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Match reports

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Harehills Place FC 1 vs 3 Temple AFC (GJFL U12 D4) 18th, November, 2007

Temple started so very strongly and really could have buried Harehills in the first 10 minutes but for a few glaring misses - but all credit for creating the chances - I knew it would come given time. Tom Gordon and Azzi Bell (having his best 1st half) created some terrific openings, Tank Wooffitt and Matty Hayward were quick and strong on the break and could have had several goals between them. Tom's penalty early on was fired straight at the keeper (I think their keeper was more surprised than anybody) and I began to think it wasn't our day. After 20 minutes all Temple pressure, except for that single Harehills free-kick that was dealt with so well by the defence, Tank finally found his target following a strong move and great through pass from Tom. Quickly Tom released Matty H in the next strike, who pulled the ball back from the bye-line but spooned his effort over the bar. So far, Ash Walker had been very quiet and I was thinking about subbing him off when he suddenly latched onto another good pass from Tom and clinically finished the job. 2 - 0. Several more missed chances after good football and then a great cross from Ash on the right, eluded Tom running in and fell to Charlie Jenkin who calmly slotted the ball into the net. 3 - 0 at half-time.

After the break Temple continued to push forward with sub Declan Isaac bringing Ash into the game far more and the chances went begging again. We lost the shape a little in the second-half and got caught off-side too many times as almost EVERYBODY decided that they were strikers. On more than one occasion as many as five men were off-side. Ball given away too easily there Guys.

The changes to shape allowed Harehills to regain some control and they fought back well. A defensive miss-kick, a slow defensive response and the only fumble of the game by Nathan allowed a quick Harehills forward to nip in and score. That was a pity because it was the only serious mistake by anybody today. Still chances went begging at the other end with Tank and Declan missing good chances and then Declan having another shot well saved by the keeper. Ash slammed a good effort into the upright as a brave keeper dived at his feet. Final whistle 3 - 1.

A lot of good passing work today Guys, occasionally hung onto the ball too long (a quicker through pass would have been more effective and seen less people off-side) nevertheless today showed our work on passing boxes is gradually paying off. Another 3 points moves the team well into mid-table safety. On a very cold day I'm very pleased with the performance - well done to YOU ALL.

I'll just add a big THANK YOU to parents who stood out in the cold, and to the Harehills team who I thought showed an excellent attitude throughout.

Temple goalscorer's ; Tank Wooffitt, Ash Walker, Charlie Jenkin

Temple Star Player ; Tank Wooffitt

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Temple AFC 4 vs 1 Wortley B (GJFL U12 D4) 28th, October, 2007

Firstly - Many thanks to Calum's Dad (Dave) who ran all the way home and back again (something I could'nt do) to get spare boots for Ash Walker, and aren't we glad he did.

Equal on points at the bottom of the table, Temple desperately needed to win this game to keep up with the other mid-table teams and after two hard games against League leaders Temple enjoyed easier opposition and turned in a terrific hat-trick from Ash, a brilliant penalty save from Nathan and a masterly defensive performance from Ryan McGregor.

Passing well for the first time in many a game Temple quickly tested Wortley when Tank turned and fired close from inside the box. On 10 minutes, Ash Walker decided to try his 'borrowed boots' at a long shot and, from well outside the box he completely beat the small Wortley keeper. 1 - 0 He tried the same again a few minutes later, this time his strike was not as powerful and was shakily gathered by their keeper. From the opposite side Matty Hayward battled into the Wortley box and slammed a shot into the side netting. Minutes later he tried the same again, this time on target and the Wortley keeper palmed the shot into his own net. 2 - 0. Tank was next to try his luck but failed to connect well and the Wortley keeper denied his effort. In the Temple penalty area Declan bundled into a Wortley striker and was harshly adjudged to have fouled him....penalty, and a chance for Wortley to get back into the game. Temple keeper, Nathan Simm, brilliantly dived left and saved the penalty kick. The ball was cleared forward but with some Temple players still busy congratulating Nathan for his save the ball came back in for a simple Wortley goal. 2 - 1. A loss of concentration again.

After the break, Ash, who had promised a hat-trick, tormented the Wortley defence and soon latched onto a beautiful through pass from Jack Cooling to blast home his second. 3 - 1 Then, oh no, another penalty award when the ball bounced up and struck an unwitting arm. Nathan had to face a spot kick for the second time in the game. The penalty shot struck the base of the goalpost and the Temple defence re-acted quickest to clear the danger. That was the last serious attack by Wortley who were finally killed off by a terrific goal from Ash Walker following a through pass from Declan. 4 -1 and a well deserved WIN.

Three points lifts Temple to 5th place in the Table. It would have been nice for more goals to have levelled the poor goal difference a bit, but on a day when some regular Temple players had a 'quiet' match, the win was well deserved and celebrated. Ryan McGregor had a great day in defence controlling everything that came his way, ably supported by Alex, Calum and Mathew Ellis who had his best game so far. Ashley Walker impressed with his hat-trick. Nathan Simm was brilliant in goal and for the first time in many matches Tank Wooffitt had a great game.

Temple goalscorer's ; Ash Walker (3), Matty Hayward

Temple Star Player ; Ryan McGregor

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No match report on the Bramley Phoenix game. We matched them all over the park then completely lost concentration in the second half to allow them an easy win. We must talk about defending corners!!!!!

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Temple AFC 1 vs 4 Collingham Colts (GJFL U12 D4) 28th, October, 2007

Top of the table Collingham visited Temple today having scored 17 goals and conceded zero in their last 2 matches. Collingham goalscoring record is not just 1 man, 4 Collingham players have already scored hat-tricks this season. So, we knew ALL their forwards were dangerous, and their defence was exceptionally sound. Therefore damage limitation was more important than winning, keep the score respectable, make Collingham fight for their win.

Well, well done Guys. Although we lost the game the performance was 100 times better than last week's and some individual efforts today were top level.

Temple, with some key players missing and with an unusual line-up, Tom in goal, Lewis in midfield, started brightly and from an early long ball attack the very lively Ash Walker narrowly missed opening the score. Collingham looked shakey, and Matty Hayward almost punished them with an excellent shot on goal. Suprise performance in the early game was Azzi Bell, positional awareness lets Azzi down but throughout the first half he showed skills we haven't seen before.

Gradually, Colligham began to get into the game and their left winger caused serious problems for the Temple right winger and right defender. It was from this Collingham player that the build up to both their first half goals came. In the first his fine cross was met in style by their striker who beat Tom Gordon low to his left. The second goal, a cross from the same winger, was bundled and mis-kicked by a Temple defender leaving a gift of a toe-poke chance for the Collingham striker who duly punished.

After the break Colligham resorted to long-ball tactics and found the Temple defence stranded for their third goal. Temple responded with a fine effort from Ash Walker who used speed and guile to beat the defence and fire home a great goal. For a short time Temple adopted a good 'passing' game and looked set for a fight back. Tank Wooffitt exposed the Collingham defence but his weak shot was saved. Connor Yates and Matty Hayward started to apply control on the game and we cheered Ash walker on for some great runs. But, as Temple dropped the passing game and went again for long-ball tactics, Collingham got back into the game and left the Temple defence stranded and the keeper exposed for their 4th goal.

Overall performance? Much, much better than last week from all players. Special mentions for Ash Walker, always dangerous in attack and so, so close to winning MOM, Azzi Bell, excellent first half, Lewis Catterill and Matty Hayward good together in midfield, Ryan McGregor, top class performance and also candidate for MOM, and Jake Dowd, no ball in the face this week just a good performance and fine partnership with Ryan, Mathew Ellis, still needs to work on the off-side trap, nevertheless a good performance in defence.

All the team deserve a "well done". It could have been so much worse against this opposition. Well Done.

Your Manager was well pleased with that. :) :)

Temple goalscorer - Ash Walker

Temple Star of the Week - Tom Gordon

Next week we are away to Bramley Phoenix, joint top of the League and who I think are even better than Colligham. It will be a tough game Guys but keep your heads and WE CAN come away proud performers.

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Rothwell Jnr CIA 5 vs 0 Temple AFC (GJFL U12 D4) 21st, October, 2007

I was looking forward to a tight game and a narrow Temple win, and after the last three matches I think your parents expected the same. How wrong we were. Saturday's training, where few bothered to listen and the rest just couldn't be bothered, should have given me a warning.

With two games to follow against the top teams in the division this was the opportunity to consolidate a good mid-table position. We didn't turn up to take that chance.

Temple highlights for the first half virtually nil. Ashley Walker made some good early runs but without adequate support soon faded. Nathan Simm had a fair game despite eventually conceding 5, he was left with vitually no defensive cover. The other strikers, midfield and normally steady defence were mostly asleep. I've seldom seen you all looking so tired. Too many times we were caught 'ball-watching', too many times we were last to the ball, too many times we settled for a quick boot forward instead of the controlled passing option Rothwell used successfully. Remember lads ? 'Passing ?' That thing we practice every week ? Half-time 3 - 0.

At least in the second-half some players began to show some effort. Declan Isaac suddenly came to life with some good work, Matty Hayward and Tom Gordon started to piece together the occasional passing move, Lewis Catterill became more involved, and we finally looked like giving Rothwell some trouble. But it was all too late and 2 further goals sealed the win for Rothwell. Full-time 5 - 0.

Rothwell were nothing special, Guys. We knew their keeper was suspect but never tested him. We knew they only had 1 decent defender but let him control everything in his half. We knew their attack consisted of 2 fast wingers but never met the challenge.

So.........

Lets put this disappointing performance behind us, focus on getting back on track, prepare for 2 hard matches which, when you Guys are on form, you CAN WIN.

Temple Star Player - Declan Isaac

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Temple AFC 4 vs 2 Glen Juniors (GJFL U12 D4) 14th, October, 2007

I followed this match on the other end of a telephone so I'm relying on Anna for details.

Temple started the game at 100 miles per hour and a good passing build up saw (Capt) Matty Hayward fire inches wide of the target in the first minutes.

The game settled into a fairly equal contest with attacks from both teams for about 15 minutes until, following a Glen attack which was only partially cleared from a goalmouth scramble, Glen took the lead.

Five minutes before half-time, Temple 'clicked' and a good passing build-up involving several players ended with Matty Hayward scoring his first Temple goal to equalise. The score remained level 'till half-time. 1 - 1

Early in the second-half, Matty repeated his goalscoring act with 'a scorcher' which clipped the underside of the bar as it went in and left the Glen keeper with no chance. 2 - 1 to Temple.

Glen responded almost immediately when a high ball beat new keeper, Nathan, to bring the scores level again. The Temple strike force was dominated by Jack Cooling, descibed as "having a blinding game" and the excellent passing strike partnership of Connor Yates and Matty Hayward. The end to end play to some extent bypassed the midfield, Tom Gordon again had a steady performance, whilst in defence Ryan McGregor once more showed his class. New boys Mathew Ellis and Connor Crawford played well and Nathan was not seriously troubled in net after Glen's second goal.

In the final 10 minutes Charlie Jenkin alertly fired in after the Glen keeper had spilled a shot from Lewis Catterill and that was quickly followed by Ross Marshall pushing home from a goalmouth scramble, first Temple goals for both players, and Glen were sunk. First win and final score 4 - 2 to Temple.

Temple goalscorers - Matty Hayward (2), Charlie Jenkin, Ross Marshall

Temple Star Player - Jack Cooling

Worthy of special mention - Matty Hayward, Connor Yates.

Also worthy of special mention - Anna - Thanks for standing in for me, excellent job.

Next week we are away to Rothwell CIA - they knocked us out of the cup 3 - 1 with those 3 early goals. Remember Guys, they couldn't live with us after 10 minutes and the game was all ours except for scoring.

Keep it fired up, it's TIME FOR REVENGE.

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Thornes Colts 3 vs 3 Temple AFC (AET) (WRCFA County Cup) 7th, October, 2007

(penalty shoot-out Thornes 3 v Temple 2)

Lets not talk about the first half, save to say....we forgot everything. Half-time 3 - 0 down and no chance.

AND THEN.......... 2nd half, a quick attack, corner, goalmouth scramble, Tank.... GOAL.

From then the heads were up, we finally started passing, talking, running off-the-ball, playing as a TEAM and the opposition just couldn't live with us. A lot of tired players on the pitch but not one playing badly. Every single player played a part in that amazing turn-around. An absolutely superb goal from Tom Gordon pegged it back to 3 - 2 and with 5 minutes to go the equaliser, a well taken goal from defender Ryan McGregor (where did that come from Ryan?) Full-time 3 - 3.

Now lets make one thing clear Guys, I don't ever want to go into extra-time again (my heart won't stand it) but I have to say YOUR PARENTS ENJOYED IT. I've never witnessed such excited support - they were kicking every ball with you. BRILLIANT !! And we could easily have clinched it, though all respect to Thornes Colts they managed to shore up the defence and hold us off for a penalty shoot-out.

Pens are a terrible way to go out of the competition, just like a lottery any team can win. No shame in losing at pens. No shame on Declan either, I said just save 1 and he did, very well too.

Last week I remarked how well you played and also against Rothwell I said how well you had fought back. They were nothing compared to today. That was a serious effort you all put in BE VERY, VERY PROUD.

So how did I choose Man of the Match when all of you played so well? I picked Tank for that one single moment which turned the entire game and gave you all hope, but in reality, YOU WERE ALL MEN OF THE MATCH.

Temple goalscorers - Ryan(Tank) Wooffitt, Tom Gordon, Ryan McGregor.

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Temple AFC 2 vs 2 Woodkirk Valley Warriors (GJFL U12 D4) 30th, September, 2007

The Woodkirk manager said after the match, "You (Temple) deserved to win that game, two freak goals beat you, we (Woodkirk) were SO lucky to get a draw."

So lets look at those 2 'freak' goals first. No blame on temporary keeper Declan, he had everything covered but a wicked bobble on the first after Declan had dived to cover it saw the ball roll over his body as he lay on the ground. The second was just as freakish when Declan raced forwards to boot clear a long, hopefull kick from Woodkirk. His kick struck a Woodkirk player and rebounded into the open goal. How unlucky can we be, especially after such a GREAT PERFOMANCE.

Temple applied pressure right from the start and ensured that Woodkirk never seriously troubled first-half keeper Tom Gordon who looked solid meeting many Woodkirk long balls at the egde of the area. Tom was well protected by a back four of Alex Lambourne, Ryan McGregor, Lewis Catterill, Calum Drysdale and substitute Jake Dowd when he was on. With a defence looking solid the midfield and strike poured forwards to bombard the Woodkirk defence. Declan Isaac was superb at left-wing and Curtis (Ziggy) Westerman had his best ever game placing several beautiful through passes to striker Ash. Ryan (Tank) Wooffitt had a long shot strike the crossbar and the rebound, fired in by Ashley Walker, was somehow cleared off the Woodkirk goal-line by a defender with their keeper well beaten. Despite this pressure the score stubbornly remained 0 - 0 at half-time.

Within minutes of the re-start, more Temple pressure pinning the Woodkirk defence into their box, and a great effort from Ross Marshall saw the keeper beaten only for a certain goal to be punched clear by a Woodkirk defender. Tom Gordon scored from the spot in fine style. Again and again Temple poured forward looking for another goal. The Woodkirk defence was in disarray and resorted to long hopeful boots out of the area. It was one of these long kicks that reached a Woodkirk striker and resulted in the first freak goal to level the scores. Not deterred, Temple kept up the pressure and Jack Cooling blasted in a fine effort to restore the lead only for freak goal number 2 to bring the scores level again. Despite even more pressure Temple failed to convert and the final score was 2 - 2.

Woodkirk certainly were lucky. Temple were in devastating form. Well done MEN.

Temple goals.............Tom Gordon (pen), Jack Cooling

Temple Star of the Week............Ryan McGregor

Worthy of special mention..........Declan Isaac, Tom Gordon, 'Ziggy' Westerman (superb), and all the

defensive line-up.

Next week a WRCFA Cup match at Thornes Colts. Like Man Utd vs some unknown Icelandic team in the Champions League we are minnows in this competition. I only entered the team to make sure we got plenty of match practice. So, you know the score, go out and have fun, no shame in losing just PRIDE in making the giant opposition work hard.

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Temple U12's 1 vs 3 Rothwell Junior CIA (GJFL Challenge Cup 1st Round) 23rd, September, 2007

First comment goes to Ryan Wooffitt. "Tank, I know you were distraught when conceding 3 goals in quick succesion but don't take the hit, the whole team should shoulder responsibility. Remember Tank, we have no regular goalie and you were the only man prepared to put yourself in the firing line to help your team. That says a great deal about your attitude towards the team and that is something to be proud about. It's only football - it's only a game - don't get upset about it" - Phil.

So what about the match. 3 goals down in the first 10 minutes is a bad start,I feared an onslaught, and it wasn't all down to one performance, I thought several players looked to have lost the plot. It could have been a disaster.

BUT THEN WHAT HAPPENED ---- You grew up, that's what happened.

You ALL fought back, took over the game and made them (Rothwell) look quite ordinary. In fact, if you forget the first 10 minutes, you controlled the game completely. Except for throw-ins !!!!!

Dec dazzled on the left wing before a good spell in goal. In reverse, Connor excelled in goal before an excellent performance in midfield. Alex Lambourne had a cracking game, his third in a row, and deservedly won MOM. Ash Walker in his first start showed flashes of brilliance in attack. Noted Ash that you never gave up the chase, always followed the ball in, and it so very nearly paid off several times. Well done.

Tom Gordon set up the Temple goal with a fine pass into the box, Ashley Walker raced in to score in great style. Temple's first goal from open play and a REAL BEAUTY.

The second half became a midfield battle with neither side having a serious shot at goal but temple holding control and containing Rothwell. Forgetting the first 10 minutes Guys, you all had a great game, proud of your efforts. And there's a lesson to be learnt here - never give up - it's not over 'til it's over.

We meet Rothwell again in 3 weeks time. Play that well again and the WIN will be yours.

Temple goalscorer - Ashley Walker

Worthy of special mention - Declan Isaac, Connor Yates, Jake Dowd

Temple MOM - Alex Lambourne

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Seacroft WMC Colts 10 vs 0 Temple U12's (GJFL U12 D4) 16th, September, 2007

Strongly tipped for Division Champions this year, Seacroft WMC Colts showed precisely why today when resoundingly beating Temple AFC. Years of experience training and playing together too easily exposed Temple's lack of cohesion and inexperience as a team. Seacroft's accurate passing moves and pin-point crosses tormented the Temple defence and frequently left them chasing shadows. It was so obvious who wanted the ball most, not Temple.

There were some positives for Temple; Connor Yates put in another excellent display in goal and also added some fire to the attack when playing out-field. Alex Lambourne playing at right-back gave 100% plus. His fellow defenders played well but never matched last weeks performance. Both Lewis and Calum left the field due to injuries and substitutes Jake Dowd and Matty Hayward adequately filled the breach. Jake in particular had a very impressive debut for the team, Matty was for the most part was asked to play out of his preferred position, but battled well.

In centre-midfield Tom Gordon held his ground well and tackled hard to retrieve the ball. His performance narrowly earned him Temple's MOM Award. Well done Tom.

Only Charlie Jenkins, and Connor when playing out-field, showed any fire up front, the rest of the Temple strike / attacking midfield lacking determination and pace. This was reflected in the very few attempts on goal. Calum was unlucky in one of the few attacks when his shot just scraped past the far post. The Seacroft keeper had a relaxing game.

When the fixtures list cruelly pitched Temple against the Leagues best 2 teams in their first matches we knew those games would be difficult. If we've learnt from the experience, still hold our heads up, grow in our belief, then there's good stuff to come and the next few games will be easier.

Temple MOM - Tom Gordon

Worthy of special mention - Alex Lambourne, Connor Yates and debutant Jake Dowd.

Note: Next week's game is the 1st Round of the Challenge Cup - a knock-out competition.

Temple have been drawn to play at home against Rothwell CIA, an experienced team but not with the reputation of our previous opponents. Are we going for it Guys ??

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Temple AFC 1 vs 4 Leeds City Jnrs B (GJFL U12 D4) 9th, September, 2007

Losing 4 - 1 might normally indicate that the game was all one-sided, but that was not the case. Despite the loss, and with Leeds City's big reputation all had predicted that, Temple's thorough all-round performance left Leeds City in no doubt, big reputations don't count, Temple will be a team to fear.

For the first ever appearance of the Temple team THAT was a performance to be PROUD of.

Temporary goalkeeper Connor Yates deservedly won Man of the Match for some brave and outstanding saves and was only really beaten by the high shots (those adult goals are SO BIG at this age). Any of the other 11 squad members could equally have deserved to win the MOM award, such was their individual performances. The defence held their ground well and stopped LC's win being easy, the midfield and strike performed well and worked hard but eventually ran out of steam (expected during first few matches). Tom Gordon's penalty score was expertly taken and capped an outstanding performance from the midfielder. With so much good football on display it's a shame that the referee couldn't match that quality, some decisions were very strange.

Overall Guys, that was a MASSIVE PERFORMANCE and well beyond what I, and the rest of the League, had expected. Very, very, well done.

Temple goalscorer Tom Gordon (pen)

Temple MOM Connor Yates.

Note; Next week's opponents also have a big reputation. Do we have the grit to give them a hard battle ?

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