Matching United Reserves welcomed Epping to Fortress Matching on this warm summer’s morning. After two wins and a draw in their pre-season friendly’s Matching went into this game with confidence high.
With Wrennie as stand in Keeper, Matching gave Debuts to Sam Taylor, Niall Lawless, Dan Stack, Scott Drane and Nic Spring. The players present from last season including Nathan Best, Jaime Groom, Adam Birkett, Andy Hawkins, Ray Connolly, Ben Killen, Andy Pask, and Ron Jackson.
With Middle ill, Laney away, Wiggy working (and not signed on yet), Boxy away and Tom away we lined up with a 3-5-2 of Wren in Goal, Pask, Spring and Stack as the back three. Lawless, Drane, Best, Groom, Taylor in the middle with Connolly and Killen up front. Leaving Jackson, Birkett and Hawkins on the bench.
Matching started the game in awful fashion. Everything said at the start of the game went totally out the window and Matching were 3-0 down after 30 mins. Ray scored with 5 to go to make it 3-1 at half time.
At Half time Ron changed to a 4-4-2. Adam coming on to replace the injured Ben who may be out for a while with Knee ligaments.
A quite start to the second half with both teams creating chances before Matching pulled another goal back. A ball over the top saw Nathan run onto it and collide with the Keeper. With both players down Sam calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner of the empty net to mark his debut with a goal. The Referee stated that both players had turned their backs in the collision hence why no foul was given. 3-2.
At 3-2 Epping were on the ropes and Matching sensed more goals, only for Epping to hit Matching on the break and grab two more. 5-2. At 5-2 the Matching of old would have crumbled and the opposition rack up a cricket score, however with the new look Matching Res this was never to be the case.
Things come to head when Ray slipped the ball along the goal line for Nath to hit home from point blank range. The first booking of the game was then issued when the center back went through Nath even though the goal was scored about 20 minutes earlier. Things really started to heat up when the Ref overheard an Epping supporter suggest that the Player being booked should Chin the Ref and be sent off. Luckily matey had more sense and walked away with a yellow. 5-3.
Matching continued to attack and with 10 minutes to go Ron took off the injured Nic Spring who had played 60 minutes of the game with a badly bruised and possibly dislocated shoulder and replaced him with Andy Hawkins.
Groomie dropping to CB, Nath into midfield and Andy partnering Ray up front.
Within 30 seconds Matching pulled the game back to 5-4. Ray sliding the ball in and Andy cooly slotting past the keeper. Two mins later and it was 5-5, Andy again sliding the ball across the goal mouth which Epping couldn’t clear for Adam to run in and smash the ball past the desparing grasp of the keeper.
If I am honest I really thought that we were going to steal the game 6-5. However, with 30 seconds left a slip by Jaime caused him to bring down the Epping Center Forward and the Ref immediately pointed to the spot. The Epping forward dispacthed the Penalty to cause jubilation within the travelling Epping ranks and comiseration for the Matching faithful.
Goals: Connolly 1, Taylor 1, Best 1, Hawkins 1, Birkett 1
With Adam, Ben, Wren, Lane, and Groomie all confirmed away on the Saturday, Matching still looked to have quite a strong team out. 9am Sunday morning and that theory had fallen to pieces with Springy still injured,
Ian suffering from a hangov.. a heavy cold and Middle AWOL, Matching were down to 12.
Brother Bartlett gallantly stepped into play in goal with Safe Hands Pask going CB. The line was as follows, Ron at RB, Pasky, Dan, Tom, Sam LM, Nath, Scott, Niall, and Ray and Boxy up front.
With Adam not being there but having the kit it was panic stations till 10:00am, especially as the only option was for everyone to play in pants and vests. Thankfully it didn’t come to that and Adam came over the horizon looking like an extra from four weddings and a funeral carrying the kit.
Last seasons games against Archers were always intense affairs with goals for both teams, however, after the gutting defeat to Epping the week before Matching were in no mood to take prisoners and to send a message out to the rest of the league.
Archers started brightly from the off and had Matching on the back foot for about 90 seconds before Ray broke through and made it 1-0. Goal timed at 2 Mins in. It then took Matching another 32 minutes before the Archers defence were broken again which led to Boxy getting his the first of the season as he battled well to push the ball over the line when Ray squared across the box.
The back four of Ron, Andy, Dan and Tom held out well as Archers attacked for the last 10 to see the game in to halftime with a 2-0 score line to Matching. The half time team talk reminded the team of how we had let a 3-0 lead drop to Archers in a pre-season friendly. However, take note that we were rotating players every 5 mins and it was more of a warm up game than the chance to play proper football.
With everyone fit and ready to go Matching were raring to go. With Matching keeping the 4-4-2 formation Dart changed to 3-5-2. However, being 2-0 down Dart pressed everyone forward which gave the back four the simple job of knocking the high balls back into the Archers half for Boxy and Ray to run onto.
This led to the 3rd Matching goal with Ray rounding the keeper and slotting in.
This was soon followed by the 4th with a great ball from Niall on the left to Ray. Ray in turn played the ball in to Boxy who calmly sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 4-0.
Now a rare occurrence. Matching getting a throw just inside the Archers half Sam went to take the throw. Ron called for the ball and dually received it. He then proceeded to flick the ball over the heads of the two advancing players before hitting a left foot volley that went wide. Poor Me.
Oh well. Sam was next on the score sheet; although Dan is insistent that it was an OG. Again the ball in from the left fell kindly and Sam bundled the ball and the defender over the line to make it 2 in 2 for the young bleary eyed midfielder.
The final goal fell to Scott. Good hustling of the full back just inside the dart half saw Scott take the ball off the defender, round the keeper and dually dispatch the ball into the open net.
Overall this was a good performance from the Team. With so many players missing its worth noting that the players achieved the Teams highest score line since they were founded last season.
Goals: Connolly X2, Box X2, Taylor, Drane
Yes, you read it correctly. Matching 4 - 6 Brookside. Saying that, Matching sportingly gave Brookside a 3-0 head start. Read on if you dare.
Matching turned up after two weeks off ready to go. Most of the team were there on time and it was to find Scott marking the pitch (Great work made). So god knows what time Scott, Nathan, Nick and Tom got there.
Matching made four changes to the team that beat Archers Dart. Matching lined up with Pask in goal, Wren RB Nick Doree and Dan CB and Tom on the left, the midfield consisting of Sam on the right, Scott and Nath in the center and Niall on the left. Leaving Jaime and Ray up front. Subs being Jackson, Bartlett, Middleditch, and I.Pask.
The game started and within 10 minutes Matching were 3-0 down, with some luck and mistakes all over the pitch we pretty much gave Brookside 3-goals. A slip by Pask gave the Brookside striker an open goal, a fantastic timed and executed sliding tackle by Dan was perfect until he passed the ball straight to the Center forward who placed the ball in the bottom corner and a good run from the Brookside midfielder gave them the goals.
Now lets be honest, my language on the football pitch is how shall I say..Fruity at the best of times. At 3-0 I was swearing like Tim Howard after he had hit his thumb with a hammer!! I apolagise to anyone who I have offended. It was pure frustration. At 3-0 down we deciced that was enough goals to give them and that we perhaps should score some ourselves. Up step Raymond. Mr Reliable to get at least one goal per game. 3-1. Matching then could have capitalized before the keeper made a good save and Ray missing a sitter that I would have put not just my mortgage, but wife, kids and pets and Car on him putting away.
Matching went in at 3-1 down and rather than rant and rave, the managment team decided constructive critisism was the best policy. Unfourtunatly, Andy Pask felt that he couldnt play the second half. Sadly for Matching he announced his retirement after the game, we wish him all the very best. Paul "Scottie Carson" stepped into the vacant Keeper position.
Matching started the second half in amazing form and its no lie that we spent the first 25 minutes of the second half camped in the Brookside half. Matching pulled back another goal through Sam who smashed the ball in from the right, making it 3 goals in 3 for the red hot Matching goal scoring winger.3-2. Brookside then grabbed another, on the break a good strike into the bottom corner saw Brookside to 4-2 up.
Matching then pulled another goal back via Niall which means, of the 3 Amigos Sam has 3, Niall 1 and Dan 0. However, its only fair to point out that Dan is playing CB. I cant remeber Nialls goal really and I am afraid I cannot remeber the next Brooside goal. However, at 5-3 down Matching were awarded a Free kick just outside the box. Very poor positiong gave Jaime the simple task of placing the ball in the far left corner. 5-4.
With time running out and less than 10 seconds on the clock, Matching were awarded a free kick. Everyone pushed forward including Safe Hands Bartlett, unfourtunatly the Keeper caught the free kick and with a long kick downfield found the striker who shot from outside the area to make it Matching 4 - 6 Brookside at the final whistle.
Goals: Connolly, Taylor, Groom, Lawless
Phil Martin, Aaron Weaving, Brooke, your boys took one hell of a beating. In all honesty though, this was a close game.
After last weeks loss to Brookside, Matching needed a win. Starting with Paul in goal, Wren on the left, Nic and Dan CB and Laney on the right. The midfield maestros being the usual four and Ray and new signing Ben Ford up front. Subs being Ron and Andy as Paskie "couldnt make it" and Middle MIA.
There is some history to this game. Ron used to play for Grove before going over to Matching. Ben and Ron are in the Salvation Army team on a saturday which also consists of Aaron Weaving and Phil Martin, both of whom play for Grove.
Matching started brightly and actually listened to what was said before kick off. Sam and Niall tracking back and the defence clearing the ball rather than playing football in the 6 yard box.
Niall got the first which makes it two goals in two games. When played through he hit a great shot into the bottom right of the net. This was with about 15 minutes gone. Matching continued to play football in a composed and organised way, with Laney hitting the bar, Sam going close, as did Ray and Ben. With about 25 mins on the clock Grove started to dominate play. The ball was constantlly coming straight back from clearances and Matching looked edgy. With 8 minutes of the half remaining, Grove broke through. A long kick from the keeper evaded the head of Nic which let their Center Forward run through and calmly place the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal.
With 3 mins left on the clock, a great pass from Dan found Sam who sprinted past Phil and took a shot from an awkward angle across the keeper into the left corner of the net. I had a perfect view of the goal an it was a superb finish by Sam which makes it four goals in four games for the Arsenal loving midfielder.
Matching started the second half brightly. Ben and Ray combining well, with Ben winning everything in the air. This was a great debut from the Sally Army legend. Ray got the 3rd. A great run saw him take on two players and hit a shot which deflected off Phil leaving the keeper with no chance. Matching were playing compoed football while Grove started arguing amongst themseleves. With 20 minutes to go, Wren had to go and play golf so Ron come on to play Left back.
Laney was next on the score sheet with a goal that brought back fond memories of Matching days of old. The 4-3 win over Sol Athletic with Laney hitting a shot from 30 yards. Well, this wasnt 30 yards but it was a bloody good strike. The ball was sent into the box, but cleared by the Grove defence. Scott started towards the ball before shout of "LANNNEESSSS" stopped him in his tracks. Laney hit the ball perfectly and ball flew into the back of the net from about 20 yards out. Laney marks his Matching Reserves debut with a great goal and an excellent performance over all.
At 4-1 up Matching continued to attack. Nath going close with a header and a strike from Dan from about 30 yards that went wide were just two occasions of when it could have been more. Paul Stenning, a Matching old boy scored for Grove to pull the deficit back to two goals.
With about 5 left on the clock, Ben found himself in a one-on-one situation. He controlled the ball well and a delicate chip over the keeper saw the ball bounce agonizingly wide of the upright. Overall a good display from Matching and a 110% improvement over last weeks game.
After last weeks 4-2 victory over Grove, Matching welcomed Stewards Spartans to fortress Matching. Last season Stewards beat Matching home and away, something which the team were determined would not happen again this season
Things did not start well for Matching. With Ray, Wren, Nick Doree, all away, Ben, Ben, Scott, injured, and Andy and Jaime MIA Matching had 12 players avaliable. The 12th being Middle who turned up 10 Mins into the game.
Matching started with Paul in goal, Ian Pask at right back, Dan and Laney in the middle and Ron at Left back. The usual four in midfield and Nathan and Adam up front.
With loyal fans Daddy Drenst and Dan watching from the touch line Matching kicked off and applied good pressure to the Stewards back four which to be honest, looked a tad shakey. Adam and Nath were combining well together and Paul didnt really have much to do. The ref took control the game early on which was good to see, although he did not give a Stonewall penalty to Matching in the second half..
With Matching dominating, they could not finish. However, composure was kept throughout the team and Matching continued to attck. Nath, Adam, Sam all going close.
With the midfield dominating, the back four had the simple job of launching the ball out of defence for Sam, Niall, Adam and Nath to run onto. Despite the domination, half time came with no goal scored.
Matching started the second half brightly. So brightly in fact that Dan charged through after a fantastic ball from the midfield. Dan charged through all starry eyed and was one-on-one, only for him to prove he was a center back by putting the ball wide. He was however to make amends. Matching won a corner about 15 minutes in, Dan rose the highest and with a shout of Woo Hoo, planted a bullet header past the keeper. Everyone congratulated Dan except Nial and Sam (just kidding). Nath was to get the second soon after and it was a moment of great ingenuity from Scott. After winning the header in midfield, he got the ball to feet and dinked a pass over the last defender. Nath gratefully accepted the pass and dispatched the ball into the far corner of the goal.
Stewards were soon to go down to 10 men. Having used their one sub, the Center midfield player stumbled just as a Crack echoed around the hallowed turf. I have contacted Ricky regarding the player but as yet no news. With 10 men Stewards were up against it, but to their credit, never give up and scored a great goal. With suspicions of offside the striker ran onto a through ball. Dan standing the player up gave him a little too much space and the number 9 curled the ball into the top corner away from the grasp of Brother Bartlett and Ron on the line. In all fairness it was a great finish.
Matching aimed to just see the game out, although Bartlett was called into action to pull off a great Sky Sports save in the dying minutes from the big center forward. Overall a good performance from Matching. Most of the game spent in the opposistions half and a bit more luck would have given Matching a bigger goal margin, however, full credit to Stewards who never gave up. Ater the game Matching left the pitch in high spirits and went to the pub where Dan and Dan gave Bartlett lots of stick about being vegitarian, with Dan classing him as a "Grape Murderer". Nathan retreated to Pauls parents for a 3 course roast dinner.
As you may have guessed, Harbets Reserves were the opponents to fortress Matching today. Matching with only 10 men (due to injury, sickness, hangovers and No-shows) had to play 1 up front. Starting 11 consisted of Wrennie in goal, Paski at RB, Nath and Tom CB and Ron Left Back. Sam on the right as usual, Scott, Groomie, Niall, and Ray playing up front on his own. With the Ref not turning up (See what a Shambles we looked) the opposition manager ws kind enough to ref the game, and as we had no Subs, Daddy Drenst stepped into the fold as Lino.
Matching started well and considering they only had 10 men started positivley. Although Harbets were pushing, the back four stood firm. With Scott and J controlling midfield and Ray running his socks off up front, Matching were looking good.
However, with so much pressure it was only a matter of time before the defence and the goal was breached. Although Matching went close, it was first blood to Harbets. With 10 men and 1-0 down, Matching could easily have folded to the Div 3 side, however, they showed great resiliance and pulled a goal back through Speedmeister Conolly. Ray was causing the back four and Keeper all sorts of problems. Considering that he was up front on his own, he really showed what an assest to the team he is. Collecting the ball, he bamboozled the defenders with some step overs near the touchline before taking the ball past the keeper and slotting into the empty net. 1 - 1 at half time.
With Nathan and Tom rocks at the back and Wrennie in outstanding form, the continuing wave of Harbets attacks were repeatedly smashed and broken up. It was from a Harbets attack that Matching broke and got their second. The ball was cleared to Ray who held the ball up well. He saw Scott running through and a pass over the top saw Drenst run onto the ball and Knee the ball up in the air and lob the keeper. Not the prettiest of goals but who cares (Please feel free to corect me if I have made a mistake by the way).
The record crowd of 3 that turned up were ecstatic. Fran was so exctited that she forgot the score and only realised we had won when we were in the pub after. It was now backs to the wall time as Harbets threw everything at Matching. As mentioned Wrennie was in outstanding from. Producing fantastic saves, great interceptions and encouraging everyone. For someone who doesnt like playing in goal, he was totally different class. However, I cannot fail to mention the effort Nathan put in. His defending was top draw and although he isnt too keen on playing center back he was fantatsic.
Although its was all Harbets, Matching still had chances with Niall, Ray, Scott and Jaime all going close. Matching were riding their luck, especially when the Left Mid hit a great shot against the post which the striker couldnt turn in. With minutes to go, disaster struck. Ron's poor throw found the head of the Left back who in turn knocked it inside to the Midfielder. he found the quick striker who took a touch, looked up and smashed a fantatsic strike which Wrennie, despite his best efforts could not reach. Minutes later the Final whistle went for extra time. 2-2.
To be honest, Matching started the first half of extra time better. It was a moment of great skill from Sam which gave Matching the winner. Ray, still running non stop found Sam who beat two or three players. He looked up and saw Ray standing in open space (always a mistake), Sam knocked the ball across and Ray didnt disappoint, smashing the ball past the desperate lunge of the keeper and defender.
Still Matching pressed forward. Niall going close, one cross from Ray missed Scotts's head by a whisker, and Ray taking on 3 players, beating them, taking on all 3 again, and delivering the cross again which he just over hit. The second half of Extra time started and Harbets threw the kitchen sink at Matching. With Ray defending from the front, the midfield looking sturdy, the back four looking solid, and Wren a colossus in goal, the equalizer was not going to come. With Nath heading the ball off the line and Wren making fantastic saves left right and center, Matching were always going to go through to the next round.
With the full time whistle blown, Matching are in the next phase of the League cup while Harbets are now in the League plate. A Big thanks must go to the Harbets Manager who took over referee duties and done the job very well. In truth Matching played well but did have one or two lucky moments. Full credit to Harbets who never stopped pushing on from the first minute to the last. However, I would also like to add how proud I was of the Matching lads. This victory today now makes it 3 wins in the last 3 games. Harbets A up next in the League.
The team looking to end Matchings 3 game unbeaten run this week was Harbets Old Boys A. Previous seasons fixtures always contained plenty of goals and the Matching faithful was looking forward to a cracking game. They were not to be disappointed.
It was a packed house at Matching for this game. Harbets bringing plenty of travelling fans whilst the Matching faithful were also out in force. Dan, Daddy Drenst, Fran, Scottie B + baby and a guest appearance from Sweaty made this game a sell out.
After the excellent performance in the cup, Ron looked to keep the same formation but with Wren working and Niall ill that put paid to that. Ron started with Paul in goal, Ian at right back, Nathan and Dan at center back and Tom on the left. With Niall away Lane started on the left with Scott and Jaime Center Mid. Sam taking up his usual position on the right. This left Ray and Ben up front. Subs were Andy and Rob with Ron carrying a knee injury.
In the first half Matching looked the better team, with Bartlett not being tested at all. Both teams were playing good football but there was no real end product. With about 25 minutes gone, the first goal was scored. 1st blood to Matching. Ben picking up the ball out near the far touch line semmed to have lots of time. With Ray running in at the back post everyone expected the cross. Ben looked up and curled a beautiful effort into the far side of the goal which left the keeper with no chance what so ever. Inspired by the great goal, Matching started to play. Ray, charging through picked up the ball and beat the center back and bamboozled the keeper, then slotting the ball into the empty net, only for the Lino to put the flag up. The Ref gave the offside but watching it again on Matching Cam, shows the Lino was wrong and the goal should have stood. Incensed by the disallowed goal Matching bombarded the Harbets goal, Ray going close but Scott going even closer. A excellent cross from Ray found Scott who was pretty much on the line, only for the ball to somehow squirm over the bar. Daddy Drenst on the touchline said a very rude word which I cannot possibly print.
At Half time, not much was needed to be said. Matching looked comfortable and Nathan and Dan (Given a reprieve after his drinking exploits a few weeks ago) were looking comfortable. Pask and Tom were keeping the wingers quite and all was well. For some reason Matching started the second half in total disarray. The first Harbets goal was a good shot from out side the box which Bartlett couldnt get down to in time and saw it squirm under his body and sneak in to make it 1-1. Matching were soon back in front however. Ray getting the ball inside the Harbets box made a mockery of the defence. Step overs, flicks, this goal had it all. With the ball near the touch line Ray twisted this way and that, then delivered the piste de resistance with a powerful drive into the far corner of the goal. 2-1 Matching. Full credit to Harbets, their heads didnt go down and they continued to attack. Matching Old Boy Dan Dowsett getting two goals in quick sucession when Matching didnt clear their lines.
At 3-2 down Matching had it all to do. However, the 3rd goal seemed to be the kick up the arse that everyone needed and Matching started to play like the first half. Matching were forced to make a Sub when Paskie got injured. Lane went into the right back position while Rob making his debut went into the vacant left midfield role. Rob, making his debut, capped it off with a goal. Ray once again charging through hit a good shot that the keeper couldnt get to, saw it cannon back agonizingly off the post. Only for Rob to step up and steer the ball into the open goal. For someone who hasnt played for three years, Rob is looking like a good signing and an already an asset to the Matching team. 3-3 and Game on. Matching were testing the Harbets back four again and putting them under all sorts of pressure. Alhough Harbets were breaking out and had one or two half chances, Bartlett wasnt really called into action that much.
Rather than see the game out at 3-3 Matching went for the throat and wanted all three points. The 4th goal was exquisit. Ben, in plenty of space in front of goal about 20 yards out, looked up and hit a shot that didnt seem to have much pace, however the ball went like a bloody rocket and the keeper couldnt get down in time. An excellent strike from the Sally Army vetran. 4-3 and Harbets didnt seem to have the legs to get back into the game. Heads dropped but they still kept plugging away. The next goal was pure class and to be honest, one the best free kicks I have seen. Matching were awarded a free kick just outside the box, with Scott and Ben standing on the ball. Ben stepped up and smashed a top draw free kick into the top left corner of the Net. It was hit with so much power the keeper didnt move. It goes to show the quality of the strike when the Harbets subs, supporters and management clap a goal against them. This was a great hat-trick from Mr Ford who has proven in two games that he and Ray will be the ideal strike force for Matching.
This was the first Matching Hat-trick of the season, but if we can keep Ben and Ray playing together this way, there will be lots more. Matching could have had another two goals. jaime firing over and Rob missing an easier chance than the one that he put away. Overall a good performance from the lads and proved that we have an invaluable team spirit and a never say die attitude. Next week, matching welcome Althm Grove Reserves to the Fotress.
Goals: Connolly 1, Ford 3, Fenech 1
Sorry for the delay in updating the Web site. Due to Work issues there hasnt really been time for Web site updates.
Matching turned up prepared to take on the mighty Altham Grove at Matching amd took the lead within the first minute with a lethal finish from Ben Ford 1 yard out. The Matching defence were caught short soon afterf giving the Grove striker the simple task of running through and lobbing the ball over the desparing grasp of Brother Bartett in goal.
Matching then made it 2-1 with a goal from the prolific Ray Connolly. Matching conceded another just before half time to make it 2-2. Now as I am writing this on the 27th November, I cannot remeber how the goals went in. I do however, remeber two good penalthy shouts after Weaving (BOTH TIMES) fouled Ben in the box. Anyway, not to be bitter, another goal each from Ben and Ray gave Matching four and sets the stats at 1 win each for Matching and Grove. The decider being played on 2.12.2007 in the Quarter Final of the Div 5 Cup.
Goals: Connolly 2, Ford 2,
With Ron losing his phone on the Friday, he was unable to listen to the voicemail left by Rouge on Saturday stating that they would be unable to fullfill the fixture due to only having 5 players. This resulted in Matching standing around for an hour waiting for someone to play against. Oh well, 3 points is 3 points.
Goals: N/A
With Ray, Niall, Lane, Jaime and Dan missing Matching took on the high flying Epping Athletic. The home fixture was won by Epping with a last gasp penalty to snatch victory 6-5.
With Ron and Adam as the subs, Matching started with BB in goal, Jack H at Right back, Spring and Wren in the middle and Tom on the left. Paul Smith on left midfield, Scott and Rob in the middle with Sam on the right. Nath and Ben leading from the front. To be honest, I cant remember much about the game. Epping showed why they were top of the league, Matching going close but not beating the keeper. Always next week.
Goals: No Matching Goal Scorer
Just when you think things cant get any worse, Bam, Life kicks you right in the nuts.
Yes Matching Faithful, you read it right. 9-2. Now, not making excuses but take Ray, Jaime, Lane, Wrennie, Ben, and Niall out the team and it will be a big loss. With a bare 11 of BB, Paskie, Nic, Dan, and Ron at the back, Sam, Nath, Scott, Rob and Tom in midfield and Adam leading the line up front, we were in for a tough game. So the last thing we needed to do was give Grove a 2-0 head start. Liam "Judas" Mitchell scored a geeat free kick for Grove, well it wasnt great as the Matching wall was atrocious but hey ho. Liam again (Well offside but they were doing both lines) made it 2-0. Matching then woke up and played some great football for twenty minutes. Adam having a great game squared to Tom in the Grove 12 yard box for Tom to claim his first of the season. Just after Tom was fouled in the Box. Nath struck the penalty superbly to make it 2-2.
As I said Matching were starting to dominate, then a slip let the Grove Striker in who squared to Liam for him to get his hat-trick, good goal from Jag for Grove made it 4-2, then another from someone else (Liam I think) made it 5 at half time.
After some harsh words, Matching started the second half well, and should have had a couple of goals. Sam striking the post from distance, three or four good saves from Terry in the Grove goal as well. The Ref, also gave Matching a goal after the ball crossed the line after a corner. However, after "replaying the scenarion in her mind" (Honestly, they were her words) she disallowed the goal. Grove then got the 6th and at this point I stopped naming goalscorers. Matchings next game is on the 16th of December away to Ashfield Albion in the League cup. Hopefully, we should have a full strength squad by then.
Goals: Best 1, Wynn 1
Well Pissed off is the only way to describe how I and the rest of the team feel. 3-1 up with 15 to go only for Ashfield to pull it back and take the game on Pens.
With Lane, Ray, Ben, Sam and Scottie B all unavaliable, Matching took on Ashfield with 12 fit players to choose from. The starting 11 consisted of Wrennie in Goal, Ian Pask at RB, Springy and Dan CB and Ron LB. Niall on the left with Nath, Jaime, Scott and Rob on the Right, leaving Adam up front on his own set Matching up for the 4-5-1 formation.
Matching's away support was tremendous with Daddy Drenst, Scottie B, Phil (Altham Grove), Shuan, Leah and Fraser (Dynamo), and Paul and Fran (Brookside) all turning up to watch an exciting game.
Typically Matching went 1-0 down. We do love a fight back. However, we soon pulled a goal back from Adam who is playing very well at the moment. With Wrennie pulling off 2 or three cracking Matching saves and the entire team playing very well, the score stayed at 1-1 till half time. At half time, the decision was taken to goto a 4-4-2 with Nath up front with Adam.
The second half started brightly for Matching with Nath, Jaime and Adam going close. The Ashfield keeper pulling off some great saves. However, it was only a matter of time before Matching scored and Adam had the honours. A good finish from Adam made it 2 goals for him and Matching. His displays of late have been excellent. Rob was next on the score sheet, chasing through a ball with the centerback, Rob got the final touch to make it 3-1.
With 15 to go Ron made a change. Andy coming in for Rob. With 10 minutes left Ashfield went for a 4-2-4 formation which saw them get two goals back. Dan, not clearing the ball was robbed by the center forward who played a good ball in to the other CF who rolled the ball into the goal through Wrennies legs, the third coming after Wrennie let slip a corner which saw the ball fall agonizingly over the line, just out of his grasp.
Chances were aplenty for both teams in Extra time, with Niall and Jaime going close, and Springy proving he is a Center back by skying the ball like a Rocket. So to Pens. Ashfield Scored there first, Matching didnt. Both teams scored their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th penaltys meaning that if Ashfield scored their final pen, it was all over. Sadly, they did and Matching crash out of the league cup.
Goals: Birkett 2, Fenech 1.
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