Lisvane Panthers Under 14 2007/2008 season
Lisvane Panthers have 2 teams at Under 14 level - U14A and U14B .
Lisvane Panthers B Under 14 2007
| 2007 | 2008 | |
| September | January | |
| October | February | |
| November | March | |
| December | April | |
Pre-season friendly
Lisvane Panthers A: 8 - Lisvane Panthers B: 5
Venue: Heol-Y-Delyn
Noteworthy for the 5 goal scoring return of Prentice M following his two year loan deal to Whitchurch.
Another new face started the 07/08 season - namely Drury M, also from Whitchurch (note no foreign investors required for this double transfer swoop).
So a squad of 18 (following Wortham G's decision to focus on tennis) embarked on big Dave's 8th season in charge - longest serving manager in the league?
Which Premiership Manager does he remind you of most?
A good test followed as Danecourt's 'Big Joe' guested for the 'b's and proved to be his normal handful. (turned out to be excellent practice for Saturday!) 'Bomber' Harris did a pretty good job on him though as the pick of the defence.
Other goals were from Gurney R (2) and Lawson W. Two of Michael's goals were real crackers, as was the final goal of the game from Chris Cox for the 'b's.
(Jonathan Bould)
Pre-season friendly
Lisvane Panthers A: 7 - Thornhill: 1
Venue: Llanishen Leisure Centre
Good that the whole squad was available, as their bucket and spades are consigned to the loft for another year.
Everyone got a run out and it was needed, as a few were puffing by the end.
Goals tonight from Calliva A (2); Prentice M (2); Gurney R (2) and Lawson W.
Defence coped better tonight, albeit against moderate opposition (Chris Hinchley, who scored and Jourdan Pine, both from the high school, putting in decent performances for Thornhill).
So where are we? Well, in a larger league, there will be 24 league matches, as opposed to 18 last year. This undoubtedly means we will need the squad of 18 over the season, but it also means more competition for places.
We should score plenty of goals, but the key will be how well we defend.
Assuming availability and attendance at training and on match days, performance, commitment and the right attitude will be what Dave will be looking for.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 4 - Danescourt: 2
Venue: Pontcanna
The first 25 minutes was as well as the boys have played for some time with well taken goals from Calliva A and Gurney R; and with Harris D and Racz J doing a good job on 'Big Joe'.
This was amongst a number of good individual performances including Thomas J and Drury M particularly, whilst Williams H was very aware in goal today. However, Injuries to Matt and Payne D disrupted things, and from then on it was a real battle.
Frustration crept into our play - and on the touchline too! - as chances went begging and the defending became disjointed.
Fortunately, some good perserverance from Prentice M and Lawson W converted chances to seal the win.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 B Division
Lisvane Panthers B: 12 - Ely Rangers C: 0
Venue: Trelai
Panthers score their first goal
A great opening match for the Panthers in the B division.
Each of the boys showed skill and commitment against an inexperienced Ely Rangers side. The Panthers made the most of their opportunities.
A race to the ball in the goalmouth
Goals were scored by Sean (4), Nicky (3), Sam (2) James H (2) and Josh J.
Rhys W had a solid game in defence, working well with Mike, who kept a clean sheet in goal.
Panthers make a run down the wing
The team managers have decided to award a Man of the Match for each game this season. There were many candidates today, notably Sean and Nicky for their goalscoring prowess and also Rhys, Ryan, Zach and Chris in defence.
The ball is dribbled past the Ely defence
Man of the Match: Josh J.
(Peter O'Brien)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 6 - Trowbridge: 4
Venue:Pontcanna
It's very clear that after 2 matches the level of physicality has gone up considerably on last year, and last night was no place for the faint hearted either.
A number of the lads are nursing bruises and knocks, so with 3 games in 6 days, this is a real test for them.
Despite a nice opening header from Gurney R, we were heading South - 1-3 down - at a rate of knots with some abject play until a 25 yard stunner from Prentice M revitalised everyone.
After that, we competed better and thanks to further goals from King R; Michael again and Racz J (2), we just about edged it.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Ely Rangers: 7 - Lisvane Panthers A: 1
Venue:Trelai
Ely gave a football and attitudinal lesson today, and played very well. In fact, if it wasn't for Williams H - pulled off some great saves, and the cross bar in the first half - it could have been worse than 1-3 down.
To say we were subdued would be an understatement. Only one shot at goal in the first 40 minutes was very unpanther like (Bould A scored from a free kick).
Despite conceding more goals, there was more effort expended in the second half; and this is the only positive to report.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 10 - Celts FC: 2
Venue:Pontcanna
Some well worked and taken goals today from Lawson W (4), Prentice M (2), Gurney R (2), Calliva A and Bould A.
So a bit up and down so far, but the game against Grangetown next week will probably be a good indicator of how we can expect to fare over the whole season.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Grangetown: 9 - Lisvane Panthers A: 2
Venue: Sevenoaks Park
Based on last year's games, we expected a high scoring game today, but one with a bit more balance to it! Although a poor result, in some ways it is difficult to assess the performance.
The boys played some proper football today - certainly much better than the Ely game, - but the end product just wasn't there. Why? Well against a physically athletic team like Grangetown - who scored some good goals it must be said - there will have to be a bit more 'bite' to our play and / or a higher workrate.
Other than that just consolation goals from Bould A and Prentice M to report.
Sounds remarkably like a Gareth Jenkins analysis, of whom it has to be said has mine and Dave's utmost sympathy!
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Rhiwbina FC: 1 - Lisvane Panthers A: 5
Venue: Caedelyn
Good to see that all the 15 available players contributed positively to the cause today - particularly in defence with some assured play from Moore J. Meanwhile, Williams H has been given the instruction to 'shout and rollock' - go for it Harry!
Up front, Calliva A was having one of those striker 'bad hair' days, but stuck at it and eventually got his reward with 2 goals. Other scorers were Lawson W and Prentice M (2). The second of which, initiated by a Harry pass out, was the best team goal so far this season - building play from the goalie / defence is the way to do it!
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 B Division
Lisvane Panthers B: 5 - Llanrumney Utd: 0
HT: 0 - 0
Venue: Pontcanna
Today's game was definitely a game of two halves.
The match is evenly fought in midfield
In the first half, neither side could find the net, although the Panthers came close on a few occasions, only to be denied by the Llanrumney keeper who pulled off some great saves. At the other end, Michael also kept a clean sheet, ably assisted by the solid defence of Chris, Zach, Rhys and Adam. After only 10 minutes an injured Josh HJ was replaced by Ryan P who made a big contribution to the game.
Another battle for the ball
After a half time team talk, the Panthers took the game to Llanrumney. Chris made some great runs from deep in in own half, pushing the Panthers forward and supplying quality ball for the boys up front. Rhys also made his presence felt, getting amongst Llanrumney and stopped many attacks.
A flying attack
After some skilfull passing between Sam, Ryan F, Josh J and Ryan P, Nicky opened the scoring after picking a up a pass from Ryan and went around the keeper to find the net.
Sean blasted a cracker home to net the second goal, turning well just outside the box.
Setting up another goal
Tired legs and lack of concentration meant that the Panthers were caught off-side several times.
Nicky and Sean both picked up another goal each and the score reached 5-0 when the final goal was scored by Chris, which was great to see as he is usually working hard in defence (and not goalhanging like some others we could mention).
Man of the Match: Rhys W
(Sean O'Brien)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 1 - AFC Rumney: 2
Venue: Pontcanna
(HT 3-1)
Despite not holding onto a 1-0 lead, it could be argued that this was the best performance of the season, as all 14 available today put 100% in - no doubt about that - good commitment and better collective defending. Good to see Harris D and Davies S back from injury, but bad news about Lawson W's broken collar bone from Rugby, but Will was on the touchline though cheering the boys on.
In the first half, Gurney R scored a quality goal - not just the strike but Buckley H's flick - class!, whilst Prentice M was unlucky to hit the bar twice. The second half was a real battle and we weren't quite able to maintain our energy levels as Rumney came back into it. Overall, proper stuff though.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 3 - Lisvane Panthers B: 0
Venue: Pontcanna
Through to the quarter finals and the first clean sheet of the season, the net result of a pretty even game, in which the 'b's acquitted themselves pretty well. In the end we created enough chances and there was some sharp finishing from Gurney R (2) and Prentice M.
Biggest squad turnout so far this season with 17, which was good to see. Lawson W was again cheering the boys on, and we'll all be rooting for Will on Wednesday morning as he has his collar bone operation. It’s a pity that England didn't win for him (he was spotted wearing a white shirt the previous weekend), and like me and Dave, we know that all of you are feeling gutted. We really needed a Russian video ref, not an Antipodean - but we're not bitter!
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Heath Park Rangers: 3 - Panthers A: 12
Venue: Heath Park
First time back at Heath Park since being u8s resulted in us thinking we were lost when the pitches were infact within 50 yards! But such is the Panther parent resilience, we successfully circumnavigated King George V Drive - even without the help of 'Google Earth' Gurney to locate our opponents.
The boys were not put off and overwhelmed the bottom of the table team quite easily; and also equalled the team's record score. Goalscorers included birthday boy, Davies S, who has also recommitted his allegiance to Spurs for a 15th year - well done Stephen, Daniel Levy appreciates it!. They also included Gurney R, but Miller A may lodge an appeal after a late slide - we'll leave the ex Radyr boys to sort it out between them! The rest of the jamboree was headed by Prentice M (5) with support from Calliva A (2); Bould A (2), and Racz J.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 Cup Quarter final
Lisvane Panthers A: 1 - Fairwater Juniors: 9
Venue: Pontcanna
Short version - we got a thrashing. Detailed version follows, but a bit painful!
A ropey start saw us 2-0 down after 10 minutes, but the rest of the 1st half produced a good performance culminating in Prentice M's header to go in only 1-2 down at half tme.
After that, it was downhill fast, as we couldn't cope with Fairwater's enthusiasm.
Badges of honour though to Harris D and Williams H for being the only ones really to match up to the physical challenge - the latter with a gashed leg as a result of a number of comings together with old Mishak (a certain German Arsenal goalkeeper would have been rolling around!).
Brown B also tried hard against the odds, but with Thomas J also having to go off after a late tackle, the boys were very dispirited.
A tough one coming up against Whitchurch to further test their
character.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
AFC Whitchurch: 5 - Lisvane Panthers A: 2
Venue: Hailey park
Injury curse struck again with Williams H retiring hurt, and Payne D crocked as well. On top of this, unfortunately there were three yellow cards brandished for verbals - 2 for our boys - not good, not good at all, but some may say that about the ref. King R undertook linesman duties today and had great fun over the interpretation of the off-side rule!
We certainly competed better so that's a positive, but it certainly wasn't a classic - in fact forgetable may be a word that springs to mind. Overall though, Whitchurch merited the win, as we didn't really get our passing going.
Goals today from Calliva A and Gurney R. Harris D, as ever, stuck to his man marking duties very well.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 9 - Heath Park Rangers:
3
Venue: Pontcanna
A closely fought game up to the last 20 minutes when our bench was was able to make a difference. Plenty of goals today from Buckley H (2), as part of the 'Two Harrys' forward show, Calliva A (2), Racz J - with his first touch of the ball as sub, Prentice M and Gurney R's 'supersub Solskjaer' type hat trick in the last 10 minutes.
However, the 'TMS champagne moment' was the save from Miller A's fine long distance half volley. The Rangers keeper really was 'the cat' as he tipped it round the post - great football all round.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Danescourt: 7 - Panthers: 5
Venue: Trelai
The advantage of not playing in our shirts is that it saves on the washing - so it came to pass - and in a polyglot of different track suit tops and hoodies, we battled on (useful in the brass monkey wind through!). A topsey-turvey game, in which Danecourt through Big Joe in particular, took their chances better. Infact, one could argue, we probably should have drawn the game at least, but our shooting boots were a little awry. Goals today from Bould A (2), Prentice M, Gurney R and Calliva A.
So onto the Xmas break. When we come back it will be the start of the Fabio era, whilst the lads will soon be choosing their options. So plenty to look forward to! In the meantime, good luck to Will with his 'pin' removal this week and merry Xmas to all.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Trowbridge: 0 - Panthers: 11
Venue: Greenway Rd
Shock - it stopped raining to allow a football match! Number of absences meant squad was stretched, but the 13 present did ok though with mess'rs Cox C and Hinchly C making their debuts - the latter unlucky not to make it a goalscoring one. First league clean sheet to report, which Moore J can take pride in after 2 or 3 really good saves. Also of note is the potential for Chris C and 'Bomber' Harris to form a robust physical centre back pairing.
A goal scoreboard today, which read as Gurney R (4); Calliva A (3); Bould A (2) and Lawson W (2) - good to see Will back particularly of course. So, 5th place consolidated at the exact half way point. 12 games to go and we can expect them to be a lot tougher than this.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 8 - Marlboro Sports
Red: 2
Venue: Pontcanna
A good performance overall despite going 1-2 down after 25 minutes. Hinchly C scored his first goal for the club and played particularly well, until his 'too big a breakfast' stopped him in his tracks!
All available 16 did their bit today with Moore J taking after his Dad - whom Harris N recalled was equally fearless against rampaging forwards - showing real guts with a dive at a striker's feet, and getting a real shoeing for his troubles - well done Jacob!
The St John's brigade were also quite lively today with Prentice M and Calliva A getting 2 apiece, with the goal balance coming from Gurney R, Lawson W, and Racz J. The boys knew they had been in a proper game today, so same application required for same opponents next week.
Naturally, your stringer could not let this report pass without mention of the big match over this weekend - yes the Giants did pull off a remarkable victory.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Marlboro Sports Red: 2 - Lisvane Panthers
A: 5
Venue: Heath Park
HT (2-2)
Every known reason to man - from injury and illness to unavailability with half term was in play today. In the end, there were 10 fit players plus a poor old Williams H with his back problem. Harry bravely played / winced his way upto half time, and did his best - plus an amazing 30 yard lob over Moore J and into our net!
So, 2-2 at half time and things were looking a tad tricky, but credit to all for a battling second half performance. Bould A moved back to centre half and did well, whilst Hinchly C was very impressive again - at left back this time - in bringing the ball out and linking up effectively with Will.
The goals - two apiece for the strikeforce of Calliva A and Gurney R - a couple of good 'uns in there too - plus Lawson W. One observation from the touchline though is that we're still too quiet as a team. Come on boys - more shouts of encouragement to support each other!
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
AFC Rumney: 1 - Lisvane Panthers A: 10
Venue: Pontcanna
Again, a sweat on numbers before k.o. (13 today) exacerbated by the Harris's missing the venue switch - so what is normally a 400 yard stroll from home ended up being a 10 mile round trip for nothing - but David was there for the second half!
By then though, the boys were home and dry - 4 goals up after 15 minutes - within their best half of football this season. Goals today - Calliva A (4), Gurney R (3), Lawson W (2) and Hinchly C. Alessandro just edged out his fellow goal scorers for the return of the 'man of the match' trophy.
It should be noted though that in the first half, Drury M and Racz J won the midfield battle which provided the platform - probably Matt's best performance in the orange shirt.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A : 1 - Fairwater Juniors: 3
Venue: Pontcanna
We'll start with the football first. A real valiant effort against a team who had scored at least 6 in every other game and their coach confirmed it was their first real test this season - they only lost 5-4 to Swansea City! So a lot for the boys to proud of.
Calliva A scored with a very fine lob, but most plaudits today to the centre back pairing of Harris D and Cox C, with Chris the MoM. They were in the middle of a very physical battle, and one which made it a very difficult game to referee for King R. Unfortunately, Chris had to go off after a reckless challenge, but the good news is that he is ok and should be fit for Saturday.
What else to say? Well, against teams like this, we - coaches, match officials, parents - and the boys are getting a reality check as we are seeing the change from a junior to youth footballing culture before our very eyes.
However, there are some unpalatable aspects to it - both on and off the pitch. The positive way to look at it is that it will be character forming for the boys, whilst for the rest of us I think we'll need to be quite watchful.
Some of you with older siblings have been here before no doubt.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Pentyrch Rangers: 2 - Lisvane Panthers A: 7
Venue: Parc Y Dwrlyn
A closer game than the scoreline might at first suggest, which was only made comfortable with 2 late goals. It was exactly as scripted though - strong wind, tight pitch, and committed opponents. So a satisfactory result, particularly when you think about our previous shockers here. That said Moore J, took the MoM. He had to make some good saves, whilst the 'TMS champagne moment' came from Browny when he bellowed 'Jacob use your pace' to clear a through ball. This is known as an oxymoron I understand (sorry Jake, but refer to Dad - and Ben!).
With limited square footage on the flanks, Hinchly C and Lawson W were unable to roam as free as normal, but they still scored a goal apiece - including a fine header for Chris. Other scorers were Calliva A - an improvised 'kneed' lob!; Gurney R - normal sniffer material; Cox C - his first for us - a header (he then revealed it took him 6 years to score his first for the 'b's!) and a couple from Bould A including a leftie cracker into the top corner.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 2 - Pentyrch Rangers: 2
Venue: Pontcanna
Probably a fair result, but remind me to take earplugs next time, as the din from their touchline was well over the top!
They were certainly up for it and never really allowed us to settle into our normal rythym in midfield. That said, we were 2-0 up after 15 minutes thanks to two cooly taken goals from Calliva A - we'll have to tot his tally up as I'm losing count - but Rangers levelled by the break.
The second half was quite exciting in a stressful sort of way!, and both teams had their moments. First Moore J made a very good save with their striker clean through and then late on Alessandro hit the bar. Forgot to select MoM today - sorry lads - , but King R deserves a mention in dispatches for some good play in the first half. Good to see the two Harrys back in the fray after recent injuries too.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 1 - Ely Rangers: 3
Venue: Pontcanna
At an almost deserted Pontcanna, we played good quality opponents, although they had obviously attended the Cole and Mascherano school of respect.
The neutral referee received perennial earache both on the pitch and from the touchline, whilst there were also 2 yellow cards for Ely for verbal abuse after a goal was disallowed - a decision ironically accepted by their Assistant Manager. Frankly, all very disappointing.
Back to the football. Unfortunately, a combination of 'last minute.com' and the lurgy, meant we kicked off with only ten men.
We coped pretty well, but went down to nine when Cox C went off during the first half. Still the the lads battled on against the wind in the second half and amazingly went one up thanks to an adroit Gurney R finish.
In the end though, the extra bodies and subs were going to tell, but a fantastic effort alround.
MoM forgotten in all the hubhub today, but we'll mention Bould A in despatches for some particularly stout defending.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 6 - Celts FC: 3
Venue: Pontcanna
Although struck again by last minute illness, at least we did get 11 on the pitch this time. Things looked promising when Cox C scored another header from a corner within 2 minutes, and we were 3 up after quarter of an hour. However, if we're honest after that it was rather hard work - we didn't really get our passing game going and were a bit disjointed despite some useful individual performances. Infact Celts 'won' the second half 2-1, so they deserve some credit. MoM nominees were the two Chris's - with Cox C just edging it for marshalling the defence, with Hinchly C looking lively and scoring. Other goals from Lawson W (2), Prentice M and Bould A.
It’s a really tough end to the season coming up and we'll need to up the performance levels to match the quality of the opposition. Two wins out of four should secure 5th place.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 2 - Rhiwbina: 0
Venue: Caedelyn
Firstly grateful for Gurney C undertaking the reffing duties, in what proved to be the normal battle with Rhiwbina. You'd better ask whether Craig was! - as he had a few controversial decisions to consider - was or wasn't the ball over the line for a Rhiwbina goal (fortunately for us, no Russian linesman in sight); was or wasn't it a Panthers penalty (Calliva A may have a perspective here!); fair bit of back chat plus a yellow card for a Panther. So plenty to keep him occupied in a very even contest, which we edged - just - but could easily of lost as well.
Reason we didn't is down to a very effective display from Brown B in goal - Ben happy to point to a rare clean sheet - and a series of good clearing headers from corners when we were under the cosh.
Meanwhile, Bould A scored a good header from one of Hinchly C's well delivered corners, and Gurney R nipped in with 10 mins to go to secure the points.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Fairwater Juniors: 10 - Lisvane Panthers A: 0
Venue: Poplar Park
Completely steamrollered!
It must also be over 2 years since we failed to score in a game as well,
as their keeper only had one save to make worthy of the name. Nothing
else to really say - refer to similar reports under 'thrashings'. So,
a bit of pride at stake for last 2 games.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 1 - Grangetown BC: 2
Venue: Trelai
Pleased to report that compared to last Saturday, a massive improvement. However, it was definitely the one that got away, as we should have won.
Unfortunately, a bagful of chances were spurned - particularly in the first half half when we were well on top - Lawson W did score our first half equaliser though. Grangetown came back into it in the second half and created a few opportunities, including the winner.
We still went close on a number of occasions with Prentice M and
Will just unable to finish off some barnstorming runs.
This keeps Grangetown in the title race, but as game as they are,
you wouldn't bet on them finishing above Fairwater.
For us, onto the Whitchurch game, and with the same application, Saturday could be an interesting finish to the season.
(Jonathan Bould)
Under 14 A Division
Lisvane Panthers A: 3 - AFC Whitchurch: 0
Venue: Pontcanna
Saved the best til last! A very satisfactory performance, and so was the result. Reasons - having 19 players available gave more options. Also, 'Rafa' Williams adopted a Liverpool type approach and played a canny 4-1-4-1 formation in the first half. This provided a more solid platform with Bould A playing just in front of the back four, whilst Calliva A ran his socks off as the lone striker. One up at half time from an Alex header thanks to another excellently delivered Lawson W corner.
The key then, unlike the Grangetown match, was that we didn't let the opposition back into the game as the 5 subs came on and made a significant difference - including Hinchly C and Prentice M scoring (rumoured that he enjoyed that one particularly!), whilst Gurney R hit the post.
5th place secured; 117 goals scored in 26 league and cup games. The dynamic duo could not be split for the golden boot - 25 a piece for Calliva A and Gurney R - great effort guys. The goals were then spread out amongst more players than in the previous 2 seasons with Prentice M at 21 as a more than able support striker / midfielder, backed up by Lawson W (16); Bould A (14); Racz J (5); Hinchly C (5); Buckley H (2); Cox C (2); Davies S (1) and King R (1).
(Jonathan Bould)