Kings Copse AFC

🟢⚫️ Kings Copse U13 Vipers Match Report 🟢⚫️

Finally after 3 weeks without a game we got to play today away to Hythe & Dibden

1st Half
Both teams were up for the game with good battles from the kick off. We kept good possession and played the ball around really well, including some risky passes between defenders and goal keeper but in a calm and confident fashion. We edged the half having more possession and attacks than our opposition and great pressing football. Charlie W opened up the scoring after chasing a ball into their box which the keeper fumbled and Charlie W reacted well to usher it into the goal 1-0. Hythe had a few chances that they should have scored but Jack F pulled off some great 1v1 saves to deny them and see us end the half leading

2nd Half
With only 1 goal in it, it was all to play for and no time for relaxing. A change up in positions saw us dominate the game with a lot of dangerous attacks, corners and free kicks. Fin on his debut commanded the right wing position terrorising their defenders. He managed to break through clean in goal to calmly net his first Kings Copse goal and double our lead 2-0 Our midfield and defence were on form today not allowing any oppertunity for Hythe to get into the game and keeping the attacks down their end. Fin found himself in a great position to let fly a long range shot which flew top bins to give him his brace 3-0. With no let up the Vipers still pressed Hythe to regain possession whenever we lost the ball and our attacks still kept coming. Fin launched one of his mighty throws into the box to Charlie S who wriggled out of 2 defenders to hit a well placed left foot shot passed their keeper to get us to 4-0 with just minutes left and end the game with a well deserved win.

A lot of hard work and effort was put into today’s victory with the boys all having to battle hard in the midfield and defensive areas

It was a shared credit for players of the match which went to Jack A, Jack O, Matty, Blake and James. They all worked really hard and gave their all for the whole game to keep Hythe at bay and see out the game with a clean sheet. Well done boys and well done Vipers. Great start to the season so far 👏🏼👏🏼🟢⚫️🟢⚫️⚽️

The league season has finally started for the u15s!

It was great to see the team back in action in an away fixture against Fawley Falcons Warriors.

The game was an exciting affair which seen league debuts from Ted, Olly B and Duncan who all played very well.
The whole defence including the GK Caleb worked very hard to ensure a clean sheet. The team showed a great determination and desire to be more physical this year especially Joe, Liam and Rock.

The energy from the midfielders was key to our performance and that was complimented by the creativity of our number 10 Oscar along side the ever deadly Olly.

The 3-0 score line this week was only possible due to the really strong defensive performance put in by the team.

Man of the match was very tough this week with Jake and Rock coming close but Duncan pipped with a flawless performance.

Wel done and looking forward to an exciting season ahead.

Enjoy the goals in the comments.

🟢⚫️ Under 7 Spartans 🟢⚫️

Hi Spartans fans and apologies for the lack of match reports, however as normal the Spartans have been working hard and having fun!!

We have had a fun filled few weeks and it’s been lovely with the sun shining!

All the boys have been been fantastic and it’s been great to see them bringing to match days the skills they have been learning in training.

A big emphasis has been made on the importance of team work and being positive on the pitch which in the last two weeks the boys have shown and coming back from being a few goals down to taking home the result!!

A huge congratulations to all the players of the match.

This week we shall be supporting the FA’a silent weekend where supporters are allowed to clap only and coaches input should be minimal, it will be great to see some of the great decision making the boys have been working on

🟢⚫️ Come on you Spartans 🟢⚫️

Romsey Town Cougars vs KCAFC U10 Vipers

Spring was very much in the air on Sunday, and the boys took the pitch with the bounce and energy of new-born lambs, against the menacingly named Cougars of Romsey Town.

GK: Walter
DF: Zach
DF: Heath
LM: Owen
CM: Noah
RM: Sebastian
CF: Ryan

Q1:

Early-on, Sebastian flashed a ball wide of the far post, from an acute angle. Shortly afterwards, the opposition opened the scoring; Walter did well to scoop out an effort, but Romsey followed it up. Zac then did brilliantly to pressure their forward into knocking an effort onto the post. Walter turned away another shot, diving to his left. Sebastian did well to bring the ball up from right-back, ultimately forcing a corner, which was well defended. He then found Ryan, who cut in from the right, and tested the keeper. Heath crowded out their left-midfielder, forcing a shot wide. Walter did well to field a bouncing cross from the left, and then did superbly to stand up and deflect a shot wide with his leg, as the opposition striker broke through. Sebastian then showed great skill down the right, beating his man, and pulling back for Owen, who flashed a lovely curling effort just past the far post. He wasn’t to be denied for long..

A free-kick on the left, saw Owen’s superb delivery fly in at the near post, evading defence and goalkeeper alike!!

Q2:
Dylan & Harrison came on for Heath & Owen, for the second quarter, which started with a fine save from the Vipers goalkeeper;
Walter getting his hands up quickly, to push a fierce shot over the bar. From the resulting corner, Noah headed away well. Ryan bombed up the left, playing the ball into Harrison, who was unlucky with his poked effort. Dylan did well to clear as the ball bounced in the area following a long-throw. Ryan tested the goalie with a curling shot, then Sebastian fired just over the bar.

Then, the Vipers notched again. Ryan finding the back of the net with a fabulously-controlled, 1st time strike from the edge of the box, into the bottom corner!!

Q3:

Dylan took the gloves for this quarter, with Seb & Zac taking a breather. Noah almost found Harrison at the far post, the latter just crowded out by the defender. Ryan forced the keeper into a save, low down. Heath did well to poke the ball away as it fell at the striker’s feet, then the opposition rattled Dylan’s post. A great shimmy by Harrison gave him space to whip in a cross which Noah did well to connect with, the ball just going the wrong side of the post (Subs - Seb & Heath for Noah & Zac). Harrison did well to retrieve the ball in midfield, following an opposition corner, and carried it forwards, forcing a Viper’s corner. Walter did well to clear, following an opposition counter-attack.

Another Vipers’ goal arrived shortly afterwards; Owen’s long-throw caused chaos in the Romsey area, Harrison went bustling through, and was bought down by a defender, but before the whistle was blown, Ryan poked home to leave no doubt!

Q4:

Noah took over in the Vipers’ goal for the final quarter, with Seb & Ryan basking in the sun, on the (comfy-looking) bench. Zac was quickly across to clear as the opposition countered. Harrison sent a dangerous free-kick into the area, which was just about dealt with by Romsey, who notched again shortly afterwards, following confusion in the Vipers’ box. Walter was then quick to s***f out the danger as they won the ball from the Vipers’ kick-off. Noah did well to collapse on the ball just in time, as it came through a ruck of players, then Owen showed great vision to pull back for Dylan in the area, who was unlucky not to capitalise (Sub - Seb on for Walter). Heath did well to tackle on half-way as the opposition pressed again, then Noah spread bravely and blocked well, as an attack came in from the Vipers’ left. The final action of the game saw Heath doing brilliantly, in blocking the ball as the opposition forward tried a shot then playing Harrison in with a great through ball, the latter just about being held up by the defence.

Another solid performance from the Vipers, with plenty of strong performances, and some good finishing as well. Coach Darren spoke to the gathered press after the game; “POTM today was Owen. He showcased great technical ability throughout the match. Controlling the ball to give himself time and pick the right pass. Scored a great free kick and was a constant menace with his throw ins! Great all round performance 👍.”

It was great to see parents, players and officials observing a minutes silence for the tragic event last week.

That’s a wrap for the KCAFC U12 Futsal season! It’s been for the most part a great experience for kids to showcase the things they have been working on and learning a new format of the game. I am really proud of the boys that kept going even when results weren’t going their way against more experienced sides in Southampton Youth Futsal League and in the last few games started to show they can compete and be entertaining.

It’s been a pleasure coaching the team and seeing the boys grow on Friday our last session we had a Mini presentation for boys and the winners were as follows

Parents Player Tom O
Players Player George C
Coaches Player Samual W

Tom also finished as top goal scorer and the coaches player was a very tough choice!

Again thanks to Will of Southampton Aztecs for the much needed advice and the thankless task of reffing!

I want to wish all the boys the best of luck for the rest of their grassroots season and hope that even thought KCAFCs Futsal is stopping they choose to continue their Futsal journey!

This week Kings Copse Vipers were away to Wyvern Dragons

1st Half
Final instructions were given and it was game on. Before too long we were on the attack with Sam driving down the wing. The kids looked confident out there and passed really well. More attacks came leading to a free kick. Max stepped up to take the long range kick. With a sweet strike he netted into the top corner out of reach of the keeper, great goal 1-0. Our defence were not letting Wyvern through at all and we had full control leading to a flurry of corners. Max fired in a corner and a goal mouth scramble saw Charlie S net a goal to extend our lead 2-0. After a run from Sam down the wing saw him get to the by line and swarmed by 4 players, his magical feet danced him out with the ball to finish with his right foot fantastic solo effort 3-0. Our defence still not wavering, held their lines well and passed their way out of trouble. More chances fell to us with Noah, Max, Charlie S and George all getting shots on goal. Another corner from Max and James is there to confidently header it in with a great finish 4-0. Minutes later before the end of the half James scored again to end the half 5-0

2nd Half
With the plan to limit touches to 2 if possible and try and get everyone involved in the game, it started really good. We saw some calm, good passing. Keeping possession and not wasting the ball. Our defence remained strong and confident and we still dominated the game. James got brought down in the box to give us a penalty. Leo stepped up to take it and comfortably slotted it in to take it to 6-0. Wyvern seemed to want to limit our goals so played very defensive. They managed to get into the box and after a bit of a shoulder to back the ref gave a penalty. Wyvern scored to make it 6-1. Vipers still pressed and dominated the game with more chances coming. Max and Sam both had shots denied by their keeper. Determined as always, we still pressed and Max scored a very well worked goal to end the game 7-1.

Jack F
A few good shots at him but they were no match for Jack. Had no real chance with the penalty. Fantastic goal kicks and confident play all game

Charlie W
100% dominated the centre back. No one was getting past him. If the ball was near him, he was on it. Great composure and distribution of the ball

Blake
Very composed on the ball, defended really well all game keeping keeping us strong at the back

Jack A
His performance, along with all the defenders, was key to us not conceding any open play goals

Leo
Great movement and link up play in midfield, confident on the ball and keen to take in the opposition and run at them. Got on the score sheet with a well taken penalty

Max
As always, Max worked hard all game and played a big part in most of the goals scored. 2 of them coming from him.

Sam
Sam never has a bad game, his work ethic was non stop today. Linking up with his teammates and terrorising the oppositions defence. We witnessed one of the best solo goals when Sam wriggled his way out of a no win situation to add another goal to his big tally this season so far.

Charlie S
Another solid performance. Made some dangerous runs up the wing and testing the keeper. Good passing and awareness and managed to get on the score sheet

George
Still continuing with his good form today. George is always a threat up front and on the wings and came very close to scoring. His recent confidence has improved his game massively.

James
Brilliant game from James. Always the first to the ball and looking at running at the opposition. His passing and moving was great to watch. He scored a fantastic header from a corner and netted a 2nd later on.

Rory
Solid defensive work as always. Works so hard when on the pitch and commits to every challenge. Much better passing today too

Noah
One of Noah’s best games today. He was getting his positioning right and finding himself with chances to shoot. He hit a great strike at the goal but the keeper somehow managed to keep it out. Worked well in defence at the end too

Mason
Another player who’s hard work, determination and strong tackles kept our defence strong for this game. Great passing and reading of the game

Oliver
Played some good passes today and positioned himself really well to break down the wing and look to get the ball crossed in.

After 2 weeks without a game, we used the time to really work on passing and moving as a team and limiting touches on the ball. Applying this to the game made some really good football today and it was a joy to watch at times. Everyone of the players contributed to the result. Strong goalkeeping, impenetrable defending and great passing in midfield. Well deserved win 👏🏼🟢⚫️🟢⚫️⚽️

Player of the match went to Max. All game he put the effort in. His all round game was spot on today. He netted himself a great free kick, a calm composed 2nd goal and assisted other goals. Very well done Max

Under 7 Phantoms:

This week, the Phantoms played an end-to-end match against Romsey Town Pumas. This game had a bit of everything, big leads, big come backs, great tackles, mazey dribbles and most importantly for the children – goals, goals, goals!

The Phantoms made a great start and scored an early goal through Hudson, who had played well agsinst Romsey in their previous meeting.

Hudson had certainly brought his shooting boots, the second goal of the game came from quick thinking by Oscar. A little dribble in, followed by a great through ball into Hudson’s path. Hudson showed great composure and doubled the lead.

Hungry for more goals… Hudson made it three! A first half hattrick and a great attacking display.

At the other end of the pitch, Romsey were doing attacking of their own. However, Arlo was having a super game and looked calm and assured, intercepting passes and making strong tackles to stop any Romsey attacks.

Romsey are a good team and were always going to have their own spell creating chances and putting us under pressure. Romsey scored the games next two goals, looking threating when they broke forward.

The second half saw Ryan restore a two goal cushion. He took his opportunity well, finding a bit of space on the left side of the pitch. A hard, well struck shot flew towards goal, a slight deflection on its way, goal for the Phantoms!

Never backing down, Romsey smashed two goals back of their own! A real rollercoaster of a match!

The Phantoms played a great game and strong final quarter. Albert and Rory were providing the team with a great energy in midfield. The pitch was longer than normal, so their tireless running was just what the Phantoms needed. Ryan gave the team a final boost with a great save directly from a freekick, then up stepped Hudson! His forth goal of the game! A superb reward for the Phantoms team spirit, but from an individual point of view it was the cherry on the cake! A player of the match performance from Hudson.

In all honesty, the game could have swung either way. Both sets of coaches agreed it was a fantastic game and the kids looked like they had a brilliant time. Well done Phantoms!

Under 10 Pythons:
This week the Under 10 Pythons had a competitive game against Jam FC. This was a thriller for the parents, a set of evenly matched teams, putting every ounce of effort in at both ends of the pitch.

Both sets of coaches must have been pleased with how the game was going. For every clear-cut chance that was created, a goal saving tackle / save was being made in defense. Nail biting stuff for the coaches, but it was great to be a part of.

Jam FC were first to score, after pouncing on a long ball that had been played over the top of our defense. Confidence amongst the players took a momentary blow, but the Pythons were soon back on it, creating chances, winning corners, and making the opposition goalkeeper work hard.

It was a set of corners that allowed the Pythons to grab hold of the game. Toby had swung in several great deliveries throughout the game. It was only a matter of time before Lucas had timed his movement well, and guided the ball home with a superb header. The Pythons were full of beans!

The Pythons second goal came directly from a corner! Toby hit the ball in at speed, missing everybody, it nestled into the far corner! A great reward for Toby who had a solid game in midfield, but also credit to Alice, who took up a great position in front of the keeper, and Alec and Lucas who had caused havoc attacking the ball in the 6 yard box.

Max had a strong game in goal, saving multiple shots and kicking well. One save in particular was out of the top drawer, flying through the air and tipping the ball onto the outside of the post.

Player of the game was awarded to Freddie. An absolute monster of a display at centre back. We were missing a couple of players this week, and Freddie stepped in with a player of the match performance, attacking the ball well and winning every individual duel, often recycling the ball to our midfielders in the same action.

Super game and very exciting to be a part of. Well done Pythons. 💚🖤💚🖤💚

⚫️🟢⚫️🟢⚫️

On Saturday morning, the Under 7 Phantoms put up a brave battle against Pace Pumas.

This was a brilliant end to end game, with the children putting in a fantastic effort with and without the ball.

Pace were a good team with lots of strong players, but the Phantoms matched them all over the pitch.

Tough tackling, well-timed interceptions, and good teamwork were keeping the opposition away from our goal, and often giving us the basis to start attacking.

The game was decided on a few lapses of concentration. A quick dribble in that we didnt close down until they shot. A long ball from the keeper that went over our heads after our attack, and corner that we had struggled to clear gave the scoreline a slight misrepresentation.

99% of the game was brilliant for the Phantoms.

Rory reacted quickly throughout the game, he cleared lots of dangerous situuations and used his pace well.

Oscar put in some great crosses, had a few mazey dribbles, and hit his shots well.

Arlo's assignment was tackles and dribbles, both of which he managed on multiple occasions and had a strong game (including a great save that he tipped onto the post and a last ditch slide tackle that saved a certain goal)

Ryan played well as goalkeeper and whilst in midfield. Some good crosses, attacking passes, and quick kick ins created opportunities for others.

Player of the match went to Albert. Albert played as our striker today, he was asked to lead our press, chase down the defenders and use his energy to get us on the front foot. Albert won the ball back high up the pitch and also came close to scoring on a couple of occasions.

Great effort today. Well done Phantoms, onto next week. 👏

👻👻👻

U9 Vipers v Hythe and Dibden

Finally a day without high winds and rain! A sunny lunch time kick off for the boys. Archie captained the side today.

Q1
GK Zac
D Archie and Riley
M Stewie, Boss and Jesse
S Joseph

The vipers came flying out of the traps, passing and movement was fantastic. Creating space for each other as we had put in to practise in training. Stewie and Bossman grabbed 2 goals. With Stewie and Jesse with the assists.

Q2
GK Jack
D Jesse and Joseph
M Laurence (teddy), Stewie and Archie
S Riley

A big quarter with some big performances. Early in Stewie was fouled on the edge of the box, he took the free kick and placed it fantastically above the keepers head. Archie grabbed a goal direct from a corner. At the other end Jack pulled off a wonder save high to his left with Teddy clearing it to make sure there was no tap in. Wonderful team work.

Q3
GK Zac
D Teddy and Boss
M Archie, Laurence and Jesse
S Jack

H&D came out hard in this quarter. Upping their physical side which was matched by the vipers. Everyone played their part defending high and creating chances.

Q4
GK Joseph
D Jack (Riley) and Laurence
M Boss, Teddy and Stewie
S Zac

The vipers turned the screw and went to another level. Stewie completed his hattrick with a fine effort cutting in side from the left and then became provider with an assist for Zac with a wonderful goal.

A much needed result for the boys who have been playing in some atrocious weather recently. The whole team played well. Passing, communication and most importantly team work.

Our player of the match though went to a player that created 2 and scored 3. Controlled the entire game, ran the midfield. What an excellent performance from Stewie.