Gravesham Schools' Football Association U13s 2016 / 17
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 Charles Harvey Trophy and the next four teams will qualify for the quarter-finals of the Twenty-Twelve Trophy.
Saturday October 1st, 2016. KENT CUP
Gravesham 1 Medway 3 (Scorer: Falako)
Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND 10.30 kick off
The first game of the season started brightly with Gravesham passing the ball well on a tricky surface. As the game developed the early pressure told with a long kick from the goalkeeper falling to Gravesham striker David Falako. David then muscled his way in front of the covering defender and unleashed a rasping dipping strike over the opposing goalkeeper into the net. It was a start that Gravesham thoroughly deserved. The half continued and Medway began to grow into the match. Their pressure told with a well taken equalizer. The game ebbed and flowed until a mix up in the Gravesham defence allowed Medway to take the lead. Gravesham still pressured and created some chances. However they were wary of Medway counter attacking and this produced some good saves from the Gravesham keeper, which kept the score at 2-1 going into half time.
After the break Medway pressed early on and scored with a controversial free kick that by passed everybody and went into the Gravesham net. This inspired Gravesham who in desperate weather conditions fought hard and never gave in. Chances readily arrived and some great saves denied Gravesham the goal they thoroughly deserved. With 20 minutes to go however Gravesham were reduced to 10 men with their other striker (Joe Matthews) having to go off injured. Gravesham reacted to this with typical attitude and still pressed. Unfortunately it was not enough and the score remained 3-1.
Saturday October 15th, 2016. KENT CUP
Brighton 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: O.G., Reilly, Falako)
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, Chalky Road, Portslade, Brighton. BN41 2WS. 10.30 kick off
On an initially rainy day Gravesham began by dominating possession and the pressure eventually told with a teasing cross from the left which caused confusion in the Brighton defence and resulted with a defender putting the ball past his own goalkeeper. Gravesham continued to test the Brighton back four and created many opportunities. Three successive corners proved too much for the defence as the ball dropped to Mack Reilly on the edge of the area who rifled a shot through the crowded box into the net. Eventually Brighton began to get their passing game together and scored a goal before half time.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first. Gravesham dominated the game with some slick passing and excellent defending when out of possession. They received the reward the performance richly deserved when the ball fell to David Falako who finished with a rasping shot into the top corner of the net. There was still time to create more chances for Gravesham but the score remained 3-1. A great performance throughout the side.
Saturday November 26th, 2016. KENT CUP
Blackheath 4 Gravesham 2 (Scorer: Falako(2))
Thomas Tallis School, Kidbrooke Park Road, London SE3 9PX 10.00 kick off
Gravesham played Blackheath in a bruising encounter on Saturday 26th November. Initially both teams were made to wait as the referee was 1/2 an hour late. This affected Gravesham more than Blackheath and the early pressure told as they took a 1-0 lead with a good strike from the edge of the area. The pressure continued as Gravesham struggled to get into any sort of rhythm on a tricky surface. Just before half time the game took a turn for the worse as a Gravesham player was pushed over on his own byline and then kicked on his way down. Gravesham lost discipline and Blackheath took full advantage going in at half time 3 goals to the good.
The second half continued as the first half had ended. Blackheath applying all the pressure. They scored again to make the score 4-0. However Gravesham began to assert themselves in the game and scored a deserved break away goal. David Falako using his blistering pace to break through the Blackheath defence. This is when the game turned around. Gravesham applying pressure and Blackheath desperately and over physically defending. Eventually the forceful defending resulted in the Gravesham captain (Mack Reilly) leaving the pitch with a badly cut knee. However this did not deter Gravesham who continued to press and their efforts were rewarded with another David Falako strike. Despite continued advances it was not enough and the score remained 4-2 to Blackheath.
Saturday December 17th, 2016. KENT CUP
Away v North Kent
Match Postponed as Gravesham progressed to the Quarter-Finals of the Wimbledon Challenge Trophy which took priority.
Saturday January 7th, 2017. KENT CUP
Gravesham 3 West Kent 4 (Scorers: Falako(2), Stubbins)
Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend. DA12 5ND
On a tricky pitch Gravesham and West Kent tried their best to play some attractive football. The early pressure from West Kent finally told and they duly opened the scoring. As has become their custom Gravesham picked up the pace and created some chances with David Falako cutting through the West Kent defence. Some good wing play finally provided a cross which the keeper could only push out to the oncoming Matthew Stubbins who finished on the volley. West Kent then used their speed and quick play and made the score 2-1. Still Gravesham were not beaten and applied a quick response from David Falako to make the score 2-2. Half time came and went and the pattern was similar to the first half. The result was the same as West Kent extended their lead. Still Gravesham did not give in and equalised through David Falako again. It was not to be though as with one minute to go West Kent again played some quick football and scored what turned out to be the winner.
Saturday January 28th, 2017. KENT CUP
Away v North Kent
Erith School, Avenue Road, Erith DA8 3BN 10.30 kick off
Gravesham were unable to field a team and North Kent were awarded a 2-0 victory.
Saturday March 11th, 2017.KENT CUP
Twenty-Twelve Trophy Quarter-Finals
Maidstone 0 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Falako, Reilly)
Valley Park School, Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5DT 10.00 kick off
Saturday March 18th, 2017. KENT CUP
Twenty-Twelve Semi-Finals
Blackheath 2 Gravesham 1 (Scorer: Granger)
Meridian Sports & Social Club, Charlton Park Lane SE7 8QS 10.30 kick off
Both teams started the game well in tricky conditions. The wind was definitely playing its part as Blackheath began to dominate the game with some good possession and exciting football. However Gravesham always looked dangerous on the break and created the first real chance as David Falako rounded the goalkeeper only prevented fro scoring by a last ditch tackle. Blackheath still continued to dominate possession and the pressure eventually told with the opening goal. Gravesham still playing counter attacking football created some half chances but Blackheath scored again making it 2-0 at half time. The second half was a reverse of the first with Gravesham this time in the ascendancy and Blackheath playing counter attacking football. Gravesham's dominance created many chances and eventually they scored a wonderful freekick from Lewis Granger. Gravesham continued to dominate with the majority of the game and although coming close could not turn their dominance into a goal. Final result 2-1 to Blackheath.
Both teams started the game well in tricky conditions. The wind was definitely playing its part as Blackheath began to dominate the game with some good possession and exciting football. However Gravesham always looked dangerous on the break and created the first real chance as David Falako rounded the goalkeeper only prevented fro scoring by a last ditch tackle. Blackheath still continued to dominate possession and the pressure eventually told with the opening goal. Gravesham still playing counter attacking football created some half chances but Blackheath scored again making it 2-0 at half time. The second half was a revers of the first with Gravesham this time in the ascendancy and Blackheath playing counter attacking football. Gravesham's dominance created many chances and eventually they scored a wonderful freekick from Lewis Granger. Gravesham continued to dominate withthe majority of the game and although coming close could not turn their dominance into a goal. Final result 2-1 to Blackheath.
E.S.F.A. INTER-ASSOCIATION NATIONAL TROPHY
The team have entered this competition which us played on a knock out basis and open to all associations in England.
Saturday 12th November Round 2
Ashford and Weald 2 Gravesham 1 (Scorer: Reilly)
Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Kingsnorth, Ashford TN26 1NJ 10.30 kick off
Gravesham under 13's had the privilege of playing on Ashford United's artificial surface. This was a bonus as if the game had to be played on a normal pitch it may have been in danger of being cancelled. As the rain fell both teams emerged from the tunnel and started the game. Ashford were immediately on the front foot playing some attractive football. This resulted in the early chances going to the home team. As Gravesham became accustomed to the pitch however they grew ito the game. But pressure finally told and Ashford scored the first goal. Sound defensive work particularly from Daniel Vine limited Ashford and the game became one of midfield dominance.
The second half began with Ashford again applying the pressure and Gravesham repelling the attacks. Substitutions were made by both sides and a change of formation enabled Gravesham to ease their way into the match a little more and provide some intent of their own. But they were caught by the sucker punch as Ashford scored a scrappy second. In true Gravesham spirit the team failed to give in and their efforts and those of the Captain Mack Reilly were rewarded when he converted a difficult chance to make the last 6 minutes very tight. Ashford were the team now firmly with their backs to the walls as Gravesham piled forward. Sadly it was not enough nd the result was 2-1 to the home side.
WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE TROPHY
The team have entered the Wimbledon Challenge Trophy which is played on a knock out basis and is open to associations in the South East area
Saturday 5th November, 2016 First Round
Croydon 0 Gravesham 1 After Extra Time (Scorer: Reilly(pen.))
Croydon Postal Sports Ground, Trenham Drive, Warlingham, CR6 9RU 10.30 kick off
On a cold wet morning (perfect for football) Gravesham arrived to play Croydon. Both teams started tentatively but soon the teams were playing some good football. The game was frantic and physical with some strong tackling and aggressive play. As a result chances were few and it was not until midway through the first half that Gravesham created a chance for their striker David falako who unfortunately did not connect properly with his shot. Croydon then produced some chances of their own and, if it had not been for the Gravesham goalkeeper Ieuan Ferris, would have taken the lead. With 2 fantastic saves he foiled Croydon's advances. This was a trend that continued throughout the game with Ieuan outstanding between the posts. Half time came and went and the game was developing into a battle. William Currie in the Gravesham defence marshalled the Gravesham back four and, despite early pressure, Gravesham weathered the storm and began to show some dominance. Always a threat on the break Mack Reilly had a great chance that was cleared off the line. As Gravesham continued to push forward the Croydon defence began to make errors. However the game went into extra time . Early pressure from an increasingly confident Gravesham resulted in a penalty obtained and converted by Mack Reilly. Gravesham then defended for their lives with Croydon playing 5 up front. In a goal mouth scramble Ieuan made another terrific save and in the same phase Croydon hit the bar and post. But Gravesham held on to accomplish a well earned victory that their perfoamce deserved.
Saturday 17th December, 2016 Quarter Final
Brighton 7 Gravesham 8 after extra time and penalties. Score at the end of extra time 5-5.
(Gravesham scorers in free play Falako(3), Reilly(2); Gravesham scorers in penalty shoot out: Falako, Reilly, Currie)
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, Chalky Road, Portslade, Brighton. BN41 2WS. 10.30 kick off
Its 4 o'clock on the Sunday aftrnoon after the Saturday morning. I feel that I have finally recovered after what can only be described as a pulsating encounter between Brighton and Gravesham. After watching football for thirty years, it was without doubt one of the most entertaining and nerve wracking games I have had the pleasure of seeing and being involved in.
Gravesham started well and the early pressure told as they raced into a two goal lead, Mack Reilly and David Falako with the goals. This is the point when the fun and games begin. Gravesham were then awarded a penalty for a late tackle in the Brighton box. Gravesham missed the kick and the Brighton goalkeeper kicked the ball upfield and Brighton scored to make it 2-1. This setback sparked Gravesham back into life and they scored again which put the score at a deserved 3-1, David Falako with his second. With both teams having difficulty defending the long ball Brighton scored again just before half time and at the break the score was 3-2 in favour of Gravesham.
The second half started slowly for Gravesham but Brighton were pushing forward and the pressure resulted in 2 quick goals to make the score 4-3 in favour of the home side. A change in personnel and formation allowed Gravesham to get themselves back in the game with Mack Reilly scoring again to make it 4-4. The teams then battled through the next 15 minutes and with extra time looming cancelled each other out and this may have been the end of the story. But no, Brighton had their last attack and forced a penalty which was duly converted, 5-4. Again this could have been the end. Gravesham however were not finished and their tenacity and determination allowed them to equalise to make it 5-5, with David Falako completing his hatrick. This it transpired was the last kick of the game. Extra time!!
Both teams converged to ensure that both periods were hard fought in alignment with the rest of the game. No goals were scored and penalties was the result.
Early misses and good saves from the Gravesham GK (Ieuan Ferris) meant that Gravesham were up in the shootout. But....(and you might have guessed) this was not the full story as it then became the turn of the Brighton GK to shine with saves of his own. It all came down to William Currie the Gravesham centre back with the chance to score the decisive penalty. He put it to the GK'S left with half the crowd not being able to watch and sent Gravesham through to the semi finals.
Huge praise must be applied to both teams but in particular to Gravesham for their positive attitude throughout and their desire to win the game. It was a joy to be there.
Saturday 14th January, 2017 Semi-Final
North Kent 12 Gravesham 0
Welling School, Elsa Road, Welling, DA16 1LB 10.30 kick off
The game started with both teams taking their time getting used to a quick, uneven bouncing surface. Some attractive football was being played by both teams. After 12 minutes however North Kent made the breakthrough with a long ball over the top which their striker duly connected with and made the score 1-0. North Kent continued pressurising the Gravesham goal and were shortly 2-0 ahead. Gravesham came back into it with some aggressive tackling and always looked a danger on the counter attack. But just before the first half was over North Kent scored a breakaway goal against the run of play making the score 3-0. Gravesham were not disheartened and came out in the second half determined to continue pressing for the ball and working hard. It was not to last unfortunately as North Kent began to dominate with some slick passing movements and despite Gravesham's best efforts scored freely in the remainder of the second half. A disappointing end to a great run in the cup. Gravesham should be proud of themselves for making it this far with some great memories along the way. Well done.
The team have entered this competition which us played on a knock out basis and open to all associations in England.
Saturday 12th November Round 2
Ashford and Weald 2 Gravesham 1 (Scorer: Reilly)
Homelands Stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Kingsnorth, Ashford TN26 1NJ 10.30 kick off
Gravesham under 13's had the privilege of playing on Ashford United's artificial surface. This was a bonus as if the game had to be played on a normal pitch it may have been in danger of being cancelled. As the rain fell both teams emerged from the tunnel and started the game. Ashford were immediately on the front foot playing some attractive football. This resulted in the early chances going to the home team. As Gravesham became accustomed to the pitch however they grew ito the game. But pressure finally told and Ashford scored the first goal. Sound defensive work particularly from Daniel Vine limited Ashford and the game became one of midfield dominance.
The second half began with Ashford again applying the pressure and Gravesham repelling the attacks. Substitutions were made by both sides and a change of formation enabled Gravesham to ease their way into the match a little more and provide some intent of their own. But they were caught by the sucker punch as Ashford scored a scrappy second. In true Gravesham spirit the team failed to give in and their efforts and those of the Captain Mack Reilly were rewarded when he converted a difficult chance to make the last 6 minutes very tight. Ashford were the team now firmly with their backs to the walls as Gravesham piled forward. Sadly it was not enough nd the result was 2-1 to the home side.
WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE TROPHY
The team have entered the Wimbledon Challenge Trophy which is played on a knock out basis and is open to associations in the South East area
Saturday 5th November, 2016 First Round
Croydon 0 Gravesham 1 After Extra Time (Scorer: Reilly(pen.))
Croydon Postal Sports Ground, Trenham Drive, Warlingham, CR6 9RU 10.30 kick off
On a cold wet morning (perfect for football) Gravesham arrived to play Croydon. Both teams started tentatively but soon the teams were playing some good football. The game was frantic and physical with some strong tackling and aggressive play. As a result chances were few and it was not until midway through the first half that Gravesham created a chance for their striker David falako who unfortunately did not connect properly with his shot. Croydon then produced some chances of their own and, if it had not been for the Gravesham goalkeeper Ieuan Ferris, would have taken the lead. With 2 fantastic saves he foiled Croydon's advances. This was a trend that continued throughout the game with Ieuan outstanding between the posts. Half time came and went and the game was developing into a battle. William Currie in the Gravesham defence marshalled the Gravesham back four and, despite early pressure, Gravesham weathered the storm and began to show some dominance. Always a threat on the break Mack Reilly had a great chance that was cleared off the line. As Gravesham continued to push forward the Croydon defence began to make errors. However the game went into extra time . Early pressure from an increasingly confident Gravesham resulted in a penalty obtained and converted by Mack Reilly. Gravesham then defended for their lives with Croydon playing 5 up front. In a goal mouth scramble Ieuan made another terrific save and in the same phase Croydon hit the bar and post. But Gravesham held on to accomplish a well earned victory that their perfoamce deserved.
Saturday 17th December, 2016 Quarter Final
Brighton 7 Gravesham 8 after extra time and penalties. Score at the end of extra time 5-5.
(Gravesham scorers in free play Falako(3), Reilly(2); Gravesham scorers in penalty shoot out: Falako, Reilly, Currie)
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, Chalky Road, Portslade, Brighton. BN41 2WS. 10.30 kick off
Its 4 o'clock on the Sunday aftrnoon after the Saturday morning. I feel that I have finally recovered after what can only be described as a pulsating encounter between Brighton and Gravesham. After watching football for thirty years, it was without doubt one of the most entertaining and nerve wracking games I have had the pleasure of seeing and being involved in.
Gravesham started well and the early pressure told as they raced into a two goal lead, Mack Reilly and David Falako with the goals. This is the point when the fun and games begin. Gravesham were then awarded a penalty for a late tackle in the Brighton box. Gravesham missed the kick and the Brighton goalkeeper kicked the ball upfield and Brighton scored to make it 2-1. This setback sparked Gravesham back into life and they scored again which put the score at a deserved 3-1, David Falako with his second. With both teams having difficulty defending the long ball Brighton scored again just before half time and at the break the score was 3-2 in favour of Gravesham.
The second half started slowly for Gravesham but Brighton were pushing forward and the pressure resulted in 2 quick goals to make the score 4-3 in favour of the home side. A change in personnel and formation allowed Gravesham to get themselves back in the game with Mack Reilly scoring again to make it 4-4. The teams then battled through the next 15 minutes and with extra time looming cancelled each other out and this may have been the end of the story. But no, Brighton had their last attack and forced a penalty which was duly converted, 5-4. Again this could have been the end. Gravesham however were not finished and their tenacity and determination allowed them to equalise to make it 5-5, with David Falako completing his hatrick. This it transpired was the last kick of the game. Extra time!!
Both teams converged to ensure that both periods were hard fought in alignment with the rest of the game. No goals were scored and penalties was the result.
Early misses and good saves from the Gravesham GK (Ieuan Ferris) meant that Gravesham were up in the shootout. But....(and you might have guessed) this was not the full story as it then became the turn of the Brighton GK to shine with saves of his own. It all came down to William Currie the Gravesham centre back with the chance to score the decisive penalty. He put it to the GK'S left with half the crowd not being able to watch and sent Gravesham through to the semi finals.
Huge praise must be applied to both teams but in particular to Gravesham for their positive attitude throughout and their desire to win the game. It was a joy to be there.
Saturday 14th January, 2017 Semi-Final
North Kent 12 Gravesham 0
Welling School, Elsa Road, Welling, DA16 1LB 10.30 kick off
The game started with both teams taking their time getting used to a quick, uneven bouncing surface. Some attractive football was being played by both teams. After 12 minutes however North Kent made the breakthrough with a long ball over the top which their striker duly connected with and made the score 1-0. North Kent continued pressurising the Gravesham goal and were shortly 2-0 ahead. Gravesham came back into it with some aggressive tackling and always looked a danger on the counter attack. But just before the first half was over North Kent scored a breakaway goal against the run of play making the score 3-0. Gravesham were not disheartened and came out in the second half determined to continue pressing for the ball and working hard. It was not to last unfortunately as North Kent began to dominate with some slick passing movements and despite Gravesham's best efforts scored freely in the remainder of the second half. A disappointing end to a great run in the cup. Gravesham should be proud of themselves for making it this far with some great memories along the way. Well done.