MK Wanderers

Sunday 23rd January 2011
Roman Rangers v MK Wanderers U12 Kestrels

The Kestrels started off brightly. SB was tackling well down on the right and SP and EG linked in well on the left, with EG making probing runs. Rangers began to get into their rhythm and had a couple of corners which were defended well by the Kestrels with JM clearing the ball. On their next attack they were one on one with CP and he made an excellent save. The pressure told when on the next break Rangers attacked down the left and scored (1-0).

Kestrels were getting pushed further and further back and Rangers had a shot narrowly missing the post. On our goal kicks they pressed hard and on one occasion intercepted the kick and scored (2-0). When we did get the ball we tended to panic and gave the ball straight back. Towards the end of the half the Kestrels had a brief respite with 2 free kicks well delivered into the box by BM. Our best chance came when CO picked the ball up in midfield, passed to BM who made a penetrating run through the middle only to be intercepted near the area.

Half time
Roman Rangers 2, MK Wanderers U12 Kestrels 0

2nd half started and the Kestrel once again were pushed further and further back. The defence were strong with both AS and NM making crucial clearances. JR was supporting well and made key tackles running back. The Kestrels were being stretched and gave away a number of freekicks. Finally the pressure told when a shot was not cleared and Rangers pounced to make it (3-0).

To the boys credit the heads did not drop and they kept going. JM and CP made a crucial tackle and save and JR was retrieving the ball and trying to get the team to move from defence to attack. In the final 10 mins the Kestrels at last managed to get out of their own area, particularly down the right. LT and JB linked up well and attacked down the wing. CK made a probing run only to be fouled on the edge of the box, with many of the crowd (including me) shouting for a penalty. LF had a run at the defence and had his shot saved. LT delivered a corner with JR volleying just wide of the post. BM also had a probing run down the right. It resulted in a freekick and his delivery was nearly converted by a JM glancing header. There however was to be no consolation goal and the match ended Rangers 3 Kestrels 0.

Full time
Roman Rangers 3, MK Wanderers U12 Kestrels 0

Sunday 16th January 2011
Brookfield Rangers Kestrels 3-4 MK Wanderers Kestrels

After a long wait, football was finally back on the menu, and true to form we were greeted by a rain shower as we got underway. Wanderers had won last time out against the same opposition, so confidence was high, although nothing was being taken for granted.
We started positively, passing well, with the returning CO spraying the ball around right from the kick off, although the very heavy pitch made passing difficult at times. However it was Brookfield who got the first shot on target, with the ever improving CP, making a smart save. Disaster struck though after 8mins, when a scramble in our box was prodded into the back of the net. The boys came surging back though, and a rasping drive from JR smacked against the post. Things got decidedly worrying after 10mins when a good move down our left led to a second. At 2-0 down, and under a bit of pressure, it would have been easy for the lads to feel like it wasn�t going to be there day.
The greens though are made of sterner stuff than that. SP was having his game of the season, and with CK getting through his usual mountain of work, the lads started to force their way back into it. On 20mins CK battled through the middle, and crossed for LF to score, and 2mins later LF went on a run down the left which ended up with a shot somehow squeezing in at the near post. The team (and followers), breathed a collective sigh of relief. 2-2.
The defence started to look comfortable with JM strong in the challenge and AS picking up the pieces.

Half time Brookfield Rangers Kestrels 2-2 MK Wanderers Kestrels

4mins into the second half a defensive blunder led to LF grabbing his hat-trick with an easy tap in, and the lead was ours. We started to dominate, with the galloping LT and the tenacious SB pushing forward more and more on the right. EG showed real pace and amazing fitness levels to both start attacks and mop up at the back.
New boy JB lashed a shot towards goal, which was well saved, but OF was on hand to smash it into the net for his first goal for the club. 4-2 to MK Wanderers. Brookfield to their credit however didn�t give up. A cracking shot into the corner brought it back to 4-3, and despite the energetic probing of BM the lads couldn�t regain the cushion of a 2 goal lead. With just minutes left CP produced a fine double save to keep the boys in front, and there was a measure of relief when the whistle went.
Two wins on the trot, means the confidence levels are picking up, and the boys showed that if you put the work in the results will come. Next up is a tough return game with Roman Rangers. Bring them on.

Saturday 21st November 2010
Kestrels v Brookfield Rangers Kestrels

This was a crucial game as both teams were looking to get their first points of the season.

The Kestrels got off to the best possible start a good attack with JR down the left through to LF who had his shot blocked by the keeper, LF then crossed it and AS running in scored with a well placed header (1-0). There was further pressure down the left with EG making probing runs. At the back CP made a crucial save and NM was defending well. He even managed to get forward a couple of times and had a shot at goal.

As the half wore on the Kestrels started attacking down the right. LT was running down the wing and also put two good crosses over (1 from a corner) and on both occasions LF was there with shots on target. Kestrels continued to pressure and AS and EG linked in well down the left. LF and JR had further attempts with JR just chipping over the bar. At the other end CP had to be alert as he made a great save at the bottom left hand corner of the goal. The Kestrels went into half time one nil up.

HALF TIME Kestrels 1, Brookfield Rangers Kestrels 0

2nd half started off brightly again with both LT and AS getting into shooting chances, but fired wide. However disaster struck as the Kestrels were caught on the break and Rangers drew level (1-1).

To the boys credit the heads did not drop and immediately the dogged CK picked up the ball in midfield and threaded the ball to LF who scored low right (2-1). The game was beginning to get tight both AS and LT were making good tackles and covering back. JR also showed why he later got MOM with a great pass and run at the Rangers defence, only to chase all the way back seconds later to make a crucial challenge in his own box and clear the ball from danger. CP made another brave save and SP was battling hard in midfield both tackling and also making forward runs. As the game wore on LF and SB made runs and had shots saved. In the final minute the victory was assured when LF picked up a through ball and calmly ran at the goal and despatched the ball into the net (3-1). The Kestrels had their first league victory of the season - well done boys !!

Sunday 7th November
Kestrels 0, Roman Rangers 3

It was a crisp morning, and hopes were high after steady improvements in the last few games. The lads seemed fired up as they exited the dressing room. Rangers were a powerful looking bunch, so we knew it would be a battle, but if we could get back to our passing game then this wouldn�t be a problem.
Rangers started strongly and disaster struck on 4min when they were rather generously awarded a penalty, after CP brought down their striker. However the fast improving keeper pulled off a top save to keep it level. Kestrels then had a reckless few minutes, struggling to get the ball out of our own area and it took a great clearance from JM to keep Rangers out. The first real attack for us came after good work from SB and LT down the right, but the defending was too strong for a clear chance.
The breakthrough came after 10min with a curling shot from the right. To be honest we were struggling to create chances, and although CK and JR battled fiercely in the midfield, our defence was coming under increasing pressure from the fast moving Roman boys. The defence has been settled for a few weeks now and it is beginning to show, with JM and NM building a strong partnership and AS and SB getting through plenty of work and improving their positional play.
The rest of the half was a struggle, but the lads continued to battle, with CP making another good save, LT scrapping on the right and BM making a couple of breaks. It was a real blow though when a solid finish led to a second for Rangers just before half time.

Half Time - Kestrels 0, Roman Rangers 2

The boys re-focused during the break and we knew that a goal could change it all around. The pressure though continued to build and only some excellent defending from NM kept the score within reach. Our best chance came from a quick free kick from AS, feeding LF, who then got to the bye line and crossed a dangerous ball into the middle, which OF nearly converted.
The remaining 20mins though were difficult for the Kestrels. It�s challenging for any team when they have a bit of a losing run, and for the first time this season one or two of the lads let their heads go down. JR departed injured, which meant CK had a flood of opponents, and only good work from CP, NM and JM kept the score down. SB had a brave goal line clearance, before Rangers finally made it 3-0. The defence continued to fight and AS had a double clearance in the dying minutes, with the second one spinning just passed the post.

We now look forward to a game next week with Heelands who top the division below us. The lads will hopefully put today�s game behind them, but learn a couple of key lessons.

Sunday 31st October
Willen Rhinos 3 Kestrels 0

Away game at Willen for the Kestrels on a wet and rainy autumn day.

In the first half Willen Rhinos started off strongly. We were pinned back in our own half for long periods. CP made two important saves and JM also made some timely interceptions. The Kestrels tried to break out but the Rhinos seemed to get the ball back quickly each time and only strong defending kept them out. We finally got into their half late on with EG making a couple of runs down the left wing, but could not get crosses in. As the half drew to a close LF was able to have the Kestrels first shot, which was saved by the keeper. At the other end the Rhinos broke quickly down their left and with only the goalie to beat CP made a great save to keep the score 0-0 at half time.

2nd half and once again the Rhinos were camped in our half. NM made 2 headed clearances and the ever reliable JM defended bravely. The pressure continued and the Rhinos finally got their goal (0-1).After the restart we got more possession with JR and BM winning balls in midfield, but could not get the ball to our forwards.

The Kestrels continued to defend well CP pulling off two great saves. We defended a free kick which was well cleared by AS and SB. CP also was called upon to sweep up at the back a couple of times.

As the half wore on we started to get the ball forward AS and CP linked up well down the left and nearly got the ball through to LT. In the next attack the ball did reach LT in the box in a great position, but his shot just went wide. The Kestrels grew in confidence and we had a corner from which JR�s shot went over the bar. AS then did a maisy run down the left getting the ball into the box and in the scramble, the ball got back to him and he had a shot which rolled into the goalies arms.

As we attacked we became vulnerable to the counter attack and in the final minutes the Rhinos broke twice and scored 2 goals to make the final result Kestrels 0 Rhinos 3. It was a tough result to take. The whole team battled throughout against a very good Rhinos side and were still in the game until the final minutes. In particular our goalie and back 4 were rightly singled out for a great defensive performance.

Sunday 17th October 2010
Division 2: Brackley Town 5-2 Kestrels

A lovely long early morning drive, resulted in us arriving by convoy for our first league game of the season. There was plenty of grass to welcome us, and an unexpected burst of sunshine that had us reaching for the factor 15.
The game started ominously with our powerful opponents spurning a great chance in the first minute. The breakthrough came after 3, when CP�s good save fell to an attacker, who hammered it into the corner. Only strong defending with SP and OG prominent, kept Town at bay.
However the game started to change and the boys in green began to get on top. CK and JR were winning the midfield tussle and AS and the lightening fast EG were again combining well down the left. In fact, a powerful shot after a neat layoff from AS to EG in the box nearly curled in at the far post. The equaliser came after 15min, with LF calmly finishing after a mazy run from EG.
The joy was short lived however as Town re-took the lead just 2 minutes later, after intercepting a goal kick. A great block from OG kept us in it but in the 21st minute Brackley scored from a corner despite a heroic attempt from OF to hook it off the line.
An injury to keeper CP meant that changes had to be made with AS taking over between the sticks. His first action was a tidy diving save to keep out a lovely flick from OF, and he then made a good save from a one on one, to help keep the team in it.
On the stroke of half time, a free kick from our own version of Ronaldo, BM, was headed on by LF. It looked in but somehow rebounded off the post! This summed up our luck of late.

Half time
Brackley Town 3 - 1 Kestrels

We came out for the second half 3-1 down but hungry for a comeback. A shot wide from LF after 3 mins, was followed by a few chances for Town, with JM and SP working hard to keep us in with a sniff. EG continued to threaten down the left and LT battled like a tiger down the right, stopping their roving left back from peppering our area with crosses. In the 20th minute JR hit a cracking shot that was saved, and then SP also went close. BM had a piledriver tipped over a few seconds later, and it felt like one more goal would turn it our way. Unfortunately a breathtaking header from a left wing cross put us out of the game, and to add insult to injury, a cool lob over an out of position keeper made it 5-1. There was time for a last minute consolation after an impressive run from BM resulted in another for LF.
Overall an impressive performance and it was hard to fault the lads. Brackley look a strong well organised side, but I feel that we can avenge this defeat in the return fixture.

Sunday 10th October 2010 - Friendly
U12Kestrels v Great Linford Harriers

Home game for the Kestrels on a cloudy day with a strong breeze and there were even mushrooms growing on the pitch.

In the first half Kestrels started brightly with LF getting an early shot and BM and EG making penetrating runs. LT has 2 early shots saved by the keeper. At the back NM and AS defended well down the left and turned defence into attack with EG using his pace down the left wing.

On 10 mins against the run of play, a slip in defence gave Gt Linford Harriers their chance and they scored (0-1). The Kestrels kept at it though and SP and then JR threaded through balls to LF and EG respectively, but their keeper was quick to intercept on both occasions.

In defence JR made a crucial tackle in the penalty area and SP intercepted and calmly ran the ball out of defence. In the 25th minute SB tackled well but the ball fell to a Harriers player whose shot was saved by CP but the rebound was slotted into the net (0-2).

OF and BM nearly scored at the other end when the ball hit a defender and narrowly missed the post. Just before half time a speculative long distant shot slipped through CP fingers and we were 3-0 down.

Half Time Kestrels 2, Great Linford Harriers 5.

2nd half the sun came out, would there be a glimmer of hope for the Kestrels? OF intercepted in midfield and JR put a great ball through to LT on the right wing who beat a player and then from outside the area drilled a shot hitting the far post and into the top corner (1-3) � the Kestrels were back in it. At the other end CP made a crucial save to keep us in the game.

There then followed 10 mins of pressure from the Kestrels. JR and CK put through balls to BM but the keeper got there first again. AS kept working tirelessly on the left and had a shot also.

At the other end CP made another save, but from the resulting corner Harriers scored (1-4). Still though the Kestrels kept at it. JR struck a powerful shot which hit the post. As the Kestrels kept pushing forward they were stretched on the counter attack. CP made yet another save on the first counter, but in the next wave Harriers found the net (1-5).

Kestrels kept going but could not get a goal. LF had two chances which just missed the post and LT had another shot going just wide. AS then threaded a ball through to EG who was fouled PENALTY!! SB calmly slotted the ball into the net (2-5).

BM , LF and CK had chances late on but failed to score and at the other end CP made yet another save. Final result Kestrels 2 Harriers 5. They had many chances and most of the possession, but failed to convert their chances. On another day the result could have been very different.

Sunday 3rd October 2010,
Citizen Cup Round 1
WATER EATON WHITE 5-1 MK WANDERERS KESTRELS

A welcome dry spell greeted the Kestrels as they kicked off against a team that was used to playing in a higher division than our boys.
Water Eaton were a physically large side, who were not afraid to use this to their advantage, but the early exchanges boded well for our lads, as our superior speed and passing started to make inroads.
Chances for EG and LF had been created, before the breakthrough came on 6 mins. AS fed EG down the left and his great run and cross was converted by LF. 1-0 and just the start we wanted.
White�s however had different ideas, and SP and OG were having to defend well to keep them out. However after 9 mins a cross wasn�t dealt with, and it was suddenly 1-1.
Kestrels continued to battle and JR was starting to control the game from the middle. However a lack of marking from a cross lead to a headed goal for Water Eaton on 20 mins. This is understandable at the moment, as the back 5 are relatively inexperienced and things can only get better for them as a unit. The best chance to equalise came from the left again where AS fed EG, who produced a great run and cross for LT to hammer a shot which was blocked well by the keeper.
HALF TIME � WHITE�S 2-1 KESTRELS.

Disaster struck at the start of the half as the lead became 4-1 within 3 mins. The first was an extremely unlucky own goal for new boy NM, with the second coming straight from a corner, as Kestrels markers temporarily lost their men.
Chances still flowed, with BM and JR consistently threading balls through for LF. On another day goals would have followed, but a combination of bad luck, good defending, handballs and strong armed tactics meant it wasn�t to be. OG continued to battle hard at the back and put in a man of the match performance, and JR worked tirelessly and with much skill to continue to drive the lads forward. LT nearly scored from a header and BM hammered one over the bar, both of these created by JR.
The score-line became even more unjust when NM rose well at the near-post to plant a header into the top corner. Unfortunately it was our top corner and CP had no chance. Poor NM had an encouraging debut and will probably never be so unlucky again, but when it�s not your day!
Kestrels still had time for AS to blast a left footer over the bar from about a foot, which his brother will not let him forget for a while.
Overall, a strange game. The lads generally kept their heads up well and I honestly feel that when we play the White�s in the league we will reverse this result.

Saturday 3rd October 2009
Olney Town Colts Galaxy 1 Kestrels 3

On a glorious November morning, MK Wanderers Kestrels arrived at Olney looking like a professional set up in their new rain jackets. Not only did we unveil our new rain jackets, we also felt it was time to unveil a new formation - which is geared up for attack. With players returning from injury, illness and holiday, it was the first time this season that we have had a full squad of 14 players.

Olney are currently at the foot of Division 6. They have been on the wrong end of a couple of heavy defeats (9-1 and 8-3), and league leaders Utd MK recently beat them 3-0. This suggests that despite early results going against them, Olney are improving. In training we have worked a lot on shooting, and pass & move. Our pre match team talk gave the boys a priority of keeping a clean sheet today. Our other priority was to pass the ball about. Both teams started well and there was no indication that Olney were going to be a pushover. Early advantage went to Olney. Once again we switched off after 5 minutes (how many more times are we going to concede at this stage of the game ?). We did not defend a corner kick particularly well and Olney did not hesitate in punishing us. Despite the early setback, the boys showed character and immediately set about the task of levelling the scores. On 7 minutes a wonderful passing move down the right involving 4 or 5 of our players was clinically finished off by LF to bring it back to 1-1. The build up to the goal had the coaching team purring like Cheshire cats, this is how football should be played. We instantly decided that this is our Goal of the season (so far !). We used this game to experiment with a couple of the boys in different positions. AS once again, showed how adaptable he is by putting in a solid performance at the heart of defence. CO was brought into the centre of midfield halfway through the first half. Despite carrying a slight injury, he made a very positive contribution. However, Olney put up a real fight. They were in determined mood and the most outstanding performance of the half came from SB. He had lots to do today and his 'no messing about' approach to defending was put to good use. He also showed good maturity in his decision making. He has turned into a very useful full back. It looked as though it would be honours even at half time, but we just about got our heads in front on 27 mins when JF fired home a penalty for handball.

Half time: Olney 1 Kestrels 2

For the second half, the message was simple - don't concede a goal, keep pressing to add to our goals tally, and don't give the Olney keeper any options for his goal kicks. JR had been introduced just before half time. His mazy runs always cause problems for opponents. Today was no different. This time it was a mazy run, some passes and a good finish that brought the score to 3-1 on 35 minutes. This did not dampen the spirits of our hosts as they continued to battle. Our midfielders were regularly helping out in defence and JM (who came on as a 2nd half sub) produced a fantastic tackle to prevent what looked to be a certain goal. His timing was first class. Not only did this match produce goal of the season (so far) , it also saw tackle of the season. Sadly, for JM he missed a penalty in the final 5 minutes. However, his defensive contribution more than made up for the miss and he remains our first choice penalty taker.

Full time: Olney 1 Kestrels 3

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