ASC Strikers vs Southwick Rangers: Sunday 27th March 2011

The 'A's

"We'll win easily today - my mate plays for 'em". Thus spake Rhys, prior to another comprehensive victory from the ASC Artistes.

We, as parents, simultaneously started crossing ourselves, throwing salt over our shoulders and looked in desperation for a black cat to bother, it was of course the team Captain who had the real handle on things. This has been a side who, in recent weeks have become a real force to be reckoned with; confident in their own ability and aware of their strengths. Rhys - of course - was right. We mullered 'em.

Joe W. [GK], Joe G., Fin, Rhys, Max B., Ryan, Caldé, and Matt W. took to a Buck Park pitch that was finally beginning to firm up after a few days of unseasonal sun and warm weather. After last week's shenanigans, a few of us had come prepared . . . 

. . . but thankfully things were slightly less fractious today.

A quick shout out to the SR keeper who had a fantastic game and kept things respectable, saving more than he let in. A great performance.

From the kick-off, Strikers settled into a passing game that was a joy to watch. Visiting relatives were heard to gasp in delight at the play across the front of midfield which led to most of the goals and kept us all enthralled; another example of the fine coaching the boys have been given this season.

One such move saw a beautifully switched ball from left to right arrive at Ryan's feet and the SR keeper was forced into the first of many fine saves. Max B. was having another good game as his fast skill on the ball and great wing-play forced pressure on the opposition.

Pressure was the key, but SR were no pushover as they soaked up wave after wave of attack from the boys in yeller'n'blue. As ASC confidence grew the more flair elements began to show through. Rhys conducted a spectacular overhead pass from the wing, Max B. and Fin showed their dribbling skill, bamboozling the SR defence. Both of them had fine shots from distance which were saved well by the SR keeper, but it did seem that it was only a matter of time.

It was Caldé that made the pressure count with a low drive into the bottom left hand corner - a great strike. ASC 1 SR 0

Thus followed one of the finest passages of passing play ever seen on the hallowed Buck Park turf. People fainted in wonderment as the ball zipped around the stranded SR players with intricate triangles forming an equation of mathematical confusion for the team in yellow and black stripes. There will be people in Shoreham pubs in fifty years time saying 'I was there' as they sip a long nursed half of bitter.

Having not learned from the previous encroachment of their defensive line, SR allowed Caldé to take up a similar position and reproduce his feat from only a few moments earlier. ASC 2 SR 0

SR were not cannon fodder though and fashioned a few drives forward of their own. Of course, this allowed for breaks and Max B. saw another fine low shot saved by the SR keeper. Soon after, the SR defenders stepped up to the plate with a very brave block on one of Fin's stingers; cor blimey, that must've hurt.

As Max, Joe G, and Ryan carried on their lesson in passing, their play allowed Ryan to get in a first time shot that only just cleared the bar. SR now had a chance to break and Joe W. pulled off a fantastic save to his left. Making himself big, his stop was of Schmeichelesque proportions. And THAT isn't an easy word to write.

The break from the resultant corner allowed Ryan to pass overhead to Caldé who was looking for his hat-trick. The ball was saved and sent back up the far end but Rhys's head cleared the ball out to a waiting Joe G. On the break he made it a comfortable 3-0 from a team that were cookin' on gas. ASC 3 SR 0

Matt conducted another fine display of the Dutch Master's turning skill and even the SR forwards were beginning to wonder what they had to do to stifle the ASC juggernaut.

What Matt turned on

Half time: ASC 3 SR 0

SR came out a different team and had soon pulled a goal back; a real testament to their persistence and refusal to let heads drop. ASC 3 SR 1

ASC didn't panic though and were soon back into their passing stride. Matt had a great interception on an SR through ball. His released ball through midfield arrived in the path of Joe G. whose deft touch on to Caldé allowed him to seal his hat-trick with another fine drive. ASC 4 SR 1

Joe G. himself had a shot go just wide and Rhys showed a lovely touch through midfield with a great run; the ball veritably glued to his feet. Three corners for ASC put the squeeze on and the fabulous passing continued, setting Fin up for another blaster from the edge of the box. Once again, the SR keeper did his job.

A little known fact is that Caldé is on a pay-per-goal bribery system at home. The cash register was ringing in his eyes as he controlled a looping cross and slammed his laces through the leather as he notched up his fourth. The Lamborghini is being delivered next week. ASC 5 SR 1

As the relentless ASC midfield and attack kept the pressure on their opponents, it seemed inevitable that a few tired legs would creep in. A desperate stretch from the SR defender that every other day of the week would've gone either side of the post, hit the wrong part of his boot and bobbled apologetically past their keeper. A very unfortunate goal to concede. It didn't stop Caldé trying to claim it though; after all, he's going to need A/C in that Lambo. ASC 6 SR 1

The keeper then entered into Southwick Rangers folklore with a triple save that, alongside his five or six others today, kept it respectable. As mentioned earlier, he put on a great display.

However, things weren't completely over. Ryan got a shot on to the post that Joe G was waiting for to finish the game. ASC 7 SR 1

The penultimate game of the season, which had a league table been running, would see us pretty near the top. Another performance of the highest quality with excellent passing, patience and ruthless efficiency in front of goal. Just like the Nazis. Or is that a bad comparison?

Final Score: ASC Strikers 7 Southwick Rangers 1

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The 'B's

A very familiar looking SR 'B' team came out on to the pitch, or perhaps they're made up of twins[?] as Ryan [GK], Max M., Sunny, Tom, Joe W., Fraser, NLB, Alfie, Sharpy took to the field straight after the 'A' game.

Unfortunately, the David Banner of the team, Alfie, wasn't pile driven by any defender so he stayed quite calm . . .

Don't make him angry . . .

ASC looked good in the early stages, but a couple of new additions to SR meant this wasn't going to be a pushover. Tom turned beautifully on the ball and got a ball through to Alfie which went into the side netting. He then combined with Sharpy and Alfie again down the right wing and Alfie's shot went just over.

Fraser had a jinking run [©Mr. A. Mistry] through midfield and an evenly matched pairing saw a lovely volley from the SR forward sail over and NLB push through the middle in response.

Joe W. is developing a great touch on the ball, thanks to World Champion Diver Tom Daley [it's a long story], and spread a couple of finely weighted balls out of the back of midfield.

Ryan was providing a badly needed safe pair of hands as the SR forwards pushed towards goal. Sunny intercepted one such attack and got the ball through to Bill who zipped it across the face of goal and past the SR keeper; funnily enough, the same keeper from the first game.

A number of shots had rained down on the ASC goal and there was a sense of inevitability as our near-neighbours took the lead with a great shot. ASC 0 SR 1

The finest aspect of today's game was the ability to raise their spirits and remain patient. Alfie led the charge and was soon on the end of a lofted pass from Sunny. With great control, he brought the ball down and we were soon on equal terms. A fine riposte. ASC 1 SR 1

While Joe W. lay mortally wounded in midfield, NLB and Tom linked up in front of the box. A marvellously judged pass into Tom's path allowed him to slot the ball calmly past the SR keeper to take the lead on the stroke of half-time. ASC 2 SR 1

Half Time: ASC Strikers 2 Southwick Rangers 1

There was always the sense that SR would come back strong and we weren't disappointed. Had it not been for the brute strength of Max M, coupled with his control of the ball through midfield it could have been so very different. SR's forwards were putting in a shift and Ryan was called to arms on more than one occasion.

Hands were rubbed together expectantly pitch-side as Alfie was finally pole-axed. Surely, the goals would come now. However, he's clearly been reading up on 'The Art of Zen' and kept cool.

Which ultimately is what was needed as SR pushed for the equaliser. At the other end Joe W. surprised every one with a finely angled shot which the SR keeper only just got a hand to. Fraser and Alfie linked up well to apply pressure and Sharpy has finally transformed into the 'The Fonz'. He's that cool.

The Fonz. One for the parents, methinks.

But there wasn't much cool about the last few minutes of play, as SR laid siege to the ASC goal. Ryan pulled off a couple of fine saves, one a double-stop and Bill afforded brief respite at the other end with a lovely turn which just ran away from him.

The final whistle came as SR blasted the ASC defence. A brilliant display from the 'B's, coming from one down against what was ostensibly Southwick's 'A' team and then defending their lead valiantly in the face of the SR onslaught.

Another fine day for ASC Strikers u9s!

Final Score: ASC Strikers 2 Southwick Rangers 1

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Blog Double Whammy! Hove Rivervale & West Hove Dynamos Reports

Two for the price of one this week - after a fine couple of displays in the past fortnight, there's a lot to get in (ooer, missus!)

But first, something from the dictionary:

relentless - not relenting; harsh; pitiless; persistent; unremitting

Funnily enough 'Relentless' was also the debut album from former S Club 7 lead singer Jo O'Meara and was released two and a half years after the pop outfit split in May 2003. Spooky.

Second only in sales to 'Dark Side Of The Moon' apparently

ASC Strikers u9s vs Hove Rivervale - Sunday 13th March 2011

The 'A's

As the opening buds began to show on the Buck Park trees, and the Hove Rivervale parents handed out cous cous, fennel and advocado wraps, a storm began to brew in the hearts of our miniature heroes in yellow and blue. What a day. What a couple of games. Where to start?

Joe W. [GK], Rhys, Caldé, Max B., Fin, Joe G., Matt, Nathan & Ryan lined up against a Hove Rivervale team who held us in a tightly fought 1:1 at theirs just before Christmas. Fin opened proceedings with a shot almost directly from the kick off; a message of intent most definitely. The HR defence seemed all at sea from the off as Caldé sent in a looping power-shot from the left wing which went just over. Our visitors were unable to clear their own lines and it wasn't long before Nathan was unleashed, zipping balls across the box with aplomb. Caldé was soon on the end of one of these stingers, planting the ball firmly into the back of the away side's net. ASC 1 - HR 0

Fired by his opener, the red-headed dynamo set about a complete dismantling of the team in black and white. Rhys had a blaster low across the face of the goal just skim wide. Ryan, surely one of the players of the season? - found Caldé again and it was 2:0. HR hadn't been outside their own half. ASC 2 - HR 0 

A deep breath from Rivervale and a time to rebuild. Nathan had other ideas. Stealing the ball from the kick-off he cut through the whole of the team like a scimitar [not a Reliant Scimitar] and buried it. ASC 3 - HR 0

A scimitar

A Reliant Scimitar

Our poor guests heads had well & truly dropped now; Caldé bagged his third and Striker's fourth after a display of trickery from nathan that Derren Brown would've been proud of. ASC 4 - HR 0

Relieved from the pressure of getting a win, HR made their first foray into the ASC half but, with confidence at a low, soon gave the ball away. Great midfield passing from Strikers enabled Nathan to latch onto a ball and the HR keeper made a great save. Unfortunately, ASC have been concentrating on their support play and Max B. was there to slot home the rebound. ASC 5 - HR 0

I don't know about Seabrook Floodgates but it looked like it was going to be a deluge as everybody wanted a piece of the action. Rhys had one of those it would've been easier to score moments as he saw his close range effort sail over the bar. Max B. did a shimmy [which can be defined as either an abnormal vibration or wobbling, as of the wheels of an automobile or a dance made popular in the 1920s, characterized by rapid shaking of the body], Caldé was determined to up his tally and skimmed the ball across the goal twice and fantastic defending from HR saw them conjure two clearances off the line in quick succession. Just as the half-time whistle was about to blow Ryan stepped up with a precision shot into the bottom left hand corner. ASC 6 - HR 0

Half Time: ASC Strikers 6 Hove Rivervale 0

Things could only get better for HR surely? Well, sort of.

Strikers resumed their pressure and Caldé notched his fourth not long after the restart. ASC 7 - HR 0

Rivervale applied their own pressure and were able to string a couple of moves together which gave them two corners in quick succession. With defenders like Rhys and Matt on hand, the ball was soon cleared to Nathan who produced a stunning long range shot which frankly, was best left alone, it would've really hurt trying to keep it out. ASC 8 - HR 0

As Fin held things tight in midfield, passers-by were drawn to the pitch. A small OAP who was walking her dog [a Jack Russell called Pepé] ran on at one point and shouted 'ON ME 'EAD, SON!' It was that exciting for all concerned.

Unperturbed by the appearance of the sprightly senior citizen, Man of the Match Caldé went on another run that squeezed the HR defence hard. The ball fell loose to 'Poacher Max B.' ASC 9 - HR 0

Cries of 'WE WANT TEN! WE WANT TEN!' were rather harshly being called for from the ASC Parents. The Dudley Moore/Bo Derek movie from the late 70s is a fine bit of cinema, but this was not the time for a raunchy adult comedy.

As Matt prepared to call time, Ryan twisted the blade of the already deep Scimitar [see above] and Max B., undercover of footballing darkness, tapped in to make it our first score in double figures. ASC 10 [yes, 10] - HR 0

It seems strange to report that the HR keeper had a good game but he saved five or six shots; a brave display from him.

Final Score: ASC Strikers 10 Hove Rivervale 0

NB: Not much mention for Matt, Joe W. and Rhys in this game because of the nature of the goalmouth action at the other end. Although they weren't that busy they were able to produce this between them . . .

. . . so not an entirely unproductive day :-)

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The 'B's

As the fog settled across North Shoreham, it was evident that Rivervale's colleagues would be looking to exact revenge. Lots of pirate-like 'arr-ing' could be heard from the black and white end as they pumped themselves up.

Joe G. [GK], Joe W., Tom, Sharpy, Fraser, NLB, Sunny, Alfie and Max M. took to the field ready for the onslaught.

Which, unfortunately came early. Like wounded zebras [in their black and white stripes] - ok, poor analogy - like slightly disappointed zebras an early throw and a bit of sloppy defending saw HR get an early slice of the cake called revenge. ASC 0 - HR 1

NLB almost returned the compliment with a portion of the savoury tartlet called retaliation but was just wide. Fraser, however, dished out a large serving of the vol-au-vent called stick that in your pipe and smoke it! with a mazy run and shot through the heart of their defence. ASC 1 -HR 1

With their tails up, and the food related similes put into the recycling bin of destiny, our plucky warriors applied their fast developing passing game to maximum effect. NLB was just wide again but a fantastic run from him enabled Tom to pick up the ball from a neat little pass. Honour regained. ASC 2 - HR 1

An immediate response made it even and this seemed to pick our opponent's confidence right up. ASC 2 - HR 2

Within minutes of the restart, the fog that was settling across the park had a hand in the next goal. The areas were now like quagmires and as Joe G. stooped to collect a ball that, in the previous game would have rolled easily into his hands, he could only watch in despair as it stopped dead in the mud. Right next to it was an HR forward. Gulp. ASC 2 - HR 3

With an upset on the cards, Sunny was able to get a lovely ball through to Joe W. who shot just wide.

Half time: ASC Strikers 2 Hove Rivervale 3

A calm halftime talk from Matt saw a different Strikers come out for the second period. Sharpy is developing a really cool head and got a lovely through ball to the forwards. The resulting corner saw Joe W. heading just over. The pressure in all areas of the park was telling. Max M. and Sunny stood like colossi at the back and Alfie and Fraser were causing problems up front and through midfield. Joe W. stepped up to take a long range free-kick which was a screamer of BHAFC midfielder Elliott Bennett proportions. ASC 3 HR 3

Max M. & Sunny, Colossi. Of Memnon.

Joe W. was now burning up the wings with some great runs and crosses. It seemed only a matter of time before ASC took the lead. Fraser's dribbling is a real asset and his pass through to Joe G. provided another opportunity for the nippy striker to slot one home. ASC 4 HR 3

Sharpy was having a blinder as he moved out of defence into midfield. Joe W and Fraser combined in defence to keep the threat at bay. Alfie let the HR defenders know he wasn't just there for the ride. As the clock wound down, a Rory DeLap style throw from Joe W. was picked up by Alfie who slotted a precision path through to Joe G. The resulting goal inspired a slightly adapted and embarrassing rendition of this from the crowd . . . 

. . . remember kids, that's what we're there for! ASC 5 HR 3

A free kick from Alfie that was pushed on to the bar kept things respectable and Strikers ran in worthy winners. Another fine display from the boys - what a comeback!

Final Score ASC Strikers 5 Human Resources 3

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West Hove Dynamos vs ASC Strikers - Sunday 20th March 2011


The 'A's


And as the sun poked through the beauty of Benfield Valley with a gentle rainbow forming over the 'Sainsbury's' car-wash, Strikers arrived to face a team who'd given them something to think about in a 1:0 defeat late last year.


Joe W. [GK], Rhys, Caldé, Max B., Fin, Joe G., Matt, & Ryan looked like they'd had a night on the tiles as WHD came at them early. Good passing and rapid approach play exposed unusual weaknesses at the back and it was a matter of time before the hosts took a deserved lead with a cross from the left that left the boys floundering. WHD 1 - ASC 0.

Unperturbed, the lads pushed forward. Joe W. had good vision and precise delivery in picking Joe G. out in the far left channel. Although WHD were well drilled in defence, they began to struggle with the skill of Fin who, once again, was bossing the midfield.


Joe G. was very brave in a 1 on 1 with the WHD keeper; a big lad who could stop a shot. As the game developed into an end to end encounter, WHD returned the compliment and the ASC backs were called into desperate action, Matt once again allowing his feet to do the talking as he dribbled out of defence and broke up the opposition play.


It seemed as if WHD had brought along a sub goalie and decided to play him out on the pitch as the first of at least three handballs in the box went unpunished. The tension on the touchline began to build. Chocolate biscuits had to be handed round to keep things calm.


As ASC looked for the equaliser and decided to play it long from the back, Joe W.'s kicking was a real asset, putting the home defence into minor maelstroms of unease. Confidence was growing and Max B.'s expansive game was showing dividends. The WHD were increasingly relying on their defenders [and two goalies ;-)] to keep themselves in the game.


Half time - West Hove Dynamos: 1 ASC Strikers 0


Matt resorted to that well used parental method of 'The Empty Threat' during the break. Threatening to leave as Manager if the boys didn't pull their fingers out, the team were faced with the prospect of having Phil as full time Coach and the constant bellows of 'GET IT UNDER!!!!' coming from the sidelines for the rest of the season.


It clearly did the trick.


A different ASC team emerged and as a few of the parents [well, grandparents] squared up to each other, the referee had to insist that the WHD defender removed the catcher's mitt he'd been given in the interval.

Joe G., clearly wanting to hear another strained rendition of the Dolly Parton classic, threw himself into the fray and was creating real problems. Matt's defending was a joy to watch; a real air of cheek about it as he wrong-footed the approaching forwards on more than one occasion. Matt & Phil's 'Passing Masterplan' was coming together.


A slightly agricultural tackle out on the right wing enabled Fin to send one of his free kick screamers into the box. Excellent and brave defending were needed from WHD who cleared the ball out to the right edge of the box where Max B. was waiting; cat-like. The resulting low drive into the bottom left hand corner was one of those goals that, if 'Match Of The Day' cameras had been there, it would be in the opening titles for the next few years. An absolute peach. WHD 1 - ASC 1

A peach. Absolutely.

Buoyed by his success, Max sprang into action in all areas; his trademark tenacity providing some genuinely exciting play. A cross onto Caldé's noggin went just over. Ryan saw a shot handled by Goalie No.2 but by this chance we'd given up on getting a penalty and concentrated on the chocolate biscuits.


It was a great game; even a couple of the girls from the local munitions factory took time to come and see what was going on.

What a lovely Bren Gun

WHD were finding ways out of their box increasingly difficult to locate and Rhys was able to scramble a bobbling ball over the line. WHD 1 - ASC 2


As the host's heads dropped and tired limbs became heavier, ASC went for one last push and Max B. signed off a great game for himself by passing the last kick of the game into the bottom right hand corner. WHD 1 - ASC 3


A game of passion, comebacks and chocolate biscuits; a heady combination. The real joy of today's performance was that the team stuck to their task and didn't panic or let some of the injustices get to them. The second half display was a testament to Matt & Phil's gentle cajoling and ability to keep the boys believing in themselves. A marvellous performance and a well deserved victory.


Final Score: West Hove Dynamos 1 ASC Strikers 3

Yum

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The 'B's

Joe G. [GK], Joe W., Tom, Sharpy, Fraser, NLB, Sunny, Alfie and Max M. have recently become a force in their own right. Since Forest Youth employed their underhand tactics, the ASC 'B's haven't lost a game, winning two of their last three encounters. Today, they were looking for a hat-trick of victories.


A lesson was learned early on; namely to pole-axe Alfie. Containing the rage within, he went on to spearhead a fabulous performance from the boys. Initial exchanges were cagey and WHD were keen to avenge their 4:1 defeat the last time the teams met.

Alfie had a great couple of touches which opened up play well, allowing Fraser and NLB to conduct one or two of their ground breaking runs. Fraser had a fabulous overhead clearance from defence and Sunny was his usual stoic self at the back.


ASC pressure began to tell again as Joe W., Fraser and Bill linked up on the wing. As the ball broke loose from defence, Alfie was there to calmly slot it home. WHD 0 - ASC 1


There's nothing like a goal to get you going. Fraser showed great vision in picking out NLB who spun the ball into the path of Alfie for him to score his, and Strikers', second. A great move. WHD 0 - ASC 2


Joe W. was now called into play and got in a great shot, just wide. WHD were able to break finally but Sharpy has become a revelation with his cool head and power when needed in clearing the lines.


Half Time: West Hove Dynamos 0 ASC Strikers 2


If it ain't broke, don't fix it and the boys came out as they'd gone off. Fraser seems to keep the ball glued to his feet when he embarks on a run; the panic in the opposition defence is almost tangible.

NLB was tasting glory as he saw a fine shot saved and then went on a run which evoked memories of this fabulous moment from the early 80s:

He didn't get the ball in the net but good things were just around the corner for him.

Alfie was playing like a boy possessed after his early tackle and he got a ball to NLB's left foot. Completely taking the defence by surprise, he chose not to put it on to his favoured right foot and shot first time with the left. The ball struck the inside of the right post, zipped along the line and hit the left post and went in. Pinball Wizard. WHD 0 - ASC 3


'The Blue Danube Waltz' could be heard [well, in my head anyway] as the boys danced balletically through the WHD tackles. Fraser's runs are gaining near legendary status as well and everybody could rely on Sharpy to keep things tight at the back.

The WHD keeper was forced into a fine couple of saves but, like so many times before, the squeeze was taking it's toll. Tom found Alfie on the edge of the box who immediately sent a looping ball over the keeper and into the top left corner of the net. Stunning. WHD 0 - ASC 4


Not to be outdone, Joe W. reproduced the feat as Alfie found himself in the exact same position as Tom. Just change Tom for Alfie, and Alfie for Joe and you've got the previous paragraph. Joe's footballing skill is clearly genetic. [Ahem.] WHD 0 - ASC 5


ASC were now officially on fire - thank goodness there was a carwash nearby! It was all pressure from the team in yellow and Alfie almost wrapped things up with a shot that scorched the topside of the bar.

What a great weekend! The Soaring Super Seagulls won away at Oldham, and both ASC Teams pulled stupendous displays out of the bag. A day for big pats on the back for all concerned!


Final Score: West Hove Dynamos 0 ASC Strikers 5

Seagulls Blue vs ASC Strikers: Sunday 6th March 2011

The 'A's

An ASC team comprising Joe W.[GK], Max B, Nathan, Fin, Rhys, Caldé, Matt W., Rhys and Fin made the epic journey to Middle Road Park to meet up with an old foe in this local derby; a team that we'd had success against but in the early exchanges had clearly improved their game. Rhys as Captain marshalled his side admirably as Caldé made the first of a number of sparkling right wing runs.

Max B.'s intelligent play allowed him to pass a through ball to Nathan who grasped the opportunity with both hands and slotted the ball into the left hand corner. An early lead. SB 0 ASC 1.

Ryan and Caldé then executed a couple of fine air-shots within thirty seconds of each other. Fin demonstrated that it's much more effective, although not as amusing, when you actually kick the ball. Shame it went over.

Rhys is now enjoying captaining a side that isn't leaking too many goals and in an effort to maintain that form he came in with what can only be described as an enthusiastic tackle on the SB's no.9. Fair play to our boy though, he was quick to offer an apologetic hand. We think it belonged to the no.9 after it had been removed during the tackle ;-)

Seagulls Blue stayed resolute and were very good in defence; their goalkeeper was having a blinder and kept the score respectable throughout the match. Caldé's touches were of the highest standard and his awareness and passing were creating real problems for the local opponents.

The SB keeper was soon called into action again. The ASC parents were jumping in the air after a screamer from Rhys that was heading into the goal, was pushed wide at the last minute. Great save.

Confidence abounded throughout the Strikers side and Matt & Phil's insistence on the passing game and looking to spread play was being put into great effect. The boys went into half-time with a deserved lead, only kept so small by the Seagulls keeper.

Half time Seagulls Blue 0 ASC 1

Whatever was said at half-time seemed to galvanise ASC even further in their desire to put the game to bed. Once again the SB keeper was put to the test as he made a double save from Ryan and Caldé. Nathan joined in the seige of the SB goal and was just wide.

It was only a matter of time before the net rippled again and Fin duly stepped up to place a precision left foot pass into the bottom right corner of the SB net. SB 0 ASC 2.

It's often said the most dangerous time to concede is after a goal and so it proved as a sleepy ASC defence let SB through for a soft goal. SB 1 ASC 2.

A wake up call for certain as this was the host's last attempt on the ASC goal. The rest of the half saw some of the best passages of play from an ASC side in recent times. Matt W.'s patient and cool defending belies his years [he attributes it to a diet of 'Cadbury's Creme Eggs' apparently], Ryan and Caldé absolutely bossed the midfield while Rhys took one in the face for the side; a boot that is - not a Creme Egg. The strikers rained shots down with the SB keeper probably taking the neutral's MoTM. Max B. even went for an overhead kick.

The final whistle blew at the end of a stunning performance in so many areas of the park from Strikers. A deserved win with some sparkling passages of play.

Full time: Seagulls Blue 1 ASC Strikers 2

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The 'B's

Alfie [GK], Fraser, Joe W., Sunny, Joe G., Tom, Bill [NLB], Max M. and Sharpy were rather unfairly accused [by me] of having a bit of a bore-draw in the last game against Seagulls u9s. It certainly wasn't the case today.

SB's no.7 showed the home team's intent with a run straight at the kick off toward the ASC goal; Alfie was more than equal to the resulting shot.

Joe G. then entered the foray with a vengeance. At one point he was thrown to the ground by an invisible force . . .

. . . but he soon began terrorising the SB goal. Cries of 'Sack the Ground Staff!' were heard as a sure fire goal was ruled out by a so-called 'nasty bobble' just before he struck the ball. The ball was last seen clearing Worthing Pier.

Minutes later, Joe G.'s stinging shot was parried by another handy SB keeper straight into the path of a waiting Tom who slotted home. Poacher. SB 0 ASC 1

Sunny came into play with a great shot after the re-start; SB ceding play very easily. He was also on hand with three - yes, three - consecutive corners. The last one was cleared to Joe G. who, with the outside of his right foot, curled a screamer into the top right-hand corner. SB 0 ASC 2

Confidence was up now and Fraser's pace began to cause problems; great link up play between him and Joe G. worried the SB backline.

However, totally against the run of play, Seagulls Blue had a rare attack and struck a lovely shot high above Alfie and on to the underside of the bar. SB 1 ASC 2

It was now Joe W.'s turn to get involved and he showed great strength with a couple of fine runs down the wing and a scintillating shot from the by-line; only just wide.

NLB employed his left foot to apply more pressure and Joe W. followed suit on the right peg with a belter from the edge of the area.

Half time Seagulls Blue 1 Strikers 2

Seagulls Blue hit back after the late first half onslaught with a solid strike against the bar and it looked as if things might get dangerous for the visitors.

NLB had other ideas though and with great vision and clinical passing put a through ball into the path of Joe G. who slammed the ball from the right across the face of the goal and into the bottom left hand corner. SB's keeper was good, but not that good. SB 1 ASC 3

The SB heads now began to drop and although they had one or two assaults on the ASC goal, the defending prowess of Sharpy and Max M. proved too much for them. Intelligent running and use of space by Joe W. distracted the SB defenders allowing NLB and Sunny the opportunity to shoot at will. Once again, the SB goalie kept things dignified for the hosts.

The full time whistle came like rain after the heatwave for SB. A fine performance from the 'B's once again proving the benefits of teamwork, passing and clinical finishing. 

Final Score: Seagulls Blue 1 ASC Strikers 3

ASC Strikers vs Seagulls u9s: Sunday 13th February 2011

The 'A's

A week before his FA Cup date at Old Trafford with Crawley FC, ex-Albion keeper Michel Kuipers had much bigger fish to fry at a sunny, but chilly Buck Park.

Joe W. [GK], Joe G., Fin, Nathan, Ryan, Max B., Rhys and Caldé took to the field after a bit of an absence. The last time the two teams met Seagulls used a somewhat unorthodox defensive technique. Our opponents were soon on the front foot and Joe W. came out top in a 1-on-1 with the Former Dutch Marine's son; a great confidence builder for the whole team. Rhys, once again leading the line in a Henry V stylee, slammed a precision through ball to Fin who only just pinged it wide.

Henry V

He repeated the feat in a very even passage of play, this time to Caldé who scared the be-jay-sus out of the Seagulls keeper as it streaked like an Exocet across his goal. We were playing like demons.

The Forest Youth game had clearly had an effect on the Strikers' desire to pass the ball around; Matt & Phil's coaching once again paying dividends as the boys gave their opponents a footballing lesson. It was only a matter of time before they took the lead.

And they did just that mid-way through the first half. A beautifully controlled ball from Max B. was put through to Fin in midfield who scared the Seagulls defence into making a rash tackle. The resulting free-kick could only be parried into the path of a loitering Joe G. and the diminutive striker doesn't miss from there. ASC 1 Seagulls 0

Strikers were soon back in possession from the kick off and a precision drop kick from Joe W. [clearly impressing his former goalkeeping hero on the Seagulls touchline] was flicked on by Fin into the path of Joe G. who, tackled at the death, forced a corner in the closing minutes.

Caldé's gentle chip to the near post was flicked into the bottom right hand corner by Ryan; a sure contender for goal of the season - sublime.

A sub

A lime

Half time: ASC 2 Seagulls 0

Seagulls returned as wounded animals and attempted to impose themselves on the game. An obstruction on Fin led Nathan to attempt a somewhat speculative shot which only just missed it's target. Rhys, playing like a boy two or three years older, showed his characteristic bravery as a high ball was headed back towards the Seagulls players; it cleared the halfway line.

Nathan turned provider with an astounding through ball to Joe G. - just wide. Rhys was able to stand tall and not commit to a dangerous tackle on the edge of the area. Seagulls were struggling to cope with the wall in front of them. Strikers midfield were having a great game, building from defence with Rhys and Caldé linking up beautifully.

Seagulls began to press halfway through the second period bringing Fin into play as a defender; his well timed tackles saving the team on more than one occasion. Max B. had a near post strike well saved and Caldé almost broke to put the score beyond doubt.

A fine save by the Seagulls keeper saw the ball break to their forward leaving Joe W. to deal with his second 1-on-1 of the game. This time the ball ended up in the back of the net. ASC 2 Seagulls 1.

That proved to be the final action of the game. ASC had held out and achieved a well deserved victory against a fast improving Seagulls side. Strong defence and great midfield passing being the key to success. Marvellous.

And Michel Kuipers tripped over my dog.

Final Score: ASC Strikers 2 Seagulls u9s 1

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The 'B's

Rhys [GK], Joe W., Sunny, Sharpy,Tom, Alfie, Fraser and Max M. strode up for the challenge against the Seagulls 2nd team.

Alfie had an early opportunity saved at short range and Seagulls returned the compliment soon after with a speculative cross/shot that looped just over the bar. From here the match developed into the proverbial game of chess, with only Fraser breaking the deadlock with a left wing run that almost broke through the Seagulls defence.

For those of you who've actually watched a game of chess you'll understand it's not a great spectator sport, although the man on the left of this picture does have an amusingly large nose.

People playing chess

Sharpy's defensive skills have come on brilliantly in the past few games and it was looking very unlikely that Seagulls would make the breakthrough either.

Half time ASC 0 Seagulls 0

As you were in the second half with Seagulls coming on strong and the defensive nous of Max M. holding the opponents at bay. Rhys's only real action of the day came in a 1-on-1; the winner of which was in little doubt. After all, this is Rhys we're talking about.

Alfie picked up a ball from a great run byTom off the right wing and put it just wide. Joe W. stuck a ball into the mixer only to find nobody on the other end in the bowl of 'Angel Delight' [I really must sort these analogies out].

And so the game continued. The ref, by now looking at planes flying into Shoreham Airport, had to be reminded to blow the whistle by the Park Keeper who wanted to lock up and three of the parents had to be wrapped in silver blankets and fed Chicken Noodle Soup.

The kids enjoyed it though - and THAT'S the main thing.

Final Score: ASC Strikers 0 Seagulls u9s 0