Leopards’ Season

May i first of all say a big thank you to ALL our player's who have been outstanding this season together.

When i look back to the beginning of the season and think that we actually might not have had any team at all. I was given the challenge to build a team  around Four of our existing player's who i might add are very important members of this team.

When i look at the team now,it really does show how far we have come and to finish in a respectable position in the league too. Each player has really responded well in training and this is showing every time this team plays. There has been some great games this season with memorable wins away against Melton Foxes and high flying Ibstock which I have to say was our best game.

We added some very good talent to our team this season and i was very pleased to see them being recognised by other teams and managers for their own individual abilities. I wish them well with their own progression outside this team.

We had to contend with some bad weather this season and it soon became very disruptive to our arranged fixtures.

I finally would like to thank all the parents this season. I think you have all being very patient as we slowly progressed towards a rather extended season. As a football parent i too know how disruptive this can be to your weekends. (But i have to say it was well worth it)

Looking ahead, i honestly believe that a truly great team can develop from this set of young players. I hope we will all be together for what promises to be an exciting time next season and then progress these lads from there into eleven aside football.

I look forward to our summer tournaments which just leaves me to say how much i have enjoyed coaching these players this season and meeting all of you parents.
 
Well done everyone....Fantastic first season.

Patrick Doody.
AAJYFC Under 9's Manager

Asfordby Leopards  4   vs    Mowbray Lions  3

Derby Delight for the Leopards...

Excellent finish to the season today for Asfordby as they beat their local rivals to finish a very respectful fourth place in their division. Great entertainment from start to finish with Mowbray playing their part in what turned out to be a very good display of junior football. Mowbray grabbed the lead early on but a quick reply from Asfordby's Ben Newman put the scores back level. Asfordby had a game plan and stuck to it well brining Archie Moreland into play on the left hand side. Joseph Bradley and Newman troubled Mowbray all game and before long Asfordby scored again with Newman netting his tenth goal of the season which is a great achievement for him.

Good defensive play by man of the match Alex Purcell along with Alex Wright, did their job brilliantly in the first half of the game. Goal keeper Charlie Green had an excellent game and commanded his area very well today.

Third goal soon came with yet again some wonderful passing link up play with Bradley and Moreland. Who else but goal machine Ryan keyworth to net goal number twelve for the season which for him is a remarkable achievement.

Half time - 3-1

Second half saw a team change with Callum Fotheringham on for Keyworth,Harry Taylor on for Newman,Jack Addenbrooke on for Moreland and Brandon Giblett on for Alex Purcell. Mowbray scored instantly at the restart which set up an exciting finale to the match. Bradley caused Mowbray problems with his pace in the second half who linked up well with Taylor on the right. Mowbray started to edge back into the game and did so with another goal to make it 3-3.
 
With Moreland and Newman now back on for Wright and Bradley,this allowed Asfordby a bit more pace to go on and win the game. Taylor now back in defence came mighty close to scoring, hitting his shot over the bar. Good pass and move play between Newman and Taylor enabled Moreland to have a shot but was just wide. Good half by Addenbrooke and Giblett who both got stuck in when called for.Big moment of the game came when Newman and Moreland got the ball up to Taylor who pressed around the box enabling Fotheringham to tap in and score his first goal for his new team, against his old team. Asfordby could have finished off the game quite easily towards the end as they had a lot more to bring on the field and attack.

Final score 4-3.

As an end of season gesture, both teams took part in a penalty shoot out competition after the game.

Managers comments- A wonderful team performance and a good second half performance from all our substitutes today. A great end to what has been a very good first season together as a team.
Lets enjoy the summer and look forward to next season. Well done to all.
Thanks to referee Stuart Fotheringham for today's game.
 
Team- (G.K) Charlie Green,A.Wright,A.Purcell,B.Newman,A.Moreland,J.Bradley,R.Keyworth(c),C.Fotheringham,B.Giblett,J.Addenbroke,H.Taylor.
 

Patrick Doody.

AAJYFC Under 9's Manager

Thurmaston Storm  2     vs.     Asfordby Leopards  2

Newman's Double Earns a Point.....

A Ben Newman double strike helped Asfordby earn a point at Thurmaston today,but it was the Leopards who felt they should have collected all three.

Thurmaston went ahead early on in the game but it was all Asfordby after that with chance after chance on goal.
Keyworth had many attempts in the first half but could not find the back of the net.

Archie Moreland played superb in the centre seeking out Newman and Keyworth to grab the equaliser. Alex Purcell and Alex Wright cleared up well again in defence to stop any Thurmaston breaks. Good half by Harry Taylor saw him play out on the left and he defended well when called for. Plenty of corners today for Leopards and with Moreland(man of the match) being given the responsibility to deliver them,did so brilliantly.

After constant Asfordby pressure around the Thurmaston box,the goal finally came from Newman to level the scores at half time. 1-1.

Second half introduced Jack Addenbroke out on the left for Harry Taylor and Callum Fotheringham upfront for Keyworth.

Asfordby continued to dominate possession and from the re-start, after good wing play by Newman,Fotheringham missed a chance to score.
As the half went on, the game became more stretched and Charlie Green in Goal was called upon to make some excellent saves for the team.
 
Asfordby continued to press Thurmaston in their half and eventually took the lead with some superb link up play between Moreland and Newman who cut inside his marker to fire a fierce shot in to score.
Addenbrooke played well closing down play on the left wing along with Purcell who had a good game again in defence with Wright and later on,Taylor. Plenty of chances for Fotheringham to score but was unfortunate with his efforts.
 
Asfordby were then caught out quickly on the break down hill by Thurmaston who replied soon after to make the score 2-2. As Thurmaston now pressed on to win,Green pulled off some fine saves to keep the game at 2-2.
 
Managers comments- Very good enjoyable game for the neutral. VERY STRESSFUL FOR ALL PARENTS AND MANAGER..........Well done to all.
 
Team-(G.K) C.Green,A.Purcell,A.Wright,H.Taylor,J,Addenbrooke,B,Newman,A,Moreland,C.Fotheringham, R,Keyworth (c)

Ibstock Puma's   0  v  Asfordby Leopards   1

Keyworth Strike Sinks Ibstock....

Leopards were dominant again from start to finish in this the return fixture against the Puma's. Asfordby controlled the game from start to finish and could have scored much more. Ryan Keyworth took his seasons goal tally to eleven in the first half after some brilliant support play from Newman and Moreland. An all round strong performance in defence from Purcell and Wright,kept Ibstock well and truly at bay. Joseph Bradley added an energetic pace to the middle enabling Asfordby to search for a second goal.

Half time 0-1 to the Leopards.

Introduction of Giblett and Fotheringham in defence,gave Purcell and Wright a well earned rest. The Leopards kicked downhill second half and with the wind behind them, it made ball control a little more tricky. Keyworth and Bradley were rested and Fotheringham was switched from defence to striker for the remainder of the match and he created chances to score. Moreland and Newman as with every other player today gave everything and with Purcell and Giblett clearing everything up in defence,Leopards saw the game out to take a very well earned three points.

Man of the match was given for a  whole team performance...

Managers Comments- Outstanding from start to finish. Played some Wonderful football and truly deserved to win today.. Big thanks to all Mums especially today as it is your day. The lads gave you all a nice present..... WELL DONE
 
Team- C.Green (GK),A.Purcell,A.Wright,J.Bradley,B.Newman,A.Moreland,B.Giblett,C.Fotheringham, R.Keyworth(C)

Asfordby Leopards  0    vs    Ibstock Pumas  3

All the Play....No Reward.

Asfordby dominated this game for long periods but were denied a way through by quite a physical Ibstock team. As always ,the leopards started on the offensive and went mighty close in the opening minute from a Ben Newman shot on goal which went over the bar.
 
Asfordby settled into their game and continued to frustrate the Ibstock defence with Archie Moreland  and Joseph Bradley all having numerous shots on goal in the first half. The leopards just needed to break the deadlock early on to change the game ,but it came against the run of play with a defensive clearance by Ibstock.This in turn found the loan Ibstock striker who turned the defence to score.

Super solo run by Newman saw him run the full length of the pitch only to be denied by the keeper.
Ibstock went on to net a fortunate second goal for them later in the first half which ended 0-2 to Ibstock.Asfordby with all the play.......
 
Second half continued the same with Asfordby pressing on to get back in the game. Ryan Keyworth was very lively upfront and created a few chances for himself .
 
Good defensive work by Purcell and Wright in the first half,  were rested for Fotheringham and Giblet in the second. Harry Taylor came on for the man of the match Joseph Bradley who had worked hard again and was rested. Taylor played well out wide and found himself with a few chances as did Moreland who thought he had scored only to be denied by the cross bar.

Good passing play by Giblet and Taylor was superb to watch as they confidently played their way out of defence. Fotheringham provided good defensive clearances when much needed.
 
Charlie Green provided some excellent saves and clearances and set up one Asfordby attack from his goal kicks.

Move of the match came from Ibstock when Asfordby failed to close down quick enough.
Good cross into the box ,met with a glancing header to give Ibstock their third in what was a very entertaing game of junior football.
 
Managers comments- Excellent teamwork today. More of the same next week away at Ibstock.
Big thanks to all parents and players and a special thanks to Stuart Fotheringham for refereeing today's game.......
 
Team- C.Green(G.K).,A.Purcell,A.Wright,C.Fotheringham,B.Giblett,J.Bradley,B.Newman,A.Moreland,H.Taylor,
R.Keyworth
 

Patrick Doody.

AAJYFC Under 9's Manager

Loughborourgh Blacks   7              Asfordby Leopards  0

Chances galore go begging at Loughbourgh.....

Leopards came to Loughbourgh today knowing it was not going to be easy. Asfordby started very brightly and created an early chance for Keyworth who was very lively all game.
 
The leopards knew they had to defend well and work extra hard against a well drilled attacking Loughbourgh team and they did just that until the final whistle .
 
It is hard to believe judging from the score line that both teams were evenly matched all game as Asfordby continued to attack despite going a couple of goals down early on. This showed great character from the team as they pressed on even more to get a goal. Newman  troubled Loughbourgh on the wing all game producing some quality link up play with Keyworth and Moreland who all came mighty close.
 
Superb goalkeeping from Green again who showed what he can do and more importantly showed a good attitude even when going a few goals down.
 
The Leopards looked in good shape all game but very frustratingly could not find that goal. The introduction of Bradley provided extra urgency in the team and he himself came mighty close with a thunder shot just going wide.
 
But it was Keyworth who troubled loughbourgh today with some great glancing headers on goal from Newman's service. Keyworth had numerous of shots on goal and more importantly on target and forced some good saves from the Loughbourgh keeper.

Credit to all the players today who worked hard and well as a team.
 
Wright,Taylor,Fotheringham and Giblet were tested defensively in this game by quick attacking play and each did their role very well.
 
Full credit was given to the team today from the opposition who recognised the teams ever improving performances.
 
Only difference today was Loughbourgh took their chances.
Loughbourgh 7 Asfordby leopards chances 7
 
Man of the match - Ryan Keyworth.
 
Managers comments- Fantastic match which showed great character and maturity in the team.I think looking at today it really showed how far this team has come which is full credit to all our players
 
Team-G.K C. Green,A.Wright,C.Fotheringham,B.Giblet,H.Taylor,B.Newman,A.Moreland,J.Bradley,R.Keyworth
 

Asfordby Leopards  8    v    Coalville Ravens  2
 
Leopards continue to march on....
 
Asfordby continued their good run of form today with another victory,but it was Coalville who started the brighter side. A much improved performance from Coalville in the opening ten minutes made it a nervy start for the leopards but the lads soon settled and got their game going.
 
Coalville deservedly opened the scoring with Asfordby showing to much of the ball to their opponents.
It needed the introduction of Newman to net the first for the leopards and indeed follow on to put the Leopards 2-1 ahead.
 
Full credit to Coalville who themselves pressed on in numbers to grab an equaliser. Green was called upon several times in the first half and made some vital stops for the leopards.
 
A quick reshuffle from the Leopards manager saw the back tighten up with Fotheringham and Wright cleaning up the Coalville attacks. Joseph Bradley created himself a few chances in the first half along with Harry Taylor but were unlucky with their efforts.
 
Leopards looked more relaxed on the ball and started to play their game and it didn't take long until Ryan Keyworth got amongst the goals.
Good wing play from Taylor and Newman enabled keyworth to have numerous of chances and Ryan took Two of them which brings his goal tally for the season to TEN.
 
Archie Moreland made some good breaks through the centre and was rewarded with a goal. Good second half from Brandon Giblet who came back on to help defend with Joseph Bradley for the remainder of the match.
 
Good play around the Coalville box saw a Newman cross deflected in for an own goal. Harry Taylor who was out on the left today was rewarded for his hard work with a goal but it was Newman who stole the show and got himself another hat rick for the leopards. The game got quite physical towards the end with Coalville throwing in some hard challenges which at one point stopped a solo Newman run on the wing.Final score - 8-2.
 
Man of the Match-  Ben Newman.
 
Managers comments. Yet again the team showed great improvement and the ability to carry out instructions which today was LOOK FOR KEYWORTH.
Well done Lads..............
 
 Team-        G.K C.Green, A.Wright, J.Bradley, A,Moreland, B,Newman, R.Keyworth (C), C.Fotheringham, H.Taylor, B.Giblet

Melton Foxes Jades 0 Asfordby Leopards 1

Asfordby Win Their First Local Derby

Great return to the season from the Asfordby players today who played a huge part in a very competitive local match.

It took a second half own goal to eventually separate the two sides and some good persistence from all the Asfordby players to see this game out.

First half saw the leopards play some wonderful football through the centre and with great confidence too. The Foxes defended in large numbers and made it difficult to create any real clear cut chances.

Lots of energy from Alex wright and Alex Purcell today who both defended very well again. Ben Newman never stopped on the right hand side and was seeking out Ryan Keyworth for most of the game who came mighty close just putting the ball wide. Archie Moreland also playing his first derby game made a great contribution to the game along with the ever improving Jack Addenbrooke who also had a great first half.
 
Half time saw the teams evenly poised at 0-0.

The energy of Joseph Bradley shook things about in the second half and with Harry Taylor now on in defence to give Wright a rest.

Callum Fotheringham also on for Jack who also needed a well earned rest. Heroic goal keeping today from Charlie green who's personalised named gloves did the trick. Fair to say Charlie's safe hands kept the leopards well in there.

The goal eventually came from the right hand side with Newman doing what he does best which is running at the defence. Ben took his shot and with a crowded penalty box,the ball was deflected in for an own goal.

Few decisions against the leopards today which did not trouble the lads too much as they played out what felt like a rather extended second half to win their first local derby.
 
Man of the match today- Charlie 'in safe hands' Green
 
Managers comment's-Thank-you to all mums and dads (and granddads) for your continued support. The boys showed today how far they are making progress as a team.
 
Team-G.K C.Green, A,Purcell, A.Wright, J.Bradley, A,Mooreland, B,Newman, R.Keyworth (C), C.Fotheringham, H.Taylor,J.Addenbrooke.

Asfordby Leopards  6   v        Thurmaston Storm  0

BEN AND ARCHIE HIT THREE EACH ON DEBUT's.

Asfordby played their three new signings today and each of them  were a credit to the team. Very strong performance today from the leopards who have been playing some wonderful football over the last few games.
 
Thurmaston started very brightly and were quick to test the leopards defence early on. Unfortunate for them as they came across an inform Alex Purcell and Alex Wright who defended awesome today. Alex Wright eventually went on to take the man of the match on today's performance.
 
Ben Newman's work rate was superb today and he thoroughly deserved his three goals which were all well executed. Asfordby soon got hold of the game and played through the middle with Joseph Bradley and Archie Mooreland who were seeking out Ryan Keyworth who was a menace in the box with some good movement.
 
Good first half from Charlie Green who when called upon made some vital stop's.
Very impressive communication from Green today who organised his box well.
 
Asfordby scored a great first half goal with a thunder strike from Newman who hit the bar which saw a good follow up from Mooreland who slotted home.
Half time Leopards in control 3-0.
 
Second half saw the introduction of Harrison Taylor and Jack Addenbrooke who was also playing his first game for the Leopards today and made a fine contribution for his first match.
Brandon Gibblet and Calum Fotheringham came on later on in this half and defended giving Wright and Purcell a rest.
Leopards scored three more well taken goals from Newman and Mooreland in this half which put the game well beyond Thurmaston.
 
Asfordby kept up the attacks all the way to the end with Harry Taylor and Ryan Keyworth missing some chances which saw the final score 6-0 to the leopards.
 
Managers comment-Great debut's for Ben, Archie and Jack. Quite simply lad's an awesome team display....Well done and up the table we go.
 
Team-G.K C.Green, A,Purcell, A.Wright, J.Bradley, A,Mooreland, B,Newman, R.Keyworth, C.Fotheringham, H.Taylor,J.Addenbrooke, B.Giblett

Coalville Ravens  1         Asfordby leopards  8

Asfordby run riot at Coalville...
 
The leopards enjoyed a good game of football at Coalville today to get their first league points of the season.

Both teams showed their remembrance day respect at the start of this match with a minute silence. From the kick off the leopards got straight in and attacked the ravens goal resulting in Ryan keyworths first goal of the match.

Harrison Taylor and Joseph Bradley provided good first half support upfront with keyworth and were rewarded with a couple of goals of their own. It was all Asfordby in the first half which enabled Alex Wright to play a little further upfront and offer support.

Goal keeper Charlie Green had little to do in the first half and was a mere spectator until half time.Asfordby went in 0-6 to the good.

Second half instruction was to see Asfordby start to pass and play and they did just that.
 
The leopards were caught out at the start of the second half with a well taken goal by Coalville.Great individual performance from Brandon Giblett in this half with saw some slick passing. Harrison Taylor and Joseph Bradley played some lovely passing football which was started from the defence of Wright and Callum Fotheringhham.
 
Keyworth soon started scoring again from some good football from the rest of the lads. Harry Taylor got himself two goals today along with Joseph Bradley who also scored two.

Congratulations to Ryan Keyworth today for netting Four and getting the man of the match.
 
Great second half team performance and full credit to the Ravens goal keeper who had an outstanding Second half.                            
M.O.T.M Ryan Keyworth.
Well done lads.......................
 
Team. (G.K) C.Green,C.Fotheringham,A.Wright,H.Taylor,B,Giblett,J.Bradley,R.Keyworth.

Asfordby Leopards 0    v    Melton Foxes Jades 4
 
The leopards started very brightly against their local rivals today and the match produced some good football by both teams.
With leopards having a bare seven,they knew that the challenge would be tough but they still kept playing to the final whistle.Leopards could have and should have took the lead in the first half when Ryan keyworth found himself with a one on one situation against the keeper but failed to score.
 
Leopards played out the first half well and felt a bit disappointed to come in at half time with the score at 0-0.
In the second half,leopards took the risk to push further up front and try stamp a foothold in the game and this left Alex Wright with the responsibility of clearing up in defence.
Great job today by both Alex wright and Alex Purcell who won some very important tackles.
 
Asfordby failed to take advantage of the Foxes goal kicks today which presented Asfordby with plenty of chances but they simply could not finish.
The first goal was an unfortunate goal mouth scramble which resulted in a own goal.
With Asfordby now committed more upfront,holes soon opened and the Jades took advantage
and scored their remaing goals in quick succession.
 
Great credit to the team again for their commitment with no replacements but the calvary are on their way soon.................
 
Managers comment- Great team commitment but take your chances when they come.
 
Team: C.Green(G.K), A.Purcell, A.Wright, H.Taylor, J.Bradley, B.Giblett, R.Keyworth.

Asfordby Under 9's    versus     Asfordby Under 8's    ( Freindly )

 With lack of games this month,the nines took on the under 8's which turned out to be a great game of football.
 
The under 9's started very brightly and played some wonderful passing football in the opening quarter. Joseph Bradley in his new role was outstanding and never allowed the opposition to settle which is what his manager asked of him.
 
The back partnership of Alex Wright and Alex Purcell was solid and won all the danger balls from the under8's hit men of Alfie and Oscar in the opening quarter.
 
Goals soon came and the first was a well taken strike from Joseph Bradley and a wonder goal from Alex Purcell.

The under 8's made sure to give us a good test and hit back with Two well taken goals of their own.

Charlie Green had little to do but when called upon he yet again showed why he is fast becoming a quality goal keeper at this level.
 
The two wingers of Harrison Taylor and Brandon Giblett played some wonderful football and provided the non-stop Joseph Bradley with plenty of service.
 
Two more goals came from the under nines and who else to finish them off with such style non other than Ryan Keyworth.Knew his job,popped up when required. A sign of an up and coming striker. Great credit to Tom Wakefield's under 8 side who themselves showed vast improvements and made sure both teams enjoyed the afternoon.
 
The afternoon finished with a penalty shoot-out and players and parents alike enjoyed a really entertaining game of junior football.
 
Special thanks to Ian wakefield for refereeing the game.
 
Team- C.Green,Alex Wright,Alex Purcell,Harrison Taylor,Joseph Bradley,Brandon Giblett,Ryan Keyworth.
 

Patrick Doody.
AAJYFC Under 9's Manager

Asfordby leopards 1            Loughborough blacks 5
 
Leopards put in another fine display today with all seven players giving 100% commitment. Despite the score line,Asfordby showed a well drilled loughbourgh side that they were not going to be walked over.
 
Leopards went two down in the first half but it could have been a lot more if it was not for the heroics of an inform Charlie Green in goal who was top drawer today.
 
Joseph Bradley came close in the first half with a fine well hit shot at goal just going over the bar. Asfordby’s defence held out to make it 0-2 at half time.
 
Second half saw Leopards press forward  and eventually found danger man Ryan Keyworth who took on the defence to score his second of the season.
 
Full commitment and concentration was required from the remainder of the game as Loughborough poured forward seeking to kill the game off.
 
Leopards never stopped working and took a chance to equalise by pushing play further forward.
Unfortunately Loughborough capitalised on this and scored their remaining goals in quick succession. This made a very entertaining game to watch by all.
 
Unbelievable individual performance today from Goal keeper Charlie Green who was given full recognition from  his Manager, parents and the opposition alike. Brilliant display.
 
M.O.T.M-  The whole team.

Mowbray Lions 3               Asfordby Leopards 2

Asfordby kicked off the season in fine style today and were unlucky to come away with nothing from this game.From the whistle,Asforby attacked and created all the early chances.
Harry Taylor and Joseph bradley had early chances but were saved well by the keeper.
 
More pressure from Brandon Giblett  led to the openig goal from new boy Ryan Keyworth who opened his goal scoring account in style.
Great work in defence by Callum Fotheringham and Alex Wright kept Mowbray out in the first half.
 
Asfordby came again and got another well taken goal by Joseph bradley who scored his first ever goal for the Amatures.New keeper Charlie Green had little to do in this half which belonged to the leopards. Half time 0  - 2
 
Goalkeeper change-Charlie Green for Brandon Giblett.
 
Second half saw mowbray take full advantage of a tiring Asfordby side who had put a lot of work into the first half.Mowbray pulled a goal back and continued to press Asfordby in their own half.
Challenge from behind in the box and Mowbray where awarded a penalty which they scored leaving the keeper no chance.
 
Fresh legs for Mowbray made the final differance and they added a third with six minutes to go.
Asfordby kept pushing and nearly got their equaliser with attempts from Charlie green and Harry Taylor but it wasnt to be.
Great team performance from Asfordbys seven players. Well Done
 

Team G.K Charlie Green , Brandon Giblett, Harry Taylor , Joseph Bradley , Alex Wright , Ryan Keyworth , Callum Fotheringham.

Match stats    Goals
Joseph bradley 1
Ryan Keyworth 1
 
Man of match Whole team