MATCH REPORTS

Games played on: Sat 28th Nov 2009
1stXI v South Bank Cuaco
Drew Score: 2-2 League Home
Scorers: Denver, Jackson T
Report: A tough match against a good opposition although, in the end, both teams can claim to be disappointed not to have taken all three points. We started impressively and took the lead after only a couple of minutes when Matt Denver's first time shot from Tom Codd's cross found the corner of the net. Unfortunately we failed to capitalise on our good start and allowed South Bank to equalise when we were slow to react to a loose ball in our box, this was followed soon afterwards by another defensive lapse to give the oppo the lead. Going into the break only a goal down, although disappointing, was not a disaster as we had played the first half into a very gusty wind. Unfortunately the weather failed to assist us after the break as the wind dropped, however with both teams squandering chances we eventually forced a deserved equaliser when again good work by Codd, who had impressed all afternoon wide on the left, enabled Denver's cross shot to be turned in by Tom Jackson. Having fought hard to get back in the game and with only 10mins remaining the referee awarded South Bank a penalty when the ball appeared to had already gone off for a goal kick before the offending challenge. It would have been cruel to have lost the game under such circumstances, but justice was done when Michael Fajardo pulled off a brilliant save from their spot kick. Another highly competitive performance against a good quality team.
2ndXI v Old Parmiterians 2nd XI
Lost Score: 2-5 Old Boys Cup Home
Scorers:
Report: A very good Parmiterians team took the initiate early on and never lot go. Both teams played some lovely football but it was Parms who took more of their chances. Game was in the balance until very near the end. Good game by the official refreree who had to contend with 22 aspiring referees on the pitch!!
3rdXI v Old Parkonians 3rd XI
Lost Score: 1-3 League Away
Scorers: McMullen T
Report: With an excellent win under our belt the squad was confident ahead of this tough away fixture to Parkonians who have started the season well and with the league being so tight the three points on offer were important for both sides.

It was important to get off to a good start and we really came out of the blocks firing. The tempo of our game and some quick precise passing seemed to take the home team by surprise as we took an early foothold in the match.

We were playing some fantastic short, quick, two-touch football at times and created some good early chances to take the lead, Naim Essiaghi and Mikey Cole going close and forcing good saves from the Parkonians keeper.

It wasn’t all one way traffic and the home team also showed they could be a threat, but found it tough to get past our back four led impressively by Stephen Hockley at centre half.

We continued to take the game to Parkonians and our great start was rewarded around the quarter hour mark. A long throw in from Bobby Hankins on the right flew to the front post where Mike Cole got up well to flick on towards the penalty spot and find Tom McMullen sneaking in behind the Parkonians defense like a stealthy ninja to finish well for the opening goal.

We were in control of the game and playing some great football at times. With the back four looking strong and the midfield providing a good screen in front of them we looked well set and comfortable.
However on around 25mins that all changed when Parkonians won their first corner of the match. As the ball come in it looked as if Darren had it under control until the ball slipped through his hands and into the net.

The goal gave an obvious boost to the home side but we continued to look the better team. We created more good chances but a combination of good goal keeping, bad finishing and one off the post meant we went into half time all square but with a feeling that we should be at least one goal up.
Parkonians needed to up their game in the second half and they came out with their tails up. We found it difficult to continue our first half performance and the match became a more open and evenly fought contest.

In a game as tight as this the next goal was vital and it was the home side who claimed it on the hour. Another corner from their right which we were unable to clear, the ball fell to a Parkonians player on the six yard box who smashed in.

A goal down and not at our best, we dug in and continued to make good chances. Our best chance to level came when Mike Cole was played through one on one with the keeper. Taking the shot early but unfortunately getting underneath the ball he screwed high and wide.

We went close again, this time Hockley getting a good header on a corner only to see a Parkonians player clear off the line.

While we pushed for an equaliser the home team was also getting chances to increase their lead, Darren making a great save with his legs to keep us in it.

Another set piece led to three quick chances for us to draw level. Ben McMullen crossed from the left and substitute Ronnie Tumbridge glanced a header towards the far post, the Parkonians keeper got down well to make a fantastic one handed save. A goal mouth scramble followed with two shots blocked by the keeper again at close range and it clearly wasn’t to be our day.

A fresh pair of very quick legs secured the three points for Parkonians inside the final ten minutes. With players committed forward looking for the equaliser Parkonians countered down our left wing. The ball eventually found their striker racing into the area and rounded Darren before finishing high into the roof of the net.

A 3-1 defeat was not a score that we deserved and on another day we could have scored four or five, something we need to correct next Saturday in the quarter final of the Old Boys cup.

Man Of The Match: B. McMullen
Special mention: Steve Hockley for a solid debut.
4thXI v Norsemen 6th XI
Won Score: 2-1 League Home
Scorers: Woods, Boffa
Report: A tremendous all round team performance against a team at the top end of the table. We came from 1-0 down to secure 3 very valuable points. Freddy Boffa scored a couple although the better of his goals was ruled out for offside. We plugged away at the oppo and kept our dicipline (which in weeks past has not been evident) and finally got our just rewards when Lee Woods converted from short distance. Arturo had a cracking game as did Savva on his debut. Thanks To Alex and Tom for stepping in at short notice. Both battled hard and but for bad luck Alex could have been on the score sheet.
5thXI v Broomfield 6th XI
Drew Score: 0-0 League Away
Scorers:
Report: The no score draw indicates a tight game, and so it was; though one we could, and perhaps should have won. We played well as a unit, especially across the back where the four players had never played a line together, and the two paired centre backs were both playing out of position. All in all the defence was solid as a rock all afternoon, and well covered by the midfield too. First half we focused on closing the opposition down. By and large we succeeded in doing so, limiting them to just a handful of opportunities; but also curtailing our own forward play somewhat. The second half was all about developing our attacking play. As the half wore on it became apparent we were taking
control, and in the last twenty minutes we had four or five gilt edged chances to put the ball in the back of the net. Unfortunately it kept ending up in the field beyond. Finally, with five minutes left Phil
Ryan scored a great goal from the edge of the D to the top right corner. Except it was dis-allowed; the ref saying we had a player in an off-side position interfering with play. Must say, we didn't agree,
and we moaned… But once the ref has made a decision, that's it.

All in all, a good team performance, and a game we deserved to win; and would have won but for better finishing.