Lisvane Panthers Under 13 2006/2007 season
The boys' second year in the 11 a side game.
Managers
Under 13 A - Dave Williams & Jonathan Bould
Under 13 B - Chris Hughes-Jones
Annual Reports 2006/07
Under 13 Blue
Manager: Dave Williams & Jonathan Bould
After a struggle to stay in the top flight last season, we never
dropped out of the top 5 all year, so a fantastic turn around in not
only ability but more importantly attitude.
The boys are growing fast and into a proper team that works as a
unit and enjoys the game as well.
This has been my most enjoyable season with the boys as they
have all shown their true characters, (and we have a few of them)
their commitment and understanding of what they know they can
achieve if they put their minds to it.
They are maturing in to a
strong side and one that I hope can improve on their final position
of 5th this season to hopefully something a little higher!!
No
pressure guys, its only a game!!
Enjoy the night and apologies for not being able to make it!
I look
forward to seeing you all next season. Dave
Match Reports
2007
2006
Caldicot Tournament
Here are a few action photos from the tournament, where both teams played very well. The B side failed to reach the final stages, but the A side reached the final and finished runners-up. Well done boys!U13 A
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U13 B
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Perhaps should have been renamed the Caldicot Town Marathon after the longest day in Panthers football history after 8 - yes 8 matches! It was that long that Mike Lawson even able to read the Sunday Times from start to finish. Other notable incidents included, Merthyr playing an overage player and 'being asked to leave' the tournament and the 18 minute semi final, when only was meant to be 12 minutes!
Still after all the excitement the football wasn't bad either. Apart from reaching the final, the highlight was Rowan Gurney's club debut. Rowan scored 6 of the Panthers 10 goals with some outstanding play. So scores on the doors:
Group
L 0-2 MerthyrW 2-0 Monmouth Boys (Gurney R x 2)
W 1-0 Eveswell (Gurney R)
W 2-0 Caldicot Whites (Lawson W; Calliva A)
W 1-0 Griffithstown (Gurney R)
L 1-3 Tir-Y-Berth Dynamos (Lawson W)
Semi Final
W 3-0 Caldicot Town Reds (Lawson W; Gurney R x2)Final
L 0-1 Tir - Y -Berth Dynamos(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Ely Rangers Colts B: 3 - Lisvane Panthers A: 8
Venue: Trelai
(HT 2-5)
The good news was that 'A' division status was retained after the angst of the now infamous postponed Urdd game. Pre season had demonstrated a lot of pent up enthusiasm and had gone well - runners up in the Caldicot town tournament and a lively run out with the B team in a 6-6 practice match.
This meant the boys were quick out of the blocks against newly promoted Ely, and fittingly the first goal of the campaign went to last season's leading scorer Alessandro Calliva. Debutants, Rowan Gurney (2) and Alex Miller also scored and confirmed what valuable additions they will be, having joined from Radyr Rangers. Other scorers - Alex Bould (2); Josh Racz and Will Lawson.
The match confirmed that Panthers have goal potential throughout their front six. The real question to be answered over the next few weeks is how well will they defend, as with better composure, Ely could have scored one or two more when they were on top at the start of the second half, when the score was 2-5. However, credit to the defence for withstanding the pressure, with Jonathan Thomas at left back, particularly impressive in playing the ball out with real skill.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 B Division
Maindy Corries: 3 - Lisvane Panthers B: 3
Venue: Blackweir
(HT 2-1)
The Panthers arrived at Blackweir in the September sunshine on a great morning for sport.
U13 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 6 - Danescourt: 6
Venue: Pontcanna
Its rare that a first 20 minute hat-trick gets overshadowed (Gurney R - again outstanding with excellent service from Lawson W), but that's what happened tonight. The reason - Danescourt's own Jonah Lomu equivalent - hereby known as 'Big Joe'! Despite the attention of a flurry of Panthers defenders, Joe scored 4 or 5 as we had the Pontcanna equivalent of RWC 95 when the big man trampled all over the Eng back line. Although nobody was trampled on physically (mind you Jacob Moore might disagree as he had to go off after 2 injuries - it was tough out there!), we were metaphorically. Answers on a postcard please on how we counter this threat for the return in 10 days time!
It really was a case of our finesse versus the more direct style of Danescourt - and the contrast made for a minor classic. Calliva A, Bould A (nice 25 yarder) and Lawson W (well taken 6-6 equalizer with Rowan returning the crossing compliment) the other scorers. So onto the top of the table clash with Llanishen Dons in less than 36 hours. Plenty of raw meat and Guinness for the boys in between please!
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 B Division
Llanishen: 2 - Lisvane Panthers B: 4
Venue: Llanishen High School
(HT 2-1)
A fantastic win tonight - the boys played great flowing football, especially in the second half to come back from 2-1 - showed great character.
I thought almost any player on the pitch could have been MoM.
The players who scored took their chances superbly - the back 4 were in total control most of the time - we may need to work on the set piece defence a bit more.
Michael's superb save in the second half at 2-2 was so brave and it gave us the initiative to go on and win the match. Ryan Farrell gets a special mention - put some big tackles in with some sound passing.
Goals were scored by Nicky Jackson, Sean O'Brien(2) and James Hodge.
(Chris Hughes-Jones)
U13 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 1 - Llanishen Dons: 2
Venue: Pontcanna
(HT 1-0)
A very evenly contested game just edged by the Dons. Not unsurprisingly, a few lads wilted on a baking hot day, which was less than 48 hours after the Danescourt battle. Positive news for Panthers is that the defence was a lot tighter, with assured performances from fullbacks Rory Shadwell and Stephen Davies - good stuff boys. Panthers were 1-0 up after Calliva A's third goal in as many games and looking good value. However, after the break, the Dons - gently prompted by their shy and retiring support - had the better of it and go top of the table.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 2 - Whitchurch: 4
Venue: Pontcanna
Up against last year's runners up, the boys put a decent performance in the second half after a poor first. There was entertainment off the pitch too, which 'rhino skin' ref, King R (senior), cocked a 'deaf 'un to! Rumour has it that having overcome the shock of his boss becoming the WRU CEO, nothing is able to ruffle Rob's feathers. Seriously though we're appreciative of his cool demeanour, when the verbals were flying around both on and off the pitch from the opposition.
Bould A and Lawson W (good solo run and finish) were Panther's scorers, and Harry Williams in goal stopped a lot of shots (he also literally 'stopped' the Whitchurch centre forward, who being half Harry's size will not run into him again!).
Return match against Danescourt next week, which becomes a 'must win' even this early in the season.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Danescourt: 1 - Lisvane Panthers A: 7
Venue: Waterhall
(HT 1-2)
Now to be known as Big Dave's Baldrick moment - ' I have a cunning plan…. to deal with Big Joe'.
We needed something after Joe had almost singlehandedly forced a draw with us a couple of weeks ago; and it came in the form of the Panthers 'Little & Large show'. 'Bomber' Harris was put on special duties to match up to the physical challenge, whilst 'mighty mouse' Miller (sorry its bit corny - any suggestions for a better nickname for Alex, please let me know), completed the mopping up operation.
This strong defensive base gave the foundation for a rampaging second half after only being 2-1 up the break. Two hatricks to report - Gurney R and Racz J (assumed to be his first in full size football, so well done Josh), with Calliva A also on the score sheet. Its rare that a hatrick performance is overshadowed by a defensive display, but David, by common consent, had his most influential game for Panthers in 7 years. Well done mate!
Time for end of first month assessment and predictions. Panthers in 4th place - likely finishing position anywhere between 4th and 8th; league between Fairwater and Grangetown; Ely Rangers and Danescourt for the drop. But a good competitive league, and well done to the lads so far.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 6 - Urdd: 5
Venue: Pontcanna
The boys knew they had been in a match, that's for sure - Urdd are strong and well organised. 4-5 down with less than 10 minutes to go, this was a real test of character. So, the assessment has to be that overall this is the team's best ever win in 11 a side football to date.
Hot shot Gurney R, with his 3rd hat trick of the season, took his chances well in the box; whilst 'Lawse' or 'Billy' aka Lawson W excelled again with 3 as well. Will drilling the winner into the corner in the last 2 minutes. If there is a better left sided player in Cardiff at u13 level this season, then we have yet to see him.
Special mention of King R, sole substitute today. Rhydian came on and made one of the goals straight away. The myth that 'impact' players have to be 18 stones and 6' 3'' has been exploded forever! Important today for Rhyd of course as the Urdd team is packed full of his school mates.
So onto the ultimate test against Fairwater. With the tackles flying in this was a good warm up, as it will only be harder still next week.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Fairwater: 4 - Panthers A: 3
Venue: Poplar Park
One of those that might have been, as Panthers had missed a first half penalty.
So, although pipped at the post by Champions and league leaders, this was another
super performance. Some real consistency now taking shape with all the squad
contributing to the cause over the past 3 weeks.
Calliva A scored the first - probably Alessandro's best 11 a side goal. Gurney
R scored 2 superb 'proper' striker goals - Linekeresque!, whilst Brown B covered
in equally superb measure across the back four. No doubting Fairwater are a
very good side, but they also congratulated the lads afterwards on the standard
of our play.
So onto Pentyrch next week, who showed they will be tough opponents by beating
Urdd 7-4 today. Another must win game!
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 B Division
Celts FC: 5 - Lisvane Panthers B: 2
Venue: Pontcanna
HT 3-1
Lisvane Panthers U13B again started the game slowly today and conceded an early rather sloppy goal
Particularly after last weeks setback, the team rallied and put together some good flowing moves eventually equalising with a well taken goal by Nicky Jackson.
A well taken lead by the Celts knocked us back and a well taken free kick bang on half time gave a 3-1 scoreline possibly unfair reflection on the first half play.
Second half Lisvane improved their game, however Celts scored again and the game looked over.
We scored a second with a well taken goal from Sean O'Brien and chased to get back level.
Another well taken goal by the Celts late in the game put paid to that.
(Chris Hughes-Jones)
U13 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 9 - Pentyrch: 2
Venue: Pontcanna
(H-T 3-2)
Tables turned against a team that handed out drubbings to the boys last year
means a consolidation of fourth position. Very even first half that saw Panthers
3-2 up at the break. After that though it was one way traffic. Again all 14
players available today played a part. It was noticeable that Pentrych tired
with a bare 11 players, whilst during the second half, Big Dave was able to
bring on Moore J (Jacob being a much happier bunny than last week!) and Shadwell
R with their fresh legs to keep tight.
Bould A was a happier bunny too - thanks to a goal. Calliva A scored as a sub;
Lawson W got his second hat-trick of the season and acted as provider for Gurney
R to head one of his 4 goals - sharpness personified again in the area. 'Rhino
skin' ref King R did not have to blow for a single foul in the match, so credit
to both teams.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
AFC Whitchurch: 2 - Panthers A: 3
Venue: Hailey Park
HT: 2-2
Another superb performance meant a more comfortable win than the scoreline suggests. In fact, it would be fair to say that goalie Williams H had his quietest game of the season! The first 2 goals were well taken by Gurney R and Calliva A (nominations for whom this striking partnership remind you of please - they remind me of a couple of Andy Johnsons!), but it was also the quality of the assists from Lawson W and Bould A, which is telling at this level. Will also scored the winner shortly after half time with his right foot - now quite a regular feature.
Llanishen H.S. recruit Payne D made his league debut and Dan showed typical tenacity and adds to Big D's defensive options. Buckley H and Shadwell R came on in the second half and kept up the strength on the right, whilst Davies S has surely not played a better game in the orange shirt - Steve combining very effectively with Will on the left.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 B Division
Lisvane Panthers B: 2 - Celts FC: 4
Venue: Pontcanna
HT: 1-0
Lisvane Panthers U13B again started the game lively today against a strong
Celts FC team.
Some good passing and good defensive work in the first half was completed by
a well taken goal from James Hodge and we went in a half time with a well deserved
1-0 lead.
Second half Celts improved their game, and after some sloppy defending we quickly
conceded 4 goals and heads were down.
To be fair to the boys, they dug in and pull a goal back from Sam Williams -
with a little more luck we could have pushed for a draw, but some good defensive
work by the Celts put paid to that.
A much better performance this week, better results are not far away.
(Chris Hughes-Jones)
U13 A Division
Panthers A: 5 - Grangetown BC: 4
Venue: Heol-y-Delyn
HT: 3-1
A return to the boys' 'spiritual home' was met by a Big Dave motivational classic - 'beat this lot and dinner will be on me'. We now know that their stomach is a key success factor, as from the off they presented gourmet style football with plenty of chances served up against second in the table Grangetown, but unusually frittered them away.
Eventually, Bould A battered a free kick into the net before providing an appetising cross for Lawson W to head home. Will then tucked in a fine finish, egged on by a lovely Calliva A through ball. 3-1 at the break became 5-2 thanks to a couple of normal Gurney R's hors d'oeuvres - one from the penalty spot and the other a meaty shot. However, it was a tasty last 10 minutes and if it wasn't for a last gasp cruncher by Shadwell R, they would have pulled off a tremendous comeback and had us searching for the Rennies- well done Rory!
Post match, Dave then mentioned Harry Ramsdens and you could see King R (jnr) lick his lips in anticipation of a chip buttie.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 Division Cup - 1st Round
Panthers A: 2 - Trowbridge: 4
Venue:Pontcanna
Trowbridge deserved to win - not least for for their commitment and their first 2 shots of the match being absolute crackers from well outside the box. Yes we can claim we only have ourselves to blame - missed penalty, hitting the woodwork 3 times and a host of missed chances, but the truth is the overall performance was below the standard of the past few weeks.
Gurney R and Calliva A scored the goals, whilst it was good to see Miller A play in the second half after his recent knee injury. This was a sporting lesson that the boys can take heed from and realise that if focus is below par they will come unstuck - whomever the opposition.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Grangetown: 7 - Lisvane Panthers A: 5
Venue: Sevenoaks Park
A morning of firsts in 7 years of junior football:-
1. Pre match check of opposition registration cards - due to 'information received' by 'Hercule' Williams. Result that one player born in May 93, but other suspects cards found to be in order.
2. Pre match conference call on the pitch with league secretary to check opposition claim of dispensation for overage player. Result - non confirmation from secretary, but will be checked out, although player not permitted to play today.
3. Independent referee appointed to game, who awards first yellow card to an opposition player against Panthers - for bad language.
4. First 'professional' foul effected by opposition player against Panthers when Calliva A clean through with only goalie to beat. Result - ref did not produce red card, as felt perhaps not appropriate in a junior game. King R (snr) - views please!
….oh and in between there was a cracking game of football played in a good spirit despite the 'events' above. The pattern mirrored the game a month ago. Despite a very good performance, the difference was we didn't handle Michak, their formidable centre forward, who scored 5, latching onto route one stuff. There were 2 calmly taken goals from Gurney R and a hat trick of fine left footed strikes from Bould A.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Panthers U13A: 3 - AFC Rumney: 1
Venue:Pontcanna Fields
Lawson W was on target twice - the first a cracking long distance volley - with Bould A netting the other. Unfortunately, not all the squad got a game today, but the six who did play part of a game between them enabled the boys to finish the stronger of the 2 sides.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Llanishen Dons: 3 - Panthers: 4
Venue:Caedelyn
Following the crowd's call for video technology at future matches (3 marginal / debatable decisions - best impression of Russian linesman etc, etc), the offer to Six Nations video refs to be at Pontcanna next weekend was promptly withdrawn after the weekend's shambles.
The first half seemed to be a private tussle between Calliva A and the Dons goalkeeper. The latter, shall we say, seemed to make himself big when required, and thwarted Alessandro time after time. Eventually, though the St John's flyer got a well deserved goal. The same could be said for Buckley H - Harry's first of the season. Well done mate! Lawson W made it 3-3 - direct from a corner - before Gurney R cooly lobbed the winner.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Pentrych Ranger: 4 - Panthers: 3
Venue: Parc Y Dwrlyn
Bright spots were the goals - Buckley H (again); a ripper from Gurney R and a swerver from Calliva A (later to admit in private that it was meant to be a cross!).
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
AFC Rumney: 3 - Panthers: 1
Venue: University Playing Fields
In the third place play off, we were down to a bare eleven exemplified by 'emergency' centre half cover from Miller A and Bould A, in what was a gutsy performance by all the lads. Although followed by the Pentrych wind, this was as usual with Rumney a good match. Plenty of chances either way, but on this occasion we didn't have our normal shooting boots on. Very good performance by Williams H in goal, including a rare dive! Calliva A snaffled our goal.
This win all but secures third for Rumney, whilst we probably need one more win to finish fourth with 3 games to go.
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Panthers: 9 - Ely Rangers Colts: 4
Venue: Caedelyn
A rather bizarre match due to a poor attitude from the opposition, in which their discipline deserted them. The lads caught the bug with an unstructured performance, epitomised when 6 were caught offside at the same time! Still goals aplenty from Calliva A (4); Lawson W (3) and Gurney R (2).
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Panthers: 2 - Fairwater: 7
Venue: Heol-y-Delyn
Fairwater clinched the league midweek for the second year running and showed why today. They are good team and won most of the tackles with greater appetite than most of the boys. The exceptions were Lawson W and Racz J, with Josh certainly getting a real redfaced sweat on!
(Jonathan Bould)
U13 A Division
Urdd: 4 - Panthers: 2
Venue: Trelai
Obviously very disappointing, but not for the want of trying this time. Its a funny old game, as Greavsie would say, because its difficult to put your finger on why the team has gone from performing superbly to struggling. At 2-0 up at half time thanks to Calliva A and Lawson W, the guys were well in control. But Urdd stuck at it and we leaked the goals.
Losing 4 of the last 5 games has resulted in 5th place in the end, but that is still an improvement on last year's 8th. Its all good fun!
(Jonathan Bould)
Undy Tournament - 1st July 2007
After almost daily weather updates, it was great to play and beat the rain. Panthers fielded not two, not three but four sides. Admitedly, the u12s turned up at the wrong time, but it was great to see them nevertheless!
Pride was maintained in a draw between the 'extra A' squad vs the 'B's. However, against some strong opposition from Treowen and Monmouth, both failed to qualify from their group.
The 'original A' squad played some very good stuff and eventually finished runners up, losing in a penalty shoot out. Both the semi and the final were pretty competitive affairs. There were some well crafted and taken goals from the usual suspects, but particular credit to Moore J as an effective shot stopper and distributer, and Davies S, in robust tackling form - great to see Steve!
Degree of symmetry to 06/07 as it started in Monmouthshire last August as runners up in a final and has ended 10 months later in the same way, so well done to all for that level of consistency. Results for the 'original A' squad:-
W 3-0 Llanyafon (Gurney R; Lawson W; Bould A)
D 1-1 Caldicot 'b' ( Bould A)
W 3-0 Lisvane 'd' ( Gurney R 2; Prentice M)
W 3-0 Cromwell ( Gurney R 2; Prentice M)
W 2-0 Undy 'a' ( Prentice M; Gurney R)
Semi
W 1-0 Treowen Stars (Lawson W)
Final
D 1-1 Monmouth (Prentice M) Lost 4-2 on penalties
(Jonathan Bould)