Amateur Football Alliance

Southern Amateur League

Third XI   

Old Owens 2 Winchmore Hill 3
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 24 April

With Captain Collins stranded in New York thanks to something that wasn’t actually him blowing its top, the Irish boys kicking off their Gaelic season and various others injured, going shopping, working or generally just not available, being a stand-in gaffa on the Supa’s was an interesting but ultimately very rewarding experience.  After struggling for numbers all week, 2 more drop-outs late on Friday night gave 9 and after 3 hours on Saturday morning on the phone, we got to a makeshift 11 on a very hot day.  Fortunately, Owens were missing a few as well with the side is almost unrecognisable since the departure of Manny but you know what you get with Owens - they will always have a skilful side, try to play good football and invariably be young and quick so we knew a tough game lay ahead.

The game itself had a typical end of season feel to it, with Winchmore seemingly wanting to win the game more than our opposition. Hill went 2-0 up before half time thanks for a tap in from Carl Steward and a long-range worldie from Alex Lodge who turned in an impressive first half performance.  Hill went 3 up early in the second half which killed off the game and whilst Owens pulled a couple back, Hill were always capable of scoring another if needed and bagged a late winner to give the score a fair look about it at 4-2.

This game for me proved 2 things, firstly that we have a good strength in depth at the club and supposed “lower-level” players from the 8s and 10s are more than capable of stepping up and performing well.  In a season where we’ve struggled to get people to make themselves available every week in most sides, maybe captains should look more to those players who are there every week to build a successful team.  Chris Eracli looked bright and incisive on the left and Keiran Nadaja kept his position well and did the simple things and as a centre half partnership with Paul Wilkins, looked very comfortable throughout the game.  4^th team full backs Mark Turner and Kelvin showed why they have had such a resurgence during the second half of the season and Vinny gave a master-class in positioning and filling in space when others have gone forward. Quinny was Quinny in goal and continued his on-going feud with the Owens forward who seems to play with his fists permanently clenched.  Nipper was brought back for a guest appearance and performed well in centre midfield with our one regular team member Ben Turner and Carl and Lee (not Burns) were brought in as a partnership up top and worked well together, partly because Lee was very quick so no-one wanted to mark him!

So a good team performance and good to end the season with a win and to finish comfortably clear in 2^nd position with 48 points and a record that would have easily won the league in the majority of other divisions in the SAL.

Our congratulations go to Nottsborough for winning the league and the 2 league games we lost were the 2 against them which have ultimately proved the difference between the sides.  They are a good side with some very dangerous individuals for third team level and have had a great season, winning the double along the way only losing to a Stationers side in the AFA who hugely belied their league position.  But still for me the season is a bit of a disappointment as we have a squad that should be winning things at this level and with Collins agreeing to stay on for one more year, we should again be very competitive again next year – we want our trophy back!! 

Old Owens 2 Winchmore Hill 3
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 6 March

Setting off from home at 10-45 to meet the Gaffa for a midday meet was always going to be problematic but it turns out I was the only one there on time. Reedy was late and Collins didn’t know the way to Owens so it was 12-40 by the time we arrived. These early kick offs are a right pain. It was a very sunny day in Potters Bar but with a cold wind. The Supa’s were on the main pitch and very nice it was.

After last week’s free week Declan, Paddy and Jamie were away meaning Reedy, Tim and Paddy came in. There was an immediate problem however as Paddy hadn’t turned up and resulted in the Gaffa stealing the 6^th team’s sub Paul who played very well. The game finally got underway a little late but was immediately delayed as from an innocuous tackle the young right winger went down with a serious injury and there was a 20 minute delay as the ambulance came to take him away to Hospital. I’m sure everyone at Winchmore would like to wish the young man a speedy recovery.

After the restart the Supa’s started quicker and were soon 1 up after a great through ball from Moody was clinically despatched by Turner into the bottom corner. The Supa’s really should have gone on to put the game to bed during this period but the closest they came was a header from Ingram which hit the top of the bar. The Supa’s were then punished just be fore half-time when the speedy Owens 10 ran through unchallenged and slotted past the exposed Joe. 1-1 at half time.

The second half started slowly with the Supas on top and 3 times they were denied through unfortunate refereeing decisions. The first (non) penalty decision was laughable and perhaps the most blatant non penalty of the season (although Ben’s v Acton must be up there) as Ingram rounded the keeper only to be brought down by the advancing keeper. The keeper was brave enough to apologise but the referee wasn’t and he gave a corner. From the corner the ball was headed in by the Gaffa and was approximately a yard over the line but once again the referee made the wrong decision. The third claim was when the left back caught the ball but this time the ref claimed he was watching for offside and so couldn’t see whether it was handball or not. To say his decisions were frustrating was an understatement.

More was to come however as during the very next attack the speedy Owens forward was challenged in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. In the defence of the ref this looked like a clear penalty to me too but the reaction of all players around the incident showed that quite clearly that this was not the case. In the ensuing handbags the ref sent off Danny when a case could have been made to send off a few from both teams.

The penalty was coolly stroked home by Manny who then took himself off to be replaced by the second team centre half who had just finished his game.

A loss at Owens would really have ended the season for the Supa’s and down to 10 men with 7 minutes to go they could have folded. This team has shown many times however that this is not the case and the last 7 minutes were spent entirely in the Owens half. The equaliser came after a great ball from Reed was taken by Ingram who then skinned the new centre back and squared the ball for Turner who scored his second of the game. It was all Supa now and the winner came as Haslam made a great run down the left and squared the ball for Turner to smash home. A great goal worthy of winning an excellent game. It’s a shame we had to wait 83 minutes before we started playing.

Winchmore Hill 1 Nottsborough 3
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 20 February

At home, at the club, on our beloved bottom pitch, with a strong 11.  Last Saturday we were ready to welcome Nottsborough and their 16 game winning streak, or so we thought!   Notts are the only team to have beaten us in the league since the 07-08 season when the gaffa’s arm fell off at Civil in October and we were a bit rubbish.

Joe and Dec were back, Moods, WJB and Ben have been in excellent form, Jon and the gaffa look like friends again, Alan is brilliant, Chris and Dan have been scoring and frightening sides and while Charles makes Graves look svelte, he was playing in the 1s not so long ago.  Good 11 then, Side, Hassie and Roach made us +3.

Nottsborough probably had the better of the early exchanges but did not break us down or play through us and Stuart and Alan can manage any side in the air.  The kid wide left was pretty good but Friendy was equal to the task.  Moods danced round tackles and put one ball in which begged to be turned into a goal.  As it happened it just grew up into a save (from their centre half, playing in goal coz their real one is injured).  Then from nowhere a half decent cross from the left somehow eluded Joe and landed on the kid who scored with a header at their gaff, and he’s a dwarf.  Lots of bemused looks, angry faces and another game of catch up!  The rest of the half was pretty even without either side creating anything clear cut.

The half time talk was going pretty well until the 1s came in and then the only voice that could be heard (by anyone in N21) came from next door, some of the gaffa’s words must have got through though as we came out all guns blazing scored within 2 minutes and dominated for the next twenty minutes. 

Their skipper had warned his boys on the train before the game, about the ‘chubby little Scouser who runs in straight lines and you can’t catch’ and it was Ingram again who got the Hill started.  Out of his feet and in a straight race with their big number 4 there was only going to be one winner.  Number 4 got caught wrong side in said race and gave away a stonewall penalty.  One all with 42 minutes to go.  Twenty good minutes followed with the Hill enjoying good possession and good chances, unfortunately it was not to be.  Another cross from the left, this time a corner and their giant 4 our number 6 and Joe (who felt he had a point to prove) all went to meet it.  The Gaffa got to the ball and Joe got to him, as he lay on the floor cradling a dead leg they knocked the ball into an empty net. 

Collins hobbled off to be replaced by Side but we were facing up hill again.  There followed what can only be described as a low point in the history of the Supas.  Declan who had been busy and dangerous throughout the game gave away an innocuous foul on the half way line, then far too many players from both sides converged to express unnecessary opinions.  The referee who had been faultless throughout was dealing with the situation when a ‘coming together’ resulted in a Nottsborough player flat on his back.  The gaffa hobbled on to restore order with allegations flying from both sides and Declan was booked for the foul.  To all 22 players credit this melee did not signal a kick fest but it did break our concentration, make us check our stride and pull the initiative from under our feet as it was Nottsborough who regained their composure more quickly.  For the last 15 we went 3-4-3 and kept the pressure on but with 5 to go they scored a decisive third goal.

Going a whole season unbeaten is quite an achievement, Nottsborough are a very good side and are now excellently placed to do just that.  While it irks me to surrender our treble they deserve it as much this year as we did last year.  We will not give up even when it is mathematically impossible 5/5 would give us 52 points for the season which would bring a good if not excellent finale. 

Winchmore Hill 3 Old Actonians Association 1
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 6 February

Games against Old Actonians are always tough and games at Firs Farm are often a lottery. This made Saturday’s Junior Division one 1^st against 2^nd  game verses Old Actonians, at Firs Farm a very tricky proposition.  Add to this that Paddy and Dan were injured and ….well, you get the picture.

Paddy picked up a calf strain playing mid-week 5 aside and Danny was still sore from being trampled on by one of last weeks giants; Dan took some pain-killers and came down to be sub, Paddy went to Ikea, (guess which one of them got a hug from the Gaffa at full time?)  Jamie Brookfield came in as the holding midfielder alongside Dec and Dan Roach was promoted from the numbers.  A welcome return to the bench for a slim-line Graves made us +2 albeit both of them injured.  The Supa’s were up for the task, Graves led a fantastic warm up, (although he was knackered afterwards), and some of Carlo’s boys were a little late, prompting rumours of him starting.  Unfortunately rather than Carlo they started with one really quick guy, one really tall guy and one who kept dropping off, up top. 

The Gaffa won the toss, went with the sun and Old A’s kicked off.  During the initial exchanges the game was pretty even, both teams got into some promising positions but didn’t really deliver the final ball that would have created clear cut chances.  Alan continues to make the Gaffa look like a defender and Hassie and Friendy look like they are enjoying themselves again.

After 20 minutes a delightful through ball from Ingram put the Centurion in on goal he rounded the keeper pulled the trigger and was then unceremoniously rugby tackled. There were 23 people on the pitch and 22 of them knew it was a penalty, unfortunately the man in black missed it.  Unbelievable!

The absurdity of the refs myopia spurred on the Supa’s and the first goal was not long in coming. Good pressure on the ball and work down our right resulted in a magical ball from Friend which went right across the six yard box, Roach ghosted in at the back post and slotted home. 1 became 2 as right on half time the Acton keeper tried to take on Ingram, he robbed him of the ball and then dummied him 8 times before making it 2-0.   After a good 1^st half Acton were two down which left poor old Carlo pulling his hair out.

The first 20 minutes of the second half were always going to be important, Acton made some adjustments up front and the Gaffa made his own changes as Roach and Gallagher swapped to give the Supas more of a physical presence.  However it was Acton who took the early initiative.  Confusion about who to pick up at a corner led to the tall one being left unmarked and he duly headed home.  The Acton left wing back then had an excellent chance to make it 2-2 as he outmuscled the sleeping Friend only to be thwarted by the advancing Joe who made one of those ‘’as good as a goal saves’’.  Acton will look at this as a turning point, as only minutes later a fine ball over the top from the skipper found Gallagher who crossed early for the onrushing Moody, the wonderful ‘teckers’ maestro smashed his shot first time, 3.1.  Carlo later claimed that Danny was offside but the ref didn’t see it that way, the Supa’s didn’t mind and it was a well constructed goal from start to finish.

The third goal knocked the stuffing out of Acton and the Supa’s were now on top.  We should have added to our lead but 3.1 is 3.1 and 3-points is 3-points.  There was still enough time for a little bit of handbags which thankfully didn’t develop and then to the bar for both sets of players to talk over an evenly fought contest and lament the Gaffas pending retirement (although he recons he is available for selection if anyone is daft enough to pick him). Acton were perhaps a little bit unlucky on the pitch but Carlos little blue fellas did not let him or the Gaffa down and the evening was a good one.

Man of the Match – Jamie Brookefield. Covered every blade of grass on the pitch and made 1,238 tackles. An awesome performance!  I would also like to make special mention of the work rate and endeavour from our gifted and talented players this week.  You know you will get quality when Moods and Ben are on the ball but this week especially their work rate was phenomenal.

Kew Association 1 Winchmore Hill 2
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 30 January

A trip to Kew on a cold day in January is a bit like visiting the dentists, (except your dentist is probably local) unpleasant and not eagerly anticipated, but absolutely necessary, especially if the Supa’s recent good form was to continue.

Apart from the welcome return of the Supa’s number 1 in place of Danius there were no changes from last weeks impressive display against EBOG’s.

For once the gaffa won the toss, consulted with Joe about the sun and elected to let Kew start proceedings.  After fully 8 seconds (honestly) Ingram picked the centre half’s pocket, skipped past the last man and then squared the ball for Gallagher to finish clinically into the roof of the net. By the restart only 5 people, including the two who took the kick off, had touched the ball.  Although we have been starting games more quickly recently this really is as quick as it gets.

Apart from the extraordinary amount of niggly fouls the rest of the first half passed without much incident. The ref was ok and did well enough to contain the situation, however the Kew strategy for slowing down the game and breaking up play is, to say the least, a little annoying and on another day may well have seen a few early showers for the team of unfeasibly tall youngsters in sky blue.

During half-time the ever fussy ref came over to interrupt the Supa’s team talk with a little team talk of his own as he singled out Dan Gallagher’s frequent protestations for special mention.  This left the Supa’s ace marksman a little bemused and the rest of the team too pre-occupied with laughing to take in the wise words of the special one.

The second half followed in much the same vein as the first, the supa’s on top but failing to convert their many half chances and lots of free kicks in and around the centre circle.  As the half developed good chances came and went for Ingram, Turner and Madigan and Kew started to look more dangerous, particularly from set pieces. In the 87^th minute the ref missed a foul on Dan on the halfway line, gave a foul the wrong way against Collins and one free kick too many proved our undoing.  The ball was launched into the Hill box and we failed to clear our lines before one of the aforementioned giants bobbled it in off his knee.  The gaffa asked the ref how long we had left and it was confirmed as 3 minutes including stoppage time.

Don’t forget, this beautiful game lasts 90 minutes (longer if Manchester United are loosing) and time and again the Supa’s have scored late goals (sorry Carlo).  Collins won a tackle, (that is 2 this season) played a great ball out to Moody and he crossed for Madigan to slot home at the second attempt. 2-1 with a minute left.  From the kick off we were able to keep them penned in until they gave us the ball back and then they didn’t touch it again.

Against a niggly but huge team, with a ref who had forgotten his cards and on a very bobbly, partly frozen pitch, this was a very important 3 points.   Kew will definitely gain points at home and there is still a long way to go.  This week we welcome Carlo and his Acton boys. This is always a good game against one of the better teams in our league. Unfortunately we are at the farm rather than the club which at this stage in the season is an unhelpful leveller.  But still nothing less than 3-points will do.  If Paddy can convince his boys to go to bed before 4 we have a chance but if we play like this again that chance will be like the old cowboy joke,  between Slim and None where Slim has left town.  8/8 C’mon the 3’s.

Winchmore Hill 5 East Barnet Old Grammarians 1
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 23 January

Exactly this time last year a rather overweight chap overbalanced and made a complete mess of my right knee, rupturing my cruciate ligament in the process and putting me out of the game ever since.  Come Saturday, due to it being too cold for golf and with no-one to spend all day drinking with, I hobbled down to the Paulin to see my old team-mates.  It’s a much changed Hill squad this season as they attempt to defend their league title.  Gone from last season are AnRui Chiew who has been involved with the 1s, Dench and Beech star in the reserves and Super Ian, Tourettes, Lee, Nipper, Danny Gibson and  Adam Graves and Reedy haven’t featured regularly for various reasons.

Paddy and his Irish contingent have been brought in and on paper the squad appears just as strong.

So to the game, EBOG’s results would suggest they are a strong outfit at this level, sitting 4th in the league with games in hand and in 2 Cup Semi finals but it was Hill who started quickly and never let their opposition get an initial foothold in the game that so often proves vital.

Dec and Paddy were busy in the middle of the park and Collins new beard was scaring off any potential threats to the excellent Danius in the Winchmore goal, leaving Mark, Alan and Friendy to  do the usual work of 4.

Hill took an early lead when a lovely cross from the left (probably from Moody) found its way through to Ben Turner who half volleyed through the keepers hands for goal number 105 of his WHFC career so far.  With Hill on top, Chris Ingram took 2 more steps nearer to winning his £100 “first to 100 goals” bet with 4th team supremo Quinny to pull level on 93 with a penalty and a fine lobbed finish to settle the game at 3-0 come half time.

Inevitably at 3-0, the second half dropped a bit as both sides tired due to the xmas break and the recent postponements.  Winchmore however, continued to look dangerous ever time they got the ball down with Stuart Moody in particular looking bright (obviously the Egg Club in Kings Cross shut for Xmas) and at the centre of everything Hill did well.  Danny and Chris are now starting to look like a really threatening partnership rather than two talented forwards and the combined work from them (95% Dan, 5% Ingers) created space for others to play.  2 further goals for Gallacher put Winchmore 5-0 up with about 20 to go. 3 changes were made with a welcome return from injury for London Legal League Champion-elect 09/10 Alan Reed who brings an abundance of ability from a variety of positions.

EBOG’s pulled a late goal back as the game became a bit scrappy as both sides lost their shape a little.  Still, 5-1 against 4th in the league is an impressive result and a signal to the rest of the league that after a little mid-season stutter that saw us knocked out both cups, Winchmore Hill are back.

Post-game, loyal supporters Ben’s parents went home happy having saw him score a good goal, Paul’s dad saw us win again (got to be a lucky charm) and we all wish Colin Friend well in his recovery from knee surgery and that he'll be back abusing John sooner rather than later.

Dirty Leeds got cheered on in the clubhouse and Nipper got his 18th birthday present in return for him buying his first legal jug of lager for the boys.  The gossip this week has surrounded the ongoing transfer talks with an ex-Supa and rumours of a covert mission to a Finchley petrol station, brown envelopes and lots of licking from Captain Collins to secure this signing and the positive news that Adam Graves has decided to retire from International football to concentrate fully on his club career at Winchmore.  Kew up this week then our friends from Acton at the Paulin (morning Carlo!), 6 points from those two hard games and it starts to get very interesting indeed.  Me, I’m off to get ready for Nottsborough at home....

Carshalton 0 Winchmore Hill 4
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 12 December

They say that Christmas comes but once a year and while I feel sorry for Christmas (I guess he must have recently moved in with his Mrs) my liver is relieved that the supa’s only get to spend Sir Ingerhams fines money once at Christmas and then again at the end of the season.  We may miss Dirk Dench’s consistently generous contribution, however, we still had over 350 beer tokens for Chris and Patricks secret Santa Salisbury bonanza.

This week we made the very long journey to Carshalton knowing that with Notts busy in the cup 3 points was a must.  With pants outside trousers, superman t-shirts, Batman masks and a full Wolverine costume (great work Mr Haslam) there was a pretty robust observance of the Superhero theme. 

Bearing in mind Carshalton had drawn against Alleyns last week and recently we have not been at our best, we were under no illusions about the size and importance of the task.  Again there were changes but this week we started quickly, kept that momentum going and in the first half especially, comprehensively outplayed an organised and able Carshalton.  Patrick and Declan dominated midfield and Nipper followed his instructions of good early deliveries into the box.  After about 15 minutes Declan’s perfect cross from the right found Ingers at the back post, he lifted his not insubstantial bulk, rose above the defender and headed home.  The gaffa, who has found a new lease of life alongside Alan, made a proper tackle, (if he can win the ball anyone can) and we started to keep the ball, pass and play. 

The second goal came as a result of some neat, intricate passing through our midfield into Ingers feet.  He hit his shot first time on the turn and left the keeper stranded although he did get clumped by the defender for his troubles.  Half time; 2-0, more of the same a little more composure and we were sure that the game was there to be won.  Two nil can often be a difficult score line as you decide whether to hold on or to try and get a winner.  We chose the latter, the 3s are always at their best when we maintain our spine, get full-backs overlapping and get the ball wide. 

Hassie and Jon allowed us to get forward knowing that the cover was there and our constant good work out wide stretched Cars’ midfield.  Our 29^th corner of the game was delivered by Ingerham who, as he will tell anyone within earshot, has played a part in every goal we have ever scored, ever!  True to form he took the corner from which Paddy notched to make the game safe.  We still had time for Dan, (whose work rate, endeavour and determination, should always be worth a goal) to score a lovely little toe poke.  He beat the offside trap, beat the on rushing goalie and still got enough control on the ball to push it into the corner and complete a job well done.  The Supas again found themselves on the wrong end of some marginal refereeing decisions including a penalty in the last minute but with 3-points and a clean sheet away from home even the second worst of them was not going to spoil our party.

Back to the Hill to spend the tokens on fruit beer and shots, to cry with laughter at seeing Captain America rendered (literally) powerless by having his sleeves tied behind his back, to share the joy of presents with loved ones and generally make merriment.  Mid-point in the league and still in with a shout, although Carlo and his mates will need to do us a favour again.

Much love to and from the Supas.

Winchmore Hill 3 Old Westminster Citizens 2
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 5 December

After 3 defeats on the bounce, the Gaffa throwing all his toys out of the pram and murmurs from the club house, this was a must win fixture for the Supa 3’s.   

For periods we played some of our best football of the season, following recent defeats confidence was a little low and in the end the game could have gone away from us but that would have been a disgrace and belied the quality of our play.  I know we can and will be more clinical in the future but it was pleasing to see the amount of chances that we created and the way we defended throughout the team. The Supa 3’s are back!!

For the past three-weeks the 3’s ditched the normal prefix and replaced it with underperforming and slightly complacent.  Nottsborough and Economicals are not bad sides but the less said about last week the better.

There were yet more changes this week as Tom came in for Joe, Hassie came back in place of Chris and Alan returned from Ireland due to the fact that they have a nationwide barbers strike.  The Citizens had a completely new team from our previous meeting.  Looking a lot more professional, they arrived early, had initials on their tracksuits and completed a warm up, even if they did have the temerity to take our end meaning we had to warm up in front of the trees instead of our own adoring fan.  This professional approach was explained in the first couple of minutes when the centre half told Sir Ingerham that as the 2’s game was called off on Thursday, meaning that the Citz own equivalent of the numbers had made the long journey north.

The game kicked off and Hill were on the front foot from the first whistle. (Maybe it suits us kicking towards the club) there were chances for Haslam, Ingram, both Donaghues and New Boy John before Ingram made it 1-0. A clearance was misjudged by the centre half and Ingram rounded the keeper before coolly slotting home from a tight angle. 1-0 became 2-0 as a move involving Moods, Ingram and Haslam led to Declan swivelling on a sixpence and slotting home completely wrong footing the keeper in the process.

In spite of OWC playing 5 across the middle, for the first time in 3-weeks we controlled the midfield.  Moody and Paddy started to gel, and BBBB and Dec ably supported by Nipper and Hassie got the ball down to play.  The Supa 3’s pressure continued but good chances to wrap the game up were wasted.  In truth this game should have been over after 30 minutes but if you don’t put the game to bed when you are playing well, you always run a risk.  Just before half time Westminster came into the game and scored a very good goal of their own, a quick free kick allowed the centre forward to shift the ball to the right before shooting home from 20 yards. After such a positive 45 minutes the Supas were more than a little annoyed to go into the break only 1 goal up.

Dan came on for New Boy John at ½ time and the second half was more of the same.  As the Hill pushed forward we looked far the more likely to score, the third goal came following a quick free kick from Ingram which was played out wide and Lodge produced the perfect cross for Gallagher to rise at the back post to head home. An excellent goal which should have made the game safe!  However there was still a bit of drama to come. With 5 minutes to go the ref (who did not have a bad game) awarded Westminster a free kick about 30 yards from goal. The shot was whipped over the wall with some pace but was going comfortably wide, until that is the ref rose like a salmon to head it home, wheeling away like a young Alan Shearer celebrating his second ever goal.  Ok he didn’t really head it, it came off his body as he tried to get out of the way but the rest is true. The ref was a little unlucky but he has now given 3-penalties and scored a goal against us this season.  Westminster couldn’t believe their luck and pushed for an equaliser which if it had come would have been a travesty. Thankfully it didn’t happen and the Supas are back on track.

One final thought!  I would like to apologise for a lack of a report last week. The plain and simple truth is that I had nothing positive to write about myself and many of my nearest and dearest.  Loosing 6-5 tells it’s own story and while we may laugh about it when we reach Collins’ age hopefully it is an experience that will never be repeated.

Economicals 4 Winchmore Hill 2
AFA Junior Cup
Saturday 21 November

After losing their fantastic year-long unbeaten record to Nottsborough last week, Hill faced a potential banana skin against unknown quantity, Economicals, in their defence of the AFA Cup.  A quick look at division 2 south of the AFC showed the opposition had won all their games easily but against lowly opposition so we were unsure of what we’d be facing.

Preparation wasn’t ideal, Eight of the team and the one supporter turned up at the ground in good time, the Irish contingent went through Ealing and Chiswick and got stuck with the kit in the rugby traffic so were going to miss the scheduled kick off time.  A quick chat with the ref moved the kick off back 15 minutes but even then it was still looking doubtful they would make it so Hill had to borrow an unwashed kit, set out in a 9 man formation that included Nick Sharp in goal and pray that Paddy’s tom tom found a miraculous short cut. Fortunately for anyone who’s seen the correspondent play in goal, they managed to arrive just in time and rushed out to a lovely UCL pitch.

With no warm-up and against a clearly enthusiastic Economicals side, the warning signs were clear to see and after 15 minutes, it was clear the opposition could play a bit also, getting on top of Paddy and Declan in midfield in the early exchanges and finding holes in the Winchmore backline.  The first goal looked like it could come at any moment and it did after 10 minutes when their forward was allowed to take in the ball far too easily, got the ball wide and the cross found Economicals impressive pacey striker who got the wrong side of our defence and slotted home.

Despite being well below their best in terms of quality, Hill were forced to battle hard to keep the score down as poor options chosen while in possession invited the opposition on to us and they visibly grew in confidence.  However, Winchmore are still an excellent side at this level and eventually got back into the game and arguably had the better of the final 20 minutes, creating a couple of half chances but went in 1-0 down at the break.

The half-time talk was all around better ball retention and Winchmore produced an outstanding first 5 minutes of the second half, scored a goal through Stuart Moody after good work down the right from Ben Turner and then curiously went back to knocking long balls up to Dan and Chris which were in the most part easy pickings for the home sides backline.

A welcome return from injury for Alex Lodge brought some much needed composure to Hill’s play but Economicals continued to look dangerous and scored 2 further goals as some unusually poor defending by Winchmore were punished but were in truth soft goals to give away in such a game.

3-1 quickly became 3-2 as a good run and cross was finished by Moody’s right foot (no, not a misprint) and Hill briefly threatened to take the game into extra-time but the ball was not bouncing in our favour and Economical’s pace on the break was always looking threatening.   The killer goal, when it came, seemed to encompass Winchmore’s defensive display on the afternoon.  From a Hill corner, the opposition won the ball back, countered well, Hill missed a vital tackle and although possibly offside (never going to get those with no linesmen), their forward went clean through, took the ball past Joe and was brought down for a penalty that was as clear as they come.  A confident taker struck it home, the tie was over and Hill had relinquished the AFA Cup they won the year previously.

All credit to Economicals who are a side high in quality and out-fought and out-battled Winchmore on the day.  Sure Hill can, and will, play better but Economicals are as good as anything we face in the SAL and will prove difficult opponents for anyone in the later rounds and we wish them good luck in their pursuit of the trophy.

Nottsborough 2 Winchmore Hill 0
SAL Junior Section Division One
Saturday 14 November

40 games, 13 months, 3 trophies 100 goals but all good things must come to an end and so it is with unbeaten runs in SAL football.  Was it enjoyable?  Certainly!  Did the Supa’s raise to the challenge?  Definitely!   Is that our lot?  Absolutely no way man!  It was a great run but it’s over now.  Any real measure of success will be how we deal with the next 5 months and 25 games of football.  Nobody ever won anything in November.  Onward and upward starting with an AFA Cup game this week against Economicals.

Nottsborough away was always going to be a difficult game and it wasn’t helped when before the game we finally ran out of players. When Captain Collins’ little black book is empty we really are in trouble and so it was this week. Ben and Greg who picked up knocks last week joined long term absentees, Side, Graves, Reedy and Sharpy.  Friendy was at a wedding (why do people get married in the football season??) Nipper had a kindergarten open day to attend and Jordan developed a back pain on Saturday morning after seeing the weather forecast.  WWD and Beechy remain in the numbers, who, to be fair, with a squad as big as Newton’s bald spot are now unbeaten since they joined.  However this resulted in us only having 10 on Friday night.  Huge thanks to Dave Chapman (Friday at 8pm) and Foxy (Saturday morning at 11).  Both played their part, put in good performances and are now underlined in the gaffa’s LBB.

Nottsborough kicked off with the wind in their favour and used the conditions to good effect in the first half. The first 15 minutes were a little like a particularly angry Old Firm game  with 1 or 2 tasty tackles, a few agricultural terms and a very unlucky booking for Patrick (how comes they can get away with kicking the bejesus out of us) Madigan.  Then Nottsborough that took the lead after some naïve defending at a corner. It was a great cross and the header was reminiscent of Tim Cahill when he plays against Liverpool. It was slightly disappointing however, that it was a free header and this gave Notts the start they wanted. After the goal however the first half was pretty uneventful.  The wind and the ref playing their part in a pretty one sided affair.

1-0 down at half time but with the wind in their favour The Supa 3s fully expected that they would go on to win the game. The second half was played almost entirely in the Notts half as with a strong wind at their backs The Supas put Notts under huge amounts of pressure. Chances were at a premium however. Early intentions were shown as a great cross from Declan just avoided the outstretched leg of Gallagher and then the 3 moments that decided the match. The first incident involved a run from Ingram who rode a couple of challenges before being brought down in the box. The ref pointed to the spot before changing his mind and inexplicably giving a goal kick. The response was one of relief from Notts with the right back claiming he thought it was a pen but in truth the centre half did get a slight touch on the ball and a large touch on Ingram. The second penalty shout was clear however as the Notts skipper clattered Gallagher from behind about a yard inside the box but the momentum took them outside the box and the ref gave a free kick about a millimetre outside. Very frustrating!!

The third moment was a great piece of skill from the Notts keeper when once again Ingram got away. He hurdled the challenge of the Notts skipper before cutting inside and shooting hard and low towards the far post where somehow the keeper got down and touched the ball around the post. This was a great save at any level and was ultimately the difference between the 2 teams.

When the goal did come it was at the wrong end (for us) as with The Supas committed to attack and with 10 players in the Notts half the Glen Johnson look-a-like centre forward broke free and coolly finished to make it 2-0. The run was over but the Supas had had a real go at Nottsborough in difficult conditions and left Tolworth with their heads held high.

Nottsborough have improved this season and will be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season, however there are a few teams in this league who believe they will or at least should have a say in where the silverware ends up in May.  We look forward to the return fixture and while we will not be able to control the weather we will ask for a ref who will control the game.

MOM Declan Donahue, the boy can really play.

Come on the Supa 3s!!

Alleyn Old Boys 1 Winchmore Hill 2
Southern Amateur League Junior Section Division One
Saturday 7 November

This was undoubtedly going to be the Supa 3s toughest task of the season and it was one that they passed with flying colours. Jo was back in goal after visiting the Emirates last week, Jamie came in at right back after being promoted from the 4s and Greg came back up front. Dench and Beechy remained with the 2’s to help them out in their relegation battle but the Supas looked strong all across the park.

Captain Collins won the toss and chose to kick into the slight breeze on a fantastic pitch at Alleyns. The Supas started quickly and in the first 5 minutes had a free kick in a very dangerous position after a foul on Declan on the edge of the box. Moody went close with free kick when perhaps if it would have been 10 minutes later he would have burst the net. The Supas continued their fine play and the first half was perhaps the best they have played all season.

Other chances came and went as Ingram slammed another free kick into the wall, Turner nearly got on the end of an Ingram cross and Gardiner had a great snap shot from the edge of the box. The Supas were playing well with Paddy and Declan running the game from midfield, the defence looking solid and Ingram and Gardiner constantly threatening up top. The goal would not come however and as the half went on Alleyns came more into the game. With 5 in midfield one of which was an excellent left winger Alleyns finished the first half much stronger than they had started. Good morning Carlo!!

The second half started in much the same way with Alleyns on top and the deadlock was broken after a fine turn and shot into the bottom corner giving Jo no chance. This woke up the Supas and they equalised almost immediately. Greg crossed the ball and it smashed into the defenders arm who moved them slightly towards the ball but was still slightly unlucky to give away a penalty. There were many arguments from the Alleyn players meaning there was a significant delay between the taking of the penalty and its award. The ref also wanted the ball moved but Ingram remained calm and slotted the ball home giving the keeper no chance.

The Supas were now on top and playing some great football. A thrilling move involving Greg and Paddy led to a superb snap shot from Moody which the keeper could not hold and Ingram was on hand to head home. 2-1 and nothing more than the Supas deserved. Alleyns continued to play football however, and forced a string of corners but the defence of Jo, Collins, Friend, Haslam and the superb Brookfield kept them at bay. In fact it could have been the Supa 3’s who could have scored again when after being played in from a superb pass from Turner, Ingram took one touch too many and didn’t get his shot off.

This was definitely the Supa 3s best performance of the season. Jo looks very solid in goal, the defence which has continuously lost players looked imperious, Paddy covered every blade of grass on a large pitch and the front 5 are as dangerous as any in the league. If the Supa 3s are to continue their magnificent run however, their best performance of the season will have to be next week. Away at Alleyns and then away to Nottsboro is as tough a couple of games that the Supas will have this season.  Game 1 is complete with the right result and watch this space for what happens next week.

Come on the Supa 3s.

Winchmore Hill 3 Civil Service 1
Southern Amateur League Cup
Saturday 31 October

Old friends Civil were the opposition for the Supa 3’s this week in the SAL Cup. All players turned up in pink with the exception of Friendy and Declan meaning there was no great addition to the Christmas fund. There were several changes once again as Danius, Gallagher and Tim came in and Beech, Declan and Jo dropped out.

The Paulin looked excellent and the centre pitch was in magnificent condition allowing both teams to play some excellent football.

Civil Service kicked off and soon had the Supa 3s under the cosh as we made are customary slow start. Good morning Carlo!! Civil fizzed the ball about on the excellent service without really threatening new boy Danius in the Supa’s goal. Slowly Hill worked their way into the game and went close on a couple of occasions before they finally broke the deadlock on the half hour. A well worked short corner between Turner and Ingram led to Turner squaring the ball for Jon friend to tap home to score his fourth goal of the season. A great return for a defender, what a shame he is missing the Nottsborough game for a wedding, in Manchester. I am sure I’m not the only one who can’t believe it.

Civil almost equalised straight away but Danius made a great save when the Civil winger was through 1 on 1 and there was still time for a horror tackle on Ingram from the Civil centre half who somehow remained on the pitch and didn’t even receive a yellow card. 1-0 was the score at half-time.

The Supa’s doubled their lead straight after half-time as a searching cross from Moody picked out Ingram at the back post who slotted home across the keeper. At this stage the Supa 3s were cruising and there seemed to be no way back for the servants. Civil’s goal came out of the blue as for once Collins didn’t win the header, everyone else stood around except Haslam who Traore-turned the ball into the back of the net. 2-1 and suddenly Civil had their tails up. Civil had another chance as a long throw was flicked on by their 6 foot 9 centre midfielder but somehow the ball was hit over from 2 yards out.

The Supa’s needed another goal and it came in superb fashion. A slick move involving Declan, Ingram and Paddy led to a great cross from Gallagher for Turner to volley home. A great goal and definitely the move of the match. There was still time for Jordan to come on and make a promising debut. Young legs is exactly what the Supa 3’s need. Civil had 1 or 2 more chances but their luck seemed to have deserted them. It was pointed out to them after the game that perhaps they had used all their luck in the famous AFA Cup Final of 2006.

The game ended 3-1 and Hill retreated to the bar to talk football with their Civil counterparts. The Civil boys stayed till late, won the port in the raffle (which Nick Sharp drank most of) and it would be nice to see them at The Paulin every year. So come on Civil get promoted!!

The Supa’s played some excellent football once again but can not rely on Captain Collins to do all the talking. Other players need to take responsibility and open their mouths. The next 2 games will need big performances as the season is about to get much tougher. Alleyn Old Boys and Nottsborough will prove to be difficult games and will provide definite pointers to how this season will go. Come on the Supa 3s.

On a totally different note does anyone know how to cancel a bid on ebay? Captain Collins put a bid in for a Mickey Mouse outfit and is now less than 24 hours away from owning Liverpool FC. Please email him with any suggestions.

Winchmore Hill 3 Weirside Rangers 0
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 17 October

The Supa 3s only had one personnel change this week as Gibson came in for Gallagher but this resulted five positional changes. Moody and Turner went outside, Declan came inside, Gibson went to left back and Haslam went up top. Haslam has now played every position on the field except in goal and he was very good in this position too. Gallagher and Sharp were on the bench with Dench dropped to the 2s. Firs Farm was in excellent condition and is probably as god as it has ever been and ever will be.

Weirside Rangers turned up late due to travel problems and being unable to find the ground which mean they were unable to complete any kind of warm up. This worked well for the Supa’s as for the second week running they started off quicker than the opposition which felt strange but I think it’s something we could get used to. This week we scored when we were on top, took our chances and as a result claimed all 3 points.

Good morning Carlo!!

Weirside kicked off but it was Hill who started quicker with the ball in and around the Weirside penalty area for the first 10 minutes. It was no surprise therefore when a slick move was finished off with an emphatic finish from Ingram. A great move down the right involving Beech and Turner resulted in Haslam teeing up the Golden Boot winner who made no mistake from 12 yards. One quickly became two as after a mazy run leaving 2 defenders for dead, Ingram pulled the ball back for Paddy to miss from 4 yards but Haslam following up slotted the ball home.

The Supa’s had started very quickly for once and had also scored when they were on top and this is something we need to carry on into the future. The third goal soon came when Moody with his wand of a left foot played a great ball over the top for Ingram to make it 3 with a clinical finish and this was the score at half time.

Visions of last season’s results against Weirside came flashing back as the Supa’s were playing some great football and were 3 up at the interval. (Last season we won 6-0 and 9-1) Weirside are made of sterner stuff this season however and in the second half played some very good football without really troubling Jo in the Supa’s goal. The Supa’s had 1or 2 further chances in the second half and they came closest to scoring when Declan hit the post after a good run and shot.

So another win for the Supa’s and it really has been a year since our last defeat. A championship, 2 cups and 31 games unbeaten is a fantastic record. Throw in team of the year, a golden boot and winners of the quiz and the Supa’s have had a truly great year. All that is behind us now however, and a fresh start is needed starting with Old Dorkinians in the AFA Cup this week at The Paulin. Let;s hope this year is as good as the last and we can have some success at the end of the season. Come on the Supa’s.

On a totally different note Captain Collin’s nephews are on the X Factor this year and Stuart is desperate for them to win. You can see Stu has taught them some of their dance moves. Please click on the link below and see what you think and vote for them if you like them. If they do win Stu will sing just like them at the end of season club dinner. Come on John and Edward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8hxN9HWZ_M

Old Actonians 3 Winchmore Hill 3
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 10 October

The visit to Acton was always likely to be the toughest game of the season so far and so it proved as Old A’s came within a couple of minutes of ending Hill’s year long undefeated run. There were more new faces with Danny, Declan and Beechy starting and Burns (retirement), Graves (sore knee) and Gibson being rested. The returning Dench was only deemed good enough to make the bench meaning Sharp was free to go and swing his clubs around the leafy greenery and sand in Hertfordshire.

There was a nice touch before the game as the Supa’s very own special one presented the Ian Holloway lookalike manager of Acton with a (nice) bottle of wine before the game as thanks for helping the Supas to win the league last season. After the pleasantries were over Hill took the field against what seemed to be a team of giants and were treated to the regurgitation of our last 16 match reports which somehow the Acton manager seemed to know word for word. Good morning Carlo!!

As Carlo will tell you the Supa 3s always start slowly although this time we had a good 5 minute spell where new boy Declan played a fantastic cross field ball for Turner to slot home making it 1-0 to the Supas. Scoring first was a strange sensation and Hill immediately went to sleep for 20 minutes were they gave Acton 2 goals both of which were finished exquisitely giving Jo no chance. Going behind finally allowed Hill to settle and the 15 minutes leading up to halftime were the Supas best of the whole game. Chance after chance was created and spurned and it wasn’t until 2 minutes before halftime that we finally equalised. A fluid move started by Beech resulted in a great cross from Declan which was volleyed home from close in by Gallagher.

Halftime seemed to disrupt the Supa 3s which meant that the second half was a scrappy affair. It did include a bizarre penalty however as with the ball about a yard out of play (according to the Acton midfielder) Collins scooped the ball up with his hand and threw it back to Jo to take the goal kick. The referee in a good position gave what he must have thought was a clear penalty but surely the reaction of both sets of players must have told him he had made the wrong decision. He then exacerbated his decision by booking our keeper for kicking the ball away. Thankfully the Acton centre forward (when he had stopped laughing) simply rolled the ball back to Jo in a very sporting way. This guy was a credit to his club, the SAL and football in general.

Dench came on for Moody and finally injected some urgency into Hill’s play. The next goal was always going to be important however and it came with about 20 minutes to go when another mistake on the edge of our own box led to Acton’s American midfielder slamming the ball into the roof of the net giving Acton a 3-2 lead. It was a great finish. Hill didn’t really wake up but one thing the Supa 3s never do is give up and with only 3 minutes to go a pinpoint corner was headed home from 10 yards by the unmarked Collins. No one else needs to mark him now for the rest of the season as he has scored his goal for the year.   

This was the last meaningful action of the game and both teams were slightly disappointed to come off the pitch with just a point. On reflection however, Hill should be pleased with their point against a team that will definitely be in and around the Championship come the spring time. Acton on the other hand will feel rightly disappointed as for the third time in 6 months they have been leading the Supa 3s with not long to go and have not yet held on to win.

With the game finished both teams retreated to the clubhouse and swapped tales of their season’s so far. Both have been OK without really setting anything or anyone on fire. Acton have a good side and will be ones to look out for if Hill are to win anything this year. There was still time for Captain Collins to pick Acton’s top 3 teams for next week, the second and third team captains to buy jugs for the Supa’s and we look forward to Acton coming to the Paulin later in the season when their hospitality will be returned although they have no chance of our second team captain buying them a jug.

The Supa 3s have much to work on. Nobody can question their heart, fitness and they will never give up but if we are to have a season anything like last season the quality must improve. Too often when players had time they were rushed into playing long, hopeful balls and too often when they were under pressure they tried to play nice silky passes out from the back. Hopefully this game will be the kick up the backside that we need and we will come storming back at Firs Farm this week.

It was a year ago this week that the Supa 3s last lost a game which coincidently was also played at Firs Farm against Nottsborough. A good performance is a must this week and hopefully as the team settles down, players bed in and we all get used to each other the performances will get better. Come on the Supa 3s.

Winchmore Hill 2 Kew Association 1
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 3 October

Winchmore’s squad was tested to the limit this week with Ingram, Gardner, Dench, Beech and Burns all missing and with the boys still suffering the emotional turmoil from the desperate news that Nick Sharp’s knee injury will keep him out for the season, it was going to take a big performance to take 3 points.  With just 8 regulars listed on Monday, the Collins black book was opened with Danny Gibson being brought out of retirement and welcome returns to the club for Tim Friend and Danny Gallacher who all impressed.

Hill’s warm-up wasn’t helped by 4 of Kew’s players turning up 30 minutes late after having a disagreement with their Sat Nav.  It was a totally difference Kew side from last year with only their captain remaining.  Gone were the younger talented kids from last season to be replaced by older, stronger players who offered a different kind of threat to what we were expecting, which, coupled with the waiting around may have contributed to the scrappy start to the game.

In the early exchanges, Kew were solid without threatening the Winchmore rearguard and with Hill not keeping possession well enough, neither side could gain the ascendancy and build any sustained pressure.  Winchmore’s first goal therefore came from nothing, a shot from left wasn’t held by the Kew keeper who could only push it into path of the on-rushing Mark Haslam who is deadly from 2 yards and Hill went into the break 1-0 up.

Second half followed the usual pattern of Winchmore 3^rd team games, 5 minutes of great football, create a couple of good chances which were then squandered, followed by sitting back, switching off and letting the oppo back into the game.  During one of our good periods, a good run and through ball from Friendy put Moody through and he doesn’t need a second invitation, made it 2-0.

And then, almost predictably as our backline got deeper and deeper, Kew pulled one back when a ball wasn’t cleared properly and there followed a nervous final 5 minutes but Hill held out and achieved a 2-1 win that really should have been more comfortable.  Still, that’s 4 from 4 and with all the usual suspects in our league also starting brightly, the title race could well be going down to the wire once again.  Actonians next week at Gunnersbury in what is always a tough game and with a few regulars back should give us a good indicator of where we are fitness-wise and attitude-wise.

East Barnet O.G. 2 Winchmore Hill 4
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 26 September

The supas travelled to EBOGs with a + 2 of Dannan and Side.  This was the first time that the big fella has not started (when available) since Ibis away in 1978 but with him out for the next 4 weeks, playing golf or binge drinking the Gaffa had to see if Friendy really was as fit as Michelle Pfeiffer in the Fabulous Baker Boys. 

The best EBOGs playing surface EVER was rewarded with some good football and some pretty even early exchanges.  Combatative in midfield and lively up top EBOG’s started the better without really testing the assured, calm and excellent new (to us) goalkeeper, Joe. 

As Will and Adam took control of the centre the 3s enjoyed some good possession and started to pass and play.  As Paddy grew in confidence at full back and Hassie got further forward the Hill were able to turn EBOG’s round and push them back, but we toiled and made things hard work for ourselves, getting caught wrong side, giving the ball away and choosing the wrong option. 

The first goal took a while coming but was coolly taken by Greg who is proving to be a very good, although, somewhat unavailable foil for the Friar.  We turned round at 1-0 when it should have been more and ½ time was a pretty calm affair.  However we came out after the break much the better side and after one change and a bit of shuffling the back 4 took on a more familiar look, Side next to the Gaffa and top scorer Friendy back at full back. 

Friendy quickly doubled the lead running the length of the pitch to get onto the back post after some good work from the Centurion and Hassie down the left.  As the game opened up for us we brought on Dannan who Paddy described as fit as fcuk and as hard and him too.  Unfortunately he prefers rugby!?  Dan quickly had a hand in our third robbing their centre mid and playing in Greg for his second and then did the same thing to put in Ingers for his 1/40 for the season.  In between the ref gave a laughable corner which resulted in a goal and a very dubious penalty which also resulted in a goal.  He also warned Paddy that he would book him if he fouled, swore, smiled, spoke, breathed again.  Conceding 2, however referee assisted they may have been, is probably not good enough, we were a little lazy with the ball and missed FAR too many chances again but a wins a wins a win and that is 3 from 3.  And the ref apologised.

Next up Kew.  C’mon the 3’s

Winchmore Hill 3 Crouch End Vampires 2
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 19 September

TURNER PRIZE
Ben tops a ton for the Club as he teaches a lesson in the art of goal scoring
Facing a second newly promoted side in two weeks, the Supa's hosted CEV 3's on the main pitch at The Paulin on Saturday. With the opposition arriving late, the kick off delayed and despite a thorough warm-up, the 3's made our traditionally slow start and the Vampires had the ball in the back of the Hill net within seconds - only for this to be ruled out for offside. Similarly to last week you'd have thought this would've been the wake up call for the 3's but the Hill continued to chase shadows for the first ten minutes of the game. Gradually, somewhat aided once again by a shift in formation from 4-3-3 back to 4-4-2, the Supa's brought themselves back into the game shortening up the play and showing increased composure on the ball particularly across the midfield four of Madigan, Graves, Dirk Dench & Turner.

It was the latter who struck the opener for the 3's with his 100^th goal for the club - a cool finish past the advancing CEV's keeper following an excellent run down the left beating three players in the process ('should've squared it'). Unfortunately, shortly after, the 3's conceded a penalty with 'keeper Joe, in anticipation of the new Strictly Come Dancing season, performing a delightfully camp spin-twist-sweeping-back-leg manoeuvre to up-end their busy centre forward in box, who duly scuffed the resulting penalty into the corner of the net. A particularly competitive period of play followed with numerous warnings and a couple of yellow cards flashed but it was the Hill who came out on top as the sides went in at half time, a second for Turner who, ('should've squared it'), took his club tally to 101 despatching a 25-yarder having collected a floated Stu Collins cross field ball, causing wild celebrations amongst the home support (Nick Sharp).

In the heat and on the large pitch the game became increasingly stretched in the second half and the Hill created numerous chances. "GB" Ingram continued his "how close can I get without scoring" competition, and is now officially suffering a goal drought having not scored for two games, but was joined this week by numerous others in the team who fancied a go including substitute Danny Brennan hitting the bar with a looping effort on goal. Requiring particular mention was Lee 'Side' Burns who, from the goal line, managed to get it all considerably wrong by keeping the ball in play and throwing himself into the net. Despite playing our best football when 'shortening it up' the Hill persisted in a long ball game causing considerable neck-ache and frustration for the midfield. On a rare occasion we did get the ball down, a good break away move on the left was finished again convincingly by Ben ('should've squared it') Turner to complete a well-deserved and high quality hatrick which earns him man-of-the-match. However, there was still enough time for Hill to allow the oppo to pull one back with the CEV centre forward being allowed far too much room to turn and finish from 8 yards following a corner, but the 3's were rarely under any other real pressure, although the final result was a little close for comfort.

The only other notable events of the second half were bad boy Will 'Dirk' Dench picking up his first £15 fine of the season for persistent foul play which could also be described as characteristically dogged determination / good hassle. Moody contributed well, in an unfamiliar role up front, as did Friend & Haslam from full back, but as a team the 3's need to have confidence to play the good football they are capable of and not to be panicked into a long ball game when the odd pass may go awry. AG

Cheers Y’all

Old Westminster Citizens 1 Winchmore Hill 4
Southern Amateur League—Junior Section Division One
Saturday 12 September

Nick’s knacked, Paddy’s whacks, Friendy heads two home….
The Supa’s travelled to Mitcham for their opening game of the 09/10 season to face newly promoted Old Westminster Citizens on a hard but grassy pitch. Due to a late cry off and Sharps hobbling around for the 4s, our bare eleven (almost literal in Lee Burns case as he hastily changed at the side of the pitch to just make kick off) made a predictably slow start and were 1-0 down to their hosts within five minutes. Ironically, a failure to talk on behalf of Harry ‘Tourettes’ Rotsa and the aforementioned Burns, no doubt still thinking about his pin-high 250yd 3-iron on the par 5 14^th only an hour or so earlier, led to the OWC’s centre forward nipping in to square the ball for his strike partner to tap in from close range.

I’d like to say this galvanised the 3s but it didn’t and our hosts spurned a good opportunity to double their lead within 10 minutes, the ball going narrowly wide of Hill’s goal. This then, eventually, seemed to wake the 3s from their sloth-like start.

With the ball starting to be retained, passes strung together and options for the man on the ball doubling, if not trebling, the Supa’s started to press and scored a deserved goal as Paddy “Cup Specialist” Madigan, celebrating his first return to league football in 3 seasons, smashed home a loose ball from 6 yards following a corner.

A change of formation from 4-3-3 to
4-4-2, Ben & Paddy providing the width on the flanks (and Dench & Graves providing width in the middle), further enabled the Hill to maintain their pressure on the hosts and saw a second goal for the visitors with fox-like (read: ginger & wily) Jon Friend timing his run to perfection to head home a right wing corner.

Further chances came and went and the only other notable first half incident was your correspondents’ short lived exchange of views with the, otherwise calm, collected and very capable referee. This situation threatened to result in a red card for laughing at an oppo’s, somewhat comedic from my perspective, off-side appeal which, as it was validated / supported by the man in black, denied Chris Ingram another opportunity to continue his one man “how close can I get without scoring” competition.

Hill continued their good football in the early stages of the second half and were 3-1 up by the hour mark with (self proclaimed) man-of-the-match Jon Friend scoring from another corner with a now, almost, trademark header. In a game that became increasingly open, but with the Hill infrequently under any telling pressure from the home side and Rotsa rarely tested, the Supa’s had numerous chances to put the game away. This was finally accomplished in the eightieth minute with the marauding Madigan making it 4-1 burying the ball in the net after a fine break away move, involving Ingers, Turner and Gardiner.

In summary, despite a slow start, a successful opener for the 3s in looking to retain the good form of last season and in targeting an unbeaten defence of all 3 trophies. An efficient & effective performance from the midfield was matched, aside from the first 5-10 minutes, by a solid showing from the defence of our scooter-riding skipper, Burns, Friend and Haslam. New-comer Greg Gardiner & Chris “GB” Ingram combined well and worked hard up-front to continue to allow the team to play our football, providing options and running the channels despite the early afternoon heat – something which the post-match smooth-flow lager did little to reward.

A final note is the Supa’s fines committee would like to remind Madigan & Burns they owe £2 for late arrivals. Jon Friend, as man of the match, apparently has the honour of next week’s theme - although both those facts are yet to be substantiated… AG

Season 2008-09
Nottsborough 0 Winchmore Hill 0
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 25 April

The pristine surface that is the Kingston University’s Sports Ground, played host to the 3s final away game of the season against Nottsborough. Tree points would be enough to secure the title for the 3s, but 3 points in never guaranteed against Nottsborough and this proved to be the case again. The pitch did make for some good football, mainly from the home side as the Hill struggled to find any real rhythm in the first half. Nottsborough kept the ball well, defended soundly and kept the Hill from the testing their goalkeeper who was in fact a centre half.

However, it was the Hill who came closest to scoring in the first half with both Ingers and An-Rui both having one on ones denied by the first keepers legs and the second just drifting wide of the mark. Nottsborough, for all their possession, good play and fine crossing failed to test Rosta’s shot stopping ability, although he was off his line quite a bit but with very safe handling.   

So, to half time and no goals. So, against the wind, the Hill started the better in the second half but with little luck in front of the goal. Turner was most unlucky with a hatrick of chances just failing to find the net including a fine shot that hit the bar. An-Rui also went close a couple of times but it wasn’t to be the Hill’s day in front of goal. Not that it was all one way traffic as Nottsborough still had most of the possession and shot that cannoned off of the post from six yards. So, the victory that was needed, wanted and possibly expected against a side with no keeper and not much to play for wasn’t forthcoming even if it did mean a tenth clean sheet of the year for the Winchmore defence.

A despondent bunch of players headed back across the 4 mile journey back to the changing rooms to learn the twos had earned a creditable draw against the Nottsborough twos who were already champions, but also that the ones had missed two penalties in a 1-0 defeat. It wasn’t until reaching the clubhouse that the 3s learned of Alleyn’s demise at the hands of Actonians and that they, the 3s, were in fact champions and treble winners.

Congratulations must go to captain Collins, the tinkerer, who has managed to get through the year with 17 (ish) top players, and keeping them all(ish) happy and playing games. The game, ending a ten match winning streak, but extending their unbeaten run to 24 games since mid October, was a disappointment but the celebrations afterwards made up for that….

Winchmore Hill 3 Old Owens 1
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Tuesday 21 April

Last Tuesday, on the green and pleasant fields of Firs Farm, the Supa 3s did battle with Old Owens in a SAL Junior Division One match. Old Owens were safe in mid table and the 3s were still in with a chance of the league title. This matters not in matches between the two sides this event was as keenly battled as those that had gone before.

Winchmore started the better for a change, but the young Owens side eventually got into the game and the early exchanges were even on a glorious Tuesday night in North London. Hill eventually started making in-roads on both flanks and this lead to An-Rui making a chance for Turner who slotted home his 99^th goal for the club. At the other end Owens kept attacking down their left and from a series of very long throws threatened the Hill goal. However, Rotsa was at his best, and he dealt with all these throws in top fashion. Several chances were then spurned by the Hill who had the advantage of the slope, but as usual Ingers calmed nerves by finding the back of the net and slotting home his 34th of the season

So the Hill turned around 2-0 but sat back at the start of the second half and allowed Owens to create chances of which two one on ones were missed. Moody, Foxy, Dench and Turner were all having excellent games and slowly started to create again in an end to end second half that belied the state of the pitch, the fact that everyone had worked a full day and the fact that that Owens had little to play for! The next goal came from an Ingers turn and run on the left flank that left the Owens full-back trailing in his wake. His cross was met by the tireless An-Rui, who swept the ball into the back of the nett and the Hill were three up.

Now Owens pushed forward again with a front line of four and the Hill’s defence were constantly on the back foot from counter attacks. Hassie and Lodge had particularly good games, and it was through no fault of theirs that Owens got a consolation goal with ten minutes to go, and the scoreline finished at 3-1 to the Hill….

Played 18, won 15, lost one, drawn two with 47 points…..and still the league not won as we await the result of the Alleyns EBOG’s game last night. And no matter what this coming weekend’s results bring, the championship WILL be decided next Tuesday at Firs Farm. Hill may be three point clear, three points behind, one point clear or one point behind or possibly level so get there Tuesday for what could be a bit of a game!

Winchmore Hill 4 Old Actonians 3
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 18 April

The Supa 3’s were back in action after a ten-day lay-off, playing Old Actonians in the first of four matches over ten days that could secure the treble. That the league should still be up for grabs (the 3s have only dropped six points all season) is a tribute to the incessant pursuit of Alleyn Old Boys who are now level with Winchmore on points with only 3 games to play.

So to Firs Farm and a possible revenge mission for Old A’s who had lost the AFA Cup Final to the 3s 5 weeks earlier. After ten minutes revenge was certainly on the cards as the Hill found themselves two goals down, despite having the better of the early skirmishes. Panic didn’t follow however, and soon Gardner, playing his first game for the Hill in some time, found the top corner to get Hill back into the game before half time.

Alex Lodge was introduced at half time and a good interchange down the right led to Ingers coolly slotting the ball home for the equalizer. The game was now open again and both teams attacked well from both flanks. The next goal came as Old As attacked down the right and a cross from there speedy winger was met by a volley from Old A’s number ten which was saved but not held by Rotsa, and the rebound was smashed home.

3-2 down with ten to play, the Hill was back up against it! Ingers then broke down the left but was upended for the umpteenth time, which saw the guilty defender sent off for a second bookable offence. Hill then took command and from good work from Hassie down the right led to Ingers finding the net again from ten yards.

Old As had then to substitute their skilful right back, and a mix up in positions saw them play a forward at right back for the last 5 mins.

Capitalising on this, from a lobbed ball over from Moody, Beech made in roads down the left flank where previously he hadn’t had much joy, and he pulled the back from the byline for Ingers to fire home and secure his hat-trick and victory.

This wasn’t a classic performance at all, and in the end hard work and persistence where what prevailed. More of this will be needed on Tuesday night against local rivals Old Owens who always perform against the Hill, and whom against, games are rarely decided by more than the odd goal. Played 27, won 24, lost one, drawn two….not a bad record but will all count for nothing unless the 3 last games are won!
  
East Barnet Old Grammarians 1 Winchmore Hill 4
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 4 April

In normal circumstances EBOG’s away is a test with its sloping bobbly pitch but with 8 men on the injured and unavailable list, Paddy pulling up lame on Friday and Alex Lodge tripping down the stairs on Saturday morning and twisting his ankle, Winchmore faced a real test of character.  Paul Weaver made a welcome return from university for Easter in centre midfield whilst Hassie filled in at left back and we tried our best to hide Alex away at right back to hide his lack of mobility.

In a blatant copy and paste from every other weeks match report, Hill started slowly and the first 30 mins were a scrappy affair with neither team being able to get the ball down and play some football. The game was definitely not one for the neutrals and the travelling support spent more enjoying the sun then enjoying the supposed entertainment on view.  The first half was then lit up by a bit of magic from Moods (who is becoming increasingly influential) who picked the ball up 25 yards out and drilled home a low drive into the corner before the keeper could move.  The confidence then visibly grew and we finally got the ball down, started to play and took control for the remainder of the half.

Hill grew stronger in the second half with EBOG’s continuing to huff and puff fruitlessly whilst only looking dangerous when their bald forward picked up the ball.  Winchmore started to create chances as EBOG’s tired and gaps began to open in front of their makeshift keeper. Further goals from An-Rui, the returning Paul Weaver and a 29^th of the season for Chris Ingram put the game beyond doubt.  There was still time for Chris Grey to submit an entry for Dave Seaman’s next Xmas goalkeeper gaffes video and gift EBOG’s a barely deserved consolation to make the final score 4-1.

All in all, a good professional performance against a team who look likely to finish 4th in our league.  A tricky midweek game at Kew on Wednesday is next up and with Alleyns matching Winchmore stride for stride in the league title chase, this one’s going right to the wire!
 

Kew Association 0 Winchmore Hill 2
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Wednesday 8 April 

The SAL fixtures computer clearly has some kind of virus as it spat out a Saturday game in Barnet and a Wednesday game in Kew meaning a few half day holidays and a mad dash across London to make a 6pm kick off.  The first 11 to arrive started and late arrivals Lodge, Reed and Perry made up a very strong bench for game number 27 of this extended season.

From the home fixture, we knew Kew were a young and talented outfit with some excellent individuals and the talk before the game was about getting their heads down and starting quickly.  Regular readers of these reports can guess how Winchmore started (slowly) and on the whole, the first half was a scrappy affair, with Kew creating a couple of half chances without testing Joe in goal and Hill showing only glimpses of the quality they are capable of.  One of those moments however, brought the vital first goal.  Good work by Ben Turner, now restored to the left with Moody pulling the strings in the middle, found An-Rui Chiew in front of goal and his header was parried by the excellent keeper who could not keep out the resulting tap in and Hill went into the break 1 goal to the good.

After a particularly uninspiring team talk by the gaffa, as always seems to be the case Winchmore raised their level immediately from the whistle. Passes were hitting feet and closing down and harrying was being done in groups rather than individuals which meant Kew were forced to resort to long balls easily mopped up by Burns and Collins and the whole pattern of the game and so the momentum changed.  Flu-stricken Ben Turner lasted about 10 minutes of the second half before he was replaced by Alan Reed who put in a classy stint, keeping the ball well whilst working hard to shackle their dangerous winger.  Indeed it was a through ball from Reedy which gave Chris the chance to outpace his marker and dink the ball over the advancing keeper for a personal haul of 30 and 97 for the team as a whole. 

The second goal dropped the heads of the young Kew team and their attacks lost the belief and purpose of earlier in the game and it became a case of Hill seeing the game out without any mistakes.  Young Perry came on up top and showed enough touch and movement in 20 minutes to put others to shame and will be a very good player in a few years.  Ingers had a chance to put the game completely beyond doubt but after dribbling past the centre half and dummying the keeper five times, tried one trick too many and the chance was lost.  Hassie feigned cramp in a clever time wasting tactic and to give young Lodge a couple of minutes before our French referee blew time for the end of the game and a 2-0 win for Hill.

Another potential banana skin avoided, 3 more points, 30 goals for Ingers, a clean sheet and Hill now spend Easter 3 points clear of their nearest rivals. 4 tough games to go against top teams await, with two of those games being played in the lottery that is an end of season midweek game, there could still be several twists and turns left

MOM - Scott Beech - he maybe the second best left back in the squad, but a very good player all the same 

Weirside Rangers 1 Winchmore Hill 9
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 28 March

After successive cup final wins in the previous two weeks, game number 25 of the season was away to Wierside, man its miles!  Graves, Madigan, Lodge and Chiew joined Sharp and Gibson on the treatment table which meant starts for Friend and Reed and the long-awaited and welcome return for the Welsh wizard WWD.  Moods, an imperious puppet master in the centre in last weeks final, picked up where he left off.  Harry, back from the sniper attack to his ankle in the AFA final limped back and Ian did an away game.

We scored so many goals that I cant really remember the order (9.1) but Ingers and Ian got Hat-tricks, Ben got number 98 Reedy passed a sublime shot into the top corner and the gaffer got the winner, again.

Weirside were not as bad as the score line suggests (certainly their skipper is pretty good) but at times in the first half the Supa’s kept the ball so well, or got it back so quickly that Weirside asked if they could have another ball to play with.

As it is now mathematically impossible for Harry to catch Carts in the golden gloves, (at 4.0) he decided to throw one in to make it interesting.

The Hill started brightly and were 3-0 up inside 15 minutes, having already missed 3 other chances.  Ingers did not allow their back line any time to settle, Ben and Reedy got the ball down and wide and Moody passed their midfield to death finding space for himself or others every time he touched the ball.  In only his second start for the 3’s this season Jon was rampant down the right, even making a proper ‘Friendy’ tackle in the second half, much to the distress of their number 6.

Ian got one in the first half after good work from Chris and two in the second where he did that kicking it too hard for the keeper to save thing.  Chris got two in the first half, one where he did some funny dance round all 10 of their outfield players after another glorious pass from Moods.  (At 9.1 he even attempted a bicycle kick with his left foot, eejit).  Ben got to within two of his century and Stuart got a standard fare header.

With 6-games to go we are level on points and games with Alleyns but with a +15 better goal difference.  Hard work, concentration and no slip ups from here on in please gentlemen. 

Winchmore Hill 2 Alleyn Old Boys 0
SAL Junior Cup Final
Saturday 21 March
at Old Parkonians FC

On a beautiful spring day in Essex the immovable force met the immovable object and it was the Supa 3’s who were left standing when all was said and done. Considering the quality of the opposition this was definitely our best result of the season. There were one and a half changes to the team as Joe came in for Harry whose ankle had snapped last week and Graves came back in to play alongside Paddy but this time without his massive hangover. Baker and Friend replaced Sharp and Haslam on the bench.

Captain Collins lost the toss as usual and the Supa’s kicked off into the sun and also into a slight breeze. As per usual the Supa’s started very slowly and Alleyn’s were soon on top. The best chance in opening stages dropped to Hill however as a wicked inswinging corner from Moody led to an almighty scramble in the penalty area before Alleyn’s just managed to clear the ball away. With 20 minutes gone Alleyn’s stepped up a gear and were very unlucky not to take the lead as first a snap shot cannoned back off the post and then Beechy managed to head one off the line in the space of 5 minutes.

This proved to be the wake up call Hill needed as for the last 15 minutes of the first half they started to compete. Paddy and Adam dragged us into the game and once again the Supa’s had another great chance as with Ingram through on the keeper play was dragged back due to an unfortunate clash of heads between An-Rui and the Alleyn’s skipper. They were both fine but the play restarted from our keeper.

Half time came at a good time for Winchmore as with some sound tactical advice from Sharpy and Harry the second half was like a completely different game. Alleyn’s superb midfield duo no longer looked like they had all the time in the world and the quick forwards were getting more frustrated with every passing moment as they couldn’t escape the shackles of Lodge, Burns, Collins and Beech. The first goal was always going to be important in such a tight game and when it arrived it was well worth waiting for. An Rui leapt like a salmon to out jump the Alleyn’s centre half and from the flick Ingram was through on goal 30 yards out. He took one touch to get the ball out of his feet and then smashed the ball into the roof of the net from 20 yards. His family and friends sitting in the bar (Surprise, Surprise) behind the goal all rose as one before Ingram was off to the corner flag to do his Tim Cahill celebration with Turner and someone else.

The Supa 3’s were now on top although there was a slight set back as Graves hobbled off with a broken hangover to be replaced by Baker. An Rui slotted into left midfield and Moody moved into the centre where he excelled. The second goal was not long in coming as a flowing move of at least 18 passes found Beech overlapping on the left and his left foot cross to the back post was volleyed home by Ingram. A truly brilliant goal worthy of winning any cup final.  It reminded me of Brazil’s fourth in the 1970 World Cup Final.

The second goal came with 26 minutes to go and now the Supa 3’s sat back trying to soak up the expected pressure. Reedy came on for An Rui who had literally ran himself into the ground and it was Reedy who nearly finished the game as he ran through to square the ball for Ingram but somehow the Alleyn’s centre half made a fantastic block.

Alleyn’s carried on right to the end and for this they deserve a great deal of credit but they could not find a way past our excellent back 5 and the game finished 2-0. Collins received the cup at the end and we all went home happy.

This doesn’t quite tell the story of the game as for 20 minutes or so in the first half the Supa 3’s didn’t touch the ball. Alleyn’s were excellent and it is easy to see why they have such a good record over the last 2 years. If anything this result will act as a spur for them in the league and there will be another great game at the Paulin or Donkey Lane later in the season.

Thanks should also go to Old Parkonians who provided a fantastic venue with excellent facilities that was enjoyed by all. The officials also had a good day as with a sensible approach to the game they let it flow but were prepared to be tough when it was needed. Thanks guys.

Lastly thank you to all our wonderful supporters who came to watch bringing cake, champagne and lots of presents for the birthday boy who managed to score 2 great goals on his 28th birthday.

Man of the match is a very difficult one as there were lots of very good performances. Ingram scored 2, the ref gave M.O.M. to Beechy and I was going to go this way too until I saw An Rui dancing in Brick Lane. A truly majestic performance which capped off a very energetic day.

Seven Cup Finals to go!!

Man of the Match – An-Rui Chiew

Winchmore Hill 2 Old Actonians 1
AFA Junior Cup Final
Saturday 14 March - at Phoenix Old Boy F.C.

The week before a Cup final never runs smoothly and with injuries to Danny Gibson (knee), Will Dench (welsh) and Ian Baker (burst blood vessels in leg after being run over – the other car was a write-off) and with John Friend on holiday, Hill were forced to call on Nick Sharp who bravely/stupidly offered his services as an emergency 14^th man ready to sacrifice his knackered knee for the cause/ponce a medal on the back of others good work (delete as applicable). 

Upon arrival Hill were greeted by an empty Phoenix Old Boys club house (which made for an interesting venue for a Cup Final for both sides) and after changing in the second worst changing rooms ever (after Ibis) and after a brief delay while the ref ordered the Phoenix Groundsman removed some nails sticking out of the station, Hill kicked off the eagerly anticipated AFA Junior Cup final.

In what has become a worrying habit, Hill started very slowly and Acton quickly took the upper hand using long passes to their pacey front three to keep the Hill backline on their toes.  Their tall centre forward was giving Collins and Burns a hard time and it was no surprise to the visiting support when after 10 minutes Acton took the lead with a clever header from a left wing cross.

One of the strengths of this Winchmore team is strength under adversity and with Paddy Madigan performing miracles carrying the massively hungover Adam Graves against the Acton trio in midfield and with Collins and Burns getting on top of Acton’s dangerous centre forward, Winchmore gradually worked their way back into the game.  Hill are at their best when the wide players are getting on the ball and with Ben Turner looking back to his best, and Stuart Moody showing more and more each week why he used to earn a living from football, Hill were firmly on top without ever reaching the levels they’re capable of. 

In a game of few chances and despite Winchmore having plenty of possession and territory, approaching the last 10 minutes of normal time there were a few nerves and worried faces on the touchline as it appeared that Acton’s early goal would be the winner.  

There is a strong inner belief in this side that has pulled us through precarious positions in recent games and the ability to pluck something from nowhere was again evident on 80 minutes.  A free kick from the right from Chris Ingram found Collins lurking at the back post and he cleverly crossed the ball back to the waiting An-Rui Chiew who, strangely unmarked, headed home the equaliser and sent the Winchmore support into raptures.  Chiew has played a pivotal role in this seasons competition, scoring the only goal in the quarter final, coming off the bench to make the difference in the semi final and popping up to equalise in the final, doing himself enormous credit with his work rate and ensuring Winchmore weren’t to rue the absence of Ian Baker.

After a small blip in January thanks to postponed games and people having enjoyed Xmas a little too much, this Winchmore side now look fit again and seem to get stronger as the game progresses.  Saturday was no different and with Actonians visibly deflated in the first period of extra-time having let their lead slip, it was Hill who looked the more likely scorers, despite playing uphill against the wind.  Collins freshened up the side bringing on Reed up top and Haslam at full back who both provided energy and drive and made a positive difference to the side and showing the value of having strength on the bench.   Ingram was seeing more of the ball and the new full back pairing of Beech and Haslam were putting in strong performances to shut down Acton’s threat from wide but the decisive goal would come from an unlikely source.

A cleared Hill corner was returned into the box where Stuart Collins opened his account for the season and powerfully volleyed home the winning goal to send the fans delirious and inspire the players to the most low-key cup winning goal celebration of all time. 

Hill had a scare in the second half of extra time when Acton’s replacement forward blasted a half-chance over the bar during a spell of pressure and then with just minutes left on the clock, an Acton shot from outside the box was held well by Tourettes Harry who then worryingly stayed down holding his ankle.  In a sight almost as embarrassing as Stuart Collins drunken cheek-licking habit,  tears began to flow down Harry’s cheeks and after claiming he “heard it snap”, Hill looked set for a nervous last 5 minutes with Chris Ingram preparing to go in goal and crock Nick Sharp ready to be a not-massively-mobile target up front.  Needless to say the ankle wasn’t shattered and anyone who witnessed him bouncing off the walls in the pub later that night would firmly agree with the idea that goalkeepers are all slightly unusual.

After 2 minutes added on time, the excellent officials brought the final to an end and Winchmore had won their second of 4 AFA Junior Cup finals in the past 5 years, a testament to the successful Stuart Collins era that will hopefully extend beyond the end of this season.

All credit must go to Actonians who had their chances, were competitive but fair during the game and gracious in defeat after the game and Winchmore wish them luck for the rest of the season.

And so to next weeks SAL Cup Final where Hill will meet their toughest test to date against fellow title chasing Alleyn Old Boys where nothing less than a top performance will be good enough.  There is no doubt this Winchmore side has the ability and the camaraderie off the pitch, only by matching that with the desire and work rate on the pitch will they go on and achieve something very special.

Saturday saw the 3s entertain Carshalton for a double banker league extravaganza. 6 points were up for grabs and with the Hill being joint top with two other teams, six points were essential.

Winchmore Hill 2 Carshalton 1
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 7 March

A fairly even first half saw Carshalton match Hill for attacking prowess and midfield bite, but it was the Hill that made the more clean-cut chances. Turner, Ingram, An-Rui and Madigan all had attempts at goal, but the front three of Carshalton proved more than a handful for the Hill back 4 and the first half, as quick as it started, ended.

Thirty minutes isn’t long to get any rhythm going so the Hill turned round with added vigour to set about laying siege on the Carshalton goal. Their pressure was rewarded when Moody’s corner went straight into the net. One quickly became two as a Moody free kick found it way into the back of the net and the game was won.

The Hill continued to head forward but we caught occasionally on the break, and from Carshalton’s best chance, Rosta saved excellently and welcomed his sixth clean sheet of the season.  

Carshalton 1 Winchmore Hill 2
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 7 March

With a game already won, Hill knew they had to press again for another 3 points but things started badly. Carshalton, a fine passing side, came out determined not to make the long journey back south without a point and were soon in the lead. An innocuous deflection in the midfield left Carshalton two on one in the Hill penalty area and Rosta could do nothing to prevent a deserved Carshalton goal.

Hill then pressed for an equalizer, and were soon on the front foot. Ingers went close after a terrific run from his own half but half time soon came and nerves were beginning to fray. However, the Hill were soon on level terms – from a half hit clearance, Moody who had taken up a pivotal role deep in the opponents half and hadn’t moved for 5 minutes found the ball flying at him – superb control, and a thunderous volley from a full 35 yards then followed and the Hill were back in it!

The game then opened up with chances at both ends. A keeper lucky not to be sent off at one end and a penalty claim at the other kept the spectators (both of them) from retiring early to the warmth of the club house. Then with ten to go, An-Rui, superb throughout, latched onto a through ball and lobbed the 8 foot tall Carshalton keeper to give Hill the lead and the match.

Six points to the Hill, and special praise to a Carshalton side that play hard and well, but lacked the final touch in front of goal.

Two Cup Finals now await the Hill in successive weeks. Who will skipper Collins pick – himself of course, but with players returning the other ten places are up for grabs. Two finals mean nothing if they aren’t won. Concentration and hard work are necessary….with 6 quality match winners in the side the Hill, complacency is all that stands between Hill and a bit of silver!

West Wickham 2 Winchmore Hill 4
AFA Junior Cup Semi Final
Saturday 28 February
(after extra time - score at 90 minutes 2 - 2)

Winchmore were missing Mark Haslam and Danny Gibson (in addition to long-term absentees Sharp and Dench) but a return from injury for Alan Reed meant a full quota of 14 for a SAL Junior Cup semi final away at West Wickham, who had beaten fellow title contenders Actonians in the quarter-finals and despite a lowly placing in the second division, would provide a severe test after last weeks listless league performance.

Wickham started very brightly and enjoyed long spells of possession without really creating any chances of note.  Their forwards took up intelligent positions occupying Winchmore’s full backs and were able to outnumber Hill on the flanks but without really having an end product to back up their play.

Winchmore then settled and the remainder of the first half became a far more even affair with the back four of Lodge, Collins, Burns and Beech defending excellently and limiting the Wickham attacks to long range efforts.  Alex Lodge’s classy 40 yard ball down the channel  saw the Wickham centre half trying to mark Ian Baker too tightly , got turned and the resulting lunging tackle gave Hill a early stonewall penalty.  Up stepped Chris Ingram, the man tipped by many to be top of the WHFC Golden Boot table at the end of the season, sent the keeper the wrong way and Hill were 1-0 to the good after a disjointed 20 minutes.  With about 5 minutes to go before half time, Wickham will feel they got what their possession deserved when a speculative shot from outside the box rebounded off Harry Rotsa in goal and the Wickham player followed up well and it was game on at 1-1.

A positive team-talk emphasized the needed for greater communication when defending and a need for greater desire and unlike last week, Hill’s actions matched their words and they took a stronghold on the game almost immediately.  Ian Baker was living up to his billing as pound-for-pound the strongest man in the world and proving a handful with his hold-up play and with Ingram looking fitter and sharper than the past few weeks, Hill had the cutting edge that would ultimately prove the difference.  Openings were created for Ingram, Graves and Baker which were spurned but gaps were appearing regularly in the Wickham defence and after about 70 minutes, the pressure finally told as An-Rui Chiew found himself free on the left and fired a cross shot into the far corner which looked decisive and gave Winchmore a 2-1 lead.

Hill substitutes made impressive impacts with both Reed and Turner bringing extra energy and drive keeping Wickham on the back foot and denying them any momentum to build up pressure on the away side’s goal.  Wickham’s play was getting desperate and their passes getting longer and it was out of nothing they got their equaliser.  In second half injury time Wickham got down the by-line and put in a cross which cannoned off Stuart Collins arm from no more than 3 or 4 yards and the referee (who wasn’t helped by the lack of linesman for a cup semi final) gave a controversial penalty.  Wickham’s impressive number 4, who has clearly played a bit, took an excellent penalty under pressure and the scores were level at 2-2.

And so to extra time and building on a determined second half performance, Winchmore stepped up the level and began to show glimpses of our pre-Xmas form. The midfield two of Madigan and Graves are starting to look like a powerful combination and their work and ball-winning meant Hill’s wide players were seeing a lot of the ball. Two or three further guilt edge chances were missed or saved by the Wickham keeper until just before the half when Hill attacked and Ian Baker struck a volley past the keeper like only he can to send the travelling support of 2 crocks and Beechy’s parents into raptures.  Apart from a minor flare up during which Paddy Madigan showed why you should never get on his bad side, Winchmore saw out the remainder of extra time without due concern, the icing on the cake being put on by Chris Ingram who out-paced a tired defence, rounded the keeper and slotted home in the final few seconds to make the final score 4-2 and put Hill into their second cup final of the season.

All credit must go to West Wickham who proved they are a talented outfit who would be more than a match for many teams in the higher league and good luck to them for the rest of the season.

Next week brings a vitally important double-header against a Carshalton outfit who have shown they’re more than capable of taking points of the top sides in the division.  Winchmore will possibly have a squad of 16 available for the 2 cup finals and all of those players could justifiably claim a place in the starting XI – captain Collins has got some hard decisions to make and individual performances next week will go a long way to making them for him.

Winchmore Hill 2 Civil Service 2
SAL Junior Section Division One
Saturday 21 February

Your correspondent writes following the disappointment of the first points dropped by Winchmore Hill 3^rd XI since he was in his 30s.  A 2-2 draw at home to a Civil side who played the first 30 minutes with 10 men, then came back from 2-0 down and looked the more likely to win, confirmed what I have long believed to be true of this team; namely, that the whole is greater than the sum of our parts. 

As with any machine however, when some elements are working at 70% or (in some cases) less, even the best engine will stutter.  As we apporoach the ‘business end’ of the season it is not so much the dropped points which irks me as the manner in which those points were lost. 

The 3s are in the AFA final the SAL semi-final and top of the Junior section of the league.  We have the best squad I have had the pleasure of being involved with but if we are to realise our potential we must recognise and respect the collectiveness and work rate behind the (often maligned by others) prefix Supa.  We played some neat football but lacked invention and ideas, we went 2-0 up and could not capitalise on it, we gave away 2 ridiculous goals and allowed an over fussy referee to have his day in the sun – whenever a referee makes a player take off a wedding ring rather than tape it you know he will be bobbins – however we should have put the game to bed long before Civil or anyone else was in a position to influence anything. 

I have heard it said that going to the bottom can make you realise unequivocally that you really want to be at the top, well although I have warned of the dangers of complacency for the past 3-weeks I hope and believe that this set-back will stir players’ attitude and garner individual and collective responsibility to ensure that my Saturday night is not ruined in this fashion again. 

Positives, Adam and Patrick, look like a proper duo and are starting to gel and impose themselves as a unit.  Scott looked like he had never been away and Moody’s left foot could teach everyone in the SAL how a football should be caressed and treated.  Negatives, two ridiculous goals, players hiding or believing that someone else would do their job for them and passes and chances being taken for granted in anticipation of the next one.  Fear not dear reader the Supa’s will be back next week and whether we have 11 or 12 games left this season, what I do know is that we will not be as vapid as we were on Saturday again this season.  We got what we deserved, well played Civil.

Bealonians 1 Winchmore Hill 3
Amateur Football Alliance Junior Cup
Saturday 14 February

This week the Supa 3s were away to Bealonians in the AFA Cup semi-final. With only three games under their belts since the New Year, the team were keen to continue their winning run with another changed line-up from the last fixture. Dench, Sharp, Reed and Lodge were missing from the starting line up, but the eleven that took to the pitch started in fine fashion, attacking Bealonians goal from both wings - Haslam and Turner making ground on the right and Moody and Gibson putting in testing crosses from the left. A few chances went begging in the first ten minutes however, mainly due to the good position and hands of the Bealonians keeper. The, from a Moody corner, Burns managed to toe the ball home from at least a yard and the 3s were on the march. Further goals weren't forthcoming however, and the midfield central pairing of Madigan and Graves had to be at their best to keep the Bealonians midfield from overrunning them. A good job they did however, and the Bealonians were restricted to shots from distance that Rosta dealt admirably with (not mentioning the offside goal they did get from a 'communication lapse' between Rosta and the skipper Collins).

Old Westminster Citizens 2 Winchmore Hill 3
Southern Amateur League Cup
Saturday 31 January

On a cold day miles from home the Supa 3’s took on Old Westminster Citizens on a very heavy pitch. There was entertainment before the game as half the team decided not to wait for the other half at the pre-arranged meeting point resulting in the skipper and keeper missing the train. This entertainment was followed up with Ben and Hassie trying to chip the ball into a funny tank to escape their £5 fines after falling foul of the pink rule. They both failed miserably helping to increase the Stuart Collins Please Play Another Year Fund to a grand total of £222-26. An excellent total especially when Welsh Will Dench has been missing for 2 weeks.

Collins lost the toss once again (why does he bother??) and the Supas kicked into the wind and sun in the first half. Hill took the lead almost immediately when a vicious inswinging corner from Moody was headed back across the box by Collins and Turner was there to score his 97^th goal for Hill. That was to be Moody’s last contribution to the game as he hurt a finger nail on his left hand and had to be replaced by the energetic Haslam. The Supas continued to dominate the game and should have finished the game before half time with Ingram, Chiew, Haslam and Turner all having chances to score. Just before half time there was a warning for Hill as an OWC midfielder ran through from a position at least 10 yards offside but he smashed the ball over the bar.

The halftime team talk consisted of keep up the good work but we must start taking some of our chances. This advice was taken almost immediately as a fine move down the right involving Haslam and Lodge led to Haslam delivering a fine cross from which Ingram expertly teed up Madigan who passed the ball home. An excellent goal!! The Supa’s were now rampant and could have scored again as firstly Chiew was felled for the third time and then the OWC defender made a great save just tipping the ball round the post. He should have been in goal and what does Chiew have to do to get a penalty. He is the Andy Johnson of Winchmore Hill except he has hair and he doesn’t dive.

Hill were not to be denied though and the third goal came as Ingram outpaced the OWC left back before cooly slotting home at the near post. His Tim Cahill celebration was beautiful and he has now reached 20 goals for the season meaning he is halfway towards his pre season prediction of 40 goals. Hill continued to have all the play and from another corner Ingram had a fine 20 yard effort saved by the keeper.

Then, from nowhere, OWC scored and then they scored again. 2 fine strikes from the little striker from the little and large combination that OWC had up front and Hill had a nervy 5 minutes to see out. They were able to do this easily enough retaining the ball and there were to be no further chances for OWC. Hill almost made it 4-2 with a fantastic Beckham like lob from Lodge from 50 yards only narrowly cleared the crossbar.

The ref finally blew his whistle and Hill were through to their second semi in as many weeks. They will have to play for the full 90 minutes in those semis however if they want to reach any finals this year. The SAL final is being played on Ingram’s 26^th birthday meaning there is clear reason for celebration on this day. The Supa 3’s now need to make sure that they will be in it with a tough game against West Wickam in the semi.

The Supa 3’s have not been at their best in the new year but have still won the 3 games that they have played. This is now 11 wins on the bounce and with players of the calibre of Dench, Burns and Baker to come back the squad is looking very strong. Weirside away this week is the first league game of the year (snow allowing) meaning other teams have played their games in hand and the league is starting to take shape. It is only with continued hard work and commitment will the Supa 3’s maintain there place on top.

Congratulations to the Supa 3’s in winning the club quiz which is hopefully the first of many trophies this year.

Man of the match: Jon Friend – Totally changed the game.

Winchmore Hill 1 UCL Academicals 0
AFA Junior Cup – Quarter Final
Saturday 24 January

The threes extended their winning run to double figures but it came at a struggle against a persistent and hard working UCL Academicals team, who proved a tough nut to crack.

The Hill started brightly with a fair amount of possession but UCL slowly got into the game and things were fairly equal for the first 20 minutes. Then the Hill started to create chances through Baker and Ingram up front. The first was squandered by Ingram, who, after excellent work by Baker, found himself in front of goal with a couple of defenders to beat, but he could only drag the ball wide. Worse misses were to come with Burns firing over the goal from 3 inches a la Johnny Wilkinson! Baker and An-Rui then went close, before An-Rui broke the deadlock ghosting in from the right and scoring at the near post.

UCL then launched a few attacks but rarely testing the ever improving Rotsa in goal, while the hill continued to probe and should have put the game to bed before half time.

With chances going begging, UCL turned round at half time with renewed vigour and started to offer more in attack. The Hill, their first game in 3 weeks, seemed to tire as UCL controlled most of the possession in the second half. But, for all the UCL possession the Hill goal only came under threat once, which Rotsa again dealt with well and is was Hill who made more clear cut chances throughout the second half. 

Graves and Moody had fine games in the middle and Rotsa's fifth clean sheet of the year was more than deserved especially after his fine save from a free kick in the first half. 

So the game ebbed out gently and Hill recorded their tenth win in a row, their 13th of the season and progressed to the semis. Improvement in attitude will need to improve as the only thing standing between this squad and a good season could be attitude. Reed,

WIlson, Madigan and our Welsh Warrior Dench were all missed this week, but injuries to Sharp, the absence of others and the location of next weeks game will ensure Collins team for next week will have changes made. Another quarter awaits, and the league is still winnable for the 3s.

Winchmore Hill 4 Civil Service 2
AFA Junior Cup
Saturday 3 January

Not since beating the Supa 3s on penalties in the AFA Cup final of 2006 (except for in a dead rubber where the 3s had ten men, no kit and no keeper) have Civil Service come out on top against the Hill. This was their seventh attempt and a chance for revenge for a defeat at the hands of the Hill at the same stage of the AFA cup last season. So there was plenty of history between the two teams, but by no means bad blood, when they ran out to face each other at a frost ridden Paulin on Saturday.

Hill, welcoming back Graves and Reed to the starting line-up, started the faster and soon had CS on the back foot. But after several chances and much possession were spurned it was CS who went in front. Hill failed to prevent a shot coming in from distance, and a rebound found the CS number six who coolly slotted home from 12 yards. The sun, at its lowest during the first half, began to play its part now and Rotsa was forced to make several good saves with the sun in his eyes. However, a long raking cross into the Hill area proved too hard for keeper and defence to deal with, and Hill were two-nil down after the CS number nine poked the ball home from 6 yards.

Still the Hill continued to play football and create chances with Ingram, Reed, Turner and An-Rui full of guile and running, but luck provided Hill with their way back into the game. A dubious corner was awarded to the Hill, and from yet another pin point Reed cross, a header from Burns was sent goal bound and expertly turned in from Ingram from a yard out. Just what Hil needed before half time.

And, straight after half-time they were level. Good interplay down the left saw the ball rise just outside the area with the CS defence static. An-rui stole in before the CS defence could react, chested the ball down and finished expertly at the near post. The game was even and the Hill were now pressing for a third - it came in the shape of an inswinging Reed corner that was surely heading for the back of the net before Burns got in the way and netted from no further than a foot out. Three almost became four as Ingram turned in Turner's shot that had fallen down from the cross bar, but he was ruled off side. Ingers then fired over from a full two yards out and it seemed that the game was going to go down to the wire, but minutes later, from a full 25 yards out, Alex Lodge kicked theball as hard as he has ever done in his life and spanked it in for his first goal for the Supa 3s. Some may say it looked like a cross, but defenders stick together in times like this and from where I was standing he looked up and saw the keeper off of his line before executing his lob!

Civil continued to probe and the eleven on the pitch were probably the best Civil side the Hill have faced in a while, but although the ref gave some dubious decisions, the result was a fair reflection of the match. So a ninth successive win for the Hill came with entrance into the quarter finals of the AFA Cup, and so a good start to the New Year. Next week brings an Old Owens team to the Paulin (or Firs Farm) anxious to reverse the 5-4 defeat against the Hill back in October. 3 points will be essential for the Hill as the chasing pack of Kew, Old Actonians and Alleyn Old Boys are closing in at the top, ready to pounce on any slip ups by the Supa 3s.

Winchmore Hill 5 Old Esthameians 1
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 20 December

A better team than Old Esthamians might have taken advantage of Hill's lethargic start on Saturday, but they didn't and the Supa 3s eventually got into their stride and made Old Es pay. A strong squad lined up to face Old Es and those left out could have felt harshly done by, as yet again, 3 players of quality were left on the bench! The young opposition from Walthamstow turned up and were full of running as they put the Hill under early pressure. The big pitch meant that Hill's deep lying defence hindered the hard work of the midfield foursome, but when playing without linesman and against quick forwards, a high line is hard to manage. After 10 minutes the Old Es centre forward was put through from a good two yards off side but luckily Harry stood his ground and made a fine save at the near post. He wasn't so lucky minutes later however, when a move down the Hills left saw a ball come into the area and as young Lodge tried to steal the ball from the Old Es winger, his foot caught the attackers and the Old Es had a penalty, which was duly converted.

This spurred the Hill into life , and from the next attack a flick from baker to Ingram left the scally scouser with all to do 40 yards from goal. However, with quick calculation of the speed of the Old Es centre half, Ingers darted through two defenders, with a fleet of foot not seen since Ben Johnston was in his prime, and coolly slotted home the equaliser.  

The second half started out much the same with the Old Es on the attack, but from Hill's first attack, a long cross in from Gibson was met excellently by Ingram who headed the ball passed the despairing dive of the Old Es keeper. Two almost become three soon after but the ref judged a foul when Hill forced the ball into the net from a corner. Not to be denied, minutes later Ingers completed his hat-trick with a fine free kick from 20 yards to cap a great performance.

Hill were now rampant and the move of the match saw Madigan link with Baker with a splendid one-two that the Irishman expertly finished. To complete the scoring, a Baker half volley from a flick on left the keeper with no chance and the Hill ran out 5-1 winners.

Not the  greatest performance but enough for a win. Captain Collins now has two weeks to think over his team for the Firs Farm AFA clash with Civil Service. 16 players to chose from, 14 spots. Will he be able to tinker as well as he has done all season? January usually brings a few cry offs, and with Ingers and Baker the only two dead certs to start each week, the rest of the team needs to perform to keep a place in the side


Winchmore Hill 6 East Barnet Old Gramm. 0
Southern Amateur League
Junior Division One
Saturday 13 December

Did it ever stop raining?
Great conditions for ducks and kites with the relentless rain beating down, the boys in purple took to the bottom pitch full of confidence after their recent form. Squad back to strength with Alan and Ian back in the fold but not showing that we were missing moody or Rooney, three on the bench trying to keep warm, after a thorough warm controlled by Danny we were ready to go. The game took a while to get going as the teams battled with the conditions and each other, neither side really putting a series of paces together.

With 10 minutes on the clock hill squandered its first real chance when a ball over the top of the EBOG defense was well controlled by Ian but he managed to pull his shot wide of the opposite post when it would have been easier to hit the back of the net. Two minutes later saw another chance go begging, when a really nice move down the right hand side involving Hassy and Toffee man linking up well, cross sent to the back post, Ian rose like a duck billed platypus and managed the weakest header you could imagine. We were giving Grammarians far too much space and time in the midfiled and letting them make a game off it. This was not looking like a top of the table performance with Sharpy going missing (probably looking for an umbrella). I was enjoying my personal battle with a little bearded dwarf who had more rabbit than water ship down.

It was not the turn of EBOG’s to squander a chance when a nice ball through the middle was taken in the stride of the centre forward only for only for Lee to make a first class interception and put the ball out for a throw corner. This is when we realized that if we were going to win this game we would have to finish our chances. A couple of minutes later Sharpy played the ball out to the yours truly who knocked a (at least 40 yard) ball over the centre half’s, this time Ian controlled the ball well took it on and from an acute angle he slotted into the opposite corner (welcome back Ian). As the half continued both sides missed good chances to score and with the playing conditions getting worse it was not a confident performance during the remainder of the half. A couple of corners from our opponents created a bit of tension with only a 1-0 lead. One defended a corner fell to the edge of our area were the waiting EBOG’s full back wanted to make a name for himself, stretching to meet the ball caught it on the volley but blasted into the tennis courts to our relief. A bit more of the possession falling kindly for oppo as they began to get on top towards the end of the half. A misdirected 40 yard pass from there center back found Danny struggling to get out of the way as the bounced up and hit him on the arm. From this harshly given free kick Harry made a great save keeping our slender lead alive as the half time whistle drew near and we could get out of the rain for a while.

With a telling off from the skipper for lack of communicating we all released we needed to get a real grip of this home game and stamp our authority to the rest of the league making them scared to come to the Hill. It was five minutes into the second half when we got our second goal, Ian going shoulder to shoulder with their centre back and showing who was boss then rolled the ball across the six yard box for an easy tap in for Ben.

Ben again involved (was anyone else playing) when he crossed to find Sharpy flat footed (or maybe web) but sum how managed to get the ball out from under his feet and get his shoot away which took a BIG deflection and just manage to creep over the line to make it three nil and game over. To their credit EGOG did not give up. Hill then made 3 changes introducing Adam, Patrick and Alan with fresh legs, err I mean cold legs but raring to go.  Bringing a spark to the game for the last 25 minutes. Lee got the first of his brace of headed goals from a corner and secondly from a free kick. . Mr. Toffee man ended his goal drought when Adam headed back across the goal for an easy tap from a really nice Danny cross. Hill were always in charge but never really got their class to tell, most probably down to the lousy conditions, with Danny doing his singing in the rain impressions in the puddles.

A 6-0 win, another clean sheet what more can you ask from Mr. Collins.  A very hearty performance from all 14 players, in torrential weather conditions. A half time turns around from an average first half. Good performances by Danny but man of the match had to go to myself because I am writing the report (only joking). 2 goals from a center back lee was my man of the match and other spectators but a good team performance by the SUPA 3’s.

Reporter Alex James Lodge (right back)   

Civil Service 0 Winchmore Hill 2
Southern Amateur League
Junior Division One
Saturday 6 December

The Supa 3s travelled to Chiswick on Saturday to renew their rivalries with Civil Service and in doing so turned in what was undoubtedly their worst performance of the season. Late arrivals, dressing room ambivalence and a lacklustre attitude in the warm up led to a slow start which gave the lowly placed Civil hope and they nearly opened the scoring after two minutes when Stuart ‘Beckenbauer you ain't’ Collins lost the ball trying to dribble out of defence, being the last man. Luckily the swift footed Alex Lodge was there to cover his captain's delusions of grandeur and it was the same young full back whose cross was met by Haslam, at the end of a fine move, to put the Hill ahead five minutes later. This lead to a twenty minute spell of Hill dominance with good football played on both flanks - Moody and Gibson linking well on the left and Halsam and Lodge a constant threat on the right. 2-0 wasn’t long in coming when Burns latched on to a clever header from Haslam (two headers in a game, a first for Haslam)  and shinned it passed the static Civil keeper. That, however, was the end of Hill’s dominance as they sat back and let Civil come at them for the rest of the half. Unfortunately for all their battle and possession, they failed to create any clear cut chances and the half time whistle sounded without further scoring.

Hill turned round with the sun on their backs hoping to improve on their first half performance, but nothing much changed. Passes, when made, went astray, possession surrendered easily and again it was Civil making most of the running despite the valiant battling of Dench and Sharpe in the Hill midfield. Luckily for Hill, Harry was at his very best in goal coming for and reaching every cross as Civil were denied at every attempt. The Hill did create a few chances but the execution of these was poor and no more goals were forthcoming. Good performances from Gibson, Sharpey, Dench and Harry, and average performances from the rest of the team was enough for 2-0 win and three more points for the Hill. The Supa 3s now have a point lead at the top with a game in hand, but an improvement needs to be made for next week against EBOGS. Hopefully, the novelty of a home game after six matches on the road, will spark life into the Hill. With the 4 teams immediately below them in the league all playing each other at the weekend, points WILL be lost amongst the chasing pack so the chance of putting some daylight between the Supa 3s and the rest will hopefully be taken.

By next Saturday the 3s will hopefully have recovered from yesterday’s team Christmas Beano to the streets of Islington. Much ale and mead was consumed, along with the strangest pizza ever (Harry, where did you get the idea for duck on pizza? You’d be shot in Naples for just suggesting it), and a good time was had by all. Captain Collins, as ever, was a bit too touchy feely with the GOOD players. He obviously feels that cuddling them will make them stay and play for us next season, and was last seen crawling off to watch some DVDs in the hope that his fair lady was asleep when he got home. Let’s hope there will be more excuses for celebration after the next two games if Hill can finish the year on top of league and still in both Cups! 

Nottsborough 0 Winchmore Hill 4
SAL Junior Cup
Saturday 29 November

Ever since the cup computer drew out the 1^st and 2^nd placed teams in division 1, Winchmore have desperate to play Nottsborough again, eager to gain revenge for our only defeat so far and to lay down a marker for the rest of the league.  With usual starters Alan Reed and Stewart Moody away on holiday and a late Friday cry off from Ian Baker meant welcome returns to the fold for Ben Turner and Scott Beech and the best laid plans were further disrupted with Adam Graves and Danny Gibson arriving just after kick off and so relegated to the bench.  Still, Winchmore arrived resplendent in pink and maybe it was the superb warm-up but Winchmore for once started at a fast tempo and there was evident an enthusiasm coupled with some quality football that Hill have only produced in patches so far this season.

In the opening minutes, a good spell of possession moved the ball out to the left where Nick Sharp put in a cross to the back post which found Chris Ingram unmarked and he squared it back for Ben Turner to tap in and give Hill an early lead.  One nil became 2-0 after 20 minutes when the same two combined again for Ben to double his tally.  This rattled Nottsborough and Winchmore were now firmly on top and dominating the play in the middle of the pitch and looking dangerous when we had the ball.  A free kick just on the edge of the box from Nick Sharp whistled inches wide and Hill were playing at a faster tempo than Nottsborough were comfortable with.  Chris Ingram caused problems for the home team’s backline all game and from his corner a misplaced clearance fell to Sharp who’s goalbound volley deflected off An-Rui Chiew on the goal line to make the score 3-0 just before half time.   

Nottsborough, having clearly been given a rollocking at half-time, started brightly and put a lot of pressure on the Hill goal for the first 20 minutes of the half, without really being able to breach the Winchmore defence and work the Hill keeper.  The midfield two of Madigan and Dench were working tremendously hard to suppress the threat of Robin Taylor who, although not being so mobile, is still a class player and was having an increasing influence on the game.  Nottsborough have two of the best forwards in the league who have good and Collins and Burns put in good performances to nullify their threat.  Full backs Nick Sharp and Alex Lodge both won the personal battles with their respective wingers and always providing an easy option when the away side were in possession.   At 16, Alex produced a very mature performance against good opposition (as well as admirable dedication to the new fining protocol) and if used correctly and listens to his brother, will develop into a fine player.

Paddy was replaced by Adam Graves after 70 minutes due to tiredness in his first start of the season since returning from injury and both he and Will Dench can take credit for providing the platform for the front 4 to play off.  Both he and Dench broke up the opposition’s rhythm superbly and at this level, combativeness is very often the difference between teams.  It was the replacement Graves who took the corner that led to Hill’s fourth goal.  Driven in firmly to the near post, Sharp and Chiew ended up jumping with each other and the resulting header rocketed into the top corner.  This is firmly one for the dubious goals panel but as he bought a jug-avoidance jug, it will no doubt go to Chiew.

The last 15 minutes highlighted the ultimate difference between the two sides, with Hill’s greater commitment, workrate and fitness coming to the fore as Nottsborough were at sixes and sevens to cope with a vibrant away team.  Ben Turner was denied a hat-trick when a tap in was ruled offside and late efforts from Mark Haslam and Chris Ingram were passed up through a combination of good goal keeping and conscience.   There was just time for a welcome return to action for Scott Beech who came on for the hard-working Mark Haslam for a cameo appearance at right midfield.  Beech has been away travelling for the past year and has recently be struck down with a virus which in addition to making him lose a lot of bodyweight, has also robbed him of his ability to run and his first touch.   The excellent referee finally brought proceedings to an end, complimenting both teams on their attitude and quality, but then ruining it all by awarding centre halves Collins and Burns joint MOM. 

Whilst still having the nicest showers in the league, Nottsborough’s go-karting track, warm clubhouse and scampi in a basket have been replaced by a marquee and microwaved hot-dogs so we made our excuses and decamped to a strange pub in Islington where we all drank Scott Beech’s bodyweight in beer (twice), watched Dench genuinely try to fight our leading scorer after a few too many sherbets and successfully managed to lose Captain Collins after some strategic manoeuvring at Vauxhall.

Two seasons ago, Winchmore beat the a very good champions elect Nottsborough 4-0 at Tolworth in the finest third team performance this author has been a part of and whilst we were too far behind to catch them in the league, it was the belief gained from that performance that took Hill to a Cup double.  The benchmark has now been set in terms of the level of workrate and teamwork expected in each and every game and Winchmore now have a strong squad with every player being worthy of a starting place in the team. The dedication and commitment of each player will play a key role in determining their level of involvement in what potentially could be a very good season. 

Old Esthameians 1 Winchmore Hill 3
Amateur Football Alliance Junior Cup
Saturday 22 November

With four key players missing, and thanks to two long standing club members refusing to play for the team despite being selected, Hill were down to the bare bones for a potentially tricky away cup tie at Wadham Lodge.  A shortage of numbers means opportunity for someone else and this meant a call up for young Alex Lodge from the 7s. 

Poor preparation became terrible when Paddy had to be woken up at 12.15 after a night on the Guinness, quite clearly still intoxicated and in no condition to drive, let alone play centre midfield. A quick tactical reshuffle resulting in about 8 players playing out of position and we were ready to go.  The 1.30 kick off time came and went, and no sign of the opposition for their home game and when they eventually rolled out to the pitch after 2pm, Paddy has nearly sobered up.

The first half followed a similar pattern to the second half of last week's league game against the same opposition with the two boys in the middle breaking up play well and our front four looking dangerous whenever they got the ball.  An early goal from Mark Haslam from a Stewart Moody cut back settled any nerves and when a superb cross field pass from An-Rui Chiew found Chris Ingram in front of goal and he showed why he is the bookies favourite for the Winchmore Hill Golden Boot with a fantastic finish and Hill were 2-0 up and cruising.  The Esthamians keeper was not having his best game and was soon beaten again as An-Rui Chiew scored a goal I can't remember anything about to please his watching family and finish the tie at 3-0 just before half time.

The general opinion at half time was more of the same and more goals will follow until someone realised Paddy had left the valuables somewhere and then we all went very quiet while he staggered off to try and find them.

With the game all but over and the Hill players counting up how much they stood to lose if the valuables didn‘t turn up, the second half was a dull affair with chances missed by Chris Ingram and Mark Haslam and a free kick hit narrowly wide by Moody being the closest we got to extending our lead.  That is aside from a disturbing piece of ill-discipline by Winchmore bad-boy Danny Gibson which resulted in a deserved booking and a shocking example for any youngsters watching and has no place on a football pitch. 

Esthamians scored with about 20 minutes to go and had a brief 5 minutes of action and energy but there was to be no upset and the ref, after an impressive performance, blew to signal the end of the game and put Hill into the last 16.  Positives from the game were a very promising debut from Alex Lodge, a first full 90 minutes from Stewart Moody who is getting better and better and a few players showing they can play out of position if needed for the future.

Next up the SAL Cup and an away tie against a Nottsborough side who were fortunate to inflict our only defeat so far in a close game earlier this season.  They are always a strong side and results against them often provide a good barometer of your likely prospects so Hill will be out for revenge and to continue our recent good run. 
 

Old Esthameians 1 Winchmore Hill 6
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 15 November

Crossing the A-406 into the wilds of deepest, darkest Waltham Forest, captain Collins and his merry band of warriors went to do battle with Ye Olde Esthamians at the field known as Wadham Lodge.

Heavily disguised in head garb ranging from Reedy's Dame Edna pink number, to Graves' spin doctor look, the 3s sneaked into the ground unnoticed by OEs, and weren't met on the lines of battle until just before kick off. However, any hope of the 3s being better prepared than the late arriving OEs were dispersed in the first five minutes of the match at the hosts started much the brighter.

'Tourette's' Harry was the first keeper called into action as Burns' was left flat footed by the OE's number ten on the half way line, for the forward only to shoot straight at the Hill keeper who kept his angles covered well. After this, Hill took over with Will @Scarlet' Dench having another great game and Ingram and Baker getting behind the enemy lines with ease. However, after missing several well created openings, Hill were lucky not to go in at half time one down with Harry again saving well at the feet of the OE's number 10 just before the break.

They weren't so lucky after the break however, as some ping pong between Burns, Dench and Collins led to the OE's winger racing down the line before cutting back to shoot from six yards leaving Harry with no chance. This sparked Hill into life and from the next attack, Baker coolly rounded the keep to make it all square. Hill had now bought on their 3 subs, and as in previous weeks, this only strengthened the team and one of the replacements, Paddy, was prevalent in Hill taking the lead – his excellently timed through ball put Baker in on goal and left no chance for OE's keeper. 2-1, and this quickly became 3 as Baker's good work down the left saw an acrobatic over head kick finish from Ingram (after missing a simpler tap-in). The Hill were now in control and playing some good football, but beyond the football was some great battling done by the midfield that must knock the stuffing out of most opposition. OE's certainly felt this as each attack was harassed as soon as they crossed into the Hill half and they were restricted to long balls and raking free kicks that led to nothing.

At the other end Friar Ingram was body slammed for what looked like a certain penalty, but from the resulting free-kick, a Moody thunderbolt broke through the OE's wall and the game was put to bed. An Ingram chip to Baker for a stunning volley finish then followed for 5-1 and 6-1 soon came with Baker securing his fourth with a lob.

Pleasant revenge for last year's 1-7 reverse and a good lead-up to next week's AFA Cup game against the same team! The Hill are now top of the league after 7 games although there are a host of teams bunching just below ready to pounce on any lapses by the 3s. Onward upwards, with two away games in the cups in the next two weeks for the 3s before they return to league action (away again) against Civil Service during the festive season.

Old Actonians Association 0 Winchmore Hill 3
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 1 November

A wet and windy Gunnersbury Lane welcomed the Supa 3s, as winter made its first appearance of the season. 'Late again' Dench further bolstered the funds of the Christmas night out by turning up 'late again' with three pairs of dirty boots, although adhering to the official "wear a poppy" rule of the week.  As if Collins needed help with his team talk, it was provided by the rather unruly way the 3s were 'asked' to leave the home changing room before the game, so geeing up the boys before kick off. So out the team marched onto the sublime playing surface, taking little regard of the blustery and cold conditions, helped massively by Haslam resembling one of Ray Mears' Real Heroes of the Telemark in full winter wear, bar the goggles.

Actonians, a totally new team from last year, and much the better for it (although they won’t have their three 1st team players every week), started the brighter with their football neat and crisp. However, for all their possession, Chris Grey in goal was rarely tested by the Actonians frontline, and it was the Hill's counter attacking that looked more threatening, Moody looking fitter each week, Reedy and Haslam making inroads on the other flank and Ingram and Baker continuously being found by good passing from Dench and Graves.

And it was Hill that took the lead after twenty minutes, with Moody scoring directly from a wickedly swerving corner that had the Actonians keeper in all sorts of problems. Ingram then hit a low shot that slipped through the aforementioned keeper's hands that hit the post and bounced back. Bit the posted proved little respite, as Ingram then slipped the ball round the Actonians centre half and ran onto it before slipping the ball into the net. An excellent goal, Ingram's tenth in 7 games, and Hill were two to the good. Actonians were then stunned into action and only an excellent last gasp tackle by Sharp, prevented the Actonians centre forward going through on goal, and Hill went into half time still two up.

So to the second half. Hill turned around, wind in their faces, and faced an early onslaught from Actonians, but Chris Grey dealt with all that was thrown at him, which were mostly shots from outside the penalty area. It wasn't all one way however, as Hill were creating chances of their own, An-Rui now on for Moody, and creating a different kind of havoc on the left flank, to what Moody had in the first half - the Actonians right back must has definitely had easier days than this!

So with ten minutes left on the clock, a rebounded free kick on the left, found it's way back to Reedy who stole in on goal and curled an exquisite shot into the corner of the net. Game over, 3-0 to the 3s and although Actonians continued to attack incessantly until the end of the game, much to their credit, this was Hill's day and the 3s returned to the warmth and sanctuary of the club house - you can keep your changing room, we'll take your 3 points instead.
 
Post match, having met up with the 4s who had impressively beaten Actonians 5-0 (not many teams come to Acton and get an 8-0 aggregate scoreline) we were forced to watch Spurs somehow yet again fluke their way to some much needed points (still bottom and so the worst team in the league - ). We retreated to the other bar when the rugby players started drinking each others urine where we found the Actonians players hiding away and we laughed at their 3rd team for playing three 1st team players and still getting whacked, laughed at other 1st team players for not being good to beat us and their 2nd team for getting beat by us twice in our midweek league.  To be fair to them, they were a good bunch of lads, took it all in good spirits and there were probably 20 of them still drinking in their bar at 8pm which is more than we usually see at the Paulin.

It was then out for Captain Collins 40th birthday celebration in the delights of Upper Street where thanks to Miss Artois and about half a bottle of Port my memory becomes a bit sketchy, Welsh Will was held captive in the train for a few stops until he was let off in the middle of nowhere to get home, as usual much the worse for wear. Nothing has been heard or seen of him since which is a little worrying and also a potential problem for our Christmas do as on current form he's financing it himself.  Sharpy fell asleep on the last train and had to get a £50 cab back home from Hertford, Collins got very, very drunk and plenty of others were forced to listen to a mixture of Elvis, Northern, Winchmore Hillian and Scouse for the night.

So, another 3 points that took Winchmore back to joint top of the league, second only on goal difference to Nottsborough. 4 wins, a draw and a loss, and now having played 5 of the teams that would be seen as contenders to the title, the 3s have earned a week off next week where Captain Collins is appearing as Widow Twankie at his daughter tenth birthday party and Dench is planning a day of thanks to all things Welsh including making a Catherine Jenkins doll from sheep's hair and changing his name to Geffyn, or Daffyd or something like that.

Crouch End Vampires 2 Winchmore Hill 5
AFA Junior Cup - Round Two
Saturday 25 October 

The first round of the AFA Cup is an exciting time for any SAL footballer and so it proved on Saturday. Rumours that Collins had flown home early from New York to play were strong but ultimately rubbish whilst rumours Haslam had not been able to sleep the night before due to the excitement proved true when he sleepily agreed to pay a fine for an invisible nutmeg.

The Vampires won the toss and kicked off against the wind trying to avoid the sunlight as best they could. The only notable incident in the first 10 minutes was an injury to Gibson as he stretched a hamstring trying to make a cross in the Vampires area. Gibson was replaced by Jamie ‘Foxy’ Bell with Graves moving into the back 4. Hill soon took the lead with a great through ball from Haslam resulting in Baker crossing for Ingram to tap in. For a few brief moments Hill thought that this would be like the pre season game were Hill won 8-1. This was not to be as the Vampires showed lots of character and skill and were soon 2-1 up. The second goal in particular was very good with Dench getting nutmegged in the corner and then the ball being curled into the top corner of the net. An excellent goal!!

The lead was short lived however, as Ingram turned on a sixpence, beat 3 players and then curled the ball from 30 yards towards the corner of the goal. Unfortunately the woodwork was not kind to Ingram yet again but this time Haslam was following up to square the ball for Baker to make it 2-2. This was the half time score and the stand in manager Sharp had it all to do.

The second half started better for Hill with Bell and Dench providing the bite in midfield, Graves and Burns the assurance and coolness at the back whilst Ingram and Baker where dangerous up front. The Vampires did have one chance when their forward was through but Grey made an excellent save and the Vampires were having difficulty with Hill’s crosses into the box. Hill were now on top and the third goal came when a snap shot from Baker found the back of the net. Nothing could stop Hill, and Baker duly completed his hatrick with an excellent lob from a huge goal kick. This was like a stake in the heart to the Vampires who had played very well.

The last 15 minutes were played at a more sedate pace with Sharp even managing to remove his body warmer for 10 minutes to come on and play a cameo role up front. He had not touched the ball when a quick corner routine between Ingram and Bell resulted in Ingram catching out the Vampires keeper at his near post from a tight angle. This was the final nail in the coffin for the Vampires and ref soon blew his whistle and Hill had progressed to the next round. Some of the good teams that we have already played were not so fortunate.

This was a good performance against a strong and aggressive team that will create problems for all those that they face this season. The fact that Hill can match teams physically is a good thing as with the footballing skills they have they will be a match for anyone.

Man of the match: Ian Baker – Hatrick on his comeback

Special mention: Marouane Fellaini + Phil Neville – Great header + Great tackle

Extra Special mention: Will Dench –  Paying for the Christmas night out by himself

Winchmore Hill 2 Nottsborough 3
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 18 October 

A first loss of the season for the 3s, on very green and very tiring Firs Farm pitch, came after probably their best performance of the season. Nottsborough were the visitors at Firs Farm, playing on the 'hallowed turf' for the third time in four years, much to their disdain. Hill started the brighter with Ingram and An-Rui making a real nuisance of themselves up front, giving no time at all to usually composed Nottsborough back four and it was Ingram who ended an excellent move involving Dench, Jaggers and the cardigan wearing Sharpy, by firing into the Nottsborough goal after ten minutes.

An-Rui then went close, staying on his feet despite being pulled back by the Notts centre half, where a penalty and a sending off would have been an easy decision for the ref to make had An-Rui been of a certain nature. Hill then had the ball in the back of the net 5 minutes later but the 'goal' was deemed offside, and from the resulting counter attack, Notts centre forward volleyed well from a hanging cross and it was all level. Unjust, but 'thems the breaks'....two minutes later Notts were ahead following an unlucky deflection and within 5 Hill were 3-1 behind following some more bad defending. So, in five minutes the game was transformed into one that Hill were now forced to chase. Half chances came and went, but half time saw no addition to the score.

An interval b*****king from camp manager Collins, before he dashed off for his flight to San Francisco, pink case et al, installed some new fire into Hill and for the rest of the game, the football was mainly played in the Notts half, bar the odd breakaway from Notts.

Hill were having joy down both flanks, getting in behind the fall backs, but lacking a killer final ball. A piece of brilliance was needed and came in the shape of Ingram dancing round the Notts centre half before chipping the keep. 2-3 and the game was back on! Ingram then hit the bar, the ball bouncing on the line, but Graves and Haslam weren't tall enough to head in the rebound.

Although further chances came and went, including a goal line clearance from Notts following an Ingram free kick, Nottsborough held on well to take all the points and go top of the league. Losing was a big disappointment, but Graves and Dench looked at their best as a partnership, despite Will's 'Just Good Friends' hairstyle, and Graves continued insistence in speaking Northern, even though we all know he is from the Isle of Sheppey.

Man of the Match Ingram followed closely by An Rui

Old Owens 4 Winchmore Hill 5
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 11 October

On a sunny day in Potters Bar the Supa 3s had some excellent spells which ultimately led to victory but they must learn to defend better. The unbeaten run at the start of the season has now reached four but Owens pushed Hill all the way.

The skipper lost the toss again and Hill kicked off with the gentle breeze behind them. Owens started off better however and were soon a goal up when an innocuous long throw was diverted in from 3 yards out as noone from Hill attacked the ball.

This was the wake up call that Hill needed and Ingram should have scored before Fox converted following up a Celaschi shot. 1-1 quickly became 2-1 as Ingram ran threw unchallenged with a slight possibility of offside but he coolly slotted home anyway. Hill were playing much better now with Burns in his basketball shorts (that has to be a fine) and Collins starting to impose themselves at the back and Dench and Graves starting to tighten their grip in midfield.

Hill almost scored again with an audacious lob from 50 yards from Ingram but the ball came back off the base of the post with Haslam unable to convert the rebound. Hill were on top at this stage so it came as a complete surprise when Owens equalised. Collins was caught short in a 10 yard race despite having a 6 yard head start and Owens' 'not very fast' striker toe poked the ball home from 10 yards. Hill were ahead again after just 22 seconds as Haslam played a wonderful 1-2 with the Owens left back before smashing the ball into the top corner. Half time and Collins was not amused.

Hill didn’t really get going in the second half and it was Owens who looked the more dangerous. Owen’s left winger got in a number of dangerous positions before trying to shoot from daft angles rather than crossing the ball. They still equalised however, when with the ball bouncing round in the box their striker slotted one into the corner of the net giving 'The Lyme' in goal no chance. Once again the lead did not last long as a fine cross by Fox was shouldered home by Graves on the goal line. That’s 3 in 3 games now for the big man!! Owens equalised once again but I’ve forgotten what their goal was like. Mark Haslam has paid me £10 to write that!! There was still time for Hill to score yet again after a fine goal from new signing ‘Jaggers’ who looks an excellent player. Another fine cross from Fox was converted at the back post with a sweet left foot shot. This time there was to be no comeback although the Owens striker did blast one over the bar from 6 yards with the keeper no where to be seen.

Hill did not play well but somehow managed to find a way to win. This week will be much tougher against a Nottsborough team who have started the league very well. This will be a true test of Sharp’s bold prediction and if Hill defend in the same way as Saturday  the VIP room at the club on Saturday evening will not be a jolly place.

For this game we will be without our skipper as he is off in New York celebrating his 50th birthday (must be a fine depending on what presents he brings back). This brings back together the undefeated Sharp/Ingram partnership so expect the Supa 3s to play like Brazil once again.

Have a good holiday Stu!!

Man of the match: Jamie Fox – Had a hand in every goal!

Winchmore Hill 5 Weirside Rangers 0
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 4 October

After a good start to the season and despite wanting to continue their impressive 2 match unbeaten run, Winchmore 3^rd team arrived looking more like an advert for “What not to Wear” rather than a football team.  Hassie and Graves coming dressed as Biker Mice from Mars, Captain Collins for some reason dressed as one of the village people (better than last weeks Spanish waiter effort), housewives favourite Chris Ingram stepping out in pastel pink, injured squad man Friendy came as Dr Who and Welsh Will wore his birds coat.  Collins pre-match team talk (“Chris - get more involved” etc etc) was interrupted by Wierside telling us that their 1s had pilfered all their kit and they only had 8 shirts.  A desperate look around found a couple of white tops although there was a last minute panic when we thought we might not be able to provide a shirt for their left back but a quick rummage through the under 7’s youth team kit found one small enough.

A strong 14 that took to the pitch for the home side, including a debut for Jamie Bell and Chris Grey deputising in goal for Andy Griffiths who had replaced one of the fighting Irish in Jack’s army.  The opening exchanges were scrappy with Hill struggling with the wind and so not being able to keep the ball well enough to assert any pressure.  For the first 20 minutes the only thing of note that happened was Nick Sharp being booked for a slightly cynical foul on their winger with orange boots but quickly redeemed himself with a goal saving tackle on their midfielder as he walked through and around our mature centre halves shortly after.  The midfield then got on top and we started to provide better service into the front two and Hill soon went ahead with a Chris Ingram header from a lovely Danny Gibson cross.  Looking back through the Ingram family scrapbook, it turns out this was the first time Ingram has ever headed the ball in his life and so impressed was he by the end result, Mark Haslam decided to join in and win his first header ever just minutes after.

One nil quickly became two as Ingram was the only one alert enough to react to a Welsh Will cross shot and rounded their keeper neatly and slotted home which is how it stayed until half time.

For some reason we lost the duty officer at half time and in a first for most of the team, we had our half time team talk in the girls changing room.  With comfy seats and carpets this could be a regular thing although Captain Collins lost his train of thought when a couple of female hockey players appeared and he suddenly morphed into Zorro.

The second half continued much in the same vein as the first, Wierside, although having some decent individuals, carried on playing as such and so weren’t putting any pressure on the Hill defence.  With Lee Burns imperious at the back and Captain Collins staying very deep, Winchmore started to get a bit more space as the belief slowly ebbed out of the opposition and from the kick off it was always going to be a case of how many.  With 3 subs and the game seemingly won, it gave Captain Collins a chance to rotate after 60 minutes and bring on Jamie Bell for an impressive debut in midfield, Matt Phealen for a first appearance at left back and “goal of the season 2008/09 winner” Henry Chiew on to good effect down our left flank.  With Welsh Will, Hassie and Sharpy on the sidelines reminiscing about times gone by when they used to be the heartbeat of the team and when Will used to have short hair and wear men’s clothes.

Wierside’s misery was compounded when their centre back was sent off shortly after for handball on the line to stop a goalbound Henry header.  Whilst some people may regard this as harsh, sometimes life throws up these challenges to teach important lessons and their centre midfielder now knows that kicking the goalpost in anger really hurts your foot.  Despite banter from his opposing number, Ingram slotted home as he always does and Hill were coasting. 

I won't go in to much detail on what happened on 70 minutes as anyone who was in the bar Saturday night will have heard about it at least 6 times (sorry 1st team) but portly midfield general Adam Graves, scored a peach of a volley from outside the box to make it 4 and take second place in the goal of the season competition.  There was still time for Henry to give their right back twisted blood and create three or four guilt edged chances but the only one taken was Ian Baker’s shot which went through the keepers hands in injury time to make the final score 5-0 to the Hill.

The post-match entertainment was well and truly sponsored by Stella Artois with Welsh Will coming close to repeating his antics at last years football dinner until he was asked to leave at 7pm and an unnamed person cruelly left Captain Collins with two left boots for the Vets tournament on Sunday morning.  All in all, a good 3 points, a welcome clean sheet and another 27 consecutive wins and we’ll win the treble - the super 3s are well and truly back!

Winchmore Hill 5 Kew Association 3
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 20 September

On the warmest day of the year so far the Supa 3’s got the shock of their lives but managed to win the game eventually 5-3. The day started well with only Burns and Collins being late and Collins being reunited with his ‘football underpants’ which were found in Mark Haslam’s bag. Thankfully they had been cleaned but questions must be asked why Hassie had them!! Collins was forced to make more tough decisions as Reed and Haslam were left out to incorporate Danny and Matt. There really is some strength in the Supa 3’s this year!!

Collins won his first toss of the year and Kew kicked off towards the clubhouse. They were very quickly 2-0 through a mixture of excellent play and awful defending and it took about 15 minutes before Hill really touched the ball not including centres. Slowly Hill managed to get a foothold in the game and pulled one back after a short corner routine straight from the training ground between Ingram and Gibson allowed Burns to clinically finish from 2 yards. The equaliser came almost immediately after good play down the left from new boy Matt led to Ingram playing in Baker who volleyed home from 10 yards. The game had started like a whirlwind and there was to be no respite!!

Kew took the lead again when there 5 foot 4 striker rose in the penalty area to head home. The next goal however was the goal of the game, the goal of the season and maybe the goal of the millennium. Graves went down the left and pulled back a great left footed cross from the by-line (what was he doing there) to An-Rui who came rushing in to smash the ball home first time on the volley with his left foot. The ball was hit so hard the net broke. The keeper just managed to get out of the way and he looked like an English opening batsmen when Brett Lee is running into bowl at the WACA. It was a great goal and it came a minute before half time.

Reed came on for the second half and by now Hill were on top. Kew played on the break and forced our new keeper into making at least 3 great saves. At the other end however, Hill had several good chances and should have put the game out of sight. One particular effort from Ingram from 3 yards out was not good. It wasn’t even nearly good. The 4^th goal had to come however and it came on 80 minutes when strong play from Baker who had given the Kew defence a torrid time all afternoon outmuscled the last defender and drove home from a tight angle. There was still time for Andy to make another great save and then cool defending from Gibson who allowed the ball to run out when it would have been easier to panic.

As Kew pushed forward they left gaps at the back and the 5^th goal came in injury time as Baker held up the ball for Ingram to run through the defence and then coolly slot home with his left foot. The excellent ref blew his whistle not long after and Hill went into the bar happy with their first win of the season.

This season so far has been very tough and we have played against 2 excellent teams. Looking at the results on the SAL website it appears it maybe tough this year. There is no doubt that Hill are strong but it looks like everyone else is too. Everyone needs to stay on their toes and as fit as possible as everyone will be needed over the coming months. 4 points from 2 very difficult games is an excellent start.

No game next week which is good as I am away in Valencia at a wedding. Can everyone also please pray for Everton this week as we play Liverpool on Sat and we need all the help we can get?

Man of the Match – Very difficult this week as there were lots of good performances but the 2 guys at either end of the pitch made the difference. Well played Andy and Ian.

Alleyn Old Boys 2 Winchmore Hill 3
Southern Amateur League
Junior Section Division One
Saturday 13 September

There is nothing quite like the first day of the season to get everyone excited. The pre-season had gone well with three victories; the fitness was looking good thanks to Collins summer regime and a visit to the Champions on the opening day. It couldn’t get any better!! The Threes were all very excited in particular Haslam, Graves and Reed who were all up before 7am like an excited infant on Christmas Day.

Thanks to Sharp’s new fines system all except Burns and Graves were there before 2pm with the two exceptions being fined for their tardiness. After watching Liverpool totally outplay United for a little while we went and warmed up before Collins read out the team and off we went. Alleyn’s pitch was beautiful although not quite as good as the Paulin but then no ground (except Goodison) is.

Collins (in his new football under pants – not just obviously) tossed up and chose ends meaning Alleyn kicked off. It was Hill who started off with a bang however with An-Rui scoring the first goal of the season after only 10 minutes. A measured pass from Sharp was flicked on by Ingram to Haslam who tried to return the pass only for the ball to run free where An-Rui calmly dispatched the ball into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance.

Hill had started with all guns blazing and one quickly became two as another ball from Sharp to Ingram, who was taken out by the defender leaving Haslam to cut inside and coolly slot home from 12 yards. Hill were brilliant at this stage and really should have gone on to win the game. Try as they might however, the third goal would not come. One particular 30 yard strike from Ingram with the outside of his foot drew adoring gasps from the crowd. There was a warning just before half time however when Allen hit the bar from a similar distance but at the interval it was 2-0.

Alleyn started the second half better bringing on two substitutes who made a huge difference. One in particular was extremely quick and had the full backs on their toes. Hill continued to play neat football but their final ball let them down over and over again when a third would have finished the game. This is something we can definitely work on. Alleyn continued to play and got their rewards with 10 minutes left when a near post header made it 2-1. The pressure was on now and it became 2-2 after 88 minutes when the ref gave a stone wall penalty and it was slotted home to make it 2-2. To say we were disappointed after the game was a massive understatement.

As the lager flowed however the 3s became more philosophical and realised a 2-2 away on the first day against the Champions is not a disaster. Everyone had contributed and Alleyn had played some very good football, had never given up and will probably argue they deserved a point. Sharp’s fining system appears to be working and Hill had played some excellent football. This was much improved on last years display here and the team looks stronger all round. This disappointment can be the motivation to go on and win something or everything this year.