29 August 08 - 10:33NEW SEASON - 2009 / 2010 - NEW SEASON
ADMIN -
15 October 07 - 22:0613th October 2007 - Bulldogs v Sevenoaks Town Juniors
Team: James Smith, Jack Golding, Jesse Kavanagh, Callum Laddiman, Liam Newton-May, Joe Pickering, Curtis Wilton, Ben Winter, Bobby Wortley.
Bulldogs 3 (Joe, Curtis, Jesse) - Rovers 1
This was our first real home fixture of the season, the weather was dry and the pitches didn’t look too bad after The Club Development Officer lived up to his title and developed a dog mess free area, thanks for that Steve.
We had heard that Sevenoaks hadn’t had quite as good a start to the season as ourselves but having come across them before when they were Seal we knew that they would be strong and wouldn’t give up to the final whistle.
A strong start from the Bulldogs saw us applying pressure from the off and within 5 minutes we capitalised on the pressure with Joe hitting the back of the net from just outside the box, it wasn’t the cleanest of strikes but the keeper fumbled and we were all smiles with an early lead. Unfortunately this may have given us the impression that there were goals to be had by the dozen, which led to us losing our shape slightly. Sevenoaks seemed to be spurred into action with this and started to put some pressure on our defence however Jack and Ben remained steady as usual. Their breakthrough came from a free kick, admittedly it was a very well placed free kick but their goalscorer knew even less about the goal than our boys as it ricocheted off the back of his head into our net. HT 1 – 1
The second half began much as the first had finished, Sevenoaks continued to apply pressure with at least 2 or 3 chances which would have undoubtedly been put away if their forwards had a left foot between them. James was growing in confidence and on more than one occasion made himself as big as he could coming off his line to prevent Sevenoaks from taking the lead. We were beginning to look a little rattled and needed something to calm our nerves, that something came from Curtis with a spectacular header after Jesse’s great corner, this brought a smile to the refs face and I am sure I saw him muttering something about a chip off the old block. Our heads started to rise only for Bobby to injure his foot after another of his crunching tackles. By this time Callum had moved back to replace Ben at left back after he had also suffered an injury from a strong challenge, Callum carried on his good play from midfield at the back. Liam came back off the subs bench to continue his good work of winning the ball and holding it up until support arrived, this resulted in our 3rd goal after the ball was laid back and Jesse hit a powerful shot into the top of the net. Sevenoaks continued to battle but by now their heads were dropping and their challenges were becoming even more ragged.
Bulldogs 0 - United 0
The second Sevenoaks team came to us after they drew with Tonbridge in the first match. This match was basically a continuation of the first match, our passes were still falling short, probably a result of a bit of a sticky pitch, particularly after training on the astro turf on Thursday when the slightest touch sends the ball into the next county!! We continued to battle and try to move the ball but for some reason things just weren’t happening for us. All the boys contributed and fought a determined Sevenoaks side who manage to thwart any attacks we had. HT 0 –0
The second half was yet more of what was proving to be a very frustrating match, numerous Sevenoaks corners were kept out with an increasingly nervous crowd worried that the law of averages said that sooner or later one would creep in. Then a last minute break saw us come as close as either team had come to scoring only to be denied by their keeper. Full time 0 – 0
Overall these were good results considering the strength of the opposition and the fact that we were a long way from our best. However as Gary Lineker and the legendary giant of the modern game, Alan Shearer, often say on Match Of The Day, getting results when you’re not performing as everyone knows you can, is what makes champions champions!!
Things to think about for the next match; we need to get our heads up and make our passes quicker and keep our workrate high throughout. When we pass quickly and get the ball out wide there is no team better. It just shows the ability and desire within this team when some of the boys seemed a little down at the finish despite maintaining our unbeaten record.
Played 6 Won 4 Drawn 2 Goals For 12 Goals Against 3
As a footnote it was really great to see Chris Evans down at the club cheering on his team mates despite breaking his arm at Thursdays training, you can’t keep a good Argonaut down.
Jason -
15 October 07 - 21:52Bulldogs v Lingfield - 6th October 2007
Team : Jack Golding, Jesse Kavanagh, Callum Laddiman, Liam Newton-May, Joe Pickering, James Smith, Curtis Wilton, Ben Winter, Bobby Wortley.
The Bulldogs second fixture of the year saw them against Lingfield at the home away from home ground – The Racecourse in Tonbridge.
The boys seemed a bit sleepy to start, somewhat reflecting the lovely, Indian summer Saturday which greeted them that morning. They soon realised that slipping into their usual rampaging style would take a bit more determination as the first Lingfield team were up to the challenge, meeting the Bulldogs with tackle for tackle. This physical style of game, persisted to the end resulting in the 0 – 0 score line. But I must add, sadly, that the Bulldogs did not have the "rub of the green", especially from the referee. Liam was brought down one on one against the keeper which everyone watching thought was a clear penalty.
The second pairing of the day could have been much the same if there were not for Callum’s good feet and a couple of good finishes and as well as a spectacular long lob from Joe to put the match to bed.
The Bulldogs getting a 3 – 1 result!
Hopefully The Bulldogs will get a quicker start on Saturday as momentum always seems critical with matches only being 15 minutes long each way.
Jason -
21 September 07 - 22:4015 September 07 - Trojans v East Hoathly
Team: Max Webb, Charlie North, James Murray, Daniel Lewis, Cameron Fyfe, Harry Gillbanks, Sam Rowe, David Thomas, George Farrell.
Trojans 0 - Claws 0
It is a special day in every footballers year, the first match of the season and even more so when played on the haloed turf of Horam Rec. Rumours that the pitches had been prepared by Wembley’s head groundsman proved to be unfounded but a perfect surface (albeit with a slight slope) greeted the teams.
With our new found goalkeeping sensation (Max) and a rock solid defence (Charlie and James) confidence was in the air for this long awaited game. After an edgy start and a footwear malfunction from Daniel the game levelled to an even midfield battle with Sam leading the charge in his new found role. It was end to end stuff but the solid defensive pairing of Charlie and James ensured it remained 0-0 at half time. With fresh legs on from the bench and Cameron working hard all over the pitch, the Claws were put under intense pressure after the break. However despite rotating the midfield and attacking components of David, Sam, Harry, Cameron, Daniel and George there was no way through the Claws resolute defence. Even the increasingly slick passing interchanges couldn’t break them down. 0-0 the final result with Trojans on top at the end.
Trojans 3 (Max 2, David) - Talons 0
Needing a rest from the first game and David struggling with a cold we kicked down hill to try to gain the advantage over the opposition. Changes of keeper and attack were also made with Cameron donning the gloves and Max playing out on pitch. The change around quickly justified when after only a few minutes a passing move down the right produced a cross which was finished by Max. With confidence growing and a fair wind the East Hoathly defence were hanging on with James pushing from the back, Harry and George in the mix we were unlucky to be only 1 up at half time.
The lads continued in the second half where they left off and a Sam inspired performance led to two quick goals by David and Max. This allowed the coaches to relax and swap the midfield and defence round allowing the entire squad to feel the ball at their feet.
A great all round performance over the two games and unbeaten! Well done to all Trojans and I feel many more victories are to come if they continue to play like this.
Jason -