Under 8 Boys

• Results

• 9th September 2007

  Abbey Rangers 4 – Farnham Lions 2

  Scorers: Thomas Rees / Tommy Duffy / Sam Woolford / Bernie Tanner
  
  Man of Match: Mason Page
  

  Abbey Rangers U8’s started their new season with a 4-2 victory over Farnham Lions. After going a goal down early on in the game the boys were rewarded for their superb, accurate passing when Thomas Rees levelled the scores. A fantastic performance by Man of the Match – Mason Page, some resilient defending by Dion Hall and Max Lucas, Abbey took the lead when Tommy Duffy’s speculative goalward half volley deceived everyone and found its way into the top left of the goal to make it 2-1. Sam Woolford made it 3-1 almost immediately when he burst through the middle to place a thunderous shot passed the advancing keeper .
  
  Farnham started the 2nd half lively and got themselves back into the game to make it 3-2 but Abbey continued to pressure with Owen Miller making some promising runs and passes and held on with some fine goal keeping by Elliott Bloomfield.
  After having several long range efforts saved, Bernie Tanner finally beat the keeper with a typical rasping left foot shot to make it 4-1. On today’s performance the forthcoming season shows plenty of promise, well done boys!
  

• 16th September 2007

  Frimley Green Dragons 1 – Abbey Rangers 4

  Scorers: Bernie Tanner, Thomas Rees (2). Sam Woolford
  
  Man of Match: Dion Hall
  
  

• 23rd September 2007

  Hart Harriers 1 – Abbey Rangers 3

  Scorers: Bernie Tanner, Tommy Duffy, Thomas Rees
  
  Man of Match: Bernie Tanner
  
  Abbey Rangers U8’s continued their 100% unbeaten record this season with another victory, this time over Division 1 team Hart Harriers. With goalkeeper Elliott Bloomfield out for 6 weeks, Sam Woolford and Tommy Duffy shared the gloves both making some notable saves.
  
  Abbey were quick of the blocks again, and their early pressure paid off when Man of The Match, Bernie Tanner skilfully hit a well directed shot with his supposedly weaker right foot into the net. The impressive Hart keeper made several great saves but was unable to stop Tommy Duffy’s fantastic looping header, giving Abbey a 2-0 lead at the break.
  
  Predictably Hart started the second half well but Abbey were constantly rattling the Hart defence with some fine interplay involving Mason Page and Owen Miller. When Thomas Rees missed a penalty it looked like he might not keep his goal per game record until, using his left foot he lobbed the Hart keeper from well outside the box to make it 3-0 Abbey.
  
  The ever reliable Abbey defence of Max Lucas and Dion Hall kept Hart’s attacking play at bay and it was the very last seconds of the game that Hart finally found a way through for an unstoppable consolation goal.
  

• 30th September 2007

  Abbey Rangers 4 - Frimley Green Rhino's 4

  Scorers: Thomas Rees (2), Bernie Tanner (2)

  Man of Match: Max Lucas

  Abbey found tough opposition against Frimley Green Rhino's and this 4-4 thriller showed the spirit of both teams.  In a topsy-turvey match there was never more than one goal between the teams with each side pegging each other back.

  With goals shared by leading scorers Thomas Rees and Bernie Tanner and another rock solid performance by Man of the Match Max Lucas the result as a fair reflection of the match.

• 7th October 2007

  Burpham Eagles 0 - Abbey Rangers A 2

  Scorers: Sam Woolford, Thomas Rees

  Man of Match: Tommy Duffy

  Having been promoted to Division 1, Abbey found themselves away to Burpham Eagles for their first league match of the season.  Still with no first choice goalkeeper, birthday boy Tommy Duffy played his first full game in goal.  On a slippery dew covered pitch, conditions were difficult and both teams got off to committed starts.

  The passing was an improvement on last week's performance with Abbey keeping territory.  A determined Dion Hall was both good to the tackle and to the pass and was unlucky not to score with a long range effort.    A bit of a goalmouth scramble saw the ball come out to Sam Woolford who hit a hard shot on target which deflected off a defender to make it 0-1 Abbey.  Burpham's no.10 continued to coerce the Abbey defence, but was denied twice by outstanding saves from Man of the Match Tommy Duffy -including one from close range.  Burpham nearly made it 1-1 when they were awarded a free kick just on the edge of the box. They took the kick before the whistle and with 8 players on the pitch - and on their second attempt missed.

  Abbey started the second half brightly with Mason Page & Owen Miller making some good runs, and the ever consistent Max Lucas shoring up the Abbey defence.  As always Bernie Tanner showed his supernatural energy levels running box to box all game.   Abbey finally took the two goal lead when Mason Page made a surging run down the left wing and provided a low hard pass into the danger zone which the keeper was unlucky not to hold only to find Thomas Rees waiting to pounce.

  Burpham again came close in the dying minutes with low hard drive but were deprived again by Tommy Duffy who negotiated it round the post for a corner to keep a clean sheet.

  Let's make it 7 games unbeaten next week home to Fleet Town Eagles!

• 14th October 2007

  Abbey Rangers 1 - Fleet Town Eagles 2

  Scorers: Thomas Rees

  Man of the Match: Sam Woolford

  Abbey finally saw their 100% record come to an end with a closely fought battle against Fleet Town Eagles on Sunday.  The game started well with both teams setting a fierce pace end to end.  Within the first few minutes Abbey had a few chances to open the scoring, Tommy Duffy was denied by the keeper and an impressive Mason Page came close a couple of times - including a headed effort.

  The Abbey account was opened when Bernie Tanner's huge throw-in deceived the Fleet defense and striker Thomas Rees was on hand with an assured finish.   As always, outstanding defending by Max Lucas and some excellent saves from Sam Woolford as stand-in goalkeeper kept Fleet at bay.  Abbey were unlucky and finally succumbed to the pressure to make it 1-1 at half time.

  Fleet started the second half brightly and Abbey found themselves digging in deep to keep the scores level.  With another great performance from Dion Hall who came close to scoring, some impressive runnning from Owen Miller, a good solid performance from Sam Woolford playing second half in midfield, and tireless running from Bernie Tanner both teams were evenly matched.  Abbey had missed a few chances to take the lead when Fleet caught them on the break.  It was a superb strike that stand-in goalkeeper Tommy Duffy could do little about.

  With a few minutes left on the clock it was good to see goalkeeper Elliott Bloomfield make his return to the team having missed the last 4 matches with a fractured wrist.  With his wrist still recovering he made his debut as defender, the team look forward to having back in goal - hopefully for the next league game on 21st October.

• 28th October 2007

  Frimley Green Dragons 4 - Abbey Rangers 3

  Scorers: Tommy Duffy, Mason Page, Bernie Tanner

  Man of the Match: Mason Page

  This week saw the much welcomed return of keeper and skipper Elliott Bloomfield, so Abbey were back to full strength.  Many thanks to Sam Woolford and Tommy Duffy for standing in! Abbey knew this would be a hard fought game and with the weather conditions and the slope they were proved right.

  The first half was end to end with the Dragons keeper pulling off many a fine save.  Dragons were first to take the lead when a corner kick managed to avoid everyone and go straight in.  Abbey were unlucky not to equalize with a bizarre series of shots that just couldn't find the back of the net.  They were denied by the keeper and the posts as efforts from Thomas Rees, Mason Page, Sam Woolford, Owen Miller and Tommy Duffy just couldn't be converted.  At one point a goal mouth scramble saw the bar being hit twice and more ricochets off defenders and the keeper.
  
  Abbey got their reward with minutes to go before half time when they regained possession in midfield and Tommy Duffy gathered the ball under control to hit a low shot into the right hand corner of the goal. 
  
  They boys knew they had a tough second half up hill ....and their tireless effort were admirable.  The slope proved vital and with some long clearances Dragons scored 2 quick goals to go 3 - 1 up.

  The Abbey boys showed great spirit and determination to claw back the deficit where many team would have folded.  It paid off when Man of the Match Mason Page turned and hit a rasper into the roof of the net to make it 3-2.   The boys continued to pressure and were justly rewarded when Bernie Tanner won the ball and hit an unstoppable low drive for his 6th goal of the season  making it 3-3.
  
  With Max Lucas giving his ever consistent performance at the back and some find defending from Dion Hall the match looked headed for a hard fought fair draw.  Then out of nowhere and with seconds on the clock a speculative mishit lob somehow found the back of the net to give Dragons the 3 points.
  
  Well done boys for showing such character in fighting back and battling in this seven goal thriller. Excellent work all round!
  
  

• 4th November 2007

  Abbey Rangers 1 - Guildford Saints 0

  Scorer: Thomas Rees

  Man of Match: Thomas Rees

  Abbey were unlucky not to score more against a strong Guildford Saints for this league match.  Elliott Bloomfield had a superb game in goal, keeping a deserved clean sheet.  Some fine midfield play from Sam Woolford was rewarded when he struck a 20 yard pass into the path of Thomas Rees to make is 1-0 Abbey.    In a bizarre turn of events, Thomas Rees scored a second goal that struck the stauntion and came back out of the goal.  With the referee having missed the fast paced shot Thomas was convinced he hadn't scored and the goal was not given, despite the protests of all the Abbey parents and some of the Guilford parents too!

• 11th November 2007

  Hart Harriers 1 - Abbey Rangers 3

  Scorers: Mason Page, Sam Woolford, Thomas Rees

  Man of the Match: Bernie Tanner

  The boys kicked off this league at match a 11:01am having respectfully given a minutes silence on Rembrance Sunday.  Another fine performance by the Abbey boys showing dominance against a tricky Hart Harriers.  On a difficult small pitch Hart took the lead against the run of play but Abbey responded almost immediately from the kick off when Thomas Rees crossed in a hard low ball that Mason Page deflected in off a defender.  1-1 at the break and Abbey came out even stronger in the second half, and were rewarded for their efforts with a free-kick on the edge of the box that Sam Woolford calmly chipped in to the top right hand corner.  Hart had a chance to level the scores with a dubious penalty decision that went wide of Elliott Bloomfield's well covered goal.

  Usual excellent performances from Max Lucas and Bernie Tanner and some fine play and further chances from Mason Page, Owen Miller and Tommy Duffy.  With minutes to go Dion Hall made a surging run down the left and put a perfectly paced pass into Thomas Rees path for him to convert, 3-1 Abbey.

• 18th November 2007

  Abbey Rangers 2 - Haslemere Town 0

  Scorers: Bernie Tanner & Thomas Rees

  Man of the Match: Elliott Bloomfield

  Abbey made it three consecutive wins in the league against a difficult Haslemere Town.  In bitterly cold conditions the boys battled superbly. Bernie Tanner scored with a long range, thunderous strike after gaining possession in midfield.   Dion Hall came close to scoring in the second half and Thomas Rees scored a typical strikers goal with a good hard shot too powerful for the Haslemere keeper.  All the boys worked hard today for this result, with Man of the Match Elliott Bloomfield denying Haslemere with a great save to keep a clean sheet.

• 2nd December 2007

  Hurst Park Allstars 0 - Abbey Rangers 3

  Scorers: Thomas Rees (2), Sam Woolford

  Man of the Match: Sam Woolford

  The boys travelled to top of the league Hurst Park Allstars today knowing they had to win to stay in with a chance of winning the league this year.  With the rain pelting down throughout the entire match the conditions were muddy, cold, windy and difficult for both teams.

  The Abbey boys dug in deep right from the start as Hurst Park pestered the Abbey goal.  Max Lucas defending superbly as always, with Bernie Tanner using his strength to ensure Allstars only had a few chances that in form keeper Elliott Bloomfield dealt with.

  Some good midfield play from Tommy Duffy and Mason Page, and an outstanding performance from Man of the Match Sam Woolford ensure it wasn't long before Thomas Rees converted to make it 0-1 Abbey. 

  From the 2nd half kick off Allstars put most of their midfield onto Thomas Rees which left Sam Woolford completely unmarked on the right and able to strike a stunning hard low drive into the net, 0-2 Abbey and their confidence to win the game was growing.

  The Abbey boys had several more chances to settle the match with Dion Hall coming close and Owen Miller playing his game of the season and some fine football from all.  What chances the Allstars did have were dealt confidently by keeper Elliott Bloomfield who was desperate to continue his clean sheet streak.  

  Finally Thomas Rees found space and was found by a Bernie Tanner through pass and got to the ball before the keeper to slide the ball expertly over the line ..... just ..... to make it 0-3 Abbey and put the game beyond Allstar's reach.

  Both teams deserve praise for battling in bitterly cold and wet conditions but the Abbey boys did deserve the 3 points for their dogged determination and a definite 2nd spot in the league tables!

• 16th December 2007

  Woking Boys Jets 1 - Abbey Rangers 4

  Scorers: Bernie Tanner, Dion Hall, Owen Miller, Thomas Rees

  Man of the Match: Owen Miller

  Having had their last match postponed Abbey looked refreshed from the break and dominated the match against Woking Boys Jets.

  Abbey went ahead early with Bernie Tanner showing good strength to hold off the challenge and strike a hard right footer to deceive the keeper.  Abbey then continued the pressure with some great passing moves with Thomas Rees going close.
  

  The match was well marshalled by Max Lucas in defense for Abbey who intercepted many times to show what a great player he, always looking up to make the pass.
  
  Dion Hall then got the chance to notch his first ever goal when Abbey were awarded a penalty.  Under pressure he struck well to make it 0-2 Abbey.  The boys marvellous team spirit was epitomised with Tommy Duffy from the subs bench running across field to congratulate Dion.
  
  Man of the Match Owen Miller was in great form again with some great running and fully deserved his goal.  Tommy Duffy struck a through pass into the path of Mason Page whose well struck shot was well saved by the Woking keeper, but the ball spilt out to see Owen pounce to make it 0-3 Abbey.
  
  Woking got a consolation goal in the second half, then Thomas Rees finished typically well after breaking through the defense to slot home.  Sam Woolford had another fine performance in midfield and Elliott Bloomfield - although rarely troubled - showed his continued fine form.
  
  Well done boys for a great 2007 - here's to a successful 2008 !!!!

• 13th January 2008

  Abbey Rangers 4 - Staines Town Juniors 2

  Scorers: Thomas Rees (3), Sam Woolford

  Man of the Match: Thomas Rees

  Abbey started 2008 as they ended 2007 with a great result against a good looking Staines Town Juniors.  It was end to end stuff and a well fought match and without regular Bernie Tanner the lads knew they had to battle hard.

  Staines look the lead first but again Abbey showed their determination when behind and Thomas Rees showed good skills and a clinical finish to make it 1-1 almost immediately.

  Excellent, hard fought battling from Max Lucas and Dion Hall taking charge of the defence, whilst in midfield an outstanding, strong performance from Sam Woolford and fine passing and link up play from Tommy Duffy and Owen Miller ensured Abbey were always in with a chance.  Putting their training ground pointers into action resulted in some great moves from Abbey.

  After a brief attacking spell from Abbey, Staines were on the break and managed to take the lead with a superb long range effort that left all the Abbey players standing. Just before the half time whistle Thomas Rees again showed skill, strength and clinical finishing to make it 2-2 for half time.

  Both teams came out strong in the second half, and the Staines keeper made some fantastic saves - Owen Miller coming close twice, once with a headed effort and good efforts from Mason Page and Tommy Duffy who found space. When Abbey were awarded a free kick, Sam Woolford stepped up with a delicate and precise free kick to make it 3-2 Abbey.

  Staines then started to attack again and had several chances that the Abbey boys battled well to clear - Max Lucas, Dion Hall, Sam Woolford and Owen Miller all tackling well. Elliott Bloomfield pulled off his save of the season so far to keep Abbey in front and eventually the well deserved hat-trick for Thomas Rees finished off the match.

• 20th January 2008

  Abbey Rangers 4 - Burpham Eagles 1

  Scorers: Bernie Tanner, Thomas Rees, Max Lucas, Mason Page

  Man of the Match: Max Lucas

  In difficult, windy conditions the Abbey Rangers boys continued their winning streak with another superb performance.  Great passing, combative tackling and sheer determination to win ensured the victory.

  The match started evenly with both teams battling it out in midfield, eventually midway through the first half Bernie Tanner won the tackle, turned and ran on to blast a low hard  shot to make it 1-0 Abbey.  Thomas Rees and Tommy Duffy linked up well with some good passing moves.  It remained 1-0 to the Abbey boys who were running into the wind until half time. 

  Dion Hall had another great game and worked hard in both midfield and defence making strong clearances. Sam Woolford kept good possession and again provided good passes and up and down the pitch.

  Eventually the goals came for Abbey with Thomas Rees running onto the ball and scoring to make it 2-0. Owen Miller and Tommy Duffy both had a great game in midfield, working hard up and down the pitch and winning some fine, strong tackles.
  
  The ever sturdy and reliable Max Lucas found himself in midfield, Tommy Duffy closed the ball down from the throw-in, Owen Miller got the ball into the penalty area and Max placed a well paced shot into the right hand corner for 3-0.
  
  Finally, Mason Page found space in front of the goal and after the Burpham keeper tried to save a hard shot poached a goal for 4-0 Abbey.

  Elliott Bloomfield continued his run of good performances and positioned himself well throughout the match.  He was unlucky to be beaten by a close range consolation goal for Burpham.
  
  Again, every Abbey player performed stupendously in harsh, wintery conditions and they thoroughly deserved the 3 points.
  
  

• 27th January 2008

  Fleet Town Colts Eagles 0 - Abbey Rangers 2

  Scorers: Owen Miller, Max Lucas

  Man of the Match: Elliott Bloomfield

  Unbeaten in eight games, Abbey were keen to continue their winning streak but knew this would be a tough battle against a strong Fleet Town Eagles.

  As predicted it was a real demanding match and Abbey were slow off the mark. After the Abbey boys settled down, some organised defending by both teams (Bernie Tanner, Dion Hall and Max Lucas for Abbey) mean't few chances for either team in the first half.  It was particularly tough battling for Sam Woolford and in midfield, and the team battled up well up hill.

  When Fleet were awarded a free-kick midway through the first half some heroic defending from Max Lucas ensure the scored stayed at 0-0.  Owen Miller finally broke the deadlock just before half-time when Thomas Rees, marked by 3 players passed into the goal mouth where Owen was waiting to slot the ball home.  0-1 Abbey at half time.

  In the second half Fleet twice hit the post and some super, dogged goalkeeping by Elliott Bloomfied kept them at bay.

  Tommy Duffy ran into the box and passed to Owen Miller who's shot was saved by the Fleet keeper, unfortunately his clearance only fell as far as Max Lucas, who from outside the box lobbed the keeper on the volley for a fantastic goal and 0-2 Abbey.

  Man of the Match Elliott Bloomfield by far our best player giving Abbey the points and a clean sheet for himself!
  

• 3rd February 2008

  Abbey Rangers 3 - Frimley Green Dragons 2

  Scorers: Sam Woolford, Thomas Rees (2)

  Man of the Match: Tommy Duffy.

  Having beaten Abbey at home, Frimley were keen to do the double over Abbey who’s last defeat in the league came ironically against Frimley on the 28th October.
  
  The match started fiery and fast paced with both teams determined to win the 3 points. Abbey came close twice in the first half and were denied by great saves from the Frimley keeper, just when it looked like he couldn’t be beaten the ball fell to Sam Woolford with a delightful curling shot into the right hand corner to make it 1-0 Abbey.
  
  Man of the match Tommy Duffy had a great game, winning tackles, putting some superb passes into the box and great interplay.
  
  Frimley were quick to recover and almost immediately a ball found their striker un-marked and one on one with Elliott Bloomfield who palmed the ball away to the right for his save of the season. After another 5 minutes of frenetic tackling and battling Frimley found themselves level with a scrappy equalizer.
  
  Owen Miller's box to box running and tracking back showed and Sam Woolford put in another fine performance, including a great scissor kick save in the penalty box from a Frimley effort   As always Max Lucas put in an exceptional performance and Dion Hall kept the defense in order.
  
  1-1 at half-time the second half was set to be an ardous contest. Thomas Rees worked hard throughout the match and was rewarded when a goalmouth scramble saw the ball fall to him for 2-1 Abbey. Almost immediately Frimley came back to 2-2 after a super headed effort from a corner that the defense could do little about.
  
  Finally, not content with a draw, every Abbey player worked hard to earn the 3 points. Mason Page excelled himself down the right wing, Bernie Tanner once again demonstrated his bionic energy levels up and down the pitch with some crunching important tackles. Tommy Duffy was unlucky when his thunderous close range effort hit the post, and eventually Thomas Rees got the break and with his usual unerring accuracy made it 3-2.
  
  On this occassion the Dragons were vanquished and Abbey won the 3 points.
  
  

• 10th February 2008

  Abbey Rangers 6 - Hurst Park Allstars 1

  Scorers: Thomas Rees (3), Bernie Tanner (2), Owen Miller

  Man of the Match: Thomas Rees

  This was always going to be a tough match for the Abbey boys and it started sprightly for Hurst Park when they hit the crossbar and in-form keeper Elliott Bloomfield had to pull off a save all within the first few minutes.

  Eventually the boys settled down and got back to their goal-scoring ways when some great work from Dion Hall down the left saw a pass into Thomas Rees waiting in the box for 1-0 Abbey.  Bernie Tanner quickly made it 2-0 Abbey when a goalmouth scrap saw the ball fall to him for a simple slot home.

  Abbey then stepped up the pace with  some fine work in midfield from Sam Woolford, and some great defensive work from Max Lucas.  Thomas Rees used his strength to power home his second of the match, followed by Mason Page putting a fantastic cross into the penalty area where Owen Miller was waiting with a superp, unstoppable volley into the net.  Bernie Tanner got hold of a loose ball and with his usual formidable power fired home for yet another Abbey goal. 

  Hurst Park pulled one back with a great goal that the defense and keeper could do little about, but in the dying seconds Tommy Duffy won the ball from a Hurst Park throw-in and put a terrific ball into the path of Thomas Rees to complete his hat-trick.

• 23rd February 2008

  Guildford Saints 0 - Abbey Rangers 3

  Scorers: Thomas Rees (3)

  Man of the Match: Bernie Tanner

  Another fine performance by Abbey continuing their winning streak. Guildford kept Abbey at bay for the first 10 minutes and their keeper was unlucky when his save spilled out to Thomas Rees waiting to pounce and make it 1-0 Abbey.
  
  Max Lucas made some great forward runs and Sam Woolford was unlucky when the Guildford keeper saved his curling shot. Mason Page and Owen Miller both came close with good efforts. Dion Hall, despite taking a knock in the first minutes of the match displayed his usual strength in defense.  Eventually Thomas Rees latched onto a loose ball and fired home for his second.

  Man of the Match Bernie Tanner showed his strength and pace with some surging runs forward and in-form Abbey keeper Elliott Bloomfield kept another clean sheet showing yet again great improvement week after week.  In the last minutes Tommy Duffy won the ball after beating two players on the by-line and unselfishly passed the ball across the goal to Thomas Rees for his second consecutive hat-trick.
  
  

• 2nd March 2008

  Abbey Rangers 3 - Hart Harriers 0

  Scorers: Sam Woolford (2) Thomas Rees

  Man of the Match: Sam Woolford

  With the wind against them, the Abbey boys were lucky to keep Hart at bay in the first half, there was some great defending from every player - but notably from Max Lucas and Bernie Tanner, and Elliott Bloomfield showed fine goal-keeping, commanding his area  to keep the score to 0-0 at half-time.

  With the half-time talk inspiring the boys to "do it for their Mum's on Mothers Day" and with the wind in their favour, the Abbey boys stepped up a gear.
  
  Hart were strong and their number 14 was particularly fast, but Sam Woolford continually made great tackles on him and won the ball in the middle. He was rewarded with two great strikes, the first seeing him make a run down the right flank and score from a tight angle, his second powered home
  
  Thomas Rees made space and hit a great strike into the top left hand corner. to continue his goal-scoring streak.   He also put a teasing ball across the mouth of the goal that Tommy Duffy missed by inches!

  Max Lucas and Dion Hall showed some dogged defending when Hart did try to break and Owen Miller showed great energy with some vital interceptions.  Bernie Tanner was unlucky with two free-kicks he couldn't convert - a combination of his power and the wind assistance.
  
  Tommy Duffy played his game of the season winning his tackles and headers, putting some great balls through - including an acrobatic interception at one point.  He was unlucky having beaten two players to have been brought down by the Hart 14. The awarded free-kick was floated in by Sam Woolford and Abbey were unlucky not to connect. 

  Another 3 points - almost there!

  
  
  
  
  
  

• 9th March 2008

  Haslemere Town 0 - Abbey Rangers 2

  Scorers: Thomas Rees (2)

  Man Of The Match: Elliott Bloomfield, Max Lucas, Dion Hall, Bernie Tanner, Sam Woolford, Tommy Duffy, Mason Page, Owen Miller, Thomas Rees !!!

  This was a must win match for the Abbey boys, a result would mean it was up to the chasing pack to win all their remaining matches to stand any chance of claiming the league title. It was an early start, our longest away trip and the smallest pitch we've ever played on. Haslemere had only lost one league game so far - to us!
  
  As usual the boys were slow off the blocks and within minutes Elliott Bloomfield was having to save hte day, tipping the ball round the post to prevent the goal. Haslemere were unlucky when the ball slipped through the keeper and hit the post. This close call was enough to rouse Abbey from their slumber, and when a loose ball fell into the penalty area, Thomas Rees was on hand to give Abbey the lead.  The team found their form, both Thomas Rees and Bernie Tanner came close with great headed efforts  Max Lucas and Sam Woolford pulled off some superb defensive headers but it remained 1-0 at half-time.
  

  After the break it was an even match, Haslemere had some chances and were unlucky.  Tommy Duffy made some determined runs down the left and created good interlinking play, Mason Page came close with his effort from a good Sam Woolford corner, and Owen Miller showed good pace with his sprinting runs down the right flank.  Eventually Dion Hall passed a great through ball to Thomas Rees who turned and struck a great goal for 2-0 Abbey and to seal the 3 points.
  

• 16th March 2008

  Abbey Rangers 1 - Woking Boys 3

  Scorer: Thomas Rees

  Man of the Match: Tommy Duffy

  A point was all that was needed from Abbey to secure the league title - but Woking were in form and wanted to spoil the party!  With heavy rain throughout most of the night it was going to be hard going for both teams.

  From the start the Woking boys were up for the win, and once again the Abbey boys were caught dozing in the first few minutes.  As seemed to be case in the last few matches it was up to Elliott Bloomfield to prevent the visitors from scoring and when a goal looked certain he palmed the ball away to his right for a fantastic save.  

  Sam Woolford had yet another super game in midfield, and when Mason Page was brought down for a free-kick, Sam stepped up and was only inches away from another great free-kick.  On the break Mason Page had a fantastic match making some surging runs down the right. and Dion Hall showed strength and determination in his tackles, winning almost everything.  However, Woking continued to create chances and it looks liked only a matter of time until they would score.   They took the lead with a well taken shot that the keeper could do little about. 

  The Abbey boys started to get back into their stride, Man of the Match Tommy Duffy making some good runs and creating some good interlinking play with Thomas Rees  who eventually found a way through for level the scores. Mason Page came painfully close with an effort and was unlucky not to be rewarded for a great game.

  In the second half Woking came out fired up, Bernie Tanner and Max Lucas  tried in vain to prevent the onslaught from Woking but the inevitable happened and Woking quickly took the lead again, followed almost immediately with a third goal.  Eliott Bloomfield made further great saves, showing confidence and safe hands.

  In the last 10 minutes the boys finally started to get on top of Woking, Mason Page making great runs down the wings, Owen Miller showing his pace and Sam Woolford having some good chances.  When the ball fell to Tommy Duffy just on the edge of the box, his perfectly struck shot look destined to get the boys back into the game, only for him to be denied by the crossbar.  

  At the end of the day, Abbey needed better weather and little bit more luck but Woking deserved the points for their determination to win.

  It's all down to the last game of the season now!

• 30th March 2008

  Staines Town Juniors 0 - Abbey Rangers 3

  Scorers: Mason Page, Bernie Tanner (2)

  Man of the Match: Dion Hall

  CONGRATULATIONS - DIVISION ONE CHAMPIONS!!!

  With the clocks forward one hour, Spring was here and the sun came out for our last match of the seaons. After the defeat to Woking the boys knew what they had to do and were determined to get the result.  The pre-match  team talk was reminding the boys to do what they do best - playing and passing as a team and they certainly did.

  Within the first few minutes Thomas Rees's shot required a super save from the Staines goalkeeper who was unlucky to parry the ball into the path of Mason Page who coolly slotted home for 0-1 Abbey, and only minutes later a goal mouth scramble gave Bernie Tanner the chance to snatch a goal for 0-2.

  The team were settled now and Man of the Match Dion Hall had a fantastic game in both midfield and defense calmly winning every tackle. He was unlucky not to get on the score sheet with a great effort.  A heroic Max Lucas ran his heart out - having been ill all week he was doutbful for the match but was gallant and made some decisive tackles.

  Tommy Duffy had another great game in midfield, winning almost everything in the air and keeper Elliott Bloomfield finished his great season with superb clean sheet and once again found himself making some fantastic saves, gathering from some low hard shots and safely collecting any high efforts.

  A long range effort from Bernie Tanner speculatively found it's way into the net for 0-3 Abbey and what looked like game over after only 10 minutes played.

  But Staines started to get back into it, and the Abbey boys looked like they were getting lazy - a motivating half-time talk was needed and it worked. 

  They started the second half bright again - Owen Miller's right wing runs were energetic and he got the vital toe in his tackles, winning posession.  Mason Page had another great game showing his skills on the ball and determination.  Staines just couldn't seem to find a way past Dion Hall and Bernie Tanner.

  Sam Woolford had yet another stalwart performance in midfield - as has been the case consistently over the season - and was denied by the Staines keeper with his effort. Thomas Rees was unlucky not to make the score sheet but he made some great passing moves.

  Tommy Duffy was again painfully close when his close range effort was saved by the Staines keeper, and when the rebound fell to him he was yet again denied by the woodwork.

  It remained 0-3 Abbey but it was all that was needed to secure the title and the boys thoroughly enjoyed being doused in champagne to celebrate!

  WELL DONE BOYS

• 26th April 2008

  Abbey Rangers 6 - Halliford Colts 1

  Scorers: Mason Page (3), Thomas Rees (2), Tommy Duffy

  Man of the Match: Bernie Tanner