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October 2009
AFC Pelham 1 v 3 AFC GOP Xi'sGOP Xi's at last
got their first win of the season.
The bigger pitch suited GOP's style. Man of the Match Billy Waters ran himself
into the ground for 90 minutes and opened the scoring after good work through the middle by Joe Richards.
Frankie Howe's
superb run and cross from left-back forced the defender to mis-cue into his own net to make it 2-0.
Pelham battered the
GOP goal but couldn't get past Lee Kerridge who was in great form.
Billy Waters made it 3-0 on the hour, finishing
off a through ball from John Dodd with a shot through the keeper's legs.
An offside goal in the final minute spoilt
Kerridge's clean sheet, but not GOP's day. The boys thoroughly deserved the win.
March
Brading Town FC Res 3-1 USPFC Res Wessex Combination League 2 24/3/09
US's 7 game unbeaten run finally came to an end as they failed to repeat their heroics here in the cup earlier
in the season. The visitors started slow and found themselves 2 goals down after only 20 minutes, the 1st goal was an error
by Charlie Bailey who conceded possession on the edge of the area and Brading's LIAM WELLER slotted past keeper Gary
Lovell. The 2nd Brading goal came courtesy of 1st team striker SCOTT JONES who managed to get to the cross from the right
before his marker and fire past Lovell. Just before the break BAILEY made ammends for his earlier error by heading past the
Brading keeper from Adam Poxton's corner.
H.T. Brading 2-1 USPFC
US came out with a game plan, playing down the slope and trailing, simply get the ball up the other end
and besiege the hosts goalmouth, the plan almost paid off as endless balls were pumped up to US's strikers Rory Crawford and
Gary Thomas, however the balls were either too inaccurate or too close to towering Brading skipper Rudd who won every header
for his team as they coped with everything. US appeared to have grabbed an equaliser as Sanga Dolo's shot from close
range was cleared by a deffender, and apparently only the referee and linesman failed to see the ball cross the line, even
the home side later admitted it had! Despite the sending off of Brading's right back, US failed to deal with a counter attack
and paid the price when speed merchent JONES added his 2nd and effectively killed the game, sustained pressure from US failed
to see a goal materialise.
The return league match between these 2 sides next Wednesday could well decide on where the league title
ends up, both teams have dropped the least points in the divsion and so the winner will have the league in their hands, although
US have more games to play and tough tests in the way of Totton and Alresford away, one thing's for sure, if US are to have
any hope of winning they will need to perform much beter than tonight, otherwise they will lucky to finish in the
top 4 never mind win the title...
Fareham Town Res 2-4 USPFC Res Wessex Combinaion 2 21/3/09
US take the points in local derby as title race hots up!
Despite losing several key players from last Tuesdays win over Blackfield such as Gary Thomas and Tom Davies (injuries),
Matt Peachey (vacation), Tef Edin, Rory Crawford and Pete Houkes (1st team), not to mention the long term injury
loss to Christian Clift, US battled to a deserved victory. With only Manager Danny Phillips on the subs bench as the
match kicked off due to the late arrival of Sanga Dolo, US started the game nervously, struggling to find any kind of rythym
and space as Fareham's midfield closed every ball down quickly. As expected though the early signs showed that balls
in behind for speed merchants Anelle Dolo and Kev Dimingo to latch onto would cause the home sides veteran defence severe
problems, aided only by a couple of last minute tackles and more than a few controversial linesman's decisions, Fareham survived
for now. A high Adam Poxton free kick just inside his own half was challenged by Lee Johnson, and although he failed
to make contact with the ball, did enough to put off the keeper and DOLO capitalised to tap into an empty
net from 3yds. Fareham soon equalised as a throw in that should have gone US's way went to the home side, with US unorgainised
the reds broke and quickly scored. Although US constantly looked a threat with balls in behind Fareham's defence, Fareham
played the better football as they retained possession in the middle of the pitch, however as they approached the US goal
were found with an on form Bailey, Holborn, Waite and Poxton in defence, and anything that did get through them was comfortably
dealt with by keeper Gary Lovell who performed well throughout. The home sides keeper was at fault once again as he spilled
what seemed to be simple low cross, and the on hand debut making DIMINGO stroked the ball home from close
range.
HT Fareham 1-2 USPFC
US changed their formation to 4-5-1, packing out the midfield to thwart Fareham's midfield dominnce, Dimingo replaced
by Phillips who went wide right, Johnson sat in front of the defence breaking up the play and allowing Hewitt and Joseph more
freedom to support Dolo. With Fareham now reduced to playing long ball up to their strikers US coped with everything thrown
at them, breaking quickly to play in Dolo only for many more controversial offside decisions to be given against him.
Finally though a through ball from Joseph saw DOLO sprint past the ageing defence, beating the offside
trap and sidefooting the ball past the onrushing keeper from outside the box.
Johnson made way for Sanga Dolo who looked lively straight away puting himself about well and providing some extra bite
in midfield. The home side soon pulled another goal back as a long ball by Rew was dealt with initially then volleyed home
by Stewart to set up a tense final 10 minutes. Anelle Dolo was put through once again and found himself out wide on the right,
he set the ball back to Phillips, his first time cross was inch perfect to Sibanda on the edge of the 18yd box, however
rather than shoot the winger cut back onto his right and was brought down on the edge of the area. From the resulting free
kick JOSEPH struck a fantastic right footed effort over the wall and in off the keeper's right hand
post to seal a fine victory for the visitors.
US visit Brading Town on Tuesday, the Islanders were clear title favourites halfway through the season but have lost
their way and indeed were beaten by Fareham 3-1 at home only 2 weeks ago. Should US win on Tuesday they could go 1 point off
top spot with 3 games in hand, but with 6 teams still in a position to win the league it's sure to be a close end to
a thrilling season!
USPFC Res 2-1 Blackfield & Langley FC Res Wessex Combination 2
17/3/09
Wing wizards lead the way with a goal each!
US were looking to exact revenge on 2nd placed Blackfield going into this evening game at Burnaby Road, having lost
the reverse fixture 1-0 at the Gang Warily ground on the opening day of the season, and with only 3 players who started
that match remaining in this starting line up (Adam Poxton, Mlu Sibanda and Gary Thomas), it was a case of in with the new
as in form US started the brighter of the two sides. An early lead was taken by the home side as SIBANDA
swept a low, first time shot through a crowded Blackfield penalty area and in off the keepers left hand post. Almost immediately
however the visitors snatched an equaliser, as US backed off the lively Jake Voller, he had time and space from 25 yds
to volley an effort past the rooted Houkes. US again upped it a level and were not only battling away as usual but enjoying
much more possession than in recent games, keeping hold of the ball for longer periods. With 10 minutes remaining till the
break TOM DAVIES wide cross from the right floated high over the keepers head and somehow found it's way
into the net to the disbelief of everyone including Davies! There was a close call for the home side as right back Matt Peachey
appeared to trip the onrushing B&L striker and as last man was in danger of being sent off, in the end he was grateful
to recieve only a caution.
HT US 2-1 B&L
Tevfik Edin replaced the booked Peachey at right back and an end to end struggle ensued in a fast and furious 2nd half,
midfielder Sanga Dolo covered every blade of grass in an energetic display, linking up well with playmaker John Joseph who sprayed
his passes around the pitch with precision, and the front pairing of Thomas and Crawford caused all sorts of problems,
and although failing to score they never gave the visitors defence a moments piece as they forced error after error. With
the Sailors back 4 looking solid once again, organised by the experienced Houkes in goal, there was more a feeling of when
the lead would be stretched rather than when would the visitors equalise. Indeed if Dolo could learn to release the ball on
time and play a little earlier to the striker's runs US could have maybe capitilised. Thomas' back post header was well
saved by B&Ls keeper, one of several, and the post was struck as US continued to press forward. The final score
2-1 then as US not only stamped their authority on the game against the most in form team in the division,
but produced some of the best football seen from the side all season, this result was a huge step towards a claim for
the league title!
USPFC Res 4-1 Whitchurch FC Res Wessex Combination 2 12/3/09
Sub Thomas grabs double to seal victory and stretch unbeaten run!
USPFC made several changes to Saturdays starting 11 as manager Danny Phillips opted to rotate the personell,
sticking with the 3-5-2 formation that done the job at Meadow Lane, US fielded Lee Johnson, Dale Holmes, Rory Crawford and
new goalkeeper Pete Houkes. Since leaving US 1st team in 2004 the much travelled Houkes went on to play for Moneyfields, Bognor
and AFC Totton and brings a much wiser approach at the ripe age of 31 to the club he loves. US started the better of the 2
teams, although despite the excellent playing surface struggled to find a rythym, losing possession on several occasions in
dangerous areas, thankfully Whitchurch didn't have the ability to punish the home side. An early injury forced winger Christian
Clift out of the game and as Matt Peachey slotted in his place on came striker Gary Thomas to partner Rory Crawford up
front. Almost immedeiately the two struck up an understanding as the Whitchurch defence struggled to handle their runs,
once again the final ball was letting US down and despite being camped out in the visitor's half for most of the half
didn't seriously test the keeper with efforts going narrowly wide of goal and failing to make the most of set pieces. The
breakthrough came courtesy of last years reserve team managers player of the year Dale Holmes, his powerful
drive from outside the box took a deflection off defender Jon Waite , Holmes claimed the goal though. The 2nd goal
came from last years players player of the year Thomas with a well struck left foot shot just inside the
box following a nice throughball from John Joseph. Top scorer Thomas soon made it 3-0 with his 2nd from the
spot after a Whitchurch deffender was adjudged to have handled inside the area, Just before the break Thomas missed a great
chance to grab his hat-trick, having lost his marker he headed well wide at the front post despite Joseph picking him
out well.
H.T. USPFC Res 3-0 Whitchurch FC Res
The visitors came out stronger after the break just as they had done on Saturday and looked determined to
get something from the match, however it was debut making Rory Crawford promoted from the youth team who
bundled home his sides 4th goal from close range. The back 3 of Holborn, Waite and Bailey continued to thwart any attacks,
however as US gathered momentum and began to turn the heat up on the visitors, a Whitchurch counter attack payed dividends,
direct from a US corner, a high ball over the top was misjudged by Johnson leaving Waite 2 on 1 at the back, the ball
was squared to the striker in space and cooly slotted past the onrushing Houkes. The sailors may have been disapointed
to lose their clean sheet but continued to press Whitchurch with chances going begging once again, Crawford was
proving to be a real thorn in the reds side with his movement and ability to link up with the supporting midfield. Chances
were spurned by Holmes, Peachey and once again Thomas, a neat pass by Joseph saw Thomas's first touch seemingly take
him too wide, however he cut inside of his marker and chose to shoot from a tight angle rather than square to Crawford, in
the end the shot was well wide.
F.T. USPFC Res 4-1 Whitchurch FC Res
Once again US huffed and puffed at times and struggled to string enough passes together to get any fluidity,
this was mainly down to a lack of movement from certain players, presumably due to a lack of fitness, certainly not laziness,
surely not. But with much of the play in their opponents half they were always a threat when they wanted to be, and never
looked troubled at the back until the lack of concentration led to Whitchurch's goal. Manager Danny Phillips said "Thats 5
games unbeaten now with 4 wins and a draw, teams above us continue to slip up which can only benefit us, we need to win our
games in hand, if we can do that we go 4 points clear of top of the league Alresford. I know we have the ability in the squad
to win the league, i'm learning more and more about the squad every week and what is pleasing is to hear one of the opposition
players commenting on how good our team spirit, that's because I have a good bunch of lads who are hugry for success
and all get along together indeed Peachey (Mr Tickle) and Jon Waite (Sweep), appear to have began dating each other which
is nice!. We have a tough run of games now with our next 6 scheduled fixtures against teams above us in the league, soon we
will see just how far we've come this season!"
Meon Milton 2-1 AFC Portchester Ports Yth A League 8/3/09
Meon had a sluggish start at Furze Lane on Sunday. In the first five minutes the ball travelled
from end to end without troubling either goalie. H had the first shot on target, it was confidently saved
by the Portchester goal keeper. At the six minute mark Meon began to look dangerous. Hugh’s
high cross to H put the first score on the board. Alfie kept up the work rate at the back consistently
clearing the ball. Jack was taken down in the eighth minute in front of goal and was awarded a free kick.
Hugh’s shot powered onto the cross bar taking off a layer of on its way in to the net taking the score to 2 –
0. Fresh legs on the pitch saw Ted firing a long range shot off target, then a dangerous run with just
a touch too much was well anticipated by the goalie. Josh’s skills on the ball kept the ball pushing
through for the attack. H was unlucky when his skilful control of the ball almost brought Meon the third goal.
Meon retained possession well in the centre using their well-rehearsed headers on the high balls. The
Portchester goalie was well tested by Hugh in the dying minutes of the first half but withstood the pressure.
Half time score 2 – 0
A free kick given against Meon was fired wide. The Portchester defence foiled Ted’s
exciting run down the left side. The ball was sent straight to the other end where Ethan made his first
save of the match. Harry played strongly down both wings - using his team mates well to attack the goal.
Both teams had good runs with the ball but were let down by wide shots. A hand ball in the Portchester
half led to a free kick but the long range shotedidn’t really test Ethan as it went straight over the bar.
At the other end Meon had a flurry of shots denied by the woodwork and the strength of the goalie. A
goal mouth scramble allowed Portchester time on the ball to score with just four minutes to go but Meon held on to record
a solid win 2 – 1.
The Portchester coach presented Harry Gadd with a medal stating that he was the most technically accomplished
player he had seen this season.
Whitchurch FC Res 0-2 USPFC Res Wessex Combination 2 7/3/09
USPFC make it 4 games unbeaten as Peachey fires brace
US travelled to Whitchurch knowing that this time last year they slipped up losing a game they should have
won, today manager Danny Phillips opted for a 3-5-2 formation with Mike Holborn returned to the backline in place of
Matt Magro who was called up to the 1st team, Holborn lined up alongside Charlie Bailey and Jon Waite as the trio formed a
solid unit straight from kick off. The visitors started brightly with corrner after corner coming their way as they shot up
the slope, efforts from Jon Joseph hit the post, a Sam Armstrong hit the bar from a corner and Bailey, Holborn and striker
Matt Peachey were all denied from headers the latter forcing a fine save from the Whitchurch keeper. In total 12 corners were
taken by US and frustratingly not one of them seriously troubled the keeper, Armstrong was unlucky when dubiously called offside
as he looked set to round the keeper from a 1 on 1. Last week US struggled to create but this week the industrious midfield
of Clift, Armstrong, Hewitt, Poxton and Dolo managed to get good service up to strikers Joseph and the unpredictible Peachey
aka Mr Tickle. With the Longmeadow outfit playing into US's hands by playing 1 up front the back 3 always looked comfortable
and Holborn and Waite occasionally drove forward in support, however a frustrating 1st half was summed up when Poxtons long
range shot flew well wide of the right post, indeed nobody was more frustrated than Jon Joseph who looked at one point as
if he would pop a blood vessel as he ranted in disgust at Poxtons effort!
H.T. Whitchurch 0-0 USPFC
The home side knew if they could keep things tight at the back they may just breakaway and score at the
other end and asked a few more questions of US by playing 2 up front, however this left more space at the back for US to exploit
and it wasn't long before Peachey grabbed 2 goals in 10 minutes much to his delight, he proved just how unpredictable he can
be as sometimes the most basic of touches let him down and sometimes he just produces magic! Today it was 2 pieces of magic
that won his team the game, the first goal a header from a Clift cross, the 2nd a low shot from 10 yds, indeed Mr Tickle could
have grabbed a hat-trick but tried to take an extra touch and was dispossessed just as he looked set to unleash fury! Joseph
and Clift shots went tamelessly over the bar as US continued to press , meanwhile Whitchurch were throwing bodies forward
in search of a comeback with Holborn being given the run around by the home side's #9, luckily Bailey and Waite were on hand
to provide some cover for the veteran centre half! The introduction of Sibanda, Price and Johnson saw US continue to dominate,
had Sky Sports been around the stats would surely have been around 70/30 in US favour which is no mean feat when you saw the
state of the pitch, enough chances were created to win 4 games for US today, although another clean sheet, 3 points and news
that the top 2 sides Brading (drew) and Alresford (lost) had dropped points easily cushioned the blow!
Manager Danny Phillips said "Once again the lads have played well as a team, kept their discipline (apart
from Mr Tickle who was booked for gobbing off), and their shape and gave a good account of themselves. One of my jobs as reserve
team manager is to produce players good enough to step up to the 1sts and already we've had Dale Holmes and Tef Edin join
our 1sts, i feel it's a case of when not if some of my players also step up, in particular Charlie Bailey and Christian Clift.
I think when you consider their age the potential is massive for these 2 lads, if they can keep free of the distractions and
temptations that life throws at them and listen and learn they can both go far!
"It was important that we won today, we play them again on Thurs and musn't underestimate them, after that
we have 4 matches against teams above us in the league, Blackfield & Langley, Fareham and Brading Town twice. If we can
keep players injury free and start taking making the most of our opportunities then we have a great chance of finishing
high up the league. Pretty soon one team is going to get one hell of a thumping, cos my lads are thirsty........ thirsty for
goals"!
| Brockenhurst versus Hayling United SAT 07 MAR 2009 15:00,
Match Report for: Brockenhurst | |
| BROCK DENY SPIRITED HAYLING | |
Two goals in the first quarter hour saw Brockenhurst to a victory over a spirited
Hayling side that seemed to have come to terms with their managerial change.
Brockenhurst started the quicker and took
an early lead in the 7th minute. They forced a corner which was taken by Dave Wakefield and ROY VINER was allowed space to
head in off a post.
They doubled their lead after 14 minutes with a move which covered the full length of the field.
After goalkeeper Max Frampton had saved a header by Josh Case his long clearance was headed back across the Hayling penalty
area by Dave Ewen. Ben Kneller's attempted shot was blocked but LUKE ANSELL was on hand to finish well.
At this stage
it looked as though Brock would run away with the game and, with Dave Wakefield pulling the strings in midfield, Hayling were
struggling to get a toehold in the game.
Slowly however they came to terms with the task and, whilst they rarely troubled
the Brockenhurst goal, they had sufficient of the game to give them hope that a goal would get them back in the game.
Half
time: Brockenhurst 2 Hayling United 0
Brock striker, Ben Kneller, had the first chance of the second period but a swift
turn and shot was just over. Then Dave Wakefield found substitute Aiden Sainsbury but his shot went wide. He was wide again
when he picked up a Luke Ansell free kick.
At this stage ex Gosport Borough player, Michael Birmingham, was becoming
more and more influential and began to control midfield as Brock's rhythm was upset by substitutions.
After 70 minutes
Hayling's Lee Bedden provided the cross for Josh Case to head wide when well placed then Lee Paul tried a lob but his effort
was saved by Frampton.
With 5 minutes to go Hayling had a good shout for a penalty as Zach McGregor went down under
a challenge but the referee waved the appeals away then Birmingham trimmed the bar with a 30 yard effort.
In the final
minute Ben Kneller went close for Brockenhurst and, at the other end, Frampton was called upon to make a good save from a
Paul header with Beddon's rebound going over.
Full time; Brockenhurst 2 Hayling United 0
| | |
Meon Milton 0-2 Purbrook Athletic Portsmouth Youth U9A League 1/3/09
On a grey winter's day Meon Milton paid the price for a slow start and ended up losing to Purbrook for the first time.
Games between these sides are always close with Meon often shading the result. Not on this occasion however. From the kick
off, the well-supported Purbrook team were quicker out of the blocks, won the early 50-50 challenges and generally looked
sharper. They made their early superiority count and after just a couple of minutes they took the lead. An attack down the
right wing culminated in a deflected, looping cross/shot that left goalkeeper Ethan Chapman with no chance. That wasn't enough
to rouse Meon from their slumber and just a minute later a well worked move put the Purbrook centre forward through on the
Milton goalkeeper and a well-taken finish made it 2-0 to the visitors. Incredibly, that was to be the last goal of the match.
Meon had to do better and they set about reducing the deficit but it was not until the 10th minute, following good work from
Hugh Macdonald Parry and an instinctive flick from Harry McCarthy, that they threatened the Purbrook goal. There was more
pressure on the Purbrook goal after 15 minutes. Meon won a corner but couldn't make the pressure count and then just a minute
later there was a real goal mouth scramble with Harry Gadd, Alfie Chittenden and Ted Graham unable to get off a clear shot.
Amidst an appeal for a penalty both sides stopped but Purbrook recovered to clear. Play the whistle lads! Straight after this
Jack Beaumont fought his way down the right wing and fired over an excellent cross but nobody could get on the end of it.
But Purbrook ended the half strongly. With an unusually high number of left-footed players they constantly threatened down
the left flank and Josh Vorokanh and Ollie Reeve had a busy time keeping the attackers out. A well-worked Purbrook move
put the centre forward in on goal again but this time Ethan stood up well and made an excellent save . HT 0-2
The second
half was goalless but the Meon defence was the busier of the two. Neither side established any real pattern and the best chances
fell to Purbrook but a combination of Ethan's saves and the woodwork denied them. If the season had run to schedule this would
have been the last game and would not have been the best way to end it. As it is, there are several games to go and a chance
for the team to get back to playing the way they can.
FT 0-2
February
USPFC Res 0-0 Totton & Elling 28/2/09
Wessex Combination 2
US churn out goalless draw in drab encounter
As usual a physical match was played out between these two sides with not a great deal of football involved, although
that said it wasn't really a dirty game with only one booking from each team. Both sides huffed and puffed as they struggled
to create chances, two crosses in quick succession were met by the hosts Brian Hewitt first and then Sanga Dolo but both
headers ended up on the wrong side of the post. The final 15 minutes of the 1st half saw US gradually gain the upper
hand without seriously threatening the Totton goal.
USPFC Res 0-0 T&E Res
The home side continued to dominate the game in terms of possession and winning their individual battles, Magro and Bailey
performed particularly well marking the strikers out of the game, indeed the only time the visitors looked threatening was
when US needlessly gave away the ball when trying to play out from the back when perhaps the best option would of been to
clear their lines, Jon Waite in particular guilty on occasions and Charley (club foot) Bailey not entirely blameless either.
However each time the Southampton based side got beyond the back 4 keeper Gary Lovell was on hand to claim the ball. With
the minutes ticking down John Joseph, Tom Davies and Lee Johnson were introduced to freshen things up and almost immediately
Joseph so nearly won the game when a nice run and throughball saw him 1 on 1 with the keeper however his measured
lob from 20 yds bounced agonisingly wide of the right post. A last gasp close range effort from Johnson was tipped over the
bar by the now under pressure Totton keeper, however for some reason the referee decided to blow up for full time rather than
let US take the corner!
A first clean sheet of the season and dominant performance from all, however 2 points dropped in the eyes of the USPFC
camp!
| Fareham Town versus Wimborne Town SAT 21 FEB 2009 15:00, Match
Report for: Wimborne Town | |
| DEFENSIVE BLUNDERS SEAL MAGPIES FATE | |
Two bad defensive errors consigned Wimborne to defeat in a disappointing
performance against Fareham. Tommy McCormick pulled a late goal back in added time.
With Scott Joyce enjoying paternity
leave, Dan Cann partnered Dave Town up front, and Steve Whitcher also started as a late replacement for Scott Arnold who pulled
a muscle during the pre match warm up. Wimborne adopted a 3-5-2 formation with the Walker Brothers and James Wilson at the
back, and Whitcher, Liam Green, James Stokoe, Tommy McCormick and Pete Smith in midfield. Alan walker-Harris retained his
place in goal.
The early part of the game looked promising for Wimborne as they slowly seemed to be getting on top,
with some enterprising football. But there was no end product and the Fareham defence were rarely troubled. Alan Walker Harris
was the first keeper to see any real action when he cleared a dangerous break in the 29th minute.
Scott Joyce's absence
was glaringly apparent; with no-one emulating his perceptive runs or taking up dangerous positions in front of goal. The occasional
run down the left by Pete Smith added some excitement, but no results. For the second part of the half the teams were evenly
balanced, but with neither posing any real threat, and half time arrived with neither team having had a shot on target.
The
second half started with Steve Whitcher being clear down the right but putting his shot well wide. But after three minutes
Michael Walker's weak back-pass was intercepted by a Fareham forward and Walker-Harris could do nothing to prevent a simple
goal. This Spurred on the home side and Al had to make a save at the near post minutes later.
Wimborne responded with
a couple of first time efforts by Dave Town, both way off target, but on the hour Michael Walker's day got even worse when
he was shown red for an ill-disciplined tackle. Being a man down didn't seem to affect the balance of the game much, but with
Wimborne looking for an equaliser they did leave themselves more open to Fareham attacks. Smith raised hopes with a great
run and shot which deflected off a defender for a corner, from which Nathan Walker went wide with a diving header.
After
76 minutes, Manager Alex Browne came on in place of Dave Town, and opted to try his luck as a striker almost succeeding with
Wimborne's first shot on target in the 81st minute, which was well saved by the home keeper.
Alan walker-Harris had
been developing a habit of hitting his clearances straight to an opponent, and as added time approached, was eventually punished
when a forward accepted the ball at the edge of the area and placed it inside the post for the second goal.
With the
game all but lost, Wimborne belatedly developed a sense of urgency. Browne got another shot on target and eventually Tommy
Mac scored with a superb 30 free kick, his fourth goal in four games. But it wasn't enough.
| | |
|
Meon Milton U-9 A v Hayling Utd. Portsmouth Youth U9 A League Result 2-2 Att. 23
At
the end of a hard-fought game, Meon Milton and Hayling United came away with honours even. On a chilly winter's day at Furze
Lane, Meon Milton made a slow start against Hayling United, the first ever team to inflict a defeat on this Meon team back
in the U-7 days. It looked as if there would be a repeat of that result as Meon struggled to find any rhythm and were second
best to the ball for the first period of the first half. Apart from a couple of counter attacks, with Harry McCarthy working
hard up front on his own, the bulk of possession and territory was with Hayling. With some skilful and tricky players they
were asking questions of the Meon defence. From a free kick outside the box, it was no surprise to see Hayling take the
lead. A very well-placed, long range free kick was fired directly in to the top corner and after 6 minutes it was 1-0 to Hayling.
Coach Danny Philips got the subs on early and Meon set about reducing the deficit. Alfie Chittenden tested the goalie twice
from long range but at the other end Josh Vorokanh and Ollie Reeves were under pressure from the pacey, tricky Hayling forwards
and did well to keep them out. The pressure told eventually however and, from a corner, Hayling increased their lead. The
ball came across to the unmarked Hayling centre forward who showed great technique to volley home and make it 2-0 to
Hayling after 17 minutes. This was a crucial time in the match and Meon needed a quick response to get themselves back in
the game. Just 3 minutes was all it took and, following a period of Meon pressure, Harry Gadd steered the ball home.
At last Meon started to up the tempo and be more competitive. A shot from Harry Gadd was well saved, and a move from the training
ground - a corner to Ted Graham and a low shot - drew a good save from the Hayling keeper.
Then just before half time Meon
had a free kick - which always presents an opportunity for Hugh Mac Parry and he stepped up to the mark with a
long range shot that found the top corner - almost identical to the Hayling team's first goal. HT 2-2
Following a
good team talk from the coaching staff, Meon set about playing like they can and from the kick off almost took the lead. A
fluent attack down the right flank and good work from Jack Beaumont had Hayling scrambling to clear the ball off the line.
For much of the second half Meon looked the most likely to go on and win the match. A succession of shots from Jack, Alfie,
Harry Gadd and Harry McCarthy were close but didn't test the keeper sufficiently. Hayling could not recreate their performance
of the first 20 minutes but they were still a threat with their skilful players on the break. Ethan Chapman made a good save
and then showed bravery to keep out the Hayling centre forward - winning a crucial 50-50 ball. A final flurry of Meon attacks
and a great header from Alfie could not break the deadlock and the final score stayed at 2-2 FT 2-2
Stronstad United 3 V 2 Affinion International Fc
After
two defeats in 2009, Stronstad finally got a win against Affinion International FC.
With
the return of captain Andy Scanlon to the starting line up this should have been a dream return but this
was not a straightforward 3 points that Stronstad would have expected.
With
Robert Pearson out injured still and James Clarke entertaining his girlfriend (Some
say in a Southsea hotel and others in London) not available Stampy made some changes from the last match
against Park Academics.
First Half Action From Farlington
For
the first whistle Stronstad looked hungry for the match and almost took the lead within 30 seconds of the
kick off. The ball was played back to Andy Scanlon and his long ball over the top of the Affinion
International back four saw Steve Beech run onto the ball but his low shot was turned around the
post for a corner kick.
This
was a warning sign of what Affinion were going to be on the end of but Stronstad failed
to turn their chances into goals with the Affinion International FC keeper making some good stops and only
the cross bar denied Rich Gillam as his long range effort hit the bar and went over with the Affinion
keeper well beaten.
At
the other end keeper for the day Adi Card was having an easy morning with Andy Scanlon and
Jeff Needham having a solid game at centre back denying Affinion any real chances.
After
15 minutes of Stronstad putting pressure on Affinion they finally got a goal. Brad
White found space in the Affinion box and his effort was turned around the post by a diving save
from the Affinion keeper and from the resulting corner Ian Privett swung the ball over and
centre back Jeff Needham rose highest to power a header home to give him his first goal for the club. The
only disappointment was how poor his celebration was.
This
gave Stronstad a lift as they continued to drive forward looking for a second goal but their finishing had
let them down and chance after chance went begging and they were punished as Affinion International grabbed
a spectacular equaliser as the ball feel to an Affinion player who let fly from just outside the penalty
area and the ball flew into the roof of the net with Adi Card given very little chance.
Stronstad were now being put under pressure but the defence was
holding firm with Affinion not testing Adi Card and at the other end Rod Robertson
almost scored but his low drive was deflected off an Affinion player and the ball hit the post and was cleared
to safety.
Then
came a moment of controversy as an Ian Privett corner was swung over and Jeff Needham and
the Affinion keeper challenged for the ball and despite the ball being in the keepers hands Jeff
knocked the ball out and into the net.
The
goal was given and this caused a few Affinion players to charge over to the referee to protest the goal but
the goal stood and Stronstad were 2-1 up.
Just
before half time good work from Steve Beech saw him power into the Affinion box
and his cross to the far post was headed home by Gareth Spicer to make the score 3-1 and some might have
said game over.
Half Time:
Stronstad Utd 3 Affinion International FC 1
Not
really much to write about the second half because it was a scrappy affair but it was all Stronstad and on
a number of occasions they came close to scoring with Gary Cowell hitting the bar with a powerful 25 yard
drive with the keeper beaten and Steve Beech almost scored on two separate occasions but first his brilliant
header hit the fair post and then he had a effort cleared off the line after getting in ahead of the Affinion
keeper.
Ian Privett also tested the keeper with a stinging effort that
the Affinion keeper did well to hold onto.
In
the final 5 minutes Affinion pulled a goal back after a goal mouth scramble saw the ball forced over the
line to set up a tense few minutes. At the other end Laurence Redman almost scored his first goal after a cross from Brad
saw Logs jump high before heading 10 yards wide of the Affinion goal. Stronstad held out and won the game
3-2 but to some players it could and maybe should have been more but with the news that FC Boca (4th)
lost 5-4 is great news for Stronstad as they get back up and running for the title challenge.
Full Time: Stronstad Utd 3 Affinion International FC 2
I
gave Jeff Needham the man of the match for his two goals ahead of Gary Cowell who put in
another great performance.
At
the moment I have given Jeff two goals. I am just waiting for the final verdict from Andy Stamp who will
let me know who has the second goal.
If
you have any problems or want to put your name down for the goal please text me your reason.
Next
up for Stronstad is a tricky looking match against GB Utd
USPFC Res 2-1 Alresford Town FC Res Wessex Combination 2
14/2/09
A last gasp effort from Bailey Bails out US and keeps bailiffs from the door!
US went into the game in a confident mood against 2nd in the league and top scorers Alresford Town, and although
the visitors arrived very late, when the match finally started they were gifted possession 10 yds outside the box when a hopeless
pass by 16 yr old Charlie Bailey was intercepted just as US looked set to break, the Town midfielder crossed to an unmarked
player who in turn headed to the unmarked Carl Whittingtam and he headed home from all of 5 yds into an empty
net. US never looked uncomfortable though and gradually found their rythym in midfield, the hosts enjoyed the majority of
possession without seriously threatening the keeper, most attacks came from down the left wing through wing wizard Mlu Sibanda
with Christian Clift in support and from set pieces. Any balls up to lone striker Thomaswere held up by the big man and if
anything the US midfield of Sam Armstrong and skipper Brian Hewitt were rarely quite quick enough in getting close enough
to support him. On a positive note though Adam Poxton playing in his new holding role was once again superb, neither shying
out of a tackle or seen to give away the ball cheaply, sheilding the back 4 magnificently and remaining disciplined in his
positioning. Just as it looked like the home side would go in at the break a goal down Hewitt produced a bit of the old
Tanzanian magic to bobble and jink his way past 2 defenders on the edge of the box before firing with his left from a tight
angle, the keeper could only spill his shot and top scorer Thomas was unmarked and on hand to finish from
2 yards out.
H.T. USPFC Res 1-1 Alresford Town FC Res
The 2nd half continued with US maintaining an upper hand on the game, however a lack of cutting edge in the
final 3rd was once again proving to be a concern with Thomas, Joseph and Sibanda failing to create anything that majorly troubled
the visiting keeper. US's most hopeful chance of a goal seemed to be from set peices with corners coming thick and fast, however
with players reluctant to attack the ball and challenge the keeper they were wasteful opportunities. Other than a Sibanda
effort and Armstrong's miscued volley at the back post US looked like they were going to have to settle with a point
against an ordinary Alresford side that had managed merely 1 effort on goal, however with the last attack of the game a well
struck Magro corner was powered home on the goal line by debut making Bailey who made ammends for his earlier
mishap. The relief was their for all to see as the entire team bundled on top of Bailey to celebrate and as he picked up a
discarded dreadlock produced his own personal celebration of going down on one knee? (perhaps he was proposing to Magro)!
F.T. USPFC Res 2-1 Alresford Town FC
Manager Danny Phillips was clearly pleased by the last gasp effort and had this to say, "I'm obviously pleased
with Charlie Linvoy Bailey's debut he never looked out of his depth and once he settles in will start to boss those around
him better, along with Christian he is only 16 and has bags of potential, hopefully he'll learn from his wee mistake at the
start of the game and move on. I thought Sam Armstrong had a good game too winning almost every header, covering a lot of
ground and looking somewhere like the player he used to be. I'm especially happy with the performance of the back 4 of Clift,
Magro, Bailey and Waite and the work we done in training and before the game paid off as the leagues top scorers hardly troubled
us throughout the game. There is still a long way to go but it is results like this one today that prove we're a match for
anyone in the league and we intend to push all the way for a promotion spot."
Hythe & Dibden versus United Services Portsmouth SAT 14 FEB 2009 15:00, Match Report for: Hythe
& Dibden | |
| SEVEN GOALS, COUNTLESS CHANCES | |
Apart from runaway league leaders, Totton & Eling, these two teams
are the highest scorers in the division so an open game was assured. With seven goals, four penalties and countless chances,
the game didn't disappoint.
Hythe had the first chance when Jaime Way was high with a free kick but Services hit back
with a header from Mark Robinson which was well saved by John Howard.
Services took the lead on 17 minutes when DALE
HOLMES fed Robinson whose shot was saved with his feet by Howard but the ball rebounded to Holmes who made no mistake from
12 yards.
Shortly after Robinson was again through on goal but his shot was parried to safety by Howard. Then it was
Hythe's turn to hit back as Kevin Reacord, playing his last game for the club before moving north, put a snap shot over.
A
minute later Dan Fox drew a good low save from Steve Metherall at the expense of a corner. Jaime Way took the kick and with
the Services defenders looking like statues, JOHN MULHEARN was able to convert with a near post header.
Robinson was
again thwarted by Howard's feet before, on 33 minutes, MARK COLLIS was allowed to turn in the box and fire Services ahead.
A
minute later Collis was tripped in the box but Robinson, normally a deadly finisher, hit a weak penalty which Howard saved
well to his right. The miss clearly unsettled him as Robinson again fired straight at the keeper when put through on goal.
The
last chance of an eventful first half fell to Hythe as Tom Grice got in a tangle in his own penalty area but Dan Fox was unable
to capitalise.
Half time: Hythe & Dibden 1 United Services Portsmouth 2
Within two minutes of the restart
Services were awarded a penalty as Steve Carter was penalised for hand ball. DALE HOLMES made no mistake from the spot.
Services
were playing good football at this stage and Luke Grice forced a good save from Howard before Collis was wide with a volley.
Both
side traded chances before Hythe got back in the game as Mulhearn was tripped in the penalty area after 65 minutes. SAM CARTER
scored from the spot. Ten minutes later they drew level from the penalty spot, this time it was SAM CARTER who was tripped.
What
turned out to be the winning goal came in the 79th minute. The ball broke loose to Mark Robinson in the Hythe penalty area.
He took it round the keeper and MARK COLLIS coming from behind the ball shot into an empty net. Hythe defenders were left
to vainly (and wrongly) claim offside.
Hythe had one last chance to draw back level but Metherall made an excellent
save from a header before colliding with a post.
Final score: Hythe & Dibden 3 United Services Portsmouth 4
| | |
| Hamworthy United versus Moneyfields
SAT 14 FEB 2009 15:00, Match Report for: Hamworthy United | |
| HAMMERS COMEBACK GRABS A POINT | |
A big improvement by the Hammers was needed in this game following the
poor performance against VTFC the week before. Although there was an improvement with twenty minute of the game left they
were 2-0 down, and facing another Home defeat. The introduction of Carl Mutch changed the game, and led to United getting
back on level terms before the end of the match. His physical presence rattled the Moneyfield defence into conceding two late
goals, and earned his side a draw against the team third in the table.
Moneyfields put United under early pressure,
forcing Martin Peters into a couple of good saves in the first quarter. Hamworthy gradually got into the game, but were finding
it difficult to get past the opposing defence, and get a good strike in on goal. The Visitors opened the scoring after thirty
three minutes with a goal from Graham Gee. He picked up the ball out on the right wing before cutting into the penalty box,
and firing it past the helpless Martin Peters to make it 1-0. Neither side was able to add to the scoring in the remaining
part of the first half.
The Hammers started the second half much better, but were still lacking penetration in the
last quarter of the pitch. They were restricted mainly to long shots at goal that gave Dean Harris no problems to deal with.
Moneyfield?s front men still looked the more dangerous of the two attacks. Martin Peters had to be brave to dive and save
at the feet of an oncoming forward in a one on one situation.
The visitors added a second goal with just twenty minutes
remaining, and take what looked like looked like a winning lead. All this was to change with introduction of Carl Mutch. For
the first time in the game the Moneyfield defence came under real pressure. They found the physically strong substitute difficult
to cope with. United pulled a goal back shortly after the substitution when a free kick was knocked into the six yard box.
The ball evaded several outstretched legs before it reached Warren Byerley who did find the net with his effort.
The
goal lifted the Hammers, and following a period of pressure they brought the scores level from a corner. Carl Mutch out jumped
his marker to send a thunderous header into the top corner of the net to make it 2-2 with still ten minutes play remaining.
Both teams now went in search of a winner. The Hammers cause was not helped by Steve Gilbert being sent off for the second
time in two games for a rash jump tackle. In the last few minutes it looked as if
Moneyfieds must score, but once
again Martin Peters made a superb save diving at the attacker?s feet to cap an excellent match for the Hamworthy Keeper. When
the final whistle blew Phil Simkin must have been a much happier man than he was at the same time a week ago.
| | |
| Wimborne Town 9-0 Horndean Wessex Premier 14/2/09 | |
| JOYCE HITS 5 IN MAGPIES ROMP | |
With the visitors languishing at the foot of the table Wimborne needed a good
score, which they comfortably achieved scoring nine unanswered goals. It might easily have been more. Scott Joyce helped himself
to five, the others being added by James Stokoe, Liam Green, Dave town and Dan Cann.
In the absence of Paul Roast and
Nathan Walker, James Wilson and Michael Walker were the centre backs, between Scott Arnold and Pete Smith. Liam Green, James
Stokoe, Tommy McCormick and Dan Cann made up the midfield with Scott Joyce and Dave Town up front.
Wimborne were on
top from the whistle. After two minutes Dan Cann cut in from the left but hit his shot well wide of the near post. After more
attacking, on 8 minutes Scott Joyce rose a good two feet above the surrounding defenders to head in Tommy McCormick?s corner
from close range. Three minutes later he broke clear of the defence and neatly sidestepped the keeper to give himself a simple
tap in, and on 17 minutes completed his hat trick with his back to goal, neatly hooking the ball in from seven yards.
On
20 minutes Cann?s header was well saved by Matt Fisher in the Horndean goal and a minute later his shot went inches wide of
the far post. Joyce was similarly close from the other side The Wimborne pressure was continuous: Cann cut in from the left
and missed the near post again and James Stokoe shot over from the edge of the area before, on 37 minutes, Horndean got their
first chance with a shot pulled wide across the goal.
In the 45th minute Joyce should have made it four when he broke
clear again, but he made his intention too obvious and the keeper saved with his leg.
For a few minutes after the restart,
Horndean pressed forward, and had a shot just over the Wimborne bar, but it was soon back to business as usual. On 51 minutes
Stokoe produced an action replay his goal last week at Hamble with a superb strike from just outside the area, and went close
again minutes later. On the hour, Cann did well under pressure to get in a chip which bounced up off the crossbar and dropped
back as Liam green followed up to turn it over the line. Five minutes later Dave Town added number six in similar fashion
as Scott Arnold?s drive came back off the bar.
After 68 minutes, Steve Whitcher replaced Dave Town and almost scored
with his first touch, the keeper turning the ball wide. Then it was Joyce again, breaking though and slotting the ball past
the keeper. After two more good saves within a minute by Fisher, from an Arnold drive and a Cann free kick, Cann got his name
on the sheet when he finished a good run down the left with a well placed shot inside the far post. More good saves followed
from Joyce, Michael Walker and Cann before, in the 89th minute, good work by Green and Cann set up Joyce to finish the proceedings
with his fifth.
With five goals, Scott Joyce was an inevitable choice for man-of-the-match, but without some excellent
work by the Horndean keeper, it could so easily have been many more.
Wimborne Town: Walker-Harris, Arnold, Michael
Walker, Wilson, Cann, McCormick, Green, Stokoe (Haysom 81), Joyce, Town (Whitcher 68), Pete Smith.
| | |
Purbrook Athletic 1-2 Meon Milton Portsmouth Youth U9 A League
1/2/09
Meon travelled the short journey up to Leigh Park's Staunton Community School knowing that they were facing
the team joint top of the league with a game in hand, with problems arriving at the venue on time for some of the players
and the freezing conditions threatening to spoil what is normally a close contest between these two sides. With Meon being
the underdogs for once it was up to them to take the match to their hosts right from the start, the 1st half was fairly even
with Meon's defensive duo of Oliver Reeves and Josh Vorokanh snuffing out most of Purbrook's breakaways, and Meon probably
had slightly more in the way of attacks with Jack Beaumont and Alfie Chittenden causing problems down the wings (when he finally
arrived), Harry Gadd pulling the strings in centre mid and Harry McCarthy up front linking play with the supporting midfielders.
Captain Ted Graham and Hugh Macdonald Parry provided the muscle in midfield to ensure Meon competed for every loose ball.
Following a number of openings and a few corners Hugh Mac Parry fired home nicely through a pack of players from from the
edge of the box following pressure from Harry McCarthy.
H.T. Purbrook Ath 0-1 Meon Milton
The 2nd half saw Purbrook battle back well and create more chances on goal, we finally got to see Ethan
the cat Chapman in action as he kept Meon in the match time and time again, with around 10 minutes to go Purbrook pulled a
goal back as Luis Tyler shot through a group of players as Ethan Chapman could only watch the ball sneak past him. The goal
spurred Meon on even more and the end to the game was frantic and ened to end, Ted Graham was proving a real handful down
the left flank and Jack Beaumont always looked a real threat, and it was his saved effort that fell kindly to Alfie Chittenden
who made no mistake in converting the rebound from 3 yards out. Meon Milton were delighted at the final whistle and although
it was an even encounter the Furze Lane outfit probably deserved the win. Man of the Match- Josh Vorokanh
Stronstad 1-3 Park
Academics Portsmouth Sunday League Div 5 1/2/09
It
has not been a happy 2009 for Stronstad as they went down to another defeat against table toppers Park
Academics.
This
clash was billed as the title decider as both teams were pushing for promotion and a win for Stronstad would
have sent them back to the summit by 1 point.
From
the first whistle Stronstad were on the back foot as a sharper Park Academics side who had
played a few more games this year than Stronstad put the pressure on a Stronstad team that
welcomes Steve Beech and Brad White into the starting line up. With a strong cross-field
breeze both teams struggled with the high ball and both team took time to settle with the ball on the desk.
It
was Park Academics who were asking all the questions of a very rusty Stronstad side and
they created more chances and maybe on a better day could have scored a few good chances.
Stronstad’s first real sniff of a chance came after a Park
Academics defender let the ball roll under his foot and as Robert Pearson set off for a run at goal
he was taken down 25 yards from goal and the Park Academics defender was very lucky to escape with a yellow
card and not a red as he was the last man.
From
the resulting free kick the Park Academics goalkeeper fumbled the ball and Gareth Spicer
came within inches of opening the scoring.
At
the other end Stronstad were still looking shaky at the back and only some poor finishing with one being
a guilt edged chance kept the scores level.
Stronstad’s next best chance feel to James Clarke
after a long ball up front was missed by the two Park Academics centre backs and James Clarke
got into the box but pulled his shot wide.
Soon
after that Stronstad was dealt a blow as Robert Pearson limped out the game with a hamstring
problem, which will see him sidelined for a couple of weeks.
5
minutes before the break Stronstad got the first goal of the game as James Clarke steamed
into the box and despite the Park Academics goalkeeper blocking the first effort James Clarke
was able to force the ball over the line to give Stronstad a 1-0 lead in this top of the table clash.
This
is what frustrates players and managers after scoring a goal. Straight from kick off Stronstad failed to
pick up the Park Academics striker who was given the freedom of Farlington to advance through on Ian
Privett before slotting home to draw the teams level.
Just
before half time Stronstad had a perfectly good goal controversy chalked off as James Clarke
battled into the box and Brad White put the ball into the goal but the referee deemed James Clarke
had fouled the Park Academics goalkeeper.
Half Time: Stronstad Utd 1 Park Academics 1
Stronstad did not seemed to be switched on for the second half
and almost conceded a 2nd goal almost straight from kick off. Stronstad’s clearing and long
balls was poor and from a mistake at the back the Park Academics player advanced on Ian Privett
but his lob cleared the top of the bar and the danger was averted.
From
the sidelines it looked as Stronstad had never played together before with too many simple 5 yard passes
going a stray and also too many players looking to be one man teams than team players which someone at half time pointed out
which was true. We were arguing with each other, we could not get the ball down and the most important thing we did not do
was communicate with each other.
Park Academics were again asking the questions of a shaky team
and were creating plenty of chances to take the lead. Then came another flash point. Gareth Spicer won the
ball of a Park Academics player who then kicked out at Spicer who was then called up by
the referee and booked while the Park Academics player got away.
As
the game moved on it was Park Academics who looked likely to score and they did as Stronstad
failed to clear their lines and the Park Academics player got in and slotted past Ian Privett
to make the score 2-1 to Park Academics.
Stronstad had nothing to offer upfront and there only real chances
they had to score were from corners but from some poor deliveries they failed to test the Park Academics
goalkeeper.
Like
the last match Stronstad won the battle of the yellow cards with first Gareth Spicer getting
booked then Rich Gillam like the Park Academics defender was lucky not to see red after
he lost the ball and then proceeded to bring the Park Academics striker down as he advanced towards goal.
Just
before full time Park Academics got a deserved 3rd goal as a Park Academics player
beat Ian Privett from distance. Whether it was a cross or a shot it went in and left Stronstad
now 4 points behind with 7 games left to Park Academics 4 games.
The
last action of the second half saw Gareth Spicer clash a Park Academics player which resulted
in hand bags as Stronstad let there frustration out.
Full Time Stronsatd Utd 1 Park Academics 3
January
|
|
AFC Aldermaston Res 2-3 USPFC Res Wessex League Combination 2 31/01/09
US get back to winning ways...... JUST!
US were pumped up for this game knowing that games in hand counted for nothing unless you win them, with top scorer Gary Thomas
nursing a groin problem Sam Armstrong went up front along with Mlu Sibanda, debutants Ash Twells and John Joseph slotted into
the midfield and gaffer Danny Phillips pulled on the gloves to fill in for missing keeper Gary Lovell. With a high
tempo start US began as they intended to continue with much of the ball in the hosts half, Adam Poxton unleashed a thunderbolt
of a shot high into the net from just inside the box following some neat play down the left wing involving 16 year old Christian
Clift. The 1st half was like a training game for US as they passed the ball around keeping posession well and switching
the play when they had to, however the wing play was becoming predictable with very few attacks coming through the middle
of the pitch, even when crosses did come from wide they either failed to beat the first man or were simply too close to the
keeper who claimed everything. With 10 minuted remaining a good attack down the right released Sibanda who calmly faked his
cross from the byline, cut across the keeper onto his left foot and finished from a tight angle. Aldermaston had one effort
tipped round the post by Phillips who reacted amazingly well to deny the reds striker. With less than 5 minutes to go
a long goal kick was flicked on and Aldermastons shot from outside the box was deflected off Matt Magro's leg and past the
outstretched arm of Phillips, who dived swiftly but to no avail!
Aldermaston 1-2 US Portsmouth
US upped it another level and enjoyed much of the possession and attacked with more
purpose and vibrance in the final 3rd, winning corner after corner. However it was always going to be an error that allowed
the hosts back into the game and that was tha case as Phillips needlessly picked up a Sibanda backpass to gift Aldermaston
a free kick from 10 yards out, the low shot deflected off Magro again and past the unsighted Phillips (who otherwise probably
would have saved it)! The nerves started to kick in as frustrated Services simply couldn't find a way through despite the
vast majority of the play, Aldermaston kept bodies behind the ball seemingly content to play for the draw. US attacked relentlessly
with corners , free kicks, long balls short balls, anything and everything as the seconds on the clock ticked down. Joseph
was brought down inside the area but the referee denied a clearcut penalty, Armstrong hits the post, keeper makes great
save from Jon Waite, skipper Brian Hewitt misses an open goal from 6 yards, shots fly past the target from Tom Davies.
Finally though with US' answer to Drogba- Sanga (super sub) Dolo nips in to blast the ball home from close range and seal
the win!!
Totton & Elling next week in what looks like a must win game if USPFC are to push for promotion.
Rovers Reunited 3-1 Danish Bacon Company Portsmouth Sat League Div 2 31/1/09
Rovers Reunited remain handily placed just behind the promotion spots but had a tough fight against winless
Danish Bacon Company after conceding an early goal. Warren Murphy’s corner deceived everyone and flew inside the far
post.
But DBC were quickly pegged back when Kristian Doggrell latched onto a loose ball and drilled a low shot into the corner
of the net. Rovers went ahead minutes later; Kieran Lawson pumped a long pass forward and Chris Yoxall beat the keeper and
tapped into an empty net.
With half time approaching Rovers scored a vital third. Yoxall was found by Ben Sutherland’s
fine pass and finished in style – but, in spite of this setback, DBC fought back bravely in the second half.
With
15 minutes left Jim Elgar reduced the deficit with a lovely strike from the edge of the box. But, as a first point of the
season seemed a possibility, Doggrell played the ball into the path of Ben Sutherland who arrowed a shot home from 20 yards
to ensure three points for Rovers.
Alrseford 2-3 Hayling Utd Wessex League Premier
31/01/09
An injury-time Stuart Findlay winner enabled Alresford to open the gap between themselves and
the bottom three to seven points after a sporting encounter between two familiar, well-matched adversaries.
Alresford were
without the services of skipper Melvin Rogers, likely to be out for a while with damaged knee ligaments. But James Davis returned
to the starting line-up after a prolonged absence through work, and Marc Pascual came in for the unwell Warren Bentley.
Following
a spell of early pressure Hayling took the lead after only 4 minutes when a dipping shot from 25 yards by Daniel Byrne beat
Dan Chapman in the home goal and went into the net off the underside of the bar. Alresford were not to be outdone, however,
and only took two minutes to equalise. A deep cross from Simon Stillwell on the right was headed home by Simon Daunter despite
the attentions of Harrop in the visitors? goal.
As play switched from end to end the visitors regained the lead on 10
minutes when a chip shot from Hayes from 18 yards eluded the advancing Chapman. But once again Alresford tried to regain parity,
and both Martin Rogers and James Davis had shots blocked during a period of heavy pressure. The Magpies were rewarded for
their efforts on 29 minutes when a long throw by Daunter caused panic in the Hayling defence, and Pascual was eventually able
to drive the ball into the corner of the goal with a left foot shot from 12 yards.
Although both sides had further chances
half time came with the score still 2-2.
The home side had the better of the exchanges in the second half with Stillwell
and Findlay having shots saved while Daunter hit the post. Matt Rackham and James Eyles replaced Stillwell and Rogers after
65 minutes as the home side sought the winner ? but it looked as though they would be denied. Then, with stoppage time running
out, the ball broke down the right to Eyles, who put in a long cross to Findlay on the edge of the box. Despite the attentions
of two defenders he managed to find enough room for a shot that nestled in the bottom corner of the net to give the home side
the winner
| Portchester 0-2 Amesbury Wessex League Div 1
31/01/09 |
|
The Blues picked up three valuable away points with a comfortable
if not convincing display at a bitterly cold Wicor Recreation Ground. Craig Wheeler came back to the starting line up, making
his 100th appearance for the Club, in place of Lee Bartlett who was one of the five substitutes.
The opening moves
were nearly all made by the Blues with Nathan Jones taking a pass from Lukasz Labedzki in the first minute of the game and
running 30 yards into the Portchester box but his shot was off target. Amesbury were taking the game to their opponents with
Lance Cooper and Danny Finnigan dominating the midfield area and they scored a deserved opening goal after 15 minutes.
A
Portchester defender lost the ball to Nic Turpin just outside of the area and he took the ball forward but his shot was blacked.
However the ball deflected to Craig Wheeler on the left and his hard low cross across the face of the goal fell to NATHAN
JONES who had the easiest of chances to tap the ball into an empty net from close range.
The home side were not threatening
the Blues at all and it wasn?t until the 42nd minute that they created their first real chance of the game but Andrew Sanderson
put his chip high over the bar when well placed in the Blues penalty area. The Blues immediately struck again when Wheeler?s
cross from the left was bizarrely left by the home defence and a poor clearance presented LABEDZKI with the chance to powerfully
strike the ball home from close range.
The Blues could have been home and dry at the break but Portchester came storming
back straight from the restart. Firstly Mike Hart hit the post with a strike from 3 yards then Danny Harrison did well to
get down and block a Sanderson effort. Gradually however the Blues regained the ascendancy and Labedzki nearly finished off
a one two with Turpin but his shot went too high.
The game was being constantly interrupted by both sides getting
into offside positions and neither team could manage a concerted effort to create any clear cut chances. Portchester substitute
Jamie Sweeney nearly reduced the arrears with his first touch of the ball but Harrison blocked his effort on goal.
Dean
Bowden replaced the excellent Finnigan after 70 minutes and Labedzki then looked as though he would increase the Blues lead
as he shot low from the edge of the area. However the home custodian Karl Watson made a good double save to deny the Polish
wizard. Ten minutes from time Turpin broke through on the left and his measured cross found Jones coming into the area on
the right but his shot hit the Portchester woodwork and the Blues had to be content with a 2-0 score line and a deserved victory.
| | |
| Brockenhurst versus Fareham Town SAT 31 JAN 2009 15:00, Match Report
for: Brockenhurst | |
| BROCK LEAVE CREEKSIDERS AGROUND | |
Brockenhurst went into this game with an unbeaten run going back to the
end of November but they were given a severe test by a Fareham side whose recent form was much less convincing.
The
game soon came to life as Fareham drove forward in the 7th minute. Aaron Wilson found space down the right and his cross was
met by Aaron Case whose shot hit a post before the rebound was scrambled clear. Brock went straight down the other end and
seconds later it was Roy Viner's shot that struck an upright.
The first goal was not long in coming. In the 9th minute
Liam Crook took a corner on the right which was met at the far post by DAVE EWEN. His header was not particularly strong but
it found its way into the corner of the Fareham net.
The equaliser came midway through the first half. Fareham were
awarded a free kick in midfield. The kick was only half cleared by the Brock defence and AARON WILSON picked up the ball on
the right edge of the penalty area. Cutting in, he let fly with a left foot shot which curled beyond Max Frampton into the
net.
A minute later Fareham nearly took the lead as nobody could get on the end of Gary Austin's cross-come-shot which
screwed across goal.
The game was being played at a fast pace and both sides were creating chances. Dave Ewen headed
straight at James Bosbury when well placed and Aaron Case shot just over for Fareham.
With 5 minutes left of the half
Brockenhurst took the lead from a DAVE WAKEFIELD free kick from 25 yards. Bosbury was distracted by the movement of the Brock
players in the area and the kick bounced through into the goal.
In the last minute of the half Fareham thought they
had equalized but Dan Turner's header was cancelled out by pushing. There was still time for Lewis Gundry to go close with
a free kick.
Half time: Brockenhurst 2 Fareham Town 1
The half time lead probably was slightly flattering for
Brockenhurst but they soon had a two goal cushion. On 54 minutes a long ball by Jordan Rose released Dave Ewen who advanced
to the goal line before crossing. DAN TURNER desperately tried to retrieve the position but only succeeded in diverting the
ball past his goalkeeper for an unlucky own goal.
The game then went into a period where chances were few and far between.
Hard through Case and Austin worked for Fareham, they rarely troubled Frampton in the Brock goal. For Brockenhurst Dave Wakefield
was pulling the strings in midfield.
Brockenhurst's best chance came with 10 minutes remaining. Ben Kneller, on as
substitute, played a ball to put Kevin James in the clear. He chose to square the ball when well placed and the Fareham defenders
got back to block Ewen's effort.
The remaining chances fell to Fareham. First Luke Middleton had a shot saved by Frampton
then in injury time Tommy Woodward had a shot parried away for a corner and Mark Cotton was high with a shot from the kick.
Final
score: Brockenhurst 3 Fareham Town 1
| | |
Poole Grammer School 1-5 Portsmouth College 3rd Xl 28/1/09
Portsmouth College 3rd Team win their 1st game of the season
Pompey travelled to poole in a confident mood knowing that despite the teams early season's
drubbings of 14-0, 10-1, 7-0, 8-0, etc, this was a bottom of the table clash that both teams would be in with a chance of
winning. As it was pompey dominated much of the game and striker Ash Tanner (making his debut), scored early on. Portsmouth
were passing the ball well from the offset and supporting Tanner quickly on what was a very boggy pitch, the wing play was
good particularly down the right as Shanbir Chowdry caused mahem throughout. The Portsmouth back 4 held strong too and keeper
Gareth Lanb was quick off his line when required. Oscar Fereyhough and Jack Linter linked up well and were disciplined
in centre mid, towards the end of the first half a well worked free kick by Jack Linter down the right channel was controlled
magnificently by Lee Davies as he rounded a defender before blasting a shot through the Poole keepers legs to make it 2-0.
Just before half time centre half Ben Chandler converted a penalty at the 2nd attempt following a handball.
HT Poole 0-3 Pompey
The 2nd half continued in the the same fashion as the 1st with Pompey keeping up the pressure on
their hosts, Chanbir finished well from close range to make it 4, on fire McGuire made way for Rich McNally and Luke Barber
switched to left back, Chris Cooper, George Skeats and James Oldfield provided fresh legs as subs and although Pompey were
denied twice by the post (Mike Brown and Jack Linter), Ash Tanner completed the rout by curling the ball past the oncoming
Poole keeper from the edge of the box. There was still time for Poole to grab a consilation as the big number 14 finally managed
to stay onside and finish nicely. There were a few other hairy moments for Pompey towards the end but some fine defending
by Lewis Trace and good shot stopping by Gareth Lamb ensured the game finished 5-1 to Pompey! Next stop McDonalds!!
Farnborough Nth End 0-3 Moneyfields
Wessex League Cup 27/01/09
North End bowed out of the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup at the ¼ final stages on Tuesday evening
with their heads held high against an experienced Moneyfields side who presently occupy third place in the Premier Division.
Throughout the 90 minutes though North nd created the greater number of opportunities but the visitors were clinical and punished
North End with two second-half goals from dead ball situations.
North End opened brightly and put their visitors on
the back foot from the off and both Louis Hibbert, Mike Denny and Steve Duff had early efforts they will look back on and
possibly think they could have done better.
Despite this promising start, Moneyfields caught North End napping and
took the lead in the 10th minute following a slick move with Jason Prior scoring from close range. Minutes later the visitors
could have extended their lead when following another brisk attack, Matt Barker shot wide of goal from 18 yards.
North
End then rallied and Marcus Cousins who was lively all evening, produced two good shots in succession but Tim Boyle in the
visitors goal was equal to them. Moneyfields Jamie Laidlaw then saw his effort cannon square off the post before Cousins tested
Boyle again. Just on the stroke of half-time Toby Jannaway had a great chance to equalise but his effort was blocked on the
line.
Again, North End made a lively start to the proceedings and they continued to probe and stretch the Moneyfields
rearguard. The visitors were always a threat though on the break whenever play broke down and on one of these occasions Barker
tested Ashley Pullinger in the North End goal but his handling was explemplary as it was all evening. A great opportunity
was spurned when Duff was clean through with only Boyle to beat but he shot wide before the all important goal came in the
71st minute. Defender Kevin Murphy rose above a static home defence to head home unchallenged. North End almost replied immediately
when Cousins latched on to a great ball from Duff. Hibbert then had the best chance of the game with the goal at his mercy
but he inexplicably shot high over the bar from 10 yards. Moneyfields then put the game beyond doubt in the 78th minute when
they scored again from a corner, Jamie Laidlaw rising unchallenged to head home. The game then petered out for a comfortable
3-0 win for Moneyfields who were made to work for their win to move into the semi-final stages.
Moneyfields 3-1 Brading Town Wessex Premier League
24/1/09
|
|
|
With only Levi Collins, Ollie Buckett & Danny Reeve unavailable (injuries),
manager Steve Brougham had one of his largest squads available to him for some while.
Brading found themselves under the
cosh from the off and the back five and Bray were kept on their toes. Greening was an isolated figure up front, where he saw
very little of the ball. Totally against the run of play, GREENING found himself with the ball at his feet, surrounded by
4 defenders, from approx 20 yards out he some how managed to score from an almost impossible position, this was his 29th goal
of the seson.
The Romans managed to cling on to the lead till the break. There were no changes at the interval, but the
game resumed with Moneyfields playing some nice football, with their numbers 7 & 6 running the show in midfield. The number
11 was now seeing too much of the ball and was causing the Romans right flank all sorts of problems.
Brading were finding
it almost impossible to get out of their own half, in the end the pressure told when Moneyfields were awarded apenalty to
level the scores..1-1. Moneyfields 2nd goal was not far from coming and they deservedly took a 2-1 lead, their football deserved
it. Bray was busy and Fleming & Stuber were under constant pressure. Henderson and Armstrong replaced Ricketts and Williams
but this failed to stop the tide. Brading had been unable to test their opponents goalkeeper for the whole 2nd half, such
was Moneyfields dominance.
Near the end Jones was adjudged to have pulled an opponent in the box and the Ref once again
pointed to the spot, the kick was converted to give Moneyfields a well deserved win | | |
Horndean 2-2 New Milton Town Wessex Premier
League 24/1/09
Needing to string a number of results together to move away from the relegation positions, Horndean
started brightly but could make no in roads on the New Milton Town defence.
Play began to get scrappy with both sides unable
to find the final efforts on goal to worry either goalkeeper.
In injury time, following a corner, TERRY rose to head past
the Horndean keeper to give New Milton a one goal advantage at half time.
Half Time HORNDEAN 0 NEW MILTON TOWN 1
On 48 minutes Horndean had a great chance
to equalise when Bell shot wide from a free kick, however, four minutes later they did draw level when BURNEY equalised.
The
game seemed to step up tempo and a number of cautions were issued by Referee Geoghegan as both Clubs looked to take an advantage.
New Milton Town eventually found the net when substitute LILLEY rounded the advancing Horndean goalkeeper following a
defensive mix up.
The lead lasted only three minutes when Horndean?s BURNEY added his second following a free kick to bring
Horndean level.
Eight minutes from the end Camsfield hit the New Milton Town post.
Final Score HORNDEAN 2 NEW MILTON
TOWN 2
Attendance 42
| |
Romsey Town Res 4-1 USPFC Res Wessex Combination League 2
24/1/09
US finally lose a league match, their 1st since August.
Despite starting the game brightly by scoring early from a well worked corner, Brian Hewitt
finishing well with his left foot following Sam Armstrong's short pass, the visitors were frustrated by Romsey's long ball
tactics and often overly physical approach to the game and Romsey soon found themselves 2-1 down courtesy of a suspect offside
call and an own goal. Things went from bad to worse after half time as top scorer Thomas came off injured and winger
Christian Clift was harshly sent off for a 2nd yellow card. Romsey took control when they were awarded a very dubious penalty
and stretched their lead to 3-1, with US down to 10 men and chasing the game Romsey made it 4-1 following another long
ball and put the game beyond doubt.
Manager Danny Phillips said "obviously losing Gary and having Christian sent off didn't help us today, but
ultimately we didn't want it as much as Romsey, had no real cutting edge in the final 3rd, and you could tell we hadn't played
in over a month out there as we didn't look as sharp as usual". Lets hope US find their feet next week at Aldermaston, win
teir 4 games in hand and they could still top the league, lose and they will find themselves in mid table once again.
At long last, a League win and 3 Points. Well done everyone who turned out, and thank you especially to
those of you who stood on a cold sideline and never got on.
3 Points, BRILLIANT. A great 1 - 3 away win at a COLD
Farlington.
All our goals coming in the 1st half with us at last taking advantage of the sun and credit to the goal
scorers, Ian and Neil; and Lewis with a well taken low bullet of a free kick. A couple more chances that could have been taken,
and an unlucky Fireman who had a well taken free kick JUST saved by an almost blinded by the sun Cosham Keeper, never mind
maybe he will get ONE by the end of the season.
The second half ebbed and flowed with us now having the Sun in our
eyes, and on came the subs to warm themselves up, Mike Anslow (on for Ian), Aaron Watson (on for John L) and a 1st game of
the season for Jim Casey (on for the Fireman), welcome back mate. Again not a bad second half, the only blip being Cosham
pulling a goal back.
I have given everyone a 9 for the amount of effort, commitment and heart that was shown out there,
but there can only be 1 POM, and that goes to Ian as he TORE the Cosham Defence apart, well done Ian, and we all hope that
your Knee is ok for the game next week at Home to FSL.
Well done EVERYONE!!
December
Watersedge Park FC 1 v 0 Affinion International
3 points lost? 1 point lost? Most definitly.
With another meeting between these clubs, saw the match ruined by an act of no fair play and maybe "cheating"
not by the players but from one man the "referee". (Just like to add NOT a qualified ref)
With Affinion playing some good football on a horrible and wet sunday morning, Affinion created some good
chances and had the possession but once again failed to take there chances.
Watersedge being the home team had to provide a referee, so with none available they opted for there biased
Manager to take the helm. Good sport for doing it, or maybe NOT. No one likes to Referee a sunday League game with all
the abuse being issued. Also a lack of prepaation on the home team, with no flags for the linesman and NOT even a match ball!!!!!
In the first half, the referee blew for a penalty, what for we dont know, apparently a hand ball, even though
the Affinion player was inches away from the opposition player who blasted the ball straight at him. "How can he move put
of the way of that".
But a penalty the referee gave, up stepped the Watersedge striker who struck the ball, which sent the keeper
the wrong way but hit the post and was cleard by the rushing in Affinion defence. Justice? Maybe a little.
The second half bought more contreversy with Watersedge being on the other hand this time, with Affinion shooting
and the ball striking the Watersedge players arm. "Free kick outside the box? NO Play on says the referee looking down at
his watch"!
Few minutes later a high and late challenge coming into Luke Emery who jumped out of the way. "Free Kick surely.
Turned to the referee down the other end of the pitch, looking at his watch. Play on. Oh my God what is going on.
Play continues with chances being squandered. The Watersedge players getting frustrated with each other, with
the way they are playing.
Two minutes to go, Watersdge with a long ball into the box, a group of players bunched tightly together
like sardines in a can, and all of a sudden the referee's blown his whistle, everyone on the pitch looking at him and he points
to the spot. Affinion and the majority of Watersedge players are gob smacked. "Whats that for" handball he says.
Shocker, this time they score, and the ref blows for full time. Surely thats NOT allowed what a way to end
a game. Hand shakes after the game with some embarrassed Watersedge players apologising for what just happened. Affinion a
little annoyed but not defeated and will be back next week, Vs Cosham blues who triumphed earlier on in the season 4-1.
Co-op 4-0 Rover Reunited
Father Purcell Cup 6/12/08
Although depleted by injuries and illness, Rovers Reunited went into this
Purcell Cup tie confident of causing another upset to follow on from their triumph in the last round against another Premier
side.
However, their plans were dented within two minutes as Rovers conceded yet another simple early goal as the Co-op
winger broke clear to calmly slot home. Rovers could quite easily have collapsed after that early setback and althought they
spent the next twenty minutes camped in their own half they managed to prevent any further goals with central defender Gary
Fitzgerald and keeper Neil Whitecross leading the rearguard action.
Slowly Rovers clawed their way back into the game
and had a succession of corners without troubling the Co-op keeper. However there could have been a different outcome if Chris
Yoxall had coverted either of two chances before half time which would certainly have put pressure on their opponents
who were constantly bickering between themselves as well as with the officials.
The second half started as a much
more even contest but Rovers ended up being the undoing of themselves as Kieran Lawson chopped down a Co-op striker to
concede a penalty which was duly converted and then let in a bizarre goal from a corner which hit the post, then the
leg of a Rovers defender before bouncing in.
The game was now effectively over as a contest although Rovers
continued to battle hard, especially Kristian Doggrell on his return from injury putting in a Man of the Match performance.
There was still time for Paul 'Assist' Benton to sky a gilt edged chance over the bar before Co-op added a late fourth
to put them through to the last eight and another meeting with the University.
November
Torberry 1 - 4
AFC GOP Xi's Portsmouth Sunday League Div 1 23/11/08
Torberry
were undefeated this season coming into this game, but GOP's passed them off the pitch.
GOP started the brighter and Billy
Waters opened the scoring after 5 minutes, rounding the goal-keeper.
Torberry equalised with their only shot on target
of the game, a screamer into the top corner of the net from 25 yards, but without doubt the goal of the game.
Leo Milasinovic
netted soon after and it was 2-1 at half time, but the game should have been out of sight.
The second half saw just as
many chances for GOP. They extended their lead when Richards fed Milasinovic on the left who cooly finished from a tight angle.
Waters
then smashed his 20th goal of the season with a low direct free kick to round off the scoring and keep GOP second on goal
difference.
USPFC Res 3-0 Petersfield Town FC Res Friendly
22/11/08
Both teams had a free week in the league so rather than go without agreed
a bounce match, US to maintain fitness levels and Petersfield to have a look at a few trialists.
In a close 1st half US enjoyed more of the possession without seriously
troubling their opponents while Town battled away without threatening the US goal. US manager Danny Phillips came on for the
last 10 minutes for the injured Anelle Dolo and linked up well with the midfield, one onlooker was heard to say “wow,
why doesn’t the big fella play more often?”.
The 2nd half was much the same as the 1st with neither
side providing a great deal in the way of goalmouth action, Christian Clift performed well done the left showing just why
he was signed, with Brian Hewitt and Sanga Dolo combining well in centre mid and Mike Holborn outstanding at centre half US
began to slowly dominate the game as they ground down the Love Lane men. With 15 minutes remaining the rotund figure of Ed
Pratt stepped up to bag a late hat-trick! BANG- the 1st was a deft lob just inside the box. BOOM- the 2nd
was a rocket that flew high past keeper Burt. KABLAM- the 3rd was almost identical to the 2nd, Pratt
dropped off his man, turned with the ball and let fly from outside the box with his left foot, keeper Burt was rooted as the
shot cannoned off the station to the disbelief of everyone. One Petersfield player was heard to say “how can you let
him score, he’s got tits!”, to which a US player replied “so did Maradona!”.
USPFC Res 3-0 Petersfield Town FC Res
Rovers Reunited
7-1 Cosham Park Rangers Portsmouth Sat League Div 2 22/11/08
Rovers Reunited
bounced back from last week's last gasp defeat to record an emphatic win over a Cosham Park Rangers side who were never
really at the races.
Rovers took the lead after ten minutes with a Kieran Lawson strike squeezing into the bottom corner
and this was swiftly followed by Chris Yoxall marking his debut with a tap in following a smart one two with Paul 'Assist'
Benton. Dave Cotton then had an effort ruled out by a questionable offside flag before on the half hour Ben Sutherland
went on a mazy solo run rounding three Cosham players and the keeper before slotting home. This was followed shortly after
by the move of the match involving Neil Whitecross, Dave Cotton, Kieran Lawson and Paul Benton ending up with Chris Yoxall
heading against the bar.
Rovers started the second half as if the game was already won and were given a wake up call
when Cosham Park Rangers grabbed one back. This certainly woke Reunited from their slumber and following good play down the
left Kirean Lawson got on the end of a fine cross to head home. Just after the hour mark Chris Yoxall fired home from the
edge of the box and two further strikes frm Kieran Lawson to complete his second half hat trick and an overall haul of
four completed a convincing and deserved 7-1 scoreline for Rovers.
Portsmouth Sunday
Div 1 AFC GOP Xi's 5 - 1 AFC Denmead 16/11/08
GOP played their
best football of the season as they dispatched Denmead with ease at Rugby Camp.
Captain and Man of the Match James Clark
opened the scoring, toeing in from close range after a long throw from Billy Waters wasnt dealt with by the Denmead defence.
Croatian
Leo Milasinovic doubled the lead again from close range.
Denmead had a man sent off in the first half for violent conduct
and the game should have been out of sight at half time.
However, Denmead made it 2-1 just after the restart with a cracker
from 20 yards.
Thereafter, GOP stepped it up and it was only a matter of time before GOP extended their lead.
John Waite
back after injury & starting his first match since April's Cup Final, fed Kev Brassell who finished first time.
Billy
Waters and Jim Hunt wrapped up the scoring to send GOP second in the table.
USPFC Res 6-1 AFC Aldermaston Res Wessex
League Combination 2 15/11/08
US look oh so sixy!
US reserves extended their winning run in the league to 7 with
an emphatic win over their Wiltshire based opponents. A strong line up was once again named, in came Mike Hart up front for
Ed Pratt, Tom Davies slotted in at right back for ever present Tevfik Edin who was called up to the 1st team, Lee
Johnson played alongside skipper Brian Hewitt in centre midfield and John Moylan replaced Matt Peachy in goal.
It didn’t take long for the home side to stamp their
authority on the game with a quick double from top scorer Gary Thomas, the 2nd from the spot.
As they pressed forward at every opportunity US looked a constant threat with shots raining down regularly from corners and
open play, however it didn’t take long for the old cracks to appear in the team’s ability to defend in particular
the long ball. With too many headers being lost, the full backs caught out of position and the centre halves looking flat
too often, it was a case of when not if Aldermaston would pull a goal back, and it came when US tried unsuccessfully to play
the visitors offside allowing the away side’s striker 1 on 1 with and he finished nicely past keeper Moylan. Shortly
before the break midfielder Johnson provided a cushion for his side as he reacted first to tap in at the
front post from a Davies corner.
H.T. USPFC 3-1 AFC Aldermaston
The 2nd half continued as it began with the hosts
dominating the match, chances went begging time and time again but on the plus side they looked more comfortable defensively
with Moylan having little to do. Having dribbled past 1 too many players Johnson appeared to lose possession
whilst on the edge of Aldermaston’s box, however the ball bounced back toward him and he curled a great shot into the
top corner. The lead was increased courtesy of an own goal by the visitors following some intense pressure
from Hart, and Thomas sealed the win completing his hat-trick and the scoring with a quality volley from
10 yards following Hart’s cross from wide.
US move back into 2nd spot thanks to this win and
manager Danny Phillips had this to say “we put in a disciplined performance and
once the 3rd goal went in there was never any doubt in my mind that we would win. I’m pleased with the fact
that we never picked up any bookings and I’m pleased for Gary, when he picks up the ball you always sense that he’s
going to do something a bit special, he’s now scored in each of our last 8 games and his 3 week ban is something we
could do without, however we should have enough quality to see us through. The talent is there for all to see and many of
my players will go on to play at a higher level if they continue to progress, Christian Clift made his debut today coming
on as a sub, and for a 16 year old to play like he did with passion, aggression and intelligence, is an example to everyone,
that is what football should be about”.
The next league game is on the 6th of Dec at home
to bottom of the league Whitchurch United, although tough games await US, on this form a top 3 spot and maybe even promotion
must be a realistic target.
Rovers
Reunited 0-1 Cosham Blues Reserves Portsmouth Saturday League Div 2
15/11/08
Cosham Blues Reserves started the brighter of the two teams and in the early stages had Rovers Reunited penned
back in their own half. However they didn't create any clear openings and as the half wore on Rovers got into the game and
forced a succession of corners without any end result.
The second half was a reversal of the first with Rovers pushing
Cosham on to the back foot and first Dave Porter and then Ben Sutherland both went close. Cosham Blues looked dangerous on
the break but without really troubling the Rovers keeper.
Just when it looked like the match was heading for a stalemate
and with just two seconds remaining on the clock, a Cosham Blues midfielder latched onto a midfield pass and hit a screamer
from 20 yards into the top corner of the Rovers net. Cue wild celebrations from the Cosham players and supporters and the
final whistle straight after the restart!
Wymering
FC 3-0 Hythe Aztecs Hants Intermediate Cup 1/11/08
Wymering
travelled to Dibden to play Hythe Aztecs in the 3rd round of the Hampshire Cup. The game got underway in drizzling rain but
in the first five minutes some neat work on the left by Roger Moore saw him square to ball to Lee Cooper on the dge of the
area. Cooper made space for himself and hit a low drive which beat the keper to the bottome corner to make the score 1-0.
The rest of the half saw Wymering defend well and create a few chances. However the highlight between all this was the wymering
manager trying to cope with the worsening conditions while running the line. Twice he was trying to back track to keep up
with play only to slip flat on his back and get covered in mud and soaking wet through. that will teach him for forgetting
his football boots.
a minute before half time a corner from Wymering saw the Hythe Aztecs keeper fumble the ball and Lee
Cooper was on hand to knock the ball in the net to make the halftime score 2-0.
the second half saw Lee Cooper and Roger
Moore run the Hythe defence ragged. Roger Moore twice turned the defenders inside out and was borught down only for the ref
to wave away any penalty appeals. Some good defending from Jody Howard, Sean Ellis and Dave Hutchings saw the Hythe attacks
snuffed out. The torrential rain made it hard work for everybody in midfield with Ray Tyrrell being thepick of the bunch with
his work on the right. with 15 minutes to go Roger moore again turned the left back inside out. He chipped the ball over the
centre back and Bradley Willis was on hand at the far post to make the final score 3-0.
Fleet Spurs Res 2-3 United Services Portsmouth Res Wessex League Division 2 1/11/08
Services march
on to victory as reserves set a new club record of 6 consecutive league wins!
The visitors were dealt an early blow before the match
even began with not one but 2 players dropping out through injury the subs bench looked light with just 1 body, and with manager
Danny Phillips absent the question was could U.S. continue their fine league form against their hosts. The sailors were out
for revenge having lost against Fleet at home earlier in the season and in form midfielder Dale Holmes grabbed his 7th
league goal with a good finish to put his team ahead. Last season’s manager’s player of the year Holmes has started
all 11 games and has been inspirational so far, netting in each of U.S.’s last 5 league games and creating lots of opportunities,
it surely won’t be long until he is playing at a higher level. In awful conditions Fleet pulled 1 back and U.S. increased
courtesy of an own goal to go in at the break 2-1 up.
H.T. Fleet Spurs Res 1-2 USPFC Res
The sailors knew that a win today and other results going
their way could move them into 2nd place in the league, and they did just that as Gary Thomas finally scored from
close range to seal the points despite a consolation from Fleet.
Top scorer Thomas has scored in each of the team’s
last 7 games and is another who teammates look to for inspiration. However the speedy frontman faces a 21 day ban for a sending
off in the Portsmouth Cup and will be a huge loss to the team in the coming games if U.S. are unsuccessful in appealing. With
the highest goals scored record and 6 straight league wins under their belts Utd Services are on a high, last season was an
achievement in being the first U.S. team to reach a cup final in 30 years, only time will tell in terms of what could be achieved
this season!
Rovers Reunited 13-0
Stamshaw Spartans Portsmouth Saturday League Div 2 1/11/08
In a game heavily influenced by the weather Rovers kicked off with the wind at their backs and were quickly into their
stride forcing a succession of corners. This set the tone for the game with the Stamshaw goal under constant
pressure but their keeper held firm making some excellent saves from Paul Benton and Dave Porter.
The breakthrough
finally came after twenty minutes with Andy Bates scoring his first goal for seven years with a fine 20 yard strike.This
was followed a few minutes later as Dave Cotton picked out fellow full back Gary Fitzgerald on the edge of the area to rifle
the ball into the bottom corner. Dave Cotton the slotted home the third after being put through by Dave Porter and then
Ben Sutherland volleyed home from a Paul Benton corner. Rovers maintained the pressure as they realised the second half
might be a different story kicking into the wind and just before the half time whistle Dave Cotton headed home his second
and Rovers fifth of the game.
Luck it seemed was on Rovers side as just as the second half got underway the wind
dropped! As a result it was business as usual for Reunited as they continued to add to their total. As the rain came down
Peter Cotton, Kieran Lawson and Neil Harrison all got their first goals for the club while Gary Fitzgerald added his
second and Kristian Doggrell hit four second half goals! Then right at the death Neil Whitecross pulled off a smart
save to deny Stamshaw a consolation strike. This would have at least been some reward for Stamshaw as their heads never
dropped in spite of the atrocious conditions and heavy defeat.
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