘keeper’s legs. It was a great game to watch and another fine team performance for all the players to be proud of.
Team: Sullivan, Bailey, McAllister, Rule, Curtis, Shipton, Matutu, Bate, Huckle, Stanley, Dwyer.
Canterbury Youth 2 - 1 Canterbury Eagles
27-9-2008 Under 9 Division 1
Canterbury Youth’s winning run continued with a hard fought victory in a tough local derby. The first half was a frustrating affair, with Eagles’ extremely high work-rate stifling Youth’s creativity. Youth found it difficult to get their passing game going and neither ‘keeper was tested as the teams cancelled each other out in midfield. The deadlock was finally broken 4 minutes before halftime, when Tanaka found half a yard of space and played a quick pass into the feet of Jack, who skipped round the last defender and slid the ball passed the advancing ‘keeper.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with Eagles chasing down every ball. They were rewarded when they scored from their first and only shot on target following a poor clearance out of defence. As the game wore on Canterbury Youth began to gain the upper hand. As Eagles tired from their exertions Canterbury Youth began to exploit the spaces. But it looked like it was going to be one of those days, as first George and then Dan put good chances wide. The winner finally came with 7 minutes remaining when a great cross from Ryan was beautifully controlled and dispatched with aplomb by Molly.
The defeat was harsh on Eagles, who had battled fantastically throughout the game. But credit must go to a young Canterbury Youth side who were determined to play their style of football, and were justly rewarded.
Team: Sullivan, Bailey, McAllister, Rule, Curtis, Shipton, Matutu, Bate, Huckle and Stanley.
Ashford Borough 2 - 6 Canterbury Youth
20-9-2008 Under 9 Division 1
Canterbury continued their winning start to the season with a convincing victory over a depleted Ashford side. Canterbury soon got their exciting passing game going on a hard uneven pitch. Conor opened the scoring following good work by Molly on the left, then Jack soon made it two firing home from a corner. A great run by Ryan culminated in him blasting an unstoppable shot passed the Boro’ ‘keeper to make it three. Canterbury’s fourth had a touch of good fortune about it when Ryan‘s throw into the box was met by Jack and his flick header bounced over the stranded ‘keeper. Some great defending by Matthew and Dan and some outstanding ‘keeping by George, the stand-in goalie, meant Canterbury went in 4-0 up at half-time.
Despite wholesale changes in the second half, it took just two minutes for Canterbury to add to their lead when Conor lashed home a loose ball in the box. Jack completed his hat-trick with a good run and cool finish and despite conceding two late goals, Canterbury Youth ran out worthy winners.
Team: Bailey, McAllister, Rule, Curtis, Shipton, Matutu, Bate, Huckle and Stanley.
Canterbury Youth 4 - 0 Thanet Colts
6-9-2008 Under 9 Division 1
The opening game of the season saw Canterbury play host to Thanet Colts on a fine late summer’s afternoon. Both teams came out attacking with the ball going from one end of the pitch to the other but Canterbury took the lead after about 10 minutes when Tanaka slotted the ball home after a great passing move that started in their own half. The goal seemed to settle the whole team and soon after Dan made it 2-0 with a good strike from the edge of the penalty area. Thanet put the pressure on before half time but Matthew and George in defence were solid and Luke was hardly troubled in goal.
In the second half Canterbury continued to play their passing game and they were rewarded with a third goal that was well taken by Ryan, and soon after Dan scored his second goal from the penalty spot after being pulled down by the Thanet Colts goalkeeper to make the final score 4-0.
Matthew picked up the man of the match with a great performance on his debut for the club, Molly also had a good game causing the opposition plenty of problems, and Jack and Conor made sure that the Thanet defence had plenty to think about with tireless runs.
Team: Bailey, McAllister, Sullivan, Curtis, Shipton, Matutu, Bate, Huckle, Stanley