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

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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

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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

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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

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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