Under 9s

Manager: Nick Taylor: 07767 059459
Ass't Manager: Darren Sawbridge: 024 7667 2038 or 07710 149952
Team Admin: Collette Brewster.

2008

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Players
News Players Fixtures MatchReports Appearances

Fixtures
News Players Fixtures MatchReports Appearances

Match Reports
News Players Fixtures MatchReports Appearances

21-25 April - Brinklow & Alvis

A very positive finish to the season overall running the Cup Finalists to the wire and giving the league champions a very tough game being unlucky not to get a draw.

The outfield players have developed very well and every player has progressed, considering it is a new team with only three players from he original squad, the coaches have been very proud of the way we have come together as a team

The new players have fitted in brilliantly and with the team spirit we will be a hard team to beat next season

14/04/10

Coundon Court 3-2 Coventry Copsewood (H)

Today the boys dominated the game from start to finish but failed to finish off a very spirited Copsewood side and all credit must go to their GK who was easily the MOM making save after save to deny the lions attack.

Countless chances were wasted by not passing at times and this is an area that needs to be improved in the coming games

The game started very well with Coundon on the attack however a counter attack left the copsewood attacker one on one with Spencer in Goal who had no chance and it was 0-1 down. Attack after attack ensued with the Copsewood GK standing up to anything thrown at him.

Another great move with Ben on the end made it 1-1 followed up with goals from Jack, arriving late in trademark fashion to finish and Josh with a well taken goal to cruise into a 3-1 lead.

A moment of slack defending where all the Coundon players and Gk seem to stand and watch let Copeswood back in to make it 3-2.

However we saw the game out for a deserved win against a very spirited Copsewood side.

Man of the match - Ryan - An excellent performance playing out of position today

11/04/10

Coundon Court 4-0 Leamington Hibs (A)

A tough battle today with Leamington playing well causing Coundon a problems throughout the game. A small pitch restricting Coundon's passing style and hampered our recent good form.

Early chances fell to Leamington with Spencer diving to save with his feet added to a bit of luck with the post coming to Coundon's rescue to keep it at 0-0.

From around the 15 minute mark the lions began to take control and the passing and movement caused Leamington problems.

Jack and Steven made it 2-0 before half time and Steven grabbed another couple to make it 4-0 at full time.

Man of the match - Steven for three well taken goals, who will be Captain against Copsewood on Wednesday

7/04/10

Coundon Court 3-0 Whitley Juniors (H)

With Whitley having handed the Lions a heavy loss last time out, the boys were looking for a better performance and to show that the last result was not a normal performance.

The game was evenly matched in the early period with no side gaining any clear advantage. The impressive Riley for Whitley was causing a few problems but Owen was marking tight and any chances were dealt with by Spencer in goal.

Coundon gradually started to win the midfield and from here the boys were dominating the game with Owen giving Whitley nothing. It was from a great tackle that Owen burst through to make it 1-0 with a long range effort.

It was now Coundon all the way with Jack and Rhys both scoring to make it 3-0 and a well deserved win.

Man of the match - Again there were Man of the match displays from players all over the team with maybe Jack and Owen edging it and a big thank you to Spencer for going in goal and keeping a clean sheet. Todays MOM is Owen

31/03/10

Coundon Court 3-4 Alveston (A)

Boys, to again play that well and then lose 4-3 is hard to put into words.

Both coaches are very proud of all of you, as again you gave your all and played football how we asked you to. The performance you put in tonight deserved nothing less than a victory.

Goals from Rhys, Connor and jack were not enough to get the boys the win they deserved.

Man of the match - Today there were Man of the match displays from a a few players with maybe Connor and Jack edging it. Todays MOM is Jack who will be Captain next week against Whitley

28/03/10

Coundon Court 5-1 Chapelfield Colts (A)

After a long lay off due to stand downs and bad weather the boys who have been training very well, were eager to get started again.

All the early football was being played by Chaps who looked a little more confident and pressured Coundon with a succession of corners. As the half developed Coundon began to get to grips with the game and were beginning to create chances. The first one fell to Ben who had taken the game to Chaps and created an excellent chance to make it 1-0.

A lapse in Concentration saw Chaps equalise with a chaps player unmarked at the far post 1.1 and game on.

Coundon rallied and never really looked troubled again with excellent worked goals by Jack and then Rhys to go in at half time with a worthy 3-1 advantage.

The second half saw more of the same with Coundon creating chances and limiting any threat from chaps with excellent defending across the team. Two poachers goals from Steve made it 5-1 at the finish and the boys were well worth their victory.

Final Result 5-1 win

Summary

We said to all the Boys before the game that if they took the way they had been training into this game then they would no doubt win today and so it proved with an excellent performance.

Ben continued his excellent form and played very well again today. Ryan, Jack and Owen in centre midfield were excellent. Connor worked tirelessly and caused all sorts of problems for the chaps defenders as did Rhys who was a real handful all game. Steven, when he came on did what we asked and scored two. Spencer limited any threat from their impressive forward with an impressive disciplined display matching any threat that was thrown at him.

Man of the match - Today there were man of the match displays from all the players with maybe Ben and Spencer just edging it. With the agreement of all the players todays Man of the match was Spencer who will be Captain on Wednesday against Alveston (on his birthday)

7/03/10

Coundon Court 2-3 Chapelfield Colts (H)

At home today to Chapelfield colts looking to progress in the cup.

The first half saw a determined Chaps side push Coundon back with lack of shape and passing costing Coundon possession. Coundon's midfield was being overrun by the Chaps midfield and Ryan in defence was being forced to make desperate clearances.

A rare counter attack was rewarded with a corner the excellent corner taken by josh was met by an excellent header by Connor to make it 1-0. Chaps again came at Coundon and two goals by half time made it 1-2 and Coundon needed to impose themselves on the game.

Jack combined well with Connor to just force the ball wide and Rhys was beginning to carve out opportunities.

With Coundon again failing to make the killer pass and again getting caught in possession up front a resulting long ball to the impressive Chaps forward who turned Spencer with the player clear in on goal Spencer was judged to have committed a foul and the resulting free kick was struck well to make it 3-1.

The boys rallied to make it 3-2 through Rhys and were unlucky not to get a late penalty when Rhys was fouled in the box.

But we can have no complaints today the score was a correct reflection of the game

Summary

Getting to be a theme now with players getting tackled when the ball should have been released and again being punished for individual errors. We will continue to work hard in training.  

Man of the Match - Connor, an excellent hard working performance

14/02/10

Coundon Court 1-1 Cov Jag (A)

We discussed with all the team that the opponents today would be full of fight and were we not to turn up we would not win this game. The start of the first half was very poor with little in the way of football being played and we were being pushed back by a more focused side clearly looking for a win.

Were it not for a strong defensive display for the first ten to fifteen minutes from Spencer then we would have been behind by more than the one goal. Special mention must go to James who pulled off a fantastic save in the first half just a shame his save fell to an attacker who reacted before any Coundon players to make it 1-0.

As the half progressed Coundon gradually got on top and were being denied by an excellent Goalkeeping display.

The second half saw more chances being created with Coundon now well on top only to see poor finishing, excellent goal keeping and a goal not given all denying Coundon a deserved equaliser.

A long period of pressure was awarded with a penalty converted by Josh to make it 1-1. Chances to win it went begging and Coundon were lucky not to go behind with Jag missing an easy chance late on.

Final result 1-1

Summary

When we ALL play, we are a hard side to beat and play some excellent football but unfortunately as has been the case for most of this season we rarely have all the players on their game for a sustained period.

Man of the match - Ryan for an excellent second half where he imposed himself on the game

7/02/10

Coundon Court 1-3 Alveston (H)

With the GK and two outfield players absent due to Illness , today was always going to be a tough game.

The first half was a very even contest with excellent football being played by both sides Coundon maybe missing the most chances and Shaun saving one excellent strike to keep it level. After another spell of pressure Owen held the ball up for Rhys to strike to make it 1-0 at half time

Second half alveston got stronger as the Lions tired and Coundon were pushed back for long periods and the resulting pressure giving Alveston a clear strike to make it 1-1

A poor tackle on the edge of our box was converted into a goal from the resulting free kick to make it 1-2 Coundon pushed for an equaliser but were undone by a counter attack to make it 3-1 to the visitors.

A closer game than the score suggests but a depleted Coundon side gave there all today.

After an excellent first half the second half saw Coundon slip back to the bad ways of flicking passes and trying to run through players, something we will keep working on in training.

A big thank you to Shaun for playing today.

Man of the match - Connor for a hard working display and for going in goal for the last 15 minutes

24/1/10

Coundon Court 4-1 Coventry Sphinx (A)

After a long weather lay off the boys were eager to get started and due to excellent facilities the game was able to go ahead. All the early football was being played by Coundon, an all too familiar story with chances created but not taken.

The first half was evenly contested with chances falling to Connor and Jack but being denied by the Sphinx GK.

Sphinx were limited to counter attacks and Ryan And Spencer dealt with these well, Jack was beginning to push the game forward and were it not for some crucial misplaced passes in the final third Coundon would have been in front.

The game had evened out for the final ten minutes of the first half with Sphinx sharing possession and with the first half drawing to a close an excellent cross from Sphinx was deflected by the GK onto an onrushing forward to make it 0-1, a goal gainst the run of play.

The message at half time was for the boys to keep their heads up and that if they kept working hard and playing as they have done then they would win the game.

From the start of the second half the Lions created chances with some excellent flowing moves with Connor and Josh unlucky on two occasions.Ryan went on for Ben and started to create chances and opened the game up and equaliser was on the cards.

Another flowing move saw Connor finish to bring the game level it was all Coundon now and pushing sphinx back creating more chances.

A great ball into the box and Rhys turned his man only to be fouled, with the resulting penalty Josh stepped forward and made it 2-1.

Another flowing move from the back resulting in another goal to make it 3-1 and Jack finished the scoring with an excellent midfield goal putting the Sphinx defence under pressure resulting in a goal well taken.

Final Result 4-1

Summary

After a disappointing close to 2009 the boys have put in a lot of effort with the extra training sessions over the break and today the hard work was evident. All the hard work and tackling enabled the football to be played and achieve what they deserved, a win! We now need to take this performance and work rate into every game.

Well Done today boys you were all excellent.

Man of the match today - Very difficult today as there were so many excellent performances but the Manager's decision is for Jack to be the Man of the match today with an excellent performance and for Josh to retain the Captains arm band for the next game as he played a true captains role today.

13/12/09

Coundon Court 1-3 Stratford Town Juniors (H)

At home today to Stratford town looking for a good performance to see the year out. With Spencer and Owen deployed in defence, Josh Connor and Ryan in Midfield and Rhys up front

The early exchanges saw Coundon being forced back resulting in a scramble in the box that our Goalkeeper failed to gather to allow the attacker to score. 0-1 down after 2 mins not a good start.

The boys rallied and matched or contained the opposition without creating any real chances though a late chance fell for Ryan with a minute to go before half time and he slotted home to level it at 1-1.

A talk with the boys about the lack of passing and again tackling from midfield causing problems and needing to be more alert. The early exchanges again saw Coundon being pushed back and the Stratford right winger beginning to get into the game. A missed tackle left Owen with a lot of work to do and he just made a last ditch tackle only to see the ball played into our own net making it 1-2 with an own goal.

Stratford added a third with another excellent corner played into the box and deflected into the net by the Goalkeeper to make it 1-3

The boys rallied to try to get back into the game but did not capitalise on what little possession we won with missed counter attacks and wasted chances to score by shooting from distance or shooting when we should have pulled the ball back for a certain goal.

Summary,

A very disappointing performance today and probably the worst performance from this Coundon side we have seen with lack of even basic passing, tackling or movement.

We deserved nothing more than the result we got today and until we cut out silly basic errors, start to work hard individually and as a team and stop trying to run through players and also cut out the silly back heels, lazy flicks etc that against these better players just do not work, will we turn these poor performances round.

No man of the match today

The next captain will be picked from training on the17th December and 7 th January ready for the next game on the 10 th January.

15/11/09

Coundon Court 2-4 Alvis (A)

Another tough game today made even more difficult through playing on a very small pitch.

The game was evenly matched early on however Coundon were soon on top and were playing all the football and creating chances. The Alvis goalkeeper had made 4 excellent saves before Alvis had an attack with the post also denying a Coundon goal.

Shortly before halftime a cross was not dealt with and a weak goal was conceded with the first shot by Alvis making it 0-1.

The first half was all Coundon and were it not for an excellent GK ( by far the best we have seen this year) it would have been Coundon who were in front.

Second half and again Coundon pushed on looking for the equaliser and were foiled time and again by the Alvis keeper.

A long ball undid Coundon again and made it 2-0 however the boys were still in it and were looking for a goal.

A shot from Alvis was spilled by our keeper to an Alvis attacker to make it 3–0 and the boys heads dropped. Alvis making it 4-0 shortly after meaning all the earlier good work was forgotten.

A few words of encouragement and the boys again started to find their feet, goals from Ben then Rhys and the boys were back in full flow with the Goalkeeper stopping shot after shot.

A late bit of pressure was too late to change the result but did show that when they play with a tempo and get the tackles in when required they are one of the best footballing sides around.

Summary

A frustrating game today with certain players again not playing to anywhere near their ability and chances not being taken to kill off teams when we are well on top. Then lapses in concentration, and missed tackles again costing us dear.

Until we start defending from Midfield we will never get the results the flowing football going forward deserves.

Man of the Match - Managers pick today was Rhys who has settled in well with another well taken goal

Two Weeks off now Next Game 6th December Opposition TBC.

Training as Usual

8/11/09

Coundon Court 8-0 London Road Lions (H)

Following the disappointment of throwing away another commanding lead last week it was important that today we bounced back

Todays opponents would be full of confidence sitting top of the B Division and we were expecting a good game.

Following a good training session this week with the side switched round seeing Ryan take up the defensive role with Spencer giving a holding midfield role and also able to fill in at defence, it was from these two the game was dominated

We all saw today a maturity from both Spencer and Ryan that is way above their years their talking, switching positions and general command of the game was unbelievable and from this platform the team were able to play with complete freedom.

And did they play! After a close ten minutes at 0-0 the lions really got to grips with the game and were opening up LRL at will. Some of the counter attacking football was unbelievable and general reading of the game quite incredible.

With Spencer and Ryan pulling all the strings passing both long range and short. Josh , Rhys and Ben causing havoc from midfield and Connor working well up front the result was never in doubt the good form was also carried forward by subs Steve, Owen and Jack.

Details

Half time 3-0 up with final result 8-0 and goals for Josh 2, Connor 1, Ben 1, Owen 1 and Rhys with a fantastic hat-trick from only his second game.

Man of the Match - Today was very difficult with three contenders, Rhys for his Hat-trick contribution from only his second game well Done. Spencer for probably his best game of the season, keep it up but todays MOM goes to RYAN who just edged Spencer with a controlled and disciplined display of football. Well Done Ryan

1/11/09

Coundon Court 5-6 Brinklow (A)

A Debut and big welcome to Rhys.

Today was always going to be tough with a very wet pitch and strong wind another good test for the boys.

From the kick off the boys played some excellent football and were out playing their opponents going 1.0 up with an excellent worked goal from Jack this was quickly followed up by Ben to make it 2.0 the boys were now well on top and were creating chances at will another goal this time from Josh made it 3.0

The boys then seemed to take their foot of the pedal and allowed Brinklow to bring the game to Coundon and all credit to Brinklow who took their chances and finished the half well on top.

Half Time 3.3

A few words at half time to encourage and the second half was a very even contest with the match very open and chances being created at both ends with both sides going ahead to be pegged back with eventually Brinklow getting the winning goal for a 6-5 win. Second half goals from Rhys and Owen.

Summary

We need to learn to protect a lead and when challenged with weather and a small pitch like today we need to limit the flicks and skills as when they don't come off we are opened up and the small pitch and slick surface giving us no chance to recover. We again will learn a lot from today and need to keep thinking about positioning

Man of the Match - Managers pick today was Spencer who adapted best to the conditions

18/10/09

Coundon Court 6-4 Cov Sphinx (H)

A debut for our new goalkeeper James against another strong side today and after last week's disappointment the boys were keen to play well.

From the kick off the boys were forced back a poor clearance then a neat pass from Sphinx a strong shot gave James no chance and we were 1-0 down within a minute. The boys heads dropped and another attack saw Coundon 2-0 down.

Josh began to get into the game and fine work down the left on two occasions set up goals for CONNOR to finish to make it 2-2 all within 10 minutes.

The play was end to end now and both sides were creating chances. An unlucky deflection enabled the Sphinx striker to pounce to make it 3-2, but Coundon again came back with another fine goal again scored by CONNOR to make it 3-3 after just 12 minutes.

The game now settled down after the frantic start and both sides were trying to play football the right way with Coundon just edging the final minutes of the first half.

The boys rallied and got on top starting to create chances with a fine equalising goal by CONNOR and then pull one ahead to make it 5 -4, again CONNOR on the end.

The game was now very even with Sphinx looking to get back on terms but any hopes of a comeback were ended by another fine goal from CONNOR made it 6-4 and won the game.

Summary - The Managers were proud of the boys today who never gave up.

Man of the Match - Managers pick today was Josh who had his best game of the season to date. Well done Josh you had a fantastic game

11/10/09

Coundon Court 2-5 Whitley Juniors (A)

With the absence of a Goalkeeper again and with Josh also missing it was always going to be a tough game and today Coundon came up against a good side who competed all over the park and took their chances with some excellent counter attacking football.

At Half Time the boys were competing with the score at 1-2 but an early couple of goals in the second half saw the boys lose shape and therefore lost the game.

Taking nothing away from Whitley who deserved their victory today and we can only look forward to the return fixture.

Summary - The Manager was proud of the boys today who never gave up and the boys will have learnt more from today than any victory and we now understand the need for a Goalkeeper.

Man of the Match - Managers pick today was Jack

4/10/09

Coundon Court 3-0 Cov Jag (H)

With a loss to Cov Jag in a tournament during the summer and the added interest of an ex player now at Jag it was always going to be a competitive contest.

Both sides were on the back of victories last week and were looking for the win

Coundon started very strongly with plenty of passing and chances being created though there were a few scares from long balls and counter attacks. However Spencer cleared them well and we maintained constant pressure.

The football, particularly the passing was the best this new team has played and the Cov Jag team were being opened up at will and then GK tested time and again.

The constant pressure paid off with three brilliant goals, the first two from Connor and then one from Ben the only question asked was why it was not more as the Jag keeper kept making saves.

Half time came and Both coaches relayed how proud they were of a fantastic display

Second half and Spencer in Goal for Steven who reverted to attacker and a very spirited display from Cov Jag who prevented the lions from playing but Coundon ran out convincing winners with credit to Jag who managed to contain Coundon during the second half

All the boys played very well today thanks again to Spencer and Steve who both played in Goal.

Man of the Match - A very close call today with all the players in with a shout it was just edged by Ryan who will be Captain next week

Well Done Boys !

27/09/09

Coundon Court 4-1 Leamington Hibs (H)

After last weeks excellent performance and a good training session mid week the coaches were looking for another good display today.

Both sides were playing some good football and the game was very evenly matched however as is becoming the norm, Coundon gradually began to take control of the game and were creating chances at will

Another fine game from Ben who was a constant threat down the right flank and he created an excellent opening for Jack who finished in great style to make it 1-0

Following more constant pressure the Lions were rewarded with a second goal, forcing an own goal. However Leamington were not finished yet and an excellent turn by their Captain opened the goal up to make it 2-1.

Hibs came out fired up and were a constant threat with some last ditch tackles preventing the equaliser and Coundon seemed to have backed off.

As the half wore on the boys again got the upper hand a fine flowing move from Ben to Ryan who passed to Jack who passed to Connor to make it 3-1.

A near copycat goal for the fourth scored again by Connor to pull further ahead.

Game drew to a close Coundon winning 4.1

Well done boys you again deserve today's victory as you all worked very hard and a big thank you for Spencer and Steven who volunteered to go in goal.

Man of the match - Ben who had a great game, well done

20/09/09

Coundon Court 3-0 Stratford Juniors (A)

After a couple of good performances with maybe not the results to match, today was all about getting a positive result.

At least with Stratford you know you will get a proper game of football with the right attitude from every one involved and so ti proved.

The game started in very even fashion with both sides playing some good football; a change in formation for Stratford matching our midfield created a very evenly contested period with both sides looking to force the game.

As the first half developed the Lions were beginning to gain the upper hand; with Owen having a great game in defence the boys were beginning to create chances.

A great flowing move saw Josh cross for RYAN to make it 1-0.

Half time came with the boys well on top. The second half saw more of the same with Stratford limited to long shots and Coundon were beginning to feel they had the game won and the lead was doubled after another flowing move started by Spencer in goal who found Ben on the right who crossed for JOSH to make it 2-0

A switch to put Steven up front and Connnor in midfield created a few openings with STEVEN very lively up front and it was he who scored to make it 3-0.

Well done boys you deserve todays victory as you all worked very hard and a big thank you for Spencer who volunteered to go in goal, and kept a clean sheet.

Man of the Match - Owen who had a great game, well done!

13/09/09

Coundon Court 3-3 Coventry Copsewood (A)

After a very even friendly game against todays opposition we were expecting another tough even encounter.

A very good start by Coundon saw them on top and dominating possession with excellent passing moves. Ben had the upper hand on his opponent and was creating all the chances with the central midfield of Jack and Ryan working well and Spencer keeping the moves going it was a joy to watch.

The link up play with Connor was excellent our only concern for all the good work and numerous chances being created was that we were not ahead.

Jack scored an excellently worked goal to rectify this and go in at half time 1-0 up. The lead was fully deserved and it really should have been a more commanding advantage.

The second half saw more of the same with chances squandered and again an excellent opposition GK keeping Copsewood in the game. He was beaten by a terrifc strike from Josh to double the advantage with the Lions now clearly on top at 2-0 with 15mins remaining.

An excellent performance though was undone by a period of lapsed concentration with a goal scored against the run of play to make it 2-1 and then from a throw in the midfield let players through who took full advantage to make it 2-2.

The boys heads dropped and when an unlucky deflection left their attacker with an open goal we were suddenly 3-2 behind.

The boys rallied and again showed great spirit to level with an excellently worked goal from Shaun who had swapped with Connor in goal. Chances were then being created by both sides; an excellent save by Connor kept Coundon in it but chances were falling for Josh, Ben and Shaun whowere unable to convert.

It ended 3-3 but the boys deserved much more from an excellent performance.

Summary

The passing was excellent again today and were it not for failing to take numerous chances the boys would and should have got the result they deserved.

Man of the Match - Yet again the managers job was made difficult by some very spirited performances but Nick's selection today is Ben who will wear the captains armband next week

6/09/09

Coundon Court 3-3 Chapelfield Colts (H)

First game of the season and a special occasion for Spencer as he was awarded his trophy for his 50th appearance for the club. It was fitting that after an excellent couple of performances that he was captain today.

The game started brightly with both sides trying to play football it was Coundon though who were playing all the football and creating chances sometimes however they were guilty of overplaying and the long grass was causing some of the passes to go astray. However were it not for a fantastic display by the Chaps goalkeeper the Lions would have been a couple up within ten minutes.

A weak goal was conceded by Coundon and the boys heads dropped for a period and when a very unlucky goal was conceded straight from a Corner the boys play became a little disjointed.

Spencer kept the team in it with tackle after tackle and the boys began to dominate again forcing the play and with 8 mins of the half to go the boys had got their tails up and were looking to get back into the game.

A goal back was full deserved and it was a great move from back to front with Ben supplying a great cross into JOSH who reduced the arrears with a fine finish.

The boys then really took the game to Chaps and showed a spirit that made the coaches very proud when minutes before half time the boys levelled after fine work by Josh who crossed for CONNOR who made it 2-2.

The second half saw Coundon well on top but were denied again and again by an outstanding goalkeeper.

Another weak goal was conceded to make it 2-3 however the boys never gave up and lay siege to the Chaps goal and with 15 seconds left were awarded a corner; Connor quickly played it short to BEN who turned and riffled an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to make it 3.3

The boys can be very proud of a fantastic spirited display.

Summary

The game was a very good advert for boys football with both sides showing heart and spirit throughout. The passing was excellent today and when the grass and surface becomes better suited to a passing game the boys will clearly reap the rewards.

Man of the Match - Again the managers job was made difficult by some very spirited performances but Nick's selection today is SPENCER and he retains the captains arm band. Well done Spencer a true captain's performance today and following excellent performances in the Ibstock tournament and Copsewood game you are setting the standard.

27/08/09

Coundon Court 3-3 Coventry Copsewood. (H)

A strong opposition rounded off our pre season. It was good to welcome Christy, our new signing as Goalkeeper and welcome back Owen who has been out with a broken collarbone.

The game was evenly matched from the start but a lack of passing from our midfield was causing issues with counter attacks and chances were restricted with Connor isolated up front.

It was from one of these counter attacks that Copsewood scored their first to make it 1-0 and with it they seemed to grow in confidence. With several of our players struggling to cope with the pace and strength of the opposition Copsewood scored again to double their lead.

Changes were made and with Spencer in defence and the introduction of Ryan and Shaun in to midfield, the home team began to create chances.

Shaun scored a fine hat-trick to make it 3-2 and numerous chances were missed to improve the scoreline.

The boys were made to rue those missed as Copsewood levelled at 3-3.

Summary

Not one of our best performances but a very good lesson and it backs up why we need to be passing the ball. The boys need to learn that they cannot run through players especially ones bigger than themselves.

Thought of the day

Pass the ball!



22/08/09

Ibstock Tournament

A first competitive tournament for this new team and all the boys were keen to get started.

Game 1 V Hinckley - Win 2-0

Against a strong side it was a competitive game with both sides creating chances, however Coundon edged in front with a fine team goal scored by Jack he added a second before the end to make it 2-0.

Game 2 v Whitley Juniors - Win 1-0

It was always going to be a tough game with Whitley clearly fired up by their coaches. We took early control but the normal long balls to their quick forward caused us a few early problems.

Spencer had a fine game at the back and from there we were able to take control with Josh scoring a great goal to win the game.

Game 3 V Birstall - Win 1-0

Another fine display with all the boys playing well and were clearly beginning to play with a confidence the earlier victories had given them. Connor scored an excellent goal with a quick change of feet to slot home.

Game 4 V Ibstock - Win 1-0

A great game of football against a strong side with good football played by both sides. Owen getting on the score sheet to win the game 1-0.

Game 5 V Groby Juniors - Win 2-0

The final group game and having already qualified for the semi final with 12 points did not stop the boys playing some good football. Ben and Connor both scored to round off an excellent group winning performance.

Semi Final V Loughborough - Lost 0-1

A very strong Loughborough side were equally matched in all departments and it was a failure to take our early chances that cost us the game. A long range shot was not able to be kept out by an unsighted Shaun which made it 0-1. This caused some of the boys to drop their heads and we were unable to create any chances to level.

What a great lesson though.

Summary

What a fantastic tournament; to play 5 group games, score 7 goals and concede none and finish with 15 points (only team to do so) was a great achievement. The boys were perhaps undone by nerves in the semi-final but all the boys were fantastic today and for a new team showed that they can compete with the best around.

Once again a massive Thank you to Shaun for playing in goal for the whole six games doing a fantastic job.

Man of the Match - Today was a tough call between two players playing at different ends of the pitch. CONNOR played as well today as we have ever seen. His positional and hold up play was exceptional and when he had a chance he did not fail to score. Well Done!

SPENCER had a fine performance in defence dealing with the pace of some sides and the long balls of others. He played with a belief and confidence today way above his years and at times started to talk to players around him to organise the defence, Well Done!

As the coaches could not single one player out today it has been decided to give the captain's arm band to Connor for the friendly this Thursday and the captain's arm band to Spencer for the first game of the season on the 6th September at home to Chapelfield Colts.

8/08/09

Coundon Court v Southam (A)

The second game of the preseason against Southam with all the boys excited and looking forward to the game.

Game 1

The game started in even fashion with both sides looking to pass the ball and the game looked as thoug it would be tight. As the first half moved on Coundon were beginning to win the battles and were beginning to create chances. Ryan and Jack were beginning to get the ball and feeding both wingers who in turn were then getting a good service to the strikers resulting in goals. Jamal scoring to make it 1-0 with further goals added by Josh, Ryan and Jack with 2 to finish with a convincing 6-0 win.

Game 2

After getting on top in game one, it was more of the same in the second game, with Shaun now playing out and Josh having a go in goal. It finished 4-0 with Shaun, Ryan and Ben (2), the goalscorers.

A good performance against a decent side who were just not allowed to play by a strong organised passing side.

Man of the Match - Jack

2/08/09

Coundon Court v Stratford Town (A)

With a new look side and having trained straight through from last season the boys were keen to get playing and they certainly looked the part in their new Kits and tracksuits.

Game 1 - 10 Mins EW

With Shaun in Goal (thank-you), while we continue to look for a goalkeeper we started very brightly with Connor up front having a very good game and Ben causing the opposition all sorts of problems from wide right. It was this partnership that opened Stratford up to make it 1-0, another good attack again saw Connor get on the end of it to make it 2-0 and at half time it was one way traffic.

Some second half changes saw Coundon lose a bit of possession resulting In a goal from Stratford to make it 2-1. The boys rallied to make it 3 -1 with a fine finish and first goal for the club from Ryan, the game drew to a close and finished a good start to preseason.

Game 2 - 10 mins EW

Jamal volunteered to go in goal for this game. With lots of changes to look at all the players in different positions it was a bit disjointed at times with players out of position and a lack of passing however as the half went on there was a marked improvement and Ben finished a fine individual effort to make it 1-0.

Again we were struggling with lack of passing and shape in the second half and Startford capitalised with two goals to make it a 2-1 loss.

Game 3 - 10 mins EW

Connor played in Goal for this game and the game was very evenly matched with both sides creating chances. Tiredness was now creeping in and though the hot weather was very nice for the spectators, it was not helping the boys

A fine worked goal from Shaun made it 1-0 then Stratford hit back from a counter attack to make it 1-1

In summary all the boys enjoyed today and looked great in the new kit. They played some good football in spells and the new boys fitted in very well.

All we now need is a Goal keeper to back the boys up and we will have a good season.

Well done to all the boys. Thought for the Day where do we find a Goal Keeper ???

Man of the Match - It was close run between three boys with one player just edging it, Ben for exceptional work rate and chances taken, Jack for exceptional work rate and tracking back but the man of the match this week for a fine game from a new player with outstanding play in Centre midfield, Right midfield and Defence - Ryan who will be Captain next week.

For more info see the league website:

http://www.coventryminorleague.com/

last updated: Baz