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15/11/08 NEHYL Cup 1st Round
Liss Athletic Lions 5 Camberley Boys Royals 0 (NEHYL Cup)

With no football for four weeks, the twice cancelled NEHYL cup tie against first division Liss Athletic Lions, on a muddy, bumpy pitch was going to provide a real test for the Royals, who were without Miles J for this morning's game. Ben and Alex were rested early on, allowing Jack and Miles T to pair up at the back, Robbie and Alex C were aided in midfield by Scott, who had instrauctions to get forward and support Charlie in attack.

Within the opening few seconds, Liss showed their intentions and passed the ball neatly around in the final third, before the chance came to nothing. The warning signs were not read by the Royals as a couple of minutes into the game, a clever ball split their defence, and a Lions forward was unmarked to slot the ball into the corner of the net.

An early goal conceded against a team two divisions above is not a good sign, but Royals showed great character to take the game to Liss. Scott's determination saw him break down the left, and force a corner, from which he had an effort hit the side netting.

The home defence was very tough, and Charlie got little change out of the big centre half, although between them, Royals did manage to work the ball around creating a chance for Scott, whose shot on goal was well struck and on target, and equally well saved by the Lions keeper.

Liss were still looking quite dangerous, and their shape and movement was still causing problems. Frasier, who showed excellent handling and composure, produced an excellent save on 10 minutes, pushing the ball wide of the right hand post for a corner.

Ben came on for Robbie, and the change immediately gave Royals some more attacking options, and they produced their best period of the game, forcing a series of corners, with Ben and Scott both going close. Liss also had their chances, but at half time, the early goal was the only thing that seperated the two sides.

Scott and Miles, who had both been heavily involved were rested after the interval, and Royals still believed that they could force their way back into the game, however, disaster struck three minutes later when Jack missed his kick, and the ball ran through to an unmarked Lions forward, who doubled the lead. Worse was to follow when, after both Alex and Jack went down with injuries in the space of a couple of minutes, Liss took advantage of the lack of organisation at the back, and went 3-0 ahead.

A last throw of the dice saw Miles pushed forward into midfield, and Scott up front with Ben, who once again worked very hard with little reward. Camberley could not make their posession in the final third count, and at the other end, a cross from the left was deflected past Frasier to further extend their advantage. Liss were to score again with a well taken free kick with 5 minutes left, after Ben was penalised for a foul.

Despite the scoreline, a drubbing it certainly was not, and Royals can be pleased with their efforts today, particularly in the first half, and at 1-0 it really was still anybody's game. As the game went on, tired legs were evident, and it is not surprising given the lack of matches in recent weeks. With a bit more fitness and match sharpness, the late goals may not have gone in. Furthermore, it is important to remember that our opponents were 2 divisions above, having gained promotion from last seasons Division 2 with the same squad of players only last season, and Royals matched them for long periods of the game.

Miles T was excellent today, reading the game well from the back, and breaking forward to support ther midfield with some well timed runs. Miles was pipped to the Man of the Match award by Frasier, who is having an outstanding season so far.

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18/10/08 NEHYL Division 3

Hartley Wintney Hawks 6 Camberley Boys Royals 2

Fresh from their winning their first points of the season, Royals were looking to build on this when they visited Hartley Wintney Hawks, a team recently relegated from Division Two. Miles T was captain for the day.

Royals had the first opening, when Scott's speculative effort on four minutes caused panic in the Hawks defence, but the ball was narrowly off target. Hartley Wintney passed the ball around well, and looked dangerous coming forwards, where they cleverly exploited the gaps in the Royals rearguard, and a minute later they found space on the left side of the area. A well stuck shot beat Frasier high to his right, and Hawks had drawn first blood.

Camberley came forwards and looked to level the match immediately. Charlie's long range effort was well struck, before Ben unselfishly put Scott away, although he was blocked before he had chance to get a clean shot in on goal. A cross from the right found Miles J who attempted to hit the ball first time, and was unlucky not to make better contact with the ball. Then on 16 minutes, a break from deep saw the ball cleared quickly upfield. The lightning fast forwards bore down on goal, and smashed the ball powerfully past Frasier for 2-0.

Miles and Scott both went close for the visitors, and approaching the interval Charlie found himself in a great position on the left. With the ball sitting up well for a shot with the left foot, he delayed, and the chance disappeared, and shortly after, a Hartley Wintney corner was whipped in at pace and headed home for 3-0.

Hawks were piling forwards, and an enormous goalmouth scramble seemed to go on forever, before finally Frasier claimed the ball. Play was almost exclusively in the Royals half, and Frasier was again called into action, tipping a goalbound effort over the bar. A glimmer of hope in the dying seconds when Miles J latched onto a long through ball and tested the keeper with a well struck effort.

After a half time team talk where the boys were asked to focus on the good parts of their game, they started the second half positively. Miles J going close in the opening few seconds and Ben twice came close to scoring, the first effort was well saved after a determined break from the back by Miles T, and then narrowly wide after finding space in the Hawks penalty area. Royals were starting to play more like a team, but the goal their play deserved didn't arrive.

Hartley Wintney soaked up the pressure, and then forced a number of corners, from which the delivery always looked dangerous. Frasier made some more vital saves to keep the home side out, until a cross from the right was volleyed in from close range, giving him no chance at all.

To Camberley's credit, they hadn't given up, and Alex Carson's effort from a long way out was on target, but dealt with my the Hawks keeper. Ten minutes into the second half and Alex F's well directed throw dropped nicely for Charlie, who shifted the ball onto his right foot and connected perfectly, sending the ball past the keeper and into the net off of the far post.

The game was moving from end to end, but the ball never seemed to fall kindly for Royals, whereas the Hawks strikers were getting clean shots in on goal, and Frasier performing more heroics to keep the score down. After witnessing some great finishing, a scruffy goal re-established a four goal advantage. Once again, it was a corner that was well delivered, and the ball was pushed out by Frasier directly into the mid-riff of a Hawks player, and the ball cannoned back into the net.

Directly from kickoff, worse was to follow, as Alex Carson was disposessed. Still a long way out, the Hawks striker fired a dipping effort which beat Frasier and the lead was further extended via the underside of the crossbar.

A break down the left, and an exchange of passes worked Scott some space in the Hawks area, and his goalbound effort was pushed out for a corner. Royals rattled the Hartley Wintney crossbar as they won a series of corners, but failed to make the pressure count. Hawks forced some corners the other end, and once again produced some excellent deliveries.

In the closing minutes, something to cheer, when Ben's perfectly flighted corner from the left was met by Scott, who headed a second for Camberley.

Scott was Camberley's man of the match today, working exceptionally hard at both ends of the pitch, and scoring Royals first ever headed goal. Notable other perfomances today, particularly Ben, who put in stacks of effort today, his workrate in all parts of the pitch was really important to the team today. Frasier was beaten six times, but had little chance for any of the goals. He once again was fantastic in the Royals goal. Nice also to see Charlie off the mark for the season.

From a coaches perspective: It is really easy to drop your head and start to blame others when goals are conceded, and this was happening towards the end of the first half today. Our second half performance was so much better than the first, as the boys had chance to regroup, and began to realise that if they play as a team, and work hard for each other, they can compete at this level. We must continue to work as a unit, keep our shape, and pass the ball.

It's a learning curve for all those who played, but we must identify patterns of play that are hurting us during a game, and deal with the threat. Hartley Wintney's delivery from corners was excellent today, and Royals need to be quick to stop the supply.

The score could have been a little closer had we converted some more of our chances. Hawks were deadly in front of goal, and Royals need to do the same. Hopefully we can all learn from this match and take the positives from it, of which there were quite a few. 

A few weeks break now, coinciding with my holiday, and the half term break, and cup action next on 8th November.

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11/10/08 NEHYL Division 3

Hook United Panthers 0 Camberley Boys Royals 1

After the disappointment of having their first points of the season taken away, due to Camberley Town's demotion to Division 4, the reality was that, despite three wins in their opening four games, Royals were propping up the division with no league points on the board before Saturday's league trip to Mayfield.

Royals, with a full squad, started brightly, and a combination of intelligent passing play, mixed with some hard work, saw the ball in and around the Panthers penalty area, bringing with it an early chance for Miles J, but his effort on 2 minutes was blocked by a defender and cleared for an early corner, from which, Charlie and Robbie exchanged passes to create some space, but the chance came to nought.

A minute later and Charlie found more space down the right, and his dangerous cross into the box evaded everyone before going harmlessly out of play. Scott also found space on both flanks, giving the home defence plenty to be concerned about, winning a number of corners. 

Panthers gradually got into the game, and showed their intent and attacked down the right flank, but when the cross came in, it found the side netting, Frasier having covered his near post. The resultant goal kick was flicked on to Charlie, who in turn laid off an inviting ball to Miles, but his well struck shot from distance was narrowly off target. 

Robbie's typical hard work and energy was evident once more, and he tracked back superbly to dispossess a Hook attack in central midfield, as the home side started to up the tempo. Soon after, Frasier was bravely down at the feet of two Panthers forwards, after Alex F had been caught too far up the field.

Ben's shot from distance on 10 minutes was all that the Royals had to offer as they found themselves on the back foot, Miles T was covering a lot of ground as the Royals midfield began to loose their grip on the game. Both Alex and Scott made important challenges inside their own penalty area to prevent Panthers from opening the scoring, and Frasier came to the rescue with another smart save soon afterwards.

Royals started to get out of their half again towards the interval, and Ben's powerful effort on target was well saved. Alex F intercepted another Hook raid and played a long ball over the top which put Charlie clear. With the ball dropping onto his unfavoured left foot, he lacked the confidence to take the effort first time, giving the keeper a split second to clear the danger, and at half-time the game was goal-less.

Camberley started the second half as they had begun the first, and Scott's delivery from an early corner was good, but cleared to safety. Miles J was put clear, and a run and shot was narrowly wide. Then 7 minutes in, Scott found some space on the left, advanced in on goal, and finished superbly into the far corner for 1-0.

The scorer turned provider a minute later, putting Miles J clear. His effort beat the keeper and hit the inside of the far post before a relieved Hook goalkeeper fell on the loose ball.

Hook were now playing with only one at the back, and were pouring forwards, forcing a series of corners which allowed them to put into practice some moves they had clearly been rehearsing in training. Desperate defending was just enough to maintain the Royals lead, and Frasier forced into another fine reflex save after Panthers found space in the Royals area.

Miles T was moved forward to add some bite to midfield, and the change allowed Ben to exploit the extra space he was given. He twice got on runs down the right, before looking up and delivering crosses from deep. The first went out, but there was definitely more than a hint of danger in the next, which almost fell for Scott, who had got forward to support.

Panthers again broke free, and Jack needed to time his tackle perfectly to stop a free run on goal, and he didn't let anyone down.

After surviving the final anxious few minutes, the referees whistle confirmed Royals first win and points of the new season. A real backs to the wall effort at times, some of the pressure they were under was self-inflicted, caused where players had drifted out of position and not got back to cover. Fortunately, there were enough individuals committed to the cause, and putting in the extra effort which was the difference between victory and defeat.

Man of the Match: Frasier. A clean sheet. Bravery, some great saves, excellent handling and positional sense, and a major contribution towards Royals victory today. Well deserved - but sorry that I broke the trophy!

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04/10/08 NEHYL Cup 2nd prelim round

Cove Panthers 1 Camberley Boys Royals 2

Royals made the short trip to near neighbours, Cove, where the Panthers were our second opponents in this seasons North East Hants Youth League Cup.

Panthers showed their intentions from the off, getting the ball down and putting together some passing moves. Royals midfield of Scott and Robbie worked hard to win the ball and break the moves down, before trying to play some football of their own. Camberley's starting back line of Miles T and Jack were called into action in response to some early pressure from the home side, as the game started a a frenetic pace.

The deadlock was broken on 8 minutes when Ben, who had been forced to play quite deep, won a challenge on the right side of midfield, and he played a great ball down the flank to put Miles J clear of the last defender. Miles was given the chance to run in on goal, but still had a lot to do, before firing low past the keeper from a tight angle.

Scott and Ben both worked chances for themselves, but their efforts on goal were blocked, before Royals second arrived. Some great work on the left from Scott resulted in a cross into the Cove area, which left three Royals players unmarked and queuing up to score. Alex C was in the right place and found the back of the net for 2-0.

Cove were still looking dangerous coming forwards, working space on both flanks, and backed up by willing runs from midfield. Jack, Alex F and Miles T were all forced into some important defensive work, and on the rare occasions that they were breached, Frasier showed great positional awareness to cancel the threat.

Royals started the second half brightly, and an exchange of passes gave Alex C had the chance to further extend the lead. The Cove keeper got a strong hand on his close range effort, and pushed it against the post before it was scrambled to safety.

Royals continued to get in behind the Cove defence, but failed to add to their score. Robbie's break from midfield saw an effort narrowly wide of the near post, and Alex F delivered a couple of dangerous free kicks into the area, from which Charlie and Miles respectively were the smallest margin away from diverting into the net.

These missed chances could have been costly, and a long ball over the top bounced past Royals last line of defence, before a quality finish brought Panthers very much back into the game. Cove were in the ascendancy now, and they forced a number of set pieces and corners around the Royals penalty box. Some excellent defending restricted the home side to a couple of long range efforts which went over the bar.

Miles T was well positioned to break up Cove attack, and despite being outnumbered by three to one, he skilfully took the ball under control and ran with the ball down the right flank before playing a well weighted ball to Charlie, who ran on and had his goalbound effort pushed behind for a corner. Soon after, Scott's rasping drive was heading for the top right corner before a keepers hand pushed it out.

Cove were still trying to get forward, and this presented Royals with further opportunities to attack on the break. Scott and Ben broke through together, and the keeper managed to get the ball out for a corner. A similar chance followed soon after, when Scott unselfishly put Ben clear. His effort was just within reach of the Cover keeper, who appeared to tip the ball onto the back stanchion and the ball rebounded out of the goal and back into play. Astonishingly, the referee waved play on, although everyone, including the Cove coach was convinced the ball had gone in.

The whistle went soon after, and Royals had booked their place in the next round. With all the leagues Big Boys now entering the draw, they will have an anxious wait to see who their next opponents will be.

Royals battled hard and had the desire to succeed. They showed, at times, some positional naivety, and must work harder on maintaining their shape, particularly in later stages of the game. There were one or two excellent performances today, in particular, Robbie, who worked hard all over the pitch, and Alex C, who scored his first ever Royals goal. Man of the Match was Jack, some important blocks and clearances, and a much more determined effort today went a long way to restricting the home sides goal scoring opportunities.

Credit once again to Mikey Harris, and all at Cove Panthers for giving us another tough battle. We wish them well for the rest of their league campaign.

Finally, a very Happy Birthday to Frasier, who is 10 on Monday.

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20/09/08 NEHYL Div 3

Camberley Town Rockets 0 Camberley Boys Royals 3

A local derby saw a battle of the two Camberley teams amidst the long grass on a bumpy pitch at Watchetts School. After losing the toss, Royals kicked uphill and facing into bright sunlight in the first half, and from the off, Royals worked hard and got the ball down and passed it about.

Some early battles in midfield took place with Royals players showing determination and winning balls both on the ground and in the air.

Following a passing move down on right, Robbie played a dangerous ball into the near post which evaded everybody, and squirmed through the keepers arms and legs before crossing the line to give the Royals a 10th minute lead.

Town came back in search of an equaliser, and only a last ditch block from Jack denied a shot on goal from deep inside the area. Jack took a knock in making the tackle, and was replaced by Alex. Further pressure from the home side resulted in a shot to the near post, which Frasier kicked to safety.

Royals crafted further chances, and Ben had one effort on the turn just over the bar, and a better chance shortly after when two Royals players were well placed in the area, but his effort found the near side-netting. They didn't have to wait much longer, however, as a through ball forward put Miles J in the clear, and he fired past the Rockets keeper to double the lead.

With the interval approaching, Alex F brought the ball out of defence and into the Town half. His long pass into the area found Miles J, who had time to control, turn, and make ir 3-0, and Royals had a further opportunity in the closing seconds when Scott was through on goal, but narrowly off target.

The home side were more in the game in the second half, and had plenty of play in the Royals half. Frasier was called into action making two crucial saves, and Jack also made a vital block as the Rockets tried to get back into the game.

Royals were still looking to add to their own tally. Charlie, Robbie and Scott all made some good runs from deep, and Alex C had a chance fall onto his left foot, but decided to try to turn onto his right before the chance disappeared again.

Ben flighted a ball across the area, and Town defender flicked the ball off of Scott's head and out for a corner, as he rose to nod in at the far post.

The front two were breaking at speed, and causing Rockets a few problems. A clever ball from Scott into Ben's feet was crying out for a reverse pass to put him clear. Ben went alone and was forced wide, his shot didn't test the keeper.

Royals final chance saw a good ball into the box, and the keeper down very bravely with two Royals in close attendance.

The final whistle confirmed Royals first points of the season, and they were good value for their 3-0 victory. Once again, the team passed the ball around, and worked hard for each other. The hard work has paid off this week, and they need to keep it up throughout the season when other teams will work equally hard against them.

Man of the match was awarded to Miles T, who read the game well, never shirked a tackle, and whose distribution was excellent. Miles edged out a number of other players who also performed very well.

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13/09/08 NEHYL Cup 1st Prelim Rd

Camberley Boys Royals 12 Liss Athletic Tigers 0

Another home game, and a break from league action as Royals side welcomed Liss Athletic Tigers to Farnborough Sixth Form in the 1st preliminary round of this seasons North East Hants Youth League Cup on a sunny early autumn morning.

With a full compliment of players, three outfield players were continually waiting in the wings to join in the match action, so regular changes in playing personnel were necessary to keep everyone involved. To everyones credit, none of this affected the Royals play, and the boys worked hard for each other, and continued to show improvements in passing and positional awareness.

After a couple of early forays into this Liss half, Scott popped up in the visitors penalty area and, after seeing his first effort blocked, had presence of mind to fire the loose ball into the far corner of the net to open the scoring with just three minutes on the clock.

More pressure on the Tigers defence followed, with Royals looking to play in their team mates. When an attack broke down on six minutes, Miles T intercepted the clearance on the left hand side of midfield. He cleverly brought the ball inside a defender, and from just outside the penalty area arrowed a right footed effort into the corner of the net to double the Royals advantage.

Another goal for the Royals followed soon after when Scott was put through, and he placed the ball beyond the reach of the advancing keeper for 3-0.

Liss were still seeing some of the ball in Camberley's half, and after they had a couple of shots off target, Frasier was called into action with a good save at his near post, but Royals all but assured themselves progress in the competition when a long ball forward found Miles J in the Tigers area, and he fired his first of the season for 4-0.

The half-time team talk was pretty much "more of the same please", and the goals continued to flow in the second half.

5-0: Scott completed his first hat-trick when his effort was on target, and a deflection took it into the opposite corner. Definitely Scott's goal, even though he seemed unsure, hence his fairly muted celebration!

6-0: No doubt about the scorer this time, as Scott advances to the edge of the area, cuts along to the right, and fires past the keeper who had come out to narrow the angle.

7-0: A close range finish from Miles J for hsi second of the match.

8-0: Miles completes his hat-trick with a low drive from inside the box

9-0: Another tidy finish from Scott, who claims his fifth of the match when firing low into the corner of the Liss net.

10-0: Scott again is through, and his shot is half blocked, but still edging towards the line. Ben makes sure, and bundles it home for his first of the game.

11-0: A mazy run from Robbie takes him into the area. With the keeper to beat, he delays his shot, and the ball rolls into Ben's path, who dispatches it past the keeper.

12-0: Ben completes a hat-trick by scoring three times inside a minute, this time with a neat finish into the corner.

The referees whistle called time on Royals goal feast. Although at the back, Liss caved in completely, it has to be said that in the second half they had three or four chances of a consolation. Frasier kept out two goalbound efforts - showing excellent reflexes to tip a close range effort over the bar when it looked like he had been beaten, and another fantastic full length diving save to deny a luckless Tigers forward.

Scott was todays Man of the Match, which means he has taken the award for three games in a row (he also won the award for the last game of the 2007/8 season). Five goals, two assists, some clever play which almost created more goals for others, Captaining a side for their record win, and not forgetting some important defensive work too, today's decision may have seemed fairly straightforward. It  has to be said that individually, everyone played their part, and everyone, bar none, was in contention, but ultimately, Scott's performance made him a worthy winner.

From a coaches perspective, it is obviously good to see the boys looking sharp in front of goal and putting chances away, but equally pleasing was the clean sheet, and the work rate of the players, some of who were puffing and blowing a bit after their efforts on the pitch - this is a good sign, and not a display of lack of fitness. Regardless of who is in the side, nobody will be criticised if they try their best, as with effort often comes reward.

Some of the less experienced players need to work on their positional play, but that will come with more practise, and more matches, but is is really great to see players of this age looking up and trying to use the ball. This is something that they will absolutely need to do next season when playing on full sized pitches.

As a footnote, I would like to remind the boys how far they have come. Two seasons ago, a scoreline like todays was something that they would have expected, but it was the Royals who were on the receiving end. Much of that squad is still with us, and they will remember only too well how they may have felt after a heavy defeat. I would very much doubt that these types of scores will be on offer during our league campaign, and with just one cup competition for all teams in NEHYL, we can still be faced with Premier League opposition in the coming rounds. Enjoy your victory, and well done, but don't get too carried away.

Back to League action again next week.

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06/09/08 NEHYL Div 3

Camberley Boys Royals 1 Headley Lions 2

Despite heavy overnight rain, the pitch at Farnborough Sixth form was in excellent condition for Royals opening league match of the new 2008/9 season. Both sides started brightly, with the visitors putting together some good passing moves in attack, and most of these were dealt with by Miles, who had an impressive debut at the back alongside Jack.

Royals were battling hard in midfield, where Scott was heavily involved, with Alex C alongside him, also playing his first game, and he improved throughout as he began to work out his positioning. To the Royals credit, a lot more teamwork was evident with players looking for passes and moving into space.

After sharing most of the opening exchanges, the honour of the seasons opening goal went to Ben. Scott won a long ball from the back, and played a clever through pass which found Ben, who hit a right foot effort past the keeper from just outside the area and into the opposite corner of the net.

Headley came back straight away and began to pressurise the Royals defence, which looked to be weathering the storm, until five minutes before the break, when Jack's clearance cannoned back into the area, and it was turned home for the equaliser.

Scott and Ben both tried their luck from distance, and Charlie had an excellent opportunity to restore the Royals lead, when a pass from the left found him in space outside the Headley area. His effort was on target, but lacked enough power to beat the keeper.

Scott and Miles were rested at the start of the second half, and whilst they were off the pitch, Headley capitalised when a forward turned Jack in the area, and fired a low shot across Frasier which crept in at the far post. Royals immediately changed formation, and pushed Miles into midfield with Robbie, allowing Scott to move into a more attacking role. This coincided with Camberley's best period of the match when they created some excellent openings. The Headley defence were working overtime to block and tackle, but they couldn't prevent Royals from getting efforts in on goal.

Scott's low drive from distance beat the keeper, but went wide, and Scott again played a superb ball over the top to put Ben in the clear. With the keeper exposed, all bets were off, but Ben fired agonisingly wide when opting for power, when maybe a more measured finish was all that was needed.

With tired legs all over the park on both sides, chances continue to fall for both sides - Frasier coming to the rescue with some excellent saves as Headley continued to threaten on the break. The clock was ticking, and eventually the referee signalled that time was up, and the equaliser that Royals arguably deserved did not materialise.

A good game to watch, and the boys will be disappointed not to have got some points from their efforts today. A noticable improvement in standard from last season, both from the opposition, and from the Royals, who adapted very well. Scott was man of the match today, but special mentions also to Miles, who had an excellent debut, and really got stuck in, and to Frasier, who looked sharp and assured between the posts.

Cup action next week, but hopefully not long to wait for league points.

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