Marle Place Wanderers U17 - 2009-10 Match Reports

Ringmer Rovers Tournament - June 20th

The boys put in another decent tournament performance, although failing to progress from the Group Stage (only the top team went through, MPWFC, we think, finished second in the group of six teams).

The first game against Meridian ended 0-0, Place having the better of the first part of the game and going close a couple of times but Meridian almost stealing the points at the end, only denied by a fabulous save from Dean Griffin. Next up were AFC Brighton and Hove including 'old boys' Jack Bishop and George Askew, and unsurprsingly it was the latter who made the difference, scoring twice in a disappointing 3-0 defeat. That proved to be the low point of the day, as the next game resulted in a 1-0 defeat of Ashurstwood, Jamie Nicholson netting the winner after a great run by Conor Froud. Another 0-0, dominated by Place but missing the final touch, against Peacehaven followed before the best performance of the day came with a 2-1 victory over Wealden. Ads Chilcott got both the goals, the second brilliantly set up by Nathan Foley, before Wealden pulled one back off the unfortunate Jake Chantler who bravely threw himself in front of a shot, only to see the balloon off him into the net.

All in all the boys can be well satisfied with another good tournament showing. Dean Griffin - made a number of crucial saves and distributed the ball well
Stu Ellmer - showed his versatility with good games on the left and at full back
Ads Chilcott - two good games at full back, and two goals in the last game up front
Jake Chantler - worked really hard and played some very intelligent football
Nathan Foley - impressed with his incisive passing
Jamie Nicholson - as always terrorised opposing defenders with his strong running
Conor Froud - some great runs from midfield. Never afriad to go in where it hurts

Lewes Bridge View Tournament - June 6th

A new tournament for us, on arrival we found there was only one U12 Group where we faced Lewes Bridge View (two teams), Hove Rivervale, Southwick and Chailey & Newick. An exciting first game saw us draw 2-2 with Southwick, Joe Russell bagging both goals. A superb performance followed, a 1-0 win over old foes (who have handed us some real beatings in the past) Hove Rivervale, Jamie Nicholson netting the winner. After this good start, a couple of poor performances followed, with defeats to the not-so-strong Chailey & Newick (2-0) and to the much stronger Lewes Bridge View A (3-0). At this stage, progression looked unlikely, but results from other games meant a win against LBV '1' would probably do the job - and after dominating the game and missing a host of chances, Iwan Griffiths finally put Martin's heart rate down a bit by slamming in a decent winner from distance.

This was enough to progress to the semi finals, and another meeting with Hove Rivervale, who's only dropped points in the group stages were against MPW. They were determined not to make the same mistake again. Somehow, our boys approached the semi final with a completely different attitude and were all over Hove from the start, closing down quickly and playing some great football. They got the goal their play deserved when Iwan seized on to a through ball into the box and skilfully slotted the ball past the keeper. Unfortunately, in doing so, he fell awkwardly and was obviously in great pain, but was extremely brave about it. Iwan could clearly not be moved at this stage so the game was moved to an adjacent pitch while he was attended to (and from where an ambulance ultimately picked him up). It later transpired that he had broken his leg in the tumble, but what an act of heroism for the team ! The boys were determined not to lose after that, and held on for a fabulous 1-0 win, Iwan's goal being decisive.

The great attitude continued into the final against Lewes Bridge View A. This was a great game of football with chances at both ends, but with the scores level after 6 mins each way, extra time was played. It was always going to be a moment of good skill that won the game and so it proved, LBV 'A' scoring with virtually the last kick of extra time after a mazy run as a penalty shoot-out loomed.

All the boys can be extremely proud of their performances and attitude - James Atkins doing a great job in goal for the majority of the afternoon, Ads Chilcott ultimately settling in to the lone defensive role and making more tackles in one afternoon that he probably did all season, Joe Russell holding everything together in the centre of midfield in his usual combative manner, Josh Arnold terrorising teams with his runs down the left and Jamie doing the same on the right and up front. Jake Hill, in one of his first real outings for tthe Wanderers, had a fabulous afternoon in midfield. As for Iwan, I think we created enough chances in the final to have won it, and the way he was playing I'm sure he'd have put at least one of them away to win the tournament if he had been able to play.

Well done to all who played - it was great to watch. Let's hope you can carry this level of performance through to the next one. Of course, we all also send our best wishes to Iwan for a speedy recovery.

Pictured below are the boys with their Runners Up trophies.

Marle Place Wanderers U12 8 - 1 SV Eschelbach (May 15th)
SVE, visitors from Germany, found life difficult on the full-size pitch at Downlands School which is not surprising given 11-a-side football starts at a later age in the German youth structure. Place were quickly into their stride, Jamie Nicholson opening the scoring with a lovely left foot finish after good work by Place MoM Jake Chantler on the right. Nicholson also got no 2, latching on to a flicked through ball from Ads Chilcott. Josh Arnold cleverly fooled the keeper with his 'cross' from the left to make it three before Nicholson bagged his second, but then missed a glorious chance to complete his first half hat trick by firing over from close range. Chantler opened the second half with an excellent solo goal and then Arnold got his second with a cool finish after a strong run by Oli Gillam. SVE pulled one back by beating the offside trap (although the Place linesman was struggling to keep up with play at this point) before Chantler completed his deserved hat-trick with a good finish from the left. David Sadler wrapped up the scoring, Chilcott again providing the telling pass. Special mention to the excellent central defensive pairing of James Atkins and Matt Blunden, supported by Joe Russell holding in central midfield who all did an excellent job snuffing out the quick and skilful German attacks. Below - the boys pictured with their German visitors

Cuckfield Cosmos 6 : 0 Marle Place Wanderers (April 25th)

Report to follow

Hurst Hornets 7 : 1 Marle Place Wanderers (March 21st)

Place were very soundly beaten by Hurst Hornets who were very much the better side on show. Place's disappointing error ridden performance, probably a seasons-worst, got off to a bad start, Hornets grabbing an early goal after poking home a ball that Place keeper Wills Brimacombe failed to hold in the sticky conditions that made keeping difficult. Josh Arnold had a decent shot for Place after Jake Chantler and Ads Chilcott combined well down the right but Hornets doubled their lead after breaking quickly and catching the Place defence square, a theme that continued throughout the game as Place's normal composure and discipline deserted them. Hornets made it three before the break, again breaking after Place were in an attacking position. In a frantic start to the second half, Hurst went four up from long range, Place pulled one back with a great corner routine between Arnold and Oli Gillam who crossed for Chantler to head home but Hornets struck back immediately with a calm finish after yet another break. The sixth came from Brimacombe's clearance being headed directly back into the goal, and the seventh after yet more poor defending. Place did have a couple of bright moments towards the end, Matt Blunden in particular running hard until the final whistle, but the final scoreline is probably a fair reflection of the gulf between the two sides on the day. Referee Terry Pollard and Place MoM unsurprisingly not awarded.

Marle Place Wanderers 1 - 3 Hurst Hornets (March 14th)

Not for the first time this season, Place were left wondering how they were soundly beaten despite clearly having the lion's share of possession and territory throughout the game and particularly in the second half. Place applied some pressure early on, Josh Arnold in particular causing Hurst problems down the left but it was Hurst who took the lead after winning the ball in midfield and ending the move with a composed finish. Hurst had their best spell of the game after scoring, and doubled their lead after a lucky break was seized on and although Place keeper Wills Brimacombe did well to smother the first shot he was well beaten with the follow up. Place sentiments were not improved by the suspicion of offside for both goals but their own lack of potency in front of goal meant they got what they deserved. Place came back at Hurst as the first half ended, Iwan Griffiths going close with a free kick, but on the stroke of half time Hurst could easily have increased their lead as a fabulous cross just eluded the onrushing strikers. Place upped the tempo in the second half, and although they played some nice football, clear-cut chances were few and far between, Joe Russell coming closest with an attempted volley direct from a corner. Hurst effectively sealed the match with their third goal, a somewhat speculative effort that caught Brimacombe off his line and looped into the net. To their credit, Place kept fighting and after another excellent run and cross by Arnold that Stuart Ellmer just failed to keep under the crossbar, Jamie Nicholson slammed in a consolation for Place but this was too little too late. For Place, Nathan Foley had perhaps his best spell of the season after coming on at left back for the second half, but MoM goes to Josh Arnold as the stand-out Place player on the day. The game was refereed with calm authority by the excellent Barry Thomas.
Marle Place Wanderers 1 : 4 Oakwood Youth

After such a long weather-enforced lay-off, both teams did well to provide a match containing good energy, commitment and some nice football. Place were caught napping very early on, going a goal down after failing to clear an Oakwood corner but this seemed to spark them into action and they matched table-topping Oakwood for much of the first half. However, Oakwood doubled their lead mid-way through the first half with a very well taken goal, but Place quickly pulled one back through Jake Chantler withb a clam and composed finish after good interplay between the Jamie Nicholson, who had a great game on the right side of midfield, and Ads Chilcott. Whenever Oakwood threatened they found confident Place keeper Wills Brimacombe commanding his box as he was doing before the mid-winter break. After getting back into the game, Place will have been disappointed to concede a goal just before half time that resulted from a drop-ball after an injury to skipper Joe Russell who was unable to reappear after half time. Russell's absence meant some reshuffling was required, and Place somewhat lost their shape as a result, particularly going forward. Oakwood created the better chances in the second half but found central defender Conor Froud in particular in great form, making a number of crucial covering tackles. Oakwood secured the points with another well taken goal mid way through the second half, and although Place continued to defend well, a comeback never looked likely. Place MoM Conor Froud for his defensive performance, game was refereed by the excellent Ben Churchyard.

Marle Place Wanderers 3 - 0 Ifield Youth

Place continued where they left off after last week's unlucky defeat, showing huge commitment and energy from the start all over the field, importantly being first to almost every ball. Place deservedly took the lead through Iwan Griffiths who burst into the box past two players and made a difficult finish into the far corner look very easy. Place dominated the first period and doubled their lead mid way through the first half when Griffiths fed Ads Chilcott on the edge of the box who calmly finished in the bottom corner after a good first touch. At the other end Ifield did pose the occasional threat but found keeper Wills Brimacombe in commanding form, well protected by central defenders Conor Froud and James Atkins who snuffed out most of the danger. With Rowan Osborn posing a constant threat on the left in particular and Joe Russell and Matt Blunden excellent in the centre of midfield, Place looked like scoring more but were happy to turn around 2-0 up. Chilcott was tripped to earn Place a penalty at the start of the second half but found his well struck kick brilliantly saved by the excellent Ifield keeper. Chances continued to be created throughout the second half as Place kept up their work rate, Jamie Nicholson and Josh Arnold both going close. The decisive third goal came after yet another great team move, Nathan Foley's quick throw finding Chilcott, who's cross was met by the rampaging Nicholson in the centre and fired in. This was an excellent team performance by Place who are finally finding their A League feet. MoM goes to keeper Wills Brimacombe for his best game of the season so far. Referee Will Spence.

Maidenbower 2 : 0 Marle Place Wanderers
Although they ultimately left empty-handed, all the Place boys can feel mighty proud of this performance at high flying Maidenbower as only in the last quarter of the game did the game shift against them. With Place Matching Maidenbower for skill and commitment, the first half was an even, entertaining affair with efforts from Rowan Osborn and Jamie Nicholson equalling those from Maidenbower. Osborne then tested the keeper with an excellent shot from the left that was palmed on to the bar and cleared. When Maidenbower threatened, they found the Place defence of Oli Gillam,James Atkins, Conor Froud and Stu Ellmer working brilliantly as a unit, backed up again by the excellent Wills Brimacombe in goal. Even an enforced change late in the first half, when the lively Jake Chantler took a nasty knock to the ankle, failed to affect Place. Maidenbower unsurprisingly upped the pressure in the second half and went close a couple of times before Ads Chilcott almost stole the lead for Place but saw his shot well saved. Maidenbower then broke Place hearts with two quick goals, both from breakaways as the heavy pitch started to take it's toll. Just before the end Nicholson struck a tremendous volley, unfortunately at a nice height for the keeper who saved well. Place MoM Joe Russell for a combative game in the centre of midfield, referee George Toynbee.

December 7th

Withdean 3 - 0 Marle Place Wanderers

Place will feel somewhat unfortunate to have been on the end of this scoreline, a sentiment shared at the end by the Withdean boss. Despite very heavy overnight rain, the small Withdean pitch was generally OK and both teams showed their commitment from the off with several tough but fair tackles flying in, Place's Oli Gillam and Jamie Nicholson particularly catching the eye early on. There were few clear cut chances throughout, but the difference between the teams was that Withdean took their opportunities and Place unfortunately couldn't. The first goal came from Place's failure to clear the ball out of defence, but the lively Rowan Osborn came close to equalising for Place just before half time but saw his excellent shot tipped around the corner by the Withdean keeper. Withdean came close to doubling their lead early in the second half but were denied by a fabulous save from Place keeper Wills Brimacombe, and then had a couple of good opportunities to equalise through a Joe Russell (who had an excellent game) free kick and then Ads Chilcott who was put through by Jake Chantler but failed to control the ball. Withdean then doubled their lead after a corner led to a goalmouth scramble and a stabbed-in second, Place again paying the penalty for dithering in their own box and failing to clear. Chilcott then had what looked like a perfectly good goal disallowed for a foul in the box before further defensive frailties allowed Withdean to secure the win and a slightly flattering scoreline with their third. Place MoM new signing Rowan Osborn for a constant threat on the left, Referee George Toynbee.

November 29th

Another game free weekend, the home match v Ifield being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

November 22nd

Marle Place Wanderers 14 : 0 Furngate Youth

Place continued their recent good run, and despite missing a couple of first-choice players easily brushed aside a below-strength Furngate Youth team at a soggy Janes Lane. Jake Chantler started the rout with a couple of well taken goals, the first after good work by Iwan Griffiths before Ads Chilcott made it three-nil by running half the length of the pitch and slotting home. Josh Arnold got the fourth after a strong run before Chilcott got his second after some persistent chasing. Jamie Nicholson made it six with an excellent left foot finish before striker Iwan Griffiths grabbed a couple before the break, the first set up by Nicholson and the second by Chilcott. After the break, Chantler was the first to complete his hat-trick, seizing on a loose ball in the box followed by Griffiths who bagged his third and fourth goals in quick succession. Furngate attacks were naturally few and far between and when they did break, they found Conor Froud in good form and fully alert in the centre of defence and keeper Wills Brimacombe kept himself warm with the occasional foray out of his box to clear any remaining danger. The unfortunate Furngate, who continued to give 100% despite their lack of numbers then gave away a clear penalty which Arnold, who had been fouled, smashed in brilliantly with his left foot. Stuart Ellmer grabbed the thirteenth before Chilcott completed his hat trick with a well-taken shot into the bottom corner just before the end. Place MoM Ads Chilcott for his best game of the season so far, referee Sam Baker who did well in what was his first game in charge.

November 1st

Although we tarvelled up to Furngate in good spirits despite the awful weather, and completed the warm up, the game was called off at the last minute as Furngate only had 8 players turn up. Having agreed with Furngate that they had scratched the game and given us the three points, we had a friendly match against them, with a couple of our boys playing for Furngate in each half to make up the numbers. The boys played some decent football in winning 7-1, although they did have enough chances to run up a cricket score. It's a shame the league game didn't go ahead but the 3 points means that Hurst and Ifield are firmly in the sights now.

Marle Place Wanderers 2 : 0 Cuckfield Cosmos

Place capitalised on recent improvements and got their season up and running with a fully deserved victory. Despite having no subs and starting off into a strong breeze, Place had the better of the early exchanges but Cosmos always looked dangerous on the break and Place were grateful to keeper Wills Brimacombe who was off his line very quickly in the first half to claim a number of dangerous through balls and dominating his area. Much of the half was played in the middle third of the field with not too many clear cut chances at either end. Goalless at half time, Place started the second half full of energy and very soon went a goal up, Jake Chantler seizing on a wonderful through ball by Joe Russell and calmly placing the ball past the advancing keeper. The second followed almost immediately, Chantler's shot coming back off the keeper and falling to Ads Chilcott who's composed finish left the keeper no chance. There was a visible lift in confidence throughout the Place side after the second went in and they controlled most of the rest of the game, although Cosmos did have a couple of close efforts towards they end as they sought a way back, also collecting a yellow card on the way for dissent (despite an earlier warning from the ref). After such an improved performance it is impossible to single out one player as Place MoM so this is shared by the whole team this week. Referee Stuart Mallows

Withdean 3 - 2 Marle Place Wanderers (Cup)

Place continue to improve and were very unlucky to lose this close and hard-fought encounter to their A Division rivals by the odd goal. In bright sunshine on a dry and uneven pitch that made passing and control difficult, Place stuck to their intended passing game and started to play some decent football. However, they found themselves a goal down after failing to clear the bal out of defence but could have equalised when Iwan Griffiths was put clear by Ads Chilcott and unluckily fired just wide, and then Josh Arnold missed a great chance after some excellent work by Jamie Nicholson. Withdean then went 2 up, their star player hitting a strong cross first time and giving keeper Wills Brimacombe no chance. Just before half time Place pulled a goal back through Griffiths after good work on the right again by Nicholson. Place started the second half well, Griffiths again going close and sub Nathan Foley making an immediate impact on the left. Place got a deserved equaliser through Nicholson after Griffiths held the ball up and laid it off superbly for him but an immediate lapse in concentration meant Place failed to clear their lines again and went 3-2 down. Despite some late pressure, Place failed to get the further equaliser they probably deserved. Place MoM Conor Froud for a very assured performance in the centre of defence, Referee Richard Toynbee.

Oakwood Youth 10 : 1 Marle Place Wanderers

After a somewhat unsettling couple of weeks, where Place have had a change of manager and some player movement, they suffered the expected heavy defeat to the current league leaders. However, although Place were well beaten by a very good Oakwood side, the boys to their credit never let their heads drop and improved significantly as the game progressed which bodes well for future matches. Under pressure from the start, two early goals set the tone for the first half with the speedy Oakwood attack running the Place defence ragged. After a very well taken third goal, Oakwoods fourrth came via route one and their fifth owed a lot to luck as keeper Wills Brimacombe did well to get his hands to the ball only to see it loop in under the bar. Place did create a number of chances, Jamie Nicholson and Jake Chantler in particular getting a number of shots at goal but it was Iwan Griffiths who put one of these away with a neat finish after some good midfield build up play. However another Oakwood brace left the half time score at 7-1. After an encouraging team talk by new boss Martin Gillam, Place started the second half much better and created many chances as they started to move the ball wider, second half sub Conor Froud doing particularly well on the right but Oakwood took their fewer chances better and ran out deserving winners. Place MoM Stu Ellmer for a series of excellent tackles throughout the game. Referee the excellent David Nightingale.

Marle Place Wanderers 0 - 2 Withdean

After being on the wrong end of two heavy defeats in their opening two games despite playing some good football, Place let themselves down somewhat with a poor performance against Withdean. The first half started slowly,the first real chance of the game falling to Place's Jamie Nicholson who broke well but his shot was easily saved. Place went behind around half way through the first half after failing to clear the ball out of defence and the the weak shot that followed crept into the net under a despairing Wills Brimacombe in the Place goal. Matt Blunden almost equalised with a free header from a Nicholson corner, and then Nicholson again had a great chance to draw level on the stroke of half time but saw his shot well saved. After a half time hair-dryer from the increasingly irate Manager Mark Bishop, Place started the second half better, Ads Chilcott's effort from the edge of the box almost eluding the Withdean keeper who injured himself making the save. Further chances followed, Stuart Ellmer creating a couple of these from the left and then having a great chance to score himself but poking the ball just wide. It was somewhat inevitable though that Place would be caught on the break and so it proved, as the continuing reluctance to put in a tackle allowed Withdean to get into the box and place the ball into the corner. Place huffed and puffed for the last quarter but without any real conviction and slipped to defeat. Place MoM not awarded, game refereed well by Ben Churchyard.

Marle Place Wanderers 1 - 5 Maidenbower (September 20th)

Place, as last week, will again be wondering how they ended up on the end what looks like a hammering when the reality was again very different. After an even start, Maidenbower started to exert some pressure without ever threatening stand-in keeper Stu Ellmer in the Place goal. It was Place who took the lead, Iwan Griffiths latching on to the ball well outside the box, drifting past a couple of players and firing in a strong shot that bounced in front of, and then over, the Maidenbower keeper. Jamie Nicholson on the right and Josh Arnold on the left always looked dangerous going forward for Place, and as usual captain Joe Russell was having an excellent game at the centre of defence, snuffing out the regular Maidenbower breakaways. Maidenbower equalised after a speculative lob in to the box eluded the Place defence, and after Jake Chantler had a couple of well-worked chances to draw things level, Maidenbower increased their lead after a well supported break. Although Place tired in the second half (having no substitutes due to illness and injury), they continued to work hard, but could not prevent the league favourites increasing their lead with a couple of long shots and a good piece of close control. Place almost snatched a goal at the death, a good run and shot by Ads Chilcott leading to a corner, which Arnold, some thought, managed to curl in but it was not given. Place MoM James Atkins for a strong first performance as a holding midfielder, although huge credit to Ellmer for stepping in as keeper and doing a great job. Referee Rhys Kearvill.

Ifield Youth 4 - 1 Marle Place Wanderers (September 13th)

Newly promoted Place will be wondering how they managed to lose this game, let alone by the 4-1 scoreline which in no way reflects their domination of the game. After an understandably scrappy start to the first game of the season where a Place effort was stopped on the line after a goalmouth scramble and with Ifield always looking dangerous on the break, Place took the lead with a magnificent goal from Jamie Nicholson who collected the ball on the edge of the box, ghosted past two defenders and curled the ball into the top corner with his left foot. After chances at both ends, Ifield drew level after Place failed to clear the ball out of defence, and then just before half time secured the lead after an unfortunate deflected shot wrong-footed keeper Wills Brimacombe. Place rang the changes in the second half and threw the kitchen sink at Ifield, and had numerous chances to score, Nicholson and Iwan Griffiths in particular having several opportunities, often supplied from the left by the excellent Stu Ellmer. Against the run of play, and with Place pushing up the field, Ifield grabbed a couple of breakaway goals to give the scoreline a somewhat surreal look (even commented on by the Ifield faithful) given the chances Place created. After being promoted, Place expected a hard season but there were enough positive signs here to indicate that the team will hold their own in the A League. Referee was Nathan Wickens, and Place Man of the Match was Captain Joe Russell for a great performance at the centre of defence.