County Youth (Under 18's) Football 2011-2012

Click here for County League Results/Fixtures/Tables

Above: Top-L/R:
Manager & Coach/Darren Tunnicliff, Physio/Paul Shand, Leroy Odiero, Oli Plant, GK/James Andrews, Gareth Shand, Capt/Ashley Samuels, Cameron Smith, Kurtis Burrows, Manager & Coach/Sean Bryan
Bottom-L/R:
Daniel Mubarak, Liam Powell, Jack Isher, Sam Tustain, Jake Ballinger, Elliott Harris, Joe Hoskins, Jordan Bryan. Not shown- Ryan Sayce, Bradley Barnard, Ben Alsop, Joel Phillips

Gloucestershire County u18s Youth League Result:
Wednesday 4th January 2012

Cheltenham Saracens 2-0 Thornbury Town

Cheltenham Saracens started the New Year in fine fashion with a hard earned 2-0 win over a spirited Thornbury side. In difficult weather conditions both sides must be credited with their performances in maintaining a high standard of quality football. Both team’s defence’s were solid throughout ensuring both keepers had a relatively quiet night. Expertly officiated by Will
Wain and his officials the game was allowed to be played in a high tempo. Saracens dominated the opening 30mins with Sara's midfield maestro Jordan Bryan pulling the strings often supplying forwards Odiero & Burrows with quality balls. Bryan's fine form has seen him
establish himself firmly in the clubs men's 1st Team Hellenic Premier Division side. Making performances against Reading Town, ‘Scoring’, Slimbridge and Shortwood respectively, over the Christmas period. Saracens opened the scoring on the half hour from a corner taken by Ballinger; Leroy Odiero 'starting his first game for some 5 weeks through injury & suspension' powered a header into the bottom corner. Further chances came and went through Cam Smith, Bryan & Burrows. Thornbury then started to apply their own
pressure but Saracens Capt Ashley Samuel's was in superb form along with his fellow defenders Shand and Mubarak maintained no pressure was applied to their keeper James Andrews. Saracens had to then make an enforced change when Odiero limped off from a heavy challenge, Sam Tustain replacing him upfront. Thornbury nearly broke through on goal when a slip by Mubarak let the Thornbury frwd through but Andrews saved superbly the one on one situation.
HT: 1-0

Saracens dominated the second half possession and again good work from Ballinger and Mubarak so nearly saw Saracens increase their lead when Sam Tustain’s shot cannoned off the post. Jack Isher along with Cam Smith often broke up any midfield threat with some fine strong challenges and then had the maturity to keep the ball moving whilst maintaining possession. Saracens increased their lead and effectively sealed the points when a superb run from Bryan saw him upended in the box and top scorer Burrows maintained his fine scoring ration scoring the penalty. With game won, Saracens then made subs with both Elliott Harris & Ryan Sayce coming on for Ballinger & Powell. It was from a strong Sayce tackle that Saracens nearly scored their 3rd. Sayce winning the tackle in his own area then combined with Isher & Smith before sending burrows clear, his one on one with the keeper was saved by the Thornbury keeper superbly. Saracens with the game effectively won settled on seeing out the game maintaining large possession for the remainder of the game whilst their defence was magnificent often being the main source of play outlet throughout the game..
FT: 2-0
Scorers Odiero & Burrows ‘Pen’
M.o.M- ‘Capt’ Ashley Samuels 'Top of Page'

Gloucestershire County Youth u18s League:
December 5th 2011

Looking to put their last defeat firmly behind them Saracens welcomed back key players, Jack Isher, Jake Ballinger & Ryan Sayce whilst Cam Smith had another 90mins of play giving him much match fitness from his spell out through knee Ligament damage. With Cadbury Heath just 2 points behind Saracens a win was a must and Saracens did not disapoint.
Kurtis Burrows maintained his fine scoring record with a Hat trick that earned Saracens the points in this County Youth Fixture. The game itself was a high quality game with good passing and team play coming from both sides. Well marshalled by ref Ian Hamilton & his fellow officials Pete Daly & Nigel Rees allowing the game to flow, Saracens scored first after 10mins from a Jake Ballinger volley superbly assisted by Borrows and Gareth Shand. Cadbury Heath equalised soon after from a corner. With both sides putting in the effort, Saracens scored shortly before half time when Burrows scored with a delicate chip over the keeper. A long range Jordan Bryan pile driver was pushed over the bar from the Heath Keeper whilst Cam Smith came close with a curling free kick that was once again pushed over by the keeper.
HT: 2-1

In the second half Saracens came out with a much more determined purpose and scored in the 50th minute to make it 3-1 when Sam Tustain was put through by a great pass from Shand, for Tustain to clinically finish in the bottom corner. Missing usual defender Leroy Odiero
through suspension, the Saracens defence was held together with superb organistion by Dan Mubarak and Capt Ash Samuels along with Shand who featured in 2 goal assists on the night. Burrows soon scored his second & Saracens 4th with a fine headed finish from a Cam Smith cross. Saracens sealed the 3 points when Burrows capped a fine mom performance shooting across the goalie for a well earned hat-trick to make it 5-1. Ryan Sayce & Jack Isher were both just off target from long range shots but the night belonged to Hat Trick hero Burrows who has scored in all but one of Saracens fixtures..

M.O.M-Kurtis Burrows

Below:
Saracens Captain Ashley Samuels m.o.m during Saracens surprise defeat to Wotton

Despite missing key squad players through work and Injuries, Saracens should still have had a strong enough team for a win in this Sunday fixture. Instead, despite going a goal up through Birt Burrows and having numerous chances during both the first & second half, sloppy play, poor ball retention and not enough effort saw a more hungry Wotton side come away with the points. Saracens should certainly learn from this peformance and put right in their fixture v Cadbury Heath. Encouraging points coming out of the game was the return of Cameron Smith from injury, although not 100% match fit, the 90 mins played will certainly help with match sharpness. Other good performances from Joel Phillips 'who was unlucky with a 30yd pile driver' Ash Samuels, Dan Mubarak & Leroy Odiero were undermined but others low key performances.

Above: M.o.M Leroy Odiero

Gloucestershire County League:
Wednesday 16th November
Almondsbury 2-2 Cheltenham Saracens
Scorers: Burrows and Barnard

A second half debut goal by new signing Bradley Barnard, earned Saracens a hard fought draw against a tough & physical Almondsbury side who's play Belayed their current lowly position in the league. On an awful pitch and one that would have been called off in most games, made sure good Passing football was cancelled out. The first 20mins belonged to Saracens with Midfield general Jordan Bryan pulling all the strings but at the same receiving some hefty challenges from the Almondsbury squad.
Saracens took the game to Almondsbury for which a 15min shot by Saracens Kurtis Burrows was saved by the goalie. With the conditions getting worse by the minute a more direct game became apparent for which suited Almondsbury more than Saracens. James Andrews in goal for Saracens saved well from a break down the left wing and was then called into action soon after, tipping around a header from a long cross near the half time whistle. 16 year old Centre Back Leroy Odiero was relishing the battle and didn't batter an eye lid from often late and cynical fouls.

HT: 0-0

In the second half Saracens replaced their 'holiday departing' goalie Andrews, for ex Cheltenham Town COE-Ben Alsop, Joel Phillips
replaced Sayce in midfield. A brilliant run by Saracens Bryan, was ended when for the umpteenth time he was fouled on the edge of the box.
From the in swinging free kick Gareth Shand's header was just off target. As Saracens started to build up their intensity, they then found themselves caught on the break. A long diagonal ball should have been cut out, but the Saracens defence poor positioning allowed the
Almondsbury forward to run through unmarked to put Almondsbury ahead.
With top scorer Burrows having a quiet night in front of goal, ball retention became key and Saracens were often guilty of giving the ball
away cheaply. Saracens then lost Jordan Bryan carried off through a bad foul.
Saracens frustrations were at boiling point due to constant poor challenges and no action from the referee. Ben Tunnicliff then came
into midfield to add extra spice and made a massive impact. It was from his through ball that found Burrows he turned and scored into the
bottom corner to put Saracens level. Almondsbury then scored with 15ins to go from a long shot that was nearly saved from Alsop when though he
got his hands to the ball couldn’t keep it out. With time ticking away a neat one-two between Burrows and Barnard found Powell he then threaded a pass back to Barnard who outpaced the Almondsbury defence and lobbed the oncoming keeper. Saracens then dug in and settled for a draw, any pressure on their defence was, & not for the first time during the game cancelled out
by M.o.M Leroy Odiero.
FT: 2-2

Above: Kurtis Burrows Saracens hat-trick hero & M.o.M in Saracens game v Wick

Gloucestershire County u18s Youth League Result:
Sunday 13th November
Wick 2-3 Cheltenham Saracens

With 4 key changes to the side narrowly defeated by Bishops Cleeve in the County Cup earlier in the week, could have unsettled the balance of the side but this young Saracens team has shown it has much steel & commitment and is relishing each challenge thrown at them. Missing were experienced defender Gareth Shand, winger Jake Ballinger & forward Joe Hoskins. Sam Tustain replaced Hoskins, Ryan Sayce switched from the right of midfield to the left and Capt Samuels returned from last week’s sickness. Also recalled was Elliot Harris who excellent in the midfield often supplying the sublime Jordan Bryan. Saracens also welcomed into the squad young u16s players Aaron Mason and u16s County Player Mat Sherman.

Saracens took the game to Wick from the start and enjoyed much ball possession. Burrows nearly scored after 5 mins when a lovely diagonal ball by Liam Powell was hit first time by Burrows only for the shot to go inches wide. Saracens then nearly scored when Ryan Sayce shot just over. Jordan’s Bryan’s silky runs were causing major problems to Wick and his link up with Burrows was often mesmerising to watch. Much was Saracens dominance that it came to a bit of a shock when Saracens found themselves a goal down. With Saracens pushing for the opening, they were caught out by a long ball, and a slip by defender Leroy Odiero allowed the Wick to finish from close in. Saracens though are made of sterner stuff to allow their heads to drop and dusted themselves down and within 5 mins were soon level. A superb 5 man move involving all the midfield players of, Harris, Isher Bryan & Sayce resulted in a through ball to Burrows who scored clinically from an acute angle. Further chances were created by Bryan’s mazy runs & these chances should have been taken by Saracens for which Tustain should have done better when in a good position in the area.
HT: 1-1

In the second half Saracens carried on with their dominance and scored on 50mins through a brilliant finish by Burrows. A one-two pass involving Harris & Bryan sent Sayce down the left wing his pass found Burrows on the corner of the box, with the keeper slightly off his line Burrows curled in a superb finish, giving the keeper no chance. Saracen’s pass and movement phases of play was setting the tone often causing panic in and around the Wick area. From another attacking option, the ball was cleared by the Wick defence straight to Bryan, from 40yds Bryan took off on one of his ‘Messi runs’ sprinting past 5 Wick players and what looked like being another wonder goal by Bryan was ended when he was brought down in the area for a penalty. Burrows took the resulting penalty, and although the keeper got a hand to the ball, was unlucky due to the power of the penalty to keep out 3-1. Kurtis Burrows certainly had thanks to Bryan for the penalty chance in enabling him to get to his Hat-trick. With the game seemingly won, changes were made with young 16year old Aaron Mason making his league debut in the team; Joel Phillips replaced Tustain, with Oli Plant replacing the excellent Powell. These changes though allowing much experience and game time seemed to unsettle the balance and Wick came back into the game scoring with 10mins left from a free kick. Ex-Cheltenham C.O.E Daniel Mubarak was excellent in the Saracens defence often breaking down any threats that came to the Saracens defence. Saracens nearly extended their lead further but Joel Phillips 85th minute header was well saved by the Wick keeper who was by far Wick’s M.o.M
FT: Wick 2-3 Cheltenham Saracens
Saracens M.o.M- Kurtis Burrows

Saracens next League fixture is at Almondsbury, on Wednesday 16th November

Above: M.o.M Jordan Bryan

GFA U18s County Cup 2nd Rnd
Tuesday 8th November
Bishops Cleeve 3-2 Cheltenham Saracens
Goals by Capt Jordan Bryan & Kurtis Borrows

This game will be remembered for Jordan Bryan’s brilliant individual goal & then marred by poor, terrible decisions….

Cheltenham Saracens met Cleeve for the second time in a cup competition this season and so nearly came away with the win. Looking to make up for their 5-1 defeat to Cleeve some 5 weeks ago in the FA Cup, Saracens came out with all guns blazing and for the first 30mins battered Cleeve. The game though sadly will be remembered for the way it was officiated, resulting in 2 red cards, a cast iron penalty that was given and then refused! Followed by a number of bookings in a game which was played in a great spirit with fantastic football. Spectators must be disappointedly scratching their heads with these controversial decisions!!

The first half hour was absolutely brilliant. First 5 mins Saracens should have gone 1-0 up! Brilliant pass and move by Jordy Bryan and Joe Hoskins, he fed Birt Burrows 'Who was outstanding throughout the game' with a through ball, Burrows outpaced the Cleeve defence ‘As he and Joe did throughout the game’ and only for a superb save by Cleeve Keeper, Tom Lennox, denied Saracens an opening goal. This though didn’t stop Saracens and within 10mins Saracens went ahead with a breathtaking goal!! With Saracens dominating the Midfield, Liam Powell collected a pass from Jake Ballinger, Powell played a simple through ball to Jordan Bryan who, with 2 Cleeve midfield players around him and the whole of the Cleeve back 4 in front, decided to go on one of his runs. Sprinting pass the static cleeve midfielders, he then decided to have a go at running at Ben Tunnicliff & the rest of the Cleeve defence, they couldn’t stop him and with immense trickery, skill and brilliant all round play lobbed the oncoming Keeper ‘Lennox’ with a goal to remember for a long long time. Breathtaking!! The goal was worthy for the effort that Saracens were putting in and not surprisingly soon made it 2-0. Hoskins and Burrows link up & pass and decisive running, was giving the Cleeve defence nightmares! Saracens defender Dan Mubarak, intercepted a long ball by Cleeve, his pass found Ballinger who slipped a pass thorough to Hoskins, Hoskins quick turn fed Burrows who once again ran at the Cleeve defence, who this time won the ball from Burrows, but in doing so the ball cannoned off one of their own players back into the path of Burrows. With the Keeper stranded by the rebound Burrows slipped the ball into the net. 2-0. Then the controversy… Ryan Sayce playing his best game for Saracens fed a delightful pass up the right flank for Burrows, he ran between the centre back and right back sprinting through in on goal and with only the keeper to beat, Burrows was brought down by Tunnicliff ‘Some 10/15yds in the box’ The linesman flagged, the ref blew, everybody expecting a penalty, only for the ref to go over to the linesman who astonishingly then said it was outside the area!!...What should have been a penalty and sending off turned out to be a free-kick and yellow card.
Saracens then for final 15mins sat back and relaxed too much to their cost. Immediately after the above incident and still fresh in their minds, Cleeve scored and got themselves back in the game. Saracens lost possession in their own half when Sayce & Borrows got in each others way, Cleeve played the ball down the left channel followed by a simple square ball across the goal, under no pressure, the defence got into a muddle resulting in a simple tap in for Mace to score 2-1. Cleeve then had their tails up and scored from their own penalty ‘Funny that!’ Leroy Odiero playing in defence due to sickness to normal defender and Capt Samuels, was playing out of his skin and was doing a fine job in keeping prolific scorer Deco Chick quiet. A through ball was played into the Saracens Penalty area, this was dealt with easy enough by Shand, his strong clearance was then headed back into area and Odiero and Cleeve player Mace both contested the ball which touch the thigh and hip of Odiero resulting in the referee giving a booking and worst, penalty 2-2
HT: 2-2

With strong words giving to the officials, Saracens had to regroup and get their composure back. ‘Don’t sit back, go for it’ was the command to the Saracens team, they did and again was unlucky not to go ahead, when a header was saved superbly by Lennox in the Cleeve goal. Then after 10 mins of the second half, what was a routine long high ball, James Andrews having a relatively quiet night in the Saracens goal lost the ball in the lights, His flap at the ball resulting in Odiero trying to clear the ball under pressure headed into his own net, gifted Cleeve the lead 3-2. ‘Soft goals guys’ Saracens soon made a series of subs with Sam Tustain replacing the tiring Sayce and Joel Phillips replacing Joe Hoskins, had to take the game to Cleeve and from an attacking phase of play saracens were caught on the break, when a long ball up the channel saw Odiero stretching and caught a Cleeve player late. Free Kick, yellow card & due to his earlier yellow card, Leroy had to walk. Down to 10 men, Oli Plant then replaced Jake Ballinger and still Saracens never gave up. Again Burrows pass and power 'whenever he could' attacked the Cleeve defence, but as much as they tried and with a succession of free kicks ‘resulting in Cleeve capt, Mace being red carded’ Saracens just couldn’t find that elusive equaliser. Saracens will take heart and although disappointed after the game and firmly pointing the finger at you know who/s will reflect on their fine performance and look to bounce back against Wick in the next League Game on Sunday 13th November ‘Away’
Mom: Jordan Bryan

Above: Man of Match 2goal scorer Kurtis Burrows in Saracens win over Lydney...

GFA County u18s Youth League
31st October 2011

Cheltenham Saracens 3-1 Lydney

Saracens maintained their good form with a 4th Straight League win. Saracens looking for another convincing win over Lydney who they beat 6-0 recently in the County Cup were somewhat surprised at the way Lydney ‘under new management’ came out fired up and took time to settle. Managers Darren Tunnicliff & Sean Bryan decided to make 3 changes to the squad to try & freshen up the team. Defender Dan Mubarak back from holiday came straight back in the side whilst Joel Phillips started on the Left Wing, Sam Tustain making his starting debut up front. Saracens after 10mins should have been awarded a penalty when Kurtis Burrows was upended; the referee played the advantage only for Joe Hoskins shot to smack against the post. Saracens was now finding good rhythm, Sam Tustain fully justifying his starting role scored his first league goal when he picked up a smart pass from Jordan Bryan and beating three Lydney players smashed his shot into the bottom corner. Further chances for Saracens came and went and Joel Phillips was unlucky with a strong left foot shot from outside the box. Saracens midfield usually vibrant and clinical was strangely subdued and was not playing their normal quick passing game. This though shows the measure of the team when not playing well; they still create loads of attacking options and soon added number two just before half time. Man of Match Kurtis Burrows scored his first of the night from a four man move involving, Powell, Tustain & Bryan. Burrows scoring into the bottom corner from outside the box.
HT: 2-0

In the second half Lydney to their credit kept attacking and did not give in for which Saracens keeper Andrews was soon called into action saving low from a strong Lydney shot. Gareth Shand, Mubarak and Samuels were excellent in Defence and whilst the rest of the colleagues were toiling away made sure they kept it tight and neat at the back. Saracens soon added their 3rd from a penalty when Burrows was upended again in the box and this time the referee awarded the penalty. Burrows stepped up and scored his deserved 2nd and Saracens 3rd. Capt Ash Samuels was then harshly sent off through his over eagerness remonstration with the ref. Lyndey took advantage of this and scored straight from the free kick awarded. Jordan Bryan was soon desperately unlucky, through Saracens best phase of play of the night. Sub Cam Smith back from injury desperate for a starting place in Saracens next game sent a superb through pass to Burrows he off loaded the ball to Bryan who saw his strong shot swerve and crash back off the underside of the bar. 10 man Saracens then kept possession better for the final 10mins and Ryan Sayce 30yrd pile drive flew just over. Saracens need to get back to their best as their next game is against local rivals Bishops Cleeve in the next round of the County Cup.
FT: 3-1
M.O.M Kurtis Burrows

M.O.M Jordan Bryan

Gloucestershire County Youth League Result:
Monday 24th October 2011
Cheltenham Saracens 4-2 Wotton Rovers

Scorers:
Kurtis Burrows, Joe Hoskins, Jordan Bryan, 1og

Saracens entertained Wotton Rovers to Petersfield Park & once again for the second week running endured Gale blustery conditions. They did though learn from last weeks mistakes of trying too many long passes and soon settled into a good rhythm. With changes again to the side, Liam Gould signed on the day, kept goal for the absent Andrews, whilst solid defender Daniel Mubarak was away on holiday. Leroy Odiero was injured & so it was left to Oli Plant to start his first game of the season in defence whilst Elliott Harris & Liam Powell were recalled to the starting line up.
Saracens good passes and movement soon paid dividends when Saracens won a penalty in the first 5 mins. Kurtis Burrows movement on the edge of the box unsettled the Rovers defence, his sublime pass to M.o.m Jordan Bryan saw Bryans strong run into box ended when he was brought down. Burrows stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. Rovers kept a good momentum going themselves and they soon nearly equalised but for a good save by Gould. Saracens soon went 2-0 up when a 5 man phase of play resulted in Burrows strong shot cannoning in off the hand of a Rovers defender. Strangely for Saracens they sat back and were guilty of taking their foot off the pedal! and were soon made to play. Sloppy passing and defending resulted in an interception by a Rovers forward who clinically shot past Gould. This was soon followed by a second equaliser when a long high pass was going straight to Gould; the Saracens defenders got in the way and sliced the ball over Gould for a simple tap in! Jordan Bryan then got the game by the scruff of the neck and smashed Saracens back into the lead. Joe Hoskins won the ball on the half way line his strong run at the defenders was ended when he was tackled but the ball fell nicely to Bryan who smashed the ball in from 25yds.
HT: 3-2

In the second half Saracens came out with a much better tempo and a better passing game. Jack Isher & Jordan Bryan were linking better with their forwards and were soon rewarded when Joe Hoskins was unlucky with a strong shooting chance. This resulted in a corner and Burrows in-swinging corner was met superbly by Hoskins who scored his 3rd goal in 3 games. Outstanding defending from Ashley Samuels, Gareth Shand and Oli Plant made sure Saracens remained comfortable throughout the remainder the game. Liam Powell was excellent & his strong wing play was paying dividends for which Saracens should have gone further ahead. Powell’s through ball to Sub Joel Phillips resulted in Phillips one on one but he shot just wide of the far post. Sam Tustain looking stronger and stronger in each game replaced Harris, and his strong challenge resulted in another chance at the Rovers goal but with no end product. Cam Smith back from injury tested his injury problems out when he came on late in the game and enjoyed a run out. Ryan Sayce was unlucky to miss out from getting on, but will come back into the side for next weeks Lydney game. Hopefully Saracens will back to full strength for next week’s game.
FT: 4-2

Gloucestershire U18s County League:
17th October
Cheltenham Saracens 2-1 Wick

Goals by Joe Hoskins & x1 OG earn Saracens hard fought win...

Saracens playing catch up with their League games 'due to Cup commitments' welcomed Bristol team 'Wick' to Petersfield Park on Monday. Saracens decided to change their formation from last weeks 6-0 win, The unlucky duo Elliott Harris & Liam Powell were both unlucky to be rested to the bench allowing Joe Hoskins to start up front and Ryan Sayce in midfield. In terrible conditions, strong gale force winds, rain and sleet on a hard bumpy pitch this resulted in a poor playing performance by both sides. With the ground buffeted by gale force wind, Saracens dominated the possession but were guilty of trying to find the killer ball to quick, on too many occasions. With the wind behind them, any over hit passes resulted in the ball travelling 100 miles an hour! into non productive areas. On occasions they did get through, Kurtis Burrows playing short sharp passes with m.o.m Jack Isher slammed his shot against the bar. Ryan Sayce then collected a pass wide left from defender, Gareth Shand and ran fully 40yds before shooting low and hard, the Wick keeper saved well to push his shot around the corner. Saracens team changes in their formation, unsettled the side and key players struggled to get a foothold in the game. Saracens scored 'Or rather Wick did for them!' shortly after the half hour. The Wick centre back went to smash the ball clear; unfortunately the ball went high, caught a huge gust of wind and travelled back 30yds into the opposite top corner!! Very strange goal indeed! and one for the 'What happened next programme'
HT: 1-0

In the second half and with a severe telling off by Coach 'Sean Bryan' still burning in their eyes, the inevitable happened. 1st minute equaliser. Saracens keeper under no pressure passed out to fellow defender Mubarak, he took an age to control the ball, under pressure, he didn’t see the Wick forward and instead of clearing the ball up the channels! he passed the ball to the opposing Wick player who scored from close range 1-1. This was a kick-up the back side Saracens needed and soon played some of their best football of the night. Getting to grips with the conditions, a good exchange of passes from Gareth Shand, Jack Isher & Jake Ballinger, resulted in Joe Hoskins outsprinting his marker and clinically finishing at the near post to put Saracens back in front 2-1. Kurtis Burrows looking to add to his good recent goals tally, constantly found himself double marked by the Wick defence, was still a menace to the Wick team. Burrows was desperately unlucky when a good touch and turn found him in front of goal but on a wide angle, never the less his strong angled drive flew agonising wide! Saracens then made changes with Harris, Powell & Sam Tustain all coming on resulting in a much better shape and formation. Tustain was unlucky when Jordan Bryan, strangely quiet for most of the night sent through a superb pass to Tustain who turned and shot just wide. Half chances came and went but solid defending by Shand, Capt/Samuels and Mubarak made sure there were no more hiccups.
FT: 2-1
M.O.M/Jack Isher

Gloucestershire u18s County Cup 1st Rnd
10th October 2011
Cheltenham Saracens 6-0 Lydney
Goals: Burrowsx2, Ballingerx2, Hoskins, Isher

With last weeks disappointing FA Cup defeat to Bishops Cleeve firmly in their mind, Saracens were determined to make someone pay & unfortunately Lydney, was on the end of a Saracens determined win. With changes to the squad being made, Elliott Harris made his starting debut in midfield and he took on the role with relish. Ryan Sayce came back into the squad replacing the unlucky Joel Phillips. Saracens got out the blocks right from the start and nearly scored in the first 3 mins when Jake Ballinger sent over a delightful diagonal cross to the far post, Liam Powell attacked the cross but his header went just over. Jordan Bryan was relishing having space and time to link up with frwds Leroy Odiero & Kurtis Burrows for which Bryans link up play resulted in Burrows out pacing his marker and finished clinically past the stranded Lydney Keeper. Saracens should have scored immediately after when Capt Ash Samuels won the ball in defence his superb pass to Harris who in return sent a through ball for Powell who should have done better when clean through. Saracens though just did not give Lydney time to settle and soon scored their 2nd when brilliant individual play by Bryan won Saracens a penalty through his jinking run. Kurtis Burrows stepped up & for the second week running sent the keeper the wrong way from the Penalty spot. As Lydney tried to get back in the game, excellent defending by Shand, Mubarak & Capt Samuels kept Lydney out, allowing much possession for Saracens midfield. With Isher having his best game yet for Saracens his through ball to Odiero who’s square pass found Ballinger to slot in number 3.
HT: 3-0

Ballinger’s strong running all night up and down the flanks was a constant menace and he scored his 2nd and Saracens 4th when again he left his marker for dead to finish off a superb move involving Mubarak and Burrows. Saracens soon made a number of changes with Ryan Sayce, Joe Hoskins & Oli Plant replacing Leroy Odiero, the superb Elliott Harris & Liam Powell. Hoskins soon joined the scoring brigade scoring Saracens 5th, when he collected a brilliant through ball from the Sayce to score from a clinical angle. Saracens was full of energy; exuberance and much desire to put a few wrongs right and were just brilliant on the night. Burrows soon nearly added to his brace when he found himself one on one with fellow forward Hoskins but they both got themselves in a muddle & the chance went begging. Jack Isher then showed much confidence when he lashed in number 6. Collecting the ball from Sayce on the half line he played a neat one-two with Bryan to score from 30yds. Credit to Lydney they made their manager proud with the way they continued to try & play, good pass and move football and fought tooth and nail to the end, unfortunately they just found a team that was much much determined to make amends from last week.

Saracens once again find themselves facing their last week’s conquerors Bishops Cleeve in the next round looking to make amends!!

Saracens mom: Daniel Mubarak & Jake Ballinger 'See top of page'

FA Youth Cup 2nd Rnd
Monday 3rd October
Saracens 1-5 Bishops Cleeve
Goal: Burrows 'pen'

This mouth watering tie did not disappoint the healthy crowd that came to Petersfield Park to see both sides battle it out for the right to face Poole Town in the next 3rd tie. Saracens with Kurtis Burrows and Leroy Odiero starting up front, Jordan Bryan switching to the right wing was Saracens hope of attacking this strong Cleeve unit. Saracens had all the possession during the first 10 mins with Jordan Bryan being unlucky with a penalty appeal. His strong wing play saw him ghost past 3 Cleeve players and as he was about to square the ball to Burrows his heal was clipped, this decision was to climax later in the opposite direction later in the game, culminating in a penalty for both sides. Saracens certainly felt aggrieved with this decision & oddly some very strange decisions throughout the game by the officials. Somewhat 5mins later Cleeve went ahead. A long diagonal ball was not dealt with by the Saracens defence & Deco Chick stole in and scored with a clinical finish. Saracens though did not let this setback get to them. Cam Smith & Jack Isher dominating their central midfield positions squared a delightful pass to burrows who looked odds on to score but for a last ditched tackle by a Cleeve defender. Then astonishingly a carbon copy goal for Cleeve. Again a long ball, Liam Powell & Central Defender/Capt; Ash Samuels were all at sea, this allowed Jack Watts to simply ghost past the isolated defenders for which Watts shot gave Saracens keeper James Andrews no chance. With Saracens scratching their heads asking themselves how they were 0-2 down? they soon feared the worse and were looking down the barrel!! Again poor defending by the usual rock solid defence once more allowed Chick all the time in the world and his finish made it 0-3
HT: 0-3

Saracens knew they had to get at Cleeve and early. They also knew they had to defend more solidly as a unit. Straight from the kick-off, better passes and phases of play to front runners Burrows and Odiero, resulted in a great shot by Cam Smith. Through a posse of players it looked as though the shot would give Saracens hope with a goal but ex Cheltenham Goalie, Tom Lennox pulled off great save. Saracens then replaced the unlucky Jake Ballinger who was excellent in keeping fellow wingers Cook & Mace quiet. It was a gamble by Saracens Coaches Darren Tunnicliff & Sean Bryan, but allowed further pace upfront with Joe Hoskins replacing him. This worked a treat as 5 mins later Burrows was brought down in the area and this time a cast iron penalty had to be given. Burrows stepped up and sent the Lennox the wrong way, 3-1. Now Saracens tails were up. A free kick by Cam Smith looked like heading into the top corner but again Lennox pulled off a great save. With Saracens now looking the best side the inevitable happened! Like the first half Saracens didn’t learn from their earlier mistakes, Unable to cope with Jack Watts they allowed him far too much time and space for which his built up play culminated in a soft penalty ‘Scored by Mace’ this truly settled the tie. Saracens were clearly gutted and with extra space in midfield, Cleeve started to dominate the midfield. Cook then scored a flattering 5th when he raced through, hesitancy by both the back line and Saracens keeper allowed cook to lob his goal. Saracens didn’t deserve to get beaten by 5 but really need to tighten up in defence. This they need to do pretty smartish as they entertain Lydney in the 1st Round of the County Cup v Lydney on Monday 10th October.
Saracens mom: Jordan Bryan

Cheltenham Saracens U18s 1 -1 Winterbourne U18s
Gloucestershire County Youth League
Monday 27th September
Goal: Burrows

Saracens with one eye on next weeks FA Cup tie against local rivals Bishops Cleeve, took on one of the leagues title favourites Winterbourne, at Petersfield Park on Monday and although leaving it late, nearly stole all the points!! On the back of a fine FA Cup win over Bitton which now sees them take on arch rivals Bishops Cleeve in the 2nd Round. Saracens made 3 changes to their side bringing back goal scorer Kurtis Burrows, Liam Powell made his full debut in defence with Centre back Gareth Shand back from Injury. Joe Hoskins was out through Injury and Oli Plant came into the squad for the first time this season. Saracens changed tactics from their Bitton game, switching midfield general, Jordan Bryan to the wing to stop the Winterbourne's dangerous flying winger ‘Aubrey Nyathi' which Bryan done superbly denying Nyathi any dangerous impact throughout the game. On the opposite wing Jack Ballinger had to handle their other quick winger Mason Starr which he also accomplished. The game never came to life until really the second half whilst the first half was dominated by both defences who kept both sets of forwards quiet and really cancelled each other out. 5 mins before half time, Joel Phillips of Saracens so tightly marked throughout the first half then strolled through two tackles before firing his shot just wide. Winterbourne having a spare man constantly in midfield exchanged fine phases of passing play but couldn’t get pass the Saracens defence, expertly marshalled by Capt- Ashley Samuels, MOM Gareth Shand & both wing backs Powell and Daniel Mubarak. On the stroke of the half time whistle, Jordan Bryan’s expert wing play on the right saw him ghost passed 3 Winterbournes players and sent a fine cross to the front post, unfortunately both Saracens forwards Tustain and Phillips were slow to read the cross and the chance went begging.
HT: 0-0

The second half came to life when after 10 mins of the restart a rare mistake by Powell saw him robbed of the ball by new Winterbourne signing Alex Monks, he took advantage of this mistake and curled a right foot shot into the top corner from fully 30yds. Keeper Andrews dived majestically and got his finger tips to the shot but was just out of reach. Saracens then made 2 substitutes with both forwards Phillips and Tustain making way for Burrows and Odiero. This had an immediate effect with Odiero winning more aerial ball allowing the stronger and aggressive Burrows to run at the Winterbourne defence. This put the Winterbourne defence under pressure for really the first time, this new partnership of Burrows and Odiero so nearly got Saracens back level. A succession of passes involving Ballinger, Isher and Burrows saw Odiero fire a first time shot which flew agonisingly over from 20yds with the keeper well beaten. A succession of corners by Saracens then saw Shand out jump his marker, his header looked like heading for the corner but the Winterbourne keeper made a fantastic one handed save. This though did not dent Saracens confidence and again they took the game to Winterbourne. Elliot Harris coming on for the tiring Smith exchanged passes with Isher and Mubarak before Isher picked up the ball from 40yds, his speculative shot was going well wide, but quick thinking by prolific scorer Burrows fired a superb first time shot into the bottom corner. Saracens so nearly won it when again strong running by Burrows saw him cut inside his marker but his strong curling shot went just wide
FT: 1-1
Saracens FA CUP Tie is on October 3rd at Saracens home ground ‘Petersfield Park, KO: 7.30pm..

FA Youth Cup 1st Round:
Monday 19th September

Battling Second Half Performance earn Saracens deserved win!!

Bitton AFC u18s 1 -2 Cheltenham Saracens u18s

On Monday evening Cheltenham Saracens travelled to the borders of Bath & Bristol where they encountered a tough Bitton side in this FA Youth Cup 1st Round. Having watched Bitton in their league game the week previous, the Bitton side that turned out against Saracens was a much tougher & totally different outfit. In the first half playing up the slope, Saracens found it tough going against the quicker Bitton side. Although Bitton had the lion share of possession they did not really test Saracens keeper James Andrews. Saracens playing 3 along the back with ex Cheltenham COE Player, Daniel Mubarak along side Capt Ash Samuels was a rock at the back and withheld all that Bitton threw at them. Fellow defender Gareth Shand pulled up after 20mins with a hamstring injury and he was replaced by new debut player Liam Powell. This was a baptism of fire for the young 16 year old but he showed great maturity in his performance. This set back was followed by another Saracens player withdraw 5 mins later through sickness. This was the last thing Saracens needed. Using 2 subs out of a possible 3, so early on, in a tough encounter, then to put the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons, with these changes Saracens could not get organise earlier enough, and Bitton took the lead with a strike in the bottom corner. These unusual circumstances & set backs seem to galvanise Saracens who then started to dominate the midfield and thus the game. Jack Isher, Double scorer Jordy Bryan and the silky Jake Ballinger started to string passes together and link up play to the isolated forwards of Joel Phillips and Joe Hoskins. Saracens so nearly equalised when a through ball by Powell set Hoskins up and just as he was about to score the Bitton player took Hoskins out resulting in a penalty. The referee deemed the Bitton player not to be the last man and so only a caution was given! Jordan Bryan stepped up and slammed the penalty into the top corner.
HT 1-1

In the second half, playing down the hill Saracens really took the game to Bitton. After only 5 mins of the restart Hoskins raced clear but sent his diagonal pass to Sam Tustain just short of his stretching boot. Saracens now had their tails up and Isher’s through Ball sent Ballinger racing down the right wing, his cross field pass to Bryan was sublime but equally Bryan’s touch and then 30 yard screamer into the bottom corner matched the pass, the move itself was absolutely quality and the goal was justification of the set play. Elliot Harris careful ball possession had Bitton scratching their heads with neither decision to attack which was allowing Harris to cut through their lines or defend allowing Hoskins & Tustains pace to put their defence under pressure. Tiredness was starting to tell with the Saracens players, some of whom this was their first game in a number of weeks, this then needed a time for heroes, where MOM Cam Smith came into play. Switching to centre back from his usual central midfield position he helped Samuels, Mubarak and Powell combat a last frenetic assault by Bitton. Just when Saracens thought they had the win in the bag, a corner was conceded. The Bitton forward out jumped his marker slammed his header which was going into the top corner, but somehow Saracens keeper James Andrews pulled off a magnificent one handed save, one that even the great Gordan Banks would be proud of!! A thourghly deserved victory for this young Saracens side, who now meet arch rivals Bishops Cleeve in the next round, after their 7-0 away win over Chard FC.

Below: 2 Goal Hero Jordan Bryan from Saracens fine 2-1 FA Youth Cup win over Bitton AFC

County Youth League Result:
Sept 4th 2011
Gala Wilton 2 - 1 Saracens.
Goal: Burrows

Saracens started their league campaign against last year’s double winning team; this though did not stop Saracens dominating the game in large parts. With a good pre-season behind them, Saracens got at Gala right from the start and enjoyed a succession of early corners. With Midfield duo Jordan Bryan and Cam Smith dominating their co hosts, the Saracens defence had little to do for the majority of the game. Strangely for Gala, whether it was, that they had to sign on 3 players at the start of the game and probably relying on Gloucester City players to bulk up their side they were subdued for large parts of the game, for which Saracens capitalised but! Were themselves guilty of poor ball possession in the opposition’s final quarter. Gareth Shand, Ash Samuels, Dan Mubarak & Ben Tunnicliff were magnificent in the Saracens defence. Saracens nearly scored when Jake Ballinger put Burrows through, the keeper spilt the ball from his shot and so nearly pushed it into his own net. Ballinger was running rings around the Gala midfield and time and again exposed their tiring back line. Ballinger was then subjected to a challenge which could and probably should have been a straight red card. This challenge and somewhat strange decisions by the official saw Saracens lose concentration and concede a corner. From this corner Saracens didn’t attack the ball for which the Gala player stole in between the goalie and defender to head in a soft goal.
HT 1-0

In the second half, both teams were tiring in the hot sunny conditions and Kurtis Burrows so nearly got Saracens back level when he shot from an acute angle, again the Gala keeper spilt the ball and incredibly like a copy of the first half incident, nearly spilt the ball into his own net again. Again a succession of corners for which Saracens were really guilty of not attacking the ball from these corners, and thus were made to pay. Gala sent over a diagonal pass and the ball looped into the area, Saracens keeper and defence got into a tangle the Gala frwd took advantage and scored another soft goal.
Saracens then made a succession of subs with Ryan Sayce replacing Jake Ballinger, Dan Spencer came on for Jack Isher who worked tirelessly on the right & the energetic
15 year old Charlie Biston playing his first competitive game for Saracens came on for Sam Tustain. It was Biston's strong running and hard graft that unsettled the Gala defence. Ben Tunnicliff sent a perfect pass for Burrows who shot straight at the keeper. Just when Saracens thought it was not going to be their day, Ryan Sayce linked well with Samuels who put through Burrows, this time one on one with the keeper, Burrows made no mistake. Tried as they good Saracens just didn’t test the keeper with more shooting opportunities.
FT: 2-1
Man of Match Dan Mubarak

Wednesday 31st August
Saracens 4-1 St Marks

Saracens played their final warm up game against local team St Marks, before their league campaign starts against Gala Wilton on Sunday. With team changes galore no fewer than 8 boys made their debuts. In the first half 3 of these started. Ryan Sayce, Joel & Mat all performed well. Saracens should have been 3 goals to the good after just 10 mins but for some great goal keeping by the St Marks keeper. Sam Tustain pace was giving the St Marks huge problems for which Tustain had 2 ‘one on ones’ brilliantly saved by the keeper. When the keeper was beaten he was covered by his defence who twice denied Saracens forward Joel by clearing off the line. St Marks always looking to catch Saracens on the break but found it difficult to break the solid defence down. Saracens scored their solitary first half goal after 30 mins shooting in from close range by Demi Barnard.
HT: 1-0

In the second half Saracens played a whole new back line defence with ‘x2 u16s’ players featuring in their debuts. Dan Spence, Billy, Denzel ‘u16s’ along with Aaron Mason ‘U16s’ Charlie Binton ‘u16s’ All made sure Saracens kept their dominance and soon after they scored their 2nd through Aaron Mason. Good work by Cam Smith & Jordan Bryan put Joe Hoskins who slammed a shot at the post only for it to fall nicely to Mason to score from close in. Jordan Bryan scored the goal of the game with a classic bullet header from a Cam Smith corner. Saracens soon scored their final 4th when Joe Hoskins raced clear to clinically finish under the St Marks Goalie. St Marks scored their goal from a mistake at the back resulting in a far post finish..
The game wasn’t about the result but for Darren Tunnicliff & Sean Bryan to see what u16s strength there is and on the evidence it looks very rosy for the club. Charlie Binton has been called up to feature against Gala Wilton.

Wednesday 17th August
Cheltenham Saracens 1-1 Brislington

Saracens came up against arguably their strongest test yet against a very powerful Bristol side. This was always going to be a testing game with no less than 6 new players in the side. Saracens started the game more sprightly and should have scored after 5 mins when a great through ball from Ash Samuels put Birt Burrows through one on one but his slight hesitancy enabled the keeper to react and save at Burrows feet. Garath Shand returning from holiday, marshalled the defence superbly with new signing Dan Spencer. Equally ever consistant Dan Mubarak dominated the left side with clever link up play involving Jake Ballinger. It was from a left hand side move involving Mubarak and Ballinger that resulted in Sam Tustain racing clear but he snatched at the chance and fired wide. With chances going begging for Saracens, Brislington came more into the game but good defending by the Saracens defenders made sure James Andrews had only half chances to deal with in goal. Harvey Liddiard playing his first game for the Saracens was consistant on the right and it was his link up play with MOM Jordan Bryan resulted in Kyle Burrows finding himself in front of goal but fired his shot against the post. Bryan was excellant in midfield for which he found himself coming under heavy tackles from the Brislington players. Bryan was chopped down on the edge of the box and the Bristol based midfield player kicked out at Bryan off the ball resulting in a red card. HT 0-0

The second half was a copy of the first. Saracens management team of Sean Bryan & Darren Tunnicliff wanted a fair test & decided with a gentlemans agreement between both sides and the ref, allowed Brislington to start with 11 men. With changes being made through subs Lukik and Elliot Harris, Saracens again should have taken the lead but again poor composure let them down. Brislington scored after 15min when Dan Spencer who had been superb on his debut, gave a soft pass to his keeper for which the Brislington player nipped in and scored. Saracens were guilty of not playing their usual passing game and often gave the ball away too easy but with new signings in the side it was somewhat expected. Sunday's Hat-trick man Birt Burrows ran and battled his socks off up front but limited chances made it a frustrating night for him, this type of match will certainly give him and the other players a learning lesson in composure when the going is tough!! Jordan Bryan scored the goal of the game and firmally cemented his MOM performance when racing into the area with no less than 4 Brislington players around him somehow contrived to score a truelly remarkable goal. A Goal that Messi himself would be proud of!!
Full Time 1-1

Special well done to all the new players: Dan Spencer, Elliot Harris, Harvey Liddiard, Kyle Burrows, Birt Burrows & Lukik

Sunday August 14th. v Carterton 'Home'
Saracens 6-0. Goals by 'Debut' Kurtx3 'Birt' Burrows. Cam Smith, Elliot Harris 'Debut' & Lukik 'Debut'

Saracens started this pre-season fixture with no less than 5 players missing from their squad. With Ash Samuels 'Capt' excellant in defence along with Ben Richardson & Daniel Mubarrack they enabled the Saracens midfield to excell in playing brilliant football on a hard bobbly pitch. Saracens should have scored after 2 mins when Joe Hoskins raced through one on one with the goalie but shot just wide. Both Hoskins and Sam Tustain should both have scored soon after, receiving excellant through balls from Cam Smith & Jordy Bryan but were unlucky with their chances. Kurt 'Birt' Burrows playing in his debut game scored 2 superb individual goals, both times racing through from midfield and finishing with aplomb!! Birt claimed his hat-trick soon after from a diagonal ball from ever improving Jake Ballinger, birt scored with a clinical finish. HT 3-0

In the second half, saracens played 2 more debutants in Polish player Lukik & 15 year old Elliott Harris. Both players settled in superbly resulting in both players claiming debut goals. Special well done to Dan Mubarrack, Ben Richardson & Jake Ballinger who are all showing very good maturity resulting in some high quality performances..

Saracens next game is against Brislington at home Wednesday 17th August ko: 7.30pm

Below:
Gareth Shand joins fellow U18s players, Jordan Bryan & Ben Tunnicliff to get a call up to the Men's senior 1st team. Gareth took part in the 3-3 draw with Wantage 'away' on Sept 13th

Below:

Jordan Bryan, Ben Tunnicliff, James Andrews, Garath Shand, Luke Finch. U18's Players that progressed to the Men's Hellenic league