The dates of the matches, information on the league along with fixtures can be
found at;
www.grassrootsleague.tk
This website gets updated as often as this one when the season if being played.
As the season has finished there will be very few updates.
Match Reports
15th March 2006
Paft vs. Abacus
3 - 0
This game could have been a
good one, however as Abacus failed to bring a whole team so they forfeited the
game. This gave Paft the technical win and the 3rd place position.
I am not going to write a proper match report because it was a painfully bad
game. The game which took place saw Paft vs. Abacus - Paft, the final score 2 -
4. The game saw two penalties which were slotted away and plenty of very, very
open play. It must also be said that Marco took a kick to his hand which
resulted in bruised fingers but battled on to the end of the game.
That's pretty much it for the season, Paft in third place overall in a very
frustrating league.
Guy gets the Golden boot for Paft but if
other fixtures had counted it would have been more than likely he would have got
the GRL's Golden boot as well.
There is all ways next season and
I am sure we can show are potential. Hope all goes well for exams and have a
good summer.
Dave
Also you might want to know that
Paft's team photo some how managed to get onto the Radio One's website, if Steve
L gives me the link I will post it on the website.
1st March 2006
Paft vs. Islam
6 - 0
So we now being with friendies as there isn’t quite enough
time to fully complete the league. This means that Civil Engineers have won.
Paft have to beat Abacus to draw on points and then have to have a beater goal
difference to go third.
This was a unscheduled match filling in for Korea who had
pulled out on the Monday before. It was against Islam and from the last
encounter this was always set to be an interesting match. The last time the two
teams met, Islam won on some slightly iffy goal, not to mention people being
kicked in the head and general bad vibe.
As it was a last minute many of the regulars were unable to
come due to prior commitments, which left only one sub on the bench. It did see
the return of Dave and Pat from various ankle injuries, and the continuous
efforts of the injured Steve L.
Due to the numerous injuries and the fact we now had kits we
began by having a (professional looking) warm up. Which did the world of good as
we only had one new injury this week. It was a windy day and Paft were starting
with the wind in their favour, this might have shown in the final result and the
spread of the goals. It might also be noted that it snowed a little and we
weren’t using a high visibility ball (I wasn’t wearing my glasses, I’m getting
my excuses in now), which was a bit odd really bearing in mind Paft have four
high visibility balls.
After the last match against Islam many Paft players felt
that we should really take Islam down to Earth. We started with the kick off and
got straight into them, immediately taking control of the match and pressuring
their defence. Whenever Islam got the ball Paft charged down play, disturbing
Islam's flow.
Paft won a corner, Guy took the kick and whipped in a great
ball, Steve L leaped beating his defender, the header was strong and the keeping
had no chance. It was just the right start and set the tone for the first half.
Islam seemed a bit down and Paft were there to kick them. The
ball was picked up in the midfield an passed through to Guy. He took a strike
and luckily miss struck slightly, the ball bobbed along the floor and the keeper
salmon dived right over the ball. It was well placed but not the prettiest of
goals but we will take what we can and we went into a two goal lead.
Islam started to get a bit annoyed we had disturbed there
play and they resorted to the ball over the top. Most of the defence easily
stopped the through balls however Dave tried and let them score to make the game
more enjoyable. The most depressing lack of any sort of defensive nous came
when he passed the ball to an Islam attacker when trying to take too much time.
This resorted into Steve L coming over to cover and Dave running back and
knocking
into the attacker. He fell over in the crisp packet fashion protesting it was
a penalty. Steve and Dave were having non of it and told him directly that it
was outside of the box.
The resulting free kick was rubbish. Paft picked the ball up
on the right hand side and Islam pushed it out for a throw in. The throw in was
taken with the ball being to high for Moussa. He let the ball bounce over his
shoulder and ran onto the bouncing ball and with a lovely lob on the edge of the
box, dropping nice for the third.
Things were going well and it got even better. Paft got the
ball in the defence and managed to pass it out. I was as surprised as you are.
The ball was picked up by Ermal who got past one then two then opened up and
drive the ball towards goal. The ball bent around the keeper and went in at the
back post, a nicely taken goal.
It was now getting towards the end of the half however Paft
were still pressing for more knowing that in the second half the tables would be
turned. The ball was booted up the field and Kass was there to pick it up, he
ran towards the box and then looked up to see Guy coming in at the back post.
Kass’s cross was inch perfect and Guy with fantastic diving header (his first
ever) made it five – nil.
Half time: we all needed to concentrate to ensure Islam
didn’t get back in the game. Islam had reshuffle and brought there larger
players forward to try and muscle the ball of players. This worked fairly well
and they began to have quite a few chances. Islam started to get a bit riled
when they kept on missing from so many changes. It must be said that Marco had
some excellent saves, one which he tipped over the bar and another a point blank
shot which was just stopped dead.
Islam started to take the mick, they did goal kicks from out
of the six yard area and were taking free kicks from completely wrong places.
They had also started to call for any little contact. This got some verbal going
between the teams which finally erupted on a corner. One Islamic player kept on
mouthing off and took a bit of a disliking to my gesture of my finger on my lip.
Luckily for Paft we were much bigger than they are especially with the rest of
the defence jumping in and Marco lending a hand. The whole situation eventually
diffused.
Dave again managed to bring some one down on the edge of the
box. This time the free kick was taken well and skimmed the bar.
The attacks from Islam kept on coming but some great
defending by Steve H, Steve L and Tom with the midfield and attacking coming
back to help as well. Steve eventually had to come off, and Pat who had just
come off and slightly drugged up because of his ear infection came back on.
In the final minutes of the match Islam were loosing
determination, they lose the ball on a short goal kick where Kass snatched the
ball from the defender. He again looked up and saw Guy in the box, Guy went
across the keeper and Kass drove the ball in. Guy slotted it past the keeper to
get his hat trick, once again another good cross by Kass and finish by Guy.
(Don’t think I could have said Guy or Kass anymore in that paragraph.)
That was pretty much the last of action and the game was
wrapped up. Paft had beaten Islam quite convincingly and recorded the first
clean sheet of the campaign. It was a good all round performance and showed the
defence, midfield and attack working well. The men of the match were Marco and
Steve H good game guys.
~ ~ ~
22nd February 2006
Paft vs. Computer Science
5 - 0
This was the eagerly awaited game against Computer Science.
The last encounter saw the self induced sick Guy scoring a double hat trick so
there was a general feeling that we could win. We still had to show it but for
the team at the bottom of the league and with out a win to their name it would
have been a big upset to see Paft lose.
This was the first time the new kits would be used, and for
once everyone was wearing the right colour and looked like they were all from
the same team. The weather was horrid. The wet, extremely windy conditions
probably kept the score a little lower than it should have been.
I must point out I wrote notes on a piece of paper but as my
hands were so cold it’s a little hard to read, so let me know if there should be
any amendments.
Once again injuries were rife through out the team and this
saw a revised back four with Steve L joining in.
The game started well Paft were breaking forward at speed as
soon as computer science lost the ball in midfield. The ball was picked up by
Ermal on the half way line and the ball looped over, the defender stepped up to
head the ball and missed. Kieran sprung onto the ball to lob the rushing keeper.
Play resumed and computer science lost the ball cheaply, Paft
with another break were dispossessed and Computer Science countered. Paft's
defence soaked up the pressure and the ball was quickly released into the
midfield. Chris picked up the ball on the left hand side, he lifted the ball
over the defence to Kieran in the middle who finished off the move well. It was
now 2 - 0 and as had often happened in the past Computer Science’s heads dropped
and we went into half time.
Second half began and Computer Science had put out there best
player from the goal. He instantly got involved and linked the balls to team
mates and generally got mixed in the middle of the park. Unfortunately there
wasn’t enough support from his other team mates and they still struggled to test
Paft’s keeper.
Paft once again took control of the match. Computer science
were under consistent pressure being penned into their own half. Guy and Kieran
both tried some long shots from outside the box but blasted wide (surely by the
wind).
A wonderful piece of play saw Guy and Kish linking well
inside the box. Guy was running towards the goal and cut the ball back to Kish
who miss timed the shot and the ball went over for a goal kick.
Play was a little broken up now and this gave Paft’s
attackers plenty of space in between Computer Science’s defence and midfield.
Guy picked the ball on the left hand side near the halfway line and ran at the
static defence. He managed to get past his man and running into the box took a
low shot at the near post to make it 3 – 0.
It really wasn’t Computer Science’s day when the keeper was
passed back to and Kish smothered him and the ball went loose. Guy ran in to
slot the ball away to increase the deficit to 4.
Play in the middle of the field started to get a bit more
physical and there were some suspicions of diving. The best dive of the game
went to Chris who looked for it, saw it, lost the ball and managed to fall like
he was shot. Play didn’t stop.
A free kick was however given moments later on the left hand
side just about the right distance for Guy to have a welly. Welly he did and the
ball zipped into the goal, made even more impressive if you consider the wind.
There were a couple of attempts with Kish rushing his shot on
the edge of the box but managing to find Kieran who equally skewed the ball out
of play, and Kish’s lob which didn’t quite dip in time.
That rounded of the game for a comfortable win for Paft. The
man of the match went to Kish for some great link up play.
~ ~ ~
1st February 2006
Paft vs. Civil
0 - 4
Might I begin saying it was rather cold
this Wednesday. For once I wasn’t stressed about other teams turning up and I
had already selected the team for the match.
After numerous discussions throughout
the week a new formation was going to be tried. It saw Guy dropping into the
defensive midfield position with Kass as a dropping forward.
The match started and Civil were quick
to pile on the pressure. They pressed the ball and made it difficult to get any
sort of play going in midfield. Civil placed a quick ball forward to get there
deep playing forward pushing the defence back. This enabled Civil’s Jaf to fill
the hole and run at the remaining defenders.
In this moment in time the ball was
being played towards the corner flag. At this moment I tired a shoulder barge,
actually worked. This set the tone as Paft were being beaten to the ball.
The defence pulled out from another deep
run made by their forwards. The ball was about to come in and the offside trap
missed and let the Civil striker on for a one on one with Marco. Making himself
big Marco couldn’t put off the attacker who side footed the ball past. That was
the first goal of the match making it 0 – 1 to Civil.
Play restarted and passes were made down
the wing. The ball was quickly pressed by Civil who took possession of the ball
for another attack. The through ball was threaded through but the defence
recovered to block the cross, conceding a corner. The ball was crossed in and
off a rebound the ball was stuck and found the back of the net
Paft were finding it hard to compete.
The match restarted once more, Paft having much more of the ball and making
delicate passes around the midfield. The ball was on the left wing when Kieran
crossed the ball to Charlie, who does a beautiful controlled pass around the
defender with a one-on-one with the keeper. He slotted it just wide of the post
and was the closest yet for Paft.
Paft tried down the wings but the final
ball was lacking. Civil picked up the ball in their own half and ran at Paft’s
defence. They spread wide the play and from a dodgy cross it found the goal.
That was about half time. Everyone was
knackered, there seemed to be little coherence of play and the ball was being
played around causing Paft chase the game. As always there was a big change
around. With Guy dropping back it gave the defence much needed relief but had
tiered Guy out. The tactic for the second half was to be far more attacking.
Hopefully this would put Civil out of sorts and break up there style. This meant
a complete change of midfield with Kish and Chris at the centre on the pitch.
Second half began and to our delight
Civil had taken off both strikers. This freed up the play and Paft were able to
get more of the ball and players started to click.
Paft started to pass the ball around and
managed to string a good number of passes about. Paft entered Civil’s box and
numerous attempts at goal were blocked by rogue legs and committed defenders.
Civil’s keeper had a good kick on him
and many of there attacks started straight on the break. Civil had an attack
down the right, Tom went for the ball the player went for Tom and was clattered
down. Paft’s free kick was channelled down the wings were Paft were having most
of possession. The ball was received by Civil and a quick ball was played down
the middle. Once he had reached the box he let a good shot towards goal. It
looked as if it had beaten Marco but with, it seemed slow motion, a fantastic
save had the extra stretch to stop and collect the ball.
The ball was passed through the middle and then Paft ran
into trouble, the ball was stolen and the break was on again. Civil’s Jaf had
the ball at feet and I must say absolutely did me. He went to go past me then
used his standing leg to flick the ball past me and directly into his path.
Certainly worth a mention. The attack came to nothing when the Civil play sliced
the ball well wide of the goal.
Paft took control of the match and Kish set up Chris after
a nice turn on the edge of the box where Chris shot and the keeper somehow
blocked it. The rebound feel to Charlie on the six yard box but blasted wide.
Unfortunately for Ross, who was watching from the sidelines it hit him right in
the stomach.
After another passage of play Kris took the ball from Tom
and had made a nice run. Finding a hole in Civil’s defence led to a one-on-one.
It was taken quickly with his left and struck the ball over.
Moments later Kieran had two excellent chances from good
turns on the edge of the box, one was clipped wide the other was scuffed and
bobbled towards the goal.
After yet another Civil attack, Macro took the goal kick
which found Kish or Chris who laid it to Ermal on the left wing. He had already
had quite a few decent crosses from the left and this time after beating the
defender struck the ball well to test the keeper.
The ball came right back down Paft’s throat meanwhile a
Civil player was still making his way to get onside. The ball was passed when
the off side player was still walking back. Matt called offside but the lino
decided he wasn’t interfering with play. After a couple of shouts of continue
and stop with half of Paft standing around, the ball bundled into the net. It’s
reasonable to say it was just a simple communication error and without a referee
with was felt it a bit harsh. It was towards the end of the match no one really
complained too much.
In the last plays of the match Paft put plenty of pressure
and good link up but no result came and the game finished 0 – 4 to Civil.
~ ~ ~
25th January 2006
Paft vs. Islam
1 - 2
Once again things started off slowly. We played on a new
pitch today which was quite a bit better than the ones we have been playing on
previously. This showed with quick flowing play and the ability of passing more
than a yard.
Paft started of quite confidently, the passing was crisp and
there were spells where Islam found it hard to get the ball. This put Islam to
load the midfield reducing their strike force cramming the middle of the park.
This was obviously not to Pafts advance, the midfield was being pressed and it
was difficult to get room for chances.
Islam with the main bulk of play from midfield took control
of the match. Stretching the midfield Paft left holes just in front of the back
four and it was exploited well by the newcomers.
The ball over the top was the main threat from Islam and the
midfield moving up as a unit with close control and passing. They had a few
chances, but weak finishing and the lone striker formation was making it hard
for them to break the dead lock.
Paft found some rhythm once more and the ball was placed
through the middle, this play eventually lead to a corners. Pafts main threat
was from corners and wide play which cut inside for a lay offs. This action
finally paid off with the ball bouncing awkwardly for Islam’s Keeper and Antonio
sniffing out the goal.
It felt familiar; Paft 1 – 0 up and looking as if they could
score more if the opportunities were given to them. However Islam took control
of the possession and began to put pressure on the wings. Luckily they couldn’t
really cross.
A weak pass was made to an Islam player who was offside. It
wasn’t called and the ball was cleared. It was a loose clearance landed in the
path of an Islam player who was quick to chip the ball through on the 18 yard
box. The lone strike managed to meet the pass and shot just to the side of
Marco.
It was 1-1 and feeling a little unlucky we restarted. The
play turned a bit nasty with all sorts of colourful language filling the air.
The main cause of pain was the lino’s, even though Islam had requested them,
they seemed reluctant to take their decision when it was made. This tension was
obviously helped by poor throw in’s and a serious lack of courtesy in saying if
the ball had touched players last or not. These pleasantries once started
continued right though the match.
A few minutes later from a corner the ball dropped down and
hit an Islam player’s arm. As I was behind the player I could not see if he made
movement towards the ball, but it was good enough for Nate to call it and Guy
stepped up. Guy placed it on the spot, and struck. It lifted slightly and went
over the bar. There wasn’t long before the end of the half. Both sides were
having difficulty with cramp due to the tempo set earlier on.
It was half time and it was all change. There was a new
record set by Paft for the number of players in one team for a match, in total
there were 22. This as you can imagine wasn’t too good. As everyone got a part
of the game people were having 30 mins each with others popping on and off if
they needed to. That was the good part; however in an Eriksson style approach to
subs this completely ruined Paths rhythm.
We started the second half. The tempo had slowed dramatically
as players were not quite back to fitness and disjoined from substitutions. Paft
seemed flat footed and Islam continued to play the ball over the top.
I managed to get cramp. It was too bad for me to continue and
the injured Steve L came on to play. This was just before the next shake up of
players and Islam were piling on players. Islam got a corner from a very long
ball which didn’t quite go out of play. This was lofted in to the back post
where Steve was pushed and the Islam player headed the ball into the underside
of the cross bar and went in.
That made it 1 – 2 and Paft stepped up a gear. The majority
of play was on the floor in short simple passes along the wings. Due to the mass
of opposition this often broken down and the ball was spread across the field to
try down the other flank.
There were glimpses of chances but they all petered out. On
another note some spectacular over head kicks were attempted by Guy and Kieran.
Kieran managed to kick someone in the head, quite dangerous really but as it
should be proclaimed “footballs not a pussy’s game” (well most of the time, and
certainly not like a Champions League match)
As I was on the side lines I couldn’t help voicing my options
and yelling at people. If you though it was frustrating playing in that match
you should have tried watching it.
It finished 2-1, the first annoying loss but you can’t be
expected to win everything. I would have felt with the passing at the start, and
the attitude of players we should be able to continue progressing as a team with
new faces appearing all the time.
Cheers to Steve for coming and sorting out the subs and Steve
for organising players while I was struggling with cramp. It was good to see
even more new faces (and old) and it was a good game for Marco and Esa.
Hopefully with the large squad we have we should be able to continue with the
future in mind, and find a way to play everyone with out spoiling the rhythm.
Looking forward to next week as it is the big one. Top of the
league, eager to beat Paft after the close initial game, its Civil Engineers.
This could be interesting. (Not too many goals please as I
write about them)
~ ~ ~
11th January 2006
Paft vs. Abacus
6 - 6
This was hell trying to organise. I will bore you with all the details, which
show we were systematically screwed by other teams cancelling at the very last
moment. I understood it might have been difficult for other teams to find
players for the first week back, but this took the biscuit.
Firstly, due to the sheer lack in numbers for every team apart from Paft, there
were two matches played with Paft players. I know this keeps on happening and
its annoying me too now but some things can't be helped. The planned match
against Korea vs. Abacus was cancelled yesterday. The planned Paft vs. Islam was
fantastically cancelled at 12:30pm match day.
My previous day shenanigans gave me a back up plan for the Korea match as I had
plenty of time to sort it out. However this was not to be this simple.
Computer science were going to field a team against Abacus instead of Korea, but
were worried about their numbers. I had a card up my sleeve, even though I had
Computer Science as back up I knew that Civil would have some players in a
training session, and they could be added to give some numbers to Computer
Science. This was the plan until 11:30pm last night when Computer Science backed
out. This left me no time to sort out anything. I was relying on the large squad
of Paft players to cover this gap.
This would have been sufficient if Islamic team had not cancelled. I called all
the team captains in order to get more players. I was promised four Islamic
players as they had backed out so late, no other team could supply players at
such short notice.
As I had not planned to be a whole team down, there was some desperate sorting
to be done. The main aim was to have a main game of predominantly two normal
teams while the subs would play with the Islamic players in a mixed game against
Civil. We were all waiting around for this to happen until 2:40pm, when it was
obvious that the players promised were not going to appear. This was the main
reason for standing around for so long, nice.
I then tried to grab anyone I could find in the park at the time. I needed
people to play or else the mixed game would not have happened and money for a
pitch would be completely lost. I found some guys and both matches were pretty
much good to go. Even though I got stressed and left the mixed game to get
sorted by others.
Sorting the Paft players would have been easy if we had double of defenders and
goal keepers. As we are a team of midfielders this was a lost battle. The two
matches were now ready to start. I have no idea what happened in the mix game,
from what I heard it was a bit of a school yard kick about, fun but no match as
most will tell you.
Meanwhile I ran back decided it would be good to kick a ball. I was wrong and
turned my ankle slightly, but not too badly. The game started and we were all
struggling with the disgraceful pitch. It was muddy and dangerous. Due to the
lack of players it was a 10 A-side match with a lone striker for Paft.
In the first couple of minutes of play Pat on the left hand side went down. An
injury was not good, we had no subs without taking people from the other game
which was already low on players. While Pat was attending his ankle play
continued, Paft with a man down. Pat was barely able to walk, so the best place
for him was in goal. As he was hobbling over I ran into our area to get the
ball, turning the same ankle again. This time it wasn't good. Paft were now two
men down barely 5 minutes into the game, both with ankle injuries.
I managed to loosen my ankle and play just in front of the defence. Matt who was
previously in goal was now the man in the middle of defence. Not much time after
we had all changed Kieran opened the scoring, sliding onto a ball in the box and
poking it in.
After the restart we had many chances, Chris and Ross with a couple of
first-rate efforts from outside the box from some good passing movements from the midfield.
A pass into the corner was met by Kieran who crossed it to Kass who couldn't
steer the headed ball towards the goal. Later in the game the ball came to Ross
in the middle of the park, he skyed it. It landed in the middle of their area
with Kieran once again popping up to score.
It was looking good, Paft were largely controlling the game apart from Abacus's
direct attacks down the middle. The ball was picked up in the midfield passed
wide and then towards the box. The ball once again reached Kieran who shot. The
ball was saved and rebounded from the keeper. Chris then placed the ball into
the net, it was now 3 - 0 to Paft.
The game then got a little stretched, Abacus mounted an attack. The ball found
its way to the Paft's penalty spot and forced a great save from the injured Pat
and a good defensive recovery to get the ball away and concede the corner. The
ball was chipped into Paft's area which was unsuccessfully cleared. The ball was
flung back into the area where there was a huge goal mouth scramble. An Abacus
player managed to hit the ball towards a gap in the mêlée. Pafts lead was
reduced and at half time the score was 3 -1.
In the other mixed match it was also half time, the random guys I had managed to
get to play had to leave. This lead to a mini game for the remaining Civil
players, myself and Kass. The (frustrated) players from the mixed game were
added to the normal game. To accommodate all the players from the mixed team it
was obvious that the injured would be taken off. This lead to a new structure,
Matt returned to the sticks. Paft had 11 players to Abacuses 10. To keep the
teams even Abacus needed a Paft player, Moussa went onto Abacus's side.
The second half started, the momentum of Abacus continued. They came down the
line and a direct cross to Moussa for a good goal scoring opportunity. The
chance was well taken and the first time volley made the score 3 - 2. The
pressure continued and they scored again from a one on one. The equalising goal
got Paft going once more and from clever movement Guy dinked in a goal. Abacus
responded gaining a corner. The ball was whipped in and creped under the cross
bar near the far post. It was again all even at 4 a piece.
Things got worse as an Abacus player struck the ball well and it flew in. More
was to come as Abacus crossed the ball from a possible offside pass, for a near
post header. This left Paft trailing 4 - 6 towards the end of the match.
Paft made a dash down the middle where Ross managed to get a high ball into the
box. It was the perfect height for Kieran to attempt the overhead kick. The ball
was well struck and beat the keeper.
Time was running out on the clock, and Paft needed a goal to retain their
unbeaten record. Due to all the injuries and the reluctance to lose, extra time
almost seemed never ending. In the last play of the game the ball was brought up
on the right hand side and passed into the box. There was another large goal
mouth scramble. The ball once again landed to Kieran who struck the ball towards
goal. An Abacus player on the goal line stuck his hand out to prevent the goal.
It was an obvious penalty, if not then a goal to be awarded. As the ball fell to
the floor the Abacus player picked up it up. He then declared that the game was
over, (which it should have been) however as not to spoil relations with Abacus,
the penalty was not taken and Paft assumed a 6 all score line.
This is the first full size match (even if in somewhat odd circumstances) which
Paft have drawn. Thanks to all the players who turned up, players playing out of
position and to those who played for the mixed team. In addition to Moussa for
playing with Abacus, even though you did make the game more difficult for us. A
big thanks to all you guys not getting too annoyed at the arrangements today.
I really hope we continue this good run and that poor organisation doesn't make
a mess of future games.
~ ~ ~
14th December 2005
Paft vs. Abacus
6 - 1
This was the last game of the term and a win would mean unbeaten status in
friendlies and league games. There seems to be two clear teams who could will
the Grass Roots League, Civil who are unbeaten with the exception of the
friendly against Paft, and Paft.
I must start with an apology, I forgot to write this report soon after the game
therefore I cannot remember anything. I wrote a text message which had all the
information on the match from which I was going to write the report, I deleted
this when I was drunk . Information it included were the goal scorers and
amusing events. I however happen to remember that Kieran got a hat trick and I
am pretty sure that Guy got two goals but I have not a clue who scored the other
goal. For the time being we shall call him Bob.
This is the match as best I can remember, it will have mistakes.
As you might have known there was the Physics and Astro Christmas Party at Zoo
the night before, as you can expect for the people who went there including my
self got a bit drunk. While at the club I decided I was the fastest guy in the
back four, for which Matt disagreed, obviously the only way to sort this out was
to have a race. The race would be the length of a football pitch before the
Abacus match. We continued to drink and decided it would make things even better
if we had a 10 quid bet.
Matt and I arrived the next day feeling the worst for wears but a bets a bet. We
warmed up, the normal hand shake at the beginning of the race
and then we set off. I was leading at the start but from the corner of my eye I
saw a foot. I correctly guessed this was Matt's foot, as we got to the half way
line I was about half a meter behind Matt. It finished with Matt winning by a
meter. Unfortunately we were now both shagged out. This did not bode well for
the two centre backs at the start of the match.
We once again had more players than the opposition and they once again did not
have a full team until will past the arranged time. This was good however as I
was feeling very ill. The match started and it was going not too badly until
about 5 minutes into the game a Abacus player just sat down.
All things going I was glad for the break. Then we all saw his wrist, it looked
like a huge blood blister bulging out. As far as most of us could tell this was
not good, and the ambulance was phoned. If you ever try getting an ambulance in
the middle of a park its quite hard to describe where you are if they do not
know where the Regents Park football pitches are or the newly built changing
rooms the Hub. The guy who was injured was taken to the Hub for some ice and play was
continued. The ambulance eventually came and was directed to the Hub. (I have no idea on how the guy is now or what happened as I cannot
get through to Henry, Abacus captain)
Anyways as the numbers of Abacus players were dropping like flies the game
continued. The beginning was fairly scrappy until a Abacus player just out side
the box let a volley fly, beating everything but the bar, which it struck and
flew out for a goal kick. That seemed to regain peoples concentration and a few
minutes later Kieran who had missed some sitters a few minutes earlier, belted
the ball on the volley into the top of the goal. Nice.
The game restarted and Abacus were still in the game, making chances and coming
close. On a break Kieran got the ball in the box and it was 2 - 0. Abacus came
back stronger and their pressure made it 2 -1. The game was feeling a little
close for comfort now and Paft pressed gain to make the difference two once more.
Guy dribbling past players and finishing well. We went into half time with a two
goal lead.
After a short break and plenty of water, play was resumed. Abacus started
strongly again and it all but looked like an equalising goal as they entered
Pafts' box. The run had split the defence and was met by a well weighted Abacus
ball. The striker was now in Pafts area where Matt hunted him down, and with a
excellent, well timed sliding tackle managed to get the ball without giving a
penalty. It was a point in the match when Paft players started to click again,
the passing was more direct as it had been in other matches. The ball was
quickly flung up field where Guy latching onto the ball over the top made it
4 - 1. Abacus seemed to lose heart, the attacks we had seen from them were over.
Paft cruised to the end with Bob scoring and Kieran wrapping things up with a
hat trick.
( I have recently found out that Bob is Chris - who also got two assists for
Kieran's first and Guy's second. In addition Kieran set Guy's first and Kish set
up a goal for Kieran)
The man of the match was Kieran for his hat trick and performance. This means
Paft go into second term with winning all previous games. With newcomers Islam
to play, it can be a clean sweep of initial games played against all teams in
the league.
I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Years. As promised here are my
results from the penguin games.
Results of Penguin games:-
Records
Original version
Head up 593.5 (Dave A)
Head down 492.7 (Dave A)
Bloody version
Distance 1140.6 (Steve H)
Dave's Results
Original version
Head up 593.5
Head down 492.7
Bloody version
Distance 1024.0
Links
Original version
http://leech.dk/penguin.swf
Bloody version
http://tinyurl.com/ca5g2
http://www.supakoo.com/james/blog/content/binary/penguins.swf
~ ~ ~
7th December 2005
Paft vs. Korea
4 - 1
This was the eagerly awaited game against Korea. In true
fashion of the year we had bucket loads of players and the opposition didn’t.
This meant as Korea only had eight players at the start, they needed some
sympathy. Adrian and Omi were happy to go on the other side to help out.
In shear complexity of having to many players and after the match against
Civil, it was decided (by me) that the defence would remain very similar through
out the match. The midfield and in fact any other position was up for grabs and
to reduce misunderstands, the majority of changes would be made at half time.
My apologies to Jaff, Adrian and Omi having under the 45 minutes due to the
number of people who turned up.
The game started quite swiftly and Paft were quick to put pressure on Korea
whenever they got the ball. Korea had fairly attacking minded midfield, so yet
again Paft were able to find room in between their defence and midfield. This
caused all sorts of problems for Korea.
The first goal came from a thrown in down the left, where the ball was passed
into the box and after some tight passes it landed to Chris who put it passed
the Keeper. The second came soon after, Guy finding the ball in a similar area
as Chris, simply placed it into the net.
The game then started to get a bit rough with people going in for heavy tackles
and Matt being the one more likely to be still walking. Unfortunately Korea
replied and Steve amongst others was on the end of many of the lunges.
Korea gained a few of their players and Adrian and Omi were then on the side
lines. The Paft defence was caught of guard by a through ball and with a couple
of missed tackles Korea found the goal.
Paft restarted and it was a couple of minutes before half time when Nate crossed
the ball from the left into the box. There was a kafuffle in the box at the end
of the kafuffle Antonio popped up to finish. Two goals once more separated the
teams.
In Antonio's own words as I didn't see this properly;
"It was a perfect crossing from Nate to me, I let the ball go between my legs
and I back-heeled it, as otherwise the goalie or the defender could have stopped
it. The poor defender didn't see what happened and fell inside the goal! So no
kafuffle, just pure South-American skills!"
I must mention the spectacular foul Tom produced, losing his footing and as
tripping decided he couldn’t get the ball, so as all good defenders know - if
you can’t get the ball you might as well get the player. Resulting in him and
the attacker sprawled along the touch line. Classic.
The half was all but over, Paft had been gifted the ball from a sloppy goal kick
which Steve picked up and struck towards goal. The keeper got his hands to it
but the power was enough to make it 4 – 1.
The half was over and the mass substitution happened. After the break a more
organised Korea came out, which were willing to break and slide the ball in just
behind the defence.
To add to Koreas woes one of there 11 players now was injured. Chris went over
to help Korea out, as there man was in some distress. He played far too well for
them and it was lucky that they got their man back on quickly.
Paft found it hard to attack as they had in the first half, often lacking in the
final pass. This was not helped by the fact it was dark, very dark. Paft managed
to counter attack from many of the Koreans advances but it was not the half for
goals. It ended 4 – 1.
Continuing this winning streak Paft go into the game against Abacus with three
wins under their belt and the chance of making it a term without a loss. Well to
the whole team performance and let’s keep on winning.
~ ~ ~
23rd November 2005
Paft vs. Computer Science
7 - 1
This was the first game that Computer Science have played
since joining the league. Unfortunately it showed in the friendly against Paft.
The result was partially given to us on a plate but eclipsed with some great
passing movements and some great strikes.
I am afraid once again the match report may be lacking in some detail as I
couldn’t really see the ball past the half way line through the darkness, but
bear with me.
The match started late due to computer science having a lecture until 2pm it was
getting a bit dark so only 40 minute halves would be played. Paft made a good
start, pressuring their defence causing numerous mistakes which it seems to drop
at Guys feet. Kass was finding lots of room down the left hand side, linking
well with Kish and Moussa. Before we know it we had scored. As far as I can
remember the first goal was picked up by Adrian near the half way line, passed
down the line to Kass then towards the middle where Guy picked it up and rifled
it into the goal. The second goal again picked up by Adrian was again quickly
passed to Moussa who took the ball and ran at their defence, laid off to Guy for
him to score his second.
After a few quick goals Computer Science filled the
midfield and started to run down the flanks. They didn’t have much support in
attacks during the first half and were robbed numerous times at the edge of our
area. Then on a break Paft strikers then put pressure on
Computer Science's defence once more and their keeper inadvertently passed the ball to
Guy, who as expected put the ball in the net for his hat trick. The game was a little stretched at times
but Paft had the better of the possession and the half.
The second half started and it was noticeable darker. Computer Science started
well plugging the gaps in midfield and making the game a lot tighter. They found
a lot of space just in front of the defence playing in a wide ball when Paft was
on the back foot. For all their possession and attempts they found it hard to
get a shot on target and were unlucky on a few crosses. In the mean time Kass
was being more heavily marked and the left hand side was harder to get through.
The aim of attack was then changed from the left to the right where Steve H, Kish
and Moussa held the ball and made the pass around the defence. Charlie managed
to cross the ball on the right hand side which floated into the box where Guy buried his
fourth. Computer Science were a little disappointed but continued to press
forward and playing the numbers game up front.
Paft had possession and the ball was booted
speculatively into the box. It dropped over Guy’s right shoulder and with a
fantastic first time volley, was stuck and flew into the top of the goal, just
dipping under the bar. It was by far the best effort of the day and added to the
impressive number of goals scored. It just kept on getting better, Guy who was
almost at the grand of age of 22 scored his final of the day, indecently his
second hat trick from an excellently weighted ball from Kish.
It was not over however in a desperate attempt to score Computer Science loaded
the attack and went for the direct route at goal with pace. The ball was flung down the
left hand side and their winger got there just before the defence. A low ball
came in to the box and unfortunately for Adrian who tried to get the ball out of
play, toe poked it into the post where it span and creped in. Amongst the
taunting from the opposition, Adrian, who seemed far too amused about it, shuck
it off and play continued. Towards there was an end a great move in midfield
where Guy placed the ball for Kish who struck the ball into the far corner and
for the final goal of the match.
That was the pretty much end of play and yet again Paft had convincingly won.
The whole team performance was excellent and hopefully we can continue this form
into the next two matches.
I’m guessing I have got the order slightly wrong and neglected to say too much
about the defence however it was a solid performance from Steve, Matt, Adrian,
Tom and Dave. Thanks to Matt and Steve in particular for going in goal..
Again if there are any errors please let me know
~ ~ ~
26th October 2005
Paft vs. Civil Eng
5 - 3
This was the first match of an annoying unplanned season. There were lots of new
faces as well as some old. The match started with Paft being pressed quite hard
by Civil Eng who too had new players this season. The first goal came from
sustained pressure splitting the defence and glancing into the goal.
Paft replied with a composed finish by Moussa who had a one-on-one with the
keeper, kept his head and slotted it away. Scores were level and there was
everything to play for. There was much joy against Civil with the though ball
and short passes though the middle of the park yet the goal was not to come.
Annoyingly civil scored again. On a separate note towards the end of the first
half Chris went into the box and seemed to be fouled, nothing came of the farce
and we went into the break 1 - 2.
Start of the second half I'm afraid I was tending my back and trying desperately
trying to put 18 people into an 11 a side team, so I have no idea what the hell
went on the pitch. I do know that we scored with Nate, and then Nate again put
one away. This brought the scores back to level and then more importantly we
were one up, the momentum was with Paft. Changes were again made to accommodate
players and this saw Civil take the back foot still. Many chances went wide,
until a free kick was given on the edge of the box which Steve took it upon
himself to take. The free kick and whipped straight down the middle, but more
significantly just below the bar.
Paft now had the upper hand two goals up and not long left it was there to be
won. Civil stepped up the gear but with less subs found it hard to get through
relatively fresh legs. Civil struck on the counter attack there pace was too
much and they managed to squeeze one into the net. Time not being on Civil’s
side they resorted to trying to go through the middle, this was to our advantage
and the midfield smothered them. Then in the dieing moments of the game Kass
found space ran towards the goal avoiding tackles he made his mark and finished
the game in the style. Paft had managed to win against a good team with
unfamiliar faces with lots of character.
This should mean good times ahead, a fresh team with a lot of potential. The man
of the match Nate and well deserved.
(If anyone can remember specifics about Nate's goals I’ll add those entries soon
and if I have made any error in spelling names, just email me)
