The Under 9 Colts.
Rainham Eagles Vs. Fulston Zebras Colts (09-09-07)
Match 1 – Rainham 5 - 1 Fulston Zebras Colts
Rainham Eagles started strongly with two shots resulting from good passing play and a third hitting the post. Zebras fought back, Matthew Smith defending well and Ieuan Mason setting up Jordan Baxendale for an attacking run and close shot. Midway through the half Rainham scored through a breakaway goal. The remaining half was end to end, good defending by Callum Battrum, a number of saves from David Rees and penetrating runs from Charlie Joy and Baxendale. In the second half Zebras started slowly and Eagles began to pile on the pressure forcing a number of good saves from Rees. After five minutes Eagles scored a second, headed onto the underside of the bar and just across the line. They follow up with two more quick goals as zebras fail to cover their defence. Zebras settled things down and earned a free kick outside the box. Baxendale placed a perfect shot over the wall and keeper to make it 4-1. Zebras quickly conceded another after losing their formation but finished strongly with good attacking football from Mason and Baxendale.
Overall Rainham deserved to win but the match was closer than the score suggests. MOTM awarded to Battrum for sticking to his defensive duties well throughout the match.
Match 2 – Rainham 3 - 0 Fulston Zebras Colts
Eagles started strongly again with an early shot across the face of the goal. They were soon a goal up after running unchallenged through the Zebras defence. Fulston started to apply some pressure with William Jordan and Owen Knight working hard in midfield. George Rayment at the back and Chris Hawes in goal, kept Eagles out for a while but they eventually increased their lead with two goals in a minute. Both resulted from Zebras failure to close down Rainham outside the box, a long shot from the right and another from the edge. Fulston fought back.Fulston fought back with strong play in midfield from sub Oliver Brown and Aaron Vincent. Jordan forced a moment of panic in the eagle’s defence when he lobbed the ball into the goal mouth and the defender sliced his clearance over the bar. Eagles immediately broke from the resulting corned but were stopped by a strong tackle from Rayment. In the second half, Fulston’s defence soaked up the early pressure. Strong tackling from Jack Sheppard. Zebras midfield started to take control as Rainham struggled to control
Valley Colts Vs. Fulston Zebras Colts (16-09-07)
Match 1 – Valley Colts 6 - 1 Fulston Zebras Colts·
A strong Valley Colts side piled on the pressure from the start. Zebras, missing several regular defenders, fought off several attacks, as they became pinned in thier own half of the field. William Jorden eventually managed to break out, his shot just past the post. Valley immediately responded by breaking through the Zebra's defence and scoring thier first goal. They went on to score thier second in similar fashion, breaking out after a good run by David Lees broke down in the Valley penalty area.
Valley continued to take the game to Zebras, only being denied by a couple of good saves from keeper Jamie Cook, and defending by Jake Shepherd and Michael Robbins. From the second half kick off, Valley raced up the right hand side and smashed the ball pasted substitute keeper Lees. Jordan Almost scored fo Fulston before Valley hit three in quick succession to make it 6-0. Fulston Started to fight back, Aaron Vincent, Jordan and Cook working hard in midfield. Cook fought his way through the Valley defence to shoot wide of the post. Shortly after Jordan was rewarded with a goal for all his hard work after he dribbled through the Valley defence. Overall this was a deserved win for a strong, well-organised Valley Colts side. Zebras showed great character in fighting to the final whistle. MOTM awarded to Jamie Cook for playing well in an unfamiliar role.
Match 2 – Valley Colts 1 - 3 Fulston Zebras Colts
A determined Fulston started the second match with one of the fastest goals of the season. Straight from kick off, Jordan Baxendale raced up the right wing and smashed in a long-range shot. Before Valley could recover Ieuan Mason sent Baxendaloe through a second time, his scrambled goal being disallowed for a foul on the keeper. Valley hit back with a couple of speculative shots over the bar and one which forced a good save by Chris Hawes in the Fulston goal. Mason, Baxendale and Owen Knight continued to keep the pressure on the valley defence, forcing a corner and Baxendale hitting the side netting. At the back Charlie Joy and Oliver Brown held back a number of Valley counter attacks. Shortly before half time, good interplay between Mason and Baxendale up the right wing, set up Fulston’s second goal. Mason’s side-footed pass over two defenders reached Knight in the penalty area who hit it straight past the keeper. Fulston ended the half attacking with Brown putting just over the bar.
Valley Colts applied more pressure after half time, Joy and Brown had to make several important tackles to preserve the Fulston lead. Hawes made a great save before Valley scored after a fine cross from the left. The game then developed into an end-to-end affair and both side came close to scoring a few times. Just before the end, Mason laid on a great pass for Baxendale to break through the centre. His goal-bound shot from the edge of the penalty area was helped over the line by Knight for Fulston’s third.
A spirited team performance by Fulston, who richly deserved their first three points of the season. MOTM went to Ieuan Mason for his hard work throughout the game in midfield.
Rainham Kenilworth Athletic Vs. Fulston Zebras Colts (23-09-07)
Match 1 – Rainham Kenilworth Athletic 4 - 0 Fulston Zebras Colts
Rainham started strongly pressing Fulston back into their own half., but were thwarted by several strong tackles from Matthew Smith and Owen Knight. Rainham eventually scored from the spot following a hand ball. Chris Hawes made a fine save before rainham worked their way through the defence to score their second. Fulston continued to defend, Smith and Charlie Joy joined in defence by Jordan Baxendale and Knight. Rainham were awarded and scored a second penalty for handling after the ball had hit the cross bar and appeared to cross the line. Fulston started to press forward for the first time as Baxendale, Knight and Michael Robbins started to win more of the ball in the midfield. A couple of good runs by Baxendale resulted in corners and a shot just wide of the Rainham goal. Just as Fulston started to build on their pressure, Rainham broke through onto an exposed defence and a powerful shot proved too much for Hawes to hold. In the second half Fulston mounted a determined defence of their goal. Smith and Joy made several vital tackles and Hawes some outstanding saves. In midfield Baxendale, Robbins and Knight started to win more of the ball to relieve the pressure. In the last few minutes, Baxendale dropped back to allow Smith to run forward. Twice Smith got on the end of Baxendale’s goal kicks and he caused a few moments of panic in the Rainham defence. The match ended with Zebras attacking the Rainham goal. A deserved win for a very strong Rainham side, but a spirited defence by Fulston especially in the goal-less second half. MOTM was awarded to Matthew Smith for battling hard throughout the match.
Match 2 – Rainham Kenilworth Athletic 0 - 3 Fulston Zebras Colts
From the start Fulston attacked the Rainham goal and William Jordan, twice, and Aaron Vincent both went close. Ieuan Mason battled strongly in midfield, hunting down every Rainham move and generally causing panic in their box. He almost scored having beaten a defender and the keeper but
his shot was cleared off the line. Midway through the half, Fulston were awarded a free kick outside the box. Oliver Brown came forward to smash a powerful shot over the Rainham wall and keeper into the net. Fulston continued to attack and were rewarded with a second goal when Jordan picked up a throw-in and ran across the face of the Rainham defence before hitting it into the bottom right corner. The second goal signalled an attacking phase from Rainham and they forced a great save from Jamie Cook and a superb clearance of the line by Jack Shepherd.
For the second half, Shepherd took the keepers’ jersey for the first time. Vincent made a couple of good runs into the Rainham box before they countered and forced a good save by Shepherd. Brown and Cook continued to defend strongly, forcing the play into the Rainham half of the field while Mason, Jordan and Vincent mounted attack after attack. Towards the end Jordan finally scored Fulston’s third, tapping home a long throw from Brown. A now rampant Fulston continued to attack to the final whistle. A superb team performance by Fulston who dominated throughout the match. Strong defending and total control in midfield forced Rainham to play most of the game in their own half. MOTM went to Oliver Brown for great work in defence and supporting the midfield.
Fulston Zebras Colts Vs. Lordswood Youth (30-09-07)
Match 1 – Fulston Zebras Colts 0 - 13 Lordswood Youth
League leaders Lordswood scored very early and continued to pound away at the Fulston goal. Despite some fine saves from keeper David Rees and strong tackling by Matthew Smith Lordswood had scored seven by half time. William Jordan had been injured early in the half and despite a number of penetrating runs from Ieuan Mason, Zebras never looked like scoring. Rees continued to make some important saves in the second half but a shot was lobbed over him for Lordswood’s eighth. Smith, George Rayment and Jack Shepherd defended desperately as Lordswood piled on the pressure but five more goals followed before the end.
Match 2 – Fulston Zebras Colts 0 - 3 Lordswood Youth
Fulston went into the second match determined to frustrate Lordswood. Both teams put some pressure on each others goals until Lordswood scored from a corner. Jordan Baxendale ran through to shoot wide on a couple of occasions and Aaron Vincent saw his shot tipped around the post. Owen Knight battled hard in midfield, and defenders Oliver Brown and debutant Jack Walker fought to hold back the Lordswood attack. In the second half keepr Chris Hawes made a number of outstanding saves. Eventually he was beaten by a strong long range shot for Lordswood’s 50th goal of the season and towards the end a volley from a corner made it three - nil. Baxendale came close following another great run. Long goal kicks from Oliver Brown continued to find Baxendale and substitute Michael Robbins deep in the Lordswood half, but strong defending kept Fulston away from the goal. MOTM was again awarded to the keeper Chris Hawes for making a number of outstanding saves.
Fulston Zebras Colts Vs.
Match 1 – Fulston Zebras 0 - 4 Chatham
Chatham started strongly, forcing Zebras keeper David Rees to make a number of fine saves before they scored an early goal. Strong defending by Matthew Smith and more vital saves by Rees prevented Riverside extending their lead. Towards the end of the first half, Fulston began to press forward, Aaron Vincent in particular coming close to equalising following a long run on the right. In the second half Fulston pressed forward looking for the equaliser. Man of the Match William Jordan created several chances after running from deep in his own half. Owen Knight and Vincent battled hard in the centre of the field, while Smith and fellow defender Jack Shepherd pressed play back into the Chatham half. A superb pass through the Chatham defence by Smith set up Jordan, but Riverside managed to scramble the ball clear. Vincent came close after another mazy run. Late in the second half, Chatham scored against the run of play. As the Fulston defence pressed forward, Riverside broke through and beat keeper Rees. They added two more shortly after, the last on the final whistle.
Match 2 – Fulston Zebras 1 - 2 Chatham Riverside
Fulston attacked the Riverside goal straight form kick off but couldn’t make anything of their early corner. Riverside responded quickly forcing a couple of great saves from keeper Chris Hawes. They took the lead with a headed goal after Fulston failed to mark properly from a corner. Ieuan Mason battled strongly in the middle of the park, picking the ball up from deep and running through the Riverside midfield a number of times. One long run into the Riverside penalty box found Charlie Joy but Chatham managed to scramble the ball away. At the back Oliver Brown and Callum Battrum battled hard to keep the play in the Chatham half. Eventually Riverside broke through to score their second goal. Fulston continued to press forward for the rest of the half, Mason and Jordan Baxendale working well together to cause problems for Riverside. Just before the whistle Battrum made a vital last ditch tackle to deny Riverside their third. From the second half kick off, Baxendale ran into the middle of the Chatham half and hit a strong shot that bounced through the keepers’ legs for a Fulston goal. Fulston continued to press forward looking for an equaliser. Mason twice came close after good passing by Baxendale from the right stretched the Riverside defence. Brown and Battrum continued to keep Chatham in their own half. Substitute Ife Shoyoye almost scored on his debut with a long-range lob which cleared the bar. Brown hit a long shot from his own half which was fumbled by the Chatham keeper for a corner. Riverside defended well to the final whistle denying Fulston the equaliser they deserved. Man of the match was Charlie Joy who worked hard and played well both up front and later in defence.
Rainham Kenilworth Athletic Vs. Fulston Zebras U9 Colts (14-10-07)
Match 1 – Rainham Kenilworth Athletic 4 - 0 Fulston Zebras Colts
Fulston were under pressure for a lot of the first half. Chris Hawes made a number of good saves while Matthew Smith and George Rayment defended bravely. Rainham’s first goal came from a shot outside the box. Fulston almost equalised when Ieuan Mason ran the length of the pitch and saw his shot parried by the Rainham keeper. Early substitute Callum Battrum then went 1 on 1 with the keeper but couldn’t get through. Rainham scored shortly after and got a third with a superb long range bullet before the break. Aaron Vincent up front and Mason caused some concern in the Rainham defence after a couple of good runs but Fulston ended the half goal less. Fulston had a much livelier second half. William Jordan returned with new boots to provide some extra strength in midfield and linked well in midfield with Mason. Substitute Ife Shoyoye came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. The second half remained goalless until just before the final whistle when Rainham broke from the right wing and a strong shot hit the post and bobbled in. Fulston’s unwanted record of conceding at least four goals in every opening game continues! Fulston’s man of the match was Ife Shoyoye who showed great promise up front.
Match 2 – Rainham Kenilworth Athletic 1 - 0 Fulston Zebras Colts
An early goal by Rainham on a counter attack put this cup-tie beyond
doubt. Jordan Baxendale looked lively in midfield, his bursting runs into
the Rainham box caused them all sorts of problems. He had a shot just
over the bar and saw a cross from the right fall to Owen Knight who went
close. At the back good defending by Oliver Brown and Jack Shepherd
kept Rainham away from keeper Jamie Cook. In the second half, Fulston
continued to press forward. Baxendale was brought down for a penalty
which he unfortunately put over the bar. Charlie Joy had a lively spell in
midfield and Oliver Brown almost scored with a long range free kick. At
the back substitute keeper David Rees made a vital save, and Jack Walker
was impressive with some very composed defending. The match remained at
1-0 to Rainham confirming Fulston’s exit from the cup.
Man of the match went to Jordan Baxendale who ran throughout the match, entertained both sets of fans (Rainham supporters were cheering him at one point!) and took a lot of knocks in the process.
Lordswood Youth Vs. Fulston Zebras U9 Colts (28-10-07)
Match 1 – Lordswood Youth 5 - 0 Fulston Zebras Colts
Less than a month ago Lordswood had hit 13 goals past Fulston and the Zebras team were determined to do better this time. From the start Lordswood relentlessly attacked, keeper David Rees performing heroics with five fine saves all of which he pushed on to the post. In defence Oliver Brown and captain Jack Shepherd made a number of last ditch tackles while Owen Knight and Callum Battrum battled away in midfield to stem the Lordswood tide. Eventually the pressure told and Lordswood scored from an overlap. They added a second before half time. It was not all one way as Aaron Vincent, Knight and sub Jamie Cook found their way through the Lordswood defence a few times. Lordswood put the match beyond Fulston with an early second half goal. Jamie cook made a number of fine saves before they grabbed a fourth on the break and a fifth off the post. Fulston battled to the end, Oliver Brown in particular urging his side on, and great batting in the middle from Charlie Joy, Knight and Rees.
Fulston’s man of the match went to Jack Shepherd for great defensive work but the entire team were applauded for their brave performance.
Match 2 – Lordswood Youth 4 - 0 Fulston Zebras Colts
Inspired by the first teams battling performance, Fulston took to the field determined to take the game to Lordswood. From the kick off, the front trio of William Jordan, Jordan Baxendale and Ieuan Mason cut through the Lordswood Youth with some great team play. Mason going close. Fulston pressed forward again with runs from Jordan and Baxendale breaking down in the penalty area. Lordswood broke down the right, a powerful shot forced a great save from Chris Hawes. Lordswood scored through an unchallenged header from the resulting corner. Lordswood increased their pressure forcing some last ditch tackles from Matthew Smith. Jack Walker and sub George Rayment. A long range shot was too strong for Chris Hawes to hold and two more goals from the back post at corners left Fulston trailing by four at the break. The second half turned into a battling, bruising affair as Fulston frustrated Lordswood. Hawes made a number of fine saves and Walker Man of the match went to defender Jack Walker who showed great composure and presence throughout the game. The whole team showed great spirit and but for their vulnerability to the corners in the first half gave the league leaders quite a contest.
Fulston Zebras Vs. Black Lion Youth (04-11-07)
Match 1 – Fulston Zebras 2 - 1 Black Lion Youth
Fulston welcomed Black Lion on the back of an 8 game losing run and were delighted to take the lead within a minute. Matthew Smith passed from defence to Willaim Jordan in the centre. His pass to the right picked out Ieaun mason who ran to the corner of the penalty area and blasted into the far corner of the net. Despite some great tackling by George Rayment, Black lion soon equalised. The half then became bogged down in a midfield battle as Fulston played too compactly. Just before half time Jordan found mason who dashed to the Lion goal line and pulled a cross back to Aaron Vincent. His shot beat t
Fulston welcomed Black Lion on the back of an 8 game losing run and were delighted to take the lead within a minute. Matthew Smith passed from defence to Willaim Jordan in the centre. His pass to the right picked out Ieaun mason who ran to the corner of the penalty area and blasted into the far corner of the net. Despite some great tackling by George Rayment, Black lion soon equalised. The half then became bogged down in a midfield battle as Fulston played too compactly. Just before half time Jordan found mason who dashed to the Lion goal line and pulled a cross back to Aaron Vincent. His shot beat t
