.
Welcome to the Under 12 Kestrels team webpage! This page is for the exclusive use by the Under 12 Kestrels team.
Coach: Martin Van Elst - 0421 108 199
Manager: Richard Holt - 0432 458 548
Training Day: Thursdays 18:00 - 20:00
Training Location: Mackie
Road Reserve
Competition Day: Sundays ~10:00
Association: Football Federation (FFV)
League/Division: East 12 C
There are no messages at this time [01 May 2008]
Round 16: Glen Eira vs Doncaster Rovers - Sunday 09 August 2008
Result: Glen Eira 0, Doncaster 5
In appalling conditions the Kestrels took on ladder leaders, Doncaster Rovers in match more about pride than results. The Kestrels vowed to take the game up to the home team and were holding their own until a crude and rather vicious tackle to captain Josh stalled our efforts. There was real concern as Josh lay prone on the muddy pitch for a long time until eventually a stretcher was called for. Nevertheless, the game must go on and by half-time Doncaster held on to a slender lead - 1-Nil.
More wretched luck plagued the Kestrels when we lost our other prime-mover, Jordan, with a knee injury shortly into the second half. With the Kestrels reduced to 10 players it was inevitable that Doncaster would start to dominate. Doncaster goaled once, twice, heads dropped, more rain fell. The valiant efforts of the Kestrels, in particular Curtis, Jiah, Jaason, Anthony and Aiden were not enough to stop the tide of Doncaster forwards and their shots at goal. Eventually at 5-Nil, the game mercifully ended.
Unfortunately, the last 8 minutes of the game when Doncaster dominated was not truly indicative of the Kestrels efforts for the day. But, once again, we failed to capitalise on our chances when they were there - the same old story all season. Fortunately, Josh and Jordan are recovering well and we hope to see them back on the pitch soon.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [21 August 2008]
Round 15: Glen Eira vs Mooroolbark - Sunday 03 August 2008
Result: Glen Eira 6, Mooroolbark 1
It was a long trek to Mooroolbark for our return match, but one which was well worth it. It was a game we had to win, and win well, to avoid relegation next year. The Ketrels certainly were pumped up and came out onto the pitch full of determination. Loads of Kestrel scoring opportunities were set up but Mooroolbark's keeper was doing a great job holding back the flood. Soon enough the Kestrels broke through with a goal from rookie player Reece, who slotted in his first ever goal. Josh and Jordan were having lots of shots from all sorts of angles and provided 3 more goals by half-time. The Kestrels were also well served by the run and grunt of Curtis, Anthony V, Jade and Daniel. A job well done for the first half.
The challenge was to maintain the intensity in the second half. Mooroolbark re-shuffled their team to find some avenues to goal, the Kestrels rotated a few players, bringing in first-half goalie Adam, James, Jiah and Jaason to the field. Again many opportunities presented themselves as all the players tried to get themselves a goal. Jordan was the first to score, to complete a hat-trick in a fantastic performance. Then Adam got reward for his persistence all year with his first goal. A rare forward movement from Mooroolbark produced their first goal of the match and spark hope of a revival. However, the Kestrels ran out the match comfortable winners. A satisfying result for all and a much needed tonic for the team.
Best: Josh, Jordan,
Curtis, Adam, Reece.
Goalscorers: Jordan 3, Josh 1, Reece 1, Adam 1.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [05 August 2008]
Round 14: Glen Eira vs Lalor - Sunday 27 July 2008
Result: Glen Eira 0, Lalor 3
A genuine grudge match against the repellent Lalor. The Kestrels were keen to defeat Lalor at home, but from the start were beaten by a more aggressive side. Lalor simply wanted the ball more and looked a more composed unit. Two ‘soft’ goals in the first half set the tone for the match. Yet, again the Kestrels totally dominated play in the second but could not convert.
Best for the Kestrels: Curtis – ran himself ragged and never gave up, Josh, James, Jordan, Daniel, Jaason.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [05 August 2008]
Round 13: Glen Eira vs Richmond - Sunday 20 July 2008
Result: Glen Eira 0, Richmond 3
Perfect winter conditions
for football were delivered for our return match against Richmond. The
pressure was on early, and while some desperate defending managed to
gain a bit of momentum and a few chances, we conceded a free kick and
resulting goal late in the first half. This coupled with injuries to
both Jiah and Darcy, conspired to drain our spirits. At times our
determined efforts kept us in the match but some lacklustre efforts
sealed the game for Richmond.
Best: Curtis - Great efforts in goal that saved us on a number of occasions. Showed great drive charging out of defence. Jaason - Did well in defence, making decisive clearances when needed. Jordan - Tried hard to put a score on the board in the second half but ended up helping out in midfield when the pressure was on. Daniel - Did a few fantastic moves, with confidence, in defence. At other times used his body to hold opponents off. A very improved player.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [05 August 2008]
Round 12: Glen Eira vs FC Bulleen Lions - Sunday 13 July 2008
Result: Glen Eira 2, Bulleen 2
A match at home and a chance to improve our confidence and standing in the season. The Kestrels looked in control from early on; were making some really threatening attacks on Bulleen's goal and were richly rewarded when Jade put one in to the back of the net. A goal for Bulleen, against the run of play, brought things back to square one. With the game all tied up at the start of the second half, again it was the class of Josh who put us one-up. This game was looking good until a defensive lapse in the last minute of play allowed Bulleen Lions to force the game to a draw. An ultimately frustrating game and one which could be accurately described as “the one that got away”.
Best Players: Anthony,
Jordan, Josh, Jade, Jaason, Seth.
Goals: Jade 1, Josh 1.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [05 August 2008]
Round 11: Glen Eira vs Glen Waverley - Sunday 06 July 2008
Result: Glen Eira 4, Glen Waverley 0
With a nil-all result from our first meeting, the Kestrels were keen to go one better when they met Glen Waverley away. While the first half was reminiscent of the first game, we came out in the second half full of fire. With the Kestrels dominating the pitch, it seemed highly likely that we would eventually score. Yet, it took until the halfway mark of the second term before erstwhile backman Jiah drifted upfield to power through the breakthrough goal. Then the floodgates opened. Josh, not to be upstaged, went on to score two goals with his trademark poise and Antony, dynamic all day, was rewarded with a goal of his own. A clearly demoralised Glen Waverley were left to lament what could have been and the Kestrels were ecstatic to record their second win of the season. We played the type of game that we are more than capable of but has been sadly lacking so far this season. Pleasing for the Kestrels was the emergence of James and Seth in their best games of the year so far.
Best: Josh, Jiah, Antony, James, Jordan, Seth.
Goals: Josh 2, Jiah 1, Antony 1.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [05 August 2008]
Round 10: Glen Eira vs North Caulfield Maccabi - Sunday 29 June 2008
Result: Glen Eira 0, North Caulfield 3
This match against North Caulfied was the soccer equivalent of a local derby. With the school holidays on, both teams fielded reduced teams. But ultimately Glen Eira let themselves down in a game that was ours for the taking. Our worst performance for the year - the Kestrels overall looked uninterested and lacklustre. But despite the result, there were some shining lights for the team, in particular: Jade - Great chases in the backline, saving goals on at least two occasions. Reece - starting to position himself in the right places on field and with a bit more luck would have been much more devastating. Jordan - Played another fantastic game, creating plenty of drive for the team. But overall it was perplexing performance by the Kestrels.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [05 August 2008]
Round 9: Glen Eira vs Sherbrooke Rangers - Sunday 22 June 2008
Result: Glen Eira 2, Sherbrooke 4
Following on from our fantastic performance against South Springvale, the Kestrels faced off against Sherbrooke Rangers at home. This match, with rain falling throughout, was never going to be pretty, but the Kestrels really tried hard and took the game right up to the Rangers. An unlucky penalty gifted the visitors the first goal, and from then on we were playing catch-up football. Sherbrooke dominated the first half, but the Kestrels were better in the second, when Jade and Jordan, through sheer persistence, gave us some respectability on the scoreboard. The Rangers defence was difficult to penetrate and that proved to be the difference between the teams.
Best: Josh, Jordan, Jade,
Anthony V.
Goalscorers: Jade 1, Jordan 1.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [05 August 2008]
Round 8: Glen Eira vs South Springvale - Sunday 15 June 2008
Result: Glen Eira 2, South Springvale 2
The Kestrels played their
best game of
the season so far in Round 8 against second-placed South Springvale.
Right from the kick-off the boys were in command with forceful
attacking football and a strong unified defence. Our first goal at the
8 minute mark, courtesy of a neat Curtis knock-on from a Jade cross,
shocked the home team out of their complacency and they responded
agressively. But our boys matched them in every department. The
backline of Anthony, Darcy, Daniel, Jaason and James in goals, were
handling the intense pressure well, but Springvale's No.11 was causing
trouble, and he managed to equalise for the home team. In an inspired
move, Coach Martin moved Jiah on to their rampaging striker and his
influence was diminished for the rest of the game. Glen Eira continued
to control the game in the first half, thanks to the terrific mid-field
brigade of Antony, Jordan, Jade, Adam, Curtis and Josh. Finally, a
superb and clinical goal by Josh just before half-time really
emphasised our dominance. South Springvale were really 'on the ropes'.
Half-time: Glen Eira 2. South Springvale 1.
After the half-time break, the home team really put the pressure on the
Kestrels. Unfortunately, a super-soft penalty in the box went
Springvale's way, via a very dubious 'hand-ball'. The regulation strike
gifted South Springvale their equaliser. Frantic minutes ticked by as
both sides tried to find 'the decider'. Desperate efforts by James in
defence were crucial for the Kestrels, as was Reece's pace on right
wing. After weathering the South Springvale storm, the Kestrels were
again starting to dominate the match, but just couldn't deliver the
'knock-out' blow. Full-Time: Glen Eira 2, South Springvale 2. This was
a game where all played well, and most importantly, stuck to the
formation and tactics Coach Martin has been working to install in the
team all year. Again, it showed that if we play this way consistently,
we will cause problems for any team we play this year. Keep it up
Kestrels!
Goalscorers: Curtis 1, Josh 1.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [30 June 2008]
Round 7: Glen Eira vs Doncaster Rovers – Sunday 08 June 2008
Result: Glen Eira 0, Doncaster 7
Playing over the long weekend, we faced a dominant Doncaster team with the Kestrels' players numbers down. In the first half Doncaster were fairly dominant, but in the second half more opportunities to score came our way via Jade and Jaason, but unfortunately we couldn't capitalise on them. Players such as Jordan, Curtis, Anthony and Jiah tried their hearts out, came off the pitch exhausted, and can be proud of their efforts. Glen Eira would be disappointed to lose this game by such a margin and will be looking for a big improvement in our next game.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [11 June 2008]
Round 6: Glen Eira vs Mooroolbark – Sunday 01 June 2008
Result: Glen Eira 4, Mooroolbark 2
With the season already five games old, the Kestrels were still looking for that elusive first win. Having been really competitve in all but one of their games so far, we looked forward to playing Mooroolbark back in the familiar surrounds of Lord Reserve. We approached the game with the knowledge that Mooroolbark were also winless and stranded at the bottom of the ladder. Surely we would be a real chance this time.
Nevertheless, Mooroolbark looked anything but easy as they were the more cohesive team in the first ten minutes. But suddenly the Kestrels took first blood, when striker Jade capitalised on a rare forward movement. It was a confidence boosting goal against the flow of play and, as we all know, confidence is everything in soccer.
Soon afterward, a crude Mooroolbark tackle produced a yellow
card -
the first I had ever seen at this level! A penalty beckoned. Darcy,
just back from injury, stepped forward to take the penalty but his shot
veered wide. A golden opportunity lost. Of course, this gave
Mooroolbark heart and they immediately responded with a goal of their
own. Half-time Glen Eira 1, Mooroolbark 1.
The second half produced a lot of tension as none of us dared to
contemplate another loss. Fortunately, the ever reliable Curtis,
relishing his new role as striker, capitalised from a corner kick to
take put us 1 up. But defensive laspes allowed Mooroolbark back into
the game with an equaliser - 2 all! Now what would happen?
Ten minutes to go and again Curtis bullied the ball through a mass of Mooroolbark defenders to take us to 3-2. Relief was palpable. Finally Josh was put back on the field and with a classy strike put the game beyond doubt. 4-2 to Glen Eira. Hooray! Our first win and although it wasn't our most convincing effort, it was very satisfying for all concerned. A good effort all round with special mention to the efforts of Adam, Curtis, Josh, James, Antony, Jordan, Jade & Aiden.
Goalscorers: Curtis 2, Jade 1, Josh 1
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [11 June 2008]
Round 5: Glen Eira vs Lalor – Sunday 25 May 2008
Result: Glen Eira 2, Lalor 2
With a determination to get back on the winning list, the Kestrels took the long road to Lalor (Thomastown) for Round 5. After a tough week at training the Kestrels were eager to put in a good performance. With only the bare minimum of players (11) the Kestrels again dominated the game for long periods. Coach Martin had slightly changed the line-up putting usual defenders Curtis and Jiah up-front for the first half. Immediately the Kestrels looked threatening, creating lots of chances. Josh was controlling the centreline and with Antony and Jade providing heaps of run from the wings. Our defence was working to precision, ably marshalled by Anthony, with Jaason also putting in a strong performance. Jordan, our first half goalkeeper was not letting anything get past him, giving us great confidence when Lalor went forward. When ambitious shot by Curtis just bounced over the net, it was clear the Kestrels had really come to play. Antony, Jiah, Josh and Curtis all had their chances, but by halftime we feared that with no subs, we would be overrun by a full strength (16 player) Lalor team in the second half. Half-time Glen Eira 0. Lalor 0.
Our fears proved to be un-founded when in the second half from the first kick-off, Glen Eira got reward for their first-half efforts. Jade thumped the board forward, Curtis trapped and passed off to a running Josh and in three quick movements we got our goal! Finally, we put it all together. Lalor hit back to score soon after.1-all! The game's intensity raised a couple of notches and everyone was playing like there was no tomorrow. This was the Kestrels we knew - never giving up. Antony, now in goals was putting in a heroic effort to stave off the Lalor strikers, and Jiah, dead on his feet, dug deep and found something in reserve to save a certain goal. A forward movement from Jordan, released Curtis who, with lightning speed, held off the Lalor defenders and ran into an open goal. His shot was just going wide when Aiden, who had drifted up from the backline, tapped it through - 2-1 - we were in the lead! Then with three minutes to go and with the Kestrels one man down through injury, Lalor hit back to draw the game. Final score: Glen Eira 2, Lalor 2. A bitter-sweet result as again we were unable to get the win we wanted.
Nevertheles, it was a good game played by all. All the Kestrels contributed and gave everything they had. Josh played a superb captain's game all day and seemed to be everywhere on the pitch. Curtis, up front, made our forward line more dangerous; Jiah, Jaason, Jordan, Jade, Antony, Anthony were fantastic all day; Aiden made the most of his opportunities and our newest players Reece and James put in solid efforts. Thanks to the parents for their great support and for getting to the ground in time. Hopefully next time we play Lalor on our home territory we can go one better.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [27 May 2008]
Round 4: Glen Eira vs Richmond – Sunday 18 May 2008
Result: Glen Eira 0, Richmond 4
With rain falling all Saturday it looked like we were in for a soaking, but, miraculously, the rain held off for the duration of our match. It would prove to be the only lucky break for us on the day as again we were unable to make the most of our ample opportunities. Although the scoreline was unflattering, the Kestrels performance was a big improvement on the previous week. We started well enough, had most of the play throughout the match, but were unable to score. Best players on the day were Curtis, Josh, Adam, Antony, Jiah, Daniel, Darcy and Jordan.
Full Time: Glen Eira 0, Richmond 4.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [27 May 2008]
Round 3: Glen Eira vs FC Bulleen – Sunday 11 May 2008
Score: Glen Eira 1, FC Bulleen 3
The Kestrels in their second game of the season faced FC Bulleen away. The signs weren’t good as the Kestrels conceded a goal in the very first minute due to some sloppy defence. After a very good first up effort against Glen Waverley, Glen Eira looked a different team this week. Gone was the attack on the ball, the teamwork and the on-field communication we enjoyed last week and in it’s place was a team that looked confused. Bulleen controlled the game and we just chased after them. In the first half, Antony was lively on the wing, Jade and Jaason tried hard to create some opportunites up forward and Daniel battled hard in defence.
Half-time: Bulleen 2, Glen Eira 0
After half-time we managed to claw our way back into the game when, in our best passage for the day, Curtis crossed to Jordan who made a very definite strike to goal. Heads lifted and we finally started to take the game up to Bulleen. When a Kestrel was taken down in our goal area we were gifted a penalty and a chance to draw the game. But as fate would have it, Bulleen saved the penalty and with it went our hopes to win or draw the game. Bulleen scored again and that was it.
Full-time Bulleen 3, Glen Eira 1
Josh, Curtis, Jiah and Anthony battled tirelessly all day for the Kestrels and a special mention must go to Jordan who scored our only goal, performed a some great saves and finally was unlucky not to be the penalty hero in a game that we would have been fortunate just to draw. Nevertheless, there is long way to go in the season and if we can just develop some consistency in our approach to games, especially at the start, then we can hold our heads high, whatever the result.
Richard, Manager -
Kestrels [12 May 2008]
Round 2 - Glen Eira vs Glen Waverley – Sunday 04 May 2008
Score: Glen Eira 0, Glen Waverley 0
It was with great anticipation that the Kestrels approached our first game of the season. After a good nine weeks of preparation, including three practice matches, the Kestrels were in an excellent position to commence the season. We had been really fortunate in retaining our Coach from 2007, Martin, and the core of the 2007 team. The Kestrels had lost five players from 2007, but we welcome five new players: Aiden, Jaason, James, Reece and Seth. So, it would be quite different looking Kestrels going around in 2008.
Due to a quirk in the fixture we had a bye in the very first week, but finally the big day came around. I must admit to a few butterflies myself as we faced Glen Waverley first up – top dogs from Season 2007! But from the kick-off the Kestrels were focused and playing really good football. Although we were playing in the unfamiliar field at Duncan Mackinnon Reserve, we really made all the running in the first half. Captain Josh, Curtis, Adam and Antony were controlling the midfield and the much-improved defence of Anthony, Jiah and Daniel were playing disciplined football. Striker Jade was wreaking havoc in attack and only desperate goalkeeping prevented an avalanche of goals. Darcy was effective as our goalkeeper and Midfielder Jordan was causing all sorts of problems for Glen Waverley with his powerful, attacking play.
Half-time score Glen Eira 0 - Glen Waverley 0
After the break, Glen Waverley shook themselves out of their lethargy and launched plenty of counter attacks. But the goal drought must have been contagious as Glen Waverley also was unable to score. A certain goal was averted when Curtis put his stomach on the line and took the full brunt of a Glen Waverley strike - Ouch! Jordan, as goalkeeper also weathered the storm, keeping a clean sheet. Tension was really building now. Glen Eira regrouped with newcomer Reece, surprising with his pace, in the midfield, Darcy, now in attack, and Jade continuing his good work from the first half. Yet, after creating chance upon chance, the Kestrels still came away with no score! Adam was again in control in the midfield and Jiah, showing great aggression, was a tower of strength in defence. Our other debutants Aiden, Jaason and James showed enough positive signs to suggest that they too will soon be integral members of the Kestrels team. But, alas, time had run out and at full-time the scoreline remained the same - Glen Eira 0 – Glen Waverley 0. Although, it must be said, this was a game that we should have won. Clearly, the Kestrels were the dominant team on the day.
But, we had passed our first test of the season – taking the top team Glen Waverley to a nil-all draw. Now, I am starting to believe that the Kestrels of 2008 can go all the way and finish on top of the group table. But, for the moment we will take it one week at a time.
Finally, congratulations go to Josh, who was selected as Kestrels Captain, and Curtis as Vice-Captain. These players set a great example with their dedication and determination and will be fine leaders of the Kestrels in 2008.
Next week: FC Bulleen Lions – another top side, another tough game.
Richard Holt - Manager Kestrels [06 May 2008]
Round 1 - Bye - Sunday 27 Apr 2008