LEAGUE U15s - MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS

UD LEAGUE U15s

March 2024

Just Play x UD U15
Our U15s played an absolutely heroic game for the first game of the month, having to battle it out against 11 players with just 7, after a number of injuries and illnesses hit the team last minute. Unbelievably the team managed to defend incredibly well throughout the game, only losing by a narrow 2-0 result. 

Not many teams could compete and challenge an opposition with four players missing but the team can walk away with their heads held very high and be very proud of their performance.

Brent Schools x UD U15s Girls
Despite losing 3-0 to Brent Schools, there were chances for UD throughout the game, made by some great link up play via through balls as well as individual skill. Unfortunately, if you do not take your chances in this league, you can be punished and that is what happened.

Unfortunately, as the girls were not clinical enough, we were unable to get on the scoresheet. We missed chances that we should’ve scored, however creating those chances in the first place was a highlight of the game. Other areas of improvements needed throughout the game were situations when defending 1v1, whereby the players needed to dictate the play better or delay and allow reinforcements to come back. The players will take these lessons into the next game and come back stronger!

Highgate Rangers x UD U15s Girls
Coming off the back of the 3-0 loss, the girls were determined to put the previous performance behind them and come out strong and fast in this next game. The girls did brilliantly in possession, dominating the ball throughout, resulting in a well-deserved 3-0 win. They circulated the ball well and switched the play frequently to exploit gaps in the oppositions defence, creating a number of opportunities this way. A great performance, both individually and collectively, and a wonderful way to end the season.

Isledon Wolves x Market Road U15
Going up against an Isledon Wolves team that have won all their games this season & are top of the league, we knew it would be a game where we might not have a great deal of the possession, and one which would require us to be defensively diligent.

Our work off the ball was excellent, with the team staying compact & showing some excellent defending in & around our own box. Louis (GK) put in a MOTM performance, not only saving a penalty but making some fantastic saves/double saves that kept us in the game & he was unfortunate to be beaten by a deflection for their only goal. 

We tried to focus on getting the ball forwards quickly when we did get it to hit them on the counter & although we struggled to land many punches on them in the 1st half, in the 2nd half we got going a little more, with Zac firing in some very dangerous set pieces & Cole striking a shot well from distance. Knowing all we needed was to convert one chance, Isledon Wolves backed off in the last 5 minutes as we applied a bit more pressure but unfortunately we couldn’t nick that goal to get a result. 

Undoubtedly one of the better team performances we’ve put in this season, which coupled with Louis’ individual heroics managed to limit an Isledon Wolves side who have scored 46 goals in 9 games this season to just the 1 goal setting up a tense finish.

February 2024

Regent’s Park Youth League - U15s (London)
Despite missing a number of players and requiring assistance from 2 of our U14’s players,
the team were rampant against Regents Park for our first game of the month, coming out 7-2 winners. Two worldie goals from Devan and Bertie made the headlines but everyone wanted to get in on the action, with Elliot moving from CB to F, bagging 2 goals and earning himself MOTM. Brilliant performance all round from everyone involved!

Regent’s Park Youth League - U15s UD Girls (London)
This month saw our Girls U15 team take on Brent Schools in the semi-finals of the cup. Brent Schools, known for having a number of top players at their club, were sure to provide a tough fixture with a spot in the finals at stake. The team showed incredible resilience against one of the top sides in the league. Despite going 1-0 down, the players remainder competitive for the majority of the game, fighting hard and creating a number of chances that may have been converted on another day. Unfortunately, when pushing on for an equaliser towards the end in an all or nothing attempt at a turnaround, Brent Schools took advantage and were able to score 2 late goals to win the match 3-0.
The girls can learn from this game and appreciate that when the opportunity arises in front of goal, we must take out chances. Well done all involved in a great cup run this year! Reaching the semi-finals is a fantastic achievement.

January 2024

Regent’s Park Youth League - U15s (London)
With the team looking to maintain touching distance with the top of the table, they would have been looking to start the year off with a win and give themselves a bit of distance between those trailing close behind.
However, despite dominating the match and carving out numerous chances, it appeared that a slender 1-0 lead may have been enough.
Unfortunately, as with most instances such as this, if you don’t take your chances and allow the opposition that little bit of hope, you always run the risk that a late equaliser may come. Finishing 1-1, you could feel the disappointment amongst the team. No doubt they will use this feeling in future matches and will learn a hugely valuable lesson from this game to take into February and the remaining games this season.

Regent’s Park Youth League - U15s UD Girls (London)
After the Christmas period, we were so excited to welcome our Girl’s U15 team back this month for their first games of 2024!
What a great start to the new year this team have had, with 2 victories from 2. The first game back saw the team win 3-0, a game that was unfortunately deemed a friendly as our initial opponent failed to show.
However, this match experience and performance gave the team confidence going into their crucial cup game against top of the league Camden Girls and what a result it was. The team produced a fine display, securing a 3-1 win and progressing through to the semi-finals of the cup!
With the team currently sitting mid-table, the girls will be looking to maintain this fine form and build a bit of momentum to take into February, with the ambitions to climb the table and reach the finals of the cup!

Camden & Islington Youth League - U15s (London)
The first match of 2024 saw the team face 3rd place Fonthill in what was always going to be a tough fixture.
The boys did brilliantly, earning a point after a 2-2 draw. It appears that the two teams are hard to separate, with our previous meeting against this opposition ending 1-1 when the teams met earlier in the season. 
Despite a slightly humbling campaign so far this season, with the boys coming up against some formidable opponents in this A division, the team remain competitive in every game. 
The work rate, desire and commitment shown by this squad is second to none and we are positive that this will continue to shine through as the season progresses.