Match Reports

Read about how the teams did in the wekends games, written be either a player or manager from the team.ch Reports - Team 1

Stonewall (1) 2 - 0 (0) London United Football Academy Saturday 01 March 2008 - League Game Trying to bounce from a very harsh defeat last week-end, Stonewall FC was facing London United Football Academy (LUFA) at Barnes Elms Playing Field. Stonewall started well and created some good chances early on in the game and was unlucky not to go 1-0 up when Doug Edward ran onto a good pass from Raphael Lennon and was one on one with the keeper who managed to clear the ball. The first half saw some really good defending from a very solid Stonewall back four. Eric Armanazi didn't have a great deal to do in the goals for the first 20 minutes as Lance Wells and Nathan Urquhart were towering over LUFA strickers and did not give them a yard. On the 25th minute, James Allen won a free kick on the left. Nigel Reed wiped the ball in the penalty area and found an unmarked Nathan Urquhart who headed the ball into the net past a helpless keeper. It was his first goal for Stonewall FC, what a joy to see. 1-0 Stonewall. As it happens often with Stonewall, the players relaxed a little bit and left LUFA back in the game with a succession of corner kicks which need some great defensive work from Michael English and Darren Lewis. Half-time came without any further clear chances for either side. Stonewall needed to increase their work rate especially upfront. The message was well received by the team and the second half saw a much improved display. Dave Ellard, discreet until then, started well and was linking very efficiently with Gaku Sato on the right of the pitch. Both players were putting a lot of pressure on LUFA's defense. Michael English, in a unusual position of left midfield was working hard and was proposing some interesting option and was unlucky not to score with a header from the edge of the area blcked by the keeper. LUFA was suffering. On the 60th minute, Darren Lewis got the ball back from one of LUFA's player, passed it on to Raphael Lennon, who beat the offside trap, crossed the ball for James Allen who could not find the net from 6 yards out. Great move and a contender for miss of the season. Stonewall needed a second goal and it came ten minutes later with another great move from Dave Ellard who beat 3 players, passed the ball to Gaku Sato in the penalty area. Gaku released it for James Allen who made amend for his previous miss by slipping the ball to Raphael Lennon who made no mistake from 10 yards with a fierce shot that left no chance to the keeper. 2-0 Stonewall. The game got a little bit disjointed with both teams creating some chances and Eric Armanazi had to pull a couple of good saves to keep a clean sheet. Aslis Pitter came on for James Allen for the last 10 minutes and worked hard in a very unusual position of second striker, putting pressure on LUFA's right-back. Stonewall continued their great work and was keeping possession of the ball easily but couldn't find the net a third time. Final score 2-0 to Stonewall FC. A great victory, a clean sheet for the first time this season and some very good moves and passing. This summarises a very good afternoon for Stonewall FC. Man of the match, Michael English, was playing in a new position for him and did extremelly well supporting the central midfield and the strickers from the left hand side. The team : Eric Armanazi - Nigel Reed, Lance Wells, Nathan Urquhart, Darren Lewis - Michael English, Raphael Lennon, Dave Ellard, Gaku Sato - James Allen (Aslie Pitter, 80th), Doug Edward. Goals : Nathan Urquhart - 25th min Raphael Lennon - 70th min Man of the Match : Michael English Park View 2 - 2 Stonewall Saturday 2nd February 2008 - League Game Saturday’s game took us to the delightful Wood Green to play on an astro turf pitch, we are used to this sort of surface as we train on it and we knew if we could keep possession and play our football then we could continue our current good form, because of our back to back wins there was a confident mood in the changing room/cupboard, we had a very strong starting 11 and bench which meant we had to be on the top of our game. The previous weeks had seen us go behind before we started to play, Saturday’s game however had a different start and from the KO we played well kept possession and looked comfortable. We scored first from a corner that was whipped in by Doug and a glancing header from Koji found the back of the net. 1-0, we’re obviously not used to taking the lead as it doesn’t happen that often!!! And as soon as we scored things started to go wrong, the opposition we’re all very comfortable on the ball and passed it well, they also had an abundance of pace and used this to create numerous chances. Without an out and out striker on the pitch the opposition defenders we’re allowed to pass the ball out from the back, this also meant that when we did get forward there wasn’t enough bodies in the box, which meant extra touches had to be taken, then by the time our midfield players got into good positions the chance to create a goal scoring opportunity had gone. Then we found ourselves short at the back and with them having an obvious advantage of being younger, fitter and faster than us it we started to get stretched. They eventually scored to make it 1-1. At half time we talked about putting more pressure on them which they wouldn’t like, this would force them to rush their passes and make mistakes. We had to be careful though as they went to ground very easily. Second Half - They continued to use their pace to good effect in the second half and created a few half chances, Nathan and Darren who we’re playing at the centre of defence made some excellent last minute tackles to deny their strikers getting shots off and when they did get through Eric was good enough to foil them. Some changes we’re made with Jamie and Ian coming off the bench and giving us a more attacking feel and much needed fresh legs. We started to get forward more and felt we might actually nick the second goal, sadly though they counter attacked again and scored to make it 2-1, we we’re stretched and they had an extra man on the back post who fired a powerful shot in to the roof of the net. With about 15 minutes to go Darren got injured and was replaced Michael, we made a few position changes and had nothing to lose so started to attack again to try for the equaliser, which eventually came after some good battling in midfield Ian, Koji and Doug linked up on the right and Doug put in a cross that found that Jamie at the near post and he slotted the ball home, 2-2. Final Score 2-2, another well fought come back against a very good team that have dished out some spankings this season and who will be challenging for the league. So well done troops. Team: Eric, John C, Darren (Michael), Nathan, John S, Nigel R (Jamie), Raph (Ian), Lance, Doug, Koji & Gaku. MOTM: Doug back to top London United Football Academy (2) 2 - 3 (0) Stonewall Saturday 26th January 2008 - League Game Saturday saw a great match of football taking place in Leytonstone between two teams who haven't had the greatest start of the season and who presented themselves with a similar record of draws and close defeats. London Football Academy United (LUFA) is a good team and started the game well on a very muddy pitch. Stonewall was under pressure from the start of the game and had trouble to win the ball in the middle of the pitch. LUFA failed to create any real chance in the first fifteen minutes with Koji N having very little to do in the goals thanks to great defending from our defence. Stonewall started to play with more confidence and was winning more balls thanks to great tackling and battling, especially from Nigel Reid who was helping Darren Lewis and John Stanghon in the centre of the field. On the 20th minute, a really good move was started by Mickey Kearney from the right back position. A great pass to Nigel Reid who escaped his defender on the right of the pitch and addressed a great cross to find Gaku Sato, alone in the six yard box. His header was strong but straight at the keeper. Stonewall had let their chance go, once again. LUFA reacted fiercely to this great move and it was only thanks to a desperate but amazing tackle from Eric A that LUFA didn't score. Just before the half-hour mark, LUFA took the lead through sloppy defending from Stonewall. The ball was played on the left side of the midfield and John Cassidy was left on his own to face two forwards. They played a neat one-two, crossed the ball in the area. The striker left no chance to Koji N and scored with a well placed header. 1-0 to LUFA. The battle in the midfield was being lost as Stonewall's heads went down and with only 5 minutes to go to half-time, LUFA scored again. LUFA's midfield won the ball once again, worked their way to the penalty area and unleashed a strong shot which was only pared by Koji N in the path of one of the striker who only had to tap the ball in. 2-0 to LUFA. The referee blew the whistle on the first half following some more great spirited fight back in the midfield from Nigel Reid and John Stanghon. A very tired Nigel Reid left his place to Raphael Lennon for the beginning of the second half and John Stanghon moved to the side of the midfield. The game became more balanced and Stonewall FC started to occupy the opposition's half. Dave Ellard and Doug Edward, discreet until then, worked really hard and were winning more and more balls. On the 60th minute, Lance Wells got the ball at the back, passed it to John Stanghon, who fed Dave Ellard. Raphael Lennon made a good run through the middle and was found by Ellard only to be taken down just outside the penalty area of LUFA. The ball travelled to Doug but the referee blew the whistle and awarded a penalty kick. Dave Ellard sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. 2-1 to LUFA. Stonewall had started their great comeback. LUFA was now only trying to sent long balls over Stonewall defence but their forwards were caught outside every single time. Another good move from Stonewall FC saw John Stanghon giving a great ball to Gaku Sato who flicked the ball with his head into the path of Dave Ellard who made no mistake from 12 yards out and beat the keeper for the second time of the afternoon. 2-2. With 15 minutes left, James Allen replaced Gaku Sato who had worked so hard all afternoon. Stonewall forced the decision with only few minutes left on a corner kick from Doug Edward who found who else but Dave Ellard who scored his hat-trick with a great header. 3-2 Stonewall. The great come back was over. Stonewall had a couple more occasions to make the score 4-2 but couldn't force the decision and had a scary last 3 minutes. The referee blew the final whistle on a very good and very fair football game between the two teams. Stonewall FC is now on two consecutive victories and faces a difficult challenge next week against Park View. The team : Koji Nakano - John Cassidy, Lance Wells, Eric Amrazy, Mickey Kearney - Nigel Reid (Raphael Lennon), Darren Lewis, John Stanghon, Doug Edward - Gaku Sato (James Allen), Dave Ellard(3). Sub not used : Michael English. Man of the match : John Stanghon back to top St. John's Athletic (1) 1 - 6 (3) Stonewall Saturday 19th January 2008 - League Game Saturday’s game was a must win game as we’d only won once all season in the league, so it was imperative we got off to a good start to show the opposition what we were about. Sadly though this didn’t happen and we found ourselves one nil down within about a minute! Not good. After this awful start we kept our heads up and all dug in. We had a few long range efforts that sadly didn’t bother the keeper. We eventually found ourselves level thanks to some good work from Dave who’s cross found Doug who side footed it past the keeper. We then took the lead soon after some nice interchanging football and a good through ball from Doug found Jamie on the left who was deemed offside by the linesman, the ball found its way to the keeper and play was waved on, their keeper then passed it to the feet of Jamie who coolly slotted it home, 2-1. Our third came from Jamie’s through ball to Dave which got stuck in the mud, Gaku was quicker than their defenders to react and nutmeged the keeper, 3-1. The half time team talk was given by Eric and Nigel R, who reminded us the game wasn’t over and that the next goal would be crucial. We had to keep it tight at the back and clear our lines early, as the half of the pitch we were defending was like a swamp, if we could do this and get the ball into the oppositions half, where the pitch was nice and flat, then our attackers could carry on the good work from the first 45 minutes. So the second half kicked off and they started to push forward as expected and for the first five minutes we found ourselves on the back foot, we didn’t clear our lines first time like we talked about only minutes earlier, they had some half chances and a shot cleared off the line by Eric (who was playing centre back). The game started to open up and our attackers found themselves with lots of space, especially down the wings with Darren picking out Jamie and Doug on numerous occasions. We got the forth after a nice little run by Eric, yes Eric! On the edge of the box he beat a couple of players then put Jamie in to get his second goal of the afternoon, 4-1. The fifth came from Dave who slid it in at the back post, I think from Jamie’s cross, 5-1. More good chances came along most notably a long range effort from Lance which skimmed past the post, then Eric had a looping header that was saved well by the keeper and Jamie nearly had a hat-trick after some good quick football, Doug crossed form the right but sadly Jamie’s volley didn’t hit the target. The game was end to end and Koji who was in goal made some excellent saves, one from point blank range. Our final came from yours truly, Dave slid me in and I managed to slot the ball first time past a quickly encroaching keeper, 6-1. Team: Koji, Mikey (Michael E), Lance, Eric, John C, Jamie(2), John S(1), Darren, Doug(1), Gaku(1) (Nigel R) and Dave(1). MOTM: Doug back to top FC Assyria (1) 2 - 2 (0) Stonewall Saturday 24th November - League Game On a very cold day in North Acton, Stonewall FC got a very good result against the top of the league. The cold conditions, the very heavy traffic and a malfunctioning sta-nav leagued against us and forced us to start the game with only 10 men. So we started with a very defensive formation and were holding comfortably for the first 20 minutes. Dave and Andy finally turned up and suddenly it was game on. FC Assyria is a really tricky team playing well but relying heavily on individual performances from two or three players. But we were able to match them quite easily with our team play and some very slick passing movement. Our defence was very solid with great performance from Nathan and Lance. The midfield worked hard and Dave and Gaku were linking together for the first time up front. Impressive understanding between them two - it seemed that they had played together forever. Dave was winning the ball in the air, Gaku was getting the second balls and we created a couple of great chances around the 30th minute. We got caught out from a goal kick which Raph failed to connect with, a couple of passes after and a really good finish saw us 1-0 down. Few minutes later, following a corner kick, Eric pulled the save of the match and kept us in the game. Our heads didn't drop and we continue developing our passing game which resulted in a good shot which their keeper spilled into... corner. half-time : 1-0 down The whole team was really up for it and the chat at half-time reflected this. Everybody was supporting of each other and we started the second half with high spirits. But following our kick-off, Raph lost the ball cheaply to their stricker. FC Assyria developped an attack on the side of our defence, their winger crossed the ball for their stricker who beat Eric with a good header. 2-0 down. Eric put Doug (who finally had arrived with James) for Raph and Stonewall looked suddenly much more dangerous and we created some great moves. On one of them, Koji got the ball on the edge of the penalty area, tried to take on their defender and was brought down with a very clumsy and unnecessarily challenge, leaving the referee with no other option but to award a penalty kick. Dave stepped up and took the keeper wrong-footed. 2-1 down with 20 minutes to go. Straight away, Stonewall put the pressure on a very shaky Assyria team. James, who came on for Michael English, evaded his opponent, ran down to the corner flag, crossed the ball for Dave to score his second goal within 2 minutes after a scramble in front of the goal. 2-2 with 19 minutes to go. FC Assyria put their foot down but our defence and midfield was simply awesome and so in control of the game. We created few chances on the counter-attacks but poor decision in the last pass allowed Assyria to escape with a draw. final score : 2-2 We came back from 2-0 down, conceding a goal straight from our kick-off, starting the game with 10 players in very cold conditions, against the top of the league. The mood was simply fantastic. Great team performance !! Team : Eric - John C, Lance, Nathan, Michael (James) - Nigel R, Raph (Doug), Darren, Koji - Dave (2), Gaku. Sub not used : Andy. back to top Stonewall 1 - 1 West End United Saturday 17th November - League Game As anyone may guess I was extremely ecstatic to have been asked to write the report for Saturday but I do apologise for it's lateness. We entertained a team that we had already played out at our old stomping ground at Broadfields and who had turned us over in the second half after an even first half and finishing us off 4-1. The talk before the game was to ensure that we should remember that game and realise that although a good side they thrived on confidence which we allowed them to build that during the game. We were also hoping to build on our first league win at barn elms from last week. Nigel C bought along his video camera and for those interested there is an extremely good meg from me on it :-) Cue the first half and what a performance. Our illustrous manager chose to play a 4-5-1 formation with old head (oops meant to say experienced) Nigel Reed at LB, myself (even older head - I think) and Nathan (I loooovvvvee Wispas) in the centre and John S (man of the match) at RB. The midfield central trio was Raph (viva la France), Gaku (don't know where my wife is) and Koji (not too cold yet) forming a triangle formation with Gaku supporting the lone striker. The dribbling wizards on the wing of Doug (give me your money I need to give it to the bank) and Jamie (one day I will turn up on time). Lastly, the big man Dave (reminds me of Lennie from Of Mice and Men) up front. As has been the case for the last 3 weeks, Stonewall have taken upon themselves a new trait where we are really up for the game from the off. The midfield 3 were extremely good in their passing in their triangles and used the wings were they could. J & D performed a lot of tireless work up and down the wings supporting the front man and their fulll backs, Dave held the ball up well and released earlier to bring others into attack a lot quicker than previously and the defence held firm. For 40 minutes we created a number of good chances but none seemed to find there way into the opponents net. However, after this time, finally a cross from Dougie found Jamie in the centre and he finished well (dont worry J I wont tell them it was a bit of a scuff). That goal was well deserved and should have been the platform for us to push on but we sat back a bit and let them get back into the game for the last 5 minutes of the first half. No big deal, as the pundits say, you are never more vulnerable than when you have just scored a goal and it meant we protected that lead to the end of the half. So, we went in 1-0 up and very well deserved after a fantastic first half performance. At half time Eric and I pointed out that we needed to keep the same level that we had been playing in the first half and work just as hard to control the game and get the second goal that we needed to kill the game off. However, what a turn around in the second half. For the first 25 minutes we did not play very well. They brought on their centre forward from the first game on to the pitch and they started to string a few half chances together but still nothing that our defence couldn't or didn't deal with. Their midfield started to gain a foothold in the game and more attacks came. Then came their goal, a very poor goal to concede were within our own box a clearance should have been made easily but the ball was held on to too long and stolen by the centre-forward who played a little ball inside. A call which was not collected amounted one of their players sneaking between defender and goalkeeper to stab the ball home. To our credit though it brought us to our senses and we started to get back into the game and after 5 minutes we seemed to revert back to our first half performance. I was subsituted off due to a bad knee and James (look at my hairy chest) came on to replace Dave up front who took my place at the back. We really controlled the game for the last 20 minutes and had a number of chances which we should have put away. For Nigel C and myself standing on the sidelines it was agony as we watched a very good last 20 performance, result with nothing extra to show for it. Special mention goes to John s who was extremely powerful for the last 20 minutes pushing on and providing some strong runs with and without the ball. Unfortunately, we didn't get anything at the end and we ended up with a 1-1 draw. Not bad considering the earlier result from the season but we should have got the 3 points. Positives: Great first half display by the whole team and the midfield in particular. If we can only carry this sort of performance through the entire game there will not be many teams in the league that will get anything from their games with us. Especially if we can start killing games of when we are in the ascendency. Another week and again we have extended our unbeaten run to 4 now. Tough game against top of the table FC assyrians tomorrow at North Acton. Support is always welcome and appreciated :-) Team: Eric, Nigel R, Lance (James), Nathan, John S, Jamie (1), Raph, Koji, Gaku, Doug, Dave Subs not used: The magnificent linesman, ma Walmsley back to top Stonewall (1) 2 - 2 (2) Southall Saturday 27th October - League Game This week we had Southhall which sit at the top of Div 1 with a very good goal scoring record in their first few games. Stonewall after a league start that has been quite difficult given the interruption of Argentina to our domestic league and the injuries in the squad that then tailed off from the tour. With all these strains on the squad we have still been able to compete in this league and carve out a good hand full of chances for our selves, but just not a league winner yet. So with people now returning we had a good opportunity to give Southhall a hard time. We turned out with our squad looking healthy, this week we had 3 subs, that were all a threat and that makes you feel good when the bench is also strong. The game kicked off and Southhall did look organised. They were in the game from the off and looking good across the mid filed then laying off to a good couple of players they had up front. Their movement was good and they interchanged alot early in the game. My account of particulars is a bit hazy as I started at right back but suffering from a back pain, I was just trying to get through the first half. I do remember that we were allowing Southhall to play abit and more shadowing players without making a decent tackle into the player, which then allowed them to make that all important pass. This really lead onto Southall's first goal, when their confident forward took possession of the ball and travelled across the outside of the box and Stonewall player's did not get in front of him to make the tackle or stop the player on his journey to shoot. He eventually took his chance and it just crept right in low to the post not giving Eric much of a chance. We did then get a good early chance when a ball played out to Jamie on the wing (I think) saw , him travel and drive a ball across the box that Marc almost got onto. This was good direct play but in the first half we did not show enough of it. Southalls 2nd chance was again when a player got into the box (I think), but was allowed to turn and shot again low to corner. A point we should remember that when we are defending at a 4-5-1, there should be no reason for a man to be left unmarked, but they did seem to have the space to play. Before half time Darren had to move to right back as I could not sprint anymore and we had a spell just before half time where the mid field up the pace and caused Southall some panic, from this their player gave a way a hand ball in the box. Raph then stepped up to slot this away before half time. Half time 2-1 With James coming on for me Eric said some bits, but I was getting my back caned by Aslie - OuCH! I then went to get changed and when I returned Nigel Reed was on for John S. I believe in this time I was away, we had James who got through with a nice touch and almost finishing the job, and we had started to apply bouts of pressure. I remember in about the last 10-15 we really started to get a 2nd wind. Southhall looked a little worried as Dougie started to give that bit more passion and made challenges in which he won the ball back everytime, this then seem to spread as we were on the break and looked more like hunting in packs, as Raph, Marc, Jamie would join for support giving us glimpses of a possible goal from Stonewall. Eventually this did pay off, with Dougie looking like there wasn't enough air in the world to gasp at points :), kept pressing and eventually got a good break that pushed him wide with Jamie on his toes getting into the right position in box with loads of space. Dougie's low delivery was then perfect for Jamie to control and hit home for his first goal of the season. With Stonewall having this sudden last 10 minute drive we had a few more moments like this, as Nigel Reed got hold of another ball which was drilled in and he almost converted. This kind of football kept us in the game at 2-2 and more importantly kept Southall out of it. Seeing players giving their all in the last 10 mins is what will get us up this table. It was great to see and we should be hunting for these goals like this as a team every week, we obviously have it in us!! Well done all! :) Team: Eric A, Nigel C, Lance, Nathan, John C, Jamie F(1), Raph(1), John S, Daren L, Marc S, Doug, James A, Nigel R, Andy W, back to top North Kensington 3 - 6 Stonewall Saturday 6th October 2007 - Open Cup Game This was our first game back following a gruelling 8 match tournament in Argentina so to put in this kind of performance was really pleasing. The game didn't start well, quelle surprise, and we went a goal down within the first 5 minutes. However I won't dwell on that as our response was quite superb. We went on to score 4 goals in 30 first half minutes and although I can't remember specifics I do recall that the two main reasons we found ourselves with a 4-2 advantage at the end of the half was due to some excellent passing and outstanding movement from the front 6 (and right back) *ahem*. There were periods during that half where we tore their defence to shreds and I don't think there would have been any complaints had the margin been bigger at the end of the first 45. The scorers during the first half were W'Ellard, Shorty (I think the sun must have popped out, reflected off his shiny white teeth and blinded the keeper), Koji and John S. I think D'Eric's team talk consisted of "just keep playing the same way but try to be more assured when passing or making a clearance from the back" and "what was the Man U score?" - as if anyone gives a shit. Anyway, as predicted we tired in the second half but still managed to play good football and our final ball, especially from Jamie on the left, was spot on all day. So much so that I almost got on the score sheet but instead headed Jamie's cross JUST over the bar. We scored two more goals in this half with W'Ellard and Shorty both adding to their tallies. Final score North Kensington 3 Stonewall 6 Team - Del Boy, Dan, Lance, Nathan, Aslie, James, John S(1), Koji(1), Jamie, Aquafresh(2), W'Ellard(2) Sub - Michael E back to top

Match Reports - Team 2

Kurd Stars (1) 3 - 4 (4) Stonewall Reserves

Sunday 17 February 2008 - League Game

".....the Game of Two Halves...."

Team:- Koji, Will(Nigel), Gavin, Denis,(Capt) Asley, Michael, Marc, John, Eric(Mick E), Lance(1)(Juan), Doug(3).

Aiming for four straight wins in a row, it was a must win game for Stonewall today to keep the momentum going. On paper we had the team to do it too.
Winning the toss we made the choice to attack the higher of the two goals, One crossbar was actually about a foot higher than the other!

Ten minutes in, and from a corner, Lance the target man in this game, rose like a salmon to head us one nil in the lead. First 35 minutes we piled on the pressure with little response from the opposition who to be fair were a skill full side but could only muster shots from outside the box in response to our onslaught, soaked up with ease.....
We capitalised by putting away another three goals in the half all scored by Doug.(MOM) An impressive hat trick the pick of which for me anyway was the second which he chipped over the keeper having caught him off his line.
Half time, four one to Stonewall, Kurds pulling one back in the last third of the half.....Game on.

Second half started with Lance being replaced by Juan, who moved to the left of midfield giving Michael a chance to show his pace up front with Doug.
Kurds started this half with more urgency and we new we were in for a hard 45 minutes play. Their early pressure bore fruit with two further goals, one attempt being cleared off the line by Will but unfortunately falling to one of their forwards who slotted it home past Koji.
We maintained our discipline and focus despite the opposition hitting the bar a couple of times. Mick English came on for Eric mid way through the second half and Nigel for Will for the last ten minutes, who's fresh legs made a difference.
Inspired changes which helped hold onto a well deserved win. Well done Asley.

Now for the fifth win in a row which we are more than capable of achieving.
Opposition mumblings after the game of Stonewall being lucky to have won.
Where on a run and confidence is high. Long may it continue. Dogged Stonewall resillience saved the day.

Stonewall Reserves (3) 5 - 4 (2) Norfolk & Chance

Sunday 17 February 2008 - League Game

(A Valentine Themed Match Report)

The Sun was out, the sky was blue,
The game kicked off just after two.
Stonewalls revived 2nd team
Began the game just like a dream.

One and two, through and through,
Norfolk Chance had not a clue
Of how to stem the flowing tide
Of Juan and Doug on either side.

Lloyd and Raph, one tall, one little,
Played like kings within the middle,
Offering no opportunity –
Norfolk Chance conceded 3.

The game now won, and sure of that,
Stonewalls fizz went quickly flat
As Norfolk summoned up the gall
To score under a diving Paul

Unless this complacency was cured
A win could not be so assured
A free kick, and they got a second.
Could perhaps an upset beckon?

Second half, the troops were buoyed
A rallying speech from Captain Lloyd
Urging them to efforts higher
Filled the lions hearts with fire

Unfortunately, the rest is such
That I can't remember much
Or have the amount of needed time
To continue this report in rhyme

So lets just say the final score
Of 5 to us and Norfolk 4
Continues a return to form
For this 2nd team reborn

And to the apple of our praise:
Man of the match, to coin a phrase
For his hat-trick on the park
Congratulations, Peter Stark!

Team : Paul L, Gavin (Nigel) , Michael E, Eric(1), Will (Mikey C),
Juan, Lloydy, Rapha(1), Doug, Peter S(3), James.

Subs: Mikey C, Nigel

Stonewall Reserves (0) 3 - 1 (0) Sevenths (sun)

Sunday 10 February 2008 - Cup Game - Qtr Final

We assembled at Barnes Elms on what was a great day and we felt rather positive that we could get a result from this team. Kick off was delayed slightly as Sevenths were late. However they were a good bunch ,so they were all forgiven.

The first half was all very blah with neither team doing anything of note. Both teams had a few chances but passing and positioning was a bit all over the place. We had the better opportunities but their keeper saved a few one-on-one’s which kept them in the game. Second half started much the same as it ended in the first, with both teams breaking through more, so a goal was going to come, it did however come against us. Their right wing crossed it in; it came off Dan Topping and it lobbed over myself. 0-1

This was the wake up call we needed and all of a sudden we were linking passes and we basically ripped them to pieces, after that they had very few chances.

So onto the goals.

1-1 James Allen – I cant remember this one unfortunately

2-1 Denis Hanslip – After numerous renditions of this goal by Denis in the pub afterwards, I would have thought I would have got it right, according to Denis he ran it past at least 8 of their players before slotting it home, but a good goal all the same.

3-1 John Stangon – Probably the cheekiest goal I’ve seen from our team in a long time, this was evidence that confidence was high in the team. John Edwards passed to John S, who lobbed their keeper.

Noted: Gavin pulled off a couple of very well timed challenges at the back to deny their strikers in the second half.

Lloyd kept his cool and didn’t get sent off this week.

I will have to mention my prowess in goal was second to none and the saves I was pulling off were exceptional.

Well done to everyone on Sunday, we played some fantastic football in the second half which is proof that we don’t belong so low in the table, I am confident that we will pick up a lot more wins with the rest of the season. Special thanks to the guys from the first team for coming along to support.

Team: Paul L, Aslie, Denis(1), Gavin, Dan T, John Edwards, Michael Copare, Lloyd, Michael English , James Allen(1), John S(1)

Stonewall Reserves 2 - 4 Hollywood

Sunday 27 January 2008 - League Game

Well this is a hard match report to write, as Stonewall's 2nd team played in a game this weekend against a top team to find out that we may as well have awarded them the game and not played, as the Referre pretty much gave them the result.

Stonewall 2nd team were in good form before we had even reached the pitch, there was a buzz that we knew today we were going to take a game to this oppostion before we even kicked off. And we did......

1st Half kicked off and we were in the game from the start, we were playing as a tight team and showing for eachother off the ball.

The pressure was on Hollywood from the off, we were gaining possession from our hard working mid field and spreading to the wings and pushing forward with our holding option in raph and striking power and movement in Pete S, with doug joining from the wings with Micheal C doing the same from the left side, giving Hollywood's defenders plenty to worry about. This pressure and play was paying off, as Hollywood were making desperate passes under pressure and we were gaining the ball back. Hollywood were a good team and could play, but we were just not letting them and they were on the back foot. Our back four were dealing with any pressure and working well with our mid field. How ever there was one force on the pitch that had other ideas for Stonewall 2nds and it was the man in black. We should have thought something a little earlier as Pete S was through on goal to put our first one home, when their keeper came running out of the box and took him out as the last man. CLEAR SENDING OFF IN ANY RULE BOOK, but not even a yellow card, we had a free kick. Due it being early we started to feel we have a weak ref. Following this though we still dominated and we got our first goal from a free kick, won again by pete (still no card from the ref tho, after Pete s was taken down afew times) from this doug put a ball into the danger zone that hit the feet of Dan T who slottted it home 1-0. The game was on and despite the ref the other team were a very nice team and not dirty at all , but at any given chance the ref would try to book our player, even tried to book Doug when he was waiting for the ref to blow his whistle to take a free kick. By this point we can see that we had a ref who was not there to ref the game fairly.
Anyway you are getting my drift now and we continued with storng play and good defending (Michael E making some good challenges and putting balls to safety) to dominate Hollywood, leading to a second goal where the ball was pushed wide from the mid - field to Doug who took time to see Pete s making his run, dragging a defender, leaving Raph in a great bit of space for doug to float the ball too. Raph ran onto the ball, keeping his eye on it and took it down to the cooly shoot past the keeper - very good goal from the team, 2-0.

Half time

No changes, talk of keeping our concentration and playing as we were. We knew this team could play and it was tight but our game play and decision making were keeping us safe and slighty dominating.

4 minutes into the half we had the worst decision I have ever seen, if I can call it that. The ref sent Lloyd off for no reason at all, claimed abuse when there was nothing said. He yellow carded him for saying "a player had his studs up ref", then in the same moment red carded Lloyd (who had a strong game) for nothing, no decent or anything. It was shocking, even Hollywood could not understand what happened. And this was a changing moment of the game for us. Hollywood were a good side so going a man down just gave them that space on the park to put us on the back foot and false us to defend for 40 mins. We were all gutted as it tipped the balance in what was 2 good teams playing a great game of football, to the ref just stacking it in the favour of the oppostion. The bad calls and free kicks continued to be awaded and the game ended at 4-2.

We still took the game to them and stood up as a team and created chances, but the ref had just sealed the day for Hollywood. Funny as looking back I never saw Hollywood get on the ref's back at all and they were 2-0 for 50 mins with this 3 points sending them top of the league.

It was hard for us to take BUT we are Stonewall and we have taken this before, we as a team had a brillant performance and people indivually had an excellent game, so back we come next week!!

All went for beers & food and didn't stay too down for too long which showed that we all knew what occured that day :)

Well Played

Paul L,John E, Micheal E, Dennis H (c), Aslie P,Doug E, Lloyd M, Dan T(1), Michael C, Raph L(1), Pete S Subs: Gavin G, Will P, Pete N

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Stonewall Reserves 12 - 2 Acton Town)

Sunday 06 January 2008 - League Game

First half we started brightly and found ourselves a goal up within
the first few minutes where a perfectly timed run (by myself) met a
through ball from Raph (I think?) had a touch then slotted it coolly
under the keeper. The second came from Doug – the details of which
escape me. The third however was a classic poachers goal after
Michael had his shot saved I quickly re-adjusted my footing and was
able to volley in under pressure. The next came from Nigel, a tap
in I think? Then I rounded off the scoring of the half with a neat
piece of control off my chest then set myself, with the immense
power I stuck the ball at the keeper had little chance although he
did get a hand to it, i think he was trying to dive out the way to
avoid injury.

We started the second half as we finished the first, Doug opened the
scoring this half, a well flighted ball from midfield found him just
inside the box, a mis-control and scuffed shot later and it was 6-0,
the seventh was another superb poaches goal… from yours truly, after
which the opposition got their first back via a goal mouth scramble
and hand ball. A few more followed from us through Nigel getting
his second (tap in) and Doug grabbing his third and then forth from
the penalty spot after good work from Gus. The visitors then got
their second a set piece from just outside the area. The scoring
was then rounded off by Mike K, a lucky goal if ever I've seen one,
and then a first Stonewall goal for Michael playing up front.

Seriously though brilliant performance and start to the new year -
great goals from Mike K and Doug's third too being the pick of them.

Team: Paul L (Captn), Mike K(1), Dennis, Darren, Aslie (John S), Nigel
C(2), Lloyd (Gustavo), Raph, Doug(4), Michael(1), James(4).

Acton Town 2 (1) Stonewall Reserves 3 (1)

Sunday 14 October 2007 - League Game

Have you ever been in a situation where you decide to start saying something ..... immediately realise it is the wrong place and time to be uttering such words in my pre-match talk and you just want the whole ground to swallow you up. Well I was there!

Unphased by my words, the second team went into battle against a Acton Town side.

The first half kicked-off and we were immediately in the ascendency. It was all one way traffic and we eventually scored via Juan and a spectaculor scissors volley. It was certainly a goal which would have graced any football pitch and one the enigmatic Valdarama would have been proud of. The game was probably 50:50 there-on-in and we kept them at bay during a goal-mouth scramble, thanks to some excellent defending by Rich. They did eventually breach our defences, as a result of some slack alice defending and we went into half time 1-1.

The second half kicked off and we were caught cold early on as Acton scored a scrappy goal to go 2-1 up. After a bad start to the season, confidence was low and it needed a super human effort to get back in the game. The Stonewall team were creating more chances than the opposition at this point but their keeper, who had a blinder, kept us at bay. We were eventually rewarded via a deflected goal. However their linesman had raised his flag (although it didn't look offside). He did the right thing for his team and disallowed the goal. It was Nigel who eventually came to the rescue, breaking through their defences and neatly lobbing the keeper to bring us back level. We were all over them at this point and scored the final goal of the match, after their keeper parried a Doug shot into the path of John E, who majestically scored the winning goal. Ole, ole, ole, Stonewall!

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Barnet Eagles (1) 5 - 4 (1) Stonewall Reserves

Sunday 16 September 2007 - League Game

On a day when 13 players, became 11 at the last minute, (NOT GOOD) we faced a mixture of 14 Barnet Eagles over 90 minutes. The first 5 minutes were bright attacking football. Doug, Nigel, Juan, and Paul linking well, for Paul to fire in a powerful low drive. 1-0. Barnet Eagles could not handle Doug's pace, and resorted to hoofing it out wherever possible. Juan had a couple of good opportunities as I remember, Steven got a good shot in, Paul supplied dangerous crosses into the box, Nigel and John S kept them on the back foot. The first 20 minutes were almost England'ish, if I may, and we were very much on top. I would say 4 attacks to their 1 ratio. Barnet Eagles however, had 3 good players in the centre of the park. Good on the ball, and clever with their passing. Unfortunately, they did not have anything up front really, and so it was their tricky number 7 (we will need to watch him for the return), he jinked inside, unchallenged, and left a probable unsighted Danny with no chance. Earlier Danny had pulled off a cracking low save, and possibly if he had stayed in goal for the duration of the game we would not have had a second half like we did.

Half Time 1-1.

John E, had suffered from a recurring thigh injury, and could hardly run, so swapped with Danny. Steven in his first game for Stonewall, had new boots, and so plenty of blisters so could hardly run either. BIG BIG SHAME we didn't have any substitutes to cover those injuries. Nevertheless, a second half 'thunderous' header just under the bar from Doug gave us more confidence and it showed. Great movement up front once again, clever balls played to feet, and then chipped over the top for Doug and John to run onto, and yet a few glaring misses resulted in the score still at only 2-1 to us. Our attacks when they did get cut out, were not being hoofed out like the first half, instead they were playing to feet of the 3 decent midfielders. They were playing 5 accross the middle, and Juan and Nigel worked tirelessly to thwart it, but the through balls were starting to get through, and they scored 4. We scored 2 more, Nigel finally finding the corner from a scramble in the box, and John S, getting his knee in the way of a clearance that rebounded into the net. They all count. 5-4 it ended. We should have won this game and we know it.

Good News : Thankfully our Argentina players today did not get injured!

Team: Danny, John E, Aslie, Roger, Alec, Paul F(1), Nigel(1), Juan, Steven, John S(1), Doug(1)

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Match Reports - Team 3

Romans FC 4 - 2 Stonewall 3rds

Sunday 3rd February 2008 - LUL League

This Sundays game doesn't reflect in the score line.
From the original squad of 18, we were down to just a bare 12 come the start of Sundays match v Romans @ a blustery Regents Park.

Playing surface was very good & Stones 3rd team played downhill with the following wind in the 1st half. Stonewall started without a regular goalkeeper, but Big Bill White stepped into the breach for the 1st half. We created numerous half chances, but didn't really test their keeper during the first 45. We did manage a goal though, through one of the 3 New players making their Stonewall debuts. Hemza Louzir slotting away after breaking into the penalty box. In the second half, we changed keepers, as Big Bill fancied a run out. Changed keepers 3 times in 2nd half, which obviously didn't help our cause.(Dave B, Trevor C & Chris B). We eventually got the deserved 2nd goal on the Hour with Liam J side footing into the centre of the goal from 10 yards. Lots of Stonewall pressure couldn't find the elusive 3rd goal, but a chance came when that nice Mr referee, Simon Neller, awarded us a deserved penalty, after a foul in the box on Hemza. Hemza then got up to take the resulting pen, but pulled it about 2 yards wide of the keepers right. Stones were totally dominating the match @ this stage, with Romans just relying on the odd breaks. From one of these breaks, they pulled a goal back & it gave them a bit of belief.

Our players inexplicably seemed to do wanderings, not many holding their supposed positions - everyone piling up field, with few defenders.

From more Roman breakouts, 3 more goals. We were all, shell-shocked. It was like watching the England v Wales Rugby match on Sat, One team dominating in the 1st half & then letting the oppo, sneak back it & rob the spoils.

Players I would single out for decent performance's, would be Marcel on his left back debut & Little Richard for his 2nd half, never say die attitude, who was running everywhere. Very competitive.

TEAM;
BILL WHITE, STEVEN KWAN, DAVE ROBERTS, CHRIS BASIURSKI (Capt'), MARCEL GRAVES, KWAKI, DAVE BRAITHWAITE, HEMZA LOUZIR, TREVOR CULLINAN, RICHARD COLLUMBELL, LIAM JARNECKI. Sub; KEITH STEWART

Romans & Stones mingled down C. Stn, after the game for a few social sarnies & drinks. (Kwaki wasn't too happy as he'd just received a parking ticket from Regents Park warden).

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Titans 0 - 2 Stonewall 3rds

Sunday 11th November 2007 - LUL League

The third teams first game of the season came about two months later than planned but worked out quite well. 13 players managed to haul themselves out of bed for the game against Titans 2nd team in Richmond.

As usual I don't remember details about matches so apologies if I miss out anything important. The first half was relatively one way with Stonewall creating about 6-7 chances but unfortunately not scoring, notably Liam who has promised to work on his left foot and Bill White who had a good header cleared off the line.

After a half time team-talk where I managed to actually mention the game everyone knew that more of the same would result in victory. Well, they took their time. Many chances missed including most notably a volley from newperson Chris, which was saved onto the bar.

Stonewall finally took the lead after about 75 minutes when someone (I can't remember who, sorry) played in Micheal English who made a good late run and finished under the diving keeper.

Titans created only their second decent chance soon after when the more talented member of the Armanazi family volleyed but put it a bit too close to me. (I'd like to point out that he was offside, we should work on our linesman-ing)

The second goal came towards the end of the game when Kwokkei finished a goalmouth scramble after initally appearing to have performed the miss of the season.

Well done everyone - Big welcome to Declan and Chris making their Stonewall debuts.

Roll Of Honour: Dave Roberts, Dave Braithwaite, Roger Bromiley, Chris Basiurski, Daniel James, Tony Mulik, Bill White, Declan McCarthey, Kwokkie Yip(1), Micheal English(1), Liam Jarnecki, Ibrahim WhosesurnameIdon'tknow, Ben Powell

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