Glenfield United Weekly Review: 21/04/2013

Just the one match report for this edition of the weekly review, the final review of the season.

Glenfield United Under 12 9v9 welcomed Borough Alliance, their last game of the season and last game at Ellis Park as they make the step up to 11 a side at Gynsill Lane next season.

The hosts were on a seven match unbeaten run and had won their last three games, while the visitors were second bottom but had enjoyed a 3-0 win versus Loughborough last Sunday.

And it was Alliance who opened the scoring inside the opening five minutes. A freekick from 20 yards out was tipped onto the post by Glenfield 'keeper Morgan Fenton and the follow up also struck the woodwork, but the third effort was poked home by number 11 to give Alliance a surprise lead.

Glenfield were then dealt another blow when 'keeper Fenton went off with a shin injury, meaning Kyle Belcher had to stand in between the sticks.

Halfway through the first half and Glenfield got their equaliser. A ball over the top was latched on to by the ever lively Oliver Lewis before the striker side footed it home.

And Glenfield took the lead before half time as winger Harry Windle shot into the top right corner with an emphatic finish.

Meanwhile at the other end, stand in 'keeper Belcher didn't have much to do in goal, and the start of the second half saw Fenton shake off his injury and return in goal.

Glenfield kept plugging away for a third to put the game to bed but had to wait until five minutes before full time. A cross from the right bypassed two Glenfield players before being met by Daniel Youngs who struck it swweetly on the half volley into the bottom corner.

And with virtually the last touch of the game, Windle got his second with a header which went over the line after the Borough 'keeper, who had an impressive game, let the ball slip from his grasp.

The 4-1 win marks the end of a good season for the under 12's, who had hoped to finish the season in third with yesterday's win, but a 4-2 win for Hinckley away to Loughborough meant the Knitters finished above Glenfield.

United finish the season with 28 points from their 18 games, including eight wins, four of which came from the last four games of the season.

Elsewhere, Glenfield United 2010 Under 14's finished their season with a heavy 9-0 defeat away to league leaders Harborough Town 2012. Despite the scoreline it was still a good season for United, finishing third in the table with 33 points from their 18 games including ten wins.

Glenfield United Tigers Under 10's ended their season with a 3-1 win away to Melton Foxes Cubs. The win means the Tigers finish the season in sixth place with 12 points from their 14 games.

Glenfield United results: Thurmaston Magpies Thunder U7 X-X Glenfield United Foxes U7, Rugby Town Pumas P-P Glenfield United Hawks U7, Melton Foxes Cubs U10 1-3 Glenfield United Tigers U10, Glenfield United U12 9v9 4-1 Borough Alliance 2010 U12 9v9, Harborough Town 2012 U14 9-0 Glenfield United 2010 U14.

Glenfield United Weekly Review - 14/04/2013

This weekend saw the last Sunday games at Gynsill Lane for another season as Glenfield United give way to the upcoming cricket season.

With no 10:30am kick off, the first match of the day took place at lunchtime as Glenfield United Tigers Under 10's welcomed third placed Oadby Owls Eagles. It was the Tigers last home game of the season and last game at Gynsill Lane for a couple of years as they move to Ellis Park for the step up to 9v9 football.

Glenfield held their own for the opening ten minutes, but Oadby took the lead halfway through the first half scoring on the break from a home team throw in. A long ball from the Oadby defence was latched onto by the Oadby striker before firing hard into the bottom corner.

Oadby were always a threat on the break throughout the first half and were denied on the stroke of half time from making it 2-0 by a superb double save by Glenfield goalkeeper Charlie Cross.

Ten minutes into the second half and it was the turn of the Oadby goalkeeper to take the limelight, scoring from a goalkick as the blustery conditions got behind his clearance, took a big bounce and looped over his counterpart into the net.

That fortuitous goal seemed to knock the confidence of the Glenfield players and minutes later it was 3-0 as Oadby scored a tap in on the line following a goalmouth scramble.

The scoring was complete five minutes before full time, and goalkeeper Cross who had been superb throughout the game could do nothing about the fourth goal. A corner on the right was met first time on the volley at the front post and sailed into the net.

It was a harsh scoreline on Glenfield against what was a very well organised Oadby side. Their final game of the season sees them travel to Melton Foxes this Sunday, looking to end the campaign with three points.

The second and final game of the day saw Glenfield United Under 14's take on Anstey Swifts, with the visitors still in contention to win the division A title.

Anstey scored twice in the opening ten minutes through number 11 and then 14, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

Number 10 scored twice in quick succession before half time to make it 4-0 at the break.

Five minutes into the second half and number 14 got his second of the game before number 6 made it six with a shot from an acute angle which went in off the post.

There was some cheer for Glenfield as striker Shiv Odedra got on the scoresheet, meeting a cross from the left at the back post.

Anstey's number 22 got on the scoresheet as he slotted home into the bottom right corner from 12 yards before number 11 scored again to make it 8-1.

Number 10 brought up his hat-trick with a rasping shot into the top left corner and number four made it double figures.

Number 11 scored a direct freekick and number 8 finished off the scoring to make it 12-1.

It was very harsh on Glenfield as they played the whole game with 11 players and no subs as fatigue played its part after a long and gruelling season. Their final game of the season is away to Blaby & Whetstone in a fortnight. Visitors Anstey move to within three points of leaders Thurlaston with two games in hand.

Elsewhere, Glenfield United 2005 U14's lost their DEFG cup semi final against Groby Juniors 3-2, while our under 11 9v9 team played their final game of the season away to second placed Wigston United and were involved in a 14 goal thriller, losing 9-5.

There was some success this weekend though as Glenfield United U12 9v9 won 2-1 away to third placed Hinckley United Knitters. The win puts them into fourth place with two games of the season left to play both at Ellis Park. Glenfield United Hawks Under 7's also tasted victory, winning 3-0 away to Syston Town All Stars and producing their best performance of the season.

Glenfield United results: Markfield Colts U7 X-X Glenfield United Foxes U7, Syston Town All Stars U7 0-3 Glenfield United Hawks U7, Glenfield United Tigers U10 0-4 Oadby Owls Eagles U10, Wigston United 2011 U11 9v9 9-5 Glenfield United U11 9v9, Hinckley United Knitters U12 9v9 1-2 Glenfield United U12 9v9, Glenfield United U14 1-12 Anstey Swifts U14, Groby Juniors U14 3-2 Glenfield United 2005 U14.

Glenfield United midweek fixtures: 16/04 Glenfield United U18 v Anstey Swifts U18. 17/04 Glenfield United U12 9v9 v Cosby U12 9v9, Glenfield United 2005 U14 v Earl Shilton U14. 18/04 Houghton Rangers v Glenfield United U18.

Glenfield United Weekly Review: 07/04/2013

For the first time in five weeks due to postponements and the bad weather, football returned to Gynsill Lane this weekend, and a total of eight Glenfield United teams were in action.

The first game saw Glenfield United 2005 under 14's host Leicester Bharat in the quarter finals of the under 14 DEFG shield.

After a bright start from the hosts where they had a couple of chances to break the deadlock, Glenfield took the lead inside the opening fifteen minutes from the penalty spot. Callum Wakeling was bundled over by Bharat's number 13 and right back Spencer Halford drilled home the penalty emphatically.

Ten minutes before half time and United doubled their lead through Wakeling and in impressive fashion. A corner from the right by Nick Charalambou was met first time on the volley by Charalambou, leaving the Bharat 'keeper no chance to react quick enough.

The visitors pegged Glenfield back five minutes later though, scoring on the break. Number 12 held off the challenge of a United defender before firing a shot away which was parried, but the striker was quickest to pounce to the rebound and scored from a tight angle.

That goal seemed to give Bharat belief going into the second 35 minutes and started to create more chances as the half went on. 15 minutes from time they got their equaliser, although it came in fortuitous fashion. A cross from the left by Bharat's number 15 seemed innocuous enough, but it ended up looping over the Glenfield 'keeper and into the back of the net.

Glenfield weren't disheartened though and regained the lead just five minutes later. Winger Lochlan Murray dribbled into the box but saw his shot get parried, but the rebound went in off the shins of Bharat's number four to make it 3-2.

There was controversy five minutes from time as Bharat thought they had equalised. A cross from the right was met by the head of number 12 which bounced off the underside of the bar and onto the ground, but the referee adjudged that the ball didn't cross the line.

In the last minute Glenfield put the game beyond doubt. A ball from Halford found Murray in the area and this time he wasn't denied, scoring from close range.

It was a deserved win for Glenfield against opponents who sit on top of division F. They face Groby in the semi finals of the DEFG shield on Sunday at a neutral venue of Asfordby Amateurs.

Glenfield United Lions Under 9's were in action for the lunchtime game at Gynsill Lane as they welcomed second placed Mowbray Rangers Pumas.

United had the better of the opening ten minutes of the first half, always looking a danger when they got the ball forward. However, it was Rangers that went closest when number eight hit a long range strike which bounced the top of the crossbar and out of play.

A minute later and Glenfield opened the scoring as the lively Faris scored with a super finish into the bottom corner.

Shortly after the break, Glenfield 'keeper Kieran Stanfield made a superb stop to deny Mowbray from equalising, tipping a stinging shot onto the post and out for a corner.

Stanfield and the rest of the Lions team did enough for the rest of the game to keep a clean sheet and secure the three points which takes them to 11 points with one game left. It was a very good performance from all the players and the improvement was clear to see.

The final game of the day saw Glenfield United 2010 Under 14's take on Asfordby Amateurs JYFC 2010 in a crucial game at the top of the Leicester & District Sunday Juniors League Division G table. United started the day in second place, with Asfordby just a place and three points behind.

Seven minutes in and it was Glenfield who scored the first goal. Persistent work from Alex Pullen saw him allow to get his shot away which went in off the left hand upright.

However, the scores were level again a few minutes later. Number 10 beat the offside trap and was put through one on one with Oliver Fenton before lobbing the ball over him and tapping into an empty net.

Asfordby then took the lead for the first time, scoring in almost similar fashion to their first as number 10 again broke the offside trap before lobbing the onrushing Fenton, although this time the ball went straight in.

Minutes later it was 3-1 as a corner from the left was met at the far post by Asfordby right back number two before firing home.

After a stirring team talk at half time by manager Aaron Mace, Glenfield reduced the defecit minutes after the break. A long ball over the Asfordby defence wasn't dealt with which United capatilised on before Ethan Fitch tapped in.

However, Asfordby restored their two goal lead two minutes later as the referee awarded a penalty for handball. Number nine stepped up and scored via the right hand post.

Glenfield gave themselves a chance of getting something from the game when Dane Mace's shot was spilled by the Asfordby 'keeper and Fitch was quickest to pounce for his second of the game. But they couldn't find an equaliser during the remainding twenty minutes of what was a better second half performance from the hosts.

The result means Asfordby leapfrog Glenfield into second place on goal difference, plus they have three games in hand on United. Glenfield's last game of the season is away to league leaders Harborough Town in a fortnight.

Glenfield United results: Borough Alliance U8 X-X Glenfield United Tigers U8, Glenfield United Lions U9 1-0 Mowbray Rangers Pumas U9, Glenfield United Tigers 0-12 Riverside United Kestrels U9, Glenfield United Tigers U10 0-5 Coalville Town Rooks U10, Cosby United 2011 U12 9v9 3-3 Glenfield United U12 9v9, Oadby Owls FC U14 4-1 Glenfield United U14, Glenfield United 2005 U14 4-2 Leicester Bharat U14, Glenfield United 2010 U14 3-4 Asfordby Amateurs JYFC 2010 U14, Glenfield United U18 P-P Harborough Town YFC U18.

Midweek Glenfield United fixtures: 09/04: Whitwick JFC U18 v Glenfield United U18, 10/04: Glenfield United U11 9v9 v Quorn Juniors 2008 U11 9v9, Glenfield United U14 v Barrow Town YFC U14, 11/04: Barrow Town 2007 U12 9v9 v Glenfield United U12 9v9, Glenfield United 2005 U14 v Groby Juniors U14, Houghton Rangers U18 v Glenfield United U18.

Glenfield United Weekly Review: 18/03/2013

For the second consecutive week, games at Gynsill Lane were postponed due to waterlogged pitches. However at Ellis Park, the under 12 9v9 game went ahead as they took on third placed Hinckley United Knitters.

Inside the opening five minutes the visitors took the lead. A through ball from midfield found striker number 11 who cooly finished, finding the bottom right corner after being put through one-on-one.

Glenfield gradually grew back into the game as the rain began to get heavier and equalised before half time through Harry Windle. The speedy winger ran with the ball down the right and into the box before shooting off the underside of the bar and in via a touch from a helpless Hinckley defender.

A minute after half time, Glenfield took the lead. A throw in from the left found Kyle Belcher who turned and shot from the edge of the box and saw his shot sneak in through the 'keepers hands with the wet conditions playing their part.

But just as soon as Glenfield went ahead, they were pegged back as the referee awarded a penalty. Number 11 stepped up and found the bottom left corner, sending Morgan Fenton the wrong way.

Both teams pushed for a winner but it proved elusive, with both teams having to settle for a point. Glenfield remain fifth in the table with 15 points and five games left to play. They welcome eighth placed Cosby United to Ellis Park on Sunday.

The only other Glenfield United team in action were the under 11 9v9 team as they travelled to Beaumont Town but lost 5-1. They play their final home game of the season this weekend, hosting Quorn before travelling to Wigston on the last day.

Glenfield United results: Glenfied United Hawks U7 P-P Oadby Owls Hawks U7, Loughborough Dynamo Dragons U8 X-X Glenfield United Tigers U8, Glenfield United Lions U9 P-P Stanton United U9, Loughborough Dynamo Predators U9 P-P Glenfield United Tigers, Beaumont Town U11 9v9 5-1 Glenfield United U11 9v9, Glenfield United U12 9v9 2-2 Hinckley United Colts U12 9v9, Oadby Owls FC U14 P-P Glenfield United U14, Glenfield United 2005 U14 P-P Leicester Bharat U14, Glenfield United U18 P-P Harborough Town YFC U18.

Glenfield United Weekly Review: 10/03/2013

A mixture of snow and heavy rain over the past few days led to five of the eight scheduled Glenfield United games get postponed this weekend.

There is some action to write about though, and it came at Ellis Park as Glenfield United U12 9v9 took on Hinckley United Colts in the cup. The hosts knocked out second division side Humberstone Rangers in the last round, but faced a tough task against a Hinckley side currently second in division one and challenging for the title.

It was Glenfield that took a deserved lead after ten minutes, and it came from a Hinckley corner. The ball was cleared and winger Harry Windle found Daniel Youngs with a lovely ball over the Colts defence before the striker fired low into the net.

Midway through the first half Hinckley equalised as number 16 had a shot from inside the area which found the top left postage stamp, leaving 'keeper Morgan Fenton no chance.

The visitors were then given the chance to take the lead from the spot as number 10 was pushed over in the penalty area. However, number 14's effort was saved by Fenton who dived to his left and parried the ball away to safety to ensure the first half ended all square, a fair reflection of how the first 30 minutes went given Glenfield's fine performance.

However, two quick goals for the visitors halfway through the second half put the game out of reach for United, with the first coming in fortuitous circumstances.

A long ball from the Hinckley defence seemed innocuous enough as 'keeper Fenton came out for it, but his clearance ricocheted off the legs of Hinckley's number 14 and rolled into the net. The third also came from number 14, slotting the ball home from a through ball.

Five minutes from time and a cross by number eight from the right was met first time on the half volley by number seven before number 16 rounded off the scoring three minutes from time.

The 5-1 scoreline was unfair on Glenfield given the spirited first half display, with no player having a bad game at all - Hinckley's quality simply shone through. Glenfield return to league action next weekend, playing Hinckley United Knitters at Ellis Park.

Elsewhere, Glenfield United Under 7 Hawks draw 3-3 at Castle Donnington. That followed their impressive 3-2 win away to Glen Villa last weekend, coming from behind twice to win the last few minutes. They will look to continue their recent good form when they play their third game in as many weeks this Sunday, welcoming Oadby Owls Hawks to Gynsill Lane.

Glenfield United Lions U9 travelled to Stanton United and were 5-2 victors. The win takes them to a total of eight points with two games left to play this season. They play Stanton again next weekend in the reverse fixture at Gynsill Lane.

Glenfield United results: Castle Donnington U7 3-3 Glenfield United Hawks U7, Kibworth/Smeeton Foxes U7 P-P Glenfield United Hawks U7, Stanton United U9 2-5 Glenfield United Lions U9, Glenfield United Tigers U10 P-P Coalville Town Rooks U10, Glenfield United U12 9v9 1-5 Hinckley United Colts U12 9v9, Glenfield United 2005 U14 P-P Westfield Wanderers U14, Glenfield United 2010 U14 P-P Asfordby Amateurs JYFC 2010 U14, Whitwick JFC U18 P-P Glenfield United U18.

Glenfield United Weekly Review: 03/03/2013

The busiest weekend of the season so far in terms of fixtures as 11 of our 12 Glenfield United teams were in action on Sunday.

The first featured game came from Ellis Park as the under 11 9v9 team welcomed near neighbours Anstey Swifts, currently in fifth place and beat Glenfield 5-1 back in the mid October.

After an opening 20 minutes where Glenfield 'keeper Matt Moulds was the stand out player, commanding his area and making some good saves, it was Anstey who opened the scoring.

It came through their number ten, who had been a threat leading up to the goal. Anstey caught Glenfield on the break and the striker netted from outside the area, shooting over Moulds.

And it was the same player who doubled Anstey's lead five minutes later, showing persistent work to nick the ball off the Glenfield defence before scoring from the edge of the box.

The scoreline was a tad harsh on United who created chances throughout the first half. The closest they went to reducing the defecit came moments after going two down as Jacob Taylor hit a sweet volley from 20 plus yards which cracked against the bar and bounced over.

Whatever was said at half time by the Glenfield coaching team certainly had an impact as the game was turned on its head in the opening ten minutes of the second half.

After Jacob Taylor's shot was blocked, a cross from James Pye fell to striker Aariyan Palana who thumped the ball into the roof of the net to start the comeback.

The equaliser came in slighlty controversial circumstances. A run from midfield by Pattison Mafuana saw him put through one on one with the Anstey 'keeper and the Glenfield man scored low out of the 'keepers reach. The linesman gave the goal as offside, but the referee over ruled, judging that Mafuana's run came from an onside position.

By now the impetus was with the hosts and they duly took the lead just minutes after equalising. A corner from the right wasn't cleared by the Anstey defence and as the ball bounced around in the area, Palana pounced again to make it 3-2.

With more than half of the second half remaining there were a few nervy moments, but three minutes before full time the game was settled as Albert Findley found the bottom corner, scoring on the break as Anstey pushed forward for an equaliser.

It was a superb turnaround for Glenfield and at full time there was much joy amongst players, parents and coaches. The difference in class from the start of the season is plain to see and although they remain in the lower half of the table, the form they've shown since Christmas bodes well for next season.

The second game of the day was across the village at Gynsill Lane as Glenfield United Under 8's welcomed Highfield Rangers Jaguars.

Three quick goals from the visitors set the tone for the match, as numbers ten, three and seven scored inside the opening ten minutes.

Number three then got his second five minutes prior to the break, before number ten made it 5-0 with the last touch of the half, feigning a shot from the edge of the area before firing low into the corner.

Number seven brought up his second five minutes after the break while two minutes later number three brought up his hat-trick.

Two more goals from number ten, the second being the goal of the game with a strike from outside the area, made the final score 9-0 to Highfield.

As the scoreline would suggest, the visitors were a very good side and possess some talented young players. But there were some promising signs for Glenfield as they continue their development and when they play a side of a similar ability, will be sure to give them a game.

The final game of the day saw Glenfield United Under 18's, fresh from their spirited and by all accounts deserved 4-4 draw at league leaders Anstey Swifts, take on third placed Oadby Owls.

Glenfield held their own against the visitors but it was Oadby that broke the deadlock after 25 minutes, and it came from a Glenfield freekick.

The freekick was cleared and as Glenfield struggled to get back, Oadby countered with number 11 cutting in from the right wing and scoring.

Ten minutes later and it was 2-0 to the Owls. A cross from the right was headed clear, only for the ball to fall to Oadby's number four who caught it sweetly on the volley and found the back of the net, despite Glenfield goalkeeper Mitch Sewell getting fingertips to it.

Oadby hit the woodwork a couple of minutes into the second half, number 11 heading a cross from the right which hit the base of the post.

Glenfield's closest effort came five minutes from time when a hooked shot from Sam Gill was tipped over the bay by the Oadby 'keeper.

The 2-0 defeat for Glenfield, coupled with Harborough's 1-0 win over Whitwick, means United have slipped to 10th. Glenfield travel to bottom side Whitwick this weekend.

Glenfield United results: Glen Villa U7 X-X Glenfield United Hawks U7, Glenfield United Tigers U8 L-W Highfield Rangers Jaguars U8, Rugby Town Tigers U9 2-0 Glenfield United Lions U9, Asfordby Amateurs U9 6-1 Glenfield United Tigers U9, Glenfield United Tigers U10 2-4 Queniborough Reds U10, Glenfield United U11 9v9 4-2 Anstey Swifts U11 9v9, Loughborough Dynamo U12 9v9 1-2 Glenfield United U12 9v9, Glenfield United U14 1-2 Oadby Owls FC U14, Oadby Owls Tawnys U14 0-6 Glenfield United 2005 U14, Beaumont Town FC U14 3-4 Glenfield United 2010 U14, Glenfield United U18 0-2 Oadby Owls FC U18.

Stuart Taylor. What could have been.

My standard Saturday evening ritual of watching Match of the Day inspired me to write this latest blog post.

Everton v Reading wasn't a particulalrly stand out game - the hosts won 3-1 to maintain their hopes of Champions League football - except for one notable appearance, that of Stuart Taylor.

The former Man City, Aston Villa and Arsenal goalkeeper is now 32 years old, yet Saturday's run out at Goodison Park was his first competitive appearance since turning out for City in their 4-2 victory over Scunthorpe in an FA Cup Fourth round tie in January 2010.

That was his only appearance during his three years at City. His last league appearance came during a loan spell at Cardiff City in 2009, where he shipped six goals against Preston North End.

Taylor came through the Arsenal youth ranks and after injuries to David Seaman and Richard Wright during the 2001/02 season, where he played ten times and won a Premier League winner's medal, was touted as Seaman's successor.

So what has happened to Taylor? And why was Saturday's appearance just the 89th of his career?

Well the answer to the first question is not a lot. He spent time away from Highbury with loan spells at Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace, Peterborough and Leicester. I saw him in action a couple of times during his brief spell at the Walkers Stadium (as it was known then) and he impressed me. Indeed, he was probably Craig Levein's best signing! He was certainly a good shot stopper and kept four clean sheets in ten games and lost only three games during that period.

That was almost ten years ago and would have been 23 years old, with the best part of his career still ahead of him and remained held in high regard at Highbury.

Taylor in his "glory days" at Arsenal

After 18 appearances at Arsenal he was released in 2005 and snapped up by Aston Villa manager David O'Leary on a free transfer to compete with Thomas Sorensen. His words to the media after he signed on the dotted line were: "This is all about career progression. It was no good for me to stay at Arsenal. Thomas is a great goalkeeper. But it's up to me to push him all the way. This is a new start. I enjoyeed my time at Arsenal but it's time to move on" He made 17 appearances during four years at Villa Park in all competitions.

Taylor was released in 2009 but joined Manchester City's Mark Hughes as cover for Shay Given but made just that one appearance in the FA Cup at Glanford Park before being released at the end of last season before Reading snapped him up.

To be fair to Taylor, he has had to compete to be number one with some of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history: Seaman at Arsenal, Friedel at Villa, Given and Hart at Man City. The cynic in me says that Taylor has been happy to be second or third choice 'keeper at some big clubs, sitting on the bench every week, playing the odd reserve team game and picking up his pretty reasonable pay packet every month.

The potential he showed at Arsenal suggested he would be a good Premier League 'keeper and it's obvious he hasn't fulfilled that promise. But maybe instead of sitting on the bench, taking the easy option, he could've gone down a division and been a first choice 'keeper. He was certainly good enough for the Championship.

And who knows, with the lack of quality English goalkeepers we've had in recent years, maybe the odd international cap would've been to his name. Surely that would be more rewarding than a career as a backup.

You can show your grandchildren your medals, but you can't show them your payslip.