End of 2008 and Start of 2009

Our next match was due to be played on Saturday 3rd January - but as a result of a few casual conversations I know already that we haven't got a team for this one - so I've cancelled it.

I'll see all players for our Writhlington training session on Tuesday 6th January in preparation for our first match on Saturday 10th January in Melksham.

Just to let you know that as a team we have received £25 from the 2006/7 Cafe profits (still £400 left to go towards our Holland Tour next season). We'll organise a social with this fund towards the end of the season.

So all that remains this year is to thank you all for your support so far this season, you've been great, and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

BTYFC A Squad 4-1 BTYFC B Squad

After a frantic 10 minute end to end start, the Athletic back line of Jonno and Laurence had to work hard to keep Rovers out. Rovers broke the deadlock by Finn with a well taken goal from the left hand corner of the box. However, as the first half continued, Athletic began to dominate the game. Angus, Cam and Jack working well down the flanks and when finding Marco up front, the striker was able to terrorise the Rovers’ defence with his trademark mazy dribbling skills. Captain Ollie, as always, was all over the pitch tackling hard, winning balls and selflessly distributing the ball around the pitch. With the Rovers’ keeper Tom Hughes making spectacular save after save, when the whistle went for half time break Rovers were lucky to be ahead. Within 10 seconds of the start of the second half, Athletic equalised with quick well taken strike from Marco. Athletic were now in total control of the match and after another five minutes Ollie turned quickly at the edge of the box and with a super shot made it two for Athletic. With Rovers’ fading out of the match and being wide open at the back, Athletic continued cut through the Rovers’ defence with perfectly placed through balls. With another two goals from Marco, giving him his second hat trick of the season, Athletic finished comfortable 4-1 victors and giving them Monday morning bragging rights at school.

Corsham Leopards 2 - 2 BTYFC A Squad

Well done to all players for this match - we played well, had a little bit of deserved luck and having been 2-0 up with 10 minutes to go we should have come away all 3 points (again!!). We lost a little composure at the back this week – particularly at the end. Well done to Jack for opening his goal scoring account this season - hopefully the flood gates will now open for him!

Positives from match:

• Organisationally most players demonstrated greater awareness of their roles
• We are getting closer to a system that best matches the characteristics of the players
• Goals scored this season have come from quick and decisive passing and distribution – this was the case with both our goals on Saturday.
• Willingness for our players to get more physical and put themselves about a bit – although this referee pick us up a few times on this, I think with a little more subtly on our part we should further develop this side of our game.
  

Things to work on in training

• Quick and decisive passing
• Movement off the ball
• Using the quick throw in and corner
• Shooting – having a go from distance
  
  

Training at Writhlington: Rules and Dates

Location
Writhlington Sports Centre
Knobsbury Lane
Writhlington
BA3 3NQ
01761 438559
http://www.writhlingtonsportscentre.co.uk/

Dates
Sessions are booked from 6-7pm on these evenings - if we can aim to meet at 5:55pm then we can maximise use of our time.

4th November
11th November
18th November
25th November
2nd December
9th December

6th January
13th January
20th January
27th January
3rd February
10th February

Last match of this half of the season on 22nd February. Training will then be on Saturday mornings until next round of matches start - then I guess it will be light enough to move back to Winsley. If not we'll make a few more bookings at Writhlington.

BTYFC A Squad 0 - 0 Trowbridge B

I thought todays match was a very good, high tempo performance from the boys. They seemed to take on the point about being more aggressive and displayed good football from it. I thought George Franklin especially showed this. (As we saw at training he seemed quite keen!!) Although we had to settle for a 0-0 draw, which was quite disappointing, I think I speak for all the parents watching we should have scored about 3 with shots coming off the post and rolling along the goalmouth! Also we seemed to be more pressing and were closing down the opposition well and from this made for some very good chances, potentially goal scoring. As I said we should have won this game comfortably but we couldn't seem to bury it, even the Trowbridge manager said that we played very good football and that they didn't look like they were really going to score. All in all I think it was a great game but we need to sort out our shooting! They seem to be able to do it in the warm-up and at training but when it comes to the match nothing seems to happen!

Chippenham White 2-0 BTYFC A

A good game of football today against Chippenham. We were beaten by a first minute goal (weren't quite up with the pace of the game so early on) and then a smashing strike that was pretty unstoppable. In the second half we were better and were more solid at the back - propably a match for them. But as a result of us playing two at the back we were a bit on the thin side up front - lacking our usual threat around the opposition's goal mouth. With one or two exceptions we seemed to lack a desire or hunger to get hold of this game and weren't really challenging for the ball - occassionally looking a bit scared of the ball and the possibility of getting hurt! This group of lads are very good footballers but a little too nice and polite on the pitch. If we want to start winning games and compete in this division we just have to develop a harder more physical edge and put ourselves about a bit more. How we cultivate this is another matter!? (Answers on a postcard please).

Melksham Town Saints 6 - 2 BTYFC A Squad

At half-time we are 2-1 up. Even with 4 minutes to go, we were only 3-2 down and pressing for the equaliser. So to finish losing 6-2 was disappointing for the boys and in no way reflects the game. Ignoring the gloom and despondency that descended on the players in the last few minutes, there is plenty to be positive about in this performance:

· Overall a far more solid defensive display – we were far better at closing players down and sticking goal-side with attacking players and getting back to help out in defence
· Some lovely passing and movement - particularly in the first half.
· Marco looked up more in box and on a couple of occasions spotted a simple pass to a player in space – on both occasions resulting in goals for us.

As Tim said at the end – a couple of simple positioning techniques during goal kicks would have reduced their goal tally. We’ll work on this tomorrow.

Our first victory IS around the corner.

Cup Match: Corsham Jaguars 6 – 4 BTYFC A Squad

At 2-0 down within the first 5 minutes and being totally overrun, I thought if we can keep this below 10-0 it will be a miracle. I should of course know better. I should have kept faith in the plucky spirit of this team. Staring humiliation in the face, we woke up. The midfield gradually took control of proceedings and pressed forward relentlessly. At 3-3 we had the game by the scruff of the neck. The feeling amongst the terrific Bradford away fans was that this game was there for the taking. Energy levels dipped a fraction and before we knew it was 6-3. BTYFC rallied again and brought it back to 6-4 but despite much late pressure time ran out.

Another enthralling game – leaving supporters just as exhausted as the players. Progress is being made in all departments. Well done to Marco for his fantastic hat-trick, Ollie for his goal and again for his tireless and ceaseless work – a captain leading by example! Special thanks to Archie in goal – without whom it could have been 10. All players contributed really well. Our first competitive victory this season must surely be around the corner.

Players' Pen Pics

Angus is a genuine “Fox in the Box”. His casual style around the pitch sometimes attracts unfair criticism but no one can doubt his proven talent for hitting the back of the net. “The Fox” exudes a match presence akin to Tim Cahill and has a bright future ahead of him collecting lots of top scorer awards.

“Woody Wade” is as solid as an oak tree at the heart of the team. Ben’s never say die attitude and ability to spot the killer pass ensures that he’s always in the thick of the action. An assured pitchside presence combined with continued work on his portfolio of tricks could give the Adders their own Ronaldo.

“Classy Cam” is the epitome of a footballing aristocrat. A true thoroughbred, Cam’s jinks and tricks are a delight to behold making him a firm favourite with the crowd. The king of the keepy-uppy challenge is another who, if he continues to train hard could emulate Ronaldo.

“Boots Franklin” deftly employs his red and blue boots to leave the opposition feeling black and blue after matches. Always comfortable in defence or midfield, this season George has added a dangerous attacking edge to his game. As a recent addition to the 110% effort club “Boots” could even become the next Stevie G.

“Diablo Rebello” is famed for acts of daring do both on and off the pitch. His cerebral approach to the game regularly leaves the opposition in mental stitches enabling him to glide serenely past them. If George works on using his left foot then his career will know no bounds and he could even emulate Ronaldhino.

“Magic Maddox” is the wizard on the wing with a right foot and shimmy to die for. A true heir to the Manchester United legacy of great wingers it can only be a matter of time before Lawrence fulfils his potential as the next Ronaldo. He’s definitely one to watch!

“Jonno the Joker” keeps the mood light and morale high during testing times in matches. However underneath that façade is a ruthless and determined defender with the class of Peter Crouch who doesn’t know the meaning of the phrase lost cause. Sami Hyypia please move over, Jonno is in the building!

“Jumpin Jack Flash” is the kind of firecracker striker any manager would give their right arm for. His game is all about instinct and this season he’s made great strides to channel his temperament in to what he does best – scoring. Jack has also shown great skill between the sticks demonstrating a level of commitment reminiscent of Frank Lampard.

“Ollie the Kid” has the fastest feet in the west, well certainly in BTYFC u9. He is always at the heart of the action leading the team from the front whether he’s in goal or out on the pitch. A fantastic footballing future awaits this great prospect who has the talent, drive and energy to become the next Messi.

White Juniors 1-0 BTYFC A

Although we lost this one 1-0, on any other day it would have been 5-1. We had the bulk of the possession and the bulk of the scoring opportunities - even their manger at the end said we'd been all over them. But largely due to fine goal keeping - we couldn't make it count. Never mind - it was a far more controlled performance than the friendly against Trowbridge - particularly at the back. If your are interested in my thinking about the formation, I thought it worked well having Ollie playing in a deeper central role to provide more cover at the back and with Angus also dropping back more into a forward midfield role. With Marco, Ben, Cam, and for a time George F, up and down the flanks I reackon we have a basis of a system that might work well for us. The only issue being that when we got tired, the marking at the back became a little sloppy - but this is perhaps more to do with overall fitness levels.

Well done to all players for working really hard on what turned out to be a very warm morning - if we keep playing like this - results will start coming our way.

Contacts

Steve and Ros Arthur (Cam)
01225 869459
07795 305994

Joanne & Vince Bartolo (Marcus)
01761 434779
07717 740573

John and Anne Coghlan (Ollie)
01225 722035
07879 668604

Tim and Sarah Franklin (George)
01225 864197
07905 005687

Charlie and Christina Maddox (Laurence)
01225 868781
07973 373411

Jason and Justine Rebello (George)
01225 863049
07976 774224

Richard and Marie Salter (Jonathan)
01225 866343
07884 260045

Angela Stacey (Jack)
01225 309163
07776 195450

Phil and Nicky Wade (Ben)
01225 864849
07860 744652

Paul and Jane Watts (Angus)
01225 862075
07964952282

Fixture List and Results

Saturday 13th September
White Horse Juniors vs BTYFC A Squad (1-0)
Meet: 11:00am
Kick Off: 11:30am

Saturday 20th September
Training at Winsley
Meet: 9:30am

Sunday 28th September
Cup Match: Corsham Jaguars vs BTYFC A Squad (6-4 (Marco 3, Ollie))
Meet: 11:00am
Kick Off: 11:30am

Sunday 5th October
Melksham Saints vs BTYFC A Squad (6-2 (Angus 2))
Meet: 1o:30am
Kick Off: 11:00am

Saturday 11th October
BTYFC A Squad vs Warminster Highbury B (2-1 (Ben, Angus))
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Saturday 18th October
Chippenham White vs BTYFC A Squad (2-0)
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Saturday 25th October
BTYFC A Squad vs Trowbridge Town B (0-0)
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Saturday 1st November
Half Term Break: No football

Saturday 8th November
Corsham Leopards vs BTYFC A Squad (2-2 (Marco, Jack))
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Saturday 15th November
Friendly: Corsham Leopards vs BTYFC A Squad (3-2 (Marco, Jack))
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Saturday 22nd November
BTYFC A Squad vs BTYFC B Squad (4-1 (Marco 3, Ollie))
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Sunday 30th November
BTYFC A Squad vs Trowbridge Town D (2-2 (Marco2))
Meet: 2:00am
Kick Off: 2:30pm


Saturday 6th December
Training at Winsley
Meet: 9:30am

Saturday 13th December
BTYFC A Squad vs White Horse Juniors (Postponed due to waterlogged pitch)
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Saturday 20th and 27th December
Christmas Holidays: No Football

Saturday 3rd January
Warminster Highbury B vs BTYFC A Squad (Postponed and scheduled for: Sat 7th March))
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Saturday 10th January
BTYFC A Squad vs Melksham Town Saints (Postponed due to frozen pitch)
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Sunday 18th January
Trowbridge Town B vs BTYFC A Squad (Postponed due to water-logger pitch)
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Saturday 24th January (Postponed due to Chippenham changing date)
BTYFC A Squad vs Chippenham White
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Sunday 1st February
Trowbridge Town D vs BTYFC A Squad (0-0)
Meet: 2:00pm
Kick Off: 2:30pm

Saturday 7th February
BTYFC B Squad vs BTYFC A Squad
Meet: 9:30am
Kick Off: 10:00am
Social in Clubhouse after match

Saturday 14th February
Half Term Holiday: No Football

Saturday 21st Feburary
BTYFC Squad A vs Corsham Leopards
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am

Saturday 8th March
Warminster B vs BTYFC A
Meet: 10:00am
Kick Off: 10:30am