Under 11s Match Reports

Abbeymead Rovers 5 - 0 Hardwicke B

U11's League

Sunday 27 th November

Abbeymead eventually ran out comfortable winners on this cold and grey November afternoon. It was Hardwicke B that started the liveliest and tested the Abbeymead defence early on. Quick thinking from Nate Crosby, manage to stifle one promising Hardwicke attack, with a well timed tackle. Hardwicke were unlucky not to take the lead after just five minutes. Jacob Ellmore in the Abbeymead goal was unable to stop the advancing Hardwicke striker getting a shot away. Lucky for Abbeymead the shot hit the post and the rebound was cleared by Adam Thrall.

That seemed to be the wake up call as Abbeymead then started to put pressure on the Hardwicke defence. Nice inter play between Josh Harris and Kieran Smith saw Kieran through on goal. A late tackle brought Kieran down for a penalty. Kieran Smith coolly took the penalty himself scoring in the bottom corner.

It was a closely contested first half with both teams unable to get the upper hand in midfield. Abbeymead looked dangerous down the right with Tiff Eden causing the Hardwicke defence many a problem. Gareth Davies was able to score Abbeymead's second goal as the defence struggle to clear the ball from a Tiff Eden cross.
Just before half time a good pass by Liam Phelps down the left released Gareth Davies who crossed dangerously into the goal area. Matt Ball was able to put the ball into the roof of the net to extend Abbeymead Rovers advantage

HT ABBEYMEAD 3 - 0 HARDWICKE 'B'

Abbeymead looked a more solid side in the second half. Barnaby George looked strong at the centre of defence. Brian Goodman, a half time substitute, helped stop any threat Hardwicke tried to muster. The only real chance Hardwicke had in the second half was ably dealt with by goalkeeper Jacob Ellmore. Abbeymead's Hadley Gilbert had to work hard in midfield all game as Hardwicke refused to give up. Tom Rich who was brought on as a second half substitute helped create the opening for the next goal. Gareth Davies scored his second and Abbeymead's fourth after Joshua Harris flicked on Tom Rich's through ball.

It was a hard working performance from Abbeymead rather than a flowing game but credit must be given to Hardwicke who battled all the way. A hard fair game, which was refereed splendidly, was finally sealed with a goal from Tiff Eden. A shot by Tiff from 15 yards out beat the goal keeper and was just rewards for the effort both he and the team put in

FT ABBEYMEAD 5 - 0 HARDWICKE 'B'

ABBEYMEAD U11 : Jacob Ellmore , Adam Thrall ,Nate Crosby , Barnaby George , Liam Phelps, Gareth Davies, Matt Ball, Hadley Gilbert, Tiff Eden, Kieran Smith, Joshua Harris Subs: Brian Goodman , Tom Rich

County Cup

Sunday 6th November

Another thrilling match was enjoyed by the travelling Abbeymead players and supporters. Even though they eventually lost this cup tie they can be proud of their performance.

Abbeymead played a Lydney side that were a year older than them. They pushed Lydney all the way and were unfortunate not to get an equalizer to take the game into extra time. The whole squad played their part in a terrific game and deserve an individual mention.

Hanns Jacob Ellmore : played a solid game. Some good saves and good kicking especially in the second half kept Abbeymead in the game.

Nate bytes yer leg Crosby: Gave another solid performance in defence, never giving the Lydney attackers time on the ball. It was never a penalty, even though the marks on the forwards legs looked more like teeth than studs

Adam Clark Kent Thrall: Our mild mannered defender was strong in defence and came in with some flying tackles.

Barnaby Gandalf George: A wizard of a performance with a "they shall not pass" attitude. Wove his magic to much effect in the second half.

Brian Chopper Goodman . Sharp enough to be always ready and able to cut down any potential threat from the attackers.

Danny Gunner Baxter: Superb wing play down the right, and good machine gun crosses kept the Lydney defence worried all second half. Even his Father's unusual head gear could not take the shine off this "top gun" performance.

Matt Pirelli Ball: Took some excellent corners despite the unfavourable wet conditions. Showed very good control on the turn.

Mountie Hadley Gilbert: Relentlessly worked hard in the midfield never letting his man get away. Galloped up and down the pitch like a true trooper.

Tom Beckham Rich: streaking up and down the wing causing danger all the time. Cut through the Lydney defence like a pair of scissors through paper to score a snip of a goal.

Kieran Terminator Smith: Yet again proved deadly in front of goal. The Lydney defence originally thwarted his attempts but Kieran knew he would be back to score (twice).

Gareth the kid Davies: Too quick on the draw for the Lydney defence. Got into many a good shooting position and deserved more than his one goal.

Substitutes

Joshua Scud Harris: Another hard working performance. With a little more accuracy Joshua's missile like shots would cause massive damage to any defence.

Liam Catapult Phelps: Came on and helped spur on the attack from his defensive position. His long throw-ins helped launch many an assault on the Lydney defence.

Adam Buster Crabbe: Swung into action as soon as he came on. Stopped the Lydney attack getting up to any monkey business late on.


Final score: Lydney 12s 6 Abbeymead Rovers 5