nigelpollard1 - Tumblr blog

nigelpollard1 · 6 years ago

Text

Match Report

MHRML Premier Division

Sunday 9 September 2018

KO 10.00AM

Royston Town Youth Eagles 0

Lemsford Tigers 1

Wiseman (49’)

Team: Steer (GK); Adepoju; Baynes; Dickinson; Diviney; Holland; Hughes; Scott; Smith; Squirrell (Capt); Stephens; Wiseman

Subs: Botchway; Connelly; Diviney; Pollard

Tigers kicked off their first match of the new season against a good Royston side. The Eagles had much of the early possession with Tigers playing their way into the game with good use of the wide men, Jack D making some good runs down the left wing and putting in some dangerous crosses.

Royston had the first clear chance of the game after 15 minutes when they hit the bar following a goalmouth scramble resulting from a corner. Tigers came close six minutes later when a throw in found Lucas Sq who struck the ball from close range only to see it tipped onto the crossbar by Eagles’ keeper.

The first substitution came after 35 minutes when Lucas Sq got a knock and couldn’t carry on; Will came on and went up top with Josh W dropping into more of a midfield role. Tigers were controlling the play for long periods and had a number of chances leading up to half time, although they couldn’t make them pay and went into the break goalless.

Teddy replaced Jack at half time, a straight swap on the left hand side. Royston kept trying to break but the Tigers defence held firm and their hard work paid off when a great threaded pass found Will who headed the ball on to Josh W. Josh took the ball down and hit a powerful shot straight at the goalie which he could only parry, Josh getting to the rebound first and finding the back of the Royston net with his second attempt.

Joe replaced Connor in the 52ndminute and soon got into his rhythm playing some probing balls down the right channel, causing problems for the Royston defense. Shay came on for Lucas St in the 55thminute to add some fresh legs to the attack. Taylor was called into action in the 59thminute when a Royston free kick was heading for the top corner, Taylor getting a firm hand to parry it away and catching the rebound.

In the 67thminute a fine saving tackle by Teddy resulted in him being injured and having to leave the field; Jack came back on. The final ten minutes were all Tigers as Royston pushed everyone forward looking for the equaliser and more chances came for Lemsford, only some fine goalkeeping prevented Tigers increasing their lead. In the last minute of the eighty, Will had the ball near the corner flag, he played it back to Joe who hit a perfect cross to Shay at the far post, his header saved off the line by the keeper.

The two new Tigers players on the team sheet today made their marks with solid performances, Taylor keeping a clean sheet and Thomas solid in defence, earning himself the Man of the Match. The new boys fitted comfortably and well into the side, preseason training and friendlies no doubt helping them settle in. Josh Horleston is currently injured but hopes to return to training at the end of the month. All in all, a very promising start to the new season.

Man of the Match: Thomas Hughes

Premier Division Round Up

There were three other games in the Premier Division this week: newly promoted Sawbridgeworth Town played out a goalless draw at home to Bury Rangers Reds, and Sumners Youth Cobras, last season’s Division 1 Champions, visited St Margaretsbury and left with one point after a 1-1 draw. Stevenage Borough Juniors (who dropped the Blacksox name this season) suffered a 4-2 home defeat by Standon & Puckeridge Hares. So after the opening games, the Tigers are in second place in the league on goal difference. Rap Aid Youth are yet to get their season under way.

Upcoming Confirmed Fixtures

23 September: Premier Division - Home to Sumners Youth Cobras, KO at 11.30am.

11 November: Hertfordshire FA Challenge Cup, Round 2 - Home to Ware Rangers Flamengo. KO tbc.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U16)

Twitter (@U16Tigers18_19)

Instagram (lemsford.u16.tigers)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

Hoddesdon Town Blues 0 v 11 Lemsford Tigers

MHRML Premier Division

Sunday 11 March 2018

KO 10.00AM

Hoddesdon Town Blues 0

Lemsford Tigers 11

Dickinson (2’, 80’); Stephens (22’, 33’, 78’); Scott (23’, 42’, 68’, 72’); Squirrell (38’); Baynes (44’ Pen)

Team: Kilner (GK); Adepoju; Botchway; Connelly; Dickinson; Holland; Scott; Smith; Squirrell (Capt); Stephens; Wiseman

Subs: Baynes; Diviney; Pollard

Tigers first match in five weeks saw them give a convincing performance against a weakened Hoddesdon side, which is languishing at the bottom end of the League (above bottom placed Welwyn Pegasus Royals). In an entertaining game featuring two penalties, Lucas Stephens got his second hat trick in consecutive games, moving him up into equal third spot on the leading goal scorers’ table. Connor bagged himself four goals, his third from a spectacular free kick from distance. The defensive unit was solid once again and Avery kept a clean sheet in consecutive games.

Hoddesdon, playing with ten men, got the match underway and were quickly overrun by the pace and quick passing from the Tigers. The first goal came early, on two minutes, from a throw in; Josh W took the ball down the left touchline and crossed into the area where a shot was saved on the line, the resulting block coming out to Jack whose low drive beat the keeper at his right hand post.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 1

Play settled down as Hoddesdon, under immense pressure, frustrated Tigers efforts. The referee was a little whistle happy and kept blowing up for fouls against Tigers that appeared firm but fair to everyone watching. Josh W hit a great strike from outside the box, which thundered back off the post; Lucas Stephens got to it first but was adjudged offside. The second goal came after twenty-two minutes when Joe played a long ball over the top to Lucas Stephens who slotted it home from just inside the area.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 2

Tigers were dominating play and a minute later, a flick on from a header by Josh W found Lucas Stephens who went round a defender and crossed for Connor to hit home from close range.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 3

In the thirty-third minute Lucas Stephens got on the end of a clearance and had an early shot on goal from just inside the area, the low ball beating the keeper at his left hand post.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 4

There was some lovely football being played by the Tigers, with more chances coming. Just before half time the ball was worked down the right flank, Lucas Stephens neatly passing the ball towards the ‘D’ where Lucas Squirrell was calling for it. The captain hit the ball low and hard into the bottom left hand corner of the Hoddesdon goal giving the keeper no chance.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 5

In time added on Lemsford won a corner. The final action of the half saw Joe delivering a perfect cross into the danger area, which was met by a rising Josh Smith, whose header was cleared off the line.

Half Time: Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 5

Tigers restarted the contest and struck early once again. In the forty-second minute, Connor got his second of the match from a corner. Shay crossed the ball, the defence cleared but only as far as Connor, who controlled the ball and, from just outside the area, hit a sweet shot into the top right hand corner of the opposition’s goal.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 6

Two minutes later a Tigers’ corner taken by Shay almost found Josh W, the defence just getting to the ball first and clearing it but only as far as Connor who played the ball back to Shay. Shay took the ball past a couple of defenders and into the right hand side of the penalty area. He was caught by one of the defenders but carried on, only to be halted by the referee’s whistle, the ref indicating a penalty to Tigers. Johnny stepped up to calmly slot the ball to the keeper’s left hand side; he managed to get a hand to the ball but couldn’t prevent the goal, which made it seven-nil.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 7

Tigers by this point completely dominated play, Hoddesdon players standing off and limited to watching the ball being played around them. A minute after the penalty, Josh Smith drove into the box and was brought down giving Tigers another spot kick. Unfortunately this time, the keeper saved the effort from Teddy. In the sixty-eighth minute order was restored when Connor got his hat trick in spectacular fashion. Tigers were awarded a free kick about thirty yards out in a central position. The box was crowded waiting for the ball to be played in but Connor had other ideas and hit a perfectly placed shot into the top middle of the goal giving the keeper absolutely no chance.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 8

Four minutes later Connor got his fourth of the game, a solo effort as he took on the defence avoiding tackles he worked his way into the box, shot from close range, the keeper fumbling and Tigers were nine-nil to the good.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 9

The Hoddesdon players were hoping the whistle was going to go but Tigers weren’t finished yet. On seventy-seven minutes Lucas Stephens picked the ball up just inside the left hand side of Hoddesdon’s 18-yard box and slotted it past the keeper to put the score into double figures.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 10

Jack finished the tie with a great header from a corner into the bottom right of the goal, after which the ref blew the final whistle.

Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 11

Tigers ended the match comfortably on top and untroubled by an under strength Hoddesdon to get three valuable points to keep the pressure on Omonia and Blacksox above them.

Final score: Hoddesdon 0 - Tigers 11

Man of the Match: Connor Scott

Premier Division Round Up

There were three other games in the Premier Division this week: Hares lost at home 3-4 to Broxbourne; Omonia visited Royston and left with the spoils after a convincing 7-2 victory; and most surprisingly, Blacksox suffered a 1-3 home defeat at the hands of St Margaretsbury. This leaves the Tigers third in the table, 4 points behind Omonia (with a game in hand) and 8 points adrift of Blacksox who are top but have played three more games.

Upcoming Fixtures

18 Mar: Away at Welwyn Pegasus Royals in the return league tie, which Tigers won 3-0. KO at 12.00pm.

25 Mar: Home to Omonia, KO at 2.00pm. This is our first meeting in the league this season.

15 Apr: Home to Hares Youth who inflicted our first loss of this season back in October. KO tbc.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

Instagram (lemsford.u15.tigers)

#GoTigers

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

Lemsford Tigers 5 v 0 St Margaretsbury Hawks

MHRML Premier Division

Sunday 4 February 2018

KO 12.00PM

Lemsford Tigers 5

Stephens (3’, 12’, 64’), Wiseman (43’, 75’)

St Margaretsbury Hawks 0

Team: Kilner (GK); Adepoju; Botchway; Connelly; Dickinson; Lewis; Pollard; Smith; Squirrell (Capt); Stephens; Wiseman

Subs: Baynes; Diviney; Holland; Scott

Tigers put last week’s defeat in the cup behind them and dominate a physical match to come out comfortable winners. Lucas Stephens gets a hat trick moving him up into fourth spot on the leading goal scorers’ table. Josh Wiseman bagging himself a brace to stay clear at the head of the Golden Boot standings. The defensive backline was solid and with Avery stopping what did get through, Tigers keep a clean sheet for only the second time in the League this season.

The tie was switched from St Margaretsbury due to an unplayable pitch and the Tigers took advantage of paying on home turf. St Margaretsbury got the game underway and started quickly but found it hard to penetrate Tigers’ defence, a pattern that would last the whole game. Tigers opened their account in the third minute, a fine low ball from Josh Smith split Hawks defence wide open to find Lucas Stephens running into the box where he slotted the ball home confidently to give Tigers an early lead.

Tigers 1 – Hawks 0

Tigers kept the pressure up and in the twelfth minute got their second. A poor St Margaretsbury clearance was picked up by Will who floated a ball over the approaching defenders to Jack, on the left of the penalty area, who crossed into the six-yard box finding Lucas who finished from close range to double his and Tigers’ tally for the day.

Tigers 2 – Hawks 0

Hawks were ragged at times resorting to playing the man instead of the ball but it didn’t prevent more chances being made. One, midway through the half, saw Jack go on a run down the right flank, taking it round the outside of the defender, where he managed to get a shot away, hitting the post and going out for a goal kick.

Half Time: Tigers 2 - Hawks 0

Hawks came out fighting in the second period but another early goal by Tigers struck a blow to any ideas the Hawks’ harboured of a comeback. Three minutes after the restart Josh Wiseman struck, getting onto a cross from Jack, to make it three nil to the Tigers. It all started from a corner that the Hawks couldn’t clear properly, Lucas Squirrell finding Jack on the wing who crossed the ball into the danger area, where Josh was waiting, and capitalised on a mistake from the keeper to get his first of the day.

Tigers 3 – Hawks 0

Despite the rough treatment from St Margaretsbury, Tigers were playing some lovely football, controlling midfield and using the wings to great effect to create a number of chances throughout the half. Lucas got his hat trick in the sixty fourth minute when Connor took the ball down the left, passed to Josh Wiseman who crossed into the middle for Lucas to pop the ball in for his third and Tigers’ fourth.

Tigers 4 – Hawks 0

St Margaretsbury rallied for a short spell but couldn’t find their way through a solid Tigers back line. Their fate was sealed when Josh Smith took the ball down the right flank and had a shot on goal, the keeper could only parry the ball into the path of Josh Wiseman who pounced to tap in for his second of the day.

Tigers 5 – Hawks 0

Tigers ended the match comfortably on top and reasonably untroubled by St Margaretsbury to get the three points and move up into second place in the table.

Final score: Tigers 5 – Hawks 0

Man of the Match: Lucas Stephens

Premier Division Round Up

There was only one other match scheduled in the league this week, between Blacksox and Hoddesdon, postponed due to an unplayable pitch. Victory saw Tigers move up into second spot, two points ahead of Omonia, Tigers having played one more game, and eight points behind league leaders Stevenage Blacksox, who have themselves played two games more.

Upcoming Fixtures

11 Feb: Away at Welwyn Pegasus Royals in the return league tie, which Tigers won 3-0. KO is at 10.30am.

25 Feb: Away to Hoddesdon Town Blues, timings to be confirmed. Tigers won the home tie 5-2.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

Instagram (lemsford.u15.tigers)

#GoTigers

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

Lemsford Tigers 3 v 0 Welwyn Pegasus Royals

MHRML Premier Division

Sunday 14 January 2018

KO 2.00PM

Lemsford Tigers 3

Squirrell (50’), Stephens (64’), Wiseman (72’)

Welwyn Pegasus Royals 0

Team: Kilner (GK); Adepoju; Baynes; Diviney; Holland; Lewis; Pollard; Scott; Smith; Squirrell (Capt); Wiseman

Subs: Connelly; Botchway; Dickinson; Stephens

Tigers’ prove too hot for Welwyn Pegasus Royals to handle in the derby match against local rivals. After a nervous first half Tigers made their class show as three terrific second half goals rubber stamped the difference between the two teams.

The Royals got the match under way and were immediately under pressure, Tigers enjoying most of the possession and attacking the Royals’ goal at will. But they were making it harder than it should have been, unable to relax into their free flowing football and snatching at chances that came their way. Pegasus were reduced to counter attacking, playing long balls over the top for their forwards to run on to, but with little effect. Tigers continued to press and manufactured a number of chances; on fourteen minutes, Josh Smith rose in the box to head a Connor cross towards goal; a great effort saved by the keeper. Jack saw his half volley from outside the area just go over the bar and Will, who managed to find a space between two defenders, had his close range effort saved by the keeper. Despite all the pressure, the half ended goalless.

Half Time: Tigers 0 - Royals 0

Buoyed by their efforts in holding Tigers at bay during the first period, Royals started the second half with renewed vigour and purpose. However, Tigers soon regained control of the match and were starting to show their local rivals what they were about, moving the ball about through midfield with ease and penetrating Royals’ defence down the flanks. More chances were coming and you sensed it was only a matter of time before the dam burst.

Tigers struck in the fiftieth minute; winning a corner on the right, the low delivery was driven into the melee of players in the box. Royals cleared but the ball only got as far as Josh Smith who went round a defender, taking the ball into the box, played a one-two with Lucas Stephens, and then passed to captain, Lucas Squirrell who, finding half a yard of space, smashed it from close range into the roof of the net to give Tigers a well deserved lead.

Tigers 1 – Royals 0

The relief on the Tigers players was palpable; having taken the lead they started running rings round a struggling Pegasus side. In the fifty-second minute Tigers won a free kick just outside the ‘D’ and Lucas Stephens stepped up to take it. The kick hit one of the defenders and looked like it was going wide but dropped to Josh Wiseman who struck the ball hard and clean. The shot hit the crossbar to the relief of the Royals. Tigers kept the pressure up and in the sixty-fourth minute won another free kick just outside the 18-yard box on the right hand side. It looked as though Lucas would float one into the box where runners were waiting, but he had other ideas. On the whistle, he calmly stepped up and hit a sweet shot into the top left hand corner of the goal, past the outstretched hand of the keeper, to double Tigers’ advantage.

Tigers 2 – Royals 0

It was all Tigers now, the Royals hardly getting out of their half, and when they did the Tigers defence was rock solid. Tigers kept probing all over the pitch, Jack on the right flank was outpacing Royals defence at will, Shay and Lucas Stephens were enjoying themselves down the left and the midfield was winning just about every 50-50 challenge. Tigers sealed it in the seventy-second minute when Josh Wiseman’s hard work paid off; winning yet another challenge, this time on the left flank, he looked up and sensing a chance, moved the ball to the right and struck a magnificent shot from about 22 yards out. Starting it wide of the approaching defenders, he curled the ball into the top right hand corner of the Royals’ goal, giving the distraught keeper absolutely no chance. There were some great goals today but that one was a peach.

Tigers 3 – Royals 0

Tigers played the remaining minutes out with some ease, never looking in any danger; a great clean sheet from Avery and the back three forming a solid base for the rest of the team.

Final score: Tigers 3 – Royals 0

Man of the Match: Lucas Squirrell

Premier Division Round Up

The only other match played in the league this week, between Hoddesdon Town and Bury Rangers, ended in a goalless draw. Tigers stay fourth, level on points with Hares who have a slightly better goal difference, and a game in hand.

Upcoming Fixtures

21 Feb: Home to Broxbourne in the return league tie of the season opener, which they won 5-3. KO is at 12.00pm.

28 Feb: Away at Omonia in the QF of the ORC Premier Division Cup, KO 10.00am.

4 Feb: Home to Hares Youth in what will be a tough Premier Division tie. KO TBC.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

Instagram (lemsford.u15.tigers)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

Hertfordshire FA U15 Challenge Cup

Round 3

Sunday 7 January 2018

KO 12.00PM

Lemsford Tigers 3

Smith (7’), Pollard (46’), Wiseman (69’)

Stevenage Borough Blacksox 4

(9’, 20’, 35’, 57’)

Team: Kilner (GK); Adepoju; Baynes; Botchway; Holland; Lewis; Pollard; Scott; Smith; Squirrell (Capt); Wiseman

Subs: Diviney

Tigers’ bowed out of the Hertfordshire FA U15 Challenge Cup after a close defeat at the hands of Stevenage Borough Blacksox. Stevenage dominated the first half with a strong wind behind them but Tigers, who had a much better second half, fought until the final whistle in a closely fought cup-tie.

Tigers hadn’t been together as a unit since their impressive victory over Hares on 7 December, and to be honest it showed. Lemsford got the tie under way and were immediately under pressure from a well-organised and well-disciplined Blacksox who had a couple of early attempts on goal. Against the run of play, Tigers took the lead in the seventh minute. Will steered a goal kick on to Josh W who played the ball out to Connor on the left flank; Connor took the ball to the by-line and his attempted cross was blocked and went out for a corner. The corner came in and after a goalmouth scramble the ball was cleared by a defender, but only as far as Josh S who controlled it and struck a low hard shot from the edge of the area beating the keeper to his right.

Tigers 1 - Blacksox 0

They say you are at your most vulnerable when you’ve just scored and that was true in this case as the lead only lasted two minutes. Blacksox won a corner that went through everyone in the middle only to be tapped in at the back post.

Tigers 1 - Blacksox 1

Blacksox were piling on the pressure and won another corner in the eighteenth minute, a great delivery that Avery tipped over the crossbar for another corner. Another great delivery that Johnny got a head to, putting the ball out for yet another corner. Yet another great delivery that was headed past the post, Tigers believing it came off a Stevenage head but the referee awarded another corner, the fourth in a row. This one came in low and finding gap at the near post went in past Avery who only saw it very late and couldn’t do anything to stop it.

Tigers 1 - Blacksox 2

A minute later Blacksox came close to scoring again from a free kick just outside the area; the ball was driven low and hard and Avery made a great save to his right hand side to keep the deficit at one. Tigers were getting more into the game but were struggling against a very strong wind, Josh W coming close with a speculative back flick that looped just over the bar. Blacksox increased their lead in the thirty fifth minute; after a scramble in the six-yard box the ball was forced into Avery’s goal to give Stevenage a 3-1 lead going into half time.

Half Time: Tigers 1 - Blacksox 3

Blacksox restarted the tie and Tigers looked determined to salvage the game, and their pride against this tough side. In the forty-fifth minute, Tigers were awarded a free kick just outside the 18-yard box on the right hand side. The ball was played high towards the far post; Will headed the ball back towards the middle and found Josh W whose close range effort was blocked. The ball came out to Lucas who also had an effort blocked by a combination of goalkeeper and defenders. This time the ball popped out to Will who took the ball down, moved it to the right to find a space between the bodies on the line and calmly slotted the ball home to get one back for the Tigers.

Tigers 2 - Blacksox 3

Eleven minutes later Blacksox added another to their tally; a cross into the box was initially cleared but only to the opposition who hit a low shot which found the back of the net.

Tigers 2 - Blacksox 4

For the remainder of the game Tigers had most of the play and on sixty-nine minutes, made their pressure pay. A long high clearance down the middle bounced in front of Will who let it go over his head, and that of the defender right behind him. Josh W was making a run and got onto the ball as it came down, controlling it and running towards goal, one on one with a defender. He took it into the box where the defender could either risk giving away a penalty, if he fouled Josh, or leave it to the keeper to deal with. The keeper was rushing out towards Josh who steered the ball wide of the keeper’s outstretched left hand towards the far corner of the goal. The Blacksox keeper got a hand to the ball but it wasn’t enough to prevent it from finding the net.

Tigers 3 - Blacksox 4

Tigers had a few more half chances but couldn’t find the equaliser and the game frustratingly ended in a narrow defeat. The boys should take heart from their second half performance in particular; they had Blacksox on the run at times and were their equal for a good portion of the match.

Final score: Tigers 3 – Blacksox 4

Man of the Match: Josh Smith

Next week the Tigers play host to Welwyn Pegasus Royals in the League, a match that everyone is looking forward to. Kick off is at 2.00pm at Sir Fred’s.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

Instagram (lemsford.u15.tigers)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

ORC Premier Division Cup

Round 1

Sunday 3 December 2017

KO 10.00AM

Hares Youth 4

33’, 45’, 56’, 59’

Lemsford Tigers 6

Pollard (13’, 14’), Smith (20’), Dickinson (22’, 80’), Wiseman (64’)

Team: Kilner (GK); Adepoju; Baynes; Dickinson; Diviney; Holland; Pollard; Scott; Squirrell (Capt); Smith; Wiseman

Subs: Botchway; Lewis; Stephens

Tigers come out on top in a thrilling cup-tie against a strong Hares Youth side to go forward into the second round of the Premier Division Cup. Both teams gave their all in a tough match that had everything; great football, dogged determination, total effort, plenty of goals, and two yellow cards.

Tigers got the tie under way and started strongly, determined to put the ghost of the league defeat to rest. Lemsford pressure resulted in early chances for Josh Wiseman and Connor, but their great efforts narrowly missed the target. The deadlock was broken in the thirteenth minute when Will got on the end of a poor clearance from Hares keeper, his first effort saved but he got the ball back again and fired home from the edge of the 18 yard box into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Hares 0, Tigers 1.

A minute later the advantage was doubled when the ball was passed out wide right to Josh Wiseman who fired in a cross towards Will who made no mistake hammering home from close range.

Hares 0, Tigers 2.

Tigers got their third after twenty minutes. A great move starting in midfield, the ball was played into Will on the edge of the area, his back to goal and being marked closely, had spotted Josh Smith’s run into the box. Will flicked the ball round the corner into Josh’s path whose low driven shot gave the keeper no chance.

Hares 0, Tigers 3.

Tigers were rampant all over the pitch, every time a Hares player got the ball Tigers midfield put in a strong challenge and when Hares did manage to get close to Lemsford’s goal, the defence were just as defiant in clearing any danger. The fourth goal came out of nowhere as Hares were clearing their lines, the ball came out wide on the left to Jack who, from distance, hit a high looping ball towards Hares goal. The cross cum shot (debated by the boys at half time) went over everyone, including the keeper who couldn’t get his fingertips to the ball to keep it out, the ball falling just under his crossbar to give the Tigers a commanding lead.

Hares 0, Tigers 4.

Despite being down, Hares weren’t out and kept pushing, their pressure earning them a goal in the thirty third minute. A run down the left wing and a cut inside ended with a good shot that brought out a fine save from Avery. Unfortunately the ball was only cleared as far as a Hares player who struck home to reduce the gap as half time approached. Tigers had another great chance just before the break when a cross from Jack on the left found Josh W in the middle, his effort hitting the post and going out for a goal kick.

Half Time: Hares 1, Tigers 4.

The second half started with Hares showing more determination and they struck early from a free kick in the forty fifth minute. A quickly taken free kick from just inside the Tigers’ half found a Hares player who’d made a nicely timed run inside the left hand side of the area. He got on the end of it and struck the ball sweetly past Avery, who couldn’t do anything to stop it.

Hares 2, Tigers 4.

A few nerves were starting to kick in at this point as Hares were piling on the pressure, but both sets of players were showing true grit, nobody wanting to lose this tight contest. Hares came close from another free kick, and would have scored had it not been for a fine clearance off the line from Alex. Both sides had chances but Hares managed to convert one of theirs on fifty-six minutes to reduce the deficit even further and bring them within one goal of levelling the tie.

Hares 3, Tigers 4.

Hares were really pressing hard and three minutes later Tigers’ hearts sank as the equaliser went in. A rather innocuous looking ball was played through the middle; it looked as though Avery would collect it without any trouble. But as he reached down to pick the ball up, a Hares player appeared to kick it out of his hands, through his legs and into the net. Despite his protests, the referee let the goal stand and the match was tied.

Hares 4, Tigers 4.

The match was now anybody’s and everybody was putting in superhuman efforts to try to gain the advantage. Lemsford’s heads could understandably have gone down, but they didn’t, they pressed even harder and with sixteen minutes remaining, Tigers retook the lead. Tigers won a throw; the ball was headed into the middle and was cleared by the keeper but only as far as Josh W, who struck the ball sweetly from outside the box, past a helpless goalie to give the Tigers the lead again.

Hares 4, Tigers 5.

It was all or nothing now for Hares and they continued to pile on the pressure. With seven minutes left, Hares had a chance to even the game up once again, and would have done so if it weren’t for a fantastic save by Avery. A terrific shot from the left hand side of the box was tipped onto the bar by Avery’s outstretched hands, the rebound put out for a corner. Jack ended any hopes Hares may have had when in the final minute he scored his second of the game. Lucas Stephens went down on the edge of the box under a challenge from Hares defence; the referee didn’t see it as a foul and as play carried on, Jack got hold of the ball, took it inside a defender and hit a sweet lob over the keeper’s reach, the ball nestling in the far side of the net. As soon as the game was restarted, the ref blew his whistle to end this epic contest between two of the strongest teams in the Premier Division this season.

Final score: Hares 4, Tigers 6.

Man of the Match: Will Pollard

Premier Division Round Up

There were three matches in the Premier Division this weekend; Hoddesdon beat Royston 3-2, and in so doing ensured Royston stayed below Lemsford in the league, St Margaretsbury lost 0-2 at home to Broxbourne, and Blacksox defeated Bury Rangers 4-3. Tigers stay in fourth spot in the league.

Next week, Tigers play host to Stevenage Blacksox in the third round of the Hertfordshire FA Challenge Cup. Kick off is at 12.00pm.

Follow the Tigers on: Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

Lemsford Tigers 10 v 0 Harpenden Colts Magpies

Hertfordshire FA U15 Challenge Cup - Round 2

Sunday 19 November 2017

KO 12.00PM

Lemsford Tigers 10

Wiseman (8’, 13’, 25’), Pollard (14’, 41’), Smith (29’), Stephens (40+1’, 48’), Adepoju (pen 43’), Diviney (55’)

Harpenden Colts Magpies 0

Team: Kilner (GK); Adepoju; Baynes; Connelly; Dickinson; Holland; Pollard; Squirrell (C); Smith; Stephens; Wiseman

Subs: Botchway; Diviney; Lewis; Scott

Tigers’ progress to the third round of the Hertfordshire FA U15 Challenge Cup after an impressive display sweeps lower league opposition aside. Harpenden Colts Magpies, from West Herts League Division 3, were no match for a rampant Lemsford side that welcomed Hayden back to the squad following injury sustained during pre-season.

Lemsford were keen to put last week’s League Cup defeat out of their minds and started strongly, pressing Harpenden from the off, a shot from Josh Wiseman in the first minute forcing a good save from Colts’ keeper. In the eighth minute, a Tigers corner high over the area was crossed back into the centre where Josh W was on hand to put the ball into the net for an early lead.

Tigers 1, Harpenden 0.

Harpenden had one half chance when they managed to get on the end of a long clearance from the keeper, but the hurried shot went wide of Avery’s right hand post. On thirteen minutes, Jack Dickinson found Josh Smith on the right flank who took the ball past the defender and crossed into the box. Will steered the ball towards goal from close range and hit the post, the ball rebounding out towards Josh W who slotted the ball home for his second of the game.

Tigers 2, Harpenden 0.

A minute later, Jack Dickinson got the ball on the right wing and drove past the Colts full back towards the by line, and cut the ball back into the danger area where Will had made a run to the edge of the six-yard box. Will, who had his back to goal, let the ball run past him and flicked the ball backwards towards the far corner of the goal, beating the keeper to put the Tigers three up.

Tigers 3, Harpenden 0.

Tigers were dominating play and had a number of chances but Harpenden got another break and it took a great tackle by Alex to stop the Colt’s big forward in his tracks, winning a throw in the process. In the twenty fifth minute Harpenden won a corner after forcing another good save from Avery. The corner was cleared and picked up by Jack who took the ball forward and played a clinical pass through for Josh W. The keeper rushed out to try to cut the ball out but Josh got there first and poked it past the goalie towards goal. The ball hit the post but Josh had kept on running and tapped the rebound in to complete his hat trick and increase the Tigers’ lead to four.

Tigers 4, Harpenden 0.

Harpenden couldn’t handle the Tigers free flowing football, and on the odd occasion they did get the ball were unable to hold onto it. Tigers’ scored their fifth goal in the twenty ninth minute, a well taken corner from Johnny finding a rising Josh Smith who headed home from close range.

Tigers 5, Harpenden 0.

Teddy was creative on the left flank and linking up well with Lucas Stephens who was causing the defence all sorts of problems with his runs around the edge of the area. In stoppage time he finally got his reward when Connor found him making a run into the box; Connor’s rabona fell perfectly into Lucas’ path, who took it round the keeper, slotting it home to end the half on a high.

Half Time: Tigers 6, Harpenden 0.

Tigers got the second half underway and were immediately on the offensive. Connor shaped a lovely ball into the area with the outside of his right foot, the ball straight to Lucas’ feet allowing him to turn the defender and get a shot away. The keeper managed to get a hand to it but could only block it; Will was in the right place to stab the ball into the net to increase the lead.

Tigers 7, Harpenden 0.

Two minutes later, Lemsford were awarded a penalty, when Lucas Stephens run into the box was halted illegally. After some discussion, the boys decided to give Adje the opportunity to take the spot kick and with great aplomb, he struck the ball hard and low to the keepers left, the ball nestling in the bottom corner of the net and the Tigers were eight up.

Tigers 8, Harpenden 0.

Five minutes later Lucas Stephens got his second when he got on the end of a long diagonal ball on the edge of the eighteen-yard area, took the ball into the area and calmly slotted home under the approaching goalie’s body.

Tigers 9, Harpenden 0.

The game came to a close after fifty-five minutes when Tigers got their tenth goal. An inch perfect Jack Dickinson free kick proved too hot for the Colts defence, but not for Shay who steered his close range header past a helpless keeper to close the game out; FA rules state that when a team goes ten clear goals ahead, the match is stopped.

Final score: Tigers 10, Harpenden 0.

Man of the Match: Teddy Connelly

Premier Division Round Up

There was only one match in the Premier Division this weekend; Bury Rangers Reds holding Omonia to a 3-3 draw at Wodson Park. Tigers stay in fourth spot in the league.

Next week, Tigers have a break before travelling to Hares Youth the following Sunday in the first round of the MHRML Premier Cup.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

MHRML League Cup

Sunday 12 November 2017

KO 11.30AM

Broxbourne Borough Youth Royals 3

(49’, 76’, 77’)

Lemsford Tigers 1

Pollard (30’)

Team: Kilner; Adepoju; Baynes; Connelly; Dickinson; Diviney; Holland; Pollard; Squirrell (c); Scott; Smith

Subs: Botchway; Stephens

Tigers’ made an early exit from the League Cup in a ‘game of two halves’. After a good first half, the boys took a slim lead into the break, however Broxbourne overwhelmed the Tigers in the second period, scoring an early equaliser, and then two quick goals in the last five minutes putting an end to Lemsford’s hopes of a cup run.

Broxbourne got the tie under way with most of the early pressure coming from the Tigers. They had the game under control but Broxbourne had a couple of half chances, one of them bringing out a great save from Avery who had to stretch low to his right to turn a shot from distance around his right hand post. The break came on the half hour mark when a poor goal kick from the Royals keeper was pounced on by Will who played the ball to the right of the eighteen yard box towards Shay. Shay went into a challenge with the keeper and defender and came out with the ball, taking it to the by-line and firing a low hard cross into the area. Will, who’d continued his run into the box, got to the ball ahead of the defender and tapped it home from a yard out to give the visitors the lead.

Broxbourne 0, Tigers 1.

Tigers kept the pressure up and came close when a Josh Smith header hit the post, but his effort was deemed offside. Broxbourne had a good spell going into the break but weren’t able to capitalise on their pressure and the half ended with the Tigers just in front.

Half Time: Broxbourne 0, Tigers 1.

Broxbourne started the second half with more purpose and were quickly back on level terms. On 49 minutes, the Royals had a shot on goal bringing out a great stop from Avery but the ball fell to a Broxbourne striker who hit the target from close range to equal the score.

Broxbourne 1, Tigers 1.

The game was evenly poised with efforts from both sides, Connor finding space on the right, linking up nicely with Jack Dickinson, and Lucas Stephens on the left with Josh Smith, crosses coming into the box but the final touch was missing. Four minutes from the end, Broxbourne broke through the defence and hit the target but once again it was saved by Avery, and once again a Broxbourne player was first to the ball and forced it home to give the home team a late lead.

Broxbourne 2, Tigers 1.

Almost immediately after the restart, Broxbourne won the ball on the left side of the pitch. The Borough player ran almost unopposed through on goal, his quick shot proving too good for Avery to get a hand on, giving Broxbourne an unassailable lead with only a few minutes left on the clock. Tigers rallied in the final couple of minutes, Connor’s weaving run and cross into the box was met by a rising Jack Dickinson, his header hitting the bar and then cleared. It was too late though and the tie ended in defeat for Lemsford.

Final score: Broxbourne 3, Tigers 1.

Man of the Match: Avery Kilner

Premier Division Round Up

There were only two matches in the Premier Division this weekend due to the League Cup ties; a 3-2 away win for Blacksox at St Margaretsbury and a 3-0 home defeat for Welwyn Pegasus Royals at the hands of Hares Youth. Tigers remain in fourth spot in the league, eight points adrift of Blacksox, the leaders, and three points behind Hares. Tigers are on the same points as Omonia although have played one game more.

Next week, Tigers play host to Harpenden Colts Magpies in the Second Round of the Hertfordshire FA Challenge Cup.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

MHRML U15 Premier Division

Sunday 5 November 2017

KO 10.00AM

Stevenage Borough Juniors Blacksox 2

Mascott (1’), Kengne (23’)

Lemsford Tigers 1

Wiseman (16’)

Team: Kilner; Adepoju; Baynes; Botchway; Holland; Connelly; Diviney; Squirrell (c); Scott; Smith; Wiseman

Subs: Dickinson; Pollard; Stephens

This was always going to be a tough match away at the league leaders and last year’s League Champions. In what proved to be a lot closer competition than last season, Tigers narrowly lost a fiercely competitive match by a single goal but showed their true mettle and walked away with their heads held high.

Tigers had the worst possible start to the game when, in the first minute, Blacksox won a throw, in Lemsford’s last third. The long throw into the area seemed to skip past a number of bodies before falling to a Blacksox player who tried a speculative back heel from inside the six-yard box; Avery only saw it at the last moment and was unable to get a hand to it.

Blacksox 1, Tigers 0.

Once play settled down it was very even with half chances at both ends, Shay and Josh Wiseman linking up well up front. On ten minutes, Shay played a ball into Josh whose shot narrowly missed the post. Six minutes later, Josh collected the ball on the half way line and laid it off to Shay; Shay held it up and then delivered a lovely through ball to Josh who’d continued his run. Josh bore down on goal and struck a lovely low shot from the edge of the area past the Blacksox keeper’s outstretched left hand and into the net to even up the score.

Blacksox 1, Tigers 1.

The lead only lasted seven minutes when a Tiger’s clearance rebounded back to the Blacksox main striker who turned and shot from 20 yards out, finding the top of the net giving Avery no chance.

Blacksox 2, Tigers 1.

Tigers were putting all the pressure on and near the end of the half came close when Will had a half chance as a ball came to him on the edge of the box. He took the ball on his chest and hit it as it dropped, with defenders trying to block, the resulting shot being saved by the keeper low to his right.

Half Time: Blacksox 2, Tigers 1.

Tigers dominated the second half but were unable to break through the Blacksox defence, coming close a couple of times when Will couldn’t quite reach a low driven corner and again when Josh Smith had a headed effort just go wide of the goal. Tigers’ defence had a great game and were solid to a man, reducing Blacksox to one or two half chances during the game.

Final score: Blacksox 2, Tigers 1.

Although disappointed to lose the game, Tigers should be proud of their performance against a really good team, making them look ordinary throughout most of the match. It demonstrated how much the team has progressed over recent months and that other teams should be worried about playing against them. After the match, Lee was full of praise for the way the boys had played together and was keen to point out that his choice of man of the match was a difficult one as they were all worthy of the accolade.

Man of the Match: Daniel Adepoju

Premier Division Round Up

In other matches in the Premier Division this weekend; Welwyn Pegasus Royals secured their first points of the campaign with a 5-1 home win over fellow strugglers Hoddesdon Town Blues. Bury Rangers Reds and Hares Youth shared the points in a 1-1 draw, as did St Margaretsbury Hawks and Royston Town Youth Eagles.

The Tigers’ defeat sees them drop to fourth spot in the League on goal difference behind Hares and Omonia. Royston, also on the same points, sit below Lemsford with an inferior goal difference; although Tigers have now played one game more than the three teams around them.

Next week, Tigers take a break from the League as they visit Broxbourne in the Preliminary Round of the League Cup.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

MHRML U15 Premier Division

Sunday 29 October 2017

KO 12.00PM

Lemsford Tigers 4

Smith (20’, 44’), Stephens (49’, 50’)

St Margaretsbury Hawks 2

Lee (23’), Sinfield (70’)

Team: Kilner; Adepoju; Baynes; Botchway; Holland; Connelly; Squirrell (c); Pollard; Scott; Smith; Wiseman

Subs: Diviney; Stephens

Tigers’ returned to their home ground this week needing to get back into winning ways in what they knew was going to be a tough match. The first period was evenly matched with chances at both ends, Avery making some fine saves, the half ending level at 1-1. After the break the boys stepped up a gear to come away convincing winners, two goals in two minutes knocking the stuffing out of the opposition.

St Margaretsbury got the match underway and had the better of the early chances, a fine shot hitting the crossbar and rebounding to one of their forwards who scuffed his attempt on goal allowing Avery to tidy up. Tigers’ breakthrough came on 20 minutes when Connor flicked on a throw down the left flank; Josh Wiseman struck the ball across the area, a defender tried to clear but only deflected it wide of the goal where Joe picked it up. Joe crossed the ball back into the box where Josh Smith met it and fired past the keeper to give Lemsford the lead. Tigers 1, St Margaretsbury 0.

St Margaretsbury struck back almost immediately when three minutes later a corner was played short and then crossed into the far side of the area where it found an unmarked Hawks player, his close range shot giving Avery no chance. More chances came for both sides with Tigers getting the edge but the half ended Tigers 1, St Margaretsbury 1.

Tigers restarted the match and went immediately on the offensive. On 44 minutes Tigers got a free kick just inside the Hawks half, Johnny struck the ball beautifully into the heart of the area where Josh Smith rose to head home, his second of the game, to give Tigers a well deserved lead. Tigers 2, St Margaretsbury 1.

Tigers were now dominating the game, offering slim pickings for their opponents while piling on the pressure. It was only a matter of time before the pressure would tell and on 49 minutes Josh Wiseman played a weighted ball through the opposition’s defence for Lucas Stephens to run on to. Lucas finished with style to get his first and Tigers’ third goal of the game. Tigers 3, St Margaretsbury 1.

A minute later, Lucas jumped on a mistake by the Hawks defence trying to clear an attempt from Josh Smith and slotted home his second and Lemsford’s fourth of the game. Tigers 4, St Margaretsbury 1.

Tigers were in control and had a number of chances and only St Margaretsbury’s keeper managed to keep the goals limited to four. The Hawks were reduced to trying to hit Tigers on the break and on 70 minutes had a shot on goal which Avery could only block, and seized upon by a Hawks player who slotted home to reduce the deficit to two. Tiger 4, St Margaretsbury 2.

St Margaretsbury kept plugging away in the last ten minutes and managed to break through the Tigers’ defence; with the Hawks player bearing down on Avery only a fantastic saving tackle by Alex prevented a clear chance on goal. Tigers closed the game out on the offensive gaining a good solid victory after a great second half performance.

Final score: Tigers 4, St Margaretsbury 2.

Man of the Match: Daniel Adepoju

Premier Division Round Up

In other matches in the Premier Division this weekend; Omonia had a convincing 6-1 home win over Bury Rangers Reds; new boys Royston Town beat Broxbourne Borough 5-1, Broxbourne not having a great start to this season; and Welwyn Pegasus Royals are yet to pick up a point having suffered a 4-0 defeat at Stevenage Borough Blacksox.

Lemsford’s win over St Margaretsbury saw them leapfrog the Hawks into third spot in the Premier Division. However, as Codicote Youth were once again unable to field a team, the Reds were finally ejected from the league and all their results deleted. As a consequence, the Tigers moved up into runner up spot in the table as others who had already played, or had matches against Codicote postponed, had points gained (and goals scored) taken away.

Sunday’s away tie at Blacksox is a biggie; a victory will see the Tigers once again hit the top of the table.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

MHRML U15 Premier Division

Sunday 22 October 2017

KO 2.00PM

Bury Rangers Reds 2

Veryard (12, 29)

Lemsford Tigers 2

Baynes (1), Wiseman (78)

Team: Kilner; Adepoju; Baynes; Holland; Connelly; Squirrell (c); Pollard; Scott; Diviney; Smith; Wiseman

Subs: Botchway; Stephens

Tigers’ return fixture against Bury Rangers Reds predictably proved to be a close affair against a decent side. After a great early start Tigers found themselves behind at the break but persistence and determination to the end earned the lads a hard won point in this four goal thriller.

Tigers started the game and were immediately in the ascendency, an early probing run down the left flank saw Josh Smith stopped illegally giving Tigers a free kick mid way into Bury’s half. Johnny struck the ball with pace into a packed area; no one got a touch on the ball, which beat the keeper’s outstretched left hand, and ended up in the bottom right hand corner of the goal to give Tigers the lead in the first minute. Bury 0, Tigers 1.

Tigers had much of the early play and chances; with six minutes gone Lucas Squirrell played a ball over the top to Josh W who struck the ball early only to see his effort hit the crossbar, Connor followed up but his effort was cleared off the line. Other chances came but Tigers’ couldn’t convert their pressure into goals. Then in the 12th minute Bury got a corner and a great delivery headed past Avery to even the score. Bury 1, Tigers 1.

The game was evenly poised with both teams putting everything into it, and then in the 29th minute Bury played the ball to their wide man on the left who made a strong run into the box and drove the ball low towards goal. Alex tried to block the shot but couldn’t get enough on it and the ball flew into the net to give Bury the lead going into the break. Bury 2, Tigers 1.

Bury restarted the match and dominated for the first 15-20 minutes of the second half. Although Tigers were making chances they were finding it hard to break the Reds’ defence down, which was reduced to trying to hit the Tigers on the counter attack. With time running out it was all or nothing, Tigers pushing up at every opportunity and more chances started to come. Bury’s line held firm until the 78th minute when the pressure told and Josh W got the well deserved equaliser. Joe played a ball in from the right which was picked up by Josh who took the ball down, turned on it and struck a fine shot from the edge of the area giving the keeper no chance. Bury 2, Tigers 2.

Although not the best performance through the whole of the eighty minutes, the boys once again showed character and determination, playing to the end, to earn a hard fought point in what’s turning into a very tough league. There aren’t going to be any easy matches this season, that’s for sure.

Final score: Bury Rangers 2, Tigers 2.

Man of the Match: Josh Wiseman

Premier Division Round Up

In other matches in the Premier Division this weekend; Broxbourne Borough Youth had a convincing 6-1 win over Pegasus Royals, who are having a nightmare start to the season having yet to get a point. Hares 100% winning start to the season came to an end after they were beaten 3-2 at home by Stevenage Borough Blacksox. And St Margaretsbury Hawks had a 2-0 victory over Omonia, who don’t seem quite as dominant as they were last season – although it’s early days yet.

Lemsford drop to fourth in the Premier table, below St Margaretsbury on goal difference, having played a game less than all three teams above them. Next week the Tigers are back at Sir Fred’s, hosting St Margaretsbury, where a win would see them leapfrog the Hawks.

We still wait to see what action the MHRML might take against Codicote Youth, the Reds being suspended this week for their consistent inability to field a side. Interestingly, the three teams above us in the league have all taken points from Codicote, which if taken away would bring us closer to the top.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

MHRML U15 Premier Division

Sunday 15 October 2017

KO 10.00AM

Hares Youth 4

Bell; A. Garrod; D. Garrod (2)

Lemsford Tigers 2

Wiseman (7, 75)

Team: Adepoju; Baynes; Connelly; Dickinson; Kilner; Pollard; Scott; Smith; Squirrell (c); Stephens; Wiseman

Subs: Botchway; Diviney

An early kick-off and a small, sloping pitch didn’t suit the Tiger’s expansive play who suffered their first loss of the season to a well-organised and neat passing Hares Youth side.

Hares Youth were promoted as convincing Division One Champions last season, and Sunday’s performance proved that that was no fluke. What they lacked in physical stature, they made up for with clean, quick passing and lots of energy. The pitch was a challenge in itself, sloping steeply from side to side and also slightly from end to end. The grass had been recently cut but the cuttings not cleared and when combined with a heavy early morning dew, created a difficult playing surface.

Hares won the toss and elected to change ends, kicking downhill in the first half and were quickly on the offensive, putting the Tiger’s defence under early pressure, a break down the left flank and a quick shot bringing out a good save from Avery. The Tigers’ goal was being peppered with shots from Hares and only some great stops by Avery kept the score level. On the 7th minute Tigers managed to break out, Josh Wiseman won the ball in the middle of the park and played a quick ball out wide right to Josh Smith. Josh drove for the by-line, took it past the defender and crossed in to Josh W who struck the ball sweetly to put the Tigers ahead. Hares 0, Tigers 1.

Three minutes later, Hares found space down the left flank; the winger drove a low ball back to the edge of the area where a Hares striker picked it up and placed his shot, beating Avery to level the score. Hares 1, Tigers 1.

Play settled down and was pretty even, with chances at both ends, until Hares doubled their lead on 16 minutes after they won a free kick just inside their own half. The initial kick was headed away but only found a Hares player who passed the ball out to the left flank, the winger delivering a great cross that was headed powerfully into the Tigers goal. That’s how the half ended. Hares 2, Tigers 1.

The Tigers started the second half with more purpose and were quickly pressuring Hares defence, an early chance from Josh W narrowly missing the target and going out for a Hares goal kick. Hares also had chances and on 45 minutes got their third; a quick throw on the right was controlled and crossed in towards the edge of the penalty area, finding a Hares player whose quick shot found its mark and increased Hares’ lead. Hares 3, Tigers 1.

Hares fourth came six minutes later from a free kick near the left touchline. A good delivery into the area found a Hares head and Avery could only watch as the ball flew past him giving him no chance. Hares 4, Tigers 1.

The next period of play was even but mostly confined to a congested midfield. On 75 minutes, Tigers got a consolation goal when a ball was played into Josh W on the edge of the Hares area, he turned on the ball and struck a fine low shot giving the goalie no chance. And that’s how the game ended. Hares 4, Tigers 2.

Final score: Hares 4, Tigers 2.

Manager’s Man of the Match: Avery Kilner

Premier Division Round Up

In other matches in the Premier Division this weekend; Broxbourne Borough Youth were held to a goalless draw at home by St Margaretsbury Hawks, and Stevenage Borough Blacksox travelled to Hoddesdon where they beat the Blues 4-1. Codicote Youth Reds once again failed to produce a team, their match against Bury Rangers postponed, as was Omonia’s match against Pegasus when the Royals were also unable to field a team.

Lemsford stay third in the Premier table, above Royston on goal difference, having played a game less than Hares and Blacksox above them. Next week the Tigers are on the road again, playing their return tie against Bury Rangers Reds with a 2.00pm kick off at Wodson Park.

It looks like the MHRML may finally take action against Codicote Youth Reds for their consistent inability to field a side; next week’s tie against Broxbourne has already been postponed citing a suspension for the Codicote team. We shall wait and see what further action the League might take.

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

MHRML U15 Premier Division

Sunday 8 October 2017

KO 2.00PM

Lemsford Tigers 5

Smith (11), Baynes (37, 73 pen), Wiseman (40), Stephens (43)

Hoddesdon Town Blues 2

Amele, Godfrey

Team: Adepoju; Baynes; Connelly; Diviney; Holland; Kilner; Pollard; Scott; Smith; Squirrell; Wiseman

Subs: Botchway; Dickinson; Stephens

Hoddesdon came looking to make amends for their defeat at Tigers’ hands in the pre-season tournament at Panshanger. Tigers, however, had other ideas and, apart from a couple of scares, dominated throughout the match to come away worthy winners.

Hoddesdon Town were definitely up for this one and, getting the game underway, had an early chance after a mix up in the Tigers’ defence but couldn’t convert, hitting their shot wide of Avery’s post. Hoddesdon were soon feeling the pressure and had to resort to hitting long balls up field, hoping their quick striker could get on the end of one of them. Tigers pressure finally came to bear though on 11 minutes when a cross from a quick throw near the Blues’ area found Josh Wiseman at the far post, his header struck the crossbar but Josh Smith was quick to head the rebound in past a helpless goalkeeper. Tigers 1, Hoddesdon 0.

Half way through the first half Hoddesdon broke away down the right and a fine angled shot brought out a great save by Avery who pushed the ball wide for a Blues corner. The resulting in-swinging corner, however, cleared everyone in the box and went out for a goal kick. It was all Tigers’ pressure though and as half time approached a weaving run by Josh Smith was stopped illegally on the edge of the box, giving Tigers a free kick just outside the area. Johnny took the kick, and striking the ball hard and low beat the wall and the keeper’s outstretched right hand to find the bottom corner of the net. Tigers 2, Hoddesdon 0.

On the stroke of half time, Josh Wiseman got his customary goal, a fantastic strike from 20 yards. He picked up a loose ball, played a one-two with Josh Smith, got the ball back, took a step forward finding himself half a yard on the edge of the ‘D’ and smashed the ball into the roof of the net giving the keeper no chance. Tigers 3, Hoddesdon 0.

Tigers started the second half as they’d finished the first, dominating play and having early chances. Hoddesdon managed a couple of breakaways but Tigers defence held firm. Three minutes into the second half, Lucas Stephens, having just come on, made an instant impact. An inch perfect free kick from just inside the Hoddesdon half by Joe, found Lucas who was hanging towards the far back corner of Hoddesdon’s area; Lucas’s spectacular volley found the corner of the Blues’ goal and increased the margin to four. Tigers 4, Hoddesdon 0.

Jack Dickinson was making some lovely runs down the left flank and Lucas Stephens and Josh W were linking up nicely to create a number of chances. Lucas came close in the 49th minute when he rose to meet a great cross from Jack but the keeper just managed to tip his header over the bar. Connor and Josh S were also getting into the action in a one-sided contest that was looking like being a comfortable win. That was until the 53rd minute when Hoddesdon got the ball wide of Tigers’ penalty area, played a low ball centrally just inside the box and a low shot went through a crowded area beating Avery just inside his left hand post. Tigers 4, Hoddesdon 1.

Tigers came back strong but the Blues got their second goal on 67 minutes when, after one of the few Hoddesdon attacks, Lemsford could only clear the ball as far as a Blues player who swung his foot at it, the ball looped into the air and dropped under the bar past Avery’s out stretched hand. Tigers 4, Hoddesdon 2.

Things were a little nervy for a while until Lemsford were awarded a penalty on 73 minutes after Josh W was brought down inside the box. Josh ran on to a lovely through ball and was one on one with Hoddesdon’s big central defender heading towards goal. Just inside the area Josh went down and the ref, who had a great view, didn’t hesitate in awarding a spot kick to the Tigers. Johnny stepped up and powered the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal, extending the Tigers’ lead to three. Tigers 5, Hoddesdon 2.

Tigers closed the game out without any more problems and took the three points.

Final score: Tigers 5, Hoddesdon 2.

Lemsford showed real mettle today with a strong display against a team that resorted to physicality over skill for much of the time and who were out to make a point. This was a fine team performance that stands the Tigers in good stead for the rest of the season. Hares Youth are up next, last season’s First Division Champions, and another good test of this improving Lemsford side.

Manager’s Man of the Match: Lucas Squirrell

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

0 notes

nigelpollard1 · 7 years ago

Text

MATCH REPORT

Hertfordshire FA U15 Challenge Cup

Round 1

Sunday 24 September 2017

KO 12.00PM

Lemsford Tigers 10

Diviney (2, 4), Wiseman (6, 13, 22), Pollard (16), Smith (19), Scott (24, 31), Stephens (40)

Belstone Youth 0

Team: Adepoju; Baynes; Botchway; Connelly, Diviney; Kilner; Pollard; Scott; Smith; Squirrell; Wiseman

Subs: Holland; Stephens

Tigers ease their way through to the second round of the Hertfordshire FA Challenge Cup after a convincing display against lower league opposition. Ten first half goals sealed Belstone’s fate as the ref called an early halt to proceedings.

On paper this was always going to be a relatively easy tie for the Tigers as Radlett based Belstone FC play in the third tier of the Watford Friendly League. However, as we’ve seen previously, the Cups haven’t always been a friendly hunting ground for the Tigers, so they had to be on top of their game to make sure of progression to Round Two.

Belstone got the tie under way and were soon finding the going tough as Tigers dominated the early play. After two minutes Shay got on the end of a lovely through ball and headed past the keeper to open the scoring. Tigers 1, Belstone 0.

It only took another two minutes for Tigers to double their lead, Josh Smith broke down the right touchline, fired in a low cross which found Shay who tapped in for his second of the game. Tigers 2, Belstone 0.

On 6 minutes, Josh Wiseman latched on to a poor clearance by Belstone’s keeper and calmly slotted the ball past the stranded goalie and into the back of the net. Tigers 3, Belstone 0.

Tigers were dominating the game and playing some nice football, great movement off the ball providing plenty of opportunities. Connor played a lovely diagonal ball towards Josh Smith who was making a run to the edge of the box, the defence was split wide open but the keeper came out and just managed to get to the ball first.

Tigers were using the flanks to great effect, Johnny feeding the ball up to Josh Smith on the right who was peppering the opposition’s box with great crosses, Josh Wiseman seeing one of his efforts skim the keeper’s right hand post. On 13 minutes the two Josh’s linked up again, this time Josh W found the back of the net, increasing Tigers lead to four. Tigers 4, Belstone 0.

Three minutes later Tigers won a corner, Joe’s delivery was a perfect height for Will who rose above everyone and headed into the top of the net giving the keeper no chance. Tigers 5, Belstone 0.

Tigers were running away with the tie and on 19 minutes Josh Smith got his well deserved goal, picking the ball up on the right and driving the ball home passed a helpless keeper. Tigers 6, Belstone 0.

Josh Wiseman got his hat trick on 22 minutes, finding the target, getting on the end of another through ball that split the Belstone defence. Tigers 7, Belstone 0.

Two minutes later Joe’s ball over the top found Connor who calmly beat the goalie. Tigers 8, Belstone 0.

On 31 minutes Connor got his second; Josh S crossed the ball from wide right finding Josh W on the left of Belstone’s area, Josh took the ball down, cut back and crossed the ball back across the area to Connor who volleyed in from close range. Tigers 9, Belstone 0.

Belstone did have a couple of chances during this one sided contest, one such break down their left flank ending in a decent angled shot which brought out a great save from Avery.

As half time approached, Lucas Stephens picked the ball up and played a one-two with Shay, a great ball back to Lucas leaving him to put the ball away, sealing the fate of Belstone Youth. Tigers 10, Belstone 0.

At this point the referee stopped the game citing that if a team goes ten goals up, the match is stopped and the win awarded to that team.

Tigers will play Bengeo Tigers Siberians at home in the next round of the Cup on 19 November; Siberians play their football in MHRML Division 3.

Tigers have a break next week, their next League game on 8 October with a 2.00pm kick off at home against Hoddesdon Town Blues, recently promoted from Division 1.

The following week Tigers visit Hares Youth who were promoted as League 1 Champions last season, timings to be confirmed.

Manager’s Man of the Match: Avery Kilner

Follow the Tigers on:

Facebook (Lemsford Tigers U15)

Twitter (@U15Tigers17_18)

1 note · View note