The Under 18's.
Sheerness East 7 - 6 Fulston Zebras (09-09-07)
Fulston went into this local derby with only 11 players and on a hot day and players carrying injuries it wasn’t the best start to the season; however Fulston got off to a great start with Nathan’s free-kick being deflected into East net. East hit back and with some mistakes and poor clearances from the Fulston defence East capitalised and took a 2 – 1 lead. Fulston didn’t give up and Sam’s header from a corner levelled the scores. Fulston continued to push forwarded and were rewarded when Nathan scored his second a shot after receiving the ball from Shaun’s throw in. In the second half East came out fighting and soon levelled, with Fulston on the back foot East increased their lead and Fulston found themselves 6-3 down. With Jack and Harry struggling with injuries
Fulston Zebras 5 - 1 New Road (16-09-07)
This was the first time Fulston had played
Fulston Zebras 3 - 2 Horsted (23-09-07)
With the first win under their belts and for the first time this season playing the game with substitutes it was important Fulston continued on winning ways. Again using the width of pitch 1 Josh and Tom tormented the Horsted defence and with excellent goal keeping by the Horsted keeper the score remained level. However the goalie can count himself lucky to stay on the pitch when he bought down Nathan at the edge of the box when he was clean through, and to make thing worse Horsted rare venture in to Fulston’s half they scored with a long shot with the wind taking the ball over Jack. Fulston continued to pressurise and their good football was rewarded when Nathan chipped the advancing goalie from a through ball. Unfortunately as half time approached a lapse in the Fulston defence allowed the Horsted striker to score with a header. After a half time team talk Fulston continued to play flowing football and their patients was rewarded when Nathan’s rocket shot from a free kick levelled the scores. With Horsted goalie still standing in the way of Fulston taking the lead some good inter passing allowed Tom to flick the ball in to the path of Mally, he coolly put the ball past the goalie for Fulston to take a deserved lead and the three points. MOTM Josh.
Captains Blog:-
- Sam Dale - We didn’t play as well as we could have and there was some sloppy play at times but also some great football, we dug in deep and slogged out a 3 2 win with a last minute winner from James Malley, also I would like to thank Jack Bayford for stepping in goal and putting on a solid display also well done to Josh who deserved his man of the match award.
This was the first time both teams had met in the league competition and again Fulston had to shuffle the pack to accommodate the goalie position, this time Sam Dale volunteered. As a local derby the game got off to a frantic start however Fulston’s slick passing and good combination between Nathan and Callum it was the Woodcombe goalie that was called upon to make some good saves. As
Cuxton 91 2 - 1 Fulston Zebras (14-10-07) (Cup)
Fulston had a difficult draw against an Ist Division team and a year older in the first round of the cup. And from the start you could see the gap. Cuxton had numerous early chances and Jack Bayford deputising in goal this week pulled of some excellent saves and Cuxton even missed a penalty. Although Fulston were defending desperately it was only a matter of time before Cuxton scored Fulston unable to clear the pull from a free kick and three Cuxton players were on hand to knock the ball in.
All credit to Fulston they kept themselves in the game and had chances to level. Following changes to the formation in the second half Fulston were soon back in the game Nathan picking up the ball on the right-hand side of the penalty area his shot beat the diving keeper to level the scores. With the game now wide open both teams attacked however again Fulston were caught napping at a free kick and Cuxton scored. Till the end both teams attacked and had chances to score.
Thamesview Youth 0 - 5 Fulston Zebras (04-11-07)
With a two week break from league football Fulston were keen to get off to a good start , taking the game to Thamesview they created good chances and their efforts were rewarded when Nathan slotted home a through ball from Josh to take a one nil lead. However the gaol spurred on Thamesview and Fulston found themselves on the back foot until from a breakaway Callum flicked header found Nathan and again he slotted the ball past the advancing goalie. Being two goals up Fulston came out in the second half and played the best football of the match, and soon Callum was on the score sheet converting a flick on from Nathan. Callum continued to cause the Thamesview defence problems and from one of his runs and shot the ball rebounded of the goalie and Nathan was there to complete his hat trick. All credit to Thamesview they still pushed Fulston and Sam Dale had to be called upon to ensure Fulston did not concede. Callum capped an excellent performance by scoring his second of the match again picking up a through ball and shooting past the goalie. MOTM Callum Hughes.
Beausport 2 - 5 Fulston Zebras (Cup) (11-11-07)
This was the first time Fulston had played Beausport in any football match. With a strong wind and uneven pitch it was going to be difficult for both teams, Beausport direct play put the Fulston defence under pressure and created some good chances. Once Fulston settled they took the game to Beau and were rewarded when Josh scored from a corner his not knock down being helped into the net by the Beau defender on the line. Fulston were then caught napping when Beau hit back a ball through the middle allowed the Beau striker to score and although Tom’s shot hit both the crossbar and post, the half finished even. In the second half Fulston started well and it wasn’t long before Josh scored again turning on a Nathan’s flick on and smashing the ball in from close range. Again Fulston allowed Beau back in with some sloppy defending as the Beau striker headed over the advancing Jack in goal. This kicked Fulston into gear and as they pushed forward the chances went begging. Then the turning point of the game, a mix up in the Beau defence led to a clearance hitting Grant on the head and the ball went in to the net for Grant’s first goal of the season, however the Beau linesman flagged late for an off side but thankfully the referee saw play differently and over ruled the linesman. Now in the lead Fulston played their best football and a good run and cross from Josh found Grant and he crashed the ball in, then soon after Nathan scored from a through ball from Grant. MOTM The Team.
Fulston Zebras 4 - 4 Real 60 (18-11-07)
With both teams in the top two of the division this was always going to be an important match, both teams not wanting to lose. Fulston got of to a great start when Grant converted a James Malley cross. Real hit back a long ball caught the Fulston defence napping and the Real striker scored from close range. This spurred Fulston on and Callum’s excellent volley from Grant’s throw in Fulston took a deserved lead, again Callum was on hand to score from Nathan’s shot that the goalie spilled. Fulston wasn’t finished Tom’s scored with a half volley from the edge of the penalty area. With a three goal advantage Fulston should have finished the game with a deserved win, and at the beginning of the second half had early opportunities to extend their lead with Nathan heading against the cross bar and soon after having his heels clipped by the Real goalie however the ref ignored Fulston appeals for a penalty. All credit to Real they continued to push forward and slight push from Sam on the Real striker and the ref pointed to the spot and allowed Real a life line back into the game, soon after Real had struck again a one two on the edge of the area the Real striker shot passed Jack. Playing with more confidence Real continued to attack and again was awarded a soft penalty which they converted. With time running out both teams pushed forward for the winning goal. On the balance of play a draw was a fair result but Fulston missed an opportunity to close the gap on top spot.
Fulston Zebras 3 - 2 Thamesview Youth (02-12-07)
Playing in appalling weather conditions more suited for the ducks, both teams gave their all. It was Fulston who scored first Grant collecting a through ball from Shaun and converting smartly. With the conditions worsening more mistakes were being made and from one of these Thamesview scored leaving both teams level at half time. In the second half Thamesview started the stronger and soon scored, this kicked Fulston into life and from a corner the Thamesview goalie could only push the ball into his own net from a Fulston header. With time running out Nathan connected on to a Josh cross and his volleyed goal made sure Fulston won and continued to keep the pressure on the top spot.
Fulston Zebras 4 - 0 Spartac Rangers (16-12-07)
With Spartac bottom of the league this was a good opportunity for Fulston to maintain their push on the top spot. Early pressure Fulston created some good chances and the break through came when Fulston were awarded a penalty which Shaun converted. Fulston began to dominate from this point and Nathan got on the goal sheet volleying in from a corner, then the goal of the game good build up work and cross into James and he slotted the ball home. Fulston finished the half with Josh scoring from a Nathan flick on. In the second half Fulston should have added to the score; however all credit to Spartac they came out fighting and tested Jack in goal. Although Fulston had plenty of possession and created chances in front of goal, some poor final balls and snapping at chances they couldn’t score.
Cliffe Royals 1 - 6 Fulston Zebras (06-01-08)
With Fulston still in the title race it was important that there was no let up. They had a slice of luck with Cliffe only able to field ten players, however the pitch did not allow Fulston to play their normal game and it took time before they took the lead Callum converting from a through ball. Now in the lead Fulston continued to push forward but some dogged defending by Cliffe and Fulston casual in front of goal it was sometime before Matt scored shooting after a run into the box. Then the best goal of the game James shooting over the goalie from outside the box. Fulston finished the half 4 up when Callum headed in from Tom's cross.
Fulston continued to push forward and from a good break from the back Callum completed his hat-trick again scoring from the resulting through ball. Cliffe playing most of the game with 9 players scored as Fulston pushed forward. Soon after this Josh’s tapped when the Cliffe goalie could not hold on to Callum shot.The next two weeks will determine Fulston season and this match gave everyone a good run out.
Fulston Zebras 6 - 3 Sheerness East (13-01-08)
With both teams needing to win to maintain their challenge on the top spot, it was East that started the brighter with Jack being called upon to make saves at advancing East strikers. Once Fulston settled Grant opened the scoring connecting on to a Sam flick on, and then Nathan got on the gaol sheet turning in the area and shooting which the East goal could parry into his own net. Fulston were now in full flow and ball from the back found Nathan who rounded the advancing goalie to slot the ball home. Fulston should have closed the game but East hit back, a mix up from a corner and the ball came off the cross bar and just over the line. Then a minute before half time Fulston allowed the East striker through the middle and Shaun was judged to have fouled the East striker and from the subsequent penalty Fulston found themselves only a goal up. With the wind behind them Fulston came out strongly and good volley from Nathan from just inside the area increased their lead and completed Nathan’s hat-trick, however East did not allow their heads to drop and poor marking from a corner allowed the East player to score with a free header. This goal spurred Fulston on and from a cross from Grant Josh smashed the ball in at the far post. With East pushing forward spaces appeared all over the pitch and from a break Callum pick the ball up from just outside East penalty area and scored with a good shot. This time Fulton was in no mood to relinquish this lead and played the game out. All credit to both teams the game was played in a good spirit.
Fulston Zebras 3 - 2 Real 60 (JL Cup Q/F) (27-01-08)
Previous games have always been close affairs and with only goal difference separating both teams’ at the top of the league this game was no different. Real got of to a good start causing the Fulston defence problems with their more direct football and it wasn’t long before they took the lead, the ball flicked on from a throw in ,a through ball found the Real striker who slotted home. This kicked Fulston in to life and as they started using the width of the pitch, they were rewarded when Callum put over a deep cross for Josh to head back in to the six yard box and Nathan was on hand to slot the ball in. In the second half both teams continued to play attractive football and Fulston took the lead when Josh’s shot rebounded of the Real cross bar and again Nathan was on hand to smash the ball in from close range. Fulston needed another goal and Tom scored a rare goal with his head converting from a Grant long throw in. However Real had not given up and from the kick off reduced the lead to one goal. With Real pushing for the equaliser Jack was called into action with two excellent saves to ensure Fulston made it in to the semi final. Both teams can be commended for an excellent game of football and this was highlighted by the Referee congratulating both teams for the spirit the game was played.
Fulston Zebras 14 - 0 Cliffe Royals (03-02-08)
With the league going to the wire it was important Fulston improved their goal difference and they didn’t disappoint, although it was a lucky goal which started the goal rush, Shaun’s shot that was going wide was diverted into the net by the Royal defender, soon after James scored from a rebound of the goalie, Grant then chipped the goalie from Tom’s flick on. More goals followed, Callum’s good run in to the area and shot beat the goalie and from a Nathan flick on Callum again converted, then Nathan got on the score sheet when he scored from Tom’s cross. The goal feast continued in the second half, James scoring from a Luke corner and completing his hat-trick when he finished off a good move by converting Josh’s cross. Then Josh scored from Nathan’s head on and Jake scored on his debut slotting in at the far post. Grant scored with a rare headed goal and Josh tapped in Jake’s cross, then Nathan controlled Shaun’s shot to shoot passed the Royal goalie. The scoring was completed when Jack who had little to do all game came out of goal to convert a penalty. All credit to Cliffe Royals they continued to play football till the end.
Horsted 1 - 6 Fulston Zebras (10-02-08)
With the league now in Fulston hands, it was important that they continued winning, and got off to a great start when Josh smashed the ball in with only minutes on the clock. And with Fulston pushing forward they came close to increasing the lead on numerous occasions, before Tom’s cross was met by Callum at the far post, then with the Horsted defence in disarray a clearance hit Callum on the back and the rebound ended up in the net. Fulston were not finished and Nathan turn and shot fell to Grant who smashed the ball in. With Fulston in command they allowed Horsted to score when the defence failed to clear the ball allowing the Horsted striker to score with a simple tap in. Horsted played with more spirit in the second half and although they didn’t carry any threat, they kept Fulston at bay until late on when Nathan scored picking up a loose ball in the area and slotting the ball in. With time running out Fulston pushed forward and was rewarded with a penalty when Luke was bought down and Shaun stepped up to convert.
Omega 92 1 - 4 Fulston Zebras (J.L.Cup S/Final) (24-02-08)
Fulston found themselves with a tough draw against a team in Division 1 and many of their players a year older. From the start Fulston had to come to terms with Omega’s direct football and from many of their long throw-ins they scored after Fulston failed to clear. This spurred Fulston on and they started to play football, and were rewarded when Nathan scored from a Grant long throw. With Fulston settling and getting used to the slope on the pitch and playing against the wind, Luke’s well taken free kick from just inside the Omega half fooled the goalie and went in off the bar. As the half progressed Fulston got stronger. In the second half Fulston were playing down the slope and from the start the strikers caused the Omega defence problems. And from Callum’s good run and cross Grant was on hand to smash the ball in from close range. Fulston continued to push forward and had chances to increase their lead but it wasn’t until the last minute that Nathan flicked his header over the Omega goalie to make the game safe. The next few weeks will determine Fulston season with a cup final and a good chance of winning the league.
Fulston Zebras 2 - 0 Woodcombe (02-03-08)
Fulston started well creating numerous chances and could have been a couple of goals up before Shaun’s cross from just inside the Woodcombe half was headed in by Nathan. Fulston should have gone on and killed the game but some poor finishing in front of goal allowed Woodcombe to go in only a goal down and near to the end of the half Jack was called upon to save from the Woodcombe striker as he went one on one. As the first half Fulston started well however there was still a threat from a Woodcombe break away. Fulston continued pushing for a second goal to give them some breathing space and tested the Woodcombe goalie. It wasn’t till late in the half when Josh was bought down and Shaun converted from the spot that Fulston could relax. This win will give the team confidence as they go into next week's league decider against Real.
Real 60 0 - 2 Fulston Zebras (09-03-08)
This was the crunch match both teams could not afford to lose and if one did then their league challenge would be virtually be over. It was Real that started the stronger, getting the ball to their strikers quickly, this unsettled the Fulston defence and there were a few occasions when Jack was called upon in goal. Once Fulston got used to the pace of the game and started using the wings they created some good chances and Nathan was unlucky not to get a penalty when he went one on one with the Real goalie but the ref judged the contact not sufficient to award a penalty. Soon after from a Fulston corner the ball came out of the Real area and the return pass fell kindly to Callum who was on hand to slot the ball in. It was Fulston turn to put the pressure on and Tom pick the ball up just outside the Real area and his good shot over the goalie meant Fulston had a two goal lead at half time. The second half started the same as the first Real hitting the ball long and keeping the ball in the Fulston half however Fulston kept their shape and had some good counter attacks testing the Real goalie. As time started to run out Real pushed more players forward but Fulston held firm to see the game out. This results means that Fulston only need one more win from two games to win the league and on this performance I am sure they can do it.
New Road 4 - 3 Fulston Zebras (16-03-08)
Fulston only need three points to win the league with two games left and came into this game full of confidence, however New Road were out to spoil the party and it was them that took an early lead, the Fulston defence not clearing a long ball and the New Rd striker lopped Jack. Then Fulston missed some good chances before Nathan excellent free kick levelled the scores. With both teams attacking it was Fulston who took the lead Callum picking up Grants miss kick beating the defender and slotting in. In second half New Rd continued to press and when Jack misjudged a bouncing ball the New Rd striker had a easy tap in, this spurred New Rd on but James regained the lead for Fulston heading in from a corner. From this point Fulston should have killed the game but soon after taking the lead another mix up in defence and New Rd had levelled. With Fulston looking for the win New Rd broke from defence and with Shaun on the line he was unable to clear the ball which went just over. With 20 minutes left Fulston pushed forward and had numerous chances to score but were unable to convert. Although this was a disappointing result Fulston still have another chance to secure the top spot playing the team that have finished bottom.
Fulston Zebras U18's Double Winning Season
After winning the Medway News Youth League U18's league title Fulston Zebras made it a double winning season by beating Wigmore 6-1 to win the John Leeds cup. A hat-trick from man of the match Nathan Bond and goals from Grant Murphy , Josh Charlton and Jake Lamb ensured Fulston Zebras had their best ever season.
