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U12 Team
Team Coach: John Szabo
Team Manager: John Kotsanas
Team Captain: Paul Kotsanas
Vice Captain: Bailey Pyman
Fixture and Roster: click here
Training: 5:50pm to 7:30pm Tuesday and Thursday nights at JW Manson Reserve, Wantirna
(Melways map 63 J 3)
Players are expected to bring a drink with them to every session, along with the right attitude. Parents are always welcome to stay and participate in their child's development.
Team News
Final Match Summary: Ringwood City U12’s vs Riversdale
Even though we had won our last game against Ashburton, the whole team felt that they had let themselves and each other down
on the day. The scoreline flattered us (2-0) and everyone was keen to end the season on a high note against Riversdale. The
coach’s job was made easy on the day as everyone came ready to play, and play they did. A brilliant 6 goal first half to the
Ringwood team demonstrated that when you get it right, goals will be scored. From the first kick off, the desperation and
attack on the ball was evident with Bailey showing the way from the kick-off. The goals were shared by the forwards and
midfielders in the first half demonstrating that we were not dependent on just one goal scorer in the team. The second half
allowed the coach to change the team up a bit. Peter and Chris were put up forward and didn’t disappoint the large crowd
that had gathered to watch. Chris was first to score with a series of passes from midfield finding Chris in the right
position to slam the ball into the back of the net. It was then Peter’s turn to score after being dangerous on the right
wing for most of the second half. A second goal to Chris completed a great game by Chris and the team. The end result, a 9
nil victory to the Ringwood team. A great finish to the season and more importantly a great season for the Ringwood U12’s.
Congratulations to everyone involved in what has been a fantastic year for the team. Not only did we win 15 games straight,
but the last game showcased some great goals and team play. I would like to thank all the players for their unselfish play
and in addition allowing Chris, Michael and Peter to play up forwarded. Chris and Peter repaid the team by scoring their
first goals for the season. Unfortunately Michael was hampered by a hamstring strain but I could not keep him off the field
he was that desperate to play.
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Archive - the season that was ...
Round 1 - Glen Waverley 26 April 2009
The first match of the year saw the Ringwood team come up a determined Glen Waverley. The Ringwood line-up welcomed a few new
players and said goodbye to two. With limited preparation the team was slow to get into the play but after a few
minutes settled and began playing good attacking football. Ringwood dominated for most of the first half, but a
counter attack resulted in a goal to Glen Waverley. The second half saw a few positional changes and again, against
the run of play, Glen Waverley scored a second. The end result, 2-0 to Glen Waverley.
Round 2 - Caulfield Cobras 3 May 2009
Our second game for the season came around quickly and after a solid week’s training the expectations were high. With
another revised line-up, the Ringwood players came out all guns firing. The game plan was simple – defenders clear the
ball long over the top of the opposition defenders' heads and let our forwards run on to the ball. The strategy worked
well and the Ringwood team were quickly on the scoreboard. The pressure was on the visiting team, however against the
run of play again, Caulfield scored. The final ten minutes of the first half saw the Ringwood team struggle to clear
the ball from defence and another goal was put into our net. The score at half time 1-2 . The second half saw the
Ringwood team again go on the offensive and wave after wave of attacking football resulted in no reward for the team.
Our kicking boots were not on today, but the effort and determination displayed a return to the levels displayed by
the team throughout all of last year. Bring on Sherbrooke.
Round 3 - Sherbrooke 10 May 2009
With a full list available, we all headed into the hills to play Sherbrooke Rangers. The last time we met, there was hardly
a patch of grass on the field, but we were pleasantly surprised to see a soccer pitch with a fair covering of grass. Ringwood
began the game with confidence following on from their narrow loss the week before to Caulfield. The early signs were good
and the game was evenly poised. Unfortunately, a momentary lapse of concentration allowed the ball to slip through our keeper’
s hands gifting the opposition a goal early in the first half. The Ringwood players did not drop their heads though and began
to play some really good attacking football. Unfortunately, we suffered the same fate as the week before in that we just
could not convert and score a goal. The second half again opened brightly and we continued to press and harass and came very
close to scoring on many occasions. In the dying stages of the match, a counter attack saw Sherbrooke slot one more goal past
our valiant defence leaving the final score at Ringwood 0, Sherbrooke 2. The team has totally turned around their form from
the first match and is very keen on grabbing their first win for the season next week, but to do so will have to score goals.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 4 - Manningham 17 May 2009
Our match against Manningham was not going to be easy. Prior to the match, three players pulled out due to illness or injury
which meant we would have only 1 on the bench. Fortunately, as the U11’s were playing at home, we could “borrow” a player.
As it turned out, we needed the extra player. We began the match in confidence and began putting pressure on the Manningham
defence almost immediately. Trying something different, we went with a 3-4-3 line up so that we could maximise our pressure
up forward. The defenders did a great job in stopping many forward moves and read the play well feeding the ball to the
midfielders and forwards to capitalise on. It was not long before we scored our first goal. Several opportunities presented
themselves, but our finishing (although a lot tighter) still let us down. 1 nil up at half time and the team was looking
confident. With the same 3-4-3 line-up we began the second half with renewed energy. The majority of the play was again in
our own attacking half and it was “when” and not “if” a goal would be scored. In the final minutes of the game, a great cross
and finish resulted in a great goal for the team. A fine effort from the whole team and reward for the hard work put in
during the past few weeks at training.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 5 - Whitehorse 24 May 2009
Following on from our first win for the season, we went in search of our second against Whitehorse United. As per previous
weeks, the players started brightly and began applying pressure on Whitehorse from the first whistle. Our defenders again
were rock solid with Whitehorse unable to get a clear shot at goal. At the other end, our forwards and midfielders were
creating chances but failed to capitalize on the good work. At half time the score was nil all. The second half saw the
Ringwood team again come out firing. A good move by Whitehorse finding an unmarked player at the back post enabled them to
score first. To their credit, the Ringwood players did not drop their heads and were at it again. A good through ball and
great finish by the captain brought the scores level. Ringwood continued to apply the pressure and some great defensive
work by our forwards resulted in a second goal. The end result 2-1 to Ringwood. The score line could have been better if
not for a few great saves by the Whitehorse keeper. The Ringwood players won most of the fifty-fifty contests which was the
most pleasing. This weekend sees us at home and gives us an opportunity to win three in a row.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 6 - Oakleigh 31 May 2009
With our season almost back on track, we entered the game against Oakleigh with quiet confidence. This was a must win game
for the team and an opportunity to demonstrate how well they have been playing over the past few weeks. We started the game
with our now customary 3-4-3 line up. We picked up from where we left off the previous week and began attacking the goals
from the outset. We moved the ball well from defence and created early opportunities, but we found it hard to find the back
of the net. It took a great shot from Alex to break the deadlock, demonstrating the importance of taking your chances.
Midway through the first half, Bailey came on and had an immediate impact on the game, almost causing another goal from a
turnover. 1 nil up at half time was good, but we needed to score more. A few changes were made in the second half to cover
Oakleigh’s fast forwards who were making life tough for the two wide defenders. With the pressure somewhat relieved, Michael
provided great drive with Ben on the right wing, which resulted in numerous corners for our team. A well executed corner
resulted in a goal to Bailey. It seemed that two goals were not enough for the team and a third goal was well taken by Ben
following up on his own shot at goal which rebounded off the keeper. Another great team effort with excellent contributions
from all 14 players.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 7 - Malvern 14 June 2009
After 6 rounds of football, our team was sitting on three wins and three losses. This game would be a true indication of
how far we had come along from the first match against Glen Waverley. This year we have found the competition to be very
tight, with each team having to grind out wins. No game on the fixture is an easy one and we approached this game with
respect for our opposition. Our match against Malvern began energetically with the ball being played in Ringwood's attacking
half most of the game. A succession of corners failed to result in a goal, however a good move through the middle of the
ground found the captain who coolly dribbled around the defence to score a great goal. 1 nil up at half time and hopefully
we were not going to regret not putting away a few other chances. The second half again saw Ringwood attack with confidence.
The backline again stood up to the challenge and with good linking with the midfield provided great drive into our attacking
half. A great through ball to our centre forward Cain, saw him take the ball down and strike it powerfully into the back of
the net. The end result a 2 nil win to Ringwood, however it should have been more if not for a few more missed chances.
Another great team effort with each player contributing on the day.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 8 - Ashburtonn 21 June 2009
The match against Ashburton was again going to be a measure of how well we had progressed from the start of the season.
Playing at home on the ground we train on gives the home team a slight advantage. The first half saw us kicking down hill.
The backline was again solid with the midfield and forwards all working hard and passing the ball well. A good piece of
passing saw the ball with Jai who managed to beat a defender and slam the ball past the keeper. 1 nil up at half time.
Several chances were missed in the first half and it would have been good to have another goal in at half time, but we were
happy with the scoreline. The second half continued on from the first and saw the Ringwood team pile on the pressure in our
attacking half. It took a bit of direct strong kicking from Alannah to break the stalemate as she got onto a ball in
dispute and kicked it into the back of the net. In an inspiring 15 minutes of play Alannah then proceeded to put away
another 3 goals. Scoring 4 goals in a half is a great result and even more special when it is from one player. Alannah
benefited from great team play by the other forwards and midfielders and showed the boys how to put away the chances when
they come. A pleasing 5 nil result to Ringwood.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 9 - Riversdale 28 June 2009
This week saw the team travel to Frog Hollow Reserve in Riversdale. Fortunately for us, the rain kept away resulting in a
dry pitch. Two great team efforts in the first half saw the Ringwood team go 2 nil up at half time. The team was focussed
on the job at hand. With the game seemingly under control, the coach made a few positional changes which resulted in some
confusion in the backline. In the process of trying to clear the ball, we inadvertently gave away a penalty which was
converted by the home team. The team was now under some pressure, however the boys on the pitch reverted back to their
original positions (without the coach’s instruction) and the effect on the team was almost immediate with a more settled
backline repelling the Riversdale attacks with more confidence and authority. With renewed structure and determination the
Ringwood team began to reassert themselves on the game and almost scored again. The end result 2-1 to Ringwood. We enter the
mid year break well positioned and need to focus on the next three games as they will pose again the biggest danger to the
team.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 10 - Glen Waverley 12 July 2009
The return match against Glen Waverley was always going to be a tough match. Our lead up to the game was hampered due to the
roof damage to the Manson clubrooms with training taking place indoors. Sunday morning greeted us with strong northerly
winds. The instruction to the captain was simple, win the toss and kick with the wind in the first half. Successfully
winning the toss, our Captain did elect to go with the wind and it was not long before we began to exert pressure on the
opposition. With the ball in our attacking half for most of the first half, our chances of scoring were high. With the
captain again leading from the front, the Ringwood team put two goals past the Glen Waverley keeper. 2 nil up at half time
was a good reward for the great team play, even if aided by a strong wind. The second half saw the team under a bit more
pressure but with the Ringwood goalkeeper back to his confident self, the team soaked up any challenge that the visiting
team made. The end result, a 2 nil win at home to Ringwood. Another great team result.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 11 - Caulfield 19 July 2009
We travelled over to Bentleigh to play Caulfield United, who were sitting second on the ladder, having only lost 1 game for
the season. This would be a true test of our character and a measure of how well we had improved over the past two months.
We were again greeted with strong winds blowing down the ground. Again, the instruction for the captain was simple, win the
toss and kick with the wind. After winning the toss, the game began. Alex was given the centre forward role at the start of
the game with Alannah and Bailey on either side. With the aid of a strong breeze, we pressed forward, however the Caulfield
defence was strong and into the wind created their own forward thrusts. Peter, Chris and Michael, with the help of
Rajan in defence, denied Caulfield any clear chances to score. Alex was given permission (he asked) to strike at goal when
the shot was there and halfway through the first half, kicked a high ball towards goal, floating it over the keeper’s
outstretched arms into the back of the net. The celebrations on the sidelines were one to remember. The goal silenced the
home fans, whilst the visiting fans voice lifted. 1 nil up at half time, the game was not secure, especially going into the
wind. The second half showed the real character of the team as they all dug deep to withstand the pressure, whilst creating
scoring opportunities on many occasions. The end result, a 1 nil win to the Ringwood team against a tough opponent. A
great game which showcased a high playing standard by both teams. Well done to everyone.
Round 12 - Sherbrooke 26 July 2009
After coming off a hard fought road trip against Caulfield United, our game against the ladder leaders was always going to
be tough. As with our previous two games, we were confronted with a strong breeze blowing straight down the ground. On this
occasion though, we did not have the opportunity to kick with the wind and began our quest to challenge Sherbrooke facing a
stiff breeze. The team settled quickly and began to move the ball around with some good passing. Our defence played a bit
deeper as the Sherbrooke Goalkeeper could boot the ball way over the half-way line. Our defenders managed to repel many of
the attacking moves and keep the ball away from the dangerous Sherbrooke forwards. The referee on this day did not let one
foul throw get past him which resulted in many turnovers to both teams. Midway through the first half saw the Ringwood team
win a free kick in our attacking half. The shot by Alex hit the keeper on the chest and nearly bounced into the back of the
net. It was apparent that the wind was playing a few tricks on the goalkeeper. A few minutes later, a high ball by Jai
floated into the penalty area. The Sherbrooke keeper went one way but the ball deviated in the air and passed under the
goalkeeper into the back of the net. At half time, it was one nil to the home team. The second half saw the Sherbrooke team
come out full of confidence. They showed why they have scored many goals for the year with a slick attacking move down the
right wing resulting in a goal barely two minutes into the second half. At one all, the Ringwood team did not drop their
heads, but continued to play good passing and attacking football. Half way into the second half, a beautiful cross by Jai in
front of goal landed well for Alannah to lob the ball back over the keepers’ head. The last five minutes saw the visiting
team throw everything at the home team with a few good saves from our keeper and solid defending keeping the ball out of the
back of our net. The end result, a 2-1 win to the Ringwood team. One of the most pleasing aspects of the game was the
performance of Josh, who came off the bench and made an immediate impact playing a role up forward. His pressure on the
defenders and some really good passing was great to see. Well done Josh and well done to the team.
Round 13 - Manningham 2 August 2009
The game against Manningham, at their home ground, was always going to be tough. The Ringwood team had just come through a
tough round of games against some very strong teams and needed to be on their best against a determined Manningham. We were
again confronted with strong winds running straight down the ground. Paul won the toss and elected to kick downwind which
also meant down hill. This caused a few problems as the ball tended to run on a lot faster than anticipated. The first half
of the game was a very even affair with the Manningham team taking it up to the Ringwood team. Chances were missed at both
ends of the ground. How the Manningham team didn’t score in the first half had us all baffled as a goal mouth scramble went
our way. As the game progressed, the Ringwood players remembered how to pass and this opened up a great opportunity for Alannah
to break the deadlock, finishing off a great move forward by the team. 1 nil up at half time meant that the game was there
for the taking, however the second half was pretty much one way after some great forward pressure by Cain resulted in an
own goal to Manningham. This seemed to crush the spirit a bit of the Manningham team who were super competitive up to that
point. A great finish by Alannah resulted in her second goal for the match and a turnover from a goal kick ended up with
Cain who slotted the ball into the back of the net with a nice long low shot aimed away from the keeper. The scoreline
flattered the Ringwood team a bit, but we are now taking more of our chances in front of goal. The backline again stood
tall with great support from the midfielders, with the strikers playing their part in kicking goals in pressure situations.
Well done again to the team.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 14 - Whitehorse 9 August 2009
For the first time in several weeks, we were greeted with mild weather for our game against Whitehorse. The previous week
Whitehorse ran into some form kicking seven goals against their opponent. We were also continuing our good run with a win
the previous game as well. The isntruction for the team was to give no time to the opposition player with the ball. This
instruction for the team was to give no time to the opposition player with the ball. This instruction unfortunately wasn’t
followed for the
first ten minutes of the game as the Ringwood players applied little pressure on the visiting team. A speculative ball
forward into our 18 yard box resulted in a goal to the opposition midway through the first half. This seemed to be the
catalyst for Ringwood to move up a gear and begin applying pressure on the opposition. With good pressure on the Whitehorse
defence, our captain Paul slotted two goals past the Whitehorse goalkeeper. Ben was playing a great game up on the right
wing and was ably supported by his midfielders and solid defence. Half time, it was Ringwood 2, Whitehorse 1. The second
half began much like the first half with the Ringwood players starting slowly again. A great solo run through the middle by
a Whitehorse player resulted in a goal to Whitehorse. Our defenders were made to work hard as Whitehorse had some fast
players, however with determined defending, the visiting team did not create too many opportunities. At the other end of
the ground, a great corner kick resulted in another goal with a great finish by the captain. Not a bad day’s effort. We
managed to hang on for a hard fought 3-2 win against a quality team. The win was dedicated to Josh’s grandad who is
currently unwell.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 15 - Oakleigh 16 August 2009
The team travelled down to Oakleigh full of confidence after an incredible run of victories. The Oakleigh team would also have been high on confidence as
they had won their past three games. With Chris enjoying a well earned break with his family, Jai was asked to fill in at
left back to help ensure that the backline was solid. Again, the weather was going to have a large influence on how and
where the game was going to be played, with extremely strong winds going across the ground. A brief shower before the game
started cooled things down a bit, but we managed to keep dry setting up camp in the main pavilion. The first half saw the
ball played out on the far side of the pitch. The referee was picking up any foul throws which the Ringwood team capitalised
on frequently. The Ringwood team’s ball movement was good and it wasn’t too long before our first goal was scored. Cain
took aim at the goals which the goalkeeper managed to parry away to the feet of Ben who slotted the ball into the back of
the net. The second goal came from some excellent forward pressure by Cain and Bailey resulting in an own goal. A third
goal was scored after a terrific cross from Alex evaded the outstretched arms of the keeper landing perfectly for Alannah
to slot the ball into the goals. 3 nil up at half time was a good result for the hard work put in by the whole team. The
second half saw some even better football from the Ringwood players with their passing a major feature. Unfortunately the
team did not score any more goals for the game but kept the pressure on the home team right up until the end. A great all
round team performance with many forward moves generated from the hard working midfield.
Click here for all the action from the game.
Round 16 - Malvern 23 August 2009
With only three games left for the season, it was important for the team to maintain their form and finish the season well.
We began the game against Malvern with only 12 under 12’s available. We again borrowed an under 11’s player to help us out
and that gave us some added depth on the bench. After putting in at training and playing well the past few weeks, Josh had
earned himself a start for the game and did not disappoint with endeavour and pressure on the opposition players. We started
the game kicking into a very strong breeze (again) but within the first two minutes were on the scoreboard due to some great
offensive pressure. Another two goals in the next ten minutes had us three goals up. At the other end, Michael was filling
in as goalkeeper whilst Vicente was enjoying a sleep in following his mum’s wedding. Late in the first half a high ball and
block on the keeper resulted in the ball finding the back of our net . At half time the scoreline was 3-1 in our favour. The
message at half time was to keep up the pressure and the team did exactly that. The wind did play havoc even with our forwards
who struggled to get good balls into the goalmouth from all our corners we were winning. However, due to some great play by
the attacking midfielders, we managed another 4 goals for the half. Our dominance allowed us to mix a few player positions
around allowing some of the defenders to go forward. A great game by the captain (4 goals) and terrific support from everyone
(including a great goal by Rajan) resulted in a great win for the team.
Round 17 - Ashburton 30 August 2009
Our game against Ashburton was played out on a pitch that was in fairly good condition considering how late we were into the
season. With a strong cross breeze, it was going to be another one of those days where the majority of the play was on one
side of the pitch. The challenge for the team was to keep up the pressure and play the brand of football that produced goals
and conceded very little. The late kick-off time seemed to have a negative effect on the team and the first half, whilst
producing a goal and many other opportunities, was not up to our usual standard. The majority of play was in our attacking
half but we simply could not get the ball past the Ashburton goalkeeper who kept on racking up possession after possession.
Some good pressure by Scott D and Cain resulted in an own goal to Ashburton. Both Paul and Bailey piled on the pressure and
had chances to put the ball in the back of the net. At half time, the coach requested that the players lift for the second
half. The players did lift and began moving the ball around but again could not find the back of the net. Eventually the
team did break through and scored a second from the captain. Whilst we weren’t playing our best football, the team did
manage to keep another clean sheet and extend our winning streak to 14 games in a row. The defence was again solid repelling
the Ashburton forwards and creating attacking opportunities for the Ringwood team. With only one game to go, the challenge
will be to go out on a high.
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