Under 10 Central Team Match Reports

Rodborough Rovers U10s 3 - 1 Wotton Rovers Central U10s

Saturday 4 February 2006

A poor first half by Wotton's standards saw them opened up by three decisive moves through the centre from Rodborough. However, following a tough talk during the break, Wotton came out for the second half with something to prove. Sharp accurate passing and good movement gave Wotton the better of the second period. Led by Joel Hamer in the centre and with brave performances from Joe Guest and James Lutton alongside him, Wotton regained control of the middle of the park. Wide runners drew the defence out giving William Marsden the chance to pull one back with good run and a cracking drive. When Wotton's keeper pulled off a blinding save from close range, the crowd felt Wotton had a chance of getting back into this contest. Ben Kells and Jake Baker pushed up from the back to condense play in their opponents half but despite late efforts from William Streatfield and Joel Hamer (man of the match), whose long range strike hit the bar, it was not to be. Wotton should, however, take strength from their second half efforts today.

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Wotton Rovers Central U10s 6 - 0 Stratton U10s

Saturday 28 January 2006

A freezing wind blowing straight across the pitch was going to be a tough test for this match. The boys had a slow start, but less than five minutes in Wotton started their attack with a fierce determination. Davis was the first on the score sheet with a superb strike. Excellent play from winger Anthony and midfielder Watkins resulted in a goal for Watkins, the second of the half. Stratton's attempts to pull back were thwarted by tremendous defence from Brett and Whittaker, but nothing was getting past the safe hands of keeper Wagstaff. After the break came a fine goal from Farwell certainly placing the ball in the back of the net. Carey's passing and tackling were unstoppable, a real team player. Not much action for Stratton in the second half, resulting in Wotton's keeper Wagstaff just getting cold!!!

Man of the match Cameron Farwell

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Wotton Rovers Central U10s 4 - 2 Frampton Blues U10s

Saturday 14 January 2006

The opening minutes saw William Marsden (man of the match) pull off 3 class saves from Frampton's dangerous front men. Joe Guest then opened the scoring for Wotton with a characteristic dribbling display down the left crowned by a blistering shot. Frampton pulled level but James Lutton immediately restored the lead with a gutsy sliding effort. Luton replaced Marsden in goal for a second half that saw Wotton's defence of Ben Kells and Jordan Sims underline their solid understanding and composure. The tireless Jake Baker and the ever threatening Joel Hamer both came close but it was again Guest who extended the lead halfway through the second period. The points looked secure but Frampton bravely battled back scoring with a stylish move through the centre before Marsden's striker's instincts settled the matter and the points on 40 minutes. With the prospect of William Streatfield's and Richard Knot's return to bring the squad to full strength things are looking promising for 2006!

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Avonvale U11s 4 - 0 Wotton Rovers Central U10s

Saturday 14 January 2006

From the start Wotton were fired up to give Avonvale a tough game. Five minutes in, despite valiant efforts from defenders Brett and Carey, Avonvales's first goal found the back of the net. An early injury forced Whittaker's substitution with Watkins coming on making his debut appearance in defence. Two more goals soared past keeper Wagstaff who quickly vindicated himself with a spectacular save just before half time. Avonvale kept up the pressure and finished the half 4-0 up. Kendall made several breaks but the support just was not there to finish off the run. Another sensational save from Wagstaff and extra pressure from Davis and Farwell could not break Wotton's duck. Anthony's magnificent shot had the watching fans sure it was going to put the home side on the score sheet, but the ball soared, just outside the goal post. A disappointing score but Wotton held their head's up and kept on going.

Man of the match Connor Davis

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Wotton Rovers (Central) U10s 7 – 0 King Stanley (Blues) U10s

Saturday 8 October 2005

“How would Wotton react to their cup defeat the previous weekend?” was the question on everyone’s lips. And it was answered most emphatically. Ben Kells captained the side to an impressive victory that included hat tricks for both Joel Hamer (man of the match) and William Marsden. William Streatfield and James Luton, who provided Wotton’s other goal, completely controlled the midfield. Joe Guest showed his all round utility playing as centre forward, in the heart of midfield and even at the back. That allowed Jordan Sims to enjoy a rare - and almost fruitful - spell up front. Wotton’s defence was rarely troubled. It was not surprising that Jake Baker, who kept goal in the absence of Richard Knot, should complain of having little to do. Wotton’s terrific performance led to celebratory singing from a section of the crowd made up of other Wotton Rovers players much to the approval of those on the pitch and to the delight of parents and coaching staff alike!

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Rodborough Rangers U10s 1 – 2 Wotton Rovers (Central) U10s

Saturday 24 September 2005

Wotton started strongly in this preliminary cup-tie and it wasn’t long before Joel Hamer put them ahead with another trademark long-range blast. But that didn’t take the wind out of Rodborough who battled back. Wotton seemed to doze off and found themselves level following a terrific bottom right hand corner strike that gave keeper, Richard Knot, no chance. But Richard (man of the match) Knot and his defence of Ben Kells and Jordan Sims kept the sides level up to the break. Following strong words from their manager, Wotton were transformed in the second half. Domination in the middle of the park by William Streatfield, James Luton and Joe Guest followed which culminating in Jake Baker’s fine long-range shot that gave Wotton the lead. William Marsden (captain) kept his side composed and they held out to earn themselves a next round tie against their training partners, Wotton Rovers South – an eagerly awaited contest that joint coach John Cullum may not have the stomach to watch!

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Frampton Youth (Blues) U10s 1 – 2 Wotton Rovers (Central) U10s

Thursday 22 September 2005

A hard fought contest saw Wotton come from behind to take the points and continue their early season progress. Seemingly unable to get out of their blocks, Wotton found themselves a goal down within five minutes and it could have been worse but for the valiant efforts of their talented goalkeeper, Richard Knott. That seemed to wake Wotton and, gradually, they began to take control. Joel Hamer with his trademark surging runs down the left beat his man time and time again providing searching crosses but no one was able to connect cleanly. The equaliser was, however, only a matter of time. James Lutton was credited with it following his well struck corner and a goal mouth scramble. Wotton’s winner was provided by Joel Hamer who found the top left with his long range effort. Frampton never looked like getting back into the game. Joe Guest just failed to double the lead during the second period when his brave, diving header just crept over the bar. Ben Kells and Jordan Simms continue to develop their considerable understanding at the back and the ceaseless industry and effort of Jake Bake and James Lutton is providing Wotton with midfield domination. William Marsden was awarded “man of the match” and it's hoped that the injury to Wotton’s influential midfielder, William Streatfield, will not prove serious. Two on the trot – keep going Wotton!

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Longlevens Blues 1 – 3 Wotton Rovers (Central) U10s

Saturday 17 September 2005

Wotton grabbed the lead within two minutes with a top corner strike from their centre forward William Marsden. Constant pressure followed and their second was only a matter of time. It came after twelve minutes from Joe Guest who drilled the ball home. Longlevens fought back and, with a good break down the left, halved the deficit. Wotton’s captain, Jake Baker gathered his team and, during the second half, Wotton never looked like conceding. Ben Kells, Jordan Sims and goalkeeper Richard Knot maintained an organised defence and gave a particularly assured display during the second half. Strong runs from Joel Hamer and James Luton down each flank tested the opposition throughout the second half and William Marsden sealed the victory with his second and Wotton’s third. William Streatfield’s strong display in the heart of midfield earned him “man of the match”. There is a long season ahead but today’s display built on the promise shown in last Thursday’s opening game – keep it up Wotton!

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Ebley U10s 2 – 1 Wotton Rovers (Central) U10s

Thursday 15 September 2005

A superb game of attack and counter-attack! Wotton kept up constant pressure throughout the first half keeping play mainly at the Ebley end. A nicely worked Ebley breakaway saw Wotton behind only for William Streatfield to draw Wotton level finishing off a flowing move involving the whole team and across the length of the pitch. The sides remained level to half time until Ebley snatched their winner halfway through the second half with a fine long range strike. Joel Hamer and Joe Guest each provided an assured display whilst Jake Baker claimed man of the match for Wotton. A game Wotton didn’t really deserve to lose but which suggested real promise of success for Wotton during the season ahead.