We are still looking for players for next season. Contact Andy Eales on 01206 524659
or Ed Lee 01206 735321 for more information.
Future Events:
Saturday August 30th - Stanway Rovers play in the FA Cup at New Farm Road. This
is an important day for our club, the first time in the FA Cup and we hope that all the
boys will turn out to support the first team. Who knows - perhaps one day some of our boys
will be playing for Stanway Rovers in the FA Cup?
Sunday 31st August - A tournament in Clacton help by Clacton Town FC.
Tuesday 2nd September - A friendly away to Lexden Saints. Kick Off at
6.30 p.m.
Sunday 7th September - Season starts!
Don't forget - training each week at Clairmont Road 6.30 p.m.
Saturday 21st June: Clairmont Road 9.30 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.
Try-outs for next season. Bring friends who are interested in joining Stanway Rovers.
Please return any Rovers kit, including the jackets.
AGM: 8.00 p.m. Stanway Rovers, New Farm Road. Thursday 19th June.
Saturday 24th May
Thanks to Sue Lawther and Sue Hall for organising the Presentation night.
All the Team members received trophies for membership and third place in the league.
Parent's Player of the Year: Ryan Pinfold
Player's Player: Sam Barton
Manager's Player: James Eales
Most Improved Player: Leigh Lawther
Sunday 18th May Away to Clacton Town.
Least said the better. James was missed from the side. 1-0 down at half time - a
penalty - we were still in with a chance but the changes made at half time - taking Alex
Hall off and changing to 4-4-2 were clear mistakes. Clacton won 6-0 but if we look for
positives out of this game then I'd say that Max's performance was excellent - a great
forward run through the full Clacton team, Toby made a fantastic save in the first half
and Rob kept working hard. I think the soft second goal was the killer and signalled the
end of our season - the match couldn't end quick enough for me!
6th May 2003
'Home' to Clacton Town and our first League defeat since October was enough to give
Clacton the Championship. We need to win in Clacton to finish runners-up. Difficult. We
have to earn second place.
A through ball from Tom Lee put James through to score after only 29 seconds but
Clacton hit back almost immediately to level. At 27 minutes James ran through to score
with an excellent low shot inside the near post but once again Clacton came back to score
with the last kick before half time. Clacton had most of the pressure during the game and
sometimes the ball was played from one end to the other as in a game of tennis. Clacton
were strong in all areas of the pitch and the match was a real battle. THe boys did well
but not well enough to win. All to do in the next match.
I must mention that Leigh was continually skinned by the Clacton midfielder but kept
plugging away and with covering by Sam managed not to concede anything significant down
that side. Well done Leigh
Team: Toby Reid, Stephen Warner, Sam Barton, Ryan Pinfold, Leigh Lawther, Tom Lee, Max
Springett, James Eales, Kenny Dayman, Rob George, Ashley Thornton-Jones(Chris Maynard)
MoM: James Eales
3rd and 4th May R&T Tours
We played the games for fun and did quite well with many boys playing out of position.
I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. The presentation by Sir Geoff Hurst was very rushed, a
shame because that's usually the highlight of the competition.
29th April 2003 Away to Gt Bradford Blues
A three all draw could be viewed as a good result.
Mitigating circumstances:
Confusion before the kick off - no pitch until a pitch was found in Braintree. The boys
were not focussed.
An extremely hard pitch on an incredible slope. The boys tired in the first half kicking
up-hill and couldn't adjust quickly enough to the downhill slope.
Complacency following the previous win.
Too many boys were under-par on the day.
A long break between competitive games.
When all is said and done Gt Bradfords were quicker to the ball most of the time and
our boys waited for it to drop for them. It didn't, and more often than not a Gt
Bradford's boy jumped in and took it away. At 3-2 we were looking for a fourth goal when
Bradford's hit on the break and the own goal gave them the draw. Let's hope a point is
enough. Ryan's free kick(s) were great and his corners superb.
Team: Chris Maynard, Stephen Warner(Ashley Thornton-Jones), Sam Barton, Ryan Pinfold,
Leigh Lawther, Kenny Dayman, Max Springett, Tom Lee, James Eales, Tom
Dayman(Toby Reid)
Scorers: James, Kenny, Ryan
MoM: Kenny Dayman
13th April 2003 Home to Gt Bradfords Blues
Possibly the best performance ever - except for one slip where the boys forgot to play
to the whistle assuming that the referee would blow for the offside flag. Gt Bradfords
will be a different team when we play the away leg and we need to remember how well they
played football at the begining of the second half. An all-round excellent performance by
every boy.
Things to mention:
Good pass from Billy to Rob to James for the first goal.
Tom Lee forced his way past two players and laid it off for Rob to score.
Sam Barton with a good strike from just inside the penalty area. Second goal credited to
Sam for this year.
Every corner excellent by Ryan.
Chris has remembered how to play in goal but needs to watch the kick-outs with that
linesman watching him.
Nice throw by Kenny to Tom Lee to lift past the goalie.
Another hat-trick from James.
Team: Chris Maynard, Stephen Warner, Sam Barton, Ryan Pinfold, Leigh Lawther, Billy
Clarke( Kenny Dayman), Max Springett, Tom Lee, James Eales, Ashley
Thornton-Jones(Tom Dayman)
Scorers: James(3), Sam Barton, Tom Lee, Rob George
MoM: Rob George
6th April 2003 Away to Boadicea.
Tough game. Boadicea were always dangerous right until the end of the game. Rovers took
the lead early on with a deft flick over the goalkeepers head by Ashley. Boadicea nearly
scored an equaliser from a free kick by Charlie Sadler but Toby managed to parry it.
Unfortunately Toby was unsighted when a second free kick went under Ryan's legs and
bounced over Toby. There was some good play between Tom Dayman, Kenny and Tom Lee on the
right but no further goals before half time. Even when Rovers went 3-1 (Chris converting a
shot which, apparently, had already crossed the line from James' head) and a breakaway
goal from James, who rounded the goalkeeper nicely Boadicea were still threatening to come
back. Indeed as Rovers failed to put a tackle in at midfield the Boadicea no. 10 struck a
superb shot to beat Toby and bring the score to 3-2. Once again James found space to
increase Rovers lead and once again Boadicea struck back to make it a desperate finish
with Boadicea pressing for the equaliser and Rovers coming close with another James
breakaway. Indeed Boadicea thought they had got the equaliser but apparently the ball did
not cross the line as it was hit clear on the line by Alex Flavell. In short, whist the
result was good and well contested the Manager does not need too many games like
this. Overall a hardworking team performance with a great contribution from Kenny Dayman
and Max in midfield.
Team: Toby Reid, Stephen Warner, Sam Barton, Ryan Pinfold, Chris Maynard, Tom
Dayman(Billy Clarke), Kenny Dayman(Ian Gardner), Max Springett, Tom Lee(Leigh
Lawther), James Eales, Ashley Thornton-Jones(Alex Flavell)
Scorers: James(2), Chris Maynard, Ashley
MoM: Toby
30th March 2003 home to Lexden Saints. Kick Off 10.30 at Spring Lane
The boys recovered well from the previous week's defeat and won comfortably against
Saints. It would be fair to say that the difference between the teams was less than six
goals. Rees played very well in goal for Saints and cut out a lot of the through ball that
Rovers were playing. On his third attempt, and the third cross from the left from James -
Tom opened the scoring. Saints should have equalised from the penalty spot but the shot
was just wide of the post. There is a boy at Saints who pushes; and Ryan reacted wrongly
when he was blatently pushed and retaliated giving the penalty away. Justice that the
penalty was missed but it's a shame that the pushing is tolerated. Chris added a goal
before half time with a powerful shot from the left . Saints worked hard at the beginning
of the second half but James settled Rovers down by adding the third goal. A superb header
from Rob from a corner by Ryan made it four and then James wrapped things up by completing
a hat trick. Great work in goal by Toby for Rovers. The defence did well to keep Saints
chances to a minimum.
Team: Toby Reid, Alex Hall(Stephen Warner), Leigh Lawther, Sam Barton, Billy Clarke(Rob
George), Ryan Pinfold, Max Springett, Tom Lee, James Eales, Ashley Thornton-Jones,
Chris Maynard
Scorers: James(3), Tom Lee, Chris, Rob
MoM: Ryan
23rd March 2003 Away to Heybridge Boys Open Cup Quarter Final.
Well the weather was nice but not a lot else. Heybridge clearly wanted this more and I,
the Rovers Manager, could not motivate our boys enough to get 100% out of them. The early
pressure was ours but Heybridge scored on one of their many breaks. Their No 8 was clearly
too fast for our defence and that, combined with some sensible passing was our undoing.
Over the whole game Rovers asserted the greater pressure but breakaways led to three goals
for Heybridge whilst at the other end we failed to carve out a single clear cut chance -
so well done Ashley for making a half chance into our only goal. Clearly we missed Sam at
the back and the bounce on the first hard pitch that we have played on since last
September came as a surprise to many of the players - some of whom demonstrated poor
control.
Good luck to whoever plays Heybridge next.
Well done to ALL the boys that played in the game they set a great example.
Heybridge Boys 3 Stanway Rovers 1
Team: Toby Reid, Stephen Warner, Leigh Lawther(Billy Clarke), Alex Hall(Ian Gardner),
Ryan Pinfold, Max Springett, Tom Lee, James Eales, Robert George, Ashley Thornton-Jones,
Chris Maynard
MoM: There are several candidates for MoM but I will not be awarding the medal this
week. I'll explain why to the boys on Tuesday.
16th March 2003 Away to Long Melford
Wonderful sunshine and a great football spectacle. Rovers reversed a defeat in the
first game of the season by winning at League leaders Long Melford. The first half was
largely dominated by Long Melford who had two good chances to take the lead but the
crosses from the right were not met cleanly. Toby Reid played very well in goal, coming
out to collect the through ball on numerous occasions whilst Rover's MoM Sam Barton kept
steady at centre-back. Long Melford's Tom Perry was clearly a danger man but Sam and Ryan
Pinfold managed to keep the Long Melford front two quiet. Leigh Lawther had another
excellent game at left back and demonstrated that he can strike the ball well with either
foot. He is building a good working partnership with Chris Maynard who's back heel for
Leigh to play forward was one of the moments of entertaining skill that both teams
displayed. The Rovers mid-field battled well to prevent Long Melford's great passing
football and Rovers occasionally broke to attack. The Melford defence however were very
capable and dealt with the Rover's attacks comfortably. Melford were very strong all over
the pitch but the dangerous runs on their left was capably dealt with by Tom Lee and
Stephen Warner. Defending this gave Rovers little opportunity to attack on the right.
A game of two halves as inexplicably after a couple of strong attacks from Melford
at the beginning of the second half Rovers began to turn the screw and provided most of
the attacking chances. James Eales showed great energy and became a problem for Melford to
solve in the middle of the pitch whilst Max Springett worked tirelessly to win the ball.
The through balls from Ashley T-J created danger but Rovers were just unable to capitalise
on them. As Rovers created several chances Long Melford hit on the break. Three excellent
corners from Ryan Pinfold created chances, the first was not met at the far post, from the
second a shot from James screamed over but the third, with three minutes to go, was
met by a bullet header from Rob George to make the score 1-0 to Rovers. A match played in
good spirit between two sets of boys of great quality.
Team: Toby Reid, Stephen Warner, Leigh Lawther, Sam Barton, Ryan Pinfold, Max
Springett, Tom Lee, James Eales, Robert George, Ashley Thornton-Jones, Chris Maynard
Long Melford 0 Stanway Rovers 1
MoM: Sam Barton
9 March 2003 Home to Oyster Youth
The 8-0 scoreline did not reflect how close the match was until late in the first
half. Rovers had the balance of play but as they attacked Oyster looked dangerous on the
break. The deadlock was broken when a clearance from a corner was hit into the net by
Leigh Lawther. The match could have gone either way but (and I will say under his
manager's instructions) Ashley passed the ball from midfield to Tom on the right wing.
Given an acre of space Tom ran 60 yards and shot from outside the penalty area. The ball
squirmed under the goalies arms to make the score 2-0. Ashley was involved in the third
goal, controlling the ball with his thigh and laying it off to James who ran through to
score the first of his hat-trick. It has been mentioned and must be recorded that Rob also
got a hat-trick in the second half but how many chances were missed?Never mind, the second
half was one-way traffic as Oyster tired and although Toby was called upon to make a great
save from a high ball shot largely there were few threats. Goal assists were notably
provided in the second half by Chris (a cross to Rob) and Tom who went past two players to
lay the ball on for James. Good solid defending from the back four but I must remember to
mention in training:
Talk to each other and put a name on the ball... it was lost too often where
players left it for each other or the wrong player took the ball.
Team: Toby Reid, Stephen Warner, Leigh Lawther(Ian Gardner), Sam Barton, Ryan
Pinfold, Max Springett, Tom Lee, James Eales, Robert George, Ashley Thornton-Jones, Chris
Maynard(Alex Flavell)
Stanway Rovers 8 Oyster 0
MoM: Ashley Thornton-Jones
Scorers: James Eales(3), Tom Lee, Leigh Lawther, Rob George(3)
2 March 2003 Away to Lexden Saints
Played on a superb pitch at St Benedicts College this was a hard fought, close
match with Lexden Saints playing excellent passing and physically hard football. Rovers
took an early lead through James, who ignored his manager's instructions to pass and hit a
25 yarder into the top corner. This seemed to relax Rovers and they allowed Saints to come
back into the game, conceding the midfield. Saints were rewarded for their efforts and
midfield posession by a stroke of fortune when a Rovers defender deflected the ball into
his own net from a left midfield cross. This encouraged Saints who then proceeded to take
a 2-1 lead through another well worked goal. At last Rovers realised they had a game on
their hands and began to fight back. Ashley and Kenny were swapped into central midfield
and shortly afterwards Ashley found the space to make the score 2-2. A loose ball from a
corner fell to James in the 6 yards box and he was able to give Rovers a 3-2 lead at half
time.
Changes were made at half time and the game remained evenly balanced with Saints
having the better possession, closing Rovers down in a packed midfield. A corner from Ryan
fell to Tom Lee in the box but his shot went over the under-sized goal being used.
Visiting teams will need to adjust to these goals. Possibly Saints tired as the game moved
to a close and Rovers persistence was rewarded with two late goals by Rob and James. Not a
game for the purists but Rovers need to learn not to be distracted by off-field comments
and not to take a team's league position as a guarantee of points.
Team: Toby Reid, Stephen Warner, Ian Gardner(Leigh Lawther), Sam Barton, Ryan
Pinfold, Alex Hall(Max Springett), Tom Lee(Alex Flavell), Kenny Dayman(Tom Dayman), James
Eales, Robert George, Ashley Thornton-Jones(Billy Clarke)
Lexden Saints 2 Stanway Rovers 5
MoM: James Eales
Scorers: James Eales(3), Ashley Thornton-Jones, Rob George
23 February 2003 Away to Stanway Villa.
A good win by the Rovers in the Stanway local derby. Rovers opened the scoring
early with Ashley, seeing the Villa goalie advanced off his line and taking the
opportunity to chip the Villa goalie from around 30 yards with a superbly accurate shot.
Other goals followed before half time to make the score 3-0. This included a goal from
James and a great cross from James which Kenny converted with a far post header.
From kick off of the second half a long ball from Ryan put James through. His shot was
handled by the goalkeeper outside the area but James quickly followed up with another
shot. Rob, the opportunist, wisely followed through to ensure the score moved to 4-0. With
time running out James made it 5-0.
Leigh was selected as MoM, giving a great performance at left back with hard tackling
and good use of the ball with both feet.
Team: Toby Reid (Tom Dayman), Stephen Warner (Ian Gardner), Sam Barton, Ryan Pinfold,
Leigh Lawther, Max Springett, Tom Lee(Alex Flavell), Kenny Dayman, James Eales, Robert
George, Ashley Thornton-Jones
Score: Villa 0 Rovers 5
MoM: Leigh Lawther
Scorers: James(2), Ashley, Robert, Kenny
16 February 2003 Home to Tempest.
Rovers were well prepared for this match having been beaten by Tempest earlier in
the season. Immediate attacks from Rovers led to three goals within the first 8 minutes.
Billy Clarke opening the scoring. Rovers added a fourth before half time to effectively
wrap up the game.
Tempest, however were not finished and hit back with a first half goal to
demonstrate that they were not willing to let Rovers run away with the match. An
interesting incident in the match saw James Eales through on goal but he was brought down
from behind by a Tempest defender. Surely according to the rules this should have been a
sending off, however the referee showed leniency to such a young boy and a free kick alone
was awarded. It was possibly the same Tempest defender who scored Tempest's second goal
from a well worked free kick - the taker passing the ball across the goal and the defender
hitting it from 25 yards into the goal. Pinfold had scored earlier in the match from a
free kick and added to his contribution by placing a corner on the head of Stephen Warner
- who headed home. Leigh Lathwer scored froom a cross by James Eales, his header being well
saved but Leigh followed up to open his account for the season. Tempest had the final say
in the match as they scored at full-time from a superbly struck shot, again from 25 yards.
Final score:
Rovers 7 Tempest 3.
Team: Chris Maynard, Stephen Warner, Leigh Lawther, Max Springett, Ryan Pinfold, Sam
Barton, Tom Lee, Kenny Dayman(Ian Gardner), Billy Clarke(Tom Dayman), Ashley
Thornton-Jones(Alex Flavell)
MoM: James Eales
Scorers: Stephen, Leigh, Pinfold, Tom Lee, James(2), Billy
9 February 2003
The winner of the silly costume competition, selected by the match referee, was
Ryan Pinfold. Ryan won a large selection of chocolates, much of which he shared, and an
England back pack. Lucky Ryan!
Match report of Col Villa vs Rovers to follow. Score Col Villa 3 Rovers 4
Team: Chris Maynard, Stephen Warner, Leigh Lawther(Ian Gardner), Max Springett, Sam
Barton, Ryan Pinfold (Billy Clarke), Tom Lee(Alex Flavell), Alex Hall, James Eales, Ashley
Thornton-Jones, Rob George
Goalscorers: Ashley(2, but one marked as an OG), James(2)
2 February 2003
Away to Boadicea - postponed due to weather - snow this time!
26 January 2003
At home to Boadicea. In this, the sixth league tie between the teams, honours
remain even with two wins each and now two draws. This was a pleasant game played in good
spirit although there was controversy when the Boadicea linesman disagreed with the
referee's decision over one of Rovers goals. Fortunately the referee was independent and
gave what he saw. A hat-trick for Charlie Sadler of Boadicea pulled them from 3-1 down to
3-3. This was the second week that a hat-trick by a big lad who is able to hit the ball
from distance into the roof of the net has thwarted Rovers. The answer is not to let them
get the shot in. Rovers had taken the lead through a narrow angle goal from Ashley and
then Rob George followed up with a second. Boadicea then started to press forward and were
rewarded with a goal before half time. Rovers made four changes at half time, including
bringing Chris Maynard onto the left. Immediately this should have given a goal as a
superb cross was met by Billy Clarke. Unfortunately the shot skimmed wide. Rovers pressed
forward and Billy made it 3-1 when possibly off-side. The referee decided the goal should
stand and a determined Boadicea side pressed forward. From a free-kick Charli Sadler took
advantage of a clash between the goalkeeper and a defender and the ball dropped into the
goal. With just a minute left Boadicea equalised through the same player and very late
pressure from Rovers was not enough to find the winner. And now the away match.
Team: Chris Maynard, Alex Hall(Stephen Warner), Ian Gardner(Leigh LawtherI), Max
Springett, Sam Barton, Ryan Pinfold, Tom Lee, James Eales, Ashley Thornton-Jones(Billy
Clarke), Alex Flavell(Toby Reid), Rob George
Goalscorers: Ashley, Rob, Billy
Mom: Max Springett
19 January 2003
At last a game. Boxford Rovers, who were beaten 9-1 earlier in the season showed
how much they have improved. Although still without a point in the league they arrived
determined to give everything and it nearly bore fruit. Rovers took the lead but Boxford
pulled it back to 2-. Giving their best Rovers managed to take it to 3-2 but Boxford were
not finished and drew level at 3-3. With only a minute to go James Eales managed to put
away one of his chances to give Rovers a 4-3 lead and this time Boxford did not have
enough time to come back. Well done to both teams for giving everything and good luck to
Boxford for the rest of the season.
Team: Toby Reid, Stephen Warner, Leigh Lawther(Ian Gardner), Max Springett, Sam Barton,
Ryan Pinfold, Tom Lee, Billy Clarke(Alex Hall), James Eales, Ashley Thornton-Jones, Alex
Flavell(Rob George)
Goalscorers: Ashley, James, Alex F, Rob
Mom: Max Springett
12 January 2003
The frozen pitch at Villa means this game is postponed. Will we ever play?
5 January 2003
A flooded pitch meant that the game at home to Oysters is postponed. Hopefully
we'll play the game in nice summer weather.
15 December 2002
Ten nil to Rovers. The Open Cup game against Brooklands Falcons played at Clairmont
Road was a cruise for Rovers. Although Brooklands could have scored three goals themselves
but for good goalkeeping by Toby Reid. The conditions were very poor, rain and mud but
this time Rovers played some good passing football to win comfortably. Some things to
mention.. a 60 yard run and goal from Ryan Pinfold, a hat-trick for Ashley, a goal on his
debut for Billy Clarke, first goal of the season for Alex Flavell and Stephen Warner. Well
done and have a Happy Christmas!
Team: Toby Reid, Leigh Lawther(Ian Gardner), Sam Barton, Alex Hall, Chris Maynard, Ryan
Pinfold, Max Springett (Billy Clarke), Alex Flavell, Stephen Warner, Ashley
Thornton-Jones, Tom Lee
Goalscorers: Ashley(3), Max, Tom, Sam, Alex F, Ryan P, Billy, Stephen
Mom: Stephen
(No James Eales, Kenny and Tom Dayman and Robert George today - some serious
competition for places!)
11 December 2002
From the second Friday of January 2003 there will be aditional training on Friday
evenings, 6.00 p.m. at Clairmont Road. This training will be with Colchester United
trainers and will focus on footballing technique. This will leave Tuesdays for tactical
practise.
On 30th December 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. the Stanway Rovers Christmas
Party will be held at Stanway Rovers. This is open to children and grandchildren of
members aged 3 to 11 years.
8 December 2002
A coach trip to Market Deeping, 17 miles North of Peterborough, resulted in a 2-0
defeat and ejection from the East Anglia Cup. However the boys attitude was excellent and
they fought to the final whistle. Market Deeping showed how well they could defend and
having taken a two goal lead after 15 minutes were determined not to let it slip. I think
everybody that went on the trip was proud of all of the boys.
Team C Maynard, I Gardner(L Lawther), S Warner, M Springett, S Barton, R
Pinfold, J Eales, K Dayman, R George,T Lee, A Thornton-Jones(T Dayman)
sub not used: Toby Reid
MoM: Tom Lee
24 November 2002
A 5-0 defeat at home to Colchester Villa Blues was very disappointing. Not just
because of the result. Col Villa played the better football and clearly wanted to win
more. They worked harder and closed down Rovers quickly. Often Rovers players in posession
were surrounded by three Col Villa players but once Col Villa got posession their movement
left Rovers literally standing.
We have to take what we can get from this game - at least all of the boys got a run
out which has given Andy the opportunity to see what each boy can do.
Team T Reid (C Maynard), L Lawther(I Gardner), S Warner, M Springett, S
Barton, R Pinfold, J Eales, K Dayman, A Hall(R George),A Flavell(T Lee), A
Thornton-Jones(T Dayman)
MoM: Sam Barton
17 November 2002
Sadly the match at home to Clacton Town was cancelled due to the waterlogged pitch
at Spring Lane. As a result of the recent cancelled matches we are falling behind in our
fixtures and our position in the league. We were seventh at the last count having played 5
games. Some of the other teams have played 9 games now. Never mind. I am confident that
once we play our matches we will return to a more appropriate position in the league.
10 November 2002
A fantastic win over Southend Manor in the East Anglian Youth Cup has set up a trip to
Peterborough against either Peterborough City or Deeping Rangers. This was probably the
best performance by the boys since the 7-a-side away win against Clacton almost two years
ago. There were good performances from so many boys against good opponents. Two goals were
scored by Ashley Thornton-Jones in the first half and the result was sealed half way
through the second half by a goal from Tom Lee. As the match was brought to a close Rob
George scored to give a final score which did not reflect how well Southend Manor played.
Well done to the team and to Andy Eales on his first match in charge as head coach.
Also thanks to all those who helped to make this a successful day by helping with the
catering arrangements. We should not forget our opponents who behaved in a most sporting
manner.
Mom: Ashley Thornton-Jones
Team: C Maynard, S Warner, I Gardner, M Springett, S Barton, R Pinfold, T Lee, T
Dayman(A Hall), J Eales, K Dayman, A Thornton-Jones(R George)
Scorers: T-J(2), Tom Lee, Rob George
9 November 2002
What a great day!
9 boys were selected to enter a Colchester United charity tournament initially played
at Clairmont Road. A 4-0 win over Weeley, followed by a 1-0 win over a Brooklands team
meant that the final 0-0 with Witham Nomads was academic. The final was held at Layer Road
in front of a crowd of over 3,000 during the half time interval in the Colchester United
game with Bristol City.
Despite having Blue and White shirts to hand, in order to avoid a colour clash,
Rovers had to play in Red - appearing to sympathise with the red of Bristol City.
Unfortunately the Layer Road regulars put their support behind fellow finalists
Brooklands. The result - a sporting 1-1 draw meant that all the boys had a great day.
Much thanks to Steve Bartlett and all those at Colchester United who organised a
special day not just for our boys but the 70 others who took part.
Squad: Toby Reid, Max Springett, Tom Dayman, Tom Lee, Kenny Dayman, James Eales,
Ryan Pinfold, Stephen Warner, Sam Barton
Photos: ColU1.JPG ColU2.JPG ColU3.JPG ColU4.JPG
3 November 2002
James Eales, Kenny Dayman and Ryan Pinfold turned out for the League representative
side versus Rural Friendly from Middlesex. Unfortunately the team lost 3-0 but the Rovers
boys all put in good performances. James had an introduction to the science of applied
shirt-pulling. Something we don't see much of in the Colchester league. I suppose we have
that to look forward to. Well done, boys. You represented the club well.
On Saturday 9th November we have been invited to put up to 10 boys into a 7-a-side
tournament to be held at Clairmont Road. At time of writing I have few further deatails,
other than to say that participating boys will receive a ticket for Colchester United and
the tournament final will take place at Layer road as part of the match day programme.
Next Sunday we will be entertaining Southend Manor, a 12:00 kick off at Spring Lane.
Andy Eales will be contacting the selected boys during the week. Lisa Eales is organising
the post-match buffet and will also be contacting parents to ask for contributions..
Team: T Reid, I Gardner(C Maynard), L Lawther(A Hall), M Springett, S Barton,
R Pinfold, T Lee, A Thornton-Jones(T Dayman), J Eales, K Dayman, R George
Four boys attended a trial for the League Representative side, Tom Lee, Ryan Pinfold,
James Eales and Kenny Dayman. The Rep team game is on November 3rd. Provided I am
available on the day my intention is to play our league game against Great Bradfords Blues
on that day regardless of the selection of the boys for the Rep side. Hopefully Great
Bradfords will also want to play the game as this will give other boys the opportunity to
show what they can do. Alternately I may be able to arrange a friendly.
An excellent 1-0 win away at Milton Keynes sees Rovers through to a second round game
at home to Southend Manor Youth. The Southend side won comfortably against Purfleet FC,
9-3, and were 6-0 up at half time. Tom Lee scored Rovers winner in MK, reaching the ball
before a defender from an MK clearance and putting it past the goalkeeper. The smaller
goals used by MK meant that two Rovers first half chances went over the crossbar.
