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Grendon Rangers U8 Match Reports
18th November 2006
Launton 2 Grendon Rangers 2
This match between Grendon at the top of the league and Launton in third place produced the same score line as the first meeting between the teams. The game was switched to Launton’s Bure Park pitch due to it being waterlogged at Grendon. Launton got off to a flying start when, straight from the kick-off, good link up play between Charlie Cassidy and Dan Stevens put Stevens through on goal who made no mistake to put Launton 1-0 up. The game continued with Grendon pushing hard for the equaliser and Launton having chances to increase their lead until Grendon won a free kick just outside the box taken by William Young who smashed it in past the helpless keeper. Soon after this Grendon took the lead when an attempted clearance fell to Harry Clarkson who hit it first time to put his team 2-1 up.
The second half saw some excellent team play from both sides without either managing to change the score until , in the last minute, a long clearance from Launton keeper George Ramage fell to Zarius Edwards-Giraud whose first shot was saved but he reacted quickest to the rebound to bundle the ball in to make the score 2-2. Seconds after this the Ref blew for time to bring to an end a cracking game full of quality that was a credit to boys of such a young age.
11th November 2006
KEA 0 Grendon Rangers 5
Given that the two previous fixtures between these two sides had been so close, before kick off, both teams expected this to be a close fought game. However, with the wind behind them and with the confidence resulting from a strong start to the season, Grendon Rangers soon settled into their stride and took a commanding grip of the game from the outset. The Grendon midfield trio of Michael Britten, Jamie Ball and William Young played some fine interpassing football that had their opposite numbers in the KEA team, Chris Bateson, Tyler Andrews and Libbie Allison chasing shadows for much of the first half. Despite heroic endeavours of Ian Trower in the KEA goal, the Grendon forward Harry Clarkson was given such excellent service and, at times, so much space that he was able to score twice in the first ten minutes with low shots into either corner, which gave the goalkeeper no chance. Luke Blackwell and Dan Stillgoe in the KEA defence tried desperately to stem the tide of attacks from Grendon but this just led to a series of corners. The mounting pressure from those corners led to two further goals being conceded, one from the impressive Jamie Ball who seized quickly on a half clearance and an own goal ricocheting between Dan Stillgoe and Mason Courtney.
Despite being four down at half time, to their credit, KEA never gave up trying. With the wind at their backs and with a more composed and competitive edge to their game, they were able to provide Grendon with a much sterner test in the second half. Libbie Allison and Mason Courtney both put pressure on the Grendon rearguard but Sam Mustcroft, in particular was able to snuff out any threat. In the end, the quality and movement of the Grendon midfield was able to present Harry Clarkson with the chance to complete his hat-trick, which he did with aplomb. The five-nil result was perhaps a little hard on KEA but the performance overall from Grendon Rangers was exceptional.
Finally, special thanks to Steve Foster for refereeing the game and to all the players, staff and supporters who observed the Two-Minute Remembrance silence at 11 o’clock impeccably.
4th November 2006
Highfield Juniors 0 Grendon 5
Grendon did deserve the win but the cold morning took its toll on some of the boys. A mention should go to the Highfield goalkeeper who had an outstanding game. Goals from Harrison Gerrard, Michael Britten, Ben Baldwin and two for William Young were enough for Grendon.
In the under 8's league we play two games and the boys that played in the second game were outstanding. Harry Clarkson , Sam Muscroft,
Andrew Prosser, Daniel Sutclif, George Tompkins, Jacob Witfield and Harrison Gerrard in goal won their game: Highfield Juniors 0 Grendon 13
(Goal scorers Harry Clarkson 6 Sam Mustcroft 5 Andrew Prosser 1 Jacob Witfield 1 )
14th October 2006
Marsh Gibbon 0 Grendon 7
Marsh defended well but on the day day were out played by a Strong Grendon side.
7th October 2006
Grendon Rangers 5 Deddington Colts 2
After last week’s loss at Bicester, Grendon needed to restructure their side with several boys playing in different positions and this seemed to work very well. Deddington attacked well and had it not been from some excellent goalkeeping by Jacob Witfield and defending by George Warren the result would have been different at half time. Grendon took their chances with excellent strikes by Harrison Gerrard, Ben Baldwin, and Jamie Ball left Grendon to end the first half 3-0.
The second half saw Deddington really come back into the game. They attacked strongly and got two very deserved goals, but with William Young being brought down in the box and then scoring the penalty, and Harrison Gerrard getting his second, it left the final score 5-2.
23rd September 2006
Grendon Rangers 16 Ducklington Colts 0
Ducklington Colts came to Grendon for what was their first league match. Ducklington battled hard and played a full part in the game, but were beaten by a better side on the day. Grendon scorers were James Ball (4), Ben Baldwin (4), Michael Britten (2), William Young (2), Sam Muscroft (2), Harrison Gerrard and Harry Clarkeson.
16th September 2006
Launton Boys 2 Grendon Rangers 2
A very competitive match with excellent team play from both sides. Grendon took the lead with a well taken 15-yard free kick by William Young. Launton equalised soon after when a Zarius Edwards-Giraud free kick was turned in by Dan Stevens to make it level at half-time.
Five minutes into the second half Launton were awarded a penalty which for the second game running Dan Stevens smashed home. With only minutes remaining Grendon were awarded a penalty which was well taken but excellently saved by Launton ‘keeper George Ramage. In the last minutes of the game Harrison Gerrard shot from the half way line to leave the final score 2-2.
9th September 2006
Grendon Rangers 1 vs KEA 0
Grendon Rangers started the season with a good all round team performance, equally matched by KEA. It made for a very enjoyable match for all boys concerned.
It was five minutes into the second half when a well crossed pass by Ben Baldwin cut through KEA's defence and Michael Britten scored the winning goal.
Witney & District Youth Football League
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