Avon United Soccer Club
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Training is Wednesday 6.30pm at Ray Blank
Match Reports
August 20, Cup v Cashmere Juniors, Result 4-0 loss
Not enought players, only had 10 men. Milts was POD.
August 13, Cup Prelim v Rangers White, Result 4-1 loss
Not the result you want for the final 8 qualifier game. We had our chances, but a lack of fitness and committment let us down. Rangers weren't that good but we should have done better.
August 6, Game 18 v Brighton, Result 0-0 draw
July 30, Game 17 v Cashmere Juniors away, Result 7-0 loss
Another hiding
Well it was easy to see why Cashmere will win the division this year. There were a number of players that could easily strike the ball nicely and they continued throughout the game at pace and it seemed that they always had a spare player. So it was a long afternoon being 4-0 down with another half to play. The highlight was seeing Craig Bradley in the outfield and he was a fraction unlucky not to score. Plenty of injuries too and even with 8 in the back they were able to penetrate. Still we kept our chins up and battled on looking forward to the final round of the round robin against New Brighton next week.
Milts
July 23, Game 16 v Brighton at Bexley, Result 2-2 Draw
So Close to a win!!
A glorious day for a game of footy out at Brighton even though the pitch was rolling as much as a Cook strait swell. A lacklustre start by both teams in the first half until 20 minutes into the game. From a quick break away with their keeper coming out of the box Chris was able to slot in an easy goal to make us 1-0 up and that lifted our spirits up. Five minutes later they were always dangerous in from a corner and they were able to slot in a header from far post making it 1-1. Right on half time we scored a great goal and it was nice to go to half time 2-1 up with them being quite rattled.
The second half began in earnest and it got a bit feisty at one point where some disputed calls by them to the ref meant that both teams had a bit of a yelling session at each other with our boys supporting mule (the ref). Things calmed down again and we started back into the game controlling it well and it was unfortunate that Al missed an open goal from a quick free kick that we took. (By the way Al got down on his knees behind small bush to relieve himself however it looked as though he was pointing something to Mecca).
We felt we had the game in the bag however with 5 to go I was standing in the box and the ball came down towards me and hit me in the face however to everybody else including the ref said I handled it which I hadn't. Unfortunately the whistle had gone and a penalty was given making it 2-2 and by then our time had run out.
So a memorable game for more ways than one and I am sure we can beat them in 2 weeks time.
Milts
July 16, Game 15 v Halswell at Halswell, Result 6-1 Loss
How to get a team fit
The way to get old men fit is to have starting numbers of 10 and then twist your centre backs knee after 10 minutes and then play with 9 players. Yes Rene injured his knee so we were on the back foot for 80 minutes. Their first goal was a very dodgy call with the player clearly off side. Our goal was a superb shot by Ross Wortelboer at the near post to make it 1-1. A lovely strike by one of the Halswell players made it 2-1 and we came off at half time quite proud at what we had achieved as we were still in the game.
The second half was a bit different as they knew they had those extra players and held possession well and took their time to draw us off our designated marked player and open up the gaps. We still battled on even though the scoreline was not the best and we certainly made them work for their win - at least we came off feeling that we did.
Looking forward to the win next week.
Milts
July 9, Game 14 v Technical at Hillsborough, Result 7-2 Loss
Another hiding!!
A soaked ridden park today and a poor start to the game being 3-0 down after 15 minutes with a soft penalty so it was always going to be hard to come back from that. A new recruit Chris brought us back into the game before half time however for the first part of the second half we had about 6 shots on goal and just could not put them away and yet they had one shot at goal and scored. This was really the way the game played for us.
Missed passes, not taking easy options and silly mistakes. Can't really say more than that. Craig scored a goal with his head but it was too late by then. We are still battling out there and hopefully we can get another win before the end of the season.
Milts
July 2, Game 13 v Burnside at Avonhead S3, Result 2-1 Loss
Bring Back the Biff!!
A lovely day for Football compared to last week however the emotions ran high with Burnside. They were obviously out to win as they lost last time we met. A few incidences during the game caused a bit of Biffo, one with Marty and even our high school teacher getting involved. So a very physical game and it resembled a good old Lions-All Blacks biffo.
Anyway to the game. A pretty even first half and both teams had a fair session of ball. Burnside were dangerous at corners and right on half time a headed ball from their player fell to another one of theirs and they scored from it. Five minutes into the second half Murray Smith came on and spun the ball over the Keeper to hit the crossbar when Al quickly responded and put it in the back of the net. After 20 minutes we made a mistake in the back and Burnside capitalised from it. The score stayed that way even with the pushing and shoving and really I felt we were unlucky to lose the game.
Important note - Murray wins the prize for taking the longest to get ready - the whole of the first half putting his shin pads on!!
Milts
June 25, Game 12 v Rangers White at Cuthberts, Result 4-1 Loss
Oh Dear!!
A day of inclement weather and misfortune. A number of players missing such as Rene (spelt with one e), Sammy and Justin caused some angst as the goal kicking was terrible - sorry Bert but only on the odd occasion did you and I get it right. Any way early into the game I was able to set up the goal for the game - unfortunately it was for them!! A terrible goal kick straight to their striker around he went and placed it nicely on the edge of the goal. Then another muck up with the goal kick and next minute we were 2-0 down. They had plenty of chances while we pretty much had none.
Half time rolled round and in came the southerly. Again we were constantly barraged with shots on goal and the odd downpour of rain. A hand ball by them in the box by Rangers made it 2-1 then the continual shots on goal kept coming. Eventually the pressure mounted and they put through a lovely cross for me to tap in - yes me!! Another goal right on full time made it 4-1 however to be fair it should have been more than that.
So in the end a real hiding and hopefully we will have a full team next week with a better outcome!!
Milts
June 18, Game 11 v Ferrymead at Barnett Park, Result 1-1 Draw
Back to reality
A tough but enjoyable game this week with both teams on the park at equal level in terms of skill and fitness. The first half wasn't dominated by either team however they were lucky to get a long range goal while our keeper was just caught off line which meant that in the second half we were to come out with a mission ahead of us. About 15 minutes to go Al received the ball in front of the goal box did a few tricks to control the ball then slotted into the net. A superb goal to watch and that certainly brought the team spirits up and we were back in it. They hit the post and we were'nt able to capitalise from any opportunities however all the boys enjoyed the game more so than last week and of course a few drinks at the Ferrymead tavern with some free hot food always goes down nicely. Murray you don’t know what you are missing!!
Regards
Milts
June 11, Game 10 v Kaiapoi at Kendal Park, Result 7-1 Win
From getting a hiding to giving a hiding
A great feast of goals in the second half for the Champagne X1 felt great after Saturday's game. The first goal for us was around half way through the first half by Ross and we pretty much dominated this half. Our mistakes gave them some opportunities and Cameron had to do a spectacular save reminiscent of Grobelaar in the 80's before he started cheating. With about 10 minutes left Rene gave way a penalty in the box after taking out a player and it was 1-1 at half time. Very early in the second half Kaiapoi were unlucky to score an own goal and then the flood gates opened and everybody got hungry to get up front to score. Ross scored another two to get a hatrick, Al scored 2 also and Craig (the ex Halswell player) scored one.
A great result!!
Note 3 players had showers straight after a game - that has not been seen in the Champagne X1 for a number of years!! Cameron also rubbed it in at the speech stating it was the highest the Champagne X1 has scored at Masters level.
Milts
June 4, Game 9 v Rangiora at Avonhead, Result 4-1 Loss
A Wet Track causes mayhem for Champagne X1
The start of the second round was played in wet conditions on Saturday and within 20 minutes we were 2-0 down - one from a corner and one from a gift which meant it was not going to be our day. We also had a number of ring ins (thanks guys and thanks for scoring our goal Simon) caused by a long weekend however nothing to take away from Rangiora who seem to be that much fitter and able to control the ball in the wet.
3-0 down at half time but we did hold them to a 1-1 draw in the second half with a goal for us with the final whistle about to blow. Not much more to say to that game really. Cameron had some lovely saves over the bar and we were pretty much on the back foot the whole game. Still nothing like getting a bit of mud up your jacksy on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of winter!!
Looking for a better result next week.
Milts
May 28, Game 8 v Cashmere at Avonhead, Result 4-0 Loss
May 14, Game 7 v Halswell at Avonhead, Result 1-1 Draw
The Wind doth blow
After a beautiful still morning with the junior soccer the good old southerly blew up and created a game of two halves at Avonhead this week. The first for us was into the wind so it was all about making sure we could defend from a few corners that Halswell had.
So the first half ended with no score and we thought we were in good stead to make something of the second half however a couple of open goals missed (Ross Wortelboer thought he was Andrew Merhtens that needed to kick a converted try!) then we had a scramble in our box with Rene yelling to Craig our keeper the balls above your head!! But it was too late and in it went.
So they had a bit of a lucky goal however ours was even more fortunate than that. A free kick occurred halfway between our goalbox and the half way mark. Rene tried to put it at the edge of their goal box, the wind got hold of it and their keeper came off line to grab it but it had more bounce than anticipated and it went over his head and into the goal!!
It got a wee bit scrappy after that with Cameron reffing - he blew the whistle a couple of times but it was as loud as a sparrows fart so no one could hear it. Stick to team management Cameron!
Missed on the sideline was a major supporter Michelle however a replacement was found in Tracey who thought her husband was quite a speedster (Bert can vouch for that comment!)
That's all
Milts
May 7, Game 6 v Technical at Ray Blank Park, Result 5-2 Loss
Ouch!
Well we started off with a hiss and a roar in this game week with lots of shots on goal in the first 20 minutes however none ended up on the scoreboard. Then Technical started to click and before we knew it we were down 2-0 at half time. Another 2 goals midway in the second half sealed it up and a penalty given in the box from a handball made it 5 zip. (I am positive I was outside the box!!)
Anyway a couple of late goals from Ross Wortelboer and Dave Coster brought the final score to 5-2. So not a memorable game except it was the first game for their two strikers this week and one of them being an ex All White who either scored or set up their goals. Murray pulled a Ham string as well so “ouch” with the Hammy and the score!!
Milts
April 30, Game 5 v Burnside Legends at Burnside, Result 2-1 Win
The Clash of Old Rivals
The Masters played old rivals this week. A team that over the years the Champagne XI have played a number of times in Division 3 and they have always been a strong side to play against so the team knew what to expect.
We started off strong and dominated in the defence in the first half making sure that there was no room for them to have a shot (A bit like German football). This proved decisive in the final result and at half time a ball through from the left reached Ross Wortelboer's feet and ended up in the back of the net.
Into the second half and we knew that they would come out strong but once again we dominated in the defence and midfield for Craig Davidson to slip in another goal (even though before this he had a wee teletubbie stumble over his own feet with an open goal).
Burnside sneaked in a late goal with a few minutes to go however it was not enough and the masters were well pleased to beat some old rivals who have haunted us in the past. Currently now mid table and doing well.
Milts
April 23, Game 4 v Rangers at Avonhead, Result 5-3 Loss
April 16, Game 3 v Ferrymead Bays at Ray Blank 1, Result 3-1 Win
A hard and bumpy Ray Blank with a strong Easterly down the ground made a big change from previous weeks' conditions. After the overcrowded bench last week we had no such problems this week with Kevvy (who played a great game!) arriving just before kick-off to make 12 players.
We started well by winning the toss and having the wind at our backs in the first half. The first half saw our team dominating the physical side of things with Cameron marking strongly on the right, Tim and Renee always beating their opponents to the ball and some composure under pressure on the left from Murray. We were very quick to pick players up at our end of the pitch and good positive communication helped us here. The feature of the half was a break from the opposition #8 but he shot wide under extreme pressure from Renee. Also Ross scored a goal (1 -0).
The return of Burty before half time and Dave Coster's introduction into the key position of right back saw us attacking from the depth on both sides. It is heartening to see backs making these runs and running equally strongly to get back on defence. Ross scored another goal (2-0). Al scored a goal (3-0). Once again, our centre backs dominated their opponents and it was only a fortunate break on the bumpy pitch that saw their striker in the clear to score their only goal (3-1). In the dying minutes Ferrymead tried to put on more pressure but a good run down the left was thwarted when Cameron held up their striker, slowed play down and our backs and midfielders recovered so that the opportunity evaporated.
The second half was soured however by an unsavoury incident involving a communication breakdown between the referee and the referee to be. Confusion reigned for a while, a decision was made and soon team harmony was restored! Overall, a real team effort, with all our players running hard, winning the 50-50 balls and doing positive things with it.
Craig B
April 9, Game 2 v Kaiapoi at Avonhead 3, Result 4-2 Win
From the Kingz to the Crusaders.
A huge turnaround result this week with a morale boosting solid win. With a near capacity squad on the bench the use of the subs helped the team keep up the pressure for the full 90 this time as well as having a voice on the park - Craig in midfield. The first half we felt we had more shots on goal and dominated so being down 1-0 from a superb goal from outside the box was a bit of a concern. However early into the second half our newcomer Mike scored one of the most graceful goals I have seen for a while. A shot a few metres outside the box that seemed to be floating in the air and dropped nicely into the top right corner.
We maintained the pressure until another corner bounced in and out then dropped down to my feet and in it went. (Sorry Dave Coster it was there for the taking for you too). The next goal was by Murray who wanted me to take up all my 20Gb on my computer to write it up however I can’t remember too much only in the fact it came to him from the left and in typical Murray style of jostling the right back off the ball he cleanly finished it into the net. They then came back at us with a superb individual goal from their midfielder who ran from before halfway to make it 3-2. However just on full time Craig Davidson finished it off with another goal.
Overall a good all round performance including the backs which were under a lot of pressure in the last 15 minutes. It was also nice to know that it was Kaiapoi’s first loss in 22 games.
Player of the day was Craig Davidson with Craig Bradley close behind in goal.
Well done lads!!
Milty
April 2, Game 1 v Rangiora at Maria Andrews, Result 8-3 to Rangiora
Definitely a game of two halves for the opening game of the masters round playing at Rangiora this weekend.
The ground was the best the team has played on as it had been manicured for the cricket season.
An early goal by Ross Wortelboer set the half in motion. Some magic one twos through the middle with a lovely finish. The second was similar and as the ball was played through I could hear the sweeper saying you "jammy bastard" as it bounced nicely in front of me for the finish.
A late goal by Rangiora meant the half time score was 2-1 and we felt confident that we were in a strong position to take out the game. We looked good in the midfield, we played into space and dominated the half. How wrong we were - a completely different team mainly due to playing the first half like 20 year olds only to find the puff had gone. Before we knew it it was 4-2 then a scrambled goal by Ross lifted our heads momentarily but not long enough to have a blitz from the opposition ending the pain at 8-3.
Highlights of the game were seeing our new person Al (or was it Paul?) have speed skill and agility of a man half his age. He hadn't played a full game of soccer for 22 years but showed that his fitness was right up there (he was wearing Burnside socks though!!).
We have internal friendly rivalry with our 3 keepers at the moment. Psych's had an embarrasing game two weeks ago letting in 5 goals in 20 minutes to President C grade - a loss that will hurt for a good 6 months until we have the after season grudge match. For two weeks he has been hassled by our number 3 keeper,sweeper and sometimes striker Murray Smith - needless to say Murray let in 5 on saturday and Psych let in 3 - but hey who's counting (bring back Craig!)
Training is 6.30pm at Ray Blank on Wednesday's followed by Darts at the Avonhead Tavern - a weekly trophy sponsored by Smiths Mitre 10 and Ainger Tomlin Accountants is up for grabs - that free advertising Muzza and Mule is for those wines you have bought me over the summer.
Photos, Character profiles and more to come!!
Milts
Copyright Avon United 2005.