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Old Hamptonians 1 Nottsborough 7 (Greenland Cup) 25 Aug '07
Notts begin the season in emphatic form
With the temperature nudging 27 degrees celcius the Stag Brewery ground in Chiswick was the excellent venue for this first round Greenland Cup game. In this competition two pools contain 4 teams each and in each pool the teams play each other once to see which team finishes top of the respective mini league. The winners of each mini league play a final on the 15th September. It is a very good way for teams to get a competitive pre-season and Nottsborough were pleased to be invited again, as SAL Champions, having won the cup three years ago.
Getting teams out on Bank Holiday weekend in August is never easy and Old Hamptonians only had 12 players available whilst Nottsborough had the full 14. This was to prove very valuable in the heat, and with the fact that Old Hamptonians suffered two injuries in the first half so that they played most of the second half with 10 men whilst Nottsborough were able to introduce 3 fresh men. This game was a close contest for the first 55 minutes until Nottsborough scored their third to make it 3-1. From that point on it was no contest as Old Hamptonians tired and Nottsborough piled on the pressure.
Old Hamptonians may well be able to point to being short of a few players whilst Nottsborough were only missing their captain Matt Rolfe, goalscorer Nick Stavri, striker Andreas Atkins and midfielder Dan Tyers. Nottsborough were delighted to welcome back James Elliott who has really only played 1 part game in the last two seasons. Nottsborough are using the Greenland Cup to bed in new players following the departure to non-League football of Micky Lyons and Bruce Gawen. There were debuts therefore for Joel Korocz and Justin Robson who both came on in the second half and both impressed.
The first half was a competitive affair considering the heat. Old Hamptonians impressed early with a good winger, intelligent centre midfielder, and very able sweeper who regularly produced raking passes out to the wings. Most of the early goal threat came from Nottsborough who were out to impress Head Coach Brian Williams and new first team coach Chris Witts. Midway through the half Nottsborough impressively switched play to put the overlapping Greg Swindle away into a gap left by the injured Hamptonians full back. Swindle's excellent low cross was flicked home by a delighted James Elliott for his first goal in many months of injury. The excellent Alex Ewin made it 2-0 shortly after when he turned just outside the box and buried the ball firmly in the back of the Hamptonians net. The Hamptonians keeper made a couple of good saves as Nottsborough started to get behind the Hamptonians defence far too easily with Nathan Violet just failing to pick out his man twice and Matt Kerr firing wide. At the heart of most of these attacks was Chris Kerr who had an excellent game and the lively Dave Howson. Elliott saw a lob bounce agonisingly wide. Old Hamptonians were not out of it at all at this point and their winger caused problems whenever he found some space. As the half drew to a close Hamptonians missed two great chances from corners. Firstly they headed against a post and then contrived to miss from 5 yards out. Nottsborough were pleased to go into the shade at half time 2-0 up.
Nottsborough made one change at half time taking off Greg Swindle, who has hardly trained this season, and bringing on youngster Joel Korocz for his first game with Matt Kerr moving to right back.The second half started really well for Hamptonians as they reduced the deficit. Nottsborough failed to clear a set play and the Hamptonians sweeper dodged past 3 rather weak challenges to bury the ball in Arnold's bottom corner. Fortunately for Nottsborough their response was swift as on 55 minutes Alex Ewin stabbed the ball home following a trade mark galloping run from the back from Junior Urwin who had another good game. The third goal gave the chance for Nottsborough's Head Coach to rest Urwin and bring on former captain Mark Grove. This move allowed Arren Sutcliffe to move to left back and both players were instrumental in setting up Nottsborough attacks as the game really opened up. Chris Kerr was linking play nicely and one run through the middle gave space to Dave Howson to the left of goal on 58 minutes and his fierce shot found the top corner for the first of three thumping finishes as Nottsborough opened out playing excellent two and three touch football.
Howson's reward was to be taken off and replaced by young Justin Robson who has an enthusiastic style of play. Within minutes this enthusiasm saw him breaking through the middle and only a foul tackle stopped him 25 yards out. With everyone expecting a Violet special Justin Robson stepped up to thump a 25 yard screamer into the top left hand corner to make it 5-1. The excellent referee sensibly stopped play moments later to allow all the players a drink as Hamptonians were noticeably wilting. With the two Kerr brother linking nicely and the new lad Korocz showing excellent first touches Nottsborough were a real force down the right as well as the left where Violet was now finding lots of room. Joel Korocz it was who provided the third thumping finish as Ewin played him in 15 yards out with 10 minutes to go. The shot was pretty central but was hit with so much power that the keeper did not have a chance. Nottsborough rounded off their performance with a trade mark Alex Ewin hat-trick. The accomplished striker finishing from 15 yards after a series of Nottsborough passes.
Nottsborough can be pleased with this performance and the fitness work with conditioning coach Tony Bell clearly seems to be paying off as they finished the game very strongly in the searing heat. All the players taken off did well in the game and their replacements also made a difference. With 3 players to come back in there is once again a strong look to the Nottsborough squad.
Arnold; Swindle, Szwajkowski, Sutcliffe, Urwin; Kerr M, Kerr C, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Elliott; Subs Korocz, Grove, Robson
Nottsborough 13 Polytechnic 1 8th September 07
The lawns of Tolworth were open to the public once again on Saturday for Nottsborough to stage their only home tie in the Greenland Cup. As usual the pitches were in superb condition, with this match taking place on the first tier. Having literally thrown away the match against Old Meadonians in the previous week, Nottsborough were looking forward to a very competitive game against the promoted Polytechnic side. Sadly once again this was a case of yet another team in the Greenland Cup not able to field even half their normal first team. Why do clubs take up the offer to enter the Greenland Cup if they are not able to field a proper first team? Whilst this was an opportunity for Nottsborough to turn on the style I am not sure the Polytechnic boys got anything out of what for them was a fruitless game.
The match the previous week against Meadonians was competitive and played at a real pace. Nottsborough 1-0 up with 20 minutes to go gave away the equaliser and then missed good chances before conceding the winner late on. This match against Polytechnic became a training game in the second half as the away side, reduced to 10 men, just could not keep out a Nottsborough side that moved the ball sweetly around the bowling green surface.
A minutes silence was observed for Dennis Whitehall, a former AFA Chairman, who visited Nottsborough a few times over the recent years and was always very encouraging to the club as they progressed up the divisions. It was Dennis who awarded Nottsborough the Greenland Cup three years ago when they won the trophy. We shall miss him!
The game started quite brightly with Szwajkowski having to get in a great recovery tackle to prevent a Poly opener. However from their first corner on 2 minutes Nottsborough took the lead as Arren Sutcliffe forced the ball home on the near post. The game was then end to end until Alex Ewin broke away and cut inside the last defender before hammering an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 20 yards. This virtually ended the game as a contest and Nottsborough put the game out of reach just before half time with a fierce croos shot from Matt Kerr and a lovely chip from Alex Ewin. Nick Stavri having scored midway though the half.
In the second half Poly made substitutions and then lost a player through injury meaning that they played the last 30 minutes or so with 10 men. Effectively the match became a training exercise although Polytechnic scored a good goal to make it 5-1 on 53 minutes. Nottsborough introduced Joel Korocz for Matt Kerr but not before Kerr had stromed down the right to creat a simple tap-in for 6-1. Craig Bonser came on for skipper Matt Rolfe and Dan Tyers made a first team comeback after a long spell of injury, replacing Chris Kerr. Nottsborough worked the ball from side to side with excellent passing and movement. Down the left Violet and Howson linked very well with Sutcliffe slotting into midfield. Tyers really enjoyed the room available and switched the play intelligently. Up front Ewin and Stavri had a field day with Ewin netting 7 times and Stavri 4 times. Stavri looking much sharper in this game.
It is quite possible, bizarrely, that a goal difference of 21 for and 4 against will not be enough to secure a second Greenland final spot for Nottsborough. The match against Old Meadonians showed that Nottsborough should be in contention for honours this season, but nothing should be read into the performances against Old Hamptonians and Polytechnic. If they meet again this season the matches will be a lot closer and Nottsborough will have to be at their best. As practice games the Greenland Cup has offered Nottsborough the chance to sharpen their finishing and team play, the real tests will come in what looks to be a much more competitive SAL Senor division.
Nottsborough 2 Old Actonians 2 29 Sep
Nottsborough let it slip.
Having won the SAL last season this was Nottsborough's first match as champions, having been made to wait three weeks to see action. This gap of three weeks was obvious as Nottsborough stuttered through this exciting end to end game. It could have been any score you would like to imagine and in the end a draw is probably a fair reflection of the huge amount of chances at each end. That we got to half time scoreless was an achievement in itself. Nottsborough carved out a succession of chances in the first half but failed to put any of them away. Howson was left all alone in the penalty area but failed to get the ball under control. Ewin had a free header at the near post from a Violet corner but flicked the ball wide of the far post. Earlier Violet had a good chance but the keeper beat away his firm shot. Ewin forced the keeper into a good save at the near post when he cut inside, and an even better save from a diving header, when the keeper somehow parried the ball at full stretch with a strong left hand. Finally minutes before half time a super Urwin cross found the tall James Elliott at the back post but he failed to keep his header down and another great chance went over the bar. At the other end Actonians won a string of dangerous corners and had a goal disallowed for offside. Actonians then hit a post. At the end of the half Nottsborough were grateful to captain Matt Rolfe, who had a strong first half, and Arren Sutcliffe for just managing to foil a very dangerous Actonians breakaway. With Actonians coming back into it Nottsborough were relieved about the disallowed goal but they really should have been a few up at half time.
Nottsborough came into this game without centre back Andrew Szwajkowski who had to withdraw from the SAL squad the previous week. They were also missing SAL rep player and goalscorer Nick Stavri. They were however able to welcome back James Elliott after 2 years out with a knee injury that seriously threatened him with retirement. Also back in the fold full time after only a few games last season is left back Junior Urwin. Urwin started the second half by charging forward and had a really good chance to put Nottsborough ahead, but snatched at the volley after a neat pass by Violet. The lead was not long coming as Nottsborough decided to walk the ball into the net rather than shoot. Chris Kerr rounded the keeper after a neat spell of passing and put Nottsborough ahead on 53 minutes. It said something about this game that Kerr, who is not a noted goalscorer, opened the scoring. Actonians looked a bit shell-shocked by this goal and promptly gifted Nottsborough a second as a poor pass in centre field allowed Alex Ewin to run clear on goal and he slotted the ball easily into the bottom corner on 58 minutes. For a moment it looked as if Actonians might buckle and Matt Kerr had a great chance to increase the lead when being put through by his brother. Violet forced the keeper into a competent save and gaps were appearing all over the pitch. Unfortuantely for Nottsborough they continued an attacking policy and as they tired Actonians started to make chances for themselves. Howson had to clear off the line in an almighty scramble and moment later an Actonian player put the ball over the bar from only 4 yards out. Matt Arnold was called on to make a smart save and with only 12 minutes remaining Actonians got back in the game. Greg Swindle failed to win a header on the edge of the box and the flick on found an Actonian all alone with Chris Kerr having not tracked back sufficiently. A firm strike and Actonians had a chance. Balls over the top were catching Nottsborough out and twice Nottsborough managed to hack the ball away. Finally a similar ball found the captain Rolfe volleying the ball away and being penalised for a high foot, which was quite harsh, on the edge of the area. Nottsborough appeared to have organised their wall but keeper Arnold did not react to a low shot which found the back of the net and suddenly from nowhere it was 2-2. It could have been worse because Craig Bonser's first touch was almost an own goal as Arnold made a spectacular save to redeeem himself as Bonser almost beat him with a flying header. Nottsborough were definitely hanging on at the end and were
very disappointed to drop 2 points. However as Actonians also had another "offside" goal ruled out in the second half Nottsborough could easily have ended their first game with a messy defeat. Actonians will be a much stronger side than the one relegated 2 years ago and Nottsborough will be better for a game under their belt.
Team: Arnold; Swindle, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Urwin; C Kerr, M Kerr, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Elliott; Subs Bonser & Robson.
Man of the match for Nottsborough Dave Howson.
Nottsborough 3 Southern Amateur League 2 30 Sep
Nottsborough bounced back from dropping league points on Saturday to beat the SAL Select side at City of London School ground on Sunday. It was an excellent game played in good spirit on a good pitch and the outcome was in doubt right until the final minutes. Nottsborough had to rest Swindle and Urwin and Swajkowski was still unfit. This meant full debuts for James Bohanna at right back and Craig Bonser at centre back, with Arren Sutcliffe moving to left back. In midfield there was a full debut for Justin Robson as, with no other forwards available, Matt Kerr was moved forward alongside Alex Ewin. Subs spots were filled by current 2's centre backs Andy Pierce and Mark Grove.
Nottsborough started as badly as they finished on Saturday and it was no surprise when the SAL took the lead on 10 minutes as a huge downfield kick from the keeper got behind Rolfe and the SAL centre forward finished in smart style. For 5 minutes Nottsborough were not at the races until slowly Violet, Ewin and Chris Kerr started to get the ball down and pass it about. The game then became very even with Nottsborough threatening on the break as first Violet almost got in and then Howson was only thwarted at the last minute. Nottsborough forced a corner on 25 minutes and Violets accurate delivery found Alex Ewins head and Nottsborough were level. Matt Kerr was causing problems for the SAL defence and he it was who combined neatly with Alex Ewin for the centre forward to grab his second goal with a fierce volley on the far post. Nottsborough were now getting on top as half time arrived with a 2-1 lead to the home side. James Bohanna and Craig Bonser had both settled in well and were solid at the back, whilst Justin Robson was driving forward from midfield.
Typical Nottsborough is to concede a goal when they are on top and this happened early in the second half as everyone was too proud to put the ball in Row Z and persistence from Rose for the SAL down the byline produced a low cross that was thumped home by an unmarked player. 2-2 and a very good game being played. The SAL were working the ball down the right intelligently through their young right back and Rose had switched wings. With the 2 Old Owens forwards on it was looking difficult for Nottsborough. Rolfe however was holding the defence together, Sutcliffe was having a very good game, and it was not long before Ewin, Violet and Kerr began to find lots of room again. Alex Ewin put Nottsborough 3-2 up when he got behind the defence and beat the keeper to just slide the ball home at the near post despite a desperate clearance attempt by the SAL last man. With everybody tiring after 2 games in 2 days both teams made substitutions with Pierce replacing Rolfe and Grove replacing Bohanna. Nottsborough had chances to increase their lead but tiredness led to the wrong option being taken, but Nottsborough were grateful to keeper Matty Arnold for a superb save in the last 5 minutes tipping around the post a curling free kick for Rose. At the other end the SAL keeper made a good save from the danger man Ewin turning aside a fiercly struck shot. In the last few minutes Nottsborough used their experience to keep the ball down near the left hand corner and held on for a just deserved 3-2 win.
Thanks go to Matt Kerr for organising a great venue and the food at the Crown afterwards. A good day for the Nottsborough club.
Civil Service 0 Nottsborough 1 06th Oct
Nottsborough came into this match with a number of players injured or unavailable. Missing from the defence were Andrew Szwajkowski and Junior Urwin, both injured. Missing from midfield was Matt Kerr, unavailable, and from the forwards the still injured Nick Stavri. To make matters worse Craig Bonser, who impressed against the SAL select, could not get a train from Clapham Junction, and was late for the kick off. Skipper Matt Rolfe elected to drop Alex Ewin back into midfield, with James Elliott and Andreas Atkins forming a new partnership up front. There was a full league debut for James Bohanna at full back.
Civil Service were very much up for this match, and were already warming up an hour before kick off. They proved a threat all the way through the game, without finding much cutting edge. Nottsborough spent most of the second half defending, and they will be pleased with the way they ground out a result with so many changes. It was also clear that the two games in two days the previous weekend had an effect as the game wore on and Nottsborough were relieved to hear the final whistle.
The first half was quite scrappy although quite open. Chances were limited with Violet firing Nottsborough’s clearest opening high and wide. Ewin almost got through after a determined run from midfield. At the other end Civil Service looked dangerous from corners and they hit the bar with a firm header midway through this half although the ref awarded Nottsborough a free kick in any case. Civil Service came even closer later in the half when Matty Arnold pushed another header against the post and then scrambled the ball away. Nottsborough took the lead on 25 minutes with a goal that rather summed up the half. A Violet corner was not cleared and Andreas Atkins finally convinced the ref the ball had crossed the line on his third attempt, although the Nottsborough players felt the first one of these was over the line in any case. Individually Bohanna and Sutcliffe had good first halves and the skipper Rolfe won several headers against the tall Civil Service striker . Howson was his usual combative self and Ewin was supplying most of the craft, as Violet had a rather uninspired game.
Civil Service clearly took the second half on the basis of possession and territory. On nearly every occasion they were limited to long shots which went high or wide. On the occasions when they did get into the penalty area, Swindle, Bohanna, Rolfe and Sutcliffe closed people down and only one shot made Arnold work, although one cross-shot did slide narrowly past the right hand upright. Nottsborough were on the back foot but were doing just enough. The Nottsborough Coach Brian Williams brought on Bonser for Swindle with 30 minutes to go and later gave a debut to Paul Cole in midfield, allowing Ewin to return up front. In the middle of the half Nottsborough put together something like their usual football involving Chris Kerr, Alex Ewin, Dave Howson and the overlapping Bohanna. The end result was a thumping 30 yard drive from James Elliott but unfortunately it was straight at the keeper. Once again the quality of football was not great from either side in the second half and Nottsborough held on for the win. They will be happy that with 4 good players out, and goalscorer Ewin in midfield, they managed to take all 3 points
Arnold; Swindle, Rolfe, Sutcliffe, Bohanna; Kerr C, Ewin, Howson, Violet; Elliott, Atkins; Subs Bonser, Cole.
Man of the match for Nottsborough Arren Sutcliffe who had a superb game at centre back, winning several headers and getting in a number of useful clearances.
Broomfield 1 Nottsborough 3 13th Oct 07
Atkins hat trick claims 3 points
Nottsborough travelled to Madeira Road not quite sure which Broomfield side awaited them. A draw at Winchmore Hill indicated that Broomfield were going to be their usual competitive selves, whilst a 6-1 defeat at Old Actonians indicated quite the opposite. In fact the heavy defeat at Old Actonians was explained by having only 9 players on the pitch for the final 30 minutes. Broomfield were in this game until the final 10 minutes when Andreas Atkins claimed his hat trick to make the game safe.
Nottsborough were still without Nick Stavri and Junior Urwin, with Greg Swindle also away in New York and James Elliott on England duty. On the plus side Andy Szwajkowski was fit enough to be sub, with Matt Kerr returning to the midfield, and Justin Robson making the other substitute. This all meant a start for Craig Bonser and another start for the impressive James Bohanna.
Nottsborough could not have had a better start as they took the lead within the first 5 minutes. Neat inter-passing put Matt Kerr in behind the left back and his driven cross was side-footed home by Andreas Atkins on the back post with 4 minutes gone. Broomfield bounced back and were causing problems through their excellent central midfielder pairing and the number 10 who was intelligently dropping into space. All the Nottsborough back four were made to work and the full backs Bohanna and Sutcliffe covered sensibly and cleared the ball. Up front Nottsborough were looking dangerous on the break without quite finding the final pass. Nevertheless Chris Kerr had a superb volley turnes aside by the Broomfield keeper, who also denied both Ewin and Violet at the near post. Nottsborough went 2-0 ahead on 28 minutes when Andrea Atkins seized on loose play in the Broomfield defence and hammered a shot home off the nearside post from 15 yards. Broomfield still kept coming forward having a “goal” rightly ruled off for offside and putting a corner narrowly over the bar with a thumping header from their number 7. Nottsborough were now coping a bit better with the Broomfield formation and Craig Bonser really should have put Nottsborough further ahead when his header from 1 yard hit the man on the line and lobbed over the bar.
Whilst Broomfield had looked lively in the first half they had not really asked much of keeper Matty Arnold who had claimed a couple of dangerous crosses very calmly. They got back into the game on 50 minutes when the ref ruled a shirt tug in the box worthy of a penalty after Nottsborough had failed to get the ball properly away. Broomfields midfielder hammered the ball past Arnold into the right hand corner to make it 1-2. It would be fair to say that Broomfield got the upper hand territorially, but despite a rather shaky 10 minutes Nottsborough held on and finally got their passing going as the Kerr brothers started to retain possession. Finally Chris Kerr sent Alex Ewin away down the right and his curling cross found Andreas Atkins all alone on the edge of the area. A calm side-footer into the bottom left hand corner sealed the win on 80 minutes. Atkins’s first hat-trick for Nottsborough could not have come at a better time. It also makes things very interesting with Stavri close to a return and Elliott returning to fitness.
Once again Broomfield showed that they are a good footballing side as they worked the ball forward on the very good playing surface, but this game failed to catch fire as Nottsborough did just enough and had looked far more likely to score. Nottsborough got right on top in the last 10 minutes as Broomfield ran out of gas. With the clock running down, Nottsborough finally began to show some of the passing that characterised their title win last season. Seven points from 3 games is a decent start and with players recovering fitness they are well placed to have a good go again this season.
Arnold; Bohanna, Rolfe, Bonser, Sutcliffe; Kerr C, Kerr M, Howson, Violet; Atkins, Ewin; Subs Robson & Szwajkowski
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Andreas Atkins. An excellent away hat trick!
Polytechnic 2 Nottsborough 1 20 Oct 07
Debateable penalty wins the day
A good Nottsborough first half performance was not enough to gain any points against a strong and competitive Polytechnic team. A very poor 20 minute spell in the middle of the second half turned this game on its head, with Polytechnic looking a different team after ref Pat Morrissey awarded them a penalty with 20 minutes to go.
Nottsborough are going to find it difficult to defend their title if they keep making so many changes each week. The back four in this game was a completely different unit from the one that played so well at Broomfield. Skipper Matt Rolfe ruled himself out after a week of illness. Bohanna was away with work, Bonser away at the rugby, and Sutcliffe back home. This meant a return for Greg Swindle at right back with Junior Urwin recovered from a hamstring injury at left back. Also recovered from injury was Andy Szwajkowski, and Rolfe gave a debut to Andy Pierce who has been playing very well for the 2’s. Pierce made a very promising debut but was at the heart of the penalty decision.
Despite all the changes Nottsborough settled into the match well and with Chris Kerr making a lively start it was they who began to play the early football, putting Poly under quite a bit of pressure. The home side however also looked sharp on the break and forced one or two dangerous early corners. The clear early chances were being created by Nottsborough. Violet, who looked a lot more lively this week, was causing Poly problems when he wandered. One inside run put Ewin almost behind the defence but a sliding tackle cleared the danger. A home defender almost scored an own goal with the deflection fortunately going straight to the keeper from close range. A jinking run from Violet saw his dangerous cross cleared at the near post. Finally Nottsborough took the lead on 25 minutes as a firm cross shot from Andreas Atkins was parried by the Poly keeper at full stretch and Nathan Violet was on hand to turn inside a defender and fire home with his right foot from 10 yards. Nottsborough were starting to find room behind the Poly defence and Atkins got away again but his cross flew across the goal with no Nottsborough player able to turn it home. At the other end Poly were slinging in some dangerous crosses and keeper Matt Arnold showed a little uncertainty in twice punching over the bar although he did get a very strong double-fisted clearance in as well. The game was quite physical with the ref having to speak to Urwin at length and then booking the Poly right sided player for a late tackle. Pierce stood out on his debut winning several good challenges and getting in a good last ditch tackle. 0-1 at half time.
For 10 minutes or so after half time Nottsborough looked as if they had this game sewn up. They were closing Poly down quickly and the Poly passing from the back was not finding its man. Nottsborough perhaps relaxed a little bit too much and went looking for the second goal. Things turned when Arnold went for a high hopeful ball in the box and was out jumped by a Poly forward. Pierce did amazingly well to get back and head the ball over the bar for a corner. Although Nottsborough cleared this corner they did not relieve the pressure. On 60 minutes Poly won a free kick wide on the right. A left footed inswinger was won by Pierce but only to the edge of the area. A free Poly player got in a firm strike which Arnold parried but the Notts defence was not sharp enough and the rebound was forced home. Nottsborough rather went to sleep at this free kick with 2 players slow to get their positions and they were the ones who should have got the clearance in.
Poly were now on top and the Nottsborough defence were all starting to slow up apart from the admirable Swindle who on a couple of occasions did just enough to prevent another goal. Urwin also did very well to cover across and snuff out another break through the middle. Skipper Rolfe decided to make a change with new man James Peachey brought on to replace the tiring Szwajkowski. The match however turned on a debateable penalty (if you are from Nottsborough) on 72 minutes. A high cross into the box was won yet again by Pierce and the ref awarded at first what looked like a free kick to the away side. With no appeal from Poly however it was in fact a penalty that was being awarded for leaning on by Pierce. As we all know defenders use their arms as leverage when leaping for headers and Pat Morrissey felt that Pierce had used his arm to out-jump the centre forward. Technically he may have been correct but if we start awarding penalties for these sort of challenges there are going to be a lot of penalties. Morrissey is an excellent ref so Notts are not going to make too much of this. Last week, the also excellent, John Fortune spotted a shirt tug at Broomfield so Nottsborough are going through a period of harsh but fair decisions or champions justice.
Poly could and probably should have scored another as they wasted a couple of decent chances with one shot just missing the far post and another just going over the bar. Poly were running the middle of the field at this point as Nottsborough struggled to re-organise. Rolfe made another change taking off Chris Kerr who was excellent in the first half, but could not get in the game in the second. On came James Elliott and it took several minutes before Notts adjusted to a new formation, which saw three up front with Violet back in midfield. Suddenly it was Nottsborough launching fast counter-attacks down the left involving Violet, Urwin and Ewin. The latter passed up a decent through ball with a difficult last touch whilst Atkins forced the keeper into a competent save at full stretch with a firm first time side-footer from the edge of the area. An excellent move at last saw a cross much too near the keeper with Elliott unmarked at the far post, and finally Swindle made a great overlapping run but saw his dangerous cross brilliantly cleared by the Poly last man. A corner in the last minute saw Violet find the head of Atkins but the header flew behind. Poly defended very well in this last 5 minute revival from the away side and held on for the win that they may feel they deserved for their second half comeback.
Nottsborough let this game slip and they have not really got into their stride this season after a fractured early season. If they get a settled side they will have a chance this season because it looks like anything over 40 points will be very competitive.
Arnold; Swindle, Szwajkowski, Pierce, Urwin; Kerr C, Kerr M, Howson, Violet; Atkins, Ewin; Peachey, Elliott.
Man of the match for Nottsborough Greg Swindle whose second half stole it from Chris Kerr
West Wickham 3 Nottsborough 1 27 Oct 07
An undeserved defeat
This was a very good game. Competitive, very well refereed with 2 good linesmen, no cautions, no bad tackles, and such a good spirit that Nottsborough wasted a really good chance to take the lead by dithering as to whether they should put the ball out of play.
Nottsborough made a very good comeback in the second half, after West Wickham had the better of the first half. It was two goals conceded in the last 8 minutes that cruelly deprived Nottsborough of the draw their play deserved. In fact all the talk in the bar afterwards was that Nottsborough deserved a draw and at one point looked as if they would take all the points.
Nottsborough Skipper Matt Rolfe was able to name, for the first time this season, the side that clinched the SAL title towards the end of last season. Nick Stavri played his first game of the season up front as Andreas Atkins was away and there was a return for skipper Rolfe in place of the unlucky Andy Pierce. The constant team changes have been a factor in the fairly ordinary start to the season, but there are signs that Nottsborough are returning to form despite two successive defeats. An early equaliser in the second half put them right back in the game and they took over for 25 minutes with good passing and movement. A second goal did not materialise and West Wickham had a good spell towards the end of the game which ended with 2 superb finishes to turn the game on its head.
West Wickham did not allow Nottsborough any time to play in the first half and were continually pushing the away side back. They took the lead quite early on when Nottsborough failed to defend the near post area to an in-swinging free kick and Freeman was able to flick the ball past an unprotected Arnold. West Wickham were on top and a succession of corners and free kicks threatened another goal although the only dangers came from a header that landed on the roof of the net and a mis-hit volley that went straight to Arnold. In the 10 minutes before half time Nottsborough started to get into the game with Swindle showing pace down the right and Urwin getting forward from left back. From one of these sorties Howson headed a Violet corner wide, whilst Matt Kerr almost got in after a mistake by the Wickham centre back. At half time the score was 1-0 to West Wickham and well deserved.
The Nottsborough team reacted very positively to their half time team talk, and were on the attack almost straight away. Matt Rolfe was providing a commanding presence at the back and he stepped forward to feed Violet who did very well to keep the ball and allow a superb switch ball from Ewin to find Swindle in acres of space. He drove inside the last defender and Greg Swindle on 50 minutes thumped a low left footer past a surprised West Wickham keeper. A surprise for the home team and perhaps an even bigger surprise for club stalwart Swindle who I do not think has ever scored with his left foot in approximately 10 years of playing for Nottsborough. Alex Ewin now led a Nottsborough revival as he started to get into the game in determined fashion. His link play with Stavri and Violet was bringing both Howson and Urwin into the game more and more. Matt Kerr might have given Nottsborough the lead but directed a driven cross straight at the keeper. Nottsborough should have taken the lead when West Wickham stopped when one of their centre backs got injured. The ref however waved play on as the defender was on his feet. Violet only had one man left in front of him with Howson completely unmarked on his right. Violet I think was contemplating putting the ball out but with the ref urging play on he finally gave Howson the ball as the West Wickham defence got back. Howson’s shot was partly blocked and flew just behind. Another lovely move started by Ewin saw a reverse pass inside the right back and Urwin was clear on the left. Unfortunately his cross was too near to the keeper.
With 15 minutes to go West Wickham started to make changes and it was these that probably turned the game in their favour. They introduced 2 attacking midfielders whilst Nottsborough only had 2 defenders on the bench. West Wickham again forced some corners and twice headers flashed narrowly wide. However it was a long throw which brought the telling goal as the sub wriggled through a space that did not seem to exist between Matt Kerr and Matt Rolfe and a thumping shot found the roof of the net with 8 minutes to go. Nottsborough went for the equaliser but Ewin was caught on half way with little support and as Swindles had gone for the overlap Rose was able to get away, cut inside the last man and rifle home a super goal from the edge of the area. 3-1 to West Wickham and game over.
West Wickham go top, and Nottsborough are second although they have played more games than some. Nottsborough however have had 4 away games and the last two against Polytechnic and West Wickham have been against sides who will be up there at the end of the season. Nottsborough are not out of the running and if their form in this game is carried on, with a settled side, they can still have a say in trophies this season.
Arnold; Swindle, Szwajkowski, Rolfe, Urwin; Kerr C, Kerr M, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs not used Bohanna and Richardson.
Man of the match could easily have been Swindle again, or the captain Rolfe, but my vote goes to Alex Ewin for a determined second half display that showed leadership qualities and brought Nottsborough fully back into the game.
Old Actonians 1 Nottsborough 2 10 Nov 07
AFA Senior Cup Round 1
Out of adversity comes opportunity and opportunity knocked for Danny Marsden and James Elliott at Old Actonians. With leading goalscorer Alex Ewin and SAL rep centre half Andy Szwajkowski standing on the touchline ( its usually a good sign when injured players come along to support their team ) Nottsborough had 2 representative players missing. In addition Junior Urwin and James Bohanna were away so full back cover was very thin. With Arren Sutcliffe having returned north as well Nottsborough skipper Matt Rolfe did not have a lot to choose from with the second team also playing a Surrey AFA Cup game. His selections were brave and he gave a debut to ex Sheffield Univ. captain Danny Marsden, moved key midfielder Dave Howson to left back, brought in Craig Bonser, and with 3 forwards available recalled Nick Stavri and Andreas Atkins. James Elliott was made sub with Tony Bell making it 13, although really he has retired due to injury.
The surface at Old Actonians was in great nick and Nottsborough started with the sun at their back. Nottsborough were straight on the attack forcing several corners in the first 10 minutes as Violet wandered off his wing and Stavri showed the trade-mark close control. These two players contrived to give Nottsborough the lead on 6 minutes when a Violet inswinging corner was flicked home by Nick Stavri. With Greg Swindle getting forward at every opportunity and Chris Kerr twisting and turning in heavy traffic Nottsborough were on top for the first 20 minutes until a breakaway goal by Actonians brought them heavily to earth on 20 minutes. A ball over the top and in the inside right channel caught Matt Arnold rushing off his line and the Old Actonian lobbed finish was superbly taken. 1-1 on 20 minutes.
This brought Old Actonians right into the game as they strung some good passes together and looked very dangerous when their 9 was holding the ball up or flicking balls on. Greg Swindle did superbly to get across and concede a corner when a goal looked certain. Rolfe and Matt Kerr also came to Nottsborough’s rescue as Actonians looked dangerous each time they got forward. At the other end Nottsborough were foiled by an outstanding save by the Actonians keeper when Atkins produced a stunning volley from 15 yards. Atkins however should have done much better when Violet presented him with the ball 10 yards out and in clear space. The first touch was poor and when challenged his shot was well wide. The keeper was at it again when a very neat move involving the two forwards set up Violet and his thumping shot from just inside the area was blocked by the Actonians keeper’s legs. Although Actonians were back in the game and looking like they could get another Nottsborough really should have been ahead at half time.
The second half was the best Nottsborough have played this season. Marsden had an outstanding game providing just the right blend of physical presence and good passing. The Nottsborough coach had made a change at half time with the two Kerr brothers moved into the middle alongside Marsden. This move gave Nottsborough control of the field in the second half and Atkins and Stavri started to get into the game as Violet and Howson started to find lots of room on the left. The Actonians keeper came up with his second stunning save this time to deny Matt Kerr whose firm drive was arrowing into the bottom corner when somehow the keeper got down and had a firm enough wrist to turn the ball aside – the sort of save that can deflate a team. Nottsborough however were not to be denied and the left hand link won another free kick. Violet’s free kick to the far post was fully 50 yards where Stavri intelligently headed the ball back across the 6 yard box, where James Elliott (on for Atkins) popped up to head the ball home on 68 minutes. A great moment for a player still trying to put his comeback together after virtually 2 years of injury.
Old Actonians gave it a real go towards the end and their free kick from 20 yards was only inches over. Generally though Nottsborough were in control as Marsden put his foot in in midfield and Bonser and Rolfe won all the key challenges. An excellent game from the Captain and a good second half for Bonser. Nottsborough were looking like they could get a third as Actonians threw caution to the wind. Elliott must have been narrowly offside when he was brought down by the keeper whilst Stavri and Violet almost manufactured another chance in the final minutes.
A strong performance this from Nottsborough showing real spirit. This allowed the passing football to return in the second half. Marsden will make the centre midfield his with more performances like this. Skipper Rolfe had a fine game and there were real signs that Violet and Stavri are returning to form. With no game for 2 weeks the injured players should all come into contention for the 24th November against in-form Carshalton in the Surrey AFA.
Arnold; Swindle, Bonser, Rolfe, Howson; Kerr M, Kerr C, Marsden, Violet; Atkins, Stavri; Subs Elliott and Bell (not used)
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Danny Marsden.
Nottsborough 1 Winchmore Hill 0 03 Nov
This game was remarkable for the first ever goal for Nottsborough from Andy Szwajkowski, which ultimately was the difference between the sides, in a bad tempered if mildly exciting encounter.
Arnold; Swindle, Szwajkowski, Rolfe, Urwin; Kerr M, Howson, Sutcliffe, Violet; Elliott, Ewin; Sub Kerr C, Bonser, Bohanna.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Andy Szwajkowski – the winning goal and a towering performance at the back despite the penalty.
Surrey AFA Senior Cup 24 Nov 07
Nottsborough 4 Carshalton 1
Kerr..ikey!
Carshalton came to Fortress Tolworth flying high in Division 2 and looking to spring a surprise. Nottsborough have injury and availability concerns. Goalscorer Alex Ewin, out for a month, and centre back Andy Szwajkowski were both missing. James Elliott was injured but named as a sub. Greg Swindle was away in America, whilst also away was Andreas Atkins. The returning Micky Lyons failed to appear, so Nottsborough really only had 11 plus two injured men as subs. However the Kerr brothers decided to put on their shooting boots and their finishing was the difference between the two sides. Both players made good debuts in the SAL Rep side last Saturday and they carried their good form into this game. It is great for Nottsborough to have 5 players involved in the SAL side, but the loss of a game last week meant that Nottsborough were not able to bring the good form of the win at Old Actonians into this match.
The pitch at Tolworth was in absolutely superb condition and both sides did their best to play smart open football. Carshalton went in at half time a goal down but they can feel that their lively play, after falling behind early on, deserved better. Nottsborough were ahead inside 10 minutes when Chris Kerr let fly from 25 yards with a firm left footer that found the top corner behind the keepers left hand. Kerr is often reluctant to shoot, especially with his left foot, so this goal was a real boost for Nottsborough. Carshalton began to find their confidence as they upped their work rate and put Nottsborough under a lot of pressure. Keeper Matt Arnold was not looking too confident and Carshalton were encouraged. The skipper Matt Rolfe and left back Junior Urwin were defending well, despite conceding a couple of free kicks. Although several corners were forced the defence held firm with Craig Bonser winning some good headers and James Bohanna not allowing anyone to get behind him. At the other end Nottsborough almost crafted a classy goal with the best move of the game. Matt Kerr turned superbly on half way and passed to Nick Stavri who diverted the ball into the path of Nathan Violet who from 25 yards almost passed the ball into the net.
Nottsborough had a very lucky escape shortly after half time as Arnold called a little late, Bonser tried to head it back to him only to find Arnold alongside him. The ball rolled against the left upright and a Carshalton forward flying in could not turn the rebound home past a retreating Bonser. Arnold did really well minutes later to dive at the feet of the Carshalton striker who had sprung the offside trap. This seemed to give Arnold confidence and he went on to have a fine half taking all the crosses that came his way and making a fine save to his right. He could do nothing about a rather fortunate Carshalton equaliser on 60 minutes. Rolfe was penalised on the edge of his area when he cleanly won the ball. The first free kick from only 20 yards thumped into the wall and Rolfe was booked for encroaching. The second fierce drive found a small gap in the wall and Arnold could do nothing to stop the ball flying home. Nottsborough were also probably lucky to survive a penalty appeal when Marsden, playing his second good game, appeared to trip a Carshalton player running away from the goal. Their appeal had a lot of merit but they must also remember that their keeper appeared to haul Stavri down inside the 6 yard box in the first half.
The story of this half appears to be painting a picture of Carshalton dominance. This was not the case although I think that the eventual scoreline flatters Nottsborough. A good reverse pass from Stavri, who had been a handful all half, sent Matt Kerr clear from half way and the Nottsborough man of many parts drove the ball past the keepers left hand on 66 minutes. Nottsborough were now beginning to find a good link down the left between Urwin, Violet and Stavri. A neat move forced a corner. A short corner found Violet delivering a firm cross along the 6 yard box. Marsden rose superbly despite the big bandage almost covering his eyes ( a cut eyelid in the first half ). The header crashed against the bar and fell to the newly found left foot hammer of Chris Kerr and the ball was in the back of the net on 75 minutes. The Kerr family made it a four timer with 5 minutes to go as Violet deftly put Matt Kerr away for a superb chipped goal from 30 yards. The Kerr brothers are not renowned goalscorers and certainly not with their left feet. To see 4 really good goals fly into the net, all left footed, was a treat for the Nottsborough support but rather hard on a young Carshalton side that rather faded in the last 25 minutes after such hard early work. Elliott very nearly made it 5 as he replaced Stavri and Nottsborough were on top at the end with Howson and Marsden providing a solid base in the middle of midfield.
Nottsborough will meet worse sides than Carshalton and this was a real test. Nevertheless events are turning at Nottsborough as the rather uncertain early season is now behind them. If they can get a settled side and get their injured players back there is a really good performance just around the corner.
Arnold; Bohanna, Bonser, Rolfe, Urwin; Kerr C, Marsden, Howson, Violet; Kerr M, Stavri; Subs Elliott and Bell (not used)
Man of the Match for Nottsborough is a close call between the Kerr brothers, with my vote going to Chris for 2 superb finishes with his left peg. You really must do this more often Chris!
Nottsborough 2 Norsemen 0 01 Dec 07
AFA Senior Cup
Fortress Tolworth and the weather was quite a bit better than forecast. The pitch was wet, hardly surprising after all the rain the night before. Norsemen, a team in form with 5 consecutive wins behind them, were the opposition. They had scored 11 goals in their last 2 games, and they were to prove resilient opposition. Nottsborough on the other hand were missing almost a back four in Swindle, Bonser and Szwajkowski. Also absent was forward Nick Stavri. There was a call up for Andy Pierce at centre-back, who played for the SAL Rep team two weeks ago. Andy had a very good first half but had to leave the game after 35 minutes with a large swelling under his left eye after a clash of heads. Also back in the team was goalscorer Alex Ewin who has been out for a month. Matt Kerr was retained up front with Andreas Atkins and James Elliott providing cover on the bench.
The first half to sum up was stalemate. Norsemen played a quite defensive 4-1-4-1 formation, looking to win throw ins wherever possible so that low flat torpedoes could be launched into the Nottsborough 6 yard box. Although these throw ins and the odd corner created danger Nottsborough were able to nullify the threat through Pierce, Rolfe and Marsden. A strong breeze was slightly in Norsemen’s favour and they gained some territorial advantage and their only real clear-cut chance was cleared away from the line by Chris Kerr. At the other end Ewin and Matt Kerr were finding it difficult to find space and Nottsborough best possession came when they were able to close down the Norsemen full backs. Violet almost found Howson beyond the defence on two occasions, but the two best chances fell first to Ewin who drew a competent save from Ashley, and then to Violet who was clear on the left but elected to drive the ball beyond the far post with Matt Kerr in a good position in the middle. 0 – 0 at half time and exciting it was not.
The second half was better as both teams fashioned chances but it was Nottsborough who took control of the game on the hour when Violet and Ewin carved an opening for Dave Howson. Receiving the ball on the edge of the area he still had a lot to do. Dave Howson shifted the ball to the left past the last defender and firmly struck a left footer past League rep keeper Dan Ashley into the bottom left hand corner on 55 minutes. Norsemen had a “goal” correctly cancelled out for offside and Ashley made a tremendous save from a Ewin header after a great cross from Bohanna, who had a very good second half. Ashley plunged to his right and tipped the ball onto the post. Ewin was showing signs of returning to form despite some good close marking from the Norsemen centre back. Twice he had great chances inside the penalty area but could not find any power and Ashley made regulation saves.
Having gone behind Norsemen progressively began to throw more and more men forward as the half wore on. Marsden and Rolfe however were very calm under pressure whilst keeper Arnold, on his birthday, had a most assured game. His best intervention was a punch over the bar from a driven cross. Norsemen twice fired narrowly wide and Junior Urwin did very well to get back and stop the speedy Norsemen winger. Although Norsemen still posed a threat at corners and throw ins the Nottsborough defence, marshalled by the excellent Rolfe stood firm. Nottsborough were finding room as the game opened up and Violet and Chris Kerr were doing a very good job in retaining possession and working good short corners. On 73 minutes Nottsborough made the game safe. A pass from Bohanna was allowed to go a long way behind the Norsemen defence. Atkins seemed favourite to run clear but Violet was not going to be denied, as he made a diagonal run behind the Norsemen defence. There were strong appeals for offside but the pass forward was long and the linesman was right up with play. Nathan Violet cut inside on his left foot, beat a retreating defender, and crashed the ball inside the far post.
Norsemen went to 4 men up front but Nottsborough were holding firm and still creating the odd good opportunity on the counter. Matt Kerr restored to midfield after the Pierce injury had a good half, even dropping in to centre half when Rolfe had to leave the pitch for 5 minutes to have his nose patched up. Assistant coach Steve Whitelock gave James Elliott a run in the last 15 minutes and he did well defensively in adding extra height at corners. Despite all the disruptions of head injuries and missing players this was a solid Nottsborough performance. They nullified Norsemen’s main tactic and put pressure on the Norsemen defence when they could. They attacked well down both flanks. Norsemen were in this game right up until the second goal. They were well organised and played to their strengths. Nottsborough can be pleased at the way they defended against a good side and the way they passed the ball in the second half. They have achieved the first part of their pre-Christmas ambition which was to still be involved in both Cups. With the league wide open this season they still have a chance to establish a good position. Ewin and Stavri have only scored one goal between them, but they are both now fit. With a more settled team starting to emerge there are signs that Nottsborough are returning to form.
TEAM: Arnold; Bohanna, Pierce, Rolfe, Urwin; Kerr C, Marsden, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Kerr M; Subs Atkins and Elliott both used, Bell not used.
There were a load of claimants for Man of the Match with each player having a more than competent match. My choice is skipper Matt Rolfe. Good in the air and very calm at playing out from the back.
Nottsborough 3 Broomfield 5 08 Dec 07
Nottsborough self-destruct.
With 6 defenders injured or unavailable and the majority of the games in London off, the groundsman amazed Nottsborough by allowing this game to proceed on one of the wettest pitches seen at Tolworth. In the past the groundsman has been quick to protect the superb playing surfaces, but on this occasion the decision rebounded on a Nottsborough side missing five centre backs. Out were Szwajkowski, skipper Rolfe, Pierce, Bonser and Grove. Also still missing was Greg Swindle. This meant an untried pair of Marsden and Bohanna at centre back with Matt Kerr dropping into centre back. Crucially this meant Marsden and Kerr were not in their normal midfield slots. The good news was the return to fitness of Ewin and Stavri, and the return of Micky Lyons.
Lyons it was who set up the opener for Nottsborough by putting over a lovely cross on 14 minutes. Ewin’s header was superbly saved by the Broomfield keeper but skipper for the day Nathan Violet was on hand to thump home the ball. Nottsborough continued to hold the upper hand and Stavri hit the keeper when clean through whilst Lyons twice forced the keeper into good saves in what was very trying conditions of rain and strong gusts. Very surprisingly Broomfield got back into the game when their first real shot of note eluded the on-rushing Arnold and nestled in the bottom corner after 35 minutes. 1-1 at half time.
Broomfield started the second half in very positive fashion and were soon ahead. A long free kick to virtually the edge of the 6 yard box saw Arold rooted to his line and Chris Kerr was no match for the Broomfield skipper who crashed a header in off the underside of the bar. Worse was to follow for Nottsborough as Broomfield scored a superb breakaway goal with their two dangerous forwards linking delightfully to fire the ball past an exposed Arnold.
Nottsborough were 3-1 down and looking very ragged when Assistant Coach Steve Whitelock made the first change removing Lyons and bringing on the tall James Elliott to try and lift Nottsborough’s hopes. Alex Ewin was withdrawn to midfield in this change. The change proved to be inspired as Elliott clearly rattled the Broomfield defence. Firstly on 61 minutes a left wing cross was parried by the Broomfield keeper but only into the path of Danny Marsden who bundled the ball home for his first Nottsborough senior goal. 4 minutes later on 65 minutes James Elliott chased a ball across the area, won a sliding challenge with the keeper on the left hand edge of the penalty area, and got up to curl a first time wonder goal into the far corner from quite a narrow angle. Moments later Elliott was almost round the keeper again and was about to turn and shoot when he allowed the in-rushing Nick Stavri a clear view of the goal. From 10 yards out Stavri lifted the ball over the bar in the wind rather than into the empty net. Nottsborough should have been ahead.
The game turned in these few minutes, because I am afraid that the referee got a penalty decision horribly wrong as far as Nottsborough were concerned. Conditions were against sliding challenges but Keeper Arnold clearly got his right as he pushed the ball away from an on-rushing Broomfield forward near the edge of the area. Arnold did not make contact with the forward until the ball had been pushed away. The ref did not see it that way as he was following play from behind the forward. This decision and passage of play decided the game as the Broomfield skipper took a very calm penalty and Nottsborough were forced to chase the game again. This time there was no comeback and although Tony Bell got on to play 10 minutes before his departure to Australia, this great club servant, was not able to alter matters despite three very good first time passes forward. With 8 minutes to go Broomfield sealed the win with another good header from the Broomfield skipper whose hat-trick led his side to victory on a day when Nottsborough really would not have surprised anybody with a postponement call.
Arnold; Kerr M, Bohanna, Marsden, Urwin; Lyons, Kerr C, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Elliott & Bell
Man of the Match goes to James Elliott for a terrific 10 minute spell when he almost got Nottsborough out of the fire. A special mention also to Matt Kerr who, having been asked to play in many different positions in recent weeks due to all the injuries, once again gave a really good account of himself.
Nottsborough 2 Polytechnic 1 (League) 15 Dec
Bouncebackability!
David Howson, who helps with Nottsborough training and is a key midfield player for the home side, used this word to describe what was required of his side in the lead up to this game. After a poor performance last week against Broomfield, partly due to the almost complete absence of a defence who were either injured or unavailable, it was vital for Nottsborough to put in a good performance in this match.
The signs were good when the normal first team pitch was allocated, and once again the playing surface was immaculate. Also skipper Matt Rolfe was back from Ireland, Andy Pierce was back from a nasty eye injury, and Greg Swindle was back from New York. Although Junior Urwin was away on a course and Andy Szwajkowski is still injured this was at least a recognisable defence. It also allowed Matt Kerr to move back into midfield. The restored defence was a big factor in this hugely improved performance from the defending League Champions.
In my opinion these are two of the best footballing sides in the SAL this season and they both contributed to a match that was a pleasure to watch. The match was competitive, but there were no bad fouls. Both teams tried to play out from the back, both teams played with width, and both sides played consistently through midfield. A great advert for SAL football and Peter Kosciolek did a great job on his own to get the vast majority of the decisions spot on.
Nottsborough started the game well with Alex Ewin and Nick Stavri starting their second game of the season together. Their partnership was very good in this game as they worked hard and retained the ball when it was played up to them. Chris Kerr made a bright start as well and he it was who helped to set up a number of lively attacks on the right hand side. Finally on 17 minutes a great through ball from Nathan Violet found Chris Kerr through on goal. When he slipped it looked as if the chance might have gone but he calmly slipped the ball sideways to Ewin. With the keeper back in position and a man on the line Alex Ewin had a lot to do but his firm side-footer found the bottom corner. The finisher is back!
Poly fought back and were really playing good progressive football. Their striker almost got through on the right and Arnold had to make a good blocking save. This led to a series of corners and Kerr and Pierce both blocked goal-bound shots. Poly looked very dangerous from these in-swinging corners and Nottsborough were glad to have Pierce and especially Rolfe back in dominating form. Finally Arnold ended this spell of pressure with a clean catch. At the other end Stavri could and should have extended the lead as he touched the ball too far past the keeper when clean through. After quite an even half Nottsborough went in at half time one up.
It was more of the same in the second half with two sets of players composed on the ball. Poly created more chances in this half but did not score until it was too late to turn the game around. Arnold made a superb save to his left to turn a low drive wide of a post and he made another good save with his legs. Poly’s shooting however was not as good as their approach game. Nottsborough were defending well although occasionally it looked as if Poly’s two clever forwards might get behind Rolfe and Pierce who did just enough. It was in midfield where Nottsborough really shone in the second half. Howson and Matt Kerr had good games in a holding role whilst Chris Kerr and Nathan Violet were making good use of the ball. As the game opened out Nottsborough began to find room with Greg Swindle providing some great support down the right but still getting back to make a couple of very important interceptions. Nottsborough really looked as if they might finish the game as lots of space started to appear. The clever Stavri neglected a simple pass to Ewin when he was free but still managed to get a shot in which was blocked. Finally a flowing passing movement saw Stavri link with Violet and the deep far post ball found Greg Swindle of all people challenging the keeper who presented Greg Swindle with a simple tap in on 71 minutes.
Two nil inside the last 20 minutes and the game looked safe for Nottsborough as they began to look like the side of old. They were getting 8 men behind the ball and the front two were working very hard. Despite having a strong set of substitutes however Coach Brian Williams was reluctant to change a winning formula. However with 10 minutes to go James Elliott replaced Stavri, who had a fine all-round game. Elliott again showed that he will be pushing for a spot after Christmas if the minor operation on his hip goes well. The change made little difference and Ewin began to stand out as he dropped into space and kept possession. Polytechnic however were not going to let the game die and they came back near the end forcing a couple of corners and a couple of long throws. Disappointingly Nottsborough failed to clear one of these with 3 minutes to go and Poly pulled the score back to 2-1. There was not enough time for Poly to force the equaliser and right near the end Chris Kerr thumped a great shot against the angle of bar and post. Poly put a lot into this game and may feel a little disappointed not to get a point. However over the two games I think a win each is about right.
A good way therefore for Nottsborough to bounce back and go into the Christmas break. They are still in touch in the League and still in both Cups. Most of the injuries have cleared up and the beginnings of a settled squad, every bit as good as last season, are emerging. With players like Lyons, Atkins and Elliott on the bench and Szwajkowski, Urwin and Marsden to return Nottsborough should do well after Christmas. The side could be fitter though and there is a need for more consistent availability. If these two qualities are added to the returning team spirit then they will be in the mix.
Arnold; Swindle, Pierce, Rolfe, Bohanna; Kerr C, Kerr M, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Stavri;
Sub – Elliott, not used Lyons, Atkins
Man of the Match could be almost any Nottsborough player because they all did well but my vote goes to Nick Stavri for a hard working performance.
Alleyn Old Boys 0 Nottsborough 4 (League) 05 Jan
Second half counter punches knock out Alleyn’s
With no team, so far, making a conclusive case for the SAL Senior League title this season, Nottsborough took their chances on Saturday at Burbage Road to return to the top of the table. The second half performance from Nottsborough gave a hint that they will not give up their title without a fight. Four second half goals were more than enough to dispose of an Alleyn Old Boys side who had made life quite difficult in the first 45 minutes.
There were worries about the pitch conditions at Burbage Road following overnight rain but, despite standing water off the main pitch, the playing surface was in excellent condition. Alleyn Old Boys came into this game with an unbeaten League record, whilst skipper Matt Rolfe named an unchanged side after the excellent performance against Polytechnic before Christmas. There was strength on the bench with Danny Marsland, Junior Urwin and James Elliott all available. This meant leading scorer Andreas Atkins, and the returned Micky Lyons were on duty for the 2’s in order to give them full matches.
Nottsborough started the better of the two sides and might have been two up in the first 15 minutes. Nathan Violet carved out a chance for Nick Stavri and the Nottsborough forward might have done better than strike the ball against the keeper when right in on goal and 10 yards out. Violet was at it again a little later when Bohanna and Howson combined to allow Violet to curl in a great cross that Alex Ewin thumped against the post with a firm flicked header.
Slowly but surely Alleyn’s started to get in the game with their 4-5-1 formation. Twice the lively number 9 was ruled offside in close calls whilst Matt Arnold did well to block a shot when the same man got away. The Alleyn’s number 15 was revelling in his free role at the apex of the 5 man midfield and Nottsborough were allowing him far too much room. The corner count started to mount in Alleyn’s favour as Pierce, Rolfe, Bohanna and Swindle did just enough to keep out the mounting Alleyn’s attacks. Nottsborough were pleased in the end to reach half time at 0-0, despite their bright start.
The second half started in a similar fashion and there was no real hint of the dramatic change that was about to come over the game. Nottsborough appeared to have altered their tactics slightly with Chris Kerr taking a more central role in midfield to match up the Alleyn’s central 3. The game’s course changed when Violets beautifully weighted pass down the left wing put Howson away at great pace and behind the home right back. The Alleyn’s keeper felt he had to go for the ball but Howson slipped past him right by the right hand corner flag and his low cross along the by-line left Nick Stavri with a chance he could not miss from 1 yard right in the middle of the empty goal on 51 minutes.
Nottsborough’s coach then made a couple of bold changes bringing on Danny Marsden in centre midfield for Chris Kerr and replacing James Bohanna with Junior Urwin at left back. The changes coincided with a rush of confidence in the Nottsborough team and suddenly they were passing the ball well all around the field. It was not this passing necessarily that opened up the Alleyn’s defence but it must have played a part in weakening the resolve of the home side. The second goal was not long in coming as two minutes after the substitutions another breakaway by Nottsborough down the left reaped rewards. Alex Ewin, who was increasingly coming into the game, fed the ball forward to Stavri. On the corner of the penalty area Stavri neatly turned inside his man and supplied a simple pass to the supporting Howson who suddenly was in a lot of space. Dave Howson drove the ball firmly at the goal and although the keeper made a good partial save the ball looped up and dropped under the bar on 57 minutes for Nottsborough’s second.
Alleyn Old Boys still looked dangerous when they were able to get near the Nottsborough goal and Arnold had to paw away a dangerous cross whilst two or three long range shots slid wide of the target. However Swindle now had the measure of the tricky left winger and Rolfe was standing out in the Nottsborough defence. In midfield Nottsborough had nullified the home threat by deploying Marsden in a central role flanked by Matt Kerr and Dave Howson. Nottsborough’s third goal arrived on 78 minutes and it was a second goal for Dave Howson, who was having a real influence on the game. Marsden set up Swindle, who was now getting forward a lot. Swindles through ball set Alex Ewin away against what was now a tiring Alleyn’s back line. Ewin closing in on goal from the right slipped the ball unselfishly to Howson and although he still had a man to beat on the line the third goal was nestling in the back of the net.
Nottsborough took the opportunity to bring on James Elliott up front at this point. Swindle was substituted having seen off the left winger and Matt Kerr and Alex Ewin both moved back one position. Nottsborough were now in complete control and a great run by Junior Urwin saw the left back curl a lovely ball behind the Alleyn’s defence. James Elliott’s first contribution to the game was to smash a spectacular shot into the top left hand corner from 25 yards on 81 minutes. Elliott has had a habit over the years of scoring this type of goal and he almost produced an even better one a few minutes later as a swerving volley from 30 yards just missed the target.
A good game in good conditions with a good ref in Pat Morrissey. Nottsborough are showing real signs of a return to form and this second half performance was reminiscent of several away performances given last season. The league title is up for grabs.
Arnold; Swindle, Pierce, Rolfe, Urwin; Kerr C, Kerr M, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs all used Marsland, Urwin, Elliott.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough was Dave Howson who set up the opener and scored two from midfield.
West Wickham 2 Nottsborough 3 12 Jan 08
AFA Senior Cup Round 4
Nottsborough put out holders
This was the top tie of the last sixteen in the AFA Senior – last seasons AFA Champions West Wickham at home to defending SAL Champions Nottsborough. It was a game that ebbed and flowed with Nottsborough holding on at the end to record a victory they deserved on the balance of the 90 minutes.
The day could not have started much worse for Nottsborough. Firstly the draw had been very unkind putting them away to the side that nobody would choose to play at this stage. Secondly three of Matt Rolfe’s starting eleven were stuck in a traffic jam travelling from North London and did not arrive at the ground until kick off time. With Danny Marsland a late withdrawal this meant that all 3 subs were included from the off and Rolfe had to switch players around. Craig Bonser started at right back with Greg Swindle moving forward to right midfield. Micky Lyons was handed a start in centre midfield, something he has been asking for, and the man really delivered. Finally James Elliott started up front alongside the finisher.
The Corkscrew Hill ground was in excellent condition considering all the previous rain. The ground was graced by a gentle low sunshine, and this encouraged a good crowd to turn out. Nottsborough put all those late changes behind them and started in lively fashion with Bonser winning some good challenges and allowing Swindle to worry West Wickham with his pace down the right. It was Nottsborough who created the first chance and Ewin might have done better to get the ball down rather than trying to head home from about 15 yards out. Lyons was looking very lively in midfield and was combining well with Chris Kerr. The away side took the lead when Lyons cleverly beat his man on the left and was fouled. Violet’s free kick was superbly judged curling behind the home defence and tempting the replacement keeper to come for a cross that was not his to get. Alex Ewin saw his chance and raced into the space and buried his header into the back of the West Wickham net on 15 minutes.
This entertaining game really got going at this point. West Wickham threw players forward with Chris Rose making lots of ground with long throws and determined running. The throws were proving a problem for the Nottsborough defence but Andy Pierce was doing a good job winning several important headers as Wadey used his powerful frame to put the defence under pressure. Nottsborough were not doing themselves any favours by trying to play in their own half and one or two players were losing their footing presumably due to poor studs as the surface was good. Nottsborough handed the equaliser to West Wickham on the half hour. A long throw and subsequent challenge took the ball towards the far side of the area where Nottsborough had time to put their foot through the ball and clear any danger. This they failed to do and presented the ball to Ashley Everett who promptly danced through two fairly ordinary tackles and buried the ball in Arnold’s far corner for 1-1.
Earlier in the season Nottsborough might have started to panic at this point, but instead they bounced back and went very close to re-taking the lead. Firstly good work by Kerr, Lyons and Violet ended with James Elliott turning and just putting his volley wide of the Wickham net. On the stroke of half time a lovely reverse pass from Ewin left Lyons with space in the penalty area and his delightful chip was being celebrated by the Nottsborough bench when it just faded at the last moment and struck the face of the post. Ewin was not able to get at the rebound and the ball was scrambled away. 1-1 at half time.
The second half was even more compelling if you were a Nottsborough fan. They were back on the attack but a long ball downhill found Nottsborough centre half Andy Pierce trying a cushioned header which just did not work. The young West Wickham forward Guppy was on to the ball in a flash and his diagonal run ended with a spectacular drive into the top left hand corner with Arnold unable to get anywhere near the ball within 5 minutes of the re-start. Nottsborough Coach Brian Williams was not slow in making two changes following this setback. Bonser and Elliott were withdrawn and Swindle reverted to his normal position of right back with League Rep player Matt Kerr on at right midfield. The other change saw another League Rep player Nick Stavri come on up-front alongside Ewin. The effect was almost instantaneous as Lyons cleverly cut inside from the left touchline having been fed by a forward pass from Junior Urwin. Lyons produced a firm, curling cross into the box and a West Wickham defender, possibly Freeman, headed the ball past his own keeper for an own goal to bring Nottsborough right back into the game on 55 minutes.
Stavri was causing problems for West Wickham with his good control whilst Lyons was continuing to make sharp runs from midfield. West Wickham were quite lucky not to have a defender yellow carded as Ewin was flattened just outside the area when almost through. Violet’s free kick right on the edge of the area was blocked for a corner. Shortly afterwards Nottsborough did get their reward however when a clever move down the left saw Stavri flicking the ball inside to Violet. His shot was blocked but in going for the rebound Ewin was flattened once again and this time the refs decision was a penalty. On 63 minutes Alex Ewin sent the keeper the wrong way and Nottsborough were in front again. The Nottsborough Coach was not finished with the changes however as the third of the late arrivals Dave Howson came on with 25 minutes to go to replace Chris Kerr.
The game was moving into its last phase and things were initially end to end. Urwin almost made a mess of a defensive clearance whilst West Wickham went close from a corner. At the other end Matt Kerr produced a thumping drive from 25 yards that forced the Wickham keeper into a full length save. Moment later Kerr was through again on the right but Stavri could not turn home the low cross. Arnold was hurt going for a through ball and Nottsborough were faced with a very difficult last 15 minutes, with an immobilised keeper, Greg Swindle having to go up front with cramp, and Junior Urwin also struggling after a bang to the face. Skipper Matt Rolfe came into his own in this last 15 minutes as he put in several excellent clearances supported by a determined Andy Pierce. Matt Kerr and Dave Howson were also able to nullify the increasingly influential play of Wadey and Waite. Now it was West Wickham ringing the changes as they desperately tried to force the game into extra time. There is usually one more chance in these situations and with 5 minutes to go Arnold produced a very good save to get the ball over the bar from a close range shot. Nottsborough were able to run the game down in the last few minutes although the ref found 5 minutes of added time. The final whistle brought a great reaction from the Nottsborough players for whom this performance meant so much after the extra time defeat last season. West Wickham had players missing but they always put out a very good side and once again a close nail-biter ensued. Well done to the ref and linesmen for allowing the game to flow. This was a super win from a resurgent Nottsborough side.
Team: Arnold; Bonser, Pierce, Rolfe, Urwin; Swindle, Lyons, Kerr C, Violet; Ewin, Elliott; Subs all used Kerr M, Stavri, Howson.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Micky Lyons. It has been a difficult return from Enfield Town but he had an excellent game here showing skill and real hard work.
Nottsborough 2 Old Wilsonians 2 SAL Senior Div 1 19th Jan 08
Nottsborough added time horror show!
Leading 2-0 in the 90th minute and you don’t win is almost criminal, particularly as this is such a close League this season. Old Wilsonians had been building the pressure over the last 20 minutes, but apart from a good save from stand-in keeper Tom White, Old Wilsonians did not really look like scoring against a Nottsborough defence that had kept them at arms length all afternoon. Did Nottsborough drop too deep? Was there a bit of complacency? Did the substitutions work against Nottsborough? Was it a whole hearted effort by Old Wilsonians. It may have been a bit of all those things but probably it was down to just two errors by Tom White, who had an excellent game until added time.
The afternoon could not have started better for Nottsborough in one of the few games to survive the weather. On an almost perfect surface with three good officials Nottsborough scored in the first minute. A Violet in-swinging corner was clawed away by the keeper but only as far as skipper Matt Rolfe who side footed the ball back over the man on the line and in to the top corner. For a few minutes it looked as Nottsborough would over-run an unsettled Old Wilsonians. Nottsborough were moving the ball at pace with Lyons, Violet and Ewin seeing a lot of the ball. If anything the home side were rather over-doing the inter-passing and Wilsonians were able to get back into the game as Nottsborough failed to get the ball into the area often enough. The Wilsonians keeper was looking uncertain under the high ball and this was best seen just before half time as Matt Kerr out-jumped the keeper but failed to get enough on the ball and a defender cleared the ball away from in front of the line. Old Wilsonians showed that they had quite a lot to offer going forward where their number 11 was very comfortable on the ball and possessed a good long throw. Nottsborough had plenty of defending to do as the half progressed but all the shots were from long range and Bonser and Rolfe were doing well to snuff out any threat in the penalty area. A 1-0 lead at half time just about deserved for the balance of possession.
Nottsborough started the second half well and a long clearance on the wind saw Alex Ewin clear on the right. Although his lobbed effort beat the keeper the strong breeze took the ball away from the goal and the danger was cleared. Nottsborough were starting to find room down the right and Matt Kerr and Micky Lyons were combining well. It was however more simple football that gave Nottsborough their second goal as Ewin got away down the right and his delightful ball behind the defence saw Nick Stavri in on the keeper. One touch for control and the second touch had the ball nestling in the bottom corner on 59 minutes. In the next 10 to 15 minutes Nottsborough should have wrapped this game up. Ewin forced the keeper into a good save diving to his left. A superb passing move saw Violet running along the right by-line and cutting the ball back for Greg Swindle only 6 yards out. Swindle could not adjust his balance and side-footed the ball well wide. A lovely Violet cross to the far post found Dave Howson failing to hit the target with a clear header and moments later Nottsborough had a shout for a penalty as Howson was brought down when played in by Ewin. With 20 minutes to go Nottsborough withdrew Micky Lyons and Nick Stavri to give Chris Kerr and James Elliott, both who had played well at West Wickham, a run.
This change was made because Nottsborough were starting to sit back a little and were giving the ball away carelessly. Old Wilsonians sensed there was something for them in the game. One long cross bounced away off the face of the crossbar and White had to go full length to push a firm shot away. Generally however the Wilsonian attacks were ending with a ball into the box and a header wide or a Nottsborough clearance. In the final minute Old Wilsonians thought they had lost their chance when a long free kick was rather over hit. The ref however ruled that a Nottsborough head was the last touch and a corner was awarded. Nottsborough got the corner away but a long hopeful ball into the box swirled in the wind and Tom White could only tip it onto the cross bar where it dropped conveniently for a Wilsonians player. Nottsborough kicked off in added time and played the ball deep into the Wilsonians corner area. Somehow they let them out of this position and Wilsonians were awarded a free kick just inside their half. With almost everybody in the Nottsborough area Wilsonians seemed to over hit the ball again because it went sailing through to White who had an unchallenged catch to make. He dropped it behind him and the ball was in the Nottsborough net for the second time in two minutes. Nottsborough still had time to kick off and put Violet away on the left. His low cross was sliced behind the goal and the ref brought the game to an end after an amazing last 3 minutes.
Nottsborough had done enough in this game and should have held on. At times their football was compelling, without quite finding a cutting edge. Defensively the back four all had good games and it must have been very disappointing to concede so cheaply at the end. Although they return to the top they will not win the league unless they can close out these sorts of games.
White; Swindle, Bonser, Rolfe, Urwin; Kerr M, Lyons, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Kerr C, Elliott.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Craig Bonser, who hardly put a foot wrong.
Surrey AFA Cup Quarter Final 26 Jan 08
Old Dorkinians 0 Nottsborough 10
What a way to book your semi-final spot!
Dorking is a long way for some of the Nottsborough players, but it was worth it as a very strong Nottsborough squad enjoyed their day in the country. The home groundsman had done a lot of work at Pixham Lane and the pitch was in good order although several slabs of mud dotted the surface following the rolling during the week. It was not the easiest surface on which to play and this will explain the number of misplaced passes that littered the game. It looked very much as if Dorking had a number of players missing for this match, as this could not have been the side that played so well in the previous two weeks. On the day Nottsborough were far too good all over the pitch.
Matt Rolfe was able to name a starting 11 with two changes from last week with Andy Pierce replacing Craig Bonser who has a slight groin strain and Matty Arnold reclaiming his place from Tom White. The only other addition to the subs was Danny Marsland. Micky Lyons therefore retained his starting place despite strong competition from Chris Kerr and the fit again Danny Marsland. Lyons put the game beyond Dorking with a first half hat trick, completed with a thumping right footer from 25 yards just minutes before half time. Nottsborough were 2-0 up in the first 15 minutes as Lyons side footed home from a Violet cross on 7 minutes and Lyons then flicked the ball over the keeper on 15 minutes after good work by Ewin. Old Dorkinians were back in the game for the next 10 minutes until a Violet corner found the forehead of Nick Stavri. Although the header was saved he managed to prod the ball home from short range on 26 minutes. Nottsborough were lucky to increase their lead on 34 minutes as Alex Ewin was clearly offside when Nottsborough broke out of defence. With the ref waving on play Ewin tricked a recovering defender and slid the ball into the bottom corner. The Micky Lyons thunderbolt arrived on 40 minutes as the Nottsborough midfielder let fly from distance and buried the ball in the bottom left hand corner. Lyons then missed a complete sitter as Violet slid the ball across goal and Lyons side footed wide from 3 yards. Alex Ewin contrived to miss from not much more range just before half time but this was a header on which it was difficult to get any power. 5-0 at half time and the game effectively over.
Nottsborough made 2 changes with Violet and Swindle taking a rest. Nottsborough almost got in twice shortly after half time, and it was not long before Ewin got free on the right and slid a lovely ball across for Nick Stavri to score his second on 53 minutes. Ewin’s reward for this unselfishness was an immediate substitution as Nottsborough introduced goalscorer James Elliott and their coach Brian Williams urged them to get forward more. Chances came thick and fast as Nottsborough opened up the home defence time and again. The Kerr brothers were linking up nicely down the right and another lovely passing move saw Nick Stavri free in the area and he neatly flicked the ball past the keeper and inside the far post on 60 minutes. A lovely run and cross from Dave Howson saw Elliott rising clear and thumping his header against a post and across the goal to safety. Howson then hit the other post with what looked like a cross. With Marsland in complete control of centre midfield it was only a matter of time before Nottsborough increased their lead and Nick Stavri grabbed his fourth with a regulation finish on 70 minutes.
At this point Old Dorkinians had their best spell of the game. Junior Urwin had to get across to snuff out a Dorkinians chance and Arnold made a good save at his near post from a strong close range shot. This prompted Nottsborough to play their best passing football of the game as Pierce and Rolfe moved the ball intelligently around the back releasing Matt Kerr and Junior Urwin to get forward. Another goal had to come and another good move down the right involving Lyons and the Kerrs ended with James Elliott lifting the ball over the keepers head and tapping home from a couple of yards on 81 minutes. This was Elliott’s fourth goal in a comeback season consisting mostly of substitute appearances as he tries to regain full fitness after 2 years out. The final goal arrived in the 89th minute. It just had to be Nick Stavri scoring his fifth goal on his birthday – a good way to celebrate in anybody’s book. Again a regulation lift over the keeper from 10 yards out with the ball bouncing just inside the far post.
A good performance therefore from the SAL side who have not made an AFA Surrey final for a number of years. It was a 4-2 victory at Dorking at the same time in 2003 that took Nottsborough towards their last Surrey semi final so maybe this is a good omen. If Nottsborough keep all their players fit and keep playing like this they will not need omens. Next Saturday sees the SAL Rep side play its own Quarter Final and there will be strong Nottsborough representation, and then it will be the AFA Senior Quarter Final on the 9th February.
Arnold; Swindle, Pierce, Rolfe, Urwin; Kerr M, Lyons, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs all used Kerr C, Marsland, Elliott.
The whole team deserves a pat on the back for this performance.
AFA Senior Cup Quarter Final 09 Feb ‘08
Nottsborough 5 Alexandra Park 0
Five Star performance!
The playing surface on the lawns of Tolworth has probably never looked better than it did today, simply inviting a ball to be rolled across it. In bright sunshine, on a surprisingly warm day, Alexandra Park (AP) came with hopes of springing another surprise in the AFA Senior. In the previous round they had won well at Old Wilsonians. They are unbeaten since Christmas in the league and have scored 20 goals in their last 6 games. Nottsborough were prepared for a tough game and had special plans to quell the threat of Elion Kenga who has scored 12 times in those 6 games.
Nottsborough were able to welcome back to their strong bench Andy Szwajkowski after 2 months out. Nottsborough’s preparations had not been helped by the SAL Rep game the previous Saturday or the decision of some bright spark to hold the AFA Rep game against Cambridge University on Thursday evening. Fortunately the Nottsborough players came through this uninjured and Matt Rolfe was able to name an unchanged side from 2 weeks ago.
Moving the ball around the back and trying to get down the flanks Nottsborough took the game to AP in the early stages without really putting their game together. As the half progressed however the gaps started to appear in the AP defence and by half time Nottsborough had created 5 decent chances and not taken one of them. This was in equal measure due to the excellent goalkeeping of the AP Keeper (why no rep games?), some good defending by the experienced AP centre backs, and some rather poor finishing by the Nottsborough strikers. The AP keeper made a very good save to his left to keep out a Ewin first time effort and he did equally well to save when Stavri was clean through. On another occasion the AP defence managed to get back to stop Stavri when he had again broken through, whilst an AP defender blocked a Violet close range shot. The last ball or the last touch was missing for Nottsborough but they very nearly got a penalty in the closing minutes of the half as Micky Lyons, who had a good first hour, seemed to be tripped close in on goal. The whistle went to the mouth but no sound came from Tim Rowley.
The score at half time was 0-0 and the general feeling was that if Nottsborough could get one they would probably get a few, but there was always the danger that AP could snatch a breakaway and cause problems. Fortunately for Nottsborough the AP centre forward, who looked useful, had to leave the field, whilst Greg Swindle was doing a superb job in stifling Elion Kenga who was restricted to one shot all game.
The second half started in similar fashion with Nottsborough taking the game to AP but not finding a clean finish or good touch near goal. The breakthrough came from an unusual source. Stavri won a free kick 30 yards out to the right of goal in a position favoured by Nathan Violet. For all the world it looked like the AP keeper would be tested. And he was but not in the sense we all expected. Swindle made a great late run to the right of the wall and Violet played the ball past the wall. We cannot be sure whether Swindle meant to shoot or whether it was an intended cross, whatever, the outcome was that the AP keeper was beaten on his near post by a low driven ball from 15 yards by Greg Swindle on 54 minutes. Now the Nottsborough tails were up. Ewin got clean through but was tackled at the last moment. Moments later with Nottsborough playing a game of “set me up” Matt Kerr ended the issue by thumping the ball into the roof of the net on 59 minutes to put the home side 2-0 up.
Junior Urwin, who had done well linking with Violet and Howson, had to be substituted after he had made a good recovery clearance. This allowed Danny Marsland to link up with Micky Lyons in centre midfield whilst Dave Howson moved to left back. In the next 10 minutes Nick Stavri put the game beyond doubt. A lovely move down the left ended with a regulation Nick Stavri finish on 65 minutes. Nottsborough then withdrew Matt Kerr who had played really well, replacing him with another SAL Rep player in his brother Chris Kerr. Perhaps the best goal of the game followed. AP had been susceptible to the long through ball all game as keeper Matty Arnold’s long kick down the middle put Stavri away. A flick over the head of the last defender on the edge of the area and a stabbed shot under the AP keeper meant Nick Stavri had scored his second on 70 minutes.
It was not all one-way traffic in this half by any means. Kenga evaded Swindle to drive a shot narrowly over. An AP player really should have done better than turn the ball over his shoulder but also over the bar from 6 yards and Matty Arnold had to produce a terrific save to keep out a great 25 yard free kick. Nottsborough were going to sleep and the Nottsborough Coach was increasingly to be heard be-rating his players. Chris Kerr on 83 minutes put an end to the mini-revival by thumping the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box after another bout of Nottsborough “after you” play in the box. Stavri should have completed his hat trick and Marsland hit the post but the main thing was that Nottsborough were through to their second AFA Semi Final in 2 years.
This was a good Nottsborough performance, despite the Rep football distractions of the last 2 weeks. All the Nottsborough players are comfortable on the ball and they moved the ball from side to side with confidence today. Skipper Matt Rolfe had an excellent game, stepping forward to win the ball, and then distributing it well. Andy Pierce was solid at centre back whilst Swindle, whose third goal this was this season, did a good job on the AP dangerman. Lyons was the pick of the Nottsborough midfield, getting forward well, but still doing some defensive work. Nottsborough are fortunate indeed to have two good players like Chris Kerr and Danny Marsland to bring on, and it is a sign of how good they are that they were able to make an impact straight away. Up front Alex Ewin and Nick Stavri were excellent in general play where their movement and control was outstanding. If the finishing was not quite up to it today I am sure there will be more goals to come.
Arnold; Swindle, Pierce, Rolfe, Urwin; Kerr M, Lyons, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Kerr C, Marsland, not used Szwajkowski.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Greg Swindle. Snuffed out the danger man and scored the crucial first goal.
Old Salesians 3 Nottsborough 4 16 Feb 08
Nottsborough keep run going.
Fixtures at Old School Lane between these two sides are normally very close run affairs. This one was no exception. Two years ago Nottsborough raced into a 3-0 lead and were lucky to end up with a draw. The same thing happened again today as Salesians fought back very well, but in the end, after a solid second half, Nottsborough deserved the 3 points.
Club Captain Matt Rolfe named a side with only one change for this fixture between two sides with realistic title hopes. Danny Marsland was chosen at centre back to replace unavailable Andy Pierce, in preference to fit again Andy Szwajkowski who has been out for 2 months. Once again League Rep player Chris Kerr was not able to get a start due to the excellent form of the Nottsborough midfield players in the last few games.
The game started brightly with both sides operating a 4-4-2 formation. The Salesians forwards looked quick but it was Nottsborough who made an excellent start when Dave Howson broke through on the right. Racing into the area he was tackled from behind by the Salesian centre half and the ref had no hesitation in giving a penalty. On 4 minutes Alex Ewin tucked the ball into the corner for a very early lead for the away side. Salesians were rather taken aback by this early setback and large gaps were appearing in their defence. Inside 10 minutes and a great through ball from Violet put Stavri clear. With the keeper committed to coming all the way Stavri wastefully put a great chance wide. Un-phased however Nick Stavri put Nottsborough 2-0 up on 17 minutes. After a lovely move down the right involving Swindle and Ewin the ball was relayed to Stavri just outside the area and to the left of goal. Slipping the ball onto his right foot Stavri placed a lovely chip come shot into the keepers top left and corner. It was to get worse for Salesians as defensively they were at sixes and sevens as Lyons and Howson took control of centre midfield and Matt Kerr started to get into the game on the right. Nottsborough got through again on the right and after some skill from Violet, Alex Ewin cut onto his right foot and missed the far post by inches. Matt Kerr it was who set up the third goal. Putting the left back under huge pressure he won the ball midway inside the half. A lovely curled pass behind the defence found Stavri in on goal again running in from the right. A calm finish curling the ball past the on-rushing keeper and inside the near post saw Nick Stavri put Nottsborough 3-0 up on 26 minutes. His 9th goal in the last 3 games after a slow start to the season.
Now that really ought to have been it. 3-0 up away from home inside 30 minutes and level again in 40 minutes. Bizarre! Nottsborough are finding lots of ways this season to put themselves under pressure. To be fair to Salesians their comeback was spirited and two of the goals were really well taken. This half was rather stretched all the way through and Nottsborough allowed a Salesians forward to get behind them on 33 minutes. The resulting shot was blocked but the rebound was quickly dispatched. Salesians put paid to the idea that this was just an isolated incident when they grabbed another 3 minutes later. This time an excellent shot from outside the area hit the bar and bounced down over the line before before a forward made absolutely sure. It got worse for Nottsborough as Arnold did not really get enough on his palm clear at the back post and the ball was returned back across goal where a Salesians forward despatched a very well controlled volley on 40 minutes.
It had been a quite amazing half to watch with incident at both ends and several players getting quite hot and bothered. Salesians had disputed the penalty and thought Stavri was offside. Nottsborough thought the first Salesians goal was offside and for the third they thought the ball had gone out before being returned across goal. I am not sure how a referee is supposed to deal with all this, particularly when he has no assistance, but I thought Mr Dominic Stockford got most things right on the day. The end result 3-3 at half time. Salesians elated and Nottsborough very cross with themselves.
The tide of this match had turned and Salesians would surely be in control for the second half. Not so. The Nottsborough team had talked it through at half time and had also slightly altered the way they were set up. Although Salesians often threatened to get behind the Nottsborough defence it never really happened again and keeper Matt Arnold had only one blocking save and a couple of catches under pressure for the remainder of the game. Left back Junior Urwin had an excellent second half and stifled a lot of the threat that had been coming down his side during the later stages of the first half. Marsden and Rolfe kept the lively Salesian forwards in check and a last moment block by Dave Howson was the nearest Salesians came to scoring again.
Nottsborough slowly consolidated their hold on the game and then began to create chances again as they upped the tempo. Swindle went on a great long overlap and when fed by Ewin he really should have done much better when clear to the right of goal. Matt Kerr, playing more centrally, had two good opportunities to test the keeper but failed to get his shots away. Violet and Lyons were starting to get dangerous balls into the box. Salesians thought they had cleared one of these but their centre half for some strange reason decided to use his arm. Now since this player had already been booked it was surprising to see that Mr Stockford did not give him his marching orders for a deliberate hand ball. The Salesians keeper pulled off a great save from the resulting penalty but Alex Ewin was able to make up for it by bundling home the rebound on 72 minutes. Goal number 5 in the last 5 games for last seasons leading league scorer. After getting in front again it was the away side who looked most likely to add to their total. Stavri really should have done better when presented with the ball outside the area and out wide, but with the keeper nowhere to be seen. Salesians somehow managed to block Stavri’s path long enough to clear the danger. Salesians forced two late corners but with Szwajkowski on for Lyons and Marsden in midfield Nottsborough now had more height to deal with these situations. They cleared the second corner out of their area and with time running out the Salesians long range shot was well wide.
Nottsborough were in a great position after 30 minutes and took their foot off the pedal, whilst Salesians produced some good finishing. This was an exciting game for the neutral but left a lot of questions unanswered for the supporter. Nottsborough deserved to win because they created more good chances during the game, but both defences were leaky. Nottsborough will have to show more ability to kill off games if they are to win anything this season. Having said that they have given themselves a real chance by staying in contention in the League with this win. They also have two semi finals in the next three weeks. Exciting times!
Arnold; Swindle, Marsland, Rolfe, Urwin; Kerr M, Lyons, Howson, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs: Szwajkowski and Kerr C.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough goes to Junior Urwin for a very good second half and signs that he is returning to form.
Nottsborough 2 West Wickham 2 22 Mar 08
Surrey AFA Semi Final
West Wickham won 3-2 on penalties.
Every time I attend a match against West Wickham these days, as a Nottsborough supporter, I walk away thinking either “we were unlucky to lose that one” or “we did well to win that one” The truth is these two teams are very well matched and both sides have a lot of good players. Where Nottsborough went wrong in this match was to give West Wickham a 2 goal start. West Wickham generally don’t concede more than one a game, so to come back from two goals down was a great effort from Nottsborough. There were two very tired teams taking penalties at the end of this game and the fact that only 5 out of 12 went in shows how tired the two teams were.
Skipper Matt Rolfe elected to keep the same defence, with Szwajkowski on the bench, and with Striker Nick Stavri away, elected to bring Chris Kerr into midfield and play Micky Lyons in a supporting role to Alex Ewin. Once Nottsborough got back into this game the skipper had got it pretty spot on. Lyons had a very good game and Marsland did well at centre back with Chris Kerr showing flashes of why he makes the rep team squad. As usual the playing surface was superb and with 3 good officials it was all set up for an excellent game. Only a cross wind spoiled the playing conditions.
West Wickham got a great start to this game as Nottsborough gifted them a goal after only 3 minutes. A long throw in from the right was flicked on by Wadey. The ball bobbled across the six yard line and was turned in at the far post for a very soft opener. West Wickham were not exactly bubbling after taking this early lead and both sides were struggling a little to find their passing football. Nottsborough were perhaps playing the better stuff and Swindle was starting to get through on the right and Urwin was doing the same on the left. The final ball was letting everyone down. Nevertheless Lyons got through to the left of goal but failed to hit the target. Ewin got away down the right wing and his great cross found Violet 15 yards out. The ball did not quite come down quickly enough and the WW keeper was quickly off his line but Violet put a great chance over the bar. Not long later Violet returned the compliment with a lovely “stand-up” ball to the back post but Ewin put his free header into the side netting.
West Wickham were starting to put their game together with Waite and Everett looking dangerous. Nottsborough handed all the initiative to WW on 25 minutes when, having discussed short corners, only Howson got out and he was powerless to stop an excellent left footed inswinger finding the head of Wadey 8 yards out and the goal was a formality. West Wickham two goals up, and very much in control. Their strength at dead ball situations was very evident. This was somewhat against the run of play it has to be said but the game is all about putting the ball in the net or keeping it out. Nottsborough will not win many trophies if they keep defending like this. West Wickham will continue to be force in every competition.
Despite this the response from Nottsborough was calm and composed. Marsland and Rolfe passed the ball out of trouble and Lyons started to see a lot of the ball. A short corner routine of their own found the West Wickham keeper punching out under pressure. The ball fell to Chris Kerr 15 yards out and he sliced a great chance wide of goal straight to Ewin who put the ball into the net and was probably wrongly given offside as there was a West Wickham player still on the byline by the corner flag after the short corner. Urwin twice got into great positions on the over-lap and then wasted the final delivery. Nottsborough however were not going to be denied and a neat move found Ewin with a small amount of space in the box. A good first touch from Ewin and a clumsy challenge from behind left the ref little option and Nottsborough had a penalty on 40 minutes. Alex Ewin stepped up to put the penalty away. 1-2 at half time.
The second half started with Nottsborough playing some of their best football when taking the strength of the opposition into account. Chris Kerr, tucking inside, was regularly finding Greg swindle on the overlap, whilst Violet was getting more into the game and posing a threat wide on the left. Howson was almost put clear by Lyons, only a last minute challenge blocking the midfielders shot. Following a move down the left Ewin produced a superb equaliser. Receiving the ball on the edge of the area he was able to evade the challenge of the superb Freeman and turn away from a second challenge. On 60 minutes Alex Ewin equalised with a firm shot that flicked in off the left hand upright. Goal number 7 in the last 6 games for a striker starting to recapture his form.
Nottsborough had made up all the lost ground and although they threatened for the next 10 minutes or so only another Ewin solo effort produced any real danger. West Wickham had weathered the storm and were starting to apply real pressure to the Nottsborough defence. Violet failed to win a challenge and West Wickham forced the first of several corners. With this in mind the Nottsborough Coach called for the extra height of Andy Szwajkowski and James Elliott with Violet and Chris Kerr being the unlucky players replaced. Certainly the two substitutes did very good jobs in the remaining minutes, and all through extra time. Corners and set pieces were no longer a threat, but crucially Nottsborough had lost a little of the control in midfield and a bit of width in attack. The game went into extra time with neither side really looking in control. In the first 15 minutes of extra time West Wickham were clearly on top forcing corner after corner with only a header at the far post that went narrowly over the bar and a shot that missed the far post posing a danger. The two new players up front had certainly provided fresh impetus. Generally neither keeper had much to do, and Arnold ended the period of pressure with a clean catch. The second 15 minutes was more even with Urwin getting in a couple of great tackles. West Wickham were tiring and picking up injuries with both Waite and Everett limping. Nottsborough did not have the energy either to take the upper hand until near the end David Howson was put clear on the left and his firm cross shot missed the far post with 5 minutes to go. With time almost up Junior Urwin got himself sent off. A cut on his knee was bleeding, in fact had been for most of the game. The ref asked him to go off with West Wickham forcing a corner. In his haste to return Urwin apparently returned to the field of play without asking the linesman’s permission. I know the rules are rules but surely a bit of discretion would not hurt. I would not want to see any player from either side sent off in such a manner as Urwin sought no advantage and merely wanted to re-join the action as quickly as possible.
I will not dwell on the penalties. I totally dislike this way of ending a competitive game. Both sets of players were very tired and some of the penalties were very poor. All power and no accuracy. Out of 12 penalties West Wickham managed to get one more on target and Nottsborough had ultimately paid the price for giving a very good side 2 goals start.
Team: Arnold; Swindle, Marsland, Rolfe, Urwin; Kerr C, Kerr M, Howson, Violet: Lyons, Ewin; Subs Elliott, Szwajkowski. Not used Robson.
For Nottsborough I thought Swindle had a good game and Urwin got better and better as the game went on stifling the threat of Rose and Everett. Lyons showed great skill and control. I thought the game was encapsulated in the battle between Ewin for Nottsborough and Freeman for West Wickham. Both players had very good games and my choice of Man of the Match for Nottsborough is Alex Ewin.
AFA Senior Cup Semi Final 8th March 08
Nottsborough 3 Old Aloysians 1
The Bank of England ground at Roehampton was the venue for this Semi Final. Just about the biggest playing surface in London and in pretty good condition considering the lack of rain. There was only a stiff breeze, carrying light drizzle, blowing across the pitch to disturb the players. The match produced some excellent football in the conditions as both teams tried their best to play the ball out from the back. The match was an excellent advert for amateur football in London.
This was Nottsborough’s third AFA Senior semi final appearance in 5 years, and this win sets up a repeat of the 2004 final against Old Meadonians. Hopefully the final this season will be played on a better pitch without the gale force cross wind of 2004. Having lost in the Surrey Semi Final two weeks ago when they were perhaps a little unlucky, there can be no doubt that Nottsborough deserved to win this game. Old Aloysians deserve a lot of respect for the way they got back into the game after being two down quite quickly, and a lot of sympathy for having lost three semi finals in three weeks.
There had been a lot of debate in the Nottsborough camp in the week leading up to this game about who should play in midfield and whether Nick Stavri would be fit. With Junior Urwin reluctant to play prior to taking up his contract as a physio with QPR, skipper Matt Rolfe elected to keep midfielder Dave Howson at left back, and retain the same midfield that misfired at Winchmore Hill. He recalled himself at centre back with Craig Bonser being unfit, and Stavri made the starting line up alongside the finisher.
The game could not have started better for Nottsborough. The players had been urged by their Coach Brian Williams to go out and show people how they could play. The coach must have been a happy man after a quarter of an hour as his side were 2-0 up and looking to score more. The first goal came on 3 minutes with a sharp downward header from Alex Ewin. Did the photographer get that one? Stavri, justifying the skippers faith, wriggled his way into the penalty area and when confronted by the admirable Aloysian centre back slipped the ball out to his left where Violet delivered a first time cross straight on the head of Ewin 8 yards out. The downward header gave the Aloysian keeper little chance.
Nottsborough were playing the ball out from the back on the huge pitch as Rolfe and Szwajkowski showed that they could play as well. They were getting quite a lot of success down the right with the excellent Greg Swindle finding lots of room and being plied with a lot of passes for the energetic, ball-playing Chris Kerr. Violet and Micky Lyons were finding a lot of room and switching play. It was as a result of another attack down the right with Matt Kerr winning a corner that created the second goal for Nottsborough. Violet played a short corner to Chris Kerr and his return pass saw Violet wriggle down the by-line and drive a ball across the six yard line on 12 minutes that was side-footed home by Alex Ewin. Goal number 12 in the last 10 games for the Nottsborough goalscorer.
For a few minutes it looked as if Nottsborough were going to run amock. Matt Kerr flashed a drive narrowly wide after a move involving Howson, Violet and Lyons. The latter then fired in a long range shot whilst a clearance cannoned off a defender and went just past the post with the Aloysian keeper rooted to the spot. This spell of success ended with Ewin passing up the chance to make the game safe with a rather weak volley from 12 yards out which the keeper was happy to grab.
Nottsborough then rather lost their way, although they still had the majority of the game. Flicks began to replace control and pass. Possession was given away and we then began to see why Old Aloysian’s have reached three semi finals. They got into the game by retaining the ball and passing it around. Their central midfielder, who had a good game, began to see a lot of the ball. At first their passing ended with a series of long balls which often ran harmlessly through to Matty Arnold but as the half progressed they began to put together some good moves in the Nottsborough half. They got back into the game on 33 minutes when their lively front two combined well. A flick on from the smaller forward found their dark haired forward who was working his socks off. Nottsborough appealed for offside but I think Swindle was playing him on. The shot from 15 yards out was well struck and nestled in the bottom corner. This goal revived Aloysians and Nottsborough went through a rather rough 20 minutes either side of half time. Aloysians were not really creating very much but the game was now very even. 15 minutes into the second half Aloysians urged on by their experienced centre back had their one opportunity to get back on level terms. A long ball down the middle struck their forward on the heel but somehow fell superbly for him to leave him clear of the Nottsborough defence. Matty Arnold did just enough in coming out quickly and the firm strike flew narrowly wide. Aloysians were not going to get another chance until it was too late.
This shock to the system jolted Nottsborough into action and in the last 25 minutes they played some of the best football they have played this season. Chances started to appear again and the Aloysians keeper made two very good saves as Nottsborough started to open the game up. Stavri was proving a handful and by pulling wide, and retaining the ball, spaces were being created in the middle. Matt Kerr had an excellent shot saved as did Lyons. Finally Nottsborough made the game safe on 68 minutes with a lovely strike from just outside the box from Nathan Violet. After linking nicely with Lyons and Ewin Violet moved onto the ball and firmly struck the ball into the keepers right hand corner.
Aloysians refused to lie down. With both sides making substitutions there were chances at either end. James Elliott on for Stavri got in an excellent headed clearance on the second of two dangerous corners whilst Szwajkowski got in a great block to stop a good Aloysian chance. Danny Marsland on for the last 15 minutes calmed the Nottsborough midfield and the passing football almost produced a goal at the other end as Nottsborough perhaps took one pass too many. Finally in the last 2 minutes Junior Urwin got on to replace Dave Howson who had a very good game at left back. Urwin now goes off to the richest club in Britain but hopefully he will still be available for the final and some midweek games.
A Cup run that has seen victories over three good sides in Old Aloysians, Norsemen at home, Old Actonians away, and the defeat of the excellent holders West Wickham away is a run good enough to see any team through to a final. There are 5 survivors from their last AFA Senior final in 2004 - the skipper Matt Rolfe, Matty Arnold, Andy Szwajkowski, Nathan Violet and James Elliott. It should be a good final between two contrasting sides. Can Nottsborough can get their revenge and lift the trophy for the first time in their 20th anniversary season? It would be good to see a lot of support on the day for a side that tries to play good football.
TEAM: Arnold; Swindle, Szwajkowski, Rolfe, Howson; Kerr C, Kerr M, Lyons, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Marsland, Elliott, Urwin all used.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough. There were good performances all over the pitch but my vote goes to Nathan Violet. A player that has played a lot of rep football this season and has looked a bit tired over the last month. Two assists and a goal to seal the win showed him almost back to his best.
Nottsborough 1 Old Salesians 1 (League) 15 Mar 08
Nottsborough miss the chances to make up ground!
This game was the third home game this season that Nottsborough have conceded a goal in the final few minutes to drop two vital points. If they do not retain their title then these points dropped will be the main cause.
Captain Matt Rolfe only had Greg Swindle and Junior Urwin missing for this local derby. Dave Howson therefore continued at left back with Matt Kerr dropping back to right back and Danny Marsland coming in to midfield. The very disappointing first half performance from Nottsborough could not be blamed on these changes as Marsland had a very good game and Howson once again had a solid game at left back. Salesians just looked more up for it and perhaps the semi final on the huge pitch at Bank of England took more out of the Nottsborough players than one thought. Anyway Salesians largely bossed the first half and could have taken the lead as early as the 7th minute when their striker clean through on goal, slid the ball wide of the far post. The final ball was the reason Salesians failed to translate superiority into goals as the crosses were either too high or too long and the shots were hastily taken rather than cleanly struck. They strongly felt that the ref and linesmen denied them a penalty when Lyons brought down a Salesians player but I thought the ref got this one right as it was just, a matter of inches, outside the box. In any case Salesians paid for their failure to translate possession into chances when Nottsborough unusually found success from pure route one football. Keeper Matt Arnold, who had an unconvincing first half, launched a long drop-kick downfield on the firm breeze. It cleared the last defender and Nick Stavri hammered a shot past a surprised Salesians keeper on 18 minutes from at least 25 yards. In a lacklustre first half Nottsborough had created other opportunities however. Ewin dancing past two tackles forced the keeper into a fine close range save. Violets lovely cross into the middle of the goal saw Ewin put his header on the roof of the net. Nearing the end of the half a Salesians centre back, for some strange reason, passed the ball straight to Ewin on the edge of the area and in trying to make the chance a certainty Ewin failed to get his shot in quickly enough and the ball was scrambled away.
Now football as we know can be a strange game. Nottsborough got a rollicking from their Coach at half time and game out a changed side. The tempo was up and Nottsborough largely took complete control of the game creating several really good chances. They did not take them and Salesians snatched an equaliser with 2 minutes to go having dragged themselves more and more into the game in the final 20 minutes. Nottsborough’s midfield four really got hold of the game in the first part of this game. Lyons, Chris Kerr, and Nathan Violet were retaining possession well and taking the game to Salesians. Lyons might well have increased the lead a minute into the new half as he beat the keeper to the ball outside the area and towards the left touchline. His low shot was going in but did not have quite enough on it and James Ayres managed to get back and clear the ball away inside the six yard box. Nottsborough’s football was sharp and incisive and they really should have put the game to bed in the next 20 minutes. Chris Kerr left all alone in the penalty area had plenty of time to line up a telling shot but put the ball in the side netting instead of working the keeper. The keeper was forced to make another good save from Stavri, and Ewin when completely clear on the right elected to try and find the unmarked Stavri, but played it too long. Violet superbly wriggled along the by-line but his low cross found Ayres not Ewin, and the Salesians centre back was having to work overtime to keep his side in it. Nottsborough won a corner and a mad scramble ensued with Rolfe, Lyons and Stavri all having shots blocked. From another corner Stavri rose on the edge of the 6 yard line and flicked a header onto the face of the crossbar and away across goal. Maybe with this passage of play Nottsborough’s chances disappeared.
Salesians were making substitutions and this was increasing their attacking options. They were forcing themselves back into the game with one or two corners of their own. Keeper Arnold was forced into two competent low saves at firm but central shots. Nottsborough decided to try and run down the clock and get some bigger men onto the pitch. Chris Kerr made way for Craig Bonser with Matt Kerr moving into midfield. Micky Lyone was replaced by James Elliott with about 8 minutes to go. The changes however did not stop Salesians getting the equaliser they probably deserved on the balance of play in the whole match. Michael Ayres was allowed to turn in an advanced midfield position and his through ball was superbly threaded between the two centre backs and inside Howson. The Salesians right midfielder, who mostly played right wing, latched onto the ball cut inside and right onto keeper Matt Arnold. The shot was not great and probably would not have beaten Arnold but for the deflection off the late arriving Howson that took the ball over the prone Arnold and bounced into the empty net.
The decision to move Matt Kerr into midfield almost paid off in the last minute when Nathan Violet played a lovely free kick behind the Salesians defence to Kerr who had made a great run in behind their defence. Stumbling past a challenge Kerr was left with a great chance from about 12 yards to win the game. His shot was very firm but just too close to the keeper who got enough on it to knock it away. The ref brought the game to a close in the next few seconds and the Salesians lads were probably the happier of the two sides. Nottsborough had enough chances in this game to have won by two clear goals but overall a draw was probably a fair reflection of the possession in each half.
Arnold; Kerr M, Szwajkowski, Rolfe, Howson; Kerr C, Marsland, Lyons, Violet; Ewin, Stavri; Subs Bonser, Elliott.
Man of the Match might easily have been Matt Kerr who has been looking really sharp in recent games and the winner might have sealed it. There were good performances from all the midfielders. My vote however goes to the Captain Matt Rolfe who played most of the game limping after a harsh tackle in the early stages. He always seemed to get a foot in when needed and increasingly he blocked off the dangerous Salesians forwards.
Old Actonians 1 Nottsborough 4 29 Mar 08
This game started with the quickest goal I have ever seen. It was 5 seconds, 6 at most, before the ball crossed the Actonians line. Equally bizarrely it was not touched by any Nottsborough player until it was over the line. I submit that this could be the quickest own goal scored in football. Actonians kicked off and their forward passed it back to the midfielder who knocked a simple ball back to the centre-back. Elliott was putting a little bit of pressure on the centre back but he had plenty of time to roll the ball back to his goalkeeper. The pitch was firm but a recent shower had made the surface slippery. The pass back was not direct to the keeper, who slipped as the ball passed him. It rolled into the net before Elliott could apply the finishing touch and Nottsborough took the lead with an own goal on 6 seconds.
This was Nottsborough’s first game for 3 weeks and they were missing Captain Matt Rolfe, midfielder Micky Lyons, and forward Nick Stavri. There were starts therefore for Craig Bonser, Danny Marsden, and James Elliott. The bench was an all second team affair with Ben Hughes, Rob Hawkins, and Mark Grove making up the 14. Grove has always been a good player for Nottsborough whilst Hughes and Hawkins are up and coming new players. This was Nottsborough’s warm up game for the AFA Senior Cup Final next Saturday at HSBC. Nottsborough started their AFA Senior run with an excellent win at Actonians in November. They did not have to play anything like as well to win this one after the crazy start.
Things got worse for Actonians in the first 10 minutes as they found themselves 3-0 down. Elliott did really well to win a ball just inside the Actonians half and slip a delightful through ball to Ewin. Nottsborough’s leading scorer ran into the area and although he scuffed his cross-shot a little Alex Ewin’s shot still had enough on it to hit the inside of the far post and rebound into the net on 4 minutes. The Actonians defence was very fragile in this opening period and they conceded a third goal on 10 minutes. Fed by Violet, Matt Kerr burst into the area to the left of the goal. His shot was partially blocked by the keeper but was still going in when James Elliott made absolutely sure before a defender could get back.
For a while Actonians were shell-shocked but slowly but surely they began to put their game together winning a couple of corners. They began to get on top as Nottsborough failed to put their game together and kept giving the ball away inside their own half. They were also being un-settled by Actonians competitive challenges and both Chris Kerr and Danny Marsden were caught late. Marsden was rightly booked later on for a spot of retaliation with a late sliding tackle. Actonians drove a free kick into the wall on the edge of the Nottsborough area and the Actonians nippy forward was causing problems. Finally Arnold had to turn the clock back with a superb finger-tip save. This was matched and even exceeded by the Actonians keeper who somehow tipped away a Violet pile-driver from 30 yards that was going right into the top left hand corner. Nottsborough 3 up at half time, although you would not say that they had played all that well.
The second half was a different story. Nottsborough played a lot better and created loads of chances. The Actonians keeper and the wayward Nottsborough finishing kept the score down. Elliott almost got his second when a firm header from Violet’s free kick was turned aside by the keeper. Nottsborough were now attacking well down their right with Swindle getting forward ever so well without quite getting behind the Actonians defence. Nevertheless another free kick on that side for a late challenge on the influential Chris Kerr brought the goal that wrapped the game up. Violet’s big in-swinging free kick flashed across the goal and hit the inside of the far post. Violet who was some distance away assures us that it crossed the line, but James Elliott made sure yet again and snatched his second on 65 minutes. Two goals, from a combined total of about 10 inches, for the Nottsborough player, who was out of football for almost 2 years.
Nottsborough coach Brian Williams now started to make changes. On came Ben Hughes for the tiring Elliott and Hughes almost made it 5 on 72 minutes when his flick header from a Violet corner was tipped over by an Actonians keeper who was becoming very busy. Ewin had a great chance but put it straight at the keeper. Matt Kerr should have scored twice. The first following excellent Nottsborough passing on the right found Kerr all alone 8 yards out but his complete miss kick turned into an excellent lay off for his brother who missed the target by quite a long way from 10 yards. The second came when the Actonians keeper kept out Kerr’s lob but Kerr got to the looping ball and put his header wide of an empty net. Hughes then had another good chance and after another good block by the keeper put the rebound into the side-netting. Nathan Violet was then replaced by Rob Hawkins as Nottsborough ran down the clock. It would not be a Nottsborough match if they were not to concede a goal which they duly did with about 3 minutes left as a smart Actonians move down the right produced a low cross and a tidy finish at the far post. Howson was injured in this goal and Mark Grove made his first appearance of the season in a Nottsborough 1’s shirt. Something like 9 seasons in a row that Grovey has made the Nottsborough first team and he managed to get in one header and one good clearance in his 3 minutes.
A very good result for Nottsborough that takes them into second spot in the league. Very few teams have done that well against Actonians this season so two away wins is a very good effort. Now for the AFA Senior final at HSBC next Saturday against Old Meadonians.
Arnold; Swindle, Szwajkowski, Bonser, Howson; Kerr C, Kerr M, Marsden, Violet; Ewin, Elliott; Subs all used Hughes, Hawkins and Grove.
Man of the Match for Nottsborough could have been Szwajkowski who was very solid at centre back. It could have been Swindle who had a decent game or Violet who was around in most of Nottsborough’s decent passages of play. It could have been Ewin who neatly linked play when he dropped deep. My vote however goes to Chris Kerr who, despite his poor miss, energetically came into the game very strongly despite one or two heavy challenges in the first half.
AFA Senior Cup Final 2008 12th April
Nottsborough 2 Old Meadonians 2
Old Meadonians win 4-3 on penalties (click HERE for photos)
It has taken me quite a while to write this report because quite frankly it has been one of the hardest defeats to take. We shook hands before the game and wished for the better team to win. Sadly this was not the case! In a season punctuated, and punctured, by Representative football Nottsborough failed to win the big prize.
The simple facts of the game do not hide the drama of what was a most exciting final. Nottsborough had the slight edge in the first half and took the lead through Nick Stavri. Meadonians came storming back in the second half aided by the wind and rain and equalised with 4 minutes to go. Nottsborough took the lead again in the second half of extra time, passed up numerous chances to make the game safe, and conceded an awful equaliser two minutes from the end. Even then Nottsborough passed up their opportunity as they lead 3-2 on penalties only to lose 4-3.
Both teams tested each other out early on with Glover proving dangerous on the left for Meads and Violet and Howson doing the same for Nottsborough. It was the latter two aided by Matt Kerr who set up the Nottsborough opener on 24 minutes as Kerr’s shot was blocked but Nick Stavri tapped home the rebound. Although Dave Howson had to clear off the line not much later Nottsborough generally got on top and Ewin twice put headers wide that might normally have found the net. Stavri missed a great chance to extend the lead when he was left all alone against the keeper on the edge of the area after a great through ball. Stavri’s touch took the ball past the stranded keeper but was too strong as it rolled just wide without him being able to catch it up. Unfortunately Andy Szwajkowski, who was having an outstanding game, had to leave the field just before half time with a nasty cut and was replaced by Craig Bonser.
The wind and rain arrived for the second half and Meads got on top. Even so Nottsborough had another great chance to extend their lead as Swindle delivered a great cross and Stavri’s volley from 8 yards was somehow kept out by the Meads keeper. With Meads well on top by the midway point Nottsborough withdrew Chris Kerr and sent on Jonathan Urwin who was to prove both hero and villain. Some of the first part was achieved as he cleared off the line as a thumping header from a corner seemed destined for the net. More of the rest later. Meads quick forwards were causing alarm bells and Nottsborough’s excellent Captain Matt Rolfe had to make a superb sliding tackle to halt an almost certain equaliser. Nottsborough brought on James Elliott for Nick Stavri and Elliott thought he had made the game safe for Nottsborough as his header found the top corner after another excellent Violet cross. The ref ruled this out because, he later explained, he thought the ball had gone out. The linesman, who was on the goal-line, however did not raise his flag. The game took its first twist when Meadonians somehow scrambled an equaliser with 4 minutes to go as Swindle, who appeared to have the situation covered, stumbled outside the 6 yard box and allowed the Meads forward an open goal. It immediately transpired that Swindle had pulled a calf muscle in trying to clear the ball. Swindle into midfield and Matt Kerr at full back as all subs had been used. If you were the Meadonians coaches then you would have felt you deserved the equaliser on the second half performance as Nottsborough were largely penned in.
Extra time was a different story as Nottsborough took the game to Meadonians and really should have wrapped the game up. Elliott thumped the ball in off a post and was given offside. He then failed to get the final touch 6 yards out to a great move conceived in Loughborough by Urwin and Violet. Marsden and Howson were in control of midfield and the latter broke clear from half way and fired wide of the near post from the edge of the area. Ewin put a header wide and you began to get the sense this was not going to be Nottsborough’s day. Nevertheless Urwin sprinted down the left after the break and fed by Violet delivered a superb cross. Alex Ewin running to the near post flicked home a superb goal on 108 minutes. James Elliott was then twice given offside as he finished sweeping Nottsborough moves. The last one of these featured a run and cross by Urwin on the right wing. The linesman yet again had his flag up and Urwin spoke out of turn. The decision to send him off may possibly have cost Nottsborough the game. The match had been littered with comments to the officials by Meads players but apparently these did not even warrant a caution! Despite the sending off Howson, once again, got clean through but a poor first touch lost the chance on the edge of the box. Then Violet was through and the Meads keeper made his second wonderful save of the game.
With 2 minutes to go Nottsborough conceded a goal in just the place where Urwin would have been. A “keystone cops” passage of football where two hasty Meadonians shots fell to their player rather than behind the goal ended with a header 10 yards out that deflected off Violet and into the net. There was little time left for anything else and so to penalties.
I do not like penalties as a way of ending matches and I will not praise or criticise any penalty from a tired player. Nottsborough got the break after a good save by Matty Arnold but then missed one themselves before the Meads keeper made his third super, and most crucial, save of the day. Meads were left to collect the Cup, again, and Nottsborough were left completely deflated. Meads know how to win these games and one has to admire the dogged and determined way they pursued their goal. Nottsborough, for me, played really well, particularly in extra time. They did not take their chances and paid the price. It was just not their day, the post match celebrations belonged to Old Meadonians.
TEAM: Arnold; Swindle, Szwajkowski (Bonser), Rolfe, Howson; Kerr C (Urwin), KerrM, Marsden, Violet; Ewin, Stavri (Elliott).
Man of the Match was nominated as Matt Rolfe by the SAL Rep committee and one could not disagree although I thought Nathan Violet, who landed on a transatlantic flight at 6 in the morning, also had a very good game.
Old Owens 1 Nottsborough (League) 19th April 07
Almost the hardest part about this game was finding the ground. The map link given was really nowhere near the actual ground and a lot of time was wasted. None of the locals seemed to know where the ground was either. Once found the pitch was a good setting for a crucial match between two teams trying to chase down West Wickham for the SAL League title.
Old Owens completely dominated the opening 20 minutes against a Nottsborough side that looked truly awful. Owens could have scored 3 times as they wasted really good chances that they created for themselves by fast positive football. They eventually took the lead when Nottsborough gave them a goal as Howson put through his own net when under no real pressure. Butler’s free kick was hard and swerving. Swindle managed to head the ball over the attackers but Howson on the back post stuck out a leg and the ball was in Arnold’s net yet again. Nottsborough were struggling so Coach Brian Williams moved Chris Kerr into central midfield and slowly Nottsborough got a foothold in the game although Owens always looked dangerous going forward with Sullivan influential in midfield. For the last 15 minutes of the first half Nottsborough got themselves together. Ewin fired wide from 20 yards, Elliott had a shot blocked, and Violet failed to deliver on two occasions when well placed to deliver the normally immaculate crosses. Nottsborough went in at half time back in the game.
This truly was a game of two halves as Nottsborough really went on to completely dominate proceedings. They were encouraged at half time to get their heads up and enjoy the football. Prompted by Chris Kerr and Danny Marsden they proceeded to do just this. Elliott’s superb run fed the ball to Marsden and he really should have done better with his left footed shot. Stavri replaced Swindle shortly afterwards with Ewin moving over to the right. Nottsborough were starting to open up the large playing surface with passing football. Violet, who was looking very tired, raised his game and started to give the young right back a hard time. Every time the ball got to Stavri Owens were struggling and crosses were starting to find their men for the first time. Howson was overlapping well and linking with Violet. A goal had to come and it duly arrived as a left wing cross found Joe Holden (on for Elliott with 22 minutes to go). Holden, making his first team debut after promising performances for the lower sides, could not beat the keeper but the ball fell to the finisher and Alex Ewin equalised with 15 minutes to go the ball flying in just under the bar. Once again Nottsborough should have wrapped up the 3 points in what was a very good second half performance. Kerr shot over the bar and then Nottsborough created another dangerous ball into the box. The ball ran loose 8 yards out, Ewin’s volley was mishit but was still going in when somehow the full back managed to leap and head the ball against the underside of the bar and then the ball was scrambled away. With 2 minutes to go Nottsborough broke down the left and fed the ball across to Chris Kerr. Joe Holden was completely free on the right but Kerr found Ewin 15 yards out and free to the right of goal. The shot was powerful enough but just too high to secure the 3 points that Nottsborough now deserved.
Arnold; Swindle (Stavri) Bonser, Rolfe, Howson; Kerr C, Kerr M, Marsden, Violet; Ewin, Elliott (Holden); Sub not used Szwajkowski
Man of the Match for Nottsborough Chris Kerr. His move into central midfield brought Nottsborough back into a match they were losing.
Nottsborough 2 Civil Service 2 (League) 15 April 08
If Civil Service had shown as much “fight” and commitment during the rest of the season, as they showed in this match, they may not have been relegated. They had one player sent off and should have had another one in an incident that descended into a lot of pushing and shoving. Quite why Civil Service were so up for this game is not clear. Nottsborough were clearly deflated and exhausted by the AFA Senior Final and Civil Service could easily have won this match if they had taken two really good chances in the last 10 minutes.
Nottsborough found it difficult to get its best side out for this game. Ewin was recuperating after the London Marathon but still played the last 30 minutes. Marsden and Matt Kerr both arrived late. Stavri could not get out of work. Nottsborough therefore started with a back four that looked more second team than first team. Webb made his debut at right back, whilst Grove played his first full match of the season. Bonser was in for the injured Szwajkowski, whilst Saddler made his first team debut up front.
Despite this Nottsborough started the better of the two teams and held a lot of territorial advantage in the first half as Howson and Chris Kerr got hold of midfield. Kerr and Violet liked well in this early period and the football was good to watch. James Elliott produced a “special “on 25 minutes thumping the ball into the roof of the net from almost 40 yards. Civil Service took over for the rest of the half and equalised before half time with a neat header at the near post after an excellent cross.
Marsden came on at half time to bolster a Nottsborough midfield that was beginning to lose its way. Civil Service took the lead on 55 minutes when Nottsborough again failed to cut out a cross and Civil Service’s best player buried a header. Nottsborough frantically then tried to up the tempo of the game and, despite running the London Marathon two days before, Alex Ewin came on up front. Dave Howson became a little too frantic and his late sliding tackle prompted a mass confrontation. Whilst Howson’s tackle was reckless and deserved the booking it got the Civil Service player who stamped on his face should have a good long look at himself. This player should have been sent off but the ref failed to identify him. The ref had no alternative but to send off a Civil Service forward later on for the second of two poor tackles and Grove should know better than to get himself booked for the retaliation.
Nottsborough were chasing the game and completely losing their shape. Matt Kerr was now on at right back and it was getting very difficult to create anything meaningful with Civil Service packing their penalty area and catching Nottsborough on the break. Alex Ewin finally equalised with 15 minutes to go, turning the ball past the keeper and just inside the far post with his left foot. Nottsborough could have taken the lead as they hit the bar and Elliott just failed to force home the rebound. At the other end Civil Service had two one on ones, shooting wide with the first and putting the ball straight at Arnold with the second.
A most disappointing and bad-tempered game was brought to an end in very poor light. Civil Service go down to Division Two and Nottsborough must endeavour to pick themselves up.
TEAM: Arnold; Webb, Bonser, Rolfe, Grove; Swindle, Kerr C, Howson, Violet; Elliott, Saddler; Subs all used Marsden, Ewin, Kerr M.
Man of the Match in a generally poor for Nottsborough showing goes to Dave Howson for an energetic if somewhat misguided performance.
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