December 2nd : League v John Players 3-1
The final game of the first half of the League season and within 10 minutes I was confident of victory. The team was completely on top and the only forward move by Players was quickly and easily repelled. The only question mark was really the time of the first goal. Early chances fell to the usual forwards who this time shall remain nameless, and it was no real surprise when recently turned veteran Clive Biddlecombe showed the younger element the art of composure in front of goal. The move was initiated from the back four and continued with a clever one - two by Matt Taylor and Phil Sully with the final pass reaching Clive, who turned off the panic button, steadied himself, and then calmly picked his spot to fire home. Good possession was followed by several quality moves but the final pass or shot was usually wayward or well saved by opposing keeper Adrian Jakeman. Players did make several attacks but these either petered out or were well defended. Midway through the half Beeston increased their lead through Matt Taylor and half time duly arrived without too many problems.
The second half continued in similar fashion and it didn't take too long for the lead to become 3 - 0. A drilled short corner by skipper Steve Brooks put the result beyond doubt. Further chances went begging but towards the end Players reduced the deficit and that's how it stayed up 'til the final whistle. One change to the initially selected side saw Steve Welham make his debut for the team. Admittedly it was seen by 1st X1 Management to be a good opportunity to have a " run out " before the National League game the following day, on his return from injury. On discussing his position for the following week, it was felt one hundred per cent that he was good to keep his place in the 3rd X1.
It has been a relatively easy start to the League season but complacency is a dangerous thing. A difficult target has been set by the skipper and if it becomes unattainable then so be it, but the attempt must be made.
Ali Hartley
Phil Hall
Steve Brooks Gary Steeples Chris Orme
Steve Welham Clive Biddlecombe Robin Schmidt
Phil Sully Matt Taylor Mike Sutton
Sub : David Allott
Goalscorers : Clive Biddlecombe, Matt Taylor, Steve Brooks.
December 9th : League v Olton CANCELLED
December 16th : v Notts Gregory 2-1
On a weekend where 6 of the 2nd's decided that buying Xmas trees was preferable to hockey and Theakston XB's, the � Bunch � below were selected for the game against Notts Gregory's 1st X1. Unfortunately for them, captaincy was thrust upon Jeremy Dixon for the first time [ on a Saturday ].
The pre - match was good :-
a} No 2� pre match meet time
b} No disco music
c} No marathon around the lake
d} No warm up
e} 10 Players !!!!
Both Wheelhouses late, so 2 minutes before push - back our captain runs into the Bar - packed with 20 Ramblers, 1 Barman and Jeremy [ boyfriend of Nicki Roberts ]. Jeremy had not played since school, but after some careful negotiations - � You can play anywhere � - armed with his 10 year old Nike trainers, pop socks, borrowed umbrella, Jeremy pushes his XB to one side - and " Game On ".
After a confused start, Notts Gregory finally realise that the Beeston forward line consists of a goalie, an ex goalie and a debutant. Then the latecomers arrive but Colin is given a loan transfer to the black & reds. But Beeston then go 1 up, after a classic off side goal - James Myers [ goalie ] splits the back board. Before half time Gregory score when the loan transfer [ as they always do ] attempted to reverse lob the keeper. Unfortunately just as it appeared to be going high and wide Ali Hartley managed to deflect the ball into the net.
After the half time discussion and oranges [ dominated by the Conservative Party ], Beeston fail to dominate the 2nd half, but what everybody hoped wouldn't happen promptly did - the Captain scores. Jeremy bursts through the open space and as the goalie tries to narrow the gap the ball is hit early and slam dunks the 18" plank of wood. GAME OVER !!
Jeremy [ Nike ] is interested in playing again but can Beeston afford telephone calls to Oxfordshire. XB time was enhanced by the Gregory lads dresses as ladies - it was reported that Richard Aylwin fancied the left back but was late getting out of the showers and the ladies had gone to town. See you soon ........Schillaci.
Ali Hartley
Phil Hall
Michael Williamson Brian Blackmore Richard Aylwin
Rob Peregrin Pete Shuttleworth Gary Steeples
Jerry [ Nike ] Jeremy Dixon James Myers
Sub : Mark Wheeler
Goalscorers : James Myers, Jeremy Dixon
Editor's Note
It takes a goalkeeper playing in the forward line to show the usual forwards the meaning of the word " bravery ". Diving full length to meet an underhit, inaccurate attempt of a pass from Jeremy Dixon, he made a goal out of nothing.
Later in the same game JD was found hiding in the sweeper's back pocket [ AGAIN ]. As the opposing sweeper attempted to collect a harmless pass from a colleague, out came JD. The sweeper immediately tried to push his hand up the back of JD to restore the puppet to its original place, but Pinocchio was off in a flash. As he approached the circle his 2 legs brushing together, they immediately caught fire. Keeping his composure JD fired home. Who said he was burnt out !!