Bottisham FC Under 7s, 2006-7

Coach: Matthew Fernback
Assistant Coach: Jordan Haynes

Players (in alphabetical order):
Alex, Harry, Jimmy, Joe, Josh, Karl, Lorenzo, Sebastian

January 2007
Cambourne - Bottisham 4-2 (away)
This was the first ever game for our team, and what a game it was to be! On a Friday evening, under the flood lights of Comberton Village Sports Centre, and under the constant drizzle of rain! For the only time this season the game was played on a midi-sized astro-turf pitch. This size pitch required an 8-a-side game, a particular challenge for a team like Bottisham, fielding exactly 8 players. Against all odds, Bottisham quickly closed the opposition in their box, going ahead in the early minutes of the game, the first period ending 0-2 for Bottisham! During the subsequent three periods, Cambourne made a come back, taking tactical advantage of their numerous subs, against an increasingly fatigued Bottisham team. All in all this was a very successful baptism of fire, well done Bottisham!

February 2007
Bottisham - Waterbeach 4-3 (home)
This was the first home game, and a return to the more familiar 6-a-side pattern. Bottisham went ahead 3-0 in the first period. But the more experienced Waterbeach side, managed to win the game, eventually scoring four. A very competitive match played in very good sporting spirit, thoroughly enjoyed by the numerous spectators. Bottisham - Teversham 4-2 (home) Another splendid game from Bottisham who, in spite of a very promising start with two goals, conceded four goals to a more experienced team with substantial reserve (subs) capacity.
Stretham-Bottisham 3-3 (away) A thoroughly enjoyable morning excursion to Stretham, via the Fens! A fascinating game to watch, in spite of the rain. Bottisham went up 3-1 fairly early on. Stretham nevertheless managed to come back and equalise, and seriously threatened to win the game at the last period. The draw was a fair result.

March 2007
Stretham - Bottisham 6-4 (home)
A fine and highly competitive game, played under one-sided high wind conditions, making quite a difference to each team's performance in turn. Bottisham went ahead in the score (4-1), but eventually Stretham equalised, and furthermore took tactical advantage of the strong wind, managing to score two late goals at the last period. Teversham - Bottisham 2-5 (away) This match was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion, as it marked the first win for the team! And what win it was. Bottisham conceded two goals to Teversham soon in the first period, but composed themselves pretty quickly and scored a goal in the second period. In spite of adverse wind, Bottisham managed to score another three goals in five minutes during the third period, and comfortably won by 5-2, having scored again during the fourth and last period.

April 2007
Fulbourn - Bottisham 6-2 (away)
A challenging game against a pitch with a slope towards one side! Fulbourn, benefiting from their greater experience as well the tactical advantage of starting on the "high" side of the pitch, managed to score 4 goals in quick succession in the first 15' period. Bottisham boys came back with a splendid effort in the subsequent periods, and challenged Fulbourn seriously, scoring two goals. Fulbourn nevertheless managed to maintain their lead by scoring another two goals. This was another great performance, and a thoroughly enjoyed occasion, under excellent weather conditions.
Cambridgeshire FA tournament, Coldham Lane
Bottisham played against four other teams, in Pitch 2. Games were of 2 periods of 8-minute duration each. The emphasis was on participation, not competition. Before the game, all teams shook hands with each other in Premiership match fashion. "Bottisham's were drawn to start their effort relatively late, against a Waterbeach team well-warmed-up by their previous game. This was to prove crucial on the outcome of the encounter. Bottisham were 3-0 down at the end of the first half. They have composed themsleves splendidly in the 2nd half, and could have scored but were unlucky. "
In their second match, Bottisham put up a splendid game against fierce opposition, and managed comfortably a goal-less draw against Burwell. " The third game, against Over, was won comfortably 6-0, and same went for the fourth game against Soham (2-0). All games benefited from the astute refereeing of young and upcoming refs from the Cambs FA. Well done everyone!
Fenstanton - Bottisham 7-5 (away) A thoroughly entertaining game at this nice and historical village. Bottisham were deprived of any reserve capacity (fielding exactly 6 players) and were facing a team with numerous subs. The game started well for Bottisham, who went ahead in the score (4-1). However, some tactical substitutions by the Fen Stanton coach gave Fen Stanton the advantage. They two teams were equal at 4-4 at the end of the second period. 4 more goals were scored in the last two periods, 3 for the opposition and one for Bottisham.

May 2007
Bottisham – Fen Stanton 4 - 6 A very competitive game with a different Fen Stanton squad. Bottisham had the most amazing come back, managing to equalise 4-4, having been down to 4-0 in the first half! Fen Stanton scored two late goals to win this game, in spite of Bottisham’s good chances.
Bottisham – Fulbourn 2 – 7 Bottisham conceded early (4-0 at first half) to a superior team, nevertheless managed to score two goals, and lost several chances for scoring more goals. A well attended and enjoyed encounter, fitting end to a wonderful season.