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Sunday 28/10/07 Bilton Ajax 11 v 3 Pinley FC (Stevens 6, Peake 3, Gasson 2)
Sunday 04/11/07 Bilton Ajax 0 v 4 Christ the King
Sunday 11/11/07 Chapelfield Colts (Blue) 2 v 5 Bilton Ajax (Stevens 3, Jackson, Peake)
Sunday 18/11/07 Bilton Ajax 3 v 7 Rugby Town Juniors (Jackson, Gasson, Merritt)
Sunday 25/11/07 Bilton Ajax 8 v 3 Leamington Hibernian (Gasson 3, Jackson, Merritt, Peake, Maude, O.G.)
Sunday 02/12/07 Postponed
Sunday 09/12/07 Finham Lions P v P Bilton Ajax
Sunday 16/12/07 Leamington Brakes 2 v 5 Bilton Ajax (Peake 2, Stevens 2, Maude)
Sunday 06/01/08 Christ the King 3 - 1 Bilton Ajax (Jackson)
Sunday 27/01/08 Stratford Town Blues 0 - 5 Bilton Ajax (Jackson 3, Peake, Stevens)
Sunday 03/02/08 Alvis Juniors 1 - 3 Bilton Ajax (Stevens 2, Jackson)
Sunday 24/02/08 Leamington Hibernian v Bilton Ajax
Sunday 02/03/08 Bilton Ajax 2 - 2 (aet) Caludon Youth - Ajax win 5- 3 on Penalties
Sunday 09/03/08 Coventrians FC 1 - 1 Bilton Ajax
Sunday 16/03/08 Bilton Ajax v Whitley Juniors
Sunday 30/03/08 Finham Lions v Bilton Ajax
Thursday 10/04/08 Kenilworth Wardens 7 - 1 Bilton Ajax
Sunday 13/04/08 Bilton Ajax 1 - 0 Coventrians
Sunday 20/04/08 Mount Nod 2 - 4 Bilton Ajax
Thursday 24/04/08 Bilton Ajax 4 - 0 Leamington Brakes
Sunday 04/05/08 Bilton Ajax 6 - 0 Whitley Juniors
Sunday 11/05/08 Finham Lions 0 - 9 Bilton Ajax
John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 9th September
Whitley Juniors 2 v 4 Bilton Ajax Juniors
Ajax started the season with a comfortable victory against a team who finished on the same number of points as them last season.
The visitors started the game explosively with Peake scoring in the first minute from a wide angled shot. They then settled into a pattern of free-flowing, controlled football that they maintained throughout the match. Despite Whitley levelling from a breakaway five minutes after the opening goal, Bilton refused to panic and late goals in the half from Gasson and a header from man of the match Maude, gave them a comfortable cushion at half-time.
Bilton continued to control proceedings in the second half and Gasson made the game safe within the first ten minutes of the restart. Despite a late consolation goal for the home side, Ajax strolled home. On another day, the numerous shots that hit the bar and countless near misses that were unconverted would have given the scoreline the look that this performance deserved. Solid performances from the whole team and excellent debuts from Loydall and Russell made for a great start to the season which, on this display, promises much.
John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 16th September
Bilton Ajax Juniors 7 v 0 Finham Lions
A comprehensive victory for Bilton who, once again, managed to play positive, attractive football against gallant but well-beaten opponents. The woodwork had already been rattled and a number of good openings had been wasted before Stevens broke free to open the scoring in the twentieth minute. Jackson managed to control a bouncing ball to slot home for the second and then the same two players doubled their tallies to give Ajax the half-time lead they merited.
The second half was mainly one-way traffic again as Bilton created numerous chances and converted three of them. Gasson, Peake and Stevens for his hat-trick were the players on target but the honours for this performance were shared around. Appleby, with little to do in goal made a fine save when called upon, the back three of Randle, Abbott and man of the match Wright were rarely troubled and Bates worked tirelessly in supporting the front men and tracking back to cover.
Whilst stiffer challenges lay ahead, two matches and six points is the perfect start. Well played lads!
John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 23rd September
Bilton Ajax Juniors 1 v 3 Mount Nod
Bilton suffered their first defeat of the season but can take a lot of positives from the match. Depleted by injury and absence, Ajax nevertheless took an eighteenth minute lead when good work from Merritt down the flank allowed Jackson to poke home the opener. However, within three minutes Mount Nod were level when a long range effort sneaked in to the corner of the net. The rest of the half was played mainly at the visitors’ end but neither side were able to add to their tally.
The second half started badly for Ajax when a defensive lapse allowed the visitors to take the lead. The game then flowed from end to end, Mount Nod using the blustery conditions to their advantage. A failure by Bilton to deal with a high, bouncing ball gave the visitors a third goal ten minutes from time, a goal from which Ajax were unable to recover.
Man of the match Abbott was outstanding at the back and the whole team gave their all. On another day the result could have been different but, for today, the visitors took the spoils.
John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 30th September
Bilton Ajax Juniors 9 v 1 Copsewood Minor
A return to winning form for Bilton Ajax, who easily overcame the Copsewood offside trap to record their best win so far. They started as they meant to go on, Gasson sprinting through to score in the second minute, having already hit the post. It was then a one man show for the rest of the half with Stevens ramming home from a variety of angles to complete a hat-trick. The visitors had given themselves some hope, pulling a goal back to make it 2-1 but it was scant consolation for a half of constant pressure from Ajax.
In the second half it was really a question of how many more. The answer was five, all from different scorers. Peake, Merritt and Stevens again scored three in five minutes before Gasson and Maude finished things off late in the half. This was another good team performance with man of the match Loydall and Wright working well on the left, Jolly, Randall, Russell, Abbott, Bates and Jackson all making good contributions and Appleby coming off his line well when required. The final score Ajax nine, Copsewood one.
Coventry Minor League. Sunday 7th October
Bilton Ajax Juniors 7 v 2 Chapelfield Colts
Ajax carried on the commitment and standard of football from last week with another fine display.
They started well and applied early pressure which reaped its rewards with a Stevens strike on 5 minutes.
The visitors then tried to exert themselves into the game but with Abbott leading a well organised defence thwarted any chance of an early reply.
Great work down the flanks created chances for Gasson, Peake then Maude to add to the tally before half time.
Playing the second half with only ten men Ajax didn’t take time to adjust to the shortage with Maude threading the ball through for Gasson to round the keeper for his second.
Ajax then switched off which allowed the visitors two strikes. Any hope of a comeback was shortlived as MOTM Gasson hit a thunderbolt freekick for his hat trick and Scott Peake rounded off the scoring from a Stevens cross.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 14th October
Bilton Ajax Juniors 9 v 0 Stratford TownBlues
A five goal salvo from Andrew Gasson was the icing on the cake of another outstanding team performance from Ajax. On a bright, sunny morning, this was the perfect tonic to the hangover from the previous evening’s rugby world cup match (parents not players!) as the quality of the football was maintained from start to finish.
Surprisingly, it was Peake who opened the scoring before Gasson bagged his first two and Jackson chipped in with a fourth before half-time. In between, Appleby had made two important saves in the Bilton goal at crucial times.
The second half was one-way traffic as Bilton constantly switched the focus of attack from one side to another. Peake and Jackson doubled their contributions with Gasson completing a second half hat-trick. Man of the match Wright and Loydall linked consistently to create openings on the left whilst Bates and Maude were always probing for openings. On such a day, the efforts of Jolly, Abbott, Randle, Russell and Stevens should also not go unmentioned. Another comfortable victory and a pleasing clean sheet as well.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 28th October
Bilton Ajax Juniors 11 v 3 Pinley
SUPER STEVENS HITS SIX
It’s easy to look at this, and other recent Ajax results, and assume that the opposition has been weak. However, this would be to ignore the fact that in all their comfortable victories this season, Ajax have had to fight for the right to be able to play their football. Hard work and skilful play has earned them their success and this game was no different.
Ajax led 5-2 at the break through a Stevens hat-trick, a Gasson penalty and a Peake strike. However, it was in the second half that the home side really broke free. Strangely, it was the same three scorers again; Stevens scoring another hat-trick (six goals in all), Peake completed his hat-trick and Gasson again converted from the spot. Though not on the score sheet, Maude earned himself the man of the match award.
All the squad know that there will be games this season when they have to dig in and fight for everything but each success so far has shown that Ajax will have the ability to do that when it is required.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B
Sunday 4th November 2007 Bilton Ajax Juniors 0 - 4 Christ the King
Bilton were comprehensively beaten by opponents who bossed the game throughout. Ajax knew that their easy victories of late would count for nothing if they failed to match their opponents’ commitment. However, King won most of the fifty-fifty challenges and their passing and movement was excellent.
It took King thirteen minutes to open the scoring which they doubled shortly before the break. Any chance of an Ajax recovery in the second half was ended with two early goals. From then on the game was closely fought. Bilton kept working and never gave up but the result was never really in doubt.
Lessons should (and will) be learnt from this defeat. A good side does not become bad on the strength of one result and Ajax can take heart from the fact that they have a long, hard season in which to put things right.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 11th November
Chapelfield Colts Blues 2 v 5 Bilton Ajax Juniors
Ajax were made to work hard for this victory but in the end, the battling qualities which rather deserted them last week, saw them through. The match started evenly until Stevens struck for the visitors after ten minutes. However, Colts replied ten minutes later and then the pattern was repeated, Stevens putting Ajax ahead again but then being pegged back shortly afterwards.
Bilton were probably unlucky to go in at half-time on level terms, having created the greater number of chances, but goals rather than luck are the currency of football. However, in the second half Ajax were to put matters right. Early on Stevens completed his hat-trick but it was not until the final ten minutes when the points were wrapped up through Jackson and Peake. A good, fair contest (Jolly winning the man of the match award) with the better team ultimately coming out on top.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 18th November
Bilton Ajax Juniors 3 v 7 Rugby Town Juniors
Rugby Town were deserved victors in the local derby between two teams topping their division. In atrocious conditions Bilton struck first when Jackson broke clear to score. However, the rest of the half belonged to the visitors who were level inside ten minutes and then eased two goals ahead.
Enforced changes at half-time meant Ajax had to re-organise and by the time the team got into their rhythm the match was beyond reach. Town added four more in the first twenty minutes of the half and things looked ominous for Bilton. But to their credit they rallied and well taken goals from Gasson and Merritt demonstrated that there was still fight left in them. Man of the match Loydall performed admirably in a makeshift defence and Appleby did all he could to keep the score down.
Town continue their unbeaten run but Ajax are still clinging to their coattails.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 25th November
Bilton Ajax Juniors 8 v 3 Leamington Hibs
Ajax returned to winning ways with a straightforward victory. The visitors probably started the brighter of the two teams as Ajax tried to bed down in a new formation. However, three goals in a five minute burst, from Gasson, Jackson and Merritt more or less decided matters. Hibs replied quickly before Gasson added a fourth, only for Bilton to be pegged back again to 4-2 at the break.
The second half was a repeat of the first, Ajax looking the more dangerous but Hibs causing problems for the home defence, in which man of the match Bates played a key role. Gasson completed his hat-trick in the first minute and the lead was added to by Peake, an own goal and Maude, with a solitary reply for the visitors.
Not the best performance of the season but a welcome three points to keep Ajax in with a shout at the top.
John Bryan Coventry Minor League Under 14b Sunday 25th November 2007
John Bryan Coventry Minor League Under 14b Sunday 2nd December 2007
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 16th December
Leamington Brakes 2 v 5 Bilton Ajax Juniors
This was a game in which both teams played their best football in separate periods of the match. Bilton dominated the first half, producing some excellent moves to baffle the home defence. Peake and Maude rewarded the visitors’ pressure with two goals in a minute midway through the half and then Peake and Stevens repeated the dose later on.
The second half started very differently however. Within a minute, Brakes had scored and then they reduced the arrears even further after fifteen minutes. Man of the match Appleby was called on to sprint off his line a couple of times following this to keep the two goal cushion intact and it was not until five minutes from time, when Stevens scored a fine individual goal, before Ajax could relax.
So, a good way to end the year and a chance for everyone to recharge their batteries for the New Year.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 6th January 2008
Christ the King 3 - 1 Bilton Ajax Juniors
Ajax started brightly but were gradually penned back as King fought for control. A missed penalty from the home side looked like it might cost them dear but, on the stroke of half-time. a static Bilton defence conceded from a corner kick.
The second half was equally close, with neither side able to make chances count. With fifteen minutes left, a Stevens throw was missed by the home defence and Jackson capitalised. Ajax were back in the game but only for five minutes. A failure to clear a loose ball in the box led to their downfall and a deflected free-kick two minutes from time sealed their fate.
Despite the scoreline, Ajax can be proud of the discipline and commitment they showed. Man of the match Appleby was impeccable with his handling and the revamped defence and midfield quickly grew into their new roles. The wrong result but a creditable performance!
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 27th January 2008
Stratford Town Blues 0 - 5 Bilton Ajax Juniors
Despite having played little football since Christmas, Bilton comfortably took all three points. The visitors started brightly and were ahead within five minutes, Jackson making the most of a deflection that dropped at his feet. Ajax continued to press for the majority of the half but were struggling to find the net until Jackson and Peake hit the back of the net shortly before the break.
The second half was much the same as the home side were constantly forced backwards. Jackson completed his hat-trick shortly after the restart whilst Stevens netted from an acute angle at the midpoint of the half. A few positional changes and some excellent goalkeeping partially stemmed the constant flow of pressure but Bilton ran out worthy winners.
Special mentions for man of the match Russell and the whole of the defence but this was, in essence, a solid all round team performance.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 3rd February 2008
Alvis Juniors 1 - 3 Bilton Ajax
Bilton were made to work hard for their victory against a side that belied their lowly position. The windy conditions and bumpy pitch acted as the “proverbial” leveller with Alvis always quick to close down any space that Ajax created.
When Stevens opened the scoring in the first five minutes it appeared that more might follow quickly. However, Appleby in the Ajax goal was called on a couple of times before Jackson chipped in Bilton’s second a few minutes before the break.
The tie was effectively won when man of the match Stevens scored from a tight angle, ten minutes after the restart. However, Bilton could not totally put the game to bed and Alvis were able to notch a late consolation. So, a game which Ajax were always going to win but in which they could never fully take their foot off the accelerator.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Cup Competition - Sunday 1st March 2008
Bilton Ajax 2 -2 Caludon Youth (aet) Ajax win 5 - 3 on Penalties
This really was the late, late show as Bilton showed nerves of steel and a never-say-die attitude that deservedly took them into the quarter-finals.
Twice behind to opponents from a higher division, Ajax played competitive, imaginative football which should have seen them win without the need for penalties. However, with two minutes of normal time left, they trailed 1-0 until Merritt floated in an equaliser from an impossible angle. The match then went into extra time only for the home side to fall immediately behind again. This time they left it even later, Elbayouk heading in with no time left on the clock.
It was now down to who could hold their nerve. Appleby saved Caludon’s first spot-kick (he had already saved one in the first half) after Gasson had opened the Ajax account. Jackson, Stevens, Loydall and Abbott were then calmness personified as they all found the net to secure victory. A fitting end to a tremendous team display.
Ajax’s first Equaliser flies past Caludon Keeper
How to take a Penalty, England take note
Ajax celebrate a great victory
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 9th March 2008
Coventrians 1 - 1 Bilton Ajax
This was a scrappy affair from start to finish. Neither side was able to come to terms with the surprisingly hard playing surface and chances were few and far between. Appleby was called upon twice during the first half to bail out the visitors whilst a few long range efforts and a disallowed goal were all that Ajax had to show for their efforts.
The second half followed a similar pattern with both sides working hard but producing little. It was two strokes of misfortune that produced the goals. A Stevens shot ricocheted into the Coventrians net off a defenders legs mid-way through the half and five minutes from time a speculative long range shot bounced up and over the Bilton goalkeeper to nestle in the back of the net.
All in all this was a fair result but a game that both sides will probably want to forget fairly quickly.
John Bryan Coventry Minor League Under 14b Sunday 30th March 2008
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Cup Quarter-Final Thursday 10th April
Kenilworth Wardens 7 v 1 Bilton Ajax
After two postponements this tie was finally settled in emphatic fashion by the home side. However, until a controversial second goal, midway through the first half, Bilton had matched and probably bettered their higher league opponents.
Ultimately, the difference between the two sides boiled down to what they did when not in possession. On the ball, Ajax played some attractive football but, when they conceded possession they were unable to cover or react in time to the swift attacks of Wardens. Already a goal down in three minutes, the second goal knocked the stuffing out of the visitors and they succumbed to three further strikes before half-time.
Although the game was lost, Ajax kept fighting in the second period and a spectacular Gasson free-kick was the least they deserved in response to two further Kenilworth efforts. Man of the match Loydall led by example with his hard work and was followed by the rest of the team. However, it’s now back to the league for Bilton.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 13th April 2008
Bilton Ajax 1 - 0 Coventrians
This close encounter was decided in injury time at the end of the match when Stevens latched onto a through ball and saw his lob bounce into the goal off the underside of the bar. It was a cruel way for the match to be decided but was probably a fair result on the overall balance of play. However, Appleby was called on to make a good save following the goal to secure all three points for Ajax.
Bilton should have seen themselves a couple of goals up at half-time but the final, killer touch was lacking. Man of the match Jolly was a rock in midfield whilst the defence gave little away throughout. The second half was more even and could have gone either way until the late winner.
A return to winning ways for Bilton as they enter a busy end of season run-in.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 20th April 2008
Mount Nod 2 - 4 Bilton Ajax
A devastating three goal blitz, in the first ten minutes of the match, dealt Ajax’s a blow from which they were unable to recover. The front three of Gasson, Jackson and Stevens continually combined well to allow the latter to net all three for his hat-trick. Maude, Merritt, man of the match Russell and Jolly continued to control the middle of the park until five minutes from the break when Nod rallied to pull one back. However, on the stroke of half-time Stevens added his fourth to restore some comfort.
The defensive unit of Loydall, Abbott and Bates, ably backed up by Appleby, had to soak up a lot of pressure after the restart but a solitary effort was all the home side could muster. This was one of the Bilton’s best performances of the season given the intimidating environment and tough conditions. However, they stood up to the test admirably.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Thursday 24th April 2008
Bilton Ajax 4 - 0 Leamington Brakes
Ajax continued their good, recent run with a comfortable victory. Stevens and Jackson each bagged a brace of goals, Stevens opening the scoring inside four minutes and Jackson adding a second midway through the half. Roles were reversed in the second half, Stevens adding to Jackson’s third inside the first ten minutes.
The Ajax defence, well-marshalled by man of the match Abbott was rarely troubled and, in truth, the scoreline could have been more emphatic. However, a good display and another morale-boosting victory to keep the pressure on the teams above them.
Under 14s – John Bryan Coventry Minor League Division B Sunday 4th May 2008
Bilton Ajax 6 - 0 Whitley Juniors
This was a well contested, fairly played contest between two teams who, refreshingly, wanted to play football rather than get involved in anything else.
Two identical halves of football produced three goals in each. Ajax had to wait until almost midway through the half to open the scoring through Stevens. A Jackson header and a Gasson drive made it three by half-time.
Whitley started the second half much stronger and applied most of the pressure. However, the game was won when Peake slotted home, again midway through the half. The symmetry was maintained with Jackson and Gasson adding the final goals.
Man of the match was Bates for a solid all round performance which is a phrase that could be used to describe the team’s display overall.
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