simon hall : sheffield referee : referee views, help, downloads, beighton falcons, football views and opinions

Just like last season the match reports will appear for the new season.

I will include friendlies and then in September the season gets going.

Fixtures to Appear here

Fixtures 2008 - 2009 Season Table will be available in September

The table below includes friendlies

Date	U15 team	Score	MOM	Team rating
29/07/08	Mosborough jnrs (A)	W 7-1	Richard Minahan	6/10
21/08/08	BF U16's (H)	D 3-3	Ryan Hall	8/10
31/08/08	Brunsmeer Athletic (A)	D 4-4	Sam Kalejaye	6/10
02/09/08	Mosborough Jnrs (H)	W 4-1	Josh Freer	10/13

SEASON
07/09/08	Heeley Boys (H)	W 7-1	Alex Clarke	13/13
14/09/08	Woodhouse Juniors (A)	W 4-1	Michael Spence	8/14
21/09/08	Birks Holt (H) trophy pre lim	W 17-1	Zack Cawthorne	13/13
28/09/08	East Midland Utd (H)	L 1-2		8/13
05/10/08	Grenoside (A)	W 4-2	Adam Harrington	9/14
12/10/08	Outibridge Jnrs (A)	W 3-1	Alex Montisci Alex Clarke	7/15
19/10/08	Trophy 1st round Vs Grenoside (H)	W 7-3	Alex Montisci	9/15

26/10/08	Brampton Dynamoes (H)	D 1-1	Ryan Hall	11/15
09/11/08	Whiston Wildcats (A)	W 4-1	Michael Spence	10/15
16/11/08	Brampton Dynamoes (A) (Trophy)	W 4-3	Tom Bradley	hmmmm
23/11/08	HerringthorpeMillers (A)	L 5-1	Alex Montisci	7/15
30/11/08	Sheffield Six's (H)	D 3-3	Josh Freer	9/15
21/12/08	Bramley Sunnyside (A) (Trophy)	W 2-1	Richard Minahan	16/16
04/01/09	Grenoside (H)	W 3-1	Adam Harrinton	11/15
11/01/09	Outibridge (H)	L 2-1	Josh Bramall	10/15
18/01/09	Brampton Dynamo (A)	W 3-2	Dale Ledger	11/13
01/02/09	Whiston Wildcats (H)	L5-1	Josh freer	8/13
08/02/09	Herringthorpe Millers (H)
15/02/09	Sheffield Six's (A)
22/02/09	Dronfield Town (H)	W 3-2	Alex Clarke	12/14
01/03/09	Worksop Town S/F Trophy	W 1-0	Samuel Kalejaye	12/15
08/03/09	Dronfield Town (A)	L 8-2	Richard Minahan	5/14
15/03/09	Heeley Boys (A)
22/03/09	EMU's (A)
29/03/09	Woodhouse Juniors
02/04/09	Sheffield Sixs (A)
05/04/09	Trophy Final V Birley Spa
19/04/09	Herringthorpe (H)

Player	CS	GA	GS	MOM
Richard		1	1	3
Clarkey		2	1	2
Josh		1		1
Tom		13	24	1
Raddish
Adam		5	5	1
Razz		5	3	2
Zack		1	1
Ben		6	2
Spike
Monti			17	3
Sam		11	25	2
Josh F		11	6	2
Dale		3	2	1
Ashley kirk

CS = Clean Sheets GA = Goal Assist GS = Goals Scored MOM = Man of Match Match reports for the 2008 -2009 season. We normally kick off our home games at 2.00pm Kick off. Rainbow Forge School.

Next Game Away to Brampton 18th January 2009

Top 5 v Worksop

Sam Kalejaye
Spike /Tom Bradley
Richard Minahan
Josh / Freer
Everyone

Well Done Everyone

Top 5 v Dronfield

Alex Clarke
Ryan Hall
Josh Bramall
Spike / Tom
Everyone Else

Worksop

Away to Brampton Won 3-2

Top 5 Players

Dale Ledger
Ryan Hall
Michael Spence
Richard Minahan
Ask Kirk

This was truly one of the hardest games I had to manage, I knew before hand we hand injuries and illness, but to manage a team as the game unfolded was unprecedented. The game started with who was fit and at training that week, and maybe with one or two round pegs in square holes, however those round pegs fitted very snugly and 5 minutes in the team was a team, passing and moving, attacking down the flanks, with some great football played from back to front, the team raced into a 3-0 lead, with Tom and Freer, they were centre backs but there non stop running and constant work, unsettled the Brampton defence. MOM Dale Ledger was running at their full back and getting back to defend, in true falcons style this couldn't last..... could it? First Dale in his most amazing performance was injured, and wasn't going to come back on. Then my super sub wasn't fit enough to come on with his knee troubles. Now the tinkering was about to start, Razz dropping deeper than we needed him, then on the left then on the right, spike at the back defending out of his skin, Richard in net keeping us in it. The whole game then meant with other injuries people were constantly moving, formations were constantly changing and the majority didn't moan. Something I have loved about the majority of players I have signed they don't question where they are moved to, they got on with it and do there best. The second half saw Falcons hanging on, but considering they played with 8 fit players I was proud of them and the ones that stayed on the pitch to battle the best they could. It was a real rising to the challenge performance.

Beighton Falcons 1 Outibridge 2

It was a tough game this on, in fact it is always a tough game against Outibridge, It is one that with the original line up we could have won and before the injuries started to take its toll, we could have been 3 goals to the good, a great goal was worked early on when Adam H got the ball to Josh F, with a great header on found Tom to slot home. Tom and Josh caused all sorts of problems, with there speed and determination. Sadly an Injury to ever reliable Spike meant a change of personnel in key positions, this let Outibridge in the game and they equalised with a great goal, passing and moving from the centre to the wing, before a great ball into the box and an equally good finish. Both teams were going at each other and both teams were missing opportunities, then the speedy Monti was off injured, and with Sam, Ben and Zack all on the pitch carrying knocks it was getting harder. They battled where and when they could, playing some great balls to the other team mates, who sadly would get the ball just wide and not quite get that second elusive goal. Dale was playing well and terrorising down the wing, with Razz covering several positions alongside Adam H. The real guts were in defence with Josh B and MOM covering ground, across the back line and down the wing. The second half was a battle and Outibridge were edging it although attacks in the box were limited, the defence and midfield keeping them to long range shots, Falcons were counter attacking and on several occasions came close with Tom being an inch away on two occasions and monti getting his studs to the ball, but not enough to direct it towards goal. Ash now on the pitch used his speed and fitness to good affect breaking down several attacks and bringing the ball clear when it needed to be away. Outibridge kept pressing and hit a cracker of a shot destined for the top corner, when Richard pulled off the most amazing save to continue his good form. Sadly minutes later Outibridge would get the goal to claim the 3 points with a looping shot just beating Richard in net. Both teams could have won it, and a point would have been fair, however points are for goals scored and they went to Outibridge who played amazingly well in several areas.

Beighton Falcons 3 Grenoside 1

Top 5 Players Vs Grenoside

Adam Harrington
Ben Radcliffe
Alex Montisci
Alex Clarke
Tom Bradley

We made hard work of this one, starting off brilliantly something we hadn't done in previous weeks, the ball was on the ground and we played some lovely football. The first half should have really put the result out of sight, with 4 goal line clearances and a cross bar firmly hit in the opening minute. The opening goal was from a free kick Free knocking the ball down field for Monti to put falcons ahead. The second Tom got a shot away after some great work but Adam Harrington down the right, the shot was struck well and the keeper managed to get his hands to the ball but the power was too much and the ball went over the line. Grenoside countered on a few occasions but were limited from some long range shooting which Richard was happy to collect. The 2nd half was different; the opening exchanges were equal with Dale going close with a one on one which the outstanding Grenoside keeper saved. Then it was all Grenoside, there possession in the falcons half was immense, and they kept going trying to get the break through. The falcons forwards were trying to feed on scraps but the ball kept coming back. Then a gift of a goal which was deserved on the amount of possession, and the score was 2-1. Now anxious moments lay ahead and a small switch around off personnel, eventually stemmed the flow, but not until Grenoside had come close to an equaliser, Richard managed to save well. Falcons gradually got back in the game for Adam H to put a cracking ball in for Monti, who still had a lot to do, and got round two defenders before slotting home the 3rd goal. Falcons made seriously hard work of this game, but edged the 3 points after an impressive Grenoside display 2nd half. Falcons are best when doing the simple things.

Glad it wasn't penalties

Match Report Qtr Final of Trophy
Bramley Sunnyside 1 Beighton Falcons 2

This game was fantastic, Beighton Falcons had been off the boil for a couple of games but after a few weather enforced weeks off, they cam back fresh and ready to play football. Bramley are sat deservedly top of the division above, falcons were sat in 3rd of their division. We normally do well against the big teams and today was no exception. Bramley did everything they could to make sure this game happened and then the game didn't disappoint. The match kicked off and Bramley were straight on the attack with some lovely one twos, I remembered the days when the Falcons did that, Bramley had the opening few minutes and then Adam Harrington started to get a hold of the ball, the two wide players Razz and Clarkey stayed there and created space, Falcons eased there way into the game. Now it was toe for toe, Falcons would have a chance and Bramley would have a chance. This was cup football, The pace built up in the game and Falcons returned, one and two touched passing, they were raising there game to where it should be week in week out, the impressive defence were starting to get on top of everything. The midfield ere battling and unsettling play, Ben were putting balls through that were pinpoint, and Zack was Zack with every crunching tackle. Today's captain Spike, was leading by example and going for it. Josh F got down the line, and got in a looping cross and keeper at full stretch couldn't hold it, and Tom scored the opener. Tom impressed with his efforts and constant running, not letting anyone settle on the ball. MOM Richard would now have his clean sheet to fight for. He started with an outstanding save before half time. The falcons were leading 1-0 at half time.

2nd half Bramley came at Falcons from the off, they attacked and went close on several occasions, that equaliser was looking likely, but the defence and Richard refused Bramley access to the net, now they set themselves a standard. Falcons were edging back in after the early onslaught and went close a few more times to get the elusive 2nd goal, with the Bramley keeper making outstanding saves from tom, Sam and the returning Lewis. Bramley got there goal, when a through ball played to the attacker was edged in. Falcons kept their heads up and got back at Bramley, again these two teams were going toe to toe, and neither manager could call it. Richard pulled another outstanding save and the Falcons broke and Tom had a shot and it hit the post for Sam to run in and score the rebound. 2-1 to falcons, and it was time for fresh legs, Raddish and Dale were on the field and formation changed and have a bit of time of biting those nails. Dale worked well linking with Sam and the Mighty Raddish stood tall and got the ball away, working well with Josh B and clearing the ball. Falcons had more attacks up there sleeve but couldn't get the third goal. Monit was his normal busy self putting pressure down one side, When in the dying minutes a free kick was awarded outside of the falcons area, we had a two man wall, Tom and Raddish, (no idea how that works) players were in front of the keeper and it was heart in mouth time, when the ball sizzled through to the top corner, when out of no where this hand appears and Richard tipped the ball around the post. the game finished and this was junior football at its best with great sets of parents, and two teams wanting to play football. Well done both sets of lad

Top 5 Players Vs Sheffield Six's

1. Josh Freer
2. Michael Spence
3. Josh Bramall
4. Ryan Hall
5. Adam Harrington

This game wasn't for the lighthearted, with Sheffield Six's taking an impressive 3-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes, this wasn't b case of Falcons playing too bad but Six's were flying playing some of the most impressive football I have watched this season at this level. Their passing and movement was great, they also managed just the right pass at just the right time. At the 20 minute mark, Falcons raised their game and started edging into the match, but they weren't on top and Six's could easily had another goal maybe two. A change of formation finally saw Falcons get into the game and their reward was a free kick 30 yards from goal, and MOM Josh F put the ball nicely in the back of the net to make it 3-1 at half time. The lads went back out for the second half and had several opportunities to close the lead, Sam and Tom continued to put the defence under pressure, unsettling them with a fine display, Richard in net was also showing some great work, with some great saves, this game was going to be tough until the end. Adam H battled with Zack in midfield and battled hard, which created space for Razz who went wide, a minute later a free kick this time from Razz was saved, but Falcons couldn't net the rebound. Now the team were playing, and the reward came when the ball was laid off for Razz who dipped the keeper from outside the area. 3-2 and falcons were pushing, Freer, Josh, Clarkey Spike and Richard all had to be on their toes as Falcons pushed for the equaliser, Six's broke at speed and in numbers, could it be 3-3 or 4-2? Tom was then fouled on the edge of the area, screams for a penalty were rightly brushed away. Ryan stepped up and got the ball up and over the wall and down, and the pace of the ball took the keepers up reached arm into the goal, and it was 3-3. The closing stages carried on, with more attacks for both teams, and either team could have taken the 3 points although the 1 point each was deserved for two teams wanting to play football.

Top 5 Players Vs Herringthorpe

Alex Montisci (Outstanding)
Adam Harrington
Ben Radcliffe
Josh Freer (2nd Half)
Adam Normington

Today we lost our first competitive away game for quite a few months, and deservedly so. The game itself showed me and hopefully others that a referee is not to blame for defeat. If your in the premiership or champions league you have 90 minutes to win a game, and if a ref makes an error, you still have plenty of time to put the score line right. In the premiership you have a professional referee who may make 1 at a push 2 mistakes, you then have premiership players who are paid double a week what a referee is paid in a year and they are allowed to make several mistakes. Their mistakes are missed chances, unforced errors, missed tackles, fouls. However the blame comes down to the referee. How wrong each and every manager and supporter are. In our game it took us to the 30th minute to decide to play and yes we may have got one goal in this time when Dale had a great opportunity, the home team also did two fantastic tackles on Tom Bradley. However they were 3-0 up and deserved it, it was the lads fault they weren't interested, a couple of the players were but the rest didn't seem it. Yes the team are carting knocks but the unforced errors weren't pretty. Herringthorpe with the wind behind them came at us and made us look like a team fighting relegation instead of a team seeking promotion. The 31st minute things changed we introduced Ben and Adam Harrington into the team and the affect was immediate, and chances came at both ends, but we were in the game. One of the impressive players and clearly man of the match was Monti, who ran past several players, twisting and weaving before releasing the ball to Sam who played in Tom for our goal. Half time score was 3-1 and now the wind was behind the Falcons.

2nd half started as we expected and Falcons attacked and some very extremely resilient defending kept falcons out, the Herringthorpe defender was very impressive almost playing as sweeper at times. When we did beat him, a defender nicely cleared off the line, the post came to the rescue, or an amazing last gasp tackle. The walking wounded had left the pitch and we were battling. Sam, Tom , Monti, Ash all going close but no ball over the line. Had that 2nd goal come it would have been one hell of a game. Adam H went close and hit the crossbar with a penalty, which hit the back of the keeper and bounced clear, on another day it would have been in the back of the net. Today wasn't going to be our day. Monti's work rate was outstanding in and around the area and no matter how close we got it wasn't going to happen. Falcons got hit a couple of times on the break which finished the game off, and a 5-1 defeat. The first 30 minutes had cost us the game no one and nothing else. Herringthorpe won the girl and deserved all 3 points with some very impressive defending. Now my argument to the premiership and it is no different or to Wednesday fans as they apparently haven't had a good ref for 10 years. The final score was 5-1 and we missed a penalty, which would have made it 5-2, cleared off the line twice 5-4, then a couple of outstanding saves, and we are winning 6-5. Plus other chances we have not mentioned, so yes we could have won, it was down to us and no one in the middle. If you use this philosophy the home team could have scored a lot more.

The referee that was used made quite a few obvious errors but he is a young ref and needs to learn, but it is the short comings of the FA that will mean that this young man may not develop. He has passed his ref exam which means he knows the laws of the game, but things that are not taught is how to and when to apply these laws, plus the responsibility. As a referee and I will say to anyone taking the whistle you are responsible to both teams to have a fair and good game and not be afraid to make a decision. It is your responsibility to do your best to look smart and get into positions that will undoubtedly allow you make the better decisions. Young refs need mentoring and telling where they are going wrong and where they can improve. Sadly without mentoring they will make the same errors get the same shouts and then pack in.

Top 5 Players Vs Brampton Dynamoes

Tom Bradley
?

This was a funny game to judge a top 5 and give a team rating, in truth we did not play as well as we can, each and every player on the pitch on Sunday contributed to mistakes and errors which allowed Brampton to play and get in the game. The team mark is normally done with how many players I believe played above average, and at sundays game you are hard pressed to find players who played football better than there average performance based on their very own high standards. However, the battling and determination was there, so do you praise the team for the following reasons, with a couple of key players missing the squad won a potential banana skin in the trophy, the players had to play numerous different positions. Some of those players played in positions for the first time, then we had the story of walking wounded with players coming off poorly or injured. So based on that I could give 13 out 13, because this was a hard game to play as well as a very difficult game to manage. If I went for performances compared on previous weeks and the way they play and pass the ball I would be lucky to find a couple of players that say "yes Simon" I was spot on today. When some of the players apologise for their performance or there errors you know they didn't play right and they have showed great maturity by accepting responsibility. However what I will say is we won, and I proud of the battle and it was good game to watch. if you don't include the two gift wrapped goals we gave the opposition. We gave away a penalty in the opening minutes with a handball just inside the area and you would get no arguments from me. The Brampton Striker then slotted home a very coolly taken penalty, Falcons responded straight away, when Razz played an awesome ball from the centre of midfield to release Tom Bradley and MOM for his first of the game. With a few minutes the Keystone cops arrived, and they wrapped their gift and presented it to busy Brampton Striker for number 2, Falcons again responded when Tom put in Sam for the Falcons 2nd, 2-2 and we hadn't played 15 minutes. We were going to take odds on 6-6. Falcons pushed for the 3rd and got hit on the counter, and again mistakes meant Brampton went close, eventually Falcons took the lead for the first time in the game, when Dale did his best cross in a Falcons shirt for Tom to score his second. Falcons were not finished and wanted more when Brampton hit a screamer that hit the post and bounced back to safety. The defence followed in well all day and cleared danger quickly. In true football style Brampton went from a great chance to make it 3-3 to being 4-2 down when Tom was put through by Adam for his hatrick, blasting a beauty into the back of the net. Several Players would go close before half time, Monti hitting a looping ball and hit the crossbar, Razz put the ball just over, Dale thought he had beat the keeper for him to just get the ball from behind him. It was certainly an action packed first half.
2nd Half Sam went close on several occasions and Tom had a chance to extend the Falcons lead, changes of formation and positions were upsetting the rhythm of the team, and Brampton got their 3rd goal and it was to be the last goal in the game. Brampton fought hard and played well, Falcons held on at the end after missing several good chances to finish the game.

Falcons are in the last 8 and that is what matters, but I hope all mistakes were done in this one game and next Sunday business will be as normal.

I won't be updating the top 5 as I really can't make my mind up, do I give for battling or for football, or do I give for the most unforced errors. I am proud of what the lads achived in really difficult circumstances, however we could have played head and shoulders above what we played Sunday. Had it been a training session the squad would have scored a lot more and played amazing football, and its time to take that quality onto the pitch on a Sunday no matter who we are playing.

Top 5 Players vs Whiston Wildcats

Michael Spence

Tom Bradley

Alex Clarke

Ryan Hall

Dale Ledger, Josh Bramall

This was a difficult top 5, because the likes of Ben had a great first half and Adam "raddish" Normington had an impressive performance and stopped the attack, you then have others like Sam chipping in with an assist and a goal so it made this a very difficult top 5. I have had to separate them in terms of assist and also the defence for the onslaught they faced at the opening of the 2nd half, the wind was an extra man for this period and seriously attacked us.
When we turned up I was expecting a mud bath but the pitch had held up really well, ok the wind wasn't great but it was game on, and after we had hit the post or crossbar I thought we were in for another Brampton, I had that little niggle in the back of my mind, the lads played some great football, and whiston counter attacked with speed and also some great passing moves of their own. Triangles formed on the pitch and they showed, the left side and the right side in particular with Tom and Sam looking comfortable upfront and working well down the channels, Ryan and Dale got the ball in danger areas on a regular basis, and it was no surprise when Sam put Tom though for the opener, this was followed up but a cracking ball from Clarkey from Right Back to play Sam in for his 1st goal.
The lads battled until half time with Adam H going close and Ben linking up well in midfield. Josh F had his hands full marking an impressive whiston player but at 2-0 we looked comfortable.
How little do we know about the british weather as the wind increased in strength and came straight down the pitch at our goal, Whiston took full advantage and had the upper hand, Falcons had a few chances but not as many as Whiston, who shot a beauty, 30 yards out straight into the top corner, Richard had no chance. 2 - 1 and Whiston carried on in search of the equaliser and had a couple of great chances, firstly a great save stopped them and secondly it went safely over the bar. Enter the Raddish, and at the same time the wind also dropped, high ball in and bang Raddish headed it away, next ball on the ground and tackle raddish again, the tide had started to turn, and it was Toms' turn to set up Sam for his brace, and just after Ryan's corner was converted by Tom for his brace.
There were more chances to come with monti being a thorn in the Whiston side, but there were no more goals. The game finished 4-1 and in such conditions I was a proud manager of my lads. MOM was Spike, it was one of the most impressive performances I have seen, in the air, on the ground and captaining his troops. He was truly outstanding....

Just a thought.... this game was played with complete RESPECT, by this I mean the referee in his first season was allowed to get on with the game, with no groans or moans, occasionally there were appeals but that was it. Both sets of supporters applauded good play by their counterparts and the atmosphere was great. The atmosphere was how a junior game of football should be, it was just a shame about the weather.

Top 5 Players Vs Grenoside (Trophy)

Alex Montisci

Tom Bradley

Zack Cawthorne

Ryan Hall

Adam Harrington

The first round of the trophy and we were drawn against Grenoside, who until 2 weeks ago we had never taken a single point from. This was always going to be a tough game, however home soil, and a pitch to pass and move on would be our advantage, the lads got into their stride early and were straight on the attack, moving the ball through the midfield and using the flanks nicely. It was hard to predict if Falcons would go through the middle, left or right. A great through ball saw a difficult ball bounce short of the goal area, the keeper came out and headed it clear, the ball fell to Tom Bradleys feet who then lobbed the keeper and two defenders. Tom was then on hand to assist the 2nd goal, running sideways on the edge of the area with a chance to shoot, he laid it off brilliantly to Ryan Hall who then chipped the keeper at the far post to make it 2-0. Grenoside kept trying to hit Falcons on the break, for the ball to be just too long or directly to one of the defenders, but their two frontmen were using there pace and strength to try and force an error. Alex montisci (MOM) was causing Grenoside all sorts of trouble with his touch and turning, would he pass wouldn't he, add this to Sams strength and it was really unsettling the defence, Sam then played through Monti who brilliantly rounded the keeper and slotted home from a tight angle for his first goal of the game and Falcons 3rd. Falcons now decided it was easy and a nice shove in the back near the area would lead to the Grenoside opening goal. A brilliantly taken free kick saw the ball nestle in the top corner. Falcons would go close a couple of more times with some good play but they had clearly relaxed and Grenoside were about to get their second and make it 3-2. GAME ON, Falcons responded and carved out another great opening, Monti rounded the keeper again brilliantly and from an even tighter angle than previously just put the ball wide.
Falcons would get on top again just before half time and then after a few scary minutes at the start of the second would take control, with Ben putting in a great corner for Monti to get his second, and a couple of minutes later Ben would repeat the corner but this time Tom would put the ball over the line for his second of the game. Ben turned in a good second half performance alongside Adam Harrington who was battling well in the second half, Ben then put in a hatrick of assists when setting monti up for his hatrick and to seal his MOM performance. Sam who is so often on the score sheet turned provider in this game when he received the ball from Adam H and then lobbed the ball nicely over the back line, Adam H carried on his run and received the ball back and buried the ball into the top corner. That was falcons 7th goal, and an amazing error by Richard Spence who was in charge for this game would lead to the Grenoside goal, taking off left side players and putting subs on the right generally doesn't work. The majority of the team played well today, with new player Ash hitting the post, the defence playing as a team, and midfield working tirelessly, Zack Cawthorne leading the way a battling performance and passing quickly. It was good to see some players return to form and it was good to see Falcons play there game and for them to be in the hat for the next round. Now its back to the league on Sunday.

Top 5 Players Vs Outibridge

1. Alex Clarke / Alex Montisci

2. Tom Bradley

3. Samuel Kalejaye

4. Ryan Hall

Interesting game this one, because for some reason Beighton Falcons chose this game to play the worst 1st half for a long time. At Outibridge you know that you are going to be in for a tough game and this game was no exception, the lads got pulled into playing their hosts type of game, which did not suit them. Mistakes were happening in every position except one, and that was Clarkey in the first half, who made tackles, passed the ball and made runs I wished every other player was making. He made the right choices and went for it, players around him tried but were 1/2 yard too slow or the pass was the worst one they could have done, playing it into the opposition instead of away from them. There was a physical battle to endure at the same time without little protection. Falcons had the majority of possession but just didn't do anything with it. They had several chances to take the lead before Outibridge did and after they did. It was their first attack of the game on 15 minutes when they made use of an error at the back. This lifted there team and they came close several times afterwards, giving Falcons a warning. The first half finished 1-0 and truthfully although Falcons were shocking I felt we were hard done by.
The 2nd half was different after a great captains speech at half time, and then some changes and a formation change the Falcons went on the attack and chances came and chances went, Outibridge carried on with there upsetting tactics but this time Falcons went for the footballing option. Razz decided to join in the footballing fun, we saw glimpses last week of what he could do and now we coudl see the balls being put in the box, and it was causing trouble, the defence was spreading and Tom Bradley the captain for the day was going to make use of teh space, with a great ball into the box and Monti got his foot on it and 1-1. The lads were playing and the mood was changing. The lads won the ball back from kick off, Monti was becoming a real thorn in the Outibridge side, and he harried players, into mistakes taking the ball and showing true skill. Making diagonals allowing Ryan and Tom to find him, picking up loose balls from Sam it was a matter of time, Tom then played through Sam brilliantly who had the defence for pace and it was 2-1. Outibridge had battled hard and fought for victory and then the draw but Falcons were beginning to play, and it wasn’t long before Razz played in Sam for his 2^nd and Falcons 3^rd. Monti’s persistence could have earned him his 2^nd but he hit the ball too well. Other chances came and went in the dying minutes and the game finished 3-1.
We had played badly and won, I do not think we could be that bad again. We are a team and we will pull together in the next game and get back to football from the first whistle.

I chose 2 MOM in this game, Clarkey was amazing in the first half and showed everyone how to do it, in the 2nd half Monti was different class.

Top 5 Players Vs Grenoside

Adam Harrington

Alex Montisci

Samuel Kalejaye

Tomas Bradley

Ben Radcliffe

What a miserable day it was Sunday, it had been raining all night and no one knew if a game would be played. Fortuntely we got a break in the weather and the match was played, it was unusual as Grenoside play on a 3/4 pitch with 3/4 nets. At the age of 15 this is particulary hard as it completly reduces the space available on the pitch. Add to that the weather and the ball sticking like mad this game a complete leveller.

Top 5 Players vs EMU's

Josh Freer

Michael Spence

Alex Clarke

Sam Kalejaye

Tom Bradley

There are many great wonders in the world, they all intriguing and a pleasure to view. The same can be said about a game between Beighton Falcons and East Midland Utd. Each time these two teams come up against each other a titanic battle follows, there is something somewhere that says no matter how many chances each team creates , you will be battling in the closing minutes with no idea who will get the edge.

This particular game was a game of 2 halves, (love the famous clichés) in fact it should have been a training session, say Falcons your attacking first half and EMU’s your attacking second half. The first half saw Falcons finally come out of the blocks flying, they were winning first balls and second balls, winning the ball in the air. Attacking down both sides, the speed of the passing was slightly off, but they looked good and it was only a matter of time before a goal came and it came via Tom Bradley who played in Sam to score the opener. The lads kept pressing and managed to hit the crossbar 3 times, watch a fantastic save and definitely not increase their lead. There was a counter attack threat with EMU’s clearly having speed up front that found the right space, getting in behind the Falcons defence, with a little bit better finishing, who knows!

Second half the two teams changed round and it Was EMU’s turn to take part in this amazing training session of attack and counter attack, pinning Falcons firmly in their own half, they passed the ball quicker and better and started winning the first and second half. The Falcons defence got stretched and midfield certainly lacked in getting back to help, when the EMU’s breakthrough came it was deserved and was coming for 5 minutes before the breakthrough, Freer and Spike battled well but needed help. It was now 1-1, EMU’s were not done yet and a had a free kick, the entire game Falcons worked a line really well this time, they stood watched and went 2-1 down. It was a great take as the ball bounced up, the EMU’s attacker was first to react and kept the ball low and hard to volley the ball home. Cue the Falcons, its now time to play football, and yes they did, they suddenly got the ball down and started playing again, 1 and 2 touch passing and Falcons had the pleasure of attacking again, this time they were going to go close but not close enough. It was the same as the first half.

These are the games when you wish you’re a neutral, some great play with the ball being moved about, great tackling but sadly on this occasion I was the manager and a lot greyer for it.

Top 5 Vs Woodhouse

Michael Spence

Adam Harrington

Zack Cawthorne

Joshua Bramall

Tomas Bradley

2nd game of the season, and Beighton Falcons faced a tricky game away to Woodhouse Jnrs. The game certainly lived up to expectations. A well reffed game produced some quality football on a tricky pitch after the recent bad weather. The ref tried to allow the game to flow where possible and explained all decisions which always helps lads just get on with the game. Both teams certainly did that, with Beighton falcons rushing out of the block and taking early control. Some neat passes created the 1st goal, with Dale Ledger putting the ball though for Josh Freer to find time to take a couple of touches and volley home the opening goal. Freer was about to do the assisting when he set up Sam, who still had some work to do before drilling home number 2. Falcons pressed a bit more for the third, but the game changed, falcons started taking one extra touch, which proved one touch too many and Woodhouse were re-organising, and they re-organised very well, finding space down the left, and then down the right. They managed to get in behind the defence and started causing problems, the woodhouse midfield started showing a drive and determination to get a goal, and were playing some neat 1,2's of their own. They were not just matching Beighton Falcons but were starting to get the upper hand. A driving strike brought Richard into action to make a great save, tipping the ball over the crossbar. Woodhouse were about to get there reward, the pressure finally paid off when a penalty was rightly awarded. Their striker stepped up and drove the ball hard and just inside the post for a Woodhouse goal. Richard had dived the right way at full stretch which shows how good the penalty was. As half time approached Falcons would miss a couple more chances to increase the lead and woodhouse missed chances to take the lead.
The second half started at 2-1 and woodhouse made a lot of the running, they were determined to get back into the game, it is a drive that will earn them plenty of points in the weeks to come. A few changes from Beighton Falcons managed to even the game out, then eventually for Falcons to edge it, as legs tired on the woodhouse team, Falcons stepped the game up, and even though they didn't play great they still worked hard, Ben radcliffe put through tom Bramall for his first goal to make it 3-1. Time for a formation change and lets work to keep the three points. The change allowed a couple of players to have more of the ball, which created more chances, Woodhouse kept probing but now Falcons were working for the final whistle. Richard Minahan had caught a long range shot and released the ball up field, Tom Bradley ran onto the ball to get his 2nd of the game. The final score was 4-1, had it not been for the bravery of Michael Spence who was outstanding, and the hard work of Adam Harrington, Joshua Bramall and Zack Cawthorne, this game could have been different. Last year I believe we would have lost this or scraped a draw, but this year with a stronger squad we managed to take the 3 points.

Next week we are at home to Birks Holt in the cup, which will provide a tough battling game.

Top 5 Players Vs Heeley Boys

Alex Clarke

Sam Kalejaye

Michael Spence

Alex Montisci

Ben Radcliffe

This is the hardest top 5 I have ever done, all the players played really well, so if your not in this top 5 there is always next week.

The match between Beighton Falcons and Heeley boys always proves exciting, last season we won at home and lost away. So when the opening game was Heeley Boys you take a deep breath, you really want a good start to the season. The match started and sadly Heeley started with only 9, we all know some people like this, but not Beighton Falcons if we win we win on a level playing field. The first 10 minutes were the worst 10, with Heeleys 9 men running the game. Richard was a stunning as ever in goal and made a couple of good strong saves and organised his defence brilliantly. This was continued throughout the game. Re-enforcements were on the way and Heeley soon went to 10 men, football experience has shown that beating 10 men is harder than 11, Falcons first goal came against the run of play when Sam set up Ben Radcliffe for his first competitive goal for the Falcons. Falcons pre-season had been playing some amazing football but it wasn't evident at this game, until a neat ball was played from Zack Cawthorne to Ryan Hall, Who played it to Alex Clarke and Back to Zack who played the ball to Monti for the first of his two goals. The lads changed the game themselves, football was the first rule and the passing game followed, and so did Sam's first goal. Falcons were now 3-0 up and playing football. The game wasn't all one sided, Heeley had a presence on the pitch and a particular player who was outstanding, he was to get Heeleys goal and totally deserved it. He was at the centre of every attack Heeley made. The really impressive thing with this Beighton Falcons side, is they didn't let this goal phase them, they just wanted t play football and that is what they did when freer set up Sam for his second. Some tactical switches allowed the lads to play the game they wanted, something to be remembered in the future.
The team was playing as a team and everyone contributed, you had Josh Bramall in defence cleaning up for fun, outrunning opponents and playing some good balls out of defence, spike in the centre of defence was winning the ball and again chose to play football. The midfield were also on top of their game, with Ben radcliffe playing some amazing through balls, a quick look up and we were through, Zack cawthorne winning balls straight out and then playing an amazing 1 2 with people around him, add all this skill to watching Adam H run, win and then play the ball, winning every ball in the air, freer was working tirelessly back to front, side to side, playing in Dale Ledger which was inches close from opening his beighton falcons

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