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OCTOBER
17.10.09 6-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT
The other week we played in a best of
the best tournament, we weren't the best of the best. We came 3rd, we were poor
at best! We won the first game 3-0, Nev, Tancey and me scored. Second game was
3-3, I think. Gus (2) and Joey scored, so Gus was on 99 goals! Gus scored a
peno in the game but sadly missed the sudden death one. In the 3/4 place play
off, Joey and Nev scored, so Nev stuck on 99 goals as well. It finished 2-2, so
sudden death pens again, I managed to squeeze one in and they missed. So 3rd it
was, Saturday is not a good day to play indoor.
James
Nutt
Let’s
keep the race reach to 100 6-A-Side goals between Nev and Gus strictly to our
YMCA fixtures, eh? With both of them getting on the scoresheet in the last two
outings, they both now sit on 99 YMCA 6-A-Side goals. Up next it’s Hold The
Phone. Last time we played them it was a 4-1 victory and both Gus and Nev
scored. It’s anyone’s guess who’ll score first next week.
The
Editor
17.10.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 15.10.09 – O’Carrolls FC 5 - 0 Hamstrung
United
Scorers: Angus
Welton, James Nutt, Martin Thomas, Neville Poole, Paul Tancell
17.10.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 08.10.09 – O’Carrolls FC 6 - 3 Inter FC
Scorers: Michael
Harrod (3), Angus Welton, Neville Poole, Paul Tancell
SEPTEMBER
26.09.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 24.09.09 – O’Carrolls FC 5 - 0 Headless
Chooks
Scorers: James
Nutt (2), Michael Harrod (2), Angus Welton
Line up last
night was Richie, Tancey, Gus, Joey, Paddy and myself. A comfortable victory in
the end, Nev cried off, some stomach issue or something... Good workout and in
preparation for next weeks best of the best tournament, it was good to have
what some have said (Nev excluded) the strongest six available! Goals from Joey
with two well taken strikes, Gus controlled and well placed finish and me with
two, one very Nev-esque, couldn't miss three yards out. Richie pulled off a
couple of stops, Paddy had some dangerous efforts and Tancey controlled the back
line. Three points, job done and I believe some more drinks vouchers on the
way.
James
Nutt
At
the end of the Winter round of fixtures, Jimbo has further cemented his
position as OC’s 6-A-Side goalscoring sensation taking his tally to 157 goals – that’s nearly a quarter of
the 644 goals scored at the Y to date. Behind him come Gus and Nev, who, on 97
goals each, are both now just three goals off their 100th 6-A-Side goals.
Who’ll reach the target first? Between the three of them, James, Gus and
Neville are accountable for just under 55% of the total 6-A-Side goals.
The Editor
24.09.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 17.09.09 – O’Carrolls FC 6 - 0 Hamstrung
United
Scorers: Neville
Poole (3), Angus Welton, Martin Thomas, Paul Tancell
Just like buses,
you wait for ages for one to come along and then two come at once!
No Big Game Bottler Jimmy this week so
team was Richie, Tancy, Paddy, Gus, Joey and Nev. After Hamstrung’s big win
against Inter a week earlier we wanted to give them a good hammering, which we
did. They had bought in a couple of ring-ins. Great game from all bar Joey who
was OK, looked a bit tired on the pitch. Goals come from Paddy with a very well
taken left footed half volley, Gus with a simple tap in after great work from
Tancy, Tancy with a cool finish and Nev scrabbled a hat-trick (goals were all
lucky but what do we expect from Nev.) Richie didn’t have a save to make so 6-0
it finished. Oh and yes, Jimmy has taken Gus' Big Game Bottler title.
Martin
Thomas
A classy performance down the Y all but
secured another title for OC's and another load of free piss down Jobba's pub.
James was dropped due to poor match reporting and was rightly replaced by
Joey. Rumour was that it was a two match ban so hopefully we won't see him this
week either. Richie, Tancey, Paddy, Gus and Nev completed the line up.
Hamstrung had a few new faces and had beaten Inter last week so we were
cautious of what was ahead. However we were superior all over the park and Gus
set about beating three or four players just to pass to Tancy on the edge
of our own D seemingly quite regularly and gradually the spare man would appear
out wide. Joey was linking the play well and our usual passing game was in
full force. Paddy started the rout with a screamer into the top corner to
add to his collection of quality strikes this season. Nev conjured up three
tap-ins from the edge of the area, two with his left foot. Tancy fired one in
the bottom corner and Gus slotted one after there defence went walkabout.
Richie kept another clean sheet and made a few important saves early on to keep
them at bay. One more game left and I’m sure there's a few goals to be had next
week if we keep playing like this.
Neville
Poole
23.09.09 LEAGUE RESULT 13.08.09 – O’Carrolls FC 1 - 4 Chinese Star
Sports
Scorer: James
Nutt
Man of the Match:
Lee Harker
Team: Richie
O’Neill, Marc Dobbing, Paul Tancell, Craig, Martin Thomas, Lee Harker, Paul
Gibbons, Michael Harrod, Alexander Bell, Neville Poole, James Nutt
12.09.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 10.09.09 – O’Carrolls FC 10 - 0 Volcanics
Scorers: James
Nutt (5), Angus Welton (2), Martin Thomas (2), Paul Tancell
Last Thursday normality was restored,
the regular six lined up again (Richie, Tancey, Nev, Paddy, Gus and myself),
and we put on a good performance. Nev didn't score and I am doing the write up.
Volcanics have been tough in the past, but we steamrolled them right from the
start, the football was very impressive, Nev didn't score and it was good to
put on a performance like that in front of some fans. Goals were from Gus (2),
both good goals and well struck finishes, Tancey with a cracking strike, I
managed to grab five, one from kick off, Paddy (2), one of them a great team
goal, total football with everyone involved in the move and finished very well
from a good run. Nev didn't score however. Richie did what was required of him
and kept the ball out, clean sheet always good. It was a great all round
performance, the only blot on the record books was Nev didn't score or do the
write-up. Good stuff lads.
James Nutt
08.09.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 03.09.09 – O’Carrolls FC 3 - 1 Inter FC
Scorers: Angus
Welton, Michael Harrod, Neville Poole
Match report vs Hold the Phone...
Won 4-1 - I scored two, Joey got one
and I think the other was an OG. Richie, Tancy, Paddy, Joey and me all played
well. Nev was rubbish.
Match report vs Inter...
Won 3-1 - Me and Joey got one
each and I think the other was an OG. Richie, Tancy, Paddy, Joey and
me all played well. Nev was rubbish.
Cheers.
Maybe you'll write the next one Nev?
Angus Welton
AUGUST
08.09.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 27.08.09 – O’Carrolls FC 4 - 1 Hold The
Phone
Scorers: Angus
Welton (2), Michael Harrod, Neville Poole
01.09.09 LEAGUE RESULT 26.08.09 – Bohemian Celtic 1 2 - 1
O’Carrolls FC
Scorer: Lee
Harker
Team: Richie
O’Neill, Marc Dobbing, Paul Tancell (Lee Harker), Dan Biddlecombe, Martin Thomas,
Paul Gibbons, Robert Hunter, Michael Harrod, Jaime Shaw, James Nutt, Stu Dye
(Jermom Guimaraes)
26.08.09 LEAGUE RESULT 23.08.09 – O’Carrolls FC 1 - 2
Internationale FC
OC’s last outing ended up in an abandoned game
against the Bruce Lee wannabe’s Chinese Star so this week we were hoping to get
back to some normality with a full game against Inter and hopefully three
points that would keep us in the title hunt. Having lost to Inter earlier in
the season we knew this would be a tough game but confidence was high that we
could get the job done.
With ‘Rocky’ suspended (rather harshly) for eight
weeks Richie returned in goal after his stint back in gypsy land [let me just clear
up that Gus is referring specifically to Dublin there, not the whole of
Ireland, and particularly not Cork],
Redsy was at right back, Paddy left, Tancy and Biddler easily filling the holes
at centre back. Midfield was Jamie, Gibbo, Joey and Gus with Jimmy Nutt and
Jermon up front. That left Lee and Jobba (who looks like he enjoyed his trip
home) on the bench.
OC’s started the brighter of the two teams and
within the first 20 minutes had created two or three good goalscoring
opportunities but, in what has been a story of the season really, just couldn’t
find the killer instinct to stick them away. The Inter keeper made a couple of
good saves and Jermon hit the post with one effort. Numerous corners came and
went but to be honest we only created one good chance from them when Tancy
blazed over from a few yards out.
The defence was looking strong and Inter had to
resort to a few long range efforts that Richie easily dealt with. We were on
top all over the pitch and after a good passing move involving five or six of
us Gibbo whipped in a cross that the defender could only divert by using his
hand. Penalty to OC’s! Jimmy Nutt stepped up cool as you like and placed it in
the top corner – never in doubt! Half time 1-0.
Inter started the 2nd half quite brightly and put
us under a bit of pressure for the first 15 minutes without really creating any
real chances. Then from another attack there was a slight mix up at the back
and the ball dropped to the Inter striker, Gus slid in from behind to try and
stop his shot and maybe got a bit of the ball? He did also take the man to be
fair. What would the refs decision be? He points for a corner but then calls
Gus over – red card! Now if he’d given a penalty and a red, it would still have
been harsh but understandable. A corner and a red makes no sense at all.
Anyway, OC’s down to 10 men. Lee came on for Joey
with Jamie and Gibbo moving into the centre of the field and Jimmy dropping
back to left mid leaving Jermon up top on his own. OC’s were battling hard and
Jermon always looked dangerous on the break but again the finishing was not up
to scratch.
Now I don’t want to complain too much about the ref
because that sounds a bit gay but (righto I’m gonna be a bit gay) before the game
he stated that we could take quick free kicks if we wanted but once we’d asked
for 10 yards we would have to wait for the whistle – something along those
lines anyway. So low and behold, Inter get a free kick 25 yards out and ask for
10 yards so Richie starts to line up his wall. The Inter player then takes a
quick free kick that sneaks into the corner of the net. What the feck! Come on
ref, have a think! 1-1. OC’s up against
it now with 15 to go and only 10 men.
Eventually the pressure told and from a whipped in
cross a looping header found the top corner and Inter had taken the lead 2-1.
There was plenty of effort from the boys, right up until the final whistle, but
Inter held on for the 2-1 victory.
I’m not gonna go on about it anymore because what’s
done is done but we felt a little hard done by. Cheers to the Inter boys for a
hard, fair game and we look forward to the chance to reverse the result next
season. Special mention to Jamie who worked his socks off in midfield and MOM
Tancy who looked back to his very best with a strong performance in defence.
To the OC’s boys it’s been another season of if’s
and but’s. So close but yet so far and any other clichés you want to add.
Realistically we’ve just not quite been good enough when it really matters. A
lot to work on for next season. Let’s see if we can finish the season off with
a win against Bohs on Wednesday night – that would make the summer break a bit
sweeter.
Oh yeah, happy (late) birthday to Tom – hopefully
we’ll have you back for next season BUD!
Angus Welton
Scorer: James
Nutt (P)
Man of the Match:
Paul Tancell
Team: Richie
O’Neill, Robert Hunter, Paul Tancell, Dan Biddlecombe, Martin Thomas, Paul
Gibbons, Angus Welton, Michael Harrod (Lee Harker), Jaimes Shaw, James Nutt,
Jermom Guimaraes
Unused Subs:
Marc Dobbing
Nelly of the Week: Matt Walker
22.08.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 20.08.09 – O’Carrolls FC 3 - 1 Inter FC
Scorers:
Angus Welton (2), James Nutt
Good win last
Thursday night and hope it bodes well for Sunday. Back to the regular six;
Richie, back from sunny Ireland, Tancey, Nev, Paddy, Gus and myself. Good game
and performance, Inter weren't too happy with the ref and to be fair he was up
to his usual tricks. Gus got two good goals, one solo effort and a very quickly
taken free-kick that caused uproar. I managed to nick one in off my shin.
Richie, pulled off some good stops and managed to stay in his box, Paddy some
marauding runs and Tancey cleaning up at the back. Nev was present as well. All
good lads.
James
Nutt
It’s
my birthday on Sunday boys – 28! – so a nice pressie would be a repeat of this
result in the league fixture. Three wins and we could be Prem champs!
The
Editor
19.08.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 13.08.09 – O’Carrolls FC 6 - 2 Unreal
Madrid
Scorers:
Angus Welton (2), James Nutt, Martin Thomas,
Michael Harrod, Neville Poole
I let in a
howler between my legs, worst goal ever but that's why I don't play in net.
James
Nutt
09.08.09 LEAGUE RESULT 26.07.09 – O’Carrolls FC 1 - 1 Pakuranga
United
Oh what started out to be a great day to
play football. A beautifully fine crisp day overshadowed by the terrible
state of Bill McKinley Park. Spirits were high, with the prospect of being
three points closer to taking out the championship. Even though our captain
engagement lost the toss for the second weekend in a row the boys started well.
With the concerns that Pakuranga had stacked their team with ring-ins we still
looked the most likely in the early encounters. A great cross from Lee found
Matt unmarked at the back post a simple header ended up simply too weak.
However we know we were in a game when soon after we were found waiting when
Jobba was skinned which left a one on one with the keeper.
Barnstormers comes charging out with the goal mouth blocked; a
stale mate. Fortunately he had support coming square in front of goal,
unfortunately for us Paddy was at the corner of the box picking his nose.
Fortunately for us the square ball in front of the open goal was butchered, a
theme which was unfortunately to follow us for the rest of the game. The only
other scoring opportunity in a mediocre half was a cracking inside out leaping
out inside volley with the outside of his right foot that required a good save
from Pakuranga's goal keeper. The second half saw a change at the back with the
ever reliable ,sure footed and our best winner of our ball in the air taking a
rest on the bench. (Risky, but that's what happens when you miss training.)
Tansy was always going to be a solid replacement especially with his resent
considerable loss of weight in the Nether regions. Early in the second half
another necessary sub. Jamie on for Paddy. Necessary because Paddy was going to
have more of an impact on the sideline than on the field as it turned out. The
next 20 minutes was going to be remembered by our strikers , Jigsaw One (Matt)
and Jigsaw Two (Star) who both went to pieces in the box. This period of time
is evident in the number of smoking in kit fines issued which were even more
than the shit pass fines. There were a lot of shit passes. A bit of pressure on
our defence results in Tansy's feet stick in mud and another one on one with
the Barnstormer. I thought I had it covered, Tansy didn't so brought the
striker down in the box. Finally Paddy is alert. Off side flag goes up. No
penalty. Phew! Oh I speak too early. A penalty! Luckily for us at the other
end. Calmly taken by James, but success is fleeting. In the last minute if the
game (apparently from someone on the sideline who was timing the game was the
fifth minute of overtime) a cross comes over, one striker goes up for the ball,
along with three defenders. One all. Shit. Unbelievable. Did that just really
happen. Not our best performance by far. I guess the pitch was the winner
of the day. Honourable Mentions go to Captain Engagement who battled like a
heavy wait sticking a striker twice his size into his back pocket. Gibbo and
Joey for their continuous work load in extremely difficult
conditions. (Team mates take note.) Jimmy, great to have you back. Great
delivery. Great to have Beverly Hills Cop Jamie back aswell, Aniit.
Were still in it Boys. Keep the Faith. Work hard.
Play hard.
Barney
Scorer: James
Nutt (P)
Man of the Match:
Dan Biddlecombe
Team: Andrew
Barns-Graham, Martin Thomas (Jaime Shaw), Marc Dobbing, Dan Biddlecombe, Robert
Hunter (Paul Tancell), James Nutt, Lee Harker (Duncan McGregor), Paul Gibbons,
Michael Harrod, Matt Walker, Stu Dye
Nelly of the Week: Jaime Shaw
09.08.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 06.08.09 – O’Carrolls FC 5 - 1 Skillz That
Killz
Scorers:
James Nutt (2), Neville Poole (2), Martin Thomas
Last
Thursday will be remembered for one thing and one thing only... it wasn't the
left foot screamer that Paddy put away from just inside his own half, the goal
straight from kick-off, Nev's two flukey goals, Tanceys bone crunching tackles
or the stand in keeper. It was Biddy, yes that's right, Biddy running up and
down the indoor arena non-stop for 24 minutes. Never on a Sunday have I seen
the pace he showed last night, the fearless desire to cover every inch of the
hardwood floor. The man is slowly being rebuilt and I also wonder if he has
been down the gym regularly in preparation for his big day! He only got the
call up at 7:00pm for the 9:55pm kick off but he was more than prepared both
physically and mentally. The rest of us did well, the keeper was drafted in and
Skillz That Killz allowed us to continue with him for the duration, which we were
grateful for, the thought of Nev in goal was too much to bear. A good
performance all round given the difficulty in getting a team together for the
late kick-off. Goals in the end from: Nev (2), James (2) and Paddy’s screamer.
James
Nutt
04.08.09 LEAGUE RESULT 02.08.09 – O’Carrolls FC 5 - 2 Zamantix
Rovers
"Don't worry I haven't wee'd on you love, I
just get wet sometimes" is the only thing to crack a smile in the OC's changing
room after a huge night on the lash and diddlers for Biddy's stag-do-de-morte.
Never has there been a room stinkin' of ale been so quiet. Could we be in for a
repeat match of the early cup exit game against our fast becoming bogey team?
Not on your Joey. Nelly, Nelly, I mean Nelly!
The conditions were perfect for the OC's boys at
our third choice pitch Seymour Park - fine weather, snooker table like pitch
and 11 rotten hangovers.
With Joey and Mat turning up with the old
"upsidedown face" on back to front, the Mini Gaffa had to come with a
bit of tinker tactics to fill the slots. Jimmy Nutt was pushed up front with
Jermom making his first start in the ASFA Premiership. This made way for our
strong minded Scottish lad Jamie Shaw to play in his natural position in the
left of midfield with some very big boots to fill. Also moving forward was the
"Red Dynamite" Redsy joining "funkysmellybottom" Gibbo in
centre mid with Tancey starting in centre half, also knowing there's big boots
to be filled to claim his throne back.
The first quarter of the game was all OC's, as
usual coming straight out of the blocks to punish anything that came their way
(especially with a massive payback score to settle with Zamantix). Jermom was
seeing plenty of the ball, tying the Zamantix defenders in knots and creating
chance after chance for Jimmy Nutt only to be denied by the keeper or the
woodwork. We were all hoping Jimmy didn’t have a repeat of the O'Carrolls
centre forward horror's with the ball just not wanting to go in. The place it
kept ending was the lovely pine tree behind the Zed's goal. Zamantix made the
occasional break into the OC's half but were repeatedly denied by the back four
of the league leaders. Tancey and "Bionic" Biddy were winning
everything down the middle. Paddy was well and truly present, feeding Jamie
down the left who was causing so many problems for Zamantix and Ski (not Jobba)
was also playing above himself keeping Lee busy down the right by actually
keeping the ball in play.
Deep into the first half and Jamie, frightening the
life out of anything in blue that looked at him, belted down the left again.
With options everywhere he chose to keep hold of the ball for a wee while
longer before feeding Jermom, who put Jimjam through on goal. His shot was kept
out by a combination of keeper and crossbar. Will it ever go in? You bet your
life it will! Lee picked up the scraps and slotted one home for the still
"half-cut kents". One nil OC's!
Nil-nil was the oh-so-familiar shout from the
O'Carroll's boys inspiring each other to go after more. Bang, bang, bang!!! We
had no time for prisoners in this match. "Redback Redsy" the
poisonous player he is, was cranking and crunching the Zamantix players for his
Sunday Roast. This gave "Stinkbomb" Gibbons more time on the ball to
spray it around like one of his famous pumps. One two, one two between the two
new centre forwards led to Mr Nutt stepping up for the second goal.
Zamantix were going for it with the cup game in
their minds. Jamie entered the refs book for another tough British tackle. He
needed to keep a lid on it if he wanted to play the remainder of the game!
Zamantix were battling in the centre of the park and won a free kick after
Gibbo gently leaned on their centre midfielder. Barny organised his five man
wall. The Zed's player stepped up and sent a blinding free kick round the wall
and into the net! 2-1.
After this the OC's tried to calm things down and
they again began to apply pressure. Jimmy got round the back of the Z's defence
and puts his horror's to rest by whacking his second and the O'Carroll's third
into the old onion bag. OC's now were really stepping up a gear or two looking
to improve their goal tally beyond reach. Both wingers with amazing pace were
giving the "blues" real nightmares. It was the young, "women's
knicker's selling", Brazilian to get on the scoresheet with his first goal
for the club before halftime.
4-1 - half time.
The second half was a bit scrappier for the first
20 minutes. With Jimmy Nutt's "OC's center forward horror's" creeping
back into his game it seemed like he had a problem with the neighbour's back
window's behind the Zamantix goal constantly trying to put them through. Matt,
fetching the balls, was lucky to be alive with the neighbour's dog guarding the
misguided shots on his proud territory. It was the Zed's to get the next
goal to give them some false sense of hope against the title chasing
wreckheads.
Time came for the fresh troops to be installed. On
came Joey taking over from Redsy and Matt came on for Jermom who was beginning
to show a developing injury. They both looked like they'd been on the pitch all
game, winning every challenge and connecting with their team mates. One last
break down the left for Jamie Shaw, who had plenty left in the tank, saw him
send a crackin' ball from way out wide which found Joey just on the edge of the
box who banged it first time into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal
giving the keeper no chance!
5-2 the final score and how we deserved another
great win. This is it now going into the final three games. It's a win, win,
win only for us to keep in our minds. Good luck to mini-mini gaffa Stupot
choosing next week’s line up.
Well done boys!
Paul Gibbons
Scorers: James
Nutt (2), Jermom Guimaraes, Lee Harker, Michael Harrod
Man of the Match:
Jaime Shaw
Team: Andrew
Barns-Graham, Martin Thomas, Marc Dobbing, Dan Biddlecombe, Paul Tancell, Jaime
Shaw, Robert Hunter (Michael Harrod), Paul Gibbons, Lee Harker, Jermom
Guimaraes (Matt Walker), James Nutt
Unused Subs:
Alexander Bell
Nelly of the Week: Michael Harrod
JULY
03.08.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 30.07.09 – O’Carrolls FC 0 - 0 Hold The
Phone
Last
Thursday we drew 0-0, not the best performance but not the worst either. I hold
my hands up for the cardinal sin of missing a penalty and it was a terrible,
terrible miss! So apologies. Team was Richie, Tancey, Joey, Paddy, me and Matt
W. We played OK and put some good moves together, the ref was very whistle
happy and he disallowed, what I believed were two good goals, both for being
inside the box. Aside from that we held on to the ball too much. On the other
side of things I can't remember a shot from them, which makes the
disappointment and penalty miss even worse.
James
Nutt
27.07.09 LEAGUE RESULT 26.07.09 – O’Carrolls FC 1 - 1 Pakuranga
United
Scorer: James
Nutt (P)
Man of the Match:
Dan Biddlecombe
Team: Andrew
Barns-Graham, Martin Thomas (Jaime Shaw), Marc Dobbing, Dan Biddlecombe, Robert
Hunter (Paul Tancell), James Nutt, Lee Harker (Duncan McGregor), Paul Gibbons,
Michael Harrod, Matt Walker, Stu Dye
Nelly of the Week: Jaime Shaw
26.07.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 23.07.09 – O’Carrolls FC 7 - 2 Volcanics
Scorers:
James Nutt (4), Michael Harrod (2), Neville Poole
Last Thursday we won 7-2, strong
performance and we always had more in the tank if it was needed. Team selection
was tricky given some notable absences, Richie "Gloves" O'Neill and
Angus "Goals" Welton both unavailable. So the team line-up was Tancy
(in net), Jobba, Nev, Paddy, myself and Joey. To be brutally honest I can't
remember too much of the game, Nev and myself picked up a yellow each from our
good friend Goldilocks. Goals were taken by Nev (dubious), myself (4) and Joey
with two strong finishes [goal number five was OC’s 600th 6-A-Side goal, whomever scored
it?]. Tancy did a sterling effort in
between the sticks and much like Richie could do nothing about the goals as the
outfield stitched him up with their marking. Jobba, was immense at the back and
put in a performance with effort I had not seen before, in fact I wondered what
had gotten into him, then I realised he wasn't playing for us, it was to ensure
we weren't going to miss out on the Bluestone voucher and some potential extra
$$ for the pub. No wonder he was quick to say yes. Nev, despite fatherhood very
nearly upon him put his kit on, rumour has it that his mobile was in his sock,
just in case he got the call during the game (that may also explain the
direction of some of his passes/shots/crosses). Joey and Paddy both played well
and created good chances and cleaned up at the back when needed. A good night’s
work by all.
James
Nutt
23.07.09 LEAGUE RESULT 19.07.09 – Chinese Star Sports 0 - 3
O’Carrolls FC
After last Sunday’s game was postponed and the
stormy nature of the preceding days it was a relief to wake up on Sunday and
see some blue sky and the sun out. Paddy was back from holiday and Duncan was
over his runny nose, both were keen to get on the field and make their mark. There
was a noticeable withdrawal today of Jamie, who had caught the sniffles from
Duncan. Mini Gaffer was amped for the game taking some of the boys aside and
giving then some words of advice to try and get their football brains switched
on prior to the kick off.
In the year of the Ox, the Mini Gaffer announced
the O’Carroll’s team for the day. Barney in goal, Paddy left back, Ski right
back and Redsy /Bidcom in the centre. Surprising to everyone was the decision
of Mini Gaffer to promote Bidcom from vice, vice, vice to the actual captain
for the day. Most thought he wouldn’t make 90 minutes and whispers were that
Stu had the inside running, but instead had player cam again. The midfield was
made up of Duncan on the left, Lee on the right with a new combination in the
middle of Gibbo and Joey. Stu returned to the front with striking partner Matt.
Alfie and Tancy were on the bench.
OC’s, a.k.a “the Australia Farmers”, started off
pretty steadily, if not a little rusty against Chinese Star but we managed to keep
them pinned in their own half for long periods of time. Paddy and Duncan
combined on the left and put together a couple of interesting moves, threading
a ball through to Matt on the edge of the box where he unleashed a cracking
shot but it was high, high and very wide.
Five minutes later Joey pounced on a loose ball in the middle of the
park, beat one, beat two and produced a nice shot that at least produced a save
out of the keeper. Ski and Lee worked well together on the right with some good
interchanges of passing and some good crosses by Lee into the box but couldn’t
quite pick out our strike force to open our account. The backline was tight and
we were passing the ball around well. Ski received a nice ball out from Barney
and he surveyed his options; shall I go inside, down the line to Lee, maybe run
at them and beat them? As Ski took the greatly anticipated play he noticed the
ball had rolled out for a throw. All the backline heard was *#%$& Jobba.
Throughout the first half Chinese Star were flying
in with high boots and late challenges with several of the lads going down.
Gibbo got shot again and was out cold on the sideline with a small bullet hole
in the leg. Bidcom and Lee had track marks all over their legs and Matt and a
hot ear from that guy talking to him. The referee did take charge and dished
out several yellow cards. Towards the end of the first half Tancy took up
coaching the left back for the opposition, it didn’t seem to help us as we went
in 0-0 at half time.
At the start of the second half the referee asked
to speak to Bidcom (captain and still on the park after 45) and said there had
been some comments made in the first half and if he heard anything further if
would be a straight red.
OC’s started the second half very well, tight and
accurate passing, good crosses were coming in and we were unlucky not to score.
Then from a goal kick, Ski collected the ball, laid it off to Lee who glided
down the line and produced a beautiful cross which dropped at Stu’s feet and
with littlest of effect beat his man and toe-poked it into the bottom left
corner. 1-zip. Tancy the true professional was preoccupied with a more pressing
matter and missed this glorious finish.
The next ten minutes were messy; neither side could
get hold of the ball or string together a couple of passes. Suddenly amongst
the confusion the opposition made a decisive break through the middle and had
our defence back peddling and scrambling to make a tackle on the edge of the
box. Bidcom went sliding, missing the ball, Redsy came flying across to cover
Bidcom’s cock up but slipped, caught a bad bounce or f***ed it and an
opposition player was through on goal. OC’s were down to their last line of
defence and Barney “The Cat 1989” readied himself for the shot. The shot was
well taken but Barney “The Cat 1989” pushed off his left foot and made a great
save to keep them out.
Barney “The Cat 1989” then launched the ball up
field. Tancy noticed that the ball was heading towards Stu and after Stu’s last
effort he decided he’d better keep one eye on the game. Stu brought the ball
down on the left wing and twisted and turned beating several players before
launching in a speculative cross, which caught a fortunate touch off one of the
defenders making the shot loop over the goalies head to make it 2-zip.
The game opened up after this point and the OC’s
boys started to have a few pot shots from everywhere with Joey and Gibbo
getting a couple on target. With about ten minutes to go Paddy cleared the
lines which turned into a long through ball to Matt, who managed to beat the
offside trap, leather the ball on the half volley, the ball dipped and screamed
into the top right corner giving the goalie no chance. 3-zip. A great goal from
Matt and some say goal of the season, but not me still five matches to go and
plenty more goals to get.
The final minutes wound down without any further
action to report. Man of the Match went to Joey. Most fines went to Stu.
Redsy
What
a position we’re in now lads – three points clear at the top of the table with
five games to go. Rivals Inter are three points behind with a game in hand, but
our superior goal difference of +21 is almost like an extra point. More
importantly, Bohs are five points behind with two games in hand, but with one
of those games being against us, we are in a great position to claim the
Premier division title at only our second attempt. Win our final five games and
we win the league; it’s that simple. We’ll have to be at our very best to beat
both Bohs and Inter but what bigger motivation could there be. Come on
OC’s!
The Editor
Scorers: Stu
Dye (2), Matt Walker
Man of the Match:
Michael Harrod
Team: Andrew
Barns-Graham, Martin Thomas, Marc Dobbing, Dan Biddlecombe, Robert Hunter,
Duncan McGregor, Lee Harker, Paul Gibbons, Michael Harrod, Matt Walker, Stu Dye
Unused Subs:
Paul Tancell, Alexander Bell
Nelly of the Week: Jaime Shaw
13.07.09 LEAGUE RESULT 12.07.09 – O’Carrolls FC v Internationale FC
POSTPONED
13.07.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 02.07.09 – O’Carrolls FC 2 - 0 Skillz That
Killz
Scorers:
Default win
07.07.09 LEAGUE RESULT 05.07.09 – Airforce 0 – 3 O’Carrolls FC
After last weeks miserable cup exit it was back to
Premier League business on Sunday and a trip out west to face those magnificent
men in their flying machines. Mini Gaffer had had his work cut out all morning
sending texts advising all of ground change after ground change after ground
change. Hobsonville Domain was to be the
pitch of choice and “NO ID REQUIRED” was the call. A decimated squad arrived at the ground with
some notable absentees; Captain Gus missing for the rest of the season and
potentially longer after last being seen entering Hooters in San Francisco, Jimmy Nutt was also
Stateside, not in Hooters, Paddy was taking a well earned “time out” chasing
his missus around the South Island, Jamie was stuck in a climbing frame chasing
under age girls or something like that, Jermon was doing voiceovers for monkey
magic, Dan Bradley was still Missing In Action (possibly at Hooters too) and
poor Duncan had a runny nose.
Pitch inspection time came and the Mini Gaffer took
a stroll with the ref and Airforce rep from one goal area across the motocross
track to the centre circle via a small pond - the pitch was deemed to be unfit
to play on, so another change of venue was in order. Whenuapai Air Base, the original choice was
back on. Those with suitable picture ID signed in at the gates and drove through,
whilst Matt Walker proudly told the gate security man that he had his pass “but
the lads in the back haven’t” it was a quick U-turn and off back to the city
for four of the boys to pick up driving licenses, passports, notes from mums
etc.
So with the game destined for a late kick off, the
eight remaining players went out and “warmed up”. It was a good exercise as we discovered
several things which may help later in the season. Alfie (when drunk) can cross a ball well with
his right foot but is crap at saving penalties,
Matt walker is dreadful at crossing with his left foot, Bidcom could be
a suitable 6th choice keeper, and Tancy is not afraid to shoot from anywhere.
So Richie and the boys arrived back and the team was
announced. Barney in goal, Bidcom left back, Dr Jobba/Mr Ski at right back,
with Tancy and Redsy centre backs. The
midfield consisted of Lee on the right, Joey on the left and Gibbo and Stu
holding the midfield with Nev and Chewy up front. Alfie and Richie were on the bench. Tancy was
self appointed captain for the day.
OC’s started off brightly, managing to knock the
ball around well in difficult conditions and Matt W nearly giving them the lead
after five minutes but his shot hit the side netting. It wasn’t long before OC’s eventually took
the lead, great work down the right by Lee and a superb cross found Gibbo who
nestled his header into the back of the net, 1-0. Chewy had a chance to extend the OC’s lead
but his one on one came to nothing. This was to be a familiar pattern for the
Richard Keys wannabe. A second goal did
arrive shortly after, Bidcom hit a speculative effort from range that must have
had unbelievable power and swerve for the keeper not to hold it and fumble it
over the line – Gibbo smashed it in to make sure, but honesty is a strong
virtue of the Gibbotron and awarded it to Bidcom for his first goal in two
years! Varying stories may emerge of the
nature of the goal, but I’m writing the report so this becomes the official
version. With last weeks opposition
comeback still fresh in the minds, OC’s worked hard at pushing for a third. Lee
spanked one over the bar and Nev shot wide from a one on one.
There was good football being played all across the
park considering the conditions. Joey, Bidcom, Jobba and Lee were putting some
good moves together up their respective flanks and getting some quality crosses
whipped in. Tancy and Reds were solid at
the back and sweeping up anything that got through to them, leaving Barney with
not too much to do. Gibbo and Stu were
working tirelessly in the middle and Nev and Matt were holding the ball up well
in the final third. It was only a matter of time before another goal came. Some great play by Stu in the middle and a
lovely slipped though ball to Lee saw the weed tooting Northerner plant the
ball past the keeper, 3-0.
A few more chances came and went, Gibbo saw a
couple of efforts narrowly miss the target and Nev’s header was just wide from
another great Lee cross. Matt went
through on goal only to be crudely brought down by the keeper just outside the
box – the keeper was very lucky not to see a card and Matt was lucky not to be
more badly injured. Tancy stepped up to
take the free kick – a great effort was well saved by the Airforce keeper –
Bidcom hit the follow up across the six yard box but no one was there to apply
the finishing touch. The Half time whistle came with OC’s comfortably 3-0 up.
Half time heralded a heavy downpour but no changes to the team.
Five minutes after the restart saw a familiar
sight, Bidcom being subbed off with an ankle, knee and groin combination injury
to be replaced with the still slightly drunk Alexander Bell. The second half was a bit of an arm wrestle
with both teams having chances to score but the finishing just letting the
sides down. Tancy was unbelievably
denied a free kick on the edge of his own box after hauling down the Airforce
striker who was through on goal. Tancy talked
his way out of a card and had the referee thinking that maybe he had made the
wrong decision! Airforce were beginning to get back into the game more and more
but couldn’t find a goal, Barney made a couple of saves for the shots that were
on target, but was generally not kept very busy. Reds and Tancy continued to mop up at the
back and Jobba appeared to be given a free role – at one point marking left
back Alfie. The Scouser soon found his
position again as the Ski took control of the brain from Jobba!
Somebody on the Airforce base must have had a
decent shot during the second half as Gibbo appeared to have been hit by a
sniper. After a quick surveillance of
the ground, Gibbo figured that the gunman was a figment of his mushroom induced
imagination and he was soon back on his feet and in the thick of it. The rest of the half was pretty uneventful
with the heavy ground tiring the legs of both teams. So 3-0 it finished and it was back to OC’s
for beers and sausage and chip butties.
Matt Walker showed inexperience with his extravagant gravy pouring and
piss poor Chip butty building and proved that its not just glorious chances he
wastes. Stu was deservedly awarded Man of the Match and Richie retained the
Nelly headband for another week due to the lack of candidates and for the no ID
required text. Next Week Inter.
Bidcom
Scorers: Dan
Biddlecombe, Paul Gibbons, Lee Harker
Man of the Match:
Stu Dye
Team: Andrew
Barns-Graham, Mark Dobbing, Robert Hunter, Paul Tancell, Dan Biddlecombe
(Alexander Bell), Lee Harker, Stu Dye, Paul Gibbons, Michael Harrod, Neville
Poole, Matt Walker
Unused Subs:
Richie O’Neill
Nelly of the Week: Richie O’Neill
07.07.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 02.07.09 – O’Carrolls FC v Skillz That
Killz
Scorers:
?
Don’t
know the result, scorers or final table lads. The YMCA had taken the final table
down from their website before I got a chance to see it, so if anybody can get
hold of it (maybe off the scoreboards up at the Y), that would be great.
The Editor
JUNE
01.07.09 LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINAL 28.06.09 – O’Carrolls FC 3 – 5 Zamantix Rovers
Sunday
morning and we awoke to torrential rain. The whole team were waiting for the
call that the game was off (as is the kiwi way, as soon as a drop of precipitation
hits the turf), but it didn’t come. Even as we arrived at the ground did we
think that it would be called off at the last minute. So when the referee
informed us we were on, everyone was very excited. Not just that it would be
like playing back home, in the wind and the rain, with plenty of slide tackles,
but also that it would be Gussy’s last game for us this season!
Matt
“Nelly” Walker wasn’t available as he was STUCK in Queenstown, with the Nelly
head band, due to some work commitments, and he was all excited about going
snowboarding ‘woop woop’! Joey was asked
to be on the bench even though he was apparently out for the season last week??
Paddy had also expressed that he “needed time out” from his hectic schedule and
wouldn’t be available next week (or that he was also being told by a certain
female that he was going away for the weekend). This meant that Jamie “no money
isn’t it” Shaw was on the bench as well.
Redsy had been dropped to the bench due to his lateness, which meant
Tansy was back in. The fourth sub, Alfie “should I get changed”
The
tone for the whole game was set with the second pass. Jermom had passed it to
Stu (1st pass). Stu then tried to pass it to Duncan, the ball though
never made it as it stopped 15 yards short in a puddle. Stu was oblivious as he
had turned away up-field and was most dismayed when he turned round to see that
Duncan had lost the ball….The first 10 minutes were the only time during the
whole game decent football was played. O’Carrolls took the game to Zamantix and
scored two quick goals. Some strong tackles at the back from the ski sliding
through the wet meant that over the next 10 minutes Zamantix didn’t have a
sniff. But after the first 10, I think the whole team thought it was going to
be one of those easy games. All that changed though, when after 30 minutes a
speculative shot from 30 yards meant that Richie O’Lob lived up to his name.
2-1.
Stu,
having passed the ball through the puddle from the first kick off, didn’t learn
his lesson and tried to do it again. Again the ball fell 15 yards short. “The
very definition of a shit pass”!!! The equaliser came shortly after. Paddy
“needing time out”, decided to try and play football in the puddles instead of
clearing his lines and gave the ball away. The cross then came in through a
crowd, Jobba at full stretch, sliding, couldn’t reach it. The ball fell to
their striker, Mr O’Lob blocked the first shot but unfortunately the ball again
fell to the feet of the striker who tapped it home. 2-2. After 30 minutes,
Tancy couldn’t believe the pace of The Ski and couldn’t catch his breath. So on
came Redsy.
Their
third goal came from a ball over the top Redsy was first there, and would have
dealt with it, but the ball again stopped in the water again falling at the
feet of their striker. He went to shoot and Jobba slid in but to no avail as
the ball slid through the water, again stopping at just the right moment, for
the other striker to slide the ball passed Mr O’Lob. 3-2.
Half time:
the team talk was all about keeping the ball out of the puddles, not dribbling
through the puddles, hitting the corners, getting crosses in and “AIMING FOR
THE BIG PUDDLE IN THEIR AREA”.
The
second half began with a splash! Redsy and The Ski being solid at the back
winning headers, Jamie “isn’t it, no money”..... Shouting at and for everybody.
The pressure was all from O’Carrolls but the next goal came again from the
opposition. A high hanging ball over the top, The Ski under it, looked to have
it all under control, but unfortunately Jobba at the last moment lost his
footing and the ball bounced just out of reach, only it didn’t really bounce it
just landed again at the feet of their striker, who swept it home through the
legs of Mr O’Lob. 4-2.
Again
OC’s pressed but the crosses that were meant to come in, kept ending up in the
side netting. Firstly from Lee (who we now find out is sponsored by Adidas) and
also from James, who sporting a new Homer Simpson haircut, as his wife wouldn’t
let him shave it all off , was too busy thinking about meeting his new red head
in the pub later.
Zamantix
5th came from a throw from the left. The Ski was there first, but regrettably,
Jobba missed the ball completely, but hearing his keepers shout breathed a sigh
of relief. Unfortunately though Mr O’Lob slid to the ball and passed it
straight to their striker. This monster of a man then with his back to goal on
the bye line scored the slowest back heel ever. Somehow the ball went passed
round or OVER Mr O’Lob and crept over the line.
With
20 to go Alfie had somehow injured himself in the stands, so Joey came on and
now it was his turn to try and dribble through the puddles, again to no avail.
Jermom was then put away down the left and was suddenly shot by a sniper in the
crowd, Stu again not aware what was going on, started screaming at Jermom for not
chasing the ball, but then realised he had actually pulled his hamstring. 15 to
go: Foul on the edge of the area and James stepped up, we all thought with his
left foot this would sail in at it would be game on. But still thinking about
his new red head, he hit the post and the chance was gone.
Penalty!
Stu falls over in the box and eats dirt, literally! James again steps up and
this time slots it home (he knows his new red head is in the bag). And that was
about it. “Ah well” said Redsy...... We wish Gussy well and hope he doesn’t get
c**t struck like someone else back in
The
Ski
Scorers: Angus Welton, James Nutt (P), Stu Dye
Man of the Match: Robert Hunter
Team: Richie O’Neill, Duncan McGregor, Mark Dobbing, Paul Tancell (Robert
Hunter), Martin Thomas, Angus Welton, Paul Gibbons, Lee Harker (Michael
Harrod), James Nutt, Stu Dye, Jermom Guimaraes
Nelly of the Week: Richie O’Neill
27.06.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 25.06.09 – O’Carrolls
FC 12 – 2 Unreal Madrid
Scorers:
James Nutt (4), Paul Tancell (3), Stu Dye (3), Angus Welton (2)
Big win against 5 men. Tough to fit it
all in, key points here though...
Minute
01 Good chance, Stu puts
wide
02 Three good chances in
succession put over by Stu
03 1-0. Jim from wide
after Stu miss
04 2-0. Jim again
after bad touch from Stu sees first chance go begging
05 Stu one on one, puts
first effort over, second wide
06 2-1. after Stu
turned in midfield
07 3-1. Tidy finish
from Gus after Stu wastes golden opportunity
07 3-2. Straight from
Kick off, Stu dives out of way of long drive blinding Richie
08 Chance squandered
from three yards by Stu
09 Embarrassing miss by
Stu, straight at keeper with goal gaping
10 4-2. Stu misses
two good chances. Gus shows how it’s done
11 Stu goes alone with
two in space, chance wasted
12 5-2. Another
chance for Stu goes begging, deflection takes it in at 3rd time of asking
13 6-2. Jim from
tight angle after another miss dead centre by Stu
14 7-2. Paddy finds
Stu in acres first shot blocked, second over, Jim finishes third
15 Stu shot nearly
clears barrier
16 Stu shot does clear barrier,
Basketball net keeps it in
17 8-2. Stu mishits
sitter at keeper who spills it back to him, creeps in at second attempt in
front of empty net.
18 Difficult chance, Stu
forces good save, second attempt is easy, Stu puts over
19 Stu in space, effort
sliced into corner
20 9-2. Tancy side foots
in as Stu spurns original chance
21 10-2. Tancy drills
home after three quick chances missed by Stu
22 11-2. Tancy ignores
Stu unmarked and takes safer option tucking into near post
23 Chance sliced wide by
Stu, rebound hammered over by Stu, resulting scramble sees Stu pass back to
keeper
24 12-2. Keeper takes
pity on Stu and allows tame effort to trickle in
24 Stu passes for first
time in match, as he gives ball back to ref at full time.
No space for the three disallowed goals or most of the other
chances Stu passed up. Good win but if OC's lose title on goal difference, we
know who was responsible!
Paul Tancell
It’s been a
while, so here are some stats.
Only once since James Nutt joined OC’s up at the
Y has he not finished top scorer. That was back in June 2007 when he was pipped
to the post by Tancey with 15 goals (James finished with 14).
The Editor
24.06.09 LEAGUE CUP ROUND 1 21.06.09 – O’Carrolls FC 2 – 1 Celtic Supporters
After a couple of midweek cancellations, we
eventually got to play our first round cup match against the Celts on Sunday.
The previous week the two teams had met across the shore on a wet and windy day
in the second of our league encounters. The OC's boys had played some of their
best football of the season to finish a competitive game as 4-0 winners. Lee
had started the rout with a well taken finish having almost cracked the
crossbar with a superb effort only minutes earlier. In the second half
Jim let one rip(ple) which somehow squirmed in off the keepers glove to
make it 2-0. The two J's - Joey and Jermom - came off the bench to add one each
and finish the scoring. All in all a good performance, resulting in at least
eight good scoring chances. Duncan got MOTM for a solid performance and Matty
retained the Nellie as there were no challengers. More of the same this week...
(yeah right).
As
Bill McKinley was still doing an impression of a swimming pool, the fixture was
switched to our training ground at
Picking
the team was an easy task, as after last weeks performance the team had picked
itself with the exception of Jermom who started for the scribe Stu who was off
inventing stuff for his periodical. Unbeknownst to me was the fact that a
twelfth man had joined the team. His name was the "little fella". The
little fella had joined on Friday night at Matt and Joey's soiree. He had been
consumed by many of the team and was still active in a few brains by Sunday
lunchtime. Unfortunately this twelfth man was a bigger help to the opposition.
Barney
started in goal on this his 43rd birthday (won't be long before the two keeps
have a century of years between them). Paddy at leftback, Duncan on the right,
Jobba and Redsey in the centre. James left mid (Jim's two dogs came down to
watch having had their testicles removed... they are now Nutt(less)), Lee Lad on
the right and Angus and Gibbo in the middle, Jermom and Matt (the other
birthday boy) led the line. Alfie and Tancey completed the line-up
OC's
started the match smartly enough, although this could have been due to the
Celtic boys fielding ten players at K.O. I mention that only because I'm
sure a few heads hadn't actually realised it. The numerical advantage paid off
and Matt whose little fella was still working strong managed a dipping header
at the back post that crept in under the bar for a fine goal. Unfortunately the
little fella was upset at getting the head bashed so that was the last header
Matt won in the half. The little fella even told him to stop jumping for the
ball as he wasn't going to head it anyway, so Matt obliged. The goal also
marked a time in the game where we appeared to think the game would be a
doddle, so foot off the gas time. All of a sudden we were on the backfoot a
little too often and lacking any finesse when clearing our lines. The Celts now
at their full compliment of players was one reason, although again I'm not sure
if anyone noticed him join the game. OC's should have made it 2-0 but somehow
the little fella persuaded Matt to mishit a foot short of the goal. This was a
different man from the one that could hit any can of beer on the volley, at any
target on Friday night. Today the poor lad couldn't hit a keg of beer if he was
sitting on the tap.
After
a few scrappy clearances a free was conceded outside the box. The Celtic lad
hit it to the right of the wall and instead of receiving gifts, the Barney lad
was a tad too generous on his birthday. Unlucky Barns. The rest of the half was
scrappy with the little fella having great fun in the buds heads. Suffice to
say we didn't have one effort of note for the rest of the half.
The
boys knew at half-time that a bigger effort was needed if we were to remain in
this year’s competition. We got stuck in and everyone started drawing on their
reserves to close down quicker and counter attack with some first time balls.
It wasn't for the lack of trying but all too often the final ball stretched us
and had us chasing back to start all over again. Needless to say this led to
quite a scrappy 20 minute period with no real chances of note to either
team.
Paddy
was growing with confidence as the game progressed and was making good
attacking runs whilst also attending to his defensive duties. One such move saw
the ball swung in from a good passage of passing between the forwards and Jim.
The ball was flicked to Gus whose shot just dipped that bit too soon and was
comfortably saved. Although the boys in the back were now in control and
restricting any serious attacks unfortunately we still weren't making too many
chances. When the ref signalled ten to go, it was looking like we might be
heading for some extra-time. But up popped Matt to save the day. Again some
good ball work from Paddy Jim and Jermom found Matt in and around the penalty
area. For once he ignored the little fella to concentrate long enough to
control the ball first time and pick his spot for an excellent finish. Relief
all around and it was now just a matter of doing the simple thing well and let
the clock count down.
But
wait the drama was not finished with one minute on the clock, the ball was
knocked back from our kick-out and suddenly the Celtic winger was one on one
with Barney. The birthday boys’ agility belies his age as he pounced to firstly
save a well taken shot and secondly smother the ball from any prowling Celts.
Final whistle and a sigh of relief. We hadn't played great but still won -
something we don't always do, so well done buds.
Thanks
to Celtic for a tough competitive game which might have been harder if some of
your lads had not been called on duty. Paddy got a deserved MOTM and Matt
retains his pink band.
Next
week cup quarters against Zamantix... No little fellas next week...
pleeeeeeease!!!
Richie O’Neill
Scorer: Matt Walker (2)
Man of the Match: Martin Thomas
Team: Andrew
Barns-Graham, Duncan McGregor, Mark Dobbing, Robert Hunter, Martin Thomas,
Angus Welton, Paul Gibbons, Lee Harker, James Nutt, Matt Walker, Jermom
Guimaraes
Unused Subs: Alexander Bell, Paul Tancell
Nelly of the Week: Matt Walker
20.06.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 18.06.09 – O’Carrolls
FC 7 – 1 Hold The Phone
Scorers:
James Nutt (4), Michael Harrod (2), Angus Welton
It was another good win at the Y last Thursday. Goals needed
and goals we got, although will the one conceded be crucial come the end of the
season? Line up was; Richie, Tancey, Paddy, Joey, James and Gus. Started off
well and got a couple of well taken goals from Joey, some good football played
by all and we kept the ball really well. I managed to grab three, all with the
trusty left. Tancey and Richie were never in danger at the back, Gus
controlling through the centre, Joey a swashbuckling role and Paddy was playing
with himself (not literally - for the concerned readers). The second half
kicked off and I got one straight from the restart. We then went into autopilot
and they scored one, before Gus finished off delightfully when well placed, his
barren patch appears to be over. Good performance next week, another must win
game and goals will again be the order of the day.
James Nutt
15.06.09 LEAGUE RESULT 14.06.09 – Celtic Supporters
0 – 4 O’Carrolls
FC
Scorers: James
Nutt, Jermom Guimaraes, Lee Harker, Michael Harrod
Man of the Match:
Duncan McGregor
Team: Andrew
Barns-Graham, Duncan McGregor, Mark Dobbing, Robert Hunter, Martin Thomas,
Angus Welton, Paul Gibbons (Jermom Guimaraes), Lee Harker (Michael Harrod),
James Nutt, Matt Walker (Neville Poole), Stu Dye
Unused Subs:
Paul Tancell
Nelly of the Week: Matt Walker
14.06.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 11.06.09 – O’Carrolls FC 2 – 2 Volcanics
Scorers:
Angus Welton, Neville Poole
Not the best performance last Thursday
to be honest, I for one can hold my hand up and say I was rubbish. Line up was,
Richie, Jobba (who?), Nev, Paddy, myself and Gus. Very strong start, Nev, for
all the abuse in the last few weeks was going into his shell a bit, but he soon
burst out of that with a toe-bunger from near half way and in it went. Then we
allowed them into the game, they scored twice and we were in trouble of losing.
Gus then popped up with a good finish to equalise, both teams had chances to
win, it became scrappy in places. Three points would have been nice, need to
win the next three and score a lot of goals! Not much else to say, the desire
to win was very apparent at the end and hope we are all still friends.
James Nutt
11.06.09 LEAGUE RESULT 07.06.09 – Zamantix Rovers 0 – 0 O’Carrolls FC
So, it was back to the bread and butter of the league - following
our disappointing exit to Ellerslie in the
Changes were required for the trip to
Early signs were pretty good. Zamantix have proved to be a bogey side in the
past, but we quickly got on top. Early chances were swinging in from both
flanks, with Lee and the Nuttster providing good service. The clearest of
openings fell to Nelly Walker, who fired high and handsome with only the keeper
to beat. Stuey also missed a good chance on the volley - although the most
controversial moment belonged to the ref...
An effort by Lee appeared to be travelling goalwards until the keeper got a
touch. Gus bravely threw his head into where the boots were flying... well, one
boot, and appeared to force the ball over the line. However, not only did Gus
head the ball, he also magically flicked up a high boot at the same time and
was penalised. The ref even apologised later... big deal!
With Barney sweeping up superbly at the back, we were relatively untroubled -
and although 0-0 at halftime, the mini gaffer was optimistic the goal would
come. Of course, it f***ing didn't - and away slipped our chances of winning
the league. I would list the chances if I could remember them all, but I can't!
Suffice to say Gus had a few pops at the keeper, the Nuttster fired wide when
well placed and Nelly provided his usual far-post header over the bar from less
than three yards out. Duncan and Nevchenko came on to provide some fresh legs,
but all to no avail.
We all went back to the pub and voted Redsy a deserving Man of the Match.
So now we play for second place - and hope for a bit more luck in front of
goal.
Alexander Bell
Man of the Match: Robert Hunter
Team: Andrew Barns-Graham,
Alexander Bell (Duncan McGregor), Martin Thomas, Marc Dobbing, Robert Hunter,
Lee Harker, Angus Welton, Paul Gibbons, James Nutt, Stu Dye, Matt Walker
(Neville Poole)
Unused Subs: Paul Tancell
Nelly of the Week: Matt Walker
09.06.09 CHATHAM CUP ROUND 2 01.06.09 – O’Carrolls FC 3 – 4 Ellerslie
What initially started out as a beautiful day for
the second round Chatham cup tie between ASFA club O’Carroll’s FC and Saturday
team Ellerslie FC fast became a battle and a half as the two kicked off with an
immense amount of anticipation, energy and passion for the win which would take
them through to round three.
O’Carroll’s
started off the first half quite slow but did dominate parts of the half with
some good technical link up play amongst the midfield and forwards, but were
caught flat footed at the back a few times by the fast paced Ellerslie
forwards.
The
first goal came from O’Carroll’s via a deflected clearance by an Ellerslie
defender which was blasted right into the path of James Nutt who connected
perfectly with it somehow and sent a rocket right into the bottom corner of the
Ellerslie goal past the keeper - O’Carroll’s 1-0.
With
Ellerslie on the rebound and the confidence peaking amongst the O’Carroll’s
players, the game kicked off again with both sides looking threatening. Another
chance came with a through ball from Matt Walker which was initially going to
be a shot but seeing Gussy free around the Ellerslie penalty spot, he threaded
a pass through only for Gussy to be denied by the Ellerslie keeper.
Ellerslie,
still not phased by the O’Carroll’s attacks, decided to push forward with one
of their midfielders waltzing through our defense before unleashing a nice left
footed curled shot past Jenko into the corner of the net - 1-1.
Some
hard tackles were being put in by the midfielders Gussy, Gibbo and Joey, backed
up by some good support play with Biddy and Redsy controlling the back. It was
all square at 1-1 when the whistle blew for half time.
Only
one change at half time,
Confidence
was peaking and what could have secured the game with a chance in the Ellerslie
six yard box turned into a fluffed shot into the keepers hands by Matt Walker
after he thought he had all the time in the world. The score remained at 2-1.
Ellerslie
started coming back into the game and after a scrappy attempted clearance they
hit the target and made the game 2-2. The worst possible case became a reality
when O’Carroll’s seemed to go to sleep and Ellerslie slammed two goals home
within a matter of minutes - 4-2! Never a team to say die, O’Carroll’s fighting
spirit continued as we fired wave after wave of attack only to be denied by
keeper saves, missed shots and defenders closing them down left right and
centre.
O’Carroll’s
grabbed a late consolation goal by James Nutt slotting home into the bottom
corner but it was too little too late and the final score finished 4-3.
To
conclude; both teams showed signs of hunger for the victory but on the day the
luck seemed to fall for Ellerslie who took their chances well and snatched the
win to go through to the third round of the Chatham cup.
I
would like to wish Ellerslie the best of luck in the Chatham cup but, after
their managers speech in the clubhouse seemed to be very disrespectful towards
O’Carroll’s and the ASFA in general, I do hope they meet our fellow ASFA
counterparts Bohemian Celtic (who are also quite capable of upsetting most
Saturday teams here in NZ) at some point and I hope Bohemian Celtic smash them
and show them that Saturday football here in NZ is not that much superior to
the ASFA – FACT!
Matt Walker
Scorers: James Nutt (2), Duncan McGregor
Man of the Match: James Nutt
Team: Matt
Jenkins, Martin Thomas, Dan Biddlecombe (Marc Dobbing), Paul Tancell, Robert Hunter,
James Nutt, Michael Harrod (Duncan McGregor), Angus Welton, Paul Gibbons
(Neville Poole), Stuart Dye, Matt Walker
Nelly of the Week: Andrew Barns-Graham
06.06.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 04.06.09 – O’Carrolls
FC 5 – 2 Inter FC
Scorers:
James Nutt (3), Angus Welton (2)
After last weeks close shave and Nev's dabble into writing
(didn't know he could), parity was restored with the normal team lining up
for a game that meant something. No disrespect to those that filled in last
week, great to see so many step up. Nev and Paddy were lucky to be in the
squad, calls for them to be dropped were apparent all week. Gus-ness - good
things to come to those who wait (see what I have done there Nev? - captivated
the readers imagination and got them thinking) - scored two great goals, well
done fella, hope the long, long wait was worth it. Few sloppy mistakes as
well, Paddy and I both put kamikaze passes across the box. Apologies boys. We
actually went one nil down. I managed to get one back before the Gus show.
Richie pulled off some good stops, Tancey although not 100% cleared up at the
back. Nev, as I said, lucky to be on the pitch. Paddy with some new tricks. I
grabbed two more, only thing to note there that they were both with the right
foot. They then scored at the death to make it 5-2. Good start to the business
end of the league.
James Nutt
MAY
03.06.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 28.05.09 – O’Carrolls
3 – 2 Inter FC
Scorers:
Duncan McGregor, Lee Harker, Neville Poole
New line up for tonight after a couple of disappointing
results. Gus, Tancy, Jim and Richie all dropped. Gus and Richie dropped for not
scoring this season and Jim and Tancy dropped for poor decision making. In came
Joey in goal, Ski to shore up the leaky defence, and Lee and Duncan to provide
the goals that have been sadly lacking. Undropable Paddy and Nev formed the
rest of the defensive rearguard. We started playing some nice passes around and
always seemed to have a spare man as Inter didn’t settle quickly. Lee scored
the first, an absolute scorcher from nearly level with the goal which just
sneaked in past the near post before hitting the inside net at the far post. If
only Gus had been watching…. Inter then levelled from a free kick on the edge
of the area which their attacker managed to squirm past our defence for 1 all.
OC’s managed to get in front through Paddy’s wide shot which rebounded to
Duncan who coolly slotted in to the net. Second half was very patchy,
Joey was called into action on the odd occasion and our passing was not as fluent.
We had a fair few shots but most ended up wide or being saved. Three minutes
left and Paddy seeing their striker unmarked, effortlessly found him with a
lovely pass and he dispatched past Joey with aplomb. The response was quick and
Lee managed to go on a mazy run before flicking it off to Nev who fired through
the keepers legs to make it 3-2. Game over…. you’d think. With the clock
ticking down the Inter defender struck a shot which was heading for the bottom
corner but Joey managed to put out a hand Gordon Banks style to nudge it onto
the post just as the bell sounded. Probably would have counted so fair play to
Joey who saved us the win. Team selection next week will be interesting….
Neville Poole
26.05.09 LEAGUE RESULT 24.05.09 – Pakuranga United 1 – 4
O’Carrolls FC
So after a carnival atmosphere last
week we were back to reality and back to the serious business of the league and
this dominated pre-match talk .The gaffer getting the point across that even
though we played well and were committed last week we needed to take that
type of performance into the league... EVERY WEEK!!!
So there were no surprises with the starting line up the same team as last week
bar one, with Redsy, Biddy, Tancy and Jamie making up the back four. Gus,
Gibbo, Joey and Jimmy in midfield and Nev coming in for Stu to partner Matt up
front.
Richie had warned us that Pakuranga would be quick out of the blocks, so we needed
to be the same, but that fell on deaf ears (not surprising really with the
alarm of death wrecking our heads in the changing rooms). Early pressure came
from them mainly down their left with their speedy left winger, but Redsy and
Joey soon got on top of that. They didn’t create much - a couple of free
kicks, no real saves for Barney to make, but OC’s were definitely slow out of
the blocks and when we had the ball we had too many balls being pumped down the
line and with the wet and windy conditions, they came to nothing.
As the half went on it got better, their early pressure had faded and Gus,
Gibbo and Joey were linking well keeping it simple and playing to feet and this
is when we looked dangerous and our pressure paid off with Joey coming inside
and feeding matt a lovely ball which he finished well inside the area - 1-0
OC’s.
Time to push on and take the game to them, or so we thought. The lead didn’t
last long as we went to sleep down our left and their striker took his chance
well with Barney given no chance. It was frustrating as this was their only
chance of the half. Our heads didn’t drop though and we pushed on and took the
game to them. Gussy and Gibbo were dominating the centre, Joey was doing well
down the right and we were creating chances. Most notably Matt Walker
had probably the easiest chance of his life with a header from two yards
and some how put it over. Not to worry lad, at least you were in a scoring
position. Yeah right!
Half time - we knew what we needed to do so the gaffer didn’t need to say to
much... good job as well as some of the team went to the toilets for their team
talk. Fines rightly handed out!!!
Second half - one change with Paddy on for Redsy. We set straight to them with
OC’s keeping it simple and looking for feet more often and looking dangerous
with Jimmy sending a great delivery into the box and creating confusion with
either Nev or Matt claiming the final touch. They all count though! The third
came from Joey - lovely step inside and picking his corner nicely - 3-1 and
things were looking more comfortable. They were looking tired and Gussy and
Gibbo were seeing more of the ball and controlling things.
Another sub with Lee coming on for Matt. OC’s still in control and creating
chances with Barney only called into action a few times with the defence
stopping things before they could get going. OC’s had the ball in the net
twice with Nev and Lee been called back for marginal offsides. Another sub
and Dan on for Nev a bit of a reshuffle with Paddy going to left back, Dan
right back and Jamie and Jimmy pushing further up field. Lee missed
another good chance by shooting high and wide after a good ball from Jimmy. The
4th and final goal did come though with some great work from Paddy who seemed
to be everywhere at this stage setting Gibbo up who finished nicely into the
bottom corner.
Game over and three points in the bag, not the best of performances but we got
the win and that what counts on days like this!!! Roll on next week!
Lee Harker
Scorers:
Matt Walker (2), Michael Harrod, Paul Gibbons
Man of the Match:
Angus Welton
Team:
Andrew Barns-Graham, Robert Hunter (Martin Thomas), Paul Tancell, Dan
Biddlecombe, Jaime Shaw, Michael Harrod, Angus Welton, Paul Gibbons, James
Nutt, Matt Walker (Lee Harker), Neville Poole (Dan Bradley)
Unused Subs:
Duncan McGregor, Marc Dobbing
Nelly of the Week: Andrew Barns-Graham
23.05.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 21.05.09 – O’Carrolls 6 – 0 Scudders
Scorers:
James Nutt (4), Neville Poole, Paul Tancell
6-0 last Thursday, very very
one-sided. Some good football in places, sometimes one skill too many
especially from Nev, think he was still in dreamland after last week!! Same
line-up as last time out, Richie didn't have to do much, what he did have to
save was from our mistakes. I managed to grab four, Nev squeezed one in, very
dubious on that, Tancey also notched with a good finish. Unfortunately Paddy
didn't score and neither did our 6th player, not going to name names, he is a
provider. I also think my nasty comments over the last three weeks have got
inside his head. Give him a volley outside the box - no worries; one-on-one
from three yards - always going to struggle. Head up lady, it'll come.
James Nutt
20.05.09 CHATHAM CUP ROUND 1 17.05.09 – O’Carrolls FC 3 – 1 Taupo
AFC
With a bumper
crowd and a carnival atmosphere at the Bill McKinlay Park, would OC’s
disappoint? Would they bottle another big game?
First Half
The game
started off scrappy and it was Taupo who had the better of the opening
exchanges and would have took the lead it if wasn’t for Jamie’s timely
clearance. Biddy saw yellow for a late lunge on the Taupo centre forward and
would now have to be careful for the final 80 minutes of the game.
OC’s started
the game a bit shaky at the back with a couple of miscued clearances which led
to some panic in the OC’s defense. There was also a couple of late tackles and
needless free kicks given away early on. But as the game progressed OC’s
started to dominate not allowing Taupo any space with Gussy and Gibbo winning
the battle in midfield. This allowed OC’s to push forward with Jimmy Nutt
putting some excellent balls into the mixer. OC’s now started to show their
tiger spirit that had deserted them against Bohs and Inter respectively.
Matt Walker
brought a smart save from the Taupo keeper cutting in and curling a left footed
shot goalwards. He then broke free and with a good chance to finish he launched
it goal wards and is now the first person to land a football on the moon!
That’s a fact!
Gussy was close
with a 25 yard shot that would initially prove just to be a warning shot. OC’s
were now building momentum and with a good move down the OC’s left a neat
interchange by Jamie and Jimmy forced a corner from the resulting corner. The
ball was headed out, fell to Gussy 25 yards and with superb technique he
volleyed past the stranded Taupo keeper winning a possible ‘Goal of the Season’
contender… FACT!
As the half
progressed it was end to end with Taupo having a couple of good chances but the
OC’s backline stayed strong. Towards the end of the half OC’s started to become
more dominant in possession and just as it looked like OC’s would go in at
halftime 1-0 up… OC’s broke quickly again from a dangerously whipped in cross
from Jimmy on the left and the ball fell kindly to Stu on the edge of the box
who dispatched a nice right footed volley into the net. Shades of Ian Wright,
there is still time Stu!
OC’s finished
2-0 at half time courtesy of two fine strikes!
Second Half
‘More of the
same’ was the message from OC’s management so we came out fired up waiting for a
Taupo onslaught that never came. We where too strong all over the field and
were continuing in the same vain we finished the first half in. It was no
surprise when Jimmy Nutt broke down the left showing good strength and
determination holding off his man before executing a fine left footed finish
into the top right hand corner. Cue the celebrations!!
There was no
coming back for Taupo and for the remaining 35 minutes, OC’s controlled the
game with Tancy growing in confidence and starting to dominate alongside Biddy,
who, being his usual tenacious self, didn’t allow the Taupo forwards a sniff.
Matt Walker then brought down a deep cross from Jimmy Nutt expertly and with
Stu screaming for the ball to be cut back he opted for goal… although we wish
he hadn’t!
Redsy was
substituted with 30 minutes to go for Jobba and had put in a strong display to
back up his rallying call earlier in the week. Even at 3-0 up OC’s were pushing
for more with Gussy running the show backed up by a strong performance by
Gibbo, Jamie and Jimmy who continued to create havoc down the Taupo right.
With 20 minutes
to go Joey was subbed for Jay as the gaffer thought with the Taupo lads tiring
a bit more pace down the right was needed. Again like Redsy, Joey put in a
solid display down the right and had picked up a knock; so with some big games
coming up the gaffer didn’t want to risk him and with the job done at 3-0 it
made sense!
Richie was then
forced into a change when the Bidcom got cramp? The Gaffer shuffled the pack
and moved Jobba to centre back with Paddy slotting in at right back. Again the
Bidcom was as solid as a rock and did well to stay on the park after walking
the tight rope with his early booking. Jamie received a late booking in the
second half; not for being Scottish but for a cynical tackle from behind on the
Taupo wide man! With OC’s pushing for a fourth Goal Taupo broke quickly down
the OC’s left and with some tired legs the Taupo player was given too much time
and space, thus smacked a powerful right footed shot into the net, that was
nothing more than a consolation as time ran out for the visitors, it was OC’s
who would progress with a well deserved 3-1 win!
Overview
After surviving
a few early scares there was only one team who was going to win this game and
this by far was the best OC’s performance this season. The teamwork and desire
from everyone, as well quality all over the park was excellent at any level
never mind for a ‘pub team’. We have raised the bar now boys lets take this
into the league!
Thank you to all
who came to watch your support is appreciated! Come on OC’s!
Michael Harrod
Scorers:
Angus Welton, James Nutt, Stu Dye
Man of the Match:
James Nutt
Team: Andrew Barns-Graham, Robert Hunter
(Marc Dobbing), Paul Tancell, Dan Biddlecombe (Martin Thomas), Jamie Shaw,
Michael Harrod (Jay), Paul Gibbons, Angus Welton, James Nutt, Stu Dye, Matt
Walker
Unused Subs: Duncan McGregor, Neville Poole
Nelly of the Week: Michael Harrod
16.05.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 14.05.09 – O’Carrolls FC 5 – 3 Volcanics
Scorers:
Neville Poole (3), James Nutt, Paul Tancell
It’s been a while but we had the old line up back
as Richie returned in goal, Nev could make it, Paddy had recovered from a
terrible cold and Gus, Tancey and myself were available. They only started with
four so we had a chance to get a goal or two until their team rocked up. And we
did just that, sorry can't remember the exact order of scoring but we were 3-0
before we conceded and were always in control, we gave away a couple of sloppy
goals though. I grabbed one and Tancy one, Nev managed to score one of the
ugliest hat-tricks I have ever seen, fair play to the lad, God loves a trier
but his 3rd goal came after the worst bit of skill the YMCA has witnessed, a
back heel to who knows where somehow bounced back into his path and he squeezed
it under the keeper and in it went. The cherry on the top was that Gus didn't
score again.
James Nutt
11.05.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 07.05.09 – O’Carrolls FC 7 – 0 Hold The
Phone
Scorers:
James Nutt (2), Michael Harrod (2), Paul Tancell (2), Martin Thomas
Thursday we won 7-0, great performance considering
the late late kick off. We lost against Hold The Phone last time out and were
determined to get a win and avenge that loss. Gus was available. Nev and Richie
had man-flu and were out. Joey came in, Matt J was in Goal, Tancey, Gus, James
and McLovin (Paddy) made up the numbers. Story of the game was that Gus didn't
score. Tancey and Joey got two cracking goals each, McLovin with a good finish,
I squeezed two in as well. Some great football that they couldn't cope with.
Matt pulled off some good stops and did I mention Gus didn't score?
James Nutt
11.05.09 LEAGUE RESULT 03.05.09 – Internationale FC 3 – 2 O’Carrolls FC
After a good win in the week OC’s faced Inter at our
old stomping ground, Seddon Fields, knowing that we needed another win and a
strong performance against the team that finished up above us last year. Line up was: Barney in between the sticks,
back four – Jobba, Tancey, Redsy and Paddy. Midfield – Joey, Gus, Gibbo and
James and up front Matt Walker and Stu with, as always, a strong bench ready to
come on.
We started slowly and allowed Inter to get into the
game, there was some good football in places from both sides but lacking the
final ball and finish. About mid way through the first half we conceded, their
left winger was allowed time and space to run and made his way into the box and
finished in the far corner.
This setback made us realise we were in a game but
we still lacked the final ball and created no real clear-cut chances. At half
time we knew we were in real danger of dropping more points and had to step it
up, create more and show more commitment. This we did in parts, Jobba made way
for Jamie, who went to left back with Paddy moving across to right back. The
talk at half-time seemed to have had an effect and the football was a lot
better. Joey, Gus and Gibbo were feeding the front two and keeping hold of the
ball well, it seemed as though it was only a matter of time until we would score.
Clear-cut chances were still few and far between,
but Stu and Matt kept working away and the back four were dealing with any
advances Inter made into our half. It was moving towards one of those games
that no matter what you tried a goal just wasn’t on the cards. Then a penalty
was given, Nev who had come on for Matt Walker used his height to good effect
and caused confusion in the box. Handball from an Inter defender. James took
the resulting spot kick and in it went.
By this stage Dan Bradley had come on for Paddy and
the defence was doing a good job. Then disaster struck, a mix up in
communication, an error was made, probably best described as a right royal fuck
up, and their striker put the ball in the net from the edge of the box. Names
don’t need to be mentioned, mistakes happen and we were still confident of
getting a result.
From the resulting restart we moved forward and
after a ball was put in the box, it then found its way to Gibbo who finished
smartly. 2-2 and we felt sure the three points could be ours. Then Inter
created another chance and a good finish from their forward made it 3-2. With
not long left we kept fighting on but in truth it was too little too late. They
realistically had three chances and took all three.
So it finished and two losses out of four was not
the started we wanted, nothing is guaranteed in this league and we need to kick
on again. Joey got man of the match, for a strong performance on the right.
Scorers:
James Nutt (P), Paul Gibbons
Man of the Match:
Michael Harrod
Team:
Andrew Barns-Graham, Marc Dobbing, Paul Tancell, Robert Hunter, Martin Thomas,
Michael Harrod, Paul Gibbons, Angus Welton, James Nutt, Stu Dye, Matt Walker
Used Subs:
Neville Poole, Dan Bradley, Jaime Shaw
Unused Subs:
Alexander Bell
APRIL
04.05.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 30.04.09 – O’Carrolls
FC 1 – 0 Hamstrung United
Scorer:
James Nutt
Last Thursday we carved out a 1-0
win over Hamstrung, never in danger of conceding, like United in the morning
and one goal was enough to see us through. Good all round team performance,
Matt in goal didn't have to do much but when he did he did it well, like a cat.
Tancey controlled the backline and was as strong as an ox. Paddy was up and down
the wing like a greyhound and full of tricks. Joey was covering every inch on
the pitch like a gazelle and put in a good ball to me for the goal (hope I have
that right). Gus was controlling everything through the middle and was full of
energy like a tiger. Good result, job done. Sorry about animal references -
been a long week.
James Nutt
04.05.09 LEAGUE RESULT 29.04.09 – O’Carrolls FC 5 – 1 Airforce
After OC’s long trip
north and great win over Northland Premier team Okaihau-Kaeo United, we were
back in league action against Airforce at the unfamiliar day and time of
Wednesday at 7:00pm. Team talk before the game was to play for 90 minutes as
Airforce would be a fit physical team.
The team line up with
Matt ‘Penfold’ Jenkins in goal, Marc ‘Ski Sunday’ Dobbing right back, Martin
‘Paddy’ Thomas left back with Paul ‘Cannavaro’ Tancell and Robert 'Redsy'
Hunter playing centre back. Micheal 'Joey' Harrod on the right, James 'Flowing
Locks' Nutt on the left with Paul' Skippa 'Gibbons and Angus 'Mr Burns' Welton
(capt) playing centre mid. Matt 'Chewbacca' Walker and Stu 'Dale Winter Can't
Pass' Dye up front.
OCs started quite
brightly and after 10 minutes a great cross came in that Matt Walker finished
with a controlled volley. OC’s were applying a lot of pressure with Matt
Walker's pace and Stu continually harassing causing the Airforce defence major
problems. The second goal come from a corner on the left hand side with Jimmy
Nutt swinging it in and Matt Walker losing his marker and finishing with his
head. Airforce's best chance of the half came from a corner. One of their
players got a free header which Paddy cleared off the line, which the ref
missed and gave a goal kick. The third goal came via a familiar source in the
league and club's current top scorer, Stu. There were a few other chances in
the half with the Airforce keeper making some good saves. So the half finished
OC's 3-0 Airforce. It was a good half but there was still room for improvement,
such as more talking and composure, and again to play for the full 90 minutes.
Airforce started the
second half a lot brighter than they played in the first half causing OC's to
be caught out a few times. Matt Jenkins called for the ball which their striker
beat him to but he did very well to recover and made a good save, diving at the
feet of the striker. The fourth goal came midway through the second half
with Paddy winning the ball on the left playing it down the line to Jimmy.
Jimmy skipped passed his defender once again but then decided to let Airforce
off by passing the ball to their keeper. The very enigmatic Ski was replaced by
Dan 'Sean Tully' Bradley. Their keeper then decided to kick the ball
against the post for it to bounce back along the line for Matt Walker to secure
his hat trick from half a yard out. He did his best to put it over the bar. 4-0
OC's. Airforce, still putting OC's under a bit of pressure, found themselves
four on three after Redsy went on a little wander. Lucky for OC's, some good
defending and poor finishing meant the score stayed the same. Matt Walker,
still causing problems with his pace, beat the first defender to the ball then
looked like he stumbled which confused the defender, enabling him to get past
him and pull the ball back for Joey to place a nice side footed finish. OC's
would like to now remind Tim he owes the club $50 after losing his bet that
Joey wouldn’t score all season. Joey was brought off and replaced by Lee
'Tantastic' Harker and Nev 'Chencko' Poole replaced the tiring but solid Redsy.
With a clean sheet looking good for the 3rd game in four, Airforce won a corner
on OC's right. One of their players, once again rising unmarked, scored a
header. My sources tell me it was Jimmy Nutts man!! So the second half came to
the end with OC's winning 5-1. Good win but still room for improvement on an
overall basis. OC's now has the top two places in the premier division top goal
scoring charts.
OC's has a tough game on
Sunday against old rivals Inter who will be looking to get back to winning ways
after losing their Chatham Cup game. OC's will be looking to continue their
current goal scoring form.
Martin Thomas
Scorers: Matt Walker (3), Michael Harrod, Stu Dye
Man of the Match: Matt Walker
Team: Matt Jenkins, Marc Dobbing (Dan Bradley), Robert Hunter (Neville Poole),
Paul Tancell, Martin Thomas, Michael Harrod (Lee Harker), Angus Welton, Paul
Gibbons, James Nutt, Stu Dye, Matt Walker
Unused Subs: Duncan McGregor
04.05.09 CHATHAM CUP QUALIFICATION ROUND
25.04.09 – Okaihau-Kaeo
United 0 – 6
O’Carrolls FC
On a rain swept pitch, five hours north of
civilisation, the lads from O’Carroll’s lin
For most of the lads the Chatham Cup is seen an
opportunity to get out of the city, have a few drinks and play against some
different teams, for Stu, it was to be a profoundly religious experience, not
only did he score a hat trick (MIRACLE), but due to his shit driving on the way
up, he also managed to get a complete set of new tires for his car (THERE MUST
BE A GOD).
ed up against a Northern Premier team, going by the
name of Keao.
For
the rest of the lads, heaven that day was only every going to be a very wet
pitch in the middle of nowhere, but with both teams keen to play, the ref gave
us the all clear and the match started well for OC’s.
A
solid midfield of Gus, Gibbo and James, setting about their business, while
Joey tried to see how far he could slide before hitting his opponent, this
would be the same German opponent, who had foolishly decided to pick a fight with him on Anzac day. Five minutes was
his record before the ref told him to start playing football, or go play on the
sideline by himself.
With
this at the forefront of his mind, Joey somehow managed to stay on his feet
long enough to find Gus in the box, who
prodded home for the opener, an early goal and one that gave the lads the
encouragement they needed to settle down and push for more. It wasn’t long before our new religious guru had one of his miracle three, Stu
finishing well for his first and the teams second. Joey again claiming an assist, but this
remains unconfirmed, as do any other claims by Joey.
Things
became a bit unsettled over the next ten minutes or so, as Keao tried to up the
tempo and turn things around, OC’s stood firm, passing the ball around well,
whilst being marshalled at the back by the returning Bidcom, Skeet, ever present Tancy
and some good goalkeeping from Matt.
Jamie was watching all this from the opposition half, but was impressed
and he did come back to help out occasionally, even managing a tackle or two
without giving away a foul.
Things
were soon back on track, with Matt Walker and Stu taking control up front and
giving the home defence a bit of a run around, Stu soon found the back of the
net again with his second and the teams third and it was a similar story for
the fourth, with Stu waltzing past the last defender, only to be brought down
by the worst attempt at a shoulder barge seen this season.
The
ref, who was not shy in blowing his whistle, duly pointed to the spot and up
stepped James to slot it home to the keepers’ right.
There could have been more before the end of the half, but a combination of
Matt Walkers polished boots and a referee who thought he might as well blow his
whistle, since he had one, left the score at 4 – 0.
The
second half started with Nelly
of the Week Paddy,
replacing Jamie on the wing/back and the locals taking an instant liking to Paddy’s pink
headband. Rumour has it that if there had been a ginner amongst them, Paddy would have
sacked off the match.
More
of the same was to follow in the second half, Matt Walker creating and missing
loads of chances with his polished boots, Stu scoring his miracle third, Gus
bagging again and calling himself or was it their manager a wanker, the ref
blowing his whistle when he felt like it and their keeper pulling off some very
good saves. [If that goal from
Gus was the last goal of the game, then congratulations Angus – that’s the
1000th recorded competitive goal scored by OC’s! This includes 6-A-Side,
7-A-Side, League, League Cup and Chatham Cup fixtures.]
With
15 to go, Alfie was brought into the attack and anticipation on the sideline
grew that a goal would follow, this was short lived, after Bidcom blew his calf
and Alfie had to cover, the question now is at 34, will another OC’s goal elude him forever?
Keao
battled throughout the match and had their moments, but OC’s played well and
can be proud of a very good team performance that was supported in style by the
WAGS and fans who had travelled up to watch.
A big
thank you goes to Keao, who’s hospitality was very much appreciated
before and after the match, but its OC’s that march on to the next round.
Jaime Shaw
Scorers: Stu Dye (3), Angus Welton (2), James Nutt (P)
Man of the Match: Matt Walker
Team: Matt Jenkins, Marc Dobbing, Paul Tancell, Dan Biddlecombe, Jaime Shaw
(Martin Thomas), Michael Harrod (Lee Harker), Angus Welton, Paul Gibbons, James
Nutt, Stu Dye, Matt Walker (Alexander Bell)
Unused Subs: Robert Hunter, Dan Bradley
21.04.09 LEAGUE RESULT 19.04.09 – O’Carrolls FC 1 – 2 Bohemian
Celtic 1
Same old
foe, same old story.
OC's went
down 2-1 to Bohs Celtic for the fourth time in consecutive meetings between the
sides. And this
time there was not the crumb of consolation that we deserved something from
this game. We were beaten by the better team - and OC's will be left to wonder
how and why it's happened again.
The
pre-match team talk was muted. There was no need to gee the boys up for a team
they knew all about.
And yet for
the first 20 minutes OC's seemed surprised by the opposition's speed, strength
and direct play.
There was
only one team in it - first to every ball, winning every 50-50 and desperate to
get a toe in when it was 70-30 in OC' favour. OC's were trying to play their brand of
football, but seemed stunned that Bohs were so intent on disrupting it. That's
what they do and they do it well.
It was no
surprise when Bohs got the first goal, though the manner was a little
fortuitous. A dangerous cross bounced off Paddy's foot and hit his hand. There
was no intention but such clear contact that it was difficult to argue when the
ref pointed to the spot.
Matt pulled
off a great save, which was followed up by a Bohs player. Despite him putting
it into the net, the ref ordered a re-take for an OC's infringement and Bohs
scored at the second attempt.
The first
half was to get worse. OC's - still struggling with physical presence of Bohs -
went to sleep at the back again to allow another cross from the right, which
the striker did well to get a toe to and steer it in at the near post. OC's had a couple of half chances
- Tancey and Stu sent headers just wide of the mark and Matt W saw his header
well saved by the Bohs stopper.
But it was
with relief more than anything that it was only 0-2 at half time.
The break
allowed a regroup and a team talk to lift heads - and it worked in part during
the second half. OC's finally began to compete. The goal which offered a lifeline came
from a cross from the left (Jim I think) which found fresh legs Duncan. His
first time lay off into Stu's path allowed the striker to pick his spot in the
bottom corner....and sidefoot it into the roof of the net. Now surely the OC's onslaught
would begin. No.
Instead -
having opened the door a crack - the men in red and black seemed unwilling to
bash it down. Heads were down and a team, which should have been scenting a
comeback, effectively consigned itself to a defeat.
That's not
to take away from Bohs who continued to fight. OC's simply didn't and the game
fizzled out.
Over the 90
minutes, OC's were poor at the back and allowed space to two big strikers who
were happy to use the yards given to bring down long balls. The midfield were
beaten in the fight and on the flanks - where Bohs looked most vulnerable -
OC's failed to exploit the possibilities. Up front, OC's offered very little
outlet to take the pressure off and were too slow to put pressure on defenders
who had a comfortable ride.
This was a
lesson, albeit one we should have already learned. The consolation is we get
another shot at them.
Click here
for Bohs take on the game.
Stu Dye
Scorer:
Stu Dye
Man of the Match:
Stu Dye
Team:
Matt Jenkins, Martin Thomas (Dan Bradley), Robert Hunter, Paul Tancell, Jaime Shaw,
Lee Harker (Duncan McGregor), Angus Welton, Michael Harrod (Paul Gibbons),
James Nutt, Stu Dye, Matt Walker
Unused Subs:
Mark Dobbing, Alexander Bell
14.04.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 09.04.09 – O’Carrolls 3 – 2 Volcanics
Scorers:
Angus Welton (2), Michael Harrod
Thursday we won 3-2, not the most convincing win
really, we seem to have been affected by the changes in the team and getting
used to different players etc, but it was great to have people step up again.
Line up was Matt, Tancey, Bradley, Joey, myself and Gus. Regulars Nev and
McLovin (Paddy) were missing. I believe Nev was at a parenting class and
McLovin, with his recent extra-curricular activities, was apparently spotted
there as well - that boy moves quickly. Fatherhood awaits both of them - if
rumours are true.
On to the game and we went behind straight from the
kick-off, not a great start given that we needed to win. Gus pulled a goal back
after some good football. We then conceded again and the fight back was on.
Joey grabbed one and old faithful Gus got the winning goal. It was good to get
the win when it seemed we were going to self-destruct. It seems the new ref has
had the traditional initiation from the Y and gave some interesting decisions,
told us off for appealing. And decided that a stranded old guy in the box, not
the keeper, didn't warrant a penalty. Anyway off to the pub we went to toast
the league title... and the fathers to be.
James Nutt
08.04.09 LEAGUE RESULT 05.04.09 – O’Carrolls FC 6 – 0 Celtic
Supporters
Well, it’s a new season and Richie is obviously
going soft as he's letting me do the match report!!
Here goes...
A new season and a new home for O'Carrolls FC.
Following the comedic days of the Domain and the glory days of the Seddon Siro,
the gypsies of the ASFA will be setting up camp at Uni Mount Wellington for the
2009 campaign (rumour has it Eden Park is under consideration for '10).
Despite a mixed bag of results pre-season,
performances had been good (ignoring the candle-lit exploits in Takapuna), and
on the back of that, spirits were high as the squad assembled in glorious
sunshine, determined to make a more positive start than last year's opening day
hiccup at Zamantix, with three points in mind against Celtic Supporters.
Talk before the game was of concentration,
commitment, and exploiting the abundance of space allowed by our, frankly,
massive new home. Lest we forget Man City's dismal form of the 80's and 90's
(and 00's), despite having the biggest pitch in the football league (because
City are a massive club), Eddison & O'Neill would not stand for OC's
suffering the same fate.
It was obvious early on that the message had got
through, though it appeared a little confused in interpretation. Perhaps over
excited by the acres of space in behind Celtic's back four, balls were too
often heaved hopefully over the back of the defence for Lee or Matt to chase.
Granted, if Matt wasn't as shy in a tackle, he may well have beaten the keeper
in any of the numerous chases they had, but even so, this was not OC's football
and improvement was needed.
Happily, improvement was not far away, but not
before another awful Stu Dye cross had somehow found its way over the keeper
and into the far corner. 1-0, deserved, but all too in keeping with the first
half display in its quality and execution.
Half time and agreement throughout the squad that
despite being comfortable, the ball needed to be used more intelligently if we
were to truly exploit the space we had. No longer was Barney's ability to clear
3 pitches with a goal kick to be our main attacking weapon!!
Once
this message sank in, chances began to flow as our visitors increasingly
struggled to keep pace. Only some wasteful finishing and inspired goalkeeping
were keeping out a second OC's goal, but fair play to Stu, he kept plugging
away regardless and was good value for his and our 2nd when it came. A third
followed soon after as the pressure began to tell, Jamie, wandering from his
now customary and self appointed wing back position to notch.
With
the game looking safe,
Not
satisfied with notching once, Jamie then copied Stu with another awful cross
looping over the keeper to make it five, though he did try to claim it...
that's a fine, fact. All that was left was for Welton to do what Welton does
best, notch a token 6th against beleaguered opposition. A fine finish, gently
lofting it over the keeper, but his team mates will be hoping his growing
reputation as a big game bottler does not stem further than a Thursday.
So
6-0 to kick start the campaign, an early message to title rivals and a timely
confidence boost to take into the big one post-Easter against Boh's. A positive
result though not OC's best by any stretch of the imagination, improvement will
be required throughout the season.
**Note**
As if opening day was not enough of an occasion to remember, our once loyal
manager Tim is abandoning us to chase some skirt back in Bradford. Luckily
Richie's here to stand in, helped(?) by Stu.
On a
serious note, I’m sure I speak for all the lads when I say thanks for
everything Tim, and good luck bud, hope it goes well... we'll have to get used
to having no life for a few months without you here!!!
On a
MORE serious note, I'm sure all the lads would also like to congratulate a
certain member of the squad (who will remain nameless, for now, in case his
folks are reading) on losing his virginity on Sunday night! I was not present
(at the meeting or the event) but I have it on good authority that she was the
perfect training wheels for someone wanting to learn to ride; stable,
unspectacular and with a nice wide base for balance. Welcome to manhood bud,
now you have to sit through a certain 'they're all c*nts' speech!
Paul Tancell
Scorers: Jaime Shaw (2), Stu Dye (2), Angus Welton, Neville Poole
Man of the Match: Stu Dye
Team: Barney, Martin Thomas (Dan Bradley), Paul Tancell, Dan Biddlecombe, Jaime
Shaw, Lee Harker (Robert Hunter), Angus Welton, Michael Harrod, James Nutt, Stu
Dye, Matt Walker (Neville Poole)
Unused Subs: Duncan McGregor, Matt Jenkins
08.04.09 CORRECTION
Was
half asleep when I wrote the report [for last Thursday’s 6-A-Side defeat against Hold The Phone] and have had a lot of abuse since, but Joey
scored on Thursday not Neville. Although
James Nutt
07.04.09 FROM NORTHLAND AGE NEWSPAPER Kaeo and Kerikeri in Chatham Cup
Two Far
North senior men’s football teams - Kerikeri and
Kaeo Okaihau - will contest the 2009 Chatham Cup competition this winter. Kaeo plays at home while Kerikeri
travels in the qualifying round of what is regarded as the glamour event of New
Zealand football to be played on Saturday, April 25 (ANZAC day), with a 2pm
kick-off. The Jeremy Rintoul-coached
Kerikeri travels to Western Springs, while Stefano Virgili’s Kaeo hosts
(what sounds like an Auckland Irish pub team) O’Carrolls, at Whangaroa College. The two Far North teams - both
contesting the Northland men’s premier division this season -
will be considered relative minnows amongst 138 football clubs contesting one
of New Zealand’s oldest sporting trophies, the
82nd Chatham Cup. A report from the organisers while this year’s numbers
represent the most entries since 1996, they are still a far cry from 1991 when
172 clubs entered the competition in the New Zealand Football Association’s centenary
year.
While the
combined Northern Region (comprising three of New Zealand Football’s seven
federations) remains the biggest region, Capital Football has the most entries
(27) of any single federation. This has forced four teams from that area to play
an extra preliminary round on April 13, before the main qualification round
takes place on Anzac Day.
Among the
list of clubs ranging from Kerikeri FC to Invercargill’s Southend
are five secondary schools and three Sunday league sides all dreaming of reaching
the final at North Harbour Stadium on September 20.
Last year,
East Coast Bays from Auckland’s North Shore defeated Dunedin
Technical in the winter football showpiece to etch their name on the trophy for
the first time; while lower leaguers Te Puke and the schoolboys of Mount Albert
Grammar grabbed the headlines in the tournament’s early
rounds with their giant-killing exploits. Kevin Fallon’s skilful
and football-smart Mt Albert Grammar schoolboys met and easily eliminated Kaeo
in last year’s Chatham Cup qualifying round in
Kaeo. The game somehow became a little bad tempered with some Kaeo players
issued with a variety of cards for various infringements; rather unusual
considering it was schoolboys vs adults. Fallon is no stranger to the hard
game however. The assistant coach for the All Whites in their ‘82 FIFA
World Cup campaign, his tough and outspoken approach has bought him some
notoriety in the Kiwi football circles.
Anyway, back
to the 2009 Chatham Cup: the event is run along regional lines until the
quarterfinal stage when four teams from the Northern Region, two from the
Central Region and two from the Southern Region enter an open national draw.
The top teams in each federation are given byes through to the first or second
round. The Chatham Cup competition, and the trophy itself, is modelled on
England’s FA Cup and has remained relatively
unchanged over its 86 year history. It has been contested every year since 1923
apart from 1937 and three years at the end of World War Two.
Northland
teams playing in the qualification round for the Northern Region (United Soccer
1, Auckland Football and Waikato Bay of Plenty) qualification round on April 25
included Western Springs AFC v Kerikeri FC (Game 1); Okaihau-Kaeo v O’Carrolls FC
(G2), International v FC Whangarei (G3).
For the rest
of the draw visit the New Zealand football website.
05.04.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 02.04.09 – O’Carrolls 1 – 2 Hold The Phone
Scorer:
Michael Harrod
Last Thursday, we lost 2-1. Not a very good performance if
truth be told, we played some good football but never really created anything.
Also a few of us had return from the Gibbo's wedding very early, Matt had
worked all day as well so cheers for playing. Joey stepped in for Gus, not a
big game but illness had struck him down. Nev, myself, Paddy and Tancy the rest
of the numbers. Went 1-0 down and were still very much in the game, we
equalised and the ref gave it, only for it to be overturned by some blonde twat
upstairs. Apparently inside the box, the rest of the place and their players
couldn't understand (although they didn't complain too much at the time). We
then went 2-0 down caught on the break. Joey pulled one back with a minute
left, Matt then went outside the box although this escaped eagle-eye twat man
upstairs and the whistle blew. They were happy, we weren't, good football but
quiet on the pitch. Still in with a chance next week.
James Nutt
MARCH
30.03.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 26.03.09 – O’Carrolls
2 – 0 Sverge
Scorers:
James Nutt, Neville Poole
Last Thursday against Sverge won
2-0. Goals from myself, great through ball from Paddy. And the other a
combination of Nev's shin, the keepers shoulder and a lucky bounce, good goal
though Nev. All in all never in trouble, Sverge were very frustrated at us
playing keep ball in our half but didn't seem to want to chase the ball down,
yet still had a moan. Inter look like they are coming up as well so that's
another game Gus will miss.
James Nutt
24.03.09 FRIENDLY RESULT 22.03.09 – O’Carrolls FC 2 – 0
Internationale
Scorers:
Michael Harrod, Nick Morrison
Man
of the Match: Dan Biddlecombe
24.03.09 BEST OF THE WEST RESULT 22.03.09 – O’Carrolls FC 2 – 0
West Auckland
Scorers:
Jaime Shaw, James Nutt
Man
of the Match: Duncan McGregor
The final
match of the Best of the West tournament, and the first encounter in an
intriguing "double header", with Inter laying in wait for the evening
kick-off. Back at Oratia the pitch was again in great nick, with glorious
sunshine as usual. A new-look OCs took to the field, with Matty in goal, Jamie
and Bradley as full backs, Redsy and Captain Tancell centre backs, Duncan and
Joey in the middle, Lee and Jimmy on the flanks and Nevchenko and Alfie up
front.
Early
exchanges were scrappy as we looked to get the ball down and play. It became
obvious quite quickly that the Westies were looking for the long ball over the
top, but Redsy (resplendent in pink headband) and Tancell were handling most of
the high balls quite comfortably. On the flanks, Bradley and Lee linked well,
as did Jamie and Jimmy, with the dog-loving left-footer swinging in dangerous
crosses. Nevchenko worked tirelessly as usual, as he and Alfie looked to build
and understanding. A couple of one-twos threatened success on the edge of the
box, but West were up to the challenge. Then Lee went close and the ball was
cleared off the line in a comedic scramble. But it wasn't long before the
deadlock was broken, and it was our quiet, unassuming, modest Scottish left back
who provided the cutting edge. A one-two exchange saw him charge into the
opposition box, and a low left-foot finish gave us a deserved 1-0 lead. A
quality finish.
The rest of
the half saw more quality delivery into the box, with Lee managing a couple of
strikes. In the middle, Duncan and Joey were combining well and not allowing
West any time on the ball - halftime 1-0.
Team talk
was positive, with Tim making changes with one eye on the evening game. Gus
moved into the midfield and Jobba stepped in at centre back. Alfie switched to
left mid and Stuart Dye made a welcome appearance up front. Unfortunately
Alfie's groin gave way, as usual, so Jimmy came back on at left mid. The second
half saw O'Carrolls returning to the good form of old, with excellent
passing and movement, although not as consistently as we are capable of.
However, more space was beginning to open up, as Stu and Nevchenko used their
personal closeness and loving friendship to telepathically avoid passing to
each other! Stu enjoyed a marauding run down the left, but took on one too many
players, while Nevchenko eventually made way for Matt Walker. Another scrambled
clearance off the line increased the pressure, but the second goal looked a
touch fortunate. A free kick was powerfully hammered into the defensive wall
and appeared to strike an arm, and the ref pointed to the spot. You've never
seen Jimmy move so quickly as he sprinted to collect the ball, and comfortably
despatched the resulting kick, with the keeper rooted to the spot. It's all in
the eyes...!
And 2-0 was
the final score. West provided a good test and were certainly very physical.
However, it was a game we thoroughly deserved to win, and needed to after a
couple of recent reversals. Man of the Match was very competitive. Bradley was
solid on his return, and Jamie capped off a solid all-round performance with a
great goal, however Duncan was a worthy winner. Congrats to the likeable wee
rascal. And that's your lot. With just the Inter game to come and no match next
weekend, pre-season is over and it's business time people.
Alfie
22.03.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 19.03.09 – O’Carrolls 3 – 1 Hamstrung
United
Scorers:
James Nutt (2), Michael Harrod
Won 3-1 last Thursday, Tancy in goal, Paddy, Nev,
Joey, me and Matt Walker played. I managed to grab two and Joey one. Good game,
good football in places and good to get a win, especially with Gus "Big
Game" Welton unavailable.
James Nutt
21.03.09 FRIENDLY RESULT 18.03.09 – Takapuna 4 – 1 O’Carrolls FC
Scorer:
Lee Harker
Man
of the Match: Lee Harker
17.03.09 BEST OF THE WEST RESULT 15.03.09 – Te Atatu 1 – 0
O’Carrolls FC
Man
of the Match: Lee Harker
Week two of
the Best of the West Tournament, with OCs lining up against Te Atatu. Glorious
sunshine and a solid, bouncy Oratia pitch greeted the teams, with Liverpool
fans having an extra spring in their step! A few absentees: Nelly Bradley, Matt
Walker (who turned up just before half time), Angus Welton, Bidcom and Stewy
were all missing in action, so another good test of the squad depth. Matty lined
up in goal, with Paddy and Jamie our combative fullbacks. Captain Tancell and
Ski shored up the centre, in front of Gibbo and Joey in the centre. James and
Lee took the flanks, with a new partnership of Duncan and Nevchenko up front.
Alfie manned the bench with an unfit Barney.
Scrappy
start, with both teams finding their feet... if anything Te Atatu started the
brighter and got a solid foothold in the game. Matt forced to save well from a low
strike at the edge of the box. Then an unmarked Te Atatuan drifted in at the
far stick and headed firmly against the post. Set-piece defending again an
issue... But it wasn't all doom and gloom. Gradually Gibbo Fet was getting his
foot on the ball and spraying it left and right. Paddy and Lee were
interchanging well on the right hand side and Jamie was again a fine example of
controlled aggression. Some lovely play between Jamie and Jimmy saw a gorgeous
ball swung to the far post, but we couldn't pick up the pieces. Duncan and
Nevchenko were working tirelessly up front as the half progressed we began to
play the football we are capable of. But half-time, like last week, was
goalless.
Team talk
was for more of the same. Timmy rang the changes: Alfie came on at right back,
Matt Walker appeared after his round the bays efforts and the sun was getting
warmer! Again, a scrappy start to the half. Nothing really clear-cut for either
side but we were beginning to exert some pressure. Gibbo was finding more space
in the midfield and Joey was fighting for scraps and linking well with the wide
men... so it was out of the blue when we conceded, via a low strike from the
edge of the box that flew through a crowded area and in the back of our onion
bag! So it was back to the drawing board - 0-1.
The response
for the next 30 minutes was oustanding. Difficult to recall all of the chances
created, but Lee had a bullet shot tipped onto the bar; Lee also had a header
from eight yards out just over the bar; I think James hit the post; I think
Matt Walker also hit the post... Gibbo also had a couple of strikes on goal and
we basically played the game in their half. Long balls were all they had in
response and most were dealt with comfortably.
However, we
couldn't find a breakthrough and the final whistle meant it finished 0-1.
But like last week, far more positives than negatives, we just need to
start winning!! Drinks at the pub were low-key, while man of the match
deservedly went to Lee, with Gibbo not far behind. As long as everyone stays
involved, it looks like we have a very strong squad for the upcoming season,
with healthy competition for nearly all positions. Roll on Wednesday night and
next Sunday.
Cheers
Alfie
15.03.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 12.03.09 – O’Carrolls
3 – 1 Skillz That Killz
Scorers:
James Nutt (2), Neville Poole
3-1 last
Thursday, a good result and never really in doubt of losing. Line up was Dan
Bradley (in goal), Tancey, Paddy, Gus, myself and Nev. Some good passing
passages of play led to me nicking the first goal, Nev has claimed he got the
assist, not sure myself. We then played some more keep ball, Tancey strong at
the back, Gus with a few tricks, Paddy turning himself inside out and Nev
present on the pitch. Dan in goal didn't have much to do, but what he did, he
did well and also big thanks for playing, particularly in the graveyard game.
Second goal was from myself, again Nev "claiming" the assist, again I
can neither confirm or deny as I think it hit a defender as it crossed the
pitch. The third goal was the pick of the night, not due to the scoring of it
but more the movement of the four other outfield players who, with their
instinctive and clever positioning, allowed Nev to ghost through and slot in
the bottom corner, good finish from the big man. They also nicked one back at
2-1 from long range, again the ref didn't disappoint and had an interesting
game shall we say, with some strange decisions.
James Nutt
11.03.09 BEST OF THE WEST RESULT 08.03.09 – Oratia 3 – 2 O’Carrolls
FC
Scorers:
James Nutt, Matt Walker
Man
of the Match: Paul Gibbons
08.03.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 05.03.09 – O’Carrolls 2 – 2 HSBC AFC
Scorers:
James Nutt, Paul Tancell
Thursday we drew 2-2, Matt, Nev, Joey,
Gus, Tancey and myself lined up. Within 40 seconds we were down to five men, Joey
sent off in the quickest time ever. Not much in it to be fair, but the c**t
word didn't help and neither did the two finger salute when the ref was trying
to have a word and off he went. The ref's really hate us there and seem to have
it in for us every game. They got a penalty but missed it! Then we got a goal,
Tancey went on a marauding run and slotted home. They then grabbed two goals,
one out of nowhere and the other after Tancey had been fouled and they slotted
in. All of us were running around like lunatics trying to get something out of
the game. Matt also picked up a yellow, for booting the ball away for the pen
and he also pulled off a cracking save one on one when it was 2-1. Then with 10
seconds remaining we got the equaliser the ball falling to me and in it went. I
swear the ref was looking to disallow it for something but no joy! 2-2 it
finished.
James Nutt
06.03.09 7-A-SIDE RESULT 04.03.09 – O’Carrolls 0 – 0 PSV Hangover
The
last 7-A- Side game for the summer arrived; regulars Paddy del Piero and
James Nutt were missing for the must win game. The table was close with three
teams still involved and playing for the top spot. We needed to win and hope
the Scouser team lost - neither happened though.
BEFORE THE REPORT, I HAVE TO SAY EACH AND EVERYONE THAT PLAYED IN THIS SEASONS
7-A-SIDE SHOULD PAT THEMSELVES ON THE BACK. WE WERE AWESOME THIS YEAR! (IS
THAT A COMPLIMENT?). Anyway to the game - this one was a scrappy affair and
after Graham limped off after five minutes we were limited to long range
shooting. The best chance of the match fell to Redsy with time running out -
but he blazed over from 3 yards with the goal at his mercy.
The
final score was 0-0 and the Scousers won the league - the draw meant we dropped
to 4th. I don’t normally single people out for special praise but Jobba at centre
back and Gibbo in centre midfield were fantastic from game 1 (hopefully they
can step up to their new positions on the full size 11-a-side pitch). Sunday
brings the first of three games in the Best of the West competition v Oratia
Utd.
Tim Eddison
06.03.09 2009 Fines List UPDATED
KISS TENILLE $100
LATE $10
MISS TRAINING $10
ASK QUESTIONS AFTER INFO HAS BEEN PROVIDED $5
LETTING THE TEAM OR CLUB DOWN $5
NOT COMING BACK TO O’CARROLLS AFTER THE GAME $10
FORGETTING EQUIPMENT $10
DRINKING AFTER MIDNIGHT ON A SATURDAY $5
RED CARD $20
YELLOW CARD $10
FOUL THROW $10
DIVING $2
LYING $2
CONCRETE BOOTS $2
MEGGED $2
DIRTY BOOTS $2
SMOKING IN KIT $2
SH*T PASS $2
CORNER STRAIGHT OUT $2
GOAL KICK STRAIGHT OUT $2
50P HEAD $2
MISS A PEN $10
CONCEDE A PEN $5
GET LOBBED $5
RACISM $2
NEGATIVITY $2
MISS A SEASON 10c
GAY EXCUSE TO MISS A GAME/TRAINING $10
ARGUING WITH REF $2
FIGHTING $2
PUSSY HALF HEARTED TACKLE $2
FORGET/BORROW SHIN PADS $10
TAKE ANY PART OF THE KIT HOME $10 (PER ITEM)
NOT ADVISING YOU CAN’T MAKE TRAINING OR A GAME $5
O’Carrolls Football Club
FEBRUARY
01.03.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 26.02.09 – O’Carrolls
4 –1 Sverge
Scorers:
James Nutt (2), Neville Poole (2)
Line up - Matt,
Nev, Tancey, Paddy, Gus and me. Score 4-1 - Nev grabbed two and so did I. Some
great passing and one touch moves, Gus involved in most. Tancey at the back
never looked in trouble and their only goal was a breakaway that he could do
nothing about. Kept the ball well and took our chances, Matt pulled off some
good saves. Paddy up to his trickery and Nev managed to toe in a brace.
James Nutt
01.03.09 7-A-SIDE RESULT 25.02.09 – Inter Caramellos 0 – 2
O’Carrolls
Scorer: Michael Harrod (2)
Great result for the lads on Wednesday
as we complete the double over Inter Caramello. It puts OC’s third on 12
points, three points off leaders PSV Hangover with a goal difference of 4, just
one less than the leaders. Any kind of victory over PSV next week could seal
the title for us, but we do need Richo’s Waka Specials, who are second on 13
points, to drop points against Inter Oranginos. That game will be played at the
same time as ours, so all we can do is just go out and get a result against PSV
and hope it goes our way. Best of luck lads! Regardless of how it pans out
though, the position we’re in is a further sign of the improvement of
O’Carrolls in this competition. We’re guaranteed to finish ahead of both Inter
Caramello and Orangino, as well as Sumo, all teams that we have failed to
finish higher than in the previous two seasons in which we have qualified for
the Premier 1 group.
The Editor
22.02.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 19.02.09 – O’Carrolls 9 – 0 Genhack
Scorers:
James Nutt (4), Angus Welton (2), Martin Thomas, Neville Poole, Paul Tancell
Won 9-0 last
Thursday in the graveyard game. Line up was Barney in goal, Tancey (on his
indoor return), Gus, Nev, me and Paddy. Got off to a great start when Tancey
fired in after 30 seconds, we were cruising and 6-0 up after eight minutes,
could have been a cricket score. Some of the football in the first half was
great, one touch that led to a number of goals. All had scored at one point
except for Barney and Nev, then Nev managed to grab one that squeezed in over
the line, so close in fact that Paddy thought it was still in play even though
the rest of us were behind the half way and lined up waiting for the centre. In
the end scorers were Gus (2), me (4), Paddy, Nev and Tancey. Good game
considering it was so late, their goalie was making his indoor debut and I wonder
whether he will return.
James Nutt
22.02.09 7-A-SIDE RESULT 18.02.09 – O’Carrolls 3 – 0 Africa One
Scorers: Graham Kay, James
Nutt, Paul Gibbons
Quite a turn around since the two
defeats at the start of the year as we find ourselves just three points off the
top of the table with two games to go, the last of which is against
top-of-the-table PSV Hangover. The one and only previous meeting with PSV was
November 2005 and we thumped them 8-0; I think they’ll be a different
proposition this time round. Next up its rivals Inter Caramello, who we beat
3-1 back at the start of December. Another result against them could set up a
potential title decider against PSV the following week.
The Editor
15.02.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 12.02.09 – O’Carrolls 3 – 1 Hamstrung
United
Scorers:
Angus Welton, James Nutt, Michael Harrod
Last Thursday we won 3-1 against
Hamstrung, went 1-0 down and managed to turn it around. Line up was Barney,
Nev, Paddy, myself, Joey and the big man in the middle returned... Gus. [Who
goes in goal these days? No mention of The Glove in the line up for the last
two games...] First goal back was a
free kick from me, not the cleanest connection and went in off the nearest
post, truth be told I was aiming for the far! Then we were controlling the game
and had some good passing moves but no final product. Then Gustav managed to
score from a very tight angle with a great finish. We then kept possession and Joey
scored another from a tight angle with seconds remaining. At times it felt like
we were playing against seven, with the ref and his interesting decisions, then
at half time it felt like eight as six Hamstrung guys lined up in the wall!
Luckily the quick-witted ref hauled one off. Good finish in the end and another
win.
James Nutt
15.02.09 7-A-SIDE RESULT 11.02.09 – O’Carrolls 2 – 1 Inter
Oranginos
Scorer: Graham Kay (2)
08.02.09 6-A-SIDE RESULT 05.02.09 – O’Carrolls 6 – 2 Skillz That
Killz
Scorers:
James Nutt (4), Michael Harrod (2)
Got 2009 off to a winning start indoors last night, a bit of squad
rotation needed as we had a few absentee's travelling down to Wellington to
watch some egg-chasing or, more likely, get smashed and forget about the 7's.
So Barney, Paddy,
James Nutt
05.02.09 7-A-SIDE RESULT 04.02.09 – Sumo 1 – 4
O’Carrolls
Scorers: Graham Kay, James Nutt, Martin Thomas, Paul
Gibbons
JANUARY
01.02.09 7-A-SIDE RESULT 28.01.09 – O’Carrolls
1 – 5 Go Feet
Scorer:
Graham Kay
That’s
a crushing defeat for the boys and it ranks right up there with our heaviest ever
defeats. Go Feet matched this winning margin with a 4-0 defeat back in January
2007. It’s the fifth time we’ve conceded five goals in a game - against
Hamstrung in March 2005 in our inaugural 6-A-Side season and in a three game
run in January 2006 in the Summer League competition, going down 5-2 (Brasil),
5-2 (Nigeria) and 5-4 (Chile). I don’t think anybody would disagree with me if
I said we weren’t really taking that competition all that seriously! Next week
we’re up against Sumo; we went down 2-1 last time we met in 2007/2008 but had
two narrow victories over them in 2006/2007, so this should be a competitive
game.
The Editor
27.01.09 7-A-SIDE RESULT 21.01.09 – Richo’s Waka Specials 4 – 3
O’Carrolls FC
Scorers:
James Nutt, Martin Thomas, Nick Morrison