The Minisoccer Page

Statement from Rachael Martin  07/04/04:

03/04/04 U11s v Brampton

When we previously met Brampton it ended in a draw, but was a game that we really should have won, so we were going out there today to win. The lads go to school with a lot of the Brampton boys, so were using this as an excuse to really try and win!!

We started off well, playing good football, and for once using some
initiative. We passed well, and had some good attacks early on. It took
about 10 minutes before we opened up the scoring, when Callum got the first goal. It was a well taken ball, and the keeper had no real chance. The morning just got better and better, especially for Callum when he found the net again, but not before some good work was done by Tom and Lenny.

The  second half came, and we could relax now, we had dominated in the first half, and Brampton did not show any real signs of causing us
problems, and anytime they did, Ryan Ferrara saved us.

The good football continued throughout the second half, Tom soon got
himself on the scoring sheet, with a great goal. Callum got another later
on in the game, after an excellent ball into the box, which Tom could have claimed, but it had already gone over the line when Tom got his foot to it.

A great day for Paxton, a 4-0 win over Brampton.

Statement from Rachael Martin  25/02/04:

U11s v Priory (LEAGUE)

When we took on Priory at home on the first game of the season, we lost 3-0. However we did give them a good game, and we were determined to do that again. We have been improving throughout the season and there was no reason why we could not come away with three points.

The weather was bitterly cold, but the boys were up for it. It started off very well with Paxton dominating the first 10 minutes. However, as it often happens, Priory got a lucky break and managed to take the lead. We did not let our heads down and we soon equalised with a great
goal from Callum. The weather was not getting any better, and this did not make it any easier for the boys. We continued fighting in the first half, and we showed we could give Priory a run for their money.

A couple of goals got passed us again, but we fought back, and Callum
managed to get another 2 goals, and his hat-trick. This left the final score at 3-3. A very well deserved point and an achievement for us.

MOM was Chris who's 100% hard work kept us in the game.

Well done boys.
 

Statement from Rachael Martin  18/02/04:

14/2/04 U11s v Brampton (LEAGUE)

With goal keeper Ryan out due to being ill, another lad had a shot in goal. According to Dave he played a blinder, and deservedly was MOM, had it not been for him we would have lost. However, it was a great game by all accounts and a 3-3 draw was the final score. Scorers for Paxton were Tom, Lenny and Callum.
 

Statement from Rachael Martin  26/01/04:

U11s v KC KOUGARS (LEAGUE)

The sun was shining for the first time in ages, but this did not help the
condition of the pitch, it was terrible really, a very waterlogged goal
mouth at one end. However, in order to play, we just moved the goals, the pitch was rather big anyway.

We were without Andy today, which we knew would weaken the defence, but Alex Smith was to take his place ,and he did a fantastic job. The game was pretty even most of the way through, both teams had some good chances. We were the team to get lucky first, as Tom scored a great goal, after some good football was played. However, it did not take long before KC Kougars equalised.

Both halves consisted of good football, and Tom managed to break away again and get a second for Paxton, but it was not be our day as Kougars equalised again. It was a fair result at the end of the day, and it was a very good game.

Without a doubt Alex Smith was Man of the Match after he defended and
battled well, he played extremely well at the back, well done.

 

Statement from Rachael Martin  12/01/04:

3/01/04 U11s v Rowdies A (LEAGUE)

After a well earned Christmas break, we were hoping the boys had not eaten too much xmas pudding and sweets and were ready for what was always going to be a very hard game. There is not too much that can be said about it. We did not create too many chances, and we did not play like a team as we have done in the past few games. There was a lack of talking and playing football which caused us problems.

Rowdies dominated the game. If it had not been for Ryan in goal and some of the superb saves he made, it could have been a lot worse.
The second half we played better, and created a couple of chances, but to no avail.

The final score being 4-0 to Rowdies.

Statement from Rachael Martin  16/12/03:

6/12/03 U11s v EATON SOCON (LEAGUE)

Paxton had a good game and the result did not match the score. Paxton lost 4-1. Chris getting the only Paxton goal.

13/12/03 U11s v BENWICK (LEAGUE)

A long journey to Benwick on a cold, rainy and miserable day was not everybody’s idea of fun on a Saturday morning!! However, with a full squad, and some good results and performances you couldn’t blame us for feeling slightly positive.

We played good football, attacking positively and showed a lot of strength.

Paxton took a 1-0 lead after about 10 minutes with a goal from Callum. Our football remained positive, Benwick at this time not giving us too many problems, and our lead increased to 2-0. Alex getting onto the scoreboard this time.

At half time we couldn’t complain about the performance we had just given, but Benwick were not about to give up too easy. They managed to get two goals past Ryan. Some quick thinking was needed to get us back into the lead. We made it 3-2 soon enough, and then 4-2 with Callum and Chris scoring.

Benwick got another making it 4-3, but the game was to be ours, and we were the eventual winners. A good positive performance by the team. Well done.

Statement from Rachael Martin  23/11/03:

22/11/03 U11s v KC KOUGARS (LEAGUE)

What a miserable day, raining, and very cold!! At 12 some of us were hoping the game would be called off due to the weather, and the fact that we wanted to be in the pub to celebrate Englands' Rugby world cup victory!!! Well, what a game. We played very well, defending well when needed, and some great attacking was seen at times. Ryan Thacker had a fantastic game in defence, battling for every ball he could. Luke Ferrara, also made some great saves. The team were on form, and a well deserved goal came from Callum inside 10 minutes of the first half. A second soon came from Lenny, and we were by this time feeling quite confident. However, KC Kougars were not going to let us get away with this and they soon made it 2-2. We continued to attack, and play good football, and the day was soon to be ours. Another three goals came from Tom, Alex and Chris. However, there some close shaves, when three times Andrew saved us as he cleared the ball off the line. It was well deserved win, and we were happy to take the three points. Thanks Dave for refereeing,  and to the parents that came back and had a drink after the game.

Statement from Rachael Martin  19/10/03:

MINI SOCCER REPORTS SEASON 203/04

After a well earned break for a few weeks, the mini soccer season is up and running again, and all teams are looking to improve on last season. There are more teams this year as the kids keep coming.

 The U11s started their campaign with a home game against Priory C. After a pre-season friendly defeat, we were hoping to come away with something. However, this did not happen. We played well, and attacked confidently, but the chances were not being finished. Priory took the break, and managed to break down our defence. The lads heads never went down, and they continued trying, but to no avail. We lost the game 3-0.

A few changes have been made to the side this year as a few players have gone for different reasons. However, we still have a good team, who are progressing as time goes on. Both myself and Dave are confident that we can improve on last year.

 18/10/03 U11s v Rowdies

After the first game we were hoping to gain some points after todays game. We had a full squad, so were feeling quite confident. We had a good start, with plenty of possession, good attacking, and good defending when needed. Callum was on target many times, and opened the scoring with a good goal. There were a few good chances created by Rowdies, but with good defending, especially from Chris, we managed to keep the lead. Callum, soon made it 2-0, with another good goal. By this time we had settled well into the game, and the lads were doing well. Rowdies continued to push us, but we worked hard, and kept our lead. Rowdies in the second half managed to get one goal, however, Lenny got us another one back, and by this time the three points were ours. A good performance by all, but still plenty to work on, however, the three points were needed, and we took them. Well done lads.

Also, a well done to Matt and the first team on their first league win, it was well deserved.

Statement from Rachael Martin   9/06/03:

U10s v Little Paxton U9s

This was the second game we had against Little Paxton as a friendly. This was part of the May 31st Tournament.

We knew this would not be easy as after our first meet, we won 1-0 after Richard scored in the last minute.

However, this game was very different. We went 2-0 down within in the first fifteen minutes. However, the lads heads never went down, and we soon pulled a couple of goals back. Richard doing his usual damage and getting a couple to bring the score level. The game continued to stay close with both teams attacking and defending well. However, it was to be our day, Richard in the end scoring 5 goals, and Jamie and Chris one each. The final score was a 7-2 win. A good end to Richards season as he is leaving to live abroad, but also a good end to our season.

Dave and myself are both pleased with how it has gone and look forward to competing again next year. A big thank you to all those that have helped, and turned up week in week out, and to the kids for playing and always giving 110%.

We look forward to season 2003/2004!!
 

Statement from Rachael Martin 13/05/03:

10/05/03 U10s v St. Ives.

This was our final game of the season, and unfortunately, Richard's last game also. We knew it was going to be hard, but we just wanted the kids to go out and give 100% and enjoy it. Well, within five minutes, we were 2-0 down.  This score kept increasing, and we knew it was not going to be our day. However, Richard in the first half managed to
score a goal, and this proved to be our only one.
In the second half we put Richard in goal, and some superb saves were made by him. There was also some excellent defending from Ryan and Andrew. 
St. Ives were not the best team, but they unfortunately had one player who was outstanding, who got most of their goals. However, it was not our day, and we lost 11-1. The lads tried, but by the end of the first half
it was all over.

We have a had a good season, and i would like to thank the parents for their support, and thank the kids for coming down every week to play for Paxton, and giving 100%.

Statement from Rachael Martin 31/03/03:

 U10s v Ramsey B (CUP GAME)
We got through to the second round with a bye, but this meant us meeting Ramsey B, and we knew it would not be easy. However we took a full team with us who were prepared to give it their best shot.
We knew it was not going to be our day after Ramsey took the lead no more than two minutes into the game, a silly goal, but it determined how the rest of the game was going to go. It did not take long before they got a second. We had a couple of chances, but they were not to be. There was some excellent defending from Ryan as he prevented Ramsey having chances many times throughout the game. By the end of the first half Ramsey were 3-0 up.
In the second half we continued to try, the heads didn't go down, but the game was really over after they got another goal. Ramsey had some great players, most notably two girls!! This did not impress the boys too much when a girl managed to tackle them!
Unfortunately it was a short cup run as we ended up losing 4-0, but the boys worked and hard and gave it their best shot.

Statement from Rachael Martin 24/03/03: 

U10s v Buckden.
We had already lost to Buckden once this season, but knew we could go there today and give them a good game, and maybe come away with the three points. However this was not to be. Richard had to start in goal, and he was missed up front. Within 10 minutes we were 1-0 down. We had a few good chances of goal, but it was just not Thomas's day to get them in the back of the net. Andrew did some great defensive and attacking work, but still nothing came. It was not
long again before Buckden, scored again. However, in the second half, we attacked a lot more with Richard up front, and he got us a goal back, but the result was not to end our way, and we lost 4-1. We have cup game to look forward to next week, and hope we will get the result we need.

Statement from Rachael Martin 10/03/03:

8/03/03 U10s v Priory.
We knew this game was not going to be easy from the start but the lads went into the game prepared to give it a go, but this was not to be! Within minutes we were 1-0 down, and that score soon kept increasing. It could have been a lot more had it not been for some
great saves by Richard. By the end of the first half we were 7-0 down. In the second half Richard came out and played on pitch, whilst new keeper Ryan went into goal. Our aim in the second half was to get a couple of goals, and it was not long before Richard had a shot, and scored. We played a lot better in the second half, attacked more and defended better. Priory only managed to get one more goal, and it finished 8-1.

Statement from Rachael Martin 3/03/03:

1/03/03
U10s v Brampton Spartans.
We had already beaten Brampton 1-0 away, so were confident that we could do the same again. In the first half we had a lot of possession, but were just struggling to find that 1st goal. However it finally came from Chris, and worth the wait. It was a fantastic goal, from outside the box in the top left hand corner. This gave us a real boost, and we continued to dominate. In the second half we continued to play well, again dominating, but Brampton began putting the pressure on and testing new keeper Ryan. However he kept us in the game, and we were soon to get our second goal, and again another fantastic goal,
this time from Richard, again outside the box in the top left hand corner. This basically sealed the game for us, but Brampton did manage to get one goal, but a few great saves made it Paxtons day and we came out 2-1 winners.

Statement from Rachael Martin 10/02/03:

8/02/03
U10s v St. Ives Rangers
St. Ives are top of the table, so we knew it wouldn't be an easy game, but we were prepared for this, but unfortunately the final score does not show this. We lost 5-0, but had some great chances ourselves, but it was just not our day to score. Alex and Jamie had some good chances. In the second half Richard came out of goal to play on pitch, with Sam taking his place. Richard himself had some good chances, even taken down in the box, but no penalty was awarded. The
result being 5-0 to St. Ives. MOM-Richard.

Statement from Rachael Martin 20/01/03:

18/01/03 U10s v Rowdies
After a number of weeks of no training or games, we were finally able to play again, and started the new year as we mean to go on. With just about a full squad, we went into this game dominating from the start. Some good football from Alex and Thomas, we were unlucky not to be ahead earlier on, but the goal soon came from Thomas. At half time we were 1-0 up, and the good football continued in the second. Thomas getting his second, with Alex getting one also. During the second half we gave keeper, Richard a run on pitch and put Sam in goal, Richard was very unlucky not to get a couple of goals himself, but we won 3-0 and were happy enough.

Statement from Rachael Martin 17/01/03:

21/12/02
Away- U10s v Priory Parkside

We went to Priory with no substitutes which was not a good start, but we had had a good run so far, so were feeling good about the game. The first half was very good, the team giving 110% all the time, making it very difficult for Priory, who were getting frustrated with the fact they could not get a ball past Richard, who made some great saves.
Nearing the end of the first half, they broke free, and were able to score, but at half-time and only 1-0 down, we were confident we could produce in the second half.
This was not to be, our lads were very tired, it was very cold, and on came Priory's best player, who soon created chances and by the end of the game it was 7-0. However, the team played well, and gave 100% all the time, there were some outstanding performances from the lads, especially Alex, who was going for every tackle he could, passing well, and any ball he would lose, he would fight back for it.
We may have lost, but we gave them a good game, the result does not show the effort the team made, and how well they played.

Statement from Rachael Martin 11/11/02:

U10s away V Brampton
We went to this game with a full squad, and felt quite confident about coming out with a result. We dominated the game throughout, attacking most of the game, with Brampton getting fewer chances than us. Richard Hart was very unlucky not to score at all in the first
half, he just couldn't find the net, he was receiving some good crosses from Andrew and Sam, but was also making some excellent runs himself. It was 0-0 at half-time, and Richard wet in goal with Ryan coming out of goal to play up front. Soon into the second half, Ryan scored, giving us a well deserved lead. With Richard making some excellent saves in the second half and some good defending by Thomas, and Andrew, we managed to keep our lead and won the game 1-0. Every lad gave 100%, and man of the match was Richard. Well done all.

Statement from Rachael Martin 21/10/02:

19/10/02 U10s V Ramsey (Away)

Ramsey are the top team at the moment, and have not conceded a goal so far, but we went there feeling confident we would give them a good game. We were 1-0 down only after a few minutes, then 2-0,
but Paul Beaumont soon scored to keep us in the game.
As a team we played very well, passing, attacking and defending very well, but despite this we lost 5-1, but never gave up trying, and Ramsey could have had a lot more goals but for the excellent defending and great keeping from Ryan in the first half and Richard in the
second.
Unfortunately it was Paul's last game for us, he is going to play for Priory, he shall be missed from the team.

Forthcoming Fixtures:

Great Paxton Under 8As:

Great Paxton Under 8Bs:

Great Paxton Under 10s:

 
Statement from Rachael Martin 7/10/02:

Welcome back to the new season of 2002/03. Unfortunately this year we are unable to have an under 11s team or an under 9s due to lack of numbers. But there are two under 8s and one under 10s.
We are all hoping for a successful season!

The under 10s are being coached by Dave Thacker and myself and so far the season has started well.

14/09/02 Friendly v Brampton Spartans.
The u10s had a good run around here, and we were 2-0 up in the first half, before the Spartans made it 2-2. We came out with a victory and won 3-2.

21/09/02 League U10s v Rowdies,
Another well deserved victory by the boys, they played well, and we won 4-0 with Richard getting two goals, and Alex and Paul getting one each. Man of the match was Chris J.

5/10/02 League U10s v Buckden Falcons
We wanted to be 2-0 up in the first 10-15 minutes which we did after Andrew and Alex both got goals. We played well as a team, but unfortunately lost 4-2, the other team had a lad that could throw the ball too far for us and that kept catching the kids out, but they
played well, and battled hard. Man of the match was shared by Andrew and Paul.

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Statement from Rachael Martin 7/05/02:

4/05/02
U11s v St. Ives Rangers

This was our last league game, and we were all hoping we may win a game, as it had been a while since we had won. Before the game even started it didn't look good when Billy was unable to play in goal due a hand injury, so Josh replaced him, and then a couple of
players were unable to make it.
Within 15 minutes we were 5-0 down, the kids not seeming to want to play the game, not going for the ball enough. In the second half changes were made, Josh came out of goal and was replaced by Robbie, and the strikers and defenders swapped places. The second
half they played better, but it was too late, and it finished 18-0!

Its been a good season, we have won, lost and drawn some, but all the players have done well, and seemed to enjoyed themselves, and you can't ask for more than that.

Statement from Andy Taylor 1/05/02:

...... we've cancelled the Golden Jubilee mini-soccer tournament, simply because we were struggling to organise it properly, but we will have a tournament next year. There is also a St. Ives tournament in June which I'll encourage the coaches to enter for U-11, U-9 & U-8s.

Statement from Rachael Martin 14/04/02:

U11s v Buckden Juniors

After last weeks game where we deserved to win, we were hoping to win this, against a team we have played twice and lost twice. It's now played three lost three. In a game we didn't deserve to win, we were 3-0 down at half time and lucky not to be more, mostly due to Billy doing his job in goal.
The second half we got better, but didn't take the opportunities we had. David had some good shots on goal, and was unlucky, but by this time the game was over and we ended up losing 8-0. A disappointing result for a disappointing performance.

Statement from Rachael Martin 7/04/02:

U11s v St. Ives Rangers
In a game where we only had eight players, no substitutes, and the kids being very tired at the end, they played very well. However we did lose 4-0 in a game where we had the most possession, and played the better football, but just like on other occasions could not find the back of the net. The boys were passing a lot better, and playing better football. We are in need of a win, and I am sure it is coming, but the football is slowly improving and we are developing a good side. Man of the match was Jake, he tackled and passed well throughout the whole game, despite missing a penalty when Sam was brought down in the box. They did try and gave it their all, but on the day it
just wasn't enough to win the game or get on the scoresheet

Statement from Rachael Martin 20/03/02:

SAT 16/03/02
Cup Game: U11s v Needingworth

It didn't look to good from the start, when we headed of with only eight players and no substitutes. Luckily someone turned up late, so we had nine! We were missing Josh Spavins, a strong midfielder and Jack Judge, a strong defender, but we went there feeling hopeful. We didn't have the best game, and by half-time were a goal down, but had it not been for the keeper, Billy, it would have been a lot more. We went into the second half hoping we could get something out of the game, but soon enough were 4-0 down. However, David managed to get us a goal in the dying minutes but it wasn't enough, and we are out of the cup. However, being the first season, we cannot expect too much, they gave it a go anyway. Man of the match without a doubt was the keeper, Billy.

Statement from Rachael Martin 5/03/02:

2/03/2002
U11s v Rowdies

This game finished as 1-1 draw, a game that I believe we should have won. We took the lead from a goal by Sam, who came on mid-way through the 1st half, and brought some light to a game that was even, but us having more chances. Sam also missed a penalty in the 1st half after been brought down. In the 2nd half we still created more chances, but Rowdies managed to equalise, and the last 10 minutes we seemed to lose our ground, so a draw was a fair result. Encouraging performances came from Ashley Bygraves and again from Karl Mitchell.

Statement from Rachael Martin 20/02/02:

16/02/2002
U11s V Benwick

The team started of very well, having many shots on target but not seeming to hit the back of the net, but our time was to come when Benwick scored an own goal, that was good enough for us!
We soon went two up when Josh scored. We took a 2-1 lead into the second half, then before we knew it were actually 3-2 down. The lads never let it get them down and with good movement and passing with Jack, Ben and then David scoring a cracking goal with about 30
seconds to go. A draw well deserved!

Letter from Andy Taylor 18/02/02 to other clubs: (subsequently cancelled)

Dear Team Managers & Club Secretaries,

To celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee this year, we are hosting a mini-soccer tournament at our Recreation Ground in Great Paxton. This is open to U-11, U-9, and U-8 teams. All games will be 5-aside, so you might have enough players to enter two or three teams. In terms of entry costs, we will charge £20 entry fee for each individual team.

Our intention is to make the event into a family day out, with a BBQ etc., so that parents and children can enjoy what will hopefully be a fine day.

The format of the tournament will depend on how many clubs participate, but I’m assuming we’ll either have a knock-out competition or we’ll split into mini-leagues with shortened match times. Whichever way we do it, the children will not exceed the maximum permitted playing length stipulated in the FA rules. We will have trophies for the winners.

So, please feedback whether you will participate. Any ideas welcome. Who knows, this could turn into an annual event!

With Best Regards,

Andrew R. Taylor

Statement from Andy Taylor 15/02/02:

 2002 has been a little slow to start due to the weather and water-logged pitches. As such, the number of competitive games have been limited, and the U-9s have a backlog of games to catch up.

The first game of February for the U-11s saw them thrash their old rivals 4-2 at home. The match was so one sided that really it should have been 6-0. Our U-11 side played extremely well as a team with a few outstanding individuals. Jack Judge and Sam Joannides scored two goals each, and Karl Mitchell showed that he is the teams most improved player. The Monday night training sessions with Spav are obviously paying dividends.

The U-9s have had a change in management, with Dave Thacker taking the helm. Dave's enthusiasm is obvious to all, and we're hoping that some continuity through Dave will bring the team back to winning ways. They've had several defeats recently, but in the last couple of games they've looked stronger and more cohesive. The important thing is that the children are enjoying themselves. A couple of wins would actually stop the parents worrying about whether the kids were enjoying themselves!!

As for the U-8s, they're reaching the momentus occasion of their first ever match, against the Priory A side, on Feb. 23rd. They too have benefitted from the Monday night training, and its good to see the confidence of these smaller children (including two of my own) grow and grow.

Coming up, we have a full programme of league & cup fixtures until May. Then on June 3rd, we're aiming to host a mini-soccer tournament for all the Hunts mini-soccer teams at the Rec Ground in celebration of the Golden Jubilee. There will be a bar, BBQ, etc., so please come and spend as much money as you can to fill the coffers of the mini-soccer programme.

Statement from Rachael Martin 5/02/02:

Sat 2/02/2002 U11s V Whittlsey

Another victory for the U11s against Whittlsey as they came out on top with a 4-2 win. Sam Joannides hitting the net twice along with Jack Judge scoring the other two. The team played very well together, passing the ball a lot more and playing more as a team. There were some good performances from other players, one that was very noticeable was that of Karl Mitchell who had a good game, going in for a tackle any opportunity he had.
Well done lads!

Statement from Rachael Martin 15/01/02:

15/12/2001 U11s V Godmanchester Lost 5-1.

12/01/2002 U11s V Godmanchester Lost 10-0

After there three week break the U11s did not come back in the form I had hoped for. Godmanchester were the much better team on the day and wanted to win more. However we did have an encouraging performance from late substitute Thomas Morgan, who would battle
for the ball well. The goalkeeper also played well, and we could have lost by more had it not been for him.

Happy new year to all those involved in Mini-Soccer!

Statement from Rachael Martin 11/12/01:

8/12/01

U11s V Buckden
Buckden were the U11s very first game in a friendly, and we were hoping this time we would come out on top, but it wasn't to be. We lost 4-0, but the boys kept trying and we were unlucky not to get at least one goal. The team were without Jake who we did miss, but we had two new boys starting, Luke and Robbie.


Under 11s Pictures Nov 2001

Statement from Rachael Martin 20/11/01:

17/11/2001

U9s V Benwick
It was another