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2006 |
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26.07.06 CHAMPIONS!!! - LEAGUE RESULT JUL 23 – Blazer 2 – 9 O’Carrolls
With the season drawing to a close, OC's had a chance to wrap up the title
today against Blazer, our nearest title challengers. This was our first
encounter in the league, although we had met in the second round of the cup and
OC's had run out convincing winners; 8-0. We knew we had to forget that result,
remain focused and concentrate on today's game if we wanted to end the day as
champions.
The gaffer
started with Matt in goal. The back four saw Tancey return to the centre of
defence alongside Woody. Dan B and Biddy took the fullback positions. Captain
Gus and Walshy held centre midfield with Olly and Gibbo on the flanks. Ziggy
and Ash renewed their partnership upfront. Alex, Nev, Lobster, and Barry were
on the bench. Stu was selected to start but poor ol' 'Wanabee' fell over
playing for his other team the day before.
There were a
few grey clouds in between sunshine and we hoped that the rain would stay off
an already boggy pitch. Both teams started well trying to play a passing game.
OC's started making good progress down the flanks and looked the more
threatening in the opening minutes. This pressure paid off with the second
corner in the 11th minute. Olly, who had just missed from the same position
only minutes earlier rose to meet Ziggy's excellent ball to head home. 1-0.
Three minutes later another excellent cross from a corner saw Woody rise above
everyone to nod home. OC's weakness all season has been set pieces and in three
minutes we score two. 2-0. At this stage there was a slight worry for the
gaffer when Dan B. pulled up with a hamstring injury. He was having an excellent
game but Nev was an able sub. Although
the Blazer boys heads had dropped slightly they were soon smiling again when a
penalty was awarded in the 21st minute. The penalty taker looked confident but
managed to 'blaze' it over; a lucky break for OC's.
With Dave and
Gus holding the midfield and winning some excellent ball it wasn't long before
the third goal. Some excellent passing saw the marauding Biddy arrive from left
back to finish with a goal. 3-0. Blazer continued to play good football but their
final pass had been letting them down. However on 30 minutes a good break saw
their forward one on one with Matt. This time they were on the score sheet 3-1.
The only way to respond to conceding is to go up the other end and score. Two
minutes later captain Gus did exactly that with an excellent finish from 25
yards out. 4-1. OC's were made battle throughout and there was no room to
relax. The 39th minute saw another corner for OC's, this time from another
excellent delivery, Tancey was closest to bundle the ball across the line to
make it 5-1, which was how it remained until half-time.
The gaffer
was pleased and asked for more of the same. Alfie took the field for Olly and
sadly for Alf it will be one of his last appearances in the black and red as he
shortly returns to Ol' Blighty. With five minutes of the half gone the defence
were a little lax in their distribution and this saw a determined Blazer player
win the ball and find himself through on goal. He slotted home to make it 5-2.
A slight setback but it wasn't long before OC’s were in the ascendancy again.
Five minutes later it was that man Gus, who went on a mazy run having chased
down a miscue from Gibbo. He took the ball to the by-line having beaten a
couple of defenders and proceeded to thump the ball off the last defender and
into the net. His determination and battling qualities throughout the game saw
him deservedly take the Man Of The Match award. 6-2.
The game was
won but the determination to play for 90 minutes was evident. With 65 mins on
the clock, a ball was floated into the box for Walshy to use his sublime
agility to loft a sweet header over the keeps and score his 4th in 5 games.
7-2. It was Ziggy's turn 10 minutes later; with some good battling from Ash
(who worked his nuts off before being replaced by his fellow scouser Baz) the
ball was fed to Gibbo who put a great ball in to Ziggy, who in turn controlled
well before giving the keeper no chance - 8-2. The final goal was left to Gibbo
who hadn't let the bog-like conditions affect his control of the ball all game.
When the ball broke to him with a minute on the clock he took on the last
defender and made it 9-2 OC's.
It wasn't the
end though... with 94 mins played OC's won a penalty. The gaffer gave Matt the
shout. 'See if you can do better than Richie’. Matt did do better than Richie
(he hit the target) but unfortunately straight at the keeper. The fact that the
ball rebounded seemed to stun Matt as he missed that as well. Baz arrived to
help but their keeper had long smothered the ball. So instead of being the
first keeper to score for OC's Matt was NEVILLE OF THE WEEK instead.
A
championship team performance with no fewer than eight different goal-scorers…
can't ask for more than that. Congratulations… Champions for the second year running.
The Coach
17.07.06 LEAGUE RESULT JUL 16 – O’Carrolls 7 – 1 Boca 60’s
So
into the final stretch of the season and today we welcomed Boca 60’s to Seddon
Fields. O’Carrolls had run out 5-1 winners in our first round meeting at the outstanding
pitch that was Simson Reserve, Boca scoring that day from a fabulous set piece.
Today’s game was to be played on the less than attractive Seddon #3; Inter had
turned up earlier in the day and decided they didn’t fancy playing on the dusty
surface of #2, so they nicked our pitch!
It was
somewhat of a new line up today from the gaffer; injuries forced a couple of
the changes, but as Tim put it, it was ‘a chance to shine’ for those in the
starting eleven this week. Richie was back between the sticks, while a new
centre-half pairing of Woody and Dan Bradley was joined with Biddy on the left
while Bundy started on the right. Nevchenko teamed up with Dave in the middle
of the park, the Irishman captaining the side today. Olly and Gibbo took up
their usual positions on the wings. Up front were Ash and Barry; Dan Green was
on the bench this week, alongside Gus, Paul Tancell and Lobster. Fifth
substitute Max couldn’t make it due to illness.
Kick
off was delayed by about 15 minutes due to a clash of kits, so there was plenty
of time to warm up while Boca fetched a change of shirts. At 3.15 we eventually
got the game underway with the sun in our eyes. Watching from the sideline this
week, I thought OC’s got off to a decent start. There was a good spell of early
pressure, with a corner forced in the first minute, resulting in the first
attempt on goal from Gibbo. It was comfortably saved by the keeper, but already
we’d probably tested the keeper more than in the entire first half against Lane
Xang the previous week. It was a respectable opening 10 minutes for OC’s; a
couple more corners for the home team, but nothing yet to really test the
Boca’s keeper. Their first opportunity came on 10 minutes, a speculative strike
from about 30 yards out. It was on target, but was never really going to
trouble Richie. Then OC’s done what we’ve done so many times this season – go
right down the other end and score. Richie’s long ball was picked up by Nev,
who in turn found Gibbo out on the left. In trademark style the Brummie cut
inside and unleashed a strike on goal that went in under the keeper’s body.
1-0.
The
game settled down at this point, but OC’s continued to create the best
opportunities. Barry had a terrific chance on 21 mins to double the lead, but
his final shot was straight at the keeper. The majority of the game was being
played on the left flank so Gibbo and Biddy were seeing plenty of the ball;
there was little opportunity for Olly on the opposite side to whip in the
dangerous crosses we’ve come to expect.
We knew the Boca’s keeper to be a good stopper, but he was spilling
quite a bit today. OC’s however were not making the most of this as a Gibbo
strike was dropped by the keeper, but again there was nobody there chasing
in. Just on the half hour mark, a superb
run from Woody resulted in a shot that drifted just wide of the post. The
Welshman was involved again just a few minutes later when he rose to meet a
Gibbo corner that was just cleared off the line.
Boca
hadn’t really threatened the OC’s goal yet today, but that was about to change.
On 40 mins OC’s were dealt a sucker punch as Boca drew level. A loose ball in
the midfield ricocheted off Nev and found it’s way to a Boca forward. He took
one touch before setting his strike partner on his way with a neat through
ball. The last man was out muscled as the Boca forward coolly slipped the ball
past the oncoming Richie, beaten for the first time this season. 1-1, and OC’s
heads dropped. With only a few minutes remaining, Biddy had a pop from about 30
yards that forced a decent save from Boca, but there was time for no more as
OC’s trudged off the pitch looking very disenchanted.
The
half time talk was more of a halftime silence – nobody seemed to have any words
of inspiration. Gus tried his best to lighten the mood with some ball juggling,
but they just weren’t interested. The gaffer made a change at this point,
bringing on Ziggy for Barry up front. After explaining the difference between
left and right to Woody, we were ready to get the second half underway.
OC’s
started this half a bit slower than the first, but created a few decent chances
in the opening ten minutes. Olly glanced a Dave Walsh free kick wide before the
Irishman showed up the Boca keepers butter fingers once more with a long-range
effort that almost sneaked in at the post. At this stage the gaffer decided
that it was time to bring on Gus; perhaps he was bored with the ball juggling.
One of the central midfielders would have to make way; unfortunately for Nev,
it was he. Some would say it was an inspired substitution (I’m sure Tim will)
because it almost immediately reaped rewards. A mazy run from Gus brought him
into the penalty area where he was felled by a Boca defender – Matt pointed to
the spot (Matt was refereeing this game by the way). There were a few
half-hearted protests from Boca, but the contact had been made – even if Gussy
did go down like a dying swan. So with second half barely 15 mins old, Dave
Walsh stepped up and thumped the penalty home to restore OC’s lead.
With
the lead back in our hands and the calming presence of Gus on the pitch, OC’s
began to take control of the game and the goals soon came. On 63 mins a
terrific ball over the top from Dan Bradley found his namesake Dan G who
sharply lobbed the ball over the oncoming keeper. 3-1. The arrival of Gus had
certainly made a difference and he found himself in a great position soon
after, but instead of squaring it for a teammate, he smacked it into the side
netting. Greedy! :o) The next chance came Boca’s way after a break down their
left flank, a cross-come-shot striking the crossbar and denying Boca’s a way
back into the game. On 72 mins though, the man who had opened the scoring put
the game beyond all doubt. An Olly throw was flicked on by Dan G, picked up by
Gibbo who showed great strength to muscle his way into the box and smash home
for 4-1.
With
the points pretty much in the bag, the gaffer made a few more changes. On came
our secret weapon – Lobster – for Ash, who had failed to score for only the
fourth time this season. On too came Tancell, replacing Olly on the right wing.
On 80 mins the lead was further increased after good play between Dan G and
Tancell, the Mancunian crossing for Gus to finish and bring the score to 5-1.
Three minutes later and Dan G got his second goal, rounding the keeper and
slotting home for 6-1. One further change at this point, Nevchenko back on for
Dave Walsh, who had been outstanding in the middle of the park. With only a few
minutes remaining Lobster found himself in a great position, but his shot was
charged down by the Boca defence. Moments later he was involved again though,
feeding his fellow ginger Dan Green, who completed a second-half hat trick and
resigned Boca to a 7-1 defeat. Richie was called upon late in the game when
Boca broke through the defence, but he was quick off his line and smothered
well on the edge of the area. The last effort of the game came from Ahmed
Zaoui, a strike from distance but it needed to be better to trouble Richie.
Man Of
The Match went to Bidcom, thoroughly deserved, but he was run close by a few
others on the pitch - a terrific second half display. Thanks to Boca 60’s for
the game, best of luck with your remaining fixtures. With promotion secured we
now have to concentrate on winning the league; victory next week against Blazer
will guarantee that. Until then…
PS.
STAT OF THE DAY: Our goals for/against are exactly the same at the
moment as they were at the end of our 5th Division campaign last season – 64
FOR / 5 AGAINST
The
Editor
11.07.06 A WORD OR TWO FROM OUR FREQUENT CONTRIBUTOR, MR.
JOHN IRONS…
Lads,
Wasn’t the best world cup was it?
Nowt to do with England's failings. Sven got it all wrong;
we all know that and are bored of it so we look ahead from here. Look at
France, who could bring on 2 recognised strikers late in the game yet we
only had 2 in the whole squad.
My summary and things off the chest so life can go on... cos’ I
have too much time on my hands and it's not a beach day today. There wasn't a
legendary team that came out of it, no amazing individuals lived up to
expectations or new faces or fairy tales really (Aussie were close but
they were robbed) etc. Portugal won most "entertaining" team, which
clearly relates to theatre, and Zidane won an award that was voted on at half
time before possibly won of the worst acts in the professional era!! Madness.
There were no what I would call amazing goals. Okay there were
great goals aided by the light ball but no one could run with it as after two
strides; it was too light to keep at their feet so you got all the messy
tackles. I don't think video refs will work like in other sports, but I think
yellow cards can be issued after the games that are missed and taken
away for those unfairly given. That system doesn't seem to be enforced.
Then again, who are the muppets that decide these things? Figo got away with a
head butt and Rooney gets a 2-match ban - explain that!
Next thing is that if a player is asked to go off pitch for
a stoppage they should have to remain off for at least 2 minutes to avoid
the fakers coming straight back on fresh as a daisy. That annoys me - look at
Henry in the final. He looked out of it and had my full sympathy for a while
but then was 110% again before a sub could get his tracksuit top off.
There may be an instant replay available to 4th officials for
penalty claims (and cards issued to those trying their luck) but it would be
one viewing only, decided in under 10 seconds in my view. One replay and that's
it, none of this all angles thing like rugby league as that is overkill. If
it's not conclusive within 10 secs then go with the refs original decision.
Then, if that works maybe introduce it to the marginal offsides that end
directly in a goal. Again, any over zealous complaining from defending
team that turns out to be onside should result in yellow for dissent. They
have messed with the 'interfering with play' idea so a quick one off
replay should be enough for any 4th official. I think the Zidane sending off
was a perfect example with the biggest audience that a slight delay to get
information that ends in the right decision is better than playing on and
making players take law into their own hands and ruin a good game.
That’s as far as it should go in my lifetime, then again who would
have thought a keeper couldn't pick up a back pass 20 years ago?
So, the real business starts on August 5th for us League
One fans, which is just 4 weekends time. Lovely!!
Adios, tri-nations lovers!
John.
P.S... anyone saving up for South Africa? $10 a week with
interest should get you there with plenty of beer money and lads style
accommodation, tickets paid for by water savings by not flushing every time you
p*ss serving as a daily reminder between now and then. I'm up for it.
EJ
10.07.06 LEAGUE RESULT JUL 09 – Lane Xang FC 1 – 1 O’Carrolls
Our
tenth league game of the season saw us away to Lane Xang at Riversdale Reserve.
Although we had beaten them at home 9-1, we knew Lane Xang would be up for it
on their home patch, as they were last season.
The
gaffers line up this week saw Matt between the sticks. Biddy and Tom took up
the full back positions with Tancey and Woody in the centre of defence. Olly
and Gibbo caressed the wings while Nevchenko and captain Gus held the middle of
midfield. Ash 'I'm really a Thespian' Welsh and his partner in crime Ziggy were
upfront. Walshy, Max, Dan B, Bugsy and Lobster were on stand-by.
The
game kicked off without corner flags and a young lad
from LX as the referee. LX set the early pace and were eager to chase the early
stages of the game. Indeed the game was only a minute old before they had their
first attempt, which was dealt with easily by Matt. OC's had to wake up
and Tom and Woody started to show what was needed with some excellently timed
challenges. OC's passing game was a little rusty, which saw us give away
some needless balls. Fortunately LX didn't take advantage, although Matt had to
get down smartly a couple of times in this period. The game was
competitive at this stage with each team battling hard for first and
second balls. Unfortunately the young lad refereeing was out of his depth and
some of the decisions he made were farcical (the mildest comment I could
think of). Suffice to say the remainder of the half degenerated into a bit
of nonsense, that had no real football to report. 0-0 H.T.
The
second half started with the gaffer making one change; off came Dan G, Olly
went upfront and Walshy took centre mid with Nev pushing out to the right. LX
changed their referee. All observing hoped that a more balanced game might now
be in the offing. The competitiveness from both teams was still evident, but
unfortunately the ineptitude of our new whistle-happy ref was also present. The
game seesawed for the first 20 minutes, with OC’s in the ascendancy. The LX
keeper was now the busier of the two. Alas, 10 minutes later the
"beautiful game" as we know it was no longer, when out of
nowhere the ref inexplicably gave a pen that even had the more honest members
of LX aghast. The pen was converted and the only thing to do now was score 2
goals. Shortly after the gaff was forced to bring Dan B in for Tom
who had pulled up injured. Biddy went upfront for Olly and Max took
up the left back position. The OC’s players took the game to LX. A
good ball was played to Nev inside the box in an excellent position. But
wait... the ref blows his whistle. An LX player had sat down to nurse an
earlier knock to his foot, well away from play so it couldn't be that...
but wait for it... it was the reason.... the ref said he blew the whistle
because it was his friend (I've now heard them all). OC's kept battling
trying to concentrate on playing ball, whilst also wondering if the laws of the
game had changed overnight.
With
10 minutes left on the clock they were duly rewarded. LX had failed to clear a
good initial ball from Gibbo and with the predator Ash lurking on the
edge of the box his first time effort was despatched into the roof of the
net. 1-1.
OC's
kept up the pressure with good a good effort from Biddy just over. With 4
minutes remaining another good attack down the right saw a good delivery from
Nev. Again the ball wasn't cleared and Ash took it down beat his man on the
edge of the area, and hammered the ball home. An excellent strike and
a wonderful goal to take all three points. But no... the little man
who reffed the first half was now a linesman and yes, you guessed it, he gave
offside and naturally the ref agreed. With two LX players standing in
the 6 yard box when the ball was struck from the edge of the area, this had to
be a late April Fool's joke. The only ones laughing were the ref and his unable
assistant. The last two to three minutes were played in disbelief and
the game finished 1-1.
Football
suffered a heavy loss today. But onwards and upwards and we look
forward to Boca's visit next week when we hope to bring back a bit
of football's beauty to the fields of Seddon.
The Coach
03.07.06 3rd/4th/5th
DIVISION CUP RESULT JUL 02 – Bay Olympic Reserves 0 – 10 O’Carrolls
Bay Olympic came into this game with only one victory all
season; that coming in the cup first round against 5th Division Beta FC; a BYE
in the second round secured their QF appearance. Their league record hasn’t
been good; one point from a possible 21, which sees them holding up Division 3.
OC’s, on the other hand, have maximum points from our nine league games played
and have notched up 2-0 and 8-0 victories against City Socialists and Blazer
respectively in the early rounds of the cup. Form certainly favoured the Vulcan
Lane outfit – but this is the cup… The Bay were ready and warming up at least
45 minutes before KO, so it was clear they were up for it.
A familiar line-up saw Richie play his first cup game this season;
Biddy, Woody, Tancell and Tom made up the back four. Gibbo and Olly took up
their usual positions on the flanks while Nevchenko partnered a rather
worse-for-wear Gus in the middle. Bearing in mind that the captain has produced
some inspiring display in the past while recovering from a big night, so there
was little concern. Up front Ash was restored to the starting line-up alongside
Ziggy. On the bench: Bundy, Lobster, Barry, Dave Walsh & Dan B.
And we’re off… It was a pretty even affair for the first 10-15 minutes,
both sides passing the ball well but neither side really taking control. The
scoring chances were few and far between as the game was played out in the
middle of the park. Gradually though, OC’s began to take hold the game and
apply some pressure on the BOR defence. Maybe it was the late night/early morning,
but everybody seemed to have their heads on and the ball was being sprayed
about calmly and comfortably, OC’s were having some good possession and
starting to create some openings. It took until the 22nd minute for the BOR
goal to be breeched, and when it did, it was a cheeky effort from Nevchenko;
after a bit of a scramble in the box the ball fell beautifully for the Scouser
and he deftly back heeled it into the net to make it 0-1 to OC’s. And from here
the floodgates opened…
The rest of the half was played in BOR’s half; they very rarely got
beyond the half way line. OC’s were applying real pressure now and pinning BOR
back with wave after wave of attack, pretty much every player on the pitch
getting involved. The lead was doubled soon after by our flame-haired forward;
finding himself one-on-one with the keeper Dan G coolly slotted the ball into
the left corner for his first cup goal of the season. 0-2. His second was soon
to follow, this time Nevchenko turned provider, crossing for Ziggy to chest
home and make it 0-3. BOR’s heads were beginning to drop and they were
resorting to long punts up the field to relieve their defence of some pressure,
but these were being comfortably dealt with by the OC’s back line. The next
goal was to come from the defence; a terrific break from left-back Biddy saw
him sprint the length of the pitch, a neat one-two with Ash put him in on goal
and he made no mistake smashing home to make it 0-4. The first half scoring was
completed by the man who started it, Nevchenko latching onto a wayward Dan G
shot and finishing with composure – 0-5. And thus completed and outstanding
first half from OC’s, five goals in less than 25 minutes, and the half time
team-talk was quite simply ‘More of the same!’
After a few orange slices (thank you Gemma) we were ready to begin the
second half, with the sun to our backs. A brief spell of BOR possession ensued
early on, but it was brief and the goal threats were again comfortably dealt
with. Richie had very little to do, but he was there to collect the ball when
required and his distribution had been great all game. Not long in and OC’s
were back on the scoresheet, this time Ash (are you sure Dave?) netting at the
back post after a deep cross from Tancell. 0-6. It may have been the exertion
of an assist or too many orange slices at HT (my money’s on a hangover), but we
were all treated to the sight of Tancell chucking up his breakfast on the
pitch. Not quite as glamorous as Goldenballs’ display v Ecuador; Bay Olympic
might want to spread some more sand today. At this point the gaffer made a
change, Bugsy coming on for Olly on the right wing.
OC’s continued to create openings and the next came by way of a spot
kick. Big appeals from OC’s after a shot on goal appeared to strike the arm of
a BOR player and after a little think the referee pointed to the spot; there
was little protest from BOR. With Nevchenko already on a brace, the sideline
instructed that he step up and try to complete his hat-trick. Would OC’s penalty
record prevail and the Scouser blast it wide/over/at the keeper? With the words
of his flatmate ringing in his ears, “What’s the matter with you? It’s so
easy.’, Nev placed the ball on the spot, took a few steps and powered the ball
straight down the middle. 0-7, and Nev done what his heroes from Liverpool
couldn’t over in Germany. At this point I’d like to mention that Mr. “It was
still fairly easy to curl one into the top corner” Dye had previously blazed a
penalty wide while representing England in a NZ Ethnic League barely 6 months
ago. Maybe Stu should take us through penalties at training in the event of
spotters in the SF??? Another change, Dave Walsh replacing Gus in the middle,
and it was a substitution that would immediately reap rewards. Dave picked the
ball up in the middle of the park before playing yet another neat one-two with
Ash and the Irishman placed a peach of a strike into the bottom right corner.
0-8. Inspired substitution! Next up was another sub, Bugsy, a great run down
the right wing and the Scouser flashed the ball across the keeper in the far
corner. Great finish for the ninth goal of the game.
Man Of The Match Nev was forced off toward the end of the game with an
injury, replaced by Dan B at left-back, Biddy pushing into the middle to
partner Dave Walsh. Bazzadona chanced his arm with a bit of volleyball after
trying to turn a Gibbo cross in with his hand; that earned him NOTW. The final
goal of the game came from Gibbo, and it was a Gibbo-goal if ever there was
one. A trademark run down the left flank, the now famous right boot of the
Brummie picking out the back of the net over the head of the stranded keeper.
The icing on the cake for 0-10.
A silly remark from the moron with the ponytail marred a game that was
played in otherwise a terrific spirit. BOR were graceful in defeat and
apologized for Rapunzel’s ethnic slur, a comment that was hopefully born out of
frustration more than abhorrence. Thanks to BOR for the game, and thanks to the
ref, she handled the game well and left nothing to complain about.
So a semi-final to come, and with one of the pre-cup favorites (HNK)
bowing out to Block 23 yesterday, OC’s have got to fancy our chances of going
all the way. Next week, a return to league action against Lane Xang FC. OC’s
are now on course for a league & cup double… in the words of the gaffer
‘CCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEE OOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNN!’
The Editor