A place for the match reports from all of Maple Leaf's games for the 2007/08 season...

Team:

------------- Sadler -------------

Mole -- Hillyer -- Asante --Kirby

Elwell -- Ansell -- Woodall -- Randle

------- E Homer --- Lycett ------


Subs: Chester, Asante (Colin)

Captain: Hillyer

Goals: Homer, Chester(2), Asante (Colin), Ansell, Sadler

Man of The Match: Elwell

Manager: Hillyer

The the season got underway (eventually) in a friendly against league new boys Edgbaston. Unfortunately kick off was delayed due to Edgbaston's late arrival so the match was cut to 40 mins each way. Maple started brightly and used the ball well from the off. Edgabston seemed to have quite a random formation at the start which made picking people up a bit harder. The first goal came from Ed who found space in the middle and his shot deflected of the defender and wrong footed the keeper. Edgabston started to settle a bit after this and had a couple of lively midfielders/forwards who created a chance which the Maple defence didn't clear and Edgbaston tucked away at the second time of asking. From then on Maple dominated and continued to press down the wings and through the middle and create more and more chances and should have had the lead but Ed's goal was wrongly ruled offside. Maple took the lead again when Chester nodded home a far post Hillyer corner.

After half-time Maple continued to press and another goal from Chester and a direct free-kick from Colin grew the lead. Edgbaston got one back late on after their forward's neat finish from a through ball. But Maple added to the lead with further goals from Sadler (penalty) and Ollie, who made up for potential miss of the season earlier.

Overall a well deserved victory and a decent run out to start with. Edgbaston seemed a good bunch of lads and we wish them well for the new season.

Team:-


--------------- Nate

-- Matt E -- Ste -- Matt H -- Tony

-- Mitch -- Ben --- Kirby --- Sag

---------------- Edd

--------------- Dean


Sub: Barney

Manager: Homer E

Goals: own goal, Sadler, Dean

Maple Man Of The Match: Homer E



Match Report:-

"Wet and slippery conditions made it an interestig spectacle in this pre-season min-derby friendly game - as players from both sides struggled with the basics on very lively wet pitch.

Meriden mananged to adapt first and take the game to Maple - with thier off-the-movement and troubling the Maple back line who went to ground too often. Maple then managed a couple of counterattacks of their own - and after good work from Lycett saw Sadler narrowly fire over from 25 yards.

* Minutes later Meriden deservedly scored from a corner, and then another soft goal minutes later. Maple did manage to get a goal goal back after good work form Ben and Matt E resulting a low driven cross deflecting off a Meriden defender and into the 'net. Maple were still struggling to get their passing game going - but the effort and commitment ensured the scoreline at this stage was still close.

Just after half-time Homer was pushed in the penalty area, with Sadler converting the penalty to make it 2-2. Unfortunatley Meriden scored a couple of goals straight after - a combination of good probing Meriden midfield play - esp Chris, who Maple couldnot get near all afternoon - and finding lots of space in the box from them got Meriden a deserved lead.

With the game edging away Dean hit an audacious 30 yard effort off the outside of his boot which whistled over Merieden's quality goalie and into the back of the net for what could be an early contender for Maple's Goal Of The Season.

Again Meriden went up the other end of the pitch and scored another couple of goals - this time an unmarked Splitter Willetts getting his head to a quality cross from outwide, soon followed by another sharp finish with a shot into the top corner giving the new Maple gk Nate no chance.

A deserved win for Meriden - their attack-minded play and forward looking attitude and set-up was pleasing to see (if not being on the receiving end of) - and good luck to them for the new season."



* (I can never remember the scoring sequeces - apologies if I got them wrong or missed anything out.)



Next Saturday (25th August), sees Maple travel to Village for the last pre-season friendly match before the new 07/08 AFA League season starts.

Match Report:

Team:-


--------------- Gater

-- Matt E -- Ste -- Matt H -- Moley

-- Mitch -- Ben --- Kirby --- Sag

---------------- E Homer

--------------- Dean


Subs: Nate, Dunc, Rob, Ollie

Goal: Rob

Maple Man Of The Match: Matt E

This was the last pre-season friendly before the new 07/08 season began and it took place in blistering heat. Not long into the match Matt H struggling with a knee injury from the previous week was forced to come off. Maple struggled to get the passing game going on a pitch with long grass which slowed the ball down. Then midway through the first half, Maple's defence were caught by a long punt over the top which left the Village forward free to beat Gater from 18 yards. Maple didn't take this warning on board and about 10 minutes later were beaten by a run in behind the defence and with the aid of a flukey shot took the lead 2-0.

It was a much better performance after half time with alot more urgency about Maple's play, there was a notable performance from Nate who pulled out a couple of good saves to keep Village at bay. Maple were the better team in the second half and got there reward for the pressure when Rob dribbled (stumbled) around both keeper and defender to slot home his shot.

Overall a good work out a week before the big kick off.

(Apologies for missing huge chunks of the game out but my memory aint what it was)

Cable & Wireless (B) 4 - 1 Maple Leaf Rovers

Team:-


--------------- Nathan

-- Matt E -- Ste -- Sadler -- Randle

- Woodall --Mitchell -- Kirby -- Burns

---------------- E Homer

--------------- Lycett


Subs: Glover (on for Kirby 60), Gibbons (on for Burns 80)

Goal: Lycett

Maple Man Of The Match: Mitchell

Report:

A very dissappointing start to the season after all of the hard work during the closed season.

Things looked promising early in the first half when a long clearance saw Lycett clear who calmly lobbed the on-rushing keeper.

On a hard pitch when the ball was difficult to control, Maple players should have been calling commands throughout to enable teamates to control the ball and pass around. This only happened in short spells as most of the game was like Wimbledon of old (apart from the strength and determination).

C & W also resorted to long ball tactics but benefited from 3 defensive mix-ups.

At the other end the long ball was usually cut out by the big centre halfs who were comfortable winners in the air.

Maple only occasionally probed down the wing where C & W looked most vulnerable and who gave away a number of free-kicks.

Mitchell supplied Homer on two occasions but he was unable to steer the header goalwards.

Freekicks from Lycett and Homer both went close but the keeper was rarely troubled throughout.

Heads dropped mid-way into the second half from Maple which was unfortunate being the first game of the season.

There are still a couple of players missing next week but the eventuality of having 14 or 15 players every week will hopefully push players performance up to a higher level.

Come on the Leaf!

AFC Meadway 7 - Maple 1

Team:
---------------Gator---------------

Mole -- Asante -- Hillyer -- Randle

Woodhall -- Burns -- Kirby -- Sadler

---------Homer-------Lycett --------

Subs: Glover, Gibbons, Nathan.


Another Maple 'Start of season' poor perormance away versus an attack minded and youthful AFC Meadway side.

Maple started poorly and indivdual errors accounted for 2 goals colceded within the first 20 minutes. Eventually Maple started to string some passes together and carve out some opportunies of their own, Kirby going close with a close range header from a corner.

Maple then deservedly got back into the match follwing a poor Meadway defensive clearance which went staight to the left boot of Lycett who pounced like a youg Steve Agnew to slot home into the bottom right hand corner.

Unfortunately, Despite further periods of passing football and chances for Woodhall, and Homer, Maple suffered yet more individual errors to go in at half time 5-1 down. The scoreline could have been worse but for several fine saves instinctive saves from Gater.

Following the half time dressing down that everyone deserved, Maple took the game to Meadway at the start of the second half. The move of the match between Hillyer, Lycett and Woodhall found Asante who had made a run into the Box from centre half only to scuff the shot with only the keeper to beat. Harsh words from the manager were heard shortly afterwards about his requests for a permanent forward position.

Following another good maple spell, Randle's long and gangly legs gave away a 'stick on' penalty which was reminiscent of the now legendary Shingles 'Uraguyan Knee Nudge' of season 1995/6.

As the second half moved onwards, Maple created chances for Sadler, and Lycett before Glover went on a mazey run only to fire wide. Gibbons was also stretching the Meadway defence with his pace towards the end of the match.

Overall, another poor performance with silly errors of judgement in the first 20 mins costing Maple any realistic chance of victory. We must cut this out in the forthcoming fixtures and get some points on the board.

Heads up lads - there is always next week.

Team:

------------ Nath

Mole -- Ollie -- Matt -- Tony

Bob --- Dunc -- Mitch -- Sag

-------- Dean -- Rob


Subs: Barney for Tony, Glover for Bob.

Goals: Dean, Sadler 2, Rob.

Man Of The Match: Dunc.


Many thanks to Shing for coming to support Maple Leaf on for the game - and apologies to Shing for subjecting him to the badness that was this game.


Match Report: Apologies if I've got any of the facts wrong for this match report - it is being writeen from my increasingly poor memory
Maple started sluggishly and were punished early on by conceding a couple of soft goals due to basic defencive lapses - though the whole team hadn't really started playing until 20/30mins in.

Maple then did come back into the game and had a couple of chances through Campbell and Lycett, before Dean's cool finish made the score 3-1 to St Georges. Unfortunately another goal was conceded as Maple began to press thier opponents back, although Sadler found the back of the net with a calm 30 yard finish after great closing down from Dean.

The unluckily benched Glover - Maple's best centre-mid to date - then came on after halftime for the service-starved yet willing runner Bob, and Maple came back into the game with a simpler passing game with good service to the flanks. Again Maple were caught out on the counter-attack, though this time very smart finishing from the St Georgoes forwards made the score 6-2. Sadler and Rob then scored to make the socre 6-4 and St Geroges were rocking - with all the impetus going Mapl'es way. Sadler hit the bar with a header, and half chances falling for Moley and Rob. Sub Barney making a welcome return came on the for the injured Tony to slot in seemlessly at leftback.

As Maple pressed for another goal more spaces opened up at the back and St Georges managed to score another 2 goals right at the end of the game to give a somewhat harsh 8-4 scoreline on Maple.

Hopefully Maple wwill start well in the coming games and not concede early soft goals - going 2or3-0 down with 30mins gone is becoming an unnacceptable 'norm' before Maple even start to get going (all over the pitch - not just defencively) - and gives a mssive uphill task as the game unfolds and evolves.

C'mon the Mighty Leaf

MapleLeaf Rovers

-----Nathan----

Moley--L.T.--Steve A-B--Tony--

Burns--Sag--Ollie--Dean---

--------Mitchell---------

--------Campbell---------

subs
Gator, Matt E

Yet again Maple conceded early in the half and things didn't get any better. Individual mistakes were being punished with impunity by the opposition, but Maple do need to be tougher in defence and retain the ball a lot more. At times in the half, Maple played some good football, but it was rare and it always seems to be when they are 3 - 0 down. At half time Paul switched things around with Mitch dropping back into centre Mid, Dean moving up to play up front and sag going to left mid.
This seemed to suit the team better and Maple were the better team for 30 minutes of the half with Ollie scoring a left foot shoot from about 20 yards. Dean came off for Matt E and Duncan B. moved up to support the very tired Campbell. Matt. E hit the bar from a fizzed in cross which would have put the shakes on Crusaders, but it was not Maples day. A low ball played into the Maple box saw the Crusader attacker reach it before Randle, and tuck it into the bottom corner past Nathan. Maple then pushed for a goal and was caught one against one with Little Timmy and the Crusader attacker, who played the ball past L.T. and then was power body slammed into the ground. The ref had no choice but to give the penalty, which he duly tucked past an unlucky Nathan to take his tally to 4 for the game.
Maple really need to get out of the slump they are in and get some points on the board. This week's game against Elmdon Heath is real six pointer, so a win here would be a definite step in the right direction.

Team:-

----------------- Gator

-- Randle -- Hillyer -- Kirby -- Asante S

-- Matt E -- Ollie -- Iain M -- Sag

---------- N Burns -- Asante C


Subs: Ben.

Manager: Homer.


Match Report: Maple started steadily throughout the first half. It was a nice day and a soft pitch which made for a for us to play a good passing game. We started off really well with some good long and short range efforts which the keeper pulled off some good saves.

The first goal, surprisingly, fell to Edmond Heath from a penalty from what I call a classic Tony Randall challenge. The ball was struck well to Gators right side and ended up in the back of the net.

The goal did not effect the Maple players as we felt we were unlucky to concede the goal given the effort and chances we created. The team began to attack again but it felt like it was going to be one of those days because we couldn’t find the back of the net. The first half finished with Maple defending with more conviction and beginning to put more passes together.

After a inspired and influential half time team talk, Maple came out strong against a lucky Elmdon Heath team. Finally Maple after threatening the Elmdon goalmouth Maple got a goal back through Steve’s brothers hard hit shot from inside the 18 yard box (low and hard).

Shortly after the goal our manager Mr Homer brought on a young energetic and talented player call Ben Woodall. As soon as Mr Woodall came on he put the left back Elmdon player under pressure with his flash like pace. After Mr Woodall’s first run he seem to be out of breath for a long while turning a lovely shade of red????

Halfway through the second half the possession seemed to be 50/50 but with 15 minutes to go Saggy played a fantastic ball into the box which Mr Woodall and Steven Asante Brother chased down. We placed pressure on the Elmdon Heath last man which forced him to play the ball back to the keeper. Unfortunately the Elmdon Heath defender he did not realise that the keeper had come off his line to clear the ball, the defenders touch took the ball passed the keeper and into his own net (2-1 to Maple).

The referee made a few dodgy decisions but overall he managed the game well.


Get in……… more results to follow - come on maple.

Team:-


--------------- Gater

-- Tony -- Ste -- Kirby -- Matt E

-- Ben -- Mitch --- Ollie --- Sag

---------------- Dunc

--------------- Campbell


Sub: Moley, Mark Tidmarsh

Manager: Homer P

Goals: Campbell

Maple Man Of The Match: Kirby.


Maple Leaf struggled to get to grips with the pace of the game in the first 15 minutes with possession given away sloppily, and not enough pressure on the ball, after the initial period Maple started to get a foothold in the game and started to dominate possession, against the run of play they conceded a goal from a corner, a good delivery into the box went passed 3 or 4 players before a runner to the back post volleyed it into the back of the net. The story of the first half was a lot of possession for Maple Leaf but not enough shots at goal.

The second half started the same way the first half finished Maple Leaf had a lot of possession with the 2 up front Campbell and Dunc putting in a lot of running and effort, halfway through the second half the effort was rewarded when Campbell met a cross from the right and his header looped over the Sutton keeper. no more goals were to follow with Maple Leaf pressing forward for the winner, because of this Sutton looked dangerous on the counter attack.


P.s.
Maple Leaf would like to say thank you for the sandwiches which were laid on at the end of the game.

Maple Leaf 2 - 2 Aston Youth



Team:-


--------------- Gater

-- Tony -- Matt H -- Kirby -- Matt E

-- Ben -- Mitch --- Ollie --- Sag

---------------- Dunc

--------------- Campbell


Subs: Mole, Tidmarsh, Lycet, Nathan

Manager: Mitchell

Goals: Campbell, Burns

Maple Man Of The Match: Dunc

Maple named a virtually unchanged started 11 with Captain Hillyer slotting back into defence in place of the unavailble Steve & for possibly the first time this season were able to field a full strength subs bench.

The game kicked off on an excellent Maple pitch on a fine afternoon against a much improved Aston Youth side.

Aston Youth got off to the better start with their experienced center midfielders feeding the lively looking forwards to create a couple of half chances & a period of sustained pressure through a series of corner kicks. Good to see a much improved & organised defending of set pieces compared to previous weeks as the Maple defence held firm. As the team settled & the Maple midfield got tighter to the Aston players the team were able to launch several counter attacks against a very suspect Aston backline. However despite several good passages of play the even more suspect Keeper wasn't really tested with moves often breaking down with the final pass going astray.

Midway through the half Aston Youth grabbed the first goal of the match when an unfortunate mis-cued clearance from the Maple defence was swiftly controlled and cooly despatched past the helpless Gator by the pacy Aston striker. The remainder of the half was then pretty even with both teams seeking the all important next goal. The Maple midfield and defence started closing down the space & getting stuck in to the Aston Players who didn't like the physical approach. With Maple appearing to have gained the upperhand in the last 10 minutes of the half Maple managed to create a couple more half chances before the break with most success coming from working the ball out wide to the eager Sadler & Ben. However a collective inability through out the team to select the correct final pass and put any real pressure on the Aston gk meant Maple went in 1-0 down at half time.

After a postive half time chat with everyone confident we could get back into the game Maple started the second half strongly. The tough tackling approach continued to frustrate Astons more creative players resulting in a few heated exchanges and the balance of play definately swinging Maples way. A second substitute appearance for new player Mark gave the team some fresh legs and another attacking outlet.

After some good pressure on the Aston Youth goal & another couple of half chances to equalise went begging Maple equalised about 10 mins into the half - Campbell clinically beating the the Aston Keeper to make it 1-1 after a slide rule ball from the Maple midfield opened up the Aston defence. Having gained the upperhand in terms of possession Maple then took the lead about quarter of an hour later after substitute Lycett was played in wide on the left - with Aston appealing for offside against the non-interfering Campbell. Deano correctly played on before crossing expertly for Burns to finish with a simple side foot into the net to put Maple 2-1 up & cap a fine team goal.

Maple were now firmly in the ascendancy with some of the Aston Youth players getting more and more frustrated with their percieved lack of protection from the referee from some firm but fair challenges. One such incident unfortunately boiled over with an uneccessary reaction to a innocuous 50/50 challenge which resulted in a dismissal for the experienced Aston Centre back and a few yellow cards.

Maple then created a number of good chances against the 10 men of Aston as the game opened up & should have put the game out of reach. Credit however must go to an Aston side who refused to give up & continued to search for an equaliser - which predictably came with only five minutes remaining on the clock. The Aston Striker who had been a handful all afternoon seized on a touch of hesitancy in the Maple backline to turn and plant a shot past Gator for his second goal of the game to make it 2-2.

Over the 90 minutes a point a piece was probably a fair reflection on the game against a useful Aston side near the top of the table - but Maple found themselves disappointed not to have collected all 3 points for the second week in a row.

Hopefully the much improved team performance will continue in next weeks game and result in Maple celebrating claiming all the points on the team night out!

Up the Mighty 'Leaf!

 

 

 

 

Team:

------------ Gater

- Randle - Kirby - Hillyer - Elwell

- Mole - Mitchell - Ansell - Sadler

--------- Burns - Campbell


Subs: Asante for Hillyer, Lycett for Ansell, Woodall for Sadler.

Man Of The Match: Asante.

Goal: Lycett.


Match Report:

"Apologies if any of this match report is wrong - my poor memory and an eventful game may events confused or wrong.

Maple got off to a good start penning Malremo into their own box with a succesion of corners and freekicks - and the pressure paid off with a penalty awarded to Maple after Moley was fouled by an advancing Malremo goalie. Unfortunately Sadler added to his tally of penalty misses to take it to 3 missed from 90-ish taken (as well as the rebound) - and Malremo went onto score 5 mins later.

Malremo then came into the game themselves and increased their lead - in between the unfortunate Hillyer went off injured with what was later confirmed as a broken ankle (get well soon Matty ), and soon after followed by Ansell after badly aggravating a knock.

Campbell went through on goal a couple of occasion though failed to test the goalie, and although Maple did pressure the Malremo goal a little it was the creating of half-chances that gave Maple an attacking edge. Lycett did score soon after his arrival with a calm & sweetly taken lob from way out, though once again Maple suffered from not passing the ball quickly or accurately enough to the nearest team-mate.

Final score - a harsh 4-1 scoreline on the Maple team - though was pleasing to see us not give up the ghost and continue battling to the end."

Team:

----------- Gater

- Tony - Kirby - Ste AB - Matt E

- Mark - Mitch - Dunc - Sag

-------- Dean --- Horse


Subs: Woodall for Mark. Nath unused sub.

Goals: none.


Match Report:

"As ever a slow start out of the blocks for the Leaf, Kirby looking rather languid at the back as the goblin-like number 10 runs rings around him.

John 'Ali' Gator in full song shouting the odds to his static rearguard to move butt from every under struck goal kick.

Ian 'Freddie' Mitchell takes a hefty whack on the ankle and, before he can even 'break free' in his usual manly way, is shoved back in to the turf for good measure.

That aside, deep corner comes in from the right, post covered, all appears to be running smoothly until it is notice that half of the opposition are unmarked at the far post - resulting in the inevitable.

War cry from Kirby to keep heads up and get on with it - Burns extremely complimentary on the organisational awareness of the team as a unit.

Second half under way and the Leaf are fighting their corner, taking hits from all angles like Ali against Foreman - only this time the big guy won!

Rob 'The Horse' Campbell galloping around trying to give the cutting edge difference required however fluffs not one, not two but three clear cut opportunities - glue factory for you I'm afraid!

In the meantime Tony 'Hospital Pass' Randle receives the ball out on the right with the call of 'put it on them' however, with the precision of a sperm attacking the home run, he nonchalantly floats the ball across field to Lycett.

For all the fire in their bellies and snot up their noses - and shirt sleeves if you noticed when the kit was washed (sorry) - the Leaf could not muster the single goal which would have earned them the point which they did not deserve as three points would have reflected the second half domination.

NB Cracking full debut out on the right for Mark and 'The Horse' for the factory!"


Signing off………….. Mark 'Motty' Kirby

 

Team:

------------ Gater

- Tony - Kirby - Ste - Matt E

- Mark - Dunc - Mitch - Sag

--------- Ben -- Rob


Subs: Dean for Dunc, Nath for Rob.

Goals: Mark, Rob 2, Ben, Sag.

MOTM: Ben.


Cheers to Barney and Shing for coming along to cheers the lads on - always appreciated and good to see 'em


Match Report:

"Allegedly I am to do the match report for last week's game. I say this because Mr Campbell keeps texting me to ask when it's going to be done. The answer is, I don't know. Full of enthusiasm for the task, I have ventured up to my computer, managed to work out how the thing turns on, spent about 30 minutes trying to suss out Talktalk's new process for logging on to the internet, spent another 30 minutes then sussing out how to log into my email account (as Talktalk have also changed this), then spent a considerable period of time reading my emails for the last 3 weeks and then I thought, hey up, I'll write that match report.

So I thought it may be a good idea to have a gander at what other people have written. From this you may have guessed that I've never read a maple match report before. Having already deleted Saggy's email providing the link to the forum, I had to remember how to get on to the maple website. I duly managed this, got onto the forum (whatever that may be), read some reports and decided, yeas actually, I can do that. There are, I'm afraid, one or two teething problems.

The first is that frankly, I can't remember much about the game save that Saggy managed to convert his penalty this week. I certainly have no recollection of Ben's goal and vaguely remember a ball bouncing off Rob's back when he wasn't looking and it ending up in the back of the net. I can remember, just, who played but not their positions.

The second problem is that I have absolutely no idea how to add any match report I should conjure up and until this issue is resolved (by Saggy doing the report for me), there won't be any match reports from me. I am sorry but I hate computers, I have little idea of how they work and hence I can't be all that bothered with emails, forums, hyperlinks etc. and certainly I can't suss the little buggers out.

Hope this clarifies the report situation.

Tony"

addendum - Mark got his first goal for the club - and of the game - when finding the near top corner from 18 yards, before being switched into the centre-mid position where his tireless running and tackling gave Maple more impetus to attack, and also creating more space for Mitch - who by that time no-one would go near for the putrid smell of dog shite on his shirt

A quick switch of play from the 'Molby-esque' Dunc found Sag in acres of space who crossed to Rob to tap in unmarked from close range. Maypole then pulled one back through a Gater mis-held cross for a tap-in, before a probing Mitchell corner found Ben (who reveled in in a more central attacking position) for a flicked header to make it 3-1. A sweeping counter attack by Maypole resulted in a good low cross finding an unmarked player to tap in at the back post for 3-2.

A Campbell shot actually hit something (a defender's arm) in the box and Sag duely converted the penalty (this week - cheers Tony ). It was soon 5-2 after a Sag free-kick found Rob's head (or shoulder or back) which found the back of the net. Again Maypole counter attacked and scored after a good low cross was met at the back post again. Gater then pulled off a great save coming out of goal and narrowing the angle after a fine Maypole through-ball sent their forward in on goal.

Sub GK Nath then came on for Rob - who immediately went clean through on goal with a superb run - unluckily tangling/being fouled when about to hit the shot.

A top recovery made by Matt E - who got cramp in both his legs late on in the game after all the running and tackling he put in - and then went onto to make some more tackles and do more running. Ste and Kirby look to make a promising centre-back partnership - ably covered with Matt E and Tony.


A quick word on the ref - who was superb throughout. In total control of the game and had the respect of both teams - whilst also engaging in in some good humoured banter too. If only the lower divisions had more refs like this 'un.

Thank to Mitch for this reminder - the two Brazilian-like 'dummies' by Tony (aka Tony going to kick the ball and completely missing it and nearly falling on his backside doing so - twice - surprisingly this was missing from Tony's bit of his 'match report'. I think this 'best dummie' thing could be a new award for the end-of-season-Maple-awards-bash

Maple 2 Elmdon Heath 1

Team:

.........Gater
Tony - Kirby - Asante - Matt E
Ben - Mark - Mitch - Sag
......Horse - Deano

Subs: Ollie, Bob , Moley , Nath

Goals: Randle / Lycett

Match Report:

Maple Started brightly on a very cold an blustery day at Barnford Park. Taking the game to the opposition and winning more than their fair share of tackles, Maple created several good early opportunities.

With around 15 minutes gone, a good passing move by the maple midfield and forwards saw the ball rolled back to Randle who was around 20 yards out near the right hand corner of the penalty box. Without a thought for his own safty, Randle took aim and fired a rocket of a shot (curling with the outside of the boot) into the far corner of the net. Cue scenes of celabrations culminating in a Shingles manly bear hug. - The most impressive fact about this whole episode is the fact the 'Randle shins' remained unblemished throughout.

Boyed by this promising and unexpected start, Maple marched forward again and again probing the Elmdon Defences. A Long clearance from Gater and a Campbell flick on put Lycett through on goal who noticed the keeper off his line and lobbed him from 25yds, looking like the white David Geddis.

At 2-0 Maple then started cruising and let elmdon back into the match leading to an Elmdon slick passing move culminating in a goal just before the half time break, and lycett Deprating through a tweaked grion. Moley entered the fray in his place.

The second half was notabel for only 2 things - firstly Maple were holding out back to the wall for most of the hals, and secondly Bob receiving 'dog's' abuse while running the line. However Bob kept his pecker up and gave as good as he got, justifying his correct decisions.

In the last 20 minutes, Elmdon hit the bar and went close on a further couple of occasions.

I then went for a shower and it was really good to get into a nice warm shower on such a cold day and gently massage my 'tweaked' groin muscle.

It was only on the return of my team mates to the dressing room, did I hear that The Horse had missed a couple of sitters at the death, but we managed to hold out for a much needed 2-1 victory.

Up The Leaf - lets make it 3 in a row next weekend...!!!

Sporting Aztecs 3 - Maple 3

Team:

Nath
Randle - Kirby - Steve AB - Matt E
Mad Moley - Mitch - Mark - Sag
Campbell - Ben

Subs:
Dean, Bobby G, Dunc

Goals:
Ben, Sag, Mark

MOTM:
Deano - for a combination of good flagmanship and match turning passing.

Disclaimer: I apologise for any factual inaccuracies, in fact most of this is made up.

Match story...ahem...report:

Twas a cold and blustery afternoon as the Maple warriors stepped forth from the warmth of their changing room onto the pitch of the team known as Sporting Aztecs. Maple were off the back of a good run of form and Aztecs were down to 11 players. No official ref had turned up and bravely Reverend P Homer stepped into the crossfire, volunteering himself as the man in black.

Maple started the brighter team, looking sharper in the tackle and quicker on the ball than Aztecs. Good passing interchanges led to early pressure with attacks being mustered down both flanks and involving good work from the ever thunderous Campbell and his giggling sidekick Ben (bare, manly, gloveless hands this week from Ben). After some cultured passing work involving the Maple midfield Rob scampered clear and pulled the ball back for Ben to slot home. Things were looking good - Maple were against the wind, playing up the slope and 1 goal to the good.

Atzecs responded with some decent breaks of play down the Maple left and a string of corners that were mostly dealt with and they never seriously threatened the Maple goal. With Mitch and Mark snapping into tackles and the back 4 looking assured Maple continued to press although at times Maples' passing style broke down due to poor decisions and the continued tendency to dwell on the ball when the sharp passing game was obviously causing Aztecs some problems. The substantial Campbell also managed the much revered Maple tactic of kicking the ball in the opposite direction to the one he intended, unfortunately he was goalbound at the time. Maple failed to capitalise further.

Halftime and Maple took their one goal lead into the break. Nominated official for the day, Senorita P Homer temporarily laid down his cards of justice, wiped the rain off his wirey ginger afro and launched two footed into a rousing halftime team talk. The second half kicked off and Maple promptly fell 3-1 behind. Let's not munch any bush here - Nath it might be time to get some longer studs fella. Chin up. Luckily Deano put in a steady stint as linesperson and without his spot on calls Maple would have fallen 4-1 behind.

Aztecs found that having the wind and rain in their face and the slope against them was some kind of weird advantage and pretty much pinned Maple back for the majority of the first 20mins of the second half. But the fat lady was yet to sing and lets not forget a certain dirty weekend away with P Homer had yet to pay it's last minute dividends. In 3 moments of adept multi-tasking P Homer Esquire changed Dunc for Mad Moley, dropping Giggling Ben to right-wing, Dynamo Deano then replaced the industrious Campbell, with Bobby G taking the place of Ben (to be fair still not wearing gloves).

With 3 pairs of fresh legs against Aztecs' no pairs of fresh legs Maple gained fresh impetus. It's fair to say things kicked off in the last 20 minutes, on all fronts. Leading to 2 Maple goals and a variety of cards for Aztecs players. Good work from the centre of the midfield and some strangely accurate passing from T Randle led to sustained pressure on the Aztecs tired defence. Deano threaded the sweetest of passes through to Dunc who had hidden behind the bingo wings of Aztecs man mountain centre half, only to dally on the ball, get stuck in the mud and gloriously spurn the chance. A fairly blatant handball by said man mountain in the Aztecs area following a Maple set piece led to more Sag based penalty glory. 3-2. Maple smelt a comeback after Bobby G nearly nipped in at the back post. A quick free kick split Aztecs in a way only Randle could describe and in the dying embers of the game the ball found itself along with Dunc in space on the right wing, a bumbling pullback found Mark and Mitch loitering with intent on the edge of the area. Mark took charge, sidestepped a few lunging studs and found the back of the net. 3-3. Final whistle and cue bedlam and outrageous accusations of cheating aimed at The Right Honourable P Homer who was, to say the least, not best impressed. Especially considering we all saw one of the most controlled and solid refereeing performances of the season.

Well done lads for showing big hearts to drag outselves back into it on a grim day but let's try and kill games off when we can then kick back for early Martinis and Sky Sports at the Cobham.

Team:

----------- Gater

Mole - Randle - Kirby - Elwell

Ben - Mitch - Tidmarsh - Sag

------- Dunc -- Dean


Subs: Rob for Mole, Bob for Dean.

Unused Sub: Nath.

Goals: Dunc, Ben.

Thanks to Ollie, Barney & Jeff for coming and supporting the team on.


Match Report: "Cable & Wireless started better scoring from a defencive cock-up in the first five minutes of the game.

though after that Maple started to play some good possession football with a great through-ball played past the advancing Cable defence which Dunc got on the end of and coolly rounded the keeper to score to put Maple back level.

With just five minutes of the first half to go we conceded two silly goals to put us 3-1 down at halftime.

After a positive half-time talk from Homer Maple came out playing some better football. We got a goal back from a superb cross and a great half volley from Ben to make it 3-2.

But after that things went wrong - Mole got injured and had to go off with just five minutes into the second half.

Cable then started to play some good football which led to a penalty being given away but gk Gater pulled off a great save to keep us in the game.

Maple made four or five more good scoring opportunities with Kirby going close to scoring but for a great save from the Cable keeper.

Cable then started to counter-attack and got three more goals leaving Maple with a mountain to climb - sadly we could not get back in the game and lost 6-2."

Team:

Gater

Randle
Kirby
Asante-Boakye
Mole

Gibbons
Tidmarsh
Mitchell
Sadler

Lycett
Burns


Subs: Ansell for Gibbons, Elwell for Randle, Bull for Tidmarsh.

MOTM: tba.


Match Report: "Maple started slugglishly defending and the opposition soon had us pegged back with a series of crosses from wide wide right and neat interplay from the lively forwards.

Two soft goals were conceded by Maple early on - Gibbons getting in the way to block an incoming shot that unfortunately deflected off him wrong-footing gk Gater - though fair play to Bob for being one of the few to react to the incoming shot. Poor marking resulted in the 2nd goal with only a couple of attackers in the box they managed to get ahead of the numerous Maple defenders and strike on goal.

The third goal was unlucky on Dean and Gater - Dean passing the ball back to Gater from 25 yards out - and then Gater missing his kick and the ball rolling agonisingly into the goal.

Maple did rally in stages - Bob went close late on, some decent set-piece delivery which nearly came off, and Ollie and Tony going close with long range shots and a goalmouth scramble at the end.


We probably didn't do enough to win or get a point form the game - though yet again the scoreline was a little flattering on the lofty opposition, who despite having most of the possession relied on Maple's mistakes to get the goals.

Team:

Bull

Mole
Randle
Kirby
Elwell

Woodall
Mitchell
Ansell
Sadler

Lycett
Burns


Subs: Gibbons for Burns.

MOTM: tba

Manager: Mithcell.

Thanks to Shing and Barney for continually coming and supporting the lads on - can't be easy coming most weeks to watch Maple in the freezing cold - let alone watching us actually 'play' - but it is appreciated lads, cheers


Match Report: "As ever this was a good football game between Sutton and Maple, this time with Sutton narrowly taking all 3 points.

A depleted Maple side took the lead through Ben's snapshot on the edge of the box (originally going wide) catching a defender and was diverted in - if only we'd shoot more often, we may get a bit more luck

Sutton then came back into it after a long throw caught out the Maple defence and the Sutton forward had the simple chance of nodding a bouncing ball past the helpless gk Bull.

Soon after it was 2-1 down, a long range shot hit the bar, and the Sutton forward was the quickest to anticipate/react to the rebound to calmly slot in. 3-1 folloed soon after after a long Bull clearance was immediately dispatched back from just over the halfway line out wide to sail over the static Maple defence.

After halftime a deflated Maple side actually began to play some decent attacking football - with passes finally going out wide and to the feet of the forwards. Soon it was 3-2 after good play from Ansell found Dean on the edge of the 6 yard box - who showed the goalie 'the eyes' before calmly slotting the ball in the near post.

Maple then had a succession of corners and were penning Sutton in - Ansell and Mitchell both having long range chances at the edge of the box from soft Sutton clearances. We then equalised after Sadler came in field to win the ball and then found Dean, who in turn put through Burns to finish in style past the onrushing Sutton gk.

More Maple chances came - and went begging, before somewhat unjustly Sutton found a winner minuted form the end with a long get-out ball found gk Bull in no-man's land and the Sutton forward rolled the ball into the net to make it 4-3.

Maple should be pleased with the effort to come back into the game - though it was a shame we only did so at 3-1 down and seemingly out of the game. Perhaps we play better footy when we are relaxed instead of hustling and bustling our way into mistakes and poor passing and selection of passes?

C'mon the mighty Leaf for next week

Team:

-------------- Gater

Randle -- Kirby -- Asante -- Ellway

Mole -- Ansell -- Mitchell -- Sadler

--------- Burns -- Woodall


Subs: Tidmarsh for Sadler, Campbell for Woodall, Gibbons for Burns.

Unused Subs: Lycett, Bull (top linesmanship and ball retrieval)

Goals: Ansell, Randle

Man of the Match: Kirby

Thanks to: Shing, Barney, Matt and his young' un for coming along to support the lads on in the cold & blustery conditions - the extra support is appreciated and helps give the players a lift in the game with the added encouragement & support from the sidelines


Match Report: "Maple started brightly against a team who had beaten us 7-1 earlier in the season. Good attacking play and linking up between the midfield and a new look attack created several half chances and in general some connstant probing at the opposition goal.

At the other end a compact Maple defence kept Meadway's dangerous attackers at bay - with Gater saving well down to his left to tip a rasping shot onto his post and out.

Again, Maple kept on plugging away creating more half chances - with Tony, Ben, Dunc and mitch nearly breaking the deadlock. Sonn after half time Ollie broke from midfield with the ball - alongside Dunc who had taken up a great position awaiting the ball - Ollie carried on and used Dunc' run to his advantage by carrying on running and running until he got inside the 18 yard box and 'unleashed' a sweet left foot strike into the far top corner

Unfrotunatley Maple's hard work came undone minutes after when an inswinging Meadway corner evaded several bodies on the line - inc gk Gater - and nestled into the goal to make it 1-1.

Mark then went close with a header which inexplicably hit the gorund and bounced over the bar, Moley put in a fantastic curling cross that just avoided two attakcing Maple players, and sub Cmapbell nealry socred when going through 1-on-1 with the goalie.

With minutes remaining another good break found Dunc with the ball at his feet 20 yards out - who then slipped a smart first-time sideways pass to an onrushing Tony who fired in with a smart lob into the top left corner of the goal - giving the goalie no chance

It was Tony's 3rd or 4th shot on goal in the game - impressive for the rightback who was alos so solid in defence - almost rolling back the years to whe nTony could often be found scoring spectacular goals (or at least having spectacular efforts on goal )

Maple then held on for a nervy final few minutes of the game for a much deserved 2-1 victory.


If Maple can keep up the intelligent first time passing and movement off the ball, togethwer wit ha tight and combative defensce then we just may surprise a few teams yet this season - and get ourselves outside of the relegation area


C'mon the Mighty Leaf


(ps - this match report is being written 6 days after game - so well may have events in the wrong order, if so I apologise, and someone with a decent memory can do the match report next week )

Team:

-------------- Gater

Mole -- Kirby -- Asante -- Ellway

Woodall -- Ansell -- Tidmarsh -- Sadler

--------- Burns -- Campbell


Subs: Mitchell for Ansell, Gibbons for Sadler, Bull for Campbell.

Goals: Kirby.

Man of the Match: Gater (although the whole team deserve enormous plaudits).


Match Report:

"Maple Leaf Rovers' travelling supporters (Barney and Aider) witnessed a second successive victory that owed more to hard work than quality football on a cold day in deepest darkest Oldbury.

The away side set their stall out early keeping pressure on Cresconians by pressing every loose ball and hounding down the opposition resulting in good Maple possession. In a half where goal scoring opportunities were meagre it took a good corner from Sadler and blood-curdling scream from Kirby to force a mistake from the Cresconians' keeper to gift the later a simple tap-in, albeit a delayed response and surprised bumbling effort off his big toe – still probably one of his best goals to date.

Maple kept up the pressure but with hard working Burns and Campbell forced to feed on scraps chances were hard to come by in the difficult playing conditions. Cresconians only return from a first half dominated by Maple came from a succession of corners where good concentration - and an Ansell headed clearance off the line - ensured the score remained at 0-1 going into the break.

With the second half underway it didn’t take long for the pressure tables to turn. Cresconians soon took up the lions share of chances leaving a Maple team to soak up wave after wave of attack with their resolute defending. Burns was constantly forced to drop deeper for the ball due to his instinct and eagerness to help out his fellow team mates leaving Campbell to chase down clearances presenting the defence with a moments respite from the next Cresconians onslaught, it was this perseverance that nearly rewarded him with a goal but for a moments hesitation allowing the home defence to clear.

Maple huffed and puffed through the last 15 minutes but thoroughly deserved the win on determination alone, this was summed up by every player aching from exhaustion and still maintaining good focus when they could have easily buckled notably Gater who took a few blows upon his bonce when performing death-defying saves."

Team:

---------------- Nath

- Mole --- Asante -- Kirby --- Elwell

- Woodall - Tidmarsh - Randle - Sadler

----------- Burns -- Campbell



Subs: Lycett for Elwell, Homer E for Woodall.

Unused Subs: none.

Thanks to: Barney for turning to cheer on the lads, and for running the line in the 2nd half too.

Goals: Woodall, Campbell.

Man Of The Match: Mole.


Match Report: "After two recent hardfought matches and promising performances many of the Maple side slipped into 'lethargic mode' vs a team we drew with 3-3 earlier in the season.

Carbon-copy goals from Campbell and Woodall (both good runs with fine shots high into the near corner of the goalmouths) were the few instances of good attacking play - other times poor control, bad decision making and poor shooting prevented Maple from scoring more.

At the other end of the pitch Aztecs found it relatively easy to score - and were gifted the majority of their goals by poor communication, decision making, awareness and handling errors.

The 5th goal conceded being almost comical in that the Maple goalkeeper and more than one defender stopped playing after they thought a penalty was going to be awarded against them - leaving an amused Aztecs forward to tap-in easily - instead of playing to the referee's whistle.

The unwillingness to pass the ball simply 10 yards to the nearest Maple player prevented Maple from creating many chances - as well as putting themselves under pressure through not keeping possession - ensured an easy win for Aztecs, who played no better than Maple for the majority of the game.

Difficult to any positives out of the game - except hopefully that the team will hopefully realise that they have to work hard as a team, keep a simple passing game, and keeping concentration throughout the match to be in with a chance of winning."

Team:

---------------- Gator

- Mole --- Asante -- Randle --- Elwell

- Woodall - Tidmarsh - Ansell - Sadler

----------- Burns -- Campbell



Subs: Mitchell for Woodall, Bull for Gator.

Unused Subs: none.

Thanks to: Bobby G for eating a very nice Balti Pastie in the changing rooms and for running the line in the 2nd half!

Goal: Asante.

Man Of The Match: ?


Match Report: "A fairly even opening period on a bobbly pitch swung the Crusaders way after ten minutes when a left sided corner was cleared to the edge of the box by the Maple defence - only to be smarlty despatched over the helpless Maple gk by an unchallenged Crusaders midfielder.

Thankfully Maple heads did not drop and the team started to put some decent passages of play together in search of the equaliser. This came in fine style just 5 mins later as an excellent Sadler corner found Asante in the box to nod expertly home. Unfortunatley Maple had not learned from the 1st goal conceded and shorlty fell behind once again.

Another Crusaders attack had seemingly been dealt with by the defence only for the Crusaders full back to stroll unchallenged onto the clearance and crash an unstoppable strike past Gator into the top corner. For the remainder of the half Maple then struggled to put together any passing moves of real quality and went into the break 2-1 down.

After a talking to from the boss Maple came out in search of the equaliser early on in the second half. Maple were then forced into a change of GK due to injury after 20 mins and a defensive/gk mix up shortly after led to a tap in and third goal for the Crusaders. As Maple failed to make much impression in search of a goal back this was followed by another defensive error and the Crusaders striker finishing into an empty net to put the game out of reach.

A slightly flattering final scoreline given the balance of play but a failure to carry out the managers basic instructions cost Maple the match. Hopefully the team as a whole will have learnt a lesson with a much better performance needed next week.

Up the Mighty 'Leaf...

Team:

------------ Gater

Mole - Randle - Kirby - Matt

Campbell - Mitch - Tids - Sadler

------ Woodall - Burns



Subs: Nath for Woodall, Lycett for Tidmarsh.

Unused Subs: none.

Goals: Randle, Sadler, Lycett 2.


Thanks To: Shing, Barney, Ste, et all for coming and cheering Maple on in the bitingly cold weather.


Match Report: "This is being written a long time after the game - so match incidents may be a little hazy and innaccurate (aren't they always from me?).

Maple began brightly creating several decent chances though were hit on the counterattack by a resolute Britannia side twice in the first half (poor marking along with an inability to keep possession of the ball also contributing).

The second half saw Maple actually convert the same sort of chances they'd been creating in the first half - Randle with an 1st time exiquisite lob/mishit corss into the far top corner givnig the Brit golaie no chance.

A Sadler penalty was then saved well - though he followed up by calmly putting away the rebound to make it 2-2, before supersub Dean 'Brazilian' Lycett changed the game with his excellent movement, passing and decision making - ably backed up by some pin-point passes from the probing Burns.

Dunc's pass split open the Britannia defence for Lycett#s prefectly timed diagonal run to casually slip the ball past the oncoming Brit goalie. Dean turned provider late on - generously passing square after beating the last defender for Nathan to shoot, though unfortunatley the shot went just wide of the mark.

4-2 the final score - with a spirited Maple comeback after halftime - with some 1st time slick passing and intelligent movement creating not only good chances but also playing some good attacking football. If Maple can continue to pass the ball quickly and simply we will cause problems for other teams' defences as well as helping out our defence by not needlessley losing possession of the ball every few seconds with players out of position."

Team:

---------- Gater

Mole - Kirby - Randle - Matt

Campbell - Woodall - Mitch - Phipps

----- Gibbons - Lycett


Subs: Andrez for Gibbons, Nath for Woodall, Walker for Matt.

Unused Subs: none.

Goals: Nath.


Thanks To: Shing, Chester, Sag et all for coming to watch and support in the appalling weather for Maple to put on a no-show for the first 45mins.


Match Report: "Wet and blustery conditions made for a slack Maple start - and went 3 golas down within 30 minutes due to a combination of bright attacking play from Cresconinans - and indecisiveness from the Maple rearguard.

The first half was mainly spent chasing shadows - only Bob upfront on a mzy run just failing to get his shot off in time, and an opportunistic 30 yard lob being of note for Maple as an attacking force as they lacked penetation and supply from out wide.

In the second half Maple started well and began to create half chances for the forward line. With oncoming substitutions and a reshuffle of personnle Lycett began creating chances for other from his central midfield holding role - with Campbell and Mitchell going close, before a mazy Moley run for half the length of the pitch saw his well struck shot saved by the Crescs goalie.

Maple eventually pulled a goal back through supersub Bull - some good anticipation and a tight turn saw him volley in from 15 yards into the far corner on his left foot. Lycett had a long distance chance soon after, as well as more half chances popping up every now and again. By now Maple had the opponents pushed back into their own box for long periods of play - though just couldn't find another goal to set up a closer finish.

3-1 the final score - which was probably a fair result (if not scoreline) for Crescs due to their bright start to the game, though Maple can be proud of their hardworking attack-minded 2nd half display."

Team:

------------ Gater

Walker - Kirby - Ste - Matt

Mole - Mitch - Burns - Phipps

--------- Nath -- Woodall


Subs: Tidmarsh for Bull, Shingles for Phipps

Unused Subs: none.

Goals: Mole.


Thanks To: Sag and the Vodaphone girls for cheering the lads on in the wet and blustery conditions.


Match Report: "A few Maple players were unavailable for this game - yet Maple still managed to put out a decent side that troubled the high flying Aston Youth team.

Last weeks' goalscorer Nath got a start up front alongside Ben, and this game also saw welcome returns for Barney at right back, and supersub Shingles coming on late in the game to add a physical presence upfront.

Aston's early attacks were thwarted by a resolute Maple defence - coping easily with the long through balls from Aston's defence & midfield. Maple themselves came into the game though the innaccurate final pass or lack of movement limited us to creating much more than half chances and set piece moves.

Eventually Maple were pushed back into defending deep and once again Maple concede from an average cross into the box not cleared by the defence/goalie resulting in an easy tap-in for an unmarked forward. As the season progress it has become apparent that we concede far too many easy goals from these positions, as well as a lack of communication and willingness to come for, or attack a cross or through ball. 

However Maple battled back and held the talented opponents at bay, stiffling the Aston midfield - who seemed to be getting more unnerved by their inability to create more chances.

In the second half Maple did improve on their passing in the final third and created more chances - one falling to Nathan who narrowly dragged his shot from just inside the box wide of goal. Maple began to find space down the flanks - yet were often halted by the referee's inabililty to see a foul by the Aston team on many an occasion.

However Maple did eventually get their just reward when Moley superbly chested down a long through pass to run through on goal and fire into the top far corner of the goal to make it 1-1.

Unfortunately just minutes later Maple seeme to fall asleep from a set-piece and an Aston foward found himself unmarked on the back post to nod-in to make it 2-1.

With minutes remaining Maple pushed more and more people forward in an effort to force an equaliser - and were hit on the counter by a fine incisive pass from an Aston midfielder to thier centreforward - who despite hving only a 30-70 chance of getting to the ball first - rounded the hesitant Maple goalie and score from 6 yards despite the best efforts of Walker and Kirby to keep the shot out.

Final score 3-1 to Aston - and good luck to them for quest for the Division 8 title. A sound bunch of lads who play a good attacking passing game after an initial 30 minute long-ball bombardment."