This week saw the debut of Sam L and the return of Charlie away at Colden Common. The lads were looking forward to meeting up with our old team mates Christian and Mitch.
 
We started very slowly with the lads failing to use the full width of the pitch and therefore often getting in each others way.  Three quick substitutions freshened things up as Ollie latched onto some slack defending to shoot us into a deserved lead. A second followed soon after as Alex finished well from a flowing move down the left. Two nil up at half time did not spare the boys from the 'hairdryer' treatment. They were left in no doubt that they needed to improve and that we were expecting them to score 8 second half to get to the double figures that their possesion merited.
 
Always happy to please the coaches the lads proceeded to do as they were told and using the full width they started to play the football they are capable of. With the defence of Zac, Jack L, Ben and Lew looking very secure the boys pushed on with Lew becoming more of an attacker than defender.  A further fine finish from the edge of the box by Ollie and a cracker of a goal from a rampaging run from Charlie pushed us further ahead. As the game became more stretched Dominic continued to dominate midfield linking brilliantly with Alex on the left and Jack P on the right. A succession of corners followed from which Alex curled one in directly and Lew headed the first of his 4 goal spree. Dom even got on the scoresheet as he skillfully shinned the ball in from 6 yards.
 
The half time inspriational team talk obviously worked as the 8 goals demanded were duly dispatched to earn the boys a convincing final score of 10 nil. Hopefully they will learn to play with width from the first minute rather than wait to half time to realise that the game is much easier when you use the space available. This was a good second half performance with Luke and Corey making some good runs and linking the play. Georges pace was always a danger and it was very nice to see the two injured lads return and get some game time. The day would have been rounded of nicely had the linesman not robbed Zac of a classily finished goal. Special praise should finally go to our goalkeeper Sam who once gain kept his concentration up to deal with the sporadic Colden Common foray's into our half.
 
Well done lads and lets build on the second half display for Thursdays televised game ( Live on Sky !).            

This week saw the boys return to Mountbatten for a home league game against Testwood. The boys started slowly with Testwood getting everyone behind the ball but eventually the lads got into their stride with Lewis opening the scoring with a 25 yard low shot from a direct free kick. An opportunist effort from George made it two nil as he directed a fierce drive from Jack P into the bottom corner. Jack P was again the provider as his pin point cross ( shot ) was met by Corey with a bullet of a header that gave the keeper no chance. Baddesley well worth their 3 nil lead at half time. Testwood continued the second half with a defensive formation designed to keep the score down rather than compete to get back into the game. This backfired on them as George finished off a flowing move with a neat finish from close range. As the lads pushed on looking for more goals we left ourselves playing with just two at the back and this adventurous approach was punished as the away forward slotted past Sam following a moment of hesitation. This was hard on Sam who has to keep his concentration despite having very little to do. The Testwood goal prompted even more pressure from Baddesley and numerous chances went begging before George deservedly grabbed his hat trick with another smart piece of finishing from close range. Not the best performance of the season but a comfortable 5 - 1 home win to keep us at the top of the table.
 
The boys will be spending this week working on their goal celebrations in preperation for their appearance on Sky Sports, which should be interetsing !

Welcome to the first report of the season for Baddesley Park Under 14's.
 
The boys started their campaign with a 1 - 1 draw at home to last years Division 1 side Bashley. They put in a solid performance but lacked composure in front of goal as a host of chances went begging including the chance to score from the penalty spot. The highlight of the game was a wonder strike from Ben from an impossible angle which the opposition keeper somehow bundled into his own net.  The most pleasing aspect of the game being the way in which the new lads blended in.
 
The second game saw us play a Hants Cup tie against a fairly strong Ringwood Town side which ended in a 4 nil win for our lads. Two goals from impressive debutant Jack Pearson, a clinical finish from Ollie and a fantastic headed debut goal from Zac sealed the win. Unfortunately Ringwood did not sample the impressive spread ( thank you parents ) laid on for them after the game as they had to rush off to take one of their players who bumped into Lewis to casualty. Special mention should go to the defence of Jack Lowman, Zac and Lew and new keeper Sam for keeping the visitors to a blank.
 
Next for the boys was a tricky trip to Testwood who's manager seemed extremely confident of a home victory having won their previous game 5 - 1 against Colden Common. Our lads totally dominated the game wining 7 nil with goals from  Ollie 2, Charlie 2, Corey 2 and George returning to goal scoring form with a neat left foot finish. It was nice to see all four forwards get on the score sheet but the result was built on a terrific team effort both in terms of defending,creating and finishing. The team really looks like it is gelling together nicely with Luke, Dom, Ben, Jack and  Arnie combining well in midfield. The only sad news from the camp was that Sam had broken his arm and will now be out until October. Get well soon Sam.
 
Prior to our latest match away to Hiltingbury the boys were told that they were going to be TV stars. They have been picked to appear on Sky Sports Saturday's Christmas Special playing in a mini tournament to be filmed in October. This really should be a fantastic experience and the desire not to look stupid on national TV has really focused their minds. Despite going i down in the first 2 minutes the boys stormed back to win 9 - 1 with some flowing football and good finishing. Four goal Charlie leading the way with shy left back Lew bagging a hat trick and Arnie and Ben scoring fine goals from wide positions. Everyone watching the game ( apart from the Hiltingbury contingent ) couldn't help but be impressed with the passing and movement and the all round team play, including the Hants FA assessor who praised theClub .
 
Let's keep it going boys and look forward to your Sky appearance.
 
 
Well done
 
The Paul's