Stonewall
(2) 4 - 2 (2) South Kilburn
28th April, 2007 - League
Game
We started the game very
slowly and South Kilburn took the lead - we needed
to wake up and that we did. It was good move involving
passing from Marc on the right to me and then into
Iain there was a hand ball on the edge of the box
and Raph took the free kick beating the keeper with
relative ease, the goal keepers positioning on the
free kick was not the best but all credit to Raph
who took advantage of this. We did not hold on for
too long and after some in decisive/sloppy defensive
play South Kilburn took the lead.
We built again and after
a defensive error I was put in and slotted the ball
past the keeper from a tight angle. Lance was injured
towards the end of the first half but we managed
to go in at half time all level.
The second half saw us play
some of our best football of the season. The passing
was quick and slick and the pace of our attack good.
All areas of the team had their opposite numbers
sown up! Nigel and Gaku work well down the left
and Dan and Marc likewise down the right - with
the full backs playing out to the wide men this
is where we can do damage when we attack.
Iain scored the goal to go
3 - 2 up the South Kilburn keeper made a blunder
and Iain tucked the ball away. The 4th goal was
something special as it was some lovely football
- I think it started from the half way line - Marc
knocked into Iain who let the ball run for me who
put Iain in first time and Iain then went onto finish
well.
We frustrated South Kilburn
who began to fly into challenges and lose their
discipline - it was a good game for everyone, especially
in the second half.
Eric made a good save towards
the end of the game - tipping the ball over the
bar from a well struck shot, which allowed us to
finsh the game quite comfortably. It was good to
have the 4 defenders back together who kept the
clean sheets at the beginning of the season.
Forgetting the first 20 minutes
this was an excellent game of football especially
following the game last Thursday. Thanks to Finney
for making the trip down to support us through the
game - makes a difference having some vocal support
on the side line.
Team: Eric, Dan, Darren,
Lance, Nigel, Marc, Richard, Raph (1), Gaku, Iain
(2), Doug (1)
Subs - Michael E and Paul
F
back
to top
North Greenford United Social
(0) 3 - 3 (0) Stonewall
26th April, 2007 - League
Game
The first team gathered for
a clash against a team who were 3rd in the league.
They were a well-run club and, despite falling off
the promotion race recently, still had a lot to
play for.
The game kicked off in perfect conditions and the
Stonewall side looked strong and rather sexy on
the floodlit pitch. The football in the first half
certainly didn't match the conditions and the defences
were on top. It equalled a Chelsea v Liverpool clash
for entertainment value, as only two clear cut chances
were created by each team. Half time 0-0.
The half-time talk asked for a little more passion
from the players.
It seemed that both sides had been replaced half-time
and we were now watching two new teams (Man City
and Spurs, perhaps) as the attacking side of the
game came to the fore. Stonewall were the first
to score, via a nicely slotted shot by Gaku. The
second soon followed from Stonewall's top scorer
this year, Iain D, and at this point the game looked
like ending in a rout.
However Greenford were brought back into the game
from a speculative shot outside the box, which was
luckily deflected passed Eric. Greenford had made
3 substitutions at this point and the fresh pairs
of legs certainly made a difference as they came
on strong towards the end of the game.
We scored again on the break via a cross from Gaku,
which was skilfully headed in by Marc S. At 3-1
ahead perhaps we should have gone the Chelsea/Liverpool
(even the penalty shoot out was boring!) route and
played to backs of 4 to close the game out. However,
it was the end of the season so negativity was not
the order of the day. They did manage to score 2
goals and level at the death - probably because
there was more riding on the game for them. Final
score 3-3.
After seeing the first team in action, it is disappointing
that they fell away from the promotion race this
season.They certainly have enough players with the
quality to play in the top division of this league.
With the abject failure of the side last year in
the Prem League, I guess it was a little too much
to ask to bounce back so quickly. I'm sure, with
an increased committment from players, the champagne
will be flowing this time next year.
The team were:
Eric, John S, Lance, Darren, Aslie P (Roger), Nige
(Mike), Marc S, Richard Gaku, Doug, Iain
back
to top
Stonewall 2 - 3 Signcraft
21st April, 2007 - League
Game
We faced Signcraft on Saturday
a top of the table team who have already beaten
us 4 - 2 this season, taking us to pieces in the
second half of that game. So we knew this was going
to be a tough game - we had bare 11 though with
a number of players out injured. We did have a makesift
team all worthy of playing in the first team but
not a strong squad to select from.
I could not believe that we did not have a full
squad with the reserve team game cancelled due to
availability - I am not sure if the disappointment
filters through!
We were playing against adversity
and we all rose to the challenge making a very positive
start to the game. Lance had the back 4 in order
and in the early stages we were not tested to any
degree. We created more chances with Nigel and myself
having good chances with the keeper saving one shot
well.
When all looked good we conceded with some sloppy
defending - heads did not go down and we kept going
only to concede near the half time break. The second
goal was a long hopeful ball to an off side Signcraft
striker however no complaints as we could not fulfill
the duty of a linesman as we had 11 Stonewall players
on the pitch and Wallace was not up for running
the line!
So again we were playing at a disadvantage of our
own doing!
We went out in the second
half and importantly didnt conceded - John S worked
well at right back distributing the ball well and
working the channel. Nigel was playing in central
midfield with a pulled hamstring - he gave an attacking
option throughout the game, which made a real difference
to our attacks as it gave Signcraft somone else
to worry about.
We scored a deserved goal
- I scored from the edge of the box into the top
corner - this should have been our cue to get back
in the game but we conceded within 2 minutes from
a corner. Again our only defensive fault was that
we did not always clear our lines with conviction.
Nigel scored an individual goal to give us another
fighting chance by running through Signcraft and
sliding the ball into the corner from an acute angle.
We did not have further chances and so lost by 3
-2
Positive performance all
round - with a full squad Eric will have some tough
selection decisions to make. The team worked well
together and came away with a respectable result
and performance.
Team
Eric, John S, Roger, Lance,
Aslie, Egberto, Nigel (1), Richard, Gaku, Doug (1),
Iain
back
to top
Stonewall (2) 2 - 2(1) The
Wilberforce Wanderers
17th March, 2007 - League
Game
This week was on paper a
much easier proposition unlike in previous weeks
when we played Hayes twice. We went into the game
under Eric's instruction not to worry about them
and to concentrate on our own game.
Typical Stonewall start we
went one nil down after sloppy defending and poor
marking. The opposition had not troubled us and
we found ourselves going behind. This did not last
too long we begun to gain more of the possesion
and a goal came - the ball was crossed in and Dave
headed in at the back post to make it all even.
The game continued to be sloppy and I can only remember
a couple of occasions when we actually played half
decent football - we did not create any clear cut
chances at all and the ball seemed to go long everytime
to little impact. Raph pulled out an excellent individual
goal when he hit a shot from well outside the box
beating the keeper with power and precision.
Half Time - we came in at
2 -1 after not getting out of the starting blocks
- you could only think that we would take the game
to Wilberforce in the second half.....
We were the better team in
the second half and had Wilberforce on the back
foot without even getting into a flow. Wilberforce
were creating little until a free kick was hit heading
for the top corner with Eric making an excellent
diving save to tip the ball over the bar. Quite
late on in the half Wiblerforce broke free again
not great defending and their striker scored with
an unconvincing finish. At 2 - 2 we decided now
would be a good time to press for a winner! there
were numerous chances. Gaku squared a ball for Dave
in the box who shot at the keeper from close range.
Nigel came on and hit a volley beating the keeper
but not the defender on the line. Marc was through
on goal hit the ball which appeared to be going
into the bottom corner only for their keeper to
pull off a good save. There was not going to be
a late winner! one of those chances should have
been a goal....but it was not to be.
All in all not good enough,
we need to put those games to bed. Maybe we were
too complacent as we did not have to raise our game.
If we are playing lower teams we need to raise it
as we would against stronger teams. We drew last
week against a quality side only conceding one goal...not
quite sure how Wilberforce got this result.
Team:Eric, Roger, Darren,
Lance, Michael, Doug, Richard, Raph (1), Gaku, Marc,
Dave (1)
Subs - Nigel, John S, Aslie
back
to top
Stonewall (0) 1 - 1 (1) Hayes
United
10th March, 2007 - League
Game
We had Hayes again this week
after a hard game against them the week before on
astro we knew we were against a team that could
play really good football. Eric packed the midfield
this week with Dave playing up front in a 4 - 5
- 1 fomation. We had a strong squad this week -
with a subs bench of Nigel, Peter S and Gaku. We
also welcomed back Lance from his travels - Darren
was out with illness and so Lance and Adam played
as the centre halfs.
We started the game slowly
and allowed Hayes to play the game their way - which
involved slick one two's - a lot of movement and
a lot of pace. To be honest they were all over us
much like the week before. They scored early on
with a bit of a soft goal -Dan and Eric were indecisive
at the back and their winger scored with a fine
finish. It was worrying to concede so early but
we did not allow them any further clear cut chances.
Dave was isolated throughout the half although he
continued to work hard, to his credit. The midfield
was pegged back throughout the half allowing Hayes
to push on and we were continually under the kosh.
When we did get the ball we were not using it very
well and losing possession. Chances were few and
far between although Dave got in a good header from
a Raph cross which the Hayes keeper tipped onto
the bar.
Half time we came in at one
nil down - again this showed for Hayes dominance
in the play they were not getting through our defence.
Andy was on hand to tell us in his own inimitable
style his view and what we needed to do in the second
half to get a result - I will not repeat exactly
what he said.
The second half we were a
different team. The football was not the best that
we played or can play but we got stuck into them
and put them off their game - they even seemed to
tire towards the end of the game. It shows that
we need to adapt our game tactically sometimes to
get a result. Marc worked hard in the second half
to break up Hayes midfield play - it was to good
effect as they noticeably had less time on the ball
- Raph also worked hard earning himself a booking
for his troubles. Changes were made with Nigel,
Peter and Gaku coming on for Michael, Lloyd and
Rich. Nigel showed more down the left side and his
pace broke up many of the Hayes attack. Peter created
a good chance by turning neatly in the box and firing
in a shot that was well saved by the keeper.
We battled on right to the
end of the game and got our equaliser in the last
second (quite literally). A ball was headed out
by the Hayes centre half and from outside the box
I hit a first time volley that caught the goalkeeper
off the line and went into the top of the net. I
am trying not to big myself up - but it was a good
goal!
We worked hard on Saturday
and eventually got a result. Eric made a number
of tactical changes towards the end of the game,
which added pressure to Hayes as we were far more
attacking. It was great to have such a strong squad
with quality players on the bench that can come
on and add another dimension to the game.
It was good to go out to
Gavin's party after carving out a draw when we looked
certain to lose the game. Was a good party - hopefully
we will get that sort of turn out to the end of
season party - if we all make the effort (and utilise
Gavin's party organising skills!!)!
Team:
Eric, Dan, Lance, Adam, Michael,
Doug (1), Marc, Raph, Lloyd, Richard, Dave
Subs - Peter S, Nigel, Gaku,
Roger
back
to top
Hayes United (1) 3 - 2 (1)
Stonewall
3rd March, 2007 - League
Game
So after a good win we had
our season back on track and played Hayes who have
not played many games this season but have done
well against the good teams. The game was on astro
turf which does often suit us as a team.
We started the game under
the kosh and we knew that we were in a game their
interchange was excellent and they were a quick
and skillfull team and their play suited the large
astro turf pitch. I thought that we may get destroyed
but we did settle down after 20 minutes and played
well in patches. They were good going forward but
not great at the back - we had two consecutive corners
that Dave headed on target with the keeper pulling
off good saves I think a rebound shot from Marc
or Lloyd was also blocked well. Hayes took the lead
with one of their players hitting the by-line on
their right and getting in a cross that was easily
headed in - this goal was not down to individual
defensive errors but they purely beat the defence
for pace. The oppositions number 11 was particularly
dangerous and was creating havoc at times running
through half our team. Dan and I doubled up on him
so he switched wings - we need to be aware of him
in the return game. We equalised quite soon after
their goal - Iain was in the box not particularly
in a dangerous position but he was kicked and the
ref awarded a penalty - the opposition then went
'off on one'. I took the penalty and scored.
We went in level at half
time but we had been outplayed. The midfield was
being over run and we were losing possession a lot-
everytime we lost possession they came at us and
this was then a test of our fitness. We knew to
get a result we would need to retain more possession.
I cant remember how their
goals went in but they came in quick succession
at the start of the second half - the floodgates
could have then opened but to our credit we worked
hard as a team to prevent any further damage. Peter
Stark (yes Peter Stark) came on for Egberto to make
his first team return - a difficult game to come
back into - Peter did add more of a physical presence
upfront and it was good to have him back. Lloyd
had to come off injured and Nigel (injured) came
on to go left back and then Adam moved to centre
half. Nigels pace in the defence made a real difference.
We created one good chance with a cross in and Gaku
had a one on one - the keeper saved well. Iain pulled
a goal back - not sure who put him through but it
was down the left - Iain finished well with what
was his only real chance of the game. Game on at
3 -2 and we did apply more pressure.
We could have drawn this
match even though we were outplayed. The game was
only 3 -2 because we worked hard as a team - some
people were out paced and didnt have their best
games but everyone worked for eachother and we did
not give up - nearly getting a result. Eric will
have a good idea for next weeks tactics when we
face them again.
It was also good to see people
out for the kick homophobia out of football leaflet
hand-out in town. It was a good opportunity to do
some work for our sponsors and also to have a bit
of a social get together.
Team
Eric, Dan, Lloyd, Darren, Adam, Doug (1), Dave,
Marc, Gaku, Egberto, Iain (1)
Subs - Peter S and Nigel
back
to top
Hounslow Wanderers 1 - 3
Stonewall
24th Feb, 2007 - League Game
This
week we beat Hounslow the top team 3 - 1. We played
really well as a team coming back from 1 nil down
to play some excellent football.
Lloyd got the equaliser with a header from a corner.
Gaku got the second after Iain squared the ball
across the box and then Iain got the third with
a good finish after Egberto had hit the bar.
North Hayes Acedemicals (1)
1 - 1 (0) Stonewall
3rd Feb, 2007 - League Game
All change again this week
for the team to face North Hayes. We welcomed Raph,
Michael, Roger and Egberto making his Stonewall
debut.
The conditions were good
this week but still no sign of those that are more
inclined to play in the fair weather! I know the
availability emails are boring a lot of people and
offending others but the lack of availability led
the seconds to field a number of players that should
not be playing at the competitive level, that is
not their fault and all credit to those that offered
their services. The heavy defeat that the reserves
suffered is a reflection on the club as a whole
and not just the reserve team and we need to ensure
that we try and field 2 competitive teams a week
- as this is what we commit to when we enter the
middlesex county league.
The first half was very controlled
and we had a good shape to the team.
Defensively we were not troubled apart from when
we pushed on too much at set pieces - this was resolved
in the second half. We went 1 - 0 down and it was
not at the fault of an individual as the North Hayes
striker went past about 5 of our players to square
it to an unmarked player in the 6 yard box who finished
with ease. We did not have that many chances in
the first half actually I think Iain had the only
half chance at a tight angle, their keeper saved
the shot.
At half time the message
was very positive. We were a team that had not played
together before and we were playing some decent
football in patches.
Iain had to go to work and so Nigel came on - who
was benched through illness. Eric made a very shrewd
tactical change and put 5 in midfield - with Nigel
joining Marc and Raph in the middle with me upfront.
Second half I think the football
improved. The central midfield 3 linked up well
with myself upfront, by playing the ball to feet
and getting it out wide early. We scored - well
I say 'we' it was an outrageous own goal to make
it 1 - 1. It was the bit of luck that we deserved
to get our season back on track after last weeks
defeat. Gaku crossed the ball in and their defender
unchallenged headed into the corner! The game then
lacked any chances but we stayed tight as a unit
to retain possession and get the draw.
Roger was on form at the back and as always very
vocal - which is actually a welcome change.
We are well capable of beating
a team like North Hayes but we took some positives
from the game - Raph and Marc worked well in midfield
and with the addition of Nigel in the second half.
Michael did well at left back - playing some good
football out of defence.
Team:Eric, John S, Roger
C, Darren, Michael E, Egberto, Marc, Raph, Iain,
Doug, Subs - Nigel
back
to top
Stonewall (0) 1 - 2 (1) Islington
Shooting Stars
27th January, 2007 - League
Game
On Saturday we faced the
team that we thrashed 6 - 0 at Market Road - in
a game that we could have won by a cricket score.
Unfortunately Saturday was a different game, for
a start it wasn't on astro turf!
We had a number of people missing and again that
meant a new defensive line
up - Paul L returned to the team at left back, Dan
M at right back and it was good to have John E returning
to the first team to play on the right of midfield.
The game was uneventfull in the first 20 minutes
and to be fair we were probably cancelling eachother
out. We lacked creativity in the first half and
also positionally we were a bit all over the place
- at times we had 3 players going for the same ball.
Whilst chasing down play is good it cant be headless
- when more than one person chases someone down
or go for the same ball, it opens up gaps all over
the pitch that the opposition can exploit.
Islington took the lead towards the end of the first
half - not sure how they scored but it was virtually
the only chance that they had. Our end product and
final ball was not good enough throughout the half.
We were not poor in the half just lacked the cutting
edge.
Half time - 1- 0 down but
still a game we could win. We piled on the pressure
in the second half - Nigel went out to the right
which gave us another dimension going forward and
John E went into the centre of midfield and made
a difference by holding his position and distributing
the ball simply and quickly. By pushing forward
so much we were caught on the break and conceded
the second goal - it was a case of being out paced
whilst pushing on. John S came on in the second
half and worked hard down the right. I missed a
guilt edge chance when the keeper spilled the ball
from Dave's free kick - should have scored.
To our credit we continued the fight and did not
give up. Darren came close with a header from a
corner, which hit the bar. Late on Dave had the
ball on the half way line - played a decent ball
into the channel and I ran on to slot the ball between
the keepers legs. It showed how much pace they lacked
at the back - which could have been exploited down
the channels but it was too little too late. At
2 - 1 we had Islington well and truly rattled but
we did not have enough time to get the equaliser.
This has been a poor month
- there is no denying that we miss Lance at the
back and lack of availability has limited Eric's
choices, at times. But we have played well in patches
and you dont became a bad team over night. Other
results in the league went our way - so we are still
in the promotion chase. Lets work on some basics
Lets get out of the rut now - it is not much fun
to lose especially after how we have played this
season.
Team: Eric, Dan, Darren (c),
Adam, Paul, John E, Nigel, Rich, Gaku, Dave, Doug
1, Subs - John S
back
to top
Signcraft (1) 4 - 2 (2) Stonewall
20th January, 2007 - League
Game
After a draw last week against
a weak team we were up against tough opposition
on Saturday. We had a few players missing and again
our defense was a different line up. We had a good
back 4 but a back 4 that have not played together
as a unit before let alone this season. We welcomed
back John Cassidy who came out of semi-retirement
status to play in his usual position of left back.
We had an accomplished back 4 for the first half
of the season, who conceded very few goals, it is
going to be tough to anyone coming in.
We started the game poorly
and ended up 1 - 0 down after a lack of decisiveness
at the back between Nigel and Eric, as a result
the Signcraft striker hit the bar and then Darren
was alleged to have tripped the player following
in - not sure on how much contact was made. Signcraft
burried the resulting penalty - so the worse possible
start.
After this we started to
play some really decent football in patches, and
we used the wind to our advantage. Dave and I had
a number of half chances and we realised that as
a unit we had the beating of their defence. We equalised
by playing some lovely football - Dave released
me down the right - I squared to Dave on the edge
of the box or put in Gaku who took his time to slot
his shot in the corner - a good finish from Gaku.
This built our confidence throughout the team and
we went on to dominate. Soon after the equaliser
Dave chased down one of their defenders and the
ball fell to me in the box and I finished beween
the post and the goalkeeper - at 2 - 1 we looked
good throughout. Nigel and Rich were controlling
midfield - although we need to talk more in the
centre of midfield and call for the ball. We piled
on the pressure towards the end of the half which
led to a number of goal mouth scrambles.
The second half was a lot
different - we started with some nice football but
then to be honest we were out played. We leaked
3 goals all of which could have been prevented.
Playing against the wind and in to the sun was tough.
We ran out of ideas in the second half and when
Signcraft scored the equaliser it felt like everyone
was resigned to defeat - we need to be more positive
when we concede and fight back as a team. It is
so noticeable that our heads go down and we are
bound to concede again! Iain came on in the second
half for John but there was no hint of a fight back.
This saturday we need to
shake off the New Year blues and get some fight
back....even Eric was calm in defeat!
I also think that we need
the Club to pull together in 2007 - having available
players makes it much more healthy to have competition
for places and strength in depth. The xmas parties,
sales etc are so over - do you not miss your football?
and playing for Stonewall? if so make yourself available
whether it be for the firsts, seconds or the newly
formed recreational 3rd team!!
Team - Eric,
Roger C, Darren, Adam, John C, John S, Nigel, Richard,
Gaku (1), Doug (1), Dave Subs - Iain
back
to top
Stonewall (1) 2 - 2 (0) St
John's Althetic
13th January, 2007 - League
Game
A few changes this week
with Dan back and into the back 4 and with Lance
away Dave was brought back to play in the centre
of defence. So we had to change a very solid back
4. The pitch was as good as any pitch in this weather
but it was not ideal and the more the game went
on the more the pitch got cut up...that is no excuse.We
started the game well possibly too well. Within
5 minutes Iain scored after some nice play Marc
passed it to Iain on the edge of the box who turned
and lobbed the goalkeeper with an excellent finish!
At 1 - 0 we became very complacent and allowed St
Johns to really dominate the end of the second half.
The opposition were not poor but they were not good
and we were below par and could not get our game
together. It was frustrating more than anything.At
half time we went in 1 - 0 nil up but you would
think that we were losing badly - very subdued.
Into thesecond half and St John equalised after
we failed to clear our lines at the back. Back to
basics is sometimes the best policy on a boggy pitch
clearances should be row z! At 1 - 1 though we should
have still been in the game but our response was
negative and soon enough St Johns took the lead.
Their central midfielder walked through our midfield
and after some good play one of the players headed
home.
Changes followed with Dave
going up front me on to the right. Aslie came on
to play left back with Nigel replacing Marc in midfield.
We then started to play and showed a bit more commitment
- we did pile on the pressure and show some fight.
Can't remember the build up but Dave scored a very
good goal to equalise - good finish into the bottom
hand corner.The game ended with us on top. I dont
think that there is much point in dwelling too much
on this game - we did not lose and that is the important
thing. I think we lacked for a while the Stonewall
team spirit that can get us through games - we will
win, lose and draw together but at the end of the
day there is always next week and beers after the
game with team mates! We all know what we need to
do to win next week- take some resonsibility this
week for your fitness - go to the gym etc etc and
we can learn from our mistakes.
Team: Eric A, Nigel C, Dave
E(1), Darren L, Dan M, John S, Marc S (Aslie P),
Richard C, Gaku S, Doug E, Iain D (1)
back
to top
Harefield Ex-Servicemen (0)
0- 2 (0) Stonewall
2nd December, 2006 - League
Game
Last week really built up
our confidence after a convincing victory but we
knew that today was going to be a completely different
game. We have already lost twice this season to
this team in a couple of games where we know that
we should and could have done better.
We arrived early to the ground
as we learnt from previous occasion that it takes
ages to get there - we filled the time with some
intellectual banter (not!) and some tactical discussions
led by Eric. We welcomed back Koji to the team,
he slotted back onto the left of midfield. With
injured right backs John S stepped into the position
- following coming on for Dan last week. A thank
you as well to Aslie and Ibrahim who were on the
bench but did not manage to get on. It was a tight
game and defensive changes could not be made.
Harefield started much the
better - despite good preperation we were slow out
of the blocks and had a bit of a wake up call. They
played some good balls behind the defence particulary
on their left hand side. Apart from the early threats
they did not have that many chances during the first
half and we came back into the game more. After
a good cross from the left hand side Dave was in
one on one and volleyed a low shot which their keeper
saved well. Both Iain and I had chances but failed
to score. THe midfield was solid although we did
not win many headers in the half - Harefield were
winning first and second balls. Overall a good half
we could have been in the lead but nil all at half
time is not such a bad position to be in.
Second half we carried on
the good work and this game was about work - not
a game for showboating this really was a dig in
and work hard for the win.
Midfield was key to the battle and everyones positional
sense was a lot better and I think that the ground
suited Rich's tackles! It remained goalless for
a large part of the second half (which makes it
a bit nerve racking) I gave away the ball cheaply
and Harefield broke through to be one on one and
Eric made a good save to keep them out - that was
the scare!We then had a strong shout for a penalty,
well we thought that we had been given one - I was
wrestled to the ground and the whistle went but
after a debate nothing was given....dubious!!! We
then with about 20 minutes to go got the break -
a long speculative ball bounced over the defence
and with the keeper unable to get there quick enough
Dave knocked the ball past him.
It felt like a well deserved goal and a relief -
a calm finish at a crucial time. Once we got the
goal we had quite a lot of possession and started
to catch them on the break as they pushed for the
equaliser. Iain was put through on another break
and a committed defender took his legs.
From the resulting free kick Iain scored - well
I say Iain it took a rather obvious deflection from
one of their defenders. Anyhow any goal is a good
goal and it made the last few minutes go easier.
A good win that takes us
top of the league - although Eric is very quick
to say this means nothing at this stage of the season.
I know what he means but it does feel good - a sentiment
I am sure shared by the team.
After a good win we all enjoyed
Stonewall's birthday party!
Team: Eric, John S, Darren,
Lance, Nigel, Doug, Marc, Richard, Koji, Dave (1),Iain
(1) Subs:Aslie,Ibrahim
back
to top
Islington Shooting Stars
0 - 6 (4) Stonewall
25th November, 2006 - League
Game
We were playing at a familiar
ground this week - Market Road where we have
summer training. We had to adjust our game a little
this week as the game was unusually on astro turf,
with all the rain we thought that this may make
the surface very zippy, although this was not really
the case.
Islington Shooting Stars
are bottom of the league but as we know only to
well we have been in this position and then pulled
off victories against the top teams. So the moral
is that we could not take anything for granted on
the pitch, which we didn't.
We have not had a game for
a couple of weeks and prior to that we had hit a
slight dip in our season, so it was important that
we made a good start. We did start well and it was
obvious in the first few minutes that we were the
superior football team. We scored early on - Dave
broke down the left put in a low cross which the
keeper fumbled and then I slotted the ball into
the vacant net - a gift. This allowed us to settle
and start to play some good football, which often
started at the back with Lance. The second goal
was an own goal - I put in a low corner and their
own player did us the favour of putting it in his
own net (it must have been the immense power of
the corner!!!). We then dominated the game and we
all won our individual
battles with relative ease. The third goal came
from the centre of midfield - Marc broke through
their defence with pace and kept going to be one
on one with the goalkeeper, he then slotted the
ball calmly into the bottom corner.
At 3 - 0 we upped the level
and our pace down the flanks and direct style was
proving too much for Islington. The forth goal came
from a mix up in defence and I found myself one
on one with the goalkeeper (with almost too much
time) and slotted the ball low into the corner.
Iain had a number of chances in the first half and
it was just not going in for him. Dave and Iain
were putting in some good balls for me to run onto
and we were threatening everytime we broke from
defence.
At half time there was not
much to say when you are 4 - 0 up. Eric did though
make the point that we were not always making the
right choices in front of goal. I know I could have
squared a ball to Dave - but I had hat-trick on
my mind. I think against better opposition we have
to make the correct choices and we will.
Second half was tighter and
not the onslaught that we had in the first half.
That is though normally the case in games when you
go in at half time a number of goals in front. Jorge
(welcome back) came on at half time for Dave, who
was suffering with a slight injury. The football
at times was good - Marc and Nigel both put in low
crosses, which I should have got contact on. Dan
made way for John S quite early on as Dan turned
on his ankle. John carried on Dan's good work as
right back. The fifth goal came from Lance who found
himself through on goal (not sure what he was doing
so far up the pitch!!) and hit a low shot which
hit the post and crept
in....Eric now owes Lance £20! The fifth goal
came soon after and to the relief of Iain - he was
put through and from a difficult angle go a shot
off with lots of power to beat the oppositions goalkeeper.
It was probably Iain's hardest chance that he had
in the game - good finish. John Payne came on for
the last 15 and created a couple of chances - but
we stopped at 6 goals.
The defence although not
exactly tested - looked really solid. Dan and Nigel
both getting forward to good effect.
We need to be very aware
that next week will be different. We did a good
job on a lesser team. We will not have as much time
in the centre of the park (actually all over the
park)and we will need to move the ball quicker out
wide.
It was great to have the
support this week - so thanks to all those that
came to watch and cheer us on! It was also good
to have John S and John P to come from the reserves
to play - that is what a football club is all about.
Very good all round.
Team: Eric, Dan M, Lance
(1), Darren, Nigel, Doug (2), Marc (1), Richard,
Gaku,
Dave, Iain (1) Subs - Jorge, John P, John S
back
to top
Stonewall (0) 2 - 0 North
Hayes Academicals
4th November, 2006 - League
Game
We needed a result today
after 3 losses on the trot. It was good that we
had a strong team out to face the task ahead. It
was good to welcome back Dan Miller who was on the
bench. Eric was a lot more tactical at the start
of the game with more tangible instructions about
holding positions and attacking options.We started
the game quite comfortably - there was loads of
space down the
channels and there were good balls for both me and
Iain to get down them.
It was the final ball that was lacking to give us
that cutting edge. We were passing the ball quicker
than in previous weeks and this led to more chances
and less offsides. Both Iain and I had guilt edge
chances in the first half that we should have scored.
The opposition were well
contained by our defence, I cant remember Eric having
to make a save. All over the pitch we were the better
side and looked quality when we passed the ball
- that is from defence to attack.
Half time - Andy W was present
to provide some words of wisdom - we were
playing well but we required some constructive criticism!
Into the second half and
me and Dave swapped so Iain was upfront with Dave
and I was on the right wing. It is good that we
now have attacking options that can also give a
different dimension.Iain scored an individual goal
although I would like to claim an assist! I took
a throw in quickly to send Iain through, who then
rounded a defender and rolled the ball into the
corner - classy play from the birthday boy.
There were then a number
of chances created through quick one touch passing
- cant remember the detail of these but they were
created through neat football - maybe ended up trying
to walk the ball into the net a little bit! The
second goal came from a long ball (from Darren I
think) and then Dave managed to scramble through
a couple of players and almost walk the ball in
- their keeper hesitated about coming out and then
pure strength got Dave the chance.
At 2 - 0 we were comfortable
again Eric did not have a save to make and no-one
really troubled our defence. When we do go 2- 0
up the midfield need to remember that we still have
defensive duties - I can remember hearing Lance
asking where the midfield was infront of him. So
we improved on postitions through the game but there
is still work to be done on this as stronger opposition
will capatilise on vacant positions and gaps on
the park. The difference was today that all 12 of
us can say that we played well - everyone did their
job and then we played together as a team.
If you look at the league
table we have played some of the weaker teams and
then lost against the top team, so we need to maintain
and improve on this performance.
Team: Eric, Adam, Darren
(c), Lance, Nigel, Dave (1), Marc, Richard, Gaku,
Doug,
Iain (1) Subs - Dan
back
to top
Kentish Town (3) 3 - 2 (2)
Stonewall
28th October, 2006 - League
Open Cup Game
We were playing a team a
divsion below us who had also not won a game all
season, so this should have been an opportunity
to dominate a team and get a good win after two
defeats in a row. The ground was quite heavy but
not such a bad a pitch. There were a couple of players
missing so Paul L came in to replace Mikey at left
back and John S started on the right hand side of
midfield, Alex played on the left hand of midfield.
Adam started at right back with Nigel on the bench.
It was actually a good start
for Stonewall, which makes a change! there were
a few early scares but we did not allow them any
clear cut chances. The first goal came in the first
ten minutes. Long kick by Eric then Iain had a shot/cross
that went cross the box too far. I brought the ball
back stepped past a defender and slotted the ball
past the keeper. At 1 - 0 up I could feel that the
game could end up being a rout! this was however
not to be the case.
Kentish town got back in
to the game quite quickly and equalised - the goal
came from a pacey run down their right and a pull
back with a good finish. At this stage it was not
of much of a concern we were creating chances up
front - when we assed and moved. The linesman (their
player) was very quick to raise his flag - I have
a reputation for being offside but there were some
contentious decisions and some blatently wrong ones!
We need to be aware that we don't have match officials
this season so we need to give that extra yard just
to make sure (something I certainly need to do).
We also need to release the through ball quicker,
before they can step up.Then it all kind of went
wrong! we let them in for two cheap goals and we
found ourselves 3 - 1 down. We then went on the
attack and had a number of chances -Iain came close
a couple of times after some good footballing moves.
Adam had a shot that their keeper saved very well.
Finally we got a goal back - I cant remember the
build up but the result was that Iain slotted the
ball under the keeper into the bottom corner - 3
-2 we were back in the game.
Half Time - obviously Eric
was not best pleased...to say the least.
The second half was much
the same but I would say that we actually played
better football in patches in the first half. They
failed to score in the second half - towards the
end it was due to Eric coming out to close their
players down to good effect. Nigel came on to play
on the right and his pace and tenacity made a difference.
We won a penalty - Marc put me through I took a
touch and was in on the keeper but was pulled back
by their defender something that was happening to
Iain as well in he first half. Iain stepped up to
take the penalty and their keeper saved well. We
did have the chances to equalise in the second half
but these were not taken - we got a bit desperate
towards then end of the game and so the football
went out the window. We seemed to lack fitness in
midfield - which should be the engine of the
team. Holes then appear over the pitch, which could
be due to fitness or lack of positional awareness.
There was also too much sliding in and over committing,
which allows teams to run through us and we also
concede too many needless free kicks. We
are now out of both cups and so our focus is promotion
- which we have now learned will not be easy it
will involve hard work and also getting back a bit
of team spirit.
Team: Eric, Adam, Lance,
Darren, Paul, John, Marc, Richard, Alex, Doug (1),
Iain
(1)- Subs:- Nigel
back
to top
Harefield Ex-Servicemen (1)
3 - 1 (0) Stonewall
21st October, 2006 - Division
One Cup Game
Still my dismal record of
never winning a Cup game with Stonewall continues.
5th Season 7 Cup Games 0
Wins….. Still have a lot in common with West
Ham’s Alan Pardrew at the moment. Anyway as
these match reports are supposed to be about the
team and not the writer let me continue…
After a very poor preparation
for the game with most of us arriving 30mins before
kick off at Harefield which I believe to be near
Swindon, that’s how long it felt to get there
from Hammersmith. We can always dwell on the poor
preparation for the game, but to be honest it what
counts on the pitch. There will be times when this
happens, we just have to be big enough and ugly
enough to be able to get over it.
After losing our top spot
in the league to Harefield the previous week at
home 2-1, we felt we had a point to prove. We knew
we are the better footballing side and for most
parts of the game showed that last Saturday. The
first 20 minutes belonged to harefield they created
two good chances, one which Eric got down low to
save, and another which was a shot from 25 yards
about a foot wide. But to be honest that’s
all they had for the second week running. However
after 25 minutes, the usual self implosion experts
at Stonewall struck again. A long throw in from
the left was flicked on by their number nine and
just bobbled across the line and clipped the post
an in. That’s 3 times this season. And the
last, from an area we are now becoming all to familiar
with. I am not going to have the blame game on this,
but it would be nice to see some encouragement to
players when they come and give up their Saturdays
to come and play for us, rather than shouting at
them.
For the rest of the half
we dominated. We got more into the game. Winning
a lot of free kicks in their half but not punishing
them where we should be. A big note from last week
was the improvement of the delivery of the ball
in the box. However, we need to remember if we get
the ball into the box first time, it puts us in
the advantage.
1-0 Harefield half-time.
Second Half: In the first
five minutes just like the week before we conceded
two goals in a game that we were completely in control
of. They had a decent header bounce up and hit Nigel
on the hand and the ref had no other choice other
than give a penalty. It was an unlucky penalty to
give away but I think it was more of a penalty rather
than not a penalty. 2-0 Harefiled. Their number
10 scored.Two minutes later…. Their number
eight was played in by a ball that split our defence
and chipped Eric for 3-0. 48 mins gone 3-0. For
the rest of the game… it was all Stonewall.
And that’s all I can say. We made a change
which saw David (turn –up) and replaced Paul
L whose confidence was growing as the game went
on and made some timely interceptions to take the
pressure of our defence. All I can say is that we
could have won that game 6-3, in the second half.
But more importantly we didn’t. We lost 3-1,
after Koji pulled one back with his powerful shot
from the egde of the box. We hit the crossbar, Nigel’s
header was less than a foot wide. David had 2/3
chances, Koji and Gaku got in good positions. But
it never happened.
Even though we played terrific
football in the second half, it was disappointing
to see so many people arguing with each other during
the game. This has to stop. We need encouragement
not stupid petty arguing when we hit our low points…
A lesson for all. - MK
Team: Eric, Mikey Lance,
Adam T, Nigel, Koji(1), Marc, Darren, Gaku, Paul
L(Dave E), Doug. - Sub: Ibrahim
back
to top
Stonewall (1) 1 - 2 (0) Harefield
Ex-Servicemen
14th October, 2006 - Division
One
This was a big game this
week - it was geared as our first real test as it
was a first v's second in the league!
We had a reshuffled line
up which was changed right up before the game. Scott
came in to play in goal (Eric as sub inorder to
watch the game), Darren returned into the centre
of midfield (Koji absent) and as Iain was away it
was me and David upfront with Marc and Gaku on the
wings. The defence remained unchanged from last
weeks draw.
Again we were off to a slow
start and Harefield far looked the better side.
We would have been a goal down early on if it wasn't
for a great save by Scott who flew to his right
to tip a hard shot over the bar! Lance was then
booked for a challenge early on for a miss timed
challenge (which didn't look that bad although I
could hear it!!!).
We took the lead against
the run of play. It came again from a set piece
- a low corner was sent in David made the near post
run, the ball then ran through was not cleared and
Lance hit the ball in with a great strike (it was
to be an eventfull day for Lance). At 1 - 0 up I
thought that we were much more composed up until
half time.
Half Time - Eric made it
clear that they had been the better side and that
we needed to raise it for the second half. We had
one chance in the first half and taken it - they
had failed to convert their chances.
At the start of the second
half there was a miss communication between Lance
and Scott - these things happen and Harefield could
not fail to score. It has to be said this was a
gift to them. It was not long after this that Lance
was sent off for an Innocuous foul - it seemed to
me that it was shoulder to shoulder - but it was
as if that the ref was out to send off Lance as
he had previously booked him and had a word about
another challenge. I think Lance was sent off as
he was deemed to be the last man - when he went
shoulder to shoulder with Harefields striker.
We went down to 10 men and
quite soon after that we had the double blow of
going a goal behind. It was conceded froma set piece
and it ended up going in against Dave.
We did fight on throughout
the game and we actually played our best football
with 10 men. Scott made one good save down to his
left and I think that was about all the goal action
that they had. We were all aware how to change the
formation when we were down to 10 and we used a
couple of options, which shows our versatility as
a team.
We had one chance to get
a draw which came from a good cross from Marc and
a
header from Mikey, which just went wide. Mikey did
well to get into the attacking postion from left
back.
We play Harefield next week
and I fancy our chances as we again have a strong
squad. We know what they are capable of and it is
no more or less than any other team that we have
played so far this season. For their early dominance
in this game they did not score - it has to be remembered
they did not score a goal that did not stem from
our errors. Throughout the game we gave away a lot
of fouls (I am not talking about Lances sending
off) lot of flying in and also pushing the opposition
in the back. We do not need to do this!!! stand
up to players and show them the line - dont jump
in (timing a challenge is different). We break up
our flow by fouling and we also allow teams to put
us on the back foot - we don't need to do it - no
one is that much better than us that requires us
to foul them.
Scott, Nigel, Lance (1),
Adam, Mikey, Marc, Darren (c), Richard, Gaku, Doug,
David Subs - Eric
back
to top
FC Assyria (1) 2 - 2 (0)
Stonewall
7th October, 2006 - Division
One
We were playing in West London
on a good day for football (weather wise)
and on a great pitch that was wide and even, so
should have suited our
passing game.
The team had some minor changes
from last week due to availability. Adam
was at centre half due to Darren being absent and
Marc came into midfield
as Gaku was not available for selection. Eric also
went for a 4-3-3
formation with Iain, myself and David playing up
front. Eric made this
selection partly based on FC Assyria not having
won a game this season.
For some reason we did not
get out of the starting blocks for this game
although all the correct preparation was there.
It seems to be a trend
where we are comprehensively beating teams one week
and then dropping our
standard the next. I am not sure if this was complacency
or perhaps we
should have started 4-4-2 with me going onto the
right of midfield. FC
Assyria certainly had the best of the start of the
game and Eric soon
realised that we had to revert back to 4-4-2. It
was a frustrating half -
we were not getting the ball down and playing simple
football. Mikey was
making some good runs on the left but the final
ball was launched long - we
need to show more for each other and give options.
Throughout the game, we
were also getting dispossessed in midfield - it
is that extra touch and
turn that allows the opposition to snap at our heels
- it is so important
especially in the centre of midfield that the ball
is released out wide
quickly so we can start the attacking move.
We did at stages of the first
half create a couple of chances. Koji put in
a good cross that came to me at the back post. I
chested down and volleyed
past the keeper but a defender cleared off the line.
From the resulting
corner Lance won the ball in the air and it fell
to Iain who fired over the
bar. We had a number of free kicks in the first
half but many were wasted.
We did nearly pull off our free kick routine but
I went too early and was
caught offside - although we do know that this free
kick can work if we/I
get the timing right.
We went 1-0 down in the first
half and I have to be honest and say that I
dont remember much about the goal although it hit
the bar and then it was
slotted in by one of their strikers. I do know though
that they went
mental after scoring. They were at home and had
good support - this, it
seemed, was their FA cup final and it certainly
showed that they were more
vocal and wanted the game more than us.
In the second half we did
eventually start to play some football although
again it took us some time to get into the flow.
The main thing was that
we did not panic about being a goal down. The sense
was that we were not
playing well but we would eventually get back into
the game. It took
longer than I expected but Iain finally scored the
equaliser with a calm
finish into the bottom left hand corner, Iain is
on good form and could
have scored with a similar chance moment after the
goal. At 1-1 we became
more composed. We had issues with the offside in
defence this week - this
was because of the lack of an official linesman.
It is going to be the
same for the best part of the season so we need
to establish what system we
play.
We went 2-1 up with about
10 minutes to go. The ball was out on the right
and after some work between David and Nigel it came
to Iain who got to the
by-line and delivered a great cross, which I headed
into the top corner
(can you believe that I did score a header and quite
a good one!). At 2-1
up I felt confident that we had been average but
got ourselves back into
the game and we would win it. A couple of chances
ensued that went to
waste - in particular Koji ran into the box and
squared just behind David.
I think Koj was caught in two minds about going
alone or passing. FC
Assyria then launched their bid for an equaliser
and Eric pulled off a
fantastic save down at his left to push the ball
round the post. We were
under pressure and failing to clear our lines. Eventually
the ball from a
corner went through a number of players and trickled
in the net to make it
2-2 in the dying moments of the game.
Due to the game being so
tight John was unable to get on this week. This
is so frustrating to not get a game on a saturday
especially as John has
been playing well for the reserves and has the potential
to be a first team
player. This though will not always be the case
and everyones time does
come.
2-2 was on the day a fair
result although I think I can say on behalf of
the team that we were gutted to draw. We were not
at our best but ended up
fighting back to minutes away from a victory. We
are still unbeaten in
this league and when we play below par we do not
lose, which is the sign of
a good team. I think everyone knows as a team and
individuals that we need
to raise it for next Saturday - and we will! - DE
Team: Eric,
Nigel, Lance (c), Adam, Mikey, Marc, Koji, Richard,
Doug (1), David,
Iain (1) Subs - John
back
to top
Stonewall (2) 4 - 1 (1) Bridge
Rovers
30th September, 2006 - Division
One
Again we had a strong team
to play against Bridge Rovers. It is early days
in the season but we have a real squad feeling with
people regularly being
available it means we have consistency and we all
know our jobs.
A couple of positional changes
this week - Mikey was back and so slotted
into his left back position and Nigel was right
back, which is now not such
an unfamiliar postion for him. I moved into right
midfield with Iain and
Dave up front and Gaku came in to play on the left
flank after a positive
performance with the seconds last week.
We started the game slowly
and they looked to be about even on the balance
of play in the first 15 minutes. We established
that their number 10 was
their best player, he was a striker who drifts to
the wing - so he was
picked up by Nigel and Darren. Although we were
slow to start they did not
have any clear chances. Twenty minutes in and we
started to play some good
football and once pressured, Bridge Rovers were
making errors and it seemed
as though their only tactic was the long ball or
to get it to the dangerous
number 10. We took the lead again from a set piece
routine - I drilled the
ball in low to the near post - Iain let it run through
and it fell to Koji
to calmly slot the ball past the keeper into the
bottom right corner. It
is testament to the coach and Eric that we score
from corners - we did a
lot of work on them in training and the movement
in the box is now
excellent - the delivery is ok as well!!! The opposition
seemed to fall
apart a little and begun to argue with each other.
We seized on this and
when they were backchatting the referee, I took
a free kick quickly through
to Iain who ran right through to score - excellent
finish. Moments later
after scoring, a defender was dwelling on the ball
and presented Iain with
a good chance - probably shocked by the gift Iain
hit the post - he almost
hit his shot too well. At 2:0 it should have been
game over but after they
had a throw in which was flicked over at the near
post and left for a tap
in - sloppy defending, which Eric made everyone
aware of at half time! We
allowed them back into the game just before half
time - which was criminal
going on how much better we were.
Second half. We started strongly.
They moved their number 10 into the
centre of midfield in an attempt to probably get
him on the ball more -
which he did but nothing came to fruition. We went
3:1 up quite quickly -
our 3rd goal was an Iain special - he flicked over
one defender, took it
round another before rolling the ball into the net
past their goalkeeper -
quality goal. This settled us for the second half
and we were much more
fluent with our football. The 4th goal was another
good move. I made a run
from the right into the centre and Iain slipped
the ball through - I went
round one defender and then finished into the bottom
right from the edge of
the box.
Alex came on after that down
the right and played some tidy football. As
our standard rose Bridge Rovers were getting quite
frustrated and made some
nasty challenges - at this point having Richard
and Dave on the pitch is a
real bonus as they are very physical and give as
good as they get. The
defence held strong throughout and Eric did not
have a save to make. Nigel
had a good game at right back - winning everything
in the air and there was
little chance of any of them doing him for pace.
Leighton came on to go up
front towards the end of the game and came close
with one chance - he also
supported us vocally throughout the game, which
really does help when
you're playing.
They did score a goal which
was quite rightly ruled out for off side. As
a result of this one of their players got sent off
for going on at the ref.
This teams attitude was bad and they accused the
ref and our players of many things, that were ridiculous.
- DE
Team: Eric, Nigel, Darren,
Lance, Mikey, Doug (1), Koji (1), Richard, Gaku
, Iain (2), David . Subs - Alex and Leighton
back
to top
Wilberforce Wanderers (1)
1 - 2 (1) Stonewall
23rd September, 2006 - Division
One
Stonewall 1st had an easy
journey to Tufnell Park to play this game. We knew
we had to improve on last week's performance and
so we did.
With a pink paper sports writer turning up to do
a match report for the paper, Stonewall got warmed
up and focused.
Eric discussed a 3 at the back system with wingers
being alert enough to change into a 4 when the need
arose. With everyone sure about what was expected
of them on the pitch we had a strong and switched
on team.
Stonewall saw some much calmer football than the
week before but the ground was still bumpy and the
pitch small. Our first goal came from a corner.
Doug hit a low cross into the box that Drainer let
go through his legs into the 6 yard box and a thirsty
Dave got some part of his body on it, making our
first goal.
About 15 mins later, Wilberforce got a goal that
would give them a bit of hope. With our back 3/4
pushing the line, a Wilberforce player knocked to
another who was sitting an easy 1 1/2 yards offside.
With the ref not knowing whether to use the linesman
(who flagged it) or not, he gave against us (not
sure how as it was soooo offside) and Wilberforce
were back in the game 1-1.
The rest of this half saw some good football, with
SFC winning alot of corners. We looked threatening
at nearly every corner we had. Doug found Marc S
on the edge of the box twice and Koji on the edge
with a header that just missed top corner. This
is the kind of crossing and movement in the box
that will earn us plenty of goals this season.
HALF TIME 1-1
2nd half started the same but we new that from our
half time talk we needed to get on with this job
and get a bit of killer instinct in these games
as a team . The luxury of not having linesmen this
season had also showed and cost us, as we did not
play to the refs whistle in the 1st goal we conceded.
We need to have a lesson learnt here and not have
a season of complaints but still goals that we should
have dealt with until the whistle. Note for everyone
:)
Again we were strong and seemed to be playing the
wings a lot more. Eric had a change he wanted to
make and when the moment came everyone knew where
they were to go. At about 15 mins in Eric called
a change, which sub Alex.B came on for Marc.S and
a few players switched their positions. It turned
out to be effective as moments later the ball was
passed across the pitch thru a few players then
ended up at Lance's feet who put a lovely ball into
the box, which Dave E, headed back across the goal
mouth and a committed Drainer took himself and the
ball into the net. 2-1
Wilberforce still stayed in the game and got a few
good chances off in the last half, forcing Eric
to be on his game, making some good shot stoppers.
But the game ended 2-1 Stonewall. - NC
Team: Eric A, Adam T, Darren L, Lance W, Nigel C,
Marc S (Alex B), Dave E, Richard C, Koji N, Iain
D, Doug E.
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Stonewall (1) 1 - 1 (1) Hounslow
Wanderers
16th September, 2006 - Division
One
Good points: Last 20 mins
of first half and first 25 mins of second half very
impressive………..up until the final
ball. It must be better. Lots of possession but
how many saves did their keeper actually make. Not
many. We must make better decisions when we have
the ball.
Bad points: started badly
and finished badly. Lost our formation towards the
end which isn’t good. Its difficult for me
when that happens cos I am stuck in goal when I
would rather be on the bench but we don’t
have a keeper except me and scott so cant retire
yet!!
Draw isn’t end of world,
good kick up the arse. - EA
Team: Mikey K,Darren L, Lance
W, Dan M, Nigel C, Koj N, Richard C, Marc S, Doug
E, Dave E - Subs - Gaku S, Adam T
St.John's Athletic (0) 0
- 4 (1) Stonewall
9th September, 2006 - Division
One
First things first - congratulations
to David, Richard and Adam on making their 1st team
debuts. Based on first impressions it seems all
three with have a major part to play for the club
this season.
The first half was a half of few chances and although
we had the lion share of possession we lacked a
cutting edge in the final third. Half an hour in
and Doug swung in a corner (his dead ball deliveries
throughout this game were second to none) and after
a mad scramble in the six yard box David managed
to nod home. 1-0. The rest of the half was pretty
non-eventful but the defence looked solid - so much
so that I can't remember Eric having to make a save.
The second half came and, man for man, we dominated.
We were first to the second ball, won everything
in the air and were far more creative in and around
their area. The second goal came 10 minutes into
the second half and once again a corner from Doug
was met by a towering header from David who grabbed
his second. Ten minutes later Iain, following a
burst of electric pace (joke), was one on one with
their keeper before being dragged down by their
central defender who to be honest should have been
red carded for that challenge and yellow carded
for a similar challenge on Doug in the first half
- he received neither. However, we were awarded
a penalty which was slightly controversial as Iain
hopped, skipped, jumped and dived his way into the
penalty area! Iain not only suffered a grazed head
for his troubles but selflessly stepped to one side
and allowed David to cooly slot home the resulting
penalty for his hat trick. Not a bad debut. 3-0.
The fourth was pure quality (there's no bias here......
honest). A long ball from the back was flicked on
by Gaku into path of Doug (go sister go!) who shifted
the ball onto his favoured right foot and volleyed
home from 18 yards. 4-0. The final 15 minutes were
scrappy but our goal was never threatened thanks
to a commanding performance from our right back.
Ahem. Final score 4-0.
Finally I'd like to a big thank you to Mark (our
coach) who was also making his debut. I think I
speak on behalf of the whole team when I say that
your pressence on Saturday made a huge difference.
- DM
Team: Eric, Dan, Darren (c), Lance (Adam), Mikey,
David (3), Richard, Koji, Nigel (Gaku), Doug (1),
Iain.
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