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Match Reports 200-2010

Second XI

 

Winchmore Hill 1 West Wickham 0
SAL Intermediate Section Division One
Saturday 6 March

It was the weekend of the 82nd Academy Awards, Hollywood was awash with celebrity. I've always loved the razzamatazz of America, in fact this summer I'm looking forward to spending a couple of weeks watching the FIFA world championship soccer over there with Denchy, who last week played his last game this season for the Hill. Denchy is off on his travels, he has promised that he going to drag himself away from his eco-fairtrade nuclear free lentil munching peace holiday in Belize to come and spend a few days amongst the capitalists (if only to remind himself of spurious morals that prompted his leftist quest).

I'm particularly looking forward to gloating at the yanks in their own back yard after we trounce them on the 12th June, after that I shall also remind them that their country is an uncivilised mess of processed cheese and licence plate evangelism - I secretly love it though, the same way Thorpey overtly loves St Tropez (the fake tan, not the place. 

I read an article this week about the aforementioned world cup, it made an interesting and convincing case for Brazil, outlining how their tactics and work rate will wear down all comers bagging them the trophy once again. Tactics and work rate were precisely how the Hill won on Saturday afternoon. 

Changes were enforced following last weeks epic semi final victory. Dench (as above), Thorpey (uncomfortable regrowth of chest hair - Denchy do you know the Latin for that?) Tony (old age), Ingram (threat to Jack's starting place) and Joe (for having the ability to verbally communicate clearly in English, which is not encouraged in the 2s) were the absentee's. Returning were Griff (he lets his gloves do the talking), Bennis, Rochey (fresh from his holiday in Geneva visiting the large hadron collider... young minds), Gylo (reference Lazarus: the Gospel of John) and Chris Chapman (on the mend).

Line up as follows: Griff GK. Beech RB. Steve CB. Cooky CB. Gee LB. Bennis RM. Hallet CM. Danny Fitz CM. An-Rui LM. Hornsby CF. Newton (c) CF.

Following such a dramatic victory the previous weekend, the major pre-game concern was complacency. As the game kicked off at a sun drenched Paulin this concern proved a reality as West Wickham looked the sharper, winning ball in the middle and asking questions of the 2s defence. Their right wing looked particularly lively, crosses and cut backs were driven into 18 yard box, Griff was able to claim a few bravely and when faced with any uncertainty Steve and Cooky cleared without compromise. Gee and An-Rui began to sort the Wickham right winger out between them, but the Hill were squandering possession too easily, running into the congested midfield and refusing the easy pass. The Wickham number 8, lying deep in centre midfield was providing them with a good platform to build from, and Danny Fitz fresh from watching the movie of his previous weeks performance wasn't bossing proceedings as he normally does.

The 2s first real chance came from a flick on from the head of Newton, An-Rui burst through outstripping the Wickham defence only to be thwarted by the on-rushing keeper, but this was against the run of play in a half that was scrappy and lacked quality.

Half-time 0:0. Discussions at half time focussed on the ball retention, the extra pass and using the wingers. What also became apparent is the similarity in Frank's voice to east end gangster Brick top from the film snatch: "Their number 8 is an aggressive little
���£*%$!~#;;;", "Punish him for me, and when your finished there find me the silly sods who blagged the bookies, find them today". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDKiQfBs9lo

The Hill began the second half more solidly. Shape and communication had improved and Fitz and Hallet began to exert authority in the middle. Again the backline looked secure with Beech and Gee beginning to combine with Bennis and An-Rui, respectively, going forward. It was from the right side that the critical moment was crafted, management's half time instructions were adhered to... Bennis showed the Wickham left back a clean pair of heels and his cross bisected the keeper and defence, the on-rushing Newton clinically dispatched the ball into the gaping net... "Heeeey yoooouuuu guys!!"

Wickham were far from finished though and they began to pile pressure on down their right, but working in packs the Hill's defensive lines proved difficult to breakdown. Hill were placed under more pressure when Griff had to delegate kicking duties to Gee meaning the back line moved deeper and for a time the 2s were camped in their own final third. Newton and Hornsby worked hard up top to try to hold onto precious possession.

Griff's knee finally gave way and Gee jumped at the chance to extend his 100% record with the gloves (this is one of the stories he insists on sharing with us on away journey's, other favourites are the spaghetti Bolognese at Westminster Citizens and the fact he has never seen Newts with hair in all these years).

Newts then got his ''playbook" out... Roche having replaced the tireless Hornsby moved to right back, Beechy moved up front for 30 seconds only to be relegated to centre mid following the introduction of Gylo (promising cameo by the way), Hallet moved to centre half alongside his twin Cooky (are you following...) and the excellent Steve switched to left back. Despite all the changes the young(ish) 2s side showed superb concentration and resolve to defend stoutly, not just the back four but also through central midfield picking up pieces on the edge of the box.

With just one minute left on the clock though, the concentration levels waivered, Wickham managed to get the ball across the box and their number 9 had the goal at his mercy.... but too his (and everyone else's) shock Bennis appeared from nowhere, the surprise evidently was enough to put him off as he fluffed his lines and the Hill's spring-heeled winger was able to nick the ball off him for Roche to clear to safety.

Full-time 1:0. A very satisfying result.  

Post game I looked around the changing room and reflected on my team mates. We'd done one another proud.
And as Robert Downey Junior said of the relationship between writers and actors when presenting the award for best screenplay at this years Oscars, "It's a collaboration. A collaboration between handsome, gifted people and sickly little mole people."

Winchmore Hill 3 Mayfield Athletic 1
AFA Middlesex & Essex Intermediate Cup
Saturday 27 February

Two for the price of one!
A place in a rare final was in store for the 2s if they could overcome Mayfield Athletic in a semi on the top pitch at the Paulin. The game was thankfully switched from Firs Farm at the last minute after some last minute negotiations from Newton; this coming just days after he was able to rescue the Goonies from hands of the hands of the merciless Fratelli crime family was a second good omen for the 2s skip in less than a week - could his off the field performances be transferred to where it really mattered? 

After a half an hour delay to the kick off the game finally got under way with the Hill lining up 4-4-2 against a fairly young Mayfield team who seemed to be operating in some kind of 4-5-1 formation. The extra man in midfield gave the Hill problems early on with Mayfield having the lion’s share of good possession and creating the better of the early chances. It was therefore not a huge surprise to see the away side take the lead about 20 minutes in, although there were some serious questions as to the legitimacy of the goal after the spritely linesman seemed to miss a clear offside.

Hill restarted with a bit more purpose about them only to be struck another blow when centre back Thorpe went off with a St Tropez (the fake tan not the place) induced injury to the Soleus (for the philistines in the club this is another word for the calf muscle - apparently). Luckily for the Hill there was a centre half on the bench in the form of the ever aggressive Jonny Hallet, who slotted in along side the upright Cook in the back line.

As the half progressed the Hill were starting to better cope with the Mayfield midfield and beginning to create chances of their own. The first one of these fell to Newton who put a near post cross a couple of yards wide. However, Hill were not done and continued to create, with the equalizer finally coming around the 35th minute as a left wing cross was met by Newton's sizable head and flew past the keeper into the top left hand corner - "Heeeyyy yooouuu guys!!!" he screamed wildly as he ran off in celebration. Game on.

The second half got under way as a much more combative affair with the Hill far more competitive in midfield and the lively presence of Hornsby up top (on for Kokkinos who went down with a twisted knee, which was so bad it was not made better by the careful addition of water) a constant thorn in the side of the Mayfield back line. However, the visitors remained a threat and could well have been ahead were it not for some poor finishing on their side and some good defending on ours. The game continued to flow back and forth until the final 10 minutes when the Hill really started to pile on the pressure and would have been finished in the 90 but for an absolute worldly save from the Mayfield keeper.

With the score tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes the game headed for extra time. The first period was fairly uneventful with both sides trying to dig in and hold firm on a pitch that was really starting to cut up. The second period started slightly more brightly for the home side that began to look like creating chances. Our chance finally came with 6 minutes left as, under direct contravention of full time instructions, we put together a great flowing move involving Hornsby, Ingram and Beech, with the latter scythed down in the box just as he was about put a left foot shot in to touch. The ref had no option but to give a penalty and send off the Mayfield fullback. Danny Fitzpatrick stepped up to slot home the penalty and put Hill within minutes of a final appearance.

With Mayfield now down to 10 and desperately on the attack this left the back door open for Hill to counter. About two minutes after taking the lead one such counter attack saw Hill get a free kick on the edge of the box following a foul on Hornsby. Up stepped Fitzpatrick who curled in a superb free kick over the wall and past the stationary Mayfield keeper.

After an inauspicious start to the season the 2s now have a cup final in the bag and the potential to get something from a season which at one point looked fairly bleak. We have also shown we can beat the best teams in our league and were it not for one off-day would have been much further in the AFA cup. However, it is important to remember that so far we've won nothing, so after digging ourselves out for the past three months we want to make sure we're on the winning side on the 27th and can sit at the club dinner with something to shout about come May. Good luck lads it's been a pleasure.

Number Two
On a wet and wild day at the Paulin the Numbers came from behind to win an excellent game of football on a difficult pitch in extra time. Goals from Captain Jack and 2 for Danny Fitz cancelled out a Will Dench own goal meaning the Numbers march on to a Walthamstow date at the end of the month.

There was plenty of time to remove the surface water off the pitch as the Assistant Referees were late and this resulted in the Numbers warming up for a full hour before kick off. This time was spent wisely as Captain Jack recruited last season’s Golden Boot winner to warm the bench whilst also quadrupling the average age of the substitutes. The rest of the team lined up with Jo in goal, Steve, Cookie, a very tanned Thorpey and Gee at the back. The midfield contained Beechy, Will and Danny in the middle with Tony K on the left leaving Captain Jack and An-Rui up top.

The game eventually kicked off just after 2 and it was Mayfield who were on top for the first 20 minutes. There had been a couple of warnings when in the 20th minute the speedy right winger got in down the middle, forced Joe into an excellent save only for the Welsh Wizard Dench to spectacularly overhead kick the ball into his own goal. If you get a bloopers DVD for Christmas this year this goal will be on it. Taxi for Dench!! There was a further problem for Hill as the shaven Thorpey was forced to limp off to be replaced by John.

1-0 could have become 2-0 as Mayfield pushed forward and Joe made another excellent save. You can tell this boy has been playing at a higher level of football. He was Supa!! This led to a recovery from the Hill as slowly they started to get a grip on the game and push forward and they could have equalised when a smart free kick from Danny Fitz was met first time by Captain Jack only for the ball to go inches wide. Mayfield didn’t heed this warning and the same combination combined again and this time the skipper rose like a salmon to head home.

1-1 was the half-time score and after a slow start Hill had fought hard to get into the game and Captain Jack was in no mood to give it up. “10 minutes” he screamed “10 minutes, they will have 10 minutes” and Frank agreed. Dench and Beech looked at each other and Dench was heard to say “Isn’t there 45 left?” So with half the team looking puzzled and Beechy trying to explain it to Dench the team went back on the field with a slight wind behind them and Nick Hornsby replacing the injured Tony K.

In the second half Hill were the better team and although Mayfield looked dangerous on the break Hill started to get on top. Danny Fitz and Dench made a million tackles and the back 4 were now starting to impose themselves on the game. The front 3 were looking dangerous and Beechy was playing too. The highlight of the first 20 minutes of the second half however was provided by the 4th team keeper who when trying to control the ball did a somersault , landed on his back in the mud but somehow failing to spill a drop of beer. Great work Tom.

With 20 minutes to go Captain Jack bowed to the inevitable and brought himself off replacing himself with Ingram. Hill had several chances to win the game as John or Cookie, Dench and Danny all had chances but the keeper seemed to be saving everything without really having the most orthodox style. One save in particular was Gordon Banks-esque.

This resulted in extra time and after another rousing team talk from Captain Jack Hill were ready. Ingram, promoted to Captain after 15 minutes chose correctly and Hill kicked into the breeze first. The first half was pretty uneventful and so as the teams changed round the score was still 1-1. With just 10 minutes separating Hill from a dreaded penalty shoot out the Numbers upped the pace and were rewarded almost immediately. The best move of the match involving An-Rui, Ingram and Hornsby led to Ingram sliding the ball through for Beechy who cut across the defender before being scythed down in the penalty area winding poor little Scott in the process. Danny stepped up to coolly slot home and the left back was sent off for his disgraceful foul.

2-1 quickly became 3-1 as after more good work from Hornsby led to a free kick and Danny curled the ball delightfully home from fully 30 yards. There was still time for Beech to realise a lifetime ambition by playing the last 3 minutes up front with his hero Ingram. The referee blew his whistle and the 2’s were in the final.

Such a good performance in a big game on a difficult pitch meant that Welsh Will’s leaving party promised to be good fun. There was talk in the changing room later along the lines of St. Tropez doesn’t really work, I shaved my chest and the hair has grown back stubblier and do you think this hat looks gay? Well Thorpey, if you need advice on fake tan ask Quinny in the 4’s, of course your hair will grow back stubblier and yes your hat does look gay. Welsh Will’s was great fun though!!

Come on the 2’s!!

Old Vaughanians 1 Winchmore Hill 2
AFA Middlesex & Essex Intermediate Cup
Quarter Final
Saturday 6 February

HILL SET UP SEMI-FINAL AGAINST MAYFIELD ATHLETIC
Having already made the long journey to Kempton Park and Old Vaughanians this season, the Hill felt they knew what to expect and were confident of progressing to the semi-final of the AFA Middlesex Cup. However, apart from the limp sandwiches, there were a few surprises − the pitch was different (worse), eight of the opposition had changed (better, stronger and more cynical) and the ref’s attitude ‘relaxed’.

Again the Hill saw changes. Back to the squad came Hallett, Beech and Cooke. Out went party man Steve (at a big 80th birthday all-dayer) and Roche (who’s dazzling performances were rewarded with a game on pitch 12 Firs Farm for the Amazin 3s), while Hornsby was in the US bigging up his SAL goals per minute ratio in a bid to secure an MLS contract.

Vaughanians started strongly but were restricted to long-range efforts. A bouncy pitch and robust opposition made it hard for the Hill to string passes together and get the ball wide. There was some success on the right as Vaughanians’ left-mid seemed hampered by still wearing his Eastern European decorator’s tracksuit bottoms. Overall a scrappy first half saw few clear chances.

The second half was more open. Vaughanians’ dangerous young forward hit the outside of the post from 20 yards. Then Vaughanians midfielder hit a volley from the edge of the area with a bit of slice that flew into and out of the goal via the stantion. Griffith disappointingly didn’t play on Roy Carroll style and the goal stood.

With so few chances at either end, the home side were confident but Hill started making inroads behind their full-backs, drawing their centre-backs out of position but as too often recently there were not enough numbers in the box attacking the cross. Then for the second week running the equalizer came through Dench, who had spent most of the warm-up proving that last week’s screamer was a fluke. This time he latched onto Haslam’s square pass on the edge of the area and stretching drilled the ball into the bottom corner.

After 85 minutes and with extra time looming, super-sub Chapman nicked the ball past the veteran defender on the right wing, swiftly followed by the inevitable studs on ankle. From the resultant free kick the ball bobbled back towards the six-yard box where Chiew with his back to goal instinctively flicked the ball past the flat-footed keeper. With Chapmen off, the Hill’s 10 men held on despite a couple of scares. Overall a battling performance especially from the back five (Griffith recovering well from the ignominy of having his baseball cap flicked off his head in one handbag session) that bodes well for the run-in.

This time the Hill decided against visiting The Jubilee opposite the racetrack despite the lure of a ‘performance’ from a former Soccerette. Instead they favoured the England-Wales rugby – who Newton and Griffith were supporting and why is still to be established. Back to the league next week and a chance to extend the unbeaten run.


Old Owens 1 Winchmore Hill 1
Southern Amateur League
Intermediate Section Division One
Saturday 30 January

After losing to Owens at home earlier in the season, The Hill were out for revenge and looking to build upon a terrific team performance last weekend against Actonians.

Prior to the game the gaffer received news that two of his more experienced players in the side had decided to take a ‘pit stop’ on Green Lanes consequently delaying the start time and Hill’s preparations.

Squad rotation was again in operation with the experienced Neil Thorpe returning from injury hoping for a cameo appearance, instead he found himself partnered with Steve at centre back in the newest defensive combination. Rumour has it Steve has now found a friend at university; however this can only be speculated as no proven evidence has been found to confirm his or her existence.

On a bitterly cold afternoon the message before the game was to press the opposition and get the ball wide as quickly as possible to isolate Owens sluggish full backs. With neither side being allowed any time on the ball, the game was fragmented and lacked any real clear cut chances. The main threats were coming from the wings with excellent link up play between the two wide men and full backs; however crosses into the box lacked any genuine quality and were easily dealt with by the Owens defence. With neither keeper really having to stretch their limbs in the opening forty-five minutes the referee brought the half to an end.

Owens started the second half brightly and begun to make inroads into a lethargic looking Hill defence who were being pushed further and further towards their own penalty box. Both sides became more composed on the ball and were playing the ball around with more conviction; however it was Old Owens who looked more and more dangerous on the attack as the game became stretched. Owens were then rewarded for their persistent pressure as their right winger knocked a hanging cross which evaded the Hill defence and allowed a free header for the Old Owens striker to put them 1-0 up.

This brought the match to life as The Hill were now chasing a game they had to win in order to mount any sort of a challenge on the top sides in the league. Thorpey and Bennis both had re-occurring injuries on their minds and with only one sub on the bench, due to Fitzpatrick being otherwise engaged and unable to make the game, youth replaced more youth as Roche was introduced for Bennis and Thorpe was left to soldier on. Roche’s first involvement came with a dazzling run where he left the defenders for dead only to pick out the grateful hands of the goalkeeper. However the signs were good for Winchmore and pressure began to build on the Owens goal.

Then came the moment of inspiration. With twenty minutes to go a tame clearance from an opposing defender fell to the feet of the deadliest long shooter in the side, Will Dench. He took one look at the goalkeeper and let fly from thirty yards. The ball sailed over the keepers head, crashing onto the crossbar and into the net to send the away supporters into ecstasy.

This gave Winchmore the impetus they required to go on and win the game. More chances came our way, with An Rui and Roche just firing wide from excellent opportunities. Winchmore were nearly made to pay for their missed chances as the defence were caught stranded on the counter attack on a number of occasions, and had it not been for Griffiths in goal the game could have been snatched away in the dying minutes.

As it was, a draw seemed a fair result with both sides not quite doing enough to win the game. A lot of positives can be taken from the match as we showed character and desire to come back from a deficit; however there are still lots to learn and improve upon if we are to have any success this season.

I can confirm that Kokkinos will be joining the rest of the team on the train next weekend as his car failed to pass its MOT, and unfortunately will never be seen at a Winchmore Hill away day ever again.

Winchmore Hill 3 Merton 2
SAL Intermediate Section Division One
Saturday 12 December

A somewhat inconsistent season for the Reserve’s meant that this fixture was to be pivotal in determining the ambitions of this young team, settle for mid-table mediocrity or mount a serious challenge towards the North of the league table.

Cookie returned from injury replacing Samson while Kokkinos slotted back into midfield replacing player-manager Hornsby.

After only ten minutes The Paulin Ground was once again at the centre of the ‘goal line technology’ debate as a shot early on was deemed to have crossed the line by the entire Merton team who fortunately all found themselves with an unobstructed view of the Hill goal line. The Referee resisted the appeals…..

Hill started the match solidly but conceded early after a scramble in the box. There was no white flag and Hill instantly began to push for the equaliser coming close on a few occasions before equalising from a free-kick. Fitzpatrick saw his in-swinging cross nestle itself kindly into the net after both teams had failed to get onto the end of it.

The rest of the half by no means fizzled out, this competitive fixture was there for the taking and it was up to Hill to take this game by the scruff of the neck. For the rest of the half they did just that and were rewarded just before half time. A good attacking move gave Newton space to deliver a peach of a cross from the right hand side which was met emphatically by Kokkinos whose diving header narrowly beat the outstretched goalkeeper. Kokkinos’ golden boot campaign was well and truly back on track!

Hill went into the break with a deserved lead but knew the battle was by no means over. An inspirational half-time team talk from Newton saw even ‘boxer’ Frank overcome with emotion.

Hill knew that scoring an early second half goal would obliterate the Merton resistance but unfortunately the next goal was an equaliser, once again from a set piece.

Hill were not ready to succumb to a rugged Merton side. Hill still had the desire but the game hung on a knife edge. Both teams remained competitive but neither were managing to create any clear cut chances. A string of changes for the home side gave Hill the ‘shot in the arm’ that they needed (all be it at the expense of seeing a furious Haslam storm into the changing room hurling insults and threats at several Hill players after being substituted) and a breakthrough looked remotely possible. Up stepped Joe Bennis who with five minutes left on the clock sent a stinging shot towards goal which the goalkeeper could only parry into the back of the net sending the Hill support into a state of euphoria.

A superb victory for the reserves….

Hill must look to take this attitude into next Saturday’s game and formulate a consistent run of results which will give the side a chance of realising its full potential.

I can confirm that a hole was discovered in the wall of the home dressing room following the victory….. Haslam has strongly denied any involvement.

Old Aloysians 2 Winchmore Hill 4
AFA Middlesex & Essex Intermediate Cup
Saturday 5 December

The Reserve’s arrived at Aloysians with a point to prove after last week’s lacklustre display. Hornsby’s team looked far superior on paper but this was by no means a foregone conclusion; a dodgy pitch and a dubious choice of referee gave this fixture added spice.

Prior to the game Steve was once again quizzed about the legitimacy of his university exploits on the back of continued speculation about his social network being fabricated.

Hill enjoyed the lion’s share of possession early on but couldn’t capitalise. The breakthrough came when a ball came through to Newton who cleverly ‘beat’ the offside trap and shrugged off two defenders to calmly finish, once again adding weight to the ‘Newton for first team’ campaign.

Hill began to take control; Bennis once again came close from the consistently successful ‘trick’ corner, but fired just wide. The Aloysian’s, still in the game were rewarded for their perseverance with an equaliser on the half hour mark. A cunning ball from the midfield split the Hill defence and saw the Aloysian’s forward finish superbly across the keeper.

Hill continued to press forward and regained the lead in the final stages of the second half. A corner swung in from the left was punched by the Aloysians keeper but volleyed back towards goal by Newton who had his effort excellently saved........by their left back! He was formally sent for an early bath and it was up to Fitzgerald to restore the lead; he did just that, sending the keeper the wrong way.

The game was Hill’s to lose now but a third was essential to send this game to bed.  That came from an unsuspecting Haslam who saw the opposing keepers clearance rebound off him straight over the keepers head and in to the back of the net.

Hill continued to create chances but a boggy penalty area made converting that bit more difficult! The nail in the coffin was inserted firmly by Hornsby who beat a defender to curl the ball expertly into the top corner.

Aloysian’s continued to fight and gained a mere consolation towards the end but Hill were safely through to the last eight of the cup.

Denchy continued to add to his Christmas list but in the process received a stern warning from the barman after trialling a toy on his pint of Fosters.


Winchmore Hill 0 Old Salesians 1
SAL Intermediate Section Division One
Saturday 28 November

Salesians arrived at the Hill with a clutch of fringe 1st teamers who seemed keen to prove a point. The Hill arrived at the Hill with a maybe attitude; guess what happened next?

As captain I need to take full responsibility for a shocking personal performance that only added weight to the ʻNewton for Vets campaign. I also take responsibility for the teams lack-lustre approach to this home fixture. There will not be a repeat.

1-0 to a talented but culturally bereft Salesians side.

Old Wilsonians 2 Winchmore Hill 1
AFA Intermediate Cup
Saturday 21 November

Winchmore Hill 2s kicked off this week by traveling the long and tiring journey to play Old Wilsonians in a highly anticipated AFA cup game. Hill arrived at Wilsonians headquarters and prepared for the game as best as they could as they knew they were in for a rough and tough game of football against Wilsonians whose average height was in the region of the 6 ft 5 margin. As usual the skipper and gaffer Jack Newton gave his team talk to indicate what he expected and to fire up this Hill side as we wanted to proceed into the next cup draw. Minutes before the game kicked off the ref gave a courageous and inspiring speech which was so inspiring it could have got him votes to become a member of parliament. 

Finally kick-off came and so did a very slow start from the away side; we lacked composure and confidence in our own abilities. Hill slowly started to realise that to beat a big and sluggish team like Wilsonians we have to keep the ball on the deck; a good surface to play an entertaining and enjoyable game of football on. After long minutes of the game past Wilsonians broke the deadlock by beating the Hill's defence and whipping in a well placed cross onto the head of a poaching player who attacked the ball well and headed home to give the opposition the lead, Hill were now 1-0 down. The second major move of the first half came from Wilsonians again as they whipped a low ball into the area and their player latched onto it giving little chance to Hill's goalkeeper. This was a first half that has had enough said about it and is to be forgotten.

During the half-time break Hill were given a pasting by the gaffer/skipper; He demanded effort and application (at least that's how the Owens 1st team heard it). Winchmore Hill then certainly provided a response by mixing things up and putting more pressure on the Wilsonians keeper and back line. A major point came in the second half when Hill's striker An-Rui, who had demonstrated tremendous endeavor all day by running his heart out, was fouled just outside the area which seemed a desperate and needless foul while baring down one on one with the keeper; shockingly the ref gave nothing despite his heroic speech before the game. Throughout the half Hill showed they were still in the game by keeping the ball on the ground. Hill were outwitting the Wilsonians side, again leading the team to bring down a Hill player outside the box, Charles Matthews then stepped up to hit a peach of a sliced freekick to start Hill's courageous comeback trail.

Unfortunately Hill had some bad luck when the referee failed to give a blatant penalty when An-Rui was brought down in the box. Hill were now fighting against the clock to get a goal to take it to extra time. As we battled on the clock beat us and we lost the game. The positives shown in the scenario are that when confident and willing to give 100% and work for each other the way we did in that second half we'd be fearless against any side and give them a run for their money.

Written by John Hallet (late for the game by 50 minutes after Nick convinced him to stop en route at Vauxhall?!?)

Winchmore Hill 4 Old Edmontonians 0
AFA Middlesex & Essex Intermediate Cup
Saturday 14 November

A wet and windy day began with the squad being awoken by a text message from Newton stating that due to adverse weather conditions he would later be sending a text message to confirm the situation due to adverse weather conditions.  Shortly later the game was given the go-ahead.

Newton, having done a bit of maths, decided to rest himself and keep his goals-to-games ratio intact.  He was however ever-present on the touchline sporting Nick Hornsby replica tracksuit bottoms, a trend fast growing across the fairer quarters of London.  Hornsby himself arrived only just before kick-off as delays following his all-night MegaWoof! DJ set at Club Colloseum prevented him from leaving Vauxhall on time.  There were also a couple new faces with Dave and Richie bringing the head count to 14.

Faced with torrential rainfall and gale force winds the squad lined up to face Old Edmontonians.  In spite of Newton's warnings Hill started slowly and were forced to weather an opening storm of attacks.  The back line dealt with everything thrown at them and Griffiths was on top of his game to tip a well struck free-kick over the bar.

The flow of play was reversed as the Hill decided to get it on the ground and play it out from the full backs.  The ensuing onslaught could have resulted in 4 or 5 goals with Bennis, Haslam, Chiew and Chapman all going close but in the end it was a Darwinistic breakthrough as the team with the best ability to adapt to the environment notched first.  A slick passing move from the Hill shifted the ball across from the left and who better to be found in a couple yards of space outside the box than William Dench?  The young Welshman had a calculative look in his eye as he launched a rocket that any other day would have eventually come down somewhere between Brighton and Bognor Regis.  Instead, ten yards from goal the ball hit an onrushing gust and dipped beneath the bar for the opener, so shocking the keeper that he dropped his sack of pies.  Genius.

The half then petered out with a period of stale play, Winchmore seeming comfortable to sit on the lead and Edmontonians lacking the inspiration to equalise.

The second period was a different story entirely.  Wind behind them, shackles off, Hill were free to let their superiority show and it wasn't long before it was 2-0.  Chapman burst down the left wing and fired in a rapid cross that slipped through the keeper's paws allowing Bennis a simple tap in.  Chapman celebrated his team mate’s goal with a Ketsbaia-esque attack on the metal railing by the pitch only to come out second best and was duly substituted for Richie.

Edmontonians were fading now and although a few moves orchestrated by their handy number 15 threatened to turn it back into a contest Samson and Hallett were having none of it.  Instead, a ball from debutant Dave to the right found Chiew with space in his own half to slide past two men before launching an unstoppable shot that definitely didn't hit any funny patches in the ground to bounce out of the reach of the already committed keeper who probably wouldn't have saved it anyway. 3-0.

By now everyone was keen to get in on the act.  Samson marauded up pitch and launched a shot that whistled past the post, Beech cut in and considered hitting one before opting for a much safer horizontal pass, Godsalve lashed a first time volley just wide and Nick came on to instantly force the keeper to push over his bar.  The fresh wingers sent in a salvo of crosses and shots that annoyed the back four who were wet, cold and quite frankly had had enough of defending for the day.

With no challenges coming in winning a penalty seemed unlikely and Kokkinos realised that if he was going to remain in contention for golden boot he would have to take matters into his own hands.  Luring the defence into a false sense of security by involving them in a game of headers and volleys he advanced through the box to smash in his fourth of the year and Winchmore's fourth of the game.  The final whistle followed shortly to the relief of the bedraggled opposition.

So the run continues - 4 wins on the trot, 13 goals in 3 games, a surge up the table and advancement in both cups.  With a long trip to Old Wilsonians next week Hill should be looking to make the most of the journey and extend their cup adventure.

East Barnet O.G. 2 Winchmore Hill 4
Southern Amateur League
Intermediate Section Division One
Saturday 7 November

Another away trip for the Hill, this time to sunny Barnet and rumours of a much-improved surface. As usual the defence changed – Matthews (who had cleverly taken advantage of the government’s cash for clunkers scheme to trade in his Bentley for a Porsche) returned to right-back and Hallett to centre-back after lying low since the West Ham-Millwall game. Despite impressing last week, impact player Roche was dropped from the squad after daring to criticise headmaster Newton for his persistent bullying and taking him to a pub where the curtains are always drawn and “I wasn’t watching” doesn’t cut it as an excuse for not putting a pound coin in the pint glass.

EBOGs got the better of the first 20 minutes, trying to get it wide and take advantage of two big headers of the ball in centre midfield and upfront. One chance from close range was spooned over the bar before the hosts were stunned by two excellent Hill goals. Chiew had started the game like he’d just been told he’d transferred last month’s rent into the account of George Agdgdgwngo from Badman Bank of Nigeria. However, he then had an inspired 20 minutes, collecting an excellent Dench pass on the halfway line, skinning two defenders and coolly slotting past the keeper.

At this point, Newton was hobbling around the pitch and his injury can be the only explanation for what followed. Godsalve played a long ball down the line for the marauding Chiew, who’s cross was buried by Newton left-foot first-time into the bottom corner. Feeling his job was done and after seeing Hornsby’s inspired warm-up on the sidelines, Newton sacrificed himself. Chiew then went on another mazy dribble that ended with the keeper saving an underhit chip.

At the start of the second half, Hornsby had a great chance to extend the lead after Bennis had bundled through two defenders but screwed his finish wide with just the keeper to beat. Ten minutes later, he made up for it with a goal against the run of play as Beech headed a free-kick back across the area, Chiew’s effort was blocked and Hornsby buried the loose ball into the roof of the net.

EBOGs didn’t give up and brought two 1s players into centre-mid, but it was Hill super sub Chapman who showed them how to make an impact, handling the ball in his own area with his first touch. EBOG’s burly striker dispatched the penalty into the top left corner. EBOGs pressed forward, helped by some nervy Hill play but their shooting was off or was met by solid defending. With about 15 minutes to go, EBOGs scored a controversial second. A speculative hoof ended with what seemed a foul on Hallett, then on Griff who had his hands on top of the loose ball while an EBOGs player poked it in the net. A Bennis cross hit the near post with the keeper stranded but the Hill were hanging on. Dench, minutes after a bizarre run along the halfway line in a bid to break his personal keepy-uppy record, was unluckily booked (strangely the Hill’s third) for persistent fouling with the ref pointing out three previous fouls made by other players.

Beech and Matthews killed time on the right wing, holding up the ball waiting for the inevitable foul from the EBOGs left-back, who couldn’t help himself and obliged several times. Hornsby eventually got bored of this tactic and in injury time took the ball into the area and was hacked down by a frustrated defender. Kokkinos converted the penalty and the game was safe.

The Hill have got a good run going and while most of the team look forward to extending this in next week’s cup match, the Redbridge contingent’s minds will be on how best to woo their new fraulein acquaintances. Hornsby will no doubt try and impress by modelling another new adidas tracksuit that would surely win more admirers in his favourite Vauxhall area, while Hallett has decided to broaden his German vocab by watching more ‘art-house’ films. It’s all about choices...

Old Vaughanians 3 Winchmore Hill 5
AFA Intermediate Cup
Saturday 31 October

A fine afternoon and an outstanding playing surface confirmed Hill as comfortable favourites to progress through to the next round of the AFA cup. However, a combination of incompetent defending and complacency left the Reserve’s disturbingly close to an early cup exit.

Once again, poor communication from the skipper lead to a prolonged journey for the team. While the wait at Vauxhall was tedious and mundane for most of us, Mr Hornbsy took full advantage of the situation and found himself engrossed in what appeared to be a lengthy dialogue with an admirer.

With the opposition having barely warmed up, the cup tie commenced and for the first half hour Hill were very guilty of treating the match as a forgone conclusion.

Vaughanians started well and deservedly took the lead early on with a stunning volley from outside the box, (memories of a young jack Newton came flooding back). Hill quickly equalised with Anrui slotting home coolly past the keeper after latching on to a flick from his inadequate strike partner.

Hill failed to capitalise on the equaliser and their play became increasingly rushed and sloppy. Hill were punished accordingly with goals two and three coming in quick succession for Vaughanians who were now full of confidence. Towards the end of the first half the ship steadied slightly but the half time hair dryer treatment was inevitable. Something about choices……..?

Hill began the second half well and threatened to get themselves back into the game. Kokkinos was particularly impressive and after a dazzling run into the box shot just wide early on. The revival began around the hour mark when a dangerous ball in from the right was turned into the Vaughanians net by an unsuspecting centre half.

Vaughanians looked jaded; it was time for Hill to ‘turn the screw.’ After a rigorous warm up Hornsby was introduced to the action replacing a cumbersome Newton who was duly dispatched from the centre half’s pocket. Hill continued to press and midway thorough the second half Roche replaced Haslam, goals three, four and five quickly followed. The equaliser came from Denchie who found himself in acres of space at the back post as a result of superb movement from Roche who cunningly dragged the defender away. Shortly afterwards Anrui gave Hill the lead, the opposition had succumbed. A lapse of concentration nearly saw a shock equaliser as the ever dangerous Vaughanians striker struck the cross bar midway between a conversation between Godsalve and Griff on the edge of the box.

Hill’s fourth round place was confirmed after Hornsby poked home after an otherwise faultless keeper dropped a scorcher of a shot from Roche who rightly drew the plaudits.

The dream is still alive for the Reserves  after a patchy display, but nonetheless a place in the next round.

Newton once again ran riot in the changing rooms, intimidating and tormenting the younger members of the squad who have recently found themselves a target of this vile bully.

Mr Hornsby will no doubt have fond memories of the journey home; after seeing some familiar faces at Vauxhall station he suddenly had to ‘be somewhere’………..


Winchmore Hill 2 Nottsborough 1
Southern Amateur League
Intermediate Section Division One
Saturday 24 October

Seldom has a victory felt so good for the reserves; primarily because most of them were born as your correspondent started university!

A welcome return for Charlie Matthews and Scott Beech ensured that, for once, we could select people in positions they were comfortable in. A warm welcome was given to a strong Nottsborough side that included the formidable bulk of Mark Grove.

Nottsborough started brightly with their recognisable brand of probing play and constant movement, Winchmore’s defence kept a high line and this managerial instruction proved to be folly as the pacey centre forward got in behind to finish coolly. In previous weeks the boys have struggled to respond, but Saturday witnessed a tougher and more resilient 2nd X1. Battles were being won all over the field resulting in a bout of whinging from Grove that only dogs could hear.

Reward came through a clear penalty, despatched by the excellent Kokkinos. We went into the dressing room confident and deservedly level.

The second half was all about attitude; Haslam delivered another accomplished display, Denchie managed to pull off his one trick without falling over, Anrui tormented the back line, the back four marshalled the dwindling threat posed by Notts with ease. Indeed Notts managed only two attempts at goal, one of which produced a save from Griff that even the old farts applauded.

Winchmore started to create opportunities; inexplicably the usually correct Ian Kerr managed to spot an offside that denied your correspondent a rare conversion. The pressure was on Notts now and they responded with a spate of tackles that bordered on the reckless; it was now up to the home-side to turn the screw and convert the opportunity. Three substitutions upped the pace of the game for The Hill and when Bennis was released down the right he only had two things on his mind – texting his estranged (or is that strange?) girlfriend and crossing to the far post; his deep cross was met and the winning goal scored by Newton. A jubilant dressing room celebrated a deserved three points and whilst the team shared lager and Denchie’s increasingly weak banter in the bar Charlie slipped off for another night on his Yacht. Good Times.

Leyton County Old Boys 0 Winchmore Hill 1
AFA Middlesex & Essex Intermediate Cup
Saturday 3 October

Winchmore Hill 2’s travelled to Fairlop to play their first cup game of the season against Leyton County Old Boys from the AFC.  They were welcomed by the opposing manager who informed us of the post match catering arrangements and gave a glowing reference of the referee who was described as being very fit.  Rumours that he will be replacing Alan Wiley next week are yet to be confirmed. 

With a strong wind blowing across the pitch, Hill took to the field playing a more conventional 4-4-2, the logical decision given the shortage of recognised defenders.  The early tactics of keeping it simple in the difficult conditions ensured Hill didn’t put themselves under unnecessary pressure and allowed the new look back line to familiarise themselves with their new positioning, especially with Roachy at right back who had to be well marshalled by Cooky.

The first real chance came for the visitors with Jack finding space on the left flank before delivering a chipped cross to the far post which resulted in a slight scramble before falling to Tony who saw his shot well blocked before being cleared.  With the defence looking increasingly solid and the midfield working hard, the opposition were limited to half chances and a few wayward crosses, with the only scare coming when the opposing striker managed to get a shot away but lobbing it over the crossbar. 

The second half followed a similar pattern with the home side having slightly more of the ball but failing to threaten.  With 15 minutes of the second half gone, Lee, making his debut after accidentally turning up to training in midweek, found some space about 40 yards from goal and threaded through a ball for Anrui to run onto and coolly finish into the bottom corner. 

An injury for Danny saw Paul come on in centre midfield and the veteran’s composed approach saw a neat interchange of passes before being worked to the left where the overlapping Chris delivered a cross which Jack could only stab past the near post.  Nick replaced Lee up front a little later as the final substitute, but meant Hill were likely to play the remainder of the game with 10 men when Anrui took a knock moments later. 

This gave the opposition further incentive to push forward but the organised Winchmore defence never looked overly troubled with Joe and Tony making numerous interceptions to prevent them getting the ball into the striker’s feet.  Leyton did manage to work the ball wide on a few occasions but were hampered by an over zealous winger and Chris doing well to get his body in the way and clear a dangerous looking cross.

The only lapse in concentration saw a through ball splitting the Hill defence who were grateful when the striker side-footed over.  Hill almost put the game  to bed with only 10 minutes on the clock when a recovered Anrui found space in the box but saw his shot well saved by the keeper.  The minutes ticked by and Leyton’s final chance came from their only corner of the game which found their mountain of a centre half who could only put his header wide of the far post.  The final whistle blew a few minutes later and Hill, earning their first competitive clean sheet of the season, had booked their place in the next round of the cup.

Team: Griff, Roachy, Cooky, Ben, Chris, Joe, Tony, Danny, Anrui, Jack, Lee.

Subs: Nick, Paul


 

 
 
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