​Next up on the Trophy trail was St Paul's Panthers away, buoyed by last weeks narrow victory the Cobras were a much-changed starting line up with the bare bones of a squad. Missing were the influential Sam, Archie, young Barney and Chris. Could the unbeaten run continue?? With the Cobras having failed to beat the Panthers on 3 previous occasions, this was going to be a big 'ask' indeed!
 
After some overnight rain, the clouds broke, and we were 'off' with the opposition on the front foot from the start.  A sluggish Cobras, failed to match the home sides intensity, giving them far too much time and space with much of the first twenty minutes spent in the Cobras own final third of the pitch. Only an alert and an excellent Willem in goal and a determined Marco in defence repelled the constant wave of Panthers attacks, time and time again, keeping the Cobras in the game.
 
Finally the Cobras managed to break out of their own half with Ben and Angus linking well to enable Sylvester to break down the right flank, a determined run and shot forcing an excellent save from the Panthers keeper, that was more like it! With half-time rapidly approaching another rare Cobras insurgence into the Panthers penalty box resulted in a trip with the referee hesitating but finally deciding on a penalty to the Cobras. Stunned silence came over the crowd - Could the Cobras take their chance and force a lead? Up stepped Ben, who with nerves of steel found the bottom corner much to the relief of the travelling coaches and supporters. It was never in doubt! The half-time whistle went with the home supporters dazed and confused as to how the score line showed their team behind.
 
A 'lively' Cobras team talk ensued with some encouragement to improve in certain areas! A slight change in formation was made with the impressive Marco going in goal due to a knee injury, Angus dropping back into a more accustomed left back position with the willing running and endeavour of Sylvester leading the line up front. Some midfield steel was also added in the form of Willem to support Ben.
 
The second half continued in very much the same vein as the first, with the home team asking all the questions, however a new sense of purpose and determination was in evidence from the Cobras with Kelsey and Finn impressing at the back along with Angus. The midfield seemed to have more 'bite' in the tackle with Dan impressing along with Luc down the right-hand side. Willem and Ben also combining well to release Sylvester. After some determined play down the left the Cobras earned themselves a corner, with Kelsey placing an excellent cross into the box, a deflection off a Panthers player meant that the ball broke free inside the six yard box with an alert Ben pouncing on the loose ball and providing and excellent finish into the bottom corner. 2-0 Cobras!
 
Immediate reinforcements for the Panthers almost paid dividends but a fine save with his feet by Marco and also the upright coming to the rescue of the Cobras. The Cobras sensed that this game was theirs for the taking and some fantastic rearguard determination meant that Panthers were restricted to efforts from long range. With passes being taken with more care Sylvester and Luc also went close for the Cobras after some fine work down the right side. Possession wise it was pretty much all Panthers but the Cobras battled hard and never gave up. The Panthers did manage a consolation goal with what proved to be the last kick of the game but the Cobras resolve and determination was a pleasure to witness.
 
The Panthers and their supporters may have been scratching their heads at the end due to the score line but the 'team effort' and togetherness of the Cobras was enough to see them through a difficult game against a good Panthers side. A very rewarding morning all round for the Cobras who can be all extremely proud of their efforts. 
 
Well done to Ben and Sylvester who thoroughly deserved their awards. 

​After a herculean effort through viruses, car accidents (not one of us), puddles on roundabouts and poor reading of SatNav directions the Vipers arrived at Goldsworth Park their cup game against the Sea Lions. Vinny had messaged ahead to say that he was re-directing himself around an accident and would be late. He had forgotten that with Brian Smith in attendance that he would obviously be early J
 
On a great run of form with two wins out of two on the journey so far anticipation was in the air (alongside who know what else!). A school event had laid the boys a littler lower in numbers and without George Schmeichel in goal Charlie agreed to stand between the posts for the 1st half – using a nice negotiation tactic of requesting not to be a substitute in the 2nd half. Good work Charlie!
 
The lads started the game as they have done recently with an early chance and good attacking – Jody flashing the ball just wide. However, with only 3 mins on the clock a speculative long shot from the Sea Lions wasn’t dealt with by Charlie who was rusty between the sticks and trying to use his feet rather than his hands simply watched the ball bobble past him. 0-1 to the Sea Lions.
 
The game settled into a rhythm of a lot of good possession for the Vipers with fast breaking attacks from the Sea Lions. Notable moments included William pushing the ball through to Jody who couldn’t quite convert, a beautiful nutmeg from Sam through the Sea Lions right backs legs only to be foiled by Goldsworths’ excellent keeper, a Harry Smith shot from a corner and the  highlight probably being a fantastic curled shot from the left by Cameron that sailed over the keepers head and dipped goalward only to hit the bar. “Oohs and ahhs” all round from the Vipers supporter base.
 
At the other end the defence was resolute. Good positioning from Harry J to push players wide and get the ball to safety, a brilliant sliding tackle from Cody, Sebby using his head on multiple occasions to clear the ball – look away Chief Welfare Officer – I don’t think Sebby has read those FA heading guidelines! Cody continued holding the line and what is now a familiar role commanding the defensive line to deny the Sea Lions space. Charlie had made up for his early error with a lot of theatrical saves that had our (my) heart in our mouths at time!
 
With Paul only bellowing at 300 decibels at this game (jumping up and down like a chimp was how it was described by a player in the car after the game, LOL) it seemed only appropriate that the supporter base would join in on the coaching side! Through their guidance, Charlie collected the ball and before the Sea Lions had a chance to set themselves up a strong goal kick was struck that was very central. Missed by the defender, Jody ran from behind, powered past the last man and elegantly half-volleyed the ball over the keeper to nearly burst the net. A great goal, well taken. Sam Allardyce would be proud! 20 mins gone, a deserved 1-1 score line.
 
From there until half-time the Vipers continued to have the better of the play. Oscar was “up for it” and displayed some tough tackling, Jody won a corner that Cameron kept at with multiple crosses – a lot of chances but the half ended 1-1. Was this not to be our day?

​A quick round of water bottles – non-shared, bring your own in these troubled times – and a quick team talk from Paul and Vinny and the 2nd half was underway. A terrifying rumour of our own “Blonde Messi” going in goal was averted as the ever reliable Harry J took up his position between the sticks and Charlie slotting into an attacking midfield role behind Jody.
 
It nearly made an immediate impact as a great ball in from the right went into the path of Jody but it was just a little too heavy. The boys were winning all the first balls. William had now slotted into the left back role and was commanding, Harry J was “safe hands”. In an attempt to emulate Charlies assist a long clearance by the keeper was mis-headed by the opponents defence into the path of Jody who went on to round the keeper but hit the side netting.
 
The attacks continued. Cam came close again, William had a brilliant break and Jody was thwarted by what was some excellent Sea Lion defending.
 
The danger man on the Sea Lines side was the number 6 on the left wing and for some reason the Vipers kept losing him – as the game went end to end this was going to be costly. And there you had it, a beautiful curling cross from number 6 (it felt like it was in slow motion) was met by the head of one of Goldsworths attackers and a thumping header struck the back of the net. Absolutely superb goal, you can only hold your hands up! 48 mins gone. 1-2. After all this effort we were on the back foot with only 12 mins to rescue it!
 
In something that looked like a scene from the Alamo the Vipers attacked, attacked, attacked!!!! A goal kick spun off the back of Jody, Jody again from the left and a shot stung off the keeper, William was denied off the line, the keepers feet coming to the rescue on another attack, a great cross from Sam and a Jody header. Their amazing keeper couldn’t be beaten. And then….. a speculative long shot from the halfway line by Charlie and the keeper bent to pick it up. Our hearts went out to him as he mistimed it and it bobbled between his legs. Correction, our hearts went out to him for about 2 nanoseconds and the celebrations started (with some shouts of “unlucky keeper” to be fair). Charlie ever the gentleman simply turned his back and didn’t celebrate – although after being interviewed afterwards it turned out he didn’t know that he had scored – “and if I had known I would have celebrated like mad”. J
 
This was literally the last action of the game, the ref blew the whistle and we were at 2-2. Rumours of a penalty shootout circulated however it turned out that it was a “cup league” game and the final result was 2-2. With 2 wins and 1 draw the Vipers are top of league. With “virus stopped play” however will we ever see this competition resolved?
 
Harry J was awarded man of the match.
 
Last word goes to “superfan Marco”……..

Great Common welcomed Dorking for the Cobras second cup game of the season. Looking to secure their second win on the bounce, and the top spot in the group, the Loxwood boys appeared focused and determined to see off their opponents.
 
The boys in white asserted their control over the game early with 2 great goals from Sam, via some brilliant through balls from Ben in the centre. Chris then made it 3 with a contender for goal of the season, after a great series of passes brought the ball forward for the Cobras. A rare mistake at the back allowed Dorking a lifeline, and the teams went in at the break 3-1.
 
A rousing team talk saw the travelling side come out guns blazing at the restart. Both teams pressed hard in attack and an exciting period of end-to-end play brought Dorking back within 1. 3-2

​Milford continued their endeavor however “George Barthez” was now in goal and showed some very comprehensive defensive skills outside the area which nearly ended in Jo having a heart attack. William was having a strong game in midfield alongside Cam – they were a good combination of speed and brawn and worked well with the tenacious Oscar who had entered the game, hitting a long shot to create confusion. The numbers of shots being attempted from range was a feature.
 
Once again the Milford keeper did well to repel the Vipers attacks and at the other end George performed a tactical save that had all the grown men (and Steve) wincing and holding their pair of “Georges” in sympathy with him as Coach Paul pondered how to apply first aid to this situation.
 
The pressing and attacking continued and a perfect example was demonstrated by Harry S as he was first onto a Milford goal kick and returned the ball straight back into the bottom corner. Although 3-0 Milford were still dangerous but in the next waves of attack Sebby showed how to put his foot in and excellent positional management by Raff pushed Milford wide to snuff out any sort of chance.
 
Raff ventured forward and caused issues. The crowd screamed at the boys that they should ensure you are not offside at the throw-in that had been won. Until that is, it was pointed out that you actually can’t be offside from a throw-in – oops! J Raff had two chances that stung the keeper’s gloves and rebounded into Charlies path but he couldn’t quite get the ball from out from under his feet to convert.
 
The 4th goal right at half-time will long be remembered as “toe-punt of the season”. From the halfway line Cody expertly, toe punted the ball that whipped goalwards, span off the now getting slippery surface and beyond the unlucky Milford keeper to hit the post and go in. Messi could try that 1,000 times and not execute it so flawlessly! 4-0 at Half-time.

So, the 2nd half started and although the lead was comfortable you just never know – you have to be patience, hold your nerve and concentrate without panic – the kids on the pitch also have to think about these things, not just the parents J
 
The game started with a surging run from Charlie from the half-way line. With Raff in a nice position by his side he charged past one (pass Charlie), he went around another (pass Charlie!), he went through a 3rd (please pass Charlie), he thumped it past the keeper (good goal Charlie I told you take them all on!).
 
Nerves settled the boys really started to enjoy the game. Cody continued an assured defensive performance and Charlie fed by a nice cross by Sam flashed the ball just wide. Milford continued to toil and hit the post and George was called into action once more. He went walkabout again and great support from William assured the defence remained intact.
 
As the 46th minute passed a corner bought a lovely cleared header from Sebby and the ball swiftly was moved upfield by a mobile midfield that left Charlie running up the left wing to cut inside and cross the ball for Jody (who was as always was in the right place) to volley the ball in for his hat-trick and the 6th goal. Goal of the game for sure.
 
This started a crazy 3 minutes as Milford won a corner 60 seconds later and then turn in a well-placed delivery to get the goal that their efforts had deserved. The 6-goal advantage was quickly restored however as George who had finally got his wish to come outfield made an impact with a shot that was rebounded to Jody who looped the ball over the keeper for a 7th.
 
With the game won Coach Paul tried some different formations with Jody moving into defence. The Milford keeper again was valiant by repelling further attacks but Georges general all round all round enthusiasm created a situation with Raff running in from the right to get his goal.
Sebby remained resolute in defence with a second header (someone call the FA!) and although the game finished with a bit of pinball wizard in the Milford error their keeper kept us out.
 
The game finished 8-1 which was a marvelous result for the boys. Credit has ot be given to Milford who never let their heads drop. Their continued enthusiasm and effort was a credit to their club – we all know how it feels to be on the end of a result like this. Special mention to their keeper who was fantastic throughout and didn’t really deserve his goal to be breached on that many occasions – the Vipers were simply on fire.
 
Player of the match was nominated as Harry Smith.
 
The final word goes to Coach Paul…….

The Vipers played Ewhurst Tigers and ran out the 3-2 losers is what was a very tight game. The report from Coach Paul was "An amazing game, a really tricky pitch but we dominated for large parts and played some great football. George was truly immense sweeping up at the back and as always kept us in the game when they had a few clear cut opportunities. Talk at half time though was was Cams shot from the halfway line? Some said it was from West Sussex but whatever it was a sweet strike and William also added it was with the outside of the boot, classy. All scrapped hard and the watching Ewhurst Tigers team will be having sleepless nights knowing we are back next week to play them."

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​The Cobras were in training taken by Simon. He reported that "​The boys had a good session looking at passing and movement off the ball."

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The mid season 2-week spring break allowed 10 hardy souls to get in a sneaky pre-Storm Denis training session. The weather held, the pitch was surprisingly good and those who weren’t in Dubai, had had travel plans disrupted or weren’t in hiding (City) were put through a session focussed on positional play from goal kicks and possession from a kick off. We ended with a 5 a side match where most of what we worked on was forgotten but we had fun.

Hope Willems shoulder is ok and Marcos eye recover although I suspect a black eye is likely. At least its a story he can tell the girls. "Well, I was on a train and this guy was being incredibly rude.... you should see the other boy...."

Enjoy the week and Vipers have a rescheduled fixture against Ewhurst and Cobras are hoping to train......

First up for the Cobras in their trophy hunt found them matched up away at the Brockham Badgers. A tricky pitch awaited both teams with several Cobras players missing through injury and illness. 

Sylvester filling in at right back after impressing the previous week and the returning Angus playing the lone striker role.

The game started at a frantic pace with it clear from the off that Brockham no '7' would be a handful with an impressive turn of pace. Twice in the first five minutes he was allowed too much room to run at the Cobras backline, and the Cobras quickly found themselves 2-0 down.  

This was the wake up call needed and the Cobras upped their game with the ever improving Dan providing some excellent link up play to relieve the pressure on the Cobras back line. A break down the right from Sam and a cross into the box found Angus unmarked and he found the far corner with an excellent finish to make it 1-2.

The game continued at a frenetic pace with the Cobras confidence growing, Ben found himself within range outside the box and finding the top corner with a lovely strike 2-2. Soon after the always dangerous Sam rifled in a third to complete a fantastic comeback 3-2 Cobras. Another lapse in the Cobras back line allowed the Badgers danger man too much time and space and he calmly made it 3-3. 

Thankfully the half time whistle came and time for the traveling supporters to catch their breaths - what a game we had on our hands. More goals were expected after the restart. 

The satnavs were working hard as the various mums and dads of the Vipers cruised - at a very early hour - into the Charlwood car park. A tough & long journey – it made the Lord of the Rings look like a stroll....but all players were present and correct as ‘Fergie’ Fielden led them into an intensive Vipers warm up. Could THIS be the day?....
 
1H: Great opening 10 minutes – Vipers playing mostly in CW half. Vipers keeping their shape and passing to each other. Sam V. playing a blinder with a vice like grip on the right back position – not only crunching tackles but great vision too in stepping in & stopping attack after attack.

CW had their first foray forward after 12 minutes but Harry J. in goal snuffed it out smoothly. Vipers turned the screw – William battling and winning in midfield, Cam striding around like a giant – cleverly putting off the opposition by falling down occasionally as he tackled...but it worked.

Harry S. buzzing brilliantly up and down the wing, Jody surging through the middle, Charlie tracking and tackling back really well but then whipping in crosses aplenty. CW grew more defensive...but they were good – last ditch tackles as we drove forward – it was compelling stuff.

In the last couple of minutes Sebby clearing it forward released Cody who then passed superbly to Jody who shot just wide again... the Vipers were on it. Halftime still 0-0 but the Vipers supporters singing hard....

The final words, however, go to the parents player of the match Sam W and coaches player Oscar.......
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​Buoyant from the 2-2 home draw last week the Vipers traveled to the well-equipped facilities of Dorking Wanderers on a damp, misty Saturday morning.
 
The team were depleted of some of their most consistent players, but it was pleasing to see that we could still field a strong team. The team competed well throughout the game, with the right attitude (from both sets of players) and at times some very skillful play.
 
Missing from other weeks the boys showed improvement as they were prepared to get stuck in, face up to opposition and take on some strong tackling. There was also a nice variation of play as they were prepared to take players on and run onto loose balls. Flowing play was always going to be difficult on what was a heavy pitch.
 
There was nothing between the two teams at half-time as they went in at 0-0. Even when the defence were troubled George was very solid in goal as he improves every single week and has come a very, confident goalkeeper who commands his area and voices instruction. The defence were strong and forays into the opponent’s area were really only fraughted by our common enemy of being afraid to shoot on sight just to create that extra level of confusion.
 
The Cobras were un-done in a 5-minute period right at the start of the second half. Some changes were made in players position in an effort to improve the attacking threat but lots of the boys struggled to adapt quick to their new positions and were undone by 3 quick goals by a lack of pace in defence and not tracking properly as Dorking came forward with new found confidence and in considerable numbers. Cue George “Lets get back and win this like Spurs at Ajax the champs league last year…..”
 
From then on in there really was nothing between the two teams to be honest and the Vipers certainly had the better of the midfield play. As in other games, carving out clear 1:1 chances, and threatening from corner set pieces was probably the difference and the midfield struggled a little to cover ground as they were now 3-0 down.
 

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Loxwood Cobras 2 Chiddingfold 4 (u11)

Despite the dull over overcast conditions, the Cobras and Chiddingfold served up a cracker at Great Common.

The Cobras had a point to prove going into this fixture after a heavy defeat in the away fixture a few weeks earlier. 

With a slightly tweaked formation and specific instructions given the game got underway and it was clear from the start that a much closer encounter was about to be served up.  Kelsey, Marco and Fin stoic in defence, Ben going toe to toe with their playmaker and Sam always a willing runner through the channels with his clever movement.

Both teams carving out some early half chances, Willem also making some fine saves in goal. A period of sustained opposition dominance resulted in an opening goal for the visitors, 0-1. Undeterred the Cobras fought back with some nice passing with young Barney impressing down the left. A quick pass from midfield found Sam through the middle with plenty to do, a fine burst pace, strength to hold of the retreating defender and a cool head meant the Cobras were back in the game 1-1. 

An even end to the half with both teams having chances but not taking advantage meant it was all square at the break.

Minors changes were made with Willem bolstering the midfield, the impressive Chris taking a breather.

The second half commenced with the Cobras heading up the slope. Strangely this worked in our favour as a period of sustained Cobras pressure resulted in Sam receiving a ball into him with his back to goal, a fine turn with a clever shot which agonisingly eventually rolled into the back of the net under the keeper sending the home fans into raptures!! 2-1 Cobras, time to believe ! 

Not used to being behind Chid made some changes immediately and their danger man returned to the fray. The Cobras delight was short lived with the visitors soon leveling the score. 2-2. 

Chris returned to the battle with Dan making way, forward came the Cobras again with Willem and Ben making things happen. The visitors post was rattled, goal line scrambles, flying saves meant that somehow the visitors were somehow still level.

With full-time approaching fatigue started to play a part and Barney was forced into action, on several occasions making excellent saves. 

With just a couple of minutes remaining the visitors found more success down the Cobras right flank and a fine finish from a tight angle from the edge the the box finally broke the Cobras resolve, 2-3 

With pretty much the last kick of the game the visitors made sure of their win adding a fine fourth. 2-4.

Despite the defeat, the Cobras can be proud of the way in which they acquitted themselves running a very strong Chid team close to the wire. Every single player gave it their all with one of the best performances so far this season.

Well done to Sam and Willem for their awards, so many others were also deserving in a fine team performance. 

​With the Christmas decorations barely back in their boxes the u11 were back on the training pitch in preparation for league action due to recommence the following week.

The weather was kind, dry and not too chilly either, a perfect start for 2020. An impressive turn out from both the boys and parents with  coaches Andy and Simon keen to blow away the excesses and inactivity of their own festive periods ! 

Simon put them through their early paces, with some fitness and stamina work to follow with the dreaded ladder making it's first appearance of the season.

Some goalkeeper drills next for some working on their reflexes and distribution skills, with George impressing with some great technique and assured handling. Simon also working on ball retention and possession with the other group. Next up some ball control and first time passing drills to get used to the feel of the round thing again. 

The boys were keen to get to a game and with numbers perfect for a 7 a side it was to be a good post xmas workout. The match emphasis was to be focused on attacking with pace and moving the ball quickly once in the opponents half, with limited touches going forward once in the attacking half. A confident first touch with a head up to release,  movement off the ball was also going to be vital.

Raff and Ben combining well early on for the 'non bibs' only to find an injury free Angus back to his terrier like best at the back and George making some fine stops in goal. As the game went on the boys started to find their feet so to speak with the aim of the game. The goals soon came with an impressive strike from Charlie a cheeky 'left footer' from Jody, with time up the sides could not be separated at 2-2, straight to penalties to try and settle it. After some fine penalties the 'bibs' finally triumphed with George proving the hero in goal.

A good start to 2020 to ready the boys for the challenges that lie ahead in the league from next weekend.

​There had been a lot of rain over the last week and the LYFC organising committee decision was correct and supported by all the U11s parents that playing football on a rain sodden Kirdford Rec for a Xmas party would not be a satisfying experience and the rec would take some damage – the hallowed REC ground and heartland of LYFC deserves better so sadly the postponement of the event was inevitable.\
 
However, with both U11 teams now free as games had been cancelled in advance it meant that any old excuse for parents to put on stupid fancy dress and join a friendly and non-touch safety first training session with our young cadets was the order of the day!!!! J
 
People donned costumes, football boots, trainers and in my stupid case walking boots to an attempt to have a slide around on the ground in a non-contact, safety first, training session. We were however, allowed to score goals. Although winning is not everything, and obviously we all teach our children to be inclusive and participate as a first priority winning is actually everything. So, game on! In a non-contact, safety first, training session of course!
 
Warming up was of the utmost importance and the boys were given a masterclass in this fine art led by Marco…
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The training session was lively. Lots of enthusiasm shown by lots of children and some argument that the referee was on our side of the training session being claimed unfair. There were moments of Brazilian brilliance. Kens pass to Vinny across the area for him to very gently pass past the keeper being a highlight. Vinnys deft back heel for Paul to gently lob the keeper another highlight. Louise was a revelation!!! Box-to-box energy, running and enthusiasm with also a nice first touch and good football intelligence. Someone is either watching SkySports or playing on FIFA20 in secret! I see a coach in the making right there!
 
Although a light arrival, Marcos “enthusiasm” – specifically on our own keeper Ken - nearly grabbed “player of the day”. Especially as he used a special bribe tactic by brining sweets and yummy mince pies for all!
 
Jody was incredibly generous with all his misses. Marco was impressive throughout – his first half “sweeper keeper” performance in particular very and would have Pep drawling. Andy was very solid with deft touches all non-touch, safety first training session.
 
Anyway, the first half of the non-touch, safety first training session finished 1-4 to the boys – goal details below. But all their goals were tap-ins and quite unimpressive if you ask me (as unbiased as Gary Neville commentating on a Man U game). However, in the second half the parents showed the stamina, fitness and physical ability that they have built up through the past year of 20-hours a week in the gym training as the U11s tired. Steve arrived, took part and also ate some pies :-)
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After a lot of pressure, the training session finished 5-5 with the last kick of the game – who would of thought? Fergie time defo in play was the false claim!
 
A non-touch, safety first pass to the goalkeeper event ensued with the parents just scoring more passes than their young opponents and everyone went home with lots more sweets, mince pies, mud on their costumes and smiles on their faces.

Quite rightly Paul called Louise as player of the day!!! Sportsmanship award went to Marcus!
 
Nice one all, I’m proud to be a part of this fabulous group!!!!!
 
Scorers –
 
Parents : Paul 4, Vinny 1 (goal of the day I would argue – Barcleona-esque – what a pass from Ken) Pauls lob is a good 2nd but I am a purist!
 
Kids: Sam 2, Charlie 1, Slyvester 1, Jody 1 (after 300,000 chances) J
 
Now for those videos you have all been waiting for. Good examples of how to take a penalty and how not too, LOL…..

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