2007 2008 Under 10 Falcons

MANAGER:

Manager: Jason Balogun
Deputy Managers: Haskell Adamson & Ian Sampson
Coach: Darren Hart

PLAYERS:

Atharva Abhyankar, Felix Adamson-Walter, Jordan Balogun, Jack Hawley, Adam Miller, Osahon Osaggie-Osula, Chi-Cho Tche, Shaquille Sampson, Kyle Verlander, James Hart, Joushua Ogunware, Connor Tompkins, Lewis Tompkins

NEWS:

Training for 2007/2008 commence : Saturday, 1 September 2007. 10:30 - 12noon every week @ Radlett Road, Rugby Club

Our first Qualifying Match of the season is scheduled for Sunday, 9th September. (Fixtures not yet available).

FIXTURES:

• County Cup - 14 Oct 07 : NRW Falcons v Hemel Hempstead Youth Whites @ 11:00
• 7 Oct 07 : League Cup, NWR Falcons v Croxley Guild Tigers

RESULTS:

• 20 Apr 08 : Oakhill Tigers 3 v Falcons 2
  Goal scorer: Jordan Balogun 2
  

  We brought our season to a close with this pleasing performance, but yet a disappointing result.

  The match started badley for us, as we let in a goal within two minutes of the game. 1-0 down, we came back stronger, taking control of the match and levelled the scoring 5 minutes later. With the match level at 1-1, we created many more chances, but did not take advantage of our opportunities, finishing the half 1-1.

  We started the second half even worse than the first, coming out way off the pace and let in two more goals within 5 minutes of the half to go 3-1 down. 3-1 down, we got going and stamped authority on the match once again and our grit and determination earned us a penalty, but only for us to miss the penalty. However, we continue to put pressure on the opposition and scored our second with less than a minute left on the clock and no time left to level the match.

  Overall: We deserved better than we got over the 40 minutes today. The season has seen us play as good as many teams in the division, but we are yet to learn the art of closing games down when in control, which we had many opportunities, but did not do today.

  As this is our last league match of the season, I salute and thank all our players for their efforts throughout the season and my gratitute to all our unsung heros (the parents) for their marvellous support and also to my partners in crime; Ian, Darren and Brian.

• 13 Apr 08 : St Albans Rangers 1 v Falcons 1
  Kyle Verlander
  

  We had a good first-half today, as we passed and moved the ball about, showing glimpses of what we are capable of but did not convert our chances to break the deadlock. The first-half was not all about the Falcons though, as St Albans had their moments and the half finished 0 - 0.

  We started the second-half without any real threat or trouble from the opposition, but then gifted St Albans a soft goal to take the lead 1- 0 with 7 minutes left on the clock. 1 - 0 down, we kept our chins up and levelled the match 3-minutes later, finishing the game with a flourish.

  Overall: This match was far from the 15 goal thriller (8-7 result) with St Albans in the corresponding match, but as a team we played with great spirit and determiniation throughout, fighting for every blade of grass on the pitch.

  1 - 0 down, we showed big hearts to get a well deserved equaliser and could have clinched all 3 points towards the end. A fantastic team spirit from the purple army. Well done boys, you were all real soldiers out there today.

• 30 Mar 08 : Brady Maccabi 5 v Falcons 1
  Jordan Balogun
  

  We were below par today although we started the match well, but was unable to keep possession and looked like a team going nowhere. The first goal by the opposition took the wind out of us and we were 2 - 0 down going into the break.

  We started the second half huffing and puffing, but still could not produce the quality we were capable of and let in 2 more goals to go 4 - 0 down. However, the match was not a one-way-traffic as we started to compete towards the end, showing traces of our old selves to pull a goal back and go 4 - 1 down, but only to let in another goal and finished the match 5 - 1 against.

  Overall: We were not at the races for most of this match, although the muddy pitch did not help our course today. We did not show enough craft and looked nowhere near our best nor was our usual spirit anywhere to be found.

  I blame this out of character performance on Easter hangover, so boys, let's pick oursleves up and go once again!

• 9 Mar 08: London Colney Colts 2 v NWR Falcons 0
  

  We were 1- 0 down within a couple of minutes of the match to a free kick from the opposition. The goal did not take the shine out of our players efforts as they kept plugging away throughout the first half, but failed to get the equaliser and finished the half 1 - 0 down.

  We kept our shape in the second half and at times had the opposition where we wanted them, but could not break their defence or beat the goalkeeper. With less than five minutes to go, we conceded our second goal to a header from a corner kick and ended the match 2 - 0 against.

  Overall:
  Not the result I had hoped for, but a good performance from all our players.

  We created many chances against the opposition today, but the difference was their very physical defenders and a goalkeeper in fine form. We defended very well in open play, but lost to 2 goals from set pieces.

  All in all, we passed and moved the ball up field effectively, but were unable to find that killer finish today. I am pleased with our boys performance, so better luck next time boys.

• 2 Mar 08: Strides 1 v NWR Falcons 2
  Scorers: Joshua Ogunware, Jack Hawley
  

  We started the match with a spark and looked the better team from the onset, but could not buy a goal for love nor money! Stride's 6.5ft tall goal keeper (I had to check his card twice to confirm his age) was in an impressive form throughout the first half and denied us a few clear cut chances to open the scoring. While thinking of ways to beat their goalkeeper, we switched off for a moment and Strides broke the deadlock against the run of play to go 1-0 up into the break.

  We started the second half with the same momentum as the first, controlling the match but still unable to break their defence. With less than 10 minutes left on the clock, our desire and determination to win was rewarded with a goal and we scored another a few minutes later to finish the match 2-1 to us.

  Overall:
  A 5-star performance and a great result.

  We looked sharp as a team, held our positions very well and could have won the match by a bigger margin, as we looked dangerous every time we went forward.

  1-0 down, and 10 minutes to go, I was beginning to entertain the thoughts of being the first team in our league to lose or drop points to Strides, but our boys pulled the rabbit-out-of-the-hat to win the match!

  A great fight back from the "Purple Army", well done boys!

  On behalf of NWRFC and the fantastic Falcons, we wish all our sweet mums a happy and wonderful Mothers' Day.

• 24th Feb 08 (Friendly match) NWR Falcons - 0 v - Everett Rovers - 4
  

  A friendly match against our local rivals and good friends Everett Rovers was an ideal way to enjoy this Sunday off from this week's league duties. This was a friendly match in every sense of the word, as we had Matty Sears (from Everett Rovers) playing for us on the day against his team mates, because we were short on numbers for the game.

  The first half of the match saw us play well as a team, creating a couple of good chances and on another day could have taken the lead going into the break, but finished the half 0-0.

  A switch around of our players positions in the second half was not a clever move by me, as the Rovers stepped up a gear with their game and made things difficult for us at the back, creating some good chances and scored 4 goals in the half to finish 4-0 against us.

  Overall: An entertaining display from both sets of players. The match was a good test for our boys and great effort from all the playres on the pitch today. An enjoyable match for all concerned.

  Many thanks to Chris Sears for making the match happen and thanks to the Everett Rovers team for coming out today.

• 17th Feb 08: NWR Falcons 2 v Oakhill Tigers 1
  Scorers: Joshua Ogunwara, Jack Hawley
  

  We had a bright start today, playing positive football by passing and moving the ball upfield effectively. We were never under any real pressure in the first half and commanded the half much better than the opposition, but finished 0 - 0 going into the break.

  Our second half start was also pleasing, as we took the game to the opposition and broke the deadlock with 5 minutes into the half. 1 - 0 up and our tails up, we continued to put pressure on the opposition and scored our second goal with 10 minutes left on the clock. Oakhill Tigers later struck with the last kick of the match to finish the game 2 - 1 to us.

  Overall: A solid team performance throughout the match, as we moved the ball up front with purpose and defended solidly at the back.

  This was a moral boosting result for us, because Oakhill Tigers were the champions of our division last season and the match was never going to be easy, but we stamped authority on the game and looked a force to be reckoned with.

  We were on our game today and 10 out of 10 to all our players!

• Date: 10 Feb 08 : NWR Falcons 0 v Bradt Maccabi 1
  

  This was a close match from start to finish, with limited chances from both sides in the first half. 0-0 going into the break was evidence on how close the match was and there was nothing between the teams.

  We started the second half on equal terms with the opposition and both teams equally comand the game after the break, but we paid the price for our only mistake of the match, when we were slow to clear a loose ball on our goal line and allowed one of the opposite players to toe-poke the ball into our net.

  1-0 down, we did not pick up the pace and create the chances to test their goalkeeper, finishing the match 1-0 againt.

  Overall: Our display and attitude was solid today. An overall spirited performance from our players, but a harsh result.

  This evenly matched game showed we can mix it with the high flyers in this division. It was a tight match and a share of the spoils would have been a fair result, which is why I am disappointed we lost to a scruffy goal. But they all count, so unlucky boys.

• 3 Feb 08 : (Friendly match) Bushey Rangers Hawks 1 v NWR Falcons 3
  Scorers : Jack Hawley, Jordan Balogun (pen), Kyle Verlander (pen).
  

  With our players off league duties this week, a friendly invite from Bushey Ranger Hawks was just what the doctor ordered. The match presented us with an opportunity to test our wits against one of the teams from a higher division.

  We started well, creating some good chances and showed quality. This effort earned us an early goal and a penalty in the first-half to finish 2-0 up going into the break.

  We also start the second half on a positive note and won another penalty to go 3-0 up. With the match in the bag, we took our foot off the gas and was a little off the pace towards the end. The opposiiton finished the match the stronger of the teams and scored a late deserved consolation goal to finish 3-1 to us.

  Overall: A gallant display from our boys, as we stayed focused for most of the match. Although, we were on the back foot towards the end of the match, we kept our shape and defended superbly as a team.

  This result is evidence our players are moving in the right direction and if we continue to produce this type of performance, we will be difficult to beat.

  Full marks to all our players and well done.

  A thank you note to Bushey Ranger Hawks for the invite and a well conducted friendly match. You're true gents and great hosts, Thank you.

• 27 Jan 08 : NWR Falcons 3 v AC Finchley North 0
  Goal scorers : Jack Hawley, Joshua Ogunware, Jordan Balogun.
  

  All our players put in their shifts from start to finish today and struck the right notes with this display.

  We took control of this match early, breaking the deadlock within 10 minutes of the game. 1-0 up, we began to show more confidence, playing some good football and knocked the ball about well. With our noses in front, we never looked back, kept our shape and looked dangerous throughout the first half. We got our second goal towards the end of the half to make it 2-0 going into the break.

  We were also fantastic in the second half and showed some great defending whenever under pressure. With more quality effort from the players, we cut the opposition open and made it difficult for them. We got our third goal in the last five minutes of the match to finish 3-0.

  Overall:

  This is a great result and a cracking display from our boys.

  We've not had many days like this, as we've always been in dog-fights and always dug very deep for results. Our theme this season have been "we played well, but unlucky not to get a result", the boys put a change to that today with our best performance of the season.

  We were outstanding today, a display and result like this can only be great for our confidence and team spirit. I hope this result will lift us and provide us with that winning mentality for the rest of the season.

  Today's display was all about the players and the team spirit. A job well done by the fantastic Falcons' and I tip my hat to you all.

• 13 Jan 08 : NWR Falcons 7 v St Albans Rangers 8
  Goal scorers: Jordan Balogun (5)
  Jack Hawley Chi-Cho Tche

  You are not mistaken! the match finished 8-7 to St Albans Rangers and it was one of those matches you do not know where to start or finish and find difficult to explain.

  However, it all started with a late phone call from St Albans Rangers last night to confirm they could switch the match to their grounds, because our pitch was waterlogged and the match has been called off.

  So, we started this goal crazy match by conceding our first within 2 minutes. 1-0 down, Jack took the law into his own hands to make it 1-1 by scoring a great solo goal, running the ball from inside our box and took on the entire opposition into their box and then calmly slotted the ball past their goalkeeper to level. The opposition inmmediately replied by scoring 2 more goals to make it 3-1. Not to be out done, Jordan took the bull by the horns to score 2 goals and level the match 3-3. We got ourselves back in the game, but only to switch off for the rest of the half and let in 3 more goals to finish 6-3 down going into the break.

  6-3 down, we did not lie down or cave in, but instead came all out on the attack in the second half. As we got going again and taking the game to the opposition, Jordan showed his clinical finishing to score 3 more goals and level the match 6-6.

  Just when we though we have seen enough goals for one match, we let in an own goal, and the opposition scored another to make it 8-6. We came out fighting once again, with Chi-cho finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and kept his cool to score our last goal, making it 7-8. We finished the match the stronger of the two teams, but ran out of time to get the equaliser.

  Overall: A great effort from our players, as they showed hunger and determination to keep coming back, which was very encouraging.

  This was a smash and grab display from both teams and we should have got a draw from the match. It was a close game, but goals win matches and we were unlucky to let in one more than the opposition today. So, fair play to St Albans Rangers.

  Unlucky boys, as we came away empty handed, but you did put on a great show today, Well Done!

• 6 Jan 08 : NWR Falcons 3 v Gadeside Reds 3
  Goal Scorers : Kyle Verlander 2, Joshua Ogunware
  

  We had a great start today and came out of the blocks faster than the opposition, with an early goal to break the deadlock within the first five minutes of this action packed first half. Only for the opposition to equalise a few minutes later to make it 1-1.

  We raised our game and scored again to take a 2-1 lead and the opposition level the match once again, making it 2-2 and then scored another to take a 3-2 lead going into the break.

  3-2 down, our boys came out fighting in the second half, looking stronger and believed we could still win the match. With our confidence flooding back, we put in a quality performance and was rewarded with a deserved goal to level and finish the match 3-3.

  Overall: This was a good game of football against a pleasant opposition and a great team display from our boys, as they all worked hard for one another.

  We created lots of chances in the match and was lively from start to finish, but Gadeside were good on counter attack and always looked like getting a goal on the break. Overall, we created a little more chances than the opposition and could have snatch victory, but a draw is a fair result, as any win would have been cruel to the other team.

  The match was a massive test for us, because we lost 8-0 to the same opposition only three months ago. A magnificent display from our players and I am very proud of every one of them.

• 16 Dec 07. NWR Falcons 2 v London Colney 3
  Goal scorers : Jordan Balogun, Joshua Ogunware
  

  We stamped some authority on this match from the start, showing what we are capable of and got our just reward to take the lead within the first 10 minutes of the game. The opposition equalised four minutes later with a wonderful long range shot from the half-way line and went 2-1 up with another wonder strike soon after.

  2-1 down, our players rediscovered their poise and produced some attacking moves to level the match 2-2 going into the break.

  We started the second half on a high tempo, creating lots of chances and made things difficult for the opposition, but was unable to finish them off. Just when I was hoping for a rob of the green, an unfortunate late own goal from us ended the match 3-2 to the opposition.

  Overall: This was an enjoyable display from our players. We played like a reborn team, moving the ball up field with authority and looked lively throughout the match.

  A disappointing result, but our performance and character was spot on today. I am proud of the boys as they gave a great account of themselves, looked improved and progressing as a team. Brilliant team effort boys!

  On behalf of U10s Falcons and NWRFC may I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

• 25 Nov 07 : AC Finchley Select North 3 v NWR Falcons 0
  

  We started the match well and looked the the more likely side to break the daedlock within the first five minutes of the game, but soon took our foot off the gas, while the opposition raised their game to take a 2 - 0 lead going to the break.

  We did not do much attacking in the second half either and conceded one more goal to finish 3 - 0 against.

  Overall : This was another combative performance from our players, but the difference between us and the opposition today was their passing. Our boys effort and committment is evidence we can compete in this division, because we battle and work hard in matches, but must improve on our passing and move the ball up field more effectively.

  We are a team still finding our feet and have some catching up to do in order to be a strong all round unit, I know our players have the abilities to do just that.

• 18 Nov 07 : NWR Falcons 2 v Cassiobury Panthers 3
  Scorer : Jordan Balogun 2
  

  We started this match well, but did not hold our positions very well, which enabled Cassiobury to take a deserved 2 - 0 lead going to the break.

  We came out stronger in the second half, believing we can win the match and scored two goals to level the match half way through the half. Our boys showed great character and played well for each other, but we conceeded a late goal to finish the match with a 3 - 2 defeat.

  Overall : A pleasing performance. This match was one that got away, because we took the game to the opposition in the second half and played well enough to get a share of the spoils. I am disappointed we finished the match empty handed, but chuffed to bits with our players all round performance today and hope this is a turning point. " Brilliant team display boys!"

• 11 Nov 07 : Cassiobury Panthers 3 v NWR Falcons 1
  Goal Scorer : Jordan Balogun
  

  This match was a classroom battle for a couple of our players against their classmates. As the match was a surprise fixture, we had seven players available and only six of them made it on time to play the first half.

  With six players to start, we caught the opposition cold by taking the lead only 2 minutes into the match. Our players worked hard and did us proud, but Cassiobury equalised later on and got their second goal with the last kick of the first half.

  We started the second half with seven players, but did not make the extra man count and conceded one more goal to finish the match with a 3 - 1 defeat.

  Overall : It was a courageous performance and a couple our players were heads and shoulders above their team mates today. We are a hard working team, but I can clearly see where we are going wrong and know we have a team capable of turning things around.

• 4 Nov 07 : Eastbury Farm 7 v NWR Falcons 1
  Goal Scorer : Jordan Balogun
  

  Yet another match lost to our bogey team (Eastbury Farm) . We've now played them in 3 cup matches and lost them all.

  Having gone 1 - 0 down within 5 minutes of the match, we then took control of the game, playing good football and equalised to finish the first half 1 - 1. We were in full control going to the break and was never in danger of losing our grip or the match. ( The second half looked promising !! ).

  Unfortunately, we let in another early goal in the second half and our heads & football quality dropped as soon as that goal was conceeded. We were found wanting for the rest of the match and let in five more goals by the end of the game.

  Overall : Another disappointing result, the only words to describe our performance today and the season so far is "Jekyll & Hyde". Our first half performance was as good as we've played anywhere this season, but the second half display was way below our usual standard. I have every confidence in our players and know they will bounce back from this setback.

• 28 Oct 2007 : NWR Falcons 1 v Strides 0
  Goal Scorer : Jordan Balogun
  

  Following our unpleasant introduction to the Yellow Division last week, our players picked themselves up today and bounced back with this combative display to earn our first win of the season.

  The match was very tight in the first half and either side could have taken the lead, but the half finished 0 - 0. Our boys came out all guns blazing in the second half and worked hard for each other. The hard work resulted in a free-kick, which we took advantage of to break the dealock. With our noses in front, our players kept up the hard work and thier cool to take all 3 points.

  Overall : We showed great character today and our players worked thier socks off to earn this win. A superb performance from the boys and I am delighted. Well done to the Fantastic Falcons.

• 21 Oct 07 : Gadeside Rangers Red 8 v NWR Falcons 0
  Match report :
  

  It was a bad day at the office today. We conceeded the first goal as early as two minutes into the game and was 4-0 down by the break. We did not do enough to get into the match in the second half and lost the half by the same margin as the first.

  On the positive side, our team effort was not as bad as the result indicated, but we shot ourselves in the foot with poor defending and sloppy play throughout the match.

  Overall : This is a disappointing result for us, but the match was a wake-up call and good lesson, as we will be facing oppositions like this every week. A lot of positive points have been taken from the match and I was impressed by our players bravery, because they showed courage and committment to the very end.

• 14 Oct 07 : NWR Falcons 2 v Hemel Hempstead Town Youth Blue 4.
  Goal Scorers : Kyle Verlander, Jack Hawley.
  Match Report :
  

  Our first half display was a bit up and down today, as we finished the half 3 - 0 down, leaving us an uphill struggle for the second. However, our boys found their feet and settled in the second half to finish the game with a 4 - 2 defeat and looking the more dangerous towards the end of the match.

  Our second half perfomance is evidence that when the chips are down our players will show some character, but we paid a heavy price for a poor first half.

  Overall : Our general display was promising, as we looked a formidable unit, with all the boys contributing and playing their part. The lesson from this match is to improve on moving the ball up field quicker to create more chances, but overall the best team won.

• 7 Oct 07 : NWR Falcons 2 v Croxley Guild Tigers 4.
  Scorers : own goal, Osahon Osula. MOTM : James Hart (Manager's vote)
  

  We concluded our qualifying matches with this brave performance. Having finished the first half of the match on equal terms, some good team work from our boys put us 2 - 1 up early in the second. We lost a little bit of composure towards the end of the match and late goals by Croxley (the last with the last kick of the game) did not reflect how close this match really was.

  However, the boys played with a lot of confidence and looked particularly good in defence. If our players could produce the type of performance as they did in the first half of this match on a weekly basis, we should have a great season.

  Overall : This is another good performance from the boys, as the opposition looked well organised, but we were no way outplayed today. I am delighted with our players performance and hope they carry on playing this way. Fantastic team spirit boys.

• Evergreen Juniors 0 v NWR Falcons 2
  Goal scorers : Jordan Balogun & Felix Adamson-Walter
  MOTM : Shaquille Sampson & Felix Adamson-Walters (Parents Vote)
  

  This friendly match presented us with the opportunity to shuffle and switch our players from their usual positions and the reaction from the boys was great. It was pleasing to see the boys compete in different positions away from their comfort zones and still give 100%. Overall : It's always great to win a match (whether friendly or league) and keep a clean sheet, but the real result today is our players team commitment, as they were all on song from start to finish.

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• 23 Sep 07 : Omonia White 1 v NWR Falcons 1
  Goal Scorer : Jordan Balogun. MOTM : Adam Miller (Players vote).
  

  Our boys commanded the game and played very well in the first half, displaying some positive performances and a goal to show for it. Omonia White came out stronger in the second half and deserved their late equaliser. This is a great point for us, because the opposition threw everything at us in the final few minutes, but our solid defence kept them at bay.

  Overall : I am proud of our players efforts, as they gave everything and the difference between our performance today and last week was clear. A quality display boys and well done to everyone of you.

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• 9 Sep 07 Hertfordshire v NWRFC Falcons.
  (3 points awarded to Falcons, as the home team were unable to play).

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• NWRFC Falcons 1 v Oxhey United 7. Goal scorer : Jordan Balogun
  

  We kicked off our qualifying round with this defeat to Oxhey United. Being our first game anywhere this season, the boys were no where near their best today. However, all credit to our players, as they responded and played much better in the second half.
  Overall : It was great to see the boys out there playing football again.
  Welcome back boys.

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