Canterbury Eagles vs. Herne Bay Youth

Canterbury Eagles Under 7s played their first competitive game on Saturday 5th April at the University of Kent. Although inexperienced, the Eagles team fought well and hard although the 9 - 0 score line does not represent their efforts.

Four periods of ten minutes each were played, however, within the first few minutes the more practised Herne Bay Youth side had taken the lead. Strong pressure resulted in a good goal that Eagles keeper Rhys Bromley was powerless to stop. Despite, good defensive play from Matthew, Harry Hammond and Joe Goldbacher the Eagles team conceded two more goals before the first ten minutes were brought to an end.

After a quick drink and some substitutions the teams were back out again. Once more Eagles absorbed lots of Herne Bay pressure and in spite of Taylor Hollingsbree’s valiant defence efforts the Herne Bay side scored two more goals. With time still on the clock in the second ten minutes of the match, Alfie White and Johan Williams linked up effectively to challenge the Herne Bay defence and goalkeeper with strong passing and tireless running. Before the end of the second ten minutes and even with increasing attacking pressure from Eagles, the score line now stood at a miserable 8 – 0.

For the remaining twenty minutes of the game the Eagles goalkeeper Rhys Bromley, who had made numerous important saves during the match, switched with Joe Goldbacher. In the next following ten minutes the Eagles team focused more on their defensive game. Through the combined efforts of Harry Chubb, Jacob Osbourne and the extreme bravery of the new goalkeeper, Eagles were able to clear their lines successfully. A goalmouth scramble saw the Eagles concede again before the end of the third spell of the game.

In the final ten minutes of the match a clearly visible improvement from the Eagles team was witnessed. Long goal kicks from Goldbacher enabled Sabrajan Cheema and Johan Williams to use their impressive pace and dribbling skills to trouble the Herne Bay keeper on many different occasions. Former goalkeeper Rhys Bromley partnered with Taylor Hollingsbree in defence displayed stunning defensive quality and talent to keep the score line at 9-0.

The Eagles side should be impressed with their performance today. Although they conceded nine goals and did not score the effort and determination was there. For their very first game they showed skill and desire throughout the game.

Canterbury Eagles: Rhys Bromley, Harry Hammond, Matthew Edwards, Sabrajan Cheema, Joe Goldbacher (Captain), Jacob Osbourne, Alfie White, Taylor Hollingsbree, Johan Williams, Harry Chubb.

Faversham Strike Force Tournament 7th June 2008
Under 7s

On a fine and sunny day the Canterbury Eagles Under 7s team arrived at the Abbey School with high hopes. Unfortunately, with two late absentees from the eight man squad the team were forced to pull up their socks as no substitutes were available.

The team rose up to this challenge excellently winning their first game against Faversham Strike Force Lightning 2-0 with brilliant goals from Alfie White and Isaac Webber. Seamus Mohan created many more chances in the match but Eagles were unable to beat Faversham Strike Force Lightning’s goalkeeper.

With this high the team then moved on to face the group favourites Faversham Town Eagles. However, despite some spectacular surging runs from the Eagles side the Faversham Town Eagles broke through and scored two excellent goals that stand-in goalkeeper Jo-Jo Thomas was powerless to stop. Sabrajan Cheema tried to salvage a point from the match but with a strong defence Cheema struggled to break through. Brilliant defending from Owen Bryce ensured the score-line stayed at only 2-0.

The Eagles team now knew that to qualify, a win was needed in their next match against Snowdon and Aylesham Youth FC. The team responded to this with a switch in goal bringing a fresh Thomas outfield. Excellent defensive play from Mohan ensured new goalkeeper, Bryce, had little to do. A decisive break away and good attacking play from White and Webber ensured a late goal and a good league position with Webber’s second of the day.

With it all to lose the Under 7s marched into their final league game with an air of hope and confidence. Facing a Swanscombe Tigers Black side that drew with the group favourites the challenge was a big one. The Swanscombe Tigers Black side gained the immediate upper-hand with an early goal which caught out the Eagles side. Heads dropped and morale was low, which caused the second goal. At the half time whistle the side felt they were out. However, after a quick rest and team talk the side went out with a renewed vigour. Almost instantly after the kick off Webber linked up with Cheema and White to break into the box and score a goal. As the second half dragged on Eagles became increasingly attacking. Unfortunately, a well worked counter attack from Swanscombe managed to beat the determined defending of Mohan and Bryce and sealed their path into the semi-finals.

Although the team took no silverware the performance was the best the Eagles side have mustered this season by far, recording our first ever win and scoring four goals in two games. Furthermore, sublime debuts from Mohan and Thomas were instrumental in their teams success.

Eagles: Jo-Jo Thomas, Owen Bryce, Alfie White, Seamus Mohan, Isaac Webber, Sabrajan Cheema.

The first League encounter would be a tough match for both teams as they returned from their summer break for the start of the campaign.

The lack of match readiness was evident when the Deal side scored an early goal after only a few minutes. However, the Eagles rallied together and they regrouped and recovered quickly enjoying a number of attacks of their own. The spell of good play would not have been capable without the strong defensive performance from Harry Chubb and Jacob Osbourne.

Alfie White scored a brilliant goal after a successful run through the Deal defence to get Eagles first of the campaign. With half time closing in both sides continued to press with multiple attacks and counter attacks.

Drinks were clearly needed at the break to re-energise the Eagles side and captained by an always determined Joe Goldbacher the team moved into the second half confident of a good performance. Isaac Webber attempted an immensely powerful shot from just inside Deal’s half that rattled the crossbar and only narrowly missed out on being goal of the season.

Edward Bruce and Jonah Williams fought well in both attack and defence, with Bruce tackling hard and Williams making runs that threatened the Deal goal.

A good effort from the boys in their first game which will undoubtedly set them up for a good and enjoyable season ahead in the League.

Canterbury Eagles: Joe Goldbacher (C), Harry Chubb, Jacob Osbourne, Jonah Williams, Isaac Webber, Alfie White, Edward Bruce