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Keybury U7 Champions		Division C 2003/04		Craven, Aire & Champions	Wharfe U14 2003/04	Wilsden Junior afc
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	Gallery		September 12th: Wilsden 6 v 1 Eldwick: Scorers: James Darcy, Tom Ellison (2), Jack Pinkney, William Stead, Dougie Day
	Links		A new season dawned and there was optimism in the camp even though they had lost their influential skipper Josh Halsworth to Rugby League and also utility player Lewis Oliver. Joe Sutton was out injured after committing one slide tackle too many although new players had been brought into the squad, there were midfielders Dougie and Stuart Ingham and defender Conner.
	Sponsors		Wilsden’s first game of the season saw them at home to Eldwick. Given last years results this was a match Wilsden felt they should win but were shocked to go one down early on after failing to clear a corner (Wilsden’s major downfall last year). This inspired Wilsden, Tom fired in a good shot and Jack Pinkney rounded off a fine first half performance by smacking in a rebound from a corner to put Wilsden ahead.
	Squad Pages		Wilsden were ‘cocker hoop’ during the interval and with the wind behind them could only see the score line increasing. Will Stead replaced Tom after arriving late (Dad’s fault sorry!) and immediately made an impact by beating two players but finding the side netting. However Wills next shot was much more accurate and he found the ‘top corner’ with a lovely timed left footer. Wilsden dominated the second half and ran in three more goals, Tom getting his second, Douggie scoring on his debut and James D’arcy scoring a deserved goal after his much improved performance – keep it up James!
	League Links		James D’arcy was given man of the match and Will Stead was given away manager man of the match.
	Fundraising Committee		Man of the Match: James Darcy
			September 19th: Grassington 6 v 1 Wilsden : Scorer: Tom Lewis
			Probably the furthest Wilsden had been for a match and miraculously everybody found the ground without any problems.
			Still no Joe Sutton but otherwise Graham had the full squad to select from, Will Stead started as wing back on the left and Matty Haliday on the right. Dougie and Stuart were on the bench.
			Wilsden started brightly and looked comfortable against a quicker footed Grassington however it wasn’t long before Chris was picking the ball from his net and Grassington went two up minutes later from poor defensive work. Tom Lewis gave Wilsden hope by scoring just before the interval. As Wilsden had their pep talk in the changing room things were looking good for the second half. Unfortunately things went down hill from here. Will Stead was substituted after appearing ‘tired’ and was replaced by Tom Ellison and Dougie also came on to bolster the midfield. Wilsden collapsed and conceded four second half goals with no reply and as the rain increased the heads dropped and Grassington ran out deservedly 6-1 winners. From a good position at half time Wilsden faded badly, maybe they are not fit enough yet?
			Man of the match went to a tireless Jack Pinkney and Will Stead was given away manager man of the match for the second match running.
			Man of the Match: Jack Pinkney
			September 26th: Wilsden 4 v 5 Long Lee Scorers: Matty Halliday, Tom Lewis (2), James Darcy
			Joe Sutton turned up to watch but still was missing from the field. Dougie and Stuart were again left on the bench.
			Wilsden seemed to have shrugged off last weeks defeat and started the better team, Tom Lewis picked a pass from Matty Haliday and fired it in to the back of the net. Tom was really on form and it wasn’t long before he bagged another to leave Long Lee trailing 2-0 at half time.
			Maybe Wilsden relaxed too much but Long Lee came out and quickly leveled to score after poor defending by Wilsden. Wilsden then broke from a corner and James D’arcy picked up the loose ball and fired Wilsden back into a 3-2 lead. Long Lee weren’t finished and they again brought the scores level. The match was really flowing now and Wilsden on the attack again were halted on the edge of the Long Lee penalty area as Tom Lewis was brought down. Matty Halliday stepped up and fired a shot over the wall dipping into the net a la Beckham. Matty was mobbed and it looked like Wilsden had sealed the win.
			Wilsden must have thought they had done enough but Long Lee replied yet again to level at 4-4. A fluke ‘Ronaldhino’ deceived Chris and Long Lee finally wrapped it up after Wilsden gave away a free kick just outside the penalty area. Wilsden did not organize themselves quickly enough and an attacker beat three players and skillfully rounded Chris.
			Wilsden were unlucky not to at least draw the match and Tom Lewis was denied a hat-trick by some fine keeping from the Long Lee goalie.
			Man of the match went to Matty Halliday for a much-improved performance.
			Man of the Match: Matty Halliday
			3rd October: Wilsden 3 v 9 Prospect Scorers: Matt Halliday, Tom Lewis & Stuart Inman
			Man of the Match: Connor Roman
			10th October: Wilsden 2 v 5 Eccleshill: Scorers: Tom Lewis, James Darcy
			Wilsden were looking to bounce back in the league after their heavy defeat in the cup to Prospect. In the early stages they looked good even without Keelham in defence but Eccleshill scored against the run of play when Wilsden failed to clear a long kick out from the Eccleshill keeper and the onrushing attacker slipped it past Chris. Tom Lewis made some impressive runs in the first half and in a similar way to Eccleshill’s goal he pounced on a kick from Chris and leveled the game at 1-1. Tom continued to be a threat and a stinging right foot shot was only parried by the keeper and James D’arcy was in the right place to make it 2-1, Wilsden looked good! Again (how many times have I written this?) Wilsden did not clear a bouncing ball and Eccleshill nipped in to flick it over the onrushing Chris, 2-2 at half time.
			Wilsden had played the better football but had given away two soft goals, simply down to not commanding the midfield and defence. Dougie was replaced by Matty Haliday and Stuart replaced Conner (injured) who had an excellent first half again.
			Wilsden did not start the half well; Will Stead was pegged back in defence as Eccleshill playing with the wind bombed Wilsden from every direction. Wilson moved back into defence but he couldn’t prevent a shot getting under Chris’s body to make it 2-3 shortly after the re-start. Two more goals got through the defence in a disappointing second half display. Wilsden very rarely threatened the Eccleshill goal, only a speculative shot from Matty Haliday was worth noting and Eccleshill easily deserved the win.
			After good performances in the first half from Tom Lewis, Jack Pinkney, Conner, Wilson and Chris Pick Wilsden should have made a better fight of the game, despite losing Conner at half time. Joe Sutton had a good second half and Chris despite a couple of handling errors was given man of the match for (yet again!) some fine brave keeping.
			Man of the Match: Chris Pickles.
			October 17th: Sandy Lane 1 v 5 Wilsden Scorers: James Darcy, Tom Ellison, Thomas Lewis, William Stead, o.g.
			The kick-off was delayed by 15 Minutes – awaiting the referee. This gave Wilsden the chance to parade in their new away kits, the delay seemed to do them good because it was Wilsden who made the better start James D’arcy and Tom Lewis were more penetrating, the Midfield looked solid in the early stages with Douggie and Wilson leading line and the defence cleared away any trouble marshaled by Jack Pinkney and Conner backed up by the stalwarts Joe and Mike.
			Wilsden opened the scoring with a fine break from Matty Wilson, his right sided cross clipped the post and Tom Lewis was there first to knock the rebound in. Careless play in the midfield (Will) led to Sandy Lane equalizing but this did not deter Wilsden and they finished the half strongly, Tom shooting narrowly wide after a great move involving Will and James D. Sandy Lane lost a player just before half time after the referee ordered a free kick to be taken again and the Sandy Lane player stomped off in tears - bizarre or what!?
			Will Stead was subbed at halt time for Matty Dawkins but Wilsden could not take the lead in the second half after dominating the play. Chris was rarely troubled and his dad seemed to be working the harder running down the hill for the ball after Sandy wasted any chances they had by shooting wide on several occasions.
			Dougie faded in the second half after an excellent first half and was replaced by an eager Will Stead and this seemed to spur Wilsden on. Jack Pinkney made a foray out of defence up the right hand side and James D’arcy nonchalantly headed his cross in at the near post, this had the manager jumping for joy – a great goal.
			Further goals from Sandy (o.g) after more good work by Tom Lewis and Will claimed the easiest of goals after following in a shot from James D’arcy, Tom Ellison rounded off a fine second half performance by slotting in the fifth.
			This was a much better performance from Wilsden, all of the players deserved the credit, the match was marred by a nasty collision between Will and Chris Newsholme (Sandy Lane), Chris went to hospital but was cleared and back at school the next day.
			Man of the match went to Matty Wilson for a tireless hard working contribution and Will Stead was awarded the away manager’s man of the match.
			Man of the Match: Matthew Wilson
			November 14th: Wilsden 7 v 1 Shipley Pumas Scorers: James Darcy, Tom Lewis, Matthew Wilson, Douglas Day & Matthew Halliday (3)
			Matty Haliday was back in the squad but started on the bench and Keelham returned to bolster the defence after a lengthy lay off due to illness - welcome back Key!
			The weather had turned colder over the weekend but the pitch was fine if somewhat heavy. Wilsden won the toss but decided to play downwind going against the manager’s choice! Anyway it didn’t seem to harm them as they were always in control of the match and easily overcame Shipley after a length lay off.
			Most of the play developed down the right hand side, both Tom Lewis and James D’arcy had good chances to open the scoring but shot wide of the right hand upright on both occasions. The manager could have made a name for himself but failed to stop a clearance from Shipley from bouncing over the fence - don’t let the ball bounce Graham!!!!
			Before Wilsden opened the scoring Shipley made a good to attempt to take the lead and it was only the angle of the upright that prevented them scoring first in a fairly even first twenty minutes. Wilsden then took control….
			Tom Lewis powered through the defence and good to a great through ball from Tom Ellison and nicked it past the keeper and Dougie turned in a loose ball to close the first half with Wilsden two up.
			The manager, pleased with the performance, wanted more of a lead now that Wilsden were against the wind, he needn’t have worried.
			Matty Halliday replaced Dougie and he rolled back the months with a fine second half display. James D’arcy showed some fine touches and intelligent passing in the second half and it was his through ball that Matty Wilson latched on to to make it 3-0 early in the second half. Shipley seemed to tire and a poor back pass awoke Matty Halliday and he slotted it past the keeper for a 4 goal lead. Shipley then reminded Wilsden that it was not plain sailing and they scored a fine goal as a consolation.
			Matty H then broke from defence and ran the ‘full length’ before scoring his second and Wilsden’s fifth, where have you been Matty? James D’arcy turned in the sixth goal (no he wasn’t offside!) and Matty rounded off the scoring with his hat trick - very similar to the Mark Hughes goal scored for Man Utd against Barcelona in the Cup Winners Cup many years ago. (1991 - Webmaster!)
			This was a fine team performance, littered with great individual performance, Matty Halliday hat-trick, Tom Ellison much stronger in the tackle, tireless work from Jack Pinkney, strong running from Tom Lewis, a fine return to the team from Keelham and great composure from James D’arcy. However it was Joe Sutton who again showed fine courage and determination to collect the Man of the Match.
			Man of the Match: Joe Sutton
			November 21st: Weston Lane 4 v 5 Wilsden Scorers: Thomas Lewis (4) and Matthew Wilson
			Man of the Match: Thomas Lewis
			Sunday’s frost delayed the kick-off for thirty minutes and whilst waiting Mike Halliday and Alan Pickles both received the ball in the kisser whilst standing in the goal - what did they expect? It was very amusing to onlookers though!
			The right decision was made and Wilsden won the toss and elected to play ‘uphill’ on the flat pitch in the first half. Tom Lewis, looking more dangerous every week, ran on to some intelligent through balls from Will Stead and was unlucky not to open the scoring on more than one occasion. Chris Pickles and Keelham somehow managed prevent Weston from opening the scoring with some fantastic blocks but it was Weston that finally opened the scoring even though they were a mile offside and after some uncharacteristic defending by Joe Sutton they made it two nil. The manager was furious! Wilsden had much more of the ball in the first half but were unable to time their forward runs to beat the defence, Tom Lewis managed to time a run to perfection and collected a through ball from James D’arcy to make it 1-2 just before half time.
			Strangely Wilsden started poorly in the second half and Weston made it 3-1. Tom Ellison replaced a hardworking Stuart but didn’t have his usual impact and Matty Haliday came on for Matty Wilson and it was Matty Halliday’s through ball that Tom Lewis latched on to and as usual fired it in with gusto to make it 2-3. Could Wilsden snatch an improbable victory? Wilsden’s weak side was exposed again and Weston knocked in the fourth to put the game beyond Wilsden’s reach or was it?
			Jack Pinkney starting pushing up from the back, Conner and Keelham were resolute in holding the defence and with Tom Lewis on fire anything was possible. Tom got his hat-trick and then nearly got his fourth but just headed over the bar from a Conner corner, the writer and manager were convinced it had gone in and started a delightful jig but were dismayed when they found out the ball had gone ‘over’ the bar but under the net!!! However it wasn’t long before Tom fired in his fourth to level the match. Time was ebbing way and Wilsden were still pressing for the winner, the manager kept encouraging every player and Tom Lewis became provider for Wilson (back on for a frozen Tom Ellison) to smack in the winner! What a game, what a comeback!
			Again another fine team performance but this time there was one outstanding player - Tom Lewis, his four goal tally earned him man of the match.
			Man of the Match: Thomas Lewis
			December 5th: Wilsden 7 v 4 Weston Lane Scorers: James Darcy (2), Tom Lewis (3), Matty Wilson and o.g.
			It was the morning after the night before and soon as I arrived I could tell things were amiss! The manager looked forlorn and disheveled; he’d only lost his house keys after the Wilsden Christmas disco and slept the night at some friends – not the best preparation for Wilsden’s return match against Weston Lane.
			His disposition seemed to affect the players and Wilsden started poorly and were literally half a sleep for the first twenty minutes. In that time Wilsden conceded three soft goals, Mike had replaced Joe Sutton but looked rusty in the first half but he did improve as the game went on, the defence was just too slow and disorganized, the manager had plenty to shout about! A classic quote "Midfielders get in to midfield", made the writer chuckle!
			As usual Wilsden came in to the game and James D’arcy (playing in size 11 boots!!!) brought the score to 1-3 with persistent foraging and then Tom Lewis latched on to a James D’arcy pass to make it 2-3 just before half time. The manager had now come to his senses and he calmed not only himself but the players down and got a much improved second half display. Tom Lewis won a dubious penalty which he converted himself to level the scores and then Matty Wilson was the first to the ball after Tom Lewis brought a good save from the Weston keeper and he calmly slotted in the fourth - Weston were finished. Tom grabbed yet another hat trick after a dodgy offside was allowed to make it 5-3. Weston were becoming angry with the referee and a few of the players were becoming frustrated but unfortunately it didn’t stop the goal rout and James D’arcy scored Wilsden’s sixth, neatly turning the ball in off a defenders head. Weston pulled one back but Wilsden managed to scramble a comedy goal after good work by Tom Lewis - who else?
			So Wilsden showed gritty determination again but will not be able to put in a twenty minute display against Eccleshill next week and come back to win. We must remember to be ready at the start of the match....
			There were still fine performances, Chris Pickles pulled off some fine saves, Matty Dawkins showed more ‘steel ‘ and Conner, Jack and Keelham were solid as usual, Conner’s corners were excellent and Wilsden must capitalize next week on these because chances will be few and far between against Eccleshill. Tom Lewis and James D’arcy played well in spells but were too close to each other when receiving the ball - this caused big gaps else where but they were plugged valiantly by the two Matty’s.
			Man of the Match: Matty Dawkins
			December 12th: Eccleshill Pumas 2 v 0 Wilsden
			On a damp afternoon away to Eccleshill, Wilsden gave the top of the table team a run for their money. After a disastrous start, when Douglas Day gave away a penalty in the first 5 minutes, Wilsden had a game on their hands. Chris Pickles was well alert to the spot kick; he got his hands to it, but the spin of the ball took it just over the line. Wilsden, playing uphill, packed the midfield to try and stop Eccleshill from playing. It worked well, restricting them to only a couple of shots, Chris Pickles saving well to both of them. Joe Sutton picked up a nasty injury, but with no substitutes available, played on despite his injury.
			The manager changed the second half formation to play downhill. But once again Wilsden gave away a sloppy goal, not clearing the lines from defence. Wilsden's midfield then took control, in particular Matthew Wilson and Michael healy, Matthew creating things on both flanks and Michael playing a stopping role against the opposition's midfield. Midway through the second half, Matthew Dawkins played a lovely weighted pass to Douglas Day who scored a lovely right foot drive, only for it to be disallowed for offside, but from where I was watching, he was definitely onside. Soon afterwards, Matthew Wilson was through on goal, hit the ball well, only to see his shot go inches wide. He was once again put through, this time by James D'arcy; he hit the laft hand post. The ball then ran on the goalline to the other side from where it was cleared. Unlucky! Again, Wilsden had another chance to score, this time James D'arcy creating an opening. He also shot inches wide of the left upright. The manager summed up the game: "We would not score today if we played until midnight, it's not our day."
			This was again a fantastic team performance. Wilsden deserved at least a point from the game.
			Man of the Match: Michael Healy
			December 19th: Eldwick 4 v 4 Wilsden Scorers: Douglas Day, James D'arcy, Tom Lewis & Matthew Wilson
			Man of the Match: Stuart Inman
			January 16th: Long Lee 3 v 3 Wilsden Scorer: Tom Lewis (3)
			The first match in 2005 and Wilsden were faced with a tough away match to the divisions second place team – Long Lee. The supporters were greeted with weak sunshine, it was almost spring like until the clouds came and yes it is January and cold!
			Keelham was playing his last game for a while and Will and Matty Dawkins were on the bench, Dougie was preferred in the middle of the park but the midfield struggled early on and could not get any weight behind their tackles. However it was Wilsden that created the best chances and Tom Lewis spurned two ‘one on ones’ with the keeper – before he converted his third chance picking up a ball from Matty Halliday ,Tom powered through the last man and smacked it past the keeper 0-1. James D’Arcy also had a couple of chances before he was brought down in the box, unfortunately his tame effort went wide of the post and the manager was not happy! To be fair to James I think it’s the first penalty he’s missed; he deserves another chance.
			Typically Long Lee then came back in to the game, Chris was chipped by Long Lee’s best player and then Chris did a ‘Roy Carroll’ and let a tame shot go under his body, Wilsden sloped off at half time 2-1 down when they could easily been three or four up. The manager switched his midfield, Will came on for Tom Ellison and Matty replaced Dougie. Wilsden still had to defend well and Joe Sutton stopped a certain goal by clearing off the line when Chris was beaten. Wilsden looked more threatening when going forward and Will looked dangerous but didn’t get enough of the ball to threaten….
			Tom Lewis latched on to a weak back pass to make it 2-2 but Long Lee showed their fighting spirit by getting in front again after good work down Wilsden’s right hand side. Tom Lewis came back on to replace a hard working Stuart and Wilsden had the last laugh when Tom Lewis latched on to a poor dead ball kick to level the scores and complete yet another hat trick!
			Man of the Match: Tom Ellison
			January 30th: Shipley Pumas 1 v 10 Wilsden Scorers: James D'Arcy, Matt Wilson, Matt Halliday, Tom Ellison & Tom Lewis (6)
			The kick-off was delayed for thirty minutes whilst Shipley erected the goals, these delay tactics didn’t work as Shipley were outclassed in the first match of the cup.
			Playing in a cross wind that would not have been out of place at the top of the Andes, Wilsden the team adjusted far more than the spectators, most of whom cowered in front of the trees but not your intrepid reporter!
			Tom Lewis ran riot and scored six goals – if he hadn’t received the ball on the nose that had him off the pitch for twenty minutes he may have got even more. In his place came the irrepressible Matty Haliday who deputized as the striker and scored a wonderful solo effort. Matty Wilson grabbed a goal that was again down to great vision and unselfish play from Tom Lewis. Tom Ellison (just managing to stand up in the wind) scored a great goal that looked like a cross but who cares? It sailed in to the top corner! James D’arcy turned in Wilsden’s 10^th and his first to round off a rout. Roll on Long Lee…..
			Man of the Match: Tom Lewis
			February 6th: Long Lee 5 v 5 Wilsden Scorers: Douglas Day (2), Tom Lewis(2) & James D'Arcy
			Starting just about on time this was a game the manager wanted to win, Joe Sutton and Tom Ellison were on the bench and it was a welcome return for Keelham Dodsworth.
			Wilsden who attacked well in the first half looked solid in midfield and defence although failure to mark men from a corner allowed Long Lee to open the scoring against the run of play. Wilsden must try and pick up a man and concentrate at set pieces! Chris Pickles pulled off a fine save to stop Long Lee scoring again and Jack Pinkney bravely blocked the rebound. This great defensive play kicked Wilsden into action, Matty Dawkins battled well in Midfield and the ball broke to Tom Lewis, he centered for Dougie to easily open Wilsden’s account. Tom Lewis then got into his stride and put Wilsden 1-2 up with a fine shot that the keeper could only help into the net. Dougie working well down the right was rewarded with a second after his cross came off a Long Lee defender to make it 1-3 to the visitors. Just before half time Long Lee chipped CP with a clever shot but Wilsden should have cleared the ball. Half Time 2-3.
			Wilsden were hot again, Tom Lewis smacked a shot against the bar and James (two holes in one!) D’arcy cleverly knocked in the rebound, 2-4 surely no way back for Long Lee? Wilsden went to sleep and looked tired, Tom Ellison was a shadow of last week and Matty and Stuart had lost their spark. Jack Pinkney came back on after injury but his presence could not stop the goals and again Wilsden looked as though they would loose the match after dominating much of the game. With minutes remaining who else but Tom Lewis popped up to smash the equalizer 5-5, Wilsden again showed the fight to come back and draw level, if not for the poor defensive marking this would have been an easy victory – Eldwick next lads!
			There were good first half performance from Mike (playing at left back), Matty Dawkins, Tom Lewis and Connor.
			Man of the Match: Keelham Dodsworth for his tireless running and enthusiasm.
			March 13th: Eldwick 1 v 6 Scorers: Tom Lewis (3), Matthew Wilson, Matthew Halliday & Douglas Day
			Man of the Match: Connor Roman
			April 3rd: Wilsden 7 v 3 Eldwick Scorers: James D'Arcy (3), Tom Lewis (3) & Matthew Dawkins
			Man of the Match: James D'Arcy
			April 10th: Wilsden 2 v 0 Grassington Scorers: Tom Lewis & James D'Arcy
			This will go down as the best game of the season so far. The whole team deserve the credit that they got at the end of this encounter. The opposition manager praised the whole Wilsden team, and said if he had to give a man of the match it would be to the back four. The match got under way in heavy conditions after heavy rain fall, and Wilsden took control in midfield early. Thomas Lewis scored mid way through the first half after latching onto a through ball from Matthew Wilson for 1 - 0. Grassington then started putting the pressure on, and went close a couple of times. Second half started as the first half finished, heavy pressure from Grassington, you could tell why this team was second in the league. Wilsden stood strong, the back four determined not to let Grassington score, Joe Sutton stopping one on the line with a diving clearance, this typified the whole team's performance. Grassington then hit the post, and immediately after the clearance James Darcy ran through on goal, and placed his shot into the top corner 2 - 0. In order to keep a clean sheet, Wilsden's midfield battled hard, along with the defence, the front two helping out with challenges that stopped the opposition in their tracks. It was difficult for the manager to give one person credit, after a team performance like that. Thomas Ellison took the award for an improved performance and back to his best. Well done all.
			Man of the Match: Tom Ellison
			April 17th: Wilsden 5 v 3 Sandy Lane Scorers: Matthew Halliday (2), Tom Lewis, Tom Ellison & Matthew Wilson
			Man of the Match: Matthew Wilson
			April 24th: Wilsden 1 v 3 Long Lee Scorer: Tom Lewis
			Man of the Match: Douglas Day
			28th April: Wilsden 6 v 5 Shipley Pumas Scorers: James Darcy(2), Tom Lewis (2), Tom Ellison & Matthew Wilson
			Man of the Match: Will Stead
			May 1st: Long Lee 1 v 13 Wilsden Scorers: Tom Lewis (8), Matthew Wilson (2) Tom Ellison, James Darcy & Matthew Halliday
			Man of the Match: Matthew Wilson
			May 4th: Eccleshill Utd 2 v 1 Wilsden Scorer: Tom Lewis




			Last updated: 9th May 2005