After a run of good performances, but disappointing results, the Cobras of Loxwood arrived at the hallowed turf of Great Common, keen to secure the victory they so deserved. Since it all came down to this game; both the last of the season, and the last under the tutelage of coach Andy Leete (after more than 4 years of involvement at the club), the brave boys in white were particularly motivated - and it showed, from the moment the first whistle blew.

The game began with Angus in goal, a back line of Luc, Kelsey and Willem; a midfield of Sylvester, Dan, Ben and Harry, with Oscar playing up front. Instructions from the manager were to press the opposition into their half, and to communicate positively with each other - and boy did they listen!

The Griffins were up against it, as the Cobras kept much of the football out of their defensive third with a commitment to win the ball and make challenges with conviction. The Cobras worked well in midfield; Sylvester making some great runs up the wing and Harry and Ben linking up well in the centre, both getting forward into goal scoring positions. However, it took a perfect through ball from Luc to impact the scoreboard. Ben, running onto the pass, slotted the ball into the corner of the net. 1-0 Cobras. 

Further opportunities then came, with Albury visibly rattled. An unfortunate miss-hit from an Albury defender finding its way over their keeper and into the back of the net, 2-0 Cobras, and the half time whistle went.

​In the second half, with Marco now on, securing things at the back, Albury began to force their way back into the game, a flurry of brilliant stops from new keeper Willem kept the sheet clean. The Cobras continued to play positively; Angus, now in the outfield made some great runs up the wing and serviced the forward players with perfect crosses and corners. Albury attacking efforts began to dry up, thanks to strength at the back from Kelsey and some better engagement from Dan. Oscar continued to provide a constant threat on the counter attack and Luc tracking the Albury forwards like a heat-seeking missile. 

Altogether the most assured performance of the season, and a well-deserved 2-0 victory.

Parents player award went the excellent Kelsey for another outstanding defensive display (just needs to be more gentle with his crosses when he's pressing higher up the pitch!), and coaches award went jointly to two clean-sheet-keepers, Angus and Willem, who both combined confident shot-stopping with clear calling and positive leadership from the back.

Great heart from the boys to work so hard as a team, making coach Andy proud-as-punch in the process.

A big thank you from everyone connected to the U12s who have been honoured to have Andy and Angus with us over the years..... our teams would never have developed without your unselfish commitment, dedication and expertise!
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Unfazed by their opponents previous week's Cup exploits, the Cobras set about Ewhurst with amazing energy and enthusiasm. Harry S and Ben taking the game by the scruff of the neck and pulling the midfield strings.

Lovely movement off the ball and neat confident passing early on enabled the Cobras to create the best of the chances with Ben striking the crossbar with a rising rasping shot and Sam being denied by some brave keeping. Ewhurst only rarely threatening the Cobras goal due to defensive heroics from Kelsey, Fin, Marco and an ever alert Barney.

The Cobras continued to press in the 2nd half with chances created from well rehearsed corner set pieces thanks to excellent distribution from Angus, Kelsey, Willem and Sam but a resolute Ewhurst stood firm. Further Cobras chances came and went without being converted,  with time nearly up a rare defensive lapse in dealing with a loose ball enabled Ewhurst to sneak in at the back post to slide in a winner to the despair of the home crowd.
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A harsh result for the Cobras based on effort and determination, not to get something for their much improved display, which was probably their best performance since returning from the lock down break.

I wasn't on time to see the first game so cannot comment although both sets of supporters reported that the Cobras had dominated the game and were unlucky to lose to Ewhurst who took their chance. 

Watching game 2 I thought the effort was excellent and the organisation good. Players in their positions and holding them well. Ben extremely strong in midfield, Harry danger wherever and whoever he plays for and Slyvester very assured were the highlights noted. Sam was a constant danger and may have had more success if he released the ball earlier towards goal just to give teammates the opportunity to gamble on the rebound as well as giving their keeper something to think about. 

The difference in the end was that the Ewhurst players gave more passing options with their movement off the ball to whoever had possession. The boys didn't tire, didn't give in and really were unlucky to not get a goal that their endevours deserved.
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Well done lads! Its a while since I have seen a Cobras game and there is tons of progress!

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!

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.

On a drizzle-filled morning, U12 training was taken by Sgt Major Vinnie, Simon & Marco whilst Coach Paul was tan-topping in Portugal (no he was definitely working, there's no way he would miss footy for anything) and Coach Andy was tanning himself in the rain in Devon.

Sgt Major Jenkinson started the session with his SAS fitness drills, nasty stuff, not for the faint-hearted. The supportive parents on the sidelines were offered the opportunity to join in however it it was obvious that somewhere in the Covid-19 guidance from the FA that parents shouldn't be exposing themselves to this level of risk or exertion!

This was followed by Marco's bemusing "Triangle Drills". Trying to instill crisp, accurate passing. "If we control our passing, we control the game", (the theory is sound at least). Then onto a match with both Simon & Vinnie instructing various tactics to the mob.

Just like the FA Cup draw balls, this morning we disinfected our balls and football retuned to Plaistow Rd and so did the rain.
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We held 2 sessions of 2 groups of 4 in each lasting 45 mins so that players could leave before others arrived.

Andy ran the fitness drills putting players through their paces and they rotated on to close touch skills session. Marco was by far the standout player for his Samba skills on the Toe toe Brazil style skill in the first session and Jody was getting the hang of it by the end of the 2nd. We then moved to 2 drills building on decision making, passing and smashing the ball into the back of the net or the woods if they missed.

In spite of the rain it was great to be back and see the players again.

​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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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....