9th Grade Falcons 2008 Match Details

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Newsletter (August 18)

MATCH REPORTS

Championship Games

August 16 Matamata Falcons 2 vs. Cambridge Indians 0 (half time 1-0)

Continuing with the 2,2 2, formation that saw the Falcons consolidate last week proved a good choice. 10 mins into the half the Falcons were one up as Reuben hit a well placed shot after pressure on the keeper. With a key player being responsible for positional play the shape of the team withheld previous defensive leakages. Joshua, Mark, Jaiden and Bailey tracked back well all day. Owen got back on the horse and showed the Indians who was boss. Smothering the ball and showing no one was getting past today. His clean sheet spurred the rest of the team.

Ten Mins into the second half the Falcons went 2-0 ahead with a run down the left flank by Kyle. He Finished off with a checky shot, slipping between the keepers hand and post. They all count and finally the team that proved hard to beat was beaten. A great job chaps.

New World Player of the day: Owen Gruythuysen. Scorers: Reuben Wigelsworth x1, Kyle Fannin x1.

Knock Out Tournament – Semi Final
Matamata Falcons 6 vs. Cambridge Indians 0 (half time 3-0)

The wind and rain picked up just in time for the 2nd game of the day. We won the coin toss to ensure we had the wind in our backs 1st half. That advantage was soon materialised as Kyle hit two goals for the Falcons. Soon after Mark surged forward and literally smacked his first goal in two years past the chiefs keeper. sUp 3 at the midway stage of the half saw Kaleb, Jaiden and Jeremy make their mark on the game. Matthew, Bailey, Joshua showing great composure, linking with good passing throughout the game.

At the break Kyle and Reuben made midfield placements look simple, their linking dominated the game complimented by the team connecting at the critical moments. Owen out of goal enjoyed the run around and showed some great passing vision. 3 more goals from various places inside the box by Kyle gave the boys an emphatic win and one that placed them for the GRAND FINAL to be played in September. Excellent boys.

Player of the Match: Mark Russenburger. Goal Scorers: Mark Russenburger x1, Kyle Fannin x 5.

August 9 Matamata Falcons 1 vs. Western United Rustlers 4 (half time 1-1)

The Falcons chose to use the 3-3 this week to continue an attacking game. The Rustlers went 1 up after a few minutes when we were caught knapping at the back. No tracking back again the reason. The fight back was on as the Falcons swooped on the Rustlers goal. The pressure paid off, a pass from Kyle diagonally to Bailey who pushed it to Reuben for a classic finish. 1-1 the boys were showing their fight back ability. Mark was instrumental in making plenty of room for the boys to use while Joshua showed again a solid performance. A great reflex save by Jeremy kept us even going into the break.

The 2nd half changes concentrated on attack. After two minutes the Falcons were again shown up in defence. The Rustlers were not closed down, allowing for 2 shots that passed Kaleb to go 3-1 down. Quite amazing when the Falcons had possession and territorial advantage. Nevertheless the boys did not give up, keeping the pressure on the Rustlers and having plenty of chances to go even. Lady luck was against us today. A hand ball in our box sealed fate. A gallant penalty spot save by Kaleb was finished off with the follow up. 4-1 it finished, another record this season and certainly one we can learn from.

New World & McDonalds Player of the day: Mark Russenburger. Scorers: Reuben Wigelsworth x 1

Knock Out Tournament – Quarter Final
Matamata Falcons 2 vs. Hilcrest United Hammers 0 (half time 2-0)

The Falcons chose the 2,2,2 formation to exert new pressure on the opposition. The boys bounced back immediately from the disappointing match of earlier. Right from kick off, we were passing with accuracy. Hot on attack, corner after corner, the pressure cooker burst. Matthew with the corner won the ball back and shot with powerful venom. Top right hand corner, a cracker to break the deadlock, goal of the season from outside the box. 5 mins further into the half some great passing again gave room for Reuben to finish off another torpedo in the back of the net. Mark was electric down the left plank, unlucky not to score himself. Joshua and Matthew worked the cover defence linking well with the midfield. Bailey in goal showed great team commitment stepping up to the mark showing some hidden talent.

The second half began with plenty of action, all the boys showed great resolve on the ball, Kyle, Reuben and Mark were on fire but unable to pass the hammers keeper again. Kaleb, Jeremy and Jaiden continued to show they are up to the task in the top flight league.Player of the Match: Mark Russenburger. Goal Scorers: Reuben Wigelsworth x1, Matthew Jeffcoat x 1.

July 26 Matamata Falcons 3 vs. Cambridge Indians 4 (half time 2-1)

The Falcons began with another formation working the 3, 3 instead of the 2, 2, 2 to gain attacking advantage based on the last meeting. As the first half score reflected, it worked, great passing by the team and nice one touch passing from Kyle to Reuben twice. Reuben making the most of the space created and smashed in two well placed shots passed the keeper. The Indians managed to claw one back but the Falcons looked the better team and unlucky not to be 5 up.

The cold wind howled and the rain continued to fall in the second half. The Indians hit another one back, a soft goal to make it 2-2. As we continued to press and exert our dominance of ball possession, Jaiden was caught in our own half. A long shot missed everyone including our keeper and landed in our goal. Now trailing for the first time in the game the boys lifted heads and immediately attacked. Kyle ran with support from Reuben and hammered a shot top right hand corner, 3-3 the game was back on. Attitude is everything. The boys were cold and finally the Falcons back was broken. Another soft shot that should have been closed down early was on target and slipped between the legs of our keeper. Now down 4-3 we tried very hard to come back but to no avail. Boys a great game of two halves, we look forward to the return match in 3 weeks.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Kyle Fannin. Goal Scorers: Reuben Wigelsworth x2 Kyle Fannin x 1. Competition Stats: 10 Played, 3 Won, 2 Drawn, 5 Lost / Goals for 21, Goals against 13, Goal difference +8

Preliminary Games

July 5 Matamata Falcons 1 vs. Cambridge Indians 1 (half time 0-1)

The Falcons began with another formation working the 2, 2, 2 instead of the 3, 1, 2 of previous games. The training moves from Tuesday came through as the front 4 (Kyle, Rueben, Joshua and Mark) worked well together. Matt and Bailey at the back looked solid. 8 mins into the half a wave of subs saw Kaleb and new boy Jeremy take the field. Jeremy making the move up into the 1st team showed a lot of determination and was hungry for the ball. This filtered down to the other boys as we started to press the opposition into mistakes. Against the run of play the Indians darted forward and spearheaded our defence. Miscommunication at the back result in yet another goal which was avoidable. Down 1-0 and on the back foot the Falcons regrouped and showed great composure to end the half with no further score.

Changes to the team at half time saw the Falcons show hunger for the ball. Jeremy instrumental making the boys rethink their own abilities and again the Indians looked vunerable at the back. A number of shots this half saw the dominance of the Falcons like we used to see last year. Kyle and Rueben linked well, Bailey and Mark taking it up the flanks with speed, Matt and Joshua looked very strong in our 2 man defence while Owen continues to show he's the man in goal. Kaleb made a telling defensive move and placed the ball nicely into the path of Kyle. With everything to do Kyle moving forward with in and out movements creating space, slotted one with the right foot past the keeper. At 1-1 the Falcons continued to swoop on the Indians creating chance after chance. A number of good saves and near misses by the Falcons kept the score locked at 1-1, a brilliant game lads. One to be proud of.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Mark Russenberger. Goal Scorers: Kyle Fannin. Competition Stats: 10 Played, 3 Won, 2 Drawn, 4 Lost / Goals for 18, Goals against 9, Goal difference +9

June 28 Matamata Falcons 0 vs. Hamilton North Cougars 2 (half time 0-1)

The Falcons started with hunger for the ball. Strong runs forward by Kyle and Reuben had the cougars on the back foot. Not to be out done the cougars had some strong passing skills and showed the Falcons how to pass the ball with clinical precision. Only good cover defence by Mark, Matthew, Joshua and Kaleb kept them out until the 22nd min. With the field covered in large puddles a pass forward ran out of gas, stopped half way between Owen and Matt, the cougars pounced on the ball and nudged over the line.

Changes to the team at half time saw the Falcons surge forward time after time but not able to get close enough for a shot. The cougars defence stifled our play, tactically we had no answer and resorted to the counter attack. The Falcons pushed forward when possible whilst trying not to let in another goal to keep the game alive. With our forwards helping out the backs a looping shot by the Cougars was elbowed by Kyle on the way down. Being just inside the box, the referee blew the whistle and gave a penalty to the cougars. There were some tough calls today. This was another against the grain. Just before the close of play Reuben was put into space by Kyle resulting in an awesome shot on goal. The only one that tested the Cougars keeper today. Better luck next time and keep up all that good work.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Kaleb Reid. Competition Stats. 9 Played, 3 Won, 1 Drawn, 4 Lost / Goals for 17, Goals against 8, Goal difference +9

June 21 Matamata Falcons 2 vs. Claudlands Rovers Ratbags 2 (half time 0-0)

The Falcons had a full strength side. Illnesses were tackled mid week as the Falcons ripped into the Ratbags right from kick off. Hungry for the ball the Falcons had a snap shot within the 1st minute. Both teams attacked and defended well, the Keepers were making saves left, right and centre. Owen showed grit and determination keeping the ball out of the Falcons goal. The Falcons rotation policy was effective again as waves of subs were used to great effect. The Rat bags found it hard to settle with the Falcons swooping on and off the field. Matthew, Jaiden, Kaleb, Mark and Joshua stamped their mark on the game with excellent cover defence and movements forward. Kyle linked well with Bailey and Reuben to create good space.

The second half began as entertaining as the first. A corner from the Ratbags was clinically taken, looping over Owen, being perfectly placed into the far corner. At 0-1 the Ratbags were caught knapping as the Falcons clawed one back. A cross by Reuben pressured the Ratbags most influencial player as it rolled into the back of the net. Locked up at 1-1 the crowd enjoyed the feast of football. Continued pressure from the Ratbags forced Owen into another dramatic save. The ball was knocked, dropped to the ground and the Ratbags made it 2-1 in the dying moments. With a quick kick off by the Falcons saw them approach on goal, another cross in was met by a sliding Bailey to make it 2-2 as the final whistle blew. What a game and moves the Falcons into 3rd position in the Waikato first division.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Jaiden Evans. Goal Scorers: Reuben Wigelsworth x1, Bailey Froome x 1. Competition Stats. 7 Played, 3 Won, 1 Drawn, 3 Lost / Goals for 17, Goals against 6, Goal difference +11.

June 14 Matamata Falcons 0 vs. Hukanui Rotatuna Zoids 2 (half time 0-0)

The Falcons were plagued by injury and sickness. The first half was a defensive one that saw wave and wave of Zoids attacks hampered by Matthew, Joshua, Kaleb and Jaiden. Owen was in supberb form in goal, making telling saves throughout the half. Up front the Falcons were not dominating as we know they can do. There was no passing, nor linking. The disjointed play was a complete contrast of the previous week perfromance.

The second half saw the injured Falcons struggle through the match. A snap shot from the Zoids made it one nil to the visitors. The Falcons immediately reacted and surged on the Zoids goal. Tantilizingly close Bailey fired one just wide of the upright. Rueben and Bailey made some good runs down the flanks but the star studded Zoids full of Waikato reps were easily able to stop the surge forwards. Defensively the Falcons continued to show some class, Matthew and Joshua working really hard. The wheels fell off with seven mins to go, the Zoids slipped past Josh, Matt planting another doubling the margin. It could have been 3 but Kaleb made an awesome 2 on 1 stop, stifling their shot. It remained 2-0. Better luck next week boys. Sat June 21st vs Claudland Rovers Ratbags kickoff @ 10am, Meet @ clubrooms 9am.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Matthew Jeffcoat. Competition Stat's. 6 Played, 3 Won, 0 Drawn, 3 Lost / Goals for 15, Goals against 4, Goal difference +11

June 7 2008 Matamata Falcons 7 vs. Tamahere Hammers 0(half time 5-0)

Up early for the trip to Hamilton for the 9am kick off. This was the first of five games in the top flight division 1A. The Falcons flew off the mark taking little time to settle in the game, dominating ball possession and territorial advantage. Camped in their own half the Hammers were hammered by 5 first half goals by Bailey, Rueben, Matthew, Rueben and Kyle. Each goal displayed good build up, accurate passing and quality finishing.

The team formation was impressive, all players reverting naturally into their preferred field placement.

The second half saw waves of changes. Owen took on the Hammers and almost scored with his first burst on goal. Jaiden, Kaleb, Joshua and Mark showed their class at the back, cleaning up all minor attacks the Hammers threw at them. Mark and Joshua took the ball up the field with complete confidence linking well with Kyle, Bailey, Owen and Rueben. A clean sheet and another two second half goals by Rueben and Bailey gave the Falcons a confidence booster going into next weeks game against the Zoids, 10am, Meet @ clubrooms 9am.

Goal Scorers: Reuben Wigglesworth 3, Bailey Froome 2, Kyle Fannin 1, Matthew Jeffcoat 1.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Kyle Fannin. Competition Stat's. 5 Played, 3 Won, 0 Drawn, 2 Lost / Goals for 15, Goals against 2, Goal difference +13

Grading Games

May 24 2008, Matamata Falcons 4 vs. Te Awamutu Cougars 0 (half time 0-0)

A game of two halves. The first an evenly fought battle. Both teams having chances but the 10 shots the Falcons landed delivered no score. Our defensive formation, Mark, Joshua, Jaiden and Kaleb were able to withstand any counter attack Te Awamutu tried on the Falcons. Matthew in goal made a couple of telling saves to ensure at half time we held a clean sheet.

The half time talk focussed on looking for the pass back. Bailey and Rueben had good runs to the left and right after clean distribution from Kyle and Matthew. Continuity of the team showed and the well drilled Falcons took the advantage. Bailey took the ball and drove it into the back of the net. 1 min later another surge forward saw Bailey taking the initiative and slotted another. Another min the Falcons swooped on the Te A goal again. Kyle landed the third. Great distribution from Rueben on the right saw an excellent finish by Bailey. Meeting it on the edge of the six yard box, hammering it first time. 4 nil, the game was over. Resilient chaps. Showing great composure after an action packed week. You all finished the job off in style.

Goal Scorers: Bailey Froome 3, Kyle Fannin 1.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Reuben Wigglesworth. Competition Stat's. 4 Played, 2 Won, 0 Drawn, 2 Lost / Goals for 8, Goals against 2, Goal difference +6

May 10 2008, Matamata Falcons 0 vs. Hukanui Rotatuna Phantoms 1 (half time 0-1)

First away game for the Falcons saw a new formation. Theo and Mark up front connected well with Bailey and Oscar surging forward with dominance. The first counter attack from the Phantoms had the Falcons in doubt. They split the two centre backs. Looking at each other their striker had only Owen to beat. Owen came out narrowing the angle but the shot went into the back of the net. 3 minuets on the clock and the Falcons were for the second week caught knapping. The Falcons regrouped and began waves of offensive which was halted by a desperate Phantom defence.

The half time talk concentrated on the positives and immediately after the second half began the Falcons surged on the Phantoms goal again. Camped in their own half the Phantoms never broke out the whole second half. Kyle, Reuben, Matthew and Joshua gave it their all but they were unable to get past. The Phantoms managed time after time to get between ball and goal frustrating the Falcons strategy. Countless shots were charged down or saved. With one minuet to go one last desperate shot from the Falcons went marginally wide. It ended 0-1.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Owen Gruthysen

May 3 2008, Matamata Falcons 0 vs. Hukanui Rotatuna Zoids 1 (half time 0-0)

The sun was out and the sky was blue, a great morning for football. The Falcons trained twice last week showing the respect for last years first division champions. The game kicked off well with some great passing from Oscar and Bailey. Reuben and Kyle linking well had 9 shots collectively during the first half. The Hukanui keeper was showing his Waikato rep class, keeping the falcons scoreless for the first half. The falcons were all over them.
The second half began with Owen the new first team keeper making some great saves. Theo and Mark came into the game joining our midfield Matthew and Joshua. Five minutes into the half the hukanui keeper punted the ball the full length of the field. It dropped into the path of their striker he had a snap shot and slipped it into the back of the net. The angle was tight but now the Falcons had to regroup. A tactical substitution brought Kaleb onto the field. It seemed all too late, The falcons were unable to get past the hukanui keeper, waves of unprecedented attacks were withstood, Hukanui held us out. It finished 0-1, a great first game, one the team can be proud of.

New World Players of the day: Joshua Johnson.

Preparations are well underway for the season!