MATCH REPORTS

This was the fourth year in a row that we had gone to Holland to participate in the DSOV tournament. Twenty one of us (a mixture of players, parents and supporters) set off on Friday afternoon in a couple of mini buses and crossed the channel via the tunnel. We drove up through France, Belgium and into Holland for around 21:00 arrival at our sun park accommodation. The following day we played the tournament which consisted of 20 minute games played across a fill size pitch. The boys played extremely well in all games, overall we never conceded a goal (it did come close and with a bit of luck the woodwork saved us) won all our group games and won the final in a very tough match and came home as the champions. I have put a few of the pictures in a special gallery HERE (if you have any more please email them to me)

Squad: Jake, Joe, Adam, Sam, Jack D, Max, Jay, Daniel, Benjamin, Michael, Cole, Leo, Matt

So after rain and snow delays, two long cup runs that took the Eagles into two semi-finals, we reached the last league game of the 2009-10 season against Barnet Wood, the team that started the season off 9 months ago. Unfortunately both Josh and Jack F were out injured and therefore sat on the sidelines for this game. The boys started off well and made some good runs with Michael, Jay and Leo providing support for Matt, Max and Benjamin. There was some great passing play throughout the game and it was half way through the first half that a well taken shot from Benjamin outside the penalty soared over the keeper to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. At the other end Adam, Sam, Jack D and Joe remained strong intercepting Barnet Wood's attacks, but 5 minutes before half time a long shot soared over Jake into the goal to bring the scores level.

In the second half the boys seemed to have the edge but the ball would not find the net, Jay's header just soared over the bar and he had a shot that the keeper had to stretch to just tip round for a corner, Max had some good runs and was unlucky to just miss a penalty and the keeper blocked a shot from Benjamin following a run by him down the left wing. Cole and Daniel also provided support in the defence and midfield having come on in the second half. Jake and the defence stood firm throughout this with some good strong interceptions to ensure that the scores stayed level. So, final score of the final league game of the season 1-1.

On behalf of all the parents just to note a really big thankyou to Dickie and Simon for their hard work with the boys throughout the season and in particular to Lee, our home ref, who has to put up with all the grief that comes with the job but has refereed brilliantly all season.

Squad: Joe, Adam, Josh, Jack D, Max, Jay, Daniel, Benjamin, Michael, Cole, Leo, Matt

The final double header of the season at home against Croydon Athletic. With both Jake and Jack F out, Joe took on the challenge of being goalkeeper for the day, Sam was also missing so Jack.D covered at the back. The first game started off well for the Eagles and they took an early lead after a free kick taken by Michael outside the box bounced around a few times before Max put the ball in the net. Croydon however responded swiftly and managed to break through the defence to equal the scores at 1-1. The second half was scrappy and Perrywood were lucky not to drop behind when Croydon hit the bar and shortly after when Jack D cleared the ball from just in front of the goal. However, a bit against the run of play, Max managed a run into the Croydon half and sent the ball past the keeper to take a 2-1 lead. With the seconds ticking away it looked like Perrywood would take the game but with the last kick of the game, a shot by Croydon from outside the penalty area ran through the defence and into the net. Final score 2-2.

The second game of the day had both teams battling in the middle of the pitch with occasional breaks into the opposing halves. Perrywood took the lead half way through the first half when a Jack D free kick fell to Max who scored to take a 1-0 lead. The boys worked hard to contain Croydon's attacks and kept the lead until half time. In the second half Croydon broke back to level the scores but it was Max again with his fourth goal of the day that gave Perrywood back the lead and a final score of 2-1. Some hard work and good runs down the left wing in both games earned Benjamin the Man of the Match award for the day. Generally some much better football in the second game and the boys deserved the win.

Squad: Jack F, Adam, Sam, Joe, Josh, Jack D, Max, Jay, Daniel, Benjamin, Michael, Cole

A double header in South London this week against Afewee Urban. The first game started off rather scrappily with neither team really able to get control of the game. The boys had a few attempts on goal but they appeared vulnerable to a break and it was only a good save by Jack F mid way through the first half that kept the scores level. Into the second half the boys started to pick up a gear and their passing play improved. An attack early in the half saw Josh brought down in the penalty area and Max stepped up to neatly convert the penalty into the bottom left hand corner and give Perrywood a 1-0 lead. Much of the rest of the game was in the Afewee half but Afewee remained dangerous on the attack and it was only some good defensive play by Sam, Adam, Josh and Joe that ensured Perrywood retained their lead. Final score 1-0 to Perrywood.

Winning the first game seemed to settle the boys and they came out in the second game with renewed confidence and started playing the best passing football they have for many weeks. With 5 minutes gone Benjamin had a good run down the left wing and, although his shot on goal was blocked by the keeper, Max was there to pick up the rebound and put the ball into the net to take a 1-0 lead. Max added another shortly after to make it 2-0 and just before half time another Benjamin run from the Perrywood half took him past three Afewee players and saw him slot the ball past the keeper to make it 3-0. Into the second half and a great Michael pass set up Max for his hatrick and a 4-0 lead. The boys had a number of other chances to score with a great run and shot by Max saved by the keeper, Jack D having a few shots on goal and Jay heading just over the bar from a well taken corner by Michael. Whilst Afewee continued to pressure and were themselves unlucky at one point not to get a goal back, the game belonged to Perrywood. In the final minutes it was Michael again who crossed the ball to Benjamin, who lobbed the keeper to give a final score of 5-0 to Perrywood.

Squad: Jake/Jack F, Adam, Sam, Joe, Josh, Jack D, Max, Jay, Daniel, Benjamin, Michael, (sub Cole)

This weeks double header was against Sutton, the team that knocked Perrywood out of both the County Cup and League shield semi-finals. They were never therefore going to be easy games and this was not helped by the cold and non-stop rain that froze players and supporters alike.

Overall the boys put up an excellent performance across both games and it was only a brief couple of losses of concentration in each game that allowed Sutton through to claim their goals. Much of the games were fought in the middle of the pitch with each team having opportunities to break into the opponents area but it was Sutton that had the slight edge which won the day. In many ways the boys can count themselves unlucky not to have got at least one point from one of the games...but that's the way football goes.

Squad: Jake, Adam, Joe, Josh, Sam, Jay, Jack.F, Michael, Benjamin, Max, James.G, Dan

With holidays and injuries seriously affecting the team, the Eagles were struggling to get 11 players for this game. Jack F had to play the whole game outfield and Sam, who had been badly injured last week, was initially called up to make up the numbers. Joe and Josh were also a bit jet lagged having just arrived back on the country due to volcanic ash delays !

With this backdrop it was never going to be an easy game for the team and so it proved. Perrywood started off well and looked like they might take an initial lead but it was Tonbridge on a break that struck first to go 1-0 ahead. At this point Sam was injured again leaving the team with only 10 men, but the boys somehow managed to pull the game back when a good run from Jack F set up Max to bring the scores level at 1-1. Jim G (having just done 100 lengths in the swimming pool !) then turned up and had to be called out of retirement to bring the team up to strength.

At half time the scores remained level and, although the boys were finding it hard to get going, they were holding their own. Jack D also recuperating and not due to play was called up for the second half (which enabled him to cover when Joe went off injured). Unfortunately the boys lost their rhythm in the second half and Tonbridge took control of the game. The boys were unlucky not to get a couple of goals, with Jay heading just over and Jim hitting the bar but it was largely Tonbridge's half and the boys seemed unable to put the breaks on them as they scored a series of goals. Final score 5-1 to Tonbridge. Very disappointing for the boys as they tried hard, but the result really reflects how unsettled they were and the shortage of players this week.

Squad: Jack F, Adam, Daniel, Sam, Jack D, Max, Jay, Matt, Benjamin, Michael, Leo (subs : Cole, Owen, Jake)

In the second game, Perrywood started out refreshed and some good passing early on and a break past the defence enabled Max to neatly lob the keeper to take a 1-0 lead. Minutes later Perrywood won a corner and a well taken cross by Jack D found Jay who headed the ball into the net to give Perrywood a 2-0 lead with only 5 minutes gone. Paulista then piled on the pressure and although Perrywood defended well, half way through the 1st half a late tackle gave Paulista a penalty which they duly converted. Minutes later they followed this up with an unstoppable looping shot/cross from the touchline which cleared everyone and went into the back of the net to make it 2-2. Into the second half and the teams were evenly matched, with lots of end to end play but it was Paulista that broke the deadlock to take the lead with only 5 minuntes remaining. Final score 3-2 to Paulista. A bit disappointing for the boys because they all played really well really putting up an excellent performance and were actually a bit unlucky not to get a point against the best team in the league.

Squad: Jake, Adam, Owen, Sam, Jack D, Max, Jay, Matt, Benjamin, Michael, Leo (subs : Cole, Daniel, Jack F)

A double header against the league leaders this week was always going to be tough and so it proved. In the first game with only 5 minutes gone Paulista broke through the Perrywood defence to take an early 1-0 lead. For much of the rest of the first half and into the second half, the game never really got going and the teams largely neutralised each other in the middle of the pitch with the goalkeepers having little to do. Most of the occasional breaks from either side were closed down before they reached the penalty area, but it was Paulista who eventually found a way through to claim a second goal half way through the second half. Final score 2-0.

Squad: Jack (H1), Jake (H2), Adam, Owen, Sam, Jack D, Max, Jay, Matt, Benjamin, Michael, Leo (subs : Cole)

This was the return home game against Croydon Juniors, having lost 2-1 to them earlier in the season. The boys started off slowly and Croydon took advantage of this pressing into the Perrywood half. With 15 minutes gone, Croydon's pressure paid off with them taking a 1-0 lead and a few minutes later they almost added a second when the ball hit the bar. Some good saves by Jack F and some hard work by the defence ensured Croydon did not add any more. Perrywood remained strong on the break and a Max run and shot that was parried by the keeper fell to Leo who pounced on the free ball to knock it home and level the sores at 1-1.

Into the second half and the game remained end to end with a number of near misses on either side. It was Perrywood that struck next with a corner from Benjamin sailing into the box and Sam on the receiving end knocking it in to give Perrywood a 2-1 lead with 10 minutes to go.With free kicks being given at both ends just outside the box it was surprising the scores weren't higher. Both Max and Jack D were unlucky not to convert their free kicks, but it was at the other end just before the end that a Croydon free kick got a deflection which looped over Jake and into the back of the net. Final score 2-2.

Squad: Jake (H1) / Jack (H2), Adam, Joe, Josh, Sam, Jay, Matt, Michael, Jack D, Benjamin, Max (subs : Daniel, Cole)

For the second game of the day the boys started a bit better (well it could have been worse really) and some good passing saw Benjamin score. Jack then scored a nice goal from distance. Ben added a third after some good individual play. Dan made it 4-0 at half time after some really good passing.

Into the second half and a good cross by Joe found Michael at the back, who cut back in and scored. We lost the shape a bit after that with everyone pushing forward and Chipstead took advantage of this and scored one back. Max then added a six, before a good passing move set Dan up but the keeper saved well only for the rebound to fall for Josh who slotted it home for number seven, and that's how it finished 7-1 Perrywood.

Squad: Jake (H1) / Jack (H2), Adam, Joe, Josh, Sam, Jay, Matt, Michael, Jack D, Benjamin, Max (subs : Daniel, Cole)

Well eventually we found the right ground and kicked of the first game of the double header. We didn't have the ideal start as Chipstead got a corner and scored a good headed goal within the first minute. The boys then got into their stride and within a few minutes Max had equalised, then lobbed the keeper for a second and we were up into the lead. Matt went on a good run down the right and crossed for Jay to get the third and the half finished 3-1 Perrywood.

Adam, Michael and Jack.F came off for Jake, Cole and Dan at the start of the second half, but we started in the same way as the first half and conceded an early goal. It looked a bit nervy for a few minutes as Chipstead pushed, but another run and cross by Matt found Daniel to score. The Mattie scored himself after converting a corner from Max. Josh almost added another when he cut in and chipped it across goal but only hit the top of the bar.

The first game finished 5-2 Perrywood.

Squad: Jake, Adam, Joe, Josh, Sam, Jay, Matt, Cole, Jack D, Benjamin, Max (subs : Owen)

Two weeks after just losing out to Sutton in the County Cup semi-final the boys were back up against them in the semi-final of the League Shield. The previous game had been exceedingly close and could have gone either way but this week the Eagles seemed unable to get themselves working effectively as a team and had no answer for Sutton who controlled large parts of the game. With passes going astray the boys remained under constant pressure and although they had the occasional break and opportunities - Matt shooting just the bar over and a shot from Max going just wide - Sutton took their opportunities and by half time had got through the defence to take a 2-0 lead.

In the second half Owen came on for Joe and the pressure from Sutton continued. Some good runs up the wings by Benjamin and Matt on either side held out some hope but the Eagles just could not find the net. At the other end the defence remained under siege. Jake made some good saves but it was not long before Sutton added a third and shortly before the end a fourth to make the final score 4-0. Some good individual performances by the boys and they kept their heads up but the team dynamic that got them to semi-final places in 2 cups and characterises their really good performances was in need of a bit of help today

Jack and Michael were off sick today, Leo was unavailable and Joe could only play the first half, so we had to shuffle some things around. Even with the changes we should of offered more of a challenge but we need to learn from it and move on.

Squad: Jack (H1)/Jake (H2), Adam, Owen, Josh, Sam, Jay, Matt, Michael, Jack D, Benjamin, Max (subs : Dan, Cole)

After many weeks of county and shield cup games and cold weather cancellations, the Eagles were into league action for the first time since November against local rivals, Oakwood. The boys started off slowly and some scrappy play saw Oakwood pile on the pressure. However the Perrywood defence stood firm and as they settled down it was the Eagles that opened the scoring with Jay pouncing on a free ball in the penalty area to give the Eagles the lead. Shortly after Max headed a great Josh cross into the corner of the net to give the boys a 2-0 lead. Oakwood however did not let up on the pressure and just before half time grabbed a goal back to make it 2-1.

Into the second half and before the boys had settled down Oakwood had equalised, but once again Perrywood pulled out the stops and a lob by Benjamin from the edge of the penalty area cleared the defenders and sailed over the keeper into the back of the net to give the boys the lead back at 3-2. As in the County Cup the previous week it was the giving away of a free kick on the edge of the box that turned out to be the boys undoing as Oakwood found the back of the net again to level the scores and give a full time score of 3-3. Overall it was a bit of a scrappy game and the sharing of honours was probably the fairest result.

Thanks for the report Malcolm, once again we seem to score some good goals, but give away scrappy ones, and gave up a 2-0 lead.

Squad: Jake (H1)/Jack F (H2), Adam, Joe, Josh, Sam, Jay, Matt, Michael, Jack D, Benjamin, Max (subs : Owen, Cole)

The Eagles were away to Sutton Colts in the semi-finals of the FA County Cup. With only 4 teams left in the competition, that had over 120 teams to start with, this was always going to be a challenging game. The Eagles found it hard to get going and in the first 10 minutes of the game Sutton took control pushing into Perrywood's half, the boys being fortunate enough at one point to be saved by an offside call when Sutton got the ball into the net. The Eagles then started to settle down and play some good football and half way through the first half, a great run by Max through the defence enabled him to slot the ball past the keeper to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.

Into the second half and Sutton came out with renewed energy and before the Eagles could get back in gear, Sutton had grabbed two quick goals to take the lead 2-1. Some end to end football followed as the Eagles kept their heads up and kept battling and it was Max that then found the goal again with a nice lob over the keeper into the top right corner to level the game. The boys were pushing hard at this point and a good run by Matt required the Sutton keeper to make an excellent save to put the ball round for a corner. Perrywood then grabbed the lead back 3-2 with a great pass in from Jay setting up Max to put the ball into the net.

Only 10 minutes to go and Sutton picked up the pace and, although Jack made some good saves, they again found their way past the Eagles defence to level the game at 3-3. With the minutes ticking away the prospect of extra time loomed large but in the last minutes of the game a Sutton free kick taken outside the penalty area managed to run straight through the defence into the back of the Perrywood net to give Sutton back the lead. With little time left there was not much the boys could do leaving a final score of 4-3 to the home side.

These were two well matched sides playing a great game of football, both sides had their chances and control of the game at times, but the luck just went with Sutton on the day. All the boys deserve credit for a well played hard fought game.

Well played boys for getting this far you should be really proud, and all the best for Sutton in the final.

Squad: Jake (H1)/Jack F (H2), Adam, Joe, Josh, Sam, Max, Jay, Matt, Cole, Michael, Jack D (subs : Benjamin, Daniel)

The quarter finals of the League shield saw the Eagles up against Selsdon Junior, a team they had previously beaten in the third round of the County Cup. The game started off scrappily and neither side really had the edge. Selsdon almost went a goal up within minutes of the kick off having broken through the Perrywood defence but the shot went just wide. The Eagles then started to settle down and a quarter of an hour into the game a great cross by Matt went over the keeper leaving it for Jay to knock into the net and give the Eagles the lead. Matt then created and delivered the second with a superb run down the right wing and a well placed shot past the keeper to make it 2-0. Selsdon however remained dangerous on the break keeping Sam, Adam, Josh and Joe in the Perrywood defence busy. Some good attacking football by Selsdon did get the ball into the Perrywood net, but it was disallowed for offside, and it was almost immediately after, at the other end, that Max added another goal to make it 3-0 to Perrywood at half time.

Into the second half with Benjamin, back from injury, coming on for Cole and Jack F replacing Jake in goal. Once again it was Matt (who was having a brilliant game) with a good run and cross who set the ball up for Benjamin to knock the ball into the net. Daniel then came on for Michael and shortly after it was Matt (again) who set up Jay to make it 5-0. Benjamin added a 6th with a great run and shot past the keeper and the 7th came from a Selsdon player who was unlucky enough to deflect the ball into his own net.

All credit to the visitors who didn't give up and a good shot late in the game from just outside the penalty area floated into the top corner leaving Jack with no chance and giving Selsdon a consolation goal. It was Jay however who rounded up the scoring to give him a hatrick with the last kick of the game. Final score 8-1 and a place in the Shield Semi-finals.

Squad: Jack (H1)/Jake (H2), Owen, Joe, Adam, Sam, Josh, Matt, Michael, Jack D, Max, Leo (Subs: Cole, Jay)

Taking no notice of the league once again, we continued on our remarkable cup journey. We started well, although a bit scrappily, until a breakthrough came.

Some good play down the wing from Michael and Josh suddenly gave Jack D a chance to unleash a thunderbolt which sailed right into the top corner of the net., 1-0 Perrywood. A little later, some more impressive inter-play down the left flank by our midfielders set up Matt to slot the ball neatly into the bottom corner. The Coulsdon defenders were playing well, constantly clearing the ball out of their half due to intense pressure from Max and our attacking midfielders. However, they couldn’t stop Michael’s amazing shot from going into the repeatedly rippling net.

Perrywood were again rewarded a short time later for their patient build-up play- Jack D let loose another devastating drive into the corner of the goal. Half- time 4-0.

In the next 30 minutes, nothing could hold the boys back. Some more pressure from Perrywood allowed Jay and Sam to coolly deliver 2 more goals from the penalty spot after a bit of controversy. Letting nothing get in their way, a great header from Max gave Jay the opportunity to stab the ball into the roof of the net. Final score 7-0.

Thanks Benjamin for the match report :)

Squad: Jake (H1)/Jack (H2), Joe, Adam, Sam, Josh, Jay, Benjamin, Matt, Michael, Jack D, Max, (Subs: Leo)

The quarter final of the County Cup away against Warlingham on a sloping muddy pitch was always going to be a tough game, with Warlingham, a strong A league side, having already beaten the Eagles in the 2nd round of the League cup.

The boys started off playing well, but with the sloped pitch in Warlingham's favour the boys were soon pushed back into defensive action. With only 10 minutes gone a bobbling shot from outside the Perrywood box bounced awkwardly and squeezed past Jake to give the home side a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately a few minutes later a penalty was also awarded to Warlingham, which they scored to take a 2-0 lead. However, the boys kept their heads up and all credit to each and every one of them as they pushed hard and fought back. A disallowed goal for offside, and a well saved free kick taken by Max, which was pushed round for a corner, did not put them off, and it was Max who eventually made the first inroad into the Warlingham lead with a great run from the half way line past a couple of defenders and the goalkeeper to make the score 1-2 just before half time.

Into the second half with Leo replacing Sam who had been injured by one of a number of late Warlingham tackles at the end of the first half. Another poorly timed tackle shortly after the start of the second half badly injured Jay who also had to come off (So Jake had to come back onto the pitch and cover centre midfield). With the slope now in Perrywood's favour the boys piled the pressure on and it was Max who again found the net to bring score level at 2-2. With everything to play for, Warlingham threw themselves back into the attack but the Eagles remained firm with defence, midfield and up front all working hard to defend and then break back into the Warlingham half. Jack F played an incredible game making some superb saves to keep the Eagles in the game. Josh also made a goal line clearance shortly before the final whistle blew to leave the score 2-2 at the end of full time.

Into extra time with the tension continuing to mount, but with both sides tiring neither could break the deadlock leaving a final score of 2-2 and a penalty shoot required to decide the semi-final place. It was a tense game (both on and off the pitch) with a number of disputed decisions at both ends and a game which could have gone either way, but it was Perrywood who took the penalty shoot out 3-2 with a shot in hand to give them a well deserved place in the Semi Final. Well done to all the boys for a fantastic team effort.

Boys well done today and a great performance against a very strong warlingham team, thanks Malcolm for the report. We all know it gets an emotional game at times but lets just let the football do the talking and take this performance into the next game.

Squad: Jack (H1)/Jake (H2)/Ben, Owen, Josh, Sam, Joe, Max, Jay, Matt, Michael, Jack D, Leo, Cole, Benjamin, Dan.DK

Squad: Jack (H1)/Jake (H2), Adam, Owen, Josh, Sam, Max, Jay, Matt, Michael, Jack D, Leo

Although this fixture was at drawn as a home one, once again our pitch was not playable and so we had to reverse it and travel to just past Staines to take on Manorcroft. We did this without Joe and Benjamin, so Owen came in at left back and Josh moved to the right and Leo came into left midfield.

The boys started reasonably well but once again failed to take advantage of the early possession and it was Manorcroft that scored first with a well taken goal slotted under Jack. The boys battled back and a few moments later equalised from a Jack.D corner going straight in for 1-1, and that's how the first half finished.

Manorcroft again took the lead in the second half when we failed to clear a corner, and the game began to get a bit scrappy, I think the narrow pitch did not allow us to get the ball wide as normal and the middle of the park was too congested. Then a ball from Josh went across the edge of the area and was picked up on the far side by Michael who cut back inside and lashed the ball into the far corner for 2-2. A few moments later a throw was played into Matt who turned and drilled the ball across and in for 3-2. Manorcroft to their credit continued to push and we gave away a couple of needless free kicks which made the final few minutes unnecessarily tense, but we held on for the win and into the quarterfinals.

Squad: Jack (H1)/Jake (H2), Adam, Owen, Josh, Sam, Max, Jay, Matt, Michael, Jack D, Leo, Cole, Benjamin,

As the boys had not played for a while we arranged a friendly against Merstham U12's, it was a good run out for the boys and the opposition being a year older provided good competition. At first we looked a bit rusty and struggled to threaten with the chances and possession we had and went 1-0 down after conceding a penalty.

It started to come together a bit better in the second half and max latched onto a good through ball and squeezed it past the keeper for 1-1. A few minutes later max made it two with a well taken free kick. The midfield battled hard and the defence stood firm and anything that did pass was handled well by the keepers, in fact I think you could say that every boy played extremely well in the game, and this had probably been their best performance since moving to 11-a-side.

The boys had to stay alert right to the end as merstham kept pushing but it was perrywood that should have added to the scores. We missed a penalty late on and Sam also hit a rocket against the cross bar, but overall a great effort all round - so well done boys.

Squad: Jake (H1)/Jack F (H2), Adam, Joe, Josh, Sam, Max, Jay, Matt, Benjamin, Michael, Jack D (subs : Owen)

For the final game of 2009, it was the third round of the County Cup against Selsdon Junior Eagles, who were unbeaten so far this season. The boys started off well and within 5 minutes were pushing hard on the attack. Although a looping shot from Benjamin was cleared off the line, it was only a short time before a couple of great runs by Max had put the Eagles ahead 2-0. A series of 3 fouls on Benjamin in as many minutes, the last of which was in the penalty area, gave Max the opportunity to claim his hatrick from the penalty spot. The boys were playing some great football with Sam and the defence pushing up and sweeping up any Selsdon attacks. This provided opportunites for the midfield to get well into the Selsdon half and it was Jay that scored the Eagles 4th. At the other end an unfortunate foul awarded Selsdon a freekick outside the penalty area and all credit to the free kick taker whose absolutely superb shot floated over the wall and out of Jake's reach enabling them to pull back to 4-1 just before half time. Owen came on just before half time for an injured Jay who landed awkwardly (but fortunately was not badly hurt and came back on in the second half)

Into the second half and the boys' goal tally increased with Max adding a further 2 and Jay another 1. Selsdon were unable to respond giving a final score of 7-1 to the Eagles. This, and the last game, have seen the boys playing their best football of the season with some great passing play, better awareness and improving positional play. A terrific way to finish 2009. Well done to all..and Happy Christmas!

Squad: Jack F (H1)/Jake (H2), Adam, Joe, Josh, Sam, Max, Leo, Matt, Benjamin, Michael, Jack D (subs : Daniel D-K, Leo, Cole)

The Eagles were playing this league game against Tonbridge Angels, a team they only narrowly beat in the cup a few weeks previously. The Eagles started well and with only ten minutes gone a great run by Max saw him beat a couple of defenders and slot the ball past the keeper to give the Eagles the lead. Continual pressure by the boys forced a couple of corners and a subsequent goal line scramble following one of these enabled Benjamin to get his toe to the ball and claim the Eagles 2nd. Jack D also only just missed from a cracking shot which bounced off the post. Matt was having some great runs down the wing supported by Michael, Leo and Jack D in midfield. Tonbridge however remained dangerous and it was only through the hard work of Jack F and the defence of Joe, Adam, Josh and Sam, that the majority of opposition attacks were closed down. A goal line clearance by Benjamin also kept the Eagles lead intact. The effectiveness of the team keeping their shape and playing some of the best football they have played this season left them with a 2-0 lead at half time.

Into the second half and Jake replaced Jack F in goal. Tonbridge came out fighting and for the early part of the half dominated the game at the Perrywood end. They launched a number of attacks and it was not surprising when a long range shot slipped past both the Eagles defence and Jake to give the home side a goal back. Daniel D-K and Cole were then brought on as substitutes to provide some fresh energy and the Eagles then started to pick up their game again. Another great run from Max from the Eagles half past the Tonbridge defence enabled him to slip the ball past the keeper to make it 3-1. With no further goals this was a hard fought well deserved win for the boys.

Thanks Malcolm for the report, it got a bit edgy when it went 2-1 but we weathered the storm and got a good win against a strong team, well done to all the boys.

Squad: Jack (H1), Jake(H2), Adam, Josh, Joe, Sam, Jay, Benjamin, Jack, Max, Matt, Michael (Subs: Owen)

We were at home today for the second round of the Surrey county cup and the opposition was Whyteleafe FC "A" from the A division in the Tandridge league, so it was always going to be a tough game.

A good break down the right from Matt within the first couple of minutes saw the cross/shot go in under the keeper and we were 1-0 up. Perrywood enjoyed a bit more of the possession and Jay had a good effort go just over. Whyteleafe got one back before a rocket from Sam restored the lead. At the other end Jack pulled off a terrific save to push a shot onto the post and out.

Well into the second half and Whytleafe made it 2-2 and took the game into extra time. During the first period another good run by Matt found Max in the centre to knock in for 3-2. Right at the end of the period Josh had a strike from outside the area that cleared the keeper and went in but it was struck just as the whistle blew so did not count. Into the final seven minutes and all we had to do was stay solid, but a free kick given away gave Whyteleafe the chance to get back into the game which they did 3-3.

Just as the clock was running down and we were thinking about the dreaded penalties, Max chased down a ball that was heading for a Perrywood corner, cut back in and smashed it in off the post for 4-3 Perrywood.

It probably was a great game to watch for the neutral and was a real rollercoaster with both teams battling hard for the win, but its Perrywood that goes into the next round, and lets see if we can build on that win and take the form into the league - well done boys.

Squad: Jack (H1), Jake(H2), Adam, Josh, Joe, Jay, Benjamin, Jack, Max, Matt, Michael, Cole (Subs: Leo, Dan)

The Eagles travelled away to Warlingham this week for the second round of the league cup. This was always going to be a tough game as Warlingham are 3rd in the 'A' league and the awful weather didn't help with the rain pouring down and the wind whipping across the pitch. In the first half they were up against not only a good side but also the wind & rain and the boys seemed just unable to get into the game. The entire first half was therefore played at the Eagles end of the pitch without them getting a shot at the Warlingham goal. With continued pressure it was not surprising that Warlingham took the lead half way through the half and then 5 minutes later grabbed a second. All credit to the boys as they worked hard keeping Warlingham out and managing to keep the score down to just 2-0 at half time.

Into the second half and the game evened out with Eagles having the benefit of the wind and rain behind them. This gave them more opportunities and they managed to claim a number of corners and were unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. The keeper also made a good save to deny I think Jack' shot and enough effort came off the post. Warlingham also got a couple more in the net but had both disallowed for offside.

However, the first half had clearly worn the boys out and shortly before the final whistle Warlingham scored their 3rd from a free kick and secured a place in the third round of the cup. Final score 3-0 to Warlingham.

Squad: Jack (H1), Jake(H2), Adam, Sam, Josh, Joe, Jay, Benjamin, Jack, Max, Matt, Michael, (Subs: Owen, James)

Our third league game of the season was away against Croydon Juniors at Ashburton Playing Fields on a very windy day. Despite a couple of wins in the cup games the team has found it hard to make progress in the league with a draw and a loss so far.

The Eagles started brightly and within a few minutes had forced a corner. Michael lofted the ball from the corner into the penalty area and with the benefit of the wind it curled nicely into the top of the net to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. In many respects this was the high point of the game as after that the team seemed unable to really get into gear or work well together with the space not being used and passes rarely being completed. Croydon pushed forward and within 5 minutes of half time got an equaliser and then on the stroke of half time got a second to take the lead 2-1.

The second half carried on in the same way with the Eagles unable to make any real headway and most of the play being in the Eagles half. Adam and the defence worked hard to keep them out and Jake pulled off a superb save to keep Croydon from going further in front. The Eagles had an occasional break into the Croydon half but did not really put their keeper under much pressure. With no further goals the final score was 2-1 to Croydon.

Squad: Jack (H2), Jake(H1), Adam, Sam, Josh, Jay, Benjamin, Joe, Jack, Max, Matt, Michael, (Subs: Dan.DK, Leo, Cole)

This week saw the Eagles up against Oakwood, the team that pipped them to the Crawley Red league title last year. With the league result against the Warren having been removed and a couple of cup games played in between this was only the second league match of the season.

The Eagles started well and immediately began to put pressure on Oakwood. Within the first few minutes a great cross from Michael had the Oakwood keeper beaten but a goal line clearance kept the scores all square. The majority of the play seemed to be with the Eagles but Oakwood were always dangerous and with one of their few forays into the Perrywood penalty area in the first half, they got through the defence and scored to take the lead. The Eagles kept their heads up and a great run down the wing and cross by Matt set up Jack D who converted it to bring the scores level 1-1 just before half time.

Into the second half with Jack F replacing Jake in goal. Oakwood were pushing hard and despite some great defending by Josh and the rest of the defence they were increasingly dangerous. Up the other end a good run by Max another Matt cross to Jack D who saw his shot sail slightly over the bar. However 5 minutes before the end it was Oakwood that took their chance and managed to slot the ball into the corner of the net to take the lead. With little time remaining, the Eagles were unable to respond and the final score ended up 2-1 to Oakwood. Overall it was a really close game, the boys worked hard and either team could have emerged on top.

Squad: Jack F, Adam, Jack D, Joe, Josh, Max, Jay, Matt, Benjamin, Sam, Michael (subs : James, Owen)

Another week and another cup game, this time the first round of the Tandridge League Cup where we we drawn against Tonbridge Angels A who are from the same division.

I think it was probably our worst start ever to a game as we were caught sleeping not once but twice in the first few minutes and were behind 0-2 by two well taken Tonbridge goals. This seemed to wake the boys up a bit and then they started to play, and pressure the ball. We grabbed a goal back through Ben and then another two between Matt and Jack and went into the half time break 3-2 up.

Tonbridge again started the half brightly and tried to put us under pressure, but it was Perrywood who managed to break and Michael let rip with a shot that the tonbridge keeper could not quite keep out, 4-2 Perrywood. The opposition did not give up and continued to push and earned a penalty, which was duly converted. Both teams had some chances in the final few minutes but the game ended 4-3 Perrywood, and its the Eagles that were flying high into the next round.

Tonbridge Angels proved to be very strong team and the two league games should provide some entertaining football to come.

Squad: Jack F (H1)/Jake (H2), Adam, Jack D, Owen, Josh, Max, Jay, Matt, Benjamin, Sam, Michael (subs : Daniel D-K, Leo)

Another first this week....our first cup game of the season. There are two cup competitions this season - the County Cup and the League Cup - and this game was a first round match in the County Cup against Genesis FC a Tandridge League C team. With Joe unavailable Owen was called up to the match squad and for a change Jack F rather than Jake played the first half in goal.

The boys started well and within a few minutes Michael had given Perrywood a 1-0 lead. Genesis were to show throughout the game that they were particularly strong on the break and it was only a great save by Jack F early on that ensured Perrywood kept their lead. Whilst the boys seemed to struggle for much of the first half unable to find the great passing form that they can be so good at, they still managed to extend their lead to 2-0 with Jack D taking his season tally into double figures. It was at this point that Genesis, who showed some great skills in midfield, then managed to break through the Perrywood defence to take one back but just before half time a looping shot from Matt on the far right soared into the penalty area, bounced over the keeper and into the net to make it 3-1 at half time.

Into the second half and Jake came on for Jack and Daniel D-K came on for Matt. The boys started off better in the second half and a thundering shot by Max soared slightly over the bar. With Leo having to replace Jay who had been hurt in a hard tackle, the boys continued to push up and it was not long before a great through ball from Adam set up Jack D for his second goal to make it 4-1. Some great running by Daniel down the right hand side kept the ball in play and Leo converted the cross into the back of the net but it was unfortunately ruled out due to offside.

All the boys were putting in a lot of effort with Benjamin pushing up on the left side and making some great runs and crosses and at the back Owen, Adam, Sam and Josh were all ensuring the Genesis attacks were closed down. It was Jack D, on great goal scoring form, who struck to make it 5-1 and claim another hat-trick. Despite some great further efforts with Josh shooting just wide from outside the penalty area and a Jay goal being ruled out through offside, there were no more goals. Final score 5-1 with Perrywood through to the next round.

Squad: Jack, Jake, Adam, Sam, Josh, Jay, Benjamin, Joe, Jack, Max, Matt, Owen, Michael, James

Goal Scorers: Jack D (9), Matt (2), Michael, Max (2), Benjamin (2), Josh

This was our first home game of the season and we welcomed The Warren to Horley Anderson, which will be our home pitch this season.

In all honesty the game was very one-sided and Perrywood were dominant throughout the game. With only 15 minutes gone Perrywood had already stormed into a 4-0 lead with Jack D, on top form, having scored every one. The Warren were good at the offside trap and the boys were caught out on many occasions throughout the game, but with some great through balls the trap was also avoided and the speed of the boys breaking into the opposing half kept the goal tally growing.

Jake in goal and Adam, Josh, Joe and Sam in defence were however not entirely spectators and had to pay attention as The Warren launched the occasional attack which had to be closed down. Jay and Max were also working hard in midfield but most of the action was at the other end with some great passing and teamwork enabling Jack, Matt, Michael and Max to add to the score to make it 8-0 by half time.

Into the second half with Jack F replacing Jake in goal and Jim and Owen coming on for Michael and Benjamin. Throughout the rest of the second half the boys were then substituted on and off in rotation. With a further 4 goals from Jack D to give him an incredible triple hat-trick, a second from Max and one from Benjamin to make the score 14-0, the team then had their only wobble of the day with the Warren finding their way through to get 1 back. Into the final 15 minutes of the game and a second from Benjamin, one from Josh and a second from Matt resulted in a final score of 17-1 to the Eagles. Full credit to The Warren for keeping going and battling to the last but the day clearly belonged to Perrywood.

** A week after this game The Warren moved to the C division, so the result has been removed. All the best to the Warren for the rest of the season.

Squad: Jack, Jake, Adam, Sam, Josh, Jay, Benjamin, Joe, Jack, Max, Matt, Owen, Dan.DK, Michael, Leo, Cole

Squad: Jack, Jake, Adam, Sam, Josh, Jay, Benjamin, Joe, Jack, Max, Matt, Owen, Dan.DK, Michael, Leo

Having eventually found the right car park, the boys warmed up and the first game kicked off on time at 10am. The Eagles had a good start playing some great football and within 10 minutes of kick off a through ball from Jay set up Michael who slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0. There were lots of chances at both ends during a competitive first half with Jake being called on to make some great saves and the defence of Josh, Adam, Joe and Sam closing down the BW attacks. With Jay and Max in centre midfield, Benjamin and Matt on the wings, and Jack D and Michael up front, the boys pushed up and continued to put lots of pressure on the BW goal. There were a couple of near misses from Michael and Jack from some well taken free kicks but at half time the score remained 1-0 to the Eagles.

Into the second half with Jack F coming on for Jake in goal. BW challenged heavily for an equaliser but the Eagles defence were up to the task. Joe pulled off a particularly good interception after a BW free kick. Unfortunately late on in the half BW were awarded a penalty although we could not see any offence from the sideline, they converted to bring the game level. Daniel D-K and Owen came on as substitutes replacing Jack D and Matt. The Eagles had a few last minute opportunities with Benjamin making a good run down the left hand side just shooting wide and Max taking a great shot from just outside the box that was tipped over for corner. Josh also had the ball in the net but it was ruled off side by the officials! A BW break at the other end then required Jack F to pull off a great save to keep the scores level. So, final score 1-1 with the boys having worked hard and played well against an evenly matched opposition.

Thanks Malcolm for the report, well done to all the boys today and thanks to all the parents that came to support. It was a great game against a very good team. Maybe on another day it would not have been a penalty and the goal not offside, but you have to respect the decisions of the officials no matter what. Overall a good start and don't forget it was only our third 11-a-side game.

Its clear to see that the Tandridge league is going to offer some great challenges this season, and that's what the boys need.

Squad: Jack, Jake, Adam, Sam, Josh, Jay, Benjamin, Joe, Max, Jack, Matt, Owen, Dan.DK, Michael, Leo, Cole

Squad: Jack, Jake, Adam, Sam, Josh, Jay, Benjamin, Joe, Max, Matt, Owen, Dan.DK, Michael, Leo