Rotherfield Raiders Black 1 - 5 Caversham Kites

Saturday 15th September 2007

KITES GIVE RAIDERS A LESSON

On a bright, sunny Saturday morning at Arborfield Garrison, the Raiders Black squad entered into their first game of the season with high spirits and expectations of a good performance. It did not take long however for their hopes to be dashed. They faced a talented, competitive and highly organized Caversham Kites side, who quickly made their mark on the game.

The Kites immediately took the game to the Raiders and after a few early shots and possession around the Raiders box, their pressure was rewarded with a goal in the 6th minute. The Raiders failed to find and hold their shape and they visibly were struggling to contain the passion and aggression that was being shown by the Kites. Liam Peachey in the Raiders goal made a number of excellent saves, but the defense and midfield could not hold back the Kites and they went on to score three further goals in the 9th, 12th and 14th minutes.

The introduction of James Back & Kai Carlisle in the 15th minute seemed to stabilize the Raiders and they started to hold off the Kites and create more penetrating runs into opponents half. That said, the Raiders only managed one shot on the Kites goal, an excellent shot from Rowan Stacey that was unlucky to get a deflection and drop just wide of the post.

The second half started in much the same fashion as the first, with the Kites running completely unchallenged through the entire Raiders side to score easily. This seemed to kick the Raiders into life and almost straight from the kick-off, Rowan Stacey did a great run down the right, did a neat one-two with James Back and slotted the ball past the Kites keeper.

After the goal the whole team seemed to up their game, and the lax defending and poor tackling seen in the first half was rarely in evidence. Kit Greengrass replaced Will Young who took a knock to his knee, but it was Kai Carlisle, with a solid second half performance who became the mainstay in defense for the remainder of the game. Louis Walsh and Max Sweetman did some excellent runs and crosses from the wings, but no further chances were converted by the Raiders.

The Raiders goal had a few more scares, but some further excellent goalkeeping from Liam Peachey stopped the Kites increasing the scoreline and earned him the man of the match award. The Raiders had a much better second half (1-1) but on the day they were beaten by a stronger, more competitive and organised side. Here endeth the lesson - Onto next week ……..

Team: Liam Peachey, Will Young, Kit Greengrass, Guy Thurlow, Rowan Stacey, Kai Carlisle, James Back, Louis Walsh, Max Sweetman

Rotherfield Raiders Black 1 - 5 Caversham Kites

Sat 15th September 2007

KITES GIVE RAIDERS A LESSON

On a bright, sunny Saturday morning at Arborfield Garrison, the Raiders Black squad entered into their first game of the season with high spirits and expectations of a good performance. It did not take long however for their hopes to be dashed. They faced a talented, competitive and highly organized Caversham Kites side, who quickly made their mark on the game.

The Kites immediately took the game to the Raiders and after a few early shots and possession around the Raiders box, their pressure was rewarded with a goal in the 6th minute. The Raiders failed to find and hold their shape and they visibly were struggling to contain the passion and aggression that was being shown by the Kites. Liam Peachey in the Raiders goal made a number of excellent saves, but the defense and midfield could not hold back the Kites and they went on to score three further goals in the 9th, 12th and 14th minutes.

The introduction of James Back & Kai Carlisle in the 15th minute seemed to stabilize the Raiders and they started to hold off the Kites and create more penetrating runs into opponents half. That said, the Raiders only managed one shot on the Kites goal, an excellent shot from Rowan Stacey that was unlucky to get a deflection and drop just wide of the post.

The second half started in much the same fashion as the first, with the Kites running completely unchallenged through the entire Raiders side to score easily. This seemed to kick the Raiders into life and almost straight from the kick-off, Rowan Stacey did a great run down the right, did a neat one-two with James Back and slotted the ball past the Kites keeper.

After the goal the whole team seemed to up their game, and the lax defending and poor tackling seen in the first half was rarely in evidence. Kit Greengrass replaced Will Young who took a knock to his knee, but it was Kai Carlisle, with a solid second half performance who became the mainstay in defense for the remainder of the game. Louis Walsh and Max Sweetman did some excellent runs and crosses from the wings, but no further chances were converted by the Raiders.

The Raiders goal had a few more scares, but some further excellent goalkeeping from Liam Peachey stopped the Kites increasing the scoreline and earned him the man of the match award. The Raiders had a much better second half (1-1) but on the day they were beaten by a stronger, more competitive and organised side. Here endeth the lesson - Onto next week ……..

Team: Liam Peachey, Will Young, Kit Greengrass, Guy Thurlow, Rowan Stacey, Kai Carlisle, James Back, Louis Walsh, Max Sweetman

Raiders Gallery 1 - Gold v Caversham ( 4-1)

Gallery of photos from Saturday's superb comeback by Raiders after being 1-0 down at halftime. A spitited comeback with hard work , determination and super goals from Ben, Sam and Chris. Man of Match SamB.

Raiders Spot the Ball

Thanks to Gilly McGowan for this photo. Can you spot the ball. below is a grid to help you.
It's funny ... we didn't know Sam B could do Ballet as well as football ?

Raiders Spot the Ball ( Answer )

The ball is in the top right of sqaure D8
We never edited it out !

Dates and Diaries for Next Season - Please Read

Venue : Arborfield Garrison MAP

Match Fees : Up front again this year, cost for the HDL season, 18 matches and 2 mini tournaments, will be £36 and paid by Sept 6, payable to T C Back

Times : Black Kickoff at 9:30 , Gold kickoff at 12:30

Availability: Non-availabilities ASAP or by Monday before the match LATEST, Non-Availability through sickness let Trevor know ASAP please.

League Dates :

• League starts : Sept 8 -Oct 13, Nov 3 - Dec 8, Jan 5 -Mar 22
• Training Starts : Sept 6, at Rotherfield
• Match Dates : Friendly match with Woodley Saints on Sept 1. We need to know who's availably by the end of July. Trevor away and Andy has offered to run it all if there is enough interest

Management : Andy and Jason will coordinate the Gold Team

Squad : We will probably only take a squad of 8 players to ensure plenty of 'Playing Time'.. so sometimes you child may be rested or asked to play twice depending on vailability, last season I only needed to rest one child for one match

Raiders Presentations 2007

Well done Raiders, another splendid season for both teams. As a squad you all deserve an award for playing with such spirit, fairness and teamwork all season. Its been great to watch and as parents you make us ALL proud. C'mon - RaiderrrrrrS!!

Abbey Tournament Closes the Season

Presentation Day, Sunday 22nd July - All day

Mark your diaries !
More details available from Trevor

Presentation Day 22nd July - 12:00

Just to confirm the date.

Raiders - Heroes in defence

Montage of Raiders defence and midfield

Raiders Gold Pics from Mini-Tournament

Raiders Gold miss out due to a slow start in hot weather, but end the tournament with a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Saints to show that when pride is at stake - Raiders are at their best !

Twyford sneak in unmarked to score , but The Boss is still smiling !

Raiders pre-match "Huddle" and Books heads for his half-time bottle

Charlie showing focus and Archie launches a big throw

Saints keeper lets it slip ! Danny's knockout punch nearly flattens attacker

Josh gets his mum's water torture and has an immediate energy boost !

Raiders get their well deserved medals and Sam in action

RAIDERS BLACK IN SPIRITED FIGHT BACK

Saturday 2nd June 2007

Rotherfield Raiders Black 4 - 4 Woodley Hammers B

The Raiders Black squad was once again punished after a slow start which cost them an early goal and put them on the back foot. After only 1 minute, the Raiders found themselves with players out of position which created a simple chance for the Hammers No. 6 who easily slotted the ball home.

The early goal seemed to wake up the Raiders, and after a period of sustained pressure and some good efforts on goal from Louis Walsh & Max Sweetman, it was Chris Miller who finished a superb individual run by rounding the keeper and leveling the score. The attacking combination of Max, Louis and Chris dominated the next 10 mins of the game with numerous shots on goal, but they weren’t able to further capitalize.

After 14 mins, Chris Miller was replaced up front by Matty Chapman. But after all the domination of the first half by the Raiders, they somehow ended up conceding two goals in the last 2 minutes of the half – one from a well struck shot into the bottom right hand side of Liam Peachey’s goal and the second from a very unlucky ricochet off the Hammers No.4 after Will Young tried to clear under pressure. The 3-1 advantage to the Hammers at half time was not a good reflection of the Raiders performance.

The second half started in the same fashion as the first with another Hammers goal, which was given away cheaply. With the score at 4-1 down, the Raiders heads could have easily dropped, but thankfully this was the catalyst for a spirited Raiders fight back.

After the Hammers 4th goal, the renewed Raiders teamwork, passion and confidence paid off with two quick goals from James Back. The first was a simple tap-in after a goal mouth scramble and the second was blistering free-kick which sailed into the top right hand corner of the Hammers goal. James was unlucky not to get a hatrick, after a corner kick from him seemed to curl straight into the Hammers goal, however the referee gave a goal kick after ruling that the ball had dropped through a gap in the top of the net.

With both teams tiring in the hot sun, it became a real end-to-end tussle. Solid defensive work between Kai Carlisle and an out of position right back Chris Miller (after Will Young limped off) was matched by some fine saves by Liam Peachey in the Raiders goal.

With 3 minutes remaining, the Raiders completed their well deserved comeback after a Matty Chapman confidently rounded the keeper and levelled the score.

The final minutes created few chances from either team, however the 4-4 score made for a great match and was a real credit to both teams. Chris Miller was named man of the match after a fine first half display, a goal and solid performance in the defence in the 2nd half.


Team: Liam Peachey, Will Young, Kai Carlisle, James Back, Louis Walsh, Max Sweetman, Chris Miller, Matty Chapman

Gallery

Some images from Saturdays game. ( click the image to see full size downloadable image )
If you have good ones you would like to post just email SimonB and you can login and post.


Charlie showing her skills and Josh anticipates a header

Raiders defence focus on the ball , coach Andy administers 1/2 time refreshment !

Will made a succesful comeback and the Manager looks on

Charlie reading the play .. a great punched clearance from Danny against Wanderers

Sam during warm up and Booksie with a throw-in

Mums United looking relaxed and Ben gets his Effort award

Danny faces the raiders attack during warm up and James at shooting practice

Raiders attract fans of all ages !

Near Miss For Raiders At Wanderers Finishing School !

Rotherfield Raiders Gold (2) – Woodley Wanderers (4)

Perhaps the most compelling and competitive game of the summer league for Raiders Gold. Raiders had a great start with Chapman going close inside the 1st minute. Young looked composed returning from injury and Back was solid in defence. Then Lady Luck intervened with a cruel blow as Back’s clearance struck the centre forward’s boot to ricochet past Docherty to open the scoring.
Silky touches and from Street and accurate distribution from Estcourt lead to Chapman striking just over the bar and Peirson-Hagger went close. But Woodley dominated the midfield and a breakaway led to the 2nd goal with a cool finish.
Undeterred Raiders competed well and Gay’s pass found Peirson-Hagger to slam into the top corner with Raider’s comeback goal at 2-1.
Half-time oranges did the trick as Raiders as started the 2nd half brightly with tight defence and two great saves from Dockree including a great punched clearance. Moments later Back shot just past the post after another pinpoint pass from Street. But the bubble burst when Raiders failed to clear a corner making it 3-1.
Again Raiders showed grit and determination as Peirson-Hagger spread it wide to Estcourt who characteristically thundered the ball into the top corner to pull it back to 3-2.
With 10 minutes to go Raiders had their best spell of the game ; Chapman’s cutout stopped a certain goal and Gay showed great skills at the back with Booker looking strong. The Raiders were on fire – Peirson-Hagger twice went close and the keeper somehow plucked the ball out of mid-air to deny Chapman a goal.
As Raiders pushed forward Wanderers converted a “2 on 1” in the dying seconds to give a 4-2 scoreline that didn’t reflect a fabulous match but rather some clinical finishing .
The effort award went to Peirson-Hagger for starting the comeback goal and work rate.

Team: Danny Dockree, James Back, Will Young, Josh Gay, Sam Booker, Charlie Estcourt, Ben Peirson-Hagger, Mathew Chapman.

Raiders Tournament Highlights

Checkout the goals from sundays tournament with superb strikes from Rowan, Ben, Mathew. A cool penalty from Max and the fastest goal ever from Matty C action replays and some shots from practice. Enjoy !

Woodley Wanders Tournament June 30th

Sat June 30, AM - Woodley Wanders Tournament @ Abbey RFC

Woodley Saints Tournament May 20th

Sat June 16 - PM Woodley Saints Tournament @ Berkshire County Sports , Sonning

Sun May 20 -PM AFC Henley Tournament @ Henley

Sun May 20 -PM AFC Henley Tournament @ Henley ... NON-AVAILABILITY PLEASE

Rotherfield IronPort Raiders Blacks 0 – Woodley Kestrels 1

Raiders U9’s Blacks lose a tight game - A close game that followed a pattern of sound defence and good breaks by Woodley Kestrels whilst Rotherfield had the majority of position which they could not turn into goals. Raiders were missing their regular keeper this week so two of their midfield dynamos, James Back and Guy Thurlow shared goal- keeping duties.

Raiders started fast with a good early dribble by Louis Walsh ending with a Max Sweetman low shot. Raiders had all the possession in the early part of the first half with Charlie Estcourt dictating much of the midfield play and Josh Gay and Kai Carlisle holding the defence on the halfway line effectively. However, Raiders were undone, by failing to clear from Kestrels very first break from which they scored from a lucky deflection off a Raiders player.

Raiders had further long-range shots after good combination passing involving Matthew Chapman, Charlie Rowan and Guy. The second half followed the same pattern with all attacks from Raiders however they were caught on the break several times by Kestrels. Guy had now gone in goal and James Back put in some very strong midfield runs and tackles.

Raiders best effort was a passing move involving most of the team ending with a ball through the middle being chased by Rowan one on one against Kestrels Keeper. Rowan skilfully knocked it round the keeper, only for the ball to take an awkward bounce off his knee stopping him from guiding it into the net. The game ended dramatically with Raiders throwing caution to the wind with Guy Thurlow coming out of goal from a final Louis corner in a desperate attempt to get an equaliser that did not materialise.

Man of the Match went to Charlie for some excellent industry in midfield.

Team: Guy Thurlow, Kai Carlisle, Charlie Estcourt, James Back, Louis Walsh, Rowan Stacey, Max Sweetman ,Matthew Chapman & Josh Gay

Rotherfield IronPort Raiders Gold 6 ~ Meadway 1

Coach Chapman challenged Gold to concentrate on control and the bright early start with well struck corners from Estcourt and a long range shot from Gay indicated it was a lesson well learnt.
Meadway scoring first did not inhibit Gold’s play which at times was enthralling. Street was to be given man of the match for his first half hat trick. However it was his first time passing out wide, which was the most, accomplished part of his game.
It was Peirson-Hagger who opened the scoring for Gold with a fine cross shot which took a deflection off a defender. The second came when another shot from Peirson-Hagger wasn’t held by the goalkeeper and Street was on hand to sweep the ball into the net.
Following some fine defensive work by Dockree, who is fitting well into this role, Street made it 3-1 to Gold having collected an intuitive pass from Estcourt.
Substitutions brought Back and Chapman into the game and both had an immediate effect. Street completed his hat trick after more fine approach play and Chapman scored his first after long shots by Gay and Back were well saved by the Meadway keeper.
Contrary to what the score might suggest Meadway produced dangerous attacking moments but Sweetman, playing well in his new role as Gold’s keeper, refused to be beaten again.
Being 5-1 down at half time Meadway’s response was to tighten their defense although it was after an attack that Gold scored their sixth. Chapman started and finished a fine move which included good one touch passing from Estcourt and Street.
Enough time was left for Aldridge to show good control and strong running and for Chapman to narrowly miss concluding his hat trick; Gold maintained their 100% record.
Team: Charlie Estcourt, Ben Peirson-Hagger, Matthew Aldridge, Matthew Chapman, Josh Gay, Sam Street, Danny Dockree, Max Sweetman, James Back

IronPort Raiders Black 1 Meadway 1

In an evenly matched game, Rotherfield Blacks made an unusually fast start. Both sides played open attacking football. Excellent interplay and safe clearing by the defenders Kit Greengrass and Kai Carlisle facilitated a great pass from Kit over the heads of the Meadway defense to Max Sweetman, who took it round the goalie to score.
Sam Booker replacing Kit quickly created some good breaks for Max and Rowan Stacey, many near misses but no goals. Rotherfield one up at half time.
The second half started well with Louis Walsh’s strong passing. James Back, sweeper, covered the pitch brilliantly creating chances for the Rotherfield attackers and narrowly missing a long range shot.
A great cross from James was followed up by some nifty footwork from Guy Thurlow creating a corner opportunity, just missed in a goalmouth scramble.
Six minutes from the end saw a Meadway long shot bounce off an attacker’s foot that even Liam Peachy could not save – one all.
A great run by Stacey down the left, was crossed to Thurlow who was blocked by the Meadway goalkeeper, the ball rebounded to Max who pushed it just wide as the final whistle blew.
Kai Carlisle won man of the match for his consistent defensive play.
Team:-James Back, Liam Peachey, Sam Booker, Kit Greengrass, Rowan Stacey, Guy Thurlow, Louis Walsh, Kai Carlisle, Max Sweetman

Rotherfield IronPort Raiders Gold 2 Woodley Saints Jaguars 0

The line up this week saw Josh Gay start in goal with a defence of McGowan and Dockree, a mid-field of Chapman, Peirson-Hagger and Estcourt with Street the loan striker; Booker and Aldridge started on the bench.

Early Jaguars pressure was well dealt with by Dockree and it was a while before Gold created their first chance, which Peirson-Hagger failed to convert. Long periods of play took place within the Jaguars half with Booker, Street and Estcourt pressing the opposition defence and creating chances. Particularly prominent for Gold was Chapman who is beginning to show what a fine all round player he is becoming.

Raiders Gold’ swapped it around in the second half with Dockree replacing Gay in goal and the latter immediately began to have a positive effect on the game through his control, use of space and fine passing.

During the second half Jaguars rarely broke out of their half and Gold came close to scoring on a number of occasions especially from good shots from Aldridge, Chapman, Street and particularly Estcourt who hit the post with one fine effort.

The deadlock was finally broken in a spectacular fashion. After some good approach play by Gold’, Peirson-Hagger cut inside the Jaguars fullback and unleashed an unstoppable left foot shot past the goalkeeper’s right hand.

Although generally out played for most of the game the Jaguars were still dangerous on the break and on one such occasion the No.2, probably their best outfield player, broke free. However, a superbly timed tackle by McGowan stopped Jaguars from going level.

Just before the final whistle Coach Aldridge sent on Chapman who, having received a delicately threaded pass from Street, made it two nil with a clinical finish.

So Gold keep their 100% record and Man of the Match went to a thoroughly deserving Chapman.

Team: Charlie Estcourt, Ben Peirson-Hagger, Matthew Aldridge, Matthew Chapman, Sam Booker, Josh Gay, Sam Street, Archie McGowan, Danny Dockree

The Bright Side of Soccer

Rotherfield Raiders Gold 2 - 0 Woodley Saints Jaguars

A great performance by the Raiders in a tight match. Even after sustained pressure the match remained in deadlock until Ben Peirson-Hagger thumped in a stunning shot to give the raiders the lead. A few minutes later McGowan produced the "tackle of the season" with a perfectly timed interception to deprive Woodley's number 2 of a shooting opportunity that would almost certainly have been put away to level the score. Spurred on by such great defensive work after Raiders enjoyed a period of sustained pressure and numerous shots on goal by every other player until Chapman neatly tucked in the Raider's 2nd sealing a solid win and a great team performance.

Man of the Match : Matty Chapman
Raiders : Charlie, Sam S, Danny, Matthew C, Matthew A, Ben , Sam B, Josh, Archie

Match Report Writing Guidelines

.. From the Editor ... Reports may have to be cut slightly this week due to two excellent 6 page match reports....

• Positives only!!
• Try to name all players, if possible
• Deadline, back to me, is the following Tuesday midday to get it in the HS..
• 2-300 words ONLY please
• Players surnames into the reports instead of the initials

Trevor

Posting Rules and guidelines

Folks,

Just a few words about posting and commenting on blog sites. Remember - Please avoid mobile phone numbers and email addresses where possible ( the site is open so anyone can see the content !). Also comments and feedback can be moderated for abusive or inappropriate usage.

So the watchword is only post things that are of general interest and avoid personal details of any kind. Unless you are completely happy that people browsing the internet can see it.

If you want to be added as an author so you can post items let me know and I will add you.

Happy Blogging !

Simon

Match/Tournament Dates ( April - July )

April 14 - Prosport Summer league matches - ( Weekly except May 19th )
Sun May 20 - AFC Henley Tournament @ Henley
Sat June 9 - Prosport Summer League Mini Tournament
Sat June 16 - Woodley Saints Tournament @ Berkshire County Sports , Sonning
Sat June 30 - AM - Woodley Wanders Tournament @ Abbey RFC


See Trevor for Details

Parents Training Rota

19th April 2007 - MattP, SteveW, DaveA
26th April 2007 - Andyc, SimonB, MarkT
3rd May 2007 - TonyY, AidanC, JasonG
10th May 2007 - SimonE, NickS, GuyPH
17th May 2007 - MattP, SteveW, DaveA
24th May 2007 - AndyC, SimonB, MarkT

Rotherfield Raiders Under 9's Gold & Black

What is a Blog ?

A blog is a simplified website that allows users to post materials, pictures notes or just about anything and comment upon them. Blogs are great for sommunities such as parents and managers of footbal teams. While email is a great way to communicate blogs allow a central point for people to find information such as fixtures, teams and share things like pictures, links and iother useful information.

They are useless unless people PARTICIPATE , so have a go ! Make a comment or post a picture.

Simon Booker