Gravesham Schools' Football Association U14s 2011 / 12
KENT CUP AND FRIENDLY FIXTURES
The team entered the Kent Cup which was organised on a league basis. The top two teams in each group qualified for the semi-finals of the Presidents Shield.
Monday 12th September Friendly
Gravesham 7 Kent Schools 0 (Scorers: Johnson(2), Francis(2), Loft, Martin, O.G.)
As part of the trial process Gravesham U14s played a friendly against Kent Schools ' Under 13s, winning 7-0, with some good goalkeeping by the Kent keeper keeping the score down. In a game that Gravesham completely dominated Casey Johnson and Ben Francis scored two each with Ryan Loft and Adam Martin and an own goal making up the scorers.
Saturday 15th October Kent Cup
Gravesham 8 North Kent 3 (Scorers: Thompson(2), Francis, Johnson, Jordan, Fenton, Liddle, OG)
The first league game for Gravesham U14s saw them comprehensively beat North Kent 8-3 with an outstanding team performance. Tom Cox made his debut in goal and looked commanding. Defensively, Whaley, Sparks and Liddle put in strong performances to deny North Kent early on. After 20 minutes Ryan Thompson came on as sub and needed only 2 touches before smashing an unstoppable 35 yard strike into the top corner.
This proved to be the turning point as Gravesham scored 4 more goals before half time through regular marksman Ben Francis, Benjy Fenton, an own goal following good work by Ryan Thompson and a well worked short corner that Mitch Liddle headed in at the far post. Gravesham lost their markers in a North Kent attack to concede a goal just before the break to make the score 5-1. In the second Gravesham kept their shape and scored three more goals through man of the match Ryan Thompson, a composed George Jordan goal and a Casey Johnson finish.
With the score at 8-1 some sloppy play allowed North Kent to score two late consolation goals.
Saturday 5th November Kent Cup
Bromley 3 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Loft, Stewart, Johnson)
Gravesham played against Bromley in their second group game and started confidently and in control without creating many clear cut chances. Keeper Penfold was distributing the ball well from the back but Gravesham found it hard to breakdown a determined Bromley. Whilst all the Gravesham defence was solid with Liddle and Whaley impressing there was too much individual play from Gravesham. This allowed Bromley to come into the game. With Bromley gaining confidence it was no surprise that they scored from a corner to take a one-nil lead. Ryan Loft nearly equalised soon after but lifted his shot over the bar. In the second Gravesham struggled to keep the ball and when Captain and man of the match Dan Sparks had to leave the field of play with a blood injury Bromley went 2-0 up. Gravesham replied immediately through a well taken Loft goal.
With 15 minutes to go a fine strike from Bromley made it 3-1. All looked lost but Gravesham showed great determination and spirit and pulled one back through a excellent free kick from Sam Stewart. With minutes remaining a well worked moved resulted in a Casey Johnson headed equaliser. In the last minute Stewart hit the post to make the final score 3-3. A good comeback and display of character from Gravesham.
Saturday 10th December Kent Cup
Gravesham 8 East Sussex 0 (Scorers: Keaveney, Stewart, Johnson(2), Mainwearing, Francis(2),Thompson)
With half the pitch frozen, the game was a major doubt. With East Sussex keen to continue Gravesham soon got into their stride. With Tom Cox commanding in goal and Dan Sparks faultless at the back, it was not long before the outstanding Jack Keaveney scored the first with a thunderbolt shot. Gravesham completely dominated their opponents thereafter and only good goalkeeping kept the score down. A trademark and superb free kick from Sam Stewart made the score 2-0. With George Jordan showing fantastic technical ability on the ball it was no surprise that he created another goal from his long range short which was followed up well by an alert Casey Johnson. Casey Johnson then added another following more good work by George Jordan 4-0. Jordan Mainwaring then reacted well to make it 5-0 at half time. In the second half Ben Francis was looking sharper and scored two well taken goals with substitute Ryan Thompson also scoring a good individual goal in-between. Final score 8-0. Man of the Match Alex Fialho who worked tirelessly for the team and a great example. He just pipped Jack Keaveney and George Jordan in this respect.
Saturday 21st January Kent Cup
West Kent 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Loft, Johnson, Thompson)
On a small, uneven and heavy pitch Gravesham found it difficult to breakdown a defensively set up and direct West Kent side. Despite dominating most of the first half the final ball let Gravesham down. The best move of the half saw Francis link with Johnson and Johnson's excellent reverse pass set up Loft to smash home. Just before half time a good move resulted in Francis shooting wide.
At the other end, Tom Cox made some crucial interventions and saves to prevent West Kent scoring from a counter attack. Ross Hinksman showed some great composure on the ball in the first half while making his debut and kept the ball well. Gravesham had a period of pressure in the second half and when Ryan Thompson was tripped in the area for a penalty Gravesham had a chance to increase their lead. Unfortunately the reliable Sam Stewart blazed over the bar. This miss spurred on West Kent and Charlie Penfold in goal and was kept busy but he was alert with some good handling and saves but he could not stop West Kent equalising from just inside the box when the ball should have been cleared. Gravesham then raised their game with an excellent goal from regular marksman Johnson who placed the ball in the corner of the net to give the keeper no chance. Ryan Thompson then added a third after a typical piece of individual skill to make the score 3-1.
Overall a below par performance from Gravesham, Keaveney, Loft and Sparks were the pick showing great determination and will to win. Ryan Loft was man of the match - he played in 3 or 4 positions - a great team player. Lofty was just ahead of both goalkeepers Charlie Penfold and Tom Cox who were both excellent in goal.
Saturday 4th February Kent Cup
Medway 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Francis(3))
Gravesham played their final league game against Medway needing a win or draw to make the Kent Semi Final for the third consecutive year. Against robust opponents on a poor pitch Gravesham started the game slowly. Medway put Gravesham under lots of pressure early on with their direct style and physical approach. A bad tackle saw Gravesham lose their influential player Ryan Loft on 15 minutes. Soon after that Tom Cox had to make a couple of important saves from Medway corners and long throws.
At the other end Casey Johnson was lively up front but was well marked by a Medway defence that pressed the ball well. Following a period of pressure Medway took the lead on 25 minutes a close range shot gave Tom Cox no chance. This goal had a positive affect on Gravesham who then started to get a foothold in the game. The prolific Francis having missed a chance from a Thompson cross was then fouled inside the area but the referee signalled a free kick on the edge of the box. Francis then curled the ball into the bottom corner to equalise the scores at 1-1 just before half time. In the second half Gravesham were much more determined and started to dominate their opponents and impose themselves more. Gravesham created a few half chances for Francis and Thompson with reward. Then with Gravesham well on top some clever wide play from Casey Johnson resulted in a chance for Francis that he cooly tucked away to make the score 2-1 to Gravesham. Defensively Captain Sparks was outstanding along with Liddle, Fenton an Keaveney who all provided excellent protection to Penfold in goal.
With Fialho and Hinksman controling midfield it was no surprise that a chance fell to Francis who curled a right foot shot into the top corner from 20 yards - a superb strike and another hatrick in Gravesham colours for him. Shortly after Fialho smashed a 30 yard shot the hit the top of the bar. Within another two minutes a fantastic volley from Francis hit the back of the net but the referee ruled off side. Ryan Thompson then had a good run and shot that the keeper saved. With the Gravesham Defence withstanding the aerial threat posed by Medway they comfortably won the match 3-1 in the end and won the Group. Man of the match Ben Francis who scored 3- he was just in front of Daniel Sparks awesome defending.
The team entered the Kent Cup which was organised on a league basis. The top two teams in each group qualified for the semi-finals of the Presidents Shield.
Monday 12th September Friendly
Gravesham 7 Kent Schools 0 (Scorers: Johnson(2), Francis(2), Loft, Martin, O.G.)
As part of the trial process Gravesham U14s played a friendly against Kent Schools ' Under 13s, winning 7-0, with some good goalkeeping by the Kent keeper keeping the score down. In a game that Gravesham completely dominated Casey Johnson and Ben Francis scored two each with Ryan Loft and Adam Martin and an own goal making up the scorers.
Saturday 15th October Kent Cup
Gravesham 8 North Kent 3 (Scorers: Thompson(2), Francis, Johnson, Jordan, Fenton, Liddle, OG)
The first league game for Gravesham U14s saw them comprehensively beat North Kent 8-3 with an outstanding team performance. Tom Cox made his debut in goal and looked commanding. Defensively, Whaley, Sparks and Liddle put in strong performances to deny North Kent early on. After 20 minutes Ryan Thompson came on as sub and needed only 2 touches before smashing an unstoppable 35 yard strike into the top corner.
This proved to be the turning point as Gravesham scored 4 more goals before half time through regular marksman Ben Francis, Benjy Fenton, an own goal following good work by Ryan Thompson and a well worked short corner that Mitch Liddle headed in at the far post. Gravesham lost their markers in a North Kent attack to concede a goal just before the break to make the score 5-1. In the second Gravesham kept their shape and scored three more goals through man of the match Ryan Thompson, a composed George Jordan goal and a Casey Johnson finish.
With the score at 8-1 some sloppy play allowed North Kent to score two late consolation goals.
Saturday 5th November Kent Cup
Bromley 3 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Loft, Stewart, Johnson)
Gravesham played against Bromley in their second group game and started confidently and in control without creating many clear cut chances. Keeper Penfold was distributing the ball well from the back but Gravesham found it hard to breakdown a determined Bromley. Whilst all the Gravesham defence was solid with Liddle and Whaley impressing there was too much individual play from Gravesham. This allowed Bromley to come into the game. With Bromley gaining confidence it was no surprise that they scored from a corner to take a one-nil lead. Ryan Loft nearly equalised soon after but lifted his shot over the bar. In the second Gravesham struggled to keep the ball and when Captain and man of the match Dan Sparks had to leave the field of play with a blood injury Bromley went 2-0 up. Gravesham replied immediately through a well taken Loft goal.
With 15 minutes to go a fine strike from Bromley made it 3-1. All looked lost but Gravesham showed great determination and spirit and pulled one back through a excellent free kick from Sam Stewart. With minutes remaining a well worked moved resulted in a Casey Johnson headed equaliser. In the last minute Stewart hit the post to make the final score 3-3. A good comeback and display of character from Gravesham.
Saturday 10th December Kent Cup
Gravesham 8 East Sussex 0 (Scorers: Keaveney, Stewart, Johnson(2), Mainwearing, Francis(2),Thompson)
With half the pitch frozen, the game was a major doubt. With East Sussex keen to continue Gravesham soon got into their stride. With Tom Cox commanding in goal and Dan Sparks faultless at the back, it was not long before the outstanding Jack Keaveney scored the first with a thunderbolt shot. Gravesham completely dominated their opponents thereafter and only good goalkeeping kept the score down. A trademark and superb free kick from Sam Stewart made the score 2-0. With George Jordan showing fantastic technical ability on the ball it was no surprise that he created another goal from his long range short which was followed up well by an alert Casey Johnson. Casey Johnson then added another following more good work by George Jordan 4-0. Jordan Mainwaring then reacted well to make it 5-0 at half time. In the second half Ben Francis was looking sharper and scored two well taken goals with substitute Ryan Thompson also scoring a good individual goal in-between. Final score 8-0. Man of the Match Alex Fialho who worked tirelessly for the team and a great example. He just pipped Jack Keaveney and George Jordan in this respect.
Saturday 21st January Kent Cup
West Kent 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Loft, Johnson, Thompson)
On a small, uneven and heavy pitch Gravesham found it difficult to breakdown a defensively set up and direct West Kent side. Despite dominating most of the first half the final ball let Gravesham down. The best move of the half saw Francis link with Johnson and Johnson's excellent reverse pass set up Loft to smash home. Just before half time a good move resulted in Francis shooting wide.
At the other end, Tom Cox made some crucial interventions and saves to prevent West Kent scoring from a counter attack. Ross Hinksman showed some great composure on the ball in the first half while making his debut and kept the ball well. Gravesham had a period of pressure in the second half and when Ryan Thompson was tripped in the area for a penalty Gravesham had a chance to increase their lead. Unfortunately the reliable Sam Stewart blazed over the bar. This miss spurred on West Kent and Charlie Penfold in goal and was kept busy but he was alert with some good handling and saves but he could not stop West Kent equalising from just inside the box when the ball should have been cleared. Gravesham then raised their game with an excellent goal from regular marksman Johnson who placed the ball in the corner of the net to give the keeper no chance. Ryan Thompson then added a third after a typical piece of individual skill to make the score 3-1.
Overall a below par performance from Gravesham, Keaveney, Loft and Sparks were the pick showing great determination and will to win. Ryan Loft was man of the match - he played in 3 or 4 positions - a great team player. Lofty was just ahead of both goalkeepers Charlie Penfold and Tom Cox who were both excellent in goal.
Saturday 4th February Kent Cup
Medway 1 Gravesham 3 (Scorers: Francis(3))
Gravesham played their final league game against Medway needing a win or draw to make the Kent Semi Final for the third consecutive year. Against robust opponents on a poor pitch Gravesham started the game slowly. Medway put Gravesham under lots of pressure early on with their direct style and physical approach. A bad tackle saw Gravesham lose their influential player Ryan Loft on 15 minutes. Soon after that Tom Cox had to make a couple of important saves from Medway corners and long throws.
At the other end Casey Johnson was lively up front but was well marked by a Medway defence that pressed the ball well. Following a period of pressure Medway took the lead on 25 minutes a close range shot gave Tom Cox no chance. This goal had a positive affect on Gravesham who then started to get a foothold in the game. The prolific Francis having missed a chance from a Thompson cross was then fouled inside the area but the referee signalled a free kick on the edge of the box. Francis then curled the ball into the bottom corner to equalise the scores at 1-1 just before half time. In the second half Gravesham were much more determined and started to dominate their opponents and impose themselves more. Gravesham created a few half chances for Francis and Thompson with reward. Then with Gravesham well on top some clever wide play from Casey Johnson resulted in a chance for Francis that he cooly tucked away to make the score 2-1 to Gravesham. Defensively Captain Sparks was outstanding along with Liddle, Fenton an Keaveney who all provided excellent protection to Penfold in goal.
With Fialho and Hinksman controling midfield it was no surprise that a chance fell to Francis who curled a right foot shot into the top corner from 20 yards - a superb strike and another hatrick in Gravesham colours for him. Shortly after Fialho smashed a 30 yard shot the hit the top of the bar. Within another two minutes a fantastic volley from Francis hit the back of the net but the referee ruled off side. Ryan Thompson then had a good run and shot that the keeper saved. With the Gravesham Defence withstanding the aerial threat posed by Medway they comfortably won the match 3-1 in the end and won the Group. Man of the match Ben Francis who scored 3- he was just in front of Daniel Sparks awesome defending.
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PRESIDENTS' SHIELD SEMI-FINAL
Saturday 17th March
Gravesham 4 Swale 1 (Francis(2), Johnson(2))
In their semi final of the President's Shield Gravesham U14s faced a very strong and determined Swale side at the Fleet leisure facility on Saturday 17 March. With Gravesham missing a couple of key players it was a good opportunity for other boys to stake a claim for a place for the final. Gravesham started very well and controlled most of the first half. With Alex Fialho and the highly energetic Jack Keaveney running the midfield chances fell to Ben Francis, Casey Johnson and Ross Hinksman but opportunities went begging due to the woodwork good saves or some shots off target until regular marksman Francis opened the scoring with a well taken goal. Shortly afterwards good work from Ryan Thompson enabled Johnson to score his first. At 2-0 Gravesham then had a period of possession with Jordan Mainwaring having a fine game at left back overlapping well and providing some dangerous crosses. With Fenton, Sparks and Liddle solid at the back Tom Cox was having a quiet game in goal. Then 10 minutes before the break a Swale counter attack produced a brilliant individual goal with the impressive Swale forward beating two quality Gravesham defenders for speed and then shot at the near post to bring the scores to 2-1. Gravesham then set up a few more attacks without an end product so the scores stayed at 2-1 at half time.
In the second half Swale came out positively and pinned Gravesham back into their half for the first 15 minutes but the outstanding Sparks and Liddle coped exceptional with all that was thrown at them aligned to Fenton's excellent defending limited Swale and despite lots of pressure did not trouble Charlie Penfold in goal. At this point substitute George Jordan entered the field of play. This allowed Gravesham to retain the ball better and they started to create chances again for Francis, Johnson, Hinksman and Keaveney but the Swale keeper was having a fine game preventing Gravesham from increasing the lead until some intelligent play from Francis set up Johnson to make it 3-1 with 2 minutes to go and then the on form Francis added his second to make it 4-1 just before the final whistle. A well deserved win for Gravesham who can now look forward to their second consecutive final. Fialho and Keaveney pressed and passed well in Midfield and were strong contenders for Man of the Match but Dan Sparks was simply outstanding defensively and with his ball distribution.
PRESIDENTS' SHIELD FINAL
Wednesday 9th May, Woodstock Park 7.15pm kick off
Dover 2 Gravesham 5 (Scorers: Loft(2), Francis(2), Stewart)
Gravesham became Kent U14 Champions for the first time in 22 years as the won the Presidents Shield. In an exciting cup final Gravesham beat Dover 5 - 2. Gravesham goalscores were: Loft 2, Francis 2, and Stewart 1. On a heavy pitch at Woodstock Park FC in Sittingbourne, Gravesham started their final confidently and were able to pick from a full strength squad. Gravesham dominated the early possession with Francis looking lively in attack and Fialho and Keaveney controlling the midfield. Against the run of play Dover opened the scoring after 10 minutes from a cross that keeper Tom Cox was unable to gather which resulted in an easy chance for Dover to take the lead. To their credit Gravesham continued to play patient football that was not helped by a poor surface and opponents that were set up defensively. Gravesham created a few other half chances that Dover managed to deal with. Ryan Loft was then moved into attack and immediately produced a superb piece of skill and his overhead kick found the top corner from 15 yards to bring the scores level at 1-1. With both Gravesham fullbacks Stewart and Fenton pushing on well, Dover were unable to relieve continual Gravesham pressure and it was not long before the pressure counted with Loft producing a curled shot from just inside the box that went in off the post for Gravesham to take a deserved lead at 2-1. With greater confidence Gravesham took complete control of the first half with any Dover threat dealt with by the outstanding Captain Sparks and his central defensive partner Liddle. Gravesham maintained their domination of Dover in the second half with the speed and skill of Ryan Thompson and Casey Johnson difficult for their opponents to contain. With Ross Hinksman having an excellent second half and a controlling influence in midfield it was only a matter time before he played in Ryan Thompson who set up Ben Francis to make the score 3-1. Loft, Francis, Johnson and Thompson were beginning to get more freedom but shots were either being blocked, saved or off target. With Gravesham having reached double figures in the number corners it was no surprise that eventually another great delivery from Stewart was met by the head of Francis whose excellent movement to get across the defender gave him the space to head home to make the score 4-1 to Gravesham. With Keaveney playing unselfishly for the Team in midfield and in defence all game Dover had only a brief spell of pressure at 4-1 and when called upon Charlie Penfold produced an excellent tip over save and dealt well with a few crosses and shots but from a goalmouth scramble was unable to prevent Dover pulling a goal back to 4-2 with a five minutes remaining. Shortly afterwards a free kick was awarded to Dover on the edge of the penalty. The Gravesham team then charged down the shot and counter attacked quickly and were rewarded with a penalty. Sam Stewart then kept cool to tuck the penalty away to make the scores 5-2 with three minutes remaining. Gravesham then nearly scored again with further efforts from Thompson and Mainwaring. At the final whistle Gravesham ran out deserved winners 5-2 to become champions of Kent. A magnificent team performance with all boys showing great skill and composure. There was strong performances across the team with Dan Sparks and Sam Stewart in particular both having excellent games but Man of the Match was Ryan Loft who played in three position and scored two key goals and was simply outstanding.
EAGLES TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and was open to all associations in the South east area.
Saturday 12th November Round 1
Croydon 3 Gravesham 5 (Scorers: Jordan, Stewart, Liddle, Loft, Francis)
In their Eagles cup match against a powerful Croydon team Gravesham U14s started the match brightly, with Johnson and Francis going close early on. The speed of the Gravesham team was causing problems to a big and strong but less mobile home team. After 15 minutes a superb counter attacking move resulted in full back Stewart crossing to the back post for George Jordan to volley home to give Gravesham a 1-0 lead. In another excellent move Johnson carried the ball for half the length of the pitch passed to Francis who set up Stewart to score a well taken goal to make the score 2-0. Gravesham then gave too much space to the Croydon midfield and a good strike from Croydon outside the area gave to home team a boost, making the score 2-1. Almost immediately some good possession from Gravesham resulted in a corner. An excellent delivery from Stewart was powerfully headed home by Liddle for his second goal of the season to make the score 3-1 at half time.
The second half saw Gravesham continue to control the game with Fialho hardworking and Keaveney impressing, and it was surprising that Croydon pulled a goal back to make the score 3-2. Ryan Loft then produced an excellent piece of skill to beat three opponents and place his shot in the corner increasing Gravesham's lead to 4-2. Croydon then scored to make it 4-3 with 6 minutes remaining. Gravesham then scored from the prolific Francis to make it 5-3. Francis was sharp all game and unlucky with a number of chances. With Sparks both assured and brave at the back Gravesham saw out the game. Both of Gravesham full backs Stewart and Keaveney were outstanding with Keaveney just edging out Stewart as the man of the match in a good team performance.
Saturday 28th January Round 2
Gravesham 1 Blackheath 2 (Scorer: Loft)
In a highly competitive Eagles trophy quarter final Blackheath just edged out Gravesham 2-1. In the first half Gravesham forced several corners without reward and found the strong Blackheath defence hard to breakdown. After 20 minutes a strong challenge by the consistent Keaveney saw him fail to recover from a knee injury and he was replaced by Francis who had a good chance almost immediately but he shot straight at the impressive Blackheath keeper. Then a period of Blackheath pressure saw Tom Cox make several good saves. Despite Sparks and Liddle commanding in defence the pressure told and a neat build up ended with Blackheath opening the scoring. Gravesham then responded with Stewart being the provider for a few half chances for Johnson and Francis. Th score at half-time remained 1-0. In the second half Gravesham kept the ball better and created chances for Johnson, Loft and Johnson but the Blackheath keeper was inspired making several key saves. A brilliant piece of skill from Blackheath player saw him beat two defenders and round keeper Penfold to make the score 2-0. Gravesham then pulled a goal back through Loft with 20 minutes to go and piled on lots of pressure with more half chances to Johnson and Francis but the Blackheath Keeper was having a good game to thwart the Gravesham onslaught. A good match decided on small margins. Dan Sparks was just ahead of Mitch Liddle as the Man of the Match.
Saturday 17th March
Gravesham 4 Swale 1 (Francis(2), Johnson(2))
In their semi final of the President's Shield Gravesham U14s faced a very strong and determined Swale side at the Fleet leisure facility on Saturday 17 March. With Gravesham missing a couple of key players it was a good opportunity for other boys to stake a claim for a place for the final. Gravesham started very well and controlled most of the first half. With Alex Fialho and the highly energetic Jack Keaveney running the midfield chances fell to Ben Francis, Casey Johnson and Ross Hinksman but opportunities went begging due to the woodwork good saves or some shots off target until regular marksman Francis opened the scoring with a well taken goal. Shortly afterwards good work from Ryan Thompson enabled Johnson to score his first. At 2-0 Gravesham then had a period of possession with Jordan Mainwaring having a fine game at left back overlapping well and providing some dangerous crosses. With Fenton, Sparks and Liddle solid at the back Tom Cox was having a quiet game in goal. Then 10 minutes before the break a Swale counter attack produced a brilliant individual goal with the impressive Swale forward beating two quality Gravesham defenders for speed and then shot at the near post to bring the scores to 2-1. Gravesham then set up a few more attacks without an end product so the scores stayed at 2-1 at half time.
In the second half Swale came out positively and pinned Gravesham back into their half for the first 15 minutes but the outstanding Sparks and Liddle coped exceptional with all that was thrown at them aligned to Fenton's excellent defending limited Swale and despite lots of pressure did not trouble Charlie Penfold in goal. At this point substitute George Jordan entered the field of play. This allowed Gravesham to retain the ball better and they started to create chances again for Francis, Johnson, Hinksman and Keaveney but the Swale keeper was having a fine game preventing Gravesham from increasing the lead until some intelligent play from Francis set up Johnson to make it 3-1 with 2 minutes to go and then the on form Francis added his second to make it 4-1 just before the final whistle. A well deserved win for Gravesham who can now look forward to their second consecutive final. Fialho and Keaveney pressed and passed well in Midfield and were strong contenders for Man of the Match but Dan Sparks was simply outstanding defensively and with his ball distribution.
PRESIDENTS' SHIELD FINAL
Wednesday 9th May, Woodstock Park 7.15pm kick off
Dover 2 Gravesham 5 (Scorers: Loft(2), Francis(2), Stewart)
Gravesham became Kent U14 Champions for the first time in 22 years as the won the Presidents Shield. In an exciting cup final Gravesham beat Dover 5 - 2. Gravesham goalscores were: Loft 2, Francis 2, and Stewart 1. On a heavy pitch at Woodstock Park FC in Sittingbourne, Gravesham started their final confidently and were able to pick from a full strength squad. Gravesham dominated the early possession with Francis looking lively in attack and Fialho and Keaveney controlling the midfield. Against the run of play Dover opened the scoring after 10 minutes from a cross that keeper Tom Cox was unable to gather which resulted in an easy chance for Dover to take the lead. To their credit Gravesham continued to play patient football that was not helped by a poor surface and opponents that were set up defensively. Gravesham created a few other half chances that Dover managed to deal with. Ryan Loft was then moved into attack and immediately produced a superb piece of skill and his overhead kick found the top corner from 15 yards to bring the scores level at 1-1. With both Gravesham fullbacks Stewart and Fenton pushing on well, Dover were unable to relieve continual Gravesham pressure and it was not long before the pressure counted with Loft producing a curled shot from just inside the box that went in off the post for Gravesham to take a deserved lead at 2-1. With greater confidence Gravesham took complete control of the first half with any Dover threat dealt with by the outstanding Captain Sparks and his central defensive partner Liddle. Gravesham maintained their domination of Dover in the second half with the speed and skill of Ryan Thompson and Casey Johnson difficult for their opponents to contain. With Ross Hinksman having an excellent second half and a controlling influence in midfield it was only a matter time before he played in Ryan Thompson who set up Ben Francis to make the score 3-1. Loft, Francis, Johnson and Thompson were beginning to get more freedom but shots were either being blocked, saved or off target. With Gravesham having reached double figures in the number corners it was no surprise that eventually another great delivery from Stewart was met by the head of Francis whose excellent movement to get across the defender gave him the space to head home to make the score 4-1 to Gravesham. With Keaveney playing unselfishly for the Team in midfield and in defence all game Dover had only a brief spell of pressure at 4-1 and when called upon Charlie Penfold produced an excellent tip over save and dealt well with a few crosses and shots but from a goalmouth scramble was unable to prevent Dover pulling a goal back to 4-2 with a five minutes remaining. Shortly afterwards a free kick was awarded to Dover on the edge of the penalty. The Gravesham team then charged down the shot and counter attacked quickly and were rewarded with a penalty. Sam Stewart then kept cool to tuck the penalty away to make the scores 5-2 with three minutes remaining. Gravesham then nearly scored again with further efforts from Thompson and Mainwaring. At the final whistle Gravesham ran out deserved winners 5-2 to become champions of Kent. A magnificent team performance with all boys showing great skill and composure. There was strong performances across the team with Dan Sparks and Sam Stewart in particular both having excellent games but Man of the Match was Ryan Loft who played in three position and scored two key goals and was simply outstanding.
EAGLES TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and was open to all associations in the South east area.
Saturday 12th November Round 1
Croydon 3 Gravesham 5 (Scorers: Jordan, Stewart, Liddle, Loft, Francis)
In their Eagles cup match against a powerful Croydon team Gravesham U14s started the match brightly, with Johnson and Francis going close early on. The speed of the Gravesham team was causing problems to a big and strong but less mobile home team. After 15 minutes a superb counter attacking move resulted in full back Stewart crossing to the back post for George Jordan to volley home to give Gravesham a 1-0 lead. In another excellent move Johnson carried the ball for half the length of the pitch passed to Francis who set up Stewart to score a well taken goal to make the score 2-0. Gravesham then gave too much space to the Croydon midfield and a good strike from Croydon outside the area gave to home team a boost, making the score 2-1. Almost immediately some good possession from Gravesham resulted in a corner. An excellent delivery from Stewart was powerfully headed home by Liddle for his second goal of the season to make the score 3-1 at half time.
The second half saw Gravesham continue to control the game with Fialho hardworking and Keaveney impressing, and it was surprising that Croydon pulled a goal back to make the score 3-2. Ryan Loft then produced an excellent piece of skill to beat three opponents and place his shot in the corner increasing Gravesham's lead to 4-2. Croydon then scored to make it 4-3 with 6 minutes remaining. Gravesham then scored from the prolific Francis to make it 5-3. Francis was sharp all game and unlucky with a number of chances. With Sparks both assured and brave at the back Gravesham saw out the game. Both of Gravesham full backs Stewart and Keaveney were outstanding with Keaveney just edging out Stewart as the man of the match in a good team performance.
Saturday 28th January Round 2
Gravesham 1 Blackheath 2 (Scorer: Loft)
In a highly competitive Eagles trophy quarter final Blackheath just edged out Gravesham 2-1. In the first half Gravesham forced several corners without reward and found the strong Blackheath defence hard to breakdown. After 20 minutes a strong challenge by the consistent Keaveney saw him fail to recover from a knee injury and he was replaced by Francis who had a good chance almost immediately but he shot straight at the impressive Blackheath keeper. Then a period of Blackheath pressure saw Tom Cox make several good saves. Despite Sparks and Liddle commanding in defence the pressure told and a neat build up ended with Blackheath opening the scoring. Gravesham then responded with Stewart being the provider for a few half chances for Johnson and Francis. Th score at half-time remained 1-0. In the second half Gravesham kept the ball better and created chances for Johnson, Loft and Johnson but the Blackheath keeper was inspired making several key saves. A brilliant piece of skill from Blackheath player saw him beat two defenders and round keeper Penfold to make the score 2-0. Gravesham then pulled a goal back through Loft with 20 minutes to go and piled on lots of pressure with more half chances to Johnson and Francis but the Blackheath Keeper was having a good game to thwart the Gravesham onslaught. A good match decided on small margins. Dan Sparks was just ahead of Mitch Liddle as the Man of the Match.