Manager
Troy Townsend

The Eastern Junior Alliance Under 18’s team was designed to help the transition of youth players into senior football and develop them into players that can enhance our 1st team set up.
The Under 18’s squad has been running for 3 years now and after finishing runners up in the League and Magnus Cup in the 1st year, Last season proved that things were moving in the right direction not only did the squad complete a League and Cup double, finish runners up in the London Cup & Semi-Finals in the Magnus Cup, we also had 5 players make the step up from the Under 18’s to the 1st team squad with Ben Gracey, Aaron Cox, Shaun Lee, Jack Dallender & Jason Roberts all made their 1st team debuts during the course of the season.
Last season’s squad received many plaudits for their style of football and approach to what was a very long season for the youngsters which also included playing Capital League fixtures. The task this year will be to maintain the high standard of play whilst also hoping to negotiate a few rounds of the FA Youth Cup. For the third year running we have been drawn away, this time to Haringey Borough that match will be played the week commencing Sept 10th.
There has been many reasons why the Under 18’s has so far been a success, most importantly the players of which some have had their two year cycle and will hopefully continue to represent the club in Capital league fixtures, the likes of 18’s Capt. Joe Johnson, Tashon Townsend, Ishmael Osamor, Jamie Edwards and Liam Roberts who has progressed through from the clubs youth structure. Behind the scenes the invaluable help from assistant Kieron Ryan and physio Alan Hyde all help to give the youngster the right platform to display their talents.

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MATCH REPORTS

Eastern Junior Alliance - South West U18
Leyton F.C. 2 v 1 Bowers & Pitsea F.C.
9th March 2008

The Under 18's continued their perfect start to 2008, with their sixth victory out of six so far this year, to continue their assault for trophies this season but they were pushed all the way by the leagues bottom club.

In a first half of total dominance the 18's missed a catalogue of chances and were also thwarted by a fine display from the Bowers keeper. Top goalscorer Kareem Imbert was the main culprit as he somehow failed to add to his 15goal haul.

Bowers came more into the game in the second half but it seemed like it was going to be one of those days when first John Bricknell and then sub Ricky Manderson crashed efforts against the Bowers post.

Finally, with 15mins remaining sub RICKY MANDERSON converted a Jamie Haywood cross to break the visitors fine resistance, Manderson should have finished the game off 5mins later but somehow could only find the keeper with the goal gaping and a minute later Bowers made the 18's pay for their wastefulness in front of goal, when their Captain headed in from a corner.

At this point, the 18's title ambitions were over but this team has a very positive attitude and as in the 1st fixture at Bowers when the team was 3-4 down with 3mins to go and won 5-4, the team showed great character and after a Gazza type run from mid-fielder Bricknell, sub JUNIOR LUKE stroked home the winner for a nail biting but deserved victory.

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Eastern Junior Alliance - South West U18
Billericay Town 1 v 4 Leyton F.C.
02nd March 2008

The 18's produced an awesome 2nd half display to crush their opponents, who had deservedly led 0-1 at half-time.

Billericay had a great chance to increase the lead at the start of the 2nd half but 1st year keeper Philip Phillipou produced a great save and the team didn't look back after that.

First, SIAO BLACKWOOD lobbed the advancing keeper to bring us level and before Billericay could recover Kareem Imbert was upended in the box after an explosive run from the half way line. JOHN BRICKNELL scoring from the spot.

BLACKWOOD added a second after great wing play from Osei-Owusu and the scoring was rounded off with sub TERRY BATES 1st goal of the season.

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Ryman Youth Cup Second Round
Brentwood Town 0 v 2 Leyton F.C.
28th February 2008

The 18's ended their opponents’ perfect 12 wins out of 12 record with a fantastic performance to advance through to the quarter finals of the competition.

Despite the close scoreline, the 18's were rarely troubled after JOHN BRICKNELL gave them the lead midway through the first half and KAREEM IMBERT finished the tie off 5mins from time.

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Eastern Junior Alliance - South West U18
Redbridge F.C. 1 - 4 Leyton F.C.
25th November 2007

John Bricknell inspired the 18's to their third victory over local rivals Redbridge this season. Bricknell, who made his first team debut this season in the F.A. Trophy vs Ashford Town, created both first half goals and also crashed a fantastic volley from 25 yards against the underside of the bar. Allthough it appeared to be clearly over the line the referee waved play on.
After two weeks without a game the 18's played some lovely one touch football, highlighted by the opening goal with a move that involved Ben Hardy, Tre Harrison, Siao Blackwood, and finished with Bricknell finding KAREEM IMBERT who coolly slotted home. The second came after a Bricknell through ball left SIAO BLACKWOOD one on one with the Redbridge keeper and with great composure he confidently lifted the ball over him as he advanced.
At this stage it almost seemed that the Leyton were going to score at will, but a lack of concentration at the back gave Redbridge hope just before half time when Sam Tanner failed to hold a driven cross and a Redbridge forward had the simplest of tasks of tapping home.

After half time Redbridge struggled to stop wave after wave of Leyton attacks and the team was eventually rewarded when Harrison set up KAREEM IMBERT for his second, before KARL BLAKE scored his first of the season with a right foot volley from a Jamie Haywood corner.

This week the team travel to Southend Manor in their defence of the League Cup Trophy.

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Eastern Junior Alliance - South West U18
Waltham Abbey F.C. 2 - 5 Leyton F.C.
11th November 2007

The Under 18's recovered from their FA Youth cup disappointment with this comprehensive victory over their local rivals. Captain Jack Dallinder, Kenny Barber, Tayo Shodunke and Billy Reeves were all missing from the squad for one reason or another and this gave Ben Hardy, Terry Bates, Tre Harrison and Jerome Martin the opportunity to make the starting line, with Daniel Walsh, Ricky Manderson and Cemal Agdelan all coming on as subs during the game. All the players played their part as the team completed the double over a shell shocked Waltham Abbey.
After a nervy opening period the 18's burst into life with two goals in 4 mins midway through the half. SIAO BLACKWOOD opened the scoring after good work from Roderick Osei Owusu and JAMIE HAYWOOD doubled the lead after heading home from a corner.
The half ended with three more goals in an eight minute spell from TRE HARRISON, who made it 3-0 for Leyton after a lovely flowing move involving Bates, Blackwood and Osei Owusu, before Abbey replied following a mistake from the otherwise outstanding Junior Luke. A sublime bit of skill from Osei Owusu's in first half stoppage time made it 4-1 to Leyton as he left two Abbey defenders mesmerised on the byline before crossing to Blackwood who missed his kick only for JOHN BRICKNELL to acrobatically volley the ball home.

The second half was more notable for its series of missed chances by Leyton until CEMAL AGDELAN scored with his very first touch, having come on as a late sub. A late goal from Abbey saw them reduce the arrears, but at the whistle this was an emphatic victory for the away side, made more impressive by the fact that Leyton were forced to play with so many first choice players missing.

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F. A. Youth Cup First Round Proper
Corby Town F.C. 2 - 0 Leyton F.C.
5th November 2007

The Under 18's F.A. Youth Cup dream ended in the First Round Proper after dominating the 1st half of the tie. The team produced some fantastic football and created enough chances to have won the game by half time, but lady luck was just not smiling on them. Proven when John Bricknell danced his way passed four Corby players and from the edge of the box smashed his effort against the foot of the post only to see it come back and hit the Corby keeper before trickling passed a post
Corby continued to ride their luck as Roderick Osei Owusu gave their defence the run around and when he had an effort cleared off the line it seemed only a matter of time before the opening goal would come. Amazingly it didn't and the home team survived till half time.
A minute into the second half the game changed as a contest when a mistake by captain Jack Dallinder led to the opening goal when he failed to clear a long ball upfield and the Corby forward gratefully opened the scoring. Leyton were now chasing the game and no matter what they tried the Corby defence stood firm. Corby eventually sealed the game to earn a second round tie against Luton Town in the 80th minute. As Leyton pushed for an equaliser they got caught and on the break and with just Keeper Sam Tanner to beat Corby sealed the tie.
Despite this defeat the under 18's have had a very good run in this years competition with the highlights being their two great wins against AFC Wimbledon and Wealdstone. Although both clubs boast full time academies the Leyton lads proved that they can be a match for anyone.

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Ryman Youth Cup First Round
Leyton F. C. 7 v 1 Redbridge F. C.
31st October 2007

The 18's produced another stunning mid week cup display to put themselves in good heart before next weeks FA Youth cup fixture.
From the off Leyton looked determined and played with a good tempo and after 10mins RODERICK OSEI OWUSU was fouled in the box. He took the resulting penalty which was saved, but the referee noticed an encroachment from a Redbridge defender and next time around he made no mistake. A minute later it was 2-0 after a great turn and left foot volley just outside the box from OSEI OWUSU. Although Leyton took Captain Jack Dallinder off mid way through the half as a precaution ahead of next weeks big game, the team continued to have wave and wave of attacks as the visitors started to buckle under intense pressure. Osei Owusu had a shot blocked and JOHN BRICKNELL followed up to smash the ball into the net for number three. BRICKNELL then curled a delightful 20-yard free kick into the top corner for a fourth and his 9th of a very good season so far and the half finished with OSEI OWUSU claiming his hat-trick and his 12th goal of the season, (although Kenny Barber claims the last touch).

Leyton replaced Karl Blake at half time, again as a precautionary measure, but as the second half got under way first half goalscorers Bricknell and Osei Owusia picked up slight knocks resulting in the 18's having to play the last half an hour with just 10 men.The team finished the tie off in great fashion with SIAO BLACKWOOD producing the goal of the evening with an unstopable left foot shot from way out on the touch line, that despite the Redbridge keepers best efforts, sailed into the far corner of the net. JAMIE HAYWOOD compounded Redbridge's misery with a lob from the edge of the box which hit went in off the underside of the bar. Although Redbridge managed to get a consolation goal in between, they finished the game a well and truly beaten team.

This performance will surely put the team in good spirits ahead of next weeks big game at Corby Town and hopefully any injuries picked up against Redbridge will not be serious enough for anyone to miss out on the big day.

Please note that the 18's fixture away to Burnham Ramblers on Sunday has now been postponed due to our involvement in the F.A. Cup match at Corby Town on Monday.

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Eastern Junior Alliance - South West U18
Leyton F.C. 0 v 1 AFC Hornchurch
28th October 2007

Leyton lost at home to Hornchurch in a game where they created enough chances to record a cricket score. To everyones amazement after one minute Kenny Barber had a headed goal disallowed having beaten the keeper to a flighted free kick. Following the incident Leyton continued to dominate possession and create chances and had a clear cut penalty turned down when Jack Dallinder was fouled in the box. It looked like it was going to be one of those games long before Hornchurch took the lead mid way through the half. A rare Hornchurch attack and a unfortunate slip from keeper Sam Tanner and the visitors were ahead.
In the second half Leyton bombarded the visitors goal, but their young keeper produced some great saves and coupled with some wayward Leyton finishing an equalizer couldn't be found. Hornchurch had their moments during the game, but failed to extend their lead and finally finished up winners by a goal to nil.

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F.A. Youth Cup Third Qualifying Round
Leyton F. C. 5 v 0 Wealdstone F.C.
24th October 2007

Leyton produced a stunning first half display to create history for Leyton Football Club by reaching the First Round proper of the F.A. Youth Cup. Leyton did not have things all their own way though and 30 seconds into the match the visitors should have taken the lead when a mix up in defence between captain Jack Dallinder and Keeper Sam Tanner gifted the Wealdstone nine a chance to open the score. Leyton looked nervous at this stage but eventually began to put their passing game together and after 13mins JUNIOR LUKE put them ahead with a 25-yard strike. Leyton upped the tempo against their full time opponents and were rewarded with a burst of three goals in a seven minute spell. RODERICK OSEI OWUSU doubled the lead after Dallinder's strong tackle on the edge of his own box set Jamie Haywood free. His long ball into space found Osei Owusu who after beating two defenders played a one - two with Siao Blackwood and rifled the ball into the back of the net. Three minutes later Luke's shot was spilled by the visitors keeper into the path of JAMIE HAYWOOD who bundled the ball home for 3-0. Wealdstone's defence were now all over the place and RODERICK OSEI OWUSU finished the game off as a contest when he pounced on a poor back header to lob the keeper for Leyton's fourth.
The expected backlash from the wounded visitors never materialised and with man of the match Tayo Shodunke dominating midfield Leyton cruised through the second half with KAREEM IMBERT producing a bit off magic to put the icing on the cake for Leyton when he turned a defender inside out before coolly slotting home a fifth.

Next round v Corby Town away Monday 5th November 2007

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League Cup First Round
Grays Athletic F.C.1 v 3 Leyton F.C.
Sunday21st October 2007

The under 18's avenged the previous weeks league defeat at Grays with a polished performance in their defence of the League Cup. Two goals from RODERICK OSEI OWUSU and one from sub KAREEM IMBERT saw the team safely through to the next round.

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Eastern Junior Alliance - South West U18
Grays Athletic F.C. 3 v 0 Leyton F.C.
Sunday14th October 2007

The Under 18's lost their first league fixture of the season in controversial fashion on Sunday in a game that saw the original referee not turn up, the replacement referee unable to continue due to an injury, only to return when the second replacement official could not control the game properly. The game descended into a farce as Grays also replaced their linesman at half time. All very absurd for such a level of football.
The match saw Grays win by three goals to nil, but what should have been a really good fixture between two unbeaten sides was unfortunately spoilt by the sequence of events.
Ironically the two teams meet again this Sunday as the Under 18's begin their defence of the League Cup.
Next Wednesday 24th October the Under 18's entertain Wealdstone, another full time academy outfit, at Leyton Stadium in the Third Round Qualifying of the F.A. Youth Cup, having knocked out AFC Wimbledon in the previous round. Victory would see them progress to the First Round Proper, a round that sees professional clubs enter the competition.

Come along and cheer the lads next Wednesday - K.O.7.45pm

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FA Youth Cup Second Qualifying Rd
Leyton F.C. 1 v 0 AFC Wimbledon
Sunday 7th October 2007

A stunning goal from KAREEM IMBERT was enough to put the Under 18's through to the third qualifying round of this years competition. After the disappointment of Sunday's surprise London Cup defeat the team set about making amends and had the visitors on the back foot for most of the half. Siao Blackwood struck the post with a fierce left foot drive mid way through the first half, of which Leyton dominated possession but failed to turn their superiority into goals. The goal came when John Bricknell released Imbert with a inch perfect through ball and without braking stride and from fully 25 yards Imbert unleashed an unstoppable shot that started outside the goal but bent into the top corner giving the side a deserved half time lead.

The second half started the same as the first and Leyton soon created another great chance when Blackwood was one on one with the keeper, but amazingly put the ball the wrong side of the post. Imbert could have finished the game off after some great wing play from Roderick Osei Owusu, but somehow put his left footed effort into the stands.
It was mid way through the second half before Wimbledon troubled Leyton's goal and it came from a mistake from Karl Blake whose header back to keeper Sam Tanner fell short, straight to Wimbledon's No. 9 who beat Tanner to the ball and with the goal at his mercy amazingly hit the post. The visitors started to dominate possession in the closing stages of the game as they searched for the goal that would take the game into extra time and with two minutes to go after a shot had cannoned off the underside of the bar leaving Tanner on the floor seemingly stranded, the visitors sub, from two yards out headed what
he must have believed was a late equalize,r but Tanner incredibly got up and blocked the effort sending the ball over the bar to the visitors disbelief.
The win against a full time academy side must rank amongst the Eastern Junior Alliance teams' greatest achievements in the three years that it has been running.

Leyton F.C.

1. Sam Tanner 2. Junior Luke 3. Karl Blake 4. Tayo Shodunke
5. Jack Dallinder 6. Kenny Barber(capt) 7. Roderick Osei Owusu 8. John Bricknell 9. Kareem Imbert (Jerome Martin 85) 10. Siao Blackwood 11. Jamie Haywood
Unused Subs: Phillip Phillipou, Terry Bates, Tre Harrison, Cemal Agdelan

Leyton have been drawn at home again in the third qualifying round against Wealdstone in two weeks time

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London Cup Preliminary Round
Real Bexley F.C. 3 v 2 Leyton F.C.
Sunday 7th October 2007

Leyton were surprisingly knocked out of the London Cup after an inept display. From the kick-off Bexley showed more desire and kept up a terrific work rate throughout the 90mins. Kareem Imbert hit a post and when Siao Blackwood's effort flashed past the far post it seemed only a matter of time before a goal came, but when it came it was Bexley's no. 9 who pounced on indecision in the Leyton defence to open the scoring and it wasn't long before the home team made it two after more confusion in the Leyton defence.

Soon after half time Bexley made it 3-0 and debutant keeper Phillip Phillipou produced the save of the match to stop further embarrassment mid way through the half. Leyton continued to miss a catalogue of chances, with Roderick Osei Owusu missing from inside the six yard box, but eventually with 15mins to go Leyton pulled one back through JUNIOR LUKE who skipped through four challenges before slotting home. Straight after the goal the Bexley no.7, who was lucky to still be on the pitch, was finally dismissed for foul and abusive language and Leyton took advantage of the extra man with RODERICK OSEI OWUSU finally hitting the target after rounding the keeper. Despite dominating the time remaining, including 5 minutes of stoppage time, Leyton continued to be wasteful in front of goal and eventually ran out of time.
Real Bexley deserved their victory through hard work and determination while the Under 18's will need to re-group very quickly as they entertain AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday evening in the FA Youth Cup where a much improved performance will be required.

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Eastern Junior Alliance - South West U18
Leyton F.C. 4 v 2 Waltham Abbey F.C.
Sunday 30th September 2007

The Under 18's produced their best performance of the season so far, too defeat previously unbeaten Abbey, buoyed by their Youth Cup success on Wednesday night the team started brightly and didn't have to wait long before taking the lead through JOHN BRICKNELL'S wonderful 25 yard strike. Roderick Osei Owusu was causing the Abbey left back all sorts of problems with his pace and after we missed chances to increase the lead Abbey equalised from the penalty spot mid way through the half. The team responded by forcing a number of saves from the Abbey keeper and finally took control in the 31st min. when KAREEM IMBERT volleyed home Osei-Owusu's excellent cross and 5mins later IMBERT slotted the 3rd after good work from Jack Dallinder to finish off a fine period for the side.
The second half took the same shape with Abbey struggling to cope with our passing game which paid off again when Siao Blackwood's cross was well finished by JAMIE HAYWOOD. Abbey continued to work hard but due to the Dallinder, Billy Reeves (ex. Waltham Abbey) central defence partnership they could find no joy until with 5mins to go they reduced the arrears from fully 25 yards with a strike that gave keeper Sam Tanner no chance.

The team travel to Real Bexley on Sunday as they kick off their London Cup campaign this year and next Wednesday 10th October we entertain AFC Wimbledon in the FA Youth Cup
2nd Qualifying Round at Leyton Stadium, K.O. 7.45.

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FA Youth Cup 1st Qual Rd
Redbridge F.C. 2 v 3 Leyton F.C.
Wednesday 26th September 2007

The team produced a polished performance on Wednesday night to safely negotiate another round of the FA Youth Cup

A bright start led to KAREEM IMBERT volleying us ahead after 9mins, with a smart finish from a Karl Blake cross. Redbridge were soon on level terms although against the run of play
they equalised with a header from close range.
Leyton were playing all the attacking football and we restored our lead with a stunning free kick from JOHN BRICKNELL from fully 25 yards which lodged in the top corner and six minutes later SIAO BLACKWOOD made it three with a superb low left footed cross shot.
Kareem Iimbert picked up an injury 5 mins before half time with Roderick Osei-Owusu, who had made his 1st team debut coming on as a second half sub the night before, moving up front. He should have put the game out of sight a minute before half time, but failed to hit the target. Leyton created several more chances at the beginning of the second half but wayward finishing and a couple of good saves from the Redbridge goalkeeper meant the score remained the same until 12mins to go when John Bricknell upended a Redbridge forward in the box, giving them a lifeline and despite going the right way keeper Sam Tanner just failed to stop the resulting penalty.
For the first time in the match Leyton's defence came under sustained pressure but with captain Jack Dallender outstanding in defence we managed to progress through to the 2nd qualifying in a couple of weeks where we have been drawn at home against either Dulwich Hamlet or AFC Wimbledon.

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Eastern Junior Alliance - South West U18
Southend Manor F.C. 1 v 1 Leyton F.C.
Sunday 23rd September 2007

Last Sunday the team dropped their 1st league points of the season after drawing 1-1 with Southend Manor, JAMIE HAYWOOD returned from injury to coolly put us ahead at the start of the second half but a series of missed chances went begging and a hotly disputed goal off of the Southend forward's hand gifted the home team their 1st point of the season.

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The Under 18's started their season off with a perfect 3 away wins in a week.

We kicked off the defence of our league title with a 4-2 win at Hullbridge Sports, new forward Kareem Imbert levelled the scores from an excellent cross by another newcomer Siao Blackwood, 2nd year John Bricknell produced two stunning strikes and another from Tre Harrison made it four before a Hullbridge pen. reduced the arrears.
On Wednesday night, the team knocked Haringey Borough out of the FA Youth Cup with an unconvincing 4-1 victory. Two goals(1 pen) from Roderick Osei Owusu, a Jack Dallender header and a tap in from Kareem Imbert progressed the side through to the 1st Qualifying rd, on Wednesday 26th September away at Redbridge FC.
Last Sunday the side survived a late fightback by Bowers to record a 5-4 win in an amazing game. After going behind early John Bricknell curled home a 20 yard free kick to level the scores and a Tayo Shodunke shot was cleared off the line only to hit
Roderick Osei Owusu and fly in the net to hand us a 2-1 lead, Bowers quickly equalised but John Bricknell restored our lead before half time after a fine one - two with Osei Owusu. Shodunke debut lasted only 45mins after suffering breathing problems. His absence seemed to effect the team's pattern but the 2nd half burst into life with 15mins to go. 1st Sam Tanner saved a Bowers pen then John Bricknell produced the goal of the game after lobbing the Bowers keeper from fully 30 yards for 4-2. Bowers hit back and within 5mins it was 4-4 as Leyton seemed to take their foot off the peddle but with a minute to go Roderick Osei-Owusu produced another fine piece off skill to lob the keeper
from the corner of the 18 yard box for Leyton winner.
This Sunday we are away again to Southend Manor before taking on Redbridge FC in the FA Youth Cup.

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