Bilton Ajax 3 – 1 Kenilworth Town

September 13^th 2009

Start of a new season for Bilton and what could be better than a convincing win over what has to be said a much improved Kenilworth Town.

The first 15 minutes saw nothing between the two sides with Bilton showing some first game nerves. But with half time beckoning a strong offensive into the visitors half ended with a goal from Aidan Quinn to put Bilton ahead at the break.

Bilton certainly had more control on the game in the second half and their second goal from Blair Girvin put them in a comfortable lead, but celebrations were short lived when Kenilworth scored to narrow the gap.

Bilton as ever kept the pressure on and a great strike from Matt Court finally sealed the game, great start lads.

Alcester Town 3 – 3 Bilton Ajax

September 20^th 2009

After winning their old league last season and starting this season with a win, Alcester Town were certainly going to be no walk in the park.

But after only three minutes a goal from Blair Girvin put Bilton into the lead.

Alcester came straight back with some fast attacking which was to push Bilton’s defense throughout the whole game, so it was not long before the equalizer was found.

Again Bilton took any chance and with Alex Lovelock’s strike Bilton were 2-1 up, but Alcester’s formidable strike force brought the scores level just before half time.

The second half was no less challenging with Bilton having to work hard, but a long goal kick put Blair Girvin clear and with a cool side step around the keeper he got his second of the match. But Alcester were not finished, they kept pushing and finally got their goal to end the game with a deserving draw.

Bilton Ajax 5 - 1 Wellesbourne

Sunday 27th September 2009

Two goals in each half from Goal Machine Blair Girvin put a gutsy Wellesbourne to the sword this week at Alwyn Road. A mixture of clinical finishing and powerful striking added four goals to Blair’s Tally for the season, the third coming from a huge kick by keeper Harry Dimmock. Chances also went begging with countless attacks on the visitors’ goal, Tom Jones going close hitting the far post after a fine solo run. The 5th goal came after Jack Smith fed Sean Rye down the left flank, with Sean speeding past 2 Defenders and firing into the top corner to give Ajax a well deserved win. Well done lads.

Whitnash 4 – 1 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 4^th October 2009

Bilton’s first cup match of the season and they were up against one of the best teams in the league. The lads new it was going to be tough and the first half was certainly that, with Whitnash on the offensive most of the time, central defenders Adam Cox and Jack Smith had to give all they had and with goal keeper Harry Dimmock pulling off some great stops the division one, home side only managed to get three past them in the first half.

The second half was much the same but this time the visitors managed to get the ball more into the Whitnash area. Even though Bilton conceded a fourth, they still kept pushing and finally they were rewarded when Charlie McQuillan lobbed the keeper to give Bilton a well deserved goal.

St Peters Celtic 13 – 3 Bilton Ajax

Sunday October 11^th 2009

The score tells it all really, a dismal performance from Bilton against a team that was good but not that good. St Peters scored within the first minute and by the half time whistle they had scored six more, halted momentarily by a goal from Blair Girvin.

The second half was much the same with St Peters netting another six times.

Bilton’s two consolations was a another goal from Blair Girvin and  a well deserved goal from Jake Richardson.

Kenilworth Wardens 1 – 1 Bilton Ajax

October 18^th 2009

With last weeks heavy defeat behind them, Bilton came out on Sunday full with determination not to let it happen again, but with only ten men fit to play the odds were against them.

There first half saw nothing between the two sides but the home team finally broke the dead lock with a goal after fifteen minutes, unlike last week, Bilton’s heads did not drop and with seconds to go before half time Blair Girvin got the equalizer Bilton Deserved.

The second half was much the same with both side having equal opportunities on goal, jack Bond and Tom Jones played the right side of field excellently and goal keeper Harry Dimmock certainly dismissed the horrors of last week with a solid second half of the match.

The rest of the game was played out with a great pace but no more goals for either side so a well deserved point for Bilton.

Bilton Ajax 1 – 2 St Peters Celtic Under

Sunday 8^th November 2009

With only a month past from their massive 13-3 defeat at St Peters ground, Bilton showed on Sunday that the game was a one off with an outstanding performance that saw Bilton taking the lead with a goal from Blair Girvin.

They managed to hold the lead for most of the game due to all players giving one hundred percent, Jack Bond adapted brilliantly to a defensive role whilst Tom Jones and Sean Rye worked tirelessly on either wing.

Only two second half goals from the visitors dulled what was a great game for Bilton and one certainly to be proud of.

Khalsa Colts 0 – 9 Bilton Ajax

November 15^th 2009

Great performance this week for Bilton, all 12 players were on form and the score line started to show it. Jack bond and Blair Girvin netted 2 each in a totally dominant first half which saw goal keeper Harry Dimmock tested only once with a good free kick from Khalsa.

The second half went Bilton’s way even more with Jake Richardson putting the visitors five goals up. Blair Girvin went on to get his hatric followed by Tom Jones netting his first of two great goals. Sean Rye also managed to get a well deserved goal after another strong performance by the left winger.

Snitterfield 3 – 11 Bilton Ajax

29th November 2009

On one of the worst pitches for playing football, Bilton turned out on Sunday to give one of their best performances of the year.

Snitterfield have always been a team that is hard to beat and after going a goal down to the home side, things were not looking good. Even when Charlie McQuillan equalized, Snitterfield put another in the net to stay ahead.

Then everything changed, a Snitterfield own goal and 2 goals each from Blair Girvin and Tom Jones put Bilton 2-6 ahead by the break.

The second half showed more great football from Bilton as they confidently trashed the home team with 2 more goals from Blair Girvin.

 Alex Lovelock, Adam Cox and Sean Rye also scored to take the tally to an impressive eleven goals with only one against them in the second half.

With six of the eleven players scoring for Bilton, it only shows what a great team performance was given.

Bilton Ajax 3 – 9 St Peters Celtic

Sunday 6^th December 2009

Again Celtic showed why they are top of the league. The first half was a close game with the visitors only getting three past Bilton and with Tom Jones getting a goal the score was a respectable 1-3 at half time.

The second half started well for Bilton with Alex Lovelock netting to bring the score even closer but suddenly everything changed, a twenty minute onslaught from Celtic took the score to an unreachable 2-8, and even Jack Bond’s goal celebrations were short lived as Celtic got their 9^th

At the end of the day Celtic were just too good for Bilton.

Bilton Ajax 3 – 1 Snitterfield U12’s

December 13^th 2009

There is obviously something about Snitterfield that brings out the best in Bilton Ajax. Another great performance with as much great vision and passing as the last meeting, only this time not all the shots ended up in the net.

Only one goal in the first half, albeit a great one scored by Jack Bond after a blistering run down the right wing.

The second half started well with Tom Jones netting to take Bilton to a comfortable lead and it stayed that way for the next 15 minutes until Snitterfield from nowhere got a goal, suddenly there was a game on but Bilton kept their nerve and were finally rewarded with jack Bond’s second of the day to finish the game a convincing 3-1. Well done.

Bilton Ajax 4 – 1 Alcester

February 14^th 2010

The most important game of the season for Bilton, win this and they finish second in the league.

Bilton started stronger than ever, immediately showing to be the stronger side but with just 5 minutes gone, Alcester were a goal ahead after being awarded a penalty.

Bilton pushed the Alcester defence for the next twenty minutes and finally the equalizer came from Bradley Allibone to bring the scores level at the break.

The second half saw Bilton give one of their best displays of team work and it wasn’t long before Bradley Got his second, ten minutes later and Jack Bond used his pace to break through the defence to get Bilton’s third.

After that the game was all Bilton’s and with Bradley Allibone getting a well deserved hatrick the game finished with a greater win than anybody could have hoped for.

Bilton Ajax 3 – 3 Kenilworth Town

Sunday 28^th February 2010

Due to Kenilworth’s pitch being water logged, Bilton hosted the second meeting for the two well matched sides.

A very confident start for Bilton resulted in a glorious header from Blair Girvin to put Bilton ahead after five minutes. More pressure from Bilton for the rest of the first half and a second was netted, this time from Bradley Allibone which put the home side two goals ahead at the break.

What many thought would be an easy second half turned into a nightmare, the wind that was in Bilton’s favour for the first half was now against them.

Before they knew it they were two goals down and struggling. Then the inevitable happened, a third goal for Kenilworth with just five minutes remaining, but just when all seemed lost up stood Tom Jones to bury the equalizer, a well earned draw for both sides, well done.

Bilton Ajax 6 – 1 St Peters Celtic Colts

Sunday March 7^th 2009

Slow start for Bilton this week, and the score line showed. With just ten minutes gone Bilton were a goal down to what was clearly a weaker side.

Bilton seemed to be finding it hard to control the game but finally got the equalizer from Blair Girvin just before half time.

The second half was a different game, Bilton were in complete domination over the game. With goals from Jack bond, Sean Rye, Tom Jones with two and Charlie McQuillan, Bilton buried their opponents by great team play and finishing to suit, great game.

Wellesbourne 1 – 3 Bilton Ajax

Sunday March 14^th 2010

Another rocky start for Bilton, Wellesbourne surprisingly quick off the mark with a few good attacking moves which finally caught Bilton out to put the visitors a goal behind after just five minutes.

Bilton managed to find their composure and the attacking moves started to form with reward coming in the form of a strike into the top left corner of Wellesbourne’s net from Alex Lovelock.

Soon after a great ball through from midfield into the path of Blair Girvin resulted in Bilton’s second which gave them a well earned lead at half time.

The second half was really all Bilton’s with great possession and passing but the only goal was worth the wait as Tom Jones broke through Wellesbourne’s defense to go head to head with the keeper and after a lovely side step managed to put the ball in the net from a tight angle to give the visitors a comfortable lead which they held to the end.

St. Peter’s Celtic 0 – 9 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 11^th April 2010

Bilton made easy work today in comfortably beating St Peters. Jack Bond's hatrick in just ten minutes buried the home team before they really knew what was going on and with goals from Blair Girvin, Alex Lovelock and Charlie McQuillan, the first half seemed to be of just how many and who's turn to score next.

The second half was much the same, not that St Peters didn't have their chances, Bilton’s defence just coped every time. Just the three goals for the second half, Tom Jones finally got his goal and Jack Smith got on the score sheet for the first time this season, but only after Jack Bond netted his fourth to make it one of Bilton's most convincing wins.

Bilton Ajax 4 – 3 Cubbington

Sunday 15^th November 2009

In this top of the table clash Ajax went on the offensive right from the start with Tom Oglethorpe scoring twice within the first 15 minutes.  At this point a rout looked possible.  Cubbington though gradually started to impose themselves, earning a penalty, but Ajax keeper Tom Carey produced a top class save.

After half time Cubbington looked threatening, breaking through the centre on a number of occasions, eventually pulling one back.  Then they were awarded a second penalty, from which they made no mistake.  When they grabbed their third with 10 minutes to go it looked over.  However the Ajax players thought otherwise.  With 5 minutes left Oglethorpe grabbed his third to level.  The lads weren’t content with just one point and pressed for the winner.  In the final minutes Ruairi O’Brien capped an outstanding performance by rifling in the winner from the corner of the box.

Bilton Ajax 5 – 0 Wellesbourne Wanderers Juniors

Sunday 29^th November 2009

Wellesbourne’s defence worked hard in the early stages, but Tom Oglethorpe opened the scoring after 20 minutes, with Alan Worgagz adding a second soon after.  The goal rush that threatened didn’t occur and before half time Wellesborne created a couple of chances.

Wellesbourne’s stubbornness continued in the second half, for a while pressing Ajax back, but the defence held out well, with newcomer Will Meakin looking particularly composed.  In the final 20 minutes Ajax moved up another gear with Stuart Clarke working tirelessly in the middle.  Ajax scored the third when the Wellesbourne keeper saved a penalty but Oglethorpe followed up for his second.  Ruairi O’Brien put it beyond doubt with a tidy drive and Oglethorpe got yet another hat trick to make if 5-0.

Man of the match was ever reliable Brandon Smith, who battled throughout until suffering a knee injury near the end in a crunching 50/50 tackle.

Wellesbourne Wanderers Juniors 3 – 4 Bilton Ajax  U13’s

Sunday 13^th December 2009

With 3 key players missing the size of the challenge became clear when Ajax found themselves 3-0 down in the closing stages. Yet, apart from a ragged period after half time Ajax had been playing well.

With 15 minutes to go a shot from Tom Oglethorpe slipped through the goalkeeper’s fingers to make it 3-1.  Soon after that an Oglethorpe corner slipped through everybody into the net and a draw looked possible. Then Keelan Offer on one of many threatening runs drove in a shot which found its way to Scott Woodcock who hammered in the equaliser. With just over 2 minutes left Ajax were awarded a free kick.  Oglethorpe floated a great ball into the danger area which Adam Huxford pounced on to dispatch the winner.

The Wellesbourne centre forward was their best player with Will Meaken winning man of the match for his personal battle with him.

Bilton Ajax 3 – 5 Tazmanian Cruisers Juniors

Sunday 24^th January 2010

This was a disappointing performance with too many players looking tired and lethargic.  Ajax started well with Charles Khawula putting them ahead, but some static defending allowed Cruisers to equalise.  Ajax went ahead again through Danny Downes, but with their players often being allowed to go unchallenged Cruisers grabbed another two goals, in spite of the valiant efforts of Tom Carey in goal. 

After half time Ajax improved temporarily, but let in another two on the break.  For one the Cruiser midfielder went past several players without a serious challenge being made.  An own goal from a corner made it 5-3 but another comeback didn’t look likely.  There were some patches of good play today and some hardworking performances from Khawula, Dennis Paige and man of the match Adam Huxford, but not enough.  Next week I hope to see a vast improvement for the trip to Norton Lindsey!

St Peters Celtic 1 – 5 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 7^th February 2010

On this mole infested plough field of a pitch the lads demonstrated great determination to win.  Stuart Clarke put Ajax ahead within a couple of minutes and Tom Oglethorpe would have had more were it not for the poor goal mouth conditions.   Ajax’s first lapse in concentration though allowed Celtic an open shot on goal, which somehow found its way into the net.

The closing stages of the first half were more even, but Oglethorpe finally found the target for a 2-1 half time lead. 

In the second half Ajax exerted more pressure, but Celtic resisted until the last 10 minutes, when Oglethorpe grabbed two more to finish the game.  The final goal was a 25m drive from Brandon Smith.  Amongst many good performances the joint men of the match were Smith, in central midfield for the first time adding much more bite and Oglethorpe for yet another hat trick.

Balsall and Berkswell 6 – 1 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 28^th March 2010 Supplementary Cup

Ajax dominated the first half against a team from a higher division, but didn’t force many saves out of the Balsall keeper. Ten minutes from the interval some lightweight challenges allowed Balsall to break into the Ajax box. A clumsy tackle resulted in a penalty to make it 1-0.  Balsall’s only shot on target in the first half!

 Two quick goals after halftime changed the match and Balsall started to look like a first division team.  Ajax pulled one back through Keelan Offer and subsequently survived an incredible goalmouth scramble, which could have been another turning point.  However a couple of well taken, but badly defended free kicks put the game out of reach.  It felt like the 20^th minute of injury time when the sixth goal went in.

Joint men of the match today were Dennis Page and Daniel Harbord who refused to give up right to the end.

Cubbington 1 – 7 Bilton Ajax

^{Sunday 14th March 2010}

This was a destruction job on a close rival in the league - breathtakingly efficient from the first minute to the last. The back line of Dennis Paige, Daniel Harbord, Will Meakin, Ruairi O'Brien and Brandon Smith were organised and almost impassable. The midfielders and forwards interchanged, but wherever they played Adam Huxford, Alan Worgagz, Stuart Clarke, Scott Woodcock, Danny Downes, Keelan Offer, Tom Oglethorpe and Toby Mearns dominated their opposition with fluent passing and ruthless finishing. Goalkeeper Tom Carey had a surprisingly relaxing afternoon!

Oglethorpe scored four, with singles from Worgagz, Huxford and man of the match Downes. Apart from Oglethorpe’s third goal, which was opportunism from a goalkeeper mistake, the goals arose out of great team work. The move that led to the third goal was worthy of Arsenal!

This performance was great preparation for the top of the table clash with Banbury Irish in two weeks time.

MOTM Danny Downes

Bilton Ajax 2 – 2 Banbury Irish u13’s

Sunday 28^th March 2010

Ajax needed to win for any a chance of winning the league from Banbury Irish, but in a thrilling match Banbury managed to gain the point they needed. Ajax took the lead after 20 minutes when Alan Worgagz headed intelligently across the box for Tom Oglethorpe to round a defender and score. Only a top notch save prevented Ruairi O’Brien from grabbing the second

After half time Ajax continued to work hard and but for the excellent, gigantic Banbury keeper they would have scored more. However, Banbury equalised from a scramble then went ahead soon after. Ajax kept their heads and discipline, with Brandon Smith controlling the Ajax half of the field and Charles Khawula in particular tormenting the Banbury defence. With 10 minutes remaining Dennis Paige powerfully headed Ajax’s’ equaliser. Ajax threw everything at it, but Banbury held on. A great performance and great attitude from all the lads!

MOTM:- Brandon Smith

Norton Lindsey 1 – 6 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 11^th April 2010

Ajax went into this game with the right attitude, going ahead within five minutes from a Tom Oglethorpe strike. Adam Huxford added a second soon after. Ruairi O'Brien followed with the third and Oglethorpe grabbed the fourth from a long range free kick. The fifth, a move started and finished by Danny Downes effectively finished the game by half time.

Ajax experimented with players in different positions in the second half and although Norton scored one, Oglethorpe got the sixth for a comfortable win and another hat trick!

Ajax played simple, intelligent football throughout, talking, listening and working for each other, making it look easy, but knowing when to step up a gear. In a game when all players deserve praise, some special mentions - Brandon Smith continues to grow in stature as captain, James Fewz never put a foot wrong and Adam Huxford dominated the centre of midfield.

MOTM Adam Huxford

Southam United 2 – 10 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 25^th April 2010

With nothing at stake this could have been a relatively easy game. However, in a rather disorganised start Ajax found themselves a goal down. It could have been two but for a last ditch tackle by Dennis Page who suffered a broken wrist in the challenge. A couple of Southam players were unpleasant, but the Ajax lads responded in exactly the right way, being calm, strong and playing football, hammering in 10 goals in the process with Southam getting another 1. The scorers were (inevitably) Tom Oglethorpe (4), Scott Woodcock (2), man of the match Alan Worgacz (2) and Ruairi O'Brien (2).

Thanks to Keelan Offer, who ended an impressive season by going in goal to allow keeper Tom Carey to have a run on pitch! Finally Toby Mearns nearly scored right at the death, but unfortunately it was cleared off the line.

A great season - well done lads!

MOTM Alan Worgacz

Alcester 1 - 2 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 13th September 2009

Ajax made the long trip to Alcester with the bare minimum of eleven players due to illness, prior engagements and forgetfulness, and played two thirds of the game with only ten players after Adam Cobb was taken off with an injury to his wrist.

The game started off quite evenly matched with both teams stuck in midfield and neither making any attempts at goal.

Play was held up after ten minutes as the referee was struck on the head by the ball and collapsed. A temporary injury, fortunately, and play resumed with the first attempt at goal by Jack Babbage after thirteen minutes which saw a well placed shot go over the Alcester bar.

The game was then held up shortly after, for Adam Cobb’s injury, and Ajax battled on.

Constant pressure on the Alcester defence resulted in a Bilton free kick, which Andrew Ward managed to tap in.

The second half started with an Alcester attack which resulted in a finely taken goal to draw the score 1-1.

Play then went from end to end with the Bilton defence soaking up the pressure, and the final nail in Alcester’s coffin came with an own goal following a James Lunn cross thirty four minutes into the second half.

A spirited performance, under great pressure, with only ten men standing at the end, sent everybody home with a smile on their face.

Well Done!

Bilton Ajax 3 – 7 Emscote Colts

Sunday 20^th September 2009

Ajax’s first home game and the final score does not indicate the amount of effort and hard work put in by the once again, ten man team.

Right from the kick off Ajax took the game to Emscote and were constantly on the attack, which resulted in a well taken tap in from Obie after a combined effort from Gibbard and Babington.

And fifteen minutes later they went two nil up following a great run up the right wing by Gibbard who neatly passed it to Obie for his second.

Bilton absorbed pressure but were unable to prevent a great Emscote free kick power into the corner of the goal, leaving Maguire no chance to save it.

Three minutes into the second half saw Marshall cross a great ball from the left into the path of Gibbard, who made no mistake in putting the ball easily into the back of the net.

Ajax then defended well until the final twenty minutes when the heat, pace and pressure of the undermanned team finally cracked.

Emscote came back with a surge of goals to finally run out winners.

Bilton didn’t deserve this result, and it’s a shame that the missing players have such an effect on what will be a very good team

Stratford Phoenix 5 – 9 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 27^th September 2009

Bilton came away from Stratford with three points and were unlucky not to get a double figure score line.

Babington opened the proceedings after only two minutes and against the run of play, Phoenix equalised twenty minutes later.

That man Babington then scored twice more in as many minutes, only for Stratford to pull one back.

The first half ended with Lunn getting on the score sheet and a Phoenix own goal taking the interval score to 5-2 to Bilton.

Some good attacking play and poor defending gave Stratford the ability to pull back two more goals, then new signing Korcz came on to score a great individual goal in his debut game.

Babington then got his fourth, and Stratford their fifth after Maguire failed to hold onto a well taken shot.

With three minutes to go Gibbard was finally rewarded for his efforts , and a great Hughes shot was well parried by the Phoenix keeper , only for Obie to tap in for the last goal of the game.

An enjoyable match for players and spectators, played in a great sporting manner.

Well done to all concerned.

Khalsa 4 – 2 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 4^th October 2009 League Cup Supplementary Round

This was a game that should have taken Ajax through to the next round, but missed opportunities, and some dubious refereeing decisions gave Khalsa the victory.

Fifteen minutes in, a brutal tackle on Marshall, which sidelined him for most of the game, went without any verbal admonishment from the official, and the free kick by Hughes went just wide of the post.

Ajax kept up the pressure, with some great teamwork and Gibbard was unlucky for a simple tap in to hit the upright with the Khalsa keeper well beaten.

Bilton finished the first half with a Khalsa own goal following a shot from Obie.

The second half started well with a through ball from Hughes to replacement forward Newman, who calmly tapped it in.

There then followed a mad half hour where, despite having a lot of possession,  Ajax let things slide and Khalsa took advantage ,scoring four goals without reply.

Bilton pressurised the Khalsa defence for the last quarter, and had numerous chances in front of goal but failed to capitalise on them.

Korcz had a great game in midfield, but was spoken to by the referee ,for kicking the ball away following an offside decision, yet taking out a player and receiving no punishment, or missing numerous hand ball infringements seems totally one sided.

Ajax have a great squad of players who are all contributing to the team, but chances missed in front of goal will cost them points or cup runs, something which today’s performance highlights.

Banbury Irish 2 – 1 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 1^st November 2009

On a windswept pitch at Banbury, Ajax paid the price for a three week lay-off due to holidays and illness.

Although the final score does not do justice to Bilton’s efforts, their lack of finishing skills, and some fine goalkeeping from the Banbury keeper sent them home with zero points.

 The game was only five minutes old when a Banbury attack split open the Bilton defence for the first goal. Ajax continued to attack well and were justly rewarded with a free kick  on the edge of the box fifteen minutes later. Hughes took the kick and Lunn followed up with a great tap in after a goal mouth scramble.

The second half continued at a pace, although Biltons fitness levels, or lack of them, began to show through. Banbury broke through the Ajax defence, despite Man of the Match O’Connor’s concerted efforts, and took the lead on the half hour.

Ajax continued to attack ,and had a ten minute rally at the end, which should have resulted in, at least an equaliser,  if not a winner, but poor finishing and an agile keeper, thwarted their efforts.

Bilton looked the better side, played cleaner football, but came away with only their pride. Ah well, it’s only a game!

Bilton Ajax 6 – 0 Central Ajax

Sunday 15^th November 2009

Two lots of Ajax on one pitch resulted in a clean and shiny performance for the Bilton lads.

Obie, at last, scored for Bilton with a well placed lob into the top left hand corner with only thirty seconds gone, and set the bench mark for the rest of the forwards.

Bilton had most of the play for the first half, and all played with skill and confidence.

Gibbard made numerous probing runs through the Ajax defence and was rewarded with a left footed goal after twenty two minutes following a Marshall and Babington assist. Just to prove that wasn’t a lucky left footer, Gibbard repeated the act just before half-time after a sustained goal mouth melee.

Ajax despite being three down never gave up, but Babington took the Bilton score up to four nil after a great solo run from the halfway line and a second chance shot.

The second half continued with a deserved hat trick goal for Gibbard, on his right foot, after numerous attempts by the rest of the Bilton forwards, and Babington doubled his tally,  just before the end, after a great own half clearance from Cave found Babington on side with only the keeper to beat.

The Bilton team played entertaining football and Ajax contributed to this with a clean and disciplined performance despite the score line. Well done to all concerned.

Lawford United 1 – 4 Bilton Ajax U14’s

Sunday 29^th November 2009

Bilton  pressurised Lawford right from the start, and a well taken Marshall corner found O’Connors’ head for a great first goal after nine minutes.

Ajax continued to dominate the game, and substitute Gibbard came on to immediately assist Lunn for the second goal fifteen minutes later.

Biltons’ defence played really well and absorbed all of Lawfords’ attempts, Gibbard continued to penetrate and make probing runs, and was justly rewarded with a great goal four minutes into the second half and again twenty minutes later.

Lawfords’ only goal came five minutes from time, after an extremely long punt from their keeper, on an undersized pitch, with undersized goals, left the Ajax defence wide open.

Great teamwork from every Bilton player showed through once again, but as usual, not every scoring chance was converted into a goal, a problem which has, and will, cost them valuable points.

Bilton Ajax 13 – 2 Stratford Phoenix

Sunday 6^th December 2009

Supplementary Cup Preliminary Round

Ajax pulled out all the stops for this cup game and played to their ability, something which doesn’t happen often enough.

Stratford took the lead after five minutes, but a great clearance from Cave, a minute later, found Gibbard on a one on one with only the keeper to beat. One all.

Marshall got on the score sheet, ten minutes later, after a great Hughes cross and this was quickly followed by an individual run by Lunn, whose cross was easily tapped in by Babington.

Just before half time another solo run, and perfect cross, from Lunn, found Obie ready and waiting to tap in Bilton’s fourth.

The second half started with an Obie hat-trick in seven minutes, with great support from Newman, Lunn and Babington, who also found time to miss a penalty.

O’Connor then moved up for a corner and easily headed in for Bilton’s eighth goal.

Stratford’s keeper, who made some good saves, then punted the ball up, only for every bounce to beat the Bilton defence and allow Phoenix’s second and final goal.

O’Connor completed his hat-trick with two more goals from Hughes’s well taken corners, and Newman took his chance, following a great through ball from Marshall.

Gibbard got his second and finally Hughes scored just before the end.

This was a great team performance, but the lads must realise that not everyone can or will score goals. It’s the final result that everybody is interested in and not whose name is on the scoresheet.

Khalsa 4 – 4 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 13^th December 2009

Ajax’s trip to Leamington, against second in the league Khalsa, saw some great attacking football and some poor defending which resulted in an eight goal thriller.

Bilton played well from the start, and with only five minutes gone a Gibbard flick on found Babington with only the keeper to beat, which he managed easily.

Khalsa played some good one touch football and virtually walked through the Ajax defence to equalise five minutes later. While Khalsa had most of the possession, Biltons’ attacks proved fruitful and Gibbard put Ajax into the lead just before halftime.

The second half started well for Bilton, and the dream team combination, once again, of a Hughes corner and an O’Connor powerful header put Ajax 3-1 up.

Babington then stretched the lead even further with a well taken run and shot past an advancing keeper.

This fired up Khalsa, and seemed to put Bilton on the back foot for the rest of the game. There was no finesse in Biltons’ play and they resorted to the boot and clear method of defence, something which Khalsa overcame quite easily to draw back to four all in a matter of only five minutes.

Once again Ajax played well for a period of time and thoroughly deserved to be winning 4 – 1, however, it was Biltons’ lack of sustained commitment and teamwork which proved their downfall and not any   superior skills of Khalsa.

Bilton Ajax 8 – 4 Kenilworth Town

Sunday 31^st January 2010

Ajax blew away the cobwebs, after a long Xmas lay off, with a convincing win over Kenilworth Town.

After six minutes Gibbard found an easy route down the right wing to slide it past the oncoming keeper, and Kenilworth replied with the same amount of ease just one minute later.

The visitors then took the lead after a corner went unchallenged, and managed to put it into their own net to equalise for Bilton after twenty minutes. Gibbard put Ajax ahead with a cross/shot from wide on the right which found the keeper out of position, and a great cross from Korcz found Lunne who took Bilton Into half time with a four two lead.

Babington got onto the score sheet five minutes into the second half, and four minutes later Kenilworth walked through the Ajax defence to take the score to five three.

Kenilworth then pulled back Ajax another goal after Bilton keeper, Maguire, was finally kicked off the park, by a fourth dubious challenge from a Kenilworth forward, which again went unpunished by the referee.

Ward took over duty between the sticks and finally Ajax took complete control and scored another three goals, two more from Gibbard and a deserved goal by Korcz, just reward for his persistent hard work and tenacity.

It transpires that Maguire played in goal for forty minutes with a fractured finger, and no consolation to him, but at least it shows that skill prevails over so called hard man tactics.

Bilton Ajax 4 – 0 Lawford United

Sunday 28^th February 2010

The local derby between Lawford and Bilton took place on a cold and muddy Alwyn Road pitch, but it was a decidedly one sided affair with little entertainment value. It was twenty four minutes into the first half before Ajax eventually scored their first goal, a run down the left wing by Gibbard, whose cross was fumbled into the net by the Lawford keeper.

Such was the non existence of the Lawford attack, that it was twenty nine minutes before Maguire, the Bilton keeper, touched the ball, something which only occurred twice in the second half.

Ajax scored again, seven minutes into the second half, and it was that man Gibbard who again made a solo run with little or no resistance from the Lawford defence.

Korcz then got Bilton’s third, after battling down the right wing, and finally Gibbard was rewarded with his hatrick just before the final whistle.

Lawford, to their credit, played a clean game in a sporting manner, but with total dominance of the pitch, Ajax should have scored far more goals than they did.

Snitterfield 2 - 6 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 7th March 2010

Ajax made the journey to Snitterfield and overcame the difficulty of playing on a small pitch to come away with three points and an easy victory.

Snitterfield took a one nil lead after just four minutes while the Bilton defence took the time to get their act together, but the forward play between Gibbard and Beresford resulted in a Beresford equaliser just two minutes later.

Then in a matter of twelve minutes, Ajax took a four one lead with goals coming from Marshall, a second for Beresford and one for Obi.

Snitterfield still looked threatening, had a lot of possession, and were rewarded with their second goal just before half time , after Bilton failed to restrict the opponents shooting chances inside their own box.

The second half bought Ajax lots of goal scoring chances, which they failed to capitalise on, until the last ten minutes, when Marshall scored his second after a great through ball from Gibbard, and all of Hughes' hard work resulted in a second goal for Obi.

A great result from a great team effort. Well Done.

Wellesbourne 1 - 1 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 21^st March 2010

Ajax came away from Wellesbourne with a thoroughly deserved point after a great team effort. Despite starting the match with only ten men, and no reserves, Bilton looked the more dominant side for most of the game. Wellesbourne took the lead after twenty two minutes, with an easy shot in front of goal which keeper Maguire had covered until it hit a divot and bounced unexpectedly.
Bilton kept up the pressure and had numerous chances, but failed to finish them off.
It took twenty four minutes of the second half before captain O'Connor took the ball down the right wing and made a great shot which the Wellesbourne keeper could only parry into the back of his own net. Ajax could, and should, have won this game, a match and performance which was enjoyed by all the travelling fathers/supporters. Well Done! long may it continue.

Bilton Ajax 3 - 1 Khalsa

Sunday 11^th April 2010

Finally Ajax managed to beat Khalsa, after a previous draw and loss, and proved to be the better team again. The match started off at a great pace, with neither team taking a scoring initiative, the game being slogged out in midfield. After seventeen minutes a great through ball from Marshall found up front man Obie easily capable of a one on one with the Khalsa keeper. Just five minutes later a free kick from Hughes was fumbled by the Khalsa goalie into his own net to take the Ajax boys into a two -nil half time lead . Poor marking from a corner, gave the opposition a great scoring chance in front of goal, which they gladly took, twenty minutes into the second half, and the Ajax defence absorbed everything that Khalsa could throw at them for the remainder of the game. O'Connor finally sealed the match with an individual effort and through ball to Obie who, once again made it look easy to score past the oncoming keeper. Great result lads.

Kenilworth Town 4 – 2 Bilton Ajax

Tuesday 13^th April 2010

The first evening game of the season and a disappointing result for the eleven man Ajax team. A pitch that looked as if it hadn't been mown this year, goal posts that needed an extra couple of feet welding on to each upright, and a referee whose knowledge of the rules of Association Football appeared to be limited, all contributed to an ill tempered game that was mercifully shortened to thirty minutes each way because of fading light.
Kenilworth scored first, Gibbard equalised, Kenilworth scored again O'Connor own goal, Gibbard scored, Kenilworth scored again. Result Kenilworth 4 - 2 Ajax .An uninspiring spectacle which a full strength Ajax squad could have easily won, however, players other midweek evening commitments will always result in a weakened side which does the rest of the team no favours whatsoever.

Warwick Juniors 6 – 2 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 18^th April 2010

Only eleven players made the journey to Warwick, on what turned out to be a very warm afternoon. Bilton kicked off at 3.00 pm, unfortunately the match and Warwick started at 2.00 pm, such was the lacklustre performance of Ajax, and they found themselves six goals down with no reply. Missing four key players, due to injury and apathy, left the rest of the squad to go through the motions for the first hour, and Warwick, with some well worked out moves, took complete advantage.
No amount of encouragement from the side lines could induce any grit and determination into the team, which was very disappointing for all concerned, and yet in the last ten minutes Bilton sparked into life with some great football which resulted in their two consolation goals scored by Beresford and Obie. A schedule of four matches in seven days does not constitute a recipe for good football, especially when there are no substitutes, however Warwick were working to the same regime and their football didn't suffer. A day not to remember!

Central Ajax 1 – 3 Bilton Ajax

Tuesday 20^th April 2010

Another evening kick off saw a full squad Bilton play a ten man Central Ajax and come away with three points. Bilton dominated the first half and Babington scored the first goal after only six minutes. Another quarter of an hour went by, and at least ten offside free kicks against an in disciplined Bilton front line before Lunn lobbed the Central keeper with a shot/cross from the left hand side.
Numerous chances fell to the Bilton forwards but were thwarted by an inform keeper who looked impossible to beat on a one to one situation.
Central never gave up and were rewarded with a goal ten minutes into the second half after the Bilton defence failed to clear the ball from their own goal area. Obie, for Bilton, finally managed to beat the offside trap, and the usually reliable oncoming keeper, just a minute later, to make sure of a Bilton victory.
Once again a match against Ajax that was played with a very sporting manner.

Bilton Ajax 3 – 2 Snitterfield Colts

Sunday 25^th April 2010

A well deserved three points for the ten man Ajax team, whose numbers were depleted by sickness, injury and away day jollies. In fact the Bilton manager could only choose the team positions a minute before kick off such was the unavailability of players.
Snitterfield got off to a great start, and were 2-0 up with fifteen minutes gone, Bilton playing great as individuals but not as a team. Obie had numerous chances, as his speed easily beat the Snitterfield defence, but his finishing was not up to standard, fortunately after one probing run, Hughes picked up the rebound and coolly lobbed the keeper to reduce the deficit just before half time.
The second half was a close fought contest, where both sides had missed and saved chances, but finally Obie was justly rewarded with the equaliser. This spurred on Ajax and the winner was scored, with five minutes to go, by Marshall, after some skilful work by Beresford.
Cave must get a mention for his tireless work holding the defence together, but the team effort, eventually, made for a great contest, thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators, well the home fans anyway!

Bilton Ajax 3 -3 Hillmorton Colts

Sunday 27th September 2009

A very exciting game between 2 local sides, Ajax got off to a great start with a well struck goal from Bernie, playing fast attacking football Ajax put Hillmorton under a lot of pressure in the first 20 minutes, however Hillmorton wouldn't give in and equalised, Ajax came back with a clever free kick from Adam Gibbard as Ajax looked in control, however it took some spectacular saves from both keepers to keep the scores down Hillmorton drew level again but Ajax kept attacking and thought they had won it with 5 minutes to go with a spectacular volley from hard working striker Zach George. All through the game Ajax couldn't hang on to the possession and paid the price with 30 seconds to go final score 3-3.

Both sides worked hard in this tough local derby.

Norton Lindsey 3 - 3 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 4^th October 2009

What a fantastic result!! Ajax went to Norton to play the table topping team, against expectations Ajax went ahead with a clever strike from Connor George, Norton hit back quickly to equalise, then Norton went ahead.

2-1 Ajax counter attacked and from a great pass from his brother, Zach George smashed a brilliant equaliser 2-2 in the second half Ajax withstood great pressure, Jack, Dan Smith, Andy Clowes and Taylor Burford-Jupp defending bravely!!! Tommy made several great saves and Jay kept on running, Bernie worked hard on the left with Adam Gibbard playing well on the right, Jonny and Zach linked well at the front!!! at 3-2 down it looked as if a loss was on, but out of the blue Zach smashed in a truly spectacular goal 3-3 well done !!

Bilton Ajax 2 - 3 Whitnash

Sunday 1^st November 2009

An exciting game that began badly for Ajax, 1-0 down soon after kick off, but this time Ajax fought back, playing against the wind free scoring striker Zach failed to convert from a good through ball. with the defence be more forceful Ajax continued to attack against a well organised Whitnash who with the aid of a strong wind forced in a second goal just before half time 2-0 however Connor managed to deceive the keeper with a cross come shot 2-1 several free kicks just missed for Ajax but once again a breakaway goal made it 3-1 but with one twos in abundance Ajax carried on attacking and Zach hit a stunning goal after good build up. 3-2 new boys Tanesh and Luke played well, Jay worked hard in midfield, Dan and Andy defending well and the dangerous duo of J.T. and Sean defended hard, Marcello got a longer play and began to settle, Tommy the glove pulled off some fantastic saves, surely we have the best keeper and striker in the league? Ajax couldn’t force the equaliser but a great footballing performance well done!!!!

Bilton Ajax 5 – 3 Emscote Under 15’s League cup

Sunday 8^th October 2009

A superb game against a team that had humbled Ajax 7-0,  3 weeks ago!!! It began terribly, Ajax were 2-0 down inside 10 mins, but crazily Ajax had played the better football, then the comeback began!!!! Passing, the midfield winning the second ball, wide players crossing well and all the   defence were outstanding. The stars were Captain Jamie Upton in the middle and striker Zach George, the victory was ours!!! Connor scored 1 Tanesh 1 and Zach 3 it was a stunning performance!!!! Well done all!!!!

Bilton Ajax 3 – 2 Cubbington Albion

Sunday 21^st March 2010

Wow what a performance! A tight encounter against a team that had beat us 7-1 in the first fixture. After 6 good playing performances Ajax got a vital 3 points today. the players are trying to play skilful football and several moves proved this, a superb free kick by Luke showed his quality, 1-1 again Ajax went behind 2-1 but the spirit and refusal to play the long ball shone through and a much clinical goal by Adam P proved this, finally a creative pass and a great finish gave Taneshi his winning goal !! Well done !!

MOTM Luke Oldham

Woodford United 1 – 3 Bilton Ajax Under

Sunday 11^th April 2010

What a win!! against a team that previously thumped us 8 - 1 Ajax fought hard with 10 men after injuries to out play a physical Woodford, Zach scored 2 on his return from injury and Dan scored a spectacular third to secure victory, a very pleasing performance !! Well done
 

MOTM Jonny Townsend

Hillmorton Colts 1 – 3 Bilton Ajax

Sunday 25^th April 2010

A great end to a tough season, our resident skills expert Tinashe (Ronaldo) scored a hatrick to put in his best performance this season, although Hillmorton worked hard Ajax were always in control and the attacking style proved the difference. This capped a run of 7 wins in the last 8 games!! Well done, special mention goes to the George twins who have scored over 30 goals between then! Captain Jay Upton who led by example, all the members of the defence who worked so hard to improve, James Roberts who came back from a broken leg to play! Sean McCabe who puts his body on the line every game, well done to all of the players who have shown so much spirit, skill and effort, I am very proud of you all!!

MOTM Tinashe Maposa