Caledonian Braves Academy 2006

Caledonian Braves Academy 2006 OFFICIAL Page of Caledonian Braves Academy 2006 team. Teaching life skills and giving confidence through football. Respect All. Fear None.

10/05/2024

MD 19 and the toughest match report I've had to write as it's the final one.
It's been a strange season, we started brilliantly with a 7-1 away win to Gairdoch United FC - 2006's had some tougher days in the winter months and finished on Wednesday against the same opponents who are well in the hunt for the league title. Unfortunately those tough times in November and December meant we fell short in our attempt to challenge but we wanted to finish on high.
The game itself was exactly as expected. On a bumpy pitch, missing six players and little to play for, it would've been easy for the lads to phone in a performance but they didn't. We were solid, stood up to the physical challenges posed by the opposition and slowly but surely began to take the upper hand. We survived a few scares but also had opportunities of our own to open the scoring however after 45 minutes of mostly cancelling each other out we went into the break all square.

HT 0-0

Second half and in the knowledge that this was their last hurrah together, the lads turned in a performance that filled me with pride. We took control of the game & played at a terrific tempo, despite the surface and created numerous chances including a brilliant effort from Lewis that crashed off the bar. The introduction of Declan gave us extra impetus and we were on the hunt for the goal we suspected might settle things. 15 to go and an awful mistake from the ref led to him sending off Leo. These guys do a great job, there'd be no games without them, however if you're not sure and guessing who the guilty party is, you really shouldn't be flashing the red card. Anyway, we tweaked the system slightly and to be honest, I'd have taken a point at that stage. The lads though, they had other ideas and with less than 10 to go, Declan whipped in a brilliant corner kick delivery which Jacko glanced into the net. The opposition banged on the door in the remaining minutes, but we were resolute and stood up to their best efforts to see out the game.

FT Braves 1 - Gairdoch 0

Some terrific individual performances and really fitting that Jacko (who has an appetite for the game that's astonishing) should get the goal. However in what I thought was his best performance for us.

Braves MOTM - Ronan Kane

A really positive way to finish but slightly bitter sweet as I remain convinced that we missed an opportunity to make it a special season. A number of factors contributed to this but no excuses, the table doesn't lie and we fell short.
That aside, I've had a number of these lads for six years, we've faced adversity, experienced highs and lows but we've been on the journey together and its one I wouldn't swap for anything. I hope the lads have learned some stuff and will look back on their time with the group with fondness. We didn't quite achieve our objective but the journey wasn't half filled with incident. Watching them grow into young men, great teammates and genuinely good lads has been a joy and my hope is that every one of them go on to be everything they hope to be.

For me, for now, it's time to reflect, re-charge and work out how to fill my Saturdays (my wife already has a list).
For six years the lads have stood shoulder to shoulder and I thank every single one of them for sticking by me. Every coach that's put up with my moods and every parent who stood on the side in all types of weather offering their support, it wouldn't have been possible without you all. Mostly though, I want to thank my wife Laura for her patience, love, support and willingness to put up with me on Saturday afternoons following a match.

As for what lies ahead, someone once said that football's a funny only game so you never know what the future holds of you.

From Braves 2006 though, the fat lady is well and truly clearing her throat. We'll have a get together and presentation at the start of June after which, new adventures await for everyone.

Cheers from us all and keep punchin'.

22/04/2024

Divisional Cup MD1 and an opportunity to repair the damage done to ourselves after two poor displays ended our outside chance of a go at the title.
Footballs a funny old game as someone famously said and this was definitely the case on Saturday.
Same time, same place to play Benburb FC 2006s who'd beaten us convincingly the week before, without six members of the squad and realistically, far from favourites to win the match.

We start really well, pressing as a group and after turning over possession, Leo has a terrific strike from 25 years which the keeper can't keep out of his net to take the lead. 15 minutes later, great delivery into the box is diverted into his own net by a Ben's defender. A strong, disciplined 45 minutes and a deserved lead going into the break.

HT Benburb 0 - Braves 2

Second half has been our Achilles heel the last two weeks however this week, rather than crumble we got stronger and continued to take the game to Benburb. Midway through the half, a great ball into the box by Zach was only half cleared and Seb reacted first to plant his header into the back of the net. Even then we never thought it was over and kept the same tempo, working ever so hard in the match. 10 mins to go and Leo shows great feet to dance round 3 defenders in the box before the ball broke to Cahir who dispatched the ball into the net.

FT Benburb 0 - Braves 4

Brilliant result against the SC finalists and more importantly the right reaction to the difficulties of the last two weeks. A much needed win that gets the section off to a positive start and hopefully gives us confidence ahead of this week's tie with Gairdoch.

Braves MOTM - Jack Scott

Said it before and I'll say it again, every team needs a Jacko. Tireless work for the team in any position. A brilliant teammate.

07/04/2024

MD 17 and a home match against Knightswood. Despite being a few bodies down we felt our form coming into the match would give us the opportunity to win the points.
I thought we were a bit disjointed after starting well and taking the lead through Declan however following a Knightswood equaliser, we had enough to score two more from Evan R and James to go into half time in a strong position.
HT Braves 3 - Knightswood 1

Second half, we just never got to grips with the game and couldn't match the oppositions tempo. They quickly gained the upper hand, scoring two early in the second half to draw level before adding 4th to take the lead. Good goals from the Knightswood perspective but very very soft from ours. We tried what we could to force an equaliser leaving us exposed at the back and two late goals finished the scoring.

FT Braves 3 - Knightswood 6

Credit to Knightswood who put on a terrific performance and earned the points however I can't help thinking we contributed significantly to our own downfall in this one. I don't think any of us were at our best which is our only real frustration.

Not to be though and we have to dust ourselves down and go again next week.

Braves MOTM - James McBrearty.

19/03/2024

Looking for a friendly this Saturday. We've got a pitch and ref but need an opponent. Looking at a 13.15 KO at Newton Farm on the 4G.

Anyone interested, drop us a message.

17/03/2024

MD16 and we're back at Stepford Football Centre to take on a really strong Camelon side. This was always going to be a tough challenge and the size of the task ahead only increased when our Captain Shay failed a fitness test prior to the match. So, without our leader, in our strong opponents back yard we then proceed to lose a goal in the first minute of the match. We don't defend it well enough, ball is crossed in from our right and a good finish takes Camelon into the lead. I think it's fair to say that 6 months ago we might've found ourselves on the back foot and struggling after a start like this but yesterday's reaction was simply outstanding. We immediately take the game to the opponent, winning first and second ball, turning over possession and attacking with purpose, pace and real quality. We felt a goal coming and after brilliant link play from James, he fed the ball into the path of the overlapping Evan who took a touch and dispatched a superb finish to bring us level. We were now moving through the gears and creating lots of opportunities. A terrific combination and an attacking run from Lewis who fed a delicious ball across the danger area which the despairing defender could only help into his own net to put us into the lead.

HT 1-2

Second half and it was a little less fluid however we were still on top and playing the better football, limiting Camelon to shooting from long range. We were still really threatening and despite making several changes, had a real hold of the game. Midway through the second half, a corner from our right was contested before the ball broke to James, he showed a cool head, took a great touch and lobbed the ball over the line to add our third. We continued to dominate the pace of the game and managed the remaining time superbly well to pick up 3 huge points and continue our recent good run in the league.

FT Camelon 1 - Braves 3

A brilliant display from us, great reaction to losing the early goal and some real quality of play. So many outstanding performances yesterday with special mentions to Evan Rankin, James, Calum & Jack Chambers to name just a few however this week's MOTM goes to a guy who gave his best display in a Braves shirt.

Braves MOTM - Ronan Kane

11/03/2024

MD 14 and a first ever match against Glasgow Athletic.
Early exchanges were decent without either side really taking hold of the match. 10 mins in and we concede a pretty soft goal to go one down. We reacted pretty well to this and began to impose ourselves on the match. We'd a few decent passages of play with Gabriel orchestrating proceedings on the right hand side, creating havoc in the opposition defence every time he got the ball. After 10 minutes of knocking on the door we finally pulled ourselves level when after some terrific combination play, the ball landed at Gabe's feet, he chopped inside the full ball to drill a left foot drive into the back of the net. Our second arrived minutes later, a lovely through ball from Shay found an on running James who calmly lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper into the net to put us in front. We seemed in control of the tempo now however a defensive slip allowed their striker in to equalise before the break.

HT Braves 2 - Glasgow 2

Second half and we played some decent stuff at times, threatening the goal but failing to find the final pass to break through the steadfast opposition defence. Midway through the half, a free kick from the left hand side of the box was expertly whipped in by Evan R, finding Shay who met the ball superbly to aim his header into the net. 3-2 up but with the game in the balance and the clock running down, we felt one more goal would settle it. It did, and what a goal it was. Big Jack, picked it up in the box, swivels to give himself a yard and unleashes the purest strike you'll see all weekend, into the net before the keeper could move.

FT Braves 4 - Glasgow 2

Braves MOTM - Gabriel Brown.

Another tough day and example of why this league is so incredibly tough. Glasgow made it very difficult for us and had really strong performers on the day. We wish them well for the rest of the season.

04/03/2024

MD 13 saw us take on. Thorniewood United U18s side who we'd faced just a few weeks ago. We emphasised the importance of the match itself and how we start it as we head into home straight of the league campaign.
The lads took this on board and made the best possible start. Inside the first minute Leo played a terrific ball in behind the defence where an onrushing Walshy squared to James with a well timed run to finish and put us one up.
We then had several more chances inc. hitting the woodwork but lost an equaliser to a terrific free kick delivery that we didn't defend properly, allowing the opposition striker to glance the ball into our net. Reaction to this was good and we continued to probe, create chances but couldnt find the back of the net. With halftime approaching, James pick up the ball just inside our half, linked the play brilliantly and fed a lovely ball in between the defenders. Walshy arrived on queue to take a touch before drilling the ball in the back of the net to put us back in the lead.

HT Braves 2 - Thorniewood 1

The second half followed a similar pattern. We had decent possession and played some really decent stuff at times but couldn't find that killer third and Thorniewood were always dangerous on the break. There were chances at both ends, good saves, goal line clearances and missed chances but in the end, we saw out the match to take the three points.

FT Braves 2 - Thorniewood 1

Braves MOTM - Liam Walsh.

A good, competitive match with the outcome never settled until that final whistle. Congrats to Thorniewood for their season so far and good luck for the remaining games.

18/02/2024

MD 12. We didn't have our troubles to seek in advance of our penultimate pre-split fixture. Already carrying injuries we found ourselves without a recognised keeper with both Alex and Fraser ruled out. Unable to secure the services of a replacement, up steps Jacko to don the gloves and take his place between the sticks. Playing the team who dispatched us with ease in the Scottish just two weeks ago and with the squad stretched to it's limit, it was a day to show what you're made off.
Formation and approach changed to help cope with our circumstances, we gave up lots of possession to remain solid and stay in the match. The plan worked for the first 45, with Benburb FC 2006s having the majority of the ball but we defended strongly and on occasion were able to pose a threat.

HT 0-0

The second half followed a similar pattern although we did play a little further up the pitch and retained the ball slightly better than the first. Around the 70th minute we lost a disappointing goal from our point of view. Really the only time in the game we gave anything up and Benburb punished us, as good teams will.
The reaction to this was vital, we tweaked it slightly and tried to chase the game to get something we felt our efforts deserved. A few chances came our way before, with only minutes remaining, Zach lined up a free kick before arrowing the delivery over the wall and the keepers dive to bring us level.
Those last twenty minutes said everything about how this group of lads wants to finish their season but were among the longest I've ever experienced.

FT Braves 1 - Benburb 1

A performance all about determination, work rate and teamwork & one that everyone involved should be immensely proud of.

Braves MOTM - Jack Chambers

Difficult to pick individuals when the group contributed so much together but special mention must to Jacko. Six years he's been with us and in every single session/game he's given everything he has. Yesterday, he played in goals without complaint or hesitation and was again a brilliant example of what a teammate is about.

We now move on, try to get a few bodies back try to get three points in the next one.

11/02/2024

MD11 and the opportunity to put the previous week behind us. Started well enough, created a couple of really good chances before a good cross from the right hand side fell to James who deftly lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper to put us one up. The game got quite scrappy after this, we didn't take care of the ball nor work hard enough without it although Gabriel did smack the bar with a terrific effort, overall we were unconvincing. we then proceeded to lose a free header straight from a corner and find ourselves level at half time.

HT 1-1

The opposition, after missing several decent opportunities of their own, had their tails up going into the second half and were pressing for their second. Some really poor defending allowed their player to waltz through and fire in a shot the Alex saved brilliantly, however, first on the scene was the Easterhouse player to bury the rebound into our net. We changed things around and began to retain the ball much better, win seconds and play higher and wider up the park. This gave us the opportunity to push for the equaliser and when it came it was something special. Lewis, playing in an unfamiliar role, made his way in from the touchline, slaloming round defender after defender before sliding an angle shot in at the keepers near post. A brilliant goal, and one that gave us the impetus to search for a winner. After a few close things, that winner came. Zach, bombing down the left, cut across the defender in the box and had the presence of mind to have a look and cut the ball back for the incoming Jacko to smash a finish of the underside of the bar and into the net to give us the points.

FT - Easterhouse 2 - Braves 3

We asked the lads to show character and in the end they showed bundles of it. A real battling 3 points in a game I've seen us throw away too many times. We move on and go again next week.

Braves MOTM Lewis Brennan

04/02/2024

A day that could've been one to remember quickly turned into one to instantly forget.
Scottish Cup QF and a huge opportunity.
3 - 0 down after 20 minutes, the game was over before it'd even begun. There's nowhere to hide in these situations, you simply have to take your medicine.
I could go onto explain how bad we were, (I'd need another couple of posts), however that'd be to detract from the performance of Benburb FC 2006s who were outstanding from start to finish, never offered us the slightest glimpse of a way back into the game and thoroughly deserved their place in the semi-final with two late goals capping a fine day for them. I wish them all the very best in their match.

Benburb 5 - Braves 0

For us, it's still very raw but it's difficult to really quantify the disappointment. A season which promised so much is now likely to finish in frustration. Some time needed now to reflect, re-group and see where we go from here.

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