Lee Rangers Under 18

Lee Rangers Under 18

Lee Rangers are delighted to introduce their Under 18 team! Managed by Mark Vincent and Graeme "Woody" Wood, two of the longest serving managers at the club. These players epitomise all that is good about youth football.

We have spent 10 years growing with these lads and last season we were delighted to see the lads so committed to the more mature world of the U18 league (where we are one of only two Under 17 sides). We look forward to seeing you around! You can't miss us, we're the stunningly good looking team of adults in the WKB Toyota sponsored kit. Click here to find out more about the team.

Where do you go from U18? (and other updates!)

So after the success of the presentation day/night it was off the world of Soccer AM and strange adrenalin rushes on Saturday mornings but with no outlet at all. After 12 years of mini soccer and youth football what on earth do you do with that time? Well the lads got their answer to that pretty quickly and it came with a massive compliment attached to it!!

Regular readers/followers will remember that we have played Blackfield & Langley youth sides over the last few years and lost very narrowly to them in this years Mid Solent League Cup Final. Well watching from the stands were a number of senior officials and first team players from the Blackfield & Langley Wessex League side and they were impressed with what they saw from our lads, even in defeat. An emailed invitation to go across and link up with their set-up was immediately taken by Dan Newman, Andy "Slinger" Wood and Craig Vincent. Despite missing the first couple of weeks of pre-season the three acquitted themselves very well indeed, technically capable but with a lot to learn tactically and also some real work to do on their fitness and their understanding of how fast the game is at that level.

All have featured in pre-season games for both first and reserve sides. Dan "Mascherano" Newman playing wide left, Andy "Crouchie" Wood in the rather unfamiliar position of right back and Craig "Wazza" Vincent continuing at centre back.

Particularly appealing to all of them (and me as a new supporter!) has been the way they have been welcomed by the club, the coaches and their fellow squad players. In fact it's difficult to see any real difference to the "fun but with hard work" atmosphere that we tried to create in our squad at Lee Rangers.

With the enthusiasm that the first three have shown for their new club and obvious continued improvement in their football as they move up the ladder Josh "Dirk Kuyt" Read, Josh Skinner and Harley "Milner" Dallison have now been inspired to join them over at the Gang Warily Recreation Centre (home ground). It will be interesting to follow their progress as well.

I am pleased that the guys have continued to be as passionate about their football and have made strides in improving their game already. I'm also secretly rather proud of the fact that we got the email in the first place. I always suspected we could play a bit but it's nice to see other people thought so to! Good luck lads and good luck to the Blackfield & Langley first and reserve teams in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League and Combination League 2 respectively. You can see how they're doing on the website here.

On another subject completely and perhaps the last comment before I am able to finally wrap last season up.......

there is a Mid Solent League meeting in a couple of weeks time and we should know whether the last remaining obstacles to the confirmation of our title success have been dealt with. As far as Hants FA are concerned they have so let's hope for a really positive season summary in due course!!!

Lee Rangers U17/18 Presentation Party - 24th May 2009

With the change of ideas from the club about how Presentation Night was now going to turn into presentation day we had to go our own way and say farewell to everyone whilst having a great chance to reminisce about the excellent times that this team has had together. It also gave us a chance to celebrate a fantastic season although having a set of trophies missing was a little frustrating (more on this another day!).

First of all any party needs a venue so a big thanks to the Newman Family for the "loan" of the Newman Towers for the event.

Secondly it needs good food and drink. Chef Woody did his usual stunning work at the BBQ and kept the food going for all, nice one!

Thirdly, a good crowd is required. Fortunately we have the best. The whole U17/18 squad and their parents, together with assorted siblings and partners, all rocked up to receive their club trophies, see who'd won the "big five" and have a bit of a craic!

And we did.

Club trophies, the big 5 awards, a special one and the seasons report and those yellow shirts.

Woody doing what he does best. Coaching is only a sideline!

The masses enjoy the fruits of Woody's labour!!

A small corner of Newman Towers that will forever be Lee Rangers!


An expectant crowd hang on the Gaffer's every word, for the last time ever !!


But of course there's always a table that are too cool to be excited.

So what did they all hear? As well as watching the squad collect their trophies and season reports they saw the following awards presented:

Top Goalscorer - Josh Read
Despite a few injury niggles, illness and the odd absence making for a slow start to the season Josh was able to use the time and freedom offered by the contribution of players around him to play himself into some of his best form. His tally of 17 goals in 17 appearances gives an excellent goals/game ratio and he clearly benefited from having the goalscoring quality of Conor Mansfield, Matt Baldwin, Sam Bowen and Lewis Whitehead all around him. This took the pressure off him and allowed him to stay composed when faced with opportunities.

Most Improved Player - Mark "Chopper" Sones
I believe that there are two particular elements to this award this year. The first is that the player himself grew into the role that we eventually found suited him best (he was good everywhere he played though, so that took time!). The second is that as a management team with an excellent squad it took a while to find his strongest position and understand exactly what he could offer us.
If you look back at the match reports you will see that he could well have been in with a strong shout for Player of the Season had he not been a little late joining and then us not taking advantage of his incredible versatility but giving him one position. He's got a season of Youth Football left as he's one of the "youth policy" players in this team!

Players Player of the Year - Josh Skinner
An award that always reflects the thinking of the Managers Player award and it was no different this season. Often the award that the players really want as it's the one that is given by their team-mates and, as such, means they've had the most influence during the season.

Skinner joined this year after a number of false starts. He'd trained with us a few times over various summers but gone off to other clubs, but he realised that he was in the right place and signed this year. He immediately looked as though he'd been part of the team and the squad for years. Silky skills, excellent defensive organisation with the back four, real attacking flair, an eye for goal and a stunning strike all allied to a big mouth, that's Josh!

Managers Player of the Year - Sam Bowen
Many years ago Woody came up with the criteria that this award should be judged by, namely "who would you miss the most?" On the basis of this there were a number of players in contention this season. Any one of the back four could certainly present a case. Josh Skinner is discussed above, Craig Vincent had his best Lee Rangers season ever - not just defensively but also contributing seven goals and a number of assists. His range of passing and dead ball delivery was excellent. Andy "Slinger" Wood and Connor Frampton both also played to their usual high standards. The problem for all these guys was that cover was available from Harley Dallison and Chopper.

Central midfield could have provided a number of contenders. As well as Chopper there was Lewis Whitehead and his 10 goals and early season domination of midfield and Jack Barker's defence splitting passes, superb free kicks and incredible vision but again, all these were superbly covered at varying stages of the season by each other and also by Harley and last years Manager's and Player's award winner, Dan Newman.

The winner came from our front four. I say four because neither of our wide players was particularly defensively minded, often leading spectators to think that we were playing 4-2-4! Goals came from everywhere across these four but Sam won the award for not only scoring an incredible 13 goals from wide left but also played out of position on a number of occasions, most notably the two Cup Semi-Finals when he covered in goal!

Despite having excellent cover from Dan Newman or Josh Skinner in the wide role there was never any doubt that right backs across the league breathed an enormous sigh of relief when he wasn't facing them.

Tall, strong, quick feet, a real passion and drive and (so he says) very pretty.

Sportsman of the Year - Harley Dallison
This is my favourite award, always has been and this year is no different. Harley was a player that returned to us after a year away (when he went and won Mr Great Britain U18!). Having come back slightly late he accepted that his appearances may be limited but this didn't change his incredible commitment. Always the first to training, the last to leave and having given everything in between. He contributed enormously when not on the pitch as well, often leading the cheers and lifting the side when needed, often amongst the opposition supporters!! And when he was on the pitch his drive lifts everyone.

His frustration at missing out on the Testway Cup Final starting line-up will be evident to anyone who's looked at the photos (or DVD) and anyone that was sitting within 20 yards from the dugout but his subsequent performance having been substituted on and his continued commitment to training earned him starts for the rest of the season.

Harley was named Sportsman of the Year for his unparalleled commitment to the team both on and off the pitch.


I was also particluarly delighted to be joined by Manny Martins, the Chairman of Lee Rangers, who was keen to present awards to the three longest serving players the club has seen. Andrew "Slinger" Wood, Craig Vincent and Matthew Baldwin all have played at least 12 seasons football for the club.

       

Andy "Slinger" Wood and Matt Baldwin receive their long service awards from Club Chairman Manny Martins. 

And that was that, if you don't count the viewing of the excellent DVD put together our three cup finals in the last two seasons, the drink and the nostalgic wanders down memory lane that meant we didn't leave until Midnight! A wonderful evening, sadly never to be repeated with this team, who deserve this much after their stunning season. 

For the last time ever guys, well done!

5th May 09 - Mid Solent League Cup, Runners Up

Did I mention fixture congestion before? Well we made our way out at Fareham Town FC's excellent Cams ground to face Blackfield & Langley in our third game (and second final) in five days. Having won the Testway Cup and comfortably beaten South Wonston to effectively seal the league we were keen to finish the treble. The shirt was in place under the suit and the lads were all ready to go.

Blackfield & Langley clearly made good use of their immense squad as we barely recognised the team that faced us as the one that we'd seen in the league earlier this year. They also made excellent use of the wind in the first half but more of that later.

The game kicked off and it was only 2 minutes before Lee carved out their first chance, a Josh Read turn and snap shot forcing a save from the B&L keeper.

There then followed ten minutes of relentless B&L pressure as they used the long, high ball well in the 20 knot wind to keep the Lee defence turned and their work-rate closing down the Lee players saw the ball returning with monotonous regularity to the Lee half. One chance and three corners indicated their consistent pressure.

On 15 minutes Lee were able to break away with Josh Read once again forcing the B&L keeper into action with a right-footed strike.

Three minutes later and the ball was back in the Lee half and the B&L 10 shot narrowly over the bar from 20 yards. Another three minutes and B&L work the ball well across the Lee penalty area before a poor shot slips well wide.

Lee then started to gain in foothold in the game with clearances now played on the ground and Lewis Whitehead and Harley Dallison starting to get much more involved in the middle of the park. This was rewarded with several chances before half time and B&L kept on the back foot.

The first of these was a Josh Skinner free kick which was followed in by both Mark "Chopper" Sones and Josh Read. A few frantic defensive moments later and B&L managed to clear. A Chopper left-foot effort was easily covered by the B&L keeper before Josh Skinner then hit the crossbar from a Ryan Haycock cross.

The clearest chance of the half for either side then arrived on 38 minutes when Josh Read delivered another superb corner only to see Chopper rise to head marginally wide.

The second half started as the first ended, Lee taking charge in the first 5 minutes but B&L defending very tidily and with great organisation. Two Lewis Whitehead through-balls were comfortably dealt with, Josh Skinner shot wide from a break following a B&L free kick from deep and then Josh Read just failing to reach a Connor Frampton cross.

The 6th minute saw B&L's first chance of the half but a free-kick was blazed well over and wide.

The next five minutes saw Lee's momentum fade and B&L start to gain control and apply pressure. This was rewarded in the 12th minute when a corner wasn't dealt with at all by Lee and a hopeful flick over the head toward goal eluded everyone and found the back of the net. 1-0

This settled B&L and they began to play some very composed football which was not easily broken down by Lee.

In the 18th minute B&L blazed over after an excellent run down the right. This proved to be one of their last chances of the half as Lee tried in vain to rescue the game.

The 25th minute saw a Josh Read cross well claimed by the keeper ahead of the oncoming Conor Mansfield. A minute later and Josh Read flicked on a Connor Frampton cross only to see Sam Bowen blaze over.

Six minutes later and Josh Read headed a Dan Newman free-kick wide.

The last two minutes saw the last two chances with a Sam Bowen chance clearing the bar before a Lewis Whitehead free-kick was then tipped over.

And so our treble dreams died.

Although we had the bulk of the chances none of them were particularly clear-cut and it's fair to say that neither goalkeeper had much to do all night. Blackfield and Langley's defence coped superbly under a tricky wind in the second half and this, combined with their excellent use of the long-ball and pressing tactic frustrated us. Very well done to them for their organisation and handing us our only defeat of the season.

It's fair to say that we didn't look like the same side that has achieved so much in the remainder of the season, but with most of the lads playing their 5th game in 14 days (and those who play on Sundays as well having played more!) it's small wonder that we weren't at our freshest.

I'm immensely proud of the lads for reaching this final twice in two years. Once as an U17 side and then as a mixed side. Well done guys.

Now, about the league..............

2nd May 09: Lee Rangers 5 - 1 South Wonston Swifts

Fixture congestion? The Premier League have no idea! Less than 48 hours after the Testway Invitation Cup success the U17/18 side was back at Lee Rec, this time facing a South Wonston Swifts side who had little to play for having secured third place and proven good value for that position.

Three changes for Lee saw the substitutes from Thursday night starting with Dan Newman taking the left back berth, Harley Dallison coming into central midfield and Ryan Haycock joining the attack.

A tired and maybe slightly nervous start from Lee saw SWS quicky establish a passing move through midfield but keeper Tom Bath was alert to any danger and quicky off his line to gather a stray pass to the strikers.

It was four minutes before Lee created their first chance, Matt Baldwin delivering a corner that Lewis Whitehead couldn't quite reach at the far post.

Lewis was then unlucky in the twelth minute to see a well struck shot deflected and the SWS keeper get across his line well to tip the ball around the post for a corner.

On 16 minutes Josh Read latched onto an excellent defensive clearance from Harley Dallison and flicked a back header over the SWS defence only to see the keeper gather it on the line. A minute later and a needless free-kick conceded by Rangers had to be very well saved by Tom Bath, getting across well to his right.

A further Lee corner, again with excellent delivery from Matt Baldwin, was headed wide by Andy "Slinger" Wood on 19 minutes.

At this point Lee really started to take control of the game and on 24 minutes the SWS keeper was tested by an excellent diagonal ball aimed at Sam Bowen. Two minutes later and yet another corner, this time from Josh Read, was headed over by Slinger.

A minute later and the pressure paid. Ryan Haycock's excellent feet controlling a Craig Vincent free-kick and his shot being deflected in by Josh Read for the opener. 1-0

On 29 minutes Josh Read came close to doubling his tally when his lobbed effort from a Tom Bath clearance was saved on the line by the SWS keeper. Matt Baldwin then had a goal disallowed for offside as he finished a cross from Sam Bowen on the left.

A minute later (31st) it didn't matter as Lewis Whitehead arrived in exactly the same place at the far post, this time onside, to tap in a Dan Newman cross that had gone over Matt Baldwin's head. 2-0

Three minutes later and again Matt Baldwin sneaked in at the far post, again he tapped and again he was flagged for offside.

SWS then rallied and had two shots in the space of two minutes, one wide and one over the bar before then testing Tom Bath from another free kick. This time Tom palmed the ball onto the bar and then saw Slinger clear before the strikers could react.

Thirty seconds later and an excellent passage of play down the left saw Sam Bowen whip in another telling cross and this time the onside Matt Baldwin completely missed the ball and the chance.

On 42 minutes Sam Bowen rose unchallenged to head a Josh Read corner just wide and on the stroke of halftime Lewis Whitehead was unlucky not to double his goal tally when a 25 yard free kick just crept past the post.

The second half started with the same Lee Rangers pressure. As early as the 46th minute Ryan Haycock rising to head a Craig Vincent free kick straight at the SWS keeper and then Sam Bowen shooting straight at the keeper when put through following an excellent passing move in the 48th minute.

A minute later and Ryan Haycock put the game beyond doubt with excellent control and movement of the ball and finishing a Josh Read cross for the third. 3-0

Two minutes later and Ryan blazed a Sam Bowen cross over the bar from 12 yards.

SWS responded well and in the 56th minute saw a cross-shot comfortably gathered by Tom Bath and then forcing the save of the game from him a minute later when an excellent shot saw his diving well to his left to gather.

From the resulting clearance Josh Read put the game completely in the bag by latching onto Tom's clearance, harrassing the keeper into a mistake and seeing the ball across the line for the fourth. 4-0

On 65 minutes substitute Josh Skinner, on for Sam Bowen, shot over the bar with one of his usual spectacular efforts.

SWS weren't done for however and they attacked hard, catching the Lee midfield too far up the pitch and, having numbers, moved the ball well to create a shot which cannoned off the post and out into Tom Bath's arms.

This seemed to galvanise the Lee side and for the next ten minutes they ran riot with a long shot from Conor Mansfield deflected wide, a Josh Skinner header cleared off the line from a Matt Baldwin corner, Ryan Haycock hitting the bar and Josh Skinner failing to nod in the rebound, Ryan, and both Connors seeing efforts bundled out and Matt Baldwin lifting a left foot effort over the bar.

SWS still came back and only organised Lee defending saw them clear their lines in the 76th minute.

Josh Skinner then had 78th minute header disallowed for another infringement in the SWS penalty area, once again from an excellent Josh Read corner.

Conor Mansfield then tested the SWS keeper with a speculative snap shot from 20 yards.

On 85 minutes SWS got a reward for their efforts when Lee failed to push out quickly enough from a corner and the subsequent cross was deflected up in the air and the striker beat Tom Bath to bundle the ball over the line. 4-1

The last five minutes were, once again, all Lee with Ryan Haycock sliding a superb pass through to Matt Baldwin but the alert SWS keeper was quickly out to thwart him. Matt Baldwin then put another left foot effort over the bar following a great diagonal ball from Josh Skinner before finally, on the stroke of full time, a Matt Baldwin corner dropped to Slinger in the penalty area and he lashed home a ferocious drive for the fifth goal. 5-1

So a potential banana skin was well avoided. Excellent performances by ALL the squad and a desire to play better football manifested itself really well after a slightly weary looking first 20 minutes. Roll on Tuesday and the Mid-Solent League Cup Final and then the final league fixture on the 9th May.

30th April 09 - Lee Rangers: U17/18 Testway Invitational Cup Champions!

Sounds good doesn't it! We had to work very hard for it with Crofton Saints once again putting up an excellent performance to try and deny us a result.

As we had to make a 40 mile journey to Whitchurch United FC's home ground to enjoy the Testway League's hospitality we chose to go by coach (thanks to Brijan's driver Martin who'd only got in at 4am from Old Trafford! Never mind, he got to watch some proper football this time!). This allowed all the travelling players, management and supporters to get there safely, on time and, perhaps most importantly, allowed us to tell the world who we were as we put posters up at both ends of the coach!!

Having handed out the new yellow away strip and got the formalities over with it is was out to face Crofton for the trophy.

The Final started in typical frantic style with both teams carving out good chances, Crofton shooting wide in the 1st minute from 25 yards, Andy "Slinger" Wood seeing a long, lobbed shot just loop over the bar and then, in the 6th minute Crofton carving an opening on the left hand side but just shooting wide.

In the 8th minute the first goal came. Connor Frampton took a long throw from the right hand side, the ball was half cleared by the Crofton defence but Josh Skinner was waiting some 25 yards out and looped a stunning effort over the keeper and in. 0-1 (Does he not score ordinary goals?)

Two minutes later and a long, accurate Tom Bath clearance found Conor Mansfield who out-muscled his way through a Crofton challenge, accellerated away and shot, only to see his effort bog down in the goalmouth mud and the keeper fall onto it.

On 14 minutes Crofton again made good progress down their left hand side, cut inside, unleash a shot which cannons off the bar and is knocked in at the far post for the equaliser. 1-1

Lee seemed to not recover from this knock-back and without really testing Crofton conceded a corner on 20 minutes from which Mark Wheeler made a completely unchallenged run to nod the ball in for the Crofton second. 2-1

This time Lee were sparked back into life and straight from kick-off Josh Read saw a header well saved by the keeper.

A minute later Sam Bowen shot wide from a tight angle.

On 27 minutes Crofton broke and shot over the bar from distance.

Once again Lee went straight back down the other end and again Sam Bowen was a little unfortunate to see a header go a yard wide, this time from Josh Skinner's free kick delivery.

Sam Bowen made amends on 36 minutes, this time finsihing coolly across the Crofton keeper having received a delightful Josh Read through-ball behind the right back. 2-2

Bouyed by this and with momentum with them Lee immediately retrieved the ball from kick off and Conor Mansfield once again got a shot off which the keeper gathered well.

It wasn't until the 44th minute that Crofton mustered a shot which a well-positioned Tom Bath gathered easily.

The second half started with much the same Lee pressure with Matt Baldwin ghosting in at the far post on 52 minutes but only to see his header come back off the Crofton bar.

Two minutes later and Crofton got their first opportunity of the half with a shot from the left hand side passing wide.

Mark "Chopper" Sones got his head on a Josh Skinner free kick on 59 minutes but the keeper gathered safely. Crofton then saw a free kick gathered equally safely by Tom Bath.

With Lee continuing to provide much of the attacking pressure the 68th minute saw a Josh Read short corner to Josh Skinner was not cleared and Craig Vincent was on hand with a left-foot swinger to put Lee back in front 2-3

This only sparked Crofton back into life however and for 15 minutes the pressure was fairly relentless but with few clear chances created. The one time Lee did break (77 minutes) they were caught with six men ahead of the ball and some swift Crofton passing saw the ball delivered across from the right and tapped in at the far post. 3-3

And that was that for chances in regular time. Players succumbed to cramp, frustration and excitement but Extra -Time loomed large.

The first period of extra time saw no real creativity with both teams struggling to come to terms with fatigue.

The second period was a different story. With Lee playing down the slope it became tem minutes of complete Lee domination with chances coming as early as the third minute when Conor Mansfield blazed across the goal from two yards.

Crofton then had their only chance of extra time with Mark Wheeler creating space for a shot but putting it straight at Tom Bath.

A minute later and Dan Newman, now playing on the right, gathered the ball, evaded the lunging challenge from the left back only to blast his shot over the bar.

Thirty seconds later and Lewis Whitehead was allowed to carry the ball for some thirty yards before unleashing a shot from 25 yards that passed well wide.

Another thirty seconds and another Lee chance, this time Ryan Haycock putting the ball inches wide and then with only a minute remaining Dan Newman hit the post with a header from a Josh Skinner free kick that Crofton did not defend.

So it was to penalties. Volunteers were sought and found, the order agreed and with belief in the technique of the players and also in Tom Bath's ability between the posts we stepped up.

Slinger scored the first comfortably to instantly put pressure on the first Crofton taker. This clearly told as Tom was able to make an excellent save with his legs. 1-0

Ryan Haycock then drilled one down the middle, 2-0, Crofton replied 2-1

Chopper then scored the coolest, inch perfect effort, 3-1, Crofton again replied 3-2

Josh Skinner drove one that relied on pace to beat the keeper, 4-2, Crofton scored to keep themselves in it, 4-3

And so Lewis Whitehead stepped up to settle it, and he did, with another example of quality technique under pressure and Lee Rangers won it 5-3

Celebrations went on long past the excellent presentation speeches, the photos and the songs in the changing room and the residents of Whitchurch were treated to some "interesting" songs from a deliriously happy Lee Rangers coach (the vehicle not the person!) as it made it's way back south with the lovely glass trophy safe and sound. Nice one lads, the first reward for an excellent season.

Good job this lot are 18! (Well the one's with the champagne!)

A big thanks to all the parents, brothers and sisters and also a few hangers-on and other fans that made the effort to get to Whitchurch for midweek evening kick-off. Your support was invaluable.

Back to the league on Saturday and then the Mid Solent Cup Final on Tuesday.

The victorious squad:

And the STILL unbeaten shirt! This time hidden under the suit.

25th April 09: Lee Rangers 1 - 1 Southampton Arms Sports

We were pleased that Southampton Arms Sports were finally able to make the long journey south and mark our first game on the Sultan Polo Field pitches. Although Russell the manager was quick to tell us that he only had the bare eleven players he did seem to forget to tell us that he'd brought Andover Town's goalkeeper! More of that later!

The game started at a frantic pace with Lee taking the initiative straight away, Mark "Chopper" Sones putting the ball over from a Dan Newman cross in the first minute. 

Then the wonder-keeper stepped up, making a double save from Conor Mansfield in the fourth minute and a treble save, this time from the luckless Josh Read and Chopper (twice!).

On 13 minutes Craig Vincent headed over from a Josh Read corner and then Andy "Slinger" Wood intercepted the subsequent goal kick but shot wide.

Four minutes later and Chopper put another shot over having received a ball pulled back from Matt Baldwin, who in turn had been the recipient of a glorious cross-field diagonal pass from Josh Skinner.

Twenty four minutes and Josh Skinner tested the keeper with a 20 yard right foot strike.

The next few minutes saw Southampton Arms start to gain a foothold in the game, first shooting over from 25 yards in the 26th minute and then scuffing a one-on-one chance straight into Tom Bath's arms.

Lee responded with Josh Read chasing and hassling an SAS defender into a mistake but putting his chance wide.

An SAS free kick was then headed straight into the arms of Tom Bath on the 32nd minute.

Again Lee responded immediately, this time Dan Newman shooting straight at the well-positioned SAS keeper on the 33rd minute.

The 36th minute saw Josh Skinner drift inside and test the keeper with another right footed effort.

Undeterred, Southampton Arms pushed forward and saw a strike come back of the post in the 42nd minute.

Lee continued to push as the half ended and Matt Baldwin had the ball in the net, only to see it disallowed for a push by Slinger on a defender and Dan Newman shot over from a Connor Frampton cross.

Following a motivational chat at half-tiime Lee Rangers came out firing and in the first minute Dan Newman shot over following excellent work by Matt Baldwin and Connor Frampton on the right.

This early pressure counted for nothing when in the forty seventh minute when a long SAS clearance wasn't well dealt with by the Lee defence and a scuffed shot from the right midfielder crept in at the far post. 0-1

Thirty seconds later and Lee had already responded and Dan Newman shot inches wide after being put in by Harley Dallison.Thirty seconds later and Josh Read shot straight at the keeper.

From this moment on Lee Rangers absolutely dominated with some excellent passages of play and SAS playing the ball hopefully forward, only to see it coming back.

A minute later and Conor Mansfield shot straight at the keeper when through one on one.

In the 51st minute Harley Dallison shot over from 25 yards, in the 55th Josh Read shot straight at the keeper, the 46th saw the keeper quicky out at Matt Baldwin's feet, 30 seconds later and Chopper had a shot cleared of the line.

The subsequent corner saw Craig Vincent head a Josh Read corner down into the ground and bounce off and over the bar.

In the 61st minute Josh Read had a header cleared off the line and then two minutes later he shot at the keeper again!

On sixty seven minutes the pressure paid off when an SAS defender handled in the area. Lewis Whitehead cooly slotted the resulting penalty. 1-1

The remainder of the game continued in the same vein, Lee dominating possession, field position and chances but with SAS pushing the ball long and trying to get support once the ball got up there.

The 60th minute saw Sam Bowen volley wide from a Connor Frampton cross.

Three minutes later and Conor Mansfield shot wide from a ball dropping after bouncing around the SAS area. He then had a shot deflected wide for a corner.

Sam Bowen, who was giving the right back a torrid time, then shot narrowly over having been played in by a wonderful ball from Chopper. A  minute later and he crossed but it was turned behind for a corner as SAS frantically got bodies back to cover the Lee players.

There were so many chances in the last five minutes that I ran out of time to take notes. They included efforts from Lewis Whitehead, Dan Newman, Conor Mansfield, Ryan Haycock and Sam Bowen. Unfortunately a keeper that was on top form and a defence that closed everything down hard held firm and the winner never came.

So to the last two league games and the Championship is still up for grabs.

18th April 09: Lee Rangers 1 - 1 Crofton Saints

Firstly, a huge thank you to Crofton Saints and the referee, Ken Brown, for their patience and subsequent efforts in finding another venue for the game. Having got to Brookers Field and been confronted by three dreadful pitches it would have been easy to call the game off but the commitment of teams, management, referee and supporters saw the whole thing moved to Seafield Park and still managed to kick off at 11am!!

So, having had that kind of commitment to making it happen, did the game live up to it? Oh yes!

The game wasn't 45 seconds old when Lee Rangers carved out their first chance, Josh Read turning in the area and blazing a shot over. A minute later and Andy "Slinger" Wood headed over from a Josh Skinner free kick from wide on the left.

Sadly for Lee that's about where our pressure ended for the next 30 minutes. Crofton having a goal disallowed for offside, shooting wide from 25 yards, forcing Tom Bath into making a good save low to his left and shooting over twice from close range.

On 28 minutes the reward for such persistent pressure paid off when Mark Wheeler collected the ball on the right hand side and then drifted 20 yards across the pitch before shooting, unopposed, into the Lee net. 0-1

A couple of minutes later and Lee had only their third chance of the game when Lewis Whitehead had his free kick charged down but shot the returning ball over the bar.

On 31 minutes Lee came close to an equaliser with Conor Mansfield heading inches wide from a Connor Frampton free kick.

Three minutes later and Lewis Whitehead had his second free kick comfortably saved by the Crofton keeper.

The most convincing chance came on 39 minutes when Josh Read rose to head a Josh Skinner corner, the Crofton keeper only just hanging on to deny the goal.

And so, after the most lacklustre of first half performances, some serious thought was needed and some passion, enthusiasm and desire injected.

I am delighted to say that from the first whistle of the second half it was obvious that it worked!! With the half barely two minutes old Connor Frampton was unlucky to see a 20 yard drive carry the wrong side of the post. A minute later and Conor Mansfield headed a Dan Newman cross goalbound only to see it bounce off of Mark "Chopper" Sones back and out for a goal kick.

30 seconds later and Dan Newman was this time on the other end of a Connor Frampton cross but saw his header drift slightly wide.

On 9 minutes only frantic Crofton defending saw two headers cleared before the keeper was adjudged to have been fouled when the ball came down for the third chance.

Two minutes later and yet another Josh Skinner corner was nodded down by Slinger and Conor Mansfield shot narrowly over. A minute later and Conor Mansfield, by this time completely dominating the right hand side of the pitch, skinned the left back again and delivered a cross shot that neither troubled the keeper or got anyone on the end of it!

It was on 16 minutes that Crofton had their first chance, a striker taking an overhead chance from the edge of 6 yard box, only to see it go wide.

On 20 minutes the ever more dominant Chopper got himself in a great position to hit a shot from 20 yards but the keeper covered it well.

Chopper got himself into a similar position 8 minutes later and again his strike required a save from the Crofton keeper.

With a goal required a tactical substitution was made and Matt Baldwin replaced Ryan Haycock, just to give us that "irritation" and goal sniffing ability around the right hand channel.

And it worked!! Two minutes after coming on Crofton failed to deal with a Josh Read driven corner and Matt Baldwin bravely stuck his head in amongst the flying boots to nod home from 3 yards. 1-1

A minute later and perhaps it should been game over as Josh Read used his incredible strength and determination to once again latch onto a ball that shouldn't have been his and just poke it wide with his right foot.

The remaining 15 minutes was comfortable for both sides defences as neither team created many clear cut chances, Lee looking much more dangerous on the break and Crofton holding the ball and not getting support forward quickly enough.

In summary, the original "game of two halves" played by two excellent footballing sides who both wanted the win. They now have a break ahead of us meeting for the fourth time this season, this time in the final of the Testway Invitational Cup at Whitchurch United FC on 30th April. Let's hope for another gem!

4th April 09: Lee Rangers 17 - 0 Waltham Wolves

First of all big cheers for Waltham Wolves for turning up, even with only 10 players and also not letting their heads go down and continuing to play football when given the chance.

The goalscoring started on 5 minutes with Josh Read taking on an overhead shot from the edge of the area 1-0

From the resulting kick off persistent Lee Rangers pressure saw Andy "Slinger" Wood pick the ball up, play a cross field ball to Sam Bowen who slid a pass down the line for Josh Read who crossed but Matt Baldwin couldn't quite reach the ball at the far post.

On 8 minutes Lewis Whitehead was able to drive a finish past the keeper following an excellent passing move. 2-0

13 minutes and Craig Vincent headed in a Josh Read chip from the back post after a Matt Baldwin corner. 3-0

On 16 minutes Sam Bowen coolly slots his first and Lee's fourth following the pass of the season from Mark "Chopper" Sones's left foot between centre back and right back. 4-0

Four minutes later Matt Baldwin somehow manages to chip a Josh Read cross over the bar. Lewis Whitehead and Josh Skinner had played the ball from defence beautifully.

22 minutes and and Sam Bowen tucks his second as Lewis Whitehead pulled the ball back to him from the bye-line 5-0

And that was it for the first half, not for a lack of opportunities but Craig Vincent shot wide from 30 yards, Matt Baldwin lofted another left foot effort over the bar from 4 yards, Josh Skinner scuffed a shot after supporting Sam well on the left, Josh Read blasted wide from a Sam Bowen through ball, then put a right foot effort off of Chopper's back and wide, Matt Baldwin put a right foot effort wide, Josh Read saw a right foot effort cannon back off the post and Josh Skinner put a free-kick just over the bar.

The second half started quickly with Tom Bath coming up from goal to score a penalty awarded for handball. 6-0

A minute later Ryan Haycock put a shot just over the bar from a Matt Baldwin mis-hit.
Immediately after Craig Vincent saw a header from a Josh Read corner cleared off the line. Connor Frampton then volleyed over from a Sam Bowen cross.

On 49 minutes the continuous pressure was made to count as Ryan Haycock finished comfortably from a Sam Bowen cross. 7-0

A minute later Josh Read added another using his strength and persistence to pass a Waltham defender and slide the ball past the keeper. 8-0

On 53 minutes Lewis Whitehead bagged his second with a cool volleyed finish. 9-0

54 minutes and the freshly introduced Conor Mansfield finished another Sam Bowen cross 10-0

Two minutes passed before Josh Read finished comfortably with his left foot for his hat-trick 11-0

On 59 minutes it should have been 12 but Lewis Whitehead wasn't quite able reach a Sam Bowen cross/shot.

A minute later the twelth goal came with another Craig Vincent header from a Josh Read corner. 12-0

With Lee getting a little complacent Waltham played some excellent football to apply a bit of pressure, even hitting the bar. This shook Lee back into life again and on 71 minutes Josh Read applied an easy tap-in finish to a Lewis Whitehead cross for his fourth and Lee Rangers 13th. 13-0 

74 minutes and some excellent individual work by Harley Dallison created space for a pass to Connor Frampton who delivered an excellent cross for Sam Bowen to tuck away a hat-trick header. 14-0

Three minutes later Jack Barker worked himself some space with some excellent footwork and drove a left foot shot inches over the bar.

A further three minutes on and Sam Bowen slotted his fourth with a clinical left foot finish. 15-0

On 82 minutes Conor Mansfield rose magnificently to head home a Lewis Whitehead cross. This was culmination of one of the moves of the game, starting with Jack Barker holding the ball up well and delivering a safe ball back to Slinger, a pass to Connor Frampton who sent Lewis on his way for the cross. 16-0

85 minutes and Sam Bowen should get his fifth but lobs over the bar as well as the keeper having collected a Craig Vincent (now playing in goal) clearance.

But two minutes later he redeems himself and finishes a Connor Frampton cross-field ball comfortably for his fifth and Lee's 17th. 17-0

And that was that.

Well done to Lee Rangers for not being too complacent and actually taking the game on and getting the resul, but as we said at the start, a big well done to Waltham for turning up and putting the effort in that they did. They will be rewarded if they stay together next year when their seniority, their undoubted team spirit and the lessons learned from this season will stand them in good stead.

Well done guys.

21st Mar 09 South Wonston Swifts 1 - 3 Lee Rangers (Testway Invitational Cup Semi Final)

Second cup semi-final, second time we've been missing our goalkeeper and carrying a few injuries and the second time we've overcome it all and made it to the final.

With Sam Bowen deputising in goal again (having scored from his usual LM slot last week!) we started quickly and in the first minute Matt Baldwin anticipated a long throw from Connor Frampton but put the ball wide.

A couple of minutes later Lewis Whitehead chipped a pass through for Josh Read who put his cross into the keepers arms.

On 7 minutes SWS have their first attack with a lofted ball over the top which one of the strikers latches onto but blazes well over from 25 yards.

A 15th minute Josh Read corner was blasted over by Andy "Slinger" Wood who then recovered well to block an excellent SWS passing move on the edge of his own area.

On 19 minutes we had probably our best passage of play with excellent possession in the across the midfield and the two supporting full backs before Mark "Chopper" Sones played a defence splitting pass that Josh Read couldn't quite collect in front of the SWS keeper.

Five minutes later and an almost idential period of play saw Lewis Whitehead spread the play from central midfield out to Conor Mansfield on the right, as he cut inside he left the ball for Josh Read who slipped a delightful ball through to Chopper who stretched with the SWS keeper but couldn't quite get there.

The 25th minute saw SWS have their second attempt at goal, once again another distance effort that passed well wide of the post.

A 29th minute Josh Read corner fell to Craig Vincent's feet but he scuffed his shot wide.

30 seconds later and Josh Skinner picked up a clearance from a Matt Baldwin corner and his shot is deflected wide for yet another Lee Rangers corner.

Another long distance shot came in from SWS on 32 minutes before further Lee pressure saw Lewis Whitehead take control of a high ball and drill an excellent shot in from 25 yards. 0-1

Lee continued to pour forward and three minutes later Matt Baldwin puts a chance over following a cross from Chopper who'd worked hard on the left to get the ball out from two defenders. This was closely followed by a Josh Read header from a Matt Baldwin corner being saved on the line and the keeper doing well to gather a ball at Josh Read's feet following a Chopper chip over the centre backs.

All in all, a good first half.

A quick start to the second half saw Lee awarded a corner in the 48th minute and Mark "Chopper" Sones rising to head a Josh Read corner past the flailing SWS keeper. 0-2

This elicited a excellent response from SWS and on 5 minutes only some frantic defending saw a ball cleared from a strikers feet in the Lee penalty area.

On 57 minutes a free header for SWS was put wide.

Lee then recovered and two minutes later Matt Baldwin lost his marker as he drifted in from the left hand side to meet a Connor Frampton long throw with an excellent left foot finish. 0-3 The reward for his goal was a swift substitution so that he could escape to watch a less important game.

A couple of chances fell to SWS around the 70 minute period when defensive confusion saw them presented a shot that was put wide and a header also failed to trouble the Lee keeper.

The game really opened up as SWS pushed forward in the last five minutes and both teams had excellent chances. Jack Barker (on for Ryan Haycock) took a layer of paint off the cross bar with a free kick, Dan Newman scuffed a Josh Read cross, Chopper headed wide from another Jack Barker free kick, Conor Mansfield blasted over from a Dan Newman cross and then shot wide having received a ball that Josh Read had done well to work free from the left hand side. In the midst of this SWS's no. 4 had managed to toe-poke a shot wide having been slipped clear through and another shot had gone wide from the edge of the area.

On 92 minutes SWS got the reward for their second half endeavours when they were able to take advantage of confusion in the Lee defence to poke home a consolation goal. 1-3

A great result from one of our poorer performances of the season. A failure to take chances and also play to our strengths was overcome by simply having such a volume of opportunities!! Good to see that our set-play work continues to result in goals with yet another corner nodded in. Also really pleasing that our commitment and work rate didn't falter and we never doubted our ability to get the result.

Nice one lads, two finals! Now let's get some more league results and keep the pressure on at the top of the table.

14th Mar 09 - Forest Athletic 2 - 7 Lee Rangers

An interesting game, well refereed, against opposition who perhaps deserved a little better than the scoreline suggested but unfortunately played on a pitch that should never see another football kicked on it again (Soberton Heath Rec!)!

Initial signs were that it could well be a Lee rout. With Forest setting up 4-5-1 and clearly hoping to frustrate Lee and use their numbers in midfield to try and get up to support the lone striker. Early indications were that this tactic wouldn't work as Lee pressed in the first minute and saw a corner well cleared. A couple of minutes later Dan Newman switched the ball beautifully for Conor Mansfield who skewed his shot wide. Immediately afterward both Conor Mansfield and Ryan Haycock have shots.

On 12 minutes the returning Lewis Whitehead slipped a beautiful pass through for Josh Read who didn't quite judge his chip properly and the keeper gathered safely.

Two minutes later and Josh Read held the ball up well and slid a pass for Conor Mansfield who shot into the side netting.

18 minutes and Connor Frampton makes a strong challenge on the right, splits the Forest defence and Josh Read is denied by the Forest keeper who was lightning quick off his line.

A minute later and a Josh Skinner shot from 25 yards is comfortably held by the Forest keeper.

20 minutes and Forest start to make the extra man in midfield count and create a shooting opportunity from 20 yards but the ball is well over. A second chance is created 3 minutes later with the Forest left-midfielder cutting inside to get a shot away but again it's over.

On 27 minutes the deadlock is broken when Josh Read has a shot saved by the keeper but the loose ball is collected by Ryan Haycock who's composure and good feet slip Conor Mansfield in to finish for the first Lee goal. 0-1

31 minutes and Forest make a quick break but waste another shot from 20 yards. From the resulting goal kick Josh Skinner plays a long ball to Josh Read in the left hand channel but it's slightly overhit, he continues his run and forces the keeper into a mistake, passes to Ryan Haycock who creates a lovely space for himself to score the second. 0-2

The next seven minutes sees Forest starting to take control with the extra man in midfield again and they create three chances the last of which bounces in front of Tom Bath and takes a 45 degree bounce past him for a goal back (more of the pitch later!) 1-2

The remainder of the half sees Andy "Slinger" Wood head into the side netting from a Josh Skinner free-kick, no-one coming to meet a Connor Frampton cross, the same player chipping wide, the ball taking a monstrous bobble in front of Conor Mansfield when through one on one and Ryan Haycock heading a Josh Read corner wide.

Having dominated the first half Lee clearly opened the second half with a degree of complacency and Forest taking full advantage of it. Dominating central midfield with the extra man Forest applied consistent pressure but still Lee threatened on the break with Conor Mansfield putting a left foot shot over the bar, Ryan Haycock using excellent strength to turn but shoot wide and Slinger volleying another Josh Read corner over the bar. Still Forest were limited to shooting from distance and immediately after a 20 yard effort had been blazed over a Forest player brought the save of the game from Tom Bath who dived well to his left to keep a stunning shot out.

Josh Read has two chances well saved by the Forest keeper one on one before Forest get their second with a mix-up in the Lee defence and a cross/shot going unclaimed and Forest bundling the ball in. 2-2

With no real chances to speak of in the next few minutes it was on 80 minutes that the game changed. A stupid moment involving players from both sides, well dealt with by the referee, saw an enormous shift in emphasis in the game. From that moment Lee gained control of the middle of the park, got the ball down and used their technical ability, pace and strength to get the result.

85 minutes and Conor Mansfield has a header from a Josh Skinner free-kick very well saved by the Forest keeper.

87 minutes and Harley Dallison makes three strong challenges in midfield before releasing the ball to substitute Sam Bowen who, with a bit of luck seeing the ball come back off the keeper from his first attempt, finishes well on his second go! 2-3

90 minutes and a Forest back pass takes the most horrendous bobble in front of the keeper and bounces past him for the fourth. 2-4

94 minutes, Conor Mansfield receives the ball from Harley Dallison and sends a fantastic cross-field pass to Sam Bowen who sends a magnificent cross in for a far-post header for the man that started it all, Conor Mansfield! 2-5

96 minutes - Josh Skinner takes the ball past three Forest defenders on the touchline at the half-way line, (including a nutmeg and a Cruyff!) carries the ball 20 yards before hitting a 20 yard shot over the keeper and dipping in. Wonderful solo goal. 2-6

98 minutes and it's all over as Matt Baldwin sends in a glorious corner and that man Conor Mansfield pops up with a header at the near post for his hat-trick. 2-7 

A few comments:

- A great recovery from the boys having really had the game taken away from them by a keen Forest side.
- Good refereeing to hold the game up for 10 minutes whilst both teams found their heads again and to get it finished with no more issues.
- Soberton Heath rec should NOT be hosting football of this standard. Both teams tried their hardest to play pass and move football and it was impossible when the pitch is worse than a horses field.

Great result lads, still unbeaten.