Wanted 1 Goalkeeper no experience neccessary but would be helpful.
I have ummed and aagghhed i few times about playing myself but have decided against it.

The only person I could think of was JT's brother, but I text him and he plays for Hermitage now!

Lewis might rather play in goal than sit on the bench.

Kung Frew - I have printed off your statement, and this is now a contact.

...ooooh I love wedding cake.

If you need me I will play. I'd rather not if I don't have to, but I will if needed.

The above offer comes with the reminder that in the past having been in goal for such memorable victories as 1-0 over Hermitage Reserves (the game that won the league) and 1-0 over Thames Valley Sports (the game that beat Thames Valley Sports) I subsequently went in goal twice last season and conceded 13 goals. You figure it out, but I'm okay to play in goal if there's no realistic alternative.

Hero.

Well lads we have a bit of a situation on our hands with 2 goalkeepers signed on and neither of them available.

Suggestions on a postcard

Poor old 'David' - he always manages to do this, gets his chance in the squad, puts in a stormer and then has to miss the next game or two so starts all over again. The secret is to be available two games in a row, or more.

Chav Friend on Sunday then - dunno what to expect from it. They were quite a strong side last year but at the end we put one over on them without too much effort, it wasn't our best performance but we still rolled em over. This year they got tonked by Newthatch who we beat apparently fairly comfortably but you never know what squads were available etc.

I'm hoping to come down and watch at least the first half, not playing for a while though as I'm within weeks of a much-needed holiday...

It's quite weird, when I read your posts, I read them in your dodgy scouse accent.

You've given Crabbman his place back cheaply Frew!

You can't miss out on all those nice cars at a wedding thou...

Sorry lads, I didnt want to let Frew on, I really didnt, but it was the only way to get him to agree to give me my hub caps back.

Ah, the old ones are the best.

Last night was, shamefully, the first time I can remember leaving a pub during a match. I went at half time, deciding that I didnt want to waste any more of my life watching that pathetic excuse for football. So I went home, and ate a sandwich, containing Ham, lettuce, and Pickle. It was nice, actually.

He is. He really is. Sadly, gay.

And did I miss something earlier on, was I making a smutty joke about Smurf wanting to 'come in Matt's dinghy' and Matt responded by saying he wanted to negotiate "a pint per goal"???

I have mental images in my head that will take a psychologist years to get rid of. Years.

Looks like 'David' was quite passionate about the game last night then. Wonder what Dave Frew thought of it all.

Fraid I didn't see any of it, but from what I heard on the radio this morning it was a heap of pants but Liverpool should have had a penalty. Group stage Champions League is dull, simple as that - even if last night had been a 5-4 thriller it would still only have been 3 points to someone and no points to someone else.

Sooner they get into the knockout stages where a disallowed penalty really matters there and then, the better.

I'm up for a night out, can it be on a Saturday night? I can come and watch you lot play the next morning. November sounds good, can't make first weekend though.

Ha ha!!

Well,

I'd have to discuss contract first. I'd need more than a pint a goal!

That's not what he meant when he said he wanted to come in your dinghy...

Why? Are you not invited to Shanes 50th either?

You can do the rowing.

Big crowd tonight. 25,926.

Reading to win 2-0 Witnessed by a whopping 23,174. Doyle to score first.
19th November sounds good a week after my birthday

Matt can i come in your dinghy

Probably not quite how you planned it.

Huge game tonight. We're off to Saints V's Rfc

Predictions:

Saints 1 - 3 Blue Army

Harry to quit next Monday.

My 30'th was fucking great led in bed in pain with a broken leg taking loads of painkillers so i couldnt even drink.Great

Sailing round the isle of Wight in my dingy.

Going out with my mates. What are you doing that night instead?

I started worrying about turning 30 when I was 15, turned me to drink you know...

I've only got 6 years left to prepare myself.

What are doing for your 50th Shane?

Turning 30 was a bitch - the worst part was the run up to it, once it's your actual birthday it doesn't seem to matter anymore.

So it's a question of the 18th without Adam or the 19th without Hilly. Which one of you will buy us the most beers?

I can't plan that far ahead. You tell me the date and I'll plan around it.

My favorite player: Got to be the great Dane - Jan Molby.

It's an art to run with a big belly. Ay Smurf.

Sat 19th better for me as im away on the friday.

Favorite player has to be Tomas Repka.....Awesome!

It was a very good feeling winning on Sunday I'd almost forgotten what it felt like! Let's hope it's the start of a decent run in the league aswell. Fri 18th would be better for me as it looks ike I'll be drowning my sorrows on the Sat as I turn 30 the following weekend! I'm sure Smurf and Shane can sympathise with that... if Shane can remember that far back.

Looks like we're heading for Friday 18th or Saturday 19th November then. I don't know who other than Tony works on a Saturday, or whether people have a set preference for the night being a Friday or a Saturday. Why not let us all know here on the Shefford FC blog? While you're at it, let us know who your favourite player is and we'll post the results on BBC's Newsround.

Shaner, are you following me around? I too am away for much of October, returning on November 5th, and Im at a wedding on the 12th, so the week after would be good for me.

I've already been on Soccer AM.

Thats a lie, I havent really.

Good idea... Did you send a picture of Browny to show we really would be entertainment?

Can anyone kick it that far? !!

So if the Lakeside Superbowl Division One was canceled today, I'd get the top goal scorer trophy? Cool.

Who needs Lewis anyway. He might score 35 goals a season, but I ran more than him.

I am back in the country early in the morning on the 5th November. So, if you were a bunch of evil muthas we could go for that night. However the following Saturday or the Friday or Saturday after that - so 12th, 18th or 19th are better options for me.

Browny I've been in the Allsports audience it's a good laugh. I won't tell you too much about it cos I don't wanna ruin the evening, but I was surprised at how small the studio is in real life.

If we go for the 18th or 19th then it gives us a month before the xmas do which isn't too bad...

Matt you are top scorer as Grundy,Lewis and Shane scored in the first game.
I have just e-mailed Soccer Am offering them our services to be shamed embarrased or just sheer entertainment.Also suggested a grassroots football crossbar challenge with us being the first to try.
You never know they might take us up but i doubt it as im shit with words

Miller might have got off with Mark, but certainly didn't...

Sorry, that's poor.

Who scored in the first game of the season?

I might be top goal scorer !!

I noticed the All Sports show was on when I got in from work the other week, about 6pm ish. Was it not getting the ratings or something?

Novemeber sounds like a good shout, as you said gives everyone plenty of notice. Im like you matt got a lot goin on in October, like going to see the lovely Helen Chamberlin in the Audience of Soccer AM Allsports Show, Birthday present from work. Nice.

Good result on Sunday chaps good to see we are getting things back on track and can still score goals withput relying on Mr lewis. Good to see Matt and Miller get off the mark.

We could wait till November mate, what date are you back? I have a fair bit on in October anyway. Plus that gives everyone plenty of notice.

Sounds good to me - been a while since I had a few beers with you lot. Am within 3 weeks of my holiday now so won't be available to play for a few Sundays - though should be able to come and watch and shout and stuff. Ever since I broke my leg a month before going to the Maldives Julie's not let me play too close to going away anywhere.

Obviously I wear the trousers and could decide to play if I wanted to. What I say goes. Put my foot down and all that. Decision is final end of conversation. But I ask you, who will wash my pants if she doesn't? It's not the best opening line when meeting women - "If I piss my wife off will you wash my pants?" - believe me.

Sounds like you guys have got it back on track anyway.

When for the night out then? I'm away for a massive chunk of October and the first bit of November, but don't worry if I can't make it. I'll be happy enough in the sunshine.

We were saying yesterday that we need to have night out fairly soon. One in between now and the Xmas one. And Mr Lamb should definitely come. Would be good to see you mate. Seems ages ago now since you headed to the hills.

2 from Matt and the third from Miller

Who scored the goals?

My bloody legs ache! I'm still carrying a bit of holiday weight I think.

Everyone deserves a lot of credit for yesterdays performance. We set out a plan before the game to close them down quickly and give them no time on the ball, and everyone worked to try and do it.

Our style wasn't exactly pretty and was a little route one, but it was obvious that was causing them a lot a problems, and they struggled with my pace (!!), so it was working for us.

Superb performance from the big scouser in the middle of the park, won every 50/50 and 60/40 against. Almost got in one fight, but then he always does!

I can see how they scored goals to win the league last year, there two strikers were
very quick and potentially pretty skillful, although the defense didn't allow them time to try anything.

Maybe a cup run on the cards... I bloody hope so!

Hehe know what you mean about picking the team - it doesn't get any easier after crap performances either cos then whoever you drop you look like you're blaming them for it. Still, my motto is... "not my problem." :-)

Bit of both Mr Bellamy,we actually looked like we wanted to win we were at them from the very start and not our usual slow starters we battled all over the park and deserved to win.All in all a great team performance we had still had a few flashes were we seem to panick with the ball but the hassle and bite that we had was pleasing and mixed in with some good finishes as well.
I'm so looking forward to picking the team next week ( Not )

Had to take Atkins off there was no way he was getting a pork pie to go with his 2 pints and a pack of peanuts.

Glad i didnt have the same deal with Grundy he did more nuts than KP.

Well done boys

Sounds like something occurred yesterday then lads? 3-1 win over the team everybody secretly thought were gonna be one of the stronger teams in the league? And their goal was a bit soft apparently whereas we had 3 good finishes? No Dave Lewis and no Dave Crabbe?

So what was the difference then, ability or attitude?

Corr that's lucky. Sillsy almost had to play then.

13 and 2 of those are goalkeepers,but i wouldnt want to play anyone who is injured and end up making them worse.

Sounds like we might be a little low on numbers for Sunday? That means each player will need to go above and beyond the call.

I have to go now cos I need a wee.

Good luck on sunday lads, looking on results new thatch should be a tough challenge but we are more than capable of turning in a good performace to get a win!

I'm not playing smurf as my foot is still sore from saturdays game i'll be there to watch though, Come on the shefford massive!!

So Crabbman, does that mean you've been missing training so you can play on Sunday? Or your not playing Sunday, but will still be there to watch?

I think you should play.

Crabbeman, if I had been reading it out loud, I would have nearly dies reading your last post! Punctuate man! Here are some full stops for you to use .........

Smurfy, if you weren't the manager, I would point out at your team got mauled by us lot last night, with you only starting getting goals back when it went pitch black and our goal was under the floodlights. I would say that at times it was embarrassing with our swift passing movement and show boating, and that you called it a day by pleading for a draw.

Shane, bastard.

Matty, I didn't want you to feel left out, so, erm, I'll tell you I got Brian Lara Cricket 2005 in a half price sale at HMV today.

But you're the manager, so I won't say any of that.

Hey lads sorry i havent been at training recently i have been resting my groin as it has been giving me stick since the start of the season its not fair on you lot or myself if i cannot give 200% on a sunday so i am gonna have to sit it out this week will be there sunday though looks like it will be a tough game but we usually raise are performance against the better teams so im sure if everybody gives there all we can turn around a bad start

Ignore Atkins we decided on no training next week as it is pointless and then start fresh on the 5th indoors.

By the way my team won last night

Arh - your new jobs shit then!!

You didn't miss much, poor turn out again and there were loads of people training/playing up there.

We have the hall at Park House 8.30pm - 9.30pm Wednesdays. Starting on the 5th October. I think it was decided we would train next week and start a fresh on the 5th, obviously this needs to be confirmed with Smurf.

A few of us can't train next week anyhow as we're off to sunny Southampton to watch Rfc.

Hi lads,

Apologies for skipping training last night. Was stuck in London talking to Rachel Stevens, so you can take my apology and stick it right up...

I bet Genghis turns up reasonably quiet on Sunday morning. These international stars don't like the wet windy evenings up North do they?

...and then paid for the bar, put his rubbish in the bin provided, and gave a large sum of money to a local charity as he is such a generous man.

Oh Dear Oh Dear Oh Dear Those comments could sort out the problem with too many midfielders

He probably ate it before he had paid for it.

Plus he waited to see how many people were in the stadium before guessing. Cheat.

I bet you ate it before you got to the doors in the shop anyway !!!

Attendance was 6941 Tony was closest with 7324 but was over so i keep the Mars bars.Training tonight at Henwick 7pm Sharp

Can't training indoors tonight, so are we putting plan B into action?

I need to do some running!

No, but that doesnt count because, erm, I couldnt see it, so it means you cant, you know, oh arse.

Shotgun. Aha!

Its a non-stop fact highway today isnt it? And Matts appears to be the guy driving the car in the super-fast outside lane...

Stella does strange things to usually 'normal' people... Sometimes 3 days after consumption.

Ghengis you don't drink Stella do you? I'll try and think of another excuse for you.

Depends what the child is willing to do for the ticket I guess...

Wrong.

Steve Death holds the records for not conceding a goals for something like a 1000 minutes of play. Interesting eh. A record that will probably be beaten this year by Chelsea.

Did you know it's £45 for a child to watch a Chelsea game?

9,643.

Its been a very confusing Blogger today, Alan this, training that, I'm off to Fiji in a month, The South-West, and Matt liking Pork Pies.

We should def train whereever it is, we need to! We could all bring torches and strap them to our heads using some of Mikey's head bands. Or park our cars near by and put the lights on...

Alan predicts: 13,009

0-0 Reading to win on pens.

10,387

If I win can I have the money to put towards a pork pie please.

Thanks.

Reading 1 - 0 Luton

10,345

2 - 0 Reading Trevor Senior to score and Mick Harford to get sent off for Luton.
Steve Death to keep a clean sheet for Reading with a man of the match performance.11,458 people to witness the match with Matt Atkins winning the half time pork pie eating competition.

Closest to the attendance with out going over wins a mars bar and will have it presented to them on sunday.Get it spot on and i will make it a kingsize so get your predictions in.

I like pork pies, so a move out that way may suit me down to the ground. Sillsy's also half way there, he'd just have to dye all those hairs blonde....

I've spoken to Lewis, his old mans finding out today and will let him know tonight, so he'll/I'll pass on the info later. He thinks it's more likely to start next week as the 1st week in October was the date he asked it to start originally.

Either way I think we should train tomorrow, Henwicks a good idea, it used to be ok up there and will be fine for a one off.

Newthatch will be a good test. I've no idea what there like, and as far as I know, I don't know anyone that plays for them. Obviously they won the league last year, but we're still better, because we won that league and got to the cup final.... So there.

Alan's doing well. He's got a ride today - 2.10pm at Ayr.

I'm off to the Mad Stad tonight; Reading V's Luton, Milk cup second round.

Predictions:

You were in Devon, I was in Dorset. The Southwest is the place to be gents, sooner you realise that the better it'll be for everyone. Johnny Lamb got the jump on all of us and took the delicious Megan off to Taunton to woo her with cider - he's a smart lad indeed and we all stand in his shadow til he returns wearing trousers with straw hanging out of the legs and munching on a pork pie. Trust me, that day will come.

If we can't get indoors for training I reckon we still do it, just go to Henwick and make use of the small amount of light you can get there.

Newthatch appear to be a strong side so we'll need to be up for it on Sunday. I shall be there and in fine voice to spur you on. I shall also probably start to talk about my holiday cos I'll be under 3 weeks away from going to be warned I may be more annoying than usual.

Hi boys just back from a nice long weekend in Devon,we have Newthatch at home this Sunday in one of the cups.
What is the crack with training?
Answers on a postcard.

Matt how is Alan?

Doe's your leader look like Mr Miyagi?

Does Dale ever make you wear a head-band? * No reply needed*

We're off to a bad start Paul, but haven't been thrashed yet, and hopefully won't be. We're going to put it right this weekend, 3 points for defo. I'll hassle Lewis again later about the indoor training, as I think we need it for fitness.

Anyone know who we're playing on Sunday?

Also - It's worth noting that we haven't had a bookings for decent yet....

Hehe have you joined a karate club or a cult? Haven't seen you for months and I bet they've asked you to hand over all your possessions. I can see it now on Sunday...

"Morning Genghis"

"I love The Leader"

The linesman is not a twat.

I was 100% convinced mate - I could have stood there in front of the entire Shefford squad plus old boys with you all agreeing that they were in no way related and would still have held my view that they were brothers.

I have no idea where it came from but that's just been how it has been since Robbie Keane first came on the scene. I can even hear Motty in my head saying "...against his brother Roy..." when Spurs played Man Utd.

It's not a nice thing having to admit to a girl that she's right about something footy related and I'm wrong. Thankfully for me that girl was Julie who does at least have a respectable understanding of the game. Thing is, until I can once again be right about something that she's wrong about, she kind of 'wears the football pants' in the family because my error was so horrifically off-target. Therefore, she is coming to training on Wednesday in my place and is starting up front alongside Dale on Sunday cos Genghis bet that he could kick a ball straighter than she could...

That's better. Your an IT Genius.

Yep, that's the one. He looks more like a jockey than a footballer, and he has a similar vocabulary to Paul Curtis.

What ever did happen to Paul Curtis?

Arsenal 2-1 Everton

Toffees to score first, Marcus Bent to score in the 9th minute.

Better?

It might be an idea, we wouldn't want Shane thinking we are the same person. Did you really think they were brothers? Honestly? I'm shocked.

I'm off to Highbury tonight for the Arse vs Everton, any predictions?

Is Arthur/Alan the short one who comes on, shouts a lot, pushes people a lot, then comes up to you after the game pretending you're best friends?

No need to apologise mate. We were wrecked anyway and just found your reply funny! To be honest, I can't even remember what is said now. But I remembered his name this morning. It's Arthur.

I'm glad you didn't reply telling me to text 63336, because I probably would have, and it would probably have cost me a quid for nothing!

One of the 'Johns' needs to change there name, it's too confusing. One of you should be called Alan.

Just a quick overview.

Got a text from Matt on Saturday night asking what the name of the player is who plays for Partick but is short and usually a sub.

I have no idea so suggested he try to convince people it was Alan.

Quick enough?

I think they were all very drunk and I was also very drunk so that was as far as the conversation went. Plus I was already reeling from the whole Keane incident and didn't know black from white anymore. Should never have called that ginger guy a nigger...

For legal purposes of course I didn't actually do that and have absolutely nothing against anyone for anything. A lot of my friends are ginger.

John how come you know what channel I'm on and at what time. What channel is it anyway that you know the number of off by heart?

We won 5-2 on Sunday, never a dull game with us! We beat Clifton St. Vincents, if ever I heard of a wine bar drinking bunch of pussy's name...

I'm still confused over this Alan thing though.

Sorry about the Alan thing - I was absolutely steaming down in Swanage (shouldn't have been, had to get up early the next day and help teach a Rescue Diver course with my own wife participating in it) but the Villa v Spurs game was quite entertaining and the Stella was going down far too well. Started to feel a bit funny.

Did you know that Robbie Keane and Roy Keane aren't even related? I had a revelation on Saturday night when my whole understanding of the game was called into question as I was convinced they were brothers. Used "Any Questions Answered" (text any question to 63336 and they'll give you the answer within a minute - costs a pound though I think - but often money well spent) to find out otherwise as I wouldn't believe anyone (everyone) who was telling me otherwise.

Then I got your text about some bloke who played for Partick and was gonna suggest that you text 63336 to find out, but then you'd have just thrown away a pound. They'd have come back with some sort of statistical evidence that he was most likely to be called "Dave" cos that's the highest percentage of male names in the South of England of people aged 18-35 or something like that.

They did, however, finally convince me that I was wrong and not the entire world that Roy and Robbie simply share a surname by coincidence and nothing more. Bizarre. So that just made me want to drink more. When the alarm went off on Sunday morning and I realised how much I'd drunk and what I had ahead of me, I felt like, well, like throwing up.

So apologies for the Alan thing - was kind of spinning by then...

He better give it to us, he told us last week that we already had it, 8-9pm on a Wednesday. If not, perhaps we should all move to Reading. Well, perhaps YOU should all move to Reading.

Now, about this cunt...

...called Alan.

Phone Lewis, his dad is in the process of finding out about training. Hopefully he should get an answer tonight. Bureclere also want a night up there, but he thinks he'll only be able to get one night a week.

I've warned him that he'll will hurt him if he doesn't give it to us. Alan will get him.

"Once upon a time there was a cunt..."

I think it should be Goldilocks and the Three Bears, that's one of my favorites. Although you're right, it's getting dark, so maybe a scarier story?

What's the story for Wednesday then? It's too dark now to go to Northcroft.

Actually, John's Cods can already be sen on TV.

Television X, Sky channel 979, Monday nights from 10. He was young and needed the money.

Ha ha well I'll look into it again then.

John I can guarantee that if you get your 'cods' out in the right place at the right time then you'll definitely get on tv. Just needs a little bit of planning...

I think the extras idea is a good one. That would be well funny!

I forgot to mention I was captain in the 6-1 defeat so it hurt even more than normal. I'm up for a bit of expose on national television/radio even if it means me getting my cods out. I hear the game's off so myabe I'll see you guys soon? John L

S'a good point well made. I suggest we pick a top financial institution and bring them down.

Sounds like a plan.

People may be wary though - the Radio One competition fell on its arse after we were harshly thrown out, and Namone's career hasn't exactly risen like the morning Sun, more fallen likethe Aussie's wickets, or stayed static, like, erm, static. As for the Comic Relief, well I wasnt there. but I understand it led to a member of the Shefford squad continuing his charity work in Vicky Park...

John Lamb now Neil? What a great day. Where the hell is Paggies anyway I've never heard of it? Had a wander round Newbury at lunchtime today which felt kind of odd.

I'm acutely aware that it's been a while since we've had our results read out live on Radio One or got our knobs out in front of 14.2million people, so will endeavour to correct this situation as soon as possible. There must be other opportunities out there for 16/17 guys desperate for attention. A while ago I did consider signing everybody up with an extras agency but it seemed like a lot of work to get everyone's details together. With the newfound organisational skills of Smurf in the manager's chair though, maybe that will be easier? We could all be the next batch of stormtroopers if they decide to make any more star wars films and choose Berkshire as the setting for one of the planet scenes... Could happen.

Paggies Bar is Banks. They changed there name as they are now sponsored by Paggies. Went and watched them play the other day and they look like they have a good team. Got some new players that I didn't recognise

Mr Lamb, good to see your name in, well, darks, on my screen. 6-1 is quite a malling, but you get those games now and then. Like Johnny says, we've lost our first two games, but both only by a goal a piece. Personally I think it's down to individuals taking it too easy (me included in the first match cos I was the first who had to come off) but time will tell.

Training last night was a bit of a waste of time cos a) only 10 people there b) Reading lot got stuck in traffic (not their fault at all) and didn't get there til about 7.20pm and c) it started getting too dark to play before 8pm. So I think we all agreed it's time to either take it indoors or move to Henwick and make use of the diffusion of the floodlights.

I think we've got the quality to have won both the opening games in only very slightly different circumstances. But it's a marathon not a sprint, I think it's gonna be one of those seasons where everybody beats everybody. Has anybody noticed there's a team called "Paggies Bar"? What's all that about?

Be good to see you on Sunday John - I'm supposed to be diving but am trying to get out of it. Don't think I'll be able to but I'll give it a try. If I'm not there then at least try and notch a few goals.

Johnny Lamb!!!!!!!!!! (In a high pitched voice...)

Well, we lost to post office 4-3, then to Norris McWerter 1-0.

1st Line up was Woody, Beany, Tony, Hilly, Taylor, Grundy (Left), Crabbe, Rob, Me (Right), Lewis, and Shane.

2nd was Ash, Taylor, Tony, Hilly, Genghis, Grundy, Crabbe, Adam, Me, Lewis (apparently), and Miller.

There have been some people on holiday etc hence the changes. We didn't have a game Sunday, but now we have possible got a friendly arranged, and we might be short of players, if you're interested...

You fookers! How's it going ladds? I played last night in Bristol and we lost 6-1!!! Hope you guys are doing better! What's the team line up at the moment? Have you got a game Sunday - I might come and watch. Jonny Lamb

News guys. Good or bad depends on how you want to look at it - but Smurf can't make training tonight and I can, so I will be taking it. Lets try and get there for 7pm sharp so we can make the most of the light. Cos once it gets dark it's harder to play footy but easier to do running and shit.

Evil laughter.

Im not a fan of the 'T', but I love Bacon and Brie, so I'll take the back up, thanks...

BLT. It's a BLT. Or, bacon and brie. I'll let you have that one as a back up.

Hmmm. Whats in the sandwich?

Sorry I have been a bit quiet recently, been between jobs and therefore off the net cos we don't have a phone line at home and it takes far too long to load blogger up on a mobile.

I think the most encouraging thing at the moment is that both games have only been lost by 1 goal and we know damn well that we're capable of putting 2 goals past any team. Just needs a little more application and perhaps the understanding that we can't just go out and expect to compete with minimal effort. Still, only two games in, a few new faces which means the squad will take some time to settle. I suggest everybody has a sandwich and a bottle of cider while the sun's still shining.

See you all tomorrow night, my new office affords with views of the cricket pavilion at Northcroft so I hope to not be late!

R.I.P. Blogger?!

Well, Sunday was atrocious. We seem to have lots of problems, but I actually think one of the main ones is our preparation. Both last week and the week before the other team were there at 10 or before, all out for 15-20 mins warming up, whilst we straggled in right up until about 10:25, warmed up by whacking balls into a goal, and then look genuinely surprised when in both matches we concede in the first 10 mins, with the other team dominating and us being on the back foot straight away. We also need to stop looking long balls, caused by us panicking on the ball, and pass it around a bit; use the full backs to move the ball into the midfield. And the guys up front need to work harder and start coming to the ball (as do all of us, to be fair), as we are all standing watching at the moment, enjoying the spectacle of the match where one team batters another!

Matty - I thought you were great when you came on on Sunday, you were the only player who kept calm on the ball and did something with it!

Awful today lads.

Cheers for the kind words Shane, and for not mocking me last night over my claim that Owen would win us the match!

I will be there Sunday, everyone breathe a sigh of relief...

Not the best performance ever on Sunday but not bad for a first game. I think we can safely say that fitness was an issue. Not a criticism of anyone (considering I was the first one to need to come off). I know it was hot and the ground was hard, but after the first 10 minutes of the second half neither team looked like scoring a goal. Sadly they'd nabbed 2 before that which left us behind, and the only reason two of our players got cramp was because they were the two doing the majority of the chasing around (with the exception of crabbeman who just didn't get cramp cos he's a fit mutha).

But fitness is never a very good excuse for losing a match. I hold my hands up for getting blisters (stupid) cos I still had long studs in my boots for the first match of the season and just couldn't run on them anymore, but will be working hard on my fitness on Wednesdays and any other opportunities. I know some of the Burghclere boys have mucho games coming up so hopefully they'll be super match fit if not totally broken down.

As for our actual play I thought we showed some good stuff and the midfield and defence looked good up against some reasonably tricksy players, all those twists and turns never really paid off for them. We did look poor though when they attacked us in the air - and not cos they were better in the air, but because when the ball went up we all tended to watch it and not see where their players were peeling off to, so inevitably when the ball bounced it was 50% likely to fall to one of them. 3 of their 4 goals (including the deflection) were down to that. I think one on one our defence handled them well.

Going forward I think John Sills was a revelation and caused them all sorts of problems and Beeny supplied numerous quality balls which turned their defence around. Crabbeman and Grundy supported the attack well (which Grundy paid for with no calf muscle left) and we scored some good goals.

Don't think we should fear them when we play them again, I also had a few thoughts on how we can counter their 3-5-1 formation which I'll run by Smurfy and see what he thinks.

All in all not a bad performance and only a one goal defecit. Slightly worrying 6-0 result for Newthatch, we'll just have to take each game as it comes til we know who's who...

C'mon England for Wednesday, not aroudn Sunday so good look against Norreys McWerter.

A few results i have heard about from sunday:

Newthatch 6 Chav Friend 0
Westwood 1 Hampstead Norreys 3
Bayer 0 Hermitage Reserves 5

Well Boys Good Luck on sunday and hope we can build on an unfortunate result not sure they deserved it it kinda flattered them, I'm off to sunnier climates and will be back in two weeks, sun sand beer and topless women arf arf.

See you all soon!

Sills you had better be there sunday or i will kick you in the back!

We played ok, some good attacking moments, but I think maybe we need to work from the back. We have spent a lot of time in training on passing and shooting, which is good, but hardly any time on defensive situations, which might help all of us because the goals we conceded were soft and their players were always in better positions.

By the way Smurfy, I dont think I can make it on Sunday...

Well chaps not the start we wanted but i think we can build on it.

Bugger.

Sounds good or are you being sarcastic? Who took training? Sorry I had to bow out at short notice I am in the process of changing jobs and it's all going a bit wierd...

Will try to be there on Sunday.