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.