Match Report: U12G v Anchorian Hearts

Rising Stars welcomed a familiar foe to their home ground this weekend and knew that this was going to be a tough morning.

Anchorians, still rocked by losing their own tournament to our team in the summer, arrived with a huge squad of players, staff and supporters and were visibly expecting a tight match.

The conditions were tough and with a couple of players out our team found it hard to keep our opponents out and were 3-0 down by half time.

The second half was a lot closer with Risers having multiple opportunities to claw the game back but the luck of the bounce simply wasn’t with us this weekend.

Coach Neil explained to the team after the match that he was very proud of their endeavour and resilience and that it was important to learn how to be defeated with grace and show good sportsmanship. Our team have these qualities in abundance and we have no doubt that they will continue to train hard and bounce back in their next game.

Final score Rising Stars 0 - 4 Anchorian Hearts

- Carl

Match Report: U8's v Kennington

Last week the Rising Stars under 8s were in action in a tough home game against a hard working Kennington side.

The Risers started brightly, flying out of the blocks and were soon rewarded with goals from Miles, Henry and Albert. Kennington battled hard and by half time found themselves back in contention having pulled 2 goals back.

A steady start to the second half saw some good Kennington play dealt with well, some excellent defensive work from Seb and top saves from the ever reliable Charlie keeping them at bay.

Risers extended their lead through Josh before Kennington pulled another back.

The Stars continues to battle and then started to turn on the style, Albert and Henry finding the net once again. Then... it was time for the Zak attack!

Risers second half domination was rounded off by a superb 5 minute hat-trick from Zak. This included a couple of very nice strikes from long range.

All in all a very solid performance all round from the Riser lads who all played a big role in the outcome.

- Tom

Match Report: U12 Girls v Thanet Colts

At this stage in the season it can be tempting to glance at the league table in order to make predictions about the outcome of the weekend fixture but this would have proven to be a massive injustice against our hosts, Thanet Colts, this Sunday.

With the Chairman looking on, our team set about their task with the usual incandescence and were ahead after a 20m strike from the right boot of Madison. Once again Risers pressed hard and should have added to their tally on several occasions but were met with resilient defending, particularly by our host’s captain who regularly found row ‘z’ with her ‘safety first’ clearances.

We were then stunned when Thanet drew level after Risers failed to clear their lines but this was short lived as a well worked goal from Izzy allowed us to regain the lead.

Ella M added a third early in the second half but the breathing space was halved when Thanet’s No. 2 scored an excellent diagonal individual effort from outside of the box.

Ten nervy minutes followed but Risers were able to hold on to the lead and register another 3 points for the season.

The whole team played well in tricky conditions and we were left feeling that this Thanet Colts team could well begin to register points if they continue in this ilk.

Final score Thanet Colts 2-3 Rising Stars

Carl

Match Report: U10's v East Kent Youth League Festival

Rising Stars U10s moved confidently into the knockout stages of the East Kent Youth League Festival Cup after finishing unbeaten in their three games to top their group at Baypoint Sports Club on Saturday.

Steve and Mark’s side started quickly on the front foot in their first game against St Margaret’s Colts, spreading the ball wide quickly at every opportunity. Lucas’s goal gave them a half time lead and he doubled his and Risers’ tally after the break smashing home a shot via the underside of the bar. Liam, who is always a threat at set pieces, poked home the third from close range following a corner.

The second match against Margate Youth was a tighter affair but Risers got a deserved winner thanks to Jake’s deflected shot. Knowing a point from their final game against Marsham Colts would be good enough to advance as group winners, Ethan and Roman ensured defensively Risers looked solid and compact in what was a very tight encounter. Kieran was called into action in the second half to make a great save and Lucas was unlucky not to grab a winner.

Sully prove a handful all afternoon for opposition defenders while Freddie impressed with some nice touches, passes and movement in central midfield.

- Mark

Match Report: U8 Colts v Herne Bay Wanderers

Rising Stars U8s Colts were involved in another tight encounter with Herne Bay Wanderers for the second consecutive Saturday but unfortunately yet again lost out by the one goal despite a great team effort.

In windy conditions, Risers went behind just before half time from a corner and then conceded again just after the break. But the team responded well and started to show glimpses of the hard work they have been displaying in training, working on their shape and positioning. Harry was involved in much of the good play Risers were now producing, with Spencer driving the team forward from midfield and Teddy and Fraser looking to get the ball forward down the wings.

Eventually they started putting some passes together and were rewarded for their determination when Logan scored a well deserved (and overdue!) goal from a corner, showing great strength to hold off defenders.

Bobby, as always, worked hard for the team chasing down every ball and Evan, after making some important saves in goal, was put up front to help in search of the equaliser and was unlucky not to grab a late goal when through on goal.

- Mark

Match Report: U8's v Folkestone Invicta

Today back in home action the Rising Stars under 8s took on a strong Folkestone Invicta side in a mouth watering match up. After a strong start last week the Risers were looking to kick on and build on their impressive start to the season. In a very tight first half the home side were strong defensively particularly through the efforts of Charlie, Zak and Henry and clinical in front of goal when good team play presented them with opportunities. Josh and Albert helping themselves to goals. The Stars deserving their half time lead.

The second half continued to be end to end with two very good goalkeepers impressing throughout. As the game opened up in the latter stages the Riser lads continued to take their chances and extended their lead. Zak, Albert and Josh all adding goals. As the Stars kept battling Seb, Myles and Albert kept the Folkestone defence busy and their hard work allowed Josh to tap home to complete his hat trick.

Folkestone fought right to the end and won themselves a penalty late on, only for it to be kept out be a terrific stop from Charlie!

All in all a good performance from the Riser lads who will be eager to carry this form over in to a big game next week.

- Tom

Match Report: U12 Girls v TSS

Despite the dew leaving the pitch moist underfoot, the ground remained solid after the summer baking as our team took on a familiar TSS team from Ashford. The pre-season friendlies that the Rising Stars hierarchy had arranged for the team had proven to be excellent preparation for the team and they appeared to be at full match fitness from the whistle.

Attack after attack ended fruitless, the strikers being denied on numerous occasions by a cocktail of steadfast defending, luck of the bounce and the woodwork. Ella M produced the breakthrough that was well-deserved, immediately elevating herself to golden boot leader with our first goal of the season after some fancy footwork and a sublime finish.

After each Risers’ attack, TSS would surreptitiously move the ball to their strikers in an attempt to counter but this was often thwarted by solid defending from either Ella D, Nancy or Izzie.

Sydney and Lexi worked hard in the attacking third and were well supported by Maddison, Scarlett, Lorea and Angelica in midfield.

TSS finally broke down the Risers’ defence halfway through the second half and levelled the score. Bethan had another trademark game in goal, commanding her area and using her position to pass instructions through the ranks.

The final 10 minutes saw opportunities and threats to the scoreline and many were relieved to hear the final whistle when it finally sounded.

This was solid performance from both teams and gave us all a glimpse into what this season could have in store for us.

The travelling TSS support was excellent and all agreed that we had witnessed an superb spectacle.

Next week Risers travel to Sittingbourne and hope to be more clinical in front of goal in order to come away with all three points.

Final score Risers 1 – 1 TSS

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