Civil Service  0    Nottsborough  1                                                                             Saturday 12th November 2011

Much changed Nottsborough 3s grind out hard fought away win

It is remarkable how strong the 3s squad has become under the stewardship of Corcoran/Collins that despite winning 4-0 against Weirside Rangers the previous week in one of the performances of the season, the management opted for 5 changes to the starting XI. It must be said that most (i.e all) of these were imposed by external factors.

Notable absentees on the trip to the King’s House Sports Ground included Howson, Datta, Lukens, Roberts, Fynes (demoted to the 1s) and eyebrows were raised with panic clearly visible on a few of the younger players' faces when it transpired that senior pro Michael Corcoran was not going to be present, however the realisation that in the bar all pints were £2 meant that he wasn't missed in the end.

Corcoran Snr. could in fact find himself in hot water on his return to the fold. The veteran full back thought he had timed his golfing holiday to la Manga (LAD!) well with the international break, having not figured in any of Fabio Capello's squads for England's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, however he failed to remember that the SAL Junior Division 1 does not suspend fixtures for the internationals and he will likely face a disciplinary hearing. Corcoran Jr. declined to comment on this after the game, however he did say that this episode would guarantee him first dibs on top bunk back at the Corcoran residence for at least a week - maybe a week and a half at a push.

Nottsborough arrived at King's House Sports Ground to face a Civil Service team that was level on points going into Saturday, having won, lost and drawn the same number of games. The team was in fine spirits despite the changes to the squad. All the elements were in place, spacious changing rooms, a fresh smelling kit and a full squad with everyone turning up on time - despite Noon's efforts to persuade the squad to get off a couple of stations past the designated stop and walk. The team welcomed back long lost son, Jonno "Tiger" Santry, to the fold and Studwatch® indicated that the pitch was definitely a mould but could just as easily take a stud.

The warm up by Ralph Goad was excellent, most notably because it showcased wild arm movements reminiscent of the WWF Bushwhackers as well as "snake-hips" Noon opening and closing of the gate. Elsewhere, in goal, Beast seemed to be struggling after pulling a muscle in his back during his warm-up, probably due to Matt Beckett unleashing his ferocious half volleys.

The game began and in the opening exchanges, Beast pulled up in pain following a routine save which meant an early substitution as he could no longer carry on. Matt Beckett, fresh from a clean sheet in the 1s, came on in goal and was called into action almost immediately tipping a shot just over the bar from the lively Civil attacker. Throughout the remainder of the half Beckett pulled off a string of saves with agility and cat like reflexes. The 3s should count themselves lucky to be able to call on Beckett to step into goal. The Civil attacks were in part down to a very lively roaming midfielder (Patrick Berger) who was getting some joy down the flanks and whipping in dangerous crosses to the tall Civil centre forward. Despite the pressure, the back four managed to clear the danger on almost every occasion.

Nottsborough struggled to get into the game in the first half and impose their neat passing game. On the occasions where they did manage this, Shaw linked up well with the two wide men, Stanko and McNeill, however the final ball to Apaloo seemed to elude them at every occasion. As the half progressed the industrious Marie, who is in a goalscoring glut (1 goal in 1 game with 2 goals disallowed in the previous 2 games), and Santry began to gain a better understanding of each other and started to screen the Civil attacks. The contest was evenly matched however it appeared as though Civil had the upper hand, as they were the more vocal side.

0-0 at the break.

Half time gave a chance for Martin to deliver an impassioned team talk and he implored his full backs to offer more going forward in an attempt to pin back Civil's overlapping full backs. The team talk proved successful as the team started the second half very brightly and now Apaloo was looking a constant danger with the ball at his feet.

The decisive moment of the game came when McNeil was released down the flank and played a neat ball to Apaloo who then found himself with the last man to beat. Having gone round his marker with the ball the defender brought Apaloo down inside the box and the referee blew his whistle. Penalty. Marie stepped forward and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner with the 'keeper diving the opposite direction. After the game, Marie (now 2 goals in 2 games with 2 disallowed goals in the previous 2 games) regaled the squad with a detailed step by step coaching clinic on "How to give the the eyes". 1-0 to the away team – Nottsborough.

As Civil began to chase the game, this left more room for the Notts widemen to break on the counter, Stanko came into his own with powerful runs down the left flank and good use of the ball. He supplied Apaloo and Shaw well throughout the game and if anything he should have seen more of ball but much of the play was coming down the other flank. On 65 minutes, Corcoran Jr. decided to freshen things up and bring on his final substitution. Goad came on to replace Stanko and offered cover for the defensive line.

Ultimately this game was won by the team who was able to score more goals than the opposition whilst simultaneously conceding fewer goals. On this day, it was Nottsborough, although credit must be given to the Civil Service team who were a constant threat down the channels throughout and could feel unfortunate not to have got more from the game themselves.

With four northerners in the back five, the defence was only ever going to be one thing; tight. And so it proved as they managed to close out the remainder of the game with some brave defending and some great last ditch clearances. Corcoran Jr. marshalled the back line well and on several occasions nipped in front of the Civil forward line to intercept passes and launch counter attacks. Noon and Corcoran took care of the aerial threat with Collins and Viara sweeping up loose balls.

Shaw nearly added to the score line late on as he delightfully cut inside from the left. From just inside the box sent a deliciously curling right foot effort towards goal, unfortunately for the evergreen Oldhamer, the shot curled agonisingly wide of the far post - the 'keeper was would have struggled to get near it.

The excellent referee, sporting some flashy white boots, blew the whistle after minimal added time and the mission was accomplished.

Full time: Civil Service 3rd XI   0 - 1   Nottsborough 3rd XI

Another three points on the board and the satisfaction of a hard fought victory against a strong Civil side challenging for the league was evident on the players faces. The only thing left to do was to sample the sausage, chips and beans, washed down with a £2 pint.

The day ended with the squad enjoying a few jars in the wonderful White Hart in Barnes overlooking the Thames and reflecting on a job done, even if it wasn't in the most stylish manner. After that it was an evening of Calvin Harris and cavorting with the Lynx minxes for Corcoran Jr. and Collins. The skipper was in a jubilant mood and who could deny him his double celebration of 3 points on the board and the restoration of top bunk privileges.

TEAM: Beast (Beckett 3 mins) GK; Collins LB; Viara RB; Noon CB; Corcoran Jr. CB; Stanko (Goad 65 mins) LM; McNeill RM; Marie CM; Santry CM; Shaw CF; Apaloo CF; SUBSTITUTES: Goad, Beckett, Cullinan (unused)

MoM: Very difficult decision given Beckett's excellent saves in goal and Shaw's industrious running up top, link up play and work rate in the channels. This week the man of the match award goes to the player who lead by example; he won his tackles, organised the back four and delivered an rousing half time team talk. Martin Corcoran is this week’s man of the match.

Nottsborough 3s - AFA second round match Vs Wilsonians report:

Nottsborough 3s:

Stephen Bail: 8 - The Nottsborough number one had very little to do, but he did the simple things well and made sure Wilsonians did not sneak back into the game with an outstanding second half save.

Dave Viara: 9 - One of the right-back's best days in a Nottsborough shirt. Terrific defensively and added real threat going forward. Surely worth a 1s recall?

Michael Corcoran: 7 - Played on despite a 'sore' leg, in an otherwise impressive performance. Proof that Nottsborough 3s aren't a bunch of 'soft lads.'

Paul Noon: 7 - Faultless technical ability.  Has been likened Vincent Company with senior club members pushing for him to move into the sweeper role. 

Patrick Collins: 7 - Had been highlighted as a potential weak link by Wilsonians, but he was rarely troubled by the ineffective winger and ultimately shone as an attacking full-back.

Chris Marie: 7 - One of his quieter days, but the midfielder is an integral figure for Nottsborough and his presence alongside Datta helped snuff Wilsonians out. Whinged alot.

Lukins: 8 - Much-maligned at times, but the Notts midfielder barely put a foot wrong and his partnership with McNeil enabled Notts to dominate.

Jimbo McNeil : 7 - Selected by Corcoran ahead of Fynesy for his defensive qualities, but McNeil also added something going forward.

Ted Datta: 9 - The closest thing to Paul Scholes since Paul Scholes. Makes you wonder why the 2s didn't try to sign him when they had chance two years ago. Ran the game.

Leon Roberts: 7 - Quiet for long periods, but he still managed to play a part in the goal. His movement troubled Wilsonians back four all day long.

Chris Apaloo : 9 - Maybe he should play with fireworks every week. No goals this week, but an assist and nearly another booking for persistent diving.  The best double pike in south west London. Nothing is ever quiet when Aps is around.

Dave  Shaw : 7 - Tireless in his pursuit of the golden boot but was carrying a knock and came off just after a half time.  Head was very shiny.

Paul Fynes: 9 - Made the difference off the bench.  The slowest step over in world football came out frequently but Fynes forced the own goal and has Brian Williams sniffing.

Martin Corcoran: 9.1 - Outstanding contribution after a 20 minute cameo between the posts while Bailo was 'away' - surely would be #1 at any other club?

Nottsborough  4   Alleyn Old Boys  0                                                                              Saturday 8th October 2011

After two consecutive weeks away in deepest, darkest north London it was a pleasant trip back to the fields of fortress Tolworth to face an unbeaten Alleyn Old Boys that laid in wait this week.

There was some early confusion in the ranks at Waterloo when Shawsie was spotted on his way for a day out shopping with some kids, but thankfully it was only his look-a-like, Andy Johnson, so we didn't have to prepare ourselves for a game without the Bald Eagle.

A strong looking 3's squad showed up and after the now standard camp warm-up lead by Ralph, the game got under way with the home team setting the early tempo.

It was a familiar looking team with ever present and reliable Bailo in goal, Paddy left back, Corcoran jnr and Noonaldo at centre half and Dave V back from the wilderness of left midfield to right back. The midfield four comprised of Simon Stanko (like Stankovic, but without the 'vic') down the left, Ralph and Marie at centre mid and Joe out right, leaving the AJ and Jimbo up top. The 14 was made up with one of the strongest looking benches I can remember seeing for some time with Ted and Leon....and ex-Birmingham 1's, former heartthrob (filling the Larkin shape void) Mitch Corcoran.

The first 10 mins saw both teams playing some free flowing attacking football with the Alleyns number 12, aka 'River', causing the back four all kinds of problems. This culminated with reports that Corcoran jnr had nightmares about the lad later that evening.

The early possession came to fruition after about 20mins when some good link up play by Simon and Paddy saw the left back put in a delivery to the back post that can only be described as 'Beckham-esq' as it had dip, swerve and bend and invited Shawsie to open the scoring, but for the keeper making himself as big as Bailo and blocking the effort, but he was helpless against Shaws' follow up which saw the front man curl his effort into the empty net from a tight angle.

The Alleyns players let their heads drop but still looked a threat going forward, forcing Bails to make a couple of smart saves, but the second for the home team was inevitable when I clumsy tackle  on Shaws  gave Leon the chance to double the lead with his second touch from the penalty spot, having replaced Goad who limped off with a nasty looking swollen ankle. Roberts dispatched of the pen in enfactic style putting it across the keeper into the top corner.

Half time and 2-0 to the good. Notts has been playing some great football with the majority starting from moves from Collins and Viara, and Marie and Joe were keeping the ball moving and encouraging the team to play.

The second half was much of the same and Notts had their second pen of the game, and of the season, when another rash challenge on Shaws saw the ref point to the spot. Again Roberts stepped up but this time managed to wait until the keeper moved and hit him...which was quite impressive.

Ted replaced Simon on the left side of midfield and a great shift and shoot from all of 30 yards into the far bottom corner sealed any sign of a comeback and made it 3-0.

This was what the gaffer was waiting for and made way for his elder brother, as he was keen to get as far away from 'River' as possible, but Mitch showed him how to do it as the lad didn't have another kick.

The 4th soon followed when Roberts linked up with Jimbo who dispatched from a tight angle and while running away in celebration, pulled up with cramp....which everyone enjoyed.

All in all it was a solid performance against a good Alleyns team who will take points from title contenders this season.

Nottsborough  2     Polytechnic  0                                                                            Saturday 10th September 2011

Beyond a League and SAL Cup double one of Simon Owen's most important legacies at Notts was pushing for the £25 million signing of David Shaw. He believed the Mancunian could become the best central defender in the world but last night, on his return to the team, Shaw again showed that he perhaps has ambitions to be the best striker, scoring a stunning and precious goal to put Notts on the way to the victory they craved in their opening League match.

It was a win, it was three points but it was far from convincing. There was no goal, again, for Dave Howson who was restored to the starting line-up by Owen’s successor, Martin Corcoran. Although involved in the build-up for both goals, carving out room for Roberts also, this was, once more, a modest performance from Former first team veteran.

For this, his second season as a manager, Corcoran handed a couple of full home debuts with both Rory O'Brien and Paul Fynes, his two key signings, making a line-up that owed much to rotation and a little to a roll of the dice. Corcoran had argued that SAL Junior League title was the hardest competition to win but with Owens, away in god knows where next Saturday to come, there were big players rested. Paul Noon was not even required for the bench while Jimbo McNeil and Dave Viara were among those substitutes.

It was a bold statement, a risky one also given the stakes even though this was only the first game of the season. McNeil and Noon hold an obsession with playing that has even extended to the early rounds of the SAL cup in the past, never mind the premier trophy in south west London junior football.

It added unexpected uncertainty to the contest and there was also a confused opening few moments with Poly coming close and Notts also denied when Fynes strayed offside. Before that Howson had hooked a shot narrowly over.

Howson was in the thick of it. Lucky not to be booked for an ugly lunge he was then teed up superbly by Patrick Collins only to delay. He then made space and had his shot blocked by rookie Poly goalkeeper before having a header deflected over from a Chris Marie cross.

Not that Poly were penned in. With "Crouchy" up top, playing in front of a middle three, they pushed forward and pressed Notts who were rushed into conceding a rash of free-kicks. None were capitalised upon by the Oppo from Chiswick, however. They then had to back-pedal with Marie, busy and quick and pulling defenders out of position, working hard to create opportunities.

One came when Holden intercepted a stray pass and picked out Howson. With another sight of goal he, again, hesitated and The Poly defender recovered only for Howson to be hustled into mis-controlling. It was not impressive but just as Notts appeared to be struggling for inspiration, The Bald Eagle intervened.

Three times the striker was denied. First he struck a fierce cross-shot that was beaten out by the young Poly goalkeeper, then the full back reacted quickly to beat Shawsie to the ball as he ran in to meet Fynes's superb looping through ball. Finally O'Brien, who had been fouled, took a quick free-kick with Shawsie turning nimbly to shoot on an angle from all of 25 yards - which flew into the top corner.  Last seasons top scorer was up and running before even a half of football had been played

There was a header, straight into The Gks arms by Ralph goad, but Notts were labouring while Poly's attacks inevitably become more sporadic. From one the "wee lad" off the big man screwed a half volley straight at the legs of man mountain Bailo.

On the touchline Roberts was his usual, animated self, willing the ball forward, crouching and coaxing and continually gesturing instructions. Poly were organised and experienced and arrived with a history of being difficult to beat away from home – especially in their promotion campaign from division 2 last season – while Howson was finding his bright start to the encounter difficult to sustain.

At times there was also a strangely subdued atmosphere. Maybe that was partly caused by a sense of the unknown — although there were also empty seats caused, it seemed, by Brian T Williams' decision to raise ticket prices. One Notts supporter even turned his frustration into vile vitriol with former Notts all star, Ben Murphy, openly questioning Robert's fitness regime. Whatever, the Poly fans were frequently more vocal and definitely more positive.

There was also a shiver of apprehension for Notts as Poly broke again, with "Crouchy" cutting inside and shaping to shoot only for Corcoran snr to intercept - sparking more incoherent ramblings about "shuffling". Soon after they created an even clearer chance with The little man from the "big man, little man combo" exchanging passes and stabbing a shot badly wide. Another brace of chances, meanwhile, fell to Howson who dabbed the first across goal and then failed to gain enough power with a header.

When Crouchy cut through, only to half-hit a shot, Corcoran had seen enough. On came Roberts and McNeil , but, before that, The Gk turned Holden's superb side-footed volley against a post. It was Holden's last involvement. Finally, however, Notts were spurred into a breakthrough and it came with a typically barreling run by Roberts who stormed down the left to feed Viara. The ball then went in to Howson whose lay-off was imprecise but was latched on to by Roberts, before barreling some more and striking a crisp, rifling left foot shot into the top left stantion.

A great start to the season against a good side, with strong debuts from Marie, Fynes, O'Brien and even Dave 'Fernando Torres' Howson.

MOM Dave Howson