Champions Again !
After winning the Premier Mid Sussex Youth U15 league in 2012/13, Marle Place Wanderers U16 have secured the Sussex Sunday Youth League Division Three title, finishing the season with 11 wins, two draws and a single defeat from their 14 matches. Congratulations to the whole team and to manager Martin Gillam, to whom special thanks must go for turning the boys into such a successful unit after so many years together.
The full 2013/14 squad is pictured above
Back Row (left to right) - Jack Wells, Josh Arnold, Jake Hill, Wills Brimacombe, James Atkins, Jack Wilkins, Oli Gillam, Jamie Nicholson, Jake Chantler
Front Row (left to right) - Jacob Hemsley, Jack Harford, Joe Russell, Dave Sadler, Solly Ross, Stu Ellmer, Ads Chilcott and Manager Martin Gillam
Latest League table :
http://full-time.thefa.com/ProcessPublicSelect.do?psSelectedSeason=357735633&psSelectedDivision=111815&psSelectedCompetition=0&psSelectedLeague=1697069
MATCH REPORTS
March 23rd
Patcham 2 : 2 Marle Place Wanderers
Place finished their successful U16 season with a hard-fought draw at a cold and windy Braypool where a hard and bumpy pitch limited the quality of football for both sides. Although Patcham had the first meaningful attempt on goal which keeper Wills Brimacombe palmed wide on 4 mins, Place soon threatened and earned a penalty after Solly Ross was tripped after racing on to Ads Chilcott's through-ball. Top scorer Jack Wilkins stepped up and made no mistake with the spot-kick. Brimacombe was called into action to twice punch clear as Patcham made the most of the wind behind them and they then equalised on 32 mins, a somewhat speculative effort from range bouncing inside the left hand post. Place almost relied immediately but saw a last ditch clearance off the line deny them. Place dominated the second half with some much improved play, but just lacked a composed finish with Joe Russell, Jack Wilkins and Jack Wells all going close. Patcham then took the lead against the run of play, nodding in a free header after a needless free kick was given away just outside the area on 65 mins. The equaliser soon followed though, excellent work by Jacob Hemsley finding Jamie Nicholson in the box who gave the keeper no chance. Wilkins (twice) and Nicholson had further chances to seal all three points but found the Patcham keeper in good form and had to settle for a point.
March 16th
Marle Place Wanderers 1 : 2 Peacehaven
Place surrendered their 16 month unbeaten league run against a lively Peacehaven team who were still looking to secure 2nd place in the league behind Place who are already confirmed as champions. The tone was set on 5 mins when Peacehaven went ahead, Place failing to clear their lines despite a couple of opportunities. There were few other chances in a ragged first half although Peacehaven were denied what looked like a certain 2nd by a fantastic goal line clearance by James Atkins, and then Jack Wilkins battled to win a 50/50 ball before slotting home to equalise just before the break. Although Place sharpened up somewhat immediately after half time, this didn't last and the second half became as disjointed as the first. Slack defending led Stu Ellmer conceding a penalty which Peacehaven calmly slotted for a 2:1 and whilst Place created a couple of late chances they could have no complaints.
March 9th
Marle Place Wanderers 2 : 1 Preston Panthers
Having secured the league last week it was perhaps inevitable that Place would be lacking in energy and attitude this week. However despite a below-par performance, possession was still dominated and Panthers rarely threatened before the break although Wills Brimacombe was called into action to make one good save. It took Place 33 minutes to break the deadlock, Wilkins prodding home after good work by Jamie Nicholson to win the ball in the box. The second half saw Place start brightly and Jack Wells doubled the lead on 45 mins after a strong run down the right by Solly Ross. Wilkins was denied what looked like a certain goalscoring opportunity on 65 mins but was clearly pulled back, resulting in a yellow card for the Panthers defender. With less than 5 mins to go Panthers pulled a goal back after slack defending failed to clear a corner but Place held on to preserve their unbeaten league record stretching back to November 2012.
March 2nd
Mile Oak Youth 2 : 7 Marle Place Wanderers
In their first season in the Brighton League Place secured the Division Three title on Sunday despite still having three games left to play in this weather-curtailed season with a comprehensive beating of Mile Oak at Easthill Park in Portslade. Place dominated the match but initially lacked a bit of composure as the final ball was often lacking but after early chances for Jamie Nicholson, Dave Sadler and Josh Arnold, Jack Wilkins opened the scoring on 10 mins, latching onto an Ads Chilcott through ball and doggedly beating several defenders before scrappily slotting the ball home. The next 25 minutes were somewhat frustrating and included Place being caught offside a number of times on the smallish pitch before a stunning spell of football just before half time saw Wilkins score 3 goals in 3 minutes, the first after great work by Jacob Hemsley on the right, the second a first-time cross from a pinpoint cross by Arnold and the third after an excellent run and pass from skipper Joe Russell bursting from midfield. Their nerves settled by Wilkins’ pre half-time blitz, Place started the second half strongly, Hemsley making it 5-0 with a powerful shot and then central defender Jake Hill slotting the 6th from close range after Mile Oak failed to clear a corner. Mile Oak chances were few and far between and it was left to Jake Hill to score for them, cancelling out his goal with a headed own goal after some confusion with keeper Wills Brimacombe in the Place area. Mile Oak then had their best spell of the game, Brimacombe being called into action to punch clear a couple of times before Nicholson caught them on the break and made it 7 with a strong run and crisp finish before Mile Oak picked up a further consolation 10 mins from the end via ‘route one’. Several of the Place squad have been playing together almost 10 years (starting aged 6) and have developed into a committed and talented group under manager Martin Gillam and this second title in consecutive years is just reward for all the hard work everyone has put in.
Seaford 0 : 2 Marle Place Wanderers
Place took a step closer to the title with this hard-fought win over Seaford in conditions made difficult by a strong wind and an uneven pitch. Playing their first game since early December both teams struggled to create much early on until Jamie Nicholson tested the home keeper on 20 mins. Shortly after, good work by Jack Wells on the right found Ads Chilcott who slipped the ball into the path of Jack Wilkins who buried his shot for a deserved 1-0 lead. Jacob Hemsley, Wells and Wilkins all threatened further before the break but it remained 1-0. The pattern continued in the second half, with Place having most of the territory and possession but without creating much in the way of clear-cut chances as the recent lack of football showed, Dave Sadler and Nicholson both catching the eye on the flanks and when Seaford did attack they found Josh Arnold, Place's stand-in keeper alert to any danger behind the solid central defensive pairing of James Atkins and Jake Hill. Wilkins doubled the lead on 58 mins, latching on to a pass from Wells and neatly turning the defender before cooly slotting home to leave Place comfortable winners.
8th December
Peacehaven 0 : 5 Marle Place Wanderers
Place were happy to take the three points and keep their first clean sheet of the season, but better finishing from Peacehaven, who Place allowed to create as many chances as themselves could have made this a much closer fixture. Place opened strongly and went ahead on 12 minutes, Jack Wilkins finding David Sadler in space who finished strongly from 12 yards. The lead was doubled on 18 mins, Ads Chilcott heading in Sadler's corner from the right. Place then allowed Peacehaven to dictate much of the play for the rest of the first half but they failed to take their chances, including being denied by an excellent close range save by Wills Brimacombe on 27 minutes when a goal looked certain. Sadler scored his second and Place's third on 47 minutes, curling in a neat shot from the edge of the box. As subs were shuffled central defender James Atkins had a short spell up front and did well to set up Solly Ross for the fourth on 62 mins before Wilkins completed the scoring on 87 mins after a strong solo run.
1st December
Marle Place Wanderers 7 : 1 Patcham Youth Black
Goals - Jack Wilkins (3), Ads Chilcott (2), Solly Ross, Jamie Nicholson
24th November
Chailey and Newick Colts 1 : 1 Marle Place Wanderers
Place dropped their first points of the season in a hard fought draw with C&N. Jack Wilkins went close a couple of times early on before Ads Chilcott slipped the ball through for Jacob Hemsley on 12 minutes for a nice finish and a 1-0 lead. C&N then started to press Place back utilising long wind-assisted kicks from their keeper and it was no surprise when one of these found a way through the Place defence for the equaliser on 22 minutes. Just before half time Place had a great opportunity to equalise after a superb run and cross by Josh Arnold but no-one was able to apply the finishing touch. Playing down the hill in the second half Place applied most of the pressure, but despite hitting the woodwork three times couldn't find a way to score.
17th November
Preston Panthers 2 : 5 Marle Place Wanderers
Place maintained their 100% record this season but were somewhat flattered by the scoreline after a below par performance on the sloping pitch at BHASVIC College. After a frenetic start where neither team dominated and several passes went astray, Jack Wilkins was lucky to win a free kick after a 50/50 challenge and took full advantage by clearing the keeper with a well struck direct shot to give Place the lead on 16 minutes. There was little of note in the rest of the second half, although Josh Arnold struck two good long range shots, the second bringing a fine save from the Panthers keeper. Despite Place starting the second half much better, Panthers twice went close before Wilkins doubled the lead, bundling in Dave Sadlers corner on 62 mins. Three minutes later central defender Jake Hill rose majestically to head in from another fine Sadler corner for his first of the season and then Ads Chilcott fired in a great individual effort. Despite conceding three goals in 5 minutes, Panthers continued to threaten, and got their reward with a close range finish from a corner on 70 mins, and then pulled another back with a fine through ball and finish to give Place a potentially nervous last 10 minutes. Place keeper Wills Brimacombe then made a fine save when it looked like being 4-3, and from the clearance Place sealed the points, Wilkins putting Jacob Hemsley clear for a cool finish and 5-2.
3rd November
Marle Place Wanderers 6 : 2 Seaford Town Youth
Both teams did well to produce some decent football on a poor surface, and although Place applied the early pressure, Seaford could have taken the lead after 9 mins after some poor defending but the ball was eventually scrambled clear. Two mins later Place did open the scoring, Jack Wilkins picking up David Sadler's through ball and coolly slotting home. Josh Arnold's superb cross led to Place's second, Solly Ross rising to head home on 20 mins before Wilkins grabbed his second a minute later. Place the became somewhat complacent as half time approached and allowed Seaford back into the game, scoring on 29 mins with an unchallenged header from a free kick on the left. The second half became niggly, and after a great save by Wills Brimacombe as Seaford threatened, Ross found himself in the book as the ref became increasingly fussy. Wilkins' free kick led to Places' 4th on 58 mins, the otherwise excellent Seaford keeper failing to hold his low drive and Jack Harford was on hand to slot in the loose ball. After another magnificent save by the Seaford keeper to deny Wilkins, Seaford pulled a further goal back through a breakaway, before Ross (66) and Wilkins (69) completed the scoring to cement Place's position at the top of the league and maintain their 100% league record
20th October
Adur Athletic 1 : 7 Marle Place Wanderers
Comfortable win on the small 3G pitch in Shoreham with goals from Jack Wilkins (4), Solly Ross (2) and Ads Chilcott
6th October (League Cup)
Marle Place Wanderers 0 : 2 Seagulls
Unlucky to lose against Division 1 Seagulls, excellent performances all over the pitch.
29th September
Marle Place Wanderers 9 : 1 Adur Athletic
Place tore into Adur from the start and after a spell of almost complete domination earned through some excellent passing moves and pressuring the Adur defence, Jack Wilkins opened the scoring on 15 minutes, latching on to Ads Chilcott's through ball and skilfully rounding the keeper before slotting home. Jack Wells doubled the lead 2 mins later, a through ball again doing the damage with another cool finish. Further chances followed before three goals in four minutes just after the half-hour enabled Place to go in at half time in a very comfortable position. Jamie Nicolson, playing with real confidence, was played in by a delightful header by Wilkins and finished well, Wilkins then went on a strong solo run down the right hand side before cutting in and lashing the ball past the Adur keeper from a tight angle. Another solo effort followed, Chilcott immediately pressurising Adur into a mistake from the kick off, seizing on the ball, beating a couple of players and finishing well. Adur had perhaps their best spell of the game at the start of the second half, although Place increased their lead on 50 mins after the excellent Solly Ross fed Wells who cut inside and finshed well with his left foot. Sloppy defending allowed Adur to grab a consolation goal before Nicholson netted his second following up after Ross' shot hit the post and the completing his hat trick with an excellent left foot shot from Jacob Hemsley's pinpoint pass. Wilkins completed the scoring, and his own hat trick with a cool finish after superb work by Josh Arnold winning the ball in central defence.
September 22nd
St Francis Rangers 1: 1 Marle Place Wanderers (AET - St Francis win 5 : 4 on
penalties)
Both teams put 100% into an entertaining match at the Colwell Ground, St Francis emerging victorious after a penalty shoot out. In a slightly scrappy first half both teams had chances before St Francis took the lead on 25 minutes, the Place defence failing to clear a cross from the right and the loose ball was slotted home by Dominic Sear. Keiran Wells came close to doubling the Saints lead but saw his powerful long range shot crash off the crossbar before Jack Wells went close for Place, and then Dave Sadler also saw his shot hit the bar from a Place corner. Place started the second half the stronger, Wells and Jack Wilkins both forcing good saves from the excellent Saints keeper but deservedly drew level when Jamie Nicholson flicked on Solly Ross's throw to Ads Chilcott who turned in the box and fired the ball low into the far corner. Wilkins saw a strong header saved as extra time loomed but but neither team was able to clinch the tie. In extra time, both teams worked hard but lacked composure and it was no surprise the match went to penalties, and also no surprise that Place failed to get through, maintaining their unfortunate record of never having won a penalty shoot-out, losing a tense contest 5-4.
September 15th
Marle Place Wanderers 7 : 3 Mile Oak
No match report. Half time score was 1:3 but recovered to win. Goals - the returning Jack Wilkins 3, Jack Wells 2, Jamie Nicholson 1, Dave Sadler 1
September 8th 2013
Marle Place Wanderers 6 : 1 Chailey and Newick Colts
Place were delighted to kick off their campaign with a comprehensive victory despite missing last season’s top scorer Jack Wilkins through injury. Goals came from Ads Chilcott, Jamie Nicholson (2), Dave Sadler, Jacob Hemsley and Jack Wells
Goalscorers 2013/14 (League/cup)
Jack Wilkins 27 (27/0)
Jamie Nicholson 9 (9/0)
Ads Chilcott 8 (7/1)
Solly Ross 6 (6/0)
Jack Wells 6 (6/0)
Dave Sadler 4 (4/0)
Jacob Hemsley 3 (3/0)
Jake Hill 2 (2/0)
Jack Harford 1 (1/0)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
