Under 11's

The hard work in training pays off!!

Malpas win over Vicars Cross Dynamo Colts

Cup games are always special, they can throw up unexpected results and the form book disappears as you are only as good as your last pass.  This year’s draw had some titanic first round challenges and will make for an interesting competition.  Our first game took the Malpas U11’s to Vicars Cross for a game against the Colts, a smaller pitch than we are use to so quick decision making and slick passing would be the key to a win.

 Our starting 11, Jacks in goal, Back four (R-L) Tute, Southall, Sweetnam, Bennett.   Mid Field (R-L), Fenney, Smith (A), Realff, Wright.   Strikers Norris and Smith (G).   On the bench we had Bland, Halewood,  Morgan and Hinchliffe. Vicars Cross won the toss and elected to start with the wind behind them.   It was obvious form the kick off that the boys were up for this game and they started brightly.   The Colts were closing us down quickly and crowding the ball but our tactics worked well and the midfield switched sides effectively; with Wright in space on the left we created plenty of early chances.  The first goal came from a counter attack- Tute winning the ball, pass through to Realff, flicked on for Smith (A) who noticed that the Colts had left themselves two on one played a through ball for Norris and Smith (G) to chase, it was Smith (G) who arrived first and slotted home the first (0-1).  A few minutes later and Fenney was cutting in from wide right, a powerful shot made it into the bottom corner (0-2).  The Colts were awarded a penalty as Jacks was judged to have fouled their striker, the situation was amended as Jacks making himself looked big in the goal caused the Colts to clear the bar with the pen.  With Bland and Halewood on we tested the right wing some great link up play and Halewood delivered the final cross for Norris to leap high and head home the third (0-3).  Sweetnam and Southall were holding the line well and stopped every counter attack; realising the wind was too strong they also elected to use Bennett as the counter measure on the left.  A well taken free kick from the Colts saw them pull a goal back. We came close a few minutes later with Smith (G) testing the woodwork from a free kick but it was Bland on one of his surging runs that put us 4-1 up just before half time.  The half time talk was simple- more of the same please!!  Morgan on for Norris and Hinchliffe in goal.  We started where we left off Bland surging forward for his second (1-5), Norris adding numbers 2 and 3 for a Hat Trick took us up to 7-1.  Not to be out done Fenney would also complete a Hat Trick with some poachers goals taking us up to 9-1. We were to test the woodwork again, several times, the tenth was a trademark Wright corner...he does this too often to be considered a fluke...and curled in another, ricocheting off the keeper and a defender for our tenth. Vicars cross did pull back a second as one of the their players found himself unmarked in the centre of the pitch. A long range shot dipped in just beyond the reach of Hinchliffe. The final goal was from Smith (A) hitting a ball on the half volley into the net.  That put the score to 11-2 and the final whistle blew.  A tremendous display of passing from every player in difficult playing conditions; bring on Round 2!!

Man of the Match had to be awarded to one of our wide players Wright and Bland caused chaos on the wings; after some debate Bland was Nominated- Well done Rufus!!

Sunday 11^th December

6-3 again...this score line is becoming a habit.....

 Malpas 6 – FC Porto 3

We were lucky to escape the rain this week with a well timed lapse in the weather allowing us to play in almost dry conditions.   Team selection; Hinchliffe in Goal. Back 4 (R-L) Tute, Earl, Sweetnam and Southall. Midfield (R-L) Fenney, Smith (A), Realff and Wright.   Strikers George (S) and Norris. Subs were Jacks, Halewood, Scott and Morgan

The pre match team talk had worked and we started well, pushing the ball out wide into the channels to allow our wingers to get in behind the Porto defence.  The first ten minutes was all Malpas ball and we had a few chances that we failed to convert.  Some lovely through balls were played for Norris to chase but the first touch just showed a bit too much to the Porto keeper and we were denied again.  The boys looked relaxed and were passing the ball around like a training session; it was from such a play that we scored our first- a series of passes and patient play stretched the Porto defence Tute delivered the final pass allowing Smith (A) the chance to shoot at goal and squeeze the ball into the corner- 1-0.  A few minutes later and Wright had come across to deliver yet another teasing corner- Porto half cleared only to find Realff loitering at the edge of the area- No invitation needed as he powerfully fired home the second- 2-0.   Yet more pressure and again a perfect cross from Wright that only needed the faintest of touches skimmed across the goal line. Porto pushed us back and created a few chances but an alert Hinchliffe came off his line to deny them a goal.  This must have spooked us a little as we started to revert to type- passes going astray; hit and hope tactics....roll on half time for another talk!! 2-0 at half time

Second half and subs had been made to allow Jacks on in goal, Scott and Halewood to come on as full backs and Morgan in attack.  We failed to deal with a through ball and within sixty seconds of the restart Porto had a goal back 2-1.  Our play was inconsistent- moments of sublime passing direct to feet or placing a well weighted ball out wide to chase was mixed with wild swings, no control and playing into the crowd.  We battled on and with Jacks kicking on top form, we were able to send the ball long  and clear the decks. Smith (G) varied the corner taking and delivered a curler into the Porto crowd- the confusion led to them allowing the ball to bounce into the net- 3-1.  With Norris back on we managed to get some balls through and send him clear of the defence- 1 on 1 with the keeper and Norris converted to make us 4-1. P orto didn’t give up and in a copycat move sprung the offside trap for their second 4-2.  They had some pace in midfield and kept Earl on his toes all game. Sweetnam coped well with the aerial threat and won 100% of all the high balls. Halewood and Scott kept the wide players supplied with enough ball and it was a cross in from Wright that allowed Norris the chance for his second 5-2.  With Earl chasing back again to defend he seemed to pull a muscle, this allowed Porto to sneak in on the pass and steal their 3rd- 5-3.  A sub was made to allow recovery.   Fenney was desperate to make the score sheet and did so in the final minutes of the game as his own cross was cleared  back to him he shot low and hard to make it 6-3.  The game was over now, not a classic but we still maintained an unbeaten record- Well done boys!!   Next week we play second placed Groves – its all to play for.

Man of the Match was awarded to Louis Realff; a superb job in performing the “holding” mid field role- Well done Louis!!

Winter hits.......

Sunday 4^th December

Elton Youth 0   Malpas 9

Malpas U11’s and supporters club travelled to Elton on a cold afternoon; but that was only the start with the weather changing rapidly - icy driving rain and biting winds made playing conditions difficult for both sides. Our line up; Jacks in Goal. Back four (R-L) Halewood, Earl, Sweetnam, Southall. Mid field (R-L) Smith (A), Realff, Goncalo, Wright. Strike pair was Fenney and Smith (G). On the bench we had Hinchliffe, Morgan, Tute and Scott.

With our lead at the top reduced to a single point we needed a win and the form book suggested this was possible.  It wasn’t long before Fenney opened the score soon followed by the others; Smith (G) and Morgan both nabbed hat tricks. Realff, Fenney, Wright and Smith (A) all managed a brace of goals and Keeper Jacks making a left wing cameo appearance also managed to make the score sheet along with Goncalo.

 Our back four were solid all day and looked comfortable on the ball, communication between them and the keepers (Hinchliffe and Jacks) has also improved.  Malpas did not concede a goal this week and managed to score plenty however the coaches can still see room for improvement.  While the score today is flattering we still allow too many chances on goal to miss the target - plenty of work to be done in training next week boys.  Come prepared!

Malpas must give credit to Elton for continuing to play as a team up to the final whistle;  they showed real spirit in doing so.

Man of the Match was awarded to Richard Morgan- a “poachers” hat trick!! Well done Rich.

A Sting in the Tail from the Wasps

Sunday 27th November

Malpas U11   2 Waverton Wasps   2

This home match against Waverton Wasps was a chance for Malpas to create daylight at the top of the table.   With an almost full squad available to select from there should be no excuses.  Starting line up was Scott making a goalkeeping debut due to a late injury to Hinchliffe,  at the back (R-L) Tute,  Earl, S weetnam and Bennett.  Midfield (R-L) Smith (A),  Realff,  Goncalo,  Wright with the strike pairing of Fenney and Norris. On the bench was Smith (G), Halewood, Bland and Jacks.

Malpas won the toss and elected to play with the wind behind us in the first half.  We started with a spring in our step and were passing the ball well into the channels using the full width of the pitch.  A string of corners came from relentless pressure and with Wright and Goncalo delivering great balls in,  it was only a matter of time before our first.  Sweetnam moved  in to take a great ‘poachers’ goal. 1-0.   A few minutes later and after a similar passage of play Norris found himself in the same position and slotted home for us to go 2-0 up.  Now normally we would go on to dominate a game like this but today we relaxed and it was noticeable how the game slowed down.  Even a triple substitution with Smith (G), Bland and Halewood all coming on together could not inject the pace the game needed.  We had become complacent!!

The half time team talk - Well done 2-0 up but we should be more;  Where has the pace gone?;  Who is not giving 100%?.  Jacks was on in goal and Scott dropped into left back.  The talk didn’t work.......Waverton started to push us back and had lifted their game.  2nd gear, 3 rd gear they were starting to motor!!  A strike from outside the area caught Earl on the arm and a penalty was awarded. I t was well taken 2-1.   Malpas restarted and some pace from Bland on the right opened up the Wasps.  Playing a delightful ball across the front of goal Malpas were lined up for the strike, Smith (A) side footed the ball but misjudged and caught the post.  The ball bobbled along the line and the keeper prevented anyone from pushing it into the net.  A few minutes later Wasps had pushed us back and despite the training on Friday night we tried to run through half a dozen players. Wasps won the battle and lobbed in the equalizer. 2-2.    Wasps were now in top gear and thought the win was in sight.  Malpas had lost formation and the game was descending into a free for all.  In the end the final whistle saved our blushes. 2-2 and credit was due to the Wasps for battling back.

Malpas huff and puff to victory

Sunday 20^th November 2011

Saughall 3  Malpas 6

This Sunday the boys travelled to Saughall for our first away match of the new league.  Squad was Jacks in Goal;  back four (R-L) of Southall,  Earl,  Sweetnam, S cott.   Mid field (R-L) Bland, Smith (A), Wright,  Fenney.   Strikers were Norris and Smith (G).   On the bench we had Realff back from injury, Halewood, Morgan and Bennett.

From the start we looked uneasy;  balls were being passed but not all players were taking time to find the right options;  some going for the first touch long distance clearance without any pressure to do so.  We were losing shape with the mid field moving too far forward and the wingers coming central.  Full backs were then taking over the wings which left us exposed at the back.  Sure enough Saughall capitalised on this and punished us with an early strike to go 1-0 up.  We did manage to put together a few passages of play but that old familiar saying “Hit the Target” was uttered by the coaches too often.

Wright continued the fantastic corner taking and exposed the weakness of our opponents;  this lead to us going 1-1 from an own goal.  A few minutes later Saughall handled in the box and we were awarded a penalty.....we failed to hit the target again!!!  With a forced change to take off the injured Bland we swapped formation and moved Fenney right and Wright left....I knew I would get to write that one day!!!     Realff came on in the centre.   For a while we held formation and created many chances.   A second penalty award was duly dispatched by Earl 1-2.   More changes with Halewood coming on for Southall and Morgan on for Smith (G).  Our 3rd goal followed soon after with Wright passing a through ball for Norris to latch onto. 1-3 and still we did not look comfortable!  Saughall bounced back straight away and although Jacks came off his line the striker managed to beat him to take it back to 2-3.  In the dying minutes of the first half Earl threw himself in front of the ball to deny what would have been the equalizer for Saughall.  I’m sure that their half time team talk would have been different if they had of gone in at 3-3!!

Second half started in much the same way; while we were able to push up we would need the reinforcements to do so and this would leave us short in defence.  The crowd was heard to shout “Ohhh-Ahhh”  more times than the annual meeting of the Cornish Farmers!!  Our 4th came from a breakaway from Norris and a great solo run to bag his second of the day- 4-2.  A little later Smith (A) managed to drag the ball back across goal and Fenney converted to put us 5-2 up.  Saughall still pushed us and we did look frail when we conceded our 3rd of the day.  3-5.  Norris did not give up though and with his hat trick insight he managed to sneak a goal in the dying minutes of the game to give us a 3-6 lead. 

Man of the match was a close run effort with Norris on a hat trick but the coaches decided that the gallant defending by Earl was worthy of the prize this week.  Well done Alex.

Malpas  6 v Princes Villa 3

Malpas win crucial fixture

Princess Villa at home was an exciting prospect and what a glorious Sunday afternoon to play football. Villa are one of the strongest sides in our division and if we are to finish top of the league then a win against them is a must.

With a good squad of players to select from coaches nominated the starting eleven as Hinchliffe in goal; back four (R-L) Tute, Sweetnam, Earl and Southall; midfield (R-L) Smith (A), Goncalo, Humes and Wright. Up front Fenney and Smith (G). Jacks, Halewood, Morgan and Norris were on the bench and eager to play.

Having won the toss we elected to start with the sun behind us; the first 10 minutes of play were dominated by Malpas and we should have had several goals but the target eluded us. Villa on one of their first attacks managed to cause confusion; we lost our shape and failed to mark allowing them to strike first 0-1 to the Villa!! On almost the next passage of play Villa again pushed us back and sprung our offside trap; Hinchliffe stopped the first shot but they slotted home the rebound  0-2 to Villa.  Still we pushed but could not score; was it going to be one of those days!! Villa again hit us on the break and what looked like a sure fire goal was cleared on the line by Earl- was this the turning point????  The spirit in the Malpas team was good, even 0-2 down, and they continued to spread the ball wide, Goncalo winning in the centre out to Smith (A) who did a quick one two with Smith (G) to get in behind the defence and deliver a teasing ball across the box.  Fenney was on hand to slide the ball into the goal. 1-2. With Norris on for Smith (G) we again came close after Tute won the ball in a tackle and then passed it through to Humes who sprung the Villa offside trap to put Norris through on goal with his first touch only to be denied by some good goalkeeping. Half time whistle blew and we were behind by one goal.

Some squad rotation with Halewood and Jacks coming on it wasn’t long before we created another chance. This time our defence, growing in confidence, decided to play the ball out of the half.  Slick passing from Southall and Earl saw the ball delivered into Fenney who spotted Smith (A) on a charge and played a well weighted pass into his path. Smith (A) pushed forward and with only the keeper to beat, placed the ball out of reach to equalise 2-2....game on!!  And it didn’t take long before our next opportunity in what was almost a copycat move but this time Norris turning provider and again Smith (A) side footed beneath the keeper for Malpas to take the lead 3-2. Our defending was first rate and we managed to hold Villa at bay; mid field were dynamic with Goncalo and Humes winning every 50/50. Humes was fancying his chances from distance and almost caught the keeper off his line a couple of times. Wright delivered some of the greatest corners we have seen this year. It was from one of these that Villa only managed to clear as far as Smith (A) who, sensing a hat-trick, drove home a shot to put us 4-2 up. The game could have changed again but for some miraculous goal keeping from Jacks, performing a diving finger tip save to knock the ball onto the cross bar and then collect the rebound in a single move.  More subs this time Morgan on for Fenney.  Smith (G) came close with a header from a corner but it was Sweetnam who on the edge of the box saw the ball spin loose and ran in to pocket the 5th.   5-2.   Villa still pushed forward and some last minute defending by Halewood was judged to be a foul giving them a free kick that they converted to pull back to 5-3.  In the dying moments of the game Norris latched on to a through ball and shot with power, the keeper got behind the ball but failed to hold it. As always Norris was following up and got a second bite of the cherry to put us 6-3 up.  Minutes later the final whistle blew- the boys had fought back to a terrific victory. Well done to all!!!

Man of the Match was Alfie Smith- A well worked hat trick!!

Paul Smith

Sunday 6th November

Malpas 9 v Vicars Cross Dynamo Colts 1

An Impressive Start

Following the league split Malpas began their division 2 campaign.  We started the season with a home match to Vicars Cross Colts.

The Team selection was- Hinchliffe in Goal. Back four (right to left) of Tute, Southall, Sweetnam and Scott. Midfield four (right to left) of Fenney, Goncalo, Smith (A) and Wright. Strikers were Morgan and Norris. On the subs bench was Halewood, Bland and Jacks.

Malpas attacked from the off, however the coaches did have some nerves as four or five stonewall chances went wide. But these soon settled down as Malpas took control.  Malpas scorers were Norris,  Fenney, Halewood, Bland, Smith and Morgan all made the score sheet.

Vicars Cross Colts gave us a little longer on the ball than we are use to; not all our opponents will afford us this luxury. However some of the passing and link up play was superb - well done Smith (A), Halewood and Goncalo. They have learned to spread the ball wide and have players capable of making ground and delivering chances in the box. Excellent wing work from Wright, Fenney and Bland with good overlapping from the backs Tute and Scott. Every ball delivered into the box was chased down and followed up.

The back four are also doing their job admirably- moving the line up to spring the offside trap, closing down quickly and with Sweetnam winning the aerial battle they were only troubled once or twice in the whole game. Keepers Hinchliffe and Jacks also showed a sense of urgency coming off the line as the last defender and quick ball distribution to turn defence into attack.

Where we still need to focus is on the central midfield winning the high/long ball, making sure we stay in our positions and knowing when that last touch is a touch too much!!

Well done to all the team for the performance; Man of the Match was Callum Southall - a solid anchor in defence and did not put a foot wrong all game.

Paul Smith