Saturday 20th September KO 10:30AM at The Farm
Halse United U15s fifth consecutive game at their new home ground, The Farm was played on a cloudy day where the weather was very consistent throughout the entire match, or what was played of it at least!

Kick Off 10:30
This is the one you have all been waiting for! Here we go! After a delay of about 10 minutes because Halse United U15s gave the opposition an opportunity to present a full eleven to start the game with, the game cannot be held any further and kick off is finally underway. The reason for this is that the remaining MK Wanderers U15 Falcons player wasn’t sure where the venue was as they went to the black and whites' previous venue instead of the given location sent across by myself. As I attempt to bring this player to the venue out of respect, the away side will be a player down to start off with Halse United U15s not complaining about this. This fixture is between Halse United U15s and ex Division 3 side, MK Wanderers U15 Falcons. It is unsure on the difficulty of this fixture but if the first game for both sides is to go by, the hosts will be more likely to come away with a positive result than the visitors. The black and whites' opposition for this fixture lost to promotion seeking Newport Pagnell Town U15 Tigers 4 – 1 whilst Halse United U15s beat Bedford Park Rangers U15 (Sat) Tigers 5 – 3. Of course, it is still early days in the season and both teams will look to get maximum points at The Farm in this fixture with the opposition in greater danger due to their start and how Halse United U15s have begun their season so far including pre-season friendlies. There is only one way to find out what will happen in this game! It is good to be back watching the action, apologies for missing the previous game! The opposition kick us off in what will be in an interesting game and read for the viewers.

GOAL: Halse United U15s 1 - 0 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
MCDONALD COULDN’T HAVE ASKED FOR AN EASIER FINISH! HE TAPS IT HOME! A long ball from Ogundare looks to be picked up on by the MK Wanderers U15 Falcons defence but they simply just watch the ball bounce as they believed there was no oncoming pressure, but Bogdan is always pressing and nicks the ball with ease. After skipping past the right-back, he merely passes the ball across the face of goal with power and is finished first time by Mcdonald into an empty net with the keeper already on the floor after attempting to block the assist. There was so much space in the box, maybe due to the opposition having one less player, with Mcdonald taking advantage of this to be in the right place at the right time to give the black and white a huge goal in this fixture. It’s only been 4 minutes and there are still only 21 players on the pitch due to a MK Wanderers U15 Falcons player getting lost to the venue despite knowing the location. Can Halse United U15s exploit the oppositions disadvantage further? Let's hope so!

GOAL: Halse United U15s 2 - 0 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
BOGDAN IS BACK! AND WITH ANOTHER IMPORTANT GOAL TOO! It all comes from a corner which was won after a defender had to force the ball out away from the approaching Bogdan. After the ball went out of play, MK Wanderers U15 Falcons had finally got all 11 players on the pitch leaving them to have no substitutes later in the game. The set-piece was taken by Bevan from the left and was delivered into a dangerous area where the opposition can only get their body on the ball and then clear it right after if possible. The delivery was blocked from reaching the intended target near the back post, but the free ball couldn’t be cleared well enough by a defender with Stokes pouncing on the ball quickly. The ball managed to reach Bogdan who doesn’t even need a touch as he spins round and blasts the ball far into the bottom left hand corner with the keeper helpless from close range. It’s simple but it’s a strong finish to give the black and white a huge helping hand in gaining all 3 points here. It is also important to mention that the oppositions assistant referee raised his flag for an offside despite the defender and goalkeeper being right next to each other to keep the star striker onside before receiving the pass from Stokes. Odd as he had a good view of it. Anyways, advantage Halse United U15s with 10 gone!

Chance: Halse United U15s 2 - 0 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
After a MK Wanderers U15 Falcons defender swiped at Sharpe with his leg, the referee gives a free kick outside the area on the right-hand side. There is only one player taking this one and it is Elmer! It’s in a good position, but it can be quite difficult to find the back of the net due to how close it is to the box. The set-piece specialist will need to get the ball over the wall and hope it dips quickly to stand a chance of scoring. The strike goes through the wall, but the keeper knew his angles and was able to save it with the defence then clearing the ball away with urgency. An unlucky effort for the midfielder but plenty of chances will come for him in better placed set-pieces and in open play across the season.

Goal: Halse United U15s 2 - 1 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
The black and white are unable to clear their lines and because of this, have conceded. After losing the ball in a dangerous position, a through ball is met by a MK Wanderers U15 Falcons attacker who lays the ball to his left to find his strike partner who takes a touch and fires it underneath John to get the visitors a goal back in this fixture despite all the amounting pressure from the black and white. Chapman nearly got there and gained some amazing ground before attempting to block the effort from the attacker. Good work ethic from the defender but the away side grab a pivotal goal in the 21st minute meaning there is still 19 left to play with the momentum of this game now potentially shifting in favour of MK Wanderers U15 Falcons. No one knows how this game will pan out now that the opposition have all their players on the pitch.

Subs: Halse United U15s 2 - 1 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
That is a shocker of a tackle. And unfortunately, Bevan is on the end of this one after an incredibly late high tackle on the midfielder. Luckily, for the offender, he is unable to be booked for the challenge as the referee didn’t see it as he was following the play and it was late. He will physically have to be carried off by his caring teammates in Stokes and Ogundare after his incredible performance picking up every ball and quite literally being everywhere on the pitch whether that’s in the defensive or final sector. He will be replaced by Mitchell causing Ogundare to move to centre midfield alongside Mcdonald with Mitchell pairing Stokes in the heart of the defence. Ward also must make way after troubling the right-back and right centre-back of MK Wanderers U15 Falcons and will be replaced by the pacey and skilful Ayres on the right. After the subs were made, play wasn’t able to be continued as the manager of the opposition team was confronting the referee. He seemed to be quite aggressive and even called me over for a conversation. After things settled down and play was resumed, I did go over to him and after having a respectful conversation, the situation de-escalated, and everything was okay with both sides for now. There isn’t long left until this eventful half ends!

Goal: Halse United U15s 2 - 2 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
MK Wanderers U15 Falcons level it up at the brink of the first half ending. The build-up of the goal started from a throw in on the right-hand side on the halfway line with a player receiving it after being unmarked for a long duration of time. After controlling it well, he plays a through pass to an attacker and marginally takes it round the goalkeeper and after recollecting the ball, he dribbles towards goal and chips it over everybody into the net to give the visitors a different mindset as we go into the second half as the score is even at the moment. Once again, that is another goal conceded due to a lack of concentration when defending throw-ins with the assister of the equaliser being completely free. I am not one to mention this on match reports, but this is what it can take for a side to get back into this game from what would seem like nothing. It is also a fact that there are less players to receive the ball than defending the set-piece as excluding the goalkeepers and throw in taker, Halse United U15s have 10 players on the field whilst the opposition have 9. In this scenario, there were two players in the area who could have picked up on the individual player which would have probably meant he wouldn’t have been able to progress further if this was acted on. In short, this shouldn’t happen and cannot be made common in future matches going forward. Football is mostly defined by small margins; this we all know.

Half Time: Halse United U15s 2 - 2 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
So, after that reply, different team talks will likely need to be made for both sides with the opposition being the more positive following that unexpected goal. Some might say that it was against the flow of the game with Halse United U15s looking more promising to score next even after MK Wanderers U15 Falcons cut the lead short to just the one goal. One thing is for certain, and that is that the black and white will very much feel hard done by here after 40 minutes has been played. The game has been very stop and start with both teams drawing fouls, the visitor's manager and linesmen catching the referee's attention on multiple occasions and the injuries to Bevan and some of the away sides players who have been able to continue. After some conversations and drinks from both sides, the second half will begin shortly in a game where the 3 points can be snatched away by either team.

Start of Second Half: Halse United U15s 2 - 2 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
After the refresher, both teams are out with Halse United U15s kicking us off here for the start of the second half. Usually, there are changes at half time, but there will be an exception in this fixture as three planned substitutions will be spread across the duration of the remaining 40 minutes. Bevan will be coming back on to fight for the badge as well as Monk and Greasby who are also set to feature a little bit later as the coaches see how the game progresses. This is the first time this has happened this season for Halse United U15s.

Goal: Halse United U15s 2 - 3 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
The opposition find a way to get in the lead for the first time in this fixture with the goal being 64 seconds after the restart here. It started from the midfield where the MK Wanderers U15 Falcons player was under pressure with the Halse United U15 players unable to put in a challenge and the ball was directed towards the striker who would be involved in a pace race with Ogundare. The MK Wanderers U15 Falcons number 9 showed the defender his speed with John coming out to try get the ball away from harm with Ogundare also making it difficult for the attacker, but all three players contested for the ball with it eventually going straight to the path of a vacant winger who simply places it into an empty net. That would not help the black and white’s spirits as they have looked promising to increase the score-line, but they have been dealt another blow in getting a positive result at The Farm. However, an opposition player has unfortunately had to come off due to an injury and due to having no subs, the visitors will have to continue with one less player in their team! Can Halse United U15s get their rhythm back after this harsh set back?

GOAL: Halse United U15s 3 - 3 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
THE BLACK AND WHITE ARE BACK IN THIS ONE! ITS THE STRIKER AGAIN WITH A BRACE! Now that is just relieving to see another quick response from the black and white in what would have seemed to be like a mountain to climb after the opposition went ahead. It’s obviously Bogdan who gets the goal here! It came from a throw in on the left, from Chapman, with the ball being flicked on by the scorer to Sharpe who manages to get a cross into the box after two players were pressing the winger. A defender attempts to clear the ball out of his box but scuffs it with the ball changing direction towards goal and it goes straight to Bogdan who switches feet from an angle and buries it into the back of the net even with a defender and keeper on the line. He does make it look so simple but it was worked up so well by all three of Chapman, Sharpe and Bogdan who gets the momentum going again and more importantly, makes the score balanced! Halse United U15s will definitely not settle for this result, only eyes on getting all three points especially after their dominant start within 10 minutes. The opposition will be getting more nervous now with there still being 36 minutes left to play. Can Halse United U15s get another goal before the visitors?

Sub: Halse United U15s 3 - 3 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
In the 46th minute, Bevan is fit and ready to get back into the fray and be involved in the intense battles in midfield so he will be coming back on here! He will be alongside Mcdonald in the centre with support from Mitchell who will be a little bit further back as he will sit deeper. Elmer will be coming off and will be rested following his brilliant efforts in the difficult position of central defensive midfielder and he even filled in as an emergency striker for a short duration with Bogdan. What can the midfielder bring to the team in the remaining 34 minutes we have left?

GOAL: Halse United U15s 4 - 3 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
HEADERRRRR! BOGDAN GETS ANOTHER HAT TRICK BUT WHAT A BALL IN FROM BEVAN! The midfielder has only been on for 15 seconds and he has a crucial assist at a time where a goal was desperately needed from the black and white. Masson recycled the ball from the right-hand side to keep the attack alive after an inviting cross from Sharpe was not met by a black and white striped shirt and the number 99 passes it to Bevan on the outside corner of the box. He has one idea, but it had to be absolutely perfect for Bogdan to get the right power and direction on the ball, and it most certainly had all those traits. It couldn’t have been hit any better as it loops through the air and the flying Bogdan rises highest completely unmarked and he guides it over the keeper to give Halse United U15s a very well-deserved goal and lead in this tie. MK Wanderers U15 Falcons would have expected this following the black and white's equaliser and them carrying over the momentum since then. The hosts will feel more comfortable after this event, but it looks like the frustration of the opposition is showing as the visitor’s assistant referee has walked off the pitch in protest of an apparent foul in the build-up. The assistant suggested a foul against Bogdan to the referee but after looking back at the footage, there is no signs of a clear foul from the striker with there also being no appeals from any opposition players to support his claim. The referee had a good view and decided against the linesmen who has tried to call for many fouls in this game already. A substitution of linesmen will be in order as Mr Elmer comes to the rescue and heroically volunteers to run the line for the remainder of the game. Even more tension as the game goes on with the sublime Halse United U15s goal potentially adding to the nerves of MK Wanderers U15 Falcons. A game of many events at the moment!

Sub: Halse United U15s 4 - 3 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
The second of the three planned substitutions will be made with Masson, who was involved in the most recent goal after fighting to keep the ball in play, coming off. He has also impressed defensively from intercepting and tackling on the flank against the winger. While he has his deserved break, Greasby will replace him and will slot in his usual position of right back. A worthy replacement where the winger will face more difficulty in getting past as he will be up against the fresh legs of Greasby. There are 27 minutes left so he will have to keep the winger occupied for that duration.

Sin Bins: Halse United U15s 4 - 3 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? An incredible turn of events as within ONE minute of each booking, MK Wanderers U15 Falcons are down to just 8 PLAYERS! Both are for the same reason as two opposition players show dissent towards the referee and due to the comments, are Sin Binned meaning they are given a 10-minute dismissal off the pitch. In fact, one of the comments could have warranted a red card but the referee gives the two player’s an opportunity to cool down on the bench before coming back on 10 minutes later. After the earlier injury shortening the number of players that MK Wanderers U15 Falcons had, I am confused on why the players risked committing a blue card offence with this giving the opposition a mountain to climb now as Halse United U15s now have 3 more players than them. In fact, if the opposition get another blue card or even a red card within 10 minutes, via FA ruling, the match will be forfeited to the black and white due to lack of players. They will surely capitalise on this! Let’s see what will unfold from here in this bizarre fixture!

FULL TIME?: Halse United U15s 4 - 3 MK Wanderers U15 Falcons
OH MY WORD! THE GAME HAS BEEN ABANDONED! THIS GAME IS JUST UNBELIEVABLE! Already been decided, this is one of the most interesting and odd games of football I have ever witnessed. So much has happened in this fixture but this tops it. The visitors have awarded all three points to the black and white after agreeing to abandon the game from their request with the result of the game being a home walkover to Halse United U15s! After the game, a long conversation was had between me and the opposition manager where he explained his frustration on some decisions, but the opposition unfortunately couldn’t control themselves and with how the game was panning out where they were getting beat, it didn't help! They were walking on a tight rope for the entirety of the second half especially when they were forced to play with 10 after an injury to one of their players who could not be replaced due to the lack of substitutes, this is one of the important factors of why Halse United U15s won. Playing with 10 can really harm how a team plays with this game being a prime lesson on why substitutes are so important to a team and how having multiple is needed every matchday. We are so lucky on having the maximum squad occupancy of 18 as there are always players available including when we have injuries or absences. This means that we are very likely not to play without substitutes or just 10 players. One of the other important factors on why the hosts won is that the black and white won most of the duels everywhere across the pitch but they had won the most vital one in the context of this match which was discipline. Even though the opposition tried to agitate and provoke the Halse United U15 players verbally, they just ignored it and fought back. They responded well after MK Wanderers U15 Falcons conjured and completed a comeback by responding immediately with two unanswered goals after being under pressure which saw them win after 54 minutes. It may not have been a perfect performance, but it is one that is good enough to keep their league winning streak. Bogdan is back after missing out on scoring in the last game against Bedford Park Rangers U15 (Sat) Tigers. He scored three class, clinical goals to make it 13 strikes in 5 games to show off that he is a striker who loves to reach Erling Haaland like numbers whilst also assisting well for Mcdonalds goal! This game will be classified as a home walkover but don’t worry, all assists and goals will be on the updated statistics page for all four goals! Finally, now that there are no midweek fixtures (at the moment), Halse United U15s coaching staff will be able to work with the team for an hour every Tuesday as they get ready for the fixture on the coming Saturday. This will benefit the team massively as the structured plan will be focussing on improving certain areas of the pitch and aspects of play as we progress through the season in a vital age for developing players. It is to be mentioned that these sessions are important due to the limited time to prepare for a fixture so every Halse United U15s player needs to attend training with full concentration and show maximum effort. This could determine who deserves to start at the weekend and this goes for each and every game and training session of the season. To be clear, there are no set starters in this team! In the training session before this game, the black and white did great so well done everyone for doing this already, but this needs to be the same every week so that every training session can be successful. Anyways, back on to the result of this chaotic game! Well done everyone on a tight but hard-fought game where we are now 6/6 points already which is our best start to a league campaign since 2022 (Yes, I did my research)! Let’s keep this run going and see what happens next! Onto the next one!

Player Of The Match?
This has been another very difficult decision of deciding this fixture’s Player Of The Match from the coaching staff but no one can disagree how vital this player has been this season so far and the performance against this MK Wanderers U15 Falcons side shows this. He claimed another ridiculous assist for what would be the winning goal after coming back from being injured earlier on in the match in a challenge most would stay off the pitch, he fought for every single ball in the centre of the park and in defence, and his ‘drive and energy to cover as much grass as possible is just relentless all over the pitch’. The Player Of The Match has been awarded to Ethan Bevan! He hasn’t played for the black and white for long after signing this season, but it feels like he has played for many years the way he clicks with his teammates on the pitch! Like Sharpe, Ogundare and Chapman, he is a wonderful addition to have in the team, and he has already proved what he is capable of! Well done, Ethan for this superb performance again! Talent!

What's Up Next?
Halse United U15s first away day of the season will involve travelling to Milton Keynes to play against an unfamiliar side in MK Irish U15 Whites. These are a new team which will host a fixture where both sides look to increase their point tallies immediately with Halse United U15s wanting to maintain their 100% Status and MK Irish U15 Whites want to get their first points of the season!

Goals: Alex Bogdan X 3, George Mcdonald
Assists: Alex Bogdan, Riley Stokes, Ethan Bevan
Player Of The Match: Ethan Bevan

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