under 8 hawks
Coaching Team 2011/12: Peter Croucher & Jon Richardson
Next Fixture:
Match Reports:
19/02 Halliford Boys Colts v AFC Brooklands Hawks
After the enforced mid season break AFC picked up where they left off and produced one of their best performances of the season to date. A blustery wind made for interesting conditions, but both sides were happy to play the ball on the ground and any effect was nullified. From the kick off AFC put together a neat passing move to create an early chance. A midfield battle ensued with both sides struggling to find a finish to some clever moves. AFC's defence, marshalled by Jamie Richardson, held firm and were frustrating almost every Halliford attack. Ali Platt at left back was particularly strong in the tackle and was covering Richardson when needed, while Louis Barnes was raiding down the wing from his deep starting position. It was Barnes who gave AFC the lead as the first half came to a close. Picking up a loose goal-kick he broke into the area to score past the keeper. James Howard, through his unselfish running was getting into some good scoring positions and went close shooting from a wide angle, forcing the keeper into a save. A narrow lead at half time was no more than AFC deserved. The second half began as tight as the first with AFC keeper Joe Gillespie forced into action, but he could do nothing as Halliford equalised with a shot from close in. AFC though soon wrestled back the initiative and when Tom Bevin battled to win the ball in midfield he set up Ben Hudson to score with a fierce drive from the edge of the penalty area. With their tails up AFC increased their lead with the very next attack. Raphael Martin-Cruz and Barnes combining on the edge of the area to free Barnes to score. Barnes completed his hat-trick after Hudson had played the pass of the game, switching play from left to right for the marauding Barnes to score, his low drive going in off the post. The final whistle saw AFC run out winners in a really entertaining game in which both sides played some really good football.
29/01 AFC Brooklands Hawks v Frimley Green Tigers
It was edge of the seat entertainment all the way as both teams set about taking the fans minds off the icy chill of the morning. The opening exchanges set the tone with both sides intent on scoring early and the attacking was swift and concise. AFC though began to assert some authority as their defence gained the upper hand with Jamie Richardson, assured in the centre of defence, breaking up Frimley attacks. On the break though AFC were looking more and more menacing with Frimley having no answer to the raiding 'wing back' Louis Barnes who was terrorising the Frimley full back and delivering some excellent crosses. It was from one of these breaks that AFC took the lead with a goal of Premier League quality. Tom Bevin won the ball in midfield and played back to Richardson. His cross field pass split the defence and picked out the forward run of Barnes whose movement took him into a wide position to cross. As the ball zipped in James Howard got a touch towards goal, the goalkeeper parried the shot only for Menzies to nip in and fire the loose ball into the net. AFC took their slim lead into the half time break knowing that a tough second half was just around the corner. As expected Frimley came at AFC from the start and went close, but Howard was on his toes to come out and block the chances. As with the first half chances there were chances a plenty for both sides. AFC's desire to get the second was leaving the defence a bit vulnerable and only some last ditch defending kept AFC in front, but AFC could have also gone into a commanding lead, but for the Frimley goalkeeper saving chances from Ben Hudson and Menzies twice. Raphael Martin-Cruz busy in the central areas was setting up chances, but, there was nothing Howard could do to prevent the equaliser as Frimley broke and scored, as AFC's defence watched on!!! The last few minutes were as frantic as you could get. Menzies went close from a free-kick. Ali Platt rescued a certain goal with a timely challenge but it was left to Howard in the AFC goal to save the day. As Frimley broke leaving the AFC defence trailing, Howard though stood big, blocked and caught the strikers shot to keep the score level. That proved to be that last action of the half with both sides sharing the spoils which was a fair result.
22/01 Oxshott Royals Colts v AFC Brooklands Hawks
After last weeks plush playing surface and wide expanses AFC faced a different challenge this time round. A small pitch and blustery wind made for an entertaining encounter albeit at the expense of the quality. With both sides evenly matched the game swung from end to end with neither side creating more than half chances. Midfield duo Toby Menzies and Raphael Martin-Cruz were struggling gainfully to win possession against a strong opposition but did set up Ben Hudson who forced the goalkeeper into a number of saves. AFC forced a number of corners which came to nothing. Louis Barnes had AFC's best chance with a low shot. As half time approached AFC took advantage of the conditions to take the lead. Jamie Richardson in the AFC goal launched a drop kick forward that took a single bounce over the stranded goalkeeper into the back of the net, despite a valiant attempt to retrieve the situation by the Oxshott keeper. Oxshott came back and pressured the AFC goal but timely interceptions from Ali Platt and Tom Bevin ensured that AFC held onto their lead until half time. Playing into the wind in the second half was always going to be a test, and so it proved. AFC had to battle for every ball and in doing so lost a bit of positional discipline, allowing Oxshott more chances. However, AFC were looking dangerous on the break and could have extended their lead. As the half moved on AFC rode their luck more and more and after hitting the post and forcing saves from Platt, now in goal, Oxshott scored the equaliser. A frantic last 10 minutes saw both sides have chances but neither could find that winning goal.
15/01 Onslow Boys v AFC Brooklands Hawks
A lunchtime kick-off and the standard of the pitch at Surrey Sports Park ensured this game beat the freeze and AFC produced a performance worthy of the surroundings. As in recent games AFC's defence was the springboard for a dominant performance. Captain Ali Platt, assured in the central position allowed Louis Barnes and Tom Bevin to support the midfield. However, the Onslow goalkeeper was having a great game, stopping everything AFC could throw at him. With AFC finding space all over the pitch and the game stretched Onslow's defence was breached when Barnes's whipped in a cross took a deflection past the keeper. AFC continued to struggle to turn their superior play and possession into goals until, having won the ball in midfield, Barnes broke away. His run took him into the area and one on one with the keeper, but instead of taking him on he slid an unselfish pass inside to the supporting Toby Menzies to side foot in for AFC's second. With a two goal cushion AFC continued to play with confidence and exploit the space on a big pitch. AFC's third was right out of the coaching manual!!! a scintillating break from defence with a move involving almost all the outfield players. Platt won possession and played wide to Bevin, his early pass to Ben Hudson, whose control and turn set up the pass for Menzies to drive into the area and beat the keeper. Worth noting that again, as with his previous goal, Menzies had covered the full length of the pitch to support the attack. With Onslow tiring AFC continued to dominate. Menzies got his hat trick goal with a shot from the edge of the penalty area and his fourth when James Howard launched an amazing first time clearance, which he ran onto to score. Hudson scored his first after picking up a loose ball from a Barnes shot while Jamie Richardson's 20 yard screamer made it seven. Raphael Martin-Cruz, working hard for the team on the right side linked with Barnes to set up Hudson for his second and AFC's eighth.
08/01 Byfleet Village v AFC Brooklands Hawks
AFC began the New Year with a hard fought victory over their local rivals. From the kick-off AFC looked a bit ring rusty after the Christmas break and with neither side dominating the play was switching from end to end. With Jamie Richardson, Ben Hudson and raiding wingback Louis Barnes breaking up the Byfleet attacks AFC were seeing more of the ball and began to assert more pressure on the Byfleet defence. James Howard went close on two occasions while Toby Menzies was tirelessly working to set up chances. The best of the half fell to Barnes who broke through the defence and 'missed a sitter' (his words not mine!!!) when one on one with the keeper. As the half drew to a close it was honours even and all to play for. The second half saw AFC finally get their passing going and it was Menzies who broke the deadlock as he dribbled the ball round the keeper to score from close in after good interplay from Barnes and Raphael Martin-Cruz had set up the chance. AFC though did not have it all their own way and a bullet free kick was well saved by Richardson who then came and collected a dangerous corner. AFC's second, midway through the half, secured the win and it was Barnes who picked up a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area to score. With Ali Platt and Hudson assured in defence AFC continued to surge forward and got the third when Martin-Cruz set of an a trademark mazy run and as he ran out pitch selflessly pulled the ball back across the goal for Menzies to tap in. A tougher game than of late and a good performance to begin 2012.
12/12 Worplesdon Phoenix v AFC Brooklands Hawks
AFC signed off 2011 with a commanding display. Sometimes everything you work on in training comes good at once and today's game was one of those occasions. Although the score doesn't reflect the contribution Worplesdon made to the game. They never gave up and did pressure the AFC goal regularly throughout the game. However, AFC's team play and clinical finishing was the big difference as everything AFC touched turned to gold or more accurately goal!! With a supply of bacon butties warming the AFC supporters the first mouthful was hardly chewed before the first goal arrived. James Howard following in a shot from Toby Menzies. From the restart Howard made it two, breaking out to finish with a low shot into the goal. With the coach struggling to keep notes, with buttie in one hand and Ketchup bottle in the other, Louis Barnes followed in a long shot to score the third. Raphael Martin-Cruz made it four in typical style, riding numerous tackles to score. Menzies then timed his run to perfection, meeting a cross from Howard with a first time shot to make it five. Howard completed his hat-trick and the scoring for the half when he volleyed in from Barnes' Delap style long throw. Half time changes saw Ali Platt replace the injured Jamie Richardson, whose contribution was the springboard for all AFC's attacks. AFC began the second half as they had the first and Ben Hudson scored two in quick succession. By this point AFC were passing the ball with extra confidence and the goals came thick and fast. Barnes got his second after being set up by Martin-Cruz. Tom Bevin drilled a free kick into the net from outside the area. Worplesdon to their credit broke at AFC and only Platt's recovering run and perfectly timed tackle prevented a certain goal. As the players tired Barnes came into this own and collected his hat tick and fourth goal after mazy runs from deep. It was left to Menzies to complete the goal-fest, striking a powerful shot into the roof of the net having been played in by another Martin-Cruz dribble.
27/11 AFC Brooklands Hawks v Worplesdon Phoenix
A solid, strong performance saw AFC secure the win in testing conditions. Kicking into the wind first half AFC dominated possession and were well rewarded when 'goal machine' Toby Menzies fired home from the edge of the area after some good work from Josh Reeve had set up the chance. Reeve, looking sharp up front, then went close to scoring himself, a good first touch moved the ball into space for him to shoot only to be denied by the diving goalkeeper. However, AFC were in the ascendancy and Menzies increased the lead when he latched on to a long clearance from Ali Platt in the AFC goal to go one on one with the keeper and finish comfortably. With AFC looking solid at the back the midfield were free to create and that man Menzies was involved again setting up James Howard who sent a bullet shot into the net. Raphael Martin-Cruz netted the fourth just before half time. The second half was closer with AFC struggling to create any clear cut chances. Jamie Richardson and Jamie Sanger were in control at he back and with Ali Platt in at right back giving cover Ben Hudson was rarely trouble in goal. AFC did manage to add to the score line when James Howard finished from close range having been set up by Menzies. Tom Bevin came on to shore up the midfield as AFC held on to keep a clean sheet for the second week
20/11 AFC Brooklands Hawks v Onslow Boys
A storming start from AFC decided this contest within the first ten minutes. There was no sign of the onslaught that was to follow as the team lined up for the start. From the kick off both teams had early chances, but it was AFC who took charge and it Toby Menzies, whose cross come shot was to change the game. As the ball came over from the right the flight of the ball fooled everyone and nestled into the far corner of the net. Before Onslow could gather their thoughts Menzies was at it again, cutting in from the right to meet a pass from Ben Hudson and sliding the ball past the keeper. Menzies then completed what must be one of the quickest hat-trick in AFC history when his shot from the edge of the box beat the keeper to give AFC a 3-0 lead. Onslow, although a bit shell shocked battled well and came back into briefly calling Dom Harrop into action. With defensive leader Jamie Richardson directing operations from the back AFC continued to press and Raphael Martin-Cruz made it four, following in a shot from Menzies and Martin-Cruz netted his second finishing off a four pass move. The second half saw AFC again apply pressure on the opponents goal and it wasn't long before Martin-Cruz scored his hat-trick. After some neat play with Menzies his shot squeezed in from a tight angle. AFC's seventh came from the impressive Tom Bevin. In an unfamiliar midfield role his probing passes were finding the forwards regularly and his goal, a long range strike, was drilled low into the net. Ali Platt, secure in defence as usual was sent up to centre forward and would have got on the score-sheet were it not for the Onslow keeper. Menzies collected his fourth and fifth goals in quick succession before the final whistle.
13/11 Chertsey Town Blues v AFC Brooklands Hawks
After an impeccably observed minute silence from both sides, the two teams fought out an even and very enjoyable, albeit scrappy, contest. With neither side seemingly able to get the ball under control the game lurched from end to end with chances going begging for both sides. AFC had the best of the chances but were unable to capitalise as James Howard and Ben Hudson went close. AFC were also having to defend strongly with Jamie Richardson and Tom Bevin especially busy, but it was a finger tip save from Ali Platt that ensured the game stayed even at half time. AFC began the second half in determined fashion with midfield duo Toby Menzies and Louis Barnes battling hard for possession and it was Barnes tenacity that set up AFC's first goal. Winning the ball midway into the opposition half he broke forward and played a low cross into the feet of Hudson. Hudson's quality first touch set up the chance which he finished in style from close range. AFC looked to have finally settled and were playing with more confidence. However, two Chertsey goals in quick succession, and OG and soft second, changed the tone of the game. Now it became a test of character and determination. Suddenly the tackling was a bit stronger and the passing a bit sharper as AFC battled to find the equalising goal. As time ticked on and the game moved into the last minute a timely interception from tough tackling Raphael Martin-Cruz saw the ball break to Bevin whose pass inside to Menzies opened up the defence. As Menzies forward run committed the last defender into a challenge he slid the ball to an unmarked Hudson, who as before made no mistake with what turned out to be the last kick of the game.
06/11 Burpham Youth v AFC Brooklands Hawks
As with the last meeting these two teams served up a feast of
football. With both sides eager to play a passing game the
opening proved to be even with neither side dominating. AFC's
defence was looking solid, marshalled by the Jamie Richardson,
and it was from this solid base AFC took the lead. Raphael
Martin-Cruz won the ball with a trademark challenge and set
Louis Barnes clear in the wide position. A pinpoint cross from
Barnes was met by Toby Menzies to score. James Howard continued
his scoring trend after being set up by Barnes. The game was
still end to end and only some good saves from Ben Hudson kept
Burpham out. The second half saw AFC come under pressure and
Burpham come back into the game. Ali Platt, in at left back was
keeping the right side attacker quiet and working well with Tom
Bevin in the midfield. Martin-Cruz scored AFC's third, toe
ending the ball past the goalkeeper after a persistent dribble
in the area. The half continued with both sides continuing to
play the ball around. Bevin went close with two long range shots
before Barnes completed the scoring, catching Burpham on the
break as they chased the game.
23/10 AFC Brooklands v Burpham Youth
AFC tasted defeat for the first time in a while at the hands of Burpham, but the big winner was youth football as both sides tried, mostly successfully, to play the game 'properly'. From the first whistle AFC found themselves under pressure from some slick Burpham passing and were conceding more opportunities than they should have. With AFC struggling to hold on, the first goal came as the ball broke loose from a corner to a Burpham player who, under no pressure, rifled his shot into the roof of the net. AFC slowly stared to come back into the game. Tom Bevin and Sam Havermans stepped up to prevent attacks with some timely tackles and Mees de Graaf was starting to breaking forward to link with Ethan Fifield on the left. Dominic Harrop, in the AFC goal, chipped in with a couple of good saves. But, as so often happens AFC were caught on the break and conceded the second. As half time approached AFC continued in search of goals and were rewarded when a typical Raphael Martin-Cruz ended run ended with the ball breaking to Toby Menzies to lash the ball into the net. AFC started the second half strongly and went in search of the equaliser, with Louis Barnes and Fifield going close. However AFC were limited to long range efforts which rarely troubled the keeper. Alistair Platt came back on to add some strength to the midfield and was winning some good tackles and breaking forward. James Howard, striker turned goalkeeper, was looking confident in goal but could do nothing as AFC were caught on the break to concede the third. Well done to both teams on a very entertaining game in the autumn sunshine.
16/10 AFC Brooklands v Staines Town Jnrs
AFC were given a tough examination by a strong and physical Staines side and emerged with heads held high having met every challenge asked of them. AFC started well and went close to taking the lead with both Louis Barnes and Raphael Martin-Cruz having chances saved. James Howards' presence up front was also causing Staines some problems and he was close to opening the scoring on two occasions. Despite AFC's early dominance it was Staines who took the lead. Strong running from the centre forward created an opportunity to score, which he took. The second, very similar to the first, came soon after. AFC though were not about to lie down and roll over and continued to create opportunities and but for some expert goalkeeping would have got at least one back before half time. The half time chat centred around continuing to do the right things and the game would come back to us, and so it proved. Ben Hudson marshalled Staines danger man up front and Mees de Graaf and Raphael Martin-Cruz launched attacks from the wide areas. As the half wore on AFC looked more and more likely to score and Barnes duly obliged, collecting a loose ball after Howard had pressured the goalkeeper into a mistake. With Staines rocking AFC went in search of the equaliser. It was Ethan Fifield's 'jinky' run and pass to Barnes that set up AFC's second. Barnes played the ball wide to Martin-Cruz to drive to the goal line and deliver a low hard cross which found it's way into the net via a Staines defender. AFC could now sense victory and continued to press. Their passing game, in complete contrast to the more 'direct' style of the opposition, was looking as though it may win the day. Dominic Harrop came on and added some steel in the tackle and along with Tom Bevin, calm as ever in possession, AFC looked favourites to clinch the victory. But football's not like that and a long clearance from the Staines defence saw their striker evade Hudson's challenge and finish with low drive. Alistair Platt, in the AFC goal was then called into action again and saved well and it was his clearance that found Barnes, who went on a mazy run past four defenders to score AFC's third and secure the draw. As with last week a performance of quality and skill that was a pleasure to watch and having come from behind twice it felt like a win.
09/10 Meadow Colts v AFC Brooklands
Wow!!!! Sometimes you get exactly what you deserve and today was one of those days for AFC's youngsters. The score line reflected everything that the performance warranted. Straight from the start AFC set about their opponents and quickly raced into a two goal lead. Louis Barnes scoring with a left foot shot and the second a result of Barnes winning the ball in midfield, passing to Toby Menzies who played in to Raphael Martin-Cruz to score. The third, scored by James Howard, a one on one with the goalkeeper after Barnes, Menzies and Martin-Cruz had combined again. With the AFC players keeping possession and a good shape they controlled all the play. Martin-Cruz netted his second after a cross from Barnes. In defence AFC looked strong with Jamie Richardson continuing his good form at the centre of the back three. Howard, who definitely had his shooting boots on, then completed the first half scoring with three goals in quick succession. Taking his tally to four before half time. Changes at half time saw AFC's domination continue. Tom Bevin and Mees de Graaf breaking up Meadows attacks and setting the midfield up to attack. One particular move of eight passes across the field led to a shot on goal. AFC continued to play with confidence and no little craft which led Martin-Cruz to complete his hat-trick, with the teams first ever headed goal. There was still time for Howard to be called into action and save at the Meadow attackers feet to preserve the teams clean sheet. Ethan Fifield was a constant threat down the left and he got the goal his performance deserved with a left foot strike low across the keeper having been set up by Ben Hudson. Menzies completed the scoring with a low drive from outside the area. An excellent team performance of which everyone can be proud.
02/10 Woking Cougars Whites v AFC Brooklands
Never mind mad dogs and Englishmen, it was Under 8 footballers and their supporters out in the midday sun this weekend. In weather more akin to tournament football than the regular season AFC's young players turned in an performance full of grit and determination in the extreme heat. The game started evenly with neither side able to get the ball under control and chances at a premium. AFC's defence was looking comfortable, marshalled by Ben Hudson, Sam Havermans and Tom Bevin were ensuring that Ali Platt in the AFC goal was a virtual spectator. As the half wore on AFC began to win more possession and created a few chances and took the lead when Raphael Martin-Cruz intercepted a goal kick and drove into the area to score. Bevin came close to making it two on the stroke of half time when he unleashed a shot from all of 20 yards, forcing the keeper into a fingertip save. The second half saw AFC play with a bit more shape and the passing was improved. Mees de Graaf on the left of midfield was becoming more influential, his passes setting up Martin-Cruz on a number of occasions. AFC increased their lead as Bevin, breaking up another attack, played forward for Louis Barnes to run on and score. Cougars, to their credit never gave it up and Dominic Harrop in the AFC goal was forced to make a couple vital of saves, one at the feet of the on rushing attacker. AFC managed to put the result beyond doubt when Toby Menzies won a midfield tackle and the loose ball broke for Martin-Cruz to claim his second with a low drive.
25/9 AFC Brooklands v FC Sunbury Wanderers
A scintillating display of pass and move football saw AFC's young guns secure an impressive victory in the autumn sunshine. From the first whistle AFC controlled the game and scored with their first attack. Toby Menzies winning possession in midfield threaded an inch perfect pass onto the run of Ethan Fifield who drove on to shoot past the advancing goalkeeper. AFC continued to dominate with Ben Hudson and Jamie Richardson breaking up play as Sunbury tried to mount attacks through the middle and Sam Havermans on the right keeping the wide player busy. The second goal was not long in coming and it was Richardson, with another timely interception, moving forward with the ball to play in Louis Barnes to finish. As the half drew to a close James Howard was called into action for the only time saving well at the attackers feet. The second half saw Sunbury again under the cosh as AFC forced the issue. Raphael Martin-Cruz was causing all sorts of problems for the Sunbury defence with his powerful, skilful running. AFC's third was the result of another Martin-Cruz run combined with some fine interplay between Howard (now centre forward) and Barnes that left Menzies to complete the move with a fine volley into the roof of the net. AFC's defence then continued to pick off the Sunbury attacks with debutant Mees de Graaf looking increasingly confident at left back, tackling and passing with purpose. The result was put beyond doubt when Howard followed in on a Barnes shot from the edge of the penalty area. The shot got away from the keeper allowing Howard to finish from a tight angle.
18/9 AFC Brooklands v Chobham Youth
AFC began the season with a confidence boosting win against a Chobham side playing their first competitive match. From the first whistle the extra experience, gained from last season, gave AFC the upper hand and it wasn't long before AFC took the lead. Captain Jamie Richardson set Louis Barnes away to score the first. AFC then stung their shell shocked opponents with a barrage of attacks before Ethan Fifield added the second. Raphael Martin-Cruz added three and four, one a shot from outside the penalty area and the other a close range 'tap in'. Toby Menzies made it five scoring from a cross from Fifield and it was Fifield who finished the scoring for the half with his second. The second half saw Chobham come back into the game, forcing Ben Hudson and Alistair Platt into making timely tackles to break up play and launch counter attacks. From one of these attacks Tom Bevin scored with a low drive. Dominic Harrop went close an a number of occasions but could just not quite get the final touch to score as AFC wrapped up the win with two late goals. A promising start but with harder games to come.
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