Under 15s News, 2011/2012

Monday 07 May - Disappointing end to campaign

It has been an extremely disappointing end to the campaign for the under 15s as they failed to fulfil any of their last four league fixtures due to a shortage of players. It is even more disappointing as they were on a run of 3 games unbeaten, and the four unplayed games were all against sides in the bottom half of the table, thus giving them a great chance to finish comfortably in mid-table. Instead, they have finished in 10th place out of 11 clubs. News of which teams we hope to run next season will be announced as soon as decisions have been made.

Posted at 08:53

Monday 16 April - Hendon 4 Kodak 2

Hendon Under-15s moved away from the wrong end of the Harrow Youth League Division Two table with a come-from-behind victory over Kodak on Sunday afternoon. The first half was very disappointing with Kodak, who had only 10 players at the start of the game, creating all the chances and dominating the game in all areas and deservedly taking the lead in the first half. A stern half-time talking-to from Hendon manager Tony Payne seemed to do the trick, assisted by a slight reshuffle in the team. Midway through the second half, Hendon drew level courtesy of Emery Asher, who smashed a loose ball into the roof of the net. Unfortunately, a lapse in concentration in defence, a few minutes later, allowed Kodak to regain the lead. With 12 minutes remaining, Hendon equalized again, this time with a goal from Kailume Backer. This was the boost that Hendon needed and, a couple of minutes later, Backer grabbed his second goal of the game to give them the lead for the first time. And the team continued to pile the pressure on the Kodak defence, which was breached in again in the dying minutes, Jamie Crump bagging his first goal for the club. "We got the win," said Mr Payne, "but we needed that half-time team-talk. My man of the match, for his outstanding performance in the centre of midfield was Jamie Crump."

Posted at 00:33

Monday 26 March - Hendon 0 Isledon Wolves 11

The under 15s were comprehensively beaten 11-0 by Isledon Wolves yesterday afternoon, a result that sees them go out of the league trophy. Youth development officer Alan Rolnick said "We were overmatched, but the leadership of Danny Ready was outstanding.

Posted at 17:00

Monday 19 March - Hendon 0 Parkfield 0

Hendon opened their campaign in the Harrow Youth League Trophy group stages with a point from a goalless draw against Parkfield, a club the Greens have yet to meet in League opposition. The high point for Hendon was another clean sheet for goalkeeper Kristian Darnley-Hinds. Hendon dominated possession and territory, but the Parkfield defence was nothing if not determined and well-manned. The Greens didn't help themselves by taking wrong options on too many occasions, with the result that they were unable to break the deadlock. Youth Development Officer Alan Rolnick said, "This was a game which on another day Hendon would likely have scored very heavily. My man of the match was, without question, Riade Alvaranga. There is one more tie to be played in the competition and I believe there is still a very good chance for us to qualify for the knock-out stages."

Posted at 15:00

Monday 05 March - Hendon 4 Hampstead 0

Hendon Under-15s returned to winning ways, their first win in 6 games, on Sunday afternoon with a 4-0 victory over Hampstead, the result moving them up to 7th place in the league table. Following a goalless first half, Markal Luke-Harris opened the scoring 7 minutes into the second period, and doubled the lead twelve minutes later. Riade Alvaranga made it 3-0, before Tryvon Thompson completed the scoring nine minutes from time. The Men of the Match were Edson Gomes and 2nd keeper Kristian Darnley-Hinds.

Posted at 09:35

Thursday 01 March - Hendon 0 St Lawrence 0

Hendon Under-15s ended their losing run but had to be content with a goalless draw at home to St Lawrence on Sunday afternoon. Hendon started the better and created a few chances, none of which they could convert into anything tangible. St Lawrence grew stronger and began to create chances, though they were equally unable to make a breakthrough. In the second half, with Max Payne and new signing Toby Kelly dominating, Hendon were back on top but that vital opening goal would not come. In the last 15 minutes, Hendon almost made the breakthrough when a free-kick went a whisker over the crossbar and then a back-post header from Kelly struck the post. Hendon's man of the match was centre half and captain Danny Ready, who was solid at the heart of the defence and as vocal as ever.

Posted at 18:40

Sunday 22 January - Magix 6 Hendon 1

Hendon Under-15s were blown away by league leaders Magix at Wormwood Scrubs playing fields on Sunday. In awful conditions, Hendon stuggled to cope with the strong wind against physically dominating opponents and although they never gave up, they were always second best. This was despite taking the lead after 15 minutes through Markal Luke-Harris after 15 minutes. Magix were stung into a response and scored twice before half-time. In the second half, things went from bad to worse for Hendon, despite a magnificent defensive performance from Emery Asher, and the Greens conceded four more goals without reply. Youth Development Officer Alan Rolnick said, "We couldn't cope with a very good team today. They were better than us and much stronger - without being dirty - and adapted better to the awful conditions. But we never gave up."

Posted at 17:13

Thursday 19 January - Headstone Manor B 5 Hendon 0

Hendon Under-15s had a disappointing Sunday morning when they travelled to face Headstone Manor B in the Harrow Youth League. Missing some key players, the understrength team fell behind 2-0 in the first half. It was more of the same after the break and Hendon conceded three times. But it wasn't all one-way traffic, because Hendon created a number of chances and, indeed, had five one-on-ones, none of which, unfortunately, they were able to convert into goals. There were some bright sparks with Edson Gomes and Danny Ready working tirelessly and Emery Asher almost as good. "It was disappointing today," admitted Youth Development Officer Alan Rolnick, "but there were some positives to take out of the game. We have a signed a couple of new players and they might well be involved next week, and there could be more signings too."

Posted at 14:08

Monday 09 January - Hendon 1 Heathrow Club 3

Hendon Under-15s suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Heathrow Club at Kingsbury on Sunday afternoon. The youngsters, looking a little rusty after a months Christmas break, nonetheless took the game to the Heathrow Club and took the lead after 25 minutes. A superbly struck free-kick from Anwar El-Hammadi picked out Edison Gomes and his header was flicked into the net. The team turned around with that one-goal advantage, but it soon disappeared and a second Heathrow goal changed the face of the game. As Hendon looked to get back into the match they left too much space at the back and conceded a crucial third goal midway through the second half. "Unquestionably we were a little disappointing today," admitted Youth Development Officer Alan Rolnick. "We did look rusty at the start."

Posted at 18:26

Monday 12 December - Hendon 3 Eagles United 2

Hendon Under-15s got back to winning ways with a well-deserved 3-2 victory over Eagles United. United had the very strong wind at their backs in the first half and set the pace. After 23 minutes, Sid McCann made an outstanding save, but he was helpless, two minutes later, as Eagles took the lead. But Hendon showed excellent spirit in fighting back and they went into half-time with the lead. Five minutes before the interval Markael Luke-Harris grabbed an equaliser and, three minutes later, Luke-Harris grabbed his second. After the break, Hendon continued to play well and they got their reward with 15 minutes to go when James Johnson made it 3-1. However, a late goal from Eagles made things interesting for the Greens but they were able to see out time to collect all three points. "We played really well today," enthused Youth Development Officer Alan Rolnick, "and deserved the win. From what I have seen of Eagles United, they are as good as any of the teams in the division. My man of the match today was Laelae Gayle."

Posted at 15:31

Tuesday 06 December - Magix 4 Hendon 2

Hendon Under-15s, under new manager Tony Payne, gave a very good account of themselves, but were still beaten 4-2 by high-flying Magix in a Harrow Youth League Division Two encounter on Sunday afternoon. The Greens found themselves a goal down quite early in the first half but showed strong resolve in fighting back. Their efforts were rewarded when Edson Gomes equalised, but on the stroke of half-time, Magix scored a second goal, a cleverly timed run resulting in a shot that gave Sid McCann no chance. This goal, so close to the interval, knocked the stuffing out of Hendon and Magix took full toll, adding two more to their total at the start of the second half. But Hendon again picked themselves up and pulled a goal back through Danny Ready. From then on, Hendon were on top, but Magix held on for what was a deserved victory. "This was very, very encouraging," said Youth Development Officer Alan Rolnick. "The boys have come together well and we gave it a real go in the second half. My man of the match was Emery Asher."

Posted at 16:11

Monday 28 November - Tony Payne takes over as manager

We are pleased to announce that Tony Payne has taken over as manager of the under-15s with immediate effect following the recent departure of Andrew Reith. We are delighted to welcome Tony to the club, and wish him every success with our youngsters.

Posted at 15:20

Monday 28 November - Hendon 1 Headstone Manor B 3

Hendon Under-15s, who lost manager Andrew Reith in the days leading up to the match, battled hard to overcome a bad start and eventually slipped to a 3-1 defeat against Headstone Manor B in the Harrow Youth League Division 2 at Kingsbury on Sunday. Two goals in the first quarter put Headstone Manor in control and it forced Hendon to change their formation, which brought an immediate improvement in performance. In the second half, there was very little to choose between the teams and although Manor did get a third goal, Hendon at least drew the second period when James Johnson scored. Acting manager Alan Rolnick said, "It was very encouraging in the second half. The boys were shocked by Andrew's sudden departure and I had to sort a few things out. Once we changed our formation after 20 minutes, I thought we played very well."

Posted at 15:19

Monday 21 November - Headstone Manor A 1 Hendon 0

Hendon Under-15s produced a disappointing performance in going down 1-0 to Headstone Manor A in the Harrow Youth League on Sunday morning. The only goal of the game came midway through the first half and was the result of a slip by a defender, losing possession deep in his own half. The ball was played forward quickly and the resulting shot gave Headstone Manor what proved to be the game's only goal. Hendon were much better in the second half and dominated possession. However, for all of their territorial advantage and a number of openings, the Greens could not find an equaliser. Acting manager Alan Rolnick – regular boss Andrew Reith was away – said, "I am very disappointed to lose the game. It was all about taking the wrong options and we did that too often. We also have to learn to attack the ball properly."

Posted at 16:21

Sunday 13 November - Bedfont Eagles 11 Hendon 0

It was a bad day at the office for the under-15s on Sunday, with a heavy 11-0 defeat at Bedfont Eagles in the county cup. The kick off was delayed 30 minutes as 6 key players were hindered by train cancellations but this still wasn't enough time as they were forced to kick off with a heavily weakened side. Bedfont scored their first goal three minutes into the game, slack defending allowed Bedfont to slip through and powerfully place a shot past Sid McCann. Two of the six players that were delayed arrived and were put on the pitch, but they didn't have time to manage a warm up and this showed as mentally or physically they were not prepared, and the team were caught in possession and Bedfont doubled their lead. The rest of the squad turned up and were put on the pitch in vain hope we could claw back the deficit, but Bedfont were in confident mood and whilst they spurned plenty of chances Bedfont got their 3rd with an uncharacteristic mistake from our keeper Sid McCann. Bedfont's 4th was scored 15 minutes before the end of the first half again from slack defending. Second half kicked off with an eager Hendon side looking to put the first half behind them, but Bedfont scored within two minutes from the restart and this was to prove the nail in the coffin as Bedfont's confidence grew and the Hendon heads dropped. Hendon conceded a further 6 goals without putting up a real fight as they were just hoping to hear the full time whistle. Five of the six goals were scored within the last 10 minutes of the game. "The whole squad and management are in shock at the result," said Andrew Reith. "I can make a host of excuses about trains delays, formation disruptions and individual errors however we played a very good side in Bedfont Eagles. "We all had to be on top of our game mentally and physically going into this fixture, this wasn't the case! To lose 11-0 is an embarrassment to Hendon U15's and next Sunday's fixture with Headstone Manor A can't come quick enough"

Posted at 21:42

Monday 07 November - Hampstead 1 Hendon 4

Hendon returned to winning ways with a 4-1 victory over Hampstead in the Harrow Youth League on Sunday morning. The Greens started the game quite sluggish, for the first 20 minutes they couldn't dominate midfield or create any chances. With that said Hampstead never really troubled the Hendon defence with the game being more of a midfield battle than a footballing spectacle. Manager Andrew Reith made a couple of changes and Hendon reacted positively from the change with James Johnson scoring the opener. 5 minutes later Markel Luke-Harris scored Hendon's second and a further 5 minutes after his first goal he scored a tremendeous goal from outside the area lobbing the keeper to put the Greens 3-0 up at half-time Second half started very similarly to the first half, it took 20 minutes for Hampstead to score their first and only goal. The goal came from a free-kick leaving Sid McCann with no real chance of saving it. Hendon pushed for a fourth and were rewarded when debutant Jamal Dacas scored inside the 6yd box from a corner with 2 minutes remaining. "The score line suggests a significant gap between the two sides however Hampstead did put a lot of pressure on us," said a happy Mr Reith after the game. "I would like to build on this result and make sure the team doesnt take winning for granted. I'm sure the boys will tell you that our training sessions arent exactly fun if we lose so maybe that influenced the result"

Posted at 22:44

Saturday 05 November - Hendon 0 Harrow St Mary's 2

Hendon Under-15s went into their Sunday Harrow Youth League Division Two match against Harrow St Mary’s knowing that a win would take them to the top of the table, but they were equally aware that a number of their key contributors were unavailable. Although they gave their all, the replacements were unable to find a way through the Harrow defence and two goals from the visitors were enough for them to come away with all three points. "It was very disappointing to lose today," admitted manager Andrew Reith. "But it was very hard without so many of my best players. Man of the match today was Danny Ready."

Posted at 18:39

Sunday 23 October - Heathrow Club 0 Hendon 2

The under 15s continued their good start to the season with a 2-0 win at Heathrow Club in a league game, gaining quick revenge for their league cup exit three weeks ago. The game started with the Greens dictating the play, Laelae Gayle showing great determination and skill in the middle of the park to win and create chances with James Johnson going close on a couple of occasions. Gayle's central midfield partner, Edson Gomes, was the designated throw-in taker, and this proved to be crucial as his long-throw into the box as latched onto by Markael Luke-Harris, who placed the ball into the top corner inside the 6 yard box. Hendon continued to look the stronger team in the second period, and keeper Sid McCann had nothing more than a couple of awkward bounced to deal with. Luke-Harris continued to prove to be a handful up front, and having just had a goal disallowed, he scored his, and Hendon's, second of the afternoon, allowing the Greens to see the game out comfortably. "I'm happy with the result today," said manager Andrew Reith after the game. "We looked comfortable throughout the game, keeping a clean sheet. However, we never got out of second gear which was a little frustrating. I'm always looking for Hendon to take advantage of every situation and increase our lead "Laelae Gayle was immense in the middle and takes the man of the match award today. He showed great determination throughout"

Posted at 21:01

Sunday 16 October - Ruislip Town A 1 Hendon 3

The under 15s pulled off a superb result against Ruislip Town A in the County Cup today winning 3-1. The result was even better as Ruislip play in the division above the young Greens. From the start of the game Hendon applied a lot of pressure on the home team, but poor decision making in the final third was to prove frustrating as Ruislip toko the lead midway through the first half with a headed goal from a free kick. The Greens then began to play in a more direct fashion, creating a few half chances before captain Edson Gomes took possession outside the area and powered the ball home into the bottom corner to equalise. Manager Andrew Reith made a couple of tactical changes at half time, and the youngsters continued to apply good pressure. They took the lead when Laelae Gayle scored with a left foot half volley from 30 yards. Sid McCann, Shay Clarke, Danny Ready and Justin Blair were proving imprenetrable at the back, keeping out the Ruislip attack, and the final goal came through super-sub Emery Asher for his third strike in three appearances. "Ruislip Town play in the division above us so to dominate the game the way we did was very pleasing", said a delighted Mr Reith after the game. "Man of the Match goes to Edson Gomes, he gave 110% all game, tracking back, winning every header in the middle and scoring a great equaliser" Team : McCann, E-Hannachi, Zeinali, Clarke, Ready, Thompson, Ahmed, Gomes, Gayle, Luke-Harris, Johnson. Subs : Payne, Patadia, Asher, Dimitrov.

Posted at 22:11

Sunday 09 October - Eagles United 5-5 Hendon

The under 15s returned to league action this morning, and had an ultimately disappointing 5-5 draw with Eagles United. The first half had its controversial moments, as after James Johnson opened the scoring for the Greens, Eagles scored three goals, one from an individual lapse in concentration at the back, and the other two from debatable offside decisions. Laelae Gayle scored Greens second goal of the game, to make the score 3-2 to Eagles at the half-time break. Manager Andrew Reith made some changes during the break, and was rewarded five minutes into the second period when the combination of Anwar El-Hannachi and Johnson set up Markael Luke-Harris to score a fine first time effort. Ahmed Ahmed scored a scrappy but vital goal to give the Greens the lead, before Luke-Harris's lightning pace was too much for the Eagles defence as he ran onto a measured through ball to slot it into the net. That meant the Hendon youngsters were 5-3 up with just 5 minutes to go, but sadly the team took their foot off the pedal and were punished as they conceded two soft goals to ensure the points were shared. "The boys deserve great credit for their team performance today," said Mr Reith after the game, "especially with big decisions not going for us and a couple of individual errors. "Half-time was crucial to get everyone focused on the positives of our play and not to dwell on outside negative factors. They all responded brilliantly, but however we need to take a lesson from the last 5 minutes, and ensure we keep focused throughout the game. "Special mention goes to man of the match Markael Luke-Harris who made the difference today, an exciting partnership with James Johnson could unfold."

Posted at 17:24

Tuesday 04 October - Hendon 2 Heathrow Club 4

The under-15s were knocked out of the league cup at the first attempt on Sunday afternoon as they were defeated 4-2 by Heathrow Club. The game started very evenly, with both sides creating chances. However, Heathrow Club opened the scoring through a mix-up in defence, with nobody dominating the box from a free-kick into th ebox. The Greens created great chances to score an equaliser, but were unable to take them, which allowed Heathrow to take advantage of another defensive mix-up, this time from a throw in. Hendon pressed for a goal, and were rewarded when James Johnson latched onto a through ball and slotted it home. Unfortunately the re-energized Greens were deflated just before half time when Heathrow scored a lovely goal, the ball flying into the top corner to make it 1-3 at half-time. Hendon looked a much better side in the second half, Anwar El-Hannachi striking the crossbar with a long range effort, as well as Avadh Patadia and Johnson having chances. However, Heathrow hit on the break and found space at the back to score their fourth. However, the Greens refused to let their heads drop and put in great effort to secure another goal, Emery Asher finding the back of the net. "Complacency was the main topic of the week building up to this game," said manager Andrew Reith, "but unfortunately this was not taken seriously. We are now out of the League Cup, a competition we all wanted to go far in. To be fair its only our second game together, we will learn much more from this defeat than our win the other week." Team : Brick, Zeinali, Blair, Clarke, Ready, Asher, Gayle, Gomes, El-Hannachi, Payne, Johnson. Subs : Thompson, Dimitrov, Luke-Harris, Patadia.

Posted at 15:25

Monday 26 September - Kodak A 2 Hendon 8

The under 15s opened the season with an excellent 8-2 win over Kodak A, in a fixture which was their first competitive game together. The young Greens began the game soaking up Kodak's play in their own half and then breaking on the counter attack. James Johnson scored the first goal having been sent clear by Laelae Gayle to tuk the ball under the keeper. Kodak converted a penalty, which was awarded for handball, to equalise, but just two minutes later Gayle struck a wonder-goal from 25 yards out into the top corner. Kodak were back on level terms when a poor clearance went straight to an opposition player, who fed one of his team-mates who was able to go on and score. However, Johnson restored the lead shortly before the break meaning the Greens turned round 3-2 up. Manager Andrew Reith made a few tactical changes at half-time, and these paid off immediately as Max Payne extended the lead a minute after the restart. Hendon went on to score four more goals during the second half, with Johnson completing his hat-trick, and Gayle scoring twice to complete a triple of his own. The other goal came from substitute Emery Asher. "That was a great start for the boys," said a delighted Mr Reith after the game. "I'm delighted with all of our players, each and every one deserves praise for their character on and off the pitch. James Johnson, Laelae Gayle, Edson Gomes and Danny Ready were all contenders for Man of the Match, James Johnson just claiming it. Our full focus is now on next week's game at home, securing results like today don't happen without working hard for them." Team : Brick, Patadia, Zeinali, Clarke, Ready, Thompson, Payne, Gomes, El-Hannachi, Gayle, Johnson. Subs : Asher, Dimitrov, Blair.

Posted at 17:52

Monday 19 September - County cup walkover

The under 15s received a walkover in the county cup yesterday after their opponents, Whitewebbs Eagles, were unable to fulfill the fixture. Their second round opponents will be Ruislip Town, with the game being played on Sunday 16th October.

Posted at 11:02

Monday 22 August - League constitution announced

Our under 15 side will play in Division Two of the Harrow Youth League this season. Their opponents are Eagles United, Hampstead, Harrow St Mary's, Headstone Manor A, Headstone Manor B, Heathrow Club, Kodak, Magix, Parkfield and St Lawrence

Posted at 18:09

Wednesday 17 August - County Cup draw

The county cup draw has been released this morning, and our under 15 side will travel to Whitewebbs Eagles in the first round on Sunday 18th September

Posted at 10:17

Thursday 14 July - Under 15s trials

Trials for our new under 15 side will take place on Sunday 31st July. For details of the venue and timing, please email youthsection@hendonfc.net.

Posted at 09:14

Thursday 14 July - New manager appointed

We are delighted to announce that Andrew Reith has been appointed as the manager of our new under 15 side that will be playing in the Harrow Youth League this season. We warmly welcome Andrew to the club, and wish him every success for the forthcoming season.

Posted at 09:11