 |
|
|
|
|
Match
Reports
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
 |
Read about
how the teams did in the wekends games, written
be either a player or manager from the team.
|
Team
1 - Reports
|
| League Game -
Home, Sat 17 Jan 2009 |
| HENDON 'A' 2 |
| STONEWALL 2 |
| I.Drain, J.Stanghon |
| |
| REPORT: |
A dramatic late equaliser
rescued a point for Stonewall as the game appeared
to be slipping away.
The visitors took the lead midway through the
first half after a defensive mix-up. This proved
to be a catalyst and stirred Stonewall into action.
Stonewall created more going forward as the half
progressed and were rewarded when John Stanghon
calmly stroked home after a game of pinball in
the visitors penalty area.
The game opened up significantly in the second
half with gaps appeared in both teams defences.
The visitors regained the lead with a cool head
and calm finish. For all Stonewall’s chances
it took them until the final minute to claim a
point. Desperate times called for desperate measures
and goalkeeper Eric took it upon himself to come
up for a corner and that decision worked a treat.
He caused confusion in the penalty area and out-jumped
the defender from the resulting corner. His attempt
was glanced in by Iain Drain, loitering at the
back post. |
| |
| TEAM: Eric, John,
Darren, Nigel R, Justin (Michael), Doug, Raphael,
Nathan (James), Nigel C, Iain, Jamie (Kieran) |
| MOTM: |
|
| League Game-
Away, Sat 04 Oct 2008 |
| UXBRIDGE TOWN
2 |
| STONEWALL 4 |
| D.Edward (2),
K.Nikkura, D.Lewis |
| |
| REPORT: |
After a slow start last
week we knew that we would have to be at the pace
of the game this week. The pitch was wide and
so we knew that this would suit the passing game.
We started the game well with the wind in our
favour and we took the lead it was through an
Uxbridge defensive error that led me to run in
one on one with the keeper who was glued to his
line and I took the ball and rolled it into the
corner of the net. At 1 - 0 we were comfortable
although our passing was not to the standard that
it can be. Nathan was notably more physical in
the middle and his work rate was excellent - allowing
Justin to be more at the pace of the game and
he was much more involved in the game. The partnership
in the middle is new but the more Nathan and Justin
play together the stronger they will be.
We were not under a great deal of threat the defense
played well and looked very comfortable with John
and Nigel Reed coming in to play as the full backs,
who both had good games. The number 10 of the
opposition was the only potent threat and Darren
had the best of him in the first half - sweeping
up at the back.
The second goal came from a nice passing move
I cant remember who knocked it into Iain but he
duly laid it off to me at the edge of the box
and I hit it first time into the top corner of
the net!
We went in at half time 2 - 0 up with a competent
performance - sound all over but room for improvement.
Second half.
Saw some good football - Gaku and Koji were more
involved in this half and the chances seemed to
flow more after some good passing and movement.
With the wind against us we needed to be strong
in the air and win the battle - they played it
into our hands as Lance won everything in the
air in the second half and Mary continued to battle
in midfield.
Iain created the 3rd goal in some style - committing
the full back on the touchline then cutting away
from the centre half to shoot into the keeper
- Koji was positioned well for the resulting tap
in..........just!
Goal 4 - Darren for some bizarre reason was in
the right wing position he looked up and saw the
goalkeeper slightly off his line so he cleverly
chipped him from an accute angle that would make
you think that it was a cross......cunning!!
At 4 - 0 we had some more chances that we could
have capitalised - Jamie on as a sub worked into
a good position and put accross a lovely ball
inches away from James head. It was great to bring
on such attacking options, shows how dangerous
a team we are.
Basically to sumarise the rest - I nudged an Uxbridge
player outside the box but a penalty was awarded
and converted by their number 10. We then let
them score one more header from a corner just
to make it entertaining for Wallace!!!! Eric made
one top draw save down to his left.
Good all round performance some good goals and
squad performance - we need to take this into
Saturday (I think that we can keep on getting
better, which is great). Lots of healthy competition
for places should drive on individual performances
as well. |
| |
| TEAM: Eric (Mgr),
John S, Darren , Lance, Nigel R, Doug , Justin,
Nathan, Gaku, Koji, Iain |
| MOTM: N.REED |
|
|
|
Team
2 - Reports
|
| League Game -
Away, Sun 01 Feb 2009 |
| NORFOLK &
CHANCE 1 |
| STONEWALL RESERVES
0 |
| |
| |
| REPORT: |
Stonewall succumbed to a snowy
defeat on the vortex that is Hackney Marshes.
Facing decent opposition, the elements and shall
we say some interesting refereeing, it proved
to be a difficult day for all concerned.
For various reasons, the reserve team were severely
depleted and started with several players that
were involved in the first team game the previous
day.
Stonewall started brightly and looked dangerous
going forward and neither defence seemed as charitable
as the cup game between the teams a few weeks
ago.
The home team took the lead with around half an
hour gone when a long ball caught out the Stonewall
defence and the striker did the rest.
Stonewall continued to press forward for the remainder
of the half and Doug Edward had a goal ruled out
for offside shortly before the break, to the dismay
of all as it was clearly on and the ref ruled
it from 60 yards away from play after a shout
from the other team.
Both goals were leading a charmed life at the
start of the second half, first Stonewall had
an effort cleared off the line and in the scramble
the ensued, Kieran Evans shot smacked against
the post and back into play. At the other end,
a corner was glanced to the back post only for
Marcel Graves to clear off the line. The ball
fell nicely to a Norfolk player who saw his goal
bound effort cleared off the other post by Neil
Walsh, a repeat of his clearance in the first
half.
A blizzard made life extremely difficult for the
remainder of proceedings, especially with tired
bodies and minds. Stonewall pounded away at the
home goal but could not force a deserved equaliser.
Stonewall were conscious of a quick counter attack
and Scott Carroll made a good save in the closing
stages. |
| |
| TEAM: Scott,
Neil, Michael E, Denis, Marcel (Aslie), Kieran,
Steve, Koji, Dan, Doug, Nigel C: Sub James L |
| MOTM: |
| |
|
| League Game -
Home, Sun 18 Jan 2009 |
| FERNHEAD ROVERS
1 |
| STONEWALL RESERVES
5 |
| D.Edward (2),
T.Mcleod, M.English, James |
| |
| REPORT: |
In the absence
of manager Aslie Pitter, caretaker manager Denis
Hanslip rallied the team to recover from going
a goal down to record an emphatic victory.
Stonewall started brightly, going close on several
occasions before the visitors, who looked dangerous
on the counter attack, took the lead.
Stonewall restored parity just before the break
when Michael English powerfully headed home from
a corner. This raised Stonewall significantly.
Stonewall took the lead early in the second half
when Tony Mcleod’s cross eluded the goalkeeper
and crept inside the near post.
Stonewall increased the lead moments later when
Doug Edward’s free kick was parried by the
goalkeeper. With the ball squirming around the
goal line, Tony Mcleod was on hand to make sure
the ball went in.
Stonewall dominated the final proceedings and
added to their tally twice in the final minutes.
James exquisitely chipped the goalkeeper from
just inside the area and Doug Edward grabbed another
one after the goalkeeper failed to hold onto a
shot. |
| |
| TEAM: Scott,
Neil, Michael, Denis, Marcel (James), Kieran,
Dan, Gaku, Nigel, Tony, Doug |
| MOTM: |
| |
|
| Cup Game - Away,
Sun 11 Jan 2009 |
| NORFOLK &
CHANCE 3 |
| STONEWALL RESERVES
3 Win on Pens |
| L.Wells, K.Niikura,
K.Evans |
| |
| REPORT: |
| For they sow
the wind and they reap the whirlwind. A perfect
summation of this extraordinary cup tie which
almost echoed Liverpool’s famous Champions
League Final exploits of a few years back.
The wind played a huge part
in proceedings as both defences struggled in
judgement as the ball became flagrantly capricious
in its movement.Stonewall
had the advantage of the strong wind behind
them in the first half and took the lead when
Nigel’s long throw-in was flicked on by
Lance Wells at the near post. With the ball
becoming reminiscent of a pinball in the six
yard box, Koji Niikura took advantage of the
discombobulated defence’s hesitancy and
smashed the ball home before the keeper could
even move.
Claims of a Stonewall penalty
were waved away but the lead was soon doubled
when Stonewall defended a corner well and the
ball eventually found its way to Lance on the
counter attack. He found himself one-on-one
with the goalkeeper and remained composed before
comfortably slotting home.Stonewall
scored a third before the break when the ball
found its way to Kieran Evans on the edge of
the area. His cannon-like shot was so fierce
that it almost ripped the net.It
was Stonewall’s turn in the second half
to battle not only the eleven men in opposition
but the elements too. The
defence was unable to prevent two quick fire
goals within the first 10 minutes of the second
half. Stonewall continued threaten down the
flanks. Kieran Evans and Doug Edward causing
a real threat down either wing.Norfolk
and Chance’s confidence was up and they
forced an equaliser with twenty minutes remaining.
Little did anyone know how dramatic the final
twenty minutes was going to be. Sensing that
they could steal victory, the home team bombarded
the Stonewall goal and two last ditch clearances
from Marcel Graves prevented the improbable
turnaround. Scott Carroll made several saves
late on to keep the score level when it seemed
almost certain the goal net would be bulging.Stonewall
had several chances to snatch victory in the
final minutes when Kieran Evans’ spectacular
overhead kick bounced off the top of the crossbar.
Victory was in sight moments later when Michael
English gracefully strode forward and crashed
a shot against the underside of the bar, which
is still vibrating now.
Both teams trudged through extra time but were
fruitless in their attempts to win the game
and to a penalty shoot-out it was.
Scott Carroll
proved to be the hero of the day, after a fantastic
performance during the game, he saved two of the
Norfolk and Chance penalties and ensured that
Stonewall progressed through to the next round.
|
| |
| TEAM: Scott,
Neil, Michael E, Denis, Marcel, Kieran, Steve
(Aslie), Koji (Doug), Nigel, Tony, Lance. |
| MOTM: |
| |
|
| League Game -
Away, Sun 30 Nov 2008 |
| EALING ALL STARS
0 |
| STONEWALL RESERVES
0 |
| |
| |
| REPORT: |
Stonewall battled
hard in awful conditions to claim a draw after
four consecutive defeats.
Stonewall started the game with only 10 men, but
were soon replenished with a full compliment of
11 not long after kick off. The home team dominated
the opening exchanges, putting a lot of pressure
on the Stonewall rearguard. However, for all the
huffing and puffing at the door of the Stonewall
goal, the house made of bricks that was Stonewall’s
defence, stood firm.
The second half was much more even in terms of
possession and creative attacking play. Ealing
continued to be a threat up front and running
from deep while the lateral players for Stonewall
threatened the home team’s defence more
as the game progressed.
The game was nicely balanced and either team could
have stolen it late on. A back post header from
a corner went inches wide for the home team while
the home goalkeeper made a Banks-esque save to
deny Michael Copare when through on goal. Steve
Sawyer’s rasping shot late on almost broke
the goal frame but rebounded straight back into
play.
Stonewall can feel very proud of the point gained
in this game. It wasn’t the time or place
for the ‘sexy football’ maxim of Ruud
Gullit but the battling qualities of every Stonewall
players shone through.
|
| |
| TEAM:Scott, Neil,
Nigel C, Denis, Marcel, Juan, Aslie, Steve, Kieran,
Michael C, Tony |
| MOTM: |
| |
|
| Cup Game - Away,
Sun 02 Nov 2008 |
| HATFIELD LIONS
1 |
| STONEWALL RESERVES
0 |
| |
| |
| REPORT: |
| A spirited late
surge couldn’t bring the breakthrough that
Stonewall deserved to at least force extra time
in this cup game.
After an early
chance was missed by Stonewall the defence stood
remained water-tight on a rain sodden pitch
in west London as the home team bombarded the
Stonewall goal.With
the score remaining goalless at the interval,
Stonewall went into the second half with renewed
confidence but were hit by a sucker punch midway
through the half. Some clever movement in the
area bamboozled the Stonewall defence when a
corner from the left hand side was powerfully
headed home by the Hatfield attacker.The
home side tired towards the game’s conclusion
and the defence contracted as Stonewall surged
forward in the hope of forcing extra time. Despite
the best efforts nothing could break down the
resistance the home side’s defence.
|
| |
| TEAM:Scott, Neil,
Michael E, Justin, Marcel, Kieran, Aslie, Denis
(John S), Juan, Michael C, James A |
| MOTM: |
| |
|
| League Game -
Home, Sun 19 Oct 2008 |
| NORFOLK &
CHANCE 3 |
| STONEWALL RESERVES
0 |
| |
| |
| REPORT: |
First Half :
8 chances for Norfolk and Chance
5 chances for Stonewall Reserves
Half Time : [0-1]
Second Half :
9 chances for Stonewall Reserves
2 Chances for Norfolk and Chance
Full : [0-3]
That says it all. Stonewall Reserves rolled up
their sleeves more in the second half, fought
more, but their two second half goals came out
of defensive mistakes which we won't talk about.
I have to say this is the first game this season
that we played a team with a very well organised
back 4. They moved together, and talked well I
noticed. Going forward, if we are to break down
sides with this type of organisation, and lets
face it, the earlier games didn't have that, we
need our front six to be much sharper, and crisper
with the passing. Food for thought going into
Tuesdays training session boys.
|
| |
| TEAM:Scott,
Neal, Dennis, John E (Michael E), Dan, Juan (Aslie),
Steve, Raff, Kieron, Tony (Declan), Michael C |
| |
| MOTM: |
|
| Cup Game- Away,
Sun 12 Oct 2008 |
| FERNHEAD ROVERS
1 |
| STONEWALL RESERVES
7 |
| L.Wells (2),
J.Allan (2), M.Copare (2), D.McCarthy |
| |
| REPORT: |
Stonewall’s
reserve side progressed through to the next round
of the cup after a fine team performance against
strong opposition.
Ferhead started brightly but it was Stonewall
that scored first. Lance Wells opened the scoring
with a fine goal before a long throw from man
of the match Kieran Evans was diverted into the
goal by Michael Copare.
Midfield dynamo Aslie Pitter had a shot smashed
against the bar as Stonewall began to assert control
of the game. However, a defensive lapse enabled
Fernhead to snatch a goal and reduce the deficit
to one goal.
This only galvanised the Stonewall troops and
the lead was increased to 4-1 by half time as
Wells added to his tally with a fine finish and
Michael Copare stunned the home team with a jinking,
mazy run and bullet of a shot into the top corner
of the net. You just don’t save those!
In the second half, Fernhead came back into the
game and caused the Stonewall defence of Dan Miller,
Michael English, birthday boy Dennis Hanslip and
Neil Walsh several problems in the second half
with long balls over the top. Scott in the Stonewall
goal remained largely untroubled.
James Allen was moved into centre midfield alongside
the industrious Steve Sawyer in the second half
and increased Stonewalls advantage with a fifth
goal midway through the half. In the plethora
of substitutions that followed, Declan McCarthy
l, were introduced in place of Juan Carlos and
Neil Walsh. Both had an immediate impact on the
game as a’ pinpoint cross was cushioned
superbly by Wells into the path of Declan McCarthy
to smash home number six.
With the game dying out, Stonewall completed the
scoring after good work from Copare down the left
wing set up James Allen who scored with a wonderful
diving header.
The result encapsulated a great day for skipper
Denis Hanslip who was celebrating his 21st birthday
with a delicious chocolate cake made by Michael
Copare. |
| |
| TEAM: Scott,
Kieran, Denis, Michael E, Neil, James, Steve,
Aslie (Dan), Juan (Declan), Lance, Michael C |
| |
| MOTM: K.Evans |
|
| League Game-
Away, Sun 05 Oct 2008 |
| FERNHEAD ROVERS
3 |
| STONEWALL RESERVES
8 |
| L.Wells (2),
N.Urquart (2), M.English (3), J.Carlos |
| |
| REPORT: |
Fernhead got
a low shot in, which Scott pounced on.
1st Shot : Juan header to Lance,
whose lob missed. 2nd Shot
: Lance on his own, missed.Fernhead,
free kick, miss
3rd Shot : Juan cross, Nathan miss
4th Shot : [GOAL!!!] Neal over the top, Lance
deft glancing backward header, into the gushing
Nathan who shot low into the net. [0-1]
5th Shot : Steve shot into box, but ran outFernhead,
nicked the ball off us in midfield, shot but miss.
6th Shot : Lance into Kieron, shot, but should
have been a corner !
7th Shot : John E long range lob, miss.
8th Shot : Lance dink into Juan, who dinked, dinked,
dinked, but got tackled accurately in the box.
Yellow Card for Dan T, see above.
9th Shot : [GOAL!!!] Juan corner, Michael E rose
like a salmon, and headed into the top right corner.
[0-2]
10th Shot : Kieron shot, save. Fernhead,
Breakaway, but crap shot.
Fernhead, Throw, chip, chip, crossbar.
Fernhead, Low drilled shot, Scott save.
11th Shot : Lance savy lay off to Juan, 'ave it
Miss.Fernhead, throw, low
shot, Scott save.
12th Shot : Nathan low shot, save.
Half-Time [0-2]
Fernhead, chip into 6 yard box, mad scramble,
Dennis away.
13th Shot : [GOAL!!!] Steve low central pass through
to Lance, whose pass was exquiste into the gushing
Juan, took one touch at pace, and casually chipped
the goalie. Our best move all game. [0-3]
Fernhead, dangerous cross into box, scramble,
Michael E away.
Fernhead, [GOAL!!!] corner, scramble, shot into
corner. [1-3] 14th
Shot : [GOAL!!!] Nathan disposesses Fernhead,
squares a low driven cross, Lance one touch to
the left, chips in. [1-4]Fernhead,
shot Scott saves first time, shot again, Scott
saves second time. Double save, double quick.
Awesome Shaggy !
15th Shot : [GOAL!!!] Juan corner, scramble away
to Neal, who picks out The Scream (Michael E)
who nods in with aplomb ! [1-5]
16th Shot : Kieron, jinlk, jink, jink, lays off
a perfect little pass for Nathan, who blasts into
side netting.
[SUB] Kieron off, Declan on at Right Midfield.17th
Shot : Juan, jink, jink, jink, jink, shot, miss.Yellow
Card for Nathan, for being too butch.
18th Shot : Nathan deep long chip...almost ![SUB]
Steve off, Aslie into the centre.
Fernhead, scramble in box, shot, goal. [2-5]
Fernhead, corner, ping-pong scramble in box, shot,
goal [3-5]
19th Shot : [GOAL!!!] Juan cross, Nathan un-stoppable
drive into diagonal far corner [3-6]
[SUB] Nathan off, Alexis on as Striker !20th
Shot : [GOAL!!!] Lance scored, can't remember
how, but I'm sure it was awesome :) [3-7]
21st Shot : [GOAL!!!] Aslie corner, Michael E
header into corner. A HAT-TRICK OF HEADERS FOR
MICHAEL ENGLISH !!! [3-8]Dennis
noted at the end of the match, that if we play
with that passion all season, we'll win this League.
I think so too, but we'll have much tougher games
ahead of us yet, so lets not get carried away. |
| |
| TEAM: Scott,
Neal W, Michael E, Dennis H, Dan T, Kieron (Declan
M), Steve S (Aslie P), John E, Juan C, Lance W,
Nathan U (Alec R) |
| MOTM: M.English |
|
| League Game-
Away, Sun 14 Sept 2008 |
| SEVENTHS (1)
3 |
| STONEWALL RESERVES
6 |
| |
| REPORT: |
What a game
!!!
As it happened :
1st Shot : James, skimmed along the floor, finger
tip save from the goalie.
2nd Shot : Juan, jink, jink, bang, but skied it
!
3rd Shot : Michael , low hard drive, James follow
up low cross, Michael miss.
4th Shot : Lloyd header wide.
5th Shot : James away on the wing, cross, Michael
header miss.
Sevenths then got in our half, shot miss, corner,
Scott safe hands caught.
6th Shot : Juan low left wing cross, miss.
7th Shot : Direct Free Kick, Raphael, skied it.
8th Shot : Raphael into box, side netting.
Sevenths into box, scramble, nothing.
9th Shot : Michael flick, James side netting.
10th Shot : Corner, Raphael chip, just over.
11th Shot : Corner, Michael E header, just over.
12th Shot : Corner, Michael header, miss.
13th Shot : [GOAL!!!] Dennis free kick over the
top, Michael then dinked it over the advancing
Goalkeeper. [0-1]
14th Shot : Raphael low on the floor, Michael
low drive straight at goalkeeper, who spilled
but saved.
15th Shot : [GOAL!!!] Lloyd over the top, defensive
mix up, James away like a determined fertilizing
sperm, slotted into the corner. [0-2]
16th Shot : Michael , powerful low shot, saved.
Paul off injured, Kieron became Left Back.
Sevenths : [GOAL!!!] Throw in, Scott came, but
ball headed in just before.
HALF-TIME [1-2]
James injured. Declan became Striker.
Sevenths : [GOAL!!!] due to Defensive mix up.
shame. [2-2]
17th Shot : [GOAL!!!] Raphael, in what can only
be described as a SCREAMER ! 30 Yards out. Diagonal
top corner. Best ever Raphael? [3-4]
18th Shot : Marauding Juan down the left, cross,
Steve S header, miss.
19th Shot : Free Kick. Michael , just over.
20th Shot : [GOAL!!!] Declan-Raphael, Raphael-Steve,
Steve low cross to Michael , chipped into the
corner with aplomb. Awesome. [2-4]
21st Shot : [GOAL!!!] Juan cross, Michael low
drilled shot. [2-5]
21st Shot : [GOAL!!!] Lloyd low drilled pass to
Juan, who stopped, chipped up and into top corner
of advancing goalie. [2-6]
Move of the match : Juan celebrated first by a
cart-wheel, then a backward flip. I kid you not.
Eat your heart out, Lomanu Lua Lua.
Neal off. Kieron to Right Back, Alec on to Left
Back.
Sevenths : [GOAL!!!] Ref gave a foul against Dennis
for nothing! Free Kick, scramble in box, offside,
but goal stood. But who cared! lol!! |
| |
| TEAM: |
| Man
Of The Match: |
|
| Pre Season Friendly
- Away, Sat 19 July 2008 |
| AFC EALING (3)
3 |
| STONEWALL RESERVES
6 |
| D.Edward (2),
P.Nedd (2), K.Evans, D.Topping |
| |
| REPORT: |
| Stonewall
Reserves came out for the first friendly of the
season. It was a well fought game in the good
sprit of a friendly with many changes occuring
on boths teams. Stonewall got a few good goals
scored, which is a good effort with so many new
players. Good team effort with plently of passing.
Nice to see people taking their time on the ball
and slotting a good pass through. |
| |
| TEAM: |
| Man
Of The Match: |
|
|
|
Team
3 - Reports
|
| LUL Game - Home,
Sun 19 April 2009 |
| TITANS 3 |
| STONEWALL ATHLETIC
2 |
| W.Pawson, P.Laughlin |
| |
| REPORT: |
London Titans
completed a remarkable second half comeback to
win after being 2-0 behind at the break.
Stonewall started the game off well and took the
lead when Will Pawson’s floated free-kick
bounced over the visiting goalkeeper.
Paul Laughlin doubled Stonewall’s advantage
before the break when his mazy run, reminiscent
of Ryan Giggs’ FA Cup semi-final goal against
Arsenal in 1999, and finish gave the goalkeeper
no chance.
Neil Walsh, standing in as goalkeeper, brilliantly
saved a first half penalty as Titans tried to
get back into the game.
Stonewall’s team, containing possible extras
from Dads Army, began to tire in the second half
heat. Titans took advantage and pulled back two
goals in quick succession.
Both teams continued to attack as a victory was
up for grabs and Stonewall couldn’t take
advantage of the better chances that they created.
Titans snatched victory in the dying seconds when
a cross was headed back across goal giving Neil
no chance.
|
| |
| Team: Neil, Will, James, Dave,
Marcel, Steven, Declan, Paul, Robin, Asif, Bill,
Brian. |
| MOTM: |
| |
|
| GFSN Cup Game
- Away, Sun 08 Feb 2009 |
| VILLAGE MANCHESTER
2 |
| STONEWALL ATHLETIC
1 |
| M.Graves |
| |
| REPORT: |
A last gasp penalty for
the home side ensured progress into the GFSN Cup
semi-finals and brought Stonewall’s cup
adventure to a shattering end.
Despite warnings of blizzards and sub-zero temperatures,
the conditions at kick-off were fine, if a little
chilly.
The game started frantically with neither team
used to the all weather surface. Both teams carved
out openings but both defences dealt comfortably
with whatever was thrown at them.
Village Manchester took the lead midway through
the half when Steve Clayton picked the ball up
in midfield and drove forward. His powerful shot
bent viciously at the last minute and deceived
Graeme Moore in the Stonewall goal.
Having made the effort to go to the game, Stonewall
rallied and equalised soon afterwards. The ball
was knocked out wide to Kieran Evans on the right
wing, his low cross bobbled across the six yard
box and squirmed away from the goalkeeper’s
grasp. The ball eventually found its way to the
back post where Marcel Graves was loitering after
charging forward on the counter attack. He somehow
managed to squeeze the ball home from a very acute
angle to send the crowd berserk.
The second half saw a plethora of substitutions
which slowed the game down although there were
plenty of incidents to excite the growing crowd.
The game ebbed and flowed and in what must have
been an exciting game to watch. Manchester had
the better of the chances in the second half as
they took advantage of a slight breeze behind
them to pump the ball forward quickly.
Stonewall thought they had completed an amazing
turnaround soon after when Neil Walsh guided the
ball home from inside the area only for play to
be pulled back for an offside in the build up.
At the other end, Graeme Moore pulled off a string
of fine saves to keep Stonewall in the game, most
notably tipping the ball round the post from a
long shot midway through the half. When he was
finally beaten, Village Manchester still had no
luck as Will Pawson just managed to clear the
ball off the line. Then, after a defensive mix-up
a long range effort was spectacularly headed off
the line by goal scorer Marcel Graves.
Village Manchester ensured victory in the final
minute when a penalty was awarded for a foul and
Chris Wouldhave confidently stepped up to send
the goalkeeper the wrong way. It was a devastating
blow to Stonewall who didn’t have the time
to try and send the game to penalties.
Overall, a fantastic weekend was had by all and
I’m sure I speak for everyone in thanking
everyone from Village Manchester for their generosity
and warmly welcoming us to the north.
|
| |
| TEAM:Graeme,
Will, James, Roger, Marcel, Kwokkie, Steven, Declan,
Neil, Kieran, Ibrahim, Ben, Dave, Bill, Robin |
| MOTM: K.Evans |
| |
|
| GFSN Cup Game
- Home, Sun 09 Nov 2008 |
| NEWCASTLE PANTHERS
2 |
| STONEWALL ATHLETIC
5 |
| K.Nikkura (2),
K.Evans, Sajid, P.Nedd |
| |
| REPORT: |
| Newcastle came,
saw but didn’t conquer the mighty Stonewall
Athletic in Stonewall’s first foray into
the brave new world of the GFSN Cup.
Stonewall were graced with the
presence of Koji Niikura to start the game and
he opened the scoring after a bright and breezy
start from both teams. He controlled the ball
just outside the area and unleashed a rocket into
the top corner of the net giving the visiting
goalkeeper no chance. Stonewall
fell asleep and Newcastle equalised within seconds
of the restart with a powerfully struck shot that
flew passed the Stonewall goalkeeper before he
could even move.Confusion
reigned as Stonewall regained the lead soon after.
Newcastle claimed the ball had gone out for a
throw-in but Stonewall played to the whistle (or
lack of one, correctly) and the ball eventually
found its way to Sajid to bundle in from close
range.Just before half time
Stonewall strolled into the ascendency as Koji
elegantly rounded the advancing goalkeeper and
stroked the ball into an unguarded net.Stonewall’s
defence were significantly busier in the opening
period of the second period and Newcastle’s
pressure bore fruit in pulling a goal back via
a free kick.This only spurred
Stonewall into action and proving that Athletic
is no misnomer, Stonewall wrapped the game up
in the final minutes as the visitors began to
tire. Peter Nedd instinctively poached goal number
four before Kieran Evans wrapped up the win in
some style. A fierce right foot strike from the
right hand corner of the penalty area flew passed
the diving Newcastle goalkeeper.
Roll on Manchester,
away, in the next round. |
| |
| TEAM:Graham,
Neil, Dave Roberts, James, Marcel, Asif, Richard,
Steven, Sajid, Koji, Peter, Dave Stead, Will,
Declan, Ben, Kieran, Bill |
| MOTM: |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
