Under 12 Knights

Reports

Sunday 29 January 2012 - The Knights lose to a late goal away to Ash United  

Today we travelled to Ash United, playing in the club stadium. The Ash manager Brian Barnes said he would make it a football experience for our lads and he was true to his word, giving access to the visitor's changing room, the pre match talk taking place behind walls, the teams then going onto the pitch in unison and the respect code being followed with the customary handshakes. Off the back of losing 7-2 to Ash previously and then going down tamely to Bourne Blades the previous week, we were looking for some spirit today.  

The early panic expected happened with a lot of play in the Liphook half as Ash looked to unopen the door with balls over the top with players running on. Our tweaked back four of Keith, Power, McCusker and Little (first game for us) coped well but were let off on a few occasions with Ash players running into offside positions. Ash eventually got their reward with a  soft goal so once again we would have to come from behind.

Our heads did not drop - MacDonald was back today along with Power, with these two and the rest of the team showing battling qualities we started to play the football in the game. Our lads were up for the battle and this time were not always coming off second best in the encounters with fair competitive tackles for both teams all over the pitch. We kept to our style of looking to play good passing football and were denied on a few occasions, notably MacDonald and Hallet going close with fine saves being made by the Ash goalkeeper who had an excellent game. Ash did score again before half time but fortunately for us their scorer was just offside. Half time came, we were 1-0 down but still in the game.

The whistle went for the start of the second half and for most of that half we were the better team as panic seemed to set in with some of the Ash players. With a strong back four (Keith was immense today and Likohugu dropped into right back with purpose) we were able to play the game for a lot of the time in their half and we looked very good at times. Booth and Sharman were tenancious in the tackle, Hallett was battling (on the pitch and with a nose bleed!) and MacDonald and Holmes were probing the Ash defense. After a lot of pressure, we got our deserved reward with ten minutes to go with an intelligent finish from MacDonald who had a great game. The Knights sensed victory and pressed all the time, but .... sadly let their guard down for a rare occasion and were duly punished with only a few minutes to go: a few missed tackles and a well taken shot that was stuck in the right hand top corner - no chance for Higgs who played well all game. 

The final whistle went, we lost 2-1; a shame as we had the better of the second half and deserved more from a team performance. Well done to Ash United, for their sportsmanship and battling qualities.   

Thanks to Mark Angear for running the lines second half (making the journey to Ash to support the team), to David coming out of retirement and running the lines first half (taking over from Chris - hope you're OK!) and for the great support the young players had today.

Cup Q/F Match next week against Premier Division opposition.  Let's take the positives from this game and get through to the semis before then concentrating on the league and getting out of the bottom two.

Scorer - MacDonald

Sunday 15 January 2012 - The Knights disappoint but will learn from the game 

The Liphook Knights were missing both their both leading scorer and their captain as they faced Ash United on a fresh Sunday morning. The pitch was kindly set up by Dean Baird (U14s).   

We could not have had a worse start, from the kick off Ash put a ball over the top, four running through onside to put away the first goal of the match in six seconds! It did not get any better as we conceded again soon after. To our credit we battled and got some reward with a nice through pass to Hallett who put away nicely. Ash United came again scoring goal three and then before half time we gave away a penalty which was calmly put away for 4-1. The penalty bug struck again soon after but to us, unfortunately our spot kick was missed so we went in at half time three goals down.

The second half did not get any better although we were more competitive and up for the physical battle. Further goals were condeded five, six and seven. To our team's credit we competed to the end and got late consolation with a corner from Grover headed in by Keith. Final score was 7-2 to Ash United, well done to them.

The Knights will have learnt a lot from today's game and will come back stronger, looking forward to gaining some respect in the return fixture. A special mention to the referee Chris James who had a superb game.

A real positive from the game were comments emailed to David McCusker by the Ash United manager after the match, as set out below:-

"Hi, just to say you are the best team of supporters players and officials we have ever met. Thanks for today and sorry for the score line, one thing your boys didn't give up. You will enjoy playing at our place as we play at a small stadium and we will make your visit to our club as near to the real thing as we can for the boys.

Brian Barnes   Ash United"    

These comments are appreciated and we have had similar feedback from teams in other seasons. Well done to the team, parents and everyone connected with the Knights for always looking to do things properly and in the right vein.

Scorers - Hallett, Keith

Sunday 8 January 2012 - The Knights impress away at Alton

The Liphook Knights travelled to Alton to play Alton United who narrowly beat us at home earlier in the season. After a long break we were expecting to be rusty but the same would apply to Alton. There was no gel in the hair (Hallett had washed his out pre game) but the team looked happy and raring to go. (Sharman was an absentee from the field of play due to a knee injury caused as we understand by wrestling at home with his youngest brother.) 

The game was scrappy to begin with as expected, but as the half went on we started to play our usual nice football against a strong physical team (Holmes wasn't worried about the size factor as he was speared into the ground by the Alton midfield!). We duly got our deserved reward with some neat play around the box leading to a customary goal from MacDonald into the right hand corner. Alton were playing the long ball over with runners but our defence stood firm pushing up with the linesman's flag being raised on numerous occasions. We had other chances, Hallett putting over the crossbar with a fierce shot and a later header. Hallett got due reward in the last attack of the half with a well taken low shot to the left hand corner of the net. We went in at half time 2-0 to the good.

The second half, we calmed the early Alton pressure and then started to control the game with some neat passing and use of the flanks. Grover and Stoker were doing well supported by the whole team who were keen to move forwards. We got goal number three through the sheer determination of Hallet who was excellent all game. Neaves also came close to scoring and further chances were missed before the final whistle. We finished deserved 3-0 victors for another three points, now surpassing the previous year's points total when in the Premiership. Alton United tried hard and made it a good encounter to watch, they had a few close chances one being saved by our 'orange man' Marie in goal and were competitive all game. 

Well done to the whole team from the back four marshalled by our captain Power right through to our strikers. 

Well done everyone once again!

Scorers - Hallett (2), MacDonald

Sunday 6 November 2011 - Liphook Knights victorious in the League!

After the previous week's close game, the Liphook Knights were keen to register some league points facing Curley Park Rangers Jaguars (recently promoted from the division below).

We started brightly, looking to play the attractive football associated with J Sharman (his words!) and were soon on top. Hallet opened the scoring mid way through the first half and we then doubled our advantage with a well worked goal, again from Hallet. The Knights went in at half time 2-0 up.

The second half was very much the same as the first half, the Knights controlling midfield and stifling the attacks of the visitors. Stoker got on the end of the ball in a race with their goalkeeper to score his first goal for the Knights 3-0!  A physical challenge in the box then led to a CPR penalty, but Higgs made a magnificent save to deny the visitors. From that point we went on to score two further goals (Booth & Sharman) finishing 5-0 victors.

Three well deserved points; well done to all the players for keeping their positions, looking to play passing football and for sporting such great "gel'd" hairstyles. It was like Bros revisited - taking us back to the '80's. Who of you remember them?  When, will I, will I be famous... 

Hampshire Cup next weekend.    

Scorers:  Hallet (2), Stoker, Booth, Sharman

Sunday 13 November 2011 - The Knights bow out of the Hampshire Cup.

The Liphook Knights exited the Hampshire Cup as their south coast opponents Wimbledon Park Tigers won 9-2 across at the recreation ground. 

We knew it would be a tough task, but at times in the game, ignoring the final score line, the Knights played some quality football - our two goals (one of which was at 1-1) were well crafted and both nicely executed by Holmes. When we put pressure on our opponents we were winning the 50:50 tackles but unfortunately we came up a very good team who put away their chances clinically and played the width very well. Some of the conceded goals were soft but this is something to be worked on at training. Wimbledon Park Tigers were worthy winners and we wish Shaun and his team all the best in the last 16. 

To pick out one Liphook player, Power at the back was again excellent (a point picked up by the opposing manager), rarely missing out on the ball in the one to one battles with their central strikers. Keith went off injured in the second half, hopefully he'll be with us next weekend. Our central back two played well together. 

Our sponsors Tony & Corina Knights attended; Tony had a brief chat to the players at the end of the match mentioning the positives in the spells when we scored. If we can take the good points of our play into our league fixtures, starting with Alton away next week, we'll be tough to beat.

Our thanks to Steve and Lynn for organising the hot refreshments at half time, Russell for doing a great job on the lines (with his flask!) and for David/Claire in dealing with the catering.

Scorers:  Holmes (2)

Sunday 30 October 2011 - Liphook Knights lose out narrowly to Alton United

Liphook Knights lost out narrowly 2-1 to Alton United (now the amalgamated Cobras and Vipers teams from last season) in a wet and lively home encounter.

All three goals were scored  in the first half of the match, and to some extent were all sloppy.  Our two conceded goals were partly down to our inability to clear the ball sensibly at the back; our solitary goal was an 'own goal' engineered by Hallet who worked tirelessly up front. 

The second half we were the better team, creating numerous opportunities (Grover, Keith, Hallet and MacDonald) without managing to hit the back of the net. We came quicker to the ball and put pressure on the opponents who became a little less organised as the Knights upped the aggression. Grover did hit some lovely corners which consistently caused panic in their box, adding another dimension to our game this season. On another day we would have run out winners with a little bit more composure in that final third. A draw would have been a fairer reflection but well done to Alton United. Our encounters have always been competitive ones.  

Our first ever yellow card was received by Booth (I wanted to mention the name as it was our FIRST) for something that was more niggly than a card offence. (Nothing more to be said on this subject until Jane finds out!) 

Once again today we showed we can play some quality football, the positives will be taken to our next match.

Scorers:  Own goal (1)

Sunday 16 October 2011 - Liphook Knights win 12-0 in the League Cup!

After last week's victory in the Hampshire Cup, this week our first game in the League Cup competition against California Raiders, a few divisions below us but it was important to be focused and get the right result.

Following last week's gutsy win, there was an air of confidence in the team, albeit down to a bare eleven players so no subs. Stoker made his debut up front, with Holmes back on the left and Marie in goal (who could miss him in the bright orange shirt!). We started brightly and the passing and movement was good, just what the manager had ordered. We dominated, physical in the challenge and playing some lovely flowing football.  The deserved breakthrough came from a MacDonald trademark strike, he doubled the advantage before half time as we went in 2-0 up at the interval.

For the second half the team came out fired up.  Whitlock was a menace with his powerful runs and Holmes was running riot with his weaving runs.  Sharman did the graft in midfield and Booth and Stoker were always keen to make the runs. McCusker played well in reverting to right back with some good tackling and passes up the right flank. This half saw ten goals (that is 10!) as Booth started the second half goal feast and MacDonald finished it scoring goal number 12 (to complete a double brace of goals). In between Holmes helped himself to a deserved hatrick, Whitlock scored twice, Booth and Sharman scoring the other two goals. It finished 12-0 to the Liphook Knights which on balance of play was a fair result. Some of the passing moves were great to watch. Our defence were rarely troubled in the match and Marie left with a clean orange shirt!  He'd not even been tango'd.

A great result for the Knights who are growing with confidence/  Well done to all the team - it's a team effort and everyone played well today from defence to up front. If we can take this form through to the League we will do well this season. Well done!

Scorers:  MacDonald (4), Holmes (3), Whitlock (2), Booth (2), Sharman (1)

Sunday 13 December 2011 - Liphook Knights tame the Pumas!

The Liphook Knights returned to action off the back of a bye to the quarter finals of the League Cup previous weekend and a narrow defeat to California Royals prior to that. A home fixture against Milford Pumas who overwhelmed us earlier in the season. The Knights wanted some revenge, so swords at the ready.

From the off, we were better than we'd been all season, looking safe at the back, which helped us to move forward with purpose through midfield upto our strikers. MacDonald opened the scoring, beating a few defenders before firing into the top right hand corner giving the keeper no chance. We doubled the advantage - a great corner from Grover onto the head of Keith. There were numerous other chances - Stoker, Grover and MacDonald all went close, before Booth finished off a stunning phase of passing, putting the ball in the net for goal three - only for a dubious offside decision (but we won't go there!) to keep the score at 2-0. We went in at half time, message from the manager was don't go to sleep, it's our game now to lose.

Second half, an early free kick to Milford almost resulted in a quick reponse - fortunately just over the bar. The Knights soaked up the early pressure and then started to push forward and take over the game. Defensively Likohugu was at his best, doing the basics and putting his head and boot on whatever came his way. Holmes was industrious as always getting his reward with a goal making it 3-0 the Knights. Unluckily we did let in a soft goal: the Pumas running on to a through ball to put low into the left hand corner - Higgs almost saved the it, getting part of his body on the shot, but not quite. From that point on we controlled the game with countless chances from several of the team, notably Hallett and Grover. Another corner late on from Grover was met again by Keith to make it 4-1 Liphook. That's how it finished.

Thoroughly deserved, thanks to the linemen and thanks to Dean (U14s boss) for setting up the pitch for us.

Next week we're away to California Royals who we lost narrowly to the other week (due to public petitioning I won't do the lines, simply to give the Knights a sporting chance of victory!). Based on today's performance, if we carry on playing in the same vein we'll move up the table quickly. Well done everyone!

Scorers - Keith (2), MacDonald, Holmes.

Sunday 25 September 2011 - Liphook Knights win local derby 5-1 against Liss!

A great all-round team performance from the Knights saw them register their first league victory of the new season against local rivals Liss Firebolts.

MacDonald, who is on fire at present, opened up the scoring early with a blistering run down the right, finished with a powerful shot giving the goalkeeper no chance.  Liss came back with the equaliser, a bit of a soft goal against the balance of play but game on. The first half - we were strong in the challenges, with Sharman and Mackintosh both resolute supported by the passing of Grover in midfield. Deservedly we went in 2-1 at the break with a good finish from Booth.

The second half Liss started strongly with some early freekicks and shots on goal with Liphook half asleep. Marie in goal stood tall and as the half wore on Liphook started to dominate and extended their advantage to 3-1 with another neat goal from Booth. Likohugu was moved to midfield and set off on those willing runs we expect. The Knights wrapped up the game with further goals from Mackintosh and Hallet, both well deserved for their individual performanaces. Liss played their part in a competitive game and finished strongly at the end of the match; which without last ditch challenges from Keith and 'Mr Reliable' Power they would have definitely scored again. The Liss goalkeeper had a very good game despite the scoreline.

We played well the previous week against Finchampstead without getting anything out the game so it was great to get the season on track with a deserved victory. Well done lads and good luck to our Liss friends for the 2011/12 season.

Scorers: Booth (2), MacDonald, Mackintosh, Hallett

First half action at the Liss goal

Second half action at the Liphook goal

Sunday 9 October 2011 - Liphook Knights win a thriller 6-5 away in the Hampshire Cup!

What an exciting game for the Liphook supporters to watch having travelled down to the Southampton area to play Sarisbury Sparks in the Sunday U12s Hampshire Cup.

We travelled with no substitutes which made the team selection easy. The first half we once again played some nice football, but still managed to concede a couple of soft goals. A strike from the in-form Mackintosh and goal one of the season for Keith (lovely header from a great Grover corner) took us into half time 2-2. The half time talk from the gaffer was to keep things tight and for the players not to have their customary naps at ten minute intervals during the game. What happened - after five minutes in to the half we unfortunately lost MacDonald with a shoulder injury. We then conceded two sloppy goals to be 4-2 down with a quarter of the game left. Back we came with a goal from Likohugu culminating from one of his 'never ending' runs, 4-3 and game on again. A fine goal from Sarisbury who were playing their part in a pulsating game made it 5-3.  Again we kept the ball moving forward with Sharman and Grover taking over midfield and Booth and Mackintosh running the flanks. We got a deserved  fourth goal with Hallett tucking away nicely before a shot from Booth was put in by a Sarisbury defender. 5-5!  Grover had chances to win the game going close a couple of times but come full time - 5-5 the score and another ten minutes either way. Just what the doctor ordered.

Without bias, we dominated the extra time period and appeared stronger despite having played most of the second half with ten players. Mackintosh scored his second of the match early on into extra time and this proved to be the decisive winner as Liphook saw out the rest of the game despite a few players wanting to come off with injuries. No chance!

We finished 6-5 victors and a place in round three of the Cup. Well done the Knights for being so hard working for each other and for never giving up the game at any stage. Let's all hope for an away tie on the IOW next round.

Our thanks to both Chris and Wayne for running the lines. Our thanks also to Sarisbury for playing their part in a thrilling game and for looking after us post match with snacks/refreshments.

Scorers:  Mackintosh (2), Keith, Likohugu, Hallett, own goal.

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