Gravesham Schools' Football Association U13s 2013 / 14
KENT CUP AND FRIENDLIES
The team entered the Kent Cup which was organised on a League basis with the top two teams qualifying for the semi-finals of the Charles Harvey Trophy and the next two teams qualified for the semi-finals of the Twenty-Twelve Competition.
Saturday 21st September (Friendly)
Gravesham 0 Barking & Dagenham 0
On Saturday 21st September the Gravesham U13’s began the season with a friendly against Barking district. For a new look team this match would give the opportunity for players to gel and find some form ahead of their first league game in two week’s time.
The team started well with Sonny Aoshead leading from the front in midfield with a number of committed challenges and well measured passes. Credit must also go to Robbie Keen and Guy Degen who linked up superbly to get Gravesham’s attacking play going down the left side. Although Gravesham passed the ball well for long periods of the first half, only half chances fell to Lewis Crow and Ryan Hanley.
In the second half Gravesham continued to battle but with changes made throughout, the team struggled to get their passing game going. Instead Gravesham relied on the pace of Jubril Adesigbin and Lewis Crow to get in behind who came close to finishing several good passes from midfield. Other notable performances came from Zach Smith and Stan Ford who remained strong at the back against a physical Barking front two.
Saturday 5th October (Kent Cup)
North Kent 1 Gravesham 1 (Scorer: Adesigbin)
On Saturday 5th October the Gravesham U13’s played their first competitive league fixture of the season. In a highly competitive first half both teams were afforded little time to settle on the ball and as a result struggled to create any clear openings on goal. The main threat from Gravesham came through Scott Higgins whose pace nearly allowed him to finish a couple of slightly over hit through balls.
The game eventually slowed down in the second half and North Kent began to pass the ball well in midfield creating a few half chances. After a moment of hesitation in the Gravesham defence North Kent broke the deadlock after 60 minutes with a tidy close range finish. This didn’t faze the team who maintained their exceptionally high work rate to earn a deserved equaliser through the pace and calm finish of Jubril Adesigbin.
As North Kent began to tire Gravesham pushed for a winner but lacked the composure to play the final ball that would produce this. Overall it was another excellent performance and highly deserved draw.
Saturday 16th November Kent Cup
Gravesham 5 Bromley 0 (Scorers: Crow(3), Adesigbin, Arthey)
After a disappointing ESFA Cup exit at the hands of Maidstone district the team bounced back with an emphatic 5-0 victory against Bromley district. The squad received needed boost before the game with the return of Michael Arthey and Jubril Adesigbin for the second league game of the year. The match started in competitive fashion with both teams pressing the ball at every opportunity. Playing downhill the visitors threatened the Gravesham goal with some decisive through balls that came extremely close to breaking the deadlock. The team rode their luck at times and made the most of this fortune with an excellent counter attacking goal at the end of the first half. A superbly weighted through ball from substitute Michael Arthey sent Jubril Adesigbin through on goal. With defenders on his heels Jubril showed great calmness to side foot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. This gave the team a massive boost having defended for the majority of the first half.
Following the break Gravesham came out with renewed energy and soon took the game away from Bromley. Lewis Crow thriving in a switch to left midfield combined pace and an excellent final ball to cause numerous problems for the opposition defence. He was duly rewarded with the second goal of the game after an excellent move from the team. Michael Arthey then added a third before Lewis Crow went on to complete a hat trick and superb team performance.
Saturday 7th December Kent Cup
East Sussex 3 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Handly, Arthey (2 penalties)
Gravesham got off to a strong start peppering the East Sussex goal and making the keeper work hard. Then against the run of play East Sussex went 1-0 up, but Gravesham kept working hard and equalised with a goal from Ryan Handly then we managed to get a penalty which Michael Arthey scored. Then East Sussex made it 2-2 just before half time.
In the second half the game was a lot tighter with a lot less chances for each side, but East Sussex got a goal to make it 3-2 and then Gravesham got another penalty which Michael Arthey converted to make it 3-3 , and that was how the game finished.
Saturday 8th March Kent Cup
Gravesham 2 Blackheath 3 (Scorers: not known ) * Result void as Blackheath used 19 players and agreed before the game to forfeit the match
On Saturday 8th March Gravesham U13's played their penultimate league fixture against Blackheath. The game started in competitive fashion with both teams pressing the ball well to make maintaining possession difficult. Using a new formation with an extra midfielder the team began to threaten with the pace of Lewis Crow and Jubril Adesigbin. Although clear chances were few and far between a trip from a Blackheath defender resulted in a penalty and the first clear chance of the half. Unfortunately the Blackheath keeper made an excellent save to keep the score at 0-0 going into half time.
This was a frustrating half for Gravesham with the visitors not creating a chance due to an excellent defensive display. The second half proved to be a more open game and with the team failing to clear their lines Blackheath finished smartly to take the lead. With Gravesham pushing for the equaliser Blackheath doubled their lead midway through the second half. The team showed excellent spirit to pull two late goals back but a combination of missed chances and additional substitutes from Blackheath proved the difference.
Saturday 15th March Kent Cup
Gravesham 2 West Kent 0 (Scorers: not known)
The team entered the Kent Cup which was organised on a League basis with the top two teams qualifying for the semi-finals of the Charles Harvey Trophy and the next two teams qualified for the semi-finals of the Twenty-Twelve Competition.
Saturday 21st September (Friendly)
Gravesham 0 Barking & Dagenham 0
On Saturday 21st September the Gravesham U13’s began the season with a friendly against Barking district. For a new look team this match would give the opportunity for players to gel and find some form ahead of their first league game in two week’s time.
The team started well with Sonny Aoshead leading from the front in midfield with a number of committed challenges and well measured passes. Credit must also go to Robbie Keen and Guy Degen who linked up superbly to get Gravesham’s attacking play going down the left side. Although Gravesham passed the ball well for long periods of the first half, only half chances fell to Lewis Crow and Ryan Hanley.
In the second half Gravesham continued to battle but with changes made throughout, the team struggled to get their passing game going. Instead Gravesham relied on the pace of Jubril Adesigbin and Lewis Crow to get in behind who came close to finishing several good passes from midfield. Other notable performances came from Zach Smith and Stan Ford who remained strong at the back against a physical Barking front two.
Saturday 5th October (Kent Cup)
North Kent 1 Gravesham 1 (Scorer: Adesigbin)
On Saturday 5th October the Gravesham U13’s played their first competitive league fixture of the season. In a highly competitive first half both teams were afforded little time to settle on the ball and as a result struggled to create any clear openings on goal. The main threat from Gravesham came through Scott Higgins whose pace nearly allowed him to finish a couple of slightly over hit through balls.
The game eventually slowed down in the second half and North Kent began to pass the ball well in midfield creating a few half chances. After a moment of hesitation in the Gravesham defence North Kent broke the deadlock after 60 minutes with a tidy close range finish. This didn’t faze the team who maintained their exceptionally high work rate to earn a deserved equaliser through the pace and calm finish of Jubril Adesigbin.
As North Kent began to tire Gravesham pushed for a winner but lacked the composure to play the final ball that would produce this. Overall it was another excellent performance and highly deserved draw.
Saturday 16th November Kent Cup
Gravesham 5 Bromley 0 (Scorers: Crow(3), Adesigbin, Arthey)
After a disappointing ESFA Cup exit at the hands of Maidstone district the team bounced back with an emphatic 5-0 victory against Bromley district. The squad received needed boost before the game with the return of Michael Arthey and Jubril Adesigbin for the second league game of the year. The match started in competitive fashion with both teams pressing the ball at every opportunity. Playing downhill the visitors threatened the Gravesham goal with some decisive through balls that came extremely close to breaking the deadlock. The team rode their luck at times and made the most of this fortune with an excellent counter attacking goal at the end of the first half. A superbly weighted through ball from substitute Michael Arthey sent Jubril Adesigbin through on goal. With defenders on his heels Jubril showed great calmness to side foot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. This gave the team a massive boost having defended for the majority of the first half.
Following the break Gravesham came out with renewed energy and soon took the game away from Bromley. Lewis Crow thriving in a switch to left midfield combined pace and an excellent final ball to cause numerous problems for the opposition defence. He was duly rewarded with the second goal of the game after an excellent move from the team. Michael Arthey then added a third before Lewis Crow went on to complete a hat trick and superb team performance.
Saturday 7th December Kent Cup
East Sussex 3 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Handly, Arthey (2 penalties)
Gravesham got off to a strong start peppering the East Sussex goal and making the keeper work hard. Then against the run of play East Sussex went 1-0 up, but Gravesham kept working hard and equalised with a goal from Ryan Handly then we managed to get a penalty which Michael Arthey scored. Then East Sussex made it 2-2 just before half time.
In the second half the game was a lot tighter with a lot less chances for each side, but East Sussex got a goal to make it 3-2 and then Gravesham got another penalty which Michael Arthey converted to make it 3-3 , and that was how the game finished.
Saturday 8th March Kent Cup
Gravesham 2 Blackheath 3 (Scorers: not known ) * Result void as Blackheath used 19 players and agreed before the game to forfeit the match
On Saturday 8th March Gravesham U13's played their penultimate league fixture against Blackheath. The game started in competitive fashion with both teams pressing the ball well to make maintaining possession difficult. Using a new formation with an extra midfielder the team began to threaten with the pace of Lewis Crow and Jubril Adesigbin. Although clear chances were few and far between a trip from a Blackheath defender resulted in a penalty and the first clear chance of the half. Unfortunately the Blackheath keeper made an excellent save to keep the score at 0-0 going into half time.
This was a frustrating half for Gravesham with the visitors not creating a chance due to an excellent defensive display. The second half proved to be a more open game and with the team failing to clear their lines Blackheath finished smartly to take the lead. With Gravesham pushing for the equaliser Blackheath doubled their lead midway through the second half. The team showed excellent spirit to pull two late goals back but a combination of missed chances and additional substitutes from Blackheath proved the difference.
Saturday 15th March Kent Cup
Gravesham 2 West Kent 0 (Scorers: not known)
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CHARLES HARVEY TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
Saturday 22nd March Garrison Sports Ground
Medway 1 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Arthey, Adesigbin)
On Saturday 22nd March the cup semi-final took place between Gravesham and Medway U13's at Garrison Sports Ground, Chatham. The game started at a frenetic pace with midfield challenges dominating the early action. Both teams then started to pass the ball well looking to exploit the pace of wide players and strikers against full backs. This led to the first opportunity of the game as Michael Arthey picked a well-timed through ball to send Jubril Adesigbin through on goal. Unfortunately his shot on goal finished off target and proved to be an early let off for the Medway team. However, Michael Arthey did manage to give Gravesham a 1-0 advantage. Towards the end of the first half Medway began to find a foothold in the game with a series of dangerous corners and free kicks.
The Gravesham defence dealt with these well but just before the break a neat piece of play led to an equalising goal for the home team. After a well-deserved rest Gravesham started the second half strongly using the slope on the pitch and wind to their advantage. Both teams struggled for clear cut opportunities in a highly competitive half with two well organised defences keeping the strikers at bay. With tiring legs the chance to win the game fell to Jubril Adesigbin and he calmly slotted the ball past the goal keeper.
CHARLES HARVEY FINAL
Monday 12th May, Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone United F.C.
Gravesham 1 Maidstone 1 (Scorer: Crow). Trophy shared.
On Monday 12th May Gravesham U13’s played Maidstone District in the final of the Charles Harvey Trophy at the Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone. The two teams had met previously in the second round of this year’s national cup with Maidstone running out convincing 3-0 winners. However, with key players back in the Gravesham team this was always going to prove to be a far closer game.
Gravesham started the game at a high tempo forcing Maidstone into a number of mistakes that led to the first chances of the game for Ryan Hanley. Unfortunately the right midfielder’s shots were off target under pressure from the Maidstone defenders. Early possession was soon rewarded for Gravesham as Lewis Crow finished well from close range to put the team 1-0 up. Maidstone then began to create a number of half chances and the equaliser cam before half time through a mix up in the Gravesham defence.
In the second half there was nothing to seperate the teams but if anything Gravesham had the clearer chances through the pace of Jubril Adesigbin and the hard work of midfield players Michael Arthey, Dominic German, Joe Medhurst and Tom Monk. The back four were also playing exceptionally well with Zach Smith at the heart of things to keep the Maidstone attack at bay.
The game then entered extra time and with tiring legs the pace of the Gravesham attack almost broke the deadlock on a number of occasions. It was only some fantastic saves from the Maidstone keeper that prevented Jubril Adesigbin from breaking the deadlock. With no penalties in U13 competition the cup was eventually shared between two very evenly matched teams. This was a fantastic way to end the season for Gravesham U13’s with such a strong performance against the national cup semi-finalists.
E.S.F.A. NATIONAL INTER-ASSOCIATION TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and was open to all associations in England.
Saturday 12th October Round 1
Gravesham 4 Barnet 2 (Scorers: Adesigbin(3), Crow)
On Saturday 12th October the Gravesham U13’s began there ESFA cup campaign against Barnet district. Missing two key squad members the team battled hard in the first half on what was a difficult pitch to pass the ball. The game lacked fluency but Gravesham’s determination across the pitch was rewarded with three first half goals from Lewis Crow and Jubril Adesigbin (2). The later showing blistering pace and a cool head in front of goal to terrorise the opposition defence. Barnet were then offered hope when a mix up in the Gravesham defence allowed Danny O’Leary to steer home from the edge of the box.
With Barnet pressing from more goals in the second half Gravesham began to drop off inviting pressure from the visitors. With 10 minutes to play Liam O’Brien made the draw a real possibility bringing Barnet to within one goal of extra time. It was thanks to a series of outstanding saves from James Harrison that allowed Jubril Adesigbin to score his hat-trick and put the game beyond doubt in the final minute of the game. A battling team performance that has set up a local clash against Maidstone district on the 9th November.
Saturday 9th November Round 2
Gravesham 0 Maidstone 3
On Saturday 9th November the Gravesham U13’s were in 2nd round ESFA Cup action against Maidstone District. With only 12 players available for the game the team faced an uphill battle against a well organised Maidstone side that had the advantage of playing downhill in the first half. This allowed the opposition to maintain consistent possession and create a number of good opportunities through some well measured crosses. The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when a mix up in the Gravesham defence led to an easy opportunity for the Maidstone striker.
Gravesham continued to battle hard keeping the score to 1-0 at half time with some resilient defending from Zach Smith in particular. Playing downhill in the second half gave Gravesham the opportunity to establish a foothold in the game. However, against the run of play an unfortunate slip from James Harrison in atrocious conditions led to Maidstone’s second goal that put the game out of reach for the home side. Although the team continued to work hard, creating a few half chances, a lack of cutting edge and defensive organisation was the difference between the two teams.
WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and was open to all associations in the South East area.
Saturday 23rd November Round 1
South East Sussex 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Adesigbin(2), Crow)
On Saturday 14th December Gravesham U13's were in cup competition against South East Sussex. After a 3-3 draw away to East Sussex in the league the following week the team settled early a passed the ball well in the opening stages. Without any clear opportunities on goal the majority of the game was being played in the South East Sussex half with Gravesham on the front foot. Jubril Adesigbin's pace and Lewis Crow's strength on the ball looked a constant threat for the visitors. Sonny Adshead and Dominic German were also doing an excellent job of maintaining the games tempo by switching play at every opportunity to stretch the opposition back four.
The deserved breakthrough came midway through the first half with Jubril Adesigbin finishing well when through on goal. After the break Gravesham continued to apply the pressure rarely letting South East Sussex out their own half. The important second goal eventually came through some excellent team play finished by Lewis Crow. Jubril Adesigbin then grabbed a second before the opposition scored a soft consolation goal towards the end of the game. An excellent finish to a strong first half of the season by Gravesham U13's.
Saturday 15th February Round 2
Gravesham 0 South London 4
On a wet and blustery February afternoon Gravesham U13's were in action for the first time since Christmas against a physical South London side. The game began in disjointed fashion with both teams struggling in difficult conditions. Gravesham created the first opportunity when a defence splitting pass put Jubril Adesigbin in through on goal. With the keeper to beat Jubril was clipped by the opposition defender only for the referee to wave penalty shouts away. This proved pivotal as a scrambled goal from South London made the score 1-0 at half time with Gravesham facing a second half into the wind.
As Gravesham began to tire in the second half gaps opened up in defence and a soft second goal sealed victory for South London. Two further goals were then added as the wind and Gravesham chasing the game made a big difference. A 4-0 loss was a harsh result with physicality and conditions proving the difference.
Saturday 22nd March Garrison Sports Ground
Medway 1 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Arthey, Adesigbin)
On Saturday 22nd March the cup semi-final took place between Gravesham and Medway U13's at Garrison Sports Ground, Chatham. The game started at a frenetic pace with midfield challenges dominating the early action. Both teams then started to pass the ball well looking to exploit the pace of wide players and strikers against full backs. This led to the first opportunity of the game as Michael Arthey picked a well-timed through ball to send Jubril Adesigbin through on goal. Unfortunately his shot on goal finished off target and proved to be an early let off for the Medway team. However, Michael Arthey did manage to give Gravesham a 1-0 advantage. Towards the end of the first half Medway began to find a foothold in the game with a series of dangerous corners and free kicks.
The Gravesham defence dealt with these well but just before the break a neat piece of play led to an equalising goal for the home team. After a well-deserved rest Gravesham started the second half strongly using the slope on the pitch and wind to their advantage. Both teams struggled for clear cut opportunities in a highly competitive half with two well organised defences keeping the strikers at bay. With tiring legs the chance to win the game fell to Jubril Adesigbin and he calmly slotted the ball past the goal keeper.
CHARLES HARVEY FINAL
Monday 12th May, Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone United F.C.
Gravesham 1 Maidstone 1 (Scorer: Crow). Trophy shared.
On Monday 12th May Gravesham U13’s played Maidstone District in the final of the Charles Harvey Trophy at the Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone. The two teams had met previously in the second round of this year’s national cup with Maidstone running out convincing 3-0 winners. However, with key players back in the Gravesham team this was always going to prove to be a far closer game.
Gravesham started the game at a high tempo forcing Maidstone into a number of mistakes that led to the first chances of the game for Ryan Hanley. Unfortunately the right midfielder’s shots were off target under pressure from the Maidstone defenders. Early possession was soon rewarded for Gravesham as Lewis Crow finished well from close range to put the team 1-0 up. Maidstone then began to create a number of half chances and the equaliser cam before half time through a mix up in the Gravesham defence.
In the second half there was nothing to seperate the teams but if anything Gravesham had the clearer chances through the pace of Jubril Adesigbin and the hard work of midfield players Michael Arthey, Dominic German, Joe Medhurst and Tom Monk. The back four were also playing exceptionally well with Zach Smith at the heart of things to keep the Maidstone attack at bay.
The game then entered extra time and with tiring legs the pace of the Gravesham attack almost broke the deadlock on a number of occasions. It was only some fantastic saves from the Maidstone keeper that prevented Jubril Adesigbin from breaking the deadlock. With no penalties in U13 competition the cup was eventually shared between two very evenly matched teams. This was a fantastic way to end the season for Gravesham U13’s with such a strong performance against the national cup semi-finalists.
E.S.F.A. NATIONAL INTER-ASSOCIATION TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and was open to all associations in England.
Saturday 12th October Round 1
Gravesham 4 Barnet 2 (Scorers: Adesigbin(3), Crow)
On Saturday 12th October the Gravesham U13’s began there ESFA cup campaign against Barnet district. Missing two key squad members the team battled hard in the first half on what was a difficult pitch to pass the ball. The game lacked fluency but Gravesham’s determination across the pitch was rewarded with three first half goals from Lewis Crow and Jubril Adesigbin (2). The later showing blistering pace and a cool head in front of goal to terrorise the opposition defence. Barnet were then offered hope when a mix up in the Gravesham defence allowed Danny O’Leary to steer home from the edge of the box.
With Barnet pressing from more goals in the second half Gravesham began to drop off inviting pressure from the visitors. With 10 minutes to play Liam O’Brien made the draw a real possibility bringing Barnet to within one goal of extra time. It was thanks to a series of outstanding saves from James Harrison that allowed Jubril Adesigbin to score his hat-trick and put the game beyond doubt in the final minute of the game. A battling team performance that has set up a local clash against Maidstone district on the 9th November.
Saturday 9th November Round 2
Gravesham 0 Maidstone 3
On Saturday 9th November the Gravesham U13’s were in 2nd round ESFA Cup action against Maidstone District. With only 12 players available for the game the team faced an uphill battle against a well organised Maidstone side that had the advantage of playing downhill in the first half. This allowed the opposition to maintain consistent possession and create a number of good opportunities through some well measured crosses. The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when a mix up in the Gravesham defence led to an easy opportunity for the Maidstone striker.
Gravesham continued to battle hard keeping the score to 1-0 at half time with some resilient defending from Zach Smith in particular. Playing downhill in the second half gave Gravesham the opportunity to establish a foothold in the game. However, against the run of play an unfortunate slip from James Harrison in atrocious conditions led to Maidstone’s second goal that put the game out of reach for the home side. Although the team continued to work hard, creating a few half chances, a lack of cutting edge and defensive organisation was the difference between the two teams.
WIMBLEDON CHALLENGE TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and was open to all associations in the South East area.
Saturday 23rd November Round 1
South East Sussex 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Adesigbin(2), Crow)
On Saturday 14th December Gravesham U13's were in cup competition against South East Sussex. After a 3-3 draw away to East Sussex in the league the following week the team settled early a passed the ball well in the opening stages. Without any clear opportunities on goal the majority of the game was being played in the South East Sussex half with Gravesham on the front foot. Jubril Adesigbin's pace and Lewis Crow's strength on the ball looked a constant threat for the visitors. Sonny Adshead and Dominic German were also doing an excellent job of maintaining the games tempo by switching play at every opportunity to stretch the opposition back four.
The deserved breakthrough came midway through the first half with Jubril Adesigbin finishing well when through on goal. After the break Gravesham continued to apply the pressure rarely letting South East Sussex out their own half. The important second goal eventually came through some excellent team play finished by Lewis Crow. Jubril Adesigbin then grabbed a second before the opposition scored a soft consolation goal towards the end of the game. An excellent finish to a strong first half of the season by Gravesham U13's.
Saturday 15th February Round 2
Gravesham 0 South London 4
On a wet and blustery February afternoon Gravesham U13's were in action for the first time since Christmas against a physical South London side. The game began in disjointed fashion with both teams struggling in difficult conditions. Gravesham created the first opportunity when a defence splitting pass put Jubril Adesigbin in through on goal. With the keeper to beat Jubril was clipped by the opposition defender only for the referee to wave penalty shouts away. This proved pivotal as a scrambled goal from South London made the score 1-0 at half time with Gravesham facing a second half into the wind.
As Gravesham began to tire in the second half gaps opened up in defence and a soft second goal sealed victory for South London. Two further goals were then added as the wind and Gravesham chasing the game made a big difference. A 4-0 loss was a harsh result with physicality and conditions proving the difference.