J.Feldman, A.Bray

The game started off as quite a tense affair with neither team getting to grips with the poor surface. Stonewall couldn't seem to string any passes together and whilst Deportivo weren't causing any major problems to our defence, the right winger seemed to be having some joy using his pace to good effect. Stonewall were fortunate on the few occasions as the right winger did get free, but the final ball was a let off for us. As the half went on, Stonewall didn't manage to test the goalkeeper, despite Alan running himself into the ground. It appeared from the sidelines that there was far too much space between the midfield and the attack - and whilst most of our teamtalk had been about attacking down the wings, it wasn't actually happening. During the last 10 minutes of the half - which coincided with Steve (coach) turning up, we managed to string a few passes together, press much higher up the field and with Tom breaking out from centre midfield, we created a couple of half chances. Half time came with the scores at 0-0.
The second half Stonewall started much better with a higher tempo and started to attack down the wings as had been suggested in the team talk. Alan who was still running his socks off was still slightly isolated however, and Stonewall were still unable to test the goalkeeper. Deportivo then broke down our right side, and (I think) after a couple of deflections the ball fell to their (I think) number 9 who slotted calmly past Eric. James A then came on for Raph, slotting onto the right of midfield, which pushed Doug further through the centre. Whilst letting in the first goal seemed to spur Stonewall on, a very quick counter attack by Deportivo ended up with their striker being one on one with Eric and despite one of our defenders making an effort to get back, the striker very coolly slotted past Eric who had come out to try and close the angle. At 2-0 down this was going to be a mountain to climb against a team who we had not even had a shot at goal. It was at this stage that Dan and Jamie came on for Justin and Darren (injured). Stonewall broke down the right hand side after some nice interplay between the midfield, James found himself at the corner of the box, with Doug and Jamie both breaking to the far post. A skewed shot from James turned out to be an excellent cross for Jamie to finish at the far post. Despite calls from the bench that the defender got the last touch, the goal was Jamie's (he says). From the kick off, Deportivo tried to relax but Stonewall were in no mood to give them any time on the ball. After some pressing (Steve will be happy) the ball ended up with Jamie on the left who after failing to make the first pass, won the ball back and laid it to Lance on the left wing - yes you did read that correct...Lance on the left wing, who crossed the ball into Alan who spun and put the ball in the bottom corner. 2-2 and two goals in the space of 2minutes.
In the final few minutes of the game, Deportivo won a corner and their centre back rose highest at the near post to put a neat header passed Eric. Despite the effort of making the comeback Stonewall lost the game 3-2.
The manager's post match text summed up the game pretty well. Unfortunately there were not enough shots on goal for us to get a result, which is through no fault of the striker, Alan, who had a great game on his first start.
Onwards and upwards, 3 points from our first 3 games is not a bad start. Next week we are back at fortress Stonewall for a home game vs Kodak.

TEAM: Eric A, John S, Daren L, Lance W, Justin M, Gaku S, Tom E, Marcos F, Doug E, Alan B, Raphael L, James A, Dan M, Adam T, Jamie F

D.Ellard (3), L.Wells, I.Drain

On a very nice and sunny Saturday afternoon, Stonewall FC travelled to Hayes to face Hounslow Wanderers in a repeat of the early fixtures of last year, which Stonewall lost 4-2.
The spirit was high and Stonewall was keen to avoid a similar performance a year on.
After a very encouraging 5 minutes in which the reds battled strongly, the following 20 minutes were all about Hounslow. The purple players were faster and sharper and created a couple of chances playing the ball over the top of both full back, John Stanghon and Mikey Kearney. Both players were struggling to hold onto their players. Doug Edward and Gaku Sato were doing their best to protect them but with the ball being lost so easily in the middle of the park, it was always going to be a up-hill battle. After another ball lost by the new midfield pair of Tom Eddington and Markus, Hounslow worked it quickly to their left winger, who turned sharply, taking John S by surprise and unleashing a fierce shot from 25 yards straight towards Eric Armanazi, who inexplicably failed to connect with the shot. 1-0 Hounslow.
That wasn't the start that the reds wanted. But far from letting their heads drop, Doug E. picked the players up and asked for more.
He was going to be heard - 5 minutes later, John S. got the ball from Darren Lewis, made his way up the pitch, passed the ball to Doug who linked with Dave Ellard. His first touch was good, his shot was strong and on target. A slight deflection gave no chance to the Hounslow keeper. 1-1.
The supporters were relieved - Stonewall had their first goal of the season.
Hounslow kicked off, Markus stole the ball, fed Gaku who passed the ball to Iain Drain on the edge of the area. Iain did not take time to control the ball and kick the ball over the helpless keeper. 2-1 Stonewall.
2 goals in 2 minutes - Hounslow was dealt a severe blow and struggled for the next 20 minutes to get out of their area. The move of the match saw Stonewall make a succession of 12 passes including a delightful back heel from Tom in the path of Gaku. Gaku who had a great game, was so unlucky not to score with the keeper deflecting his shot onto the crossbar after 35 minutes.
With only 3 minutes to go before half-time, Hounslow was back in the game when Stonewall failed to defend a corner kick, the ball fell in the middle of several players and was kicked into the goal. 2-2
Half-time.
Stonewall came back with the same envy but wasn't able to convert their pressure into goals. The defense was getting the best of their opposition and winning the ball comfortably. Mikey made way midway through the half following a bad knock that he received in the first half. Raphael Lennon came on and Tom slipped into left back. Soon after, Tom passed the ball to Markus who fed Iain. Iain spotted David' run in the box. Dave unleashed a mighty shot straight into the top corner of the goal. Unbelievable 3-2 Stonewall.
5 minutes later, Stonewall got a corner kick. Doug delivered a great ball onto Lance Wells's head - brilliant placed header into the opposite bottom corner - 4-2 Stonewall. Lance had a good game and already had came close on a previous couple of occasions.
And then Dave had his hat-trick with another good move on the side with Doug, again, passing the ball into the path of Dave who made no mistake from 15 yards. 5-2 Stonewall.
Alan Bray came on for Iain and was involved in a couple of very good move, his pace causing chaos in the Hounslow defence.
This unbelievable second half saw Hounslow scoring another goal making it 5-3 to Stonewall and they had another chance in the dying moments of the game. Markus also had an amazing run making 3 or 4 defenders look like dummies on the training ground.
Stonewall had their first victory of the season after 2 games only - a sharp contrast with the 10 games without victory of last season.
The performance of the game was certainly shared with Dave Ellard scoring an hat-trick but Gaku Sato also having a fair shout at player of the match with a great performance full of abnegation.

TEAM: Eric A, John S, Daren L, Lance W, Michael K, Gaku S, Tom E, Marcos F, Doug E, Iain D, Dave E, Alan B, Raphael L

R.Lennon, M.Copare, D.Topping, OG

The pitch was wet, the wind was blowing but the Apprentices were in a great
mood to win their second game of the season. The team was strong and started
brightly - after a delayed kick off due to Denis having to repaint all the
lines on the pitch - promise Denis next time we'll give you a brush and a
ruler ;-). Seriously thanks a lot for doing this.
So we dominated the possession and were linking well from the defence (3 Dan
and Kirk) to the attack of James A and Michael. But some of the passes were
not right and we were losing the ball too quickly. J Gaia is a team that
loves counter attack and thy is very fast. Following a loss of possession in
the midfield between Adam and Raph, Gaia worked quickly the ball to their
striker who beat Scott from 10 yards. 1-0 Gaia.
Heads went down slightly and stonewall conceded a serie of corners which
were all well cleared included one off the line.
The storm had passed and we were once again dominating the play. With 15
minutes to go in the first half, the ball was passed neatly to Juan, on the
right midfield but his cross was cleared for a corner. Juan delivered a
vicious ball that was sen to the back of the net by the opposition number 7
under the pression of new boy Daniel. 1-1
Now we were right back in the game. With 2 minutes to go, Gaia failed to
clear the ball from the edge of their penalty area, Raph found Michael in
the box but his shot was deflected wide.
The resulting corner was well crossed by Orvin, flicked on by Michael for
Dan (which one???) Topping to give us the lead. 2-1 Stonewall.The half time talk was important to remind us that the whole of the midfield
should work harder to protect the defence. Adam had been awesome with some
great last minute tackles but we couldn't rely on him like that so much.

We started the second half very brightly and were unlucky not to score when
James Allen found himself with a clear shot opportunity within 5 minutes of
the restart. Then Michael C also had a good chance to put the game to bed.
Unfortunately, after a good 20 minutes of great pressure and much better
work from the 4 midfielders, Gaia found themselves level with a good run
from their number 7 who ran past 3 or 4 of our players before rounding Scott
and finishing from a tight angle. 2-2.

within 1 minute, we were back ahead with a moment of pure magic from Michael
Copare - sorry MR Michael Copare! Adam fed Michael on the edge of the
penalty area, Michael, with his back to the goal, lifted the ball with his
left foot, turned on himself and volleyed the ball into the opposite corner
of the goal. The goalkeeper stayed rooted to the ground! 3-2 Stonewall. What
an amazing goal - trully great class.

But then, we wouldn't be Stonewall if we could hold onto a lead and not give
our supporters a bit of a fright. Gaia equalised within 5 minutes of that
wonder goal - 3-3.
Worse was to come - Gaia was on the up and was putting us under pressure.
One of their fast move cut throught the middle, Daniel had to make the
challenge but mistimed it and the ref awarded Gaia a penalty. Scott did
enough to put off the striker who shot well wide of the goal. Gaia had
failed to take their chance.
With 10 minutes to go, James Nelson passed the ball to Michael in the
penalty area who was pushed by the defender - penalty!
Raph stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way - Stonewall 4-3.

Denis, who had finished painting his masterpiece, came on for Juan to
strengthen the midfield - Michael join Adam and Raph in the midfield. James
Nelson was unlucky not to score himself and also could have claimed an
assist if he had spotted James Allen alone at the back post.
Scott had to deny Gaia again with 2 great saves from close. Danny Miller was
strong and helped the other defenders to see the game through with a couple
of last minute clearance.
Final score : 4-3 Stonewall.
What a great win that was - yes we could (and should) have made it much
easier - some of the football was great, some of it not so.
The team is gelling and is supporting each other
The defence, goakeeper and some of the defending moves from midfield were
very good (even though we conceded 3 goals). We have some great strikers -
we need to work a bit harder for each other.
but 2 wins out of 2 - can't be bad!!!!

I think that the man of the match was Adam - it was the first time that I
played with him - what an engine and great tackling!

TEAM:

G.Williams, R.Collumbell

Stonewall recorded a fine victory against a pumped up Falcons team on a chilly autumnal afternoon.
The victory was richly deserved after some good performances in recent weeks but no result to show for the endeavour.
Both teams created chances as the game flowed from end to end. Stonewall took the lead just before the break when a long throw in was controlled by Lloyd who found GARY WILLIAMS unmarked by the penalty spot to coolly slot passed the advancing goalkeeper.
A half time shakeup was needed as Falcons increased the pressure on the Stonewall goal. However, Stonewall still looked dangerous on the counter attack.
Stonewall took advantage of a defensive lapse to increase the lead when RICHARD COLLUMBELL dispossessed a Falcons defender and his shot, so powerful that it almost took the goalkeeper’s hand off (!), trickled in much to the amazement of everybody present!
A neat finish from Omar Bakarat pulled a goal back for Falcons but Adrian was having an inspired game in goal and played very well, as did the whole defence.

TEAM: Adrian, Will, Chris, Alec, Robin, Dan T, Justin, Gary, Marcel, Steven, Richard, Aresh, Francesco, James (apologies to those I’ve forgotten to mention – I can’t remember who else played)

D.McCarthy, M.Graves, G.Williams

Brighton and Stonewall shared the spoils in a pulsating and at times, bruising encounter by the seaside. Stonewall dominated the first half and took the lead when DECLAN MCCARTHY’S low shot nestled into the bottom corner. Lloyd forced a spectacular save from the keeper and Dave Rey came close a few times before a moment of pure magic.
A corner from the left hand side was cleared only to the edge of the area where MARCEL GRAVES smashed a volley straight through a crowded penalty area and into the back of the net. Much to the delight of the travelling Wags!

A multitude of changes at half time from both teams saw Brighton come back into the game in the second half. Owen, taking a turn in goal at the start of the half, dived low to his right to save a penalty. One of a number of interesting decisions given by the referee during the afternoon.

Brighton bundled in two goals to equal the score as the game entered what turned into a lively last ten minutes.

Firstly, GARY WILLIAMS converted a penalty after Owen was brought down in the area before Brighton scored a scrappy equaliser at the death from a corner. Sandwiched in between this was a red card for Will for retaliating.
Stonewall can be proud of their efforts in very trying circumstances, and one is not referencing the weather here; as dismal as it was.

TEAM:

T.Bittner, D.McCarthy

A last gasp goal denied Stonewall a deserved draw in a pulsating game.
In a fairly open game, Falcons took the lead with a low shot at the near post before Tomas Bittner raced away from the defence and powered home an equaliser.
A quick counter attack saw the Falcons regain the lead but the lead was short lived as Declan McCarthy’s shot looped over the goalkeeper just before half time.
Falcons created several good chances in the second half but couldn’t find a way passed Neil ‘Bonner’ Walsh. Stonewall looked lively in attack too in spite of tired, aching limbs as the game progressed.
Stonewall thought they had done enough for a draw until the final few minutes when a free kick was whipped in from the left and was headed passed a stranded Neil Walsh in the goal.

TEAM: Neil (GK), Marcel (Captain), Chris, Will, Alec, Kevin, Declan (1), Marc, Owen, Steven, Ibrahim, Dennis, Tomas(1), Lloyd, Gary, Santi.

T.Bittner (3), S.Kwan

The James Lamb era (as I’m sure his time in charge of Stonewall 3rds will soon be known ;) ) began brightly with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Titans Outwest in the London Unity League.
Good news wasn’t confined to the scoreline as the debut of a number of players and size and strength of the squad also bodes well very for the club.
The match was evenly balanced in the opening half. Stonewall may have had slightly better of the play but Titans came closest to scoring. Stonewall were at their best when Declan and Lloyd in the middle set Arthur and Adrian free down the right and left flanks respectively but good chances were rare in the opening 45. At the other end Titans were largely kept at bay by a back four marshalled by Adam but it did require a splendid double-save from Denis from a free-kick and rebound to preserve the clean sheet. It wasn’t the only occasion that smart work from Denis was required.
Things improved almost immediately after the restart. With the wind at their backs and a larger / fresher squad Stonewall were able to step up a gear. Steven Kwan began to terrorise the opposition down the right wing and shortly after the restart he finished off a fine team move with a cool shot to the bottom left corner of the Titan’s goal. Then Stonewall’s Slovakian connection took over as Tomas bagged a fairly quick hat-trick. Ok, one of the goals was offside and another he bundled Gianni out of the way in order to toe-poke home but the third was a very fine finish ;) It was good to see a striker’s instinct on display.
Once the lead was established the game petered out a little with Stonewall’s defence largely untroubled from then on.

TEAM: Denis, Dave Roberts, Adam, James Lamb, Robin, Alec, Will, Kevin, Arthur, Lloyd, Declan, Adrian, Asif, Steven Kwan, Gary, Tomas, Ibrahim, Gianni