Anyone wishing to write a Match Report for any of Maple Leaf's friendly, league or cup games for the 2004/05 season can do so in here...

 

It has come to my attention that I get some of the facts wrong in the Match Reports themselves (player names, who did what etc). This is not that surprising given that I can just about remember the match taking place itself some weekends.

If  a mistake is made let me know and I'll correct them as soon as I can.

Friendly game - interchangeable subs.


Team: Ste A-B, Stew, Phil V, P Homer, Geoff, Gary, Sag, Mitch, Dean, Shing, Nick G, Bob.

Man of The Match: Paul Homer.


Report: Maple started brightly in their new 'elvish' style green/red kit and matched their opponents in the opening exchanges with both sides reduced to tame shots from distance. Around 35mins a Shenstone breakaway led to a scramble in the maple penalty box and the ball ended upin the back of the net.

Maple then responded and hit back a few mins later through fine Bob strike - taking the ball in his stride, holding off his marker, ran into the pen area and fired low into the bottom near corner to equalise. A mix up just before h-t saw Shenstone take the lead through an 18 yard sizzler leaving the gk no chance.

The 2nd half saw Shenstone go quickly 3-1 up, from then on Maple begin to dominate possession and camp themselves in Shenstone's half of the pitch. A succession of quality crosses and good approach play - along with solid defending from Maple throughout - and although Maple came very close to scoring on occasions the score remained 3-1.

A good promising start before the season kicks off.

Team: Gater, Walker, Homer, Varley, Kettle, Millership, Mitchell, Sadler, Lycett, Glover, Gibbons.

Subs: West for Gibbons, Hillyer for Walker, Asante-Boakye for Homer.

Unused Sub: Lewis.

Man of The Match: Geoff Kettle.


Match Report: "A clean sheet for a new-look Maple defence will boost morale and confidence for the coming games after Maple snuffed out most of the dangerous attacks from a determined Wake Green side.

Some good passages of play from all over the pitch could not quite see Maple break the deadlock despite having the lion's share of possession. Often good approach play or an individual run ended with the final shot being just off target, hitting the post or going for a spectacular effort with the easier tap-in option to a team-mate ignored.

Glover came closest to breaking the deadlock with a fine 12 yard header which hit the post, followed by a fine Mitchell strike unfortunate not to find the back of the net.

With it being early days and everyone still dusting off the cobwebs / recovering from a boozy summer - and several players to return to bolster the squad soon, the future is looking solid."

Team: Gater, Walker, Randle, Varley, Kettle, West, Sadler, Mitchell, Lycett, Glover, E Homer.

Subs: Millership for West, Lewis for Sadler, P Homer for E Homer

Unused Subs: Gibbons, Hillyer

Man of The Match: Tim West


Match Report: "A noon kick off saw Maple off to a strong start taking the game immediately to their youthful opposition. Some great incisive passing moves saw Maple cut open the Wulf defence and it wasn't long before a Lycett 'header' gave Maple a 1-0 lead.

2 well taken goals from E Homer saw a comfortable gap open up before Wulfun pulled one back just before half-time'. After the break Wulfrun upped their game, yet Maple held firm despite coming under pressure, and countered with further goals from a near-post Lycett strike, a fine long range Millership drive and a much deserved Glover goal.

With a weeks rest before the next game hopefully the early promising form and passing style of play will long continue..."

Team: Gater, Walker, Randle, P Homer, Kettle, Mitchell, Hillyer, Sadler, Lycett, E Homer, Willetts.

Subs: Lewis for Willetts, Gibbons for Hillyer.

Unused Subs: Asante-Boakye, Campbell.

Man of The Match: Stewart Walker.


Match Report: "If this carries on the Maple team will no duobt be drug tested soon! A midfield reshuffle and striker making his debut powered Maple to one of their largest victories in the club's history. Two coolly finished - well taken goals from Willetts saw a good start, with E Homer clinincally also adding 2 more before half time.

After the break E Homer got his hat-trick after good work from the impressive Willetts. Later, Sadler and Lewis also got in the act - 2 goals from Lewis with left foot - one of them an angled 18yard strike across the gk into the far corner! Only at 8-0 down did the young Tamworth side put pressure on Maple's sturdy defence - with them hitting the bar with a 25yrd screamer, gk Gater tipping over the bar well at a freekick and then saving a Randle 'defensive' header.

It's pleasing to see many differing ways of scoring the goals this season so far - set pieces, crosses, through balls, long defensive kicks chased down and utilised, individual flair play, unselfish teamplay and simple passing. Long may it continue..."

Team: Gater, Walker, P Homer, Randle, Kettle, Mitchell, Lewis, Sadler, Lycett, E Homer, Willetts.

Subs: West for Sadler, Asante-Boakye for P Homer.

Unused Sub: Campbell.

Man of The Match: Sadler.


Match Report: "Maple once again started brightly and created numerous chances on a slippery pitch with a strong wind at their backs - sadly only making use of it through a Sadler penalty and an own goal after great delivery from Lycett. More chances came and went begging as the score remained 2-0 to half-time.

After the restart Maple started to slack off and ignore their previous good work as players went missing, were out of position for large parts, or just going through the motions. The opposition then raised their game and started to put the Maple defence under constant pressure.

Soon enough Wulfrun pulled one back, then equalised - both after bad defensive decisions. Wulfrun then took the lead from a near-post corner, before Maple managed a brief rally and equalised from a fine Mitchell lob from an acute angle.

At 3-3 with only minutes to go Maple played themselves into trouble and then failed to clear their lines, and let in a Wulfrun forward to score a well-executed winner leaving gk Gater exposed once again.

On balance Wulfrun probably deserved the 3pts as they took the limited number of chances they created, whereas Maple sadly wasted theirs. It should be interesting to see the reaction and attitude of the Maple players when they play Sparkhill, a team they comprehensively lost to twice last season, next week - especially with even more players unable to play..."

Team: Gater, Lewis, Asante-Boakye, Varley, Kettle, West, Mitchell, Sadler, Lycett, E Homer, Glover.

Subs: None.

Thanks to Gary M for running the line and giving up watching England-Wales for Maple Leaf!

Man of The Match: Mitchell


Match Report: "A depleted Maple team took the lead early on after good incisive work from Glover found Lycett to drive home from 18 yards. Shortly after this Maple were pegged back and Sparkhill took a grip on the game, though without carving clear-cut chances.

Sadly, Sparkhill went on to equalise around 35mins after Maple hands went up for offside and stopped playing - though the Sparkhill forward coolly finished. Just before half-time the opposition took the lead from a ricocheted free-kick.

Although Maple fought on bravely continued bizarre refereeing decisions went against them and gave momentum to Sparkhill. Before long it was 3-1 after hesitation in the Maple back-line ended up with gk Gater being beaten by a fine lob.

A spell of good attacking Maple football followed and a quickly-taken Sadler free-kick found Homer to finish calmly from 6 yards. At this point the referee gave a succession of free-kicks to Sparkhill - much to the bemusement of the Sparkhill players themselves!

The pressure was eventually too much for Maple and with 10 mins left a poorly defended corner resulted in the score going to 4-2. Again Maple came back and good shots from Lycett, Homer and Sadler all went narrowly wide or were well saved. With Maple pushing forward to try and pull the game back they were caught out on a counter attack with a Sparhill forward heading unmarked from a cross.

Hopefully next week vs Sutton will see the return of more players along with the form and quality shown in Maple's early games."

Team: Shingles, Lewis, P Homer, Randle, Kettle, West, Sadler, Mitchell, Lycett, E Homer, Glover.

Subs: Campbell for West, Hillyer for Randle, Willets for Glover.

Unused Subs: Walker, Asante-Boakye.

Came to the game injured and cheered Maple on: Millership.

Man of The Match: Shingles.


Match Report: "The Return Of The Shrew helped keep Maple in the game after a poor, yet busy start. Although Maple's attacking threat was ineffective in the first half the new found resolution and willingness to work hard for each other carried Maple through to half time.

Shingles was alert and composed at all times pulling off an excellent save from a long range delfected shot - pushing it around the post when a goal looked certain. Superb handling in slippery conditions and commanding his area gave the rest of the team some confidence to push on and take the game to Sutton.

As the game went on Maple came into it as an attacking force with Willetts going close shooting over, a Campbell drive excellently saved by the opposition gk, a Sadler lob drifting just wide and a couple of Homer shots and header all going close.

With minutes to go and the ball bouncing around in the Sutton penalty area Homer found himslef at the far post and drove the ball near post at an unguarded goalmouth when the Sutton gk threw himself in front of the shot and somehow managed to keep the ball out and push it away for a corner.

Overall a fair result for both teams who worked hard to stop each other from playing their natural attacking games."

Team: Asante-Boakye, Hillyer, Millership, Sadler, Kettle, Campbell, Glover, Mitchell, Lycett, E Homer, Willetts.

Subs: none.

Man of The Match: Millership.

Thanks to Tony for turning up and running the line for Maple - despite being injured and the weather being atrocious.


Match Report: "A depleted Maple team with only 2 recognised defenders and no subs took to the pitch against their youthful opponents. Slipping and sliding around were the order of the day for all of the players as several downpours throughout the game took it's toll on an already heavy pitch.

Schofield took the lead after numerous midfielders broke through to the Maple defence - and with several deflections on passes and players falling over in the mud before the ball unluckily fell to an opposing forward with an empty goal at his mercy.

Maple immediately went up the other end of the pitch and laid siege to the Schofield goalmouth, with several chances going to waste before Lycett persevered with a couple of shots and then calmly finished from 15 yards out with his RIGHT foot!

Soon after a penalty was awarded to Maple Leaf which Sadler converted to take the lead. Again, more chances for Maple went begging and opportunites were wasted as the final pass or shot was poor.

The 2nd half saw more of the same from Maple Leaf before Schofield pushed a tiring Maple side back into defending their own half. Firstly a superb Millership goal-line clearance when a goal looked certain, but then Scofield equalised through a very soft lobbed goal - which really should have been closed down earlier by the 3 surrounding Maple midfielders. Despite a final Maple Leaf attacking surge, along with more chances spurned, the game ended all square.

If Maple Leaf wish to start converting some of these drawn matches into wins - and taking the points the overall play deserves - they are going to have to start taking their chances in front of goal."

Team: Gater, Walker, Asante-Boakye, Varley, Hillyer, Campbell, Sadler, Glover, Lycett, E Homer, Willetts.

Subs: None.

Man Of The Match: Ian Willetts.


Many thanks to Shing for coming and running the line for Maple, and to P Homer for cheering us on and giving encouragement from the sides.


Match Report: "The Maple squad has taken a battering of late - this week saw them only muster 11 players again, to play Sons Of Adam - who consisted of several players from teams thrown out (Smethwick) by the B'ham AFA at the end of last season. Same players, same pitch, same kit and the same supporters! Just a different club name.

Maple got off to a bad start being overrun on the flanks, which led to an unmarked man scoring at the back post from a well-driven cross. The score was soon 2-0 after a needless penalty was given away. Despite briefly rallying and creating some possession and a few opportunites the final pass or cross was poor by Maple Leaf.

Sons of Adam were 3-0 after a carbon copy of the 1st goal - no-one having learnt from the preivious mistake of not tracking back! Maple pulled it back to 3-1 through a heavily deflected E Homer freekick, before an excellent Willetts header was acrobatically saved by the opposition gk on the stroke of half-time.

The 2nd half saw a better performance with passing and using the width of the pitch - along with a more committed performance from those who were 'coasting' in the 1st half, though the final cross was often poor or the wrong option taken. Some good approach play - often through the impressive Willetts - was often stifled from players' own reluctance to have a shot on goal.

Campbell's mis-hit 'cross' was fumbled by their gk and the ref adjudged the ball to have crossed the line, before Sons Of Adam scored through a well worked set-play. Maple went close a few times, with another fine save by their gk as Campbell bore down on goal. With Maple pushing forward to pull another goal back they were caught out by a fine individual run by a Sons Of Adam player who calmly skipped past tired Maple leags and shot past a stranded gk Gater.


It seems that when only 11 players turn up matches certain people are under the impression that they don't have to work or be as committed as they'd be with substitutes on the sidleines ready to take their places. A slow and tentative start to this game cost Maple the game - leaving themselves far too much to do later on in the game, when they did play better football."

Team: Gater, Walker, Varley, Lewis, Kettle, Mitchell, Hillyer, Sadler, Millership, E Homer, Willetts.

Subs: Campbell for Willetts, Lycett for E Homer, Glover for Hillyer.

Unused Subs: Asante-Boakye, West.

Man Of The Match: Ian Willetts.


Thanks to Tony for turning up to support Maple once more, and depsite being injured - had to run the line despite having 5 substitutes...

Also thanks go to Edd for retreiving the match-ball kicked over a garden fence which everyone else forgot about (or couldn't be bothered to deal with).


Match Report: "Maple returned to playing decent football and can count themselves unlucky to lose this game as the solid defending, teamwork, battling qualities, commitment and sound approch play returned to the fore.

Willetts and E Homer, supported by the midfield managed to create panic in the oppostiton defence many times, though were unlucky that the bounce of the ball didn't quite run Maple's way - whilst the defence kept the Coton attack at bay admirably in the 1st half.

Saves by the Coton gk and several snap-shots and half-chances by Mitchell, Hillyer, Homer and Sadler all went close as the pressure piled on Coton, and with good work from the Maple flanks it seemed a matter of time before they would take the lead.

Unfortunately, perplexing substitutions and reshuffles ground Maple's forward momentum to a halt, and Coton came back into the game testing the resolve the dogged Maple back-line. Eventually Coton took the lead through a counter-attack - their only on-target shot of the game - a neat one-two confidentally taken by their forward 8yards out, leaving the previously untested gk Gater, with no chance.

Maple tried to pile on the pressure once more, but rugged Coton defending meant Maple failed to meaningfully test the Coton gk with the little time remaining on the clock - and despite all the possession and approach play, go out at the 1st Round of the Jeffs Cup.

Hopefully Maple will take confidence from the promising football on display from this match - and with a little more luck in front of goal can put together a run of results which will see a bit of pride restored."

Team: Gater, Walker, Millership, Asante-Boakye, Kettle, Campbell, Mitchell, Hillyer, Lycett, Glover, Willetts.

Subs: Lewis for Walker, West for Lycett, E Homer for Asante-Boakye.

Unused Subs: Gibbons, Sadler.

Man of The Match: Kettle.


Match Report: "Maple were 4-0 down early on - thanks to inept defending, a dodgy penalty and an own goal (beautiful finished lob from Barney), though the most worrying thing was that it was 20mins before Maple strung more than 2 passes together - all this against a team who Maple beat 8-0 ealrier in the season.

The 2nd half saw an improvement on the 1st - though that would not have been difficult. Many half chances went begging as Glover, Homer, Campbell and Mitchell all went close before Willetts coolly finshed to pull one back.

Perhaps reminding players that football is a team game and that everyone need to work hard both defensively and as an attacking unit will buck up certain people's ideas. Laziness and panicking under little pressure does not bode well - though the ability to pass the buck of responsibility onto others remains.

To be honest the less said about this Maple display the better. It can only get better for next week - hopefully..."

Team: 'Evans', Hillyer, Lewis, Millership, Kettle, Campbell, Mitchell, Sadler, Glover, E Homer, Willetts.

Subs: Lycett for Campbell, Asante-Boakye for Millership, West for Sadler.

Thanks to Shing for once again for coming and cheering Maple on.

Man of The Match: Mitchell.


Match Report: "An avalanche of early goals for a skillful Wythall put Maple on the back foot before Mitchell inspired his team-mates with probing runs to show that the opposition were nearly as bad defensively (teamwise) as Maple were - and Maple soon started creating chances, though not for the 1st time this season very few shots tested the opposition gk.

Two cool Mitchell finishes and a fine slotted effort from Campbell brought the score back to 5-3 and Maple were in the game applying heavy pressure on their opponent's penalty area for long periods.

However several missed opportunites to pull the game back and even enough chances to take the lead were squandered. Wythall then went onto score 2 more well taken counter-attacking goals at the end to finish the game off."

Team: Gater, Walker, Millership, Lewis, Lycett, Campbell, Sadler, Hillyer, Mitchell, E Homer, Glover.

Sub: West for Millership.

Man Of The Match: Campbell.

Thanks to Shing for cheering Maple on and then running the line.


Match Report: "There was more good football played by Maple in this game than the previous 5 or 6 games combined. A solid start was washed away as Walker showed his fine finishing skills with yet another own goal (left the gk with no chance!)

A failed clearance saw Maple go harshly behind 2-1, depsite this the Maple defence held firm, and the forced change through a Millership injury seemed to spur them on. 2 great saves from gk Gater gave Maple confidence and belief that this may be their day.

In between, well taken and anticpated goals from the Maple forwards gave a fair reflection of the play and some close chances went begging with the crossbar being clipped and shooting opportunites denied due to certain players falling on their backsides...

A quickly taken throw-in saw the ball fall to Lycett who whipped in an early cross to Campbell who rose and beat the gk with a flicked on header for Maple to take the lead. Pressure from Wylde Green and some indifferent refereeing saw Maple on the back foot for the latter part of the match, though Maple still managed to counter-attack at times and golden chances were spurned by Homer and West with the goal gaping.

Once again more dogged last ditch defending saw Maple Leaf through to the end for a deserved win, with Lewis clearing off the line in the last minute and several blocks just before that."

Team: Gater, West, Varley, Hillyer, Kettle, Campbell, Sadler, Glover, Willetts, Lycett, E Homer.

Sub: Gibbons for Willetts.

Man Of The Match: Jon Gater.

Thanks to Gary for coming to cheers Maple on and running the line after Ian's injury.


Match Report: "Ok, this is being written a little bit hungover and tired so events may be a little distorted here...

A depleted Maple side - missing 6 players were rearranged into a 4-5-1 formation from the usual 4-4-2 setup by stand-in manager 'Undefeated Eddie'. Maple were off to a good start, stifling 100% record Ath Sparkhill and taking the game to then through fine crisp passing.

Maple went onto take the lead through good anticipation from a mishit pass from Lycett saw him stroke the ball past the oncoming keeper. It was 2-0 soon after through a cool E Homer finish. Against the run of play Athletic then pulled one back with a crisp drive leaving gk Gater no chance. This perked up the opposition though good solid defending and goalkeeping kept Athletic at bay.

Maple then again came back into the match as an attacking force and deservedly took a 3-1 lead after a Sadler freekick was flicked on by Homer and Willetts was there at the 2nd attempt to force the ball home.

At half time Willetts had to come off injured after a great 45min performance, being the link up man with Homer and making a elusive runs himself from the mifield too - as well putting his foot in.

The 2nd half saw Sparkhill camped in the Maple half of the pitch as they had the majority of the possession. Good pressuring, last ditch defending and several fine and acrobatic saves by gk Gater thwarted the opposition until they finally broke through to make it 3-2 around 75mins. A highly dubious penalty was then awarded to Sparkhill after one of their players ignored the ball, changed his running direction and ran into a Maple defender on the floor and fell over - which was then converted for 3-3.

At this point a very tired Maple dug in that little extra and gave their all to get ensure at least a point for all their hard work and efforts.

Constant moaning, verbal abuse, threats, kicking and tripping throughout the match by certain Sparkhill players went unpunished by the referee - depite many instances happening right in front of him. Seemingly moaning constantly over every decision all game will eventually get you free-kicks and penalties where none are warranted - and also lets you get away with hitting opponents - though only ones a lot smaller than themselves. It's a shame that with players of the high quality they have, dignity and fair play are somewhat lacking - and sadly it possibly also reflects on their players who did not feel the need to resort to the above as well.

2 matches to go before the Christmas break, hopefully with a confidence boost from this result - along with the way Maple outplayed Sparkhill in the 1st half, will see a Maple team with the belief and capability of picking up points from these 2 games."

Team: Shingles, Asante-Boakye, Hillyer, Varley, Kettle, Mitchell, Glover, Sadler, Lycett, E Homer, Willetts.

Sub: Gibbons for E Homer.

Man Of The Match: Hillyer.

Thanks to Ade and Gary for giving up their time and coming to cheer Maple on.


Match Report: "A depleted Maple side came awaw with 3 points after a battling display against a determined WG Amateurs team. Another clean sheet for gk Shingles brings his season tally up to 2 - a club record shared with fellow gk Gater (one more and they'll go into the annals of history! (or something like that...)

Maple started brightly with Mitchell's probing runs on the flanks causing problems for the opposition, and a few long range shots put further pressure on the opposition defence. After a good attacking phase of play from Lycett, Willetts and Homer a shot was handled on the line and Maple were awarded a penalty - which Sadler calmly converted to make it 1-0.

Strong, yet simple defending from Maple snuffed out the lively WGA forwards, and gave the Maple midfield a platform to push the game into the opposition's half. On a heavy pitch several Maple players required treatment at various stages of the match - most worrying when there is only one substitute available - and that they may have further aggrevated injury by playing on.

After half-time E Homer had to come off injured after colliding with the WGA gk when through on goal, to be replaced by the eager Gibbons - who once again made a nuisance of himself to the opposition with his pace and ability not to sink into the heavy muddy pitch.

Although the possession of the game began to swing in WGA's favour late on, gk Shingles dealt comfortably with the opposition's crosses and tame shots - ably assisted by his resolute defence. Maple counter-attacked well out wide, though unfortunately the final pass or cross missed it's target or was comfortably collected by the WGA keeper."


'Comedy' moment - Mitchell being floored from a Ste A-B 'clearance' - full on in the face standing just 5-6 yards away!

Hopefully everyone will be available to play the one game left before a 3 week rest over Christmas - and then rest any niggling injuries through consuming several dozen mince pies and lots of cheap alcohol...

Team: Gater, Asante-Boakye, Varley, Millership, Kettle, West, Hillyer, Sadler, Lycett, Glover, Willetts.

Subs: Lewis for Millership, Tim for West, Gibbons for Lycett.

Unused Sub: Walker.

Man of The Match: Willetts.

Cheers to Rob, Shing and the others who came and cheered Maple Leaf on.


Match Report: "A resolute Maple team missing the usual luxury players (and others that the team occasionally carry) put on the best display of football that Maple have given for a fair few years.

Glover and Sadler went close early on, before a rejuvenated Glover struck from close range after good work from the left side. Just after Millership pulled up with a muscle strain and was replaced by Lewis, who slotted into centre-mid, and Hillyer reverting to centre-back.

Wlyde Green then hit the post - or rather the confident gk Gater let the ball hit the post. Soon after the opposition equalised on a counter-attack - possibly the only shot of the match they had.

Again, Maple took the game to the opposition, and began to create chances and take up residence in the Wylde Green half. Lewis hit the crossbar, a few near misses from Lycett and Glover, amongst others, before Willetts then headed in from a superb cross for Kettle just before half time to give Maple a very much deserved lead.

After the break Maple stepped up even further, several passing moves from one side of the pitch to the other, then back again, going forward and keeping possession of the ball Maple scored to make it 3-1, again through Willetts after good work from midfield.

Glover then had a 25 yard screamer tipped around the post, Hillyer mis-kicked 6 yards out after a corner, a Kettle pile-driver was blocked by an unfortunate (and groggy) Sadler. Sub Tim went through one and one with the gk but his standing foot gave way in the mud as about to shoot. Other sub Gibbons was a constant thorn in a tiring Wylde Green side, and then Willetts tireless running saw him foce an error in the opposition defence to score his hat-trick.

Glover and Lewis' constant mazy runs caused havoc with the WG gk making several top saves. At the other end any hint of danger was being snuffed out by a determined Hillyer and Varley, with the 2 full backs pushed forward offering assistance in keeping possession of the ball.

On many occasions in the past Maple have hinted at the sort of football that can be acheived, but only sporadically and in 10-20 minute spells. This game it was done for near enough the near 90minutes, and against a young talented opposition - who although did few things wrong themselves were overrun by a fine Maple side playing some neat passing and probing football - determined to do well in light of so many players missing."

Team: Gater, Walker, Randle, Hillyer, Kettle, Campbell, Sadler, Mitchell, Lycett, Willetts, Glover.

Subs: West for Lycett, 'Lewis' for Campbell.

Man Of The Match: Glover.

Many thanks to Shing, Gary and others who came to cheer Maple Leaf on.


Match Report: "The first game after a 3 week break over Christmas and the New Year is always difficult - throw in several players missing/unavailable, a saturated pitch, high winds, a low & blinding Sun and a difficult to play against opposition - it is even more so.

Maple took the lead 1-0 through a fine Campbell strike - after good pressure applied in the Sutton penalty area. Sutton then equalised from a misunderstanding in the Maple back line - which led to a Sutton forward having an open goal from 15 yards, just before half-time.

A mazy Campbell run and cross to the back post was met firmly by a determined Lycett to make it 2-1. Although Maple were having the majority of the possession it was difficult for both teams to accurately pass the ball at pace to each other given the conditions.

With 15 mins to go a probing Willetts through ball sent the evervescant Glover through on goal, calmly beating the last couple of defenders before firing into the bottom corner to give Maple a 3-1 lead.

Again, Maple were forced onto the back foot for a few minutes after scoring, this time with Sutton hitting the post. Shortly after, uncertainty in the Maple defence let in a Sutton forward to get a flicked-on header over gk Gater to make it 3-2 with a few minutes remaining.


Overall it was good to see a battling Maple performance from EVERY Maple player - the subs bringing fresh legs and creativity when Maple needed to ascertain their grip on the match, with moments of good skill and passing in patches during the game. Sutton were stopped from creating their own chances by a resolute Maple defence - who can consider themselves unlucky to be fully punished for the only two errors made.

Another win will hopefully see Maple get a bit closer to the top teams - and hopefully the recent good run of late will continue into next week's game vs Hayes Harriers.

Team: Gater, Walker, Hillyer, Lewis, Lycett, Campbell, Sadler, Glover, Mitchell, E Homer, Willetts.

Sub: none.

Man Of The Match: Gibbons - arrived to cheer Maple on after having family photo taken. Ahhhhhh... Best decision by a Maple player all day...

Thanks to Gary for coming and running the line.


Match Report: "A severely depleted Maple side got off to the worst possible start after conceding 2 goals within minutes of each other - a lack of communication and poor decsion making costing both goals - as well as 4/5 of the other goals conceded later.

Maple did have a few chances to make the scoreline more respectable, but sadly none were taken - other than some good work from Hillyer (with a cultured hoof!) setting up Willetts for a pinpoint finish.

There were patches of good football played by Maple that worked open some decent opportunities, and the crossing from wide areas put the opposition under pressure - though it seemed nearly every defensive mistake made was punished by Hayes.

It's difficult to say that Hayes were that much better the better side - having gifted the opposition their goals and they didn't have to work very hard to gain the 3pts.

Will have to do a lot better against some tricky and talented opposition remaining this season to ensure a top 5 finish."

Team: Lewis, Mark, Hillyer, Randle, Asante-Boakye, Mitchell, Glover, Sadler, Mitchell, E Homer, Willetts.

Sub: Shingles for Lewis (Asante-Boakye in goal, Shingles to left back).

Man Of The Match: Mark.

Thanks to Gary for coming and running the line once more.


Match Report: "Another depleted Maple turnout - another Maple defeat - though has to be said Handsworth were the better team throughtout after the 1st 25mins.

Superb saves - one a swerving thunderbolt pushed onto the post, good positioning and communication from stand-in gk Lewis kept the scores level with both teams having decent attemtpts on goal. Maple took the lead after good work from Lycett saw his low probing cross converted by Willetts from 6 yards.

Handsworth levelled just before h-t with a penalty - Randle ajugded to have tripped an opponent in the penalty area - though the previous 2 occassions were dives which the ref chose let go unpunished - which also set his low and partial standard for the afternoon.

At half time an injury to gk Lewis saw Asante-Boakye go in goal with Shingles coming on at left back. It was a bad start for Maple as they conceded straight after h-t from a cross-shot. The score was soon 3-1 after a gk fumble, though brave keeping late on saw the score remain the same. At this stage Hanndsworth were camped in the Maple penalty area and Maple seemed unable to breakout for any continued attacking presence, and were relying on last ditch defending to keep the socre down.

With around 10 mins to go a quick freekick saw Randle skip around his opponent and unleashed a rocket shot against the Handsworth crossbar - with the rebound being tucked away by the ever-ready Willetts. Maple then found some fresh impetus and put their opponents under pressure in search of an equaliser, though with the game stretched Handsworth broke away, handling the ball in the penalty area (unseen by a referee who saw little all afternoon) and then scoring a 4th for a deserved victory.

With so many players missing it's difficult to put out a team that is strong in all areas, though position changes for certain players in the past couple of games have seemingly disrupted the flow of good football and results that Maple were getting a few weeks ago. Hopefully more players will be available soon and everyone will be back playing in their position on merit soon."

Team: Gater, Kirby, Hillyer, Randle, Kettle, Glover, Sadler, Mitchell, Lycett, E Homer, Willetts.

Subs: Asante-Boakye for Glover, Millership for Lycett, Gibbons for E Homer.

Thanks to Tim (great linesmanship) and everyone else for coming and cheering Maple Leaf on.


Match Report: "Some great 1st half football saw Maple take a deserved lead - one touch passes cutting a way Homer to set Willetts up with a fine finish. 2 further spectacular goals from Lycett and Kettle followed - almost identical to each other in that they were both out wide left and seemingly went to cross the ball to the back post - but ended up over the gk's head and into the far side of the goal. Good to see Maple finally have a little luck in front of goal!

After half time Schofield were a more resolute team and started to apply pressure on Maple's goal. The good passing of the 1st half was forgotten as Maple players began to overrun the ball, ignore simple passing options and get themselves caught out of position. Maple now had to dig in - not only against the opposition, but the referee too - who seemed to have lost all thoughts on how to apply the rules of the game.

Dangerous tackles, baffling and incorrect decisions and the inability to recoginse that tacking from behind - going through the player to get to the ball - is no longer acceptable. Strangely, both teams let the ref know what they thought of his application of the rules.

Schofield pulled a goal back with around 10 mins to go after poor marking from a cross, and despite some scarey moments late on due to lack of communication, Maple held firm for a deserved 3-1 win.

With other results for the teams above Maple Leaf in Division 9 it appears that finishing 6th this season is most likely, and that it will probably not be a high enough position to get promotion."

Team: Gater, Kirby, Millership, Hillyer, Kettle, Glover, Sadler, Randle, Lycett, E Homer, Willetts.

Subs: Campbell for Glover, West for Lycett, Walker for E Homer.

Unused Subs: Lewis, Asante-Boakye.

Thanks to Mitchell for coming and cheering Maple on - despite being injured and there being 5 substitutes on the sidelines for Maple he ended up running the line!


Match Report: "A 3rd clean sheet in a season for gk Gater sees him become the 1st Maple keeper ever to do so - which probably means he is now Maple's best ever goalie! (gulps!)

Maple took the lead after 5 minutes - from rightback Kirby (1st goal for Maple Leaf - in only 3 games!) - after a probing run over the halfway line ended with his lofted cross evading everyone and nestled in the back of the net. Crisp one-touch passing from Maple created more chances and enabled them to take a grip on the game.

Further goals from Lycett - good run to the back post and finished coolly at the near post on the 2nd attempt, and a rasping angled drive from Willetts gave Maple a 3-0 lead just short of half-time.

After the break Riverside came back into the game - partly due to their renewed determination and partly due to Maple players taking too many touches, not passing early enough or going on runs when others were better positioned and not doing the things which which saw them go 3-0 up earlier on.

Dogged defending from Maple's defence saw them hold firm, and despite some worrying moments in the 6 yard box another clean sheet seemed on the cards. Maple began to counter-attack and around 70mins a midfield throughball saw Willetts break the offside trap and round the keeper for his 2nd of the game.

Maple went close later on with West and Campbell nearly adding to the 4 goals already scored. A sweeping move late on resulted in a West cross being met by Campbell's head - the ball drifting into the far corner before the Riverside gk pulled off an acrobatic low save.

Next game is Riverside at home - if Maple can perform like they did in the 1st half there's a good chance of the 3pts, if they perform like they did in the 2nd... it could be anyone's game."

Team: Gater, West, Kirby, Asante-Boakye, Kettle, Campbell, Mitchell, Sadler, Lycett, E Homer, Glover.

Sub: Gibbons for West.

Man Of The Match: Iain Mitchell.



Match Report: "Should be interesting to see what happens to the next Maple 'fan' on the sidelines who make a derogatory comments about a Maple player who is actually trying his best. If you're not going to SUPPORT the efforts of the team then shut up or fuck off.

Eddie was also left with the kit to wash, along with the footballs to look after - despite having more than enough duties to carry out already. Maybe someone could offer to help out next time...


A makeshift Maple defence coped admirably with anything the opposition had to offer - with the exception of the whole team being caught by a quickly taken corner resulting in a soft goal headed in on the line for the only goal of the game.

Maple created several chances throughout the match - with a fine rasping Mitchell shot just going wide from 25yards standing out, and the Rubery keeper saving well on ocassion with other times the final pass or shot being off target or too weak to be of threat. Many times an unmarked Maple player close to goal was asking for the cross/pass to be delivered early only for to be ignored and the move to then fizzle out.

Disappointingly in the 2nd half, it was sad to see certain players lose the ball, then stop & look at the ground whilst standing motionless for a few seconds whilst the opposition counterattacked and not even bother to try and get goal-side. They may as well fuck off and not come back if that is the shite attitude and disrespect they have for their teammates.

An energy zapping bog of a pitch got worse as the game progressed. Rubery got numbers behind the ball after they scored to hold onto their lead. A relentless and inspired Mitchell ran the game for Maple from midfield, setting up numerous phases of attacking play.

Late on Homer hit the bar with a header, Sadler was brought down in the box from behind - the ref insisting no contact was made despite the Rubery defender apologising profusely at the time, and the Rubery defence making several last ditch tackles and clearances.

Hopefully the return game will see Maple's squad bolstered and get the result that most of the Maple's players performances from Saturday deserved."

Team: Shingles, Kirby, Millership, Hillyer, Kettle, Glover, Mitchell, Sadler, Lycett, E Homer, Willetts.

Subs: for Walker Glover, for Asante-Boakye Lycett.

Man Of The Match: Glover.


Match Report: "A makeshift team on a scorching day on a bumpy pitch made it difficult to play a passing game - sadly Riverside adapted the quicker to the conditions and with the extra midfielder, at the expense of a second striker, made life difficult for Maple to settle into the match. Too often when ceratin Maple players did press the ball their other teammates did not - resulting in openings out wide for an attacking Riverside team.

Only after half time did Maple respond and get themselves into contention - already a goal down after opportunites to clear were not taken. More pressing and battling from Maple saw Riverside retreat into defending for the majority of the 2nd half - with counterattcking from their lively and skilled no. 10 their only outlet.

Maple hit the crossbar was hit twice, two penalty appeals were turned down, a few one-on-ones with the Riverside gk spurned, and some decent crossing still saw Maple fail to score. Fortunately, with around 15mins left Mitchell followed up his own attacking play and the scored with a sweet 20 yard drive with the opposing gk in a bad position.

Maple went on and looked to score a winner, but tired legs from the 1st half and bizarre substitutions saw them draw a game they probably deserved to win. Overall a good game to play in and Riverside are a credit to their church - very sporting and fair, yet competitive in the right spirit too. Like Sutton, Tamworth, Wulfrun & Wake Green everyone is to play football and enjoy themselves."

Team: Gater, Kirby, Millership, Hillyer, Shingles, Campbell, Sadler, West, A Kettle, E Homer, Glover.

Sub: Pike for Shingles.

Man of The Match: Kirby.


Match Report: "A depleted Maple team on a bumpy and uneven pitch gave a battling display to keep their high-flying opponents at bay - but only for the 1st 45 minutes.

A defensive error in letting the ball bounce inside the penalty area led to Maple conceding after around 20 mins. Resolute defending by Maple kept Hayes at bay, and they resorted to hopeful long range shooting for a while.

A rare Maple counter-attack saw a panicked Hayes defender bring down Kettle in the box for a penalty, which Sadler converted to give Maple a 1-1 scoreline at half time.

Sadly, Hayes retook the lead almost immediately after the kick-off - again Maple failed to clear the ball, and there were chances to clear the ball from danger but none were taken. This seemed to deflate the Maple side and not for the first of late certain players looked disinterested in getting involved to compete. Hayes players were lifted by seeing several Maple players not interested and pushed forward for even more goals.

2 further goals, directly from soft long range freekicks further demoralised the side, before Hayes actually score a well worked goal that wasn't from a Maple mistake. In between Maple went close on a couple of occasions - both from set-plays, before a Sadler freekick found an unmarked Campbell to score from 6 yards out.

With a few minutes remaining Hayes scored their 6th of the game, and reminded Maple that every player has to work hard for 90 minutes - not just for 45 and then give up because of a setback."

Team: Gater, Kirby, Millership, Hillyer, Kettle, Walker, Sadler, Mitchell, Lycett, E Homer, Glover.

Subs: Randle for Lycett, Asante-Boakye for Walker.

Man of the Match: Sadler.

Thanks to P Homer for coming, cheering Maple on and running the line.


Match Report: "Another game - another battling Maple performance in the 1st half, fading into obscurity from 45 minutes on! The lack of communication cost Maple dear - not only the goals that were conceded due to it - but the other chances and general deteriation of Maple play and confidence that came from people being far too quiet and lapsidaisical on the pitch.

Is there a man closing a Mape player in possession down?, does he have time?, is there a man to pass too? kick it out?, up the line? - all simple calls which makes the player in possession aware of his surroundings and options. If the player doesn't get those calls/shouts then indecision sets in, mistakes are made and pressure starts to build up on your goal - no matter how good, bad or indifferent the opposition are.


2 bad goals 1st half goals conceded, with a reply coming from an excellent opportunist long range strike from Lycett out wide saw the scoreline at 2-1 on the stroke of halftime. Maple had matched their quality opponents during this time, and had created some decent chances from set plays and targeting the opposition flanks.

The second half saw two own goals from the unfortunate Millership, 1 an incoming shot heavily deflected off his shins leaving gk Gater no chance. The other him being let down by a lack of communication resulting in a backheader from 12 yards evading the gk and nestling into Maple's own goal. Wythall did score a well worked goal late on - a great poacher's finish, but you have to wonder how the scoreline would have panned out if it were not for Maple succumbing to so many elementary errors beforehand?

Overall Wythall were good value for their win - their passing was simple and on-target, their movement quick & organised - even their long balls played up to their forwards resulted in possession being kept. Probably the best and most effective team in this division. Maple lost the ball too easily - sometimes through lack of communication, sometimes too many touches before the ball was released, and far too many fancy flicks going astray when the simple pass was available - leaving players out of position, and being counter-attacked upon.


2 games left - hopefully they'll see some pride restored, the above problems being addressed, fewer goals conceded by poor Maple play, more fluenbt Maple passing & chances, and maybe even a positive sounding Match Report - for a change..."

Team: Evans, Asante-Boakye, Randle, Hillyer, Kettle, Kirby, Mitchell, Sadler, Lycett, E Homer, Willetts.

Sub: Walker for Asante-Boakye.

Man of the Match: Mitchell.

Thanks to all on the sidelines for coming and cheering Maple on.


Match Report: "Maple's final home game of the season saw them earn a hard earned victory for the Mighty Elves. Starting well and putting the talented opposition under pressure it seemed likely as long as Maple could themselves onside that Maple would score sooner rather than later. The Handsworth gk pulled off several good saves, the post and bar were hit, a couple of goalmouth scrambles and a few decent chances spurned early on.

Homer eventually scored after a determined run across the 18 yard box and his sweetly struck angled drive nestled into the far corner. Soon after Handsworth began to assert pressure on Maple - forcing gk Evans into some good saves and stretched Maple's defence with some pinpoint passing. Good communication was the key to keeping a clean sheet at this stage and gave confidence to the Maple team to push further up the pitch and compete, along with creating a decent number of attacking opportunites.

It was still 1-0 to Maple around 55mins in when Lycett came up with a techniquely superb overheadkick on the edge of the Handsworth 18 yard box - which strangley travelled square - to Willetts, whose first time snap shot was blocked and then fell to Kirby whose firm finish evaded the palms of gk to make it 2-0.

At this point Maple took a hold on the game and began to pressure the opposition penalty area. A third was scroed after Maple won the ball in midfield, broke upfield and from out wide Lycett (10 goals from left midfield this season) beautifully chipped the goalie to make it 3-0. With around 10 minutes to go Handsworth got a deserved goal back after Maple failed to clear the ball from the penalty area on numerous times giving an easy finish from close range to a Handsworth forward.

Overall a solid and battling performance from Maple early on gave themselves the opportunites to play some decent expansive football in the 2nd half. Confidence should be taken in beating a side full of youth, skill and determination who finshed above us in the league table. Roll on Rubery 2nds for the final game of the season on the 23rd April..."

Team: Gater, Kirby, Millership, Randle, Kettle, Campbell, Mitchell, Sadler, Lycett, Glover, Willetts.

Subs: Walker for Lycett, Hillyer for Sadler, Homer for Campbell.

Unused Subs: Gibbons, Asante-Boakye.

Man Of The Match: tba.


Thanks to Evans for coming and cheering Maple on from the sidelines.


Match Report: "Usually Maple would play their last game of the season for fun - with names being picked out of a hat and everyone playing out of position for a laugh. This season was different as it was the first time that Maple could finish with a 'winning season' (win more games than they lost) - Maple should have stuck with the fun.

Players who gave such a solid display in the last game (and throughout the season) were benched or excluded, with players coming in who havn't been to training or played much 11-a-side recently.

Once again a lack of communication (and action) in defence costs Maple dear, going 1-0 early on in the game. Lycett then fed Glover with an excellent cross to equalise. A few half chances in between for Maple gives them a slight advantage in the 1st 20mins.

Maple go 2-1 behind again - due to a goalie error, then again more defensive/goalie errors cost Maple another 2 goals - a recurring theme of late which shows no improvement or solution to the problem - all without the decent opposition even having to apply themselves.

Substitutions - already decided upon before a ball was kicked, were then made - 3 midfielders off, despite it being obvious where problems needed to be addressed. A 4-3-3 formation was then adhered to, though apparently no subs were informed on how exactly to implement this. No width, or outlet saw Maple under more pressure for the rest of the game, with only glimpses of chances from set plays or a rare counter-attack.

Rubery created several other chances, but looked they could easily step up their game if needed - it wasn't, as Maple fell apart, mainly to their own downfall.

4-1 the final score, hopefully this game will NOT be totally forgotten as one of those 'end-of-season games to forget' - as there certainly were a few negatives and lessons which need to be addressed and learnt from."

I was just reading some of your threads and found a few errors in them.

1st error 'Sons of Adam are Smethwick team kick out of AFA last year'.
Evidence
Final Whistle: Respect The Ref - Ref claims he was...
Birmingham Evening Mail (England); Nov 24, 2004; 414 Words ... twice after abandoning a Division Nine game in the Birmingham AFA, according to his report to the county FA. The referee, one ... then surrounded by players from Sons of Adam, who played as Sparkhill last year, and spectators of the club. Mike Fellows, the county
2nd error 'It should be interesting to see the reaction and attitude of the Maple players when they play Sparkhill, a team they comprehensively lost to twice last season'
Evidence
2004-2005 was Athletic Sparkhill's debut season in the B'ham AFA.
Real Riverside helped Athletic Sparkhill to join AFA in 2004-2005.
You can ask the AFA themselves.

Hi anon. It has certainly been a long time...

I'll do my best to recall events...


re your post:-

"2nd error 'It should be interesting to see the reaction and attitude of the Maple players when they play Sparkhill, a team they comprehensively lost to twice last season'
Evidence
2004-2005 was Athletic Sparkhill's debut season in the B'ham AFA.
Real Riverside helped Athletic Sparkhill to join AFA in 2004-2005.
You can ask the AFA themselves."



^ The quote above from the 'Maple Leaf 3-4 Wulfrun Invicta' match report was a note to rally the Maple players from the sub-par (some would say woeful) performance vs Wulfrun, a team they comprehensively beat two weeks earlier 6-1.

At the time Maple were hoping for an improved season that year - and for that to happen it would mean having to improve on results vs teams from the previous season.

Athletic Sparkhill & Sparkhill Athletic are quite similar team names. At the time of writing the match report there was a reasonable presumption that it would be the same team that Maple would be playing (it turned out that some of the players were from the team playing in the season previously?).

A very belated apology to you for making such a mistake.






"1st error 'Sons of Adam are Smethwick team kick out of AFA last year'.
Evidence
Final Whistle: Respect The Ref - Ref claims he was...
Birmingham Evening Mail (England); Nov 24, 2004; 414 Words ... twice after abandoning a Division Nine game in the Birmingham AFA, according to his report to the county FA. The referee, one ... then surrounded by players from Sons of Adam, who played as Sparkhill last year, and spectators of the club. Mike Fellows, the county"



^ I think there is/was a post elsewhere on this site explaining the mistake - something along the lines of one of the Sons Of Adam players geeing up his fellow team-mates during the game by allegedly shouting 'C'mon Smethwick' before being told to shutup by his teammates. Hence the confusion - again a belated 2-year old apology for the mistake.


Would you like the 'incorrect' posts to be edited - or is the explanation given here enough?