Marle Place Wanderers U11 - 2008/9 End of Season Report
The U11s started the season on the back of the harsh lessons they learned in the U10 A League and a very difficult 2007/8 season. The squad, which has been together since U7s, had a few new faces including Matt Blunden and Kaolan O' Connor from St Francis and James Atkins and from Southdown Rovers, all of whom have made good contributions throughout the season. The season started really well, with a solid 3-0 win over Hassocks followed by big wins of 6-1 and 8-1 over Cuckfield and Lindfield respectively. The team then put in a superb performance away to Withdean and achieved 5-1 win. This remains probably the best performance of the season. After a harder-than-expected win over a spirited Rangers side, the team then did brilliantly to beat A League Wealden 2-1 in the league cup, O'Connor scoring the winning goal. Either side of this win, the first points of the season were dropped with draws against Furngate and eventual league winners Hurst Hornets.
The biggest win of the season followed, a 16-0 mauling of Ifield Edwards, but this preceded a mid-season dip and consecutive defeats against Hassocks and Withdean respectively, due no doubt in part to a lack of players at the time as the winter bugs took their toll and depleted the squad. Comfortable wins against the Rangers and another dozen put past Ifield Edwards warmed the team up nicely for their next cup match, where a great performance saw Lindfield B beaten 5-1. Some controversy followed in the league game against the same opponents the following week where the points were taken despite a 1-0 defeat as Lindfield fielded a number of ineligible players. A weak performance resulted in a 3-0 loss to Furngate before the team faced high-flying A League Maidenbower Colts in the semi final of the Cup. In a great game, Place took the lead through Jamie Nicholson but conceded a couple of goals just before half time to go in 2-1 down. A couple of very late goals for Maidenbower gave the scoreline a gloss they didn't deserve, and all the Place boys should be really proud of the way they fought against the ultimate A League runners up. Another 1-1 draw against Hornets followed by a hard fought 2-1 win over Cuckfield as some key players were rested left the team in third place, just one point off second and four points off the top, and a positive goal difference of 49.
The boys can look back with some pride on a very good first season of 11-a-side. The new faces have fitted in well and we have a strong set of core players who can be relied on to turn in good performances week in, week out. After some problems with illness, striker Jamie Nicholson is making a very strong return to form, supported by the top goal scorer Iwan Griffiths. The midfield core of Jake Chantler, Ads Chilcott, Ollie Gillam and Stuart Ellmer are quickly developing their awareness of the bigger game and operating as an effective unit. In defence, Joe Russell remains one of the best tacklers in the league, Josh Crow has had a fabulous season where his confidence has increased significantly and James Atkins has added some height and strength to the centre and captained the team well. In his first full season in goal, Wills Brimacombe has become increasingly confident in commanding his area and has made a number of stunning saves, drawing praise from opposing teams. In addition, a number of appearances by George Askew has undoubtedly strengthened the team further. Sam Farnhill has had a good first season, Jack Bishop has upped his work rate and had his best season to date and Luke Coleman can always be relied on to give 100%. With a couple of further new faces to be introduced before next season, Manager Mark Bishop believes the team is well placed to make a serious attempt at winning the B league in 2009/10.
At the end of season presentation on May 30th, all of the squad received a memento to celebrate their performance. In addition, the following special gongs were awarded :
Players Player of the Year - shared between Jamie Nicholson and Joe Russell
Managers Player of the Year - Ollie Gillam
Most Improved Player - Jack Bishop
Harford Trophy (for attitude and effort in training) - Sam Farnhill-Hubbard
Parents Player of the Year - Jake Chantler
The Team would also like to express their gratitude to their generous sponsors - Waitrose, Capital Plastering Services Limited, Fleetserve Auto Engineers and DG Carpentry (Bathrooms and Kitchens)
