ESFA Jersey Tour
2nd - 9th April 2016
DAY 1 - Saturday 2nd April
An excellent first day was had by all, despite the early 4am start at Showcase Cinema. The flight to Jersey was very smooth and we were at our hotel in St Helier by 9.15am. After we checked in and allocated rooms, we made our way to the FB Playing Fields (the venue for all th matches during the tour) to have a team training session. To say the boys were impressed with the pitches would be an understatement - B. Lewens claimed the pitches are much better than the pitch at the Mad Stad. After training, the team returned to the hotel in the mini bus for lunch - Chicken and Chips or Pasta went down a treat with the boys. After lunch, we made our way to St Brelades Bay for some beach football and an ice cream - the wiining goal in the epic beach battle scored by A.Collier. After the beach, we got prepared for our first dinner at the hotel and lamb seemed to be a particular favourite. The meal came to an exciting end when the lights were dimmed and the whole restaurant sang 'Happy Birthday' to M.Quainton. The boys then completed their daily diaries and settled down for bed ahead of our opening game against Barking tomorrow (11.15 kick off). Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 2 - Sunday 3rd April
Wokingham 4-3 Barking
The Wokingham boys began the Jersey Tour with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Barking. After going one behind from a lucky long range looping shot, the boys responded well and were two up at half time thanks to goals from H.Mott (calm finish after being put through by Collier) and F.Coleman (top corner strike from outside the box). The second half was more frantic and the boys were able to seal the victory thanks to two more goals from H.Mott to seal his Jersey Tour hatrick. The boys worked hard and competed well against a physical Barking side - a great winning start to the tour (MOM H.Mott).
After the lunch, the team spent the afternoon at Greve de Lecq beach where they could play football, climb rocks and chase the tide coming in. After which, we returned back for a roast beef dinner. A great day had by all and we look forward to playing again tomorrow against Gloucester. Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 3 - Monday 4th April
Wokingham 1-3 Gloucester
Despite having a strong first half and being 1-0 up at half time thanks to goal from H.Mott (assisted by A.Edmonds), the boys ended up losing 3-1. The second half was difficult and Wokingham struggled to deal with the long ball over the top towards the Gloucester number 9 (who to be fair had a very good game and his pace caused us problems throughout the game). Again, like a few games this season, it was a game of two contrasting halves.
After reflecting on the match, we had a very enjoyable afternoon and visited several venues; starting with Plemont Beach where the boys were fascinated by the mighty waves crashing into the rocks; we then enjoyed tumbling down the sand dunes near St Oeuns followed by a trip to Le Corbiere lighthouse where the children were introduced to a native Jersey 'fish'. Even though the result was not what the boys had hoped for this morning, we still had a fantastic day. Tomorrow morning the boys are in action again against the Southern Counties League winners, Potters Bar. Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 4 - Tuesday 5th April
Wokingham 1-2 Potters Bar
Wokingham were unlucky to come away without a draw or win today having had most the possession in the game and winning the majority of 50:50s. Wokingham started the game well and went a goal up through a H.Mott drive from outside the box which proved too powerful for the keeper to stop. After the goal, Wokingham appeared to be in control but Potters Bar scored a brilliant curled goal into the top left corner which B.Lewens had little chance to stop. The second half was a half of few chances but Potters Bar were able to react the quickest when the ball rebounded off the post. Despite the team's efforts, they were not able to find an equaliser before the final whistle.
After lunch, we had an action packed afternoon consisting of crazy golf and bowling. The crazy golf finished a tie between the coaches (all on 66) and the children's winners were M.Greenough and A.Collier (however the scoring was slightly dubious!). The bowling proved be an exciting event with spares and strikes being scored by all - the overall winner was G.Mott with an impressive 152 and the highest child's score was from A.Edmonds with 124. We ended the evening with a dinner of champions at the one and only McDonald's! The boys now look forward to getting back to winning ways against St Albans B tomorrow in the 10.15 kick off round of matches. Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 5 - Wednesday 6th April
Wokingham 2-1 St Albans B
Wokingham returned to winning ways today with a steady 2-1 victory over St Albans B in difficult conditions. The rain and wind made it difficult to play attractive football but the boys were able to produce flashes of brilliance in order to break through the St Albans back line to allow H.Mott to score twice. The lead could've been more had it not been for a fine save from J.Sunley's long range effort and H.Mott's free kick clipping the crossbar. The second half was a half of few chances but did see St Albans score a consolation goal from a corner with 10 minutes to go. It was good for the boys to get back to winning ways and battle through the tricky playing conditions.
In the afternoon, we enjoyed the waves, slides and diving boards at Aqua Splash where the boys were fearless and had a great time - B.Lewens and A.Athey had a very interesting technique off the the diving board. After Aqua Splash, we made a trip to Gorey Castle for the boys to blow of the cobwebs and get some good see air. Another enjoyable day had by all and we now look forward to playing on pitch 1 (aka Wembley) tomorrow against Newbury in a Berkshire derby. We will then find out later that evening who we will be playing on Friday. Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 6 - Thursday 7th April
Wokingham 2-2 Newbury
Despite being near the end of the week, the boys managed to produce their best football of the week and were a constant threat on the counter attack. The quality and speed of play proved too much for Newbury and H.Domingos was played through on the left and was able to cut inside the box and slot the ball calmly in the bottom corner to put Wokingham 1-0 up. Against the run of play, Newbury managed to get an equaliser when their striker was able to pounce on a through ball and slotted it into the corner. The second half Wokingham continued to dominate possession and went ahead again thanks to a fantastic strike from M.Greenough. It looked as if Wokingham were going to end the group with a win but the Newbury forward scored an unstoppable long range strike which nestled into the top corner. An exciting game to end the group stages of the tour and we now look forward to playing Thurrock in our final game of the week tomorrow.
In the afternoon, we went to Plemont Beach where the boys were able to explore the waterfall, caves and rocks as well as play on the beach. It was a fun afternoon which was then topped off in the the evening with a Cracker Challenge led by Mark, Matt and Gary - the challenge was to eat three crackers in one minute...it proved harder than it sounds! Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 7 - Friday 8th April
Wokingham 0-2 Thurrock
In a difficult final game, the boys battled hard throughout but struggled to create any clear cut chances against a strong Thurrock side. The team from Essex went 1-0 up towards the end of the first half when Wokingham were unable to clear the ball and as a result the ball was poked in through B.Lewen's legs. In the second half, the Berkshire boys continued to battle and were contesting more in the middle of the park but Thurrock were able to punish Wokingham on the break via an excellent headed goal. Despite the result, the boys will go into the Semi Final, when the two sides meet again, on 23rd April with confidence knowing they can match Thurrock.
In the afternoon, the boys wanted to spend some of their pocket money at the delightful shops of St Helier. After the shopping trip, the team unwinded in the hotel pool before getting ready for the presentation evening. The boys scrubbed up well for the evening and it was a fitting way to end the tour. The children were a credit to their families, their schools and Wokingham District - a truly fantastic tour!
An excellent first day was had by all, despite the early 4am start at Showcase Cinema. The flight to Jersey was very smooth and we were at our hotel in St Helier by 9.15am. After we checked in and allocated rooms, we made our way to the FB Playing Fields (the venue for all th matches during the tour) to have a team training session. To say the boys were impressed with the pitches would be an understatement - B. Lewens claimed the pitches are much better than the pitch at the Mad Stad. After training, the team returned to the hotel in the mini bus for lunch - Chicken and Chips or Pasta went down a treat with the boys. After lunch, we made our way to St Brelades Bay for some beach football and an ice cream - the wiining goal in the epic beach battle scored by A.Collier. After the beach, we got prepared for our first dinner at the hotel and lamb seemed to be a particular favourite. The meal came to an exciting end when the lights were dimmed and the whole restaurant sang 'Happy Birthday' to M.Quainton. The boys then completed their daily diaries and settled down for bed ahead of our opening game against Barking tomorrow (11.15 kick off). Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 2 - Sunday 3rd April
Wokingham 4-3 Barking
The Wokingham boys began the Jersey Tour with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Barking. After going one behind from a lucky long range looping shot, the boys responded well and were two up at half time thanks to goals from H.Mott (calm finish after being put through by Collier) and F.Coleman (top corner strike from outside the box). The second half was more frantic and the boys were able to seal the victory thanks to two more goals from H.Mott to seal his Jersey Tour hatrick. The boys worked hard and competed well against a physical Barking side - a great winning start to the tour (MOM H.Mott).
After the lunch, the team spent the afternoon at Greve de Lecq beach where they could play football, climb rocks and chase the tide coming in. After which, we returned back for a roast beef dinner. A great day had by all and we look forward to playing again tomorrow against Gloucester. Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 3 - Monday 4th April
Wokingham 1-3 Gloucester
Despite having a strong first half and being 1-0 up at half time thanks to goal from H.Mott (assisted by A.Edmonds), the boys ended up losing 3-1. The second half was difficult and Wokingham struggled to deal with the long ball over the top towards the Gloucester number 9 (who to be fair had a very good game and his pace caused us problems throughout the game). Again, like a few games this season, it was a game of two contrasting halves.
After reflecting on the match, we had a very enjoyable afternoon and visited several venues; starting with Plemont Beach where the boys were fascinated by the mighty waves crashing into the rocks; we then enjoyed tumbling down the sand dunes near St Oeuns followed by a trip to Le Corbiere lighthouse where the children were introduced to a native Jersey 'fish'. Even though the result was not what the boys had hoped for this morning, we still had a fantastic day. Tomorrow morning the boys are in action again against the Southern Counties League winners, Potters Bar. Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 4 - Tuesday 5th April
Wokingham 1-2 Potters Bar
Wokingham were unlucky to come away without a draw or win today having had most the possession in the game and winning the majority of 50:50s. Wokingham started the game well and went a goal up through a H.Mott drive from outside the box which proved too powerful for the keeper to stop. After the goal, Wokingham appeared to be in control but Potters Bar scored a brilliant curled goal into the top left corner which B.Lewens had little chance to stop. The second half was a half of few chances but Potters Bar were able to react the quickest when the ball rebounded off the post. Despite the team's efforts, they were not able to find an equaliser before the final whistle.
After lunch, we had an action packed afternoon consisting of crazy golf and bowling. The crazy golf finished a tie between the coaches (all on 66) and the children's winners were M.Greenough and A.Collier (however the scoring was slightly dubious!). The bowling proved be an exciting event with spares and strikes being scored by all - the overall winner was G.Mott with an impressive 152 and the highest child's score was from A.Edmonds with 124. We ended the evening with a dinner of champions at the one and only McDonald's! The boys now look forward to getting back to winning ways against St Albans B tomorrow in the 10.15 kick off round of matches. Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 5 - Wednesday 6th April
Wokingham 2-1 St Albans B
Wokingham returned to winning ways today with a steady 2-1 victory over St Albans B in difficult conditions. The rain and wind made it difficult to play attractive football but the boys were able to produce flashes of brilliance in order to break through the St Albans back line to allow H.Mott to score twice. The lead could've been more had it not been for a fine save from J.Sunley's long range effort and H.Mott's free kick clipping the crossbar. The second half was a half of few chances but did see St Albans score a consolation goal from a corner with 10 minutes to go. It was good for the boys to get back to winning ways and battle through the tricky playing conditions.
In the afternoon, we enjoyed the waves, slides and diving boards at Aqua Splash where the boys were fearless and had a great time - B.Lewens and A.Athey had a very interesting technique off the the diving board. After Aqua Splash, we made a trip to Gorey Castle for the boys to blow of the cobwebs and get some good see air. Another enjoyable day had by all and we now look forward to playing on pitch 1 (aka Wembley) tomorrow against Newbury in a Berkshire derby. We will then find out later that evening who we will be playing on Friday. Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 6 - Thursday 7th April
Wokingham 2-2 Newbury
Despite being near the end of the week, the boys managed to produce their best football of the week and were a constant threat on the counter attack. The quality and speed of play proved too much for Newbury and H.Domingos was played through on the left and was able to cut inside the box and slot the ball calmly in the bottom corner to put Wokingham 1-0 up. Against the run of play, Newbury managed to get an equaliser when their striker was able to pounce on a through ball and slotted it into the corner. The second half Wokingham continued to dominate possession and went ahead again thanks to a fantastic strike from M.Greenough. It looked as if Wokingham were going to end the group with a win but the Newbury forward scored an unstoppable long range strike which nestled into the top corner. An exciting game to end the group stages of the tour and we now look forward to playing Thurrock in our final game of the week tomorrow.
In the afternoon, we went to Plemont Beach where the boys were able to explore the waterfall, caves and rocks as well as play on the beach. It was a fun afternoon which was then topped off in the the evening with a Cracker Challenge led by Mark, Matt and Gary - the challenge was to eat three crackers in one minute...it proved harder than it sounds! Keep an eye out on our Twitter page for more updates @WokinghamDPSFA
DAY 7 - Friday 8th April
Wokingham 0-2 Thurrock
In a difficult final game, the boys battled hard throughout but struggled to create any clear cut chances against a strong Thurrock side. The team from Essex went 1-0 up towards the end of the first half when Wokingham were unable to clear the ball and as a result the ball was poked in through B.Lewen's legs. In the second half, the Berkshire boys continued to battle and were contesting more in the middle of the park but Thurrock were able to punish Wokingham on the break via an excellent headed goal. Despite the result, the boys will go into the Semi Final, when the two sides meet again, on 23rd April with confidence knowing they can match Thurrock.
In the afternoon, the boys wanted to spend some of their pocket money at the delightful shops of St Helier. After the shopping trip, the team unwinded in the hotel pool before getting ready for the presentation evening. The boys scrubbed up well for the evening and it was a fitting way to end the tour. The children were a credit to their families, their schools and Wokingham District - a truly fantastic tour!