Traction Direct are delighted to be once again sponsoring Daventry Town FC Spartans U15 for 2022/23 season. We are supporters of grass roots football and community events, and so welcomed the opportunity to continue our support this young team in their endeavours to win the 2022/23 Northampton & District Youth Alliance League. We’ll post match reports here regularly.

11th JUNE 2023:

Milton Keynes Wanderers tournament

Result: Finished Second In League

“Sunday 11th June the team was entered the Milton Keynes Wanderers tournament which saw teams entered from Newport Pagnell, MK, Northanpton, Corby and Luton to name a few towns. Daventry were entered into the plate tournament and played in a league of 8 teams. Across the seven matches they drew 4 and won 3 games finishing second in the league.

A semi final was won on penalties which set up a final against a strong Newport Pagnell side who had won the top league in their region last season. The game ended a draw and Daventry clinched the Plate by winning a penalty shoot out. The first ever trophy won by this age group. “

5th MARCH 2023:

Daventry Town v SOCCERSTARS

Result: Daventry Town Draw 2-2 Soccerstars

“No Poach and the late removal of Olly added to illness for the playing Dids and Noah this had the hallmark of being one of this days but to the credit of the boys the result was a fair reflection with Soccerstars hanging on a little at the end.

Daventry took the lead in 8 mins when the excellent Anders scored at the far post following a great move that left Owen passing the ball across goal for Anders to do the rest. Sadly the lead lasted a couple of minutes when Jack and Lewis collided which led the Soccerstars striker the easy task of tapping in on 10 mins.

The game was pretty level until the 27th minute when Soccerstars pushed forward and their other striker scored a really well taken goal that Lewis couldn’t do anything about. Some resolute defending followed and a change of formation where Dids moved into the CDM role freeing up Noah to play more advanced. The defensive three of Macca Lewis D and Jack handled the unfamiliar set up really well.

On 70 mins Daventry got the reward for their effort when a fantastic cross cross from left wing from Jack bobbled around with Toby pressing ball found Owen who slotted home.

Daventry had a free kick before that which went narrowly over and Louis with two minutes left showed his trickery got into the box and despite being clipped stayed on his feet (too honest 🤣 ask Noah) and the chance went.

Our man of the match for an assist and goal is Owen. Very well played all round. Thanks as ever to our sponsors Traction.”

19th FEBRUARY 2023:

Daventry Town v Gregory Celtic Green

Result: Daventry Town Lose 0-3 Gregory Celtic Green

“Clint asked ahead of the game for the boys to work hard keep their heads up and really put the effort in. It’s fair to say he got exactly that. Playing 4-5-1 with George starting the lone striker role.

Once again the boys settled well and the entire midfield playing really competitively against a very physical opponent. Considering Olly and Riley spent the past 26 hours on a coach after being away skiing both boys worked tirelessly with Toby Anders and Louis. Defensively we looked solid. Dids needed ten minute or so to settle back into match pace but the unit of four made up of Dids Lewis Macca and Poach looked solid enough.

Chances for Daventry were limited with George feeding off scraps but Daventry were certainly a match for Celtic. Sadly a goal came five minutes prior to half time. The left winger making space for himself to slide across the face of the goal for Celtic to score. Changes were made and the lads continued to press. Jack Jones had a chance to level but the keeper had it well covered.

With the game going to the last fifteen a scrappy goal came for Celtic who celebrated like they had won the league which is in some ways a compliment as it seemed to be a relief to them. Sadly a third came with 8 to go with Lewis blinded by the low sun to misjudge the bounce. Lewis pulled of a great save that looked a certain goal. Sadly that was the last of the action.

We are certainly struggling to find the net lately which is meaning defensively the boys have to be extra diligent but hopefully we can find some shooting boots for the last three games. Clint’s man of the match today was Dids (as pictured). Thank you as always to the sponsors Traction.”

8th JANUARY 2023:

Daventry Town v Roade

Result: Daventry Town Lose 0-1 Roade

“On paper two very evenly matched sides. Daventry started the stronger and never really ever looked in any trouble. Toby and Louis posed a threat and George also flashed a shot just over. With more composure and on another day it is fair to say we could have gone in a couple of goals up. However half time came and scores were even 0-0.

Second half started as the first ended with Daventry on the front foot and some neat play between Owen and Noah created a chance for Daventry from the spot as Noah was brought down. Dids steppped up and readied himself to take the kick with the opposition keeper trying to shake his hand ahead of the kick. Maybe that worked who knows ? but the penalty went over and scores stayed level.

The game opened up more and more as both sides visibly tired and chances were coming from both ends. The midfield three in particular who controlled play were really feeling the pace and needed a bit of a rest. With five minutes of normal time left the play went from one end to the other and exposed at the back plus a nice through ball led to Roade scoring what turned out to be the only goal of the game. Not really a fair reflection of the game in my view and Lewis G should feel hard done by as he played well in goal and looked very secure and the defence handled most things thrown at them today.

Roade seemed to take victory much better than they handled defeat at theirs and it is a shame to hear that some of their parents were goading our players. But for the most part 90% of our team handled that with dignity. Looking at some of the other scores it has been a strange day for results all around post Xmas, so maybe a chance missed for us but equally no real damage done. Well done.

Man of the match was Riley. Special thanks to Paul, Paul, Richard and Lee for sorting the goals and line etc.. massive thanks. Thank you as every to our sponsors Traction.”

20th November 2022:

Daventry Town v S&P

Result: Daventry Town Win 6-1

“The match started at a slow pace with Daventry changing formation. Going for a 4-4-2 against a team who have let a lot in but equally scored plenty as well. The formation seemed to catch us out a little to begin with as the boys settled but it has to be said that Noah is a machine in midfield.

After 22 mins Louis broke free having been assisted by George to finish nicely. However the lead was short lived as S&P equalised within 3 mins. Whilst heads could have dropped the boys knuckled down and scored three more before the break. Firstly on 30 mins Toby set up George who finished nicely. Then an Olly goal on 38 from close range following a corner followed lastly by a wonderful through ball from Olly allowing Toby to set off at pace to slot home on 40.

Half time saw Daventry lead 4-1. Changes were made second half Jack Jones Jack Smith and Charlie Sipos all getting plenty of minutes. Sadly Jack Smith time was cut short by an injury just as he was getting right into things. We all hope that the injury is nothing serious.

On 68 mins Jack Jones played a ball over the top for George to time his run superbly, with the away linesman even commenting how good the front line timed their runs all afternoon. On 75 mins sipos broke free and as he was about to cross he was crudely taken out by the defender. George unselfishly not thinking about his hat trick stepped up to take the free kick. However to everyone’s surprise he was actually looking to secure a third and straight from the kick scored to the bottom left capping of an excellent performance.

Our MoM was quite a straightforward decision having scored three and set up one George deservedly taking the trophy. If George can apply himself like this regularly it will be a benefit for the entire team. As always I would like to thank Andy and Bells for sorting the respect line Paul for running the line and our other Paul for all he did helping with the nets. Lastly thank you to our sponsors Traction.”

30th October 2022:

Daventry Town v O N Chenecks

Result: Daventry Town Lose 1-3

“This was always going to be one of the tougher fixtures with ONC doing well last season in the B League. The game was very even though for the first half an hour. Sadly ONC took the lead when we lost control of the ball in the middle of the pitch allowing their player to play a team mate in for a free run from the half way line to score past Lewis despite Lewis getting a hand to the ball and large claims for an offside.

The second half started similarly being very even and just as the coaches were going to change the formation from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 ONC scored again on 45 mins. The formation change came and with Daventry chasing the game a brave Lewis Dury header led to Louis poking the ball in from close range on 60 mins. Daventry pressed for an equaliser but with five minutes left the pace of the winger was too much for us to handle and ONC scored their third.

It was a shame to lose a game that on balance I think we could have drawn. Man of the match was Macca for an excellent and spirited performance. Macca is turning into a fine full back both defensively and going forwards. Well done. Thank you as ever to the sponsor Traction. “

16th November 2022:

Roade v Daventry Town

Result: Daventry Town Win 1-2

“Daventry went into the game missing Casey and Louis. Welcoming back from a two week concussion break Jack S and Olly returning as well

Lewis in goal and a back four of Macca Lewis Dids and Jack Jones. Midfield of Owen Riley Noah Olly and Anders with Toby starting up top in the lone striker role. The first half was a fairly balanced match with both sides evenly matched. The deadlock was broken quite early in the game when a late tackle on Toby lead to a penalty for Daventry on 8 minutes. Dids stepped up and placed the ball to the bottom left (well spotted Paul (Anders Dad) last week when you commented 👍). It looked like Daventry would take the lead into the break but a soft free kick on the edge of our box lead to a well taken Roade free kick also placing it in the bottom left.

Half time came and scores were even. Second half gave Daventry the advantage of both the sun and wind behind them and a very solid defensive display meant that Daventry could not be broken down. George who had come on for Owen received a ball on 50 mins and with some trickery put away a lovely shot giving their keeper no chance.

Jack J came back on having had a dead leg to a replace Poach who had played most of the match with Jack having to come off. Sipos put in a solid shift putting himself about and Thomas offered his usual calm intelligent play. Daventry tried to manage the match towards the end with tempers fraying. Jack S was his usual hard working self and gave Daventry the outlet as Toby took a breather.

I personally think that our boys were subject to a lot of intimidation from the Roade team and sadly tempers spilled over at the end as Daventry saw the game out. The Roade coach was hugely complimentary to Daventry and said we deserved the victory. This now means that for at least this week only Daventry find themselves top of the league something that most of us would never dreamed of after week one. Really well done Clint and I are super proud.

Thank you as ever to our sponsors Traction. “

11th October 2022:

Daventry Town v Welland Valley. League match

Result: Daventry Town Win 3-2

“After the excellent result from last weekend Clint kept the exact same shape with the only change Jack Jones coming into the left back role in place of the absent Olly. Daventry weathered the expected storm of high balls from the opposition and had the better chances in a very good first half. Casey and Toby both coming close for Daventry.

Toby and Owen took a break to get their breath back after a good shift with George and Anders coming on. Half time came with no goals scored and the second half begun with the expectation of more high balls coming our way with the away team having a wind advantage. However the away team surprisingly looked to try to play more football on the floor largely due to having no success with the whole defensive line of Pochin Jack Jones, Dids, Lewis and Macca all winning their battles in the first and second half.

The defensive unit were so strong today it was a real pleasure to watch them hunt in packs to stop the opponents. Anderson smashed a ball against the bar to give Daventry confidence five minutes into the second half. Sipos came on and put the defence under loads of pressure and it has to be said that once again the midfield three of Noah, Riley and Louis were outstanding.

Daventry took the lead in 48 minutes through the excellent Casey who smashed a well taken goal giving us the lead. However 9 minutes later WV equalised against the run of play. Their delight was short lived as Daventry regained the lead when Thomas threaded a nice little ball into Casey to take his second of the afternoon. Lewis Green who is noticeably more vocal and growing again in confidence pulled of a superb save to keep Daventry ahead.

On 75 minutes Owen beat his man and delivered a lovely cross from the left and a perfectly timed run met by Lewis saw a really pleasing goal fly in. Sadly it wasn’t the end of the drama as WV grabbed a goal on 78 mins. Which meant with four added minutes at the end the Daventry lads had a nervy end to the game. Clint rightly said that easily six or more of the boys could have taken MoM today but it was well deserved today for Casey to take the trophy home with two great goals and having to play in three differing positions.

What will win Daventry games is hard work and desire and the past two games have shown plenty on offer. Well done. Up to second in the league. Thank you as ever to the sponsors Traction. “

2nd October 2022:

Gregory Celtic v DAVENTRY TOWN 11 a side Football Tournament

Result: Daventry Town Win 1-3

“Played at St Crispins on a lovely autumn afternoon the game got off to a very good start. Clint set the team up with Lewis in goal as usual with a back four that saw Didsy and Lewis carry on a partnership they have for the school with Macca and Olly completing the four.

In midfield we had Noah Louis and Riley centrally with Owen left and Casey making his full debut. Toby had the tough role of lone striker. On balance it could be considered a safe formation especially considering what happened last week but the balance was actually fantastic and Daventry created plenty of chances with Toby well supported from the width Casey and Owen offered.

Daventry broke the deadlock on 22 when Louis scored a lovely weighted goal to lift the entire teams spirits. The goals came very quickly from there with Owen putting over an excellent corner (glad he listened to everyone’s advice on taking the corner ! 😀) and Lewis finishing from close. Then a minute after Daventry got a third when Toby latched onto a through ball from Louis. The goal was the least Toby deserved having put a real shift in up top. Understandably a few changes were made with Anders coming on for Owen George replaced Toby and Riley made was for Jack Jones. A slight lapse in concentration led to GC pulling a goal back on 34 minutes. Half time score remained 1-3.

The second half was largely uneventful which was quite nice to be honest. Sipos came on right side with Casey dropping to full back. Riley came back on and played some lovely football but there are notable mentions for Olly who was excellent as was Casey who didn’t stop running all game. Toby was superb previously stated. Louis scoring and assisting and Noah who was a machine in midfield. Lewis in goal gave, for many, his most assured display for the team.

Daventry Town are up and running and the comment that I heard after the match from a parent was that every lad out there the coaches everything. It is hard to disagree the attitude and spirit was amazing and I am sure a lot of the boys, if not all, will have a spring in their step tonight. Thank you as ever to the sponsors Traction.”

25th September 2022:

Welland Valley v DAVENTRY TOWN 11 a side Football Tournament

Result: Daventry Town Lose 8-1

“Clint the Manager had 17 players at his disposal today and discussed playing time ahead of kick off. It is a reality that some will play less than others as we try to manage a higher level league. The match itself was a game of two halves really the opposition were very tall throughout their team and their game plan was simple to see they play long high balls and exploit their physical presence.

Daventry were not overpowered to be honest despite the clear difference in height with Noah battling hard in midfield and coming out strongly. WV took the lead with a long shot on 7 mins which set the pattern somewhat of how they felt they would go about their goals. On 22 mins Toby played a ball to George who put it in to Jack for a nicely goal in a nice piece of play.

Daventry to their credit really tried to play football and sadly we will have a season where we see sides who are just massive. As Clint said we can do a lot but can’t add height to the players we just need to keep playing the ball as best we can on the ground. WV took the lead again two mins after we got level as we conceded another soft free kick in an area that leaves us exposed and the free kick went in to give them a half time lead.

The second half was fairly level to begin with but after 10 mins WV scored yet another long range shot to make it three one. Clint and Mike made a few changes as Daventry had little choice but to try to salvage something but sadly the team folded towards the end. WV scored their only well worked goal on 66 but without trying to sound bitter, even that had an element of hit and hope about it.

On 75 Olly scored a miss hit OG a minute later they looped a goal in. Lewis G made a string of decent saves low down and it was unfair on him to concede a goal through his legs on 78 mins and on 80 WV scored again. We found it disrespectful of their team to be shouting for double digits and this was a source of frustration as personally I do not believe that our team would resort to that. Sadly not everyone is the same. A really harsh lesson for a first game in the B league and one the boys will hopefully put behind them in upcoming games.

We will keep persevering with trying to play football but as we said afterwards we cannot change the reality that the lads are at the age where some will be massive and some less so. Man of the match was Pochin who played well all game and as Clint mentioned when Pochin was off we let more in. Thank you to our kit sponsors Traction Direct. “

18th June 2022:

DAVENTRY TOWN V Towcester 6 a side Football Tournament

Format : 8 minute games played straight through.

“Daventry Town had 7 players with one feeling quite unwell. The team was made up of Lewis G, Louis, Didsy, Lewis D, Theo, Matthew & Owen.

Results were hard to come by with four nil all draws in the opening four fixtures. The defence were solid whatever combination was played. Every player took a game out but with Lewis D feeling unwell he had slightly less game time. In the opening four games many chances were created in the first, second and fourth fixture. It is definitely fair to say that the third game proved to be the toughest challenge. With three league games left in the league Daventry began to click. The fifth game resulted in a 1-0 victory with an own goal sealing the win. This left us with two games to play and a chance to seal the top spot with two wins. A thumping five nil win in the sixth with a stunning quick fire hat trick from Theo plus a well taken Owen goal and a Didsy penalty giving us second spot with a game left. The final game in the league was a tense affair but Matthew scored with the final kick of the game to complete a one nil win and Daventry sealing top spot and a place on the quarter finals of the trophy. With a season where we only kept one clean sheet all season to finish this mini league with 7 consecutive clean sheets and in a good few of the games Lewis in goal a virtual bystander, it showed great defensive discipline with a cutting edge when required up top.

The quarter final was played over 8 minutes with a potential 2 min extra time if required then penalties if the game was still a draw after extra time. Daventry met Towcester Town A in the quarter final which resulted in a one nil defeat the Towcester goal coming from a throw in and unmarked header. The lads were absolutely gutted at the end which shows just how much they felt a semi or even final were within reach. Despite the disappointment our boys were an absolute credit to Daventry Town FC, their parents and indeed themselves. Well done and particularly excellent work in the league format. Onto the Daventry town tournament in the coming weeks. If there is the same attitude you never know!”

Traction Direct sponsoring local grassroots football