Almondsbury Youth U11's vs Bromley Heath

                 (3)                              (1)

Despite not having played for a few weeks the Lions made a bright start with Will Lacey,Will Ponting and George combining well up front and it was Will Lacey who went close with an early glancing header. The home team were playing a long ball game with shots coming in from all over the pitch and Ollie made a good save on 10mins from a looping shot which was dropping under the crossbar. The Lions then forced a corner and a good ball in from Will Lacey reached George but his header went just over the bar.

It looked like the first goal was going to come on 17mins as Will Lacey played a good through ball to Will Ponting who sprinted clear of the defence but saw his shot well saved by the keeper. The breakthrough came shortly after this as it was George who found Will Ponting with the through ball this time. Will kept his cool and calmly fired past the keeper's right hand to make it 1-0 to the Lions.

The home team continued to launch the ball forward in an effort to find an equaliser but Evan and Billy managed to cope with the high balls and kept the lone striker quiet. Dan Connors was battling well in midfield and George and Will Lacey posed a constant threat down the wings. It looked like we might get a second right on the stroke of half time as Will Lacey broke free down the left wing. He cut in and let fly with a near post shot which was well saved, Half time score 1-0

The second half saw Bromley Heath putting some pressure on the Lions and Ollie was called on to make some good saves while Evan and Billy were at full stretch to clear the ball at times. The whole team helped out with the defending and managed to see out the period of pressure. As the half progressed we saw the Lions get back on the attack and on 32mins it was Will Lacey again who dribbled into the box and fed the ball to George at the edge of the area but his powerful shot was tipped over by the keeper. Then Will Ponting had 2 good efforts on goal following through balls from George but again we were just wide of the target.  It looked like a second goal was not going to come! The team switched around later in the half with Will Lacey dropping into defence and Evan taking up a position in midfield.

Evan took the oportunity to drive forward into the box whenever possible and caused the Bromley Heath midfield some real problems. Right on the verge of full time Will Ponting made a great turn on the edge of the box but was fouled before he could get his shot away. Evan stepped up to take the freekick and fired it hard and low towards the net.The shot beat the keeper but the ball was handled right on the line and the ref gave a penalty. Will ponting stepped up but saw his shot well saved and then cleared.

The full time score ended as 1-0 to the Lions.

A good team performance with some neat passing and attacking play while the defence coped well with the high balls and long shots of the opposition. We matched Bromely Heath for effort and deserved to win by more.

The Tigers started with Josh up front and in the early minutes he combined well with Joe and Archie from midfield to put some early presure on the Bromley Heath defence. Jack Cooksey and Jack Durlacher had to concentrate hard as Bromley Heath continued their tactic of long balls to a lone striker, while Oscar filled the other midfield slot and put in a good battling performance in the early stages. Despite playing the better football the Tigers fell behind to an early goal on 6mins which gave Bromley Heath some hope of a result. The Tigers immediatley fought back and went straight up the other end as Joe broke from midfield and fed Josh but his shot was pushed onto the post.

The game became a bit scrappy for a period with neither team getting control of the match. It wasn't until the 18th minute that Josh managed to break free and dribble past 2 defenders before firing home to make it 1-1. The Tigers were playing some nice football now with Archie Page having a good game on the wing and putting in some great crosses but we could not convert the chances.

The half time whistle saw the score at 1-1 with the game still in the balance.

In the second half it was Bromley Heath who again came out the stronger and the their tall striker was causing a few problems for our defence with Matt Hayden called on to make some important saves in difficult conditions. Dylan was on for Jack Durlacher and he along with Oscar fought well in midfield to prevent Bromely Heath from getting too many clear cut chances. As the half wore on the Tigers came back into it and on 34mins a good dribble into the box by Josh caused problems and he managed to squeeze the ball out to Archie who shot throught the keepers legs but the ball was cleared off the line.

The Tigers evetually got their reward on 40mins as a long goal kick from Matt found Josh who turned and drove into the box. He was tackled but the ball came free again and Josh was on hand to put the ball away to make it 2-1. It was all Almondsbury now and on 45mins it was Joe's turn to take a shot but he saw it rebound off the bar to safety. It looked like the game was won but Bromley Heath battled away and on 46mins they had a long shot/cross which looked like it was dipping under the crossbar but Matt was able to get back and tip it over the bar to prevent the equaliser.

The full time score was 2-1 to the Tigers.

Another close match with both sides having chances to score with a number of shots hitting the bar and the post. The Tigers battled well, especially in the second half and were well worth the victory.

Let's keep it going for the last game of the season!!

Yate United vs Almondsbury Youth U11's

       (8)                                     (2)

The Lions started brightly, with Will Lacey and George making good progress on the left wing. The home side recovered and forced a couple of corners, which were defended well by Billy and Ben Crew. Almondsbury again gained the momentum, and George had 2 shots but both passed just wide. More end-to-end play saw some good safe handling by Ollie and a good shot on goal from Dan. The deadlock was broken on 10 minutes, when some strong build-up play from Dan, Will Ponting and Will Lacey led to the first goal, scored by George at close range.
The game remained close-fought for the rest of the first half. Ollie made a great save on 14 minutes, and Will P had a long shot saved. Will Lacey and George continued to press on the left, and Dan made an excellent clearance on the right. But on 22 minutes, Yate managed to
find the equaliser. Almondsbury came back with a good attack worked by the two Wills, but the half ended when Ollie's save rebounded into the path of the Yate forward, who finshed it off to make it 2-1.
The home side started strongly in the second half, forcing their 3rd goal after just 2 minutes. Some strong defence and good saves followed, Ollie managing to push a great shot over the bar, but 6 minutes into the half Yate scored again, driving a shot in at a tight angle. On 12
minutes they scored their 5th. Almondsbury managed to pick themselves up for the last 10 minutes, and made some attacks, George and Will P getting shots on goal. Billy and Ben remained solid in defense, and it felt like Almondsbury could have recoved a goal or two, but it didn't happen, and we conceded another goal in the last minute.
6-1 didn't really reflect the game, but Yate were a well organised and strong opposition.

With an uphill task in front of them, the Tigers made the first attacks and on 4 minutes Evan had a shot go just wide. But some strong midfield play by Yate saw them take advantage and take the first goal on 5 minutes. Almonsdubury followed up with a good attacking move from Oscar, Evan and Max, the shot going into the side netting.
Almondsbury were forced to defend strongly, Matt making a great finger-tip save and Evan defending positively. Some good build-up led to Max shooting just wide on 17 minutes. A couple of minutes later, some solid midfield play from Ben Davis and Jack C led to a shot that bounced off their keeper, and Max nearly managed to poach a goal. More pressure from Almondsbury before half time led to a couple more shots on goal but without managing to score.
At the start of the second half, Evan made a weaving run through the middle, and just when it looked like he had over-run it, he managed to pull the ball back across the goal to be knocked in by well-positioned Max. 1-1. The next few minutes saw a fantastic diving save from Matt,
and Max's shot hitting the post. Strong defence from Ben Davis and Jack C, and some positive attacking play by Oscar followed. Another great save from Matt followed, leading to a corner which Yate took advantage of, hitting point blank shot into the net to make it 2-1 on 12 minutes.
In the last few minutes Evan and Jack D had a few more shots on goal or going just wide, and we finished the game positvely but without managing to find the equaliser.

Almondsbury Youth U11's vs Lockleaze and Horfield

(1) (13)

From the start the Lions were put under pressure. Ollie was called upon to make a save within minutes but Lockleaze kept the pressure up and scored to give them a 1-0 advantage. Then within a minute from the re-start they scored again. The Lions settled into the game and we had some good runs from George on the left wing with some decent passes to Will P. Scott kept up the pressure on the right and providing some good marking. It was difficult for the Lions to create many chances with Lockleaze/Horfiled marking so tight. Evan had a shot on 16 minutes but it was just over the crossbar. Evan moved up to midfield and Oscar came on in defence with a good clearance with his first touch of the game. The defence of Billy and Oscar were under a lot of pressure but were consistent at getting the ball clear. Lockleaze/Horfield's defence were solid and made it difficult for us to create many chances, but towards the end of the first half the Lions created more chances. Then on 22 minutes a scramble in the box saw Lockleaze & Horfield put away their 3rd goal.
After the kick off for the second half Evan quickly put the visitors under pressure but his shot was wide. Lockleaze & Horfield quickly counter attacked and another box scramble saw them put their 4th goal in the net. Both sides continued pushing forward with attempts at goal. Ollie made a great save but the clearance didn't stop Lockleaze/Horfield from picking up the ball and putting it away to make the score 5-0. Billy's long throws led to some good shots from Will P who was eventually rewarded with a goal on 38 minutes. The visitors then came back stronger and scored 2 goals in quick succession within minutes. Though down 7-1 the Lions kept battling but were punished with 3 more goals from the visitors in a 4 minute spell near the end of the game to give Lockleaze/Horfield a 10-1 win.

Both sides looked even at the start of the second match. A corner on 5 minutes nearly saw Joe put the Tigers ahead but it wasn't to be. Ben D, Josh, Joe and Dan pushed forward to try to create chances and worked hard but Lockleaze took advantage on 14 minutes with a goal to put them 1-0 up. Max came on and after a goal kick from Jack C he followed and almost equalled the score line. Some good defending and attacking from the Tigers couldn't keep Lockleaze at bay when approaching half time Lockleaze/Horfield scored a screamer of a goal followed quickly by their 3rd after a goalmouth scramble; 3-0 at half time. In the 2nd half Jack C and Jack D made some good tackles to keep the visitors at bay. Matthew had a good 2nd half and was not intimidated by the strength of the visitors and made some excellent saves which kept the score at 3-0. Through Josh's pace, Joe's strength and Ben's determination the midfield continued to create chances but Lockleaze & Horfield kept us out. On 45 minutes a good attack from Joe and Josh led to a corner which was almost tucked in by Max. Lockleaze & Horfiled kept pushing for another but good tackles and clearances by Dan and Jack C kept the scoreline at 3-0. The visitors came close with minutes to go with an amazing shot being saved by Matthew. The Tigers forced a couple of corners in the dying minutes but were unable to score.

Almondsbury Youth U11's vs Yate Utd

(4) (4)

The Lions made a much better start than last week and their early pressure on the visitors goal saw George have an early near post effort pushed wide by the keeper. In an even first 10mins the visitors forced Ollie into an excellent save when one on one with the Yate striker. George had another effort from a will Ponting corner which saw his flicked shot well saved by the keeper again. It was 12mins into the game before we had our first goal with a long ball from Billy which found Will Ponting in the box. Will bravely got to the ball in front of the keeper and shot home to make it 1-0 to The Lions.

The visitors pushed hard to get an equaliser and Billy and Oscar playing in defence had their hands full to keep the chances to a minimum. Will Lacey, Scott and George were combining well in midfield and Will Ponting was closing down all over the pitch to keep pressure on the away side. We nearly doubled our lead on17mins when Will Lacey broke down the left wing and put in a high cross/shot which just bounced off the cross bar. The game remained tight right to the half time whistle and the Lions went in with a narrow 1goal lead.

The away side come out of the blocks very quickly in the second half and immediately put the Lions under sustained pressure with a series of corners. Ollie made a series of good saves and the whole team worked hard to keep the ball away from goal. Archie was on in midfield and he continued the hard work with a lot of tracking back and chasing down but we continued to conceed corners and it was from one of these that Yate eventually scored to make it 1-1 on 35mins.

We almost regained the lead immediately as Billy again found Will Ponting with a long through ball but this time Will's shot rolled just wide. The away team then began to gain in confidence and before long they were 2-1 ahead. In the last few minutes of the match the Lions pushed for an equaliser with Will Ponting, Will Lacey and George carving out some good opportunities on the left wing but we could not convert them into goals. The Lions were made to pay as deep, deep into stoppage team Yate scored again to make it 3-1 at the full time whistle.

An even match with both sides having to work hard to create chances and on another day the scores could have been reversed.

The Tigers had a reshaped midfield with Evan coming in on the left wing and Josh playing through the middle. Evan made an immediate impact as he played a terrific through ball to Max but the keeper was quick off of his line and pushed the ball wide. Josh and Dan Connors were the other midfield players and they were closing down and battling hard all over the pitch. Jack Durlacher and Jack Cooksey were having their usual reliable game in defence and Matt Hayden in goal had little to do in the early stages.

Evan continued to create danger down the left wing and on16mins he made a great break, beating 2 tackles to then square the ball to Max but his shot was just tipped over. The first half continued to be a fairly even contest with both teams struggling for control in midfield and goal chances few and far between. Dylan replaced Evan and made some great challenges to keep up the Tigers strong defensive display. Neither side could find the net before half time and the sides went in at 0-0.

After the half time team talk the Tigers came out with extra energy and they put Yate under pressure right from the kick off with Josh, Evan and Max creating some early chances. It was on 33mins that the first goal finally came when Evan won the ball in a midfield tussle and fed Max in the box who beat the keeper to make it 1-0. The Tigers were now really controlling the game and almost scored again from the kick off as Max closed down the keeper and robbed him but then saw his shot go just wide. Then it was Evan again who was marauding down the left wing who beat 3 tackles and then cut in from the wing and let fly , only to see his shot go just wide. The away team found it hard to get into the match now with Josh, Jack and Jack cutting out the through balls and closing down all over the pitch. The Tigers were rewarded with a second goal when Evan broke from midfield and had his shot blocked by the keeper but Josh was on hand to tap in the rebound.

Just when the Tigers looked to be cruising to victory Yate came back into the match by scoring from a corner which rebounded out to their striker who poked the ball home to make it 2-1. With time running out the Tigers kept on battling for every ball and looking to create one more scoring opportunity. The chance came when Josh broke from midfield and fed Max who was clear through one on one with the keeper. He kept his nerve and beat the keeper to make it 3-1 just before the full time whistle.

A much better performance in the second half with a battling defensive display and some well taken goals.

Fry's Club Colts vs Almondsbury Youth FC U11's

(11) (2)

After several weeks without football the Lions showed their lack of match practice in the early stages as they found themselves under pressure rifght from the kick off. The Lions defence was very busy trying to cope with a lively home team with most of the threat coming from their No 10. As the Lions got into the game it was George who was the most dangerous making some good runs down the left wing and working back to help out Billy and Evan in defence when needed. The home team scored two quick goals in the early minutes to take a 2-0 lead and the Lions found it hard to make an impact with Will Ponting starved of service up front. Archie, George and Will Lacey in midfield had to spend a lot of time helping in defence and found it hard to support Will up front. Later in the half Oscar came on in defence and Evan switched to midfield. His efforts helped to drive the Lions forward and create some goal threats while Oscar and Billy continued the defensive work and kept the score to 2-0 at half time.

With Dylan doing excellent work on the right wing and Evan, continuing to battle in the midfield the Lions started the second half well and Billy saw an early effort go just wide and this was followed by a long range chip from George which was just over the bar. On 28mins the Lions got some reward with a powerful run up the left wing from George who let fly from the edge of the box and beat the keeper to make it 2-1. At this point the Lions looked able to get back into the match with Evan and George working well in midfield and Billy having an outstanding game in defence and Ollie making some important saves. The home team fought back and closed down very well and were winning most of the 50/50 balls. Gradually they began to dominate again and we conceded two quick goals to make it 4-1. After this the Lions heads went down a bit and they struggled to get back into the match. The home team managed to fire home a further goal before the end of the match to make the final score 5-1. Not a great display by the Lions as we gave the home team too much time on the ball and allowed them to dictate the game. Great defensive work from Billy in difficult circumstances.

The Tigers made a battling start with Joe and Josh on the midfield working hard to win the ball but we found it hard to set up chances for Scott up front. Jack Durlacher and Ben Crew started in defence and coped well with the early attacks while Matt Hayden looked assured in goal. It was Joe who had the first effort for the Tigers but his shot from a corner went just wide. The home team then took the lead and after 8mins it was 1-0. Matt was then called into action to make a great point blank save to keep the defecit to one goal. Josh and Joe were trying to create openings from midfield but the home team tackled well and the Tigers were mostly defending with Ben, Jack and Matt having to work non-stop to keep them out. On 15mins it was Matt again to the rescue with another excellent save to ensure the Tigers stayed in the match. It was Joe again who had our next effort on 21mins with a powerful shot which was tipped wide.It finished 1-0 at half time.

Ben Davis came into midfield and Harvey went up front in the second half but shortly after kick off the Tigers conceded a second to make it 2-0. They did not give up and continued to create chances with Joe seeing a great header come back off the crossbar from Josh's corner and then saw another shot go just wide of the post. It was one of those days for Joe as he then deflected the ball into his own net from a corner to make it 3-0- bad luck Joe!

It was 35mins before the Tigers finally got on the score sheet with Joe winning the ball and feeding Josh who dribbled through 2 tackles and fired home to make it 3-1. Joe had another shot on 38mins but again it was slightly over the bar. In the final 10mins the Tigers really dropped off their game and allowed the home team to score a further 3 goals to make the final score 6-1.

A very sluggish performance from the Tigers who can play much better than today's performance.

Well done to Joe and Josh for battling in midfield and Matt for a great display in goal which saved 2 or 3 certain goals . Let's hope we can bounce back next week against Yate!

Lockleaze and Horfield vs Almondsbury Youth U11's

(4) (1)

Taking on the league leaders the Lions knew they were in for a tough game. They started well with George in particular working very hard on the left wing and making dangerous runs into the opposition half. The windy conditions made defending difficult and Evan and Billy had to keep their concentration at all times. Ollie was called on to make the first save of the game after 5mins from a long range shot. It was 11mins into the game before the Lions really began to threaten with a good throw in from Billy finding Will Lacey who played a great through ball to Will Ponting but his shot was just wide. Archie, Will L and George continued to battle hard in midfield but the Lions found it hard to create chances and on13mins the home team pinned the Lions back into their penalty area from a corner. The ball was not cleared properly and a longe range shot found it's way into the corner to make it 1-0.

The Lions kept fighting and Billy and Evan worked very hard to keep the home team at bay. On 20mins it was Will Ponting who made a good break and crossed to George but his shot was blocked out and from the resulting corner the ball fell again to George but he shot wide. The Lions kept it tight and went in only 1-0 down at half time.

The Lions made the worst start possible to the second half after to failing to clear the ball from their penalty area and the home team fired home to make it 2-0. The Lions found it hard going in the second half and had to endure more pressure from the home team with Ollie forced to make a great double save on 30mins. Dylan and Oscar were playing now, with Evan moved up into midfield. As the second half progressed Evan began to influence the game more and more making good tackles and breaking from midfield and looking to feed Will P or shoot himself. On 35mins it was Evan and Will P who put together a good move on the left wing and forced the home team to conceed a free kick right on the edge of the area. Evan took the set piece and hit a fierce shot but the wall did it's job and the ball was cleared. The Lions continued to make the running with Evan controlling midfield and Will Lacey putting in some good crosses from the left wing but we could not get anyone on the end of them. Just when it looked like the visitors would score the home team struck with an specatcular overhead shot which found the net to make it 3-0.

Almost straight from the kick off the Lions powered forward and Evan took on a long shot which just skimmed the crossbar. The Lions continued to push for a consolation goal and with 2mins to go it was Evan who set Will P free, he crossed to George who hit the ball on the run but the shot was just kept out. There was still time for another chance as a lofted ball found Will P through one on one with the keeper but he just pulled his shot wide and in the end the match finished 3-0 to the home side

A good fighting performance from the Lions against unbeaten league leaders and on another day they may have had a goal to show for their efforts

The Tigers made a confident start with Joe, Josh and Max working well in midfield, however it was Matt Hayden called into action first and he made a good save from a long range shot in the first 2mins. Josh was then set free on the left wing and he beat 2 or 3 tackles and crossed to Max but his shot was saved. The Lions were controlling the game in these early stages with Jack D and Jack C in control at the back while Joe was making good breaks from midfield and getting shots away when possible. The home team were still dangerous on the break and Matt was forced into another save from a long shot on 12mins. Joe, Harvey and Josh were controlling midfield and looking to set Max free when possible. On18mins their efrots were rewarded when a good passing move between Joe and Max set Joe free down the right wing. He crossed and the ball was pushed out Josh who fired in form the edge of the area to make it 1-0 to Almondsbury. The Tigers kept on pushing and it was Joe again on 20mins who made a solo run and let fly only to see his shot go wide. The Tigers seemed to be coping well with the home team but they conceeded a corner on 22mins and from the set piece the ball was headed in to make it 1-1. Dan came on to take up the right wing position and he continued to battle in the midfield area along with Joe and Josh. As the half went on it became harder to find Max up front and both teams created little, the game finishing 1-1 at half time.

The second half was a very even affair with Jack C and Jack D comfortable at the back and both teams trying to gain contol of midfield but the windy conditions and sticky pitch made it hard to complete any passing moves. On 27mins Joe let fly from the ege of the box but saw his shot just fly over the bar. The play went straight to the Tigers area on a breakaway and Matt was forced into a great save with his right foot from an accurate cross shot. Ben Crew was on and played his usual energetic game, winning tackles and breaking out of defence with the ball when possible. Joe and Josh continued to pose a threat to the home team but we could not create any clear cut chances and the game finished 1-1.

Another great performance which should have seen us 2 or 3 up at half time. Matt had another confident game in goal and defensively we were very solid.

Almondsbury Youth FC U11's vs Bristol Central

(7) (6)

The Lions were a little shaky in the opening two minutes, and some good defense was needed from Billy and Evan to keep Bristol Central at bay. But 2 minutes into the game a pass from Will Ponting found George, who hit it cleanly to open the scoring: 1-0 to the Lions. Bristol Central
continued attacking, and Ollie made a good save shortly afterwards to keep the lead. The Lions had to defend for most of the next 5 minutes, with Harvey, Billy and Evan working hard in front of goal.After about 15 minutes, Will Lacey was hurt in a tough challenge and Ben C was brought on to shore up the defense. Almondsbury had settled into the game and were making more attacking moves, with shots by George and Will P forcing the Bristol Central keeper to make saves. And on 17 minutes, Evan's free kick was driven hard but just wide.

In a brief but damaging period, the Lions conceded two goals in quick succession, against the run of play. The Lions fought back, a shot from Evan going just over the cross-bar. A Bristol Central corner was well dealt with, an excellent tackle by Ben C clearing the danger. Ben
passed the ball up to Will P, who calmly found the bottom left corner to equalise at 2-2. On 24 minutes, Ben created a chance for George, who notched up his second goal to make it 3-2 to the Lions. Just before the half time whistle Bristol Central rallied, and a good save was needed
from Ollie to keep the Lions ahead going into the break.

In the second half, Will L was back on in place of Harvey. Bristol Central started strongly but the Lions were playing well as a team, with Billy and Ben looking solid in defense, and Will L and Evan owning the centre ground. 5 minutes into the half the Lions extended their
lead to 4-2 after a great attacking run from Evan and a good link up with Will P gave Will his second goal of the day. For the next few minutes Almondsbury had the better chances, with shots from Will L looking dangerous and forcing some good saves.

11 minutes into the half, Ollie made a good save when the Lions conceded a free kick on the edge of the box. George got the ball and ran the length of the pitch, shooting just wide. The Lions had the better of the second half, and after 20 minutes extended their lead when Evan passed to Will P, who found the goal for his hat-trick.

5-2 to the Lions was well-deserved after an excellent team effort.

For the first 10 minutes, the Tigers were on the defensive, with hard work from Jack C, Jack D, Dan and Josh keeping the Bristol Central team out.On 10 minutes, Almondsbury made an attacking play, and Max managed to steal the ball and take his chance well to make it 1-0 to the Tigers. Bristol Central were quick to equalise, an unfortunate goal with the
ball bouncing in after rebounding off the post.

The next few minutes saw end-to-end football, Josh almost managing to run the ball into the net at one end followed by a great short range save from Matthew. Some strong mid-field play from Joe won the Tigers a corner and a well-saved shot on goal.

Jack D and Dan were substituted by Scott and Ben D halfway through the half. Almondsbury were forced to defend for the next period with excellent work by Jack C, another good save from Matthew, and a scramble in the Tigers' goalmouth. But on the half-time whistle,
Bristol Central scored from a corner: 1-2.

The Tigers started the second half strongly, with good attacking play from Josh, Ben, Joe and Max. A slightly controversial moment followed when the Bristol Central keeper handled the ball from a back-pass, but Max's free kick was well saved. A good through ball from Scott found
Max but the Tigers couldn't find the equaliser, and on 13 minutes, against the run of play Bristol Central found the net with a low driven shot: 1-3.

The Tigers pulled one back, a cross from Max finding Josh who scored to make it 2-3. But 2 minutes later the Tigers conceded again, after a save from Matthew rebounded in the path of the Bristol Central forward.

For the last 10 minutes Jack D and Dan were brought back on in place of Scott and Ben. A good shot from Joe was headed clear, Jack C and D worked hard in defense, making some critical tackles, and Josh battled hard all over the pitch.

A difficult game for the Tigers against strong opposition, but a final score of 2-4 was enough to give Almondsbury a 7-6 win overall.

Oldland Abbotonians vs Almondsbury Youth FC U11's

(1) (4)

The Lions lined up this week with Billy replacing Ollie in goal while Oscar and Evan made up the defensive line. Archie, Will Lacey and George started in midfield and Will Ponting was up front.The Lions set out to make up for the defeat last week and soon created an early chance for Will Ponting. After 2 mins he made a good run through and hit his shot from inside the box. The initial strike hit the post but Will fired home the rebound to make it 1-0 to Almondsbury. Despite the early setback the home team were dominating the midfield and Billy was called on to make a great save on the line after 8mins. The home team continued to press for an equaliser but Will Lacey, George and Archie kept battling in midfield and kept the chances to a minimum while Will Ponting always looked dangerous on the break. Eventually the pressure told and Oldland equalised on18mins. Billy pulled off a great save from the initial shot but could not keep out the shot from the rebound,1-1. The Lions responded immediately with great work from Will Lacey to win the ball in midifeld. He fed Will Ponting who returned the ball to Will Lacey to shoot but his effort hit the post and was saved. Sam Thompson came on in midfield to patrol the left wing and help Oscar on the left side of defence. As the half went on the Lions got more into the game and on 21mins it was George's turn to make a break down the left wing and take a shot but again the keeper made a good save. It was right on half time that the Lions scored again with a great ball out of defence by Evan which found Will Ponting, he in turn fed the ball to George who took it on and beat the keeper to make it 2-1 at half time.

The second half started with the Lions on the front foot and again it was Will Ponting who had an early chance which was well saved and a follow up header was tipped over the bar. Evan and Oscar were very solid at the back in the second half and the closing down all over the pitch by the Lions gave Oldland few chances to get into the game. On 35mins it was the 2 Will's again combining to set up Archie on the edge of the box but his shot went just wide. Archie featured again on 36mins when a dangerous move from Oldland threatened our goal but Archie tracked back and forced the ball out just as the shot was about to come in. The team's hard work paid off on 39mins when Archie played a good through ball to Will Ponting and he clamly slotted the ball past the keeper to extend the lead, 3-1 to Almondsbury. The home team began to tire now and the Lions could have scored one or two more goals befroe the final whistle with a volley from Will Ponting just going over the bar and right on the final whistle George saw his shot hit the post. Final Score = 3-1 to Almondsbury.

A much better performance all round than last week, particularly in the second half where the Lions dominated the midfield and created some great chances. Excellent tight defence and goalkeeping kept the home team chances to a minimum and helped earn us the victory.

With the Lions having secured a good lead it was up to the Tigers to repeat last weeks's performance. Both Joe and Max were missing this week and so the Lions lined up with Matt Hayden in goal , a defensive pair of Jack Cooksey and Ben Crew, a midifield containing Scott, Dan and Josh while Harvey played up front. The home team had the better of the possession in the early stages but despite this the hard working Tigers kept their chances on goal to a minimum. Jack and Ben looked very solid in defence and the midified spent a lot of the time closing down and tackling back with Josh in particular having a great game and making some crucial interceptions. Part way thorugh the half Ben Davis came on to replace Scott and Jack Durlacher moved into defence with Ben Crew Crew slotting into midfield in place of Dan. Ben Davis worked really hard on the right wing and on18mins he battled to win a corner. The resulting set piece was cleared off the line from Harvey's shot but how it did not go in is a mystery! The home side then went close on 20mins as Matt was forced into a double save to keep them out. The Tigers continued to keep things tight to get to half time at 0-0.

The second half saw the Tigers again playing an excellent defensive game with little or no chances for the oppostion and Matt was hardly being troubled in goal. On 35mins it was Ben Crew, who was having an excellent game in midfield, who won the ball and fed it through to Scott who ran on and shot but the keeper made a good save. The Lions kept up the pressure and on 36mins it was Josh who latched onto a ball from Jack Durlacher and he also ran through to shoot, but again the keeper was on top form. Eventually the goal came on 45mins with a great solo run from Josh who drove into the box and beat the keeper to make it 1-0 to the Tigers. The Tigers kept up their tight defence and despite their best efforts the home team could find no way through. The Tigers nearly doubled their lead at the end when Josh was clean through on goal again but this time put his shot just wide. The full time score was 1-0 to Almondsbury.

Another great battling performance from the Tigers who kept a clean sheet for the second week in a row and took their chances in front of goal.

Almondsbury Youth FC U11's vs Oldland Abbotonians (2) (4)

The Lions had the better of the opening 5 minutes with Will Lacey having a shot rebound off the post and the home side forced a series of early corners but could not convert their chances. The Lions started with Evan and Oscar in defence backed up by Ollie on goal. Will Lacey, Archie and George covered the midfield and Will Ponting was up front. On 9mins the midfield combined well with Will Lacey crossing to find Will Ponting in the box but his shot was well saved. After the initial 10mins the visitors began to get into the game and Ollie was forced into a great save from a long range shot on 11mins. Billy came on to play in defence and the game was becoming a midfield battle with few chances being created and all the Lions forced to defend and Will Ponting working hard to close down from the front. Then the home side conceded 2 goals in two minutes and found themselves 2-0 at the half time whistle.

The Lions seemed to be finding it hard to get into the game and the early stages of the second half found them under pressure again with Billy making a goal line clearance. On 30mins the hard work of Will Ponting looked to be rewarded when he latched onto a through ball and battled with the keeper to score but the effort was disallowed. Sam Thompson and Oscar were now playing in midfield while Archie was closing down all over the pitch and the Lions started to put some pressure on the away team. On 31mins Billy had a shot cleared off the line. This was quickly followed by a great run from Will Ponting who fed the ball to Will Lacey but his shot was scooped over the bar. It looked like one of those days in front of goal and the away side were dangerous on the break with Ollie forced into another great save on 38mins from a point blank effort. As the Lions tired the away side scored again to make it 3-0 and just to rub salt in the wounds they scored a 4th late on. George had a fine effort on 48mins which was well saved and the game finished 4-0 to the visitors.

A disappointing result as we did not battle as hard as we have done in recent games and gave away some easy goals. On the plus side we did create some good chances but had little luck in front of goal.

The Tigers had some work to do to make up the defecit from the first game and the early signs were not good as Oldland put us under pressure from the kick off. The Tigers started with Matt in goal, Jack Durlacher and Ben Crew in defence, a midfield of Josh, Joe and Harvey and Max returned up front. The Tigers held firm in the opening stages and gradually fought their way into the match. It was on the 10min mark when Josh made a break from midfield and avoided several tackles to feed Max who clamly beat the keeper to make it 1-0 to the Tigers. The away team looked to reply and Matt was forced into some smart saves to keep the Tigers ahead. Ben and Jack were having a confident game in defence but it was hard to get our passing game going in a crowded midfield and Max had few chances. Jack Cooksey replaced Ben in defence and had great game with calm defence interceptions and some good passing. The Tigers kept their lead to make it 1-0 at half time.

The second half was another hard fought affair with Dan Connors on in midfield supporting, Joe and Josh who tried to make breaks but could not find the through balls to Max. It took until the 39th minute for the Tigers to extend their lead when Josh again broke free and found Max with another great pass and he duly scored to make it 2-0 to the Tigers. The away side never gave up and the Tigers had to continue to defend right to the final whistle with Jack and Jack again making a solid defensive partnership and Matt having another confident game in goal including an important double save right at the end of the match to keep a clean sheet. The game finished 2-0 to the Tigers.

A great battling display backed up with clinical finishing saw another win and another clean sheet- same again next week please!

Nicholas Wanderers vs Almondsbury Youth U11's

(2) (3)

.Playing on a very uneven and sticky pitch the Lions were literally fighting an uphill battle in the first half of this game. A confident home side put pressure on the Lions goal early on but Ollie made some good stops and it was Will Lacey and Will Ponting who tested the Wanderers defence early on in this even match. On 4mins Ollie was called into action again and made a point blank save from a header.

Evan and Oscar again put in a strong defensive performance with a lot of help from Archie Page and Geoge Bond working back from midfield. Ollie was tested again on 9mins with a good save from a long range effort. After the first 10mins the Lions began to work their way into the match and on11mins George and Will Lacey put together a nice passing move which let George have a shot on goal which was well saved. We then saw Sam Thompson come on to replace Archie in midfield and he carried on the good work in trying to win the midfield battle. It was 21mins into the game before we got a goal as the Lions won a corner. The ball was initially cleared to Will Lacey who cut in from the left wing and unleashed a great shot into the far corner of the goal, 1-0 to Almondsbury. The team carried on their great defensive work for the rest of the half to keep the score 1-0 at half time

With the slope in their favour in the 2nd half the Lions found the game a bit easier and they managed to keep the home side attacks to a minimum with the whole team taking on their defensive duties from front to back and working hard to win possession. On 35mins they were rewarded with a long through ball to Will Ponting from Will Lacey. Will turned quickly on the ball and fired home to make it 2-0 to the Lions. The home side continued to press and again the Lions were called on to defend as well as last week with Will Ponting working back well to help out the midfield with some crucial tackles and George in particular covering all areas of the pitch to keep us on top. Archie came back on to add some fresh legs and despite the best efforts of the home side we were holding firm thanks to a goal line clearane from Will Lacey and more smart keeping from Ollie. Right at the end of the match it looked like we would get another goal when Oscar made a great break out of defence and found Will Ponting on the edge of the box. He avoided the tackles and put in a great shot which was just tipped round the post by the keeper. Just when we thought we would win by 2 goals the home side snatched a late consolation from a long shot to make it 2-1. At the full time whistle the score was 2-1 to the Lions.

Another great team performance with hard work and tackling all over the pitch backed up with clinical finishing which earned us the victory.

The Tigers were missing two regulars this wek with Max and Jack Cooksey unavailable so Ben Crew stepped into defence and Dan Connors started in midfield with Harvey up front.The Tigers made a shaky start with a break down the left wing by Wanderers which saw their winger cut inside and squeeze the ball past Matt in goal to make it 1-0 after 2mins. The Tigers were under pressure for much of the early part of the game and found it hard to clear their lines. But the defensive performance was equal to last week with Joe and Josh in midfield fighting for every ball and Jack Durlacher and Ben Crew forming a formidable defensive partnership the home side had very few chances to score. It was 10mins before the Tigers began to threaten and it was Joe who broke through from midifled and shrugged off several tackles to get his shot away but it was deflected wide. The Tigers kept up the pressure and on 17mins they won a corner. The initial ball was cleared and fell to Harvey who controlled well and then lashed it into the top corner to score the equaliser (the celebration was as good as the goal!) Score now 1-1. The Tigers were gaining in confidence and on 18mins it was Josh who broke out of midfiled with a great run taking on 3 or 4 players and then feeding Harvey but this time his shot was well saved. Ben Davis replaced Dan in midfield and his fresh legs helped us to control the midfield area. Jack and Ben Crew continued to be strong in defence and Matt was having another good game in goal. We got to half time with the score 1-1 and all to play for.

The second half saw the Tigers playing down the slope and Dan Connors replaced Harvey up front. Josh and Joe continued to work their socks off in midfield and refused to let the home side get an advantage while Matt made some excellent saves from corners and set pieces. Jack and Ben had excellent games at the back and on a couple of occasions Jack broke out from defence and marauded down the left wing. On 30mins Harvey replaced Ben Davis and in what was a very tight match it looked like 1 more goal would win it. The home team kept on pressuring the Tigers in the last 10mins of the game but they held firm and Ben Crew in particular was getting tackles in all over the pitch and driving forward when he could. We nearly scored the winner on 38mins when Joe dribbled the ball into the box but saw his shot deflected wide again. Then on 48mins it was Josh's turn to test the keeper as he made a terrific solo run and let fly but again the Wanderers got a last minute block in to deny us the winner. Full time score =1-1

These close games are no good for the spectators nerves! An excellent battling team performance again today with the same commitment and organisation as we showed last week. This time it earned us the win- well done to both of our teams.

Almondsbury Youth U11's vs Fry's Club Colts

(2) (2)

On paper this looked a tough fixture with the visiting team unbeaten in the 4 matches played so far. The Lions started with Ollie back in goal and a defensive pairing of Oscar and Evan. Archie, George and Will Lacey made up the midfield and Will Ponting was up front. The Lions started on the offensive and Will Lacey had an early chance from an Archie Page cross but his shot was just wide. The Lions were matching Fry's all over the pitch and George, Will L and Will P were creating some good opportunities. On 9 mins it was George who let fly with a powerful shot from the left wing which the keeper nearly fumbled into his net. From the resulting corner Will Ponting had a shot cleared off the line. On10mins Billy Wilde replaced Evan in defence who had another confident game. Billy was involved right from the off and along with Oscar formed a tough tackling back line. On 15mins the Lions got their passing game going well and a nice one-two between Will Lacey and Will Ponting put Will P through to shoot into the corner,1-0 to Almondsbury! Dan Connors replaced George in the middle of the park and the Lions continued to battle well in midfield while Billy was giving the visitors no time on the ball and clearing whern necessary. The Lions defence was needed right on half time when the ball was cleared off the line by Dan and the score remained 1-0 at half time.

The vistiors started the second half like they meant business and the Lions goal came under sustained pressure with a series of shots and corners having to be defended. Again Billy and Oscar were outstanding in putting the tackles in and getting bodies in the way. In fact the whole team was defending really well and Ollie made some good reaction saves to keep the visitors out. The Lions managed to weather the early storm and gradually started to create some chances at the other end but we could not get another goal and the last 5mins were a nervous period again as Fry's piled on the pressure to get an equaliser. Ollie again pulled off a great save and the team fought for every ball right to the end. Final score = 1-0 to the Lions.

A great team performance against a team at the top end of the league. We frustrated them to keep a clean sheet and played some neat passing football to create our goal. An excellent first win of the season for the Lions.

The pressure was on the Tigers now to play as well as the Lions and see if we could pull off a shock result against the visitors. They started with Matt in goal, a back line of Jack D and Jack C. Ben Crew, Ben Davis and Joe formed the midfield and Max up front. The visiting team went on the attack right from the off and the early stages saw a lot of defending by the Tigers. They were up to the task and despite all their efforts the visitors could not get any shots on target. Jack D and Jack C continued their good defensive form and Joe, Ben D and Ben C battled well to halt the Fry's attacks. It took until 10mins into the game before a scramble in the box allowed the visitors to score and make it 1-0. The Tigers fought back instantly and on 13mins there was a great move by Max and he fed Joe who ran to the edge of the box and let fly to find the top corner, 1-1. The game continued to be hard fought in midfield and Ben Crew who dropped back into defence had a great game. Ben Davis, Joe, Harvey and Scott had good games in midfield and helped to protect our back line for the rest of the first half.

The visitors started the second half as they started the first with a lot of pressure on the Tigers goal. Again the defence held firm with Matt making some good saves and Jack C and Ben Crew clearing the long balls from Fry's really well. It was on 35mins that the Tigers began to go on the attack with Joe winning the ball in midfield and feeding Max to go one on one with the keeper but his powerful shot was well saved by the keeper to keep the score at 1-1. Shortly after, a long goal kick from Fry's bounced on the edge of our box. Jack Cooksey tried to head clear but unluckily he deflected the ball towards the goal and Matt could not keep it out. 2-1 to Fry's Colts.

The visitors went all out for the win in the last 5mins but the Tigers were determined not to be beaten with tackles flying in all over the pitch and Matt making some crucial saves including one right on the final whistle to ensure we earned a point. Final score = 2-1 to Fry's Colts.

Another brilliant team performance with everyone working hard to close down, win their tackles and when necessary withstand the physical challenges. If we can play like this every week we will definitely win more games than we lose!

Bromley Heath vs Almondsbury Youth U11's

(4) (4)

The early stages of this game were played mostly in the midfield with both teams trying to win possession of the ball and cope with the sticky pitch. The Lions started with Billy in goal and Oscar and Evan managing the back line. The midfield of George, Archie and Dan Connors found it hard to pick out Will Ponting up front and we made little progress in attack. The home side used the long ball to keep us pinned back and were dangerous on the right wing. They scored first after 12mins to make it 1-0 to Bromley Heath. The Lions seemed unsure how to deal with the Bromley Heath tactics and were unusually hesitant in the tackle. It was not long before the home side doubled their lead to make it 2-0 at half time.

The half time team talk seemed to have had some effect and right from the kick off the Lions were more offensive. Scott was on in midfield and along with Archie and George they worked really hard to keep the Lions in the match.The reward came on 28mins with a long goal kick from Billy which was picked up by Will Ponting and he calmly fired past the keeper to make it 2-1. The Lions grew in confidence with Evan making some good runs out of defence and Will Ponting creating problems for the home side.On 31mins the Lions nearly created their second as Oscar cleared from defence and found Will Ponting who beat the keeper to the ball but saw his lob shot go just over the bar. It was Will again on 33mins who cut in from the left wing and shot at the keeper who palmed the ball away to Archie who saw his shot go wide of the left hand post. Just when the Lions seemed to be getting the better of the match the home side scored again to make it 3-1. Not to be outdone the Lions fought back again and on 37mins there was a goal from Archie who was set up by a great left wing run from George who beat 2 defenders before crossing to Archie who got in at the near post to score and make it 3-2. The last quarter of the game was tight with both sides having chances with Billy making some brave saves in a crowded penalty box and George was closing down all over the midfield to keep us in the game. However our efforts up front were getting no luck at all and right at the end fo the match Bromely Heath scored again to make it 4-2 at the final whistle.

Overall a scrappy match on a sticky pitch. The Lions seemd to be lacking the desire to win the 50/50 balls today, were hesitant in the tackle and found it hard to get their passing game going. Great work from George in midfield and a confident performance from our stand- in keeper, Billy Wilde.

The Tigers started this game on the ofensive and in the early minutes it was dominated by Joe Mullen, Harvey, Ben Crew and Max who kept the ball well and pinned the home side into their own half. Despite the pressure they defended really well and we found it hard to create any clear cut chances. Matt Hayden in goal and Jack Durlacher and Jack Cooksey in defence were mostly bystanders as the home side set themselves up to defend with 7 players behind the ball. The Tigers took until 18mins into the match to finally get the breakthrough as a corner from Harvey found Joe on the edge of the box. He controlled the ball and under pressure managed to fire into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 to Almondsbury. On 20mins there was a great run by Max who beat 2 defenders to create a shooting chance but his shot went just wide. Having dominated the first half it was amazing that at half time the score was only 1-0.

The second half started in the same way as the first with the Tigers on the front foot. They set up a series of corners but could not find a way through a packed penalty box. The occasional Bromley Heath attack was well managed by Jack and Jack with Matt Hayden rarely called into action in goal.

On 27mins Max broke free and avoided 2 or 3 tackles before getting his shot away but it flew across the box to find Harvey on the right wing, but his shot went wide of the left hand post. Just when it looked like we would not get the crucial second goal the score came from a free kick on the right wing. Harvey fired a looping shot at the goal which the keeper couldn't deal with and we made it 2-0 with 2mins to play. The Tigers pushed on to try and get the 3rd but legs were tiring on the heavy pitch. Joe had one further chance when he broke through the lines of defence but could not get his shot away. Right at the death the home team launched an attack and sent in a fierce shot which was heading for the top corner but Matt Hayden pulled off a remarkable save to tip it over the bar and keep a clean sheet.

The Tigers started really well but found it hard to break down a well organised Bromley Heath defence. They stuck at it and should really have won by more than 2 goals. Well done to Matt for the last minute save which helped us earn a draw overall.

Saltford Stars vs Almondsbury Youth U11's

(10) (9)

The Lions had the better of the early stages of this match with Archie Page, Will Lacey and George Bond dominating the midfield and Will Ponting dangerous upfront. The Lions won an early corner which was scrambled away and then George saw his powerful shot tipped round the post and from the resulting corner his header went just over the bar. Ollie Wombwell made another good start in goal while Evan Clarke and Oscar Knowles looked powerful and in control at the back and on 9mins it was Evan who made a surging run from defence and put in a good cross from the left wing which found Will Ponting but his shot went just wide. Despite all the early pressure it was the home team who took the lead on12mins to make it 1-0. The home side then put the Lions under more pressure and on17mins they scored another to make it 2-0. A quick response was needed and it came from Will Ponting who made a clever run down the right wing and then crossed to Will Lacey who rounded the keeper and slotted home to make it 2-1. The same two players combined again from the restart and nearly got the equaliser but the keeper managed to deflect the shot wide. The Lions then had another 5mins of madness and we conceded three goals from long range efforts and by 23mins gone it was 5-1 to Salford! The Lions battled on and Will Lacey nearly pulled one back right on half time when his shot hit the post and the follow up header went just over the bar. Half time - 5-1 to Saltford.

The second half time started much like the first with the Lions dominating possession. Harvey Goard was on in midfield and battled hard against bigger opponents while Dan Connors replaced Evan at the back. The Lions kept it tight and on 28mins got back into the match with a great cross from Will Lacey which picked out Will Ponting and he calmly beat the keeper to make it 5-2 and the comeback was on! It was the Lions again on target on 29mins when a good through ball by Will Lacey picked out Harvey but his effort was well saved by the keeper. It was all Almondsbury now with Ollie and the defence dealing comfortably with the Saltford breakaway attacks and most of the play in the home team half. On 30mins a great through ball from Evan found Will Ponting but his shot was again just wide of the post. Saltford were playing on the break and on 30mins Ollie was called into action to make a great save to keep the Lions in the game. Time was running out but the Lions kept on pressing despite getting no luck in front of goal. On 38mins they was a good break by Will Lacey and George who saw his powerful shot go just wide. Finally a goal came with a long goal kick from Ollie which found it's way through to Will Ponting on the edge of the box. He controlled the ball well and fired home to make it 5-3. The Lions piled on the pressure and Will L and Will P put together another good passing move which finished with Will Ponting seeing his shot well saved by the keeper. The home team continued to look good on the break Oscar was going a great job to deal with the attacks. Just when it looked like the scoring was over and the whistle was about to go the home team scored with a powerful shot from the side of the pitch to make it 6-3 at the full time whistle

Overall a much improved performance but with no luck in front of goal and another 5minute blip in concentration which saw us ship 3 goals. Great match to watch and some good football played

The Tigers started like they meant business and Joe saw his shot cleared off the line in the early minutes. Despite this start it was Saltford who took an early lead to make it 1-0 despite Matt Hayden making a good attempt the keep the ball out low down to his right. Despite the early setback the Tigers came back strongly and on 3mins they were level when Joe Mullen won the ball in midfield and powered through the midfield before firing past the keeper, 1-1. Jack Cooksey and Jack Durlacher were again organised in defence and Josh, Joe and Dylan fought well in midfield but found it hard to get the passing game going due to a lack of space on a narrow pitch. It was the home team who scored again to make it 2-1 but then the Tigers replied straight away when they were awarded a penalty which was converted on the second attempt by Max . The Tigers began to dominate the game now and they took the lead after Ben Davis fed a through ball to Max Andrews in the box and he fired past the keeper to make it 3-2 at the half time whistle.

Early in the second half it was Max again who tested the keeper as he ran through on goal but saw his shot deflected wide. The home team then saw a speculative free kick into our box deceive Matt Hayden and the scores were level at 3-3. The Tigers again battled back and Ben Davis added some strength and power to the midfield which helped us to get the upper hand again. He won the ball in midfield and fed Josh who in turn found Max Andrews and he shot home to make it 4-3 to Almondsbury. Just when the Tigers thought they were on top we conceeded a free kick right on the edge of the box and Saltford fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner to make it 4-4. The Tigers put everything into the last 10mins of the match and Max, Josh and Joe created a number of chances but we could not score. Fianlly Max got away up the left wing and powered past the defender before cutting into the box and beating the keeper to make it 5-4. The Tigers went all out for another goal and it came again from Max who repeated his move on the defender on the left wing, and again found the bottom corner, 6-4! It looked like the Tigers may make up the defecit from the first game as attack after attack was defended by the home team but in the end the final whistle beat us and the score was 6-4 to Almondsbury at the finish.

Another great team performance by the Tigers who never gave up and put some good passing moves together. Again we could have had more goals but for the post and some great goalkeeping!

Almondsbury Youth U11's vs Saltford Stars

(11) (7)

The visitors made a good start to this game and the Lions found themselves under pressure early on. Despite this it was the home side who opened the scoring on 5mins with a goal from Will Ponting set up by good work from George and Will Lacey.1-0 to Almondsbury. This was closely followed by another Will Ponting effort after a through ball from George but this time the shot was well saved. The Lions kept up the pressure and on 7mins a second goal came after Will Ponting won the ball from a Saltford goalkick and fired in his shot which was saved but the ball came out to Evan on the edge of the box who fired home to make it 2-0. Despite the score line the visitors looked dangerous on the break and Oscar and Dan Connors in defence had their work cut out to deal with the long goalkicks from Saltford and on 12mins it was Ollie who made a good save after a good through ball found the Saltford striker. It was on 16mins that Saltford found a way through and pulled a goal back to make it 2-1. Evan was now switched to defence and Harvey and Scott came on in the midfield and Evan was called on to make a number of key tackles and blocks to keep the visitors out.

On 20mins the home side extended their lead after George picked up the ball from Ollie's goalkick and rounded the keeper before firing home to make it 3-1. The 2 goal lead lasted only a few seconds as straight from the restart Saltford scored again to make it 3-2 at half time.

The second half started with an early effort from Saltford which Ollie did well to hold on to. But another goal was not long in coming and Saltford soon made it 3-3 in a very even game. Evan continued his great defensive work and Harvey, Scott, Oscar and George battled in the midfield to try and control the game. Their efforts were rewarded on 37mins when a good run by Will Ponting on the right wing ended with a cross into the box and Oscar was there to fire home to make it 4-3 to the Lions. The visitors never gave up with even their goalkeeper coming up for a set piece towards the end and they managed to snatch an equaliser towards the end of the game to earn a draw.

Final Score = 4-4.

Some impressive attacking play from the Lions but the visiting side battled hard for a well deserved draw

The Tigers made the worst possible start by conceding a goal in the first minute from a headed goal. 1-0 to Saltford. They soon picked themselves up and showed the same battling spirit that earned them the victory last week and within 6mins the scores were level after a powerful run and shot from Joe beat the keeper. 1-1. The Tigers were playing well now and on 9mins a good move started by Jack Durlacher who fed Ben Crew and his pass found Max who beat the keeper to make it 2-1 to the Tigers. The visitors refused to lie down and put together some good passing moves and Matt Hayden was forced into a great point blank save on 10mins. Jack Cooksey and Jack Durlacher kept things tight at the back and Josh, Ben and Joe were dominating the midfield. Archie Page came on later in the half and made an immediate impact as his through ball found Josh who calmly slotted past the keeper to make it 3-1 to the Tigers. Just when it seemed the home side would take a 2 goal lead into the break Saltford pulled one back to make it 3-2 at half time and still anyone's game.

The second half saw Dylan Morley on in midfield with Archie and Josh with Max up front. It was the Tigers who made the better start with Archie going on a solo run from the left wing which beat 3 defenders but his shot was tipped over the bar. The pressure soon told and on 28mins Max converted a cross from Josh to make it 4-2. The fifth goal soon followed with another good move by Archie who fed Josh on the edge of the box. He avoided the tackles and poked home to make it 5-2. Despite the scoreline the visitors kept battling and Matt was forced into another good save on 37mins low down on his right hand side. The Tigers were in control of the match and Josh, Max, Joe and Archie were working well together while Jack Durlacher and Jack Cooksey kept the visiting strikers at bay . A sixth goal came on 40mins when a run on the right wing by Max saw him pass to Joe in the box and he clamly beat the keeper to make it 6-2. The Tigers let in a late goal from a Saltford corner to make it 6-3 but still had time to score one more themselves with a run and shot from Josh which the keeper pushed wide and Max was there to tap home for 7-3.

Full time = 7-3

Another great team performance by the Tigers who all worked hard at defending and got up to support the attacks well.

OVERALL MATCH SCORE= ALMONDSBURY YOUTH 11- 7 SALTFORD STARS

Bristol Central vs Almondsbury Youth FC U11's

On a hot and humid day theLions made a sluggish start and Ollie was forced into a good early save from an energetic Bristol Central side. After weathering the first 5mins the Lions created a chance of their own with George Bond seeing his long range free kick go just wide. The home team still had the upper hand and Oscar Knowles with Dan Connors in defence had their hands full. As the half went on George Bond, Will Lacey and Will Ponting began to get some passes going and on 10mins Will Ponting saw his lobbed shot go just wide of the far post. The Lions grew into the game more and more and on 15mins the ball was well won by Dan who fed Will Lacey in midfield. He avoided the tackles and set up Will Ponting for a shot which was well blocked. Just as the Lions looked to be coming to terms with the home team they conceeded to make it 1-0. The Lions heads did not go down and they pressed for the equaliser which came on 20mins after a corner was overhit and Evan retrieved the ball and fired it back into the area and Will Ponting slotted it home at the far post.

1-1 at half time.

The home side again made a fast start and Ollie was called on again to make a good save almost from the restart. Our players were finding it hard to cope with the physical side of the Bristol Central game at times but Dylan Morley in particular had a great game with some strong tackles and good passing out of defence.Harvey, George and Will Lacey were forced to track back and battle for the ball and this reduced our attacking efforts. The Lions then had a 5minute lapse and we let in 4 goals in succession, and from a close game at 1-1 the score became 5-1 to the home team as we could not cope with them on the break. Despite the score and the heat the Lions regained their senses and battled back into the match and on 45mins they won a free kick on the edge of the area. Evan took a long shot but saw his effort fly just over the bar. But the Lions were rewarded on 46mins as a good cross by George was touched in by Wil Ponting to make it 5-2. The Lions sensed they could score more and straight from the kick off Geroge had another powerful shot which just went wide.

Full Time score= Bristol Central 5- 2 Almondsbury Youth

Overall a hard fought match with some good attacking play by the Lions but defensively the whole team switched off at times and let the opposition score too easily.

The Tigers made a good start and matched the effort and desire of the home team from the kick off. Josh Hoskins had the first effort on 7mins with a shot that went just wide of the post after good build up play. The home team fought back and on 9mins Matt Hayden was forced into a good save with his feet and the ball was cleared by Josh and Jack Cooksey. The match was end to end and on 10mins the Tigers made a good break with Joe Mullen and Josh working and opening but the shot from Joe went just wide. Despite the heat the entire team worked really hard at closing and tackling with Jack D and Jack C at the back getting in crucial tackles and then clearing well and Joe, Josh and Ben Crew fighting for every ball in midfield, while Max Andrews kept making himself available up front and chasing the ball down. Despite their hard work it was the home team that took the lead against the run of play to make it 1-0 on 19mins. This just spurred on the Tigers and they replied instantly with Joe and Max getting shots on goal and on 20mins Josh saw his shot from the edge of the box hit the crossbar and bounce out. The equaliser was not long in coming as on 21mins Josh won a free kick and the resulting set piece was fired into the box and deflected in by a defender, 1-1. The Tigers were dominating the game now and on22mins it was Jack Durlacher who made a good break after winning the ball in midfield. He drove on towards goal and pased to Max who forced his shot just wide. The next goal was scored by Max who pounced on the home team defensive error. He won the ball and calmly slotted past the keeper to make it 2-1 to the Tigers. Sadly the lead was not to last as just before Half time the home side equalised to make it 2-2 at the break.

From the restart the Tigers were under pressure and Matt Hayden made a good save to keep the scores level. This was a very even match with both sides going for the win. Joe and Josh battled very well in midfield and helped by Ben Crew and Ben Davis the Tigers midfield was solid today.It was Joe who broke free on 27mins and set Josh free up front but his shot went just wide. It was Josh again on 30mins who made a great run and then shot only for the keeper to push the ball out to Joe who fired it in again but the keeper made another great save. Just when the Tigers looked to be getting the upper hand it was Bristol Central who scored to make it 3-2. On 35mins the Tigers got the equaliser with some old fashioned route one football. A strong goal kick from Matt Hayden reached Josh on the edge of the opposition box and he ran onto the ball and lashed it past the keeper to make it 3-3.

The home team fought back again and Matt Hayden was forced into a reaction save from a corner to keep the scores level.The last 10mins of the match were dominated by the Tigers with Josh, Joe and Max creating several chances and forcing the Bristol keeper into some fantastic saves. The reward came on 48mins with the Tigers winning a midfield battle and setting Josh free. He cut in from the right and curled his shot over the keeper to make it 4-3 to the Tigers.

FINAL SCORE = Bristol Central 3- 4 Almondsbury Youth Tigers

A really enjoyable match with a great team performance to win the game. Special mention to Joe and Josh who worked really hard in the midfield areas today to win the ball and create chances.

Almondsbury Youth Fc U11's v Whitchurch Sports

U11's

The first match of the season saw the new look Lions side make a bright start with Will Lacey making an early run down the left wing and letting fly only to see his shot hit the side netting. There were also early attempts from Scott Smith on the volley and a snapshot from Will Ponting on 8mins which was well saved by the keeper. Ollie Wombwell made a confident start in the Lions goal in difficult wet conditions and Evan Clarke and Scott Smith in defence battled well against a strong Whitchurch team. The Lions matched Whitchurch in an even game with George Bond making dangerous breaks from midfield and controlling possession well. On 18mins a perfect through ball by Will Lacey found Will Ponting who despite being tackled got his shot away but saw it go just wide of the post. The visitors also started to create a number of chances and the post came to the Lions rescue on a couple of occasions. Oscar Knowles replaced Scott in defence and was equally effective in clearing the lines and making strong tackles.The Lions pushed on towards the end of the half and on 22mins a free kick from Will Lacey was well saved and the ball came out to Evan Clarke who drove into the box and let fly only to see the shot go just wide. The visitors finisned the half with an attack that hit both posts but the ball would not go in and the half finished 0-0.

In the second half the Lions had a great early chance to take the lead when Harvery made a run into the box. This forced a handball from a Whitchurch player and saw the Lions awarded a penalty. Harvey Goard struck the ball well but the Whitchurch keeper made a good stop and the rebound was scrambled away. On 30mins the Lions conceeded form a tight angle to make it 1-0 to the visitors. The Lions did not give up and battled on with a great run and shot from George on 37mins which saw his effort go just over the bar. Then on 38mins it was Will Lacey's turn to make a solo run and his shot was well saved by the on form Whitchurch keeper. The Lions then had a 2mins lapse when they conceeded 2 goals in quick succession and the score became 3-0 to the visitors. The Lions battled to the end and a good passing move between George and Will Ponting forced the keeper into another good save. It was George again who created a chance on 48mins with a good solo run to avoid the defence , he then beat the keeper but forced his shot just wide of the post. The final action of the game saw Ollie make a great save from a Whitchurch corner to keep the scores to 3-0 at the full time whistle.

Overall a promising opening performance from the team who are still getting adjusting to new players and on another day we could have scored a couple of goals. Great defensive work from Evan, Oscar and Scott plus a good performance from Ollie in goal made Whitchurch work hard for their goals.

The Tigers came under pressure early in their match from a physically strong Whitchurch side and Matt Hayden in the Tigers goal made a good save from a long range shot on 5mins. On 7mins it was the Tigers turn to attck and Max Andrews made a strong run down the right wing but saw his shot tipped over the bar. Jack Cooksey and Jack Durlacher worked well in defence with Jack Durlacher making storng tackles in midfield and Jack Cooksey covering at the back with his pace. Archie Page ran tirelessly on the wings and was supported on the other flank by Josh Hoskins who was equally full of running. Joe Mullen battled in midfield and fought hard to find space and set Max free up front. The first goal came on 12mins with a strike for the visitors to make it 1-0.. The Tigers were under pressure again on 15mins when another good save from Matt Hayden stopped a long range effort form the visitors, but they fought back and on 16mins Joe saw his effort tipped over the bar. Dylan Morley came on during the half and took up the duties on the right wing. Despite their best efforts the Tigers found it hard to compete physically with the Whitchurch team at times and on 20mins the second goal came to make it 2-0 to Whitchurch.

Half time score = 2-0.

The Tigers came out fighting in the second half and forced an early corner which was scrambled away but on 26mins they got back into the match with a good break by Josh who fed the ball to Max Andrews who avoided the tackles and calmly slotted past the keeper to make it 2-1.

Almost immediately the Tigers conceeded again after a mix up from a corner the ball was forced home to make it 3-1. This only made the Tigers try even harder and they began to dominate the game in the last 20mins of the match. On 44mins good work from Joe and Josh created a chance but Josh saw his shot hit the post and the rebound was scrambled away. A minute later and Josh was in again only to see his shot creep over the bar. Then it was Archie who had a shot and this time it was wide of the post. The Tigers defence stood firm and ensured that the Tigers could keep the pressure on the visitors and on 48mins we saw a great run from Joe Mullen who cut in from the right wing and fed Josh but he forced his shot over the bar.

The match finished 3-1 to Whitchurch.

Overall a good performance and an encouraging start to the season from the Tigers who created enough chances to have won the match but lost concentration for short periods to let the oppposition score.

OVERALL RESULT = ALMONDSBURY YOUTH U11's 1- 6 WHITCHURCH SPORTS U11's

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