1st Team v Orley FarmEdge Grove 2 Orley Farm 3
A tough result against a very tough opposition. Edge Grove were caught off guard by the intensity and physicality of Orley Farm from the first whistle, but were able to weather the storm initially. With some good opportunities for both sides it was Edge Grove that opened the scoring with Niccolo C curling the ball beautifully into the far corner. A penalty to both sides made the score 2-1 at half time, with Nicky B stepping up to coolly slot our penalty. Unfortunately OF showed more fight in the second half, with Edge Grove trying their best to stay in the game but often chasing the ball. Nicky B made some outstanding saves to keep us in the game. However, Orley Farm used their long throws and massive height difference to score 2 goals in quick succession and seal the win despite Edge Grove creating some late opportunities. A decent effort from the players but will need to protect the ball better and move it quicker in our next fixture. Special mention to Henry H for showing great strength and awareness to help control their captain who was twice the size of him.
2nd Team v Orley FarmEdge Grove 0 Orley Farm 3A tough opposition put our second team under a lot of pressure this week however the score line does not indicate the game as it was very even throughout! In the first half we had three shots on target but unfortunately couldn't quite capitalise and went one-nil down just as the half time whistle blew. We conceded two goals in the second half but kept the pressure on them until the very end. The manager from Orley Farm explained that we were the strongest team they had come up against all season, which is a testament to the effort and determination that the boys showed this week.
Shout outs this week go too:
Our captain Rex, who was solid in both attack and defence, making some critical tackles and keeping the speed punching through in attack.
Our goal keeper Tobi, he made some brilliant diving saves and his powerful goal kicks got us out of trouble on multiple occasions.
3rd Team v Orley FarmEdge Grove 0 Orley Farm 3rd Team 6
The Edge Grove 3rd team were unfortunate to concede early on in their first game, and this rather set the tone for the rest of the match. A remarkable goalkeeping performance by Evan hampered the attacking efforts of Orley Farm, but Edge Grove were ultimately defeated by a stronger side.
Edge Grove 1 Orley Farm 4th Team 5
The 3rd Team's second match saw a better performance, with more cohesion and drive within the team. Arthur and Benjamin worked tirelessly together to regain possession and counter-attack effectively. In the dying moments of the game, Benjamin gathered the ball just outside his own half, beat three defenders and calmly slotted the ball in the back of the net. Spurred on by Benjamin's performance, Edge Grove finished the game strongly, but ultimately lost 5-1.
Colts A v Orley FarmEdge Grove 2 Orley Farm 5
This was a very competitive and enjoyable game of football with both teams trying to play an exciting brand of passing football. Edge Grove started the game well and dominated most of the play in the first half. Orley Farm did catch us out a few times on the break and they did manage to score just before half time. This knocked us back a bit and Orley Farm started the stronger in the second half and scored a second. The Edge Grove team then settled down again and played some excellent football, launching a number of attacks and creating some clear-cut opportunities which we were not able to convert. Finally we were able to take our chance when a great diagonal pass by Noham was well finished by Finlay. We had our heads high and throw everything into attack however this created huge holes in defence which meant Orley Farm scored 3 goals quickly against the run of play. A last minute goal by Noham was just reward. We were missing 2 key players and with us having no reserves we did suffer towards the end which did inflate the score however the pupils should feel proud of their performance.
Colts B v Orley FarmEdge Grove 2 Orley Farm 2
A really exciting game of football between two well matched teams. Orley Farm were able to capitalise on a Edge Grove mistake and take the lead just before halftime. At the start of the 2nd half, Edge Grove went immediately on the attack and were rewarded with two excellent goals, scored by Ayaan A and Imeth M respectively. Zak M had an outstanding game, controlling the midfield and playing his forwards into the attack. Kales S unluckily twice struck the woodwork which would have closed the game out. In the last movement of the game, Orley Farm broke clear to score the equaliser. Well done to both teams for never giving up.
Colts C v Orley FarmEdge Grove 4 Orley Farm 1
After an excellent few training sessions it was fantastic to see the hard work being reflected on the pitch with one of the best performances of the season. All the boys and girls should feel very proud of the way they played as a team and passed the ball around. Well done on a fantastic performance.
Colts D v Orley FarmEdge Grove 6 Orley Farm 0
This was the team’s best performance of the season. The boys showed the correct intensity and desire from the very start of the game and made sure that they were the first to every ball. They passed the ball well and created a number of chances. This was an excellent team performance.
Colts E v Edge GroveEdge Grove 2 Orley Farm 1
An exciting and dramatic match with both teams well matched in many respects. Edge Grove spent a great deal of time dominating possession and attacking doggedly to break down the Orley Farm defence. It paid off with a great opener from Blake. Orley Farm countered on several occasions with our goalkeeper Wucheng leaping to save us from conceding. It was a corner that would give Orley Farm the equaliser from the confusion in our own box when the ball found the back of the net from an own goal. Determined to win the team rallied with Aiden racing all over the pitch to attack and defend and Samuel making run after run on the wings constantly pressuring the Orley defence. Thomas and Devan were bold in their support of the attacks in midfield and were always quick to defend. Our winner came from Jesse who, supported by some determined play from our midfield scored a great goal. The performance bodes well for final matches we have left. Bring it on!
Colts F v Orley FarmEdge Grove 4 Orley Farm 2
A fantastic game was played with great football skills shown throughout from all players. The team made a great effort at supporting each other and allowing every team player the chance to play the game. In particular, Blake as captain did a brilliant job at motivating the team to play the best they could. The passing and communication between players improved throughout, allowing for goal opportunities to open up. Oliver, Marcus and Eashan worked extremely hard and were able to work together to score some wonderful goals. Well done to all players, a result that was well deserved!Colts G v Orley FarmEdge Grove 2 Orley Farm 2Edge Grove 2 Orley Farm 1
During the first match, pupils started the game playing in the positions they feel more comfortable in but were not communicating well, looking up before passing or keep moving/marking opponents. During half-time, I moved pupils around and explained what we were doing well and where we needed to improve. They then started working as a team and encouraging each other and that is when they managed to turn a 0-2 result into a draw.
For the second match, the Orley team had a lot of subs so they requested that we take one of their players as a player on our team and we played with 9 players each side. Our team was collaborating really well and they won the match 2-1. We had a chat at the end in which the boys reflected on their progress and how team work made them get a good result in the second match. Overall, a very positive attitude from everyone. Zach was the captain and a great leader for the team. Bolu, Arman, Dylan and Zach played particularly well. Thomas saved many goals. The defense team (Shay and Reueben) still need to do some work on continuing to move around the pitch. A great effort from our team. Well done!U8 v Westbrook Hay
We took all our Year 3 boys and girls over to Westbrook Hay on Thursday for our first co-educational football fixture. The pupils played a number of games and it was fantastic to see some of the girls playing their first ever football match. Well done to all involved and hopefully we will be able to play more of these friendly fixtures in the future.
U11 A v Orley FarmEdge Grove 3 Orley Farm 2
After a sluggish start, the U11 As were able to emerge victorious after going 1-0 down in the first 5 minutes. After drawing level at 1-1 in the second third, it was all to play for in the final third. Orley Farm scored against the run of play and it was 1-2, the team could have easily become disheartened but they dug in and showed their determination and spirit, coming back to 2-2. With two minutes to go. Edge Grove again increased the intensity and tempo of the match and in the dying seconds of the game, after a slick passage of passing and teamwork, Edge Grove scored their 3rd goal and moments later the final whistle blew!
U11B v Orley FarmEdge Grove 4 Orley Farm 0
What an outstanding win for the U11B team. Edge Grove dominated from the start and continued to stay strong throughout the game. The girls displayed an excellent team performance, communicating and working well together. Edge Grove most impressed by utilising the space effectively, playing down the wings to keep possession of the ball. In attack, the girls showed confidence in front of goal, they showed strength and accuracy in their shots. Well done for a brilliant match!
U11C v Orley FarmEdge Grove 0 Orley Farm 1
The U11C team played well throughout the match with the possession being quite even. Our girls began to use the whole pitch effectively but we struggled to use our wings and push the ball out wide the whole time. Orley Farm were strong in attack and although our defence did well to get the ball out of our goal we need to make sure we move to the ball and player and not run back hoping they don’t score. Our attacking was good but again, we need to make sure we are all in the right space supporting the attacker and picking up any lost possession.
U10A v Orley FarmEdge Grove 6 Orley Farm 3
The U10A’s played a great game of hockey on Wednesday afternoon. With exceptional defensive skills from Alexis she cleared numerous balls away from the goal. Our midfield stayed spaced out and moved the ball confidently up the pitch towards our forwards who were able dribble the ball around their defence and straight into goal. We are so proud of how well this team has progressed in such a short time and look forward to the rest of the season.
U10B v Orley FarmEdge Grove 4 Orley Farm 3
A strong start for Edge Grove against Orley Farm. The children were strong in attack and defence with the mid fielders working hard to distribute the ball up the pitch, using the width as much as possible. Everyone held their positions and tackled well. We went for goal as soon as we entered the D and took free hits early. It was a very pleasing display of hockey and a fantastic team effort with everyone working extremely well together.