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Under 14`s Season 2005/06

Date	Report
23/4/06	Letchworth GCE Blues  5-0 Arlesey
9/4/06	Stevenage Colts  2-1  Arlesey Arlesey can feel some pride in their performance against possible champions elect, fielding a weakened side due to holidays they made Colts work hard for 3 points.  The Blues had to 'borrow' Philips, Marshall and Grindall from the Under 13 Sky team all all three gave good accounts of themselves. Marshall in midfield had an excellent game and did not look at all out of place against the older lads.  Colts dominated the first half and had numerous chances to take the lead but some solid defending from the Blues kept them at bay. Wells once and Fye twice clearing off of the line.  Midway through the half a superb through ball from Smith found Springall who raced clear and slotted past the keeper to give Arlesey the leads. As the half wore on Colts became more frustrated in their inability to break down the Blues rearguard. 1-0 at half time. In the second half the Blues had more possession. Springall found himself one on one with the keeper but unfortunately the ball was on his weaker right foot and the Colts keeper saved well. Colts had a goal disallowed for offside but seconds later scored the equaliser when a crossfield ball was hammered home by their dangerous forward. They claimed the winner when the Blues defence failed to clear a corner and the ball was hammered home.  Despite the result with 5 regulars missing this was an excellent performance the defence of Swain, Wheatley, Smith, Wells and Fye worked very hard.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Smith, Wheatley, Grindall, Marshall, Hood, Horwood, Mardle, Springall  Sub Phillips.
12/3/06	Bishops Stortford Jets 3-1 Arlesey Arlesey's inconsistent season continued as they lost to a team they had beaten 7-0 earlier in the season ! Whilst their first half performance wasn't up to scratch they were not helped by some debatable refereeing decisions.  Although this was a lunch time kick off the boys did not play well at the start of this game and some woeful defending allowed Stortford to take the lead after 3 minutes. Play was poor from both teams with neither side taking the initiative. The referee then intervened giving a back pass when the ball bounced of a defenders knee and into the keepers hands from a corner. An indirect free kick on the 6 yard line resulted which Stortford gleefully hammered home to make the score 2-0. The blues thought they had got back into the game when a Faulkner free kick found Wheately running through, however he was adjudged offside and the goal was disallowed. Stortford made it 3-0 at the interval.  More pride and passion was demanded from the boys in the second half as their first half display was probably the worst they have played this season. To be fair to the lads they did make a game of it second half. Coles and Faulkner started to win the 50/50 balls in midfield and create some chances. Springall when through shot at the keeper and Hood sliced the ball wide when he had just the keeper to beat. Wheatley headed home from a corner to reduce the defecit but the Blues were unable to penetrate the Stortford rearguard.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Wheatley, Smith, Reeves, Coles, Woodcock, Horwood, Springall, Hood.
5/3/06	Arlesey 0-1 Hormead Hares The blues lost narrowly to Hormead Hares in an exiting game on Sunday, even now the boys must be wondering how they didn't win !  The game was quite even for the first 10 minutes with neither side creating any clear cut chances. However when Arlesey lost possession in a dangerous position a Hares attacker pounced and shot confidently past Swain in the Arlesey goal.  Arlesey then proceeded to dominate the game literally camped in the Hormead half but could not score from any of the numerous chances they created. Coles, Reeves, Horwood, Faulkner & Woodcock had the upper hand in a very physical midfield battle.  The Hormead keeper had a superb games pulling of a number of very good saves to deny Arlesey. Wells and man of the match Fye were in good form on the rare occasion Hormead broke over the half way line. It was hard to be critical of the boys performance given the effort that they all put in, it was just one of those days when they could not find the back of the net. They have played worse this season and won games !  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Wheatley, Smith, Faulkner, Woodcock, Reeves, Springall, Hood,Coles. Sub Horwood.
26/2/06	Arlesey 2-5  BiggleswadeTown  A very disappointing result for Arlesey, who really seem to have lost their way over recent weeks and are lacking in confidence. Despite the blues dominating long periods of play Biggleswade were much more clinical in their finishing and deserved the 3 points.  At the start it seemed that the boys had still not woken up. They were second to every ball and Biggleswade dominated the early part of the game and were good value for their 2 goal lead after 15 minutes. Biggleswade could have scored more if it were not for a couple of smart saves from Swain in the Arlesey goal. Arlesey seemed to wake up and prompted by Woodcock, Reeves and Coles in midfield had much more of the possession. After a number of fruitless attacks man of the match Coles took the ball past a couple of defenders and shot powerfully towards goal. The Biggleswade keeper did well to palm the ball away but Springall following up made no mistake to make the score 1-2. Arlesey continued to press and in one attack hit the post 3 times !! However they could not equalise before the half time interval.  Arlesey continued in the second half to push Biggleswade back with Reeves and Springall going close. However Biggleswade continued to look dangerous on the break and scored 2 goals in quick succession to make sure of the points. The Blues briefly threatened a revival when Reeves made it 2-4 but it was Biggleswade who had the last say when they added their 5th.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Smith, Wheatley, Mardle, Reeves, Faulkner, Springall, Woodcock, Coles, subs ; Hood, Horwood.
5/2/06	ArleseyTown  2-2  Bedwell Rangers
29/1/06	St Neots Navy Blues  1-4  ArleseyTown After a poor run of results the Blues finally got back into winning ways with this convincing performance against St Neots.  The Blues got the perfect start when B Smith drilled home a free kick from an acute angle, however the Arlesey supporters did not get carried away as the blues have often scored early goals and gone on to loose games ! However the lads all seemed in the mood and continued to push Saints back and dominated for long periods. Woodcock, improving with every match in central midfield, gave a man of the match performance keeping the dangerous St Neots skipper subdued with an assured performance. Springall, recovered from his knee injury last week, and Faulkner on the flanks caused numerous problems for the Saints defence. However numerous chances came and went which was a concern as St Neots were still dangerous on the break.Wheatley went close with a powerful header from a corner which went inches wide. Some 10 minutes prior to half time a Springall shot hit the post and then bounced off a defender and into the net. Arlesey looked comfortable at the back with Swain cool as ever in goal dealing with any through balls from St Neots.However a lapse in concentration resulted in Saints pulling a goal back just before half time to make the score 2-1 at the break.  The blues were told to keep their focus and concentration in the second half. To their credit they did and again created some excellent chances. Reeves playing in a more advance role looked dangerous throughout with some penetrating runs and it was no surprise when he beat the offside trap to score from the angle. The Arlesey midfield led by Coles and boosted by the arrival of Horwood made sure that St Neots found it difficult to create any clear cut chances. Faulkner rounded off a good performance when he scored from close range at the second attempt after his first effort was parried by the keeper. B Smith hit the post and was denied by a superb save from the keeper and Reeves, when through on goal, missed an easier chance than the one he scored ! All in all a very pleasing team performance which showed what the lads are capable of.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Wheatley, P Smith, Coles, Springall, Woodcock, Faulkner, Reeves, B Smith.  Sub ; Horwood.
22/1/06	Arlesey  2-5 Buntingford Cougars   The Blues were comprehensively beaten by Cougars on Sunday, ironically a complete reversal of the score when the teams met earlier in the season !  The game was really end to end throughout. Both chances missing numerous chances to take the lead. Faulkner, Smith, Wells & Fye looking strong at the back. Arlesey opened the scoring following good work from  B Smith who made room for the shot in a congested penalty area and slotted home. Cougars were level within seconds when a speculative shot from  long range was too high for Swain. Cougars were unlucky not to take the lead hitting the post twice and Fye clearing a shot off the line which Cougars felt had crossed the line. Still Arlesey failed to convert the chances that came their way and it was Cougars who took the lead prior to half time. 1-2 at the break it could easily have been 5-5 !  Arlesey started the second half well and following a superb run from Coles he cut the ball back from the bye line and Mardle scored the equaliser. At this point in the game the Blues were on top. Reeves put the Cougars central defence under pressure and scored but the goal was disallowed for a push. Arlesey then conceded 3 quick goals as the Cougars centre forward took them apart at the back. A disappointing end to the game as Arlesey seemed to fall apart. Man of the match went to Coles who together with Faulkner led by example. Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Faulkner,P Smith, Reeves, Mardle, B Smith, Springall, Woodcock, Coles  Subs  Horwood, Eaves.
15/1/06	Sawbridgeworth 2-0 ArleseyTown  As always against Sawbo this was a very close game which on another day the blues could have won.  Played on a heavy pitch the game was fairly even with the action end to end. but chances few and far between with both defences strong. Arlesey's best chances of the half were when a strong run from Coles from the half way line was stopped as he was about to shoot and a Hood effort cleared off of the line. Swain in the Arlesey goal also had to be alert and made a couple of good saves to keep the score 0-0. He was finally beaten 5 minutes before halftime when the Sawbo forward beat the offside trap and slotted home confidently.Man of the Match Ben Smith saved Arlesey from going further behind when he hooked a goalbound effort clear from under the bar. 0-1 at the break.  The blues were still confident they could get something out of the match, however they started the second half slowly and Sawbo increased their lead within a minute after the Blues failed to clear from the edge of the area. From then on it was all Arlesey as they fought to get back in the game. Springall was on fine form and constantly tested the right back and one of his efforts came closest for Arlesey. Sawbo are a strong tacking side and some of the challenges were borderline with a referee who seemed to have lost his whistle !  Woodcock came on and played his best game for the blues putting in a couple of superb tackles himself and making some good runs down the left. However it was not to be for Arlesey and they could not find their way through the Sawbo defence.  Team : Swain, Wells, P Smith, Wheatley, Fye, Mardle, Faulkner, Coles, Springall, Hood, B Smith   Subs  Horwood, Woodcock.
8/1/06	ArleseyTown  4-5 St. Neots Navy Blues  After the Christmas break Arlesey were looking for a good run of results to put pressure on the top two in this division. As it turned out St Neots, despite being 1 from bottom, had other ideas !  The blues couldn't have wished for a better start. Forsythe was put clear and slotted the ball past the keeper. However they couldn't build on this and their passing was woeful and it was St Neots who scored the next two, the first after a defensive mix up. Arlesey did have numerous chances but failed to convert Smith denied when through on goal and Reeves hitting the post the most notable. 1-2 at half time.  Despite being behind Arlesey felt they could still win the game IF they played as we know they can ! However to be honest they simply failed to lift their game. St Neots put the midfield under pressure and were winning all the 50/50 balls. Arlesey scored an equaliser when Reeves shot from long range and the keeper failed to hold the shot. Arlesey then had their best spell of the game and Forsythe and Reeves scored to make the score 4-2. With 15 minutes left the blues should have held on to their lead however St Neots pulled one back when a long range effort beat Swain, this encouraged them and they scored the decisive goal late on when Arlesey failed to clear a corner kick. Overall a very disappointing effort, the boys looked as if they had eaten too many mince pies, with St Neots thoroughly deserving their victory. The Arlesey coaches will be looking for a big improvement next week !  Team : Swain, Horwood, Fye, Wheatley, P Smith, Reeves, Coles, Mardle, Faulkner, B Smith, Forsythe. Subs Hood, Eaves
18/12/05	Hormead Hares  2-8 Arlesey With most local matches called off due to the heavy frost, it was touch and go if this tie would go ahead. Whilst the game was played in bright sunshine the pitch was quite hard in places.  Games between these two teams are normally very close affairs and in the first half this game looked no different. Hormead drew first blood after 5 minutes with a superb strike from the edge of the area which gave Swain in goal no chance. The blues seemed strangely subdued and were being beaten to the second ball constantly. They did create a couple of chances for Reeves and Forsythe but both were cleared off the line by Hares defenders. Hormead had two good chances to increase their lead but man of the match Swain saved well. At half time Hormead had the edge 0-1.  The half time talk tried to concentrate on waking the lads up as they just were not at the races ! Some thing must have worked as the Blues were a totally different team and probably performed at their best so far this season. Led by Forsythe who was extremely influencial they started to win all the 50/50 balls. Within 5 minutes they were 2-1 up following 2 strikes from Forsythe. Hormead's heads started to drop and Arlesey dominated. Forsythe added his third for his second successive hat trick. Reeves went on one of his trademark mazy runs and shot into the corner. A Forsythe shot was not held by the keeper and Smith was first to react to slot home the loose ball. Smith added his second with a strong strike from the edge of the box. Forsythe added two more to take his tally for the day to 5. In between Hormead added their second with a 30 yard strike that flew over Swains head.  Despite the strike force getting the plaudits this was an excellent team performance with everyone contributing and some fine through balls from Coles, Faulkner and Mardle in midfield creating numerous chances.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, P Smith, Wheatley, Reeves, Coles, Forsythe, Faulkner, B Smith, Springall  Sub; Mardle.
11/12/05	Arlesey 3-6 Letchworth GCE Blues Arlesey met table topping Letchworth on Sunday and despite a spirited fight back were, in the end, well beaten.  The boys seemed to be asleep from the start as Letchworth raced into a 3 goal lead within the first 15 minutes, their pacy forward causing no end of problems. However Arlesey finally woke up spurred on by Forsythe and Springall up front who were proving a real handful. Forsythe pulled two goals back before the interval. Springall went close when his strike beat the keeper but was headed onto the bar by a defender. 2-3 at half time. Arlesey started the second half like they had finished the first with the majority of the possession. Man of the match Forsythe completed his hat trick with a well taken goal to equalise. At this point with Letchworth struggling to get in the game the Blues support felt they could go on and win. Springall raced clear but was denied by the keeper.  Letchworth hit back with a well taken goal and this seemed to knock the stuffing out of the boys as they conceded another shortly afterwards. In the end it was Letchworth who finished on top and ultimately won the game comfortably. If the lads could maintain their form in the middle of the game they would be a match for any team in the division.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Smith, Wheatley, Reeves, Mardle, Coles, Faulkner, Forsythe, Springall. Subs B Smith, Woodcock, Eaves, Hood.
4/12/05	Arlesey 2-5 Stevenage Borough Blues  Arlesey were knocked out of the 3rd round of the league cup by a strong Borough side, who play in the division above them, on sunday.  Stevenage took the lead early in the game, but the blues fought hard and remained a threat. It was no surprise when Springall knocked in from close range to equalise. However Stevenage caught Arlesey napping at the back and retook the lead almost immediately despite an excellent double save from Swain. They increased this lead a few minutes later when a long range effort deflected off Wheatley to give Swain in goal no chance. Just before the break Borough failed to clear a corner and Faulkner scored in the goalmouth scramble that followed. 2-3 at half time and Arlesey were still in the game.  Stevenage really turned the screws second half and scored two excellent goals within the first 10 minutes to put the tie beyond Arlesey. The boys to their credit never gave up and Hood went close with a header following a strong run from Reeves and Smith shot over from a tight angle when through on goal. Coles playing at centre back to cover illness had an excellent game and was awarded man of the match for Arlesey. Swain in goal made some superb saves to keep the score respectable. In truth Stevenage Borough deserved the victory and Arlesey can now concentrate on the league !  Team ; Swain, Wells, Fye, Coles, Wheatley, Reeves, Mardle, Faulkner, Forsythe, Smith, Springall  Subs ; Norton, Hood.
27/11/05	Arlesey  1-1  Stansted Juniors  On a bitterly cold morning both teams contributed to an excellent game of football, the draw probably being the right end result.                  Arlesey came out of the blocks fast and Forsythe headed against the Stansted bar within the first 40 seconds. It was all Arlesey in the first half with Coles, Reeves, Forsythe and Faulkner dominating the midfield. Stansted were repeatedly pushed back and their goalkeeper was outstanding pulling off a couple of super saves to deny the blues (playing in white !). One particular move saw him dive to save twice in one attack. Forsythe and Springall were a constant thorn in the Stansted defences side and Arlesey were unlucky not to lead at the half time break.  In the second half Stansted had much more of the ball and it was the turn of the Arlesey defence to excel, man of the match Wheatley was superb aided by Smith, Wells and Fye. It increasingly looked like a single goal would settle the tie and when Faulkner won the ball on the right and sent over a cross Reeves was there to nod in the opening goal. Perhaps the blues were still celebrating as they failed to close down the lively Stansted number 7 who scored within a minute, a long range shot from outside the area simply flew in giving Swain in goal no chance. The rest of the game was end to end stuff and Stansted came closest as they hit the outside of Arlesey's post as they pushed for a winner. Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, P Smith, Wheatley, Forsythe, Reeves, Faulkner, Coles, B Smith, Springall. Subs Hood, Mardle.
13/11/05	Buntigford Cougars  2-5 Arlesey An excellent team performance from the Blues saw them run out comfortable winners against the Cougars. The first 15 minutes were fairly even with both sides passing the ball around well. In fact Cougars raced clear in the first minute and it was only some woeful finishing and a couple of agile saves from Swain that kept the score 0-0. It was Smith who broke the deadlock with a superb strike over his head from outside the box which looped over the keepers head. This gave the Arlesey boys the boost they needed. Using Springall on the left wing as an outlet as the Cougars defence constantly failed to pick up his intelligent runs. He created the second when his cross found Mardle who hammered the ball home. Smith completed the half's scoring diverting another cross field ball past the keeper 3-0 half time.  To be fair to Buntingford, as expected, they really went for it at the resumption, hitting the post in one attack. However Arlesey continued to the look the more likely to score as they broke at speed. An incredible run from Coles from the half way line when he beat 4 players before reaching the byline was rewarded when Reeves had a simple tap in from the cross. Man of the match Smith added the 5th and his hat trick when he slotted home with only the keeper to beat.  The boys had further chances to add to their score missing a couple of sitters and being denied a clear penalty !  Buntingford hit two late consolation goals to give the score a more respectable look. The lads should be pleased with this performance as they were first to the ball and really up for the game, their attitude being spot on. Their constant pressure on Buntingford forced them into errors and was the foundation for this win which lifts them to fourth in the table.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Wheatley, P Smith, Reeves, Faulkner, Coles, Mardle, B Smith, Springall. Subs ; Horwood, Eaves, Hood.
6/11/05	Arlesey 1-0 Sawbridgeworth Juniors Whilst the conditions were attrocious both teams played their parts in producing an exciting game of football on Sunday morning. With Arlesey claiming the points with a first half strike.  Early on Arlesey lost last weeks hat trick hero Springall to a knee injury he picked up in the warm up. The Blues playing with the strong wind at their backs produced some fine football pinning Sawbo back in their own half. However Sawbo were very well organised and disciplined and coped well with the Arlesey attacks. Their goalkeeper produced a couple of fine saves to thwart Arlesey. Midway through the half some good passing from Coles and Faulkner produced an opening and Faulkner passed the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the box to give Arlesey the lead.  Arlesey knew they were in for a battle second half and so it proved with Sawbo pushing them back. However the Blues defence was superb with Wells, Smith, Wheatley and man of the match Fye ably assisted by Coles performing exceptionally well. Swain saved Arlesey with 2 superb saves to keep them ahead. It wasn't all one way traffic as Forsythe and Smith both went close to increasing Arlesey's lead. All the boys should be congratulated on a superb game of football, played in the right spirit, which both sets of parents really enjoyed.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Wheatley, P Smith, Reeves, Coles, Forsythe, Faulkner, Springall, B Smith. Subs ; Mardle, Horwood, Woodcock, Norton.
30/10/05	Baldock Lancer 2-4 Arlesey Despite missing 5 players through half term commitments Arlesey progressed in the league cup at the expense of their local rivals Baldock Lancers on Sunday. In windy conditions initially both teams struggled to control the ball. Baldock playing against the wind opened the scoring midway through the first half when the Blues defence failed to get a tackle in and the Baldock forward finished well giving Swain in goal no chance. Arlesey fought back and Springall broke clear on the left and slotted the ball past the Baldock keeper. Norton and Coles were bossing midfield and not giving the opposition any time on the ball. Just before half time it was Springall, showing the form that made him top scorer last season, who added the second.  Despite playing against the wind Arlesey played better in the second half, all the team played well closing Baldock down and harrying them at every opportunity. A delightful through ball from B Smith, who came on as substitute at half time, put man of the match Springall clear, who completed a well deserved hat trick. Smith himself added the fourth coolly slotting past the keeper to make sure of the victory. A mix up in defence gave Baldock the chance to pull a goal back but the Blues were well worth their win.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, P Smith, Wheatley, Coles, Norton, Horwood, Faulkner, Springall, Woodcock. Sub ; B Smith.
16/10/05	BiggleswadeTown  3-3 ArleseyTown The Blues came away from Biggleswade with a point in this hard fought game, but felt it was 2 lost rather than 1 gained after being 3-1 ahead at one stage.  The first half was fairly even. Arlesey took the lead when a Reeves header slipped through the keepers hands. Arlesey had long spells on top but could not add to their lead. Swain was called upon to make a good save from a Biggleswade free kick on the edge of the box. When the ball was in the Blues box they were amazed when a penalty was awarded when Forsythe chested the ball down. Biggleswade made no mistake from the spot to equalize. 1-1 at half time.  Arlesey started the second half brightly and it was no surprise when after good work by Springall and Reeves the ball found its way to Ben Smith who slotted home. Smith added Arlesey's third and his second 10 minutes later. When Biggleswade did attack they found P Smith, Faulkner, Fye and man of the match Wells in good form at the back. It was a speculative long range effort that Swain could not keep out that put Biggleswade back in the game with 10 minutes to go. Biggleswade equalised when they shot home in a crowded penalty area despite Arlesey appeals for a foul. The blues held on in the 9 minutes of added time to claim the point they deserved.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Faulkner, P Smith, Reeves, Mardle, Forsythe, Horwood, B Smith, Springall. Subs ; Eaves, Woodcock, Hood, Norton.
9/10/05	Baldock Crusaders  4-2  ArleseyTown   Only two weeks after beating Baldock at home, Baldock gained revenge for that defeat with a convincing second half display.  Arlesey's inconsistency was again highlighted in this match. Despite playing below par they opened up a two goal lead before half time. The first goal, from a corner that Baldock failed to clear, was poked home by Peter Smith with his first Arlesey goal in over 100 appearances ! Lets hope it doesn't take as long to score the second ! The second goal was scored by Springall on the stroke of half time. During the half Baldock only had one shot of note. The second half was a different story. Baldock pulled a goal back and this really fired them up. The Blues gave them too much space and appeared to be complacent. Every attack Baldock looked likely to score as the Arlesey defence with two regulars missing paniced. Two penalties were conceded with Baldock scoring 1 and missing the other, Baldock also hit the post. Arlesey did threaten to equalise briefly with man of the match Faulkner clipping the bar with a headed effort. It was Baldock who made sure of the points when one of their smallest players was allowed a free header from a corner in the last minute.  Team : Wells, Fye, Horwood, P Smith, Woodcock, Reeves, Coles, Mardle, Faulkner, B Smith, Springall. Sub Norton.
02/10/05	ArleseyTown 7-0 Bishops Stortford Jets  This result confirms that the Blues are able to survive in this division and will hopefully go from strength too strength. All season Russell & Duncan have been trying to get the lads to believe in their own ability. It seems that, at last, they are starting to believe !  This was a one sided game, usually games against the Jets are very close, not on Sunday. From the moment that Reeves raced clear to open the scoring after 38 seconds the boys never looked back. They played at a high tempo keeping the pressure on the Jets. When they had the ball they used it wisely, some of their passing was a joy to watch. Reeves was sent clear yet again and passed round the keeper into the net. Before half time last seasons joint top scorers Springall and B Smith had made it 4 with well taken efforts.  The second half was again one sided. Reeves scoring two more and B Smith adding another. Reeves was awarded man of the match for his 4 goals and overall contribution but all of the team played well. The midfield of Mardle, Faulkner, Coles and Horwood again played very well. When Jets did break they found the Blues defence solid and Swain in goal positioned himself well to save the few shots that did find their way through. Woodcock and Eaves came on in the second half and both made useful contributions. In truth Arlesey could have added further goals but they will be pleased with this result, in what is already looking like a close division.  Team : Swain, Wells, Fye, Wheatley, P Smith, Coles, Reeves, Mardle, Faulkner, B Smith, Springall. Subs ; Horwood, Eaves, Woodcock.
25/9/05	ArleseyTown Youth  3-1  Baldock Crusaders Youth  After disappointing results in their opening 2 games the boys were delighted to get back into winning ways on Sunday.  The lads started strongly and had Baldock on the back foot for long spells in the first half, knocking the ball about really well and allowing their opponents little time on the ball. The blues created numerous openings but could not find the finish. Coles and Faulkner in midfield had excellent games. It was Reeves who opened the scoring, yet again, shooting high into the net from the edge of the box after some intricate Arlesey approach play. It seemed only a matter of time before Arlesey added to their lead but Baldock battled back into the game. Their equaliser, when it came, was fortuitous, a long range punt getting caught in the wind and sailing over the unlucky Swain's head. Half time came at the right moment for Arlesey as Baldock gained confidence and the Arlesey defence started to panic. 1-1 at the break.  The boys were reminded to approach the second half like they had the first and put Baldock under pressure from the start. To their credit they did and yet again had most of the ball. The strong wind, whilst in their favour, did not help as they kept knocking balls too long. As the game entered the last 10 minutes the Blues fans were starting to worry that all the pressure had not brought any goals. Then, a goal mouth scramble saw man of the match Reeves knock in his second to give Arlesey the lead. A couple of minutes later more Arlesey pressure saw the lively Forsythe tripped in the box. Fye coolly slotted home the penalty to wrap up the points. All in all a good performance from the lads and the could have won much more convincingly if they had taken some of the chances that came their way.   Team; Swain, Wells, Fye, Wheatley, P Smith, Reeves, Coles, Faulkner, Horwood, Forsythe, B Smith. Subs Norton, Hood, Woodcock.
18/9/05	Bedwell Rangers 3-1 ArleseyTown The boys were involved in yet another close game and for the second week running lost after leading the game.  The game was fairly even at ther start with both sides having no more than half chances. After 12 minutes a good through ball from Faulkner put Reeves through and he made no mistake to give Arlesey the lead. However prior to the break Bedwell broke twice and scored on both ocassions as the Blues seemed to lose concentration. 2-1 at half time.  In the second half it was all Arlesey as the Bedwell defence was put under constant pressure. The Blues had only themselves to blame missing numerous good chances. Springall hit the post. Ben Smith put over some excellent corners and man of the match Norton went close with a header. It was inevitable that Bedwell would hit the blues on the counter and they duly did after a mix up at the back to make sure of the points.  The boys will be hoping for a better result next week   Team : Swain, Wells, P Smith, Wheatley, Fye, Horwood, Faulkner, Reeves, Norton, B Smith, Springall. Subs ; Eaves, Hood.
11/9/05	Arlesey 2-3 Stevenage Colts The blues can consider themselves unlucky to lose this opening game of the season after an excellent first half performance had put them in the driving seat. This was a good test for the boys after winning promotion and they held their own.  The first half was all Arlesey as they put the Colts under considerable pressure, the opening goal game when a free kick was headed home powerfully by Reeves after 12 minutes. The Blues continued to push Stevenage back with some excellent football and doubled their lead from a corner when Wheatley's header was blocked and he poked home the rebound after 22 minutes. Arlesey continued to knock the ball about well and with Peter Smith and man of the match Wheatley marshalling the dangerous Colts forward looked comfortable. However the decisive moment in the match came on the stroke of half time when an attack broke down and the fast forward broke clear, his shot was a poor one but luckily fell to a team mate who slotted home to put Stevenage back in the match. A 5 minute period early in the second half cost Arlesey dear as the same troublesome Colts forward raced clear twice and scored to clinch the points. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of the lads who battled on but could not reproduce the form they showed in the first half. Arlesey took many positives from the game and remain optimistic if they play like this every week they will have a good season.  Swain, Wells, Fye, Smith P, Wheatley, Coles, Mardle, Reeves, Faulkner, Smith B, Springall. Subs  Eaves, Norton, Horwood.