Shamwickshire Rovers AFC Under 14's

After an unbelievable Friday night under the lights, it was the turn of the under 13 Octet to compete in the BIdeford AFC 6 aside tournament. They did not disappoint, winning every game on their way to securing the title again! So proud of the effort from all the lads this weekend, exceeded all expectations and everyone was terrific! Big shout to the under 12s who won the plate aswell on Saturday night, and the First team who won the North Devon senior division, great weekend all round for the club 🥳

Proud as punch of these lads, after a tough year getting used to 11 a side they go and win BIdeford AFCs 6 aside tournament out of 14 teams. Under 14s tournament, and 5/8 of them playing a year up, bunch of legends! Hopefully do it all again tomorrow with the under 13s side 👊

Sunday 23rd January 2022

North Devon Youth U14s Champions League

Ilfracombe U14s v Shammy U14s

After successfully qualifying for the Champions League and bouyed by their performance against Hatherleigh last weekend, the Shammy lads were in a determined frame of mind going into this morning’s clash with Ilfracombe.

With Cosmo, Liam and Josh Braund all unavailable for the game the squad was down to just 12 players, with their only sub being a goalkeeper. This was going to require a lot of stamina and energy from the 10 outfield players who were up against a physical team who’d beaten them 7-5 in a goal-fest earlier in the campaign.

Team line-up

Jake
Corey
Finn
Adam
Reece
Lewis
Henley
Roe
Dan
Chase
Josh E

Sub - Jaiden

The game got underway and right from the start it was clear that the boys were up for the fight. Plenty of tough tackles going in from both the defence and midfield. Chances were few and far between for both sides, and when the deadlock seemed to have been broken by Ilfracombe it was ruled out for offside by the eagle-eyed linesman. No need for VAR to intervene on that one.

Shammy were playing good attractive football with some lovely passages of play going through the midfield trio of Lewis, Roe and Dan with Josh linking up the play to the wingers Chase and Hen who both worked tirelessly for the entire game. Long range efforts from Lewis and Dan were unfortunately straight down the throat of the Ilfracombe keeper, and the best chance of the half fell to Roe who’s shot was again saved comfortably.

Ilfracombe were pressing for the opening goal but the back four of Corey, Finn, Adam and Reece were on top form today. The work spent on the training ground is clearly beginning to pay dividends on match days. They now seem a far more settled and cohesive unit. On the rare occasion that an Ilfracombe attack managed to pe*****te the defence they were thwarted by Jake who was having a solid game between the sticks. That was until a reoccurrence of the leg injury which had kept him on the sidelines for a while. We all wish Jake a speedy recovery. But every cloud has a silver lining and fortunately our only sub was another fine goalkeeper, Jaiden.

Half time - 0-0

Shammy began the second half on the front foot and their attacking intent was rewarded when Dan drove into the box and was clearly pulled back by a defender. Penalty! Only one man for the job, and Dan stepped up to cooly slot the ball home. 1-0 to the Sham.

The following 15 minutes were nervy to say the least. Ilfracombe were pushing for the equaliser and came close on a number of occasions, only to be denied by a combination of last-ditch tackles, great saves and, let’s be honest, a little bit of good fortune! However, the boys weathered the storm and began to get a foothold in the game again. Some good work down the right flank resulted in a free-kick after a mistimed tackle by an Ilfracombe defender. Dan whipped in the set-piece and Lewis got the touch to send the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 to the Sham!

The boys held firm for the final 10 minutes with Finn and Adam winning their aerial battles as Ilfracombe resorted to long ball tactics. In the last couple of minutes Shammy won a corner which Dan delivered deep into the penalty area, the ball got deflected into the air and was met by the thunderous right foot of Lewis who sent it flying into the top corner. They think it’s all over, it is now. 3-0 to the Sham at full time.

Absolutely fantastic performance from every single one of the boys today. Onwards and upwards!

Next up - Bude at the Sham Siro on Saturday.

(Match report thanks to Paul Ernest!)

Date 20/11/21

Vs Bideford Blues (away)

League fixture

Last weekend saw the Shammy U14s resume their fixtures in the North Devon youth league. After enduring a difficult start to the season the lads found themselves sitting bottom of the table having lost their opening three fixtures to Holsworthy, Bude and Hatherleigh. The loss of 3 players to the Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City academies and a further 3 players joining rival teams has proved difficult for the boys to adapt, especially with 10 of the squad being in the under 13 age group.

However, the recruitment of new players Finn, Jaiden, Cosmo, Reece and Chase has bolstered the squad and the new lads have been welcomed into the Shammy family and integrated well into the team.

Saturday saw the first match of a double-header weekend which would see their best football of the campaign and some much needed points accumulated. The brisk winter morning got off to a disappointing start with the sad news that both Reece and Jake were unable to play in both games due to Covid reasons.

However, a boost for the lads saw the familiar face of Dean Moran return to the sidelines to assist our coaches Charlie and James for the first of the two matches.

The match got under way with Shammy opting for a 4-4-2 formation. The lads started well and were positive from the outset, not letting the previous results affect their confidence. It didn’t take long for the opening goal of the match to be scored with a trademark poacher’s finish from Josh Ernest who was first to react to a goalkeeper’s parry.

With confidence growing throughout the team they began to play some lovely football and were rewarded by an absolute rocket of a finish from Finn to make it 2-0. His first goal for the club.

One of the highlights of this season has been the emergence of Daniel as a key player for the team. His speed, crosses and thunderbolt shots have been commonplace in all of the fixtures so far, and Saturday was no exception. When Shammy were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Blue’s area there was no other outcome than Dan smashing the ball into the bottom right corner, 3-0.

The boys continued playing some neat football and the best passing move of the game ended with a lovely finish from Henley, firing low into the bottom left corner to make it 4-0 after 30 minutes.

As the first half was coming to an end there was still time for a fifth Shammy goal. Some great passing through the midfield from Corey, Lewis and finally Roe saw Josh Ernest race through on goal and he ended the slick move with a lovely composed finish past the keeper. 5-0 at half-time.

The second half saw the introduction of Liam, Chase and Josh Braund. The lads began well but unfortunately the next goal came from the opposition to make it 5-1. This was a shame for the defence as Jaiden, Alfie, Finn, Adam and Cosmo had been faultless and really deserved a clean-sheet for their efforts.

Shammy played the second half in much the same way as they did the first, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. The goals soon began to flow with Finn and Dan each grabbing their second of the morning to stretch the lead to 7-1.

A couple of sublime strikes followed with both Roe and Lewis scoring superbly struck long range efforts to notch up Shammy’s eighth and ninth goals. In the dying minutes of the game Daniel whipped in a great cross from the left-hand side of the area and Liam was on hand to bundle the ball home to complete the scoring. Full time, Shammy won 10-1 and the boys were off the foot of the table.

Big thanks to Pete Evans and all at Bideford Blues for their hospitality. Also, a special mention to the referee who showed precisely how an under 14s game of football should be handled.

Date 21/11/21

Vs Morwenstow (home)

League fixture

Another day, another Shammy U14 league fixture.
The boys arrived at the Sham Siro with a spring in their step after the previous day’s away victory.
The coaches decided to keep the winning formula with the same starting XI in the 4-4-2 formation.

The game got underway and was a relatively even contest for a while. A Morwenstow attack down the left wing saw their speedy winger tripped inside the area and correctly given as a penalty by celebrity referee Charles Allman. Not much Jaiden could do about the well struck spot-kick as it nestled into the bottom right-hand corner. 1-0 Morwenstow.

The Shammy boys didn’t panic, they simply rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in knowing their football would win out in the end.

The lads took the game to Morwenstow and began to create chances, Daniel coming closest to equalising with a cracking long range effort which struck the crossbar.

5 minutes later Josh Ernest hit another great shot against the bar, the rebound caused a mix up in the Morwenstow defence and Josh reacted fastest to strike the ball home from a tight angle. A deserved equaliser.

A major blow to the team came soon after when stalwart centre-back Adam Stafford limped off the pitch and headed to hospital with what was later diagnosed as a slightly torn front ligament. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

The coaches readjusted the back-line with Alfie moving into centre-half alongside Finn and Liam coming on at right-back. The change didn’t affect the momentum of the side, Shammy were now on top and continued to press for a second goal. When it arrived it came in sublime fashion from the left-foot of Josh Ernest who smashed the ball high into the top left-hand corner after some good work by Cosmo and Henley on the left flank.

With their noses in front the lads moved up a gear and played some great football on a difficult pitch. The midfield were controlling the game with Corey and Lewis both winning their individual battles in the centre of the park. It wasn’t long before Shammy’s dominance resulted in a third goal with another clinical strike, this time from Roe.

With half-time approaching the boys effectively put the game to bed with a fourth goal, and a hat-trick for our fox in the box Josh Ernest. With his uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time he was on hand to smash the ball home from close range with his trusty left peg. Half-time 4-1 Shammy.

Changes at half time were made, and both Josh Braund and Chase played well on the wings in the second half. Any sniff of a comeback from Morwenstow was swiftly dealt with by the defence, and on the rare occasions that the opposition got through they were faced with Jaiden coming off his line like prime Manuel Neuer.

Midway through the second half and Shammy notched a fifth goal, courtesy of Roe. His second of the game. Then to wrap-up the weekend nicely they added a sixth and final goal with a tidy finish from Liam after a lovely through ball from Lewis.

The two victories have lifted Shammy into mid-table and a victory in the final league match against Bideford Robins should see them finish fourth and hopefully grab the final spot into the ‘Champions League’ for the second half of the season. It’s all to play for.

An evening at the footgolf is how we finished our season. After what was a particularly stop start season and limited fixtures, the lads stuck at it admirably. Nearly every week at training every player attended-same applies for matches. As coaches we’re so proud to be associated with each and every single player, because regardless of ability they all give their absolute best.

Our award winners:

Lewis Langley - Players player.
Lewis Langley - Parents player.
Adam Griffin - Managers player.

Huge congratulations boys ⚽️❤️👍🏽

Another day another tournament this time for the Under 13s.

The weather was rather unkind today and it certainly put a quite literal dampener on our day (See Dylan’s face in the 5th photo 😂)We started strong with a couple wins and great football but struggled to find our feet in the latter stages of the group stage, and looked lethargic, cold and unmotivated.

We went down 3-0 to a spirited Holsworthy side in the quarter finals who did a demolition job on us in all honesty, but Fair play to the lads for sticking at it even when they were up against it.

I don’t blame the kids too much for their attitude today it was tough out there. All absolutely drenched and then on and off the pitch constantly, such is tournament football!

Players

Jaiden (GK)

Putting aside his woes after yesterday, he was terrific once again, made some stellar stops and is always a great option with the ball at his feet.

Corey (C)

Skipper Corey worked tirelessly as ever and helped organise the side and remained positive without. Coming up against some big lads he held his own at wing back and is just a terrific asset for this team.

Adam 🌟

WOW. What a player Adam is, in a day where we struggled to click at times, Adam was a constant stalwart at the back. He rarely loses a tackle or a 50/50, recovers amazingly well, carries the ball out, plays terrific passes. I never feel worried when I see him going for a challenge or with the ball at his feet. “calm as you like”.

Riley

Riley put in some typical solid performances in the tournament and a few fouls for good measure. He’s always One of those guys who just loves to defend and loves to tackle! Had some great link up play in the first couple games down the right, sometimes I feel he doesn’t realise how good he could be!

Cosmo

New Coventry boy Cosmo in again today and what an addition he has been, effort levels 100%, and attitude 100% every time. A real desire to win and got some great attributes to go with it. Scored a screamer in a 2-1 loss where he was our stand out player!

Kyle

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again that Kyle is arguably the most technically gifted player in our team. First touch, control and dribbling all second to none, did well today and made some good chances but I still feel as we haven’t seen the best of this young man yet, he’s improved massively from when he joined the club and gets better week in week out.

Daniel

Another lad who works tirelessly to improve every time he plays, all credit to him for how much he has improved over the last couple years, hits the ball better than anyone in the side and notched a couple today. Too hard on himself today and lacked a bit of belief in the latter stages of the tournament, but when he’s on it he’s class.

Dylan

Carrying a knock and openly not a fan of the rain, Dyl struggled for motivation today too. There were a few glimpses of his undoubtable quality but I feel like the injury was holding him back! Dylan has become one of our most dangerous attacking options, rapid, direct and a sweet left foot, a few weeks off to rest that knee and he will be flying come the new season!

Thanks to Barnstaple FC for today and yesterday, really well run tournament and some great games, privilege to be involved.

Time a few weeks off and a rest and then we will be back at it for the new season. Nice opportunity to thank all the players and parents from Charlie, Dean and James for all their help and support during a ridiculously difficult season for youth football.

⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
🔴⚫️🔴⚫️🔴⚫️🔴⚫️🔴⚫️🔴⚫️

TOURNAMENT FOOTBALL IS BACK 🙌🏻

Today the year 7 members of our squad traveled to tews lane, for a tournament hosted by Barnstaple Youth FC.
A super effort from them all seen them progress to the semifinals. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be our day as Bude knocked us out with a close fought victory one goal to nil. Congratulations to eventual winners Bideford AFC Youth.

JAIDEN. Tremendous effort and attitude throughout. Kept many clean sheets with some fine saves.
LEWIS. ⭐️Player. Captain, leader, legend! Led by example, showing composure beyond his years. Popped up with some vital goals also.
ROE. Was asked to play various positions today and that’s testimony to his ability. Linking up particularly well on the left and having a real positive influence in creating a fantastic team spirit.
HENLEY. What a terrier. Proper warrior who never gives up. Pleased to see him contributing using both feet and great ability to retain the ball.
REECE. What a great first tournament for Reece. Breaking up opposition attacks is what Reece does. Great willingness to learn will stand him in good stead as he settles into his new team.
ALFIE. Alfie returned to the club recently and played with plenty of passion today. Another player who played in many positions and scored some important goals during the tournament.
LIAM. When Liam is focused he has a natural ability to beat players comfortably. His work rate was top drawer today and he did everything he was asked.
JOSH. Our natural fox in the box scores goals. Some really tidy finishes today and playing various roles to allow everyone good game time. Fantastic team player and thoroughly deserved being captain for a game.

We’re super proud to be able to finally announce that we’ve had three players signed by Plymouth Argyle. The boys are a credit to their families and everyone involved with the club couldn’t be happier. We wish the boys well for the next chapter of their football journey. 👏⚫️🔴⚽️💚

Tommy Goodger⚽️
Ali Allan ⚽️
Zak Moran ⚽️

18/10/2020 league fixture at Bude.

Well, the league started today and we traveled to Cornwall to play Bude. With many changes to the team that lost to Braunton in the cup the previous week, we started particularly slowly and were quite sloppy. Bude dominating possession they launched a long pass up the field and with all our players avoiding the ball, their striker latched on to it and tapped into an empty net. Much the same continued for the rest of the half.
Half time 1-0 to Bude
Couple of substitutes came on and there seemed to be a noticeable improvement in the alertness of all our players. One of our front players (Dylan) got to a loose bouncing ball first and calmly lobbed the keeper to get us back in the game. Bude responded well and kept knocking at our door with attack after attack. They regained the lead when we couldn’t clear the ball and it fell to a midfielder who rifled into the net from the edge of the box. Finally we sparked into life. We did to Bude what they did to us for the majority of the match-attack. When the lads are at it it’s a wonderful sight. Josh Ernest showed his quality with a trademark josh finish. Then, in what seemed a never ending half we sn**ch a winner. Zak pounced to score on a parry from their keeper to finish the game on a high.

Great to bounce back from defeat and cheers to Bude for an entertaining morning.

Tommy, Riley, Jack (c), Lewis, Henley, Corey, Ali, Josh⚽️, Daniel, Roe, Dylan⚽️.

Subs. Kyle, Zak⚽️, Adam ⭐️