Reports for Sunday, November 25

Blue Division.

Edmonton started the games with only ten players and on 3 minutes, Josh Armstrong was released through the middle by Ronnie Hays to expertly chip the keeper and put Nascot a goal up.

Edmonton, spurred on by the arrival of their eleventh man, swarmed all over and scored two goals in quick succession and were looking like the dominant side.

Nascot doggedly pushed on and on 19 minutes, Hayes broke through the defence to slip the ball exquisitely past the oncoming keeper.

Now on top of their game, Nascot pushed forward and Phillip Thomas released Armstrong with a neat pass which he neatly chipped over the keeper to put Nascot back in front.

There was not much between the sides and the scoreline remained at stalemate for the next 38 minutes until Alexander Johnson beat two players on the right and cut inside only for his shot to be well held.

Hussaan Ahmad and Harry Rutledge were very busy in midfield, with Harry working tirelessly throughout the whole game, tackling hard and neatly on all occasions.

Edmonton broke through the defence using long passes from the left and on one occasion the No7, with only Daniel Youngs to beat, put a curler towards the corner of the net. Somehow the keeper managed tip the ball wide for a fantastic save.

The second half was even for 25 minutes, both sides challenging for every ball. Mathew Morgan was particularly busy in the right back role but played a good game alongside Robert West and Thomas in the central roles.

The through balls from Edmonton were dealt with well and Adnan Ahmed had a good strong game as left back clearing well, the onslaught of attacks on the right for Edmonton.

Armstrong managed to beat the defence on 58 minutes but his shot was brilliantly tipped wide by the Edmonton keeper who was playing with a broken ankle!

Not to be denied Armstrong worked well with Hussaan Ahmad on the edge of the box on to place a low shot into the far corner for his hat-trick.

Tony Delaney, working very well in a central role, popped up in the box with a low drive on the hour which Hussann Ahmed helped into the net.

A good strong performance and a deserved win after battling back from 2-1 down. Edmonton gave everything and deserved a better result, but the midfield general Harry Rutledge earned the Man of the Match award for his 3never give up2 attitude to every challenge.

Report by Pieter Johnson

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Palace Broncos 5 (U11s) Strides 2

Blue Division

An extraordinary opener from Ollie Glanvill broke the deadlock midway into the first half as Broncos got back to winning ways following their heavy Cup loss last week.

The left midfielder's curling corner eluded near-post defenders to cross the line with the Strides keeper stranded.

Soon after, an excellent crossfield ball from Rheo Lawrence was controlled by Glanvill and laid on for Harley Alexander-Sule, who made no mistake.

Strides rallied strongly and the game went tit-for-tat, making it 3-2 at one stage, but Broncos' passing and movement gradually provided the edge and Rheo Lawrence took the game by the scruff with an excellent hat-trick to cap a good all-round contribution.

Report by Rick Glanvill

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Palace Youth 1 Whetstone Wanderers Panthers 2

A damp pitch greeted two sides needing some points in the top division.

The first few minutes saw good flowing football with both sides looking to exert control on the game.

Panthers had the speed, Palace the midfield composure but neither side made it count until Christian was tripped outside the Palace box.

Dead eye Tommy Marsh unleashed a sizzler of a free kick that flicked off Christian and past the static netminder to put Panthers in the lead.

The second half saw the Panthers bring out a more combative formation that soon saw Palace on the back foot. Palace fought back though and got a good goal from a poor Panther goalmouth clearance to level the scores.

Some good passing formations from Panthers with Tom Marsh, Tommy and Theo combining up front should have seen more reward but it wasn't to be until Athos swerved in a beautiful corner to put them ahead.

Again Palace fought back but failed to put away a penalty given for hand ball, and then saw Panther goalie George Candler tip out a cracking long range shot.

The last few minutes saw Panthers exert their superior stamina to keep the Palace back and take their first Red Division points.

All in all a good exciting, well reffed match.

Report by Magnus Nokiasson

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Select Soccer 1 Edson Vasco de Gama 1

Edson continued their 11 match unbeaten run with their third draw in four matches in the top flight against Select Soccer.

Falling behind early on to a scrambled goal from a very well taken corner by Select, Edson showed their typical resolve and fighting spirit with an excellent run and shot by the exciting Michael Harriman bringing a deserved equaliser, although the keeper was a touch unfortunate.

The rest of the first half was hard fought with the Edson defence coping admirably with some extremely long clearances by the strong Select keeper, without either side creating any clear chances.

Largely untroubled at the back, Edson pressed on in the second half, with the cream of the chances falling to Mattie Walsh, who forced a fine save from the Select keeper on one occasion and a last gasp tackle by a defender on another, after being put clear by Joseph Casey.

A series of corners led to Edson's Michael Harriman going close with a sharp header.

Select rallied and forced a couple of corners at the other end, but the score remained level.

This was a day for the defences to earn the plaudits and it provided good entertainment for the capacity crowd.

Report by Tim Casey

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Cassiobury Rangers 3 London Colney Colts 3

In a below par performance, with many of the team struggling after a late night out, London Colney Colts Under 16s drew 3-3 away against Cassiobury Rangers.

They never showed the good form of their last two games but a goal apiece from Lee Woolmer, Jonny "moisty" Cooper and Tyrone Phipps was enough to earn a deserved draw.

Report by Nick Cooper (London Colney Manager)

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Gadeside Rangers 3 Hemel Celtic 2

A damp, autumnal morning in West Watford was further shrouded in tension as the two unbeaten sides of the BFL's Blue Division met and someone, surely, would be forced to surrender their 100 percent record.

Gadeside considered themselves slightly understrength due to injury and absence, however the determination of the team more than made up for this.

Hemel had most of the early possession, however Daniel Beament and Elliott Freeman remained solid at the heart of the defence.

The first clean chance fell to Gadeside when Joe Cheshire turned on the edge of the area only to see his shot superbly saved by the Celtic keeper.

Hemel took the lead with ten minutes to half time, when an exquisitely accurate cross from the left was met right in front of goal. M itchell Wade could have equalised, but once again the Hemel goalkeeper saved well.

The second half was all Hemel pressure as they flew at the home team, trying to kill the game. Craig Franklin made the first four of a dozen outstanding saves, but was powerless to stop a header from a corner.

Two nil could easily have been four, but Craig was in no mood to be beaten again. Gadeside began to see more of the ball and pulled one back when Chris Keppel's free kick found Joe.

Hemel replied, looking menacing but less assured but Joe stepped up again to make it 2-2.

Hemel powered forward, Craig was beaten, pressure told and the ball flew off a toe and over the bar, but Gadeside broke the stalemate when Chris's freekick led to Joe's hat-trick.

There was still time for Hemel to go very close to evening the scores again, with a header and a turned-down penalty claim.

This was the best game of youth football witnessed in several years and although Gadeside finished ahead, no-one was under any illusion that Hemel Celtic are not an excellent side.

Report by Phil Keppel (Joint Gadeside Rangers Manager)

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Under 8s and 9s Review

THE last thing an under-8 keeper expects when he clears the ball 45 yards is that an opponent will meet it on the volley and sent it over his head and into the net.

But that is exactly what Jamie Denyer did for Evergreen Youth against Everett Rovers Amber keeper Ainsley Stevenson as his team won 4-2. Tommy Twelves struck twice and Sean Murray claimed the other goal for the winners.

Thomas Girdlestone was outstanding for St Albans City in their 0-0 draw at Hemel Youth.

Shiva Kurup claimed a hat-trick for Northwood under-16s to make sure they shared the spoils with Chorleywood in a 3-3 draw.

His team went two down before taking the lead and eventually settling for a point.

Two goals each from Peter Harrington and Krispin Lamb saw Leverstock Green to a 6-2 win at home to Echoes Youth Amber. Mark Rudderman and Rikki Greenige also found the net.

Ross Theobald, Stacy Manley and Dan Ainsworth strikes took Garston Boys to a 3-2 success at Bushey Rangers.

A corner by James Lothian took a deflection for the goal as St Albans City under-9s beat Tring Tornadoes 1-0.

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Under 10s Review

EVERGREEN Youth beat London Colney Amber 3-0 at under-10 level with Ben Twelves scoring twice and Charlie Munroe adding another with two minutes from the end.

Two goals from Harvey Jones helped Evergreen Juniors to a 3-2 win over St Albans South, with Tommy Detner scoring the other. Ethan Douglas and James Laws claimed the Saints goals.

Josh Samson saw Sarratt Rebels to a 7-0 win over Riverside Hibs Blue with a hat-trick. Kane Calcutt hit two long range goals while Jamie Eamer and Conner Calcutt also found the net.

Luke Thomas and Kris Mizon gave Leverstock Green a hard fought 2-1 success at home to Riverside AFC.

A first goal of the season for James Burkes and goal from Matthew Cousens gave Chorleywood Red a 2-1 home win over Chipperfield and maintained their unbeaten run in the league - largely thanks to great saves from Michael Shippey.

Ricki Samani, Javonne Molloy and James Robinson netted as Northwood won 3-1 against Hemel Town Red.

Callum Marjoram and Laurie Coupar scored as St Albans North fought back for a 2-2 draw at Borehamwood 2000.

Man-of-the-match Carl Beels claimed an early goal as St Albans West beat Hemel Town Blue 1-0.

Hertsmere took a six-goal lead over Chorleywood but Lawrence Mulry's hat-trick and two goals from Matthew Dickenson saw the visitors lose by just 7-5.

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Under 11s Review

JOE WESTBROOKE, Danny Page and Craig Johnson gave Chorleywood Red Under-11s a 3-1 win over Riverside Hibs.

Sam Copson and Michael Twine saw Leverstock Green to a 2-1 success against St Albans East - their first away win of the season. Chris Hamilton netted for Saints.

David Maunder's hat-trick saw Northwood Whites to their 4-1 win, over Chiltern, with Kemo Maphela claiming the other goal and Andrew Williams picking up match honours.

James Smith, George Hackett, Michael McDonough and Tom Clark scored but St Albans South still lost 6-4 against Pinnacle Youth.

Danny Tearle scored four times as Riverside AFC beat St Albans West 6-5, with Paul Watts finding the net twice.

Daniel Bissill struck twice for Saints in a game when three goals came in the last two minutes. Nick Glasgow, Michael Gamble and Ethan Fogarty claimed the other goals for the home team.

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Under 12s Review

FOUR goals from Toby Bryan, a hat-trick in the first half from Sam Colbeck, two from Lee McNally and singles from Jake Lovick, Joshua Horvat-Seymour and Harrison Hiscock gave Croxley Guild under-12s a 12-0 win over Harpenden Cheetahs.

Spencer Bellotti grabbed an excellent hat-trick and man-of-the-match Tom Inch set up a goal for Andew Lomas in Chorleywood Blue's 4-0 win over Whetstone Wanderers.

Josh Armstrong's hat-trick helped Nascotwood Rangers to their 5-2 win at Edmonton Rangers, with Ronnie Hayes and Hassan Ahmad rounding out the scoring and Harry Rutledge taking match honours.

Matthew Ryan's four goals set Leverstock Green on their way to a 9-1 win over Riverside Hibs Diamonds. Byron Mills and Nicholas Jones scored twice while Daniel Simmonds also found the net.

Tom Cowie netted for Northwood in their top of the table clash with Echoes, which ended 1-1.

A hat-trick in the first half from man-of-the-match Michael Bishop brought William Morris Colts to a 4-1 win over St Albans South. Aaron Dunne claimed the other goal while Colts keeper Joe Macdonald was in outstanding form. Owen Snell hit the Saints goal.

Ethan Hughes netted the only goal for St Albans North as they lost 10-1 to Acorn Raiders.

Ross Bennett scored twice as Chorleywood Red overcame William Morris Stags 6-1. An own goal and strikes from Thomas Orrells, William Pendered and Chris Wilson completed the scoring.

David Smith hit two goals to help Herons to a 4-3 win over Comets Sports. The other strikes came from Shane Egan and Lee Richards while John Sealy won the man-of-the-match award.

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Under 13s Review

Sun Postal were two down at half-time in the under-13s so had to do something quickly - like get Joe Atkins to score direct from the restart. Michael O'Brien equalised and an own goal gave Sun a 3-2 win over Borehamwood 2000.

A Jamie Gavin double helped Comets Cobras to a 3-0 success against Edson Youth with Louis Austin claiming the other goal and Ross Miller putting in a man-of-the-match display.

Adam Hallissey and Gavin Porter scored hat-tricks for Leverstock Green against Northwood in a 6-2 win. Daniel Scott hit both the Wood goals.

Ricky Miller's hat-trick guided St Albans North to a 6-2 home victory over London Colney, with Alex Herbert scoring twice and Mark Lawford netting his first goal for the club.

Tim Attwood, Ruaridh MacPhee and Phil Atkins gave St Albans South a healthy lead over Gadeside at half-time but despite another strike, from Alex Fraser, they finally lost 5-4.

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Under 14s Review

Martin Jackson, Ashley Harewood and Ryan Watson saw Abbots Youth to a 3-0 win over Cassiobury Blue in the under-14s, their first clean sheet of the season.

Two Neel Parmar goals could not stop Bushey Rangers losing 4-2 to Pinnacle Youth.

Craig Nicol scored twice, once by beating four opponents before unleashing an unstoppable shot, to set up Cassiobury Clarets for a 3-2 win over Northwood. Josh Ausden claimed the other goal with a 20-yard strike while Paul Harwood and Daniel Fortella found the net for Wood.

A Joe Cheshire hat-trick saw Gadeside edge past Hemel Celtic 3-2 despite being two down. Keeper Craig Franklin produced a dozen excellent saves to set up the win even though Jack Parslow and Dean Higgs found the net for Celtics.

Stefan Day scored the winner for St Albans East as they fought back for a 4-3 success against Harpenden Bullets. Richie Collin netted twice and Tom Clark once.

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Under 15s Review

Oliver Spicer and Steven Easterbrook gave Harpenden Tigers a 2-2 draw at Cassiobury Jets under-15s just weeks after they beat the same opponents by six goals.

Cassiobury's Giants team did not fare so well, though, going down 5-1 to Garston Boys for whom Jimmy Thompson and Moses Jarman scored two goals each. Ed Cappellina claimed the other goal.

Chris Arens completed a hat-trick but still ended up on the losing side in Northwood's 5-4 defeat at Enfield Rangers. David McDermott scored the other goal while Khash Shahmiri was voted man-of-the-match.

Adam Stanley suffered a broken collar bone as his St Albans East team lost 2-0 to Old Finchleians.

St Albans West also suffered injuries as they lost 3-2 to Wisbech St Marys in extra time in the East Anglian Cup. Nick Jackson and Tom Barnard claimed the Saints goals.

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