23/2/08

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Deeping Blues 0 v Thorney Colts 0

 

Saturday saw Blues play their final game in the PJAL.  Their opponents were Thorney Colts and although Eye United were expected to win their final match and clinch the title, Deeping knew a home win and any mistake by Eye could bring the title to Outgang Road.  The first half saw Blues settle early and dominate play, notable chances missed saw Thorney’s keeper make a fine save from a Ryan Cotterell effort, defender Tom Barnes saw one cleared of the line and a goal mouth scramble somehow saw the ball stay out of the Thorney goal.  

 

The second half was more even, with both sides failing to create any real goal scoring chances.  Deeping’s only chances coming from corner kicks but no one was able to take advantage.  The final whistle sounded as a goal less stale mate, which saw Deeping finish as runners up in the Red Zone.  All in all, a great first season of league football for the Blues and now everybody is looking forward to participating next year at Under 9 level.  A big pat on the back to all the boys for their hard work this year.

 

Man of the match – Ryan Cotterell

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

****************************************************

 

9/2/08

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Deeping Blues 1 v Abbey Athletic 1

 

The only Red Zone game on Saturday in the PJAL saw Deeping Blue have the chance to go to the top of the league and therefore have the destiny of the title in their own hands.  Current league leaders Eye were inactive and a Deeping win would see them go clear by one point with one match to play.  Saturday’s visitors were Werrington based Abbey Athletic who currently sit one place behind the Blues in third spot. 

 

Deeping were hoping to avenge an early season defeat at Abbey where they had gone down 1 – 0.  Again players and spectators knew the importance of this match.  The first half was evenly contested with both sides playing attacking football without managing to trouble the goalkeeper at either end resulting in a half time score of 0 – 0.

 

The second half mirrored the first with both keepers largely untroubled.  The Blues finally broke the deadlock when Jack Markley picked up a loose ball and hit a fierce shot from distance, which dipped over the Abbey keeper to give Rangers the lead.  Sadly for Deeping the lead was short lived as poor defensive work saw an Abbey shot deflect off a Deeping defender and agonisingly out of the reach of home keeper Ollie Goode.  The goal stirred Deeping into pushing forward and wayward finishing was to cost the home side, who missed three/four good chances to seal the match.  The final whistle sounded to leave Deeping disappointed at the result, which now sees them trail league leaders Eye United by one point with both teams still having one game to play.  Current form suggests an easy Eye victory away at Nene Valley while Blues entertain Thorney at Outgang Road on 23rd February where the Blues aim to finish with a home win.  In their first season of league football and Blues are guaranteed at least runners-up spot. 

 

Man of the match – Thomas Needham

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

****************************************************

 

 

2/2/08

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Bourne Clarets 0 v Deeping Blues 1

 

Saturday’s match was Deeping’s last away fixture of the PJAL Under 8 Red Zone.  Their opponents were Bourne Clarets and with Deeping needing to win every remaining game this season the team were under no illusions that a tough days work was ahead.  On a cold day, a heavy bumpy pitch awaited both teams and again it would be difficult to play good football.  A good sized crowd had gathered to watch the match and Deeping kicked off the contest in the first half.  The opening stages of the match were even with neither side able to create a clear cut opening.  Bourne’s defence were in superb form and Deeping’s Josh Smith was sweeping up any dangerous through balls.  Bourne began to get the upper hand and once again the Blue’s outstanding Ollie Goode kept Deeping’s goal intact.  The half time whistle sounded with Bourne on top but the score line stayed 0 – 0. 

 

The second half followed the same pattern as the end of the first with Bourne creating the better chances and pressurising the Deeping goal.  Ollie Goode time and time again pulled off tremendous saves with Adam Reeve standing strong in his defensive role.  Two minutes from time, Goode’s goal kick was picked up by Ryan Cotterell who fought through two challenges before drilling a low shot under the out rushing Bourne keeper.  Deeping’s players, management and supporters were ecstatic at the final whistle, this win keeping up the pressure on current league leaders Eye United.  An honest assessment, this was a real smash and grab result, Bourne creating the better chances but Cotterell’s superb late strike stealing all three points for the Blues. 

 

Man of the match – Adam Reeve

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

****************************************************

 

26/01/08

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Deeping Blues 3 v Parkway Eagles 0

 

Blues finally returned to league action after a five week lay off in which time Eye United had taken over top spot in the PJAL Under 8 Red Zone, although Blues have a game in hand and wins in their final four games would see them home as champions.  A strong wind blew across Outgang Road and at kick off both teams knew that good football would be difficult.  Deeping kicked off and immediately took the game to Parkway but were struggling with a final ball after a long lay off.  The blues were dominating possession and a mixture of poor finishing and fine goalkeeping was frustrating Deeping’s efforts.  Midway through the first half Ryan Cotterell’s cross field pass found Joe Hussey, who crashed a superb dipping shot from distance over the Parkway keeper to give the Blues a deserved lead.  Minutes later sustained pressure in the Parkway box saw Deeping increase their lead to 2 – 0 courtesy of an own goal.  Half time came and Deeping’s defence of Tom Barnes and Tom Needham had been untroubled with Needham storming forward to crash a spectacular shot which cannoned back off the post. 

 

Deeping again made changes at half time but the pattern of the game remained the same, the Blues creating chance after chance, again good goalkeeping from the Eagles keeper thwarting them on numerous occasions.  Jack Markley then intercepted a weak goal kick and scored Deeping’s third goal with ease.  Deeping’s second half defence of Josh Smith and Adam Reeve again stopped every Parkway attack leaving keeper Ollie Goode as a virtual bystander.  Final whistle sounded and the Blues had achieved their target of victory, a clean sheet and a good all round team performance after an enforced lay off due to the recent wet weather. 

 

Man of the match – Tom Barnes

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

****************************************************

 

15/12/07

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Eye United 2 v Deepings Blues 0

 

Saturday saw the crunch top of the table match between leaders Deeping Blues and second placed Eye United.  With Deeping holding a four point lead over their second place rivals, Eye were desperate for a victory to close the gap at the top.  Both sides have been on long unbeaten runs and a large crowd had gathered to watch an eagerly anticipated match.  A cold but still day left ideal playing conditions and Eye kicked off the first half of the contest.   Early exchanges saw Eye playing the slightly better football, but Deeping battling hard allowing Eye few chances.  Josh Smith and Adam Reeve looked comfortable at the back and Ollie Goode was once again superb in the Rangers goal.  Jack Markley and Joe Hussey worked tirelessly in the first half as Deeping began to match their opponents but with neither side able to find the opening goal.

 

Deeping made changes during the break and never looked as comfortable in the second period.  Eye pressed forward at every opportunity and Deeping rode their luck on several occasions and with Ollie Goode continuing his superb form.  Close to full-time a superb individual run by an Eye defender saw his fierce shot cross the line even though Ollie got both hands to the goal bound effort.  This goal after the battling performance knocked the stuffing out of the entire Blues team and a second goal followed shortly after.  A battling performance throughout from the Blues side saw them beaten by the better side in the second half.  The result saw Deeping remain top of the red zone, but their lead cut to just one point with four games left to play.

 

Man of the match – Joe Hussey

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

****************************************************

 

01/12/07

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Deeping Blues 3 v Nene Valley Lynx 1

 

Warmer weather returned to Outgang Road as league leaders Deeping Blues played host to Nene Valley Lynx in the PJAL red zone.  Blues took to the field unsure of their opponents, after the up and down performance of the Lynx side so far this season.  Nene Valley kicked off the match and the early exchanges were 50/50 with both sides working hard and neither keeper having a save to make.  Deeping broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Jack Markley picked out Joe Hussey who hit a fantastic dipping shot over the Lynx keeper to put the Blues ahead.  Shortly after their opening goal, Deeping added a second when Jack Markley intercepted a weak goal kick and ran through to hit the back of the net.  The Deeping goal had not been threatened during the first half, thanks mainly to a solid performance from Josh Smith at the back.  Half-time saw the Blues holding a comfortable 2 – 0 lead. 

 

Deeping made changes at half-time and kicked off the second half looking to extend their lead.  A third goal finally arrived for the Blues with a fine solo effort from Ryan Cotterell which effectively killed off the game.  In the last minute, shabby defending by Deeping allowed Nene Valley to break away and score a late consolation goal.  Another successful day for the league leaders with three more points added to their league total.

 

Man of the match – Josh Smith

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

****************************************************

 

24/11/07

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Netherton Falcons 0 v Deeping Blues 1          

 

Winter finally arrived in the Peterborough Junior Alliance league on Saturday.  Bitterly cold temperatures and an icy wind awaited the teams at The Grange as Netherton Falcons played host to league leaders Deeping Blues.  Deeping went into the match missing both Ryan Cotterell and Adam Reeve and with keeper Ollie Goode between the sticks straight from his sickbed.  This cut Deepings small squad to the bone.  The blues kicked off the match with the sloping pitch in their favour but a stiff wind in their faces.  The early part of the match saw both teams struggle to play good football in the atrocious conditions with Deeping using the slope and Netherton using the wind.  Midway through the first half, a strong run from Jack Markley saw him release Joe Hussey who turned and saw his first time left foot shot find the back of the net.  Deeping’s defensive duo of Tom Barnes and Tom Needham were snuffing out any Netherton attacks leaving keeper Ollie Goode with little to do.  The second half saw Netherton have the advantage of the slope, but Deeping throughout looked the likelier team to score.  Several chances were created which saw Joe Hussey shave the post three or four times but fail to find the target.  Jack Markley was continuing his outstanding first half work rate with Josh Smith sweeping up any occasional Netherton breaks.  The final whistle sounded seeing Blues earning another three points and keeping their first clean sheet of the season under very difficult weather conditions and with a depleted squad. 

 

Man of the match – Jack Markley

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

****************************************************

17/11/07

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Thorney Colts 1 v Deeping Blues 3

 

League leaders Deeping Blues travelled to the seasons surprise side Thorney, unbeaten since the opening day and their last two results being creditable 0-0 draws against Eye and Abbey Athletic.  Blues were under no illusion that anything other than their recent hard working performances would result in them taking anything away from this tough encounter.  Thorney kicked off the match, but were quickly put under pressure by Deeping, who were not allowing their opponents any time on the ball.  Early in the first half, strong running from Ryan Cotterell released Jack Markley, who confidently finished, putting the away side one up.  At this point, the Blues appeared in control of the match, Deeping’s defence protecting their keeper well and the hardworking front pair causing Thorney’s defence problems.  It came as no surprise, after a surging run down the right and cross from Jack Markley that Ryan Cotterell stabbed the ball home to make it 2 – 0 to the Blues.  Deeping were under no real pressure and it came as a shock when Thorney pulled a goal back in the last minute of the first half, when the Blues were guilty of a lax moment in defence, despite keeper Ollie Goode’s superb effort at saving the striker’s powerful shot.  Half-time saw Deeping slightly aggrieved to be only leading 2 – 1. 

 

The second half saw Thorney begin the brighter and put the Blues defence under real pressure, keeper Ollie Goode again coping with anything the home team could muster.  Midway through the second half, a poor clearance from Thorney’s defence was picked up by Joe Hussey who hammered the ball past the static Thorney keeper.  The remainder of the match was battled out in the middle of the park with no team able to add to their score.  At the sound of the final whistle, Deeping were pleased with a hard mornings work and to have inflicted Thorney’s first defeat in eight weeks, keeping them top of the red zone once again. 

 

Man of the match – Ollie Goode

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

****************************************************

 

10/11/07

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Deeping Blues 4 v Bourne Clarets 2

 

A stiff wind blew across Outgang Road as Deeping Blues returned home to face Bourne Clarets.  This has to be classed as a Red Zone top of the table clash, which at the start of the match saw Deeping top of the league and Bourne in third place just two points behind.  Bourne kicked off the match with the wind at their backs and Deepings entire team knew they would have to work hard against the elements and a strong Bourne outfit.  The early stages of the match saw Deeping dig in hard with some strong tackles and some excellent passing.  Surprisingly Blues seemed to be coping with the weather conditions better than their Bourne opponents although Ollie Goode pulled off one smart save to deny Bourne.  Back onto the attack and great interplay between Ryan Cotterell and Jack Markley, saw Jack open the scoring with a great goal.  Deeping dominated and a second goal looked likely, but after a swift break, Bourne forced a corner which was unfortunately deflected in by a Blues player to make the score at half-time1-1. 

 

The second period began with Deeping having the advantage of the strong wind and an early break saw Ryan Cotterell race away and beat the Bourne keeper to make it 2-1 to the Blues.  Deepings hard work policy was paying dividends with Bourne struggling to get a foothold in the match and it came as no surprise when Cotterell stabbed home a third goal after Bourne failed to clear.  Neat play in the Bourne half saw Joe Hussey released and he smashed home Deepings fourth goal of the match.  In the last minute, with Deeping cruising 4-1, Bourne scored a fine second goal after some great play near the touchline.  The match ended with the victors happy to have beaten one of their nearest rivals and maintaining their position at the top of the table. 

 

Man of the Match – Ryan Cotterell

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

****************************************************

 

 

3/11/07

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Parkway Eagles 1 v Deeping Blues 3

 

Blues travelled to Itter Park to take on newly formed Parkway Eagles in their first match back after the autumn break.  League positions suggested this could be an easy match for the Blues, but Parkway had other ideas.  From the kick-off Parkway battled hard and Deeping found it difficult to break through the Eagles back line.  Finally after a great pass from Hussey, Markley opened the scoring putting Deeping 1 – 0 up.  The goal should have settled the Blues, but Parkway battled back and immediately equalised, this shocked the Deeping team who were turning in an unusually lethargic display.  Just before half time, a Smith pass found Markley, who turned and scored from distance, the half time whistle sounded with the Blues leading

2 – 1.

 

The second half continued in the same manner as the first, with Deeping finding it difficult to break down hard working opponents.  Cotterell then scored Deepings third goal to make the game safe.  As Parkway tired, the Blues started to create several chances and were thwarted by some superb saves from the Eagles keeper, including one goal mouth melee which left the spectators open-mouthed as the ball cannoned around the Parkway goal with desperate strikers being matched by frantic defending.  The final whistle sounded with Deeping relieved to have gained three points and Parkway delighted at their fighting performance. 

 

Seems like the autumn break affected every team in the league as this result, combined with several other surprising score lines saw Deeping Blues return to the top of the Red Zone table.

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

*******************************************************

 

27/10/07

Friendly Game 1

 

Deeping Blues 9 v Bourne Blues 0

 

Deeping kicked off against Bourne Blues, playing great passing football, Deeping quickly gained the upper hand and opened the scoring with a goal from Markley.  Markley quickly added a second after good work from Hussey who then went on to score Deepings third.  Just before half time Markley completed his hat-trick again after a fine team move, leaving the half time score 4 – 0 to Deeping.  The second half continued in the same vein as the first half with Deeping playing fast, passing football.  Cotterell raced clear to score Deepings fifth and then quickly added a sixth.  Hussey then scored his second and Deepings seventh.  Cotterell then went on to score two further goals making the final score line 9 – 0.  A good all round performance from all the players.

 

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

Friendly Game 2

 

Deeping Blues 3 v Deeping Clarets 0

 

Both Deepings Under 8 teams met in this friendly match after each team recorded good wins against Bourne Blues.  The match, as anticipated was keenly contested with both sides battling to gain the upper hand.  The first half was end to end football with defences dominating as neither team could find the opening goal and chances were limited to long range efforts.  It came as no surprise that the first half ended goalless and honours even.  The second half remained end to end stuff, with the Blues taking the lead with a great strike from distance from Goode.  Hussey in the Blues goal then produced two fine saves before Goode struck Blues second. The Blues added a third from Cotterell after a goal mouth scramble following a corner. Throughout the match the Blues defence of Smith, Reeve, Needham and Barnes performed well to keep a clean sheet.  The match was played in a good spirit throughout, with both teams playing some great football.  A great warm-up for the Blues before the league season re-commences next week against Parkway Eagles.

 

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Joe Hussey, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Oliver Goode and Jack Markley.

 

 

*******************************************************

 

 

 

6/10/07

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Abbey Athletic 1 v Deeping Blues 0

 

Rangers took to the field sitting proudly at the top of the Peterborough Junior Under 8 Red Zone, but knew they were in for a tough match against unbeaten Abbey.  Deeping started slowly and failed to produce their normal flowing football, even so the match was keenly contested against difficult opponents.  Deeping conceded the opening goal after some slack defending but immediately went onto the attack and although chances were created, none could be taken.  The half ended with Deeping unfortunate not to earn a penalty after a poor challenge on Markley.  The second half saw Deeping start strongly and create several more chances which lead to desperate defending by the Abbey team.  Another surging run by Hussey was again ended by another poor challenge which should have won a penalty but again to no avail. 

 

Abbey’s defending was by now frantic and Deeping were unlucky to see two late Hussey efforts rebound from the woodwork.  The final whistle sounded, to the relieved home side who had recorded a 1 – 0 win against the previously unbeaten Blues. 

 

Deepings reaction at the final whistle showed how disappointed they all were and the expectation level that has been reached already this season.

 

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

*******************************************************

 

29/9/07

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Deeping Blues 2 v Eye United 1

 

A nervous Blues team took to the field against fierce rivals Eye, facing one of their toughest matches of the season.  Deeping started brightly and won most 50/50 challenges with some hard but fair tackling.  Following a long clearance up field Cotterell raced away to beat the Eye keeper and open the scoring.  Both sides created further first half chances but a mixture of good goalkeeping and poor finishing saw the score remain 1 – 0 to Deeping at half-time. 

 

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with both sides creating further chances but no-one was able to score. Two minutes from time Eye equalised with a long range effort after Deeping failed to clear the danger.  Despite the set back Deeping rallied and scored a stunning last minute winner through Markley.  Throughout the match Deeping’s defence of Needham, Smith, Barnes and Reeve battled superbly against a gifted Eye attack.  Special mention goes to Goode for an outstanding goalkeeping performance.  The boys were absolutely delighted.

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

*******************************************************

 

 

22/9/07

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Nene Valley Lynx 1 v Deeping Blues 7

 

Deeping travelled to Peterborough to face Nene Valley Lynx and came home with a resounding victory. A hat-trick from Markley and one from Cotterell saw Deeping reach half time holding a comfortable 4 – 0 lead.  In the second half a hat-trick from Hussey was answered by a solitary reply from Nene Valley.  A good performance from all the boys.

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell, Joe Hussey and Jack Markley.

 

 

*******************************************************

 

 

 

15/9/07

Peterborough Junior Alliance League Under 8 Red Zone

 

Deeping Blues 3 v Netherton Falcons 1

 

Deeping kicked off their first ever league match full of high hopes and expectations but were shocked after just one minute when Netherton took the lead.  The boys immediately battled back but missed several great chances.  The game was turned on its head with two quick Deeping goals just before half time through Cotterell and Hussey.  The second half continued like the end of the first with Cotterell quickly adding a third goal for Deeping.  The remainder of the match was end to end stuff with no further goals, a great start for the Blues!!

 

Deeping Rangers Blues – Oliver Goode, Thomas Needham, Josh Smith, Tom Barnes, Adam Reeve, Ryan Cotterell and Joe Hussey.