Dynamo U14's v Seahaven Harriers
4th March 2007

Team: Sharni (Capt), Abbie, Jade, Abi, Emily Bl., Emily Br., Holly, Crystal, Beth, Harriet, Paige, Natalie

Manager’s view:
The last league match of the season saw the players compete in awful conditions against local visitors Seahaven. Although the day was overcast to start with, the torrential rain and gusting winds which arrived as the match unfolded made attractive football difficult at best.

A couple of our team took full part in the game, despite feeling under the weather. Seahaven took the lead after around 7 minutes when a throw was only half cleared and the visitors regained possession, steering the ball home at the near post. A somewhat fortuitous second after 13 minutes came as a result of a corner when the ball skidded off an increasingly wet pitch and ricocheted off the Seahaven attacker past Dynamo’s defence. It was debatable as to who was more surprised - our defence or the player who scored !

With captain Sharni taking her position between the sticks in the first half, the defence and Sharni combined well to restrict Seahaven to only the two goals to half time. Sharni made some excellent saves and a backline of Jade, Abbie and Abi defended particularly well.

Up front, Harriet and Paige worked hard and the midfield tried hard to support.

In the second half, the conditions got the better of some players on both sides with the wind and then puddles on the pitch combining to make the game unpredictable.

Seahaven extended their lead on 8, 14 and 26 minutes to run out eventual 5 - 0 winners although despite this, I must commend the back defenders again and Harriet who took her turn in goal in the second half.

Initially, I was somewhat disappointed in certain aspects of our performance, especially in our ability to retain the ball when I believed we had time and room to move, control and pass. However, on reflection, I cannot ignore the conditions, which had a major impact and certainly didn’t help either team.

Before the game, I had observed that in recent matches we had competed well in the first half of games but had perhaps fallen away in the second half. Today, though, we did keep our effort from start to finish, with which I was very pleased and when looking at the score against the same team earlier in the season, this is a massive improvement over that game. So, there are different measures of success and overall, I still believe there has been a gradual improvement.

I am hopeful of a friendly or two to provide the players an opportunity to make up for the matches we have lost, with teams dropping out of our league and the chance to continue an improvement as we approach the tournament season.

Final score: Dynamos 0 (0) - Seahaven Harriers 5 (2)

Player of the Match: Today’s Player of the Match has played consistently well over the last few weeks. Continuing to play intelligent football and trying to do the right thing at all times, this player made herself available for her team-mates seeking a pass. She has grown in stature as she has begun to physically compete more readily with opponents and concentrated throughout today’s game to make important interceptions and to make good decisions in tackling and jockeying opponents where appropriate. I am pleased to award this week’s Player of the Match to Jade. Congratulations and Well Done!

Junior Club Tackleway v Dynamo U14's
25th February 2007

Team: Emily Bl., Abbie, Jade, Abi, Paige, Sharni (capt), Gabi, Holly, Megan, Beth, Harriet, Crystal

Manager’s View:
Dynamos suffered a setback as early as the 2nd minute when Tackleway won a corner and although the initial ball was half cleared by the red defence, a somewhat fortuitous lob found its way into the far side of the net, giving Emily no chance.

Playing down the slope in the first half, which was as much a hindrance as a help with the ball rolling away from our attacks, Dynamo began to exert some pressure and had a long period of possession and pressure against the home side.

The home team still had chances of their own however and Emily made at least three crucial saves to keep our hosts’ advantage to just the one goal.

On 26 minutes, Dynamo achieved parity when Beth was fed the ball from midfield and ran purposefully towards the goal. A neat one - two, (give and go / wall pass) saw Beth surge past the last defender and, cutting in from the left, finished confidently past the advancing keeper. 1-1 at half time fairly represented the game as both sides had been in the ascendancy at points during the first half.

The home side had the slope advantage in the second half and they used it to their advantage. They kept Dynamo under pressure for long periods, often firing the ball in behind our defence for the benefit of runners. Two early goals in the second half on 6 and 9 minutes really put the game beyond us and to be fair, they were decent goals. The first was a long shot which the player struck well, although she was not challenged and the ball nestled in the back of the net. The second of these was a brilliantly taken drive from just outside the penalty area which fair whizzed into the top left hand corner and was easily their best goal of the game.

The score remained at 3-1 until the 21st minute when a speculative shot rebounded off the far post and the home side forward was the first to react to first control and then despatch the ball to put us 4-1 down. During this period the reds had a few sorties of their own but were unable to turn their efforts into goals. The home side extended their advantage on 22 minutes when a clearance was picked up in the centre of midfield and, again, unchallenged the player used the full sized goal to lob over Crystal in a goal reminiscent of the second one.

Although we lost 5-1 in the end, the first half was fairly even and we may have taken more advantage when we had an extended period of pressure. There were times when it was easy to see Dynamo attempting to play a thoughtful passing game and this must be continued. If we can remain calm in possession and add a little more movement to help the player in possession before she is under pressure it will help our progress.

Out of possession we have to concentrate on picking up players running into space and above all to put pressure on the ball carrier. This performance overall was better than last week’s game and I was especially pleased with the first half performance. More of the same please, girls !

Final score: Junior Club Tackleway 5 (1) - Dynamos 1 (1)

Scorer: Beth

Player of the Match: Again, despite coming second this week, there were some very good performances. Jade continued throughout the game to try and play the ball out of defence despite being put under pressure by her opponent. Jade also tried to give us depth and width for short goal kicks in an effort to play from the back.

Abi S was the personification of determination and tenacity and had a strong and intelligent defensive game.

This week’s Player of the Match though goes to Abbie for a truly outstanding game on the right side of defence. Athletic and mobile, she defended resolutely and with great technique, especially in one on one situations. Abbie covered well, at times snuffing out attacks before they had chance to develop and, like Jade, preferred to try to pass the ball out of defence rather than just clear it, although when the situation demanded she did that too. Excellent game Abbie, well done.

Eastbourne Borough v Dynamo U14's
18th February 2007

Team: Harriet, Abbie, Holly, Jade, Paige, Emily Br., Gabi, Abi, Emily Bl., Sharni (Capt), Beth

Manager’s View:
A chilly, overcast day on a pitch that resembled a banana (according to one parent! And he wasn’t far wrong!!) saw our most recent game away at Eastbourne Borough.

Our opponents were a very good team, populated with Centres of Excellence players from at least two clubs. As expected, they really brought the game to Dynamo, exerting pressure right from the first whistle. Although they scored at fairly regular intervals throughout the first half, on 8, 15, 21 and 39 minutes, Dynamo also had some passages of play where the balance of the match did not reflect the half time 4 - 0 score line.

The second half was a different story however as Borough playing down a slight slope used all their experience and ability to really take the advantage and virtually overran a brave Dynamo team.

Some frustrations came to bear, understandably, though there is a valuable lesson in each player trying to control only those things which they can personally affect. So, being the first player to defend against the ball, or picking up the nearest opponent, or being calm in possession and trying to pass to a team-mate, depending on the situation.

It was sad to witness a young player or two of the opposition, despite their obvious team superiority, resorting to unsporting behaviour at one point rather than concentrating on the game. Full marks though to the referee who immediately quashed the attitude in no uncertain terms.

Sadly, we were to lose the game by a heavy score of 13 - 0. However, there are some valuable football lessons we can take from the game, (which we can discuss objectively on another day) which we can apply to our next match and we should aspire to replicate the, at times, excellent team play of our opponents.

Final score: Eastbourne Borough 13 (4) - Dynamos 0 (0)

Player of the Match: In a game such as today, it’s sometimes too easy to concentrate on the aspects of the game in which we did not do so well. However, there were still good performances from Dynamo players and I will mention some of these here.

Gabi again showed progress playing in the centre of midfield and I must say how pleased I am with her recent performances. Beth fought hard for every ball and created real trouble for the defence of a talented team and with a bit more fortune may have had a goal or two.

However, today’s Player of the Match goes to someone who has consistently put aside her own preferences for the good of the team. Again today this player put in a first class performance and this despite feeling unwell before and during the game. Excellent saves, distribution and for maintaining a positive attitude throughout, today’s award goes to Harriet.

Dynamo U14's v East Grinstead
4th February 2007

Team: Holly, Sharni, Beth, Harriet, Jade, Paige, Emily Br, Emily Bl, Crystal, Megan, Gabi, Abbie, Nat

Manager's view:
A chilly day with a light breeze and a firm pitch saw us at home again, this time to East Grinstead. One or two positional changes from the previous game and an almost full squad, this time with just Abi missing through ill health, saw us take the game to a weakened East Grinstead team throughout a positive first half. Crystal in goal was not called into too much action, but she intercepted several through balls, being smartly off her line.

Sharni and Beth again played as forwards and used their close control to the benefit of our attacks. A five player midfield gave them plenty of support going forward and they were just as keen and eager to bolster the defence as and when needed.

On 18 minutes, Beth gave Dynamo the lead with a positive run and competent finish past, it has to be said, a very good goalkeeper. On 20 minutes Beth again scored well to double our lead and it was thoroughly deserved.

Captain Sharni increased our lead following a positive dribble, beating several players as she moved to the right. She steadied herself and lofted a pass towards the far post where it eluded the keeper and nestled gently in the far corner to send Dynamo 3-0 to the good at the break.

With the benefit of two substitutes, we were able to rotate the players and allow some of them back on into different positions.

Harriet took over between the posts in the second half and Crystal took her place in the centre of midfield. Waves of Dynamo attacks saw us extend the lead to 4-0 when Crystal dribbled through the visitors defence, rounded the keeper and tucked the ball into the corner.

As the second half matured, East Grinstead started to become more adventurous sending sorties of up to 4 attacking players into our territory in an effort to reduce the arrears. Their number 9, Holly, especially had a great game in difficult circumstances and in this period went close on several occasions. With a bit more luck and if Harriet had not been so good in goal, they could easily have clawed their way back into the game.

However, following a corner by Sharni for Dynamo, EG were unable to clear the ball. Some good interplay on the edge of the opposition penalty area saw Holly control the ball and slide a perfect pass into Crystal who turned well and finished smartly to make it 5-0. It was the visitors who had the final say though, with a turn on their right and a lofted pass into the corner of our net to make it 5-1 at the end.

I was very pleased with our overall intent to play real football, move and pass and, generally, I believe I detect the players gradually becoming more comfortable in doing so. Keep up the good work, girls.

P.S. I’d also like to say thank you to Steve Walder for refereeing and to Steve Edwards for running the line. It’s a fantastic bonus to have volunteers take on these tasks; and they don’t HAVE to be called Steve! Thank You.

Final score: Dynamos 5 (3) - East Grinstead 1 (0)

Scorers: Beth (2), Sharni, Crystal (2)

Player of the match: Again it was quite difficult to select a player of the match as several players made significant contributions to our win. I’d like to mention in despatches our debutante Crystal who had a solid first half in goal, keeping a clean sheet and then when let loose in midfield in the second half, contributed two goals of her own to the cause. However, today’s POM goes to two-goal Beth for her skill, enthusiasm and Dynamo-atic attitude throughout the game.

Dynamo U14's v Patcham United
28th January 2007

Team: Holly, Sharni, Beth, Harriet, Gabi, Abi, Nat, Emily, Emily, Paige, Jade, Megan

Manager's view:
With Emily back from injury and only Abbie missing through ill health, we had almost a full squad with which to approach this game.

A few positional changes from the last game and a slightly different arrangement of players, it was hoped, would give us a tad more success.

Right from the start, Dynamo demonstrated good urgency and worked hard to put their opponents under pressure. In possession, the team were clearly attempting to retain the ball, playing short quick passes through midfield.

Dynamo was unfortunate to go behind, though after only 5 minutes. Emily came off her line confidently to collect an over-hit through pass only for the ball to flatten out and not bounce as anticipated, catching out both the ‘keeper and this writer, to sneak into the net.

This slight set-back did not seem to faze Dynamo and a continued determination and dynamism enabled them to continue to take the game to their opponents. With Beth and Sharni playing in somewhat unfamiliar forward positions, they had a tendency to drop a little deep in pursuit of the ball, but still managed to make some threatening forays into the opponents half.

On 15 minutes, Patcham extended their lead when a positive run by the forward enabled her to skilfully round the defence and accelerate away before expertly tucking the ball away and giving Emily no chance.

Again, Dynamo demonstrated tenacity and continued to take the ball to the visitors. On 30 minutes, Dynamo halved their opponents’ lead when, following a fantastic long and penetrative throw by Megan, the ball was only half cleared by the Patcham defence. Dynamo’s midfield and forwards combined to keep the ball in the opponent’s penalty area and Emily Br was on hand to force the ball over the line to make it 1-2. The joy and excitement at having earned just reward for their efforts was a pleasure to see.

Sadly, the reduction in the lead was relatively short lived when Patcham scored another slightly fortuitous goal to make it 1-3. A deep cross, which, to be fair, seemed to be heading out for a goal kick, held up in the stiff breeze, but the Patcham midfielder did well to pursue what seemed to be a lost cause and finished well as the ball dropped to her feet.

With Harriet taking over as custodian in the second half, Emily Bl took to a wide midfield position. Dynamo slipped further behind on 40 minutes when we were unable to clear our lines following a corner and Patcham applied the finish.

The team conceded two more goals as the half unfolded, but not until 57 and 65 minutes. Unfortunately, Dynamo were unable to notch again, but this was down to a fantastic save from Beth by the Patcham keeper and some excellent defending by the Patcham defence as Dynamo threatened on several occasions.

The final score was 1-6 to Patcham and, honestly, they deserved to win. However, the score-line does not accurately reflect the effort, tenacity and creative and intelligent play by Dynamo.

This game really saw us start to play as a team and despite the result a thoroughly entertaining game was enjoyed by players and spectators alike. Well done girls !

PS I’d also like to say thank you to Steve for refereeing and to Gary for running the line. It really is appreciated, Thank You.

Final score: Dynamos 1 (1) - Patcham United 6 (3)

Scorer: Emily Bridgman (!)

Player of the match: On a day like today, it’s really tough to choose a single player as each gave their all. Beth and Sharni up front, in unfamiliar territory, at times frightened the life out of the opposition defence. Harriet made some excellent saves in the second half after having had an outstanding performance on the right side of defence in the first half, during which, Emily Bl was brave and calm between the sticks in smothering a few promising Patcham attacks.

But today’s Player of the Match award is for Abi who played a true midfield role, helping out in both defence and attack in the first half and, when reverting to defence in the second half, demonstrated concentration and athleticism and a calm ability to pass the ball out of defence. Well Done Abi.

Gabi continued her good work from last week and had another really good game in the centre of midfield. Emily Br scored our only goal and was just reward for her efforts throughout the game. Natalie played equally well in at least three positions during the game and Jade and Holly defended with resolute determination. Megan grew into the game in midfield and it was from her throw that we were able to force our goal. Paige tackled and tracked players and used her skills to effect throughout the game.

Newhaven v Dynamo U14's
21st January 2007

Team: Harriet, Emily, Abi, Abbie, Jade, Beth, Holly, Sharni (Capt), Paige, Megan, Gabi

Manager’s View:
In their first match of the New Year and their first in almost 2 months, Dynamo once again faced a significant wind as they sought to improve on recent performances.

With the wind at their backs in the first half, they had hoped to make some headway. However, it was home side Newhaven who made most of the running, even with the wind in their faces. Newhaven opened the scoring on 8 minutes with a well taken shot across the face of the keeper into the far corner. An exquisite shot that gave Harriet no chance.

The home side extended their lead on 14 minutes when a half cleared corner was well controlled by the Newhaven player who cleverly side stepped a challenge before crashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from 10 metres.

Dynamo fell further behind on 17 and 20 minutes when Newhaven made good progress down the wings and early crosses behind the retreating Dynamo defence were well finished. Just before half time, on 34 minutes, Dynamo went 5 down with a similar goal.

Some adjustments to personnel at half time saw Sharni take a turn in goal, with Gabi dropping into midfield and Beth playing a more advanced position on the left. Harriet took her customary position on the right and Paige switched to the centre of midfield.

Newhaven were in the ascendancy though and could not be thrown off their stride. Dynamo shortened the game and made some passing progress, but not enough to threaten the Newhaven goal.

Newhaven eventually ran out 8-0 winners with further goals on 43, 53 and 57 minutes.

Dynamo generally, was second best throughout the encounter to a superior Newhaven team.

However, there were some positive performances with Harriet and Sharni both having a good game between the sticks and both making some excellent saves and Abi worked hard in defence.

Final score: Newhaven 8 (5) - Dynamos 0 (0)

Player of the match: Gabi put consistent pressure on defenders when playing up front in the first half and when switched to midfield in the second half showed some excellent composure on the ball and linked especially well with Jade and Beth on several occasions. Well done Gabi.

Dynamo U14's v Junior Club Tackleway
26th November 2006

Team: Sharni, Beth, Harriet, Holly, Abbie, Abi, Gabi, Megan, Nat, Paige, Jade, Emily Br.

Manager's view:
The players applied themselves fully to the task in hand straight from the kick off. Dynamo were pinned back by a strong wind in their face and some athletic play from the visitors.

Dynamo defended well as a team and Gabi and Megan up front with assistance from Paige and Beth on the wings worked hard to create opportunities. Tackleway took the lead on 10 minutes when a slightly fortuitous cross, eluded our back line and was swept into the net.

Despite this early set back, the Dynamo players showed admirable determination and enthusiasm and began to take the game to their visitors.

The back-line, well marshalled by Abi, snuffed out the Tackleway attacks and Sharni played a captain’s role in leading by example. Holly seemed to revel in a midfield role and Gabi and Megan were mobile and created problems for the Tackleway defence. Both forwards were quick to place pressure on their opponents whenever we lost the ball.

Dynamo made some good progress, though most of our shots were from distance and with the wind in our faces, didn’t provide as much of a test of the visiting custodian as they may have done in less blustery conditions.

The game was very even until 5 minutes before half time when they doubled their lead with a well taken goal. It was slightly harsh on Dynamo as the players had tried to do everything asked of them.

2 – 0 down at half time, we hoped for a more positive outcome in the second half with the wind at our backs.

Dynamo started well enough and pinned back Tackleway with some eager attacking play.

Jade replaced Gabi around 5 minutes into the second half and Paige was pushed into the front line. This was short lived as Paige sustained a knee injury and Gabi was almost straight back into the fray.

Possibly against the run of play, Tackleway broke away to extend their lead to 3–0 after 10 minutes of the second half. After that, Dynamo seemed unable to replicate the efforts and positive play of the first half and Tackleway gradually took control, scoring again in the 15th and 26th minutes to run out 5 – 0 winners.

In this, my first game, I thought the final score-line was a tad harsh, especially given the first half play. However, the overall impression was positive.

Final score: Dynamos 0 (0) - Junior Club Tackleway 5 (2)

Player of the match: Several players had a consistently good game, but Player of the Match this week went to Abi.

Patcham United v Dynamo U14's (Cup)
19th November 2006

Team: Sharni, Holly, Abbie, Abi, Emily, Beth, Harriet, Natalie, Emily, Gabi, Megan, Jade

Manager's view:
I had hoped that being a Cup match and a later kick off that the girls would be focussed and up for the challenge.

Patcham are not that far ahead of us, but once again team attitude played its part in our downfall. Emily Bl didn’t look comfortable in goal, but it was in central defence/midfield that Patcham dominated, playing smart balls and using their fitness to attack our goal.

0-5 down at half time was a fair reflection of our performance and even the parents were losing interest. Changes to the team positions at half time had an effect with Abi moving back into defence and Holly into midfield where she looked pretty good. Emily Br played well on the wing for the second half but it was the Natalie and Bethany combination on the left wing that works the best. Sharni was solid but lost her way late on, Gabi is still sniffing for her first goal and Megan once again contributes well. Harriet went into goal for the second half and looked very good making a cracking penalty save.

Final score: Patcham United 8 (5) Dynamos 0 (0)

Player of the match: Holly

Seahaven Harriers v Dynamo U14's
12th November 2006

Team: Sharni, Holly, Abbie, Abi, Gabi, Harriet, Emily, Emily, Natalie, Paige, Megan, Jade, Bethany

Manager's view:
The girls appeared to be in the right frame of mind, but a couple were suffering from injuries and colds and possibly the effects of staying up late the previous night!

At half time the girls were already 0-9 down and it was evident that their hearts were not really in it. Positional changes took place in the second half, but Seahaven were fitter and far more focussed – easy to see why they are challenging for this years title.

Some positives were taken from the match – Gabi almost got her first goal, Megan continued her excellent performances, Harriet took on the GK role and Bethany – well, time and time again puts in great, hard working performances but must stop letting defeats get her down.

Final score: Seahaven Harriers 19 (9) - Dynamos 0 (0)

Player of the match: Bethany

Patcham United v Dynamo U14's
5th November 2006

Team: Sharni, Holly, Abi, Abbie, Harriet, Bethany, Megan, Emily, Paige, Jade, Emily, Gabi

Manager's view:
An excellent first half was somewhat spoiled by a complete lack of team effort in the second. The players really need to learn that when a team mate is struggling that they need to support and provide cover. We have been extremely lucky that Emily B has stepped into the goalkeeping position but she does have some difficulties with certain areas and in future I hope that her team mates won’t need to be told that they need to help out.

At half time we were 1-0 down which was a shame given that in general the team had worked hard, fighting well at the back and through midfield despite some key players having injuries. Unfortunately all the hard work was undone in the second and Patcham capitalised on some basic errors to win comfortably 5-0.

There were some good points to the game. It was good to see Jade return even if just for a short while. Hopefully her long term injury will continue to recover and we can see her back to her best. Meg did superbly, her throws really are magnificent and we need to work on taking advantage. Despite her attitude during warm up – Gabi too tried very hard and put in one or two excellent passes and was unlucky not to be able to finish in front of goal.

Hopefully for the next game we will have a full squad with the return of Nat so let’s get back to the performances we had earlier in the season.

Final score: Patcham United 5 (1) - Dynamos 0 (0)

Player of the match: Not awarded

Dynamo U14's v Newhaven
26th October 2006

Team: Gabi, Abi, Holly, Abbie, Emily, Sharni, Harriet, Bethany, Natalie, Emily, Megan, Paige

Manager's view (well Ruth's actually!):
Paul was called away, so after organising the starting line up and positions, Joe took over and continued with the warm-up before managing the team for the game.

It was a beautiful Sunday morning with the sun shining ad a light breeze - I heard some of the parent's complaining that it was cold, but they want to run about a bit to get warm if you ask me!!

The game started well and although we were under pressure from the start, the girls responded well to the challenge. It made a change for the opposition players to feel the strength of a couple of our players rather than the other way round - just good, strong and fair challenges. With twenty minutes gone, the score was still 0-0, but unfortunately Newhaven scored their first goal shortly afterwards. Two more followed before half time, but 3-0 down at half-time wasn't too bad.

At half-time, Joe gave an inspirational team talk and swapped many of the player's positions around, mainly to get the two strikers involved in the game, to bring the twins into central midfield and also to push Sharni up front with the hope that she might get onto a long ball or two and find the back of the Newhaven net.

The second half started brightly, however, Newhaven soon returned to being in charge of the play for much of the half and we were left chasing the play somewhat. What with that and very tired legs, especially with the defence, it was no surprise that we went further behind. However, at 5-0 down, something happened and before we knew what had happened, Sharni had put two goals past Newhaven - just what was required! This resulted in rather a silent group of parents on one side of the pitch and some rather loud ones on our side of the pitch!

There was still about 15 minutes to go and unfortunately they managed to score another three goals, but nevertheless, a spirited performance in parts, particularly the defence, goalkeeper and the twins. A little more communication between defence and goalkeeper would greatly assist in future games, but this is something that can be worked on.

Many thanks to Joe for running the team and thanks also to Garry for refereeing even though it was his birthday and he was injured. Not only that, but he had his work cut out from the hard time he was given by the opposition manager and supporters, particularly in the first half.

Final score: Dynamos 2 (0) - Newhaven 8 (3)

Scorer: Sharni (2)

Player of the match: Emily Blake

Hastings United v Dynamo U14's
15th October 2006

Team: Sharni, Gabi, Abbie, Abi, Holly, Beth, Harriet, Emily, Emily, Paige, Megan

Manager's view:
A bright and positive start to the game to match the sunny weather.

Bethany put Dynamo’s ahead on 5 minutes and the team worked well, creating plenty of chances. Hastings drew a goal back just before the end of the half which gave them the impetus to come out strong in the second half.

The girls struggled a little with the heat, sloping pitch and lack of substitutes and Hastings scored 3 more to take a comprehensive lead. Once again Dynamos got back into the match with a goal from Sharni and briefly we threatened to make a competition of it, however an unlucky strike through Emily B’s legs was the final straw.

Overall an exciting game, but this one should have been closer then the score line suggested. Some of the most bizarre referring decisions didn’t help but the girls need to believe in themselves and also take advantage once they have taken the lead and learn to close the game out.

Bethany deserved her Player of the Match award as she has constantly put in quality performances this season. Abbie had a good game in right defence and Megan contributed well, particularly with her fantastic throws!!

Final score: Hastings United 5 (1) - Dynamos 2 (1)

Scorers: Beth, Sharni

Player of the match: Beth

Dynamo U14's v Eastbourne Borough
8th October 2006

Team: Sharni, Gabi, Abi, Abbie, Holly, Emily, Megan, Paige, Emily, Natalie, Beth, Harriet

Manager's view:
Four goals down in the first ten minutes of the match was not quite the start Dynamos needed against the strongest team in the league – but that is why they are the strongest and our players need to learn from that. Quite simply it was a case of attacking play from the blues, well taken chances and the occasional bit of luck that led to us being 0-6 down at half time.
Sharni scored from the penalty spot just after the restart and it was unfortunate that Paige's tap in from Bethany’s corner was disallowed as the girls enjoyed a period of positive possession early in the second half. Unfortunately we were soon on the back foot again as Eastbourne scored another four. Bethany got a deserved strike in the dying minutes of the second half to give us some respectability.

Lessons to be learnt – girls we are a team and as with last week it is the basic skills that are letting us down. For large periods of the game it felt as if the midfielders just weren’t in the game.

Once again the defence really battled hard and credit goes again to Abbie, Abi and Holly – you are the Three Amigos! Slap on the back for Megan (first game back), Gabi (blimey – some passing) and Bethany (cracking goal). Gold star and top of the tree for Emily Blake – well proud of you going in goal – made some great saves and a really positive attitude.

Final score: Dynamos 2 (0) - Eastbourne Borough 10 (6)

Scorers: Sharni, Bethany

Player of the match: Emily Blake

East Grinstead v Dynamo U14's
1st October 2006

Team: Sharni, Harriet, Beth, Emily, Emily, Abi, Holly, Abbie, Gabi, Paige, Natalie

Manager's view:
The U14’s excellent start to the season was blown away by a below standard performance away to East Grinstead. East Grinstead who were playing their first match of the season seemed to want the result more then our players which is a shame considering how well the girls had battled for the result against Winkney.

We took the lead within the first 5 minutes with a stunning goal from Sharni. Another great performance from the central defence of Abi and Abbie was let down by some poor midfield movement and possession. Bethany struggled to begin with, but eventually started to put in some good runs down the wing, delivering some great crosses into the box, but we couldn’t seem to score. Instead two rather fluky goals saw East Grinstead go in at the break ahead.

We moved some of the players around in the second half in the hope that it may change the direction of play, but once again despite several chances were unable to find that elusive goal. Instead, East Grinstead put on the pressure and despite a cracking double save from Natalie (earning her the Player of the Match award) the opposition scored again and the points were well and truly lost.

The lessons to be learned are simple – make the effort to turn up to training and learn from what the coaches are teaching you, work hard for 70 minutes and stop panicking when you lose possession.

Hopefully Megan will be back for the next fixture and with Jade returning shortly to training, all the players will realise that they will have to start to play for their position in the starting line up and we can get back to the competitive attitude we showed in the first two fixtures.

Final score: East Grinstead 3 (2) - Dynamos 1 (1)

Scorer: Sharni

Player of the match: Natalie

Winkney v Dynamo U14's
24th September 2006

Team: Sharni, Holly, Abi, Emily, Emily, Abbie, Paige, Harriet, Beth, Gabi

Manager's view:
The excellent start to the season continued with a 3-2 victory over Winkney at Eastbourne Sports Park. The scoreline looked as if was going to be much greater as we took the lead with just 3 minutes on the clock through Sharni, who then scored her second moments later. A penalty was then awarded when Sharni was brought down in the box, but Bethany’s shot went straight to the keeper. She made amends later on in the half with her first goal of the season. A miscued clearance from Holly ended up in our own goal, and the score was 3-1 at half time.

Fitness was always going to be an issue with high temperatures and only 10 players and Winkney finally got on the score sheet early in the second half. The girls persisted in attacking with numerous shots on and just off target but the Winkney keeper kept the score to a minimum. The real heroes of the day was the defence. Losing players meant we dropped to a 3-5-1 formation and Abbie, Abi and Holly were just superb, battling for every ball and there was no contest with Abi being awarded the player of the match award.

Overall a satisfying performance resulting in our longest unbeaten run! Plenty still to work on with fitness being an issue for some of the girls (watch your pre-match diet) and some technical areas to work on, but well done, one very happy manager!

Final score: Winkney 2 (1) - Dynamos 3 (3)

Player of the match: Abi

Scorers: Sharni (2), Beth

Dynamo U14's v Crowborough Athletic
17th September 2006

Team: Sharni, Nat, Beth, Harriet, Abbie, Abi, Holly (c), Emily, Emily, Paige, Gabi

Manager's view:
A superb start to the season for the U14's with a convincing home win against new league side Crowborough Athletic.

Harriet got the team's season underway when her shot was deflected past the opposition GK early in the first half. Two minutes later the Crowborough defence failed to clear from a corner and headed the ball into the back of their own net. Paige scored twice in the first half leaving the Dynamos in the unusual position of leading 4-0 at half time.

Crowborough came out strong in the second half and pulled a goal back but then Sharni scored the first of her brace. Emily Br pulled one of their players down in the box to give away a penalty that was converted by Harriet and Sharni scored again to leave Dynamos with the best result since they progressed to 11-a-side.

Overall this was a great performance with all the players contributing. The defence held firm with a particularly strong performance from Abi S. Despite suffering from a stomach bug, Beth played superbly down the left wing, put the real star of the show was Paige in her first game for the U14s. Rarely caught off side, she was unlucky not to get a hat trick and filled the role of striker well, a position we have struggled to fill over the last season.

There is still plenty of work to do on the training ground, but the girls know now the taste of victory – the first of many I hope this season.

Final score: Dynamos 7 (4) - Crowborough Athletic 2 (0)

Scorers: Harriet (2), Paige (2), Sharni (2), og.

Player of the match: Paige