Match reports Under 11 Boys 2006/7 season

25/2/07 Tooting & Mitcham 2-3 Guildford Saints Strikers

League Plate quarter-final

Sunday 25^th February 2007

This one was certainly a ‘game of two halves’ but best described as the ‘Power of the Halftime Pep Talk’.

A long trip to London today with Sunday traffic that reminded us not to complain about Guildford rush-hour.  Opponents were Tooting & Mitcham, a Division 1 side though winless after 11 fixtures so far. The late kick-off was delayed further by some to-ing and fro-ing on pitch conditions but eventually the game started and thankfully the rain kept off for the match.

Honours were pretty much even in the first exchanges. Their very competent striker came close to scoring with a left footed shot while we also nearly scored when George M. released to Brandon on the right wing for a cross that Tom came close to converting. The Tooting goalie, a big fellow, was going to take some beating.  

Gradually Tooting took control of midfield in a period that saw us lose momentum and spirit. We were losing nearly all the 50/50 balls and standing back from tackles. Tooting took the lead and we were on the back foot. Our shape was lost and we were scrambling and not communicating. Joe cleared countless goal threats. We were particularly lucky on two occasions not to fall further behind when Tooting just failed to connect. It seemed we would escape getting to half time one down when a series of unfortunate events among our defence presented Tooting with their second goal.

Half time,  two down and wilting. Kevin didn’t mince his words at the half time talk, insisting that our tackles show more commitment as we were too pedestrian in midfield. This Tooting team showed they were always going to have gaps, it was for us to muster the spirit to take the game to them.

A different Saints team emerged for the second half and within 15 minutes 2-0 had been converted to 2-3! First goal came when Harry chested down a whipping cross from the left, aimed and converted. The second came from a solo effort by George S. taking the ball from near halfway to shoot past the keeper. And the third came when a cross from the left just eluded their keeper for Harry to bag his second.

We kept momentum and should have added a fourth on 2 or 3 occasions. But we always looked capable of conceding a goal too and it was just before the end that Tooting had one of those opportunities that would have seen Di’s fingernails disappear had she been there. With just Tai to beat their striker shot well and the goal seemed certain. But Tai pulled off an amazing full-length save on the ground with his outstretched hand to deny Tooting. Fantastic.

Final score then 3-2 to Saints. Harry took man of the match for his control and finishing.

The match was a great example of how attitude determines the result. Thanks due to Kevin for the inspiration. And to Alistair for another seamless display on the line.

Gareth

18/2/07

Sometimes the end justifies the means; despite a fairly scrappy affair with only fleeting pockets of the kind of football we can play, it was pleasing to return to winning ways after the disappointment of our CountyCup exit a fortnight ago.

Two previous wins against a battling Walton & Hersham side earlier in the season suggested we might fair well, but offsetting that was the non-availability of in-form Tai and, worryingly, George Stephens evidently not firing out of either of his two cylinders.

The game nevertheless got underway and the opening exchanges offered little to suggest which team might emerge victors. Walton, as in previous games, gave as good as they got in all areas of the pitch. The game lacked fluidity and there were long spells of midfield drudgery with only occasional glimpses of flair. Brandon did his best to lift the spirits of the expectant crowd with some good touches and an impressive combative display on the right of midfield. For all this, Saint’s were prepared to get stuck in and do the ugly stuff – even the great teams, like West Ham, have to grind results out some days.

As has been the way in previous fixtures, Saints started to impose themselves on the game and whilst still not playing terribly well, managed to force a couple of chances. Andy thought he’d bagged the opener, poking the ball in from a few yards, only to be flagged offside. The balance of the game was starting to tip in Saints’ favour and with some relief, Tom J opened the scoring, capitalising on some quick thinking on the part of George M who’s long throw caught the home defence napping – no flag this time. One became two only a few short minutes later, when Henry’s hopeful shot took an unkind bobble which completely bamboozled the Walton goalie. With daylight between the two teams, Saint’s looked to be cruising to a comfortable half-time lead, but Walton weren’t done for just yet and had a succession of menacing corners that fortunately produced no end product. We finished the half with the two goal cushion intact.

At half time, Adam and Dan swapped the number one shirt and Sam and Harry were introduced to the fray. The second period saw a slight improvement for Saints, with us showing more resolve in the centre of the park and generally trying to play a little more football and a pitch two sizes bigger than we’ve become accustomed to. It wasn’t until we’d doubled our lead before we were back to the Saints of old, however. In between times, the onlookers had been treated to two terrific goals that stuck out like Tom’s Purple hair in a game otherwise struggling for quality. The first fell to Tom, who lobbed the keeper and several other defenders from a tight angle inside the Walton penalty area.

At 3-0, the confidence was visibly sapped from the home side, allowing a succession of substitutions to be made. Inevitably, this led to some of the boys playing out of position. Not that you would have guessed; Adam, playing in the centre of midfield was pinging the ball around like a young Glen Hoddle and Saints seemed destined to increase the difference. That honour fell to George M, who picked the ball up in midfield and ran 30 yards before firing the ball high over the keeper’s grasp and into the net. George doesn’t tend to score too often, but when he does they tend to be absolute belters. This one was no exception.

With no road back for Walton, Saint’s were playing their best football of the game by far. George S was reaching the by-line with increasing frequency, but we were unable to apply the finishing touch. The Saints defence found themselves able to push right up the field – the opposition penalty box in fact – a situation quickly rectified by the assistant manager. The defence of Joe, George C, Henry and Sam looked to have the situation completely under wraps, quickly dealing with the occasional Walton flurry into our half. It was somewhat against the run of play that Walton grabbed a late consolation goal, but it would be unfair to begrudge them it giving their contribution to the early stages of the game in particular.

Deserved credit to the two stand-in ‘keepers, Adam and Dan who both handed in decent performances. Similar credit to George S, who could easily have stayed in bed. Joe, as ever, ran miles and quickly closed off any roads to recovery for the home side.

With a brace of fine goals to his name, Tom J can count himself unlucky not to have been taking the trophy home with him, but Brandon ’s fine performance earnt him the honour for this week. Well done to all the boys.

4 February 2007     Kew Park Rangers 4-2 Guildford Saints Strikers

A frosty morning and a longish drive to Kew to quarter final match in the
County Cup. A full squad today and spirits were high, buoyed with the win
last week over Aldershot.

Saints kicked off and got a decent run up the left wing to establish our
presence, though the move finished as a goal kick. Kew returned and
established their credentials too with some good passing and commitment in
midfield. The first quarter of the match became a dogged stalemate with
neither side able to penetrate the goalmouth. Joe covered huge ground to
close down lots of potentially dangerous balls in this time.

The second quarter saw Kew pick up the pace and they started to open up a
few good chances. One break on the left saw a good shot aimed to Tai's left,
surely a goal. BUT NO! Tai, outstretched, parried the ball but into the path
of a Kew striker. Surely a goal. BUT NO! As a boy told me afterwards we were
lucky these goalposts were square not round as the just clipped the edge and
ran across the face of goal before we cleared.

Guildford responded and after a good run on the left George S. won and took
a corner. Not his best, as the ball was cleared readily but ran to Joe who
connected on the full from twenty five yards. The ball sang high and dipped
under the bar. 1-0 to Saints.  Kew came back well but we hung on till half
time after a few scares and some slightly dodgy clearances.

The half time message from Kevin was to clear the ball quickly. We were 1-0
up but this team was well organised, and fast.

The second half started with Saints under pressure. Tom Jones was now
winning more in midfield but led by their very good number 9 they still put
us under more pressure. A whipping corner found a Kew touch and went in off
the inside of the far post. 1-1. We were not daunted and before long went
back in front when a Fabregas-like ball from George S. found Harry who
finished beautifully with their goalie closing in rapidly. 2-1.

Kew were not to be outdone and showed a determination our boys (bar Joe)
were lacking. They equalised from another corner, and only some excellent
work by Tai kept the score level. Eventually they scored a scrappy third
following sustained pressure. With only a few minutes left we pushed hard
and unsurprisingly were found wanting at the back. 4-2.

This was the final score. While Kew played the better football we were left
thinking we could have pinched this one with a bit more aggression on the
50/50 balls. But quarter finals in the County Cup is very respectable so
well done to all the boys.

A very competent showing from Tai in goal showing his increasing confidence.
But man of the match was not hard this week. There seemed to be two or three
Joes on the pitch giving absolutely everything - so they take men of the
match!

Gareth

28/1/06 MATCH REPORT FOR STRIKERS V ALDERSHOT BOYS AND GIRLS

After a few worries about the state of the pitch and Geraldine needing to fetch washing line from the back of her car (!?) to attach the net correctly we were able to kick off.

The boys got off to an excellent start with lots of good passing and fast flowing football. Henry made some flying runs and the boys seemed ready for a good game. The first goal came soon into the match – well taken by Dan smashed above the goalie’s hands. 1 – 0

With the midfield still pushing up, great battling for the ball from Tom, it didn’t take long for George S to pass the ball through smoothly to Andy who with one touch of the ball neatly found the back of the net. 2 – 0.

Aldershot began to find their feet but there was no getting past our solid defence  - Joe lead extremely well clearing the ball with Sam and Adam ably supporting him. Time and time again Saints pushed forward always looking threatening. It didn’t take long for us to score again – this time bagged by George S. 3-0

The opposition supporters were heard to ask Tai if he would like a cup of tea and a cushion as he had settled himself down on the pitch as he had nothing to do!

Half time and a positive team talk from Mike sent the boys on their way for more great football.

Aldershot came out more determined but George M saw off their strikers and Tai was forced into making a great save. For a while the game fell into a bit of a stalemate. James was able to take part in the game when his card showed up and with encouragement from home supporters the game reignited. Saints heaped more pressure on Aldershot and were successful at winning the ball time and time again. George S struck a marvellous ball goal 4-0 After a very messy goal mouth scramble Aldershot scored 4 – 1. Brandon joined the battle and once more Saints took control. Henry, back on the pitch and playing so well passed the ball through to James who deftly found the goal ( revenge is sweet!). 5 - 1

Yet another scramble in front of goal allowed Aldershot their second goal. 5 – 2

With our boys playing well we had a feeling the game was not yet over and with more pressure George S passed the ball through for Harry who had worked hard all match and the score became 6 – 2!

At the end of the match a veteran  Aldershot supporter came and spoke to some of our boys and said how well they had played and that they deserved to win. He also mentioned that the Aldershot boys had got “too big for their boots and this would do them good.”

Personally I think that this sums up the ethos of our boys and the team. Although highly competitive and always keen to win they are always gracious in defeat and bounce back well week after week. Kevin would have been proud and pleased with the win.

Man of the Match was George S.

Thanks to Mike for managing the boys and Alistair for running the line. Thanks too to Simon Craig for refereeing. GREAT RESULT BOYS!

14/1/07 Staines Town Juniors 1 – 12 Guildford Saints Strikers

Today we played a Staines team that had not won a league match yet in the 11-a-side format. In the first quarter we were focused, well organised, committed and scored five goals. I heard the Staines manger ask the referee how much time was left in the first half.

“Halfway through” was the reply. “Is that all?” he said.

In the remaining three quarters we were comfortable yet lost shape and didn’t talk to each other. While another seven goals were added we didn’t really look the business yet it was perhaps understandable when it was such an amble.

Most of the boys got on the scoresheet, and four bagged a brace. I’ll only single out Tai, who, after half time, went up front for the first time ever and opened our second half account with some deft sidesteps before putting the ball in the net.

George S. took Man of the Match for some good work on the left wing.

We were happy to get the points but in truth not very satisfying for either side given the mismatch. We host Aldershot Boys and Girls in two weeks and a win there would be sweet!

Gareth Stephens

7/1/07 Guildford Saints Strikers 1 – 0 Roundshaw (Croydon)

This cup match was always going to be a big test for us. We weren’t sure of the standard of this team though Di rolled her eyes and said ‘Academy’. First question was whether we would play given the sogginess of the ground. We did, though it must have been a marginal decision given the number of no-go patches reflecting the grey sky.

We got off to a bright start in the first ten minutes with some good flow given conditions. Our bossing in midfield had some of us wonder how good this ‘Academy’ was. The muddy pitch made it hard to convert possession to goal opportunities, though, and some valiant dribbling through treacle came to premature halts. Tom took an early lead in the Muddy Boy Award before being comprehensively overtaken by Tai later on. Eventually Roundshaw found their feet and started to take control and it took some real commitment by our back four, and sometimes our back ten, to keep them out. Tai was on top form, and always busy, and one fine collection before halftime saw him hobble off with a stud injury.

Kevin congratulated the effort levels at half time and invited the boys to use the width more as midfield was so boggy. The second half began with the same high energy level left off in the first. There were chances both sides and their number 14 gave us a lot of problems with his paces and deft touch. Tai, back for the second half, was a rock, gathering every loose ball in sight and timing some clearance kicks perfectly. The effort from the boys was huge and we wondered how long before they started to wilt.  A partial goalie clearance of a shot from George went to Harry then fell to Andy who spun and converted. 1-0.  But there was plenty of time left and Roundshaw increased the pressure, encouraged by their coach who seemed to want some aerobics as well as football with constant cries of ‘up,up,up’. Somehow we kept running and closing them down and when the whistle went we all felt exhausted and elated.

A great win to take us through to the quarter finals and a massive effort from everyone today. Man of the match award to Tai for a brave and commanding performance between the posts. 3 more of those for the cup!

26/11/06 Haslemere 2 Saints Strikers 2

The Haslemere pitch was one of the few today that was (almost) playable, this being due to an incline that could see it double as a venue for Ski Sunday later this winter. About a quarter of the pitch allowed the ball to bounce, the rest was sticky.

Haslemere’s warm-up routines and their league placing at 2^nd suggested a well organised side. We handed them a gift when our poor communication led to a our conceding an early goal. Haslemere pressed further and we looked under pressure for a second. Gradually though our midfield led by Tom Jones took ascendency and we started to use the wings to good effect. A cross from Greg found Henry who managed to give the mud-stuck ball such a swing that it tore through the net (well maybe there was an existing hole there somewhere).  We continued to battle well for midfield in difficult conditions and Henry converted a second to put us in the lead. We were now passing well despite the difficulties of the pitch. Near the end of the first half Haslemere came back well. A scramble after a corner saw them whack the underside of our crossbar and we were pleased to close the half 2-1 up.

The second half commenced and within minutes Haslemere equalised when a cross from their left wing went astray and found the top corner leaving Tai no chance. We kept our composure and shape. Brandon cracked a shot on the crossbar and we began to turn the screw. The remainder of the half was a really good display of football by Saints in very difficult conditions. Somehow we managed not to score and Haslemere breathed a big sigh of relief when the final whistle went.

Final score then, 2-2, and our first away point this season. A lot to be pleased about – given Haslemere’s position we are clearly contenders for one of the top places this season. Man of the match to Henry who bagged a brace today but well done all round!

Gareth

29/11/06  Frimley 4 Guilford Saints Strikers 3  (U11)

This week we were somewhat short of boys and Jordan joined the skeleton playing squad to make the depleted numbers up to 11. On looking at the oversize full pitch in the Frimley Lodge Complex we were all sure that we need everything on our side to secure a result!

The match started at 2.15 pm and we were soon on the defensive with Joe, George M and Henry protecting Tai’s goal. The pressure resulted in a corner for Frimley but any danger was despatched away by Joe. From a goal kick George chased down the left wing and a great shot was deflected out by the goalkeeper onto an eager Harry who made no mistake in making the score 1-0 to Guildford.  

Frimley were not slow in responding with a counter attack that resulted in a free kick to them on the edge of our penalty area. In the scramble that followed on from the kick Frimley scored ,hence drawing level. The pressure from the centre kick was relentless . A Frimley striker was through,alone on our goal and the hard shot was well saved by Tai. Our luck was not to last and Frimley went 2-1 ahead after the ball rebounded off Guildford Saints crossbar into the awaiting Frimley striker’s boot. Joe, George M, Henry and Sam were making the tackles but we could not prevent the third goal being scored by Frimley on 20 minutes.

Before half time Guildford seemed to rally and George was denied what would have been a great thunderous goal was it not for the upright. The half ended and it was 3-1 to Frimley.

Kevin delivered the team talk at half time and the 2^nd half began with an attack from Harry and a pass to Dan which was shot just wide. We started to put pressure onto Frimley which was a welcome change for the travelling supporters!

Sam and Jordan began to have more of the ball and Guildford played with more urgency. A Frimley breakaway culminated in their 4^th goal and it was soon realised that we were going to have to play very, very well if we were to get anything from this game with the score at 4-1 to Frimley!

Guildford were not disheartened and we continued to put pressure on the Frimley defenders. From a cross on the left from Harry, Tommy shot low and the ball went in of the upright and it was now 4-2 to Frimley. Continued pressure from the off, resulted in a penalty kick being awarded to Guildford . Up stepped George who calmly struck the ball low and hard making the score 4-3 to Frimley.

The final minutes saw a Harry header from a George S cross go just wide with other efforts by the ever running and battling Joe just missing and much goal mouth action not resulting in that all important 4^th goal.

The match ended 4-3 and the performances in the second half were very good indeed but ultimately the first half score-line was just too much to overcome. Tai played very well in goal and Dan battled well but the Man of the Match was Joe who played well all over the pitch.

Match Report for Strikers vs Bisley 15^th October

Apologies to Gareth -  I hope I have kept up with play and give an accurate account of the game….!!

The boys were instructed that with only one sub they had to avoid injury at all costs! Bisley had some tall lads and gave the air of a competent side. From the kick off Saints had a flying start straight to the ball, Joe booted the ball up the pitch to Gregory who passed his man delivering the ball beautifully to Harry who thumped the ball into the back of the net. 1 –0 with only three minutes on the clock!

However Bisley were determined to give their all and attacked our goal, frantic defending from our lads with an amazing header from Joe ensured a small breather for Saints. However Dan, George and Sam (who was experiencing friendly advice from Keith!!) had to work hard but after Tai’s initial save from the corner kick Bisley struck the ball well and it landed in the top corner 1 – 1.

The game continued at a fast pace with end to end football. Bisley had an unlucky spell with great passing and a few good shots on goal. Tommy worked tirelessly in the centre of the pitch with George Martin leading well from the back. Saints found their feet but the crowd were left wondering whether they were at Twickenham not Bushy as Gregory and Andy both went for conversions rather than goals. After a drop ball won by Tom, Gregory walked the ball over the line. 2 – 1

Half time talk and Mike stressed the tightness of the game. With this on board the boys worked well as a team with particularly good passing from Tom and Harry. However we must be careful of the offside rule and although the ball made the back of the net the linesman had already flagged.

The third goal came from a powerful free kick from Joe which gave Gregory the opportunity to bag his second goal.

Yet again Bisley fought back and with George C now on the pitch our defence were again called upon to give their best. Sadly Tai succumbed to a previous injury trying to save a cracking goal from Bisley that was practically unstoppable. 3- 2. This meant Dan was into replace Tai. The boys rallied and with perserverance from Harry and Andy both running their socks off we scored again! 4 – 2 . With the crowd feeling slightly more at ease Saints continued with good footie. A fantastic pass from Brandon down the wing to Tom who neatly crossed the ball to Harry resulted in Harry passing the goalie and goal number five was ours!

Man of the match was Harry -   well done.

Thanks to Mike for deputising for Kevin and for Alistair for running the line.

As I write this Kevin should be entering the Millenium Stadium hopefully with a good time I’m sure he’ll be very proud of the boys. Look forward to hearing about the run from Gareth and Kevin with the resident reporter back next week!

Judith Strange

8/10/06 Guildford Saints Strikers 5 Frensham 0

Two home league matches and two five goal hauls. We just need to find some away form to get into the top half of the table.

While the scoreline showed a comfortable win we were off colour today. Most of the first half was very flat with much scrambled clearing and not a lot of use of the width of the pitch. Frensham were struggling to find a rhythm and gradually Saints took control and started peppering the goal with a host of attempts, none of which found the mark. It felt like it was going to be ‘one of those days’. The Frensham attacks were limited but George M. and Dan showed their usual composure in defending well. Tai was particularly solid with some good hands and some well timed clearance runs. Tom was everywhere in midfield. Finally, late in the first half, one of George S.’s crosses resulted in a pinball exchange before the ball fell to Joe just outside the area. Thwack. 1-0 to Saints.

Halftime team chat and much berating for lack of shape and lack of talk.

The second half started brighter. So bright that we were 4-0 up after 15 minutes. A well struck shot from Harry put their keeper to the test and slipped through. Andy was next on the scoreline converting George’s cross after a run on the left. And we went 4-0 up after some frantic bobbing of heads saw the ball beat the keeper. This was credited as a second goal to Andy again after the referee ran through an action replay in his mind. And a fifth sealed it when Harry took a half volley and seared it into the top left. To their credit, Frensham kept taking the game to us and were unlucky not to score after an excellent header from a corner.

5-0 then the final score. Tom Jones man of the match for another highly industrious display. Well done to the boys but plenty of learning points, especially the need to talk more, if we are to take it to the teams at the top of this league.

Full-time: Haslemere Harriers 4 Guildford Saints Stormers 4

1/10/06 Milford Pumas 5 – Guildford Saints 3

Buoyed after last week’s extravaganza we approached this match with the memories of our 5-0 drubbing by Milford in the last match of last season appropriately dim.

The boys were out on the pitch early braving the rain that got heavier as the training session went on. Not used to the luxury of a clubhouse and changing room, the sodden boys were eventually persuaded indoors a few minutes before the match.

We got back out but were maybe a bit chilly. The match began with some balanced skirmishes but soon Milford started to make their presence felt.  Gaps were appearing in our midfield and defence and we looked sluggish. We did very little calling was and it wasn’t just down to the driving rain muffling some cries. Milford looked good with the space we gave them and it wasn’t long before they were two up with some deft passing and strong finishing.

We pushed forward and from a free kick outside the area George S. struck a shot that looked as if it would go through the net, and did.  2-1 and back into the game.

We were then floored by a couple of unfortunate goals that came from a combination of some speculative hoofs and the dreadful wet & cold conditions. 4-1 at halftime. We had not really done ourselves justice. 

A stiff talk from Kevin at halftime followed, with some strong messages on marking, calling and passion. And it was further unwelcome news when Milford went 5-1 up straight after the break.

Effectively that was the end of the match. For Milford , that is. At last pulling together, we dominated the rest of the half and Milford ’s strike force was helpless without the ball. We were everywhere. Joe got our second with a long range shot that he does so well. Andy got our third after a great run by George S. up the left wing. And when Milford did get the ball Dan George M. and Joe saw that no mischief came of it. Tai kept a great goal and one kicked clearance was worthy of John Terry. We had lots of chances for goals numbers 4 and 5 but sadly they weren’t to come and we narrowly escaped a sixth with the push forward.

So a highly entertaining match that Milford felt fortunate to win. George M. got man of the match for a big display and some majestic throw-ins.

Home next week and a chance to get back to winning ways. We’ve shown we have the talent, just need to get the consistency.

Gareth

14/1/07 Stormer’s repeat performance - opposite outcome!

Guildford Saints Stormers v Pyrford Whites

Team: Mark, Chip, Arthur, Harvey , Jamie W, Adam P, Joe HJ, Joe vdB, Jordan, James H, Tom and Matt 

First half:

There were ominous signs after the first five minutes that a repeat of last week could be underway as, despite good clearances, passing and interceptions by Stormers defence and midfield, Pyrford just kept coming back at us. The inevitable break through came as early as the seventh minute as Pyrford scored to make it 0-1. Heads dropped (the parents that is) as fears of a runaway score loomed.

In fact it was a repeat of last week; the boys picked themselves up immediately and plugged away at the opposition to create exciting opportunities but this time there was a real sense that they might just pull it off.

Our defence of Chip, Arthur, Harvey and Jamie began to work as a unit snuffing out each attack by Pyrford and, after an excellent run by Adam, through ball to James H and scoring shot past their (until then) very effective keeper, Saints were back level.

Without our regular goalkeepers Mark agreed to stand in and just got better and better as the match went on including a diving save just before the interval.

Half-time: 1-1

At the start of the second and with the slope of the pitch in our favour Saints began to take control. Runs by Tom and Adam continued to harass Pyrford’s defence and, in the 10^th minute, Joe vdB scored the goal of the match with a daring solo run from outside the penalty box. Flicking the ball left then right past defenders he broke through hitting a low level shot that squirmed through the goalkeepers grasp to make it 2-1.

Matt’s numerous attacking runs (not to mention knocks and bruises) finally paid off in the 18^th minute with a well-taken goal to make it 3-1 – the exact reverse of the week before.

Man of the Match goes to Joe vdB for an excellent goal and overall commitment.

Full-time: Guildford Saints Stormers 3 Pyrford Whites 1

7/1/07 The Battle of the Bog!

Guildford

Team: Chris, Chip, Arthur, Fergus, Jamie W, Adam, Joe W, Joe vdB, Sam, Seb, Regan, Tom and Matt.

Badshot’s brick wall defence, Bushy’s bog and playing against the blustering wind held Saints up in the first half and despite getting the best of the match in the second the damage was done.

First half:

The wind played in Badshot’s favour in the first half as Stormers struggled to make progress out of their own half of the pitch and found themselves 0-2 down after 15 mins. Our defence failed to follow up a superbly saved penalty by Chris in the 18^th minute and their striker nipped in to make it 0-3.

An excellent run and shot by Adam from 2o yards beat their goalkeeper in the 22^nd for the goal of the match and Saints were back in with a chance.

Half-time: 1-3

Regan and Joe came on at half time and Fergus took over from Chris in goal.

Chris relished the change and Saints scored almost immediately – but Mike (standing in as Ref) had to disallow the goal as it was marginally offside. On the strength of this bright start it looked like Saints would pull it back. We were all over Badshot but just couldn’t break through and, on several occasions, the wind carried the ball too far. Badshot were rarely in Saints half and were really just holding on for the final whistle.

In the last minute the pressure finally paid off and Saints were awarded a penalty, their goalkeeper saved and Mike blew for the end of the match. Badshot were bigger and more aggressive but we were more skilled and battled to the end.

Man of the Match goes to Fergus for closing down the opposition’s striker in the first half though, by then, the damage had been done.

Full-time: Guildford Saints Stormers 1 Badshot Lea 3

1/10/06 Wet, wet, wet with sunny interludes

Haslemere Harriers v Guildford Saints Stormers

Saints:

Goalkeeper: Chris Defence: Chip, Arthur, Jamie Midfield: Adam, Sam, Seb, Tom Attack: James, Regan, Fergus Subs: Mark , Jordan , Tymek

Match report – more like a weather report! The game matched the weather almost phase by phase with bright play one minute and gloomy the next.

First half:

With most of the possession and a goal disallowed within 5 mins Saints should have been well ahead by half time. Instead Harriers, with only a couple of forays into Saint’s half, were 2-0 up after 20 mins. The normally solid defence of Chip, Arthur and Jamie had barely warmed up when the first goal hit home and, after a desperate goalmouth scramble (Jamie blocked one shot, Chris saved the next and Arthur made a heroic lunge on the goal line) we just failed to prevent the second. Change of weather, change of fortune: on the 25^th minute Saint’s pressure began to reap rewards as first Fergus crossed to James, who scored, then, soon after, Adam’s shot was dropped by the Harrier’s keeper and James claimed a second.

Half-time: 2-2

Mark , Jordan and Tymek came on at half time and the team immediately piled on the pressure with good interplay between Sam, Seb, Adam and James producing a hat-trick for James (2-3).

A similar move ended when Tymek was brought down in the box on the 33^rd minute. Tymek then slotted home the penalty to make it 2-4. Chris was brave again in goal this week and made a great save on the 35^th but two minutes later Haslemere pulled one back (3-4). Saints sustained the pressure: another disallowed goal, a cross just out of the reach of Jordan, two free kicks within range and just when it looked liked they could go further ahead or at least hold on – ominously - the weather changed again! A Harrier break and a desperate lunge by a Saints player resulted in a penalty: 4-4!

With so many good moves and hard work by everybody Stormers should have won this one but instead it was a case of a Harrier’s draw snatched from a Saint’s victory – then again, playing in such wild conditions, it was always going to be a bit of a lottery.