Lisvane Panthers Under 8
2008/2009 Season
Lisvane Panthers have 2 teams at Under 8 level - U8 Orange, U8 Black and U8 Blue.
Lisvane Panthers Under 8 Blue 2008
Lisvane Panthers Under 8 Black 2008
Under 8 Orange 2008/2009
It has been a very successful year for the U8 Oranges. It seems like only yesterday when the boys got together for the first time last August.
Despite coming from different schools and school years the boys quickly became pals and were training as a team. Unfortunately due to the wet September training was the only outlet.
The first games were played in late September with a mixed bag of results achieved, one win, one loss and a draw.
As the weeks passed patterns of play began to emerge which pleased all the coaches. Whilst initially goals were usually created by an individual it was not long before a number of passes were completed before a goal was scored.
It is not only attack where the boys were demonstrating excellent skills, defensively the boys were tackling well and making it difficult for sides to score against them.
By November it was evident that the boys had improved considerably. Notable wins were recorded against the Urdd, Marlboro Sports and Maindy Corries. Great team goals were scored and a high number of clean sheets were achieved.
The wet weather returned in December and remained until mid January. This did not dampen the enthusiasm of the boys and they returned with a bang, putting in strong performances at Eglwys Newydd which at one stage became our second home.
As the season drew to a close the patterns of play and teamwork continued to grow. It was also encouraging to see the amount of communication between the boys during games. The team finished strongly with 4 wins and one draw recorded in the last two weeks of the season.
Of the two tournaments attended so far, the boys have put in some strong performances, losing by the odd goal at St Albans and remaining unbeaten at Danescourt. The opposition in all these games were strong and the team can be proud of their achievements.
It is difficult to single out individual performances within a team game but a number of fond memories will stay with me. Whilst in goal Ciaran and Ben have made some wonderful saves.
Sam has continued to be a rock in defence, aided by Ollie who has also shown some great wing play.
LLyr and Osian getting stuck into the opposition as been a joy to watch as has Elis skilful runs down the wing.
Max and Tom have continued to show their flexibility, and who can forget Max’s first goal or Tom’s second half hat trick against Radyr.
Luc’s uncompromising midfield tackling against St Albans was reminiscent of Roy Keane. Both Michaels (Lewis and Couper) have consistently demonstrated their skills,
I have lost count of the number of great goals they have scored. Will’s through ball to Owain against Marshfield which saved the game sticks out as does Jacobs crunching tackle against the Blues.
Owain’s performance at the Danescourt festival was another highlight. I would like to thank all the boys for their hard work and commitment throughout the season, they have shown great flexibility in playing different positions on a weekly basis and have been a joy to work with.
Jamie
Under 8 Black 2008/2009
A super season for the U8 Blacks with a great deal more wins and draws than losses. A very enthusiastic team who do not like to lose and will run all day, if you let them. Hopefully the team will remember the ‘your time, my time’ saying and apply themselves equally well in the future.
Some of the best smiles we have ever seen during a season topped with some terrific goals, saves, tackles and dribbles. Everyone deserves a pat on the back for the way in which they played and the team spirit they have shown.
Alex Kinsey: An excellent season for Alex scoring and saving many goals. He has improved by adding excellent crosses to his repertoire. Equally adept at defensive work but powerful forward runs are when he is happiest.
Dominic O’Brien: Dominic started slowly but has progressed wonderfully well throughout the season. His ever smiling face a testament to the enjoyment of the season.
Ellis John: Ellis had some super runs down the wing and scored some memorable goals. Solid defensive and midfield displays capped off a very good season.
Ethan Prosser: Some well timed goal saving tackles with solid defensive work, along with some clinical goal poaching saw an excellent first season with the Panthers for Ethan.
Evan Wallace: As good a defender as you are likely to find at under-eight, Evan is fully capable of ensuring that the goal keeper remains unscathed or scoring long range efforts.
James Price: James started slow and built up his confidence as the season progressed. Made many strong tackles in defence and will no doubt continue to improve next season.
Joseph Shaw: Joseph was an ever enthusiastic player during matches and training. Willing to listen and do his best with any task presented with a big smile, manners and heart.
Joseph Williams: A very good season for Joseph, another player willing to listen and do what is asked of him. He never questioned his position and tried his best at every opportunity, well done.
Luca Barbonchielli: As enthusiastic an under eight as you will find Luca likes to get between the sticks and stop goals. Equally as happy playing at the other end of the pitch holding up the ball for other players to come forward and help out.
Max Lane: Max had a great season with some superb tackling and runs out of defence and midfield. Liked to play in the second half so that the opposition will be too tired to catch him.
Owain Edwards: Owain again scored some lovely goals but his season will be noted for his ability to stop and turn leaving defenders bewildered. A good runner with the ball and now looking to pass to team mates to retain possession.
Patrick Thomas: Our secret weapon, as long as he has had the right shaped toast! Some marvellous ball control and goals with an ever present smile. A very good season at all positions.
Thomas Plaut: Another player who will try his utmost to carry out the tasks set before him without any questions. Thomas has been excellent this season and always gives 100%, a very solid performer.
Tom Powell: An enthusiastic player, Tom never shies away from a tackle, header or contact. An ever present in the squad who has been strong and resolute throughout this year.
William Mably: Yet another player who has given his utmost to each and every game this season. William is another player who has progressed superbly this year. Well done and thank you.
Martin, David and Kieran
Under 8 Blue 2008/2009
Well, what a first season! As coaches and parents, we are very proud of our boys and our team. Every player has greatly improved their skills and it has been a pleasure to train them. They have listened, learned and worked hard, but most of all they have had a lot of fun.
They have played their matches with bags of enthusiasm and energy and, as the season has progressed, we have seen them develop not only as individual players, but even more encouragingly, they are really working together as a team.
The aim of the coaches has been for all the boys to enjoy themselves to the max and to teach them as many skills as possible – and they most certainly have achieved this. The boys have all got to play in just about every position and over the last few months many of them have found where they like to play most, or naturally play best.
We have been lucky to have two very brave and very good goalies in Elliot and Harry Johnson. Not only have they saved loads of goals, they have been strong in attack and scored a good few goals between them when up front.
We have great natural defenders in Adam, Aeron, Tom Taunton and Jacob Williams and we can rely on them to do a superb job clearing, blocking, tackling and getting the ball back into the opponent’s half. When they are in defence, they know what they have to do and hold their positions to keep the team and goalie safe.
Cole, Luke, Zac, Frankie, Harry Powell and Tom Whittingham are all determined characters with a great work rate. In defence, they will always get stuck in, but they love to go forward and all have a keen eye for scoring goals.
Rhys has done a great job in midfield and as striker, but has lately played as our secret weapon in defence as we realised that he can quite easily score from within our own half!
Last but certainly not least, Jacob Wara (top, top goal scorer of the season) and Charlie (almost scorer of the best goal of the season!) have enjoyed being a dynamic duo up front demonstrating great communication and skills.
Overall, we are very lucky to have had such a good all round squad that we can mix and match into virtually any combination. Over the last 10 months, they have developed their understanding of the game and they are now passing and communicating well with each other.
With more wins and draws than losses, we have ended the season very positively – indeed we have seen some stunning team performances at the tournaments.
We’ll be sad to split up the boys (and the coaches!) next season into U8s and U9s, but we’ll have 2 very strong teams and will organise some friendly (though no doubt a little competitive!) games and do some training together.
A huge, big thank you to our coaches – Shelley, Martyn and Rolf – who have done a brilliant job, especially keeping the training going through the winter on the outdoor pitch.
A special mention to Shelley who’s managed to do all this, plus Baby Findlay, 2 jobs, exams and goodness knows what else – you truly are Wonderwoman and we’ll have whatever you’re drinking!
Finally, thank you to the parents who make all this possible – for the encouragement you give your boys from the sidelines in all winds and weather, for the flasks of coffee and the biscuits, and of course, to brothers and sisters who patiently come to watch their brother play again, and again, and again!
Well done, Blues and bring on 09/10!
Sally Allan and Shelley Johnson
Match Reports
| 2008 | 2009 | |
| September | February | |
| October | ||
| November | ||
Under 8 Orange
Venue: Court Field
With first matches together as U8s, it has been a great start of the season.
We’ve covered all of the possible outcomes with 1 win, 1 loss and a draw.
All the boys worked very hard and displayed some brilliant defence work and intuitive goalkeeping.
Despite some clustering of players (on both sides) the boys showed some great running with the ball.
It has been a fantastic morning for players, parents and coaches alike, full of fun and excitement, and….SUNSHINE!!!
Panthers Orange: 4 – Panthers Blue: 3 (Owain 2, Michael
C. 2)
Panthers Orange: 1 - Malboro Sports: 1 (Owain 1)
Panthers Orange: 1 - Thornhill Athletic A: 4 (Michael C. 1)
Players of the Week: Ciaran Lee, Luke Williamson
(Vladka Coupar)
Under 8 Orange
Venue:Court Field
SUNSHINE again, what a lovely surprise. THE BOYS WERE SHINING TOO!!
They have stunned their coaches as well as their parents by some wonderful
passing and running into space. This has earned us two great goals in the
first game.
The second game was very evenly matched, with 0:0 at half time. Both teams
played some lovely football. A moment of confusion in defence has seen us
giving away two unlucky goals. We have fought back strongly with some brilliant
and brave tackles as well as good running with the ball. However, the time
was against us.
Well done to all the boys as they have obviously listened and worked very hard in the training. ONWARDS AND UPWARDS!
Panthers Orange 2 – Whitchurch Rangers 1 (Michael C. , Owain
)
Panthers Orange 0 - Heath Park Rangers 2
Panthers Orange - Thornhill Athletic D – did not arrive
Players of the Week: Ellis Golding, Will Gelsomini
(Vladka Coupar)
Under 8 Blue
Venue: Marshfield Hall
Our team played so well this week in defending and attacking we have to mention them all. Well Done Blues.
Charlie Allan, Elliot Bate, Jac Bradshaw, Cole Grace, Harry Johnson, Zachary Phillips, Adam Pike, Rhys Shears, Luke Stretton, Frankie Suoto, Tom Taunton, Jacob Wara, Aeron Williams and Jacob Williams.
Marshfield: 0 - Lisvane Blues: 5 (Charlie Allan 2, Harry
Johnson, Rhys Shears and Jacob Wara)
Gwaelod Rangers: 2 - Lisvane Blues:3 (Adam Pike, Rhys Shears and Jacob Wara)
Radyr Rangers: 4 - Lisvane Blues: 2 ( Jacob Wara and own goal from Radyr)
Man Of The Match - Adam Pike
Player Of The Week - Zachary Phillips
(Michelle Wara)
Under 8 Orange
Venue:Court Field
Today we’ve faced some fierce opposition, and that’s beside the weather.
All boys worked very hard and played wonderfully as a team. This has earned them some great comments from their coaches; after the first game, Jamie (the “Boss”) said that “…this is the best He has seen us play.” A great draw against Heath Park rangers who we’ve recently lost to 2:0.
Not even our great team spirit, nor the uplifting support of our parents, could stop the well organized St. Albans side, who has challenged us especially in defence. We have shown some very brave goal keeping and superb tackling, but found it hard to carry the ball out of our half.
We have persevered in the same spirit through the last game, where our efforts were very nearly rewarded when Tom came to less than a centimetre to scoring.
Panthers Orange:1 – Heath Park Rangers: 1 (Michael C)
Panthers Orange: 0 - St. Albans: 3
Panthers Orange: 0 - Grange Town BC: 2
Players of the Week: Max Sewell, Llyr Cox
(Vladka Coupar)
Under 8 Blue
Venue: St Mellons
Yet again the whole team contributed to our great performances this week, Rhys Shears and Jacob Wara both scoring hat tricks, Frankie, Adam and Zach all played really well in defense, and also our great goalies for today, Harry, Cole and Elliot.
The whole team are really playing much better in all areas of the game.
Well Done Blues
Thornhill: 3 - Lisvane: 1 (Goal scored by Charlie Allan)
Llanrumney: 0 - Lisvane: 5 (Goals scored by Rhys Shears 3, Jacob Wara 1,
Charlie Allan 1)
Ely: 1 - Lisvane: 2 (Goals scored by Jacob Wara)
Man of the Match - Frankie Souto for being so good in defense
this week
Player of the Week - Tom Taunton for being so strong in midfield
(Michelle Wara)
Under 8 Orange
Venue: New Road
While the parents and friends spread their picnic rugs the boys have truly “spread the wings” of their game. Where possible, they have played lovely passing football with more awareness of player positions.
The first match has seen some great tackles as well as brilliant goalkeeping by Ciaran which has kept the game very exciting.
Wanting to amend for the narrow miss last week, Tom shot a lovely strike which was STOPPED (not by the goalkeeper but) BY THE ELEMENTS in the form of a giant puddle in the middle of the goal.
Determined to overcome such events, the boys worked very hard and earned a great goal in the second game. The defence has shown that hard work in training clearly pays off; it was pleasure to watch. WELL DONE EVERYBODY!
In the final match, the defenders could relax a bit as most of the game was played in the opposition’s half credit to the midfielder’s great passing, determination and lovely skills.
Congratulation to all the boys scoring their first goal of the season, I am positive there are MANY MORE TO COME!
Radyr rangers White: 0 - Panthers Orange: 0
Rumney Blue: 0 - Panthers Orange: 1 (Tom)
Radyr Rangers Red: 0 - Panthers Orange: 3 (Luc, Ellis, Owain)
Players of the Week: Tom Harrison, Owain Taylor
(Vladka Coupar)
Under 8 Blue
Venue: Llanedeyrn High
On yet another glorious Autumn day, the boys turned up with bags of energy and full of enthusiasm.
The first match against Llanedeyrn Bulldogs was hard fought and despite some great passing up front, goal scoring opportunities and the boys in defence trying really hard, we succumbed to some cracking goals from the other side.
However, spirits were not dampened and they played very well against Gwaelod Rangers securing a well-earned win.
The last match against Heath Park Rangers was neck and neck and could have gone either way, but the opposition pipped us at the post in the second half, despite our very best efforts in defence and the boys 'swarming' less and using the space more.
A big WELL DONE to all our players!
Lisvane: 0 - Llanedeyrn Bulldogs: 3
Lisvane: 4 - Gwaelod Rangers: 1 (Goals scored by Charlie 1, Rhys 1, Jacob Wara 2)
Lisvane: 1 - Heath Park Rangers: 2 (Goals scored by Rhys)
Man of the match - Elliot Bate
Player of the week - Jacob Wara
(Sally Allan)
Under 8 Black
Venue: The Marl
The season thus far has seen the U8 Blacks be very successful with five draws and four wins out of their previous nine matches.
Every player has had excellent matches and the football is improving week on week. Missing this week through illness are Luca Barbenchielli and Tom Powell but week four saw the rest of us at the Marl with games against Grangetown BC, Whitchurch Rangers and AFC Rumney Juniors Whites.
Match 10 – Grangetown BC.
The game kicked off and was immediately end to end on a nice, hot sunny day in front of the expectant parents who had made the trip to the Marl in Grangetown.
Some excellent defending by Evan Wallace was needed to keep the Panthers in the game early on and his runs out of defence enabled the attacking midfielder Owain Edwards to break out whilst Joseph Williams and Dominic held firm behind .
However the U8 Blacks were later caught short in defence as a frenetic first half drew towards a close when Grangetown outnumbered Joseph Shaw two to one and worked an opening which left them up against Ethan Prosser in goal. The short squirmed under the goalkeeper to make it one-nil to Grangetown.
The second half saw a change of personnel and Ellis John making some great saves in goal as again the keeper was left alone in defence against the attackers.
Again the play was end to end and Lisvane came close with efforts by William Mably and Thomas Plaut. James Price was notable in midfield with some stout tackles as the Panthers pushed for an equaliser. However, it was not to be and the game ended with the Blacks’ first defeat this season.
Grangetown BC - 1 Lisvane Panthers - 0
Match 11 – Whitchurch Rangers
The game started well with Joseph Williams up front seeing plenty of the ball. The Whitchurch Rangers side were good in defence and midfield which thwarted the penetration of the U8 Blacks.
Alex Kinsey and Will Mably made several attacks down the flanks but to no avail. A break away attack saw Whitchurch poke the ball passed James Price in goal to take a lead into half time.
Another change of team members and positions in the second half gave Max Lane a chance to shine in goal, with Owain Edwards leading the attack. A long kick from Max and the ball lands with James Price who passed through to Ethan Prosser who had come out of defence, but the attack was stifled by a good defensive display.
Ellis John went on a meandering run up the right hand wing but saw his long shot go wide. A series of corners eventually saw Owain Edwards poke the ball through a crowd on the line to score the equaliser right on the full time whistle.
Whitchurch BC – 1 Lisvane Panthers – 1
Match 12 – AFC Rumney Juniors Whites
A previous competitive match between these teams in the opening few weeks of the season had seen Lisvane come away with a narrow 2 - 1 victory after going down 1 nil in the first half.
Lisvane kicked off with Patrick Thomas, Joseph Shaw and Ethan Prosser making up an attacking mid field and Evan Wallace, Dominic O'Brien and Thomas Plaut providing a sturdy back line defence.
Leading the charge was Alex Kinsey who made several strong runs but managed to miss his kick when in front of goal. He made up for his slip with two marvellous efforts before half time to keep the scores level.
The second half turnaround resulted in Alex in goal where he made some good saves to keep the scores level but was finally beaten to see the Panthers trailing.
Max Lane did some sterling work assisting the defence from mid field before Ellis John picked up the ball from the half way line and did a swerving run around the defence before beating the keeper with a firm shot to pull it all level.
The Panthers ending the day with a loss, a win and one draw with big smiles and sweaty feet.
(Martin Prosser)
Under 8 Orange
Venue: Court Field
We have started our matches against Radyr and it was clear from the outset that neither side was going to take it easy. The result was a very evenly matched game with both sides playing very progressive passing football. It was a pleasure to watch.
All excited, the boys went out full steam ahead in the next match.
A great run and finish by Owain opened our score in 38th seconds (as noted by the opposition manager).
We’ve carried on playing strong passing football throughout the match which has kept the Marshfield goalkeeper very busy. Sam in our goal did very well to stay focused, not feeling left out of the game.
Although it was very hard to contain our joy, we went into the last match ready for a tough game with what seemed a much taller opposition.
There were some great tackles, with both sets of defenders and goalies quite busy. The boys battled excellently and played some great long passes with lovely running into space. Thornhill showed a matching effort and managed to ‘squeeze’ a goal in with less than 3 minutes to go.
But we were not ready to give up and piled on the pressure. Just as the referee was about to blow the final whistle, Will stole a brilliant ball and produced the ‘pass of the day’ to well positioned Owain who levelled the game. It could not have been any more exciting finish to a GREAT DAY! Well done everyone.
Players of the Week: Sam Morgan, Michael Coupar
Radyr Rangers Red: 1 - Panthers Orange 1 (Owain)
Marshfield M: 0 - Panthers Orange: 11 (Owain, Michael C. 4, Tom,
Ben 3, Ellis 2)
Thornhill White: 1 - Panthers Orange: 1 (Owain)
(Vladka Coupar)
Under 8 Black
Venue: Court Field
Missing this week Ellis John but week five saw the Blacks at the home on Court Field with games against Ely Rangers, Marlboro Sports and Radyr Rangers Whites.
Match 13 – Ely Rangers.
Playing up a gentle slope with Ely kicking off saw some scrappy football from both teams.
Dominic O’Brien put in some good time tackles and clearances as did James Price and Joseph Shaw, all in midfield.
The two Toms (Plaut and Powell) and Patrick Thomas made up the defence but were unable to stop Ely’s attack which saw the ball snake under Luca Barbenchielli and into the net.
After the restart the same style of play and a second goal came from a superb strike which beat the defence and keeper again. The mid of Dominic, James and Joseph Williams welcomes the assistance of Evan Wallace who dropped back and helped to defend as he was seeing little of the ball in attack.
The second half and a change of direction and personnel meant that the ball quickly broke to Ethan Prosser whose turn and close control beat the defenders allowing him to pass the ball into the net.
Owain Edwards and Alex Kinsey had some good attempts on goal from midfield but were blocked by the defence and keeper. Max Lane made some superb runs out of defence using both feet and with Evan, now in goal, again denied a touch of the ball as stout defending by Will Mably, Joseph Shaw and Luca kept his goal safe.
A powerful strike at goal by William saw the Panthers draw level and kept the game tense until the final whistle. Well done Panthers another draw.
Lisvane Panthers – 2 Ely Rangers - 2
Match 14 – Marlboro Sports
Tom Powell started in goal and was denied much of the action as the Blacks maintained their momentum with a great midfield of Thomas Plaut, Luca and Dominic providing balls to Joseph Shaw up front.
Excellent defending and tackles provided by Evan, Owain and Max with all three providing strong runs up the wings and great balls into the danger areas. One such ball saw the ball loop to Thomas Plaut who hit it on the volley to beat the keeper with an excellent high shot.
Second half and another mass change left Max in goal with little to do as defence provided by Joseph Williams, Tom Powell and Alex Kinsey saw off any attacks.
An attacking midfield of Patrick, Will and James also providing good defensive cover and balls through to Ethan in attack. Great passing left the ball at Will’s feet and again he struck a low hard shot into the net.
Lisvane Panthers – 2 Marlboro Sports - 0
Match 15 – Radyr Rangers Whites
James Price started in goal and provided some big kicks when required to allow the midfielders – Josephs Williams & Shaw along with Alex - make some strong forward runs, some of which resulted in a long range efforts, one of which Alex scored.
Owain and Joseph Shaw were unlucky not to add to the score in the first half.
The second half and the Panthers dominated despite some large players for Radyr. Luca was attacking and showing some nice touches, ably assisted by the dancing feet of Ethan and Max in midfield. Max was extremely unlucky to hit both post and bar in his efforts.
Evan again provided a strong midfield holding role whilst Dominic, James and Thomas Plaut shone in defence leaving Joseph Shaw very little goal keeping to do.
Lisvane Panthers – 2 Radyr Rangers Whites - 0
It is impossible for me to select individuals for highlighting as everyone was superb today, some excellent passing, dribbling, defending and attacking. Indeed superb football at times. Thank you all.
(Martin Prosser)
Under 8 Blue
Venue: Marshfield Hall
No excuses for getting lost this week as it was our third outing to Marshfield Hall this season.
It was certainly a chilly one and whilst mums and dads bobbed from one foot to the other to keep warm on the sidelines, the cold didn't seem to bother the boys much at all.
Bridgend Street didn't turn up so we had a friendly first match with some of our squad playing for the opposition! They didn't seem to mind much - though we did ask Jacob Wara to conserve his energy for the real match when he played second half for the other side. Thankfully, he obliged!
Mixture 1 - Lisvane 7 (Charlie Allan 1, Adam Pike 1, Jacob Wara 4, Aeron Williams 1)
In the second match against AFC Rumney the boys really impressed us - passing to each other, finding space and communicating well.
Rumney stole a goal towards the end of the first half and another one in the second.
In the words of MrWenger at the weekend "it was a tight game", but I wont go as far to say it was flattering result for Rumney - we defended well throughout and had lots of shots on goal, but simply didn't manage to get one in.
Lisvane 0 - AFC Rumney 2
The third game against Marshfield, saw the boys in good form again and this time the goals came fast and furious and they defended brilliantly.
Marshfield 0 - Lisvane 5 (Charlie Allan 1, Cole Green 1, Jacob Wara 3)
Well done again to all our players - they are really listening and you can see the training paying off.
And on that note, a big thank you to the coaches Rolf, Shelley and Martyn for their effort and enthusiasm on Thursday nights.
Man of the Match - Luke Stretton
Player of the week - Charlie Allan
(Sally Allan)
Under 8 Blue
Venue: Court Field
Well we finally got to play a game after all those weeks of bad weather and the boys were ready to rumble especially as they had their new kit and jackets which was kindly bought by sponsorship from Principality Building Society (Llanishen Branch) to whom we must give a say THANK YOU.
Lisvane Panthers Blue 2 - Fairwater 3
Goals for Lisvane scored by Jacob Wara and Charlie Allan Lisvane
Panthers Blue 2 - Danescourt 2
Goals for Lisvane scored by Jacob Wara and Adam Pike
Lisvane Panthers Blue 0 - Radyr Rangers 2
Man of the Match was Tom Whittingham
All the players played well this week so they all deserve a mention they are: Charlie Allan, Elliot Bate, Cole Grace, Joseff Morris, Harry Johnson, Zac Phillips, Adam Pike, Harry Powell, Rhys Shears, Luke Stretton, Tom Taunton, Jacob Wara, Aeron Williams, Jacob Williams and Tom Whittingham.
(Michelle Wara)