Merry Christmas To All

It turned out to be a very frustrating day with many games postponed due to the frozen pitches which simply would not defrost quick enough. We will learn from the experience and certainly (if feasible) try to delay first kick offs during January and February until at least 11.00 am to give pitches time to defrost.

Fortunately there were eight games played. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to watch both under 8 games and felt very proud as to the quality of football on show. Both games were very exciting and whilst I am not allowed to publish results, I am pleased to say that both teams left with big smiles on their faces after excellent performances. Great credit to Michael Morgan for the work he has done with the Under 8's this year.

David's Under 10 Pride narrowly lost 3- 2 at Hampton Youth and Bernie's Under 12 Pride were unable to repeat their earlier victory against runaway leaders Eagles FC going down 3-1.

Matthew and Russell's Under 13 Pride continued their excellent form with a good 3-2 win at Hanworth, and Brian's Under 16 Lions repeated the same score with a 3-2 victory at Claygate.

The biggest win of the day was Trevor's Under 14 Lions, who got back to winning ways with a 10 - 0 win at Hook and Chessington, with Alex G heading he scoring charts on the day with 5 goals.

We now have four boys in the club who are placed in the top five goal scorers of their respective age group (across the entire WSYL) - Under 10 - Sylvester J, Under 12 - Jack N, Under 14 - Alex G, Under 18 -Matthew H.

TEAM OF THE DAY has to be Nick and Gavin's Under 9 Pride. They have been striving for that allusive win after consecutive 3-3 draws in the last two weeks. This weeks they also conceded 3 against Kew Park Rangers Reds ( we need to focus on a bit of defending next session!!!) but the very good news is that they managed to score 5. WELL DONE TO THE BOYS - you deserve it.

U9 Pride
Team Of The Week

Hopefully all the boys that ordered them have got their rain jackets - You might need them!

Finally, as we move towards Xmas. I would like to send a very BIG THANK YOU AND A MERRY XMAS to all the coaches that have done a terrific job this season. We also now have 38 Team or Assistant Managers, all of which put great thought, passion and personal time into making sure that the boys have the very best football experience and that Sheen Lions continues to become a club that we can all feel very proud of - A VERY MERRY XMAS TO YOU.

Thanks to Gordon and Henrik for their efforts in the website (and please add a further commitment to this effort in your New Years resolutions - IT IS A BIG PART OF OUR EXTERNAL FACE TO THE COMMUNITY and your task as managers). Finally a MASSIVE THANKS to Sarah, without whom all this would not be possible.

 I look forward to continued success in 2012. Come on the Lions.

Sheen Lions Has The X Factor

Another exceptional days with great victories across the board and some impressive individual performances. We managed to maintain our record of the last 3 weeks with only 4 defeats once again but today an impressive 10 victories and 3 draws, with also the two under 8 teams playing very impressive games against Barnes Eagles and Hampton.

Nidal and Richard's Under 9's have put themselves in contention for the championship with an impressive 4-0 win over Junior Bees with Alfie O netting a hat-trick on his birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. It was a some slight relief for Nidal who's son JJ fractured his leg in the week and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery. Nick and Gavin's Under 9 Pride didn't quite manage the win they deserve but consecutive 3-3 draws, this time against Waddon shows that the win is coming soon.

Martin and Michael's Under 10 Lions kept their place at the top of the league with a tight 1-0 win over Spelthorne, and David Under 10 Pride had a very good 2-1 away win at Ashford. With the U10's winning both games, the 11's were not going to be outshone and delivered two wins themselves. A very impressive 4-0 win for Alistair and Jon's U11 Lions against Old Isleworth starts to move them towards a respectable position in the Premier League. Game of the day has to be David's U11 Pride who managed a 5-4 win at Meadow Sport helped by Luke B's 4 goals. They are now 6 points clear at the top of their 9 a side league and a big WELL DONE to their coach FREDDY who has had much success with not only this team but with all his sides.

The 12's almost kept the perfect trend of victories with Mel 's Under 12 Lions delivering an important 2-1 win at NPL, don't be surprised to see Mel competing for the championship in the New Year. Bernie's Under 12 Pride maintained their position as 2nd in the league with a 1 -1 draw with Ballers. The 13's certainly didn't let us down either. Alex O netted a hat-trick as Terry's Under 13 Lions delivered a 6-1 win against bottom team Fulham and Matthew and Russell's Under 13 pride had a very good 2-1 win v Kingswood.

Trevor's Under 14 Lions faced Hamsey Rangers the leaders of the top division of the Tandridge League and conquerers of a Premier Elite WSYL side in the last round. The game ended 2-2 at the end of full time but in extra time the floodgates opened but there was no disgrace in their 6-3 defeat. It will put them in good stead for their forthcoming Invitation Cup semi final. Rick's Under 14 Pride team had a very impressive 5-2 away win at Esher who were third in their league and now the Pride will swop places with them to sit third in the table. Jack A netted a very impressive 4 goals in this match.

The 15's didn't quite keep up the trend but Michael and Mark's U15 Lions will not feel too disheartened with their 1-0 defeat at second placed Bedfont. Keep an eye on the progress of the Under 15 lions in the county Cup, as this year they could go all the way to the final. Dean and Sam's U15 Pride also played the team in 2nd place and were the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline.

Brian's Under 16 Pride had a steady 3-3 draw against Tooting whilst Matt's Under 16 Pride found Sandgate too strong on the day.

After last weeks very impressive 2-1 Surrey County Cup win at Hamsey Rangers the Under 18's kept up their claim to be title contenders this season with a 5-0 victory and the prolific Matthew H netted 4 in this game.

All in all a very good day.

TEAMS OF THE WEEK. Firstly, David's Under 11 Pride for a very exciting 5-4 victory at Meadow Sports in their inaugural 9 v 9 year. Secondly Ricks Under 14 Pride who finished bottom of division 3 last year but have turned things around and are now in third place and looking stronger each week.

U14 Pride
Joint Team Of The Week

Thanks to Sarah for driving to Bedfont to collect the waterproof Jackets and trousers from Kit Selection this weekend, and also Gordon C for all his hard work in coordinating orders. I have now sorted 84 individual jackets and 32 pairs of trousers by team so I will deliver at your next training sessions. I don't think I want to see another waterproof jacket this season!!!

Come on the Lions

More Draws Than You Would Get On A Pools Coupon

Almost half the games ended up in draws today, with 7 draws, 4 wins and only 4 losses, and with one game the Under 18 County Cup tie v Hamsey Rangers to be confirmed. You can either say the glass was half empty or as I prefer half full, with some noticeable victories.

To start with the draws. Of the draws - Matt's Under 16 at Farnborough Elite, Alastair and Jon's Under 11 Lions home draw v Raynes Park and Trevor Under 14 Lions table top clash v Junior Bees seem to stand out as the 'good draws' on the day. David's Under 10 Pride had a close encounter with Rocks Lane which ended up 0-0. Gavin and Nick Under 9 Pride may feel the most aggrieved as a 3-0 half time lead ended up 3-3 with the last kick of the game being the equalizer. But that is football!!! David's Under 11 Pride and Nidal's Under 9 Lions will feel a bit disappointed with their 1-1 and 0 - 0 draws respectively.

Terry's Under 13 Lions continued their good form with a 3-1 win over AFC Walcountians, although Russell and Matthew's 13 Pride lost narrowly 2-1 at Elm Grove. Brian's Under 16 Lions had an important 1-0 win over local rivals Barnes Eagles Colts. The biggest win of the day was Bernie's Under 12 Pride who beat the bottom club Epsom and Ewell 9-0 and move into 2nd place in the league. WELL DONE to them. Unfortunately, Mels high flying Under 12's lost narrowly 1-0 to a good NPL side.

This weeks TEAM OF THE WEEK are Michael and Marks Under 15 Lions. Last year's League Cup Finalists moved into the last 16 of the prestigious Surrey County Cup with a 3-0 victory at Curly Park Rangers, a team that had knocked out the WSYL Premier Elite Leaders in the last round; WELL DONE.

U15 Lions
Team Of The Week

We now have 3 teams left in the Surrey County Cup with the Under 18 score v Hamsey from Sunday to be confirmed and Trevor going into battle against ironically against Hamsey next week.