2nd May Winchmore Hill 4s (League)
Winchmore Hill 0 v 1 Big Red Machine
Too my left, league, league, league, double cup!
What to say not the greatest game ever, but not losing by a margin of 9 and we are now crowned league champions.
18th April Old Actonian 4s (League)
Big Red Machine 2 v 0 Old Actonian 4s
Champions?
Another big game at Fortress Chiswick and it had been decided that we were going to be on the top pitch, the 3s had made the decision to play their tight passing game on the smaller pitch 4 which was a good decision as they ran out winners. The decision to play on the big pitch was made by two defenders, strangely the midfield did not pipe up and they were the ones who were going to come off most tired. The back five had a bit of familiarity to it whilst Denis came in for Redwood and Adam in for Miller, I was kept company on the bench by Pateman and the condemned man, Riley Senior.
Captain for the day in his last game for the service took the warm up, I said some inspiring words which were agreed with by Jimmy and the game got underway, with us sporting our typical 442. To be fair the first 20 mins we found ourselves under pressure playing against Old A's brand of long ball football which was put to good use on the large pitch. A number of times they broke away, with one chance brilliantly saved by MOM nominated Hadley, who set the tone of his game from the off.
With most of the football actually be played by ourselves the main incident of the first half was Jimmy Elliott having to come off after pulling a Hamstring whilst chasing down their useful white booted striker. Fortunatley we have 5 decent defenders and the condemned man came on and slotted straight into the centre with Corin who by this time was already having a blinder and was also later nominated for MOM.
A quick oppurtunity to say thanks to Mr Elliott who has been an important part of the Big Red Machine for the last two years both on and off the field and was last years player of the season. He is off to Dubai to teach the Arab world how to play beach football, not sure there is any need for bone crunching tackles over there but we wish him luck as he has put his body on the line including his head thrown at people's feet many a time for us.
Half time came with the scores level at nil nil, the heart at this time was starting to feel the pressure, what was happening at Nottsborough and would we actually manage to get a goal? The call was to try and get some balls beyond their defence with the willing runners of Dougal, Den, Brian and Jay Dave at times and the ability of the Wicksons, Diggy and Ads to find some killer balls it was only a matter of time.
Around 10 mins in and Ads was given too much time to swing his right claw the keeper go there but couldnt stop the ball from squirming underneath him and into the goal in the bottom left corner. Adam loves that big pitch, it gives him the chance to run a back four ragged and after he had put us one up we smelt blood, for the next 10 mins the oppo couldnt get hold of the ball. The decisive goal game as Brian was found in space with no one but the keeper to beat and with all the time in the world he calmly slotted under the keeper to make it two, and make Bri a very happy man.
The last 25 mins saw Pateman come on to shackle their lively left winger "dont go in the final third" were my words to him, and I may have come on for a few mins as well. In that last quarter Chris did his best to score another oggy but Greg saved wonderfully to record a 2nd consecutive clean sheet, which was very well deserved.
The question now was, what had happened at Nottsborough, late news in the pub suggested Owens had lost 4-2, some girl in Thailand who Jimmy "knew" found out for us, dont ask. This was confirmed sunday morning and that result puts Owens out of the running now we can only lose the league if we get thumped in our next game and Actonians thump Alex park its as good as done but not quite!
Ratings -
Hadley Superb set early tone and didnt put a foot wrong 9/10 MOM
Dave 2 Hours sleep and didnt stop running another good game 8/10
Mills Typical Mills nailed a few people and didnt shy from any challenge that needed making 9/10 Nominted MOM
Elliot Will be missed and there will now have to be a new "first name on the team sheet" 10/10(2 seasons)
Wickson Solid at the back and will feature in the end of seasons big challenges award 8/10
Sutherland Ran and ran and ran good practice for next sunday 8/10
Wickson Along with his partner in crime he ran much of the show 8/10
Diggy Competition for places has made him step up his game which I didnt think was possible 8/10
Dennis In for Redwood and scared the life out of the oppo 8/10
Ads Turns like a boat shoots like a magnum .45 1 nil 8/10
Edwards Doesnt stop running and scored like a man full of confidence, dont poke him in the eye 9/10 MOM nominated
Riley The condemned man slotted in superbly for Elliott 8/10
Pateman Helped close the game out by shackling their decent left winger 8/10
Nightingali 100% pass completion 8/10
11th April Old Owens (League)
Old Owens 0 v 0 Big Red Machine
Anticlimax
If we had won this game we would have effectively put them out of the title challenge, lose it and it would not have been in our hands, so no surprise that the game finished as a draw. Far from being a drab goaless draw it was heart in mouth time for a good 90 minutes with very little time to have a breather.
Lining up 442 we started without the Rileys and Denis but with the quality we have access to through my little black book this should not have worried us. The defence were for the most part "rock" like, which was very pleasing seeing as for the last few weeks I think our attentions have turned to attack rather than defence. The first 20 mins saw quite a lot of pressure as we looked to find our feet but as the first half went on we managed to get back in the game and control the lionshare of the possesion as everyone stepped up to the mark that Dougal had set.
The first half drew to a close and all we had really mustered were some oppurtunities from corners with Redwood flashing a header wide from a good corner, likewise other than the first 15 mins the oppo hadnt looked like breaking the deadlock as two of the back four put in notable man of the match nominated performances.
At half time we knew that we had been in a game and emphasis was put on keeping the clean sheet in the hope we might just snatch a goal, from somewhere. The second half saw more of the same they had a good spell but again mainly I thought the possesion was with us. They did have two good chances though one with their good central midfielder smashing the bar from 30 yards whilst the other came in the form of a header from a corner which was probably the best delivery of the day, fortunately it was Jimmy Elliott with that header although some how it was given as a goal kick.
We also put together some good chances with Diggy almost chipping in from 20 yards, Wickson junior smashing one on the volley and the bearded brothers getting into a right mix up in the closing moments which would have sealed the win.
All in all a good result away from home to a team that have not lost there and have not failed to score there all season. They are certainly still in the hunt although they face a tricky tie away to Nottsborough this saturday when we play Old A 4s an equally tricky tie, but for the first time this season we are top of the league! Just two games to win to keep us there!
MOM nominations Elliott, Wickson C, Sutherland D and one other it went to Jim!
4th April Norsemen (League)
Norsemen 1 v 4 Big Red Machine
Another step closer!
With results elsewhere we are now left needing to only win the next two games to secure the double and what a good double it would be. No easy task though as we find ourselves up against 3rd and 1st respectively over the next two weeks, starting with an Easter weekend clash away to Owens this sat.
I was not there on sat but never doubted we would get all 3 points from a team that had already been relegated and that we had beaten relatively easily the week before. 3 goals in a quick 25 mins saw the oppo done so true to from we set about wasting many a good chance as possible, i guess we were getting rid of the cr@p so that next week we will score every chance we get. The Goals came from Den, Bri and Diggy returning from injury. In the second half was drawn 1 all as the game was played out to the enevitable and important win.
Our games will need to be upped for saturday but we have it in our locker to win this and the next and ultimately teh league, then i can retire from international management and concentrate on my playing days!
28th March Norsemen (League)
Big Red Machine 4 v 2 Norsemen
Foot taken off the gas!
21st March Old Westminster Citizens AFA Cup Final (Winchmore Hill)
Big Red Machine 4 v 1 Old Westminster Citz
1 down, 1 to go!
Where to start, for the last two weeks it had been known than no fewer than 16 willing individuals were available for this game, and they were just the fifth team players. All of which had a good case to be in the final 14. This left manager Nightingali with some tough decisions to be made, fortunately Dougal's voodoo doll did the job and on friday morning 3 players pulled out, job done, a little too well. A late call up, saturday morning, saw 14 individuals ready for battle.
Pre match we met at O'neills on the Euston road, some of us ended up here later as well. During breakfast which consisted mainly of fruit and yoghurt we discussed tactics, shape, set pieces, corner routines, penalty takers and the global economic crisis, who am I trying to kid, Brian talked rubbish, Jay was stoned and the rest of us talked b*llocks as usual.
At the ground we did the customary pitch inspection, all of us in our suits banging a ball around, unbelieveably we were there all on time and we headed to the changing room early. A good pre match warm up gave us the chance to look at the oppo, some big lads in their team for sure and a number of them looked like they could play football. After going back into the changing room emerging again, shaking everyones hand we kicked of sporting our non too experimantal 4 4 effing 2 formation.
Within the first 20mins it was clear that if we could play our football we had very good chance to retain our cup, and with the pace of Brian and Dennis their defence were going to be in for a long day. The pressure we put them under was bringing us a number of chances all of which their keeper thwarted, the best chance came when Adam latched onto some indecision and found himself one-on-one with the keeper, after being fouled from behind he stayed on his feet and found his shot blocked by the keeper. Before the first goal the oppo only had one chance which was sent crashing onto the bar by their skipper, the first goal was enevitable and what a finish a low stooping header from Riley saw them go one up, his first goal of the season.
The next 25mins saw our possesion go unrewarded as we could not find a goal against a very useful goal keeper, and we went in 1 down, the troops were pulled together and a rousing half time team talk was given, the jist of which was carry on playing the way you were. Nightingali earned his corn in the next 10 mins by working out how to change the team and ultimately change the game, controversially he told Dougal to warm up!
10 mins in and the possesion stats were high in our favour but still no goals, Dougal came on for Pateman who had worked his beard off and it wasnt long before he had made his mark on the game. To be fair the credit had to go to the manager who had been telling Dougal that he was destined to score in the cup, low and behold from one of our many attacks the ball broke down and he duely smashed it from 8 yards with his first touch. After going all square Hadley and his motley crew of defenders decided to let the oppositions number ten have a chance at goal, fortunately it was tame enough that Corin managed to clear it off the line in what seemed to be slow motion.
Shortly after Dougal and his magic cap went past a tiring defender and squared to baby Riley who finally put us in front, nice finish with his left claw.The next 20 mins saw more domination with only a few minor scares from the oppo and their keeper keeping them in it with some fine saves.The third eventually came when Brian was put through and after using his early opportunities as practice he finally scored this one with some aplomb, my favourite thing about this goal was Corin had run fully 60 yards to score from the rebound "I wasnt going to let him F*ck it up again" were roughly his words.
The fourth was turned in when Brian smashed a cross at Dougals face and he eyed it in, claims of hand ball were waived away and the cup was coming back with us to the Club house, at some point. This saw the introduction of a new striker who was put clean through and with his first touch he calmly guided the ball over the bar, over the netting and over the club house, some feat. Amazingly the same striker missed another five mins later clearly he had been watching Brian too much this season.
Anyway the game finished 4-1 we picked up our trophy and got to the important stuff, post match beers, some good drinking games followed and it was rumoured the hard core ended up in the swan! Now we need to win five more games to win the league a small ask of course.
Player ratings, Hadley - no chance with goal, 8/10 Dave - Captains Performance 8/10 Mills - Quicker than Dougal 8/10 Elliott - Rock 8/10 Riley J - Developed Tourettes 9/10 Pateman - worked his bloody beard off 8/10 Wickson C - Our Dunga 8/10 Wickson S - Our Kaka 8/10 Adide - looked a threat every time he picked the ball up 9/10 Riley A - The poodle showed his bark 8/10 Edwards - MODG on top form once we started drinking 8/10 Sutherland - scored 2 set up 1 deserved MOM 9/10 Nightingale what a manager 8/10 Outram late call up, thanks for coming! 8/10
14th March Carshalton 4s (League)
Big Red Machine 5 v 2 Carshalton
Last Gasp 15 mins
7th March Old A 5s (League)
Old A 5s 1 v 2 Big Red Machine
Oggy Oggy Oggy, oi oi oi!
Not there again and a fifth win, maybe I shouldnt bother. Unbelieveably we seem to have put ourselves in a position where we could now challenge for the league, a solid 2 - 1 victory against a team who beat us in early November. Again I wasnt there but it would appear we were the dominant team and a number of people missed some sitters you would have to ask baby Riley, Digs and Pateman who they were as i believe they were closest to the chances as they came by. Denis opened the scoring with what I believe was a decent goal from the corner of the box, first man to hit double figures for the season, will anyone catch him up for the Golden boot?
We also scored the goal Chris Wickson notching his first for the service against a rather short goalie, looking forward to hearing about this one on saturday. The third goal was also scored by the Big Red Machine Jimmy Super sub Elliott tackling the ball into the back of the net from a corner for his long over due second of the season!
By all accounts this should have been a little more comfortable than this but playing on the paddock that is Gnnersbury in a swirling wind 3 points will defo do. As mentioned somehow we appear to be in the hunt for the league, if we win or last 6 league games we would probably win the league lets focus on this weeks game against an inform Carshaton they have won 3 on the trot including an impressive win against the league leaders.
28th February Civil Service 4s (League)
Civil Service 4s 3 v 4 Big Red Machine
The Real 4s to the double!
Results like this one make your weekend, Dougal and I were only unhappy that we couldnt make the drinks after, back on the slopes, its a tough life. Hopefully I will get someone to organise the match reports for this and the last couple of games, sounds like there have been some beauts. But what more could you need to get your blood going but a game against the fours who have been crowing for some time that they have been above us in the league for a while now. Do you think they forgot we beat them earlier in the season? What reason will they find for their loss this time, christ they even let Pateman score against them, Jim were you saving it for the fours, if you were, good man! Other goal scorers were Burke, twice, and Jay Dave with a penalty no less!
Momentum is really building now next week sees us play away to Old A 5s who embarassed us 3 - 1 in early November, revenge is a must. Followed by Carshalton 4s at our place who will be gunning for blood if they remember our equaliser earlier in the season, then the big AFA final! Form is massively important now guys especially if you want to get into the starting eleven for the final!
21st February Winchmore Hill 5s (League)
Big Red Machine 6 v 0 Winchmore Hill
Finally boshed someone!
About 30 mins before kick off a conversation between Ads and I concluded that at some point we were going to give some team a hiding, cue half an hour after kick off and a text from Ricardinhio, 30 mins gone 4 up, we could enjoy the stag that little bit more, full report to follow, main things to note, hat trick from Den and one a piece from Diggy, Wicko and Ricardinihio. Oh and Den missed a pen, Dougal did his pint!
14th February BB Eagles 5s (AFA Cup)
BB Eagles 1 v 2 Big Red Machine
Wembley awaits (Well Winchmore actually)
Match report to follow - But we won and are through to the final on 21st March. Goals from Jay Dave(Pen) and Adam Riley.
31st January Alexander Park 4s (League)
Alexander Park 2 v 3 Big Red Machine
Sockgate - Key $=C ^=U "=N
With Manager Nightingali away on striking duty with the 8s the boys were being looked after by Eddy, Baby Riley and Stumpy, Nightingali called the dirty stop out stumpy around 10am to remind him to pick up the kit and not to forget the socks on the radiator. The boys turned up in dribs and drabs when they could be ar$ed, normal story some even found time for a romantic trip to Cambridge and a spot of punting, sorry did I say $^"ting?
With the oppo lending some kit and with the boys that were there ready for action someone gave a rousing team talk and the team was announced, with one of the boys that was due to start not around the 3 mouseketeers worked out an all conquering side. Brian was on the bench and the rest started. Last season Miller turned up late got injured and went off we duely won 9-1, guess what 20 mins in the affectionatley named house came off, supposedly he had his kid to meet who with mum came and picked him up soon after. Lets hope Miller gets well soon, no really.
After some pressure we scored, stumpy who was likley playing rubbish due to the fact he was out drinking till 4 couldnt be bothered to pick out a man for a corner and just greedily lumped the ball straight at goal, the goalie dropped it through his legs. More pressure followed as Onion head got himself more into the game hopefully he will soon start performing like his bro Nails week in week out. Inevitablythe oppo scored after some good football with only really their first effort on goal, I am reliably informed it wasnt hadders fault, to add insult to injury they scored again i am reliably informed that was Hadders fault.
At some point the bearded brothers(lovers) came on, who cares when. With the ref still chuckling at the fact the machine were losing a goalmouth scramble was stopped by Diggy spannering the ball of his shin into the back of the net, 2nd goal of he season well done you numpty! There was now only going to be one winner, i guess. The winner came with Brian producing a good finish to cap off a reasonable performance from the bench.
The win was probably deserved although the performance was still more Cava than champagne, win when your playing cr@p we will take that, MOM went to Onion head, probably because he was making Eddy look good, which is one hell of a task. Mills got a mention, and so did nails, shock!
Ratings -
Hadley- You are a $^"t 0/10 Dave- You are a $^"t 1/10 Corin- You are a $^"t 2/10 Nails- You are a $^"t 2/10 Baby Riley- $^"t 1/10 Miller- You are a $^"t Eddy- You are a $^"t Onion Head- U r a $^"t theres no socks- 3/10 MoM(bothered) Dougal"i forgot the stocks"Sutherland - You're a $^"t! 0/10 Nolesy- You are a $^"t 0/10 Denis- You are a $. Cant swear lol. But you are 0/10 Edwards- Ur a $^"t! 2/10 Beardo 1 - Cambridge, seriously you are an idiot! 0/10 Beardo 2 - Cambridge, seriously you are an idiot!
17th January Winchmore 5s (AFA Cup)
Big Red Machine 1 v 0 Winchmore Hill
Where's the love?
Considering we had 15 available and this was the 1/4 final of the Big Cup you would expect everyone to be there on time and in high spirits, not so! Denis has found a loop hole in the naming of his first child, as we weren't away to Poly but fortunately we are away to Poly next week so there is still a good chance of a Sheepy Adide in this world.
With 14 available there was some difficult decisions to be made, selection was done by working out who hadnt played in a while, aka a kop out? Going forward if we can get strong availability the selection comittee will be called upon. With a bench boasting Miller, Nolan and Denis, when he turned up, I was confident we had 14 that could get a job done versus a team that beat us at their place earlier in the season.
The first 25 mins or so the oppo probably didnt know what had hit them, all over the park we pressed harried and pushed them back into their own half, the football was good to watch as well. This period saw Les Miserables (J Dave) and Pateman play like Carlos and Cafu respectively, with Les Miserables having some great marauding runs and a couple of efforts. After a great passing move Brian was found in space and opening up his body he cooly finished past the keeper, a great goal, unfortunatley the ref gave offside and probably got it wrong.
The first half saw the oppo muster only a few half chances, whilst Brian, Bakes,Burkey, Diggy, Wicko and Les Miserables all had efforts resulting in a number of corners that we just couldnt convert. Half time came and although we were the better team we hadnt scored but were confident if we continued to play the way we were we could take the win and go into the semis.
The substitutions were difficult to make but all 3 entered the game with five to ten gone, Nolan came on for Nick who was unlucky to have had his goal ruled out for offside, Miller found himself on the left and Denis on the right with the bearded wonder ending up at right back. Although the game had become a little more even Dan had less to do in this half than the first as we pressed for a goal that would hopefully seal the game and safe passage to the semi final.
70 mins or so and the goal came, all three subs involved with denis flighting a lovely ball into Nolan who powered a header in from about 7 yards. This provoked them into moving their big man up front from the back, with Jim and Si both cramping up this could have left us in trouble, fortunately Mills and Nails held things together, and bar a lil scare at the end we took the game 1 nil.
A good result but one we should have won by a larger margin, we were dominant in this game and need to kill teams off so that we dont have our hearts in our mouths right til the death when little headers whizz past our post. Keep playing like we did and we will get the chances to improve our finishing so lets try and play like we did in the first 25 mins for longer next week, again in the cup!
Man of the Match was Nails who along with his hard man partner in crime didnt put a foot wrong at centre back, well done to him. Also thanks to the oppo who found one of our old guard who had taken a tumble on the bridge and looked after him we look forward to seeing you later in the season for the decider!
Ratings -
Westood - Still trying to get warm, 8. Les Miserables - Excellent game as Captain, 9. Nails - MOM, 9. Mills - This weeks Rock, 8. Pateman - 25 My ar$e, Cafu? 8. Burke - In "full of running" shock, 8. Eliott - the enforcer, 8. Wacko - not scored in 2 games, ha ha, 8. Diggy - wasted at right back! 8. Bakes, Goooaaaal! oh bugger, 8. Brian - Hat trick next week! 8. Miller - Good to see ya! 8. Nolan Goooooooaaaaaal! 8. Denis Great cross, great player, 8.
3rd January Nottsborough 4s Home
Big Red Machine 2 v 3 Nottsborough
Wrong end of a come back!
Your not late if you get to the ground at the same time as me or before me, imagine my surprise when I found 11 players already there and with Dougal arriving with me 12 and it was only 5 past. The team had heeded my advice that timly arrival would help with selection along with decent form, more of that later. In years to come Denis first born will say to him "Daddy why am I called Ben?" Well funny you should ask that some time ago I bet that I could get to Polytechnic on time for an important cup 1/4 final, "so why is my brother called Brian?" now thats a different story.
With Denis just pulling in, we hastily re arranged the line up, welcoming back Super Dad into centreback and as captain to boot, and with some motivating words that had escaped Nightingali we got going. With the sun in our eyes the first half could have been a little more difficult than it turned out to be but other than the right back we managed to get the ball on the deck and actually played some good football, without doubt we are one of the better footballing sides in our league. The first goal seemed to come out of no where when Brian chipped up the ball and volleyed home past the beast from fully 23 yards out, Woooooooooooh!
Amongst a flurry of other chances we earnt ourselves a free kick, with Jay and Dougal deliberating Junior Riley who wasnt having a second xmas stepped up and put the ball low and in the middle of the goal, the Keeper had been "done". 2 nil up and things were looking rosy, other chances included dis allowed goals, tipped over efforts, free kicks narrowly going over and a very decent penatly claim. Later in the bar Phil told me if he had known I was on penalty duty he would have given it, we should have told him before the game.
Their goal came when a decent ball was put in between the defence and the keeper which wasnt dealt with properly and one of their players was on hand to score a reasonably easy tap in, annoyingly probably their second effort on goal. Half time and i was reasonably confident, the sun was now out of our eyes and we had to strong subs to bring on.
But within 5-10 mins they had levelled with the big "annoying" striker towering over the defence and nodding in, the game now was finely balanced with Notts finding their way a little more, on came Denis for Pateman and Baker for Walker. To our credit we kept applying pressure and managed to fashion some good chances, Si making something out of nothing was unlucky not to get on the score sheet and the Brain putting wide when he had the time to bury it.
Unfortunately the come back was complete when with 7 to go their left winger turned our useless right back inside out with very little skill at all and crossed in for the ball to be shinned past Lawrence. Gun ho for the last 7 mins but we couldnt find the goal to get the point we deserved as a minimum.
Notts are one of the best sides we will play but the stats woukd show that for possesion territory and efforts at goal they were well beaten, unfortunately the score will show we were beaten. I expect Notts to go on and win the league this year for us we will need to concentrate on our cups and aim to finish as high in the league as possible, hopefully above the fours!
Ratings
Lawrence - Unlucky with the goals, 7/10 Dave - Played well should have shot, 7/10 Walker - Good to have you back, 8/10 Wickson (Jnr) - MOM Contender, 8/10 Sheepy - needs to learn how to head, t*sser 6/10 Sutherland done at least 3 times by the big left back, ha ha 7/10 Burke - Mr Energy didnt stop running again, 8/10 Wickson (Snr) - Looks like he has played a bit MOM Contender 8/10 Pateman - Going to make him play 90 one of these days, 7/10 Brain and Riley (Jnr) They love playing together 8/10 Denis - Turn up on time and win us matches! 7/10 Baker - Showed some some nice touches, 7/10
20th December Carshalton 5s Away (sal cup)
Carshalton 2 v 5 Big Red Machine
Where are the Gods?
The morning started in frantic style with the Gods hiding up in the loft, I missed the first train but that would have only got me there early, take note Hadley et al. As promised at Hackbridge the boys headed for the ground and I headed to the off licence, a sweetner for the hour back to the club later for the Xmas party. We arrived at the club house to find it locked no change there, the decision was made to get changed outside, even when the changing rooms were open we didnt have a room. Apparently we were getting changed on the park pitches and as the boys walked over there manager Nightingali did the most important thing of the day back in the changing rooms.
We played cars 5s last year in this cup and they knocked us out, they would tell you this was due to the fact we turned up expecting to win, in truth we had worse team who played terribly and had our star striker nobled with in two mins. It was going to be different this time, the team came packed with talent and a star studded bench including such luminaries as Sheepy and the ever youthful Wackson. Captain for the day Brian said a few words, mainly about being surprised he was captain, and off we went.
Much of the first half saw us in control with our tough tackling centre midfielders making the centre of the park their own, the warning signs were there for cars as within the first 2 mins the keeper had to save from el capitaino who had broken through. Brian got us our first goal after about 20 mins cooly finishing after Denis had found him through the middle with a great ball. 1 quickly became 2 when Adam flicked on from a Mills throw in for Brain to lash home an "easy" volley. Cars though are to their credit a decent side and can play football, just not as well as us, they got their reward with a scrappy goal 5 mins later. We needed that 2 goal cushion back and with denis causing trouble down the left the goal keeper only managed to clear the ball to baby Riley, in super slow motion a la Austin Powers he managed to find the goal from 57 yards out.
3 - 1 at half time and clearly the next goal was of vital importance, Cars for the first 20 mins chucked everything they could at us without ever really testing us. This 20 mins saw Senior Wickson come on for his debut and he was duely beaten by the young left mid they had brought on, welcome to the real world Si. Move of the game saw Rildini break forward and find Denis with a 50 yard driven ball, Den had noticed that Brain had kept up with him and played a delightful pass into his feet off his ankle unfortunately Brain shot first time and missed. Then came the decisive goal with Den calming placing the ball past the keeper for our 4th and the goal that killed them.
Nigthingali at this point took Denis off and brought on Sheepy at right mid to cover for Burkey the energiser bunny who was looking tired! Soon came a fifth with Wickson Snr rounding the keeper and putting the ball in the empty net. They did score a second from a free kick that you would need to ask Hadley as to how it went in. That clearly wasnt enough and the final whistle soon blew, we quickly got changed wolfed down our grub and got out of their to head back to fortress Chiswick for the fun to begin.
Events of the evening will likely remain hazy, due of course to the booze consumed. It was good to see everyone back at the club and I think we were probably the best represented of the teams, or at least we were definitely by the end when we were poured out by the landlord. Games of course were played and i have still yet to check that Jay got home safely, I trust the new boys to games enjoyed them! End of the year going well in the league and in both cups lets bring some trophies home at the end of the season please.
Ratings,
Hadley - Late, free kick 7/10 Dave - Drinking games, done! 7/10 Rildini - Even he had forgotten he could hit them that sweetly 7/10 Beech - Late, but solid 7/10 Mills Still got it 7/10 Denis - Late shock, scored 1 helped with 2 8/10 Jimmy - Main protaganist at games, 7/10 Nails - Better CM than his bro? 8/10 Burkey - I get tired watching him 8/10 Brian el capitaino MOM we miss you 8/10 Wickson - Welcome home 7/10 Sheepy - Started a drinking game incorrectly, should be ashamed 2/10
6th December Old Owens 5s Home(cup)
Big Red Machine 3 v 1 Old Owens
The Gods were back with us.........
Some how we find it harder to get to our home ground than away grounds, the fives were eventually accounted for a little after 1pm, only half an hour before kick off. Had everyone forgot that this was the start of our cup defence, the big cup no less, Dougal hadnt the Gods poster that was with us in 9 cup games last year 8 of which we won was back on the road. First cup game of the season and at least 7 of the players who won the final last season werent available, coupled with the lack of 60 plus players unavailable in the club and there were a few players making their fives debut.
The 6s game had to be called off and we benefitted with Ricardiniho and AKW joining the squad, Manager Nightingali sticking them straight up front for that little and large look that so many teams plump for. A welcome return saw Beech straight in at the back and Denis into midfield, with Sam keeping the bench warm and Chris "nails" Wickson there for his 5s debut to keep him company.
We got going on one of our favoured pitches, pitch 1 at 1.30 sharp, with the sun in our eyes it was going to be a difficult first 45 mins. So long as we could get to half time relatively unscathed I expected this game would be there for the taking. We had played Old Owen 4s only two weeks ago and managed a 3 all draw against a reasonable side, it was clear from the off that this 5s side were not that far off the standard of their club mate, with their strikers linking well with their midfield.
About 20 mins in and we managed to bag the opening goal, I think Dougal floated in a corner that was not cleared at the front post and arrived at Ricardiniho's feet at the back post. A player who has already notched 14 this season doesnt miss those, hell not even the absent Rildini would miss those a turn and a nod to sheepy who he had promised a goal and we were on our way. Actually we werent, the taller Owens striker found his way into the box and ironically was felled by Beechy, never a penalty but you couldnt deny the finish, good pen 1-1 and that saw us to half time.
1-1 all into the sun I was pretty pleased, as expected we were all reminded this was our cup, Dougal took those honours and as expected I checked with Pateman if he could last 90 mins. The subs were asked to keep warm and we got about our work in more favourable conditions with the sun at our backs. The first incident of note came with nails being subbed on, within in a minute he had aclimatised to AFA cup football a crunching tackle that the Mills of old would have been proud of and he was in the book, good lad.
The game was back and forth and their only real threats came when Sheepy tried to take on the rleft winger, about five times, or the oppo fell over lame tackles from Jay and Doug down the left. About 15 mins into the second half the bearded wonder manged his first goal of the season scampering round his defender and finishing with some aplomb as was expected by those who regularly play with him. Sam came on to join Denis who was enjoying playing up front and worked his but off.
2-1 became 3-1 when Denis managed to wriggle his way through on the left and shot low and hard past the despairing goal Keeper. It was now there only for us to lose and we were in no mood for that, every man worked very hard to keep the oppo at bay without ever really going for it we still managed to create some more chances which wouldnt quite go in.
Overall a pleasing result Owens were a decent side, but a workman like performance from all and ultimately the game was probably won by our midfield battling all over. Next week sees us play Carshalton 5s in the other cup lets get bang up for it boys!
Ratings,
Lawrence - Had a good old fashioned shout at his back 4, pen no chance 7/10 Dave - Cpt for the day and led by example 7/10 Mills - Solid 7/10 Beech Solid 7/10 Sheepy - Couldnt beat an Egg 7/10 Dougal - No goal lots of work 8/10 Dennis - Joint top scorer, has a nice ring to it 9/10 Diggy - MOM quelle surprise! 9/10 Pateman - Lasted 90 looked after his RB 8/10 AKW - Played the big man role well 7/10 Rcdno - Played the little man role well, and promised goal 7.5/10 Wickson - Great tackle and could play to boot 7/10 Pannell - Diving header looked great shame it missed 7/10
29th November Carshalton 4s Away
Carshalton 2 v 4 Big Red Machine
If only the ref had seen it ..........
Rileys last words on friday were along the lines of last one there does the kit, so I was surprised when I stepped on the train to get a text from him telling me that he had missed the train, he was in good company as a steady stream of texts arrived with words of apology. The worst excuse was Jay's who had missed it to buy a burger, fat Ben would have admired that, not any more oh no.
As it turned out we were all there a good 45 mins before kick off, Jay was last through the opening of the cave we found ourselves in and he would pay for that later. Neil put the tunes on and we got on with the banter and the introduction of yet more new faces to the 5s, debuts awaited for 4 players who had been flung together by tinkerman Nightingali.
We got out early had a good warm up, unusually for us. Our opposition had been promoted from the league below and are seemingly having a similar season to us wining and losing in equal measure with no real run of form but some notable wins including against our fours. The game got going and it was important to get a good start especially considering most of the oppo had turned up 5 mins before kick off. A good start was assured when Dougal was found down the left, possibly by rildini from the back, in his new boots he proceeded to score his now customary great goal, a touch to get it out from his feet and then bending it to the far post from fully 25 yards out. Goalies in the premiership wont save those and neither did this one.
A great platform to push on from, hardly. Essentially I blame Dougal for wakening the beast cars quickly got into their stride their first goal was a really good passing move that we just couldnt get to, which snuck in off the post past a despairing Lawrence. With half an hour gone and us still letting someone else do our jobs a free kick was driven in low for the big striker to flick in, a lack of concentration and things werent going right! Before half time saw possibly the most controversial moment of the game, which the oppo probably dont remember, hand ball in the box. The penalty would have been scored as Nightingali was on the pitch, 2-1 should have been 2-2 at half time.
A quick team talk confirmed we could still win this and that we needed to be more creative in creating goal scoring chances. Within 5 mins we were back on level terms a corner from Dougal was "creatively" flicked on by Jose into Burkey's path who gobbled up the chance for 2-2, the oppo thought they had seen something here but like earlier in the game the ref missed what ever that was. Soon after the youth team got on and the bearded brothers gave way Nick and Jo quickly got into the game much to the relief of dads army on the field.
In the end the win was down to the tallest and shortest man on our team, regular keeper Hadley was in Paris buying booze I believe, this gave Neil the chance to shine. On two occassions it looked as though we would go 3-2 down both times neil managed to get enough onto the ball to turn goal bound shots onto the wood work which gave us the chance to nick it towards the end. And nick it we did, Cars had pushed a number of men forward when the ball was cleared to Jose who using his feet he played the ball into the space ahead of Burkey. With super Human speed Burkey beat the defender to the ball and all though that touch looked heavy he managed to then beat the keeper to the ball whom he chipped from 20 yards what a great goal. To top it off Dougal tapped in late to add insult to injury.
Overall a much needed win, 3rd in the league and yet that was only our first win in five. We need to use this as springboard to do that we need to get more reliable as a team if we can start playing together week in week out then trophys could be won, i will leave that thought to you.
Ratings,
Lawrence - Match winner! 9/10 Nightingali - He beat someone 7/10 Mills - Should have had Jay's Burger 7/10 Rildini - Late, Ha ha 7/10 Dave - Finally took responsibility, and then we had a go at him 7/10 Pateman - looked after by his RB 7/10 Burke - what a goal MOM 9/10 Elliott - fearless captain 7/10 Sutherland - so Predictable 8/10 Nolan - boy does he run and are we glad for it 7/10 Jose - "creative" 8/10 Nick - Bang he's nailed you 7/10 Jo - Come back again 7/10
CSFC