Under 9s Match Reports

Mid-Glos Mini Soccer - Central League
Saturday 19th April 2008

Another testing game to look forward to as the Gladiators went away to Frampton but with only a team of seven players and no reserves due to injury, etc, the challenge was on!
Shortly into the game, Dominic Perris scored a beautiful goal into the top right hand corner of the net to give the Gladiators the lead and put the home team on the back foot. But this was not for long as despite some excellent defending by Alex Fleming, Robbie Searle, Freddie Whittaker and great sweeping work by Michael Ashetton, Frampton levelled the scored by half time at 1-1.
The Gladiators' efforts continued in the second half and despite the excellent ball control and passing by Ben Vallender, Michael Ashetton and Dominic Perris, they were unable to score again. Frampton broke through the defence again taking the lead. In scoring their third goal, the striker's follow-through incapacitated keeper Edward James who was unable to complete the last eight minutes. With only six players and Robbie Searle playing keeper, despite their efforts two further goals were scored. Final score: 5-1 (The Gladiators did win the fun Penalties at the end)
Man of the Match: Abbeymead Rovers Gladiators - Alex Fleming; Frampton Youth United - Jonathan Lewis

Mid-Glos Mini Soccer - Central League
Saturday 5th April 2008 - Sorry for the late posting!

So one of the last three resheduled matches is played - The Gladiators away to Hucclecote Knights. Billed as "the local derby" by some - four boys from each of the two football clubs also play for the same "other football" club in Hucclecote (the RFC), there was always to be a little banter between players and parent/spectators. Nonetheless, the Gladiators set off well with Aiden Bonehill's goal closely followed by one from Dominic Perris and another by Aiden Bonehill from a Michael Ashetton cross - the whole team demonstrating some wonderful ball control, passing and steady positioning. One of the rare counter attacks by Hucclecote broke through the usual steady defence of Robbie Searle, Alex Fleming and Gregor Workman resulting in a very good save and control by keeper Edward James but he sustained a kick to the jaw that excluded him from the rest of the match - Hayden Lavender replaced him. At half time the Gladiators were 0-3 ahead.
In the second half, further substitutions saw a few players out of their usual place resulting in bunching and some confusion. Hucclecote took advantage of this but only managed to score once as they were thwarted by some excellent keeping by Hayden Lavender. The Gladiators scored again through Michael Asshetton taking advantage of a poor goal kick by Hucclecote. Final score 1-4.
Man of the Match: Abbeymead Gladiators - Hayden Lavender; Hucclecote Knights - Luke Dumagnez