Match report.
Players: George, Max, Harry, Sebby, Cody, Cam, William, Jody and Charlie - no reserves
 
A bright, sunny morning. Early autumn leaves whispering across the car park as the Vipers tumble out of their cars and walk towards the Dorking stadium complex. Where are we playing?....we ask each other as we trudge towards the outside pitches…wait….a text message flashes in…stop…well, we are not playing on the grass pitches outside - we are playing in the stadium…yes, a proper professional stadium , yes the Stadium of Light! (well, very sunny at least…)
 
Hearts beating faster our players assemble on the astro…the Loxwood fans move into the sunny side of the pitch…coffees and baps are bought from the (professional) stadium café…Coach Paul (aka ‘Hairdryer’) takes the team into pre match training and practice shooting. Our lads are looking really confident, plenty of chat from them as they warm up...the fans too relax in our own way, each of us thinking big time as we gaze around the stadium in wonder. The astro pitch…perfectly formed, perfectly groomed…(in fact, just like Vinnie on a Sat night….)  however, could the Vipers compete at this heady level, we ask ourselves?
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1 H
Captain Cam leads us off. Dorkinians wearing a jazzy green and yellow outfit….Vipers in classic England white. First 5 mins bodes well. Vipers playing mostly in Dorks half - we are looking promising with a really confident and aggressive start. Dorks GK fumbles a touch on a couple of corners  …mmm….is this our opportunity, is this a weak link? Yes! is the answer as a smart interchange between Charlie, Jody and then to Cody…who powers on to score with a low drive into the left hand corner…0-1. C’mon! - what a start at 6 mins in. ‘Hairdryer’ turns to fans with a big grin  - he’s ‘lovin’ it’…and so are we.
 
More Viper pressure as our defence actually passes to our midfield…who then slips it to our forward line…who then actually pass to EACH OTHER…and yes!...another score 0-2. Charlie finding space, weaving around and then almost a speculative drive… and through their GK legs…poor chap, he is having a mare.  At 8 mins in, Vipers now thoroughly believe. Wave after wave of accurate Viper passing, firm tackling back and running into space from the Vipers defence and midfield…and then our incessant forward movement causes mayhem in the Dorks defence.  They cannot cope as we pile on pressure and the corners. They are actually a decent side with a big forward line….but we are too focused, too driven and too good on the day. Any occasional foray by them down our flanks is magnificently repulsed, mainly by Max on the left who is having a blinder. Great to see & hear too our defensive line talking to each other, working together and then keeping the play firmly in Dorks half. Wonderful stuff. George - mostly inactive is then called on to save a marauding and lone Dorks attack - he flings himself to his left and palms it round the post…phew!…frankly, every Viper is doing their bit. Cam, patrolling the midfield dribbles, checks and then shoots confidently from 30 metres…just over. Charlie confidently and expertly does exactly the same too. Harry, Max and Sebby - all working well together are snuffing out calmly any Dorks attack, Cody, playing powerfully, tracks back to help when required, William, seizing on any midfield loose ball surges towards the Dorks last third with mazy runs, Jody afterburners on, scaring their defence time after time as he accelerates towards their keeper….it’s fabulous stuff. Another goal too …its 0-3. Halftime beckons. What a half…but can we keep it going?
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2H
Oh yes we can!... is the answer. Vipers are focused and ready to engage. Jody is on fire as he adds another goal too in quick succession. 0-4. Our passing is slick, our mood is determined, Dorks backpedalling everywhere, more goals come along, Charlie strikes from 29.5 meters….their GK leaps like a home loving salmon on the Tweed….but in vain as the ball arcs over his despairing fingers and into the top left…its now 0-6. Viper fans are in another world. Yours truly cannot keep up the scribbling as William then scores a wonderful goal at speed angling it across the GK…0-7. Charlie, head up, strokes in a majestic shot…the GK only get fingertips again as it thuds in…0-8. But …but…what’s this? a rare Dorks surge towards our goal…a too nonchalant & mistimed tackle by our defence and they are in, a rebound off Georgewho couldn’t do anything about it and they score. Its 1-8. It’s a salutary wakeup call - ‘Hairdryer’ stalking the touchline calls it out….and is heard back at Ifold as he does so. Dorks emboldened, now begin to surge towards our goal but our midfield are now awake and respond - they stop the attacks and pass calmly to the forward line…Charlie scores and Jody again as well. Whistle then goes. Its 1-10. 1-10. Let it sink in.
 
A truly electric performance. In years to come as we bounce our grandchildren on our knobbly knees we will rasp…”I ‘woz there when we did the Dorks 10-1”
 
What a match. Take a bow everybody - thank you coaches too as that typical cold & rainy mid-week training is all paying off for sure. C’mon Vipers!

Final word to our debutant Max.....

A much changed Cobras line up gathered at Gosden House School in Bramley on a gloriously sunny morning to take up the challenges against some well drilled and highly skillful opposition.The expectant spectators were in for an absolute cracker of a game.


The Cobras lined up with Barney in goal, Fin, Kelsey and Archie along the back, Dan, Harry, Oscar and Sylvester in the midfield along with Sam playing the lone striker.The Cobras also welcomed to the fold Ollie Godfrey who manged to beat the league registration deadline just in the nick of time.


The game started at a frantic pace, unfortunately the Cobras were caught cold by Albury with a lightening fast break. 1-0 down before the first sips of coffee had been taken...With that 'wake up' call the Cobras sparked into life with both Sam and Harry providing the energy and creativity to create chances but finding the Albury keeper in fine form. Albury proved dangerous on the counter attack with the game pulsating from end to end, thankfully Barney was again in fine form with a string of fine saves.


Chances at both ends came thick and fast, Archie was impressing in the unfamiliar position of left back, Kelsey keeping a 'calm head' and Fin keeping their tricky wing in check. The Cobras finally managed to get a foothold in the game with a couple of quick goals including a fantastic rising shot from Sam after a fine solo run that gave their keeper no chance. This only annoyed Albury who fought back and with some excellent work out wide and taking their shooting opportunities early the game swung back in their favour. The whistle went for the end of a breathless first half with Albury back in front at 4-2.

With a slight shuffle of the pack, Angus took over in goal, Luc slotted back into midfield and new signing Ollie was now given the opportunity on the left side of defence. Albury continued on the front foot, proving strong in the tackle and getting the ball out wide at any opportunity to feed their tricky wingers. More Albury goals soon followed, a combination of their clinical finishing and Cobras unfortunately losing possession in the wrong areas.


At 7-3 down, heads could have dropped and the game could have been over but not these Cobras....a 15 minute period late in the 2nd half was solely Cobras dominance. Oscar re-entered the game and was proving a constant menace, Harry S jinking his way through the Albury defence, a rasping shot which the keeper could only parry and Harry pouncing on the rebound to score. Archie also providing a calm finish from just inside the penalty area. Sam also breaking free and scoring again to complete his hat trick. Further Cobras efforts went unrewarded with a rising shot from Sam on the run rattling their cross bar and Sam also unluckily hitting the post with the keeper well beaten from the penalty spot. At 7-6 a miraculous comeback was oh so close.


After the intense previous period of play, legs and minds were tired, Albury showed their strength and class with further quality goals to make it 9-6, a couple of fine saves from Angus at the end kept the score at that. Cobras goalscorers were Sam W 3, Harry Smith 2 & Archie


An utterly breathtaking game, with so many great goals and wonderful attacking play. The Cobras should be proud of the way in which they didn't let their heads go down and fought back to nearly pull of the unthinkable.Some defensive points still to be worked on but a great performance against a very good Albury side.


Well done to Sam and Archie for winning their awards this week. Well done also to Ollie for coming into the side and showing great determination in his first Cobras game against tough opposition.

After a journey that by length mirrored a UEFA Europa qualifier to Moldova the Vipers gathered at a very bright and sunny Charlwood pitch in Horley. It was noted that the conditions at Charlwood have had a great upgrade with excellent cut grass and a brilliant marked surface. One thing that hadn’t changed was Charlwoods classic Yellow, Blue, White Brazilian kits that to be fair matches the silky skillfulness that their team has been known to demonstrate.
 
Marco and Willem had been transferred to the Vipers for this game and it was good to see Willem saunter in just before kick-off with all the enthusiasm of Gareth Bale being pulled away from a golf course to train with Real Madrid J
 
Special mention to the injured Sam Vettese who turned up with his Dad to support the team! This showed great team camaraderie but also possibly that Di wanted some shelves put up in the house so Marco may have found an excuse to escape?
 
The game started at a good pace with play shared 50/50. From the off Sebby showed his strength and calmness in the centre of defence. Also, from the off the Charlwood #19 showed a lot of skill, with some excellent twists and turns on the ball that was a feature throughout. The wind blew up quickly and also became a feature of the first half as did Jody running from the halfway line on the end of long balls with his afterburners in full flight.
 
George was kept busy but remained a safe pair of hands, his commandment of the area and constant encouragement demonstrating why he had been presented the “players player” award prior to the game.
 
The 10th minute came and very importantly Jeremy returned from Costa Coffee with a full round. Not only a nice selection of Cappuccino, Lattes, Teas etc but also some pastries…. the bar has been set. Now back to the footie……
 
In general, the passing from our opponents in the middle of the park was causing issues as they demonstrated some very neat passing around our midfield. However, the cleverness of some of our through balls from Willem to William, Sebby to Jody etc continued to threaten. The move of the half started with Sebby pushing the ball to Jody, who less orthodox for him pulsated up the right wing. A cross to Charlie bought a chance that was saved by their keeper and Raff was unable to convert with the goal gaping – were the Vipers to rue that missed chance?
 
New crowned  "Coaches Player of the Year" Cody, Sebby and Harry J continued to battle with a very skillful Charlwood attack and covered each other well during multiple attacks - who again were being well marshalled George on a number of occasions who denied a number of chances.
 
Marco came on for Raff in the 22nd min and only a minute later the pre-match awarded "Parents Player of the year" Jody scored with a trademark run from midfield, perfectly timed to avoid the offside trap. He saw off a resolute Charlwood defender and pushed it into the far corner which left their keeper no chance. Time to see out this half!
 
Raff replaced Willem in a tactical change and only 2 minutes later William pushed the ball through to Jody and it looked to be a carbon copy of the 1st goal until some brilliant defending by the Charlwood number 12 fairly bundled Jody off his stride. In the last couple of minutes there was some excellent pressing by the Vipers led by Charlie in particular who created enough urgency to pressure a corner and then a second ball given away to provide Sebby with a long-range effort. Vipers had finished the half on a high and a and tactical chat was welcomed.

​​The 2nd half started with the players in the same formation and some very incisive commentary from William Fielding who noted that as he was on the right wing this half would be better “because Dad I will hardly hear you shouting at me”. If only the Amazon All of Nothing team had been present for this scoop!
 
Charlwood started the 2nd half extremely strongly and scored in the first minute. Very skillful (this word is becoming a trend) play by the Charlwood #77 bought a save from George which was rebounded out but he was left no chance with the follow-up.
 
A busy few minutes ensued for George who had a couple more good saves and came out of his area twice creating hearts in mouths moments on the sidelines but George had timed them well. Upfront the Vipers continued to threaten. Charlie had a deep free kick that tested the keepers ability to hold onto the ball and then he slotted the ball through to Jody who again was denied by good goalkeeping.
 
The quality of the 2nd goal Charlwood goal in the 37th minute couldn’t be denied. #77 skipped past our defenders in a Maradona-esque style to poke the ball past George. Heads were dropping shortly after as it looked like Charlwood had scored again however VAR stepped in and ruled it offside – my eyes say that the Vipers got away with one!
 
The clock turned to 41st minute and William got a surprise. It turns out that Paul can shout loud enough across the pitch for his son to receive some encouragement and support from the coach J
 
#19 troubled our defence and Cody repelled a couple of attacks. Raff was starting to impose himself upfront and bought a decent save from the keeper after a decent turn in midfield created the chance. The ball bobbled loose but neither Jody or Charlie could get themselves in the right position.
 
5-minutes of what can only be called sleeping then killed off the game. In quick succession (the 49th and 53rd minutes) the Vipers were caught ball watching or not quite alert as Charlwood who seized on the chances to turn the game from 1-2 to 1-4.
To be fair, with 7 minutes remaining this could have turned very sour but the boys picked themselves back-up and toiled. Charlie was to epitome of this and headed the ball strongly from midfield and then followed it up by pushing through the defence to get himself one on one with the keeper and confidently poke the ball past their keeper with his left foot.
 
The game finished 2-4 which was a fair win for Charlwood but an excellent test for the Vipers who have shown a massive improvement already on last season and competed toe to toe against a very talented side for 55 mins of the game.
 
Onwards and upwards….
 
The match players and coaches awards went to Harry J and Charlie respectively.

Final word goes to our giant of a keeper a and players player of the year George.....

The Cobras went into the first game of the new season in a confident mood bouyed by last week's emphatic pre-season  win against Cranleigh.  The coaches had a full squad to choose from and the boys were put through their early paces by Simon before the game.


As kick off approached the starting line up was announced, Barney in goal, Fin, Kelsey and Marco at the back, Sylvester, Willem, Ben and Luc across the midfield and Sam leading the line up front.


The Cobras started well with the ball being moved around  quickly, some excellent work from Luc found Sam breaking free and bearing down on the Sharks goal, unfortunately his snap shot across goal going just wide. Further good work from the strong midfield duo of Ben and Willem asserting their authority in the midfield created further opportunities for the Cobras  but no breakthrough could be found.


With ten minutes on the clock Elstead finally got into the game, initially with a couple of long range efforts, fortunately Barney was alert and produced two excellent saves at full stretch to keep the scores level. A more physical approach from the Sharks was paying dividends combined with some hesitant tackling from the Cobras, tackles were not being won, too much standing off and not enough 'conviction' being shown in winning the loose ball. All these combined quickly found the Cobras 2-0 down. Based on possession and chances the scoreline was harsh on the Cobras but the Sharks determination was the difference.

Match Report for Loxwood the Viper first game of the season

First Half.....

Captain Will F scores from great Jody cross 1-0.

Great goal by Jody after fantastic long ball gamble by Charlie. 2-0.

Sam sadly off injured for the rest of the match, so Max on for his Loxwood debut. Some great goal keeping from George to keep the opposition at bay. Great corner from Will with a Jody header that had it been on target would’ve been a cracker.  A blue throw in resulted in Cam winning it, a long pass forward which Jody slotted into the net 3-0.

Goldsworth managed to cause some confusion in defence resulting in a goal 3-1.

Cam gets on the scoresheet, driving run up the right before smashing a ball across low and hard, which flew in past the keeper at the near post. 4-1.

End to end to and a near miss from Will after another fantastic Jody / Will combo.

Raffy working hard to create chances on the left. Cody was tenacious and full of energy as he dominated the left back position.

End to end as we go into half time 4-1.

Second half ........

A quieter start to the second half. Until Jody tried a goal from the halfway line, sadly it was a near miss! 

Charlie subbed for Cam. Loxwood being tested in defence. Harry J and Sebby clearing the ball away to keep them at bay.

A Jody run resulting in a great tackle from opp no 5. Will corner but nothing came of it. Corner ball Will takes, Harry J creates another corner on the other side for Raff. A near miss by Charlie.

Charlie almost scored a wonder goal hitting the post! Big oohs and ahs from the crowd! Having moved the ball to his right foot, looked up and smashed it. The ball thundered off the left hand post. Great play Charlie!

Long ball from Charlie to Will crosses to a Raff header another near miss!!

Still 4-1.

Great run from Charlie, resulting in a corner. Still no second half goal from either side. Until a great goal from the opposition 4-2.

Loxwood finished the game attacking, whistle went, the matched ended at 4-2.

A great start to the season !!!!!!

outh 

​As the boys of Loxwood Youth FC looked ahead to the new season as Under 12s, the opportunity came up for a pre-season friendly against their rivals at Cranleigh. The wider squad began the day with another great training session, this time focusing on shooting from distance and at pace, before a good training match made possible by the healthy numbers on show on a sunny Saturday morning (report to be published soon). As the session drew to a close, the selected players, a mixture of Cobras and Vipers, made their way to Snoxhall for their first competitive game of the new season.


Starting team saw a towering George in goal; Kelsey, Finn and captain Angus in defence; William, Marco, Ben and Archie in Midfield; and Jody up front. Luc and Sylvester started on the bench.