Aveley Academicals A – A Stanford Town (Division 1 cup semi final)

I can’t give many details about this match, mainly because I was busy running 13.1 miles around the streets of Bath, but also because the outcome of the referee’s decision to abandon the match after 75 minutes, with the Accies 3-1 down, is still to be revealed.

Subs: Jake, Scott

I do know that Liam scored our goal – which actually put us in the lead – after following up a saved shot on goal by (? – assist to be claimed).  I also know that Gordon Banks made an appearance, but unfortunately it was far too brief to make up for Foggy’s absence, who had swapped green for white as he helped Belhus CC win the ECB National Indoor Championship.  Huge congratulations to our skipper, although reading the report of the semi and final suggests we needed him more than Belhus did.  Watch the video clip in the following link and you’ll see his main contribution seemed to be over-the-top celebrating and taking over the group photo-shoot.

http://www.ecb.co.uk/news/articles/belhus-cc-take-indoor-national-championship-title

I also believe Brian received the MoTM award.  Apparently he has asked for a permanent switch to left back - I can't hear any objections...

Eye-Ball

Goal scoring chart

Mossops 0 - 5 Aveley Academicals

It would have been easy to be distracted by the upcoming semi-final, but the Accies were fully focused on the job in hand as they cruised to victory against a combative and well organised Mossops sides, to extend the unbeaten run to 14 games.  The game wasn’t as one-sided as the scoreline suggests, and if Mossops had been as clinical in their finishing as Aveley we may have been made to sweat a bit more than we did.  Still, a clean sheet is not to be sniffed at however it comes, and it was fitting that Blakey picked up the MoTM award as he led the defence and brought numerous attacking moves to an abrupt end.

Sharpy had a strong squad to choose from, with pretty much the first choice midfield available.

Subs: Craig, Sharpy, Eye-Ball

Barry and Paul were most famous for their “To me, to you” catchphrase, and Aveley’s very own Chuckle Brothers showed they may have been influenced by the moustached duo as they combined for 3 of the five goals, with Dale also scoring the third and Ryan assisting the fourth.

Sharpy looks understandably smug as he picks up an unbelievable two-for-one deal at the local cash and carry 

The first goal was a cracking finish from Ryan, when Dale’s initial shot was blocked and deflected into the air and out towards the edge of the area.  Ryan hit the ball perfectly on the volley, leaving the keeper no chance as the ball flew into the top left corner of the net: 0-1.

If Dale’s assist was unintentional, Ryan’s was definitely not as he raced down the right before pulling the ball low across the box to meet Dale’s run.  The inform striker showed his gratitude by stroking the ball nonchalantly into the bottom corner: 0-2.

No more goals were added before half-time, at which point Sharpy made one change with Craig replacing Nick.  This was described as a precautionary move, with the influential midfielder struggling with a groin strain.  However, the fact he still couldn’t see straight following the previous night’s excesses probably helped convince Sharpy that this was the right change to make.  Craig slotted in on the left, with Liam adopting a more central role.

Mossop’s strength has always been their energetic workhorses in midfield, and the fact that they posed pretty much no threat on this occasion speaks volumes to the way Mo and Harry dominated the midfield contest.  There is no doubt that these two are our best midfield pairing, and we definitely notice when one or the other is not available. Given the massive influence they were having on the game, it was fitting that one should get an assist to chalk up on the goal scoring chart.  Mo slipped the ball through to Dale, who produced a trademark unstoppable finish from the right, across the keeper and into the far bottom corner: 0-3.

With the win secured, the majority of the Accies started to prioritise attack over defence.  Blakey was a noticeable exception, and at times seemed to be single handedly protecting Foggy and the Aveley goal.  However, he seemed more than capable of doing this so there wasn’t really any need to change the adopted approach.

Sharpy was one person who saw an opportunity to get amongst the goals, as he came on for H and joined Dale upfront.  It wasn’t long until he was on the score sheet, as he raced towards the back post and demanded that Ryan cross the ball to him.  Ryan duly obliged, and Sharpy finished smartly first time: 0-4.

The fifth goal was another excellent solo effort from Ryan, as he collected the ball on the left before cutting inside.  With a gap created he unleashed a pile driver into the near side of the goal, out of the reach of the despairing dive from the Mossops keeper: 0-5.

So a potentially tricky fixture had been negotiated without any serious additional damage to the squad to add to those who would unfortunately miss the follow week’s semi-final.  This list included Foggy, who rather harshly received the DoTD award for missing the biggest game of the season to play indoor cricket.  Still, it was an all-expenses paid trip to Lords for a national final, so I’m not sure we can really hold it against him.

Eye-Ball

Goal-scoring chart

Aveley Academicals 2 - 2 Stanford Town

On the face of it, this result may not look too impressive.  But when you start to add some context, it soon becomes clear why this was one of the proudest and most inspiring performances of the season.  Just being the first team to take points of the ‘wide boys’ of Stanford town (Aveley SSC’s own groundskeeper Willy’s description) was reason to celebrate.  However, to do so by coming back from 2-0 down with ten men when, in the grand scheme of things losing this game meant nothing, just proved the great character and never-say-die attitude that this current group of players have.  The game also showed that winning all your games might look good for the league table, but does it really make it worth turning up every Sunday to hear your team mates slagging each other off for 90 minutes?  Personally I’d much rather be an Accie.

Although catching Stanford in the league was not possible, Sharpy was treating this game as an important dress rehearsal for the cup semi-final.  We had pushed them close in the first league game, only losing out to a late penalty (you can ask Scott as he seems to have committed the incident to memory), but there had been talk of missing players and hangovers being responsible for us not being on the end of a thumping.  This was therefore a chance to show what we were really made of, and why we hadn’t lost in 12 games since this narrow defeat (Sharpy doesn’t count the extra time cup loss to Staines).  With Foggy again playing Cricket in the indoor nationals (and it turns out getting the Southern Final at Lords – well done mate!), we were grateful to Andrew for stepping in to help us out between the sticks.  It took balls to admit early in the season that doing this every week wasn’t want he wants, and even bigger orbs to come back and answer the call for help.  With Brian missing for family reasons, Sharpy decided to start with Eye-Ball alongside Blakey in the centre which meant a start at left back for Luke.  The squad was boosted by Ryan’s return, but having missed the last two games he had to take his turn on a very strong looking bench.

Subs: Ryan, Rob, Alex

Aveley started brightly, and created the first clear cut chance when Liam flicked on a header which came back to him on the right.  His follow up cross then somehow bounced through H’s legs, who found himself unmarked in the six yard box.  After surviving this early scare, Stanford started to enjoy more of the possession, but every time they tried to play the killer ball forward the well organised and committed Aveley defence either played the oppo offside, covered the danger or put in a crunching tackle to nullify the threat.  A couple of brave and strong challenges from James stick in the memory, as our usually adventurous right back made no complaints about having to concentrate more on defensive duties.  Andrew also showed no signs for rust, as he covered his area well, and was quick off his line to collect any over-hit through ball.

The speed of our counterattack is one of our biggest strengths, and was how we posed our greatest threat in the first half.  With Nick being at his industrious best, breaking up play in front of the back four he could then leave it to H, Mo, Liam and Craig to pick out Dale’s runs and subsequently provide support in attack.  On one such occasion where we got men forward, the ball fell to Craig somewhere near the penalty spot, but his firmly struck effort was parried by the keeper.  Mo followed up, but couldn’t find a way through the crowded area.

Chances were few a far between for both sides in the first half, which explains why a snap shot from Eye-Ball as the ball fell in the area from a long throw is worthy off a mention.  It was actually pretty well struck, and on target, but was straight at the keeper who gratefully caught the ball.

The game really came to life for unfortunate reasons in the 40^th minute.  The pre-match instructions were to get stuck in and show a bit of controlled aggression.  Luke managed 66% of this, but it was just the key element of control that was missing.  A warning for a rash challenge was followed by a harsh booking for a clumsy one, where he tripped and fell into the player rather than really attempting a tackle.  Referees have notoriously good short term memories, and therefore to fly in again within 5 minutes of being booked was not the brightest move (what is it with left backs!), and a second yellow and obligatory red was the end result.  Now Sharpy doesn’t usually need much of an excuse to flare up with the man in black, but when that man is Graham Monk, who has enraged the Gaffa on a number of occasions for no-shows (including the infamous Fence-Gate against Trojans), the slightest wiff on an injustice was going to be all it took for Sharpy to lose it.  You don’t need me to fill in the gaps, but needless to say Sharpy was sent-off and risked ending the match if he didn’t leave the immediate area of the pitch.  Rumours that he spent the rest of the half near the fence with the Trojans manager cannot be verified.

So with no manager and 10 men, it was not looking good. We made it to half time, and after Sharpy’s attempts to get words to the team were met with threats of abandonment, Dale took it upon himself to restore some sense of sanity, and we got our heads back on the now considerable task of making Stanford work for any points whilst fighting to possibly get some ourselves.

With an uphill struggle on our hands, the last thing we needed was to gift Stanford the lead.  So when Stanford spotted Andrew standing on the 18 yard box, seemingly oblivious to the warnings of his team mates, we could only stand in disbelief as the ball was floated over his head straight from the kick-off and into the net: 0-1.

One nil became two nil when a soft free kick was conceded on the edge of the area and the ball was drilled into the top keeper by the centre half: 0-2.

Oh well, game over then.  Half an hour to play, and two nil down with ten men against the team who have won 12 from 12.  You’d think so wouldn’t you, and with most of the teams I’ve played in whilst at this club over the last ten years that would have been the case.  However, this current group of players seem to play with a sense of individual hunger and collective respect and desire for the team which makes any result possible from any position.

Robin took charge of team changes, and made two substitutions with Ryan replacing Craig and Alex coming on for H.  Neither of these changes was reflective of the performance of those being replaced, but Ryan’s aerial presence and ability to hit teams on the break was what we needed in this situation.  In fact, he came close to getting us back in the game soon after coming on when H picked him out with a perfect through ball on the right.  However, it seems his legs may have still been in ‘ski mode’ as the ball flew high and wide of the target.  This was one of H’s last contributions, and having run himself into the ground Alex came on to allow Liam to push into a more advanced role having done a great job covering for his brother.

To be honest, we never looked like we were suffering from a numerical disadvantage, which says everything about the effort the boys in the middle were putting in.  Mo especially put in one hell of a shift, as he on numerous occasions dropped deep to pick up the loose ball before turning the opposition players inside out to create space and a sense of calm which spread through the team as we continued to talk, stay organised and work for each other.  Nick also seemed to win every aerial ball, much to the astonishment of the vertically superior opposition players.

It was therefore just reward that we were given a great opportunity to get back into the game from the penalty spot.  The ball was played into the box on the left and Ryan played a neat little ball to his brother, who was felled from behind as he looked to set himself to shoot.  Dale duly dispatched the perfect spot kick off the inside of the post, and we were back in it: 1-2.

Aveley didn’t try and change anything as a result of this goal, we just continued to defend bravely, and looked to break with pace and directness when we got the ball, and if we could take any chance that was presented we would get what we deserved from the game.  We know that the odds of doing so would be greatly increased if that chance fell to Dale, who had equalled his best ever goal tally for the club of 29 with the penalty (and in 9 fewer games!).  Our prayers were answered, when Nick’s awful free kick (that’s what he thought when he took it) was flicked from the centre of the area to the left by Ryan.  Blakey chested the ball on and Dale reacted quickest to jump and flick the ball with the outside of his right boot past the keeper and into the net: 2-2.

The last ten minutes were negotiated without further incident – apart from Stanford’s skipper knocking himself out against our post, and when the final whistle went, it felt like we had just won the league rather than only taken a point from a game that meant nothing to the league table.  We definitely left with the psychological edge, and surely wiped some of the smugness from the faces of our opposition.  They’ll be the ones losing sleep ahead of the semi-final, so let’s make sure their worst nightmares become a reality.

There were lots of candidates for MoTM, but it was the two centre halves who took the lion’s share of the votes.  The award should really have gone to the partnership, as Blakely and Eye-Ball worked fantastically together at the back as they communicated and took the roles that they were suited to.  Blakey attacked the first ball, and Eye-Ball dropped and stuck like glue to the main striker (to be honest he’s only scored 26 so a much easier ask than the opposition defence had).  Perhaps the last ditch block from six yards out was what swung the votes narrowly to Eye-Ball.  DoTD went to Nick, who got stuck in two minds between throwing long or shorter to Dale, and ended up throwing the ball straight into the chest of the surprised opposition player standing 6 yards away.

Well done boys – you’re all fantastic and let’s keep it up right to the last kick of the season.

Eye-Ball

Goal scoring chart

Chadwell 2 – 6 Aveley Academicals (Division 1 cup quarter final)

All the build up to this match was about how we couldn’t afford to be complacent, and that there was no way Chadwell would roll over like they did the previous week.  It was definitely going to be a closer game and we would have to get our heads screwed on to get through to the semi-final.  If only leading 5-0 at half time rather than 6-0 counts as a “totally different kettle of fish” then the pundits were spot on.  Having said that, it’s a good job we did continue where we’d left off the previous week, because the second half display was ordinary at best, which was summed up by the fact that we actually lost it 2-1.  Still the most important thing was to secure a meeting with Stanford Town in the next round, and if that meant we could put our feet up for 45 minutes, and enjoy playing on our old home pitch at Blackshots without having to put the goals up, then so be it!

With next week’s league game (and semi-final warm up) in mind, Sharpy decided to try something different with five at the back.  However, don’t be fooled by the formation set out below, as the Gaffa obviously didn’t give Robin clear enough instructions, as he decided to push up as more of a holding midfielder.  To be honest you couldn’t really blame him given the lack of threat from the opposition, and in hindsight it worked quite well to compress the midfield and provide a defensive shield.

Subs: Nick, Craig, James

I said we started where we left off, and within ten minutes we were three nil up, with Dale continuing to score for fun.  Dispossessing the defender, and cutting in on the left hand side of the box, Dale hit a tame but accurate low shot into the bottom left hand corner, out of reach of the despairing keeper: 0-1.

With the opposition being familiar with us from the previous week, it was a bonus to be able to unleash a secret bearded weapon.  Whether it was a tactical masterstroke to play the left footed Scott on the right, or the fact that the opposition were struck dumb with fear thinking they were playing against mafia boss Bear Gerhardt from Fargo, it just seemed impossible to stop the grizzly one in this new position, as he netted his first two goals for the Accies.  The first was a sublime and unstoppable drive into the right corner after collecting Luke’s throw via Harry’s flick on, and the second was a low shot through a crowded box after collecting the ball from Dale.  The ball bounced nicely over the outstretched keeper who was put off by Liam’s presence as he resisted the temptation to claim a flick: 3-0.

It's fine Scott, you can have the last chicken drumstick.  And H's vienettas!

Similarly to last week, Chadwell seemed incapable of defending but still created chances at the other end.  Without Foggy we were indebted to a fine debut display by Bangers, who show himself to be a fearless and committed keeper, as he came of his line to curtail any sniff of a chance.  He was also a much needed vocal presence, and inspired the confidence that we had feared would be missing without our club captain.

With the door being shut at one end, the flood gates were still open at the other.  Dale’s long throw into the box was flicked on by Robin where the ball was won by Liam.  He twisted free of a couple of defenders before smashing the ball into the net: 4-0.

The fifth was another nomination for Goal of the Season from H, who had positioned himself on the edge of the box for a corner.  When it was only partially cleared, Blakey laid the ball off to his mate, who drove an arrow straight, unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner: 5-0.

Sharpy made one change at half time, with James replacing Luke; the other substitutions were made a little later with Nick and Craig coming on for Scott and Blakey.  The initial impression was that the 10-1 from last week could be beaten as we quickly added a sixth. Liam raced clear, and squared it to Dale in the box who had tracked Liam’s run.  The screams from the bench were for Dale to pass to Scott so he could complete his hat-trick.  Maybe if we’d asked Chadwell’s keeper and defenders nicely, they would have stopped playing to wait for Scott to catch up, but I’m not sure that would have worked.  It was therefore the right decision for Dale to side foot home for his second: 6-0.

Whether we just didn’t want to totally humiliate our opposition again, or we decided that the job was done and we could therefore afford a well-earned rest, it is quite clear.  Either way we stopped playing and let Chadwell get two goals.  The first was a good flicked header from a free kick, and the second a wind-assisted corner which floated straight in at the back post:  6-2.

MoTM went to Harry for another lung bursting display, and DoTD was awarded to Alex Swan for not only wearing shorts with pockets, but for drawing attention to this fact by burying his hands in them for most of the pre-match warm-up.

We may not have finished this game as we would have hoped, but the job was done, and now only Stanford Town stand between us and a cup final.  It’s going to be tough but as long as we approach the game with the same attitude we have shown in recent weeks, and the belief that we can win then we’ve got a good chance of once again making that magical trip to …Tilbury.

Eye-Ball

Aveley Academicals 10 - 1 Chadwell

If Chadwell were expecting flowers and chocolates on a cold Valentine’s Day morning, they were in for a rude awakening.  Instead Aveley Academicals served up a feast of burnt toast, cold tea and a 10-1 thrashing – who says that romance is dead.  In a quite remarkable 90 minutes, the Accies clocked up the club’s biggest winning margin since an 11-0 victory in 2012, and with every member of the squad playing their part, I thought it was only fitting to give everyone a moment under the spotlight.  However, please be warned that what follows may not be a truly accurate account of events, and so if anyone wants to argue about assists or remembers things differently feel free to let me know.  But first, we need to know the team:

Subs: Alex, Robin

Foggy – MoTM and DoTD

You may well ask how a team scores 10 goals, and yet the goalkeeper wins MoTM?  The clue is in the fact that we only conceded 1, which would definitely not have been the case without a supreme display from our skipper.  On a cold morning I imagine he was happy to be relatively busy, and pulled of a string of saves, including a diving effort in the second half to push a goal-bound effort around the post.  Also claimed an assist for encouraging Brian to go up for a free-kick from which he subsequently scored – unfortunately a few others were involved before the ball went in the net, but it was definitely a key contribution.

You may well ask how a man who wins MoTM has to buy himself a drink by also winning DoTD?  The clue is in the fact that we conceded 1.  Foggy and the defence had worked so hard for a clean sheet, only for a horizontal Foggy to let a tame shot bounce over him and into the net with the score at 10-0.  To be fair the defence could have had a collective DoTD for this goal, as the scorer pretty much walk through all attempted tackles before getting a shot away.

Eye-Ball – a relative spectator

Had said that he wants the team to play so well that they don’t even notice there is someone at left back, and for the first half got his wish.  Spent most of the half shaking his head in disbelief at the carnage that was ensuing at the other end.  Busier in a second half spent waving a flag.

Brian – Franz Beckenbaur eat your heart out

Always shines at training, and translated this onto the pitch with two assists from forward runs, and one goal.  Following Foggy’s encouragement, the centre half made a late appearance in the box and turned Nick’s cross – via Luke’s face – into the net.

Blakey – Class act at the back

Sometimes a little slow to react, but that just makes the last ditch tackles all the more sweeter.  The highlight being a sliding effort which stole away the ball from the striker when he thought he was clear and through on goal.  A maiden trip to the showers was a moment to treasure.

James – hang on, don’t you play for Trojans?

In fact, worked so hard up and down the pitch that at times it looked like both the twins must be playing for us.  Instrumental in linking up with Luke for one of Dale’s first half goals, and best moment a brave block on the line.  Unfortunately his back was probably still stinging when Chadwell did score and break our defence’s hearts.

Liam – always there when you need him

Worked back to help out in defence, and got in the box to provide an assist for Dale – via a shot – and a headed goal of his own, at the near post, from Dale’s long throw.  Yet another superb all round performance from our vice captain.

Nick – still banging nails into the Chadwell coffin as it was lowered into the ground

Adds experience and bite to our midfield. Nick’s fitness is improving every week, and it shows as he plays with energy and a sense of urgency that infects the rest of the team.  A much needed vocal presence, with his own blend of encouragement which I think the team have just about figured out.  Rewarded with his first goal for the club as he tapped home following some dazzling work in the box from Dale - who was repaying Nick for yet another assist.  Had quite a few other shots, but perhaps we’d better work on that left foot in training.

Harry – owned the midfield; a class apart

Covered an immense amount of ground before being replaced by Robin midway through the second half.  This was despite appearing to be close to death from the first time he touched the ball.  Best moment was turning the entire Chadwell midfield inside out before passing the ball forward in a move that result in a goal for Dale.

Luke – best performance of the season; terrorised the opposition down the right flank

The perfect response to returning to the starting eleven. Looked to get us on the attack every time he got the ball, and linked up superbly with Dale.  Played in our striker for his first goal, and then scored himself in the second half when Dale returned the favour, and Luke finished superbly off the inside of the post.  Also claimed a second assist via his face for Brian’s goal.

Craig – he’s a smooth operator

                                              

Never hurried or seemingly under pressure.  Seemed to relish the freedom of the number 10 role and a great outlet when we wanted to keep possession.  Should have scored, but every shot seemed to be attracted to a defender.  Earned a DoTD nomination for a shout of “Dummy Dummy!” which resulted in an indirect free kick to the oppo.  We’re still not sure if this is just a nickname for James…

Dale – forget Trident, the one man every team in this league would pay to disarm

A simply remarkable and unforgettable display of movement, pace and finishing.  A first half display which was possibly the most devastating individual performance I have ever witnessed.  Every shot, from every angle seemed to end up in the back of the net.  Another hat-trick which makes it five for the season.  The first effort was a sighter, which the defender deflected into his own net for an own-goal, but after this every finish was something to be admired:

1 – Collects the ball from Luke on the right and breaks into the box before shooting across the keeper.

2 – Spins the ball round the defender from Brian’s pass and smashes it in at the near post.

3– We think this was Dale’s tap in after Liam’s initial shot was saved

4 – You know you’re scoring too many when you can’t even remember your hat-trick goal, but believe this came from a pass by Brian following another marauding run from the centre half.

5 – Nick puts the ball across the box. Dale collects a slides it past the keeper

Dale was actually involved in all but one of our goals, as he added four assists for Nick, Luke, Liam and the Chadwell defender (who I believe was particularly grateful).  It sounds ridiculous, but I imagine he is disappointed he didn’t score more, and really should have beaten Sharpy’s record of 6   in one game.  Just to stop his head inflating too much, I have to mention the shanked ball up the line which nearly took the head off an innocent bystander.  However, I imagine Dale might argue the under 8’s goal on the adjacent pitch caught his eye, and actually this was a fine effort.  The fact that Dale didn’t win MoTM is surprising (although Foggy did deserve it) but may just show how highly we rate Dale, that this is the kind of performance we expect from him.

Alex - let me play!

A faultless second half performance at left back, and really didn’t have a chance to get into the game, with most of the play being down the right or through the middle.  Will hopefully get plenty more opportunities to shine.

Robin – the last thing you want to see when you’re already dead and buried

So you’re losing about 8-0, and have hardly seen the ball, and now every time you touch it Rob is going to be there to dish out his own brand of honey nut crunch.  A fine cameo performance in a position where he could actually justify getting forward.  Although I did hear Sharpy say “Rob, I want  you to sit.”  Well, all I can say is we can’t have everything we want Gaffa.

                                                                                                                               

The Gaffa – Beaming from the touch line like the cat who got the cream

Fully deserved such a result for all the hard work and passion he has poured into this club over the years.  Unbelievable that he didn’t rush off at half time to put his boots on, but probably the right decision to carry on enjoying the spectacle from the sidelines.

And a word about our opposition:

How different things would have been if their striker hadn’t put the ball just past the post in the first minute, we will never know.  However, Chadwell created enough chances and showed they have enough pace and skill to trouble any team in this league on their day.  This most definitely was not their day, and it was a bit of a shame to see them crumble when about the 4^th goal went in.  After this they road their luck, with at least four players just charging forward like they’d just land on the beaches of Dunkirk.  They completely left their defenders to the wolves, and paid the price for letting Dale run riot by making no attempt to stick anyone within 10 yards of him.

There isn’t much more to say boys, other than enjoy this moment, but forget about it when we line up against Chadwell in the cup in our next game.  We knew very little about Chadwell, and we can’t afford to think we know them now.  Their attitude is bound to be different, and remember that there is nothing more dangerous than a wounded mosquito…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZvT3MHpffk

Eye-Ball

Next match: Sunday 21^st February v Chadwell @ Blackshots – Div 1 cup quarter final

Goal scoring chart