Gravesham Schools' Football Association U12s District Boys 2018 / 19
KENT CUP AND FRIENDLY FIXTURES
The team have entered the Kent Cup which is played on a League basis. The first two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals of the A.B. Taylor Trophy and the next four teams will qualify for the quarter-finals of the Holy Cross Trophy.
Saturday 15th October, 2018. FRIENDLY.
Medway 1 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Oyedeji, O.G.)
Greenacre Academy, Waldeslade. 10.00 kick off
Gravesham travelled to Medway on a glorious morning to play heir first game of the season as a district side. The game was well contested with both teams creating a number of chances. However, Gravesham took the lead through Emannuel Oyedeji and that was the score at half-time. In the second half Medway put Gravesham under a lot of pressure before equalising. However, Gravesham continued to play some very good football and regained the lead when a Medway defender attempted to clear free-kick from Emmanuelle Oyedeji, but only managed to put the ball into his own net. All in all this was a promising start for a new squad in a well contested match.
Saturday 29th October, 2018. KENT CUP.
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 10.30 kick off
Gravesham 3 West Kent 2 (Scorers Oyedeji (2), Nkounkou)
Gravesham Schools kicked off their Kent Cup campaign with an excellent 3-2 victory against a well organised West Kent side. Gravesham started the game slowly and were duly punished when West Kent netted a superb team goal, finished precisely from Charlie Rosener. This kicked Gravesham into life and as the half progressed they got themselves on the front foot thanks to the tireless Ben Clark and Elliot Copeman in the midfied. Gravesham could have found themselves 2-0 down though, if it wasn’t for some fine saves from Christopher Swift between the sticks.
Gravesham levelled the match through an excellent individual goal courtesy of Emmanuel Oyedeji; picking up the ball on the half way line he shook off three defenders to fire the ball towards the top corner,with only a great save from the goalkeeper preventing it going in. Fortunately for Gravesham, Emmanuel was the quickest to react and fired home the equaliser.
Minutes before the break Emmanuel slotted home his second of the game to give Gravesham the advantage as the half time whistle sounded. Into the second half, Gravesham started positively and were rewarded when Riston Nkounkou rocketed an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner from twenty yards out. This settled the Gravesham players who begun playing with great confidence
With minutes remaining there was still time for one more goal, coming courtesy of Kyle Cameron for West Kent as he poked the ball past the onrushing Christopher Swift.
All in all a very positive performance from Gravesham Schools, notable performances stretch across the team from Christopher Swift in goal to Riley Hodder marshalling the defensive line with the constant threat up front from Calvin Olale and John Umar.
Saturday 13th October, 2018. KENT CUP.
Blackheath 2 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Umar, Blakeley)
Meridian Sports Ground, Charlton Park Lane. SE7 8QS 10.00 kick off
Gravesham Under12s travelled to Blackheath with a bare 9 players due to school fixtures and injuries - a daunting task , as upon arrival as we saw our opposition warming up with 14 players at their disposal.
Gravesham started on the back foot, with their defence being pushed back and only some last minute blocks and fine saves prevented them falling behind. Gravsham then grew into the game and began to create some meaningful attacks through tireless running courtesy of John Umar, Emilius Jarmalavicius, Emmanuel Oyedeji and Calvin Olale. Gravesham had a glorious chance to go ahead from a penalty after a handball but this struck the post unfortunately. Gravesham continued to press and were finally rewarded when a surging run forward from John Umar left the Blackheath defenders retreating; he gained a yard of space and struck a crisp shot underneath the crossbar from 20 yards out!
In the second half Gravesham continued to dominate the game, and a sublime cross from Emilius Jarmalavicius was headed home by Dylan Blakeley. Gravesham were now leading 2-0 with 25 minutes to go. Gravesham were visibly tiring but continued to work hard for one another. Elliott Copeman and John Umar were sensational at snuffling out the Blackheath target man. As Gravesham continued to fatigue, Blackheath grew into the game and poked home after a quick break. Then came the most unfortunate of moments for Gravesham when Blackheath got in behind the back four. Dylan Morris worked so hard to get back and put in a perfectly timed tackle only for the ball to pop out to the lurking striker who slotted home, which caused heartbreak for Gravesham as the game finished 2-2.
However, Gravesham can see this as a point gained and a performance to be proud of.
Man of the Match could have awarded this to any of the 9 players who played, but the central defensive pairing of Elliott Copeman and John Umar were simply outstanding.
Saturday 10th November, 2018. KENT CUP.
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 11.15am kick off
Gravesham 3 Brighton 3 (Scorers: Scudder, Olale, Blakeley)
Gravesham faced their toughest test to date against defending champions Brighton. A couple of absentees for Gravesham meant a reshuffle in the starting nine. Gravesham found themselves 1-0 down in the opening minutes after a slow start from the team. As the half progressed, Gravesham grew with confidence and started applying pressure to the Brighton defence. The equalising goal came after ten minutes when Emmanuel Oyedeji shot from distance. The goalkeeper parried the ball out and Wes Scudder was on hand to tap in. Gravesham now had their tails up and pushed for a second. Dylan Blakeley was causing problems down the left and this is where the second goal came from. Dylan surged to the byline before crossing the ball across the face of goal. Carlvin Olale read the play and was on hand to tap home. They always say you are at most risk of conceding once you’ve just scored, and this proved to be the case for Gravesham as from the restart, a wonderful flowing move from Brighton was finished expertly from the Sussex striker.
Into the second half and Gravesham were again on the front foot and forcing the Brighton defence backwards. Brighton were conceding some silly free kicks and Riston Nkounkou was always a danger from the dead ball. After countless warnings, Riston floated an inch perfect delivery into a position where the away goalkeeper didn’t know whether to stick in his goal, or twist and come to collect. Dylan Blakeley was on hand and powered the ball home. Frustratingly for Gravesham, they conceded straight from the restart again, a carbon copy of Brighton’s second goal. Gravesham continued to push and press for a winner but had to settle for a hard thought point. Gravesham remain unbeaten but must start turning these draws into wins. The message is simple: start better and not allow themselves to get into a position where they are chasing the game. Man of the match this week went to the hard working, robust midfield performance from John Umar.
Saturday 24th November, 2018. KENT CUP.
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 10.30am kick off
Gravesham 0 Bromley 4
Saturday 15th December, 2018. KENT CUP.
Dartford FC, Princes Park, DA1 1RT 9.00am kick off
North Kent East 0 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Oyedeji, Akinde-Piper, O.G.)
Gravesham U12s produced a dominant performance to comfortably beat North Kent East. A bitterly cold morning was soon forgotten once the football started, as Gravesham started the game on the attack. Gravesham were duly rewarded after ten minutes when Emmanuel Oyedeji slotted home aftera wonderful team move that included Ben Clark, Riston Nkounko and John Umar. As the half progressed Gravesham continued to dominate without finding a second goal.
Minutes into the second half Gravesham doubled their advantage. After pinball in North Kent East's box the ball trickled to Taye Akinde-Piper who blasted home. This gave Gravesham some breathing space and a chance to play with a little more freedom, with some players being used in different positions. The third goal was somewhat fortuitous. Riston Nkounko in swinging corner was too hot to handle and the defender could only head the ball past his despairing goalkeeper. This was an excellent performance with Gravesham playing
with great confidence and camaraderie. Riston Nkounko and John Umar both played in three different positions showing their versatility and natural ability, whilst Ben Clark dictated the play in the midfield and Elliot Copeman provided superb defensive cover, allowing those in front to attack with freedom.
Saturday 19th January, 2019. KENT CUP.
Sporting Club Thamesmead, Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London, SE28 8NJ 10.00 kick off
North Kent West 4 Gravesham 4 (Scorers: Clark(2), Umar, Olale)
Saturday 9th February, 2019. KENT CUP
Holy Cross Quarter-Finals
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 11.00 kick off
Gravesham 4 Ashford 1 (Scorers: Nkounko, Oyedeji(2), Olale)
Saturday 9th March, 2019. KENT CUP.
Holy Cross Semi-Finals
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 10.30 kick off
Gravesham 3 West Kent 7 (Scorers: Oyedeji(2), Clark)
The team have entered the Kent Cup which is played on a League basis. The first two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals of the A.B. Taylor Trophy and the next four teams will qualify for the quarter-finals of the Holy Cross Trophy.
Saturday 15th October, 2018. FRIENDLY.
Medway 1 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Oyedeji, O.G.)
Greenacre Academy, Waldeslade. 10.00 kick off
Gravesham travelled to Medway on a glorious morning to play heir first game of the season as a district side. The game was well contested with both teams creating a number of chances. However, Gravesham took the lead through Emannuel Oyedeji and that was the score at half-time. In the second half Medway put Gravesham under a lot of pressure before equalising. However, Gravesham continued to play some very good football and regained the lead when a Medway defender attempted to clear free-kick from Emmanuelle Oyedeji, but only managed to put the ball into his own net. All in all this was a promising start for a new squad in a well contested match.
Saturday 29th October, 2018. KENT CUP.
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 10.30 kick off
Gravesham 3 West Kent 2 (Scorers Oyedeji (2), Nkounkou)
Gravesham Schools kicked off their Kent Cup campaign with an excellent 3-2 victory against a well organised West Kent side. Gravesham started the game slowly and were duly punished when West Kent netted a superb team goal, finished precisely from Charlie Rosener. This kicked Gravesham into life and as the half progressed they got themselves on the front foot thanks to the tireless Ben Clark and Elliot Copeman in the midfied. Gravesham could have found themselves 2-0 down though, if it wasn’t for some fine saves from Christopher Swift between the sticks.
Gravesham levelled the match through an excellent individual goal courtesy of Emmanuel Oyedeji; picking up the ball on the half way line he shook off three defenders to fire the ball towards the top corner,with only a great save from the goalkeeper preventing it going in. Fortunately for Gravesham, Emmanuel was the quickest to react and fired home the equaliser.
Minutes before the break Emmanuel slotted home his second of the game to give Gravesham the advantage as the half time whistle sounded. Into the second half, Gravesham started positively and were rewarded when Riston Nkounkou rocketed an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner from twenty yards out. This settled the Gravesham players who begun playing with great confidence
With minutes remaining there was still time for one more goal, coming courtesy of Kyle Cameron for West Kent as he poked the ball past the onrushing Christopher Swift.
All in all a very positive performance from Gravesham Schools, notable performances stretch across the team from Christopher Swift in goal to Riley Hodder marshalling the defensive line with the constant threat up front from Calvin Olale and John Umar.
Saturday 13th October, 2018. KENT CUP.
Blackheath 2 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Umar, Blakeley)
Meridian Sports Ground, Charlton Park Lane. SE7 8QS 10.00 kick off
Gravesham Under12s travelled to Blackheath with a bare 9 players due to school fixtures and injuries - a daunting task , as upon arrival as we saw our opposition warming up with 14 players at their disposal.
Gravesham started on the back foot, with their defence being pushed back and only some last minute blocks and fine saves prevented them falling behind. Gravsham then grew into the game and began to create some meaningful attacks through tireless running courtesy of John Umar, Emilius Jarmalavicius, Emmanuel Oyedeji and Calvin Olale. Gravesham had a glorious chance to go ahead from a penalty after a handball but this struck the post unfortunately. Gravesham continued to press and were finally rewarded when a surging run forward from John Umar left the Blackheath defenders retreating; he gained a yard of space and struck a crisp shot underneath the crossbar from 20 yards out!
In the second half Gravesham continued to dominate the game, and a sublime cross from Emilius Jarmalavicius was headed home by Dylan Blakeley. Gravesham were now leading 2-0 with 25 minutes to go. Gravesham were visibly tiring but continued to work hard for one another. Elliott Copeman and John Umar were sensational at snuffling out the Blackheath target man. As Gravesham continued to fatigue, Blackheath grew into the game and poked home after a quick break. Then came the most unfortunate of moments for Gravesham when Blackheath got in behind the back four. Dylan Morris worked so hard to get back and put in a perfectly timed tackle only for the ball to pop out to the lurking striker who slotted home, which caused heartbreak for Gravesham as the game finished 2-2.
However, Gravesham can see this as a point gained and a performance to be proud of.
Man of the Match could have awarded this to any of the 9 players who played, but the central defensive pairing of Elliott Copeman and John Umar were simply outstanding.
Saturday 10th November, 2018. KENT CUP.
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 11.15am kick off
Gravesham 3 Brighton 3 (Scorers: Scudder, Olale, Blakeley)
Gravesham faced their toughest test to date against defending champions Brighton. A couple of absentees for Gravesham meant a reshuffle in the starting nine. Gravesham found themselves 1-0 down in the opening minutes after a slow start from the team. As the half progressed, Gravesham grew with confidence and started applying pressure to the Brighton defence. The equalising goal came after ten minutes when Emmanuel Oyedeji shot from distance. The goalkeeper parried the ball out and Wes Scudder was on hand to tap in. Gravesham now had their tails up and pushed for a second. Dylan Blakeley was causing problems down the left and this is where the second goal came from. Dylan surged to the byline before crossing the ball across the face of goal. Carlvin Olale read the play and was on hand to tap home. They always say you are at most risk of conceding once you’ve just scored, and this proved to be the case for Gravesham as from the restart, a wonderful flowing move from Brighton was finished expertly from the Sussex striker.
Into the second half and Gravesham were again on the front foot and forcing the Brighton defence backwards. Brighton were conceding some silly free kicks and Riston Nkounkou was always a danger from the dead ball. After countless warnings, Riston floated an inch perfect delivery into a position where the away goalkeeper didn’t know whether to stick in his goal, or twist and come to collect. Dylan Blakeley was on hand and powered the ball home. Frustratingly for Gravesham, they conceded straight from the restart again, a carbon copy of Brighton’s second goal. Gravesham continued to push and press for a winner but had to settle for a hard thought point. Gravesham remain unbeaten but must start turning these draws into wins. The message is simple: start better and not allow themselves to get into a position where they are chasing the game. Man of the match this week went to the hard working, robust midfield performance from John Umar.
Saturday 24th November, 2018. KENT CUP.
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 10.30am kick off
Gravesham 0 Bromley 4
Saturday 15th December, 2018. KENT CUP.
Dartford FC, Princes Park, DA1 1RT 9.00am kick off
North Kent East 0 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Oyedeji, Akinde-Piper, O.G.)
Gravesham U12s produced a dominant performance to comfortably beat North Kent East. A bitterly cold morning was soon forgotten once the football started, as Gravesham started the game on the attack. Gravesham were duly rewarded after ten minutes when Emmanuel Oyedeji slotted home aftera wonderful team move that included Ben Clark, Riston Nkounko and John Umar. As the half progressed Gravesham continued to dominate without finding a second goal.
Minutes into the second half Gravesham doubled their advantage. After pinball in North Kent East's box the ball trickled to Taye Akinde-Piper who blasted home. This gave Gravesham some breathing space and a chance to play with a little more freedom, with some players being used in different positions. The third goal was somewhat fortuitous. Riston Nkounko in swinging corner was too hot to handle and the defender could only head the ball past his despairing goalkeeper. This was an excellent performance with Gravesham playing
with great confidence and camaraderie. Riston Nkounko and John Umar both played in three different positions showing their versatility and natural ability, whilst Ben Clark dictated the play in the midfield and Elliot Copeman provided superb defensive cover, allowing those in front to attack with freedom.
Saturday 19th January, 2019. KENT CUP.
Sporting Club Thamesmead, Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London, SE28 8NJ 10.00 kick off
North Kent West 4 Gravesham 4 (Scorers: Clark(2), Umar, Olale)
Saturday 9th February, 2019. KENT CUP
Holy Cross Quarter-Finals
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 11.00 kick off
Gravesham 4 Ashford 1 (Scorers: Nkounko, Oyedeji(2), Olale)
Saturday 9th March, 2019. KENT CUP.
Holy Cross Semi-Finals
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 10.30 kick off
Gravesham 3 West Kent 7 (Scorers: Oyedeji(2), Clark)
PATRICK HAUGH TROPHY
The team entered the Patrick Haugh Trophy which was played on a knock out basis and is open to associations in the South East area.
Saturday 17th November, 2018. Round 1
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 10.00am kick off
Gravesham 4 Waltham Forest 1 (Scorers: Blakeley, Oyedeji (pen.), Olale, Clark (pen.))
Gravesham produced their best performance of the season as they comfortably saw off the challenge of Waltham Forest. Before the game the message was simple. We must start better, be quicker out of the traps and put pressure on our visitors. The boys clearly listened as in the opening minutes Dylan Blakeley twice got past his opposite number and produced a couple of testing crosses for the Waltham defence to deal with. Our opening goal came from the dangerous Blakeley who again beat his man and produced an arrowed effort into the corner of the goal. Gravesham then took their foot of the gas and began to coast to half time. Minutes before the break only a fine save from Swift and a goal line clearance preserved our lead.
The message at half time was simple. Get back to playing at the same tempo as you started the first half. The boys responded and doubled their advantage after a wonderful interchange of passes involving Riston Nkoundou and Ben Clark, the latter threading a fine pass to Carlvin Olale who shot past the despairing keeper. Gravesham were now playing with confidence and as Ben burst into the box he was fouled by the Forest defender. Ben brushed himself down and swept the penalty home. After an array of home substitutions, the fluidity of our performance began to dip, and this invited Forest back into the game, Swift made another good save but unfortunately he could only parry to a Waltham player who duly placed the ball in the back of the empty net. Waltham sensed an opportunity but this was quickly snuffled out by Gravesham, Emmanuel bravely challenged for the ball on the 18 yard line against the goalkeeper. Emmanuel’s tenacity meant he got their first before being clattered by the onrushing keeper. A second penalty and the same end result, this time Emmanuel firing past the unlucky goalkeeper.
Saturday 8th December, 2018. Quarter-Finals
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 11.00 kick off
Gravesham 4 Bromley 0 (Scorers: Jarmalavicius, Akinde-Piper, Blakeley, Umar)
Saturday 26th January, 2019 Semi-Finals
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 10.30am kick off
Gravesham 1 Blackheath 0 (Umar)
Gravesham hosted Blackheath in the semi-finals of the South East England U12s District competition. Gravesham enjoyed the lion share of the first half and John Umar scored with a fierce shot from outside of the penalty area. John was unfortunate not to double his and Gravesham's tally when he headed onto the crossbar from a corner. The score remained 1-0 at half-time. In the second half Gravesham were tested by the visitors who twice hit the post, but Gravesham were able to keep a clean sheet to proceed to the Final where they will face South London.
Friday 24th May, 2019. FINAL
The Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone United FC 8.15pm kick off
Gravesham 3 South London 4 (Scorers: Blakeley, Olale, Umar)
Gravesham made an excellent start to the final with Dylan Blakekey and Calvin Olale both scoring to give Gravesham a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes. However South London then scored two goals in two minutes and the score at half time was 2-2. In the second half South London maintained the momentum and gained a 4-2 advantage. Gravesham did not give up, however, and with a minute remaining John Umar scored. However, it was not enough and South London won 4-3.
The team entered the Patrick Haugh Trophy which was played on a knock out basis and is open to associations in the South East area.
Saturday 17th November, 2018. Round 1
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 10.00am kick off
Gravesham 4 Waltham Forest 1 (Scorers: Blakeley, Oyedeji (pen.), Olale, Clark (pen.))
Gravesham produced their best performance of the season as they comfortably saw off the challenge of Waltham Forest. Before the game the message was simple. We must start better, be quicker out of the traps and put pressure on our visitors. The boys clearly listened as in the opening minutes Dylan Blakeley twice got past his opposite number and produced a couple of testing crosses for the Waltham defence to deal with. Our opening goal came from the dangerous Blakeley who again beat his man and produced an arrowed effort into the corner of the goal. Gravesham then took their foot of the gas and began to coast to half time. Minutes before the break only a fine save from Swift and a goal line clearance preserved our lead.
The message at half time was simple. Get back to playing at the same tempo as you started the first half. The boys responded and doubled their advantage after a wonderful interchange of passes involving Riston Nkoundou and Ben Clark, the latter threading a fine pass to Carlvin Olale who shot past the despairing keeper. Gravesham were now playing with confidence and as Ben burst into the box he was fouled by the Forest defender. Ben brushed himself down and swept the penalty home. After an array of home substitutions, the fluidity of our performance began to dip, and this invited Forest back into the game, Swift made another good save but unfortunately he could only parry to a Waltham player who duly placed the ball in the back of the empty net. Waltham sensed an opportunity but this was quickly snuffled out by Gravesham, Emmanuel bravely challenged for the ball on the 18 yard line against the goalkeeper. Emmanuel’s tenacity meant he got their first before being clattered by the onrushing keeper. A second penalty and the same end result, this time Emmanuel firing past the unlucky goalkeeper.
Saturday 8th December, 2018. Quarter-Finals
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 11.00 kick off
Gravesham 4 Bromley 0 (Scorers: Jarmalavicius, Akinde-Piper, Blakeley, Umar)
Saturday 26th January, 2019 Semi-Finals
Old Southfields Playing Fields, Nursery Mews, off Cedar Avenue. DA12 5JT. 10.30am kick off
Gravesham 1 Blackheath 0 (Umar)
Gravesham hosted Blackheath in the semi-finals of the South East England U12s District competition. Gravesham enjoyed the lion share of the first half and John Umar scored with a fierce shot from outside of the penalty area. John was unfortunate not to double his and Gravesham's tally when he headed onto the crossbar from a corner. The score remained 1-0 at half-time. In the second half Gravesham were tested by the visitors who twice hit the post, but Gravesham were able to keep a clean sheet to proceed to the Final where they will face South London.
Friday 24th May, 2019. FINAL
The Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone United FC 8.15pm kick off
Gravesham 3 South London 4 (Scorers: Blakeley, Olale, Umar)
Gravesham made an excellent start to the final with Dylan Blakekey and Calvin Olale both scoring to give Gravesham a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes. However South London then scored two goals in two minutes and the score at half time was 2-2. In the second half South London maintained the momentum and gained a 4-2 advantage. Gravesham did not give up, however, and with a minute remaining John Umar scored. However, it was not enough and South London won 4-3.