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Eighth XI
Old Finchleians 1 Winchmore Hill 4
AFA Junior
Novets Cup
Saturday 28 November
From
the KO both teams looked eager to book their place in the last 16 of
the AFA cup, playing good football and attacking each other from the
start with what looked as though it was going to be a tough
encounter for both sides.
The Hill had named a couple of changes due to injury and selection,
introducing Dan Hancock in goal, Halls in the centre of the park and
Joe Castagnoli as our only substitute. Among the few new names
skipper Alex Hendrick introduced a new 3-5-2 formation throwing
himself in the deep-end at the centre of defence.
Hill adapted well to the new formation and were coping very well
with the constant threat from the Finchleians midfield/forwards and
looked increasingly dangerous on the counter. The game was in limbo
and either side could have taken the lead with impressive efforts
followed by impressive keeping at either end.
But it was Hill that made the breakthrough. Some great defensive
play from Chris Richards and the ball was fed down the left wing to
Steve Bromley who found Kris Eracli inside who, after asking his own
player for space, pushed the ball in front of himself and unleashed
a 30 yard strike (hit and hope) which found its way into the back of
the Finchleians net. 1-0 Hill.
The Hill started to take control with Ronnie, Alex Hendrick and
Chris dominating the defence nicely and midfield dominating the
middle combining magnificently to keep creating chances for the
Hill. Paul Berriman always looked dangerous leading Winchmore going
forward and eventually found space through the middle, after a quick
break down the Winchmore left wing, to slot the ball home for the
second goal of the half. Half time and a deserved 2-0 lead to
Winchmore.
The Hill kicked off the second half knowing how dangerous a 2-0 lead
can be, especially in a knock-out cup situation with the increasing
likelihood of Finchleians throwing everything at them, which is
exactly what they did. With Hill’s back 3 starting to look
increasingly under pressure from Finchleians forwards, even with
Carl Johnson sitting in a deep defensive Midfield role the Hill
seemed to be outnumbered when Finchleians were on the attack, and it
was only a matter of time before they found a spare man and made it
count, 2-1 and the tie now looked to be under Finchleians demand.
Still with the lead though and before the re-start The Hill had
re-formatted to a 4-4-2 bolstering the defence to try and deny what
was going to undoubtedly be a tough last half hour for Winchmore.
Finchleians came again and again but the Hill remained calm on the
ball and continued to play football, which was impressive under the
pressure and eventually paid off with Steve Bromley going alone with
a great solo effort and trick-finish to again increase the Hills gap
back to two. 3-1 to the Hill and Joe on came to a forward position
who immediately linked up with the midfield and working hard to keep
Finchleians on the back foot.
Again with some good Hill play and a short scramble in the
Finchleians box, the ball fell to Hills new introduction Joe, who’s
deflected finish effectively sent Finchleians out of the tie.
4-1 and the game was over, through to the next round of the AFA cup
after a disappointing exit from the SAL just a week earlier. The
draw awaits…
Winchmore Hill 2 BB Eagles 1
Southern Amateur League Junior Novets Cup
Saturday 7 November
After a couple of disappointing and lacklustre displays in the last
2 weeks the 8s were looking to get back on track in the SAL cup
against a BB Eagles team that were far from pushovers. Eagles had
the kick off but were immediately charged down with a committed
challenge from captain Alex Hendrick which set the tone for what was
about to unfold. The game ebbed and flowed with half chances for
both teams. Tackles were a plenty but although the game was physical
it was played in a good spirit throughout which was a credit to both
teams and the young referee Alex Lodge. Hills back line had to work
hard to keep the Eagles physical forwards at bay but with a new
system and expert marshalling from centre back Ronnie Smylie they
stood firm. Carl Johnson and Mike Sargeant also had excellent games
in midfield making life hard for their opponents. Hill came close to
scoring a couple of times but half time was reached with the scores
level at 0-0.
The second half continued in much the same vain until Hill’s striker
Chris Eracli lit up the game when set free on the left side of the
penalty area. A cool finish left the keeper helpless and Hill’s hard
graft was starting to pay off. Eagles feeling aggrieved in a very
even game tried to battle their way back into the game. Again Hill
stood firm and were rewarded again when on the break a superb
through ball by Mike Sargeant was fed down the inside right channel
perfectly for Chris Eracli to run onto. The keeper came to close
down the ball but with cool head Eracli took the ball to the
keeper’s right and with a finish that would grace any game put Hill
2-0 up.
Concentration was now the order of the day as Eagles threw
everything they had with two forward substitutions in desperation to
get back into the game. Eagles eventually got their goal. A high
ball was heading a couple of yards into the Hill area when the
Eagle’s player appeared to go straight through the defender and
goalkeeper to challenge the ball. The ball spilled from the keepers
grasp under the weight of the challenge and eventually fell to an
Eagle’s player who had an easy finish.
Despite Eagles throwing caution to the wind Hill’s defence stood
firm under sustained pressure and recorded a hard fought and well
deserved victory against a strong team. An excellent game, well done
to all who played and the 8s march on to the quarter finals.
Winchmore Hill 5 Winchmore Hill 9s 3
Southern Amateur League
Minor Section Division Four (North)
Saturday 26 September
With a mixture of last seasons 9s and 7s and a whole load of new
faces it was the first clash of the season for our WHFC Eighth team
and Ninth team! With everyone rearing to go the matched kicked off
and with the early possession the 8s looked most likely to score 1st
with Mike Herbert upfront as the loan striker. Against the run of
play however it was the 9s who got the first goal with a long ball
to Peter Cooper the 9s front man showed good strength pace an
composure to put the 9s ahead in the 1st
15mins! The 8s defence was all over the place, a shocking goal to
concede followed moments later by a near carbon copy, Peter Cooper
again showed great composure to put the home side ahead!
With the 9s 2-0 up against the 8s drastic changes were needed and
the players knew it! A defensive reshuffle and the two wingers
swapping sides, instigated by the team itself, a comeback from the
8s was on the cards. With a good spell of possession again a lucky
break from the 9s attack saw Jason Townsend break unopposed down the
wing and slide a simple pass across goal for Steve Bromley to score.
2-1 and the fight back begins! With a few mins left of the 1st
half a corner was awarded to the 8s and it was Alex Anastasiou who’s
sheer power and aggression made him win yet another header and this
time it was in the back of the net 2-2 just what the doctor ordered!
After some stern words at half time the 8s went back on the field
hungry for victory! Once again the 8s started the half well and with
the midfield three of Alex Joe and James Hall they soaked up the
pressure from the 9s. Constantly knocking at the door the 8s looked
very impressive with some good long range efforts and general
forward play. Looking for an opener Alex left the pitch for the
slighter frame of Chris Eracli who showed some great touches and
good link play in the central midfield role. With some good build up
play in two of the 8s next moves the re were goals for both Steve
Bromley with a cracking effort ant Joe Castagnoli.
The 8s were now in front by two goals with the 9s playing catch up!!
With the game in the final stages the 9snow had it all to do. Foul
near the area and a free kick to the 9s, a great delivery into the
box saw Paul Cooper rise the highest and head in the for the 9s! 3-4
and the 9s pressure was playing off! Another comeback perhaps?
With the 9s in search of the equaliser the game was stretched and
after an 8s counter Attack it was Chris Richards who had a good game
at right back, who scored the final headed goal from the corner. 5-3
with only the few minutes remaining the game was finished off.
A score line which in fairness gave little justice for the 9s as
they were tough opposition and should hopefully join us near the top
of the table come the end of the season. Well done to both sets of
Players a thoroughly enjoyable match!
Alexandra Park 2 Winchmore Hill 2
Southern Amateur League
Minor Section Division Four (North)
Saturday 19 September
The first game of the season saw a new look 8th team
under the captaincy of Alex Hendrick take on old rivals Alexandra
Park.
On a surprisingly hot autumn day the match kicked off at 3. The 8s
started kicking into the sun in the first half with a 4-5-1
formation with young Keeper Toby Clarridge, Chris Richards, Mike
Herbert and Joe Castagnoli making their 1st senior season
debut! The youth and energy of these young lad mixed with the
experience of the older players showed a good combination from the
start as the Hill started to take hold of the match.
Within only a few minutes we had already stretched their midfield,
James Hall and Chuks broke down an AP attack and released the ball
to Carl Johnson, under pressure Carl passed to Castagnoli who in
space took the ball forward through the centre of the pitch. With
the AP defence and midfield failing to close Joe down he went for a
long distance drive from 35yards out, the ball fizzed towards the
keeper bouncing up just in front of him and over his head!! GOAL!!
David James would have been proud! Massive mistake from the keeper
but take nothing away from Joe for having the audacity to try from
that far out!
The Hill continued to dominate the game, pressing all the tame and
not giving the opposition a moment to rest. The Hill looking deadly
on every counter attack and perhaps too wasteful on the final
delivery, ended the first half 0-1 up.
A half time team talk and a substitution with Alex for Carl in
midfield were all that we need to start the 2nd half in
the same way as the 1st. Continuing to dominate the game
we exposed their defence again weather down the left with Steve
Bromley or down the right with Jason Townsend. Chris Eracli with the
thankless task of playing the lone striker, was always looking sharp
playing on the heels of their last man waiting for the ball from
midfield to set up an attack.
During a rare spell of Alexandra Park pressure a cross from their
left side looped towards goal, however young Keeper Toby palmed the
ball away, with his back to the goal the ball hit the shoulder of
Andrew Sidoli, Toby was quick to get his hands back on the ball and
did extremely well. BUT no it can’t be a penalty!! Extreme
controversy even the AP players look confused! Handball given
against Sidoli. The Hill in disbelief look on as the AP player
strikes the ball hard, Toby dives but the ball goes into the back of
the net a goal completely against the run of play.
Losing our composure AP started to get back into the game, decisions
started to go against us and AP were looking the more likely to
score next.
Incredibly frustrated Steve Bromley made way for Mike Herbert who
moved up front to play alongside with Eracli. The Hill reverted to
the conventional 4-4-2 and started to get back into the game
overlapping runs from the fullbacks Andrew and Ronnie helping to
keep AP in their own half. Fatigue was starting to settle in and the
game was becoming stretched and scrappy. Corner - a chance to win
the aerial battle, Chris Richards up from defence managed to get on
the end of the 1st AP clearance, heading back towards the
goal once again Castagnoli was ready to pounce and headed in from
close range. 2-1 with only 15 to go.
With Hendrick on the side line shouting at his team to remain calm
and keep our shape the Hill settled the game down and mopped up any
residual attacks. With the ball down the right our defence cleared
the ball but with arms raised the ball came straight back from the
AP midfield, with their striker already in an offside position, I
can only assume the ref thought the ball came off of one of our
players, as he was clean through on goal with only the keeper to
beat. Toby closed the attacker down making himself large however he
was beaten with the strike just to the right of his glove, 2-2. With
only a few minutes to go the team made sure that no more goals were
conceded with another break similar to their 2nd goal AP
were on the attack again but a good bit of keeping by Toby made sure
that the match ended 2-2.
At the end of the game the lads obviously disappointed came off the
pitch and were adamant that we should have won, all in all I agree
with them but a point if far better than none. As thing go the
mutual feeling of the team was we have a good solid base to mount a
serious title challenge this season!!
Well done to all those who played and lets concentrate on next week.
Season 2008-09
Winchmore Hill 4 Old Finchleians 3
Southern Amateur League
Minor Section Division Four (North)
Saturday 27 September
The highly anticipated start of the Andy Bocchis managerial career
arrived a week late, after sending a couple of spies into the 7’s
team the week before to scout the opposition we knew we were going
to have a challenging opening game of the season, were the league
trying to put an spanner in the works to our title challenge ?? Or
has the standard of the opposition just risen seeing as we have
moved up a league.
They were a strong side all over the pitch, with the return of Tony
and handing debuts to Mike and Paul and a slight reshuffle with Fraz
slotting in at right back we knew we would have to bring our A game
to get a result today.
We made a slightly better start than Finchleians, maybe they thought
we would be a roll over after beating the 7’s 3 – 0 the week before,
but we showed we were made of sterner stuff and the midfield were
doing a great job of hustling them off the ball and making up the
ground to support the front two when we broke forward, and the full
backs pushing up supporting the wingers we showed we wanted to take
all 3 points.
Both teams had a couple of half chances but we made the break
through when the keeper tried to dribble a back pass round rob, he
then lost control of the ball as he was so tired taking the long
journey around rob. Paul then picked the ball up and chipped home to
put us 1 – 0 up and give us a great start.
This seemed to rile Finchleians and they tested the resolve of the
back four but found us to be holding firm, we did cerate a couple of
half chances which came to nothing, but then we were 2 – 0 to the
good with Paul’s second of the game. I would love to comment on it
but I only realised he had scored when the cheers snapped me out of
my day dream I was in, but have done some research to find out it
was a lovely effort from the edge of the box.
Finchleians were stunned but then seemed to throw everything
including the kitchen sink at us in the last 10 minutes of the half
and brought the score back to 2 -1 with a goal that had some nice
passing but also a stroke of luck with there strikers touch over our
defence left him in a perfect position to head over me while I was
caught in no mans land (Sorry lads should have done better).
Then like a shark they smelt blood and came close with a free kick
whipped in from the left, we conceded another free kick from the
same position with the ball coming out of the sun I could not see
the flight and there centre mid raced in to head home and make it 2
-2 .
We then turned on each other and had a “slight disagreement” about
some of our defending, which showed we cared but maybe we need to
show it in a better light than we did.
After some strong words from our captain at half time we went back
out with a team mentality determined to turn this result back in our
favour and claim the 3 points.
We were having to play more on the counter attack and soak up some
Finchleians pressure, we were not helped that the rock hard ground
was taking its toll on our players and our second sub had done one
to go and play for the 9’s, hope he enjoys playing down there for
the rest of the season.
We brought Peter on for Rob as he had put a good stint in but was
feeling it and we need someone to chase down any lose balls and put
there back four under pressure.
They then made the breakthrough there pressure probably deserved
with there winger cutting in from the left and driving his shot
through a couple of players in at the near post to make it 3 - 2.
This seemed to fire us up instead of our heads dropping we went at
them in search of an equaliser and had a couple of chances before
Paul was brought down by there keeper and Dave stepped up to calmly
send the keeper the wrong way and make it 3 -3.
Both teams knew the game was there for the taking and it was end to
end stuff with everyone putting 110% in to make sure a draw was the
least we went away with.
A tactical decision was made and Fraz was moved further up the pitch
with Dave sitting at right back, which allowed us to use fraz as an
outlet as he was gagging to get forward after a solid display at
right back.
We then got the break through that we deserved for the effort we had
put in when Paul latched onto a through ball and beat a couple of
players and the keeper and lashing home in the top corner just as it
looked like he was about to lose his balance, this put us 4 -3 up.
As hard as Finchleians tried they could not find a way through again
and we held on with a fine display of battling to pick up the 3
points.
This was not us at our best but we showed that were not a team who
will rollover and let other teams walk over us. With Mark and part
time Tony forging a good partnership in the middle and Mike putting
in a great shift on the left wing on his debut, curbing his
attacking instinct to help out when Neil was struggling in the
second half we managed to pull out a result against a team that
expected to beat us.
Now we take this result and the never say die attitude into the rest
of the season and maybe just maybe we can dream of ending up with
some silver wear at the end of the season.
Winchmore Hill 5 East Barnet Old Grammarians
1
Southern Amateur League
Minor Section Division Four (North)
Saturday 18 October
Team:
GK. J. Friend (2)
RB. A. Omand (1)
LB. N. McCann (Sub. Reilly) 69min
CB. C. Ali
CB. A. Bocchi
MR. D. Vann
ML. M. Johnson
MC. T. Crouchman
MC. M. Turner * Star Man
CF. Peter Cooper (1) (Sub. Sigi (1)) 61 min
CF. F. Ali (Miss of the season. Seriously unbelievable).
Two weeks is a long time in football. In the world of Winchmore Hill
8’s, it can be a lifetime. After a 7-1 mauling by Old Stationer’s in
early October, it appeared as though the team was in melt down.
Stationer’s proved to be a solid outfit, but were handed an easy
victory by a Winchmore Hill 8th team determined to
capitulate and press the self destruct button. In the wake of the
confidence obliterating defeat, Glen Cooper left the club by
mutual consent, and player/manager Bocchi had to grapple with
club politics and the overreaching influence of club selectors, in a
bid to reinstate influential midfielder Tony Crouchman. These
events made the 5-1 defeat of EBOG at the weekend all the more
remarkable and impressive. Saturday was thus a ‘Time for Heroes’ so
to speak. On a sunny, crisp afternoon at Enfield playing fields, the
playing staff at Winchmore Hill 8’s finally appeared to heed the
call.
In the opening two games of the season, despite a fine 4-3 victory
over Old Finchleians, Winchmore had been characterised by negativity
toward one another on the pitch, and a distinct lack of commitment
by certain parties. This lack of team ethic now appears to have been
banished by 8th team manager Bocchi, who has made
clear his intention not to tolerate ‘moaners’ and ‘whiners’, the
result being that the 8s have picked up four points from a possible
six in the two matches following the resounding defeat suffered at
the hands of Stationers. Despite a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ performance
against the Winchmore 7th team the week previous, the 8s
overcame the disappointment of throwing away that first half two
goal lead by beating EBOG 5’s by five goals to one.
A confident EBOG team, that had previously defeated Winchmore 7s
4-1, began the match by putting pressure on the Winchmore back four.
It was a tense opening period for the 8s, with the central midfield
partnership of Crouchman and Turner taking time to
settle, and a general degree of uncertainty permeating throughout
the side. However, by soaking up the pressure the 8s began to find
their rhythm. The defence abandoned the long searching balls from
defence that had failed to pay dividends in preceding matches, with
a short passing style that allowed the midfield to see more of the
ball. Vann looked particularly dangerous on the right hand
side, often cutting inside the EBOG left back, and was assisted by
Omand whose roaming runs forward were a constant menace to
EBOGs. By increasing the tempo of their game and partaking in short
exchanges of passes, it was not long before the 8s had their first
opportunity at goal, with Fraser Ali, and Mark Turner
being sent through on goal after some excellent approach play.
Peter Cooper, starting his first game of the season, was at the
heart of much of the opening play, using his strength to hold up the
ball, allowing the midfielders to join the attack, leaving the
strike force far less isolated than in previous matches. Cooper
and Ali ran the line with a vigour and enthusiasm that
made it difficult for EBOG defenders to pick a pass or dwell on the
ball. Ali was simply too much for the EBOG defence, using his
pace to beat his man time and again, whilst showing maturity in his
passing selection beyond his years. The opening goal thus came
midway through the first half. Vann collected a smart pass
from Omand, and squared the ball to Crouchman.
Crouchman likewise found Turner in space in the centre
circle who spotted Ali’s run, and chipped a delightful left
footed through ball over the top of the defence. Ali found
Cooper who, despite a poor first touch, kept his composure
superbly to slot home. The combination of Ali and Cooper was
too much for the EBOG defence to handle, and from that moment
onwards the 8s never looked back.
Bocchi and C. Ali were excellent at the heart of defence and
mopped up the long ball game EBOGs played, easily winning the aerial
battle. Further, McCann, Bocchi Omand and C. Ali all used the
ball superbly, with C. Ali bringing the ball out of defence
with increasing confidence, and giving it short to the midfield
allowing them to dictate the game. All that is needed now is for
Bocchi to develop a left foot. When necessary, the ball was
cleared appropriately, and were it not for a soft penalty awarded
when the 4-0 up, a clean sheet would have been just rewards for the
defence. The second goal came after good work by Cooper on
the left hand side. With EBOGs failing to deal with the movement of
the strikers, Cooper found himself free on the left, and with
time and space picked out Omand to head home. The two goal
lead was well deserved, and Omand claimed the first goal for
the team that his performance had deserved. Wheeling off in
celebration, Omand could hardly believe he had scored a
headed goal. Neither could anyone else.
Jon Friend, finding himself between the sticks in the first half
following a well documented goal keeping crisis, found himself out
on the right side of midfield in the second half, and Bocchi’s
tactical nous was rewarded with Friend helping himself to two
goals. The first was a blistering free kick from 20 yards, after
F. Ali was upended just outside the penalty area. Friend’s
second, the final goal of the afternoon, was powerfully headed in
after an excellent corner was driven in by Mike Johnson.
Vann covered in goal in the second half and was excellent. Both
Vann and Friend deserve immense credit for their efforts, and
were it not for the penalty (which Vann actually saved, the
follow-up not cleared) a clean sheet would have told its own story.
Perhaps the most thrilling goal of the afternoon was scored by
Sigi. Although EBOGs were well beaten by the time Sigi (who
replaced Peter Cooper) struck the fourth goal for the 8s, the
manner in which it occurred was scintillating. After soaking up
another EBOG attack, Winchmore broke at speed, with Crouchman
finding F. Ali, who fed the ball through to Sigi on
the edge of the 18 yard box. Sigi opened himself up and
without taking a touch curled the ball with his right foot into the
goal keepers bottom left. It was a beautifully crafted move, and
typified the way Winchmore set about playing football throughout the
match. Further, although Crouchman and Turner had been
compared to Lampard and Gerrard (“they’re too similar”, “they
can’t play together” they cried!) on Saturday, Turner and
Crouchman proved the doubters wrong. While Turner pressed
the ball, playing further up the pitch supporting the strikers,
Crouchman sat deeper, protecting the back four. The combination
was too much for EBOGs, with Crouchman popping up with
efforts from outside the box, whilst Turner sat. The fluency of the
8s game was key, with Omand and second half substitute
Reilly roaming forward, whilst Crouchman and Turner
covering the position when necessary. Reilly, being played
out of position at left back, impressed when he came on, showing the
elegance of touch that once made him one of the first names on the
team sheet. Mike Johnson, in possibly his best game for the
8s yet, is also starting to show encouraging signs on the left hand
side. His passing has become quicker, his tackling fiercer, and he
and McCann are showing signs of promise on the left.
Consistency is now the Key in Johnson’s game. With Reilly
vying for a spot on the left, there are exciting times ahead for the
8s.
Next up for the 8s is a tough away trip against Old Parkonians. If
Winchmore win this, they’ll be 4 points clear of the 5th
placed outfit. They have proved in the first half against the
Winchmore 7s, and against EBOGs on Saturday that they can play
football, but defend resolutely when necessary. Saturday cannot come
soon enough for Winchmore 8s............................. Its ‘Time
for Heroes’ again.
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