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.
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| 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
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| A scimitar |
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| 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
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| 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.
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
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.
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
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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
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
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| 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.
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| 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
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| Yum |
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
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