Season 26 - Division 4 (out of 6)
Start of season thoughts:
This season we have been relegated into the 4th division of 6 during a restructure of the division's, based on last seasons results. The restructure means that there are now 6 teams in each league, playing each other twice. Having played none of these teams at Eastwood and only the Jammy Dodgers in our time at Pitch Invasion, I am unable to make a prediction. My only hope is to perform well and look more menacing, as we fail to score or create chances in too many games. An extra incentive this season will be that if we go up, we play permanently at Eastwood next season.
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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 |
04/12/2006 |
Trinity |
0 - 1
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| Match 2 |
11/12/2006 |
Jammy Dodgers |
0 - 3
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| Match 3 |
18/12/2006 |
Hangovers FC |
0 - 3
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| Match 4 |
08/01/2007 |
EHA1 FC |
0 - 1
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| Match 5 |
15/01/2007 |
Ashingdown 6 |
0 - 0
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| Match 6 |
22/01/2007 |
Trinity |
2 - 0
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| Match 7 |
29/01/2007 |
Jammy Dodgers |
0 - 0
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| Match 8 |
05/01/2007 |
EHA1 FC |
2 - 2
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| Match 9 |
19/01/2007 |
Ashingdown 6 |
0 - 3
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| Match 10 |
26/01/2007 |
Hangovers FC |
2 - 1
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Match 1
How the match went: This week we played Trinity, although I didnt play as I was at a friends leaving party, so this is based on what I have been told.
Key points: Both sides created few chances We played solidly Trinity scored the crucial goal 0-0 would have been a fair result
If anyone else wants to write a better match report (that includes Trinity), then send an email to sharpshooters74@hotmail.com.
Match 2
How the match went: This week we played the Jammy Dodgers, a team we had previously played at Pitch Invasion. We had high hopes for this match, but as we already know, its different between the two leagues, so previous results dont count.
We started this match evenly with the Jammy Dodgers, but didnt create any clear cut chances to score. In the first half it was a tight affair and when they got their chance after Dave rolled it to there feet, they took the opportunity. From now on we were under pressure as we needed to score.
The 2nd half was much of the same, with Jammy Dodgers looking more dangerous, although not outplaying us. As we got closer to the end of the match, we had more players forward and got caught on the break too much. There 2nd goal came from a good break, with a 3 on 2 situation. There third goal came from a mistake by me, as I misjudged a bouncing ball and it meant they were through on goal. Both goals were decent finishes and well deserved.
Overall a decent performance which we held our own in, but just didnt create any chances. They took there chances and thoroughly deserved the 3 points this week.
Match 3
How the match went: This week we played Hangovers FC, in what should have been a game we could have won. Apologies its taken me a while to write this, but I havent been able to summon the courage to do it.
The match started well with us all over them, we created lots of chances, but could not convert one of them, which has been our problem in recent weeks. Although the 1st half finished 0-0, we were clearly the better side. If only we had scored a goal%u2026%u2026
The 2nd half was a different affair, as we conceded an early goal, an amazing strike from the halfway line which lobbed Dave. There was nothing that could have been about the strike, but it set the tone for the half. After this point we didnt continue where we left off in the first half, we let our heads drop and they increasingly had us out numbered going forward. In the remainder of the half they scored 2 more.
Overall this match turned when the 1st goal was scored, unfortunately it wasnt us. We should have had this wrapped up at half time, but didnt and to Hangovers credit they scored 3 and won the game. Division 5 here we come%u2026%u2026%u2026another blank score sheet costs us again. Hopefully the xmas break will do us good.
Match 4
How the match went: This week we played EHA1 FC, previously Estuary or ENSC at Pitch Invasion.
This was the first game back after the xmas period and it started well, with an early solid performance. The match was a tight affair and was fairly even, with both teams creating chances. The difference between the two teams was that their chances were clear cut and ours were wild shots with little chance of going in. At half time we managed to get it to 0-0.
In the 2nd half it was another solid performance, but we conceded a well worked goal early on, after a strike form an acute angle. We worked hard for the rest of this half not creating any clear cut chances, but also becoming more stretched at the back. If they had scored another goal it would not have been undeserved.
Overall a decent display, but again no points or goals. If we are going to score goals in this league, we need to pass the ball more when we get to goal, instead of trying to lash in a wonder strike from an impossible position.
Match 5
How the match went: This week we played Ashingdon 6, a team which I know has been to this site previously. The evening didnt start well even before we kicked off, when Dave (GK) pulled out 45 minutes prior to KO, but Spanton saved the day by playing in goal.
After the last few weeks of disappointment we started well and produced a hard working display. We created a handful of chances, one of which I had acres of space, but didnt realise so hashed my shot wide. They also had a few chances none clear cut. The defensive display and hard working team spirit ensured we had a chance; this was a very solid performance.
The 2nd half remained much the same with them stepping up and creating more chances, but we still continued to work hard. They looked like a good attacking side and have lots of goals in them. We continued to stand firm at the back with some marvellous defensive work from Andy marshalling the back line, despite tired legs from other players. Also credit to Spanton for pulling off a fabulous last minute save to earn us a point.
Overall a well deserved draw against a good side and if we play like that every week we have a chance. A special mention to Andy who had a man of the match performance against Ashingdon 6.
Match 6
How the match went: This week we played Trinity, a classic top v bottom situation. After last weeks result we knew we had a chance, it was whether we could follow it up. Again Spanton played in goal, due to Dave feeling under the weather, with Fung out on field.
The match started as a fairly even contest with both teams sharing an even amount of possession. We didnt create too many chances but started to look more menacing as the half continued. We managed to get our reward late in this half when we won a penalty after their defender cleared in the area. It was expertly taken (twice) by Andy to put us 1-0 up.
The 2nd half started well with Trinity putting us under more pressure, but not creating an overwhelming number of chances. When they did it was clear cut and we have Spanton to thank for 4 magnificent saves. We continued to play assertively and scored a 2nd after I squared the ball on a counter attack and James slide in to convert for his first goal at Eastwood (however it was a bit dubious whether it was his or not). At this point they were complaining about being hard done by at every decision including a blatant obstruction on me whilst I was running back. In the end one of there players was sin binned for constantly complaining and gave us a fairly easy end to the game.
Overall a cracking result and showed we can win in this division. Although it will be tough to get out of the relegation zone, we have given our self a shout with 4 points in the last 6.
Match 7
How the match went: This week we had another tough match against the Jammy Dodgers, which we previously lost to earlier in the season 3-0. Again Dave did not play (ill) so Spanton played in goal, with Tom also out this week (ill).
The match started in a tense fashion with both sides battling for the ball. We started to create a few chances in this period and although none of them were clear cut we still managed to work the keeper. For most of this half we defended resolutely and their only chance of the game was a defensive mix up between me and Coley, which forced Spanton into a decent save just before half time.
In the 2nd half the match continued to be tight and the chances became fewer and fewer, although there was one rasping shot from Andy which tested the keeper. Other points to note were rare, with Jammy dodgers pushing for the goal that would win the game for them. They had another chance to win the match, but shot wide towards the end of the game.
Overall a decent display and our 3rd clean sheet in a row, if we get our scoring right we have a decent chance to get out of trouble. The minimum requirement is 2 wins out of 3, with us playing both of the closest rivals in the next two weeks-a critical period in our season.
Match 8
How the match went: This match was a crucial as it would decide how the last 2 matches had to be played. I.e. if we lost we would be relegated, a draw would make it close to impossible, a win would drop EHA1 FC in the proverbial ****. Due to this being wrote 3 weeks after the event, I am unsure what halves things occurred.
This match showed that our strong run of form continued, we looked solid throughout the team and didnt look like conceding any goals. To go with our run of defensive form, we managed to open the scoring after a clinical shot from Paul. We doubled our advantage later on after Paul took another well worked goal.
We were then cruising to a victory which would have put all the pressure ion EHA1 FC, but alas we conceded 2 goals in the last 2 minutes, the 2nd a clearance which bounced off their defender straight into the attackers path.
Overall a thoroughly disappointing game for us, which almost certainly condemned us to relegation. Even their manger said that he didnt think that they would break us down and cant understand how we lost. That sums up our season!
Match 9
How the match went: This match was critical to our season and a must win to take the relegation dog fight to the end of the season. Spanton played in goal this week as Dave was still out with injury.
We started badly in this game and conceded an early goal, after a one on one chance was created by them and slotted in precisely. Although we conceded the goal, we looked fairly tight at the back restricting their chances, although with their 2nd chance came a 2nd goal to put us further behind. After his we pushed forward and created chances of our own, although with some intelligent play, the chances would have been much easier. To round the half off, they had their 3rd chance and again neatly finished.
The 2nd half we were strong and resolute at the back only conceding the one chance which they didnt put away. In this half we were the better team, but a lack of clear cut chances meant that we were never going to score.
Overall a good performance by them and a classic case of taking there chances. Next weeks game is now insignificant to the relegation battle, but will only decide if we finish bottom or 2nd bottom.
Match 10
How the match went: This weeks match against Hangovers FC was one purely for pride (and not finishing bottom) as both teams had already been relegated. Again Spanton was in goal as Daves ear problem had still not healed.
This match started at a frenetic pace with both sides having the ball, we had the best of the first half creating more clear cut opportunities than them. They also created chances and at times it was 3 against 2, but Spanton pulled off some world class saves. It got to half time 0-0, which was a mystery to me.
In the 2nd half we came out and played the same way, but conceded a hammer blow when they opened the scoring in this match after a clinically taken strike. This forced us to step up the pace and we got our reward when Paul crossed to Coley, who deftly slotted it in the bottom corner. After this they had a goal ruled out after their player shot in our area (it was tight but he was in our area), much to the disgruntlement of some of their players. The match was decided on a clear cut penalty, after their defender cleared the ball in the area. Andy stepped up to give us the vital goal to win us the game.
Overall a decent game and one which I think we deserved to win.
End of season thoughts:
At the start of this season I said that I didn't know what the outcome of this season would be, only that we ‘perform well and look more menacing, as we fail to score or create chances in too many games'. This was our problem again this season as although we conceded 1 4 goals in 10 games, which should be enough to ensure we sit mid table, the return of 6 goals shows were our problem lied. All is not lost as we have a platform to build on, I would be far more concerned if we were conceding 30 a season and only scoring 6, with some more clinical and intelligent play, I see no reason why we cant go onto be a success at Eastwood. My last thought for this season is if we had not conceded 2 goals in the last 2 minutes against EHA1 FC, we would have stayed up, but it may be a good thing we have gone down.
