The Knock Out Cup - Quarter and Semi Final Games

The Semi Final draw for The Knock Cup took place last night. 

As we already know, Alveston will play their Quarter Final match against Coventrians who are currently 7th place in Division D (played 10 games, 5 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses). This match will be played on 6 March 2011 which is away in Coventry near the Ricoh Arena. If all goes well, Alveston will play Pinley or Stratford in the Semi Finals on 3 April 2011.

Alveston 1v1 Santos Youth (3v1 Penalties) 6 Feb 2011

Alveston U11's progressed into the quarter finals of the knockout cup, winning a penalty shootout 3-1 against a spirited Santos Youth team.

In a scrappy game Alveston struggled to get to grips with the blustery conditions, and never really got their passing game going, which benefited the team from a division below. Santos competed for every ball and deservedly took the lead when a mix up in the home defence between Isaac Downes & Dan Malone allowed Josh Dixon to steal in and prod the ball into an empty net. 

Alveston responded immediately, and Julian Thomas held the ball up well to release Alan Mackinnon down the left hand side, his cross found Josh Humphriss who's shot was parried by the keeper and Joe Vose lobbed wide. Alveston were soon level when the industrious Matty Rickett won the ball in the middle of the park before threading a delightful ball for Josh Humphriss, who made no mistake with his finish, smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Celebrations after the penatlies

The second half continued to be scrappy, with neither team able to create any real openings. Alex Connor was superb at the heart of the home defence, marshalling his players well and snuffing out any danger, whilst at the other end Roshen Foley & Jamie Stevens both went close. 

Alveston were unlucky not to wrap the game up in extra time, when Josh Humphriss hit an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area, which cannoned back off the crossbar, and did the same again only minutes later.

With the score level after extra time it was down to penalties. All the players from both sides who stepped forward and volunteered to take a penalty deserve an enormous amount of credit, and on this occasion it was Alveston who came out on top 3-1, with successful penalties from Roshen Foley, Alex Connor & Harry Coleman.     

Alveston v Santos Youth - Sunday 6 Feb at 11.00 Kick Off

Alveston v Santos Youth is a HOME match meeting at the Home Guard Club 10.15 for 11.00 Kick Off (not away)

About the opponents: Santos Youth, who defeated Whitley Juniors 2-1 in Round 2 of the Knock Out Cup, play their home football in Divsion B where they are currently in third place with 27 points (13 games, 9 wins, 0 draws and 4 losses). Santos Pitch is at Howes Community Primary School in Chelysemore, Coventry which is near the A46/A45 roundabout. So, it's down the A46 for them on Sunday.

Alveston in the Stratford Herald 27 Jan 2011

Alveston made the Stratford Herald this week

Next Game: Home v Southam United
Sunday 30 Jan 2011 11.00 kick off

Last Meeting with Southam was 2 Oct 2010
(4v1 Win)

Alveston 3v0 Whitley Juniors 23 January 2011

The Whitley Goalkeeper is finally beaten after an inspired first half goalkeeping display

Alveston continued their impressive run with a 3-0 victory against basement side Whitley. The home side only  managed one shot in the entire match in what was a completely one sided game. Alveston dominated the game and their passing & movement continually stretched the home defence. First Josh Humphriss had a shot well saved, and then after some good work from Alex Connor, Jamie Stephens had his shot blocked. The home keeper was in inspired form pulling off a string of good saves, culminating with a stunning save from Joe Vose's superbly struck volley from the edge of the area. The home side weren't without their share of luck as well when Matty Rickett hit the bar from a free kick, Joe Vose hit the post and even their defender managed to turn a cross from Josh Humphriss onto his own bar. It was a miracle the scores were still level at half-time.

The second half continued as the first with Alveston in total control, and their pressure finally told when after some good work by Alan Mackinnon down the left  found Joe Vose, who's first time shot was parried by the keeper, and the ever alert Jamie Stephens was on hand to fire home. Although Alveston deserved a second goal, the way it arrived was slightly fortuitous as the keeper seemed to have a shot from Joe Vose covered, until an unkind bounce lifted it over his head and into the net. Alan Mackinnon made it 3, when after a fine run & shot by Alex Connor came back off the post, he was the first to react to slide the ball past the keeper.

Alveston v Coventry Whitley Directions - Sunday 23 January 2011

Whitley Juniors Pitch Location at Binley

Once again it's up the A46 to Whitley Juniors. The pitch address is: Binley Recreation Ground, Grange Avenue 

Coventry CV3 2ED. The photo on the left shows a new building called The John White Community Centre which I am guessing maybe the entrance to the ground. There are three choices: Route 1 (St James Lane through Willenhall), Route 2 (straight up A46 with Uturn) and Route 3 (Sat Navs may choose this route via Allard Way). Note: Whitley now play in purple, so can all team members wear the sky blue kit (normal home kit). Meeting at the HGC for 9.45 for 10.15 at pitch for 11.00 kick off. 

Alveston 6v2 Coventry Jaguar Youth Match Report 16 January 2011

Alveston under 11's continue to prosper in the Coventy league with an emphatic 6-2 victory over Coventy Jaguars. Playing at home for the first time in almost two months, Alveston dominated from the very first whistle, and were ahead after only 30 seconds, even though it was the away side who took the kick-off! Joe Vose put their fullback under pressure, and his poor clearance fell to Josh Humphriss who, form the edge of the area, struck a superb shot into the top corner, leaving the keeper stranded.

The home side soon doubled their lead when Jamie Stephens was first to react to a Joe Vose cross to steer the ball home. With barely five minutes gone, Alveston scored a third, some good work from Matty Rickett found Josh Humphriss at the right hand edge of the area. This time he cut inside and fired a left foot shot into the bottom corner. The home side were dominating with Roshen Foley and Billy Dingley both going close, so it was a surprise when Coventry Jaguar pulled one back through a mix up in the usually reliable home defence.

Alveston soon restored their advantage though when a half cleared corner fell to Matty Rickett, who fired in a superb 35 yard shot into the far corner, leaving the keeper with no chance. The away team pulled another goal back, before Josh Humphriss knocked in Alveston's 5th and his hat-trick when he was released by Billy Dingley and fired past the by now despondent keeper. The home side eased off in the second half, and the defensive unit of Dan Malone, Jake Greaves & Jordon Pace dealt with any threat, and the home side still had enough to extend their lead further, when a Matty Rickett free kick was spilled by the keeper and Alan Mackinnon was first to react to stroke the ball home.