Under 11s Reports - 2003-04

Sun 16 May 04 - Ledbury Swifts triumph after penalty shootout 

LEDBURY SWIFTS  1, WELLINGTON  1 (Swifts won on penalties) 
Appearing in their first League Cup Final at Edgar Street, home of Hereford United, the Swifts were in a confident mood, having finished runners-up in the League. But not having played a competitive game for six weeks, past form could not be relied upon. The game started at a good pace, swifts were first to threaten, when Tom Messam put Alex Morgan through, but the Wellington keeper reacted quickest to collect the pass. Wellington were soon down the other end, testing the Swifts defence, keeper Clarke Gardner was confident with his handling and kicking. A clumsy challenge by Alaistair Mitchell, gave away a free kick in a dangerous position, but the shot was wayward and didn’t cause any problems. Neither side was able to establish any kind of rhythm, it was 10 minutes before Wellington forced the first corner, an indication of how well Neely Florence, Tom Greening, Aaron Hall and Alaistair were containing the opposition forwards. Swifts slowly began to gain the upper hand, Oliver Ford and Richard Watkins probing from midfield, created chances for Alex, Tom and Dean Lee, who hit the first shot on target, at either end, on 15 minutes. Wellington were dangerous on the break though and were awarded another dangerous free kick, on the edge of the Swifts penalty area, the resultant kick cleared the bar, without troubling Clarke. With half time approaching, Tom Jackson replaced Ashley Wadley and had an immediate impact, with a long pass  wide to Dean Lee, who left the full back for dead and hit a first time left foot cross into the area, where Alex Morgan was arriving, to head past the keeper. A goal worth the entrance money on it’s own, the large Ledbury contingent in the crowd erupted with joy. Swifts tried to press home their advantage, Alex went close again and Tom Jackson hit a post, but half time arrived with just the one goal separating the sides. Changes were made at half time, Ben Park replaced Tom Green, as manager Richard Hall gave all the squad an opportunity to sample the atmosphere. Wellington pressed from the kick off and poor defending gave the Wellington winger, Tom Pavey, time and space to score the equaliser. Both sides pressed hard for a breakthrough, Richard Watkins and Alex Morgan combined well but his shot was blocked, at the other end Aaron hall was having a tidy game, Wellington had one clear chance but the shot cleared the bar. Ben Gwyther came on for Neely and Ben Adams replaced Richard, the changes gave Swift’s some impetus, and another long ball from tom Jackson found Alex who turned the centre half and shot across the keeper into the far corner, with 5 minutes remaining would Swifts hold out? The answer was to be no, Wellington pressed down their right and a deep cross was turned into the net off the forwards chest. But Swift’s were looking to win, in normal time, and a late offside flag only stopped another break by Alex. The referee signalled full time, which meant a penalty shoot out. Swifts won the toss and went first, Ben Park scoring well, Wellington equalised with a fine strike into the corner. Captain Aaron Hall was next and didn’t disappoint, Wellington’s second was driven over the bar, advantage Swifts. Alex Morgan, had his shot saved, but the referee ruled the keeper had moved, so the kick was retaken, Alex made no mistake the second time. Wellington scored. Keeper Clarke Gardner was next up for Swifts and showed he can score them as well as save them, with a well placed shot into the corner. Wellington scored, although Clarke nearly saved it. Dean Lee was last up for Swift’s knowing if he scored Swifts would lift the Cup, he kept his nerve, driving the ball into the bottom left corner. A well deserved reward for a fantastic season. Thanks to all the supporters who made the trip and who have followed the team throughout the season.


Sun 04 Jun - LEDBURY SWIFTS  3, HINTON  2 
THIS was Swifts last league match of the season and they needed a win to maintain their title challenge. Swifts started well and were pressurising the Hinton defence. After five minutes Tom Messam crossed to Alex Morgan whose shot rebounded off the goalkeeper. The loose ball fell to Richard Watkins 30 yards out who struck the ball with venom into the top left hand corner of the net giving the Hinton goalie no chance. Hinton were very quick on the break and Swifts were shaken when they broke through and a good shot rebounded off the crossbar. Play progressed evenly with both sides having chances, the Swifts defence of Neilly Florence, Tom Green, Alistair Mitchell and Aarron Hall were working well and Clarke Gardner made two outstanding saves when the Hinton forwards broke through. Hinton had a corner from which Alex Morgan picked the ball up on the edge of his own area and broke forward passing to Dean Lee on the left, who cut inside and neatly lifted the ball over the Hinton keeper to make it 2-0. Tom Jackson was bought on at the start of the second half adding his strength to the defence with the Swifts now playing into the strong wind. Swifts gave away a free kick just outside the area and Hinton hit a good shot which gave Clarke Gardner no chance, making it 2-1. Hinton were now looking for the equaliser but Swifts stood firm and bought on the fresh legs of Ben Adams and Ashley Wadley into the midfield. Watkins made a break on the right passing a good ball to Messam who nudged the ball onto Morgan who in determined fashion beat two defenders and slotted home for 3-1. Almost straight away from the kick off Hinton broke forward beating the defence and making it 3-2. Swifts hung on for an excellent victory but now have to wait for the outcome of next week's game between Hinton and Lads club to know the destiny of the championship. Swifts are now looking forward to their last game of the season, the Tony Cole cup final against Wellington at Edgar Street in May.

Sun 21 Mar - LEDBURY SWIFTS  1, LADS CLUB  3 
THIS was the second of the play-off matches and Swifts knew this would be tough. Swifts kicked off not only having to tackle Lads Club but they were also fighting against the forceful wind. Within six minutes Lads Club had gained a corner and with the help of the wind the ball swerved directly into the top left hand corner. Ben Park and Alex Morgan were working well together up front, with Alex Morgan having good efforts on goal. Swifts' midfield of Dean Lee, Richard Watkins, Ben Adams and Oliver Ford all worked hard. Tom Green threw a good ball in for Alex Morgan to beat the Lads Club defence and go around the goal keeper, only for his shot to go wide. Lads Club were soon back in Swifts goal area and they gained another corner, Swifts were not quick enough to clear this making the score 2-0. Neilly Florence, Tom Green, Alisdair Mitchell, Aarron Hall kept contributing individually in defence. The second half Swifts should have taken advantage of the way the wind was blowing but they didn't. Soon Lads Club were on top of the Swifts defence to gain their third goal. Swifts put pressure on Lads Club and gained a corner, the left foot of Dean Lee curled it in for Ben Gwyther to knock it in the Lads Club net for 3-1. Swifts were gaining more possession and pressurising but could not gain the break through. Swifts final play-off match is April 3 at home against Hinton, kick off 11am.

Sun 14 Mar - LEDBURY SWIFTS  4, PHOENIX MILAN  4 
AFTER knocking Phoenix Milan out of the Tony Cole Cup two weeks ago, Swifts knew that this would be a revenge match. Swifts started by far the more dominant side with Dean Lee breaking down the left wing, crossing to Alex Morgan who chipped it on for Tom Messam to knock in for 1-0. Within minutes Richard Watkins crossed a dangerous ball from the right for Alex Morgan to place in the back of the net. Piling on the pressure Swifts were 3-0 up within the first 10 minutes after Tom Messam netted his second. Phoenix upped the tempo and the defence of Aaron Hall, Ally Mitchell, Neily Florence and Tom Jackson held fast with good saves coming from goalie Clark Gardner. However they were shaken when Phoenix hit the crossbar. Swifts started the second half much like the first, with confidence. Tom Green passed from defence to Ashley Wadley on the right wing who crossed for Alex Morgan to head just past the post. Moments later from 25 yards out Dean Lee spotted the Phoenix keeper off his line and lobbed a magnificent ball into the top right hand corner of the net to make it 4-0. Swifts' complacency at the scoreline was short-lived as Phoenix showed great character in coming back at them. The Swifts mid-field of Oliver Ford, Richard Watkins, and Dean Lee kept letting Phoenix break through only then for the defence to give away unnecessary free-kicks. It wasn't long before Phoenix made it 4-1. Phoenix attacked again and placed the ball in the back of the net when an offside flag was over-ruled by the referee. Ian Docherty playing in an unusual position of defence worked hard as did Liam Almond up front. Swifts were getting increasingly disheartened and couldn't keep the ball out of their area for long enough. Phoenix beat a muddled Swifts defence making it 4-3. With the clock running down, Swifts did have the odd ball forward. However in the last few minutes of the game, a penalty resulting from an unfortunate defensive mistake allowed Phoenix to level the scores at 4-4. Hopefully Swifts will have learnt from their mistakes and remember the match is not over until the final whistle has blown. Swifts entertain Lads Club at home on Saturday in another play-off match, kick-off 11am.

Sun 29 Feb - PHOENIX MILAN  2, LEDBURY SWIFTS  2 (AET) (Swifts won 4-3 on penalties.) 
LEDBURY Swifts travelled to Hereford expecting a tough battle in the semi-final of the Tony Cole Cup against Phoenix Milan, and that was exactly what they got. For the first ten minutes Phoenix were by far the more dominant side, Swifts taking their time to settle into their stride. Dean Lee broke down the left wing and crossed to Alex Morgan who gained a corner for Swifts, this was taken cleanly by Richard Watkins but to no avail. Tom Messam passed a ball forward for Alex Morgan to run on to and lob it over Milan's keeper to lead 1-0. Milan came back at Swifts who were giving away free kicks just outside the goal area, but the defence of Aaron Hall, Tom Jackson, Neily Florence, Tom Green and good reactions from goalie Clarke Gardner kept Milan at bay. Swifts midfield needed to be strong and Richard Watkins, Ashley Wadley, Oliver Ford and Dean Lee all individually contributed. Phoenix Milan progressed with more possession and it looked like a goal would be inevitable, the equaliser soon followed but Swifts kept their heads up. Ben Adams was now on the field as the second half started similar to the first. Swifts gave away four corners, one after the other before finally getting it away with the help of Jack Vernall. Dean Lee weaved his way down the left in his usual dynamic fashion sending in a cross to Tom Messam who made no mistake for 2-1. Tension was mounting with the clock running down but in the last seconds of normal time Phoenix equalised again to make the score 2 -2. Extra time of seven minutes each way made both teams play with added determination, Ben Gwyther now adding his skills to midfield. The score remained the same at the end of extra time, so it was now to be decided on penalties. Swifts' penalty takers were Clarke Garner, Aaron Hall, Richard Watkins, Oliver Ford and Ashley Wadley. After five penalties each the score was 3-3, and now it was sudden death. Dean Lee stepped up to the spot and placed the ball neatly in the back of the net, all hopes were now pinned on Clarke Garner who made a great save, leading to much relief and celebration from the Swifts players and supporters. Swifts will face Wellington in the final of the Tony Cole Cup at Edgar Street in May.

Sun 15 Feb - LEDBURY SWIFTS  1, LEOMINSTER MINORS  0 
Swifts travelled to Leominster for their last game before the championship play-offs and came up against a determined Leominster side hoping to dent the Swifts' championship hopes. The Swifts' defence of Aaron Hall, Tom Green, Alasdair Mitchell and Neil Florence started strongly, snuffing out Leominster's efforts. Swifts goalkeeper Tom Jackson was giving an impressive performance for his first time in goal. Gradually the Swifts' midfield of Ashley Wadley, Richard Watkins, Dean Lee and Oliver Ford began to dominate their opposition but were coming up against a well-organised stubborn defence, which also caught forwards Tom Messam and Alex Morgan offside on several occasions. Swifts continued to press forward, looking for the opening goal, Ford, Watkins and Messam all having good efforts on goal. With half time fast approaching, Messam got the better of the Leominster offside trap, carrying the ball 30 yards before calmly lobbing the on-rushing goalkeeper. The second half started in the same vein with Ben Adams' fresh legs contributing, the Swifts pressing for their second goal. However, Leominster's defence stood firm and limited Swifts to a few clear cut chances, Ford heading a Dean Lee corner just wide and Morgan breaking free from his marker but shooting wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Substitutes Jack Vernall, Liam Almond and Felix Goodbody were brought on, all working hard, but the second goal proved elusive. In the end Swifts had to settle for a well-deserved 1-0 win.