Sunday 25th March 2007

Sorry we forgot to write a report! We lost both games.

Sunday 18th March 2007 - Happy Mothers Day

Amaranth 1 V 3 Leeds City Boys

With very strong winds blowing across the pitch and snow flurries the conditions were not ideal for free flowing football, however with that said it was the same for both sides. We started slowly and again failed to respect possession giving the ball away far too easily. The result was that we were under a lot of pressure for the first 10 minutes. Despite this Nick, Joe Mack and Joe Marshall were resolute in defence and coped with Leeds's strong attackers. The first goal was very unlucky with Joe Marshall making a great diving stop at the feet of the attacker only to see the ball ricochet off the forwards knees over him and into the goal. Showing great resilience and attitude the Ammers went straight back down the other end and Brandon "golden boot" Hutchinson got on the end of one of our best passing moves to fire home an unstoppable shot.

Unfortunately before we had a chance to build on this we were behind again due to a defensive mix up from a corner. As the game wore on the confidence of the Leeds Boys grew as we failed to keep the ball for any length of time and they managed to spend longer periods in our half. The third goal was the best of their 3 but in my opinion made the result a little flattering.

Man of the match: Nick Martin for sticking to his task despite being knocked about by a bigger centre forward.

Amaranth 0 V 1 Leeds City Boys

In brighter although no less blustery conditions the 2nd game began much like the 1st with us losing possession too often and too easily. In an end to end game Olly made his usual excellent contribution in goal looking very safe. Sam Clayton, Sam Bryden and Kai all played really well in defence getting in lots of tackling although on occassions taking the safety first approach to excess! In midfield Ryan made some excellent runs but never quite found the telling pass or cross afterwards that would have got us just reward. Thomas Ellis made a good contribution wide left and up front as did Jamie in the centre and Harrison looked sharp up front. In the end though we just didn't pass the ball well enough to win, although we did get their keeper to produce a number of very good saves and we hit the woodwork (OK I know they're plastic but it just doesn't sound right!).

Man of the match: Jamie Carrier for being the best passer in either game.

Sunday 4th March 2007

Amaranth 0 V 0 Dudley Hill Rangers

We are still suffering from lack of match practice, and this showed in the game, which was a scrappy affair. Plenty of effort was put in from the boys, but we need to work on our passing and movement. Adam was isolated up fornt and recieved little of the ball, and we need to work on this. On a positive note Luke had a great game when he came on, and there were also good contributions from Nathan, Connor, Joe O and Joe Ellis who put in a couple of tremendous tackles. We will need to work hard in training this week, as we have a tough match again next Sunday. We can do it boys!

MAN OF THE MATCH: LUKE

Amaranth 2 V 0 Dudley Hill Rangers

An amazing start to the game saw a great run from Ryan who fed Harrison to score a greeat goal (our quickest ever I think). The boys continued to work hard with Jack Myland commanding at the back, and all the midfield lads getting through there work.

As conditions got really bad (thanks to all the spectators who braved the rain!) Harrison managed to squeeze in a 2nd, and to be fair Dudley Hill never looked like scoring. With a blizzrd blowing the game finished 2 - 0.

MAN OF THE MATCH: HARRISON, who probably had his best game for the club so far.

25th February 2007

Methley 1 v 0 Amaranth

This was always going to prove a very difficult game following such a long layoff due to postponements. This was a hard fought game with Methley having much of the possesion.

Ollie made a string of brilliant saves to keep the boys in the game, and as the match progressed the Ammers came more into the contest with Nathan, Keiran and Sam Hewitt working hard. Ellis covered every blade of grass on the park and Nick and Joe Mack held solid at the back. Adam again led the line well by himself up front, and the Managers feel that boys can be proud of their performance. After Methley had taken the lead we pushed for an equaliser, and Keiran came very close to scoring in the last couple of minutes, but it was not to be.

MAN OF THE MATCH Ollie for some great keeping.

Methley 6 v 1 Amaranth

The scoreline does not really reflect the effort put in by the boys in this one. For a long period of the the game this was a very even contest. Joe M made some fantastic saves to keep us in the game during the first half, and Kai and Sam B grew in confidence in defence as the match went on. Unfortunately we conceded a flurry of goals in the second half, but to the boys credit (in particular Joe O) they kept going and were rewarded when Harrison fired home. We then got a penalty, but the keeper saved well from Brandon (never  mind Brandon, it happens to us all!)

MAN OF THE MATCH: Sam B for a great effort in defence.

7th January 2007

Beeston 1 v 0 Amaranth

A heroic effort against the side that has dominated the league in the 1st half of the season and a very clear indication of just how far the team has come. In our first game of the season we lost 6 - 0 and 7 -1 to this team and today could easily have got all 6 points although to be fair to Beeston that would have been harsh.

Right from the kick-off today "The Ammers" showed a passion and desire to win that made all the coaches proud. Closing the opposition down quickly and forcing mistakes when Beeston had the ball. Making intelligent runs and good passes when we were in possession. The first half was very even with Joe Marshall making one brilliant double save and Jack Myland and Sam Clayton performing superbly at the back. Good creative midfield play from Sam Hewitt and Jamie Carrier saw Harrison through on goal more than once only to have his efforts blocked by the leagues best defence. Ryan was all over the park winning 50:50 balls and prooving impossible to mark.

The first half ended 0-0 despite the best efforts of both teams. With the large squad of players that we have it is very difficult for the coaches to give everybody a game without disrupting the pattern of the team, especially when the players on the park are playing so well. The contribution of our subs today however was immense. Joe Bell and Thomas Fancourt both came on and were excellent despite being played out of their normal positions. Sam Bryden seems to improve every week with good quality passing and stronger tackling. Whilst Brandon added a really positive threat from midfield and 7 minutes into the second half, having beaten 3 players, the last Beeston defender had to foul him to prevent what looked like being goal of the season. Sam Clayton curled the free-kick narrowly wide but Beeston were certainly worried.

Shortly afterwards a Beeston attack down the left saw a good cross find their striker at the back post and it was 1 - 0. In an effort to grab a late equaliser we threw Harrison and Brandon up front but despite a valiant effort and one or two breaks we just couldn't find the net. As I said to the boys afterwards if they play this well until the end of the season I can't see any other team beating us. Well done everyone.

Man of the Match: It could have been anyone of the 11 but for another great defensive performance Jack Myland.

Beeston 1 v 2 Amaranth

Less than a minute from the kick-off the ball broke out of the area to Nathan who looked-up saw the keeper off his line and from 30 yeards out hit a fierce dipping shot that thundered in of the underside of the crossbar. What a start!

Everyone then dug-in and worked really hard closing down Beeston and stopping them from playing the passing flowing footbal that we had seen earlier in the season. The midfield of Kieran, Nathan, Ellis and Joe Oldfield were outstanding and worked tirelessly the whole match. The match ebbed and flowed from end to end with both sides having chances. Adam was thwarted by 2 or 3 good defensive blocks and the same number of good saves whilst Ollie again was commanding in our goal. Just after the interval a corner from the left was bouncing around in our penalty area when a good hard clearance hit Keiran on the arm. As he was on the ground supporting himself with that arm it seemed very harsh to call it deliberate but the Ref who had an exemplary game pointed to the spot.

Cool as a cucumber Ollie stood tall and looked the striker straight in the eye, the ball was struck and Ollie got everything behind it making the save look a lot easier than it was. What a hero! Beeston then seemed to be having a really good spell and Ollie was called on to make another couple of good saves before a low cross from the right evaded the defenders and was slotted home to make it 1-1 with onlly 7 minutes left. At this point I should mention that Joe Macklam, Thomas Ellis and Nick had all played really well helped by some great tackling back from our tireless midfield.

The character of this team then shone through and if anyone had any doubts about these players being true winners then the final 5 minutes answered them. After a strong run down the right by Nathan "The Ammers" won a corner. As Nathan had taken a knock to the shoulder he was swapped for Luke who ran on connected with Kieran's inch perfect delivery and sent the Amaranth supporters into raptures. 2-1 to the Ammers a perfect headed goal to cap off a first class all round performance.

Man of the Match: Nathan Connel - great goal, great tackling, great performance.

17th December 2006

Amaranth 1 v 4 Shadwell Park

We were up against a really well organised side with some talented players, and this showed in the first half with Shadwell scoring 2 excellent goals. What really impressed the coaches was the way that all the Amaranth boys kept on working really hard, with Joe Macklam and Jack Myland putting in solid performances at the back, and Ollie showing real bravery between the sticks. Shadwell added a third after the break.

In the second half the midfielders and Adam came into the game a lot more, with especially Ellis, Joe Oldfield and Keiran getting through a lot of work. The extra effort was rewarded when Ellis cracked in a great goal from distance, to make the final score 3 -1.

All the boys were really disappointed to lose against one of the best sides we have played against, and I think this shows how far we have come as team since the start of the season. Keep going Guys!!

Amaranth 4 v 1 Shadwell Park

A tremendous performance from all the boys involved, to round off the year with a win. Amaranth controlled the first half, and after earlier hitting the post the lively Harrison finished cooly in a one on one with keeper. Brandon 'goal machine' Hutchinson then added two more excellent goals, the second of which was probably the best team goal we have scored this season, and the win was sealed in the second half with a towering header from Sam Clayton.

A very pleasing all round display, with Joe Marshall being brave as a lion in goals, Sam and Connor commanding at the back, and Jamie especially outstanding in the mdifield, with Nathan M and Sam Hewitt also working really hard.

Well done boys!

10th December 2006

Leeds City Juniors 0 v 2 Amaranth

On paper this game was going to be one of our most difficult of the season.It turned out to be one of our best performances. Leeds City started the game stongly, but both Sam Clayton and Joe Macklam put in solid performances at the back. Our midfield worked none-stop, with Keiran, Nathan Connell, Ellis and Joe Oldfield putting in all action performances.

After a deliberate hand ball a penalty was awarded to Amaranth and Jamie confidently stepped up and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Adam worked really hard up front by himself, and was in the thick of the action going forward.

In the second half we continued to put pressure on the Leeds City defence, and Luke's all action performance was rewaded when he finished cooly to make it  2- 0 to the Ammers.

Leeds City came back into the game, but the defence and Ollie stood firm, meaning a clean sheet and and a terrific win.

Man of the match: Ollie 'clean sheet' Warden

Leeds City Juniors 1 v 4 Amaranath

Another fantastic performance as the weather conditions got worse! Unfortunately our defenders went to sleep for a moment, and Leeds City capitalised to score a good opening goal.

This was the kick-start the boys needed, and we began to play some good attacking stuff with Nathan M working well in midfield..Harrison was mobile up front and soon bagged the equaliser. Constant pressure from us meant that a corner from Ryan was sliced into his own goal by a Leeds defender 2 -1 !

Strikes from Harrison and Brandon meant that the boys took a 4 -1 lead. Brandon's was a beauty which was struck so hard it demolished part of the goal!

To their credit Leeds City kept attacking, but with Joe Bell, and Tom Fancourt solid, and Jack Myland outstanding at the back, our goal never really looked in any danger.

WELL DONE EVERYONE

Man of the match: Jack Myland - great defending.

26th November 2006

Amaranth 2 V 2 Alverthorpe

Alverthorpe are a strong, well organised side full of good footballers, and from the kick-off it was clear why they have spent most of this season on top of the table. In the early exchanges both sides had chances with Kieran Marshall again putting in a captain's performance in midfield, to get back and clear when Alverthorpe looked threatening.

Gradually the Ammers started to gain the upper hand and a good run from Ellis followed by a well timed pass saw Adam get an early shot on goal. As the pressure mounted another shot from Adam was pushed out by the Alverthorpe keeper. Kieran floated the corner in and Ellis only just managed to get his head to the ball before Adam 1-0. It's great to see our strikers running in and attacking corners.

Alverthorpe came straight back at us and within a minute Ollie had to pull off a great save to keep us level. Then Ollie hit a great goal-kick that saw Adam through on goal and forced another great save from the Alverthope keeper (who looked about 15 and was definitely their Man of the Match). Ellis had a great shot stopped and the keeper then managed to somehow block the rebound too.

Alverthorpe then broke quickly and we were left with a 2 v 1 at the back. Nick somehow managed to get a block in and then Ollie made another great save from the follow up. Nathan Connell then made a fabulous cover tackle showing just how a midfielder should get back and help out his defence. Jack Myland, Sam Clayton and Joe Macklam gave us a very solid defensive look and all played well.

The second half started like the first with an early Alverthope corner which was well cleared by Sam Clayton with a defensive header. Then as we broke towards the Alverthorpe goal Kieran was brought down and for once the ref actually gave us a free-kick (well done Mark). From just outside the penalty area on the left hand side Kieran smashed an unstoppable shot right into the top corner. 5 minutes into the 2nd half and 2 - 0 the Ammers.

Like after the first goal however Alverthorpe came straight back at us and just over a minute later a defensive mix-up saw the ball allowed to bobble around our penalty box and an Alverthorpe striker manage to poke the ball past Ollie. The lesson for us, like every football team, is that you're vulnerable just after you've scored so you need to concentrate and lift the work rate to make sure the opposition can't get one back.

Some good communication between Nick and Ollie at the back turned what would last season have been a corner into a good attack as Ollie shouted for the ball and Nick shepherded the ball back to him. Then another mix-up from a throw-in where our midfielders didn't pick up the Alverthorpe runners saw them equalize. Despite a number of good chances we weren't able to find a winner.

Ollie was called upon once more to be really brave and dive at one of their player's feet. He then shrugged off the nasty kick on the ankle he received to see out the rest of the game. With Amaranth attacking it was Alverthorpe who were more happy to hear the final whistle and probably the happier of the two sides with a point.

Man of the Match - Thanks lads, you seem to be making the job of picking a man of the match harder each week. All of you have a good case but as I can only pick one this week it's Ellis for some great passing and running both with the ball and into space.

Amaranth 3 V 3 Alverthope

Just like with the first game the Alverthope team started brightly with some good passing and some confident play. 2 minutes in and Joe Marshall had to produce the best save of the day to keep them out (this was top drawer stuff on a day when all the goalkeepers were tested and none of them found wanting).

In our new system of 3-2-1 (or the Christmas tree formation) our loan strikers have to be able to hold the ball up to enable the midfield and wing backs to join in the attack. Harrison is doing this better each week using his strength to hold off defenders. After 4 minutes today however he found himself clean through on goal behind the last defender. Only a fabulous last ditch cover tackle managed to take the ball off his toe end as he cocked the trigger.

From the corner Sam Hewitt hit a great snap shot that brought another good save and this was quickly followed by a great piece of keeping from Joe Marshall at the other end when he dived fearlessly at the feet of an on rushing attacker. Then Alverthope broke down the right wing and as Joe Bell was pulled across to try and tackle the Alverthorpe Centre Forward broke into the middle and headed home - One nil down.

Brandon then came on and looked very lively up, hitting a couple of scorching drives on goal, the second of which the Goalie could only palm away for a corner. Jamie Carrier floated in a perfect cross to the near post and Brandon glanced the ball home reminding many in the crowd of a young Teddy Sherringham.

Some good exchanges followed as the game went from end to end with good attacking and defending by both teams. Then after 17 minutes a great ball from Joe Marshall saw Brandon break free and cool as a cucumber slot home his 2nd of the day to see Ammers take the lead (2 - 1).

De ja vu, Ammers score Alverthorpe hit straight back, despite a terrific first save from Joe Marshall the ball broke to an Alverthorpe player who tapped home. As the coaches said to both teams we need to make sure we are first to both attacking and defensive rebounds.

So half-time and 2 - 2 but it felt like we could kick-on and win this one. As the second half got underway the 2 wing-backs Little Joe (Oldfield) and Connor made some great attacking runs and just as importantly some great defensive tackles and clearances. Then with a towering leap Little Joe managed to head the ball off the line from a corner saving a certain goal.

Thomas Ellis and Ryan made good contributions from midfield getting down the sides of the defence and making some good crosses. Next time if they can just pull the ball back a little more to stop the opposition Goalie from claiming them I'm sure we'll get plenty of goals from such quality.

Connor again made a great covering tackle in defence and Little Joe then battled like a demon in midfield to dispossess the Alverthorpe players and put Harrison through on goal. This time not even the Alverthorpe centre back could block the shot and the ball sailed past the despairing dive of the excellent Alverthorpe keeper to bulge the net - smiles all round 3 -2 to the Amaranth.

De Ja Vu or did I just say that? Alverthorpe come straight back at us and a real quality cross cuts out Joe Bell, who had played his usual solid game in defence, and finds an Alverthorpe player with just enough space to crash the ball past Joe Marshall for the equalizer.

Despite Brandon's best efforts to repeat the opening goal with a near post header that this time flew just wide and numerous shots that brought great saves from their keeper the game ended level. I know I'm biased and at the start of the season I'd have paid good money to take 2 points from this fixture but I felt it was 4 points dropped today and that with a little bit of luck and a touch more concentration we could have taken all 6 points. Well played to all the lads an excellent all round team performance.

Man of the Match - Just like the first game this could have gone to any number of players, so well played everyone however this week it's Joseph Oldfield - well done a mighty performance.

Amaranth 1 v 3 Alverthorpe

We put out a 3-3-2 with Luke in goals and Thomas Fancourt captain.

As we now have a very large squad of players it is difficult to get every one on the pitch without disrupting the shape and flow of the game. It was great therefore that Alverthorpe were good enough to play a third game with 9 of their best players. A big thanks from me to the boys who volunteered to play in the 3rd game it showed a really good attitude and team spirit.

With 9 players on the pitch the early play was very scrappy with nobody having enough time on the ball to show their skills. A melee inside our box saw Alverthorpe poke home the first goal and then shortly afterwards steal a second as Thomas Fancourt and Ollie were left 6 v 2 at the back. Our midfield needs to ask how did so many of their players manage to get into the box without us tracking them.

Thomas Ellis then produced some excellent work wide on the left making himself available finding space and making good passes. Despite this Alverthorpe picked up a 3rd goal and again the midfield need to look at themselves and ask did I do enough defensively or did I only sprint towards the opposition goal?

Then from a fabulous Ollie goal-kick Jack Myland broke down the left cut inside and beat the Alverthorpe keeper. Well done Jack, great goal.

In the 2nd half the team played much better as they started to pass the ball earlier and so didn't get caught in possession as much. Some great tackling and distribution from Nathan McLeish set up a number of chances for Harrison and Brandon but again we were constantly foiled by last ditch tackles and great goalkeeping. The lesson we need to learn is that against good sides we can't afford to give away sloppy goals because they won't!

Then in the final minute Brandon broke free of the defence, he hit a fabulous shot that was heading straight for the top corner - like a leaping salmon the keeper manages somehow to get a hand to it. Ryan following up just as we had asked then got on to the end of the rebound and if it hadn't been for a nasty bobble just as he hit it we would have scored a beauty. Well done Ryan all good strikers know that if you keep getting into the right positions you'll start to score lots of goals.

Sorry the report was so long this week, but thanks and well done to all the boys.

Man of the Match - Thomas Ellis

12th November 2006

Dudley Hill 0 V 3 Amaranth

Today showed just how far this team has progressed and the coaching staff were all delighted and proud at the skill, enthusiasm and commitment shown by every player. The first half began with some tigerish tackling from Nathan "chopper" Connell who showed great appetite to win the ball (even if it was a bit too aggressive for the home team Ref). After a period of sustained pressure on the Dudley Hill goal Ellis fired a fierce shot that brought an excellent save from their keeper. Ellis then flighted a perfect corner into the box that sam Clayton buried with a bullet header. 12 minutes gone 1 - 0 to the Ammers.

Going behind spurred Dudley Hill on and for 5 minutes after the goal our defence had to work really hard tackling, blocking shots and clearing with headers. As half time approached some very good inter-passing in mid-field from Connor and Joe Oldfield in particular and good work up front by Sam Bryden saw Amaranth regain the ascendency.

2 minutes after the break Sam Clayton pounced on a loose goal-kick and narrowly missed scoring what would have been a contender for goal of the season. Then the best passing move of the match started by Ellis, continued by Nathan Connell and Adam saw Ellis score a goal that would have not been out of place at the Emirates Stadium.

The champagne football that followed saw Sam "Christiano" Clayton rampaging down the left wing and performing 2 perfect Ronaldo step-overs. Then with 2 minutes to go a corner from Adam floated into the box and Ellis popped up to fire home his 2nd of the game.

Man of the Match - This was really tough as everybody deserved a share but for his work rate, vision and passing it's Connor.

Dudley Hill 0 V 3 Amaranth

As with the 1st game the coaches decided on a different system for this game with 3 at the back and 2 in midfield rather than our normal 2-3-1. The idea is to try and make us solid at the back whilst getting the full-backs to overlap and use the full width of the pitch. Ryan and Thomas Ellis started as the full-backs and both put in excellent performances. The tactic looked to be working right from the start with the Ammers creating a string of chances that Harrison would normally have buried, however a series of good saves and hurried defending prevented the pressure from being turned into goals.

Jamie was dominating midfield and on more than 1 occassion found a pinpoint pass to create a chance. Sam Hewitt was buzzing up and down in another excellent high energy midfield performance. Three quarters of the way through the first period Dudley broke and only a fantastic cover tackle from Ryan prevented Joe "clean sheet again" Marshall from having to get out of his comfy arm chair. Seriously Joe again looked commanding and confident behind a solid defence.

Due to yours truly being unable to divide 8 by 2 we had 5 subs for this match so it was time for wholesale changes with Brandon coming on up front; Kai and Luke slotting in as the 2 full-backs, Thomas Fancourt taking over the central defensive duties from Joe "the rock" Bell and Nathan McLeish dropping into midfield. Given the magnitude of the changes it would have been very easy for the lads to lose concentration, shape and for the performance to have suffered. It didn't.

Brandon's hard work up fron was rewarded after 15 minutes and again 2 minutes later when on both occasions he latched onto weak goal-kicks and scored to belting goals. The hat-trick came less than a minute into the 2nd half with some great passing from Nathan McLeish in midfield putting Brandon through for his 3rd of the day - clinical.

Another round of wholesale changes followed and again the pattern of the game didn't change despite the disruption. Harrison again went close with good chances,  and the defence stood firm when called upon.

Man of the Match - Brandon "Hat-trick" Hutchinson

5th November 2006

Amaranth 2 V 3 Methley Park

A slow start lead to us going three nil down before half-time. A much improved performance after the break saw a storming comeback. Ellis Burke scored with a glancing header, and then Nick Martin rammed one home. Amaranth piled on the pressure, and bombarded the Methley goal.  We had one amazing moment when an Amaranth shot stopped dead on the goal line!

All our pressure failed to pay off ending in a narrow defeat.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nick Martin.

Amaranth 0 V 0 Methley Park

A game that created very few chances saw a solid defensive peformance from the boys, with Jack Myland in particular putting on a good display. Sam Hewitt worked hard on the left hand of midfield, and Sam Clayton was also commanding at the back. The game ended in a stalemate due to a fine performance by both goal keepers.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Joe (clean sheet) Marshall.

22nd October 2006

Middleton Park 1 v 2 Amaranth

Although bottom of the table Middleton Park are a far stronger side than their position would suggest. They had a very quick and skilful forward, a good goalkeeper and worked hard from front to back. The match started with Ammers slightly on top but not much to choose between the teams. After 5 minutes a strong tackle in mid-field from a Middleton Park goal kick saw Kieran win the ball and drive towards the goal. Although the covering defence tried to get across and block the shot it rifled straight from Keiran's right foot into the top corner. Ammers 1-0 ahead.

For the next 8 minutes the game was close and hard fought with good defending and hard work in mid-field preventing the attackers from getting any clear cut chances. Then due to an unfortunate slip from a goal-kick Middleton Park equalised with what was almost a mirror image of our opener. Jack Myland, Joseph Oldfield and Sam Bryden all came on and made major contributions with lots of effort and hard work.

1 - 1 at Half Time.

The second half started just where the first had left off with good defending by both sides. Nick and Joe Macklam looked very solid with Ollie commanding in goal. As the half wore on it looked as though the match was going to remain with honours even but 4 minutes from time The Middleton Park Goalkeeper kicked the ball out and Ellis intercepted it. The Ammers fan's buzzed with excitment after last week's wonder goal just hoping he could break the dead-lock. Left-foot, great strike, top corner 2 - 1 to the Ammers.

A well deserved and hard fought victory.

Man of the Match: Kieran Marshall and Ellis Burke

Middleton Park 1 v 2 Amaranth

What a start! 20 secs gone and we're 1-0 down. Straight from the kick-off they make a couple of good passes and the ball is in the back of our net. We need to learn from this to be on our game right from the start. For the next 10 minutes the match settled into a tough, even battle with both sides showing plenty of desire but little in the way of shape or tactics. Sam Clayton was immense at the back working tirelessly to keep Middleton at bay. Then with 12 minutes gone the ammers midfield failed to get back and with 4 on 2 Middleton over ran our defence to make it 2-0.

Last season the boys would have let their heads drop at this stage and we would have been soundly beaten, but it's a great testament to their strength of character and new found sense of belief that this season they will rise to the challenge. Less than a minute from going behind Sam Hewitt set a Captain's example. Picking the ball up on the left wing he drove inside and hit what I thought was a cross. It flew between a couple of defenders past the keeper and the defecit is halved 2-1.

This spurred everyone on to greater efforts and we had a number of good chances. Then from one of what seemed to be a never ending stream of corners the ball broke to Sam Clayton just outside the box. He hit the ball sweetly with his left foot and it was heading like an arrow into the top corner of the net. One of their defenders threw-up his hands and deflected it, PENALTY! The referee then placed the ball and the Ammers fans gasped (it looked closer to halfway than the goal). Jamie looked totally unphased, picked his spot and buried it. 2 - 2 at half-time.

Captain fantastic, Sam set a great tempo right from the kick-off and seven minutes into the 2nd half played an exquisite through ball to put Harrison through on goal. Cool as a cucumber Harry drew the keeper and slid the ball past him 3 - 2 Ammers.

4 minutes later Ryan hit a great right foot shot to make it 4 - 2. Then Brandon scored a great goal from a Thomas Ellis pass before providing an excellent through ball to Harrison who rounded off a fine 6 - 2 victory in added time. Great come back.

Man of the Match: Sam Clayton and Sam Hewitt.

8th October 2006 

Amaranth 1 v 2 Kirkstall Crusaders

Firstly a big thank you to Joe Marshall who volunteered to stand in at Goal Keeper with both Olly and Kai out injured it's great to have lads who are willing to help out. Joe's performance was excellent and he's my Man of The Match this week.

In the first half we were slow to settle letting Kirkstall have too much of the ball and not keeping our shape. Good defending by both Sam Brydon and Jack Myland who tracked back from midfield kept us on terms until a defensive slip let in Kirkstall for the opening goal. Kirkstall scored a second shortly after but unlike last season where the lads would have given up and got beaten by a few they all dug deep and started to play. Joesph Oldfield had his usual dynamic performance buzzing all across the pitch whilst Joe Bell looks more solid in defence with each performance.

In the second half we had by far the better of the play and if we had only passed the ball better I'm sure we'd have won. Harrison scored a great goal in the 34th minute and despite a few excellent efforts we were foiled by the Kirkstall goalkeeper who played really well.

All round this was another solid performance, with the lads all showing a good attitude. Next match let's just keep our shape and PASS PASS PASS!

Man of the Match: Joe Marshall

Amaranth 5 v 1 Kirkstall Crusaders

Awesome.

I could stop there but I won't.

What a start to a game. Straight from the kick-off some neat interpassing between Keiran, Adam and Ellis saw Adam breaking into the Kirkstall penalty box and burying his shot in the bottom corner. Ammers 1 - 0 up inside a minute.

Kirkstall tried to come straight back but some excellent covering by Joe Macklam in defence kept them at bay. Our midfield then started to take control with Kieran dominating the middle of the park and Nathan and Ellis either side creating opportunities. Sam Hewitt then came on and made some really telling passes and then after 12 minutes Ellis picked up a loose ball 30 yards out and hammered into the top corner. Unstopable!

There was no further scoring before half-time but Jamie Carrier showed that he's still a top keeper with a couple of great saves and some of the best distribution from the back that we've seen in a long time. Luke swapped with Jamie at half-time and played just as well in the second half. It's great to be blessed with so many good keepers and we will soon be getting some professional goalie training for them so the rest of the league better beware!

The second half began with us on top again and a top class corner from Kieran flashed just over the crossbar from a great Nathan header. Then a perfect through ball from Kieran saw Adam clear on goal again and the score is 3 - 0 with 7 minutes gone in the second period. The points never looked in doubt but 9 minutes later a defensive lapse at the back let Kirkstall through to make it 3 -1.

Kieran who was Captain for the day then did what any great leader would do and battled to win the ball, not content with that he then slid a pass through to Adam who showed what a great striker he is with a cool finish to make it 4 - 1. With the full-time whistle fast approaching the Kirkstall goal was taking a real battering and if it hadn't been for an outstanding performance by their keeper, who knows how many more we might have scored. In the dying seconds, first Kieran, then Sam were thrarted by great saves, Nathan however was on hand to toe-poke the rebound into the net for a great 5-1 victory. Well done to everyone.

Man of the Match and Hat Trick hero Adam - but only by a whisker as this was a great team performance.

24th September 2006

Garforth Rangers "A" 1 v Amaranth 4

What can I say?

A brilliant all round performance from all the lads. Oliver Warden looked commanding in Goal behind a rock solid defence and was only just beaten by a penalty (another dodgy refereeing decision). Joeseph Macklam was tremendous in defence as was Sam Clayton. Up front Adam Chapman and Ellis Burke worked hard and were helped out by Natahn Connell and Kieran Marshall in Midfield.

Well done everyone this shows what can be done when you play as a team with good passing and support play.

Garforth Rangers "A" 2 v Amaranth 1

The coaching staff will take full responsibility for letting this one get away. A fabulous team performance right from the kick-off. Jamie Carrier looked strong in midfield finding a number of good passes to put Harrison Ingleby through on goal and we managed to dominate the whole 1st half keeping Garforth pinned back. Having gone 1-0 up it seemed likely that we would push on and win the game but in an effort to ensure that everyone got a good go, the coaches threw on our substitutes which unfortunately made the team lose concentration and shape in Defence. Garforth capitalised with 2 late goals to rob us of a well deserved victory but it's the performance that matters and this was a great one! Well done to everyone who played but particularly to Joeseph Oldfield on his debut.

No match this Sunday but the Under 9's are at home if anyone wants to come along and support them.

Oh and just for the record: