Nottsborough 5      Broomfield  4     AFA Senior Trophy Semi Final               6th March 2010

Comic Book Hero’s !

Many readers of this report, if there are many, may be too young to have read comics as a young lad. This AFA Senior Semi-Final at Old Parkonians ground was something out of “The Victor” or “The Tiger”. Roy Race firing in goals where a curving arrow followed the path of the ball as it whooshed into the roof of the net. Or Tubby Morton, who overcame an ample girth to bowl devilish spin that bamboozled tall elegant batsmen. Nottsborough 3-1 down with 12 minutes to go, equalised in the last minute of normal time. Somehow they found a way to win the match in extra time despite being down to 10 men following the nasty injury to Ted Datta which forced an almost 30 minute halt in proceedings. Broomfield must be wondering just what happened.

Unlike last week the pitch did not require forking to remove water, but somebody’s tractor had certainly done a couple of laps of the centre circle. There seemed to be a bigger, flatter pitch next door, but no matter this one was good enough. Nottsborough started well and took the lead early. A good ball from Hickes up to Matt Kerr saw the Nottsborough skipper fouled near the touchline wide on the right, just beyond the angle of the penalty area. Nathan Violet swung a free kick into the stiff breeze and Alex Ewin made a run across the near post. Ewin missed the ball, and so unfortunately did the Broomfield keeper, as the ball found the net direct from Nathan Violet’s free kick on 9 minutes. This prompted Nottsborough into a confident passage where Rolfe and Parker opened play up nicely and two chances were created for Alex Ewin. The first cannoned into the keepers legs and the second, after a lovely ball from Violet, was blocked for a corner.

Broomfield got back into the game around 25 minutes when they equalised. Matt Negus, trying to get through tractor marks, failed to find Dave Howson on the left. The Broomfield right-sided player advanced quickly and his low cross into the area found a striker to complete a simple but oh so effective goal. Now it was Broomfield who took over command of the game with Rory Delap type throw-ins fizzing into the goalmouth. This was to be an effective weapon all game. Broomfield were winning the physical challenges and to be fair were also playing a sharper brand of football. Parker had to get back to complete an amazing clearance off the line and just before half time a Broomfield player put the ball over the bar from only 5 yards out although he was under pressure from a challenge from Rolfe. It could easily have been 3-3 at half time but both teams had to settle for 1-1.

Nottsborough felt they had done well into the stiff breeze, but Broomfield were to put this all into context as they completely dominated the middle third of the game. Just after half time “green boots” tricked Sutcliffe by the corner flag and his low cross was cleverly diverted past Ashley on the near post. The Broomfield striker then showed what a potentially good player he is by accelerating away from Howson on the left, cutting in and powering a shot past Ashley into the far corner. Broomfield were 3-1 up and in control. What happened to arrest the inevitable progress of a Broomfield win?

Somehow Nottsborough found a way back into this game when several Broomfield folk were already booking their seats for the final. Firstly I think the Broomfield team settled for what they had and when “green boots” went down with cramp again he had to come off. Secondly Nottsborough made two changes on 65 minutes. The first change was to take off an injured Dave Howson and withdraw Nick Stavri to some amazement from the Nottsborough players. The second change was to go to a 3-5-2 formation that has not been seen at Nottsborough for some time. Substitute Ted Datta had an immediate influence as the Nottsborough middle three of Negus, Parker, and Datta started to impose themselves. The last 20 minutes of normal time was largely one of Nottsborough steadily increasing the pressure as Broomfield defended their lead. Hughes got behind the defence but fired wide from 15 yards. The breakthrough came with 12 minutes to go as Nottsborough won a throw level with the penalty area on the left. Violet found Sutcliffe, way advanced, and his sideways pass on the edge of the area found Negus. A couple of steps forward and Matt Negus fired a shot home via the left hand upright on 78 minutes. Now Broomfield came under pressure and with their keeper looking injured it was Nottsborough who were firing crosses into the box. Ewin almost got a shot on target, Parker tested the keeper from 25 yards and Violet, played in behind the defence by a lovely ball, put in a super cross that the keeper just clawed away from Negus. As the game approached its climax Hughes won a corner on the right. Violet delivered the ball into the 6 yard box. The keeper was rooted but still blocked Ewin’s header but the ball fell to Alex Ewin who volleyed the equaliser in the 90^th minute. There was only time for 1 more minute. 3-3 at full time.

Nottsborough started extra time in confident mood. They had played their “get out of jail” card, but they were buying property. The Broomfield players looked very tired and Nottsborough took their chance to go ahead for the second time in the game. Violet played a short free kick into the channel. Ewin picked up the ball and won a corner. Once again Violet delivered the ball into the goalmouth and this time there was no denying Alex Ewin’s emphatic finish on 98 minutes. Football is a lot of if’s and but’s. I feel Nottsborough would have sealed this win at this point until a very nasty injury occurred. Ted Datta, in trying to hammer a shot in just around the penalty spot, collided with the Broomfield centre-back. It was a genuine challenge from both players and it was the Broomfield player that cried out. Everyone feared for the worst, but it was Ted Datta that had broken his ankle badly. A 25 minute stoppage followed as Datta could not be moved. The Broomfield players wisely left the field and re-grouped whilst the Nottsborough players stayed out with Datta who needed warmth and comfort as he was clearly in shock. When the ambulance finally arrived Nottsborough were down to 10 men for the last 18 minutes and Broomfield were revived.

Nottsborough got to half time without alarm but the second half was like the first as Broomfield bombarded the Nottsborough goal with long throw-ins and corners. Something had to give and on 110 minutes the Broomfield skipper got his head on another shell-like throw and looped a header over Ashley despite facing away from the goal. It was either now going to be a Broomfield win or penalties one thought. Queue the final twist as Broomfield started to play some very risky football out from the back. Ewin who had been withdrawn in a 4-4-1 was doing his best to get up and support Hughes and Broomfield were doing their best to offer Ewin another opportunity. Firstly Ewin elected to try and play Hughes in when a shot was possible. Hughes was marginally offside and got booked for his trouble. When the same thing happened a minute later Ewin took on his man on and broke into the penalty area. As the keeper came off his line Alex Ewin lifted the ball over the keeper for the winner on 114 minutes. The Nottsborough team had enough energy to mob their hero and confidently defend their lead as they kept the ball down in the corners of the Broomfield half.

Semi-Finals are not necessarily about how you play but rather about finding a way to win. Broomfield were in charge of this game but conceded the momentum and Nottsborough took advantage with their change of formation. The players had the courage to win despite being out-played in the middle third and then suffering the nasty injury which always affects the other players. The outcome is a third consecutive AFA Senior Final for Nottsborough, a feat that has rarely been achieved in AFA history. The players should be very proud of their achievments.

Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Kerr M, Negus, Parker, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Datta, Hughes.

Man of the Match for Nottsborough is Alex Ewin. Has not scored since November but scored a hat trick in the biggest game of the season so far. Worked very hard all through the game.

Winchmore Hill 1    Nottsborough  2           League                             27th February 2010

Nottsborough on the road again !

This top versus next to bottom league match was in doubt following a very heavy shower at midday. Fortunately for Nottsborough the home club worked very hard to get the game on helped by the ref Lee Addison. By kick off time the pitch was completely playable, although the mixture of firm and watery ground made for a game of mistakes.

Nottsborough thought they had a problem at left back coming into this game with Rep player Dave Howson unavailable and excellent replacement Gary Cullinan trapped in France by the wonderful Ryan Air. They should not have worried as Simon Webb, released by the 2’s from their semi-final, had an excellent game. Skipper Matt Kerr has been ill for two weeks and despite being on anti-biotics for a chest infection selected himself. Chris Kerr however was out with a back spasm, something to do with sleeping on a kitchen table ? Nottsborough however lined up with a strong side with Matt Negus playing one of his last games before moving to America and it was nice to see him score the winner. Winchmore Hill were missing their leading scorer Barrell.

In front of quite a large number of spectators the game was pretty dire in the first 15 minutes as neither side wanted to make a mistake. The result was we all got rather sore necks waiting for the ball to come down. Finally Nottsborough listened to their coach and started to get the ball down and pass it. Suddenly Parker and Negus in midfield were starting to open play up despite being out-numbered. Ewin got away on the right and failed to find a completely unmarked Violet. Stavri did the same thing with Ewin clear. A goal for the away side was looking quite possible and it arrived on 24 minutes. Stavri who had been keeping the linesman happy by straying offside decided this time to bend his run and give himself a chance and the linesman no chance. This coincided with Violet finding one of those lovely curling 40 yarders. The ball curled into Stavri who had got behind the defence. The next bit was pure class as the Nottsborough man controlled and turned in one movement. From 25 yards out Nick Stavri chipped the home keeper to find the net high up for a quite superb opener.

I think it is fair to say the away side were on top at this point. Matt Kerr flashed a shot wide of the far post with Ewin un-marked. Rich Parker then brought a good sprawling save out of Carter with a long range skimmer. Violet got behind the Winchmore defence and with Ewin again making a superb run to the back post a bobble meant the ball was on the roof of the net instead of the strikers head.

Most of the threat from Winchmore came from the long throws of Matty Knight, although Alex Ewin had been doing a good job in stopping Knights advancing too far. Nottsborough got a wake-up call just before half time as first they allowed a Winchmore midfielder far too much room from a throw-in on the right and were relieved to see his shot curl wide. Then more seriously a long Knights throw was flicked on by a centre back and their midfielder delivered another flick-on that seemed to be going over Ashley. The Rep keeper made a superb save to put the ball onto the bar and Webb completed the clearance to keep the away side 1-0 up at half time.

The second half, as is often the case, was a different game. Winchmore definitely raised the tempo and began to show why they have been winning so many games. Nottsborough however made the first big mistake of the game and paid for it. Arren Sutcliffe, who was quite superb all afternoon, for some reason tried to keep a ball in play on the very wet touchline 30 yards out. The ball got trapped under his feet and was nicked by the lively Winchmore Hill sub. Somehow this young man evaded a couple of fairly ordinary tackles and a ball into the penalty area found a Winchmore player Ben Head completely unmarked. A simple finish under Ashley and the score was 1-1. This score-line rather flattered Winchmore but in the next 20 minutes or so they made it a far more realistic score-line as they took the game to Nottsborough. Ashley had to go sprawling to his right to keep out a Rod Beya shot who was now beginning to find space. Winchmore were attacking on both flanks with the speedy Seymour now on the left.

Nottsborough decided to make changes with Ben Hickes withdrawn and the policy of protecting Stavri’s back continued. Matt Kerr went to right back to counter the pace down the left, Ted Datta took Kerr’s place in midfield, and Ben Hughes came on up front to offer some pace of his own. Nottsborough were starting to break out of their half and Seymour did really well to get back and clear the ball away from the line when Ewin got the ball behind Carter.

The second big mistake of the afternoon settled the game, although not without a tremendous finale. Carter in the home goal raced out of his area to the right corner flag where the ground was still very wet. The ball was neither cleared, nor put out of play. This was perhaps because Winchmore, and mostly Carter, were more concerned about whether Hughes was offside or not. The linesman clearly thought not. Hughes managed to keep the ball in play, and with Carter now racing back to goal, set up Violet wide on the left and level with the edge of the area. A great cross onto the six yard line saw two Nottsborough players unmarked. The first of these, in the middle of the goal, Matt Negus headed the ball into the bottom left hand corner on 75 minutes with Carter unable to get back in time.

The game really opened up now as Winchmore poured forward with Knights and the young sub on the right and Seymour on the left. There were several dangerous crosses that were dealt with superbly by Rolfe, Sutcliffe and Parker who was now virtually playing as a third centre-back as Winchmore went four up. In what ended up being 6 minutes of added time the previously excellent Mr Addison began to lose his bearings as to where clearances were crossing the touch-lines. Knights was allowed on a couple of occasions to steal at least 20 yards in launching his long throws, which fortunately were being cleared by Webb and Violet, and the big men behind. Gaps were opening up at the other end but Nottsborough could not fashion another chance although their passing helped to run the clock down. Negus had one decent shooting opportunity and Parker found the roof of the pavilion. Finally with Nottsborough clearing another dangerous Seymour cross Mr Addison found his watch and his whistle.

Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Webb; Kerr M, Negus, Parker, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Datta and Hughes.

Man of the Match for Nottsborough could have been many players. Ashley for his wonderful save. Webb did superbly on his late call up. Sutcliffe was outstanding. Parker and Negus did well in midfield. Violet produced the two best passes of the afternoon. Ewin worked his socks off and is getting back to his best. Stavri scored a super goal. I’m giving it to Nathan Violet because on an afternoon when not a lot of real football was played he delivered the two passes that made two goals for the away side.

Nottsborough 4  Alleyn Old Boys 2  Surrey/Kent AFA Senior Semi Final  20th February 2010

Nottsborough take their chances !

In the world of finance and markets, ever since the credit crunch, some people have been talking about the “new normal”. The new normal at Nottsborough in recent times seems to have been “keep a clean sheet” and “we are bound to score one”. How pleasing then to see a much more old-fashioned Nottsborough score of 4-2 ?

The lawns of fortress Tolworth were in remarkable condition with some players electing to play in “mouldies”. The Nottsborough skipper Matt Kerr was able to announce a strong squad of 14 but then saw Matt Negus drop out with an ankle injury and there was a big doubt over Matt Rolfe who had barely eaten for a week. This though had the plus of making him look a lot leaner and meaner. The changes meant a start for Chris Kerr and what a smart choice that turned out to be !

Alleyn Old Boys are by no means a great side. However what they brought to this game was a real belief that they could get something out of it, and a real willingness to pass the ball around. For much of this game they had a lot of the ball and played attractively. They took two chances, had a header cleared off the line, and went close very early on. They kept their optimism and belief despite being three down after 25 minutes, and by the hour mark they were back in it at 3-2.

The game started with AOB taking the game to Nottsborough and flashing a volley narrowly wide after a flowing move. AOB were on top but every time Nottsborough got in their half the warning lights were flashing. On 4 minutes Chris Kerr gave Nottsborough the lead with a daisy-cutter inside the far post. Nottsborough broke out of their own half and Violet swept a 40 yarder into the middle for a breaking Matt Kerr. Kerr took a touch and then played in his brother who amazingly appeared to his right. There was still much to do but Chris Kerr got a good first touch and his clean strike put Nottsborough one up. On 10 minutes Nottsborough increased their lead with virtually their second attack of the game. A number of players were involved in a good passing move that ended with Matt Kerr being fouled 30 yards out and to the right of goal. AOB went to sleep a bit at the free kick and Violet played Chris Kerr in for his second goal with an almost carbon-copy finish, low inside the far post.

Nottsborough were now playing with a lot more confidence as Violet and Ewin started to link together. Parker and Matt Kerr were competing well in midfield and the two full backs, Howson and Hickes were starting to get forward. There was however a bit of route one about the third goal as Ashley, not for the first time this season, launched a long kick downfield and several players have mentioned that they took part in what followed. From memory Ewin put Chris Kerr behind the defence and his low cross found Ben Hughes who swept the ball home on 25 minutes. There was every chance at this point that Nottsborough would really open-up and for a while it looked as if Nottsborough might be getting back to their best. Violet was causing real problems and AOB looked vulnerable at the back. Alex Ewin has been a bit off colour lately but he was looking a lot sharper in this game and he very nearly made it four as the keeper blocked his close range shot. AOB were not giving up however. When Nottsborough conceded possession on the half way line the away side took full advantage and a good passing move saw their left winger sweep in a cross that Ashley palmed away. This only fell to an unmarked player and his low cross was bundled home on 36 minutes. It was then a matter of whether AOB could get another back before the break but once again Rolfe and Sutcliffe were doing well to tidy up dangerous situations. 3-1 at half time.

Nottsborough felt that they were in control and that further goals were there for the taking. AOB felt that if they could get another they were really back in it and that is what happened. Nottsborough were playing the ball around nicely at the back but not really getting anywhere when once again they gave it away just inside their own half. Eventually this resulted in a cross into the box which bobbled over Matt Rolfe’s foot and the AOB striker found the bottom corner with a smart strike. For the home side Ted Datta had replaced an ill Matt Kerr at half time and shortly after the Alleyn’s goal Matt Rolfe, who was struggling, was replaced by Nick Stavri. Stavri went up front with Alex Ewin withdrawn to midfield. The substitution was inspired because on 63 minutes Ewin floated in a cross from the right and Nick Stavri put Nottsborough 4-2 ahead. This is the fifth goal Stavri has scored off the bench this season as Nottsborough’s coach Brian Williams tries to manage Stavri’s dodgy back. For this goal Stavri got ahead of his marker and his downward header was just good enough to get past a sprawling keeper.

Nottsborough held on to their lead well enough from this point. AOB rather surprisingly took off their quick winger who had nearly got away earlier in the half. The away side were also picking up injuries which meant that they finished the game effectively with 10 men. Nottsborough were passing the ball around well enough to take the steam out of the game and Chris Kerr might have secured his hat trick near the end of the game as he rather delayed a good shooting opportunity. Earlier Ben Hughes had elected to shoot early rather than take the ball on and his shot went the wrong side of the right hand upright. A similar effort from Alex Ewin, this time with his left foot, also slipped just the wrong side.

This was a lot better from Nottsborough going forward, but they will have to do more in the coming weeks if they are to get anything out of Winchmore Hill or Broomfield. Nevertheless Nottsborough are through to the final of the Surrey/Kent Cup for the second successive year and they deserve to be there after winning at West Wickham and scoring four on Saturday. It has been a strange season so far but nobody can complain about making a Cup Final !

Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Kerr M, Kerr C, Parker, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Datta, Stavri

Man of the Match for Nottsborough Chris Kerr. Out of the side in recent weeks the midfield dynamo was back to his best.

Nottsborough 0    Old Owens 1          League                                         13th February 2010

Nottsborough return to the League.

This was Nottsborough’s first league outing in 15 weeks in what is becoming a ridiculous SAL season. Ironically their last league outing was at Potters Bar on 31^st October 2009, where Nottsborough turned the corner in recording an excellent 1-0 away win. Old Owens may well feel that they have done the same thing in a close, quite exciting, match where both sides can say they had chances, but Old Owens wanted it that bit more.

Nottsborough had their best chance of the game inside 2 minutes when Violet picked out Stavri 10 yards out in the middle of the goal with time to take a first touch and pick his corner. He hit it straight at a very relieved Sullivan. In this early period Nottsborough were playing well and taking the game to Owens. Chances came regularly throughout the half. Chris Kerr just needed to get something on a curling cross that narrowly missed the far post. His brother Matt had Sullivan sprawling to keep out a long range shot and then Kerr junior volleyed inches wide. Sutcliffe, who had another good game had a great heading opportunity but failed to get his powerful header on target from a corner.

Old Owens were not out of the game in any way and looked dangerous with Mann and Breeze working well together. Mann had a strong shot deflected narrowly over before Nottsborough made their first mistake of a frustrating afternoon. They gave the ball away around 30 yards out and Breeze was played into the area. A clumsy tackle brought him down and Old Owens had a penalty. Dan Ashley produced an excellent save to his left to turn this away for a corner. 0-0 at half time.

The second half was much more about what Old Owens were doing as they took the game to Nottsborough. Although Owens had to clear a header away from under their crossbar and Alex Ewin really should have given the home side the lead when put clear by Violet. Ewin attempted to go around Sullivan just inside the area and the keeper did marvellously to get a hand to the ball and divert it away. At the other end Dan Ashley made a fantastic reaction save to deny Mann from 10 yards out. Both Matt Rolfe and Dave Howson had to get in excellent last minute tackles to keep out sharp Owens attacks and the goal was coming when Nottsborough once again gave the ball away 30 yards out. Owens took advantage, advanced and a deflected shot looped over Ashley to give Owens the lead with about 20 minutes to go. Although Nottsborough huffed and puffed they did not create a great deal although Chris Kerr did have the ball in the net in the second half with Stavri mysteriously given offside although Kerr seemed to be nearer the goal. Old Owens in fairness looked much more likely to add to their lead and wanted the game that little bit more.

Nottsborough can only point to the absence of the influential Parker, although they created more openings in this game than in recent Cup wins. Owens are through to the semis of the AFA trophy and maybe this win will start a climb up the table for them. It is Nottsborough who now need to do something about their league form, but is hard when you only get to play a league game every 15 weeks !

Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Kerr C, Kerr M, Negus, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Hughes and Datta

Man of the Match for Nottsborough Dan Ashley. The only one on the top of his form.
 

Old Minchendenians 0    Nottsborough  2       AFA Senior Cup QF          6th February 2010

Fourth semi in a row !

Nottsborough kept up their record of making it through to the final stages of the AFA Senior Trophy by booking their fourth consecutive semi-final on Saturday. The draw away to Old Minchendenians was a really difficult one as the home side are flying high in the AFC Senior Division. The decision of the home side to switch the game to Firs Farm was an odd one, although seeing their normal pitch outside their clubhouse after the game I can understand why. Firs Farm reminds me of my days in the Croydon Sunday League. Multiple changing rooms, multiple pitches, loads of enthusiastic footballers, lads putting up nets, pegs, goalposts at crazy angles, sloping crossbars. Quite an unusual choice for an AFA Quarter Final, but beggars cannot be choosers in this weird winter.

This was quite a surreal afternoon altogether. After warming up for a considerable time on the farm, both sides were beginning to wonder where the officials were, but eventually at 2.05 they appeared. Do they get fined for late appearance ? The choice of venue really did not suit the home side I felt. They tried to play football all game and it was not an easy thing on a park pitch where the ball was often out of play. The Minchendenian players worked their socks off in the first half and going downhill towards the odd-shaped goal in the first half they put Nottsborough under a load of pressure. They must have forced 6 corners in the first 15 minutes but Rolfe and Sutcliffe were very firm under the aerial bombardment they were getting from the corners and long throws aimed at Tim Chenery the AFA player. At full back Howson and Hickes were sticking to their men very well as it was clear that Minchendenians posed a real threat on the flanks. In midfield Nottsborough were also working very hard with Matt Kerr and Violet supporting their full backs, whilst Parker and Negus battled for supremacy in midfield against a very combative side. The home side had two problems despite all their pressure. Firstly Nottsborough were not allowing them a shot from anywhere other than outside the penalty area, and secondly they were annoying the ref Mr Faithfull. This latter thing is not a good idea and Mr Faithfull was turning scarlet with the rage he was feeling. One really wondered for his good health, but a couple of bookings seemed to settle him down.

Finally Nottsborough seemed to settle to their surroundings by gradually beginning to emerge from their half although much of the passing seemed to indicate that they had only recently formed a team. Minchendenians were looking solid and very competitive at the back until they let a ball bounce and suddenly Hughes was in behind the defence. Did he slip or was he tripped ? Mr Faithfull thought the latter and by now nobody was arguing with him, fearing for the consequences. The home side were right to fear for the consequences because Nathan Violet scored direct from the free kick on 28 minutes with the only shot on target of the first half. The free kick was past the wall and into the bottom corner before the goalie moved. Nottsborough had another couple of dangerous free kick situations in the first half but were letting their imaginations run away with themselves rather than just putting it in the mixer or working the keeper.

Nottsborough were lucky to be ahead at half time and they knew it. They played a lot better in the second half. In the early stages of this half Minchendenians were back at the Nottsborough defence but the two centre-backs Rolfe and Sutcliffe were now in complete command. The game was beginning to open up and the away side were beginning to appreciate the room. Nottsborough increased their lead with a pure route one goal. Ashley boomed a big kick straight down the field, clearing their centre half and the speedy Ben Hughes was behind the defence again on 59 minutes to lift the ball over the keeper and within the confines of the odd-shaped goal. It was not easy on this surface to get shots on target so a 2-0 lead was a big thing. Minchendenians continued to work hard but were now running out of ideas other than long throws and Ashley was picking up quite a few of these. The home side changed their formation in trying to get back in the game and both Alex Ewin and Rich Parker passed up clear opportunities to put the game out of sight. Ewin from a free header on the six yard line and Parker with a volley wide from 10 yards. Nottsborough replaced one Kerr with another with 20 minutes to go and took off the scorer Hughes to introduce the craft of Nick Stavri, who was not fully fit. Kerr and Stavri helped Nottsborough run the clock down well by the simple tactic of keeping the ball.

Nottsborough came away with an impressive 2-0 win. It was a strange performance. Completely competent based on sound defensive tactics. The defensive five all did well. In front of them Parker and Negus were impressive, with the latter back to his best. He was busy, put his foot in, and kept going. Parker got better and better as the game progressed. With 6 clean sheets in the last 7 games Nottsborough have turned their playing style on its head. As the game opened up Violet and Ewin came into it more and the pace of Hughes was a factor in both goals. Nottsborough did look the most likely to score in the second half. A fourth consecutive semi-final awaits against our old rivals Broomfield. There are so many good sides around at this level that four consecutive semi’s is quite a performance. We shall see whether Nottsborough can make it three consecutive finals. The surreal afternoon was completed by a 10 minute drive to the home clubhouse where we were treated very well.

Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Kerr M, Negus, Parker, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Kerr C, Stavri

Man of the Match for Nottsborough Matt Rolfe. He was injured on Thursday and not playing. On Saturday he stood out.

West Wickham 0   Nottsborough 1   AFA Surrey/Kent Senior Cup            30th January 2010

Violet’s first ever header !

Thank heavens the pitch at Corkscrew Hill was playable after a frosty evening with a dusting of snow. Another weekend postponed, or blank because of Rep games or fixture breakdown, would have been hard to take. The pitch however was very firm in places where the sun had not shone, and the surface was difficult enough to make it quite hard to string passes together. A goal in the first 5 minutes was enough to settle the tie, but the play kept you interested right to the end, even if the quality was not all that great.

West Wickham think of this Cup as virtually theirs after a whole succession of final victories, the last of which was over Nottsborough last season, where Nottsborough could not turn possession into goals. It did not take them long to score in this one though ! A throw in from Ben Hickes, was flicked past Simmons by skipper Matt Kerr. Kerr got to the by-line and his firm cross to the 6 yard line was met by the forehead of none other than Nathan Violet on 4 minutes. Violet has never scored with his head in men’s football, but there was no doubting this one as the ball flashed just below the bar beating the flailing arm of the home keeper and thumping into the net. Nottsborough had taken a bit of a shock lead. In the next twenty minutes or so Nottsborough looked full value for their lead and Nick Stavri, who caused problems all afternoon, almost gave the away side a superb second. Being put clear he turned inside Gibson and away from Currie. His left foot shot grazed the left hand post, although the corner given seemed to indicate that a deflection had saved the home side. There was confusion in the home goalmouth on a couple of occasions but Nottsborough could not take advantage.

The game was very evenly contested in midfield with the blond haired midfielder Cornwell showing up well for the home side. It was in attack that Nottsborough seemed to carry the threat with Ewin and Stavri combining well. However there were to be no further goals in the first half as both defences held firm. West Wickham were getting back into the game before half time but their only threat was from free kicks or corners where Rolfe and Sutcliffe stood firm for Nottsborough, as did Freeman, Gibson and Currie for West Wickham.

The second half started with West Wickham winning a whole series of corners. Rolfe had to go off injured for Nottsborough before half time, and the away side were lucky to have such an able replacement in Rich Parker who dropped back from midfield. Ted Datta was on in midfield and did very well in what was a pretty frantic battle. Parker and Sutcliffe did very well in the second half aided by determined and assured performances from Ben Hickes and Dave Howson. Hickes was a bit of a surprise selection, having missed the win against Old Parmiterians, but he had a most assured game winning all the important challenges and passing accurately forward. It would be fair to say that West Wickham were on top territorially for most of the second half but they rarely troubled Ashley in the Nottsborough goal and I can only remember a shot over the bar by Cornwell that resembled a decent chance. Nottsborough repelled the West Wickham arial threat with Alex Ewin heading clear very well on a couple of occasions in the closing moments. Away from the lower end Nottsborough looked more threatening in open play but a Violet free kick that went a foot over the bar was the nearest they came, although Stavri almost stole in along the by-line before he was replaced by Ben Hughes with 10 minutes to go. Earlier Chris Kerr had come on to replace a rather subdued Matt Negus and Kerr was immediately impressive in making himself available and keeping the ball under pressure on the bobbly surface.

Another away win then for Nottsborough and the fifth clean sheet in six games. Another tough away cup-tie awaits next Saturday and a return to the league is further forestalled. It is something like 10 weeks since our last league game in a league where some teams have played four or five more games than others. Crazy and not particularly fair.

Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Kerr M, Parker, Negus, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Datta, Kerr C, Hughes.

Man of the Match for Nottsborough could be Nathan Violet for his first headed goal and his determined play. It could be Nick Stavri who troubled the West Wickham defence all match. It could be Arren Sutcliffe who was part of a very assured central pairing, but I am giving it to Ben Hickes for a very solid all-round game at right back.

Nottsborough 1 Old Parmiterians 0     AFA Senior Trophy Round 4       23rd January 2010

Nottsborough in the hat again !

Nottsborough booked their place in the AFA Senior Trophy Quarter Final for the fourth year in a row at Tolworth on Saturday. However the defending champions were taken all the way by a much improved Old Parmiterians, who will feel they deserved at least a draw in this exciting encounter.

Nottsborough looked a little bit flat starting this encounter and this perhaps is not surprising since it is 7 weeks since they last played. Parmiterians looked a bit sharper, with new AFA striker Lewis Jones showing up well, and it was Nottsborough who had to do the early defending. However the away side could only manage a couple of half chances in the first quarter as the home centre backs Rolfe and Sutcliffe started to settle to their game. Left back David Howson got in one fine defensive header to clear a dangerous situation. Parmiterians main threat was coming down the right and Jay Abberley’s long throws were proving awkward but defendable. At the other end Alex Ewin was starting to find space and when Parmiterians allowed him to turn the home side started to look threatening. Matt Negus produced a lovely ball from the centre circle which allowed Violet and Ewin inter-link to put Ben Hughes clear inside the area. His cross-shot just missed the far post although it appeared to deflect off the Parmiterians keeper. Chris Kerr had a good shooting opportunity but failed to make clean contact. Nottsborough, in patches, were now producing some excellent quick passing but the final ball was missing. Parmiterians came back into it before half time and this time it was Matt Kerr at right back who had to be on his game dealing with the tricky left winger and the good swinging deliveries from the Parmiterian left back. Half time came with no score and a pretty even game.

Nottsborough felt that if they kept passing and moving Parmiterians would tire as they did in the previous season. This was not really the case. In fact for the first 15 minutes of the second half Parmiterians were all over Nottsborough. Matt Rolfe played a very weak pass to let in a Parmiterians player and Nottsborough were very relieved that Howson once again made a timely clearance. Jones then lifted the ball over Sutcliffe and did the same to Ashley in the home goal, only to see the ball bounce wide of the far post. Ashley then went full length to his left to save superbly from a 25 yard skimmer on the damp surface. Another firm drive from outside the area was deflected and fortunately for Ashley it went wide of the post with him completely committed the other way. This spell of immense pressure ended when Parmiterians had a great chance after poor Nottsborough defending and the home side were totally relieved to see a stabbed shot from the corner of the 6 yard box strike the upright and be cleared away.

The home coach felt there had to be a change and striker Nick Stavri and midfielder Ted Datta were introduced. Ben Hughes, who made some excellent runs in the first half, was replaced by Stavri. Chris Kerr, who had been ill in the week, was replaced by Datta. The effect of the changes was almost instantaneous. Stavri lifted the ball over the Parmiterians centre half and was almost in on goal with his first touch. Shortly later a corner was won. Violet played a short corner to Ewin and a short lay off provided Nathan Violet with the opportunity to curl a lovely cross to the far post. Matt Negus probably should have scored with a firm free header but the Parmiterians keeper pulled off a great reflex save. He could do nothing about Nick Stavri’s follow up header that found the back of the net on 69 minutes.

Parmiterians threw caution to the wind and chased the game from this point. Nottsborough were left with huge spaces on the break and could have easily punished the away side which would not have been fair on the day. Stavri had the ball in the net again with 10 minutes to go but was ruled offside. Ewin really should have either found the net or three unmarked teammates in a quick counter-attack. Negus got away on the right and the cross to the back post was almost headed home by Datta. Parmiterians got their heads to a couple of free kicks in the dying moments and they won a hotly disputed free kick 25 yards out in the last minute. The left back made good contact but Ashley was able to grab the ball at the foot of the post. In the end the home defence found someone each time to deny Parmiterians a goal and with their fourth clean sheet in five games move into the quarter final.

Ashley; Kerr M, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Kerr C, Negus, Parker, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Stavri and Datta.

Man of the match for Nottsborough. The back five all did well, Negus, Violet, and Ewin all looked as if they could create something, but Nick Stavri made the difference.

West Wickham 0     Nottsborough 2    AFA Senior Trophy Round 3     5th December 2009

Holders come through difficult tie !

Looking at the draw for the AFA Senior Trophy this looked like the difficult tie of the round, and not many teams would fancy a visit to Corkscrew Hill in Round 3. The AFA computer seems to have a glitch when it comes to these two teams as they are also paired in the Surrey/Kent AFA Cup and four meetings a season is becoming the norm. There have been 13 meetings between these two sides in the last 4 seasons with a further two to come this season. West Wickham lead the series 7-6 courtesy of a penalty decider 2 years ago. Despite all the rain of the previous week the ground at Corkscrew Hill was in superb condition, but I am afraid both sides cancelled each-other out in what was a pretty lacklustre first half.

hSkipper Matt Kerr had the luxury of naming a pretty much unchanged team, although family loyalty was not much in evidence as he named himself instead of his brother Chris for right midfield, preferring to name Matt Negus in centre midfield alongside Rich Parker. The defence that has conceded only 6 goals so far this season was unchanged. Fit again Ben Hughes was preferred to Nick Stavri, to partner Alex Ewin, although Stavri always does well against the home side.

West Wickham still have massive injury problems but they matched Nottsborough in a 45 minute spell that was low on goalmouth incident. Despite being afflicted with injuries and unavailability West Wickham had won 2 out of the last 3 meetings between these clubs. Nottsborough had slightly the better of it, but had only a Negus header that went narrowly over, and two blocked opportunities for skipper Matt Kerr on the far post to show for their slope advantage. West Wickham constructed a lovely move down their right and the low pull back from the byeline could not be turned on target. This was Wickham’s best chance of the half although they did look dangerous from set-pieces. Nottsborough were just starting to look more confident as half time arrived with the score 0-0 and little to keep a decent crowd involved apart from the half time music.

The second half was much better. Initially all the running was made by the away side who started to pass the ball much better and as a result they started to look much more threatening. Parker broke a move up in midfield and played a neat pass wide to Violet. The AFA’s wide man threaded a good ball down the left touchline and Parker broke clear of the West Wickham defence. A low curling cross was between Gibson and the home keeper and Ben Hughes stole in to side-foot the ball home from 8 yards on 50 minutes. For a while it looked as if Nottsborough would add to their lead as Howson, Violet and Ewin started to link down the left hand side, whilst Kerr, Negus and the improving Ben Hickes did the same down the right. Ewin crashed a shot wide of the right hand post, and Negus almost got through as it was now the away side forcing corners.

With 25 minutes to go Chris Kerr was introduced for his brother who was feeling a calf injury. By this time Nottsborough were rather sitting on their lead and West Wickham were starting to enjoy some territorial advantage. The home side brought on SAL striker Matt King, who has been injured for many weeks, in an attempt to give them some cutting edge. However it was the introduction of the young forward with the long throw that began to turn things. The introduction of Stavri for Hughes with 20 minutes to go coincided with a period of end to end play as the substitute cleverly wriggled into some clever positions near the by-line. One nice move on the right finished with Stavri lashing a shot into the side netting with Ewin completely unmarked in the middle. West Wickham were bringing on the big guns with SAL Rep player Neil Currie introduced as Wickham went to 3 at the back. From one long throw a mad scramble ensued and the ball thumped against the Nottsborough bar with Ashley beaten. From another throw Alex Ewin did very well to clear the ball off the line as Nottsborough began to look a little rattled. Midfielder Steve Jones flashed in a long range drive that Ashley saved well at the second attempt, whilst the young sub also had Ashley scrambling across his goal to make a low save to his right.

At the other end Ewin got free on the right as he chased a long ball into the box. Although he toe-ended the ball past the home keeper a defender got back and cleared it away. Nottsborough had brought on Ted Datta for Negus, and the new man did very well breaking up West Wickham play and neatly retaining the ball. Datta has done very well in the successful Nottsborough 2’s team and increasingly looks comfortable at this level. Chris Kerr had been doing well down the right and he it was who sealed the match for Nottsborough in the 90^th minute. Violet found himself with the ball on the left touchline and just inside his own half. West Wickham had been throwing men forward and Violet’s through ball put Chris Kerr completely clear and the SAL player raced on to the edge of the area where he lifted the ball over the home keeper for a very well taken goal that sealed a 2-0 win.

Nottsborough had looked a much more confident team after they scored, and deserved to win this difficult tie. West Wickham though had given it a real go in the last quarter and had the defending champions rocking. If Ewin had not made that vital intervention the result might have been quite different.

Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Kerr M, Negus, Parker, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Kerr C, Stavri, Datta.

All the Nottsborough defence did well in a difficult game. Ben Hickes had a good game and Matt Rolfe was very solid as usual. Matt Negus and Rich Parker did well in midfield with playmaker Violet showing up well as the game went on. My Man of the Match for Nottsborough though goes to Arren Sutcliffe who had another very good game.

Old Owens  0     Nottsborough 1                  League                         31st October 2009

That’s more like it Nottsborough !

It is the longest away day of the season and it often can be very disappointing. It can be transport problems or just because Old Owens are a good team who play good football. There were no transport problems on this Saturday, but Old Owens are still a good team playing good football. This, however, was not the same Nottsborough team that has been struggling to live up to the title of league champions. Put quite simply this was a lot more like it Nottsborough !

Skipper Matt Kerr has had a very difficult time making 4 or 5 changes each week as players have been “paddling their own canoe”. Much has gone on behind the scenes at Nottsborough in the last week and they took a very strong squad to Old Owens. The situation has been crying out for a settled side, and Kerr chose to field an almost completely different back four for this game – in came Ben Hickes, Arren Sutcliffe and Dave Howson. To be fair though this was the back four that largely took Nottsborough to the title last season. There was a surprise in midfield where Rich Parker replaced Chris Kerr. There were no changes up front with both Nick Stavri and Chris Apaloo unavailable. Although there were again 4 or 5 changes they were from a position of strength.

There were no goals in the first half but if I could watch football like this each week I would be happy. Old Owens played patient passing football with 5 men across midfield and looking to exploit gaps out wide. They were a very easy side to watch and several times in this first half they came close to scoring the all important first goal. Their best effort was a thumping shot from Mann which Ashley did well to palm over the bar. Parker, in the side as a more defensive midfielder, also did well to get across to block Breeze when it looked like he would score after very neat inter-passing. Owens forced several corners but these did not pose too many problems to what is now quite a big Nottsborough team. Owens central three all looked good players and Sullivan was instrumental on several occasions in opening the game up.

Nottsborough were a different side from the ones seen at home recently against Winchmore Hill and West Wickham. Not only literally, but also in their approach. Firstly the midfield four were working very hard to counter Owens’s five. Secondly Nottsborough were managing to get three or four men in the area in attacking situations and it was the away side which came nearest to scoring. On 12 minutes Hughes, who looked a different player from the previous week, got completely clear and his lob beat the keeper but also just cleared the bar. Owens were having to defend very well at times as Violet and Negus were finding quite a bit of space and Violet was back to almost his best with two superb swinging crosses. Nottsborough also forced several corners and it was from two of these that they almost took the lead. From the first Ewin’s header back was scrambled away from in front of the goal after two shots were blocked and from the second Ewin beat keeper Sullivan but saw a defender head the ball off the line. 0-0 at half time and both sides looking for the win.

The second half was equally as good but Owens let themselves down with a poor final ball on several occasions. As the half proceeded Owens poured on more and more pressure but this Nottsborough defence is a good one and former skipper Rolfe and Sutcliffe held firm aided by Dave Howson who also had a good game up against a very good Owens right midfielder. The game could have gone either way but it was Nottsborough who took the lead on 69 minutes with a very good team goal. Nottsborough broke up an attack and Parker advanced from midfield with the ball at his feet. He spread the ball out to the left and a great cross found Ben Hughes unmarked 10 yards out and his flicked header found the bottom left hand corner of Sullivans goal. Minutes earlier a great reverse ball had seen Ewin put Hughes away on the right and his thumping cross was put behind for a corner. Nottsborough looked more dangerous in this half and almost settled the game with 7 minutes to go when a cross from Matt Negus flashed across the Owens area and Violet crashed a header against the bar. Violet has not scored with a header since he was 13 but he bravely put his forehead on this thumping cross.

Owens were exerting a lot of pressure on the away side. Forwell and Mann were in combative mood and looking for free kicks in and around the area so Nottsborough had to be very disciplined, with keeper Ashley clearly barking out caution. Ashley set a good example in this game dealing with the crosses and getting in a very good punched clearance from a swinging free kick. Owens pushed Breeze forward for the last quarter and Nottsborough were rather sitting on their lead but defending superbly. In the last minute this was exemplified when Nottsborough allowed Owens out of a corner and a flowing move saw the ball switched to the left. This move was snuffed out by a thumping tackle from Hickes who won the ball and cleared a potentially dangerous situation. Hickes also had a very good game, looking assured going forward, and it was good to see the Nottsborough defence re-united. In front of them the midfield four just about lasted the game after working so hard but the Nottsborough coach declined to bring on Chris Kerr and Nick Green who are both good players. Up front Hughes was a revelation, as Ewin shows increasing signs of returning to form and fitness. On this form, if Owens can find the final ball, not many sides will win at Potters Bar. Nottsborough just edged this one as they created the better chances. They worked hard and the confidence was showing again.

Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Negus, Kerr M, Parker, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Kerr C, Green.

Man of the Match for Nottsborough in my opinion was Ben Hughes who got the only goal of the game but brought others into the game and his pace was always a threat.

Nottsborough 1   West Wickham 2                   League                         24th October 2009

Not good enough Nottsborough

All of us know that the object of football is to score more goals than the opponent. Nottsborough got it wrong at both ends of the pitch on Saturday. One long ball caught out the defence and they then gave away a shocker from a long throw. Despite loads of possession, and at times swarming all over West Wickham, they did not score until substitute Nick Stavri showed them how with 15 minutes to go.

It is well known that West Wickham have loads of injuries and they turned up at Tolworth with a depleted squad. Nottsborough have been having their own problems with availability and they took the field with a completely different back four from two weeks ago and a completely different front pairing from last week. Despite all the changes both sides put on a game that was very watchable, as they tried to play good football on a surface not quite up to the usual standards but definitely better than at the start of the season.

Nottsborough were into their passing game very early with Nick Green, in an unaccustomed right back position, showing up well. The Kerr brothers were getting on top in midfield against Freeman and Jones, and Matt Negus was finding room out on the right. Crucially for Nottsborough Alex Ewin was finding space and taking another step forward in his comeback. Craig Bonser went close from Nottsborough’s first corner. Although there was lots of pressure there was little to show for it and West Wickham took the lead on 12 minutes when a long ball out of defence saw Dan Haines get the wrong side of Craig Bonser and the strikers pace took him into the area where he slotted very nicely past Dan Ashley who had hardly seen the ball up to that point.

This goal changed the balance and Ashley had to go down sharply at his near post to save a good volley from Haines. West Wickham were showing up well now and making good progress down their right hand side. Ivory and Haines were finding space against the new Nottsborough back line. Generally Craig Bonser did well with the dangerous Haines as the half progressed, whilst Matt Rolfe in his first game for several games began to make his mark with some neat distribution and strong vocals. Nottsborough were still getting a lot of possession. Mark Shadbolt put a cross against the Wickham bar and then West Wickhams new keeper made a superb save from Matt Kerr from just 8 yards as the home skipper thumped the ball towards goal and the keeper not only blocked it but crucially held it as well with Ewin ready to pounce. As the half wore on Ewin had a good shot turned aside by the keeper and Nottsborough despite creating lots of good situations could not find the final cross or shot to make it tell. They were made to pay in a very cruel way. Tommy Williams took a long throw into the Nottsborough area aimed at nobody in particular as West Wickham did not even have a man at the near post. Dan Ashley failed to take command of the situation and Matt Rolfe struggling with the long throw managed to provide the flick on that West Wickham could not provide for themselves. This header fell neatly to the feet of the West Wickham number 7 who was completely unmarked and he bundled the ball home to give a pretty unfair scoreline at halftime of 0-2. West Wickham had defended well with Gibson and Currie doing their jobs well and the forwards making the most of their chances. As stated at the beginning they did not concede and they took their chances – perfect.

The second half was really a lot of the same with Nottsborough finally beginning to look as if they could score and West Wickham defending well and occasionally looking dangerous on the break. The Nottsborough Coach made a number of left-field substitutions in an attempt to find something that worked. Green was replaced by Webb for his first team game in a year, whilst Apaloo (currently in the third team) replaced Hughes, who had got into some good positions but not found the final ball or shot. This is another example of a player who has been out for two weeks finding it hard to play well on his return. The final substitution was the oddest with Violet moved to left back in place of Shadbolt. Nick Stavri came on up front for the last 25 minutes with Alex Ewin withdrawn to midfield. The end-product of all these changes was that Violet started to see a lot of the ball and his distribution is generally good. Long balls forward started to find the willing Apaloo and Nottsborough began to look threatening. Finally with 15 minutes to go Nick Stavri stepped past two challenges and thumped the ball past the keeper from the edge of the area. It sums up Nottsborough’s season so far that Stavri, who has slowly been making a good comeback, turned up for this game complaining of a very stiff neck and thus did not start. Matt Kerr had a good chance from 12 yards out but headed over. Ewin had a heading chance but could not get enough power in and Nottsborough looked dangerous from corners as Bonser almost got enough on a flicked header. At the other end Ivory almost got through after a great little run that saw him flick the ball over two challenges, but not past Ashley. West Wickham held on but not in the way they would have with their full side, and it is back to the drawing board for Nottsborough with a tough game at Old Owens next week.

Ashley; Green, Bonser, Rolfe, Shadbolt; Negus, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Stavri, Webb, Apaloo.

Man of the Match for Nottsborough Matt Negus.

Nottsborough 0     Winchmore Hill 1                    League                   17th October 2009

Several people speaking to me in the bar afterwards thought this was a good game. I beg to differ. Neither keeper had a save to make. Chances were few and far between and one goal was always going to be enough. Winchmore Hill came with a good game plan and executed it well.

Nottsborough could not have had a much worse preparation for this game. The win at Weirside the previous Saturday was good and looks even better after Saturday’s results. Hoping to kick on from there, skipper Matt Kerr found out in the week that Rich Parker, Alex Ewin and Nick Green would not be available whilst Ben Hughes was already away. On Friday evening Simon Curasco pulled out and then on Saturday morning Matt Negus called in sick leaving the skipper with just 12 men, one of whom Matt Rolfe is not completely fit. Nottsborough are used to managing this type of situation but when your opponents are as good as Winchmore Hill it is sometimes difficult to get the result you hope for.

Winchmore played most of this game with 9 men behind the ball, hoping the ball to the excellent Beya would stick and then using the pace of their wide players to break. The first half was a stalemate and quite frankly rather low in quality from both sides. Only one decent chance was created when Chris Kerr and Ben Hickes linked nicely to send a deep cross to the back post. David Howson, playing in a now unaccustomed midfield role, got a really good header back from the by-line and David Shaw just failed to get his header on target.

The real chances of this game came in the second half when a little bit more room appeared on the smallest pitch at Tolworth. Beya got clean through on Dan Ashley but put the ball narrowly wide of the left hand upright. The game was won when the usually excellent Arren Sutcliffe got the ball stuck under his feet and Aby Seymour was given space to advance on Ashley and curl the ball home on 62 minutes. Nottsborough swiftly switched to 4-3-3 but did not trouble an assured Winchmore defence too much. Nick Stavri saw a brief sight of goal but his shot was painfully blocked. Matt Kerr had a very good chance to snatch the equaliser when a Violet free kick found the skipper unmarked on the back post but Kerr put his header over the bar from only 5 yards out. Winchmore held on quite comfortably after that as Nottsborough huffed and puffed but rarely threatened as they had to take off David Shaw and could only move a midfielder forward.

Not good enough from last years champions this. Too many team changes each week is making a title defence unlikely. Nottsborough have a strong squad but 4 or 5 changes each week is too much to deal with.

Ashley; Hickes, Bonser, Sutcliffe, Shadbolt; Kerr C, Kerr M, Howson, Violet; Shaw, Stavri; Sub Rolfe

Man of the Match for Nottsborough was Craig Bonser who came in at centre back and was neat and tidy all game with good pace to match the Winchmore speedy men.

Weirside Rangers 0       Nottsborough 2             League                   10th October 2009 

Nottsborough strikers return

The Nottsborough team had a good dressing room chat about how things were going this season. The result was a very impressive first 30 minutes in which they went 2-0 up and this was enough to secure the points. The return of SAL Representative strikers Nick Stavri and Alex Ewin probably also had something to do with it. Stavri has started only a handful of games in the last 11 months whilst Ewin has not started a game for 6 months. Both men featured prominently in the first 20 minutes but naturally faded somewhat over the 90 minutes.

The three match officials failed to materialise so Ref Richard Melvin took sole charge of this game. The playing surface at Imber Court was firm but the recent rain had helped and fortunately the strong winds of the previous week had gone. Weirside looked lively in the early moments but Nottsborough started to get on top with wide players Nathan Violet and Matt Negus showing up well. Nottsborough took the lead on 10 minutes when bright play down the right involving Negus and Ben Hickes won a free kick wide out on the right level with the edge of the area. Violet’s in-swinger was beautifully placed and Matt Kerr flicked the ball on for Alex Ewin to run the ball into the net. A nice way for the striker to celebrate his return from injury.

During the first 30 minutes Nottsborough looked very threatening and created a number of chances. Nottsborough increased their lead on 20 minutes when a confident solo run by Violet saw him break through the middle and time his pass to Chris Kerr to perfection. Kerr was clean through on the keeper and he literally slid his shot into the bottom right hand corner. In no particular order, but all in that first half hour, Ewin blasted a volley high and wide, whilst a Negus screamer narrowly missed the right hand upright. Following two separate corners Arren Sutcliffe had a shot blocked and his centre back partner Rich Parker repeated the feat minutes later. From a good move down the left, involving the impressive Howson and Violet, Matt Kerr volleyed over the bar on what was a difficult volley beyond the far post.

Weirside got themselves back into the game by continuing to try and play the ball around and their midfield 5 were lively and quite inventive when they got the space. For Nottsborough the two Kerr brothers were having to work very hard to close down Weirside’s middle 3. Nottsborough started to give away free kicks and Weirside came much more into the game before half time although Sutcliffe and Parker dealt comfortably with most things, whilst Ashley in goal calmly patrolled his area.

As is often the case the second half was a different story. Weirside got their act together and started to make a real game of it. They definitely had the balance of play for most of this half although the chances they created were limited and largely came from set plays. Their influential centre back headed narrowly wide from one of these on 55 minutes. Ashley had to go down to save a free kick that, although mishit, was bobbling towards the goal through a crowd of players. Weirside’s best chance came when a good attack down the right produced a cut-back and the chance was volleyed high. Although there were more free kicks and corners conceded, the impressive Parker and Sutcliffe mostly dealt with these although Ashley did come for one good punch injuring Parker in the process.

Nottsborough made changes early in the second half bringing on Craig Bonser for Ben Hickes and Mark Shadbolt for Dave Howson. Not much later Nick Green replaced Matt Negus. It makes such a difference having a strong bench. Nottsborough were under pressure before these changes were made and all three players did well and settled into the game as it moved into the final quarter. Although still under pressure Nottsborough created the best two chances of this half and Weirside have their keeper to thank for keeping the score to two. An intricate passing move starting with Shadbolt, who did well down the left, ended with Stavri hitting a clean shot across the keeper. The ball was definitely going inside the right hand post until the home keeper at full stretch got a fingertip to it tipping it around the post. A superb save! Minutes later Violet tried to take on the home defence on his own and the result was a firm shot through a crowd of players. The Weirside keeper again did well going to his left to make a smart save at the expense of a corner.

There was to be no further score although ref Richard Melvin kept on awarding free kicks and corners to Weirside, even when there was no touch. The man in the middle had a good game overall, keeping up with play well, and being reluctant to hand out cards. Oh for the three officials though.

This was better from Nottsborough although the league may well be harder to win this season. Broomfield and Poly have had a good start, and Nottsborough are not yet back to their best. Nevertheless they only had three points at this stage last season. The squad if anything looks stronger but there has to be more consistency in availability before the team play returns to last season’s standard.

Ashley; Hickes, Parker, Sutcliffe, Howson; Negus, Kerr C, Kerr M, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Bonser, Shadbolt, Green.

Man of the Match could really have been Chris Kerr for the sheer energy of his performance and a very well taken goal (he really should score more often). I have decided against it on the grounds of free kicks conceded which probably got into double figures - he has a nice smile refs. My award goes this week to Arren Sutcliffe – three games and three clean sheets.

Nottsborough 0     Old Salesians 0       League                                     3rd October 2009

Penalty Save denies Nottsborough !

This was not a great game. In fact it was frantic and scrappy. Bit like a school playground game when the wind is blowing. A mini gale was blowing across a pitch that was not up to the usual Tolworth standard. The lack of rain meant the pitch was hard and the drainage work done to the pitch has not healed due to this lack of rain. Therefore a hard pitch with soft patches on a windy day spoiled what should have been an excellent game between two of the best footballing sides in the league.

Even so Nottsborough should have taken all 3 points because Ref Gangadeen awarded them a penalty on 22 minutes. Nathan Violet’s spot kick was heading for the corner but Salesian’s Russell Hodges pulled off a great save low to his right. Nottsborough had just held the edge up to this point with Parker and Sutcliffe looking solid at the heart of the home defence. Chances, and indeed any passing football, were in limited supply. Matt Negus was put away not long after the penalty but the young Salesians defender got back to make a great tackle. As the half wore on Salesians looked more dangerous and one cross had Ashley struggling in the home goal and Michael Ayres headed narrowly wide.

The second half was more of the same although both teams had settled better to the conditions. In truth though this was a game where the ball was off the field of play as much as it was on it. Salesians rarely troubled Dan Ashley during this half. There were a couple of routine shots to stop and Nick Haynes had a good chance near the end but struggled to keep his volley low enough to find the net. At the other end there was a return for Alex Ewin after 6 months out and the striker twice had the ball in the net in the 25 minutes he was on the pitch, both being ruled offside. Nottsborough produced one piece of good football down the left involving Violet and Howson and Ben Hughes did really well to get a good cross in where Matt Kerr headed narrowly wide.

This was a pretty even game where Nottsborough probably held the edge on chances created and the penalty should have sealed the three points. The home side are showing signs of returning to form and have all their squad bar Matt Rolfe fit to play. We shall see whether the 4 players selected for the AFA side come back fit; namely Matt Negus, Dave Howson, Nathan Violet and Arren Sutcliffe. Salesians have players getting over injury and will be a real force as the season progresses.

Ashley; Hickes, Parker, Sutcliffe, Howson; Kerr C, Kerr M, Negus, Violet; Curasco, Hughes; Subs Ewin, Green and Shadbolt.

Man of the Match had to be a defender and my vote goes to David Howson with two great tackles near the end standing out.

Broomfield 2      Nottsboough 1           League                               26th September 2009

Nottsborough fell to their first defeat of the season following a performance containing far too many individual errors and a freak late goal.  The performance was probably worthy of a point - Nottsborough rarely looked troubled by Broomfield other than when conceding possession cheaply in dangerous areas but failed to capitalise on sustained periods of possession in the second half.

Broomfield took the lead on 10 minutes.  A cross from the Broomfield left wing travelled to the far post where the unmarked centre forward had managed to avoid the attentions of both Howson and Violet.  His free header was excellently taken leaving Ashley with no chance.

Notssborough struggled to retain possession throughout the first half and it took 40 minutes before they put their first string of passes together, the move culminating with Stavri going close from 20 yards.

It was Stavri who equalised with the last kick of the first half, making the most of a yard of space in the Broomfield penalty area.

The second half saw a better Nottsborough display. Nottsborough thought they had a second on 75 minutes but Matt Kerr was adjudged to have fowled before putting the ball in the Broomfield net, much to the surprise and dismay of the Nottsborough players. 

The killer blow came in the 89^th minute. An innocuous looking throw in was poorly controlled by the Broomfield central midfielder on the edge of the Nottsborough box. The ball travelling away from him and with his back to goal, a hopeful swing of the leg sent the ball looping over Ashley and into the top corner of the net.

The game finished 2-1 and Nottsborough will need to improve in the coming weeks.

Team: Ashley, Shadbolt, Parker, Rolfe, Howson, C Kerr, M Kerr, Negus, Violet, Hughes, Stavri

Subs used: Bonser, Green, Hickes.  Goal: Stavri

Man of the match: Negus

Nottsboough 1  Civil Service 0          League                                   12th September 2009

Nottsborough started the defence of their SAL Senior title with a hard won victory over a Civil Service side that pushed them right to the end. It was a very hot sunny day and the usual lawns of Tolworth were somewhat spoiled by the drainage channels which have not yet fully grassed over. Skipper Matt Kerr will take this win as he was struggling to finalise his team right up until the Saturday morning. Despite training since mid July and playing 5 pre-season matches players seem to be unable to make themselves available when the league starts, have other prior engagements, or pick up injuries. Both sides were at nothing like full strength for this game. Kerr will also be happy that he seems to have picked up several very useful players to add to his title winning squad.

Nottsborough started brightly and the skipper might have done better when a cut back from Violet left him with space but his first time side-foot did not carry enough power to really trouble the Civil Service keeper. At the other end the Civil Service number 9 had a great chance from a corner but headed wastefully over. Back came Nottsborough and Violet was causing the away defence a headache, with one run taking him past 2 tackles but again the shot was not good enough to trouble the keeper. The away custodian was in a lot of trouble with a low Nick Green cross and was lucky to see the ball miss the far post after he allowed the ball to go right through him. The Nottsborough defence were being asked questions by a Civil Service side playing a 4-3-3 formation and Ashley pulled off a great save from another corner although the ref’s whistle had just blown. Space however was appearing behind the Civil Service defence and Mark Shadbolt on his debut took full advantage. Was it a cross, or a cross shot ? No matter it beat the keeper on the near post and smacked into the back of the net off the far post on 30 minutes. This was to be the goal that settled the game.

The second half started well for Nottsborough and Hughes was almost through to make it 2-0. Moments later on 54 minutes he did make it 2-0 but was ruled offside. In fact Matt Kerr’s cross shot, after good work by Violet, was going in so that Hughes’s keenness to finish things on the line was a little mis-placed. Violet really should have done a lot better when he wriggled through but tamely put his right footer over the bar. It looked for the rest of the half as if Nottsborough might regret their wastefulness. They started to sit back and give rather a lot of free kicks away. However it was fortunate that Matt Kerr was able to put together a solid defence at the last minute. In came former AFA skipper Mark Grove to play at right back whilst new man Rich Parker, after one training session, formed what looks like a very promising partnership with the reliable Arren Sutcliffe. Dave Howson made up the back four and celebrated his first SAL Rep selection with a solid performance at left back. As the half progressed coach Brian Williams brought on another new man in David Shaw to replace Shadbolt allowing Violet to return to his normal position as Civil Service piled on the pressure. Although there were lots of dangerous crosses delivered into the box keeper Dan Ashley had a very sound game clearly talking to his defenders and catching cleanly anything that came his way. The impressive Derek Coe brought the game to an end after 4 minutes of added time. Civil Service deserved a point on possession and pressure but Nottsborough had the clearer chances and Shadbolts debut strike earned the three points.

Ashley; Grove, Parker, Sutcliffe, Howson; Green, Kerr M, Kerr C, Shadbolt; Violet, Hughes; Sub Shaw.

Man of the Match for Nottsborough goes to ex Chichester City defender Rich Parker for a calm and solid defensive display.

Nottsborough 2   Old Bealonians 3     Greenland Cup Final          5th September 2009

This final was played at a much improved EBOG. Not the greatest choice however on a day when the Northern Line was closed and so was the M25. Your reporter took 2 hours and 40 minutes to get home. Aah the joys of football in London !

Old Bealonians came into this match minus 5 players from their successful AFC winning side and with 3 players suspended. The team was therefore based on their very good Intermediate side of last season. Nottsborough managed, for the first time in pre-season, to put out a side that resembled their First team. However the spine of the team was missing, with Dan Ashley, Matt Rolfe, Danny Marsland, and Alex Ewin all otherwise engaged.

Old Bealonians won the game deservedly because they had the balance of play and more efforts at goal. They started well and should have been at least a goal up before they scored simply from a corner on the far post on 20 minutes. Nottsborough, who were very bright in the first 5 minutes, eventually emerged fully from their shells as the half progressed. When they strung some passes together they looked the better side but much of the half was spent trying long balls for Hughes and Shaw to get on to. Ten minutes before half time Nottsborough equalised with a very good goal. Matt Negus produced a long cross field ball, Nick Green whipped over a cross to the back of the box, where Violet’s spectacular volley turned into a very good cross for David Shaw to head home on his debut.

Nottsborough started the second half passing the ball well and looking confidant. Three changes were made at half time. Dave Howson came on for Gary Cullinan, Chris Kerr for Nick Green, and Nick Stavri for David Shaw. Stavri as always looks the part and he went very close with an ambitious long volley. On 55 minutes Nottsborough took the lead as Negus took a quick free kick and Nathan Violet found the roof of the net from 20 yards with a deflected shot. Nottsborough were now well on top and it looked like their now neat football was going to set up more goals as Dave Howson made a couple of great runs down the left linking with Stavri.

It was not to be. Nottsborough ran out of a bit of steam, began to sit on their lead, and Bealonians wanted the Cup a bit more. Also Nottsborough rather went to sleep at the back. A nice passage of play from Bealonians saw their dangerous left winger get clear in the box. Smyth looked a clear favourite to claim the ball, but neither held it, nor pushed it far enough away, and the same player popped the ball into the empty net. With 10 minutes to go a good low drive looked to be covered by Smyth, and with everyone expecting a corner somehow the ball had enough force to find the bottom corner. Negus put in one great run to the byline in the dying moments and had he gone over after the last challenge the ref would have had a real decision. Two corners came to nothing and the Cup belonged to Bealonians.

Smyth; Hickes, Bonser, Sutcliffe, Cullinan; Green, Kerr M, Negus, Violet; Hughes, Shaw; Subs Howson, Stavri, Kerr C.

Old Harrovians 0   Nottsborough 3          Greenland Cup semi final          29 August 2009

Nottsborough eased into the Greenland Cup Final with a comfortable win in Harrow.  Played on an astro turf pitch, Nottsborough quickly settled and should have taken the lead within minutes of the start when good chances fell to both Roberts and Negus with neither being able to convert. Nottsborough enjoyed much of the possession in the first half but struggled to create any further meaningful chances.

The second half followed a similar pattern but Nottsborough still lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.  It wasn’t until 65 minutes when Nick Green picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and drove a fantastic strike past a helpless Harrovian goalkeeper. Nick Stavri scored a second shortly after following good work by Sutcliffe.  Ben Hughes put the game beyond doubt on 80 minutes when Stavri unselfishly squared to leave Hughes with a simple tap in.

A comfortable win for Nottsborough secures one more game before the season starts. Notable performances from Sutcliffe at centre back and Shaw in goal, both who flew in from Oz specially for the game, and Matt Kerr who arrived from Ireland shortly before kick off.  With several players still missing this was a promising start to competitive fixtures but sterner tests will be faced.

Side:

Shaw, Green, Grove, Sutcliffe, Shadbolt, Negus, M Kerr, Datta, Cullinan, Hughes, Roberts.

Subs used:

Stavri, C Kerr, Webb

Nottsborough 1 Clapham Old Xavarians 2        Pre season friendly          15 August 2009

Following Matty Arnold’s departure the fixture between Nottsborough and Xavarians has become a regular feature of pre-season. On the day Nottsborough produced a fairly lacklustre performance and went down after conceding two very soft goals. A late consolation penalty, well taken by Nick Green, was Nottsborough’s only reward.

Following on from a good win over Meadonians last week Nottsborough hoped to continue their good form. However, a very slow opening 15 minutes from the home side proved costly.  Within a minute the Xavarian’s centre forward found himself with time and space from 10 yards but put the ball wide when he should have done much better.  This should have been a wakeup call for the Nottsborough side but more sloppy defending saw Nimmo gift Xavarian’s a goal on 15 minutes with a poor back pass that left Roberts with no chance.

Following the goal Nottsborough settled and played some attractive football. Datta was impressive in midfield alongside Howson who was typically energetic and put in some good work. Nottsborough finished the stronger in the first half but lacked a quality final ball and a bit of composure in the final third.

The second half was fairly uneventful. Nottsborough gifted a second goal to Xavarians.  This time a headed back pass fell short of goalkeeper Rolfe and the ball was lifted in to the empty net.

Nottsborough won a penalty 5 minutes from the end. Nick Green stepped up and finished emphatically but it was too little too late. A disappointing result but all players had a good run out. Notable performances from Datta and Howson, also Matt Taylor who worked extremely hard up front for 80 minutes with little reward.

Side:

Roberts, Hickes, Rolfe, Nimmo, Shadbolt, Green, Howson, Datta, Morris, M Taylor, Bowman.

Subs used:

Cullinan, J Taylor, Lea, Briggs

Nottsborough 3     Old Meadonians 1       Pre season friendly              8th August 2009

A friendly against Old Meadonians has become a feature of pre-season preparations in recent years and once again on Saturday we welcomed them to a very warm Tolworth. With the weather in the mid-20’s, and re-development on the ground, the match was played way over the hill on the old Maori pitches. The playing surface was still very good however. Nottsborough had a squad of 18, whilst Old Meadonians seemed to be missing quite a few faces. It was a pretty good game however.

Nottsborough had the better of the first half and deserved to be 1-0 up at half time. Nick Stavri who missed most of last season showed he has lost none of his touch when he cut inside the centre back on 4 minutes and picked out the far side netting from 20 yards. Later in the half Stavri beat the keeper again but hit the same post. Matt Negus and Nick Green both made good contributions as Nottsborough controlled the midfield. By half time Old Meadonians were coming back into the game, although their keeper did very well to deny Jo Holden after good work by Negus and Green.

The second half was played a lot more in Nottsborough’s defensive half after they made wholesale half time changes. Only Datta and Nimmo remained from the first half team and Datta once again showed up very well with a hard-working and positive performance. Old Meadonians had several free kick opportunities but failed to test Nottsborough’s stand-in keeper. Meadonians were on top and forcing corners when they got caught on the break on 66 minutes. A very smart break involving Datta and Bowman ended with a lovely low cross from Bowman and a smart finish from Ben Hughes. Hughes was causing Meadonians problems as they switched to three at the back. Turning inside his man he smashed a shot against the cross bar. At the other end Meadonians stand-out player Ed Glover got on the end of a free kick and put his side back in the game with a smart glancing header with 15 minutes to go. Nottsborough won the game with another breakaway when a super through ball put Owen Prosser in a 50-50 with the keeper and somehow Prosser managed to get the ball over the line from a narrow angle despite the great efforts of a Meadonians defender on 82 minutes. There was still time for Meadonians to head a great chance straight at the keeper, whilst Bowman put Nick Green completely clear and his shot also smacked against the bar in the final minute.

First half – Lea; Hickes, Bonser, Nimmo, Cullinan; Green, Datta, Negus, Holden; Taylor, Stavri.

FC Royals 2      Nottsborough 2          Pre season friendly

Another hot day for Nottsborough’s pre-season campaign and this one a stiff test against one of the strongest sides in the London Sunday Metropolitan League. The City of London School pitch is one of the best playing surfaces in London and both teams did their best to play the sort of football to match the playing conditions. FC Royals started very brightly and three times in the first 15 minutes Dan Ashley had to stand tall to block clear chances. FC Royals were moving the ball swiftly in midfield and finding some excellent through balls. Slowly but surely Nottsborough got back into the game as Matt Kerr and Ted Datta got a bit closer to their men whilst Matt Negus and Dave Howson found space out wide. The Nottsborough defence with Matt Rolfe and Craig Bonser started to tighten things up, whilst Ben Hickes and Matt Shadbolt were doing well at full back. By half time Nottsborough had created three great chances of their own as Violet and Roberts started to keep the ball and link well.

Nottsborough made three changes at half time with Briggsy, Nimmo and Gary Cullinan slotting in midfield and right and left back respectively. Nottsborough also changed their tactics as they let FC Royals have the ball at the back closing down sharply when the ball got into their own half. The new tactics paid hefty dividends as firstly Nathan Violet brilliantly beat a couple of men on 54 minutes to slide the ball inside the right hand post. Within 5 minutes Nottsborough were two up as Dave Howson finding room to the left of the goal fired in a low cross-shot that got under the keeper and rolled over the line. At this point FC Royals seemed to almost give up and Matt Kerr and Leon Roberts twice should have put the game out of reach. Further rolling subs took Nottsborough’s concentration off the game and FC Royals snatched a goal back with an excellent far post strike. This really lifted the home side and they got an equaliser with 10 minutes to go as the lively home forwards got back into the game. Both sides had a decent chance to take the game but it ended a draw with Nottsborough ruing those missed chances.

Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Bonser, Shadbolt; Negus, Kerr M, Datta, Howson; Roberts, Violet; Subs Cullinan, Briggs, Nimmo

Missing from this game centre-back Arren Sutcliffe, Midfielders Chris Kerr, Nick Green and Danny Marsland (who will miss the whole season), and forwards Alex Ewin, Nick Stavri and Ben Hughes.