Ash Rovers 3 Martock Rovers 1
In the pouring rain and slope at Ash Rec on a foul Sunday morning in May, Martock Rovers were simply outstanding. They battled for everything and chased down every ball, showing our close neighbours what this team have become and a glimpse of what they will become.
One-nil down at half time was a fair reflection as the hosts failed to take advantage of the slope and were consistently frustrated by the tenacity on the Rovers' back four and midfield. On the counter-attack Rovers were threatening but ran out of legs up the hill.
Second half, Ash put 2 away, but not before RH had levelled and came close to a hat-trick that would have provided the 3-3 result that perhaps would have been a fairer result.
But, the result really did not matter, because today was the day that this collection of young footballers became a team and I wouldn't have missed it for anything....
Martock Rovers U6 vs Ilminster
Martock 3-1 Ilminster
The kids were all raring to go, chests puffed out proud to wear the mighty Martock Rovers Football shirt, until they actually put them on and realised the arms were long enough to fit an orang-utan (who did order those shirts? Ed) They watched the under 7's convincingly despatch 3 goals against a well organised opponent without conceding. And then it was time for Martocks youngest to perform in there first match (albeit a friendly) and they didn't disappoint. HF was made captain for the day and he led by example. From the very first whistle Martock pressed the Ilminster goal and were unlucky not to score before captain marvel out stripped the Ilminster defence before unleashing an unstoppable drive past the helpless keeper. But for some excellent defending from TA, CM, HS & steady goalkeeping from GC Ilminster would have levelled the score.
Martock kept pressing & got there just reward when LC made a goal saving tackle which gained possession and set Martock free DR set HF free and he slotted the ball away with consummate ease. The half time whistle was blown & the youngsters had a well earned drink, rest and team talk. The second half saw PK and MT make there Martock debuts & they didn't leave a ball unchallenged. Martock continued to battle in a much more even second half before DR put the result beyond doubt cracking the ball past the diving keeper.
The Ilminster team battled to the very end & scored an excellent goal which left our super keeper no chance. The referee blew the final whistle to an extremely entertaining well contested match. Many thanks to our opponents for organising the match and taking part in a good spirited game. I have decided the person of the match goes to the whole team for an outstanding TEAM performance. We would like to thank all of the parents who gave up there Sunday morning to cheer the team on to victory.
Martock Rovers U8 vs' East Coker
Martock Rovers 3 East Coker 3
Team Captain GC
East Coker approached me at the end of the Challenge Cup when we were both ejected from the competition asking if they could play our Cup team as we both finished at the same time it would be an opportunity to play a very even game. I agreed on behalf of our team so that we could use the game as a building block to improve our positional awareness.
The game was rescheduled several times because of pitch availability but we finally got the date and time logged in, for a home game after school Wednesday the 2nd of May 1800ish. Both teams arrive and referee Matthew was on hand to adjudicate proceedings and concerned about failing light was keen to get the game underway. However the last couple of East Coker players were adrift due to poor navigational skills. It was agreed between myself and Steve (East Coker manager, really nice bloke) that we should start the game and when the others arrive we would increase the number of players to nine to give everybody as much of a full game as possible.
As soon as Matt blew the whistle both teams flew in to action with East Coker enjoying the early possession which did have the outcome of an early opening goal. Goal out of the way Martock did not let this get them down and were straight back on their game with several outings upfront with JF doing some of his vintage JF skills and having the East Coker defence on the back foot every time he even thought of attacking the goal. East Coker did not go to pieces whilst under attack, quite the opposite they mustered an attack for themselves which resulted in a corner for them. A well taken corner ensued and thinking it was taken care of it took an evil bobble in front of the keeper, low and at the front post it foxed JD and in it went, 2-0 to East Coker. This is not going to the run of the game but somebody say that football is a funny old game I don't know perhaps I dreamt it.
The Martock 9 as we were all on the pitch now were after a turn round of event and from this point on we were determined to take the game by the horns and win. Firstly we get awarded a corner and up steps SF to take an inswinger from the right to BP, who was preparing himself a bicycle kick but as we all know 90% of the time you end up swinging at the air, but this was enough to confuse the defence into a goal mouth scramble rebounding in to the back of the net. On Martock pressed after the restart and would you believe it another corner this time from the other side and out goes SF for what we all expected to be an outswinger, but no wait a minute he has gone for a near post shot, Jf was on hand this time to show enough of a presence to either touch it in or put the keeper off but in it went who scored nobody knows SF JF or oggie you decide I can't.
Game on now Martock 2 East Coker 2. Yet again we were under the cosh and every time they broke through who was in position to save the day for the millionth time but LC. As always Martock settle back into the game and take it to the opposition and on a burst forward we were awarded a free kick a good 20 yards out and right from the goal line, RW was directed to take the free kick, as the goal keeper sets his defence RW was told to break the net with the football. Do you know what I think he may have, once the defence was set the whistle blew and RW let go a thunderbolt right into the top of the net. 3-2 to Martock, this could be the greatest come back since Lazeruss. Unfortunately for us in the dying moments of the game JD found himself facing 2 Coker forwards whom between them resurrected the game for their manager 3-3 and no time left great effort all round, and a fair game was had and both teams really seemed to enjoy themselves.
A quick wash up from Mark, everybody did well and it was nice to see you all gelling as a team you are all improving every time you play together, so he is a couple of pointers on your individual performances. RR a big well done your positional play was excellent. GC first time team Captain ties in nicely with your (in my opinion) best ever performance. JD as always some brilliant saves and your coming off the line to cut out passes is getting better and better. RW your blistering pace and strength of shot is second to none. JF positional play and overall ability are by far your best attributes don't worry all dry spells finish you deserve more. BP as ever sheer doggedness and determination to score is paying off for both you and the team keep it up. SF your ability to strike a standing ball is phenomenal keep it up soon the goals will pay dividends. JP a great all rounder with the knowledge of the game to play anywhere. LC I am saving the best to last, what can I say on Wednesday your pace, ability, determination and positional play were superb. An all round great game and fully deserving of the award Man of the Match.
Illminster V Martock Rovers U7 29/4/07
Team Captain LC.
Two teams this week to get to the school and travel a fair distance to Illminster for an away game first thing Sunday morning at short notice. So a big thankyou to all the parents from both myself and Andy as we all know kids are not the fastest in the morning, but we got there and nobody got lost. After a swift chat to the Illminster manager it was decided that the U7's would play first as the home side had not got all their U6's turn up yet, not a problem. A quick change and we were ready to play apart from the fact that our usual goal keeper is too old to play and our stand-in was away on holiday. So its off to the pitch and ask the team who wanted to go in goal for the first half, thinking I would have to be the nasty one and make the decision and tell them who was going in the nets. I was surprised to hear SF shout up that he would go in for the first half. That sorted and the Captain informed it was time for the game.
From the whistle blow Martock came out of the gates all guns blazing in a blur of red and black which left Illminster spinning and wondering if they were part of the same game. The whole of the bench were not even considering if we will score at this early stage of the game they were thinking how many we would get. There were a few times during the first half that Illminster had breakaway attacks that threatened our goal but these were brought to an end by 2 saves from SF but mostly it was the team as a whole coming back and defending as a single unit. I don't know whether it was that we had a stand-in goalie or finally the team has realised that you need to keep goals out as well as put them in, whatever it was it was nice to watch all of them playing for each other. The first half has been going for some time now and from the side line we have enjoyed some really good football, GC going on a delightful run through the middle of the park leaving the Illminster team in her wake, LC turning the whole of the opposition in circles, BP putting the defence through their paces and JF doing some really nice football using the big pitch to his advantage and enjoying his free role, it was from this free role that created the first goal for Martock in the 14th minute by supplying the prefect pass to BP who was on hand to put it in the back of the net.
We have had a majority of the possession and were really enjoying the game. Half time and it is time to select a new goal keeper and when the team were asked up stepped RR and took responsibility much to my delight because now I don't have to make any unpopular decisions. Second half starts and Martock carry on in the same vain as they finished the first, and not to sound like a broken record but it was a carbon copy of the first half, the whole team defending as a single entity. However we did get to see an impressive dive from the second half goal keeper RR who ensured the ball went past the far post well done RR. That dealt with Martock resume the onslaught and Illminster had a bit of a defensive mare with several shots from BP JF LC being parried and not clearing their line only to have the ball drop to SF who jumped at the chance to drive the ball in to the far bottom corner catching the keeper wrong footed. Next was another impressive bit of skill from JF on the edge of the Illminster box, twisting and turning and finally releasing a great shot which completely foxed the Illminster team and BP was on hand to make sure it went in, in a typically Lineker style. From this point Martock continued to play good football until the final whistle and now its the turn of the U6's to impress.
For his overall performance and hard work the man of the match was awarded to JF, that aside it was a thoroughly impressive performance from all and a big well done to both goalkeepers SF and RR for stepping up to the breach for their team.
Martock Rovers U12 vs' Preston Rangers
The first 2 minutes were a closely fought affair, with lots of passion and committment from the Rovers - but for the next 58 minutes a heavy price was paid for hesitation in the Rovers defence as a spritely Rangers side set up a series of shooting chances and 1 on 1 situations. An empassioned speech by Steve at half time did galvanise the Rovers to an extent but by then heads were down and legs tired and it was game over, 13-nil. But, all 17 players got a game just wait until next season .... (Many thanks to Preston for being our visitors).
"That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not;
For there is none of you so mean and base,
That hath not noble lustre in your eyes.
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry 'God for Steve, Paul, Barry, England, and The George!"
Merriott vs' Martock Rovers U8 15/4/07
Merriott Wanderers 7 Martock Rovers 1
Another Sunday another day to bask in the glory of the beautiful game. Today the manager did push out all the stops and managed to book the best weather possible, with enough sunlight to dry the morning dew but not too much as to harden the ground under foot. With all that in mind it down to the little people and as historical data would prove a fair bit of luck. Luck aside since we last played them we have a few wins under our belt and we like the winning feeling.
The team selected and the Captain named (SF) it is over to the referee, the whistle blows and Martock attack the Merriott lines instantly winning the ball from the Merriott front line and pushing on to the home teams back line with JF making the most of the oppositions stagnant start and almost coming up with the opener within the first couple of minutes only to be thwarted by a last second tackle allowing Martock their first corner. Up comes BH from the back as one of the set piece specialist to add height and aerial ability to the attack, however the ball did not go to his head but was ping ponged around the penalty area and finally coming to rest at BH's feet, unfortunately too close to his feet and BH has no real room to unleash a monster of a shot and just stabbed it in vein to a defender who clears the danger. Merriott break with a flat 3 up front and over run our outnumbered LC who makes a valiant effort to stop the advance but sheer number over haul him and it end up two against JD who draw him out and play it round him to open the Merriott account.
This to much dismay is pretty much how the game started and ended up with Martock putting in some really good and solid build up play only to be out done on the break. Individually everybody that played did so with all of their hearts and for that I am overjoyed.
GC put in one of her finest performances to date with strong tackles going in and not giving up the chase, also I believe that GC was the only person on the field that made 100% of her passes. JF, I feel it was very unfortunate that it turned out to be JF's turn to be changed at half time because he was again allowed to play his own game and in doing so made no mistakes whatsoever. SF, what can I say about this chap but a solid performance as captain who tried to be everywhere and do everything, and he finally listened to his manager and guess what he was able to claim Martock's only goal in the game.
RW, second half performance was second to none, so whatever his Mum said to him at half time Sir Alex has asked me to find what it was so please pass it on. LC, 7-1 is not a fair reflection of how well and hard LC played and if anybody was committed to Martock winning today it was this lad, tireless rugged determination to keep the score down and he did so. LC man of the match.
On a final note, to all supporters and families of all the players a massive thankyou from both Mark and all the players for allowing us to enter this competition through your help and kindness.
A little note for Steve and Paul, the back pass rule for kids is as for adults however it is a direct freekick from the edge of the area, all covered by law 12 in the mini-soccer handbook (whoops, sorry ref...)
----- I'd just like to thank Mark again for what he and his squad have achieved in Rover's first competitive season - not measured just by the victories, but rather by the endless supply of happy faces that have worn the green and white shirts. Involvement and Enjoyment, geddit? Ed ----
Martock Rovers U8 vs' Illchester Larks 25/3/07
Team Captain JF
The day started as a usual Sunday football day, toiling over the starting line up. Looking at who played where, when, how long, who was sub in the last game also how many games each player has played and finally has everybody had the chance of playing in every position on the pitch (except our superstar goalkeeper JD). With all that in mind and my many pieces of paper I came up with yet another formation to complete the fairest rotation in my limited capacity (can't please everybody all the time).
After a little debate about my inadequacies the team was changed to keep all parents happy (Editor's note: please remember parents, our ethos is involvement and enjoyment so everyone will play, regardless of abilities and please don't make life any harder for the Manager than it already is). With that finalised the team went out to the pitch and began the warm up. After a bit of jogging and ball control practice the referee approached me to see if we were ready to kick off, with the team captain named and players briefed we were.
From the kick off Martock were rampant with everybody trying to go forward and score. It was at this moment that I realised that over the weeks the players have settled into their natural position and with my "mixing it up" to give everybody a fair crack of the whip I have probably confused them a touch (never mind, hang on to half time and I will try to re-balance things). All things be as they are we are still looking good out there and Martock are really battling for every loose ball and pushing on every chance they got. Then out of nothing BP gets hold of the ball in the opposition's midfield and presses onto the Illchester defence and lets go of an exquisite lob to leave the keeper flapping.
The game progressed with lots of end to end action with stacks of encouragement from the side lines for both teams. It was during one of Illchester's attacks that the first controversial incident occurred, BP controlled the football accidentally into his own hand, unfortunately the referee was on hand to give a penalty. Illchester stepped up and placed the ball only to fire it wide.
The game restarted and within a couple of minutes we were awarded a corner from the far side so up steps the specialist SF to take the corner, he did not disappoint by producing the finest inswinger which beat everybody except the far post (Doh!). We are starting to really take the game to Illchester and the pressure paid of with one of their defenders protecting his face was deemed to handle the ball and a penalty came our way. Team Captain JF was given authority to choose the kick taker and did. JF placed the ball and took responsibility himself, a well struck penalty was taken only to be thwarted by a fine save. Half time came to soon for Martock who were all fired up and wanted to carry on.
From the whistle Illchester were a much stronger adversary than they were in the first half and with the addition later on in the half of their local supersub took the game to Martock. However not to be outdone next action came, a dazzling run up front by our newly appointed striker BH who proceeded to slot home yet another impressive goal for his every increasing tally.
It must be said that Illchester were not taking it lying down and they did manage to get 2 goals past JD in the final period much to our dismay even though he must have saved 3 times that earlier in the game. However it was not a one-sided affair in the second half and we did create a couple of nice chances for ourselves but to no avail.
For his all round performance and a great goal Man of the Match goes to BP.
Many thanks to all the parents who have shown support to me and the team and hopefully with the right results in the right place and we may have another game or two in this competition. Keep checking the web site.
(Editor's note: I can confirm that Sky Sports have made an approach for Mark as a match commentator, but we have rejected their offer).
Martock Rovers U8 vs' Castle Cary Rovers 18/3/07
Team Captain JP
Martock started the day with a quick photo shoot for the local school hero Barnaby Bear (Guest of LC). Yet again Martock Rovers have vastly improved on their last performance 100%. That by no means suggests that their previous outing was in any way poor, quite the contrary. Pleasantries out of the way and the game time a looming, the team started the game with a very energetic warm up (mostly due to adverse weather conditions and temperatures). 10:30 on the dot official Mr Steve Burrell blew up for the start of the match. From the very beginning Martock were very dominant, helped a lot by the fierce wind behind them. Martock took hold of the game in a very attacking frame of play. It took about 7 minutes to open the scoring with a driven shot from RW, shortly followed by BH with a very nicely taken blast. Castle Cary then took the initiative with a break away attempt only to be thwarted by JD in the nets, on attempting to play JF in for a solo effort JD not only lobbed JF but also the Castle Cary keeper to JD and the teams delight. From the restart Martock quickly retrieved possession and strode forward to allow BH to place an accurate grass cutter in off the bottom left of the post. Castle Cary pressed on trying out JD again who was not to be beaten, once the ball was in his hands again and JF was in position JD let fly and in it went, to which he gave a rye grin and the team cheered. Half time shortly followed where the nominated replacements swapped over and the game restarted, Castle Cary came out of the blocks in the second half with great pride and willingness to take on Martock and use the wind to there advantage which they did and it made it very difficult for Martock to settle back into the game. Up till now the team Captain JP was being a stalwart making passes and challenges all over the park but now it was his turn and with about 10 minutes gone in the second half JP pounced on a stray through ball and put it away very tidily, this was quickly followed by another fine strike from JP. The pressure from Martock seemed to be relentless which was evident from the eighth goal which was fought over by SF and RW with RW coming off the winner. Finally to end this chapter of Martock Rovers football was a well deserved third for team Captain JP (the first hat trick for the club). Man of the match was given to JD for his first clean sheet and also being the only goalkeeper I have ever seen score twice in one game from his own penalty area (well done).
Final Score: Martock Rovers 9 Castle Cary Rovers 0
Bruton United vs' Martock Rovers U8 11/3/07
Martock Rovers Captain RW
Again another game that would qualify for Match of the Day viewing. As Saturday's game stands our team did nothing different, Lots of hard work throughout from everybody. There are a couple of exceptions, the first being the distance to the game and the early start, so firstly many thanks to the parents of all the players for doing what I failed to do and being at the school on time (which will never happen again as it is one of my pet hates).
From the toss RW acted as a true captain and took his manager's advice to swap ends and have the slope and wind in our favour to judge the strength of our oppositions attack. From that point it was a very well battled game with Martock mostly on top. Both Martock and Bruton took it in turns scoring some great goal some not so great goal but as we all know they all count. (Goals went in as follows:-1-0,1-1,1-2,2-2,2-3) Great attitude and a thoroughly pleasant game to be involved with. Once again the manager guessed best, the team and the sideline including myself voted the team Captain RW Man of the Match.
Final Score Bruton United 2 Martock Rovers 3 (RW x 2 JP x 1)
Lyde Locust v's Martock Rovers U8 10/3/07
Martock Rovers Captain BH
A very good game to watch which involved a lot of end to end action, a very even and well contested game with a lot of hard but fair challenges going in from either side. All's fair in love and football and Lyde did seem to have established a slightly more convincing passing game than that of our team at this early stage of our football career. That set aside we were not out played in any manner whatsoever. As the Manager I was nothing but impressed by the whole teams attitude and willingness to help each other, but with that in mind there were two players that shone above all others, both were equal in team spirit and desire to not lose. They were JD and BH, even though it is agreed that JD kept Martock in the game in the first half with some fantastic goalkeeping, it was more than evident that if it were not for BH, JD would have been 100% more busy. So with that in mind I award BH a well deserved Man of the Match for his outstanding efforts and good attitude.
Final score Lyde Locust 3 Martock Rovers 1 (JF - superb goal well done).
Merriott vs' Martock Rovers U8
Martock unexpectedly won this friendly match 2-1, provoking a shameful response from one of the Merriott supporters. We are very disappointed by this incident as it represents the exact opposite of our Club's ethos. We have since received a formal apology from Merriott.
Stoke sub Hamdon vs' Martock Rovers U8
The second host team on the trot to miss the point. Stoke fielded a strong team against a Rovers side containing only one child in year 3, and kept their foot hard on the gas to ensure complete victory. Despite this, smiles all round and some nice moments from our youngsters.
Somerton vs' Martock Rovers U12 4/2/07
Somerton fielded a strong and mismatched XI against an inexperienced Martock. In only their second match on a full size pitch, Martock struggled to appreciate and use the additional space and conceded double digits with no reply. Martock saved their best spell for the final quarter but it was too little too late. The kit looked good, however.
Early days boys, we'll only get better - and we have plenty to work on in training next week!
