Under 8s

Cambridgeshire Mini-League Division 8C
Season 2005-2006

The Squad : Louis Dennis, William Broad, Brody Cullum, Lewis Lorford-Page, John Leeson, Austin Tiplady, Kristoffer Torode, Jody Jackson, Jack Chamberlain, Reece Alderson, Stefan John King

Coach: David Tiplady

Player Of The Year Awards

Players Player of the Year: John Leeson
Managers Player of the Year: Lewis Lorford-Page
Merit Award: Brody Cullum

Fixtures and results

Date		Team	Home or Away	Result	Won, Lost or Drawn	Scorers
September	17	Cherry Hinton Lions	A	5-1	L	William
	24	NST Strikers (FRIENDLY)	A	4-1	L	William
October	01	Chesterton Eagles	A	2-4	L	William, John
	22	Aztecs B (FRIENDLY)	H	6-0	W	John 2, Kristoffer 2, Brody 2
	29	Histon Hornets	A	1-5	W	John 3, Jody, Louis
November	05	Newmarket Town B (FRIENDLY)	A	1-5	W	John 3, Brody 2
	12	Milton Colts	H	8-1	W	John 4, Louis 2, William, Kristoffer
	19	Willingham Wolves (FRENDLY)	H	4-1	W	William 4
	26	Teversham Terriers	A	8-1	L	William
December	03	West Wratting (FRIENDLY)	H	1-6	L	John
	10	Walpole Warriors	H	3-3	D
	17	Bottisham U7s (FRIENDLY)	H
January	07	Walpole Warriors	A	1-2	W	William, John
	14	Balsham	H	4-4	D	William 3, Brody
	21	Cherry Hinton Lions	H	7-3	L	William, John 2
	28	Fulbourn Institute(FRIENDLY)	A	1-14	W	William 9, Lewis 3, Stefan 2
February	04	Chesterton Eagles	H	1-3	L
	11	Fulbourn Institute	H	9-2	W	John 2, Kristoffer 2, Brody 2, Austin, Louis, Lewis
	18	Fulbourn Institute	A	1-10	W	Brody 3, John 3, Louis, Lewis, Kristoffer, William.
	25	NST Strikers (FRIENDLY)	H
March	04	Histon Hornets	H	5-2	W
	18	Milton Colts	A	1-11	W	Brody 4, John 2, Jody 2, Lewis, Kristoffer, William
April	01	Teversham Terriers	H	1-7	L
	22	Sawston (FRIENDLY)	H	2-3	L	William, Brody
May	06	Aztecs A (FRIENDLY)	H	4-1	W	William, John, Louis, Raeqwon
June	03	Sawston (FRIENDLY)	H

Match Reports

17th September 05
Cherry Hinton Lions 5-1 Bottisham (scorer: William)
With everyone looking forward to the first match, this proved to be a big let down. Although they started well, going 1-0 up early on through a great strike by William, Bottisham let the Lions roar back straight away with two quick goals. Maybe it was the pressure of their first game in mini league football, maybe they were tired after a busy first week back at school after the summer break. Whatever the reason, Bottisham lacked the style and good footballing skills which proved so successful during the tournaments played at the end of last season.
Cherry Hinton, one of the best teams in the division, provided a stern test for the defenders scoring three more goals before the end. Lewis, William and John showed in patches what they can do, sometimes breaking through The Lions defence, only to be thwarted by the keeper. Austin didn't have one of his most convincing games, gifting a goal by not getting his body behind the ball which spun awkwardly and went through his hands into the net. Louis was too isolated for most of the match, as the other defenders, for some reason, decided to be strikers for the day!
Asked for his reaction after the game, David the manager wasn't too happy. He said; "I don't want to say too much because to be honest I'm shocked by what I saw out there. We didn't pass, we didn't find our space, we didn't defend, we never looked sharp going forward, basically we looked like we'd never seen a football before."
If this was an end of term report, it would surely read, "Must do better".

24th September 05
NST Strikers 4-1 Bottisham (scorer: William)
After the disappointment of last week's opening league game, the manager decided to arrange a friendly against a good NST side to provide another good test and to try and rectify a few problems before the next league match away to Chesterton Eagles. The scoreline flattered NST as Bottisham were alot more competitive and inventive than last week. NST took the lead and Bottisham reacted straight away; a great pass from John cut the defence wide open and William finished with a great strike which the keeper could only admire. NST scored another soon after when Louis gifted them a penalty when he held on to the ball in the box from a cross.
Bottisham started to bunch around the ball and NST made it 3-1 after some sloppy play. The home team conceded a penalty in the 3rd quarter and William stepped up to take it, but he blasted it over the bar. His misery was compounded when he was through on goal and last seasons top scorer saw his shot from 12 yards hit the post. 3-1 became 4-1 when Louis and Lewis decided to mess around from a goal kick, which let an NST striker in on goal and he finished very well indeed. Liam made his debut and did well up front, Jody was back to his normal best, Kristoffer's marking was good and Louis did well in defence. Lewis was everywhere as instructed, and provided the bite in midfield that Bottisham will need this season. Brody's touch and movement is improving and Austin made 4 good saves to keep Bottisham in the game.
After the match, David the Manager didn't seem too upset with the result, he said, "Considering NST are a very good side, I thought the scoreline flattered them and I thought we matched them for commitment and style. After the game last week I said to the boys that I was disappointed because we weren't finding our space and we weren't passing the ball or working as a team like I know we can. This week we've shown that we can match these kind of teams and I think that the goal we scored was superb, but it only happened because John and William passed the ball to each other and we still need to work on that."
So what about the next league game at Chesterton? "I know they are another very good team. I spoke to Martin Meehan a few minutes ago, (NST manager), and he told me that he's quite relieved he's not in our division! When you look at the teams we face this season, on paper there just aren't any who are weak, but we won't make excuses and we won't be afraid of anyone, we just need to play our normal game and get back to how we finished last season. We'll be ok, and as long as the boys enjoy it that's all that matters."

1st October 05
Chesterton Eagles 4-2 Bottisham (scorers: William, John)
This was the 3rd away match in a row for the under 8's and it proved another sturdy test. The Eagles were another good side and difficult to break down although Bottisham still don't seem to be firing on all six cylinders. Two well worked goals from William and John couldn't prevent the home side claiming victory. A few bright spots came through though: Jody looks to have earned a starting place in defence for the next match against Fulbourn and Lewis picked up his 2nd man of the match award in a row.
David the manager was still confident that the team will soon get back to winning ways. After the game he said, "Another good side, another good test for the boys and we didn't disgrace ourselves. I think there is a bit of frustration creeping in to some quarters but like I said before, me, Clayton, Adam and the boys are all trying 110% to get this win. Yes, we need to work on a couple of bits and pieces, one thing I'm still not happy about is that we're still playing too narrow in midfield and that's something we'll sort out in training. I was pleased with Jody today, he seems to have a bit more confidence now and I think he's almost there for a first start. Lewis was fantastic again, he's the type of player any manager would die for, his running and tackling was superb again today. I was really pleased for John, he's been trying so hard to get on the scoresheet and today he's finished like a true pro.
We just need to be patient, keep our heads up and work hard. Keep the faith and we'll come through."

22nd October 05
Bottisham 6 - 0 Aztecs B (scorers: John 2, Kristoffer 2, Brody 2)
Having broken their 3 match losing run with a win over the U9's last week, winning 4-3 in a training game, this was a fine performance from a Bottisham team who looked like the team that played so very well in the summer tournaments. Scoring 3 goals in the first 5 minutes suggested that this could go well into double figures but the Aztecs tightened up a little and the game was a bit more even thereafter. The highlight of the match was to see Brody back to his best after he seemed to lose confidence midway through last season. As soon as he scored his first goal it was like he suddenly came to life, pretty much dominating things in midfield. However, he wasn't the only star on the pitch. Lewis didn't stop running again, John was relentless with his shooting, (could have had at least 5), Louis was again superb, William was unlucky on several occasion not to score, Kristoffer looks like he's found his rightful position, scoring two fantastic goals from midfield, Jody did well again with some good touches and Austin was well protected by the defenders with only a couple of saves to make. After the game the Manager said, "At last we've got the win and I think whoever was here watching today saw for the first time this season how we can play. We asked the boys some questions after we lost at Chesterton and they've responded superbly. I'm not going to single anyone out for praise this week because it was a team effort and they all deserve the credit. Space, width, passing, communication, shooting, defending, everything was first class. We now have to do it in the league next week against a very tough Histon side, who's men's team are only one division lower than Cambridge United. I just see it as another very good test for the boys, and as long as we enjoy it, then great."

29th October 05
Histon Hornets 1 - 5 Bottisham (scorers: John 3, Jody , Louis)
Bottisham won their first league match of the season in comprehensive style against high flying Histon Hornets thanks to a hat-trick from John, a first goal for Jody and a wonder goal from Louis. In a match dominated by the visitors, Histon could do nothing about the sheer strength and determination from a re-vitalised Bottisham team. The performance was even better than last weeks thrashing over the Aztecs, (6-0), and this team now look like they will be unstoppable this season. Everyone played their part in a faultless performance. John scored a superb hat-trick, the best of which was just simply perfect; great passing and movement between Lewis and Brody allowing him to fire in from close range. The goal of the season so far though came from Louis. 20 yards from goal on the right touchline, he stepped inside a defender and blasted a superb shot which flew into the top right hand corner of the net. Another terrier like performance from Lewis in a more defensive midfield role and great performances from William, Jody, Brody and Kristoffer in midfield combined with the quality of John and Reece up front were all first class. Louis mopped up everything at the back and the Histon goal was well deserved and well struck, giving 'Mozza' no chance in goal. Jody's first Bottisham goal was well taken when he reacted quickly in a crowded box and lobbed the keeper. After the match, David the manager was too busy celebrating to talk, so Assistant Manager, Clayton spoke to our reporter; "Normal service resumed. I thought the boys were great last week but this was a very tough test, they were on fire today. Personally I'm pleased and I'm pleased for the boss but this is all about the boys. They've had a tough time with us trying to get them to do the right things, and at times it may seem like we're moaning at them, but they've proved to everyone, and more importantly themselves, what they're capable of and we'll all try and keep it going, I know it's an old cliché, but it's a team effort and we will need this spirit and determination when we visit Newmarket next week."

5th November 05
Bottisham 5 - 1 Newmarket Town B (scorers: John 3, Brody 2)
Wins in the last three games? Three. Goals conceded in the last three games? Two. Goals scored? 16. Impressive? The steam train they call Bottisham just keeps thundering on. This weeks lambs to the slaughter were Newmarket Town B, who could do nothing about the creativity and class of this team. John scored another fine hat-trick, (8 goals in three games now), and Brody scored a pair, showing yet again that his form has returned for sure. Louis is now pairing nicely with Lewis, who, in a defensive midfield role is making up brilliantly for the loss of James Johnson, the managers player of the year for last season. With Jody improving nicely, William and Kristoffer were inventive in midfield and Reece very intelligent up front. Mozza made three good saves to deny the home side. The manager however, seemed unconvinced:
"Performance wise we were lacking spark. Yes we won, but we didn't look in control like we have in previous weeks. The movement, space and communication were okay but we just seemed a bit flat today. I think the boys are in danger of becoming a bit complacent and it's something me, Clay and Adam will address." So what about the goals? "John is just the perfect goal scorer. I think he's now got 8 in three games which is fantastic, but what I like about him is that he's so natural. The way he turns defenders, his shot placement, the way his brain attaches itself to the ball. He just makes his mind up what he's going to do and does it brilliantly. He's the best striker at this level that I have seen and I'm convinced he'll go a long way in the game as he grows."
And Brody? "Brody scored two great goals today but I still think we've yet to see the best of him. He's back on form but not on fire like he can be, but he knows that, and I think we'll see him on top of his game within the next couple of weeks." " We have a league game at home against Milton next week and we need to be more focused than we were today otherwise we'll come a cropper. Yes we played okay, but this was a friendly. We need to carry on doing the right things in the league where it matters, carry on growing as a team, and above all, keep enjoying our football."

12th November 05
Bottisham 8 - 1 Milton Colts (John 4, Louis 2, William, Kristoffer)
It's hard to believe that this same team lost their first three games of the season. They have now won four in a row and Assistant Manager, Clayton is now just one game away from doing a famous run across the pitch dressed in nothing more than his pants!! This may be overruled by the manager though, on the grounds that it may be too damaging to the teams moral, not to mention the parents state of mind. Anyway, back to the game and John has now scored 12 in four games and just keeps improving with every match he plays. A superb run down the left wing by Lewis followed by a great pin point cross resulted in one of them. A brilliant through ball from Louis straight down the middle cut the defence wide open and John, with the ball at his feet, turned on a sixpence, sprinted away from the helpless defender and placed the ball with ease into the bottom right hand corner of the net. As well as provider for at least three goals, Louis was in on the goal scoring act again, netting twice, one of which was a carbon copy of the wonder goal against Histon, (see report).
The only mistake in the match happened when the defence went to sleep and let in a Milton striker to score. Again there were excellent contributions from Jack in defence, Brody and Jody in midfield and Reece up front. Great goals from Kristoffer and William were the icing on the cake to another great performance. What did the manager think of this weeks victory? "What can I say about John that I haven't already said? Superb! If anyone needs to see pure, natural ability, then look no further than this boy. Everyone else? Brilliant! They all stood up when we asked them those questions a few weeks back and they've all given us the right answers. We play Willingham Wolves in a friendly next week and they've won all 5 of their league matches. We then go to Teversham who have done the same thing and are top of our league so we're in for two big tests over the next couple of weeks, but I prefer it to be just that, a test. I saw that someone at Under 8 level won a game 28 - 0 last week. If anyone can explain to me exactly what either team got from that, I would be pleased to hear it." And will Clayton be at the next match? "Yes, he'll be there, but if we get four or five early goals, I'm not sure how long for!!"

19th November 05
Bottisham 4 - 1 Willingham Wolves ( William 4)
Storming back to form with a four goal haul, William made up for his recent off spell to claim his first man of the match award of the season. Bottisham knew this would be their biggest test so far and they stood up to the task brilliantly. Willingham have won all of their league games so far in their division but were simply out-thought and out-classed. This was certainly the best performance of the season by a team who have now won five games in a row. It was plain to see why the visitors have done well this season but Bottisham now have a reputation second to none and seem to be the team to beat in mini league football. Louis and Lewis were outstanding in defence and showed commitment worthy of an England call up. The midfield was strong with Brody, William, Kristoffer and Jody playing some wonderful passes through to the strikers, and although they didn't score this week, John and Reece were always a threat. The story of the game this week though was Williams return to form, showing great touch, creating chances and scoring four fantastic goals. Mozza made some very good saves to deny the visitors a closer scoreline.
David the manager was delighted with the outcome, "This is the best we've played since I started in January. Every single player gave everything to achieve this great result. I know I keep saying it, but I think it's so important that there's no pressure on the boys, we just tell them to enjoy themselves, they know what their jobs are when they get on the pitch and they do it. I have to say that this weeks man of the match has to go to William. He's been struggling for a few weeks but he showed us all today what a fantastic player he is. I'm so pleased for him that he's back on form because he knows he's capable of running a game on his own sometimes." So what did the manager say to him before the match? "I just told him to play his normal game,enjoy himself and relax. Sometimes players try too hard and forget that if they just relax and play their normal game, everything falls into place. Next week is the key test for us. Teversham are by far the best team in our division, possibly in Cambridgeshire. They've won every game they've played this season and they won the Cambridge City Tournament in the summer so if we can go there and get anything we'll know how good we really are, I suppose it's like a measuring stick for us next week. Having said that, we did get a good 1 - 1 draw against them in the tournament so you never know. We'll respect them but we won't be afraid of them."

26th November 05
Teversham Terriers 8 - 1 Bottisham (William 1)
Down to earth with a bump! Everything that could go wrong for the visitors did go wrong in a match which saw a superior Teversham side stretch their winning run to 8 games, thus ending an impressive 5 match winning streak for Bottisham. The starting line up was affected when John, top scorer this season, was taken to hospital minutes before kick off with stomach pains. Bottisham held a very strong Terriers side at bay for 10 minutes before succumbing to some sucker punches. Trevor Ball, Teversham manager, had expected a tougher test than he got, having two players unavailable for the match, including his regular goalkeeper. The cold conditions seemed to affect the away side more than a very organised Teversham team but even in a warmer climate, the home team would have taken some stopping. A consolation goal from William was all that bottisham could muster in a game where injuries to Mozza, Jack and Lewis may have had some bearing on the goal tally itself.
The manager wasn't too deflated however; "Trevor's got some wonderfully talented young players here, they obviously listen to him and do their jobs magnificently. We couldn't do much about the physical situation today and he's probably told them to get into us early on, which they did. It didn't help losing John before the game and Lewis hurt his back but played on like a true soldier, but I had to take him off once I realised what he'd done. I said last week that this game would be a kind of measuring stick for us and we now know what we're up against. I have arranged a friendly against West Wratting next week and they are the only team the Terriers have lost against this year! So here we go again, another good test and hopefully we will have learned from the Teversham encounter. We spoke to the boys after the game today and they know where we need to improve so we'll see what happens. I have to give credit to them though, they've lost 8-1 today and they're still smiling."