Match Report: U11 Girls v TW Foresters

This week, this superb team made the journey across 3 international borders and two time zones to face TW Foresters. The journey down was fraught with with high winds, fallen trees and horizontal rain but this didn’t appear to dampen the spirit of this ever positive squad.

Our hosts showed early signs of great football which meant that our defence would need to be on their toes to snub out the early threat and they didn’t disappoint.

Bethan once again controlled her area well and made her presence felt throughout, particularly when closing the angles to deny on-rushing strikers.

The goals came from a variety of sources once again with Izzy, Nancy, Lexi and Ella M all adding to their already impressive tallies this season.

Scarlett, Madison and Angelica were stoic in midfield, providing passing moves that literally split the opposition in two on several occasions.

As ever, Lizzie worked tirelessly to ensure their attackers were never able to settle on the ball.

The journey home seemed somewhat shorter as the stories from the match were retold, no doubt in each player’s own unique way.

No fixture arranged...as yet...for next week but something tells me that this great group will find some way of getting together nevertheless!

-Carl

U9's EKYL Cup Festival Round 3

In-form Rising Stars U9’s reached the Cup Festival Final thanks to some clinical finishing and clean sheets at Goodwin Academy on Saturday.

In the third round of the cup competition, coach Steve and coach Mark’s side won four games and drew one to finish top and maintain their record of not conceding a goal in the whole tournament.

It was an excellent team and squad performance, but particular mention to Roman who was named ‘man of the tournament’. He was one of the Risers goal scorers on what was a blustery afternoon in Deal along with Lucas and Zach.

- Mark Wiltshire

Match Report: U11 Girls v Maidstone Utd

Early signs of Storm Freya saw strong winds whistling down the length of the pitch at Swalecliffe this morning as the team faced Maidstone Utd.

Coach Neil asked the team to be mindful of the wind and we were fortunate enough to play into it for the first half.

It was a very close fought 25 minutes and our team nullified the perceived wind advantage throughout.

During the short break Coach Neil reminded the team that in order to capitalise on the conditions they would need to keep the ball on the ground and seize upon any opportunities in front of goal. As is becoming typical of this team, they took on board this advice and Izzy, Lexi and Maddison all registered on the scoresheet.

The support on the sidelines was once again superb and the official attendance was a “respect-line-busting” 35!

Bethan was given this week's coach’s award for her excellent decision making in goal. She took the conditions into account throughout the game and communicated effectively as ever!

Next week the team make the long journey to take on TW Foresters.

- Carl

Match Report: U10 Girls v Anchorians Halos

Riser Girls U10s turned their focus to the cup this weekend with a home game against Anchorians Halos, albeit with a depleted squad. On a wind-and-rain swept pitch, it was Anchorians who started strong with an early chance  at goal within the first minute. Risers struggled to get into the game under a spell of sustained pressure until a well-cleared ball by Amy found Eloise running into the box to beat the keeper and slot into an open net to make it 1-0, against the run of play. Anchorians responded immediately, making it 1-1 by the break.

Supporters anticipated a tough second half, which proved to be the case as Anchorians capitalised on their sustained pressure, scoring 4 goals without reply. The 5-1 scoreline didn't tell the story of the cup match though, as Risers to a girl played some nice football, with Lilian on the right and Bea on the left making some great runs and delivering good through-balls. Natasha was strong in the tackle and Amy had good spells in goal, with long kicks down the field. 

In their toughest game of the season so far, Risers showed a lot of character and never looked defeated until the final whistle. Well done girls.

- Rick Farrell, Team Coordinator

Match Report: U10 Colts v Schulz & Moore

On Saturday 2nd March our U10 Colts played in their very first semi final, in the EKYL plate competition. In a strange twist of fixtures, the boys played their opponents the week before in the league and triumphed, so the pressure was on to repeat the feat.

The game took place at the colts home ground at Blean School and the boys dominated the first half against Schulz and Moore. Holding most of the possession and regularly creating chances, the colts went into the break with a solid lead.

The second halve was a tense affair with regular reshuffling of the team as both sides tired on the big pitch. Tireless work however from Spencer, Alfie, Ollie and Max to defend, with calm control from George and Sid to hold onto the ball meant that the boys protected their lead. JP, Archie and Charlie also worked their socks off to bring the ball wide and make Schulz and Moore chase the ball.

As the game neared it’s end the lead could have been extended and the boys ran out winners progressing into the final in front of a jubilant crowd of over 50 supporters.

Finals day is on April 27th, venue TBC. Go Riser!

- Robin

Match Report: U11 Girls v Anchorian Hearts

February.....it is still February right?! With the sun beating down and the car heating systems set equally between the blue and the red the ever-keen Rising Stars U11G team headed to Gillingham to face a much admired Anchorian Hearts team.

The team and it’s growing following were feeling a little anxious when it transpired that Ella D was unwell and that we would be without our usual marshal in the final third against a very strong team. Coach Neil acted swiftly to rearrange the team to counter the threat of our opponents and briefed Lizzie on her new, albeit temporary role in defence.

The team were superb throughout and continued applying their learning of “1-2s” but coupled this with the heading drills that they had mastered on Friday evening.

The flowing football was a joy to watch and the pace of our team really took Anchorians by surprise.

Our team converted almost every opportunity in front of goal and three of our players; Ella M, Lexi and Nancy all registered on the scoresheet.

It was clear from the sidelines that the expectations of Coach Neil are growing as the weeks progress. His passionate instructions could be heard across the park and he clearly knows the capabilities, strengths and abilities of his players. His rotation of the squad was tactical and continual giving clear instructions to each player as they were reintroduced to the unfolding drama.

The support from the sidelines was intense. It was clear that the encouragement, to both teams, for the spectacle in front of us, was appreciated by all involved and is testament to the core values that this level of association football stands for.

Our opposition were unanimous in voting Lizzie our player of the match and this was no surprise to any of us! She was tireless, tenacious and good natured throughout! Our own dynamo who really deserved recognition.

Well done to Coach Neil and the team for another superb performance.

Next week we welcome Maidstone Utd to Swalecliffe and hope that we can continue this impressive run of performances.

- Carl

Match Report: U10 Girls v Thanet Colts

The last time the two teams played each other, just a few weeks ago, was close, which explained a cagey start today. The breakthrough came about 10 minutes into the first half, when Amy (playing as a wingback) picked up the ball on the right and ran to the end of the box and lifted a delightful ball up and over, making it difficult for the defenders and keeper. Colts then pressed, with some corners and a number of good balls into the Risers' box. It was a clearance from one of these that allowed Risers to break on the counterattack, with Eloise making it count.

The second half got underway with Thanet looking to press again, but Risers continued their attacking play, winning a series of corners, which Amy delivered in style.

It was a physical game, with some solid defending by both teams. Connie, who had switched to play in goal, was covering ground with decent clearances outside her box, one of which started another Riser attack. Amy took the ball past a defender with a silky move before burying the ball in the bottom right corner, leaving the keeper no chance.

The team worked really hard for each other on a hot and sunny morning, and showed versatility, able to play in different positions but maintaining their focus and discipline. We now go forward to the cup run in March! GO RISER U10 GIRLS!!!

- Rick Farrell, Team Coordinator 

Match Report: U10 Colts v Schulz & Moore

With both teams meeting in the semi final of the plate next week, this was a great opportunity to play against each other. Schulz & Moore we knew are a strong side, having not lost a game for 6 months and winning against teams in the Cup competition from higher league's.

The team were up against it from the off and SMC whizzed in a cross which richosahed in off a rising star foot. The boys kept their shape well and didn't panic. JP and Spencer worked tirelessly throughout and defended very well. Midfield attacked the ball ensuring we began to win more possession and were growing in confidence. Final play of the half saw Sid hold the ball up, teeing up Archie with a back heel who scored with a great shot from the edge of the area.

We started well in the 2nd half and worked hard to press them in all areas of the pitch. SMC had some excellent chances to take the lead. Max stood firmly in goal and deservedly earned himself Man Of The Match as he lead by example as captain. Rising Stars continued to have opportunities and Dexters, cross come shot decieved both the SMC defenders and keeper and went in. Louis finished off a fantastic counter attack to complete the win. All sets up for a great semi final next week.

- Angus

THANK YOU.

Thank you to all of our volunteers, parents, players, coaches, committee members, and sponsors for your continued support.
If you are interested in helping our growing club, please contact us.

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