The 1st St Albans

Both teams

The 1st Impeesa

Seventeenth report - Cup match
1st Impeesa versus 3rd Park Street - 24th March

So our final game of the season. And what a game. What a day. The sun even turned up to add to the occasion.

It looked like everyone was up for the game today, the crowd was the largest of the season and as mentioned before the sun was out. In March.

The game kicked off and what a start. Alfie dribbled past four of their players before slotting the ball through to Sam who tucked the ball away. 1-0. 1 minute played. What an amazing start.

To be fair to the 3rd Park street team, their heads didn't drop and they battled away at what tuned out to be a great game of football. It takes 2 sides to play a game of football, and they really played their part.

We continued to attack with Dan and Ernie as wingers, Alfie in the middle and Sam up front. Our defence of Joe, Fergus and Charlie was as strong as ever. We also had Jack in goal for the first half who made a "world class" save to keep the game at 1-0. Our super subs of JJ and Thomas also played brilliantly. I have to say Thomas had an amazing run in the 2nd half beating 4 or 5 players before passing the ball through. Anyone who was there, was lucky enough to witness his "Messi" like skills. JJ also played a blinder today and I think it was his best performance of a great season. If there was a most improved player award he would get it. Excellent.

We came out for the 2nd half really wanting to win the game and had some great chances through Alfie, Sam, Ernie, JJ and Jack. The end result could of been 4-1. However it was 1-0 and we won the game. Great team performance and a great win to end the season.

Man of the match could have been anyone. JJ was excellent. I think Ernie really enjoyed today and probably played his best game.  Alfie, Sam, Dan, Fergus, Thomas, Joe, Charlie. All brilliant. The trophy went to Jack, for his goal keeper efforts in the 1st half and his battling performance on the pitch for the 2nd. Our player of the season award was also handed out and went to Sam. Great season by Sam, who never stopped smiling, running and generally enjoying his football. Apart from the trophy, he also has the treat of taking his dad to a St Albans City game. Have fun!

Thanks again to Pete for being the ref. I thought he did a great job. Thanks.

Thanks to Mark for his kinds words. The kids are brilliant / parents are supportive, so it really is an easy and very enjoyable job.

Also a massive thanks to Sue for the ice lollys. A really lovely touch on such a warm day!

I mentioned the sun being out, didn't I.

Sixteenth report - Cup match
18th St Albans versus 1st Impeesa -17th March

So, after a couple of weeks of rest, we were on to our first cup match of the season. A home draw against the 18th on a wet and over- cast day was the setting. True cup conditions...

The team started well with our back four of Joe, Fergus, Jack and Dan strong and determined. With Harvey in goal for the first half, it looked like nothing was going to get past us. The pressure was on and the height and strength of the 18th paid off towards the end of the second half with a couple of powerful / deflected goals sneaking in!

However the team was not put off and the pressed forward in the second half, with our attacking players of Ernie, JJ, Thomas and Sam starting to run at their players and cause a few problems. Charlie came on for the 2nd half after an equipment failure in the 1st and produced a MOTM display with tackle after tackle. The final score was 4-0 which wasn't a true reflection of the game. I am not saying we didn't deserve to lose, just not by that amount.

Highlight for me was the cheeky assist from one of parents along the sidelines. Such a shame the ref saw that, otherwise we would of been in there!

We tried to play football, we tried to pass the ball, we had the spirit, we had smiles across our faces. They were just a bit bigger than us! And as I said after the game, I think that was our best team performance of the season.

Onto the next game!

End of season league table

Fifteenth report
2nd versus 1st St Albans - 10th March

After losing last week the 1st went into their last league game of the season in determined form. An excellent 1st half performance saw the 1st produce some of their best football this season which saw the 1st leading 4-0 at half time. The football continued in the second half and the 1st took advantage of the larger than normal pitch which enabled the 1st to be triumphant with a final score of 5-0. A great all round team performance was displayed with two goals coming from Cameron and one from Josh E, Josh F and Archie.  Man of the match for the 1st was Archie for his determination and unselfish display that saw him eventually rewarded with a goal.

Fourteenth report
9th versus 1st St Albans - 3rd March

In what proved to be the 1st’s toughest game this season the 9th controlled the 1st half through strong attacking play, however the 1st resolute defending and some fine goal keeping by Olly kept the half time score line goalless. The 1st had a lot more possession in the second half and were unlucky on numerous occasions not to take the lead.

A fine late goal by the 9th saw them win the game 1-0. William was in fine form in 1st defence and deservedly earnt man of the match.

Thirteenth report
5th/13th St Albans versus 1st Impeesa - 18th February

What a cracker of a game it was. The first 5 mins pretty much summed up the game for me. Some great saves by our keeper Jack G, brilliant passing football by the likes of Alfie, Harvey, Sam  and JJ. Some strong tackling by Fergus, Jack F, Dan and Charlie. We  started very well and  within minutes were 1 nil up. They equalised  very quickly and then took the lead. But did our boys give up? Oh no, they battled hard and overall unlucky I think to lose the game. (I think it ended 5-1 to them) We played some great football, laughed  our way though the game and never gave up. And of course our "goalie up for the corner" provided some final fun in the last few minutes. Great team spirit and a sense of fun makes this team very enjoyable to help out on a cold wet Saturday afternoon.

One note of the 2nd half, was our player Jack G being kicked off the  ball. I think the manager handled it very well, subbing the player straight away and having a chat with him. He also texted me later in  the evening to say sorry. As for Jack G, he got up, dusted himself down and carried on with his game. Brilliant attitude.

What with that, his heroics in goal and making me fall over he was the  Man of Match.

Twelfth report
1st St Albans versus 16th St Albans - 28th January

An early kick off gave the 1st St Albans a 3-0 win versus the 16th St Albans.

The first half was an evenly thought contest, the only difference being an opportunist goal from Cameron. The second half saw the 1st take control with many goal bound efforts saved heroically by the 16th's stand-in goal keeper. Two further goals were scored by the 1st through Oliver and Joshua. It was a good all round team performance but the 1st's man of the match went to Charlie for his first half resolute defending!

Eleventh report
Colney Heath versus 1st Impeesa - 28th January

2-0 to Colney Heath was the final score.

2 goals from Daniel B sealed the win for Colney Heath and their man of the match was Daniel C. 1st Impeesa man of the match was the brilliant Daniel S!

Thanks to Ian Young for his excellent stand-in coach duties!

Ed - and presumably every other player was also called Daniel...

Tenth report
1st St Albans versus 3rd Park Street - 21st January

A well thought contest saw the 1st St Albans deliver a fine attacking performance that resulted in a 4-0 win. The whole team played their part in what I believe was one of our best team performances of the season.

Each team member kept their positions well which enabled the football to flow, Two goals came from the outstanding Cameron and one from both William and Archie. The 3rd put up a good fight but found the 1st's resolute defence of William and Charlie unbreakable.
Cameron was man of the match for the 1st St Albans, but every player played well and earned the deserved victory! Jack was man of the match for the 3rd Park Street.

Ninth report
1st St Albans versus 18th - 7th January

A resounding 5 - 0 win. No further details as manager was away...

Eighth Report
Sandridge versus 1st St Albans - 3rd December

Third week running 1st St Albans had a depleted squad but came away with a fine result. A strong Sandridge side took control of the first half leading 3-1 at the break, this despite some resolute defending by 1st St Albans and some excellent and brave goalkeeping from Ollie.

In the second half 1st St Albans took the game to Sandridge and fought back to draw level through a great team effort and relentless attacking play. The game finished 3-3; the team once again should be proud of themselves for keeping the heads up and battling to get back in the game.

Man of the match 1st St Albans was Ollie.

Goal scorers were:
Harry (twice)
Archie

Seventh Report
18th versus 1st Impeesa - 3rd December

Firstly, let's start by saying how well the boys played this week. I think anyone who was at the game saw a very good team performance, a brilliant game of football and a clear sign they are improving week by week.

So on to the game. After some late pitch changes (aimed to put us off I think!) we started really well against the 18th, on a very boggy pitch. We played with great pride today, and the boys looked great in our new kit.

Ernie and Dan gave us great width on the wings, with Joe and Alfie providing a strong cover at the back. Jack, our new goalkeeper was very assured and made some great saves when required. However we pressed forward with some great attacking runs by Sam.

It is fair to say we had some great position in the first half and played some great football. 18th St Albans had one attack and they scored and we went in 1 nil down at after time.

However the boys knew they played some great football and were keen to get back out for the 2nd half. Harry came in at the back and JJ went up front in a more attacking line up. Macca, Sam and Alfie continued to press forward and even when the 18th hit us on the break a couple of times, our heads never dropped and we just wanted to win the game. However luck was not with us today, hitting the post and having some goals cleared off the line. We ended up losing 3-0, maybe 4-0. However, a really great game a football, by both sides.

Next week after 3 games on the road, we play our first game at home and are looking forward to a bit of "home advantage"

I think there could of been 3 Man of Match players today, with Joe playing his best game of the season and always with a smile, plus Sam who was like a St Albans Messi with his runs and hard work up front. However it went to Dan. Amazing game Dan and trust me, the end of game sweets had nothing to do with my decision.

Sixth Report
16th versus 1st Impeesa - 26th November

So, our second game of the season took us away again and to the footballing home of Fleetville Junior school.

This week we travelled without 3 of our players, but started very well and the boys were soon in their stride. Alfie started in goal and made some key saves to keep the 16th at bay. Our defence duo of Sam and Harry were strong and it looked liked nothing was going to get through that wall.

We soaked up the pressure very well, with Macca, Joe and Ernie hitting them hard on the break.

We went in at half time at 1-0 down, in a very close and well fought first half.

The 2nd half started, with Thomas taking charge of the goal. Jack, making his debut, patrolled the left hand side of the pitch, with JJ and Dan tacking hard in a very packed midfield.

Soon, the large pitch, tiredness (3 players had already played 1 hour of football), a dubious penalty decision and some excellent goal keeping by them all took its toll and we ended the game 5-0

However, all the boys played really well and the team is starting to gel. Games, experience and time can only help this young team of footballers.

Man of the match this week was a hard choice as 3 or 4 players did very well. However the prize went to JJ, not only for his great tackling in midfield and always playing with a smile on his face, but his mum turned up with cake. Brilliant.

Fifth Report
1st St Albans versus 17th - 26th November 2011

An impressive 1st St Albans display saw them win 7-0 versus a determined 17th side.

17th started the better of the two sides with early break away opportunities that 1st defended resolutely.

A perfect corner by Finley enabled Charlie to chest the ball into 17th goal. This break through spurred on the 1st who quickly followed with 3 more goals before the break. The speedy and tricky Josh scoring twice before Archie was put through one on one with the keeper before slotting home for a 4-0 half time scoreline.

The 1st continued in the second half to press the 17th defence and were rewarded by a superb Cameron strike from distance. This was quickly followed by another great run and finish by Josh for a great hat trick. 1st suddenly stopped passing the ball and overplayed it many times with everyone trying to get on the score sheet. Eventually 1st did start passing again when Josh put through Archie who turned and passed to his brother Finley who finished in style.

Second week running the 1st boys played some controlled football with confidence often a joy to watch - a great team performance !!

Man of the Match was Josh with a dazzling display of skills that was rewarded with a deserved Hat Trick.

Fourth Report
9th versus 1st Impeesa - 19th November 2011

So after our first game was postponed, finally our season was under way. We kicked off against a very strong St Albans 9th with a good pre-season behind us. The team of boys looked excited, hungry and raring to go. 

The first half kicked off and soon we were seeing a brilliant display by our goalie Jack. Time after time he saved shot after shot. Along with the brilliant defence team of Fergus, Harvey and Daniel they kept the score 0-0 and frustrated the opposition. With the potential threat of Alfie, Sam and Ernie up front it looked like a cracking game was ahead of us. 

Unfortunately their strength, experience and the added height of the 9th team soon paid off and we went in at halftime 4-0 down.

The second half had a similar outcome, with us defending very well and trying to nick a goal on the break, with the excellent JJ and Joe causing a threat. 

Injuries also played a part in the 2nd half, with both Alfie and Harvey get big whacks. Tiredness also took its toll during the last 5 mins and the final score ended 11-0. Credit to the 9th team for the way they played the game and some of their finishes were outstanding. 

However this was our first ever game and the boys played with spirit and a smile on their face. 

The 1st Impeesa's Man of the Match went to Harvey his fine defensive display and even though he was injured twice, he came back on the pitch to play for the team and finish the game!

Third report
Colney Heath versus 1st St Albans - 19th November

An excellent all round performance saw 7 men 1st St Albans win 1-0. Shooting up the hill in the first half the1st controlled the run of play and had some excellent goal scoring chances, but were thwarted by some excellent goal keeping.

In the second half Colney Heath made a number of changes. 1st continued their dominance despite tiring towards the end.

With 9 minutes to go a short goal kick by Olly enabled William to pass the ball wide to Oliver who cruised past 2 tackles to deliver a pass to Josh who returned the ball to Oliver who continued his run into the box coolly finishing into the bottom corner !! A great well worked goal!

Every player played their part in an entertaining game but man of the match went to Charlie for his commitment, positional awareness and solid defending.

Second Report and first league match
1st St Albans versus 5\13th -12th November

With the slope to their advantage 1st St Albans controlled most of the possession in the first half, albeit 5\13th Rory's throws did cause the 1st some ongoing problems.  A last minute 1st half goal saw 5\13th go one up at the break. The second half was a very one sided affair with 5\13th playing some good quality controlled football and eventually they became run away 5-0 winners.   Scorers for 5\13th were Dan, Matt and three from man of the match Matt.

1st St Albans man of the match was Joshua who competed well and won many brave headers. Stand in referee Darren Wakeling aided the5\13th scoreline with some dubious refereeing decisions albeit they did not over shine  the 5\13th's deserved victory!!

First report.

The season started on Saturday 15th October with the District 6 a side tournament.
 
The 1st entered two Cub teams, an A and and a B team, since renamed as 1st St Albans, and 1st Impeesa.
 
The 1st St Albans, were the cubs who were together last year excluding the members that went up to scouts – Won 3, Lost 1 and Drew 2.

The 1st Impeesa were the new cubs that have come up from Beavers – Won 1, Lost 3 and Drew 1.

The 9th St Albans beat the 1st Sandridge in the final, so this year, they win the Cub trophy.