TPFC 2 Springfield 4
Saturday 29 March 2008
With a short notice change of fixture, TP were now scheduled to face mid table Springfield, rather than bottom of the table Cranbrook.
First time round we lost to a 10 man Springfield team, so we new they were useful, and we faced them without the Gaffer, so the injured Trevor offered to take the reigns from the sideline.
The team was announced several times before it actually right, but we finally got underway, not before contemplating performing the Haka on the half way line to challenge Springfield’s loud, rousing huddle!
But as we have come to use as a trademark start, pressure was put on Springfield from the off until we one a throw from it. However, unlike in other games recently, we weren’t able to turn the really early pressure into a goal. But we still looked dangerous and were finding ways through.
But it wasn’t long before we were exposed to problems. Specifically one tiny little rapidly fast problem – Springfield’s striker. Everything Springfield did ended up at the feet of him and it took a while before we worked out to stop him, then another little while before we actually could! Even Ferris and Calvin wanting a try, Calvin showing on many occasions that he was the one with the pace in the team that could have done (Note for next season – Calvin or Dwayne as Sweeper in this fixture!)
So influential was he that the first goal came from the opposite side of the pitch, with a ball played over the top for a slotted finish to the bottom corner.
An early change was required when Mark – who had shown some nice passes & touches in intricate spells of play - seemingly pulled a muscle, making way for Nat.
But what followed in the rest of the half were 3 more unfortunate goals being conceded. Not overly against the run of play, as the wind was doing its normal thing at the Flats, but when a shot goes through 3 players after not properly being cleared, when a slip in the goal mouth leads to the ball squirming over the line, and a wind assisted clearance avoided Steve’s hand and snuck in via the post, you know it might not be your day!
Especially when a dipping volley from Dan Spinola hits the bar and the wind – for all the good it did them, failed to hold up the balls played through for Ferris and Calvin.
But an insightful speech at half time from the Caretaker manager really hit home.
Another change was made when Tim volunteered to make way, David taking his place at right back, and the start of the second half was different – it was confident, its was disciplined, it was direct and effective – it wasn’t long before we were winning corners, before the balls being played over the top were being met by the pace of Calvin and Dwayne; The intricate spells involving Nat & Dan of passing were being effective in getting in behind them on the right hand side. This all culminated in a free kick being won on the edge of their box, which Sam duely tucked away after bending the ball around the wall and catching the keeper unaware – all above board as the Ref said he could take it!
Confidence was taken from last weeks second half come back, and it wasn’t long before the second goal came. Nick’s left boot was hit and miss all game, so when a volleyed in cross with his right was pumped back in, it found Ferris, and when Ferris gets the ball in those positions, he doesn’t miss!
These goals came either side of a goal line clearance from Dan Spin and from too many saves to recall from Steve – the highlights being:
A one-on-one with the striker racing through,
A top corner finger tip save from a header following a corner,
Several charges from his line to the feet of oncoming strikers &
A stop a brick wall couldn’t have managed when the other striker (was there one?!?) was chasing through a high ball.
But the game then changed, Calvin was booked harshly after an unavoidable clash with a Springfield player who was already falling after finding a ditch in the pitch. John was booked – as a few of us could have been (although I must stress at this point to anyone not at the game that all tackles mentioned above were not dangerous, simply an attempt to win the ball off someone with feet quicker than the blink of an eye!) – for a tackle on the striker that only David and Sam were finding ways to stop. And then a second booking followed for Calvin, trying to stop the Springfield centre back finding a clear route to goal.
Still, even with 10 men, confidence was with us, but the impact of this loss meant it was harder. Made harder still by an injury to David (at the time playing centre midfield), which meant Trevor came off the bench, only to suffer – but not to be stopped by – his own thigh injury. Terry Butcher, Paul Ince – you can play with bandaged heads, but can you win headers on one leg like Trevor can!
The game turned on the unfortunate decision to book Calvin, but testament to TP the decisions were not challenged. The ref was allowed to do his job as he saw fit and this was respected.
And, at the request of a Springfield player not to send David off (Ed’s note – for a tackle most would have applauded anyway!) as it ‘would make it too easy for [Springfield]’ – we didn’t need that help, as we played in the right manner which saw us deservedly win the second half 2-0 with goals unaided by nature – take that element out and we actually draw 2-2!
Team:
S. Speroni;
T. Collier, J. Helm (Capt), S. Balogun, A. Owen;
Mark, D. Spinola, N. Speroni, D. Mitchell;
F. Lindsay, C. Lindsay;
Subs:
N. Field for Mark (20mins);
D. Hambridge for T. Collier (45mins);
T. Lindsay for D. Hambridge (80mins);
Goals:
S. Balogun, F. Lindsay
MoM:
Dan Spinola;
Tireless, disciplined and in Trevor’s words, ‘orchastrated all that was good’
To Be or Not To Be
Sat 15 March 2008
TP 3 – 4 Harmony
What a game! There was excitement, debate, bookings, goals, mistakes, moments of class, friendships, but most of all a cracking atmosphere amongst the players. This game should have been videoed and put on match of the day! Having said that, if it hadn’t been for a few errors from TP, they surely would have won. The Harmony team were taking their chances, throwing players forward in the early stages, and got caught out by a counter attack started by Dan Spinola, who played Calvin Lindsay in down the right, and he won a corner. Nick swung the corner in and after a scrap, David Hambridge shot wide.
The first goal came about fifteen minutes in. The ball was struck from the edge of the area after some nice running by a winger and the ball crept underneath Steve Speroni. Trevor Lindsay almost got TP back on level terms after some nice work by Dwayne Mitchell, whose cross found his Trevor, who headed over. The second goal went in and this was an unfortunate goal because the ball struck Samuel Balogun, who was nicknamed Adebayor by Dwayne and One of their strikers, and went past Steve. Shortly after another goal went in, this time a striker went through down the left, after an appeal by Andy Owen for offside was ignored by our own ref Ian Howard (whose toes are still keeping him out of action), and the on rushing striker tucked it past the on rushing Steve. Their keeper was then forced into saves from Nat Field, Ferris Lindsay, and Nick Speroni. Going in at half-time 3-0 down, the oranges looked dead and buried.
The second half kicked of and immediately the oranges won the ball back through Nick, who played a ball to Ferris, who volleyed over from outside the box. TP struck back when the opposing keeper exceeded the six second rule, and an indirect free kick was given inside the box. Dave and Calvin were disrupting the keeper and opposition players as Sam waited. The whistle went and Nick laid the ball off to Sam, who lived up to his Adebayor nickname, and he curled the ball into the far corner. With half an hour to go, Dan had a shot in the box that took a deflection and looped over the bar. Dan had a go at himself for missing but he was about to make up for it from the following corner. Calvin and Nicks set pieces had all been superb and this was no different. Cal whipped it in far post and Dan jumped beating four players, including Sam, to head in from a tight angle. 3-2 were they going to do it?
Then Harmony sent on another striker and the game began to open up. The striker ran down the left past Sam and looked about to score when Dave came in with a sliding tackle to knock it out for a corner. Again Harmony broke and this time they scored. The striker lobbed Steve, who had little to do in the second half, and looked to be going straight in. But instead the ball bounced along the bar three times above Dave’s head. When it finally came down, the striker smashed it in. Heads began to drop, but certain individuals, most notably Nick and Dan, insisted the game wasn’t over. Even the ‘unbiased’ ref had words of encouragement. Nat then showed some nifty footwork and played in Calvin, who forced the keeper into a good save. There were five minutes to go and their keeper thought he was Ronaldinho. They say all keepers are crazy, and this one proved so as he lost the ball to Ferris, who side footed home. 4-3 and TP were flooding the Harmony penalty area, even sending up Steve in the last minute, but the ball didn’t fancy going into the net again. The whistle went and all the players came off with a sense of excitement. A great game!
TP 3 – 4 Harmony
What a game! There was excitement, debate, bookings, goals, mistakes, moments of class, friendships, but most of all a cracking atmosphere amongst the players. This game should have been videoed and put on match of the day! Having said that, if it hadn’t been for a few errors from TP, they surely would have won. The Harmony team were taking their chances, throwing players forward in the early stages, and got caught out by a counter attack started by Dan Spinola, who played Calvin Lindsay in down the right, and he won a corner. Nick swung the corner in and after a scrap, David Hambridge shot wide.
The first goal came about fifteen minutes in. The ball was struck from the edge of the area after some nice running by a winger and the ball crept underneath Steve Speroni. Trevor Lindsay almost got TP back on level terms after some nice work by Dwayne Mitchell, whose cross found his Trevor, who headed over. The second goal went in and this was an unfortunate goal because the ball struck Samuel Balogun, who was nicknamed Adebayor by Dwayne and One of their strikers, and went past Steve. Shortly after another goal went in, this time a striker went through down the left, after an appeal by Andy Owen for offside was ignored by our own ref Ian Howard (whose toes are still keeping him out of action), and the on rushing striker tucked it past the on rushing Steve. Their keeper was then forced into saves from Nat Field, Ferris Lindsay, and Nick Speroni. Going in at half-time 3-0 down, the oranges looked dead and buried.
The second half kicked of and immediately the oranges won the ball back through Nick, who played a ball to Ferris, who volleyed over from outside the box. TP struck back when the opposing keeper exceeded the six second rule, and an indirect free kick was given inside the box. Dave and Calvin were disrupting the keeper and opposition players as Sam waited. The whistle went and Nick laid the ball off to Sam, who lived up to his Adebayor nickname, and he curled the ball into the far corner. With half an hour to go, Dan had a shot in the box that took a deflection and looped over the bar. Dan had a go at himself for missing but he was about to make up for it from the following corner. Calvin and Nicks set pieces had all been superb and this was no different. Cal whipped it in far post and Dan jumped beating four players, including Sam, to head in from a tight angle. 3-2 were they going to do it?
Then Harmony sent on another striker and the game began to open up. The striker ran down the left past Sam and looked about to score when Dave came in with a sliding tackle to knock it out for a corner. Again Harmony broke and this time they scored. The striker lobbed Steve, who had little to do in the second half, and looked to be going straight in. But instead the ball bounced along the bar three times above Dave’s head. When it finally came down, the striker smashed it in. Heads began to drop, but certain individuals, most notably Nick and Dan, insisted the game wasn’t over. Even the ‘unbiased’ ref had words of encouragement. Nat then showed some nifty footwork and played in Calvin, who forced the keeper into a good save. There were five minutes to go and their keeper thought he was Ronaldinho. They say all keepers are crazy, and this one proved so as he lost the ball to Ferris, who side footed home. 4-3 and TP were flooding the Harmony penalty area, even sending up Steve in the last minute, but the ball didn’t fancy going into the net again. The whistle went and all the players came off with a sense of excitement. A great game!
Rouge Bruise Oranges
Saturday 19 April 2008
TPFC 1 -2 All Nations Centre
4th from bottom, TPFC had All Nations in their sights this week. The last meeting between these two teams was on the 1st December where the Oranges triumphed with a 7-1 win. Steve Speroni was man of the match, and it saw perhaps the goal of the season from Dan Spinola's spectacular 25 yard strike.
This week Dan Spinola was not available for selection, and Steve (Maverick) Speroni was called to the mid-field with Trevor Lindsay slipping on the rather unorthodox gardening gloves!
The Oranges faced a renewed All Nations, who fielded a much larger squad than the last game, and included some new talent up front. TPFC started strongly despite only fielding ten men, and tested the Red's unsettled defence.
Sam Ranthe, a new addition to the Oranges already 30-strong 'squad' proved to be a valuable find. He toyed with his opposite full-back and frustrated the All Nation's mid-field to good effect throughout the game.
TPFC were clearly fired up for this game, and continued to pressure the All Nation's stuttering defence. Ferris Lindsay showing he still has a fine touch and a fierce strike, as he turned on one foot and fired a long range shot into the far corner of the Reds goal.
Although buoyed by the early super-strike, the Oranges knew that a huge task lay ahead. Not only did they need to win, they needed to maintain an exemplary discipline record to steer the course to the coveted crown of the behavioural league!
The Orange's pressure seemed to have a positive effect on the All Nations squad, stepping up their game through their new striker. The Red's looked for their opener through clinical passing and dangerous crossing. The first wave of attack came from a Red's corner, with their centre-forward whipping the ball towards the near post. Thankfully the workhorse Andy Owen was there to clear the ball, not once, but twice, with the second effort just narrowly headed over the bar to cries of 'almost your first goal of the season!' - he 'had it covered' to borrow a phrase from Mr. Seaman.
All Nations continued their attack and were rewarded with a scrappy goal. TPFC failing to clear the ball, with the Red's solid mid-fielder burying the ball from close range.
Determined to keep hold of the game, TPFC upped their game, only to be disappointed with another scrappy goal. The Orange's defence again failing to clear a messy ball.
Half-time came too soon, with shouts of disbelief when the TPFC skipper Nick Speroni advised the Red's that the Oranges only had ten men.
The second half was a typical story of the grit and determination the fans have come to expect. Trevor Lindsay putting in some fine saves despite suffering from his on-going groin strain (surely these Lindsay boys are bionic?!).
Steve (Maverick) Speroni then suffered a cruel injury when the largest man on the pitch decided to stand on Steve's ankle in the goal mouth. Unflinching Steve was carried off to leave TPFC down to just 9 men.
Even with the depleted force, the Oranges bravely fought on, with Steve coming back on through the pain, and proving himself as TPFC's iron man!
Full time, and the Oranges were disappointed to lose 2-1, but happy in the knowledge that they had maintained their 10 out of 10 record for behaviour, and once again proved they can match any team in the league.
Man of the Match - Trevor Lindsay
TPFC 1 -2 All Nations Centre
4th from bottom, TPFC had All Nations in their sights this week. The last meeting between these two teams was on the 1st December where the Oranges triumphed with a 7-1 win. Steve Speroni was man of the match, and it saw perhaps the goal of the season from Dan Spinola's spectacular 25 yard strike.
This week Dan Spinola was not available for selection, and Steve (Maverick) Speroni was called to the mid-field with Trevor Lindsay slipping on the rather unorthodox gardening gloves!
The Oranges faced a renewed All Nations, who fielded a much larger squad than the last game, and included some new talent up front. TPFC started strongly despite only fielding ten men, and tested the Red's unsettled defence.
Sam Ranthe, a new addition to the Oranges already 30-strong 'squad' proved to be a valuable find. He toyed with his opposite full-back and frustrated the All Nation's mid-field to good effect throughout the game.
TPFC were clearly fired up for this game, and continued to pressure the All Nation's stuttering defence. Ferris Lindsay showing he still has a fine touch and a fierce strike, as he turned on one foot and fired a long range shot into the far corner of the Reds goal.
Although buoyed by the early super-strike, the Oranges knew that a huge task lay ahead. Not only did they need to win, they needed to maintain an exemplary discipline record to steer the course to the coveted crown of the behavioural league!
The Orange's pressure seemed to have a positive effect on the All Nations squad, stepping up their game through their new striker. The Red's looked for their opener through clinical passing and dangerous crossing. The first wave of attack came from a Red's corner, with their centre-forward whipping the ball towards the near post. Thankfully the workhorse Andy Owen was there to clear the ball, not once, but twice, with the second effort just narrowly headed over the bar to cries of 'almost your first goal of the season!' - he 'had it covered' to borrow a phrase from Mr. Seaman.
All Nations continued their attack and were rewarded with a scrappy goal. TPFC failing to clear the ball, with the Red's solid mid-fielder burying the ball from close range.
Determined to keep hold of the game, TPFC upped their game, only to be disappointed with another scrappy goal. The Orange's defence again failing to clear a messy ball.
Half-time came too soon, with shouts of disbelief when the TPFC skipper Nick Speroni advised the Red's that the Oranges only had ten men.
The second half was a typical story of the grit and determination the fans have come to expect. Trevor Lindsay putting in some fine saves despite suffering from his on-going groin strain (surely these Lindsay boys are bionic?!).
Steve (Maverick) Speroni then suffered a cruel injury when the largest man on the pitch decided to stand on Steve's ankle in the goal mouth. Unflinching Steve was carried off to leave TPFC down to just 9 men.
Even with the depleted force, the Oranges bravely fought on, with Steve coming back on through the pain, and proving himself as TPFC's iron man!
Full time, and the Oranges were disappointed to lose 2-1, but happy in the knowledge that they had maintained their 10 out of 10 record for behaviour, and once again proved they can match any team in the league.
Man of the Match - Trevor Lindsay
Oranges At Sixes And Sevens
Sat 8 March
All Stars 7 - 1 TP
The team news was the Andrew Owen returned from a month of scything, Trevor Lindsay making his second start down the left, and Debutant Mark Raines on the bench. Soldier Boy aka Ian Howard managed from the touchline as he had two broken toes.
A wretched second half display from the oranges meant that six goals were let in, that should have been prevented. However, there were some encouragements, like the quickness off the blocks to produce the first goal. Ferris Lindsay spotting the keeper off the line and superbly lobbing him in less than a minute, after a good through pass from Calvin Lindsay. After that start, the oranges pressed looking for a second, with Trevor Lindsay heading over and Nat Field shooting wide.
The equaliser came about halfway through the first half, a corner swung in, headed out by captain John Helm, and a half-volley dispatched into the bottom corner, through a crowded penalty box. The defensive offside trap was working well as a unit and on a number of occasions the opposition attack was denied by the (non existent) linesman’s flag. The best action came just before half time. Another cross was cleared by Andy Owen but it fell to the opposition’s play maker who smashed a full volley from 25 yards, which was tipped onto the bar by keeper Steve Speroni. At half time the oranges believe that this game was there for the taking but for some reason, didn’t show that on the pitch.
The second goal came five minutes after half time. A striker wasn’t closed down and he struck from the edge of the area into the bottom corner. Then the third went in and heads began to drop. A long range effort bobbled under Steve. Dan Spinola then started of a nice patch of football. Passing back to Dwayne Mitchell, who played a one-two with David Hambridge, played a ball to Calvin who played it onto his dad, whose shot went wide. The fourth rolled under Steve, the fifth was tapped past him, and the sixth was volleyed into the top corner after poor marking from David Hambridge. Mark Raines then came on for Andy, and he showed some nice early touches from the left wing to feed the ball to Nick who flicked it on to Ferris, who was pushed over by a two-handed push. Nick told the ref that he thought that was out of order, but the ref seemed to have a bigger go at Nick for arguing than the player who was guilty of the initial foul.
Then came the drama. A late penalty was given for a push by John, and the opposition player went crazy, punching a team mate and walking off because he wasn’t allowed to take it, even though he was the first to be offered it and turned it down. This initiated a scuffle, during which no TP player was involved. Swear words and insults were exchanged and so were fists. That undermined a game that was played in a competitive way, but that is no excuse. However, TP can be proud that they didn’t get involved. The penalty was converted by the way!
All Stars 7 - 1 TP
The team news was the Andrew Owen returned from a month of scything, Trevor Lindsay making his second start down the left, and Debutant Mark Raines on the bench. Soldier Boy aka Ian Howard managed from the touchline as he had two broken toes.
A wretched second half display from the oranges meant that six goals were let in, that should have been prevented. However, there were some encouragements, like the quickness off the blocks to produce the first goal. Ferris Lindsay spotting the keeper off the line and superbly lobbing him in less than a minute, after a good through pass from Calvin Lindsay. After that start, the oranges pressed looking for a second, with Trevor Lindsay heading over and Nat Field shooting wide.
The equaliser came about halfway through the first half, a corner swung in, headed out by captain John Helm, and a half-volley dispatched into the bottom corner, through a crowded penalty box. The defensive offside trap was working well as a unit and on a number of occasions the opposition attack was denied by the (non existent) linesman’s flag. The best action came just before half time. Another cross was cleared by Andy Owen but it fell to the opposition’s play maker who smashed a full volley from 25 yards, which was tipped onto the bar by keeper Steve Speroni. At half time the oranges believe that this game was there for the taking but for some reason, didn’t show that on the pitch.
The second goal came five minutes after half time. A striker wasn’t closed down and he struck from the edge of the area into the bottom corner. Then the third went in and heads began to drop. A long range effort bobbled under Steve. Dan Spinola then started of a nice patch of football. Passing back to Dwayne Mitchell, who played a one-two with David Hambridge, played a ball to Calvin who played it onto his dad, whose shot went wide. The fourth rolled under Steve, the fifth was tapped past him, and the sixth was volleyed into the top corner after poor marking from David Hambridge. Mark Raines then came on for Andy, and he showed some nice early touches from the left wing to feed the ball to Nick who flicked it on to Ferris, who was pushed over by a two-handed push. Nick told the ref that he thought that was out of order, but the ref seemed to have a bigger go at Nick for arguing than the player who was guilty of the initial foul.
Then came the drama. A late penalty was given for a push by John, and the opposition player went crazy, punching a team mate and walking off because he wasn’t allowed to take it, even though he was the first to be offered it and turned it down. This initiated a scuffle, during which no TP player was involved. Swear words and insults were exchanged and so were fists. That undermined a game that was played in a competitive way, but that is no excuse. However, TP can be proud that they didn’t get involved. The penalty was converted by the way!
Oranges Off Colour
Sat 23rd March
Blackhorse Road 9 TPFC 0
Something’s are best forgotten – in this case the score – but it doesn’t reflect what positives there were from this game.
Playing the league leaders after a battling performance in the last league outing which saw a draw with Walthamstow, the team were full of optimism going into this game and rightly so. That confidence ignited TPFC, who for 30mins dominated the game and made numerous chances.
Adam was finding the space to get shots of from distance and Eddie joined in. The best chance fell to Nathaniel, who battled the centre back to make the space to drill a shot which snuck past the far post.
Daniel in midfield was winning the ball and turning the opposition inside out to make plenty of space for himself to play in. Femi and Calvin on the flanks were having great joy, beating the defenders for pace and getting involved in some great passing moves – Dwayne and David (the days full-backs) were joining in and getting forward, reslting in david fling the full force of a massive tackle from one of Blackhorse Roads giants.
Unfortunately the dominance was interrupted by a break from Blackhorse which resulted in a vicious drive bouncing on a sand pit of a goal mouth and beating Steve.
Further adding to the lack of favour shown by the run of the ball was an injury to Calvin which saw him replaced by TP’s own Bionic Man Ferris (Ed’s Note – John Terry has nothing on this man!).
This didn’t stop TP trying to play, but the ball was running in Blackhorse Road’s favour and resulted in a penalty and some more excellent finishing from the league leaders.
TP came in 5 down at half time and this overshadowed the dominance that was shown. The half time team talk signalled an intention to get back to the way the first 30mins was played and to enjoy the next 45mins. Femi at this point made way for Sam and TP went 4-4-2, with Ferris and Sam leading the line and Nat moving to left midfield.
And for spells during the 2nd half some great football was played. Although Blackhorse were dangerous, this was more often a result of a long ball – TP were trying to play the way the game was meant, short passes and movement of the ball and it was effective and would have been more so against a lesser team.
The final score was 9, but the fact is we were playing against the league leaders and we were playing better football than the previous game when we should have won.
Sometimes in football you don’t get what you deserve. Sometimes you get more than you deserve.
The score is best forgotten.
The way we played football should be remembered. As should the drive to ensure the score didn’t reach double figures.
But our perspective on things should be this… that this is only a game and, after events in the Arsenal game, we should be thankful to the Lord for keeping us all safe in the games we have played so far.
Men of the Match:
Dan Spinola – always looking to create and win the ball
Nat Field – thankless task up against a solid defence, yet kept battling to get on the end of chances.
Team:
S. Speroni;
D. Mitchell, I. Howard, J. Helm, D. Hambridge;
F. Oyeniran, A. Campbell, E. Campbell, D. Spinola, C. Lindsay;
N. Field;
Subs:
F. Lindsay on for C. Lindsay
S. Balogun for F. Oyeniran
N. Speroni for D. Mitchell
VACANCY:
Enforcer Required!
TPFC have a vacancy for a holding midfield ‘Enforcing’ role:
The required player must be able to fill the boots of a staple member of the team and be able to:
Do the simple things in a Claude Makelele manner;
Have an engine that ends in charges forward to make up numbers and get the occasional goal;
Unleash shots from distance that can catch everyone off-guard;
And finally…
Be a model player who plays for the team and in a manner that has set the standard for what TPFC is all about.
Thank you Eddie for everything you have done for the team. You will always be welcomed back as the original Enforcer!
Blackhorse Road 9 TPFC 0
Something’s are best forgotten – in this case the score – but it doesn’t reflect what positives there were from this game.
Playing the league leaders after a battling performance in the last league outing which saw a draw with Walthamstow, the team were full of optimism going into this game and rightly so. That confidence ignited TPFC, who for 30mins dominated the game and made numerous chances.
Adam was finding the space to get shots of from distance and Eddie joined in. The best chance fell to Nathaniel, who battled the centre back to make the space to drill a shot which snuck past the far post.
Daniel in midfield was winning the ball and turning the opposition inside out to make plenty of space for himself to play in. Femi and Calvin on the flanks were having great joy, beating the defenders for pace and getting involved in some great passing moves – Dwayne and David (the days full-backs) were joining in and getting forward, reslting in david fling the full force of a massive tackle from one of Blackhorse Roads giants.
Unfortunately the dominance was interrupted by a break from Blackhorse which resulted in a vicious drive bouncing on a sand pit of a goal mouth and beating Steve.
Further adding to the lack of favour shown by the run of the ball was an injury to Calvin which saw him replaced by TP’s own Bionic Man Ferris (Ed’s Note – John Terry has nothing on this man!).
This didn’t stop TP trying to play, but the ball was running in Blackhorse Road’s favour and resulted in a penalty and some more excellent finishing from the league leaders.
TP came in 5 down at half time and this overshadowed the dominance that was shown. The half time team talk signalled an intention to get back to the way the first 30mins was played and to enjoy the next 45mins. Femi at this point made way for Sam and TP went 4-4-2, with Ferris and Sam leading the line and Nat moving to left midfield.
And for spells during the 2nd half some great football was played. Although Blackhorse were dangerous, this was more often a result of a long ball – TP were trying to play the way the game was meant, short passes and movement of the ball and it was effective and would have been more so against a lesser team.
The final score was 9, but the fact is we were playing against the league leaders and we were playing better football than the previous game when we should have won.
Sometimes in football you don’t get what you deserve. Sometimes you get more than you deserve.
The score is best forgotten.
The way we played football should be remembered. As should the drive to ensure the score didn’t reach double figures.
But our perspective on things should be this… that this is only a game and, after events in the Arsenal game, we should be thankful to the Lord for keeping us all safe in the games we have played so far.
Men of the Match:
Dan Spinola – always looking to create and win the ball
Nat Field – thankless task up against a solid defence, yet kept battling to get on the end of chances.
Team:
S. Speroni;
D. Mitchell, I. Howard, J. Helm, D. Hambridge;
F. Oyeniran, A. Campbell, E. Campbell, D. Spinola, C. Lindsay;
N. Field;
Subs:
F. Lindsay on for C. Lindsay
S. Balogun for F. Oyeniran
N. Speroni for D. Mitchell
VACANCY:
Enforcer Required!
TPFC have a vacancy for a holding midfield ‘Enforcing’ role:
The required player must be able to fill the boots of a staple member of the team and be able to:
Do the simple things in a Claude Makelele manner;
Have an engine that ends in charges forward to make up numbers and get the occasional goal;
Unleash shots from distance that can catch everyone off-guard;
And finally…
Be a model player who plays for the team and in a manner that has set the standard for what TPFC is all about.
Thank you Eddie for everything you have done for the team. You will always be welcomed back as the original Enforcer!
TP Win by TKO
Sat 9th February
TPFC 1 Walthamstow Parish 1
The battling performance from the previous week saw the same players rewarded and keeping their place. This meant that TP had the strongest bench in thier history, with the returning Captain, Tim and Femi.
Steve returned to the team and Nick found himself back on the left wing where he started his career many moons ago! It was the Gaffer that made way due to a toe injury – a lesser man would have retired from this (anyone remember some guy named Lineker?)
TP were facing the team with the ‘poorest’ behavioural record of 8+ (Ed’s note – 8? Poor? Shows the standard we have set!) and the motivating factor today was to maintain our composure and show this team how it should be done!
And that we did. A battling start saw TP take the lead. A cross from the left was met by Dan Spin’s head and the ensuing scramble saw Calvin bury the ball into the roof of the net.
Many more chances were made and had it not been for a soft (but technically correct) penalty decision which saw the WP player go over from a tackle from Sam the game would have remained in TPs favour going in at half time, especially with how rattled the WP players were getting.
The game remained fairly even and changes were made, with John debuting as Centre forward and Tim and Femi offering the fresh legs needed. TP remained strong and dangerous yet solid at the back and were buoyed by the return of Ferris to the side lines weeks after serious surgery. This drove the Oranges on and, with a little more time, a winner would have come.
But unfortunately it wasn’t to be.
But what about the win by TKO? That came from the Oranges response to a physical battle and a composure in the face of provocation. No-one (bar a few words after the penalty) did anything less than what our status as Behavioural League leaders would expect and everyone kept their mind focused on winning a football match in the way we go out to every week.
Man of the Match:
I’m writing this 3 weeks after the event, so can’t remember who stood out, so I’ll say me!
Joking!
My records show that I gave my own MoM award to Dave Hambridge.
Team:
S. Speroni,
D. Mitchell, S. Balogun, D. Hambridge, A. Owen;
C. Lindsay, A. Campbell, E. Campbell, D. Spinola, N. Speroni;
N. Field.
Subs:
J. Helm for C. Lindsay
T. Collier for A. Owen
F. Oyeniran for D. Mitchell
TPFC 1 Walthamstow Parish 1
The battling performance from the previous week saw the same players rewarded and keeping their place. This meant that TP had the strongest bench in thier history, with the returning Captain, Tim and Femi.
Steve returned to the team and Nick found himself back on the left wing where he started his career many moons ago! It was the Gaffer that made way due to a toe injury – a lesser man would have retired from this (anyone remember some guy named Lineker?)
TP were facing the team with the ‘poorest’ behavioural record of 8+ (Ed’s note – 8? Poor? Shows the standard we have set!) and the motivating factor today was to maintain our composure and show this team how it should be done!
And that we did. A battling start saw TP take the lead. A cross from the left was met by Dan Spin’s head and the ensuing scramble saw Calvin bury the ball into the roof of the net.
Many more chances were made and had it not been for a soft (but technically correct) penalty decision which saw the WP player go over from a tackle from Sam the game would have remained in TPs favour going in at half time, especially with how rattled the WP players were getting.
The game remained fairly even and changes were made, with John debuting as Centre forward and Tim and Femi offering the fresh legs needed. TP remained strong and dangerous yet solid at the back and were buoyed by the return of Ferris to the side lines weeks after serious surgery. This drove the Oranges on and, with a little more time, a winner would have come.
But unfortunately it wasn’t to be.
But what about the win by TKO? That came from the Oranges response to a physical battle and a composure in the face of provocation. No-one (bar a few words after the penalty) did anything less than what our status as Behavioural League leaders would expect and everyone kept their mind focused on winning a football match in the way we go out to every week.
Man of the Match:
I’m writing this 3 weeks after the event, so can’t remember who stood out, so I’ll say me!
Joking!
My records show that I gave my own MoM award to Dave Hambridge.
Team:
S. Speroni,
D. Mitchell, S. Balogun, D. Hambridge, A. Owen;
C. Lindsay, A. Campbell, E. Campbell, D. Spinola, N. Speroni;
N. Field.
Subs:
J. Helm for C. Lindsay
T. Collier for A. Owen
F. Oyeniran for D. Mitchell
Fortune Favours ELT, not the Brave
TPFC 0 – 4 ELT
Fortune Favours ELT, not the Brave.
This week, the Oranges were at home to top-flight ELT.
Still sore from defeat to league leaders Camberwell, TPFC were looking to win back some pride.
The battle of the acronymic-named teams commenced (prizes for deciphering ELT!) without their valuable keeper Steve ‘Maverick’ Speroni. Even with his cat-like reflexes he could not evade a bout of tonsillitis.
Andy ‘Two Codes’ Owen looked to cash in on his rugby career by slipping on the keeping gloves.
Andy seemed to relish the opportunity to handle the ball and get stuck-in on the floor without being booked, and after a first-minute fumble, settled into the role of number one.
The Oranges were under no illusions as to the mountainous task ahead. With only ten men they faced a buoyant ELT, who are looking to stamp their name at the top.
From the whistle TPFC got stuck in and made it difficult for ELT, creating several chances for the ELT keeper to lap up.
At the opposite end of the field, ELT began to find their feet. Their strong centre-forward chased an opener with a fierce close range effort which was saved by the debutant TPFC keepers face!
ELT’s first goal was gifted when a sloppy effort from their nifty striker was bundled in by an embarrassing blooper from the keeper – reminiscent of David Seaman’s blunder against Brazil.
This did not seem to rock TPFC’s sturdy ship, and they continued to look for an opener through Daniel Spinola who was enjoying his stint as a lone striker.
David Hambridge once again proved his captaincy by doing what he does best. ELT were clearly riled by David’s no-nonsense defending.
Unfortunately for the Oranges, the mountain was made higher by some clinical passing and shooting from ELT. TPFC seemed helpless when three ELT attackers cleverly played past an exposed defense, and an isolated keeper.
The defensive problems were further compounded when a fierce header was parried away by Andy Owen, only to be half-volleyed into the exposed net by the ELT striker.
With the half-time whistle, a hard team talk ensued. Andy Owen rescinded his gloves to David Hambridge and resumed his defensive duties.
As the second half commenced, ELT sat back on their lead and allowed the home team to exert some pressure.
TPFC thrive under pressure, and this showed with a hard fought battle in midfield. Eddie Campbell and Co putting in a magnificent effort and snuffing out most of ELT’s attacks.
Samuel Balogun also put in a gallant effort, but perhaps this was motivated by his craving to be the most photographed player alongside Andy Owen.
Fortune Favours ELT, not the Brave.
This week, the Oranges were at home to top-flight ELT.
Still sore from defeat to league leaders Camberwell, TPFC were looking to win back some pride.
The battle of the acronymic-named teams commenced (prizes for deciphering ELT!) without their valuable keeper Steve ‘Maverick’ Speroni. Even with his cat-like reflexes he could not evade a bout of tonsillitis.
Andy ‘Two Codes’ Owen looked to cash in on his rugby career by slipping on the keeping gloves.
Andy seemed to relish the opportunity to handle the ball and get stuck-in on the floor without being booked, and after a first-minute fumble, settled into the role of number one.
The Oranges were under no illusions as to the mountainous task ahead. With only ten men they faced a buoyant ELT, who are looking to stamp their name at the top.
From the whistle TPFC got stuck in and made it difficult for ELT, creating several chances for the ELT keeper to lap up.
At the opposite end of the field, ELT began to find their feet. Their strong centre-forward chased an opener with a fierce close range effort which was saved by the debutant TPFC keepers face!
ELT’s first goal was gifted when a sloppy effort from their nifty striker was bundled in by an embarrassing blooper from the keeper – reminiscent of David Seaman’s blunder against Brazil.
This did not seem to rock TPFC’s sturdy ship, and they continued to look for an opener through Daniel Spinola who was enjoying his stint as a lone striker.
David Hambridge once again proved his captaincy by doing what he does best. ELT were clearly riled by David’s no-nonsense defending.
Unfortunately for the Oranges, the mountain was made higher by some clinical passing and shooting from ELT. TPFC seemed helpless when three ELT attackers cleverly played past an exposed defense, and an isolated keeper.
The defensive problems were further compounded when a fierce header was parried away by Andy Owen, only to be half-volleyed into the exposed net by the ELT striker.
With the half-time whistle, a hard team talk ensued. Andy Owen rescinded his gloves to David Hambridge and resumed his defensive duties.
As the second half commenced, ELT sat back on their lead and allowed the home team to exert some pressure.
TPFC thrive under pressure, and this showed with a hard fought battle in midfield. Eddie Campbell and Co putting in a magnificent effort and snuffing out most of ELT’s attacks.
Samuel Balogun also put in a gallant effort, but perhaps this was motivated by his craving to be the most photographed player alongside Andy Owen.
Orange and Blacks to the Wall
TPFC 0 vs 2 Camberwell
Saturday 26 January 2008: Wanstead Flats
Writers: Nathanael and Calvin
Tollington Park set out this Saturday with a point to prove after the last games shambles against Ecclesia. This weeks challenge was a somewhat daunting, a tough challenge at “home” to top of the table Camberwell, a team who, according to our new self-acclaimed Stat Boy (Ian) scored 4.7 goals every game (yes that’s right 4.7… not sure how that one works 
Ian?!).
News had broken in the last week that TP’s goal machine, Ferris, had been taken seriously ill on Monday with a brain haemorage and was currently recovering in hospital. Ian (Boss) used this to motivate the team reminding them… “it’s only football and we’re out he’re to enjoy ourselves – there are far more important things in life.” – defying Bill Shankly’s wise words! A team prayer for Ferris took place before the match.
After the boss’s reshuffle, a number of players found themselves in new positions. Andy, was started in the centre of a 5 man midfield, Daniel being given the chance on his own up front, supported by two wide men, Nathanael and Calvin (probably the greatest wingers (and bloggers) ever to grace the proud Orange of Tollington Park!).
Saturday 26 January 2008: Wanstead Flats
Writers: Nathanael and Calvin
Tollington Park set out this Saturday with a point to prove after the last games shambles against Ecclesia. This weeks challenge was a somewhat daunting, a tough challenge at “home” to top of the table Camberwell, a team who, according to our new self-acclaimed Stat Boy (Ian) scored 4.7 goals every game (yes that’s right 4.7… not sure how that one works 
Ian?!).News had broken in the last week that TP’s goal machine, Ferris, had been taken seriously ill on Monday with a brain haemorage and was currently recovering in hospital. Ian (Boss) used this to motivate the team reminding them… “it’s only football and we’re out he’re to enjoy ourselves – there are far more important things in life.” – defying Bill Shankly’s wise words! A team prayer for Ferris took place before the match.
After the boss’s reshuffle, a number of players found themselves in new positions. Andy, was started in the centre of a 5 man midfield, Daniel being given the chance on his own up front, supported by two wide men, Nathanael and Calvin (probably the greatest wingers (and bloggers) ever to grace the proud Orange of Tollington Park!).
The team started with a positive attitude and looked to take the game to Camberwell in the first few minutes. However, Camberwell gradually began to dominate possession, forcing some excellent defending from the solid central defensive pair of Ian and Samuel, who were ably supported by Dwayne and Dave the full-backs who worked tirelessly against Camberwell’s tricky wingers. Camberwell’s constant pressure left Daniel up front with few opportunities, as the midfield were having to drop in support of the defence.
As the half went on, TP’s defence held strong, restricting Camberwell to very few clear cut chances although TP themselves were forced to play on the counter attack, winning two corners in the first half.
Nick found himself unable to play his favoured attacking role, but as usual put in a solid performance as he looked to cope with the Camberwell pressure in the midfield, alongside Eddie and Andy cutting out many attacks before they reached the penalty area.
After all the hard work, Tollington Park were unlucky to concede a goal just before half time. It came when a ball was played over the top towards the byeline, Samuel chased back, using his solid build (chunky monkey!) to muscle off the oncoming striker. He turned on the ball to find himself with few options, and delayed his clearance. The striker capitalised on this, winning the ball and passing the ball towards the penalty spot, leaving his team-mate to finish. This was unlucky for Samuel as it was arguably his only mistake of the game.
Soon after this, the half time whistle blew. TP didn’t let the goal get to them, and were in good spirit during half time, believing that they could still take something from the game. Andy was taken off during the interval after a strong performance in midfield, to be replaced by the substitute, Adam, who was playing only his second game for the club.
Tollington Park played the second half into the wind, making their task more difficult and began on the backfoot. A defensive clearance fell to a Camberwell midfield who hit a cracking low drive from 25 yards, the shot seemed destined for the bottom corner, but then an absolutely fantastic diving save from Steve in goal tipped it onto post. This seemed to give TP added belief that the game was not over.
As the half went on, TP’s defence held strong, restricting Camberwell to very few clear cut chances although TP themselves were forced to play on the counter attack, winning two corners in the first half.
Nick found himself unable to play his favoured attacking role, but as usual put in a solid performance as he looked to cope with the Camberwell pressure in the midfield, alongside Eddie and Andy cutting out many attacks before they reached the penalty area.
After all the hard work, Tollington Park were unlucky to concede a goal just before half time. It came when a ball was played over the top towards the byeline, Samuel chased back, using his solid build (chunky monkey!) to muscle off the oncoming striker. He turned on the ball to find himself with few options, and delayed his clearance. The striker capitalised on this, winning the ball and passing the ball towards the penalty spot, leaving his team-mate to finish. This was unlucky for Samuel as it was arguably his only mistake of the game.
Soon after this, the half time whistle blew. TP didn’t let the goal get to them, and were in good spirit during half time, believing that they could still take something from the game. Andy was taken off during the interval after a strong performance in midfield, to be replaced by the substitute, Adam, who was playing only his second game for the club.
Tollington Park played the second half into the wind, making their task more difficult and began on the backfoot. A defensive clearance fell to a Camberwell midfield who hit a cracking low drive from 25 yards, the shot seemed destined for the bottom corner, but then an absolutely fantastic diving save from Steve in goal tipped it onto post. This seemed to give TP added belief that the game was not over.
A second goal from Camberwell soon after came as a setback to TP, it came from a corner which was pushed away by Steve, but only as far as the penalty spot… a goalmouth scramble ensued, which ended up with the ball being poked into the back of the net.
As the second half continued, the defence remained strong, whilst the attack improved, with some fast flowing counter-attacks, reminiscent of Arsenal’s beautiful football!
Some hard work and a tussle from Daniel in the centre circle saw Calvin pick up the ball, putting Nathanael through on the keeper. However, a questionable decision from the referee saw play brought back for a free kick as Daniel was adjudged to have committed a foul in the centre circle.
A dangerous attack was cleared as far as Nick who put in a high hanging ball towards the keeper, who was put under pressure by TP’s very own Theo Walcott (Calvin) who was unlucky to miss the target hitting the rising ball early following the suspect keepers fumble. A goal here would have given TP a real possibility of snatching a surprise point from the game.
The last 10 minutes saw TP show some real determination and a great work ethic, with the whole team pulling their weight. Steve was called into action on a number of occassions, pulling off some fine saves, to keep TP in the game. The game ended 2-0 and TP walked off with their heads held high, delighted with the team effort despite not taking points from the game.
Dave wore the captain’s armband for the match in the absence of John, and his hard tackling and high work rate was an example to the whole team.
To choose a Man of the Match from this game was difficult as the whole team put in a great effort, and the judges (Calvin and Nat) were torn between TP’s Peter Schmiechel in the making, and our experienced rock in defence, Tony Adams! In the end it was decided to award it to both players! Well done Ian and Steve!
P.S. The pre-match banter was dominated by the recent defeat of Arsenal by Tottenham in the Carling Cup (yes, hard as it is to believe, Tottenham really did beat Arsenal… their first win over the Gunners since 1999 (or is it just their first win in general since then… its hard to know with Tottenham!!!)) Enjoy it while it lasts any Spurs fans out there…
Now for a win next week against ELT!
crowd 7 , Linda, Natatie, Keziah, Sonia, Marcus, Owen & Adriell
As the second half continued, the defence remained strong, whilst the attack improved, with some fast flowing counter-attacks, reminiscent of Arsenal’s beautiful football!
Some hard work and a tussle from Daniel in the centre circle saw Calvin pick up the ball, putting Nathanael through on the keeper. However, a questionable decision from the referee saw play brought back for a free kick as Daniel was adjudged to have committed a foul in the centre circle.
A dangerous attack was cleared as far as Nick who put in a high hanging ball towards the keeper, who was put under pressure by TP’s very own Theo Walcott (Calvin) who was unlucky to miss the target hitting the rising ball early following the suspect keepers fumble. A goal here would have given TP a real possibility of snatching a surprise point from the game.
The last 10 minutes saw TP show some real determination and a great work ethic, with the whole team pulling their weight. Steve was called into action on a number of occassions, pulling off some fine saves, to keep TP in the game. The game ended 2-0 and TP walked off with their heads held high, delighted with the team effort despite not taking points from the game.
Dave wore the captain’s armband for the match in the absence of John, and his hard tackling and high work rate was an example to the whole team.
To choose a Man of the Match from this game was difficult as the whole team put in a great effort, and the judges (Calvin and Nat) were torn between TP’s Peter Schmiechel in the making, and our experienced rock in defence, Tony Adams! In the end it was decided to award it to both players! Well done Ian and Steve!
P.S. The pre-match banter was dominated by the recent defeat of Arsenal by Tottenham in the Carling Cup (yes, hard as it is to believe, Tottenham really did beat Arsenal… their first win over the Gunners since 1999 (or is it just their first win in general since then… its hard to know with Tottenham!!!)) Enjoy it while it lasts any Spurs fans out there…
Now for a win next week against ELT!
crowd 7 , Linda, Natatie, Keziah, Sonia, Marcus, Owen & Adriell
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