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!
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