WSV 3-2 Eden Stallions
Our 3rd division 3 cup opponents of the season proved one too many for the Stallions. Playing into a strong wind in the first half we took an early lead with good work down the right ending in McKinlay finding the net via a small deflection. WSV had the better of the play but couldn't find a way past our inspired keeper and the wind wasn't helping with their set piece delivery. Jason went on a Maradona-esque run and almost doubled the lead but the keeper made a good save. He also came to their rescue when he somehow kept out Rob's downward header from a corner.
Stallions were riding their luck though as Villa poured forward aided by the wind with our keeper making several important saves, including one from a flying Bonzo header.
HT WSV 0-1 Stalls
No rolling subs, so only one change was made at half time with Keg coming into the defence in place of Nick. Villa came out all guns blazing and were 2-1 up before we knew it. We were quickly running out of steam after our first half effort but got back into it when Gartside tapped home after a scramble in the box. Fortunately the ref missed a possible handball by Rob in the build up.
We had some more half chances but couldn't convert. However our keeper made more important saves as the much fitter Villa took hold of the game.
The set pieces were causing us all sorts of problems in the 2nd half and a good header in off the post won the game for the Villa. It could have been worse for the Stallions when a dubious penalty was given, but fortunately for us it was missed wide. Other than losing, the one down side was the referee's bizarre decisions. He gave far too many free kicks which bred moaning from both sides. Probably more so from them, but despite that Rob was the only one to go into the book. Having said that though, we probably got more decisions going our way and it's much better having one than not. We even had 2 official linesmen!
Final score WSV 3-2 Stallions
Monday, September 1, 2008
Eden Stallions 3-3 Western Blues
Lets acknowledge this game happened, but not dwell on it. Goals from Bugs and Gartside (2). It was an awful performance.
Monday, June 23, 2008
More landmarks...
First, 50 goals and now, as long as the ASFA keep the 2up/2down structure, the Stallions can be the first ASFA team to win promotion on Sunday!
We're currently 15 points clear of 3rd placed Independiente Reserves with 15 points left to play for. So if we avoid defeat on Sunday promotion is ours.
If we win on Sunday then we're 12 points clear of Fuji with 4 matches left, so the title will be as good as ours too...
E I E I E I O
up the Sunday league we go
when we win promotion
this is what we'll sing
we are stallions, we are stallions
we're the football kings...
We're currently 15 points clear of 3rd placed Independiente Reserves with 15 points left to play for. So if we avoid defeat on Sunday promotion is ours.
If we win on Sunday then we're 12 points clear of Fuji with 4 matches left, so the title will be as good as ours too...
E I E I E I O
up the Sunday league we go
when we win promotion
this is what we'll sing
we are stallions, we are stallions
we're the football kings...
Friendly match - Blazer FC 2-1 Eden Stallions...
Blazer FC of Division 3 kindly hosted us in a friendly match on Sunday to fill in the blank on the fixture list.
They were a nippy outfit, with quick passing and movement in midfield and certainly gave us the run around in the first half. With their left winger in particular, finding a lot of space and time to run at the Stallions' defence.
When we got hold of the ball we got in some good positions however the final ball and/or finish were lacking and we went off at half time 1-0 down.
Some good discussion at half time led to a much improved performance and Casey Eden got stuck into the weak handed keeper to score an equaliser.
It looked like being a draw despite some chances for either side but the game was won by Blazer when their bespectacled number 10 curled a 25 yard free kick round the wall and into the top corner with the outside of his right foot. Outstanding.
They were a nippy outfit, with quick passing and movement in midfield and certainly gave us the run around in the first half. With their left winger in particular, finding a lot of space and time to run at the Stallions' defence.
When we got hold of the ball we got in some good positions however the final ball and/or finish were lacking and we went off at half time 1-0 down.
Some good discussion at half time led to a much improved performance and Casey Eden got stuck into the weak handed keeper to score an equaliser.
It looked like being a draw despite some chances for either side but the game was won by Blazer when their bespectacled number 10 curled a 25 yard free kick round the wall and into the top corner with the outside of his right foot. Outstanding.
Western Blues 0-10 Eden Stallions...
Total football some called it, it was a pounding in every sense of the word. There was electric passing, fancy footwork, bold tactical moves, and some ferocious defending. There was unfortunately some throw ins that looked more at home on The Wiggles, but we’ll let that pass.
A superb hatrick from Gartside, 2 neat finishes by Luke, 2 marvelous headed goals by Hamish Mckinlay, a blinding turn and shoot by Hamish Syrett, a goal from Jamie, which I missed as I was talking to Nick’s fiancé, (I think there was a number of people who were distracted by Nick’s fiancé), and some good gas shown by Bevan with a good finish meant the drubbing was complete. 10-0 was the final score. Most pleasing was that we kept a clean sheet, Bevan and Gartsy doing well in nets.
We really need to give some “air time” to the passing and assisting this week, as it really was sensational. In particular Rob’s ball to Mckinlay for his second goal. Wow.
Will and Jiah did a “Miller” and thought it was a 2.30pm game and missed most of the game. Apparently Luke did as well, but turned up early so made it in time. Does anyone else think that Luke needs another hobby? (turning up for 2.30pm game at 12.30pm)
Poor effort award of the day: Only 5 people made it to the pub after the game. These people will be rewarded with game time in the next game.
We actually have a bye this weekend, however Rob is trying to organize a friendly against their old 2nd division club Greenhithe. Will update you on proceedings, this would be damn good practice for our cup game against 3rd division opposition.
A superb hatrick from Gartside, 2 neat finishes by Luke, 2 marvelous headed goals by Hamish Mckinlay, a blinding turn and shoot by Hamish Syrett, a goal from Jamie, which I missed as I was talking to Nick’s fiancé, (I think there was a number of people who were distracted by Nick’s fiancé), and some good gas shown by Bevan with a good finish meant the drubbing was complete. 10-0 was the final score. Most pleasing was that we kept a clean sheet, Bevan and Gartsy doing well in nets.
We really need to give some “air time” to the passing and assisting this week, as it really was sensational. In particular Rob’s ball to Mckinlay for his second goal. Wow.
Will and Jiah did a “Miller” and thought it was a 2.30pm game and missed most of the game. Apparently Luke did as well, but turned up early so made it in time. Does anyone else think that Luke needs another hobby? (turning up for 2.30pm game at 12.30pm)
Poor effort award of the day: Only 5 people made it to the pub after the game. These people will be rewarded with game time in the next game.
We actually have a bye this weekend, however Rob is trying to organize a friendly against their old 2nd division club Greenhithe. Will update you on proceedings, this would be damn good practice for our cup game against 3rd division opposition.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Eden Stallions 3-0 Independiente Reserves...
Match report courtesy of H Miller:
The day didn’t start well. I had left my laptop and video camera in Wellington, my keys on the plane, then Owen texts to say we don’t have nets or corner flags as they are at Rob’s, and Rob’s flatmates aren’t home. Some swift Macvad/Warehouse style negotiation from Miller and Robbie, and the Chinese team playing on the pitch before us were eating out of our hands and virtually begging us to use their nets and corner flags.
That sorted, our Seventh Day Adventist referee, Fred, blew his whistle and we were away. Keggie was up to his usual no good winding up the opposition when Hamish Mckinlay scored the first of his 2 goals. We were all over them like a rash in the midfield, and although we had positional domination, their back 3 were reasonably strong compared to the rest of the team so we didn’t score as many goals as we might have had the special needs guy played at the back. Hamish Mckinlay’s second goal was an absolute gem, chipping the keeper into the wind (which for most of the day wasn’t our friend), perfectly weighted. Mckinlay is now on 7 goals, only 3 behind Owen, who seems to have what we call in golf or cricket the “yips”.
By halftime, almost every player in our team had been cautioned for swearing by 7th day Fred. In the second half we dominated even more, but found ourselves sinking to the level of our opposition somewhat. The only light at the end of the tunnel was Miller’s blinding drive into the bottom left hand corner from 30 yards, beating the defender and the keeper with sheer power. In short, we played pretty well, but should have scored more goals.
Our ring in Brett, and our new player Luke played very strong games, as did Jiah and Jamie.
Special mention goes to Bugsy who was unbelievable down the left wing, and also very strong at left back. Some real pace, and some fancy footwork capping off what was a memorable return for the man very few people know as Daniel Ryan.
With little confidence Ben Reid aka Groggo McBooze took the gloves. Talk about Fabian Barthez, there was some magnificent saves during that quarter, the only quarter that they really had any shots on goal. Was this just a coincidence that I was off that quarter?!?
The day didn’t start well. I had left my laptop and video camera in Wellington, my keys on the plane, then Owen texts to say we don’t have nets or corner flags as they are at Rob’s, and Rob’s flatmates aren’t home. Some swift Macvad/Warehouse style negotiation from Miller and Robbie, and the Chinese team playing on the pitch before us were eating out of our hands and virtually begging us to use their nets and corner flags.
That sorted, our Seventh Day Adventist referee, Fred, blew his whistle and we were away. Keggie was up to his usual no good winding up the opposition when Hamish Mckinlay scored the first of his 2 goals. We were all over them like a rash in the midfield, and although we had positional domination, their back 3 were reasonably strong compared to the rest of the team so we didn’t score as many goals as we might have had the special needs guy played at the back. Hamish Mckinlay’s second goal was an absolute gem, chipping the keeper into the wind (which for most of the day wasn’t our friend), perfectly weighted. Mckinlay is now on 7 goals, only 3 behind Owen, who seems to have what we call in golf or cricket the “yips”.
By halftime, almost every player in our team had been cautioned for swearing by 7th day Fred. In the second half we dominated even more, but found ourselves sinking to the level of our opposition somewhat. The only light at the end of the tunnel was Miller’s blinding drive into the bottom left hand corner from 30 yards, beating the defender and the keeper with sheer power. In short, we played pretty well, but should have scored more goals.
Our ring in Brett, and our new player Luke played very strong games, as did Jiah and Jamie.
Special mention goes to Bugsy who was unbelievable down the left wing, and also very strong at left back. Some real pace, and some fancy footwork capping off what was a memorable return for the man very few people know as Daniel Ryan.
With little confidence Ben Reid aka Groggo McBooze took the gloves. Talk about Fabian Barthez, there was some magnificent saves during that quarter, the only quarter that they really had any shots on goal. Was this just a coincidence that I was off that quarter?!?
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Fuji Xerox 1-1 Eden Stallions
While playermanagercaptain enjoyed a long lie-in, the Stallions kicked off and within a minute Ben tested the keeper at his near post. Unfortunately, that was about as good as it got for the first half as for the second week running we were sluggish in just about every area of the pitch. Only Rob had an excuse for that after taking a ball to the face and going a bit Dallas Johnson.
Fuji took the lead when a Stallions corner was cleared long up the field to the striker who started from a few yards offside. There was no lino though so the goal stood.
The second half was much better. Stallions equalised when Miller headed home a corner and had a few half chances to score again but failed to properly test the keeper.
There were a few meaty challenges going in and their forwards were certainly throwing their weight about. Keggie almost pounded on one of their little players and Bonzo tested the shin pads of another with an ever so slightly mistimed death tackle.
In the end a draw was the fair result. Here's hoping for a proper ref the next time we play them as they weren't happy with our relaxed reffing at Waikaraka and there was some doubt over the impartiality of Bob Dylan today.
Fuji took the lead when a Stallions corner was cleared long up the field to the striker who started from a few yards offside. There was no lino though so the goal stood.
The second half was much better. Stallions equalised when Miller headed home a corner and had a few half chances to score again but failed to properly test the keeper.
There were a few meaty challenges going in and their forwards were certainly throwing their weight about. Keggie almost pounded on one of their little players and Bonzo tested the shin pads of another with an ever so slightly mistimed death tackle.
In the end a draw was the fair result. Here's hoping for a proper ref the next time we play them as they weren't happy with our relaxed reffing at Waikaraka and there was some doubt over the impartiality of Bob Dylan today.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Disaster...
... for our shirt wearing brothers. The shoot-out was the most agonizing viewing to come out of Moscow since Police Academy 7. If anyone deserved to score the winning penalty it was JT but the pitch gave way under him allowing Ronaldo to get away with it. Bastard. Anelka = pussy.
On the positive side, a 6-0 win for the Stallions at the weekend. Here is Miller's match report...
-----
Good game yesterday. First half was pretty frustrating, quite a bit of possession, but their defence was fairly resolute. 1-0 halftime. Second half we were better and dominated possession and I don't think they had a single shot on goal.
Casey and Robbie in the second half had very good games, Casey strong up front on the right with some swooping runs, and Robbie finishing 2 goals, one a little luckily, the second expertly.
-----
I think we can all agree that was a poor effort.
For stats fans, goals were scored by Gartside, Eden (2), Robbie (2) and McKinley.
We've now got 5 of the top 10 scorers in our division...
On the positive side, a 6-0 win for the Stallions at the weekend. Here is Miller's match report...
-----
Good game yesterday. First half was pretty frustrating, quite a bit of possession, but their defence was fairly resolute. 1-0 halftime. Second half we were better and dominated possession and I don't think they had a single shot on goal.
Casey and Robbie in the second half had very good games, Casey strong up front on the right with some swooping runs, and Robbie finishing 2 goals, one a little luckily, the second expertly.
-----
I think we can all agree that was a poor effort.
For stats fans, goals were scored by Gartside, Eden (2), Robbie (2) and McKinley.
We've now got 5 of the top 10 scorers in our division...
Friday, May 16, 2008
Cup Draw...
Due to there being 10 teams left, 6 teams have byes for the next round...
June 1st 2008
Western Springs Villa v Fuji Xerox
Oratia Old Fellas v Blazer
D.W.C. Utd bye
Independiente FC bye
Eden Stallions bye
NZ Chinese bye
Olivio Swans bye
Kamarak bye
July 13th 2008
WSV or Fuji Xerox v Kamarak
Olivio Swans v Old Fellas or Blazer
NZ Chinese v D.W.C. Utd
Eden Stallions v Independiente FC
That's about as tough as it gets fellas. Independiente are top of Division 3 with 4 wins and 1 draw. It's not all doom and gloom though - that draw was against Boca 60s who we just knocked out.
June 1st 2008
Western Springs Villa v Fuji Xerox
Oratia Old Fellas v Blazer
D.W.C. Utd bye
Independiente FC bye
Eden Stallions bye
NZ Chinese bye
Olivio Swans bye
Kamarak bye
July 13th 2008
WSV or Fuji Xerox v Kamarak
Olivio Swans v Old Fellas or Blazer
NZ Chinese v D.W.C. Utd
Eden Stallions v Independiente FC
That's about as tough as it gets fellas. Independiente are top of Division 3 with 4 wins and 1 draw. It's not all doom and gloom though - that draw was against Boca 60s who we just knocked out.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Cup fever...
Boca 60s 1-2 Eden Stallions
A game of two halves in the cup today as the mighty Stallions took on local rivals Boca 60s from Division 3.
The match started in bright sunshine on a good surface and star Boca striker Ahmed Zaoui signaled his intentions with a shot straight from the kick off. Stallions were quickly into their stride though with good attacking moves coming down both flanks. The first good chance coming as Rob broke down the right and centered for Gartside who somehow missed the open goal.
Stallions came close again when Jamie shot just wide after good build up play and Gartside hit the bar from a tight angle.
The deadlock was broken when Andy was held back trying to get on the end of a flighted ball into the box. Gartside dispatched the penalty low to the keepers right. 1-0.
The equaliser soon came though. Boca's giant forward won a free kick on the edge of the box and the jail bird curled the ball into the far corner, with a slight deflection taking the ball away from Casey "safe hands" Eden in goal. 1-1.
Stallions weren't to be denied a half time lead though as Jamie won a 50-50 ball, passed on to Gartside who slipped the ball through to McKinley who finished expertly past the keeper. 2-1.
If the first half was all about the attacking play, the second was all about defence. Bocas came out hard and took the game to the Stallions, giving them by far their sternest test of the season to date. Everyone stood up to be counted. Eden dealt with crosses and long shots, Jiah was brutal in the tackle, Bonzo cleared everything that made it into the box and Will put in a match winning block in the last minute to deny a certain goal.
Final score 2-1.
Special mention goes to the 2 guys who played in the defensive midfield role - Robbie and Andy. Robbie sat back a lot which nullified Zaoui who played very deep and Andy must have covered 10k supporting both defence and attack.
It was only one game but I think it showed we could more than hold our own at a higher level and we're improving more and more each week - only 1 foul throw today!
A game of two halves in the cup today as the mighty Stallions took on local rivals Boca 60s from Division 3.
The match started in bright sunshine on a good surface and star Boca striker Ahmed Zaoui signaled his intentions with a shot straight from the kick off. Stallions were quickly into their stride though with good attacking moves coming down both flanks. The first good chance coming as Rob broke down the right and centered for Gartside who somehow missed the open goal.
Stallions came close again when Jamie shot just wide after good build up play and Gartside hit the bar from a tight angle.
The deadlock was broken when Andy was held back trying to get on the end of a flighted ball into the box. Gartside dispatched the penalty low to the keepers right. 1-0.
The equaliser soon came though. Boca's giant forward won a free kick on the edge of the box and the jail bird curled the ball into the far corner, with a slight deflection taking the ball away from Casey "safe hands" Eden in goal. 1-1.
Stallions weren't to be denied a half time lead though as Jamie won a 50-50 ball, passed on to Gartside who slipped the ball through to McKinley who finished expertly past the keeper. 2-1.
If the first half was all about the attacking play, the second was all about defence. Bocas came out hard and took the game to the Stallions, giving them by far their sternest test of the season to date. Everyone stood up to be counted. Eden dealt with crosses and long shots, Jiah was brutal in the tackle, Bonzo cleared everything that made it into the box and Will put in a match winning block in the last minute to deny a certain goal.
Final score 2-1.
Special mention goes to the 2 guys who played in the defensive midfield role - Robbie and Andy. Robbie sat back a lot which nullified Zaoui who played very deep and Andy must have covered 10k supporting both defence and attack.
It was only one game but I think it showed we could more than hold our own at a higher level and we're improving more and more each week - only 1 foul throw today!
Independiente Reserves 3-3 Eden Stallions
Sunday May 4, 2008
Well it was an awful day, and appropriately, we played awfully.
The writing was on the wall in the first quarter by the number of saves made at keeper, and this was highlighted in the second quarter when they scored 2 goals. Keggie, you are never goalkeeping again.
Fortunately I have been given a special recognition award by the IHC for passing the ball in the box directly in front of their Down’s syndrome striker for him to score what will surely be his only goal of the season.
Robbie did score a stunning goal, Owen scored a dubious penalty to take him 3rd in the Golden Boot standings, and Rob scrambled one in as well.
Markos and Nick both had strong games, as did Dave and Rob, although I am going to stop mentioning Dave and Rob as they have good games every week. Sorry fellas.
It was our worst performance of the season however.
We were bloody lucky not to lose. Jamie managed to do everything BUT not put his hands all over the ball inside the box in the last minute, and how they didn’t get a penalty, we will never know. Although after the wink I saw Rob give the female ref a moment afterwards, perhaps he does.
It was hosing it down, the ground was a swamp, and we were not able to execute the “Total Football” strategy that has been so effective up until now.
Anyway, onwards and upwards.
Well it was an awful day, and appropriately, we played awfully.
The writing was on the wall in the first quarter by the number of saves made at keeper, and this was highlighted in the second quarter when they scored 2 goals. Keggie, you are never goalkeeping again.
Fortunately I have been given a special recognition award by the IHC for passing the ball in the box directly in front of their Down’s syndrome striker for him to score what will surely be his only goal of the season.
Robbie did score a stunning goal, Owen scored a dubious penalty to take him 3rd in the Golden Boot standings, and Rob scrambled one in as well.
Markos and Nick both had strong games, as did Dave and Rob, although I am going to stop mentioning Dave and Rob as they have good games every week. Sorry fellas.
It was our worst performance of the season however.
We were bloody lucky not to lose. Jamie managed to do everything BUT not put his hands all over the ball inside the box in the last minute, and how they didn’t get a penalty, we will never know. Although after the wink I saw Rob give the female ref a moment afterwards, perhaps he does.
It was hosing it down, the ground was a swamp, and we were not able to execute the “Total Football” strategy that has been so effective up until now.
Anyway, onwards and upwards.
Monday, April 28, 2008
ASFA Cup Round 1...
Leaked onto the asfa website forum the draw for first round the cup is as follows...
3rd/4th/5th Division
Greenhithe Liquor v Kamarak
Bohemian Celtic 3 v Olivio Swans
Western Springs Villa v Los Halcones Locos
W.C. Utd v Westside Utd
Boca 60's v EDEN STALLIONS
Blazer v Western Blues
Oratia Old Fellas v Independiente FC Res
Oratia Oddbods v NZ Chinese
Sociables v Fuji Xerox
Beta FC v Independiente FC
We're up against Boca 60's who are in Division 3. Game takes place on May 11 at 2pm.
3rd/4th/5th Division
Greenhithe Liquor v Kamarak
Bohemian Celtic 3 v Olivio Swans
Western Springs Villa v Los Halcones Locos
W.C. Utd v Westside Utd
Boca 60's v EDEN STALLIONS
Blazer v Western Blues
Oratia Old Fellas v Independiente FC Res
Oratia Oddbods v NZ Chinese
Sociables v Fuji Xerox
Beta FC v Independiente FC
We're up against Boca 60's who are in Division 3. Game takes place on May 11 at 2pm.
Eden Stallions 5-2 Fuji Xerox
Stallions 5-2 Fuji Xerox
The top 2 faced off at Waikaraka Park With Stallions down on numbers. Few were expecting a home win with Stallions missing their talismanic manager/captain Hamish Miller who was away on urgent business...
The game started slowly but the award of a blatant penalty got the temperatures up. Andy bursting into the box had his legs taken away and Rob Kidd stepped up to stroke home the spot kick. Stallions were making progress down both flanks and some good work down the left saw Rob Kidd in the clear and he slotted home for his and Stallions' second goal.
A few juicy challenges from both sides saw a number of free kicks for a change as the game heated up. Soon Stallions were three up when Geoff burst clear on the right and finished well into the corner.
Half time was fast approaching when Fuji got a lifeline. A high ball in from distance dropped unluckily over Jiah in goals who'd kept everything out until that point.
Half time 3-1
Fuji came out strong in the second half and got a second when a mix up in defence saw their striker through on goal to score. Stallions dug in though and some hesitancy from the Fuji keeper gave Casey Eden the opportunity to nip in, steal the ball and square it for Gartside to tap in from about 6cm.
This sapped the confidence of the away team and the final nail was hammered in when Gartside whipped a cross into the middle that eluded everyone and nestled into the corner.
By far our toughest game of the season and definitely our best performance.
Final score 5-2.
The top 2 faced off at Waikaraka Park With Stallions down on numbers. Few were expecting a home win with Stallions missing their talismanic manager/captain Hamish Miller who was away on urgent business...
The game started slowly but the award of a blatant penalty got the temperatures up. Andy bursting into the box had his legs taken away and Rob Kidd stepped up to stroke home the spot kick. Stallions were making progress down both flanks and some good work down the left saw Rob Kidd in the clear and he slotted home for his and Stallions' second goal.
A few juicy challenges from both sides saw a number of free kicks for a change as the game heated up. Soon Stallions were three up when Geoff burst clear on the right and finished well into the corner.
Half time was fast approaching when Fuji got a lifeline. A high ball in from distance dropped unluckily over Jiah in goals who'd kept everything out until that point.
Half time 3-1
Fuji came out strong in the second half and got a second when a mix up in defence saw their striker through on goal to score. Stallions dug in though and some hesitancy from the Fuji keeper gave Casey Eden the opportunity to nip in, steal the ball and square it for Gartside to tap in from about 6cm.
This sapped the confidence of the away team and the final nail was hammered in when Gartside whipped a cross into the middle that eluded everyone and nestled into the corner.
By far our toughest game of the season and definitely our best performance.
Final score 5-2.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Western Blues 3-16 Eden Stallions...
It was a whitewash.
We scored 16 goals. The only bad thing to come out of the game was that they scored 3 goals against us, but I think that was because for the 3rd quarter, Dave was off, Nick was up front, and the rest of the attacking midfielders and defensive midfielders were playing like centre forwards as everyone was trying to get a piece of the goal scoring extravaganza, with Rob exasperated since he was the only one who was managing to actually stay in his position.
Owen scored 4 goals in the first half which was a marvelous effort. McKinlay, Miller, Robbie all chipped in with a brace each, and Markos, Rob, Casey, Nick, Hamish Syrett and notably Dave scored 1 each. Dave’s goal a superb solo effort from deep inside his own half with a lovely finish from 20 yards. Other notable goals were Owen’s first ever headed goal after 20 years as a striker, Hamish Mckinlay’s dribble round the keeper to score, Markos and Casey’s first goals in only their 3rd game of soccer, Robbie’s double in only his second game.
There was also some pretty awful fouls. Dave was almost put in a wheelchair by a 2 foot all stud lunge. His retort: “I am going to cripple you you f*&wit” or something of that ilk.
A marvelous stretching routine led by Hamish Syrett really set the tone for the professional display put on by the Stals. I have heard rumours that Markos Pantyslides thinks he can do a better job. Next week, can Markos please lead the stretches, and then if everyone could vote for the favourite stretch instructor, and they will hold the position for the rest of the year.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable day out. We don’t want to be winning like that every week, but it certainly was a lot of fun.
OG EDIT - funniest moment of the game... Miller's diving attempts to win free kicks came close but not as funny as whoever (McKinlay??) shouted a Kaiser Chiefs style "RUBY RUBY RUBY RUBYYYYY" after one of their players called for the ball. Pictures to follow soon...
We scored 16 goals. The only bad thing to come out of the game was that they scored 3 goals against us, but I think that was because for the 3rd quarter, Dave was off, Nick was up front, and the rest of the attacking midfielders and defensive midfielders were playing like centre forwards as everyone was trying to get a piece of the goal scoring extravaganza, with Rob exasperated since he was the only one who was managing to actually stay in his position.
Owen scored 4 goals in the first half which was a marvelous effort. McKinlay, Miller, Robbie all chipped in with a brace each, and Markos, Rob, Casey, Nick, Hamish Syrett and notably Dave scored 1 each. Dave’s goal a superb solo effort from deep inside his own half with a lovely finish from 20 yards. Other notable goals were Owen’s first ever headed goal after 20 years as a striker, Hamish Mckinlay’s dribble round the keeper to score, Markos and Casey’s first goals in only their 3rd game of soccer, Robbie’s double in only his second game.
There was also some pretty awful fouls. Dave was almost put in a wheelchair by a 2 foot all stud lunge. His retort: “I am going to cripple you you f*&wit” or something of that ilk.
A marvelous stretching routine led by Hamish Syrett really set the tone for the professional display put on by the Stals. I have heard rumours that Markos Pantyslides thinks he can do a better job. Next week, can Markos please lead the stretches, and then if everyone could vote for the favourite stretch instructor, and they will hold the position for the rest of the year.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable day out. We don’t want to be winning like that every week, but it certainly was a lot of fun.
OG EDIT - funniest moment of the game... Miller's diving attempts to win free kicks came close but not as funny as whoever (McKinlay??) shouted a Kaiser Chiefs style "RUBY RUBY RUBY RUBYYYYY" after one of their players called for the ball. Pictures to follow soon...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Eden Stallions 3-0 Independiente Reserves
Another successful weekend for the Eden Stallions Non-Associated Football Club.
A relatively tight 1st half, with some missed chances by many and an opportunistic “chested” goal by Rob Kidd saw the Stals take a 1st half 1-0 lead. Their defence was relatively experienced, but their attack was as toothless as Syrett’s Mum. Time after time Nick, Dave, Joe and Markos shut them down, although perhaps to discredit our defence slightly, they had some big “motors” on them as our resident Greek put it.
The defensive midfield also worked well, with Keggie and Rob’s mate Andy both having good games. I did feel that we were not as strong out wide with the formation we had, but it was effective none-the-less.
In the second half, we came alive as the 35-40 year old bodies of our opposition started to tire. Hamish Syrett and Hamish Mckinlay both creating as well as finishing chances. Hamish Mckinlays goal in particular was a well worked piece by 4 or 5 players that oozed class.
The wind and the rain was no hindrance to our rampant dominance in the latter second half and it really could have been 5 or 6-0, a Miller free kick that just slid past the right hand post could have put the icing on the cake.
Of course there was more banter and name calling going on, especially when one of their players would kick the ball out unchallenged and then they would all yell “red ball” . Also when they called for every offside and every foul whether it was close or not.
Unfortunately there was no ref again, and myself, Owen, Rob Kidd and Dave Kidd had to share a quarter each. The other team didn’t have any subs so couldn’t help.
OG EDIT... After 2 games we already have a 3 point gap at the top. Excellent seeing as we can only get better. Except Miller's free kicks - there's no hope for them so the only set pieces you'll be taking in future are the goal kicks.
A relatively tight 1st half, with some missed chances by many and an opportunistic “chested” goal by Rob Kidd saw the Stals take a 1st half 1-0 lead. Their defence was relatively experienced, but their attack was as toothless as Syrett’s Mum. Time after time Nick, Dave, Joe and Markos shut them down, although perhaps to discredit our defence slightly, they had some big “motors” on them as our resident Greek put it.
The defensive midfield also worked well, with Keggie and Rob’s mate Andy both having good games. I did feel that we were not as strong out wide with the formation we had, but it was effective none-the-less.
In the second half, we came alive as the 35-40 year old bodies of our opposition started to tire. Hamish Syrett and Hamish Mckinlay both creating as well as finishing chances. Hamish Mckinlays goal in particular was a well worked piece by 4 or 5 players that oozed class.
The wind and the rain was no hindrance to our rampant dominance in the latter second half and it really could have been 5 or 6-0, a Miller free kick that just slid past the right hand post could have put the icing on the cake.
Of course there was more banter and name calling going on, especially when one of their players would kick the ball out unchallenged and then they would all yell “red ball” . Also when they called for every offside and every foul whether it was close or not.
Unfortunately there was no ref again, and myself, Owen, Rob Kidd and Dave Kidd had to share a quarter each. The other team didn’t have any subs so couldn’t help.
OG EDIT... After 2 games we already have a 3 point gap at the top. Excellent seeing as we can only get better. Except Miller's free kicks - there's no hope for them so the only set pieces you'll be taking in future are the goal kicks.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Eden Stallions 3-2 Fuji Xerox
Match report courtesy of manager, Hamish Miller...
6 April 2008
Eden Stallions 3 (Gartside 2, Wayne)
Fuji Xerox 2
Attendance: 3
A first up victory for the Stals at our home ground, Waikaraka Park (aka Shamford Bridge). Two 1st half Owen Gartside strikes, and a late 1st half Wayne (Casey’s mate) strike meant that the 2 long range efforts by their team were nullified and bettered. Despite a nail biting finish where they hit the crossbar, the Stals were the better team on the pitch, and only poor fitness meant the skills on offer were not displayed as they might have been in the second half.
In defence, Dave Kidd was extremely strong, especially in the air, and in general kept a tidy house leading a strong back 4. The 3 keepers used, Hamish Syrett, Bugs and Joe didn’t put a single foot wrong all day, even though Bugsy had forgotten his contacts.
The midfield/Striker combos fired well in the first half, but lacked the same incisiveness in the second stanza.
Unfortunately there was no ref, and their linesman didn’t know the rules, which contributed to some Miller/Robbie banter later in the game. Thanks to Owen and Rob who reffed in the second half. Although this effort was perhaps necessary after they forgot the flags, corner flags, nets and socks.
OG EDIT... Man of the Match - Dave Kidd... Commanding at the back and no fouls against. Remarkable.Thursday, April 3, 2008
Big kick off...
First game of the season is against Fuji Xerox this Sunday at 2.30pm (make sure your clocks are adjusted!) at Waikaraka Park, pitch 3.... our home for the season.
Here is the first bit of media promotion and validation of our team name (take that Miller) courtesy of Miles Davis on Radio Sport...
CLICK ME
Front up indeed.
Here is the first bit of media promotion and validation of our team name (take that Miller) courtesy of Miles Davis on Radio Sport...
CLICK ME
Front up indeed.
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