Match Reports » November 2007

Old E’s 5th XI Won 4 - 1 v Lloyds Bank (h) AFA Cup

Barry Sturgeon 3, Toch Singh

After the huge amount of nonsense and internal wranglings the 5th team, embroiled by helping out other teams by passing numerous players upwards and being prepared to help everyone out, as best we can. We had 16 and passed Owen to the 3s (thank you v much, great attitude), and a young lad from my school to the 1s (thanks Joe for accommodating him), we had another, near enough settled team for the 4th game this season (e.g. we have made 2 changes only in 4 games).

Lloyds are top of their league (Div 2 South) and flying, to be fair we gave them that credit, at times, but generally rose to the challenge. Barry Sturgeon scored a great hat trick from open play, having been heavily ridiculed for only getting picked to take penalties!! The first a class move, started at the back, down the right, fired across for Bazza to show his 'fox in the box' skills. The second and third were good finished and well created by a great team effort. Jamie played really well in goal, nothing he could have done about an excellent shot from their peter crouch look a like, but the ball should have been cleared much earlier.

Toch scored a goal that under lines his ability as an excellent player and good clubman! Other notable performances, Matty 'wee man' Roberts was electric at times, always prepared to get stuck in and run for the cause (last ten mins need extra work), Craig - another tireless performance, learning to play in the centre and be as combative as possible, also Brian Sturgeon who impresses me every week with his improvement, some intelligent play and inter passing is telepathic with his brother. Stu and Andy H played well, as did Greg and Frank. Special mention to Bazza, who worked tirelessly to get enough players, let some down as well as collect the MVP award, without whinging about any of his efforts.

On a sad note Gary Pritchard got injured and could be out for a while, apart from his experience we are going to miss his reputable wit and array of intellectual gags and comments.

Old E’s 1st XI V Lyonians , SAL League

Old E’s went into the game undefeated and only conceding two goals and a superb performance away to Weirside Rangers last week against all odds.

5 changes were made to the starting line up due to injuries suffered the previous weekend. The shape of the team was maintained with Joe Heron playing in central midfield, Lowry at centre back, Cherrett moving into central midfield, Lee playing in goal and Steele Dan returning after absence.

Old E’s carried on from where they left last week with some decent passing across the pitch. The changes to the team did mean the team in general and the defence were not as solid as they had been all season.

Old E’s thought they had taken the lead when Steel’s shot went over the keeper and bounced over the bar. Another set back for Old E’s was when Lowry‘s header from a Seaborne corner was cancelled out by the goalkeeper for no reason.

Lyonians scored with their first real attack of the game, a volley from 30yards came through a crowd of players and found its way through the keeper. 0-1 half time.

Heron was replaced in central midfield by Gary. Old E’s started the 2nd half brightly and created numerous chances. The Lyonians goalkeeper repeatedly made some outstanding saves, especially from Cherrett’s header.

E’s did get on the score sheet when Steel dragged the ball back onto the pitch from 5 yards off it to Cherrett who slammed the ball in off the post. 1-1. Old E’s pressed for the winner and were undone after poor defending from a corner allowed a player who couldn’t walk to waltz round 3 players before firing into the net. 2-1.

Changes were made to attack more and saw Chris come off the bench for Lowry with Brooks and Mills playing in defence on their own. Chances came and went, a mixture of lack of composure and excellent goalkeeping.

E’s were punished when poor passing from the E’s gave the ball away on the edge of the area and Lyonians finished calmly.

This was a harsh lesson for the E’s and a massive disappointment. A game they should have easily won, the spirit and work rate was not at its usual high rate. The quality was clearly lacking all over the pitch and the lads must now pick themselves up for the cup game next week.

Old E team:

• 5 - Lee – could have done better with the first goal.
• 6 - S Brooks – from the rock to the pebble...
• 6 – G Lowry – scored a good goal and tried hard.
• 6 - A Mills – work rate never in question, sweated blood for the cause.
• 6 - A Chapman – worked hard.
• 7 - G Seabourne – some excellent crosses. 7 - M Cherrett – scored and one of the players who could walk off the pitch with his head held high.
• 6 – J Heron – playing out of his normal position, horrific tackle for his booking.
• 6 – Croaker – strong first half, difficult playing with different people in the middle with him.
• 6 – D Steel – no real service unlucky with his lob that bounced over the bar.
• 6 – M Fellowes – worked hard.
• 8 - Gary – worked hard and tried to create chances once he was on.
• 6 – Chris – long range shot tested the keeper.

2nd XI Match Report Vs Old Wilsonians 10th Nov 2007

WON 3 - 1 (Sul 2, Nosa MacKenzie)

After much change and a very positive meeting Wednesday, I took charge of a depleted, slightly battered 2nd XI. I listed the squad that I thought could take me forward and realised that 7 of them were injured or unavailable, just as Johno had found week in week out. I made some phone calls to reassure myself there are a wealth of players prepared to play and move up, as well as see if I have any influence with players outside the club who could help me at a moments notice.

Anyway, the main act, Hacky installed as my new skipper, turned up an hour before Cooper did, and swore that would never happen again, we sat in our pants and vests waiting for Super Cooper to turn up with the kit and balls. He duly did 5 minutes before kick off, so a prolonged warm up!! We assembled for the first game of a new era. With much youth and experience, I was pleased that all the big characters had their say, but ultimately respected the manager, coach and skipper. On a bowling green pitch our bare 11, suggested quick passing and rapid movement from the start, which they duly did, however OW's moved the ball well and made us worked harder than we should have, but then again getting to know how each plays also slowed us down. They started well, coming at us initially with some slick passing. Damo, Toddy Matt Owen and Torro stayed together and the midfield of Kev, Coops, Hacky and Nosa helped to support, but when we got the ball we passed well, but pleasingly we moved forward well, Kev looking very dangerous down the left, skinning his man every time he got the ball.

OW's had also worked out we had a jet heeled striker in Sul and paid him very close attention, especially just before half time. The game settled in to a classic aerial game that we won out well in, but didn't suit our style of play. Skinny in goal had very little to do, for most of the game and coordinated his defence well. We won lots of first and second ball and it wasn't long before we took a deserved lead. A ball out of defence, played quickly forward found Sul on the left of the area, with the ball bouncing Sul hit a 'big dipper' that looped over the keeper at pace and into the net.

A number of corners and half chances came and went, without Old W's troubling Skinny Gal. We played very well, but unfortunately Sul collasped under a heavy challenge and had rolled his ankle, a massive loss, especially as we didn't have any subs. Much of the same in the second half, which became more and more fractious as both teams tried to clamber for dominance, again the defence played well springing Nosa and Kev as many times as we could, with Hacky and Coops now gaining the upper hand in the centre of the park we went for a tiring Old W's team.

We scored a brillant second that all but ruined the opposition's morale. Nosa (or NOZZA to the uniniciated) ran onto the most perfect ball on the right and smashed home a second stunner. A couple more half chances, and Wilson's only real chance from a corner where we went to sleep and a header ricocheted off our bar and away. Then the big players stood up and too the game by the scruff of the neck and with great communication we locked up tight. We scored a third when a heavily impeded Sul hobbled onto a great through ball, rounded the keeper and scored a decisive goal.

With 3 minutes to play we switched off from from their kick off and a great ball over the top saw their striker race goalwards, Skinny with the subtlety of a pregnant mother wilderbeast, clattered into the poor fella and a penalty was awarded (memories of Schumacher and Patrick Battiston came to my mind e.g. a complete wipe out). Penalty dispatched, which skinny nearly saved was the only sour point of the day. 3 - 1 a fair result to get the season off and running, which helps build confidence, as well as a couple of quality acts making themselves available, my sleeves are bulging !!

I would like to dedicate the win to Kris, who toiled without reward, much support and the luck. Also to Cooper who will now take a deserved break for a few weeks and we look forward to welcoming him back in the near future.

As Cooper said, one swallow doesn't make a summer, so much work to be done, passing players between teams and enjoying the their Saturday afternoons

(Skinny will forward the player ratings once he has had help adding up the numbers !!)

Old E’s 5th XI V Alexandra Palace

Result: Lost 5-1 Scorer: Baz Sturgeon

Following the departure of our 2 most important players along with 4 cry-offs (2 on Saturday morning) I was left with 10 men on the morning of the game. Realising I was unlikely to get any help from anyone else I rounded up what I could and we went to Alexander with a bare 11, which included 3 debutants and 5 or 6 players that didn’t even know each-others names.

It took me about 3 minutes to work out that their forward was playing out of his depth - and he duly put Alex into a 1-0 lead. An immediate response saw Old E's hit back immediately.

Five minutes later and Alex were back in front - they were looking threatening with every attack and a brand new back 4 were being tested to the full. Mid-way through the 1st half and the ref awards a generous looking penalty to the E's. Unfortunately I could only powder puff it to the keepers left and he made a comfortable save.

The back 4 had got themselves in order and we went into half time 2-1 down but all the talk was of keeping their ringer quiet up front (soon to be playing 4 or 5 teams higher for sure) - and nicking 1 on the break.

Almost immediately after the restart we are down to ten through injury and with no subs this was always going to be the turning point. Alex instantly scored 2 goals which put the result out of reach but it was a credit to Old E's 10 men that they held firm for 30 2nd half minutes and shouts of "play for the shirt" epitomised the CLUB spirit being shown and on another day we could have grabbed a couple of goals of our own. A late strike from Alex who had now brought on 2 fresh pairs of legs was harsh on an Old E's side which showed a lot of balls in the 2nd half despite being a man short.

Excellent attitude from the new players who all said they wanted to play again and sign up - not a bad response when you have been beaten 5-1.

Old E’s 2nd XI V Bealonians - 17th Nov 2007

Lost 3 - 4 (Sul, Lucas and Kev)

A stronger Old E's teams was selected and a tough decision had to be taken on who would bench out of our successful team from last week. The game began on a hard but slippery pitch where both teams tried to find their footing and establish their presence. Our defence seemed uncertain and lacked a communication that made us very strong last week, we didn't pass players on enough and get ourselves out and play a higher line. This, subsequently, led to their first goal. A hopeful ball over the top, which was Beal main source of attack in the first half, saw a burly onside Beals striker left free by a slow turning Toddy, who fired luckily past Skinny Gal.

Disappointed, but experienced at chasing the game, we went at Beals, with some slick passing, Hacky at the root of our best moves. We moved well down the left and Lucas, Toch and Sul worked the spaces well. We forced numerous corners throughout the game, but from the dangerous delivery, the ball was headed clear and came to Sul who chested down and volleyed into the net to make it 1 each. We then sat back again and didn't get control of the midfield as Alex ran like a whippet to try and close the ball down, but they kept launching it to their strikers. Again they scored an average goal, where we switched off, not clearly the ball effectively, skinny having a chance to launch the ball, but not getting a great contact leaving a lucky Beal strikers to stroke home for 2 - 1.

Again, chasing the game, we played some excellent football, individually we looked dangerous going forward, but as a team we overplayed or played too soon which ran our effectiveness down. I never feared we wouldn't get back into the game, as we had so much quality. But from another corner, some great dummy running ripping their defence to pieces left Lucas to leap like a salmon swimming up river to spawn her young, head unchallenged into a gapping net for 2 -2.

A positive team talk and inspiring instructions dished out we took to the second half like duck to a chopping block. They had shuffled their pack and put a quality ball player up front, but still we had their measure, or so we thought. Their midfield started to impress on the game as we faded to leave huge gaps. Our defence backed off, but were doing just enough to keep them at bay. Beals started to play football as a team, but we still relied on the individuals up front to cause bother. A fantastic sweeping move forward led to sharp passing, Toch skinning anyone who came into his path and Sul making great runs into the box. Toch drew the right back, beat him and chipped a perfect ball to Kev to head home with Ronaldo like precision. Kev was quiet for most of the game as the ball drifted to the areas where he wasn't, but nice to put us 3 - 2 up. At this point I thought we would have broken them like Ivan Drago predicted he'd do to Rocky (Rocky XI). But as we never make anything easy for ourselves, we missed to glorious chances to make it 4 - 2 to kill off a spirited Beals team. By not putting the game beyond them, we tired, stop doing what we do well, work for each other, we shot ourselves in both feet by not clearing the ball and being intelligent enough to hammer the ball to all parts of the ground to close out. They scored two in quick succession, based on individual errors, the story of the season so far. And they did the closing out on a game that we should have won. They played like a team, without the talent that we possess, we have to learn from this and take more heart into our away trip to Carshalton next week.

Old E’s 1st XI V HSBC, SAL

Won 4-0

Old E’s went into the game with the usual changes to the team that is now becoming as consistent as McQuaid getting injured! Torrance was between the sticks with Seaborne, Croker & Brooks from left to right in defence. Last weeks two goal hero Cherrett was moved to left wing back with Aaron Chapman on the right. The centre of midfield was made up of Weaver, Gary Price & McQuaid. Daniel Steel & P. Nut started up front with Fellows on the bench. This was an amazingly strong XI considering the array of talent that was unavailable – Widdows, Widdows, Mills, Lowry & even Heron!

Despite the changes E’s soon found their passing game & Weaver & Price were soon getting stuck into the HSBC midfield, allowing Goldilocks McQuaid to link up with the attackers & bring the wide men into play.

Indeed it was McQuaid who opened the scoring after Croker collected the ball at the back strode forward & calmly played Aidan through; his sublime chip from the edge of the area was always destined for the top corner 1-0.

The team seemed to be a lot more balanced than in recent weeks and the confidence within the team continued to grow throughout the game. E’s restricted HSBC to a direct approach & managed to deal with everything that was thrown at them, literally long throw ins & corners.

In the second half E’s stamped their authority on the game with some lessons in possession football. HSBC’s only idea was to pump long balls forward which the defence dealt with well. Chances were coming thick and fast as E’s ripped HSBC to shreds. Chapman saw his header rebound back off the cross bar.

The second goal came thanks to P.Nut who collected the ball on the left went directly towards the goal before firing past the keeper into the bottom right hand corner 2-0.

Two minutes later Seaborne fired a long ball to again put P.Nut away; there was no catching the greyhound as he raced away before firing into the bottom right hand corner with a textbook finish to make it 3-0.

The game was sealed towards the end when a Cherrett corner was thundered home by McQuaid to make the score line reflect E’s dominance 4-0. At this stage the only thing concerning the E’s defence was how much bragging McQuaid was going to be doing if he scored a third, they were even heard to say I hope he’s subbed off!!

E’s showboating including Croker shooting from a free kick inside his own half & Brooks attempting & succeeding with an audacious 60 yard cross field pass which Cherrett did not have to break stride for! The HSBC players were heard saying they didn’t even know what formation they were supposed to be playing; the E’s had literally annihilated them.

The team produced their most convincing performance of the season and HSBC players summed it up – “you totally out played us and deserved the victory”. Surely the same XI must retain their places injuries permitting?

Old E team:

• I Torrance 7, - dealt with the one shot he had to, some suspect kicking though…
• S Brooks 7, - played through the pain for the E’s and started to get forward towards the end.
• D Corker 8, - surely has to stay in this position now, was a calming influence & passed the ball out rarely giving away possession.
• G Seabourne 7, - great assist for P.Nut’s 2nd goal, should have been booked for one of the worst tackles ever.
• A Chapman 7, - never stopped moving, must have run 10 miles unlucky not to score with his header.
• M Cherrett 7, - created one goal but must stop going down with injuries all the time according to Agass MBE
• R Weaver 8, - battled non-stop with opposition midfielders & never gave them anything
• G Price 8, - played with his heart on his sleeve, possibly a clone of Weaver?!?
• A McQuaid 9, - scored 2 on his return to the team but can he now stay match fit?
• D Steel 7, - only one real chance to score & saw it come back off the cross bar, chin up Heron
• P. Nut 8, - scored two & created 2 last week
• Fellowes 7, - replaced steel and worked well

Old E’s 2nd XI V Carshalton

Lost 4-0

As I sit here considering what might have been, I put myself in the shoes of Steve McClaren, injuries ravaging the squad, but unlike that clueless idiot, I can see what needs to change and have a group of players committed to keeping us in this division. Carshalton, historically, a tough place to go at the best of times, yet with key players injured and a threadbare 11 ready to battle it out with title challengers.

A quick warm up ensued. Team positions discussed, we took to our jobs. We started well, especially against one striker, who had the potential to ruin us all afternoon. We never really got tight enough to him and he was dangerous whenever he got the ball. He scored one and set up two. Damo and Toch started really well, bossed the Number 8, who we touted as their 'player'. Nosa spread the play well and Kev buzzed in and out, troubling their right side, enough to keep them defending instead of pushing on. Sul and Lucas we much busier than last week, their defence, as experienced and talented as they were, never really got to grips with them Unfortunately we never really gave them the service they wanted and chances were not converted as they should have been. I felt confident the more the game went on, Torro and I talked well and it was great to have Alex C A back, and was our best player throughout the 90 mins.

Their goals were due to a lack of work, experience and luck. Their first was a great shot from a lucky knock down and no-one closing their man down, who spanked the ball beyond, the untroubled Skinny Gal. That was 1 - 0 at half time. Still feeling confident, we knew it was much of the same. Kev, skipper for the day, roused the troops and we went to work to climb back into the game. Unfortunately we never got going and they scored a second, where their impressive striker ran from inside his own half, unchallenged !!!! and fired a great shot home. At that stage we still needed the luck that deserted us all season so far, but little breaks and last gasp tackles saved them from our very dangerous frontline. We then faded to allow them to gain the upper hand and they went on to score 2 more.

Although the scoreline reflected their quality attack, it underlined our need for quality experience and commitment, which I pointed out in the dressing room after the game. I am pleased that the last 3 weeks I have fielded near enough the same side, which can only bode well. However I will have a greater squad to choose and players must step up if they want to stay in the team, irrespective. (I know that I sound like Cooper, to an extent, but he got the job done)

Our MVP - Alex Corck Adelman

Old E's 5th XI V South Bank

Losing 4-2 after about 75 mins

We had to abandon the game as Old E's were down to 6 players. Having tried everyone that I could get a phone number of, we ended up travelling to South Bank with 10 players - however, I was still confident that our makeshift side could pull off a result that would see us progress to the 3rd round of the AFA cup.

We started well - and took a well deserved lead as some decent link up from Baz and Owen H resulted in Owen dispatching an unstoppable(lol) shot. Unfortunately 15 mins into the game 1 of our defenders was injured and we were down to 9. Their Sub shouted out "come on they are down to 10 now" – we pointed out that it was now 9 and he proceeded to abuse his players at being outplayed.

Half Time and South Bank were on level terms at 1-1. A fair reflection and we were still confident that we could nick a goal on the counter. South Bank scored fairly quickly in the 2nd half and I was worried that heads might now start to drop - but as it was it was another 1 of our defenders that was to drop - this time a hamstring and we were down to 8.

3-1 moments later and I was thinking it could be a cricket score - a quick meeting of senior players decided we will battle on. 5 minutes later and we were down to 7 - how can this get worse I thought! they made a couple of subs and we were chasing shadows for the next 10 minutes. Then out of nowhere we grabbed a 2nd goal, and a great goal at that - Matty Roberts pushing the ball one way and beating the defender the other before drilling a low shot in off the far post from the right channel - could we pull off an amazing resut? NO. They made if 4-2 shortly after and we suffered our 4th injury and the game was ended there.

What can I say - it was a brilliant effort from all the players and I assured them they are the first names on the teamsheet for the next few weeks at least(if they are fit!). Its a shame we are out of the AFA cup as I think we could have dominated todays game with the 10 players we started with, let alone 11.