Gravesham Schools' Football Association U15s 2011 /12
KENT CUP
The team entered the Kent Cup which took place on 3G pitches on a Monday evening. The competition was organised on a league basis with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals of the Fletcher Trophy.
Monday 26th September Kent Cup
Bromley 1 Gravesham 0
In a hard fought match a spirited and very determined Gravesham were edged out 1-0 against Bromley in their opening match. Gravesham defended well against robust opponents. Gravesham ball retention, individual skills and counter attacking was pleasing on the eye and frustrated their opponents.
There were too many individually good performances to mention any boy. Every boy gave 110% and Gravesham despite this setback have a good chance of progressing in this hard group given their technical ability and desire. Bromley scored from a free kick with 20 minutes to go when Gravesham for first and only time lost concentration. The match official commented that the Gravesham team were a credit to the association.
Monday 12th December Kent Cup
Gravesham 1 Maidstone 6 (Scorer: Campbell)
On a very wet and windy night Gravesham played against Maidstone in their second group match. Like most of their matches Gravesham started brightly and put Maidstone under pressure in the first 20 minutes. With key Defender Baldwin injured and target man Kurslo absent Gravesham fielded three U14s players Francis, Loft and Stewart. They did not look out of place at this level and gained good experience and played well. With Mazzone, Campbell and Lovell dictating the midfield early on and outperforming Maidstone Academy players, Gravesham should have taken more advantage. Despite a few shorts from Lovell both on and off target and some dangerous corners from Stewart, Maidstone opened the scoring from a break away. Gravesham then responded well with top scorer Campbell being alert in the box to equalise. At 1-1 Gravesham had a great chance to take the lead when Mazzone's cross found Lovell but he headed wide. Almost immediately and on the stroke of half time a cross-shot was not defended well and Maidstone retook the lead to make the score 2-1 at half-time. In the second half Gravesham produced a lack lustre performance and conceded four soft goals with the weather conditions worsening. Wilson continued to give his usual 110% with Murphy and Bhatti also working hard to foil a very strong and good Maidstone team without any luck.
Lovell was the man of the match as he was lively, kept the ball, and threatened the Maidstone goal on three or four occasions.
Monday 20th February Kent Cup
Gravesham 0 Medway 5
Gravesham started their penultimate game against Medway by retaining possession in the early stages of the game. Against the run of play a Medway player of exceptional quality smash home two chances from the edge of the area to put Medway 2-0 up after 15 minutes. This affected Gravesham's confidence and an uncomprising and direct Medway controlled the game thereafter and added a third on 30 minutes. Soon after Gravesham were awarded a penalty but Leo Mazzone's scuffed shot was saved and the rebound cleared.
In the second half Gravesham pressed without creating to much and although Rajan made two or three good saves.The same Medway midfielder added two more goals to make the score 5-0 and his fourth. The Gravesham midfield was very disappointing with a number of below par performances that collectively allowed too much space to the Medway midfield. Gravesham had more possession in the game but found a strong unit difficult to overcome. Man of the match Max Murphy who gave everything for little reward.
Monday 5th March Kent Cup
Gravesham 3 North Kent 4 (Scorers: Wilson, Campbell, Moore)
Gravesham played their final group match on Monday the 5th March against North Kent on another wet, windy and cold night at Maplesden Noakes School. Due to injuries, suspensions and unavailability of players Gravesham gave debuts to Dan Sparks and goalkeeper Tom Cox and forward Stanley. These changes helped improve both the team and the shape against last years winners North Kent. Gravesham started well and edged possession in the first 20 minutes and opened the scoring against the strong wind with Reed Wilson placing a fine shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Gravesham were pressing the ball well in most areas of the pitch. However, a goal lead spurred on North Kent who hit 4 goals in a purple period of 20 minutes to go in 4-1 up at half time. This was a very flattering as Gravesham recycled the ball well with Campbell, Tolputt, Suman, Wilson and Lovell doing well in possession.
In the second half Murphy and Baldwin got the better of the North Kent forwards and were much more solid at the back. The Gravesham midfield of Lovell, Wilson and Mazzone completely dominated the game against their illustrious opponents playing much more aggressively to dictate play. Top scorer and Captain Campbell then reduced the score to 4-2 and a few other half chances went begging until Luke Moore made it 4-3. Gravesham then piled on the pressure to try a snatch a deserved draw. The best chance fell to Suman who just blazed over the bar from 20yards in the final few minutes after a good reverse pass from Campbell. The game finished 4-3 with Gravesham unlucky not to get more from the game after an encouraging performance. A good match. Man of the Match was Arun Suman who was the pick between Wilson, Lovell and Campbell. Arun was back to his old self and excellent going forward showing great skill.
The team entered the Kent Cup which took place on 3G pitches on a Monday evening. The competition was organised on a league basis with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals of the Fletcher Trophy.
Monday 26th September Kent Cup
Bromley 1 Gravesham 0
In a hard fought match a spirited and very determined Gravesham were edged out 1-0 against Bromley in their opening match. Gravesham defended well against robust opponents. Gravesham ball retention, individual skills and counter attacking was pleasing on the eye and frustrated their opponents.
There were too many individually good performances to mention any boy. Every boy gave 110% and Gravesham despite this setback have a good chance of progressing in this hard group given their technical ability and desire. Bromley scored from a free kick with 20 minutes to go when Gravesham for first and only time lost concentration. The match official commented that the Gravesham team were a credit to the association.
Monday 12th December Kent Cup
Gravesham 1 Maidstone 6 (Scorer: Campbell)
On a very wet and windy night Gravesham played against Maidstone in their second group match. Like most of their matches Gravesham started brightly and put Maidstone under pressure in the first 20 minutes. With key Defender Baldwin injured and target man Kurslo absent Gravesham fielded three U14s players Francis, Loft and Stewart. They did not look out of place at this level and gained good experience and played well. With Mazzone, Campbell and Lovell dictating the midfield early on and outperforming Maidstone Academy players, Gravesham should have taken more advantage. Despite a few shorts from Lovell both on and off target and some dangerous corners from Stewart, Maidstone opened the scoring from a break away. Gravesham then responded well with top scorer Campbell being alert in the box to equalise. At 1-1 Gravesham had a great chance to take the lead when Mazzone's cross found Lovell but he headed wide. Almost immediately and on the stroke of half time a cross-shot was not defended well and Maidstone retook the lead to make the score 2-1 at half-time. In the second half Gravesham produced a lack lustre performance and conceded four soft goals with the weather conditions worsening. Wilson continued to give his usual 110% with Murphy and Bhatti also working hard to foil a very strong and good Maidstone team without any luck.
Lovell was the man of the match as he was lively, kept the ball, and threatened the Maidstone goal on three or four occasions.
Monday 20th February Kent Cup
Gravesham 0 Medway 5
Gravesham started their penultimate game against Medway by retaining possession in the early stages of the game. Against the run of play a Medway player of exceptional quality smash home two chances from the edge of the area to put Medway 2-0 up after 15 minutes. This affected Gravesham's confidence and an uncomprising and direct Medway controlled the game thereafter and added a third on 30 minutes. Soon after Gravesham were awarded a penalty but Leo Mazzone's scuffed shot was saved and the rebound cleared.
In the second half Gravesham pressed without creating to much and although Rajan made two or three good saves.The same Medway midfielder added two more goals to make the score 5-0 and his fourth. The Gravesham midfield was very disappointing with a number of below par performances that collectively allowed too much space to the Medway midfield. Gravesham had more possession in the game but found a strong unit difficult to overcome. Man of the match Max Murphy who gave everything for little reward.
Monday 5th March Kent Cup
Gravesham 3 North Kent 4 (Scorers: Wilson, Campbell, Moore)
Gravesham played their final group match on Monday the 5th March against North Kent on another wet, windy and cold night at Maplesden Noakes School. Due to injuries, suspensions and unavailability of players Gravesham gave debuts to Dan Sparks and goalkeeper Tom Cox and forward Stanley. These changes helped improve both the team and the shape against last years winners North Kent. Gravesham started well and edged possession in the first 20 minutes and opened the scoring against the strong wind with Reed Wilson placing a fine shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Gravesham were pressing the ball well in most areas of the pitch. However, a goal lead spurred on North Kent who hit 4 goals in a purple period of 20 minutes to go in 4-1 up at half time. This was a very flattering as Gravesham recycled the ball well with Campbell, Tolputt, Suman, Wilson and Lovell doing well in possession.
In the second half Murphy and Baldwin got the better of the North Kent forwards and were much more solid at the back. The Gravesham midfield of Lovell, Wilson and Mazzone completely dominated the game against their illustrious opponents playing much more aggressively to dictate play. Top scorer and Captain Campbell then reduced the score to 4-2 and a few other half chances went begging until Luke Moore made it 4-3. Gravesham then piled on the pressure to try a snatch a deserved draw. The best chance fell to Suman who just blazed over the bar from 20yards in the final few minutes after a good reverse pass from Campbell. The game finished 4-3 with Gravesham unlucky not to get more from the game after an encouraging performance. A good match. Man of the Match was Arun Suman who was the pick between Wilson, Lovell and Campbell. Arun was back to his old self and excellent going forward showing great skill.
E.S.F.A. NATIONAL INTER-ASSOCIATION TROPHY
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and open to all associations in England.
Monday 3rd October Round 1
Gravesham 4 Lea Valley 3 (After Extra Time) (Scorers: Campbell(2) Mazzone(2))
Gravesham started the game brightly in this ESFA cup match and were well on top with Wilson and Campbell dangerous from wide areas and Lovell passing well from midfield. After several near misses Campbell opened the scoring in a well worked move. Gravesham completely dominated the first half but a lack of concentration resulted in an undeserved equaliser to leave the score 1-1 at half-time. The secondard half was more even and the visitors went in front with 10 minutes remaining. With 2 minutes left the inspirational Mazzone took on the lea Valley defence and drove the equaliser into the corner of the net.
With the score 2-2 at full time the match moved into extra time. Gravesham retook the lead through Mazzone's determination 3V2. In the final period of extra time the hardworking Campbell added his second. Gravesham became more solid at the back but conceded a last gasp goal when goalkeeper Bottley was impeded to give the visitors their third goal. However, this was sufficient to make the final score Gravesham 4 Lea Valley 3.
Saturday 15th October Round 2
Ealing 0 Gravesham 1 (Scorer: Moore)
Gravesham U15s played Ealing away in the second round of the ESFA National competition. Gravesham started confidently retaining possession which took Ealing by surprise as they were unable to get to grips with the Gravesham dominance in midfield with players making themselves available and wanting the ball. Gravesham continued to play the better football and were rewarded with a goal from Luke Moore, who drilled the ball past their goalkeeper into the bottom left hand corner, 1-0 Gravesham, (17 minutes). As the battle continued in midfield, both teams conceded some silly free- kicks, but again, it was Gravesham who seemed the more dangerous. A great delivery by Jack Baldwin from the left, just evaded our advancing strikers. This seemed to spark Ealing into life, and they started to look a lot more dangerous, and with their very next attack forced a fantastic save out of Ryan Botley, who managed to force the ball onto the bar, from a point blank range shot. The ball dropped back into play, but luckily Gravesham were alert and were able to hook the ball to safety. Moore, Mazzone, Lovell, Suman and Wilson were really having a battle in midfield and continued to play some neat football.
The second half started off with both sides cancelling each other out, with neither side creating any clear cut chances. Gravesham needed a second goal to kill off any chance of Ealing equalising, but unfortunately it just wouldn’t come. So with the introduction of Dami on for Wilson , the hope was we could use his pace and strength to carve something out for Gravesham and finally put the game out of reach of Ealing. Once again, Ealing were going all out to get something from the game but once more our well organised back four held strong. You could sense and feel the opposition were getting frustrated and with 15 minutes to go, Rajan Hakher was getting called more and more into action. Then with minutes remaining a long ball from Ealing finally penetrated our back line, but thankfully Rajan Hakher was off his line quickly and bravely at the feet of the advancing striker which resulted in the ball going out for a corner, which was wasted and Gravesham held on with a fantastic away win.
Saturday 19th November Round 3
Canterbury 6 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Kurlso, Suman)
Gravesham U15s faced Canterbury away in the third round of the ESFA cup. Against high standard opposition boasting several Kent players Gravesham had plenty of opportunities and possession but eventually were outpowered by the home team 6 -2. Gravesham started very well and controlled the first 20 minutes with Dami Kurlso scoring a good goal from a well worked move to take the lead. Almost immediately Canterbury equalised when Gravesham should have defended better. Two further soft goals allowed Canterbury to lead 3-1.
Then Ben Speake smashed a 25 yard shot that skimmed the bar just before half-time. In the second half Gravesham stood off their opponents too much and this allowed Canterbury to control large periods of the second half. Canterbury adding another three goals. Despite efforts from Wilson, Campbell, Lovell and Mazzone that tested the Canterbury keeper, Gravesham's only other goal came from a superb Suman goal who shot from distance with the goalkeeper out of position. Jack Baldwin impressed with an excellent defensive display against a strong opponent and Lovell caught the eye with keeping possession and working hard in midfield. However it was Ryan Botley who was excellent in goal who was the well deserved man of the match.
This competition was organised on a knock out basis and open to all associations in England.
Monday 3rd October Round 1
Gravesham 4 Lea Valley 3 (After Extra Time) (Scorers: Campbell(2) Mazzone(2))
Gravesham started the game brightly in this ESFA cup match and were well on top with Wilson and Campbell dangerous from wide areas and Lovell passing well from midfield. After several near misses Campbell opened the scoring in a well worked move. Gravesham completely dominated the first half but a lack of concentration resulted in an undeserved equaliser to leave the score 1-1 at half-time. The secondard half was more even and the visitors went in front with 10 minutes remaining. With 2 minutes left the inspirational Mazzone took on the lea Valley defence and drove the equaliser into the corner of the net.
With the score 2-2 at full time the match moved into extra time. Gravesham retook the lead through Mazzone's determination 3V2. In the final period of extra time the hardworking Campbell added his second. Gravesham became more solid at the back but conceded a last gasp goal when goalkeeper Bottley was impeded to give the visitors their third goal. However, this was sufficient to make the final score Gravesham 4 Lea Valley 3.
Saturday 15th October Round 2
Ealing 0 Gravesham 1 (Scorer: Moore)
Gravesham U15s played Ealing away in the second round of the ESFA National competition. Gravesham started confidently retaining possession which took Ealing by surprise as they were unable to get to grips with the Gravesham dominance in midfield with players making themselves available and wanting the ball. Gravesham continued to play the better football and were rewarded with a goal from Luke Moore, who drilled the ball past their goalkeeper into the bottom left hand corner, 1-0 Gravesham, (17 minutes). As the battle continued in midfield, both teams conceded some silly free- kicks, but again, it was Gravesham who seemed the more dangerous. A great delivery by Jack Baldwin from the left, just evaded our advancing strikers. This seemed to spark Ealing into life, and they started to look a lot more dangerous, and with their very next attack forced a fantastic save out of Ryan Botley, who managed to force the ball onto the bar, from a point blank range shot. The ball dropped back into play, but luckily Gravesham were alert and were able to hook the ball to safety. Moore, Mazzone, Lovell, Suman and Wilson were really having a battle in midfield and continued to play some neat football.
The second half started off with both sides cancelling each other out, with neither side creating any clear cut chances. Gravesham needed a second goal to kill off any chance of Ealing equalising, but unfortunately it just wouldn’t come. So with the introduction of Dami on for Wilson , the hope was we could use his pace and strength to carve something out for Gravesham and finally put the game out of reach of Ealing. Once again, Ealing were going all out to get something from the game but once more our well organised back four held strong. You could sense and feel the opposition were getting frustrated and with 15 minutes to go, Rajan Hakher was getting called more and more into action. Then with minutes remaining a long ball from Ealing finally penetrated our back line, but thankfully Rajan Hakher was off his line quickly and bravely at the feet of the advancing striker which resulted in the ball going out for a corner, which was wasted and Gravesham held on with a fantastic away win.
Saturday 19th November Round 3
Canterbury 6 Gravesham 2 (Scorers: Kurlso, Suman)
Gravesham U15s faced Canterbury away in the third round of the ESFA cup. Against high standard opposition boasting several Kent players Gravesham had plenty of opportunities and possession but eventually were outpowered by the home team 6 -2. Gravesham started very well and controlled the first 20 minutes with Dami Kurlso scoring a good goal from a well worked move to take the lead. Almost immediately Canterbury equalised when Gravesham should have defended better. Two further soft goals allowed Canterbury to lead 3-1.
Then Ben Speake smashed a 25 yard shot that skimmed the bar just before half-time. In the second half Gravesham stood off their opponents too much and this allowed Canterbury to control large periods of the second half. Canterbury adding another three goals. Despite efforts from Wilson, Campbell, Lovell and Mazzone that tested the Canterbury keeper, Gravesham's only other goal came from a superb Suman goal who shot from distance with the goalkeeper out of position. Jack Baldwin impressed with an excellent defensive display against a strong opponent and Lovell caught the eye with keeping possession and working hard in midfield. However it was Ryan Botley who was excellent in goal who was the well deserved man of the match.