10/05/08 Clennon Valley
Oggie (4)
Zola (2)
Both sides were effected by Torquay United and Marldon could barely forfill the fixture. Foxhole's big squad came up trumps and fielded an 11 plus a sub and saw 6 goals from Oggie and Zola.
Even Brooking had a good game....lmao
MOTM:- Christian Oaff
03/05/08 Belfield Road
Applegarth (2)
HT-1-2
The Foxes needed to put up a good display against the second best team in the league and did more than that.
The Foxes started well and for the first 10 mins looked comfortable but it was Rangers who looked more threatening, once they'd settled down. Indeed it were Rangers who took the lead with a great goal taken early, Rangers went onto double their lead before Paul Applegarth got his first of the season, just before the break.
The Foxes looked pretty good going forward but a little bit stretched at times at the back.
The second half was much of the same but when Applegarth got his brace, it was the Foxes that looked favourite to nick it. Only for Rangers to score in a bit of a soft goal to bag the points.
I think we probably deserved at least a draw against a Rangers side who are in a bit of bother, with players leaving their club but overall 2-3 is a darn site better than 12-0.
Good Luck to Rangers and I hope you stay together.
MOTM:- Zola (was doubled up on for most of the game and skinned the LB time and time again)
‘9 S. Rooney ‘15
‘55 Highfield '23
‘63
H-T 1-2
In what was described by South Devon League officials as the best Division 7 Cup Final ever. Where a brave Foxhole United Reserve side went down to a very good Brixham Villa 3rd side.
The game broke down into three parts really. The first half was pretty even to start, with both teams looking to attack and counter and it was Villa who opened the scoring after ten minutes. With Rob Highfields pace up front, United had the better of the scoring thanks to his 23rd minute strike, after Sean Rooney had pulled the Foxes level with a beautifully struck free kick from 25 yards on 15 min.
The Foxes worked very hard in the first half and probably deserved the lead, with Zola and Rob a constant threat, Bennett who covered a lot of ground and Sean Rooney dominating at the back.
After the break Villa came on the offensive and had Foxhole on the rack for a good 20 minutes, in which Foxhole only managed 1 attack, Villa had scored twice and the Foxes looked dead on their feet. Then, when Paul Applegarth, on for the injured Paul Hoggarth, got in behind the villa defence, the keeper was out of his box and quite simply took him out. The referee had no alternative than to send him off. Rooney tried for another stunner but only managed to balloon it over the bar. With Villa down to ten the Foxes got a lift and pushed for an equaliser. The roughness kept coming from the Villa rear guard and at least 7 Foxhole players cramped up after heavy tackles and fouls. All the die were cast, as Craig Cunstone and Geoff Taylor joined Oggie on the injured list. Foy and Highfield ordinarily would have been pulled off by that stage but the boys pushed on to final whistle. Simon kept us in it as Villa looked to hit us on the break, but to no avail, time had run out.........
Villa had won and the Foxes were gutted.
With hindsight, you can't argue with the result. Ultimately the Foxes lacked the fitness and were carring to many niggles, to pull through on Stoke Gabriels wide pitch, despite being equally, if not more talented.
Next year we'll be alot fitter and hopefully we can get to another final and come away with the right result.
Torbay Rangers on Saturday so get rested up.
MOTM:- Sean Rooney
12/04/08 Belfield Road
With one eye on the Clive Olney Cup Final and a string of players out through injury, suspension and absence, the reserves couldn't find a winner in a disappointing draw against struggling Kingsbridge and Kellaton.
With Abs available and Geoff Taylor on Leave, Manager Martin Noye and Nick Howell stepped out of defence to play in midfield. Jamie Brooking came in for suspended Rob Highfield, to partner Terry Hamie up front and on the flanks lb Ross, lw Cunstone, rb Coysh and rw Zola made up the outfield players.
For most of the match the Foxes dominated and Captain Simon Burry was rarely threatened but was tested a few times and coped comfortably, his superb distribution from the back set up a number of attacks. The long grass in the corners didn't help the Foxes cause but we must have had 25 or so shots on goal and had two goals ruled out for offside. Jamie Brooking in his first full game of the season justified his selection with a sound performance, winning a number of flick ons and nearly scored a guilt edged chance with his head, at the end of the game putting the effort wide. Zola and Craig Cunstone were both in good form on the wings as were both Gavin and Darren at fullbacks who got forward to support the attacks. It was Coysh's deep cross to the far post, after a corner, which saw Martin gambling to get in the box only to put the head wide of the left post. I can't think of a player that didn't have a shot a goal. Applegarth came on in the second half and caused problems but by this stage the K&K captain had moved to the back and was winning a lot of ball. They sensed a point on the cards and valiantly held out for a draw. All in all a lot of positives but 2 dropped points and the battle for 3rd place seems to have slipped. With Torbay Rangers next Saturday and Marldon to come 2 wins might be enough to secure 4th and possible promotion. Were we to finish 5th then the chance of promotion may have gone.
MOTM:- Jamie Brooking
05/04/08 Belfield Road
Oggie (3)
HT 1-1
The reserves kept up their promotion challenge thanks to a Hat-trick from striker Paul (Oggie) Hoggarth. The Foxes were in control thoughout and could have scored more but for some poor finishing.
The Foxes will need some of the other teams in the league to do them a favour, especially as they have to play high flyers Torbay Rangers before the end of the season.
01/03/08 Belfield Road
Promotion is on the cards if we get our act together...
The ressies missed out today when two Foxhole players refused to play for the first team...
As a result the reserves two inform strikers Matt Broome and Rob Highfield were called to the first team and hence result...
A message to you all.
If you refuse to play for the team for which you are picked then the results will continue to be the same and you will not do yourselves any favours.
MOTM:- Christian Oaff & Simon Burry
23/02/08 Teign Village
Matt Broome (2)
Highfield
With big changes between the teams at Foxhole, Assistant Mananger and team captain Simon Burry, took the ressies for their 3rd consecutive away outing. With the team facing a fourth consecutive defeat it was a welcome return to reserve action for suspended Rob Highfield and Matt Broome, dropping down from 1st team action. So it was the two young strikers found their form and bagged us an important win that will keep us on course for a third spot in the division and hopefully promotion.
MOTM:-Matt Broome
16/02/08 Brixham Community College
Coysh
Zola
K. Dunn
With changes between the teams at Foxhole, a strong side went to Brixham and dominated the game, only to throw it away in the last 10 mins, conceeding 3 soft slopey goals to loose 5-3.
Alan McClements, in after suspension, paired up with Geoff Taylor, who was much more vocal. Both played well and dominated at the back. Ross at left back was as ever dependable, another solid display and makes him one of the most consistant players for the reserves. With Richard Tissot dropping down to the reserves at right back, the back four was solid and in control. A makeshift midfield, with Kev Dunn coming in to partner the again excellent Bennett, who picked up a knock 20 minutes in but played through it. Craig Cunstone showed some of his brilliance from wide but he needs to toughen up for the adult game and make challenges with 100% commitment, without it, a serious injury is lurking. Nick did ok in an unfamiliar role on the right side of midfield. Upfront, Gavin Coysh came in from the defence, again in an unfamiliar role, to partner Man of the Match Dave Herrett. Zola's been in good form, filling in up front whilst Rob and Oggie are suspended. He ran the Brixham defence ragged and grabbed a goal but was unlucky to pick up an ankle injury. Hopefully it won't keep him out next week. Brooking and Braund played up front from the bench to at least get a run out. Again in unfamiliar roles.
Then the last 10 minutes it all went Pete Tong at 3-2 up. A series of flukes and blunders contrived to give Brixham, not only the win but a flattering scoreline to boot.
Next week we welcome the return of our sparring front 2. So hopefully we can put more round pegs in round roles and get a result, after 3 straight defeats.
MOTM:- Zola
09/02/08 Watcombe
A tough fixture against the best team in the league but despite the score-line, it was a really decent performance.
Two debutantes in Grant Hardwick and Terry Haime both had good games and will serve as suitable replacements for Mark Foy and Christian Oaff who have both broken into the first team.
Simon in goal pulled off a number of good saves throughout and combined with poor finishing from Watcombe, the score was kept respectable.
Foxhole created plenty of chances and on another day, it could have finished 4-4. In the first half Grant Hardwick was exceptional and moved with the ball superbly. Zola and Craig Cunstone linked up well on a number of occasions and we created several chances going up the hill. Lee Bennett continued his good form, with another magnificent display in the middle of the park
Terry Haime hit the woodwork in the second half and Zola scored a nice goal only for it to be dubiously ruled offside. Haime also had a great opportunity when put through from the halfway line but his lob drifted to the left of the post.
All in all a lot of positives to take into next weeks game against Brixham Villa 3rds, who the reserves will face in the Final of the divisional cup after they beat Marldon Reserves to secure their spot.
MOTM:-Terry Cooper-Haime
26/01/08 Bakers Park
With no recognised out and out strikers the foxes started with 5 in midfiled and winger zola up front. We looked like we could create something in the first 20 mins but every time Newton broke forward we looked ragged. Newton scored the only goal in a scrapy game that despite Geoff Taylor's efforts to clear off the line, the ball fell straight to an unmarked opposition player and it was bustled in. Nobody really performed today and we were basically beaten by a team with a greater desire to win.
12/01/08 South Brent
Mark Broome
In a game that resembled the First world war, the Foxes should have won this one 2-0 but a couple of dodgey decisions favoured the home side. Mark Broome, dropping down to the reserves played a blinder at the back and danced through the entire South Brent team to score inside the penalty area.
MOTM:- Mark Broome
22/12/07 Belfield Road
Foy
Bennett
After last weeks superb effort against Ipplepenn 3rds, the Reserves looked to keep in the mix at the top of Division 7, with a home tie against Marldon FC Reserves and after a good result in pre-season against Marldon, the boys were in confident mood.
Marldon started with an ambitious formation, playing 3 up. Foxholes were having none of it as the wingers pushed high up the park. More a 4-2-4 than 4-4-2 and with the full backs getting forward the Foxes were in the ascendancy for most of the half. After a below par performance last week Gavin Coysh, who moved to right back had an excellent game and grabbed Foxholes opener with a superb drive from the edge of the box after the ball had broken to him from a corner, a real cracker.
Marldon's best chance came when Foxhole, who were pushing very high up the field got caught out when the manager was left one on one against their number 10 and lost, seeing the striker through on Simon, who stood up and a tame shot from distance was easily dealt with.
At half time the emphasis was on the need for another goal after which we felt the visitors heads would go down. The Marldon Centre Backs were good players and at 1-0 they were always in it.
Foxhole dominated the second half but Marldon kept the score at 1-0 till around 70 mins when Foy headed home for his sixth of the season. Foxhole made their 3rd substitution and Foxhole ran away with it with an absolutely superb strike from Rob Highfield from 25 yards. A welcome return to goals for the striker who was benched today after last weeks misdemeanours. To put the cherry on the top, midfield revelation Lee Bennett got his second of the season with a superb header from a corner, again delivered by Christian Oaff. A nice follow up to Lee's first goal, the now legendary scissors kick. (It's called a Bennett).
Overall a superb performance against a decent side
Simon - Had little to do overall, was always quick off his line, superb kicking and brilliant captaincy.
Gavin - A hundred times better than last week, was cool and collected in possession, defended well and scored a cracking goal.
Geoff- Splendid work-rate today. The positional side will come with time.
Martin-Solid enough, nearly gave away a goal for diving in on the half way line.
Darren- Solid as ever, superb in the air and assisted the attacks well down the flank.
Zola- Some great skill throughout found Zola beating the full back on numerous occasions, hit the post with a great effort.
Foy- Is growing with every game, is so solid in the tackle and in the air. Gets forward effectively and scored another great goal today. Could have had a Hat-Trick on another day. Missed a guilt edged chance to head home from 6 yards and lobbed the keeper only for the effort to come back off the bar.
Bennett- Now first choice along side Foy. Lee has grabbed his chance with two hands is improving with every game, tenacious and dogged, Lee win headers you wouldn't back him to win and shows some great flare.
Oaff- Christian is back to his flowing best. Another great performance today, causing the left back (a decent player) problems all day. Hooked up with Bennett again for another corner assist. The highlight for me today was the tracking back and block clearance off the line. Excellent effort.
Greg- Up front today, greg battled well and created chances, was always available and willing to run after lost causes.
Matt- Oozes class. Was up against some decent defenders today but was always a threat.
Rob - on for Greg-Looked very lively and scored a clinker from distance.
Sam- Working back to fitness, Sam will be glad to get 25mins under his belt.
Abs- Came on when we went 2 up. Played well in the sweep role. Communicates and leads the back line well.
All in all a good days work but sterner tests are in the pipeline.
MOTM :-Foy
15/12/07 Broadhempston
O'shea (2)
Highfield SENT OFF (VIOLENT CONDUCT) 55mins
Hoggarth SENT OFF (VIOLENT CONDUCT) 55mins
On a bitterly cold day Foxhole ressies travelled to Broadhempston to take on Ipplepen 3rds. We got the start required as the very lively O'shea opened with a great run and strike 10 mins in to the game. Foxhole managed to give away 2 soft goals in the remaining half despite looking threatening throughout. So 2-1 down at half time but down hill and with a wind in the second it was a confident side that emerged. Then the worst possible start as no more than 10 minutes into the second half, than Paul Hoggarth and Rob Highfield decided to start throwing punches at each other in a Bowyer-Dyer style scrap.. STUPID.... The ref had no alternative but to red card them both and we were down to 9 men.
Cue the Foxhole collective spirit (Borgesk, resistance is futile) and an absolutely superb efforts ensue from Foy, Bennett and Oaff in Midfield and O'shea upfront. We actually played far better with 9 players than with 11. Foy pulled it back to 2-2 with a smart left foot lob, only for really poor defending from Coysh, that cost us a third against. I asked the boys to lift it one more time and the response was there. As the subs were made and we went to three at the back in an effort to get a result. Zola and Craig came on to give us a fresh impotence and O'Shea was still a handful upfront and with the lads behind giving their all, so it was that O'shea got the equalizer using his sheer pace and skill to get through on goal and calmly slot home.
At the back Dennett came on for Ross, who was superb again today, Dennett had a superb battling performance. Taylor in the middle showed his fitness and strength throughout and Howell at right back was excellent. All in all a shame to drop 2 points, but considering the way the game panned out an excellent result and a performance to inspire us for the rest of the season.
MOTM:- Matt O'shea
24/11/07 Belfield Road
Dennett
Following up a superb victory last week the reserves gained 3 more points against Teign Reserves, with a goal from Greg Dennett, his third of the season.
MOTM:- Greg Dennett
17/11/07 Newton Bakers Park
O'Shea
Oaff
If ever a victory was needed, it was needed today and the reserves lifted themselves up after a three game run of defeats, to gain victory over a well organised Newton United res side.
Foxhole United res welcomed Matt O'shea for his first game for the reserves and his pace and quality up front paid off early on when he beautifully controlled the ball at pace and fired home. The home side pulled level shortly after but it was Christian Oaff, who looks to be getting over his groin problem and showing the kind of form we saw in the earlier part of the season, that gave the Foxes a 2-1 lead at half time, with a fine goal into the top left corner after good work from O'shea and Highfield.
Foxhole also welcomed Hayden Binmore to the side for his first start giving us superb protection at the back and with the ever dependable Darren Ross at Left back the back line looked solid enough.
Newton pulled level when the ever-encouraging Simon Burry was adjudged to have fouled the Newton forward in the box, the penalty being duly converted for 2-2. Newton then took the lead 10 mins later with a soft goal to give the hosts a 3-2 lead with 20mins to go.
Time for the Foxhole Centre Midfield partnership of Mark Foy and Lee Bennett to steal the show. Foxhole felt that we were a little bit robbed when Newton United came to Belfield Road and the foxes Manager was quick to remind the players. Everyone responded Foy and Bennett were both superb throughout the match and it was Foy whose commitment to the cause and never say die mentality that forced the equaliser. Pressurising the defensive clearance Foy deflected the ball into a high loop that bounced over the line and up to the under side of the cross bar. The goal was given and Foxhole looked to push for the victory. Lee Bennett playing in midfield was excellent for 90 mins, winning headers and tackling like it was going out of fashion. With about 5 mins to go the Foxes won a corner, Oaff sent in a great ball for Bennett to go and pull out a scissor kick that Stevie G would have been proud of, a wonder goal to win the game. Never has he scored a goal of that quality nor will he ever again I doubt, it really was out of the top draw. 4-3 and the Foxes were jubilant.
A well won victory that was thoroughly deserved, happy days.
MOTM :- Bennett
10/11/07 Belfield Road
A much better performance against probably the best side in the division. We're still missing some key players and we've a tough run in the next 4 games, so full commitment needed from those who play.
MOTM:-Foy
03/11/07 Stoodley Knowle
Rangers played superbly and we were toilet.. 'nuf said.... Only Darren Ross played anything like his best.
MOTM:-Darren Ross
20/10/07 Belfield Road (Clive Olney Cup 1/4 final)
Dennett 30'
Oggie 47'
A good game for the home side against a spirited Dittisham team. The visitors battled well but if striker Rob Highfield had his finishing boots on it could have been 5-0.
Greg Dennett looks like he's in contention for a start place with a great goal and all round performance.
With Dittisham away next week in the league we'll look for a much better scoreline.
MOTM:- Paul Hoggarth
13/10/07 Staverton (Fred Hewings Cup)
4', 6', 29', 36', 85'
06/10/07 Stoke Flemming
6, 22 (pen) Rooney 17, 65, 73
Highfield 31, 68, 83
Foy 48
Taylor 85
H-T 2-2
A result that will strike fear into teams in this division. Stoke were in this game for an hour and perhaps didn't deserve such a heavy defeat. Ultimately Uniteds class proved too much for the spirited hosts.
Flemming drew first blood six minutes in when from a corner Nick Howell failed to connect with an easy clearance allowing the ball to drop into the six yard box, duly converted. 1-0.
Rooney, who'd dropped down from first team action got the equaliser on 17 mins, with a run from wide left on the half way line, beating 4 players on the way and converting in style from a narrow angle.
5 minutes later and Flemming were ahead again when the young referee awarded a penalty. (I thought the lad had a great game but it was never a pen) soundly converted high and left. 2-1 and United were really in a game.
When you have a player in your team, whose scored in each of his last 6 appearances, you know that you've got goals to come and sure enough it did on 31 mins when Rob Highfield converted with a sweet finish. 2-2.
Into the second half and it couldn't have started better when Foy got into the inside left position and fired a low curling shot into the bottom left corner, the winning goal and Foxhole were jubilant. Tom Wooton nearly got his first for the ressies with a curling shot that hit the post and went wide.
Stoke were still in it, and for a 10 minute spell looked like creating a chance or two but when rooney made the score 4-2 on 65 minutes the host teams heads dropped and the flood gates opened.
Both Rob and Rooney sealed their hat-tricks in the last 20 mins and at 7-2 it was job done.
Geoff Taylor got his first for Foxhole, 5 mins from time to complete the rout 8-2 and a nice reward for Taylor who's had some excellent performances for United this season.
With this kind of spirit I can see us being right up there at the end of the season. Happy Days.
MOTM:- M. Rooney
29/09/07 Kingsbridge
3, 78 Oggie 32, 86
Highfield 64
Oaff 82
A good result in our league campaign, after the disapointment of the Newton United game. It didn't start well as we were caught cold at the back after just 3 mins and their skipper nipped in behind a flick and lofted over Simon, who couldn't get enough on it to keep it out. We settled down a bit and the chances started to come and a string came and went. Finally Oggie settled the nerves on 32 mins with a beautiful strike from 25 yards into the top right corner, a contender for goal of the season. More chances came and went with Simon not really being tested at the back but at half time it was 1-1.
The second half up the hill gave us an apportunity to play better football. The wingers got wider, on a very narrow pitch and Tom Wooton, who was exceptional moved from right back to centre midfield, with Abs coming back in at centre half and Nick Howell moving to right back. Eventually Rob popped up with a sharp finish to push the Foxes in front. It looked like the flood gates might open but K&K were always going to be in with a shout at dead ball situations. Which proved the case on 78 mins when the big no.10 rose above the foxes player manager, from a throw, to loop a ball into the top left hand corner 2-2. For a moment it looked like we were going to throw away a game that was there for the taking but everyone responded and we upped our game. With Foy superb in the air, the home teams main tactic of lump it up the park seemed unlikely to pay off for the most part. More chances came and went, until eventually a beautiful ball from Wooton put Oaff in and the foxes were jubilant. Just reward for Christians Oaffs good form this season with his first goal for Foxhole. Oggie made the result more realistic 4 mins from time and the job was done.
MOTM:-Paul Hoggarth
22/09/07 Kingsbridge (Cup)
Highfield (2)
Great start to the cup campaign
MOTM:-Geoff Taylor
15/09/07 Belfield Road
Highfield 52, 60 88, 90+2, 90+4
ATT- 50
If we could wipe away the last 7 minutes of this game we all would but we can't so we pick ourselves up and move on.
Foxhole were hosting an experienced side that have to be one of the favourites to win the division and overall the first half was theirs. The finest moment for the foxes came after 5 minutes when the creative Craig Cunstone powered a 30 yard dirve back off the bar. Two minutes later he and Oaff combined to put Rob in only for his shot to go high and wide. on 9 minutes Cunstone received a ball from a throw and his shot forced the corner. South Brent were pushing hard but Captain Simon Burry kept them out. Our only other significant effort came when the opposition goalie found himself in no-mans-land and stranded. Lee Bennett couldn't find Rob in the middle and the chance went begging.
Newton were the better side in the first half but if the foxes could get the passing game going they could find the openings. Sure enough Foxhole started positively with the superb Darren Ross getting up the field to put in a testing ball. 7 minutes in the excellent Foy got into the inside left channel and crossed for Highfield to fire home from 12 yards. Foxhole were jubilant and on fire. A string of chances from Bennett, Foy and Oaff came and went before great work from Oaff to put in Highfield who doubled his and Foxholes tally with a quality strike on the hour.
At 2-0 the game looked nearly settled but for the ever trying Newton side. The next 20 minutes showed a few chances from Oaff and Bennett but with substitutions being made the game swayed back to Newton as a bit of inexperience showed. Simon made a splendid save on 81 mins as the traffic was pretty much one way as we desperatly tried to keep the visitors out. With 2 minutes remaining the gate was opened as Newton made it 2-1. Into injury time and a dispicable decision from the referee allowed a Newton player to run through on goal when clearly offside by several yards. 2-2 and the heads were gone only for Newton United to rub salt in the wound when from the kick off Brooking was caught in possesion and an early strike went into the top corner 2-3.. Where the referee found nearly six minutes of injury time will forever be a mystery but that's Division 7 guys.
A few more people than last week, lets try to get more and more people to come along and see how good we are at football.....
MOTM Rob Highfield
08/09/07 Belfield Road
Foy 5, 12
Oggie 19, 38
Highfield 50
Cunstone 60 ATT- 38
After the disappointment of last week when South Brent failed to raise a side. Foxhole Reserves were itching to get the season underway and did it with style against a depleted Stoke Flemming side.
Mark Foy who has been given an opportunity to play out of goal in the centre of midfield opened the scoring after 5 mins with a brave header, under a challenge by the keeper to settle the nerves. He then doubled his tally 7 minutes later to put Foxhole 2-0 up with a good strike inside the box. Oggie scored 7 minutes after that doubling his tally 7 minutes from the break with 2 great goals. Stoke were dropping like flies and would have provided a sterner test had they had 11 players. The second half started well and Rob Highfield made it 5-0 on 50 minutes. CC bagged his first goal for united with a well taken strike and the rout was complete.
MOTM:- Foy
25/08/07 Belfield Road
Zola 13
Oggie 32, 45, 87
Highfield 66, 75
Another large turnout from Foxhole United Reserves on a beautiful day back on Belfield. Playing on our home ground for the first time in about 18 months, we saw a superb display by the reservists, who took the game to Marldon from the first whistle.
Zola started on the left side of midfield and after just 4 minutes forced our first corner. Darren Ross back in the side at left back very nearly lobbed the keeper from 40 yards a minute later. Mark Foy in centre midfield looked very accomplished and disciplined in the holding role burst into the inside left position after 8 mins shooting wide. Another chance after 10 mins was cleared off the line but after 13 mins Oaff, who had another blinder again today, with some real skill fed Rossy who in turn fed Zola in the left wing position. Some good work to beat the defender and a terrific shot found the net to give Foxhole the lead.
Marldon started to get into the game and nearly got a goal after a mistake by the defence let them in only to shoot over on 28 mins.
On 32 mins Oggie took his tally to 5 goals when the brilliant Foy fed him with a well timed pass, a great bit of control and a strike in the right corner gave United a 2-0 lead.
Marldon at that stage weren't out of it as on 34 mins the immense Geoff Taylor some how got to make a last gasp challenge six yards out that had goal written all over it. The ball fell at the feet of a Marldon player but never say die Taylor was up and blocked again. England have JT we've got GT.
2 minutes later Foxhole were in the ascendancy again with a penalty claim, turned down by the referee.
On 40 minutes a long ball from the experienced Simon Burry in goal found Oaff who'd gambled getting to the ball just outside the box only to fire wide. A minute later Lee Bennett forced a good save to win a corner. An excellent half was rounded off in style by Captain Oggie with a superb drive from 25 yards to make it 3-0 at the break. A superb display all around, immense defending from Nick Howell who justified his selection at right back, great work from Oaff, who was tireless and Foy in midfield played a continuity role superbly.
Half time brought 3 changes Sam Wooton in for Nathan Brett who acquitted himself well, Greg Dennett in for the lively Zola and Rob Highfield in for Lee Bennett who also played well.
3 minutes in and Foy was in an attacking position again but shot wide. On 53minutes we realised how important Simon Burry's return was when he tipped a swerving drive over the bar, superb for the 38 year old to be in the kind of form we saw last season, his experience will be indispensable to us this season. Darren Ross was his normal solid self in defence and also showed how he likes to get forward from full back when he put in a high looping shot that very nearly deceived the keeper.
GT at the back was bustling the Marldon attack and on the hour a very well timed challenged prevented a Marldon forward from getting one on one with Simon. A minute later Foy, who grew as the game went on , was through again only to fire straight at the keeper. A minute after that Rossy and Oggie combined well to very nearly bring about another opportunity only for the attack to fizzle out.
Mikey Ventre on for the superb Oaff on 66 minutes put a beautiful lofted through ball for Rob Highfield who showed his quality with a superb strike to make it 4-0 and we were cruising. 10 minutes later he'd doubled his tally with some sublime skill to beat two defenders, wrong foot the keeper and fire home. Marldon pulled one back on 77 minutes but it was Foxhole all the way in. Mikey showed that he's challenging for a starting place with first a good run down the right flank earning a corner and a minute later with a shot cross that went just wide.
Gary who'd come on at right back irritated a neck problem and there was no stopping Oggie from getting back on to try to get his hat-trick. Sure enough on 87 minutes there it was taking the score to 6-1. Craig Cunstone looked good when he came on and after some great skills in the middle of the park he put Mikey in only for his shot to go high. Another chance came Robs way that went over the bar in the last minute, bringing an end to a brilliant display of teamwork from United, some outstanding performances right across the park, strong in defence and exciting in attack.
The first game of the season is next Saturday and I reckon we're in good shape to do well. This performance has raised the bar to a level that will put us in contention for promotion.
Happy Days.
21/08/07 South Brent
Oggie 8
Dennett 25
Matt Broom 85
South Brent put out their first team tonight and for the first 10 minutes ran the Foxhole defence ragged. It was only a combination of some excellent stops by Foy in goal and some poor finishing from the home side that prevented South Brent from being 4-0. Despite this it was Foxhole who took the lead when Oggie gambled on a ball over the top and was quick enough and brave enough to get something on it before the advancing keeper, lobbing it over and in to the net. With Rob Highfield and Oggie giving us a bit of qulity up front we always looked like troubling the hosts. South Brent levelled only for Greg Dennett to take an exellent volley from 25 yards, blasting into the top right corner, a contender for goal of the season. Good work from Oaff, Taylor and Sam Wooton in midfield provided enough service to keep a few opportunities coming our way but the Brent levelled to make it 2-2 at the break. The second half resembled one of Svens England friendlies with 11 substitutions and we held out for 20 mins but with 2 quick goals from Brent we looked down and out. Matt Broom, who looked lively when he came on mid way through the second half bagged another brilliant goal from the edge of the box, 5 minutes from time to give us hope of a result. A final attempt came when Mikey Ventre got on a ball in Brents right back position and crossed first time only for the ball to find a South Brent head.
A superb display considering the opposition and great to see so many players turning out.
11/08/07 Clennon Valley
Oggie 80
Another disapointing result but Staverton are in division 5 and are notoriously tricky, so good to have another testing run out.
I thought Abs is establishing himself at the back and Geoff is learning the positional side of the game and improving. With Foy (who had a good game) in goal Geoff moved up into Midfield and battled well in there, Sam Wooton came in and played well for 70 mins bringing a bit of passing ability. Man of the Match Oaff gave us solidity on the right and a bit of flair and when Andy Watts came on for the injured Brooking at half time, he also aquitted himself well. Oggie in his more advance role gave us a decent threat up front and was rewarded for his efforts with a goal 10 mins from time with a beautifully floated free kick that completely fooled the keeper and went in. Bennett plugged away but found it tricky against a very solid back four.
All in all it is another match under the belt.
FITNESS.......
09/08/07 Clennon Valley
Matt Broom (2)
Paul Hogarth (2)
Dave Herrett
HT 0-2
Pub teams can be notoriously tricky teams to play and this was the case tonight at Clennon. In the first half The Waterside were superb and ran Foxhole ragged at times. Bar two or three bits of nice play it was pretty much one way traffic, the best of our plays was probaby when Matt Broom in goal cleared to find Lee Bennett, some nice interplay between he and Olly Preston bought our best chance.
Abs went in goal to allow Matt to play out in the second half and it worked a treat, 9 changes and alot of 1st teamers coming in brought a goal from Matt Broom 3 mins after the break. Good work by Oaff and Tom Wooton put Matt in again and he took his chance with style in the top left corner. Mark Broom was immense in the centre of the park and Oggie who pushed on a bit bagged a brace to make it 4-2 and we were coasting. With Scott Woolen and Rooney on the left the Waterside were out of their depth a bit but managed to pull one back, only for Zola to get his reward for good work through out scoring a well worked goal to settle the tie.
All in all very much a game of to halves.
Have no doubt The Waterside are probably better than most of the teams that we will play in division 7.
04/08/07 Clennon Valley
Preston 12
HT 1-2
A disapointing result but a very encouraging performance.
With no recognised central midfielders, Mark Foy and Lee Bennett excelled in a makeshift centre partnership that gives the manager options. With other players to come in and compete for places we're confident we can go in the right direction. There is a need to up our fitness levels, evident after 25 minutes of this game, when the second wind started to kick in. Up till then we looked good, simple one and two touch play, hard work and the physical effort expected at Foxhole United. Olly opened his account with a smart lob after 12 minutes but a lack of experience and fitness cost us dear as saints scored twice in quick succession to lead into the break. Only some smart saves from Jamie Rivers prevented Saints from running away with it.
Five substitutions at the break brought a freshness to the second half but it was Saints who scored a smart goal, lobbed from distance when Scott Bonds half clearance found a Saints player. Tom Wootton should have scored from six yards 10 mins from time only to blast straight at the keeper and despite some good play from the whole squad in the latter stages, as substitutions we're made, we failed to capitalise and Saints had their win.
A good display against an established Division 6 side that consisted of alot of former United youth players.
We've created a good platform to build on well done lads!
Foxhole United FC, Belfield Road, Paignton, Devon | Chairman: George Thomson 01803 522658