AFC Chellaston Giants U12s

A glorious morning for football awaited both teams down the racecourse. The giants were in a good run of form coming into the fixture against a good spondon team.

The earlier kick off time seemed to affect the giants in the first 10 minutes as they made a relatively sleepy start and there was plenty of defending to be done early on as the opposition started strongly. It came somewhat against the run of play when the giants took the lead as Mo got on the end of a long throw behind the defence and finished brilliantly from a tight angle. Spondon continued to push forward and got their reward when their forward slotted nicely home following a long ball over the top. Goalkeeper Alfie kept the boys in the game with a string of great saves in the first half. Although on the back foot the giants always carried a threat on the break and came close on several occasions.

The second half began in the same fashion and it wasn’t long before spondon went 2-1 up. This seemed to spark the giants into life, leading to plenty of good attacking play and some outstanding saves by the opposition keeper. It was navraj who pulled the giants back level with a nice finish following a bit of pinball in the box. The boys kept pushing and creating chances, hitting the bar and forcing more saves from the opposition keeper. It was spondon however who retook the lead on the break, and despite the lads best efforts the giants could not draw level.

Overall a game of very fine margins that could have gone either way. It was a very competitive game, with some strong challenges going in from both sides. Although a disappointing result the boys should be very proud of the team performance over the 60 minutes.

Player of the match was Alfie - he kept the team in the game first half which gave them a platform to push on as the game progressed.

Thanks to all the parents for their continued support and running the line.

The giants were in good spirits going into their game down the racecourse on Sunday.

They started strongly against a good Little Eaton team and created several chances to take an early lead. Unfortunately they were made to pay for not making the most of these situations as Little Eaton scored the first goal with a quick counter attack that was rolled across goal for a tap in. A pleasing aspect of the team as the season has progressed is how they respond to conceding goals and don’t let their heads drop. This was evident on Sunday and it wasn’t long before Dhilan played a perfectly weighted ball through for Tobias to run onto and finish nicely past the advancing keeper. Five minutes later Mo created an opportunity for himself, using his speed and strength to get near the byline and fire a shot into the far corner from an acute angle. The Giants took a deserved lead into half time.

The second half started with both teams going for it, it took some good defending from Hugo and Sanveer at the back to clear up any attacks that looked promising for the opposing side. It wasn’t long before Mo got in behind their defence again and his shot squirmed past the keeper for Dhilan to get a tap in. Dylan soon added a fourth after some nice footwork and a finish into the bottom left corner. With a few minutes left Sanveer had a rare chance to get forward for a corner, and it was his shot from the edge of the box that was neatly turned in by Jayden to get the giants fifth of the game.

Overall a very good all round performance in a match that was played in a really good nature. A big thanks to stand in keeper navraj - he did a very solid job in a quieter game for him this week.

Player of the match was Dhilan - he showed real energy throughout the whole game, showed composure with his passes, and deservedly got himself on the scoresheet.

Thanks to all the parents for their continued support and running the line.

Nice to manage to get some continuity over the last few weeks as the rain has finally began to ease.

The giants found themselves without their regular goalkeeper Alfie this week so had to call on a volunteer from the team to go in goal, Navraj stepped forward so a big thanks to him.

The game against a good Shelton team began well for the giants as they started to string a few passes together and created several good opportunities. Like so often it was Mo who converted one of those chances, rolling the ball into the net after a bit of a scramble in the opposition box. Soon it was Mo again who doubled his tally and the giants lead after Abriel won the ball back before playing it into Mo’s stride for him to finish nicely. Defensively the team were excellent first half, but on the few occasions Shelton got in behind it was Navraj who produced some great saves to keep the lead into the break.

In the second half it was more of a defensive display from the giants, with more great individual defending and more saves from the stand in keeper. Mo settled the game with ten minutes remaining when his cross shot found its way into the back of the goal.

Overall a very solid performance against a team who had previously beaten them comfortably. Some standout performances from Abriel and Dhilan in central midfield are worth mentioning, as well as Mo’s hat trick.

Player of the match was Navraj - did the team a big favour by volunteering and made some terrific saves to keep his clean sheet in tact.

Thanks to all parents for their continued support and running the line.

A bit surprised that the games went ahead on Sunday after several days of rain throughout the week, however the pitch was in good condition for the game.

The giants seemed to be half asleep in the first half and really struggled to work as a team, finding it difficult to retain possession against a big, athletic Mickleover team. It didn’t come as a big surprise when Mickleover took the lead midway through the first half with a well taken chance. The giants defended resolutely with several well timed tackles and interceptions preventing them falling further behind. The boys managed a few strikes on goal, but it was Mo who came closest when he struck the bar from distance.

Half time came with the giants losing and looking uncharacteristically out of sorts and disjointed.

The second half began in a more promising way with them keeping the ball a bit better and creating several chances. The goal came for the giants half way through the half as Nate connected wonderfully with the ball sending the ball over the keeper into the top corner from outside the box. This was the spark the giants needed and soon Jayden put them in front, pouncing on a loose ball in the box to find the back of the net. This was followed by a third shortly after as Nate reacted quickest to roll the ball into the net for his second of the game. In the closing minutes Jayden produced a moment to remember as he received the ball under pressure just inside the Mickleover half, turning his man with his first touch, using his speed and strength to hold off his man before showing great composure to finish into the far corner - a moment of true class. This rounded off a great second half for the team and gave them a relatively comfortable victory in the end.

Overall, a below par first half was completely turned around with an outstanding second half display which showed great character from the team.

Player of the match was Hugo - he was consistent throughout the whole match and made some crucial tackles when needed to keep the boys in the game in the first half.

Thanks to parents for their continued support and running the line.

After a few weeks of losing out to the weather the Giants were back in action against a strong, athletic Duffield side. In blustery conditions, on a muddy pitch both sides managed to play some good football.

After several threatening attacks from both sides it was Duffield who took the lead after a wind assisted cross floated into the top far corner. The giants didn’t let their heads drop and after several threatening counter attacks it was Mo who pulled them back level after Charlie had won the ball well in midfield and Dylan threaded the ball through to him. At half time it was all level.

The second half saw duffield come out strongly and were largely on the offensive, with the giants forced to defend well and clear their lines when needed. The attacking threat from the boys was slightly diminished but was still there. The goal eventually came for duffield after a superb volley from outside the box into the top corner - sometimes you can do nothing about a great goal! The giants picked themselves up and got themselves into some good attacking positions and almost drew level in the last minute as mo’s goal bound shot was deflected wide by the defender on the line.

A very competitive game ended with a narrow win for duffield, however plenty of positives to take from the performance.

Special mention to Hugo, Sanveer, and Jack who stood strong in defence and constantly managed to get a foot in when it mattered. When the defence was beaten goalkeeper Alfie made several good saves and his handling was great throughout.

Player of the match was Nate - he was outstanding defensively from a wing position and made some great contributions in both attack and defence.

Thanks to the parents for their continued support and running the line.

Very much a game of two halves for the giants this week on a very wet, muddy pitch.

Up against a very good and quick Heanor side the giants started on the front foot, playing some of their best football this season. This fast start was rewarded when Dylan carried the ball before playing it through to Jayden, who as he has done all season showed great composure and finished clinically. A second soon followed as Mo finished nicely into the corner - continuing his fine goalscoring form this season. The great attacking play continued, and it was Nate who grabbed the third goal of the game - beautifully flicking the ball up and volleying into the top corner from just inside the box. The fourth goal all started with Abriel winning a great tackle in midfield to set up a good team move culminating in Mo grabbing his second of the game to give the giants a very healthy lead at half time.

The second half was a different affair as Heanor came out and maintained pressure throughout the half. Special mention to sanveer and Hugo at the back who constantly repelled attacks by getting crucial tackles in when it mattered. Also Alfie in goal who did everything to keep any shots he faced out brilliantly. Heanor managed to get a goal back but the boys ended the game as relatively comfortable winners.

Player of the match was Hugo, he made several crucial tackles and positionally was excellent throughout.

Thanks to all parents for their continued support and help with running the line.

After a few weeks off over the festive period it felt great to be back watching the team in league action.

The game was played on a boggy pitch and the first half started with some very scrappy football as both teams were finding their feet after the mid season break. As both teams started to settle and get used to the conditions it was the giants who took the lead with a nicely taken finish by Mo. Ten minutes later, after some super play by Noah on the right wing and a great flick at the near post by Jayden it was Mo who found the net again rounding off a great team move. GAD Khalsa responded shortly before half time, taking advantage of some confusion in the giants defence to half the deficit.

After the break the giants came out strongly, with a great team move from the kick off almost leading to a third - possibly the best bit of football the team has played all season. The third did come shortly afterwards as Tobias pounced on a ball from a goal kick and finished calmly into the bottom right corner. A few minutes later Mo completed his well deserved hat trick after bustling his way through the defence and smashing the ball home from close range. The opposition managed to pull a goal back from a deflected shot, but the giants saw the game out to get a well deserved win.

Lots of positives from the game with strong performances all over the pitch. A really good start to the year.

Player of the match was Noah - he showed energy all through the game, didn’t lose a challenge, and was a constant threat whether he was on the left or right wing.

Thanks to all parents for the support and for running the line etc.

It felt good to be back down the racecourse for a league game after several weeks of no scheduled games.

The boys arrived in good spirits and desperate to get playing. A fine start to the game saw the giants create several chances but through a combination of good keeping and misplaced shots failed to trouble the scoresheet. They were soon made to pay by an athletic duffield team when a brisk counter attack led to the giants conceding. The boys were quickly on the front foot again, and soon after conceding Jayden won the team a penalty which Mo took - unfortunately the duffield keeper saved the penalty and then reacted superbly to save the follow up. The giants didn’t have to wait too long for parity though as Jayden trickled a finish into the bottom corner. Duffield soon regained the lead in an open first half before being pegged back again as Mo rounded the keeper and finished confidently on his weaker left foot. A hectic first half ended all square.

Duffield started the second half the stronger team, retook the lead and caused moments of real panic in the giants’ penalty area. Some smart saves and good handling from Alfie kept the giants within touching distance. With time ticking away a real moment of quality from chellaston, involving dhillan, Dylan, Nate, and Mo led to Jayden being played through and finishing superbly into the bottom corner sparking great scenes of celebration from the team. The game seemed to be heading for a stalemate when Dylan swung in a free kick from distance which took a mighty deflection past the keeper, sparking even more celebrations as the giants nicked it at the death.

A really hectic game with plenty of hard work right to the final whistle. The third goal (Jayden’s second) was certainly the best team goal the boys have scored all season. It was lovely to see Noah make his league debut having had to wait a few weeks for a fixture.

Plenty of rustiness, but a lot of positives. Really pleased for the boys to win it the way they did.

Player of the match was Mo - he provided a constant threat and physical presence up front and didn’t let a missed penalty affect his game one bit. Always nice to see players confident enough to score with their weaker foot as well.

Thanks to all parents who continue to support the boys and run the line ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

The giants fixture began on Remembrance Sunday with a minutes silence which was impeccably observed by both teams.

The first half was a largely frustrating one for the giants, as a good Mickleover team played some great football and deservedly took the lead - slicing through the giants defence. Mo provided the memorable moment from the half with a brilliant finish into the top of the net to bring the scores level, before the opposition added two more before the break.

The second half was a much different story as the boys worked really hard to try and get themselves back into the contest. Tobias scored a well taken goal after getting in behind the defence. This was followed by another excellent finish from Tobias to grab his second and bring the giants level with 15 minutes left to play. Unfortunately, after working so hard to gain parity the boys failed to take chances when on top, and this proved costly as the opposition scored again to take the lead before adding another late on.

Overall, a frustrating watch first half was followed by a very spirited display second half with lots of positives to take from it. Still lots to work on as the team continues to grow together.

Player of the match was Tobias - a display that showed his hard work, deftness of touch, and two very well taken goals.

Thanks again to all parents who help out and cheer the boys on ⚽️

A game to learn from for the giants this week.

With everyone returning from half term breaks, and new addition Abriel making his first appearance for the team there was a full squad available to play on a beautiful November morning at the racecourse.

The boys were playing a really good, athletic Melbourne team. Despite this the giants started the game superbly and looked really dangerous, managing to sustain some good pressure and forcing the Melbourne keeper into several early saves. However, after a swift breakaway the opposition took the lead with a first time effort that looped over goalkeeper Alfie and nestled into the net. A lovely volley from a corner doubled Melbourne’s lead, and a thunderbolt strike from distance quickly followed. Despite the giants always carrying a threat throughout the half, mainly through great combination play from Mo and Jayden the giants found themselves trailing at the break.

The game continued in a similar fashion after halftime, with Melbourne adding another couple through some lovely attacking play. The giants did manage to get one back late in the game when Jayden deservedly grabbed a goal to continue his fine scoring run. Melbourne then rounded off a good display by grabbing another late on.

Although the scoreline may not read too kindly, the boys showed plenty of determination and never gave up, always carried a threat on the break but ultimately were beaten by a very impressive opposition.

Player of the match was Navraj for the second week in a row. Asked to play a variety of positions, his energy and general play were again outstanding.

Half term week and, with a few absentees the giants took to the field against a good allestree team who seemed to have the same problem of a small squad during half term.

Allestree came out the blocks all guns blazing and got behind the giants defence several times in the first few minutes, only for navraj (who was playing in an unfavored role at centre back) getting back and making some great interventions.

With the boys still struggling to wake up, it took a moment of magic from Mo who curled a wonderful shot over the keeper and into the top corner of the net to give the giants the lead. Suddenly with a spring in their step the lads found their feet in the game and started to assert themselves, and soon Jayden added a second with a nice finish coming in off the right flank - continuing his great scoring run in recent games. Half time came and went with the giants continuing to play well and peg their opponents back with some nice attacking play. Tobias rounded off a good performance by coolly slotting home a third after some good team play.

Overall a good team performance after a sleepy first 10 minutes. The team seems to be improving week by week, and doing so with smiles on their faces.

Player of the match was navraj - playing an unfamiliar position he snuffed out any danger, reading the game well and using his speed and strength to his advantage. Also managed a couple of marauding runs forward!

Thanks to the parents for their continued support and for running the line ⚽️⚽️⚽️