Manager and Coaches

Wayne Sowden /Leigh Bleanch /Craig Benoit

Contact Wayne 07850 203040

Email was442@gmail.com 

Next match, away to Richmond 26th Feb 

2nd June. Newcastle tournament.
 

Teams competing from Scotland(och aye), Manchester(That'll be10 mins injury time) and Liverpool.(remember to shake hands.)
 
We have registered an U7'S and U8'S team.

Sponsor.

A big thankyou to Neil Ashton from CRUSHING AND SCREENING LTD for the kit sponsorship this season,its great when a local business supports a local team, a big big thanks from Wayne, Leigh,Craig and all the squad. 

Crushing and Screening Ltd - 01845 525288
 

Many Thanks to all the local companies listed below who have helped with sponsoring the U8s new kit. 

 DH Multiservices (Gardening and Landscaping) - 01609 781222

 Fountain Guest House - Ripon - 01765 606012 

Practical Van Hire Thirsk - 01845 587232

Busby Stoop Garage - Car and Van servicing 01845 587232 

 THIRSK FALCONS JUNIORS UNDER 8s SEASON 2011/2012

We are almost ready for the long hard season ahead and both Leigh and I are looking forward to the early Saturday and Sunday mornings in the rain and snow! (Good old British weather) it has been a good summer of training and we hope the squad has enjoyed the friendly’s and tournaments we organised and also the FA skills training with James Lofthouse on Thursday nights.

We have tried through the summer to give every member of the squad the same opportunities to play in all the matches, this has sometimes been difficult given that we normally only get two games and trying to squeeze 20+ players into a 7 a side team is often very hard to do, and is an unenviable task when understandably all the kids want to play in all the games!

This shows the level of commitment we have from our young, Beckhams, Scholes and Rooney’s!!!! (Note the united connection)This is something we still would like to do with any friendly matches we can arrange between our busy schedules during the season ahead, giving all the squad some quality match time. We are also looking at the possibility now the squad is growing of having a under 7s to give our younger squad members a better chance.

With regards to the official League matches it is not going to be possible to take the entire squad, we cannot let parents travel up and down the north east and Teesside areas on Sunday mornings, just to see their child get 5 minutes run out, it’s not fair on parent’s, coaches or the children. 

On match days we will only be taking a squad of around 11 players, (Please let us know in advance if you’re not available for selection) and the squad will be picked based on the following:

1.       Commitment to Training if you don’t train you don’t play. ( obviously we realise there is always genuine reasons kids can’t attend training once in a while this is fine, just let Leigh or myself know )

2.       Commitment at training, listening to the coaches, behaving well with all members of the club and other team mates in a polite manner.

3.       A willingness to learn and improve your game, regardless of the level you are now we can all improve our game. Watch, Listen and Learn 

4.       Player of the week, we always award the player who impresses us the most at training with the player of the week trophy, player of the week is awarded to the player who works hard is well behaved, and tries his/her best. This will give you automatic selection for the match on Sundays

5.       Ability and Skill, Remember all of the above will improve your game, also practice at home and your ability, skill and overall game will grow. We will take this into consideration when picking the team

Win, Lose, or Draw it’s all about having fun..........Come on the Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Seasons Hot Shots So Far.........

1= Ethan      9

1=Matthew  9

3.Max        6

4.Bobby         5

5 Josh        5

6.Toby           5

7. Alfie       4

8. Nat         4

9.Bailey      4

10.Charlie     4

11.Luke        3

12. Cal            3

13.Owen        2

14.Oscar         1

Refs:  Man of the Match Awards.............So far

1.  Freddie 4

2. Owen     4

3.Alex        4

4.Max         3

5.Oscar      2

6.Alfie           2

7.Mathew   2

8. Toby          2

9. Nat            2

10.Bobby      1

11. Harry       1

12. Josh        1

13.George    1

14. Charlie   1

15. Cal          1

 19th February. Home to Kader Kids 

Reporter Dave Lear

Gk: Alfie   Defs: Alex & Bobby  Mid: Nat, Max & Harry. Fwd: Ethan

 

This is the game we thought would never be played. After the previous 2 encounters were cancelled, it was nice to finally welcome Kader Kids to T.A.C.  Leigh tried to bribe the ref by sharing a single cigarette with her before the kick off. That was our plan B in case things weren't going well on the pitch. Kader kids brought along a loyal band of Kader parents, wrapped up in Kader coats and Kader wooley hats, clutching Kader flasks of Kader coffee.

Harry intercepts a Kader throw, finds Nat, resplendant in his tracky bottoms. (He had expected to be in goal). Nat runs he ball into the area, where he's  tackled and the ball goes behind for a goal kick. Moments later Nat again bursts into the box, is tackled once more, but this time the ball goes out for a corner. Kader get the ball away but Falcs bring it straight back. Good early pressure from the home team. Max takes the ball along the edge of the Kader box and tries to lay it on for Ethan and Harry. The cross comes in but Ethan can't get his foot to it in time as a Kader defender clears it away.

An Alex throw finds Harry who lobs the ball goalwards. Handball! Not given. Falcs have to settle for a corner. Nat lines up to take it. Every Falcon except for Alfie and Alex are in the box waiting....... Still waiting.....still waiting......and ready when you are Nat........any moment now........still waiting. Is Nat trying to run down the remaining 12 mins of the first half? The corner is finally taken, though I think we lost the element of surprise somewhat. Kader knock the ball away. 

Another goal mouth scramble as the visitors live dangerously. Max  can't find an opening as there are too many Kader Kids behind the ball. Ethan tries a shot but it's deflected for the first of three consecutive corners. Bobby gets his foot on the 3rd one and it looks like the deadlocks about to be broken until the ball sails over the bar.

Kader venture into the Thirsk half for the first time but Bobby cuts it out with a timely tackle. It's a battle in midfield as both teams try to keep the ball. Kader attack but run the ball out of play whilst, at the other end, Nat breaks free and with only the goalie to beat, shoots straight at the keeper. 
Max runs down the right but is surrounded by 4 Kader players. He does well to earn a corner. Nat takes it and the goalie parries it away and Kader break away with 4 players against Bobby. Alex and Nat are tracking back,  but Bobby wins the ball and knocks the ball to Max on the half way line. Max  passes the ball in the direction of  Ethan, Harry and Nat. It's 3-on-1. Ethan leaves the ball for Nat who runs goalwards and powers it past the keeper. 1-0 to Falcs.

Max robs the ball from Kader after their kick off and surges into their area, twisting and turing but is surrounded by defenders as Kader get plenty of players behind the ball.

Half time score 1-0 to Thirsk. Falcs are playing well. Kader were restricted to 2 corners which were cleared away easily.

Thirsk start the 2nd half well. Max sees a shot palmed away by their keeper.Then Ethan threads the ball behind the defence to Nat who  knocks it through the keepers legs but luckily for Kader the ball is deflected past the upright. No corner given. Nat intercepts the goal kick and is fouled on the edge of the area. A goal scoring opportunity. hammers it and it's agonisingly just above the top corner.

Kader get the ball into the Thirsk box and it's a welcome tackle from Harry to knock the ball off for a corner. The corner is cleared and Nat breaks with the ball. He runs the full length of the pitch and must surely score. It's a great shot but an equally great save. The Kader keeper has kept them in the game. Kader can't get a look in on goal. Bobby and Alex, backed up by Harry, have been able to mop everything up.

Nat shoots from the centre circle.It's just over the bar.Ambitious but a good effort. At the other end a Kader player turns and shoots and also sends the ball over the bar. Didn't look like Alfie touched it but a corner is given. The corner is well delivered into the 6 yard box. Nat  keeps it out. The ball, still in the 6 yard box, is with a kader player. Alex blocks,  Kader shoot again and Alfie makes a great point blank save.That's Kaders best moment of the game andt could easily have been an equaliser in the dying moments of the game. A special mention to Bobby who, on any other day, could easily have won man of the match with his performance.

Final score. Thirsk Falcons 1 Kader Kids 0    Scorer: Nat   Motm :Nat

 2nd Game

GK:Jack  Defs:Toby & Alfie  Mid:Callum, Freddie & Josh Fwd:Cal 

Falcs took the lead after 80 secs when the keeper failed to hold Toby's fierce corner and the ball crosses the line. Kader equalise almost from the restart as a clearence falls straight to a Kader player who duly knocks it into the back of the net.1-1. Thirsk look for a 2nd. Freddie tries to thread a ball through to Cal but the Kader defence get to the ball first. Freddies throw finds Toby who sends the ball in behind the defence to Josh, at the back post . The keeper is quick to react and get the ball.

The visitors can't break out of their own half as Cal passes to Callum and he returns the ball back to Cal. Kader tackle him and get the the ball away but only as far as Toby, who shoots from midway in the Kader half. It's a powerful shot, on target, but takes a deflection off of a defender which leaves the keeper rooted to the spot. 2-1 to Falcs.

Thirsk get a couple of corners, taken by Cal and Toby as the pressure mounts on Kader. Kader break and it's 2 against 1, but Freddie makes an important tackle as Falcs win the ball back. However, Kader pick the ball  up midfield and run it down the wing. They manage to deliver a lovely cross to one of their players who runs in unmarked at the back post, only to see his touch send the ball the wrong side of the post. A let off for Thirsk.

A great piece of passing play sees Freddie cross to Josh, just inside the area. Josh lays the ball off to Cal who buries the ball into the back of the net. What a cracker. Leigh invades the pitch and hoists Cal up in the air and carries him to the centre circle.This is what he's been waiting for, for 6 long years. 3-1 to Falcs.

Thirsk are running rampant. Josh works his way along the goal line causing problems for the Kader defence. Kader clear but Callum runs into the area and is tackled. Freddie shifts the ball to the right where Cal runs it into the box until he's out muscled by 3 opponents. Thirsk are probing for that opening,(ooh, matron). 4 more Falcs corners follow. Kader are looking shakier than the Greek economy.

Kader break, but Toby stops them. Kader win it back again and it takes a combination of Alfie and Freddie to clear the danger. Falcs earn another 3 corners. Whats that, our 8th or 9 th of the half?
Kader run up the wing but Alfie cuts them out and launches the ball forwards. The ball is with Cal just inside the box and he lets loose a shot which the keeper has to dive to his right to keep out.

Kader get the ball into the Thirsk area and Jack makes a good stop. The ball bounces back and, during the confusion between defender and keeper, a Kader player knocks the ball between the posts. 3-2 to Falcs.

Half time score 3-2 to the Falcons.

Thirsk waste no time in adding a 4th. Freddie picks the ball up and runs down the channel, cuts in and shoots at goal. The ball hits Cals knee and is deflected in. 4-2 to Falcs.
 

Kader hit back. Alfie heads away a cross. Kader win the ball and shoot and Jack, who only saw the ball at the last minute due to the melee of players in front of him, makes a great save. Alfie plays a nice ball to Josh who jinks past a couple of players but drags his shot wide.

This is turning into a game of corners. Both sides take 2 each in the first 5 mins. Falcs break with Toby racing upfield. He lashes a shot on target. The keeper can't hold onto it and the ball is loose and Cal runs in to stab the ball home for his hat trick. You couldn't write it. It would be too far fetched. the youngest player on the field, in his first full game, gets a hat trick. Leigh's over the moon. To him this is more important than the invention of the wheel or electricity or egg mcmuffins. That's Falcs 3rd hat trick of the season, after Alfie's and Charlie's.
5-2 to Thirsk.

Kader are lucky not to concede 2 more shortly after, as Toby shoots just wide and then Freddies effort is pushed past the post from a Josh cross. From the resulting corner, Toby's shot hits the upright. Kader prove deadly on the counter attack as a cross from the right sees a Kader player smash the ball home. 5-3 to Falcs.

And there's more drama to come. With 70 secs left on the clock a goalmouth scramble ends with the ball rebounding off of a Kader player and into the net. 5-4 to Falcs.

The scoreline doesn't reflect the chances we've created and the dominance we've had. Kader charge into the area again but Toby robs them of the ball and races goalwards. He shoots and the keeper saves.

The final score of  5-4 to Falcs flatters Kader. What a goalfest. Little Cals hat trick will be talked about endlessly in the Dog and Gun...at least by Leigh and Cals grandad.

scorers: Toby 2 Cal 3  Joint motm: Toby & Cal
 

29th January 2012. Home to Kader Juniors.

Witnessed by D Lear.

Gk: Nat Reina  Defs:Bobby Cole & Alfie Terry
Mids: Oscar Bale, Alex Gerrard & Max Rooney   Fwd: Ethan Suarez

Kader Juniors came to Thirsk ready to show why they've lost so few times this season. All in red, these boys were big lads. Kader mounted 2 early attacks. Both were cut out by, first Oscar and  then  Alfie. Good inter play by Alex and Ethan, resulted in Alex  shooting just wide of the post. We'll forgive him as I think he was over awed by the fact of being so far over the half way line. Kader's strength in shrugging off tackles enabled them to get the ball into the Thirsk area, where a quick turn in the box saw a fine effort whizz past the far post.
Alex ran the ball down the wing but his pass flew accross the area behind Ethan and the ball was cleared. Bobby and Oscar put in several tackles, knocking the ball out of play,as the visitors inched the ball up the far wing. Kader muscled their way into the area and crashed the ball against the post. Max set Ethan up with a run from the half way line but Ethan was surounded and Kader regained possession. The Kader defence stood firm as Ethan passed to Alex, who ran the ball along the edge of the box, but couldn't shake off a defender who kicked the ball out of touch. Kader eventually broke the deadlock as a Falcs clearence was intercepted  on the edge of the area and one of their players ran through on goal to  power the ball over the line.
Half time score 1-0 to Kader Jnrs

Kader stretched their lead not long after the re start when a long range effort flew into the back of the net. 2-0 to Kader Jnrs. Falcs battled on. Max collected the ball in the middle of the park, ran up the wing and lofted a high ball towards the Kader goal which drifted over the angle of the bar. Oscar was injured in a tackle and was replaced by Charlie. There followed a period of running up and down the wing by both teams but Alfie,Charlie and Alex managed to keep Kader out. Alex was the next to go down injured, which left him with a bit of a limp for the rest of the game.Kader had a 1-on-1 chance with our keeper, but Nat stood tall and saw the ball knocked wide of the post .Ethan ran forward and fell heavily to the ground injured, after he was tackled by a couple of Kader players.With Ethan back on his feet, Kader pressed forward and  Bobby managed to kick the ball out of play before the final whistle blew. Kader were physically stronger than our boys, and a good side so we didn't disgrace ourselves.They were restricted to a couple of chances, but took them well. A good battling performance from the boys.
Final score 2-0 to Kader Juniors.  Motm Alex.

2nd game

Gk:Alfie Cech  Defs:Toby Enrique & Bailey Taylor  Mids:Harry Lampard, Freddie sung-park & Josh Kuyt Fwd: Matthew Carroll

You'll always find goals in the 2nd game and this week was no exception. Falcs should have take the lead when Josh ran into the box and tried to chip the ball to Matthew, past a defender. The ball hit the defenders arm and a penalty was given. Unfortunately, Matthews penalty kick was well saved by the keeper. Thirsk attacked again and the ball was ping ponged around the 6 yard box towards Harry who was just about to take a shot when a defenders foot toe poked it clear. Kader can't keep position and Mathew takes the ball along the byline, cuts in slightly and unleashes a shot which the keeper dives at full stretch to catch.Against the run of play, Kader score with their first attack of the game. A cross from the edge of the area finds a Kader player waiting to knock the ball home.1-0 to Kader Jnrs.

Falcs equalise almost immediately after a fine run from Toby. He flicks the ball on to Matthew who lashes the ball into the net. 1-1. Alfie then cuts open Kader with a great kick, ( worthy of the great Pepe Reina), that flies straight through the middle of the field to Josh, who lays it on for Matthew to knock the ball past the keeper, (worthy of the not so great David de Gea). 2-1 to the Falcs.

Falcs take control of the game. Matthew runs in, 1-on-1 with the keeper, but somehow knocks it wide.Good work from Josh to send a ball into the box that Harry gets on the end of. Oooooooh, cries David, (Harrys dad), as the ball sails over the bar.I fear a pitch invasion if his son scores.Toby breaks free and it's 5 Falcs on 2 Kaders as Tobys shot is blocked and Josh reacts quickest to blast the ball goalwards, forcing the keeper to make a good save. Kader counter and it's 5-on-2 again, this time to their advantage but great tackling from Bailey ensures it comes to nothing.

At the other end Falcs are on the attack. The ball flies accross the 6 yard box but it's travelling  too fast for Harry to latch onto.Pitch invasion still on hold. Kader sweep the ball forward and Alfie finds an attacker bearing down on him. Alfie rushes out, forcing the player to run the ball out of play.
Half time score 2-1 to Falcs.

The 2nd half gets under way in this enthralling game.  Thirsk continue to dominate.Matthew  sees a shot go wide. Freddie wins the ball on the half way line and delivers a great cross to Matthew. Matthew sends a long ball across to Josh who's unmarked in the box. Josh picks his spot and drills the ball away from the keeper into the back of the net. 3-1 to Falcs. Thirsk are looking dangerous up front and Freddie, Bailey and Toby are proving too difficult to beat in defence.

Substitution. Charlie on for Harry. Pitch invasion postponed for this week. Freddie wins the ball and lobs a teasing ball onto the penalty spot. Matthew runs in and is impeded by the keeper.Penalty ? No says the ref.
Substitution. Nat on for Bailey. Toby delivers a nice ball in for Nat on the edge of the box. Nat sends a fierce drive goalwards and the keeper drops to his knees to catch it. Falcs are playing well.
 

Kader aren't dead and buried yet. They bring the ball in along the byline from the corner flag.Tackles go in but still they head towards goal like an unstoppable juggernaut. The ball somehow stops dead on the goal line and we're all grateful when Alfie picks the ball up. Kader attack again and this time get the ball in the net. 3-2.
But it's too late for a comeback. Game over. 3-2 to Thirsk. A great performance from the boys.
scorers Mathew(2), Josh.    Motm Matthew.

22nd January 2012  Home to New Marske

Reported by Dave Lear

Gk: Alfie  Defs Alex & Oscar  Mid:Owen, Max & Bobby  Fwd:Ethan

Disclaimer. This report contains no traces of nuts.

 New Marske are one of the top 2 teams in this development league so it was always going to be a tough game. Falcs have been improving with each game, having had 2 draws and 3 wins out of the previous 5, so we were confident we weren't going to be on the wrong end of a 5 goal drubbing like the last time the 2 teams met.
New Marske are self proclaimed purveyors of Barcelona style football and their goal tally this season is indeed impressive. The first half saw Falcs penned in their own half for most of the 15 mins. Alex and Oscar were kept very busy holding the back line. Owen, Max and Bobby were forced to play deep to bolster our defences and unable to set up goal machine Ethan. The New Marske keeper had nothing to do, unlike Alfie. New Marske created only a few half chances but failed to capitalise on them and the first half ended 0-0.

The 2nd half saw more of the same. Falcs defended well as the visitors pushed for a break through goal. Despite controlling the game, New Marske's touch failed them in front of the Thirsk goal. Falcs survived an early scare as they desperately tried to get the ball cleared from their goal mouth after a corner, only for Marske to thump the ball against the upright were, thankfully, it came to a dead stop and Alfie was able to pick it up.
Wayne likened it to the film he watched last night, Battle of the Alamo. Craig said it reminded him of a film he also watched last night, Zulu. Unfortunately, Leigh couldn't find any similarities between the dvd he watched and the way the boys were playing but said he must remember to take confessions of a lorry driver back to the rental shop this afternoon.

New Marske whipped in another corner which was palmed goalwards by one of their players, unnoticed by the ref, but fortunately Alex managed to keep it out with a well placed knee. Thirsk tried to push on, but Marske were strong and managed to muscle them off the ball (fairly, may we add), before they could get a shot away. Falcs held on bravely but in the final 5 mins New Marske finally managed to make their possession count. Another corner and the ball once again knocked goalwards were it frustratingly trickled over the line. 1-0 to New Marske.
A couple of minutes later Thirsk were 2-0 down as New Marske swept the ball down the wing and crossed the ball over to un unmarked player who calmly slotted the ball home. No one can deny New Marske were not worthy of their win but it did look as though the boys had dug deep and were going to hold on for a valient draw.
No goal scorers for Falcs this week so our goal scorers column stays as empty as Wigans trophy cabinet.

Final score 2-0 to New Marske. Motm: Alex.

 2nd game 1st 15 mins

Gk:Toby Defs: Charlie & Nat  Mid:Freddie, Harry & Josh Fwd:Matthew 

 

The tables were turned during this first 15 mins as it was the Falcs piling on the presure and New Marskes turn to defend. Early on, Matthew broke free but dragged his shot wide. Toby wasn't troubled, ( unless you count next Fridays spelling test at school). The nearest he got to any involvment in the game was when a cross was nearly deflected into the net for an own goal. This period was nearly all played out in the visitors half. Freddie had a half chance go wide and Nat hit the cross bar with a long range shot. Despite this, the scores remained level at 0-0.

2nd 15 mins

Gk:Nat Defs:George & Alfie Mid:Callum, Alfie & Josh  Fwd:Matthew

New Marske brought on their 2 big guns for this 2nd period, but it was Falcs who made the first attack as Matthew fought his way through to the oppositon penalty area before a last ditch tackle stopped him in his tracks. Alfie sent in a teasing ball from his corner but a New Marske foot cleared it just as Josh was  about to make contact. Marske stepped up a gear and George and Toby were working hard to cut out the runs down the wing. The ball is sent probing accross the 6 yard box, through the legs of both sets of players, to be met by an on rushing Marske player. A goal seems inevitable, but somehow the Marske player knocks the ball the wrong side of the post. A huge sigh of relief breaks the silence. Well, that and Leigh singing "ahhhh, ahhhhh, ahhhhh, ahhhh, stayin' alive" as he practices C.P.R on Wayne. However, moments later, a trade mark New Marske long distance shot flew into the back of the net. " Tragedy. When you lose control and concede a goal, it's tragedy" sang Leigh, as he threw his jacket into the crowd whilst Craig held a spinning disco ball above his head. I was half expecting to see the grass light up in small squares. New Marske weren't done just yet. Another rocket shot was tipped over the bar as Nat made an amazing save. More scrambling in the Falcs box and the ref awards a penalty. Possible hand ball ? We never found out. New Marske stepped up to send it low, to Nats right. Goal celebrations were on hold as Nat guessed correctly and caught the ball. What a save ! "How deep is your g-love how -deep -is -your glove,"sang Leigh. End of the second period and it's 1-0 to New Marske.

3rd 15 mins.

Gk:Nat  Defs: Alfie & Toby  Mid:Freddie, Callum & Harry  Fwd: Charlie

Nat started this period where he left off in the last. He pushed a New Marske free kick that was heading for the top corner, past his post. The corner flew in and again Nat pushed it away. Harry collected it and delivered a  lovely ball down the wing that sent Charlie on his way. Marske stop him but only at the expense of a corner.Toby's corner hits Freddie in the face just in front of goal. He didn't know anything about it, but If that had gone in we could have put it down to all that heading practice the day before. Falcs attack again and Freddies cross is met by Harry who volleys it inches wide of the post. That would have been a cracking goal. Harry has another chance at goal moments later. The visiting keeper mis kicks the ball and Harry pounces but sends the ball agonisingly wide. New Marske counter attack but Alfie wins the ball back. This final period finds the teams more evenly balanced, but no more goals are forthcoming and so we say say to New Marske, " You win again."
Full time score 1-0 to New Marske.
Motm: Nat the cat.

Reporter: dare we say it....Dave Lear

GK: Oscar  Def: Alex & Freddie  Mid:Max, Josh & Matthew
Fwd: Ethan

 It was a good job this was a late kick off otherwise the match would have been called off due to a hard frost. Even so, the ground was still very hard. Luckily, we were playing Acklam, a good clean team with similar abilities to ourselves. If there was a league table at this age level, then Acklam would be the team right above us.Acklam have a large pitch which gave the players plenty of space. The game was a close affair. Neither side could find a break through. Josh sent a testing cross into the area. The goalie came for it but couldn't catch it and the ball whizzed past him and fell to Max on the far side of the 6 yard box, near the byline. Luckily for Acklam, the angle was too tight and Max saw his shot hit the side netting. Moments later, Matthew tore up the wing but a timely tackle prevented him from getting a cross in to Max and Ethan, who were lurking dangerously in the box. Acklams defence and midfield stood firm and prevented Falcons from getting a chance at goal. Freddie and Alex kept a tight ship at the back as Acklam also found meagre pickings in front of the Thirsk goal. They came closest to breaking the deadlock near the end of the half when they shot in a crowded area.Thankfully for Thirsk, the ball took a kind deflection and went past the post.
Half time  0-0.

Home to Richmond Town B   Sun 27th Nov 2011

Reporter Dave Lear

 Gk : Alfie   Defenders: Freddie & Alex  Midfielders:Luke, Toby & Josh   Striker:Matthew

Even a cold and breezy morning couldn't keep the "seasoned " ticket holders away. Another capacity crowd meant many supporters had to be turned away. Only the expensive corporate hospitality packages remained, but in these times of austerity there were few takers for a fold away seat, pair of gloves and a plastic cup of soup. Even if it is Heinz cream of tomato.                                                                                                                       Good work by Matthew and Josh see Thirsk attack on the far wing as Josh's cross is met by Toby, who rattles the crossbar with a fine effort. Moments later Josh delivers a perfect ball into the box but there's nobody there to meet it. Richmond attack and it takes 2 or 3 Falcs players to stop them. Matthew brakes free from Midfield and surges into the box and lets loose a shot. The goalie saves it but can't hold onto it and it rolls away to Toby who's rushing in from the far side. Toby is tackled and Richmond get the ball clear. It's a pretty even game. Richmond have some big lads and their number 7 is causing problems. Thirsk are forced back, defending in numbers. They need them. It takes several players to stop the Richmond number 7 when he's on a run. Alex and Freddie with his bandaged fingers, are working hard but Matthew, Luke,Toby and Josh are forced back to bolster the defence.Falcs have a chance to open the scoring when Alfies goal kick slices through the Richmond midfield and defence to send Toby through on goal one-on-one with the keeper. However the keeper saves to keep Richmond firmly in the game as the 1st half ends. Half time   0-0 The 2nd of a mere 2 halves gets underway with Max coming on for Toby. The leakiest defence in the league,( 43 goals in 7 games), is under attack from the off. Josh weaves his way into the area and lets loose 2 shots but each time it's blocked by a defender.Josh sends the resulting corner into the 6 yard box and it's cleared, but only as far as Luke. Luke cannons a shot goalwards but the keeper saves it. Matthew tests the keeper with a long ball from out on the wing. At the other end, "Freddie the finger",( car door incident on the training ground), manages to take the ball from 2 Richmond attackers. Alfie reads the game well when he runs out to the edge of the area to intercept a cross before an attacker can reach it.Good interplay from Luke and Mathew and persistent work from Max racing one side of the area to the other, finally result in  Thirsk goal. Max beats his marker to send the ball crashing into the back of the net with the help of a slight deflection. Max is back. 1-0 to Falcs.Matthew almosts adds a 2nd after a a fine lay off from Max. He's able to jink his way past the on rushing keeper but runs out of pitch and his shot from an accute angle hits the side netting.  Richmonds big lads race forwards time again, but  Alex and Freddie get stuck into the tackles, determined not to let them through. The boys push on, and Luke shrugs off his opponents to race down the wing and let fly a shot on goal.The goalie saves. Josh breaks free from midfield and shoots. Again the keeper saves it. Why do opposing keepers, more used to picking the ball out of the back of the net, suddenly become world class goal stoppers when we face them ? In the dying seconds of the game, Richmond get the ball forward, getting behind the midield and weave in and out of our defence  to drill the ball into the corner of the goal from the edge of the area. A cruel equaliser for the Falcs who looked like they were going to  take all 3 points from the game. Still, that's 3 games unbeaten on the trot.FINAL SCORE 1-1 scorer Max      Refs MOTM awarded to AlexMatch 2

 GK; Toby    DEF: Charlie  MID: Bailey, Ethan & Owen    FWD:Alfie   DEFENSIVE MIDFORWARD:NatOne of our "special " 3 thirds games.Halves are for wimps and those sensible enough to stay indoors in weather like this.Richmond counter after repelling a Thirsk attack and luckily for Falcs a handball by Charlie is adjudged by the ref to be ball to hand, despite Richmond players appealing for a penalty. Richmond charge forward after a bad clearence by Thirsk and Toby scrabbles accross his goal and somehow manages to get his hand to a goalbound ball and prevent it going in. Our 2 defenders are working hard. At one end, right back Charlie was battling to keep Richmond from scoring, whilst in the Richmond box, left back Nat was working with Bailey,trying to get the ball in the net. It's a pretty even first period. Both teams finding it difficult to get a shot at goal. Toby makes a crucial save from point blank range whilst at the other end, Charlie intecepts a throw in and runs forward before passing to Ethan. Ethan runs towards the near post and the goalie throws himself to the ground to keep out his shot.
All square after the first third. 0-0.2nd third.  Sub: Oscar on for BaileyEthan takes the ball from a Richmond player straight from the kick off and delivers a fine pass to Oscar. Oscar sends the ball into the box but it's cleared away. Charlie picks up the ball and finds Oscar on the wing who again delivers a teasing ball into the area but there aran't any Falcons there to meet it. Richmond counter and win a corner.It's a let off for Falcs as a Richmond player drills the ball narrowly past the post. The visitors break again, 2 on 2. Alfie manages to put in a good tackle but a rebound falls kindly to Richmond and they hammer the ball into the net. 1-0 to Richmond.
Thirsk crank up the pressure. Owen and Ethan combine well to set Oscar up with a shot which goes the wrong side of the post. Owen picks up a loose ball mid way through the Richmond half, runs forward, beats a defender  and unleashes a fierce effort. The keeper misses it but the ball rebounds off of the post, hits him on the side of the head and goes out for a corner. Soooo  close. Richmond have to endure 5 consecutive corners before they finally get the ball away as the whistle blows for the end of part 2 with Richmond leading, 1-0.3rd Third. Nat moves in to goal. The only place he hasn't positioned himself in, so far. Toby and Charlie are the defenders. Max comes on and into midfield alongside Oscar and Alfie. Ethan moves up front.It's a tight game and the only attempt on goal is when Richmond  hit the side netting after some fancy footwork. Josh comes on for Alfie and Alex on for Charlie. Matthew on for Ethan and Luke on for Toby. Nat pulls off a good save as he leaps through the air without the aid of a wire or safety net to keep out a strike from the edge of the area. Richmond score from the corner. 2-0 to Richmond.                                                                                             Josh  weaves his way up the right and into the box. He shoots, but the keeper can only parry it out as far as Max, who bags his 2nd goal of the day  to make it Falcs 1 Richmond 2.                                                                        Freddie comes on for Max, (to avoid Scott and Michelle having to pay out for a Max hat trick). Thirsk are revived and Luke sees his shot go wide. Falcs are pushing Richmond back whilst Richmond are pushing Thirsk in the back. Luke powers through the opposition and feeds Matthew in the 6 yard box. It's 2-2 as Matthew sends the ball past the goalie However, Richmond regain the lead almost immediately after a goal mouth melee which Falcs fail to clear and it's 3-2. With the boys still stunned, Richmond player runs up the far side, cuts in and sends the ball rocketing high into the net. Final score, 4-2 to Richmond.  The boys played well enough for at least a draw so it was a disappointing result.  Scorers: Max and Matthew.                    Man of the match was Alfie.  

Home to Great Ayton  Sun 20th Nov 2011

An eyewitness account by Dave Lear
 

 Gk:Alfie    Defenders :Freddie & Alex    Midfielders:Josh, Luke and Matthew   Forward:Toby

It was a foggy, damp morning at T.A.C. Alfies fluorescent boots ,(addidas Portland bills), shone out through the gloom from between the goal as the capacity crowd took to their seats or pushchairs. There were plenty of ooohs and aaahs as Josh twisted and turned his way down the channel all the way to the byline before crossing into the box, but nobody was there to meet it. Matthew, Luke and Josh take control of the midfield and Falcs look very comfortable on the ball. A Thirsk corner sees the ball come out to Toby. He takes on and beats 2 defenders but his shot is wide of the mark. Matthew and Josh combine well to get the ball out to Luke in the Ayton area but he's unable to shoot as he's quickly surrounded by Ayton players.                                                                                The visitors are reduced to a single lone shot which flies wide of Alfies goal. Thirsks domination is rewarded when Matthew twists in and out of the Ayton defence to unleash an unstoppable shot into the back of the net. 1-0 to Falcs.                                                                                                                                                                                    
Ayton counter but their run down the wing is thwarted when Freddie marshalls the attacker so closely  that he runs himself out of play. Matt forces a save from the visitors keeper as he latches onto a good throw out from Alfie.Thirsk are threading some good passes together and the first half has been a joy to watch.
Half time 1-0 to the Falcs.
The coaches gather the players into a huddle for a half time talk. Wayne brings out his tactical board and the boys study his instructions carefully.Tobys dad, serving a one match touchline ban dished out by Toby himself, was able to read the board through his binoculars from his vantage point on the Lidl rooftop. Apparently it read,"Free winter check and discounted M.O.T.'s at Busby Stoop garage. Please tell your parents."
Falcs continue to press Ayton back as the 2nd half gets underway. Toby steals the ball from Aytons kick off, runs forward, and unleashes a shot which shaves the post. Falcs attack again as Matthews pass finds Toby who races into the 6 yard box where he's tackled and the ball put out for a corner. The corner's taken short to Freddie who delivers a perfect ball into the box. Matthew is first to the ball and guides it into the net. 2-0 to Falcs. Moments later it's 3-0  when Toby scores from long range.Leigh runs onto the pitch in excitement. There's a cry from the distance as Tobys dad falls from Lidls roof.
More delightfull team passing as Alex finds Josh who plays a one two with Matthew and then fires it accross the area to Toby. The goalie gives a sigh of relief as the ball whistles past his post. Toby sees another shot narrowly go wide after receiving the ball as a result of good work out wide from Luke. Ayton bring the ball into the Thirsk half and threaten down the wing. Alfie doesn't have to trouble himself though as Luke rushes in to put the ball out. The visitors have 2 corners in a row but are unable to make them count and the ball is cleared. Josh is fouled in the area when through on goal but is only given a free kick outside the area rather than a penalty. Justice is served as Josh delivers a precision kick into the crowded 6 yard box where Luke is waiting to make it 4-0 to Falcs.                                                                                                                                                                                 Ayton are being being outclassed in midfield and when they do break forward are losing out to Alex and Freddie. Luke, on a high from scoring, takes on and beats 3 players and crosses the ball in but Matthew and Josh are too well marked to find any space.The full time whistle blows as Tobys dad reaches the T.A.C. car park.and Thirsk have a well deserved win. The Falcs revival gathers pace.
motm:  In the absence of any parent coming forth with a fiver, the ref decided to give motm collectively to all players for a great team effort.
4-0 with goals from Toby,Luke & Matthew(2)

2nd Match    GK:Nat  Def:Harry & Oscar  Mid: Bobby, Bailey & Owen   Fwd: Charlie

 

we've all heard several times that football is a game of 2 halves but this was a game of  "3 halves"

I'm sure this extended game in chilly conditions was to promote interest in sweatshirts and tracksuits for the team. The game soon follows the pattern of the 1st game as Falcs storm the Ayton goal. Bailey shows great strength to hold off 3 players before Charlie picks up the ball and sends an early warning wide of the post. Bailey collects a mis- cued goal kick and runs forwards surrounded by 3 opponents. He lays ta neat diagonal ball accross the box to the in coming Bobby who just can't quite reach it but a great idea. The ball is hoofed towards the Thirsk goal but Oscar has read the ball well and clears it back up field. Bobby collects it, races up the wing and crosses it in, where it takes a dangerous deflection off of a defender and the keeper has to make a quick reaction save.With so much pressure it seems only a matter of time before Falcs open the scoring. Max and Bobby combine well to open up the visitors defence but somehow Ayton manage to keep the ball out. The visitors prove they're not about to give up easily and counter attack. The ball is lofted over the midfield to an unmarked Ayton player with a clear run on goal, when from out of nowhere,( well, it was foggy ),Harry comes racing accross to put the ball safely out. Nat has nothing to do in goal.
A brief respite for the visiting defence as, soon after,Bailey charges forward, holds off several players and passes to Charlie. Charlie's shot falls the wrong side of the post and the sores remain level.Not for long however. Max battles away in midfield,is felled, gets up and wins the ball back with great determination. He runs into the area and knocks the ball towards Bailey rushing in at the far post. GOAL. Bailey coolly slots ball home. 1-0 to Falcs.
Shortly after, Bailey is unlucky not to get a 2nd when his shot comes back off of the post and Bobby has his shot hit a defender before being cleared. Goal number 2 comes about after Max reaches the box despite being held and pulled back  and passes to Bailey who beats 3 defenders( What's this boy had for breakfast ? ) before passing back to Max, who duly thumps it into the back of the net. 
First 3rd score 2-0 to Falcs.                                                                                                                                                The second 3rd  gets underway with a change of players. There's more subs in this match than in the docks at Faslane. The line up is now GK: Oscar  Defs: Harry & Ethan  Mid: Bobby, Bailey & Owen  fwd: Charlie.The start of this period sees Bobby's header bounce off of the crossbar but there weren't any claps from the season ticket holders section of the crowd as it was an Ayton corner and a defensive header. Ayton lob the ball in from the 2nd corner and Oscar makes a good save. Ayton have come out fighting and try to get the ball back into the Falcs area but Ethan, left the sole line of defence, makes a vital interception and clears the ball. Charlie sends a dangerous ball into the area and it's put behind for a corner.There's great confusion in the area as the ball comes in and ends with the keeper unwittingley knocking it into his own net. 3-0 to Falcs. The visitors have a lucky escape when Bailey shoots and the ball flies just wide.
More subs. Nat and Alfie are on for Charlie and Bobby. Ayton win a corner and it takes a solid headervfrom Owen to get the ball clear. Alfie sets off down the wing shrugging off all challenges but sees his shot hit the side netting. End of period 2. Score 3-0 to Falcs. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                           The last period is played with the following line up ( I think )
Gk; Oscar    Def:Charlie & Owen    Mid:Alfie, Bobby & Ethan    Fwd: NatWithin moments of the start, Ethan has the ball in the net. 4-0 to Falcs. He almost nets a 2nd shortly after, following good work from Bobby who feeds the ball through to Ethan. He shoots and looks certain to score when suddenly a defenders foot appears from nowhere,(well, probably the end of his leg),and manages to deflect it wide.More subs. Max on for Owen. Alfie works his way to the edge of the area and powers an unstoppable shot past the keeper. 5-0 to Falcs.
Alfie is in the thick of the action moments later when he powers through the middle of the pitch and lays the ball off to Bobby. Bobby takes it to the byline but his cross is put out for a corner. Alfie sends the ball into the area where it ping pongs around until goal machine Ethan pounces on it  and cannons it into the back of the net.
6-0 to Falcs. More subs. Owens back on again and Charlies off.
It's all over bar the shouting as Ayton launch a desperate attack which is cut out by Max in defence. He races up field and crosses the ball to Ethan who in turn finds Nat. passes back to Ethan. This is good movement from Falcs. Ethan knocks the ball into the path of Bobby who deservedly gets a goal. Another great Thirsk performance.Final score. 7-0 to Falcs. goals from Bailey,Max, Alfie,Ethan(2),Bobby and an own goal.
Motm: With so many players and substitutions it was too difficult to pick any one player.

 Catterick Tournament Sat 19th NovThirsk Falcons Utd V Thirsk Falcons Rangers (AKA City)Rangers: GK Toby, Def Harry, Oscar ,Mid Nat,Mathew,  Bobbie, Striker BaileyUtd: GK Freddie,Def Charlie Alex,Mid Luke,Josh,Owen,Striker Ethan Utd kick off and both Falcons teams look up for this game,with in minutes Bobby makes a great tackle on Charlie and force a throw in which Alex quickly takes,Josh carrys the ball with pace down the wing and plays a ball across the box,Toby is too quick for the Utd attack and quickly mops up the ball,Matthew seems in control of the midfield and City are on the attack after Harry plays a lovley ball down the wing and Nat looks goal bound only to be knocked for a corner by Alex who always seems to be in the right place at the right time.Matthew is making some lovely runs in Midfield but Luke and Alex are working well down the left,Oscar is not letting them have all there own way and works his way through the tackles to find himself a shot which just goes wide. Half time sees Max on for Harry, and City are starting to press.Bailey gets the ball in the Utd box and takes a quick shot Freddie denies him a moment of glory and clears the ball,Owen picks up the ball in his own half and carrys it forward a nice little one two with Josh who sets Ethan on his way towards goal,But once again Toby comes flying out and the ball is cleared, only as far as Owen who once again works his magic with Josh and Utd are pressing in the box,City scramble in the box to get the ball cleared but Josh is too slippery for them and finds the back of the Net 1.0 Utd.a quick sub see George on for Owen and  Little Callum on for Josh,City are now pressing for the equaliser and Max is causing Alex to make some great stops.Once again Max is Denied by Freddie the Cat and the ball is pushed wide for a corner,Charlie not only clears the corner he goes on a fantastic run and carrys the ball almost into Citys box,the mud on his feet weighs him down but George picks up where he left off,only to be mowed down by Nat.Free kick, George takes but Toby saves. final score 1.0 to Utd but a very even game.Well done All   Thirsk Falcons Utd   V  Northallerton JnrsOwen-GK   Freddie, Alex- Defence  Luke, Charlie, Josh-mid  Ethan-StrikerNorthallerton get the match under way, Freddie sees it out for a northallerton corner. Thirsk defend hard, and its another corner to Northallerton. Northallerton apply the early pressure, but yet again Alex is there to clear. A great pass to Josh sets him off on his way up the wing, a precise pass through the northallerton defence is met by Ethan who strikes low and hard...GOAL... 1-0 .to the falcs.Charlie,Luke, Josh and Ethan are working really hard for each other. .  Half time 1-0   Thirsk kick off the second half, Charlie passes to Luke back to Charlie who is through on goal with only the keeper to beat, but the ball rolls just to far in front of him. The keeper takes a long kick, but theres no way through as yet again Alex and Freddie are there to clear the danger. Luke receives a lovely pass, he takes the ball the full length of the pitch, the movement is fantastic but Northallerton stand tall and keep the falcs out.Owen who has not had alot to do makes a great save as Northallerton try to make a corner count. Ethan has another shot saved, surely its only a matter of time until the 2nd goal is scored and we put this match to bed. Ethan is subbed for George, who quickly slots in and wins the ball and passes it out wide to Josh. In the dying minutes of the game Freddie slots through a great ball to Josh, who eyes charlie in space, great effort just wide. The whistle blows 1-0 to falcons utd......well playedThirsk falcs City  v  Catterick Village Fc      Bailey-GK  Harry, Oscar-def   Max,Matthew,Bobby-mid   Toby-striker   Thirsk kick off, putting early pressure on the CV goal. Toby has a great shot just wide of the mark. Bobby finds himself in space and has a shot...GOAL...1-0 Falcs. The game is very much one sided, Thirsk are growing in confidence and Toby has a cheeky shot from the half way line, the goalie punches clear, Tobys in the right place at the right time...2-0...Theres no stopping Toby now, he gathers the ball from the halfway line, past the first defender, past the second and shoots....the keeper goes to ground and knocks it out to Max whos running in to the box...GOAL..3-0.  Oscar and Harry have had a rather quiet time, but when needed stood up to the task in hand.  Matthew wove his magic and fed numerous balls into the box.Harry recieves the ball, a fantastic pass to Max who goes off on a run down the wing, he sees Toby in space, if anyone can Toby can....GOAL..4-0.. the whistle blows for half time, this could be double figures!!!!!    Half time 4-0  to the falcs Changes at half time, Bailey (wanting a piece of the action)Mid  Toby off Nat on, Oscar-GKNat comes on like a man possessed, he has several shots at goal but the keeper stands tall. It looks like this is going to be the same as the first half. Matthews working hard his passes are accurate. Bobby links up well with Bailey. The opposition seem to be getting fed up with the on slaught, and the falcs have to suffer the consequences. Max is elbowed in the chest, Free kick. Yet again the ball is in the CV goal mouth, the defence clear. Another free kick to thirsk outside the box, Taken by Bailey, It just needed someone to get a touch on the ball and it would have gone in. In the final minutes CV pushed everyone forward and managed to get a consolation goal. Final score 4-1 to the falcs. to be continued.....................................                 Home to Cleveland Tigers 13th Nov 2011 Roving reporter:  Sgt Pepper

1st game

Drums: Alfie     Backing vocals:  Freddie & Alex                      Lead, Rythym & bass guitars: Toby, Nat & Charlie       Lead vocals:Max

 A home game for a change so no Magical Mystery Tour today. No sat navs taking us up Abbey Road or leading us down Penny Lane or The Long and Winding Road and ending up in an Octopus's` Garden.(never thought I'd get that title in! ) I didn't want to do this, you know.I don't want to be writing match reports every Sunday. I could've been a Paperback Writer. It was rememberance day today. First, and most importantly, We remember those that serve and those that have given their lives for their country.

Secondly, and more trivially, we at the under 8's remember the last time we scored a goal in a first match on a Sunday. Lest we forget, it was against Dormanstown back in September. Straight from kick off Nat races forwards and finds Toby who shoots but the keeper saves it comfortably.Toby shoots wide moments later after good work from Max, who wins the ball deep in his own half, to set Toby up. Please please me, mutters Wayne and his prayers are duly answered when Toby crosses the ball into the 6 yard box from the wing. The ball looks as though it's heading in but just to make sure a defender rushing back to beat the advancing Max, knocks the ball into his own net. 1-0 to Falcs. 
Is this the turning point. Is this the moment when it will all Come together ? Cleveland are slow getting into the game and only have a corner hit the upright to show for their efforts in the opening minutes. Nat, with a little help from his friends, Charlie and Toby, keep charging forwards from midfield but  lose the ball in the final third of the pitch. As the game wears on, the visitors grow more confident and Freddie has to make a crucial block of a goal bound shot and Alfie stops a half volley rocket from the edge of the area. The ball keeps coming back at Thirsk and there's no let up for Freddie and Alex at the back. Falcs keep the lead after Alfie dives to his right to push a low drive onto the post. At the other end Toby sees his shot just shave the post. The Tigers waste a golden opportunity to equalise just before the break when they're through on goal but send the ball way over the bar into orbit towards Lucy in the sky with diamonds.
Half time 1-0 to Thirsk Falcons
Another surging run from Nat as the 2nd half gets under way sees him pass to Max who takes on and beats a defender to shoot from the edge of the area only to see his shot saved by the keeper.Cleveland pile on the pressure once again and their star girl player receives the ball just outside of the 18 yard box. When I saw her standing there I thought she must score but luckily her shot fizzles past the post. The Tigers have got their claws out and Falcs have to dig deep. Dave Bennison ( Harrys dad) has to dig deeper as his chair collapses and he sinks to the ground. luckily he's a Rubber soul.It's my fault", he says," I am the Walrus".
"Goo goo g'joob" reply those around him.
"It's ok, I feel fine", says Dave, "no need to call Doctor Robert".
The visitors get the equaliser they've been pressing for when they earn a corner and a crouching Tiger, (hidden defence), pops up un marked to put it into the back of the net.1-1.
The closing stages see the Tigers on the hunt for a winner. Alex, on the post, blocks a shot sneaking in and then deflects a shot wide of Alfies goal and Freddie somehow stops a goalbound shot on the line as the ball gets stuck between his feet. Final score 1-1.
This time we were rewarded for our hard work with a much needed point. Cleveland will go home knowing that the 2 matches against us has cost them 2 points and severly dented their high scoring goal tally.
Motm Freddie.
 

 2nd match        reporter Eleanor Rigby
Gk :Tom  Defs: Owen & Oscar  Mid: Luke, Josh & Bobby   Fwd:Ethan
 

 

Straight from the kick off Cleveland charge goal bound towards Tom and have the ball in the back of the net within 20 secs. Help. Tom barely has time to catch his breath when he's called upon to make a save as he pushes a shoot around the post.
At the other end, Josh runs on to Owens throw in and jinks around a couple of defenders into the area and is stopped by some last ditch defending. Again, Owen wins the ball deep in his own half and finds Josh who shoots but it's deflected out for a corner.The tigers clear the ball and it's back in Thirsks half. Time for everyone to Get back. Luke wins the ball and runs up the pitch with a Cleveland player swinging on his arm. It's as though he's saying, " I want to hold your hand".
The Tigers open up the Falcs defence and go one- on- one with Tom. 2-0 to Cleveland.
Minutes later, the visitors make it 3-0 from a throw in.
Come on Thirsk, we can work it out.Josh flies up the wing and passes to Bobby who lets loose a shot  but it's saved. Bobby gets the ball back and lays on a nice cross to Ethan outside the 6 yard box. Ethans clinical finish makes it 3-1 to Cleveland.
But the Tigers are going for the kill and only the Fool on the hill would bet against them scoring again.
Cleveland latch onto a loose ball with Tom on the edge of his area and it's 4-1 as they shoot into an empty net.
There's still no respite for our boys as the Tigers lob the ball over the defence to a waiting player but Oscar saves the day and gets the ball clear. The first half ends with a long range shot that crashes into the back of the Falcs net. Half time score 5-1 to Cleveland.
Craig clutches his head in his hands.How did it fall off of his shoulders ? Tom pulls off a good save as the 2nd half kicks off. Thirsk try to clear the ball but can't get it out of their own half. The balls brought back at them and somehow a shot narrowly squeezes in between Tom and the post. 6-1 to Cleveland.
It's not Getting better. Thirsk fight back. Luke has a good effort saved and Oscars shot sees the Tigers keeper flailing at full stretch across his goal but the ball drifts agonisingly wide of the mark.
At the other end, Tom makes 2 fine saves in succession. Thirsk counter again with some good passing. Josh to Oscar. Oscar to Bobby, who shoots, and the goalie spills it. Ethan rushes in but the Tigers clear the ball in the nick of time. A Tiger gets bundled over in the Falcs penalty area. A penalty is awarded. It's no use protesting. Let it be.The penalty's converted and it's 7-1 to Cleveland.
Oscar scores at the other end to bring the score back to 7-2.
The Tigers haven't finished yet and run through on goal to pull marginally ahead at 8-2.
Thirsk have to soak up more pressure as Luke makes an important clearance and Tom saves at point blank range.It's anyone's game...... as long as anyone's called Cleveland Tigers.
There are screams from the Thirsk supporters as it looks like Luke has scored but somehow the ball won't cross the line. Final score 8-2 to Cleveland Tigers.
We'll need to train Eight days a week at this rate.
Another tough game against a Cleveland side out for revenge for the 1st game. We didn't drop back to cover as well as we should and Cleveland took full advantage but we played some nice passing football at times. 
Motm Owen 
 

 3rd game       reporter Lovely Rita

Gk;Freddie  Def:Charlie & Toby  Mid:Oscar,Harry & Bailey W
Fwd: Bailey R & Alfie

 

 8 v 8 for the last match. The Tigers repel an early Falcons attack and run through the the hosts like a knife through margerine ( I can't believe it's not butter).Freddie makes a world class save as he throws himself low and to his left to push a shot past the post. The Tigers attack again and shoot high at the Thirsk goal. I don't know how, maybe it was those new 9" studs under his boots, but somehow he leaps like a salmon that John West would be proud of and pushes the ball over the bar.In reply, Bailey R( that's the old Bailey m'lord) has a shot saved and Harry sees his shot go just wide.
Cleveland, still wondering why they weren't 2 goals up by now, charge down field again and good defending by Charlie keeps them at bay. Tigers win a corner and Freddie makes a save with his knee at point blank range.
Alfie lobs the ball high into the air and it bounces awkwardly in front of the Tigers keeper and looks like it's going in but for some desperate scrambling from the keeper. Cleveland intercept a Thirsk throw in and pass the ball to 3 players waiting unmarked in front of gaol. Where was the defence ? Nowhere man. 3-on-1 against Freddie were not good odds but you've got to give Cleveland credit, that didn't deter them and they managed to score.1-0 to Cleveland. With the defence and midfield Here there and everywhere It was no surprise that the score was 2-0 moments later.
Toby sends a good cross into the box from a corner which causes a goal mouth scramble. Oscar collects the ball but isn't given any room to turn and Cleveland get the ball clear.
Half time 2-0 to Cleveland.
Nat moves into goal,Max and Cal up front. Freddie Toby and Charlie are off.Bailey w drops into defence along with Owen.
Nat is tested early on and makes a good save from a long shot. The Tigers get their 3rd with a shot insde the area from a narrow angle. Leigh looks on in despair. It was A hard days night in the local pub last night. There's some nice interplay between Max and Cal but the latter can't get his shot away.
Cleveland bring on their star girl player.Someone needs to stick with her otherwise You're going to lose that girl and she'll punish you. She runs forwards with the ball and from a distance cannons a shot under Nat. 4-0 to Cleveland. The goals come crashing in.5-0 to Cleveland. 6-0 after Nat makes a stop but is left helpless on the ground as a Tiger nets the rebound.
Subs time. Alex and Bobby on for Owen and Max.
Falcons are under seige and the ball is blasted past the goal and out into Strawbery fields forever. Well, maybe not forever.We'll get it back later. Another rocket shot and Nats getting a back ache bending down to pick the ball out of the net.7-0 to Cleveland.
It's almost one way traffic as nat makes 2 good saves in 1-on-1 situations.
New Bailey clears the ball to Alex  who tackles hard in midfield as he looks to press forwards(he's never been so far from his own goal before). More subs but it's hard to tell who's on and who's off as the subs are happening so quickly. The visitors are getting cocky as even their keeper comes into the Falcs area for a corner.Ob-la-di, ob-la-da. 2 more goals follow in quick succession and the final score is 9-0 to Cleveland.It was close though.
Motm  Freddie and his platform boots. Strange but true or ever so slightly made up fact Rachel Jagger (Charlies mum) has a famous sister, Christine Aguilera. Christine came over to watch young Charlie in pre season training and was inspired by his moves on the pitch. So much so, that she got together with her friends who were in a band to write about what she had seen.Thats the origin of the hit song, "moves like Jagger" by Maroon 5 featuring Christine Aguilera. 
Any rumour that " Swagger Jagger" by Cher Lloyd is based on Charlies dad,Will, on parade have been strongly denied and anyone who says it's true will find themselves sweeping the parade square with a toothbrush. 
 

 Cleveland Tigers away 6th Nov 2011   

1st game                        GK-Alfie  Defenders-Freddie & Alex   Midfielders-Toby, Charlie & Nat  Forward-Max(c)

All matches rovingly reported by Dave Lear

In the week in which Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates his 25th year at the helm of Manchester united, Wayne knows he's got a long way to go to match that kind of success and even further to go if he wants to match the late, great Bill Shankley. Todays mystery tour took us to Acklam, home of Cleveland Tigers.Freddie, Alex and Josh must have felt like they were playing in a forest the grass was so high. We dare not play little Callum without the aid of a tracking device. 

Another bright start from Thirsk as Toby, Max, Charlie and Nat combine well to threaten the Tigers goal, keeping the home side pegged back. Nat charges threateningly into the box but is tackled before he can shoot. Thirsk are playing well and in the opening stages the hosts are reduced to one attack which Freddie intercepts and clears. Freddie is involved in the action minutes later when he picks up a loose clearance from a goal mouth scramble and shoots just wide from the edge of  the box.With Toby running up the left, Nat up the right and Charlie up the middle,Falcs enjoy the majority of the possession.
However,you can't hold a tiger by the tail  for too long  and, against the run of play, Cleveland open the scoring from a corner when one of their players stabs the ball home from near the penalty spot. 1-0 to Cleveland.
Falcs counter when Alfie throws to Alex out wide and he finds Nat on the half way line. Nat runs all the way into the 6 yard box but the angles too tight and he can't find the target.
Half time score 1-0
There's all to play for in the 2nd half. The long grass is preventing the ball from travelling well. Despite all of Clevelands previous high scoring wins so far this season, it's Thirsk that look slightly the better side. The Tigers win a free kick from way out. The home sides formidable girl captain takes it. The ball rockets goal wards through the packed penalty area. Alfie sees it late but makes a great save with his feet despite the presence of an on rushing Tigers player. The home side double their lead almost immediately when out of the blue they chip the ball back in as Thirsk struggle to clear it and it finds the back of the net. 2-0 to Cleveland.
Thirsk counter. Max finds Toby on the edge of the area who shoots but it's deflected for a corner.Toby receives the ball but can't find a way through the defence.Max runs along side of the penalty box, looking to cross. He takes on and beats 2 players but a 3rd forces him to run the ball out. Falcons are taking the game to Cleveland.
Sub. Josh on for Nat.
Cleveland are finding it difficult to get a clear shot at goal as Freddie and Alex are keeping things tight at the back and can't get past them when one on one. Charlie and Toby use their pace to break through from midfield time and again and are causing Tigers plenty of problems. Tigers are reduced to one chance but hit the post. Thirsk press on for a goal. Their keeper  makes a bad clearance which Max latches onto but his shot goes wide. Toby wins the ball on the half way line, races forwards and wins a free kick. Toby lines up behind the ball. Tobys dad lines up behind the rope cordon. They both run forward. Tobys shot is stopped well by the keeper. Tobys dad's run is stopped well by the rope cordon. Cleveland get back into the game and it's end to end stuff though neither side can get a shot away.Max jinks his way around his opponent and passes out wide to the on rushing Josh. Josh is upended with a body check and wins a free kick. He launches the ball high towards goal but is denied by a great save from the keeper who leaps up, arms outstretched, to push it out for a corner.The Tigers defend well as Falcs earn 3 consecutive corners. The homeside clear the ball but it comes straight back at them. Max runs down the left, checks inside to lose his marker and finds Josh. Josh shoots low into the corner but the keeper manages to get down and make a good save. The final whistle blows. 2-0 to Cleveland Tigers. We played well and were unfortunate not to get something from the game that we rightly deserved.We edged it in terms of possession and created enough up front to keep them on their toes. Cleveland have scored 34 goals in their previous 7 games and 2 goals is their 2nd lowest amount of goals they've scored in a game. A massive achievement for us. Well done boys.
Motm MAX2nd game

Keeper of the faith: Nat  Defenders of the earth: Bobby & Owen  Midfield marvels:Oscar, Luke & Matthew   Forward planner: Ethan

As always seems to be the case, Thirsk start the brighter of the 2 teams. Matthew turns neatly to get past his marker and runs forward, feeding the ball to Ethan.Ethan beats his man and shoots but the goalie saves it.
The Tigers counter and after some lovely passing, find the back of the net. 1-0 to Cleveland. Falcs pull one back at the other end when Ethan gets 2 shots in at the near post. His 1st shot is saved but he makes sure with his 2nd. 1-1.Come on Falcs.
Thirsk are deservedly back on level terms.Matthew poses a threat on the far wing as he cuts in along the back line and the Cleveland keeper is called upon to make a save at his near post. Tigers close in on the Falcs goal
and it takes 2 good tackles from Owen and a clearence from Oscar to stop them. A great surge up the wing from Bobby has the Tigers retreating. Its exciting end to end football. Bobby is dispossesed.The hosts mount another attack and this time Luke is back to help clear the ball. Cleveland bring the ball back deep into the Thirsk half.Luke wins the ball and finds Matthew up the line.Matthew cuts in along the goal line before being tackled.The ball is cleared to one of the Cleveland Tigresses.She runs from the half way line and looks unstoppable. Owen chasing behind somehow manages to stretch his leg out and push the ball out for a corner. The corner's taken and it's a scramble in the 6 yard box. The ball is loose and the goal is gaping. There's silence around the packed stadium as 60,000 spectators hold their breath.A leg reaches out. Who's leg ? There's too many bodies around, nobody can tell. What matters is the ball's cleared.Thirsk are on the attack. Matthew races forward with the ball.The Tigers can't stop him. He shoots from inside the area and hits the woodwork. The ball rebounds to him and he shoots again and it's 2-1 to Falcs.
The home side re start the game and drive the ball forward. A tiger shoots from the wing and hits the upright.The ball rebounds kindly to them leaving an unmarked striker with a free shot at goal and it's in. 2-2. Cleveland are back on level terms. Now full of renewed confidence, the hosts advance once more into the Thirsk box and Bobby makes a crucial tackle and gets the ball away.
Half time 2-2
The home side bring on some more players  from the 1st game.They attack from the off and Owen finds himself facing 3 Tigers. They shoot and Nat dives but doesn't hold onto the ball. It rolls loose and he manages to smother it before a cleveland player can run onto it. Thirsk are under a bit of pressure and Nat is forced to push the ball out from a corner. The ball floats into the box from the 2nd corner.An unmarked Tiger traps the ball and shoots. It's a certain goal. But wait. The ball hits Nats legs. Fantastic save.Now Thirsk are on the attack as a storming run from Luke earns the Falcs a corner. The ball is fed into the area and is picked up by Ethan who shoots. Ooohh. Just wide. At the other end, Cleveland send a high ball into the Thirsk area where a back header by a Tiger narrowly whizzes past the post. The home side attack again and Nat makes another great save with his feet. It's a corner and Bobby heads it away. Cleveland regain possession, bring the ball into the area and shoot. it's in the back of the net. 3-2 to Cleveland.
The Tigers apply more pressure. They intercept some goal kicks and put Nat under pressure. Falcs are punished when the 4th goal kick in succession is run back into the area and is slotted deftly home. 4-2 to the home side. Oscar makes several runs through the centre. The Tigers close him down by sheer wieght of numbers.It's all one way traffic now.Luke tracks back and takes the ball off of an attacker. He clears it upfield but Cleveland bring the ball back at Thirsk. Luke has to throw his body in the way twice to block shots. Ther's just time for one last Thirsk attack. Ethan shoots but it comes off a defender and goes wide but still in play.Matthew picks the ball up and takes it along the by line towards the near post. He shoots and the ball bobbles along the line towards the far post. Oscar rushes in un marked but just can't get his foot to the ball and it goes out of play.
Final score 4-2 to Cleveland. Another great result. We played some good football and deserved to go 2-1 up against a top class side whom we more than matched at times. Great work boys. We can always rely on some goals in the 2nd match.
Motm Matthew. 3rd game.

Gk-Toby  Defenders-Bailey & Josh  Midfield-Harry, Alfie & Callum  Forward-Nat

Alfie shrugs off 2 challenges and passes accross field to roving defender Bailey. Bailey runs forward and shoots but it's deflected for a corner. Cleveland deal with the corner easily and it's their turn to test their opponents defence.Toby sees a shot go just wide of his post. The tigers bring the ball back at Thirsk once more and a shot from an accute angle again narrowly flies past the post. Toby launches the ball upfield. Nat latches onto it and does a trade mark run down 2/3rds of the pitch.His shot is well saved by the Cleveland keeper at the expense of a corner. The home side defence stand firm and clear the ball but only as far as Bailey who brings the ball back in.He passes to Harry who's just inside the box.Harry shoots but it's blocked well by a defender  closing him down. Alfie shoots high from the edge of the area and the keeper is at full stretch to keep it from dipping under the bar. The Tigers counter attack and and one of their players receives the ball beyond the Falcs defence. It's easy pickings with just a defenceless Toby to beat. 1-0 to the hosts.
Cleveland almost extend their lead with a powerful shot from a tight angle but luckily it hits the side netting.
Thirsk look for an equaliser and Josh shows great skill as he beats 2 players and crosses the ball but a Tiger intercepts before it reaches the waiting Callum.
Half time score 1-0 to Cleveland.
The game gets underway. The grass grows longer as does the shadows. Have Cleveland got Floodlights ?
Alfies kick is cleared and the ball finds it way down the other end where Harry is forced to defend and get the ball clear. Thirsk are still in the game. A sensational run from one of the Cleveland Tigresses from within her own half ends with her burying the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 to Cleveland.
Alfie shrugs off more challenges as he sets off down the wing but his cross sails behind the goal. The home side counter and Josh finds himself the sole defender against 3 Tigers.The inevitable happens and an attacker chips Toby to make it 3-0  to the hosts. Falcs don't give up. Alfie once again has a shot pushed over the bar after another great run. The resulting corner is cleared but Alfie once again gets the ball and shoots powerfully from close range. Somehow the goalie saves it. How did he keep that out ?
Final score 3-0 to Cleveland. More hard work from the boys ensured Cleveland didn't get it all their own way. Their keeper kept them in the game with some fine saves.
Motm.  Harry STRANGE BUT TRUE OR EVER SO SLIGHTLY MADE UP TRIVIA OF THE WEEK.

A Jehovas witness called on Leigh last week and he opened the door in his underpants.
"What a bizzare place to have a door," remarked  the Jehovas witness.Dormanstown Away 25th Sept 2011 

 

Roving reporter Dave Lear

1^ST game Gk: Nathaniel   Defs:  Alex & Freddie   Mid:  Alfie(c), Owen & Luke   Fwd: MaxThirsk Falcons kicked off the season with an away trip to Dormanstown, near Redcar.
1^st min Falcs showed their intent early on as Alfie fires off 2 shots at the away goal.
2^nd min Luke leaves his opponents standing with a sprint down the wing and crosses to Alfie whose shot is saved by the keeper.  4^th min   Owen wins the ball in midfield and finds Max.  Max lays the ball off to Alfie whose low drive thunders into the bottom far corner of the net. 0-1 to Thirsk. 6^th min   Owen again wins the ball in midfield and passes to Alfie who sends Max through on goal with just the keeper to beat. He coolly slots home to double our lead. 0-2 to Falcs. 9^th min   Dormanstown are struggling to cope and only reach the edge of our 18 yard box once. Alex and Freddie   are more than a match for any foray into the Thirsk half.   Max lobs the ball goal wards from outside of their area but their keeper saves it comfortably. 10^th min    Falcons are running rampant in the opposition half and nearly get a 3^rd goal as the ball is scrambled around the 6 yard box but somehow the keeper manages to throw himself onto the ball.  12^th min more pressure from the boys results in a corner. Freddie sends the ball into the box and Alfie controls it and lashes it into the net. 0-3 Thirsk. 14^th min Excitement in the Falcons goal. No, not a Dormanstown attack but a case of whether Nat would yawn or touch the ball first.  Smart money was on a yawn....or two.  Half time and its Dormanstown 0 Thirsk Falcons 316^th min Dormanstown, no longer dormant, are on the attack. Nat rubs his eyes in disbelief and pulls back his duvet. Dormanstown are goal bound and Owen has to rush in to clear the ball.  The resulting corner is cleared by the Falcs defence but the ball is sent back into the Thirsk box and it’s another corner to Dormanstown. The ball is delivered into the penalty area and a Dormanstown player blasts it into the net. 1-3 to Thirsk. Game on. 17^th min Luke clears the ball up field to Alfie. Alfie sends the ball towards the far post, where an on rushing Max is just a split second off of connecting with it. 18^th min  A  rejuvenated Dormanstown  player runs down the  wing and  Alex  intercepts him and the ball rebounds off of  the attacker for a goal kick. 19^th min Owen bears down on their keeper who stands firm and blocks the shot and Dormanstown get the ball clear. The first 5 mins of the second half have been a bit more equal and the hosts win a free kick on the edge of the right hand side of the Falcs area. The chance is squandered as the ball is driven into the side netting.
20^th min A Dormanstown attack is halted when the ball ricochets off of Alex’s knee and falls to Max on the half way line. Max’s pass finds Alfie who launches an unstoppable shot past the keeper. 1-4 to Thirsk and a hat trick for Alfie. That’ll be £5 please, Alfies mum. 23 min Luke runs back to cut out a counter attack by 3 Dormanstown players. Between him and Alex they get the ball clear. 24^th min Sam just can’t quite connect with Alfies cross in the 6 yard box. 25^th min Freddie’s quick throw in finds Max who shoots and the ball slips under the keeper’s foot as he casually tries to stop the ball with his boot.
26^th min Dormanstown counter attack down the right wing but Owen and Freddie are too strong for them and the ball is back in our opponents half.
28^th min A Dormanstown player shoots a low, searching cross from  20 yards out towards Nat, who dives down to his left  to cover his goal and we breathe a sigh of relief  as it goes inches wide of his post.
30^th min Dormanstown win a corner and the ball is lofted into the Thirsk box. A goal mouth scramble ensues and Nat does well to keep it out.
Full time score Dormanstown 1  Thirsk Falcons 5
The ref named Owen as the man of the match. Well done Owen and well done to all the players as it was a great team performance.Goal scorers : Alfie 3 Max 2                        

                2^nd Game
Reporter still roving Dave Lear

Gk: Luke  Def: Harry & Ethan  Mid: Bobby, Josh & Oscar  Fwd: Bailey & Toby
The second game we played 8 against 8. Dormanstown launched the ball from the kick off into the Thirsk half where it was easily dealt with by Harry. The hosts had a warning of what was in store for them moments later when Bobby took a free kick. Bobby passed to Toby who unleashed a shot from 25 yards out which rattled the Dormanstown cross bar. Falcs pushed forward with a great run from Oscar who crossed to Bailey whose shot was blocked by the keeper. The following couple of minutes saw Bobby shoot just wide and another shot from Toby, unmarked in the box, shave the post.
Thirsk came close again to breaking the deadlock when a quick throw in from Ethan to Bobby saw Bobby’s shot drilled just wide of the post. Toby ran the ball into the box but somehow the keeper managed to block his shot. The Dormanstown manager must have been making a mental note to bring himself a change of under wear as his team were under siege. The keeper did well to keep out a shot from Josh before Bobby, running into the box, shrugged off a challenge to steer the ball past the goalie and into the back of the net. 0-1 Falcs.  Oscar stole the ball straight from the kick off and ran into the box and let fly with a great shot but the goalie was on form and denied him a moment of glory...for now.
The match was more one sided than a game of table football on a steep slope. A bad Dormanstown back pass almost let Bobby grab his 2^nd. Only the keeper’s leg denied Bobby from close range inside the 6 yard box.
The final minute of the half gave Luke, in goal, his first touch of the ball when a momentary lapse let a Dormanstown attacker through on goal. Luke’s slide tackle conceded a penalty.  However, the resulting kick ended up bouncing off of the crossbar.
Half time 0 – 1 to Thirsk Falcons
The second half saw Toby take the goalie gloves, Josh drop into defence, Harry push up into midfield and Nathaniel our keeper from the 1^st game joins midfield.
Dormanstown attack, but Ethan defends well and stops them. Falcons earn a corner and from Bobby’s delivery, Oscar knocks it in. 0-2 to Thirsk.
At this point I must say that Leigh wanted me to write that Oscar leapt through the air like a salmon to put it in the net, but we don’t want any fisherman’s tails here.
Good work from Josh in the scrum that has become midfield enables Ethan to break free with the ball and find Oscar who’s angling for his 2nd. Great defending from Dormanstown denies him. Ethan finds Bobby Sharking just inside the box with a perfect pass and its 0-3 to Falcs
Thirsk were denied 2 more goals when Oscar broke through the pack and shot and then Bailey ran through into the area and fired on goal. Both times the Dormanstown keeper stopped the ball whilst standing behind the goal line. Unfortunately the ref missed both these incidents.
Falcons were breaming with confidence and a couple of missed decisions weren’t going to knock them off of their perch. Besides, moments later Ethan put the ball into the back of the net to make it 0-4 to Falcs
At the other end Toby had little to do but does well when called into action to make a fin save after a goal mouth scramble.
Bailey has 2 more shots on target saved before Dormanstown pull one back. Our defence is nowhere to be seen after resorting to playing a 7-0-0 formation, so when one on one with Toby, it was no surprise when one of their players scored. 1-4 Falcs.
It was only a temporary blip as Nat scored a brace. First, with a shot from out on the left wing and then shortly after with a surging run from the half way line. 1-6 to Falcs.
Despite Thirsks dominance, Harry was still on his toes to cut out a late run by the hosts who put on a last minute rally but only had a shot hit the post to show for their efforts.
Final score Dormanstown 1 Thirsk Falcons 6
Man of the match was Bobby.
Another superb result and all the players’ haddock great time.      

  Sunday 9^th September 2011Roving Reporter Mark CobbKader Juniors vs THIRSK FALCONS    K.O 1:30pm

Starting Line-up:- GK – Nathaniel                              DEF – Freddie(capt), Alex                              MID – Luke, Alfie, Owen                              STR – Max

A late kick off on Sunday afternoon allowed plenty of time for Falcons and their following to make their way to Aklam to play Kader Juniors, however Wayne having to do a U-turn on the A19 thinking he’d left a player behind wasn’t in the script. None the less all the lads arrived and had time for a decent warm up and of course a team photo in the new strip!

Oozing with confidence after last weeks win falcons were ready for the task at hand and straight from kick off strung half a dozen passes together before just failing to get a shot away. Kader did appear to be taller and faster than our boys but falcons soaked up the early pressure thanks to Freddie and Alex at the back with the midfield helping out.

In the first half falcons were unable to create any clear cut chances and paid the price late on when the Kader captain found a turn of pace and a yard of space and smashed a rocket into the bottom corner in off the post which no keeper could have saved.

Max ran his heart out upfront looking for space to get a run at the Kader defence but they stayed tight on his heels and always held two lads back.

Half time 1 – 0

Second half started and falcons tried to play the ball about only to be stopped in their tracks foul after foul. First Owen hit on the head, Alex kicked on the knee, a late tackle on Alfie when clearing and probably the worst of all Max smashed from behind into his head and back which meant Max needed some attention from the club doctor Michelle, I mean Wayne. This obviously unnerved the falcons boys as they just came to play football however they didn’t give up and Luke tried getting his own back for the lads only to be told off by the ref!!

The midfield of Owen, Luke and Alfie had a hard task of constantly tracking back for the Kader attacks but not once did they give up as the deficit stayed at 1.

In the late stages falcons were able to create a couple of chances with Alfie going close with a free kick from out wide into the side netting and then firing straight at the keeper with minutes to go. To be fair Nathaniel kept the score respectable on the day with a number of fine saves with his feet and with Alex and Freddie in front of him they were able to hold their own against a strong Kader Juniors team.  

Full time 1 – 0

A hard fought game by all the lads but wasn’t meant to be on the day. They could all leave with their heads held high as they gave their all and looked fantastic in the new strip

MOM - Alex  

2^nd Game

GK.  TomDef.  Charlie, TobyMid.  Josh, Bobby (capt), Ethan,Fwds.   Oscar, HarryAs the second game kicked off the Falcons were eager to try to continue the good work the guys had done in the first match, and this became apparent from the off as Toby went down the left wing like a tornado, going past 3 or 4 Kader players like they were stood still, this spurred the Kader boys into action as they came back into Thirsks half meaning business and nearly went 1 nil up had it not been for Charlie forcing the Kader forward wide and knocking the ball out for a corner. a quick corner nearly caught the Falcons off guard but Tom was quick to respond and pounced on the ball, he quickly threw the ball to Toby who was off once more down the wing, a great little pass found Ethan and with the help of Bobby they somehow managed to find Oscar who without hesitating had a quick fire shot on goal, the ball went hurtling across the box, Harry who had obviously been listening in last week training darted into the box for the follow up, but Oscars shot was too quick for the keeper and unfortunately for Harry and it skimmed the near post for a goal kick.Kader were struggling to get hold of the game and struggling to cope with Toby and his speed, the Falcons were going from strength to strength and it was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. Josh who along with Bobby and Ethan in midfield had been playing some lovely football, brought the ball down onto his chest a clever little flick through found Bobby in space ,Bobbys shot was blocked by the Kader defence only to find Josh who took the ball into the box and hit a sweet left  foot shot into the bottom corner ,”GET IN” 1 nil the falcons .half time couldn’t come soon enough for Kader and they were lucky Oscars 2 or 3 other chances didn’t find the back of the net.I don’t know if it was Kader coach’s half time talk or the fact that everyone in a Falcons shirt wanted to get in on the goal mouth action but as the second half unfolded Kader were not going to go down without a fight. Tom did his best to keep the side’s level but when he found himself the only one in a Falcons shirt between 3!!!! Kader strikers the inevitable happened .1-1This only fuelled the Kader strikers hunger for more goals and it was only a matter of minutes and a lack of concentration from Thirsk and Kader where in front. The Falcons dug deep and did keep attacking with both Ethan and Toby making some great runs into the box, but yet again with the Falcs pressing for the equaliser Tom was left holding the fort, and Kaders third found the back of the net. Final score 3-1Refs Man of the Match  Oscar

16^th October New Marske  away

Roving reporter Dave Lear

Gk:  Nat   Def:  Alex & Freddie    Mid: Bobby, Alfie & Owen     Fwd: TobyFalcons expected a tough game as they travelled to high flying, high scoring, unbeaten New Marske.  It was a sunny, blue sky / cloudy chilly morning,( delete as appropriate as it changed so much). The lads looked resplendent as they walked out onto the pitch, but enough about Wayne, Leigh and Craig. The players also looked great in their new Barcelona style strip.
Thirsk started positively and kept the ball in their opponents half in the early stages and Toby fired off a speculative shot from way out which drifted wide.
Both sides battled it out in midfield looking for the breakthrough and it was New Marske who found it first. Some neat passing by Marske found them just outside the Falcons area where one of their players unleashed a rocket shot into the top corner of the goal that left Nat no chance of stopping. 1-0 to the home side.
Thirsk replied with a shot from Bobby which their keeper did well to hold on to. Marske countered immediately and a quick thinking Nat was forced to rush out and smother the ball on the edge of his area. Our opponents were quite fast and Alfie, Owen and Bobby had to put in a lot of work in midfield to contain them. Owen ran the ball up the field several times and Toby tried to find the space to unleash one of his deadly shots as Thirsk searched for an equaliser.
 Freddie, and Alex, supported by various team mates back tracking, were under a lot of pressure in defence but were holding out until New Marske won a free kick just inside the Thirsk half. Another well taken, powerful kick, sent the ball into the Falcons net and we trailed 2-0 at the interval.
The 2^nd half got underway with Luke coming on for Alfie. Marske increased their lead early on when they worked the ball into the Falcons area and were given too much time, enabling their star striker to drill the ball past Nat.
Thirsk had a couple of chances as they looked to pull a goal back for some pride and probably a packet or two of “ Match Attax”. Toby went on a great run, beating several players, before being tackled just short of goal. Owen and Luke interlinked some neat passing to send Luke on his way bearing down on goal. However, the defender hot on his heels prevented Luke from getting as much power as he wanted into his shot,(said Luke in a post match interview), and it was a comfortable save for the keeper.A wondrous 4^th goal by Marske was a blow to the lads. The home side were awarded a free kick just over the half way line. It was no surprise when their top scorer lined up to take it. He’d already found the net 14 times in 4 games so I’m presuming his “Match attax” album(other, just as pricey football cards/stickers are available) is nearly complete. The ball flew high towards Nat and looked as though it was going over but somehow it dipped at the last moment and went under the bar. 4-0 To New Marske. That didn’t deter Luke as he raced down the far wing, cut inside his marker and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but their goalie saved well. A deadly counter attack by New Marske saw their lead increase. 5-0.That was the final score although that didn’t give a true reflection of Thirsks performance. A harsh result. The 2 goals from free kicks would have beaten most, if not all, keepers and Marske have managed to put 11 and 7 goals past 2 other teams.The Man of the Match as decided by the referee was Owen

.2^nd game.

Gk:  Freddie   Def: Oscar & Callum   Mid: Luke, George, Bailey, Matthew, Fwd: Josh
Roving reporter Dave Lear
The 2^nd game was an 8-a-side match. Playing with several of their big lads from the 1^st game, New Marske went close in the opening stages of the game. With the defence breached, Freddie was faced with 2 strikers bearing down on him and pulled off a great save. A 2^nd New Marske shot moments later, went just wide. The home side did open the scoring shortly after when they broke free from the middle of the pitch melee, raced goal wards and planted the ball in the bottom corner of the net. 1-0 to Marske.Thirsk replied with a Luke shot that went wide during a goalmouth scramble and then a Matthew free kick. No one watching from the sidelines had a clue who was going to take the kick as 3 Falcons players stood behind it. Bailey ran up to it and then swerved wide and forward. George ran up and jumped over it, leaving Mathew to launch it into the area. New Marske cleared the ball but it came straight back at them. George on the by-line in the area passed the ball to Mathew who managed to angle a shot across goal and inside the back post for the equaliser. 1-1.New Marske took the lead once again through a farcical goal when they raced through midfield, past one of our players who didn’t move, but just watched,( he must have thought the whistle had gone)and drove the ball between the posts. 2-1 to Marske.
Freddie did well to deny Marske a 3^rd when twice he was left all alone, facing 2 attackers. However, shortly after, with the defence found too far up the pitch, Maske sneaked in to make it 3-1 to them.
At the other end a well taken corner from Luke found Josh who luckily for Marske, couldn’t quite connect with it fully and the ball went out for a goal kick. Half time score 3-1 to New Marske.
Alfie took over in Goal from Freddie and Nat came on for Luke as Falcons started the 2^nd half brightly. Nat ran down the far wing, shrugging of challenges to cross the ball into the 6 yard box where Bailey was waiting to tap it in. 3-2 to Marske.
Straight from the kick off the home side raced towards the Thirsk goal and Falcons were on the back foot and conceded 2 goals in quick succession. First a powerful close range shot (4-2) and then a long range effort increased New Marskes lead. 5-2 to the home side.
It was becoming an end to end goal fest as after the restart Mathew hit the post and Josh hit the rebound high into the net. 5-3 to Marske.
At the other end, Oscar and Callum had to work hard to keep the score line down as New Marske had brought on their star striker in the 2^nd half, obviously worried about the damage our boys could do. However, our opponents were expert at scoring and it wasn’t long before we were picking the ball out of the net. 6-3 to New Marske.
George decided new tactics were needed and decided before each of our last 2 kick offs were taken he would position himself between their midfield and defence. Nice try George, but you must start the game in your own half.
Falcons weren’t dead and buried yet and Nat raced along the wing, again beating several Maske players, before cutting in and blasting the ball into the net. 6-4 to New Marske, final score.



The referee chose Oscar as man of the match. He accepted a bottle of champers later in the changing room which he duly quaffed but specifically asked that his Dad not be told. 

23/10/11 Thirsk Falcons v Brompton Juniors
Roving reporter for all 3 matches, Dave Lear.

1^st Game   GK:  ALFIE    DEF: FREDDIE & ALEX   MID: OWEN, NAT & LUKE FWD: MAX

Our first home game of the season began with a local derby against nearby rivals Brompton. With the absence of anybody from Middlesbrough it was a refreshing change not to see kids with Middlesbrough mullet-come-rats tail haircuts or Mohicans. Goodbye to the 80’s, for this weekend at least. Brompton had beaten us in 2 pre season friendlies. The last, by just 1 goal, so we were expecting a close result today.
After an early Brompton shot is saved by Alfie, some good passing by Thirsk was finished off with a shot by Owen which just shaves the post. With Brompton forced to defend, Luke fires off a shot which is just wide. The first 5 mins are well balanced but Brompton have the ball in the back of the net after Falcs fail to clear a throw in which let an opposition player power the ball  in from close range. 0-1 to Brompton. (No need to panic)
Brompton enjoy a good spell and win 2 corners which Thirsk defend soundly.  Alfie does really well to hold onto a powerful long distance kick as the visitors fancy their chances. The visitors are bigger and stronger than our lads and Freddie and Alex are working hard at the back as Brompton break through the midfield time and again. Nat tries to run the ball out from the edge of his area but is outnumbered and loses the ball.  Luke and Owen can’t get the ball through to Max, as their opponents are winning everything in midfield.
Half time 0-1 to Brompton.
Thanks to the strength of Alfie’s powerful kick outs, Thirsk ensure the ball reaches the Brompton half and Luke latches onto it, turns and sets off down the wing but is sent flying by a late tackle and is injured. Brompton are controlling the ball in midfield and launch another long range shot which goes well wide. Luke sets off down the wing and is again fouled. Nat takes the kick but it’s too fast for Luke to latch onto and the ball is out of play for a goal kick.
Brompton launch an attack down the far flank, cutting Thirsk open and increase their lead with a shot which is cannoned in from near the spot. 0-2 (still no need to panic).
Falcs lose the ball in their own half and Alex is pushed over by the on rushing Brompton player who is then free to lash it in to the back of the net. 0-3 to Brompton. (Everybody remain sitting and stay calm)
Brompton hit the post soon after the restart. Alfie has done well in goal. Without him Falcs would be 7 nil down. Alfie is forced to make a tremendous save but Brompton rush in to net the rebound. 0-4 to Brompton. (Panic, panic.)Luke, suffering from being fouled twice, is substituted for Oscar.
A good run from Nat earns a corner. Brompton clear it. Thirsk heads have dropped a little and Brompton are first to every ball. A last minute assault on the Thirsk goal produces a fifth goal. 0-5 to Brompton. (Red alert. Abandon ship. Women, children and coaches to the exits first.)
The Brompton lads were worthy winners but let’s not be too disappointed. We played some good football at the start and we’re still experimenting with the team.
Man of the Match. Alfie.

2^nd Game    

Keeper; Oliver   Defence: Ethan & Luke   Midfield: Bobby, Josh & Matthew    Forward: Oscar
Always good for a few goals, the 2^nd game started positively when Oscar fired at goal and the keeper failed to hold the ball and conceded a corner. Bobby’s corner swung in to the far post where Luke was waiting to stab it home. 1-0 to Falcs. (Praise the Lord).
Moments later Falcs increased their lead when Josh twisted and turned like a...well, like a twisty turny thing, leaving his man rooted to the spot. He passed it to Bobby who drilled the ball home from the edge of the area.  2-0 to Falcs. (Hallelujah).
Brompton pulled one back on the counter attack. 2-1 to Falcs (Lordy Lordy)
Bobby looks for his 2^nd with a free kick but it sails over the bar and we briefly remember England’s defeat in the Rugby world cup.
The sides are more evenly matched in this game. Oscar receives the ball just outside the Brompton 18 yard box and shoots but it deflects off of Matthew and goes wide.
The visitors catch the Thirsk defence too far forward and a Brompton player bears down on Oliver. Ethan does well to catch up with him but can’t stop the shot. The ball takes an unlucky bounce just in front of the diving Oliver and it’s 2-2. (Oh Lord, don’t desert us now).
At the other end, Bobby takes a corner which rolls agonisingly along the crossbar. Thirsk are enjoying a good bit of possession. Bobby receives the ball from Luke, turns and shoots from long range, but the keeper saves. Brompton counter attack on the wing and when one of their players cuts in and races goal wards, Oliver has no choice but to come out but can’t prevent the ball finding the back of the net. 2-3 to Brompton. (Let us pray).
Again Thirsk are caught un protected at the back and when one-on-one with an opponent, Oliver had little chance. 2-4 to Brompton. (Pray harder).
Just before the interval Josh reduced the deficit with a well placed free kick. 3-4 to Brompton.(Nice one, big man.)Half time score 3-4 to Brompton.
In the 2^nd half, Alfie came on for Ethan. Brompton earn 2 free kicks in quick succession. The first hits the upright but 2^nd goes in. 3-5 to Brompton. (Repent sinners.)
Thirsk aren’t dead and buried yet and there’s good work from Mathew who sees off 3 opponents as he looks to mount an attack. Oscars shot is blocked and Brompton clear the ball.
They counter, and after some good passing, manage to score to make it 3-6.(How do you spell atheist ?) Despite brave defending from Bobby and Luke against 4 Brompton players, the visitors manage to get a shot away and its 3-7 to Brompton. (It’s the devils work).
In the dying seconds an own goal pulled it back to 4-7 to Brompton.)Strong smell of sulphur)
 A great entertaining game in which Brompton brought back on a couple of 1^st team players to strengthen them. Man of the match was Josh.

3^rd Game    

GK:  Bailey     DEF: Ethan & Charlie   MID:  Josh, Callum & Cal  FWD: Harry

Luckily enough we were able to play a 3^rd game today, (oh whoopee, joy of joys, another match report to do. There goes Sunday lol!!). Still, it gives a chance to get as many players as possible a game.
Brompton win a corner in the opening few seconds and take the lead when the corner drifts in.
0-1 to Brompton.
Straight from the kick off, the keeper is called upon to make an important save from Josh, who’s still twisting and turning, and does equalise a mere 20 secs later with his 2^nd attempt. 1-1.
Another end to end game ensues and Ethan clears the ball from the edge of his own area to Josh. Josh runs forward with the ball and finds Harry who shoots but is unable to beat the keeper. Falcs bring the ball down the wing and this time Cal lets fly from the far side of the area but the ball screams across the goal and ends up on the wrong side of the post. At the other end Bailey doesn’t let his team mates down when he pulls off a fine save. Brompton win the ball again and push forward and take the lead once more. 1-2 to Brompton.
Falcs are on the back foot in the closing stages of the first half. Callum, Charlie and Ethan are kept on their toes and clearing anything that the Brompton boys throw at them. Despite this, Brompton still manage to sneak a third goal in which isn’t a fair reflection of how the game is going.  Half time 1-3 to Brompton.
The 2^nd half sees Nat take over in goal, Harry drop into defence, Bailey move up front and Ethan come off.
Josh has a couple of shots as Thirsk dominate the opening minutes. Harry denies Brompton a goal when Nat makes a great block, but the ball rolls behind him. Luckily Harry was there to clear it away. The 2^nd half is pretty equal as both sides are unable to find another goal. Charlie is throwing himself all over the place to keep Brompton out.
Bobby comes on for Callum with a minute remaining. Thirsk push forward one last time and Bailey drills the ball into the back of the net for a late consolation goal.
Final score 2-4 to Brompton.
Man of the match was Charlie.
 
 30^th October2011           Halloween match report                                   Reporter, Grave Fear    
        1^st match  GK Alfie   DEF Alex & Oscar   MID Luke, Freddie & Owen    FWD Max             Our visit to Great Ayton began with a tour of several housing estates of the local area on this bright, sunny morning on our quest to find the mythical piece of land called “Pitch”. Fortunately the clocks went back so that gave us an extra hour to find it.
Great  Ayton had only scored 1 goal in their previous 4 games and Falcs were haunted by the fact that they hadn’t even managed that, so a high scoring game was never on the cards.
It was even stevens in the opening minutes of the game. Both teams had a couple of corners but these were capably dealt with by both defences. Owen managed to fire off a shot witch went wide but other than that Thirsk couldn’t break through a resolute Great Ayton midfield. The home side broke the deadlock when one of their players ghosted into the area unmarked and was presented with a free close range  shot at Alfie. Alex rushed across to block the shot but the ball deflected off of his knee and past poor Alfie.  1-0 to Ayton. Thirsk replied quickly when Oscar ran up the wing like a bat out of hell, but his pass to Owen was cut out by a defender. Just before half time Falcs had a good spell and in particular a move from Max which   found Owen who in turn set Freddie for a shot which was unfortunately blocked by an on rushing defender.   Half time, 1-0 Ayton.In the second half, a long ball forward from Alex set Max up for a one on one with the on rushing keeper, but his shot flew wide. Thirsk press on for an equaliser and Owen latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area which screamed over the bar. Oscar sees a shot from the wing hit the side netting and Luke’s shot from outside the area. Both midfielders are playing well and chances are few.  Ayton have a chance from a throw in when one of their players tries a shot from outside the 18yd area which luckily for us goes wide. Substitution. Nat on for Luke.Falcon’s best chance of the game came when the keeper blocks Oscars shot and Nat rushes in to what looks like a simple tap in. somehow the Ayton keeper manages to stretch out a hand and palms Nats shot past the post. It’s a gripping climax to the game and Max twists and turns in the Ayton area but is surrounded by tomb many defenders and the ball is cleared. Final score 1-0 to Great Ayton in a really entertaining game with great spirit shown by both sides.MOM: Freddie.

2^nd Match   GK Alfie  DEF  Charlie & Harry  MID Mathew, Bobby & Bailey  FWD Nat & Toby

Playing 8 a side, Thirsk can always be relied upon to give us a goal or two in the second game.
 Toby has 2 shots go wide and Nat is up ended on the edge of the area as Thirsk start brightly. Nat takes the free kick but it’ bundled out for a corner, which Bobby takes. The corner flies across the goal without either side touching it. The hosts clear the ball. Ayton press forward but fangs to the unflappable Harry in defence, the attack is broken up. Toby has 2 more shots on goal after good work up the wings from first Bobby and then Nat. Ayton win a corner which hangs about the area precariously until Nat clears the ball and surges forward,  but only as far as Ayton’s 18 yard box before their defence stop him. Mathew picks up the ball, (not literally), and tries to turn but isn’t given any space as Ayton’s defence close him down. Ayton counter attack and a high, looping shot heads towards Alfie who thankfully catches the ball firmly. A grave mistake by the Ayton keeper as he pulls down Charlie in the box. Penalty.
 Charlie makes no mistake and buries the ball into the back of the net. 0-1 to Thirsk.
Thirsk win the ball and Nat again races up the line and passes to Toby who cuts in and sends a screamer which rattles the upright. Next, it’s Baileys turn. He takes the ball into the area and shoots. The goalie saves it but can’t hold onto it and Bailey gets another chance. The goalie palms it away and the ball looks as though it’s rolling agonizingly wide until Toby slides in, stage left, to steer it back on target and the ball crypts over the line. 0-2 to Thirsk. A spooktator runs onto the pitch. Where are the stewards? Its Toby’s dad.  He’s run on the pitch to congratulate his boy. Toby sets off down the wing but his dad is too fast for him.
It’s a long half this. We’re into” Fergie” time. As the sun starts to set the ref remembers where he put his whistle and blows for half time.
2^nd half substitution. Nat in goal for Alfie who moves up front.
Ayton’s attack is cut out by Toby back by the Thirsk touchline. He launches the ball all the way forward to Mathew who shoots and the ball just squeezes through the keeper’s legs before he manages to recover it. Almost a 3^rd ghoul for Thirsk. You won’t find Harry Pottering at the back as he cuts out another attack. Wizard play, Harry. Both he and Charlie are more than a match for anything thrown at them.  Alfie takes the ball down the wing and crosses to Toby. Toby finds Bailey who skullfully plucks the ball out of the air and his touch takes it past the goalie who just about manages to scramble back and prevent it going over the line. Their keeper is playing well and makes 2 further good saves from Mathew.
Thirsk are taking control of the game. Another substitution. This time, Luke is on for Harry.
Toby sends a ball high over the bar. He would have scored but fear of his dad staging another pitch invasion meant it was safer not to. At the other end Nat saves well to stop a low drive heading in towards the near post. Ayton launch the ball into the area from the resulting corner. Luke and Charlie each have to make crucial blocks to deny Ayton. Toby is off on another run. He lets loose a great shot but the keeper makes a fine save. Mathew just has time to try another shot from far out. The keeper saves well once more. The ref blows his whistle and brings this long game to a close. Great performance from all the boys. We cauldront have asked for more.  Final score 0-2 to Thirsk.
Goal scorers, Charlie (pen) and Toby.
MOM Toby

strange but true or ever so slightly made up trivia of the week.

Did you know that Owens dad, Alan, finished 365 Marathons back in 1991?
Of course, he admits he couldn’t do that nowadays….not since they changed their name to Snickers.