Pumas welcomed Whiteley to the Crofton School field on a bright sunny day with long grass, and soft conditions, suggesting a taxing match. Play began with Whiteley gaining the lion’s share of possession, and the Pumas were shocked by an early goal for the visitors. A ball through the centre of defence was picked up by WILLIAMS who struck a fine shot into the roof of the Pumas goal.

Whiteley continued to win the majority of early possession and the Pumas were finding it difficult to attain their regular passing game on the difficult surface. However a fine ball from Miller saw Davey through on goal and the striker watched the keeper save the shot with his feet. Bowen –Thomas then presented Davey with a similar opportunity however, this time the striker saw his hard hot just rise over the crossbar.

Much to Crofton’s dismay it was Whiteley who registered a further goal. A free kick on the visitor’s right by GRIFFITHS was swung in on gaol from about 20 yards deceiving the keeper and ending up in the net. 0-2. Pumas however, were not lacking confidence and a shot-cum-cross from Davey on the left wing was not held by the visitor’s keeper, and an alert MILLER pounced on the rebound to reduce the deficit. Encouraged by the goal Pumas maintained pressure on the visitors and Rawlings made a fine run through the middle and watched the keeper push away his shot which was seized by LIGHTon the edge of the area and smashed into the corner of the Whiteley goal. 2-2

Corcoran was the next Pumas to have an opportunity and a fine ball from Davey was taken into the box but the shot pulled just wide of the keeper’s right hand post. Corcoran then turned provider when a neat through ball from midfield was collected by Light and his hard shot unluckily struck the bar. Half time 2-2

Crofton began the second period on the front foot and a shot from distance by DAVEY arrowed across the six yard box struck the left hand post - bounced across and struck the right hand post - and deservedly ended in the net to give the home side the advantage. Davey then picked up a ball in midfield and drove onto towards goal under considerable physical attention from two defenders, however the strikers got a good shot away, which was just saved by the keeper but again picked up by MILLER who registered his second of the morning. 4-2

Lloyd was the next provider, winning a challenge on the left wing, before setting DAVEY in on goal and this time the striker gave the visiting keeper no chance shooting firmly past him into the corner. DAVEY was now firmly in the mood and a ball picked up about 30 yards from goal was cracked into the net past the keeper’s right hand. 6-2

To their credit Whiteley were still attempting to get forwards and a free kick wide on the Pumas right was swung in, evaded all but the marauding DIAPA on the far post who shot home to reduce the arrears. The goal was the final action of the morning as, immediately after the re start, the referee brought a halt to proceedings with the home side running out as worthy victors.

Final score: Crofton Pumas 6 Whiteley Wanderers 3.

The rain gods kindly postponed the threatened deluge from the west as Pumas kicked off on the wet, but well grassed Emsworth Recreation ground. Early exchanges were contained in midfield with strong tackles and no team giving any quarter nor indeed, winning prolonged periods of possession.

However, Pumas began to gain momentum, and Jamie LIGHT won a penalty when he was upended when driving into the penalty area on the left side. The midfielder picked himself up and planted a firm shot into the left corner of the home goal. Emsworth stung by the reverse pushed forward and Williams defended strongly pushing a contested ball away for a corner. The corner was easily cleared but a second Emsworth corner was headed narrowly wide by a home forward. Bruno was next in line to make a firm challenge to deny an onrushing Emsworth forward in the visitor’s penalty area.

Half time: Emsworth 0 – Pumas 1

Rain clouds were noticeably prominent as the second half got underway with the Pumas anxious to add to their goal tally. Early action saw Corcoran float a ball into the six yard box after being brought down near the corner flag. The ball was well met by Rawlings who saw his firm header well saved. However the visitors increased their lead when DAVEY won the ball on the left and an early shot was not held by the keeper and spun over the line. Pumas were noticeably gaining in confidence and playing neat football, with McMillan and Miller wining 50-50 challenges. The pressure continued, and a free kick from the Pumas left was pushed away by the defence, but fell invitingly to LIGHT who smashed the ball into the net. 0-3

The threatened rain now began to fall, but attention soon returned to the game as pressure on the left side of the home defence gained reward as a further free kick was not taken by the keeper and DAVEY utilised his strength to force the ball home. Crofton were now noticeably the fitter side, and a contested ball was well won in midfield by Light who then picked out CORCORAN with a fine diagonal pass. The midfielder drove onto towards goal and hammered a firm shot into the right side of the home goal. 0-5

The contest was being now being interrupted more frequently by the referees whistle with strong challenges being identified as transgressions. One such challenge inside the visitor’s box saw the home side awarded a penalty kick. Pumas Harris motivated himself to preserve his clean sheet however, he was only required to turn and run away after the ball as the home striker screwed the kick horribly wide of the left had post!

Pumas restored their territorial advantage in the home half and another superb ball from Light again combined with a Corcoran run on the right. The Midfielder struck a hard shot from a tight angle, watching the keeper push away the shot which was keenly collected by WAKE who arrowed the loose home.

Shortly afterwards the referee brought the enjoyable game to an end - reflecting a well deserved win for the visitors.

Final score: Emsworth Town 0 Crofton Pumas 6

On paper this looked a very difficult challenge for the Lions. Basingstoke Town Colts are sitting pretty on top of the North East Hants Youth League U12 Premier Division, having played seven matches winning six and drawing one. They have scored 24 goals in the process whilst only conceding four. But that did not countenance for the Lion strength, spirit and determination on the day. If there was any apprehension on the part of the boys it didn’t show and, despite the inclement weather, the boys put on a great display and gave the Colts the fright of their lives.
 
The match didn’t start off well when the home side took a six minute lead. This did not deter the Lions who fought back tenaciously. In the 14th minute of the half Ryan Cluett levelled the scores picking up the ball midway inside the opponents half before going on to calmly slot it past the home keeper. Basingstoke were good, there was no doubt about that. They were well-organised and moved the ball well, constantly threatening the Lions down the right wing where they always seemed to have a boy over. Technically the skill levels of the home team were a touch above the Lions, but there was also a large measure of petulance from the Colts displayed towards the referee – unusual in my experience at this age level. Despite that, the Lions stuck doggedly to their task and deservedly went into the break on level terms.
 
The second half saw the Lions suffer another early setback. Four minutes into the half a corner from the right was well cleared by Sam Blythin in the Lions goal but the ball came back with interest and there was nothing the keeper or the defence could do. Again the Lions fought back. Their fighting spirit and physical presence was certainly rattling the Colts and this manifested itself by their constant griping at the referee. Fortunately the referee was an experienced official and was quite unmoved by their bickering. The Lions were still well in the match and it was only going to take one moment of magic or skill to get them level. Two minutes from the end of normal play that moment almost came. The Lions won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Ryan Cluett stepped up to the plate and sent in a great effort which the home keeper tipped onto the post and the chance was gone. With the game moving into added on time the Colts hit the Lions on the break and added a third goal. The 3-1 scoreline, however, did not do justice to the Lions. They were never out of the match and it was much closer than that and the Lions had been so very close to forcing the match into extra time. Overall, the Lions had done themselves, the Crofton Saints Football Club and the Mid Solent Youth Football League proud: So well done to all of the boys. Next Saturday the Lions take on the Gosport FC Bullets in the 3rd Round of the Mid Solent Youth Football League U12 Challenge Cup – it will be a nice opportunity for them to put this disappointment behind them.

Goalkeeper training will be restarting on Thursday 5th September at 5pm on the 3G pitch at Crofton School. Usual charge of £2.50 per person payable on the night. 

On Friday July 26th 2013, the players and coaching staff of the Crofton Saints U11 Lion’s were graciously provided with a three course end of season dinner by our Sponsors, the Agora Restaurant of Palmerston Road Southsea. On behalf of the boys and all of those involved, we would like to extend our hearty thanks to the Proprietor and his wife, Yllmas and Nu Sener.
 
As well as receiving their end of season Mid Solent Youth Football League campaign medals three of the boys received trophies for their efforts during the 2012/2013 Season. With so many good lads in the team it had been a very difficult choice to make but the honours went to the following boys.

Supporters’ Player-of-the Season and the Players’ Player-of-the-Season
These two awards went to Harry O’Malley. An outstanding young lad who can play anywhere on the park, including in goal. A well deserved achievement and a lad who is surely destined for greater things.
 
The Most Improved Player-of-the-Season
This award went to Josh Fox, a diminutive but tenacious young lad, who can terrorise the opposition when he is running at them. Josh is also a prolific goalscorer notching up 30 goals last season.
 
The Manager’s Player-of-the-Season
The recipient of this award was Kai Sterne, the Lion’s leading goal-scorer with 66 goals netted in all competitions last season. Another lad who could go a long way.

The U13 Lions have a had a successful summer of tournaments with one win and a runners up placing.

The win came in the Husrtwood Rangers Tournament played on Saturday 8th June where they only conceeded one goal all day. And they were runners in the Denmead Tournament on Saturday 15th June to Havant in a closely fought final which finished 2-1.

Well done lads.

The Crofton Saints Lions U11 team have now completed their 2012/2013 campaign. Overall it was a largely successful season with the boys finishing in third position in the Cummins & Pope Mid Solent Youth Football League U11A Division. It had been very tight at the top, and the Lions lost only two matches throughout the season, but the eventual victors, Gosport FC Arrows, were worthy winners. The Arrows became the Lion’s nemesis later and the two sides met in the Cummins & Pope Mid Solent Youth League U11 Cup Final played at Cams Alders. The records will show that the Arrows won 5-2 on that occasion but it was much closer than that. To be fair, the scoreline does not reflect just how hard the Lion’s tried and played on that day. Another great disappointment was being eliminated in the third round of the Hampshire U11 Challenge Cup by Rushmoor Saints Tigers – the eventual winner of the Cup. The boys played below their best on that occasion and consequently suffered a 4-0 defeat.
 
The Lion’s entered seven post-season tournaments and did extremely well. These days teams at this level will often contain academy players from various local clubs and some of the competition was very, very good. Nevertheless, the Lion’s got a representative Crofton Saint’s side to the semi-finals on every occasion and on five of those occasions went on to contest a final. Of those, the boys won two and lost one in a very close match, losing out 5-4 on shoot-out penalties against Purbrook Athletic. In the other two finals, the boys lost two keenly fought and close encounters suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in both finals. The shoot-out defeat against Purbrook Athletic – in our very own competition - was a real tragedy in some respects. During the tense shoot-out one of the Lion’s efforts struck the crossbar and the ball came down behind the line. The Purbrook keeper sportingly acknowledged that the ball had crossed the line but a goal was not given. I do not blame the referee, nor his assistant placed on the goal line to cover such events. However, my goal-line technology (I was photographing the attempts) shows that when the ball crossed the line the assistant referee’s view was obstructed by a pathetic spectator who had encroached upon the goal line, placing himself between the assistant and the goal, blocking his view. I was very aggrieved on the day. The boys had put in a lot of effort and had played extremely well over the preceding three hours to get to the final, and all of that effort was negated by a mindless spectator. At that stage the penalties were even and a disallowed goal put the Lions one behind. It was extremely disrespectful to both teams and it should not have happened. He was not a Purbrook supporter, I am pleased to say, and he was certainly not a Lion’s supporter.
 
On Friday26th July the boys will be wined and dined by our Sponsor and proprietor of the Agora Restaurant in Southsea (Yllmas Sener). On behalf of the club and the boys can I extend our sincere thanks to Yllmas for his support and sponsorship over the season just gone and we look forward to his continuing support during the coming season.
 
Can I also, once again, mention all of those unpaid and unsung people at the Crofton Saints Football Club as a whole, and those who put in a great deal of effort to stage this years well-attended six-a-side tournament (I’ve never cooked so many sausages and burgers in my whole life), without whose efforts football at grass-roots level would simply collapse. Thanks to you all.

England and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill presented Crofton Saints Under 14's with brand new football kit for the season courtesy of Vauxhall Eden Fareham.

Cahill, who has 15 international caps, visited the boys in the Vauxhall dealership in Fareham to handover their brand new kit, as part of England team sponsor, Vauxhall’s, Youth Programme initiative.

Local Vauxhall dealer, Eden Fareham, have shown their commitment to Grass Roots Football in the area by supplying Crofton Saints with the brand new kit.

“It is vital that we support grass roots football in England for the good of the game moving forward - this is a fantastic initiative and one that the squad are proud to support.”
Robbie Robinson, Service team Manager at Vauxhall Eden Fareham said, “Supplying Crofton Saints U14s with a brand new kit is just the starting point to an exciting partnership.”

“Vauxhall’s sponsorship of Crofton Saints highlights the importance of supporting the game from the bottom at Grass Roots level to the top at the International game, and showcases just how committed Vauxhall are as a Home Nations Football sponsor.”

“As well as providing them with their new kit we will have a dedicated member of our staff working closely with the team, who will give their time and ideas to support the club. They will also provide ideas to help support the club whether it’s organising the Christmas Party or transport to games.”

The Vauxhall Youth Programme initiative follows an extensive study by HPI, commissioned by The FA and England Team Sponsor and FA Youth Partner Vauxhall Motors, to determine the factors affecting drop out within the 14-17 age group and forms part of The FA Vauxhall Youth Programme.

According to HPI Research, the main reasons for the decline in participation in this age group is due to a realisation that they are not going to play professional football, club football becoming more competitive, the lure of other pursuits and external pressures including school work, travel arrangements and part-time jobs.

To watch the kit handover and an interview with Gary Cahill use this link:
http://youtu.be/cOBPe2_KK0A

At this years South Hants Glass Portsmouth Youth Football League AGM, the U9 Lions came runner up out of 73 teams for the mini soccer teams Fair Play Award, an absolutely fantastic achievement and one they can feel justifiably proud of.

This is made all the more special as with the success they had last year in winning the league and runner up in the cup, they have proved that you can be successful and play the game in the right way, with good sportsmanship and humility.

The Lions were presented with a shield, a trophy and a cheque for £100.

Well done Gary, his assistants and all the boys.

The Crofton Saints Lions fielded two teams in this competition: The Blues and Whites. They were two equally matched sides: the Whites managed by Chris Smart and the Blues managed by Gary Fox. After a poor start the Blues acquitted themselves very well and narrowly missed making it an all-Crofton Final. Following last Thursday’s defeat in the U11 Challenge Cup it must have been a great disappointment to the Blues, but they can hold their heads high. Indeed, they were the only team to score four goals throughout the U11 League Competition when they defeated Romsey Village FC 4-0. Their opening draw against St Francis Rangers, when they did everything but score was crucial. They were unfortunate to come up against Crofton Saints White – the eventual winners - in their second match when they concede a couple of soft goals – one following a blatant hand-ball. Commiserations to all of those boys.
 
Crofton Saint Blue started off with a defeat and then embarked on a straight run of well-deserved wins which took them to the final against Botley Village FC - who had actually defeated them in their sixth and final league match. They too played very well. Botley Village FC were a good side, but in the final Crofton Blues were better driven on by Tommy Milchard who picked up the Man-of-the-Match award and also scored the winning goal (Tommy also scored a penalty during the leagues stages – the first penalty the boys have succeeded in converting this season! Well done Tommy). There were a number of close shaves on the Blue’s goal during the final and they did have a very late scare when a shot destined for the back of the net was brilliantly pushed over the bar by Adam playing in the blues goal. For the White’s squad this was a definite pick-up after Thursday but there is still a lot more competition to come and I believe that the coming weeks are going to be very interesting for all of the boys.
 

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Crofton Saints White     P 6    W 4    D 0    L 2    GF 7    GA 2    PTS 12

The White’s Squad: Adam, Euan, Harry, James, Max, Tommy and Scott.
A run of three straight wins was pivotal to the Blues
Scorer’s for the White’s: Tommy 6 (one penalty) Adam 2.
 
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Crofton Saints Blue       P 6    W 3    D 1    L 2    GF 8    GA 3    PTS 10

The Blue’s Squad: Baran, Benjamin, Ethan (Fox), Joe, Josh, Kai and Sam.
An opening draw against St Francis Rangers was crucial
Scorer’s for the Blues: Benjamin 1, Kai 3, and Josh 4.

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It was a glorious evening at Cams Alders and perfect for a game of football. Gosport Arrows got the final underway but it was Crofton Lions that showed first when awarded a free kick just outside the box – It wasn’t one of the Lions better efforts, however. Moments later the Lions were awarded another free kick when Harry O’Malley was tripped just outside the area, but it came to nothing. Less than one minute later the Lions won a corner kick on the left and Baran Sener sent in a beautiful ball which was cleared away. In the fifth minute the Lions suffered their first scare when the Lions keeper dropped an innocuous ball in the six yard area. This lead to a scramble in front of the goal, but the ball eventually went out for a goal kick. Moments later Kai Sterne sent a great through ball into the path of Tommy Milchard, but he was just unable to get on the end of it. At the other end a Lions player went down injured. After some attention he was able to carry on. Gosport were then able to make progress down the left wing through a series of throw-ins but the Lions eventually managed to get the ball back upfield. There then followed good runs by Kai Sterne and Josh Fox with Josh Fox winning yet another corner. This was followed by a decent chance when Harry O’Malley laid the ball off to Baran Sener whose well-struck shot sailed just wide of the far post. It wasn’t all one-way traffic and Gosport always looked dangerous going forward and one long ball allowed the Arrows in. Sam Blythin raced from his goal to block the attempt and the ball rebounded off the forward for a goal kick. Scott Faulkner then had to clear in front of goal and this was followed by another Arrows attack which petered out for a goal kick. It was then the Lions turn to put the Arrows under pressure. A long ball down the wing gave Scott Faulkner a chase, but quick as he was he was unable to catch the ball and it drifted out for a throw in. This was followed by a typical run by Kai Sterne and the Arrows defence was forced to knock the ball out for a corner. Adam Hatton took the corner from the right and his well struck ball was desperately palmed away for another corner at the near post. Up to this point the Lions were playing exceptionally well and their efforts were rewarded by a goal. In the 22nd minute Kai Sterne broke free from the Arrows defence and poked the ball forward. There was no great strength in the shot but it went wide of the keeper reach and crept into the corner of the far corner of the net. Moments after the restart Josh Fox had a speculative shot from distance, but it never threatened the Arrows goal. The Lions delight at taking the lead was cruelly deflated when the Arrows pulled the scores level. They moved the ball forward on the right and this resulted in a shot on goal which the Lions may have done better to defend. Less than one minute later, however, the Lions had restored their lead – and again through Kai Sterne. In the 27th minute he picked up the ball in the penalty area out on the right. He hooked the ball across the keeper and it rolled into the net very close to the far post. With three minutes remaining, plus added on time, there was still time for the Arrows to crash the ball against the Lions crossbar and to force Sam Blythin into a save. And so it was that the Lions went into the break with their noses in front - but you can never take the Arrows lightly.
 
Nonetheless, it was the Lions who came close to scoring again less than two minute into the second half. A superb Kai Sterne pass found Benjamin Lolljowaheer free on the right. Without breaking stride he hit it on the run with his right foot and sent a great shot flashing just wide of the near post. Benjamin is predominantly left footed so it was a brilliant effort with his ‘wrong un’! In the 35th minute the Arrows again pulled level. They were allowed to get the ball in from the right and a forward crashed it into the back of the net. The defence would have been annoyed that they should have done better, but things were to get worse. In the 38th minute the Arrows moved into the lead when more loose defending allowed the Arrows time and space to have a free shot on goal. To be truthful the Arrows were now moving up a gear and were surely in the ascendancy. The Lions were trying hard to get forward but nothing was coming off for them at that stage. For the Arrows, however, everything was now going their way. They were working hard, winning loose balls, and were putting the Lions defence under a lot of pressure. In the 45th minute the Lions again gave the Arrows time and space to hit the Lions net. It was another free shot that sailed in over Sam Blythin’s head. From then on the Lions seemed to have no answer to the Arrows constant attacks. It wasn’t that they’d given up but they were now facing incessant attacks by the rampant Arrows forwards. It was inevitable that they would score again. A shot came in from the right. Sam Blythin got his hands to the ball but could not prevent the Arrows moving into a 5-2 winning lead. One had to feel for the boys. They had tried really hard, especially in the first half. It was a massive pitch for the boys to play on and both sides had been chased and harried over every inch of it. Crucially, however, the Arrows were able to call upon eight substitutes against the Lions two, and it was inevitably that this would affect the Lions eventually - and they began to tire. Sure, it was a great disappointment for the boys, but for much of the match they had fought a brave fight and had matched and bettered the Arrows in the first half. The Lions had battled away both in midfield and going forward, and they were putting in a lot of effort on wings but without much joy. The defence had worked hard but were overwhelmed in the second half when they were really under the cosh. To be sure too, this does not represent failure. The Lions have finished third in the league and were runners up in this U11s Challenge Cup. Without doubt other teams have greater numbers and greater strength in depth – which is to their advantage - but the boys have kept going all season and there are still the tournaments to come.

 
Lions Squad: Adam Hatton, Baran Sener, Benjamin Lolljowaheer, Euan Smart, Harry O’Malley, James Beadell, Joe O’Mahony, Josh Fox, Kai Sterne, Max Fawcett, Sam Blythin, Scott Faulkner and Tommy Milchard.

Lion’s scorer: Kai (2)

Referee: Bradley Pike 8/10. Linesmen: Dan Batchelor and Josh Young

This was a game of two halves for the Lions: Dominant and dangerous in the first, but falling away defensively in the second. The Lions got the tie underway and were soon testing the visitors defence to the full. However, despite plenty of toil and endeavour from the home side it wasn’t until the 20th minute that the Lions finally got their noses in front. But not before Portchester had almost snatched a lead entirely against the run of play. A mistake in the home defence led to the visitors having a shot on goal - Fortunately the well-hit effort passed just wide of the near post. The Lions were awarded a free kick 30 yards out on their right. Adam Hatton stepped up to take the kick and blasted the ball goal-wards. Kai Sterne attempted to get his head to the ball and this seemed to distract the keeper, allowing the ball to end up in the back of the net. It was a trifle fortuitous, but no more than the Lions deserved. The Lions still pressed forward and in the 21st minute extended their lead – again through a free kick. Adam Hatton fired the ball forward and Kai Sterne picked it up just outside the six-yard-box on the right. He took the ball in his stride and lashed it into the far corner of the net.
 
The second half started off fairly even with both side threatening each others defence. But then the visitors began to exert severe pressure on the Lions goal and the home keeper was forced into making several last-ditch saves. The Lions defence, which had been so solid in the first half, was at sixes and sevens and looking very fragile indeed. On several occasions the Lions defence embarked on a suicidal policy of leaving it to each other in and around the six yard area and almost paid the price. They were certainly riding their luck. It didn’t mean that the Lions were spent as an attacking force and the visitors defence had to work hard to keep the Lions in check going forward. Nevertheless, one had the worrying feeling that if Portchester scored one, then they might easily score two, getting them right back in the mix. As the match ran down, the Lions never really looked close to extending their lead but were certainly doing enough in attack to help relieve the pressure on what had become a very shaky defence. This allowed them to run out winners in what could have been a much different result had Portchester managed to pull a goal or two back.

Lions Scorers: Adam Hatton and Kai Sterne.
 
The Lions will now play Gosport FC Arrows in the final at Cams Alders, Fareham, on Thursday 2nd May, Kick Off  6.15pm.
 

It was a glorious morning at Titchfield Recreation Ground but not, alas, a glorious ending to the Lion’s League campaign. It didn’t start well when the Lions were only able to field 11 players, so there was nobody on the bench. The first half was end to end but playing down the slope Locksheath always looked the more dangerous side. Going forward the Lions were hampered by some loose passing and were often caught in possession, which didn’t help the cause. It took hard work by the Lions defence to keep Locksheath at bay and they really should have been at least one goal down at the break when Locksheath missed from no more than six feet in front of goal. It had been an ominous let-off for the Lions and one hoped for better things when it was the Lions turn to play down the slope.
 
They did indeed press much more in the second half and forced a succession of corners, but were unable to capitalize on some decent balls in. It was now Locksheath Lions turn to defend well – and so they did. The Lions did break through the Locksheath defence on a number of occasions, but the final ball was often wayward and they never really looked likely to score. Locksheath themselves did get the ball into the net, but it was another let-off for the Lions when the flag went up for offside. A few moments later Locksheath deservedly took the lead. And it was a very soft goal to boot - a tap-in at the far post. Two minutes from the end a disastrous error in front of the Lions goal allowed Locksheath to stretch their lead and the Lions were never going to come back from that. The Lions had fought hard and tried hard without much luck. They had chased and harried but no doubt suffered for being players short. Nevertheless, they were bested on the day by a team who were quicker to the ball and won most 50/50s. The loss leaves them anchored in third place in the league with the top spots being fought out between Whiteley Wanderers Lions and Gosport Arrows – good luck to both of those teams. Next Saturday the boys play their Mid Solent Youth league U11 semi-final against AFC Portchester Castles. If they try that hard again, use the ball better and get the breaks, then I’m sure they can make amends for this unfortunate defeat.

 

This was no stroll in the park for the Lions who met Waltham Wolves Giants at Soberton to play what should have been a Lions home fixture. Both side played some good football on what was a very rough and undulating pitch. The Lions defence had to work very hard to keep the lively opposition forwards at bay, and in doing so they succeeded in keeping a clean sheet. The Lions had the edge going forward however, and despite missing a number of clear cut chances banged in three goals through a Kai Sterne hat trick – his seventh of the season. Outstanding for the Lions was Harry O’Malley, who operated superbly up and down the left flank giving the Giants a headache every time he touched the ball. But it was a good all round performance from the Lions who maintain second place in the league. However, Gosport Arrows are breathing down their neck and Whiteley Wanderers Lions must be looking over their shoulders too, because the Arrows have games in hand and took three points off Whiteley last Saturday. The Lions final league match will be against Locksheath Lions next Saturday. Wherever they finish in the league, if they can win that match then they can be very happy of what they have achieved this season. We still have an outstanding semi-final to play against Portchester FC Castles in the Mid Solent U11s Challenge Cup and if the boys can get through to the final – it could be against Gosport Arrows who have to overcome Lee Rangers. We failed miserably against the Arrows earlier in the season – when the Lions were far from their best - but gave them a good run for their money later, fighting out a 2-2 draw. All in all it is shaping up to be an interesting end to the season.

Scorer for the Lions: Kai Sterne (3)

At yet another cold and windy day at the seaside, Lee Ranger entertained the Lions U11A – although I doubt that Lee Rangers saw it that way when Tommy Milchard pounced on a defensive mistake to put the Lions into an early lead. It was not a good start by the home team. This was compounded moments later when Kai Sterne ran at the Lee defence and comfortable beat the keeper close in. Not long after, Tommy Milchard again picked up a defensive error to make the score 3-0 to the Lions. Despite that, when going forward Lee were not playing badly by any means, and it took a lot of work by the visitors defence to keep them at bay. The Lions always looked dangerous, however, and Kai Sterne added the 4th with a well–taken goal before Max Fawcett knocked in the 5th over the keepers head.
 
The Lions quickly added a sixth goal after the break but then fell into a period of complacency. Lee Ranger now got well into the match and gave the Lions a lot to think about at the back but, without a lot of luck in and around the area, they never really threatened the Lions goal. Five minutes before the end the Lions superiority showed when Kai Sterne cleverly chipped the keeper and then added the 8th goal in time added on. This was Kai’s 28th goal in what has been a much disrupted season, with a total of six hat tricks in all.
 
One had to have some sympathy for Lee Rangers. They have some decent players going forward but fall away in front of goal. In defence too, they struggle, but on this day their effort and spirit could not be faulted and they certainly kept the Lions defence on their toes.

Scorer for the Lions: Kai Sterne (5) Max Fawcett and Tommy Milchard (2)
 

Football made a welcome return this Saturday when the Lions took on Waltham Wolves Giants at Wickham Recreation Ground – which is somewhere near the North Pole, I think. In some respects it was a game of two keepers: Sam Blythin in the Lions goal and his namesake, Sam, in the Giants goal. Both were called upon to make crucial saves throughout the match but it was the Giants keeper who was most employed. The Lions largely dominated the first half but could not get the ball into the back of the net. This was down to lady-luck and great work by Sam in the Giants goal. The Lions should have gone into the break at least two or three goals to the good, but the Giants remained on level terms at that stage.
 
In the 2nd half the Lions continued to press but the Giants were getting more into the match and were causing a number of scares in front of the Lions goal. It was now Sam Blythin, in the Lions goal who came to the fore, making a number of brave saves at the feet of onrushing forwards. It was with some relief, therefore, when the Lions took the lead. A Scot Faulkner cross from the right was met by Tommy Milchard who headed it firmly into the back of the net. Far from unsettling the Giants it seemed to spur them into a greater effort. They were rewarded when lackadaisical defending allowed the home side to level the scores. The Lions should have restored their lead through a penalty five minutes from the end - It was missed, an astonishing five misses for the season so far. The Lions shook off the setback, continued to press, and two minutes from the end a mazy run by Josh Fox got him in on goal and he beat the keeper from six yards. The Lions were the better side overall, but slack defending could have cost them the points and it is something they need to address.

I must mention the match referee: Sam Waldron. This young lad was officiating at his first ever match. As an ex-referee myself I appreciate that it must have been very nerve-racking for him. However, he did very well overall. I gave him 7/10 in my match report (I score the old way), so well done Sam and good luck for the future.  
 

Crofton Saints Under 21’s season continues to fulfil its potential with another Cup final place secured for a great end of term finale. Playing in three adult Cup competitions whilst being part of the Hants F.A. inaugural Under 21 experimental league, the talented Crofton team turned on a first class performance to move aside the extremely capable Sky Blues from Hamble in the semi. Sky Blues season has also been remarkable with 10 wins from 10 in their league and an average scoring rate of 6 goals per game, this fixture was finely set for the two from Southampton Adult league teams.  Crofton having just secured their place in the Hampshire C Cup Final approached this game with caution yet confidence in their highly entertaining open passing game. The simple plan was to play to team strengths and utilise squad depth.
 
With great aplomb from the kick off, Crofton’s consistent possessional play, pressure down the flanks and prodigious fast movement up front rocked the Sky Blues with wave upon wave of strikes on goal. Not to be out done Sky Blues always looked dangerous and took every opportunity to break on the Crofton defence with selective play down the middle through their key capable players. The final 2-0 result to Crofton was hardly a reflection on the game and perhaps the shots on goal tally was more a measure of the performance (22-4). A statistic that worries the Crofton Manager for future games, as conversion rates has become a favourite subject at training sessions!
 
This coming weekend sees Crofton launch their third and final Cup campaign in the City of Southampton Adult League Cup. If they are successful in this first round match, then they will again face Sky Blues in the 2nd round. One not to miss as this will indeed be round 2 in the meetings between Sky Blues and Crofton.

It was a cold day at Meadowside for this top-of-the-table clash and it was the home side that got the match under way. Within seconds they were threatening the Lions goal. However, the Lions weathered the initial storm and began to defend strongly. Indeed, although struggling to get forward under pressure, it was the Lions who looked most likely to score when a corner from the Lions left brushed Benjamin Lolljowaheer’s head and rolled agonisingly across the goal with just the merest of touches needed to send it in. Then Kai Sterne beat the Whiteley defence but put his shot too close to the keeper allowing him to get down and save. With both side cancelling each other out there was little flowing football, but it was still an enthralling match up to then. Overall, Whiteley had shaded the first half possession but it was the Lions that came closest to scoring.
 
The second half began much like the first with the home side putting on the pressure whilst the Lions defended stoutly. That is until eight minutes into the half when Whiteley fluked the opening goal. It was one of those things when a hopeful lob forward sailed in over the keeper’s head – a fallacy of young boys playing in full-size goals. But it is the same for all teams. Three minutes later the Lions could and should have levelled the scores. Josh Fox broke into the Whiteley penalty area and was promptly pushed the floor. He took the kick himself but his tame shot was nothing more than a routine save for the home team keeper. This was the Lions fourth penalty miss of the season. You make your own luck, so they say. Whiteley had made the most of theirs whilst the Lions had spurned theirs. This seemed to change the whole complexion of the game and for a period of ten minutes the dispirited Lions were in disarray. As if to emphasis how well the Lions had defended up to then Whiteley took advantage of the Lions lapse in play to bang in two more goals. At this point the Lions could have folded but they came back – strongly. They pulled one back through a deft Baran Sener flick and almost pulled back another when a cross from the left almost reached the unmarked Josh Fox standing in the six-yard box. However, the home keeper got down quickly to cut out the danger. The Lions finished the stronger in the last period of play but the deficit was too large and time was running out. Whiteley had taken their chances well – and its goals that count. But it was cruel result for the Lions.

 

Crofton Saints, a founding member of this year’s experimental Hampshire FA Under 21 League under the guise of the City of Southampton Adult League, fought out a tough semi-final battle to make it through to the Junior C Cup Final.
 
An interesting season in the Under 21’s league has been embellished by involvement in three adult Cup competitions. The long road to the Totton final has involved playing adult teams from: Portsmouth, Gosport, Bournemouth and Southampton, non harder than this encounter against Mill Road Athletic. Playing on a recovering heavy surface at Brooker’s field, the pitch was on the small side, against a towering opposition, which wasn’t a good mix for a Crofton team who like to keep the ball down and stroke it around the pitch.

The first half was a balanced encounter with Mill Road coming on to Crofton and effectively disturbing their game. Crofton’s game suffered as they tried to play Mill Road at their game. Most of the play was kept down the centre of the pitch whilst Crofton’s normally busy wingers were given little to do. Mill Road’s wiley tactics closed down Crofton’s play and much of the ball was pumped around the pitch in the air, where Athletic mastered and controlled much of the game. Twenty minutes in Crofton suddenly woke up to the tactics and played the ball out of defence down the left to winger Lee Anthony. Having had his head up before receiving the ball he chose to switch play over the heads of the two advancing forwards in the middle of the pitch, taking out three defenders to the right winger, Joe Broadway who took it on the volley. From 30 yards the bullet travelled across the stationary keeper hitting the underside of the bar, rebounding off the defender and rifled into the net. With revitalised confidence Crofton’s performance improved to their more normal passing game as they began to ping it around with ease. This culminated in doubling their lead in style with a corner from Lee Anthony’s left side where Paul Watson’s movement left the Mill Road’s sizeable defence for dead as he nodded home. Having had little possession in the first half and 2 nil down with 10 minutes to go before half time Athletic came back at Crofton by playing to their strengths and optimising the ball in the air. Two well-made headed goals, the latter in the closing moments of the half  ruthlessly set up the second half.
 
As the second half wore on, Mill Road played more and more ball in the air with every; throw in, corner or set piece pumped in to the Crofton area. Crofton didn’t win a single one, as the size of the Athletic players intimidated the tiring and strangely demoralised Crofton. So it was with surprise when Crofton broke the deadlock with an amazing well-made goal from the back. Gathering the ball from an Athletic attack, right back John Davis travelled out of his area, looked up and slotted the ball on the ground between the recovering left winger and advancing left back to his Captain who had with stealth moved in behind. Taking the centre backs by surprise he travelled at speed and passed the ball in to the corner of the net leaving the keeper with little chance. Believing this was an ideal spring board for Crofton to control the remainder of the game, Athletic stepped it back up and came back at Crofton to score a headed equaliser and reach full time very much in control of the fixture.
 
The Crofton manager ‘hairdryered’ his lacklustre, defeatist youngsters, as with disbelief he remarked on the fact that they had been beaten down by one overbearing tactic and let themselves be intimidated by the opposition’s size. Dented pride took the Crofton lads back out on to the pitch for the first period of extra time. With immediate effect they took charge again, speeding the game up to their normal tempo and moving the ball with fabulous passages of play. It wasn’t too long before they released Captain Nick Jackson again for him to lead by example with the deciding goal. Crofton didn’t stop at that with attack after attack, hitting the bar and missing 3 one-on-one chances on goal, throughout the remainder of the half. With the final missed chance the crowd could have thought that that could have been an omen for fate to take its hand in the second half of extra time.
 
Although the crowd didn’t pay anything, they did get their monies worth because true to form the second half began with the prophesied reversal of play. Mill Road continued to pushed on and Crofton dropped deep. Ball after ball were pumped in to the Crofton area for the big guys to nod in however an ever tiring Crofton kept the brave and tenacious Mill Road at bay to take the honours.
 
As the Ref and allocated Assistants reflected afterwards, ‘they would like to see Crofton play on a flat pitch’, which suggests that a muted Crofton quality was evident although felt it had failed to show on the day. They now look forward to improving pitches and opportunities to play the passing game.

It was back to playing competitive football for the Lions after an unprecedented layoff of nine weeks, mainly due to the weather. It was going to be a tough nut to crack and a stiff test against Gosport Arrows who had defeated the Lions 4-0 earlier in the season - their only defeat in the league thus far.
 
The Lions took the lead from a headed Baran Sener goal, and also hit a post, before the visitor’s keeper was called into action to save two well-struck free kicks destined for the back of the net. However, the Arrows stormed back to give the Lions a torrid time in defence. The pressure paid off when a fierce shot in the dying moments of the 1st half left Sam Blythin in the Lions goal helpless and drew the Arrows level.
 
In the second half the Arrows again put the Lions under a great deal of pressure, but the Lions defence, led doggedly by a strong Joe O’Mahony, held firm until another great goal from the Arrows left the Lions with a 2-1 deficit. The Lions had their moments too and could and should have drawn the scores level. With time running out it looked as if the Lions were going to suffer a narrow defeat until Tommy Milchard popped up in the six yard box to fire the ball through a ruck of players and give the Lions a hard won point. It had been a pulsating match, despite both sides being match-rusty from the long break, and a good result for the Lions. Overall Gosport Arrows had been the better side, especially going forward, but grit and determination had rescued the Lions cause.

 

19 players from the U11 Lions and Jaguars took part this morning, dressed in CSFC kit, in the annual Stubbington 10k Junior fun Run.

They took part to raise money for their tour in 2014 and braved the icy and snowy conditions on a shortened course on Stubbington Rec.

All the players were a credit to Crofton Saints and to their parents and have hopefully raised a good amount of money to add to the tour fund.

Big credit also to the local authorities for ensuring the event took place and to the organisers of this popular local event.
 
Bryan Davis U11 Jaguars.

In what was a dress-rehearsal for the Lions upcoming semi-final in the Mid Solent Youth League U11 Challenge Cup, the Lions took on AFC Portchester Castles at Stubbington Recreation Ground on Saturday. Having beaten Portchester 4-3 in a close match earlier in the season the Lions knew what to expect.
 
The Lions started off encouragingly, taking an early lead through strikes from Baran Sener and Adam Hatton. Inextricably they then allowed Portchester back into the match. Paying little heed to the dangers presented by the lively visitor’s forwards, the Lions kept pressing high up the pitch leaving them badly exposed at the back. It was inevitable, therefore, that Portchester soon pulled a goal back – a sloppy goal at that. Under constant pressure the Lions were lucky to go into the break still 2-1 in the lead.
 
If one thought that the Lions had learnt their lesson from the first half, it was not to be. Despite some dogged work in the home defence the Lions soon succumbed to a second goal, and Portchester levelled the scores at two apiece. Portchester dominated the second half causing mayhem in the Lions penalty area and hitting the woodwork twice. The visitors really ought to have gone on and won the match but the Lions hung on for a fortuitous draw. This should be a blessing in disguise for the Lions. If they are to overcome Portchester in the U11 Cup, and reach the final, then they will have to perform a whole lot better than that.
 
Final Score: Crofton Saints U11 Lions  2 - 2  AFC Portchester Castles U11

 

It was back to the league for the Lions this Saturday with a home match against Travaux Youth U11s at Seafield Park. Without Sam Blythin, their regular keeper, the Lions were forced to press into action one of their outfield players. In fact, the Lions have a number of boys more than capable of playing between the stick so this was never going to be a problem – and indeed it wasn’t because they kept a clean sheet - their fourth of this term so far. The Lions had an early opportunity to take the lead when Harry O’Malley was brought down in the box. However, the resultant kick was missed – the Lions third penalty-miss of the season. It was to have no serious consequences when a few minutes later Kai Sterne opened the Lions account. The Lions were the dominant side throughout the half and further increased their lead from a spectacular goal scored by James Beadell.
 
Travaux threatened sporadically but were well held by the Lions defence. The home side, however, were suffering from a number of offside decisions which was seriously disrupting their flow of play – whether by design or accident, Travaux were using the tactic well. Nevertheless, when the Lions did get forward they always looked dangerous and likely to score. Midway through the second half Harry O’Malley, who was having a good match, latched onto a loose ball and rifled it into the back of the visitors net. The Lions continued to dominate and ten minutes before the end Benjamin Lolljowaheer lashed in a corner to make the score 4-0 to the home side.
 
The Lions had played well but the offside count against them had moved well into double figures so this is something they need to think about. The boys really needed to keep the scoreboard ticking over to close the goal-difference between themselves and Whiteley Wanderers Lions at the top. With Whiteley winning 4-0 too, that didn’t happen, but at least the boys remain in second place equal on points with an away match against them to come, so things are looking okay. Although Gosport FC Arrows, AFC Portchester Castles and Waltham Wolves Giants, are all good teams and with games in hand, cannot be discounted.

 

Following their crushing exit from the quarter-finals of the Hants U11 Challenge Cup, in the hands of Rushmoor Saints Tigers last week, the Lions bounced back this week to inflict a heavy defeat on Waltham Wolves Jets in the quarter-finals of the Mid Solent Youth Football League U11 Challenge Cup. The Jets fought gamely but were simply no match for the rejuvenated Lions. The visitors football was slick, incisive and always threatening and one had to ask why did they not play like that last Saturday? The answer, of course, is obvious – because the Tigers didn’t let them – and there was also some measure of complacency involved. Nevertheless, if the Lions had played half as well last Saturday, as they did this, then at least they would have gone down fighting.

Kai Sterne played exceptionally well for the Lions, persistently beating the Jets defence with his speed and trickery down the right wing, banging in four goals in the process. This was matched by Josh Fox who frequently cut through the centre of the Jets defence, and he too rattled in four goals. Harry O’Malley, Tommy Milchard and Benjamin Lolljowaheer – who had a fine match despite taking a couple of hefty knocks - chipped in with one a piece to make the final score 11-2 for the Lions.

The Lions defence generally played very well but will be disappointed to have conceded two soft goals in the second half. It was of no significance on the day but should remind the boys not to switch off and loose concentration when they are on top at the other end.
 
The Lions have been drawn to play at home against AFC Portchester Castles in the Semi-Finals. The Lions contested a very close match against Portchester in the league earlier in the season, winning 4-3 so this is shaping up to be a good fixture.

 

The U11 Lions fielded a team in the Crofton Saints Quiz Nite at The Crofton Club on Saturday evening where, despite fielding a man short, we managed a creditable 3rd place out of 15. Our congratulations to the Jaguars, who managed to pip us yet again. Our thanks also to John Munday and Phil Broadway et.al., who managed to get us through to the end despite things getting rowdy and interesting as the beer began to flow.