Caister School

Caister School

The Link

Risden Wood 0-0 Elsenham

Elsenham Rec

Elsenham 0-8 Markhall

Church Langley

Langley Colts Mustangs 3-2 Elsenham

Matthew, Thomas

Both teams started well and were of an even match, but Matthew came up from defence and scored the opening goal from an uncleared corner after 10 minutes play. Mustangs fought hard to breakdown the Elsenham defence, which held until half time.

The second half continued as the first, but Mustangs managed to score after several minutes. The determination showed with Elsenham and Thomas managed to run through on goal & shoot a low ball into the corner.Injuries were to follow for both Louise and Aston which left the defence slightly weakened , and although Lewis fought off several attempts Mustangs pulled level with 10 minutes to go.Play was again fairly even, but Mustangs took the upper hand and scored the winning goal .

Player of the match was awarded to Matthew.

Well played everybody a great great effort.

Elsenham Rec

Elsenham 6-1 Stansted

Matthew, George, Joshua x 2, Thomas x 2

Both sides worked hard for the first goal, taking possession and moving on goal. It was fairly even play when in the 15th minute a ball kicked by Stansted JFC into the Elsenham Youth defence was picked up by Matthew. Matthew moved forward and without challenge pursued the ball half-way into the Stansted JFC end and then had a kick on goal. This was Matthew at his best providing a fast and powerful shot which found the back of the net. Elsenham Youth, buoyed with confidence put in continued effort. A momentary lapse by Stansted JFC gave Elsenham Youth a free kick from just outside the area. George, with his sharp kicking put the ball directly in goal in the 24th Minute.
Score at half-time: 2-0.

In the second half Elsenham Youth provided some attacking play and just 2 minutes in Joshua kicked on goal from left field. The ball bounced from the post and the Stansted JFC goalkeeper couldn't recover it before Thomas managed to ensure the ball crossed the line.
Elsenham Youth continued and had more chances at goal with Joshua scoring twice in the 33rd and 45th minutes. With 4 goals against Stansted JFC they never relented and Elsenham found the ball in front of the Elsenham Youth goal mouth. With some scrappy play the ball wasn’t cleared and Stansted JFC scored.
Elsenham showed relentless energy and Thomas scored just 3 minutes forms the end.

Final score at full-time: 6-1.

Well done to all the team. This match required a lot of effort and it eventually paid-off with a good result. This was Elsenham Youth U9s at it most energetic. More “Smarties” please.

POM: Matthew.

Church Langley

Langley Colts Stallions 7-0 Elsenham

The match started with a quick attack from LCS and Elsenham Youth on the defence. For several minutes the play involved a number of corner kicks that Elsenham Youth defended well or the LCS kicks were slightly off target. Turning the game slightly Elsenham Youth fought back with moves on the LCS goal. Aston worked hard together with the mid-field/defence to recover the ball and keep the play as further down pitch. LCS scored and then continued to put pressure on the Elsenham Youth defence with well-sequenced passing down the pitch. Elsenham Youth didn’t give up and the score at half-time was 1-0.

The second half saw some substitutions in mid-field to bring additional energy, but the team as a whole did not look as active as before half-time. LCS continued the pressure and scored several times with lapses in Elsenham Youth concentration. Despite best efforts, Elsenham Youth suffered some inevitable loss of confidence as it was felt the score didn’t reflect well. Regaining energy and form Elsenham powered back and Thomas and Aston had a couple of shots on goal.

All in all, Elsenham Youth played hard and this showed. We played well co-ordinated team which made it difficult for Elsenham Youth respond in return – something we know we are capable of.

A good effort by all. The final score of 7-0 perhaps didn’t reflect how well we did.

POM: Aston

Elsenham Rec

Elsenham 3-0 Harlow Town Reds

The last time Elsenham Youth played Harlow Town Reds we were still feeling newly formed with 2 new players (Joshua & Luke). It was October 2007 and we lost 3-0. Over the next few months Elsenham Youth has grown in strength and capability and it was with a new approach that we played Harlow Town Reds at home.

In the first half Elsenham Youth held a strong defence (Elliott and Louise) with a flexible midfield of Luke, Joshua and Matthew. Together with Thomas up front Elsenham Youth gradually eased into good game play (perhaps a bit quicker next time guys!) with attacking play. With such attempts the ball often came back quickly and occasionally a ball was placed on target with Lewis to the rescue. A hair-raising moment came when an Elsenham Youth hand-ball in the penalty area meant Harlow Town Reds had a shot on goal with a penalty. The shot was powerful, high and central, but on-target. Lewis pushed out his hands and tipped it over and behind – to the delight of the supporting crowd and team. The game was nil scoring at half-time.

With fresh players joining in the second-half (Ryan, George & Aston) Elsenham started keenly and with a break on goal Aston put a shot in the back of the net within 2 mins of the starting whistle. With the same play as the first half, the ball was moving on both end of the field. 10 mins into the second-half Elsenham was awarded a corner kick and with a high lob from George, Thomas got his head on the ball and scored in what was a professional-looking goal. Desperate not to concede any goals Elsenham Youth worked hard. An accidental pass-back to the Elsenham goalkeeper awarded Harlow Town Reds with a free kick on goal – ably deflected by the wall. In a similar transgression just 5 mins from the end Elsenham Youth was awarded a free kick on goal. Taken by George he kicked the ball powerfully and low, shooting past all players and into the goal.

Everyone contributed to an excellent effort and result today. Well done.

Score at full-time: 3-0.

POM: Lewis.

Stonnards Hill

Epping 3-1 Elsenham

Joshua

With a diminished squad size due to holiday, injury and absenteeism, 7 EYFC U9 players went to Stonard’s Hill to play Epping Youth U9s.
With a highly motivated start Elsenham Youth played into strong sunlight on an uncharacteristically warm February Sunday.
From the start, Epping Youth put on the pressure and Elsenham Youth found themselves protecting their goal from a series of corner kicks. Epping Youth managed that rarest of kicks, where the ball goes straight in the goal. Score 1-0 after just 3 mins.
Elsenham Youth bounced back and made a number of forward moves passing and moving forward as recently practised. With one such move the ball was 15 yards out when Josh placed a powerful shot into Epping’s goal.
Having the equaliser after just 6 mins both teams battled for the remainder of the first half. Elsenham Youth applied determined defence from Louise and Elliott (together with the midfielders) with Epping occasionally finding room and taking powerful shots on goal. Many went past their intended target but Lewis caught or tipped the remainder out in an excellent display of goalkeeping skill.
Score at half-time: 1-1.

In the second half, Elsenham Youth showed a brief moment of tiredness and despite the advantage of having the sun behind them defended a number of attacks on their goal. Despite the powerful shots, Epping managed another goal with an easy tap on goal. Elsenham Youth never gave up and used their defence and then run on break to their advantage. Aston making at least two attempts on goal, though saved by the Epping goalkeeper. The Elsenham midfielders (Luke, Josh and Thomas) gave superb support in what was a demanding role.
3 minutes before the end, Epping got another goal. Elsenham Youth continued, the tiredness showing but never giving the impression of stopping.
Score at full-time: 3-1.
Verdict: An excellent performance by the team. They gave their all.

POM: Elliott.

Elsenham Rec

Elsenham 1-2 Waltham Abbey

Aston

Elsenham Rec

Elsenham 2-1 Harlow Town Whites

Thomas Blake 2

With what was a very muddy pitch and a strong prevailing wind Elsenham Youth and Harlow Town Whites commenced their second match (The previous score being a win to HTW of 5-3).

Elsenham Youth made some impressive moves on the HTW goal with good possession and passing. HTW played a more physical game which Elsenham Youth had to adapt to. Playing into the wind was harder for Elsenham and a distinct advantage for HTW who scored in the first half. Score at half-time: 0-1.

With determination and the wind advantage Elsenham Youth kept up the pressure and Thomas found an opportunity in front of the HTW goal equalising the score to 1-1. With added resolve Elsenham never relented on the pressure and 7 mins from full-time Thomas again found an opportunity putting away a powerful shot into the HTW goal. With just minutes to go, HTW made the extra effort to equalise and Elsenham Youth to maintain the score. Final score 2-1.

An excellent result for the team. This was hard work but well-directed in effort and the results show for it.

Player Of Match: Luke

Church Langley

Langley Colts Trojans 2-1 Elsenham

Joshua Forsyth

With what proved to be a muddy and sticky pitch Elsenham Youth started the match with Langley Colts Trojans on a fairly even footing. With an early goal to LCT after 5 mins Elsenham Youth played to maintain possession and capitalised on mistakes from LCT - mainly as a result of mis-passing and the ball not going far on the sticky pitch.
Tiring after 21 mins LCT scored again and the score was 2-0 at half-time.

In the second half both teams battled for possession and strikes on goal. Aston was brought down by the LCT goal area and was duly awarded a penalty. Aston's penalty kick was hampered by the mud and was caught by the LCT goalie.

Within 2 minutes of the penalty Elsenham Youth advanced with crosses between all forward players. With some confusion in front of goal Joshua managed to put enough power on the shot to make the score 2-1.

Frantic to equalise Elsenham Youth continued. With Joshua returning to play within the last 4 minutes of play Elsenham tried to equalise - but it was not to be.

A good match with both sides playing well. Thomas, George and Joshua coming off to recover after minor injury - it was tough.

POM: Thomas

Elsenham Rec

Elsenham 3-1 Saturn

Thomas Blake, George Greenhalgh 2

Two goals from George Greenhalgh helped Elsenham secure only their second league win of the season over a hard-working Saturn side. The opening half was a very tight affair, with neither team able to create a clear cut chance. However, after a goalless opening period, the game opened up after the break and the home team took advantage when Thomas Blake got on the end of a cross from the right to open the scoring. Elsenham continued to press and almost got a second when Aston Bowden played a one-two with Blake to go through on goal but his shot just missed the target. However, the second goal finally came when Greenhalgh found the net for the first time in the game. With five minutes remaining, Saturn grabbed a lifeline with a goal that was very well finished into the top corner. However, Elsenham responded when Greenhalgh lashed home a 20-yard free kick to make the game safe.

UG Social Club

Saturn 1-1 Elsenham

Joshua Forsyth

Home

Elsenham 4-2 Risden Wood

Aston Bowden, Thomas Blake, Joshua Forsyth, George Greenhalgh

Excellent result. Well done team.

Player of the match: Lewis

Markhall School

Markhall Youth 2-1 Elsenham

Joshua

Elsenham Youth played the first half with a strong defence and kept Mark Hall Youth at bay for the first half. Moving from a defensiveness game, mid-field support became more energised and gave the strikers a few attempts on goal. Score at half-time was 0-0.

In the second half, action was reminiscent of the cup game 2 weeks ago with Mark Hall and the home team scored within the 3rd and 4th minute. After a quick re-organisation Elsenham again kept Mark Hall at bay and then found the confidence to take the play up the field. Aston kicked on goal and with the goal keeper fumbling the ball nearly went in through his own legs. With 7 minutes from full-time Joshua (playing left-mid) picked up the ball and from outside the box and placed a powerful shot, high over the heads of the defence and into the net. Buoyed with energy Elsenham kept up the play with attack. Some lapses meant the defence had to work hard and Lewis made some accurate saves.

Well done Elsenham Youth. Our form is improving every week.

Player of the match: George.

Elsenham Rec

Elsenham 0-1 Langley Colts Mustangs

Markhall School

Markhall Youth 8-0 Elsenham

This was Elsenham Youth U9’s quarter-final Cup Match, having received a ‘bye’ in the first round.

Firstly, the turn-out was poor. With some absence pre-arranged, the rest was not, and Elsenham Youth set themselves to play with a smaller than normal squad. The Manager’s email is explicit “Let me know if you cannot be there”.

Against the mighty Mark Hall the match commenced. Once in a while it would appear that all the training and coaching comes together - and this was the day. With excellent positional play Elsenham Youth was strong; playing a significant part of the first half in the home team’s half. With good mid-field play Elsenham Youth maintained possession with breaks on goal by Thomas, Joshua and George and supported by Luke.

Strong defence came from Matthew and Louise with Matthew ensuring midfield was well supported. Mark Hall scored half way through the first half and with an own-goal and a goal just before half-time the score of 3-0 didn’t seem to reflect the strong play from Elsenham Youth.

The second half started as often we do, without energy and Elsenham Youth conceded 4 goals within 8 minutes. A quick substitution with George up front and Louise back-on to assist Elliott Elsenham Youth prevented any further goals until the 48th minute. Getting tired our breaks on goal were fewer but still there with continued effort by the team. Our goalkeeper Lewis got his hands on a number of on-target shots doing well for his full-time in goal.

In summary, an excellent game with a superb first-half; something Mark Hall didn’t expect. Losing form slightly and then recovering in the second half Elsenham Youth ought to be proud.

All the coaching given teaches the importance of good positioning, possession, movement and passing, and this is what the team managed on Sunday. Can we now see the importance of this message and keep it up!

Player of the match: Thomas – for his outstanding effort.

Bentfield End

Stansted Juniors 2-2 Elsenham

Aston Bowden 2

This match was one where Elsenham Youth U9 had an expectation of an even game and hopefully our first win.
In the first half Elsenham showed a formidable defence and was able to support the midfield and strikers to move and shoot on goal. Elsenham managed to get several shots at the goal; some on target and some with force – but not both. In the 12th minute Stansted scored and with Elsenham 0-1 down tried to recover.

In the second half a determined Elsenham Youth scored in the 8th minute with a fantastic and precise cross from Joshua landing at the foot of Aston who put it in the back of the net. With ball possession swapping regularly Elsenham again used its strong defence to place the ball up front. One such attack on goal had Aston battling with one of Stansted’s defenders and Aston got it in (via an OG). Elsenham in the lead at 1-2.

Elsenham conceded a goal in the 17th minute and the score remained static until the end: 2-2.

Player of the match: Louise

Elsenham Rec

Elsenham 0-12 Langley Colts Stallions

With an energetic start Elsenham kept an even game against Langley Colts Stallions. Despite a couple of goals against Elsenham, the team continued, with several gains of possession and taking the ball to the away team’s goal.
By half-time the score was 0-5. Langley Colts Stallions had shown themselves to be good in set play with their corner-taking, with Elsenham giving corner kicks whilst under pressure.
The second half started well again. Langley Colts Stallions maintained their play and Elsenham worked hard to gain possession, again with frequent and fast moves on goal. With some tiredness and loss of form as Elsenham did most of the running the final score was 0-12.
In summary, Elsenham worked hard and gave the away team a solid match.
Player of the match: Louise

Tanys Dell School

Harlow Town Red 3-0 Elsenham

This was the first League match with new players Joshua and Luke (welcome to both). Elsenham started in good formation with equally strong play from both sides. Despite a goal from Harlow Town Red, Elsenham continued a flowing match with several runs on goal and good defensive play when called for. It was a tiring first half.

In the second half Elsenham stepped up the pressure with more attacking play. Harlow Town Red kept their defence but Elsenham continued with several shots on goal. With both sides keeping up the pressure Harlow Town took advantage of a momentary lapse in Elsenham’s defence and put in a goal, making the score 2-0.

Elsenham came back with some (well practised) moves up pitch with some good movement between Elliott, George and Joshua. Again, more shots on goal (George and Luke).

The final score: 3-0.

In summary Elsenham played a strong game. We need those goals which have so far eluded us. Well done to all. Special mention goes to Aston and Thomas who worked so hard together, Louise and Lewis for their combined defensive work, George for his tireless running and Luke for his quick integration.

Player of the match: Joshua for his determined play in mid-field.

Town Mead

Waltham Abbey 4-1 Elsenham

Thomas Blake

Elsenham went in with a flying start as Thomas scored the first goal within 2 minutes from a corner kick – the ball directed straight in! Buoyed with confidence the greens played very well with flowing football and several attempts on goal.
There was the occasional lapse and Waltham Abbey managed to place a few shots on goal, ably defended by Elliott. Elsenham remained in the lead ay half-time.
In the second half, Waltham Abbey tried desperately to level the score and Elsenham defended well, with the mid-field being able to get the ball to the front to take the ball back to the opposition’s goal.
Sadly, with energy levels running low, Waltham Abbey scored in the 20th minute, with 3 further goals going in before the end of the game.
Final score 4-1.
This was one of those situations where the team worked hard and maintained a deserved lead for the majority of the match, the final score not reflecting on what had gone before. Well done team!
Player of the match: Elliott – for his outstanding effort in goal.

Elsenham Rec

Elsenham 1-8 Epping

Aston Bowden

Elsenham started well against Epping - who are identified as one of the strongest teams in the League. With strong defence from Louise and Lewis, there were occasional runs on goal with Aston and Thomas supported by George and Matthew in mid-field. With flowing play with Elsenham, Elliott saved some attempts on goal but eventually Epping scored in the 7th minute. With a slight loss of confidence two more went in at 9 and 10 minutes before Elsenham rallied and kept the play strong. With a confident goal by Aston in the 22nd minute the score at half-time was 1-3.

The second half started and with goals in the 2nd and 4th minutes and Elsenham needed to rally which they did. With the team tiring a little Elliott was brought back to support the defence leaving Ryan (L) to keep the mid-field. Ryan (AS) stopped many attempts on goal but some just got through as Epping took advantage when they could.
The final score was 1-8. I think all will agree that Elsenham worked really hard and showed that we are working better as a team every time we play. Well done.

Player of the match was awarded to Louise for her hard and good work in defence.

Katherines School

Harlow Town White 5-3 Elsenham

Aston (28m, 32m)

EYFC U9 started the match as last week with energy and commitment. Pressure was put on Harlow Town Whites from an early stage and this resulted in Harlow Town conceding an early own-goal. The opposition fought back and the play was evenly matched with Harlow Town Whites managing a goal and then another just before half time.

Determined to get the equaliser Aston scored a great goal equalising the scores just 3 minutes into the second half. Aston then scored again just 4 minutes later putting EYFC 3-2 ahead.
With some tired play towards the very end, Harlow Town Whites scored twice putting them 5-3 ahead.

A good effort by all. Special mention goes to George who went back on after sustaining a hard kick to the knee, and to Aston who was awarded player-of-the match.

General Loss of Etiquette. EYFC have often been identified as being a fair and sporting side to play. Today there was some confusion over playing duration and this caused some adverse comments towards the referee which should be refrained from. This, coupled with the alleged swearing by the referee towards one of the EYFC players only added to what I have called ‘loss of etiquette’. This was one match I would like to put behind us.

Home

Elsenham 0-6 Langley Colts Trojans

EYFC U9 started the match with great form, showing good team play. Langley managed some strong shots at goal and these were expertly deflected by Elliott in goal. Apart from the occasional break by Langley there was strong defensive work by Louise, Lewis and Matthew. Co-ordinated defence and attack came from Aston, Thomas, Ryan (Lee) and George. A goal in the last few minutes of the first half put Langley 2-nil ahead.
The second half started less favourable for Elsenham with a less co-ordinated approach and and own-goal. With Ryan (AS) subbed on to give some much needed new energy the team still looked tired from the first half and Langley capitalised by trying frequent shots at goal.
The final score was 6-nil to Langley.

Player-of-the-match: Thomas.

In summary, Elsenham showed themselves to be formidable at the start which is a promising start to the season. Some better tactics to conserve energy and we'll be getting results.

Cherry Hinton, Cambridge

This was the team's first set of games together. Losing all 3 matches the scores were:
Teversham Terriers (3-nil)
Bottisham (1-nil)
Cherry Hinton Lions (4-nil)

Despite an uneasy start in the first match the team rallied by the second match and started to show form and flow with the game. With only 1 goal against us we made a break at the opposition's goal; Thomas' shot rebounded off the post and eventually Louise managed to put the ball in the back of the net. The goal was disallowed as the referee claimed to have blown the final whistle. The end result being a little unfair. By the 3rd match we had identified Cherry Hinton Lions as the strongest team by far and we gave them a very solid game, losing goals only really on their ability to take opportunities ands shoot from a distance – something for us to learn.

All-in-all a good start. Let's keep up the practice and keep the concentration!