2007-2008 Season
Chiltern Youth League
Under 13 - Division Three
		P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
1	Dunstable Town U13B	18	14	3	1	102	24	45
2	GNG Tigers U13	18	13	3	2	90	18	42
3	Brickhill Wanderers U13A	19	12	1	6	79	40	37
4	Houghton Regis U13	18	12	1	5	72	36	37
5	SKF U13B	19	10	5	4	76	53	35
6	St Josephs U13	18	10	3	5	75	40	33
7	Bedford Panthers U13	18	8	2	8	69	53	26
8	Flamstead U13	18	8	2	8	59	55	26
9	Caldecote U13	20	5	3	12	43	78	18
10	Luton Leagrave U13	21	5	3	13	45	81	18
11	Caddington U13A	14	4	1	9	34	54	13
12	Oakley Rangers U13	17	4	1	12	39	64	13
13	Bushmead Wanderers U13	20	0	0	20	10	197	0

Match Reports from :

March 30th, game called off, opposition could get team; April 6th casualty of weather, rescheduled for 30th April.

March 16th

Caldecote 5 – Bushmead Wanderers 1

A rather scrappy start to the game as both teams failed to come to terms with the strong windy conditions as several  passes were over hit and misdirected preventing either side from controlling the game. The stalemate was eventually broken when Ross finished off a well worked move and Caldecote did not have to wait long for their second goal as Nick, scored with his trusty left foot. At 2-0 up Caldecote were controlling every facet of the game and their determination was further rewarded with a third goal  from JT who  helped himself following a goal mouth scramble and the half finished 3-0 to Caldecote. Credit to Bushmead they never let their heads drop and with their limited possession they hit the crossbar and eventually broke Caldecote’s defence to score a deserved goal. Conceding this goal seemed to galvanise the boys and they started to pressurise Bushmead’s back four and a clever pass from Nick left Chas with just the goalkeeper to beat which he did at his second attempt. The game was effectively closed out when Chas helped himself to his second and Caldecote’s fifth. The final score of 5-1 was satisfactory  considering the challenging weather conditions. The whole team ( Ross, Josh, Nick, Steven, Matt, Chas, Jordan, Andrew J, Andrew S, Greg, Tarran, JT, Luke, Scott, Jason and Kieran) all played well and man of the match was awarded to Nick who displayed great pace and strength and was a constant threat to Bushmead.

March 9th

Caldecote 3 – Caddington Youth 2

After last week’s disappointing loss Caldecote started the game full of confidence and purpose. Scoring opportunities were soon created with Andrew J hitting the crossbar. As with previous weeks the back four held an excellent offside line which from the resulting kicks Andrew J set up opportunities for Nick, Jordan and JT and they forced Caddington’s goal keeper into making some brave saves. Yet despite all these chances it was the opposition who scored first against the run of play. Conceding this spurred the boys on and from a slide rule pass from Steven enabled Jordan to cross the ball for Nick to deservedly equalise and that was how the first half ended, all square 1-1. Both teams enjoyed significant possession in the second half but it was Caldecote who capitalised first when substitute Chas put Nick through on goal and he comfortably scored his and Caldecote’s second. Credit to Caddington, they pushed forward and broke down the left hand side and scored a neatly taken goal to set up a very nervous final ten minutes. The deadlock was finally broken when Steven beat their left back and crossed the ball for Chas to score the winning goal. This was well deserved and a hard fought victory, there were many excellent performances from the team. Man of the match went to Andrew S who was dominant in his defensive duties and marked his defender superbly to limit Caddington’s scoring opportunities. The team: Chas, Andrew S, Andrew J, Matt, Tarran, Greg, JT, Ross, Steven, Kieran, Jordan, Josh, Scott, Jason and Nick.

Mar 2nd

Bedford Panthers 5 - Caldecote 0

Both teams started the game playing attractive football and Caldecote enjoyed a significant amount of possession for two reasons. The first was that they were competing and winning a lot of 50:50 balls and secondly the disciplined back four of Jason, Luke, Andrew S and Scott were constantly catching the oppositions forwards offside. From the resulting free kicks Andrew J was delivering some accurate passes that troubled Beds Panthers defence and Jordan, Ross and Steven all had opportunities to score. Yet despite having the lion share of possession it was the Panthers that scored twice before half time. At the turnaround both coach and manager made the boys aware that the game was still there to be won and with this belief Caldecote pushed forward. Once again opportunities were created with Kieran, Chas and JT nearly scoring. This was one of those games when no matter how many chances Caldecote had they just could not convert them. The Panthers on the other hand continued to make the most of their possession and scored a further three unanswered goals to make the final score 5-0. The team of Josh, Matt, Scott, JT, Kieran, Luke, Andrew J, Andrew S, Steven, Jordan, Chas, Greg, Jason and Ross should be justly proud of themselves as they never let their heads drop. Man of the match once again went to goal keeper Josh who despite the score line made numerous quality saves to deny the opposition more goals.

Feb 24th

Caldecote 4 – Oakley Rangers 2

After last weeks disappointing match it was a pleasure to watch them compete against a team that clearly shared the same values in terms of fair play and sportsmanship. The game started with Caldecote immediately creating chances and from one of these it was Steven who latched on to a pass from Andrew J and slid the ball past their goalkeeper to give Caldecote an early but deserved lead. Their confidence was high and they played some very attractive football, passing the ball accurately and with great skill. It was soon Ross who was provided with an opportunity to score, but with the score now at 2-0 Caldecote relaxed and Oakley seized their chance. The first half ended 2-1. The second started with both teams knowing how important it was to score the next goal and it fell to Caldecote. Again Ross hit a hard left foot shot that took a slight deflection and went into the goal. To their credit Oakley did not stop pushing forward and one attack resulted in their No 10 scoring a well taken goal. This goal spurred the boys into action and from another well constructed move Ross scored his hat trick to seal the match 4-2. There were many excellent performances and special mentions were given to Ross, Josh, Andrew J, Andrew S, Luke and Jason yet man of the match was awarded to Steven for his sheer effort and determination displayed throughout the game. Team: Josh, Ross, Greg, Matt, Jordan, Chas, Tarran, Steven, Andrew S, Andrew J, Luke, Scott, Kieran and Jason.

Feb 17th

Flamstead 3 – Caldecote 2

Caldecote 13's made the long trip to Flamstead full of hope and expectation following their run of good form. Indeed it was Caldecote that took the lead when Jordan scored a well worked goal, the final pass from Chas confirming the two boys are developing a good partnership up front. They went further ahead again from a well constructed move by several players making accurate passes and it was left to JT to score. The half time score was 2-1 as Flamstead were awarded a goal that clearly did not cross the line as it bounded down from the crossbar. The second half was evenly contested with both teams creating chances and it was Flamstead who equalised and went on to take the lead 3-2. However, due to several nasty injuries, this was how the game ended as Caldecote's Manager & Coach called their players off before the final whistle as in their opinion and the opinion's of the parents the welfare and safety of the boys was not being protected by the referee.

Feb 10th

Caldecote u'13s 6 - St Jopsephs 2

Caldecote's under 13s continued their good run of form with an impressive victory. The margin of their win clearly demonstrates the massive improvements the boys have made as the corresponding away fixture responded in a big loss. Caldecote did not start the game well and conceded an early goal. Unphased by the score line the boys started to construct some controlled and flowing football and threatened the opposition's goal. From a well worked move Jordan scored the equaliser and very soon afterwards his partner upfront Chas put Caldecote 2-1 ahead, and not content with one he went on to score his second to end the half 3-1 to Caldecote. St Joseph's once again started the half the stronger team and scored early to reduce the deficit. But it was Caldecote who were playing the better football and from one phase of play, the ball was chipped into the opponents area and struck a defenders hand, up steps Ross to convert a neatly taken penalty. Caldecote's back four of Luke, Jason, Andrew S and Nick continued to repel St Joseph's best efforts and even when the defence was breached goalkeeper Josh was at his usual best and he thwarted several decent attempts on goal. In fact both teams continued to create chances and St Joseph's were unlucky not to score as the goal post came to Caldecote's aid. The near miss seemed to motivate Caldecote and some clever interplay presented Chas with an opportunity and he neatly completed his hat trick with a hard and low shot that St Joseph's goalkeeper failed to save. Caldecote 6th and last goal was given to a surprised Andrew j who from a free kick struck the ball with accuracy and power despite all the efforts to block the shot ended up in the net. Man of the match was given to three goal hero Chas, but the coach was quick to praise all twelve players (Josh, Jason, Luke, Nick, Andrew S, JT, Andrew J, Steven, Ross, Chas, Jordan and Tarran) for their superb performance.

Feb 3rd

SKF B  2 -  Caldecote  2

Caldecote started the game full of confidence following their recent run of form and they put immediate pressure on the opposition defence. Early goal scoring attempts by Ross, Greg, Andrew J, and Jordan confirmed the boys dominance for most of the first half as any SKF attacks ended in a free kick as once again the back four of Jason, Luke, Andrew S and Scott played an excellent offside line. Despite both teams attempting to end the deadlock the first half ended 0-0. It was SKF who started the first half with more intent and they scored first but Caldecote quickly equalised by the best move of the match. It was good interplay between Nick and Steven that provided JT with a goal scoring opportunity that he converted with clinical precision. The game ebbed and flowed with both teams creating chances, in fact Caldecote rode their luck a bit as SKF actually hit the post with one of their attempts. Once again Josh was imperious in goal with several excellent saves and up front Jordan, Chas and Matt all made good contributions and kept the SKF defence on their toes. The deadlock was finally broken when Caldecote conceded a soft goal and with time running out they threw everything at the opposition. With literally the final move of the game, Ross thread a finely weighted pass for Steven to run on to, beat the last defender and smash the ball into the back of the net for a deserved equaliser. The final score was 2-2 man of the match went to Mr dependable Luke for a solid performance at left back.

Jan 27th

Caldecote 2 – Luton Leagrave 2

Confidence within the team was high following last weeks draw with the league leaders and this was reflected in the way Caldecote started the game. Within a few minutes of play several scoring opportunities were created and it was only the final shot that took the shine of some very creative and enterprising football. There is no doubt that the boys are improving as recent games confirm and both Manager and Coach are pleased with the fact that the passion and energy shown during training is now being transferred to match days. Yet despite dominating the first half it was the opposition who scored twice, from their only two scoring opportunities and the first half ended 2-0. Unphased by the scoreline Caldecote once again played the better composed football and pressed hard to reduce the deficit. The break though came when following another patient build-up, Steven crossed the ball that took a deflection and looped over the oppositions defender and it was left to Matt to head the ball into the back of the net. Clearly motivated by the goal, Caldecote continued to control the game defending quite comfortably with all that Luton Leagrave were able to muster. This fact was illustrated well by the excellent offside line that the back four of Kieran, Jason, Scott and Andrew S held throughout the game and clearly frustrated the opposition. Caldecote drew strength from this frustration and from a clever pass from Jordan, Nick was able to score a quite brilliant equaliser. Both teams battled to score the winner but the game ended 2-2. man of the match went to Matt for scoring Caldecotes first goal which provided the necessary impetuous and clearly helped shape the final result. The team was Josh, Scott, Kieran, Andrew S, Jordan, Steven, Andrew J, Ross, Nick, Chas, Greg, Taran, Jason, JT and Matt.

Jan 20th

Under 13’s

Dunstable Town 2 Caldecote Youth 2

The last two games have demonstrated and confirmed that Caldecote under thirteen's have galvanised themselves into becoming a very good team. Despite facing a very strong wind they started the game much the stronger team and were clearly motivated by the fact that the opposition were the league leaders. Not phased by this fact Caldecote created some early scoring opportunities and one of these was converted by JT following a clever through pass by Andrew J. Dunstable looked visibly stunned, this was clearly not supposed to happen and for the next twenty minutes both teams looked evenly matched. Dunstable did however manage to score a soft goal to equalise and on balance this would have been a fair end to the first half. The referee did blow his whistle to signal the end of the first half but was quickly made aware that there was still five minutes left and the game carried on. Unfortunately Caldecote seemed to loose momentary concentration and conceded a second goal and we were clearly unlucky to go in at half time 2-1 down.  With the wind in their favour, once again Caldecote played entertaining football. Ross linked well with Nick JT, and Steven creating opportunities to score, one of which newcomer Chas did hit the back of the net only to be denied by the linesman signalling for an offside pass. Undeterred Caldecote continued to push forward for the equaliser and were awarded a free kick just outside the box. Ross played a measured pass into the opponent’s area and JT helped himself to his and Caldecote’s second goal. From the resulting kick off Caldecote defended valiantly with Scott, Kieran, Andrew J and Luke providing excellent cover for each other and even when their defence was breached gaol keeper Josh was there to frustrate the league leaders with some quite brilliant saves. The final whistle ended what was a most enjoyable game and Caldecote deserved this point. Clearly if they continue to display such qualities in future games they will start to climb the table. Man of the match was awarded to the whole team, (Tarrant, Matt, Chas, Ross, Steven, Andrew J, Andrew S, Josh, JT, Jason, Nick, Luke, Kieran, Scott, and Jordan) for a simply brilliant performance.

Jan 13th - No Match

Jan 6th

Houghton Regis 2 – Caldecote 1

The boys clearly enjoyed the rest over Christmas because on paper this fixture should have been a real challenge, instead Caldecote turned in a performance that they all should be justly proud of. From start to finish they showed excellent commitment and enjoyed significant spells of possession. With so much possession they constructed flowing one touch football creating numerous scoring opportunities. Yet despite all their best efforts it was Houghton Regis that scored twice in the first half and that is how the half ended. It should have easily been 2-1 because for some strange reason Steven having displayed excellent skill to beat the last defender and round the goal keeper side-footed the ball to miss an open goal. In previous games Caldecote have gone onto concede further goals in the second half. Not this team they continued to link well and play a style of football that was a joy to watch and an excellent advert for the club. Caldecote went on to score from a well created opportunity, at least six passes were made opening up the oppositions defence, the final pass by Matt assisting JT to score from close range. Despite creating more scoring chances the game ended with a narrow 2-1 loss. The team of Josh, Luke, Andrew S, Kiren, Scott, Andrew J, Steven, Jason Tarren, Matt, Jordan and JT all played to their potential and they all were contenders for man of the match, but Andrew J was awarded the prize for a consummate and dominant performance in midfield.

Dec 16th

Caldecote 1 – Flamstead 3

Caldecote's opponents Flamstead were an unknown quantity as the teams had not previously met and the game was evenly contested and turned out to be a real nail biter. During the first half the boys created numerous chances with their possession and were unlucky not to score as both Jordan and Kieran had excellent attempts on goal. Despite this pressure it was Flampstead that took the lead and went on to score another as the half ended 2-0. The second half began and again the back four of Luke, Scott, Kieran and Andrew displayed excellent shape and defended valiantly. In the midfield Andrew J, Steven, Greg and Jordan made several good passes, deft flicks and tackled determinedly. Up front JT and Jordan and substitute Matt all found space and troubled Flampstead's defence. All the players were competing well and Caldecote deservedly scored from a well constructed goal which was a product of several accurate passes and in the end neatly finished of by Andrew J. The game was there for the taking and this goal clearly gave the boys the belief but unfortunately they conceded a third goal. Despite the scoreline Caldecote pushed forward in an attempt to score more goals and they should all be justly proud of themselves as they turned in a spirited performance and the one player that typified that spirit was man of the match Josh who made some brilliant saves. As 2007 comes to an end a thought for the boys to consider is that if they could win more 50:50 balls, they would create more chances, score more goals and ultimately win more matches in 2008. Happy Christmas to all involved in the U13's.

Dec 9th

     

Caldecote 3 – SKF B  9

For the first time this season the manager had fifteen players to choose from and the starting eleven were more than a match for their opponents. The team played for each other showing real determination and resilience and but for an unfortunate own goal we totally dominated for the initial twenty five minutes. Undeterred by the score line the boys were level as Nick scored from a corner that was delivered perfectly by Andrew J. Another goal was conceded by Caldecote and the half finished 2-1. The second half began with JT starting up front alongside Jordan as this game was there for the taking. The 4:4:2 formation initially worked well as the team displayed confidence and played some attractive football. However the visitors scored four unanswered goals during a ten minute spell when several players were substituted. Despite the score line Caldecote continued to compete and for the final fifteen minutes the players grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and deservedly scored two quality goals, the first by Steven, the second and his second by Nick. Indeed Nick's overall performance earned him the man of the match trophy. In summary the boys enjoyed a significant amount of possession, created several scoring chances and started and finished as the stronger team. Yet conceded too many goals when they lost shape and focus during a ten minute spell in the second half and the final score was 9-3. The manager and coach would like to pay tribute to the boy's commitment and dedication that they have shown over the past few weeks during training despite some rather inclement weather. Tim and Tom would also like to thank Becky for her involvement with training, her fitness routines are clearly having a positive effect.

Dec 2nd

Match abandoned flooded pitch

Nov 25th

Caldecote 0 – Sundon Park A 7 League Cup Game

This game was always going to be a tough challenge as Caldecote’s opponents, Sundon Park A are the current cup holders and second in a higher league. Undetered by these facts the boys started with more determination and for the first ten minutes played the better football. Caldecote displayed all of their strengths yet they unfortunately conceded a goal they failed to clear in their own goalmouth and Sundon Park took the lead. Indeed they went on to score again and the first half ended 3-0 with the third being an unfortunate own goal. The second half began with Caldecote doing as they had been asked at half time, which was to compete more for the ball and make more tackles. They repelled their opponents’ attempts on goal, but Sundon Park were relentless and went on to score on four more occasions, one being a penalty. The team (Josh, Kieran, Andrew, Scott, Steven, Ross Andrew J, Greg, Matthew, Jordan, JT, Jason & Luke) should be justly proud of themselves as they competed well against a very good team. Man of the match went to JT for his sheer determination and commitment.

Nov 18th

Brickhill 7 – Caldecote 1

Having played and lost twice to Brickhill, the boys could have been forgiven for expecting another defeat, however not this team, in fact for the first ten minutes they totally outplayed their opposition creating several chances. Andrew J, Ross and Nick deserving more luck with their attempts on goal. Unfortunately and much against the run of play it was Brickhill that took the lead and yet again it was their centre forward who scored as he had done on their previous other encounters. Indeed they went onto score two more goals before Caldecote deservedly scored themselves, from a free kick just outside the area which Andrew J struck with power and via a deflection ended up in the back of the net. This goal naturally lifted the spirit of the the team and they again began to control the game, enjoying significant possession yet it was the opposition that scored another two more goals ending the first half 5-1. The second half began with JT starting up front supporting Jordan and this tactical change immediately resulted in several scoring opportunities. Unlike previous performances the boys maintained their shape extremely well and several players enjoyed the possession that was being created. Andrew J is fast becoming an influential player linking well with Matt, Steven and Ross in midfield and the back four of Kieran, Scott, Jason and Nick yet again showed good discipline to frustrate the oppositions forwards with the offside trap. Yet the boys best efforts and Ross nearly scoring it was Brickhill that scored another two goals making the final score 7-1. The result did not actually reflect the closeness of the game, that said the scoreline was kept respectable by man of the match Josh who once again saved numerous attempts on goal

Nov 11th

Caldecote 1 – Bedford Panthers 5

Caldecote started the game as they had finished last weeks, with real confidence and purpose, this together with a strong wind in their favour meant they had the better of the early exchanges. With the back four again running an excellent offside line, the midfield in command and the forwards finding plenty of space to operate the whole team displayed good shape, in fact numerous chances were created with Tarran, Andrew J, Steven and Jordan all unable to convert well constructed opportunities, and the first half ended goalless. Unfortunately once again the team lost shape because of substitutions due to injuries and the opposition exploited this and went on to take the lead. However Caldecote to their credit did start to create more opportunities and there were notable efforts by JT and Greg. As Caldecote committed more players upfront the opposition cut through the defence and scored three unanswered goals to make the final result 5-1. Man of the match was awarded to Josh who once again made numerous brilliant saves to ensure Caldecote were always in touch and the scoreline in truth did not reflect how close the game actually was.

Nov 4th

Bushmead Wanderers 0 – Caldecote 9

As mentioned last week, this fixture was an opportunity for the team to realise their full potential and all twelve players delivered. Awesome is an overused but in this case appropriate word to describe their display as straight from the kick off they dominated the opposition. Numerous chances were created by Steven, Ross and Jordon all going close but it was left up to JT to open the scoring with a neatly taken goal. This was quickly followed with goals scored by a rejuvenated Jordon and then Ross tucking away a clear pass provided by Steven. Despite playing up a rather steep hill in the first half this disadvantage did not prevent Caldecote from overwhelming Bushmead and this was evident in the fact that goal keeper Josh who is usually constantly in the action was only called upon to make the odd save. The half finished with Caldecote well in control with the score at 3-0. With the slope in their favour the signs were promising for the start of the second half and JT soon scored his second. The boys were playing a style of football that was a credit to themselves their coach and manager. Many more opportunities were created and worthy of goals however Ross and Jordon each scored their second and Andrew J opened his account. Jordon and JT went on to complete their hat tricks to finish the game off in style and the final whistle ended a one sided game with Caldecote winning 9-0. The whole team were contenders for man of the match, but two players stood out, Luke and Scott, with Scott deservedly winning the award for the competent performance at left back. The overall display should give the team the confidence to compete for the rest of the season with a real chance of finishing mid table which would be a creditable achievement. Caldecote's first league win. Roll on next week.

Oct 28th

Caldecote 1 – Brickhill Wanderers 8

After two successive weeks with no games, the boys were both eager and determined to avenge their earlier defeat in the season to their opponents Brickhill. Unfortunately and despite the fact the team were reminded of the opposition’s strengths, Brickhill’s star player, their centre forward scored two quick goals before Caldecote started to compete. In fact they were very unlucky not to score on more than one occasion as both Andrew and Jordan went close before Jamie Turner finished of a well-worked move. The half finished 3-1. The second half started with a clear game plan, to reduce the deficit quickly, however it was the opposition’s No9 who again showed his strength and power to score again. Undeterred Caldecote remained focused and committed but with no further reward and Brickhill went on to score five unanswered goals. There were several contenders for Man of the Match, Josh, Ross and Andrew but deservedly the award went to Jamie Turner. With a couple of players not available through injury, their return will enable the manager and coach to have more options. The next couple of fixtures are against teams that are equally struggling to compete in a difficult league and so it is hoped that the boys will realise their potential.

Oct 21st - Match called off, points awarded to Luton Leagrave

Oct 14th - No Match

Oct 7th

St Josephs 7 – Caldecote 0

The first half began with Caldecote playing down slope and they used this to their advantage buy playing a style of football that was fast yet controlled with the team linking well especially Nick and Scott playing on the left flank. The style of football created chances yet it was St Josephs who took the lead. Undeterred the boys continued with their game plan and truly deserved an equaliser and only the post prevented Ross from scoring with a brave header.On such small margins are games won and lost. The back four once again held a brilliant line and continuously caught the oppositions strikers off-side, frustrating their team mates and supporters. In fact they became unsure of when to play the ball forward such was the precision of the Caldecote back line. The first half ended 1-0 and the managers team talk was straight forward, continue playing the way they were and for the first 10 minutes of the second half they did just that. However after two substitutions the boys lost shape and concentration which resulted in them conceding 4 un-answered goals which gave St Josephs a huge confidence boost. Once again though, the boys re-grouped and played again with shape and style creating chances but to on-avail it was the opposition who scored once more making the final result 7-0. Man of the match went deservedly to Luke who covered every blade of grass and showed great determination and a desire to play the whole 70 minutes, a quality that all the boys should be aiming for because if they remain committed and focused for the whole of the game they will avoid these hard yet character building lessons in football.

30th Sept

Caldecote 0  -  Dunstable Town B 6

Caldecote started the game sporting their new kit sponsored by Ford Gates which has been kindly donated to the team by Lukes dad. This fact seemed to inspire the boys who totally dominated the first half but could not buy a goal and unfortunately the opposition had four scouring opportunities and converted all of them. The teams possession and dominance was based on their competitive edge plus excellent interplay yet their final pass was letting them down. The half time scoreline forced the manager to make some tactical switches in an attempt to convert the possession into goals resulting in JT taking up a centre forward position leaving just three in defence.The change had immediate success with Caldecote creating several scoring chances however still no goals, and the back three of Kieran, Scott and Luke were kept very busy but played with real heart and ensured Josh was not called to make to many saves but despite all the boys efforts they could not prevent the opposition from scoring two more goals making the final score 6-0. Neutrals may say the score reflected the difference between top versus bottom of the league but all those watching know that, but for several missed opportunities Caldecote deserved a lot better. The whole squad made positive contributions but the man of the match went to Nick who totally dominated the left side of the pitch.

23rd Sept

Caldecote 2  -  Brickhill Wanderers A  8                   Cup Match

Caldecote started slowly and conceded an early goal and a second via a penalty which both teams were mystified as to why it had been awarded. However to the boys credit they accepted the decision and the two goal deficit and eventually started to play attractive football. They all competed well as a team especially in the air and as a function of that they totally dominated the last 30 minutes of the first half and could and should have scored more goals than the one that Jordan slotted nicely in the corner of the net with his left foot!! The second half started well for Caldecote as they continued their first half form however they were undone by a very strong and fast centre forward who seemed to score at will despite Caldecote's well drilled back line. Caldecote's only goal in the second half was finished by Nick after Andrew had hit a long range shot which held up in the wind and fell fortunately at Nick's feet. This is Nick's second goal this season as he scored last week, not Ross as was reported.. Sorry Nick!! Despite the score of 8-2 Caldecote are continuing to improve and their determination to play right to the final whistle is a credit to them. Man of the match could have gone to Josh or Nick but it deservedly went to Luke who was playing at right back for the first time, such was his performance, he could have been playing there all his career.

16th Sept

Caldecote 2 – Houghton Regis 7

Caldecote won the toss and decided to kick against a stiffening wind. This decision seemed to be a wise one as for the first twenty minutes they repelled Houghton Regis, restricting them to a few chances in addition to creating a few of their own. The stalemate was broken when the opposition scored a well worked goal but Caldecote then went out to concede two cheap goals much to every ones frustration. From the restart, Caldecote played at last some neat football and Steven belted the ball and it flew into the back of the net, and this was how the first half ended 1:3. Both coach and manager let the boys know that their first half performance was less than acceptable and after a stern talking to the boys started the second half with more commitment and determination. Despite the back four running a very disciplined offside line their defence was breached on a number of occasions and more goals were conceded before Ross finished off a well constructed move with a powerful left foot shot. As with last weeks game Josh was immense in goal and was ably supported with some last ditched defensive work by Scott, Jason, Kieren and the ever present JT.The final score of 7:2 was a fair one and on balance the boys are making small but steady improvements.

9th Sept

Under 13’s

GNG Tigers 6 – Caldecote 0

There was much anticipation and confidence at the start of the game based on the boy’s brilliant performance at last Saturday’s pre-season tournament held at Sandy, which they won. This confidence lasted for most of the first half and although Caldecote were playing up the slope they only conceded three goals. The second half started with a few tactical changes with the intention of scoring quick goals, however unfortunately it was the opposition who scored first. In fact the opposition went on to win comfortably and although Caldecote created several scoring chances they failed to convert any of them. The score lines of  6:0 would have been considerably higher had it not been for Josh who quite rightly was awarded the man of the match. Overall the team displayed great character and played with real determination and purpose, right up to the final whistle. These characteristics will enable them to compete well in a difficult league.