MATCH REPORTS

Games played on: Sat 21st Jan 2012
1stXI v
Won Score: Home
Scorers:
2ndXI v
Won Score: Home
Scorers:
3rdXI v
Won Score: Home
Scorers:
4thXI v
Won Score: Home
Scorers:
5thXI v ALEXANDRA PARK 7TH XI
Won Score: 5-3 LEAGUE Away
Scorers: Hulkes (pen), Mike Nwosu (2), Marx Nwosu (2)
Report: Following some experimental formations in recent weeks we opted for a basic 4-4-2 against Alex Park. Given how important 3 points was today we did not want to take any risks and the windy conditions meant errors were always likely to occur, so a stable and well tried formation made sense. Alex Park 7s have had a mixed season and I would rate their team as average for our division, so as we kicked off playing uphill, into the strong wind and with the sun in our eyes, I expected some resistance but not too much to trouble our experienced back four of John Murphy, Mike Saunders, Nick Brockhouse (captain) and Del Johnson. The first twenty minutes saw us have a lot of the ball, with Kyle Head dominating proceedings, and both our wide men (Mo Islam and Luke Robinson) making thrusting runs up the flanks. A plethora of high and low crosses flew across the face of the Alex Park goalmouth, but we could not get a meaningful touch on the ball and finish. Both Gary Hulkes and Rob Handleigh found the flight of the ball difficult to gauge due to the strong wind and on several occasions the oppo were glad to hoof clear as our strikers moved in for the kill. After 10 minutes however, our approach play finally paid off when the ref blew for a penalty after an Alex Park defender clearly used his arm to block a shot. Step up Gary Hulkes, who coolly found the side netting, just beating the despairing reach of a decent and athletic keeper.

Rob Handleigh then had the ball in the net but was fairly judged offside, and Mo Islam sent a stinging shot that the keeper parried for a corner as our pressure continued to build. At this point, given how dominant we had been, it felt like we would go on and score more, especially as the oppo were struggling to cope with the interplay on the flank between the tireless John Murphy, Kyle Head, and Mo Islam. With Mike Douglas imperious in the centre circle, tackling, blocking, intercepting and feeding Kyle, I think we only saw Alex Park carry the ball into our half on a couple of occasions, and each time they lost possession to our defence without troubling Sam Payne in goal.

However, football being football, we were unexpectedly pegged back to 1:1 when a long free kick from just inside our half was knocked to the back post, and after an initial block the ball was headed into our net for an equaliser. Frankly it was an obvious route to success for Alex Park, who could not play through us, and when the ball is in the air on a strong wind it’s always a risk. We continued to play our passing game however, and I have to pay tribute to everyone for not panicking, and within minutes a lovely move down the right flank saw Kyle, John and finally Mo link up and send an inviting cross into the box which again evaded our strikers, the wind again messing up a promising chance. Rob Handleigh, always our hold up man, then found Gary Hulkes on the edge of the box, and Gary sent a delicious curler just over the bar as we pressed forward. It appeared to be simply a matter of time before our dominance gave us the lead again, but on 30 minutes the oppo went ahead when, after a rare attack, they had a corner on the right. Driven in low and inswinging, Kyle stooped to head clear but unfortunately the ball flew into our net.

Five minutes later the ref gave Alex Park a free kick just outside our penalty area, after Mike Douglas was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball following a great tackle. Our wall stood firm and blocked the kick, but we did not clear the ball with any great vim, and a firm strike through a crowded area sailed past Sam in goal for a 3:1 lead to Alex Park. I have to pay tribute to the team at this point, as a two goal deficit against the run of play has seen lesser men grumble and crumble. Not today. Just before half time a great move featuring Rob and Mo saw Gary through in their box but he was just beaten to the ball by their highly alert keeper.

Half time then 1:3 down. We had a brief and largely positive team talk once Derek had finished quizzing the ref about various decisions; there was not much to say really, other than keep at it, and let’s see how the oppo cope with the wind and the slope against them.

Marx and Mike Nwosu came on for Mo and Gary, leaving Toone on the sidelines in case we had an injury in the second half. I’m pleased to report we began the second half with real determination and after 10 minutes, following a blistering run down the left flank by Luke Robinson (when is it not a blistering run from Luke ?!?), we got a goal back. A neat corner by Luke was played into the danger area on the edge of the six yard box and Nick Brockhouse rose like the proverbial salmon to head firmly against the bar; the ball dropped and Mike Nwosu finished clinically from close range.

Further pressure rained down on the oppo and we won a number of corners; from one Luke found Rob whose left foot shot dragged across the face of goal, and on another occasion Luke flighted a lovely ball to Kyle, who found space at the near post but could only flash his header narrowly wide. On the hour mark, Rob Handeigh found Mike Nwosu just outside the box, and Mike turned his marker and hit a great shot first time just past the far post with the keeper beaten. I have to confess that I was concerned at this point that it was going to be one of those days but minutes later Luke flew down the left wing, leaving two defenders in his wake, and hit a low cross for Mike Nwosu to run onto and finish with some aplomb from close range. Seen them missed - nice finish Mike.

3:3 and game on. At this point I cannot recall any shots in the second half for Sam to save, and whilst I pay tribute to our back four who remained composed throughout this match, it must be said that Mike Douglas was key here. He scrapped for every loose ball and won nearly every one. Having done a great holding job, Mike also made sure Kyle saw a lot of the ball, and we all know how dangerous Kyle is when he turns into space and begins his jinking runs. Today was no exception.

With twenty minutes remaining we had further chances, notably a Marx Nwosu shot over the bar after a neat flicked pass by Kyle, and a mazy Luke Robinson dribble, cutting inside from the left only to blast over from just inside the box (yes - it was his right foot...). Mike Nwosu had another effort, sending a fierce shot just past the far post after a neat turn, and I became a little agitated that we could not get the much needed goal to take us into the lead.

With 10 minutes remaining the brothers Nwosu decided to take matters into their own hands. First, on 80 minutes, Mike sent a great cross over to the far post which was met by a diving Marx. Marx header beat a flailing keeper and he got a bad knock on his ribs to boot, bashing the post as he netted bravely. Within 5 minutes we saw a repeat performance, Mike finding his brother in a central position in the box and Marx finishing firmly to ensure we took the 3 points we came for.

This was a great comeback, although I believe our first half performance was massively better than the scoreline suggested at that point. There was a spirit amongst the squad today which we must maintain. It was a pleasure to be part of Old Stationers today and I’m looking forward to the next game, at home against 3rd placed Winchmore Hill.

MOTM - a good team performance today so this is tricky. I’m going for Mike Nwosu, who not only scored 2 neat and vital goals, but also set up two. But frankly it could have been anyone today.