Match Result 3: 04/10/09

Invitation Cup Round 1;

Sheen Lions Pride A: 1  v  Target Sports FC: 3 

  

I am very happy with the performance of the team; they all kept the parents on the edge of their toes with a gripping first half keeping the Valiant Lions at bay.

The second half seemed to be a different match with fantastic efforts being made at both ends, and Target coming back from 1 down to win 3 - 1.

  

It was good to see Sam play his first match and a welcome sight to get Robbie and Morrison back in the team. We are also getting a good group of supporters with close relatives swelling the ranks.

A thank you also goes to the other coaches Jack, Craig and Julian for warm ups and giving the players advice and encouragement.

This win means that we progress in to the next stage of the Invitation Cup which means an extra game in the schedule. Well done everyone.

 

Match Result 4: 11/10/09

AFC Wolcountian Pumas : 1  v  Target Sports FC: 9

Target Sports FC did the parents proud once more after the warm up given by Jack & Julian, the team settled down in to the game and gave great entertainment to everyone. There were good movements off the ball, close passing, good tackling interventions by the defense, and a lot of communication.

 

Second half was the same team and much more of the same. Near the end, the Subs were let of their lease and scored a few more.

Many other players were placed on to the scoring sheet including, Billy the Goal Keeper! I was very pleased with the performance and many parents commented during the game and after.

  

Our next game is a much tougher one, and we are now becoming aware of who our close competitors are, so results may be a little tight. 

*Photos taken by Duncan Sewell

 

Match Result 5: 18/10/09

Target Sports FC: 1 v Barnes Eagles Colts : 2

This game by far was the most challenging in a lot of aspects and our team again did us proud. I made a conscious decision at the beginning of the session regarding man of the match, that i was not going to appoint one. However, if i had to it would have gone to the Billy the Goalie.

The game was a lot faster and players worked hard for each other. 2 - 1 was the score but would have been more appropriate if it had been a 1 - 1 draw. There was good communication with regular defensive interventions that saved us from further punishing goals.

 

After the teams debrief, the boys told me exactly what we needed to improve on; matching my thoughts exactly.

I want to thank all the parents who helped out at the weekend with the goals, tape, flags, oranges, and water etc. Also, thank you to Tony who reffed the match very well.

 

Match Result 6: 08/11/09

Invitation Cup Round 2;

Target Sports FC: 5 v Molesley Juniors : 0

A wet afternoon greeted us all this week with a very sportsman-like opposition team. All the coaches thought the team we played were very professional and friendly, making it a shame that they are in a higher division as we won't be playing them again this season. 

Target Sports scored 3 goals in the first half, following with 2 in the second which guaranteed our place into the next stage of the Invitation Cup. However, the further we go through the harder the matches will start to become. There were many heroes throughout the game and some excellent team play.

Tactically, the second half of the match slipped a little but didn't worry me too much because we still remained in control of the game.

Hopefully, our next Cup draw will be at home as i know it has been a while since we last had the home advantage! Next weeks league game is at home which we are currently preparing for.

Well done to everybody who helped with today's match being such a success.

 

Match Result 7: 22/11/09

Target Sports FC: 5 v Kingstonian Youth Colts: 2

This was probably one of our best matches we have played this season, even with the weather being as bad as it was, they still did very well! I am so proud of the movement, communication, pace and support shown . The team had a handful of chances to score but we didn't take them, so the score doesn't reflect these missed opportunities.

  

There were some big players on their side, and i don't normally pick out individuals however i cannot overlook Sam for taking on the biggest player on the pitch, and winning tackles with such bravery!

Kingstonian Youth Colts showed they were very good and honorable. Their turn out was professional and their play set high standards which we stepped up to. I have invited the other team back for friendlies when the season ends, as like us, they are also new to the League, so we look forward to their arrival.

Our next match is away against AFC Fulham who are top of our league and not yet lost a game.

I want to thank everyone for helping with all the equipment in the driving rain, as well as the referee for a very fair and balanced approach to today's match.

 

Match Result 8: 29/11/09

AC Fulham: 0  v  Target Sports FC: 1

Well, what a game. We all knew that it was going to be tough against AC Fulham, and that proved to be the case. With this in mind, i decided to go for a strong defence and attack for the first half which, meant we sacrificed the centre of the pitch. I was aiming for the team to stretch across both ends of the pitch, giving us the advantage on packing out the defence and therefore, keep a clean sheet. I also believed  that recovering the ball and using a long pass to the attacking team would also work.

The defence did so well, with Billy pulling off some superb saves, plus some shooting opportunities at the other end! The whole Target Sports Team were noted by the opposing team manager for their impressive 'spatial awareness and movement off the ball'.

The game plan was changed in the second half of the match, having two in defence, three in the centre which, gave us extra support and control in attack. This in turn, moved the action away from our half of the field.

The score line didn't reflect the number of opportunities we had, and at one stage i managed to watch the parents who were on tenter hooks from watching all the missed chances! A fantastic match worth getting wet for; i am very proud of the team.

 

Match Result 9: 13/12/09

Invitation Cup Quarter Finals;

Target Sports FC: 2 v Haliford Colts : 0

 

 Everyone who played on Sunday were absolute heroes in my eyes. Both teams played magnificently and produced an excellent game of football. The movement and passing by our opposing team was a pleasure to watch.

  

Even though technically we did not perform to our normal high standards, our boys showed a different side to them. There was true grit/ hard work/ determination and a great team bond seen from start to finish.

This win was important as it was against a side who are at the top of the division above us which gives a great indication of the level we are playing at the moment.

No date as yet has been set for the semi-finals but will let you know as soon as i find out, it should be a fantastic day.

 

Well done again to the whole team!  

 

Match Result 10: 17/01/10

Target Sports FC: 14  v  AFC Wolcountian Pumas : 0

First of all i would like to say a big thank you to the coaches for all their hard work and effort to make this game playable.

We played against the very honorable Wolcountians who put us through our paces. The score line did not reflect the effort that was put in by the away team who were also gracious in defeat.

 

Our boys played very well with great movement, tackling, speed and unity in defence. They also showed excellent passing and finishing in attack. This was a great team performance with more than 5 different goal scorers, even Billy the goalie contributed coming outfield and netting two himself. 

 

Our next match is against the only team we have not beaten in the league this season, and with the way the team is currently performing we are hopeful we can turn Sunday's result around in our favour.

*Photos taken by Duncan Sewell

 

Match Result 11: 24/01/10

Barnes Eagles Colts : 1 v Target Sports FC: 3

I am running out of words to describe the sense of achievement and enjoyment the team has shown during each and every match.

   

We all knew that this game was going to be a tough one, and it was just that. There were also a couple of facts about the team we played today that i kept to myself; they were unbeaten in the League all season and the top goal scorer in all Leagues in West Surrey played for Barnes Eagles! With this knowledge, an awful pitch, and being subject to a number of fouls, the win was a magnificent achievement. The boys all played their hearts out and i couldn't have asked for anymore commitment.

  

 There are still a couple of areas that we need to work on that normally we are better at, and we need to get these right for the forthcoming matches.

Well done everybody, next weeks match is at home.

 

Match Result 12: 07/02/10

Surrey Predators : 0 v Target Sports FC: 4

The match today started very slowly as both teams assessed and tested each other. The game quickly changed due to a goal scored by Callum, who went on to score a hat trick. This was followed by another goal scored by Charlie.

 

The midfield did very well battling out in the middle of the area in quelling any developing attacks. This defending was admirably supported by the defending unit which meant Billy Sewell was fighting off the cold as he had very little to do!

  

I was very pleased with the whole team as everybody worked so hard. We have added another win to our first season, well done.

 

Match Result 13: 21/02/10

Kingstonian Youth Colts : 2 v Target Sports FC: 3

There are some matches that leave me with no nails left, and this was one of them. The team did not provide their best performance against a really strong and organized opposition, and within the first 10 minutes went down 2-0.

There was some excellent football executed by a couple of individuals but as a team, we did very  poorly.

Soon after this sudden upset, the team turned things around and we collectively began to create balance in certain areas of the squad. Lucas even managed to turn the score around and saved the day for Target Sports by scoring a hat trick!

As the team manager, i know how much better we can do than than today's overall performance which is why we need to work very hard for the next match in order to proceed through to the final of the Invitation Cup.

We are still top of the league however, it is very tight and will ideally need to win every game to guarantee that we remain there! 

 

Match Result 14: 7/03/10

Invatation Cup Semi Finals:

Kew Park Rangers: 0 v Target Sports FC: 3

What a game! Every player on the pitch played their heart out from start to finish. Target Sports went into this game full of confidence; not even the cold could distract their focus from the game. The match started at a frantic pace with chances for both teams in the opening 5 minutes, until we were awarded a penalty in our favour for hand ball. James stepped up and kept his cool to convert the opportunity to put us in front. Minutes later Morrison played a pin-point pass for James who collected it and finished well in the bottom corner of the net.

  

The opposition continued to press but both Billy.L and Alex made some outstanding interceptions and tackles, along with Billy.S (goalie) who made some memorable saves to keep them at bay. With only  minutes remaining in the first half Target Sports attacked again creating a great passing move, with Oscar and Lucas linking well to create another 1 on 1 for James which, he put away.

  

Gary made some changes at half time bringing both Sam and Callum on. The opposition team started the second half the stronger side, coming close to scoring on more than one occasion, but Target showed great resilience nce to maintain the score line. The pace of the game continued throughout. Sam put in some great crosses and Callum came close to increasing our lead further with some well struck attempts.

Target Sports FC have now made it in to the Invitation Cup Final at our first attempt. Well done to all involved, and a huge thank you for all the wonderful support shown today.

 

Match Result 15 & 16: 14/03/10

League Game:

Rocks Lane Rovers: 1 v Target Sports FC: 3 (Match 15)

Target Sports FC: 3 v Rocks Lane Rovers: 1 (Match 16)

A double header today gave a double headache, although we won 3 -1 in both games it did not show the true spirit off the day. Many of the other team players were big lads and it was as if we where playing a team 2 years our senior. The movement was good, timing of tackles, and hunger for the ball gave our boys the edge along with some great passing aloud us to take control of the game.

  

Goals steadily dripped in with some outstanding individual skill and strikes on goal, and with the support of the solid defence gave us the edge. Billy the goalie was kept on his toes but stood up to the challenge producing some great saves keeping the opposition at bay. We run out comfortable winners 1-3 which gave me all the knowledge i needed to make sure game 2 would be 3 more points for Target Sports FC

Thanks once again to Oscar's dad Roger for providing PowerAde drinks for all the boys, i really think this helped the boys between the games recuperate.

Game 2 was similar to the first a slow start with very few chances at either end, until we found our rhythm. Some great team play created openings which our forwards took full advantage of putting us in a comfortable lead. The other team tried so hard to break us down but we stood tall and run out winners once again.

  

 This was a team that really should be higher up the league as they gave us a good run for our money. A big well done to all the boys who put their little hearts on the line to make sure we remained top of the league. Thanks once again to everybody for your outstanding support, i really think this gives all the boys a huge lift.

 

Match Result 17: 21/03/10

Target Sports FC: 3 v Sheen Lions Pride A: 1

 Today's game was always going to be a tough test, with our squad suffering through injuries to Morrison, James and now Oscar, but the boys did us proud giving 100 % effort and coming away comfortable winners.

The game once again went the same way as the last two matches we have played against this opposition by going one down early on. We struggled to find our feet against a team whose defence and midfield were very strong, limiting us to very few shots in the first half.

We decided as a team at half time to change our tactics and try to create more long range shooting opportunities, rather than dribbling with the ball. This proved to work with over 15 shots on target alone in the second half. 

Target where awarded two free kicks just outside the opponents goal area which Lucas stepped up on both occasions to convert with wonderful skill. The third goal was scored through a great passing move starting with the defence linking well with the midfield, then Callum held the ball up and released a great through ball for Lucas to run onto and slot past the goalkeeper. Another great victory and three more points which keeps us on top of the league. Well done to all involved. Only two league games left!

 

Match Result 18: 28/03/10

AFC Wolcountians Lions: 0 v Target Sports FC: 6  

  

This is our second visit to this ground as this club has two teams in the same league; this game was against the stronger of the two teams who put up a brave performance against our boys, managing to keep the score to only six. Target had many chances to increase this score line but where held back by some outstanding goalkeeping from the opposing team.

The game started with only 6 v 6 as the other team had only six available players at kick off, until their seventh player arrived 10 minutes in. In the meantime we had to adjust to the extra space which made it difficult for us as we lost our shape in the middle.

 

Once we were able to put our seventh player on the game started to change. The score line did not reflect the number of attempts we had on goal. I think every player had at least one attempt on target. The game then swung in Target's favour with a weak goal kick from the opposition, the ball rolled straight to Alex on the half way line, and without even controlling the ball he struck the ball first time managing to fly the ball straight over the goalie and into the back of the net.

 

Billy came out of goal in the second half to play in midfield; within seconds he had set Charlie on his way towards goal where he just missed the target. The whole team played some excellent football in the second half, great passing and movement and good possession of the ball, allowing Callum to step up and strike two more goals to add to his seasons tally. Eddie  then added to the score line along with Billy Sewell netting two more before the half was out.

The next league game is our final  home game of the season and if we win it will secure our position as League winners. Well done everyone, one last big effort from all!!

 

Match Result 19: 18/04/10

Target Sports FC: 2 v AC Fulham: 2

Today we won the league and what a game it was! Over 100 family and friends came to support our boys playing at home which created an amazing atmosphere. This was our last game of the season, a vital game which would determine whether or not we win the league. A loss would have sealed our fate.

  

Target started the stronger of the two teams exhibiting some great football with  good linking play from defense to attack. We put continuous pressure on the opposing goal and finally took the lead with a great goal from James. AC Fulham did not give up and came straight back at us, calling Billy, Alex & Billie the Goalie in to action. The first half continued with end-to-end football and multiple chances for both teams.

The second half was a completely different game. The tension and atmosphere became so overwhelming that it caused both sides to lose their rhythm. Ten minutes in and AC Fulham created an equalizer after a sudden attacking break. Five minutes later they scored  a second making the score 1-2. This could have been enough to dishearten our title hopes but Target Sports became a team showing real fighting spirit to be able to lift themselves back up and get back in to contention.

  

Gary made a tactical substitution bringing Sam on to the left wing as he had seen it was an area we had been left to utilise. Within minutes the game had turned and we were on the attack. After a trio of chances, a great passing move finally set up Sam inside the area who scored to make the score 2-2.

Target continued to press, creating numerous chances, but were unable to steal a win with a third goal. At last the final whistle blew and we knew we had done enough to remain top of the league. The victorious roar from the home crowd was electric, all the boys were ecstatic and Gary was grinning from ear-to-ear. We had done it; Target Sports FC were League Champions in our first season of forming the team and setting up the Club. What an achievement!

I must compliment AC Fulham for showing great sportsmanship and maturity before, during and after this crucial game. It was a pleasure to play a team who conducted themselves with such dignity and pride.

Every player involved today did themselves and Youth Football proud and put on a great match to remember.

  

"Well done to all our boys for giving such a tremendous effort throughout the season and becoming League Champions. I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes to help organise and make things happen; without you and your dedication, none of this would have been possible.

My biggest thanks and gratitude goes to Gary, Julian & Jack for managing and coaching the team. Their hard work and commitment to the Club has been second to none, and i believe, a major factor in creating a consistently winning team at their first attempt. All the players have matured and visibly improved technically since becoming part of Target Sports FC last year, and feel the coaches passion and desire has undoubtedly helped create an enjoyable, safe environment for the children to learn, compete and thrive in.

Thank you again and congratulations for creating such a special winning team."

(Michael Branch, Club Manager)

   

Match Result 20: 02/05/10 

Invatation Cup Final @ Chelsea FC Academy

Target Sports FC: 5 v AC Fulham: 2

I put this piece together with an overwhelming sense of achievement and pride. We started the with an ambition to finish somewhere near the top; and we ended the season with a entire team of football champions. 

  

    

The game was exciting to watch and who would have believed that the first half would have been 4-0. Spectators came from every corner, extended families, players and managers from teams we had played in the league.

We have definitively succeeded in achieving 'the double' and have been recognised and praised by differing parts of the league and respective supporters.

  

  

In order to take full stock of our achievements, i want to remind us that we have had to deal with the following issues/ setbacks this season:-

1. Training & playing in cold, ice and snow!

2. Matches cancelled on the day of the game!

3. Matches re-arranged by other teams without consultation!

4. Coching staff having to drain water logged pitches with brushes & forks!

In addition, we need to rceognise that the Cup competition was a 'knockout' route to victory for us, whereby 27 teams across 3 leagues competed against each other resulting in one winner, Target Sports FC!

  

As the team manager, i have personally finished what i set out to achieve. I already have plans for next season and hope to be in the same situation this time next year!

    

 

League Presentation @ Imber Court: 16/05/10