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Polytechnic 1 Nottsborough 4 League 9th May 2009
The rumour was that Polytechnic would be under-strength due to a football tour. They were slightly. Nevertheless they still put out a pretty strong tall team and, as usual, they played some very good stuff in patches. This was a surprisingly good quality game for the last game of the season. Played on a well grassed but bumpy pitch the players put on a very good show which the excellent ref said was “a total pleasure to ref”.
Nottsborough put this game out of sight with one of those purple patches where 4 goals went in during a 20 minute period midway through the first half when Poly’s defence just went missing. Nottsborough had Vet keeper Nigel Miller deputising for Dan Ashley. Miller rolled back the clock with a confident claim of an early long throw in, and then did even better near the end to turn a low bouncing shot around his left hand post to keep the score at 4-1. With rep player Dave Howson back Matt Kerr made the surprising decision to stick with Gary Cullinan at left back and Cullinan did not let his Captain down as he subdued the pacy Poly right-winger. Danny Marsland was back in midfield alongside Matt Kerr and they were on top in the first half with Chris Kerr showing up well on the right and Nathan Violet producing two trademark through balls. Up front Alex Ewin played his first game for several weeks, missed a sitter, scored a very brave header and then left the pitch on 25 minutes to be replaced by Jono Santry. At the heart of their defence Rolfe and Sutcliffe were again keeping things tight, whilst Ben Hickes was once again having a good game and it was his excellent deep cross that provided the third goal for Matt Kerr.
The opening twenty minutes were pretty even, and the best chance fell to Ewin who missed an easy chance by side-footing over the bar from 10 yards. Around 20 minutes however Ewin got on the end of a terrific through ball from Nathan Violet. Violets’s ball released from just inside his own half landed just outside the area, where Alex Ewin beat the keeper to the ball and bravely headed into the empty net. The collision with the keeper left Ewin limping again. Chris Apaloo had a great chance to score a spectacular goal as he broke clear from halfway. With 3 against 1 Apaloo did not know whether to pass or go it alone. In the end he tamely shot wide from about 12 yards out with only the keeper to beat. It was pretty quickly 2-0 as the Poly defence dissolved and Matt Kerr burst onto another great Violet pass. The ball thumped into the back of the Poly net on 24 minutes, following a low right footer from just outside the area. Nottsborough were now playing some very good stuff using the grassy flanks. A third goal came on 33 minutes when Hickes swept in a super cross and Matt Kerr powered a header past an unprotected keeper. Nottsborough’s fourth came on 40 minutes when, not for the first time this season, a short corner routine produced a goal. Violet played the ball low to Chris Kerr just inside the area and the midfielder drilled another fine shot across the keeper and inside the far post.
Polytechnic could have given up, but they were definitely the better side in the second half and at times their football was very good indeed. They scored following quite a bit of pressure around the hour mark and they created several good opportunities after this. A Poly player blocked a goal bound shot. Nottsborough cleared one away from the line whilst Brown almost added to his impressive tally when he beat Hickes and thumped his shot narrowly over. Another Poly shot flew just over from a corner. Nottsborough were looking tired and making changes. Chris Kerr was replaced by Dave Howson, whilst Matt Negus came on for a cameo 15 minutes despite a nagging hip injury. Nottsborough had chances themselves to find the 50th goal of the season. Santry was put away but lobbed the keeper and the local trees in his attempt to replicate the great goal at Owens. Violet put a free kick into the ample hands of the stand-in Poly keeper who could not be blamed for any of the goals. There were no other goals to report and the ref ended a most enjoyable match, which had been played in a great spirit by two teams who have a lot of respect for each-other after 3 meetings this season.
And so Nottsborough ended their best ever season with a good win away against a good footballing Poly side. They have had 9 games to play in 28 days. Since winning the AFA Trophy on the 4th April the list of Saturday games to play was most daunting; Old Owens, West Wickham and Poly away, with Winchmore Hill and West Wickham at home. All five games were won and this was enough in the end to take the title. The 7 points they got from 4 consecutive Tuesday games, when Nottsborough were not able to field their strongest side, was enough to give them a margin. The players that have had to come in during this 9 game period have done superbly. The injury list at one point was getting as bad as West Wickham’s, but at this stage of the season momentum is everything. This has been a real team effort. It has also been done with only one booking in 20 games since Christmas which is another stat to be proud of.
Miller; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Cullinan; Kerr C, Kerr M, Marsland, Violet; Ewin, Apaloo; Subs Santry, Howson, Negus.
Man of the Match could easily go to Cullinan who has been good in the last 6 games, or to Hickes who is really finding his feet. My vote in this game though goes to the man who saw three opportunities for quality passes and delivered them – Nathan Violet.
Nottsborough 0 Old Salesians 2 League 5th May 2009
Alan Coton of West Wickham recently wrote that midweek matches are a lottery. I can see where he is coming from and the league really does need to look at Rep team matches and when the season starts. Nottsborough have been asked to play 4 matches on Tuesdays since the 14th April. Their record in these 4 matches is 2 wins, a draw, and a defeat. Contrast this with the 4 Saturday matches which have all been won and you can see the point. It is really difficult to get anything like a full side out in midweek. The 4 Saturday matches were Old Owens and West Wickham away, Winchmore Hill and West Wickham at home and I do not think you can get any harder games than those. The outcome has been that Nottsborough have done wonderfully well to get 19 points from those 8 games and that has been enough to take the Southern Amateur League Senior title for the second time in three years.
This game against Old Salesians was one game too far for Nottsborough with the league title already secured. The Nottsborough players had plenty of excuses leading up to this game. “I have lost my kit bag”, “I can’t find my boots”, “I’m still drunk”, “I have to work”, “I bumped into a door”. They just were not up for it whilst Old Salesians, who have also had a great run since Christmas, clearly were. Old Salesians deserved the win here with a performance that grew in confidence as the Nottsborough players tired. Salesians were in full control during the last half hour, and scored twice in the last 15 minutes. Despite missing James Ayres, Salesians had a pretty strong side out with a couple of new faces. If they can keep this team together for next season they will be real contenders.
The game started well for Nottsborough. Despite still being without Alex Ewin, Chris Apaloo and Ben Hughes were lively early on and Apaloo’s great run along the by-line provided Hughes with a chance he could not control. Minutes later the favour was returned and Apaloo had a great chance from 10 yards but put the ball too close to the keeper. Slowly Salesians grew in confidence and started the get the ball out wide where Craig Bonser playing in an un-accustomed left back position was doing well to subdue a lively Salesians winger. With Matt Rolfe carrying an injury Arren Sutcliffe was having to work doubly hard to keep things tight in the middle. In midfield Dave Howson was playing his first game since the AFA Senior Final, Chris Kerr did not fancy any contact with facial injuries and thus Matt Kerr and Nathan Violet were being asked to do a lot. Nick Green, Danny Marsland and Matt Negus were not able to get another day off work and they have been very influential lately. It was scoreless at half time but the game was very even.
The second half was a different story as Nottsborough resorted to holding on as Howson tired. Salesians gradually started to build up the pressure and Ashley was called upon to make two good saves to keep Salesians out. Nottsborough made changes with Santry replacing Hughes and Cullinan coming on for Chris Kerr. These changes slightly unsettled Nottsborough and they conceded a crucial goal with 15 minutes to go as the new Salesians centre-forward scored from a rebound as Ashley tipped the ball onto the post. Almost immediately Nottsborough produced their best move of the game as they went 4-3-3. Matt Kerr and Nathan Violet were involved and Santry was provided with a clear opportunity 6 yards out but rushed his side footer wide when it looked easier to score. Nottsborough paid for this as a stretched defence left Ben Hickes trying to clear from under his own crossbar. Despite two attempts at it a desperately tired Hickes only managed to head it inside the post to make it 2-0. Salesians number 9 then almost made it 3-0 with a great strike against the crossbar. Nottsborough rallied a little with Matt Kerr working feverishly but the home side were glad to get the final whistle.
Although Nottsborough lost this one against a good Salesians side they can feel rightly proud of their run since November that has produced 21 wins, 2 draws and now 2 defeats, the other defeat being 1-0 in the Surrey/Kent final. Nottsborough were that close to doing an almost unique treble. As it is an AFA Senior Trophy and SAL Senior League double has only been done 6 times in 100 years. I doubt if any side in that period has had to play 8 games in 24 days to secure the SAL title.
Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Bonser; Kerr C, Kerr M, Howson, Violet; Apaloo, Hughes; Subs Santry, Cullinan.
Man of the Match is not easy as this was one of Nottsborough’s poorest displays for some time. My vote goes to Matt Rolfe who, although being clearly unfit, did his best to keep two good players quiet. In this he was run very close by Arren Sutcliffe who has been superb in Nottsborough’s double campaign.
West Wickham 0 Nottsborough 3 League 2nd May 2009
Make mine a double...
A small corner of Kent was to provide the setting for the climax of the 2008/09 season and prove pivotal in deciding the destination of the SAL senior division trophy. Corkscrew Hill was a fitting venue for a West Wickham Vs Nottsborough game that is always keenly contested, whilst Wilsonians and Winchmore played a short distance down the road in Hayes. Nottsborough were able to name a largely unchanged side from the team that beat Wilsons in midweek, with Matt Kerr slotting in at right back following a late withdrawal by Hickes and the return of Danny Marsland to the central midfield role which he has made his own over recent weeks. Rolfe also returned to centre back following the recent birth of his child.
Wickham, despite the pre-match claims of manager Cotton to be fielding their 6th team, still had a number of regular faces on show. Freeman, released from the shackles of shadowing the effervescent Ewin (Nottsborough's talismanic striker still sidelined through injury), found himself playing in an unusually advanced position.
The pitch was in good condition and there was not a breath of wind in the air.
Nottsborough started slowly and struggled to get to grips with the Wickham midfield five in the early stages. Freeman looked dangerous on several occasions and the early exchanges saw him flash a fierce left foot volley inches wide of Ashley’s upright and later out jump Matt Kerr only to head into the arms of Ashley.
It took Nottsborough a good 15 minutes to settle and they soon began to take control of the game. Marsland continued his impressive form of recent weeks and started to dominate the midfield exchanges. Negus, still carrying a knock following his midweek heroics against Wilsons, started to see more of the ball.
The breakthrough came on 25 minutes. Marsland found himself in space within the Wickham penalty area. Instead of shooting he played square to Hughes who swept the ball into the corner of the net from 8 yards. 1-0 Nottsborough.
Following the goal Nottsborough grew in confidence. Chris Kerr demonstrated the energy and passing ability that has been key to Nottsborough this season. Sutcliffe and Rolfe, a key element of Nottsborough’s water tight defence this term, were also as impervious as ever.
As Nottsborough settled Violet, who has looked back to his best during the run in to the season, and Cullinan started linking well down the left. Cullinan overlapped Violet on 35 minutes and produced a dangerous delivery into the box which just evaded Hughes and Apaloo.
Nottsborough’s second came shortly before the break. A trademark corner from Violet found Sutcliffe 6 yards from goal and the no-nonsense centre back made no mistake to register his first strike of the season. Nottsborough went into half time with a two goal advantage whilst news filtered through that Winchmore also held a two goal advantage at Wilsons.
Mark Grove, called into the squad late to provide defensive cover, took on the responsibility of delivering a half time team talk in the absence of Director of Football Brian Williams. Grove’s motivational talk provided the focus required for the second half and Nottsborough grew stronger as the game progressed. The midfield quartet started to dominate possession with some great passing and movement. Hughes and Apaloo worked tirelessly upfront and did particularly well at retaining the ball and bringing their team mates into the game.
Nick Green, who has typified Nottsborough’s work ethic this term, came into the game on 70 minutes, allowing Rolfe to take a rest and Marsland slotted in alongside Sutcliffe at the heart of the defence. Grove replaced Matt Kerr, the Nottsborough skipper having produced another fine display.
The final nail in the West Wickham coffin came 5 minutes from time. Hughes released Apaloo who raced free, rounded the keeper and calmly slotted home. This goal sealed victory and meant that only a series of freak results could prevent Nottsborough from reclaiming their title.
Following the final whistle it was confirmed that Winchmore had squandered a two goal advantage at Wilsons and the Nottsborough players were free to celebrate.
It is impossible to choose a man of the match as the side played extremely well and credit must be given to all those that made an appearance and those that have represented the Nottsborough 1st XI throughout the season, it really has been a squad effort. It was a fantastic performance to secure a title which, having taken only three points from the first four league games, looked a long way off last October. Ashley was typically dominant at the back, snuffing out danger before it arose. Rolfe, returning to the side was as dependable as ever, alongside Sutcliffe who once again seemed to stroll through the game. Gary Cullinan has come into the side and produced a string of impressive performances. Matt Kerr selflessly named himself at right back and produced another fine display. Matt has led the team exceptionally well this season and hopefully winning the double has made that all worthwhile. Violet, criticised by some for only turning up to the big games, proved just why he is such a valuable asset to the Nottsborough side, his work rate was fantastic and he continuously got on the ball and caused problems for the opposition. Matt Negus, a hugely important signing for Nottsborough this season, seems to have shaken off the “utility” tag and now roams the centre of midfield on a regular basis. Danny Marsland gave another assured performance, typical of recent weeks. Chris Kerr continues to defy logic and belief, typifying the passing spirit and energy of Nottsborough. Hughes, who has much improved this season, scored another important goal and worked hard to retain possession throughout. Apaloo scored a fine goal and had the celebration to suit. Green and Grove also did well on the day.
A special mention must also be given to the West Wickham players, management and supporters for their hospitality and kind words following confirmation that we had won the league.
Team: Ashley, M Kerr, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Cullinan, C Kerr, Negus, Marsland, Violet, Hughes, Apaloo.
Subs: Green (70), Grove (77), Ewin (90+3)
Goals: Hughes, Sutcliffe, Apaloo
Nottsborough 1 Old Wilsonians 0 League 28th April 2009
Nottsborough booking shock !
Nottsborough have not picked up a booking at first team level since before Christmas. It was therefore quite a shock to see referee Peter Georgiou reaching for his yellow card in the second half to book Matt (Gatuso) Negus who had been terrorising the Wilsonian players with 3 late challenges. None of these were as late as Mr Georgiou however who won this little battle by arriving 15 minutes late for kick off. The Wilsonian players were very good by appealing to Mr Georgiou not to book Negus but after so many games trying to win titles it was inevitable that someone would get booked, although Negus would not have been the prime candidate in many people’s little black book. Putting this to one side I think a big plus goes to the SAL this season in trying to get three officials for Division 1 fixtures. Gareth Dineen has done a great job in sorting 3 officials for the last 6 Nottsborough games. It makes a real difference to the standard of play and will attract better players to what is an improving league. Last night’s 3 officials all played their part in making for a good competitive game.
As is often the case the lawns of Tolworth proved inviting to the opposition on this sunlit evening and Wilsonian’s were inspired to play some sharp controlled football. They were not going to allow Nottsborough an easy ride and this game was in doubt right to the end. It was now easy to see why Wilsonian’s had been riding high in the league at Christmas time. A free kick from Rep player Oz Akkaya smacked against the bar with 10 minutes to go and this would have set up an intriguing finale but somehow Bonser and Ashley managed to scramble away the rebound. Earlier in the half Dan Ashley showed what a key player he has been to Nottsborough this season by standing tall and making a very good save from the Wilsonian’s number 9 who I have not seen before and who was a very tidy player indeed. Bonser had been called into the side at late notice after the withdrawal of both Rolfe and Marsland and he once again gave a very good account of himself in a defence which did very well to keep a lively Wilson’s side at bay. It is worth pointing out here how well the Nottsborough defence have been playing in recent weeks. Ben Hickes who came into the side after Christmas has had 3 very good games in a row, as has second team left back Gary Cullenen. Cullenen has done so well that Dave Howson may well find it hard to get back in the side. At centre back Arren Sutcliffe has been simply outstanding and once again in this game he marshalled the defence and formed a solid central partnership with Craig Bonser.
Nottsborough started this match well and looked the side most likely to score early on. Hickes launched a long range shot wide and Negus fired narrowly wide a few minutes later. Generally however defences were on top although Wilsonian’s looked vulnerable when they tried some quite ambitious passes at the back. At the other end however Wilsonian’s were able to get back into the game as Nottsborough did not take advantage of several free kick possibilities. Nathan Violet, who has been in prime form recently, could not find the target with 2 or three promising alternatives. Akkaya and Parkinson started to find room against a Nottsborough midfield featuring skipper Matt Kerr for the first time since the AFA Senior Final. As Wilsonian’s found more room the two lively forwards started to see more of the ball and the wide players started to threaten. This meant that the dreaded long throw became a weapon to be countered as well as the rather indecent amount of free kicks conceded by a defence that was coming under pressure. Craig Bonser produced one great interception at the near post to keep the sheets clean at half time.
The second half is memorable really only for one strike, but it was the strike that sealed the result. Once again a short corner routine from Nottsborough produced a telling first goal. Violets 25 yard ball to Chris Kerr seemed to catch the home midfielder off his guard. As the ball came to him he really only had one option. His instinctive shot was beautifully struck from around 15 yards and flashed past the keeper before he had time to react. Cue a mobbing celebration from the Nottsborough players which proved two things. Firstly how relieved the Nottsborough players were and secondly why it always pays for a Coach to tell a player he does not shoot enough.
Having taken the lead Nottsborough’s Hughes (back from Brazil and looking knackered) and Apaloo started to look threatening, although they could have done better in holding the ball up and bringing the midfielders into play. Nottsborough fashioned one great move down the right involving the Kerr’s and ending with Violet being presented with a great chance 15 yards out and to the left of goal. Discarding the obvious blasted shot Violet went for the chip which beat the keeper but also just cleared the bar. Wilsonian’s had a similar chance at the other end with a similar result. Nottsborough were now desperately running down the clock and Nick Green came on for the rapidly tiring Hughes, and Jono Santry replaced the naughty Negus with 2 minutes to go. This gave Alex Ewin another 4 days to recover for the game at West Wickham.
Ashley; Hickes, Bonser, Sutcliffe, Cullenen; Kerr C, Kerr M, Negus, Violet; Apaloo, Hughes; Subs Green, Santry.
Man of the Match could go to any of the back 5 but my vote goes to Matt Negus for a real box to box performance in the Nottsborough midfield.
Nottsborough 1 Winchmore Hill 0 League 25th April 2009
Wilcock hat-trick not enough !
Thank heavens these teams only got in the penalty area three times. Referee Mr Len Wilcock, one of the best in the league, had a day where he saw a penalty opportunity each time anyone got near goal. He tried very hard to bring some excitement and tension to what was a pretty tepid game. Fortunately for Nottsborough the Winchmore Hill penalty takers failed to trouble Dan Ashley with their two opportunities, whilst Nathan Violet for Nottsborough tucked his penalty neatly away in the corner. All three penalties looked pretty soft from the touchline. One rather suspected this was going to be an odd game as the Winchmore Hill keeper kept shouting throughout the first half “come on Len”. Carter is a very good keeper but I am not sure why he felt he was on first name terms with the ref.
Matt Kerr has been doing a very good job since the AFA Senior Final trying to make the most of very stretched playing resources. For this game Howson and Hughes were still away, whilst Rolfe and Ewin were injured. However the players that have come into the team have been doing a superb job. At full back Ben Hickes and Gary Cullenen once again stood out in this match as they restricted the two Winchmore Hill danger men Seymour and Poku to just flashes of potential. Up front Chris Apaloo with a burly, muscular style caused problems for the Winchmore Hill defence all afternoon and worked very hard closing down. Danny Marsland, this time being asked to play at centre half, showed what a useful and versatile player he is as he limited the other danger-man Rod Beya to just a setting up role outside of the Nottsborough area.
The two teams both came into this match knowing that a win either way would make a big difference to the potential resting place for the league title for 2009. The lawns of Tolworth were once again billiard-table like, but the pitch was very firm after a week of sun and wind. The latter was a real problem as it blew strongly from corner flag to corner flag throughout the whole game and definitely affected the quality of football on offer. Nottsborough started much better than in recent games and Apaloo had the ball in the Winchmore net after 10 minutes only to be penalised for a robust challenge before he fired home. When Violet wriggled past a challenge on the right of the area and appeared to be clipped it was rather a surprise that the ref saw this as a penalty. Fortunately Nottsborough have Nathan Violet on penalties, with Ewin injured, and Violet calmly put Nottsborough 1-0 up on 20 minutes. Nottsborough seemed quite content with this lead with the strong wind presenting them with an advantage. They tended to resort to a rather long-ball game which does not suit. Only once did they produce their trade-mark football as Matt Negus, Chris Kerr and Violet linked neatly down the left and Cullenen was released on a beautifully timed overlap. His cross, aided by a strong gust of wind, flew across the six yard box with both the Winchmore Hill keeper and Apaloo failing to get a touch on it. Winchmore Hill were definitely back in the game by the mid point of this half and Ashley had to hold onto a difficult bouncing low drive. Generally Nottsborough kept them away from the penalty area but the signs were there for a second half assault from Winchmore.
The second half assault duly arrived but although Winchmore huffed and puffed there was very little goal threat as Ashley dealt calmly with an assortment of crosses and long range shots. Winchmore were given their chance to get back in the game on 65 minutes when ref Wilcock felt that Nick Green’s contact with a Winchmore player merited a penalty. Dan Ashley in the Nottsborough goal is a good penalty stopper but he did not need to do anything on this one as the penalty cleared the bar by some margin. The game reverted to one of Winchmore pressure without much end product when Mr Wilcock gave his most controversial penalty with 15 minutes to go. Perhaps he likes being called Len, or maybe he just gives it as he sees it, and he is not to be argued with. A Winchmore player hit a ball firmly towards goal and a Nottsborough defender 1 yard away could do nothing about the ball hitting his hand. This was neither intentional nor bringing the ball under control but Winchmore appealed and the ref pointed to the spot. The second penalty for Winchmore was as bad as their first as it went several feet wide.
Nottsborough had made changes with Nick Stavri, who started a game for the first time since November, replaced by Santry. Crucially Nottsborough were able to bring Matt Kerr on for the last 25 minutes. His first game since the AFA Senior final. They played out the last quarter of an hour with Marsland and Sutcliffe keeping a strong hold on the centre of defence. Arren Sutcliffe has played a big part in this Nottsborough campaign since re-joining the club in November and once again he played the part that Matt Rolfe has played for many years at the heart of the Nottsborough defence. In centre midfield the introduction of the skipper meant that Chris Kerr, who had another very good game, and the influential Matt Negus received the support they needed to quell a Winchmore midfield that were getting on top. The difference between this Nottsborough side, and previous versions, is that this one does not concede very often. To be fair Winchmore Hill deserved a draw out of what was a pretty ordinary game. However Nottsborough got nothing out of their visit to Winchmore Hill in October when I thought they deserved a draw so the two games cancel themselves out to my eyes. It does not matter what your opinion is, the results have evened themselves out. Nottsborough are still chasing the title as they have four hard games to play. The good news is that the Kerr’s have fully recovered, Hughes is now back and Ewin and Rolfe, after the birth of his little girl, will be fit again this week.
Ashley; Hickes, Marsland, Sutcliffe, Cullenen; Green, Kerr C, Negus, Violet; Apaloo, Stavri; Subs Santry, Kerr M, Webb (first appearance since October).
Man of the Match goes to Dan Ashley. His handling was faultless and he presented just the right blend of calmness and authority. The whole Nottsborough defence had good games and the whole side worked hard to keep the lead.
Old Esthamians 1 Nottsborough 1 League 21st April 2009
It is hard to know whether this was 2 points dropped or one point gained. What I do know is that the Nottsborough come-back in the last 15 minutes was terrific and Craig Baonser’s header against the angle of post and bar almost snatched all three points in the last seconds.
Six o’clock at a ground miles from the nearest tube was a hard ask for Nottsborough. Marsland had not arrived by kick off time so Nottsborough were missing him plus Rolfe (injured), Howson (away), Negus (away), Matt Kerr (injured), Stavri (working) and Hughes (away). Since all these played in the AFA Senior final this was a big ask for Nottsborough and on top of this Alex Ewin should not have started either due to injury.
The venue was Wadham Lodge and with several good looking pitches on site the game was played on Pitch 3 which although well grassed was hard, bumpy and narrow. Not a surface that suited Nottsborough’s passing game, but they really put their game together as the second half neared the end. Not surprisingly Nottsborough started uncertainly with all the changes and the late arrival of players. Sutcliffe was ruled to have deliberately handled and this time the ref did not hesitate to award a penalty on 10 minutes. To be fair it was a pretty poor penalty and Ashley did not need to save it as it missed the right hand post by at least a foot. In defence of the penalty taker this was one of those pitches where a hollow had developed on the penalty spot making good contact difficult. Even so Old Esthamians were playing with energy and quite a bit of skill on the difficult surface. Ashley had to save well from the home striker and then he did even better to clear a dangerous cross from the home teams skilful attacking midfielder. Nottsborough were struggling to cope with Esthamians attacking formation, but slowly they got back in the game with second teamers Ted Datta and Gary Cullinan showing up well. Nathan Violet was in very good form again and he put Green through inside the area. Green’s low cross shot was cleared away from the line. Later a Violet lobbed cross beat the keeper but a home defender got in a great recovery header when Ewin seemed certain to score. 0-0 at half time.
Nottsborough took the game to Esthamians in the second half and much of the game was played in the home teams half. The experienced Esthamian’s defenders were doing a good job, but Nottsborough more and more got the ball down on the floor and the pressure was starting to build. Violet put Ewin through and the striker found the bottom corner only to be ruled offside whilst Apaloo might have done better when put clear by a great through ball from Violet. Cullinan was having an excellent second game for the first team when he made his only mistake of the game allowing his pacy opponent to get goal-side of him and score with 16 minutes remaining. There had been a warning minutes earlier when Ashley had to make a good save from the home number 10.
This looked then like it was going to be the result that nobody expected. Nottsborough were brave. Ewin was substituted and Santry sent on up front. Marsland had been introduced earlier to the midfield, and the man who has been excellent in the last few games was in good form again. In this he was aided by Chris Kerr playing his first game since the AFA Final. Both of them were everywhere as they urged Nottsborough forward with passing football. The home defence started to creak as they too made changes. First Santry thumped a shot narrowly over, then Apaloo really should have scored when he was found 8 yards out but he sliced his shot narrowly wide. Nottsborough were winning a succession of corners and the home side were hanging on. Apaloo redeemed himself with 90 seconds to go as a great cross from the left found Chris Kerr arriving late at the near post and deftly flicking his header home for the equaliser on 89 minutes. With seconds remaining on the clock Nottsborough stormed down the left. A free kick was awarded by the excellent referee and Violet’s free kick had “head me home” written all over it. Bonser came crashing in on the back post and his header thumped against the angle to the keepers left. As he said afterwards he only read part of the message ! It was the last action of the game and Nottsborough had rescued a point and almost snatched the lot against a very honest and determined home side who will be back soon if they can keep this set of players together.
Ashley; Hickes, Bonser, Sutcliffe, Cullinan; Green, Datta, Kerr C, Violet; Apaloo, Ewin; Subs Marsland, Santry
Man of the Match could easily have been Chris Kerr who was superb in the second half but my vote goes second game running to Nathan Violet who was outstanding.
Nottsborough 3 West Wickham 1 League 18th April 2009
Big weekend for Nottsborough !
With the Nottsborough second team trying to secure their first ever SAL Intermediate title at EBOG it was a big Saturday for the Nottsborough club as the 1’s faced big rivals West Wickham at Fortress Tolworth in an extremely important league game for both clubs. A win for West Wickham would keep them firmly in the title race, whilst a win for Nottsborough would keep them pecking at the heels of Winchmore Hill.
Generally it is not a good idea to give West Wickham a goal start, particularly early in the game. This is exactly what Nottsborough did after 8 minutes. The Nottsborough back four had 3 changes from the Weirside win on Tuesday. Matt Kerr pulled a surprise by playing centre forward Jono Santry at right back whilst Ben Hickes was switched to left back and Craig Bonser came in for his second game of the season for the injured Matt Rolfe. The warning bells were out early on as Williams for West Wickham skinned Santry and Sutcliffe had to be smartly across to clear the danger. Nottsborough failed to put 2 men out for a corner and once again the exposed Santry was beaten and a good cross to the far post was headed home by Jonny Waite. 5 minutes later West Wickham almost scored again from another corner as a shot glanced the bar.
The ground was bathed in sunlight and the lawns of Tolworth were looking immaculate. This was not how the Nottsborough back-line was looking and coach Brian Williams was quickly into action switching Hickes back to right back and moving Santry over to the left. This stabilised things but West Wickham’s midfield five were having some success against the Nottsborough 4. Hope was given to Nottsborough as a good move down the right involving Hickes and Green produced a great cross from Nathan Violet and Gibson did very well to just get a touch on the ball at the back post to force Ewin to head narrowly wide. Too often however as they tried to get back in the match Nottsborough were playing a long ball that was playing into the hands of the well marshalled Gibson, Simmonds and the estimable Freeman. What did become apparent as this half went on however was that Chris Apaloo was proving quite a handful for the West Wickham defence. Apaloo had a very good second half at Weirside and here again he was getting into the thick of things. Apaloo challenged for a ball in the Wickham penalty area and the ball fell to Matt Negus who produced a finish even better than the one at Owens, only to see that the ref had penalised Apaloo for his challenge. Now it was Nottsborough’s turn to hit the woodwork.
Nottsborough were being urged to get the ball down and play. Slowly they started to put pressure on the Wickham defence and in the 5 minutes before half time the defence cracked. Firstly Ewin got away from Freeman for the first time in the game. Wriggling onto his right foot for a shot he noticed Marsland making a great run to the right of the D. Danny Marsland’s first touch was excellent as it put him through and his second was even better as it found the bottom right hand corner for an equaliser on 40 minutes. The second goal in two games for Marsland, who has been a revelation in midfield in the last 3 games. Things got even better For Nottsborough on 43 minutes as Hickes who was having a very good game on his favoured right side flashed across a low cross. Ewin got a touch on the ball and this meant that Simmonds could do nothing other than deflect the ball past his keeper for an own goal and 2-1 to Nottsborough.
The second half was quite a strange affair. West Wickham had a lot of the ball and won a lot of free kicks and corners. In this match the delivery was not quite as good as usual and Bonser, Sutcliffe, Santry and Hickes managed to get something in the way most of the time. On the one occasion when West Wickham broke into the box Dan Ashley, who had another good game, made a tremendous reaction save. Nottsborough had one lucky escape when a strong shot from outside the area hit Sutcliffe’s arm but the ref ruled it un-intentional to every Nottsborough player’s relief. It was a strange affair because every time Nottsborough attacked late on they looked as if they might score. The West Wickham defence became strangely ragged. Apaloo was causing problems again and thought he had scored midway through the half only to be brought back for a small push in the back just before getting away from Gibson and slotting calmly. Freeman, who had a really good game, tried to play a ball diagonally across the pitch from the left hand edge of his 6 yard box. This only found Violet 35 yards out and to the left of goal. You really expected the ball to be in the back of the net but the Wickham keeper stood up and made a good save. As Wickham pressed for the equaliser Violet was finding loads of space as Nottsborough pushed three up against the West Wickham 3 at the back. With time running down Nottsborough brought Nick Stavri on for his first appearance in 5 months and straight away the Nottsborough striker was up to his old tricks retaining possession and causing problems. With less than 10 minutes to go Nottsborough sealed the win with a breakaway goal. Matt Negus, who once again worked his socks off, broke free on the centre circle with Stavri to his right and Violet to his left. The pass was timed to perfection and the linesman waved play on. Nathan Violet strode through and this time made no mistake from 20 yards with a firm finish into the bottom left corner on 82 minutes. West Wickham gave it everything again but this time it was Nottsborough who were able to run down the clock and Chris Kerr almost made it a special afternoon as he made his first touch with 2 minutes to go. Kerr, who has been out with a hamstring strain, broke clear on the right, chipped the keeper but unfortunately the effort was just over the bar.
A big win this for Nottsborough that keeps them right in the hunt for a Cup and League double at first team level. The Nottsborough 2’s produced a 4-2 win at EBOG which secured the Intermediate title to make it a big weekend for the club.
Ashley; Hickes, Bonser, Sutcliffe, Santry; Green, Marsland, Negus, Violet; Ewin, Apaloo; Subs Stavri, Kerr C, Kerr M.
Man of the match for Nottsborough is hard as Hickes, Marsland, Negus, Sutcliffe and Apaloo all did very well, whilst the others all played their part. My Man of the Match goes to Nathan Violet who caused problems all afternoon, and finished the game off.
Weirside 0 Nottsborough 3 League 14th April 2009
Another good away performance !
The pouring rain of Tuesday night arrived too late for Riverside Drive. The new facilities at Kew Association are superb with a big clubhouse room and excellent changing rooms. The playing surface of the pitch is nothing like as good however. There was a lot of grass and a lot of bumps. Quite how Nottsborough created 14 attempts on goal on this surface was a tribute to how well they played. That quite a few of them were off target was down to the surface and the pressure that good Weirside defending put on the Nottsborough players.
For Nottsborough once again the Kerr’s were missing with Howson now on holiday and Hughes and Stavri still away. The team was almost identical to the one that won at Owens with Curaco in for Howson. Nottsborough started the game quite well but it was Weirside who created the first chance of the game on 5 minutes as Dan Ashley had to make a smart save blocking away a firm shot from 12 yards. This was just the jolt Nottsborough needed and within 10 minutes Nottsborough had created 4 chances of their own. The normally reliable Violet was twice in great positions but finding a ball that did not want to behave on a very bobbly surface. Moments later Violet produced a great cross and Ewin kept his shot down but hit the keeper from 6 yards. From another cross on the left from Negus Nick Green almost turned the ball home on the back post. Shots by Ewin and Negus then threatened the goal but were not kept down. A goal was coming and it arrived as Violet and Green took a short corner and Greens low cross was turned home by Danny Marsland on 35 minutes. This was a great reward for Marsland who has been absolutely outstanding in midfield in the last 2 games. Weirside were a threat all through the first half. Their admirable centre-back kept driving them forward but they were also finding the playing conditions difficult.
The second half started with Nottsborough in search of the crucial second goal. More chances were fashioned and discarded. Santry (ex Loughborough) was put through and although his control was good, a combination of good pressure and a lively ball meant that the chance flew behind. However an inspired substitution on 58 minutes provided the key second goal. Chris Apaloo (ex-Loughborough) thumped a volley in off the cross bar with his first touch after good work by Ewin. Apaloo has been in and out of the side since before Christmas but this was his first senior goal after several in the second team. Nottsborough now really got on top as Violet produced some superb balls over the top. Ewin was denied by the keeper and then Apaloo took a little too long to get his shot away. Ben Hickes, who had a very good game at right back, then produced a superb cross and Ewin’s header was a whisker away, whilst Apaloo headed wide from a Violet cross. With Marsland and Negus and Green working so hard another goal had to come and once again Violet was the creator as his driven cross from the right found Alex Ewin and the finishers toe-cap did the rest on 75 minutes.
Weirside continued to have a go and produced a couple of very lively subs who got quickly into the action. Rolfe and Sutcliffe had to be alert in this last passage as Nottsborough were very keen to keep another clean sheet.
Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Curaco; Green, Marsland, Negus, Violet; Ewin, Santry; Subs Apaloo, Williams, Kerr C
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Danny Marsland who gave another outstanding performance of work rate and tackling.
Old Owens 0 Nottsborough 4 League 11th April 2009
Nottsborough don’t do Easter Saturdays. Perhaps after this excellent performance they should have a re-think. Two months ago Owens came to Tolworth and played their part in a very entertaining 1-1 draw. Nottsborough won the AFA Senior Trophy last Saturday but they still travelled to Potters Bar with some mis-givings, especially with both Kerr’s injured and Hughes and Stavri on holiday. They should not have worried, the revamped side put in one of their best away performances this season. The recent rain left the playing surface at Potters Bar with a little give in it and a slick surface that encouraged good passing football.
Into the Nottsborough team at right back came the promising Ben Hickes, whilst Danny Marsland and Matt Negus replaced the injured Kerr’s. Up front there was a debut for Jono Santry who played for the 2’s earlier in the season until a coaching position at Crystal Palace limited the Saturday availability. Santry was clearly not fully fit but he put in a good shift in the first half and he delighted his team-mates by giving Nottsborough the lead on 5 minutes. A ball down the middle forced the home keeper to come to the edge of his area to clear but his punch only found Jono Santry 30 yards out and his first time volley flew over the keeper and under the bar for an early lead.
The opening quarter was very even as Owens passed the ball around neatly and managed to get in a couple of shots that failed to disturb Ashley in the Nottsborough goal. The away side were also playing with quite a bit of confidence and Violet and Ewin were getting on the ball a little too often for the comfort of the home side. Nottsborough went further ahead on 20 minutes when another ball down the middle exposed the frailty of the home defence and although the keeper again got to the ball before Santry this time it was Matt Negus getting to the clearance and lobbing the keeper from 25 yards. The response from the Owens players was that they did not deserve to be 2 goals down and I think that was a fair comment. However Nottsborough had produced two very good finishes. This got them driving forward and Hickes fired a long range drive just wide, whilst Ewin smashed a 25 yarder narrowly over. Green was unlucky to see his shot on the turn deflected into the keepers path. Back came Owens forcing Ashley to fist away two dangerous corners whilst Rolfe and Sutcliffe once again stood firm against a series of free kicks. Just before the break Nottsborough made things even worse for Old Owens as Alex Ewin collected a ball midway inside the half strode forward a few strides and thumped a right footer skimming low inside the left hand post to put the away side 3-0 up on 40 minutes.
The second half was very interesting as Owens persisted in playing the ball out from the back. With 5 men in midfield they dropped off neatly in the middle and kept playing the ball wide. Nottsborough were having to work very hard to keep Owens at arms length. Green, Marsland, Negus and Violet stuck to their tasks remarkably well and Owens rarely got close to the Nottsborough area and when they did the Nottsborough back four had just enough to keep Ashley protected. Only once did Owens look like they could get back into the match. A low free kick from the left was whipped across the Nottsborough 6 yard box and Ashley was relieved to see the ball strike the far upright where Marsland bravely got in a strong challenge to clear the danger. Not long afterwards a cross from the right nestled on the roof of the net.
At the other end Nottsborough looked like they could extend their lead as Ewin started to find loads of room. The home keeper twice did very well to keep the Nottsborough striker out. Nottsborough were now starting to look a good side. Marsland and Negus were doing very well against the very able Owens midfield whilst Violet and Howson were starting to look dangerous on the left. Several very neat passing movements were creating dangerous positions. Finally from one of the corners forced, the ball looped out to the edge of the area where Matt Negus capped a fine performance by thumping a right foot volley into the bottom right hand corner on 75 minutes. There was still time for Ewin to almost get through again whilst Hickes had a goal-bound shot blocked on the edge of the area.
A very good away performance from Nottsborough against an Owens side that has slipped away of late and looked a little vulnerable at the back. Owens passed the ball very patiently but found Nottsborough not in the mood to give them space beyond the half way line. It was one of those games where Nottsborough took a high percentage of their chances in the first half and there was no way back for Owens in the second half.
Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Green, Marsland, Negus, Violet; Ewin, Santry.
Man of the match for Nottsborough is a hard choice as this was a real team performance, where all the players did well. My vote goes to Matt Negus for a tireless performance and two excellent goals.
Nottsborough 1 Polytechnic 0 AFA Senior Cup Final 2009 4th April 2009
Nottsborough at last!
Having made London’s most prestigious amateur final three times in the last 6 years, with one defeated semi-final as well, it just had to be Nottsborough’s turn this time didn’t it? Especially after the heartbreak of last year’s final when Nottsborough had three goals disallowed, and the depressing defeat against West Wickham in the Surrey AFA just two weeks ago. And so it was!
It was a beautiful day at the best venue. The pitch was enormous and the crowd small. The playing surface was excellent although one or two areas in the middle were rather bare. Both teams did their best on the day to put on a show but it was a little too hot and dry for compelling viewing. Nevertheless the result was in doubt until added on time and Poly came back well from the early reverse to make a real game of it. The three officials were excellent, because they were hardly noticed, and the sending off of the Poly player near the end was done without fuss.
Nottsborough started the game very brightly with Howson keen to get forward on the left, and Marsland getting in some smart challenges and forward surges down the right. In front of them Violet and Negus were finding room and getting the ball down on the floor. Nottsborough won the game in the first 20 minutes when their football was neat and very progressive. The first chance fell to Hughes who rushed his volley and consequently put it wide. Hughes however was a handful for most of the game. Poly’s best chance of the game came on 8 minutes as a neat lay off, and through ball, put 15 away. Closing in on goal, and from the left hand side, he chose to shoot right footed and put his shot into the side netting when some thought he had scored. Nottsborough were looking like they could get in behind Poly and on several occasions neat interceptions stopped Ewin and Negus when they seemed to be almost through on goal. From one such move, the ref ruled that a Poly arm had interrupted the passage of a through ball and Nottsborough had a penalty on 14 minutes. Nathan Violet stepped up but the Poly keeper made a great save putting the ball past the post with a strong hand. Nottsborough took the lead from the resulting corner. Violets initial corner was cleared but Negus got on the ball and his driven cross was turned home by the finisher. Alex Ewin had given Nottsborough the lead on 14 minutes with a side-footed goal from 8 yards out and in the middle of the goal.
For maybe 10 minutes Nottsborough looked like they would add to this lead as several times they strung passes together. One excellent passing move down the left saw Dave Howson get behind the defence and his cross picked out Matt Negus who also rather rushed his volley when there was time to get the ball down and pick the spot. Poly began to get into the game fully around the mid-point of the half and they slowly built up the pressure with a series of corners and long throws. This Bank of England pitch is massive and you really need a huge throw in order to cause problems, but the corners from 14 were very good. Howson won one towering header and Rolfe and Sutcliffe had to be on their toes with all of the corners. These latter two players have been the somewhat un-sung heroes of Nottsborough’s cup run, which incidentally consisted of all away games. Rolfe kept winning challenges and breaking forward until zonal sickness crept in whilst Sutcliffe was simply excellent covering ground quickly and cutting out the final ball. Although Poly threatened they could not set up another good chance and Nottsborough ended the half one nil up but with key man Chris Kerr limping.
The second half started with Nick Green on for Chris Kerr after an elaborate performance of slips of paper being passed to the fourth official who attracted the attention of the referees assistant who finally allowed Green onto the pitch with the permission of the ref. Polytechnic saw a lot of the ball in this half and made a real effort to play their way forward as Nottsborough held their team shape and protected their 18 yard box. Several times Poly worked the ball out to good crossing situations but each time one of the Nottsborough back four got in a good clearance. Ashley was brought into action far more in this half. Firstly he went down to comfortably hold a daisy-cutter and then he had to be a lot sharper to parry away a strong shot from the edge of the box. Although Poly won a couple more dangerous corners Ashley was able to clear the danger with good punches. The Nottsborough keeper has been a big factor in the much-improved Nottsborough defence this season.
Nottsborough almost got the second goal they needed when Matt Kerr bulldozed his way forward and set up a chance for Matt Negus on the edge of the area. Negus released a ferocious volley but once again the Poly keeper was equal to it and Kerr could not get the rebound on target. The next Nottsborough chance fell to Violet some 40 yards out after the Poly keeper shanked a clearance on the right of his area. Violet’s volley was more a threat to the Bank of England windows than the Poly goal but it was one of those days with a very firm surface. Although the volley was not great Violet gave a most disciplined performance in this game. He won headers and tackles and kept the ball superbly. He was at the heart of several very clever corner’s and free kicks where once again Nottsborough looked as if they could get in behind, just to find the good Poly centre-backs closing the door at the last minute. In the last 15 minutes Nottsborough got control of the game again. Green hurried a shot when well placed and in the closing moments Violet chose to go for goal along the by-line where his fierce shot was blocked for a corner. Nottsborough played the clock down on this one as the audio system had announced two minutes added time. Violet, Ewin and Green combined to keep the ball in the corner and the final whistle brought joy and much celebration for the Nottsborough players. Only formed 21 years ago Nottsborough have come of age.
Ashley; Marsland, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Negus, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Hughes. Subs Green, Hickes, Stavri. Reserve keeper Toby Blythe.
Man of the Match was chosen by the AFA as Dave Howson. David had a very good game but my man of the match was Arren Sutcliffe.
Nottsborough 6 Old Esthamians 1 League 21st March 2009
There have been games this season, particularly at Tolworth, where Nottsborough have clicked. This was one of them. Maybe they did not click for the whole game but enough, in spells, to produce what looks like an easy win. AFA finalists against a side near the bottom of the SAL Senior and the result looks understandable. Think again! How are Esthamians so near to relegation? For 30 minutes in this game they gave Nottsborough the hardest 30 minute spell in the season so far.
Skipper Matt Kerr was able to name his strongest 14 for many weeks. Back into the side came Arren Sutcliffe and into the 14 Danny Marsland, and for the first time in four months Nick Stavri. Whatever was said to the Nottsborough players before this game, it was potent stuff. Inside 4 minutes Nottsborough were 2-0 up and Esthamians were clearly taken aback. A throw-in parallel with the Esthamians penalty area found Alex Ewin and a neat little reverse pass put Dave Howson behind the defence. The pull back to Violet saw his shot blocked and spinning high beyond the back post where Matt Kerr controlled the ball with his first touch and smashed it across the keeper with his second inside the far post on 2 minutes. It got even better in the next attack as Hickes and Hughes combined to put Matt Negus behind the Esthamians defence on the right and his cut back was tucked away to the keepers right before he could move by Alex Ewin on 4 minutes. This was a major setback for Esthamians and Matt Kerr was close to making it 3 inside 10 minutes as the away side frantically scrambled the ball away.
Esthamians therefore showed great character and no little ability to claw their way back into this game as the game began to flow from end to end. The away side were back into the match with a vengeance on 20 minutes as they broke quickly down Nottsborough’s left and the right winger produced a lovely cross behind the Nottsborough defence. Esthamians centre forward got on the end of the cross but somehow Ashley lost control of the weak contact and the Esthamians player tapped the ball into the net to make it 2-1. Their play in the next twenty minutes was way above relegation form. Two good target men and a five man midfield that had two good wide players, a stocky and strong-on-the-ball central midfielder, and a blond midfielder with good control who got forward well throughout the game. Representative selectors please take note. A header flew wide of the far post, two shots flew over the bar and then perhaps the moment that changed the game, as again the right winger got away. The pulled back cross was side footed against the bar, and Dan Ashley then produced a fantastic reaction save from the rebound to deny Esthamians the equaliser. Nottsborough were definitely rattled at this point despite Matt Negus getting away and smacking a 25 yard shot against the Esthamians bar.
Nottsborough managed to stabilise matters by returning to basics. On 40 minutes Chris Kerr won a terrific challenge in the centre circle and broke forward. His pass to Ben Hughes was perfectly timed as the striker made a run through the middle. Ben Hughes was clear and raced to the edge of the area where he drove a low shot under the Esthamians keeper to restore the two goal advantage. Five goals in 6 matches for the young striker who is getting better and better despite a nagging groin strain. This goal was hugely celebrated by the Nottsborough players as they knew it was an important goal and the Esthamians players were deflated again. 3-1 at half time.
The second half started with storm clouds brewing on the horizon. Esthamians were still in the game but a bit of the belief had gone. The blond midfielder stole through the Nottsborough defence but his effort slipped past the left hand post. Nottsborough put the game out of sight of Esthamians on 56 minutes as Violet and Howson combined beautifully on the left leaving Violet to curl in a cross that was flicked home with the outside of his right boot by Alex Ewin. At this point the sky went black and the hailstones started. The pitch was getting wetter and slicker by the minute and Nottsborough were starting to look very sharp as the Kerr’s kept winning the ball and setting Violet and Negus free.
The fifth goal was a bizarre one, aided by the climatic conditions. Danny Marsland had replaced Ben Hickes and slotted in at right back. The Kerr’s once again broke up play on the edge of the Nottsborough area and Violet was on the ball. Marsland made a great run down the right but Violet’s pass had a gale behind it. Danny Marsland finally caught up with the ball right by the Esthamians left hand corner post. Switching the ball on the by-line onto his left foot he attempted to find Ewin at the back post. The wind caught the ball and curled it inside the near post and despite a great attempt by the Esthamians keeper it was in the top corner of the net on 65 minutes. Nottsborough were looking like they could score at any time. Ewin put through on the right lifted it over the on-rushing keeper but into the side-netting. Negus put clear through the middle lobbed the keeper but not under the bar. Then a superb 40 yard ball from Negus put Ewin behind the defence and Ewin failed to get the ball down with Violet completely unmarked behind him. Nottsborough had replaced Hughes at this point with the Cup Final in mind and Nick Green was energetically working away in midfield with “utility” up front. The last goal was the best and again was created on the break. Howson cleared a corner at the near post out to “utility” Negus. The “pen-picture” writer was off and moments later he was level with the edge of the Esthamians area where he pulled the ball back to Nathan Violet in acres of space. His 30 yard chip shot floated over the keeper and under the bar on 76 minutes to make it 6-1.
Nottsborough then switched off and Esthamians kept on trying. The day was summed up for them as first Ashley made a good save to deny them a consolation and then was beaten by a lob that still managed to bounce over the bar despite the heavy rain that had now stopped. The scoreline was not really a fair reflection of the game. In truth the score could easily have been 8-4. Esthamians did very well in the first half when you consider that they were two down in the first 4 minutes. If they go down, but keep this side, then I am sure they will be back. Nottsborough have worked their way back into a handy position in the league. There are plenty of games to be played but first there is the little matter of the AFA Senior Final.
Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Negus, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Marsland, Green, Stavri.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough could be Rolfe, Negus, Violet, Ewin, Chris Kerr to name a few who did memorable things but my vote goes to the skipper Matt Kerr who led from the front and scored early.
West Wickham 1 Nottsborough 0 21st March 2009
Surrey & Kent AFA Senior Trophy Final
Dogged defence wins it for West Wickham
Around the actual match there was a lot of opinion. The ref thought Nottsborough didn’t turn up. The West Wickham website thought Nottsborough ran out of ideas. Neil Currie’s dad was hoping for a dry bumpy pitch (and he got it). These match reports, as my readers will acknowledge, are written from the Nottsborough viewpoint but with an eye on fairness to our opponents. West Wickham took their one chance of the match, more success for Mr Currie, and they defended superbly throughout with Gibson and Simmonds outstanding. They should be congratulated for making the absolute maximum from the resources available to them on the day.
To be fair to the Nottsborough players they made a real effort to play football on a dry lively surface. A beautifully scenic ground but not really suitable for a Cup Final. West Wickham are a disciplined defensive side who had at least 8 players behind the ball on such a bobbly surface. This is why Mr Currie’s opinion should be valued. In actual fact Nottsborough hit the post twice and created 4 or 5 other reasonable chances during the game. They actually did “turn up” forcing the stand-in West Wickham keeper into a brilliant save in the first minute as Nathan Violet’s thumping volley was turned against the post. Ben Hughes twice went close with shots from the edge of the area after good work from Nick Green. Alex Ewin headed straight at the keeper after a good cross from Matt Kerr, and the Nottsborough skipper should have levelled just before half time as he headed narrowly wide when it looked easier to score. West Wickham had taken the lead half way through the half when Ben Hickes was off the field with a nasty head cut. Crucially the long throw into the Nottsborough box found Neil Currie free and his looping header found the net.
Nottsborough started the second half well and Dave Howson made two great runs down the left with quality crosses to the far post. Alex Ewin’s header from the first beat the keeper but hit the far post. The second produced a scuffed shot from Ewin who in other games has done much better with such a chance. If Nottsborough ran out of ideas they were helped by the total stop-start nature of the last half hour which actually stretched into 40 minutes due to the 5 minute stoppage for injury to the keeper and the continual time-wasting. Nottsborough were denied by a mixture of excellent defence and high work rate by West Wickham and a failure by Nottsborough to find a decent shot to test the stand-in keeper. Matt Negus had a reasonable chance near the end from a corner but his shot was blocked on the line and moments later he got clear on the left but again his shot was blocked.
In truth this was the worst match I have seen this season. The ball was in the air far too much and spent a lot of time off the pitch. However you have to be able to win in all conditions which is why football is so popular and such a good leveller. West Wickham played the conditions well with the players they had available. There has been a lot of talk about how many players from West Wickham were missing. Nottsborough had plenty missing as well and points scoring on this is futile. It just was not Nottsborough’s day. There is a lot of respect in the Nottsborough camp for the West Wickham team and it might have been better if the missing players had been available thus making for a more open encounter. With two league encounters to come it may well be that they will decide the outcome of the SAL title although I am sure Old Owens, Winchmore Hill, Poly and Old Wilsonians will dispute this.
Ashley; Negus, Rolfe, Hickes, Howson; Green, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Cole, Apaloo & Santry
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Dave Howson who competed very well against a big West Wickham side and produced two great overlaps.
Old Actonians 0 Nottsborough 1 League 14th March 2009
Nottsborough keep it going!
Nottsborough always do well at Gunnersbury, but it is always a hard game. Until Actonians had a man sent off 5 minutes before half time, this was exactly the case yesterday. Nottsborough had thumped Actonians before Christmas in the game at Tolworth but this was never likely in this game and for much of the first half Actonians looked the more likely team. The breeze was blowing diagonally from the furthest corner flag to the club house. This prompted both teams to play too long with the wind and they both played much better football into it. The groundsman has done a super job at Gunnersbury this season and the fully grassed pitch was in very good condition for this time of the year. Despite the conditions the game was pretty frantic until space started to appear in the second half. In fact this was a pretty ordinary game.
The League table this morning shows that 6 teams have a credible case to advance for their title hopes. Nottsborough, after this win, are one of those teams. After a very poor start of 3 points from 4 games they have hauled themselves back into contention in 6th place. Actonians had started the season well and will be one of the few teams to win at West Wickham. They are beginning to look over their shoulders at the moment. They are probably too good to go down but you never know at this time of the season. A couple of wins or defeats can make a big difference.
Skipper Matt Kerr was basically down to the bare bones for this game. Szwajkowski, Webb and Stavri are long-term injuries, Marsland and Green were away, and Chris Kerr was so poorly he did not really want to be the only sub. This however did give a start to Chris Apaloo and he took his chance well. Actonians appeared to be missing one or two as well.
From a football point of view there was not a lot in the first half. Most of the incident centred around the sending off of “red boots” on 40 minutes. The player had been Actonians best player up to this point and some felt the sending off was harsh. I do not think that a player can use the language spoken to Mr Wilcock and expect to get away with it. It may have spoilt the game for the Actonians players but the ref took his stand despite the individual’s protracted protests. For my part I thought the referee had a very good game, keeping up with play, and making it clear at all times what he thought.
For the first 30 minutes Actonians were quicker to the ball and were the only team stringing some passes together. They were looking quite dangerous down the flanks with 3 playing up top. Several corners were forced and one or two shots flew high into the netting behind the goal. However there was very little to concern Ashley in the Nottsborough goal as Rolfe and Sutcliffe once again formed an effective partnership. Finally Nottsborough came into the game urged on by Negus and skipper Kerr in central midfield who were starting to find parity against their 3 opponents. This revival coincided with their best football of the half and Violet was narrowly over from 25 yards. The home keeper had a mad moment from one cross and chaos ensued for a few seconds until the home defence cleared up. The final moments of the half were too much about the sending off and this rumbled on during the interval with the score at 0-0.
In the first half Nottsborough had gone too long. In the second they looked much better when they started playing out from the back through Hickes and Howson who both began to have quite an influence on the game. Into the breeze Nottsborough were beginning to play football and I think it is fair to say that Actonians were a bit deflated by the sending off, although their 9 got in a superb effort in the first couple of minutes that was narrowly over. Now it was Violet and Apaloo who were starting to find space on the flanks, and the crosses started coming in. From one excellent move down the left involving Howson and then Violet, a low cross was pulled back along the six yard line to Ewin, who had been very quiet. The keeper was successfully negotiated but with two men on the line and three yards out Ewin managed to hit his shot straight at one of these players and the ball was scrambled away. Another cross from the left found Apaloo in space but his volley was high and wide.
Nottsborough needed a goal and it finally arrived on 59 minutes after another sortie down the left by Howson. His cut back found Ben Hughes and although the shot took a slight deflection it still found the bottom left corner. Four goals in four games for Hughes. I think it is also fair to say that Nottsborough really needed another goal to put the game out of reach. They had a couple of really good chances to sew the game up but failed to take them and Actonians put Nottsborough under pressure in the last 5 minutes. First Hughes was put clear just slightly to the left of goal but his low shot was read by the keeper who plunged to his left to make a good save. Then a bit later Hughes got in behind the Actonians defence and from the right, level with the penalty spot, fired narrowly wide of the far post. A long Actonians free kick almost found the home centre half but Ashley advanced a long way from his goal to get a vital touch. This produced a nervy 5 minutes as Actonians forced a series of corners and free kicks. All these were well defended by Howson, Rolfe and Sutcliffe who got in two excellent near post clearances. Nottsborough held on for the win and kept their run going.
Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Apaloo, Kerr M, Negus, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Sub Kerr C not used.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough for this viewer is between Rolfe and Sutcliffe with Negus giving a hard-working performance. Rolfe has had many good games for Nottsborough so I am going to give it to Arren Sutcliffe who very quietly has been doing a good job since he came back in October.
Old Parmiterians 1 Nottsborough 3 AFA Senior Cup Semi Final 7th March 2009
Second successive AFA Senior Final for Nottsborough
Old Parkonians ground at Oakfield Playing fields was the venue for both semi finals of the AFA Senior Cup this season. Not exactly Bank of England or HSBC, but you get what you get. Winchmore Hill against Polytechnic had already played a scoreless first half when Nottsborough, playing into a stiff breeze and on a bobbly surface, made a very indifferent start to their game. Hoping to make it through to their second Cup Final of the season Nottsborough struggled against a very fired up Old Parmiterians side. It was hardly any time at all before a goal was scored in this game. Let’s be charitable and say that the Parmiterians midfielder whipped in a superb swerving free kick from near the touchline and Dan Ashley, in the Nottsborough goal, failed to lay a hand on it as it thumped into the roof of the net. One nil to Parmiterians and the game only 3 minutes old.
Nottsborough skipper Matt Kerr was able to recall centre half Matt Rolfe to his line up after injury. Danny Marsland, who has done well at centre back in Rolfe’s absence, moved to right back. Matt Negus moved forward to right midfield. Nottsborough had strength on the bench with Hickes and Green. This strength was missing in the first 20 minutes as Parmiterians completely “made up” by their early success took the game to Nottsborough. The men in red and black were failing to get the ball down and spent much of the time putting the ball into touch which invited a succession of long throws to add to the big booming kicks down the pitch from the Parmiterians big keeper. This was Bolton under Sam Allardyce type stuff. Ashley had to go down low to a thumping shot from distance while Rolfe, Sutcliffe and Marsland all did well to win good headers whilst under pressure from two big lads up front. A couple of dangerous corners were cleared by Matt Kerr and Alex Ewin and slowly Nottsborough weathered the storm keeping Parmiterians out of the area and denying them room near the penalty area.
As soon as Nottsborough got a toe hold in this game there was hope, and from hope little rays of confidence started to show. With both Kerr’s working very hard, slowly but surely Nottsborough were starting to pass the ball. Once this started to happen gaps started to appear in the Parmiterians half. However Parmiterians had a couple of excellent centre backs of their own and initially Nottsborough did not put together anything very convincing. It was by mid half, however, a pretty even contest. Ewin was starting to find room and Violet twice was given the opportunity to swing crosses in which forced the first corners at the other end. One fantastic ball from Dave Howson, and one very good overlap being memorable. On the right Matt Negus was starting to get in the game and by linking with Chris Kerr openings were coming on that side as well. Indeed the equaliser came from this side as Nottsborough won a free kick after getting behind the Parmiterians defence for the second time. Although this was initially cleared Matt Negus was able to get to the byline and fire in a low cross into the six yard box. Arren Sutcliffe had stayed up after the free kick and he almost diverted the ball home on the near post, but his deflection left a simple tap in for Ben Hughes on 27 minutes. The third goal in three games for the young striker. To be level into the stiff breeze was a big plus at this point.
The remainder of the half was very even although Nottsborough were increasingly managing to find room on the break. Parmiterians cleared a very dangerous free kick but they could do nothing about a curling 25 yarder from Alex Ewin that thumped against the bar and away. Putting the very poor first 20 minutes behind them Nottsborough were relieved to go in 1-1 at half time knowing that they had the stiff breeze at their backs for the second half. On the other pitch Winchmore Hill and Poly was still 0-0.
Parmiterians made another good start to the second half, making light of the breeze and contesting well in midfield. Their main problem was that they could not get their two forwards into the game as Rolfe and Sutcliffe dominated. Their main danger was created when they got the ball wide, but on the big bobbly pitch it was not easy to get good service over distance. In midfield the two Kerr brothers were working very hard against their 3 opponents, whilst Negus and Violet were starting to get more and more into the game. As the game settled it was becoming clearer that Nottsborough were finding more room, particularly on the break. Parmiterians two young centre backs were doing very well but increasingly they had to cover more ground to try and snuff out Hughes and Ewin who were now running into space. There was something inevitable about the goal when it came as Nottsborough broke swiftly on the right. Negus retained possession and managed to find skipper Matt Kerr wide on the right and level with the 6 yard box. Kerr thumped over a low cross which found its way through to Alex Ewin on the corner of the far 6 yard box and his low shot was firm enough to get under the Parmiterians keeper on 59 minutes.
To this observer Nottsborough always looked like they would win the game from here. Parmiterians were tiring and they were playing almost a 2-6-2 formation by the end. Alex Ewin got away on the left and his low curling shot was well saved by the Parmiterians keeper. Chris Kerr hammered a ferocious volley goalwards and a defender bravely headed this away. Violet then very neatly lifted the ball over the last 2 men and was about to score when the ref awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. The free kick was not nearly as dangerous as the original situation. Then Ewin was put through and his lob beat the keeper but bounced up against the post and behind for a goal kick. At the other end Parmiterians were now the team playing on the break and although they forced a corner and a free kick keeper Ashley was able to perform routine catches without any pressure.
All the same Nottsborough needed a third goal to kill the game off because Parmiterians were still playing with hope and had now thrown on three pairs of fresh legs. On 75 minutes the tie was settled, just as Winchmore Hill and Poly started the second half of extra time still 0-0. Alex Ewin made a great run into space about 40 yards out and he was found by an excellent through ball. Driving to the edge of the area Ewins first shot was blocked by the keeper, the young centre back made a great tackle to prevent the rebound, but the ball broke to Nathan Violet on 75 minutes and he found the empty net from 12 yards. Parmiterians were not going to come back from this one as they were looking tired and deflated. With Hickes on for Rolfe and Green on for Hughes Nottsborough finished the stronger.
Nottsborough deserved to win this one but Old Parmiterians have had a great run in this Cup and we hope that their league form picks up enough to keep them safe. They have several good players so they should be fine. So Nottsborough have reached their second successive AFA Senior Final. Not an easy thing with so many good sides around. Also they have done so without playing a game at home. The games at Old Wilsonians, Broomfield and Civil Service were all difficult against sides in form. Nottsborough have found a way of winning all of them. Now they must see if they can find a way of winning the AFA Senior Final for the first time against Poly who came through on penalties in the end.
Ashley; Marsland, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Negus, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Hickes & Green
Eventually a very good team performance from all 13 players but my man of the match goes to Chris Kerr who did not stop running and competing for all the 90 minutes.
Old Wilsonians 1 Nottsborough 3 League 28th February 2009
Away win keeps Nottsborough in the hunt.
Every game seems to be a “big” one and every week the opposition is strong. Nottsborough usually do well at Hayes Hill but for 25 minutes the home side gave them a very difficult time and deserved their 1-0 lead. Matt Kerr’s men were not to be denied in the end, but the away side had to work very hard to take away the win.
Nottsborough achieved almost the impossible in this game by remaining unchanged. With Chris Apaloo ill there was a recall to the bench for Ben Hickes after injury, whilst ex-skip Matt Rolfe was fit enough to make the thirteenth man. Old Wilsonians have had two good Cup wins against Old Meadonians and Challoners in recent matches and rightly started in confident mood taking the game to Nottsborough and being half a yard quicker all around the pitch. Danger threatened each time the ball was played into their big target man and Nottsborough were looking shaky at the back. Wilsonian’s midfielders were pouring through like water through a colander.
The opening goal was a soft penalty awarded by a referee who got better as the game went on. My good friend John Wilson tells me it was a definite penalty so I will accept it, but you see challenges like that every week go unpunished and SAL Rep player Oz Akkaya has a habit of falling down in and around the box. Down he went with an exclamation and the ref surprised a lot of the home spectators and the Nottsborough side by awarding a penalty on 10 minutes that was neatly put away by the afore-mentioned Akkaya into the left hand corner. The home side had its tail up and twice they got behind the Nottsborough defence only to fail to find the right final pass or strike. They were winning corners and they headed narrowly wide at the far post. Nottsborough were failing to make much progress despite the frantic efforts of the Kerr brothers. This all changed on 25 minutes when the ref awarded his second penalty of the game. Alex Ewin was suddenly put through to the right of goal and inside the penalty area. A defender went for the ball, knocked Ewin over and the ref was enjoying himself. Nathan Violet stepped up and took an identikit copy of the Akkaya penalty. Left foot and bottom corner.
This was a most frantic game not made easy by a very bobbly surface. Both teams were trying to play too quickly on the surface and another touch was required. Nevertheless Nottsborough were now right back in the game and the home keeper, incidentally an ex-Nottingham University player, had to make a fantastic save to keep the scores level. Nathan Violet swung over a lovely deep cross and Ewin’s header was heading for the bottom corner until the keeper dived way to his left to turn the ball past the post. At this stage I think it would be fair to say that the home defence was looking a little shaky as the away side finally started to put their game together. Nottsborough took the lead following a succession of free kicks or corners. The home defence, who had superbly blocked a Violet thunderbolt moments earlier, foiled efforts by Ewin and Hughes but in trying to keep out Hughes again found the other corner of their own net despite the desperate attempts of the home keeper on 35 minutes for an own goal.
The scoreline did not reflect the balance of play so far, but it was Nottsborough who now had hold of the game. Green and Negus were finding space on the right, the Kerr’s were winning the midfield challenges and Violet and Howson were at last getting into the game on the left. A nice link up by the latter two found Ewin jinking past his man and down the left by-line only for the last defender to block his cross. Negus then joined the attack to fire a cross shot wide of the far post. At the other end Akkaya had a great opportunity before half time to equalise as he skipped inside two challenges but failed to hit the target from 12 yards out. Half time followed shortly afterwards with Nottsborough 2-1 up, a surprising turn around after the first 25 minutes.
The second half was a disappointment in footballing terms. Old Wilsonians were still trying to get forward with pace, particularly down the left in this half as their right midfielder tired. Quite a lot of corners and free kicks were awarded by the ref to the home side and although many of them provided moments of danger Ashley in the away goal only had one routine save to make. Old Wilsonians did hit the post although Ashley had the ball covered. Even this one was awarded as a corner even though the ball hit the outside of the post. Where Ashley did stand out was the way in which he dealt with the in-swinging corners, twice punching solidly clear and once palming away at the back post. An Akkaya free kick from 22 yards was deflected over the bar by the wall and generally the Nottsborough defence marshalled by Marsland and Sutcliffe was able to defend the lead. One highlight was a superb delivery from Ashley over 50 yards right onto the foot of Violet on the left touchline and just inside the Wilsonians half.
With half an hour to go Ben Hickes was introduced at right back with Matt Negus moving into midfield. Hickes immediately started to impress getting forward and one curling deep cross caused problems in the home goal as the keeper failed to hold onto the curling cross and Hughes almost scrambled the ball home. The away side still looked like they could score again as Ewin and Hughes presented a threat on the break. Hughes headed narrowly wide from a corner, although it might have been best to leave it for Marsland who was right behind him and running square onto the ball. Later Hughes was literally man-handled off the ball on the edge of the area and Nottsborough were still complaining to the ref a minute later. The home side were trying to play out from the back but on the bobbly surface this was not easy and Nottsborough were now the side working very hard all over the field. The home supply line to the centre forward had been cut. With 15 minutes to go Ben Hughes in part repaid the faith his Captain has shown in him since Christmas. Hughes is quick, but has been playing with a groin strain that limits his freedom. Last week he scored a super goal against Old Salesians, and if anything he went one better here. Nottsborough were finding space in midfield, and the Kerrs set up Ewin inside the centre circle. A delightful through ball with the outside of his right foot sent Hughes through in the inside right channel. There was still a lot to do with the keeper coming out to almost the edge of the area, but Ben Hughes’s right foot daisy cutter found the far corner on 74 minutes.
Nottsborough still had some defending to do and the home side brought on two subs, pressing at least 3 players forward. Although Nottsborough were forced to defend the home side never really fashioned another real chance and the away side were able to hold out for a very good away win against a Wilsonians side that offered a lot more threat than in the AFA Senior Cup before Christmas. Wilsonians are still right in the mix, but Nottsborough with this win have brought themselves more into contention despite having more than half their games still to play. Next Saturday the league takes a back seat as Nottsborough have an even “bigger” game in the AFA Senior Semi Final against old foes Old Parmiterians.
Ashley; Negus, Marsland, Sutcliffe, Howson; Green, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Sub Hickes Not used Rolfe
Once again a very good team effort from Nottsborough. Hughes was a threat all afternoon. The Kerr’s did well to re-gain parity in midfield. My vote for Man of the Match goes to Dan Ashley who is really making his experience pay over the last few games.
Nottsborough 2 Old Salesians 2 (AET - Notts win 4-2 on penalties) 21st February 2009
Surrey AFA Semi Final played at Tolworth
“Thriller decided on penalties”
Nottsborough’s record in penalty “shoot-outs” is not very good so, when the excellent referee brought extra time to a close, Nottsborough’s Coach Brian Williams feared the worst. The Surrey AFA Semi Final last season was lost on penalties, as was the AFA Senior Final. However Nottsborough have brought in AFA keeper Dan Ashley this season who is a good shot-stopper and takes a mean penalty himself. Surely things would be better this time Williams thought to himself! Well Salesians put two penalties wide of the goal, and Ashley put his penalty over the bar so not much change there then!! Ultimately skipper Matt Kerr stepped up and thumped his penalty into the bottom corner to put Nottsborough through after two and a half hours of frantic but entertaining football. Either side could have won this game. Both sides can make sound arguments for why they should have won the game. In the end the lottery that is penalties decided the matter.
Salesians appeared to have a pretty full strength side out. They have suffered terribly with injuries since 6 of their players represented the SAL out in Turin. Over the last few weeks most of the injuries have been cleared up and wins away at West Wickham and home to Old Esthamians have demonstrated a return to form. Nottsborough, who also had 6 players at Turin, have been on an unbeaten run since that tournament. Injuries to key players have been part of the process. For this game former skipper Matt Rolfe and new right back Ben Hickes were out. Also out for some time have been SAL Rep player Nick Stavri, Andy Szwajkowski and Simon Webb. James Elliott is hardly fit at all these days. Regardless of which players were fit and who had the most absentees, both teams put on a frantic and thrilling cup tie that took two and a half hours to complete.
The first half was one hundred miles an hour from start to finish. Nottsborough started well but it was Salesians who struck the post early on when their SAL striker Nick Haynes fired across Ashley and away off the far post. Ashley then produced a fantastic save from a Michael Ayres block-buster free kick from 30 yards. The shot took a slight deflection and somehow Ashley got a strong hand up to his right to put the ball over the bar. Salesians were causing problems at corners and with long throws and Sutcliffe and Marsland were doing really well to keep Salesians out. At the other end Nottsborough were looking dangerous when they found space as Violet, Green and the two Kerr brothers worked hard to combat a 5 man Salesians midfield. Gaps did appear, as they often do with a 3 man rearguard. Chris Kerr got clean through in the inside right channel but was not quite quick enough and when he did finally shoot it was blocked for a corner. Nick Green and Matt Negus then combined to put Negus behind the Salesians defence but the Salesians left midfield got in a great recovery tackle. 0-0 at half time.
Nottsborough started the second half even better and for the first time in the game managed to get some passing and link-up play going. Whenever Dave Howson or Matt Negus found room they looked dangerous. It was not surprising when they took the lead but it came from a most un-Nottsborough like ploy as a long kick down the middle from Ashley saw Ben Hughes using his pace and physique to get behind the Salesians defence and blast the ball past Hodges in the Salesians goal on 52 minutes. Suddenly Nottsborough were in control and they looked like they could extend their lead with Nick Green going closest and a superb Negus ball finding Ewin behind the defence but without the usual clean control. Nottsborough then shot themselves in the foot and gave away a needless goal. Both Kerr’s got caught in possession in the centre circle and the alarm bells were ringing as their midfielder surged forward. Somehow Nottsborough managed to shepherd the attack to the right hand side of the box and with a Salesians player running away from the goal, and out of options, Marsland brought the player down for a clear penalty. Haynes stuck this confidently away and it was all square again. Haynes then passed up a really good chance to put Salesians ahead after a flick on from Michael Ayres left Haynes with a clear shot that he scuffed wide. Ashley then had to dive behind himself to pounce on a ball before it bobbled into the net. At the other end Alex Ewin should have won the game for Nottsborough in the last 10 minutes of normal time. Firstly he put a reasonable chance over the bar, but then with time running out he was put clear through on the Salesians goal and struck his shot against Hodges’s leg rather than the gaping net. In the last minute Matt Kerr glanced a header just wide. 1-1 at full time.
Salesians took the lead in the 92 minute when a simple ball over Sutcliffe was not covered. Ashley collided with Ayres and Haynes flicked the ball into an empty net. The Nottsborough side are fit enough and confident enough to fight back these days. So they did. A Violet free kick to the back post saw great movement by the finisher. On 100 minutes Alex Ewin rose at the back post to thump home his header. Either side might have gone on to win the match but in truth everyone was starting to tire after an awful lot of hard work, and so the game stayed at 2-2 until the end. Skipper James Ayres for Old Salesians had an outstanding match in my opinion.
Nottsborough went first in the penalty shoot out and Negus planted the ball simply to the keepers left. Salesians missed their first penalty. Ewin then stepped up for Nottsborough and had his penalty superbly saved by Hodges. The ref however ruled that the keeper had moved early and come off his line and the Ewin re-take found the bottom corner. Salesians put away two really good penalties as did Violet for Nottsborough. Keeper Dan Ashley stepped up for Nottsborough’s fourth knowing that a successful strike would put a Salesians player under a lot of pressure. Ashleys spot kick soared over the bar and was last seen heading for the Decca ground. No matter the next Salesians kick missed the target and skipper Matt Kerr rattled his shot into the side netting to put Nottsborough in the Surrey final for the first time in many years.
Just a word about officials at this point. All 3 officials were excellent. They dealt with a frantic game in a most calm and assured manner. SAL football looks in very good shape with 3 officials and the sooner we move to 3 officials for all Senior games the better the standard will be and the better the players will become.
Ashley; Negus, Marsland, Sutcliffe, Howson; Green, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Apaloo and Nimmo.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough could easily be Ashley but he missed his penalty. It could have been Negus who had a really good all-round game, but my vote goes to the man that struck the winning penalty. Skipper Matt Kerr lead by example.
Nottsborough 1 Old Owens 1 League 14th February 2009
This was the best game I have seen this season. The main pitch was too wet for the groundsman’s liking so this match was moved up to the higher level. This pitch was also wet in places but perfectly playable and these two sides put on a very good show of passing football. Old Owens were fresh from their excellent win at West Wickham whilst Nottsborough had won their last 9 games, most of which were in Cup competitions. The last league game for Nottsborough was before Christmas.
Old Owens were missing Sam Sullivan, but certainly had a strong side out. Nottsborough were missing Matt Rolfe and Ben Hickes from their win at Civil Service, which means there were two changes in the back four. This meant Matt Negus returned to right back and Danny Marsland came in at centre back. With Nick Stavri still injured, Ben Hughes kept his place up front with Chris Apaloo the only sub as Nottsborough 2’s took a strong side to Old Wokingians for the AFA Surrey Semi Final.
The first half was a cracker with play switching from end to end. Nottsborough made a great start and Violet and Howson combined to create early danger but neither Hughes or Ewin could manage to get a shot on target. In virtually their first attack Old Owens took the lead from a fine move. Inter-passing in midfield released the right wing back. A super run from a midfielder beyond the wing back got Owens in behind Howson and the cut back found Mann. Although the shot was a little scuffed it still found the bottom corner on 4 minutes. Although taken aback Nottsborough continued to play and on 14 minutes created a great chance for Nick Green. Hughes and Ewin combined and Green made a great run straight down the middle. Into the area he smacked his right footer against the inside of the right post, but instead of deflecting in the ball shot along the goal line and past the other post where Green got another shot on target but this one was blocked. In a terrific first quarter Nottsborough got the equaliser they deserved when Negus and Green combined and a free kick was won near the touchline about 10 yards away from the angle of the penalty area. The free kick was superbly flighted to the far post and there was the finisher to head the ball down past Sullivan. Alex Ewin had equalised on 23 minutes.
Both sides had chances to take the lead before half time. Owens forced some dangerous corners but Negus and Matt Kerr got in telling clearances whilst Dan Ashley superbly cut out one low cross and watched relieved as an Owens header flew just wide. At the other end Sullivan had to get low down on two occasions to save drives from Ewin and Matt Kerr, whilst Ben Hughes fired just over. Both sides were playing the ball around the back and releasing their wide players so that, although this was not the biggest playing surface at Tolworth, the game was continually stretched, as were both defences. Full marks to both teams defences as they held strong until half time. Nottsborough could be pleased to have defended so well and come back after the early reverse.
As with the game against Civil Service there was some sorting out to do at half time for Nottsborough. There was a definite change in tactics for Nottsborough and they really got on top in the first 15 minutes of this half. The influential Owens midfielder was stifled and Owens started to give the ball away in their own half. Nottsborough probably lost their chance to win the game in this important period. Hughes and Ewin had thumping shots bravely blocked by Owens defenders who threw themselves at the ball. Sullivan went low to his right to keep out a drive from Violet. In this half Nottsborough were generally on top but Owens came back into it again after the first fifteen minutes and again they looked very dangerous on the counter. Twice their right wing back got away but fired his first long range effort straight at Ashley and his second over the bar. Mann wasted perhaps their best chance of the half by selfishly going for goal when there were players un-marked in the middle. Nottsborough however could have taken a note of Mann’s desire to get a strike on goal as twice in the last quarter they had great chances to win the game. Firstly Chris Kerr broke through and 25 yards out chose to set up Green. The Nottsborough man can hit the ball but also elected to pass wider to Ewin and the chance was blocked. Then Howson burst through from the back and linked well with Apaloo. The ball spun to Violet 25 yards out. Instead of going for a thumping shot across the keeper Violet attempted a difficult chip across goal and the Owens centre half got the ball away.
An excellent game was brought to a close by ref Pat Morrissey who I thought had an excellent game. Considering he had no linesmen, in what was an end to end and side to side game, he got all the important decisions spot on.
Ashley; Negus, Marsland, Sutcliffe, Howson; Green, Kerr C, Kerr M, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Sub Apaloo
For Nottsborough the back four all did well with Sutcliffe again having a good game and Marsland doing well. Negus came more and more into the game in the second half. The midfield battle was a delight with Owens posing real problems. My Man of the Match for Nottsborough is David Howson who, despite a very sore Achilles in the second half, got in several excellent tackles and still got forward well.
Civil Service 0 Nottsborough 2 AFA Senior Cup Quarter Final 7th February 2009
The only game in London?
The garden was still under snow, the road was still treacherous getting out, and the temperature was half a degree. It was quite amazing an hour later to arrive at the Civil Service sports ground to find a perfectly playable pitch and the temperature about 5 degrees warmer. This was the only game on in the AFA Senior Cup Quarter Final, and quite possibly the only ground with games on at amateur level in London.
Nottsborough had been drawn away, yet again, to a Civil Service side who had won their last 5 games, with 3 very good wins since Christmas. On this occasion the away draw was a bonus as the fixture pile up is already ridiculous. Nottsborough have also been winning games but had stuttered through two games since Christmas. This was always going to be a difficult tie for the away side and so it was going to prove to be, particularly in the first half, with both sides making light of the bobbly playing conditions.
Matt Kerr tinkered with his side giving Ben Hickes his full debut at right back and bringing back Ben Hughes up front. This meant that Matt Negus, having played right back and striker in the previous two games, now found a place on the right of midfield. Nick Green and Danny Marsland were the unlucky men to miss out joining Chris Apaloo on the bench and giving the Nottsborough coach plenty of options. Injured, or unavailable, for Nottsborough were Andy Szwajkowski, Nick Stavri and James Elliott. Civil Service appeared to have their strongest side out.
Civil Service started the game in confident mood, following recent good results, and they made full use of the huge playing area. Their play out of defence was particularly good with their centre backs calmly switching play so that their two wide players saw plenty of the ball, whilst the central midfielder Myles showed up nicely aided by Peachey. Nottsborough had also started quite brightly but their options to play out from the back were being limited by the presence of two wide players up front. Nevertheless it was Nottsborough who looked the more likely to score with Hughes and Ewin starting to find gaps. Indeed it was Nottsborough who did score first when, for the second time, they caused confusion in the home defence. This time a hasty clearance cannoned off Chris Kerr to Violet 15 yards out and to the left of goal. The shot was perfectly struck by Nathan Violet into the far corner of the goal on 14 minutes. I think you could say that Nottsborough had hold of the game at this point and Ewin had a good chance to put Nottsborough clear half way through the half, but his low drive flew narrowly wide from 20 yards out.
Civil Service however were continuing to play good football and this brought them firmly back into the game. There were a couple of dangerous corners and a flicked shot by Cameron that went safely into the hands of Ashley. The best chance of the game for Civil Service came, when Dave Howson allowed the right winger to get inside him on the edge of the area. A very nice piece of control found the home man in a little space but his volley was just over. The home centre forward was looking threatening whenever he found space but generally Rolfe and Sutcliffe were able to tighten things up. Nottsborough passed up the best chance of the game so far, on the stroke of half time, when a lovely move involving Kerr, Ewin and Howson set up Violet for a great chance from 10 yards which he put over the bar. A bit of a bobble on the ball but he had time to pick his spot. 0-1 at half time in what had been a very even game with a high standard of play from both sides on a difficult surface.
Nottsborough had a few things to sort out at half time and they came out for a second half which was timed at 63 minutes ! The injury to the home keeper midway through the half required a 10 minutes delay and an eventual ambulance and this was perfectly understandable. Where the other 8 minutes came from I am not at all sure. Once again this game was pretty close, until the keeper got injured, but Nottsborough had sorted out who was doing what and Civil Service were not getting forward anything like as much. Apart from a header straight at Ashley from 10 yards I cannot remember another Civil Service attempt on goal.
At the other end Nottsborough were starting to find space as the home side chased the game. Chris Kerr was showing up very well in closing down Myles and starting to find space for himself. Violet and Howson were starting to get forward down the left and Howson provided a superb cross on 55 minutes which whistled across the goal area without a touch from the Nottsborough forwards. This was the first of two important contributions from Howson who also got in two very good challenges at the other end. Midway through the half a huge gap appeared in the home defence and Negus and Ewin combined to put Violet through to the right of the centre of the goal. The home keeper did very well to block Violets shot but the ball span to the side. Violet chased the ball and kept it in but the keeper having collided with a defender was very fortunate to find that Violet rushed his centre and put it straight into his arms with two Nottsborough forwards waiting in the goalmouth. This was the last action for the keeper who had sustained a very nasty gash in the collision.
Moving into the last quarter then, after a long delay, and Civil Service put a sub. in goal. It was not too long before the new man was picking the ball out of his net. Chris Kerr and Nathan Violet kept the ball down the left and put Howson away yet again. A beautiful cross beyond the far post cleared the new keeper and there was Alex Ewin to volley home on 77 minutes. The away side were now fully in control. Hughes got injured trying to make it three and was replaced by Apaloo. As we moved into the last 5 minutes Rolfe pulled up clutching his thigh (this was now over 55 minutes of the half) and Marsland was on. Nottsborough were now keeping the ball in the Civil Service corners and the home side became increasingly frustrated. Their first sub, who replaced Cameron, was lucky to stay on after two late tackles, but Myles was not so lucky receiving his second yellow in injury time.
This was more like it from Nottsborough as they looked solid at the back and competed really well in midfield. Another tricky away tie negotiated and a semi final place for the third year in a row.
Ashley; Hickes, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Negus, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Apaloo, Marsland, Green.
Man of the Match goes to the whole team who put in a solid team performance.
Nottsborough 3 Old Salopians 2 Surrey AFA Cup Quarter Final 31st January 2009
Semi Final place for Nottsborough
Old Salopians visited the lawns of Tolworth for the first time quite openly expecting to cause a surprise. The lawns do not look so good this year with drainage work to other parts of the ground, frost, and rain making for a wet surface that cuts up. Salopians threat almost materialised, but an own goal put Nottsborough’s forwards out of their misery as chance after chance went begging.
This season is really hard going. Firstly representative football took out several weekends and now the weather is having its say. Four weekends have been lost to the weather and consequently there are no league games being played and Cup progress is intermittent. However Nottsborough are still in there fighting away and once again they had to come from behind to win this one, although how they were ever behind is hard to believe. The corner count was around fifteen to two, the chances count was around the same but Salopians led going into the last third.
Nottsborough skipper Matt Kerr pulled a surprise out of the hat by naming right back Matt Negus as the partner to Alex Ewin in attack. With Chris Apaloo and Ben Hughes on the bench there were plenty of attacking options to bring on. Danny Marsland got the right back position ahead of new man Ben Hickes who made the final sub spot.
Nottsborough started the match in tremendous style and Ewin missed his first chance on 2 minutes when he opted for placement rather than power and the keeper held the ball to his left. Salopians looked pretty ragged early on with clearances going everywhere but they were to defend resolutely throughout the half. Nottsborough took the lead on 15 minutes when Nathan Violet picked up a clearance 30 yards out and chipped the keeper, the ball floating into the top corner for a quite superb opener. Violet was doing well and he linked with Howson to provide a low cross which found Ewin deflecting just wide of the far post. Midway through the half Nottsborough had an excellent goal ruled out for offside. Why are there no linesmen at Quarter Final level? Chris Kerr, Violet and Howson combined superbly to get behind the Salopians defence, the cross found Ewin who unselfishly passed square to Matt Kerr who thumped the ball home. The ref ruled for offside but Nottsborough were certain Kerr was behind Ewin when the ball was passed. Ultimately the man in charge makes his decision and we have to respect it.
Nottsborough lost their way a little bit after this and when Howson stumbled in clearing a poor corner Nottsborough had to defend for the first time in the half. Having got over this poor patch Nottsborough returned to the attack and really should have extended their lead as dangerous crosses kept coming into the Salopians box with the away team refusing to buckle and Nottsborough not able to take the right option. Crucially it was only 1-0 at half time.
The second half started just like the first with, if anything, Nottsborough having more clear cut chances. Ewin twice headed over when he would normally have hit the target, and when he did get a header on target it was straight at the keeper. Negus had a shot blocked and several corners were cleared by Salopians who were getting more into the game as Nottsborough flooded forward leaving spaces behind. What the spectators had been fearing happened when Salopians took the lead with their first shot on target. A clearance from defence was played very neatly behind Marsland to a Salopians player on the left who controlled his centre perfectly to leave the striker with a clear chance which he slotted away on 60 minutes. Worse was to follow as Dan Ashley in the Nottsborough goal came up with the mistake of the season so far. A harmless ball across his box brought Ashley across towards the left of his penalty area. He was under no pressure at all but his attempt at passing the ball to another Nottsborough shirt was out by several degrees and woefully short. The Salopians striker who was just loitering could not believe his luck as he gleefully slammed the ball towards the Nottsborough goal. It was 2-1 to the away side and it could have been a lot worse as Marsland in attempting to clear the ball made contact with the ball with his hand. Fortunately the ball was over the line and ended up in the net or Marsland would have been sent off.
Many times in the past Nottsborough teams would have panicked. This team were back on level terms inside 2 minutes on 67 minutes. The ball was pinging around the Salopians area, the centre half somehow blocked a Ewin shot. The ball ran free to Violet on the byeline and he pulled the ball back for Matt Negus to thump the ball home. At this point the changes started to be made. Nick Green who was having a pretty good game was withdrawn and Ben Hughes came on up front with Negus dropping into midfield. Ben Hickes came on for Marsland at right back. Nottsborough were flooding forward again and the Nottsborough coach was starting to lose his temper with the Nottsborough midfield who all wanted to attack. More chances were offered and spurned whilst Ashley had to pull off a good save from Salopians third shot on target. Finally Negus and Hughes created a chance for a really low hard cross and a Salopian defender achieved what the Nottsborough forwards had found so difficult, a firm connection into the corner of the net. An own goal on 83 minutes settled the tie. There was still time for Salopians to threaten but their free kick from 22 yards out hit the wall and the clearance was made.
Since the middle of December Nottsborough have failed to string two weekends together. It has undoubtedly affected their form, and in this game, their finishing. Nevertheless they have stayed in the League title race, the AFA Senior, and The Surrey AFA where they make the semi final for the second year running. They have won their last 3 games in the last 15 minutes so the fitness levels are good and they are showing the determination to win something this season. They will need to get back to the form of November if they want to beat the better sides.
Ashley; Marsland, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Green, Kerr C, Kerr M, Violet; Ewin, Negus; Subs Hughes, Hickes, Apaloo.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Nathan Violet whose goal and general play stood out.
Broomfield 1 Nottsborough 2 AFA Senior Cup Round 4 17th January 2009
Nottsborough through to Quarter Finals!
Hazelwood Recreation Ground was the venue for this game, and after the heavy frost of last Saturday, the pitch had done well to shake off the very heavy rain of early morning. Nottsborough travelled to this game knowing that Broomfield were in very good form and had knocked rivals West Wickham out in the previous round. They were expecting a difficult game and this was exactly what they got as they had to come from behind and only secured the win with 6 minutes to go.
Nottsborough had to play into the breeze in the first half and contend with an annoyingly low sun, although it is best not to complain about sun at this time of year. Broomfield started the better of the two sides and were quickly on the attack forcing two or three corners. All of them were in-swingers and all of them caused problems. On 5 minutes Dan Ashley, who had a very good game for the AFA on Wednesday, showed he was fallible and he spilled a relatively easy catch. A Broomfield player hammered this against the bar and Nottsborough were lucky to get this away. Nottsborough were under pressure for quite a bit of the half but hoping to see things through to half time without conceding. Both centre backs Rolfe and Sutcliffe were doing their best to hold a good line and they won most of their challenges but the home 10 was proving a nuisance. The next chance came to Broomfield when a deep free kick cleared the Nottsborough defence and found the home 15 unmarked. The header flew narrowly over and once again Nottsborough had got away with it. Corners and free kicks were not Broomfields only weapons as their centre-back also has the ability to put throw-ins into the middle of the goalmouth. Once again Rolfe and Sutcliffe managed pretty well aided by Negus and Howson. Broomfield forced Ashley into a low save and then fired a shot into the side netting as they tried to turn their territorial possession into goals.
Broomfield did not have it all their own way in the first half and increasingly Nottsborough began to get into the game so that by the last 10 minutes they were starting to put Broomfield under pressure. Early opportunities fell to Chris Apaloo who fired straight at the keeper from 15 yards whilst Nick Green did the same from outside the area. 10 minutes before half time Nottsborough were celebrating taking the lead as Violet’s in-swinging corner was sliced into his own net by a Broomfield defender. Fortunately for the home side the ref did not allow the goal insisting that the kick could only be taken when he blew the whistle. In the last 5 minutes Apaloo had a heading chance which he looked to lay off rather than go for goal. Violet produced a superb cross which flicked off Ewin’s head at the far post and wide. Nottsborough’s best chance came two minutes before half time as Violet and Howson caused problems down the left and Chris Kerr really should have hit the net from 15 yards instead of trying to set someone else up. 0-0 at half time.
If Nottsborough felt they had done all the hard work in the first half and that the elements were all in their favour then they were mistaken. First of all the sun had disappeared, although the breeze was a little stronger. Secondly they found themselves 1-0 down on 53 minutes. Howson played a slightly risky ball across the back line, but found Rolfe, who in turn played the ball onto Negus. The latter had done very well in the first half bringing the ball forward but on this occasion he lost the ball and the Broomfield man was away against a very square defence. The cross to the far post was excellent and there was number 10 to slide the ball past Ashley. If anyone was going to break the deadlock it was Broomfield’s impressive 10.
The response of the Nottsborough coach was to get all 3 Nottsborough subs warming up. His side realised they were in a spot of bother and decided to take the game to Broomfield. Negus tried a long shot from 30 yards straight at the keeper whilst Green, who was struggling following a heavy tackle, also found the safe arms of the home custodian. With 30 minutes to go Ben Hickes was given his debut at right back having worked his way through the Nottsborough ranks. This move allowed Negus to move forward instead of Green. Chris Apaloo was withdrawn after a very hard-working performance and old favourite James Elliott was brought on up front, Elliott not being able to manage much more than 30 minutes these days. The changes worked to perfection. Midway through the half on 66 minutes a long Sutcliffe free kick found Negus on the edge of the box. His first attempt was blocked, but the second effort from Matt Negus was emphatic as it flew past the keeper into the bottom of the net.
Now it was Nottsborough who were properly on top for the first time in the game. The Nottsborough coach made his final change of the game taking off the hard-working Chris Kerr and putting on Danny Marsland to add height and hold the midfield. The Broomfield legs were starting to go but they still managed to fashion a really good chance as the 10, yet again, got away and forced Ashley into a fine block. Rolfe then went on one of those charging runs that he is well-known for and even had the affront for a centre back to try and chip the keeper from 25 yards, his effort just clearing the bar. The tall Elliott was causing problems and Nottsborough almost took the lead from an in-swinging corner. Elliott then could not decide whether to shoot or set up Ewin for the winner, so he basically did neither. Broomfield were struggling defensively and the winner duly arrived on 84 minutes. Hickes, who made a very favourable debut, was involved down the right with Negus, and Marsland dropped off near the right touchline to deliver a lovely deep cross to Elliott. Ewin won the knock-down and James Elliott pounced to fire the ball home under the keeper.
Broomfield were not quite done as two long throws were headed wide in the final minutes. Dave Howson got in a very good challenge as 10 once again tried to break through. Nottsborough managed to keep the ball down the right hand side in added on time as the ref allowed for several injuries and substitutions. A very good effort from Broomfield, but Nottsborough showed good team spirit to come back from behind. The main difference perhaps was the ability of Nottsborough to bring on three good players from the bench in the last 30 minutes. Through to the quarter finals for the second successive year Nottsborough have won all 7 games since the return of the SAL Rep team from Turin. They looked rusty in this game but are delighted to be through this difficult tie.
Ashley; Negus, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Green, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Apaloo; Subs all used; Hickes, Elliott, Marsland.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough is a close one with Rolfe having another good game at centre back despite dislocating his finger. My vote goes to Matt Negus for firing Nottsborough back into the game with a terrific strike.
Nottsborough 2 Alleyn Old Boys 1 League 20th December 2008
Elliott the comeback king!
When James Elliott joined Nottsborough 7 years ago it coincided with the club’s entry to the Southern Amateur League. Elliott arrived with a large group of mates from Nottingham University, including current centre back Matt Rolfe, and has played a big part in Nottsborough’s rise through the Divisions. His last game before today was last season’s AFA Senior Cup final, and wracked by injuries in the last few seasons he has made several comebacks. His entry to this game after half time was to be the deciding factor as he set up both Nottsborough goals.
Skipper Matt Kerr could not have had a harder start to his captaincy than this pre-Christmas period. At the start of the week Nottsborough were due to put out 4 sides and yet by Friday afternoon they were struggling to raise one team let alone four. At the moment it seems popular to have bragging rights about how many players are unavailable. Kerr will be happy that his much re-arranged team managed to snatch this game in the last few minutes through a great strike from Nick Green.
Danny Marsland was drafted into defence after missing three weeks and there was a debut at left back for Gary Cullinan who has made a big impression in the second team. Dave Howson moved forward into midfield, whilst Nick Green was also back on the other side. Ben Hughes was fit enough to start the game but had to be withdrawn at half time with a recurrence of his groin strain. On the bench were the afore-mentioned Elliott and Ted Datta, who has been doing very well in the second team. The Nottsborough second team are really proving their worth with so many players breaking through and Peter Morris, Andy Lea, and Mark Grove have been doing a great job.
Alleyn Old Boys rescued themselves at Nottsborough last season with a 3-0 win and their recent results have been two good away wins. They pushed Nottsborough all the way in this game until the final whistle. It did not look like it would be that close at the start as Alleyn’s started very shakily and Nottsborough should have taken the lead in the first quarter as Hughes had three chances, two of which left him through on the keeper. The first shot just missed the angle, being taken too early, whilst the second was rather tamely struck straight at the keeper after a great run from centre-back Matt Rolfe. Midway through the half Nick Green was left clear inside the area but hit the keeper from 10 yards out rather than the back of the net. Alleyn’s eventually settled down and started to get into the game with their leggy midfielder showing up very well. Dan Ashley in the home goal was forced to plunge to his right to hold a header from the threatening Alleyn’s number 9. Half time arrived with no goals scored and in several games this season Nottsborough have taken a couple of chances in the first half to make the away side chase the game. On this occasion the finishing was wasteful and Alleyn’s were back in the game.
Elliott for Hughes was the only change at half time and within 10 minutes he made his first real contribution. The Alleyn’s defence cleared the ball away to Elliott about 40 yards out. With the ball dropping on to Elliott’s favoured left foot there was a danger that Elliott would try one of those spectacular shots which sometimes go in spectacularly, but mostly fly high or wide. Somebody fortunately shouted “time” and Elliott brought the ball down and slipped past his marker. The pass to Matt Kerr was neat and Kerr’s onward pass to Ewin even better. The finisher was right in on goal and Alex Ewin gave Nottsborough the lead on 54 minutes as he tucked the ball inside the far post. For a brief moment Nottsborough seemed to be in control. Nick Green saw a great left foot drive deflected narrowly wide whilst Elliott almost hit the target with a left foot volley that just missed the far post.
Alleyn’s however were not giving this game up and they were starting to cause problems breaking from midfield with the centre-forward providing the flick-ons. Nottsborough were now having to defend a lot more and Ashley was being called into action, mostly to deal with crosses and through balls. Rolfe and Marsland were beginning to lose their strangle-hold and full backs Negus and Cullinan were having to defend keenly at the expense of several corners. Nottsborough were being stretched as Alleyn’s chased the game and the equaliser duly arrived with 20 minutes to go as Alleyn’s best player broke through two rather lame challenges to plant the ball past Ashley’s right hand and into the corner.
Now it was anybody’s game and Alleyn’s almost snatched an unlikely lead when their sub charged down an Ashley clearance but saw the ball bounce wide of the post. At the other end Nottsborough produced a great passing move that finished with Elliott laying the ball off to Negus who had started the move at right back. Negus failed to find a good finish to end a good move and the Alleyn’s keeper blocked the shot. With around 15 minutes to go Nottsborough introduced Datta for Cullinan with Howson reverting to left back. Datta did well to provide a bit of midfield stability as the home side chased a win. Skipper Matt Kerr created the winning goal as he stormed through a challenge on half way and won a superb 50/50 on the touchline level with the left hand edge of the penalty area. The ball broke to Chris Kerr who returned it to his brother. The low cross found Elliott and he shifted the ball to his right where Nick Green appeared 15 yards out having run in from the right flank. Green’s left foot strike was past the keeper before he could move and Nottsborough had regained the lead in the 89th minute.
Even then Alleyn’s were not finished as they threw 5 men forwards and forced several very dangerous corners in added time. Nottsborough were relieved that the last of these drifted behind the goal after both Rolfe and Matt Kerr had won great headers at the previous corners. Alleyn’s felt that they had deserved a point and their fight-back in this game was very good. On the balance of real goal-scoring chances Nottsborough should have settled this earlier. They were fortunate to have Elliott back to help set up the win.
Referee Derrick Coe had a good game and got the majority of decisions spot on.
Ashley; Negus, Rolfe, Marsland, Cullinan; Green, Kerr M, Kerr C, Howson; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Elliott, Datta.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough was captain Matt Kerr. Ill in bed most of the week, he never gave up in this game and played a vital role in both home goals.
Old Wilsonians 0 Nottsborough 2 6th December 2008
AFA Senior Cup Round 3
Nottsborough travelled to Hayes Hill with confidence after two excellent league performances against good sides. On the other hand they were also aware that Old Wilsonians always push them hard and it has taken two comebacks in the last two seasons to secure the league points. It certainly isn’t getting easier for new skipper Matt Kerr. For this game he only had the bare 11 plus an injured Andy Szwajkowski as sub. Missing for all sorts of reasons were Dave MacIntosh, Danny Marsland, Simon Webb, Paul Cole, Nick Green and Nick Stavri. This meant a first start for Chris Apaloo, otherwise the team was unchanged from last week.
The first half was a rather tame affair with Nottsborough failing to string much passing together and looking about half a yard off the pace. Nevertheless Ben Hughes forced the home keeper into three competent saves whilst Dan Ashley in the away goal hardly had a thing to do. Nottsborough perhaps shaded the half but there wasn’t a lot in it. There were several corners for the away side and all of these were defended fairly easily by Old Wilsonians. At the other end Matt Rolfe and Arren Sutcliffe were winning the ball and setting up counter-attacks with the best of these involving a great run from Dave Howson who failed to find the killer ball on the edge of the six yard box. The home playmaker Oz Akkaya was strangely subdued as the two Kerr brothers got the slight upper hand. Apaloo was doing well for Nottsborough down the right but Nathan Violet was not making much impact on the other side. 0-0 at half time.
Nottsborough knew they needed to step up their performance if they were going to win this tie in normal time. Wilsonians also seemed to have had a useful half time chat as they changed their formation in midfield and started to take the game to Nottsborough. It was the away side that made the breakthrough though quite early in the half. Apaloo who continued to find space in midfield delivered a well-flighted cross into the home goalmouth. A defender on the back post tried to head the ball away but only succeeded in heading it against his own man and into the path of the finisher; Alex Ewin calmly side-footed the ball into the net on 55 minutes for the opener.
This brought a very good response from Wilsonians who had their best spell of the game. A midfielder unfortunately pulled up with a hamstring strain and Wilsonians brought on their second big forward. Now Wilsonians were playing the ball into these two and Akkaya and “Stretts” were breaking onto the ball in midfield, the latter firing in a very good long range effort which brought Ashley to his knees. It was Wilsonians forcing the corners now and Nottsborough were having to defend bravely in order to get a challenge in and get the ball away. It was during this spell of pressure that both Nottsborough full backs Matt Negus and Dave Howson showed up well. Negus in fact had an excellent game to go with the very good performances of the previous two weeks. He was tenacious in his tackling and used the ball well going forward. Dan Ashley was forced into a smart catch from one header and a good punch from a corner. He was also doing a very good job of urging his defenders to stick at their task. Nottsborough have kept three consecutive clean sheets and it was the ability to defend and finish better on the day that won them the game. Wilsonians looked threatening in this half without really convincing they were going to get a goal.
The goal that settled the game came ten minutes from the end with Nottsborough beginning to put some passing together as the spaces opened up. A very neat through ball from Alex Ewin found Chris Kerr running clean through into the area and he bundled his shot under the home keeper and into the net from 12 yards on 80 minutes. Kerr has been doing very well in the last 4 weeks in the middle of midfield and his performance today was full of determination. The goal was good reward for his efforts. Although Wilsonians returned to the attack it seemed like they did not believe it was their day. A good away win in the AFA Senior Cup therefore sees last season’s beaten finalists through to the last 16. Still in both Cups and starting to hit form in the League they have a lot to look forward to but Matt Kerr needs to strengthen his squad if they are to win anything. Although Szwajkowski did well when he came on as a late sub for the injured Hughes, the fact that there were only 11 fit players available will cost them dear against in form or stronger opponents.
As always it was very good to have three officials for this game. Good ref and two competent linesmen.
Ashley; Negus, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Apaloo, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Sub Szwajkowski.
Man of the Match goes to Matt Negus who has been a revelation at right back. His covering and distribution, including a superb 50 yard cross-field pass in the first half, were very good.
Nottsborough 6 Polytechnic 0 League 29th November 2008
Ewin goes nap!
Looking at this result I guess people may assume that Polytechnic had lots of players out watching the rugby. In actual fact Polytechnic were not missing any more players than Nottsborough, and to this observer Polytechnic were the best footballing side Nottsborough have played so far this season. Nottsborough however, at last, put in the sort of performance that their coach has been waiting to see. Their football was slick on a very slick surface and the finishing was excellent.
On an afternoon which reminded you that winter has definitely arrived both teams were very much “up” for this game. Polytechnic reportedly saw this as a measure of their improvement this season and they came into this game on the back of an excellent win against Winchmore Hill last Saturday. Nottsborough have not enjoyed being near the bottom of the table and their skipper Matt Kerr is very determined that his team move away as quickly as possible. For this game he had the luxury of naming an almost un-changed team. With Stavri, Szwajkowski, and Webb injured, Cole ill, and Marsland away the only change to the starting eleven from the previous week was Ben Hughes to start alongside the finisher.
The first 20 minutes of this game, played on a superb surface under a leaden sky, was if anything slightly in favour of Poly. AFA Rep keeper Dan Ashley, a pre-season target for Poly, was the first keeper forced into action and he did well to tip over a 25 yarder that was dipping just under the bar. Poly were breaking quickly in midfield and trying very hard to get behind the Nottsborough defence. This, however, is not quite the defence that has conceded goals in the past. Both Negus and Howson at full back have adapted very well to their new positions and they were covering well in this game. At centre back Rolfe and Sutcliffe are re-forming a partnership that started in the SAL winning side of 2 years ago. Nottsborough’s failure in this 20 minutes was that in working so hard to win the ball they were then giving it away in their haste to get forward.
If there was a turning point in the half it came when Nottsborough halted an attack and then found a really good “out” ball to Violet, who has been in really good form since returning from Turin. Violets control and running took him deep into the Poly half and his cross only just eluded Hughes and Ewin. With the play now switched to the Poly end Nottsborough forced a corner. A previous corner had almost found Rolfe in a goal-scoring position. This corner, to the back post, found the skipper Matt Kerr leaping above his marker, and crashing a header inside the angle of post and bar on 30 minutes. Within 5 minutes Nottsborough were 2-0 up and a close game was turned on its head. Chris Kerr broke from midfield following neat work with his brother, a short pass released Alex Ewin and his drive was deflected past a Poly keeper who had no chance on 35 minutes. Poly were not phased by this and came right back into the game with Nottsborough again having to defend well. Their two central midfielders were causing problems and the forwards could not be ignored either. The closest Poly got was a couple of corners with Ashley punching one of these away and then happy to see a shot fly into his side-netting. 2-0 at half time.
The second half started with a really concerted spell of pressure from Poly and Nottsborough were having to be very sharp just to limit them to a couple of corners and a blocked shot. Having survived this 5 minute spell Nottsborough produced the best 25 minute spell of compelling football we have seen so far this season. A reasonably close game was just completely taken away by a side playing with confidence and passing the ball really well. Violet played a long ball over the defence for the quick Hughes. The Poly keeper was forced to leave his area out by the right hand corner flag. Unfortunately he rather scuffed his clearance to Alex Ewin maybe 40 yards out. The home forward controlled the ball instantly and turned inside a challenge to plant a swerving 35 yard shot into the empty net as the keeper tried valiantly to recover his ground on 55 minutes. Three goals were doubled in the next 15 minutes and Alex Ewin had a day to remember.
Matt Negus who had another excellent game at right back was starting to get forward and his cross, although deflected, found its way on to the Alex Ewin forehead and it was 4-0 on 60 minutes. The last 2 goals were the best goals of the game as some very neat build-up play found Alex Ewin in space and the finishers chip was too good for an exposed Poly keeper on 67 minutes. Even better was a sharp move down the right which found Hughes laying the ball off to Green, having another good game, and his first time pass inside found Alex Ewin whose first time shot across the keeper flew low into the bottom corner on 73 minutes.
To be fair to Poly they did not give up at all in this game and they tried really hard to rescue a goal out of the wreckage. Three free kicks were forced around the Nottsborough area but none of them were good enough to find the target. Their speedy sub got clear but failed to find a finish whilst both Howson and Negus got across to put in last minute clearances as day was turning to almost night in the gloom and the rain. There was still time for Negus to fire two long-range efforts narrowly wide whilst Chris Apaloo and Dave McIntosh replaced Hughes and Green. Eventually the excellent Phil Cook and his two able assistants brought an end before the light ran out. What a pleasure to have two footballing teams and three officials. Poly will win more games than they lose and they were unlucky to meet a team in very good form and making the most of their chances. Nottsborough have been under fire from their Captain and Coach and at last they have put a performance together over 90 minutes. One spectator who has watched a few games each season over the last few years rated this the best he had seen Nottsborough play and with a solid defence!
Ashley; Negus, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Green, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Apaloo, McIntosh.
Every player contributed to this performance but anyone who scores 5 has to be Man of the Match for Nottsborough.
Nottsborough 5 Old Actonians 0 League 15th November 2008
With very cold weather on the way, and snow at Twickenham, it was a pleasure to find the sun out and the playing surface at Tolworth just inviting football to be played. Old Actonians came into this match following two very close Cup games. Their early season form had been good and Nottsborough were expecting a close competitive game.
It was almost all change in the Nottsborough back four for this game. Dan Ashley had recovered from a foot strain, and Dave Howson was again available but Marsland, Bonser and Cole were all missing from the team that won so well at Alleyn Old Boys. With Szwajkowski and Webb still missing the skipper was relieved to be able to recall Matt Rolfe and Arren Sutcliffe, with a very surprising selection of Matt Negus at right back! Negus finds it very difficult to train with the “credit crunch” affecting his line of work and so therefore he has found it hard to break into the team. I am sure he did not expect the opening at right back, but he had an excellent game.
Nottsborough got a roasting from their Coach before the game about their league position, but the signs have been there since the return of the Turin party that the team were returning to form. The home side tore into their visitors from the beginning, with two chances being created in the first 5 minutes, the closest being Violet’s volley that just cleared the bar. Old Actonians had also started quite well and their right winger had already indicated that he could be a threat. Nottsborough took the lead early on with a breakaway following an Actonians sortie down the right. Violet was put away down the left and his deep cross was side footed home beyond the far post by Nick Stavri on 6 minutes. Stavri has been in very good form this season, although he has had to be protected from injury. All these elements were in evidence in this game as he was quite superb for the 25 minutes he was on the pitch. Violet fed the overlapping Howson and the full back dashed into the penalty area only to be brought down, the ref ruling that this occurred right on the edge of the box. No matter, Violets free kick to the back post was headed back by Stavri and Alex Ewin had a simple tap in on 13 minutes. Nottsborough were having to be careful about the Actonian forward line with a hard-working centre forward and the tricky winger, but Nottsborough were getting first to the ball with the Kerr brothers very lively in midfield. Rolfe and Sutcliffe were doing very well at keeping Actonians at bay and it looked as if Nottsborough could extend their lead.
In chasing a ball down the right touchline Stavri pulled up sharply and it was immediately clear that the Nottsborough forward would have to come off. There had been some discussion within the club about whether Ben Hughes should have been first team sub or playing for the second team in their AFA Intermediate Cup game. The injury to Stavri proved that it was absolutely the right thing to have Hughes available for the 1’s and he proved why just 5 minutes later. Nick Green, who had a lively match, got away down the right and his deep cross was met by Ben Hughes on 30 minutes and his header found the bottom corner of the net. The young striker is doing well for his first season breaking into the 1’s and he proved a handful for the rest of the afternoon. Old Actonians to give them credit came back into the match at this point and Violet and Howson were doing well to keep that side quiet, whilst Negus was doing surprisingly well on the other side, having the confidence to switch play and support attacks. 3-0 to Nottsborough at half time.
The Nottsborough Coach was still at his team at half time about involvement both physical and verbal and also about making sure they keep a shut-out. The result was another 15 minute burst that killed the game. On 58 minutes Chris Kerr laid the ball back to Nick Green and a great little through ball found Nathan Violet onside to the right of the area and his left foot finish was superb. Two minutes later Nottsborough scored a very similar goal as Chris Kerr was again involved threading a ball through to Alex Ewin who was a little closer in on goal. The finisher’s shot on 60 minutes was past the keeper before he could react. Chris Kerr’s reward for this industry was a substitution to allow Dave McIntosh some game time after 4 weeks out.
In the last half hour Actonians got forward more than any time previously in the game and Ashley was called on to make a couple of routine saves whilst a shot from 20 yards flew narrowly over. The Actonians sub on the right was proving lively with “red boots” now switched to the left. Once again Negus raised some eyebrows by matching the flier for pace. Actonians have enough good players to do well this season but this was clearly not their day. Nottsborough might have increased their lead as several times Ewin, Hughes and Howson got behind the defence but could not find the killer ball. Ultimately Nottsborough seemed happy to hold out for their clean-sheet and the game failed to find another goal.
I cannot finish without a word about the referee Derek Horner who I thought was excellent. He kept up with play very well, made it very clear what he expected from the players, kept his notebook relatively free and got all the main decisions spot on.
Ashley; Negus, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Green, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Hughes and McIntosh.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough is Nathan Violet. Helped to keep a good player quiet in the first half, assisted in the first two goals, and scored the fourth.
Alleyn Old Boys 2 Nottsborough 6 15th November 2008
AFA Surrey Cup Senior Section
Nottsborough booked themselves a semi-final spot with this convincing victory at Burbage Road. Once again the home ground was in excellent condition, but this time Nottsborough did not have the problems taking chances that they had in the September League game.
With all three regular centre halves either injured or away skipper Matt Kerr had selection problems for this one but decided to keep Danny Marsland at right back and brought in Craig Bonser for his first game of the season alongside utility player Paul Cole. All three players were to play well and justified the faith their captain had in them. Dave Howson completed the back four. The midfield was unchanged from the previous week but Kerr decided to recall Alex Ewin instead of Ben Hughes. This time the bench was strong with Hughes and Negus anxious to get on.
Playing away from the changing rooms Nottsborough got into their stride swiftly and were 2-0 up inside the first 25 minutes. An attack was not properly cleared by Alleyn’s and Violet picked the ball up 30 yards out, a little shimmy, and a neat little diagonal ball found Matt Kerr in space and the captain slotted the ball home from 10 yards on 12 minutes. This was his third goal in 2 games and he is revelling in his midfield role. Violet’s in-swinging free kick almost brought a second as Bonser failed to get a touch on a ball that rolled against the far post before going out. Then Stavri almost increased the lead as he turned inside and forced the Alleyn’s keeper into a good save. It felt like a second goal should come and it arrived in a slightly unfortunate way. Violet had caused problems earlier when a near post corner was almost turned home by Stavri. From another corner Ewin flicked the ball on and a defender facing his own goal could not avoid the ball and turned it past his keeper for the second goal on 25 minutes. Stavri almost made it 3-0 shortly afterwards when he cut inside and placed a shot against the underside of the cross bar. The ref turned away the Nottsborough appeals that the ball had crossed the line and he was probably right.
Nottsborough did not have it all their own way during this half and the two new centre backs Bonser and Cole did very well winning headers and even finding time to switch the ball around the back. In the last 15 minutes Alleyn’s became more of a threat and Ashley had to hold a fierce shot that fortunately was straight at him. Dave Howson excelled himself with a great recovery tackle in the 6 yard box and Chris Kerr did fantastically well to chase back into his own penalty area and produce a sliding tackle that saved a goal and saw him come away with the ball. Nottsborough therefore 2-0 up but Alleyn’s getting back in the match.
The second half started as the first half ended with Alleyn’s making a game of it and they were rewarded for their persistence. For the first time in the game the assured Bonser failed to do the simple thing and dummied a ball in the hope that it would go out. It did not and the ref ruled that his recovery tackle was a free kick right by the corner flag. Nottsborough did not really attack what was a good delivery but even so they got to the ball first only to see it ricochet into their own net off the Alleyn number 9. 2-1 and game on inside 50 minutes. With Alleyn’s looking like they might upset the apple cart Nottsborough needed a quick goal and they got two of them.
A huge kick by Ashley cleared the Alleyn’s right back and found Stavri showing surprising speed to get in behind the defence. Getting the ball under control level with the penalty spot but right out to the left of the area, he got back inside the full back and smacked his shot against the right hand post. The ball rebounded across the goal and Alex Ewin was on hand for a simple tap in on 54 minutes. Nottsborough scored a really good goal shortly afterwards as Marsland intercepted a ball 10 yards inside the Alleyn’s half and surged past another tackle. His firm low cross was headed home by Nick Stavri from 10 yards out on 58 minutes. This was the cue for Nottsborough to make changes as Nick Green, who once again did well, was replaced by Ben Hughes and shortly afterwards Nottsborough took the chance to rest Stavri by bringing on Matt Negus. Alleyn’s were not having any of it though and they almost got a goal back when a tiring Nottsborough defence failed to cover a free kick and the ball slid narrowly past the far post. They did however make it 2-4 moments later when a good opportunity was blocked but only to the Alleyn’s midfielder who made no mistake.
Was this cue for another Alleyn’s rally? I am afraid not, as Nottsborough lasted the 90 minutes much better. From a partially cleared free kick Marsland hammered the ball against the face of the bar. The Alleyn’s keeper did really well to turn another shot against the bar after a great Nottsborough move. Chris Kerr, showing great energy raced through centre midfield and then slid a lovely pass to Alex Ewin who was in the clear. The finisher put the ball into the net via the far post on 79 minutes and the game was up. There was still time for Nathan Violet to unwrap one of those lovely through balls and for Ben Hughes to show why he is breaking into the Nottsborough team. With 5 minutes to go Hughes’s pace and chest control took him clear and his finish was emphatic.
14 goals then in the last 2 games have rejuvenated the Nottsborough squad. With Matt Rolfe and Arren Sutcliffe looking to return skipper Matt Kerr will have further selection problems next week but they should be easier. With 5 Nottsborough players making the AFA Squad against the Navy last week and further players likely to be called up by the SAL this Wednesday against the AFC coach Brian Williams must hope that the injuries do not mount up.
Ashley; Marsland, Bonser, Cole, Howson; Green, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Hughes & Negus
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Danny Marsland. Set up a goal, hit the bar, won his tackles and used the ball really well in the first half.
Old Bromleians 0 - Nottsborough 8 8th November 2008
AFA Senior Cup Round 1
Last season’s finalists Nottsborough returned to form in dramatic fashion against AFC Senior South side Old Bromleians at Scrubbs Lane on Saturday. Was this anything to do with the return of the Rep players from Turin or the end of the Rep football fest that has been going on for the last season and a bit? – we shall see! In any case it was a second team player, Nick Green, who started the avalanche of goals. Brought in from the 2’s, due to the unavailability of certain players and, because he has been in excellent form for the 2’s, Green despatched two chances in the first 15 minutes and the Old Bromleians side were rattled.
Skipper Matt Kerr had a difficult week with selection for this game. Centre back Andy Szwajkowski had picked up a mystery injury since the Nottsborough side had not played for 2 weeks. Also missing was SAL Rep player Alex Ewin due to a wedding. Matt Negus was out as well, with Paul Cole injured although agreeing to be sub. Also injured Simon Webb and Dave McIntosh. Fortunately Arren Sutcliffe was returning to the club and immediately got a start at centre back alongside Matt Rolfe. Finally there was a dramatic call-up for Ross Emery from the 3’s merely because the Coach thinks he is too good to be playing in the 3’s.
There had been a lot of rain the previous night so it was good to see the home pitch in surprisingly good condition. Nottsborough were into their stride very early on and, as previously mentioned, Nick Green scored twice in the first 15 minutes. The second of these was an impressive first time volley from a headed lay off. Old Bromleians I felt were completely unsettled by this and the request of the referee to a Bromleians player to leave the field to remove a wedding ring. I am not sure what has happened to the “respect” campaign, but the ref’s response was to book 4 of the Old Bromleians players as the game wore on and the goalkeeper was lucky to avoid a sending off in the final minutes as his lunge at Violet fortunately missed. Ben Hughes added a third before half time as Nick Stavri beat the offside trap and squared the ball for Hughes to tap home on 28 minutes. 0-3 at half time.
The offside trap, mentioned in the previous sentence, was to be wholly in evidence in the second half as Old Bromleians tried to limit the damage. This offside ploy was being applied right up to the half way line and it was only going to be a matter of time before Nottsborough worked a way of getting through. Goal number 4 was a beauty as Nottsborough broke down the right and a lovely cross was headed home neatly by Skipper Matt Kerr, heading the ball back across the keeper. Matt Kerr got his second shortly afterwards when he beat the offside trap and the keeper and rifled the ball home from a narrow angle on 64 minutes.
Old Bromleians were still trying to get back into the game and their former Bournemouth player McGowan was doing his best with limited support. Also showing up well for the home side was a very lively left winger, and Nottsborough full back Danny Marsland was having to be on top of his game to keep the young lad away from the Nottsborough area. Incidentally it should be mentioned, a little bit of old time commitment here as, Marsland got married in the morning and still turned up to play. Amazingly his new wife and father formed a part of the crowd of 9 who attended the game.
Nottsborough’s confidence was really coming back and they were playing the ball out from the back through their centre backs Rolfe and Sutcliffe. Full backs Howson, and later Emery, were getting to see quite a bit of the ball, and it was then just a case of timing the run to beat the offside trap. Goal number 6 arrived when Nathan Violet got away on the left evaded the keeper and slid the ball home off the far post. Nick Stavri, who had a good game, had not yet got on the score-sheet but he corrected this in the last 10 minutes. Firstly a mazy dribble took him past 4 tackles and, with Bromleians appealing for offside against Hughes, he kept possession of the ball and slid it home on 80 minutes. In the final minutes Violet got away again, narrowly avoided being maimed by the home keeper, and squared for Nick Stavri to tap home the last goal.
A good performance at last from Nottsborough for 90 minutes. All the back four did well without really being tested. Matt Kerr led superbly from midfield and there was a good first game of the season in the 1’s for Nick Green. Nathan Violet revelled in the freedom he was given and Chris Kerr was everywhere, getting the ball down, and keeping possession. Up front Hughes and Stavri enjoyed themselves.
Ashley; Marsland, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Howson; Green, Kerr M, Kerr C, Violet; Hughes, Stavri; Subs Emery and Cole.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough goes to skipper Matt Kerr who handled a difficult week well and scored two really good goals from midfield.
Four Nottsborough players have been selected for the AFA against the Navy on Wednesday. Dan Ashley, Matt Rolfe, Dave Howson, and Nathan Violet. Unfortunately Rolfe cannot accept the selection as he is on holiday.
Winchmore Hill 2 Nottsborough 1 League 18th October 2008
Football is very much a matter of opinion. I often read match reports and think “that wasn’t how I saw the game”. As I was leaving the Paulin ground on Saturday my good friend from Winchmore Hill, a man who gives a lot to their club, offered his hand and said that he thought Winchmore Hill shaded the game and deserved the win. Immediately he could see that I did not agree and followed up with “we certainly defended better” and on that I could not disagree.
Winchmore took the lead in the 6th minute after a very bright opening from Nottsborough. Szwajkowski, feeling his way back into first team football, failed to get a good contact on a clearance 10 yards outside the area and presented the ball to a Winchmore midfielder. A neat little through pass behind Szwajkowski put Beya in behind the defence and he finished coolly to Ashley’s left. Definitely not the start that was needed. Reflecting on the game this morning it seems to me that Winchmore then sat back or were rather pushed back by a determined Nottsborough side. That was the only shot I can remember from Winchmore in the first half. Nottsborough had the benefit of a good breeze behind them but the home keeper Carter was still able to kick well into the Nottsborough half so it was not so much of an advantage. Stavri was looking very threatening for Nottsborough without quite having the pace to get behind the home defence. The whole Nottsborough side were working very hard and it was this pressing game which forced an error from the Winchmore right back. Ewin latched on to the underhit back pass and had his shot blocked by the keeper. The ball came back to Ewin on the byline and he just failed to find the completely unmarked Stavri. Szwajkowski headed over from a good Violet corner and then new man Matt Negus thumped a 25 yard shot against the face of the Winchmore cross bar with Carter beaten. Although Nottsborough forced several corners the ball never quite fell in the right place for them and Winchmore held on for the lead at half time.
In the second half Nottsborough did not quite capture their play of the first half, but they were still on top territorially. Winchmore however were defending very well and were now starting to look very dangerous on the counter-attack with their pace down the left. It was still Nottsborough forcing the corners, I made it about 8-0 on corners but they don’t win you the game. From one of these corners midway through the second half Ewin’s header was cleared off the line. Dave Howson, who had a very good game at left back, came to notice twice around this point as he cleared away dangerous situations created by breaks and crosses in from the left. Hurst fired a shot well over and then almost scored with a header that missed the far post. Even so Ashley had not had a save to make until he was beaten by a goal that deserved to win any game. A fast break down the left, a ball pulled back to the edge of the area, and a superb finish in the top corner first time from Poku.
Nottsborough had made changes midway through the half. Stavri was struggling with a back strain and so often these days they depend on him to link the play. Chris Apaloo came on for his second appearance after good performances in the Nottsborough 2’s. Right back Danny Marsland was replaced as he began to get caught out by the pace of the Winchmore winger. Skipper Matt Kerr reverted to right back with Paul Cole coming on in midfield. To be fair these changes made no difference to the overall balance. Nottsborough still had the ball, Winchmore still had the lead. Apaloo put in a few long throws but generally Winchmore were able to get these away. 2-0 to the home side was not a fair score on the balance of play so the ref thought he would lend Nottsborough a hand. Yet another Violet corner found Rolfe’s head and although the header was rather weakly straight at the keeper the ref ruled this was because he received a shove in the back from Hurst, who might have been lucky to stay on the field in that case having already been booked. To my mind you see those sort of pushes many times in a game and I think Nottsborough were rather lucky to get the award. By the letter of the law it might have been a penalty, but I would have been disappointed. Stavri had a much better shout for a penalty much earlier in the half when he was tripped and that would have made a difference. With 3 minutes to go Ewin’s penalty was saved by Carter but Alex Ewin confidently tapped home the bouncing rebound on 87 minutes. Skipper Matt Kerr attempted to get the ball from the back of the net and was prevented from doing so. Further moments were wasted as the ref booked a Winchmore player for time wasting. There was not enough time left for Nottsborough to create another chance and Poku’s great finish was in the end the difference.
There is now a two week break whilst 6 Nottsborough players go off to Turin to represent the SAL and England in a European amateur tournament. The club is enormously proud of this and wishes them all well. I hope that when they return their minds will be fully on getting Nottsborough away from the bottom of the table. A couple of wins will set the confidence going again.
Ashley; Marsland, Szwajkowski, Rolfe, Howson; Kerr C, Kerr M, Negus, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs. Apaloo & Cole
Man of the Match for Nottsborough was Dave Howson, some great headers and tackles, and excellent covering
Nottsborough 2 Weirside Rangers 2 League 11th October 2008
Weirside Rangers stuck in this game, and with a lot of tenacity and some luck they secured a point when they seemed completely out of the game at half time. 2-0 though is a funny scoreline and if the opposition can get a goal back then it is game on, and that is exactly what happened at a sultry Fortress Tolworth on Saturday. The third league game in a row for Nottsborough was played in summertime conditions on a perfect surface. The Nottsborough players will be reflecting on two points dropped as they let Weirside back into the game with a little help from referee Richard Melvin.
Nottsborough had to make 5 changes for this game and the lack of a settled side is starting to prove a problem. Skipper Matt Kerr was back after a weekend away and surprisingly electing to play himself in midfield. Also back was Danny Marsland and it was he who was handed the right back spot with Dave McIntosh injured. Left back Simon Webb was also injured so AFA left back Dave Howson dropped back from midfield. Matt Negus came in to the team on the right side of midfield and AFA Rep player Nick Stavri replaced Ben Hughes, now on holidays. It does not matter how good your players are, but when there are so many changes it is difficult to play consistently well.
The Nottsborough players proved this theory completely wrong in the first half with a very good display of passing football, which took them two goals up. They proved the theory right in the second half with a somewhat disorganised display as Weirside got back into the game.
The first 15 minutes was pretty even with Weirside posing problems for the Kerr brothers in midfield. All this changed on 15 minutes when skipper Matt Kerr latched onto a partially cleared corner and thumped a shot onto a post and saw the rebound go in off a Weirside player. Kerr was looking very lively and he forced the Weirside keeper to make a good save from a sharp left foot strike. Weirside were still trying to play down the flanks and forced one or two dangerous corners. It was true though that keeper Dan Ashley did not have a save to make in a first half which turned increasingly Nottsborough’s way. The home side extended their lead when Matt Negus delivered a fantastic cross from the right touchline and Alex Ewin headed home from 12 yards in his inimitable way on 33 minutes. With Nottsborough now passing the ball very well through Rolfe, new AFA skipper, at the back and Howson at left back, it looked like further goals would come and the Weirside heads were starting to drop. Half time arrived with no further damage however.
The second half was a different story and a strange affair. I would not say that Weirside played any better, they just played with passion and were greatly encouraged when they got back into the game on 60 minutes. Nottsborough were falling into old bad habits and giving away needless free kicks. Referee Melvin allowed Weirside to pinch at least 10 yards and keeper Ashley was clearly heard imploring the ref to move the ball back to where the foul occurred. All to no avail and those extra yards made all the difference as the inswinging delivery was met by a Weirside midfielder just outside the 6 yard box and a very good header found the bottom corner.
Nottsborough were shocked by this but immediately upped their game with Violet twice going down the byline and causing chaos. How the keeper kept out Stavri’s close range shot we do not know. Moments later we were down the other end. A tangle of bodies going for a loose ball and the ref was awarding a penalty – one of those when if you get it you feel pleased and if you get it against you then you feel aggrieved. The Weirside coach was heard to say it was a bit lucky but the ref may just have got it right. It wasn’t the best penalty you will ever see but it crept inside the left hand upright to level the scores.
Nottsborough now went for it completely with their midfield pushing on and leaving gaps. The all action style forced several dangerous corners but Weirside excellently marshalled by the centre half held on. Chris Apaloo, who has been playing well for the 2’s replaced Stavri with 17 minutes to go and this was nearly a very good substitution as Apaloo produced a stunning volley from 15 yards which brought an equally stunning save from the Weirside keeper. At the other end Ashley, who had hardly anything to do all game, almost found himself beaten by header that went a couple of feet over the bar and finally was forced to tip away a dangerous cross coming out of the sun. The final whistle saw the Weirside players celebrate a good result and the Nottsborough players deflated.
Nottsborough need to get a settled side and this is very difficult with the constant Rep football interruptions. From the beginning of November things will settle down and there is further good news that Arren Sutcliffe, excellent utility player from the League-winning side in 2007, will be returning to Nottsborough at the same time. At that point there will be competition for places and this will be very important as Nottsborough lack a little bit of desire on what I have seen so far.
Ashley; Marsland, Szwajkowski, Rolfe, Howson; Negus, Kerr C, Kerr M, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Apaloo. Not used Cullinan.
an of the Match for Nottsborough could have been Rolfe who had another good game. Stavri and Ewin are showing signs of a return to form but my vote for this game goes to Matt Kerr who scored and had another fine effort well saved.
Nottsborough 1 Carshalton 0 Surrey AFA Senior Cup Round 1 4th October 2008
If you had told me that the score was going to remain 1-0 after the first 6 minutes I would not have believed you. Nottsborough started this game on fire and forced 5 corners in those 6 minutes. They might have scored from each one, and at least two were blocked on the line. However in the 6th minute an in-swinging corner was only partially cleared back out to Violet and his firmly driven cross was smartly headed home from the edge of the 6 yard line by former skipper Matt Rolfe.
New skipper Matt Kerr was missing for this one, under strict orders from the missus. Also missing was Danny Marsland. Apart from this Nottsborough had all their Rep. players back after the trip to Jersey. The team had received a talking to during the week and acting skipper for the day Alex Ewin was very determined that Nottsborough would win their first game of the season. Whatever was said seemed to work and Nottsborugh poured forward in those first few minutes. Once the air had cleared Carshalton then showed that they had not turned up to make up the numbers and Nottsborough were forced into some rather untidy defending. New right back Dave McIntosh recovered from a shaky start to get in some good tackles and Rolfe was once again at his best supporting Andy Szwajkowski who was playing his first game of the season after injury. Simon Webb made the tackle of the game in this period to deny a Carshalton man who was almost completely through. New keeper Dan Ashley had a fine game organising the defence. He was not really called on to make any saves during the game but his organisation and kicking was excellent. Halfway through the half Carshalton almost got back in the game when some sublime skill down the right left Webb grasping thin air and a fierce cross shot on the wind smacked against the Nottsborough cross bar. This was the nearest Carshalton were going to come to scoring.
Nottsborough using the pace of Ben Hughes and the clever turns of Alex Ewin were proving a handful for a rather pedestrian Carshalton defence. Ewin breaking through on the right set up Chris Kerr and Kerr really should have done better with his two efforts. Hughes breaking away into the box also missed a very good chance, whilst Violet wriggling down the by-line somehow contrived to hit a post from about 2 yards out. The wind was trying it’s best to spoil the game but both sides had contributed to a very lively first half. 1-0 to Nottsborough at the break.
The second half started with Nottsborough missing two really good chances to make the game safe. First Violet got behind the defence on the right and badly failed to hit the target from 15 yards. Shortly afterwards a neat move down the right involving Chris Kerr found Ewin behind the centre half and although under pressure the finisher really should have done better. This, however, was not as bad as his miss later on from 5 yards out with the goal wide open and the keeper already way out of position. Coach Brian Williams made two changes with half an hour to go bringing on Matt Negus for Dave Howson and Nick Stavri for a tiring Hughes. Stavri’s first touch was a delightful flick that almost put Matt Negus in for a goal with his first touch.
Carshalton to give them their due gave it a real go in the last 20 minutes firing wide of the far post when well placed and forcing Ashley to his first real save. On this occasion though the Nottsborough defence was holding firm with Szwajkowski beginning to find form and the midfield in front of them were making space hard to find. Nottsborough were able to run the game down nicely looking most un-Nottsborough like in the closing minutes thanks to the fitness work of Alex Ewin in training. This was not a great performance from Nottsborough but Carshalton were very lively and made things difficult. Nottsborough really should have made the game safe a bit earlier but if you do not take your chances when you are on top then you run the risk of conceding a late equaliser. Not today. Nottsborough as a club are delighted to be back at Tolworth for the first time since last May following the drainage work. The return to Tolworth produced a superb win (3-0) for the 3’s against last seasons Junior Champions Alleyn Old Boys – starring two former Nottsborough hero’s Robin Taylor and Paul Haigh. With news that the 2’s had also won in the AFA Intermediate at Old Parmetarians Nottsborough completed a very good day.
Ashley; McIntosh, Szwajkowski, Rolfe, Webb; Kerr C, Cole, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Hughes; Subs Negus, Stavri.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough goes to Nathan Violet. Some great corners and through balls and a very disciplined performance.
Alleyn Old Boys 1 Nottsborough 1 (League) 20th September 2008
After a generally depressing summer weather-wise we seem to be getting a mini-run of warm sunny Saturdays. Excellent for watching football, but not necessarily good for playing 90 minutes. The surface at Burbage Road was made for good football. Nottsborough lasted this match much better than last week, and really were pressing for the winner in the last 10 minutes. However I would say that AOB got the better out of their depleted ranks whilst Nottsborough really missed their two goalscorers, passing up several very good opportunities to take the points.
Skipper Matt Kerr was missing Rep players Alex Ewin and Nick Stavri, whilst Andy Szwajkowski was still not fit enough to return. Fortunately for the new skipper, former captain Matt Rolfe had an outstanding match at the heart of the Nottsborough defence. Despite lots of pre-season games the Nottsborough side have struggled to gel this season. This is not surprising with so many changes in all areas of the team. Alleyn Old Boys apparently had four different defenders for this game and were missing their influential midfield player. They played with enthusiasm and a lot of desire, but nearly ran out of steam towards the end of the game.
The first half was quite a strange affair. Nottsborough started brightly and AOB came back strongly as the half progressed. I would say they were somewhat fortunate to take the lead against the run of play but this often happens. Ashley was beaten by a firm low shot as a player cutting in from the right received a neat reverse ball and beat off the challenge of Howson to fire home on 26 minutes. Prior to this Paul Cole had put a free header from an excellent Violet corner over the bar, whilst Ben Hughes brought a good blocking save from the home keeper. After going behind, Hughes fired narrowly wide with his left foot after a bright run, whilst Matt Negus on his debut somehow headed wide from the middle of the six yard line. The half ended with Chris Kerr clean through and although he beat the keeper the left foot shot lacked power and a defender cleared off the line. 1-0 to AOB at half time and the Nottsborough Coach not too impressed.
Nottsborough gave it a real go in the second half but despite lots of possession it often looked as if AOB might sneak a second goal on the break. Fortunately Nottsborough looked much more solid at the back this week. Rolfe was superb in snuffing out most of the breakaways but he was also assisted by Matt Kerr, Simon Webb and Danny Marsland who all did well. Nottsborough’s hopes of snatching an away win were disappearing fast until Paul Cole pushing forward into the area won a flick on header and Chris Kerr was tripped. Nathan Violet on 80 minutes stepped up to thump the penalty home. Nottsborough passed up a number of promising situations in the last few minutes. Andreas Atkins on for Ben Hughes was almost clear in the box whilst shots were fired in either too high or well wide. At the other end AOB had a couple of good chances to seal the win but fired too high or were dispossessed at the last moment.
If Nottsborough are going to regain their title these are games that need to be won. AOB pushed them hard all the way but with several players missing Nottsborough should have had the guile to break open a dogged defence and take the 3 points on offer. With the dreaded Rep football coming up there will be a 1 week break for Nottsborough. This may not be a bad thing because, subject to any more injuries they should have a full complement for their Cup game against Carshalton on the 4th October when hopefully the lawns of Tolworth will be available again.
Ashley; Kerr M, Marsland, Rolfe, Webb, Kerr C, Cole, Howson, Violet; Hughes, Negus; Sub used Atkins, not used McIntosh, Richardson.
Old Salesians 1 Nottsborough 1 (League) 13th September 2008
Nottsborough could not have asked for a much harder start to the season, with the Tolworth ground out of action until October. Their first test was away to Old Salesians on a good playing surface and a warm day. Salesians with five or six players in the SAL Rep side will be a force to be reckoned with this season and will probably finish much nearer the top than the bottom on this evidence. Matt Kerr the new Nottsborough Captain will be happy with a draw out of this “tester” considering that all his back 5 were playing their first full game for the club in those positions.
Nottsborough have a new keeper this season in Dan Ashley, the current SAL Rep keeper, and Dan can be satisfied with his first game having been injured for 2 weeks. With Andy Szwajkowski and Andy Pierce injured and Matt Rolfe and Craig Bonser away there was a new centre back pairing in Danny Marsland (normally a midfielder) and Dave McIntosh. Both can also feel they did ok and Marsland especially got in several very good interceptions. With Greg Swindell retiring to America, Matt Kerr stepped in at right back, a position he occupies in the rep side. At left back, with Junior Urwin employed by QPR, there was a first full game for Simon Webb who played all his games in the 2’s last season. Webb had an outstanding debut.
Salesians looked to have pretty much their full side although strangely Michael Ayres was only named as sub. The home side started much the better with Nottsborough not surprisingly looking much discomfited by the pace up front for Salesians. The home side wasted a great chance when Nick Haynes lobbed over Ashley but wide of the gaping net. Ashley then pulled off a good diving save to his left and Salesians volleyed a good chance over the bar from the resulting corner. Nottsborough were not really in it until the Kerr brothers started to get together down the right. Slowly Ewin started to get a bit of space and new man Ben Hughes (Stavri away on holiday) began to make some sharp runs. The home keeper had very little to do but as is often the way he was called into action twice and yet still found himself picking the ball out of the net. Violet started a move in midfield and Hughes put a neat pass out to Chris Kerr on the right. Kerr’s run and cross was spot on and Hughes’s flick was well kept out by Hodges. The ball ran to “the finisher” and once again Hodges kept the ball out only for Alex Ewin to produce a better finish with his left foot and Nottsborough were rather fortunately 1-0 up on 31 minutes. Salsians winger Romano then had a great chance which Ashley was very relieved to fall on as the home man mishit his shot. With 10 minutes to go to half time though Nottsborough were now making a game of it as new midfielder Paul Cole along with Dave Howson found parity in midfield and it was Nottsborough forcing the corners rather than the home side. In a half which lasted over 50 minutes Salesians had looked the more dangerous side but Nottsborough had the lead.
The second half was quite a strange affair and a complete contrast. Both sides cancelled eachother out as the temperature rose. Salesians once again had probably more of the ball but Ashley only had one stretching save to tip away a cross. Nottsborough on the other hand had three really good chances. Howson had the best as a quick counter-attack found Howson clear beyond half way. Perhaps he had too much time because although he was still well clear going into the box his final shot lacked conviction and although it got past Hodges the defenders were able to get back and clear the ball. A lovely Violet free kick put Chris Kerr behind the defence and although the ball sat up a bit Kerr should have done better and all he got was a corner. Nottsborough’s new midfielder Cole also had a good chance but failed to find the right finish. Salesians got their equaliser around the middle of the half when Nottsborough lost the ball on the edge of the Salesians box and a quick move put Haynes behind a Nottsborough defence completely caught out by the counter-attack. Haynes slid the ball past Ashley confidently to bring parity. Salesians ought maybe to have capitalised here because Nottsborough had two or three players carrying knocks but with the subs merely there in an emergency coach Brian Williams elected to keep things as they were. Neither side created another meaningful chance and a draw was probably a fair result.
If Nottsborough do not win the League this season they may look back at this initial period of 3 weeks with regret. Despite 5 unbeaten pre-season friendlies and a fixture list that was published well in advance they still have players missing for all sorts of reasons. To come into a difficult game like this with a completely different back four, and to not have fully fit substitutes is frankly not good enough. Next Saturday two players return and two more are absent. In the following week there will be a full sprinkling of Nottsborough players in the SAL trip to Jersey. The return to Tolworth cannot come quick enough because October 4th will be the first Saturday that Nottsborough will have an almost full squad available. Matt Kerr cannot have had a more difficult induction. A draw in these circumstances was a good result.
Ashley; Kerr M, Marsland, McIntosh, Webb; Kerr C, Cole, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Hughes. Subs not used Szwajkowski, Richardson.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Simon Webb. A great recovery tackle in the first half and a solid game throughout.
Nottsborough 3 HAC 0 (Pre-season friendly)
Nottsborough’s final friendly of the pre-season nearly did not take place when Bisham Abbey’s protective groundsman ruled that the rain had been too heavy on Friday. A last minute switch to Marvels Lane was arranged by Nottsborough’s new skipper Matt Kerr and the match took place on a superb surface. Dave Harding’s HAC gave Nottsborough a good test and chances were created at both ends. HAC hit the post and bar in the second half but Nottsborough also wasted several good opportunities.
Nottsborough had to call in a 17 year old keeper for this game as Dan Ashley was injured and Nigel Miller was unavailable. Matt Kerr opted to leave Tom White with the second team who were also playing HAC on an adjoining pitch. The 17 year old Toby had an excellent game showing great composure for a young man making his debut. Ashley and Miller look out is all I will say after this performance. With Andy Szwajkowski still injured and Dave Macintosh unavailable there was a first start for Andy Richardson who has been playing for Clapton in the last 2 seasons. In midfield Danny Marsland paired up with Paul Cole in a solid central partnership because Dave Howson was away, with Nathan Violet and Chris Kerr filling the wide positions. Alex Ewin was also unavailable, so Nick Stavri played alongside Ben Hughes up front.
The first half was pretty even with Nottsborough playing into the breeze and the young Nottsborough keeper kept his side level when pulling off a brave block and then recovering quickly. At the other end there was also an impressive keeper and the HAC man did well to keep Nottsborough out on a couple of occasions. Nottsborough took the lead on 35 minutes when following a Violet free kick Hughes’s shot seemed to be going in when Andy Richardson dived forward to make sure, despite strong claims from HAC that the scorer was offside.
Nottsborough took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half and really should have extended their lead as Violet, Hughes, Stavri and Kerr all passed up decent opportunities. Finally they broke through when the impressive Cole set up Hughes again and this time the shot flew inside the far post on 62 minutes. The third goal was not long coming as HAC were starting to make mistakes at the back. The ball was presented to Chris Kerr 30 yards out. A neat one two with Cole resulted in a delightful chip from Chris Kerr that made it 3-0 on 67 minutes.
HAC bounced back into the game forcing a good save from the young home keeper and they also struck the post and bar. Nottsborough were making changes, withdrawing an injured Richardson, and resting Stavri. This gave 10 minutes to Chris Apaloo who scored in the first half against HAC 2’s. Apaloo almost got another forcing the HAC keeper into a smart save. Also coming on for Nottsborough was another 17 year old from City of London school. A game that could have been almost any score you like, finally finished 3-0 to the home side.
Nottsborough have won all their 5 friendlies but have not been able to put out consistent selections. Simon Webb has made a good case for selection at left back. With Szwajkowski injured Nottsborough need to find a good replacement at centre back and Andy Pierce is also injured. In midfield Paul Cole has looked as though he can secure a place whilst Dave Howson, Danny Marsland, Chris Kerr and Matt Negus fight it out for the other places alongside Nathan Violet. Up front Ben Hughes has done well in the friendlies and will probably start alongside Alex Ewin because Nick Stavri is missing for 3 weeks. New players are coming into contention so it will be interesting to see who makes the step up in the next 3 weeks. Old Salesians away could not be a much harder start to the season.
Nottsborough 4 Clapham Old Xavarians 1 (Pre-season friendly)
Former Nottsborough stalwart Matty Arnold brought his Clapham side to Marvels Lane for the fourth of Nottsborough’s pre-season friendlies, and he pulled off three great saves in the second half to keep the scoreline respectable. On a very hot day Nottsborough were once again playing on the bowling green at City of London School. Arnold was quick to point out that he had 3 or 4 experienced players missing whilst Nottsborough have still not got Andy Szwajkowski fit, whilst Danny Marsland, Dan Ashley, Nick Stavri and James Elliott were also absent.
The game could not have started better for Arnold and Clapham. Chris Kerr receiving the ball from kick did not put enough weight on his pass to his brother Matt and Clapham knicked the ball 35 yards out. A quick run and a ball slipped to the right found the Clapham number 8 all alone in the area and although Nigel Miller did his best, the ball found the roof of the net and Nottsborough were 1-0 down in 15 seconds.
Nottsborough’s response was swift with Alex Ewin and Ben Hughes causing problems for a rather pedestrian Clapham defence. Matt Negus got played in to the right of the goal and after cutting onto his left foot his low skimmer hit Arnold’s left hand post and Ben Hughes was quickest to the rebound on 5 minutes. Nottsborough were having a lot of success down the right and Matt Kerr really should have done better when clean through on the right, his cross finding Arnold and not the waiting Ewin. A sharp passing movement however involving Violet and Ewin found Paul Coles room on the edge of the area and his firm shot found the back of the net on 18 minutes.
For the rest of the half Nottsborough often chose the wrong option, whilst the speedy Clapham forwards could not make the best of several promising opportunities. Miller did well to punch clear a dangerous corner whilst Rolfe got his head or foot in the way of most penalty area skirmishes.
The second half was a different story as Nottsborough tightened up in all areas. Chances were few and far between for Clapham and the young Clapham forwards resorted to individual bursts of dribbling at speed in order to try to break clear. Only once did they have a really good chance and Miller was relieved to grab a rather weak shot. At the other end Nottsborough began to revel in the room as Clapham tired. Alex Ewin crashed a shot against the bar, whilst Ben Hughes “scored” although the ref was not in a great position to see that the ball was a foot over the line before being hacked clear. Arnold pulled off three genuinely excellent saves from his former team mates. The saves to turn aside shots by Violet and Negus were superb but perhaps even better was the tip around the post from Ewin. Arnold however could not keep everything out and Dave Howson playing with great energy in midfield in the second half fired low and hard inside Arnold’s left hand post on 60 minutes. A smart move down the right put Hughes away and his deep cross was unfortunately headed past Arnold by a Clapham defender on 68 minutes.
Once again this was a good workout for both sides in quite tiring heat.
White Rodding Sports 0 Nottsborough 2 (Pre-season friendly) 16th August 2008
Although it was a very long journey to Bishops Stortford, White Rodding Sports proved very good hosts for Nottsborough’s second friendly of 2008. The first, and main, factor was that they had a pitch available, and a very good pitch it was too. Secondly they provided decent opposition keeping the Nottsborough defence on its toes right through to the finish. Finally they had an excellent clubhouse and some very good rolls to keep the players and supporters happy after the game.
Following their 2-1 win against Old Meadonians, Nottsborough finally secured their win in this game only in the last 10 minutes with goals by Alex Ewin and Ben Hughes. Nottsborough fielded a mixed squad of 14 players. In goal was vets keeper Nigel Miller making a welcome return to first team action. Strangely in goal for White Rodding was another former Northern League goalkeeper and the latter was much the busier during the game keeping his side in it until the last 10 minutes. The pick out player for Nottsborough in their back four was former skipper Matt Rolfe alongside the assured Danny Marsland, whilst Simon Webbe had another very good game at left back. New skipper Matt Kerr made some good runs forward from right back linking well with Nick Green. In the centre of midfield Nottsborough gave a debut to Charlie Jackson alongside Alex Ewin. Jackson can be pleased with his first game but there should be more to come as he settles in. Chris Kerr playing in an unaccustomed position on the left struggled to get into the game but became more influential as the game progressed. Up front Nick Stavri had two “goals” disallowed in the first half although not looking at his best, whilst Leon Roberts did not shine like he did against Old Meadonians. Changes in the second half provided assured performances from Mark Grove and Ted Datta, in an unaccustomed right back position. Ben Hughes, the flyer, came on to frighten a White Rodding defence who were reaching for the oxygen masks as the game progressed.
Nottsborough should have won this game by quite a few more as they missed a hatful of chances during the game. Nevertheless it was a good workout and there were flashes of the trademark football throughout the game. Now for the FA XI at Cockfosters.
Nottsborough 2 Old Meadonians 1 (Pre-season friendly) 9th August 2008
Nottsborough 1's started their pre-season campaign on a superb playing surface at Marvels Lane. Against a half strength Meadonians side Nottsborough looked the sharper and fitter side in the first half. With Paul Cole and David Howson getting a grip of central midfield Nottsborough fashioned several very good passing moves which created a string of first half chances. The two most memorable were when Alex Ewin was put away and his fierce shot was turned against the bar by the Meads keeper, and when a great passing move ended with Leon Roberts failing to beat the keeper from 10 yards. Matt Rolfe looked very assured at centre back whilst Simon Webb can be very pleased with his 45 minutes at left back. Chris Kerr down the right and Nathan Violet on the left made good use of the space they were able to find on this billiard-table surface.
0-0 at half time.
The second half was a disappointment as the changes made at half time somewhat disrupted the Nottsborough flow whilst Meads started to catch Nottsborough out with the pace in their side. Meads were looking dangerous but their opener came out of the blue and against the run of play. A deep cross to the far post after a corner found a Meads player launching himself at the cross and scoring spectacularly off the bar.
Dan Ashley was beaten for the first time in a Nottsborough shirt but otherwise had a sound game. With Meads beginning to get on top it took a fine solo goal from Leon Roberts to get us back in the game on 60 minutes. Put through by Nathan Violet he rounded two players before clipping the ball neatly into the far top corner. This inspired the Nottsborough team and a succession of corners were forced. One lovely corner from Violet was superbly met by Matt Rolfe with a header that crashed against the bar and down onto, but not over, the line. The winner ultimately arrived when Violet pulled the ball back and Dave Howson crashed home a shot from 12 yards to seal the win with 12 minutes to go. There were still some dangerous moments left but with Danny Marsland having a good half in central defence Notts were good enough to hold on for an encouraging start.
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