The Under 16's.
Pegasus 81 1 - 5 Fulston Zebras (09-09-07)
With four players unavailable one of whom being the goalkeeper Fulston
showed great character and determination to withstand the early Pegasus
pressure to lead four-one at half time with two goals from debutant and
player of the match, Matthew Cunningham,one from his strike partner, Adam Rayner and a fine headed goal by Craig Pagett, also making his first
appearance. The second half was more comfortable for the away side and after Matthew Cunning had completed his hat-trick the victory was sealed.
Captain's Blog.
- Bryn Love - "Firstly, as Captain on behalf of the the team I would like to welcome the new players to Fulston Zebras. With a patched up side and a few key players missing, it was with concern we started our season. Without our regular goalkeeper, it was a shaky
start all round for Zebras, and as usual we took a while to find our feet giving Mark a few heart stopping moments. We were the first to score but Pegasus equalised quite quickly. We regained the lead a few moments later and from then on Zebras were on top. I would like to thank Joe Frost for stepping into goal and making some crucial saves keeping Zebras ahead. Thank you to the new boys who fitted into the team very well and certainly didn't look out of place. On whole an excellent team performance. GOAL KEEPING IS BORING - Bryn."
Swallows 1 - 11 Fulston Zebras (
Again with only eleven players and in blustery conditions Zebras dominated
throughout and took the lead after only two minutes through Michael Green. Six further goals were added before the interval, one from livewire
Matthew Cunningham, two from Adam Rayner one of which being a spectacular half volley from twenty five yards, two from captain and mom, Bryn Love who also smashed home from the same distance and a second for Green. The second half saw Love complete his hat-trick and Cunningham add his second before Swallows deservedly pulled a goal back. However Fulston showed no let up and still had time for Craig Pagett to head home from a corner and Tom Barnes to round off a fine debut with the last goal of the game.
Captain's Blog.
- Bryn Love - In very windy conditions and only a straight 11 for Fulston, Zebras got off to a very good start early on in the game. Michael got the scoring under way and from then on we just kept adding goals and at half time were 7 - 0 up and cruising. Tom making his debut fitted into the team very well and added a goal to the score sheet. We soon knew this was not the Swallows of last season and went onto win 11-1. With a tough game ahead it was good to get another win under our belt and i FINALLY scored.
Guru Nanak Youth 4 - 3 Fulston Zebras (
The league leaders were given a fright by a determined and equally
impressive Fulston side. Zebras went into the interval one down as they got off to the worst possible start after conceding early on but it could of been all square as they had a goal disallowed. Zebras equalised early into the second half when Michael Green gleefully headed home debutant, Glenn Conlon's superb angled cross. Guru went back infront and then added a third only for Craig Pagett to pull a goal back. Adam Rayner's flicked header hit the crossbar and within minutes Guru had restored the two goal cushion but Tom Barnes reduced the deficit again and with a great free kick. There was only one team likely to score in the final ten minutes but the elusive equaliser would not come. Craig Pagett was the Fulston MOM.
Captain's Blog.
- Bryn Love - This was probably one of our hardest games of the season so far, again with no goalie. Joe done well in the first half - sorry lads if I had saved one in the second half we would have got a draw! But with Reg back next week for Bredhurst, we will be out all guns blazing. Well done Craig for a good goal and man of the match. Bryn.
Fulston Zebras 1 - 1 Bredhurst Juniors (
A draw was probably the fairest outcome in what was a well contested and
hard fought game. Fulston knew that they would have to be committed and work extremely hard against a talented and unbeaten Bredhurst side. The visitors capitalised on an error to take the lead but for the second week running Zebras courageously fought their way back into the game when Michael Green rounded off a fine passing move to slot home.
Both sides had periods of pressure in the second half but it was the
defences that came out on top.The Fulston MOM went to Rory Vidler.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - We all knew this was going to be a hard game, and it was nice to have Reg back for this tough match. We played well even though we had to defend against a lot of pressure, and there was some good crunching tackles from both sides. A draw might not be a bad result at the end of the season. Well done Rory for his man of the match. Sorry for getting a tiny bit stressed Mark.
Valley Colts 3 - 9 Fulston Zebras (
Fulston ran out comfortable winners in the end but Valley didn't make life
easy for their first division opponents early on in very warm conditions.
Zebras took the lead through a Matthew Cunningham header but the home side soon equalised. Adam Rayner and Joe Frost scored a header a piece to make it three one at half time. There were fine individual performances from Bryn Love, Micheal Green and MOM Joe Frost with the latter two scoring a brace each. The other Fulston goals came from Glenn Conlon with two and a second for Matthew Cunningham.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - Well, we were not sure what to expect in the first round of the cup. In the first 20 minutes we made the game more difficult then it should of been and Valley Colts battled hard from the start. Once we started scoring there was only going to be one outcome. We needed to win this so that Richard comes back for the quarter final of the cup and hopefully we will go onto get to the final for the second time. Well done everyone that scored and unlucky Joe you should of had a hat-trick.
Cobham Colts 2 - 1 Fulston Zebras (
Fulston's first half display mirrored the grey and miserable conditions.
On the contrary Cobham started brighter and played to the conditions much better. Zebras couldn't cope with the long through ball and twice after giving the ball away cheaply they were punished. The second half performance was much better and they dominated the game. Craig Pagett headed home from a corner to reduce the deficit, Matt Cunningham went inches wide and the same player had a stone wall penalty not given with just the keeper to beat. The Fulston MOM went to Callum Hutchinson.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - Well lads what can I say we were a disappointment to ourselves, a disappiontment to the manager and a disappointment to the people who came to watch us. We really must come out of the blocks in these easier games with more enthusiasm and some passion to win instead of sitting back and allowing them to come onto us. I am unhappy at the way we played today and I am sure I am not alone. We have to start next week at training with a better attitude. Well done Callum on getting Man of the Match.
Real 60 0 - 2 Fulston Zebras (
In total contrast to the performance the previous week Fulston were
excellent. Their workrate and attitude was first class. They played good
passing football and defended superbly as a team when they were under
pressure. Real 60 played very well and it looked like the game was heading for a draw. But with five minutes remaining the keeper mis-judged a bounce and Fulston captain, Bryn Love rose like a salmon to beat the defender and head home. Then in injury time a great corner from Michael Green was stabbed in at the far post by Tom Barnes and last season's champions were defeated. The Zebras MOM went to Jack Winchester who was immense in the Fulston defence.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - Well boys, what a different performance from last week, we played more as a team and less as individuals. We started off with a good attitude and this showed in our performance. We put Real 60 under a lot of pressure but could not find the net until the last quarter. This was a good all round team performance which will need to build on in training and our future matches and we made Mark a very happy man. Well done Bill (Jack) on receiving Man of the Match. GREAT PERFORMANCE!
Fulston Zebras 3 - 4 Cuxton 91 (
Fulston's inconsistent season continued with a shambolic first half
performance against high flying Cuxton. At half time they found themselves three goals down and within ten minutes of the re-start it was four. Suddenly they woke up and goals from Joe Frost,Matthew Cunningham and Tom Barnes in a fifteen minute spell put the home side back in the game. Unfortunately they had left themselves too much to do and Cuxton held on for the win. The Fulston MOM went to Matthew Cunningham who worked tirelessly up front.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love:- What a disappointing start boys! After our perfomance last week this was dismal. 3-0 down at half time things could only get better. I know I am not alone when I say it is not always the midfields fault, we all have to take responsibility we are a team of 11 on the pitch. We battled well in the second half and we were unlucky not to get a draw out of this game. I hope we play better next week as we have our local rivals Woodcoombe! Well done Matt on Man of the Match - great chasing throughout the match.
Woodcoombe Youth 0 - 3 Fulston Zebras (
The cold and windy conditions did not spoil a gritty local derby as
Fulston deservedly secured the three points. For all the good play in the
first half they could not find the break through and Coombe fought well to keep the scored level at half time. Zebras continued to threaten in the second period and the patient passing football was finally rewared when Michael Green opened the scoring. Bryn Love smashed home the second and Adam Rayner tapped in for number three. Tom Barnes hit the crossbar and Woodcoombe gallantly cleared two goal bound efforts off of the line.
The Fulston MOM went to Criag Pagett.
Captain's Blog:-
Bryn Love - After a disappointing game last week we picked ourselves up and battled well to beat our local rivals Woodcombe. This was a hard fought game and although we felt we were in control, until we took the lead the game could of gone either way. This was a good win and I would like to thank all the boys on behalf of me and Callum for the extra effort from the front to the back. This was a well deserved win hopefully the "tree's" nose will be alright and we look forward to giving Cobham the same. Well done Craig for a solid game at the back and Man of the Match
Fulston Zebras 2 - 5 Cobham Colts (
Fulston's inconsistent form continued alarmingly as they were
comprehensively beaten by a determined Cobham. Both teams were depleted
through injury and sickness. Fulston fielded eleven but with two playing
whilst injured and Cobham had just ten. The extra man told early on as
Zebras raced into a two goal lead through Michael Grenn and Adam Rayner.
Complacency then crept in and before they new it Cobham had pulled level.
Fulston then lost another player to injury and the teams had ten players a
piece. Cobham went ahead early in the second half, then added a further
two goals as Fulston disappointedly gave up. The Fulston MOM went to Adam Rayner who worked tirelessly alone upfront to the bitter end.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - After a good performance last week we went back to the way we played the week before. No talking to each other, me included, no passes to feet, no determination to win the ball back when we lost. We did not play as a team and we did not support each other as a team. With the performance we have just put in we will be dropping to the bottom of the league by Christmas. To take a 2 goal lead against 10 men then lose 5-2, is dreadful and we
should all be ashamed of ourselves for such a poor performance. Although Mark never gave a Man of the Match, Adam put in a very good performance alone up front, even coming back to defend and help out when needed. Boys we need a good team effort next week.
Fulston Zebras 11 - 0 Captain's Blog:- Fulston Zebras 2 - 1 New Ash Green ( Captain's Blog:- Cuxton 91 1 - 1 Fulston Zebras ( Captain's Blog:- Cliffe Royals 0 - 1 Fulston Zebras ( Captain's Blog:-
Fulston ended the year on a high by thumping eleven goals passed their
opponents without reply. Patrick Collins and Kieran Taylor returned to the
team after lengthy absences through injury and put in solid performances.
Bryn Love and Micheal Green both grabbed a hat-rick and Adam Rayner got a brace. The other scorers were Matthew Cunningham, Craig Pagett and a
penalty coverted by Rory Vidler for his first ever goal for the team. The
Fulston MOM went to Craig Pagett who put in a terrific performance in the
centre of midfield.
This was a terrific start to the New Year for Fulston and a hard fought
victory. Matches between the two sides are always close and well contested
and this was no exception. The visitors started brightly and it took a
while for Zebras to settle but when they did they found themselves ahead.
A great switch of play from MOM, Glenn Conlon found Bryn Love who drilled a low pass back across the area for Michael Green to rifle home. New Ash Green deservedly equalised but when Adam Rayner was tripped on the edge of the box it was hitman Green who stepped up again to smash home the resulting free kick and win the game.
Fulston came away bewildered at not claiming all three points. With no
recognised goalkeeper and no subs they knew that they had to put in a big
team effort. They exceeded this by playing some breathtaking football in
muddy conditions. Cuxton took the lead against the run of play from the penalty spot to lead at the interval. However Zebras dominated again in the second half and after they had struck the post, crossbar and had a goal ruled out for 'offside', Adam Rayner calmly lobbed the keeper for a more than deserved equaliser. The Fulston MOM went to the impressive Jack Winchester at centre back.
unable to get the goal we deserved. We came close with a disallowed goal from Michael that should of stood. We finally got the break through we deserved and equalised and were unlucky not to get the winner. Well done Bill for Man of the Match. LETS HAVE A GREAT GAME NEXT WEEK IN THE CUP AND LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING RICHARD BACK - HOPEFULLY
This was a tough, physical encounter played in blustery conditions between
two evenly balanced teams which could of gone either way. Bryn Love had a corner headed onto the underside of the crossbar and a shot that flashed past the post while Cliffe used the conditions to their advantage well and went close on a couple of occassions themselves. With the wind behind them in the second half it was Fulston who looked the more threatening and applied the pressure to the second division leaders. Finally their hard work was rewarded when Matt Cunningham threaded a pass through to Adam Rayner who calmly slotted under the keeper with six minutes remaining to send Zebras through to the semi-finals. The Fulston MOM was awarded to Callum Hutchinson.
Royal Princes Park 2 - 7 Fulston Zebras (27-01-08)
Princes Park defied their league position with a spirited performance
which saw them take the lead from the penalty spot. When Fulston found
themselves two down they suddenly sprang into life and replied with three
goals before the interval from Adam Rayner,Michael Green and Tom Barnes. They were more dominant in the second half and played better constructive football. MOM, Matthew Cunningham scored twice, Rayner notced his second and Green saved the best till last with a half volley from twenty five yards that screamed into the top corner.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - We went into this match expecting an easy game, but underestimated our opposition who took advantage of our poor defending to take the lead. We didn't play to the best of our ability because we were hitting long hopeful balls on a small pitch which suited our opponents. This gifted them a two goal lead halfway through the first half. Once Adam had scored our first goal, we got back into our stride to win this game comfortably. Well done Matt for Man of The Match.
Fulston Zebras 5 - 2 Pegasus 81 (03-02-08)
Fulston started brightly taking an early lead through the outstanding Bryn Love. Pegasus battled hard and soon drew level only for Michael Green to restore Zebras'lead. However the visitors were gifted an equaliser and then Fulston were reduced to ten men. Fulston's second half performance was immense. Adam Rayner put them back infront and they dominated from then on running out comfortable victors with further strikes from Bryn Love and Glen Conlon. Pegasus were also reduced to ten players in the closing minutes. Bryn Love, Richard Wood and Matthew Cunningham had inspirational games but the MOM went to Joe Frost who dominated in midfield throughout.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - We knew this was going to be a hard game, but we didn't know how hard. With Michael sent off we feared the worst. But with a big effort and determination from everyone on the pitch we turned the game around. There were some great individual performances right through the team. It was good to see Richard back and playing a whole game after not playing for half a season. What can we say about Michael, on some days you would get sent off on others just a booking. I think after this performance we will all be looking forward to next week. Well done Joe on his Man of the Match.
Fulston Zebras 9 - 1 Swallows (10-02-08)
Fulston ran out convincing winners but to their credit Swallows never gave up and battled to the last minute. Zebras played some very entertaining football in the first half with Adam Rayner scoring a hat-trick, Matthew Cunningham grabbing two and Bryn Love and Michael Green one a piece. Fulston wilted in the balmy conditions and could not sustain their fast flowing football but still managed to add two further goals from Bryn Love to complete his hat-trick. MOM went to Patrick Collins who was calm and resolute in defence.
Captain's blog:-
- Bryn Love - We knew this game was not going to be too much of a challange. In the first half we took charge of the game and from the start we dominated the game scoring 6 goals. One thing you cannot take away from Swallows is they battled throughout the game, not giving up even though they were 6 -1 down. In the second half, the heat had started to affect Fulston players and we didn't perform how we should have but added a further 3 goals making the final score 9 - 1. There was some good football throughout the game, and well done Pat for Man of the Match.
Bredhurst Jnrs 1 - 1 Fulston Zebras (L.Cup S/Final) (A.E.T.) (24-02-08)
Fulston win 5 - 4 on penalties.
This was an epic encounter between two excellent sides who fought head to
head all through the game and into extra time. Both teams had chances in
the first half and Fulston defended superbly but a minute before the
interval the home side took the lead with a well placed free kick. Zebras
came out even more determined after the break and found themselves level
within five minutes when MOM, Craig Pagett scorched home an angled volley that gave the keeper no chance. Fulston took control with renewed vigour and determination but Bredhurst came back into the game and went close themselves but neither team could find the elusive winner in normal time. Extra time drifted by and then it was the dreaded penalty shoot out. Fulston had their keeper sent off and Richard Wood had to don the gloves. To make matters worse he missed the last of their five penalties and we all thought that was it but Bredhurst missed theirs too and we were into sudden death. Fulston scored and Wood became the hero by saving the next penalty to send his team mates and spectators delerious and they were through to their second successive final.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - Well,hear we are again in the final. We went into this game knowing it was going to be hard. We fought from front to back and were unlucky to be 1-0 down at half time. A great strike from Craig got us back on level terms and we started to look the better team. We had some good chances but couldn't find the net. But with the final whistle and extra time played the game went to penalties and whoops no goalie, unlucky Chris. But Richard put himself forward to do the goalies duties and pulled off the winning save. Great one Richard. Unlucky Pat for not getting on, but thanks for the support. At least we will all be playing in the FINAL. Well
if we don't do anything else this season we will be in a final once again. Well done Craig on Man of the Match. Lets go and beat them next week to just to really rub it in!
Bredhurst Juniors 1 - 0 Fulston Zebras (02-03-08)
After the highs of last week's cup win Fulston came back down to earth
against title chasing Bredhurst narrowly losing by the single goal.
Fulston started the better and almost took an early lead when Joe Frost's
looping header just went past the post. However after Fulston's Patrick
Collins dislocated his shoulder they lost their concentration allowing
Bredhurst back into the game. Although Zebras did not play as well as the week before they looked like they might sneak a draw but Bredhurst deservedly scored with twenty minutes remaining to seal the points. The Fulston MOM went to Bryn Love.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - We all knew this was going to be a hard game after knocking them out of the cup last week. We were not playing as a team and we weren't playing at our best, but we are the only team to take a point off them this season. We were not the same team as last week and we never worked for one another, we need to talk more to each other and look to aim for someone when we pass the ball instead of passing to no one. We have four games left this season and lets try to finish on a high and get things right for the cup final. Lets hope that Pat is back for the cup final and I think we all felt his pain! Hurry up back Pat we want you in the Cup
Final.
New Ash Green 4 v 1 Fulston Zebras (09-03-08)
Fulston who had only conceded a handful of goals from set pieces all
season unexplicably conceded four against New Ash Green and this was the
only difference between the sides. NAG took the lead but Bryn Love soon equalised with a great volley only for the home side to take the lead once more. Zebras played fluent, entertaining football and had they converted their chances they would have come away with at least a point. Michael Green hit the post, Adam Rayner had two good chances as did MOM, Matthew Cunningham.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - After a poor start and conceding an early goal it was not looking good, but we managed to get ourselves back into the game and drew level. It then looked like we could go on and win the game, until a lack of concerntration lead to us going behind. We played some good football but just couldn't find the net. Unfortunately, we went further behind after some poor marking which left us 4-1 down. We created more chances which we wasted. Lets hope we step up and win next week against Real 60.
Well done to Matt on getting Man of the Match.
Fulston Zebras 3 - 1 Real 60 (16-03-08)
This was a good old fashioned game of football played between two even
sides who gave everything in a bruising but fair contest. The passing
football from both teams was great to see and belied the horrible
conditions. The first half was goal-less but after the interval it was Fulston who took advantage from a rather harsh penalty with Bryn Love making no mistake. An unfortunate ricochet off of Joe Frost gave the visitors an equaliser but this spurred him on and he responded with two fine goals at the other end to secure him the MOM award and three points for the team.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - With Michael missing through suspension and only 1 sub, we went into this game wanting to do the double over Real 60 for the first time. It was a fast tough game on a very muddy pitch and it was an evenly contested game, in the first half we made chances but couldn't put them away. With a great shout from the Manager, we got a penalty and took the lead. We continued to play good passing football, although we must tighten up at the back a bit. Real 60 drew with an unfortunate own goal, but we carried
on to battle and Joe scored from a corner to take the lead once more. With good pressure on the goalie we managed to extend our lead with another goal from Joe Frost.
Fulston Zebras 4 - 1 Woodcoombe Youth (30-03-08)
Fulston completed their first ever 'double' over their local rivals
Woodcoombe in what was as good,competitive game of football.
Without a recognised goalkeeper Fulston knew they had to work twice as
hard to keep Coombe at bay and to their credit they did just that. They
played some delightful football but only had a Bryn Love penalty to show
for their efforts at the break. Zebras doubled their lead within minutes of the restart through Love again and then Joe Frost's header deflected off of Adam Rayner for number three. MOM, Love completed his hat-trick and Coombe pulled a consolation goal back from the penalty spot. Jack Winchester had a great game in defence and Kieran Taylor excelled as a stand-in keeper.
Captain's Blog:-
- Bryn Love - Well we wanted a victory for this one, we knew it would be a hard fought game, but once we started there was only ever going to be one winner and that was Fulston. We dominated the game for long periods with a fortunate penalty in the first half, which set us on our way. The game was scrappy, but after going 2 0 up at the start of the second half the game was won from then on. We scored a further 2 goals which put us in the lead by 4 goals when Woodcombe grabbed a consultation goal through a penalty. This win probably meant more to me than most of the team as you know I used to play for them and I would like to say thank you boys for this victory over our local rivals! In couple of weeks time we need to stay focused and go out and beat Guru Nanak.
Fulston Zebras 2 - 4 Guru Nanak Youth (20-04-08)
Fulston rounded off their season with a tough fixture against championship
contenders and cup final opponents Guru Nanak Youth. Playing for a top five finish themselves Zebras took a well deserved first half lead when Joe Frost turned in the box and crossed to the far post for Michael Green to head home. Within minutes of the re-start Green danced through the defence to stab the ball past the advancing keeper to double the lead. However Fulston with no recognised keeper and only one substitute began to tire and Guru took advantage by scoring four times in the last twenty minutes to show their true title credentials. This was harsh on the home team who thoroughly deserved something from the game and the whole team received MOM awards for their efforts throughout the season.
