Match Report: U11 Colts v Herne Bay Youth FC

A cold and windy afternoon saw a dominant start from the Risers, with some good passing and a good, safe save from Ryan. Herne Bay Youth put in a good strike just over and followed up with a corner. The ball broke to Hayden and he passed well, releasing Noah on a promising run. The Risers were attacking well, but so were Herne Bay Youth, with Theo needing to put in some good blocks. The game was very even but the opening goal went to Herne Bay Youth, with a wind assisted shot, high into the net. Dylan and Sam put together some lovely attacking play, ending with Hayden shooting wide. At the other end Ellis and Blake both defended well, forcing Herne Bay away from the goal. Sam put a good shot on target, but it was well saved. Herne Bay then doubled their lead with the ball bouncing in off the post. The Risers kept fighting with some good attacking and Ryan saved well from a free kick.

The second half began with some good attacking down the wing from Harry. The Risers had the majority of the play, with three corners in quick succession and a great shot just wide from Finley. Noah, too put in some great runs forward but the breakthrough just wouldn’t come. Ashley also put in some lively runs down the wing yet amongst the Risers attacking, Herne Bay had two breaks, both resulting in goals. Despite the score line, the boys continued to play well, with both Sam and Noah going close in the closing minutes. Sam ran on to a great through ball and really tested the keeper. Another good performance from the Risers, with Hayden winning the Man of the Match award.

Jan

Match Report: U11 Colts v Herne Bay Harriers

There was a lively start to the match with a great clearance from Harry, followed by a good shot at the other end from Sam. Both sides had chances with Ryan making a safe save and Blake and Ellis combining well in defence. The game was very even with plenty of midfield action and shots at both ends. Dylan put in a lovely cross which was well kept in by Sam and shot just wide. The Harriers put together some good attacking moves resulting in the opening goal from a great individual run. The Risers weren’t disheartened and continued to play well with Hayden and Noah passing well and Noah showing huge determination on a great run. After a corner to the Harriers, the ball was quickly at the other end and Gideon equalised after some great play from Harry. The opposition were just as keen to keep going and a strong attack led to an immediate reply, the third goal of the match. The last few minutes before half time saw a good shot from Sam and a corner from the Harriers, well defended by Hayden and Blake.

The second half began with Blake replacing Ryan in goal and Ryan playing in defence. The game was still very even with some great, persistent attacking from Fin and Blake showing safe hands in goal. Despite being behind the Risers showed great spirit, never giving up and pressurising the Harriers goal continuously. Ashley showed great energy across the pitch and Theo put in great forward passes from midfield. Still end to end, Ryan cleared well and put in a shot just over, minutes later. Harry continued to show maximum effort all over the pitch, earning his Man of the Match award. The last few minutes were full of pressure from the Risers, but the goal just wouldn’t come. A hard game for our first league match but a great team performance.

Jan

Match Report: U9's East Kent Youth League Festival Finals

After battling through two previous rounds, Rising Stars u9s found themselves into the last five of the competition at this weekend’s EKYL Festival Finals.  With Risers currently in their first season in the EKYL in division B, perhaps unsurprisingly they were set to face four division A sides in the finals, in the form of Thanet Colts, Deal Town Rangers, Folkestone Invicta, and local rivals Herne Bay Wanderers. Late team news involved the unavailability of new signing Omar due to family reasons (congratulations on tying the knot, Mum and Dad!) but the remaining eight members of the squad reported fit and healthy for the finals.

First up, the derby. Risers had secured a creditable, backs-to-the-wall draw in the last game of the previous round of the tournament against their illustrious rivals to secure their place in these finals, and were anticipating another tough match this time round.  Conditions were challenging for both teams, with a strong wind and a sloping pitch behind Herne Bay.  Some strong early driving runs from Jacob  and Sonny up front created some nervy moments for the Wanderers back line but Risers couldn’t quite turn the possession into clear cut chances. Despite no obvious early warning signs, a long clearance from the Herne Bay keeper caused confusion in the Risers backline and Herne Bay’s striker popped up to take advantage and break the deadlock. Risers battled hard to get back into the game, but Ethan was forced into a couple of smart saves and Theo called upon to sweep up some promising Herne Bay raids.  

In the second match, Risers faced off against regular opponents of the last couple of years in Thanet Colts. Again, Risers started positively with Theo and Charlie exchanging passes with Max and narrowly failing to get in behind down the left flank several times. Against the run of play, and after a breakdown in possession in midfield, the Thanet Colts central midfielder unleashed a thunderbolt into Ethan’s top corner, a shot three keepers wouldn’t have got near to.  Goalmouth action was limited for the remainder of the game with two evenly matched sides largely cancelling each other out, Dylan and Jacob in particular halting several attacks in their tracks.  

For their third match, Risers came up against Folkestone Invicta, in their traditional black and orange stripes. True to their kit, the Invicta attack buzzed around the Riser defence in the early exchanges, looking to pressure mistakes.  The long grass was ill-suited to Risers’ passing game and with passes not reaching their destinations, Ethan had to come out to smartly smother an Invicta breakaway.  Lorenzo was a force of nature up the left flank throughout the game; his tireless running meant he was the subject to some heavy treatment from the Invicta tacklers but he kept his composure well.  Risers ramped up the pressure, with Lorenzo fizzing a low cross through the box and Sonny forcing the keeper into a smart save. From the resulting corner, Theo lofted the ball into a dangerous area only for Max’s shot to edge the wrong side of the upright.  Invicta rallied, hitting the bar with a cross-shot.

With a tough run of fixtures behind them, Risers started the final game against Deal Town Rangers keen to get off the mark with a goal. Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan as they scored with their first shot of the game, a good finish that Ethan could do little about.  Risers fought back, with Charlie going on a weaving run past three players but the Deal Town keeper was out quickly to make the block. Risers upped the tempo further; first, a corner bounced around the Deal Town box and was hacked clear, before Theo rolled his man and surged past two defenders, only for the ball to bounce up awkwardly as he went to shoot.  Max and Charlie combined to force the Deal Keeper into another save and Dylan followed up to tuck the rebound home. But disaster struck as the referee gave a free kick to the Deal Goalkeeper instead. With Risers understandably pushing for the equaliser, they left themselves stretched at the back and Deal broke away to double their advantage. But in the spirit they have shown all season, Risers didn’t let their head down and with almost the last kick of the game, Charlie finished with aplomb to give the team some late cheer.

All in all, a tough day at the office for the Rising Stars u9s but, considering the standard and strength of the opposition, not to mention the challenging playing circumstances, they can feel proud of the tournament journey this season.  One might venture that this won’t be the last good cup run this team goes on!

Andrew

Match Report: U12 Girls v Margate F.C.

I’d like to begin this report by taking you back.

In the season of poor weather and Atlantic carried storms it is difficult to fulfil our fixtures and ensure that the team has a consistent and fluid set of fixtures. This doesn’t happen automatically. There are people behind the scenes who make decisions based on player safety and fixture compliance who work tirelessly to ensure that the majority are happy. 

In order to honour this fixture there were a series of questions to be answered.

• Was there a pitch that was playable?

• Is it safe for our opposition to travel?

• Is it safe for the match to take place?

None of these questions are taken lightly and it is credit to the infrastructure behind Rising Stars that this game went ahead....against the odds. You know who you are but, in brief, this is the coaches, the president, the chairman, the secretary and the fabulous lady in charge of fixtures!

As it happened, by no mere coincidence, our game was scheduled for a 1030 kick off at Archbishops School.
Our visitors, Margate Youth had had an excellent season and were looking to continue their winning run.

The game was played at a breakneck pace and the crosswind was a hindrance to both teams. Risers were looking sharp after the enforced break and the passages of play were becoming daunting to our opposition. Just before half time Margate capitalised upon a quickly taken throw in and managed to squeeze a shot past the ever improving Bethan in goal.

During the second half, Risers pressed time and time again but were not in favour with Lady Luck and ended up falling 2 behind through bad luck rather than shortfalls in their defence.

Needing to reverse the deficit, Risers through everything that they had at their opposition and this led to holes at the back. Margate seized upon this and ran out winners 0-3.

Despite the scoreline this was undoubtedly one of this team’s best performances with Bethan being a particular star in goal.

This match was really a testament to all that goes into youth football. 

Kaitelyn, our young and very promising referee, controlled the game with confidence beyond her years and it was a pleasure to welcome club president and secretary, Steve and Kathryn respectively, to this fantastic spectacle.

Next week we travel to Danson Sports to continue our cup run!

Carl

Match Report: U8 Colts v Dawes Hernhill Blue

From Team Captain Evan Newman to his teammates:

“ The score never matters. All that matters is the performance and our team did well.

• Logan did excellent passing Bobby did amazing tracking back and jostling

• Fraser was great at driving in to the box and shooting Harry excellent freekicks and shooting

• Teddy did some fantastic runs and skills (great turn!)

• Jack did brilliant corners, runs and passing.

• Spencer superb defending and vision

Well done to my team. We were amazing. “

Evan (Beast) Newman

Match Report: U12 Girls v Junior Reds

In keeping with much of the senior professional football, this weekend cup football on the schedule for our team and we welcomed Junior Reds to Blean.

Some matches take a while to warm up but Risers were out of the blocks in record breaking time and, after receiving the ball from the kickoff, Lexi weaved through five or six players and opened the scoring within 15 seconds!

Quick starts like this can often lead to a group of players losing focus and after more sustained pressure from our team Junior Reds countered and scored a breakaway goal which was wholly against the run of play. It was time for our team to concentrate, take stock and do what they do best; work together as a unit and make their pressure count.

Within minutes of our opponents’ repost Jelly latched onto a through ball and finished a determined run with a sublime shoot, whistling past the static goalkeeper.

After more home pressure, Madison spotted the keeper off her line and chanced a cheeky looping shot from outside the area which found its target like a laser guided missile.

Not satisfied with a two goal cushion at half time, Ella M - whose close control and pace is really something to behold, latched onto another great through ball and made it 4-1 at  the interval.

Whilst the strikers were enjoying their morning the rest of the team were their usual stoic and well-drilled selves. Bethan commanded her area (and beyond) and demonstrated how her game had progressed over the course of the season. Nancy, though not in her favoured position, was hard working and almost impossible to get past. Lorea provided some much needed width to the team. Lizzie simply does not stop running and has to be a contender for the ‘Thorn in the side of every striker’ award. Scarlett was strong and calm on the ball and goal line technology may have awarded her a goal from one of her ever improving corners. Ella D was once again impassable and put on a defending master class! Izzy was her usual tenacious and terrier-like self and seemed to pop up all over the pitch and pick the pocket of whomever had the ball.

The second half was almost a carbon copy of the first with Madison and Lexi adding to their tallies and our visitors pouncing on a fortuitous loose ball in the box to double theirs.

At this point in the season it is an opportune moment to remember what it is we have signed up to. We are involved in youth football to help give positive experiences to young people through the medium of sport. It is vital that we leave any negative learned behaviours from our own sporting past where they belong.....in the past. To that end, a reminder of a few points:

Let the referee referee the game with the help of the volunteer assistants.

Let the coaches coach the players.

Support is vital....but let it be just that, support. All noise from the supporters should be encouraging, friendly and good natured. This is youth football. It should be enjoyable for all.

Final score: Rising Stars 6-2 Junior Reds

Carl.

Match Report: U12 Girls v Castle Colts

“Why are you waking me up at half seven!!”

These were probably the first words uttered by most of this team as they prepared to travel to Maidstone to face Castle Colts this Sunday but it proved to be a fruitful visit full of team spirit and a few memorable milestones. The first was that of Izzy’s 12th birthday which would be fully celebrated at Soar Trampoline Park after the match...#priorities.

The team arrived at a sunny if somewhat boggy pitch and began their usual structured warm up. Coaches Neil and Loz reinforced the messages of shape and calmness on the ball, aspects that had been well drilled during the twice-weekly training sessions.

The game started very brightly indeed for Risers and we quickly found ourselves 2-0 up courtesy of goals from Ella M and Lexi. What captivated the spectators most though wasn’t the scoreline but the sheer control that the team clearly had. Their shape was solid and this proved impossible for our hosts to penetrate.

As the first half progressed Risers added to their advantage with Madison and Izzy also registering on the scoresheet. It was 0-7 at the interval.

Part of coach Neil’s philosophy is to ensure that every player not only receives fair match time but also that they have the opportunity to shine in a variety of positions. He is also very mindful of our impact on the mindset of our opposition and this practice of ‘mixing it up’ often ensures that the scoreline remains reasonable and doesn’t totally demoralise our opposition - sport is inclusive and everyone should feel encouraged and empowered by it.

During the second half there were inevitable additions to the scoreline from Lexi and Ella M. Nancy, Jelly and Lorea had opportunities in front of goal and were true lynchpins in midfield. Bethan had a relatively quiet game but impressed everyone with her decision making and vocal contribution. Lizzie was, purely and simply, Lizzie the dynamo - ever dependable!

The story of the match, and please excuse my self-indulgence, was the two “first-time goalscorers”. Following the shake-up of positions, mid-way through the second half, Risers broke free from midfield. The charge was on being led by Ella D. She had Scarlett and Nancy in support but didn’t need them. The team were elated!! Within 5 minutes, another opportunity, this time Lexi and Scarlett found themselves in the box with the keeper and two defenders left to beat. After the ball pinballed about for a few seconds Scarlett latched onto the loose ball and blasted home to open her Risers account!! Both of these girls have made massive contributions to many matches both last season and this but, let’s face it, scoring is what they all see as the cherry on the cake.

The match ended 0-12 to Risers and the girls capped the win with a celebratory bounce at Soar!!

Happy Birthday Izzy and well done Risers!!

Carl

Match Report: U12 Girls v Thanet Colts

The power of routine can never be underestimated, particularly for teenagers and young people, so the return of the ever-anticipated Sunday morning fixture was a welcome one for all!

Our team were delighted with the well prepared Blean pitch this weekend and were very grateful to Neil and Lauren for the extra work that they had put in on the previous day to ensure we had a good surface!

Our visitors, Thanet Colts, have had a tough season to date but we were familiar with the fact that they had plenty of spirit and that they would always do their best until the final whistle. They also have lots of very supportive parents who, once again, were a pleasure to welcome this weekend. Along with the parents there were siblings and one young man volunteered to assist the referee by running the line for the duration of the match. Credit to this young man and his knowledge of the game, he was excellent (as was referee Luke)!

To the action. Risers started very brightly and Ella M was quick to seize upon a loose clearance and open her account for the game. Lexi then had a raft of chances, minute after minute, but didn’t seem to be getting the ‘rub of the green’ and it looked as though it could turn out to be one of those days! Ella M added to her first goal within 10 minutes and then Risers were caught out by an excellent corner from Colts and this gave our team a reminder to focus and refer back to the hours spent in training with coaches Neil and Loz.

Our visitor’s reply was soon a distant memory, as was the thought that Lexi might not add to an already impressive season goal tally as the Risers machine stepped up a gear. Our shape was the most important difference between the two teams and this led to a constant drive towards the target, time and time again.

The final score was Rising Stars 10 - 1 Thanet Colts with Lexi scoring 5, Ella M 4 and Izzie 1.

Next week we travel to Maidstone to take on Castle Colts.

Carl.