​Not even the dull overcast conditions at Great Common could dampen the enthusiasm of the  Loxwood faithful, with the mouthwatering prospect of a 'Super Saturday' doubleheader in store for the U12s. With early spectator numbers swelled due to the always welcome additional Vipers vocal support, the entertainment got under way. 

Up first with the Cobras with a local derby against Cranleigh Blues, despite having bragging rights from a pre-season friendly for the Cobras, the emphasis of the pre match team talk was very much to guard against any kind of complacency. The Cobras were missing Ben 'The Warrior' Gwilliam and also the influential Willem due to injury, however they welcomed back Barney and Sam fresh from their escape from Peppa Pig World ;)  ;)

The match started brightly for the Cobras with some great inter play between Sam, Harry and Archie with the Cranleigh keeper having his fingers burnt by a rasping shot, which he somehow managed to keep out and palm away out of danger. In return Cranleigh countered down the Cobras right with Barney saving well from a long range effort. 

The remainder of the half was closely contested and chances were few and far between, with both sets of defences coming out on top. Thankfully Kelsey was marshalling the Cobras backline with great maturity and calmness with timely interceptions and determination in the tackle.. Luc and Marco snubbed out any raids down the flanks and restricted Cranleigh to long range efforts. Lots of endeavour and industry in the middle of the park from Angus, Archie, Dan and Sylvester but without the cutting edge in the final third, with the Cobras not making use of the Great Common slope in the first half.

​All square at the break with all to play for.  A slight reshuffle for the Cobras with Angus going in goal,Fin being moved into a more attack minded role after impressing in the warm up. With the message to 'move the ball quicker' ringing the boys ears the second half got under way.  The Cobras again started the half promisingly with both Harry and Oscar proving a constant menace with their movement and energy. The game started to open up with Archie starting to pull a few more strings and a fine flowing move found Fin in space on the right on the edge of the box and without hesitation he took aim and rifled a fine shot past the keeper high into the net off the far post with the keeper rooted to the spot. A fine goal to open the scoring.1-0 Cobras. 

Buoyed by this the Cobras again stormed forward with early passes now finding Sam,Oscar and Harry in more dangerous areas, causing Cranleigh problems with their pace through the channels. Some further nice work from Sylvester and Archie found Oscar free running through the centre, with a fine turn of pace leaving the defender trailing and with a calm head he beat the on rushing keeper with a lovely rising shot that found its way into the top corner 2-0 Cobras. Another excellent finish under pressure. 

As we know with the Cobras, we always like to keep the supporters entertained and rarely do we make things easy for ourselves. The foot then seemed to have been removed  off the pedal and intensity levels dropped allowing the visitors back into the game. A fine sweeping move down the Cobras left resulted in a deep cross bypassing all the defenders allowing a Cranleigh forward to sneak in at the back post and sweep a shot past the outstretched hand of Angus. 2-1 Cobras. The home support were now starting to sweat...

Cranleigh sensed something and poured forward, some last ditch defending from Marco, Kelsey and Dan proving vital in keeping the Cobras ahead.With time running out and the game stretched Cranleigh left gaps at the back and and quick Cobras counter attack found the every lively Sam free with space to run in on goal. Showing an excellent  turn of pace the defender was left disappearing in the rear view mirror and Sam finished off a superb performance with another excellent finish into the net. 3-1 Cobras and a huge sigh of relief was felt among the home support, a much needed two goal cushion.

Thankfully the remainder of game was managed to the final whistle and another fine Cobras win was recorded. Two pretty well matched teams in a thoroughly enthralling game decided by three excellent goals.

Another great team performance with Kelsey deservedly taking the Coaches choice for player of the day with his outstanding performance at the back and Sam taking the parents choice award for another fine performance up front.

A big thank you to coach Paul and Ken for enabling the game to flow with their excellent refereeing and line running performances.

​A dull football report. It is never dull to report on LYFC and the group of players that we have in both U12 teams. However, after all these years, it has come together and this is a dull report. Why so? Because they just did everything right. It was a shame that Raff, Cam and Max were not present (as they are part of this growth), however this was the most complete performance I have ever witnessed from this group.
 
9 players, no subs, a strong opposition of Woking Town. Every player played their heart out. They demonstrated the “never say die” spirit of the recent defeat to Charlwood but added the skill of Barcelona, the attacking instinct of Bayern Munich and that game management of anyone that has been managed well by Jose.
 
A 4-0 win. How far have this side come?
 
It has been tough at time on this journey. The Vipers went a whole year without winning a game in the not too distant past but on the field never ever let it get their heads down. However now they have clicked. It’s a combination of consistent coaching by Paul, midweek training organisation by Andy, Vinny/Marco helping to train and the support of all the parents – vocal on the day, always there in numbers, always supportive and respectful.
 
Today, quite frankly, Woking didn’t have a sniff.
 
For the record Cody scored from distance with a well-directed left foot shot. Jody hit the top right with a looping chip across the keeper from the left. Charlie had a stunning run on the left-hand side and crossed with his left (how is he so 2-footed?) for debutant Olly to score. Jody hooked one in on his left from the floor to make it 4. All great goals in their own right worthy to win any game.

​The boys managed the game. Cody, Sebby and Harry J assured and intelligent in defence.
 
Charlie, Sam, Olly bossed the midfield.
 
William supposed to be in midfield – but quite honestly this season in every position on the field at every moment.
 
Jody is dangerous always on the break and terrorises defenses with his calmness, speed and accuracy.
 
And George…. Well he is George. I don’t need to comment further.
 
Well done lads, you have had a brilliant start. Keep your heads and this could be special!
 
Coach Paul had this to say in post-match press conference…..
 
“You can be lucky, or you can earn the right to win. This season each week we are faster to the ball, aggressive in the tackle and moving the ball around at speed. We earn the right to win.
So, after another deserved victory, created by each player doing more than their bit, it’s only fair that the plaudits go not to those smashing goals in but each player who works their socks off and creates the team performance that wins us the game.
We are playing really well and every supporter is loving it!! Even missing keys players today with Cam, Raff and Max out they couldn’t live with us. 4 goals scored, 1 clean sheet, Brilliant!”
 
Loxwood Vipers 4 WTF 0. WTF!
 
Last word to Olly and George……
 
 

Despite the best efforts of the weather the Cobras travelled to play Milford to try and get back to winning ways.

The skies remained threatening but the rain had eased with pitch in great condition considering the amount of rain.

The Cobras welcomed back Kelsey 'The Rock' Covey to the heart of defence, returning Ben to the midfield engine room. 

From the start the Cobras seemed to have learned from previous weeks and were on the front foot from the first whistle, playing some nice passing football and testing the opposition keeper early on. 

Both Harry and Oscar S showing tremendous energy and link up play. Cobras early pressure was causing no end of problems for the Milford back line with panic causing a flurry of Cobras corners. A sublime pin point Willem corner found its way into dangerous areas with a scramble the ball was lashed home by an alert Sam. 1-0 Cobras.

With confidence high and the ball being moved around nicely by the Cobras further chances came with Sam again striking a long range effort past the Milford keeper to make it 2-0. Further Cobras pressure found Sam alert in the six yard box following a rebound off their keeper to audaciously 'rabona' the rebound it to make it 3-0. Nice way to complete your 'hat trick'

This was impressive stuff, Cobras changes followed  and it was only then Milford woke up and joined the game. The home side started to assert themselves with a more determined attitude and Barney was finally called into action making several important saves. New boy  Ollie making several vital interceptions to repel the re-energised Milford. There then followed a bizarre passage of play with the home team being awarded two penalties and converting both with Barney desperately unlucky not to keep out the first spot kick. Game on ! 3-2 Cobras.

The half time whistle was welcomed by the Cobras who needed to try and regroup. The message was 'not to panic' , keep the ball moving the chances would come but to up the work rate and win those tackles instead of standing off.

​The second period started with Angus moving to between the sticks, the impressive Luc returning at right back. With Harry S making several impressive jinking runs down the right, it wasn't long until Ben was found by Sam on the edge of the penalty box and with defenders desperately closing him down Ben calmy took aim and found the net with a stunning long range strike. 4-2 Cobras. 

Further Cobras half chances came and went but Milford were always dangerous on the break and the back line of Luc, Kelsey and Fin showed great determination to keep Milford at bay. With ten minutes remaining a long range Milford strike gave Angus little chance and the scoreline was now 4-3.

Sensing something possible Milford poured forward with chance after chance, Angus pulling off a string of important saves and interceptions. The inside of the Cobras post was also rattled with a long range shot and rebound rolling agonisingly back across the six yard box with no one able to apply the finishing touch. 

With the Cobras finding it hard to get out of there own half the away supporters contingent were worried, could they hold on ? In the dying minutes Milford were still creating chances in dangerous areas, thankfully last ditch tackles were won, shots were blocked and Angus was in fine form in goal. 

After what seemed an eternity the final whistle came much to everyone's relief. A gritty performance with great determination shown to get a valuable well earned win. 

Well done to Ben and Harry for some impressive performances backed up with a great team togerthness on show.

​​An absolute thriller at Great Common today as the Vipers toiled through the variable weather conditions against a courageous and well organised Albury side to win 4-3.
 
Prior to the game the weather had been very poor however as warm-up completed, the wind died and it became perfect footie weather on a fast, wet surface. The opening phase was well poised with both teams working hard to string passes together. For the Vipers Harry J was notable with some lovely controlled passing out to the wings from centre back transitioning us from defending to attacking positions. As the game progressed though Albury started to make their possession more dangerous calling on George for a number of saves before they Albury broke through the LYFC defenders who were player watching, After nutmegging Sebby the Albury striker pushed the ball to the far left corner just out of Georges reach. 0-1 Albury. 
Raff came on, and it made an immediate difference. In a Redknapp-esque restyling of the team Paul has moved Raff (Bale like) from his dependable left back position into a more advanced position on the left where he charges up that wing whilst providing service for Jody. A one-two between the pair flashed just past the Albury post and an added impetus was clear., Albury remained dangerous and a shot thundered against the post which would have gone in without the fingertips that George got to it.
 
A long kick resulted in a clear handball, Viper free-kick. From the free-kick the resulting pressure meant the keeper was beaten but an Albury player handled off the line and with no VAR required ref Colin Ramsay signaled for the penalty. Cameron converted calmly. This buoyed the Vipers and William continued the pressure immediately (which he continued throughout the game) to slot Jody through. 2-1 Vipers.
 
Confidence starting to lag Albury switched their keeper. The game was in a pattern and the teams were tightly matched. Cameron had a commanding performance in midfield all game. His winning of the ball and trying to turn play to transition was key. The difference however really showed when the Vipers pressured off the ball. It was pressuring by Jody on the new keeper that resulted in what was a chance of nothing into a desperate clearance. Calm and controlled Raff slotted the ball home first time from distance to make it 3-1. The defence was better organised towards the end of the half and the boys started to show some maturity by managing the game to HT. Time for the Half-time team talk sponsored by Fortnite.

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​The second half started quite differently with the Vipers starting to take control. Cody and Sam were having no-nonsense in defence, Max continued his form of the last week and Charlie came out of a very sleepy first half to provide a different attacking option which was demonstrated by 2 decent strikes that both troubled the Albury defence. Albury weren’t out of this and on one notable occasion Albury broke offside and Harry J was called into action a couple of times but put the ball safe in his no nonsense manner. There was also a particularly strong run on the left from their number 26 which Sylvester managed out to the corner and out of danger very smartly.
 
Re-enter the man of the moment… William Fielden. Will continued his relentless effort from the 1st half immediately and was covering every inch of the pitch – it was almost like two of him were out there! The linkage of Charlie, Jody, William and Raff were now showing some real danger. However, it was to be a linesman decision that turned the pressure back on the Vipers. Unfortunately, it was our linesman! Marco (Stevie Wonder) Vettese signalled for an Albury penalty for a foul just inside the box which they converted to make it 3-2. That’s Vitesse losing his bonus this week for sure! (Note:if anyone from Albury is reading it may have been a penalty and this maybe tongue in cheek!)
 
Albury were buoyed, the crowd volume increased, the Albury linesman waved his flag for offside…. Then the Albury linesman waved his flag for offside…. Then the Albury linesman waved his flag for offside…. Then the Albury linesman waved his flag for offside…
 
Anyway, on the 15th attempt Jody beat the offside trap (whether he was in his own half or not) as Charlie slotted through a beautifully placed ball that he ran onto and in Jody style there was only going to be one result. 4-2 Loxwood.
 
A 3rd GK for Albury who still remained resolute. The heads never went down and they remained a dangerous prospect throughout. It required some strong Sam and William defending to keep them out and with William covering the ball a shot just flashed wide. The Vipers had 2 quick corners, the first beautifully weighted by William (commented on by the opposing fans) that Charlie met beautifully to header just over the bar. However it was short corner well worked from the Albury side where they managed to sneak the ball in the far post from the right to make it 4-3. The Albury crowd were now rallied, and the excitement grew (in a respectful way!) as the game was coming to a climax.
 
Max made a couple of vital clearances and it was end to end. Notable was a long-range chip from Jody over a keeper that was miles out of his area to see it bounce just wide. The boys saw the game out and I think most were relieved to hear the final whistle for a fair, well fought and entertaining game come to close.
 
There were many notable performances and to be honest the author doesn’t always give his open opinion, but William Fielden should be called out specifically for covering every single inch of that pitch and battling throughout. Additionally, the physical presence from Cam makes a huge difference (literally) in that midfield area. The players gave the award to Raff who as I have commented also had an excellent and to be fair – he is the poster boy of the team J
 
Last word this week goes to Sam and Will (with a special photobomb appearance from George!)... Come on you PIES……..

As a new season opened we celebrated the achievements of the curtailed 2019/20 season, which saw the Cobras finish strongly with a four game unbeaten run and a place in the u12 trophy semi-final only denied due to Covid 19.

Cobra Team awards went to;

Ben Gwilliam for the 'Parents Vote' , an outstanding season, the 'ultimate' warrior,  growing in maturity and some great goals along the way.

Willem Mulden for 'Players Player', 'Mr dependable', always giving it 110% and a great co-captain, great leadership whatever the situation.

Marco Horsley for 'Coaches Award', fantastic progress throughout season, a willing team player with silky skills and a great turn of pace.

Sam Waddell for 'Player of the Year', Great goals, tireless work-rate, quick thinking and bags of tricks.
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Well done all, let's keep moving forward in 2020/21.
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Each player could have easily won each award as every week they step onto the pitch, play as a team and represent the parents and the club to the highest level. We are very lucky to have such a great set of players.

Players player - George. A landslide result for a player who demonstrates a level of sportsmanship above all others. Not only is he an amazing keeper but supports his team even when heads go down. Such an honour to have him representing Loxwood Youth FC

Fans Player - Jody. His goals, his work rate and his desire to bring others into the play. Every time he has the ball and bursts through the defence we hold our breaths and wait for the ball to hit the back of the net!

Managers Award - Cody. What a player what a season. First name on the team sheet each week. The desire to win the ball, fight for every opportunity and push the opposition, sometimes literally, into the ground with his work rate is why he stands out. He has secured the left back position and commands the back line throughout each game. Just wait when he learns how to use his right foot!!
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Well done to the award winners but really well done to all our players as without you they would not be able to achieve!