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Match Reports
Author: Emrys Downey
St. Dominic's (2) V Repurposed (2)
Our first of many visits to Norman Park didn’t go to plan. Before the game we were struggling to get players, however we had the starting line-up and were ready to start.
We started brightly and had our opponents on the back foot. It was inevitable that we were going to take the lead; unsparingly it was Rouell our top goal scorer, who struck first, undoing the defence on the left hand side and running in to beat the keeper at his near post.
We continued to show our recent good form and kept repurposed bombarded into their own half where they had remained from the start of the game. We were two goals up in a matter of minutes this time Rouell brought down inside the box. ‘Penalty’ was the shout from our players, however the ball broke to Joel who hit it straight at the keeper but for him the keeper parried it straight off him and into the empty net. Good advantage from the referee, who hadn’t had much to do so far.
Once again we continued to carve open our opponents, this time it was matt with the shot, working well down the left with Rhys and beating several players to take him inside but the shot was high, wide and not at all handsome. We were spurned by our chance that again we had another this time, Matt with a beautifully time ball over the top, to Dom clean through one on one, just had to pick his spot but blasted it straight at the keeper.
Towards the end of the first half repurposed had their first attempt on goal, poor defending on our part allowed them to open us up, flag went up from the linesman, we stopped but the ref played on and I had to make the save to tip it away for a corner.
The second half began, I told the lads not to get too complacent we still had to finish the game off after not taking our chances in the first half. Unlike the first half we struggled to gain possession and momentum, when we did gain possession we gave it away too easily and Repurposed began to get back into the game by feeding of our mistakes.
Our opponents were given a lifeline back into the game, when a long ball played over the top wasn’t dealt with by our defence, it was a sprint for the ball our defender got their first and tried to flick it up into the air but it went straight over my head and into the goal.
Revitalised following their goal repurposed began to control the game and this time had the equaliser when from the corner whipped in back post, headed down and shot only for Athos to hit it into the net for another own goal.
Shell shocked by our demise we began to get confidence back and with the last ten minutes to go we had repurposed once again inside their own half as we played it from right to left and vice versa until we created the last chance, Ryan on the left dribbled past their right back and into the box but the shot was tame and showed his fatigue to put it wide.
Positives to take from the match and unbeaten in four matches, well done to repurposed for getting their first points of the season.
Goals: Rouell, Joel
Assists: Liam, Rouell
St. Dominic's (3) V Repurposed (0)
An important match for both sides as three valuable points was at stake. Both teams were warmed up and ready waiting for the referees signal and it was dead on half one when the signal came.
We knew this was a match in which we needed to take control of and move above Penge for a week or so. However it was repurposed who started the better, for the first fifteen minutes they looked comfortable in possession and despite their young team were relishing the opportunity in this very important match. Had we underestimated them?
As the game went on we began to take control of proceedings and were looking relaxed in possession. It was evident that were going to score, and we did through Anton Browne playing his first game up front who through a tame shot hit it straight at the keeper only to find it going through his legs and into the empty net. We were embarrassed to celebrate but this was the break we were looking for.
However it was Repurposed who had the next attempt on goal, a clearance knocked up field, confusion between our two normally reliable centre backs and their young winger tried to lob our keeper John who at this time rushed off his line into no man’s land and was helpless but relieved to watch the ball bounce wide.
This was the wakeup call we needed and again we began to string the passes to together from back to front. A series of one twos followed and it was Anton down the left linking up with Rhys, then Athos who played Anton in again, to cut open their defence and this time a better shot followed their Goalkeeper made a good save but couldn’t prevent Rouell from blasting in the re-bound to get his fourth goal of the season.
After the break, I hoped the lads would take on my words on board on not get too complacent, there was still a job to finish. The words were taken fully on board and we took full control for the second half which was not an exciting one, it was a half of few chance and few fouls.
We got the break through when from Rhys’ corner the ball was tucked neatly home, Jonathan was claiming the goal, however it was probably an own goal. We knew the next goal was the most important one, if we got it would hopefully put the game beyond doubt but if repurposed scored the next one then they were back into the game and it was going to be an edgy last thirty minutes or so.
Despite the score repurposed still showed fight and determination and for them the game wasn’t over. Unsurprisingly it was repurposed who created the next chance the best player by far on the day, their captain C G SO from outside the box and little support around him he laced a shot which was heading for the far corner of the net only for our one man wall in our keeper John to tip it wide. Rouell spurred by his recent goal form took the ball from the outside the area and beat three defenders but the angle was too tight for him to beat the keeper as he blazed the ball well wide.
This was a match where we delivered with the points. However it could have been a very different story if our opponents were clinical in front of goal.
Goals: Anton, Rouell, OG
Assists: Anton, Athos, Rhys
St. Dominic's (0) V Christ Church Bromley (0)
Even before the game started there were question marks as to whether the game would go ahead due to recent weather conditions.
As I got to the ground it was absolutely freezing and I had hoped that the game would still be on, the pitch was playable but a little hard in the middle. Nether the less the goal nets and corner flags were all put up and we were waiting for our opponents.
Cc Bromley had been in better form than us in the league this season, so we knew it was going to be a tough task ahead; however we had got our first points on the board last week and were relishing the opportunity to add to them.
Both teams were ready and warmed up, but we were waiting for the referee to arrive. As no referee had turned up to our pitch, we had to start the game before it became too dark, and both teams mutually agreed that I would referee the game.
As the game kicked off, there was no question that Cc Bromley had started better they were totally on top for the first 20 minutes. They had created several opportunities and had the first chance of the game when a throw-in was missed-judged by Athos and headed over the bar by their midfielder. Cc Bromley also had several free kick opportunities and mixed the variety of deliveries to confuse our goalkeeper.
As the first half progressed we pulled our socks up and got on with the task and saw a change in our performance, we had two wonderful opportunities to break the deadlock from our midfielder Navid, the first was a scramble outside Cc Bromley’s box knocked up to Rhys in the air who headed it on to Navid, who beat the offside trap and blasted it straight at the goalkeeper. It was a great save. The next opportunity was an individual effort from Navid who picked up the ball in midfield and dribbled past three opponents and was one-on-one with the goalkeeper and dragged a poor shot wide.
Going into half time we knew we had the better chances of the game so far and were maybe unlucky not to take the lead. So I asked for more of the same from the team.
The second half started much of the same, with Cc Bromley again starting the better but as the game progressed we got a strong hold of the match. Cc Bromley had two great chances to take the lead however they were denied both times by Rhys who was on the line to clear off the line. We a couple of shots in the second half but they were both wide of the goal.
A tight game where both teams struggled to beat their opponents defence and when they did both keepers made sure they kept clean sheets.
On our behalf I want to just apologise to David Lees the referee who did in fact turn up to the ground but a lack in communication on our behalf meant that he couldn’t find us.
M.O.M- Rhys Downey
St. Dominic's (3) V Park Road Baptist (2)
As I arrived at the ground I knew that this was probably our most important game so far this season. However we were missing several important players most notably our ever reliable keeper John. Nevertheless, we had been putting in some consistent performances lately but not getting the results. I had hoped that it would be today where we got the three points.
As soon as we kicked off, we set the tempo of the game and were controlling the play from the back. Our game plan was to attack early doors by putting our opponents under pressure; i encouraged our full backs Liam and James to attack as much as possible.
Most of our play was coming down the left hand side where Liam and Billy were, it was Liam who had our main two efforts at goal, and the first was straight to the defenders legs, the second well wide. Unsurprisingly it was another attack from the left when we scored, this time Billy wriggled through their defence and laid Rowen off who dribbled past the oncoming defender and tucked it near post past the keeper.
After this we sat back, this allowed our opponents Park Road back into the game and with their superior experience they capitalised. Firstly when their corner was not dealt with by our defence, their captain took advantage and rifled it in past our make shift keeper Rhys, who was playing in goal in the absence of our keeper John. Our opponents got their second just before half time. When a pass was nocked forward their striker beat the offside trap, Anton our captain was bearing down on him but got pulled back and their striker had a simple tap in past the stranded Rhys. A foul we argued no said the ref!
We had 80% possession in the first half, but could not find a way past them as now they had the lead they were becoming very defensive by keeping ten men behind the ball and booting it clear.
At half time we knew we had to step up the tempo and attack with more movement. Athos was also relieved that he wasn’t the oldest player in the league at thirty-six as there were two park road players in their fifties playing.
Again for most of the second half we had possession but remained lacking in the final third of the pitch. I made a substitution in an attempt to change things, as I brought on Isaac for Joel for the second consecutive game. However this didn’t have much impact on our performance.
After two heavy tackles our captain Anton was injured and could not see clearly, although this was worrying as Anton had a really solid game. I started to see the bigger picture as I counculted with my injured captain, we agreed to bring josh on for Anton but also bring Rhys outfield having played most of the game in goal. We began to see the change as Rhys took the reins in the middle and dictated our attacks.
It was soon after this when we scored, Billy again running down the left crossing into the middle for Rouell who took a massive leap and headed it past the helpless keeper. This goal was reminiscent of Torres vs. Man Utd last season. Rouell had his 2nd of the season.
We were very fortunate to be level as Park Road kept us at bay very well, however they couldn’t stop us from getting the winner Rouell again with the goal. This time a solo effort running from the half way line and shooting with venom into the top hand corner, our opponents were shell shocked as there second half hard work had come to no avail.
This was a game which we knew we had to win and we did. Put on another day it could have been a different story.
I feel that a draw was a fair result but I have to credit my team for showing determination and passion to win the game.
Goal scorers: Rowen Jones & Rouell Dawkins (2)
Assists: Billy Ward (2)
St. Dominic's (1) V Cc Chislehurst Lions (3)
Several positives to take out of today’s encounter, which was an eventful one. Unlike the week before where we had seventeen players, we were struggling to get a starting team and it has to be said that our captain on the day Anton Browne drove to pick up players and the effort and thanks is down to him. Whilst Anton was driving we had to start the match, we did so with nine players and we took shell shocked our opponents when Navid Zandi headed home Rouell corner.
Despite their numeral advantage they were struggling to gain momentum, as we again tested their defence, Billy hitting the post for the second consecutive game. In and amongst this we had some woeful efforts at goal from Navid and Rouell. However we were undone when Rhys Downey handled the ball in the penalty area and the referee gave a penalty. They sent john the wrong way and the game wall level.
Minutes later Anton and Rowen emerged up the hill to a chorus of shouts from the St Dominic’s players. From then on we though our luck had changed, however we were wrong and the emergence on two new players inspired our opponents as many of their attacks were troubling our youngest defenders Liam and Rhys. They took the lead as their striker broke through the defence and lobed our started keeper.
They used the match events so far to step up a gear and it was inevitable when they scored again, this time a solo effort from their old experienced striker, we were looking shaky at the back. Soon after this we tried to get back into the game and again Billy was unlucky not to score when his volley was somehow tipped over the bar by their keeper, a save worthy of the premier league.
At half time a lot needed to be said, on the other hand we hadn’t been outplayed but they scored from our mistakes. We looked fired up and raring to go, but the second half didn’t live up to the first and neither side managed to trouble its opponents.
Nevertheless there was one controversial moment towards the end of the second half, when Navid and one of their strikers had a handbag fight and this sparked a player’s brawl; conversely the inexperienced referee was shaken by this and did nothing. A few moments of madness this overshadowed a fair game until that point.
We have put in some consistent performances and we just need that bit of luck.
Goal: Navid Zandi
M.O.M: Billy Ward
St. Dominic's (0) V Penge Family Church 'A' (2)
Yet another frustrating afternoon here, as St. Dominic’s ended up second best after 90 minutes of committed cup football although there will be some question marks about the referee’s performance.
Even before the match started I had a dilemma, sixteen people turned up and I could only use fourteen. This had never happened in our short history as a team. I had to let two players down and say that they couldn’t play. Fairly I decided this should be the players that haven’t played for St Dominic’s before, as this would be unfair on our squad.
Now to the match itself:
Our opponents Penge ‘A’ from two divisions above us started brightly, they tried to take control of the match. For the first fifteen minutes we couldn’t get out of our own half and they kept pilling on the pressure. However we were containing them and began to edge our way into the match. We created some brilliant build up play but we lacked that killer instinct in front of goal. Once again they threatened by playing a through ball to open up our defence and they hit the post. They used this chance as a stepping stone as they went ahead shortly after from a corner a near post flick on into the net, some poor defending on our behalf.
They troubled us again shortly after with a header which was finely tipped round the post by our reliable goalkeeper John to keep the score line down. This top quality save must have been what inspired us to step up a gear as we spent the rest of the first half solely inside their half and could of got an equaliser when Billy only playing his second game for the club, blazed the ball over the bar from 10 yards out. After that we began to surge and we were without question the better side and maybe should have gone into half time with another goal. This time it was Dom Richards who worked his socks off to create a one-on-one chance from nothing however the keeper made a comfortable save from a tame effort.
As we started the second half we knew there had to be an improvement but again it was Penge who started the better. We weren’t creating many chances so we had to make changes; first Rowen came on for Joel then Matt replaced Dom Richards. We began to edge back into the game but Penge showed their class by breaking through our defence to score a cheap tap in from 5 yards.
We made our final change of the game when Claudio came on for the injured Jenson. Matt and Navid began to take control of the midfield and we once again created more goal scoring opportunities. Firstly, from 25 yards Navid total um marked blasted the ball, the keeper completely beaten but the post prevented him from scoring a spectacular goal. After this Rouell had a great chance to get us back into the game but blazed the ball over from 10 yards out, Reminiscent of Billy’s first half chance.
Soon after John played the ball up to Rouell who chested it down and ran at their defence he was completely taken out by two of their defenders. The ref shook his head and said no foul. When we did get a rare decision from the ref it was another chance to score. This time Matt placed the ball down, lifted it in back post, Navid with the header. The goalkeepers with a world class fingertip save onto the bar, Rhys with a header back into the goal and cleared away off the line.
As we were attacking heavily, these left gaps at the back and Penge exploited this when Claudio missed kicked the ball and their attacker was one-on-one with John. Only one outcome shortly for the attacker but big John saved with his feet and lumped the ball up field to keep us in the game yet again.
The game began to get edgy with both sides trying to establish a foot hold. Through this period Anton our captain for the day began to put some crunching tackles in. He must have made five or six within the space of three minutes. This untimely earned him a yellow card from the ref. After this the game fizzled out with Penge the eventual winners and through to the next round.
A very good performance once again from us, if we maintain this good form we will have a successful first season as a team.
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