3/5/8

Great Linford Typhoons 0 v 1 NPTFC Lions

This was not only set up as a local derby but the Typhoons were the last team to beat the Lions way back in October so we envisaged a really tough morning as we knew that they are a strong side.

The team was switched around again in the absence of Skipper Hamish with Keeper Kiron taking the armband which he did with aplomb as he organised the troops from the start.

Both teams seemed up for the game and there were many gasps from the crowd as chance after chance flashed past the uprights or was saved well by each keeper.
An interesting battle was taking place as Joshua was being man marked from the start and he was given a good run for his money today as the defence doubled and trebled up on him to slow down his dangerous pace.

The home side almost broke the deadlock as a smart chip by the talented Typhoons striker went over Kirons head and as the ball bounced towards goal a flash of green appeared from nowhere as Lewis slid in to divert the ball round the post to safety.

Half Time 0-0

The Typhoons switched keeper at half time which may have proved costly as within 2 minutes of the restart a goal mouth scramble ensued before the ball was poked to the edge of area where man of the match Joe was waiting, he looked up and dispatched a missile into the top corner of the net for the Lions to take the lead.
This wonder strike spurred on the Lions and some smart passing between Gurveer, Nathan and Jack created a chance for Joshua who found the replacement keepers hands with his shot.

The game still swung from end to end and some tough tackling from Charlie, Alex and Lewis kept the Typhoons at bay until the end of the game.

This game was always going to be decided on either a mistake or a stroke of genius and thankfully we saw the latter as a better winning goal will not be seen again this season I'm sure.

Another fantastic game that nobody watching could have enjoyed more.

Team: Kiron Das (c), Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Charlie Milner, Joe McGreal, Nathan Coleman, Joshua Oyakhire, Alex King, Gurveer Barang

26/4/8

Shield Semi Final - Woburn Community Fields

Syresham 0 v 4 NPTFC Lions

A beautiful morning for a semi final game today with bright sunshine and freshly mown pitches.
The place was awash with teams all vying for places in the finals of the cup and shield competitions across the age groups.
Woburn community fields was the chosen destination and when we arrived the place was packed and was buzzing from every corner as excited and now sun tanned parents cheered on their kids.
The boys warmed up and it appeared that they were in good spirits with little nerves or tension evident although this can't be said of the team manager who didn’t sleep a wink the night before with the thought of such a big occasion.

The match started and for the first 2 minutes it looked like it was going to be a challenging morning as the Yellow and Black shirts of Syresham poured forwards and in their first move they crashed a shot off the top of the Lions crossbar.

Minutes later Syresham had 6 corners in a row as the Lions defenders kept diverting the ball out of play. We finally cleared the danger with a long ball out of defence which fell nicely to Gurveer who slid the ball through to Joshua who unsurprisingly outpaced 2 defenders before cooly planting home a firm shot for the Lions to take the lead.
Alex and Lewis were in commanding form again at the back and Man of the Match Jack made some punishing runs down the right flank which caused havoc in the Syresham area.
With 15 minutes played the decisive second goal was scored after a scrappy goal mouth scramble set up by Hamish's tenacious tackling and pressurising Joshua poked home his 31st of the season.
The final piece of first half action saw Kiron tip the ball onto the cross bar following a speculative strike from the left foot of one of Syreshams best players.

Half time 0-2

The half time team talk was easy today as it was carry on as you have for the last 11 matches and the final will be the destination on the 17th of May.
With 3 changes made at half time the team was reshaped but the clever passing was still evident as the Lions started to press again and the substitute keeper was tested time and again but he stood firm.

With a couple of dangerous corners swung in by Joe it looked like the crucial third goal would be hard to come by until the 7th minute when a flicked header by Joshua bounced in the area, Nathan moved in quickly to beat the keeper to the ball as he tipped it over his dive into the empty net.

This goal appeared to kick Syresham back into life as they pressed forwards but the Lions back guard including Keeper Kiron kept them away.
With 5 to go Charlie charged down a defenders clearance which spun the ball into the air before kindly heading towards the boot of Nathan who volleyed in the fourth and final goal and his 16th of the season.

The league referee blew the final whistle on a great game of football enjoyed by the large crowd and the players alike.
Well done to Syresham today, they played well in spells and never gave up even when 4 goals down.
12 wins in a row now which is a fine record which we are all very proud of. It is fitting that the boys have got to thier first final after playing so well since the turn of the year.

Roll on the 17th of May, it may not be at Wembley but where ever the final is held it will be a memorable occasion for everybody involved in this great team.

Team: Kiron Das, Alex King, Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Hamish Bull (c) Joshua Oyakhire, Gurveer Barang, Nathan Coleman, Charlie Milner, Joe McGreal

19/4/8

NPTFC Lions 5 v 0 Brookfield Rangers Kestrels

Following a 2 week match break the Lions got back into action in the league today against a disciplined and organised Brookfield team who looked like they meant business as they warmed up.

The Lions got off to a flyer and scored within 2 minutes of the kick off as the pacy Joshua sped past 2 defenders before crossing to Gurveer who slotted in his first of the morning.
The home side were camped in the Kestrels half for almost the duration of the first half as Keeper Kiron kicked his heels in his area looking like he was about to nod off.
Despite the domination the second goal proved elusive as the away keeper and defence did everything possible to limit the score line and every break towards our goal was stopped by the dominant Alex and Lewis.

Half time 1-0

With the usual flurry of changes at half time to keep legs fresh the Lions moved the ball around with confidence and at times the passing was a joy to watch as they swept forwards time and time again.

With 10 minutes of the second half gone the ball fell to Charlie who slid a smart pass into Joshua's path who unselfishly laid the ball into the path of Nathan who did what he does best by poaching the all important second goal.

Credit to the Brookfield team as their heads didn’t go down and they pushed forwards with the skilful number 7 testing the cold hands of Kiron who maintained focus to divert the ball away on a couple of occasions in quick succession.
Jack and Joe were providing pass after pass to the forward line as we looked menacing but without reward.

With 5 minutes to go the Lions showed the clinical side to their game as they scored 3 more goals without reply. The third came from Nathan who finished a slick one two passing move with Skipper Hamish.
Man of the match Alex picked up the ball from a loose goal kick before lashing in one of his special strikes from distance right into the top corner.
The final piece of action saw Gurveer tap in his 24th goal of the season to finish the game with 5 goals to no reply.

This was a good warm up for the pending Shield Semi final next weekend with some excellent passing and lethal finishing making the home crowd go home again with big smiles on their faces.

Team: Kiron Das, Alex King, Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Hamish Bull (c) Joshua Oyakhire, Gurveer Barang, Joe McGreal, Charlie Milner, Nathan Coleman

29/3/08

Brackley Athletic 5 v 6 NPTFC Lions

An early start and a trek over to Brackley for a 9.30am kick off provided a game that could be described by many different footballing clichés including a game of two halves, managers feeling sick as parrots I could go on and on but today's choice would be a game of two number 8's!

With squad rotation the order of the day for the Lions, the team was changed to continue opportunities for players to have a start but maybe the early kick off appeared to affect the team as the very talented Brackley number 8 caused havoc for the first 2 minutes before he scored the first goal of the day. For the next 10 minutes we experienced a torrid time as we conceded 3 more soft goals as the young man in the number 8 shirt ran riot through a shocked and at times disorganized Newport back line.
After 15 minutes 3 changes were made in an attempt to stop the tide and fortunately this had the desired affect as we clawed a goal back as Joshua used his pace to provide Gurveer with a side foot finish. With a minute to go before half time Joshua again caused problems with his pace as he ran to the byline before stepping inside the last defender and slamming the ball home from an almost impossible angle.

Half Time 4-2

The half time team talk consisted of don't give up and start talking to each other as we have come to expect this sort of attitude from a team that have won their last 9 games.

Our first attack of the second half brought a contentiously awarded penalty which we gladly accepted. Skipper Hamish pulled rank and stepped up confidently but he found the Athletic keeper in fine form as he dived to his left to push away the spot kick.

The Lions were working hard and Lewis was given the task of marking the dangerous number 8 who started to tire as we pushed forwards. Within 5 minutes of the penalty the game started to swing in our favour as another byline run by Joshua culminated in Nathan tapping in the goal that brought the scores closer.

Jack and Charlie were working hard in midfield and Kiron pulled off 2 fantastic saves before Joshua scored his second and the equalizing goal which might have finished some sides but to Brackleys credit they broke away and crashed in their 5th goal of the game. Joe was brought back on to sure up the defence and Gurveer brought back on to endeavour to steal another equaliser.

The referee was stopping his watch every time the ball went out of play which was kind to the Lions as the extra time he added enabled Joshua to score another equaliser and his hat trick to make the score 5-5.

This would have been a fair scoreline but the Lions smelt blood and they worked their way up field before a goalmouth scramble ensued with the ball finally rolling in front of the deadly finishing boot of Gurveer who hammered it home to send the players, spectators and manager of the Newport team crazy and the Brackley fans to despair as they had played so well but without the end reward that the final whistle brought at the end of an amazing match.

The run of 10 wins in succession tells it's own story as this determined and talented team go from strength to strength making the manager and the parents proud of their continued development and achievements.

Team: Kiron Das, Alex King, Joe McGreal, Charlie Milner, Hamish Bull, Gurveer Barang, Nathan Coleman, Jack Gardner, Lewis Brewer, Joshua Oyakhire

15/3/8

Shield Quarter Finals

Cranfield Colts Rovers 1 v 4 NPTFC Lions

On a mild morning in the grounds of Cranfield University the Lions continued their unbeaten run but today they were made to work as hard as they have all season against a strong and very determined Cranfield side.
It appeared that either nerves or maybe a touch of over confidence was evident from the start which made the first 10 minutes tense as the game moved from end to end. As the Lions got tested the game got congested in the midfield and it looked like a goal would be difficult to find as the home keeper looked in fine form as he tipped a couple of efforts passed the post.

With 15 gone Alex had a succession of throw in's down the right which moved us closer to the home area, the final throw being launched into the path of Joshua on the edge of the area who squared the ball to Gurveer who gladly side footed into the net.
The away fans breathed a sigh of relief but this was short lived as the home side broke away soon after and some unusually slack marking allowed the Cranfield striker to speed towards goal before sliding the ball under Kirons body for the equalising goal.
Soon after Nathan forced the keeper into a good save and Gurveer hit the crossbar and it seemed that a second goal would be hard to muster until minutes before the half time break Alex intercepted a long ball before striding down the right touchline and sliding the ball through to Joshua who made no mistake as he slammed the ball home.

Half Time 1-2

The half time break saw some changes made to provide some fresh legs which enabled us to keep up with the spirited home side. Some last ditch tackles from Jack and Charlie kept them away and an amazingly brave save by Kiron proved to be the match winning moment.
Joe forced the talented home keeper into a smart save and Hamish was providing the ammunition down the left as the Lions upped their game.
With 10 minutes remaining Man of the Match Lewis made a run down the left from within his own half, as he approached the touchline he squared a fantastic pass into the on rushing Joshua who cooly diverted the ball into the net. This sent the manager and away fans into a frenzy as this was the goal that looked likely to send the Lions into the semi final.
The final piece of action saw Nathan beat 2 defenders before poking the ball into Gurveers path who wrapped the game up with the 4th goal.

So the semi final now faces the Lions who really were put to the test today but with some clinical finishing and strong defending saw them through.

Team: Kiron Das, Alex King, Lewis Brewer, Nathan Coleman, Jack Gardner, Joshua Oyakhire, Gurveer Barang, Joe McGreal, Charlie Milner, Hamish Bull (c).

1/3/8

NPTFC 3 v 0 Preston Gawcott Pumas

The third game in as many weeks today with a late kick off and a swirling wind to contend with but another positive result made it 8 wins in a row.

Once both teams had settled and figured out the wind factor the game was one sided for the first 10 minutes as the Lions penned the away team in but the Pumas keeper was very capable and he made some good saves.
With 15 gone Joshua was sent down the line with a fine pass from Joe, as Joshua got close to the goal area he squared a fantastic ball into the box which was controlled by Charlie who nudged the ball to his left where Skipper Hamish gleefully slammed the ball into the net.

3 substitutions were made to keep the legs fresh and it paid off soon after as Alex provided the ball to Gurveer who beat his man and passed the ball into the box where an unmarked Nathan calmly poked in his 11th goal of the campaign.

Half Time 2-0

The second half was a tight affair as the Pumas team seemed rejuvinated after the half time team talk and they caused the Lions some trouble but some outstanding goal keeping again from Kiron and some last ditch tackles from MOM Jack and Lewis kept the score at 2-0.

The 15 minute mark seems to be a lucky time for the Lions as the game was wrapped up with the 3rd goal which unsurprisingly came from the speed and finishing skills of top scorer Joshua as he outpaced the whole defence before confidently passing the ball into the net.

The game got slightly scrappy after this as both teams tired but the final whistle completed another excellent and determined performance from the strong and confident Lions team.

Team: Kiron Das, Jack Gardner, Lewis Brewer, Charlie Milner, Joe McGreal, Joshua Oyakhire, Hamish Bull (c) Alex King, Nathan Coleman, Gurveer Barang

23/2/8

Old Stratford 1 v 5 NPTFC Lions

With a remarkable improvement in the temperature over last week the Lions had their first league game of the second leg of the season.
With the melting of last weeks ice the pitch was slightly heavy today but the tired legs didn't belong to the Newport players as they kept the home team penned inside their own half for the majority of the first half.

Last weeks man of the match and top goal scorer Joshua was in fine form again today and he had notched up a hat trick in the first 25 minutes to make the score comfortable.

Half Time 0-3

Some half time substitutions were made to give tired legs a break but the second half was always going to be hard as the surface got heavier and passing was made difficult.

The home team came out fighting and the defensive trio of man of the match Lewis, Alex and keeper Kiron were kept busy for a period but they coped admirably again to keep the home team away.

Some smart passing down the left from Charlie and Hamish sent Nathan through on goal but his shot was saved and the ball bounced around the goal mouth for what seemed like an age before Jack turned on the spot and lashed the ball past the home keeper.

The celebration of a cartwheel, roly poly and gun fire made the away fans laugh as clearly Jack enjoyed his goal!
Joe and Gurveer were reintroduced to the play and they had to work hard to stop the home team from scoring and they were successful until 10 minutes to go when the Old Stratford team got a consolation goal.

With 5 to go Joshua was sent back on to run the clock down to seal the win but he decided that a goal would seal the win in a better fashion and a run from just inside his own half culminated in his fourth of the day and 23rd of the season to finish the game off in style.
This was another great win against a strong team but the Lions are just getting stronger and more determined by the week.

Team: Kiron Das, Lewis Brewer, Alex King, Charlie Milner, Joe McGreal, Jack Gardner, Hamish Bull (c) Joshua Oyakhire, Gurveer Barang, Nathan Coleman

16/02/08

NPTFC Lions 5 v 4 City Colts Cobras

The last 16 of the Shield was the first game for 2 months for the Lions today although with the overnight frost the game was close to being cancelled. After an agreed delay of 20 minutes both managers decided that the game should go ahead as the sun started to melt the ground.
This was always going to be a tough game today as the Cobras are a league above us and they had an impressive start to the 2nd leg of the season last week.

No sooner had we kicked off Kiron was picking the ball out of the net as the Cobras acclimatised quickly to the hard pitch and slotted the opening goal. The match moved from end to end until Joshua decided enough was enough and he went on a strong run through the middle before sliding the ball into the net for the equaliser.

This seemed to wake the boys out of their slumber and they started to get a hold in the game as the passing clicked back into place as they cut through the away team time and time again but they came up against a determined goalkeeper.

With 20 minutes gone a corner was given and Jack took it quickly by squaring the ball to Gurveer who calmly passed the ball into the box where the keeper dived on the ball only for it to squirm out of his grasp onto the grateful toe of Joshua who knocked in his and the teams second goal.

The final piece of first half action brought the Cobras level as a mistake in the centre of the pitch allowed their number 9 to race through on goal to make it 2-2 at half time.

Some changes were made at half time to stop the cold from interrupting a fine game and this must have worked as the Lions stepped up a gear and dominated the first 15 minutes. Alex and Lewis were strong in defence which enabled the new midfield pairing of Joe and Charlie to support the strikers and it was Joe who set the pacy Joshua away down the right with only one outcome likely he smashed in his third goal and his 19th of the season.

Nathan provided the 4th goal for Joshua and the Lions as he unselfishly squared a pass in the box to make the game look safe. Within a minute of the fourth goal the roles were reversed as Joshua again caused trouble with a shot that the keeper missed which rolled into the path of Nathan who gleefully passed the ball into the empty net.

More changes were made as the game looked wrapped up at 5-2 however this could have proved costly as the Cobras made the final 10 minutes a nervy affair as they pulled 2 goals back in quick succession leaving everybody biting their nails.

With 5 minutes to go both keeper Kiron and Skipper Hamish put their bodies on the line with some outstanding last ditch saves and tackles as the Cobras piled forwards in search of an equaliser.

Thankfully Gurveer carried the ball into the opposition half to run the clock down and the final whistle brought a huge sigh of relief for everybody as the Lions march on into the last 8 of the Shield competition.

Thanks to Mick and his City Colts team for a fantastic, exciting cup game that had both managers agreeing that it was worth the delayed kick off time.
Only 2 games to get to the final!

Team: Kiron Das, Alex King, Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Hamish Bull (c), Charlie Milner, Joshua Oyakhire, Gurveer Barang, Joe McGreal, Nathan Colemen

15/12/07

Shield Round 2

Great Linford Eagles 0 vs 6 NPTFC Lions

The final match of 2007 against our local rivals. No better way to spend a saturday morning!

The first half was keenly contested and the game swung from end to end as each team struggled to maintain posession. With 15 minutes gone the Lions broke into the Eagles box and a ball was crossed which hit the hand of a home team defender. The young referee has little chance but to award a penalty.
The responsibility was given to Joe who calmly placed the ball on the spot before smacking a firm shot past the keeper. The away fans and players went crazy as this was Joe's first goal for the team however the referee had not blown his whistle and he ordered a re-take. AFter gathering his composure Joe repeated his first strike and the goal was given, cue more celebrations.

Within 2 minutes of the first penalty the home referee harshly awarded a second penalty to the Lions for the same offence from a different defender. Jack stepped up this time however his firmly struck shot was saved by the home keeper which was deserved as the penalty decision was a harsh one.

Half Time 0-1

The strength of the Lions team showed in the second half as they outpassed the home team and it wasn't long before top goal scorers Gurveer and Joshua had their names on the scoresheet to put the game out of reach of the Eagles.

Nathan grabbed his 9th goal of the season as he stroked home the 4th.
Joshua caused trouble with his pace all morning and a defenders lunge resulted in a free kick just outside the area. Alex stepped up and unleashed a thunderbolt into the top corner leaving the home keeper and defence planted as the shot whistled past their ears.

Similarly to the previous 3 weeks the defenders were not going to beaten today and the 4th clean sheet in a row was preserved by the solid back line of Kiron, Charlie and Lewis.
The final piece of attacking action saw skipper Hamish place a smart left foot shot into the bottom corner to see the Lions into the 3rd round of the Shield competition.

This was a fine way to end the year and the first half of the season which saw the boys score 54 goals and concede only 10. Well done to all of the players and the parents for their support.

Merry Christmas

Team: Kiron Das, Alex King, Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Hamish Bull (c) Gurveer Barang, Joe McGreal, Joshua Oyakhire, Charlie Milner, Nathan Coleman

8/12/2007

Olney Town Colts Meteors 0 vs. 7 NPTFC Lions

A miserable, cold, wet day greeted another away fixture for the Lions this week. Despite the amount of rain we had this week the pitch beside the river in Olney was in great condition and suited the passing game of the aptly titled Swans today.

This game started in the same vein as previous weeks as the Lions settled into their stride right from the first whistle and it wasn't long before the freezing hands of the referee were brought into action to make a notch on his notepad as Joshua raced clear of the defence and slotted home his first of the day.

Nathan was to add his eighth goal of the season soon after as Joshua was sent down the right by a defence splitting pass from Charlie before lifting his head and aiming a great cross into the box for the on rushing Nathan to volley the ball past the helpless keeper.

Skipper Hamish was tirelessly controlling the left flank and it was his pass across the box that brought the 2nd for Joshua and the Lions 3rd goal of the half. The final piece of action was another away goal as Jack sailed a long ball which landed kindly for Joshua to crash in his 2nd hat trick of the season.

Half Time 0-4

With substitutions being the order of the 2nd half to ensure all players were kept as warm as possible the Lions kept the home keeper as hot as possible as they poured forwards at every opportunity. On the occasions that the Olney players breached the Lions midfield they found the brick wall of Lewis, Jack and Keeper Kiron who were keen to add to the 3rd clean sheet in a row.

The fifth goal was special for the team as a great in swinging corner from Alex saw solid defender Lewis score his first goal of the season with a side foot finish inside the packed penalty area. Not to be outdone today top goal scorer Gurveer lashed in a spectacular strike from just inside the area for the 6th and his 17th of the season.

The home keeper played extremely well in the 2nd half to keep the score down however Joshua managed to round the game off with a goal that seemed impossible from the tightest of angles but the ball deflected in off the post for the 7th of the morning.

The referee ended the game early to ensure everybody could head off to get some shelter and warmth but with another commanding performance by the Lions the manager and the away fans needed little warming up today.

Team: Kiron Das, Alex King, Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Hamish Bull (c) Gurveer Barang, Charlie Milner, Nathan Coleman, Joshua Oyakhire

24th November2007

Shield Fixture

Harold & Carlton Pumas 0 vs. 4 NPTFC Lions

Another game in a knock out competition against a team from a higher division faced the Lions today but they came through this one with flying colours.

In freezing cold conditions the first 15 minutes were frantic as players tried to keep warm as the ball went from end to end.

The boys started to press hard and a long range effort from Joe McGreal was well saved by the home keeper. Alex King had a couple of long range efforts whistle over the cross bar before our possession paid off as a loose ball in the area was poked home by top goal scorer Gurveer Barang.
To ensure the subs all kept warm 3 changes were made before half time and Nathan Coleman showed no signs of a chill as he finished off another good move for the Lions second goal.

Half time 0 -2

Joshua Oyakhire returned after a 2 week absence and he was a constant thorn in the home teams side with his pace and he set up chance after chance but the Lions found the home keeper in good form.

The solid defensive duo of Lewis Brewer and Alex King were replaced with Jack Gardner and Hamish Bull who proved equally as solid alongside super keeper Kiron Das who kept himself warm enough to deny some home chances.

Charlie Milner combined well down the right with Joshua who skipped past a defender to square the ball to Nathan who coolly finished for his second of the game and the third for the Lions.

The fourth goal provided a contentious debate amongst the Newport players as man of the match Nathan beat the on rushing goal keeper to pass the ball towards the empty net where Gurveer sneaked in unnoticed and unmarked on the line. Gurveer followed his Dad's advice to follow up every ball and he calmly stopped the ball on the line to poke home to get his second goal of the game and his 16th of the season.

This was another polished performance from the Lions today and with each game that they face their one touch passing and overall team play just gets more pleasurable to watch.

Team: Kiron Das, Alex King, Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Joe McGreal, Hamish Bull (c) Gurveer Barang, Charlie Milner, Nathan Coleman, Joshua Oyakhire

17th November 2007

Woburn Lions Hurricanes 0 v 4 NPTFC Lions

Another fine performance today showed that the team can mix exciting attacking play and gritty no nonsense defending to gain a good result.

The boys came flying out of the traps and managed to score a very early goal through Gurveer Barang which was the springboard to some confident passing play.

Midway through the first half the slickest passing move of the season resulted in a fantastic 2nd goal. Jack Gardner switched play from right to left where skipper Hamish Bull slipped the ball through to Gurveer who unselfishly squared a one touch pass into the path of Nathan Coleman who calmly passed the ball into the one area the keeper couldn't reach and into the back of the net. Applause from both home and away supporters was more than justified for a splendid peice of team play.

Man of the match Alex King was comanding in his defensive position alongside Lewis Brewer and between the two of them they kept keeper Kiron a mere spectator.

Half Time 0-2

Midfield duo Charlie Milner and Joe McGreal ran themselves into the ground to find a 3rd goal however it was the home team who came back into the game for a period of the second half but again some strong defending kept them out.

With the home team tiring Gurveer came back off the bench to bag his 13th and 14th goals of the season to finish an exciting morning of Under 9's football.

Final Score 0-4

Team: Kiron Das, Alex King, Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Hamish Bull, Nathan Coleman, Gurveer Barang, Joe McGreal, Charlie Milner.

10th November 2007

NPTFC Lions 3 v 2 Leighton Town

Following 2 defeats on the road in recent weeks it was nice to have a home fixture today.

Top goal scorer Joshua was missing today so some positional changes had to be made which worked early on as a direct through ball from Alex King fed Nathan Coleman who confidently passed the ball into the net with barely 2 minutes on the clock.

A similar move was executed by Alex King who provided another long through ball for Gurveer Barang to notch his 10th goal of the season. Some great passing by Jack Gardner and Hamish Bull in midfield almost created a third goal but Nathan fired just wide.

Leighton Town went into the break with some confidence as they got a goal back with the final move of the half.

Half Time 2-1

Some more changes were made at half time which paid off soon after as Joe Mcgreal made some ground with the ball before passing Hamish who unselfishly squared the ball to Gurveer for him to score his second of the game and 11th of the season for a 3-1 lead.

All credit to Leighton who didn't give up and some superb defending from man of the match Lewis Brewer and a couple of brave saves for returning keeper Kiron Das kept them at bay.
Charlie Milner was working hard in his new midfield position running from box to box and a couple of good saves from the away keeper kept the scoreline close.
Leighton did manage to make the final minutes tense as they scored with a break away goal however it was to little to late as the Lions hung on until the final whistle to maintain their unbeaten home record.

Team: Kiron Das, Alex King, Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Hamish Bull (c) Nathan Coleman, Gurveer Barang, Joe McGreal, Charlie Milner

3rd November 2007

Great Linford Typhoons 3 v 1 NPTFC Lions

A fierce local derby ensued today but sadly the Lions were on the wrong end of the scoreline for the first time in the league this season.
Despite taking a 1 goal lead into half time with another great strike from Joshua Oyakhire the lads seemed more than off colour in the second half and they allowed the home team to strike 3 times and seal the win.

Team: Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Hamish Bull (c) Alex King, Gurveer Barang, Joe McGreal, Joshua Oyakhire, Nathan Coleman, Kiron Das, Charlie Milner

14/10/07

NPTFC Lions 3 vs 1 Bletchley Colts

Cue the damp grey October morning when a lie in appears to be a better prospect than the sidelines however another fine match soon dispelled those feelings.

The away team looked strong and started well, zipping accurate passes from side to side with our boys chasing shadows. It was no surprise when the Colts scored the first goal of the game.

For the first time this season the Swans fell behind but they responded well and soon started to press and chance after chance went begging before the equaliser came courtesy of the lightning pace of Joshua who blazed a trail through the away defence before finishing clinically.

Half Time 1-1

Sleeves were duly rolled up and a tough second half ensued with the game swinging from end to end. Both defences seemed keen to keep the scoreline safe and man of the match Keeper Kiron Das made some brave saves and clearances ably assisted by Lewis Brewer, Charlie Milner and Jack Gardner.

The midfield trio of Hamish Bull, Joe McGreal and Gurveer Barang worked hard before the reward came in the form of a long up field volley from Joe which the keeper spilled at the grateful feet of Gurveer who tapped in his 10th of the season.

Alex King and Nathan Coleman rejoined the play and combined well to set Nathan through on goal. The keeper came off his line but Nathan coolly slid the ball past him for the goal that clinched the 4th win in a row.

Thanks to Bletchley Colts who made this game a challenge and a half for the Newport team.

Next up a local derby away at Great Linford.

Team: Kiron Das, Charlie Milner, Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner, Alex King, Hamish Bull, Gurveer Barang, Nathan Coleman, Joshua Oyakhire, Joe McGreal

6/10/07

NPTFC Lions 5 v 2 Brookfield Rangers Sparrowhawks

The first experience of a cup competetion faced the unbeaten under 9's Lions today.

A keenly contested first half saw the game swing from end to end but the Swans managed to draw first blood with another flowing move culminating in a tap in for top scorer Gurveer Barang.

The away team looked a very good side and had some skilful players that skipped through our defence before the striker planted the ball past Kiron Das to level the score.

The second goal for Newport was a mirror image of the first with exactly the same result with Gurveer finishing nicely for his second of the game.
Again the away side didn't give up and they deservedly equalised for the second time.

With man of the match Charlie Milner working well with defensive partner Lewis Brewer the away team were kept at bay time after time. Keeper Kiron dominated his area and showed his strength with a huge punch out directly from a corner to safety to finish the first half.

Half time 2-2

Both of the subsitutes came on in the second period and the home team stepped into second gear and wave after wave of attacks provided Joshua with his 7th of the season as he outpaced the away defence before poking the ball past the competant Brookfield keeper.

Joe McGreal stopped a break away move with a decisive block allowing the loose ball to be picked up by Nathan Coleman, he confidently strode forwards before sliding the ball through to Joshua who unselfishly squared the ball for Gurveer to grab his second hat trick in 2 games.

The away team appeared to be on the ropes at this stage so it was no surprise that the chances came our way with skipper Hamish Bull firing into the side netting twice in a matter of minutes.
The final goal of the game came from Alex King who calmly received the ball inside the area before sliding a side foot finish into the bottom corner.

This was a fantastic cup match which really showed the quality of football being played by teams at this age group. Brookfield played their part today and showed that they have the never say die attitude after coming from behind twice.

The Lions fans went away happy after watching the beautiful game being played by boys who really enjoy their football.

Team: Kiron Das, Charlie Milner, Lewis Brewer, Hamish Bull (c) Alex King, Gurveer Barang, Joshua Oyakhire, Nathan Coleman, Joe McGreal

22/9/07

St Monica's 0 vs. 8 NPTFC Lions

Another trip to school on a Saturday morning to face St Monica's in Neath Hill.

Four goals in each half killed off a spirited home team although the boys were in devastating form today.

Midfield meastro Gurveer Barang was calm in the penalty area and he finished off some great build up play with 2 early goals.
Current top scorer Joshua Oyakhire poked home a third goal before turning provider for Gurveer to clinch his first Lions team hat trick and the fourth goal.

With 3 substitutions at half time the team continued with the great passing and determined defending which left keeper Kiron Das a spectator for long periods. Lewis Brewer, Jack Gardner and Charlie Milner were solid and committed in defence and provided the through passes to enable the midfield duo of Joe McGreal and Hamish Bull to entertain the crowd with some neat play which set up two well taken goals for striker Nathan Coleman.
Joshua got his second of the game with another unstoppable finish.

The final goal had the whole crowd applauding some great team play, Joshua broke down the right and swung over an inviting cross, Alex King vollied a cushioned pass into the path of man of the match Gurveer who calmly headed the ball past the keeper for his fourth of the game and the Lions eighth goal of the morning.

So far so good, the team really starting to gel and play some exciting attacking football.

Team: Kiron Das, Jack Gardner, Lewis Brewer, Charlie Milner, Alex King, Hamish Bull (c), Joe McGreal, Nathan Coleman, Gurveer Barang, Joshua Oyakhire




15/9/07

Southcott Owls 0 v 12 NPTFC Lions

Before kicking off with the match details everybody involved with the Lions team would like to send a big thank you to all at the Southcott Owls, especially Simon for agreeing to reverse the fixture to an away game due to the pitch issues at our own club. The hot drinks and bacon sarnies went down well too so thank you from all at NPTFC U9's Lions.

The first league fixture of the new campaign brought with it the expected nerves and anticipation for the players, the parents and the manager!
With only 8 players available the task seemed daunting today but thankfully the boys were not detered and produced easily their best performance seen in the green of Newport Town.

Within minutes of the kick off we had raced into a 3 goal lead with 2 goals from captain Hamish Bull and 1 from striker Joshua Oyakhire.

Gurveer Barang slotted in the 4th before Hamish notched his first hat trick with another sweetly taken left foot shot.

Joshua grabbed his second of the half using his electrifying pace to race on to a through ball and smash the ball past the shocked home keeper.
The swans defence was rarely troubled which enabled defender Jack Gardner to push forwards and his hard work paid off with a fine solo run culminating in his first goal in 3 seasons.

Hamish grabbed his fourth goal of the game with the last kick of the first half.

Half time 0-8.

Due to the one sided scoreline the half time team talk was not one the manager was used to however some decisions had to be made to ensure a fair second half of football. The defence was swapped with the attack and the suggestion was to go out and pass the ball around and enjoy a position the team had never faced before.

Alex King worked tirelessly in the middle of the pitch and did everything but score however he did provide a first goal for defender Charlie Milner who made the most of his new striking position as he tapped in a 9th goal.

Goalkeeper Kiron Das swapped places with Hamish moving into attack which paid dividends as he used his side stepping keeper skills to beat a home defender before lashing the ball past his opposite number for another first goal for the club.

Lewis Brewer was running the engine room for the whole match and he was determined to keep the home side from scoring a consolation goal with some strong challenges and selfless passing.

Joshua crashed in 2 more goals as he rounded off a fine man of the match performance. This was a great start to the season however we won't get carried away as there will be stern tests ahead in a long season.

Team: Kiron Das (GK) Jack Gardner, Lewis Brewer, Hamish Bull, Alex King, Gurveer Barang, Joshua Oyakhire, Charlie Milner

14/8/07

Under 9s Lions Friendly Report Netherfield Saints 6 vs. 7 NPTFC Lions