Under 12

Dundee West v. Tayport

Ardler: 2/11/08

Conditions: Sunny and mild – Perfect for football

Hard Fought Victory

Players; John (gk), Dylan (gk), Barry, Ross, Shaun, Hamish, Adam, Mikey, Cameron, Jordan S. Frankie, Logan, Daryl, Nathan, Ryan, Ricki and Jordan D.

In past fixtures Tayport have turned out good sides and so it proved today. For although the West didn't quite peak in this game, the lads dug in and battled to victory in what was a hard fought encounter.

Goalkeepers: John played steadily for the first 40 minutes kicking and handling well. At Tayport’s first goal he was left exposed by the defence and he couldn’t do much about their second as it resulted from some good Tayport play. However, he and later Dylan (who also conceded a goal) could look back and be satisfied with their performances.

Defence: Shaun, Mikey, Hamish, Barry, Ross and Adam at any one time made up the back four. All worked hard and tried to pass the ball where they could but overall, as a unit, they didn’t play as well as last Sunday. True the rotation system does make finding continuity easy but even allowing for this, the lads were a wee bit hesitant in their approach. Target for next week – play on the front foot and try to communicate more effectively (you are still too quiet!)

Midfield: Jordan D. Jordan S., Cameron, Logan and Frankie made up the midfield powerhouse. As with last week, there were good individual performances from all and overall, the lads just shaded the game in this area of the park. Well done to Frankie and Jordan S. for getting forward to support the front men and chipping in with a goal apiece. Frankie also managed a goal line clearance moments later at the home end and deserves a special mention for this.

Forwards: Ryan and Ricki started with Daryl and Nathan backing up. With space at a premium against a tight Tayport defence, Ryan and Ricki had to work hard to create chances and both battled gamely where they could. Defence starts from the front and sometimes just holding the ball up and bringing other players into the game is a valuable contribution. Nathan played for 30 minutes today and was unlucky on one occasion not to score. Man-of-the-match (just) today goes to Daryl. Although still a bit mouthy (you can’t get every decision and the referee was superb today), his goal and work-rate, dig, determination and goal scoring, was enough to give West the victory by the end of the day.

Overall: This was a good test of all the West boys. Tayport marked closely and defended strongly – forwards think of ways to lose your marker and keep working hard to create space. Their midfield gave our midfield a game and will help in their development. Their forwards (especially the left winger) asked questions of our defence and we need to think of ways of closing players down or working to support one another where there is danger. A hard fought game that will help the development of the team.  

PS – After a thorough review of goal four, the judges have decided that this remains an OG. Yes you were there but the crucial touch came off the Tayport defender and the judges decision is final.
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Dundee West v. Douglas Lads

Ardler: 26/10/08

Conditions: Largely dry but very heavy underfoot

Normal Service Resumed

Players; John (gk), Dylan (gk), Barry, Ross, Shaun, Adam, Mikey, Cameron, Jordan S. Frankie, Logan, Daryl, Nathan, Ryan, Ricki and Jordan D.

After some torrential overnight rain it was touch-and-go whether this match would go ahead. However, the groundsmen did a marvellous job and the pitch was passed playable – just!

Calling for an improvement from last week, coach Paul and manager Gordon, stressed the need to work harder and show a greater appetite for the game. If the West responded to the challenge they would have every chance of victory and so it proved.

Players profile: Dylan started in the goal this week and if truth be told he had very little to do. However, an early aberration – charging from his goal line to dive into an unnecessary challenge  - resulted in a penalty to Douglas which was duly converted. After this, both Dylan and later John, were largely spectators although this goes down to some very good work from the defence.

The back four of Shaun, Adam, Ross and Mikey played much better than last week. All four, both individually and collectively, looked more solid, marked more closely and were half a yard quicker than their opponents. Well done each of you gets a pat on the back.

The midfield four, which at any one time consisted of Barry, Jordan S., Jordan D., Logan, Cameron and man-of-the match Frankie, all played exceptionally well. Frankie gets an extra mention as he was quick, strong in the tackle and read the game superbly, a brilliant performance. In terms of possession, good passing and work rate, there was improvement from everyone. Well done Barry for setting up the first goal which was coolly slotted home by Logan (great game today and also deserving of an individual mention).

Forwards: Starting with Daryl and Ricki, who both played well last week, the West’s front two were always dangerous. Although the scores were level at the interval, both Ricki, Daryl and latterly Ryan and Nathan, had worked some good positions and but for some good Douglas goalkeeping might have been further ahead by the end. As things worked out, however, the chances kept coming and eventually Daryl (2), Ryan and Ricki – another excellent penalty – secured the victory.

Overall: On the day the West proved too strong on the day for Douglas. There were some excellent performances in all areas of the team so far more positives than negatives. One wee point: too many offsides today, so remember to watch the line.
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Dundee West U12s v. Forfar

Forfar 19/10/08

Conditions: Mild but breezy

Not At Our Best

Players; John (gk), Dylan (gk), Barry, Ross, Shaun, Adam, Mikey, Cameron, Jordan S. Frankie, Logan, Ricki and Jordan D.

Missing a couple of players through holidays (Hamish and Ryan), the West’s management team still felt there was enough depth in the squad to go to Forfar and come away with a win. However, the day was to prove a disappointment as although the boys remain undefeated in their section, they failed to play to their best and had to settle for a draw in the end.

Player pics: John played 40 minutes in the goal and although he made one fine save midway through the game, his overall display was below his best. Dylan played the final 20 minutes under the rotation system but as the West were fully committed to going forward, he was a spectator for most of the time. Keepers remember – it is important to stay focused whether you are involved a lot or a little in the game!

Defence: Barry started at right back ahead of Shaun who was carrying an injury (but came on in the final 20 and played well), Adam and Ross played through the centre and Mikey was at left back. Collectively, the defence were not as strong as in previous matches. Although individually there were no bad performances, the boys at the back seemed a little hesitant or unwilling to put themselves about. Defenders remember – your first job is to defend and if a player beats a colleague then he absolutely must not beat you!

Midfield: Cameron (one goal), Frankie, Jordan S., Logan and Jordan D. made up the midfield and although they failed to dominate the game as in previous matches, overall they held their own, even against the wind. If there was a failing in the middle of the park, it was the lack of real determination to work back on a couple of occasions. Midfielders remember – if you wish to surge forward you must be prepared to work back!

Forwards: Arguably the front two turned in the best performances of the day. Daryl sat out the first 20 minutes as he did not turn up for training the previous Thursday (all again take note) but when he came on he worked hard and could have notched a couple but for a good save and a near thing. However, man-of-the-match goes to Ricki for his hat-trick (two great pens; one retaken and yet expertly stuck away), for working hard and for his general all round display. Take confidence Ricki and build on today but watch for offside. Forwards remember – defence does start at the front but you are there to get goals!

Overall: A disappointing performance (first this season) but not a defeat. Improvement, especially at the back, required for next week.
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Dundee West U12s v. Ferry Ath.

Montrose 28/9/08

Conditions: Pleasantly warm for late September

Fine Footie Against the Ferry

Players; John (gk), Dylan (gk), Nathan, Barry, Ross, Shaun, Adam, Hamish, Mikey, Cameron, Jordan S. Frankie, Logan, Ricki, Jordan D., and Ryan

The pre-season against Ferry had proved a tough but hugely entertaining fixture, so with conditions again perfect for Sunday morning soccer, the big West support had turned out in numbers to roar the team along.

Player profile: After missing last week’s game through illness, Dylan started in the goal as part of the ‘rotation system’ operating until Christmas. And if Dylan plays as well as he did today, the manager will insist he is sick every other week! Full marks to Dylan today in terms of shot stopping handling and organisation. Well done and I expect this level of commitment every game whether your father is the referee of not! For the last 20 minutes John took over between the sticks and was also equally competent. Another solid performance by both goalies and proves the value of competition for places.

Defenders: Hamish, Mikey and Shaun all played 40 minutes in the full back roles and all three performed well. Again, choosing just from three for the second half of the season is going to be tough. It will be the boys that make the most progress by listening to coach Paul and manager Gordon who will ultimately get the nod.

In the centre of defence were Ross, Adam and for the last 10 minutes Logan. Again each put in decent shifts although there is still a great deal of room in the communication department. Taken together have you ever heard such a quiet group of defenders? (Ed. I would like these boys in my class next year – heaven!) Wee note: Adam and Logan I know that you both rather play somewhere else rather than sweeper but both of you read the game well, make telling interceptions and have the ability to use the ball well out of defence. Your team needs one of you at sweeper and it’s a team game.

Midfield: Permeating any four from six can, as the manager readily admits, upset the balance and structure of the team. Today, however, the boys played so well in the middle of the park that the manager was able to slot players without affecting the performance. There were excellent contributions from Frankie, Jordan D., Barry and Logan. All four worked hard, got forward when able and tracked back as required. Jordan S., especially in the first 20 minutes played brilliantly but an injury and a touch of the huff in the final 20 took the edge of his performance. Man of the match goes to two goal Cameron. Fantastic running and two excellent finishes won West the game.

Forwards: Ryan, Rikki (well done you got your goal) and Nathan all played well. It was good to see Ryan leading the line, Rikki help make and take a good goal and Nathan work hard and support his team mates despite only a handful of games in recent weeks.

Overall: Positive thinking works but there is no substitute for practice and hard work. These pay dividends. The techniques and skills developed on the training ground make a difference on a Sunday. The manager and coach are determined to push ahead, despite two or three individuals doubting the value of training, with implementing the ‘other side of football’. Or to put it another way, football skills are pretty but knowing how to win is something different.
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Dundee West U12s v. Montrose Y.

Montrose 21/9/08

Conditions: Mild

‘A Close Run Thing’

Players; John (gk), Nathan, Barry, Ross, Shaun, Adam, Hamish, Mikey, Cameron, Jordan S., Frankie, Logan, Ricki, Jordan D., Daryl and Ryan

With previous game against Montrose Y. proving to be very close, it was expected that today’s game would be a good test for the West… and so it proved to be. In a game that swung one way then the other, the boys in red and blue proved just physically and mentally strong enough to prevail. Well done another cracking Sunday morning’s entertainment.

Player profiles (the best bits): John – Competent performance in the goal even if you were … tired! One really good save in the third 20. Well done.

Defenders: Hamish and Shaun, in particular, were dominant throughout and tackled strongly. Good stuff. Ross (ask him about his ‘goal’), Logan, Adam and Mikey all turned in credible performances and more than matched their opponents. Better than pass marks here. Keep up the good work.

Midfield: Jordan S. (2), Frankie, Jordan D., Barry, Cameron (1) all played really well and this was where the game was won. With really good passing, some terrific tackling and a super work-rate, the midfield just managed to edge out the Montrose lads to secure victory. Again well done and keep building on your success.

Forwards: Ryan (1), Daryl (1), Nathan and Rikki were a constant threat throughout the hour, as well as tracking back when needed or refusing to give up on lost causes. Well done. You guys led from the front. There was some really good combination play between the midfield and the forwards as the boys learn to ply to each other strengths.

Overall: For the quiet, football-educated and cultured West supporters there was a great deal of positives to take from the game – silky soccer, tough tackling and super strikes. For the management team there were also couple of things to reflect on from within this match. First, making substitutions affects the team (you don’t say – Ed.) but the rules state everyone gets at least 20 minutes and that’s it. Second, the sense of ‘togetherness’ in the ranks is beginning to pay dividends and this is ultimately what a successful team needs. Let’s keep this going. Finally, we’ll finish on a positive note: for the boys of the West the most important aspect of the game was that they are enjoying playing football and long may it last.

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Dundee West U12s v. DUSC

Downfield 14/9/08

Conditions: ‘Perfect’

Unlucky

Players; John (gk), Dylan (gk), Barry, Ross, Shaun, Adam, Hamish, Mikey, Cameron, Jordan S., Frankie, Logan, Ricki, Jordan D., Daryl and Ryan

Both teams went into the game having played three and won three and with conditions absolutely perfect for football, this match had all the ingredients needed for a cracking game. It didn’t disappoint.

The first 20 minutes was a tight but enthralling affair with DUSC just shading the game on possession and chances. However, thanks to some good goalkeeping by Dylan, and resolute defending by Shaun, Adam, Ross and Hamish, the teams remained level at the first break.

If the first 20 minutes was close, the second 20 belonged to the West. Having introduced a couple of changes and playing much more on the front foot, the West charged forward and were rewarded with first, a great headed goal from Cameron from a Daryl corner and second, a beautifully struck free kick from Jordan S. right into the top corner. Magnificent! Two cracking strikes that wouldn’t have been out of place on Match of the Day. (Was going to say the Scotsport highlights but didn’t want to undervalue the quality!)

Going in to the third 20 minute period, if truth be told, it would have been better not to have further reshuffled the pack. However, to be fair to all (and Nathan you haven’t been forgotten – someone will let themselves down and you’ll be back in at their expense) and following the rules of the U12s game, changes were made and before the West knew it, it was all square again.

The final 10 minutes were as exciting as it gets. Both sides went in pursuit of a winner and unfortunately for the West, it was DUSC that got it. A deep cross into the box for once evaded man-of-the match Hamish and before you could say ‘ah no!’ the ball was in the net.

Yet the game wasn’t finished and with two minutes left, the West were awarded a free kick just outside the DUSC box. Hamish stepped up and brilliantly blasted the ball high into the DUSC net. However, the West’s celebrations were short lived as the referee indicated that ‘someone’ had been ‘active’ when the ball flew unstoppably into the net and so the ‘goal’ was chalked off!

Overall: A cracking game, with both sides giving 100%. There was lots of good football, some terrific goals and more than a tad of controversy to finish. Not a bad Sunday’s entertainment.

Footnote: The manager was hugely proud of the performance of the players. Well done and keep up the good work at training.

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Dundee West U12s v. Monifieth

Riverview 7/9/09

Conditions: Wet 'n Wild

Wonderful West Win in Wild Weather

Players/goals; John (gk), Dylan (gk), Barry, Ross, Shaun, Adam, Hamish, Mikey, Cameron (1), Jordan S., Frankie, Logan, Ricki, Jordan D., Daryl (3 goals) and Ryan

Well done lads. Fantastic team performance back to front. Monifieth are a good outfit and this represents an outstanding victory. Usual report unavailable due to star reporter’s absence. Paul takes credit for excellent management of team. Keep up the good work and make sure you attend training / other events in order to have a chance of getting on the team sheet.
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Dundee West U12s v. Arbroath Lads

Ardler 31/08/08

Conditions: Damp but mild

Football For Purists!

Players; John (gk), Dylan (gk), Barry, Ross, Shaun, Adam, Hamish, Mikey, Cameron, Jordan S., Frankie, Logan, Jake, Ricki, Jordan D., Daryl and Ryan

Having got off to the best possible start last week, manager Gordon, coach paul and players went into this fixture with confidence. With a full squad to pick from it was not going to be easy to decide who to leave out – a manager’s job can be a lonely one! However, within the first 20 minutes, the West had put the game beyond doubt and the manager was able to ‘rotate his squad’ to give everyone a game.

Player pics (the best bits): Dylan and John both had little to do as the West dominated this fixture. Dylan was bit unlucky to concede the one goal and John had no chance at the penalty (which was never a penalty – coach Paul who was the ref., a visit to Specsavers is needed!)

Defenders: As last week, the defence, will have harder games. However, you can only beat what is in front of you and those playing in defence – Adam, Shaun, Hamish, Mikey and Ross – did, as they say, ‘the business’, as well as passing the ball out of defence. Great stuff.

Midfield: Despite rotating everyone in midfield (some more than once), the midfield players were tremendous throughout. There were several stunning performances but hatrick hero Frankie and Jordan S. (2) deserve special mention for their goals and attacking contributions. Barry, Cameron and Logan, despite not scoring can also be be well chuffed with their efforts and Jordan Donnelly also flicked in a goal late on to keep his goals tally ticking along.

Forwards: As with the midfield, there were excellent performances from the guys up front. Starting pair Ryan (2) and Daryl (3) both looked red-hot with Ricky coming on and grabbing a well-deserved brace.

Overall: A magnificent performance individual and team performance. Every player gave 100%, looked comfortable in possession and passed the ball well. Well done lads you were a credit to Dundee West, your parents and most importantly, yourselves. It won’t be easy deciding who to play next Sunday!
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Dundee West U12s v. Celtic

Lochee Park 24/08/08

Conditions: Mild but breezy.

‘Medal Performance’

Players; John (gk), Dylan (gk), Barry, Ross, Shaun, Adam, Mikey, Cameron, Jordan S., Frankie, Logan, Jake, Ricki, Daryl and Ryan

After a mixed pre-season, the West exploded from the blocks, a la Usain Bolt, to sprint into an early lead. Helped by the wind and slope, the West started at world record pace and were four up after the first 20 minutes. Goals from Ryan, Daryl, Frankie and Jordan S., more than gave the large West travelling support reason to be cheerful.

In periods two and three, however, and with Celtic enjoying the wind and slope, the game was much more even as Celtic regrouped and dug in to make a game of it. At the end, two further goals courtesy of Daryl and Frankie, meant the West ran out as bronze rather than gold meal winners.

Player pics (a selection of best bits): John, starting for the first time this season has a quiet opening 20 minutes but in the second period was more involved making a couple of good stops and kicking well from hand. Dylan played the final 20 minutes and performed competently too.

Ross, Mikey, Shaun, Barry and Adam will have busier and more demanding mornings but overall they can be pleased with the fact they won most of the 50/50s and tried, when possible, to pass out of defence.

Jordan S., Jake, Cameron, Logan and Frankie largely bossed the midfield whatever combination was on the park. Each played their part in a good all round team performance.

Ryan, Ricki and Daryl made up the front three and turned in good performances, holding the ball up and bringing in supporting team mates, as well as working hard and having an eye for goal.

Overall: A good start to the new season but more difficult and demanding fixtures lie ahead for both the players and the manager.

Footnote: The manager doesn’t expect to make so many changes as often in fixtures where the score is far closer. The battle is on for starting positions.

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