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Manager - Darren Barnes & Dan Martin
IF YOU BELIEVE, YOU WILL ACHIEVE
Belper Town Juniors Under 10 Black Sox 2008/2009
With manager Darren Barnes back left and Assistant Manager Dan Martin back left
The Belper Town Juniors Under 10 Black Sox Team is:
Joel Cain, Jorge Knowles, Charlie Martin, Ben Cartwright, Tom Chinn, Barney Andrews, James Rowson-Jones, Edward Bradbury, Rafe Gregory, Jake Wright & Bobby West
Match Reports;
Belper Town Black Sox under 10’s V Field Lane - 26.10.2008
Back to League action today with the visit of last season’s high flyers Field Lane. They went unbeaten last term and despite losing some players in the summer break Black Sox would not take the opposition lightly. Black Sox started with a more familiar line up today - Tom Chinn in goal, with Charlie Martin and Rafe Gregory flanking centre half and captain Jorge Knowles in defence. James Rowson Jones and Joel Cain added strength to the midfield behind lone raider Jake Wright. Ben Cartwright and Bobby West started on the bench.
The wind and the heavy pitch would play a big part in today’s games, and this one was no exception. The pitch was very heavy and this hampered Black Sox passing game as they started strongly. Early pressure was applied by Joel Cain and James Rowson Jones and this lead to an early break through. Jake Wright picked the ball up on the wide left, skipped two challenges and then crossed the ball to an unmarked James on the back post to fire home. 1 – 0. Field Lane seemed rattled and started to apply some pressure of their own. Jorge Knowles was steadfast in defence and with Rafe Gregory and Charlie Martin getting some strong challenges in they were forced back time and time again. After ten minutes the same combination worked again. Joel Cain found Jake Wright wide left and he picked out James Rowson Jones on the edge of the box – no early shot this time as James steadied himself before jinking past two defenders and then coolly slotting home. 2 – 0. Field Lane again reacted with an attack and eventually managed a shot on goal which keeper Tom Chinn turned against the post. Half time score was 2 – 0.
Black Sox made a series of changes at half time with Bobby West and Ben Cartwright replacing Joel Cain and James Rowson Jones to give fresh legs to the midfield.
With the wind behind them Black Sox had expected to press hard again, but the opposite was the case to start with. Jorge Knowles blocked two goal bound efforts, Charlie martin slid in to break up another chance and then Ben Cartwright was back covering to clear off the line. Field Lane certainly meant business. Black Sox eventually managed to break free and started to play in Field Lanes half – Bobby West first releasing Jake Wright to shoot wide and then Ben Cartwright firing over after a long run. Eventually the pressure told and it was Bobby West wide left who delivered a hammer blow – a long range effort dipping in under the bar. 3 – 0.
Field Lane now looked a beaten side at last and they had to weather wave after wave of Black Sox attacks. James Rowson Jones was back replacing Jake Wright and he and Ben Cartwright linked well several times. James went very close with just minutes to go, with just the post denying him a well earned hat trick.
The result was Black Sox 3 – 0 Field Lane
The wind was still gusting as manager Darren Barnes debriefed the team. The defence had stood firm and Jorge Knowles got his head to clear many a high ball. Rafe Gregory and Charlie Martin put in a good deal of effort to break down attacks and Tom Chinn was always safe when called upon. Joel Cain, Bobby West, Ben Cartwright and Jake Wright provided plenty of pace in attack and James Rowson Jones was named Harvest Associates man of the match for two great goals and plenty of hard work in between.
It’s Little Eaton next week, as Black Sox aim to cement second place in the table.
DM 26th October 2008.
Spondon Dynamo Yellow Sox v Belper Town Black Sox under 10’s - 19.10.2008
It was the welcome distraction of the cup this week, and having made the quarter finals last season, Black Sox want to put a good cup run together. Black Sox took the opportunity to use the full squad today, and so started with an unfamiliar but strong line up - Tom Chinn was the keeper, with Charlie Martin and James Rowson Jones either side of centre half and captain Jorge Knowles in defence. Ben Cartwright and Bobby West flanked lone striker Edward Bradbury. Jake Wright, Joel Cain and Barney Andrews awaited their chance from the bench.
The half began with both sides enjoying spells of possession, but Black Sox looked the more assured and began to press with Jorge Knowles beginning to dominate play in midfield. His full backs were giving him licence to roam and he went close early on before breaking the deadlock on seven minutes with a firm shot from the edge of the box. This settled his side into a good rhythm and Black Sox grew in confidence. Edward Bradbury was holding up play well in the centre forward position, allowing Bobby West and Ben Cartwright room for shots on goal. Edward himself went close twice before Spondon managed a short spell of possession - they were held back by some fine defending by Charlie Martin and James Rowson Jones and assured handling from Tom Chinn. At half time Black Sox went in 1 – 0 up.
Black Sox made a series of changes at half time with Jake Wright replacing Edward Bradbury up front, Barney Andrews replacing Bobby West on the left and Joel Cain replacing James Rowson Jones on the right.
The substitutes were hardly on the pitch before Spondon caught Black Sox cold – a long shot was parried by Tom Chinn and with no defenders to help him out a Spondon boot blasted home the loose ball - 1 – 1. Black Sox were galvanised into an immediate response, and attacked Spondon with the pace of Ben Cartwright. Spondon cleared the ball, but the long throw was volleyed home at the far post by Barney Andrews to restore Black Sox lead – 2 – 1. Black Sox now went for the kill and had good efforts from Ben Cartwright and Joel Cain well saved. Eventually a through ball from Ben Cartwright was pounced on by Jake Wright and he netted without fuss – 3 – 1 Black Sox. Jake was looking in good form and soon had a second as he collected a Joel Cain pass before placing a shot in the far corner – 4 -1 Black Sox. Spondon made a series of changes and Black Sox were still putting some big tackles in, with Jorge Knowles and Charlie Martin getting some crucial slide tackles just right.
With a few minutes to go Bobby West, Edward Bradbury and James Rowson Jones were brought back on. Ben Cartwright hit the far post from a narrow angle, but eventually Black Sox had their fifth as great work from Bobby West was followed up with a tap in for Jake Wrights hat trick – 5 – 1 Black Sox.
The result was Spondon 1 – 5 Black Sox.
Black Sox are comfortably through to the next round and showed good depth of squad today.
Jake Wright was named Harvest Associates man of the match for a second half hat trick. Skipper Jorge Knowles was in fine form and had some quality assistance today with James Rowson Jones and Charlie Martin putting in a good shift and a safe pair of hands behind him belonging to Tom Chinn. Barney Andrews was back with a goal and there were some fine performances by Joel Cain, Bobby West and Ben Cartwright in attack. Edward Bradbury enjoyed success up front and eventually in defence as he showed his ability in more than one position.
It’s back to the League campaign next week with the visit of Field Lane. DM 19th October 2008.
Chesapeake v Belper Town Black Sox under 10’s - 12.10.2008
Black Sox knew this would be another stern test this week – Chesapeake had managed a couple of good results already this season and so Black Sox Assistant Manager Dan Martin picked his strongest line up.
Tom Chinn was the keeper, with Rafe Gregory and Barney Andrews either side of centre half and skipper Jorge Knowles in defence. Ben Cartwright, Joel Cain and Jake Wright were the attacking trio, with Charlie Martin, Edward Bradbury and Bobby West ready to strike from the bench.
Black Sox started strongly and Ben Cartwright was the first to test the keeper with a low drive. Joel Cain was then on the end of some good work by Jake Wright to force another fine save, before Chesapeake enjoyed a five minute passage of possession. Keeper Tom Chinn was repaying the faith shown in him from the management team with a string of good saves and Chesapeake were unlucky in hitting the bar twice.
Black Sox broke away shortly after with Jorge Knowles and Barney Andrews combining well and forcing a corner. Ben Cartwright delivered an accurate cross and the ball was poked home by Joel Cain to give Black Sox a slender lead. Joel Cain again went close twice – first shooting from range and then heading narrowly over. The half time whistle was a welcome sound, giving the opportunity to regroup. Bobby West replaced Jake Wright and Black Sox were given instructions to be firmer in the tackle and keep things tight at the back.
There was a debutant at half time – the low winter sun was causing keeper Tom Chinn a few problems and so Rafe Gregorys Grandads cap was called off the bench!
The game carried on where it left off with good chances for both teams – Bobby West made a good run and set up Jorge Knowles for a strike on goal. This was followed by a thunder bolt from Rafe Gregory just wide. Black Sox were looking comfortable and then disaster struck – a long ball from the keeper was allowed to bounce, and a striker got between Barney Andrews and keeper Tom Chinn to loop a header into an empty net. Edward Bradbury was sent on for Barney Andrews to shore up the defence and made many good interceptions. Charlie Martin replaced Joel Cain to provide fresh legs in attack and try to find the elusive winner.
It was not to be and the result was 1 – 1.
Jorge Knowles was named Harvest Associates man of the match for an all round solid defensive performance. Black Sox had quality in all departments, with Barney Andrews, Rafe Gregory and Edward Bradbury all having a much stronger second half. Ben Cartwright, Bobby West and Joel Cain put in a tremendous amount of work in midfield and Jake Wright and Charlie Martin were full of running up front.
Its the welcome distraction of “the cup” next week as Black Sox visit Spondon Dynamoes.
DM 12th October 2008.
Belper Town Black Sox under 10 v Chellaston Rams 5.10.2008
Black Sox faced another big team this week, as they aimed to keep their season in the top flight on track. Last weeks fantastic result against highflyers Castle Donnington would not count for much if they couldn’t maintain the standard today against big hitting Chellaston. The visitors had already held Littleover Villa to a draw and so would provide a stern test. Assistant Manager Dan Martin had no injury worries and could name an unchanged squad. Tom Chinn kept the keepers gloves, and Rafe Gregory and James Rowson Jones flanked centre half and skipper Jorge Knowles in defence. Ben Cartwright, Bobby West and Jake Wright were the attacking trio, with Barney Andrews and Joel Cain poised to join in from the bench.
Black Sox were asked to press hard from the off and try to get the opposition on the back foot. This they did with gusto as first Bobby West and then Ben Cartwright forced good saves within the first five minutes. More pressure from Jake Wright forced a corner which was eventually forced home by Bobby West giving his side a well deserved 1-0 lead. Chellaston needed to respond and did so with sustained pressure on Black Sox goal. Keeper Tom Chinn was again in excellent form and didn’t look like being beaten. Chellaston forced a series of corners as Black Sox defence, well marshalled by Jorge Knowles, kept them out. Jake Wright was back helping his team and headed well clear, as did Rafe Gregory before Chellaston eventually got lucky. A corner was drilled in low and somehow crept in at the front post. Black Sox didn’t deserve this bad luck, but again rallied and had several chances to extend their lead. Great play by James Rowson Jones set up Ben Cartwright for a long range effort just tipped wide by the keeper.
At half time Barney Andrews was introduced at left back and Rafe Gregory took over at his preferred right back position. Again Black Sox forced the pace and Bobby West won an early corner. Ben Cartwrights delivery was superb and Rafe Gregory rose like a salmon at the back post to head home another goal! He has struck a rich vein of goal scoring form this season. Joel Cain was introduced to add some physical presence up front and was immediately involved as he had a good shot well saved and was then sent clean through by Ben Cartwright to force a second excellent save.
Jake Wright, Bobby West and Ben Cartwright all forced good saves and then Joel Cain went close with another header from a corner. His involvement was soon over, however, as he was injured charging down a shot for his team. The whistle couldn’t come soon enough as Black Sox were left defending valiantly for the last few minutes. Chellastons keeper had a great game – testimony to the number of chances Black Sox created.
Result - 2-1 was a fine win for Black Sox and they seem to have the momentum again to be a force in this league. Ben Cartwright was named man of the match for a powerful all round display and showing good positional sense as he supported his defenders throughout. There were great displays all over the pitch – Jorge Knowles was superb in defence, as were James Rowson Jones, Barney Andrews and Rafe Gregory. The remaining strikers all posed a threat – Bobby West will be pleased to be back amongst the goals and Jake Wright and Joel Cain caused Chellaston a good deal of trouble. Black Sox will be hoping to carry this form through against old favourites Chesapeake next time out.
DM 5th October 2008.
Castle Donnington “A” U10 verses Belper Town Black Sox U’10
28th September 2008
Following the disappointment of last weeks defeat to St. George, the Black Sox returned to action in what was to be another tough match against one of last seasons league winners, Castle Donnington “A”.
The team reverted back to a more familiar 3-2-1 formation, with Tom Chinn, fresh from his man of the match performance against St George in goal, Rafe Gregory returning to right back, Jorge Knowles (captain) in the centre of defence and Barney Andrews out on the left. The midfield was provided by Ben Cartwright and Joel Cain with Jake Wright as the lone striker. There was also strength in depth on the bench in the form of James Rowson-Jones and Bobby West.
The match kicked of in glorious sunshine and both sides started playing good attractive football. Belper looked a totally different team from last week and the longer the match progressed the more the confidence returned. Opportunities fell to both sides before Belper took a deserved lead through Jake Wright. The goal was provided by good work on the right by Ben Cartwright whose cross was volleyed into the back of the net by Jake. Belper began to start to dominate the game, although this did not stop keeper Tom Chinn have to make some more excellent saves. Bobby replaced Joel Cain towards the end of the half to add some width on the left.
Half time score Castle Donnington “A” 0 Belper Town Black Sox 1
The second half began in similar fashion to the first with both sides playing well and creating opportunities. James Rowson – Jones came on to replace Jake for a well earned rest. Belper extended there lead midway through the second half in spectacular fashion. The excellent Jorge Knowles broke down a Castle Donnington attack, finding James who beat one man before spraying the ball wide to Ben Cartwright who got the ball under control and hit a vicious shot from just past the half way line which flew into the back of the net giving the keeper no chance.
Belper then shut up shop, Joel coming on to give Rafe a well earned rest. Bobby nearly added a third in the dying minutes shooting just wide.
Final Score Castle Donnington “A” 0 Belper Town Black Sox 2
Manager Darren Barnes praised the team afterwards saying that they did everything asked of them and the attitude showed following last weeks defeat was something to be admired.
Man of the match could have gone to any of the 9 players but it went to Tom Chinn, again, who again showed excellent hands in keeping a clean sheet.
Belper Town Black Sox under 10 v St George of Littleover 21.9.2008
Back down to earth with a bump! Black Sox knew that the hardest league would throw up many tough games, and this was their first this season. Darren Barnes had the full squad at his disposal, and welcomed back Jorge Knowles, Bobby West and Jake Wright to the starting line up. Tom Chinn kept the keepers gloves, and Rafe Gregory and Joel Cain paired in front of him. Ben Cartwright had recovered from an injured foot, and the bench had Charlie Martin, Edward Bradbury, James Rowson Jones and Barney Andrews to choose from.
Black Sox kicked off and from their first attack Jorge Knowles hit the foot of the post. This spurred the opposition into action and Tom Chinn made two good saves as they applied lots of pressure. Unfortunately Black Sox just could not clear their lines and a long ball was latched on to by St George and hammered into the net. 1-0 to St George.
Tom Chinn was certainly the busiest keeper as he kept St George out again and again. Eventually Belper broke and Bobby West fired a shot in that was tipped round the post. The corner was delivered by Joel Cain and headed just wide by Ben Cartwright. The resulting goal kick was again hammered long and St George ran through unchallenged to score a second and take a half time lead of 2-0.
Changes were deemed necessary and Barney Andrews and James Rowson Jones were introduced for Bobby West and Jake Wright. Shortly after the restart Edward Bradbury replaced the injured Joel Cain. Ben Cartwright went close twice from range and Black Sox forced several corners, one of which was volleyed against the post by Barney Andrews. On any other day Black Sox may well even be leading at this stage but the woodwork was keeping them out. Unfortunately the long ball game caught Belper out again as a long goal kick found their loan striker who thrashed it home. 3-0.
Tom Chinn made another outstanding save, and his quick thinking released Rafe Gregory who had a long run and shot. Shortly after he was replaced by Charlie Martin. As Belper went looking for a goal to rescue their day, they were undone by two more from the opposition in the last few minutes. 5-0 flattered the opposition as Black Sox had their chances in this game to affect a different result. Nevertheless, St George were excellent opposition and maybe a taste of more to come this season.
Black Sox man of the match was new keeper Tom Chinn for making many good saves in his second appearance between the sticks.
DM 21.9.08
Belper Town Black Sox under 10 v Ashbourne Aztecs 14.9.2008
The start of a new season! Black Sox are now under 10’s and have been seeded in the Top Division following their recent successful two seasons. The top flight will mean tough opposition every week, and so Manager Darren Barnes could well do without injuries and holiday absentees! Black Sox would have to do without keeper Trent Pickering, defensive rock Jorge Knowles, wing wizard Bobby West and top scorer Jake Wright (broken arm)!
Tom Chinn was the new goal keeper with skipper Rafe Gregory was accompanied by James Rowson Jones and Edward Bradbury in defence. In front of them were Barney Andrews on the left’ Ben Cartwright on the right and Joel Cain in the centre. Charlie Martin was the lone sub.
Black Sox began brightly and forced a succession of corners delivered by Ben Cartwright. Joel Cain headed against the bar and then set up Ben from the next to fire just over. Joel and Ben were certainly keeping Ashbourne on the back foot with strong, powerful running and both went close again before eventually creating the first goal. Joel Cain won a free kick which Ben Cartwright angled towards the far post – the ball broke to Rafe Gregory on the edge of the box and he curled it into the corner. Belper pushed for a second and created more chances quickly after – Joel Cain was through one on one to force a good save and then Ben Cartwrights header was brilliantly cleared off the line. Eventually the pressure told as Joel got his goal, heading in from a long throw. 2-0.
Ashbournes keeper had kept his team in the game, but was soon to be picking the ball out of the net again. Corners were his undoing, as James Rowson Jones ghosted in to the back post to score his first and Belpers third from a corner, and then Ben Cartwright drove the next one in direct for Belpers fourth. James Rowson Jones had really joined the party and was soon adding his second – a great move saw him put through by Barney Andrews and he coolly slotted over the advancing keeper. 5-0 at half time was more than Belper could have hoped for, and the fact that Tom Chinn had not been busy was testament to great defending in front of him by Rafe Gregory and Edward Bradbury.
At half time Charlie Martin replaced Barney Andrews and James Rowson Jones was pushed further forward. Belper picked up where they had left off, and a long shot from Joel Cain was well saved, but the rebound tapped in by Ben Cartwright for 6-0. Belper pressure forced another corner, which was cleared to the edge of the box only for Rafe Gregory to power it straight back into the top corner. Ashbournes reply was broken down by Edward Bradbury and Charlie martin, and then Joel Cain set off on a long run squaring for Rafe Gregory to chip the keeper for a great hat trick – 8-0. Ben Cartwright was starting to look dangerous from distance and cracked the oppositions cross bar from the half way line. It was just a sighter, as shortly after a goal kick fell at his feet and he nonchalantly creamed the ball back for another great hat trick and Belpers ninth goal. Just before the final whistle Joel Cain took a ball from Barney and broke through the midfield and finished well from the edge of the box for the final goal.
The result was Black Sox 10 – 0 Ashbourne Aztecs.
Man of the Match was a real challenge today as everyone gave a superb account of themselves. Tom Chinn had kept another clean sheet and Edward Bradbury had played the whole game defending admirably in front of him. Barney and James had provided great wing play, Charlie was solid when called upon and Joel Cain was back to his best with strength in midfield. However, in an unprecedented move two players will share man of the match – Rafe Gregory, skipper, solid defending and a hat trick from centre half and Ben Cartwright, another hat trick, great shooting and all this with an injured foot!
Friendly - Sunday 10th August – Belper Town Under 10’s v Heanor under 10’s
A pre season friendly was organised so that Black Sox and Gold Sox would each play Heanor Town A and B teams on the same day.
Gold Sox played Heanor A and lined up with Russell Fletcher in goal and an outfield squad of Jack Bull, Christian Dawson, Luca Palumbo, Theo Foster North, Dillon Garnett, Alistair Broughton and Brandon Bradley.
Heanor A proved strong opponents and in a very tight game that kept the huge support riveted it was Heanor who took the lead through Ryan Nailer. However, Gold Sox battled well and managed to draw level through a smart finish from Christian Dawson. The game was hard fought and end to end with the eventual result being a very creditable draw for both sides. Gold Sox are just starting to form the basis of a new side and have recently impressed as a team. Man of the match was Jack Bull for a strong defensive display. Result 1-1.
Meanwhile on the pitch next door Black Sox were playing Heanor B and had Trent Pickering in goal with an outfield squad of Charlie Martin, Edward Bradbury, Rafe Gregory, Joel Cain, Bobby West, Jake Wright and Ben Cartwright. The game was quickly into its stride and Black Sox class with pace and passing up front was soon in evidence. The “dream team” of West, Wright and Cartwright helped themselves to a goal each within ten minutes and then Jake Wright pounced again on the stroke of half time. Black Sox had not been troubled in defence with a new threesome of Rafe Gregory flanked by Charlie Martin and Edward Bradbury looking very solid indeed.
The second half started as the first, with Bobby West completing a speedy hat trick, Ben Cartwright likewise and substitute Joel Cain rounding off a flowing move to make the score 9-0. To their credit Heanor kept going with James Steeples pulling a late goal back and credit to Henry Bilbie for a great goal keeping performance. Man of the match was Charlie Martin for a solid, confident display at right back showing his team mates what he is capable of. Result Black Sox 9- 1 Heanor B.
With the teams swapped, it was now Gold Sox to play Heanor B. They were shown no mercy at all as Gold Sox, now full of confidence, ran riot and scored 19 goals. Christian Dawson and Dillon Garnett helped themselves to five each, Alistair Broughton four and Brandon Bradley three. A well deserved goal a piece was scored by Luca Palumbo and Theo Foster North who had great games at the back. James Steeples had the lone reply for Heanor. Gold Sox had performed extremely well and played some fast flowing attacking football. Man of the match was Theo Foster North for some outstanding defending. Result Gold Sox 19 – 1 Heanor B.
At the same time Black Sox were locked in a hard battle with Heanor A, who took an early lead through Kyle Daly. The ever reliable Ben Cartwright levelled the scores with a long range effort, but Heanor came again and scored a second goal through Ryan Nailer. Black Sox were not used to this position and had to fight hard to get back into the game which they did through Jake Wright who turned two defenders before firing in an unstoppable equaliser. With perfect timing Bobby West popped up to score just before half time which gave Belper a boost at the break.
Belpers fitness started to show as in the second half they ran in four more goals, with Jake Wright scoring a second half hat trick to take his tally to four in the game and Ben Cartwright adding hiss second late on. Some of Belpers speed on the break was just unstoppable and they fully deserved the win. However, it was another defender, Edward Bradbury who was named man of the match for an assured and accomplished display which helped his defence stay secure. Result Black Sox 7 – 2 Heanor A.
Thanks to Heanor for supplying some excellent goal posts and providing tough opposition, with the games being played in a very good spirit.
DM 10.8.08