Roundly beaten in the end after a close first half which ended 0-0. Why? Who the fuck knows, everyone has their opinion and none of them are likely to remotely agree. Enjoyable? To a degree. It's a game of organised football an d we weren't disgraced. Everyone got a full game with only 11 of the signed on wannabees available and travelling to distant Cockfosters.
Once again we played 4 at the back, 5 across the middle and one up front. In the first half without looking in any way dangerous on the attack we were nevertheless compact and competent, people keeping their designated positions and trying hard. They were dangerous on three or four occasions but we escaped unscathed.
We never looked like solving the poser of who from the ranked masses in the rear was ever going to get up to support lone front man Chris Cox and then be able to get back to their allocated position behind the ball to suffocate the Minchy attacks. Fitness, age (therefore fitness), willpower were probably factors. There was no plan B for this contingency hence we were hardly an attacking force. Against Harpenden we had Gavin shouldering the attacking responsibilities with verve, last week, seemingly, we were just too good and fitter than the opposition (according to some well placed sources who played in both games) but today we might have sneaked a narrow win or nabbed a goalless draw at best.
The first move of the second half led to their opener when they smoothly staggered toward our area before finding their powerful centre forward who thrashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Shortly afterwards we lost a crucial part of the midfield when Darren A was reduced to hobbling having sustained a knee injury. With 10 it might have been considered a somewhat uphill struggle. It was! It was thereafter a struggle we never came to terms with and though we nearly equalised with our own special from Bill, we soon lost composure and cohesion and were fortunate not to concede more than one more goal- an own goal off the top of Ali's head that Paul could do little with without a ladder or a bat.
The young referee was good and very fair. They lost a couple of blokes to nasty injuries but fortunately they had subs. The defender who collided with his own bloke in the first half returned from hospital with his face grossly swollen (broken cheekbone)and is to be operated on on Thursday! True! Poor bugger- but our best wishes to him. Which of our players would you least like to collide with and why?
Food and clubhouse very acceptable. Everyone had a drink.
For the record the team was Paul
Jihn T, Darren H, Alistair, Bill,
Tony, Darren A, Steve, Chris G, Ron,
Chris C
Gavin and possibly Andy might be welcome additions back to the fold next week. Different game, horses for courses. Good luck!
Goodbye Sir Ronald
Quack quack
Sunday 30 October 2011
Tuesday 25 October 2011
Therfield 0 Knobs 2 - report by Dandy Dave
It was an exceptionally warm October morning in the idyllic village of Therfield where a master class of near total football was about to be played. We had a couple of new faces and a stand in goal keeper to make up the numbers as there were holidays galore being spent around the country, across Europe and further afield. Chris G was spending a few days in Sidmouth with Mrs G. Brendan was on the look out for a new disease in the Far East whilst Kenny and Bully and a few friends were sticking their fingers in soft tissue for 50 Euros a time. I heard that some of them were getting brown nosed as well!!
Anyway we had our Icelandic International Runar back in the team. Vinny popped along with a more than adequate goalie Stuart AKA Big Steve and a big thank you to Triathlon Trevor who mustered the energy after finishing a 20k swim,run and ride the previous day. Before we got on the pitch we opened the kit bag which was washed by Paul Crosby and i have to say i have never smelt a more revolting smell since i was on a veg diet last year. We came to the conclusion that Paul had let his Labrador Bill piss all over the the kit on Monday and let it fester for the remaining days so we could get the full force of it. I even tried to use my Ralgex to over come such a dreadful whiff. The kit must always be conditioned with a suitable fabric conditioner i use comfort Strawberry and Lily Kiss i highly recommend it.
As the game kicked off i new from the start that the tactics used were the right ones. I went for the same as last week with 5 in the middle. Bully was sitting between defence and midfield and was influential assisting in both goals. He gelled well with Darren H and Alistair AKA Angus! Which i have now changed to Agnus. Who would have thought it Bully,Darren H and Agnus all working for the cause. Things are looking up for sure. We were on the front foot from the start and did not give them a seconds rest while we were playing attractive football with some great one touch passing and moving into space when needed. Chris Cox was once again running tirelessly whilst Mr Boyle was again running up and down the right like a hare. 20 minutes in Vinny came on for me and showed great composure whilst on the ball linking well with Bully and Chris C. We had the opposition running ragged and it payed dividends on 35 minutes from a weak throw the ball landed at Bully's feet and in a blink of an eye he swept the ball out to the left (out side of boot) where Runar found himself running towards their right back. He dropped a shoulder jinked in side and curled a perfect shot in the top right corner of the goal. It was the least we deserved. We had one kicked off the line although some say it was over and a goal mouth scramble which should have ended up with Darren A getting his first for the season. John Boyle was having his usual spat with the referees assistant who should have been still on his paper round. We go in 1 nil at half time with a positive buzz in the camp.
There wasn't much to say at half time apart from keep it up and do the same again. They made a few changes in the second half with Fat lad who plays centre back usually up front and slotting one extra in the middle. They applied alot of pressure for 15/20 minutes and we weathered the storm quite well still playing to feet where possible and playing ourselves out of trouble with ease. Big Steve made a fantastic one on one save and just to add he has a drop kick which can bring down an aeroplane. Im sure the first one he done is still on the way to Royston. I think they gave up with 15 to go Runar went off with a twisted ankle as there were alot of pot holes on the pitch. Vinny came back on in the middle i went left mid and connected well with Young Bill who had another solid performance, your not finished! I can see you having at least 10 starts this season.
We finished the game as we started on the attack for the majority of the play. Bully had a 45 yard shot (he suggested 45 id say more 35) which was saved by the keeper who had a busy morning. Then finally with 3 minutes to go Bully played a beautiful pass out to John who turned the defender inside out and cracked a close ranger in to the roof of the net.They were lucky they only lost by 2 it would have been more if it wasn't for Triathlon Trevor. For his kindly donated £500 for the new kit he was allowed to do whatever he wanted and he did. He just didn't do what was expected of him and score. His Mike Lisle Esq performance will go down in KNOBS history as one of the best non scoring forwards performance.
Only 7 in the pub Vinny was whisked off by the wife who made up the capacity crowd of 13. Next AGM no wives at the game on the agenda please. In summing up there is now fierce competition for centre back as Darren H and Agnus both had a sterling game. Runar may be filling the left midfield slot and Vinny is definitely one that could get better and better. Hopefully big Steve may fancy another run out he's the only one who fits the shirt.
Love, Dandy
Anyway we had our Icelandic International Runar back in the team. Vinny popped along with a more than adequate goalie Stuart AKA Big Steve and a big thank you to Triathlon Trevor who mustered the energy after finishing a 20k swim,run and ride the previous day. Before we got on the pitch we opened the kit bag which was washed by Paul Crosby and i have to say i have never smelt a more revolting smell since i was on a veg diet last year. We came to the conclusion that Paul had let his Labrador Bill piss all over the the kit on Monday and let it fester for the remaining days so we could get the full force of it. I even tried to use my Ralgex to over come such a dreadful whiff. The kit must always be conditioned with a suitable fabric conditioner i use comfort Strawberry and Lily Kiss i highly recommend it.
As the game kicked off i new from the start that the tactics used were the right ones. I went for the same as last week with 5 in the middle. Bully was sitting between defence and midfield and was influential assisting in both goals. He gelled well with Darren H and Alistair AKA Angus! Which i have now changed to Agnus. Who would have thought it Bully,Darren H and Agnus all working for the cause. Things are looking up for sure. We were on the front foot from the start and did not give them a seconds rest while we were playing attractive football with some great one touch passing and moving into space when needed. Chris Cox was once again running tirelessly whilst Mr Boyle was again running up and down the right like a hare. 20 minutes in Vinny came on for me and showed great composure whilst on the ball linking well with Bully and Chris C. We had the opposition running ragged and it payed dividends on 35 minutes from a weak throw the ball landed at Bully's feet and in a blink of an eye he swept the ball out to the left (out side of boot) where Runar found himself running towards their right back. He dropped a shoulder jinked in side and curled a perfect shot in the top right corner of the goal. It was the least we deserved. We had one kicked off the line although some say it was over and a goal mouth scramble which should have ended up with Darren A getting his first for the season. John Boyle was having his usual spat with the referees assistant who should have been still on his paper round. We go in 1 nil at half time with a positive buzz in the camp.
There wasn't much to say at half time apart from keep it up and do the same again. They made a few changes in the second half with Fat lad who plays centre back usually up front and slotting one extra in the middle. They applied alot of pressure for 15/20 minutes and we weathered the storm quite well still playing to feet where possible and playing ourselves out of trouble with ease. Big Steve made a fantastic one on one save and just to add he has a drop kick which can bring down an aeroplane. Im sure the first one he done is still on the way to Royston. I think they gave up with 15 to go Runar went off with a twisted ankle as there were alot of pot holes on the pitch. Vinny came back on in the middle i went left mid and connected well with Young Bill who had another solid performance, your not finished! I can see you having at least 10 starts this season.
We finished the game as we started on the attack for the majority of the play. Bully had a 45 yard shot (he suggested 45 id say more 35) which was saved by the keeper who had a busy morning. Then finally with 3 minutes to go Bully played a beautiful pass out to John who turned the defender inside out and cracked a close ranger in to the roof of the net.They were lucky they only lost by 2 it would have been more if it wasn't for Triathlon Trevor. For his kindly donated £500 for the new kit he was allowed to do whatever he wanted and he did. He just didn't do what was expected of him and score. His Mike Lisle Esq performance will go down in KNOBS history as one of the best non scoring forwards performance.
Only 7 in the pub Vinny was whisked off by the wife who made up the capacity crowd of 13. Next AGM no wives at the game on the agenda please. In summing up there is now fierce competition for centre back as Darren H and Agnus both had a sterling game. Runar may be filling the left midfield slot and Vinny is definitely one that could get better and better. Hopefully big Steve may fancy another run out he's the only one who fits the shirt.
Love, Dandy
Sunday 16 October 2011
Harpenden Rovers 1 Knobs 2
We didn't need the cover blog though it was thought it was worth a posting as a current indication of management strategic thinking under the influence of Bonkers Conkers.
Jihn got the weather perfectly correct- misty morning giving way to unbroken sunshine.
In a very real sense many aspects of Blog 1 were realised in reality. The deadwood, has-beens and never-will-bes more than adequately covered for the wholesale absences of their more illustrious chums, la creme de la club. Against a younger Harpenden side, champions of the past two seasons we imposed defeat upon them on their own patch.
WELL DONE! Togetherness conquers all, well it fucking helps.
For the record, today's personnel has been calculated as the oldest vets side put out by Knebworth since records began (when was that ?). The players had an aggregate age of 612 years which neatly takes us back to 1399 and the usurpation of Richard 11's throne by Henry Bolingbroke- fond memories! Twelve chaps contributed constituting an average age of 51- you super vets yous.
For the record, in case never repeated, the roll of honour is as follows.
Ron 65, Bill 55, Jihn Twigg 55, Chris Cox 55, Paul Crosby 54, Chris G 54, Brendan 51, Phil Wells 50, Dave 46, Alistair 45, John Boyle 44 and Gavin 38.
The formation was 1-4-5-1.
Paul was keeper, Gavin was forward line. From the off the performance of each and every player saw to it that the midfield area was energetically congested and vigorously contested. More to the point until very near to the end (they scored their goal in the final minute) the positional discipline and the energetic commitment was sustained- no 10 minute wonder and all fall down dead. This was truly impressive in terms of context and personnel. I heartily mean that. Instead of talking the talk we actually emphatically walked the walk! Many of us have seen better days and certainly better days have seen us looking and playing better but hey if that's a last hurrah for some then so be it. We've reached the summit and the view was lovely. Such a performance , effort and commitment will take some replicating, but the inspiration has been provided, others will now need to meet the challenge.
Every one gets 10 out of 10 but the performance of Gavin needs extra mention in the dispatches. He had a terrific game, supported from behind by an impenetrable wall of yellow.
An early break saw us go close from midfielder Chris Griffiths' shot until we deservedly took the lead from a searching pass from fullback Bill found Gavin against an advancing keeper. Gav took his chance early and slotted home. He did the flat on the back Charlie George routine in celebration in the absence of a dentist's chair.
We lost Chris Cox from the midfield after 25 minutes only to be replaced by the controversial linesman, the more than incapable Ron. I was hoping for a quiet morning on the line, nursing stitched leg and cracked ribs but duty called. First time I had ever felt in danger of being sent off as a linesman so just as well I came on! Half time 1-0.
Second half much the same and we had several promising attacks, free kicks and corners where our luck wasn't in. Paul was relatively untroubled till the last 10 minutes. Gavin's surges were causing a mass outbreak of brickshitting in the Harpenden defence. On several occasions he was mown down, once deep in the penalty area. Up stepped Bill to emphatically double the lead from the spot. Another attack saw midfielder Dave lob toward an unprotected goal from 40 yards only to see ball bounce on a bone hard surface and tantalisingly scrape over the cross bar. Mention of John Boyle's midfield heroics should include one huge, courageous tackle near the end which left those around in no doubt that here they were in the middle of a real game. Alistair and Brendan had excellent games at the back against their usually potent strike force. Yet everyone contributed, The Bill- Jihn combination on the left made their mark particularly in the crucial first half . It was lovely to have grumbling Phil Wells back after a two year absence from the game at right back and a three in the centre of midfield proved tireless and immovable.
Their centre half's toe-poked cross, in the final minute, drifted into the top corner but it was much too late for them by then.
A tough, sporting contest, thank you one and all. A refreshment in their clubhouse then a triumphant return to the Station (empty), where glee, mirth and self satisfaction (not smugness) knew no bounds.
One could get accustomed to wearing a shinpad.
Paddy
Jihn got the weather perfectly correct- misty morning giving way to unbroken sunshine.
In a very real sense many aspects of Blog 1 were realised in reality. The deadwood, has-beens and never-will-bes more than adequately covered for the wholesale absences of their more illustrious chums, la creme de la club. Against a younger Harpenden side, champions of the past two seasons we imposed defeat upon them on their own patch.
WELL DONE! Togetherness conquers all, well it fucking helps.
For the record, today's personnel has been calculated as the oldest vets side put out by Knebworth since records began (when was that ?). The players had an aggregate age of 612 years which neatly takes us back to 1399 and the usurpation of Richard 11's throne by Henry Bolingbroke- fond memories! Twelve chaps contributed constituting an average age of 51- you super vets yous.
For the record, in case never repeated, the roll of honour is as follows.
Ron 65, Bill 55, Jihn Twigg 55, Chris Cox 55, Paul Crosby 54, Chris G 54, Brendan 51, Phil Wells 50, Dave 46, Alistair 45, John Boyle 44 and Gavin 38.
The formation was 1-4-5-1.
Paul was keeper, Gavin was forward line. From the off the performance of each and every player saw to it that the midfield area was energetically congested and vigorously contested. More to the point until very near to the end (they scored their goal in the final minute) the positional discipline and the energetic commitment was sustained- no 10 minute wonder and all fall down dead. This was truly impressive in terms of context and personnel. I heartily mean that. Instead of talking the talk we actually emphatically walked the walk! Many of us have seen better days and certainly better days have seen us looking and playing better but hey if that's a last hurrah for some then so be it. We've reached the summit and the view was lovely. Such a performance , effort and commitment will take some replicating, but the inspiration has been provided, others will now need to meet the challenge.
Every one gets 10 out of 10 but the performance of Gavin needs extra mention in the dispatches. He had a terrific game, supported from behind by an impenetrable wall of yellow.
An early break saw us go close from midfielder Chris Griffiths' shot until we deservedly took the lead from a searching pass from fullback Bill found Gavin against an advancing keeper. Gav took his chance early and slotted home. He did the flat on the back Charlie George routine in celebration in the absence of a dentist's chair.
We lost Chris Cox from the midfield after 25 minutes only to be replaced by the controversial linesman, the more than incapable Ron. I was hoping for a quiet morning on the line, nursing stitched leg and cracked ribs but duty called. First time I had ever felt in danger of being sent off as a linesman so just as well I came on! Half time 1-0.
Second half much the same and we had several promising attacks, free kicks and corners where our luck wasn't in. Paul was relatively untroubled till the last 10 minutes. Gavin's surges were causing a mass outbreak of brickshitting in the Harpenden defence. On several occasions he was mown down, once deep in the penalty area. Up stepped Bill to emphatically double the lead from the spot. Another attack saw midfielder Dave lob toward an unprotected goal from 40 yards only to see ball bounce on a bone hard surface and tantalisingly scrape over the cross bar. Mention of John Boyle's midfield heroics should include one huge, courageous tackle near the end which left those around in no doubt that here they were in the middle of a real game. Alistair and Brendan had excellent games at the back against their usually potent strike force. Yet everyone contributed, The Bill- Jihn combination on the left made their mark particularly in the crucial first half . It was lovely to have grumbling Phil Wells back after a two year absence from the game at right back and a three in the centre of midfield proved tireless and immovable.
Their centre half's toe-poked cross, in the final minute, drifted into the top corner but it was much too late for them by then.
A tough, sporting contest, thank you one and all. A refreshment in their clubhouse then a triumphant return to the Station (empty), where glee, mirth and self satisfaction (not smugness) knew no bounds.
One could get accustomed to wearing a shinpad.
Paddy
Harpenden 1 Knobs 5 - report by Jihn T
Well who would have thought it? A misty autumn morn on the outskirts of St Albans and Harpenden brought the new dawn we’ve been waiting for. A fine team performance where age and ambition overcame youth and derision.
The early knock-ins were evenly shared, with the Harpenden midfield four matched equally by the enterprising Knobs midfield men. Ten minutes in, after Ally had completed his usual range finding exercise by kicking the ball twice into the trees he was ready to make his mark on the game. Playing from the back Brendan refused to be mowed down by the scything tackle of the Harpenden No6 and moved the ball skilfully onto Bill who dissected the field with a telling through ball to Ally. His tantalising, swirling cross was met forcefully by Chris C and as the net bulged, so did Knobs confidence. No deadwood there then, just dead good.
The game continued apace and whilst Harpenden did their share of attacking, two further goals by half time from the kneeworthy Gavin and a long range effort from Phil which caught the keeper by surprise, meant we went in at half time with a well deserved 3-0 lead.
The usual stirring half time pep talk from Chris G had, unusually for this season, a galvanising effect. Straight from the kick off a Jihn T curled ball up the left wing fell into the path of the flighty Gavin. A shimmy and shammy gave Ron time to join in the fray, executing a neat one-two with Gavin who crossed to find John B at the far post. 4-0!
Half-way through the second period came our unfortunate defensive mistake – passing to their centre forward who bustled his way through a robust challenge from Dave. The resulting shot gave Crozzers no chance in goal and tarnished what would otherwise have been a seamless performance.
A final flurry with five minutes to go after a long period of intense Harpenden pressure provided us with the opportunity to snatch a fifth. Dave once more foraged forward, looking really for someone else less advantaged than their forwards to foul. His mission became distracted by the ball which had been teased into their half following a series of quick passes, to our own team on this occasion, and an accurate cross-field knock by Phil. Dave’s cute control enabled a final masterful pass through to the on running Gavin who slotted wide after rounding their flailing right back.
Full house at the pub to sample the Harpenden fare and congratulations all round.
5-1. Who said it would be a rout? Roll on Therfield next week.
The early knock-ins were evenly shared, with the Harpenden midfield four matched equally by the enterprising Knobs midfield men. Ten minutes in, after Ally had completed his usual range finding exercise by kicking the ball twice into the trees he was ready to make his mark on the game. Playing from the back Brendan refused to be mowed down by the scything tackle of the Harpenden No6 and moved the ball skilfully onto Bill who dissected the field with a telling through ball to Ally. His tantalising, swirling cross was met forcefully by Chris C and as the net bulged, so did Knobs confidence. No deadwood there then, just dead good.
The game continued apace and whilst Harpenden did their share of attacking, two further goals by half time from the kneeworthy Gavin and a long range effort from Phil which caught the keeper by surprise, meant we went in at half time with a well deserved 3-0 lead.
The usual stirring half time pep talk from Chris G had, unusually for this season, a galvanising effect. Straight from the kick off a Jihn T curled ball up the left wing fell into the path of the flighty Gavin. A shimmy and shammy gave Ron time to join in the fray, executing a neat one-two with Gavin who crossed to find John B at the far post. 4-0!
Half-way through the second period came our unfortunate defensive mistake – passing to their centre forward who bustled his way through a robust challenge from Dave. The resulting shot gave Crozzers no chance in goal and tarnished what would otherwise have been a seamless performance.
A final flurry with five minutes to go after a long period of intense Harpenden pressure provided us with the opportunity to snatch a fifth. Dave once more foraged forward, looking really for someone else less advantaged than their forwards to foul. His mission became distracted by the ball which had been teased into their half following a series of quick passes, to our own team on this occasion, and an accurate cross-field knock by Phil. Dave’s cute control enabled a final masterful pass through to the on running Gavin who slotted wide after rounding their flailing right back.
Full house at the pub to sample the Harpenden fare and congratulations all round.
5-1. Who said it would be a rout? Roll on Therfield next week.
Monday 10 October 2011
Knobs 2 Wilbury 8
Did we enjoy that?
We were 1-0 up, nice header from Gary from a Steve corner.
Then didn't defend well individually (not positionally) from a few attacks and we were soon 2-1 down.
Equaliser came from a Gary cut back which was emphatically headed home by their defender.
They took a 3-2 lead by half time when we gave it away in a dangerous place- our half. If you're gonna give the ball away only do it the opponent's half (new tactic)- it gives us a little bit of a better chance. Passing poor all over pitch today. Overwhelmed in midfield with Chris Wilson's energy stretched to the limit, Steve playing with a physical ailment, and our wide midfielders too wide , too slow and too immobile.
Internecine altercations abound this season. I personally try to ignore but not easy. Please bollock nicely by encouraging, none of us at present are that fucking good. Too many cliques have broken out, look at yourself before others and see how you can improve in effort at least. Effort goes a long way. Moaning, pirouhetting in a fit of pique and standing like a statue and not making a little bit of an effort at chasing back might be eliminated and help us out of this present trough. Not only do we have players who are reticent about playing against certain teams but it has been brought to my attention that there are players who are avoiding playing in games in the company of certain other players. Could be a long season but everyone'll probably get a game!
All this would never have happened when Big Bob roamed the rec. Mind you Big Bobism put a few players off playing.
They won 6-0 in second half.
Last twenty minutes was encouraging in terms of effort despite their "ability" to score every time they looked at our goal. Wont go into the goals individually, not that I can't remembrer them , just there were some really embarrassing ones.
This week's tip, positive chat. Too many people trying to programme others' games. Gags should be provided next week. Oh yes and enjoy your training and ball practices this week. Quite important for improvement of touch and technique dont you know.
Nice turn out in pub.
Dave and I struggled to take posts out alone. I now have a cracked rib. Thanks to everyone who stayed to help. Some people seem to think that this little club arranges itself. The fixture list appears, oppositions sneakily materialise each Sunday morning, new kits appear, finances are just sorted somehow, balls errantly kicked into trees and gardens mysteriously reappear, referees grow on the trees that hide the balls, dressing rooms are self cleaning, a post match social drink is arbitrary and just as long as individuals turn up, 'play' then fuck off that is a privilege conferred on the club by them!
Well it hasn't lasted 25 years without people mucking in. Just a thought.
Enjoyed my four hours in the Lister waiting for my leg to be stitched. What a strange world that is- hoards there seemingly camping out in family groups.
Am up for selection next week, I know I couldn't play worse again.
Toodle pip.
Shit shoveller- what's new!
We were 1-0 up, nice header from Gary from a Steve corner.
Then didn't defend well individually (not positionally) from a few attacks and we were soon 2-1 down.
Equaliser came from a Gary cut back which was emphatically headed home by their defender.
They took a 3-2 lead by half time when we gave it away in a dangerous place- our half. If you're gonna give the ball away only do it the opponent's half (new tactic)- it gives us a little bit of a better chance. Passing poor all over pitch today. Overwhelmed in midfield with Chris Wilson's energy stretched to the limit, Steve playing with a physical ailment, and our wide midfielders too wide , too slow and too immobile.
Internecine altercations abound this season. I personally try to ignore but not easy. Please bollock nicely by encouraging, none of us at present are that fucking good. Too many cliques have broken out, look at yourself before others and see how you can improve in effort at least. Effort goes a long way. Moaning, pirouhetting in a fit of pique and standing like a statue and not making a little bit of an effort at chasing back might be eliminated and help us out of this present trough. Not only do we have players who are reticent about playing against certain teams but it has been brought to my attention that there are players who are avoiding playing in games in the company of certain other players. Could be a long season but everyone'll probably get a game!
All this would never have happened when Big Bob roamed the rec. Mind you Big Bobism put a few players off playing.
They won 6-0 in second half.
Last twenty minutes was encouraging in terms of effort despite their "ability" to score every time they looked at our goal. Wont go into the goals individually, not that I can't remembrer them , just there were some really embarrassing ones.
This week's tip, positive chat. Too many people trying to programme others' games. Gags should be provided next week. Oh yes and enjoy your training and ball practices this week. Quite important for improvement of touch and technique dont you know.
Nice turn out in pub.
Dave and I struggled to take posts out alone. I now have a cracked rib. Thanks to everyone who stayed to help. Some people seem to think that this little club arranges itself. The fixture list appears, oppositions sneakily materialise each Sunday morning, new kits appear, finances are just sorted somehow, balls errantly kicked into trees and gardens mysteriously reappear, referees grow on the trees that hide the balls, dressing rooms are self cleaning, a post match social drink is arbitrary and just as long as individuals turn up, 'play' then fuck off that is a privilege conferred on the club by them!
Well it hasn't lasted 25 years without people mucking in. Just a thought.
Enjoyed my four hours in the Lister waiting for my leg to be stitched. What a strange world that is- hoards there seemingly camping out in family groups.
Am up for selection next week, I know I couldn't play worse again.
Toodle pip.
Shit shoveller- what's new!
Sunday 2 October 2011
Knobs 2 Goldings 1
That's better, refreshed.
First win of the season and a bit of a struggle against a doughty 10 men. they had six call offs that morning but hey......
Dave started in goal and looked the part. Latest centre forward Simon on the bench and off we jolly well went. Surely too good a side for their 10 men, which the result eventually proved. Just! In the first minute our forward line, Andy, was through 1-1 with the keeper, scuffed and was thwarted. So it went on as we attacked. We were never anywhere near convincing with our finishing- shooting call it what you will. Dry pitch, bouncy and bobbly? Oh yes what a scorcher of a day, well done to all participants for existing through it.
Their chances were not converted, two of them in the first half due to sloppy cross field passes across the back which were intercepted. One shot crashed against the bar with Dave confidently.......
It soon panned out into a game of our attacks and their energetic defending. their centre half was speedy and classy. A notable feature was, with so much possession, people on the ball had the time to try and do too much themselves. An unaccustomed luxury of too much time and space. As a result attacks lacked momentum, pace and usually ended up with the wrong players trying to hit killer balls. Very disjointed. But despair not, thought they all, it's just a matter of time.
It shouldn't have been like that. With time and space the easy ball through the opposition was disdained. Perhaps it was the heat!
Half time 0-0.
Brendan replaced Dave in goal, his hand swollen from a hornet's sting. How confident is that?
Our shooting continued to be poor , though the woodwork was struck a few times. Our heading is poor to non existent so as to doubt the wisdom of us employing anything so prosaic as a cross.
But then we scored in a scramble which saw John Boyle gleefully tap in from close range.
They had some attacks, patient and steady, mainly through the energy and bustle of their young centre midfield man. I'll be 71 when he qualifies as a vet.
Brendan did a nice chicken shooing scoop round the post- taught him all I knew. He then saved us 3 or 4 times in the space of an attack (somehow) before retiring hurt. Steve Bull voluntarily took to the gloves. Noone was remotely interested in passing to him outfield so he made a good choice. The corner, conceded by Brendan's last act, flew over, was undefended and was backheeled in from a yard. Steve's keeping debut was in tatters- a clean sheet for 7 seconds. We did score a winner quite easily. Ball moving from right to left, reaching Andy who almost apologetically slotted home. look how easy that was !
We had a penalty denied when their centre half headed down onto his arm. Construed as unintentional and could hardly been seen as giving them an advantage! In the last seconds the referee did not see a lashed cross which apparently struck Tony's arm, arms and belly, arms, belly, willie and kneecap. Whatever. I'd turned to look to the linesman to see if he'd flagged for a throw in and missed the ensuing cross. Implored to ask honest Tony if he'd handled it, I did. He said no. Their man then said that's what we'd all say! Then what was the point of asking me to ask him? Circularity and non sequiturs.
Result 2-1.
Pub, few of them, a good few of us.
Insanus omnis furere credit ceteros!
Tips. Play to our strengths. Ball to feet where feasible. Running into space not a strength of ours except when Andy and Gavin are in the team. Remember Steve Bull stands around promisingly in midfield to help those whose strengths are elsewhere located, to pass the ball accurately, otherwise what's the ........
Principles.
We decide to recruit players when it's urgent, like 5 years ago, and the committee usually rubberstamps this. We have quite a squad of players signed and paid up presently, regardless how old, bow legged, slow, blind or batty they are and they are the cards the club plays with. Newcomers desperate to join our illustrious club in these circumstances must wait and take their chance when opportunity arises, like Darren H did originally and if I may say so like I did myself, months went by waiting for a call.
We have used 3 new centre forwards in 5 games. If they are keen they will understand the policy and will gradually fit in.
Most promising and improving player of the year. Bill reminded me of the now defunct award that used to be presented. Perhaps it should be resuscitated for several reasons, not least being the acknowledgement that we are none of us the finished article.
Goalkeeper:
Trevor played 2 conceded 11
Paul played 1 conceded 7
Ron played 1 conceded 2
Brendan played 20 minutes but now retired due to broken fingers - conceded 0
Steve played 25 minutes conceded 1
Dave played 45 minutes conceded )
AND the NEW KNOBS keeper is........ DAVE!!!!!! Stats never lie.
OCTOBER 16th game away to Harpenden. It is apparent that we are going to be short of several players that day. First thoughts were we should cancel early. But chat in the pub suggested we should play the fixture utilising less regular players. Probably correct, especially since we have no spare dates in our fixture list to re-schedule. SUGGEST people contact Dave early to pledge their availablity and commitment.
Available so far, Chris G, Ron, John B, Brendan, Chris W (probably), Chris C (possibly), Gavin,
Dave.
I have whittled at length, not a jot more will I wit.
Goodbye.
First win of the season and a bit of a struggle against a doughty 10 men. they had six call offs that morning but hey......
Dave started in goal and looked the part. Latest centre forward Simon on the bench and off we jolly well went. Surely too good a side for their 10 men, which the result eventually proved. Just! In the first minute our forward line, Andy, was through 1-1 with the keeper, scuffed and was thwarted. So it went on as we attacked. We were never anywhere near convincing with our finishing- shooting call it what you will. Dry pitch, bouncy and bobbly? Oh yes what a scorcher of a day, well done to all participants for existing through it.
Their chances were not converted, two of them in the first half due to sloppy cross field passes across the back which were intercepted. One shot crashed against the bar with Dave confidently.......
It soon panned out into a game of our attacks and their energetic defending. their centre half was speedy and classy. A notable feature was, with so much possession, people on the ball had the time to try and do too much themselves. An unaccustomed luxury of too much time and space. As a result attacks lacked momentum, pace and usually ended up with the wrong players trying to hit killer balls. Very disjointed. But despair not, thought they all, it's just a matter of time.
It shouldn't have been like that. With time and space the easy ball through the opposition was disdained. Perhaps it was the heat!
Half time 0-0.
Brendan replaced Dave in goal, his hand swollen from a hornet's sting. How confident is that?
Our shooting continued to be poor , though the woodwork was struck a few times. Our heading is poor to non existent so as to doubt the wisdom of us employing anything so prosaic as a cross.
But then we scored in a scramble which saw John Boyle gleefully tap in from close range.
They had some attacks, patient and steady, mainly through the energy and bustle of their young centre midfield man. I'll be 71 when he qualifies as a vet.
Brendan did a nice chicken shooing scoop round the post- taught him all I knew. He then saved us 3 or 4 times in the space of an attack (somehow) before retiring hurt. Steve Bull voluntarily took to the gloves. Noone was remotely interested in passing to him outfield so he made a good choice. The corner, conceded by Brendan's last act, flew over, was undefended and was backheeled in from a yard. Steve's keeping debut was in tatters- a clean sheet for 7 seconds. We did score a winner quite easily. Ball moving from right to left, reaching Andy who almost apologetically slotted home. look how easy that was !
We had a penalty denied when their centre half headed down onto his arm. Construed as unintentional and could hardly been seen as giving them an advantage! In the last seconds the referee did not see a lashed cross which apparently struck Tony's arm, arms and belly, arms, belly, willie and kneecap. Whatever. I'd turned to look to the linesman to see if he'd flagged for a throw in and missed the ensuing cross. Implored to ask honest Tony if he'd handled it, I did. He said no. Their man then said that's what we'd all say! Then what was the point of asking me to ask him? Circularity and non sequiturs.
Result 2-1.
Pub, few of them, a good few of us.
Insanus omnis furere credit ceteros!
Tips. Play to our strengths. Ball to feet where feasible. Running into space not a strength of ours except when Andy and Gavin are in the team. Remember Steve Bull stands around promisingly in midfield to help those whose strengths are elsewhere located, to pass the ball accurately, otherwise what's the ........
Principles.
We decide to recruit players when it's urgent, like 5 years ago, and the committee usually rubberstamps this. We have quite a squad of players signed and paid up presently, regardless how old, bow legged, slow, blind or batty they are and they are the cards the club plays with. Newcomers desperate to join our illustrious club in these circumstances must wait and take their chance when opportunity arises, like Darren H did originally and if I may say so like I did myself, months went by waiting for a call.
We have used 3 new centre forwards in 5 games. If they are keen they will understand the policy and will gradually fit in.
Most promising and improving player of the year. Bill reminded me of the now defunct award that used to be presented. Perhaps it should be resuscitated for several reasons, not least being the acknowledgement that we are none of us the finished article.
Goalkeeper:
Trevor played 2 conceded 11
Paul played 1 conceded 7
Ron played 1 conceded 2
Brendan played 20 minutes but now retired due to broken fingers - conceded 0
Steve played 25 minutes conceded 1
Dave played 45 minutes conceded )
AND the NEW KNOBS keeper is........ DAVE!!!!!! Stats never lie.
OCTOBER 16th game away to Harpenden. It is apparent that we are going to be short of several players that day. First thoughts were we should cancel early. But chat in the pub suggested we should play the fixture utilising less regular players. Probably correct, especially since we have no spare dates in our fixture list to re-schedule. SUGGEST people contact Dave early to pledge their availablity and commitment.
Available so far, Chris G, Ron, John B, Brendan, Chris W (probably), Chris C (possibly), Gavin,
Dave.
I have whittled at length, not a jot more will I wit.
Goodbye.
Knobs 2 Goldings 1
League game, 3 points, John Boyle, MoM, we stuffed those wallies bye bye! See you in the morning.
Knackered boy.
Knackered boy.
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