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Old Owens 1 Nottsborough 2 League 14th April 2009
Nottsborough Win Away
A six o-clock kick off in Potters Bar is enough to stretch a squad to breaking point. The fact that Morris and Lea had a good squad of 14 to choose from spoke volumes for their good work this season, and the fact that we are in the running to win the title. A bench of Briggs, Prosser and Goad was available and all played a vital role in an excellent away win. Richardson stepped in for Nimmo at right back – with the latter in Rio getting squired by some muscular young buck.
The game started at a respectable place with the hosts arguably quicker to settle into their stride. From the kick off they pressured and won a throw in, which led to a mini period of pressure on the Notts goal. However, the back 4’s resilience came to the fore and proved to be the basis for a decent team performance. Owens were much changed from the home game and were better for it, with 2 lively forwards and a well balanced midfield probing away all game. For their part the visitors were showing signs of settling, with Holden and Datta to the fore in terms of work-rate, winning headers and tackles, followed by crisp incisive passing. A neat interplay between these two led to the first chance of the game, with Atkins sent beyond a square back line, faced by a keeper stationed firmly in ‘no-mans land’. Marooned as he was the keepers’ positioning was not exposed as Andreas fluffed his lines and placed the ball harmlessly at the keeper when attempting a lob from 25 yards. Owens rallied and sent a midfielder scurrying through; only to be denied by an excellent and clean tackle by Lea on the edge of the box. Shortly afterwards possession was conceded cheaply which again allowed a midfielder to run towards goal, Grove this time stopped the advance. Notts were now beginning to shake of the rigours of the journey and really started to get the ball down and play: the midfield four really stepped up the work rate and played with edgy commitment, with Holden winning the 3rd, 4th and 5th tackles of his career in quick succession. This increased tempo forced the mistake that led to the opening goal. Richardson clipped a ball down the channel, which Atkins contested well. George went tear-arsing after the ball and caused panic between the keeper and covering left back, both of whom left the ball and allowed the rapid Bowman a free run on goal for the opener. 1-0 was harsh on Owens but it spread confidence through the visitors.
The second followed quickly and again was a testament to pressure being applied all over the pitch. An Owens attack was repelled and the ball fell to Warner in midfield. He spread it wide to the excellent Holden who played in Andreas. Unable to reach the pass Andreas hassled the defender into conceding a throw in. From the throw in the ball was lost, and then regained by Datta, whose powerful cross took a slight deflection and deceived the keeper at the near post, making it 2-0. The hosts were still in this game, however, and began to attack more. The back 4 all won key headers and made decent clearances under pressure from a very good front pairing, with Tom handling well when called upon. Half time came with the game well balanced despite the scoreline, which was a touch harsh on the hosts.
The second half saw Owens start at a cracking tempo, forcing Notts. onto the back foot more frequently. Their midfield were playing a little higher and were turning the visiting defence at every opportunity. Both full backs did well under pressure, and were ably assisted by the industrious Morris and Holden out wide. Grove and Lea dominated the aerial bombardment and cleared well under pressure. However, the cracks in the dam were beginning to appear and Owens scented a goal. One free kick was swung in and resulted in the lively young forward clipped the ball onto the post and into Tom’s loving arms. Warning heeded Notts. went down the other end of the pitch and fashioned a chance which Bowman thumped just wide.
Enlivened by this near miss Owens promptly scored. Given an eternity the left midfielder placed a great ball over the top of the back four and onto the head of the rapidly advancing centre forward, whose aim was true. 2-1 and Owens clearly fancied an equalizer. The visitors steeled themselves and advanced onto the front foot and went for the third goal. Morris, played in by Gary, threaded an excellent cross which Holden met at full charge only to head over from 6 yards. Excellent player Holden, head shaped like a toblerone though. Morris then freshened things up by withdrawing Atkins and releasing the combine harvester of human limbs that is Briggs, Warner moving up top. As always Karl provided a great platform to play off. This released Morris a few times and Bowman, who was relishing the extra space afforded to him. A 2nd change saw Karl replaced by Owen up top. Prosser was quickly into his stride after injury, chasing lost causes and running the channels excellently.
The next true incident in the game involved a disallowed goal from Prosser. Morris cut in from the left and swung a great ball towards the back post, which Owen met ahead of the defender and neatly finished. The referee, however, had different ideas and called offside. A close call from the excellent referee, who again controlled the game, but probably correct. Ralf came off the bench for the excellent Holden and proved a great outlet for Richardson and Datta, as well as offering good defensive cover for the defence.
The game ended with Owens desparately pressing for a point, and the Notts back four looking strong and secure in the main. A great 3 points on a perennially tricky away game – especially mid-week.
Team
White; Richardson, Lea, Grove, Cullinan; Holden, Datta, Warner, Morris; Bowman, Atkins.
Subs
Goad; Prosser; Briggs.
Man of the Match.
All 14 in attendance played to a 7 out of ten level so well done. The 2 men who got to 8 out of 10 were Cullinan and Holden who claim a slightly gay joint MoM award.
Nottsborough 8 Old Esthamians 1 League 4th April 2009
For an 8-1 victory there is surprisingly little to say, which is lucky, because I haven't got long to write the match report.
The competing teams are at polar opposites of the table for good reason. We turned up in Walthamstow very early and prepared well, they ran onto the pitch just before kick off. Nottsborough played the game with high standards, discipline and a strong work ethic, Esthamians looked about as interested as Stevie Wonder at a page 3 convention.
On a fine day, and after initially struggling with the hard and bobbly pitch, Nottsborough began to fashion chances and scored from a clear Karl Warner header from a corner. 1-0 up at half time. Goal undisputedly Karl Warner's.
The second half saw Nottsborough take full control of the game and Esthamian's full capitulation. Some great passing and composure saw goals fly in from Andy Atkins (2), George (3), Ted Datta (1) and another from big Karl.
Esthamians got lucky when their right back lumped a ball directly at the Nottsbotrough goal from a kick off. Not expecting a direct strike Whitey was caught out by a wicked bounce and the ball was in the net. To be fair to Whitey, the quiet afternoon had led his preoccupation with how on earth he would retrieve the many possessions drunkenly left in Inferno's the previous week. This was pretty much the only assault on the Nottsborough goal. Apart from the penalty debutant Dan Jordan, settling in nicely at this point, gave away soon after coming on.
It's worth noting Ted Datta's goal in greater detail. Now Ted is renowned for his often wayward first touch - or the Datta 'stab', in common parlance. Well this was perhaps the wildest first touch ever seen. Luckily for Ted it flew in spectacularly in from 40 yards. Some claim, including himself and others that saw it, that it was entirely deliberate. As I was off the pitch at the time and kicking a ball against a fence, I can only assume it was a flukey miscontrol.
Put in context, this result sends a huge message out to the faltering competition that Nottsborough mean business. After the cup disappointment of the previous week, a good reaction was crucial. Even though the opposition were poor, there is no denying Nottsborough's commitment and application were first class.
Team - Whitey, Gary, Nimmo, Grove, Lea (Dan Jordan), Holden, Ted, Karlos, Morris, George, Atkins.
MoM - accomplished display and outlandish goal, Ted Datta.
HAC 2 Nottsborough 1 AFA Surrey/Kent Intermediate Cup Final 28th March 2009
Nottsborough Pay the Penalty
West Wickham would not be the 1st choice venue for a Cup Final but nevertheless the pitch was in decent condition despite the inclement weather. Notts. named a squad of 13 that saw Bowman return up front for Holden – the latter joined by Richardson on the bench. HAC were the opponents and all was ready.
HAC quickly settled and dictated the opening exchanges, with their pacy forward causing trouble down their inside left channel. Indeed one early searching ball caught Lea and Nimmo square and the tall forward latched onto it and floated a shot over Tom and onto the bar with an effort that may have deserved better. A needless free kick conceded to the left of the box needed a desperate defensive header from Grove. The red and blacks needed to step up to the plate and Ted was the man who settled us by getting his foot on the ball and looking to dictate play from the middle of midfield with some short sharp passing to the industrious Andreas, who was proving too good for his marker. Datta’s work rate was prodigious and this allowed Karl to get into the game a little more, spreading play wide to a willing Briggs, who was finding space intelligently. Morris on the opposite wing was, however, starved of possession totally in the opening period despite looking hard for the ball. HAC’s clever interplay allowed the next chance when a cross from the left was directed towards the tall centre forward with Grove marking. A call from Tom made Grove hesitate when he should have known better and allowed the forward to get a touch away from the committed White – his goalbound shot was cleared from the line by the covering Cullinan to safety. Another warning shot across the bows.
Notts then began to pump up the pressure a little with some searching balls finding Briggs well when he was stationed wide on the right. Briggs’ link play fed an advancing Datta around the edge of the box on 25 minutes. He exchanged passes with Atkins and fired a slightly deflected shot past the HAC keeper for an undeserved lead. HAC looked a little stunned at how their dominance had not produced a lead but started undeterred and looking for parity. Nottsborough began to defend a little better and play a little more through midfield and forced a couple of corners via the hard work of Andreas Atkins. All deliveries were good but failed to lead to any clear efforts on goal. HAC rallied and came back strongly, and equalized via the penalty spot after Lea inexplicably handled. Tom went the right way but just failed to get a hand to the ball. This was the seventh penalty the 2s have conceded in the last 8 games – a penalty count resembling the England Rugby Team over the 6 Nations. Notts surged after the lead and quickly released George Bowman down the inside left channel and beyond a struggling centre half. Bowman was chased into the box with clear contact being made by the defender with his chest and subsequently legs. All 13 red and blacks appealed for what we thought was a blatant penalty only to be severely disappointed. No contact was made with the ball at all by the last man and George apparently fell over when facing goal in a Cup Final.
The penalty count was extended to 8 in 8 games 4 minutes later. Grove was down with a head injury after a cross, when Morris allegedly barged a player to the floor near the touchline. From all accounts it was 50-50 decision that went against us, although there was debate about whether the game should have been stopped due to the head knock which occurred. Either way Nottsborough were 2-1 down at half time.
The second half was truly one way traffic and the red and blacks were extremely unfortunate to not equalize from a number of well created opportunities. These are documented in the following paragraph.
The first fell to Warner from an excellent corner by Briggs – his header arrowing just wide. Andreas was next up, pulling a shot wide after excellent work down the left by skipper Morris. Gary Cullinan made a fantastic tackle in midfield and drove a left foot shot just over the bar. Holden, on for the injured Briggs, raced down the line and squared across the box, with Atkins denied by a brilliant save by the keeper. A Grove free kick found Warner’s head, who floated a delicious header towards the top corner only to be denied by a top class save from a back-pedaling custodian. Datta fired a shot wide after good work from Andy Richardson (on for Nimmo) and Holden. Warner headed onto the bar from a good Holden corner.
I could go on as there were more efforts on goal but HAC held on for a deserved victory. All 14 of their players were committed and fair, and they lifted the Cup with hard earned smiles. Notts were left to lick their wounds and take solace from their volume of scoring opportunities created in a much improved second half performance. The SAL Intermediate title is now the sole focus and we are well placed if we can eradicate the penalties and play with the hard nosed edge of the pre Xmas period.
Well done HAC.
Team:
White; Nimmo, Lea, Grove, Cullinan; Briggs, Datta, Warner, Morris; Bowman, Atkins.
Subs:
Richardson & Holden
Man of the Match:
A close 3 way shoot out between Cullinan, Datta and Morris was won, for me, by skipper Ted Datta
West Wickham 2 Nottsborough 2 League 21st March 2009
Honours Even – Despite Controversy
A sunny day at Corkscrew Hill saw Notts. arrive early and in rude health – for once. Datta was restored to the middle of midfield alongside Warner, with Briggs moving wide to replace the absent Owen Prosser; and Lea was restored to the centre of defence ahead of Nimmo who was still suffering from a Stilton Wheel hangover from last Saturday evening. With the respective 1s sides meeting in a Cup Final this was very much on the under card, although to the 26 people here it was important to say the least.
The pitch was surprisingly dry but in good condition and the game started at a decent pace, with both teams settling quite quickly. Warner was the first player to emerge as a stand out performer, winning both tackles and headers with ease, and settling the visitors down with some astute short passing. Ralf and Gary were getting space in the wide defensive areas and were proving us useful outlet for the midfield, which was congested to say the least. It was by using this outlet that Notts. broke the deadlock. A channel ball caught the hosts defence a little square and pressure from Andreas served to add to the confusion. As a botched clearance fell to Datta on the angle of the box, he spotted that the keeper had come off his line and managed to volley home neatly into the far corner. 1-0 to the visitors. WW came back strongly from the kick-off and were looking to exploit the quick feet of their neat striker and turn the Notts. defence where possible. The Notts back 4 were looking quite comfortable up to this point though with Grove and Lea winning headers and getting tight to their men. The equalizer, when it came, was a genuine disappointment. A throw in from our left was not dealt with at all, and a cross came in from the touchline from a very clear offside position. This aside though there were 2 chances to clear that were missed and a midfielder slotted through Tom’s legs having lost his marker. 1 – 1 and Notts were feeling a little hard done by. This sense of injustice was amplified when the referee awarded a penalty against Gary just minutes afterwards. It was clear that Gary’s left hand touched the ball following a throw in so no cause for argument it could be argued. However, the neat forward was pulling Gary’s shirt down to such an extent that the ball to hand incident was merely a matter of trying to maintain his balance and should have resulted in a free kick to the visitors. Either way the penalty made it 2 – 1, with Notts fuming at the referee’s aberrations.
The positive was that Notts responded well to these setbacks and got back onto the front foot. Datta linked well with Morris, who sent a cross skidding across the box; Warner crashed a header wide from a corner when well placed; and Notts. generally seized the initiative back from the hosts as they sought parity. WW were looking sharp in attack but a little vulnerable defensively, although Notts were struggling to get in behind them and cause the keeper to really work hard for his post match pint and pie. Half time arguably came at the right time for the home team as Notts had a head of steam up.
A positive half time chat led to a really good 2nd half performance. All 13 players contributed fully and can regard it as a qualified success. Warner, Morris, Briggs and Datta wrestled for control of the midfield and were successful; Andreas and Holden were lively up front; the back 4 managed to restrict the opposition forwards well; and Tom kicked & handled excellently when called upon. Grove and Gary peppered the inside left channel with searching balls for Holden and Morris, which was beginning to look like the weak point in the home defence. A couple of crosses were swung across with neither forward able to convert from this area, but its importance for Notts was soon to be proved. A searching clearance from Tom saw Andreas challenge the centre half, with neither making a decisive touch. Regardless, Morris had gambled and a favourable bounce saw him advance a strike the ball cleanly (well as cleanly as he could) into the back of the net for a more than deserved leveler. A just reward given the penalty decision.
This time Notts did not sit back on after scoring and were pressuring for a winner until the dying seconds of the game. Bowman came on for Briggs, with Holden moving to right midfield, and Nimmo replaced Ralf at full back and gave fresh impetus to the search for a winner. Notts’ efforts to secure the winner were sincere and committed but arguably lacked a small dollop of guile. West Wickham’s players did seem to run out of gas a little towards the end of the game, but maybe this was the result of a high octane Nottsborough effort.
Earlier in the report it was mentioned that this point, and the performance, was a qualified success and I stand by that statement. We played well and scored 2 goals away from home against a good team – that is the success element of the statement. The qualification comes as we (by hook or more importantly crook) conceded twice and only got a point from a good performance away from home against a title contender. The search to replicate the Enfield Old Grammarians performance continues – but it has to be said that this was a step closer than previous weeks.
Team:
White; Ralf (Nimmo), Lea, Grove, Gary; Briggs (Bowman), Warner, Datta, Morris; Holden, Atkins.
Man of the Match – loads of contenders but Warner takes the plaudits.
Nottsborough 2 - Old Owens 0 League 14th March 2009
Morrismen Dance On.
Morris and Lea had a few selection headaches to deal with prior to the game: Datta’s dead leg was still causing him some issues and George Bowman had been taken ill during the week. Hopefully these three points will help. Accordingly, the deck was shuffled again a la Paul Daniels, with Gary returning at left back; Nimmo moving across to the centre of defence; Warner was returning to his favoured midfield role; and Andreas and Joe Holden starting up front. Got all that? Didn’t think so. Lea was on the bench as well.
The pre match chat had focused on ‘keeping it tight for the 1st twenty minutes’ & ‘not conceding stupid free kicks in our own half.’ Accordingly, all that flew out the window and we were 1-0 up within 45 seconds. From the kick off Holden and Atkins pressured the visiting defence into coughing the ball up needlessly. Briggs used a sand wedge to get the ball behind the left back who was desparately trying to shepherd the ball out for a goal kick. Ralf Goad was on a flyer from right back though and did exceptionally well to wrap his foot around man and ball and cross the ball towards the far post. Andreas was the quickest to react and tapped home an easy goal. Owens looked genuinely shocked as their plan had clearly been to keep it tight as they line up in a fluid 4-5-1 formation.
As neither team were able to read the script the game restarted with excellent commitment and no little quality coming to the fore. Owens used their extra man in midfield to good effect in the period after the goal and looked to get the wide midfielders in behind Gary and Ralf. The Notts defence was a little stretched in these early stages but managed to limit the visitors to 2 shots from outside the area. Tom was not really troubled on either occasion. After 15 minutes Grove and Nimmo began to work out how to deal with the line leading lone striker a little better and began to spread some assurance throughout the team. Briggs and Warner were dealing well with the 3 central midfielders and gave us a base to build upon. Chances were limited in truth, with the hosts faring a little better. Holden & Atkins were leading the line well and both had efforts saved by the keeper, none of which were really threatening. Owens forced a few set-pieces, which a combination of Grove, Nimmo (headers) and White (Amir Khan like punches) dealt with under some pressure. The first half never really dropped in terms of momentum although there were scant opportunities for either side to stretch the respective keepers into any concerted action.
The half time chat was positive as always and emphasized the need to keep playing the ball wide and stretching the visitors. The opening exchanges were even with the referee playing advantage excellently after some vigorous – but fair – challenges. Owens lone striker managed to wriggle free a couple of times early on and came close with an excellent swerving drive from the inside left channel. Again, he escaped Nimmo’s clutches in the inside left channel and crossed, which fortunately proved too deep for the onrushing midfield cavalry. These warning shots served to focus Notts. who final got into gear. Andreas and Joe worked the channels well and allowed the team to play a little higher up the pitch. Warner and Briggs were now faced with 2 players as Owens changed formation, which led to them dominating to a greater degree. This dominance, indirectly, led to the decisive goal. Morris, Gary, Andreas, Karl and Briggs all played a part in the move that led to Joe Holden firing past a static keeper to make it 2-0. Another excellent finish from Holden to add to a rapidly increasing tally for the season. Holden had 2 very awkward chances to add to this tally – both headers. The first came from a cross from Owen, who was coming more to the fore; and the second was in diverting an Atkins pile driver at the near post. Both went close without ever really causing a raise in the keepers’ heart-rate.
Owens decided that the kitchen sink was to be thrown at the problem and began to try and force the pace a little more. A series of corners and free kicks allowed some momentum to be built, but sound defending by the back 4 allowed White to remain relatively untroubled in goal. He did maintain his clean sheet with a plunging save from a driven shot by the visiting captain on 70 minutes. The final 20 minutes saw two good teams both pushing for goals and the skill level was not to be dismissed. The spirit of the game was excellent as well with both sets of players committed but fair.
Warner’s legs tired after a colossal amount of running, allowing Lea to come on in centocampista for 10 minutes at the end of a very long second half. Lea made a few good interventions and used his fresh legs to cover the couple of gaps that appeared very well. The referee blew his whistle to draw a veil over what was a very good advert for second team football. Both teams played at a cracking pace, with quality passages of play evident in abundance. The difference was essentially Notts’ greater willingness to get men into the box open play, which led to both goals, scored by two very willing forwards.
3 more points gathered and onwards to West Wickham for a tough league fixture this week. This is a good time to be a player in the 2’s as the big games are coming thick and fast and we still have not yet rediscovered the heights hit away to Enfield Old Grammarians. Challenge duly laid down to all players for a performance this weekend.
Team
White; Ralf, Nimmo, Grove, Gary; Owen, Warner, Briggs, Morris; Atkins, Holden
Sub – Lea
Man of the Match – all 12 were contenders but this observer believes Briggs was the glue that held this team performance together.
Nottsborough 1 - Polytechnic 2nds 1 League 7th March 2009
Uncertain Notts take a point
Before play Poly stood a point ahead of the home side in top spot, although having played 3 games more. That this remained the case at the close of play was more than acceptable to a misfiring Notts 2nds.
All credit to Poly, they exerted constant periods of pressure and attacked with confidence and numbers. By contrast the home team were hesitant, encumbered with a mix of high standards and fear of failure, and struggled to find composure in their football and confidence on the ball. In truth Notts best moment of individual skill came after 2 minutes when George Bowman expertly flicked an inbound pass over his marker to race through on goal for another excellent solo goal. 1-0 very early on.
This roused Poly into a 15 minute spell of dominance that saw a penalty conceded and well saved by Nigel, a goal line clearance by Ralf after another good save by the keeper, and a host of set pieces as Notts coughed up cheap possession all over the park and struggled to clear their lines. The first half ended however with the home team settling into the game and finishing the stronger side, without particularly troubling the visitors goal. To be 1-0 up at half time was lucky to say the least, although good sides playing poorly are still hard to play against. Whilst form has come and gone for the 2's this year there has always been an excellent work ethic, a cohesion and a resilience. This game was no different and for all Poly's attacking gusto a hard working defensive display limited them to a very few clear cut chances throughout the game.
Indeed it took a half mistake in the Notts back line for the visitors to get an equalizer. On around 70 mins a risky side ways ball across the back line allowed the industious Poly centre mid to rob Gary, break and eventually cross for the leveller.
1-1 and just about fair on the balance of play .
The last period of the game saw some moments of quality from the home side, as finally some cohesive football fashioned some decent chances. Joe Holden, on as a substitute, had a great chance to win the game at the end but crashed a well struck shot against the upright.
The game ended a draw and I think we can just about say it was deserved. Notts can give themselves credit for a resilient and hardworking display, but to really unlock their potential and claim some silverware they need to get back to basics. Hard work, focus, and self belief and they can go into the next crucial 3 games with the knowledge they are good enough for the challenge ahead.
Team - Nigel, Nimmo (Gary), Grover, Lea, Ralf, Owen (Holden), Ted, Briggs, Morris, Karlos (Andreas), George.
Carshalton 1 Nottsborough 3 League 28th February 2009
Bowman Arrows Carshalton
Management team Morris and Lea surprised a couple of people with some amendments to the starting 11 on Saturday but showed good judgment as another 3 points were garnered in the quest for the title. Nimmo came in for Gary at left back; both Briggs and Datta returned in the engine room, with Morris reverting to his favoured position on the flank; and George partnering Karl up top. A bench that has Andy Richardson, certainly good enough for 1s football, and Gary Cullinan, who could also push for 1s recognition, shows that there is real strength in depth to the squad.
The game started with Carshalton determined to show why they won the league last season, and that they were not out of the reckoning in the shake up this season. In truth, over the next 90 minutes they did this in abundance and caused a few palpitations in the process. The opening exchanges in the 1st half were dominated by the hosts in terms of possession, territory and chances created. Indeed the Notts. backline were given a thorough examination for the entire 90 minutes. Carshalton’s formation caused a few issues for Notts. as it seemed semi-random, with 3 central midfielders and no-one really stationed on the right. Within the first 10 minutes a long throw in caused havoc and led to a header flashing wide after Tom was deceived by the flight of the ball. This near miss was followed by another minute later, as the quick and powerful centre forward managing to shoot wide when well placed after a cross from the left. At this stage Datta and Briggs began to get closer to the 2 main central midfielders and prevent the flow of the ball forward. However, it proved to be inadequate and arguably the best chance of the game was created. A fine through ball dissected Lea and Ralf, and in the process found the quick forward whose assured touch allowed him to round a sliding White and view an open goal. His shot was goal bound for a deserved lead but was intercepted and diverted wide by Ralf who had recovered excellently. This finally stung Notts. into action. Grove and Lea began to win more first ball, and Ted and Briggsy began to win a lot more of the second ball. Both Lea and Grove made good tackles after the defence was breached, allowing Tom to remain relatively untroubled in goal.
This greater degree of determination led to the 1st goal. A corner was well defended and cleared to Warner deep inside our half. A fine, speculative ball down the inside right channel in search of George Bowman. George did well to beat the hesitant defender to the ball in the first place, and even better to leave him for dead and advance purposefully towards goal. However, with 2 retreating defenders and a goalkeeper to beat it looked a tough task. A quick sidestep disposed of one defender and left a small sight of goal, which he took with aplomb, crashing the ball past the keepers left hand and into the far corner. A barely deserved 1-0. The game was competitive throughout the remainder of the first half with very few moments of quality. A couple of times Notts. got the ball down and played to their potential, with Datta to the fore in the main. The defence was more settled now with all four making good tackles and beginning to look the part after a shaky opening spell.
The half-time chat encouraged better use of the ball, and a degree of invention in the last third. The opening spell of the second half saw the game revert to the pattern of the first half, with the huge commitment of both teams cancelling out any attempts of artistry. The only player determined to impose himself in the opening salvo was Datta, who was increasingly returning to form and prompted the visitors well with some simple, astute passing. Indeed, a move started by Datta allowed the dangerous looking George to again round a defender and slam an excellent finish past a stranded keeper to make it 2-0. Incursions from the hosts were being slowly restricted to set pieces which proved very dangerous. It took headers from Lea and Grove, as well as two well timed punches from Tom, to keep the hosts at bay in the period directly after the second goal. Just as it seemed that the storm had been weathered Morris did the right thing and brought on subs Richardson (up front for Karl) and Gary (on for Nimmo at left back) for a good 25 minutes. Through no fault of the replacements the hosts got a goal back from a long throw, with the midfielder stealing between 2 players to leave White no chance. 2-1 and the hosts had their tails up.
The sign of a good team is a response in adversity and Morris and Lea have fashioned a good team here. Within 5 minutes of conceding a fine threaded pass from George found Richardson in an unfamiliar role up top. A good first touch allowed him to skip past the keeper and a second clean touch found the net to restore the two goal cushion. The defence stood firm for the remainder of the game and were ably supported by a very hard working midfield four. The only incident of note was a slight altercation which the referee dealt with well.
All in all this was arguably a thorough and firm test for the Notts. 2s, which they passed without really hitting the heights of quality they are capable of. 3 more points away from home will do very nicely with all 13 in the squad playing a vital role.
Team:
White; Ralf, Lea, Grove, Nimmo; Owen, Briggs, Datta, Morris; Karl, George.
Subs:
Richardson & Cullinan.
Man of the Match:
2 goals and an assist make it easy – George Bowman
Civil Service 2 Nottsborough 4 League 21st February 2009
3, is the Magic Number
Notts. arrived at Civil Service in disarray. Ted had rolled and ankle in midweek and was out; Nimmo was called up to the 1s for their semi final; and Briggsy was out having cut his hand preparing an avocado whilst watching Saturday Kitchen with James Martin. Richardson was in central midfield alongside Morris, with George recalled to the left of the midfield, and Joe Holden returned up front.
The game started at a decent pace and Notts were certainly quick to settle. On 4 minutes a fine move saw Andreas escape down the right and serve up an excellent centre which Joe Holden firmly headed past a stranded custodian. 1-0 and the hosts looked shell shocked. This set the scene for the opening 15 minutes as Notts were rampant, despite not playing as well as Enfield Grammarians away, and the hosts were in disarray. The inevitable second came as Morris and Richardson combined to spring the offside trap and send Andreas beyond a very static back line. The finish was assured and it was 2-0 on 9 minutes. The hosts restarted the game looking at each other in disbelief. This disbelief changed to generic applause on 15 minutes. George and Morris pressured the wing back, and won possession, allowing Andreas to feed Joe Holden some 25 yards from goal. The best looking man in the 2s looked up, secure in the knowledge that his multi-stud adidas were providing perfect grip, and unleashed a thunderbolt into the top left hand corner. A genuinely outstanding strike, applauded by the vast majority of the opposition meant it was 3-0 and seemingly over as a contest. The Morrismen were passing the ball sublimely at times and were looking secure at the back, despite the presence of 5 C.S. midfielders. One move down the left saw an excellent headed flick from Andreas followed by a glorious flick from Holden over the head of a bemused defender, whilst tight to the touchline, with Joe advancing down the line and eventually winning a corner.
At this juncture the nature of the game changed a little due to a penalty award. An innocuous floated free-kick into box led to the official blowing up against Richardson for an alleged shirt pull. All 22 players looked on bemused a Richardson was carded as well for his indiscretion. 3-1 after an excellent penalty strike. Notts. responded well and stuck to the free-flowing football that was serving them well. Atkins and Holden were running the C.S. backline ragged, and the former was unlucky not to make it 4-1 with a shot after good work by Owen down the right. However, the C.S. cause was helped again as a penalty was awarded from another floated free kick allegedly striking Lea’s hand after he won a clean header in the box. 21 men again watched in stunned silence as the penalty taker slid it wide of the past. In truth Notts. were affected by this latest decision and griped and argued there way to half time, with a couple of players being lucky to have avoided yellow cards.
The half time talk focused on the good things we had done – the passing and the finishing – as well as skipper Morris imploring players, quite rightly, to leave the official alone. These words from Morris did the trick as the red and blacks stuck to the football and plundered an excellent fourth goal, courtesy of the deadly Holden. A penetrative passage of play released Andreas, whose cross was hooked by Holden over the keeper showing excellent technique and precision. 4-1 and the 3 goal cushion was restored.
In truth the remainder of the game was relatively uneventful. Morris suddenly found himself playing some delightful passes from his central midfield role to release Andreas and Holden in the inside left channel; Owen and Ralf linked intelligently down the right; whilst the forwards were making good use of every ball provided. If there was one criticism it was that we did not post a rugby score as chances went begging. The only drama remaining was provided with the arrival of penalty number three. A long ball caught out Lea, who was chasing the host’s centre forward into the box. As the forward lost control of the ball Lea stuck out and arm, leading to a protest from the attacker. To genuine, & general, disbelief a third penalty was awarded. To add far greater insult to an already odd situation Lea was shown a straight red card. The penalty was converted leaving the final score at 4-2, which was an inaccurate reflection of the balance of play.
Three goals for the excellent Holden; three dubious penalties for Civil Service; and three more important points for the Morrismen. Away next week at Carshalton is the next mission in the quest for the title, with the management team looking to ally the clinical finishing of Saturday with the usual discipline that was sorely lacking this weekend.
Team
White; Ralf, Lea, Grove, Gary; Owen, Richardson, Morris, Bowman; Atkins, Holden.
Man of the Match
Joe Holden – three excellent goals that any player would have been proud of. Special mention to Andreas Atkins who was the perfect foil as the second striker.
Old Wokingians 0 Nottsborough 2 Surrey AFA intermediate Cup 14th February 2009
Morrismen Dance into the Final
A very strong squad of 14 made their way to Woking for the Surry/Kent AFA Cup Semi-Final to play against a committed opposition who managed to offer a good pitch – despite the recent issues with the weather. Matt Taylor was selected to partner Andreas up front, and Briggs returned alongside Ted Datta in the engine room, with the rest of the team unchanged from previous game. A bench that included Andy Richardson, Matt Nimmo and George Bowman offered Morris plenty of options – all of which were needed in the 90 minutes.
The game started earlier than advertised at 1.30pm at the insistence of the referee, with the commitment of both teams evident from the start in terms of work rate and tackles. Notts edged the early exchanges, despite the lack of a real warm-up, with Morris swinging over a couple of early crosses towards the eager Atkins and debutante Taylor. The home defence looked quite well organized under pressure though, with neither forward really getting a sight on goal. The referee was doing an excellent job, playing the advantage where possible and talking well to both teams about every decision. As the game progressed Notts began to look the more dangerous of the two teams, with both Owen and Morris getting into good positions wide - often being fed well from full back and central midfield – only for the final ball to evade the 2 central strikers. Wokingians themselves were a little unfortunate to lose a dangerous looking young striker to an ankle injury after a fair tackle from Morris resulted in an ankle injury. This roused the hosts a little who pressed well for 5 minutes and exerted a period of pressure that culminated in some set pieces. Two corners were delivered and repelled away, the second of which led to a throw in on the left. The tall midfielders and a centre half all stayed up clearly knowing that Rory Delap was playing in disguise at left back. Accordingly, one scud missile of a throw later and Notts. were at panic stations, and hugely grateful to the long arms of Edwin Van Der White in goal, who punched to safety under pressure.
This seemed to fully focus the Notts. backline who then began to look a little more solid than was previously the case. Ted and Briggs also began to get the better of the hosts’ central pairing at this point, with both linking play well after winning the ball. Owen was at his industrious best, with Morris getting wide and working hard. Taylor and Atkins were not getting the best level of service from the remainder of the team but worked valiantly to make a silk purse out of the sow’s ear on offer – Taylor volleyed straight at the keeper after excellent control from a lofted pass from Datta, and Atkins twice tricked his way to the byeline, only to find the defence well drilled and resolute. Notts. seemed to forget the set piece danger and conceded a number of free kicks corners and throw ins, all of which were dealt with, although not with the greatest degree of comfort. Edwin Van der White twice held on under pressure, whilst Lea, Grove and Morris all made good clearing headers to clear away the danger.
Finally the penny dropped and the petty free kicks were no longer conceded and the throw ins were kept to a minimum. With the pressure relieved Notts again ventured onto the front foot and pressured the opposing goal. A good move down the left involving Gary, Morris and Andreas led to Briggs firing a shot over the bar. This was quickly followed by a corner that Grove headed wide of the near post. Half time arrived with the hosts tiring and the red and blacks finally settling into a decent rhythm. A positive half time chat, led well by the 3 excellent substitutes, convinced everyone that the game could be won.
The second half started with both teams firmly focused on a place in the final, and playing for the win. The hosts settled a little quicker and were increasingly exploiting their quick left winger via diagonal balls behind Ralf. A combination of Lea, Grove and Tom dealt with the danger each time. As an attacking force Notts. began to gather momentum after ten minutes as their greater fitness told. Ted and Briggs prompted the team forward via the wide midfielders, who were looking positive when in possession. A move down the left saw Morris and Gary combine for the former the curl a delicious cross between the keeper and defensive line, only for the sliding Taylor to just miss with his outstretched right foot. This would have been deserved reward for a persistent debut from Taylor. Atkins then wriggled his way to the byeline only to see his cross evade everyone in the box. The hosts defenders were tiring and the fitter Notts. were looking to take advantage. Wokingians roused themselves and sent the left winger scampering clear beyond Ralf, and into the penalty area. A quickly covering Lea pressured the forward into a shot and Tom did well to palm the ball away for a corner. The inswinging delivery was cleared by a combination of Grove, and Datta to safety.
The opening goal came soon after and was a testament to good team work. A combination of Ted and Briggs forced the hosts to give away possession and allowed Gary to feed Morris on the left. Morris fed Andreas, who turned well and found Ted who, rather than shoot, played the ball wide to Owen. He beat the left back with aplomb and crashed the ball past a despairing keeper and inside the far post for his second crucial goal in two games. 1-0, and deservedly so. The hosts were stung by this and responded in a positive manner, bringing the quick left winger inside to play centrally. Instantly he caused a problem and was played behind the back 4, causing Gary to give away a free kick dangerously close to the penalty box. A good delivery was cleared by Lea and up to Andreas to alleviated the pressure by keeping possession well. Morris used this scare to make the first change, bringing off debutante Taylor for Nimmo, with Owen pushing up front and Ralf moving to right midfield. Nimmo was quickly into the action, winning some headers and distributing via his toblerone of a right foot. Richardson replaced Briggs in the engine room, and quickly established his Robbie Savage credentials by putting himself about and winning some key tackles. No real chances were being created by either team despite the immense levels of effort being put in – a fair synopsis of the match as a whole.
The hosts were tiring now and their frustration was beginning to become evident. In fact this frustration was added to on 80 minutes by the excellent Andreas Atkins. Chasing a clearance towards the left hand touchline Andreas was confronted by a centre half desparately trying to shepherd the ball out for a throw. Andreas positioned his body perfectly to leverage the defender out of the way and scoop the ball back into play. As the defender protested Andreas raced into the area and slammed the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0 and secure a place in the final for the Morrismen. The referee waved away some vociferous protests and started the game again. The drama was not yet over as the defender caught out by Andreas was sent off for a cynical, revenge motivated, lunge. Down to 10 men the hosts were unable to respond and Morris’ red and black army eased into a final against HAC.
In summary the result was fair, although we had to work hard for the victory against a committed and talented side. Four league games now beckon for the Morrismen which will prove key in defining the all important league push.
Team:
Edwin Van der White; Ralf, Lea, Grove, Gary; Owen, Briggs, Datta, Morris; Atkins, Taylor.
Subs:
Richardson, Nimmo, Bowman
Man of the Match
Andreas Atkins – scored and led the line well despite patchy service.
Nottsborough 1 HSBC 0 League 31st January 2009
Notts withdraw 3 points from HSBC
A blustery afternoon saw a strong HSBC team arrive at Fortress Tolworth looking to take 3 points off a Notts’ side who have title aspirations. Notts’ team saw Briggs replaced by Karl in the engine room, with Joe Holden coming in up front alongside Andreas. All in all a strong 11 to face a competitive opposition.
The game opened in a tempestuous manner with a number of firm tackles being made by both sides – all of which were just the right side of the law and well judged by the excellent referee. Notts’ were probing around the HSBC full backs, with Owen and Morris getting into position to deliver a couple of early crosses that were begging for Karl Warner’s physical presence at the far post. As it was the physical HSBC centre backs were dealing well with the intelligent play of Andreas and Joe and minimized every potential opportunity Notts looked to create. In terms of midfield the battle was quite equal – the workrate of Ted, Owen, and Morris was complimented well by Warner’s intelligent positional play and presence. For their part HSBC’s engine department were working overtime to maintain parity. Accordingly the opening phase was quite equal, with the wind creating the occasional defensive lapse, leading to a small degree of panic in both defences. The first real opportunity by Notts was created after good work from Warner, Atkins, Datta and Owen, with the resulting cross landing invitingly on Morris’ head at the far post. A firm header was somehow repelled by a deceptively efficient keeper and scrambled to safety by a worried defence. The next effort on goal was a Holden drive, on the angle from the left of the box after a move that involved good work from all the midfield four. Again, the keeper plunged low to palm the ball to safety.
As an attacking force HSBC looked tidy without really creating too much consternation for the hosts. The back four were efficient rather than spectacular in keeping HSBC’s opportunities limited to a couple of long drives, and were assisted well by a diligent midfield work ethic – led by Datta and Prosser. As the half wore on the hosts assumed more territorial superiority without ever fashioning a clear cut chance to open the scoring. Atkins, Warner and Datta all drilled shots goalwards without the keeper being fully extended again before the break. The analysis on Notts was 9 out of 10 for effort; 7 out of 10 for approach play; and 1 out of 10 for chance creation. Work needed to be done.
The second half was identical to the first in terms of territory and possession, with the hosts the dominant force. However, HSBC were becoming a little more adventurous, committing their wingers and full backs further forward in a bid to nick the all important first goal. In fact the Notts backline were under a little more pressure and all stepped up and made some good challenges to keep Tom’s shirt clean and tidy!! In terms of clear cut chances Notts’ were struggling to make any real impact despite impressive possession, leading to a little frustration emerging. On a really positive note thought this frustration did not lead to a self destructive streak emerging, it lead an extra push that proved critical.
George, on for the tiring Joe Holden, fired a shot wide after good approach play. Ted Datta advanced from midfield and screwed a shot wide of the keeper’s left hand post. Grove flicked a header from an Andreas just over the bar. Morris’ first touch let him down when well found by Ted and facing goal. All in all it looked like a point was to be the only reward for some decent approach play and another monumental level of effort. However, a saviour was at hand in Owen Prosser. A throw by Gary back to Grove was given a firm thump in the direction of Andreas – whose first touch excellently found George. Ted summoned one more lung busting run forward and received a square ball from George ten yards from the box. Owen’s excellent inside run was found by Ted, but there was still work to be done. Owen neatly stepped inside the left back and curled a beauty of a left footer into the far corner and past the despairing right hand of the excellent keeper. An excellent goal, and just reward for both Owen and the team.
HSBC, to their credit refused to buckle and gave the final 5 minutes everything they had. Indeed, their only true effort came when their lively number nine turned Nimmo on the right hand side of Tom’s goal, only to fire straight at a grateful Tom. The remainder of the game was seen out well by the team and three more points were gained.
In the final analysis there was a lot to be pleased with for Morris and Lea. We had thirteen excellent players on duty; some of the approach play was excellent; and the commitment levels were at the usual, and expected, levels. The work has to be done on finding an out and out forward to get on the end of the approach play. Until that point 3 points are always welcome.
Team: White; Ralf, Lea, Grove; Gary; Owen, Warner, Ted, Morris; Holden, Atkins;
Subs
George Bowman & Nimmo
Man of the Match
Owen Prosser – huge work rate and the all important goal takes the plaudits this week.
Old Salesians 0 Nottsborough 2 3rd January 2009
AFA Surrey/Kent Intermediate Cup Quarter Final
Ten Man Nottsborough Make the Semi-Final
A frosty morning saw many pitches become unplayable, but Salesians declared the game on, and so a depleted Notts squad traveled to Ewell West. Missing from the squad at the start of the season were: Ben Hughes, Andres Atkins, Nick Green, Matt Nimmo, Simon Webb, Ted Datta and Joe Holden. Good players one and all, but not here meaning Eamonn, Ralf, Owen & debutante George were in the starting 10 – belatedly followed by the Danish model pulling Andy Richardson after 70 minutes.
Starting with 10 men is never ideal at all – obviously – but the pre match talk was positive and based on the belief that the extra fitness, age and guile in the Notts squad would be crucial against a younger Salesians squad. Indeed this was the case from the outset as we settled into our stride quickly and established a high tempo, combined with some decent passing given the bumpy surface. Morris and Briggs were snapping at the heels of the central midfielders whilst the back 4 were resolute and strong in the face of an aerial bombardment. In support of lone striker Warner, George and Owen made Herculean efforts to carry the ball forward at pace and commit defenders. Salesians were on the back foot and under some pressure. This pressure was evident as a move down the left involving George and Briggs provided the colossus that is Karl Warner with a neat pass to feet. His control was true and instant, and allowed him to feed an advancing Morris. Despite the pitch Morris struck the sweetest of drives past a despairing keeper and into the net via the upright. A genuinely deserved 1-0 for the ten men.
Salesians were looking dangerous in wide areas and had a good forward partnership that would have threatened but for some diligent work by the back 4. Lea was intercepting well, whilst Grove won his headers and swept up nicely on occasion. Eamonn and Ralf tucked in tightly and made it difficult for any channel runs to be effective. In spite of some pressure there were no real efforts on goal for Tom to deal with. In fact the next effort on goal came from a Briggs free kick that Grove headed just over the bar. As half time approached Owen and George both went on mazy runs and did well get shots away under pressure – although the keeper was not truly tested either time. Half time saw the ten men a goal to the good and in the ascendancy.
A positive half time team talk accentuated the positives and reiterated the need to continue working hard in all areas. Typically, we did not exactly listen to these words of wisdom and conceded some early territory to the hosts who looked lively in the opening exchanges. Despite this the back 4 held firm and allowed Tom to keep himself clean and warm. The midfield 4 then upped the tempo and regained control, thus turning the tide in favour of the depleted red and black army. Karl began to receive more passes to feet and did an excellent job of holding the ball up, and feeding the advancing midfielders, who in turn were creating havoc whenever possible.
The second goal was always going to be crucial and it went the way of Notts. Another decent move saw a corner, which was swung in towards the far post and a leaping Warner. The defenders clearance only made it as far as Owen towards the corner of the penalty area. Owen tossed a high ball back towards the far post. The keeper, a central defender, Morris and Grove all contested the ball, and the combine harvester that is Grove collected all three other parties, with the ball being deflected towards George around the penalty spot. Apparently the finish was excellent. Well done George – 2-0 and the ten man army were on the march towards the semi finals.
Salesians came again and were desparately trying to get bodies in the box from set pieces where possible. A combination of Lea, Eamonn, Ralf and Grove were all ably assisted by the midfield four in clearing any danger, and allowing White to remain in his armchair. In truth the midfield four of Owen, Briggs, Morris, and George performed brilliantly and were endeavour personified in terms of covering ground and defending. When the Notts custodian was called into action – pulling off an excellent save from a header after a deep free kick – it was rendered irrelevant by a foul committed on the excellent Lea. At this juncture Richardson arrived, looking a touch jaded in truth, and slotted in at left back, allowing Ralf to move to left midfield, and George to play off Warner up top. In essence this killed the opposition as they had not realized that they were up against ten men for the first seventy minutes.
Nottsborough’s reinforced soldiers retained their shape well and were neat in possession for the remainder of the game, and endured only one scare. An excellent pass from Salesians’ talented central midfielder released the rapid winger who evaded the sliding Tom White and steadied himself for a cross. A retreating Richardson got a slight flick on the cross and wrong footed the Darcy Bussell-esque balance off Grove on the six yard box, whose right heel caught the ball and sent it rolling towards goal. Fortunately, the usual ballet poise and grace was rediscovered and the ball cleared to safety. The excellent referee called a halt to proceedings and a tired Notts team had achieved their objective.
Team
White: Eamonn, Lea, Grove, Ralf; Owen, Briggs, Morris, George; Karl – Richardson was a late arrival with a good story.
Man of the match.
No player was anything other than excellent – accordingly there is no man of the match, just a team of the match. Clichéd? Damn right it is!
Nottsborough 3 Civil Service 0 League 6th December 2008
After a treacherous week the Morrismen arrived at Fortress Tolworth in a determined mood. To get the 12 he had in the squad Peter and Andy Lea had to work exceptionally hard and deserve enormous credit – as does Andy Cattell and Stuart Donovan from the 4s who were helpful in the extreme. The team changes saw Chambo – yet again selflessly step up - in nets, Ralf at right midfield, Giggsy playing in the centre with Ted, and Bertie make his debut up top with Karl. Beast, Ben Hicks, Briggs, and Andreas respectively were all out from the week before.
Victory was essential to keep the Morrismen in the hunt for the title in the run up to Xmas – which is exactly when the challenge faltered last season. Although the team looked a little makeshift there was quality there, and more importantly a desire to reward the skipper and vice skipper for their efforts behind the scenes. Civil Service are a tough team, who play every game hard but fair. In the past Notts. have struggled against the physical approach and the fact the 1st 10 minutes saw the hosts win most of the 50-50 balls illustrated the mood in the camp. Grove, Nimmo, Ted and Karl were quick into a few challenges allowing the more erudite players a little space. Giggsy was showing for the ball well and Bertie was looking to exploit the inevitable gaps down the side of a 3 man defence. The visitors were feisty as well and were looking to use their two colossal central midfielders to good effect from set pieces whenever possible. An excellent Notts move around the edge of the box allowed Ted a shot from the edge of the area, which whistled a little wide of the left hand post. Defensively Notts were a little anxious at times as the set pieces rained in upon them, aimed at the two pillars from central midfield. Warner and a combination of Grove, Nimmo and Lea dealt well with this threat, allowing Chambo to enjoy a relatively untroubled opening exchange.
Effectively the first half was a war of attrition in which the main casualty was the visitors energy levels, with Notts looking the fresher team towards the end and growing in confidence. This was the main theme of the half time chat and it served the Morrismen well in the second 45 minutes.
The half started well for the hosts with Giggs and Ted gaining a greater degree of control of the midfield area and oiling the machine more effectively in terms of possession via simple passing. As this happened Bertie was coming more to the fore down the side of the 3 man defence and was beginning to show that he is a footballer of some talent and poise. In fact it was this route which led to the all important opening goal. A decent feed from Giggs was tamed by Bertie on edge of the box, who turned his man and squared it invitingly across the six yard box. A lunge from Morris missed the ball but Karl Warner was on hand to sweep it home. A deserved 1-0 lead.
Civil Service, roused by their midfield pairing, threw everything at getting an equalizer. A header from a set piece rattled the top of Chambo’s bar, with Chambo looking unconcerned with anything other than his socks. The back 4 at this point finally clicked and began to look like they meant business. Gary began to join in more whilst the more utilitarian Nimmo, Lea and Grove got back to the basics of winning headers and tackles and taking no chances.
The second goal was always going to be decisive and so it proved. It came from the hosts and capped an excellent opening to the second half from debutante Bertie. The defence dealt well with an attack and cleared their lines efficiently. The visitors attempted to play it around the back but were betrayed by an average piece of control which substitute Pete Marshall seized upon and sprung forward, releasing Gekokski who calmly beat the keeper. 2-0. Civil Service did not relent and kept coming on, but left themselves more open than they would have liked. This lack of defensive cover led to Bertie skipping clear of their defence before being felled awkwardly, damaging his nose in the process. After an interminable wait Morris took out his frustrations on the ball and won Soccer AMs cross-bar challenge hands down.
The Morrismen were now into their stride and playing well. The tackles were being won, the team was communicating effectively, the work rate was prodigious, and more importantly some confidence was evident.
Bertie Gekoski capped an excellent debut with another calmly taken goal to ice the cake still further, after a flowing move to make it 3-0.
This was not the level of performance the twos produced against Enfield Old Grammarians, but it was a good, honest effort that saw us work our way back from a disappointing fortnight. The credit for the result goes firmly to the players in the main part, but the excellent work behind the scenes from Morris, Lea, Cattell and Donovan were essential.
Team
Chambo; Nimmo, Lea, Grove, Gary; Goad, Datta, Gardener, Morris; Warner, Gekoski.
Sub – Marshall
Man of the Match.
Tempted to say Morris for the sheer hard work he put in but with two goals and one assist debutante Bertie takes the plaudits. Imagine what he could do with a full night’s sleep….
Polytechnic 2 Nottsborough 2 League 29th November 2008
Nottsborough Endure Away Day Draw
Notts traveled to Poly’s excellent facility a little chastened after the 2nd half performance vs Old Josephians. Morris introduced Ben Hicks to the right of midfield and welcomed Andy Atkins back to lead the line, with Owen on the bench after Pete Marshall failed to show.
The game started at a cracking pace with Notts piling forward regularly without posing a real threat to the Poly goal. For their part Poly were crackling with intensity and looking to exploit their extra man in midfield. The 1st chance fashioned was by the visitors and fell to Morris who flashed a shot wide and high from a promising position, after good work by Datta and Atkins. This stung Poly into offensive action, and they won a couple of throw ins and corners which tested the resolve of the Notts back 5. From one of these set pieces a flick on was won by the Poly centre half, which was allowed to loop into space for an advancing striker to prod home unmarked. A sloppy goal on all levels for Notts. In the process Warner sustained a nasty cut to his eye.
However, after being patched up he continued and played well throughout the game. The rallying call was all too evident as Notts’ kicked off again, with Ted and Briggsy showing enormous tenacity and spirit in dragging the team onto the front foot. A strong run from Ted fed Atkins who turned his marker inside out before sliding a shot narrowly wide of
the upright. A good move all round and maybe deserving of a goal.
The equalizer came from a set piece when it finally arrived on 35 minutes. A Briggs corner evaded everyone other than a falling Morris who did well to hook the ball under the keeper and into the net.
Minutes after this a cross from the left bounced a little inconsistently in front of Grove and required Nixon to make a splendid diving save to his right when wrong footed.
The half time talk focused on the need for self belief and a little more quality. Poly started well but looked as if all the effort to date was begining to take its toll. Notts’ stepped up the pace and attacked relentlessly, but possibly lacking a little guile. Possession statistics were probably 60% in Notts’ favour but clear cut chances were hard to find against a committed defence. Atkins and Warner were knocking on the door relentlessly but getting little change from the three central defenders. From another set piece, however, the 2nd goal came. Briggs again swung in an excellent cross, leading to Datta powering a header onto the bar and away into the box. Atkins was the most alert man to the rebound which was whipped into the net expertly.
2-1 was a fair reflection on possession and intent. Poly rolled their sleeves up and came again in search of a point they felt their commitment deserved. The point was gained when the ball was lost in midfield and transferred to their main attacker. He slipped past Nimmo and clipped it past Beast into the net. Again a sloppy goal from a defence that was impregnable 3 weeks ago.
The last 15 minutes saw Notts’ attack relentlessly without fashioning more than half chances for Morris and Atkins, with substitute Owen making a lively cameo. Accordingly the game concluded as 2-2 draw, leaving Notts on a higher points total than the same time last year.
Notts’ felt a little hard done by in the changing room based on possession and attacking intent. However, Poly applied themselves brilliantly and deserved something from the game. In essence Notts have found it hard to replace the players who have deservingly won promotion to the 1s in Green and Hughes. These promotions show that the club is run in the right way and provides opportunities for players to step up and deliver. As yet we are still waiting for delivery from the experienced players and the new players. This week vs Civil Service provides another opportunity to do just that.
Team
Nixon; Nimmo, Lea, Grove, Cullinan; Hicks, Briggs, Datta, Morris; Warner, Atkins. Sub Owen
Man of the Match
Ben Hicks made a decent debut slightly out of position and will definitely push for a place in the 1s when fully fit as they lack a true right back. However, Datta wins for a dynamic effort in the middle of the park.
Old Salesians 0 Nottsborough 2 League 15th November 2008
Nottsborough arrived at a troubled looking pitch at OId School Lane in good spirits, on the back of last week’s win against West Wickham on penalties. The only changes were Marshall coming in for Crofty, alongside Warner up top & Owen Prosser replacing the injured Joe Holden wide right of midfield – so at last a good degree of continuity for Morris. The game, however, lacked length as the hosts were unable to locate a kit until 2.30 – meaning that, like a load of under 15s we played 35 minutes each way.
The game started brightly enough, with Notts quickly into their stride and keen to test a keeper who looked a little lethargic. An early move forced a corner - after good work from Morris, Warner and Marshall – which Grove could only flick wide. Morris was the next to test the keeper with a rasping drive from 20 yards which the keeper did very well to divert over the bar to safety. Marshall was doing well linking play with Briggs and Datta, and getting beyond Warner when possible into the channels. After 15 minutes another good move involving Briggs, Marshall and Datta led to a corner. Morris’ in swinging delivery found Warner who thumped a header beyond the keeper. A well deserved 1-0. Salesians rallied instantly and the back 4 did well to reduce the hosts to 2 long range shots which White treated with disdain. Briggs and Datta were well on top of the midfield and half time arrived with the lead in tact.
Notts were the quicker into their stride in the 2nd half as well, although the hosts were leaving 4 men up top most of the time which was beginning to stretch the game. An early cross from Nimmo was flicked away towards Morris who had lumbered forward into an inside left position. An excellent drive skimmed the bar, with the keeper’s chocolate cake a forgotten memory on the floor. Salesians then put together some concerted pressure which forced Lea and Grove into a couple of challenges and clearances that were pressured to say the least. Nimmo and Gary tidied up all the loose balls with Germanic efficiency. Led by the midfield 4 Notts’ pushed on and again forced the tempo higher than the hosts liked. A corner from Briggs found Morris who headed against the bar. The rebound fell to Ted whose knee/groin/ankle/calf/hip forced it over the line. 2-0 was a fair reflection on quality and possession.
Undeterred Salesians came forward in desparate search of a goal to drag them back into the game. The midfield and defence repelled everything – despite descending into a mild panic on some occasions – leaving White a relatively redundant figure. However, the few times he was called into action White was alert and decisive. Adam replaced a tiring Owen Prosser to make his 2nd team debut and offered some good energy for the final 10 minutes.
All in all a good 3 points against a very mobile and positive home team.
Team
White; Nimmo, Lea, Grove, Gary; Owen Prosser, Datta, Briggs, Morris; Warner, Marshall.
Sub – Adam
Man of the Match
No Notts player was excellent but everyone did well – so a good team performance. Captain Morris’ return to form takes the day as MoM, however, as he has done an excellent job of skippering over a trying couple of weeks.
Nottsborough 1 West Wycombe 1 (Notts win on penalties) 8th November 2008
AFA Surrey Intermediate Cup
West Wickham arrived to find a Notts 2nd 11 getting very wet and sporting 3 major changes from last week’s excellent win vs Enfield Grammarians. Hughesy and Greeny were justifiably included in the 1s squad and Andreas’ back injury prevented him from making the squad. In came Karl Warner and Croft up top, and Briggs’ was restored to the engine room. Russ Kennedy returned after injury to the bench, joined by Ralf who had exams last week.
The game started in a fine drizzle that made the lawns of Fortress Tolworth perfect for a quick tempo Cup game. West Wickham started excellently, quickly slipping into a rhythm and getting their young attackers facing a seemingly lethargic Notts backline. All in all the 1st 20 minutes were all WW – with Notts working manfully to try and establish a foothold in the game. Briggs and Datta rattled in a few challenges in midfield and the back 4 slowly began to assert a degree of authority as the rain continued to fall. The 1st real effort on goal came from WW, who swung a corner beyond the back post, where a volley was blocked by a sliding Grove. Minutes later a slip by Cullinan resulted in a cross from the right that a combination of Lea and White got to safety. At this point Notts settled a little more and began to impose themselves more on the game. A decent move involving Datta, Morris and Cullinan resulted in the latter playing a 30 yard slide rule ball to Holden who was stationed wide right. Joe slipped by his man and aimed a decent cross at a sliding Warner – he missed the ball by inches.
White was instantly back in the action, smothering a shot from the lively number 9 who was beginning to emerge as a thorn in the side.
Half time came with Notts’ desire keeping them in the game despite very little real quality coming to the surface in their play.
The half time talk focused on making the most of still being in the game. The half started better for Notts – but not by much. The effort was there in abundance, with everyone manfully working and tackling anything in blue, but with the passing game of last weekend not really apparent. West Wickham continued to try and spring their quick forwards behind the back 4 – all of whom made good covering tackles in the 1st 15 minutes. Datta and Briggs were beginning to get the better of the midfield battle, allowing Morris and Holden a little more of the ball.
Chances were not beginning created in truth but there was a slightly better pattern to Notts’ play. Just as the green shoots of recovery were becoming evident WW scored the opener. A corner was swung in and met by the centre half, which thumped beyond Tom, with Warner sprawling.
1-0 was, in truth, a fair reflection on territory and possession.
Notts’ managed to up their commitment and really threw the kitchen sink at WW. The trouble seemed to be that the kitchen sink was a totally blunt instrument. The visitors back 4 were coping superbly. The 1st move that looked like it might be coming to something resulted in Joe Holden’s hamstring going when chasing a fantastic ball from Datta.
Kennedy replaced him in the wide right berth and did well until he too fell foul of the injury curse, limping off with a damaged ankle. After an hour Tom White kept Notts in the game with a crucial save at full length from a header, after an excellent move by the visitors. A collective sigh of relief was audible. However, the quality never really came from the hosts and Lea, Grove, Nimmo all had to block efforts on goal to preserve a single figure deficit.
One moment of clarity led to a corner being won on the right and swung in by Morris. Warner rose for the ball but was narrowly beaten by the goalscoring centre half, who flicked it out of the area and seemingly to safety. However, a cross from Crofty was flicked on by Grove and smashed home, left footed, by Morris who had advanced unmarked. 1-1 was a reward for the effort Notts had put in but harsh on the visitors.
Extra time was a continuation of the 1st 90 – with the visitors looking more likely to score. A slip by Lea on a treacherous surface saw a chance spurned by the number 9 in the 1st half of extra time. In truth this was the only clear cut chance, although White had to be alert on a couple of half chances.
Penalties arrived and Notts won via a White save, and a blast over the bar from the visiting number 9. Morris, Grove, Cullinan all slotted home, and allowed Briggs to beat the pressure and pop in the winner.
If we are to be honest WW were the better side in terms of football, possession and chances created and can justifiably feel hard done by not to have progressed. Notts 2s have developed into a much tougher team than last season and are to be commended for never ever losing faith in each other.
Team
White; Nimmo, Lea, Grove, Cullinan; Holden, Briggs, Datta, Morris; Croft, Warner.
Subs – Kennedy and Goad
Man of the Match – strong claims from Briggs and Datta for sheer endeavour but White takes it for 4 excellent saves.
Enfield Old Grammarians 1 Nottsborough 4 1st November 2008
AFA Intermediate Cup 1st Round
Nottsborough arrived in deepest North London in AFA Senior Cup looking for a win to prolong their season. They achieved this in fine style against a very good team and now progress to the next round. Briggsy was away for the weekend but Hughesy returned up top, meaning a little musical chairs with Holden going back to his favoured right midfield and Greeny moving inside to his favoured central role alongside Ted. Ralf was away at the back so Nimmo shifted to right back, allowing Lea to return to the centre.
The game started on a damp pitch at a cracking pace, with the hosts possibly settling slightly the better. EOG were playing with 2 powerful forwards and a competitive midfield looking to serve them early if possible from the flanks. A couple of early incursions saw Tom, Lea and Grove have to put the ball out to safety under pressure. Notts’ rearguard though were never really breached and gradually their midfield 4 began to gain control – with Datta particularly effective in breaking up play and feeding a hungry Atkins who was holding the ball up excellently when found.
Training last Tuesday focused on getting behind full backs and crossing behind defenders. Goal number one was a perfect example of this theory working well. Cullinan won a ball and neatly transferred the ball via a midfielder to Hughes. Ben released an unusually rapid Morris behind a static full back, and an excellent cross was placed into the net by Andreas Atkins. The hosts were stung into more effective action and won a corner on the left, from which the shaven headed forward thumped a formidable header goalwards, only to see the right hand of White emerge to punch the ball away. The objective of opening up the full backs paid dividends again for Notts’ 2nd. Datta and Green worked Holden clear on the right, and his cross was steered home under pressure by Hughes.
Again the hosts showed why they were a good team and came at Notts with determination and guile. Lea was alert a couple of times and Grove was competing well with the shaven headed target man. The midfield 4 were getting through a prodigious amount of running, with Holden making a couple of very timely defensive interventions. At the same time as all this hard work Notts were posing a credible threat every time they attacked. A searching 1 iron from Grove evaded the cover and found Hughes going through the gears to warp factor 5. An eventual low shot was parried away by an increasingly stressed custodian. Morris arguably spurned the best chance of the game when shooting narrowly over after Holden, Green and Atkins cut a swathe through the home defence.
Goal number 3 came when, once again, the full back was exposed. Green and Atkins found Hughes, who beat a defender and found Joe charging up on his inside shoulder. Joe cut inside his man and fired in low at the keepers near post.
The remainder of the 1st half saw Notts defend excellently as a team and withstand a couple of well crafted attacks. This 45 minutes is now the standard of play we are aiming to achieve for the rest season.
The 2nd half opened with the hosts desperately seeking a goal to get them in the game. The 2 main forwards were being served from deeper and they were looking to get runners beyond the black and red last line. Tom dealt with the overhit passes excellently as a sweeper and the back 4 were competitive and focused throughout – with 1 notable exception which we will address in a while. Increasingly Hughes was exploiting the space behind the full backs and making inroads towards goal. This pace was pinning the defence deep and allowing Notts room to stretch a tiring midfield and pose a credible threat at all times. In truth a lot of accuracy left when Andreas departed injured at half time – to be replaced by Pete Marshall out of position up top. Marshall was lively and combative at all times and became an increasing nuisance to a frustrated defence.
The visiting back 4 were in the middle of an excellent game when it all went Pete Tong. After some protracted faffing Nimmo and Lea missed the ball and allowed the substitute run into the box. Covering across Grove misjudged the bounce a conceded a clear penalty – thumped in for 3-1.
Immediately Notts attacked and were denied a clear penalty when Green was hammered in the box. The referee thentook centre stage again and booked Morris for a tackle where he got a little of the ball – unlike the opposition midfielder who scythed Little Irish Gary down minutes later. Either way Notts began to reassert their quality and scored again with 20 minutes remaining. Hughes wriggled clear, hit the gas, and then struck a powerful shot at goal. The keeper parried skywards and Morris nodded the rebound home.
The remainder of the game saw the intensity become replaced by frustration by the hosts and Notts persist with the tactic of looking for the double rapid Hughes behind the home defence. A couple of rasping shots came from these moves and the game drew to a close.
All in all an excellent performance from the 2s on all levels – hard working, commited, quality passing, and some good finishing of chances created.
Team
White; Nimmo, Lea, Grove, Cullinan; Holden, Datta, Green, Morris; Hughes, Atkins.
Sub – Marshall.
Man of the Match
All players were in the mix for this one but my decision is that Hughesy was the decisive factor. Exceptionally quick and direct, scored and stretched the defence all day.
Winchmore Hill 1 Nottsborough 0 (League) 25th October 2008
A good squad of 14 arrived at the excellent Paulin Ground in a somewhat untimely manner meaning that Notts’ pre game preparation was a little improvised. Chris Apaloo returned from the 1s bench to replace Chambo alongside Holden and Datta returned to the engine room in place of Marshall - who was on the bench alongside Lea and a late arriving Atkins.
Winchmore Hill were the quicker into their stride in the first few minutes and pressured Notts. into conceding possession cheaply in midfield. Nimmo went in for a challenge on the astute, ex 1st team, forward who rode his luck a little to escape his attentions and fire a shot wide on Tom White’s goal. This galvanized Notts into action and Briggs and Datta led the way, setting a high tempo and slowly securing midfield superiority and getting the visitors onto the front foot.
Green was looking like getting the better of the left back and once or twice wriggled into shooting positions only to blocked out by the committed home defence. Chris and Joe were working hard up front, with the former finding himself in a shooting position after 15 minutes, only to see his effort from an angle on the right slide across goal after a slight deflection. A corner from the left followed which again slid across the box only to evade a defining touch. On a few occasions Notts found themselves in good crossing positions but there were either not enough bodies in the box or the delivery was a little lacking in quality. The hosts were probing all the time as well – using the strength of their main forward as a starting point and looking to get runners beyond him. Grove and Nimmo dealt well with his presence and limited him to a couple of flicks and generally kept him facing his own goal. Gary was again looking neat and tidy at full back but was struggling to get Morris facing the full back with his passing.
As half time approached Notts looked likely to get an advantage as they gained territorial superiority in a major way and were well drilled and organized at the back and defensively in midfield. 0-0 meant that the hosts were well in the game with a gusting wind at their back.
The 2nd half replicated the 1st half in the opening period as WH started brightly and were quickly onto the front foot. A break away down the right was followed by an excellent delivery which needed a timely intervention by Ralf to avert a goalscoring chance. Notts slowly began to edge their way back into events, with Holden getting an opportunity after a good passage of play between Ted and Greeny. The shot lacked power and the keeper was able to smother easily. At this point the hosts’ number 7 seemed to be treading a thin line with the referee as he committed 3 fouls in quick succession. However, no booking followed for him somehow. Morris was booked, however, for rolling the ball to the referee before a free quick was taken. The slight oddity was that the referee has asked him to see the ball. Strange – but it would get stranger.
WH were sensing that for all Notts’ possession no true chances were being created and began to commit more men forward to try and nick the winner. After a sustained period of pressure an excellent ball from the right was worked across the box and left the forward with a shooting position. He slipped the full back and fired a shot at White who managed to divert it onto the post and it was scrambled away. As soon as the ball was cleared it was delivered back into the box, aimed at the powerful forward only for Grove to head away under pressure. Was the tide turning? Morris went bravely to the quality on the bench and called Atkins and Lea into the fray for Ralf and Holden. Instantly Atkins had the chance to open the scoring but Morris’ beautiful centre evaded him and the chance was gone. From the resulting goal kick Nimmo misjudged the distance needing Grove to hammer it out from a throw in.
WH coughed up possession and Notts flew away only for the final ball to let them down again. It was at this stage the official took centre stage. From the goal kick a Briggs flick was headed forward by Grove.
From the resulting 2nd ball the main WH striker was released but looked blatantly off-side. The referee allowed him to advance and beat Tom for the opening and only goal. Despite Notts’ protests the goal stood and the hosts were ahead.
The remaining 10 minutes saw Notts huff and puff but ultimately fail to blow the WH house down. A game that looked destined to be goalless draw had finished 1-0 to a determined and excellently organized Winchmore Hill. The general sentiment after the game amongst the 14 traveling players was of feeling robbed. However, on reflection the away team failed to create clear cut chances and need to address that for the forthcoming fortnight of Cup ties. Congratulations to WH on a hard fought game and three points.
Team:
White; Ralf, Nimmo, Grove, Cullinan; Green, Datta, Briggs, Morris; Apaloo, Holden.
Subs – Atkins, Lea & Marshall.
Nottsborough 1 - East Barnet Old Grammarians 0 League 18th October 2008
Nottsborough Battle Through to Win.
A much changed Notts. 2s welcomed EBOG to the lawns of Fortress Tolworth on a blustery afternoon. The absolute truth is we welcomed EBOG rather belatedly to Towlorth as they were some transportation issues in North London it seemed. Either way at 10 past 3 a really competitive and absorbing game commenced. For their part Notts. had to shuffle the pack to accommodate for the absences of Lea, Datta & Bonser – with Gary Cullinan coming in at left back, and Briggsy returning to midfield alongside Pete Marshall. The real pointer to the difference in the 2 sides was the bench as Notts. lined up with Jonno, Andreas Atkins and Loughborough Alumni big-wig Ross Emery all seated and ready for action.
The game opened with Notts under pressure because EBOG were making their 4-5-1 formation work well. Grove and Nimmo were forced into a couple of hasty clearances from counter attacks, ably supported from the flanks by Gary and Ralf. The extra man in midfield was proving a thorn in the side as he was finding space and setting the wide players off and running frequently – despite the best efforts of Briggsy who was working overtime to try and quell the flow of passes coming from this central area. On 10 minutes the EBOG right winger was released and looked to heading for an effort on goal until a rather timely sliding tackle from debutante Gary. Once the ball was retrieved Morris was set away on a counter attack which fizzled out after a misplaced pass - like so much of Notts’ attacking work in the 1st half. The teenage home keeper was rarely tested and looked competent and confident on the few occasions he was called into action. At the other end Tom did well to clear a couple of corners but was not forced into a save of note. Half time came with 2 committed teams cancelling each other out and creating precious few chances.
Captain Morris turned to the bench and changed his forward line – Chambo and Joe Holden being replaced by Jonno and Andreas Atkins. The pattern of the game did not alter dramatically but openings were beginning to be created by the hosts. Green chugged past 3 men on direct run and unleashed a polaris missile of a shot that the keeper did well to palm away for a corner. EBOG were becoming more adventurous as well, and won a corner that whistled across the box but evaded any contact fortunately for the home side. Andreas and Jonno were doing well against the back 4 and were beginning to get the wide players involved with some neat link up play and hard work– with Green beginning to get more ball wide right. However, the delivery was not up to standard from the wide areas and the forwards were not able to really threaten the goal.
The solitary goal came rather inauspiciously in truth. The defence won a loose ball, which Briggs and Morris recycled to Jonno. Jonno did well to hold off a defender and feed Andreas who had spun away from his marker to face goal 20 yards out. Andreas dispatched a very firm strike which deceived the keeper in flight and crashed into the back of the net. The game was very even but maybe, just maybe, the hosts were the team who deserved the lead. This sparked EBOG into a spirited spell where they committed more men forward – drawing a booking for Nimmo as the dangerous attacking midfielder threatened to make progress. Gary was alert to threat from the pacy right sided player and Ross Emery – on for Ralf who played well – tied up the tricky wide left player neatly, and went on to make an accomplished debut with a few neat passes and a timely tackle. Grove and Nimmo both made some vital interventions, with the former making a decent block as the forward got onto a cross and Nimmo heading clear a dangerous ball from the right. Briggsy was doing an excellent job of tracking back and getting a foot in where necessary.
With 10 minutes remaining Jonno crashed a shot against the bar from a relatively tight angle after a neat move from the midfield involving Morris and Green. It was the last time their keeper was to be called into action. EBOG mustered their 1st real effort on goal with 5 minutes remaining from 20 yards but Tom was more than equal to it and palmed it wide with a degree of ease.
In summary Nottsborough deserved the three points – just. EBOG were disciplined, organized, motivated and showed some real quality in some of their moves. Nottsborough had the bigger matchday squad and slightly more quality in the final third. The referee did an excellent job as the game was always competitive, but it never threatened to boil over into anything nasty – full compliments to Mr Stemp for this as he was always in the right place at the right time.
Team:
White; Ralf, Nimmo, Grove, Cullinan; Green, Briggs, Marshall, Morris; Chamberlain, Holden.
Subs
Jonno, Atkins, Emery
Man of the Match
Excellent debut from Gary Cullinan gets him close, as does Briggsy’s impressive work rate. However, Green nicks it for working hard and being involved in the all the best elements of football played by the hosts.
Nottsborough Res 2 - Carshalton Res 1 League 11th October 2008
Goals - Chambo, Green
eam - Whitey, Nimmo, Grover, Lea, Ralf, Ted, Morris, Green (Tom Blackmore), Bonzer, Joe Holden (Pete Marshall), Chambo
he 2's displayed great resilience on Saturday as the depth and strength of the squad was put to the test with around 6 quality players unavailable. By contrast the team that beat us to the league last year were a shadow of the quick, passing side that posed such a threat last year.
Tolworth basked in unseasonable warmth, the lawns lush and verdant, and the 2's frolicked gaily on home pastures once again. And no one did this more gaily than Chambo who, stepping in at our hour of our need, epitomised the level of effort and commitment that the rest of the team would eventually reach to take the 3 points.
Eventually is the key word because, unlike Chambo, most were slow out the blocks. The first 20 mins were very sluggish. Whether emerging from a cheese induced coma (Nimmo), sweating out the booze (Bonze), or just being horrible and ginger (Green), the 2's were in danger of conceding an early goal as balls weren't won in midfield and the defence were all at sea. Some tinkering with the formation had left the front 6 uncertain in slightly changed roles and Notts were struggling to get a foothold. Nick Green, playing hide and seek up front, was switched with Holden at right midfield after 25 mins and Notts reverted back to a more conventional 4-4-2.
Holden, who had banned himself from setting foot in his own half, was free to galavant around up front and Greeny could now wield his tugboat tenacity around in the midfield, with customary red faced groaning. The impact was immediate and suddenly tackles were being won, passed strung together and the defence could relax sneak swiftly glugs from Grovers thermos and work on their tans. The breakthrough came 5 minutes before half time as Nimmo received the ball deep, shifted it inside onto his right (quel surprise), and sent a delightful ball zipping into the area like a freshly released Babybell minature cheese wheel. Instead of chasing it like a crazed spaniel, Nimmo instead sat back to admire his handywork and see Chambo steal delightfully in front of the keeper to guide a well timed header up, over and into the net. 1-0.
Half time and the customary warnings against complacency were issued. Holden, who had had a frustrating first half in front of goal, was given a heftily rumped mule and a banjo to take some of his anger out but, fortunately for the beast and swing a he may, connecting with that ass was proving impossible.
Second half saw Carshalton really fall away as Notts came out snapping into the tackles and starting to really dominate the game. It would be unfair to say that we missed some very good chances, but the Carsharlton area was breached frequently and half chances were coming thick and fast. Again Holden's efforts were sailing wide and even missing the barn door placed behind the goal for comedy effect.
Notts were finally rewarded when another assault on the opposition goal fell to Nick Green 10 yards out. After what seemed like an eternity twisting and turning around the keeper, Nick rounded him, found some space and smashed in the second goal of the game. 2-0 and the floodgates were in danger of opening. But they didn't.
In his twilight years it's unlikely that Whitey will sit his grandkids on his knee and recall the day Grandad played Carshalton one balmy afternoon at Tolworth. From the resultant kick their centre midfielder lined up for a direct strike on goal. Nottsborough looked on smugly at this seemingly petulant act and expected the ball to sail harmlessly wide or nestle safely into Whitey's arms. Instead they were firstly impressed with the crispness of the strike. Secondly they saw the flash of panic in their goalkeeper's eyes as the crisply struck ball began to bear down with menace on their goal. Thirdly they saw Whitey tip the ball at full stretch onto his own bar for it to bounce back onto his shoulder and into the net. To be fair on Whitey it was a very well struck ball, but no keeper likes to get beat from the opposite half of the pitch, when they weren't really that far off their line. Still, a well struck ball.
Even with Cars encouraged by this goal they couldn't mount a serious threat on the Nottsborough goal and, despite a nervy last 5 minutes, Notts saw the game out for a well fought 2-1 victory. Great effort by everyone who represented the team and especially the evergreen MOM, the raging bull, Mr Chamberlain.
Old Parmiterians 0 - Nottsborough 2s 2 4th October 2008
AFA Surrey/Kent Interm. Cup
A strong 2s squad arrived at the Douglas Eyre Sports Ground at worryingly random intervals, meaning that Captain Pete Morris was, for a 2nd week in succession, a little worried about personnel and numbers.
The only change from last week saw Hughesy – recalled by the 1s – replaced by Briggsy, with new player Jonno moving alongside Chris up top.
The pre-match talk reminded the chosen 13 of the need to compete ferociously for the ball and work hard and earn the right to play our football. Additionally, it was mentioned that the stuttering form of the 1s could well mean that there were opportunities for some 2s players to give Mr Kerr a selection headache with a good performance. For the record a number of people stepped up and contributed to a hard working & disciplined performance.
From the kick off a combination of Jonno, Chris and Briggsy forced a mistake that led to an attacking throw in for Notts – resplendent in the new white kit. After a little jiggery pokery by Green, Ted and Briggsy, the latter served a delightful cross up for Morris to apply the decisive touch having lost his marker with ease in the box. 1-0 and Notts were into their stride early.
The goal was a sign of things to come in the 1st half as Notts’consistently high work rate hustled OPFC into numerous misplaced passes and hurried clearances. The new forward pairing were linking well together and the midfield 4 were working at a phenomenal rate to allow the back 4 an armchair ride of a 1st 20 minutes. Ted and Briggsy were dominating their midfield area despite being against 3 players allowing Greeny and Morris were getting wide early and link well with Chris and Jonno. All was looking rosy. The 2nd goal felt somewhat inevitable in truth and came after a searching through ball from left back Nimmo found Morris advancing at some sort of speed beyond a static full back. The keeper advanced quickly but was beaten to the ball by Morris who lifted the ball over him to nestle (rather attractively) into an empty net.
2-0 was well deserved and represented the ebb and flow of the game so far.
OPFC rallied a little at this point and decided to commit more of their midfield 5 to support their lone attacker. Ralph and Nimmo dealt well with the more advanced wide players whilst Grove and Lea dealt comfortably with the hard working striker, all of which allowed Tom to remain resting comfortably in his arm chair reading an improving novel.
A couple of corners were won by the opposition but no serious efforts on goal were made. As the half progressed Notts became a little desparate in search of the 3rd goal, with shots coming in from some unlikely angles and distances, and Jonno just failing to connect with a Morris cross after an excellent move down the left. The referee was called into action at around this point as OPFC tried to muscle their way into the game with some robust – but generally non-malicious – tackles.
Notts, after the pre match talk, were ready for this and responded in a firm and fair manner. The half drew to a close with Notts back in the ascendancy but with OPFC being far more positive than the 1st 20 minutes. Maybe they fancied that the gusting wind they were playing into would favour them in the 2nd half.
The 2nd half began with Notts slightly under the cosh compared to the first 45 minutes. OPFC were probing the channels but generally their passing was not proving as accurate or incisive as Nottsborough, meaning that there lone striker was expending a lot of energy chasing lost causes. The back 4 were on their mettle and were well supported by Ted and Briggsy who were working overtime in the centre of midfield. Lea repelled a couple of attacks and Grove was able to tidy up all the loose balls and in turn prompt a few counter attacks via Green and Morris in the wide areas. Chris and Jonno were still working hard up front but were being fed less sumptuously than in the 1st half. However, the odd chance came their way through persistence and good interplay. A Briggs corner found Grove’s head but his header found the keeper ready for a sprawling save. Chris beat their excellent number 6 and got a shot away that sailed marginally wide with the keeper looking a little worried.
Tom, at the other end, dealt well with the less sporadic attacking efforts of OPFC – picking a cross out from the sky as well as clearing a couple of corners away from the danger area. After a prodigious amount of work Ted was replaced by Arthur in the engine room alongside Briggsy.
Arthur started excellently, snuffing out a couple of attacks and playing Greeny and Ralph away down the right hand side before disaster struck.
Going for a 50-50 in centre midfield he sustained a medial ligament injury after a robust, but fair, challenge. 10 minutes into his debut this was incredibly unfair on someone who looks to have the quality to push the incumbents in the 1s very close for a starting berth. The late arriving Pete Marshall was summoned from the bench after a 5 minute delay to occupy the berth alongside Briggs in midfield. To his credit Pete was straight into the game, with some biting tackles and some intelligent passing. His coup de grace came with an exceptional saving tackle 6 yards from goal as OPFC fashioned their only clear chance of the game. From the resulting corner Nimmo cleared and the resulting counter attack saw Chris fizz a shot 5 yards wide.
The game concluded with the 2 goal cushion for Notts and a place in the draw for the next round of the AFA Cup. A good, hard working team performance was the call at the start of the game and that was exactly what was delivered. The quality will surely come once a settled team is in place and training at Tolworth commences this week. However, after last season, the 2s should be more than well aware of believing the self proclaimed hype too early and know that trophies only come if your work rate and discipline is perfect every week.
Team:-
White; Ralph, Lea, Grove, Nimmo; Green, Datta, Briggsy, Morris; Jonno, Chris.
Subs:-
Arthur & Pete Marshall.
Man of the Match:-
Two goal Morris would be an obvious choice; Jonno looked good up front; Ted worked like a Japanese prisoner of war; the back 4 were steady; Green and Briggs were constructive; Tom kicked excellently all game; but my vote goes to Chris who worked tirelessly all afternoon up front and created a lot of space with some excellent movement.
Clapham Old Xaverians 0 - Nottsborough 2s 4 27th September 2008
(AFA Surrey/Kent Intermediate Cup)
Goals - Ben Hughes 2, Nick Green 1, OG/Pete Morris 1 (looked like an own goal to me)
Tom White, Ralf, Grover, Lea, Nimmo, Ted, Green, Morris, Jono, Chris, Hughesy. Subs, Briggsy, Russ Kennedy, Webby
It's always frustrating when you fail to turn up on time for away games. Whether it's mincing around or falling prey to the occasional hell of London transport, it's never a good start.
But when your rushing to get a decent 20 minute warm up done and the pitch you playing on only has one goal up, an opposition that's slowly getting round to it, and an atmosphere more akin to church fate, our tardiness on Saturday was put into context by a very leisurely opponent.
With tragic news hanging over the club both teams respectfully paid a minute's silence to Parky. Although few of the 2's squad had met Parky there was no doubting the impact he's had on the club or the tragedy of the circumstances. All paid their full respects including Xaverians who Nottsborough would like to thank for their sincerity.
So in glorious sunshine Nottsborough set about celebrating the memory of a lost friend and avenging a defeat to Old Xaverians that saw them crash embarrassingly out the same cup this stage last year. This was a very watered down version of the team that turned us over at Tolworth but we set about them with purpose and ultimately a much higher level of fitness, quality and cohesion as a team.
It's worth pointing out here the commitment of the 2's squad throughout preseason and every week at training. With easily the best presence at training most weeks we lined up on saturday with a very good bench and fitness levels that Xaverians couldn't live with. The atmosphere and mood in the squad is very good and there is no one that the 2's fear playing.
After a scrappy first 30 minutes Notts finally started to find feet, string some passes together and create some chances. The reward came just before half time when a rebounded shot was pounced on at close range like a drunken young fille separated from her friends in the 2am wilderness of Infernos by the predatory Ben Hughes.
The second half saw notts score again after only 5 mins. A great cross from the right was met by a tangle of Pete Morris and their hapless defender who seemed to head into his own net under pressure. Notts then had to weather a storm as Xaverians hit them with 10 minutes of proved to be their last bit of purposeful play. Composed and organised the 2's defended well and gave Whitey little to do.
The 3rd and 4th goals came as the pressure was re-applied by Nottsborough in a convincing and confident last 25minutes. The 3rd came when Russ Kennedy fired in a speculative long range effort which the keeper bizarrely punched weakly backwards for Hughes to rush in and grab his second, again from a shamelessly close distance. The 4th about 10 mins from time when a good passing move ended with Nick Green finishing neatly from inside the area.
Good performances from all that pulled on a Notts shirt, but Nick Green takes the MoM with great fitness, distribution and a fully deserved goal.
Nottsborough 2s 4 HSBC 2s 2 (League) 13th September 2008
2'S STORM TO THE TOP!
OK, let's not get carried away, but the 2's got off to a great start on Saturday.
HSBC's New Beckenham pitch was in immaculate condition, the weather was fine and the 2's could not wait to kick their season off. Slipping on Matt Nimmo's freshly washed kit (literally, still wet) the 2's approached the game having had some good games in preseason, but ultimately still gelling as a team with several quality recruits having arrived over the summer.
Chris Apaloo, Jono Santry, Gary, Johnny Briggs, Ralf, and Micky Ball all made their league debuts and all put in good shifts.
Midfield and attack is now looking really strong and competition for places is red hot. The defence is still a work in progress though.
The best defence in the league last year had been shaky in preseason and let in some sloppy goals especially from set pieces. Several key players have been missing across the 1's and 2's and we've been bordering on a mini crisis in this department. The players asked to do a job on saturday however really came together as a unit. On an enormous pitch it was key we got this right, not only with the back four communicating and working together but giving the team a solid platform to attack the opposition. Cootes was asked to step up from the 3's and did an excellent job deputising for Grover who, apple in mouth, was doing his best impression of a hog roast on a beach in Greece. Ralf and Nimmo did very well at full backs keeping their wingers quiet and distributing the ball well (especially Nimmo at left back who always does well when asked to fill in here). Lea's display can only be likened to Beckenbauer in his heyday, all class and a reading of the game that was almost telepathic (ah, the joy of writing match reports).
When I stop dreaming and remember what actually happened, it looked like it could of been another bad day at the office. The game started brilliantly for Nottsborough as they found Chris Apaloo in space on the edge of the box for him to finish well into the far corner. One up after 2 minutes. Almost immediately a mix up at the back let HSBC back into the game. A ball flicked over the back four wasn't dealt with and miscommunication let their striker in to lob the ball over Whitey and into the open net. 1-1 and the defensive worries the 2's took into the game were looking well founded.
After this though Notts edged a competitive first half, winning more battles, playing the better football and getting their reward just before half time. A goal kick was well won by Johnny Briggs a sent straight back through a below par HSBC defence for the excellent Chris Apaloo to finish well for his second. Johnny had a very good debut and was my pick for MOM. All arms, legs and work rate, Johnny is like the Pepperami animal, only with a winning smile to bring the referee round when he's just crippled someone with a wild tackle.
Half time and the plan was to come out all guns blazing, get the next goal and build to a comprehensive victory.
And the plan came good 15 minutes in. Great passing on the right flank and Ralf arrowed into the box from full back with all the time in the world to line up a shot. The HSBC keeper won't look back with fond memories on what happened next as Ralf's well hit shot came straight at him, skimmed his finger tips and looped over him into the net. A bit of a blooper but it was good football and Nottsborough deserved the goal. 3-1 on the hour mark. The final nail in the coffin came with about 10 minutes left when more pressure and a good cross saw a HSBC defender fire into his own net from 6 yards.
At the end of the game HSBC got a consolation goal when tired Nottsborough legs allowed a loose ball in front of their own box to be played through to the striker who finished with the help of a deflection from a Cootes tackle that didn't deserve the end result.
In all the 2's won this game because they were fitter, had more quality and wanted the win more. Arguably the 2 winning goals had an element of luck, but there were a host of well worked chances that could have easily been converted. That included an open goal that Nick Green unbelievably missed.
4-2 final score and goals scored take the 2's to the top of the league, precisely where they intend to stay all year.
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