The Under 11's.
Fulston Zebras 6 - 1 Strood 87 (16-09-07)
In the late summer sun Fulston made a positive start as they took the game to Strood. The opposition were a physically bigger side and it took one or two in the black and white stripes a little time to get over their reluctance to tackle. Once they did Zebras didn't really look back. Ten minutes in and débutante Sean McCarty was put clean through to slot past the advancing keeper. With Player of the Match Ryan Turner operating in a free role behind the front two and Connor Stevens and Alexander Kent dominating midfield it was pretty much one way traffic. Elliott Dowling lobbed the keeper for the second and Stevens hit number three with a far post finish. Just before half time Strood managed a breakaway and a smart save from keeper Jacob Howells ensured the three goal lead was kept intact until half time. Playing with the wind and down the hill in the second half gave Zebras added impetus. Elliott Dowling scored again and Lewis Overy got the fifth, smashing home a close range effort. Alexander Kent scored the sixth, another low shot beating the keeper. In between all the goals Zebras managed to hit the woodwork twice, see a goal bound effort turned off the line and witness a series of good stops from a Strood keeper in top form. With seconds left Strood won a free kick and grabbed a consolation goal with an unstoppable shot from just outside the box. Overall a great team effort. The defence, marshalled by skipper Matt Tumber, performed well as a unit. Midfield supported the attacks and chased back to help out defenders. Strikers scored 4 of the goals. All in all a great start. Lets see if we can keep it going next week!
Captains Blog - Matt Tumber - "Let's get some conkers"
Fulston Zebras 16 - 2 Oak Athletic (23-09-07)
Zebras started the game with plenty of energy. Strong running and intelligent passing, coupled with first class tackling, saw the home side take a 5-0 lead inside ten minutes. The lethal strike force of Elliott Dowling and Ryan Turner created plenty of chances with Oak being unsure how to deal with the whirlwind. To their credit the blue & whites stuck gamely to their task and pulled a goal back with a cross come shot that keeper Tom Newman could do nothing about. Thereafter the game got a little bogged down before three more goals gave Zebras an 8-1 lead at the break. At half-time five changes were made to ensure that all the players had a run out. As you'd expect it took a while for the team to settle but after Alexander Kent completed his hat-trick wave after wave of Zebras attacks saw more goals. Player of the match Lewis Overy scored twice but back came Oak with a superb headed goal from a powerful corner. This spurred Zebras on and Elliott Dowling scored two late goals to round the game off. Zebras played some good neat passing
Captain's Blog - Matt Tumber - "Did you see my goal? Top corner - what a header!"
Earl Juniors 1 - 10 Fulston Zebras (30-09-07)
Once again Zebras made a flying start. They were quick to the ball, strong in the tackle and as a result had plenty of possession. Striker Elliott Dowling opened the scoring and followed up with a second before midfielder Alexander Kent broke clear to add a third. With Ryan Turner on the left wing and Jonathan Driscoll on the right providing superb crosses into the penalty area the home defensive were under severe pressure. Dowling scored twice more (one struck on the volley from a left wing cross that was a peach). Kent notched his second before Sam Eade added his name to the score sheet. Connor Stevens knocked in a rebound and another Driscoll run saw him beat three players before crossing for Josh Joyner to make it nine at half time. With Tom Newman playing well in goal and commanding his area, the back three of Matt Tumber, Harry Wheeler & Alastair Johnson-Deane dealt well with Earl's attacks. In the second half Zebras changed things around with substitutions and three up front. Initially it didn't seem to make much difference as Dowling scored his fifth, this time a rifled shot with his "weaker" left foot that ended up in the top corner. Thereafter things went a bit ragged. All the forwards (and most of midfield) were anxious to score and as a result got caught off-side time and again. Earl grew in confidence and gained better possession and this finally told as they scored midway through the half. Despite this the Zebras back line and keeper held out without too many scares and the win was secured. Player of the match went to five goal Elliott Dowling.
Wigmore 2 - 4 Fulston Zebras (07-10-07)
Without doubt the toughest game so far! Playing on a full size pitch and up the slope Zebras struggled to gain any early possession. Wigmore played good football and kept the ball in the black and white's half for long periods. At times only desperate defending from Alastair Johnson-Deane and skipper Matt Tumber kept Wigmore at bay. The pressure eventually told when a series of corners culminated in a real pinball tussle in the box. Zebras couldn't clear and a Wigmore attacker smashed the ball home from close range. In a rare foray into opposition territory Thomas Baker saw a shot just go wide of the upright. Wigmore applied more pressure with keeper Tom Newman making a superb tip over the bar from a fierce shot on the turn. Minutes later Wigmore reacted quicker to a Zebras goal kick. Their midfielder ran on, evading two desperate tackles, before slipping the ball past the advancing Newman for 2-0. With Zebras unbeaten run looking under threat Alexander Kent joined the action from the subs bench. Immediately striker Elliott Dowling ran on to a Fletcher Illingworth through ball down the left and outpaced the Wigmore defence. He seemed to be running out of space but managed to deftly lift the ball over the advancing keeper and with Jonny Driscoll following the ball in Zebras had pulled a goal back. (sportingly JD confirmed the ball was over the line before he applied a headed finish) Minutes later a flowing move saw Alexander Kent break clear down the right. His perfect square ball was met first time by Elliott for the equaliser. The second half saw another even contest. Zebras eventually went in front when a cross from the left was glanced on by Wigmore defender and the ball finished in the top corner. Still the game was in doubt as Wigmore broke only to be thwarted again by 'keeper Tom Newman. With five minutes left Kent made a strong run down the right. Cutting inside he beat the defender only to see his shot blocked by the keeper's leg which sent the ball high into the air. With great control and a cushioned header he brought the ball down to calmly slot home for a 2 goal cushion. With seconds remaining Alexander also managed to hit the bar with a half volley from the edge of the box. Overall a tough test for the boys who rose to the occasion. Well played both sides - a really good game! MOM went to Alexander Kent.
Captains blog:- Matt Tumber - "Mum...bandana? I thought you said did I want a banana" (OK...we made that one up but still a super Sodje piece of head gear)
Anchorians 5 - 5 Fulston Zebras (AET) (Cup) (14-10-07)
(Anchorians won 3-2 on pens)
With 4 players unavailable it was a new look midfield and attack for this cup game against opponents from a higher division. It turned into a thoroughly entertaining match played in a great spirit and which went right to the wire. As per last week Zebras started by giving the opposition a two goal lead. I'm not sure if this is some new sort of ploy that the boys have dreamt up but for the benefit of their manager could they stop doing it - please!!! If Anchorians thought they were in for an easy ride Sean McCarthy had other ideas as he beat the advancing 'keeper with a deft lob. Back came Anchs as they went 3-1 up. Zebras adopted an all out attacking routine for the remainder of the first half, playing long balls down the middle for Lewis Overy and Elliott Dowling (now on for the injured Ben Langford) to chase. From one of these forrays Thomas Baker scored before minutes later the ball fell to Fletcher Illingworth just outside the box who struck a left foot shot that had the keeper beaten all the way. Into the break with the score 3 apiece. The second half was a little more sedate in terms of goals. Anchs went ahead again before a left wing cross was headed in at the far post by Sam Eade. In between Tom Newman made several oustanding saves and the defence of Matt Tumber, Al Johnson-Deane and Harry Wheeler worked their socks off to thwart the Anchorians forwards. The first period of extra time saw Zebras take the initiative and only an outstanding save prevented Elliot from giving the Black 'n' Whites the lead. But with Zebras seemingly on top Anchorians went ahead yet again. Zebras threw everyone forward in the dying seconds and from a corner Harry Wheeler managed to squeeze the ball home from the edge of the six yard box. An heroic perfomance all round!
The penalties that followed were a lottery and unfortunately Anchs scored more than we did despite Tom making two excellent saves. Good luck to Anchorians in the next round and roll on the John Leeds where we'll face Oak Athletic. MOM - Fletcher Illingworth. Sorry, no captains blog this week, we were all too exhausted and emotional.....
Fulston Zebras 8 - 2 Earl Juniors (28-10-07)
Both sides struggled to play flowing football in the pouring rain. Earl Juniors had the better possession early on but, with 'keeper Tom Newman commanding his area and skipper Matt Tumber marshalling the defence, the visitors had few clear cut chances. Zebras took a four goal lead through Elliott Dowling (2), Alexander Kent and a solo effort from Ryan Turner before Earl Juniors replied with strikes either side of half time. For a while at 4-2 a comeback seemed on the cards. Finally Zebras stepped up their game and took advantage of the slope, knocking through balls on to speedy sub Sean McCarthy whose pace took him clear of the defence to score. This ploy was repeated twice more and with Elliott completing his hat trick the final scoreline was a little harsh on the opposition whose goalkeeper had performed admirably in the very difficult conditions.
Spartac 0 - 6 Fulston Zebras (04-11-07)
The opening exchanges in this game saw both defences tested but it was Zebras that held firm. The back four of Harry Wheeler, Matt Tumber, Alastair Jonhson-Deane and Jake Howells held a good line and with 'keeper Tom Newman giving plenty of clear instructions to his defenders the Spartac forwards had few clear sights of goal. Lewis Overy opened the scoring and went on to claim a first half hat trick (the second goal was a super team effort - especially well done to Sean & Alexander) with Ryan Turner adding the forth with a wicked corner that went straight in at the far post. The four goal cushion allowed half-time substitutions and made sure all the boys had a decent run out. Two further goals from Jonathan Driscoll and Josh Joyner completed the scoring. Player of the match went to Lewis Overy.
Oak Athletic 1 - 6 Fulston Zebras (Cup) (11-11-07)
The boys put in a workman like performance to insure progress through to the next round of the John Leeds Cup. Sean McCarthy unsettled the Oak defenders with his pace before Josh Joyner scored. Ben Langford notched his first of the season and the team's second before Josh beat two player before powering a shot past the Oak keeper for a 3-0 half-time lead. With five substitutions at the break it took a little while for the boys to get settled and Oak took full advantage to pull a goal back. It could have been worse but for a goal line clearance from Sam Eade and some rugged tackling from Connor Stevens. Zebras finally got back into their stride and found the net three time in quick succession through Jonathan Driscoll, Ryan Turner and Elliott Dowling. A stern test of the side's progress comes next Sunday when they face Omega Spartans who have lost just once so far this season.
Fulston Zebras 2 - 1 Omega Spartans (18-11-07)
In the cold and windy conditions Zebras made a solid start against 3rd placed Omega. Elliott Dowling showed good skill to skip past two tackles on the edge of the box before laying the ball off to Connor Stevens whose side foot shot curled just past the far post. Zebras took the lead after some good play down the right wing. The ball reached Sean McCarthy and, with two players breaking into the box, the cross looked the best option. In anticipation the Omega keeper came off his near post only to see Sean's shot sneak between his outstretched arm and the post. At the back Matt Tumber dealt with the Omega forwards with help from Harry Wheeler. Omega equalised from a throw-in that was flicked on. Our defence hesitated and the ball bounced through for their striker to toe poke home from two metres. Zebras regained the lead with a goal similar to Omega's. A throw was flicked-on, their defence stood still and Elliott headed the bouncing ball past the keeper for 2-1. The second half, with Zebras playing with the wind, should have seen more goals but some good Omega tackling coupled with some iffy finishing left the game much tighter than it should have been. The final minutes were pretty frantic as Omega pushed everyone forward and only a goal line clearance from Alastair Johnson-Deane keep the lead intact. A relieved Zebras were glad of the final whistle. It should be an interesting rematch at Omega in three weeks time!
Rainham Kenilworth Rovers 1 - 3 Fulston Zebras (25-11-07)
Having already provided a few surprise results against higher placed opposition Rovers were not to be taken lightly. Both defences made assured starts with few direct threats on goal posed by the strikers. Ultimately It took a penalty, awarded for a trip on Lewis Overy, for Zebras to take the lead. With Elliott Dowling being rested for the first half, up stepped Ryan Turner to smash his penalty high into the top left of the net. Minutes later a good exchange of passes down the right saw Lewis beat the offside trap and pull the ball back from the dead ball line. The Rover's 'keeper could only parry the low cross into the path of Ryan who tapped home his, and Zebra's, second. Rovers got back into the game shortly before half time when a long ball found their centre forward who broke clear and lobbed Tom Newman for a well taken goal. The second half saw more excellent defensive work from the Zebras back four who managed to counter anything Rovers threw at them. The game was made safe midway through the half when Alexander Kent's shot ricocheted off a Rovers defender and into the net. Well played both sides and congratulations to our boys for plenty of hard work in the cold conditions.
Co-op Sports 0 - 6 Fulston Zebras (06-01-08)
With the last two fixtures postponed this was our first match in six weeks and to begin with it showed! On a difficult pitch there was plenty of effort but not much in the way of possession or quality passing. The Co-op defence tackled strongly and their goalkeeper made a couple of great saves before Elliott Dowling scored to give Zebras a 1-0 lead at the break. The second half saw the team finally get into their stride as Connor Stevens hard tackling brought some bite to the midfield. Elliott grabbed a second before Sean McCarthy broke clear for a third. Elliott knocked in the forth with further goals from Alexander Kent and Ryan "Offside" Turner rounding things off. The scoreline was a little flattering but on the back of all that Christmas turkey we shouldn't complain.
Fulston Zebras 8 - 0 Co-op Sports (13-01-08)
Zebras won the toss and elected to play up the slope into the wind and as a result Co-op spent plenty of time in our half but couldn't really make their possession count. Harry Wheeler chased a long ball back and played a great pass down the right for Jonny Driscoll to chase. His cross found Sean McCarthy who's shot was saved but Elliott Dowling knocked in the rebound for the first goal. Back came Co-op and keeper Tom Newman made a good save before Lewis Overy, with an accomplished finish from a tight angle, made it 2-0 just a few minutes before the break. With the wind at their backs Zebras pretty much controlled the second half. Only resolute defending and some great goal keeping kept Co-op in the game. Gradually however their defenders tired allowing Lewis to complete a hat-trick with a further goal for Elliott plus goals from Jonny Driscoll, and Sean McCarthy (2).
Sheerness East 1 - 2 Fulston Zebras (League Cup Q/F) (27-01-08)
Not the prettiest of games on a big pitch with heavy conditions. The early start saw our boys still rubbing the sleep out of their eyes as the East thundered forward in attack after attack. The back four (Harry, Matt, Sam E & Jake) made some desperate tackles and keeper Tom Newman dealt with anything that got through. But it couldn't go on like that for long. Our midfield couldn't get to grips with game and when the defence cleared the ball on three occasions only the see it come straight back we knew we were in trouble. At the fourth attempt the East player gave up trying to thread the ball through and simply shot from outside the box. The ball flew into the top corner to give the home side a well deserved lead. What happen next was a bit of a mystery because suddenly we started to play. Ryan Tuner worked the right flank, Sean zipped through the defence, knocked the ball round the keeper and was then sent flying. Ryan stepped up to smash home the penalty for 1-1. Sean then conjured up a half chance but sent his shot inches wide before Tom made a smart diving save, tipping the ball just wide of the post. The second half was fiercely contested but it was the away team that made the clearer chances. Elliott made a twisting run, beating two defenders before his left foot shot was well saved. With just 3 minutes remaining and extra time looming, Lewis Overy broke on the left and as a defender raced to close him down he struck a half volley from just inside the box that found the bottom corner. And that was that. Zebras closed out the game with no major worries and now look forward to a cup semi-final against one of the three remaining 1st Division sides left in the competition. Well done boys!
Fulston Zebras 5 - 2 Borstal 88 (03-02-08)
Third placed Borstal looked confident having beaten the league leaders 2-1 the previous week. They quickly got into their rhythm and as their striker broke on the left he managed to outpace our full back before cutting infield and slotting the ball past Tom Newman for an early lead. Zebras reorganised and dropped off the front man and the midfield knuckled down to some hard work. They began to win more ball and a flowing move down the left saw Elliott Dowling find Alexander Kent who placed a delicate curling shot low past the Borstal keeper for the equaliser. Zebras back four looked better as the half went on and Tom made short work of a couple of high balls into the box. Another break down the right saw Sean McCarthy get away and lob the advancing keeper for a 2-1 half time lead. Zebras went further head midway through the second half as sub Lewis Overy latched onto a Connor Stevens pass and sent his shot under the goalie. Next up top scorer Elliot Dowling turned on a loose ball in the box and hit a shot that cannoned in off the post. At 4-1 the game looked over but a superb individual goal from the Borstal skipper, who evaded tackle after tackle before finding the net, give the visitors hope of salvaging a point. Borstal poured forward and Sean took advantage to score his second and seal a good hard fought win.
Oak Athletic 1 - 6 Fulston Zebras (10-02-08)
Zebras made an encouraging start away to Oak and both Connor Stevens and Lewis Overy went close to opening the scoring. Oak could only field 10 players but you couldn't tell as their defence and goalkeeper worked well to keep Fulston at bay. Having created and either missed or had saved at least half a dozen good chances, Zebras finally made the break through mid way through the half. A ball across the box eluded the Oak defenders and was forced home at the far post by Fletcher Illingworth. As the sun shone through Zebras seemed to relax and paid the price as Oak equalised just before half time. A reshuffle saw Elliott Dowling come on after the break and he promptly score two goals to give the away team a cushion. Oak gradually began to tire and we suddenly remembered how to pass the ball. Further goals from Ben Langford, Josh Joyner and Jacob Howells completed the win.
Fulston Zebras 4 - 5 Valley Colts (J.L. Cup S/Final) (24-02-08)
Zebras bowed out of the competition in a high scoring and very competitive match against first division opposition. The early exchanges saw Alastair Johnson-Dean make a superb block and keeper Tom Newman field a couple of speculative shots from outside the box. If Valley thought they were in for an easy ride they got a wake up call when Elliott Dowling curled a shot from the right that their keeper did outstandingly well to turn round the post. From the corner Connor Stevens sent a bullet header inches over the bar. Back came Valley with a bouncing cross from the right that eluded our defenders and was turned in via the cross bar. Zebra responded immediately with a break down the left. With Valley defenders looking for offside the ball was pulled back to Elliott Dowling to equalise. Things got even better moments later when an inswinging corner from Ryan Turner sailed straight in at the far post. Now it was Valley's turn to come from behind. Another well struck corner deep into the six yard box was forced home for 2 apiece. With half time beckoning Zebras fell behind when a strong solo run saw a Valley forward break three tackles to fire past Tom from inside the box. Zebras had the advantage of the slope for the second half and soon levelled matters when Elliott hassled and dispossessed the Valley left back. His pull back from the dead ball line was met on the full by Alexander Kent who fired into the roof of the net. Tom then made a great point blank save and did brilliantly to hang on to the ball under pressure. Unfortunately, Valley got a couple of breaks. A corner wasn't cleared and a Valley player seemed to miscue a shot back into the area and in doing so put huge spin on the ball that hit the deck and kicked up wide of the despairing keeper's dive. Next up the opposition got a free kick. Tom managed to get hands to the well struck dipping shot but couldn't get enough on it to keep it out. Then the luck turned Zebras way. Lewis Overy chased down a through ball. A Valley defender tried to clear but the ball struck Lewis's outstretched foot and ballooned up and into the top corner for 4-5. In the closing minutes Zebras piled forward and despite a couple of dangerous freekicks they just couldn't find another goal. A great game of football. Well played to both sides. As for man of the match that goes to the WHOLE TEAM!
Fulston Zebras 11 - 0 Wigmore (02-03-08)
The match earlier in the season had been a close fought affair and so the home side were expecting a tough fixture. However Elliott Dowling opened the scoring after just a minute and this seemed to knock the visitors confidence. By half time the lead was 5-0, with Elliott completing a first half hat trick and goals for Sean McCathy and Jonny Driscoll. Tom Newman demonstrated excellent handling in goal and topped off a good performance with a great save from a well struck free kick. The second half followed the pattern of the first, with Sean completing his hat trick, goals from Ben Langford and Fletcher Illingworth, a virtuoso effort from Connor Stevens and Elliott grabbing his fourth of the afternoon.
Fulston Zebras 3 - 1 Bredhurst Juniors Youth (09-03-08)
This looked like it could be a close tie as 1st place Zebras took on 3rd placed Bredhurst. The home team went ahead when Alastair Johnson-Deane helped on Connor Stevens' header from a well worked corner. Bredhurst equalised within minutes as their forwards broke through the back four with some good passing and sent a low shot past keeper Tom Newman and into the bottom corner. Zebras gained the initiative again as Alastair was set free on the right of midfield. He raced into the box and hit a fierce shot past the Bredhurst goalie for a 2-1 lead. After this action packed five minutes the game slowed a little. Sean McCarthy had a couple of good chances but seemed to be having "one of those days". At the other end Bredhurst again cut their way through but perhaps worked just one pass too many and allowed Matt Tumber to clear. The second half was a more physical affair with plenty of strong tackles. Midway through the half Ryan Turner latched onto a loose ball just inside the box and sent his strike wide of the unsighted keeper. With a two goal cushion Zebras looked reasonable comfortable and closed out the game to claim the 3 points.
Strood 87 0 - 8 Fulston Zebras (16-03-08)
This was a game that saw both sides battling against the worsening weather. At kick off the pitch was already pretty wet. By full time the number of large puddles was growing and the bitter wind meant it was one whistle that couldn't come soon enough. In between Zebras played a good game against determined and hard working opponents who never gave up. Goals were evenly spread throughout the team but arguably the pick would be Elliott Dowling's run down the flank and left foot shot or Jacob Howells' delicate lob over the advancing keeper. The other scorers were Alexander Kent, Jonny Driscoll, Lewis Overy, Connor Stevens and Sean McCarthy.
Bredhurst Juniors Youth 3 - 5 Fulston Zebras (06-04-08)
The wonderful snowy weather made for a memorable game of football contested in great spirit by both teams. Following the parental snowball fight in the car park, Zebras won the toss and started strongly playing up the slope and forcing the home team back. The pressure eventually told when a jinking run by Elliott Dowling saw him tripped and a penalty awarded. Elliott dispatched the kick wide of the 'keeper for 1-0. Fellow striker Sean McCarthy grabbed a second after some good interplay created space down the right flank. The Zebras defence hadn't really seen much of the ball and it came as a shock when Bredhurst pulled a goal back. The shot lacked power but with the snow getting heavier the ball was now like a bar of soap and slipped under keeper Tom Newman's despairing dive. Zebras responded well and set about playing some very good passing football, working the ball across the pitch and probing down both wings. The home keeper was forced into making one tremendous save before minutes later Sean latched onto a through ball to drill a low shot wide of the goalie for a 3-1 half time lead. After the break Zebras spurned chances to extend the lead before Bredhurst scored again. Now a sense of panic (and serve cold) set in. Bredhurst had an effort ruled out for offside before a run and near post shot saw them square the game a 3-3. The midfield due of Josh Joyner and Alexander Kent now dug deep (they were forced to in the blizzard). Josh hit a bouncing shot that squirmed into the bottom corner for 4-3. Back came the home side and only desperate defending kept them at bay, with skipper Matt Tumber proving the young man for a crisis. With only minutes left Alexander found the ball at his feet and from about 20 yards hit a curling shot that nestled in the top corner. The points were finally safe! Great game of football irrespective of the conditions and well played both sides.
Fulston Zebras 5 - 1 Spartac (13-04-08)
With Zebras on the verge of promotion last minute nerves (or over confidence) seemed to get the better of the side as they came up against a hard working Spartac team. Zebras dominated the first half but somehow conspired to go a goal behind as the visitors took advantage of some lacklustre defending. Fulston came back with some direct football only to be thwarted by excellent goalkeeping and strong defending. Alexander Kent hit the cross bar and Thomas Baker saw two good chances go just wide. Connor Stevens set about running the midfield, feeding a succession of excellent passes to the front line. But just as the home side's profligacy seemed without bounds, winger Thomas B. made the most of another Connor through ball and hit a shot wide of the advancing keeper for a 1-1 half time scoreline. Going down the slope in second half gave Zebras added impetus and when Matt Tumber picked up the loose ball at a corner he showed the presence of mind to skip past a couple of tackles before stabbing the ball past the 'keeper at his near post. Connor then scored an excellent solo goal within 30 seconds of the restart. Dancing past at least five players he rolled the ball wide of the despairing Spartac goalie for 3-1. Further goals from Josh Joyner, with a powerful dropping volley, and Sean McCarthy put the result beyond doubt. That means that Fulston only require a point in the next game away to Borstal to clinch both promotion and the Division 3 title. Mind you Borstal are a strong side and the home game saw a hard fought 5-2 win. To take the honours Fulston are going to have to put in a much improved performance!
Borstal 1 - 3 Fulston Zebras (20-04-08)
After a fantastic season Zebras won both promotion and the divisional title with a hard fought win away to Borstal. Early on the narrow pitch made for a congested midfield as both sides fought for possession. Zebras seemed to settle down with Alexander Kent having some success down the right wing. Sean McCarthy had a couple of half chances but was either forced wide or was quickly closed down. The game became more physical, although fair, with some strong shoulder to shoulder battles that Connor Stevens in particular was eager to win. The back four had been warned to watch the opposition's pacey number 7 and initially stuck to their task well. But with ten minutes to go until half time and with Zebras appearing to have the upper hand Borstal broke quickly with a long ball played forward. The number 7 out paced two of our defenders before clipping the ball over the advancing Tom Newman for 1-0. Two minutes before half time Borstal repeated the ploy but this time Tom stood tall and the forward sent his shot a half a metre wide with Matt Tumber chasing at his heals. At half time Ryan Turner came off the subs bench (imagine we had one) and, having been out with niggly injuries, made an immediate impact. Connor and Elliott Dowling combined down the left, the cross was low at pace and Ryan smashed home the equaliser. The goal lifted the whole team and they began to play some intelligent passing football. Sam Eade saw a shot blocked on the line before yet another Borstal breakout resulted in a fine Harry Wheeler goal line clearance. The ball ricochet to the prostrate Tom Newman who grabbed it only for it to be deemed a back pass. From the indirect freekick Connor made a fine block and the ball was cleared to safety. Zebras pushed on again and Elliott Dowling skipped passed two challenges down the right, pulled the ball back and again Ryan was on hand to blast his shot into the net. Borstal rallied again with Matt, Sam, Jacob Howells, and Harry Wheeler having to work their socks off to keep out the home side. Another Zebras attack down the right saw the ball helped on to Ryan who this time found Elliott. He struck a shot from the edge of the penalty area that took a vicious bounce over the diving keeper's outstreched arm. 3-1 with just minutes to go. Borstal poured players forward put to no avail. Skipper Matt and the team stood stong. At the final whistle the boys celebrated but not until they'd sportingly acknowledged their tough opponents with three cheers and shaken hands all-round. The champagne flowed (actually alcohol free sparkling wine 0.05% by volume), photos were taken and loads of smiles all round. Well done to all 18 players who have given everything this season. A season to remember for all the right reasons, packed full of wonderful memories and performances. Many thanks to all the parents, linos (Simon, Kev K, Justin, Paul & Gary), our refs (Rob & Jamie Horne), Kev Stevens & Gary Wheeler but most of all to the boys for outstanding commitment. Take a bow!
Omega Spartans 2 - 1 Fulston Zebras (27/04/08)
All good things must come to end and so it was on Sunday morning at Great Lines, Gillingham as the U11's slipped to their first league defeat of the season in the penultimate game of the campaign. Truth be told Omega were the much better team on the day. They had everything to play for knowing that just a point would be enough to clinch the runners up spot in the division and, with it, promotion. Zebras started OK playing up the slope but gradually slipped deeper in defence. Omega began to get the lion's share of possession with Matt Tumber, Sam Eade, Harry Wheeler and Jake Howells having to work hard to stem the flow. Tom Newman had a very good game between the sticks and reacted well to head off a number of through balls. Omega eventually broke through with a low shot that flew wide of Tom's dive and into the bottom corner. Our midfield was sluggish but with only minutes to go to half time it finally put together a flowing passing move down the right. Josh Joyner exchanged passes with Ryan Turner who cut inside the full back and hit a shot wide of the keeper for 1-1. Everything looked good for a second half revival as we played down the hill. It started well as Sean McCarthy saw a shot well saved by the Omega 'keeper but as is so often the case the home side went straight down the other end and scored. Their number 11 outpaced our back line and although Tom made an excellent one on one save from the first attempt, the ball rebounded to another Omega player who hit a shot come lob that found the back of the net. Zebras just ran out of gas as Omega really ran the show. Only unlucky finishing, a strong goalie and desperate defensive tackles kept them from scoring again. One off day out of 19 is nothing to worry about so don't dwell on it, especially as we're still Champions!
Fulston Zebras 3 - 2 Rainham Kenilworth Rovers (04-05-08)
Zebras ended the season with a closely fought win played in the long grass of King George's. Zebras created plenty of early pressure, with Ryan Turner twice going close to opening the scoring. The goal eventually came from a corner which was helped on at the near post for Ben Langford to apply an excellent finish. The home team relaxed and paid the price as Rovers equalised before half time. With a few player swaps at the break Zebras again started brightly with Elliott Dowling beating two defenders before seeing his shot cannon back off the post. Zebras had plenty of possession before a weak clearance fell to Jonny Driscoll who sent a low shot from just outside the box that found the bottom corner for 2-1. Minutes later Ben Langford scored his second and Zebras third. The game looked to be all over as Zebras won a penalty. Elliott Dowling again sent his effort against the woodwork and although he scored with a follow up his strike, it was correctly ruled out as no other player had touched the ball since the initial penalty. Once again our wastefulness was punished as Rovers pulled a goal back. Skipper Matty Tumber was now fighting a solo rear guard action as our midfield simply went AWOL. Keeper Tom Newman made a fine save to keep the lead in tact and when the whistle blew it was Zebras who were the more relieved. The last few weeks have been a bit of a slog and the football has occasionally suffered as a result. But when you've won the title you set high standards and occasionally it can be difficult to maintain them. Heads up. Well played boys & see you all at Presentation Night on Friday 20th June!
