Alltraders v Coca Caracas CSB 22/05/97 19:00 Pitch 1.
The game started at a moderate pace. The opposition looked strong although
the early indications were that they were a bit slow. Alltraders took a while
to settle into their rhythm, and were nearly caught out in the first couple
of minutes when Tim Leader failed to cover at the back after a failed attack.
This seemed to shake Alltraders up, and they soon sorted themselves out after
a few strong words were spoken. Pete in goal looked assured as he covered his
area with his usual efficiency.
Half way through the first half the ball found Kevin Burton on the left. As
he drew the defender he found Tim Leader in space on the right with time to
measure up for a shot that whistled past the keeper into the far side of the
goal.
With a one goal cushion, Alltraders defended until the half time whistle.
The second half started with an Alltraders kick. The pace of the game seemed
to increase as Caracas searched for the equaliser. However, Alltraders were
equal to each attach and soon started to stretch their defence.
A failed Caracas attack found the ball at Paul Burton’s feet. He instantly
threaded the ball to his brother Kevin who worked a sweet one-two with John
Day to finish the move with a stunning left foot drive that whistled into the
back of the net. Alltraders were now in control of the game.
Caracas were getting increasingly stretched at the back as they surged forward
to retrieve something from the game. This gave Kevin more space to operate on
the right flank, and an inch perfect pass found Tim Leader standing completely
unmarked in the center forward position. As he chested it down, the keeper pushed
forward to narrow the angle. This was a fatal mistake! Tim coolly waited his
moment to lift the ball gently over the keepers head to keep up his ‘lob
a game’ record and secure his second and Alltraders third goal.
With only three minutes left, the pressure was off Alltraders. They now had
the time to pass the ball around to deny Caracas the chance of a consolation.
Caracas seemed resigned to defeat as John Day finished off a typical penetrating
run to end the game with another goal for Alltraders.
This was a very pleasing first game for Alltraders, although the future of this
league still remains a mystery as only one or two of the teams are ‘known
quantities’. If Alltraders can keep their discipline then if the first
game is anything to go by they should be a good bet for qualification.
Final result - Alltraders 4 Coca Caracas 0
What a difference a week makes. After a stunning first game, Alltraders put on their worst performance of all time. Whether it was the heat or simply tiredness after a grueling 90 minute friendly in midweek, Alltraders failed to find any rhythm and were in disarray right from the kick-off.
Second phase were quick and skillful in attack, and soon caused all kinds of trouble in the Alltraders defence. Each attack ended with a shot on target, Pete the keeper keeping Alltaraders in the game. By half time it could have easily been seven nil to the opposition.
The second half started as badly as the first. The second phase attack seemed to glide past the Alltraders defence with great ease. Time and time again, Pete had to perform to the best of his ability to deny the opposition the lead. However with just a minute left on the clock, another attack found the ball to an unmarked attacker on the left who coolly side-footed the ball home.
Alltraders hung on until the final whistle to keep the score to a respectable 1-0 - in fairness it should have been a much higher score.
Following last weeks dismal display, Alltraders knew that they had to improve their game considerably if they wanted to get something from the competition. Right on queue, the heavens opened just as the game was about to start.
The game started brightly with some reasonable passing from Alltraders. Within the first two minutes, the ball found it’s way to Kevin Burton who turned and finished quite coolly. This was the start Alltraders wanted - a one goal cushion with time to defend. However, the Feltchers started to come into the game and looked dangerous in attack. A wicked deflection off of Paul Burton’s shin found an unmarked Feltcher in an unmarked position who hit the ball with venom through the legs of Pete in goal.
With their lead now wiped out, Alltraders were forced out of their shell and started to attack again. The second Alltraders goal came from a mistake in the Feltcher’s defence. As the keeper rolled out the ball, the defender was quickly closed down by Kevin Burton who snatched the ball from his feet. With time to pick his spot, Kevin pushed the ball under the keeper for his and Alltraders second goal.
It was a very muggy evening, and the half time whistle came with some relief. The first ten minutes seemed to drain the energy from all the players on the pitch. The second half started with an Alltraders kick. The pace of the game had slowed considerably, possibly due to the heat, but more probably due to age.
Alltraders were finding themselves under more pressure as the game went on. Pete produced several stunning saves to deny each Feltchers attack. It was due to a mixture of fine goalkeeping and good fortune that the score remained unchanged until one minute from the end of the game.
With all the Fetching players in attack, the ball found its way to Tim Leader who advanced with Kevin in support. As the defender attempted to close him down, he placed the ball into space for Kevin to run on to. His instant turn and shot from close to the byline slammed against the back of the net to win the game for Alltraders.
A satisfying result, but still not a brilliant one. Alltraders still remain inconsistent - capable of producing excellent play on occasions, but still disappointing when it matters.
There’s still a long way to go ....
Final result - Alltraders 3 Feltching Rovers 1
Although Crawley dynamos stood at second bottom of the table, a quick
scan of the previous results revealed that they had only lost their games by
the odd goal, all to the top three teams.
Things were made worse by the absence of John Day, who allegedly suffered a
thigh strain earlier in the week. The substitute player was not as pacy as John,
but at least he could pass the ball.
From the kick, it was clear that it was going to be a tight game. The Crawley
Dynamos team were made up of Crawley premier league players, and soon started
to take control of the game. However, Pete in goal had another excellent game
and made several crucial saves.
Alltraders best chance of the half came after a failed Dynamos attack. Kevin
Burton cut out a soft pass and gently threaded it through to Tim Leader in acres
of space. With just the keeper to beat, his shot was well covered and rebounded
straight back to Tim’s feet. With the keeper still on the ground, the simple
option was to simply lift the ball over him, but for no apparent reason he elected
for the thunderbolt before the ball was fully under control and sky’ed
the shot 30 foot up the safety netting.
The second half saw a more composed Alltraders. Although there weren’t
many major goalscoring incidents, Alltraders had the best of the half, and should
have won the game when Tim Leader was put clean through by another first time
ball from Kevin Burton. His turn and shot, on any other day, would have resulted
in a goal. But today the keeper managed to stretch just enough to push the ball
away with his foot to save the game for Crawley Dynamos.
Not a disastrous result, but not a good one. With Holiday Inn and Second Phase
both winning, a gap is beginning to appear in the league. The best chance Alltraders
have now is Second phase taking another two points from Holiday Inn (who have
already lost one game) and to win their remaining seven games. Was that a Pig
I saw flying by?
Final result - Alltraders 0 - 0 Crawley Dynamos
Having dropped three points already, the remaining seven games all
had to be won to stand a real chance of qualifying for the next stage of the
competition. Evans Hailshaw stood at third place before the start of the game,
compared to Alltraders fifth, so a hard game was expected. It was no surprise
to find that John Day had failed to show up again, but luckily kevin had the
fore-thought to bring in a guest player.
The game started in steady rain. The pitch was very fast, and several mistakes
were made in the opening stages. Evans hailshaw never really got a handle on
the conditions, and soon Alltraders took the lead when a quick throw found Kevin
Burton striding down the right wing to finish with his usual clinical precision.
From then on, Alltraders took control. Evans Hailshaw looked good in spells,
but every attack was matched by the Alltraders defence. Shortly before the break
a poor pass was intercepted by kevin Burton and his instant pass was met by
Tim Leader with just the keeper to beat. His first time shot appeared to have
beaten the keeper, but he just managed to get his hand to the ball and push
it against the inside of the post and back to safety.
The second half presented no real danger to Alltraders. The plan was to ensure
that Evans Hailshaw were closed down as quickly as possible, and as they pushed
forward to try and get an equalizer large gaps started to appear in their defence.
Before the game was over, Alltraders hit the post twice more in counter-attacks,
and should have won the game by at least three or four goals. In the end they
had to settle for the one-nil win.
Another good result - one down, six more to go...
Alltraders knew that a good result was required tonight. The opposition
looked young and fit, and yet again Alltraders had to call on the services of
a guest player to fill the gap left by John Day.
The game started reasonably briskly, with Engley having much of the possession.
However, Alltraders looked sharp on the break, and tore through the Engley defence
on more than one occasion on the counter attack, bringing good saves from the
Engley keeper.
Mid way through the first half, a throw from Engley brought a stab at goal from
an attacker that slipped past the replacement keeper with relative ease - a
goal against the run of play.
Alltraders started the second half desperate to claw the goal back, but each
attack was matched by resolute Engley defence. On more than one occasion Tim
Leader was the only attacker with little support from the rest of the team.
The game was slipping away from Alltraders, and eventually the tell-tale bleeping
of the ref’s watch could be heard above the din of the adjacent games.
One nil to Engley - another two points dropped.
To qualify, Alltraders need to beat Longley and Holiday inn, both of which are
fielding very strong teams. The next game should be relatively easy, but it’s
not a good bet on Alltraders qualifying this time.
The end is nigh. This was our worst nightmare. The team that we have
beaten with ease a million times turned us over. Three shots, two goals. Alltraders
- countless shots, one goal. Like they say, it's a funny old game....
I don’t think I can bear to write any more. Another summer competition
blows away.
A win tonight would have put us in third place with everything to play for.
Roll on
the winter league.
Motley Crew 2 - 1 Alltraders
It was a hot still evening, and with the kick-off at 18:30 the temperature
was still in the mid seventies. Knowing that the pace of the game was sure to
be lively, there was some concern that a supply of neat oxygen should be made
available to the aging Alltraders players in the event of any prolonged exertion.
Holiday Inn have already established themselves as the favorites to win the
league, and with Alltraders struggling to find any decent form, a rout was on
the cards.
Holiday Inn looked young, fit, made up of players from the county league. Alltraders
on the other hand, seem to have had their day. This week, the guest player for
Alltraders was ‘Sal’ ( I’m sorry, but that’s all I know
about him).
The ref called the two ‘captains’ together for the toss. This week
it was Tim Leader’s turn to do the honors for Alltraders.
This was probably the only thing he has got right all week, and won the toss
to attack the Crawley to Horsham railway end first half.
The game started as expected. Holiday Inn were eager to destroy Alltraders and
consolidate their position at the top of the league. It was with the game at
only one minute old that they took the lead. For some reason, the usually-so-dependable
Paul Burton at the back seemed to want to give the ball to a Holiday Inn striker
and invite him to shoot. This he did with with gratitude.
From the kick, Tim Leader attempted to bring Alltraders back into the game following
a fine run By Kevin Burton on the left flank. His first time shot was hurried
by a lunging Holiday Inn defender causing the ball to be launched onto Pitch
2.
This worried Holiday Inn not. From the kick, the ball was placed inch perfect
into an advancing Holiday Inn attacker to coolly slot goal two. The rout was
well on course.
The center forced another Alltraders attempt at an attack. This time it was
a real chance. Sal slotted the ball to Kevin Burton, who saw Tim Leader in space
on the right. His pass was met by Tim full-on by a thunderous shot from the
days of old that pulled of a fine save from the keeper. The signs were there
that that Alltraders could provide a shock, but Holiday Inn were having none
of that.
A swift interchange of passing from Holiday Inn saw Alltraders in complete disarray.
Before they could even touch the ball Holiday Inn added another to their tally
with a fine move that saw Pete in goal completely stranded. The game was only
three minutes old with Holiday Inn three goals in front. This could be our worst
nightmare - a potential 20-0 defeat...
Alltraders never gave up, and still showed signs of the first time play that
has won them competitions in years gone by. A strong run By Kevin Burton was
rewarded by a fine goal that was well against the run of play. However, Holiday
Inn seemed to be slowing and were becoming more frustrated that they hadn’t
stretched their lead. The half time whistle blew with Alltraders bent double
gasping for the small amounts of oxygen in the early evening air, the sweat
running freely. One or two of the Alttraders team appeared to be in real danger
of cardiac arrest.
The score at half time 3-1 in holiday Inn’s favour.
The second half started with Altraders attacking the balcony end. A small crowd
had gathered to watch the game with interest as Longley and Second Phase needed
Holiday Inn to drop points if they were to qualify. From what they had seen
so far, they were not optimistic.
Holiday Inn continued to apply the pressure, but Alltraders seemed to be getting
more into the game. The heat was beginning to affect both sets of players, and
Holiday Inn were getting more and more frustrated. Each attack was being matched
by strong defending by Paul and Sal at the back. A swift one-two between Kevin
and Paul saw Kevin advancing on the Holiday Inn goal. Initially the defender
seemed to have the better of Kevin, but his strength and persistence paid off
and his shot bounced off the shins of a defender and cannoned across the Holiday
Inn goal to be met first time by a clinical finish by Tim Leader. It was one
of those shots that could have either seen the ball on the balcony or the back
of the net. This time the back of the goal felt the full force of a thunderous
drive with the goalkeeper resigned to picking the ball from the back of the
net.
With the score now 3-2, Holiday Inn were showing signs or real distress. Instead
of their early patient build up, they started to become more desperate in their
approach work. Shots were being fired from long range that were no problem for
Pete in goal. Alltraders on the other hand were beginning to look composed and
strong, if not trying to hide the fact that they were completely knackered.
A quick throw found Sal in the right back position. His first time ball was
threaded down the right wing for Tim Leader to turn and advance on goal. He
had time to look up before coolly sidefooting the ball across the goal area
to be met in Full stride by Kevin Burton to slot his second and Alltraders third
goal to level the score.
The goal was met with astonishment from the crowd and stunned disbelief from
the Holiday Inn team. A game that was totally in their control had been completely
turned upside down. Suddenly it was time for Alltraders turn to take the game
to Holiday Inn.
A quick move down the middle of the pitch saw Sal strike a peach of a shot with
the outside of his left foot that curled an inch past the far post with the
whole Holiday Inn team motionless. If it had gone in it would have been the
result of all time.
The closing
minutes saw some excellent defending and goalkeeping from Alltraders that kept
the crowd on their feet.
This was not going to be Holiday Inn’s night. The soft bleeping of the
refs digital time-piece could be heard as they attempted one last attack on
the Alltraders goal. How much time would he add? None...
I’ve now come to the conclusion that the game of five-a-side football is
a complete lottery. Games we should have won with ease have been lost, and games
that we should have lost have been retrieved in dramatic style. Skill doesn’t
seem to come in to it. It’s too late now to get anything form this particular
competition, but with the first of the two winter leagues beckoning if Alltraders
can find that illusive regular fifth player then there may be just a small glimmer
of hope that it isn’t too late to get another medal.....
Final score: Alltraders 3 - 3 Holiday Inn
With conditions slightly cooler than last week, a tight game was on
the cards. Longley knew that they could not afford to drop any points if they
were to qualify. However, this week two of their key players were missing. This
gave Alltraders hope of taking two more points and possibly moving into third
place.
Alltraders won the toss and elected to defend the balcony end first half. It
wasn’t long before Alltraders settled into a rhythm with Sal and Paul looking
strong at the back. Some quick passing gained reward half way through the first
half when Kevin Burton placed the ball coolly under the keeper to take the lead
for Alltraders.
Longley battled back hard, and were quite physical in their defence. Tim Leader
and Kevin Burton were met full on by the might of the Longley defence on more
than one occasion.
Just before the half time whistle blew, Longley earned an equaliser when a slip-up
in the Alltraders defence found an unmarked attacker who finished with style.
The second half started at the same pace as the first. Eventually Alltraders
took control and had several chances to increase their lead, Kevin Burton forcing
the keeper to dive low more than once. Alltraders second goal came with about
five minutes of the game remaining. Kevin threaded a fine ball through the middle
of the Longley defence to be met first time on the turn by Tim Leader whose
shot skimmed under the keeper.
There was still time for more drama before the end of the game. A Longley throw
was defended by a Kevin Burton header. Unfortunately he strayed into the goal
area to concede a penalty.
The Longley player lined himself up for the shot, but I suppose the sixteen
stone frame of Pete in goal must have been too much of an intimidating a site
as he blasted it against his torso as he threw himself to the ground causing
a shudder that created concentric rings in the beer glasses of those in the
balcony, a bit like in the film Jurassic Park.
From then on Longley appeared to give up. Alltraders caught Longley on the break
several times more and should have extended their lead.
The final whistle blew. A satisfying result - Alltraders knew that they were
playing a weakened Longley team, but still showed signs that their form may
be returning at last. With Sal looking to be set as Alltrader’s fifth player,
it should be a very interesting winter competition.
I will miss next weeks game, so there will be no Game10 match report.
Final score: Alltraders 2 Longley 1
The final game in this summers tournament was played in steady rain.
A quick scan of the tables indicated that Alltraders best hope was a good win
to hold third position on goal difference.
The flyers, firmly positioned at the bottom of the table, arrived with only
four players. At least they arrived - many teams fail to show on the last day.
The game was quite uneventful. The Flyers goal was pounded with shots that either
skimmed the post or flew well clear of the target. Eventually Kevin Burton broke
the duck with one of his clinical finishes that left the keeper stranded.
Two minutes later Tim Leader increased the lead when the whole left by the missing
fifth player invited him to advance on goal and shoot into the far netting.
The rain made the pitch fast, and Alltraders failed to extend their lead even
though they had 90% of the play. The half time whistle blew with the score 2-0
in Alltraders favour.
Both teams were resigned to the fact that the season was over, and the game
reduced to almost walking pace. There was no urgency in Alltraders play, and
seemed to want to pass the ball backward and forward across goal instead of
shooting.
A sweet one-two between Kevin Burton and Tim Leader saw a fine finish from Kevin
just about outside of the ‘D’ which generated a bit of debate by the
Flyers defence, who claimed otherwise.
There was just enough time for Paul Burton to add his second goal of the tournament
to finish the game at 4-0 to Alltraders.
Well, that’s it for another competition. Another three points would have
seen qualification, but for the third time in a row Alltraders finished in third
position. It was a time to reflect on the games where silly points were dropped,
in particular the games against Motley Crew and Engley.
This game saw the end of Pete’s relationship with Alltraders. He will be
playing with a different team in the Autumn league. Alltraders will reshape
with the addition of Sal and a new, as yet unknown, goalkeeper.
The Autumn league starts in October, enough time for Alltraders to try out their
new formation in a series of friendlies planned for the coming weeks.
Thankyou, and goodnight...
League H:
Evans Hailshaw
Engley
The Flyers
Coca Caracas C.S.B
AllTraders
Motley Crew
Nimbus 90
Second Phase
Crawley Dynamos
Holiday Inn United
Longley Social
Felching Rovers
Results:
22/05/97 Alltraders (1) 4 - 0 (0) Coca Caracas C.S.B
Tim Leader(2)
Kevin Burton
John Day
29/05/97 Alltraders (0) 0 - 1 (0) Second Phase
05/06/97 Alltraders (2) 3 - 1 (1) Feltching Rovers
Kevin Burton(3)
13/06/97 Alltraders (0) 0 - 0 (0) Crawley Dynamos
19/06/97 Alltraders (1) 1 - 0 (0) Evans Hailshaw
kevin Burton
27/06/97 Alltraders (0) 0 - 1 (1) Engley
03/07/97 Alltraders (0) 1 - 2 (2) Motley Crew
Paul Burton
11/07/97 Alltraders (1) 3 - 3 (3) Holiday Inn
Kevin Burton (2)
Tim Leader
17/07/97 Alltraders (1) 2 - 1 (1) Longley
Kevin Burton
Tim Leader
25/07/97 Alltraders (-) 2 - 2 (-) Nimbus 90
Kevin Burton (2)
31/07/97 Alltraders (2) 4 - 0 (0) The Flyers
Kevin Burton (2)
Paul Burton
Tim Leader
Final Stats:
Played 11, Won 5, Drew 3, Lost 3, Goals for 20, goals against 11, Points 13.
Final Posistion: Third in League H
Scorers:
Kevin Burton 12
Tim Leader 5
Paul Burton 2
John Day 1