Under 7’s
On a bitterly cold, but Sunny Sunday morning the young Swans again found themelves on their travels. This was their first game in a month, not ideal preparation for the match against a very strong Corfe Mullen side. Preparations were also hampered when cheerleading and lap dancing specialists, Bob and Tarnia Luckwell called to say they couldn’t make the match.
This game was always going to be tight and so it proved, both defences were tight and chances were few and far between, with another outstanding display from Team captain William in the Swans defence. Both he and Callum continuing to show why Afc Bournemouth are taking a keen interest in their progress. The midfield again was superbly run by Drew.
With a lot of midfield activity it wasn’t long before substitutions were made as the young Swans tired quickly on the heavy pitch, the Swans deservidly took the lead when Drew lobbed the keeper from outside the box. Half-Time 1-0.
The second half was much the same as the first with Micheal producing a stunning save as he pushed a great shot over the crossbar when a goal looked certain. Corfe Mullen began to exert pressure and it finally paid off with a loose ball in the box was forced over the line for a deserved equaliser. Jake L had a great chance but his shot was too near the keeper. The young Swans paid dearly for some slack defending when the ball broke in the box and was shot home by a gleeful Corfe Mullen striker. The young Guns tried hard to level the match but could find no way through the home defence.
A disappointing result for the boys, having 4 weeks off didn’t help but both Co-managers were pleased with their efforts. New signing George fitted in well and another gutsy performance from the youngest member of the squad Mitchell.
Rob and Jim want to wish all the parents and players a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Final Score Corfe Mullen 2 Swans 1
Scorer - Drew Campbell
MOM - Callum Baughen (Just about shading from William
Under 8’s
Well this would be an interesting tie, the 8’s keen to make up for their poor display the previous week and New Milton keen to get one back on the Swans after we beat them 4 - 2 at their place earlier in the season. The game opened brightly with the Swans pushing New Milton back into their half good pressure from Corey Jack and Jamie, NM responded but Joseph and Zac were holding out well in defence with help from Jaya this week closing their opponents down and lots of talking.
This was turning into a good little contest with good end to end play the Swans a different team from the week before, working as a unit, closing play down and talking to each other. The Swans were pushing NM deep into their half and from a forced corner Corey picked up a rebound shooting the ball into the net from his weaker left foot. NM responded well but Dexter was quick off his line to thwart their shooting.
Just before half time Jamie, Jack and Corey Pushed forward Jamie laying the ball off to Jack who tucked the ball away Half Time Swans 2 NM 0.
The 2nd half statred again with the Swans forcing NM deep into their half but their keeper made some easy saves. NM had made some changes at half time and started to apply some pressure back on the Swans, Jaya helping Zac and Joseph out at the back.
NM scored their 1st form a corner which was played short and the Swans were caught ball watching. NM were having a good spell Dexter forced to make a couple of good saves, all the Swans back defending. Jamie made a couple of good runs and the Swans nearly scored their 3rd after a frantic scrabble on the NM goal line but the ball wouldn’t go over the line. NM responded and 5 mins from the end broke through the defence scoring their 2nd. The Swans were pushing forward again but couldn’t find the end product, then from a Swans corner the ball broke to a NM player who only had Dexter to beat but Dexter came off his line and made himself big the NM player shooting wide. The final minutes both teams pushed end to end but the game finished in a draw. This was a fantastic game to watch but finger biting for the coacheslayed in great spirit with both sides displaying good sportsmanship, a much improved effort than the week before form the Swans, well done.
Full Time Swans 2 NM 2 - MOM Dexter Storer
Richard & Alan would like to wish all the 8’s and their parents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and a big thankyou for all the support and effort so far this season.
Under 10’s
On a sunny afternoon, thankfully without the rain, the u10s always knew this was going to be a very tough match, playing top of the table Parkstone who are unbeaten so far this season. With some team changes, Josh Smith came out of goal to play in defence with Robert, leaving Josh Peaty in goal.The swans started off well, playing attacking football straight from kick off. Parkstone soon came back at the Swans and with some excellent passing, they bagged their first goal. The swans kept battling for the ball and were playing well, with Robert and Josh making some crucial clearances, again Parkstone gained possession and capitalised by scoring their second. Swans heads stayed up and Mitch and Adam came close to scoring, but Parkstone got the ball again and scored their third. Josh Peaty made some good saves but was unlucky to be beaten again. The swans kept their heads up and continued to attack, using the width of the pitch and some excellent tackling, hounding the opposition for the ball. A few minutes later, the Swans saw a chink of light when Mitch drove the ball home to go in at half time 4-1.
After a positive team talk, the boys came out looking for their second goal. With some good runs down the wings by Bradley and Sonny, the swans came close but they were unlucky as Parkstone broke away and scored again. The boys kept putting Parkstone under pressure with Ollie battling in midfield and were eventually rewarded with a goal scored by Kieren. Mudeford continued to fight for the ball and were defending well when the ball just caught Mitch’s arm and a penalty was given. Parkstone converted to make the final score 6-2. MoM was given to Sonny as he did not get to share the trophy last week. All of the boys played well and did well to keep on going with such determination.
After the match, the referee congratulated the Swans parents on their exemplary conduct on the touchline! (Unlike the home parents who were very vocal towards him!).
The Parkstone coach also said how impressed he was with the way Mudeford Swans played today. Roll on our next match, the return leg against Parkstone Heights!
Andy & Bill would like to wish all the 10’s and their parents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and a big thankyou for all the hard work and support so far this season.
i think we played and were unlucky that we lost 6-2 in the end but both of our goals were quality and josh peaty was never expected to save the penalty but well done to all the 10s fantastic game.