Match reports - 2004/2005
Match reports - 2004/2005
Thes reports should be updated at the end of each playing month.
To see a breakdown of each team's players and squads for this month refer to the individuals teams in Club Squads
September 2004
Saturday 4th September Premier Division VILLAGE F.C. 2 Sutton United 1 A good start to the season against a side whose youth and pace
had given us trouble last year and who are expected to be there or
thereabouts again this season. A very solid performance with Andy
Marfleet giving us the lead after 20 minutes with a volley from the
edge of the box. After 35 minutes a scuffed shot from one of their
lads, who somehow got between three defenders in the middle,
saw them equalise. The second half hardly saw them have a
chance and with 15 to go we rattled the bar only for Greg Reed to
seal the points three minutes later with a near post header from a
corner. Division 3 VILLAGE F.C.'D' 1 Malremo Rangers 3 The first ten minutes saw us under the cosh in this one but
gradually it became more even until they took the lead after 25
minutes. This was a complete fluke when a blocked tackle saw the
ball lob back up over our keeper. Nonetheless we created the
better chances and gradually showed more belief and on 55
minutes Dan Howard slipped home the equaliser. We seemed to
be heading for a draw, which would have been a fair result but no -
hero turned villain and Dan was caught on the edge of the box and
with 7 to go they were in front. We pressed and pressed and this
led to them getting another in the dying moments. Good
performance, bad result.
Division 8 Wythall Athletic 3 VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 2 A match Village should not have lost. A pretty even start from both
teams in searing early September heat saw one of the Wythall
players lose his cool and kick out wildly at Andy Bown. The ref
was left with no option and Village were against 10 men. They
soon took the lead when a Dan Wyborn free-kick which the keeper
let go through his hands. 1-0 at the half. The Wythall players were clearly fired up as the challenges were
flying in. they equalised soon after the break when Mark
Fairbrother mistimed a jump at the ball and only succeeded in
knocking their forward over. Penalty converted for 1-1. Another
keeping error from the Wythall keeper allowed an Andy Bown free
kick to wriggle free and Junior Forbes was on hand to make him
pay from his customary two-yard finish. As they tired however
Village were unable to hang on as a weak goal kick led to a
headed equaliser. In the last 15 minutes Wythall piled on the
pressure and a mix up between Steve Hale and Mark Fairbrother
on the line led to the Wythall winner. Some pleasing performances for the first game of the season
(Paul Carter, Andy Bown & Phil Newland) and Man of the Match to
the returning Ben Evans. Saturday 11th September PREMIER DIVISION Ajax United 3 VILLAGE F.C. 1 Not a good second week. As always seems to happen at this
ground, we worked hard but never adapted as well as they did to a
poor surface. We had chances, particularly in the first half but their
very direct game saw them take the lead after a goalless first half
and then score again just as we seemed we might get back in. We
couldn't complain when they got another and substitute Dan Atkins'
fine late strike was simply a consolation.
DIVISION ONE VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 1 Sutton United 'B' 1 A solid start to the new campaign. The game was played in
difficult windy conditions and this along with a certain amount of
"new season settling in" resulted in a bit of a kick and rush game,
decorated by the occasional well constructed Village break.
Despite having three very good chances to take the lead, Village
went behind to a goal in the 25th minute. After losing possession
in or around our own half once too often.
Village upped the tempo in the second half and got a deserved and
well worked equaliser. Rogers slipped the ball down the left to
Nagle who fired a low pass across the six yard box, where Trigger,
who had been getting into goal scoring positions all match, was on
hand to stroke the ball home. Village could have won and on
chances created should have won. However, on the balance of play
a draw was a fair result.
Good performances from Griffin, Nagle, Wilson and Fleming
Promising Performances from substitutes Henderson and Ellery &
Bailey. Man of the match: D Penfold
DIVISION TWO VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 0 Airmark 3 Another inauspicious performance from one of our sides. The usual 'C' team discipline was there but with retirements and absentees
plus the elevation of one or two to the higher sides, we lacked
creativity and never threatened an uninspiring Airmark side.
SEPTEMBER 18th PREMIER DIVISION VILLAGE F.C. 2 Penncroft 1 Being back at Aston gave us a platform to play a bit more football which we duely did against a solid Penncroft side. After a bright
beginning though, we began to meander a bit and allowed one of
their quick skilful attackers time to turn around the edge of the box -
0-1. We quickly struck back when they obligingly left Dave
Newton unmarked at a corner and he thundered home Carson
Tweedie's weighted delivery. Chances came and went but we
didn't seem to quite have the edge we needed to break through a
niggardly but pedestrian backline. So stick the big man on, stick it
in the box and ten seconds later Dave Newton hits home a loose
ball. Not pretty but sometimes you have to do it. We can do better,
we will do better but I guess 6 points isn't a bad return from the
first three. Lots of hard work and good performances from all of the defence
and Carson and Andy Marfleet in particular.
DIVISION ONE VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 1 Globe 4 A decent start went rapidly downhill. Village allowed Globe time on the ball to play, and play they did. In a torrid first 35 minutes
Globe ran riot. A series of sharp moves meant Globes created 5 or 6 good chances, they took three of them well and Village contributed an own goal to leave a shell shocked Village 0-4 down at half time.
A few home truths at half time and a commitment to close them
down prevented what could have been a total embarrassment. A
gutsy second half saw Village create a number of good chances
and Globe hardly any. Village got a consolation goal when a good
run from Dunsford into the box bought a foul and Vaughan
converted the resulting penalty well. A lot of positives to take from
the second half performance and some harsh lessons from the
first.
Bancroft played well. Griffin competed from the opening whistle. Despite the four goals Fleming was solid in goal. James Howse
came on after 50 mins and played very well. Bailey booked after
70 mins for an agricultural tackle on Globe's very quick winger.
M.O.M goes to Rogers who fought from the start to the end.
Division Three VILLAGE F.C. 4 Silhill 'C' 0 League leaders Silhill probably expected an easy ride in this game but came unstuck against a game Village side. At half-time it was
two nil and while season debutant James Cullis's performance in
goal certainly helped we always looked the more likely of two good
sides to score more. In the end goals were shared by Jon Denley
(2), Sid Khan and substitute Rob Kennedy.
DIVISION 8 Bio Care (Eccleston & Hart 'B') 9 VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 7 What can be said? A goal every 7 minutes with the result in doubt right up until the last minute. A makeshift Village team took a
surprise lead after only 2 minutes when after a sweeping move the
new centre midfielder Rich Munro struck home a Sam Henderson
cross. The lead didn’t last long a the tormentor of the Village team,
a very young looking and very quick 17 year old sped through the
Village defence and had to be hauled down by Anthony Everett.
The pace and movement of the E & H forwards was a problem for
Village all game and their 2nd goal duly arrived 5 minutes later.
More shoddy defending left their forward unmarked in the box to
head home their 3rd. But unlike the Village E perhaps of old the
team showed some heart and still maintained whenever possible
the Village tradition of passing football and this was rewarded when
a Sam Henderson shot, from a Will Jones pass was deflected of
the static E & H keeper. But no sooner had Village scored E & H
would go down the other end and notch another. On the stroke of
half time Henderson notched his 2nd from a Rich Munro corner. 4-3
at the half.
The half time talk of keeping it simple and tight and still trying to
play football fell seemingly on deaf ears as E & H scored 2 quick
goals within minutes to make the score 6-3. But still the Village
heads did not drop and the excellent Andrew Bown latched onto a
Junior Forbes through ball to register his first goal. However further
lapses in concentration by Forbes & Munro allowed the score to
move to 8-4. Many teams would have collapsed but not this team.
Andy Bown reverted to centre forward and the team reaped the
rewards. After being fouled Henderson floated over a free kick
which allowed David Price to stoop and head home – 8-5. There
followed 2 very well taken goals by Bown to take him to his hat
trick from Graham Jackson and Dave Csondor (Centre-midfield!)
with only 2 minutes let on the clock. With Village pouring forward
for a deserved equaliser the 17 year old ran the length of the pitch
to seal the game for E & H – 9-7.
Even though the team conceded 9 goals it was a very good team
performance in difficult circumstances and none of the team
should be disappointed with their performance. For some of these
guys it was their first game in over a year. If they perform like this
in future games this team will win a lot more than it will lose.
A good performance from Richard Munro, Sam Henderson and
Kamran Saddique, but man of the match goes to Andy Bown.
SEPTEMBER 25th PREMIER DIVISION VILLAGE F.C. 3 Old Nortonians 1 Probably our best display of the season as we claimed a clear
second place in the table but still plenty of room for further
improvement. We opened brightly knocking the ball around at pace
on an excellent pitch. It took us 25 minutes to take the lead. Old
Norts had barely cleared a shot from Carson Tweedie that rapped
against the crossbar when Dave Newton 27 yards out flicked the
ball up and volleyed over the keeper. Unfortunately we went to
sleep then and quickly gave away a sloppy equaliser before Steve
Marfleet made space in the box and set up Ubong Umotong for the
second. Most of the fits twenty minutes of the second half took
place around their box but we were profligate to say the least and
needed to show more composure. Eventually Nick Longley looking
lively and constructive set up Ubong for the clincher with 5 minutes
to go. A good debut by Thomas Marianczak in goal; great
performances by Dave Newton and Ubong Umotong in central
midfield; lively performances by Carson on the left and Dan Atkins
up front; and of course solid performances everywhere else.
DIVISION ONE Old Wulfrunians 'B' 3 VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 2 You could probably play this game 9 times out of ten and Village would not lose it, yet after coasting they managed to throw this
game away. The game started really well as Dan Howard laid the
ball into David Penfold who surged into the box and legs were
taken away from him. Nick Vaughan despatched the penalty with
some aplomb. Old Wulfs rarely troubled the Village defence and
Martin Waud making his debut was settling in well with Carl Griffin.
Constant Village pressure failed to make any further impression on
the Old Wulfs goal with Howard and Rob Dunford both going close.
1-0 at the half.
The half time talk of keeping it simple and tight and still trying to play football was duly taken on board and some good pressure
from Dunford led to Village regaining possession from Old Wulfs
throw. A Howard cross led to Penfold making the score 2-0. Village
were cruising, but were then made to rue further missed chances
from Vaughan, Penfold and Phil Kyei. With 15 minutes to go the
game turned on the Old Wulfs introduction of their substitutes.
With Old Wulfs pouncing onto a keeper clearance a simple ball
over the top left Griffin one on one. The striker shot early and well
across the keeper to make it interesting at 2-1. The game soon
was made even more interesting with only 5 minutes to go when
the referee awarded a penalty for what he assumed was a foul by
Waud. A decision that was hard to take for all those who were
close to the action and saw Waud pull out of the challenge and the
Old Wulfs player just fall over. Forbes in goal never got close. Even
though Village were deflated they still had chances to win it, but
somehow Penfold managed to head over the bar from 6 yards out
and the goal at his mercy. Old Wulfs were less profligate in front of
goal. Their 3rd goal duly arrived in pretty much the same fashion as
the other 2 as a ball over the top led to their striker running onto the
ball a coolly slotting the ball home to send Village home defeated
and gutted.
It was a very good team performance for 70 minutes and none of
the team should be disappointed with their performance, only with
the result.
A good performance from Paul Wilson and Andy Bancroft but man
of the match on his debut goes to Martin Waud.
Division 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 4 Colinthians 'B' 2 This was more like it from the Cs, who secured a win in their
second league game of the season, despite being stretched for
players. The side was well organised as usual particularly at the
back, where they gave plenty of support to impressive debutant
keeper Ian Wale. Another debutant Sabri Oueslati was amongst
the scorers in a game we were never going to lose once we pulled
back an early 1-0 deficit. Dave Csondor missed a hatful but also
notched 2 and Phil Newland, who always scores, completed the
scoring after coming on as substitute
Division 3 University Barbarians 6 VILLAGE F.C.'D' 2 A disappointment this for a much weakened D team, although 3-1
would have made a fairer scoreline. There were just too many
influential absentees to give us much of a chance against an
experienced outfit, although the bright spots included Simon Petri's
first full game and two more goals from club top scorer Sam
Henderson, who's pace will trouble teams at this level every week.
Festival League VILLAGE FC SUNDAY ? ?? ? I can't tell you much about the Sunday team's performance
because I haven't received a report but I saw quite a bit of the first
half and they played pretty well, twice coming from behind with
goals from Simon Redfern to leave it poised at 2-2 at half-time.
October 2004
2nd October Premier Division Old Wulfrunians 2 VILLAGE F.C. 2 Honours even in this top of the table clash. Wulfs dominated the
first twenty with their pace and movement and we did well to keep
them to Simon Ardle's well-worked goal. Gradually we worked them
out and began to stop them playing and before half-time a well
taken penalty by Dan Atkins put us level. The start of the second half saw the sides cancel each other out and there were few chances at either end. Eventually we began to dominate and then Wulfs took the lead - against the run of play - with a sloppily conceded penalty. Substitutes Dave Conlon and Nick Longley came on and immediately we began to look dangerous. It was only
a matter of time before we scored and eventually Dave was released down the left and an excellent cross was dispatched back across the keeper by Longers head. Another good performance - hard work, good shape and two good goals - but still more to come in terms of quality which augers well for the season.
County Junior Cup Round 1 VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 3 Top Bell 0 A great attitude to this game from all 14 players. We will never know if Top Bell, from the Kidderminster Premier, can play
because Village stamped out any potential danger quickly and
never allowed the visitors to settle. Each player won their individual
battle from the start. The play was slick and the passing led to a
number of early chances. The opening goal however, came from a
wonderful individual effort from Dunford, who collected the ball fully
25 yds from goal, and hit an unstoppable shot high and to the
keepers left. Dunford again looked sharp when a defence splitting
ball was slipped through by Bancroft leaving him one on one with
the keeper, a swift hard shot with his left foot left the keeper
grasping thin air. In the last minute of the first half, Howard waltzed
down the right wing beating at least 3 players, before chipping a
delightful ball to the back post for Penfold to head home from two
inches.
Top Bell were more competitive in the second half and whilst never threatening to get back into the game (other than from Village free
kicks!?), restricted Village to 4 very good chances. Unfortunately,
Rogers, Kyei, Penfold and Bain were all rather too charitable in the
6 yard box to increase the score. This should be a platform to
build on, selection permitting.
Great performances from all, special mention for Howard, Bancroft and Waud.
Man of the Match to an impressive Rob Dunford. Division Two Barclays Bank 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 0 A tight game with our boys again well organised if at times
uninspiring against one of the Division's top sides. It was well into
the second half when they went ahead and we pushes forward in
vain in search of the equaliser, leaving us vulnerable to the clincher
with 5 minutes left. Probably a fair result but plenty to build on.
Division Three VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 0 Old Wulfrunians 'C' 1 This one was a disappointment as without doubt the Ds were the
better side and created more chances. However you have to score
to win and when we missed a late penalty, they immediately broke
up the other end and a cruel deflection left the scoreline with an
unjust look. No heads were bowed however and the Ds will continue to progress.
Division Eight VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 0 Handsworth GSOB 'E' 0 Looking at the form for both teams going into this game it had the potential of being an end to end goal feast – but it was not to be. However this may be the kick-start to the season that the E team needs. A hard fought and deserved first point of the season was earnt. Surprisingly enough manager Steve Hale showed confidence in keeping together the centre-half pairing of Kamran Saddique and Junior Forbes. Kicking with the wind and slope Village started far the more dangerously as they attacked the opposition goal, but
never quite seem able to breach some at times desperate defending. Making his E team debut Simon Petri looked good going forward and had a few tricks that set the team rolling. The ever-green Shaun McKenzie added such more needed zest to the team and gave not just 100%, but his own blood as well from a spirited challenge from the opposition. The keeper Richard Frampton was rarely troubled and the half time score of 0-0 was not really a reflection of the possession dominance of Village.
The change in direction led to Handsworth Grammar showing a
little more, but the excellent Kamran Saddique rose to the challenge and thwarted any serious challenges that broke. Phil Newland up front was feeding on the few scraps that came his way and put in a lot of good work when given the opportunity. The only real scare for Village was when a Handsworth Grammar player handled the ball into the net, but the referee luckily spotted this.
Village could have won the game at the death if Andy Bown could have converted when put through, but alas it was not to be. The final score 0 – 0. A spirited showing, but a little more guile is needed to win fixtures like this.
A very good performance from the whole of the defence, who the
previous game, had conceded 9. Steve Hale had a very good second half and Simon Petri showed there’s more to come from this fellow. Man of the Match however goes to Kamran Saddique.
The referee – who I’ve never mentioned previously in match reports I thought had an excellent game and missed pretty much nothing. 9th October AFA Senior Cup Round 2 Illsley O.B. 0 VILLAGE F.C. 2 (aet) A difficult pitch, swirling wind and hard working lower division
opposition made this a tricky afternoon. We perhaps didn't put enough in in the first 70 minutes and as a result, whilst never in trouble (Tony dealt well with their two shots on target) didn't create a lot. It must have been frustrating for those playing up front. Eventually they tired and we began to exploit the space that opened up and after a goalless 90 minutes sealed the game early
in extra time. First Roberto Carlos was brought down after a surging run into their box (Ubong Umotong dispatched the penalty with aplomb) and a few moments later Ubong's excellent cross was glided home by Dave Newton's head.
Division One VILLAGE F.C 'B' 1 vs Welwyn 0 A lively start by Village and the enormous superiority should have been converted into goals, however, it wasn't and the usual football
thing looked likely to happen. Welwyn worked their way back into
the game and were on top for the 10 minutes before the interval.
The 0-0 half time score line was disappointing and Village decided to play a more offensive game in the second half. Unfortunately a
strong wind contributed to a very scrappy second half affair with neither side really looking likely to score. Phil Kyei replaced Alan Bain in the 60th minute in an attempt to up the attacking force, still little to trouble Welwyn. Nagle came of the bench with 10 minutes to go and played a delightful one two with Kyei to settle the game in Village's favour! Thankfully!
Martin Waud and Carl Griffin were excellent at the back. Dan
Stoner and Andy Bancroft tireless. Dan Howard sparked some interesting moves
- M-O-M Martin Waud
AFA Minor Cup Round 1 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 5 Coilinthians 'C' 1 This one was 0-0 at half time. We had dominated the first half and
created and missed several chances whereas Cols only had one
good chance on the break. Stan Karski then scored about 10-15
minutes into the second half with a low hard shot into the corner
after his first shot was blocked. Further goals followed from Sabri
Oueslati from close range, Jon Vaughan with a powerful header,
Mark Allison (from the edge of the area after good work from
Oueslati) and Ben Evans (a complete fluke - lucky not to go down
as an own goal after the keeper somehow contrived to allow a
cross to bounce in off the post). A consolation goal followed for
Cols.
Division Three Wake Green 'C' 3 VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 1 We took the lead in this one pretty early on when Sid Khan coolly took aim from 25 yards out and lofted it over the hapless custodian
for one of the best goals Sid has seen in years. By half-time,
however, the cheers had died down and three quick goals by
Wakes left the Ds with a mountain to climb. Unfortunately they had
left their crimpons behind and barely mustered a shot in a lack
lustre second half display. They will have good days though so no
cause for despondency just yet.
Division Eight Old Wulfs 'E' 4 VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 4 Yet another end to end game with a last minute goal. A totally
different Village team once again took the park with stand in
manager Shaun McKenzie having to be introduced to 3 new team
mates 10 minutes before the kick-off and having to decide on the
best formation.
Debutantes Lee Standen and Andy Lockett started in centre
midfield and although up against 3 acquitted themselves very well.
Villages had much the better of the opening exchanges, and were
unlucky not to take the lead when Junior Forbes and Phil Newland
both went close early on. It was very much against the run of play
when after 18 minutes an Old Wulfs break ended when their striker
shot across Richard Frampton who could only just help the ball in.
Village responded forcefully however and soon equalised when an
Anthony Everitt cross was controlled and lashed into the net by
Nick Small. In reality the keeper had a David James moment, but
they all count. Both teams created further chances, but the half-
ended 1 a piece.
Village were again strongly out of the traps but were unable to
convert their possession into goals. They were made to pay when a
needless given away free kick resulted in Frampton only being able
to palm the ball onto the crossbar and Old Wulfs hungrily feasted
on the rebound. Not to be out done Village showed their spirit and
scored the goal of the game. Newland took possession of the ball
and drifted out to the right. An early cross was then well volleyed
home by Forbes running in at the far post. From the sublime to the
ridiculous. Dave Human who was having an excellent first game
back soon became “Comedy Dave”. A clear shout of keepers was
heard by one and all, but Dave in his wisdom decided to ignore this
and pass the ball wide of the on rushing Frampton and instead to
the grateful Old Wulfs forward. 3-2. But this Village team will not
lay down. More good work down the left hand side by the excellent
Everitt, resulted in him pulling the ball back to Forbes who drove it
home to make it 3-3. Village should then have gone onto a
deserved victory, but were undone by another error to allow a
disputed 4th goal. Village en mass tried to do an Arsenal and try
and convince the ref. that the ball hadn’t crossed the line, but it
was not to be. A big kick in the teeth. But for the final time Village
attacked and Human redeemed himself with a superbly flighted ball
for the on rushing David Price to soar like an eagle to head home
an equaliser for the 4th time. The final score 4-4.
Another good performance from the team, especially from Standen
and Lockett in the centre. McKenzie from an attacking point of
view!! Dave Human won almost everything in the air and Forbes
took his opportunities well. However man of the match goes to
Anthony Everitt.
16th October Birmingham County FA Junior Vase Round 1 VILLAGE F.C. 2 Polesworth and North Warwicks 0 Being drawn against last year's winners and the team now second in Midland Comb One in the first round seemed a bit harsh but we bit our lips and gave it a go. In fact the first 15 minutes when they moved well, passed quickly and accurately short and long went as we might have feared. Once we got our noses in front from a Rich Hadley header at a corner though, we looked the better side and they gradually ran out of ideas and hope. It was a good feeling when Dan Atkins slotted coolly home from Dave Newton's incisive pass and it was clear there would be no way back for Polesworth. Definitely our best performance of the season. Everyone played well and defensively we were awesome. There's still more to come too. Division One BBGR 2 VILLAGE F.C 'B' 0 A terrific game of football. Both side fully committed with a number of very juicy tackles in the first 20 mins. Village started brightly and were slightly ahead on chances created when BBGR were awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal. A high ball was flicked on to a BBGR striker, 6yds out directly in front of the goal, he put it away neatly. After this Village were under pressure, however, the pressure was resisted and Village dominated for the 10 mins before the interval. Village started the second half well and again created good chances. Again none of these chances were converted. With Village looking more like levelling the game a sloppy pass out of defence led to a corner and BBGR's second goal. Village pushed on after this and created at least 3 good chances but to no avail. A very encouraging performance, to stand up and be counted in a hostile game shows a lot of team spirit. If Village Bs could start to score the pressure would lift and the players would get the reward their had work deserves. All 14 players were excellent no individual stands out. Thanks to Benno for helping out and playing very well. Division Two VILLAGE F.C 'C' 4 Wake Green Amateurs 'B' 4 Blimey this really was the one that got away. Against highflyers Wakes we made all the running in the first half, played some nice football and were deservedly 4-1 up at half time and indeed with 25 minutes to go. AFA President Ted Hill remarked how there could only be one result and that it would be Wake's first of the season. How wrong can you be. We flunked it and even missed a chance to go back in front right at the death. Rich Munro, John Ellery, Dave Csondor and Sabri Oueslati were our markspeople. Division Three VILLAGE F.C 'D' 1 Shirley Athletic 'B' 3 We rather flunked this one too. After going down after 20 minutes we pulled one back through GB Ladipo, assisted by John Small, before the break and had a glorious chance to take the lead two minutes later. The second half was even and the flag happy Shirley linesman disallowed a decent goal for us before with 20 minutes to go we made some adventurous substitutions. Unfortunately it was Shirley who cashed in on 74 minutes and as we pressed for the equaliser they sealed the points with 3 minutes to go. Despite the result we were no worse than these league leaders and surely its only a matter of time before the Ds climb the league. Division Eight Unity Star 6 VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 2 Well, the E team games are nothing if not exciting with goals galore. Once again an 8 goal thriller, but Village only managed to score 2 of them. More full team debutants in the shape of Nick Davenport, right midfield, Mike Keeling, centre midfield and Steve Eldridge at centre forward. Mark Cook then came on as a first half substitute for the injured Davenport. Village started on the back foot as Unity popped the ball about early with much assurance and looked likely to score with every attack. They duly did so after 8 minutes when the ball was played up to the forward who controlled, turned a fired a shot across Richard Frampton in the Village goal. The 2nd goal was a disaster a long throw (from just before the half way line – I kid you not!) was hurled into the Village box and after one bounce Frampton could only palm the ball into the net. After this it appeared like several Village heads dropped and it seemed only a matter of how many they would score. All the play was taking part in the Village half of the pitch. The 3rd goal also proved an embarrassment to Frampton as the goal was scored from the touchline and somehow managed to beat him on his near post. The fourth goal duly arrived as Unity played with Village stroking the ball about before a shot from fully 30 yards when the player was not closed down ended up in the top corner. The fifth came on the stroke of half time.. The only thing Village offered in the first half was a break from Junior Forbes which resulted in a free-kick from the edge of the area from Keeling which was easily saved. Shaun McKenzie offered some of the harshest words ever heard on a football pitch and it didn’t appear to have any effect as Unity scored a 6th when a cross was left by Dave Human, Frampton and McKenzie to allow the Unity captain to claim his first of the season from 3 yards out. Village however showed more back bone and the new boys Keeling and Cooke were instrumental in helping to drive the team further forward up the pitch. Eldridge was showing some nice touches and it was his long throw that resulted in Forbes getting in front of his defender to head one home at the near post. This gave the team a little hope and seemed to lead to Unity arguing amongst themselves. Cooke went very close with one headed effort that was cleared off the line from a corner, but he duly got his reward with quick reactions to a Lee Standen shot to claim the rebound and make the final score 6-2. A shame that Village only decided to turn up for the 2nd half when the game was dead and buried. Not many things to be proud of in this performance, but the new boys Keeling and Cooke acquitted themselves well, but Man of the Match goes to Nick Small who did and excellent job at right back in very difficult circumstances 23rd October Birmingham AFA Senior Cup Round 3 VILLAGE F.C. 3 Wake Green Amateurs 2 After the Lord Mayor's show.... It only took us 20 minutes to have this game in the bag. First Rich Hadley and then Dave Newton netted fine goals following set pieces. That of course should have been that but we proceeded to stroll our way through the rest of the first half and some lack lustre defending saw our lead evaporate by half-time. Only when the prospect of extra-time loomed in desperate conditions did we get our ar%$s into gear and we were all thankful when Dave Conlon slotted home a cool injury-time winner. Division Two VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 5 Smithswood 6 An annoying one this one. We were 5-1 down at the break and out of it but gradually hauled ourselves back into contention. At 5-4 down we a had an absolutely penalty not given by a rather timid referee and came back again after they had stretched their lead further. The equaliser proved elusive and another potential point against a top side slipped away.Dave Csondor was again on the score sheet with Phil Kyei and half-time substitute Stan Karski both grabbing 2. Division Four Illsley O.B. 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 2 An excellent result for the Ds against the A team's tormentors from a couple of weeks ago. Slow starters we may be and 2-0 down after 20 minutes but after that it was an even game and no surprise when Stu Kelly lulled one back a minute after coming on in the 70th minute. They then helped us with a spectacular own gaol and despite chances at both ends the right result prevailed. 30th October Division Two Silhill 'B' 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 1 The Cs can rightly say things haven't really gone for them recently and they could do with some of the rub of the green. However, they also need to want it more. Certainly leading 1-0 at the break through Mark Allison against the division's bottom side should have been a platform for success.. Instead Silhill showed the greater hunger and pulled two goals back and now the Cs are at the bottom of the pile. An unaccustomed position for them. Division Eight VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 0 Wake Green Amateurs 'E' 11 We had 11 players - well 14 actually and they had 11 too. That was the only similarity, although the down side of playing when so many games are off is that sometimes you come up against a side that should have been playing in 5 divisions higher. November 2003
6th November Premier Division Sutton United 3 VILLAGE F.C. 1 Football always has a knack of kicking you when you think things are going well. After such a good run against good sides it was very disappointing to be outfought and, well, outplayed by a Sutton side we had beaten comfortably earlier in the season. We never seems to be at the pace of the game and also passed disappointingly. We went ahead after 25 minutes when Ubong Umotong netted the rebound when Matt Baldwin's powerful shot was beaten away but their equaliser before half-time was the least they deserved. We were better in the second half but ironically conceded two without notching ourselves. Lets hope we out that behind us this week and get back to the form we are capable of Birmingham County Junior Cup Round Two VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 2 Triumph Athletic 1 Another great game to watch. On a very heavy pitch both sides played good aggressive football. Village looked the better side in the opening 10 minutes, then a stunning strike from Triumph found the top left hand corner. Triumph started to string passes together and it looked ominous. However the B's fighting qualities shone through and Village slowly edged back into the game. Village got a deserved equaliser 10 minutes before half time. Penfold switched to the right wing and had an instant effect. A slick one/two sent him to the byline, he pulled it back and Kyei stroked home from 3 yds. It was all triumph for the first 10 mins of the second half. But again Village eased back into the game, and with 20 mins to go a lovely move down the left resulted in Kyei squaring the ball to Penfold who finished with a wonderful side footer into the top corner. A well deserved result, the difference between this game and BBGR was we scored!! Everyone played well. Howse excelled in the centre of midfield, Penfold worked his */+//&**s off and made and scored a goal. Fleming was brilliant in goal. Nagle led the line and his partner Kyei scored the first, made the second and deserved M.O.T.M. Division Eight VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 2 Boldmere Sports 'B' 2 What a game. A topsy turvy game which Village tried to reverse the debacle that was the previous weeks 11-0 defeat. Things did not start well as within a minute a quick throw in down the right led to Boldmere scoring at the near post. Making his E team debut in goal was a well beaten Tom Marianczak, and all did not look well for Village. However this was not the Village of the previous week and they did not capitulate. In fact they began to look the stronger team as they went down the hill. Another debutant, Frederick Coudret and Ben Evans at centre half repelled all that was thrown at them. The centre midfield pairing of Dave Farrell and Mark Cooke seemed to be working well, and Steve Eldridge, like a young impish ferret fed of the old timer Junior Forbes. Chances were being created at either end with Forbes going close twice with headers and Marianczak pulling of a couple of very good saves. The half time score of 1-0 was not a true reflection of the game. Expecting to struggle a little in the 2nd half Village grew stronger and it was with no surprise that Village equalised. Playing in an unfamiliar role Lee Standen came in from left midfield from an Eldridge through ball. He turned at least 2 men inside out before curling a shot into the top left hand corner with his let foot and the goalkeeper looking aghast. The sweetest of strikes. Village continued to press and it was soon to be 2-1 when a Farrell pass led to the impressive Eldridge striking the ball home. In fairness Village had further chances to seal the game, but the chances from both scorers were not taken when through one on one. Village were to rue these missed chances. With about 10 to go Boldmere showed why they are league leaders when an unstoppable 25 yard shot was unleashed into the top corner. They may then say they were unlucky not to win the game when a shot in the last couple of minutes hit the post, but this would not have been justice to an excellent Village performance. The final score was 2-2. The best Village have been this season and that wasn’t just down to the 3 new players added to the squad for this game. It was an excellent overall team performance and hopefully will be repeated for the rest of the season.. Fine performance from Marianczak, Evans, Hale & Eldridge. However Man of the Match goes to Mark Cooke and Frederick Coudret. November 13th Premier Division Cambridge United 0 VILLAGE F.C. 1 As you know my favourite scoreline. As you would expect against third placed Cambridge a tough encounter. Pitch conditions were poor and they were combative (5 bookings! to our one). For once away from home we seemed up for this sort of game and to be honest barely gave them a chance. The back four of Dixon, Bould.....sorry Conway, Longley, Gulson and Evans (once he recovered from his hangover) were a sold barrier and in front of them Martin Bell and Dan Atkins in particular ensured that we didn't give the ball away. Dave Conlon's headed goal from Dave Newton's immaculate cross saw us go in 1-0 at the break and although D£$ A7%$£" missed penalty meant that the chance to settle my nerves was lost we controlled the second half admirably. Bill Hill Cup Round 1 VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 2 Shirley B 1 Well after a number of great games comes this. After a bright start,in which Village squandered a number of gilt edged chances, the game descended into a bit of a non event. Shirley took the lead after 30 mins after some slack marking from a throw in. Shirley could have gone two up but the impressive, up and coming, Trevor Shields made a number of great saves. Just before half time Dan Howard produced a bit of magic and sent a cross to the back post where once again Trigger was on hand to nod home from 3 feet. The second half started well and substitute Vaughan was once again in the right place to score. A ball fell to him 16yds out, Vaughny hit it first time and it sailed over the keeper. Deflection? Probably, but it was well struck and deservedly goes to our man. Trevor made a number of fine saves. Village continued to miss glorious chances. It ended, we won, lets move on. Mention for Wilso who cleared up often in the first half. Nagle who held the ball up well and could just do with a goal. H who is still getting into more goalscoring positions than Van Nistelroy. And M.O.T.M Trevor Shields for a number of fine saves, the best of which was out of the Banks/Pele book. Does anyone remember them? Division Two Airmark 1 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 3 Very important that the Cs won this one to put some distance between themselves and the three stragglers at the bottom. This was duly achieved by in some was a makeshift team. At times we rode our luck against a dull but difficult Airmark side and goals came from Rob Dunford (2) and Mark Allison who never seems to miss out now he has returned to the side Division Three VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 1 Holly Lodge O.B. 2 The Ds fared less well against one of the only two sides now below them. Sid Khan put us in front early but by half-time they had equalised and a lack-lustre display always made it inevitable that we would ship another one and eventually we did. A return to last year's end of season consistency is required here. Division Eight VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 2 Sutton United 'E' 5 Another disappointing outcome for the team that just can’t win a game. Village however don’t help themselves by every week giving the opposition an easy opening goal early on. This week was no exception. The 6th centre half pairing of the season of Andy Lockett and Steve Hale didn’t immediately gel and some dithering on the ball resulted in Village losing possession and Sutton scoring after only a couple of minutes. Things got from bad to worse when a few minutes later the whole of the Village team went to sleep or were arguing amongst themselves and were unaware of Sutton taking a quick corner. The cross, come shot ended up in the back of the Village net. After a little time to settle in Village started to play some football and a speculative ball from Steve Eldridge had Junior Forbes scampering forward and as the keeper rushed out Forbes expertly lobbed the keeper to reduce the arrears. He could have equalised soon after but this time the Sutton keeper was more up for the task this time round. The rest of the half was pretty equal, with Village starting to come into the game more. Eldridge with a hamstring injury made way for the returning warrior Nick Sutton in his 33rd season for the club and he made an immediate impact added bite to the centre of the park with the excellent Mark Cooke. The next goal would be crucial and unfortunately it went Sutton’s way. Showing a lot more strength in the challenge the Sutton forward was able to shrug of the Village defender’s challenge and curl one into the bottom right hand corner. This seemed to deflate the boys from Village and subsequently this soon became 4-1 when Mark Fairbrother allowed a cross to escape his grasp and the ball was tapped into the empty net. Fairbrother injured himself during this and had to be replaced by Forbes in goal. At least the veteran McKenzie showed the passion needed from all members of the team, even it was a little mis-directed. He was lucky to stay on the pitch when involved in yet another ‘dispute’ with a Sutton forward. Still nothing changed as Forbes’ first job was soon to pick the ball out of the net as the 5th goal arrived from a crossfield ball that was easily controlled and swept home. Village did manage to reduce the arrears with Dave Farrell scoring an excellent long-range effort from a Sutton mistake. The final score 2 - 5. 3 points from 8 games is a poor return for this team and it looks like being a very long season unless there is a change in the state of mind in the squad. Good performances again from Hale in an unfamiliar position, Sutton in the second half, but man of the match goes to the hard working committed Mark Cooke. 20th November NO GAMES 27th November County Junior Vase Round 2 VILLAGE F.C. 1 Stockingford AA 4 After the heroics of the last round it was back to earth with a bump against a far less impressive side than Combination Division One leaders Polesworth who we had seen off so convincingly. However, the result only tells half the story - that they finished better than us. The first half was pretty even but a couple of mistakes by us led to their first goal on the break. The second half was dominated by Village for long periods and we drew level through Greg Reed who also hit the bar and saw the ball squirm out between Dave Conlon's legs. With any luck at all it would have hit part of him and gone in. We also spurned several clear cut chances and paid in the last quarter of an hour when they grabbed the lead. Two further goals - one right at the death - only added insult to injury. AFA Junior Cup Round 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 9 Rubery 'B' 1 Too one-sided to get excited about but no difficulty (and no details!). JW Hunt Cup Round 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 0 Tipton Town 3 The C team also put up a creditable performance against a team higher up the Midland Comb Division One than Stockingford. Despite losing three people with injuries in the first 20 minutes, including Rob Dunford who sadly suffered a broken leg, they held the game at 1-0 until late in the piece. Nothing certainly to be ashamed of and some good performances by GB Ladipo, Mark Allison and Lol Carey particularly. AFA Minor Cup Round 1 VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 2 Wake Green 'D' 0 This solid performance saw a Jon Denley shot from the edge of the area loop up over the keeper for John Small to head into an open net after 10 minutes. Wakes pressure at the end of the first half produced no gaols and the second half was comfortably ours. Chris Chalmers got the second with a first time shot from 25 yards and we could have scored more with their keeper making several fine saves. Andy Bown's fine crosses and Frederick Coudret's solid debut were important features of the game. Division 8 VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 1 Wythall 3 Another disappointing outcome for the team. A Village E team game wouldn’t be complete without the obligatory early goal be given away. This one came after about 10 minutes. Village failed to properly clear a Wythall corner and the resulting scramble led to the opening goal. Village however were not to be deterred and some stirring tackling by the midfield, boosted by Nick Sutton’s return held there own. Junior Forbes went close with a header from a Steve Eldridge long throw, but chances were few and far between. Village was lucky when they should have had a penalty given from a reckless challenge by Steve Hale, but the referee didn’t notice anything criminal in this particular assault. Somehow he did manage to see David Price being pushed off the ball in the other penalty charge, after a surging run from the right back. With no one able to grab the ball it was left to Forbes to make the game all square with a well-struck penalty. One all at the half. Wythall however are not 2nd in the table for nothing and they mounted a more concerted effort in the 2nd half. With Chris Monk making his debut alongside makeshift centre-half Hale Village stood firm. Mark Fairbrother in goal was also doing well and keeping the scores level with some fine saves. The next goal would always prove decisive and unfortunately it went to Wythall. Village tried to draw level again but a third goal from the opposition made the final score 3-1. A good performance from the whole 14 players and that elusive first win is not long in coming, I’m sure. Many excellent performances – Chris Monk on debut, Steve Hale, Mark Fairbrother and Dave Farrell. However for a battling performance in midfield, and showing some guile when in possession, man of the match goes to Lee Standen. December 2004
December 4th Premier Division VILLAGE F.C. 3 Handsworth GSOB 0 Previously undefeated Handsworth were seen off by a Village performance which had all the features you expect from a championship chasing team. With a defence as tight as a gnat's chuff, we simply strangled any part they might have expected in the game. An early Martin Bell strike settled us down, we kept our discipline and eventually a corner crafted from hours on the training ground led to a successful near post header from Dave Newton stretched the lead. Joel Key then came on and sealed an impressive cameo with the third goal. County Junior Vase Round 3 VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 0 Wake Green Amateurs 2 This rather fractious game could have gone either way. However in the end Village's inability to put away their chances saw two late Wakes strikes seal the game. Bill Hill Trophy Round 2 Cresconians 'B' 4 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 3 (aet) A disappointing ending to a game led at one point 2-0 by the Village side courtesy of Sam Henderson, who impressed throughout, and a Nick Haigh header. A penalty before half-time and two goals after the break saw us fall behind only for Kevin Myers to bring us level. In extra time they simple seemed to want it more and they proved physically stronger, eventually snatching a winner. Bill Hill Trophy Round 2 Old Wulfrunians 'D' 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 2 (aet) Another disappointing result but a good performance from the Ds. Down after 5 minutes, we were very poor for twenty minutes but gradually got into it. We were unfortunate when a Mark Chambers lob from 35 yards beat the keeper on his 6 yard line but the goal was disallowed for someone on the edge of the box being offside!!! After 35 minutes John Denley's low shot through a crowd of legs saw us level and in the second half we proceeded to hit the post twice before a Chris Chalmers header from John Denley's deft left foot cross gave us the lead. We then proceeded to hit the pot twice more! In the last ten minutes they flooded men forward and with 4 to go got the equaliser. There were chances at both ends in extra time but no-one could force the winner. Jeffs Cup Round 2 Bustlehome Athletic 6 VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 0 Ah well. At least Village E will be able to concentrate on their league form without the distraction of any cup football for the rest of the season. Yet another disappointing outcome for the team. Against Village E, an early goal, a new centre half pairing. Just like daylight, you know its coming. Chris Monk was this time paired with Shaun McKenzie and Junior Forbes was a last minute replacement in goal. The early goal came about after Dave Barrett went off with a hamstring injury after 5 minutes. Our only sub, Dave Human slipped into a right back role. Asked not to dither on the ball, that’s just what we decided to do, possession was lost and 1-0. Village had an early chance to gain a quick reply, but Steve Eldridge was not quite alert enough to react to a through ball. Village were left to rue this. Bustlehome at times were playing four up top and a long clearance up field left a straight chase between keeper, defender and forward which Village lost, 2-0. After 20 minutes it was 3-0 when ‘Comedy Dave’ showed his face again. Reminiscent of the Old Wulfs game Human did not hear the call of keepers ball and instead of allowing it to run to the keeper Forbes tried to clear the ball and succeeded in only slicing the ball towards goal and for the Bustlehome forward to have a simple tap in. It could have been more but McKenzie did manage to clear one off the line. The fourth came from more sloppy play when from a simple throw in a midfield player was allowed plenty of time and space to strike the ball from well outside the area into the corner. Not a pleasing goal to give away. A deflated Village resolved to do better in the 2nd half and they did. They only conceded a further 2 goals! But this does not put into perspective the valiant rear guard put up by the defence. For 35 minutes the team kept the opposition out, but another error, caused by tiredness allowed a 5th to be scored a t the far post and by the time the 6th arrived in the last minutes many heads started to drop. Although this come across like it was all one way traffic various members of the team did not appear to give up at any time during the game and battled right to the end, even though we never looked like getting anything from the game. This team definitely needs to show more resolve and get some all round consistency where all members of the team play well and not just a few, every game. The team needs to hold the ball up more, get some shots on target, close down the opposition better, work harder off the ball and cut out the silly mistakes at the back if they are to progress. Not too many outstanding or even adequate performances – Chris Monk again did well and Nick Sutton ran for all he was worth and made a number of last minute challenges to prevent further embarrassment, however for a battling performance in an under pressure defence, men of the match goes to Anthony Everitt and Junior Forbes. December 11th AFA Senior Cup Round 4 VILLAGE F.C. 2 Sutton United 1 Well they aren't making our path to this one easy, although we have just heard that we have drawn Silhill or Britannia away in the quarter- final. Sutton had given us a fearful pasting a few weeks back in the league but on our patch we are a different story (Pitch 8 record is P7 W7). We dominated this one from the start and it was no surprise when Dave Newton forced home a loose ball after 20 minutes to pit us in front. It was a surprise, and against the run of play, when following an uncharacteristic mistake we gave the ball way on the half-way line and they broke quickly and Greg Reed instinctively put up a hand to stop a goal bound shot. He succeeded but was red carded and they scored from the spot. We had to play the last 55 minutes of the game with only 10 but in truth were never in any trouble. Ubong Umotong stuck away an early second half penalty - given for a cynical goalkeeper's dive on the ball (and he only got booked - as per rule but madness) - and we just squeezed the life out of them allowing only two powder-puff shots throughout the second half. Bill Hill Cup Round 2 Sutton United 'B' 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 1 Inevitably Sutton had some luck go their way over the weekend, benefiting from the softest penalty in world football history and a goal that was 5 yards offside (not given by the forgiving Village lines man!). There are no prizes in this game for playing the best football, however, if you don't score so no real complaints. Minor Cup Round 2 Handsworth GSOB 1 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 2 The Cs battled their way into the semi-final in a low key game in which their injury hit squad looked comfortable for long periods and found themselves cruising courtesy of two Sam Henderson goals - one celebrated with some aplomb to the shock of passengers on the stationery Birmingham to Manchester train. A late Handsworth strike left a few hearts fluttering but they weren't to be denied their chance away against Wake Green in the semi-final. Bill Hill Cup Round 2 Replay VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 2 Old Wulfrunians 'D' 0 They may be struggling in the league but already in the Holder Cup semi-final, the Ds are now in the quarters of this one where they will be away to Old Wulfs 'C'! This one was another grinder, although I saw several chances go begging whilst it remained 1-0 thanks to John Small's early second half strike. With about ten minutes left he did it again and everyone left happy. Division Eight VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 2 Unity Stars 2 Well what an eventful game. We’ve had Rumble in the Jungle, Thrilla in Manilla, and now Ruck at Rowheath. A team that gave the Es a right good thrashing last game openly mocked Village at the start of the game thinking this would be a walkover. This was not the case. Changing to a 5-3-2 formation was a complete success. Chris Monk, Dave Human and Shaun McKenzie sweeping provided the foundation for the team to flourish. The long bomb of a throw which caused so many problems in the last game was very effectively negated by Trevor Shields in goal, who had a blinder taking everything that was thrown at him. Lee Standen, Nick Sutton and Mark Cooke were everywhere in midfield and were working well as a unit. It helped that the team did not give away its customary early goal after 5 minutes. It came this time after 20 minutes. However with new boy Steve Bailey supporting Junior Forbes up front Village has an outlet ball. In fact Bailey went close early on to equalising with a rasping shot which the Unity keeper did well to keep out. Village however did get back into the game when a through ball to Cooke left him to outpace the last defender and coolly slot the ball home at the near post. No more than Village deserved. Things could have been even better if the forwards could have taken their half chances. Forbes especially had a one on one, just as the half ended but was only able to hit the ball straight at the keeper. The situation was repeated just after the half, but this time the evils of the Rowheath tractor path of a pitch led to his shot flashing wide. However to the added frustrations of the opposition Village soon went ahead. A Standen cross was flicked on and Monk scored his first ever Village goal. The fervour of Unity’s attack increased but the back 3 ably assisted by Nick Small and Anthony Everitt kept them at bay. Plenty of last ditch defending and some very fine keeping meant a first win of the season was almost possible. Unity were growing more and more frustrated and the game got a lot more niggly and sinister. Village couldn’t complain when they equalised, but what happened soon after left a bad taste in the mouth. McKenzie was involved in a tussle with one of the opposition and after some handbags the Unity player fell dramatically to the floor rolling around claiming to have been head butted. The size of him and the size of McKenzie meant this was a physical impossibility. Fortunately the ref was aware of the major play-acting and nothing came of the incident. However from the resulting throw Shields expertly caught the ball, but after falling to the ground he was kicked repeatedly by two of the Unity players. This led to our players defending Shields by pushing their guys away. What might be called a pitch match shoving and shouting match ensued between all parties. However the Unity centre- half took it upon himself to run half the length of the field and land a full solid right hook on Mark Cook. This was unseen by the ref as she was dealing with the assault on Trevor Shields. This act of brutality however forced the Village players to hold a team meeting under the direction of ‘Red Shaun’. It was decided to continue with the match, which thankfully ended without further incident, bar one more excellent save from Trevor Shields in the last minute. 2-2 the final score. All 13 players performed today and were a credit to Village. All players are worthy of a mention but Steve Bailey, Anthony Everitt and Trevor Shields all have to be mentioned in dispatches. However man of the match goes to a man who used to be known as Comedy Dave, now it Dependable Dave Human. Festival League Division Two Page and Moy 2 VILLAGE SUNDAY 4 Well against these opponents surely a long journey was expected* but there was an early start for the Sundays this week as the game kicked off at 9.30am in Solihull, meaning an 8.30am start to the journey. However, this didn’t seem to affect the team and we got off to a flyer with a goal after about 3 minutes from Matt Atkins following good work from the experimental forward pairing of Simon Redfern and Jim Forbes. This was followed some 10 minutes later with a well struck goal from Phil Mann, and despite our best attempts to let Page and Moy back into the game we reached half time 2-0 up After some inspirational words during the break Village came out strongly again, and we went 3-0 up courtesy of a second strike from Matt Atkins. However, once again Page and Moy came back into the game and it was no surprise when they pulled one back from the penalty spot following a foul on their forward. At this point it was the home team that were looking the most dangerous, but a Village substitution was to have an immediate effect when Dan Whyborn caused panic in the defence, and the ball fell to Ali Gorrie who looped a shot over the keeper into the net to put us 4-1 up. Unfortunately, Village have proved to be at their most vulnerable when in the lead this season, and for last 20 minutes it was backs to the wall stuff, with Page and Moy eventually grabbing a second from a badly defended corner. Fortunately Ian Wale was playing well in goal and despite the home team hitting the bar and having a goal disallowed for pushing in the box the final whistle went and we left with a valuable three points well earned, and hopefully increased confidence for next weeks important game against Harborne.
* for those who don't know Page and Moy are a travel company specialising in mid price long haul
December 18th Premier Division VILLAGE F.C. 8 Colinthians 0 Cols claimed they lack 4 who might be considered regular first- teamers but we could have said the same but it showed the strength of our squad that we performed so well (eventually) and go into Xmas in second place and breathing down the necks of Old Wulfs. In a lack- lustre first half our aerial dominance gave us an edge as Nick Longley and Dave Newton headed home and a Cols defender added one for good measure. We looked much sharper as the second half opened and within two minutes were 5 up as first Ubong Umotong forced home from close range and then Dave Conlon scored with a scorching header from Steve Marfleet's superb cross. Steve was in fine form and added one himself after a mazy run but not before Nick Longley's overhead volley from the edge of the box had made it six. Nick then rounded it off by completing his hat-trick and the fans went home thoroughly entertained. Veterans Cup Round 2 Old Nortonians Vets 3 Village Vets 6 There were even more goals in this one but more evenly spread. Old Norts must have feared the worse when Sid Khan headed superbly home from Dan Howard's cross in the opening minutes. It was difficult defending uphill on a sticky pitch however and they were soon level only for Sid to lash a cross into the top corner after 12 minutes. By 20 minutes they were back level only for Sid to slip Dave Csondor through. An Alan Bain drive, in no way reminiscent of any proper goal, and a superb drive from Dan Howard seems to have sealed the game only for Old Norts to peg one back before half-time. The second half we shaded and Bob Jefford added a 30 yarder into the top corner with 5 minutes to go. Division Eight VILLAGE F.C. 2 Rubery 2 I am afraid this is the one that got away as against league leaders Rubery, Village let a two gaol half-time lead slip away. Hugh Curtis and Joel Key had both notched in a comfortable looking performance. The second half didn't go as well and an injury to Chris Monk left us short of a natural defender which didn't help. Another good performance however and surely that fits win must be just round the corner. December 19th Festival League Division 1 VILLAGE SUNDAY 4 Harborne Rangers 5 The final game of 2004 saw a Village side missing three of the usual back four take on Harborne at a muddy Rowheath. As last week, Village got off to a great start with Matt Atkins scoring from an identical position to last week with less than 10 minutes on the clock. This was quickly followed with a goal from Phil Mann, who broke the offside trap and slipped the ball wide of the keepers dive to make it 2- 0. Harborne pulled one back, but a Dan Atkins goal sent us into the break with a comfortable 3-1 lead. The first 10 minutes of the second half came and went with little to talk about, although the Harborne linesman deserves a mention for his enthusiastic flagging every time Village broke forward. I can only assume he was trying to keep warm. Finally, from one attack that wasn’t ruled offside, Village won a corner and Dan Atkins delivered the ball perfectly to Simon Redfern’s head and we went 4-1 up with under 30 minutes to play. Points in the bag you would have thought, but the referee had other ideas. Redfern stood too close to an attacker for his liking and a penalty was awarded and duly dispatched, 4-2. From here it was the usual mixture of bad luck, more poor refereeing and some comedy defending from the makeshift Village backline and Harborne were able to score another three goals in the last 15 minutes and take all three points away from Rowheath, leaving us firmly rooted to the bottom of the table in the process. January 2005
Junior Cup Round 3 (Quarter-Final) VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 4 Britannic
'B' 3 Well what an afternoon! this game had more incident than a whole
season. Britannic played all the football in the first 25 minutes
Village scored the goals. Starting in the 2nd minute when Penfold launched
Villages first venture into the opponents half, he got to the byline
pulled it back to Kyei, 1-0. 10 minutes later a good move down the left
involving Penfold led to the Nagle rifling home from 18yds (slight
deflection) in the 25th minute another move down the right ball across
to Jarmy who pulled it back across the keeper for a well taken goal. 3
attacks 3 goals. Meanwhile Britannic missed a penalty after Howse
hand balled in the 6 yd box. Evans limped off with a bad foot injury
and the Veteran (geriatric) Bailey came on looking a little unsteady.
Griffin spent 10 mins on the side lines having a wound dressed. He
came back on then Nagle spent 10 mins on the side lines having a
wound dressed. He then went off to be replaced by Howard. All this
within 30 mins. Britannic then scored direct from a freekick (one of
those that curl in from wide,everyone misses it and it limps inside the
far post. The second half started with a settled 15 minutes in which Village went 4-1 up thanks to a well taken goal from Kyei. Then the bizarre
took over again. Bancroft handled on the line and was sent off.
Britannic scored from the penalty. No panic yet. 30 minutes to go and
a 2 goal cushion. 2 mins later a deep corner was knocked back
across our goalmouth and it was diverted in to our goal.4-3 28
minutes to go, slight panic. Despite not playing well and only having
11 men on the pitch for about 35 mins in total, Village dug in and
played out the last 28 mins without giving Britannic too many scoring
chances. After a very eventful day progress to the semis is very
satisfying.
Man of the Match - Kyei Division Two VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 0 Eccleston and Hart 2 A very even game this that could have gone either way. Unfortunately Eccleston proved better at taking limited chances and snatched one
with 20 minutes to go. We piled on the pressure and their second came in the dying minutes as we pressed for an equaliser. Holder Cup Semi-Final Sutton United 'D' 1 VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 0 Once again the semi-final proved the stumbling block for the Ds and it was their old nemesis Sutton who did the deed. Despite shaking the wood work the lads didn't perform to their potential and can't be too surprised at their demise to another late goal. Still the Ds still have another quarter-final to look forward to next week in the Bill Hill Cup. Division Eight Bustleholme Athletic 5 Village F.C. 'E' 0 Even Junior is speechless after this one as the Es little run is followed by two bad ones. Still plenty of time to get to safety and still 3
teams below them. January 23rd Festival League 1 Harborne Rangers 2 VILLAGE F.C. SUNDAY 0 A disappointing end to a reasonable sequence of results against a poor Harborne side. In truth the pitch was never playable - an ice rink
in the first half and a bog in the second. We also missed 5 one on ones and a penalty! Unfortunately that was the end of the referees bravery/generosity and in the second half when we pressed on Dan Whyborn was twice clearly brought down cynically in the box but no penalty resulted. January 29th Premier Division Handsworth GSOB 0 VILLAGE F.C. 0 This was a bit of a blow to our title hopes as it came on the day when another late winner gave Old Wulfs 3 points. In truth we worked hard enough and really should have come out on top. We had the better chances and indeed scored when Carson Tweedie slid the ball into Dave Newton's path and he slotted home. Despite Dave always being behind the ball, he was given offside! Having said that we weren't at our very sharpest - it was the sort of day when we needed to scrape a winner - and at the very end were very grateful for Tony Dicicco's sharpness. Veterans Cup Rnd 3 University Barbarians 0 VILLAGE F..C.Vets 1 For the second successive year the Veterans have made it into the semi-finals, at the same time confirming our fourth semi of the season. The goal in this hard fought encounter came from Sid Khan and to be fair there weren't many other chances. Despite the notional opportunity to rotate 14 players injuries and other unscheduled absences meant we could only muster 12 and one of these didn't want to get on! Dave Csondor was picked out as man of the match by the watching AFA president but congratulations all round - particularly to those like Sid and Doug for whom every step on the park is a painful one. Division Two Smithswood 0 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 1 Despite our contrasting league positions, (top and bottom) after a narrow and 'hard fought' 6-5 defeat in the home fixture, we felt that we could get something out of this game if we were prepared to compete with a very physical Smithswood side. The first half was very even and there were few chances, although we gradually started to gain parity in terms of possession and play a bit of football. Iain Dickson was creative down the left and Kevin Myers 'put himself about' in the centre of midfield. The level of commitment was maintained in the second half and we started to create a few chances. Andy Murphy in particular was unlucky to have his goal bound effort deflected over the bar by Kevin Myers. They also had a couple of half-decent chances, one of which clipped the crossbar. With about 15 minutes to go John Ellery was put away down the left after evading a scything tackle. With the defenders drawing in, he drew the goalkeeper and slid the ball calmly into the corner to give us a well-deserved lead. The remainder of the game became increasingly frantic (and unpleasant) as Smithswood pressed for an equaliser, though Phil Kyei had a chance or two to give us a 2 goal cushion. We rode our luck in a couple of goal mouth scrambles and were quite pleased when the final whistle went just before Smithswood had the chance to put the ball back into our box from a corner kick (their players were less pleased and the referee seemed to be looking round for an escort from the ground). A great performance from all involved which takes us 3 places up from the bottom of the table. The C team has struggled to maintain a consistent line-up all season, but on Saturday, the players coming in seemed to blend in from the start and made a positive contribution to what was a great team effort. Division Three VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 1 Welwyn 'B' 2 Village started well, playing by far the better football and putting pressure on Welwyn from the kick off. We moved the ball well through midfield and down both wings, creating some good chances early on. Inevitably after about ten minutes, the pressure paid off when, after a Village attack, the ball came to Chambers just outside the opposition penalty box. Mark picked his spot and curled the ball into the top left hand corner. Village thoroughly deserved the 1-0 lead and looked to make it two. The next ten minutes was all Village. We had one shot cleared off the line and Denley went close with a right foot shot from inside the box. Unfortunately, our inability to score the second allowed Welwyn to get back into the game. The opposition grew in confidence and started to put us under pressure on the break. Then, just before half time, we were caught by a ball over the top of the defence. Their striker ran through and lifted the ball over Moaty in goal. The first half ended 1-1; with Village having played the better football but having conceded weakly late on. The second half had barely started when a bad tackle on Simon Petrie changed the nature of the game. The game temporarily stopped while we waited for an ambulance and moved to an adjacent pitch. After about half an hour the game restarted and mirrored the start of the first half. Village took the initiative, playing some excellent passing football but without creating any clear cut chances. As we pressed forward, looking for the winner, we committed more players forward which meant that Welwyn always looked dangerous on the counter attack. Then, the inevitable happened. A combination of a Welwyn break away down our left, an early ball into the box, a lucky turn and shot saw us go 2-1 behind. Nevertheless, we were undeterred and kept playing the better football. We continued to press and played the last ten minutes exclusively in the Welwyn half. Unfortunately, for all our excellent approach play we failed to create any more clear chances and lost the game 2-1. Good performances throughout the team. The midfield and forwards all played well and we deserved more from the game. Man of the Match goes to left back John Cook. Division Eight Sporting 2003 3 VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 3 The Es were back to pinching points against supposedly top sides here despite starting the game with only 10 men. Despite going 1-0 down after 10 minutes we were 2-1 up before our eleventh man arrived! After half-time this was stretched to 3-1 and it was still that with 20 minutes to go. Sadly Sporting came back to equalise rather against the balance of the game. Goals were definitely score by Dave Farrell (assisted by Mark Cooke), Dave Harding, whose cross drifted in from out wide and probably Dave Barrett, although some observers had Mark Cooke on the scoresheet and others Steve Eldridge. Oh for Junior's closely observed reports! February 2005
February 5th Premier Division VILLAGE F.C. 1 Kynoch 4 By half-time we were two down and out of this one against a team who played better football in ideal conditions. Sadly we just didn't get out of bed! Dominating the second half almost entirely brought precious few chances and inevitably as we piled on more and more they got one on the break, followed by an immediate response from Dave Newton. Another break in the dying seconds gave the score a slightly surreal look to it but only one team looked like getting 3 points on a poor day for us. Division One Boldmere Sports and Social 3 VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 1 Despite only having 9 fit men, a guest and a right back who hobbled from the start, the B's gave a really good account of themselves. It started badly when after 10 minutes a defensive clearance dropped 20 yards from the Village goal and was sent goalward with interest. 1-0. Village got better as the half progressed and a superb pass, from Nagle, inside the Boldmere right back left Vaughan with a bit to do. Vaughan took one touch with his right foot before finishing brilliantly with his left. Half time 1-1, a fair reflection. Village grew in confidence and pressed forward and looked the most likely side to score. Griffin had a point blank shot tipped over by the keeper. Fleming made a couple of excellent saves. Just as it looked like it would end 1-1 disaster struck. in the 75 min a needless corner was conceded and after a half clearance the ball found its way to the feet of a Boldmere player 2yds out. 2-1. 2 minutes later a ball swung in from their right found a Boldmere player breaking from midfield, he hit it first time into the corner of the Village net (despite good claims that he was offside) the goal stood. 3-1. Good night Vienna! Village continued to press and even made a couple of very good scoring opportunities but our fate was sealed by that second goal. Excellent performance from all players. Nagle excellent, Howser excellent, Defence worked non stop. Kyei good running up front. Paddy made some fine saves. Man of the Match goes to Bancroft for tireless work and a number of good through balls. Division 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 4 Moxley O.B. 2 The Cs got their second victory in a row in a game they always had in control and which we led 2-1 at the break. I think the scorers were Ian Dickson, John Ellery, Kev Myers and Dave Csondor and it certainly lifts the Cs into the calmer waters of lower midtable. Bill Hill Cup Round 3 Old Wulfs 'C' 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 2 For once it was a Village side clawing back a 2 goal deficit with a second-half brace from Mark Cooke to earn a replay. This keeps alive the D's chance of another semi-final and it could all have been settled had substitute Junior Forbes not hit a late chance over a gaping net. February 12th Division One VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 2 Woodbourne Sports 4 A dreadful start, a corner in the second minute was cleared to the edge of the Village penalty area, their centre half returned it with interest into our net (baileys fault for discussing tactics with Kyei who was on his way to mark the scorer!). Village picked themselves up and took the game to an excellent Woodbourne side. Village got their reward in the 30th min when Kyei poked in from close range. Village were on top and made it pay in the 37th min when Marfleet sent a free kick floating on the wind toward the goal. The keeper misjudged the flight and could only help it go in, Marfleet who was excellent on his first outing for the B's is credited with a goal on debut. Penfold had a superb chance to make it 3-1 after being put through on the keeper, the keeper made a good save. Just when it looked like Village would reach half time with a lead disaster struck. A ball over the top caught the defence square, however, all looked Ok when Fleming rushed out and looked favourite to clear the ball. Unfortunately, despite saving the B's a number of times with this sort of "sweeping" job, he missed it. The forward stroked it home. The whistle went for the end of the half. The B team was deflated. An attack that could have been snuffed out led to a Woodbourne goal after 50 mins making it 2-3 to Woodbourne. Village Rallied again and looked the most likely to score. However another soft goal under Fleming's body put the seal on a very disappointing afternoon. A terrific performance from a very hard working B team. Despite going behind this group of players keep going, there is a lot to be said for players with that sort of attitude. You lads will get your reward! Plenty of chances created, however, we are not going to beat teams of this quality if we give 2 goals away. Special mention for Bancroft and Howse who worked hard and played really well. Andy Murphy who came on for 15 min's and looked good in two positions! M.O.M goes to debutant Marfleet. Division Three VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 2 Lasermail 3 I guess we were lucky to play given the conditions but this was the one that got away. To be honest Lasermail probably had the best of it for the first hour or so although Mark Chambers then pulled one back and we began to play with more confidence and purpose. When we should have taken advantage was when they had a player sent off (and his verbal barrage against the referee following this presumably means that he will be getting a 10 game ban a la Prutton). However, they then went further ahead and whilst Mark Chambers pulled another one back, it was disappointing that we didn't really trouble them desperately in the later stages. February 19th Premier Division Cresconians 0 VILLAGE F.C. 1 We went back into second place with this win - on the day that Old Wulfs dropped a couple of points. It was just like old times - sh$£e pitch, playing with a balloon; one or two insane opposition members desperate to get sent off; Benno assaulted by their manager on the pitch and we grubbed out the best result in football. We played a bit in flashes too as well as defending resolutely. Ubong Umotong got the goal early in the second half and after that they didn't even create a chance. Not pretty but nice work. Division One VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 1 Silhill 2 There comes a time when we have to put aside talk of bad luck, the time is know. We outplayed Silhill from the start to the end. Silhill are an average team. Last season we would have won this 1-0 or maybe 2-1. The reason we are not converting games like this into points is simple. We don't take our chances and we concede soft goals. We started brilliantly with Nagle leading the line and knitting the whole team together. Jarmy had a good chance to score, took too long and was tackled before he could get a shot in. Then in the 23rd min Nagle picked the ball up on the penalty spot, turned crisply and stroked the ball into the bottom corner. It looked like we were going to steamroll Silhill. Howse had a chance from 5yds, dead centre, didn't connect cleanly and they cleared. Half time 1-0. The second half started well with Village pushing forward and Kyei finding himself in a number of good positions, we were unable to turn these into serious chances. Then Kyei went through and hit the keeper. Then out of the blue Silhill had a 10 minute spell and from a long throw the ball landed at the back post, their striker hit it first time, and despite a great initial save from Tom the ball rebounded of his trailing arm into the net for. Bad luck for the keeper, but the striker was unmarked 5 yds from goal!! 10 minutes later a goalkick was launched back to the Village goal, Tom hesitated then came, too late, the Silhill man won the race and headed over the advancing keeper. Gutted!!!!!!!!In the last 10 minutes Village created a couple of chances to equalise but didn't take them. Again excellent displays from the whole team. Nagle, despite a pulled hamstring played brilliantly and deserves M.O.T.M. Tom had a good game in goal on his B Team debut. Reed and Griffin looked very strong in defence. Howse and Marfleet won the middle of the park. Division Two VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 4 Handsworth GSOB 'B' 1 This win more or less finishes off the C team's flirtation with relegation, which is a relief. We didn't play fantastically well but well enough to despatch this lot. Dave Csondor, Mark Allison and Andy Murphy were our markspeople. Bill Hill Cup Quarter Final VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 1 Old Wulfrunians 'C' 0 This replay was the Ds fourth game in this competition against an Old Wulfs side, which may be a record. What certainly is the equal of a club record going back over twenty years is for one of our sides to reach two cup semi-finals in the same year. Well done lads. As for the game, Old Wulfs had the best of it although Sid Khan missed a first- half penalty. It was actually about 10 minutes from the death when Jon Denley hit a cracking winner but maybe it was about time a little luck came our way. Division Eight VILLAGE F.C. 'E' 0 Bio Care 3 Previously known as Eccleston & Hart this wasn’t the 9-7 thriller we had earlier in the season – primarily because Junior Forbes wasn’t playing as centre half and Dave Csondor wasn’t centre midfield. It started, as a very even game with early chances mainly falling to Village but Forbes and John Darby were unable to capitalise on the good work of Lee Standen and Dave Farrell in centre midfield. Once Shaun McKenzie was able to get his instructions across to the defence they held firm for the first half with Mr Dependable, Dave Human proving to be on the money and left Trevor Shields with little to do. The half ended all square. Village were left to rue these missed opportunities as Bio Care (themselves on a good run) began to press Village back. As the team went further and further back Bio created more chances and Village would have fallen behind, if not for the intervention of Mr Dependable clearing one off the line. However the luck could not last and a strike from the edge of the box took a slight deflection from a Village forward (you can guess who) to leave Shields aghast as the ball flew into the net. However it is a different Village who showed character in not capitulating and tried hard to get an equaliser. Unfortunately this did not come. In fact 2 goals in the last 5 minutes from long punts up field left a deflated team on the end of another defeat. A good performance from McKenzie, Shields, Nick Davenport and Standen, but man of the match goes to Dave Human. February 26th Junior Cup Semi-Final Wake Green 'B' 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'B' 1 (aet) What an emotional roller coaster! After a very nervous start Village settled down and started to pose a threat. The threat resulted in a free kick on the left 40 yards from Wakes goal. Marfleets perfect delivery was met by Howse’s great run and firm header, Howse seemed visibly shocked when the ball landed in the Wakes net! 1-0. It stayed this way until half time thanks to some resolute defending and fine work from Fleming. The second half started well for Village and Kyei had a couple of chances to get into scoring positions, unfortunately the keeper was alert on both occasions. Then after a scramble in Wakes box Vaughan found himself 12 yards out with a shooting opportunity, the keeper saved. Despite some sporadic attacks from both sides the game looked to be heading for a 1-0 "were in the final again" finish. However, with a minute to go and Village in possession (with a chance to hit their corner flag) the ball was given away, Wakes broke clear and won a corner (looked for all the world like a goal kick) You guessed it, back post, weak header, into the corner of our net. 1-1 a real kick in the stomach. There wasn't even time to restart. Extra time and the game was now very even, however, Village still looked the likely scorers, until a big ball through the middle of Village defence left a Wakes forward one on one with Fleming, and despite getting something on the shot, the ball carried into the goal. 1-2 Wakes. Just when all looked doomed a cross from the left squirmed it's way to the back post where Vaughan was left unopposed, 3 yds out, to tap into the empty net. As the Village contingent started to celebrate, the ball came of Vaughan's foot, everything went into slow motion, as it began to rise...It hit the bar, rebounded to Reed who volleyed over the bar. The whistle went, we were out of "our" cup. Huge commitment and yes "bloody bad luck" I hope all who played will just accept that football can be cruel, however, it is just as likely to be wonderful in the very near future. Some excellent performances. Fleming excellent and M.O.T.M goes to Andy Bancroft. Minor Cup Semi-Final Wake Green 'C' 3 VILLAGE F.C. 'C' 1 The Village semi-final curse struck again with our third defeat in semis this season. In truth we didn't play well on the big day and they were 3-0 up before Joel Key pulled one back on a dark damp day on the field and in our hearts. Division Three Shirley Athletic 'B' 2 VILLAGE F.C. 'D' 3 Well the Ds are nothing if not game. This was top vs bottom according to the previous weeks league tables but you couldn't tell. Against a 'combative' Shirley side it only took 10 minutes for a Dave Bennett header to put us in form and shortly before half-time Mark Cooke had a similar free header from a corner and similarly netted. For 20 minutes after the break they outphysicalled us and drew level but with fifteen minutes to go Dave Conlon set Jon Denley free on the left hand side of the penalty box and he curled it into the top corner. After that either side could have scored but neither did. March 2005
