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A WORD FROM THE MANAGER
Sunday 14th March 1999
Happy Union 2
Wendover Arms 3
It was a beautiful spring morning with few clouds in the sky and the sun shining
brightly down. What great weather for football.
After a short moment of panic the team eventually all arrived at the pitch and
the kit arrived shortly after that. The lads got ready and seemed really up for
this one. The disappointments of not holding onto the lead last week could not
be ignored as we were playing the same team again in successive weeks. But this
time the conditions suited us.
Cap'n Nemo reffing for the day blew his whistle for the start of the match, WAFC
defending the John Lewis end started the livelier of the two sides. A swift
passing movement starting from the centre and then pushing wide exposed the
frailties of the Onion defence. Sliced in two, the Onion defence were lucky not
to go a goal down. Immediately the Onions counter attacked and for the one and
only time of the entire 90 minutes the defence, defending too high up the pitch,
gave the space to the fat Onion midfielder to dink a ball over the top for his
Onion teammate to chase onto. Richard trying to close down the angles steamed
out of goal only to be beaten at the far post. 1-0 to the Onions and quite
clearly it was an injustice to lose that goal.
The lads fought bravely - 15 minutes into the game and it seemed the Onions were
going to try and hold the goal advantage and try and keep us at bay for the
remainder of the game. How foolish this was to be. With Sniffer and Tuppa firing
on all cylinders the equaliser was a mere formality. It was simply just a matter
of when.
Good link up play between Chris and Jon created the opening down the right. Some
superb off the ball movement by Dave gave him the space he needed. And when
Tuppa dummied the through ball by Woodster Sniffer Harris was there to pop up
and rifle in the goal. 1-1 and the game was poised beautifully.
It was a concern of mine before the game as to how the defence would fare
without the presence of Choorah but to their credit, James and Super Phil Jones
played their hearts out. Not putting a foot wrong between them for the entire
game. These two lads epitomised everything good about the WAFC team. Skill,
determination, strength and flair these boys had it in abundance. Sensing this
the Onion forwards were getting increasingly demoralised. The only time that
they ever looked like scoring was.........well, they didn't. WAFC were playing
them off the park. With the onus on the WAFC front men the second WAFC goal was
imminent.
Some good work down the left by the young Irish lad Rory set up Tuppa with his
first of the game. Some good interlinking at the edge of the box between Chris
and Sniffer exposed the frail Onion defence once more. When the loose ball was
released into the path of the advancing striker there was no doubt in anybodys
mind where the ball was going to end up. The ball hit the back of the net and
almost instantly the Onion heads dropped. The despair on their face was clear
for everyone to see. What a great sight that was - and on such a lovely spring
morning. Tuppas finish was class. No doubt about it. The last two weeks the lad
has shown the commitment that we knew he had, it was just a matter of him
channelling it in the right direction. Since his return to the side Tuppa has
proven to everyone that he should be the first name down on the teamsheet and
the number 9 jersey is rightfully his. I'm really pleased for the lad, and as
long as he doesn't get complacent he will become undoubtedly an even better
player.
Within minutes it was 3! Great anticipation by the boy Sniffer seized on a
careless pass by an Onion, raced through on goal 1 on 1 with the keeper. There
was only ever going to be one outcome. Dave cooly slotted home the vital goal to
increase the deficit to 2 goals and it surely was going to be off to the
chopping board for the Onions. Having seen the farce of a result the night
before on television when Lennox Lewis was cruelly denied his moment of glory, I
was not holding my breath.
2 minutes before the turnaround Onions had a corner. Swung in from the right the
ball found an Onion head and Richard had no chance as the player headed home
from close range. 3-2 to WAFC a deserved lead indeed, but not a fair reflection
of our first half dominance.
With only 1 change being made at halftime, Ander coming on for Pot, the lads
knew that they could win. They proved it to themselves in the first half. It was
now all a matter of application.
The second half was somewhat of an anti climax. Onions never looked like scoring
, trying long range efforts (and I mean LONG range, 45 yds+) in a desperate
attempt to get an equaliser. These desperate measures adopted by the Onions was
a significant compliment to the defence. The whole backline played superbly and
worked together well as a single unit for the entire game and when the Onions
started their hit and hope shots we all knew then that the result was to be a
formality.
Not counting our chickens it was tense finale but the lads battled well and
carved out the better chances of the second half. Having played a couple of
miutes extra for stoppages Cap'n Nemo blew his whistle to the delight of the
Wendy players. Another 3 points secured and a vital victory.
This win has now taken us into double figures for the season. This truly shows
the charchter that we have in the team. To lose our first 8 fixtures and to
bounce back with results like these can only suggest one thing. WE are a team.
We all work for each other and the desire for the team to succeed is always ever
present on the pitch. These are things that can't be taught on the training
ground, it is down to the individuals who make up the team to all work hard for
the same cause. And it is because they want to win. The desire and drive of this
team is second to none. It is for these reasons that I get such great pleasure
in working with the team because I know that whenever the lads pull on the
purple jerseys they are wearing their hearts on their sleeves and this is what
is setting us apart from our competitors.
HAZLEMERE next................................Let's Shit on 'em!!!
TEAM: Richard (7), Lee (7), Phil (10), James (9), Rory (9), Nick (7), Jon (8),
Chris (8), Pot (6), Dave (9), Tuppa (9)
Sub: Ander (6)
Man of the Match: Phil Jones (Utility player of immense quality. Player of the
year???)
Sunday 7th March 1999
Wendover Arms 3
Happy Union 3
It was probably the worst conditions that we had played in all season on Sunday.
The rain was hammering down and the wind was making the temperature feel like 10
below. I think it may have been down to this as the reason we only had 12
players turn up, but to their credit, the lads who did show up were up for this
game.
After the pre-match twat at goal the lads were keen to get the game going, the
fact the Onion only had 10 men on the pitch was probably the reason for this.
Anyway, the ref blew his whistle and the game kicked off. A few passes around
midfield were intercepted by an Onion and a long range effort went wide of the
post. What was about to follow would surely have been a dead cert to win �250
from old Jezza Beadle had the Coaches camcorder worked. However, the incident
can only be remembered now from what the players who were there saw themselves.
Richard took the goalkick with an Onion standing at the edge of the box all on
his own. And, of all the places for Richard to kick it, he hit it straight at
the Onion. With all the time in the world, one on one with the keeper, the Onion
went for glory. Fortunately, he had the shooting boots of Andy Cole and the shot
went well wide.
Minutes later WAFC were on the attack. Superb passing movements (under the
circumstances) set Tuppa racing through. With electrifying pace, the lad with
the ball almost glued to his foot, raced to the goal. The keeper came out well
and made himself big to reduce tuppas target area but to no avail. The coolness
of the finish was delightful, sliding the ball past the keeper low into the
bottom corner. 1-0 to the Wendover!
Again neat passing between the midfield and the front two carved open another
opportunity and the Onion defence was looking ragged. A deft lob over the top of
the defence sent The Mighty Mouse Chris Barnett through on goal again, having
taken notes from tuppas goal, Chris calmly buried the ball into the net a
fantastic goal and a fantastic start. 2-0 to the Wendover!
I'm sure at this point the lads were thinking that this was going to be a walk
over. The Onion defence was being peeled apart like.......an Onion. I certainly
thought we were going to take a significant lead into half time but the ref soon
prevented that.
After holding the 2 goal advantage for some 10-15 minutes the Onion struck back.
A simple cross came across in front of the WAFC goal. Richard trying to collect,
fumbled the ball as an Onion rolled into his back and the ball teetered over the
line. To me it was a blatant foul on the goalie but the ref Alan "Paul Dansons
brother" Peters let the goal stand. A miscarriage of justice of gigantic
proportions. Only to be compared with the Guildford 4, it was more like the
Wendover 11. Having accepted the decision the lads did well to contain the 12
men of the Onion (11 players and the ref). But yet again another controversial
decision led to the Onions equaliser. Cho Singh always an inspiration at the
back, did well to hold off a challenge from an Onion, but as the Onion fell in
the area like a sack of.....Onions, ref Danson awarded them a spot kick.
Richard had no chance with the kick and the scores were level at 2 a piece. It
was gojng to take an enormous amount of courage to hold the team together and
they all put in 100% effort to keep the scores level at half time.
After perhaps the quickest half time break in history, Chris recollected after
the game - "I only had two tokes on my fag", the second half kicked off.
A tactical decision by Cap'n C before the game gave us the advantage of having
the wind behind us for the second half. It was a class decision as the Onions
were put on the back foot. It was pretty much continuous pressure for the first
25 minutes of the half, much to refs disappointment. Then WAFC got their first
clear cut opportunity. A devastating run by Andy "I'm a footballer not a movie
star" Tuppa into the box squared the ball back into the path of the advancing
Sniffer Harris. With the goal gaping wide in front of him Sniffer put the ball
wide from a yard out. It was probably harder for Sniffer to miss than to score
from that position but it wasn't to be and the luck was against us.
For those of you who have just joined us it is 2-2 with the WAFC vs 11 Onions
with all the luck and the Ref.
Then a flash of inspiration from the lad Tuppa. Having been the thorn in the
Onion defence all day Tuppa raced through on goal and casually buried the ball
into the back of the net and there was nothing the ref could do about it. 3-2 to
the Wendover!
2 good chances fell to Ander who hit well over the bar which could have sealed
the game. But the lads pressed on to regain the 2 goal advantage. It was surely
just a matter of time before we did score but the luck was nowehere to be seen.
Then with perhaps their only second chance of the half the Onions hit a long
ball forward with their striker chasing onto it. In a flash of tempoary insanity
Richard ran out of his goal, covered almost 30 yards to get to the ball, but
came second in the race. The striker lobbed him and the ball trickled over the
line. For perhaps the 3rd time this season we have dropped points in the last 10
minutes of a game.
Lady Luck is not shagging any of our players and todays game reiterated the
fact.
The final whistle blew and it was disappointing not to pick up all three points
but under the circumstances, in the conditions a biased ref we were good value
for a draw and deserved more.
It will be an interesting game next week when we play the Onions again, this
time away. Hopefully we will only have to play against 11 men then. But we are
all confident in the fact that we can chop up the Onion defence like.........an
Onion.
Team: Richard (6), Kay (7), Lee (7), Cho (8), James (8), Pot (6), Ander (7),
Phil (8), Chris (8), Dave (6), Tuppa (10)
Sub: Rory (8)
Man of the Match: Tuppa (are you Ginola in disguise?)
WAFC 2 Pheasant 3
It was a bright Sunday morning and most of the team reported for duty on
time
which was good to see.
Before the game started there was minor incident involving one of the teams
players which resulted in him leaving the ground before a ball had even
been
kicked.
The game kicked off with the Wendy fielding potentially its strongest team
avilable to the selectors. This became evident less than a minute into the
proceedings as a wonderful through ball found Rob who, with a quite
exquisite
touch, layed the ball into the path of Sniffer Harris who calmly lofted the
ball
over the advancing keeper to make the score 1-0 to the Wendy. This was a
true
strikers finish. The coolness of the first touch and the finish were text
book
Premier League material and the lad Harris took the chance superbly.
The game then became a little scrappy for the next half hour. A physical
contest
in midfield was the cause of this, but comendable performances from Phil
Jones
and Chris Barnett held their own on a very difficult playing surface. 20
minutes
into the game and Ander receiving another glorious through ball was clear
through on goal, unfortunately the touch let him down and the chance went
begging. Surely had the Wendover scored then the result would have been a
formality. But minutes later, The Pheasant struck back with a well worked
goal.
It was unfortunate, against the run of play but it was a well taken goal
none
the less. 1-1 and the Wendover had a game on their hands.
Minutes into the second half a lapse of concentration led to the Pheasants
second goal of the game. Nick drifting out of position tried to take one
player
on too many, the resulting loss of possesion gave the Pheasant the
invitation to
put a straightforward cross into the box. 9 times out of 10 and Richard
would
have held the cross, unfortunately this time he didn't and the ball dropped
to
the feet of the advancing Pheasant striker. 2-1 and there was work to be
done.
Ander forced to retire from the game because of a sprain to his ankle gave
the
opportunity to Jon Wood to use his fitness and prowess down the right to
force
an equaliser. It just wasn't to be as chance after chance went begging. On
another day the Wendover could easily have bagged 5 or 6 goals but the
finishing
was to elude us all day. The resulting quick break from all of the Wendover
pressure once again caught the Purple Haze defence napping, the advancing
Pheasant substitute, one on one with Richard cooly flicked the ball away
from
the keeper and ball nestled at the back of the net. 3-1 to the Pheasant but
this
scoreline did not reflect a true picture of events.
With 10 minutes or so the Wendover still with their heads held high kept
pushing
the Pheasant back into their half as chance after chance was created. Both
Rob
and Dave hit shots just over the bar and Chris was a constant danger to the
weakening defence. Then the opportunity came. A simple square pass to Rory
on
the left gave the young Irishman a clear run on goal. Breaking into the
edge of
the box the young lad picked his spot and finished the chance with a
sublime
shot wide of the advancing keeper. 3-2 and the Wendover had a chance.
Still even with a 1 goal defecit the pressure was continuous. It was a very
much
one sided affair and the Pheasant knew it as they waited with baited breath
for
the referee to blow his whistle for full time. Still with the time
available we
missed a few chances and Phil Jones showing great determination hit the
post
with only seconds left on the clock.
The ref blew the whistle for the end of the game. It just wasn't to be. The
score could of easily been 7-3 to us but it was just one of those days.
Having
sat through the first ever pay per view event on Sky Sports the night
before and
witnessing Sunderland draw 0-0 against a lowly Oxford side it was almost
deja
vu. Games like this do happen in football, remember the 1990 World Cup seim
final against Germany? Over the 90 minutes & extra time we were by far the
better team. But at the end it was not to be and the same could be said for
yesterdays game. But as we all witnessed in 1990 we still all loooked
forward to
the future and we have all experienced the trauma of watching a one sided
game
without getting the required result. But this, at the end of the day IS
Football.
It is why we all love "Pele's beautiful game" so much. The chance for the
underdog to get a result and the chance to replay matches in the future to
prove
a point that despite losing, teams can come back to win matches if not cups
and
league titles.
This is no different for the Wendover. We WILL come back from this and
prove a
point to the league and to ourselves that the best footballing side in the
league is The Wendover Arms. We have this chance to do it and we will prove
it.
I am sure you are all well aware of the talent that we have in the side and
as
the teams grows and learns together the better we will become. We didn't
get the
required result on Sunday, but we won a moral victory.
Take heart lads from the performance, train hard, have faith and we will
overcome.
COME ON THE WENDY!!!!!
Wendover Arms 2
Chiltern Rovers 5
The score says it all really. A poor performance by all the players in dreadfull
conditions.
The game started promptly and the team appeared up for it before the game. There
was a buzz around the team after a good run of 3 games undefeated and a goal
difference of 19 for and 2 against.
With the wind at their backs the Wendy started the livelier of the 2 teams.
Showing some good skill down both flanks and through the middle. The first 20
minutes was just Wendover pressue and to be fair if we had taken our chances at
this stage of the game the result would have been ours.
However, it wasn't to be. A defensive error at the heart of the Wendover back
four let Chiltern score their first goal. It was a very sloppy goal to concede
and totally against the run of play.
Much the same for the next two goals - defensive players completely out of
position, not communicating and not dealing with the ball in danger by just
hitting it clear. Time after time WAFC players were trying to run the ball from
out of defence but not achieving anything but concede possesion.
The frustration was setting in and it seemed like the Wendover of old. Despite a
solid performance with only 10 men against second from top Eurotec last week.
The backbone of the team this week was like jelly. The fire and passion of the
side was not there and the will to win was was left on the sidelines.
On the stroke of half time Tuppa had the easiest of tap ins to put the score to
3-1 at the break. Tactical changes ensued and it was going to take more
determination than ever to salvage a point from this result. Entering the frame
at half time was K (making his first appearance since being in rehabilitation
with Gazza), Rob Vierra and Rory both making their debuts.
Within 2 minutes of the restart K Singh in a moment of indecison gave a push to
the back of one of Chilterns forwards and the referee gave the spot kick which
was duely converted. This basically ended any chance that we may have had of
salvaging anything from the game and afterwards it appeared that the players
knew this. It certainly appeared that way from the sidelines. Another simple
mistake at the back let Chiltern in for their fifth of the game and it was
curtains for the Wendy.
Chris still took his opportunity at the death well. A deft lob over the
advancing Chiltern keeper put the score 5-2. A quality finish in a very untidy
game.
I will not name names but I was very disappointed with some of the players
contribution to the game. I know that they can play better, they know that they
can play better. The fact that we have managed to beat 2 of the top 3 in recent
weeks suggests that we have the team to take on all comers. But in order for us
to win, WE have to make it happen. It doesn't just happen on its own accord.
There will be some major team changes on Sunday. But until then it is up to the
players to shine through in training with a desire and a passion to fight for
the Wendover cause that will justify their selection in the team.
It is now up to you!
7th February 1999
Eurotec
0 Wendover Arms 3
It
was cold wintry afternoon down on the Rye on Sunday. It was not exactly perfect
footballing conditions with a gale force wind blowing hard across
the pitch. The Wendover brimming with confidence looked different class on the pre-match warm
up and all the players were up for it. Having taken their first
points of the season last week the lads were up beat and in the mood ready to take on the
team currently 2nd and who had only been beaten twice all season.
It was to be a stiff test on the young Wendover side.
The
game kicked off and the early pressure was coming from Eurotec. They put some nice passing
moves together in midfield and were looking to slot their forwards
through on goal right down the centre of the pitch. But, full credit to the Wendover
defence. The pressure was simply soaked up and then the ball calmly
and cooly distributed out of defence to midfield. This is where we looked at our most
dangerous. The counter attacking style of football we played was working.
Drawing the Eurotec defenders out of position giving them a false sense of security the
speed at which the Wendover broke always had Eurotec on theback foot.
It
was pretty much stalemate for the first 10 minutes, only Tuppa making any significance on
the game by taking out 2 Eurotec players in quick succession. The
referee, obviously biased towards his own players had words with the Wendover front man
and it was clear Tuppa needed to stay out the referees way
for the rest of the game. Then the turning point. A flowing move started at the heart of
the Wendover defence. Choorah brought the ball out from deep and slid an exquisite through
ball to Chris who looked up and by trying to put Dave "Sniffer" Harris through
on goal forced the defender into an error and put the
ball into his own net. The deadlock was broken! 1-0 to the Wendover!!
Eurotec
were shaken. The sense of urgency to get a goal back was evident for everyone to see. The
slick passing moves vanished and Eurotec weredesperately trying to get a goal back. For a
short period the Eurotec players forced the Wendover players into some pressure at the
back. But not realizing the skill and strength we posed up front it was to be a foolish
decision on their behalf. The ball broke out of defence, and with too many of their
players committed forward
Tuppa found himself through on goal. One on one with the keeper there was going to be only
one outcome. 2-0 to the Wendover!! A cool convincing finish which gave the Wendover
players and supporters alike to erupt into mass hysteria.
Full
credit to Eurotec, they tried hard to break through but as it was the Wendover side were
too strong and skillful to let them play their natural game. Then,
in a split second, the game turned on its head again. This time, to Eurotec's advantage.
Tuppa, having previously being warned by the referee on two
occasions tried to win the ball back. Having gone to ground he swung his foot in anger and
scythed down the Eurotec player. There was only one decision the referee was going to
make. Tuppa was off! Shown the red card and he was walking back to the changing rooms.
From a neutrals perspective he had to go. He could of quite easily been sent off for two
bookables earlier in the first half.
This
was pressure. 5 minutes remained of the first half and we were down to 10 men. It was
vitally important we didn't concede a goal before half time. And
the
lads did not disappoint. They held together firm and again the defence soaked up the
pressure. The half time whistle blew, with the score still at 2-0.
Minor
tactical changes by the manager at half time to tighten up the defence left Dave as the
sole striker up front ready to sniff out any half chances that
came his way. For 40 long minutes it was a heroes performance by 10 committed, hard working
players. EVERYONE gave it that little bit extra to compensate for the loss of Tuppa in the
first half. Watching on the sidelines, it was reminiscent of a particular World Cup quarter
final in 98 when the 10 heroes of
England held firm to keep out the Argies. The only difference being we were protecting a
two goal lead.
Pot
Singh was a revelation in the second half closing down the opposition well forcing them
into their own half and not giving them any time on the ball. Sheer
class! But no one player can be singled out as everyone got on with the job and held
together well to stop any remote chance of Eurotec scoring.
Time
was ticking by and the pressure was mounting. Could we hold on. Two free-kicks in
dangerous positions were wasted by Eurotec and the result was almost
secure. Then in the dying seconds, some good work down the left by the Wendover resulted
in a corner. Chris floated in a beautiful corner to the near
post. The keeper should have claimed it, but up popped Choorah to cooly bury the ball into
the top left hand corner with a superb header. 3-0 to the Wendover!! Seconds later the referee blew his whistle for the end of the match. Another 3 points and
a class performance yet again.
Team:
Richard (9), Lee (7), Choorah (8), Nick (8), James (8), Phil (9), Pot(8),Chris (8), Paul
(7), Tuppa (6), Dave (7).
Man
of the Match: Richard (First clean sheet and an outstanding performance)
31st
January 1999
Wendover
Arms 5 Chinnor 1
The
game was due to start at 10.30am but had to be delayed by 15 minutes due to the fact that
only half the team had turned up. This was pressure. The coach had to make a gambled
decision on who was going to play where and at very short notice.
The
game kicked off, the same meat head wanker from the first game was trying to make his
presence felt in the heart of the pitch but to no avail. The Wendover looked strong from the off and rightly deserved to take the lead. A swift passing move
between Chris, Paul Fox & Pot gave Tuppa all the time in the world
to slot home the first goal low into the bottom right hand corner. We knew it was going to
be hard, having taken the initiative at Chinnor only to lose the game
in the final minute to a sloppy defensive error, we couldn't afford to make a similar
mistake.
Although
Chinnor did have some good passing movements the makeshift Wendover defence remained
solid. With 3 of our regular defenders unavailable for a number
of reasons it was down to Lee, Choorah, Phil & Jon to hold the line and tidy up any
chances Chinnor created. Time after time the defence held strong cleaning
the ball away from our goal leaving Chinnor with only one option being to have shots from
long range. Lee a rock at right back held his nerve superbly as did Phil. Jon was always a
threat going forward showing great qualities linking up with Pot and Chris in midfield.
The
second goal followed and it was no more than we deserved. Always having that cutting edge
up front the Wendover were creating chance after chance. It was only a matter of time that
the Chinnor defence gave way. Some neat one touch football down the right between Chris
and Ander created the opportunity for Dave Harris to notch his 4th goal of the season. 2-0
to the Wendover!
This
was an achievement in itself. Never had we had a 2 goal cushion in a league game and the
players were determined not to let it slip. However, shortly after
the second goal went in Chinnor always dangerous from set pieces had a corner. In the
confusion at the back post Pot Singh was unlucky to see the ball deflect off his shin into the goal. 2-1, but the lads were not dispondent.
We
knew we had the upper hand. We knew that we were the better footballing team. We knew that
we could win. The domination was soon rectified again as Choorah Singh picked the ball up
outside the Chinnor penalty area and crashed home a remarkable strike. The lads showing
their true class as battlers with their cavalier never say die attitude had once again
secured a 2 goal cushion. 3-1 to the Wendover. The half time whistle blew shortly
afterwards and the lads
were
up for it. The sweet taste of victory was now almost in sight. We had the players and they
had the belief.
The
coach decided to make one change at half time. Taking Paul Fox off for Nick the Barman
gave the Wendover a bit more strength at the back with Phil Jones slotting
into the midfield. Chinnor obviously believing that the 3 points were secure before kick
off went hell for leather for the first 10-15 minutes of the second
half, but the Wendover defence was resiliant. Chinnor lost their belief and were
constantly trying to get corners and free kicks to try and get the scores
back level. They knew they could not break us down in open play but we knew we could
score. This was proven when a quick passing movement between Lee and Ander sent the right
midfielder hurtling down the line. A quick first time cross to Tuppa resulted in probably
the easiest goal that he is ever likely to score. 4-1 to the Wendover, it was quickly
becoming a walkover.
The
fitness levels of the team showed for the final ten minutes and despite Choorah Singh
hitting an Ince syle penalty straight at the Chinnor keeper the Wendover
still managed to secure a fifth to make the points safe. A neat pass from Pot deep on the
left was headed on by Tuppa. Dave Harris all alone in the
Chinnor box controlled the ball on his knee and then hit a rifling volley first time into
the back of the net. This was truly the goal of the season and it was a
fantastic way to seal the victory. 5-1 to the Wendover and the three points were ours!
Team
(rating out of 10): Richard (7), Lee (8), Choorah (8), Phil (10), Jon (8), Chris (9), Pot
(7), Paul (7), Ander (7), Tuppa (8), Dave (9) Sub: Nick (7).
Man
of the Match: Phil Jones (a class act)
23rd
January 1999
Wendover
Arms 11 New Inn, Maidenhead 1
The
curse of the Wendover has been put to rest!
Yep,
11-1 to the Purple Haze! The game was late starting in the lack of players commitment to
the team (you know who you are!). So it was left to the resources available to the manager
to pick/get 11 players for the game. The line up was as follows:
Richard
(Goalie), Stuart (RB), Kevin (CB), Nick (CB), Jon (LB), Beckham (CM), Phil (AM), Tom (LW),
Ander (RW), Tuppa (ST), Neil Tuppa's Brother (ST).
The
game kicked off, and in a moment of inspiration Phil played the ball into space down the
right, Ander showing great skill and pace beat the New Inn's left
back and whipped in a powerfull cross where both Tuppa and Neil were queing up to bury it.
Neil took the opportunity in style. 10 seconds gone and it was 1-0
to the Wendy! A further 5 minutes of play past and the Wendy were controlling the game.
Phil & Beckham were running things in Midfield and the back four tidied
up any pressure that was coming back.
Again
a beautifull sequence of play led to the second goal. Beckham took possesion deep into in
his own half and sent a thru ball to tuppa who spread the
play wide to Ander. Having beaten one defender with a deft touch and showing a clean pair
of heels to the opposition Ander moved into space, looked up and
then proceeeded to nutmeg the goalie from 20 yards out. 2-0 to the Wendy. It has to be
said that the two wide men, Tom & Ander were the scurge of the New
Inn defence all afternoon. Attack after attack from great passing and fine movement ripped
apart the New Inn defence time after time.
Before
long it was 3-0. A simple thru ball in behind the defence put Tuppa on his way for the
first of his hat-trick. At this time even the Wendover players could
not comprehend what was happening. 3-0 up and Richard hadn't had a save to
make.
It
was eventually 5-0 at half time, two goals from Neil both created by the skill and flair
of the Gionlaesque Tom on the left. Within 30 seconds of the interval with the New Inn
down to 9 men as they were trying to complete two substitutions. A counter attack led to
their on and only goal of the game. The left winger did a number on Stuart which left the
bald right back with egg on his face. Seeing Richard way off his line watching the game as
a spectator as he had done for the entire first half, the left winger tried an audacious
lob (Nayim v Seaman Cup Winners Cup final 1995) which found the net. 5-1 to the Wendover
,had we been counting our chickens?
Of
course not, the next sequence of play, beautifull one touch passing between the midfield,
front men and both wingers switching the play beautifully creating
holes right across the New Inn back four left Neil with an easy finish. 6-1 to the Wendy!
The
game followed a similar trend to the first half. Opportunities being carved out from all
points of attack. 7-1, 8-1, 9-1 and the flood gates were well and truly
open and the Wendy were now cruising! There was a point of fever pitch as the players
sensed a possible double figure score line with only 5
minutes to play. Again the ball was won in midfield by the enigmatic Phil
who had played out of his skin all afternoon, who calmly distributed to Beckham on the
overlap. A one touch pass to the right wing by Beckham giving Ander some space to run into
down the right. Beckham having continued his run into the box latched onto the perfectly
weighted cross like a blinkered wildebeast and powered the header into the back of the
net. Andy Gray - had he seen the finish, would have been rewiding the replay back time and
time again. This goal summed up the way the players had played all day. It was poetry in
motion. The one touch passing, the movement, the cross and the finish would never have
looked out of place on any Premiership ground. It was sheer class. 10-1 to the Wendover
and the lads were delighted!
But
it wasn't to end there. Again a scramble on the outside of the box left the ball to
Beckham with his back to goal. A little shimmy and a fake to go one way confused
the defender. In one split second and in one motion, Beckham hit the ball full on the turn
from 25 yards and buried the ball low into the bottom right
hand corner. The keeper (possibly Bruce's brother) had absolutely no chance with the
strike and that was how the game was to end. 11-1 to the Wendover
Arms and the first ever victory recorded by the side.
From
the managers perspective, it has made my job extremely hard in picking a side for next
weeks game. Everyone gave 100% on Saturday so some people will be disappointed not to be
getting into the starting line up for Sundays crucial league fixture against Chinnor. All
the players must take it on board that winning
teams win because of their strength in depth - and following Saturdays performance it is
clear that The Wendover have it!
Man
of the Match: BECKHAM
1st January 1999
So here it is, 1999 has finally arrived! What do I mean finally arrived? Well, I have been
looking forward to this New Year with great anticipiation since our last match. It was a
champion performance from the boys in purple and as we all know we were so unlucky not to
pick up our first point of the season. But everything is there to suggest that the first
victory is imminent.
I was actually disappointed that there was such a gap between fixtures as I think if we
had a game the week after Chinnor we would have won. But, the foundations to the side have
now been laid and it is just a learning process from now on.
We will just have to wait and see if there have been any seasonal injuries, if you know
what I mean.
Well, Happy New Year to everybody and all the best for a successfull 1999 for the
Wendover!
20th December 1998
Chinnor 4 Wendover Arms 3
This was our best performance of the season so far. Chinnor having been unbeaten in the 7
matches prior to this fixture proved to be a well organised side and we knew they were
going to be a tough team to breakdown. On arriving at the ground it was obvious that it
was going to be hard work. The pitch reminded me of Loakes Park back in the day, with a
steep hill stretching from one end to the other. Not only that, the wind was also behind
when attacking downhill. The scene is set, the team took to the field and this was going
to be it, our first points of the season.
The first 20 minutes was amazing. Despite playing on a surface that was more mud than
grass we managed to put together some good passing movements and exploited the space and
the frailties at the heart of the Chinnor defence. The constant barage of Wendover
pressure was keeping Chinnor in their own half for long sustained periods and there was
little work for the defence to do. When Chinnor did put on the pressure Choorah, Nick
& James all tidied things up at the back frustrating the Chinnor forwards. The
pressure was too much for Chinnor as Dave Harris, starting his first match, pounced on an
opportunity and cooly buried the ball into the net. 1-0 to the Wendover and we had
achieved something we hadn't done all season, score the first goal. The pressure continued
the Wendover were making subtle attacks from all sides of the pitch. The attacks reminded
me of the recent Gulf Crisis, we were the allies and Chinnor were Iraq. It was
dissappointing not to have scored one or two more goals in this sustained period of
pressure.
Then, from nowhere, Chinnor had a corner. It was obvious who the target man was but in a
moment of uncertainty the goal was conceded. A well finished header from the fat number 9
ended up in the net. It was now 1-1 and there was everything to play for.
10 minutes later and Chinnor were awarded another dubious corner decision. To be fair to
the ref, he had a good game and managed to let the game flow. In came the corner and again
if a certain individual namely me had called for the ball the deflected header from one of
our own players would never have found the target. So there it was, an own goal giving
Chinnor the lead. 2-1 and we had some work to do.
We found our feet again and started spreading the ball neatly around the park creating a
number of opportunities. It is ironical that the equaliser came from a set piece.
Ander took the corner, a long floating delivery to the back post and up popped
"Johnny on the Spot", Dave Harris to side foot home The Wendy's second and the
crucial equaliser.
Moments later the ref blew his whistle for the end of the first half. 2-2 was not a fair
reflection on the first half of play. It could quite easily have been 5-2 to us had we had
some luck. Choz Singh for one who had a rifling effort hit the bar and bounce away to
safety.
The game was there to be won still and we knew that we were the better footballing team.
Not 5 minutes into the second half however, a defending cock up, which Mr Hansen from BBC
TV would not have been too proud of let Chinnor in one on one with the keeper. It was 3-2.
I have to admit my heart dropped after that goal went in. I was desperately praying that
we would be the team to score first. It was just unfortunate that they were gifted the
chance so soon into the second period. The next 25 minutes were a bit of a non event. We
were still creating chances and were showing all the signs of a quality side. Had Lady
Luck been with us then who knows but credit to the lads they all gave 100% start to
finish.
Beckham was brought on for Pot Singh early in the second period and did well creating
space in assisting James at left back. Stuart came on for myself not long after to try and
give some extra stabilty at the back with less attack minded players on the pitch.
Then, some swift passing moves in midfield by Chris & John tore up the Chinnor
midfield. The through ball came to Dave Harris who looked for a shot but saw Tuppa making
one of his penetrating runs to the back post. The pass was beautifully weighted. At the
time the angle for Tuppas shot seemed almost impossible to make. I have seen premiership
strikers miss chances like this, but Tuppa, calm as you like in his alcohol induced state
slid the ball in past the post to level the scores 3-3.
The match now looked like to have reached it's climax and both sides seemed quite happy to
share the points. As injury time approached Chinnor had a couple of corners which, with
great defensive qualities from Tuppa & Dave dropping back to help out. The ref was now
looking at his watch. Then again tis is the Wendover Arms!A a half chance created by a
Chinnor throw in, spun off into the space and the little shit hit it first time into the
corner of the net leaving Richard with no chance. 10 seconds later it was all over. The
ref blew his whistle and the game was over. A point snatched away from us in the cruelest
of ways.
Watching from the sidelines had hadn't felt anything like that for a long time, well since
the summer at least.
Football is one of those games where the uncertainty of the outcome can eventually be
decided in the cruelest of fashions. When the ref blew his whistle, I had the same feeling
in my gut when Pearce, Waddle, Southgate, Ince, Batty & of course Micky Gray all
missed their penalties. The emotion that football brings to us is why we love the game so
much. It is moments like this that prove to be the best education in the game. Why?
Because we know next time it could quite easily be us scoring the winner in the dying
seconds.
Winner, you hear me say! Yes indeed, it is inevitable now that our first win is close on
the horizon.
Anyone with an ounce of footballing knowledge will know that this is achievable, but this
week it just wasn't to be. Man Ure got beat by Middlesbrough on Saturday and who would
have thought that possible? But football teams need time. We have got the side there now
and we have got a strong squad. Now it is just down to the players learning from each
other and understand they all play. We can take a hell of a lot from todays game. For long
periods we were a class above this side and we now just need to build on it.
Team: Richard (7), Ander (7), Choz (8), Nick (8), James (9), John (7), Pot (6), Phil (6),
Chris (9), Tuppa (7), Dave (10), Subs: Beckham (6), Stuart (6)
Man of the Match: Dave Harris (First Start, 2 Goals could we expect anymore?)
16th December 1998
Preview: Chinnor vs Wendover Arms
I'm anticipating a good result this Sunday. After a fine performance last week I have
decided to make a few tactical changes, fine tuning I think would be the correct
expression. There will be two changes to the starting line up from the previous match.
Dave Harris is expected to start along with myself (subject to fitness). I'm sure the two
lads who are being replaced will be disappointed not to make the starting XI, but they
will get the opportunity later in the game.
It is going to be hard for Chinnor to break us down as we now have some stability at the
back and if Chris plays anywhere near as good as last week, I'm confident Tuppa and Dave
will be able to bury any chances they get. I would really like to see us score the first
goal of the game. This is something we haven't achieved as yet and I think that if we were
to score first then I am quietly confident of us picking up all three points.
13th December 1998
Wycombe Town 7 Wendover Arms 4
OK, so we didn't record our first victory of the season, but we certainly proved ourselves
as a team in the making. The match started off in the worst possible way. 20 seconds into
the game Wycombe Town penetrated into the heart of the defence and took an early chance to
make the score 1-0. The fact we only had 10 men on the pitch may have had something to do
with it as Phil Jones, making his debut, was still in the changing rooms brushing his
hair.
The second was soon to follow as Wycombe Town made a break down the right and a nice cross
into the centre left the resulting easy tap in for the inevitable goal. During the next
period to follow, The Wendover proved themselves to be a match for the home side with some
nice interlinking passes starting from the back four and then working it through midfield
to Tuppa & Chris up front. We were now creating chances. After half an hour we were
down to 4-0, two goals that seemed to come from nowhere.
Then the game turned on it's head Wycombe Town were awarded a penalty and up stepped
the mouthy little right back that Pot Singh had almost kicked into Berkshire early in the
first half. He thought he was good, he thought that this spot kick was going to send
Wycombe Town merrily on their way to a secure 3 points, but it wasn't to be. The right
back placed the ball on the spot with only 5'6" Richard in the Wendover net to beat.
As he ran up to kick a shout came from the crowd, "You're Shit, aaaaahhhhhh" and
the mouthy little git hit the angle of the post, it remained 4-0.
At this point the Wendover took control, some beautiful passing movements set Tuppa up for
a beautiful low drive into the bottom right hand corner which the keeper had no chance in
saving. 4-1 and the boys were back! 4-1 soon became 4-2 as a poor clearance from the
Wycombe Town defence fell to the feet of Chris who unselfishly laid the ball into the path
of Phil Jones who cracked a superb deflected effort looping over the keeper. It was a
crucial time to score as moments later the ref blew his whistle for end of the first half.
The Wendover sensed that the pressure was on Town and came out fired up for the second
half. The manager Wilson made one change at half time bringing on Dave Harris for Paul
Fox. Moving Phil Jones over to the right flank, Dave slotted into the centre of midfield
to put some extra pressure on the demoralised Town defence. 10 minutes of early pressure
saw the Wendover with much of the possesion and forced Town into some critical mistakes.
This all culminated in the eventual penalty decision awarded to the Wendover for a back
pass to the keeper. From the sidelines we anticipated an indirect free kick, but fair dues
to the ref a penalty he gave and a penalty we will have. Come on Tuppa!!! Fire it in!! So
up stepped Tuppa, goal hero from the first half casually placing the ball on the penalty
spot the time to score was now and the game would be ours.
A rifling effort from the striker hit the top of the bar and flew over the top, we held
our heads in despair, we knew that if we had scored then we could have blown them away,
but it wasn't to be. 5 minutes later a poor goal kick from Richard let Wycombe in for
their fifth goal of the game. It was a very sloppy goal to concede but the reaction of the
players was inevitable after seeing a penalty miss at the other end. But fair dues to
everyone on the pitch. Heads didn't drop, and the passion and desire to win was
outstanding. Even when the sixth Wycombe goal went in, heads did not drop and the
skillfull passing movements and creative flair was evident for everyone to see. With 25
minutes to go the Wendover suddenly uped the tempo in a last ditch attempt to salvage
something out of the game. Choorah Singh forever solid at the back was instrumental in
initiating some quality passing moves. Dave and Chris linked up beautifully in the final
third, and Pot Singh was always a threat down the left hand side. The quality of football
which we produced for the last quarter of the match was a delight to see and everyone on
the touchlines watching, saw the impressive football that was being witnessed before their
very eyes.
Continual pressure for the last 20 minutes culminated in two glorious goals for the
Wendover. The first an opportunist strike from the ever dangerous Chris brought the score
back to 6-3. Then as the pressure told on the Wycombe Town defence a goal bound effort was
deflected into the net to make the score 6-4.
With 5 minutes to go Wycombe Town scored a late goal to kill off any chance the Wendover
had of salvaging a point but the boys played out of their skins for 90 minutes and a
victory is close on the horizon.
Wendover Arms Team:Richard (7), James (8), Nick (7), Choorah (9), Stuart (5), Phil (7),
John (7), Pot (7), Paul (6) (sub Dave H (8), Chris (9), Tuppa (8) (sub Beckham (6).
Man of the Match: Choorah Singh, an inspiration at the heart of the defence. The new Sol
Campbell?
12th December 1998
Since taking over the position as manager of the Wendover Arms football team I have
started to appreciate the stress the top flight premiership managers go through. No multi
million pound signings but the decisions in picking your best team for a single match is
no easy task. We may not have won any matches yet, we haven't got a point yet - but this
is a big job and the pressure from the fans is hard. They demand success, and it is down
to me and my backroom staff to gradually bring this bunch of talented youngsters to the
peak of their abilities. Rome wasn't built in a day but with dedicated individuals who are
proud to wear the claret and blue we will succeed.
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