Match Report 29/09/2007

City of London 1sts vs Sinjun Grammarian 2nds

Result 1 -1

Scorer: JK

MOM – Rob Cockburn/Ben Lock

The wheels on the CoL bus very nearly came off on a day that did not run smoothly to say the least….

Numerous kit changes later (including a very nice red number!)and a kick-off at 3.35 the game was under way, albeit 30 min halves due to the ref’s need to attend a prior engagement that evening. Thanks ref.

Both teams started brightly, trying to negotiate passing movments on a pitch that resembled a ploughed field. City took control of the half creating a number of half opportunities and the defence of Ben and Rob accompanied by sweeper Reevo looked completely assured against a mediocre Sinjuns attack. It really was the men vs the boys on this occasion. Before the sweat had begun to trickle down your back, the ref blew for perhaps the shortest half you are likely to play.

HT 0-0.

After a rousing team-talk, the 2nd half kicked off with City feeling confident of breaking down the Sinjun defence. Things are never quite that simple for City though. We frequently feel the need to help the opposition and after an unfortunate through ball from the kick off Sinjun took the lead. A pass from City kick off left Bayo with few options. A wayward passback allowed the Sinjun striker to run onto the ball and delicately chip Tom who had no chance with the finish. 1-0 Sinjuns.

30 mins left and two goals needed, otherwise the wrath of Capo would be felt by all. The next 29 mins can only be described as a City practice game. With the pressure strangely eased, midfield pushed forward and both Darty and Mike caused problems down the flanks. With Carlos pulling the strings behind the front two and Bayo and Stig governing and dominating the midfield it was only a matter of time until a clear cut opportunity was created. A ball out wide from Carlos was met by Fitzy who flicked it up and crossed it into the box. Jay was there to meet the ball with his head of all things. Keeper stranded. 1-1. All to play for.

Chance after chance came for City in the next 15 mins. Two open goals fell foul to scuffed shots and poor touches and a number of one-on-ones were not finished. It was going to be one of those days.

Full time 1-1.

City know who the better team were but the scoreline is the only thing that matters. 1 point out of 6, but encouraging signs that things are about to click into place.

Result 0 - 7

AFA Cup

MoM - Simon Kebabbe

A shambolic build-up to the match didn't do us any favours before taking a fair old pasting at the hands of a superior Tenisonians XI. The line-up showed three changes but the same formation. Lack of kit meant we were still changing at the allotted kick-off time and then a farcical change of shirts at the side of the pitch lent an almost surreal air to proceedings. A tenacious start was then soured when Dazza fell victim to a badly mistimed challenge in the early minutes and had to go off.

All the best to Dazza for a quick recovery.

It soon became apparent who was the dangerman, the central midfielder for the visitors lollipopping all over the show. Despite the showboating, plenty of hard work in midfield and at the back meant we soaked quite a bit of pressure up - it was crucial that we got to half-time unbreached but unfortunately the all important first goal came 10 minutes before the interval. Even more unfortunately two more followed somewhat changing the half-time talk and atmosphere.

Some misfortune for the first, more than a hint of handball in the assist, the second a captain switch-off and a ghosted eyebrows, the third forgotten.

We have come back from 3 down before, but conceding a softie in the first few minutes of the second half was not in the programme.

Focussing on the positives, we played some really good stuff at times, knocking it around really well and deserved something to show for our endeavours. Boydy was again a rock at the back, Carl looked solid back in the fold and an encouraging 20 minutes from Chris Birley at left-back. The midfield worked tirelessly and Kebabbe always looked dangerous on the right flank, confirming a useful start to the season.

Let's get back to winning ways next week, back to the bread and butter of the league.

Result 3 - 0

Some poor organisation by the ground staff left us waiting for an hour to kick off.

The first fifteen minutes were all City with plenty good passing and movement. The first clear break fell to Pont who was put through on goal at the end of a great move ....should have been 1-0 but not to be. Three further opportunities fell to Clyson, Pont and Swerve.

Half-time came and the scoreline of nil-nil did not reflect City's dominance. Matty, Paul and Andy had upto that point had full control of the middle of the park and with Swerve and Pont lively on both wings Reigatians were very happy with the scoreline.

Due to the late start Andy Pamphillon had to depart and a rearranged City midfield struggle to dominate a reinforced Reigatians midfield. The first 15 were all Reigatians and great defending from Brian and Danny help to keep the oppo off. The deadlock was finally broken when Jim burst forward and unleashed a looping 30 yard shot.

More pressure and a few minutes later Thomas was given too much time in the box and drove a ten yard shot low into the right corner. City very much on top and then two wasted clear chances from the oppo were punished by Matty's big BOOM from 20 yards and swerve sealed it all off.

The first win of many!