MATCH REPORTS

Games played on: Sat 23rd Jan 2010
1stXI v IBIS 1st XI
Won Score: 3-2 League Away
Scorers: Anthony 2, Rowe
Report: Having managed to string some positive results together in the period to mid December there was a worry that the enforced break of 5 weeks due to the weather would prove difficult for us. In addition an away game to the team currently second in the league was not the easiest way to herald our return to action. However we proved that our resilience and spirit had not deserted us. Behind twice 0-1 and 1-2 we came back deservedly to reach the interval level at 2-2 with goals from Anthony and Rowe. Unfortunately we failed to take advantage during a period of dominance at the start of the 2nd half and were forced to defend resolutely when Ibis were in the ascendancy towards the end of the game, but with 2 mins remaining Codd's near post corner was nodded on and in the ensuing scramble our ace poacher Raf Anthony was on hand to force the ball home from close range. An all round solid team performance especially following our "winter" break, but special mention go to both full backs, Mark Golding and Anthony Lambe who were outstanding in defence and dangerous going forward.
2ndXI v IBIS 2nd XI
Lost Score: 2-4 League Home
Scorers: Toumany jnr, Savvas
Report: Stationers were still on their Christmas break when an innocuous ball into the box allowed an IBIS player a free header to go 1-0 up inside the first minute. The next 30 minutes found each team shadow boxing, as chances were few and far between. Then our defence went to sleep to allow a dangerous IBIS centre-forward all the time in the world to collect a ball in the box and cross for an IBIS tap-in.

The two Stationer forwards always threatened to escape their shackles, but the IBIS defence was well marshalled and solid. The games looked over when IBIS extended their lead 15 minutes into the 2nd half.

Then an inspired substitution; Paul Roux coming off the defence to win a penalty with his first contribution. Josh duly dispatched. Then a lovely move down the left, saw a fine, deft flick from Paul to set up a fine finish from Savvas.

This could have set-up a fine last 5 minutes but IBIS strolled forward to score once more and the game was over. A disappointing result against a good IBIS side who have now taken all 6 points off of the previous league leaders.
3rdXI v Old Esthamians 3rd XI
Won Score: 3-2 AFA Cup Q/F Away
Scorers: Cole, Mays (2)
Report: After six weeks without a match, Saturdays quarter final against Old Esthameians was a fixture met with a mixed bag of emotions; relief at finally getting back out on the pitch, a desire to get through to the next round and for most, hope of lasting 90 minutes and still being able to get up for work on Monday.

There was a late pitch inspection due to swamp like conditions in one of the penalty areas, however with both teams eager to get the game underway and a little drainage work, the referee agreed to play the match and we could finally kick off 2010.

We started the game well and after some early exchanges we settled into the match and began to impose ourselves a little. The pitch had held up well and we were able to play the ball on the ground and looked threatening on a number of occasions, but a lack of match sharpness meant we never really made the most of good possession in the Old Esthameians half. Our best chances in the opening stages however came from a more direct approach. Two throw on's were launched in by Bobby 'Rory Delap you've got nothing on me' Hankins and both were flicked on at the near post and drifted agonisingly across the six yard box without anyone being able to get a telling touch.

The home side also showed signs of why they had gone eight games unbeaten and our back four were having to hold firm, winning their headers and getting in good tackles when called on.
We always looked the more likely team to take the lead and finally made our good spell count with 30mins on the clock. Some nice football in the midfield and a ball inside the Old Esthameians left back found Mike Cole with time and space just outside the box, taking a touch and then another and another (we started to worry), he composed himself and fired across the keeper.

They say a team is most vulnerable just after they score and unfortunately this proved to be the case as within minutes Old Esthameians were level. A long, left to right diagonal found their right winger get to the edge of the area and cut the ball back across to be smashed in by the waiting striker.

Both teams had decent chances as half time approached and thanks to a great reflex save from Darren we went in all square knowing it would be another close fought 45mins.

As with the first half, the early stages of the second saw both teams share good spells of possession. It was a tight, tense affair with both teams fully committed.

Niam Essiaghi was becoming a growing influence on the match, carrying the ball deep into the Easthamians half leaving two or three defenders in his wake and often drawing in a foul and it was from a free kick that we regained our lead. From a central position roughly twenty yards out, Mays placed the ball down with one thought in his mind. One swing of his considerably long leg later and it was 1-2 in our favour, a low shot curled around the wall and with too much mustard for the keeper to handle.

Surely lightening couldn’t strike twice. Well actually yes it did, we managed to keep the lead for maybe three or four minutes. This time it was a ball through our right hand side and their left winger picked out a team mate on the penalty spot who finished well in the bottom corner with around fifteen minutes left on the clock.

We had to dig in and defend well following the goal as the home side built up some pressure and we survived a couple of minor scares as everyone stood up to the challenge.
With five minutes to go and every breath getting heavier, the daunting prospect of extra time edged closer.

All game we had looked a threat from set pieces and when the ball went out deep into the Old Esthameians half, it was literally a case of one last throw when Hankins trotted over and wiped the ball down. The ball floated to the edge of the six yard box and rising like a salmon out of a cold stream, Mays got above his marker and guided a superb header into the top corner.

There was no way we were going to let the lead slip again and we managed to see the game out and march on to our second semi-final of the season..
Man Of The Match: whole team – great effort from all.
Special mention: Sean Hill and Gerry Mckeown, never got on this week but were full of enthusiasm and positive support for the team which was greatly appreciated by everyone involved.
4thXI v Winchmore Hill 7th XI
Drew Score: Postponed League Home
Scorers:
Report:
5thXI v EBOGs 7th XI
Lost Score: 2-3 League Away
Scorers: Hulkes, Attrill
Report: A match we should have won. Wasted opportunities. Diversionary arguing with the Referee. Soft goals given away. Silly.

First half we just didn't get going until about twenty minutes in. Didn't win the second ball. Allowed the oppo too much space. Appalling defending gifted the oppo a goal early on, with one of their players given an eon to turn in the box and slot home. But at half time we should've been two or three to the good; just didn't take our chances when one on one with the keeper.

Second half really it just seemed a matter of time before we scored. And indeed mid way through Gary opened our account with a good left foot finish. Then against the run of play the oppo got a goal back. Some defenders just stood around whilst their striker took half a dozen touches to control the ball. Strange play. Why? Play to the whistle, we all know that is how the game works.

We got one back with a fine header from Attrill, who made a positive impact from the bench, running through the middle of the park on a number of occasions to surprise the oppo. We continued to dominate. We continued to miss chances. The oppo got their 3rd goal… The only one that was a decent goal. A good strike that Sam got finger tips to, but went in off the post. But really it shouldn't
have mattered. By then we should have been six or seven goals to the good. The oppo were delighted with their win. I told them afterwards I couldn't believe we hadn't beaten them. They didn't argue. But what can we say? Collectively not positive enough. We all know that.

Man of the match: Tommy Attrill (Positive attitude and good running from the back).