ROYAL MAIL

                                                NOVEMBER 06

 

NEWSLETTER

 

CLUB NEWS

 

Congratulations to Deane and Tony from our Under 13’s for passing their level one training course!!

 

 

TEAM NEWS

 

SENIORS – MANAGER JOHN FORDHAM

 

12th Nov Essex Royals V Bromfords Reunion Away

On a dry, sunny yet chilly morning, the return league match with our biggest rivals Bromfords, took place after they earned the bragging rights after beating us earlier in the season at home. The pitch was on such a sideways slope mountain goats would have felt more at home with. After both teams showed their respect in a minute silence the game couldn’t have started worse for us, on 2 mins a 50-50 crunching tackle left Matt Ellis writhing on the ground clutching his right knee, after some first-aid and waving of the magic sponge at him he was back in the thick of things within minutes. The injury didn’t seem to bother him as on 12 mins he made a lovely jinking run dropping his shoulders to calmly score past their keeper.  Shortly after the kick off Matt went into another challenge but this time he wasn’t as lucky as the first time & he had to be carried off with David Smith replacing him, we battled against a well organised Bromfords side desperate to equalize but we managed to keep them out then on 24 mins a break away saw Michael Hardy(Mags) extend our lead to 2-0 with a wonderful solo effort. But Bromfords were not to be denied, after 27mins they pulled a goal back direct from a free kick. Immediately Mags just put an effort wide then 5 mins later Daniel Cann had a fizzing shot scream just over the bar, so we went into the interval 1-2 up. The second half started as the first ended with Bromfords peppering our goal but our keeper Ben Hinton made some good stops to keep the score as it was, then from another breakaway on 63 mins James Butler beat the offside trap to score a well taken goal to extend our lead, we immediately made a tactical switch by bringing Dave Smith off and replacing him with Grant Staines, soon after that a crisis hit royals, Jamie Fordham one of our mid-field dynamos  picked up a calf injury , then captain Stuart Hunt got cramp in both legs, not bad for a man straight back after a 2 week lay-off due to an injury to his knee, we substituted Stuart and brought on Alex Hiles, so we switched Jamie to forward Grant to left midfield & Mags to centre midfield & tried to hang on, Bromfords battered our defence, with wave after wave of attacks, then on 73 mins they got a goal back, we had a couple of breakaways but the on 86 mins Bromfords equalized & their supporters went wild.

So the game ended 3-3, I’m sure if you asked Bromfords they would say that was their hardest game this season as they have been banging 5 & 7 goals past their opposition. We left feeling we should have won but on reflection if someone had offered us a draw before the game we would have settled for that, well done to everyone a brilliant effort.

 

TEAM:

B.HINTON, K. SULLIVAN, R. CREEK, L. STOKES, M. ELLIS, A. HISLOP, J. FORDHAM, S. HUNT, D. CANN, J. BUTLER, M. HARDY. SUBS: D. SMITH, A. HILES, G. STAINES

 

19th November Essex Royals v Fusion

This Sunday junior trophy cup match was played on a bright but chilly morning, our squad of 20 was narrowed down to 10 due to injuries, holidays and ailments, a last minute call to the injured Kim Sullivan saved our blushes, so we eventually started with 11 men, 2 with flu, 1 injured and hobbling around, so getting players playing in their correct position was in the end our down fall, we were without our 2 main strikers Dan & Mags and our midfielder Jamie who was out with a broken leg & Matt out with an injured knee. We started playing an uncommon for us 4 4 2 formation but we soon reverted back to our usual 3 2 3 2 formation. The first 2 minutes looked surprisingly promising for us but then the landslide started, they scored on 2, 27, 29, 40 mins. We didn’t have much to retaliate with, it took most of our energy keeping the score down to 4-0 at half time. The second half started much the same as the first, we looked positive for 2 mins then they woke up and they scored on the 47, 50, 56, mins then a shock occurrence, on 72 mins a breakaway and some lovely passing which we hadn’t done all match saw our super sub striker Lol score a beauty, but they wasn’t finished and scored on 85mins then on 87 mins they scored their 9th. You could look at this report and think we were annihilated but considering who we were missing we didn’t do a bad job against a team a league higher than us & they did played some good football. I must mention some noticeable efforts, firstly Steve our new centre back without him it would have been so much worse, Kim a big thank you for playing with an injury, that’s commitment for you & Adam who has improved so much recently & Alex  our stand in forward , they all had a blinding match, well done. Congratulations to Fusion & good luck with the rest of their season, and we have a weekend off but we need to get organised as we play Dunton next week so im expecting a hatful of goals with the return of most of my squad, watch this space !!!!

 

UNDER 18’S – MANAGER JENNI WELLINGTON

 

Essex  Royals 0 - 0  Romford United County Cup - Lost 3 - 5 on Penalties

I will confess that I was totally dreading this game.  We had a bye in the first round and then to have to face a semi-pro side in Romford brought back memories of my first ever county cup game when we lost 18 - 0!!  I thought it was going to be history repeating itself.  O me of little faith in my lads!!  They turned up, Ipod in one ear, mobile attached to the other while Mark is trying to talk didn’t instill anymore faith in me.  But how wrong could I have been.  They played probably the best I have ever been fortunate to witness.  Martin Sale, Jack Snelling, Ben Allison, Jake Wellington and Sam Greaves kept out or blocked every shot they had.  Ok they hit the woodwork a few times but the ball would not go in for them.  The rest of the team worked hard but we didn’t have many chances and we broke with the ball towards the end and I thought we could maybe just nick a goal but it wasn’t to be.  A great team effort and if we could pull off that type of performance every week give me five years and we could be in the premiership!! 

 

Essex Royals 0 - 7 Wilburn Wanderers, League Cup

After pulling off the draw of the season, I had real high hopes, but any hopes of being in the premiership in five years went down the drain.  From playing the best I had seen we probably played the worse I had seen. And against 10 men the win should have been in the bag. Being a West Ham supporter, you’d think  I’d now how fickle this game of football can be. A complete disaster!!

 

 

UNDER 16’S - MANAGEMENT TEAM - TONT LEVERETT, TRACY BONNER AND ALAN MATHESON

 

22/11/06  Essex Royals Under 16’s 4 -2Aveley Youth

We had a later kick off today at 13.30 against Aveley Youth and we started brightly, but was unfortunate to go 1 down after 10 minutes, but to give the boys credit they kept battling, but we let in a sloppy second goal, and just before half time James Driver pulled one back. Darren Newman came on for Jack Lynch but within 10 minutes Jack Lynch was back on the pitch as James Driver had an arm injury. The switch was a good one as Dean Etchells scored and soon after Darren Newman and then Dean Etchells got his 2nd to wrapped up a good win.

 

5/11/06  Barnston Youth - 3-2 Essex Royals County Cup

A tough game against a quality side, we went 1-0 up and ended the 1st half  1-1. Added to this we lost 2 players  just after half time to prior engagements. A change of goalie had to happen and we went down 2-1, but then he was taken off injured and another injured player had to take his place! And this was his 1st game for Essex Royals…. welcome Mike. Now down to 10 men we then got an equaliser .. A proper cup tie!! We missed a penalty in the dying minutes of  normal time. Unfortunately in extra time we conceded the losing goal despite a change of position, mention has to be made of Rorie Bonner terrific efforts up front. Goals scored by James Driver and David Vinas.

 

12/11/06 Ockendon Rhinos 3-6 Essex Royals

Lovely football and the boys seemed to be loving playing it. We went 5-0 up in the 1st half but then in the 2nd half they went to pieces and lost the 2nd half 3-1. it’s a funny old game!

Our goals came from James Driver, (2) Billy Curtis, Jack Tumbridge, Rorie Bonner and Dean Etchells.

 

 

19/11/06 Linford Wanderers 3-1 Essex Royals

As is getting a  pattern we played lovely football and still lost. We went 1-0 up but then the midfield fell apart and defence went missing and we lost 3-1. Our goal scored by David Vinas.

 

26/11/06 Thames sport  3-1 Essex Royals

We started very well being by far the better side playing some quality football. Trojans were however 2-0 up at half time totally against the run of play. We just seemed to lose confidence in front of their goal!

The 2nd half was a scrappy affair, our midfield were leaving huge gaps that Trojans fortunately didn’t penalise. After going 3-0 down we pulled back a deserved goal from Darren Newman and Trojans although a good side were flattered by the result. Special mention has to be made of  Lenny Wallis who had an outstanding game.

 

 

UNDER 14’S – MANAGER STEVE WILSON

 

24th September            Catford Park Royals 0  -  6 Essex Royals

4 goals from Dan McElvenny on his debut, Sam Brown 1, Sam McGrath 1.A great start to the season !

 

Man of the match – Dan McElvenny ( Striker ).

 

1st October           Thaxted Rangers 3  - 2 Essex Royals ( Essex Cup )

Despite being 0-2 down to a very good Thaxted team, the boys worked really hard to pull it back to 2-2 with goals from Dan McElvenny and Ryan Malster. We had opportunities to go on and win the game but unfortunately conceded with 5 minutes to go. Great performance !

 

Man of the match – Oliver Bright ( Defender ).

 

15th October            Essex Royals  1  -  5 Stanford Wanderers

Stanford are very good but we need to stop feeling intimidated by such teams. A consolation goal from Martin McClenaghan but a poor performance !

 

Man of the match – Matt Jackson  ( Defender ).

 

22nd October                 Essex Royals 0  - 4 All star Colts ( Fundraiser )

Performance or result not important !£ 900.00 raised for The Rebecca Ling Trust, with her brother Joe playing up front for the second half. Many thanks to the managers, players, and parents of All Star Colts U14’s for their co-operation and generosity. Many thanks to Essex Royals for their support,  thanks to the referee Cavan Carey who went home looking like drowned rat, and thanks to Russell at Trophyland for donating a fabulous winners cup. A great afternoon ( shame about the weather ).

 

29th October              Essex Royals 3  -  0 Catford Park Royals ( League cup )

A poor first half performance saw us come off at half time fortunate to be 0-0, after Jack Clarke had kept us in the game with a penalty save and others. In the second half the boys started playing and eventually won comfortably with 2 goals from Dan McElvenny and 1 from Sam Brown.

 

Man of the match – Kurtis Bonner ( Defender )

 

12th November              Essex Royals 2  -  1 Corringham Athletic

A great performance against a side we have never previously beaten. The boys controlled the game throughout with goals scored by Martin McClenaghan and Michael Cornwell ( his 1st for the club ). Corringham scored late and put us under pressure for the last 5 minutes but we held on for a much deserved victory.

 

Man of the match – Matt Jackson ( Defender ).

 

19th November               Linford Wanderers  2 – 1  Essex Royals

Another great performance against the top of the league team. We took the lead from an Oliver Bright penalty after Sam Brown was pulled down by the keeper. Linford levelled it before half time from a controversial corner, and then with the wind behind them, went on to win with a real fluke goal. We deserved something from this game.

 

Man of the match – Daniel Barber ( Defender ).

 

26th November               Stanford Wanderers  4   -  0   Essex Royals

 

A repeat of last week where we totally controlled the game first half but missed a hat full of chances and came off 0-0. Run out of steam second half but the score-line does not reflect the game. Cannot fault the effort and commitment, well done boys, keep performing and the results will come.

 

Man of the match –  Martin McClenaghan ( striker )

 

24th November          UNDER 14’s TOUR QUIZ NIGHT

 

Our quiz night was a great success and we raised approximately £ 400.Thanks to Karen, Lee, and Tracy for all their hard work. Thanks to Tony Patterson, the Quizmaster. Thanks to all who attended and supported the event – hope you enjoyed it !

 

The Under 14’s have booked a 4 day trip to Holland at the end of May 2007 and we hope to raise enough money for all 14 boys in the squad to go for free. Parents wishing to go will pay their own way.

I ask for parents of all squads to try to support the social events that we will put on to help raise this money. We are also running an Avon book if anybody is interested in making an order. Please contact Karen on 01268 735631. All commission earned will  go to the tour fund. If you or your company would be interested in sponsoring our tour in some way then please call me on the above number or 0771 2345294.

                                         

Thanks to all managers / parents for collecting Tesco sports vouchers.

I will inform you on the outcome.

 

 

UNDER 13’S MANAGERS LISA BROWN, DEAN MORRIS AND TONY BROWN

 

29/10/06 ESSEX ROYALS 7 - COOMBEWOOD 1
A good all round performance, never looked like losing this game. Well done boys. Hat trick from Matt Tumbridge, Tommy Morris and Mark Fawcett 2 goals each.

Man of the match Joe Brown

5/11/06 AVELEY COLTS 5 - ESSEX ROYAL 3
Not for the faint hearted this match. A sloppy first half saw us concede 3 silly goals followed a tremendous second half performance some fantastic tackling by Joe Brown seemed to lift the boys and we found ourselves back in the game and pushing to win the game with the score at 4 - 3. The boys
pushed and pushed for the equalizer but found themselves short at the back with only seconds remaining allowing Aveley to score again giving them a rather flattering victory. Goals from Mark Fawcett and Rhys Leach (2)

Man of the match - Joe Brown

12/11/06 ESSEX ROYALS 3 - OCKENDON GREEN 3 Report by Mike White
This was a close encounter between Essex Royals and Ockendon Rhinos. Ockendon dominated the opening stages going two goals ahead in the first 15 minutes with some excellent play from their speedy striker. With the score at 2-0 Royals conceded a penalty, which was neatly tucked, away by Rhinos, only for it to be retaken due to encroachment. At the second attempt the spot kick scraped the post and luckily for Royals went for a goal kick. This incident seemed to motivate Royals who were then awarded a penalty of their own a few moments later for a handball just inside the area. Mark
Fawcett stepped up with a well taken penalty and although the keeper managed to get a hand to it the power was too much for him and the ball struck the back of the net. Royals then equalised with an exquisite goal from Tommy Morris as he turned on the edge of the box and volleyed the ball over the
keeper and into the roof of the net. Both teams spurned numerous chances towards the end of the first half and in the opening period of the second half. Ockendon once again went ahead with a fortunate goal after a weak shot was deflected in off a Royals defender. A few minutes later Ryan Lench went on a marvellous run, beating the defender for pace and strength and squaring the ball for Mark Fawcett to round the keeper and slot it into the empty net. Ockendon had various chances to win the game with the striker blazing over when through on goal and an indirect free kick inside the penalty box, but Royals managed to hang on for a well-deserved point.

Man of the match Ryan Lench.

19/11/06 ESSEX ROYALS 1 - BELHUS COLTS 2 (CUP MATCH)
Coming up against a top team like Belhus was never going to be easy, but the boys acquitted themselves admirably some good football lead to some wonderful chances which on another day would've gone in. Very well played boys unlucky not to go through. Goal soccer Tommy Morris

Man of the match Joe Brown


26/11/06 THAMES SPORT 6 - ESSEX ROYALS 4
Having last played Thames Sport 3 years ago we really didn't know what to expect the formation was changed and a wonderful a wonderful 1st half performance saw us go to half time with a very deserved lead. Come the 2nd half we seemed to go to pieces somewhat and some very naïve defending saw
the game spiral out of reach which left both Deane and Tony scratching their heads and wondering just how we lost this one. More things to work on in training boys. We will get this right eventually.

Happy 13th Birthdays to

Brett Gillborn 18th November
Volkan Eryildiz 6th December

A big thank you to Dave Tumbridge for running the team for 2 weeks and Nikki Thorn for helping train the boys whilst Deane and Tony took their course.

 

UNDER 12’S – MANAGER CAVAN CAREY

 

Essex Royals v Cricketers Horndon 2-1

 

After a couple of heavy defeats and a greatly improved performance last week the boys had to get off to a good start, and they did! Great passing football, great team work and we didn’t have to wait long for our first goal, a great cross from Charley and great knock in from Adam Rex on his debut. The boys continued to play well with a few chances both end. HT 1-0 up. They continued the same way in the second half and with another great cross from Charley, this time finding Jake 2-0 up! But the Cricketers weren’t giving up and managed to pull one back. But the boys dug deep and after some great defending and keeping, managed their first win of the season! WELL DONE BOYS great football from all of you!!!

 

Corringham Cosmos 1 - 2 Essex Royals

The boys unfortunately didn’t manage to get off to the good start that they did last week and it wasn’t long before we went a goal down with number 2 following not long after, but the boys battled well against a very physical team and we managed to get to half time without conceding another goal. HT 2-0 down. They came out second half they played much better and managed to pull one goal back, scorer Adam Rex. It was one of them games where nothing goes for you. WELL DONE BOYS

 

Reports prepared by Tina Hall

 

UNDER 11’S - MANAGER ANDREW STEAD

 

Essex Royals 3 - 0 Brandon Groves
A hard fought victory for the boys. After 2 good wins the boys were on a high, and they showed another side of their football in this game. They dug their heels in and worked hard for the win. A first half goal from Ryan Watts put us in front at the break with the opposition having more of the ball. The second half however was a different story. With one great save and an amazing block Allen Vermuelen in goal and Jack Oliver on pitch had great games. The boys then got hold of game by the scruff of the neck and
after some good work by Danny Mansell on the right wing Tom Quinton put through his strike partner Charlie McCausland to make it 2 - 0. The game was ours and after a scrap in the box Tom Quinton made it 3 - 0.

 Essex Royals 3 -1 Wilburn Wanderers
Another gruelling game and the boys were the better team and got  the result. We went 1 - 0 up within 20 seconds after one of the best team goals I have seen from this team, a handful of good passes was complemented by a nice cross from Ryan Watts and was volleyed first time into the back of the net by Tom Quinton. Great, 1 - 0 up and the other team hasn't touched the ball!!! The second half started much the same going 2 - 0 up within minutes of the restart. Tom Quinton pouncing on a through ball for his
second. Shortly after Tom completed his first hat-trick for the club with another deadly finish. Just before the whistle Wilburn pulled a goal back but the game was already won. A brilliant defensive display from Ben Watson earned him Man of The Match.

Essex Royals U11s 1 - 3 Essex Royals U12s
A friendly match against boys a year older, a year stronger and a year more intelligent ( football wise ). These factors all showed but the boys battled hard and learnt a few lessons from this game. At 2 - 0 down the boys got one back and had the hope of a draw and pushed forward. The U12's made it 3 - 1 and game over. Nonetheless, well done boys you put up a good fight. And Man of The Match went to Allen Vermuelen for his first class display of his goalkeeping talents.

Essex Royals 1 - 2 Aveley Youth

The boys first defeat or the season was a close run game. We went 1 - 0 up from a great 20 yard wonder strike from Jake Hollowbread after some good battling by Charlie McCausland. The game was finely balanced up until the last 10 minutes when Aveley broke and after a good block by Allen Vermuelen in goal an unmarked player slided the ball home to make it 1 - 1. With minutes to go Aveley broke once more and made it 1 - 2 with a nice goal. We had the chances to go 2 or 3 nil up but it wasn't to be. A debut..... well, second debut from Lewis Parker who has rejoined the club after a year out. Man of The Match went to Jean-Marc Ah-Kye for a good defensive performance at right back.


UNDER 9’S - MANAGER LARRY MCKENCHIE

 

17/09/06    Great Wakering Tigers 0 – 5 Essex Royals

First game of the season what will it bring? Well after this game hopefully lots of good times ahead. A great all round performance from all the team, with first half goals from Josh, Tommy and Alfie. The second half started well and with a three goal lead Tom and Michael came on. It was not long before Tom made it four goals and soon after Josh finished a good run as usual down the right side to make it five. Well done to all the team for a fine performance.

 

Man Of The Match-   Jake Loades

 

 

24/09/06     Essex Royals 7 – 0 Forest Glade

We had never played this team before so were not sure what to expect, but they had lost their last game 14-0. The game began and well and after 5 minutes and plenty of chances the score was still 0-0. This game was there to be won, but that first goal took a good 10 minutes to happen, when finally Tommy found the back of the net. Soon after Tom, Alfie, Josh and Tommy with his second, made the score to 5 –0. The second half was mush the same for effort, and another wonder goal from left back Sonny to beat the goalie from a good 30 yards out. Then Tom got his second, Royals 7th. With all the boys making this a great team performance.

 

Man Of The Match-       Joshua White

1/10/06       Ashingdon Youth 3 – 2 Essex Royals

The Royals began well and took the lead through Alfie, but the half time could not come quick enough. After Alex Hart the new Royals goalie not having anything to do in the previous two games, he was now being tested, and the first half saw the boys trailing 2-1. Second half began much as the first had ended; not passing to each other and each player thinking they could do it alone. We soon conceded another goal. They did start to play harder, as they knew their goalie was under pressure. But it was sub Mitchell from a big (and I mean big) kick out from the defence, that found the back of the net. Both boys and spectators were stunned as much as Mitchell himself. Now the game was on, and with some good chances time just ran out .

 

Man of The Match-           Kai McKechnie

 

8/10/06 Essex Royals 0 – 2 Ekco Whitecaps

Having lost last week, this was real 6 pointer; we win we go top, they win they go top. Having practiced passing in at training on Saturday, Royals did just that and were playing good football. A weak corner was conceded and we were on the back foot, when the ball found its way into the net. A very good goal ended the first half. The Royals team showed good spirit rallying around a deflated goalie. On they went and, on another day may well have come back into the game, but it was not to be. Sonny showed today why he is the captain, with some good instruction to his team mates.

 

Man Of the Match -                Sonny Smith

 

15/10/06  Essex Royals 1 – 0 Hullbridge Sports

After losing the last two games the boys needed a lift. Meeting old friends Hullbridge united was a good start, always a close game and this one was no different. With 50/50 possession and chances both ends, Alex the Royals goalie made a great save just before half time. The second half began much the same end to end, then the goal came with some good team play creating space for Alfie to get the goal to gain the win. A good team performance.

 

Man Of The Match -               Alex Hart

 

21/10/06 ‘Kick the Racism Out of football Tourney’

Playing a tourney mid season gave some boys with less experience the opportunity to play; and play they did. Not conceding a goal and three penalties in our last round game, making it a penalty shoot out for 1st and 2nd place in the group, we didn’t quite make it to first. The semi- final was played out to a 0-0 resulting in another penalty shootout. This time each had 5 and it was level; now sudden death, Thurrock tigers scored and it was all eyes on the Royals player, unfortunately it was not to be. Finishing a good third, and all having a great day. The boys enjoyed having their photos taken with the FA cup and charity shield, and Sir Trevor Brooking (although may have helped if they knew who he was!!)

 

Player of The Tournament-                     Tommy Underwood

With a good all round performance

 

 

5/11/06 Essex Royals 4 – 1 Ashingdon Pumas

Another sunny day in Wickford. The boys got stuck straight in, with a good goal from Alfie Willmott from a cross by Jake Loades in from the left. This really set us up with Royals goalie Alex Hart having very little to do. Good 2nd goal for Alfie, with some great team work leading up to half time. Out they came 2nd half and were soon 3 up with Tom Dudley getting in on the score sheet from a close range shot. Alfie had not yet finished though and got his third of the match and Essex Royals under 9’s first ever hat trick. Only minutes to go and Ashingdon got a consolation goal, but the game was won.

 

Player of the Match -               Tom Dudley   “ Great Team Player”

 

12/11/06   Great Wakering Tigers 0 – 5 Essex Royals

‘TIGERS CUP’

Under 9’s 1st cup game took us to Great Wakering where we had started the season with a good win. As the game kicked off it was all Royals with the team pushing forward and soon we could see there were goals to be had.  The break came with a great corner in from the left taken by Kai, which was headed in by Alfie making it look easy. Then it was Josh’s turn a shot from mid range to make the score line 2 –0 at the break. The game restarted and soon Jake Loades, Tom Dudley (with his left) and Josh with his 2nd making this a pleasant cup outing. Good defending from Jake Collins sub, helped to keep the ball away from our goal. Well done all the Boys.

 

Player of the Match               Josh White ‘Becoming dependable’

 

19/11/06   Shoebury Youth 0 – 4 Essex Royals

 

With super star Jake Loades on his holidays and Tom Dudley on family duties, it was the turn of two new boys Ben Hammond and Matthew Lambert to step in. And, with a shift around the first half took time to settle down, but this they did and well. There were some chances for Alfie and Mitchell but without any success, the breakthrough came with a Josh cross and Matthew converting for his first Royals goal. Alex Hart, having taken part in the previous days goalie training, was not given much opportunity to use the skills, it is a shame they didn’t teach them how to keep warm, but we are not complaining! The second half started and with Sonny playing left wing in place of Jake, he soon began enjoying himself and got his reward with a well-earned goal. Then it was Matthews 2nd of the game. For the last 5 minutes Ben was pushed up front and, when a pass looked the better option he went for goal, ending the game 4 – 0 to the Royals. A good all round performance.

 

Player of the Match -       Sonny Smith ‘ A committed performance’

 

26/11/06       Hambro Colts 0 – 1 Essex Royals

After only 2 minutes into the game we could have been ahead, but the game soon became stretched end to end with only half chances for both teams. The winning goal came 5 minutes into the 2nd half when Royals were awarded a free kick and up stepped Sonny in with a powerful left foot heading for goal, Alfie finishing it off. Royals now had to do some defending in which all the boys doing just that, Alex the goal space his own. Alfie came closest for a 2nd, with a fine shot only for it to hit the cross bar. Mitchell Frost playing up front also having a fine game in a difficult role.

 

Player Of The Match-       Matthew Lambert 

Playing right wing in place of Josh (Saying at half time “I didn’t think I would have to run as much as that!”)

 

UNDER 8’S MANAGER MARTIN KIDD

 

Lions

 

Concord Rangers Lions  0 Essex Royals  3  - 24th September

Royals first league match of the season was against opposition from Canvey who they lost to 4 - 1 last season.  Goals from Lewis and 2 from Joe gave Royals a well deserved win with Assistant Manager Jason quoting ’they made it look easy’.  Joe was Player of the Match.

 

Essex Royals 4  Hamlet Court  0  - 1st October

Second in the East league Royals faced opposition who they had beaten 5 -1 and lost 6 - 0 to last season.  Birthday boy Jake was captain.  Royals dominated the first half scoring 4 goals, Lewis got the first, Joe and Joshua with 2 including a lob from 30 yards.  Royals could not increase the score line in the second half.  Player of the Match was Lewis.  Including a preseason friendly the Royals had gone 2 hours without conceding a goal and remained in second place.

 

Hawkwell Athletic Lions  5  Essex Royals  1  -  8th October

Royals never really got going in this fixture and were 2 - 0 down with only 5 minutes gone.  With emotions running high at half time and the score line 3 - 0, we did get a consolation goal from Joe before Hawkwell scored 2 more.  Royals missed out on the chance to go top of the table.  Joe and Joshua were named joint Players of the Match.

 

Essex Royals  0  Benfleet Villa Lions  2  -  5th November

This was Royals first game for 4 weeks and goals conceded in either half condemned us to another defeat.  Player of the Match was Ben who helped keep the score down with some fine saves.  Ben was also nominated Player of the Match by the opposition supporters and received a trophy from them to keep.

 

Essex Royals  1  Benfleet Youth Lions  3  - 12th November

During this game Royals started to play with more confidence.  Benfleet went 2 - 0 up, Joe pulled the score back to 2-1 before a long range powerfully hit strike sailed over Ben’s head into goal.  3 - 1 was not a true reflection of the game but this was our third defeat on he trot.  Joshua was Player of the Match.

 

Hullbridge Sports  1  Essex Royals  1  -  19th November

On a big pitch, with short grass Royals were hoping that they could get something from this game against opposition below them in the league.  However disaster stuck in the 2nd minute when a shot was deflected over Ben’s head and we were 1 - 0 down.  Royals then dominated possession but without really creating clear cut chances. As the game went on unlucky Royals had deflections go just wide, shots parried and well saved.  With only a couple of minutes remaining Royal finally got the equaliser that their play deserved with Joshua slotting the ball home from a cross, much to the delight of travelling fans and Manager. Having got the equaliser we nearly conceded, but Ben saved the day.  The losing run had come to an end.  Jake was Player of the Match who was superb throughout the game in a defensive role intercepting every attack that Hullbridge had.

 

Essex Royals  2  Rocket Lions  1  - 26th November

Royals were keen to build on last weeks draw and took an early lead when Lewis playing in a forward position slotted home following a fine passing break away move.  In the second half Royals were playing downhill with the wind behind them and hoped to press forward and score more goals.  However Rockets were applying more pressure and Ben was required to make many fine saves on the edge of his box, timing his runs to close the attackers down to perfection. Having been a hero, Ben unfortunately missed a long range shot which went through his hands and legs and into the net.  This spurred Royals on and another fine passing move allowed Joe to score his 6th of the season.  More heroics from Ben and Royals tasted victory for the first time since 1st October.  Ben was Player of the Match and the opposition Manager asked if Ben could be ill the next time we play them!  Ben did apologise saying ’Dad I thought I had my legs closed’.

 

I would also like to mention all the other boys who have played in the league team Yusuf, Tom, Samuel, Cameron and Teddy who have helped us accumulate 10 points and see us currently sitting 4th in the League.

 

Tigers

 

With 21 children turning up for training on a Saturday, a number of friendlies have been arranged to give them all a taste of football.  A volunteer to run the Tigers team on match days is required.

 

Essex Royals Tigers v Essex Royals Under 9’s Tigers  - 5th November

Larry’s Under 9’s tigers were the first opposition as the proposed opposition pulled out.  The Under 8’s took the lead in the first half but went on to lose.  The result was irrelevant as all the boys played really well in what was their first competitive match.  Nathan Reilly was Player of the Match.

 

Essex Royals Tigers v Billericay Colts B  - 12th November

Billericay proved to be very strong and physical and the fact they had played many times before made it extremely difficult for the Tigers in only their 2nd game.  Matthew was Player of the Match.

 

Essex Royals Tigers v Deaneswood Youth Lions  -  26th November

Playing against opposition in the under 8s 4th division, Royals gave a great account of themselves.  Although we were 2 - 0 down at half time, Royals continued to battle and had a couple of chances to score.  Deaneswood got third goal but a 3 - 0 defeat against a team sitting 7th in their league was a great result and performance.  Player of the Match was Ryan.

 

I would also like to mention all the other boys who have played in the Tigers team Bradley L, Bradley N, Charlie, Billy, Jordie, Jamie and George.

 

Training Award

 

23 September - Matthew

30 September - Nathan

14 October - Jamie

21 October - Joe

28 October - Billy

11 November - Cameron

18 November - Ryan

25 November - Charlie

 

Well Done to Teddy for winning the Skills Morning.

 

COLT’S CORNER - PETER MEAD AND CAVAN CAREY


We have a volunteer to take the under 7's forward! I'd like to thank Paul Catling and hope that some of the other parents will assist him during his introduction to youth football. Although he has some
previous, with his older son playing for Larry's under 9's.

Richard Catling is coaching the under 6's and I'm looking after the under 5's. Training with this separation is much better for the Colts, but obviously requires more helpers. Feel free to participate as its warmer than standing on the sidelines.

Luke and Connor continue to provide valuable support and are a big part of the Colts success, providing the club with the youth required to run a team in each age group.

Remember the last training session will be the 16th December, after which we break off to return on the 6th January 2007.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.


HATS FOR SALE

We have very stylish Essex Royals embroidered hats, they are royal blue with white writing, for sale at a mere £5, they are this seasons must have!!!!  See managers or social reps.

 

FOUTH COMING EVENTS

 

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Friday 29th December 2006 at Ramsden Heath Village Hall Colts to Under 9's 16:00 – 18:30, over 9’s 19:00 – 21:30. Food plus games with prizes to be won during Disco Contact Larry for details

 

 

Web site www.essexroyals.co.uk showing results, events, team news.