Kew Show Ability at the Highest Level
Roehampton Rangers Colts 6-2 Kew Association Youth, 3 April, League
Kew suffered defeat, as Roehampton became worthy SYL Division 2 champions, with a classy display, that sets the benchmark for what we should aim for next season. Roehampton fairly flew out of the blocks and were 3-0 ahead after barely 10 mins of the match played. But to our credit, after that early blitz we clawed our way back into the match, with a well taken goal from Harry. From then on, although always on the back foot, we actually played some good football especially towards the end of the first half. Despite the score line, this was a much improved performance from last week, and, with only eleven players available, we dug in and at least made Roehampton fight for their victory.

This game finally put pay to our slim promotion chances, but their are a lot of positives to be gained from this season. In particular, our second half performance shows that we have the ability to compete with the best teams at this level. Our second goal was a fantastic effort from AJ, who outpaced the Roehampton defence, carrying the ball from the half way line and finishing with a really cool lob over their keeper.

I thought that Julius was excellent this week, and had one of his best games of the season. Also Ryan in defence and Zino in goal played very well.  AJ also impressed and I saw many positives to work on for next season. 

There is a little too much negative feeling being conveyed to the boys at the moment, which is in my opinion a little unjust, We go into next week’s final game of the season having done about as well as can be expected. If we can get a result, we could finish 3rd, which I think is creditable considering we lost our two strikers at Christmas. Remember also, Roehampton and Links have been together for 3 years. So I think little more positive feedback for the boys is deserved, and is needed to lift them for next week; and for them to want to play for, and enjoy playing for Kew next season.

Loss to bottom destroys promotion dream
Kew Association Youth 0-1 Barnes Eagles, 27 March, League
Kew`s promotion dream was all but destroyed today by bottom of the league Barnes, after a desperately disappointing display on a glorious spring morning. After doing so well against the better teams in this division, it is ironic that our failure to beat the two relegated teams at home has proved our undoing at the end of the season.

Going into this game knowing that victory in our last three games would see us up, this was put down as a banker, especially as we had thrashed them at their place just a few weeks ago. But football is a strange game and to be honest a substandard performance got what it deserved.  After a poor first half had ended with Barnes scoring a scrappy goal, I think we all still expected to turn the game around.

But we played the second half exactly the same way as the first, without any spark or creativity. Full credit to Barnes. They played with great spirit, something we lacked on the day, and it was enough to see them hang on for what in the end was probably a deserved victory.

It’s difficult to pick out any positives from today's game, but I will mention Luke who was excellent, not only in his general play, but also his spirit and attitude which were first class throughout. I also thought Sean had a good game coming back from a layoff. With the two promoted teams left to play, let’s hope we can put in a couple of good performances, before a well deserved summer break.

Kew Reap Reward against Resilient Sheen
Sheen Lions 1-4 Kew Association Youth, 13 March, League
After last week’s disappointing goal less draw with the same opponents, Kew at least went some way to putting the record straight with a hard fought, but convincing win over Sheen Lions.
It looked for a while as though last week’s frustration was going to resurface, as we yet again hit the woodwork in the first 10 minutes( maybe we should ask Wickes to sponsor us). After about 20 minutes, Kew finally got the goal they deserved when Harry shot high into the net from outside the area. This remained the score at the end of the first half, and it must be said that Sheen are a very resilient team, who are hard to break down.

However, the second half saw Kew reap their rewards for two weeks of domination. There was some pleasing football played,  as we rediscovered our passing game and Sheen simply could not cope. Further goals followed.  David who had a great game upfront, scored a superb headed goal direct from a corner. Then with his confidence restored, he cheekily lobbed the keeper for his eighth league goal of the season to wrap up the points for Kew. Our fourth goal was scored by the hard working Jack, who fully deserved his reward after another all action display on the left hand side of the pitch. Sheen scored a consolation goal with virtually the last kick of the game breaching our tight defensive unit. 

Overall a pleasing result, that leaves us with a very slim chance of promotion as we enter the last few weeks of the season. In a nutshell, we need to win our remaining four games and hope one or two other results go our way. But while there is life, there is hope, so let’s hope we can finish the season with a bang.

Scoreless draw hits promotion hopes
Kew Association Youth 0-0 Sheen Lions, 6 March, League
Kew`s faint promotion hopes took a massive knock, after a disappointing 0-0 draw against relegation-doomed Sheen. With other results going against us, it was a bad day all round.

Kew it must be said, dominated the game, virtually from the start, but we lacked any creative spark to break down a resilient Sheen team. That said, we did hit the woodwork three times, including with virtually the last kick of the game, when Sean popped up from centre back to fire a shot which smacked the crossbar. It was just not to be our day, and although we huffed and puffed, and showed occasional glimpses of what we can do, we were just lacking that bit of class needed to win these sort of games.

I think it would be harsh to be too hard on the team, as I genuinely do feel we have punched above our weight at times this season. With an additional two or three players this team could, if sticking together, be leading contenders next year. But that's a long way off. For the present we just have to keep battling away and finish the season as strongly as we can.

I will mention Tariq this week as I thought he has a great game in defence and was always able to find space, where others struggled. We play Sheen again next week, so have a chance to show them what we can do. So put that down as an away banker, as I believe we will be itching to get at them next week!

Dominant display gains unconvincing win
Barnes Eagles Colts 1-6 Kew Association Youth, 20 Feb, League
Kew eased to an unconvincing win over lowly Barnes, in a match which for the most part lacked any real quality. Kew dominated the first half, and eventually took the lead with a neat finish from Harry. The second goal quickly followed with Will deservedly netting his second league goal of the season. With the pitch proving very sticky after Saturdays heavy rain, the match started to become very scrappy, with neither team threatening to add to the scoring before half time.

Kew started well in the second half, and David made it 3-0, before we switched off and allowed Barnes to get a goal back. This in hindsight was probably a good thing as it shook us back into life. We replied almost instantly, when Mo our goalkeeper made the best of a rare outfield chance, by scoring his second goal of the season. We then began to dominate and punished a poor Barnes defence, with two further goals from David and Ryan Ung, who chipped in with his first league goal of the season. After last weeks match, I must pay credit to a Barnes side who play with a great attitude, and are a credit to themselves, despite having a difficult season.

We have a week off now, but return with two games against lowly Sheen coming up, which, along with Fulham's shock 1-6 home defeat this week, gives us a great chance of breaking into the top three as we head towards the business end of the season. And although we will need to play better than this, there is every chance of an exciting end to the season.

League top scorers as it stands (not including Cup goals) David 6, Harry 6, Julius 6. So maybe a little competition hotting up there? Although the whole defence and goalkeeper must take a bow too, as we have conceded just 16 goals in 12 games, which is excellent. So well done everyone have a good week off.

Grudge in the wind
Kew Association Youth 2-3 Fulham Predators, 13 Feb, League
Kew suffered their first league defeat since October, in a match that simmered with tension, and an undercurrent of bad feeling, which has no place in kids’ football. I ran the line this afternoon, as indeed I had at the away match, and the abuse I got throughout both games leaves a nasty taste in the mouth. In fact, I for one will not run the line against this team again. Constructive criticism and opinion and indeed passion are acceptable, but to be labelled a cheat amongst other even less savoury comments is not only unacceptable, but plainly out of order. In fact I become so angry inside, that after the game, I may have used language that was offensive whilst in hearing range of the team. If so I apologise.

The game itself was also frustrating. We started really well, as in fact we have the last few weeks, and took the lead very early on, through a bizarre own goal. Fulham, with their only real attack of the first half equalised, though it must be said their forward took his chance very well. Kew though continued to dominate, and should have scored a couple of goals, before eventually taking the lead when Harry cracked home a free kick from well outside the area. At this point we were playing well and looked on course for a vital victory, going in at half time 2-1 ahead.

With the wind picking up significantly in the second half, Fulham whose style of football was not only very physical but also lent itself to pumping long balls over the top, and hoping someone got on the end of them, began to take control and scored right at the start of the second half. This, along with the wind, gave them the confidence to score a third goal, which was to prove the winner. Despite late Kew pressure, we couldn't create a clear cut opportunity, and so sunk to a defeat which has dealt us a major blow in our promotion chances.

But when the dust settles, we have to remember that this was our first league defeat, for five months, and talk of promotion in itself is a testament to how far this team has come. We must also remember that we lost our two centre forwards over the Christmas period, and so, despite these knocks, still remain on course for a very good finish.

We have seven games to go and would need a storming late run to be in the promotion picture. But with games in hand on all the teams above us and with four of these games being home and away fixtures against the bottom two teams, and the fact the top two teams have yet to meet, hope remains. Whilst it does, let’s hope we can bounce back next week with a victory.

Penalties prove costly
Tooting & Mitcham United Stripes Juniors 3-3 Kew Association Youth, 6 Feb, League
Kew’s winning streak came to an end this week, however we still got a very creditable draw against 3rd place Tooting. On a blustery day, and a pitch with a really uneven bounce, Kew dominated the early exchanges, and it was no surprise when we took the lead, David powerfully heading home a Harry corner. Kew were playing some really good football at times. Owen was breaking up the Tooting play in midfield, allowing out attacking players to link up really well, and when Harry coolly slotted home our second goal, things were looking really good.

The game could have been all over soon afterwards, when Kew were awarded a penalty.  Unfortunately we failed to make this pay, and Tooting began to claw themselves back into the game. The danger signs were there when Tooting hit the post, and somehow we managed to clear our lines. But just before half time we were made to pay for some hesitant defending, when the Tooting midfielder fired in a well taken goal from outside the box.

Tooting had chosen to swap ends at the start of the match, so they could go downhill in the second half, a tactic they obviously use throughout the season. However, just as in the first half, Kew started brightly. After some great work from Will out on the right, he crossed for Jack to pop up and restore Kew’s two goal advantage. The match then began to become very scrappy, and to be honest was looking to be fizzling out, before Tooting were awarded a really soft looking penalty, which they duly converted to give themselves a lifeline. However Kew responded almost immediately, and when David was clearly tripped in the area, all eyes turned to the referee to award the third penalty of the match, but he inexplicably waved play on. This was to prove costly, as with just two minutes to go, Tooting scored from a corner to earn themselves a share of the spoils.

The reaction after this game was very interesting as our team walked off as if we had lost, but the Tooting team also looked disappointed. I think they knew they needed to beat us today, and so in my opinion this was a good result. We are still right in the promotion mix and a look at the games everyone still has to play strengthens our chances still further. It will be an exciting last few weeks to the season. We face cup finalists Fulham next week, in what is sure to be a really hard game. They moved above Tooting and us, with a win while we were sharing the points, but a victory next week could propel us into the top three. 

Grinding out a win
Kew Association Youth 2-1 Whitton Wanderers Eagles, 30 Jan, League
Kew continued their incredible run of results, with a sixth successive league victory, although we were made to work very hard for the win by a determined Whitton team. The game started with Kew dominating the opening exchanges, and although the football wasn’t to the standards of recent weeks, we still looked comfortable, as Whitton never really threatened our goal. Then after a period of pressure we took the lead. After some good work down the left hand side of the pitch, the ball eventually came out to Julius, who fired high into the net, to give us a deserved lead.

However football being the game it is, just a couple of minutes before half time Whitton were awarded a very dubious penalty, for an innocuous looking challenge. They made full use of their stroke of luck by equalising and sending the teams in level at half time; it really was their only attempt on goal during the first half.

Kew responded excellently at the start of the second half, and within two minutes of the restart, Jack got on the end of cross to give us what appeared to be a 2-1 lead. However, the linesman and/or referee seemed to conspire to spot an offside from somewhere, and so we were still level. 

The game was beginning to get scrappy and it looked very much as though we were going to have to settle for a point. However, with five minutes to go, Sean, who was having a fantastic game at the heart of defence, played a fantastic ball through for David, who duly latched onto it and fired home for a vital, and I think well deserved three points to maintain our promotion push.

Sometimes you need to grind out a victory, and today was that sort of game. Although not at our best, the work rate from all the team was excellent, and it is this that is carrying us through. Our goalkeeper and defence remain solid, our midfield is creating chances, and despite losing our two centre forwards recently, those being asked to fill in are doing us proud, so well done everyone. Great too to win on our first home game in three months!

Replay success
Worcester Park 0-1 Kew Association Youth, 23 Jan, League
This match was an almost identical replay of when the two sides met in October. On that occasion we were magnificent at the back, and scored a really great winning goal, and this time around it was almost identical. 

With the slope on the Worcester Park pitch so pronounced, that there was a gradient sign of 1:5 behind the home goal, we played the first half going up the hill. This is where I believe we won the match, despite being under quite a lot of pressure in the opening 15 minutes, we weathered the storm. With Ryan Firman as in the home match, again magnificent at the back, we managed to get into half time at 0-0.

The second half saw Kew in a much more attacking light, and we began to dominate possession, and start creating a few half chances of our own. Although that said, Worcester Park were always dangerous on the break. But with Luke, Jack and Tariq working so well together in defence, they were limited to just a couple of half chances. When they did get through, Mohammed was again faultless in the goal, so much so in fact that the opposing manager came up to me at the final whistle, and singled our goalkeeper out as the best in our division.

As the match wore on it looked as though a stalemate was going to be the order of the day. We hit the woodwork twice, firstly through Nico, whose shot smashed against the base of the post, then after a wonderful through ball from Zino, David placed his shot wide of the goalkeeper only to see it rebound back of the post once more. Then with time running out, there was a bit of a scramble in the opposition penalty area, and with his back to goal Harry managed to fire a right foot shot into the far corner to give Kew the vital three points.

Again this was another fighting team performance, full of grit and determination. We have chalked up five successive league wins, to really propel ourselves into the promotion picture, in what is proving a really competitive division. We have, weather permitting, our first home match since October 24th next week, (will e-mail directions later in the week) so hopefully we can continue our fantastic run of form. See you all next week.

Kew comeback in game of two halves
Ashford Town 2-3 Kew Association Youth, 9 Jan, League
From a spectators point of view this was probably one of the most exciting games of the season so far, although I think the management team, John and Peter may not quite see it that way?

We came into this game with confidence high, after a good recent run of results, but were very soon given a reality check, as a very dangerous Ashford attack struck twice in the first 10 minutes, to leave us reeling and looking decidedly shell-shocked. The Christmas break had seemed to have had an adverse effect on our game, and we needed a spark from somewhere. We gradually crept back into things in the first half, and Harry missed a great chance to pull one back right on the half time whistle. After having done all the hard work, cutting in from the left, he missed, with the goal at his mercy, and so we went into the break 2-0 down.

It must be said we unfortunately may have lost two of our forward players for the second half of the season, so the character and resilience shown in the second half was all the more admirable. Changes were made and Julius was put out on the left, with Will Potter given a more forward role on the right. After hitting the woodwork twice, the move paid off with Will scoring to put us right back in the match. We then, once again roared on by a great showing from the parents and family, laid siege to the Ashford goal. Following a few missed opportunities, we levelled the match, when David got the finishing touch to send everyone ecstatic on the touchline. Even better was to follow, as with just a few minutes to go, Julius managed to cap a fine personal performance by squeezing the ball home from an acute angle on the left, to complete a thrilling comeback.

This may not of been our best performance of the season in a football sense, but perhaps it was from a character point of view. If everyone keeps that determination going, then you can’t ask for much more than that. The 13 kids left in the squad all want to play for the club and all take pride in themselves and with that attitude who knows what they can achieve. Next week we have an away match against top of the table Roehampton, bring it on.

A gulf in class
AFC Wimbledon 9-0 Kew Association Youth, 12 Dec, Surrey FA Cup
Kew`s cup exploits this season, finally came to an end with nine goal trouncing at the hands of an excellent Wimbledon team. Three divisions separate us from Wimbledon and to be honest it was easy to see why. Although we battled and never gave up trying, the gulf in class was clearly evident. 

Still this is one of, if not the best, under 12 team in Surrey and so to our credit the boys never let their heads drop. In fact, we could have even taken the lead in the first minute but for a decent save from the Wimbledon keeper. I think though, that our keeper will remember this game for a while to come, as he was constantly in action and pulled off several fine saves.

I think we can now focus on the league and we have a huge game next week against Links. A win then could see us propel ourselves right into the promotion picture, and I think we have the squad to challenge for a top two place this season.

A special mention this week to the linesman, David who had an excellent game, under very trying circumstances as Wimbledon must have been flagged offside at least 20 times during the match. So a cup run that began in Bookham ends with odd Book-ends. From a second round in Horley (the land that time forgot) on a pitch that defied belief with a 9-0 win, ended in the plush surroundings of Kingston university, with a 9-0 defeat. Still it’s all good experience, we can take back to our home ground and the rest of the league season.

Kew can be contenders
Fulham Predators 0-3 Kew Association Youth, 21 Nov, League
Kew made it three successive league wins, with a really hard fought win over Fulham, to leap frog them into fourth place in the table. This was arguably the most important win of the season so far, as it confirmed our boys as genuine promotion contenders in what is proving to be a very competitive division.

The game itself started very evenly but gradually we began to open Fulham up at the back and eventually our pressure told as we went in at half time 1-0 up. The half time team talk was based on making sure we matched Fulham’s very physical approach. This proved to be the vital factor as Fulham put us under a lot of pressure at the start of the second half. Having taken all that they could throw at us, we then began to show our creative side, and that, I feel, is what is winning us games at the moment. We have players putting in the hard work, especially at the back where once again we were superb. This then allows our attacking players to show their skills, and once again, when provided with the chances, we took them.

I have deliberately not mentioned any names this week, as their is no room for fourteen of them, this was a squad performance where everyone worked their socks off for each other. I also think with another great away support, that we have a spirit building amongst everyone. That reflects on the way the boys are playing as a team, this is instilled from the management team of John and Peter and lets not forget that. This team will need us all to pull together especially as we enter the busy Christmas period. So well done everyone, look forward to seeing you all next week.

Kew flatten Horley on roller coaster
Horley Town 0-9 Kew Association Youth, 14 Nov, Surrey FA Cup
I really don't know where to start with this game, but I shall try and set the scene, and believe me its not easy, This was a Surrey county cup second round match against Horley town who play in the Mid-SUSSEX youth league. We set off at 09.30 for an 11.00 am kick off, as this was about as far as we can travel at this level of football.  Having eventually found the ground with the aid of tom tom’s and google maps, we were greeted by a rather nice looking pitch and a decent enough looking clubhouse. However, unfortunately for us this was not where we were about to play. We were guided around the back to an opening which led onto our pitch for the game. What greeted us was without doubt surely the strangest football pitch in the country. I have been on flatter roller coaster rides - it dipped and sloped in all different directions and was covered in large amounts of (well lets just say our supply of dog bags came in very handy). We should have realised something was amiss, when the cows in the next field were rolling about laughing.

Anyway the game itself was, to be honest, a very comfortable win, against a demoralised Horley team. Having scored four goals before half time via Jordan, Harry and two from David, we ran out convincing winners. It must be said, that in the atrocious conditions, not only the pitch but also heavy rain, we played some decent football. There were first goals of the season from Luke and Jack, with Mohammed and Julius also getting on the score sheet. The scoring was completed when David Charalambous completed his hat trick (to earn an alleged hefty bonus from the manager).

So overall a professional performance given all the circumstances and we can now look forward to a 3rd round home tie in December against premier elite team AFC Wimbledon, which will really be a test for our boys. So well done everyone, and I must say I have never been so glad to get back to Surrey.

Inviting Cup run ends
Tooting & Mitcham Utd Stripes Colts 4-0 Kew Association Youth, 7 Nov, Invitation Cup
Kew`s exciting cup run finally came to an end. After having already knocked out two first division sides, we came up against a strong Tooting and Mitcham Colts team who have every chance of being a premier league outfit next season.

The first half was a really tight affair with Kew giving every bit as good as they got, and with a little more luck we could of gone in ahead at half time. Still it was still 0-0 at the break and Tooting really knew they were in a match. The defence was again to a man fantastic, with Nico, Jack, Luke, Tariq and Ryan Firman all working overtime to contain a very strong Tooting forward line. It is worth pointing out a really excellent performance this week from Ryan Ung who was given a man-marking job this week against Tooting`s danger man and he didn`t give him a look in.

The second half was again tight but Tooting scored a couple of good goals and to be fair in the end deserved their win. We are off to the wilds of Horley next week somewhere near Gatwick airport (should be plane sailing then!) for another cup game, this time in the County Cup, and again we’ve drawn much higher ranked opposition. 

I think the team is beginning to gel as a unit now. Whatever happens next week, it bodes well for the league challenge ahead that we can push this standard of opposition so hard. Well done lads see you all next week.

Lovely football despite the mud
Whitton Wanderers Eagles 1-4 Kew Association Youth, 31 Oct, League
After last weeks grinding 1-0 victory over Worcester Park, we this week headed off to Lampton school for an away league match against Whitton Wanderers. With the rain pouring down for most of the match it looked as though another tough battle was on the cards, but despite the muddy conditions Kew played so lovely football. This was especially so in the first half, when we were rewarded with two goals, the second a great strike from Julius. 

We could have been further ahead at half time such was our superiority, but any doubts about the result of this game were ended shortly after half time, when after a blatant handball, Mohammed our goalie blasted home the resulting penalty. The fourth goal was not too long in coming, and although Whitton scored a consolation goal near the end, the three points were in the bag.

So a second successive win should cement our place in the top half of the league, and hopefully we can now push on and maybe challenge for a promotion place come the end of the season. This week a special mention for Jack who has performed consistently well at left back all season and Tariq at the heart of the defence who again has looked solid every week. 

We now have two cup matches coming up against higher ranked opposition, but these teams are going to really know they have been in a match, as the Kew spirit ( little Halloween reference there) continues to build, so well done everyone including all the parents who continue to turn up in their numbers - see you all next week.

Late dramatic winner
Kew Association Youth 1-0 Worcester Park, 24 Oct, League
After last weeks cup heroics, we returned to league action this week, knowing that we needed 3 points to kick start a surge up the table. This week’s game was a real war of attrition, with neither side in the mood to budge an inch. Although Kew had the better of the chances it was no real surprise that the sides went in at half time scoreless.

The game continued in a similar vein in the second half with Kew’s defence marshaled by the impressive Ryan Firman, all playing their part in frustrating Worcester Park’s forwards. This was a game that was always looking like it could be decided by one goal, and so it proved with Kew grabbing a dramatic winner in the closing stages, when David Charalambous buried a wonderful header from Jordan's pinpoint cross. 

The last few minutes were very tense but this game was very much won from the back, with Mohammed in goal and the rest of the defence all playing their part. So well done everyone a much needed and hard fought league victory which hopefully can see us mount a challenge over the next few months for promotion.

Kew giant killing goes on
Kew Association Youth 5-3 (aet) Meadow Sports, 17 Oct, Invitation Cup
Not content with dumping out first division Wandgas in round 1, Kew produced another incredible giant killing display to dispose of Meadow Sports, who arrived as division one league leaders, and reach the quarter finals after a pulsating cup tie. In a game that was full of incident Kew conceded first but then rallied to take the game to their first division opponents and after 20 minutes got their reward when Reece capitalised on some hesitant defending to fire us level. But Meadow Sports were not top of their league for nothing and responded immediately with a good goal of their own to send them in at half time 2-1 ahead.

The second half was thrilling and after good work on the left, a cross came in and Reece scored his second goal of the game with a fantastic diving header. The game then was end to end and Meadow Sports again took the lead midway through the second half. But Kew with a never say die attitude again pulled level near the end when Jordan reacted first to Harry`s corner.

With the manager’s tactic for strength through, amongst others Zino paying dividends, Kew then went into extra time with a determination that was to prove vital. Jordan again got in first from another corner, to take us 4-3 up. The tension was really building and was only relieved right at the death when Jordan completed a fantastic hat trick with a clinical finish to cap off a fine personal performance.

This was a match when the whole squad to a man put in performances to be proud of and we now go to the quarter finals fearing no one.  Well done everyone.

Kew dominate Cup tie
Bookham Colts 0-5 Kew Association Youth, 10 Oct, Surrey FA Cup
This first round game in the Surrey county cup saw Kew ease to a resounding 5-0 victory. After hitting the post no fewer than four times, we eventually took the lead when, after good work on the right hand side, a neat ball in from an on-fire Harry left Jordan with the simplest of finishes. Harry then latched onto a through ball from the impressive Luke to smash past the goalie to put us 2-0 ahead.

The second half was completely one-sided and Zino in goal could have done his homework such was Kew’s domination. Harry then scored an excellent solo goal to end the game as a contest. With the defence looking solid and the midfield dominating, this was a really pleasing all-round performance and the improvement week after week is great to see. Two further goals from Ryan and David capped off a great performance.

This now means an interesting trip to Horley by Gatwick airport in the next round. So well done everyone including a special mention for the linesman who has now already done his quota of games for the season ( bribes are accepted in the form of Guinness vouchers). See you all next week, Mark.