Merley Allendale YFC

Tuesday 4th September 2007  Longfleet Youth 2  Merley Allendale 3
A thoroughly deserved first win of the season for the boys. Ashton Kerley scored two goals in his first full start for the team, and in truth the half time score of 2-0 could have been much higher. Ben Stocker then scored another just after half time. Longfleet managed two late goals but the boys held their nerve for an excellent win. A great team performance from every single player.

Sunday 9th September 2007  Merley Allendale 1  Ringwood Rangers 2
A very unlucky defeat for the boys. Ringwood Rangers were top of the league but made to fight all the way. In the first half Ringwood were awarded a penalty, but shot wide. A sustained period of Merley pressure then resulted in a goal from Reece Westwood for his third goal of the season. Reece then narrowly missed another goal following an excellent passing move through midfield. Half time 1-0 Merley.
      The second half saw the boys continue their excellent team performance. As Ringwood began to press, the defence and in particular goalkeeper Joshua Miles excelled. Sadly as the game drew to a close Ringwood equalised, swiftly followed by what turned out to be the winner five minutes from time. The boys can be proud of their performance in running such a strong team so close in what was an exciting match. Both sets of teams were a credit to their clubs.

Sunday 16th September 2007  Poole Town 10  Merley Allendale 1
A difficult match today played in blustery conditions. The boys started the game brightly before Poole scored with their first attack of the game. Ashton Kerley soon equalised to make the score 1-1.
      Poole Town then took hold of the game and although the boys tried their best and kept their heads up they were unable to prevent a heavy defeat.
Man of the match was Joe Jordan who had an excellent game at right back.

Sunday 23rd September 2007   Merley Allendale 3   Dexter Sport 5
A disappointing result against a team that we did the double over last year. The boys took a while to get in their stride and found themselves 4 -0 down after 20 mins. Harry Prince scored just before half time to make the score 1-4.
      A further Dexters goal in the second half was followed by another Harry Prince goal, this time a penalty and a first for the season by Jack Dixon to make the final score 3-5.
      MOM was Henry Jeffs who had another solid game in midfield. Along with Henry, Dan Cooke had another excellent game and congratulations to Chris Green who made his debut for the team today.

Sunday 30th September 2007   Hordle Spurs 6   Merley Allendale 5
The boys had a narrow defeat today against a team who are a league higher. The first 10 minutes saw Merley go 2-0 down, but goals from Reece Westwood and a Harry Prince penalty saw the scores level at 2-2. Hordle then scored two more to make the half time score 4-2.
      The second half saw Reece Westwood score, followed by Harry Prince, then Reece Westwood again score to put the boys 5-4 up in an excellent comeback. Sadly as the game drew to a close Hordle managed two late goals to snatch victory.
      All the boys can be proud of what was a great team performance. To play so well against strong opponents was a great achievement. A particular well done to Dan Cooke who picked up a well deserved man of the match award.

Sunday 7th October 2007   Merley Allendale 3   Weymouth Victoria 4  (A.E.T.)
    Once again the boys let in an early goal with Weymouth scoring within one minute of the game starting. Midway through the first half Ben Stocker equalised as the boys began to find their feet. Weymouth then scored again to make the half time score 2-1.
      The second half saw the team battle well and apply plenty of pressure. This was rewarded when Henry Jeffs scored a great goal from 20 yards to take the game in to extra time.
      Extra time was a real test of stamina for both teams. After 5 minutes of extra time Reece Westwood put Merley 3 - 2 up a well taken goal. Sadly the second half of extra time saw Weymouth score two late goals to win the game 4-3 and at least avoid the stress of a penalty shoot out! Another unlucky defeat for the boys in a game which neither team deserved to lose. Man off the Match was Henry Jeffs.

Sunday 21st October 2007   Rossgarth 0   Merley Allendale 7
      I am pleased to report a well-deserved win against a hard working Rossgarth team. The boys started the game brightly and after a couple of near misses opened the scoring with a goal from Reece Westwood, following a great corner by Joe Jordan. Shortly after the boys extended their lead with a goal from Ben Stocker. Just before half time Harry Prince scored the first of what turned out to be three goals to make the half time score 3-0.
      The start of the second half saw the boys continue to dominate. Substitute Jack Dixon scored early on with a low shot and Harry Prince continued his good goal-scoring form by scoring two more to complete his hat-trick. Joe Jordan scored the final goal with an excellent long range shot to cap a strong all round performance by the whole team.
      The boys have put in a lot of effort all season and not always got the results their performances warranted. It was therefore good to see a good performance rewarded with a pleasing win. Man of the mach was a difficult decision with every boy playing their part. However one player stood out from the rest; Alex Diment played only his second game at left full back and played with great positional sense and maturity.

Sunday 28th October 2007   Merley Allendale 1   BSC Grange 1
      Today was a hard fought game between two closely matched teams. Grange started the game brighter as it took the lads some time to get used to the awful weather conditions. However after 15 minutes Ashton Kerley made a 30 yard run and finished with an excellent long range shot. Grange equalised soon after the a close range shot following some sloppy Merley defending from a Grange corner. Half time score 1-1.
      The boys started the second half much brighter with Alex Diment continuing his promising form at left back. Ashton Kerley continued to create problems as the boys began to increase the pressure on the Grange defence. Sadly despite a number of corners and shots the ball just wouldn't go in the net and we had to be content with a draw, our first of the season.
      Once again there were a number of strong performances, in particular Jack Dixon and Ashton, however the deserved MOM was Connor Gould who played with great composure and intelligence at centre back.

Sunday 12th November 2007   Moordown Athletic 7   Merley Allendale 2
      Following a good run of recent form this was a disappointing result today. The game was played in cold, blustery conditions and it was Moordown who settled the quicker. We found ourselves 3-0 down before the boys had even got going. Ashton Kerley did score a goal late in the first half to make the half time score 3-1 to Moordown.
      The start of the second half saw Merely pull the game back to 3-2 with a goal by Reece Westwood, following good work by Alex Diment. Sadly that was the peak of the performance as Moordown ran in a further 4 goals to leave the final score at 7-2.
      It is fair to say the boys did not do themselves justice today, however there were some good individual performances from Connor Gould, Matt Ineson, Joe Jordan and MOM Alex Diment.

Sunday 25th November 2007   Bournemouth Poppies 2   Merley Allendale 0
    A much improved team performance today against a team who are currently second in the league.
Bournemouth Poppies started well with two lively attackers which our defence did well to cope with. However after 20 minutes Poppies did manage to open the scoring. Poppies did have further chances before half time however a combination of Joe Jordan and Connor Gould at centre back, along with goalkeeper Joshua Miles insured to score did not go any higher. Half time score 1-0 to Poppies.
      The second half saw Merley come back in to the game despite now attacking up hill. Dan Cooke and Reece Westwood excelled in midfield as the boys looked to claw back the deficit. However Poppies were always a threat and sadly midway through the second half made the score 2-0. To their credit the boys kept fighting to the end and Dan Cooke hit a post with a low shot as the game drew to a close. Final score 2-0.
      Compared to our last match this was a much improved team performance and despite a defeat the boys can be proud of there efforts. MOM was a close run thing with several contenders, however Joshua Miles in goal won the overall vote with a consistent performance.

Sunday 16th December 2007   Merley Allendale 2  Longfleet Youth 8
    We were expecting a close game today as the both teams were around the same position in the current league table and our boys won away against Longfleet earlier in the season 3-2. The match got off to a bad start after a foul on the edge of the penalty area led to a Longfleet penalty, which was duly converted. However the boys quickly bounced back. A five man passing move led to an excellent Ben Stocker finish high in to the roof of the net. This was as good a goal as we have scored all season.
      Two minutes later a low Joe Jordan near post corner found Ben Stocker who deftly flicked the ball past the Longfleet keeper to make the score 2-1 to Merley. Longfleet were stung in to action and began to exert some pressure on the Merley back line. This was eventually breached on two occasions to make the half time score 3-2 to Longfleet.
      The second half saw Longfleet continue their dominance and while the boys battled as best they could the goals continued to flow. A further 5 goals were scored in the second half to make the final score 8-2 to Longfleet, a scoreline we would not have anticipated at the start of the match.
      All in all this was a disappointing last game of the year. Despite the scoreline there were some strong performances, with in particular Connor Gould and Harry Wright excelling. The overall MOM winner was Harry Wright, who made a welcome return from a two month injury lay off.

Sunday 6th January 2008   Ringwood Rangers 3  Merley Allendale 0
    The first game of 2008 saw the boys take on the league leaders, Ringwood Rangers. Unfortunately for the first time this season we only had 11 players available and therefore did not have luxury of substitutes.
     Nevertheless the boys worked hard today and every boy can take heart in their own performance. A dogged first half display saw Ringwood frustrated as our defence coped well with the Ringwood attack. Half time score 0-0.
     The second half continued along similar lines and as the boys grew in confidence our attacking play became more threatening. However midway through the half a long range shot from Ringwood was tipped on to the bar by keeper Joshua Miles, but the rebound fell kindly for a Ringwood player to tap in. The boys were galvanised by the goal and Reece Westwood shot narrowly wide following a good move down the left hand side. As the game wore on the boys tired as the lack of substitutes began to tell and two further Ringwood goals gave the score a lop-sided feel.
     A big well done to all the boys who stuck at it for the whole match today against strong opposition. A particular well done to Jack Dixon for hard running down the left flank, Alex Diment for a steady game at left back and Connor Gould who was very solid in the centre back position. However overall man of the match went to goalkeeper Joshua Miles who played with great concentration and desire today. Next game is home to Poole Town who are second in the division!!

Sunday 13th January 2008   Merley Allendale 0   Poole Town Youth 3
    Another tough game for the boys today, this time home to Poole Town. We had the luxury of a full squad today, which gave an opportunity to try some of the boys in different positions. Merley started the game well and for much of the first half we took the game to Poole. It was good to see the boys trying to pass the ball more, something that was missing from last weeks game. Poole Town themselves were very composed on the ball and looked to pass the ball out from defence, something you rarely see at this level.
     After 20 minutes Poole Town took the lead following a good move. Half time score 1-0. The boys continued to battle well in the second half and at least four good goal scoring opportunities were spurned. Poole Town then scored two further goals to make the final score 3-0. This scoreline did not really reflect the overall game however our finishing will need to improve to reap the rewards some of our play deserves.
     Overall this was a good team effort and both teams were a credit. Well done to Ben Stocker for a solid performance in goal and also to Harry Wright who missed nothing at centre back. Overall Man of the Match was ALEX DIMENT who played with great energy in both full back positions and made several well timed tackles. Well done Alex.

Sunday 27th January 2008   Merley Allendale 0  Redhill Rangers 4
    A disappointing result against a team are a little lower in the league table than our previous two matches. The first half promised so much more. Redhill scored a slightly against the run of play after 15 minutes. Following this goal the boys had a 20 minute spell where our attack dominated. Sadly despite many close efforts we could not find the back of the net and trailed 1-0 at half time.
    Early in the second half keeper Joshua Miles conceded a penalty following a rash challenge. This penalty was duly converted to make the score 2-0. This goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of the boys and our performance in the second half did not match the first half efforts. As the game progressed Redhill scored two further goals to make the full time score 4-0, a result that did not seem likely at half time.
    There were as ever many good performances. Jack Dixon deserves credit for hard running down the left, Shaun Roberts and Reece Westwood kept battling. Overall Man of the Match was Henry Jeffs for a solid midfield performance and we can hope that the other boys watched Henry's ability to head the ball from goal kicks etc. A quick note of thanks also to John Jordan for stepping in to referee today's game.

Sunday 3rd February 2008   Bournemouth Grange 1   Merley Allendale 4
    Following a run of games without a win today saw an excellent team performance against a team that we drew with at home earlier in the season.  Conditions weren't easy, with a strong wind throughout the whole game. In the first half we were playing against the wind and it took the boys a few minutes to adjust. Grange scored a scrappy goal after 15 minutes as we struggled to adapt. This goal seem to galvanise the team and Reece Westwood in particular had three good efforts narrowly wide.
     Grange also had a couple of chances which Joshua Miles dealt with very well considering the conditions he had to deal with. The boys carved out a deserved equaliser with an excellent run and finish by Reece Westwood. Half time score 1-1.
     The second half saw the boys dominate as we made the most of the conditions now in our favour. Our goalkeeper was a virtual bystander as we piled on the pressure. The front running of Reece Westwood and Harry Prince troubled the Grange defence and Reece grabbed another goal with another superb run and finish to put the boys in the lead for the first time in the match.
     We continued to dominate and our advantage was increased further following a run and cool finish from Harry Prince. Our midfield were now running the game and our defence remained alert throughout. The icing on the cake came in the last few minutes of the match. Joe Jordan took a 25 yard free kick which curled in to the top corner to give the Grange keeper no chance. A great "Beckham" like finish, well done Joe. Final score 4-1.
     This was an excellent performance and result and every boy played their part today. There were many good performances: Reece Westwood and Harry Prince for their front running and goals, Ashton Kerley made a welcome return in midfield and turned in an excellent performance, along with his midfield colleague Joe Jordan. The defence and Josh in goal also played their part, particularly in the first half. Voting for Man of the Match was therefore the closest of the season. Overall winner was MATT INESON who played and battled with great determination and energy at both right wing and later right back. Well done to Matt and indeed well done everyone.

Sunday 17th February 2008   Cannon Colts 6  Merley Allendale 1
     A disappointing result following a bright first half performance against a team well placed in the league. The first half was a very even contest with Reece Westwood having a couple of good efforts on goal and Ashton Kerley showing grit and determination up front.
     After 20 minutes the boys went a goal up. Harry Prince played a deft through ball to Reece Westwood who running in from the left was hacked down in the penalty area as he was about to shoot. Harry Prince duly converted the penalty to put the boys ahead. As the first half drew to a close Cannon Colts began to fight back and scored two goals in quick succession to make the half time score 2-1.
     The second half showed us why Cannon Colts are near the top of the table. They had two bright forwards who played with skill and pace. Try as we might we struggled to contain their attack and sadly as the half progressed more goals were scored against Merley. The final score ended up 6-1 which was a little harsh on the boys. If our defence held a line a least 2 of the Cannon goals would have been offside.
     Congratulations go to Christopher Green who won Man of the Match for a strong performance in both full back positions. Well done Chris.

Sunday 24th February 2008   Merley Allendale 0  Moordown Athletic 3
     The boys played their part in an entertaining end-to-end match. The first half in particular was closely contested and although Moordown scored midway through the first half Merley also played a full part in the match. Reece Westwood had a goal disallowed for offside just after Moordown scored and Matt Ineson also had shot saved by the Moordown keeper.
     The second half continued on similar lines. Moordown always looked the more dangerous and followed with two more goals to make the full time score 3-0. Moordown deserve credit for playing a passing game at pace and although our boys battled right to the end it wasn't quite enough to beat a strong team.
     As ever there were many strong performances. Shaun Roberts and Harry Prince battled well up front, Reece Westwood made some strong runs from midfield and Dan Cooke had an assured game at centre back. Overall Man of the Match was Joshua Miles, who kept the boys in the game with a string of fine saves. Well done Joshua.

Sunday 2nd March 2008   Sway 5  Merley Allendale 3
     Today's first half performance was as good as the team have played all season. We played a passing game at pace as Sway struggled to contain our attack. However we did concede a goal in the first minute of the game. Our marking from a corner was not good enough and we let in a soft goal. As the boys found their feet we soon began to trouble the Sway back line.
     After 15 minutes Edward Bartlett scored his first goal of the season, a low shot following good work by Reece Westwood and Harry Prince. The boys more than deserved this equaliser. The goal gave the team more confidence and as the half drew to a close Ben Stocker scored an excellent goal with a shot from the edge of the penalty area, again following good link up play from midfield. Half time score 2-1.
     Our only hope at the start of the second half was that the boy's stamina could maintain such a high level of performance. Sway however started the half the stronger and we again let in a soft goal from a corner. They quickly followed this with another goal to put the boys behind. This was a real set back to the boys following such a strong performance. The boys dug in again, and following a good move involving Jack Dixon and Harry Prince, Reece Westwood scored an excellent goal to make the score 3-3.
     Sadly the boys could not maintain the standards they set and the fact we only had one substitute available began to tell against us as the game wore on. Sway managed two further goals to take the victory, but the boys can take heart that on their day they are a match for most teams in our division.
     Honourable mentions for Man of the Match went to Ed Bartlett, Reece Westwood and Ben Stocker. Add to this Alex Diment and Harry Prince who both played with great determination. However the overall Man of the Match was Harry Wright, who fought to the end and tackled and blocked everything that came his way. Well done Harry.

Sunday 9th March 2008   Merley Allendale 3  Bournemouth Poppies 6
    This was a hard game today against a team who are currently second in the table. The boys started the game brightly and for the first ten minutes competed well. There then followed a torrential hailstorm and during this period the boys let in two goals. Poppies managed a further goal just before half time to make the half time score a disappointing 3-0.
     The boys regrouped at half time and managed to compete again. However the Poppies team were a well organised outfit and as much as the boys tried it was always going to be difficult to break down their defence. The final score ended up 6-0 as Poppies ran in three more goals in the second half.
     Man of the match was Alex Diment who played well in the left back role and made several covering challenges . Well done Alex.

Sunday 23rd March 2008    Redhill 1  Merley Allendale 0
     The boys were very unlucky to lose today - it was a very frustrating afternoon!! The first half the boys were playing against the wind but it was a very even half. On another day we could of had a couple of goals, with Reece Westwood in particular going close. After 25 minutes Redhill did manage a goal to make the first half score 1-0.
     The second half the boys had the wind in their favour and literally the whole of the half was spent in the Redhill half. Try as they might we could not muster a goal. To a man every boy can be proud of their performance and on another day a victory would have been ours. Overall MOM was Dan Cooke who caused plenty of problems down the left flank.

Sunday 30th March 2008    Merley Allendale 2  Sway 3
    Another hard fought game which the boys can consider themselves a little unlucky to lose. This was the first time we had played at Broadstone Rec and we soon made the most of the bigger pitch. We started very strongly and took the game to Sway. This fast start was rewarded with two early goals. Harry Prince opened the scoring following an excellent run and shot. This was quickly followed by another goal. Reece Westwood set up Shaun Roberts with a superb cross that Shaun finished deftly at the near post.
     Sway did not know what had hit them but to their credit rolled their sleeves up and set about trying to reduce the deficit. As the half drew to a close their pressure paid off with two goals to make the half time score 2-2.
     The game was up for grabs as the second half started. Merley had the disadvantage of playing up hill this half and a lack of available substitutes was a factor as the game the half progressed. Nevertheless the half was pretty even as both teams competed well. With 10 minutes remaining Sway scored what turned out to be the winning goal to make the final score 3-2.
     Credit goes to both teams for a close fought entertaining game. Well done to Ben Stocker who played in goal at late notice, also to Harry Prince and Reece Westwood for their attacking play and to Conner Gould and Harry Wright for their excellent defensive work. Overall MOM was Shaun Roberts for his goal and forward running.

Tuesday 1st April 2008    Merley Allendale 0  Cannon Colts 3
     Last time out against Cannon Colts we lost 6-0. However the performance today was much improved and in many respects this was as well we have played all season, particularly in the second half. The game started in ominous fashion as we conceded an early goal. Shortly after we conceded another to make the 2-0. The boys then began to find their feet and take the game to Cannon Colts. The midfield play of Dan Cooke and strong forward running of Reece Westwood kept Cannon Colts honest. Despite this the half time score was 2-0.
     The second half was a very even match and as the game progressed we began to take to game to Cannon Colts. Our defence looked very solid and Ben Stocker in goal had another excellent game. Cannon Colts did manage a further goal to make the score 3-0 and despite late pressure the boys did not manage to score at least one goal their efforts deserved.
     MOM was a close vote with every boy deserving a nomination. Overall winner was Ashton Kerley who played at centre half was great strength and desire. Well done Ashton.

Sunday 13th April 2008    Milford 3  Merley Allendale 0
   This was a disappointing result against a team closely matched in the table. After a bright start the boys lost their way and had no answer when Milford scored two first half goals.
   The second half was a little better but Milford further increased their lead. The final score was 3-0 which sadly sees us slip to the bottom of the table. MOM was Ashton Kerley who for the second match running played with great determination.

Sunday 20th April 2008   Burton 3  Merley Allendale 3
     After a run of games without a earning a point today saw an improvement in performance against a team that we previously lost to (3–7) at home early in the season. In the first half we were slow to get to grips with the Burton attack who after coming close on several occasions took the lead on 15 minutes. Going behind seemed to spur the team into action, with Merley sustaining pressure and earning several corners. It was from one of these corners that the deserved equalizer came. Joe Jordan delivered a great cross which was headed home by Henry Jeffs who timed his run well.
     Almost immediately Burton struck back when their number 2 intercepted the ball and finished well to put Burton back into the lead. Half time score 2-1.
     At the start of the second half Burton had a couple of chances which stand in keeper Ben Stocker dealt with very well. The boys continued to work hard and carved out several shooting chances. A deserved equalizer eventually came when Henry Jeffs knocked the ball over a defender before chipping the Burton keeper (just like Matt Le Tissier).
     With 15 minutes left Burton scored again to go 3-2 up. From this point the boys began to dominate and made most of the running forcing Burton to defend. Despite feeling unwell the front running of Reece Westwood troubled the Burton defence and Reece grabbed another goal with an excellent run and finish to put the boys back on level terms. Final score 3-3.
     There were many good performances: Chris Green was solid in defence on his return, and midfielders Jack Dixon and Matt Inneson both covered a lot of ground. The defence and Ben in goal also played their part, particularly in the second half. Voting for Man of the Match was close. Overall winner was HENRY JEFFS who played and battled with great purpose and vigour as well as scoring 2 vital goals. Well done to Henry and indeed well done to all the boys for a gritty performance.

Tuesday 22nd April 2008   Dexters 2  Merley Allendale 0
     Once again this was an example of the scoreline not reflecting the game. I'm sure we will all agree this is not the first time this season we have been on the wrong end of a defeat when we have deserved so much more.
     The boys took the game to Dexters right from the off. Reece Westwood and Harry Prince were posing problems up front and Joe Jordan took a succession of quality corners. At the back we were composed with both Chris Green and Alex Diment competing well in the full back positions and Connor Gould and Dan Cooke looked a solid partnership at centre half. As ever the only thing missing from our play was a couple of goals, which our efforts more than deserved. Credit must also go to the Dexters keeper, who pulled off some difficult saves.
     The half time score was 0-0. The second half was equally competitive. Midway through this half we conceded a soft goal, and Dexters followed this with another goal shortly after. Despite the defeat the boys can take heart from an excellent performance. We will need to continue this standard for our last game of the season, against near rivals Milford.
     Man of the match was definitely up for grabs - the overall vote went to Henry Jeffs for the second week running, who anchored the midfield with great tenacity. Well played Henry.

Sunday 4th May 2008   Merley Allendale 1  Milford On Sea 3
     This game was effectively a play off for bottom spot in the table. The boys started very brightly with Harry Prince and Joe Jordan figuring well in attack. The way the boys started it looked like we were on course for a welcome victory.
     We took the lead after 15 minutes following an excellent Joe Jordan free kick, which Reece Westwood knocked in on the rebound. We continued to dominate and the Milford keeper made an excellent save from a Reece Westwood shot . As the half progressed we seemed to lose our way and we conceded a soft goal as the half drew to a close to make the half time score 1-1.
     At the start of the second half we were unable to regain the momentum, although again the Milford keeper made an excellent save from a Jack Dixon shot. We were unable to clear our lines from goal kicks and this cost us two goals to make the score 3-1 to Milford.
     We fought back as the game drew a close but sadly by then it was too late.
This was a disappointing end to the season but credit to Milford for a consistent performance.
MOM was Joe Jordan who was a constant threat of the right and delivered several dead ball crosses. Well done Joe.

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		The Management
		Merley V Redhill Rangers Sunday 27th January 2008