Overall view of the season:
As was expected after last year's 4th place, Juventos continued in this vein, this time only managing to come 5th. Whilst it is a good achievement to finish above Mike Reed, it is disappointing to finish below T-Squad, as we are definitely a much better side than they are - a statement confirmed by the fact that we have beaten them in each of our 4 meetings. Again, the free flowing football hasn't always been there, but as long as we are winning the majority of our games, I suppose it's not such a problem.
We enjoyed a very good start to the season way back in September of last year, winning all of our first 6 games. The highlight of these was the superb 6-5 win over eventual champions Fraggle Rocks. This win really was a team effort of the highest calibre, and all despite the fact that George Weekes was absent. Goals came from Sands (2), Box, Fowler, Knight and Lancaster. Luke Donovan also did a good man marking job on Rat Boy, and Juan Box pulled off a superb penalty save at 6-4 (never put it to his right!). Weekes' absense was noticed a few weeks later however, as a lifeless 'Tos lost 5-2 to Steel People. A win against Allies followed, but then 3 losses in 5 games really damaged 'Tos' season, as they went down to Mike Reed and Strood Rangers, and a depleted 5 man 'Tos side lost 3-0 to Mick's MOT. Around Christmas time, 'Tos were not doing as well as their early season form had suggested, mainly due to the losses against other top sides. However, notable individual performances included 9 goals in 13 from Steve Knight (quite an achievement when considering he went on to finish with a tally of 13), and 10 in 13 from Fowler. Juan Box was probably pick of the performers though, having been in fine form.
At the turn of the year, Chard Sands bagged 4 and Mark "Mr Hands" Hurcombe scored 1 in the 5-0 win over Seven Shearers. A respectable 1-1 draw with Mighty Tackle followed, although 'Tos were disappointed not to win, having dominated the second half. They then got revenge over Strood Rangers in a 2-0 win, and demolished Artful Dodger 9-2, with 5 goals for Simon Fowler, with Luke Donovan and James Lancaster sharing the other 4 equally. Juan Box even made an appearance on pitch in this one, and outpaced someone following a Cruyff turn.
Over the next months, 'Tos were to lose to Mighty Tackle, and only draw against Aardvark and Strollers. Monkey Spankers were spanked 7-0, and T-Squad were again beaten as well as G-Unit. A much depleted 'Tos (without Box x2, Weekes and Sands) put up a brave performance in losing 6-3 to Fraggle Rocks, even though they felt they should have won. Throughout these closing stages, James Lancaster was very much the form player, turning in a "Team Gerrard" like performance against G-Unit. A tired looking Tos lost 5-1 to Mick's MOT, before winning their last 3 games 2-1, including a good win against Mike Reed.
'Tos can look back on this season, having amassed a good points total, again without playing very well for any length of time, except for maybe the start of the season. Continuity was disrupted in terms of the squad, particularly by suspensions, with both Boxes missing a game and Weekes missing 3. Weekes also missed 4 or 5 due to work commitments, and Sands also missed a number due to work. Both Canterbury based players also missed games for the usual reasons. Simon Fowler missed only 1 game. Congratulations go to him.
Pos Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
5 30 20 3 7 93 61 32 32
The combative defender�s performances this season have been of the highest order, winning plaudits from teammates and supporters alike. Although he went through a goal-scoring drought during the middle of the season, he returned to goal getting from towards the end of the season, netting 7 goals in 8 weeks. Solid at the back as ever, he was one of the keys to the excellent defensive record Tos had this season.
Highlight of the season � His two goal performance against Monkey Spankers were his 2 goals sealed victory for an under par Tos , or nearly hitting Ken up the head with the ball (intentionally) and setting up a goal.
James Lancaster
Another season, in which the versatile player proved what an asset he is to Juventos, as the tall half of LARD was excellent in a number of roles. Although he has become more of a defensive player, he has still shown the famous outside of the foot finish on a number of occasions. Like Weekes, has contributed heavily to the good defensive record of Tos this season, as his telescopic legs have won tackles so many times.
Highlight of the season � Either scoring the winner in the high scoring victory against Fraggle Rocks earlier in the season or putting in a magnificent performance against G-Unit when he single handedly led Tos to victory
Steve Knight
The powerful striker has a fantastic start to the season, leading the top scorer chart for a number of weeks as his pace and strength led to a number of goal scoring chances. Happy to play at the back, his pace and improved tackling ability has meant he has become more versatile. Showed his character after recovering from a nightmare against Mighty Tackle to score 2 goals in the following match against Monkey Spankers.
Highlight of the season � Either scoring an excellent equaliser against Aardvark or his man of the match performance against Five Bellies at the start of the season.
Steve Box
Another good season from the defensive lynchpin, in which he showed why Tos have such a miserly defensive record. Always comfortable on the ball, Steve never put a foot wrong all season. Got double figures for goals again this season, with the shot into the corner from a free kick becoming his trademark. Never went a month without a goal, the tall defender was practically ever present and was probably the teams best player over the course of the season
Highlight of the season � An excellent performance against the chavvy Strood Rangers around Christmas time or his double against T-Squad more recently.
Simon Fowler
Simon finished top scorer for El Submarino Azul, after passing his own personal target of 20 with a few games to spare, eventually finishing on 24. He may have finished with more, have suffered one or two barron spells through the season. That said, he often went on hot streaks too. Although it is not his preferred position, Fowler has often found himself filling in at the back this season for the suspended Weekes, and doing so admirably.
Highlight of the season - His 5 goals in the 9-2 drubbing of Artful Dodger.
Chard Sands
The pint-sized hitman showed this season that he is one of the leagues trickiest players. Always looks good on the ball and chipped in with his fair share of goals. Works really hard for the team and always offers when with his back to goal, the little half of LARD is at his most dangerous when running at defenders. Never shirked his defensive duties this season, but it is in front of goal when he is at his best. Looked most dangerous when he plays consecutive games.
Highlight of the season � Got to be his stunning 4 goals against Seven Shearers at Christmas were his pace and accurate finishing single handedly destroyed the opposition.
Juan Box
Undoubtedly the side's best player for the first third of the season, his number of appearances is the only negative one can usually chuck at the young spaniard. Played 18 games, which isn't a bad return. Distribution was never a question throughout the season, and the defense always seems more confident with him behind them, and rightly so. Will be looking forward to getting another run out on pitch soon.
Highlight of the season - His penalty save against Fraggle Rocks or his double save against Kingsfield Legend in the last game.
Luke Donovan
It's a shame we don't see more of the german on the blue carpet these days, as he gives the team an option down the left hand side that they do undoubtedly lack. He played in 8 games this year, winning in 6, and only losing to Micks MOT and Fraggle Rocks. His left foot proved too much for keepers on 4 occassions this year. Did a good job when he volunteered to man mark rat boy early in the year.
Highlight of the season - His thunderbolt against T-Squad early in the year.
Click here to see last years stats.