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Season 37 - Division 9 (out of 9)
Start of season thoughts:
This season will be defined by our ability to gel, as we have 3 new players from the start of the season and a goalkeeper position yet to fill. With the addition of Graham S, Tom P and Stu I, I have made the decision to go from the 4th to 9th division so that we can start again.
I'm excited by the prospect this season (even though I will miss most of it through injury), as in our league we have the Underdogs, Beechwood and Lillywhites (previously Portugeezers) all of which we have played before. My prediction is that we will pick up enough points to finish in the top 2 with either Underdogs or Beechwood claiming the remaining place. The unknown quantities are Westcliff Utd and Hot Meat Pies FC which could throw a big spanner in the works.
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Match
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Dates
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Opponent
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Result (SS - Opp)
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| Match 1 |
22/06/2009 |
Lillywhites |
1 - 1
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| Match 2 |
29/06/2009 |
Underdogs |
0 - 1
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| Match 3 |
06/07/2009 |
Bell Athletic |
0 - 1
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| Match 4 |
13/07/2009 |
Westcliff United |
3 - 0 (WO)
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| Match 5 |
20/07/2009 |
Hot Meat Pies FC |
1 - 0
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| Match 6 |
27/07/2009 |
Lillywhites |
0 - 0
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| Match 7 |
10/08/2009 |
Bell Athletic |
1 - 0
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| Match 8 |
17/08/2009 |
Jaffa Cakes |
3 - 0 (WO)
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| Match 9 |
24/08/2009 |
Hot Meat Pies FC |
2 - 3
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| Match 10 |
07/09/2009 |
Underdogs |
1 - 1
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Match 1
Squad: Matt E (gk), James C, Fung C, Stu I, Paul Mag, Steve B
Goal Scorers: Paul Mag (1)
How the match went: This was our 1st match in division 9 and a match that we should have won, as we created a large number of chances. Both goals in this games from keeper errors, ours passing the ball straight to a forward and theirs dropping a shot through his leagues. The funny thing is that their goal, came from what should have been our corner after their player hoofed it straight over he fence (a blatant corner).
Match 2
Squad: Paul B (gk), James C, Fung C, Stu I, Steve B, Paul Mad, Paul S
Goal Scorers: None
How the match went: This was the 1st time that both sides have met in a competitive match and in my opinion should have ended in a 1-1 draw. Both sides had chances and both keepers did well, but at the end of the day they took their chances and all 3 points.
Match 3
Squad: Matt E (gk), James C, Fung C, Stu I, Graham S, Paul Mags
Goal Scorers: None
How the match went: This was a very tough game and although the score ended 1-0, I thought we did enough in the 1st half to nick a goal. However the 2nd half we were below standard and Bell clinched it was nicely taken strike.
Match 4
Squad: n/a
Goal Scorers: n/a
How the match went: This was a walkover victory as Westcliff United pulled out
Match 5
Squad: n/a
Goal Scorers: Paul Mad (1 pen)
How the match went: I dont know about this match as I was in Turkey, it was a good result.
Match 6
Squad: n/a
Goal Scorers: None
How the match went: I dont know about this match as I was in Turkey, another point earnt.
Match 7
Squad: Matt E (gk), James C, Fung C, Stu I, Steve B, Paul Mad
Goal Scorers: Steve B (1)
How the match went: This was a good match for us and after taking the lead early on. During this match we also earnt a penalty after the defender slide in the area, but we missed with a poorly taken spot kick. Overall a good and deserved 3 points.
Match 8
Squad: n/a
Goal Scorers: n/a
How the match went: This was a walkover victory as Jaffa Cakes haven't started yet.
Match 9
Squad: Paul B (gk), Fung C, Stu I, Steve B, Paul Mad, Michael Mad
Goal Scorers: Paul M (1), Steve B (1)
How the match went: This was an important game and would determine how the season finished. It didnt start well, we conceded 2 early sloppy goals and were from then on chasing the game. They managed to get a 3rd after a miss hit shot, but we made a game of it and pulled 2 back. Had the game gone on longer, I have no doubt we would have got something.
Match 10
Squad: Fung C (gk), James C, Stu I, Steve B, Paul Mad, Michael Mad
Goal Scorers: Paul Mad (1)
How the match went: This match was an encounter of little meaning, they had won the title & we couldnt go up barring a miracle. The match started well with Paul Mad beating Matt E (and his new gloves). We continued to pepper the goal and hit the post/bar 3 times. In the 2nd half the Underdogs put up more resistance and they managed to equalise with Salmon beating Fung at his near post. Overall this was a match that we deserved to win.
End of season thoughts:
At the start of the season I said we would be defined by our ability to gel and this was the case. Due to player inconsistencies and holidays, I do not think I had remotely the same squad put out at any point this season. The situation was exacerbated by me missing the entire season through injury and probably the upcoming one.
Getting to the football the teams expected to challenge for promotion Underdogs, Bell Athletic and us finished in the top 4, with one of the unknown entities (Hot Meat Pies FC) sealing an instant promotion. Well done to Underdogs for picking up their 1st trophy. I'm pleased we managed to pick up 15 points despite the season of changes and last minute call ups. 4th place was a fair result considering the challenges we faced.
Next season we have a new revised squad and will expect to challenge.
 
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