WINCHMORE
HILL FOOTBALL CLUB
Season 2004-2005
First XI
Season 2004-2005
Having had a few weeks to digest the season that was,
I look back with mixed feelings of missed
opportunities but also of optimism for next year.
The 1st XI's season was littered
with momentous highs and heartbreaking lows but
overall finishing second in the top division of the
SAL has to be regarded as a successful progression for
the team.
We started inconsistently,
registering an impressive away win at Nottsborough yet
losing at home to Civil Service.
With only five points from a possible fifteen
and confidence low, the team arrived at reigning
champions Old Esthameians in search of salvation.
It arrived emphatically in the form of new
signing Kris Sonne who lit up a dreary East London
afternoon with an outstanding hat-trick and went on to
score fifteen goals in the season.
This served as a catalyst for an
upturn in our performances and the team then went on
an unbeaten run that took them up to the crucial local
derby with Norsemen at Christmas. In a pulsating and often bad tempered match Hill clinched the
points with a diving header from Neil Hurst in the
closing moments which proved as constructive for our
season as it was destructive for our near neighbours
who never recovered and were eventually relegated.
This was swiftly followed by a
crucial home victory against eventual champions
Broomfield setting us up nicely for the business end
of the season. However,
after losing the Middlesex Cup semi final to Old
Meadonians we went on to lose crucial league fixtures
against Old Actonians and Civil Service which
ultimately cost us the championship. Against those two
sides we took a point from a possible twelve.
Nonetheless we finished the season
strongly and finished a comfortable second.
After winning Division Two a couple of years
ago and coming fourth on our return to the top flight
last year there is no reason that we cannot make the
next step up and bring the SAL Championship home for
the first time in over two decades next term.
The squad has a nice mix of youth
and experience with new players such as Pete Gyles,
Matty Knights, Rod Beyer, Chris Davison and Juyel
Hussain blending in nicely with the senior players.
Danny Barker had a superb season in goal and
the defence were again well marshalled by Ben Willis
and Barry Chaters.
The veteran pair of Paul Strouts and Shane
Foley were consistent throughout the campaign while
Ben Penfold and Neil Hurst were both regular fixtures
in the AFA Representative side and will tour Gibraltar
with them later this month.
A testament to both the players and the club.
Up front Michael Nathan, Kris Sonne and Jack Newton
gave opposition defences headaches with their varied
methods.
Thanks are due to Andy Russell for
his commitment and zest for the job in hand and to all
of the supporters who give up their time to follow us
around London.
Overall it is a season to be proud
of yet not fully satisfied.
We have the players and facilities that other
clubs dream of. If the squad can commit to unite as a cohesive unit for the
whole season I'm sure the league title will follow.
Neil Hurst
Winchmore Hill 2 Old Parkonians 0
Amateur Football Alliance
Senior County (Middlesex/Essex) Senior Cup
Saturday 30 October
Report from Neil Hurst
After last weeks emphatic victory at Esthameians, Hill returned to
the idyllic autumnal surroundings of the Paulin Ground ready to embark on
another Cup campaign. Having merged the Middlesex and Essex Cups our opponents
from Barkingside arrived in good time in their convoy of souped up
Escort XR3i's only for the kick off to be delayed when the referee
had to ask several of the Essex Boys to remove their sovereign rings
and identity bracelets - a jewellery amnesty in N21!!!
As has been the norm for Hill so far this season injuries meant that
the hosts had to make changes to the starting line up but were able
to boast a full compliment of subs for the first time since Danny
Barker started to lose his hair. Back came Neil Hurst and Shane
Foley replacing Ben Willis (stitches in his head) and Juyel Hussain
(sprained right wrist). The injury to Juyel was a bit of a mystery
until Ben Penfold opened the young full back's kit bag to reveal a
stash of porn that Larry Flynt would have been proud of, proving
that its always the quiet ones you've got to keep an eye on. No
wonder he always looks so confused when Andy Russell tells him to
put balls into the box.
Shane Mullan managed to put his speed dating exploits and anti-natal
classes to the back of his mind for the afternoon to deliver a
commanding and assured performance alongside Barry Chaters at the
heart of the Hill back four. Once underway, the game, like one of
Juyel's DVDs, started at a frenetic pace with Hill laying siege on
the Parks' goal. After fifteen minutes the pressure told when Pete
Gyles' pass was flicked on by Kris Sonne into the path of the
onrushing Michael Nathan who duly converted to register his fourth
of the campaign.
Buoyed on by another bumper home crowd, Hill continued to launch
wave after wave of attacks with Sonne hitting the woodwork twice and
Hurst striking the post from long range. With half an hour on the
clock Parks were hanging on for dear life as Penfold, Nathan, Sonne
and Hurst continued to put pressure on the visiting defence while
Foley and Paul Strouts pulled the strings in midfield.
Moments later the lead looked set to be doubled when Shane Foley
picked up the ball in a position not too dissimilar to his AFA Cup
winning effort eighteen months ago. However, after a week of
sleepless nights and nappy changing the Hill skipper scuffed his
shot wide into the cricket nets meaning that the expectant crowd
will have to wait at least another week to see his Bebeto 'baby'
celebration.
Parks then had their best spell of the match but were unable to find
a way past a defence led by Barker's assured handling and Gyles'
close marking and neat footwork, all of which were seen in action
again a few hours later in Infernos, Clapham. With twenty minutes
remaining the relentless pressure eventually resulted in a second
goal when new recruit Rod Beyer skipped inside two challenges and
fired home emphatically to notch his first goal for the club. On the
other wing Matt Knights, on the for injured Hurst, also put in a
sparkling display which bodes well for the squad as the next
critical stage of the season approaches.
The 2-0 final scoreline didn't really reflect what was really a
one-sided match but Parkonians industry meant that the hiding that
looked on the cards never materialised and they are to be applauded
for that. In the next round Hill entertain BB Eagles.
Old Esthameians 0 Winchmore Hill 4
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 23 October
Report from Neil Hurst
"HERE COMES THE SONNE"
"Today you must do more than is required of you. Never
think that you have done enough or that your job is finished.
There's always something that can be done - something that can help
to ensure victory. You can't let others be responsible for getting
you started. You must be a self-starter. You must possess that spark
of individual initiative that sets the leader apart from the led.
Self-motivation is the key to being one step ahead of everyone else
and standing head and shoulders above the crowd. Never stop trying.
Fill yourself with the warrior spirit - and send that warrior into
action"
After an indifferent start to the season and
with an already small squad deprived of the services of three of its senior players you could
have been forgiven for expecting the worst when Winchmore Hill turned up at a
rain soaked Blake Hall Sports Ground - home of reigning SAL champions Old
Esthamieans. However, not only did Andy Russell's men return from
East London with three points but with unity restored and passions
reinvigorated.
Michael Nathan returned to partner Kris Sonne up front but with
Hurst and Foley missing, the manager shuffled his pack meaning the in-form
Pete Gyles moved into midfield and Ben Penfold played in the centre alongside
the evergreen warhorse Paul Strouts - more of that later.
Both teams started brightly and the standard of play was high
despite a poor surface and monsoon-like conditions. Old E's are notoriously a
gritty, determined and robust side who look to dominate teams physically but
led by Willis, Chaters, Strouts and Penfold, Hill stuck resolutely to their
task as both sides went toe to toe searching for a sign of weakness or a moment
of brilliance.
On 25 minutes it arrived when new signing Kris Sonne lit up a dreary
afternoon with an outstanding piece of opportunism, firing an unstoppable shot
into the top corner from long range in the blink of an eye. Visibly
startled, the champions responded immediately but soon became
increasingly frustrated by the Hill rearguard. Tackles continued to
fly in as the pitch became wetter - some timed to Bobby Moore-esque
perfection (Chaters), while others, like a Shane Mullan chat up line
were wild, inappropriate and off target (Strouts). Nonetheless it
was clear that the Hill had the stomach for the fight.
Having thrown away leads against Actonians, Norsemen, Broomfield and
Civil Service already this season there was still work to be done and Hill
didn't have to wait long for that all important second as the Great
Dane Kris Sonne streaked through the opposition defence and saved
Hill's bacon with his second of the match.
The visitors hadn't finished. On the hour it was three when Nathan
tapped in after superb work down the left by Pete Gyles. To their
credit the hosts didn't give in but time and again were crowded out
for room in midfield with Penfold and Strouts both putting in
tireless displays. The back four stood firm and Ben Willis finished
the game with a Terry Butcher style blood stained shirt and a Gorbachev head bandage - warriors all over the pitch.
With five minutes remaining Sonne delivered the coup de grace with a
superb solo goal to cap a stunning hat-trick - not really a piece of cake,
more a Danish turnover if you like. He was rewarded for his efforts
later with a pint of........well, everything. Not sure his missus
believed him when he called her from the balcony at the Paulin
citing train delays.
With seconds remaining the victory and clean sheet were sealed when
Danny Barker leapt acrobatically to his left to tip what looked like being
a consolation goal around the post. With key players to return and
the house in order, exciting times lay ahead.
Polytechnic 1 Winchmore Hill 3
Southern Amateur
League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 6th November 2004
Report from Neil Hurst
The metamorphosis continues. Three weeks, three wins - nine goals
for, just one against. This wasn't Hill's most fluid performance of
the season but it had all the hallmarks of everything that is good
about this side. Resolute in defence, clinical in attack and most
importantly of all a collective willingness to work for one another
- a band of brothers.
Hill were again forced to make changes with Kris Sonne back in
Denmark and Paul Strouts late to arrive. Strouts' journey to the
Hill 1st XI has been a disjointed, stop-start affair but his
commitment to the cause and popularity in the dressing room cannot
be questioned. There have been blemishes along the way particularly
when celebrating a goal (Hill's 7th of the match) as though he had
just been given a year’s supply of his beloved von Dutch caps but
his importance to the side grows as the weeks pass. With Hill
legends Gower and Elfie gone he is the last soldier standing in a
midfield full of artists although he took 'adding bite' a little too
literally recently when he sunk his gnashers into Penners' calf
during a team night out.
So when the curse of public transport struck him on Saturday who
better to call upon than his very own alter ego. Into the phone
booth went Clark Kent and out came 'Superstrouts'. Red pants, red
cape and a £70 cab fare later and he was replacing the injured Rod
Beyer having taken a detour en route to Chiswick to save a kitten
from a tree and restore world order.
By this time Hill were already one goal to the good and shifting
through the gears with consummate ease. Pete Gyles found Jack
Newton whose dreamy flick on enabled Michael Nathan to open the
scoring. Looking to capitalise on a frail looking home side, Hill
continued the charge forwards and came agonisingly close to doubling
their lead when Neil Hurst's header shuddered against the upright,
in keeping with a player who is having more trouble with posts this
season than a postman with one arm and one leg.
After soaking up an inevitable passage of sustained pressure from
Poly the visitors got that all important second moments before the
interval when Hurst finished astutely from Juyel Hussain's cross.
With a two goal lead in the bag, Hill played a more
counter-attacking system in the second period exploiting gaps left
by a Poly team desperate to salvage something from the match. The
pressure on the Hill back five rose as the hosts enjoyed their best
spell of the match but with Barry Chaters, Ben Willis and Danny
Barker in commanding form Poly lacked any cutting edge in the final
third of the field.
With twenty minutes remaining came the move of the match when
Chaters' barnstorming run deep into opposition territory fed Penfold
whose pinpoint cross was smashed home by man of the match Jack
Newton for a richly deserved goal. Game over. Poly were eventually
rewarded for their work ethic with a late consolation but
unfortunately the end of the match was marred by a series of
skirmishes involving one Poly player who let his club down badly.
There is simply no place for comments like his in this day and age.
Poly are a proud club who have the distinguished honour of having
won the Ian Hamilton Trophy (Fair play and hospitality) more than
any other club and you could see why as the rest of their players
and officials conduct was exemplary. Shame one idiot didn't seem to
care much for his club's proud traditions.
Nevertheless we look forward to welcoming the rest of them to the
Paulin and extending the same kind of cordiality in the return
fixture.
Hill, however, march on hunting silverware on all three counts and
have had four players selected (Willis, Penfold, Hurst and Sonne)
for next weeks SAL Representative game. If Strouts has stocked up
on Kryptonite the sky's the limit!!!
Parkfield
1 Winchmore Hill 4
Amateur Football Alliance Senior Cup
First Round Proper
Saturday 13 November
Report from Neil Hurst
The AFA Senior Cup - the Holy
Grail of a amateur football holds a special place in the hearts and
minds of Winchmore Hill's senior players having won the competition
in 2003. If current
form is anything to go by then you can safely say that Hill's newer
recruits are eager to join their teammates on the club's prestigious
'Wall of Fame' and weave themselves into the rich tapestry of club
history.
The day didn't start too well.
In recent weeks we have read all about Juyel Hussain's
fledgling career as a budding football coach by day and an
entrepreneurial porn magnate by night.
Balancing his 'load' is proving to be difficult!
Having missed the meet time by getting lost (on the A10!?!),
Shane Foley called the young full back to offer assistance. When
asked as to what landmarks and buildings were on view the reply came
back: "I can't see much (too much adult literature?) but I've
got trees on my left and houses on my right".
A rare sight in suburban London - Christopher Columbus he is
not.
Hill eventually arrived at a bitterly cold Old Merchant Taylor's
School (OMTS) ground and under the guidance of new recruit Matt
'Ashley Cole' Knights (he looks like him, he plays like him but it
remains to be seen whether his missus is Cheryl from Girls Aloud)
were soon doing a warm up that had more stretches in it than a
maximum security prison.
Moments into the match this paid dividends when Barry Chaters'
sublime through ball released the in-form Michael Nathan who easily
outpaced the defender to notch his sixth of the campaign.
Within a quarter of an hour it was two when Neil Hurst rose
the highest to head home Foley's inviting free-kick.
The hosts immediately hit back capitalising on some sloppy
Hill play and reduced the deficit with a well taken effort from long
range. Suddenly Hill
looked vulnerable as passes went astray and tackles were missed and
Parkfield visibly grew in confidence.
However, against the run of play Hill's two goal lead was restored
in sensational fashion when Hurst seized onto a loose ball in the
centre circle and skipped past three or four desperate challenges
before delicately chipping the keeper from twenty yards to the
delight of the ample number of visiting supporters.
This was the cue for the opposition manager to reveal exactly what
OMTS really stands for (Old Manager's Tourette's Syndrome) as he
launched into his players with a tirade of verbal abuse that would
have made Sir Alex Ferguson's hairdryer treatment seem more like a
handheld fan. Andy
Russell's team talk on the other hand was one of composure yet
concern at our inability to settle into a rhythm on a sloping pitch
that presumably doubles up as the British Olympic Ski Base when it
snows. However, after a
shaky start to the second half Hill were soon back into the groove
and came close to clinching the game on a number of occasions with
Kris Sonne's free kick being ruled out and Foley's spectacular
volley just missing the upright before the tie was finally settled
late on when the superb Ben Penfold scored from close range
following yet another Hill corner.
Next week sees Hill entertain BB Eagles in the AFA County Cup.
Note to Juyel, the meeting time is 10am at The Paulin Ground,
Fords Grove, London N21.
Winchmore
Hill 3 BB Eagles 1
Amateur Football Alliance
Senior County Cup Round Two
Saturday 29 November
Report from Paul Strouts
The first time that BB Eagles set
foot on the hallow turf that is the Paulin Ground, Winchmore Hill
was Saturday 20 March 1943. That
day they were playing as Barclays Bank FC against a Winchmore Hill
Side who had arranged the game as a charity match to raise funds for
the clubs comforts fund.
That was 1943, this is 2004 and unfortunately BB Eagles were not
going to find this Winchmore Hill side in such a charitable mood,
the last four games for the Hill have resulted in four straight
wins, 13 goals for and only 2 against so it was no surprise that
none of the players or management were looking to lose this winning
run against a side who were 2 leagues below themselves and
considerably weaker on paper. Despite
this the Eagles had already dumped out a good side in Polytechnic
and obviously fancied their chances of snaring another division one
side as prey whilst dissecting them piece by piece.
After the first 10 minutes this was not looking very likely
as the Hill, driven on by their inspirational skipper “Jimmy five
bellies Foley” bombarded the Eagles nest with long and short range
efforts, and was just reward when Kris Sonne (the Pot Bellied
Viking) popped up to head home an excellent corner to make it 1-0 to
the Hill.
From this moment on, Winchmore stopped playing and stooped to the
same level as their opponents who were beginning to win their
individual battles and take control of the game.
This has been a common problem for the Hill in previous games
and yet again they did not go for the kill but instead seemed
content with the single digit lead, which Andy Gray will tell you is
never enough! This was
proved to be the case after 25 minutes when one of the Eagles
players picked up the ball 25 yards out to smash home a glorious
equaliser which even the legendary David Seamen could not have kept
out. This gave the
visiting side all the confidence they required as they continued to
peck away at Ben Willis’s defence and was made even worse when
Barry Chaters, aka Santa Claus, forgot that Christmas was still a
month away as he passed the ball straight to their Centre Forward
(10 yards out) who somehow got his ball skills and shooting all
wrong by putting his effort wide. A serious “let off” for Santa and his Elf’s!!!!
Five Bellies was now starting to throw his weight around, sorry
Elbows and was lucky to escape any disciplinary action, though
tireless work by Paul “Didier Deschamps” Strouts, Pete Gyles,
Ben Penfold and Michael Nathan helped keep the score level at half
time.
They say that football is “a game of two halves” and this was
definitely the case today, Winchmore came out for the second 45 a
different team and proceeded to dominate from the kick-off, Pete
Gyles was beginning to go on his trademark manoeuvres into enemy
territory and the Hills midfield started to finally gain control of
the game. Ben Willis
was superbly marshalling his troops at the back and it was only a
matter of time before the Hill would take the lead.
This came on 65 minutes following a probing run by Ben
Penfold whose shot, which was heading for the keepers top right, was
deflected in by the unlucky centre half, who was also knocked out
for his trouble.
Michael Nathan and the Danish Viking were starting to open up the
opponents defence like a tin of Heinz baked beans and was to prove
fatal for the Eagles as they combined for the third goal which ended
up in a Kris Sonne tap in. This
was to distinguish any threat from the days opponents, but did leave
enough time for Danny “safe hands” Barker to pull off another
great save to stamp his claim for the Man of the Match Award!
Five straight wins, 16 goals for
and only 3 against, bring on the next predator to be eaten!!!!
And Finally:-
Post match banter revolved around fitness levels and led to a
gauntlet being laid by Penners and Bazza regarding to infamous
“bleep test” of which current favourites include the Danish
Viking, Five Bellies Foley and the Man Mountain (Master Willis),
though players that will need to work on their fitness levels before
this test takes place include Michael Nathan, Neil “Milky Bar”
Hurst and Ben “boy band” Penfold who according to the Gaffer
look like they are struggling with their fitness this term!
Until next time Soldiers….
Corporal Kent.
Norsemen 2
Winchmore Hill 3
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 18 December 2004
Report from Paul Strouts
“Round 2”.
The short walk across “No Mans Land” was to bring together two
heavyweights of the SAL in the form of Winchmore Hill and Norsemen
FC. One heavyweight in
tremendous shape, fighting for the title belt and the other looking
old, (Sorry Mr. Casey) haggard and struggling to save themselves
from a serious knockout.
For those that do not know, the rivalry between these two teams goes
back many years (maybe Jack could remember) and if you look
carefully you will find a large poster in the Norsemen bar, dating
back to the 1950’s, highlighting the fact that Norsemen had beaten
Winchmore Hill in the AFA cup final that year by three goals to one.
If the current Hill side were going to continue their push
for the SAL Championship they could not allow this score line to be
repeated today.
After the first five minutes this did not look likely after the
“Viking Sonne” arrived unmarked in the Norsemen six yard box to
easily head home the opener, leaving the Norsemen players looking
around in total shock like they had just heard that Old Owens had
been beaten 5-0!!!!
This team as talented as it is, can also be susceptible to getting
caught out and before the Hill knew what was going on they were 2-1
down, the first was a dubious penalty conceded by good old Santa (aka
Barry Chaters) who got confused that this time of year is not a
“time for giving” to everyone, especially a Norsemen centre
forward. The second to
be fair was a well-made goal, which was constructed by the Norsemen
midfield, and following a clever flick in the Hills six yard was
ruthlessly finished.
By this stage the game had become a fairly scrappy affair, though
with Michael Nathan and Kris Sonne up top, the Hill would always be
able to pose a threat, so it was no real surprise when after a
defensive error by the Norsemen centre back that the Viking was to
capitalise by taking it round the keeper and slotting home to level
things up. Other
chances during the 1st half fell to Penfold (stop tackling goal
posts, it’s bad for your health), Hurst, Strouts and Nathan,
though at the interval a draw was probably a fair result.
The second half saw both teams try to take control of the game,
though as each minute passed, Winchmore were looking the more likely
to land the ultimate blow. Captain Foley and his Elf’s were starting to take control,
in particular Hurst, Penfold and Nathan who were all making probing
runs into the opposing half and it seemed like only a matter of time
before the referee would step in and stop the fight, though like
most seasoned fighters at this weight it only takes one punch to end
the contest and it looked like the punch drunk Norsemen would be the
ones to land it before good old Spunky (aka Danny Barker) pulled off
a magnificent save to his top right to keep Winchmore in the fight.
By this stage both teams were becoming very aggressive in their
play, in particular Captain Foley and the Norsemen No8 who was soon
to see red after losing a game of “snap” with the man in black,
another fracas ensued immediately after which created a melee
involving ten players including Captain Foley who was being circled
on the floor, making it look like something out of a “Break
dancing” movie, maybe they were all admiring Foleys new “Belly
Spin”!
The last 15 minutes looked like petering out like a typical end of
season mid-table clash, though the arrival of Uncle Festa (you must
know who that is) and Ashley Cole (aka Matty Knights) gave Hill the
impetus to go on and get the winner. This was to be the case after 86 minutes (better late than
never) when the good looking Ben Penfold had driven to the bye line
and delivered a mesmerising ball into the Norsemen box which in the
absence of Superman was met perfectly by the flying head of
Mr.Freeze (aka Neil Hurst) who seemed to hang in the air for an
inhuman amount of time, who said “white men can’t jump”?
This led to big celebrations including an “Alex Ferguson”
style run onto the pitch by the usually reserved Andrew Russell,
derby games do strange things to some people!
Great move, great goal, great celebration.
That was enough to condemn Norsemen to the bottom of the league for
Xmas and put the Hill in a excellent position to seriously challenge
for the title in 2005.
Happy, Happy Christmas.
“Sick Boy”.
Winchmore Hill 2 Broomfield 1
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 15 January
Report from Mike Bowen
GETTING out of jail is a familiar Football colloquialism. This was
more like swimming to Alcatraz, having tea with the Governor,
nicking his keys and re-appearing on the other side of San
Francisco Bay with all 467 inmates.
After having our pockets picked by Broomfield for several seasons,
this was the day the rub of the green went our way and we stole the
points. And just as happened in another vital derby at Norsemen at
the end of last year, it was a sublime header, which settled it.
Neil Hurst did the business just over the A10 and Kris Sonne
delivered the coup de grace on Saturday.
Whether the consequent swing of four points in our favour wins the
title, only time will tell. But six bottles of the finest Shampoo
says it does and I may be a fool but normally my money and me are
seldom parted.
Kris Sonne’s decision to join us at the Paulin Ground is proving a
significant factor in our march up the League. There is no better
goal-scorer and more defter touch in the SAL…he paralyses
defenders with his close control.
Danny Barker gets better and better in goal and there is an
indomitable spirit about the side which is unrivalled. We kept going
against Broomfield and for once the Gods were with us.
But Saturday’s key figure was Richard Edward Melvin, a Level 5
referee from Ealing. He was to prove brave and long-suffering,
making his decisions swiftly and impartially. But to deliver him a
game of this importance with no linesmen was madness.
He played no part in the opening goal, which was scored with
customary certainty by the talented Neil Hughes… but the sequence
of events which followed transformed the match. This is how I
saw them:
1) Jack Newton chases a through ball and fouls keeper Mick Robbins,
who retaliates with a haymaker, which deposits the aforementioned
Newton on the deck. Result: Red Card for Robbins, Yellow Card for
Newton (for reckless challenge) and equaliser by Ben Penfold from
the spot. Broomfield argue that since Jack committed the first
offence they should have been awarded a free kick.
2) Long ball played in , Ben Willis gets caught slightly out of
position and ball loops off his head over keeper Danny Barker into
the net. Richard Melvin spots a push on Willis and disallows
the goal. Perfectly good call but the stroke of luck we need as
Broomfield play better with cool heads and ten men than previously.
3) The winner: With only three minutes left Broomfield concede a
soft corner when a cooller approach would have put the ball
over the touchline. Ball is in flight when somebody stamps the words
GOAL SONNE indelibly on the ball. The Dane obliges with a stunning
header from six yards.
Broomfield are deflated but there is no sense of triumphalism
from the Hill. Nothing betrays the overriding emotion that this is a
very big win indeed.
Winchmore
Hill 1 Old Owens 1
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 22 January
Report from Paul Strouts
Chelsea v Arsenal, Barcelona v Real
Madrid, Doncaster v Hull, Winchmore Hill v Old Owens, these are the
types of games that can shape ones season.
Winners normally progress to better things and losers end up
with empty trophy cabinets, so it was imperative today that
Winchmore did not give any ground to one of their closest title
contenders! Talk of winning leagues maybe a little premature considering
the amount of games that still remain, though a good result for the
Hill today would definitely continue the push in the right
direction.
Winchmore Hill do not currently have the benefit of a 10 point gap
at the top of the table, though what we do know from the seasons
work so far is that this years team are well marshalled at the back,
robust in midfield and lethal up front, so you do not find that many
sides who envy the prospect of facing them on their footballing
calendar.
After Old Owens 10-4 drubbing of Lloyds Bank the previous week you
could have forgiven them for thinking that they could continue their
goal spree at the Paulin ground, though this was not going to be!
Winchmore were offered a pre-match boost with the news that
the “Blonde Bombshell” would be allowed to start despite having
a broken hand and enough wrapping round his cast to cover the 6 yard
box, though this was to prove vital later. The Hill lost the toss and allowed Old Owens to get things
going, in typical fashion Foley and his entourage were fast out of
the blocks, though to be fair Owens soon caught up with both sides
competing for every ball and creating an equal amount of
opportunities. As the
first half progressed it was looking as the Hill would be more
likely and this was to be the case after about 25 minutes, Strouts
produced a defence splitting ball which was picked up by Ben Penfold,
who then drove the ball across the 6 yard box to be perfectly laid
off by the evergreen Jack Newton to the “Master of Plaster”
(Neil Hurst) to smash home from 8 yards out.
1-0 Hill and probably one of the best worked goals this
season. This could have
made for an interesting game if the referee had allowed things to
keep flowing, though unfortunately he did not and at times both
sides became frustrated as they could not get their rhythm going,
leading to numerous yellow cards and a silly elbow by Captain
Foley!!! The remainder
of the half was tight, unlike Norwich’s defence though could have
been 2-0 after a copy cat move for the goal was repeated only for
the usually reliable Viking to shoot wide.
Old Owens did have a penalty claim, though this was probably
the best chance they had and 1-0 at half time was probably fair.
The second half saw a change in formation for Old Owens, though this
did not really change too much as both sides traded blows in the
opening 15 minutes, before a fluke goal was to bring the teams
level! How Old Owens
can say they are a better footballing side than Winchmore is
surprising considering the lack of quality in the goal that they
produced….
Owens continued to push forward and were unlucky not to go 2-1 up,
which was mainly due to Danny Barker producing a triple save to keep
Old Owens out (probably the best collection of saves I have seen
this season). This
sparked Winchmore into action and the final 20 minutes was all about
the home side. The
introduction of Michael Nathan (good to see you back mate) scared
the Owens defence rigid and on another day he could have had a
couple due to his electric pace and Kris Sonne could have grabbed a
token. Honours ended
even after 90 minutes which was probably a fair result, both sides
stay in the title chase; though surely with the amount of games that
Owens have to play they are the ones who really have the work to do!
Until next time!
Paul “Anyone seen my Pants” Strouts.
Amateur Football Alliance Middlesex/Essex Senior Cup
Saturday 29 January
Report from Paul Strouts
“Cardiff, here we come”
Cup quarter finals are never easy games to play, (especially
when you start as favourites) and this could definitely be said of
today’s duel! On
arrival at Old Salvatorians ground the away team were not greeted by
a mass of baying fans, Sky cameras and the countries press, instead
a muddy car park, cold changing rooms and a waterlogged pitch, the
wonders of Amateur football!
Winchmore’s small contingent of fans were looking forward to a
fairly safe passage into the semi-finals, though with Michael Nathan
missing and Ben Willis turning up five minutes from kick-off,
preparation wasn’t exactly ideal.
The first ten minutes was all the home side, they were
getting the ball down and seemed to have more desire than Winchmore
Hill, which was surprising considering the unbeaten run that the
boys from the Paulin ground are currently on.
As has been the case before, Winchmore were forced to defend
the Castle and await their opportunity to counter attack, which is
normally very effective for this team, though today for some reason
the magic didn’t seem to be working. The ball did not seem to be sticking up front and due to poor
pass selection from the midfield, Winchmore were making the days
work very, very difficult for themselves.
The Old Salvatorians midfield were becoming ever so threatening as
was the No9, though superb defending by the back four in particular
Ben Willis and Barry Chaters and tackle after tackle by Paul Strouts
in the middle allowed the score to remain even at 0-0.
The terrible state of the pitch did not allow Winchmore to
get their normal game going through Neil Hurst and Ben Penfold,
though in typical fashion the ball broke on the Hills attacking left
and after a goal-bound strike in the opponent’s 18 yard box, it
was to hit a defender and flash past the keeper for 0-1 Winchmore. We were warned before kick-off that this was a team who did
not give up very easily and going a goal behind seemed to make them
more determined to break us down.
Their reward did come on 35 minutes when a neat passing move
opened up the Hills defence only to see one of their midfielders get
bundled over in the box for a penalty….
Luckily for the away side Danny Barker was in inspired form
(as per usual) and managed to dive to his top left to keep
Winchmore’s slim advantage leading up to half time. The final 10 minutes of the 1st half remained fairly even,
with both sides creating half chances but not taking them.
0-1 at half time flattered the Hill, though it was a good
opportunity to regroup and kick down the “muddy slope” for the
second half.
The second forty five was to be very similar to the first, though
Winchmore were starting to get the ball down themselves which was
starting to cause the home side concerns particularly when Penfold,
Newton and Sonne were in possession.
The home team were again peppering the Winchmore 18 yard box,
though as per usual Ben Willis (Man of Match) and his three
musketeers (Barry, Peter and Rodney) were all holding up their
“denied” cards to keep the enemy at bay.
If they can keep up this type of performance for the
remainder of the season then Winchmore will definitely be well
placed for a share of the spoils come May.
Winchmore should have put the game out of reach after 80 minutes,
though unfortunately Uncle Festa was to shoot wide but made up for
this error in injury time after a mesmerising run by Ben Penfold was
to present him with an opportunity that he could not miss, despite
this Jack still had two touches to make sure!
That was to finally kill the tie off despite a brave fight from Old
Salvatorians and put Winchmore into the next round, an ugly game but
a job well done all the same!
See you in the Semi’s!!!!
Stroutsie.
PS – Matty, can you bring your Snoop Dodgy Dog CD on Saturday as I
really enjoyed listening to him (loudly) all the way to Watford!!!!!
Winchmore
Hill 0 Old Actonians 3
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 5 February
Report from Paul Strouts
“Unbeaten run ends too
easily”.
All unbeaten runs come to an end sometime and today it was to be the
unfortunate turn for Winchmore Hill.
No-one from the Management team, to the playing staff should
feel too downcast though as the season so far has been a huge
success, all we need to do is remember how good a side we are, stick
together and rebound as quickly as possible, starting next week
against West Wickham.
You knew it was going to be a bad day at the office when half the
squad started to suffer from strange injuries, Neil Hurst pulled out
with his 29th injury of the season, Ben Willis was suffering from a
bad knee after “clicking it out of place” whilst sitting on the
sofa though the best one of all was Jack “falling apart” Newton
who apparently pulled his hamstring whilst sleeping! According to his wife it sent him into a seizure causing the
reaction to jump up and down in bed which his wife tells me is the
first time he’s done that in a couple of years!!!
Old Actonians didn’t bring any surprises with them to the Paulin
Ground so we knew what we were up against; especially after their
centre back did his “morning sickness” routine before we had
even kicked off. They
were going to be solid, vocal and difficult to break down.
The first 45 was a pure footballing lesson for Old Actonians,
the Hill were controlling midfield and creating good chances to take
1st mover advantage, though each time we created a goal scoring
opportunity there was an Old Actonian to snuff it out.
The Hill were starting to find success down their right hand
side and a move involving Strouts, Penfold and Sonne nearly produced
the opener, though good defending (again) kept it out.
Other good chances fell to Michael Nathan who was a constant
threat all game and the Viking Sonne who should have added to his
already impressive tally.
Captain Foley was beginning to pull the strings in midfield and Ben
Penfold was making more and more probing runs into the heart of the
Old Actonians defence, despite this Winchmore could not stop
Actonians scoring from their only chance of the half.
Their central midfielder picked up the ball 20 yards out, lit
up his cigar and smashed it home past Danny Barker.
Half time 0-1 Actonians.
The second half was not a very nice experience for the Hill who did
not seem to restart after the break; it felt like they had exerted
all their energy in the first half and had nothing left for part 2.
The Hill did create chances but were not lucky enough to
capitalise on some nice link up play.
The last 25 minutes was to be all about the Old Actonians
substitute who created the second goal and scored the third.
By this stage the game was well and truly over with the only
consolation being that Norsemen lost too!
If this team is going to challenge for honours at the end of the
season then they need to re-surface from today’s sinking as
quickly as possible by snatching 3 points next week and make their
title contenders have to go and win the league rather than lay down
and hand it over.
For those that do not know it was
Neil Hurst’s birthday party on Saturday!!!
In order to celebrate the team joined the birthday boy in
Islington for a few celebratory drinks.
Jurel wearing more “bling bling” than Mr.T, Gylesy and
Penfold looking more “boy band” than ever and Captain Foley
getting more drunk than I have ever seen him, which is strange
really, considering the fact than little to his knowledge during
every round of drinks he wasn’t getting a “Double Vodka Coke”
but instead just a straight “Diet Coke”!
It’s OK though mate, the mind can play strange tricks on a
middle aged man……..
Until next time folks.
“The Whip Holder”.
Winchmore
Hill 3 West Wickham 0
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 12 February
Report from Paul Strouts
“Back on Track”
With Winchmore Hill second in the league and West Wickham second
from bottom, there should only really have been one winner in the
contest between “title challenger” and “trap door escape
artist”, though as we found out to our peril last week there
really are no easy games in the league this year and despite what
the score line suggests this was to be far from a walkover.
The Hill were without three key players on Saturday, Rod was away on
a “Cub Scout Meeting” whilst Penfold and Chaters were last seen
holding hands and heading for the Euro star to Paris….
Winchmore welcomed back the inspirational Neil Hurst after his
recent Birthday (30), Jurel
who had returned to the team after successfully setting up his home
movie business and Joe “I’ve seen milk turn quicker”
Hackworthy who was deputising for the big gay bear Chaters.
West Wickham came to the Paulin Ground full of hope that they could
seriously take some point’s home with them after the Hill's result
last week, and after the first fifteen minutes the home fans were
starting to think this too. The
Hill's defence were either feeling charitable, or they had overdosed
on sleeping tablets the night before as the first good chances were
presented to the West Wickham forward line after bad decision making
and lacklustre defending. The
only reason why the home side had not fallen behind was due to luck,
great keeping by Danny Barker and terrible finishing by West
Wickham’s front line.
After our numerous warnings the boy’s were starting to grab hold
of proceedings and enjoyed a good spell of possession which sadly
did not convert into that many clear cut chances.
Michael Nathan and Neil Hurst were becoming more and more
involved through the middle and on the right, though even these two
could not break the deadlock, and with Foley and Strouts swapping
roles, the Hill were beginning to look like a more solid outfit
heading for the interval.
Half time was to be goalless, though Winchmore
were looking the more likely to go on and produce something
special compared to their “meat and potato” opponents who will
need to dig deep to escape the hole that they have found themselves
in.
The moment of magic was to come straight after half time through
Neil Hurst who blew past Wickhams left back to cross for Michael
Nathan (I’m sure he’s getting even quicker) who made no mistake
in putting Andy Russell’s men ahead.
West Wickham looked a beaten side after going behind and to
add insult to injury, Shane “quick thinking” Foley lined up to
take a free kick just outside the opponents 18 yard box, though
before the keeper was set, the wall was built or anyone was looking,
Foley smashed the ball round the disjointed wall and past the
stationery keeper, hitting the top corner!
This boy may not be the quickest mover in the team, but on
this evidence he has definitely got the quickest brain…quality.
The remainder of the half was fairly uneventful apart from the West
Wickham central midfielder throwing all his toys around the centre
circle, a hurricane style rain storm that nearly blew Jurel and
Matty Knights away and a cool finish by Jack Newton to make it 3-0
and three points to the Hill.
Until the next big game gladiators!
Stroutsie.
PS – Men of match were Michael Nathan and Neil Hurst for their
awesome work rate.
Winchmore Hill 2 Old Esthameians 1
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 19 February
Report from Neil Hurst
The championship winning sides of the 'Purple Patch', the
late sixties and early eighties were all on parade at The Paulin
Ground on Sunday to celebrate the club's 125th anniversary. Presidents, Chairmen, Life Members, Officials, players past
and present convened under one roof with one common love, yet the
question seemingly on everyone's lips at the moment is whether
today's side can join its esteemed predecessors at the top table of
SAL football and add a long awaited championship to its recent
successes.
After a hard fought 2-1 home victory over Old Esthameians twenty
four hours earlier it remains a distinct possibility.
Hill went into the game without several key players.
Kris Sonne was in Copenhagen performing at 'THE DANES' where
his band picked up the Best Song gong for "My train is delayed
baby (I'm going to be late)" taken from the critically
acclaimed album 'Goal Machine'.
With Barry Chaters and Ben Penfold only available as
substitutes after a 16 hour coach trip back from the French Alps,
manager Andy Russell was thankful that his squad has depth as well
as strength. Chris
Davison and Matty Knights both impressed on the flanks while Neil
Hurst partnered Shane Foley in his preferred central midfield role.
After being unceremoniously thrashed on their own patch back in
October, Esthameians looked intent on exacting instant revenge but
it was the hosts who started brightly displaying pace and panache in
attack. With ten
minutes on the clock Davison fed the in-form Michael Nathan on the
inside left channel and he showed speed of thought as well as foot
to put Hill one up. Moments
later Esthameians were carved open again when Foley released Hurst
through the middle who in turn teed up Davison only for his effort
to clear the crossbar.
Hill continued to dominate without reward and when Esthameians were
reduced to ten men shortly before the interval when a reckless
challenge was followed up with some choice language it looked as if
the game could be over as a contest.
Not so. The
Eastenders are made of sterner stuff than that and Dirty Den's
earlier than expected exit spurred the reigning champions on and
they were soon level when Martin Fowler powerfully headed home a
pinpoint cross from Alfie Moon.
Suddenly it was Hill who kept forgetting their lines and the
half-time whistle was as welcome as a swift half in the Queen Vic
allowing the hosts to rethink and regroup.
After a cagey opening to the second half it was clear that
a point was no good to either side and buoyed on by the
introduction of Penfold, Hill regained the initiative and
looked the more likely winners.
The match ebbed and flowed as both sides matched each other
forcommitment and work-rate and a tacticalmasterstroke from Russell
almost paid immediate dividends when Hurst and Penfold switched
positions and the latter's stinging drive crashed against the post
from twenty five yards with the keeper rooted to the spot. Winchmore
were not to be denied and minutes later Knights' slide-rule pass put
Hurst through on goal and his deft finish put Hill back into the
ascendancy.
A third and clinching goal nearly arrived on numerous occasions but
ultimately some superb defending from Hackworthy, Gyles and Willis
in particular and a stunning late save from Barker meant that Hill
deservedly took the points to keep the pressure on leaders
Broomfield who seem pretty confident that they have won the league
already. A case of
counting chickens before they have hatched?
Time will tell. With
five games remaining Hill must concentrate solely on their own
performances.
Winchmore
Hill 0 Old Meadonians 5
Amateur Football Alliance
Middlesex/Essex Senior Cup Semi Final
Saturday 26 February
Report from Neil Hurst
HILL LEARN HARSH LESSON AT MEADS' FINISHING SCHOOL
If only the linesman hadn't raised his flag.
If only we'd taken our
Everything
was in place. The pitch
was once again superb, a testament to
Hill started brightly with Michael Nathan and Neil Hurst's pace
causing a
The
reigning AFA champions were rattled but did not panic.
Shortly before
The half-time team-talk revolved around replicating much of the good
work
To the teams credit no-one can be faulted for effort and Hill passed
the
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 5 March
Report from Neil Hurst
A
thoroughly disappointing day for the Hill.
After already gifting Civil
On a poor
pitch Service were first to everything and passed the ball better
than their title chasing opponents.
Service could have had the lead inside
Things went from bad to worse for Hill just before half-time when
the referee allowed play to go on despite the goalscorer being at
least five yards offside but in fairness it was no more than Civil
deserved.
After some choice words and a change in formation Hill reappeared
for the second half desperate to salvage something from the game
only to be pegged back further by a slick move on the break.
At last Hill came alive and hit back almost immediately when
Ben Penfold scored from the spot after being fouled himself but any
chance of a miraculous escape vanished moments later when Hill were
again punished on the break. There
was still time for Hill to score a second when Neil Hurst scored a
fine individual goal but it was too little too late.
Four games remain and Hill must raise themselves immediately.
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that
little bit extra.
Winchmore
Hill 2 Polytechnic 1
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday 19 March
Report from Neil Hurst
Winchmore Hill returned to
winning ways on Saturday after three defeats on the trot had
effectively ended the team’s hopes of a league and cup double.
Nevertheless, with an automatic Champions League place up for grabs
and a newly aligned target of finishing 2nd set in place, Hill
welcomed a Polytechnic team who had just qualified for the final of
the much-vaunted AFA Senior Cup. Lucky them. However, the visitors also find themselves in a relegation
dogfight at the other end of the table so there was much riding on
the game played out in idyllic springtime conditions at The Paulin
Ground.
Once again Andy Russell had to contend with varied availabilities,
which has been a season long problem.
With Barry Chaters, Rod Beyer and Ben Penfold all
unavailable, Hill were thankful to be able to recall Kris Sonne, Joe
Hackworthy and Pete Gyles. Gylo,
in particular seemed to return to the fold with a spring in his step
and a twang in his accent. After
months of incessant abuse (from both teams) about his Owens'
roots/haircut/dress sense/squad number, young Peter was packed off
to New York by his Chairman/Father, worried that the buccaneering
young left back was in danger of mental and physical burn out after
a tiring but impressive season.
A few days in the Big Apple among friends would set him
right. Little did we
know that the real purpose of the trip was to visit a young Yankee
chick called Gail (yes, we've asked if she blows like one) who Gylo
has been pining after since his travelling days after months of no
success with ladies in London. After an impromptu marriage proposal
in Central Park and a Vegas-style wedding our young hero returned to
the dressing room on Saturday with a college boy haircut, an
inability to drink, a tendency to whoop and holler at the most
trivial thing and an aching heart after it was revealed that the
aforementioned Gail turned out to be a minor.
Keep it real tough guy, yo homies have got your back!
Peace out!
Anyway, the match. After
an almost disastrous start when the visitors could have taken the
lead in the opening seconds the Hill settled into their stride and
started to open up Poly down the flanks with Neil Hurst finding
Chris Davison and Matty Knights in acres of space on numerous
occasions. Davison in particular was causing Poly all kinds of
trouble but was unable to put the finishing touch on a fine move
involving Shane Foley and the impressive Michael Nathan.
Slowly, lover boy wide receiver Gyles got involved in a move
down the left which resulted in a flag on the play and a twelve yard
penalty when Davison was felled in the end zone after some pass
interference from the Poly defence.
With regular field goal kicker Penfold absent Hurst stepped
up to slam the ball into the top corner.
TOUCHDOWN WINCHMORE!
Hill continued to press forwards looking for that all-important
second goal but Poly fought back gallantly and put the hill back
line under constant pressure. At
right back, Paul Strouts was all energy and bone-crunching tackles
while the mercurial Hackworthy impressed alongside the old warhorse
Ben Willis. In the
second period the visitors took the game to Winchmore but time and
again Danny Barker's assured handling kept the Red Sea at bay. With
the game becoming stretched Hill began to re-impose themselves on
the game and were unlucky to be denied what looked like a valid goal
when Knights was adjudged offside.
Moments later Knights was in the thick of the action again
when Hurst's incisive pass put him though on goal only to be denied
by some heroic last ditch defending by the Poly.
With twelve minutes remaining Hill doubled their lead after Sonne
won a corner with a typically bamboozling run. Davison's
short corner found Nathan whose deep cross was headed home by Hurst
to give Hill some breathing space.
However moments later Poly struck back setting up a
tantalising final ten minutes, but ultimately the Hill were worthy
winners leaving them in good shape for second place while Poly must
battle it out with West Wickham and Norsemen to avoid the dreaded
drop and Gylo must get back to collecting his air miles.
Old
Owens 2 Winchmore Hill 2
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Wednesday 30 March
Report from Neil Hurst
Seeing as
Sully (see
Owens website) has already had a stab at trying to write my
match report for me this week (big shoes to try and fill mate!) I
thought it would be rude not to reply on behalf of the Hill.
Behind all the bitching, whinging and overwhelming
self-appraisal lies what is actually a decent report. Apparently
mine is supposed to read something along the lines of them starting
well (true), having little end product (also true), fantastic Hill
spirit at 2-0 down (true) and us being elated with our point (true
and I challenge anyone not to be delighted with that given the
position we were in).
As usual Owens had half of their 'gorgeous' looking side missing but
still found a place for a ringer or two (Gant is an Enfield player
and I bet West hasn’t paid a sub).
Having donned the fake tan and touched up the highlights
Owens dragged themselves out of their boudoir and began at a
frenetic pace. Arnold was flying into tackles and at one point I’m
sure I noticed a spec of mud on his shorts (naughty naughty -
that'll be a club fine) while Mann's hair looked slightly out of
place (doesn’t it always?).
Hill (looking to extend on their overall record vs Owens of Pld 4, W
2, D 1,L 1) were asked to do a lot of defending in the first half
with the outstanding Danny Barker impressing with some fine saves.
On 35 minutes Barry Chaters tainted an otherwise faultless
display by giving up possession on the edge of his box and the
predatory Mann needed no second invitation to notch his first of the
game.
Hill reached the interval no worse off and much of the teamtalk
revolved around keeping our shape and looking to dominate the middle
of the park more although Pete Gyles also needed to have treatment
after having his sphincter penetrated by an Owens player (i think it
was Arnold but its usually Gaskell every Friday night).
However minutes into the second half disaster struck when
Forwell's sublime flick on put Mann through in goal to give the home
side a deserved two goal lead.
At this point things looked bleak particularly when the
visitors lost both Nathan and Gyles to injuries.
However, Andy Russell's men are made of sterner stuff and led by
Neil Hurst and Ben Penfold, Winchmore began to dominate proceedings
as the light began to fade. With
twenty minutes remaining Hurst's quickly taken free-kick crashed in
off the bar to reinvigorate the Hill effort.
Minutes later Penfold shaved the post with a stinging drive
while Kris Sonne and Jack Newton came more and more into the fore.
Suddenly the hosts looked like they had spent too long on the sunbed
as wave upon wave of Purple attacks put the Owens' back four under
pressure. Something had to give.
With just two minutes remaining Sonne was hacked down inside
the penalty area after a typically spellbinding run.
Penalty to the Hill. Hang
on, it’s almost dark and the referee cant see past his own nose.
Decision: free-kick.
This time Chris Davison stepped up and curled an absolute peach into
the top corner. Mayhem
ensued. Hill celebrated. Owens
whinged. Broomfield
came off best.
Owens may lay claim to being the best side around but they have won
nothing of note since 2001-2. Alex
Ferguson once claimed Manchester United were the best side around
after a trophyless season to which Arsene Wenger replied:
"Everyone thinks that they have the prettiest wife at
home" - take note!
Shortly after reading the Owens report I also noticed this on their
website:
FOR SALE: Second hand
pram, one previous owner. Does
not include dummy or toys.
Until
next year.......
Winchmore
Hill 3 Nottsborough 0
Southern Amateur League
Senior Section Division One
Saturday April 2nd 2005
Report from Neil Hurst
This was supposed to be the day Hill were crowned champions in the
Club's 125th year. The dream will have to wait but on this
performance there is no need for mass panic or sweeping changes -
next season can be THE season.
There is now plenty of time to reflect on where the Hill fell short
in order to build a championship winning side next term.
Two years ago we won Division 2 and announced our revival as
one of the big clubs by winning the AFA Senior Cup.
Last season we finished fourth in the top flight.
This year we have an eight-point cushion in second place and
can only finish third at worst. With a few additions and alterations the progression to the
pinnacle of the SAL can be achieved.
Hill went into Saturday's game without Barry Chaters, Pete Gyles and
Chris Davison meaning a change to a 3-5-2 formation.
The back three of Ben Willis, Paul Strouts and Shane Foley
all made full use of their pensioner parking permits and used the
time saved from not having to walk all the way from the car park to
share childhood stories about Spectrum C4s, penny sweets and Bob
Gyles buying a round of drinks.
In a new look midfield, Rod Beyer and Matty Knights (aka Kid n'Play
from the House Party films) both had terrific games, which bodes
wells for the future. After a shaky start Hill were soon into their stride and took
the lead on twenty minutes when, after a barnstorming run down the
right by Ben Penfold, Neil Hurst's knock down was tucked home by
Kris Sonne for his fifteenth goal of the season.
Moments later it was two when Hurst's defence splitting cross
field pass released Knights whose cross was tapped home by Jack
Newton.
In the second half Hill were happy to soak up the visitors pressure
while looking to counter on the break and despite having the lions
share of possession the visitors couldn't break down the 96 year old
defence while Danny Barker behind them also had another solid game.
On the hour the game was effectively over when Shane Foley
smashed home a stunning long range free-kick which left the keeper
rooted to the spot.
The
early kick off allowed the team to watch the championship chasing
twos fight back from a goal down to snatch an unexpected 2-1 victory
to clinch promotion and our congratulations go to them.
However, just when you thought the day couldn’t have any
more highlights a select few were privileged to see Paul 'Travolta'
Strouts and MC Bazza Chaterbox dancing and rapping their way into
the night. Very, very
funny. The album 'Superman and Rap Boy' is out now in all good
record shops and some rubbish ones as well.