Match Reports 2015/16
Anybody wishing to write a match report can feel free to do so. The player from the A team that has accumulated the most match reports will be awarded with free annuals for next season.
Match reports must be similar to the list below, maybe not as long as some, but definitely more than half a word doc. including line up and motm. You can email me with entries at [email protected].
Match reports must be similar to the list below, maybe not as long as some, but definitely more than half a word doc. including line up and motm. You can email me with entries at [email protected].
Archive
SOUTHBURY B 1 - 3 NEW RIVER A
10/2/13
Matt Gratton continued his extraordinary scoring run to hand New River victory at the expense of Southbury B.
Dan Lyne gave River a great start when he nodded home the simplest of headers from 5 yards which beat the goalkeeper. Southbury equalised midway through the half when a firm shot went in off a slight deflection. But Gratton took his tally to 16 goals for the year when he ran onto Achilles pin point pass before slotting in.
In fact, he is the only player to have scored more than 15 goals in the clubs history, underlining his importance and value, both to the team and in monetary terms.
The 25-year-old, product of the New River academy, could have quite easily scored a hat-trick, but his manager Alex ‘Villas-Boas’ and his adoring fans inside a packed Firs Farm would have forgiven him. He remains among the league's top scorers with 16.
Nevertheless, it was the curly locks of the unlikeliest of scorers that put River ahead. David Luiz aka Dan ‘loves getting naked’ Lyne started the game in the heart of midfield and where most defenders would get a nose bleed for travelling so far up the pitch. The centre back by trade was ‘cool as you like’ to turn in Spours accurate corner following it up with an accidental belly flop of a celebration into the muddy swamp!
River were playing with Luiz and Wloch in the middle and Spours/Gratton just ahead of them. The midfield worked tirelessly on a field that can only be described as something that resembled the Somme. The surface certainly had an effect on the way both teams were paying and for the best part of the first half, neither team really played football. The half mainly consisted of Dan Lyne slipping arse over head as well as an unusually high number of handballs that the referee was keen to discipline for.
The second half picked up where the first half left off until 20 minutes in when Gratton’s diagonal run was rewarded with a goal. Having felt lonely on the wing, Achilles cut inside to receive a pass from Wloch, spotting the run of Gratton and delicately threaded a pass to the strikers feet (exactly like Juan Mata) to put River 2-1 up. With 25 minutes left, River went in search of another to kill the game off. But with the team high up the field, Southbury attempted to hit River on the counter attack, but any attack was put out by the defence, notably Hogan who put in two big challenges having been outnumbered by their strikers.
Moments later River put the game out of Southbury’s reach with Gratton confidently tucking away on his ‘favoured’ left foot. And in the last 5 minutes, seeing as Babala had nothing to do we let him save a penalty!
New River manager Alex-Villas Boas:
"It was a good win for the team. Southbury were on a good run of form, so it was always going to be a hard game.
"We stepped it up in the second half and showed team spirit to get the win.
"Both sides had chances. We showed more determination in the second half and took control."
Team: Babala, Kabrovski, Dejan, Hogan, Lyno, Stags, Wloch, Luiz, Pep, Spours, Grattona
Scorers: Gratton (2), Luiz
M.o.M: Wloch- Controlled the middle with help from Luiz
10/2/13
Matt Gratton continued his extraordinary scoring run to hand New River victory at the expense of Southbury B.
Dan Lyne gave River a great start when he nodded home the simplest of headers from 5 yards which beat the goalkeeper. Southbury equalised midway through the half when a firm shot went in off a slight deflection. But Gratton took his tally to 16 goals for the year when he ran onto Achilles pin point pass before slotting in.
In fact, he is the only player to have scored more than 15 goals in the clubs history, underlining his importance and value, both to the team and in monetary terms.
The 25-year-old, product of the New River academy, could have quite easily scored a hat-trick, but his manager Alex ‘Villas-Boas’ and his adoring fans inside a packed Firs Farm would have forgiven him. He remains among the league's top scorers with 16.
Nevertheless, it was the curly locks of the unlikeliest of scorers that put River ahead. David Luiz aka Dan ‘loves getting naked’ Lyne started the game in the heart of midfield and where most defenders would get a nose bleed for travelling so far up the pitch. The centre back by trade was ‘cool as you like’ to turn in Spours accurate corner following it up with an accidental belly flop of a celebration into the muddy swamp!
River were playing with Luiz and Wloch in the middle and Spours/Gratton just ahead of them. The midfield worked tirelessly on a field that can only be described as something that resembled the Somme. The surface certainly had an effect on the way both teams were paying and for the best part of the first half, neither team really played football. The half mainly consisted of Dan Lyne slipping arse over head as well as an unusually high number of handballs that the referee was keen to discipline for.
The second half picked up where the first half left off until 20 minutes in when Gratton’s diagonal run was rewarded with a goal. Having felt lonely on the wing, Achilles cut inside to receive a pass from Wloch, spotting the run of Gratton and delicately threaded a pass to the strikers feet (exactly like Juan Mata) to put River 2-1 up. With 25 minutes left, River went in search of another to kill the game off. But with the team high up the field, Southbury attempted to hit River on the counter attack, but any attack was put out by the defence, notably Hogan who put in two big challenges having been outnumbered by their strikers.
Moments later River put the game out of Southbury’s reach with Gratton confidently tucking away on his ‘favoured’ left foot. And in the last 5 minutes, seeing as Babala had nothing to do we let him save a penalty!
New River manager Alex-Villas Boas:
"It was a good win for the team. Southbury were on a good run of form, so it was always going to be a hard game.
"We stepped it up in the second half and showed team spirit to get the win.
"Both sides had chances. We showed more determination in the second half and took control."
Team: Babala, Kabrovski, Dejan, Hogan, Lyno, Stags, Wloch, Luiz, Pep, Spours, Grattona
Scorers: Gratton (2), Luiz
M.o.M: Wloch- Controlled the middle with help from Luiz
FLORENTIA 1 - 4 NEW RIVER (3-6) PRESIDENTS CUP
28/10/12
New River A’s are hitting form at just the right time according to Manager Alex ‘Pep’ Fitzgerald, who was thrilled with his team's second half display against Florentia which saw them progress through to the quarter finals of the League Cup.
With a huge Junior League Cup game away to Kingfisher FC coming up, Pep had warned his players that they couldn't afford to divert their attention too much. However the manager was delighted with the win and said, "There's a confidence about the team and how they're going about their work, and I can feel momentum building. We knew this would be tough, but we fully deserved the win for the way we competed on a difficult surface."
The team saw the return of two suspended players, Barker who was back having served a club suspension for not showing up and Babala, who had been out drinking the night before a game. There was also the return of centre-backs Dan ‘Luiz’ Lyne who partnered recent ‘marathonian’ Wlochy.
Some good early pressure from Florentia brought a decent save from former Legia Warsaw goalkeeper SebBabala in the 7th minute as the visitors started brightest, but there was little initial attacking threat of note from either side in the first 10 minutes. As the half went on, Florentia did begin to press and have the better of the chances. However the ever reliable Babala was at hand to pull off a string of world class saves to keep the score level at half time.
The second half saw the introduction of the versatile ‘Stags’ whose impact was noticeable within minutes. A carefully weighted ball from Mark ‘Colonel’ Saunders found Barker on the edge of the box who was quickly greeted by the goalkeeper, only for him to palm the ball onto the oncoming Stags who saw the bright lights of an open goal and crashed the ball home into the roof of the net. Minutes later, it felt like déjà-vu had struck with Stags once again finding himself with an opportunity to score. A quick counter attack saw Barker sprint down the right flank and carry the ball into the box, passing to an unmarked stags who unselfishly set Gratton up to score. It was just like watching Brazil.
With New River in control, dominating headers ‘all over the shop’ the frustration took its toll for the opposition, which Luiz was made aware of. He now has the handy work of the quickest tattoo artist printed on his leg. As a result, Florentia went down to 10 men, making it even easier for a resurgent New River side.
Goals soon followed from Gratton, who’s goal count is now up to 14 for the season and Spours, who isn't too far behind. Florentia did however manage to grab a late consolation, which won’t take anything away from Babala’s man of the match winning performance. James Barker also had a great game which had to be mentioned and more than made up for his no show the week before.
Well done the River!! Still on for the Quad!
Team: Babatelli, Dejan, Wloch, Luiz, Lyne, Mackenzie(Stags), Colonel Saunders, Jordan( Pep), Spours, Gratton(Hogan)
Scorers: Gratton(2), Satgs, Spours
M.o.M: Babatelli
28/10/12
New River A’s are hitting form at just the right time according to Manager Alex ‘Pep’ Fitzgerald, who was thrilled with his team's second half display against Florentia which saw them progress through to the quarter finals of the League Cup.
With a huge Junior League Cup game away to Kingfisher FC coming up, Pep had warned his players that they couldn't afford to divert their attention too much. However the manager was delighted with the win and said, "There's a confidence about the team and how they're going about their work, and I can feel momentum building. We knew this would be tough, but we fully deserved the win for the way we competed on a difficult surface."
The team saw the return of two suspended players, Barker who was back having served a club suspension for not showing up and Babala, who had been out drinking the night before a game. There was also the return of centre-backs Dan ‘Luiz’ Lyne who partnered recent ‘marathonian’ Wlochy.
Some good early pressure from Florentia brought a decent save from former Legia Warsaw goalkeeper SebBabala in the 7th minute as the visitors started brightest, but there was little initial attacking threat of note from either side in the first 10 minutes. As the half went on, Florentia did begin to press and have the better of the chances. However the ever reliable Babala was at hand to pull off a string of world class saves to keep the score level at half time.
The second half saw the introduction of the versatile ‘Stags’ whose impact was noticeable within minutes. A carefully weighted ball from Mark ‘Colonel’ Saunders found Barker on the edge of the box who was quickly greeted by the goalkeeper, only for him to palm the ball onto the oncoming Stags who saw the bright lights of an open goal and crashed the ball home into the roof of the net. Minutes later, it felt like déjà-vu had struck with Stags once again finding himself with an opportunity to score. A quick counter attack saw Barker sprint down the right flank and carry the ball into the box, passing to an unmarked stags who unselfishly set Gratton up to score. It was just like watching Brazil.
With New River in control, dominating headers ‘all over the shop’ the frustration took its toll for the opposition, which Luiz was made aware of. He now has the handy work of the quickest tattoo artist printed on his leg. As a result, Florentia went down to 10 men, making it even easier for a resurgent New River side.
Goals soon followed from Gratton, who’s goal count is now up to 14 for the season and Spours, who isn't too far behind. Florentia did however manage to grab a late consolation, which won’t take anything away from Babala’s man of the match winning performance. James Barker also had a great game which had to be mentioned and more than made up for his no show the week before.
Well done the River!! Still on for the Quad!
Team: Babatelli, Dejan, Wloch, Luiz, Lyne, Mackenzie(Stags), Colonel Saunders, Jordan( Pep), Spours, Gratton(Hogan)
Scorers: Gratton(2), Satgs, Spours
M.o.M: Babatelli
PORT LOUIS 2 - 1 NEW RIVER 'A'
14/10/12
New River ‘A’’s unbeaten run was halted this weekend with a 2-1 defeat to Port Louis. The team had only themselves to blame after not performing to their usual standards whilst getting carried away with recent media hype, that has led a lot of the team to believe they’ll win the league easily.
After just managing to field a side, the game got underway and it wasn’t long before New River realised they had a battle on their hands. With a couple of first team players missing and a discreet handful of hung-over ones, the team looked off pace to say the least. It wasn’t long before New River was punished for sloppy play in their own half and as result went a goal down.
Having explained to his team at half time to up their game, New River started brightly in the second half and were subsequently rewarded with a comical goal. Having failed to clear their lines, a Port Louis defender managed to play the ball back towards his own net only for Mark to jump on to the cross bar to get out of the balls way. It was a very clever ‘dummy’ and one that showed great acrobatics.
Unfortunately, as New River went in search of the winner, Port Louis were able to press and eventually find a winner.
It was a shame as we only let ourselves down, but like I said, it was a much needed wake- up call. On our day we could have easily beat this lot. Let’s get back to winning ways again next week please!
Stags
Team: Dembabala, Benny Mac, Wloch, Flint, Dej, Al, Mark, Jord, Stags, Will, Matt
Scorers: Mark (but was really an o.g)
14/10/12
New River ‘A’’s unbeaten run was halted this weekend with a 2-1 defeat to Port Louis. The team had only themselves to blame after not performing to their usual standards whilst getting carried away with recent media hype, that has led a lot of the team to believe they’ll win the league easily.
After just managing to field a side, the game got underway and it wasn’t long before New River realised they had a battle on their hands. With a couple of first team players missing and a discreet handful of hung-over ones, the team looked off pace to say the least. It wasn’t long before New River was punished for sloppy play in their own half and as result went a goal down.
Having explained to his team at half time to up their game, New River started brightly in the second half and were subsequently rewarded with a comical goal. Having failed to clear their lines, a Port Louis defender managed to play the ball back towards his own net only for Mark to jump on to the cross bar to get out of the balls way. It was a very clever ‘dummy’ and one that showed great acrobatics.
Unfortunately, as New River went in search of the winner, Port Louis were able to press and eventually find a winner.
It was a shame as we only let ourselves down, but like I said, it was a much needed wake- up call. On our day we could have easily beat this lot. Let’s get back to winning ways again next week please!
Stags
Team: Dembabala, Benny Mac, Wloch, Flint, Dej, Al, Mark, Jord, Stags, Will, Matt
Scorers: Mark (but was really an o.g)
New River 'A' 5 - 1 Canaries
30/9/12
New River continued to show their critics that they have been by far ‘the best team the world has ever seen’ with a 5-1 win over the Canaries.
Goals from Matt Gratton, Jordan Gray and a hat-trick from Will Spours made sure the Canaries were the ones ‘welcomed to hell’.
The first half was dominated by New River, who enjoyed maybe even a little too much of the ball in the middle. So it was of no surprise that they went 1-0 up. Having won a free-kick on the edge of the box, Spours neatly curled in a strike to beat the keeper.
The second half got under way and it was more of the same from the boys in blue. Another free-kick by Spours, found Gray’s run, which was volleyed into the back of the net. A crucial goal which in turn saw many of the oppositions heads drop. This allowed the midfield to take advantage of a deflated ego and it wasn't long before Spours went on a mazy run, which resulted in his second and New River’s third.
The Canaries however hit back with what seemed like a fortunate chance, but it was merely a consolation for their travelling away fans.
Spours however took this personally and completed his first hat-trick for the club with another tidy finish. With 10 minutes still to play the Canaries centre-back failed to deal with a clearance which allowed Gratton to clinically drill a shot into the bottom corner, this time with his left foot.
The "ole"'s were ringing out from the New River fans towards the end of the game and, while an inspired Spours will rightly steal the headlines, Ben Mckenzie also caught the eye. He was making his first start in the 1’s as right-back providing even more competition for that position!
Another impressive display in which New River passed and purred their way to victory. Well done lads!
Just to note, I’d of smashed that cunt in the mouth if I weren't the chairman of this club.
Stags
Team: Dembabala, Mckenzie(Doulou), Obradovic, Wloch, Stags, Pep, Jordan, Saunders, Baarker, Spours, Gratton
Scorers: Spours hat-trick, Gratton, Gray
MoM: Spours
30/9/12
New River continued to show their critics that they have been by far ‘the best team the world has ever seen’ with a 5-1 win over the Canaries.
Goals from Matt Gratton, Jordan Gray and a hat-trick from Will Spours made sure the Canaries were the ones ‘welcomed to hell’.
The first half was dominated by New River, who enjoyed maybe even a little too much of the ball in the middle. So it was of no surprise that they went 1-0 up. Having won a free-kick on the edge of the box, Spours neatly curled in a strike to beat the keeper.
The second half got under way and it was more of the same from the boys in blue. Another free-kick by Spours, found Gray’s run, which was volleyed into the back of the net. A crucial goal which in turn saw many of the oppositions heads drop. This allowed the midfield to take advantage of a deflated ego and it wasn't long before Spours went on a mazy run, which resulted in his second and New River’s third.
The Canaries however hit back with what seemed like a fortunate chance, but it was merely a consolation for their travelling away fans.
Spours however took this personally and completed his first hat-trick for the club with another tidy finish. With 10 minutes still to play the Canaries centre-back failed to deal with a clearance which allowed Gratton to clinically drill a shot into the bottom corner, this time with his left foot.
The "ole"'s were ringing out from the New River fans towards the end of the game and, while an inspired Spours will rightly steal the headlines, Ben Mckenzie also caught the eye. He was making his first start in the 1’s as right-back providing even more competition for that position!
Another impressive display in which New River passed and purred their way to victory. Well done lads!
Just to note, I’d of smashed that cunt in the mouth if I weren't the chairman of this club.
Stags
Team: Dembabala, Mckenzie(Doulou), Obradovic, Wloch, Stags, Pep, Jordan, Saunders, Baarker, Spours, Gratton
Scorers: Spours hat-trick, Gratton, Gray
MoM: Spours
Florentia 4 - 5 New River 'A' (Junior League Cup)
23/9/12
New river had gone into the game looking for a fourth successive victory, having won 3-1 against Palmerston last time out. Florentia, meanwhile, were without a win in the league so far this season. Things however started well for them as they went 1-0 up through a blatant offside that the referee had no interest in discussing. The referee would prove to make more controversial decisions as the game went on.
New rivers reply was almost immediate as leading goal scorer Gratton who was being watched by Gratton senior, who kept quite distance from our own fans, controlled the through ball to set himself up and slot pass the keeper. After a good spell of possession, New River were awarded a penalty that Will converted to put the side 2-1 ahead.
Shortly after blowing up for what seemed like a soft challenge, the referee took a minute to explain the 3 second rule as we now know it. Naturally there is an advantage of play that is given if a player decides to carry on from an initial challenge and if after a few seconds nothing good has come of it, does the referee blow up for the original challenge made. However the referee claimed he would allow 3 seconds of advantage play, when in actual fact it was considerably more than this. Furious with such a call, Mark proceeded to count to three out a loud, every time there was supposed advantage. As a result New River conceded a sloppy goal. With 5 minutes of the half left though, New River were quick to make up for their mistake and scored from a corner.
With the rain lashing it down and Hogans jacket which was protecting all the bags getting more wet, play became a bit scrappy. New River struggled to make possession count in the final third, failing to manage a single shot on target during the opening exchanges, and it came as little surprise when Florentia pegged one back.
Suddenly the game was wide open and Florentia were denied another goal when their unmarked striker was dispossessed by a last ditch slide tackle from Wloch. But as Florentia pressed New River took control and after neat play in the middle, somebody (for fear of crediting the wrong person with the assist) put Gratton through on goal, who rounded up his goal count to ten.
Barker, then went on to extend New Rivers lead after confident play form Gratton who then unselfishly squared the ball to James who burst into the box and beat the keeper. But the home side refused to be beaten as they showed fighting spirit and character to grab another goal and make it a tense finish. After failing to clear the ball, New River’s defence mysteriously allowed the opposition’s midfield to drive a low powerful shot, followed in by their striker forcing Babala to make a brilliant double save, which ended the game at 5-4.
Another win, but River definitely made life difficult for themselves. The Junior League Cup may not have been high up on manager Pep’s priorities but it is looking very likely that the team will go far in this cup.
Stags
Team: Babala, Flinty, Hogan(stags), Wlochy, Luiz, Mark, Jeff, Jordan (aka No- show), Pep( Barker), Spours, Gratton Jnr.
Scorers: Gratton (2), Barker, Luiz (but it was really an og)
MoM: Gratton
23/9/12
New river had gone into the game looking for a fourth successive victory, having won 3-1 against Palmerston last time out. Florentia, meanwhile, were without a win in the league so far this season. Things however started well for them as they went 1-0 up through a blatant offside that the referee had no interest in discussing. The referee would prove to make more controversial decisions as the game went on.
New rivers reply was almost immediate as leading goal scorer Gratton who was being watched by Gratton senior, who kept quite distance from our own fans, controlled the through ball to set himself up and slot pass the keeper. After a good spell of possession, New River were awarded a penalty that Will converted to put the side 2-1 ahead.
Shortly after blowing up for what seemed like a soft challenge, the referee took a minute to explain the 3 second rule as we now know it. Naturally there is an advantage of play that is given if a player decides to carry on from an initial challenge and if after a few seconds nothing good has come of it, does the referee blow up for the original challenge made. However the referee claimed he would allow 3 seconds of advantage play, when in actual fact it was considerably more than this. Furious with such a call, Mark proceeded to count to three out a loud, every time there was supposed advantage. As a result New River conceded a sloppy goal. With 5 minutes of the half left though, New River were quick to make up for their mistake and scored from a corner.
With the rain lashing it down and Hogans jacket which was protecting all the bags getting more wet, play became a bit scrappy. New River struggled to make possession count in the final third, failing to manage a single shot on target during the opening exchanges, and it came as little surprise when Florentia pegged one back.
Suddenly the game was wide open and Florentia were denied another goal when their unmarked striker was dispossessed by a last ditch slide tackle from Wloch. But as Florentia pressed New River took control and after neat play in the middle, somebody (for fear of crediting the wrong person with the assist) put Gratton through on goal, who rounded up his goal count to ten.
Barker, then went on to extend New Rivers lead after confident play form Gratton who then unselfishly squared the ball to James who burst into the box and beat the keeper. But the home side refused to be beaten as they showed fighting spirit and character to grab another goal and make it a tense finish. After failing to clear the ball, New River’s defence mysteriously allowed the opposition’s midfield to drive a low powerful shot, followed in by their striker forcing Babala to make a brilliant double save, which ended the game at 5-4.
Another win, but River definitely made life difficult for themselves. The Junior League Cup may not have been high up on manager Pep’s priorities but it is looking very likely that the team will go far in this cup.
Stags
Team: Babala, Flinty, Hogan(stags), Wlochy, Luiz, Mark, Jeff, Jordan (aka No- show), Pep( Barker), Spours, Gratton Jnr.
Scorers: Gratton (2), Barker, Luiz (but it was really an og)
MoM: Gratton
New River 'A' 3 - 1 Palmerston (Junior League Cup)
16/9/12
The draw for the Junior league Cup saw New River ‘A’ matched up against recent rivals Palmerston. The reason I call them rivals is because they were a bunch of cunts and I was delighted to see them beaten. No doubt we’ll come up against more ‘rivals’ in this league. We started with the same attack and midfield as we did last week, but with a few changes in defence. Flinty slotted in at centre back and me and Dejan played as fullbacks.
Palmerston, who came at us like any gypo trying to defend his caravan park, didn’t allow us any time on the ball and weren’t afraid to go in hard. It was the first time we’d been tested physically, but we seem to cope, with David Luiz, Flinty and Wlochy not being afraid to dish it back. Luiz more so than anyone, kept mistaking their players for the ball. Anyway, it became apparent that all we had to do was play our ‘tiki-taka’ game and we would beat this pub team.
After a slow start, our passing seemed to be giving their defence, who were already nursing a hangover, an even bigger headache. After some neat play between the midfield, James found Matt who beat his man at the near post, crossing the ball across the face of the goal to find Jordan running into the box, who slotted the ball home. Having gone one up, we saw that gypsy spirit surface and it wasn’t long before they pegged one back. After my weak pass back to Wloch, he was closed down by their striker who crossed the ball to their unmarked player, tapping the ball past Ibbo.
Half time came, which saw Mark coming on to play right mid. The second half got underway and it was business as usual for Jordan and Jeff who were ubiquitous in the middle of the pitch, linking well with Mark and James who kept finding space on both flanks. Midway through however, it was our goal that was tested, with Ibbo or ‘Seb’ as what Will kept calling him, was called upon to make a couple of brave one on one saves as well as a low stop. One might say it was like Seb being in goal.
It wasn’t long again before Gratton realised he was yet to score today. The ball came through the middle again, finding Will who poked the ball up towards Matt, smashing the ball past the keeper. This proved to be enough to stamp out any sort of comeback from Palmerston, who looked truly ‘pissed’. Just to make sure though, Dejan who had another solid game at right back, played Mark in allowing him time to cross the ball in to the box which was kindly turned in by their centre back making it 3-1.
The real highlight of the second half though was witnessing the 25 passes completed between the whole team, before Jordan found Wlochy, who ran the whole length of the pitch to meet Jordan’s carefully lofted pass and set him up for a delightful overhead kick which rattled the crossbar. Had it gone in, that would’ve gone down as one of the greatest goals in Sunday league history almost definitely beating the ‘halfway goal’ scored last week.
Another good win. Hopefully we can enjoy a cup run and who knows maybe even some silverware.
Stags
Team: Ibbo, Dejan, Wloch, Flint, Stags (no-nickname Mark) Barker, Jordan, Jeff, Luiz, Will, Matt (Alex)
Scorers: Jordan, Matt, O.g
MoM: Jordan
16/9/12
The draw for the Junior league Cup saw New River ‘A’ matched up against recent rivals Palmerston. The reason I call them rivals is because they were a bunch of cunts and I was delighted to see them beaten. No doubt we’ll come up against more ‘rivals’ in this league. We started with the same attack and midfield as we did last week, but with a few changes in defence. Flinty slotted in at centre back and me and Dejan played as fullbacks.
Palmerston, who came at us like any gypo trying to defend his caravan park, didn’t allow us any time on the ball and weren’t afraid to go in hard. It was the first time we’d been tested physically, but we seem to cope, with David Luiz, Flinty and Wlochy not being afraid to dish it back. Luiz more so than anyone, kept mistaking their players for the ball. Anyway, it became apparent that all we had to do was play our ‘tiki-taka’ game and we would beat this pub team.
After a slow start, our passing seemed to be giving their defence, who were already nursing a hangover, an even bigger headache. After some neat play between the midfield, James found Matt who beat his man at the near post, crossing the ball across the face of the goal to find Jordan running into the box, who slotted the ball home. Having gone one up, we saw that gypsy spirit surface and it wasn’t long before they pegged one back. After my weak pass back to Wloch, he was closed down by their striker who crossed the ball to their unmarked player, tapping the ball past Ibbo.
Half time came, which saw Mark coming on to play right mid. The second half got underway and it was business as usual for Jordan and Jeff who were ubiquitous in the middle of the pitch, linking well with Mark and James who kept finding space on both flanks. Midway through however, it was our goal that was tested, with Ibbo or ‘Seb’ as what Will kept calling him, was called upon to make a couple of brave one on one saves as well as a low stop. One might say it was like Seb being in goal.
It wasn’t long again before Gratton realised he was yet to score today. The ball came through the middle again, finding Will who poked the ball up towards Matt, smashing the ball past the keeper. This proved to be enough to stamp out any sort of comeback from Palmerston, who looked truly ‘pissed’. Just to make sure though, Dejan who had another solid game at right back, played Mark in allowing him time to cross the ball in to the box which was kindly turned in by their centre back making it 3-1.
The real highlight of the second half though was witnessing the 25 passes completed between the whole team, before Jordan found Wlochy, who ran the whole length of the pitch to meet Jordan’s carefully lofted pass and set him up for a delightful overhead kick which rattled the crossbar. Had it gone in, that would’ve gone down as one of the greatest goals in Sunday league history almost definitely beating the ‘halfway goal’ scored last week.
Another good win. Hopefully we can enjoy a cup run and who knows maybe even some silverware.
Stags
Team: Ibbo, Dejan, Wloch, Flint, Stags (no-nickname Mark) Barker, Jordan, Jeff, Luiz, Will, Matt (Alex)
Scorers: Jordan, Matt, O.g
MoM: Jordan
Canaries 4 – 8 New River ‘A’
9/9/12
Another hot weekend and depleted team provided the majority of sweat for this ‘net buster’. We lined up with ‘Man vs. Food’ aka Ibbo in goal, Bain right back, ‘the Hoge’ and captain Wloch centre backs and River Islands model of the month, Dejan at left back. They provided the cover for a midfield four of me, Jordan, Jeff and James. Matt and will were up front to administer the firepower.
We won the toss and decided to kick off attacking the hill, which you do, so when you have less energy in the second half its easier to run down a hill. However it became apparent to me, the more unfit player of the team, that you still have to run uphill once you’ve run down, regardless of what half! So the whole game plan was pointless. It wasn’t long before New River found their rhythm and began to knock the ball around. With the majority of possession though, the opposition were the first to score. A long ball over the high defensive line was latched onto by their striker who slotted past the keeper. This didn’t seem to faze anybody as we knew we were the better team on the pitch. From the re-start, we had a handful of opportunities to equalise, but again the same long ball caught the defence out, who were more occupied staring at Marks girlfriend than the striker they were supposed to be marking.
As a result he went through on goal to put us 2 behind. The next 10 minutes of the game became a competition to see who could score the fastest goal from kick off. Within a minute from the re-start, Will floated a ball in from a corner which found an unmarked Wloch to crash the ball past the keeper. 2-1. Back to the centre circle. Having sorted out the high line, the defence were caught out by a spot of good play by the opposition midfield, that enticed our defence to break their shape, leaving a gap for their winger to cross the ball to their unmarked striker making it 3-1. Our response was almost immediate. Will began to ‘communicate better’ with Jeff, who played a quick one two with Will and then played in matt, who timed his run perfectly to put the ball past the keeper. 3-2. The comeback was on, or was it? As soon as the ball was put back on the centre spot it was rolled from one striker to the other, who fancied his chances with a ridiculous shot from halfway. Having struck the ball quite high, the ball bounced several times, each time allowing Ibbo to re-adjust himself before tripping himself up and allowing the ball to go in. I think it’s safe to say that he’ll be picking up the award for ‘blooper of the year’. I do have to mention however, so I don’t upset him further, is that he more than made up for his mistake moments later with a couple of one on one saves.
4-2 down and we knew it would take a lot to come back regardless of how much possession we had. Opportunities came and went, but it wasn’t until another of Will’s corners did Wlochyget his second making it 4-3. The River was rising, and moments later, Wlochy turned provider, sending one of his long balls over the opposition’s defence which I chested down and (miss) struck only for the keeper to fumble it into the path of Matt to make it 4-4. With 10 minutes until half time, we began to make up for all the possession we were having in the middle with James, Jordan and Jeff. In turn they kept finding Will, who after not one, but four stopovers provided the assist for Matt to score his second hatrick of the season. The half ended 5-4, a score line you’d expect to see at the end of the game instead.
The second half saw us carry on the high tempo with which we left the first half. Jordan, Jeff and James all having shots on goal. Again it wasn’t long before we scored, with usual suspect James and Will linking well before sliding Matt through on goal for his fourth goal and seventh for the season! Matt soon made way for Alex, who having written a book on ‘FC Barcelona: A Tactical Analysis’, came on to occupy the ‘phantom striker’ role, Spain have become renowned for. Shortly having come on, Alex grabbed 2 goals to end the game 8-4. The second half also saw the return of club joker Mark, who has just come back from an ankle injury. He’s yet to explain how he did it. My guess is someone didn’t find his ‘jokes’ very funny. Anyway, it was good to have him back.
Another impressive win, keep it up!
Stags
Team: Sean Ibbetson, John Bain, Michael Mulqueen (Mark Saunders), Michal Wloch, DejanObradovic, Chris Achilles, Jordan Gray, Jeff Swash, James Barker, Will Spours, Matt Gratton (Alex Fitzgerald)
Scores: Matt Gratton 4, Michal Wloch 2, Alex Fitzgerald 2
MoM: Will Spours
9/9/12
Another hot weekend and depleted team provided the majority of sweat for this ‘net buster’. We lined up with ‘Man vs. Food’ aka Ibbo in goal, Bain right back, ‘the Hoge’ and captain Wloch centre backs and River Islands model of the month, Dejan at left back. They provided the cover for a midfield four of me, Jordan, Jeff and James. Matt and will were up front to administer the firepower.
We won the toss and decided to kick off attacking the hill, which you do, so when you have less energy in the second half its easier to run down a hill. However it became apparent to me, the more unfit player of the team, that you still have to run uphill once you’ve run down, regardless of what half! So the whole game plan was pointless. It wasn’t long before New River found their rhythm and began to knock the ball around. With the majority of possession though, the opposition were the first to score. A long ball over the high defensive line was latched onto by their striker who slotted past the keeper. This didn’t seem to faze anybody as we knew we were the better team on the pitch. From the re-start, we had a handful of opportunities to equalise, but again the same long ball caught the defence out, who were more occupied staring at Marks girlfriend than the striker they were supposed to be marking.
As a result he went through on goal to put us 2 behind. The next 10 minutes of the game became a competition to see who could score the fastest goal from kick off. Within a minute from the re-start, Will floated a ball in from a corner which found an unmarked Wloch to crash the ball past the keeper. 2-1. Back to the centre circle. Having sorted out the high line, the defence were caught out by a spot of good play by the opposition midfield, that enticed our defence to break their shape, leaving a gap for their winger to cross the ball to their unmarked striker making it 3-1. Our response was almost immediate. Will began to ‘communicate better’ with Jeff, who played a quick one two with Will and then played in matt, who timed his run perfectly to put the ball past the keeper. 3-2. The comeback was on, or was it? As soon as the ball was put back on the centre spot it was rolled from one striker to the other, who fancied his chances with a ridiculous shot from halfway. Having struck the ball quite high, the ball bounced several times, each time allowing Ibbo to re-adjust himself before tripping himself up and allowing the ball to go in. I think it’s safe to say that he’ll be picking up the award for ‘blooper of the year’. I do have to mention however, so I don’t upset him further, is that he more than made up for his mistake moments later with a couple of one on one saves.
4-2 down and we knew it would take a lot to come back regardless of how much possession we had. Opportunities came and went, but it wasn’t until another of Will’s corners did Wlochyget his second making it 4-3. The River was rising, and moments later, Wlochy turned provider, sending one of his long balls over the opposition’s defence which I chested down and (miss) struck only for the keeper to fumble it into the path of Matt to make it 4-4. With 10 minutes until half time, we began to make up for all the possession we were having in the middle with James, Jordan and Jeff. In turn they kept finding Will, who after not one, but four stopovers provided the assist for Matt to score his second hatrick of the season. The half ended 5-4, a score line you’d expect to see at the end of the game instead.
The second half saw us carry on the high tempo with which we left the first half. Jordan, Jeff and James all having shots on goal. Again it wasn’t long before we scored, with usual suspect James and Will linking well before sliding Matt through on goal for his fourth goal and seventh for the season! Matt soon made way for Alex, who having written a book on ‘FC Barcelona: A Tactical Analysis’, came on to occupy the ‘phantom striker’ role, Spain have become renowned for. Shortly having come on, Alex grabbed 2 goals to end the game 8-4. The second half also saw the return of club joker Mark, who has just come back from an ankle injury. He’s yet to explain how he did it. My guess is someone didn’t find his ‘jokes’ very funny. Anyway, it was good to have him back.
Another impressive win, keep it up!
Stags
Team: Sean Ibbetson, John Bain, Michael Mulqueen (Mark Saunders), Michal Wloch, DejanObradovic, Chris Achilles, Jordan Gray, Jeff Swash, James Barker, Will Spours, Matt Gratton (Alex Fitzgerald)
Scores: Matt Gratton 4, Michal Wloch 2, Alex Fitzgerald 2
MoM: Will Spours
New River 'A' 6 - 0 Florentia
2/9/12
New River 'A' have looked so impressive throughout pre-season. Having finished second in their summer tournament, narrowly missing out on the championship, Sunday's result came as no real surprise to the club's chairman who knew the team had potential when it was established little over a year ago. So with the addition of a few new faces at the club, combined with last seasons team, New River 'A' have an outfit that Brendan Rodgers would definitely be jealous of.
The day started bright and early, with no drop outs and even Rob K showing up on time. Having found our changing rooms that overlooked the pitch we were playing on, the atmosphere began to get serious as we didn't know what to expect.
We were welcomed by the ref who laid down the law and proceeded to explain how any Tom Huddlestone-esque challenges would not be tolerated, much to the disagreement of Hogan. Having eventually explained what he meant, the referee seemed like a ' lovely guy' and the game got under way. The first 10 minutes were a little cagey, as both teams were trying to suss each other out. Our defence, which consisted of Rob K, David Luiz, Wlochy and L.D coped extremely well with everything thrown at them, as well as the oppositions big no.9 nicknamed 'Marshmallow', who didn't appear to be sweet and fluffy but definitely a bit soft when it came to challenging for the ball as each defender took turns putting the striker on his backside.
As the game went on, our midfield began to control more of the ball with neat passing and tough tackling, demonstrating the barcelona philosophy brought in to the club by one of Guardiola's biggest fans, the manager Alex. Deadline day signings Jeff Swash, who when he wasn't waving imaginary cards, provided the perfect balance for Jordan Gray, who linked up well with James Barker, back from his season long holiday and one game a season man, Chris Ahimie, who has promised he's here for the whole season. Both wingers always had the edge on the opponents fullbacks and provided plenty of chaos to their defence. The pair fall just behind Ed McElduff and Michael Ball, who have deemed themselves to be the fastest players at the club.
With 30 minutes gone, a perfect pass was threaded through to last seasons top goal scorer Matt Gratton, who picked up where he finished last season and cooly slotted the ball past the keeper to put New River 1-0 up. 10 minutes later, having lead by example so far, a corner ball found the head of Wlochy who crashed the ball into the back of the net, leaving the team in a comfortable position at half time. The break saw newly promoted captain Michal Wloch give one of his famous, ' Now is the time' speeches, which motivated everyone for the second half. One thing was for certain, whoever scored the next goal, would turn the game.
The second half got under way and it was more one way traffic from New River. Moments into the half, prolific striker Matt, latched on to yet another chance, leaving him one on one with the keeper and finding the back of the net yet again.
3-0 up and the chances kept coming. Firstly, Will Spours, carefully weaved past 2 players before seeing the keeper (what seemed like inches) off his line and delicately chipped the ball over him into the goal, leaving the keeper baffled as to how that went in. Straight from the re-start, James Barker fancied yet another race against the left back, beat his man and crossed the ball to the near post, finding Matt, who knocked the ball past the keeper for his hat-trick and providing the inspiration to Van Persie for his.
New River were in control. The opposition were weak and provided no real threat on goal. Any chance they did have was dealt with calmly and professionally with last season's 'Player of the Year' SebBabala. The keeper wasn't troubled throughout the game, leaving him slightly bored, so any opportunity he had to practice his 'Cruyff' turns and fool an oncoming striker he did. I guess he has to keep himself busy somehow this season! With 25 minutes of the game left, it saw the introduction of Ed McElduff and Hogan who both made a case for a starting place in next weeks game. The final goal of the game, was a reward for all the running James had done in the game (obviously benefiting from 'running club'). Will found Hogan, who gracefully swivelled round to play a ball through the defence to an overlapping James who shot past the keeper making it six.
It was a great performance by everyone and a proud day for the club. Well done lads.
Stags
Team: SebBabala, Rob Kabrovski (Ed McElduff), Michal Wloch (c), Dan Lyne, Ed Lyne, James Barker, Jordan Gray, Jeff Swash, Chris Ahimie, Matt Gratton (Michael Mulqueen), Will Spours
Scorers: Matt Gratton -hatrick, Will Spours, James Barker, Michal Wloch
MoM: Everyone was fantastic.
2/9/12
New River 'A' have looked so impressive throughout pre-season. Having finished second in their summer tournament, narrowly missing out on the championship, Sunday's result came as no real surprise to the club's chairman who knew the team had potential when it was established little over a year ago. So with the addition of a few new faces at the club, combined with last seasons team, New River 'A' have an outfit that Brendan Rodgers would definitely be jealous of.
The day started bright and early, with no drop outs and even Rob K showing up on time. Having found our changing rooms that overlooked the pitch we were playing on, the atmosphere began to get serious as we didn't know what to expect.
We were welcomed by the ref who laid down the law and proceeded to explain how any Tom Huddlestone-esque challenges would not be tolerated, much to the disagreement of Hogan. Having eventually explained what he meant, the referee seemed like a ' lovely guy' and the game got under way. The first 10 minutes were a little cagey, as both teams were trying to suss each other out. Our defence, which consisted of Rob K, David Luiz, Wlochy and L.D coped extremely well with everything thrown at them, as well as the oppositions big no.9 nicknamed 'Marshmallow', who didn't appear to be sweet and fluffy but definitely a bit soft when it came to challenging for the ball as each defender took turns putting the striker on his backside.
As the game went on, our midfield began to control more of the ball with neat passing and tough tackling, demonstrating the barcelona philosophy brought in to the club by one of Guardiola's biggest fans, the manager Alex. Deadline day signings Jeff Swash, who when he wasn't waving imaginary cards, provided the perfect balance for Jordan Gray, who linked up well with James Barker, back from his season long holiday and one game a season man, Chris Ahimie, who has promised he's here for the whole season. Both wingers always had the edge on the opponents fullbacks and provided plenty of chaos to their defence. The pair fall just behind Ed McElduff and Michael Ball, who have deemed themselves to be the fastest players at the club.
With 30 minutes gone, a perfect pass was threaded through to last seasons top goal scorer Matt Gratton, who picked up where he finished last season and cooly slotted the ball past the keeper to put New River 1-0 up. 10 minutes later, having lead by example so far, a corner ball found the head of Wlochy who crashed the ball into the back of the net, leaving the team in a comfortable position at half time. The break saw newly promoted captain Michal Wloch give one of his famous, ' Now is the time' speeches, which motivated everyone for the second half. One thing was for certain, whoever scored the next goal, would turn the game.
The second half got under way and it was more one way traffic from New River. Moments into the half, prolific striker Matt, latched on to yet another chance, leaving him one on one with the keeper and finding the back of the net yet again.
3-0 up and the chances kept coming. Firstly, Will Spours, carefully weaved past 2 players before seeing the keeper (what seemed like inches) off his line and delicately chipped the ball over him into the goal, leaving the keeper baffled as to how that went in. Straight from the re-start, James Barker fancied yet another race against the left back, beat his man and crossed the ball to the near post, finding Matt, who knocked the ball past the keeper for his hat-trick and providing the inspiration to Van Persie for his.
New River were in control. The opposition were weak and provided no real threat on goal. Any chance they did have was dealt with calmly and professionally with last season's 'Player of the Year' SebBabala. The keeper wasn't troubled throughout the game, leaving him slightly bored, so any opportunity he had to practice his 'Cruyff' turns and fool an oncoming striker he did. I guess he has to keep himself busy somehow this season! With 25 minutes of the game left, it saw the introduction of Ed McElduff and Hogan who both made a case for a starting place in next weeks game. The final goal of the game, was a reward for all the running James had done in the game (obviously benefiting from 'running club'). Will found Hogan, who gracefully swivelled round to play a ball through the defence to an overlapping James who shot past the keeper making it six.
It was a great performance by everyone and a proud day for the club. Well done lads.
Stags
Team: SebBabala, Rob Kabrovski (Ed McElduff), Michal Wloch (c), Dan Lyne, Ed Lyne, James Barker, Jordan Gray, Jeff Swash, Chris Ahimie, Matt Gratton (Michael Mulqueen), Will Spours
Scorers: Matt Gratton -hatrick, Will Spours, James Barker, Michal Wloch
MoM: Everyone was fantastic.