Match Report:
Vipers started very strongly from the off which was pleasing to see with 4 new signings on the pitch and 2 senior players still on holiday. Great passing from back to front was evident and we were getting a large amount of joy using Dan's pace on the wing. Every defender held position well and cleared the ball when necessary, Braintree not even creating half chances! The midfield battled and played some slick football with our forwards posing a constant threat. First half goals From Dan x 2 and Connor.H took us into a 3-0 HT lead.
The second half was more of the same, Brandon and Vinny controlling the middle feeding the ball up front and into the wide areas. 2 well taken goals from Tom Farrow put us into a 5-0 lead and although Braintree were stronger this half it was quite a one sided match. Only when a hoard of changes to try some different options left us with 6 players playing out of position did Braintree really start to threaten, scoring 2 well taken goals in the last 10 mins when defensive errors and a lack of cohesion and tracking back in the middle cost us. Lesson learned in respect of making too many changes!
Goalscorers:
Dan Steadman - 2, Tom Farrow - 2, Connor Horne - 1.
MOTM:
Brandon Lewis - Superb displaying of battling and passing in the middle. Well done.
Match Report:
A really tough test saw us out muscled and out played in the first half, but more worryingly was the lack of effort from the players in doing the simple things like closing players down and playing the simple passes. If things are not going our way we must pull together and encourage each other, not criticise. HT came and it was a very flattering 0-0, Connor.D having been very busy in goal and performing superbly.
The second half was a much more even affair, and dare i say it we might have even edged it. We created a number of decent chances foiled by their defenders or keeper, Dan, Jack, Tom, Brandon and Connor.H all going close. At the other end Collier were also strong, Luke in particular defending superbly and Connor.D having an amazing game saving half a dozen one on ones. Collier scored with under 10 mins to go and won the match 1-0. Harsh on us considering the second half performance but thoroughly deserved given their first half domination. A very very much better 2nd half from the boys, some great signs for the season ahead against a team who were very strong, the likes of which we wont face often this season.
MOTM:
Connor Dudley - A complete goalkeeping display, brave and athletic, unlucky to concede.
Match Report:
Our last pre season friendly was away to Boreham, another tough fixture. It's fair to say our first half was very poor, our passing was off and positionally we were caught napping in the middle and at the back. By HT we were 2-0 down, the first goal was failure on the defence to track a simple run by their forward, the second was similar but more annoyingly Connor.D made a double save while the defenders stood and watched the Boreham players lining up to score, apart from George who bravely tried to block on the line.
The second half couldn't have been more different, it was like the good Vipers twins turned up and all 14 players became the team we know again. Solid defending, strong goalkeeping, some superb midfield play and great runs and efforts from our frontline made it a joy to watch at times. 2 goals from Connor.H and 1 from Dan meant FT came and we won 3-2, but we could easily have got more. A great second half to end our pre season with 2 wins and a loss. Bring on the league!
Goalscorers:
Connor Horne - 2, Dan Steadman - 1.
MOTM:
Dan Steadman - changed the game with his pace and directness in the second half.
Match Report:
Our first league game of the season was against last years Div 1 runners-up, nice easy start then, NOT! Given the quality already at our disposal and the players we had added I was confident we could compete on our day though, we just had to make sure we were in it for the whole 70 mins and not just the second half like we were v Boreham and Collier Row. The football from the moment the whistle went was outstanding, Vipers playing some of the best football i have ever seen them play, and Valley couldn't cope. Chance after chance came for us with pass and move football being constantly displayed. Vinny opened the scoring with a well taken half volley from 15 yds, a great goal. The only suprise was we didn't get more, Dan having a goalbound shot deflected on to the bar, Connor.H, Jack, Brandon and Vinny all having chances too. HT 1-0, Valley only having two shots, both from outside the box and Connor.D not getting a touch for over 24 mins!
My only concern was our domination was not reflected in the scoreline and we knew Valley would be stronger second half. They came out fighting and gave us a couple of scares but our keeper and defence helf firm. For the first 15 mins Valley were the better team and it seemed like our lack of a second goal would cost us. They conceeded a free kick 20 yd out which Vinny stepped up to convert into the top corner, a superb free kick. We wrestled control of the game back and dominated the last 15 mins, Connor.H adding the 3rd when the goalie took a place kick it fell nicely to him 25 yds out which he smashed on the volley right back into the empty net, great technique and a goal that killed off any slim chance Valley had of getting anything from the game. FT 3-0 Vipers, an amazing start to the season and a performance that shows just how well we can play when we play as a team.
Goalscorers:
Vinny Haley - 2, Connor Horne - 1.
MOTM:
The entire team, a few fantastic individual performances only bettered by the whole teams effort
Match Report:
Div 1 is going to be very tough week in week out, there will be no easy games and we cannot afford to play as individuals or fail to do the basics right and carry out team instructions.
I could go on for a fair while about where we went wrong today, but pretty much all of it has already been said, and we will work very hard over the next 2 training sessions to put those things right before next Sunday's game. Suffice to say Maldon were much better than us in the first half and we can feel fortunate to have been level at HT with a 1-1 scoreline thanks to Billy equalising on his debut. Maldon scored early in the second half, deservedly taking the lead again, 2-1. A 50-50 between George who was filling in very well at CB and their excellent midfielder lead to their player falling awkwardly. A 30 min delay followed while our resident paramedic treated the injured player until an ambulance arrived to take him to A&E. The maldon player has a dislocation and fracture to the shoulder and all at Vipers wish him a speedy recovery. Compliments must go out to everyone involved for their conduct. The referee, team players and officials from both sides showed great sportsmanship and concern toward the injured player.
If i am completely truthful i think this break is what saved us today. A long stoppage allowed a lengthy talk about playing as a team, tactics, positioning and effort. Maldon could easily have suggested to the referee the game be abandoned after such a lengthy delay, and the result may well have stood at 2-1 in their favour, but as was evident throughout the whole affair their excellent sportsmanship meant that the game was allowed to continue. The match restarted with 15 mins left and apart from a scary moment when Maldon scored but it was correctly ruled out offside, Vipers were the better team. We created about 5 good chances and if that 15 mins of play alone is considered we deserved the equaliser which came from Vinny, a superb strike from the angle, 20 yds out into the far top corner. We could have gone on to win it from there with more decent chances, which of course would have been nice but would have been very harsh on Maldon. FT 2-2.
Overall not a great performance but a point we must be happy to take. Negatives aside there are a few positives we must take with us from this match. Although we played below our own high standard for most of the game we still gained a point, and two games in we are unbeaten in the top division, one of only 4 teams left who are. We proved also that we are a good team and we can fight for everything and listen to instructions, this was evident in the last 15 mins. A debut goal from Billy and a great strike from Vinny to equalise shows that you can never write us off, Vipers will come back to bite you if you do. Next week we start again and get back to playing the way we all know you can. If we play like we did against Valley Green and in the last 15 mins against Maldon we will do well this season. Well done on a hard battled point earned.
Best wishes again to Maldons midfielder.
Goalscorers:
Billy Foster - 1, Vinny Haley - 1.
MOTM:
None awarded
Match Report:
Not in an effort to gloss over it, but because everything has already been said and apologies made, I will not be going into the disciplinary incident in the match as it will only serve to take away from a great performace from the boys which must be the focus.
We were drawn against Herongate Athletic in round one of the Essex FA County Cup, by everyones standards this was going to be a tough game and all the talk in the build up was about how good Herongate were and according to some how outclassed we would be. Those who doubted Vipers were proven VERY WRONG!
Almost from the off Vipers set about Herongate passing the ball around them and creating numerous decent attacks and half chances with the Herongate defence bailing them out frequently. Herongate also created equally numerous chances with the Vipers defence and Connor being kept busy but suprisingly given all the talk before the game, the football that lead to their chances universally came from long ariel balls from midfield or defence, over the top for strikers to chase or wingers playing kick and chase to the byline. On the occassions this was not the case it was a boot upfield from the keeper who was launching 70-80 yd kicks for people to try and control as it re entered the earths atmosphere!
Both teams created lots of chances throughout the first half, the best one by far falling to Herongate with Connor punching it just as it was about to be headed in and a superb follow up clearance from Brad clearing the danger. Our midfield were winning the battle in the centre of the park in my opinion, Cam and Brandon shielding the defence well and getting forward as required, Vinny and Jack getting up to support strikers Billy and Connor.H. More half chances came and went for both teams, again with Vipers playing some neat football with short passes and clever movement off the ball, but no goals at HT 0-0 with Vipers the better footballing side and probably just having the majority of possession but chances having been about even.
The second half was more of the same, numerous chances for either team, our defence of Steve, James, Brad, Luke and George being kept busy by the ariel threat from Herongate and their frequent clever through balls which Connor met with dives at the strikers feet on a couple of occasions. Marc stepped in for the injured Cameron in midfield and did a great job of shielding the defence. The best chance this half fell to Vipers, Jack making a great run down the right and crossed the ball in to the area only for the unrushing Connor.H and Billy to unluckily fail to convert, Connor.H having a strong game both making runs and holding up the ball for others. Continued pressure on the goals from both sides followed with Vipers again playing good passing football and Herongate still looking to use their pace and ariel threat, this half mixed with some clever interplay in the middle from their attacking players. Our forward players worked their socks off and the midfield and defence battled very hard when for the last 15-20 mins of normal time Herongate took control of the game and threatened to score. FT 0-0.
Extra time of ten minutes each half were to be played. The first half was again Herongate applying the pressure with a series of corners and a strong penalty shout for them denied. George subbed off injured after taking a blow to the neck from a trailing Herongate arm, the game becoming a more physical affair now with both teams giving away some free kicks. A corner that we failed to deal with lead to the Herongate goal, a great header into the top corner, nearly cleared off the line, a good finish but disappointing marking to be honest. 0-1. HT
The second half became the story of a Vipers fightback. A series of strong tackles in the middle from both teams and a couple of head injuries to Vipers Players, Brandon taking a blow to the head while contesting a header, and Connor being kicked into the air and landing awkwardly on his head once he had cleared a through ball, only seemed to galvanise the boys and we fought for everything for the next 10 mins, wrestling control of the game back from Herongate but failing to make the breakthrough even though we had a couple of chances. FT AET 0-1.
This was a superb game of football, Herongate deserve their win as the chances created were probably about even but they converted one of theirs, and to get results the team who take most chances win. That said, in my opinion we controlled the game for about 70% of it and were the better footballing side, outplaying the opposition for the first 50 mins and also the second half of extra time. Herongate were a big, strong, physical side that played to their strengths, something that has also been said about us in the past, and it was pleasing to see how we dealt with this for almost the entire game, and also how we stuck to our plan of playing the ball on the floor. A lesson to be learned that we cannot afford to switch off at all until the game is over though.
A disappointing result but a very good performance, one that I and all of you should be very proud of. We proved today we can mix it with very good sides and still compete, and for large parts outplay them.
Congratulations to Herongate on the win and to both teams for a fantastic game of football. Good luck to Herongate in Round 2.
MOTM:
Luke Fawcett and Bradley Wright, superb at centre backs, Connor equally great in goal.
Match Report:
A scorching hot Sunday morning met us in Chelmsford, in October......! The game started at a very fast pace with Vipers making all the early running and threatening Meadows goal. A couple of shots off target, an offside or two and some last ditch defending keeping the scores level for the first 15 mins.The break through came from a surging run down the right by Jack who fired a superb cross into the danger area with Connor Horne applying a strong finish from close range at the back post 0-1.
Meadow livened up a bit and started to break forward themselves, albeit less frequently than us. Our defence held firm though and the midfield were tracking back to assist the best they had done all season, well done Marc, Dan, Vinny, Jack and Brandon, very pleasing to see. A good Meadow break down the left meant a last ditch interception by Luke was required, great defending. Another ball into the Vipers box from a corner, Connor punching clear and Luke making the block on the line from the rebound. The game becoming more even now, with Brad, James, Steve and George all called into action. Vipers knew the second goal was all important and changed the formation from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2.
Some good work from Brandon in the middle meant we retrieved the ball, Brandon squaring to Jack who released out wide to Vinny, a clever quick pass into space set Jack free again and as he surged into the box he hit a superb half volley from a tough angle into the far corner, great team goal and a top class finish from Jack. 0-2. One more attack of note came from a free kick to Meadow which we cleared only for their striker to play the off side trap well and receive the pass and find himself alone in the area 12yds out and one on one with Connor who sped off his line and forced the striker into a rash shot which went over. HT 0-2.
Not a lot to say at half time other than keep up the good work, a great performance so far, keep our heads and the game would be ours if we kept mistakes to a minimum.
The second half started like the first with Vipers asserting the early pressure. Luke made a good break from midfield and took on 4 players to cross at the byline and have Connor.H finish but the goal was ruled out. Another cross from Luke was not dealt with by Meadow and a scramble in the box lead to Connor.H finishing again, this time the goal stood. 0-3.
Meadows heads dropped and for 10 mins we could play the ball at will almost unchallenged, some changes were made to personnel and positions and we kept playing good football. Meadow came back to life with a great through ball and finish only for the goal to be correctly ruled out for offside, a warning though! Tom Farrows hard work for the team almost paid off when he finished from outside the box but the goal was again ruled out, this time for a raised foot near the keeper as the ball neared him. Jack then made another surging run down the right and delivered a great cross, Connor.H again finishing and again goal was disallowed, by now i had given up trying to figure out why! The last goal came after a succession of pressure and crosses from the right, first by Dan, then by George, the latter crossing beautifully for Connor.H to score and the goal stood for a well deserved hat-trick. FT 0-4.
A superb performance today with everyone playing a part. Good passing from back to front, excellent defensive support from the midfield was very pleasing as was the strength of our back 4 and bravery of the keeper. The front 2 ran their socks off and the team as a whole were very unselfish, releasing the ball quickly and wanting it back when in space. Great finishing too from Jack and Connor.H. Well done.
Goalscorers:
Connor Horne - 3, Jack Snedker - 1
MOTM:
Connor Horne and Jack Snedker, great attacking play from both players....
Match Report:
This report will be relatively short as i dont wish to dwell on the poor performance and knock anyone's confidence. We played well for the first 15 mins and took the lead with a decent and deserved goal. A couple of mistakes lead to their equaliser, then we self destructed. Hatfield deservedly won the game 3-1, they out battled us in every area and showed a spirit that we would usually have in abundance but was missing today. It was not a good game of football, neither team played a good style of game, but Hatfield out fought us and quite simply wanted it more. We have a lot of work to do, we cannot let our heads drop just because we make a mistake or conceed a goal, it will happen at this level, it is about how we react to it.
Some work on doing the simple things correctly and fighting for each other as a team will be the focus at training this wk, be prepared for a tough couple of sessions. Braintree Irons in the league cup this Sunday, a much improved performance like those against Herongate, Valley and Meadow is required to see us take home the 3 points. You are an excellent football side, you just collectively had a bad day, it happens, dont beat yourselves up about it, this is another week and i know you guys will respond the right way. You are still mid table in the league and with a win in your game in hand you will go 3rd, you are also top of your league cup group so it's not all bad considering it's our first year in Div1 and we haven't even got going yet!
Congratulations to Hatfield on the win, it was thoroughly deserved, and best wishes to their centre back who was injured in a clash of heads and required stitches.
Goalscorers:
Dan Steadman
MOTM:
Jack Snedker - By far the most passionate in the game and fought hardest for the team.
Match Report:
A fantastic return to form from the boys this week. After the huge disappointment of the Hatfield game last week it was important to see that Vipers got their fight back, and boy did they. Braintree started well and had the better of the first ten minutes, Vipers feeling their way into the match with neither team creating any clear cut chances. Vipers settled into the match and took control, especially in the middle of the park, Jack, Brandon and Marc controlling the centre of the pitch with the ball going to the wide areas to Dan and Vinny when it should. When Braintree did attack our defence of Luke, Brad, James and George matched Braintree for pace and swept most of it up, when they didnt Connor was quick off his line to deal with any threat. Dan was getting a lot of joy down the left, his pace causing problems for Braintree and he kept trying to feed Connor Horne who as always made intelligent runs and his effort off the ball could not be questioned. Changes were made, Steve on for James, Billy for Vinny and Cameron for Marc. Steve was superb, no joy for Braintree down the right, Cameron immediately had control in the middle and fed the forwards well and Billy up in support of Connor Horne added another dimension to the attack. The rest of the half was definately Vipers in the ascendancy, we hit the post and won 5 or 6 corners, which we must learn to score from, but the scores remained level with Braintree left resorting to through balls which Connor dealt with comfotably either clearing away or diving at strikers feet. HT 0-0.
The boys were aware they had been the better team, more chances created, more corners and more possession, we just had to make it count now with a goal as we knew and had seen Braintree could break quickly and this game was never likely to end goalless.
The second half started a much more equal affair, both teams attacking and defending well, with some great battles and tackles going on in the middle of the park. Braintree broke the dead lock with a superb long range strike, their midfielder picking the ball up 40yds out and being allowed to run unchallenged until he struck it from 25 yds, Connor getting a strong hand to it but didn't manage to keep it out of the net. A fantastic strike but disappointing in terms of the time we afforded their player in picking his spot. 0-1.
Vipers responded well, piling the pressure on Braintree. Another bunch of corners were won but again we failed to convert, the nearest we came was Brandon heading just over from 8 yards. The game was fairly even, Vipers still edging it in terms of chances but Braintree having their share too with the back 4 and Connor kept busy. The middle again was where the battle was with Brandon, Jack, Vin and Cameron having to work very hard to break up the play and feed our attacks. Luke was pushed up front to try and get an equaliser but against the run of play Braintree scored a second, a failed clearance lead to their striker rounding the keeper and sliding it into the empty net. Another disappointing goal to conceed, 0-2.
Pleasingly our heads still did not drop and we attacked to the death, deservedly scoring, finally from a corner, Connor Horne netting from close range.1-2. We fought and fought til the end but it wasn't to be. Final score 1-2, harsh on the boys as the least they deserved was a draw, but in truth probably more.
I feel we were the better side, we had more possession and chances but we didn't convert this into goals. Braintree deserve their win purely as they were more clinical. We win and lose as a team and i blame no individuals for the result, if a defender or keeper allow a soft goal in as a result of a mistake, they cannot be blamed anymore than a striker or midfielder can for not taking a chance from a shot or corner which they should have put away. If we minimise these mistakes, and we ALL make them, we can be sure we will win more than we lose.
Very encouraging signs today, it's not often we lose and i go home happy. Today was a fantastic game of football and if you play like that every week we will go far this year. Heads up Vipers, you all did yourselves proud today.
Goalscorers:
Connor Horne
MOTM:
Brandon Lewis - controlled the middle of the park and sprayed passes around all game
Match Report:
The game was moved to Saturday to ensure the fixture was played as AFC Woodham did not have enough players available for the match to be played on Sunday. We lined up for what was our 10th game inc pre season, still without having ever had a full team or everyone fit, today we were missing one player and had 3 carrying injuries! Maybe before we are too hard on ourselves we should remember this!
Right from the first whistle Vipers attacked with pace and flair, some neat interplay in the middle looking to release Steve and Connor Horne who were todays strikers. AFC occasionally broke away to attack and we had to be wary of this as we only had 2 fit defenders meaning players were playing out of position. Anything AFC managed to throw our way we dealt with comfortably and although they were giving a good account of themselves you felt that it was just a matter of time until we scored.
Billy, Dan, Vinny & Brandon were spraying the ball around nicely in the middle and Steve and Connor Horne were fashioning chances up front. The first goal came when Steve was released and played a great ball in for Connor.H to finish from close range, 1-0. A second goal followed not long after with Connor.H having already had another volley saved, this time he recieved a great cross from Vinny which he controlled on his chest and volleyed across the goal from a slight angle into the far top corner, a stunning goal, great control and superb finish, a strike unlikely to be bettered this season. 2-0.
Vipers were firmly in control now and with AFC struggling to clear their lines we rarely allowed them into our half and attacked their goal relentlessly, our defence having a spell with little to do other than feed the ball back to the midfield when it came their way. Our 3rd came from one of a number of corners, Vinny delivered it into the area where Brandon flicked it onto the back post and Steve attacked the area well, finishing from 5 yds on the half volley, another good goal and from a corner too! 3-0.
Shortly after it was half time and the boys were told to carry on as they were, to keep trying to play decent football and not to take their foot off the gas.
The second half was more of the same. Vipers constantly attacking but full credit to AFC they never gave up and continued playing decent football, passing it on the floor and trying to defend everything we threw at them. They had some joy attacking this half, some decent through balls which Connor had to clear and a cracking shot from outside the box destined for goal after we lost possession, Connor making a great diving save. Lots of changes to personnel were made in order to help injured players rest and those returning from injury to regain fitness. Our next goal was great to see, Cameron returning from injury making a great run into the box and shooting left footed, the keeper getting a strong hand to the ball, Connor Horne finishing from close range for his hat-trick. 4-0.
AFC pulled one back deservedly, we were out of position at the back giving their right winger acres to attack, he did it well and shot across goal, Connor making a very good save to his right but their unmarked striker finished the rebound from 2 yds out. 4-1.
We replied quickly, Brandon winning the ball in the middle and a defence splitting through ball had 3 vipers players bearing down on goal, an awesome sight, Jack taking possession and with precision he drew the keeper out, went round him at pace and finished into the empty net, 5-1.
Although we were a bit more scrappy now, everyone wanting to add their name to the score sheet, we were still dominant and attacking at will. Our next goal was from Cameron, Dan releasing him into the area where he placed a cool half volley into the roof of the net from 10yds, another composed finish. 6-1
Steve got our next goal and his 2nd, a high ball into the box was fumbled by the keeper and like any good striker should be Steve was alert and followed up, finishing from 8yds into the centre of the goal, 7-1.
AFC still had their moments and our defence were much busier this half, mainly as we were attacking so frequently we kept leaving ourselves wide open, Brad, George, James and Marc keeping them at bay. A pass back from George, under pressure from AFC went to Connor, his attempted clearance didnt go as far as it should have and their midfielder had an open goal to shoot at from 20yds, he didn't miss, 7-2.
Shortly after the restart the ball was played from defence by Marc who controlled well under pressure and gave it to Cameron, Cam released Dan who used his pace to take on 2 defenders and strike a sweet left footed strike across goal from 10yds, 8-2, happy birthday Dan! FT
Although we scored 5 in the second half, my honest assessment is we played better in the first half. We limited their chances and played less aerial balls. We had that crazy 15 min spell after about 45 mins when everyone wanted to score but other than that it was a great performace. People stuck to their jobs and passed the ball well, we were clinical in front of goal and the scoreline reflects our domination of the game. Some great goals and assists today, it was good to get back to winning ways. On the whole we should be very happy, i know i am, well done.
Goalscorers:
Connor Horne - 3, Steve Davis - 2, Jack Snedker, Cameron Smith, Dan Steadman
MOTM:
Marc Hughes - A fantastic display of disciplined football and versatility.
Match Report:
Our 4th league game of the season was against our opponents from our 1st game which we won 3-0 and everyone from Vipers was hoping for a similar scoreline. The first 20 mins was pretty even, Connor making a great save at the strikers feet as early as the 2nd minute when poor communication between full back and centre back allowed Valley an attempt at goal. We had chances at the other end too, Valley defending well. 2 Valley free kicks were put over the bar and to be fair up to this point there was nothing in the game, you felt that the first goal was important. Too much of the ball was being played in the air and down the middle, the boys were told to pass the ball on the deck and into the wide areas more.
After a quick pass out of defence our midfield attacked the Valley area and with their defenders backing off Jack took on the shot from 20yds, beating the keeper for height, 1-0. Vipers started to dominate the match now and created a number of half chances, though Valley looked dangerous on the break and when we gave them time on the ball they certainly looked like they could do us damage too. Our next goal came from good work down the left releasing Jack who beat 2 players and got to the by-line, cutting the ball back to Connor.H who finished well with his left into the bottom right corner, 2-0, Steve also taking up a great position to score had Connor not despatched it. Not much else of note leading up to half time, our midfield winning the battle against their opposite numbers, Jack and Brandon controlling the centre, Vin and Cameron in the wide areas. When Valley did attack the centre back pairing of Luke and Dan, who were both superb all game, dealt with everything, as did George and Marc who patrolled out wide. HT 2-0.
We asked the boys for more of the same in the second half, and in my opinion it got even better. The defence were superb again. George resting briefly from injury meant it was now James and Marc as full backs, again giving Valley no joy, neither were Dan and Luke, sweeping up everything and the entire defence passing out with precision and getting forward to support attacks. Cameron took a well earned rest, Marc moving into the middle. Marc, Jack, Vinny and Brandon ran riot in the middle, some of the interplay was superb, not only with each other, but with Steve and Connor.H too. The right hand side proved very fruitful, Vinny, Jack and Brandon all linking up on numerous occassions. We created more chances, Jack scoring into the far top corner from the right side line with a cross come shot after a great squared pass from Luke, either way 3-0 and the game seemed over.
Valley did carry on attacking and never gave up, Connor having to sweep up a few through balls but no shots on goal from Valley to speak of really. Jack scored our fourth and his hat-trick goal with a half volley from 25 yds which was unstoppable, great goal. FT 4-0.
An awesome display guys. everyone played really well. Connor had little to do in goal but his save in the first couple of mins was excellent and he swept up every through ball and organised his defence well. The defence of Luke, Dan, George, Marc and James were all excellent. Communication and their distribution especially was great and very little got past them today, well done. The midfield of Jack, Cameron, Vinny and Brandon won everything in the middle of the park and tackled Valley with precision and passed with a fluidity, especially in the second half, that was very good to see. Connor.H and Steve worked tirelessly up front, both dropped deep at times to join in the slick build up play and allow overlaps, and made smart runs to occupy the Valley defence. Well done guys, a great league win.
Goalscorers:
Jack Snedker - 3, Connor Horne - 1
MOTM:
Some fine individual performances but the whole team excelled and did everything asked of them
Match Report:
A score line that in no way reflects the attacking nature of the game from both teams but two superb goalkeeping displays kept the scores low.
Both teams attacked from the off with Vipers having the first sight on goal, good work through the middle releasing Luke who had a shot blocked, the ball fell to Vinny who put just wide with his left foot with the goalkeeper out of position, a strong start and a very good chance. Both sides had attacking chances, and plenty of them, Connor called into action soon after, our defence failing to pick up the through ball to the striker and with him bearing down one on one, a smart save kept us level. The rest of the half was end to end, both teams creating good and half chances, both defences and keeper doing well, Dan, Steve, Brad and George looking superb, Vipers edging it in terms of possession and, im pleased to say, fighting for every ball in the middle. HT 0-0.
The boys were told to carry on as they were, it had been a superb half, and a goal was ours for the taking if we carried on as we had been, the defence looked strong, Connor looked assured in goal and the midfield battled for everything, feeding Connor.H and Luke who looked dangerous.
Only 5 mins in we gifted Hatfield a goal. Just before this there was a warning when a diagonal ball was not picked up and their striker hit an effort toward the top corner, Connor tipping onto the crossbar. Although there was a blatant foul on the keeper by their striker who was pushing Connor into the goal we cleared the initial corner, almost everyone pushed the line up immediately but the corner taker managed to retrieve his cleared effort and hit a shot straight at goal, the ball deflected off a Vipers head and gave Connor no chance, 0-1.
We got straight back into the game and for the last 20-25 mins it was all Vipers bar one shot well saved right at the end and a corner they scored from, this time disallowed for the same foul on the keeper as earlier. We attacked relentlessly and if we had scored one i am sure we would have scored a hatful, in fairness we should have had 3 minimum! Luke hit the bar from a free kick, Connor Horne and Cameron both put shots wide and both had shots at the keeper from close range saved. Jack and Brandon were bearing down on goal too both having efforts go close, Brandon from a corner and Jack from an angle. The final whistle went, 0-1 to Hatfield but only after at least another half a dozen attempts on goal, although an even game for the most part it was very one sided for the last 20 mins and a game that we shld have won if we had been more clinical in front of goal.
All in all it was a very good team performance, one mistake gifted them their goal, and numerous chances for us to get something from the game were squandered at their end, its really is about fine margins at this level, we must minimise our mistakes in all areas of the pitch to win games, that is not me being mean or overly critical, its simply a harsh reality of playing in this division. We all make mistakes, its just about making as few as possible. I cannot fault your effort and spirit in this game, especially compared to our last meeting with these opponenets. James and Marc started the games as subs and excelled when they came on. Well done, a very unfair scoreline given your performance. We will work hard over the next 2 training sessions and with our bit of luck we are definately due, get the 3 points v Wilvale this weekend.
MOTM:
Connor - A superb goalkeeping display, only beaten today by a deflection.
Match Report:
Today we had a team who beat us 5-4 in the KO Cup last year and were currently one place above us in the league, a win was important to keep our progress in the league ticking over and not to allow the gap between us and those at the top to increase further.
We played the ball around neatly from the whistle and looked in good shape when a long ball over the the midfield was not dealt with well, again a header should have been made but we opted to back off and kick, the ball was mis timed and fell nicely to their striker who finished well giving Connor no chance, 0-1 with barely 3 mins on the clock. At this point no one was worried though as the boys thankfully rallied each other and got back to playing good football straight away. Only a few mins later we equalised, the defence breaking up a Wilvale attack and playing the ball into the middle, Cameron spreading the ball to Brandon who released Connor.H to finish superbly, 1-1 and a deserved equaliser.
Vipers were definately on top now, a quick equaliser clearly having rattled the opposition who were struggling to get a hold of the game, Brandon in particular winning every header in the middle with Cameron also breaking up play, Vinny and Jack being released in the wide areas. The next goal was again played from the middle after good break up play, Cameron releasing Connor.H to finish from outside the box with a half volley, 2-1 and Vipers in complete control. A third quickly followed, this time after good work at the back we attacked and shot at goal, the ball was cleared where Cameron intercepted and with a great first time pass out wide sent Vinny free, a superb cross to the back post after beating his marker with Connor.H securing his hat trick to finish from close range, 3-1.
It has to be said at this point that Wilvale were still attacking and causing a threat on the break but the defensive play from our back four, the two centre mids and Connor in goal was excellent, very little getting through today, Connor making one save of note in the half and collecting the odd through ball, otherwise Brad, James, Marc and George dealing with everything superbly.
Luke made it four goals when a slightly loose pass from Wilvale was pounced on by Brad, with a neat touch he released Luke with a pin point 30yd pass, Luke controlling with his head and slotting past the keeper from 10 yds, 4-1. The scoring for the half ended when good play from Jack released Luke who got to the byline to cross for Connor.H to score his fourth of the game, 5-1 HT.
Paul and I had very little to say at HT, just more of the same please.
Wilvale clearly meant business at the start of the second half and the first 10 mins put us under continuous pressure. the back 4 breached a number of times, with either saves by Connor or wayward shooting costing them. A series of corners were won but we defended them excellently. The game calmed a little and we started to wrestle control back, another goal came from a corner to Luke which he blasted toward goal, Vinny directing it into the bottom corner with a neat touch, 6-1. Wilvale kept pressuring us on the break though, it was definately a more even half, Connor having two make 2 more decent saves from one on ones, and Brad, James, George and Marc kept a lot busier but still performing well and dealing with Wilvales more frequent attacks. Our midfields interplay was very good today, Cameron exerting his influence and breaking up play, releasing others in more advanced positions and getting forward to support, Brandon was still heading everything and passing the ball out wide to Vin and Jack who ran their full backs ragged. Luke and Connor.H were a constant threat up front and this pair made our last goal, Cameron releasing Vinny who threaded and inch perfect cross between LB and CB to Luke whose first time shot was destined for the corner but was very well saved, only for Connor.H to tuck away the rebound from 2 yds, FT 7-1.
A fantastic team performance today, Connor made 4 or 5 very good saves as Wilvale came into it more in the second half, James, Brad, George and Marc defended as a unit and didn't look in trouble often, they were also responsible for some very good passing to the midfield. Brandon and Cameron broke up the play really well and spread the ball wide and up front, both getting assists. Vinny and Jack used the wings well, supplying a constant attacking threat and supported the front two of Connor.H and Luke who ran the defence of Wilvale into the ground. Well done boys.
Goalscorers:
Connor Horne - 5, Vinny Haley - 1, Luke Fawcett - 1
MOTM:
Connor Horne - A clinical display infront of goal, fantastic performance.
Match Report:
Visibility wasn't great at kick off but you could definately see well over half the pitch and the referee and both teams were happy for the game to go ahead.
Vipers were the stronger team right from the start, attacking Meadow frequently and only on rare occassions did the opponents enter into our final 3rd, our defence cutting out almost everything and Connor have little to do other than sweep up the odd through ball. I was very pleased with the attitude of the boys today, lots of encouragement for each other and players taking responsibility for organising themselves, none more than Luke who was very vocal in a positive way. The midfield was working well at this point creating chances for Dan and Connor up front but no goals for the first 15 mins or so.
The deadlock was broken when we broke down an attack from Meadow on the half way line. Luke spread the ball left to Jack who played it to Brandon, he cut it back inside to Luke who skipped past two tackles and shot from 25yds, to be fair the keeper should have saved it but he fumbled and it was 1-0. The second followed soon after, again good work from the back 4 played in Cameron, he in turn put Brandon into space who released Jack down the left, Jack beat his man but with defenders lining up ahead he spotted the run of Dan and laid a neat pass into his path, Dan shooting from the angle, again 20-25yds out, it his the crossbar and went in, great team goal, 2-0.
The score stayed the same up to the break, Meadow having a couple of half chances either dealt with by the defence/Connor or put wide, but it was really all about Vipers and although 2-0, the score could have been more.
More of the same was the instruction from Paul and I, one thing to note though was all our decent play came from using the width, yet we seemed determined to play through the middle, more of the wide play please.
The second half was even for 10 or so minutes, both teams creating half chances and earning corners, Meadow probably edging it though and playing with much more determination this half. Once more good break up play and distribution from Luke released the ball to Dan who ran at his man, the ball flicked up and Dan spotted the run of Connor.H and played a perfectly weighted ball to him with his head, Connor one on one was never likely to miss and a cool finish chipped over the advancing keeper made it 3-0.
Connor.H soon got his second with a beautiful team goal, Luke played the ball into the middle, Brandon passing to Dan, Dan spotted Jack's run down the left and slid the ball to him, Jack beat two men down the line and once in the area with only the keeper to beat, the keeper came out and Jack squared it to Connor.H who cut inside his marker to finish near post into an empty net. This goal was an absolute dream, quick passing to the man in space and no selfish play at all, the final ball from Jack to Connor.H was great but the whole build up was fantastic and shows what we are capable of when we play for the team as a whole rather than individuals. Play like this is what we need the majority of the time if we want to win things in this division. 4-0.
The game seemed over as far as a contest but Meadow kept us true with attacks of their own, Connor making a save of note which he punched clear after a shot from 20 yds or so. The back 4 were superb, very little beat them, Luke still organising well from the back and the distribution was excellent. Our fifth came from Cameron playing out wide to Vinny, he beat one man and with Dan advancing across him Vinny released the ball into the area, Dan smashed it into the bottom left. 5-0.
One disappointing aspect today was the amount of corners we won and did nothing with, Jacks deliveries were spot on, every single one could have been a goal, and just as i was commenting on how we needed to work on this we won another. Jack again delivered a beauty, Connor.H headed home for his hat trick, FT 6-0.
A great game, we did pretty much everything right, our attitude was excellent, no arguing with the ref or each other. The play for the goals was excellent and the second half we moved the ball wider much more. Connor had little to do in goal but did it well. The back 4 were immense, organising themselves and their passing out was great. The midfield gave Meadow no time to play and moved the ball around among themselves and up to the front two with accuracy. The front two were excellent, 5 goals between them. A great team performance, well done lads.
Goalscorers:
Connor Horne - 3, Dan Steadman - 2, Luke Fawcett - 1
MOTM:
Luke Fawcett - organised defence and won every tackle. Great passing too
Match Report:
A must win game for us in the league cup as a loss would see us out of the competition at the group stage and a draw would leave things out of our hands. We didn't start well and there were few chances for either side in the first half, Valley Green were the better side and out passed and out fought us for the first 35 mins, Vipers consistently trying to play long balls over the top and refusing to pass into wide areas despite Paul and I telling them to do otherwise. We had a few good passages of play, all coming from passes on the floor and moving the ball to our wingers, enough said. HT 0-0.
Its fair to say that Paul and I gave the boys a bit of a stern talking to during the break and i was pleased to see that a player actually spoke up to say what he felt was wrong too. Instructions were given as to how to proceed in the second half.
The second half was a massively improved display. We fought for every ball and i don't think Connor had a save to make as our back line were superb. Passing on the floor and out wide increased to the point where we looked like a completely different side. Our first goal came when Jack released Dan who got to the line and made a trademark run, after beating his defender and looking like he would shoot, he squared it past the onrushing keeper for Connor Horne to finish into an empty net from 12yds, a very pleasing, unselfish team goal, superb. 1-0. Vipers celebrated a deserved goal that since the restart had been coming. Our next goal came from good work pressuring Valley high up the pitch we won the ball back, with Luke running into space toward the edge of the box, Steve played a quick accurate pass to Luke who beat two defenders to score into the bottom corner from 20yds, 2-0 and Vipers in complete control. Valley kept fighting but could not test our keeper, the few times they broke the back line we defended well and cleared for corners which we also made safe.
Our last goal came from a penalty. Cameron released Brandon who beat a defender and was well in the box, goal side of his man and ready to shoot, the defender used his shoulder but it was in the players back and the ref awarded the penalty. Jack converted well, FT 3-0.
A lack lustre first half but a much improved second half sees us get a deserved 3 points and means qualifying for the semi finals is in our hands. A great team effort in the last 35 mins was good to see, some great battling and passing, teamwork was there for everyone to see. Some good goals and great back up play. A good match to watch. Well done. Thanks to Paul for taking over the substitutions for me in the second half when it is fair to say i felt a little queasy!
Goalscorers:
Connor Horne - 1, Luke Fawcett - 1, Jack Snedker - 1
MOTM:
Cameron Smith - a superb display in MF from our captain.
Match Report:
A blistering starts for Vipers saw Maldon under pressure right from the start, a real contrast from when these teams last met! It seemed only a matter of time before we would score with Jack being played in by just about every player at some point, going on runs down the right and quite frankly terrorising their left midfielder and full back. Cross after cross came and good play through the middle also meant we mixed things up well. Another cross from Jack was met by the on running Connor.H whose positioning was good and he finished from 6yds out, 1-0. We didn't let Maldon settle and they barely managed to attack us at all. Brandon and Cameron patrolling the central areas with good heading and tackling, their passing to release others to go forward was excellent too.
On the rare occasion Maldon got at our back line we defended very well. Connor had one save to make, an excellent leaping catch from a free kick with two Maldon players arriving to try and head it in. In truth it was pretty much all us, we should have scored 7 or 8 in the first half, but it was only two when Dan shot from a Jack corner with the ball looking like it was going in the far corner, Connor.H finished it from a yard out to make sure, 2-0 HT.
Paul and I had little to say other than carry on as you are and make sure we attack the front post from crosses, Maldon were cutting a lot of Jacks deliveries out without any pressure from us, had we done this then we would surely have finished the game off already.
A very nervy start to the second half, Maldon much more up for it and applying the pressure against us. Some rushed passing, poor tackling and a general air of panic seemed to envelop the team, Connor making 2 decent saves in the first 5 mins, thats double what he made in the whole first half! The boys eventually did settle and it became a decent end to end game for the next 15-20 mins, both teams having decent efforts on goal and an even amount of the play. Our back 4 did well coping with the renewed pressure as did Connor in goal. Our midfield continued to battle excellently, providing cover for the defence and a constant supply of balls going forward, joining in the attacks themselves.
The killer blow came when more good play in the middle from Cameron released George who overlapped his winger and delivered a dream of a cross into the danger area, Vinny was alert and attacked the ball very well, finishing on the half volley from 12yds, FT 3-0.
An amazzing first half should have seen us out of sight, but with some poor positioning and attacking the wrong areas it was only 2-0 at HT. Other than not finishing our chances the first half was pretty close to perfect. The second half was a shaky start, probably because Maldon had re-grouped and also because we knew the game should have been over as a contest. That said we dug in and fought our way out of a sticky patch and came on strong again as the half continued. Connor did well in goal again, only a few saves to make but decent ones and never looked like conceeding. The back 4 (combination of Luke, George, Brad, Steve, James and Marc), really battled and passed out of defence well and survived an onslaught in the second half without conceeding. The midfield (Jack, Cameron, Brandon, Dan and Marc) were immense, won every header and tackle and supplied passes constantly and attacked with the forwards (Connor.H, Vinny and Steve) who got 3 goals between them and caused problems for Maldons defence all game and linked up well together. Another 3 points, well done.
Goalscorers:
Connor Horne - 2, Vinny Haley - 1
MOTM:
George - another very composed performance at the back and overlapped RW to set up 3rd goa
Match Report:
Vipers definately seemed to start nursing a bit of a Christmas hangover, our play was disjointed and positionally we were all over the place with very few people looking to pass the ball! Meadow had without doubt improved greatly since our previous meeting and it would be fair to say they were the better side in the first half. We took the lead however, against the run of play, when the ball went wide rather than hoofed down the middle, Dan set off on a trademark run and finished well from a tight angle. 0-1.
The boys were given a talking to at HT and although things definately improved it was not a vintage Vipers performance. That said we hadn't played for nearly a month and were up against a strong and determined Meadow side, so coming away with 3 points was still a very good result. Further goals from Dan and 2 from Maksim on his debut, with assists for Dan, Jack and Brandon meant we put 4 goals away, we also conceeded twice, Meadow causing problems often and we definately left happy with the 3 points but knowing a vast improvement would be needed to beat Wilvale in the 1/4 final of the KO cup next wk.
Goalscorers:
Dan Steadman - 2, Maksim Lukjanov - 2.
MOTM:
James Atkinson - faultless performance at right back.
Match Report:
A glorious Sunday morning for this match. A low sun looked as though it might prove to be problematic though. We beat Wilvale 7-1 in the league earlier in the season but knew this game would be tighter as that scoreline flattered to deceive.
We started well and had most of the early pressure against them although Wilvale had a very quick striker who lead all the counter attacks and caused us issues at the start. We had numerous half chances to cross or shoot but a combination of poor final balls or shooting meant we couldnt score. Against the run of play Wilvale's RW found space and delivered a looping cross that was unfortunately turned into our own net by a defender, no blame apportioned though as he leapt high and tried to clear under pressure. 1-0.
Wilvales second came when a loose touch and dodgy bounce conspired to set their striker through 1 on 1, he made no mistake, and although we were all over Wilvale and probably should have been 4-0 up we found ourselves 2-0 down just 15 mins in!
Paul and I told the boys not to panic and to keep playing as we were, the goals would definately come. At HT it was 2-0 Wilvale still but we could have had 6 or 7 on another day, Wilvales keeper playing a blinder.
The boys were told to change nothing, we had every confidence they would turn it around. 10 mins in, and after a couple of half chances, Jack broke free down the right and played a great low cross into the danger area, Brandon timed his run brilliantly and fnished from 8 yds, 2-1, game on!
We kept on pushing but the crossbar and keeper kept us out, even though Wilvale rarely crossed the half way line. With 15 mins to go we went 4-3-3, Luke pushing up as an extra striker as we sacrificed a midfielder. Vinny was threading passes from in behind the strikers and played a great chipped pass to Connor who controlled and finished on the half volley from 15 yds, 2-2.
Vipers had been on top most of the game but now really turned the screw, Wilvale just trying to hang on and repell our attacks. Luke picked up a clearance 40 yds out, beat two challenges and scored from 25 yds to complete the comeback. 2-3.
Vipers closed the game out without incident, holding on to possession very professionally and without panicking. FT 2-3.
An amazing game that we won deservedly but not by the margin our dominance deserved. Your spirit today was faultless. Paul and I are so proud of the way you never gave up and kept fighting and believing. Their manager, the linesman and the ref all said it was a deserved victory. Well done boys, bring on Braintree in the semi finals.
Goalscorers:
Brandon Lewis - 1, Connor Horne - 1, Luke Fawcett - 1
MOTM:
Brandon and Cameron, worked tirelessly in the middle to break up attacks and set up ours.
Match Report:
Our final group game in the league cup saw us up against the league leader Danbury. Due to our position in the cup we needed only to ensure that we didn't lose by a 3 or more goal margin and we would qualify for the semi finals, but as we all know this team doesn't play for anything other than wins.
The game started evenly with Vipers bossing possession but Danbury passing it well and looking to constantly use their no.15 as an outlet up front, our defence working hard to keep him quiet. About 10 mins in the ball was played from central midfield out wide to Jack, Jack beat the fullback and crossed from the byline for Connor.H to finish from close range, 0-1. Vipers were definately dominating, Danbury struggling to get a foothold in the game. Some good break up play at the back and patient build up lead to our second, the ball being passed around well, Connor.H receiving the ball and spotting Camerons run, a great finish with his left on the half volley from 10yds made it 0-2. Danbury had a chance to get back in it but shot wide, closely followed by another chance when their striker was 1 on 1 he fell over in the area having lost his footing with the goal at his mercy. This error was punished when more good build up found Brandon facing away from goal on the byline, he crossed for Connor.H to finish from close range again, HT 0-3
Danbury needed 6 in the second half to knock us out which was highly unlikely. Vipers set about again playing well, the right hand side being very productive with Jack running their left back ragged. This proved to be the source of our next goal, another great cross finished from 8 yds by Brandon, his second in as many games, 0-4. We made loads of changes to personnel and positions, resting those with injuries and sickness, and only at this point did Danbury provide a consistent challenge, and score their only goal, a great finish from their forward, FT 1-4.
This win secures our second semi final of the season! A great team performance which was probably our best since the first game of the season. Great passing from all, clinical finishing from our scorers and defending from our back 4 and Connor who managed to stop their no.15 from registering a single goal. Well done Vipers, we are coming on strong just at the right time!
Goalscorers:
Connor Horne - 2, Cameron Smith - 1, Brandon Lewis - 1.
MOTM:
Match Report:
A strong opening performance by the boys in the first ever 11-a-side game together. Positive signs for next season without a doubt.
Goalscorers:
Ibrahim Meah - 1, George Shearer - 1
Match Report:
An unbelievable performace in our second match together, the boys looking like they have played together for years. Well done Vipers.
Goalscorers:
Jack Rolfe - 5, George Shearer - 2, Jack Wyatt - 1, Ibrahim Meah - 1, OG - 1
Match Report:
Again a hatful of goals for a team that has been together a matter of months, and that with a summer holiday period to contend with, awesome.
Goalscorers:
George Shearer - 4, Eli O'Dell, Andy Pham, Ibrahim Meah, Jack Rolfe, Steven Rolfe
Match Report:
A much tighter game today but still a decent result and still unbeaten for the team.
Goalscorers:
Jack Rolfe
Match Report:
A great result to finish our pre-season, another win, that's 3 out of 5 with 2 draws means we are still unbeaten, bring on Wilvale in the league.
Goalscorers:
Jack Rolfe - 2, Andy Pham - 1
Match Report:
After both boys and parents respected a minutes silent's for the victims of 9/11, The first ever league game for the under 15s got off to a flying start.
On a very big Vipers home pitch we done all the early pressing and grew into the half and could have gone into half time a goal up if not for the lines mans flag..
I feel we pressed and closed down well and just had the edge going in to the break at 0-0.....
Wilvale were out on there feet sitting down for there half time team talk while Vipers all stayed standing...
Second half started much the same with vipers quicker to the ball and pressing high up the pitch. After some gritting midfield play Eli O'dell burst through into the box, took his shot well which went straight through the keepers hands into the net! 1-0! It was not long before Jack Rolfe made it 2-0. Then a fantastic through ball from Tom lodge set Jack R off down the line he crossed to George Shearer who made it 3-0...
Great performances from Steven R, Emerson H, Jack W, Andrew B in defence! Sam P made a couple of great saves to earn his clean sheet....Andy P and Ibrahim M were Outstanding in midfield, George B and Jordan R were Solid when coming on as Subs! This was a great start to our season beating a team who won there league last season unbeaten. I'm so proud of the way your all playing as a team lets keep it going now and see where it takes us....
Goalscorers:
Eli O'Dell - 1, Jack Rolfe - 1, George Shearer - 1
MOTM:
The entire team, nothing to seperate the boys in a great team performance.
Match Report:
A 10am kick off today the earliest we have had as a team so far, And it showed! a still dewy pitch it was idea to zip the ball around on the deck as the boys were told to do, however it was a ball over the top from Andy P set Jack R off to open the score. Although a close first half it was a slight lack of concentration which made it 1-1 at the break.
Second half we were second best, over run in midfield not closing quick enough and lack of urgency cost us along with too many balls over the top which today did not work. Maldon went ahead early in the half and although after a good spell pressing in their half we got back to 2-2 with George S netting, we then was not supporting the front two, Jack R had Four players around him most of the half and in my opinion should have had two penalties. Some fantastic saves from Sam P kept the score down however Maldon made it 3-2 with 10 minutes to go! A Injury to Steven R sparked tempers as the boys felt Maldon got away with too many "bad tackles" I will remind our players that poor discipline will not be tolerated as injustices should be righted on the pitch. After the game was restarted it was maldon who got the goal to make it 4-2. Only our first defeat in seven games it should be used to learn the lesson that unless you work hard you will not be rewarded. We are in Maldon again next in the League cup so lets go out and show them today was just a blip.
Goalscorers:
Jack Rolfe - 1, George S - 1
MOTM:
Sam P. Well played Sam.
Match Report:
A record breaking hot October 2nd meant both teams were going to find it hard today! Although it was maldon who were switched on from the start scoring after only 2 minutes.
After defeat to the same team in the league last game the early goal did not help confidence, Although we did have a few chances in the first half just seemed maybe due to the heat just a few yards off the pace, Saying that we were the better side going into half time all be it a goal down.
Second half was much of the same as Maldon's manger said after the game we Bossed for a good hour,it was just one of those days where it just was not going in the net for us.
A combination also of some standing off the opposition and allowing them to "bully" us did not help as we quickly need to learn how to give it back sometimes as not all teams want to play the slick game we do and tend to fowl our more skilful players, That said two defensive mistakes towards the end of the game made it a non flattering 3-0 defeat Positive signs are there and i will stress we are a side who have only been together a matter of weeks playing teams who have been established over many years!
Keep working hard boys and in time we will be a great team all the ingredients are there for us to push on over time. We also welcome Matt back to the side next week after being side lined for three games......
MOTM:
Eli O'Dell
Match Report:
Vipers Under 15s got back into the swing of things this week after two defeats on the bounce! We faced a side top of there league winning 4 out of there 4 games and unbeaten this season so far. A steady build up in the first 10 minutes lead to some early chances with
Jack R giving witham's back line trouble with his pace and ball control, the boys were passing and moving very well and it was nt long before Eli O'dell made it 1-0, Some great play at the back limited witham to a couple of chances in the first half while Vipers were pushing all the half with shots flying in at there keeper and over the bar. We were getting control of midfield and working the flanks when a through ball sent Jack R off on another run towards goal only to be bought down inside the box! Penalty....Matt Daly stepped up and cool as you like smashed the ball into the bottom corner. 2-0 and cruising at half time...
Second half was much of the same Centre half's Emerson hobbs and Jack Wyatt Did not let witham anywhere near our Keeper Sam with Solid performances, The lads were passing well with Tom L doing some great runs on the Right wing. Eli o' dell burst through on goal again to make it 3-0, which sealed the game with a good 30 minutes to go! witham battled well in the second half and did not give up But they just could not stop Rampant Eli o'dell netting his Hatrick which was so well deserved, in fact with a bit more composure he should have had 7......4-0 the final score with not only some great individual performances but a fantastic team effort too. As i said after the game if we play in that manner every week even if we lose i can not ask for more then we give today. The fight was back the hunger was there the passing, team work and attitude stop on. Good Luck to Witham Eagles this season you played the game in good spirit and made it an enjoyable one! One last thing is the Man of the Match which this week was very hard at least 5 of my players stood out and i ld like this hard decision every week, It came down to Jack Wyatt, Eli o'dell or Emerson Hobbs who just shaded it with a fantastic defensive display and tough tackling. Well done Emerson your really starting to shine! Congrats to the whole team who now go on the the next round where we face Boreham village greens...
Goalscorers:
Eli O'Dell - 3, Matt Daly - 1
MOTM:
Emerson Hobbs
Match Report:
If there was ever a game where the score line does not reflect what went on on the pitch this was one! First half there was nothing between the teams
with all the early pressure good passing play and chances, going to Vipers! In fact we should have been 2 goals up within 6 minutes, A lucky break against the run of play from notley put them in front when our defence were pulled out too high covering for a gap in midfield. The boys battled on but it was a ball over the top which undone us for notleys second..2-0 at half time we were very much still in the game....
Second half we had came out well until we were caught out at the back with a not so good clearance, i felt our player was pushed as the attacker went for the ball but the goal stood 3-0...The boys at this point seemed to be shell shocked, We did win a penalty that could have gave us the life line we needed but the kick went over the bar which in essence summed up our day! From this point it all went down hill, Notley scored a fourth heads dropped we gave up which invited two more notley goals as the effort to win the ball was gone! As i have said if my team loses 10-0 but the work rate, effort and commitment is there i will never have reason to be disappointed, but today to many of you gave up and this is something i never want to see from this team again! If we go down we do it fighting all the way and make teams work instead of just rolling over! That said we have to learn from our mistakes and move on. One player for me did stand out today and didn't stop working Matthew Daly gets MOTM. Coggeshall away next week lads, lets show some character and put in a great performance
MOTM:
Matthew Daly.
Match Report:
The boys bounced back after a disappointing result last time out, and ground this result out. Although the score line should have been many more
we also rode our luck at times with barnston hitting the crossbar and they felt the ball crossed the line which from where i was standing impossible to say if it did or not
The ref waved play on and i felt evened up after one of our players was bundled over in the penalty box by three of there players you would never see such a nailed on pen not given! I was pleased with how the team played with some good individual performances and team play at times, on the balance of play we earned the win. I wont go on too much about this game as we have barnson twice more in as many weeks. Good thing is the boys are up and running again and can now push on and grow as a team.
Goalscorers:
Jack Rolfe
MOTM:
Steven Rolfe
Match Report:
The U15s showed what they are made of today by inflicting a crushing defeat on Barnston after only edging a 1-0 victory against the same team last week!
And as was the story of last weeks game this score line could and should have been many more, With wave after wave of attacking football, from the first minute of the game
with Jack R shooting just wide. With Matt D and Jack W in total control of the midfield the ball seemed to be glued in Barnstons half. It wasn't long before another through ball set Jack R off on another run he crossed low for George S to make it 1-0....From then on there was only going to be one winner! Yet another attack saw george S make a outstanding run into Barnston's box only to be cut down Penalty...Captain Eli o'd stepped up to smash the ball home low into the bottom corner 2-0! Ibrahim M came on as sub to make an instant impact with some great play and it was only a couple of minutes before Jack R was in the right place to make it 3-0 at half time...
Second half was much of the same! Midfield controlled Defence solid Front two running Barnston ragged. Barnston very rarely even breaking into our half, When they did Emerson H was there with some crunching tackles as was Steven R and Andrew B, And when any shot was made on our goal our outstanding keeper Sam P was there. Early into the second half Jack R was off on another run and burst through to make it 4-0....A screamer from Ibrahim M made it 5-0 Then George s cut through Barnston's defence only to be bought down yet again for another Penalty! It was Steven R who stepped up this time to smash home our Sixth! The boys wasn't finished there we kept attacking and got another after Ibrahim's shot hit the cross bar only for George s to be there to hit home the rebound 7-0....Barnston did get a constellation goal by way of a Penalty with in my opinion was very harsh on our defender with made a great effort to get the ball fairly. This was a great team performance today and you should be proud of how you boys controlled the game and took your chances. To be fair to Barnston they didn't give up when some teams might have. Lads take the confidence into the coming games as at our best were a match for any team in our league. We welcome Hayden Easter into our team who made his debut today! Man of the match goes to Sam P today as he didn't have much to do but stayed alert all game to make some great save's when need.
Goalscorers:
Jack Rolfe - 2, George Shearer - 2, Steven Rolfe - 1, Eli O'Dell - 1, Ibrahim Meah - 1
MOTM:
Sam P.
MOTM:
Andrew Brown
Match Report:
On a very foggy sunday morning it seemed our lads had fog in the minds as danbury came out the blocks flying with 2 early goals,
We stood off didn't close down and layed out a red carpet for danbury to run through us. There was only ever going to be one winner in this game,
And when the third went in the wrighting was on the wall. I tried a differant system today to pack out the midfield and just one striker this clearly did not work and i felt change was needed at half time. Danbury are a good footballing side with good players made to look even better by our lack of fight..
Half time couldn't come quick enough....
My half time talk was simple close the ball down quicker be first, communicate with each other more and make it hard for danbury to impact there game on to us! The ref was eager to
get the second half underway and blew his whistle three time at us to set up for the half but i felt the lads needed an extra couple of minutes to get the heads together. And did they do just that game of two half's is how to describe what happen! This time it was Vipers who came out quicker and wasn't long before Eli was clean through only to be bought down, Penalty! Eli stepped up to smash it home! From here on in the confidence just grew and grew, I was seeing the team i am trying to mould....Hard working, closing down, encouraging each others, organised at the back and breaking with such speed we are always going to give teams problems. Matt and Andy battled in midfield Steven, Emerson, Tom and Andrew held the back line while Hayden and George supplied Eli and Jack well up front.....It was jacks constant hard work upfront who bought our second as his shot wasn't held and Eli was there to hit home 2-3. the game was now very much ours to win, Some more great team work sent Jack off again who shot on the edge of the box straight into the bottom corner 3-3 the lads now believed they could go on to score again! Although we did not and with a rare second half shot from danbury hitting the post this was a point so well deserved, and shows the strength of character within the team to come back the way we did against a side who have only lost one game all season. I ve said before we are a match for any team in this league when we play as a team and work for each other. I'm very proud of you all today lads for the way you turned this game around. One last point is i felt this was a great game of football with fair play on both sides. I look forward to our next game with Danbury....
Goalscorers:
Eli O'Dell - 2, Jack Rolfe - 1
MOTM:
George Shearer
Match Report:
Lessons need to be learned from today's game as there were two different Vipers teams out there, First half although we lost any early goal we battled well and got back into
the game from Steven's free kick only to go behind again. then from another free kick Steven made it 2-2. The pitch was not ideal as it was practically a hill and a small one at that, Unfortunately we did not take advantage of shooting down hill first half and went into the break behind by 3-2. But we were very much matching Maldon and should have at least been level .
Second half kicked off and within 30 seconds Jack had made it 3-3 we were back in the game! But what happened after that tells the story of the second half! small pitch, ball over the top not picking up players, basic defending from set pieces. Maldon must have thought Xmas was a month early as 4, 5 then 6 went in! Vipers started arguing amongst themselves lost there shape forgot what we worked on in training and worse of all gave up the fight. These players know who they are and should have a look at themselves as football is a team game. This team can not grow unless we are a unit. As you can image i was pretty annoyed at the result today until on the way home i heard on the radio something that puts everything into perspective!
GARY SPEED the Welsh international manger had sadly died at the young age of 42, A great professional played at 5 top English clubs as well as his country.
A true role model in the game every young player should look up to how this man played, trained and conducted himself on and off the pitch. Thoughts are with his family and friends. R.I.P
Goalscorers:
Steven Rolfe - 2, Jack Rolfe - 1
MOTM:
Tom Lodge
Match Report:
In a disappointing first half which see us behind 4-1 at the break, we can take a lot of positives from the way the second half went with a much better display
battling for the ball, team work and effort. Although we did ride our luck at times with a goal line clearance, We had our own chances and was getting through much better then the first half. And we could look at the second half and say it was only 1-0.....
A MOTM debut performance in the middle of the park form Naythan after being moved from the right made all the difference and bodes well for the future. Also a great debut second half sub performance from Calum made a impact! And on that note i would like to welcome both Naythan and Calum to Vipers! Plus with more new signings on the Horizon we can bond as a team and put some not so good results behind us. Like i say we can take positives from this game even though the score line isn't a great one, We now have two league cup games before the xmas break were we can recharge the batteries get some new blood into the team and make 2012 a great year for Vipers Under 15s.....
Goalscorers:
Jack Rolfe
MOTM:
Naythan K
Match Report:
Vipers Under 15s Bounced back this week after a couple of disappointing results. I must say it gives a manager alot of satisfaction to set his team up to play in a certain way, have the lads take in what there being asked to do, then go out and execute to perfection on the pitch and come out winners. There were no individuals today, just one unit fighting and working for each other. I might go as far to say this is one of the best performances i ve seen from the lads taking all factors into consideration. We had to soak up pressure at times, Sam made some good saves but on the whole we more than deserved our win today. Nathan and Jack controlled midfield for most parts with Calum and Hayden working well on the flanks supporting the full backs Tom and Jordan when needed. Solid displays from our centre backs Andrew and Steven, Plus great forward play from George s, George B and sub Ibrahim made this an all round excellent team performance. A brace from George s, sealed the win for us today with Maldon only getting a very late conciliation via a penalty. Although it was very hard to pick a player out for MOTM, Its going to be shared between Sam, George s and Calum this week. We now go second in our group with two games remaining and all to play for with a Semi Final place up for grabs. Well done lads lets build on today, bond as a team and not look back! On a final note big thanks to Tony who has stepped up to assist the team going forward.
Goalscorers:
George S - 2
MOTM:
Sam, George S and Calum
9 man Vipers took to the field with the odds very much stacked against them which could only be a damage limitation game! Its hard enough playing with 10 but with wilvale
having a 2 player advantage there should have only been one result. The lads were briefed as to what there jobs were and that if we all played as two men then in fact it would be 18 against 11....
What unfolded in this game was nothing short of amazing! Although the lads went 2-0 behind they never gave up did not lay down and battled for every ball and just before half time got there reward as George Bassett smashed home a cross from Jack to take us only a goal behind at half time 2-1.
Second half we came out fighting from the off, With Vipers pressing and chasing every ball Wilvale were making mistakes. We was on top of the game! Only to be caught on the break to go 3-1 behind, Now no matter what the odds i will always set my team up to attack and try to win the game. With this mentality the lads had bought it back to 3-2 within minutes Jack scoring the goal.
The team work rate was paying off until a penalty to wilvale made it 4-2 with only 9 minutes to go, Surely now Vipers were beat? Not a chance these boys are fighters and just would not give in kept going forward and shutting the door at the back. Again within minutes Jack had made it 4-3, Which at this point if that's how it finished you couldn't have asked for anymore than the lads have given. To my delight with 2 minutes to go we got our well earned reward, Jack smashed a shot from the edge of the box across goal hit the post, and went in Hat-trick!! And 4-4 Fantastic. Even after the re-start it was Vipers going for the win and with a couple more minutes who knows! Boys be proud of what you achieved today, and use the experience going forward as it shows the strength of character in the core of our team. I cant begin to explain as a manager how rewarding today's performance was. All i can say is Thanks to all the lads you are all HERO'S.....
Goalscorers:
Jack Rolfe - 3, George Bassett - 1.
MOTM:
The whole team - truly magnificent team effort.
HT 1:1..........FT 4:1
Goalscorers:
Matt Stepton - 1, Jack Coveney - 1, Michael McDonnell - 1, Fraser Marshall - 1
MOTM:
Matt Stepton, a great debut, capped with a goal, what more could you ask for!
HT 0:0.........FT 1:0
MOTM:
Josh Tunnah - a truly outstanding debut performance in goal.
HT 4:0........FT 9:1
Goalscorers:
Jordan Coughlan - 2, Fraser Marshall - 2, Joe Gorman - 2, Niall Burns - 1, Jack Coveney - 1, Connor Clark - 1.
HT 3:0......FT 3:2
Goalscorers:
Jack Coveney - 2, Matt Stepton - 1
MOTM:
Niall Burns - Strong, confident wing play, his best game for us yet.
HT 0:1.......FT 0:3
HT 4:0.......FT 5:0
Goalscorers:
Connor Clark, Niall Burns, Jack Bradshaw, Fraser Marshall, Jack Coveney
MOTM:
Niall Burns - Another great game on the left wing.
HT 1:3.......FT 2:4
Goalscorers:
Fraser Marshall - 2, Connor Clark, Jordan Coughlan
MOTM:
Daniel French - Captain Marvel does it again, big respect for even taking to the pitch today.
HT 1:3..........FT 3:4
Goalscorers:
Niall Burns, Jack Bradshaw, Fraser Marshall, Jack Coveney
MOTM:
Daniel French - Lead from the front again
HT 0:0............FT 1:0
Goalscorers:
Connor Clark
MOTM:
Niall Burns - Impressive again this week
HT 1:3...........FT 1:3
Goalscorers:
Connor Clark
MOTM:
Connor Clark - led from the front, worked really hard
FT 0:2
HT 2:0..........FT 3:0
Goalscorers:
Owen Anderson - 1, Daniel French - 1, Callum O'Keefe
MOTM:
Jack Bradshaw, simply brilliant in midfield.
HT 1:2...........FT 1:5
Goalscorers:
Jordan Coughlan, Niall Burns, Jack Bradshaw, Fraser Marshall, Jack Coveney
MOTM:
Jack Coveney - made a massive impact as a 2nd half sub and capped it all off with a goal!
HT 0:2...........FT 1:2
Goalscorers:
Daniel French - 1, Connor Clark - 1.
MOTM:
Kieran Colville - made a significant save when we were coming under extreme pressure.
HT 1:1.........FT 2:2
Goalscorers:
Connor Clark - 1, Owen Anderson - 1
MOTM:
None awarded
HT 1:3.........FT 1:7
Goalscorers:
Jordan Coughlan, Connor Clark - 2, Callum O'Keefe - 2, Owen Anderson, Kieron Colville - PEN
MOTM:
Callum O'Keefe, a great display on RW capped with 2 goals.
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