CCAFC - Under 10 Rangers

12th December Rangers at Ilchester Lions

A difficult game for the Rangers today against a side that had beaten us 6-2 earlier in the season. The main aim of the day was to improve on that score and the team did not disappoint. We tried a number of players in defence throughout the game and all of them played well, in particular Brandon who is improving every game and India who is now expected to be solid and hold the dfence together. Ilchester attacked with alarming regularity and looked dangerous every time, but the difference today was James who had a quite unbelievable game in goal with the opposition coach muttering that it wouldn't matter what they did or where they shot from nothing would get through him, and that he was in a different class.
Going forward I was really impressed with everyone. As I have said time and time again this is a group of players that never gives up, work hard for each other and are an absolute pleasure to work with. Charlie Morris as captain played in four different positions and came close to scoring, Lewis, Lucy and Zac all moved between defence, midfield and attack and all of them tackled well, ran back to cover and produced some good passes. It is good to see how confident they are becoming and how well Lucy played in what is only her second ever game. Jayden played his usual committed game and was really solid in midfield - considering he didn't start playing football until this year he has come on in leaps and bounds. Alex again was the workhorse going forward and tackling back making some really great runs and scoring the games opening goal with a great dribble and low shot beyond the keeper.
It was 1-0 to us at half time and although Ilchester had the lions share of the ball we kept at them and after a shot from Jayden was parried by their keeper we scored a second. This was Devons first goal and the smile on her face at scoring was immense and warmed everyones heart on a cold day - but it was dwarfed by that on the face of a very proud dad watching on the side lines! Eventually Ilchester did score which set up a tense last 7 minutes but we held on to win brilliantly in what was the best team performance of the season and further evidence of what this side can achieve. Man of the match was James but this win came from the committment, heart and never say die attitude of the whole team. Last game before the Christmas break is at home next week against Parcroft Silve

rbacks at 11 O Clock next Saturday, and the side have a cup semi final to look forward to as well.
November 28th Rangers versus Meriott in the Cup

There will be nothing on TV in the entire season with the drama and excitement of this cup game. Every single one of the Rangers squad deserves credit for never giving up during what was a real rollercoaster ride that had me and the opposition coach laughing, crying, screaming, frowning, looking up (and down) in bewilderment and everyone watching staring in disbelief. The squad for today were James, India, Alex, Brandon, Jayden, Lewis, Devon, Charlie and Zac.
The first half had us playing with the wind and downhill and ended 2 - 0 to us (Zac and Alex) and although they created plenty of chances we also missed a number of opportunities ourselves. The second half was also even until 2 goals in 30 seconds by them made it all level. From there both teams missed sitters, hit the post and had efforts cleared off the line with some great last ditch defending. The whistle went and it was 7 minutes each way of injury time. You can guess what happened, end to end stuff and after 5 minutes Merriot scored, it staying that way until the last 3 minutes of the second half when Jayden hit a shot from nearly 20 yards that flew in off the inside of the post. 1 minute later Merriot were 4-3 up and we looked out of it but with the very last kick of the game Alex tucked away an equaliser and it went to penalties.
Once I recovered from the goal and reduced my pulse rate to an acceptable level I got volunteers to take the first 5 penalties and the next 2 if it went to sudden death. We lost the toss and Merriot chose to go first. They missed and Alex stepped up and scored putting us in front. They missed their second, James saved the 3rd but we also unfortunately missed our next 2. Merriot scored their 4th and james saved the 5th but we still didn't hit the target. The game moved on to sudden death. James saved another, but again we missed ours and then they put their 7th penalty wide. Up stepped Charlie Morris and finally we slotted the winner. I cannot begin to explain the relief and joy of finally winning and getting to the semi-final, but to cap it all off we now have to play the same side at home next weekend in the league!

November 21st Rangers versus Perry Street

It was on a very blustery day that saw the Rangers take on Perry Street in their first game for 3 weeks. With almost a full squad to pick from there was an opportunity for everyone to impress. In defence India played her usual calm and collective game with Brandon (the bulldozer) assisting and making more and more good and effective runs with the ball. In goal James played well again and
was unlucky to concede the goal that they scored. Jordan, Alex, Lewis, Charlie and Jayden all moved around the midfield throughout the game and despite the conditions played some nice football between themselves and created enough chances to have scored eight or nine. As it happened Jayden, Jordan and Alex all did score and we went on to win the game 3-1. Up front Devon got stuck in
more and it was a strong tackle by her followed by a great pass that set up our third goal. Overall I was extremely pleased with the performance and effort that all of the players put in. This weeks man of the match was Brandon for the effort that he put in both in defence and assisting to build an attacking position with some great runs.

October 24th Wincanton v Cary Rangers
Rangers went to Wincanton today without an ill James in goal but both Charlie and Lewis stood up to the plate and covered a half a game each. The final score of 13 - 3 does not really tell the tale of the day, or adequately show how well the team played in phases. This was the highest defeat we have had all season but we have all taken a number of positives from the game. Firstly we scored 3 well worked goals, Alex in the first half, then Jayden and Jordan in the second. It is inspiring to see how none of the team give up and that attitude is well rewarded by our scoring in every league match to date as well of course as winning two so far.
Lewis in the first half made some really good strong tackles and tracked back fantastically - the players used in defence are starting to learn to not follow the ball and that marking is paying dividends as they continue to build as a team. Brandon, Jordan, Charlie and India all worked hard both going forward and in defence - each of them continuing to improve their dribbling, passing and moving every game. Alex had another outstanding match and his skill level and work ethic is an inspiration for everyone around him - he is getting stronger and more aware every week. Up front Zac ran well and created chances again, Jayden played some great linking moves with Alex and got a few shots away and Devon as todays captain is showing signs of understanding the game. She runs endlessly and in the second half went the length of the pitch to tackle a player in our area and saved a certain goal.
Man of the match today was a diifcult decision as everyone worked so hard, but came down in the end to a choice between India and Alex. On this occasion it goes to India who may yet need to change her name to Ronaldo! Overall I would like to thank the whole team for the effort that they put in today and let them know that as their coach I am extremely proud of them all - a great squad of 10 great kids. You should all come and watch them sometime!

October 17th Cary Rangers v Merriott Sharks

A full squad of 10 players turned up to take on Merriot Sharks, the expected winners of the league today and despite a heavy sounding 8 - 2 defeat played very well with the score line not really a true reflection of the game over all. Undoubtedly the Merriot side were faster and better drilled than CC, but they have been playing together for 3 years now and part of nearly a 30 strong squad for their age group. Our team are getting better and more confident every week and todays performance was more of the same. We created enough chances to win the game with Devon, Zac, Jordan, Alex, Jayden, Charlie, Lewis and even Brandon (the bulldozer) Wake having chances to shoot. All that let us down was the final pass and a bit of composure but that will come in time.
Defensively India is in a class of her own at left back and played fantastically well again today - whats even more encouraging is that her ability to dribble is getting better every week and today she she showed touches of real skill. James in goal made a few good saves and used his big kick as a great launch pad for our attackers - his distribution is beginning to improve as well. What was I most pleased with; firstly all 10 kids turned up and played hard for each other with great spirit and their parents were there to cheer them on. Charlie Morris began to stick to his man and make tackles count in defence, Lewis ran for every ball, Jayden ( who also scored a great goal), Jordan and Zac are beginning to get to the ball first and hastle the opposition, Devon found some great positions, India, Brandon and James stayed solid at the back. This leaves Alex who last week won a special mention and this week gets man of the match for a tremendous performance that included a great goal. I think that everyone there watching the boys will be very proud of how they played and never gave up. Well done and thanks to all of you.
By the Ed - I was at this game today and I was very impressed by the fantastic attitude and spirit of the whole squad. Despite the scoreline you never gave up and at times played some terrific football. All the Mums and Dads should be very proud of you, the football club is certainly is. PS I think we need anew team photograph with all the players.

October 10th Cary Rangers v Parcroft Silverbacks

A squad of 9 players met at Mudford Rec for the game, determined to get back to winning ways this week. The game was evenly matched throughout which was to everyones benefit and made it very enjoyable, if tense for all of the spectators from both sides. The new players in our side Devon and Lewis both made great contributions and are picking up their skill level and awareness every week. In the second half Devon almost scored a goal. In goal James was required less than in previous games but still needed to make a few good saves and come out at attackers feet to gather the ball. Lewis worked well with India in defense and both also made more forward runs which was good to see. In midfield Jayden, Jordan and Charlie all contributed well and their was a marked improvement in tackling and passing which is again encouraging. I leave to last to mention Alex and Zac. Alex because his work rate and effort today was excellent and some of the passes he made were really good. Zac because up front he scored a hatrick, on his birthday of all days, taking all 3 goals really well. The last in second half coming from a tremendous through ball from Alex and a first time shot that rifled into the net. The final score was 3-1 and all we can take from today again was positives. The team worked really hard for each other and as individuals are improving every week. There could only have been one man of the match and that was of course Zac. Next week against Merriot they will have increase the workrate, not get drawn to the ball and stay with the attackers to cut down space. I am sure that they will do this - and of course next week we also welcome back Brandon after his holiday. Well done Rangers 2 wins out of 3 games - keep it up!

October 3rd Cary Rangers v Ilchester Lions

CC Rangers played Ilchester Lions in the league today with only 7 players to choose from including 2 brand new starters Lewis and Devon. The new look side took a while to settle and were caught out repeatedly by an Ilchester side that was most definately playing a few levels above what their grading results would suggest they were capable of! James was repeatedly called into action and made a string of saves but was beaten twice. The team seemed to galvanise then and played some good football with Alex, Charlie and Zac linking up nicely at times and Devon making alot of runs up front. Eventually Alex finished a move well to make the score 2-1, Charlie hit a great free kick that hit the bar but the attacking left us open at the back where India and Lewis tackled hard but were significantly outnumbered and James needed all of his guile to keep the score 2-1 at half time.
In the second half Ilchester again came out fast and made it 4-1, the fourth a really great shot from just outside the box. Cary pulled another back when Zac converted from a long kick by James and after this the team played well for the next 10 minutes creating a number of chances but not able to finish them. Alex played another strong game and India showed that she could not just tackle but dribble and pass and played some outstanding football both going forward and in defence. The effort tired the side out and they were pulled out of position time and time again in the last quarter which left James to make a string of stops, a couple of which were quite brilliant, but even this didn't prevent Ilchester from scvoring twice more and winning 6 - 2.
Man of the match this week was India who played incredibly hard for the team and showed some real pieces of skill at times. Next game is a 1030 KO on Saturday 10th October at Mudford Rec in Yeovil against Parcroft.

September 19th Cary Rangers v Perry Street

Already going into the game without any subs, CC Rangers lost star defender India with an injured ankle and had to travel to Perry Street with only 6 players. With this game also going to count towards the 3rd Division championship it was vital that we won it. We still kept our rotation system in place and started with Alex in goal alongside Brandon, Charlie and Zac and put James up front with Jayden. The game was very even with both sides trying to play passing football and creating chances. Perry Street eventually took a chance and despite Alex making a huge effort in goal they scored a second not long after. This seemed to galvanise the team who made a few good breaks until a pass from Zac found James who shot from the edge of the box and scored. Perry street scored a third before half time and it seemed as if the man advantage they had would pay off.
At half time James went back in goal and Alexander went back up front. The boys really came out fighting and the passing between Jayden, Alexander and Zac was really good. Within 10 minutes of the restart we had made 5 great moves and Jayden had scored twice with some really neat finishing making the scores level. It was end to end from there on in. Brandon made some terrific tackles and a few fantastic runs up the left wing. In goal James pulled off a couple of quite outstanding saves and Charlie Morris put his foot into the tackling with gusto and began running with the ball. With 5 minutes to go Charlie made a fantastic run down the right taking on 3 players and put in a low cross that passed in front of Zac and Jayden but was volleyed in by Alex at the back post. Brandon made a great last second clearance from a corner, the whistle went, and the Rangers had won 4 - 3.

The referee and opposition coach picked James as man of the match, but the whole team played fantastically well and this gives us a winning start to the league campaign as well as goals being scored by 5 out of our 8 players so far.

ar. Next week is an 11:00 Ko at home v Ilminster in the cup (hopefully with a full squad).
Thursday 17th September Cary Rangers v Somerton

CC Rangers played Somerton in their second midweek home grading game. Having lost all 3 previous games the team were up for what was going to be another difficult game.
The first half was tight with James making a number of vital stops in goal and Brandon working hard on the right of defence. India on the left ran and tackled with such energy that everyone commented on how well she played and this continued right through the second half. Charlie Morris (this games captain) started playing with more confidence and his passing to the front players of Alex, Jayden and Zac was at times really good. We were unlucky to concede an own goal to go 1-0 down and then Somerton scored a second from a very quick break. At 2-0 down Rangers were still in it.
In the second half although Somerton pressed and James was called into action with some further great goalkeeping, we came out and attacked more frequently, Alex and Jayden making some great runs and passing moves and Zac getting onto a cross and scoring. For the next 5 minutes it was all Rangers and the confidence and belief in the team was great to see. The match ended 3-1 but this was by far and away the best performance that the team have made and stands us in great stead for our final grading game against Perry Street on Saturday. The man of the match was India, who deserved all of the plaudits she received, but the whole team deserves a pat on the back for an excellent performance over all.

Friday 11th September Cary Rangers v Bruton

Castle Cary Rangers played their first home game of the season against Bruton Utd. It was a tight first half and although Bruton had the lions share of chances the team again played well for each other, with India again proving to be a rock on the left side of defence. In goal James pulled off a string of saves and gained the admiration of the opposition coach! The rest of the defence of Charlie and initially Jordan also played their part in maintaining the score at 0-0. Up front Alexander, Jayden and Zac found it hard against a packed defence but attacked whenever the chance arose.

The second half saw Brandon on instead of India, Jayden pulled to the defence, Zac to sweeper and Jordan up front. We held them off for ten minutes but then Bruton scored 2 well worked goals.

Then the breakthrough happened - a great kick from James and quick passes between Jayden and Alexander put Jordan through to score our first goal. Although Bruton scored twice more the Rangers continued work, Zac came close and Jordan scored a second goal making the score 4-2.

James again made a series of saves and was voted man of the match for the second game by both the referee and opposition coach. I would like to say well done to all the team for their entusiasm and hard work.

By the Ed - what a fantastic team performance I saw at that game today. To score 2 goals against tough opposition was brilliant but most importantly I was so impressed by the teams effort and team spirit - well done the Rangers !

Saturday 5th September Wessex v Cary Rangers

Match report for Saturdays game of CC Rangers V Wessex

Last season Wessex won Div 1 so this was always going to be a tough first match. It was clear that Wessex were a very good, well drilled team and they made attack after attack but our defence of India, Brandon and Charlie worked hard to keep them at bay.

Particular mention must go to Jordan who never stopped running, covering and tackling for the entire game in his sweeper role. Tackling was good everywhere and the work rate of everyone trying to get back was excellent.

We were unfortunate to concede an OG from a corner and finished the 1st half down 3-0. The second half provided us with more chances at goal with Zac, Jayden, Alex and Brandon (now up front) working really hard together to get forward and of course chase back. The final whistle saw us lose 5-0 but the team played really hard for each other and deserved a goal. The referee and opposition coach made James the man of the match who in goal made over 30 saves in the game.

All in all a promising start for a great bunch of players - next stop Bruton on 11th September at home 1815 KO. See you there.