THREE MATCH BUMPER XMAS EDITION!

Yes - a 'Three Match Bumper Xmas Edition' aka 'Finally Getting Off My Backside And Writing Something'.

The lads have lined up against Fishersgate Flyers [EGAD!], Adur Athletic [GADZOOKS!] and Mile Oak Wanderers [ODDS BODKINS!] since last we met and, apart from one small anomaly, we've had a pretty successful time of things. But first, an apology.

Some of us [me] had been gadding about claiming that we wouldn't lose again this season but how the fickle finger of fate deals its fate-filled-finger-of-fortitude . . . 

ASC Strikers vs Fishersgate flyers

Sunday 27th November 2011

The 'A's

Joe W[GK], Ryan, Fin, Ross, Reggie, Caldé, Matt W & Sam were coming off the back of a 4:1 victory in Hangleton and their collective tail was up and wagging. FF came to us with a good scoring pedigree but a propensity for shipping goals and it promised to be a bit of a goal-fest. Our visitors looked good from the start and came out strong. Fin & Caldé have cemented a partnership across the front of midfield that allows Reggie to break at will; his undoubted pace led to our first goal of the game and it wasn't long before we were rubbing our hands in expectation of another fine day. ASC 1 FF 0

Matt's defensive skills would be needed today as he prevented a quick return. FF had a fine shot that just avoided the far post and ASC had to soak up a lot of pressure. Reggie was LITERALLY [used with kind permission from J. Redknapp Esq.] on fire in the early stages and he added to his tally with a sublime piece of close control and sheer training ground audacity; rounding the stranded keeper and tapping home. Fantabulosa. ASC 2 FF 0

A match of great promise it was proving to be [Yoda?] but FF were a great example of a team that didn't give up. Perhaps the boys thought it was in the bag? What happened next came as a bit of a shock.

FF began to move the ball around with great patience and skill and although Sam was having a blinder out on the left wing, a beautiful move [albeit through a somewhat empty ASC defence] saw FF deservedly get a goal back. ASC 2 FF 1

What a great game we were seeing!

Half time ASC 2 Fishersgate Flyers 1

ASC came back out very strongly, throwing themselves in with Ross and Ryan showing their strength. Joe made a great save in a 50:50 but, out of the blue, a FF shot from distance found its way through and brought the score level. ASC 2 FF 2

Some heads went up; some went down and after a goalmouth scramble our visitors found themselves in the cat-bird seat [http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/87600.html]

ASC 2 FF 3

The boys now pushed for an equaliser, Ross just going wide with one of his stupendous free kicks. Ryan had to be dug out of the ground after a jack-hammer of a header. As ASC pressed, the midfield opened up. However, FF had already proven they could exploit these areas. ASC 2 FF 4

Fair play to the lads, they looked for late glory but left themselves wide open at the back - better teams than us do that. ASC 2 FF 5

Which is how it ended. A very good display from our rivals along the A270 gave the boys a bit of a wake-up call. I'll keep me flippin' mouth shut in future.

Full time ASC Strikers u1os 2 Fishersgate flyers u10s 5

________________________________________________________________

The 'B's

I mentioned a few weeks ago that the Bs would get a special report after missing their game against Hove Rivervale. Today's performance brings that report to the fore - what a tonic!

Charlie [GK], Joe W., Joe G., Fraser, Sunny, Henry, Max M., Sharpy & Bill had every right to feel a slight pang of anxiety as they went out against the FF Bs but from the kick off ASC looked to avenge the previous result. And avenge they did, with epic proportions! 

Joe G. was angry. Angry but ice cool. An almost immediate run  saw a great shot spin just wide. Henry battled the keeper and was unlucky in not converting his first goal for ASC. Sunny, always strong at the back, gave a masterclass in cool headed defence - a joy to watch.

As we'd seen, FF could score on the break and Max M. and Henry were true stalwarts in midfield as they thwarted the opposition again and again. Joes W & G have established a good partnership over the weeks and months; the former showing great vision from the back of midfield, releasing the latter on more than one occasion.

Joe G was fouled as the FF defence struggled with his pace and Messi-esque close-control of the ball. As the clock wound down, goal attempts were minimal but an evenly matched pair of teams were providing great entertainment.

Half time ASC 0 FF 0

Buoyed by their first half performance, ASC looked great in the opening exchanges. The Near Legendary Bill is moving toward fully fledged mythical status and showed great skill, releasing Joe W. who shot powerfully to win a corner.

Fraser makes strides every week, developing into a player that makes you stand upright in expectation of something special; which is what we got in bucketfuls. His industrious run to the by-line allowed him to pass a stunning ball into the path of Joe W. who was able to tap in with aplomb. A beautifully worked goal. As Matt says: Work Rate. ASC 1 FF 0

Fraser's assists are reaching Elliott Bennett proportions [see the file marked 'Brilliant Brighton Players That Don't Play For Us Anymore'] and he was soon releasing Bill with a precision through ball. From a ridiculously acute angle, Bill's shot went just over.

It was turning into the game of through balls [arguably the flairest manoeuvre on any football pitch]. Joe G forced the FF keeper into a fine save with a stinging left foot shot.

Charlie was on hand to maintain the ASC advantage with a great clearance from an FF break. He was called into action with a brilliant save not long afterward which seemed to give the whole team added confidence.

As such, three corners in quick succession turned the screw on our visitors and it seemed their desire for revenge would be satisfied. Fraser was like a one-man footballing machine as move after move caused massive headaches for the FF defence. Joe G saw a shot deflected on to the bar and Henry came close again.

As the trees in this week's storms found out though, you can only hold on for so long. Fraser got the most deserved reward since somebody who did something very deserving of a reward; a fine strike and the final nail of two in the FF coffin. [Note to self: make sure you have more than two nails in your coffin - imagine the upset in the church if the lid were to slide off exposing a dead me. Yuk.] ASC 2 FF 0

Despite Joe W forcing the FF keeper into a fine 1-on-1 save, our opponents were unable to get anything back. This was possibly the best performance from the ASC B team; flair and that enigmatic commodity work rate saw the boys pull off a stunning victory against a team that weren't slouches. A privilege to watch and another testament to the skills of the Coach and the boys' collective desire to improve and succeed. Fabulous.

Full time ASC Strikers u10s 2 Fishersgate Flyers u10s 0

_________________________________________________________

Adur Athletic vs ASC Strikers u10s

Sunday 4th December 2011

The 'A's

As the crowds gathered at a chilly Buckingham School, the unusually late afternoon kick off saw a few of us yearning for 'Songs of Praise' and roast beef and Yorkshire Pud. Okay - so the boys only had small nylon football kits to wear, but at least they get to run about! Ungrateful beggars - if only they KNEW the sacrifices we make!

Joe W[GK], Ryan, Fin, Ross, Reggie, Caldé & Sunny & lined up against a . . . how can I put this? . . . diminutive[?] home side. It wouldn't be too harsh to say that we were all expecting an easy victory but within two minutes our hosts were in front as the ASC defence decided Christmas had come early and gifted them an easy goal. Blinkin' flip! AA 1 ASC 0

The AA keeper - possibly the smallest member of the team - was having a great game. Bravely throwing himself into the fray, ASC struggled to find an opening; they were certainly not themselves for the opening stages. It was down to goal-monster Regan to make the breakthrough. As some of us [me] shouted 'They think it's all over . . . It is now! in their head [mine], he let fly with a goal of Hurst-like ambition. AA 1 ASC 1

From the kick off Reggie intercepted the ball and regained the natural order of things. AA 1 ASC 2

'So, it's gonna be a goal-fest?' I hear you all shout from your seat in front of the computer. But - the barrage was not to be, as AA made a great account of themselves for the rest of the first half. Caldé, Reg and Ryan all had chances but the AA keeper was having none of it and at half time it was he alone that kept the hosts on course for a decent result.

Half time AA 1 ASC 2

Ryan & Reggie had clearly taken on board Matt's reasoned and intelligent half time talk ['If we don't win this game by a load of goals, I will resign'] and were straight on the offensive; Reggie's sublime touch allowing him to slot the ball home into the bottom left corner. AA 1 ASC 3

Reg then turned defender with a saving tackle and ASC were looking their old selves again. Fin's skills were to the fore with a deft touch on the ball, fine crossing and a shot that skimmed the top side of the AA bar. Ross hit the bar as brave defending pushed the ball away from the AA net.

It was four soon after as Fin picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and struck hard and low. AA 1 ASC 4

The young winger was LITERALLY in flames as his shot from a corner zipped just wide. Soon after, Reggie got his umpteenth hat-trick as Ryan crossed to the far post. AA 1 ASC 5

Caldé had to be subbed after a crunching tackle allowed us to view his oddly-shaped ankles and as AA saw their defensive formation thrown into confusion by the introduction of Joe G., Reggie was on hand with his fourth to round up a convincing display. AA 1 ASC 6

A good display from the visitors but a spectacular display from the AA goalkeeper. Truly amazing courage and agility. It could have been so much worse - let's hope the defeat doesn't see them looking for solace in their awful vice again. Such a shame in those so young.

Full time: Alcoholics Anonymous 1 ASC Strikers 6

___________________________________________________________

The 'B's

In an attempt to freshen things up - and because I'm tired - the Bs 11:3 victory will be told in a series of tenuously connected images:

Owen's Mum, Chloe is mildly surprised as her son opens the scoring for AA [1-0]

Another fabulous run from Joe G. grabs the equaliser [1-1]

Bill had clearly been reading this as ASC take the lead [1-2]

A fortuitous strike against this for Joe G's second [1-3]

The path described by Bill before slotting home his second [1-4]

Where AA's second was retrieved from [2-4]

How Joe G got his hat-trick. Not actual photograph. [2-5]

Where AA's THIRD was retrieved from [3-5]

Bill. Doing a trick. With a hat. [3-6]

Meanwhile, Joe W hit this. FOUR times.

Joe G got his fourth with this [3-7]

A flick on to Max [3-8] . . . I'm tired

Henry's Debut Goal. He was rather pleased. [3-9]

Joe G again - his 5th! [3-10]

O.G. [3-11]

What a performance!

And finally . . . ASC Strikers u10s vs Mile Oak Wanderers u10s

Sunday 11th December 2011

It was a difficult morning for some of us. Twenty nine years to the day since The Jam split up. *sniff*

What was needed was a pick-me-up and a shining finish to the weekend. Once again, both teams didn't let us down.

The 'A's

Joe W[GK], Ryan, Fin, Ross, Reggie, Caldé, Matt W & Sam came out like Eton Rifles with all guns blazing. Ross was on a promise of a quid from every parent if he could score from just inside the halfway line [I can tell you that now as he didn't manage to pull it off - phew!]

Sam on the wing was a revelation and in this modern world that's a good thing to have. Caldé hit the post soon after the start. Like little boy soldiers, the lads lay siege to the MOW goal; Sam, on his right foot opened up proceedings with a pass/shot into the opposition goal. What a Start! ASC 1 MOW 0

The whole team smelt victory and all wanted a go. Matt made the first of three madcap runs from defence, cutting through the MOW midfield  again and again. Winning a corner, Fin floated a beautiful ball into Reg who, took a gentle touch and executed a wondrous overhead kick that had to be pushed to safety. That's entertainment.

As if they'd been cast upon a funeral pyre, ASC were on fire with move after move promising a goal. Matt went on another run and unleashed a ball that was apparently heading towards the man in the corner shop. However, it struck an MOW defender and went in. ASC 2 MOW 0

It was Calde's turn to shine. Having seen one shot saved on to the post, he wasn't fooling a minute later. You can score like that when you're young. ASC 3 MOW 0

As is often the case, the opposing team's keeper kept things respectable early on and produced a fine 1-on-1 save. He wasn't up to the next piece of action as Caldé put in a contender for Goal of the Season with a looping ball from the left that ended up where them pesky arachnids hang out. Precious. ASC 4 MOW 0

Matt W didn't have spiders but ANTS in his pants with another barnstormer down the right. Looking to get his second, the shot rebounded off the keeper and landed at the feet of Reggie. The Gift of a goal. ASC 5 MOW 0

Ross was looking to get his winnings and let loose with a stormer of a shot. It does help when the ball doesn't run away from you though. We didn't laugh, Ross. Honest, mate.

Caldé moved from scorer to provider as, finding themselves in a strange town, the MOW boys went in at half time on the receiving end of Reggie's hat-trick. ASC 6 MOW 0

Half time: ASC 6 MOW 0

This was a performance the News of the World [Deceased] would have done well to cover. ASC came out hungry for more. Joe W staved off the early stages of hypothermia by pushing up and giving another option across the back-line. Another lovely move through midfield released the ubiquitous Reggie and he slotted home his fourth. I used to hate coming out on a cold Sunday morning, but I'm different now. This really is a place I love. ASC 7 MOW 0

Fair play to MOW, they picked things up and looked like making a go of things for a short while. Of course, this opened things up in midfield and breathtaking link up play between Sam and Fin allowed Ross to move into position for one of those runs where he just won't slow down. He even managed to connect with the ball this time! ASC 8 MOW 0

A slight distraction pitch-side as something was said that set the house ablaze, but the ref [a fine looking man from the sleepy hamlet of Lancing-Sur-La-Mer] calmed things down.

It was the time for truth. Sam and Caldé both saw shots saved, but there was no stopping Fin as he carved the defence in two. The bitterest pill for our visitors. ASC 9 MOW 0

A rip-roaring display with almost everybody getting on the scoresheet. Fire AND skill.

Full time: ASC Strikers u10s 9 Mile Oak Wanderers 0

______________________________________________________________

The 'B's

Could Charlie [GK], Fin, Joe G., Joe W., Sunny, Sam, Henry, Fraser and Fin emulate their squad-mates' performance? You betcha!

The Bs have really gelled in recent weeks and were soon stroking the ball around. It seems such a long time ago that we saw the type of formation where they were frightened of leaving each others sides. Now, they pass with great skill and a beautifully worked move from the back of midfield saw Joe W. swing a gently weighted pass on to the feet of Fin who in turn struck a fantastic ball into the path of Joe G. ASC 1 MOW 0

JG turned provider soon after with Henry just missing from close range. The masterclass continued not long after; Fin planted a ball of Premiership Proportions to the feet of Joe G. who, it has to be said, toyed with the MOW defence like a cat with a ball of string. Class. ASC 2 MOW 0.

Our own Billy Whizz was on top of his game now. Jinking here and there, hither and thither, the visitors were having a torrid time. A corner from Fin sealed his hat-trick just before the half-time whistle. Blinkin' marvellous. ASC 3 MOW 0

Half time: ASC 3 MOW 0

Like a Tasmanian Devil, the tenacious Joe G. could barely wait to get back out there. Sunny, so strong in defence, felt able to push up and his adventures proved worthwhile as he struck low and hard for ASC's fourth. ASC 4 MOW 0

Joe G. cemented his mantle as poacher as Fraser, doing all the work, saw his ball rebound out to Joe. There was only one outcome. ASC 5 MOW 0

Joe W. was pinging fabulous balls out to all areas on the pitch. Charlie didn't have a great deal to do, but when the call came he was prepared. Henry's clearly found his shooting boots and was unlucky not make it six for the boys in yellow. And Sam - well, what can you say. His skill on the ball is jaw-droppingly good. Even the opposing fans were applauding.

Again, I don't want to get too cocky, but this B team is starting to look really special.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND AN EXCITING NEW YEAR IS ON THE CARDS!

Final Score: ASC u10s 5 Mile Oak Wanderers u10s 0

 

Hangleton Rangers u10s vs ASC Strikers u10s: Sunday 20th November 2011

The 'A's

A warm and cheery welcome awaited the team on this unseasonably warm Sunday morning. As a sweep was made of the pitch to clear it of debris [there is another word but I'm loathe to use it] Strikers warmed up with skill and flair; it felt good to see the boys up and running again.

Matt, fresh from a '38 yard shot up where the spiders live' yesterday [is that ok?] wanted more glory and success today. Some of us not only wanted it but absolutely needed it after watching the Super Stuttering Seagulls at their South Coast neighbours. Once again, our young stars were on hand to cheer us up.

Joe W. [GK] with a Man of the Match performance [excuse me, but it's hard to type; got something in me eye - I'll be ok in a minute *sniff*], Ross, Ryan, Caldé, Matt W., Sam, Fin & Reggie lined up against a mixture of big lads and nippy wingers. The corresponding fixture last year saw us ship 4 goals with no reply so it clearly wasn't going to be a free-ride today and the boys weren't in possession of a fast-pass. And that's what you call taking a metaphor too far.

HR were soon into their stride forcing Joe into a fine save at full stretch. However, it wasn't long before Caldé and Reggie linked up; the latter's power drive shaking the post to it's roots. For a good five minutes HR shaded an even contest [pedant alert: can you shade an even contest?] but ASC were settling into their stride. The game needed a goal [Brian] and a soft ball across the area by Caldé took the first of a series of nasty bobbles and bounced out of the HR keeper's hands. Unfortunately, Reggie was stood next to him. You can guess the rest. HR 0 ASC 1

A mark of the boys' increasing football intelligence is the way the defence deal with pressure from attackers; drawing them in rather than hoofing it away in panic and making the opposition make mistakes. This happened on more than one occasion today and served to instill confidence throughout the team.

Ross was soon creating problems for the HR defence with a number of his trademark barnstorming runs. They had a few big lads but you've got to have the skill with it; Ross has both, as well as a right foot that would take the skin off a satsuma from 50 yards. One such strike was bravely parried by the HR keeper. Again, like a pantomime villain waiting in the wings, the goal machine that is Reggie popped it in where the . . . er . . . ants live? HR 0 ASC 2

HR were quick to respond with a bout of attacking that brought out the best in Joe and the defence. Breaking away from the barrage, Ryan threaded a ball through to Sam who was unlucky not to get a penalty. HR came back again but Ross and Sam harried their attack and there was no way through. Even a great HR cross and header proved fruitless. Another fine save from Joe allowed him to release the ball quickly to Ryan; his geometric pass to Reggie was beautifully controlled and dispatched. Hat-trick.

HR 0 ASC 3

Half time: Hangleton Rangers 0 ASC Strikers 3

HR came out with a good display of pressure. Matt W. responded well and headed clear for a corner as well as zipping along the right touch line to force a corner at the other end. Fin repeated this manoeuvre soon after and HR were struggling to hold the boys at bay. Matt W. executed a fine air-shot/dummy which allowed him to pick up the loose ball and spin it out to Ryan on the right wing. His deft touch and cross landed at the feet of Reggie. Fourteen goals in three outings. That's some return.

HR 0 ASC 4

You need to be sitting down for the next bit. It was at this point HR called to the ref, thereby exposing the greatest sporting scandal since the Calciopoli Italian Betting shenanigans of 2006. HR had been operating with eight players on the pitch for at least five minutes. It wasn't long before international press corps were swarming to Knoll Rec. Some of them even brought poo-bags, which was handy.

Distracted by their own indiscretion, HR allowed the ASC full back to blast a 40 yard [sic] shot which gave their keeper something to think about. He was soon back in action as Sam and Caldé linked up; a great save.

As was Joe's not long after [the double-sided tape on the gloves seems to have worked]. Sam then showed super-skills of close control in midfield.

The ball broke to Ross who only had the keeper to beat. A collective holding of the breath in anticipation of the fifth cheer of the day was made redundant as what's known as a nasty bobble thwarted Ross's intent. 

ASC continued unabashed, their intelligence on the ball comfortably allowing them to stride to another superb victory. HR are a good team as we've seen and they finally got a consolation with a blast from the right that Joe could only parry into the inner part of the side-netting. HR 1 ASC 4

Another exciting display from the boys in yellow and a performance of which to be proud. Good times continue and, after Brighton's display yesterday, all is well in the world once again.

Full time: Hangleton Rangers 1 ASC Strikers 4

_______________________________________________________________

The 'B's

Charlie [GK], Sharpy, Fraser, Henry [Claude], Bill, Sunny, Joe G., Joe W., & Max faced a new set of players who seemed keen to avenge the defeat in the first game. 

Charlie was soon called into action with the first of a series of fine saves from the HR attack. A free-kick on the edge of the box saw a brave wall of boys in yellow face a solid strike that he was able to parry over the bar. Phew!

It remained very even throughout the game with Charlie seeing further action as he stretched to save a blistering left foot shot. Bill was having an encouraging game; strong in the tackle and good in the air. Joe W. linked up well with him during one attack with a scything ball through defence; on our home pitch Bill would've had time to get it but, as well as having the surface of a potato field, the HR pitch was very small.

Henry [Claude] covered back well as the ball broke free in midfield and was able to release Joe G. on a run that saw him too falling victim to the bumps and lumps on the pitch.

As the clock wound down toward half-time Bill took a knock in defence of the ASC lines and Charlie's safe hands were called on once again. Fraser's runs through midfield gave problems to HR but it wasn't quite happening up front. Still, there was always the second half to change things.

Half time HR 0 ASC 0

Fraser was out of the blocks from the whistle, forcing a corner in double-quick time. The ball broke free to the HR left back who switched play with a cross-field ball of Hoddle-esque proportions. Charlie did the business once again. A great save.

Joe W. executed a series of ear-drum bursting headers from defence; real power and precision. He still can't remember what day it is though.

HR were now laying siege to the ASC goal and it was real test for the defence, but one to which they proved equal. It was developing into a very entertaining game of football.

It then seemed the deadlock had been broken with a well executed shot across Charlie. The ball bounced off the far post and despite the on-coming HR forwards, he bravely jumped into the melée and made the ball his.

The 15º heat [we're a week and a half away from December!] was causing both teams to tire; surely a breakthrough would come? Although it was hot, Henry & Sharpy stayed cool and HR struggled to make an impact. Sunny was always on hand to clear the lines; as reliable as ever. Max played his part in a solid defensive display, being strong in the face of pressure to recover the ball near the touchline.

As HR ran out of ideas, Joe W. cleared from defence into the path of Joe G. but the HR defence were having none of it. Charlie was called into brave action not long after and as Max went on yet another run through midfield the whistle was blown and that very unusual phenomenon - a 0-0 draw - occurred for the first time in a long time.

No goals but a great watch nevertheless. Special mention goes to Fraser and Max who aren't afraid to take players on. Remember, success is built on a solid foundation - clean sheets are essential if you're going to win anything. Onward & upward!

Full time: Hangleton Rangers 0 ASC Strikers 0

ASC Strikers u10s vs Seagulls Blue u10s: Sunday 13th November 2011

Seagulls couldn't raise a team today

What?

In other news, a training pitch revelation from Ryan:

Don't forget, next Saturday is the boys' first 11-a-side game: Buck Park @ 10:00

England u19s vs Denmark u19s; Thursday 10th November 2011

Just a few pix from an enjoyable night at The Amex; England winning 1-0

Reggie & Joe. Perhaps I shouldn't have let him have that 3rd pint of bitter.

Reg, Caldé, a shaven Fin, Joe & Maria

Joe and a couple of new mates

Hove Rivervale vs ASC Strikers u10s: Sunday 6th November 2011

The 'A's

'Lorks-a-lumme and Crikey Moses!' we all exclaimed in unison as Matt's Strikers recorded their greatest victory since being formed all those years ago [about three].

Joe W. [GK], Matt W., Ryan, Sam, Reggie, Ross, Fin & Caldé made the long journey along to Sainsbury's to play a team they beat 10-0 at the hallowed turf of Buck Park last year. The word on the street was HR were a different team this year; a whole new ethos reigned. New players, a new style, a completely different prospect. ASC got an early corner from the kick-off, Ross latched on to it. And we hadn't even opened the Jaffa Cakes. HR 0 ASC 1

As I was writing Ross's name in the notebook, excitement vibrated around the packed arena with a great double save from the HR keeper. However, it was third time unlucky as Birthday Boy, Fin pounced to make it two. HR 0 ASC 2

It looked like it was going to be an easy day as Sam linked up with Reggie who shot just wide. HR were looking different at this stage and they showed good strength as they broke through the back of the ASC midfield. Noticing Joe off his line, a beautifully flighted chip was only going into one place, but I've already used a picture of Alan partridge. HR 1 ASC 2

This seemed to spark Strikers into action and some of the play through midfield was exceptional as they looked to re-establish their two goal cushion; super-fast and accurate. HR picked things up in response and it seemed they were going to make a much better game of it this time round. Caldé shot low and hard forcing a fine save from the HR keeper. He soon linked up with the ubiquitous [runs around a lot] Reggie and a beautiful through ball from the little ginger 'aired kid [quote: HR Manager] allowed our new centre forward to slot home. HR 1 ASC 3

It was a case of déja vu two minutes later with a doppelgänger move from both players. HR 1 ASC 4

Half time Hove Rivervale 1 ASC Strikers 4

A mistake by the HR keeper almost straight from the kick off allowed Reggie to get his second hat-trick in succession with a well directed shot into the bottom left hand corner of the onion bag. HR 1 ASC 5

Keen to include others in the spoils, Reggie passed to Fin soon after; the Birthday Boy shooting just wide. He was soon back in the frame with Strikers' 6th and his second as a beautifully driven shot found its place; this time on the right. HR 1 ASC 6

HR were now well beaten and heads dropped. A picked up back-pass only seemed to highlight their turmoil but Matt directed the boys to release the ball back to them after the indirect free kick. A collective tear of pride was shed in the crowd.

It was business as usual not long after as Ross directed a low drive into the path of - you guessed it, Reggie. We now know that he doesn't miss from there. HR 1 ASC 7

He was then allowed to go on a run as HR were all at sea. His shot took a timely deflection and hit the bar. 

In the meantime, Joe W. & Matt W. got on with something to keep themselves interested

If a joke's worth telling, it's worth repeating. Apparently.

Caldé joined in the fun with a tap-in from a corner. HR 1 ASC 8

Flame haired scorer turned provider as the crowd shouted at Reggie to 'get it under' [God, I miss Phil]. Of course, in the main the crowd is made up of middle-aged people who know very little about Association Football. Reggie on the other hand knew instinctively that he didn't need to take a touch. Boom! What a player. HR 1 ASC 9

Fin was now hunting down his birthday hat-trick and employed great skill in making it worse for an already demoralised home team. The HR post played it's part on two occasions as their goal came under siege from Caldé, Fin & Reggie. Delirium ensued as Caldé and Ryan started passing the ball out to invisible people loitering on the edge of the HR penalty area. Parents on both sides were looking at their watches hoping for an early end to proceedings.

However, ASC were now on fire and Reggie secured his double hat-trick with a cheeky nutmeg on the HR keeper. HR 1 ASC 10

This goal cruelly prevented me from making comparisons to Malcolm MacDonald, with his 5 goals for England against against Cyprus in 1975. Here's a picture anyway:

Sam, who'd been playing a pivotal role in supplying the ball from the left of midfield, decided it was time to have a turn. Cutting inside he dispatched what can only be described as a touch of class with a corker into the top left corner. HR 1 ASC 11

Reggie almost made it seven for himself but the HR keeper salvaged a bit of pride for his team with a fine save.

As the clock ticked down, a rash tackle from an HR defender allowed Fin to finally get his hat-trick on his birthday and a memorable victory was wrapped up. HR 1 ASC 12. Yes - 12.

It's never nice to see a team get beaten in such a fashion and credit goes to HR for keeping their heads up and playing to the bitter end. That said, there is something special about ASC at the moment. They play with a smile on their face and as parents it really is a joy to watch. What a great day and what a fantastic team!

Final Score: Hove Rivervale 1 ASC Strikers u10s 12

__________________________________________________________

The 'B's

Many, many apologies but I had to leave before this match [some other football match in the sleepy village of Falmer]. It was the first time though, and it was a massive wrench to go. Next week's B report will be extra special - promise

Final Score: Hove Rivervale 2 ASC Strikers 2

Fixtures 2011-12

A bit late in publishing, but might help with planning things over the cold winter months

ASC Strikers u10s Fixtures 2011-12

Who can forget the Hove Rivervale game last year?

ASC Strikers u10s vs Patcham Utd u10s: Sunday 30th October 2011

The 'A's

Cor blimey and blinkin' flip. What a great show of football in Buck Park we had today. A big welcome back for Matt W. from 'Ahh-Frica' and a debut for Regan [Reggie] - and what a debut!

Joe W. [GK], Ross, Ryan, Calde, Sam, Reggie, Fin and Matt W. took to the field against an unknown quantity; our neighbours from North Brighton.

From the outset it looked like it was going to be a good day as Reggie made his mark with an early strike against a keeper who managed to keep things dignified for Patcham. ASC 1 Patcham 0

Reggie, Ross and Calde were linking up beautifully at the front of midfield and Patcham were defending well, forcing corners and giving early signs it wasn't going to be a pushover; their aforementioned Keeper was always brave and not afraid to put himself in the firing line.

Calde came close with a strike against the bar, the first of two close range efforts that went over. Reggie is a fantastic addition to the squad with close control Lionel Messi would be proud of. As he and Ross scythed through the Patcham defence again and again, it was only a matter of time before the dam would burst.

Ross was soon on another run and his immaculate through ball to Reggie made for an easy conversion. ASC 2 Patcham 0

Within minutes of the kick off a fine save from the Patcham Keeper found it's way to the edge of the box where Sam was waiting. His deft left foot chip/lob was only going to end up in one place. ASC 3 Patcham 0

Back of the net

The midfield continued to tear things up with Fin screaming down the right wing and Ross, Reggie & Calde only being held back by the bravery and power of the Patcham keeper.

Half time: ASC Strikers 3 Patcham Utd 0

Patcham made a brave fist of things early in the second period and it looked like ASC may have taken their foot off the gas. Calde and Ross helped things power up again with a fine run down the wing from the latter and Sam getting on to a precision through ball from the former; just wide. Ryan joined in with the shenanigans with a back heel flick which, had it found it's target would have looked something like this [sort of] . . . 

The Three 'R's [Ryan, Ross & Reggie] then set about testing the Patcham keeper further with fine saves from a series of stinging shots. The Patcham defence were now tiring and stood off Reggie as he claimed a well deserved hat-trick on his debut with a fine low drive into the bottom left hand corner. ASC 4 Patcham 0

Ross and Sam took the opportunity now; seeing their opponents heads drop. Both gave masterclasses in close control with Sam converting his chance with clinical precision. ASC 5 Patcham 0

Patcham were now playing without pressure and looked for a consolation. Joe has been working on his bravery in goal and he was like Mel Gibson as he confronted the Patcham attack. Awesome; literally.

Gibson - clearly a Brighton fan

Awesome

Order was soon restored as Reggie slotted in his fourth of the afternoon following a fine interception from Fin which allowed him to run the virtual entire length of the pitch [a distance of 9.6 nautical miles]. ASC 6 Patcham 0

Ross then used the Ronaldo toe-punt method to score the 7th and Sam took advantage of the tired Patcham legs with a well placed pass/shot into the left corner.

A very exciting match to watch with audible gasps from the crowd at some of the football on show.

Final score: ASC Strikers u10s 8 Patcham United 0

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 'B's

Matt W. [GK], Henry, Bill, Sunny, Fraser, Joe W., Joe G. and Matt S. faced what was pretty much the Patcham A Squad for the second match of the morning. Taking a leaf from the 'A's book, they settled into a passing game which Patcham were able to break down on a number of occasions.

Henry was as strong as ever and he played a lovely couple of balls into the channel for Bill and Fraser to latch on to. Fraser had a blinder of a game from the outset with great runs and cool defending; none of this panicky donkey hoofing from the back. Sharpy continues to impress with a similar approach. That said, it's always good to see one of Sunny's Exocets when you need them!

It was a lovely passing movement out of defence that led to goal no.1 as Bill moved the ball through to Sunny, who found Fraser, who was able to flick it through to Joe G. Pinball Wizardry. A real TEAM goal. ASC 1 Patcham 0

Confidence was now up and Joe G. added to his tally after another magnificent passing display. ASC 2 Patcham 0

Fraser almost made it three with a shot across goal on the stroke of half time.

Half time: ASC 2 Patcham 0

A foolish pledge as Joe W. ran out on to the pitch saw a certain Blogger light of a Lady by the end of the match; never mind, it paid for a two thirds of a miniscule packet of popcorn at the pictures later.

Fraser continued where he left off as he and Sharpy kept things tight at the back. Bill was having a great game as well and his run to the line allowed him to cross a ball into Joe W. who, using the pace from the ball, executed a precision chip/lob that gently bounced off the inside of the far post and into the net. A fine effort. ASC 3 Patcham 0

Sunny was up next with a well won corner; the resulting set piece saw Joe G. agonizingly strike the post; so near to the hat-trick.

It had been quiet for Matt W. who had been thinking of herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the Swazi Plains. A dead cert goal from Patcham was averted as the blasted ball struck his hand, hit the bar, bounced on the line and hit his head to go out for a corner. Unorthodox, but effective. It wasn't Patcham's day.

The final action of the day saw Joe W. with a deft touch and through ball to Sunny who struck just wide.

A great result for Strikers who were effectively playing the Patcham A Team. The future's bright. The future's yellow.

PS - I fell asleep at the flicks; it's me age.

Final Score: ASC Strikers u10s 3 Patcham Utd 0