| Manager's comments:
25/04/2010
A good performance yesterday despite going down 6-2 to FC Clacton. Down to the bare 11 it was clear that Aidan was still struggling with injury and it wasn't long before Ryan also picked up a back injury - both having to come off for treatment. There was a few lapses of concentration and times when we should have cleared the ball meaning we were 2-0 before too long. Colne had their chances with Reed reaching the byline but Marly and Jake just failing to reach his crosses. Our pressure did eventually pay off and Marly curled a great finish passed their keeper. Going down to 10 put us under pressure and it was Clacton who scored next - 3-1 at half time.
The second half started terribly as we again failed to get tackles in or clear the ball meaning Clacton scored 2 in quick succession. Aidan was bravely battling on but Ryan's back injury meant we were down to 10. We showed good fighting spirit as we matched Clacton for the rest of the half. Reed picked up an injury meaning we were down to 9 for a short time. Clacton scored again but we were proud of the boys for their effort and Reed capped a fine display with Colne's second and a respectable scoreline considering we were well under strength.
Some good performances - notably Dylan at the back, Marly up front and Jack in goal, but MOM went to Reed for his effort throughout - capped with a fine goal at the end. The rest of the boys deserve a mention for the way they never gave up and matched Clacton for the last 25mins of the second half. Jake & Jack C did well despite being asked to play in strange positions - Well done to you all.
28th March 2010
A game the boys had been looking forward to finally came. Wivenhoe had struggled in the league often losing heavily including an earlier 8-3 loss to us. The first half was scrappy with the boys intent on ignoring every instruction being shouted. We seemed to want to take as many people on as possible when a simple pass would have been the better choice. Even so Colne went in at half time 3-1 in front.
The second half was much better and from the first whistle Colne began to play good football. Instead of trying to beat a player the boys realised that passing and moving was an easier option. Time and again Colne cut through Wivenhoe and a goal scoring opportunity was the result. Ben Senior was having a good half and Aidan was again concentrating on his job. Goals flowed and even Louis got on the scoresheet for the first time. Late in the second half we decided to give Jack C a run up front and he didn't look out of place. Reed went on a good run and was fouled by their keeper for the second time. Kane had scored a good first half penalty but Jack C was chosen to take the second and he cooly slotted it into the corner. A few more goals followed and the final result of 12-2 was fully justified.
The goals were scored by Reed (4), Daniel (3), Kane (3), Louis (1) and Jack C (1). Moley had a good game and his performance deserved a goal but this week he turned provider. MOM this week was Daniel. His workrate is second to none but this week his finishing was excellent. The second half from all the boys was very enjoyable to watch.
14th March 2010
Brightlingsea Regent (1) – EC U11 (5)
Today came a performance that makes it all worthwhile for a coach/manager. An away trip to the league leaders who soundly beat us at home earlier in the season. Nice to have 13 to choose from even if it was another early start.
The first half did not start well with Brightlingsea on top and Colne struggling to get a hold of the game. For the first 15 minutes it was backs to the wall with attack after attack but the team held firm with the defensive unit of Aidan, Jack C, Dylan & James coping well. Phillip was busier than normal but we knew Colne couldn't hold out forever and so it turned out as Brightlingsea got the goal their pressure deserved. The this seemed to be the spur Colne needed and they began to impose themselves on the game. Daniel worked his socks of up front and the back four were solid with only a few lapses in concentration. Reed began to see more of the ball in midfield and Ryan was always ready to receive the ball but it remained 1-0 at halftime.
The second half saw us going uphill which i thought might cause a problem, but it didn't. Colne began to dominate and Brightlingsea were lucky to have a nippy defender as Daniel was nearly through on a couple of occasions. Colne were playing some lovely football and there was a real team spirit. Pressure from Colne again resutled in a corner. The ball fell to Louis who chipped it back in and Reed volleyed it in off the underside of the bar. It was no more than the boys deserved. Colne continued to dominate and Reed capped a fine move with another good finish to make it 2-1. It was a pleasure to watch from the sidelines as each Colne player was giving 100%. Another through ball saw Daniel chase down putting pressure on the defence. Moley joined him and was strong in the tackle as he got through to finish. 3-1 and any neutrals would've been forgiven for thinking we were the league leaders - such was our superiority. Colne began to enjoy themselves and you could see the belief in each of the players. Kane had been defending a lot today but he was unlucky with an effort that hit the post. Jake made some good tackles and James proved his versatility by playing as a right back for the second half. Jack & Louis were strong in the middle of defence and Jack G was his usual safe self in goal. More pressure and Reed rode a couple of tackles and just managed to get his toe to it to direct his shot into the corner and another hat - trick. Colne were not finished as Reed made it 5 and Kanes nearly got on the scoresheet but his late effort was rightly ruled out for off side. A Special Mention must go to Daniel - his work rate was excellent and his performance deserved a goal - he will be missed this coming weekend.
A great performance from everyone. Everyone played their part and lets hope we can repeat this against the leagues 2nd team this coming Sunday and overturn a 6-1 defeat a few weeks ago.
Negatives - still prone to lapses in concentration and letting players drift past without picking them up.
Positives - teamwork, communication - great improvement, effort - superb from everyone, all round performance.
There were many candidates for MOM today and it could have gone to anybody. Reed had an excellent game scoring 4 goals which makes it 25 for the season, but Dylan Peakall had an exceptional game today. He'd already got the nod before the parents voted unanimously in his favour. His all round game was super - he headed, passed and tackled all game. He started at centre half and moved to left back in the second half and kept their dangerous No12 quiet throughout. Well Done Dylan - keep it up. A great game boys - this performance is what we know you are capable of.
21 February 2010
Gt Bentley 6 – EC U11s 1
A disappointing result but a fully deserved defeat in appalling conditions. The journey to Gt Bentley saw it raining heavily which was disheartening for me as I know how much the boys relish playing in the cold and rain. On arrival there was a brighter sky+++.
and things began to look up. The first half started ok and both teams were evenly matched, but it was Bentley who went in front. Colne failing to close down and diving in were our downfalls and Bentley could have added a second but Jack G was having a solid half in goal. Lance was doing his best to remind the boys of the width available to them as Ryan was constantly in acres of space but never used. Colne attacked but every time it was straight down the middle meaning the attacks faltered in the end. Again and again the space was not used and Reed was guilty on more than one occasion of not releasing the ball early. On the one occasion the wing was used, Reed found some space to fire a "cross-shot" across the box. Kane was there to pick it up and cleverly turned his marker to fire in the equaliser. This we thought would be the catalyst to spur us on but this did not happen. Reed, unusually, was being outplayed in the midfield by their No 7 who was the biggest and best player in their team. Another failure to clear saw Bentley go in at half time 2-1 up.
Then came the rain and the second half turned the game into an easy Bentley victory. Time and time again we failed to clear, mis-kicking and turning our backs on the ball making Bentley look a lot better than they actually were. To be honest it was Jack G and the woodwork on a couple of occasions that saved it being a bigger defeat than it was. The second half was one to forget as i think we failed to muster a serious attack throughout the half. The final score was 6-1 and our biggest defeat of the season. We hope the return match will see the Colne who played Stanway last week turn up as well as the Sun.
Positives : Another solid performance from James and Jack G. Respecting the referee - only once did we question the decision. Kane showing glimpses of returning to form of old and scoring a great goal.
Negatives : Lack of width - something we work on EVERY week. Diving in & turning your backs - let Bentley ease past us. Letting their heads drop - some players gave up towards the end. I know conditions were bad but you must fight to the end. Chatting - we are constantly asking the boys to listen without success. Instructions from the side lines were not being listened to either, yet there is no communication between the players. Concentration - one or two seemed to be daydreaming at times, letting players drift past them.
Another poll of the parents saw the Man of the Match award go to James. A solid display and fully deserved although it was close with a votes also going to a number of other players.
Thanks to all the parents who braved the elements. Thanks to those who provided transport and to Karen for buying me and 6 of the boys a coffee and a Mars bar - much appreciated!
14 February 2010
Earls Colne 3 - Stanway Rovers 4
After a very lacklustre training session on Saturday I was expecting disaster today. But the boys all put in a superb performance, marked by commitment, skill, running and COMMUNICATION. We started well and dominated large sections of the first half with the first goal coming from a corner by Ryan which was squeezed in near the byline by Reed amongst total confusion. Ryan, Reed and Kane were doing a great job in mid field starting attack after attack and half way through the second half Reed was brought down 3 yards outside the box and curled in a great free kick to the top corner making it 2:0. At the other end Jack C, James and Aidan were stifling Stanwayís very fast and skilful forwards however late in the second half Stanway eventually got through making it 2:1. Earls Colne were not finished with this half yet and a good move started back in defence saw a Marly flick reach Daniel who threaded a lovely ball through to Kane who finished it neatly in the far corner. A fast and furious half finishes 3:1 to Colne.
The second half saw Ben and Jake come on for Aiden and Marly. Although we had plenty of the ball in the second half we couldnít quite deliver the final pass to hurt Stanway who sensing humiliation, piled on the pressure which the defence coped with time after time. Unfortunately one attack broke through and Stanway were back in the game. Soon after Ryan fell in our box and gave away a penalty which Jack G almost saved. So now 3:3 and the pace and tension escalated making it a fantastic game to watch, but not for me! We had several attacks late on but still couldnít get the final ball to count. With about 5 minutes to go their speedy winger nipped through our defence and poked home the winner, disappointment and swearing all round.
If the boys played like this every game we would be top of the league!
Although we lost, every single boy who took part should be very proud of their performance. No-one gave up and I saw passing, quick thinking and more communication than before. A poll among the parents gave Jack Gooden Man of the Match for a very brave and AGILE (yes agile!) performance. I do agree with this but I must mention the efforts of Ryan, Jack Carder, James, Aidan, Reed, Kane, Marly, Daniel, Philip, Jake, Ben and Dylan who all made fine contributions against a very good team. Amongst all the praise one thing I have to point out is the lack of decisive tackles in our box, one to work on I think. Also we must stop back-chat to the referee. Two players could easily have been sent off for dissent and playing with nine players would be impossible. Gaffer tape will now be introduced for all games!
Thanks to all the guys for helping with the goals and general lugging about. Thanks to the man who took over the line duties from me and thanks to accountant Megan for taking all my money and for taking the poll for Man of the Match.
Training as usual 10:00 am at the Rec on Staurday.
Regards
Lance
Sunday 7th Vs Wivenhoe Youth Reds.
Yesterday saw us hit the goal trail with agusto. I had not even got into position as linesman before Reed had taken the ball from the kick off, through the Wivenhoe team and made it 1-0. A very good goal but a goal like this, so early did not help us as a team because too often afterwards we tried to walk the ball into the goal.
Colne completely dominated the game and chance after chance went begging, before Reed got his second. Ryan then matched Reed's 1st goal with a good run and finish. Another chance saw Marly get on the scoresheet. Dylan had volunteered to Give Jack G a break from goalkeeping duties and was bored for most of the 1st half, but a rare break from Wivenhoe coupled with some ricochet's saw a fine finish giving Dylan no chance.
Half time came and Dylan asked to come out of goal and Ryan offered to go in. The 2nd half mirrored of the first with chances galore. Eventually Reed got his hat-trick, but even he will admit he had numerous chances before this one. A square ball across the box on a number of occasions would have seen the score in double figures, and Reed was as guilty as anyone. It looked to be one of those halves for Daniel - hitting the post, but finally his hard work paid off as he followed up Reed's shot to tap in off the post. Wivenhoe ventured forward and Colne failed to clear and Ryan was beaten. This gave Wivenhoe a bit of steam and a shot from outside the area just beat Ryans fingertips into the corner. Colne upped the Tempo for the final 10 minutes and Reed capped a fine all round performance with 2 more goals giving him 5 for the game and Colne finally winning 8-3. A great display from all of the boys that I hope they repeat this week against Stanway Rovers.
Positives - Some great football at times with solid displays from everyone.
Effort - playing right to the final whistle. Improved communication - we actually heard them.
Negative - trying to walk the ball in the goal. There were numerous chances we could have taken with a simple pass.
Well done boys - keep it up!!
See you on the 20th.
Regards
Kevin
24.01.10
ECU11s 2 – 4 Colchester Athletic
A match that lived up to the "game of 2 halves" cliche which was good for the spectator, but not management. Colne were down to eleven due an injury to Dylan and the late withdrawal of Aidan.
A very even first half that saw Colchester Athletic have a number of chances go past the post, but Colne stood firm with Jack G and the back 4 playing solidly.
Reed was having a good half and was beginning to boss the midfield and some pressure on the right wing with Ryan led to a Colne throw in. The throw was taken and the ball fell to Reed who turned a great volley into the far corner of the net giving their keeper no chance. Maybe slightly against the run of play, but this seemed to give Colne a bit more vigour and they began to impose themselves on the game more and more. Another good move saw the ball fall to Reed on the edge of the box and he made no mistake giving Colne a 2-0 lead at half time. The team talk at half time asked the boys to keep their shape and to keep it tight but this seemed to fall on deaf ears.
Within minutes of the restart Col Athletic pulled one back as the whole of the Colne team seemed to watch as they poured forward. Despite instructions to stand in front - every goal kick was won by the opposition meaning the back 4 was constantly under pressure. Another 3 goals in the first 15 mins for Colchester killed the tie and although Colne battled through to the end we never looked like clawing it back. It was evident 11 players is not enough and even 1 substitute is a benefit. The boys really began to flag in the second half. Unusually quiet games for Marly and Kane, with Phillip not wanting to get his sparkly new boots dirty. The whole back 4 had decent games and no complaints about the effort. MOM went to Reed who probably had his best all round display this season.
Negatives - listening to instruction. Stand in front of the opposition as this makes it harder for them to win the ball. Concentration - must focus for the whole game. Communication - again quiet as lambs on the pitch
Positives - effort. The whole of the team carried on until the final whistle. Attitude - no arguing and everyone played as a team.
13th December 2009
A very even match that could've gone either way. A slight hangover for the manager and he just managed to make it in time even if he was a little unprepared. Colne slightly shaded the first half but Tempest edged the second. We could not fault any of the boys and it was a good performance from all. Reed had an exceptinal first half capped with a fine goal off the underside of the bar. Colne would rue the few missed chances in the first half that would've meant a healthy lead at half time. Jack G returned in goal from the holding midfield role and had a solid second half earning him the MOM award. A good performance from all that if repeated will lead to a lot more wins this season.
29/11/09
EC U11s 2 – 2 FC Clacton Blues
A great game for the spectator and the conditions were much better than last week. Colne started well with some neat football from Reed, Kane, Marly & Daniel. We should rename Daniel "whippet" after some of the balls he was expected to chase. Dylan & Ryan in midfield were also solid as were the back four of James, Aidan, Louis & Jack C. Some good moves but without the final outcome of a killer pass or a shot meant our supporters were getting a little frustrated at 0-0. Another good move saw a trip in the box and a penalty award to Colne. Up stepped Kane - normally so good in training - but his efort was saved. Colne had dominated possession but had nothing to show. Jack G kept his concentration in tipping a rare long range effort from Clacton round the post. It would have been harsh going in at 0-0 as there had been numerous shooting opportunities and just when it looked the case up stepped Reed with a good finish to a good move.
1-0 at half time.
The second half saw Clacton get more involved and the game was much more even without losing it's entertainment value. A couple of tackles from Clacton seemed to go unpunished, but the players must remember to play to the whistle. It was finger nail biting stuff from end to end and Marly gave us some breathing space with a second to go 2-0 up. Despite instructions from the touchline Colne decided to go for a 3rd and were punished on the break as Clacton pulled one back. Squeaky bum time as the Ref's 5mins seemed to last for 15 as Colne were on the back foot. Still the midfield searched for a 3rd and we paid the price as Clacton equalised with the last kick. A draw snatched from the jaws of victory.
A good performance from all but after about 15mins sleep at the Scout camp - MOM went to Jack C who, along with all the back 4, had a very solid game. We must remember to shoot as we has quite a few chances when we should've pulled the trigger. If you don't shoot - you don't score.
Thanks to those who braved the elements and helped put the goals away.
Positives - interchanging of passes cut through Clacton at will. Reed's 1st half where he dominated the midfield and with a bit more luck could've scored a couple. All performances were good and we should've gone in at half time at least 3-0 up.
Negatives - Appealing for free kicks. The ref's decision is final and we must play to the whistle. Not following instructions and holding positions in Midfield leaving us exposed when they attacked.
Lawford 5 – 2 EC U11s (22 November 2009)
Not a good performance or indeed a good day last Sunday. The conditions were horrid with a strong wind not doing us any favours in the first half. We felt confident on the touchline after beating Lawford in the 1st game of the season, but as usual we were unsure which Earls Colne were going to show up. The first half was no football spectacle. Colne were the better team but depite instruction the team kept trying with the through balls to Daniel without success. A couple of good moves saw Colne 2-1 up at the break with both goals coming from Marly.
If there was any substance in the saying "a game of 2 halves" - this was it. Colne could not cope with the conditions with the wind directly against us - and Lawford instantly equalised. It was then the heavens opened and the driving rain meant it was difficult for the boys to see let alone play football. Lawford went in front and Colne could not get out of their half. Lawford scored 2 more and the conditions were so bad we conceded with the score at 5-2 to Lawford.
Many thanks to those parents & supporters who braved the elements to support the boys and hopefully we will not experience such conditions again. We did say to the boys that if they are only going
At last we had all 14 players to choose from meaning we had the opportunity to overturn the 3-1 league defeat earlier this season.
Colne started brightly and dominated the early exchanges. It was good to see Reed, Dylan, Marly, Kane and Daniel exchanging short one touch passing - things we work on weekly in training. The Defence was solid and it was good to see Ryan heavily involved in Colne's attacks. The pressure we were putting Tempest under deserved a goal and Kane duly obliged with a crisp finish into the far bootom corner. Colne then had a lapse of concentration at the back letting Tempest equalise staraight from the restart. Colne continued to dominate and Reed restored our lead with a neat finish with the outside of his boot. Kane increased the lead to 3-1 and it should have been a fair result going into half time but Tempest pulled one back just before the whistle.
The Second half began like the first with Colne getting the upper hand at the start. Kane restored our 2 goal cushion with the completion of his hat trick and we had the chances to increase it further, but couldn't find the net. Tempest began to get a foot in and play with more vigour and they began to put us under more pressure. Ryan was rightfully booked for deliberate handball and a free kick just outside of the area was defended well. Colne were defending well but couldn't stop Tempest scoring again meaning there was a frantic final 15minutes. Despite lots of shouting the midfield quartet were not getting back leaving the back four under more and more pressure. Jack G, Jack C, James, Louis and both Ben S and Aidan proved equal to the test. Injuries to Dylan and Phillip meant changes had to be made. Marly returned up front and Kane dropped back into midfield. Ryan came back on instantly we looked more solid. A good interchange between Kane, Reed, Daniel and Marly saw Reed get to the byline. He tricked the defender to slot the ball home. This took the wind out of Tempest and Colne easily held on for a well deserved 5-3 victory.
Positives - the whole defence who stood firm despite intense pressure in the 2nd half. Work Ethic - Excellent and the boys worked extremely hard. Ryan who got involved this week and what a difference it made. Reed who again scored 2 good goals and could've got a couple more, but MOM this week went to Kane whose hat trick eased the pressure and whose interchanging with Reed led to many chances.
Negatives - Communication, we get non stop talking at training or when we are talking but the boys are quiet as mice at matches. Ryan for laughing despite just being booked. Couple of players attitudes towards substitutions. We must remember this is a team game and everyone has a part to play.
Thanks to those who helped with the goals and for both our linesmen who both had good games. |
