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Winchmore Hill 0 West Wickham 1
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 9 February

A tight game settled by one moment of excellent finishing taking advantage of one moment of lapsed concentration. That's often all it takes to settle games between two competitive sides that are evenly matched.

You know what you get when you play West Wickham , nothing! They’re always organised committed and resilient and so it was again on Saturday.  Playing into the sun in the first half, the Hill were quickly on the back-foot as Wickham looked to make the most of their sunshine advantage, particularly down their right side.  The Hill were soon defending corner after corner, although without too much alarm.  After 15 minutes the size of the challenge faced by Hill’s back four grew as Gylo had the leave the pitch the victim of, it must be said, a particularly nasty challenge.  The change introduced Any Barrell into the fray and he manfully joined in the task of repelling Wickham’s advances.  As the half wore on Hill began to get a foothold in the game and began to move the ball well with the opposition becoming noticeably less sure about committing men forward for fear of the counterattack.  Hill’s best chance of the half, which came during this period, was actually the best footballing move of the game.  The ball was switched from lefty to right and after incisive interchange of passes a shot by Hursty (I think) just scrapped the post.

The second half began in a similar vein to the first with Wickham having the majority of possession but causing Hill considerably less problems.  After 10 minutes the aptly nicknamed ‘Brutus’ was sent off, harshly I feel, for a dive on the edge of the box.  His second bookable offence.  This didn’t duly interrupt Wickham’s game but it did Hill’s.  Until this moment Hill had been in the main trying to get the ball down and pass it.  However faced with 10 men Hill played less football and started to knock longer balls into already congested areas.  The game’s defining moment quickly followed this change of approach.  Possession was surrendered by the Hill upfield and a long ball was played into Wickham’s right channel for their jet heeled winger to latch on to.  He outpaced Andy Barrell, no disgrace there, and the starting position of the cover meant they were unable to get there and the winger kept a cool head and slid the ball under Carter for the only goal of the game.  Hill’s tempo quickened as they searched for the equaliser but despite a couple of half chances, a header by Hursty and a long range shot by Davo, only one real chance of note was fashioned.  A diagonal ball in from our left picked out the on-rushing Mattie Knights who with some considerable dexterity reached a head high ball with his foot and diverted it over the stranded goalkeeper.  However with the angle quickly narrowing Mattie was unable to wrap his little size 4 foot round the ball sufficiently to guide it into the net and the chance of an equaliser was gone.

Hill can feel a little hard done by with the result the significance of which shouldn’t be overstated.  Wickham are a good side and my tip for the title.  Our games are always tight more often than not settled by the odd goal.  Hill need to maintain the work ethic and approach that have seen their performances improve over the last couple of weeks.  I’m convinced this will be the case.         

Civil Service 0 Winchmore Hill 2
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 26 JAnuary

In a season where everyone seems to be drawing, the importance to gain three points takes on increased significance, so today’s meeting between two sides struggling for confidence was classified as nothing short of critical.  The SAL is currently so tight that a lose today for the Hill would plunge them into a potential relegation “dog fight” where a win would start to put serious pressure on the sides currently above them.  It must have been with this in mind, that Captain Carter had arrived a Vauxhall station dressed for business after spending the previous weekend with his personal shopper buying “modern” clothes which were way below his advancing years! 

The train journey to Barnes Bridge included all the regular banter, Hursty, Gylo and Penners discussing different hair products, Jack (aka Mr.Pink) and Mr.Willis sharing tales of games they had played together back in the 80’s and Carter and Strouts sharing tips on teething, feeding and the delights of broken sleep patterns.

The boys from the Paulin ground were obviously fired up for the occasion, no more so than Matty Knights who proceeded to go very close in taking the changing room door off its hinges on his arrival…one cannot blame the boy after his missus has just thrown him out for allegedly sleeping with a blonde hairdresser from Clacton-on-sea!

The pre-match speech from Andy Carter was full of its expected passion and drive, highlighting the fact that today was no time for regrets after our previous loss to Salesians, despite his good intentions, it proved difficult to hear what he was saying with “Dizzy Rascal” and “Lil Wayne” booming out from the changing room next door! 

Civil service obviously understood the importance of this one and proceeded to try and play mind games by changing the pitch that we were playing on, this though had no effect as it was still bobbly, sloped and sticky like it always is, and this wasn’t helped with the fact that I am sure the match ball had been purchased from a stall on Brighton beach the week before!

Neither side managed to settle in the first twenty minutes due to the conditions but it was Civil who looked the more likely.  They were using the wind to their advantage, pumping the ball long up field looking for it to drop to one of their front men.  Ben Willis and his defence were working overtime and with a little help from Mr.Strouts they seemed to be limiting Civil to long range efforts and Champagne volleys that were never going to come to anything.  Carters handling had been impeccable for the first 35 minutes and no more so than when Civil’s centre back had ghosted to the back post unmarked, helping himself to a free shot from 8 yards out, luckily for the Hill Carter stood tall (this couldn’t have been easy!) once again to beat the shot away to safety. 

Civil looked more and more threatening from set pieces and it only looked like a matter of time before they would go ahead.  Winchmore stood firm and looked to hurt the home side with the good old fashioned counter attack, most likely to come through either Ben Penfold or Rod Beyer.  The Hill reached half-time unscathed but it was obvious by now, that the first team to score would more than likely go on to take all 3 points. 

The second half started very similar to the first, but what did change is that Winchmore had started to gain more control of the game, getting the ball down through Pete Gyles, Chris Davidson and Matty Knights, who in turn were feeding the lively Beyer. 

Ben Penfold was also working hard on the right hand side and looked particularly comfortable in Andy Russell’s new 3-5-2 formation and could have reaped the rewards if it wasn’t for a slightly weak finish. 

The games two turning points came on 65 and 70 minutes.  The first saw the big Civil centre back limp off with a hamstring injury and the second was the loss of Civil’s influential No7 who had to retire from the game after a late tackle from Strouts had left him with a ruptured sphincter!!!

From here on, there looked like only one winner and this was proved correct after Rod Beyer broke free on 75 minutes to coolly slot home from close range to create rapturous celebrations from the gaffer himself which could only remind me of that bloke out of the Shining

The second goal came from a breakaway after Civil had pressed for the equaliser, the damage coming again from the left hand side where the ball was played into the central area for “super sub” Andy Barrel to take his chance really well from 20 yards out.  This put pay to Civils fight and with 8 games left their outlook must look gloomy whilst Hill’s return to winning ways can only fill them with confidence for the challenges ahead and who knows what could happen, with Nottsborough and West Wickham both having to visit the fortress Winchmore…  

Old Salesians 2 Winchmore Hill 1
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 5 January

Frustration best sums up Hill’s match against Old Salesians.  Frustration that the team can keep and pass the ball effectively in the first half and hardly string two passes together in the second.  Frustration that 10 yard passes to feet in the first half were replaced by 40 yard passes to no-one in the second.  Frustration that players that had caused the opposition plenty of problems in the first half received little or none of the ball in the second and accepted it.  Frustration that, after the first 15 minutes, nearly every time Hill went forward in the first half we looked likely to score and in the second we did not.  Frustration that all our good work resulted in several chances being created in the first half and only one in the second.  And finally frustration, from a personal perspective, that geometry, velocity and luck combined to help me make a save in the first half and to give the opposition their winner in the second.

Missing a few meant yet another starting 11.  Martin Brannigan was buying his summer stock of jumpers, Andy Barrel was on his annual tobogganing holiday, and Liam Patrick was soaking up the unique hospitality offered by the Emerald Isle.  The various MIAs meant old man Strouts took his place in the back four, thus raising the average age and reducing the average height considerably.  He was helped on the reduced average height side by the welcome return of Mattie Knights to the back four.  Hursty was stationed up front, Penners and Rod were paired together in the engine room and Godfrey was asked to weave his mercurial magic on the right.  And it worked. 

After an evenly contested first 15 minutes Hill started to get on top and carve out a number of good opportunities with Hurst, Davo and Godfrey unlucky with efforts on goal.  After 25 minutes the game swung decisively in favour of the Hill.  The usual handbags which accompany the setting up of a wall to defend a free kick on the edge of the box resulted in one of the opposition being sent off for stamping on Jack Newton’s foot, unprovoked I’m sure.  Shortly after Hill took the lead when the self-titled ‘fox in the box’ Mattie Knights celebrated his return with a goal from a goalmouth scramble.  The half ended with Hill continuing to move the ball well and cause the opposition plenty of problems. 

Instructions at the half time interval to ‘just continue what we’d been doing’ were issued, but unfortunately not heeded.  In the second half Hill stopped passing the ball, players disappeared from view and the opposition sensing this began to exert more and more pressure albeit mainly through hard work rather than skill.

Unsurprisingly the one move of quality from Hill resulting in the one good chance of the half.  Quick passing released Davo on the edge of the box his exocet was parried by the keeper into the path of the on-rushing Newton but a combination of an awkward height and tightening hamstrings didn’t give him the Nureyev flexibility required to steer the ball in and the chance was gone. 

The opposition galvanised by this let off promptly equalised.  Slack defending in the left corner resulted in a wicked cross being deflected into the net via studs, a head and the far post.  And so to the winner.  With less than 10 minutes to go a roll back to Carter was hotly pursued by the opposition forward who fearing injury turned his back on the well struck clearance which promptly hit him on the posterior and arrowed straight past the hapless Carter and into the unguarded net to give the opposition an unlikely but deserved winner.  A disappointing end to a disappointing afternoon which offered so much. 

Sir Ivor Powell, a former welsh international and team mate of Sir Stanley Matthews and still coaching at 91, was recently asked the 5 attributes that every footballer needs to succeed.  His response makes for salutary reading:  
1. aggression; 2. determination; 3. will to win; 4. work rate; 5. consistency of performance.  Not a bad check-list to guide our remaining 10 games.       

Winchmore Hill 4 Old Actonians Association 0
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 8 December

They say a week is a long time in politics.  Well after the rollercoaster of emotions experienced over the last seven days that analogy can now be applied to playing for the Hill.  After plunging into the depths of despair last Saturday this Saturday saw the mood considerably more upbeat after a solid professional performance saw us run out strong winners against one the league’s early form sides. 

A couple of new old faces were welcomed back in to the fold.  Hursty after his knee op and Penners after his Cockfosters' sojourn.  In addition, Newton was restored to the line-up, Gylo had recovered from a knee injury and Barry Chaters was given a broom and told to sweep up in the penalty box, which he did fantastically well.    

The pitch and weather conditions had Stroutsie licking his lips in anticipation of breaking the world record for a slide tackle and Davo reluctantly reaching for his studs accepting that it wasn’t a day for moulds.

The first half saw Hill play head long into wind and rain whilst defending the renamed swimming pool end.  After 10 minutes Hill settled into their game, and began to make headway, particularly down the right flank.  With Penners demonstrating not only that he’d spent his time away adding a bit of bulk to his posterior, a must for all footballers if you want to keep the opposition at bay, but he’d also added more variation and nuance to his game.  The conditions meant for a fairly even first half with chances minimal although Hurst and Davo both came close to putting the Hill in the lead. 

Goal scoring opportunities for the opposition were rare and a mixture of diligence, concentration and hard work meant that I was largely untroubled.  The closest I came to danger was having to avoid a Stroutsie slide tackle which started just inside our half, gained momentum in the mud, before sliding straight past the ball and almost taking me out just above the knee.  All this after the ref had already blown for an earlier offence. The old man just loves a slide!

The half finished with Hill in the slight ascendancy but without the goal to show for it.  Attacking our favoured swimming pool end with the wind at our backs the Hill began to apply sustained periods of pressure with the threat of a goal growing with each passing minute.  It eventually came in the 65th minute.  A game of penalty box pinball was initiated by a Penner’s shot which cannoned off the upright, the ball fell to Hursty who swung his boot connected with fresh-air and landed on his backside, recovering his poise he managed to get a shot away which the keeper did well to block, the ball fell to Liam who showed great aplomb to finish from a yard.  Shortly afterwards Hursty gave way to the mercurial Rod Bayer who promptly showed what he’s all about.  Released by a great ball from Newton who relishing the conditions was having a very good game, Bayer cut in from the left and superbly finished across the keeper for 2-0 and game over.  The only question now was whether Hill would score again.  The answer came shortly afterwards, Newton demonstrating that you can be as effective without touching the ball, dummied a cross which fell to Penners, who only needed two touches to score; one to control the ball and the second the smash it into the net.  Just to show he’s not a one goal wonder, late on Rod Bayer got his second to put Hill 4 up.  With the game nearing its conclusion there was just time for one more bit of excitement. 

A ball hacked upfield split the now disheartened opposition’s defence and presented Newton with a 35 yard unimpeded run on goal.  The situation presented him with three challenges.  The first, would his legs carry him the distance ahead of the chasing pack, he dealt with impressively.  His second challenge now loomed, given the ball was on his left side and in the conditions, would he get a good connection on the ball.  He passed this challenge with flying colours he made a great connection and the ball went arrow straight.  Unfortunately the very success of overcoming this challenge ultimately led to him falling at the third and final challenge.  His connection was too good and whilst the shot was arrow straight, it was arrow straight the wrong side of the post.  Alas however as Meatloaf says, ‘two out of three ain’t bad.’

Shortly afterwards in the deepening gloom the referee called time on proceedings with Hill worthy winners.  All in all a reasonable afternoon’s work.  One down twelve to go. 

Winchmore Hill 1 Old Carthusians 2
Amateur Football Alliance Senior Cup
Round Two
Saturday 1 December

This is the worst I’ve felt after a game of football during my time at Winchmore Hill and Monday morning as I write this report I don’t feel any better.  I make no apologies for the tone or content of my report. 

People will talk about missed chances, how we should have been 4 or 5 up by half-time, that the opposition only had two shots on target and scored both.  Rubbish.  To go out of the AFA Cup, a cup which has a special place in the heart of the Hill, at home against weak opposition (harsh but fair) is unforgivable.

Prior to the game warnings about not taking the opposition lightly, making sure we were in the right frame of mind to win the game were continually stressed and then, and not for the first time this season, promptly ignored when the game started. 

The game itself was a poor affair.  Both sides demonstrating limited ability to keep and move the ball with any tempo.  After 15 minutes Liam Patrick seized on a mistake by the opposition’s defence and caught the goalkeeper unprepared at his near post for a good opportunistic goal to put Hill 1 up.  The remainder of the half consisted of uneventful football interspersed with missed chances by several of Hill’s players. The opposition came closest to scoring when a free-kick squirmed from my grasp (poor hand and body position for any goalkeepers out there) and I was rescued by my team mates. 

At half-time further warnings were given and slight adjustments made to the formation.  The team was implored to show more application and desire to do the hard work of closing players down, in other words to do the things that good teams do as a matter of course.  Again there was consensus that these warnings had been heeded and the instructions would be followed and again were promptly ignored.  The second half unbelievably was worse than the first. 

With 75 minutes gone neither the Hill nor the opposition had created a meaningful chance on goal.  With 85 minutes gone Hill still hadn’t created a chance however the opposition had taken the two half chances presented to them and were 2-1 up.  Both goals resulting from balls not cleared.  Goals that our team of two years ago would have dealt with.  Did that side have better players? Possibly.  What that side did have were individuals that knew their role within the team and a collective desire to not lose and more impressively not to concede a goal.  Attributes lacking in the current team.

There are no positives to take from Saturday’s game and no excuses to be made.  I finish where I started, to lose at home in the cup against poor opposition is unforgivable.  How Hill respond from here until the end of the season will say a lot about the character of the players involved.

Old Latymerians 0 Winchmore Hill 2
Amateur Football Alliance Senior Cup
Round Two
Saturday 10 November

“When faced with conditions like that all you can do is win and move on”.  Wise words from one of my oldest friends (he is also one of the best footballers I’ve played with) who was visiting me for the weekend and choose to forgo an afternoon of shopping and a trip to Billericay to watch the mighty Swans to watch the Hill play Old Latymerians in the AFA cup.

After finally getting to the ground, we circled it for 30 minutes without finding the entrance; we were faced with a large, slightly uneven, pitch with the sun shining and the wind blowing from end to end.

As is his want the gaffer shuffled his pack from last week.  Andy Barrell after sterling work last week in goal was ousted by me somewhat controversially. Not having any gloves probably did for him.  Stuart Broad, bearing more than a passing resemblance to Paul Weller, sartorially as well as in looks, started for the first time after impressing as a sub last week.  Martin Brannigan, referred to by my mate as “the guy with the neck as long as a giraffe”, was nursing the remnants of hangover having spent the Friday evening with his eastern European friends celebrating his birthday.  Godfrey, our mercurial winger from the ghetto, looked as happy as always having spent the journey being mentored by his life-coach Stroutsie.  Mr Willis decided, just because he can, that public transport wasn’t for him and arrived by taxi.    

The game started with the Hill playing into the wind and sun and it quickly became evident that getting the ball under control and moving it successfully in the conditions was going to be more of a challenge than the opposition.  Ground was being made down both flanks with Davo and Godfrey causing their respective defenders a fair amount of trouble without delivering the ‘killer’ ball that would have resulted in a goal.  That all changed after 20 minutes Jack dropped ‘into the pocket’ swivelled on a sixpence and laid a great ball between left back and central defender for Godfrey to glide onto and cross for Davo to wave his magical left wand and put the Hill one up.  We then settled into ‘doing just enough’ mode and despite creating and missing a few decent chances the half finished with the score 1-0.

The discussion at half time highlighted the need to settle down, compete more aggressively and raise the tempo.  This was agreed and then completely forgotten as soon as the second half started with the second half following a similar pattern to the first.  The best move and ‘goal’ of the game came 20 minutes into the second half.  The ball was worked down the left by Davo and Gylo (you can only play on the left if you name ends in o) Gylo swung in a great cross with pace, whip and direction Jack darted in having expertly lost his marker, glanced the ball goalwards off his considerable ‘swede’ whilst simultaneously blinding the keeper with the bit of his bonce that he keeps well shined for occasions such as this.  The ball flew into the net but just as Jack was about to begin his much practiced but rarely used Mick Shannon goal celebration the referee blew for offside.  What’s five yards for a great goal!

The game was drifting to its natural conclusion when late on a corner that was only slightly lower than the planes passing over head on their way to Heathrow was headed goalwards by Martin and finished expertly with his right taped up boot by Stuart aka Paul Weller.

The game ended 2-0 to the Hill.  The showers were superb, the foamburst was suitably formy and the walk back to the station was considerably shorter.  Reflecting on what he’d seen my mate’s concluding comment, after he’d given me his insights on every player, was “a bit more communication in this team would make a massive difference”.  Food for thought.

Onwards and upwards.

Old Edmontonians 1 Winchmore Hill 4
(after extra time - score at 90 minutes 1-1)
AFA Middlesex & Essex Senior Cup
Saturday 27 October

We won the game which is good.  It took us 120 minutes to do so which is bad, particularly for us older players.  Andy Barrel scored a hat-trick which is amazing. Peter Gyles fell over mid run, bringing back memories of Devon Loch, which was hilarious.  Davo got a free-kick on target which was encouraging.  Ben Willis seized up which was predictable.  Gravesy kept his shorts clean which was surprising.  Jack Newton got bitten to death which was nasty.  Godfrey talked ‘ghetto’ which was enlightening.  The showers were freezing which was the final straw.    

An honest spectator would agree we deserved to win and should have won comfortably in 90 minutes.  We started competently without immediately troubling the opposition goal.  After several quarter chances, released from the shackles of having to look after his elderly midfield partner, Barrel opened his account with a well struck strike into the roof of the net cleverly confusing the keeper by placing the shot straight above him.

After that we eased into ‘doing just enough’ mode and the half passed without incident.  More opportunities to score came and went in the second half, some easier than others.  Then with 15 minutes to go the opposition got what they deserved for their willingness to compete and persevere, an equaliser.  Possession was conceded in the middle of the park a couple of tackles were missed and the opposition player finished very well.  Keeper might have gone down a little early! 

Despite the set back, Hill continued to make and miss chances right up to the final whistle.  The teams turned round for the start of extra time and 5 minutes later it was all over as a contest with Andy Barrell scoring his second and third of the game and Dave (I’ve got more tricks than Paul Daniels) getting his first for the Club. Towards the end of the game and just to keep the interest high Matt Knights and I had a debate on the field concerning the state of today’s youth and their attitudes towards hard work.  I can confirm that Matt won the debate.

Final thought for the week: Attitude and application are the differentiators between players that have good games and good players.  I’m clear the category I want to be in I hope my team mates are too.

Winchmore Hill 0 Old Salesians 0
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 20 October

The old truism “if you don’t shoot you don’t score” was reconfirmed again at the Hill on Saturday.  Playing attractive football is a worthy pursuit and should be celebrated.  However, being successful is about playing effective football.  The two are not necessarily the same and should not be confused. 

To the game.  For a second week, Hill looked comfortable and organised in defence without seriously troubling the away goal.  Most of the first half action took place in midfield with Godfrey Boku and Matt Knights combining well down the right flank.  Granddad Strouts ably supported by his youthful compatriot Andy Barrell patrolled the middle of the park with their unique mixture of graft, grunt and guile.    

On the left flank, the opposition’s more dangerous side, a more even contest was unfolding with Pete Gyles and Chris Davison having a ding-dong battle with the opposition which was evenly balanced when Gyles was on the receiving end of an overly enthusiastic lunge and ultimately had to come off at half time.  Hill had already lost Shane Foley, the victim of a knee strain.  This saw the introduction of Mr Newton, fresh from his Houdini like escape from the evil clutches of Ofsted, to perform his usual ‘royal pain in the arse’ role on the opposition.   

The second half saw Hill reorganise, with Davison moved into the middle to carry Granddad Strouts’s Zimmer frame, Andy Barrell’s back had given out so he was moved to left back.  The highlights of the second half, such as they were, included two Davison shots one wide one over the top, a flying or falling header from Jack Newton which arrowed into the net.  The safety net protecting the spectators at the side of the goal!! A cross from Boku that clipped the top of cross-bar which was accompanied by touch-line shouts of unlucky!! And finally the crowning glory, a 30 yard left foot volley that was at its closest to the goal before it left his boot, from that deadly goal-scoring machine renowned for his 30 yard left volleys Paul Strouts.  By the time the ball had been recovered there was little time for the either side to amount another attack. 

The opposition, whilst generally restricted to half-chances, played decent football and with a bit more force and craft up front could have scored.  They had two real chances, one in each half.  A header from a corner which was cleared off the line and a shot on the turn late on in the second just past the post.  Their best player as always was their Captain who made Hill’s defensive job considerably easier by playing centre-half.    

These highlights are all relative and the reaction of my lovely daughter maybe is the best indicator.  She was chauffeured to the game, initially unable to sit still due to her excitement she gurgled her encouragement for a while and then promptly fell asleep.  Her induction into the Hill is not going well two games, no goals, two sleeps.     

West Wickham 1 Winchmore Hill 0
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 13 October

In what seems to be an increasing occurrence, a game between two evenly matched sides was decided not by a moment of inspiration or foolhardiness from a player but by a debatable decision made by an official.  In this instance a penalty awarded for hand-ball which surprised the home side and dumbfounded the away side.

The game itself was a good one with both sides committed to trying to get the ball down and play football particularly down the flanks.  Wickham have two quick and skilful wingers that gave Hill’s full-backs Gyles and Knights a good test (which they more than passed) and Hill using the pace and trickery of Akpata on the right complemented by the ‘nous’ and drive of Davison on the left. 

West Wickham had their first chance to score as early as the first minute with a Wickham head meeting an excellent in-swinging free-kick but luckily directing it straight at Carter (referring to yourself in the third person is a bit weird I’ll have to talk to Hursty about that!!).

Hill settled into the game with Barrel and Granddad Strouts competing well with Wickham’s three man engine room in the middle of the park.  Whilst clear cut chances were few and far between (they always are against Wickham) as the Hill grew in confidence a couple of half-chances presented themselves.  A Foley volley went close just before Hill’s best scoring opportunity.  A Davison free-kick would have undoubtedly resulted in Brannigan scoring if it wasn’t for the finger-tip intervention by the Wickham keeper (a very good keeper by the way) who completed his timely intervention by punching Ben Wills square on the hooter.  Mr. Willis was still concerned about the damage to his roguish good looks on the train journey home.  His lovely wife Emma was there as always to reassure him that looks aren’t everything!  

The half ended with both sides taking turns to play decent football up to the final third where the combination of a ‘lack of magic’ and obdurate defending meant that neither goal was breached. 

The second half continued where the first half had ended, good approach play but few real chances for either side.  Then in the 50th minute came what turned out to be the defining moment. 

Picture the scene, lots of bodies in the box, referee positioned 20 yards away, ball ricocheting about, it falls to a Wickham player who tries to move the ball quickly to better shooting position, it cannons into a Hill defender’s arm which is by his side from a yard.  The referee through the crowd not only spots the offence but determines intent and awards the penalty.  After the usual requests from Hill’s players to the referee to reconsider (he refused by the way) the Wickham player dispatched a well-taken penalty into the bottom right-hand corner.  Carter keeping up his excellent penalty run went completely the wrong way.

The perceived injustice galvanised the Hill and they pressed forward.  However, despite a few half chances, Akpata at the back stick, Foley’s deliberate deflection of a Davo shot, Hill’s equaliser was not forthcoming and Wickham took the win and the three points.  Deservedly in the sense that having taken advantage of the opportunity presented to them they preserved their lead without too much alarm or fuss.  You expect nothing less from one of the league’s top teams. 

Someone once said that ‘football’s a funny old game’ (a pint for the person who identifies the quote owner) and the feeling in the Hill’s dressing room afterwards demonstrated this.  Having lost the game, and despite being suitably disappointed with the result, the underlying feeling was much more upbeat than the previous week where a point had been gained (or two lost) against Alleyne.  The challenge for Hill is not the quality of one-off performances, particularly against the better sides such as Wickham, but the consistency of performance and result week in week out irrespective of the opposition.  It’s a challenge that this team seems well–positioned to take on. Time will tell. 

Polytechnic 1 Winchmore Hill 2
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 22 September

After going down 4-0 at the hands of Old Owens in a disappointing performance in a charity friendly the previous week, the First XI travelled to Chiswick to face newly promoted Polytechnic in the first league game of the new campaign.

Following a short sports psychology lesson from our referee, the Hill started positively with the constantly dangerous Chris Davidson regularly finding space to deliver some quality crosses into the Poly’ box. The Hill’s first meaningful chance fell to holding midfielder Graves whom, in nosebleed territory, predictably slashed a Jack Newton cross high and wide from close range. Despite the Hill’s general dominance of the play, it was the home side who went ahead after 20 minutes, with the visitors temporarily losing shape and allowing the Polytechnic front two to combine and finish neatly.

Winchmore Hill were undeterred and went in search of an equaliser, with new recruit James Mackie (aka Macca – apparently there’s an unwritten club rule that we recruit a new one every season) going close with a well saved header. The leveller came after 35 minutes from a counter attack following a free kick awarded against Ben Willis for bad language. Chris Grey, covering for the holidaying Andy Carter (hopefully there to watch three points be plucked from his mighty Swans by Football League ‘Ugly Ducklings’, LUFC), released Davidson who’s lengthy run and cross was met by Newton to convert from close range. Parity was maintained going into half time thanks to a great save from Chris Grey, modelling a new Tour de France leader’s jersey style goalkeeping top, from a well struck free kick from the Poly’ left back.  

Hill started the second half as they had finished the first, with some fast flowing football and secured a deserved second through Macca. A jinxing run and through ball from Matty Knights, who had a notable second half, was finished clinically first time from the new man to cap an excellent all round performance.

Hill came close again on a number of occasions including a Newton header being cleared off the line and a Shane Foley volley dipping just the wrong side of the crossbar, but ended up hanging on for the win as fitness levels were exposed on a large pitch in sweltering conditions. Polytechnic took up more of the possession and a few nervy moments were survived but with Martin Brannigan winning every aerial challenge, three minutes wasted when Ben Willis cleared one ball into orbit and Chris Grey displaying excellent handling, the First XI secured their first three points of the season to go top of the early season table. 

Nottsborough 2 Winchmore Hill 3
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 28 April

A Hill squad down to the ‘bare bones’ in Harry Redknapp speak produced a superb display at Tolworth on Saturday which denied Nottsborough (for now anyway) the chance to be crowned champions of the SAL.  Caretaker Manager Geoff Hurst was missing the services of Shane Foley, Tim Corrick, Ben Willis, Adam Graves, Joe Hackworthy, Neil Hurst & Kris McHale which meant full first team debuts for both Danny Brennan and Graham Sawkins, both of whom impressed greatly in a pulsating encounter.

Nottsborough, having beaten West Wickham during the week need just a point to secure the title but they will have to wait a little longer after this patchwork Hill team produced one of the finest Hill displays in recent memory.  The visitors started brightly with Liam Patrick and Jack Newton combining well up front.  Down the right Matthew Knights and Rod Beyer were causing Nottsborough all kinds of problems meaning many of their star turns were unable to have any impact.  However, with twenty minutes on the clock Hill gave the ball away too cheaply and within seconds were punished by the clinical Alex Ewin whose composed finish ought to have settled the home nerves.  Many teams with absolutely nothing to play for and missing several players would have caved in at this point (as we have seen on a few occasions in recent times from an unnamed team) but Hill thankfully are made of the right stuff and immediately set about Nottsborough in search of an equaliser.

We didn’t have to wait too long either as Hill carved the hosts open and Rod Beyer pounced to notch his tenth goal of the season.  Suddenly it was the hosts who looked panicked and before long Hill went in front when after some sterling work down the left by Sawkins, the predatory Liam Patrick slammed home a second.  Much of the talk at half time involved weathering the inevitable response, keeping up the fantastic work rate and looking to attack and use the ball intelligently.  The best laid plans were left in tatters just a minute into the second half though when poor marking from a corner allowed Ewin to level the scores.  You now felt that the momentum was with the hosts but Hill redoubled their efforts once more with the midfield four working tirelessly back and forth.  With twenty five minutes remaining Hill were back in front when a mesmeric run down the left from Jack Newton (yes read it again if you need to) left two Nottsborough defenders flailing around at his feet while he teed up Patrick for what was to prove to be the winner.

Nottsborough continued to press forwards in search of salvation and only a stunning reaction save from Andy Carter kept Hill in front but finally after fantastic game of football referee Pat Morrissey brought an end to proceedings.  Hill, heroes all, can be very proud of this performance and with the bonus of finding a couple of new players to go with the obvious quality that still remains in the squad there are more reasons to be cheerful about next season under a new manager.

Winchmore Hill 0 West Wickham 2
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 31 March

Hill succumbed to a third defeat of the season to an ever impressive West Wickham on Saturday meaning that the visitors stay in the hunt for the treble.  High winds and a poor pitch meant that the football on show wasn’t always the best but after an even opening period in which West Wickham somehow managed to fashion two goals the visitors were the better side in the second period and deserved their victory.

Hill started brightly and were unlucky not to go in front on fifteen minutes when Mark Owlett made a good low save from Neil Hurst’s shot after the Hill skipper had been cleverly set up by Liam Patrick.  Then from another Hill attack the hosts gave up possession too easily and the visitors broke quickly and went in front from a well taken lob.  Back came Hill looking to level the match but more sloppy defending saw West Wickham go further in front after half an hour. 

Hill continued to probe and Hurst was again denied by a superb save from Owlett when he tipped a curling free-kick onto the post.  The second half proved to be a different story though as Hill couldn’t get the ball out of their own half for long periods because of the strong wind as the Sky Blues enjoyed lots of possession and they should have increased their lead only to be denied on a number of occasions by Andy Carter.

Eventually Hill came back into the game as Matthew Knights and Liam Patrick combined well on a number of occasions but the resolute Wickham defence stood firm and the game ended 2-0.  Wickham move onto the AFA Cup Final where they will hope to take Hill’s crown while Winchmore Hill have some work to do if they are to enjoy title challenges and cup success again in the near future

Winchmore Hill 6 Old Lyonians 0
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 24 March

The list of absentees from the Hill squad on Saturday made for depressing reading.  Before picking his side (not too tricky a task when only 11 plus the manager are available) Ben Willis had to contend with the following tale of woe:

M.Knights – suspended
J.Hackworthy – injured knee
A.Graves – injured knee
C.Davison – pulled hamstring (at last he’s pulled something)
K.McHale – pulled heartlage
D.Brennan – doing homework

So Big Ben reinstated himself in the heart of the Hill backline and put in a sterling performance in what was to prove to be his final match as Hill manager.  The opening exchanges were lively as Lyonians, staring down the relegation battle looked to salvage something from an entirely forgettable season for then.  Unfortunately it was to get worse before he can get better for them.  Hill looked a threat each time they ventured forwards but time and again were let down by their final pass.  Then, with thirty minutes on the clock Tim Corrick fed the electric Liam Patrick who sprung the offside trap and finished coolly – he is starting to look like a real find for the club.  Moments later the game was effectively up for the visitors when their skipper and most effective attacking threat was sent off for something he said to the ref.

Half-time was spent talking about the need to keep the work rate up, score a second goal and then go on to win the match convincingly.  This was to be so.  With only five minutes of the second period gone Hill carved Lyonians open down the right flank and Jack Newton picked out Neil Hurst with a wonderful cross which the Hill skippered fired home on the half-volley.

Suddenly it was one-way traffic as Hill exploited the extra space.  Daddy Carter was rendered a spectator back in the Hill goal as he looked on admiringly to see Andy Barrell cap a fine individual performance with his debut First XI goal.  Three then became four when after smart interplay between Rod Beyer and Shane Foley Hurst was on hand to score his second of the match.  Hungry for more, the hosts by now were irrepressible and when Hurst ’s superb cross field pass picked out Patrick there was to be only one outcome and now the race was on between these two for the hat-trick.  In the closing moments Patrick bore down on goal with Beyer and Hurst for support but an untimely intervention from the Lyonians defender saw him smash a sixth into the top corner.

Hill stay top with two games to go.  The aim must be to finish as high as possible and give two performances worthy of the outgoing manager’s high standards.

Winchmore Hill 0 Old Salesians 0
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 10 March

Stalemate at the Paulin Ground on one of those days where you just felt that nobody was ever going to score.  A strong prevailing wind and a bumpy playing surface made this a tricky encounter for both sides although there was some good football played in amongst a lot of fragmented play.

A young Salesians side marshalled by seasoned campaigners James & Michael Ayres started brightly and dominated the opening exchanges.  Hill, again missing both centre halves as well as a number of other players, took a while to get going but went close to breaking the deadlock twice in quick succession after fifteen minutes.  First, Liam Patrick sprinted down the right and made space for himself to cross to Neil Hurst whose header shaved the post.  Moments later Rod Beyer’s silky balls skills linked well with the pacy youngster Joe Bennis and the former’s rasping drive thumped against the upright, rebounded back onto the goalkeeper’s back and went out for a corner.

The second half saw Salesians come into the match again and were denied by a smart low save from Andy Carter while at the other end the hosts huffed and puffed but couldn’t blow the house down.  Just when the game looked to be ended in a damp squib Hurst cut in from the right and let fly from distance only to see his goal-bound effort saved superbly by the visiting ‘keeper.  Somehow though you felt justice was done as neither team had really done enough to win it.  The point suited Salesians and reduced Hill’s already slim title chances even further.

Three games to go – more consistency in terms of availability is required for these games if they and next season is to be a success.

Winchmore Hill 2 Broomfield 1
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 3 March

Hill extended their lead at the top of the table to five points with a hard earned victory over fierce local rivals Broomfield on Saturday.  Forty three points can still be accrued by the current AFA Champions and it will be interesting to see where that leaves the side should they go on to take full points from their remaining four games. 

Saturday’s game was played out in front of a packed out Paulin Ground and it was Hill who started brightly with new signing Liam Patrick causing mayhem at the back for the visitors with his pace.  From one such foray Patrick worked himself and opening and crossed for the several Hill players in the box.  Unluckily for Broomfield the resulting clearance was smacked against a team-mate and rebounded back into the net to give the hosts the lead.  Finally Lady Luck had shone on the Hill.  Moments later the lead was doubled when that man Patrick sped down the left flank and cut inside to finish clinically.  The hosts were now buoyant and you felt that with the good football the team has been playing for most of the season that they would go on to enjoy the confidence that a two goal lead gives you. However, disaster struck immediately when Shane Foley was dispossessed in midfield and the visitors broke quickly to half the deficit.

The score remained 2-1 at the break but it was now Broomfield who were very much in the ascendancy.  Hill threatened from wide areas when Matthew Knights and Chris Davison (returning to the side this week after spending last week having ‘push only’ doors fitted in his flat as he doesn’t seem to be able to pull anything) got on the ball but much of the possession was Broomfield’s as they went in search of an equaliser.  However, in Andrew Carter Hill have the best goalkeeper in amateur football and he proved so once again on Saturday with a string of fine saves, with a low handed push onto the post from close range being the pick of the bunch.  Hill’s defensive resistance was a throwback to seasons of the past but even when openings were fashioned Carter was simply unbeatable.

This certainly wasn’t Hill’s most fluid performance of the season by any stretch but there was again a steely resolve about the side that seemed to have gone missing at West Wickham two weeks ago.  Four more all action performances are required to finish as high up the league as possible.

Alleyn Old Boys 0 Winchmore Hill 1
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 24 February

Winchmore Hill reclaimed top spot in the league table on Saturday after a well-deserved 1-0 victory in South London against Alleyn Old Boys.  With five games left Hill must look to put as many points on the board as possible and see where that leaves them.  If the title hopes have gone a place in the top four must be the next aim.

Ben Willis again rang the changes this weekend with Chris Davison, Pete Gyles, Kris McHale, Jack Newton and Andy Barrell all missing for one reason or another.  This meant a recall for Danny Gallagher up front while debutante Liam Patrick took his place alongside him.  After weeks of heavy rain this game must have been in doubt and one half of the pitch was truly awful – a combination of quicksand and heavy mud meant that the half Hill were attacking in the first period had to be navigated like a trench warfare military exercise.  Nonetheless Hill set about their task with intent and despite an early scare it was the visitors who were asking all the questions.  First Joe Hackworthy headed wide after arriving unmarked from a corner and moments later the Hill centre half went close again only to drag his shot past the post.  Moments later new boy Patrick almost capped an impressive debut when after combining with strike partner Gallagher he bore down on goal but again the finishing touch eluded Hill.  The hosts had one or two moments themselves but by and large Andy Carter was rendered a vocal spectator.

The second half proved to be a much more one-sided affair as Hill enjoyed the better playing conditions.  The deadlock was almost broken minutes after the break when Neil Hurst ran from inside his own half and jinked inside to tee up Rod Beyer who was denied by a smart save.  Wave upon wave of Hill attacks ensued as Tim Corrick, Hill’s best performer on the day, and Adam Graves completely dominated the midfield, allowing Hill’s potent attacking weapons plenty of possession.  Beyer, Hurst and Matthew Knights were working well in tandem and it was this trio who fashioned the goal that proved to be the match winner.  Beyer released Knights down the left and after some smart interplay between the pair, Knights was able to pull the ball back to an onrushing Hurst who delivered the ‘coup de grace’ to the move of the match.  This was Hurst’s 100th competitive First XI goal, a special moment and more importantly a goal in a winning cause.

Willis freshened things up bringing on Joe Bennis and Danny Brennan (combined age 35) and both were soon into their stride and Hill should have extended their lead but with Hill’s experience at the back (Carter and Foley – combined age 70) there was never any real threat to the visitors lead and the points were sealed.

West Wickham 3 Winchmore Hill 0
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 17 February

If Winchmore Hill could be excused for missing four key players including both centre halves meaning a total reshuffle at the back then they certainly couldn’t be excused for an utterly abject team performance from the players who did take the field.

Hill started slowly and got worse and found themselves a controversial goal down after fifteen minutes.  Controversial or not it was the least the hosts deserved.  Confidence swept through the home ranks as their young side visibly grew in stature as the game wore on.  Hill were hanging on for dear life, waiting to get a chance to rest and regroup at the interval but things went from bad to worse just before the break when after several near misses, Andy Carter was left stranded when a shot he had covered took a wicked deflection and went into the bottom corner.

Changes were made at the interval as Manager Ben Willis came on to try and sure up the Hill rearguard and for a ten minute spell Hill looked like themselves and Neil Hurst should have reduced the deficit only to see his shot clear the crossbar.  This period of pressure was all too brief though and Wickham scored a third with twenty minutes remaining which on the balance of play was a fair reflection.

Despite the obvious holes left with player unavailability this performance was a real head-scratcher.  After such a good run of recent form the season has again been fatally punctuated by a completely limp performance.  This was by far the worst Hill display that this author has ever been involved in.  A reaction next week is an absolute must.

Winchmore Hill 2 Old Owens 1
Southern Amateur League – Senior Division One
Saturday 3 February

This had everything.  Thrills, spills, cards, questionable behaviour and a baying crowd.  Still, enough about the Hill skipper’s birthday party, the game played out between these two old adversaries just hours before was every bit as action packed.

Owens brought their unbeaten league record to the Paulin Ground on Saturday knowing that a win would edge them ever closer to the title.  Hill, on the other hand were still reeling from two cup defeats that were bitter pills to swallow and their league campaign had long since faltered.  Still, with eight games left the AFA champions knew that they could still have a real impact on where the league crown ends up as the two sides lined up for their sixth meeting in ten months.

As expected, the match started off at a terrific pace with both sides looking to attack.  Much of the action was played out in a congested midfield area with neither team giving an inch.  Joe Bennis, Hill’s teenage starlet was beginning to enjoy some room down the flanks and from one such foray Hill should have gone in front only for Adam Graves to miss his kick with the goal gaping.  After stemming the flow of his nosebleed from being that far up the pitch he returned back to more familiar surroundings and did what he does best.  Owens had their moments too but rarely threatened Andy Carter’s goal and a scoreless first half was a fair reflection.

The blue touch paper was lit for the second half and it certainly went off.  Within just five minutes man of the match Bennis the Menace was at it again, causing Owens defenders problems with his blistering pace and he was unceremoniously kicked in the air.  Matthew Knights offered the referee his own opinions on what he thought of things and this soon escalated out of control when one yellow card was followed swiftly by another to make it a red.  Moments later Ricky Sutter was given too much room by a Hill side still trying to reorganise and he fired a superb shot into the top corner from long range.  A goal and a player down, things looked bleak for the home side.  

However rather than sitting back and waiting to be beaten Hill swiftly took the initiative and were soon level on both counts.  Neil Hurst clipped a fine ball in behind the Owens defence and Chris Davison nipped in front of both defender and keeper only to be upended by Brunning.  Red card for the professional foul and up stepped Davison to fire home an unstoppable spot kick.  Game on.

What resulted was a compelling game of football as the additional space meant for some fine attacking football from both teams.  The cards kept coming as well.  Kris McHale took his yellow card tally for the season level with his goals tally for the season while Rod Beyer was booked for the first time ever.  In the same incident Owens went down to nine players after some verbals.  Then for the match winner and when it arrived was a peach.  Peter Gyles always seems to save his best performances against his old school mates and this was no different.  Rumours that he is looking to follow David Beckham to the MLS to spend more time with his American Beauty were fuelled even further on Saturday after a performance that was less Andy Hinchcliffe and more Roberto Carlos. Without a first team goal in almost three years but with Gail blowing kisses from the sideline, the Hill defender went on a lung busting run almost the length of the pitch, swapping passes with Graves, Hurst and Beyer before coolly slotting home a deserved winner for the hosts.  

There were further chances for Hill to extend their lead while Carter made a fine save from Sutter but eventually the referee brought an end to proceedings.  Owens remain alongside Nottsborough as favourites for the title but Hill’s spirited display has given them reason to keep plugging away this term while the performance of Bennis bodes very well for the future as well as the present.

Old Meadonians 2 Winchmore Hill 1
AFA Middlesex & Essex Senior Cup – Quarter Final
Saturday 27 January

Winchmore Hill were knocked out of the elusive Middlesex Cup in a blaze of controversy on Saturday as a resilient Old Meadonians team rode their luck to win by the odd goal in three to reach the semi finals.  Both teams are in periods of transition and having won all five of the previous AFA Senior Cup’s between them but having both been eliminated from that competition this year, this match had a lot riding on it.  

The much anticipated tie kicked off late due to a late arriving linesman (more of him later) but once underway the match started at a ferocious pace with the Hill setting about their task with verve and intent.  Within ten minutes the visitors were rewarded for their excellent start when Rod Beyer fired home after Meads had failed to clear their lines.  Hill continued to dominate proceedings but were unable to extend their advantage and this proved to be costly as the AFC champions levelled things up when an unmarked Alex Hugh-Jones headed home from a corner.  Suddenly it was Meads who were buoyant and Hill struggled to contain them and went behind ten minutes later when Colin Hawkins teed up his strike partner who finished with considerable aplomb.  Two nearly became three moments later only for Barry Chaters to clear from the goal line when it appeared the ball may have crossed the line.  A controversial call from the assistant referee who seemed more concerned with keeping the ‘crowd’ on the sidelines and not behind the goal, where clearly the renovation of the South Stand was considered a safety risk.

A half of two halves in which Meads had finished the stronger and there were some stern words in the Hill ranks during the interval which had the desired effect as the visitors completely dominated the second half, laying siege on the home goal.  Chances came and went with Chris Davison, Joe Hackworthy and Beyer all going close.  Hill continued to pour forwards but time and again were denied either by errant finishing, last gasp defending or sheer bad luck.  This was compounded with fifteen minutes to go when Hill broke down the left with Neil Hurst and Davison combining well and the resulting cross was superbly curled into the top corner by the onrushing Matthew Knights.  Elation for Hill and a well deserved equaliser.  Unfortunately the aforementioned linesman hadn’t been involved in the game for at least ten minutes and decided to rule the goal out, citing that the ball had gone out of play.  Bizarre, frustrating and ultimately costing Hill the chance of any silverware this season.  

Undeterred Ben Willis rallied his troops for one last push to take the game to extra-time, the least Hill deserved but it was not to be as Shane Foley and Hurst were denied by some fantastic if desperate defending for which the hosts should be applauded for.  Hopefully they will go on to win the cup.

A devastating afternoon in West London then for Hill whose performance was full of promise and hope for future seasons.  In the meantime though there are eight league games to play and many points to be won.  This must be the immediate focus of the team.

Winchmore Hill 3 Alleyn Old Boys 0
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 20 January

This was very much a game of two halves as Hill first overcame the elements, and then overpowered their opponents to register a three-nil victory at the Paulin Ground on Saturday.  With Matty Knights failing a late fitness test and both Adam Graves and Chris Davison unavailable Ben Willis was once again forced to shuffle his pack with teenager Joe Bennis coming into the starting line up for his full debut.

Hill struggled for most of the first half as the strong winds meant that much of the action was played out in the home sides half but despite having territorial advantage and a lot of possession the visitors rarely threatened the home goal with Andy Carter’s handling impeccable throughout and the outstanding Barry Chaters marshalling his defence to good effect.

Goalless at half time with not a lot to cheer about but you felt that Hill, having weathered the storm in the opening period, would have too much for their opponents in the wind assisted second half.  This proved to be exactly the case as a rejuvenated home team dominated the match to take the points.  The opening goal arrived on the hour when Kris McHale and Neil Hurst combined well to release Joe Bennis who sprinted clear and was only denied by a good low save by the goalkeeper.  Rod Beyer’s resulting corner was headed into the top corner by Hurst to give the hosts the advantage.  Alleyn’s tried in vain to get back into the match but time and again Chaters and co were on hand to keep the back door shut.  

As time wore on Hill continued to threaten and were eventually rewarded when from another corner, Hurst ’s shot was parried into the path of the predatory Joe Hackworthy who smashed home the match clinching goal.  Moments later two became three when Jack Newton, Beyer and McHale linked well to tee up Tim Corrick who coolly slotted home from twelve yards.  Three goals, three points and a determined and ultimately polished performance.  More of the same please.

West Wickham 1 Winchmore Hill 0
AFA Senior Cup Round Four
Saturday 13 January

Cup holders Winchmore Hill crashed out of the AFA Senior Cup in the cruellest of manners on Saturday as an eighty-eighth minute winner at Corkscrew Hill sent the hosts into the quarter finals.  In a repeat of last year’s quarter final that Hill won but the only goal of the game in extra-time the match was again a very close encounter but despite strong defences on both teams and a tricky playing surface the game was a good one. 

Hill were forced to change their line up again with Matthew Knights injured and Joe Hackworthy returning to the starting line up after an extended spell on the sidelines.  The match started at a high tempo as both teams looked to score that all important first goal and Jack Newton and Kris McHale were proving to be a handful for the Wickham back three.  Much of the match was being played in the middle third of the field with only the odd isolated chance at either end and the closest either side came to scoring in the first half was just before the break when Andy Carter made a fine save from a well struck free-kick.

The second half proved to be a far more open affair as Hill in particular looked to show more attacking intent and Neil Hurst had two chances in close succession, the first went wide of the post and the second was struck firmly on the volley but unfortunately for Hill straight at the home custodian.  At the other end the Wickham forwards were coming more and more to the fore and Hill had to be at their best defensively to keep the hosts at bay and as time ticked on the game looked more and more as though it was going to go to extra-time and perhaps even penalties.

However, Purple Hearts were broken late on when the Sky Blues broke down the Hill left and from the resulting cutback a Wickham midfielder just about found the bottom corner to send his team into the quarter finals of The Big One.  A crushing defeat for Hill who must now win their Middlesex Cup quarter final at Meadonians on Saturday week to retain any hope of winning some silverware this season.

Winchmore Hill 4 East Barnet Old Grammarians 1
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 6 January

Winchmore Hill started 2007 with a victory that took them to the top of the table at a rain soaked Paulin Ground on Saturday.  Admittedly the league position is a false one given a number of teams have games in hand but with crucial cup games in the coming weeks it was important to resume the season with a confidence building win.

The game looked in doubt after torrential rain left parts of the ground under water but credit to groundsman Martin Charters who after some pre-match work was able to produce a remarkably good playing surface given the inclement weather.  Manager Ben Willis decided to go with a different formation and Rod Beyer was unfortunate to lose his place in the starting line up but he was still to have an enormous impact on proceedings.

Hill started superbly and most of the opening fifteen minutes were played in the EBOG half as the hosts zipped the ball across the greasy surface and Kris McHale was denied by some last ditch defending with the goal at his mercy. EBOGs though were made of sterner stuff than the poor side we encountered on the first game of this season and came back into the game strongly, enjoying some good possession and were only denied the lead by a linesman’s flag.  After the good football of the opening quarter of the match came a poor passage of play in which neither team could string more than three passes together and the game became disjointed.  An injury to Matthew Knights didn’t help although immediately Beyer, his replacement, instilled some much needed calm and quality in the Hill side and moments later he teed up Neil Hurst whose shot struck the outside of the post.  0-0 at the break.

The start of the second half coincided with an enormous, incessant downpour which made the conditions much trickier but as others struggled around him the mercurial Beyer, Hill’s Denzel Washington, walked on water through the East Barnet defence and dinked in the cheekiest of finishes.  Deja-vu. Hill doubled their lead immediately from the restart when a defensive lapse enabled Jack Newton, Hill’s Uncle Fester, to slam home an emphatic second.

Further chances came and went before again the tempo of the game seemed to drop off and the visitors took full advantage with a well taken goal ten minutes from time although questions should be asked of Hill’s defending.  Despite this Winchmore Hill were determined to finish the game off and the clinching third goal arrived five minutes from time when Hurst beat two defenders before firing home to seal the points.  There was still time for Beyer to set up Adam Graves for his debut first team goal in the final minute to give the scoreline a fair reflection.

A decent performance overall but Hill will need to replicate the passion, desire and ball retention shown in patches here for an entire match next week when they visit West Wickham in an enthralling AFA Senior Cup tie.

Broomfield 3 Winchmore Hill 1
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 16 December

Winchmore Hill’s recent run of good form came to an abrupt halt with an utterly abject and lifeless display against fierce local rivals Broomfield at Hedge Lane on Saturday.  While the hosts came out of the blocks on the ‘b’ of the bang treating the game as if it were the last they would ever play, Hill in stark contrast, were sloppy and second best and were punished by conceding two goals in the opening twenty minutes giving themselves a mountain to climb.

The first goal arrived when Hill cleared their lines only to allow Jimmy Jacobs time and space to shoot from the edge of the box and he duly dispatched the ball into the bottom corner with clinical precision.  Just ten minutes later and still Hill were affording their neighbours too much room and again Jacobs fired home from long range albeit this time with the help of a deflection.  Broomfield just seemed to want it more – a worrying thought that each member of the Hill squad should have a long hard think about during the festive break.

Eventually Hill sprung into life and could and probably should have gone into the break on level terms.  First Neil Hurst headed just over the bar before both Rod Beyer and Matthew Knights came close to reducing the arrears but 2-0 at the break it stood.  After a fearful ear-bashing at half-time Hill attacked with far more gusto after the interval and just five minutes in were rewarded when Beyer teed up Hurst to make it 2-1.  Suddenly the one-way traffic was all directed at the home goal and two or three more chances came and went before the game became disjointed with constant whistles from the referee fragmenting the rhythm of the game.  This was to prove costly as Hill inexplicably lost their discipline and with it their focus and sloppy ball retention gave Broomfield a chance to score on the break and restore their two goal cushion which was never really threatened again in the match. 

With half their league games now played Hill’s title challenge looks all but over but with two enormous cup ties coming in January there is still much to play for.  If there is a repeat of Saturday’s performance in either of these games defeat is inevitable.  Only the players themselves can have any impact on how the team fares in these games.  Only 100% commitment to the cause it acceptable. 

Despite Saturday’s doom and gloom the