Thursday 24th April 2008 

Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League - League Shield - Group 1

Cockfosters U18   2      St. Margaretsbury U18   2  

Cockfosters Make Their Point and Await Abbey In The Semi.....

A tricky last league game for Cockfosters  U18 needed at least a point to qualify for the knock-out stage. Many of the familiar starters were not included in the starting line-up as the game was used as an opportunity for older and less used players to demonstrate to the senior management team their ability before being released by the club at the end of the season.

The first half was played at a slow pace with individual mistakes regularly occurring. The unfamiliar starting line-up did not help but the quality of play was much lower than we have come to expect from this talented set of players. It was a defensive mistake that led to St Margaretsbury’s first goal.

The poor play continued and it was only a dubious penalty decision that gave Cockfosters the chance to draw level. Mathews stepped up to take the penalty. The kick lacked pace and direction and was easily saved by the keeper, but only onto the chest of D’Jelal who bundled it over into the net followed by himself and most of his team-mates.

The second half started with the performance matching that of the first. St Margaretsbury’s deservedly took the lead again and it looked like all points would be going north. Changes were made with Mason, Dior-Bishop introduced. The quality improved slightly and the chances began to appear. Gaawo and Osie-Owiso all went close, but it was the promising Dior-Bishop who netted from close range.

Hunar came on to sit in front of the defence. Amazingly Cockfosters had several chances to win the game. It would have been cruel on St Margaretsbury’s if they had lost to such a poor Cockfosters performance but that’s what would have happened if the Cockfosters strikers were there normal selves.

One point is what was needed and that is what was delivered. Not a memorable performance, but it is Cockfosters who finish top and will play Waltham Abbey at home on Friday evening in what promises to be an exciting Semi-Final. Admission is free, however there will be a restriction of the numbers being allowed into Chalk Farm to comply with ground regulations.

Monday 14th April 2008 

Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League - League Shield - Group 1

Cheshunt 'A' U18   2      Cockfosters U18   2 

Cockfosters Can Only Take A Point.....

A full strength Cockfosters squad arrived at Theobolds Grove optimistic that their 100|% record in this competition, would remain intact. A scrappy start by the visitors was compounded by poor defending that gave Cheshunt A the chance to take a very early lead. This was shortly followed by a Simmons bringing down the Cheshunt A Centre Forward on the goal line for a stone-wall penalty. The Referee (who was in the centre circle) waved play on. 

It took Cockfosters even longer than normal to put their foot on the ball and attempt to play any controlled football.  With the improvement came the occasional chances, both Boxer and Dior-Bishop going finding the woodwork. It took a moment of genius from the mercurial Stokes to get Cockfosters level when he received the ball in the centre circle and spotted the Cheshunt A keeper stranded. He struck the bouncing ball in the top right corner creating frenzy amongst the players, bench and the traveling fans. There was hope that this goal of the season would raise the quality of the game. Hope was not playing this evening and play returned to its previous scratchy and scruffy style. It took Stokes again to provide another moment when he picked up a neat pass and walked it around the concerned keeper and placed it into the vacant net. Despite the poor start it did appear that Cockfosters were going to take the points as the teams returned to the changing room for their half-time drinks and team talk. 

The game resumed as it had left off with Cheshunt A and Cockfosters competing well but not producing the quality football that had been expected. It was another defensive error that brought Cheshunt A their equalizer. Cockfosters appeared to realize that this game was slipping away from them and started to play with more drive and penetration. Costas replaced Simmons and Gaawo replaced D’Jelal. Good approach play deserved goals but the quality of the final ball was not always as required, Cheshunt A looked to have scored when a Cheshunt A player about to tap in was intercepted by a flying challenge from Mireku on the goal line. Both players fell onto Nyong who lay motionless for several minutes before the Cockfosters sponge man was able to revive the keeper. 

The game was now looking like a draw as it entered overtime. A freekick harshly awarded against Hunar gave Cheshunt the chance to play the ball into the Cockfosters penalty area. Unsure defending gave the Cheshunt A striker room to head for goal only for Mason to bundle him over. The referee, again in the centre circle, bizarrely waved play on and then pointed to the spot. Frustrated players waited for the official to make his way to the penalty area and then took turns to question his handling of events.

After each Cockfosters player had completed their grilling of the official and the felled player had received treatment Nyong, still looking groggy and confused from his earlier double collision, faced up to the confident looking penalty taker. The kick was low, hard and well placed to the right, however Nyong at full stretch parried and then gathered. The final whistle sounded. Nyong played down all the praise by confessing to knowing what way the kick was going by the strange look on his face.

 One point gained or 2 dropped ?

Wednesday 2nd April 2008 

Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League - League Shield - Group 1

Hoddesdon Town   0    Cockfosters U18   3 

Cockfosters Looking Good.....

On a perfect night for football and on a good surface the Cockfosters youngsters put on a display that drew praise from spectators, officials and Hoddesdon Town committee members. A slow start with a lot of pointing and shouting going on soon settled down with Cockfosters getting the ball on the floor and working hard for each other, making short passes an easy option. The back four included Hunar in central defence, a role he has played in at previous clubs and after a short while began to look comfortable behind sound Thomas Simmons. Mason and Uysal look solid in defence and also got forward at every possible opportunity. A bit more quality on crosses will provide a rich source of chances for this team.

Stokes, Boxer and Ulug were working well in midfield with all three keeping possession and probing the Hoddesdon defence. Osei-Owiso was relatively quiet in the first half but still threatening when running at opponents. After 25 minutes and with only the occasional counter attack from Hoddesdon, Ulug was first to a left sided low cross where he set himself up to crash home with his left foot.

The game continued with Cockfosters always looking on top of a young Hoddesdon side. Despite this pressure Hoddesdon should have been level at half time when the Cockfosters defence got an offside trap all wrong leaving a one-on-one with the keeper. Nyong stayed up for as long as possible and dived to parry away. These common saves by Nyong have kept Cockfosters in games on several occasions this year and should be regarded as good as goals scored by our outfield players.

Osie-Owiso was in a more positive mood after his orange juice and teased and tormented the left full back using the overlapping Uysal as both decoy and target.

Stokes, still nursing a bad shoulder and when not chewing the referees ears, was instrumental in midfield and it was he who slotted home after going close on several occasions.

Dior-Bishop, a transfer deadline signing was impressive on his debut, tirelessly making runs and linking well with Gaawo. His performance was rewarded with a well taken goal that was fully appreciated by his new team-mates.

With 20 minutes remaining Agyapong replaced Stokes and worked the right side well and nearly scored with a well taken half-volley from a well delivered cross from Osei-Owiso. The versatile Leeks replaced Mason at right-back and looked keen to impress. With possession statistics heavily leaning to Cockfosters the game concluded. You have to go back to 13^th September for the last clean sheet. Despite having a great season, if Nyong is hoping to fund next years studies with his clean sheet bonus then he may have to choose Southgate College rather than one of our prestigious universities.

Thursday 27^th March 2008 

Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League - League Shield - Group 1

Cockfosters U18   3   Haringey Borough U18    1

Cockfosters Off To Group Flier.....

Cockfosters U18 side delivered a positive performance at Chalk Lane against a workmanlike Haringey Borough side last evening.  The game only went ahead after a team of workers including reserve team manager Neil Ewing spent time on the pitch forking and sanding four puddled areas. Courtney Mason, previously with Borehamwood, was introduced and made a promising league debut in a wide right position.  The game started with no real pattern, resulting in end to end play. During this spell Boxer managed to get on the end of good approach play from Osei-Owiso but managed to put wide from 2 yards. The first half hour produced many chances for the reds and both D’Jelal and Gaawo appeared to have left their scoring boots at home. On several occasions good approach play including both strikers was not completed with a finish. Hitting the target must become the norm for this team to progress beyond their current standing.

A free-kick wide on the left was quickly taken by Simmons who cleverly saw that the Boro right back was nowhere to be seen and sent Osei-Owiso on his journey to the goal line where he pulled the ball back to Gaawo who finished well.  The celebration demonstrated the frustration that had been brewing in the team.  Further chances came Cockfosters way but again and again the Boro keeper was not tested. The Boro keeper, who chose to wear apparel normally associated with weekend decorators and DIYers, did not seem happy with the conditions and his oversized garments become increasingly weighty as much of the remaining mud and water not cleared earlier, clung to his baggy trousers.        

No player changes were made at half-time and the game resumed with Cockfosters again controlling play and playing some good football on a difficult top. Hunar in particular is looking very comfortable in central midfield. It was Gaawo who scored after good interplay to give the crowd of 52 the feeling that this was going to be Cockfosters night. Rare chances for Boro were easily dealt with by Nyong, who looked his normal serene self. However, with 20 minutes remaining following some neat ball skills, Nyong presented the startled Boro striker with the ball on the edge of the penalty area with no other player within 20 yards of this incident. The striker pinched himself, quickly asked someone if it was the 25^th December and then coolly slotted the ball into the empty net. Nyong has been consistently sound and entertaining all season and will quickly put this behind him.

Changes were made as legs became weary in the mud that was not layered onto the keepers costume. Ulug was a straight swap for Simmons, followed by Yiakoumi for Gaawo (Osei-Owiso moving into a strikers role).  This gave Osei-Owiso the freedom to get at the defenders, and knowing that the first and reserve team managers were in the crowd saw his chance to impress. After going close a few times he produced a good finish after beating two defenders that gave the mud-encrusted keeper no chance. The game was won and the team knew it as they celebrated in style. Chris Nicholau was introduced after recently completing a lengthy suspension, replacing Abbaszadi who had produced one of his finest performances in a red shirt.

A good all round performance by Cockfosters, however there are tougher games to overcome and if this team wants success they must win these matches, beginning at Hoddesdon Town next Wednesday. Any supporters wishing to make the journey will have to make their own arrangements as there will be no train or coach travel arranged by the club for this fixture.

Thursday 28^th February 2008 

Brian Hitchings Cup

Bury Town U18  2 – Cockfosters U18  1

Bury Hold On And Go Through To The Quarter Finals

The long awaited game between these two sides started some 8 weeks after the original scheduled date. Cockfosters were weakened by Thomas Simmons being called up for the AFA representative side and Jon Stokes who was unable to travel due to personal and intimate reasons. The Cockfosters side started this game as if they had been travelling continuously for 8 weeks with the first half hour being the worst display of football that this side has played all season. Bury Town looked as if they were in party mood as their crisp passing and movement was in contrast to Cockfosters “hoof and panic”. Bury Towns first goal was a deflected free-kick leaving Nyong in the vertical position, knees bent and face in hands. This was soon followed by a second. A third, fourth and fifth looked likely.

A slight groin strain to Ulug gave the Cockfosters management an opportunity to make some necessary changes and pass on some obvious advice (keep the ball on the floor).  Mireku replaced Ulug (moving to a left wing position) with Yiakoumi moving to centre half and Hunar moving into central midfield. Yiakoumi took a while to settle into his new position (at one time trying to head trap and chest a high ball all at the same time) but with Costas’s guidance and Hunar and Boxer getting the ball on the floor he went on to be very comfortable in this position. The change was immediate and the reds began to play some very good passing football feeding Mireku and Osei-Owiso well.

A free kick wide on the right was well delivered by Boxer and presented Gaawo with a chance to pull a goal back before half-time but his guided side-footed shot was saved by the keeper.

Cockfosters came out and continued to take the game to Bury and cracks began to appear in their defence with the goalkeeper making several good saves, one after delightful approach play down the left and with D’jelal to complete the move. The visitors finally pulled a goal back when, what appeared as an overhit free kick was pulled back from the goal line by Boxer to set up D’jelal who calmly netted. Abbaszadi replaced Saul-Garner in a straight swap. With 20 minutes of the 90 remaining another Cockfosters goal looked likely in what was an amazing reversal of the first half hour. Again the Bury keeper performed well in keeping out good attempts by the visitors.

With 7 minutes remaining Costas, who has been supplying excellent cover in defence this season, was instructed to support the front two. This increased the pressure on the Bury defence and good work on the left side by Mireku resulted in an increased supply chain for Gaawo and D’jelal to feed off.  With 5 minutes left the ball broke free on the penalty spot. Costas created space for himself and delivered a powerful shot that narrowly went over the bar. Further pressure was without fruition and Bury were grateful for the referees whistle to sound.

On reflection; a disappointing result but a good second half display. The players warmed down and acknowledge applause from the travelling support. The Bury management was very complementary of the Cockfosters side and made enquiries about signing one of our players. The enquiry was acknowledged but rejected. 

Hot Dogs consumed the squad hit the M11 for the long quiet journey back to North London reflecting on what might have been (a visit to Hillingdon for the quarter finals).    

Thursday 21st February 2008
Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League – Nemean Division
Cockfosters U18 0 – Borehamwood 2

Borehamwood Take The Points

The Cockfosters U18 side faced their toughest home challenge of the season last night at Chalk Lane. The spirit in the home dressing room was buoyant ahead of the game despite regular goalkeeper Matt Nyong and his understudy Chris Leekes being unavailable. Jason Sarna stepped in at late notice.

This was a tense and closely contested game with both sides competing and battling, mainly in the midfield. Scott Brosnan, making his Cockfosters debut, looked commanding in central defence with the pace of  Stav Costas supporting him. Selch Ulug showed self-discipline and concentration in a midfield man-marking role that looked like it would help keep any threat at bay. D’Jelal went close on a few occasions as did Jon Stokes. On reflection with the reds initially playing with a lone striker chances were always going to be rare and hitting the target should have been expected from players of this quality. Keeping the score at least level for half-time was a priority for the reds and so when Borehamwood scored  on the 38^th minute following a defensive error the task became somewhat harder.

No changes were made at half-time and the game continued where it left off. The pattern of the game was only changed with the introduction of  Osei-Owiso and Gaawo, resulting in more chances for both teams. Sarna saving well on several occasions and with Gaawo supporting him now, D’Jelal ghosted in from a long cross and only a great save from the keeper prevented the equalizer.

Borehamwood had fewer 2^nd half chances but finished a good move well to go 2 ahead. Cockfosters rallied again and put the visitors under pressure. Gaawo, after picking up a good pass from Osei-Owiso, went past 2 defenders showing great pace and  placed a side foot finish goalbound, only for the keeper to again pull off a very good save.

The points to the visitors, but credit to Cockfosters, who battled well and demonstrated that the gap between the two teams is minimal. In addition youth team players have been contributing to recent success in the reserve team. D’Jelal, Stokes, Gaawo, Nyong and now Thomas Simmons have all been involved. Well done to the players and reserve team management for having faith in these young boys.  

Thursday 7th February 2008
Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League – Nemean Division
Cockfosters U18  5 – Hillingdon  U18  2

Cockfosters Win It Twice To Go Joint Top

The Cockfosters U18 side was in action last evening for the first time in 14 weeks. A sparse crowd, the lowest of the season so far, witnessed a game that had goals, excitement, costly mistakes and quality.

The Cockfosters team had an arrogance and swagger about them in the first 30 minutes that was rewarded with two well taken goals, one a piece from Gaawo and D’Jelal. The small crowd began to anticipate an avalanche of goals from Cockfosters. The positive start was peppered with slick approach play, probing passes, athletic wide play, intelligent decision making when in possession and effective defending. The confidence of the team slowly but surely turned into complacency and a lack of concentration and a solid defence and midfield unit began to look fragile and mistakes started to increase in their frequency. Hillingdon began to sense this change and became more offensive in their style. Long passes through the middle of the reds defence was the undoing of all the earlier good work, The first goal was calmly put away by the Hillingdon striker following a mistake in central defence. Nyong was clearly not happy with his defence and was seen working overtime at renegotiating the terms of reference with his back four.  A free kick to Hillingdon on the halfway line found the Hillingdon striker who rolled the Cockfosters defender and teased Nyong with a crafty finish. Nyong was again not happy and remonstrated again with his defence like an angry Italian waiter. The first half could not finish quick enough for Cockfosters who could easily have conceded again before the Referee put an end to this metamorphosis.

This game was in the balance and the form book was shredded and tossed high up in the air. A few unexpected jeers were heard as the players appeared for the second half. Ulug replaced Simmons in a straight swap at the back. The second half started the same as the first with ‘Fosters demonstrating the finer points of this side: good ball retention, inventive approach play and committed defending. Stokes, the enigmatic stroller in midfield, produced a tracer bullet out the sticky toffee top that hit the near left corner of the net with ferocity. The relief of the team and the bench was clear for everyone to see.  The attitude of the Cockfosters team had to and did remain positive and soon Gaawo finished off a good move that included Boxer and D’jelal. This was the goal that finally won the game. Saul-Garnier and MacDonald were introduced with 20 minutes remaining, replacing Abbaszadi and Yiakoumi respectively. Yiakoumi, an uncompromising player built for cruising, had put in a fine performance in a wide position. Another goal now looked likely and on the 85^th minute Gaawo completed his hat-trick, again with a close range finish.  Three points, a hat-trick and a promising debut from Uysal were the positives from this evening. Borehamwood are next at Chalk Lane on Thursday 21^st February in a game that will be a major influence on who takes the honours in the Nemean Division.

Thursday 20th December 2007

Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League - Colwyn Challenge Cup

Leverstock Green U18 2 - Cockfosters U18 1

Cockfosters Knocked Out With 10

A game that can only be descried as an "end to end encounter" . A good playing surface keenly contested by  all players served up a festive  cracker of a match.  A  superb performance with several great saves by Matthew Nyong and a sound performance by the Leverstock Green keeper kept this game  from a  double figure scoreline.  The game will be memorable  for  Nyong's  first  half  saves,  Adam Chadwick's quick  feet  when  rounding  the  Leverstock  keeper to  equalise and  the  unnecessary  retaliation  leading to the sending off of Nicholaou . At 1-1 and with 20 mins. remaining the 10 Cockfosters players  could not hold on for extra time and the inevitable winning  goal  for  Leverstock  Green came 5 minutes from time. A quiet squad nibbled their sandwiches and travelled home. They weren't so quiet at the Youth Team Christmas Party/Sauna the following evening.

Wednesday 14th November 2007

Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League  -  Nemean Division

AFC Dunstable U18   2   Cockfosters U18  4