Lisvane Panthers Under 8
2006/2007 season
These youngsters had a great season in their first year in mini football.
The Panthers have two teams at Under 8 level - The U8's Black and U8's Orange.
| Managers |
| Under 8 Black - Steve O'Hanlon, Mark Mitchell and Tim Congdon |
| Under 8 Orange - Michael Clarke, Richard Shepherd and Robin Chubb |
 Lisvane Panthers Under 8 Orange |
Annual Report
Under 8 Black 2006/2007
The 2006- 2007 season for the Under 8's Black side has been a
resounding success in every respect.
The measure of success, set by the managers at the beginning of
the season, was that all players, regardless of ability, continued to
be involved each week, and played football with a smile on their
faces.
We felt that, if we had the same group of
players in June as we had the previous September, then hopefully
this would mean that the lads have enjoyed their first year in
competitive team sport.
I am glad to say that this has been the
case, and indeed, we have added some excellent players since the
start of the season, as we have seen Sion Williams and Curtis Wara
both welcomed into the team.
This takes the total players in the
Blacks squad to 14, from 5 different schools in Cardiff!
There have been many highlights and all players deserve a
mention, as each has contributed to what has been a very enjoyable
season, which has seen the side win approximately 50% of their
matches.
So, in alphabetical order, I would like to give mention to the
stars of the U8 Black side, who have all been a credit to the club and
their family.
Robbie Bridges has played to a standard above his age and has
improved immensely throughout the season. I would expect this
progress to continue and it may surprise some to find that he has
another season at U8 level!
Matthew Congdon has enjoyed a great season and is probably
most notable for his athletic goalkeeping skills. Matthew has kept
many clean sheets throughout the season and helped the Blacks to
some good results in games they may otherwise have lost.
Matthew has also scored a couple of well taken goals when playing
in the out- field.
Thomas Evans has no doubt of his favoured positions,
immediately asking to play at either centre midfield or defence. He
really does excel at both, where his tenacity and reading of the
game enable him to defend his sides penalty area to great effect.
Joshua Husband has improved greatly in all aspects of his game,
throughout the year, and he definitely has the ability to become one
of the central players in the team next season.
Conor Keegan has made massive strides in his overall game,
particularly since Christmas, and this has seen him become one of
the sides most consistent players. His determination and hard work
all over the pitch have both contributed to his high goal scoring tally
in the second half of the season.
Zak Martin is one of the players who has really moved forward in his
skills and all around game. His strength on the ball has been a key
factor in his performances all season, which have been first class.
Kojo A- Mensah, has enjoyed a really super season. He is a highly
motivated player who is able to play to a very high standard in any
position on the park. Kojo has a great work ethic throughout the
whole game, every game.
Thomas Mitchell has played in all positions and his skill levels have
really improved throughout the season and will continue to flourish
in 2007- 08. Thomas seems to have really enjoyed his football all
season.
Sean O'Hanlon contributed well in the goal scoring stakes in the
first half of the season, scoring 3 goals in the earlier matches,
before expressing a preference for goal keeping duty, where he has
made some great saves. Sean has excellent technical ability and we
look forward to seeing Sean playing more in the out- field next
season to re-ignite his goal scoring touch.
Ted Plaut is a great team player in every respect. His unselfish
approach to the game means that he is able to link well with all
players, in all positions. His contributions have been first class!
Peter Soulsby has great ball skills. His strength is running with the
ball at his feet, which is how he has been able to threaten the
opposition all season. Everything points to a great season with the U9's.
Charlie Williams has been the highest scorer throughout the
season, and deserves a special mention for this accolade. It is fair to
say that Charlie has consistently performed to a very high level
week- in and week- out. A great attitude and ability above his years
makes him one of the sides star performers.
Sion Williams joined the club in January and immediately had an
impact with some great performances. Sion is a very strong player,
in all positions, with a fantastic attitude and work rate.
Curtis Wara joined the team towards the end of the season and
has been a great asset. Curtis has lots of ability and great skills and
we look forward to a full season with the club in 2007- 08.
The final mention must go to the parents of the aforementioned stars who
have helped make this season so enjoyable for the coaches.
Each and every one of the players in the U8 Black team are an absolute pleasure
to work with and are all great sports in the truest sense of the word a
great credit to their parents. Many thanks for your support every Saturday,
and for the attendance at the training sessions, but most importantly for
helping us reinforce the right sporting values.
The team has made massive strides this season and I look forward to turning
a few of this years defeats into victories in the 2007- 08 season!
Under 8 Orange 2006/2007
In their first season, Lisvane Panther's Under Eight's Orange Team had a lot
of fun, won 33 of their matches, drew a further seven and scored over 180
goals.
Their incredible achievement was a reflection of the Team’s consistency
and commitment during the eight month season.
If the young Panther's had been playing in the Barclay's Premiership instead
of the Cardiff and District Mini League they would have won the Premiership
title from Manchester United well before the Easter Holidays!
Furthermore, their performances on Saturday mornings were often far more
exciting than any of the football produced by Manchester United or Chelsea
in the Premiership.
If the Panther's resembled any Premiership team it was Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.
Mainly drawn from two classes in Year Three of Llysfaen Primary School,
the Team this season was made up of James Chubb, John Clarke, George and
Harry Gough, Georgi Hall, James Lewis, Harry Procter, Tom Rye, Matthew Shepherd,
India Smart and Dylan Taylor and latterly two non-Lisvane players, Matthew
McMullen and Steve Taylor.
From the opening game of the season on Saturday 16th September 2006, the
players quickly bonded to become one of the most exciting Teams in Mini-League
football.
They played without complaint in sunshine, wind, rain and snow and grew
in self confidence and self belief with each passing week.
From September 2006 to May 2007, the Team achieved success in every corner
of the City and learnt that there is no greater gift than the gift of one
another's friendship and no greater sport than the game of football.
There were very many spectacular goals from John Clarke, Georgi Hall, Harry
Gough, James Lewis, Harry Procter, Tom Rye, Matthew Shepherd and Dylan Taylor,
some wonderful goal keeping from India Smart and latterly Dylan Taylor and
some great defensive play from James Chubb, Mathew McMullen, Steve Taylor
and George and Harry Gough.
For the coaches, it was wonderful to watch each of the players develop in
their own unique way. To play forty games without being defeated in their
first season together is a remarkable achievement and the Team deserves
great credit for their hard work, love of the game, irrepressible good nature
and personal commitment.
The Team rounded off the season by winning the Radyr Rangers Fair Play Trophy
in their first Football Tournament and next month, they will be travelling
to London to play in the Arsenal International Soccer Festival, which forms
part of Arsenal Football Club‘s community football programme.
We would like to convey our sincere thanks to the families of the players
for their support and in particular, their brothers and sisters who graciously
endured the deprivations of the long season with tenacious wit and spirit
and our Team sponsor Solar Gard Wales for their generosity in purchasing
the Team’s kit .
Finally, we would like to thank the players themselves who made the experience
of this, our very first season together, so rewarding.
Michael, Richard and Robin Coaches for Lisvane Panthers Under 8’s Orange Team.
Match Reports
2007
2006
Photos of John Clarke at the Junior Gunners photocall day...
| John Clarke of the Under 8's Orange with his hero Thierry Henry |  |
 |
John Clarke with the Arsenal first team and Arsene Wenger. John is sitting between Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabergas. John plays for the Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange team |
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
The new Under 8's Orange Team played their first three home games at Court Field on Saturday 16th September securing wins over local rivals Llanishen and Thornhill and suffering a narrow defeat to Maindy Corries.
Things did not get off to a great start as only six of the team were available to play (Matthew Shepherd, India Smart, James Lewis, James Chubb, Harry Proctor and John Clarke). The rest of the team were attending a birthday party at sea!
This may sound strange readers but its true.....Happy Birthday Georgie!. We hope you had a great day.
The Team's first game was a local derby game with Thornhill Athletic. It was played at a blistering pace with Lisvane scoring three goals in the first half. India Smart was excellent in goals and well protected by a defensive line made up of James Chubb and Matthew Shepherd.
James Lewis secured his third goal in the second half and additional goals by John Clarke and Harry Proctor brought Lisvane a well deserved 6-3 victory.
The team's second game against Maindy Corries was a much tighter game with neither side giving much ground to the other. Bradley Hopkins (on temporary loan from Thornhill) scored the first goal for Lisvane and Maindy equalised a few minutes later in a goal mouth scramble.
Maindy scored again in the second half. Moments later John Clarke took the ball from inside his own half and ran the length of the pitch to equal the game at 2-2.
With minutes to go before the final whistle a number of Maindy players rushed into the Lisvane goal mouth and one of their forwards scored the winning goal. It was a very exciting game with both teams giving their all.
Congratulations Maindy!
The Team's last game of the day was another local derby game against Llanishen Dons.
By this stage the Team were playing some beautiful flowing football. James Chubb replaced India Smart in goal during the first half and some beautiful forward movements resulted in goals from Harry Proctor, James Lewis and John Clarke.
The Team benefited from some long balls from James Chubb which enabled the forwards to drive deep into the Llanishen half.
The defensive line and midfield were ably controlled by Matthew Shepherd and India Smart and the game ended as a 5-2 victory for Lisvane.
It was an exceptional performance.
The coaches and fans were delighted and each member of the Team deserves praise for their hard work and effort.
I can't wait for next week - have a good week football fans!
(Jodie Clarke - Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange Team)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
Saturday 23rd September 2006 was a beautiful day to play the beautiful game with the city blessed for the second weekend of the season with blue skies and sunshine.It was a special day for the newly formed Under 8's Orange Panthers team for two reasons which were unconnected with the fine weather. Firstly,the team were honoured by the presence of the Lisvane Panthers Football Club President, Arthur Palfrey who came to watch the Orange team's first game against the Lisvane Black team at the Ton-yr-Ywen playing fields and secondly, because this was the first weekend of the season when all eleven players in the Under 8's Orange team were available to play. Thank you Arthur for taking the time to watch the teams first away fixture of the new season and thank you players, Mums, Dad's, Grans, Grandpa's, Sisters and Brothers, Friends and Relatives for your wonderful support today.
At 10.30am the team took the field for their first game of the day against Lisvane Blacks Under 8 side. The Lisvane Blacks are a talented young side who play with flair and commitment. Their players are well known to the Orange team as they practice together at Court Field on Thursday evenings. The Orange Team was made up of India Smart in goals, Harry Proctor, right back, John Clarke, left back, Matthew Shepherd and James Chubb, midfield and an attacking force made up of Dylan Taylor on the right wing, James Lewis on the left wing and the dynamic Tom Rye playing centre forward.
The game was played at an incredible pace on the bumpy hard pitch. With the play moving between halves in wave after wave, a collective sense of purpose developed between the Orange team's midfield duo and the front line. After five minutes a scramble in the Black's goal mouth resulted in the first of eighteen goals which the Orange team were to score during the course of the morning. In the second half, the Orange Team continued to put the Black's under pressure and when James Chubb kicked a long ball form the half way line, James Lewis controlled the ball beautifully on his body before shooting and scoring the Orange team's second goal. The Black's came back with some beautiful passing and attacking play which should have earned them a goal. Kojo A-Mensah and Charlie Williams were unlucky not to score for the Blacks and Sean O'Hanlon and Matthew Congdon played some attractive football in midfield.
With one minute to go before the final whistle, Orange striker Tom Rye cut through the Black's defensive line to kick the ball high into the right hand corner of the net. It was a great goal and the game ended in a three goal victory to the Orange team.
The Orange team's second game of the morning was against Marshfield Juniors "G" team. For the second game, the Orange team introduced three new players, Georgi Hall, son of the Welsh Rugby legend, Mike Hall and the Gough Brothers, Harry and George.
There is a game in every football season when everything changes, when everything a team works for can come together or not. The one moment when you know you will have a season to remember, a season you'll never forget. That moment came five minutes into the Orange teams game against Marshfield today. The Orange team seemed to be operating on two speeds, fast and flat out. In twenty minutes of play, Harry Proctor scored four goals, James Lewis, twice with Tom Rye, John Clarke and Georgi Hall each scoring one goal.
The final game of the day was played against Heath Park Rangers. This was a very even match where the Orange Team needed to work hard for every inch of ground they made into the Ranger's half. India Smart and Matthew Shepherd played in sweeping roles and James Chubb took over in goals. James has a magnificent kick and soon he was knocking balls high into the air which were being trapped at the half way line by an attacking line made up of Tom Rye, John Clarke, James Lewis, Dylan Taylor and Harry Proctor. The first goal of the match fell to James Lewis, his fourth goal of the day. Next up was a goal mouth tap in following some delightful passing play from John Clarke. Harry Proctor then scored again for the Orange team before the first half came to a close. In the second half, John Clarke scored two more goals to earn his first hat-trick before the Rangers hit back with a well-worked goal. Georgi Hall and the Gough brothers also made big contribution towards the team's victory over the Rangers and it was great to see the full team play today.
Before I go, the Managers and Panthers Football Club wish to record their thanks to SOLAR GARD WALES and the Rye Family for their generosity in contributing towards the teams kit for the season. That's all for now folks.
(Jodie Clarke - Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange Team)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 6 - Llanishen Dons: 3
Venue: Llanishen Park
An unusual match: only two teams were available, so only one game (with three 15 minute 'halves') was played.
In the first half, the Panthers started determinedly, taking the ball deep into the Llanishen half allowing James Lewis to score twice. The Dons began to find their footing and took the offensive against the Panther's stalwart defence: Harry and George Gough. They eventually managed several near misses (thanks to James Chubb's excellent catches and deflections) and two goals to equalise. Following a long goal kick, Harry Procter drove home another goal for the Panthers to pull ahead by half time.
The second half was hard, pulsating work for both teams mostly in the Llanishen half, with Georgie Hall and Tom Rye regularly running the ball up the midfield. The Panther's goalie and defence had an opportunity to relax a bit and watch the attacking Panthers making attempt after attempt at the Dons' goal. A late series of corners from the Dons couldn't get past India Smart's goal keeping and the energetic defence from Matthew Shepherd and Harry Gough. By the time the whistle blew, there was still no change in score and the rain was starting to come down.
The last half was played through a series of showers that were making the pitch increasingly slippery and slowing the ball down further. The Panthers came back on the ball strongly, with Dylan Taylor scoring a goal as it rebounded from the Dons' keeper and then a second goal with a clean shot. The Dons' striker, Sean, returned the favour, taking advantage of the Panthers' absent defence, with a long run and a high shot just over the goalie's hands. After another team effort to get the ball up the pitch, John Clarke scored with the final shot of the match, from 10 yards, to finish with a final score of 6-3 to the Panthers.
(Richard Shepherd)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
The Team didn't play last Saturday.
The Council called off all football games in the City's Parks on Saturday 7th
October because of a week of heavy rain.
In the afternoon, we watched Wales's comedy of errors against Slovakia at the
Millennium Stadium. As I watched goal after goal roll in against Wales, I thanked
the Heavens that the Orange Under 8's Team has India Smart in goals instead
of Paul Jones! In fact, I don't think any of the current Welsh International's
could command a regular place in the Lisvane Orange Team at the moment.
The Orange Team are beginning to look alot like like Arsenal. A real pleasure to watch.Precision football played at pace with lots of style and lots of smiles.
This week we found ourselves in Moorland Park for the first time. It was a dry brisk Saturday with a real feel of Autumn in the air.
The first game was against St Albans, a compact well organised side from South of the City.
The Orange Team was made up of India Smart in goals, Harry Proctor, right back, John Clarke, left back, James Chubb and Matthew Shepherd, midfield and Dylan Taylor, right wing, James Lewis, left wing and Tom Rye as centre forward. From the whistle the ball seldom left the St Alban's half.
Harry and John were playing deep into the opposition half rather like Kolo Toure and William Gallas and it was Harry who struck first with a fast low ball which beat the St Alban's keeper. Moments later John Clarke rocketed a ball from outside the St Alban's goal box into the top right hand corner of the goals. The Panthers were in a commanding 2 nil lead after five minutes.
The Team were playing some beautiful one touch football and just before the half John Clarke struck again. After the break Harry and George Gough replaced John Clarke and Tom Rye and St Alban's scored a goal which seemed to come out of nowhere.
Just at the point where St Alban's appeared to gaining some ground some spectacular football from the Panthers resulted in a fourth goal from James Lewis. Some super interplay up front from Dylan Taylor and Harry Proctor.
The Final Score was Panthers: 4 - St Albans: 1.
The Second Game of the morning was against Danescourt.
Like St Albans, Danescourt are a well organised side who played some attractive football. There was a high level of expectation from the Danescourt fans.
Their expectations were kept in check by a firm defensive line commanded by James Chubb and his able lieutenants, Harry and George Gough and sweeper, Matthew Shepherd.
However, the Orange Team soon settled into their own pattern generating a destructive tempo of passing and moving at will and overwhelming their opponents with a continous flow of swift jabbing attacks.
It was Harry Proctor who again scored the Team's first goal and made the second with a sweet pass to John Clarke who struck home the teams second goal after ten minutes had passed.
The Final Score was Panthers: 2 - Danescourt: 0
The last game of the morning was against Thornhill Athletic Blue.
The Teams had met before on Court Field on the first match of the new season which was played on Saturday 16th September. But these were two wiser sides today who were anxious not to gift goals to one another.
After two minutes the ball was smashed into the bottom right hand corner of the Thornhill goal by John Clarke and the Panthers were on their way.
Thornhill equalised within minutes only to find themselves 2-1 down moments later as a result of James Lewis's second goal of the morning.
In the second half James scored again following a lovely run from deep in his own half. Harry Proctor scored Lisvane's final goal of the game and Thornhill pulled back a late goal in the dying monents of the game.
The Final Score was Panthers 4- Thornhill 2
So another three victories for the Orange Team this week. Well done to all of the players who showed the very best of themselves in the way they played and in their relations with the other team players.
You will all have your new kits next week when we return to Ton Yr Ywen School in the Heath.
Have a great week everyone
(Jodie Clarke-Cub Reporter-Lisvane Orange Under 8's Team)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
What a week its been. Rain, rain and more rain!.On Thursday evening, the Under 8's Orange Team carried out their weekly training session at Court Field in the middle of a typhoon.
The rain was bouncing off the heads of the players like hail-stones and I was half expecting Noah to turn up in his Arc. It was very wet but lots of fun and a welcome break from watching the world go by from the outlook of a classroom window.
When I woke up the morning the sky was the colour of stout. It didn't look promising at all. However, by 8am the rain had receeded and the sky cleared. This was our reward for a week in school.
The Team had three big games to play at Ton-yr-Ywen School today.
First up were the home side, Heath Park Ranger's.
The Ranger's have been undefeated since the Under 8's Orange Team last played
at Ton-yr-Ywen on Saturday 23rd September 2006.
We won that game by five goals to one and I sensed today that the Ranger's were
looking to even the score. They certainly looked a tighter side from the touchline.
The ball was in the Ranger's half for most of the first ten minutes but they defended well. John Clarke playing a mid-field role today scored his first league hat-rick against the Rangers in September and he was their nemesis again today when he scored the first goal of the day from a left footed corner.
It was an incredible sight to watch the ball float high over the head's of the players who crowded the box into the corner of the net. Thierry Henry would have been proud of this goal. One nil to the Panthers!.
Moment's later a rabbit ran the length of the field. It was one of those days!
After the rabbit had disappeared the Rangers fought back but were unable to penetrate the defensive line of James Chubb, Georgi Hall and Mathew Shepherd. There was some delightful link up play from Harry Procter, Tom Rye, George and Harry Gough and by half time the Orange Team were dominating the game.
In the second half, the Team continued to take the game to the Rangers. With five minutes to go, James Lewis burst down the right wing and passed a beautifully weighted ball across the Ranger's goal and on to the foot of Harry Procter who tapped the ball into the net.
It was a well worked goal that a clear indication of what the team can achieve when they pass the ball and look for the player who is best placed to penetrate the oppositon's defence. The final result was a two goal victory to the Panthers.
Lisvane Orange : 2 - Heath Park Ranger : 0
The Orange Team's second game of the day was against the Lisvane Black's Under 8's. It was pressure, pressure and more pressure from the Orange Team from the opening whistle.
John Clarke hit the Black Team's post twice in the opening two minutes.
But the Black's fought back showing a lot of grit and determination. The problem
they faced when they attempted to move the ball into the Orange half was named,
James Chubb. He fought for every ball and won 99.9% of all tackles that came
his way. James was a real inspiration to the Team. Our very own Patrick Viera!
I was also impressed by the Gough twins and Georgi Hall who worked hard throughout the game. It was only a matter of time and when the ball broke back into the Black's half, John Clarke picked it up and promptly smashed it into the Black's goal. Moments later, Harry Procter executed the Orange's second goal in match the same way.
Two minutes later there was a goal mouth scramble in the Black's goalmouth and James Lewis scorred his first goal of the day. In the second half, Harry Procter scored a hat-rick and John Clarke who came on in the last two minutes to replace an injured Harry Gough (That was one great tackle Harry!) scored the Team's seventh goal.
The game was also notable for some great goal keeping from India Smart who saved a series of shoots in the second half.
Lisvane Orange: 7 - Lisvane Blacks: 0
The Final game of the day was against Thornhill Athletic Blues Under 8's.
Another great team performance from the Orange Team. A great shoot from John Clarke beat the Athletic goal-keeper for the first of three goals. Jame Lewis scored the second and Harry Procter the third goal and the 60th goal which the Team have scored in the 15 games which they have played since Saturday 16th September 2006.
Lisvane Orange Team :3 - Thornhill Athletic Blues :0
Today was special for two other reasons which are probably inter- linked.
This was the first weekend when the Team played in their new kit and this was the first weekend when the Team kept an entirely clean sheet. Not one of the three teams were able to score a goal against the Orange Team today.
Well done everybody! It was a great Team performance and our thanks again to the Rye Family for all of their financial support. The Team looks great in their new kit!.
Have a great week everyone.
(Jodie Clarke-Cub Reporter-Lisvane Orange Under 8's Team)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
Events often move more slowly in the memory than they do in life.Seven days have passed since the Under 8's Orange Team last played on the Ton-yr-Ywen fields and the world has changed. In the Middle East, mission accomplished has become mission impossible.
In this damp corner of the western world,half term has arrived and Harry Procter has left for a holiday in Florida. It all started in Florida with a rigged election. But we missed you today Harry more than you will ever know. It just wasn't the same team without you.
Our first game today was played in driving rain on a bog of a pitch under a dull grey sky. Our opponents were AFC Rumney. India in goals, Harry and George Gough at the back with James Chubb in the centre. John Clarke playing his familiar role in midfield accompanied by Tom Rye and up front, Matthew Shepherd and James Lewis.
Rumney were a good side and tried very hard.There were some lovely passing movements from the Lisvane midfield duo and a pass from John was picked up by James Lewis who opened the score for Lisvane after six minutes. It was looking good.
Moments later the ball was in the back of the Lisvane goal but the Orange Team rallied and another through ball to James resulted in his second goal of the day. The defensive line held the ball up well and there was some nice touches from George Gough and James Chubb.
In the second half,Matthew Shepherd narrowly missed two opportunities in front of the Rumney goal. Keep at it Matthew -its only a question on time before you score ! With two minutes to go a great run from James Lewis gave him the space to score his hat-rick and 20th goal of the season.Well done James!
The game ended three one to the Orange Team.
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's -3 AFC Rumney- 1
The second game of the day was against Heath Park Rangers. The first pitch we played on today was a bog. The second pitch was a swamp. The rain kept driving down and the team never found its natural rhythm. The ball was kicked needlessly out of play time and time again.
However, out of nowhere James Lewis managed to score from a goal mouth scramble. Within minutes Heath Park Rangers equalised.
In the second half,the Orange Team lost its way for the first time since the season kicked off in September. There was alot of unhappy looking faces.
It was difficult to pin point what happened but safe to say that at least half of the Team looked lost in space. The Rangers couldn't believe their luck.
Here was the Team that beat them 5-1 on their first encounter and 2-0 on their second encounter looking as if Dr Who had descended from the Heavens.
It was only a matter of time and with two minutes to go Heath scored the final decisive goal. This was the Orange Teams first defeat in eleven games.
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's -1 Heath Park Rangers -2
The final game on this wet day was against Marlboro Sports Red. By this stage the team was exhausted but their character brought them through. Marlboro scored first. Lisvane equalised.
John Clarke and James Lewis both had clear chances to score from the left
wing but were cut down by their opponents. It was a credit to the Marlboro staff
that they were quick to condemn what they saw from the touchline. Lisvane failed
to clear their lines and an own goal was conceded.
Lisvane fought back bravely and scored with three minutes to go but Tom Rye's
equaliser was disallowed.
Marlboro scored a goal in the final minutes and the game ended 3-1.
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's -1 Marlboro Sport Red -3.
It was a disappointing end to a disappointing morning.
There has been a funfair quality about watching the Team play over the past six weeks but today it was a different story. Still lessons were learned and there are three more games to look forward to next week.
(Jodie Clarke-Club Reporter-Lisvane Orange Under 8's Team)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
The Stern Report was published this week and anybody doubting the reality of global warming should have been at Court Field this morning to enjoy the wonders of this sun soaked day. It was more like July in Tuscany than November in Cardiff.
Hot and bright under an unbelievable blue sky.
The Orange Team were forced to withdraw from their fixtures this weekend because a number of the players were overseas. Two members of the team, Tom Rye and John Clarke found a temporary home with the Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Black Team for the morning. A third Orange player, James Lewis who sustained a broken collar bone in a rugby game last Sunday provided support from the line with his brother, Michael.
As I have set myself the challenge of covering an entire season of games with the Under 8's team what follows is a brief account of the games which Tom and John played in today.
The first match of the day was between the Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Black Team and Maindy Corries Whites.
It was a fast paced game which was very exciting to watch. Tom and John played at the back and provided defensive cover for the Black's goalkeeper, Sean O'Hanlon.
Shortly before half time, John took the ball along the left hand side of the pitch and crossed to Kojo A-Mensah who scored a beautiful goal for the Black Team.
There seemed little that Maindy could do in the second half to break through the Lisvane midfield and defensive players but they eventually pulled back a goal so that the game ended 1-1.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Black Team: 1 - Maindy Corries Whites: 1
The Black's second game of the morning was against Pentyrch Whites which was the largest team of players that I have seen in the Mini League this season.
A number of Pentyrch's players looked a lot older than the Black Team.
I guess it must be that Valley's water!.
Anyway ,the game was played in a good spirit and notwithstanding their height and size disadvantage it was Lisvane who dominated the play.
The Pentyrch goal keeper had an interesting habit of taking his goal kicks from the half-way line and it was one of these kicks that landed at the foot of John Clarke.
John took the ball past three Pentyrch midfield players and two defenders and rocketed the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal. It was a spectacular goal.
As I watched from the touchline time seemed to stand still as I watched the ball hit back of the Pentyrch net.
The game evened out the second half and Pentyrch scored an equaliser so the game ended 1-1.
There was some great performances from Ted, Kojo, Tom, Charlie and Sean.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Black Team: 1 - Pentyrch Whites: 1
The final game of the day was a local derby match against Thornhill.
The Panthers were up for this one and Kojo opened the score after three minutes of play. His goal was followed by John second of the day, a left foot shoot from outside the box.
Tom played some excellent football and hit the post before Thornhill managed to score a goal just before half time.
In the second half, Charlie Williams scored Lisvane's third goal of the game.
A fourth own goal was conceeded so the game ended 4-1.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Black Team: 4 - Thornhill: 1
I was very impressed by the entire Black Team. They all worked hard for one another today and should have a lot of pride in their performance.
I know that John and Tom were very grateful to have the opportunity to play with them - it was a great day that was enjoyed by all who watched.
A big thank you to Managers, Steve and Mitch.
(Jodie Clarke, Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers under 8's)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
The winds blowing across the fields of Moorland Park this morning carried the smell of thawed winter earth.
The Orange Under 8's team didn't play last week and this is the first time the full squad had been together since 21st September.
On that Occasion the team won all three of their games, securing a 7 nilvictory over Lisvane Blacks, a 10 nil victory over Marshfiels and a 2 nil victory over Heath Park Rangers. So there was a sense of expectation on the touchline this morning as the team made up of India Smart, Georgi Hall, James Chubb, Matthew Shepherd, Harry Gough, Harry Proctor, John Clarke and Tom Rye assembled for their first game of the day against the home team, St Albans.
This was the second time the teams have played against one other this season. They last met on Saturday 14th October with Lisvane scoring 4 goals to St Alban's 1.
For today's match, Lisvane had three objectives. Firstly to dominate midfield, secondly, not to concede any goals and thirdly to play long flowing football from the midfield to the frontline to maximise goalscoring opportunities.
From the opening whistle, the ball seldom left the St Alban's half. The first goal came from the right wing and the foot of Harry Proctor. Moments later, Lisvane pushed the ball out to the left wing and to John Clarke who smashed home the second goal with a beautifully balanced left foot shot.
There was dome good work from Tom Rye and Georgi Hall who worked tirelessly throughout the game. Before half time John Clark hit another shot which rattled the St Alban's crossbar and Georgi Hall also hit the post.
In the second half, Lisvane continued to dominate and scored three more goals, the first from John Clarke and the second two from John Proctor. The final score wqas a 5 nil victory for Lisvane.
St Albans: 0 - Lisvane Panthers Orange: 5
The second game of the morning was against Danescourt.
The team switched places with Harry Proctor, Georgi Hall and Tom Rye leading the attack; Harry and George Gough moving into midfield; with Dylan Taylor and James Chubb Ahead of India in goals.
Lisvane played some attractive football and a goalmouth scramble rewarded Harry with his first goal of the game.
In the second half, substitutes Matthew Shepherd and John Clarke joined the game with Matthew playing an impressive midfield role.
John knocked home a second goal with five minutes to go and the game ended in a 2 nil victory for Lisvane.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 2 - Danescourt: 0
The final game of the day was against Marlboro Sports Red. Marlboro had a very large squad and were able to rotate players to bring on some fresh legs. Lisvane on the other hand were looking tired towards the end of the morning.
However, this did not shake their resolve and they worked hard as a team to secure a 2 nil victory with both goals being scored by Harry Proctor, one in each half of the game.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 2 - Marlboro Sports Red: 0
It was a great morning of football. Well done to everyone who played this morning and thanks to all those Mums and Dads, Brothers and Sisters and relatives for your support.
On behalf of the team I wish to extend our very best wishes to James Lewis, who is recovering from a broken collor bone. It was great to see you this morning James - Get well soon - the Team needs you!
(Jodie Clarke, Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers under 8's)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
Over a month has elapsed since the Orange Under 8's Team last graced the fields of Cardiff.During that time we have experienced the warmest autumn on record and some of the wettest weekends in living memory.
However this morning the sky was a beautiful blue as the team assembled in Tremorfa Park.
The first game was against the Maindy Corries.
The pitch was a bog and this favoured Maindy. It was virtually impossible to play the ball in the Maindy half of the park and it wasn't surprising when they scored the first goal of the game.
However, James Lewis returned from the recent injury to even up the score with a brilliantly times shot into the bottom corner of the Maindy goal.
It was a good team performance by the Panthers who some attractive football. The Gough brothers, Harry and George played very well in midfield and Georgi Hall put in a sterling performance at the back.
Tom Rye worked hard in attack with John Clarke and James Lewis.
The game looked destined for a draw but in the dying moments Maindy clawed a second goal to win the game 2-1.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 1 - Maindy Corries: 2
The second game of the morning was against Malboro Reds.
By this time the Panthers had woken up and they quickly began to dominate the game.
Tom Rye had a fantastic game in goals.
The area around his goalmouth was a swamp which smelt like horse manure.
It was difficult enough to breath never mind play football but Tom managed it all with a great big smile!
In front of Tom was the great James Chubb who dominated the back line with some great defensive play.
There was some fantastic tackling from Georgi Hall and Harry Procter in midfield.
John Clarke scored three goals against Malboro who scored one in reply.
The games final goal was scored by Harry Procter.
A convincing win for the Panthers.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 4 - Malboro Red: 1
The last game of morning was against the home side, St Albans.
The game was played on the better of the two pitches at Tremorfa Park.
Matthew Shepperd and Georgi Hall played in goals for the first half and Harry
Procter and Tom Rye in the second half. St Alban's scored first. It was good
goal from the home side.
However,the "Crafty Crew" as we were called responded by scoring five
goals.
Another three goals from John Clarke, one from James Lewis and the last and
most glorious goal was from Matthew "Magic Boots" Shepperd - The man
of the match!
Well done Matthew! !
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 5 - St Albans: 1
That's all for this week and this year.
Have a great Christmas Panthers......we look forward to seeing you play the beautiful game in 2007.
(Jodie Clarke, Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers under 8's)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
The Team played their first three games of the New Year at Llandaff fields this morning. The sky was blue and the ground was soft underfoot from weeks and weeks of rain.The full squad appeared today so thanks to everybody for turning up and hello to Joe Price who made his first appearance for the team.
We last played as a team on Saturday 16th December at Tremorfa Park and it showed this morning when we lost our first game 1-0 to Thornhill Blues. It was a competitive game from beginning to end with some great performances from Tom Rye and Georgi Hall and some near miss shots from James Lewis and John Clarke. However,on balance the Blues deserved the win and we were a very different side to the team that beat the Blues 3-0 on 21st October 2006. On the whole there were too many mis-placed passes and forays down one-way streets.
Lisvane Orange Under 8's - 0 Thornhill Blues- 0
Our second game of the morning was played against the Urdd. It followed the general pattern of our first game although some great goalkeeping from India Smart prevented a number of possible goals being scored by our welsh language friends in the first half. Harry and John battled hard in the midfield and Tom and James worked hard for goals but we kept losing our way with the ball coming back into our own half only to be cleared by James Chubb and Georgi Hall. It was a frustrating game to watch as both teams worked hard to find a way through to goals.
In the second half both teams scored and the game ended 1-1 which wa a fair result.
It was a good team performance.
Lisvane Orange Under 8's-1 Urdd-1
The last game of the morning was played against Pentyrch a lively little side from the valleys.
It was the first time the two teams have met this season and after a shaky start we found our usual rhythm and started to put pressure on the Pentyrch defensive line.
There were plenty of opportunities and goals were scored by James Lewis and John Clarke.
The match ended 3-1 to Lisvane.
Lisvane Orange Under 8's- 3 Pentyrch -1
All in all the Team had a reasonably good morning and as the day progressed we started to see more and more of the old magic.I think a few focused practice sessions will wipe away the cob-webs.
Let's look forward to next Saturday.
(Jodie Clarke, Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers under 8's)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
The Team travelled to Fairwater today for the first time. They also completed playing thirty games together since the 2006/2007 season began in September.
It was another bright blue cloudless day.
Our first game was played against Thornhill Gold.
The Panther's played India Smart in goals, Harry and George Gough in defence, Georgi Hall in midfield and Tom Rye, John Clarke and Matthew Shepperd in attack.
John Clarke scored within 2 minutes of kick-off with a slow fast ball hit into the bottom right hand corner of the Thornhill goal.
There was some great midfield play by Georgi Hall which kept the pressure on Thornhill for the whole of the first half.
Harry and George Gough were also busy.
Our second goal was scored by Dylan from a corner and the third from a goal mouth scramble by Matthew - his second goal of the season.
John scored a fourth goal just before the half-time whistle.
At the midpoint it was 4-0 to the Panthers.
In the second half James Lewis came on for Tom and quickly scored his first goal.
John then dribbled the ball into the box hitting the ball high to score his third goal completing first hat-trick of 2007.
Lisvane then struck back with a goal which was scored against the run of play.
James Lewis scored the final goal of the game.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange: 7 - Thornhill Gold: 1
The second game of the morning was played against Fairwater.
It was a very competitive match.
James Chubb played in goals, in defence Harry and George Gough and Matthew Shepperd, in midfield John and Georgi and in attack James and Harry Procter.
Fairwater scored first but this seemed to spur the Panthers on.
The Panther's enjoyed 75% of the possession of the ball after the Fairwater goal.
John Clarke scored the equaliser midway through the second half.
It was a beautiful left foot shot high into the top corner of the Fairwater goal .
The Panthers were very unlucky not to win the game.
The game ended 1-1
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange: 1 - Fairwater: 1
The final game of the morning was played against Thornhill Whites.
It was a competitive 0 - 0 draw.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange: 0 - Thornhill White: O
So the Team continue their unbeaten run into 2007.
Well done everybody and have a good week.
(Jodie Clarke, Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers under 8's)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
After a week of rain we were all pleasantly surprised that the Parks Department decided that Cardiff Parks were suitable for football today.
The Under 8's Orange Team found themselves in Llandaff Fields with two players away on holiday (Harry P and Georgi Hall) and two players (James Lewis and India Smart) who were clearly unwell.
Our first game of the morning was played against our friends from Offa's Dyke, ie Urdd.
It wasn't a pretty game. The pitch was a bog particularly around the goal areas.
The team was made up of India Smart in goals, Harry and George Gough and James Chubb in defence, Dylan Taylor and John Clarke in midfield, James Lewis and Matthew Sheppard in attack.
The first half was dominated by the Celts who scored a good goal on the break.
It was a shot from the right side which passed by India into the left hand corner of the goal.
Shortly before half time the Urdd's goalkeeper brought down John Clarke cutting his left knee and reducing the Panthers to seven players
In the second half we conceded a second sloppy goal.
It was a game in which we never really got into our stride despite allot of hard work. We lacked our usual spark.
We missed Georgi and Harry who would have added a bit of weight to the team on a very heavy pitch.
We should all look forward to our next encounter with the Urdd when we have a full squad.
The table will be turned.
This game ended our unbroken run.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange: 0 - Urdd: 2
Our second game of the morning was played against our local rivals the Llanishen Dons.
We made some tactical changes that worked well.
Dylan Taylor took over in goals and played with incredible confidence throughout the game.
Dylan's goal kicks inspired attacking football from the Panthers who began to look forward instead of back towards their own goals everytime the ball went out of play in their own half.
James Chubb marshalled the defensive line of George Gough and Tom Rye,Matthew Sheppard and Harry Gough played in midfield and John Clarke and James Lewis were our forwards.
Our first goal of the day was scored by John - a left hand shot hit high above the goalkeeper into the top right right hand corner of the goal.
It was a cracker which seemed to lift the whole team.
We really started to play some great football after the first goal. There was no looking back.
James Chubb and Harry Gough were rock like in defence and Dylan was able to kick beautifully placed goal kicks into the paths of James,Mathew, John and Tom Rye in attack.
This was more like the team we know and love and another thundering shot from John was too much for the Don's goalkeeper who fumbled the ball onto the feet of Matthew Sheppard.
Matthew doesn't miss opportunities like that and before half time the Panthers were leading by two goals to nil.
The Dons came back in the second half and won a total of five corners against the Panthers.
However, with Dylan confident in goals and the Goughs and James Chubb in defence the Dons never looked like scoring.
It was another great goal kick by Dylan to the half way line that set John Clarke up for his second goal of the game and finest goal of the morning.
An individual effort which involved him taking the ball through the Don's half from the half way line passing four opposition players and then the goalkeeper.
It was some goal and a great end to a very entertaining and competitive match.
The final score. . .
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's: 3 - Llanishen Dons: 0
Our final game of the morning was played against the greatly improved Lisvane Panthers Black's Under 8's side.
The Blacks looked much sharper than the team we played before the Christmas break.
They had some good breaks but were held in check by some great team play.
As with the game against the Don's the whole team played well.
Seven minutes into the game John Clarke scored his third goal of the morning another low left footed shot which beat the Black's keeper.
At half time the score stood one nil to the Panthers.
In the second half against the run of play the Black's caught Dylan out of position and suddenly we were level.
The team rallied well and soon the pressure was being applied at the opposite goal end.
Five minutes from the end John Clarke stole the winner thereby giving the Orange Team their second victory of the day.
And that ended the morning.
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's: 2 - Lisvane Panthers Black Under 8's: 1
I was very proud of the boys today. As a result of the holiday absences (Georgi and Harry P) and the players who really should have been in bed at home watching the Simpson's (James Lewis and India) we lacked a bit of spark. However, when we had our backs to the wall, we somehow found the resources within ourselves to come back and win two impressive victories. We refused to lose and that's where the mental desire came in. We played as a team and we achieved two excellent results. Dylan Taylor was magnificent in goals.
James Chubb held the defence together. Tom,George, Harry, James, India and Matthew worked hard and John scored four goals and made the fifth . Onwards and upwards.
(Jodie Clarke, Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers under 8's)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
Venue:Llandaff fields.
What a morning!
It began with a grey sky and hailstones and ended with a blue sky and sunshine..
Welcome to Cardiff.
The team played three games today winning one,drawing another and narrowly losing the third.
All the pitches were seriously water logged.
They were probably last drained at the time of the Norman conquest.
It was so bad that we had to mark out two new pitches before we could start.
Our first game was against the Urdd.
Dylan Taylor in goals. Harry Gough, James Chubb and Georgie Hall in defence. James Lewis in midfield with John Clarke and Harry Proctor and Tom Rye in attack.
We played very well in the first half.
There was some excellent passing from James Lewis and Tom Rye and some epic defence performances from Georgi Hall and James Chubb.
The Urdd were going nowhere and they knew it.
It wasn't long before John Clarke smashed the opening goal past the Urdd goalkeeper.
1 nil to the Panthers!
In the second half it was more of the same.
The ball seldom left the Urdd half and Georgi Hall and Harry Gough were able to move up into the central midfield.
A momentary lapse in concentration resulted in the Urdd scoring from a corner.
After that it was all one way traffic with the Panthers plowing through the Urdd midfield and defence at will.
There was chance after chance for Tom, James and Harry but the ball just wouldn't go into the Urdd goal for a second time.
I think the boys need some more shooting practice but there was no way this game should have ended as a draw.
But a draw it was.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange: 1 - Urdd: 1
Our second game of the morning was played against the Llanishen Dons a team we beat three nil just two weeks ago.
There were some team changes for this game.
India Smart took over for Dylan Taylor in goals.
Matthew Shephard played as centre forward. George Gough joined his brother Harry in defence with James Chubb.
John Clarke moved into midfield with Georgi Hall.
Tom Rye and James Lewis joined Matthew in attack.
The team took a while to adapt to the changes and the Dons were quick to exploit new format.
Within minutes the Dons scored.
Moments later one of their midfield players blasted a second goal past India Sharp.
Two minutes before half time and excellent clearance pass by Georgi Hall found John Clarke.
John took the ball on the run and headed towards the Dons goal where he neatly knocked the ball past the Dons goalkeeper with the edge of his left foot.
It was a beautiful piece of football.
At half time Dylan took over from India in goals.
John came off and was replaced by Harry Proctor.
India and Matthew played together.
James Chubb managed the defensive line of George and Harry Gough.
Georgi Hall took control of the midfield.
There were no goals in the second half but some great individual performances from Georgi, Harry,James and Dylan.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange: 1 - Llanishen Dons: 2
The final game of the morning was played against Radyr Rangers.
Dylan played in goals.
Georgi Hall, Harry Gough and James Chubb played in defence.
India and James Lewis played in midfield.
John Clarke and Tom Rye played in attack.
John scored four spectacular goals in the first ten minutes.
Radyr looked dazed and confused.
The second half was a much tighter affair.
Harry Proctor replaced India and Matthew Sheppard replaced Tom Rye.
There were no more goals but it was an exciting game nevertheless.
All in all a pretty good morning given the poor weather conditions.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange: 4 - Radyr Rangers: 0
At this point in the season the Orange Team has won 22 games drawn 5 games and lost 5 games.
The leading team in the Barclays Premiership, Manchester United have played four less games than the Orange Team as at today.
Manchester United have won 22 games drawn 3 games and lost 3 games.
So there is plenty of room for improvement and the key to improvement is:
Practice, practice and more practice!
Have a great week everyone.
(Jodie Clarke, Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers under 8's)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
It's been a bit of a depressing week with Arsenal being knocked out of the Champions League by the predictably dull and uninspiring PSV Eindhoven.
I was therefore looking for a bit of a lift this morning and the Panthers repaid my faith in spades.
The Team had three tough games at Ton-yr-Ewen playing fields and won each of them.
The day began with a grey overcast sky and ended with sunshine and to top it all Cardiff City beat Norwich 1-0 at Ninian Park.
The first game of the morning was played against Thornhill Reds.
The Team that started for the Panthers saw Dylan Taylor in goals,James Chubb,India Smart and Tom Rye in defence,Harry Proctor and Matthew Sheppard in midfield and John Clarke and Georgi Hall in attack.
In the first half we witnessed some of the best passing play of the season with the whole team working well as a unit.
The ball seldom left the Thornhill half and there was a number of very close chances before John Clarke blasted home the first goal of the day.
One nil to the Panthers!.
In the second half James Lewis came on replacing John and Harry and George Gough replaced Tom and Harry Proctor.
Three minutes in to the second half and James found himself unmarked and knocked in a second goal.
The Panthers were seldom threatened as a result of some strong midfield and defensive play from James Chubb,India,Matthew,George and Harry Gough and Georgi Hall.
The game ended 2 nil with the Orange Team the worthy winners.
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's: 2 - Thornhill Red: 0
The second game of the morning was a bruising encounter against AFC Rumney.
If each of the Panthers were paid £1 for every crunching tackle they were required to endure during this game the whole team would have been millionaires by the final whistle.
But endurance is one the dominant characteristics of this young team.
They faced down the opposition and played some beautiful football.
Harry Proctor and Georgi Hall were particularly inspiring in mid field and a pass from Georgi which set John up to score the first goal.
It a left foot shoot from outside the box which flat footed Rumney's goal keeper and three defenders.
James Lewis scored the teams second goal after making a daring run into the Rumney goal area.
Just before half time Rumney's inability to clear their lines was punished by Matthew Shepherd who lifted a beautifully balanced kick over the body of Rumney's goal keeper.
In the second half John Clarke smashed in the fourth and final goal with his right foot.
It was a thrilling game.
The whole team deserves a lot of credit for what they achieved.
They dismantled Runmney and rode every challenge that came their way.
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's: 4 - AFC Rumney: 0
The final game of the morning was played against Heath Park Rangers.
India replaced Dylan in goals.
The team scored four goals and conceded three.
The final score recorded by Match Referee Robin Chubb was 4-3 to the Panthers.
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's: 4 - Heath Park Ranger: 3
A great end to a great morning of football.
For those of you who are interested in statistics the Orange Team have now won 25 matches, drawn five and lost five.
If this was the Premiership they would have picked up 80 points by now and would have over taken Manchester United.
That's quite an achievement in their first full season of football.
Well done boys and girls and see you next week.
(Jodie Clarke, Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers under 8's)
Lisvane Panthers U8 Orange
Turn, turn to the rain.
And the wind.
A cold and windy morning in Fairwater.
Grey skies and goosepimples.
Our first game was against Llanishen Dons.
In goals was Dylan Taylor, our back two were Matthew Shepphard and new recruit Mathew McMullen.
In midfield, Georgi Hall and Tom Rye.
In attack, Harry Gough, James Lewis and George Gough.
In the first half we played against the wind and it was a hard slog.
Few of our players stayed in their positions and there was little or no evidence of any passing between players.
The Dons took advantage and scored the first goal which was a powerful strike from outside the box.
By half time we were two down.
In the second half, Harry Proctor and James Chubb replaced Matthew Sheppard and Mathew McMullen.
The team showed more character and determination and game moved to the Dons half.
We had some good opportunities in front of the Dons goal but no one was able to convert them.
We also looked exposed when the Dons broke the play from their own half.
All in all it was not an attractive performance by the Panthers.
The Dons were worthy winners and the game could have ended up more than two nil but for some great goal keeping work from Dylan and some solid defence play from James Chubb and Georgi Hall.
Lisvane Panther Under 8's Orange: 0 - Llanishen Dons: 2
Our second game of the morning was against Fairwater who also choose to play with the win in the first half.
Mathew McMullen played in goals.
George Gough partnered James Chubb at the back.
Harry Proctor and Dylan Taylor played in mid field.
In attack we played Georgi Hall, Matthew Shepphard and James Lewis.
Fairwater were more organised and their players held their positions well.
In contrast we lacked focus and were let down by our failure to pass the ball.
The consequences were predictable and by half time we were three goals down.
And it could have been five but for some great goal keeping from Mathew.
In the second half Harry Proctor scored an unfortunate own goal with would otherwise have been the header of the season.
The game ended on a bright note when Dylan Taylor scored a wonderful goal passing two Fairwater defenders and sending the goal keeper the wrong way.
Lisvane Orange Under 8's: 1 - Fairwater: 4
The final game of the morning was a more upbeat game against our old friends Marshfield.
James Lewis played in goal.
George Gough and James Chubb played at the back.
Tom Rye, Georgi Hall and Harry Proctor played in midfield.
Harry Gough and Matthew Sheppard played in attack.
The first half of the game belonged to Harry Proctor who scored three great goals.
In the second half, Dylan scored two further goals.
James Lewis scored and the final goal of the day was a brilliant strike from Matthew.
Lisvane Panther Orange Under 8's: 7 - Marshfield: 0
And in the afternoon Wales beat England at the Millennium Stadium so it wasn't such a bad day!
Have a great week everyone.
(Jodie Clarke, Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers under 8's)
Lisvane Panthers U8s Orange
A beautiful morning for football: blue skies, warming sun to dry up the puddles and a freshening breeze.
The first match was against our sister team, Lisvane Blacks and both teams started off at full speed.
With Harry Proctor in goal and some stalwart defending, the Blacks had every advance slowed or stopped while the midfield caught up and took the ball back into the Black's half.
Dylan Taylor scored the first goal with a rebound off one of the defending players and Matthew Shepherd soon followed up with another rebound, this time off the post.
In the second half, Harry Gough, James Lewis and Matthew McMullen came off the bench with Matthew taking up the goalie's gloves, aided by James Chubb and George Gough holding a solid defensive line.
The ball spent the second half travelling up and down the length of the larger than usual pitch, with Harry Gough carrying out some excellent tackles and clearing the ball up the field, before finally James Lewis scored.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 3 - Lisvane Panthers Black: 0
Having gained confidence in their new tactic of holding positions on the field, the team still approached the second game, against Maindy Corries, with trepidation. We had never beaten them. Would this game be any different?
With Tom Rye, John Clarke and George Gough back off the bench, Dylan Taylor in goals and Harry Proctor leading the strikers up front, it quickly became clear that this would indeed be different.
It was team totally unlike the pack of ragged boys chasing the ball around the field last week. This was a team that kept their shape and always had a player where they needed them. They controlled the furious attacks from the Corries. Then they pressed forward and Harry Proctor planted a solid shot straight past the surprised Corries' goalkeeper. We were in the lead!
The team were ecstatic going into the second half, but kept their head and within minutes James Lewis had taken the team two goals ahead.
With seconds left on the clock, John Clarke took the ball half the length of the field and fired an impressive shot into the lower corner of the goal, way beyond the goalie's reach - only to be denied by the goal mouth puddle bringing the ball to a standstill inches before the line! The Corries' magnanimously allowed the goal to stand.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 3 - Maindy Corries: 0
Finally, another of our strongest competitors over the last few months: the Urdd team - another team that the Panthers' Orange had never beaten. Would the magic continue or the spell be broken?
This match was hard work from the start. The Urdd were big lads; fighting hard for every yard, but by half time, the ball was spending most it's time in the Urdd half and, finally, some excellent tackling from, and passing between, Georgie Hall and Tom Rye, the ball crossed to Matthew Shepherd who neatly slotted in. Again, ahead for the first time!
Nothing was going to stop them in the second half and in the first few minutes, John Clarke and James Lewis both scored twice each!
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 5 - Urdd: 0
Winning all three matches without conceding a goal: fantastic! The challenge now: to show that it wasn't a fluke!
(Richard Shepherd)
Lisvane Panthers U8s Orange
Venue: Court Field
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 1 - Llanishen Dons: 1
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 3 - Marshfield G: 1
Goals scored by Georgi Hall, Harry Proctor and John Clarke.Lisvane Panthers Orange: 2 - Thornhill Blues: 2
Goals scored by Harry Proctor and John Clarke.(Richard Shepherd)
It is still not quite Spring and there was a chill in the air this morning.
Court Field looked placid and picturesque to the eye but a sharp wind cut from left to right as the Panthers arrived for their last games of March.
Expectations were running high.
The Team had scored eighteen goals in their last four matches and conceded zero.
They have become a force which command attention and respect throughout the City of Cardiff.
A Team who have come to accept victory as their destiny and due.
Everything is said to happen for the best but for some reason the Panther's didn't really click today.
There were occasional flashes of brilliance but an absence of the sustained level of performance which we witnessed at Blackweir a week ago.
Some put it down to the small pitch which didn't allow the players time on the ball. To others, it was the wind which was remorseless and unforgiving.
I heard one of the players mention James Lewis who was away for the weekend in Monkeyland.
But whatever it was, something special was missing today.
And the peculiar thing about the game of football is, the more you fight it, the more it eludes you. Everything contains its opposite.
By trying to make something magical happen, you create the opposite effect and drive magic away. When you worry to much about a pass or a shoot, you lose the path.
Someone once said the way to heaven is heaven. A little less is a lot more.
The first game of the morning was against the Llanishen Dons.
We fielded a strong side.
Matthew in goals. James Chubb and Harry Gough in defence. Tom,Georgi and Harry Procter in midfield, John and Dylan in attack.
The Team dominated the first half but the Don's never gave up.
The Dons packed their defence like Bolton and Blackburn and succeeded in weathering the storm.
Just before the half, they broke away and scored a goal against the run of play.
In the second half, the Dons shut up shop.
The whole team played in defence and rarely ventured out of their own half.
The game was turning into a frustrating stalemate.
Something special was required from someone who could see the problem, create the solution, and seize the moment.
A free kick was awarded to the Panthers on the left hand side of the pitch about three yards past the half way line.
The Dons packed their whole Team into a defensive block in front of their goals.
Georgi Hall played a tap shoot to John Clarke who fired a left footed shoot that sped through the air like rocket over the heads of the Dons and their goalkeeper and into the right hand corner of the goal.
It was the most beautiful of goals. A spiritual experience. One that even silenced the adults.
The Team should have capitalised on the goal and gone on to win the game but it didn't happen.
It ended one each as the sun was coming up.
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's: 1 - Llanishen Dons: 1
The second game of the morning was played against the much improved Marshfield.
At our last encounter we scored seven goals and conceded zero against Marshfield.
But today we had to work hard for our victory.
Our first goal came from Georgi Hall who worked tirelessly throughout from his position in midfield.
It was a great goal Georgi - a sweet strike which left the goalkeeper stranded.
Our attacking duo of Matthew and Matthew kept the Marshfield defence busy, while the Gough brothers, Harry and George held the rear with James Chubb.
We scored a second goal just before half time. This time it was Harry Procter's turn.
A great goal Harry to go with the two you scored last Saturday.
At half time the Panthers led 2-zero.
John joined the game in the second half and smashed home the Teams's third goal.
Marshfield fought back and scored a well earned goal three minutes before the final whistle.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 3 - Marshfield G: 1
The last game of the morning was against Thornhill Blues.
James Chubb was unable to play in this game because he was required to travel to Bristol to watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
He was sorely missed and our defence was all over the place.
It was fine when the Panther's attacked and by half time they commanded a 2 nil lead with more goals coming from John Clarke and Harry Procter.
However, in the second half the Team tried to protect their lead and were punished.
Despite some epic goal keeping from Dylan Taylor Thornhill managed to score two goals in the second half so the game ended as a draw, which was probably a fair result.
Lisvane Panthers Orange: 2 - Thornhill Blues: 2
At times we are forced to stand against fate.
I think for the Panthers attack is the best form of defence in the absence of James Chubb.
Anyway, we all hope you enjoyed the Musical, James.
With one James attending a Musical and another James visiting Monkeyland, maybe a win and two draws was a reasonable conclusion to the morning.
Way to go Panthers!
Happy Easter Everyone.
Peace Out.
(Jodie Clarke - Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange Team)
Lisvane Panthers U8s Orange
Venue: Ton Yr Ywen School
With new Matt and new Steve we had 6 available and Owain Taylor was there as usual on the sidelines ... which made 7! First up were Heath Park who had - apparently - cancelled the fixture, being unable to get a team out. They had 4 hanging around with the coach so we lent them a couple of players (and their coach in goal, much to the extreme annoyance of a certain J Lewis Esq of this Parish) to give the boys a warm up, whilst Thornhill and the Corries went at it on the 'rabbit' pitch next door.
The warm up showed that with less players on a reasonably sized, hard, dry pitch, the Panthers could actually pass the ball. Result? When it came to the real stuff, the 8 Thornhill players copped it rotten from the Panthers' 7. Played through them and round them with some highly presentable stuff. 1 to them, several to us (James will remember) ... one having been put away with considerable aplomb by none other than Owain Taylor. All round top performance that reflected rather well on the coaching staff.
Next up was a strong Corries 8 ( including their best player, one Matthew who was, for an 8-year old suspiciously huge). A quality match. Tough game. 1:1 at half way. Panthers started fine in second half but the signs of tiredness were there at the end of the first half; tracking back was slowing, less chasing of lost causes. The Panther boys kept at it manfully until 5 minutes to go when they simply ran out of puff and the wheels came off. Having to make up for the extra man in two games and at the death against a hard team, told on the boys who visibly wilted. With a goal in the last second(s), Corries ran out 4:1 winners. Which, frankly, was flattering.
Well done James L, James C, Dylan, Georgi, Matt, Steve, and special guest star, Owain 'Thunderball' Taylor. Dun us proud.
Wehay the Panthers,
(Robin Chubb)
Lisvane Panthers U8s Orange
Venue: Popular Park, Fairwater
As the 2006/2007 season draws to a close the Under 8's Orange Team found themselves playing at a new venue this morning.
Popular Park,Fairwater.
It was a glorious day.Blue sky and sunshine.
For the opening game against Fairwater, Dylan Taylor played in goals, James Chubb and Matthew McMullen played in defence, Georgi Hall and Harry Procter in midfield
and James Lewis, Matthew Shepherd and John Clarke played in attack.
It was a fast and furious first half which was played at great pace on a very large and dry pitch.
Fairwater were missing their nine year old central defender Ross and Lisvane were quick to exploit his absence.
Within two minutes of the kick-off John Clarke broke thorough the Fairwater defence to score Lisvanes first goal.
There was some great link up play from the back two and the mid-field duo of Georgi and Harry.
Fairwater found it impossible to get the ball beyond James Chubb and Matthew McMullen.
As the pressure on Fairwater began to mount a beautiful pass from James Lewis found
John Clarke in space and in the blink of an eye he hit the ball high and hard into
the Fairwater goal.
Two nil to the Panthers!
John scored a third goal before half time and Fairwater pulled a goal back in a goal mouth scramble in the second half. It was a convincing win for the Orange Team.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange: 3 - Fairwater First Team: 1
The second game of the morning was played against the much improved Marshfield.
Harry Proctor who was feeling the after effects of a "sleep over" decided he wanted to play in goals.
James Chubb and Matthew McMullen played in defence.
John Clarke and James Lewis dropped back to midfield.
Georgi Hall, Matthew Shepherd and Dylan Taylor played in attack.
Form the kick off the ball seldom left the Marshfield half.
Georgi Hall scored three great goals, James, Matthew and Dylan followed with three further goals
and John knocked home two more so the game ended 7 nil to Lisvane.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange: 7 - Marshfield: 0
The final game of the morning was played against Fairwater's second team as supplemented
by our very own Matthew Shepherd.
One of the Fairwater Team was injured and Matthew gallantly agreed to take his place to help
Fairwater.
The Orange Team was made up Harry Proctor in goals, Matthew McMullen and James Chubb in defence,
Georgi and John in midfield and James and Dylan in attack.
It was a game which was dominated by the fitter of the two teams.
Lisvane played with great pride and great heart.
Three wonderful goals were scored by Dylan Taylor.
James Lewis scored two great goals and Georgi Hall netted his forth goal of the morning.
John Clarke scored five and Harry who played out of goals in the second half scored two more.
But goals aside this was a real team performance with everyone giving their all and showing the best
of themselves.
They have come along way since last September and this was one of many fine moments which they
have shared together during the past eight months.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange: 13 - Fairwater Second Team: 0
The Team dedicates this performance to David Halberstam, the "New York Times" Journalist and writer who passed away in Menlo Park, California on Monday 23rd April 2007.
Rest in peace David.
You were one of the Best and the Brightest.
(Jodie Clarke - Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange Team)
Lisvane Panthers U8s Orange
Venue: Blackweir
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's: 0 - Rumney: 1
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's: 2 - Lisvane Blacks: 0
Lisvane Panthers Orange Under 8's: 8 - Marshfield: 0
The Team played its final games of the 2006/2007 at Blackweir today.
Britain's beaches remained busy as the hottest April on record drew to a close.
The records began in 1772, six years before the American Revolution.
The memory of one's childhood and what childhood brings is something that we all live on for the rest of our lives.
As the season drew to a close the Orange Under 8's Team will always carry with them the collective memories of their first full season together as a Team.
A season in which they won 32 games, drew 7 and lost 7.
A season full of promise in which each player played an important part.
A first goal of the season from the great Harry Gough.
A perfectly good goal from Tom Rye disallowed.
More missed chances on goal than Arsenal.
3 goals from Georgi and two from Dylan.
No Harry Procter.
Some Cesc Fabergas moves from John.
Some great goal keeping from Steve/George Gough and defending from James Chubb and Matthew.
Some great runs from James Lewis and Dylan and Matthew.
A Stephen Gerrard like performance in the last game from Tom.
The first game of the day was played against Rumney, a team which the Panthers have beaten 3-0 and 3-1 at our last two encounters.
However, today the Panthers made a slow start and Rumney looked the better team.
The first half passed in a flash and the team of Dylan, James, Matthew, Tom,Georgi, James Lewis, John and George Gough were all out of sorts.
There was no passing or careful build up play and Rumney capitalised by scoring a solitary goal on the break.
John and Georgi made some valient efforts to level the score but were unsupported in attack and therefore needed to cover in mid field and defence.
It was a game in which we missed Harry Procter to provide some spine to our mid field.
The game ended one nil to Rumney.
We will have to do better against them next season.
The second game of the morning was against Lisvane Blacks.
George Gough took over in goal, Matthew and James played at the back, John Georgi and Harry Gough played in midfield, Matthew Sheppard and Dylan played up front.
It was a tight game which we won following two good goals from John and Georgi.
The final game of the morning was against Marshfield.
Dylan scored two great individual goals in the first half which closed with a great strike from James Lewis which resulted in a third goal.
In the second half Georgi scored three great goals.
Harry Gough scored a magnificent goal - way to go Harry!
John knocked home goal number 8.
It was a convincing performance and a nice game to end the season with.
Well done everyone particularly Tom Rye who gave his all and richly deserved to score.
And that was it.
Have a great Summer everyone!
See you on the beach
(Jodie Clarke - Cub Reporter for Lisvane Panthers Under 8's Orange Team)