Pre Season Friendly vs Brittania

15th August 2009

Squad for match (rolling subs)

Gator
Mole
Kirby
Sadler
Asante
Randle
Phipps
Ansell
Mitchell
Woodall
Lycett
Homer
Rudge
Woody (Barney No 2)
Walker (Barney No 1)

I arrived part way through the first half, so this report might be missing some details... anyway here goes....

*Ficticious first half report as I wasn't there*
Maple started brightly with Phipps finding acres of room on the right, before an ankle injury ended his game early. Maple were defending pretty comfortably until a world class strike from nigh on 35 yards got past the despairing Gator (cheers to Gator for filling me in on the details as I missed it).

Maple responded well to being a goal down with the various defenders providing a solid base from which to build and the midfield looking industrious and dangerous on the break.

The second half saw both sides applying pressure but a nice move involving makeshift striker Jon 'Hartson' Rudge put Homer through who applied a finish which rolled back the years.

A couple of smart stops and gathers from Gator combined with a composed back four meant Brittania didn't look like getting back in front. Maple looked good in possession with some slick passing although in fairness didn't look like nicking it either.

A fair result and some good performances in particular from man of the match Randle.

Barney.

Maple Leaf Rovers 3 vs 10 Sedgemere Yardley FC

03 October 2009

League game 3


Squad:

Gator
Andres – Mole – Elwell – Asante
Phipps – Sadler – O. Ansell – Lycett
Homer – D. Ansell

Subs: Rudge
MOM: Homer

Maple started well against a Sedgemere side playing a few divisions below the standard they should be at by hitting the opener in true Maple style, a goal mouth scramble finished off by Danny ‘dive or shoot’ Ansell.

Sedgemere soon fought back to even the scores after a wave of attacking pressure finally produced the required finish. Sedgemere then went on to take the lead only for Veteran striker Eddie ‘the bullet’ Homer to curl a sublime free kick into the top corner moments before the ref blew for half time.

Pretty pleased with the performance his side produced in the first half, stand-in coach Iain ‘Phil Brown’ Mitchell soon saw his side lose all concentration and discipline to be hit by a succession of cool finishes from Sedgmere’s front two and their impressive left winger.

A late goal from Eddie ‘the bullet’ Homer did little to appease the home fans but justified his solid performance and extended his impressive goals per game ratio.

Better luck next weekend Maple!

Maple Leaf Rovers 4 vs 0 Dosthill Boys

10th October - league game 4


Scorers: Lycett (2), Rudge (1), E Homer (1)

MOTM: Rudge


---------------------- Phil -----------------------

Adam P ----- Jim ------ Simon M ----- Andres S

Danny A ----- Chris ----- Ollie A ----- Dean L

------------ Eddie ------- Jon R --------------



Subs: Jason S (for Chris 60 mins)
Manager: Iain M



Match Report:

Maple Leaf started much the more positively of the 2 teams boosted by a couple of new recruits and quickly applied the pressure to a youthful Dosthill team.

Looking solid at the back with Moley & Jim marshalling the defence and lively up front with Job R providing some nice touches to link up the play Maple took the lead when young Lycett nipped in at the back post to poke the ball home after just 15 mins. After Deano bagged himself another almost identical goal from a little further out on the half hour the home team were comfortable and should have extended the scoreline through a succession of corners and free kicks around the box. Despite some quality deliveries, some dogged defending by the Dosthill backline, a couple of goal mouth scrambles, and moley hitting the post - the scoreline remained 2-0 at half time.

The second half saw Dosthill apply some early pressure to the home team but the Maple Leaf rear guard defended well with stand in keeper Phil showing some assured handling & the back four showing some refreshing composure under pressure. With the Maple midfield scrapping to get back on top & with Ed and Jon R holding the ball up well to relieve the pressure and bring the wingers into play Maple Leaf always looked dangerous on the break and one such attack resulted in Jon 'Hartson' Rudge sliding home his first goal in the famous black & white stripes from 10 yards out. The resulting celebration of repeatedly shouting "F**k Off!!" as he ran back to his own half is already nailed on as 'Comedy Moment of the Season'!

Ten minutes later and some slick build up play on the counter attack resulted in Eddie 'Not a Forward' Homer being barged over in the box for a nailed on Pen. Keen to extend his scoring run Eddie H (After telling Moley to F**** off as he tried to stake a claim in the penalty taking) took on Penalty responsibilty (he also got to the ball before Sag!) and expertly despatched the ball past the keepers left hand glove for 4-0 & wrap up the game.

Overall an excellent performance from Maple Leaf and a much needed confidence boost going into next weeks game. Same again please lads!


PS - Cheers to Ben for coming along to cheer the team on despite being struck down with a chronic case of man flu so bad he could barely force down a fish finger sandwich, sausage & chips, onion rings & a pint in the pub after the game!


Iain M

Real Riverside Church B 2 - 3 Maple Leaf Rovers

Saturday 17th Ocotber 2009 - League Game No. 5


Team:-

------------- Gater

Phipps - Godwin - Mole - Asante

Woodall - Ansell O - Wyatt - Lycett

------- Homer E - Campbell


Subs: Parton for Godwin, Sadler for Wyatt.

Not playing: Rudge, Kirby, Randle, Elwell, Senior, Ansell D, Mitchell.

Goals: Campbell 2, own goal 1.

Yellow Card: Ansell O.

Man Of The Match: Campbell.


Match Report:-

"Maple vs Riverside games in the past have always been enjoyable matches to play in - unfortunately this game was not one of them - as Riverside demonstrated a very un-Church like attitude to football - both on and off the pitch.

After a nervy and somewhat subdued start to the game Maple took the lead - after Campbell ran onto to Homer's threaded through ball to finish with a true bobbled/shanked left foot finish Maple then settled, and began to counter-attack on Riverside's possession-based game.

Shortly before halftime Riverside forced a succession of setpieces around the Maple 18 yard box - one of which paid off for the top of theleague side when gk Gater called for, but couldn't quite collect, a cross and was headed in by a Riverside defender. Just minutes later a fine strike from a Riverside forward flew into the far top corner of the goal after Maple had failed to clear their lines previously. 2-1 to Real.

At halftime the injured Godwin was replaced by debutant Parton - and a slight reshufflle of the Maple defence.

Maple knew they were still in the match and needed to keep resolute & patient for chances to come their way. Early in the 2nd half Maple put thier 100% winning opponents under pressure with some good passing moves from midfield and hold-up play from Homer and Campbell.

The eqaualiser for Maple came from some good attacking play - ending with an unfortunate Riverside defender putting through his own net after trying to make an awkward clearance. Riverside then applied pressure of their own with gk Gater called to make 2/3 very smart saves. Real then hit Gater's post with a fine individual effort - although almost immediately after some good all around Maple teamwork saw Lycett release Campbell through on goal for a Torres-style finish into the far corner from a relatively tight angle to make it 3-2 to Maple.

Riverside then forced even more pressure on the Maple goal - though the Maple defence was holding firm - with debutant Parton doing well to keep a very lively and skilfull opponent quiet. It was at this point that Riverside bizarrely started to waste time - at 3-2 down - throwins, freekicks were all taken slowly - or kicked away delaying the restart of the game several times. This then led to some niggly challenges and some dubious freekicks being awarded to both sides... before a dangerous tackle on Ansell saw Ollie retaliate to the challenge, and one of the Riverside centrebacks sent off for running 50 yards to try and seemingly swing some punches at Ollie in the same incident.

The match then calmed down somewhat - though still people on the sidelines from Riverside delayed the start of the game by kicking the ball away or slowly rolling the ball 'to' Maple players to continue the match etc. Eventually the near 58 minute second half was ended by the ref for Maple's 2nd win of the season so far.


After the game some of Maple players were apparantly taunted by players or people associated with Riverside - as well as having footballs kicked at the Maple players cars when leaving the ground. It seems irony is lost on some, especially when it is claimed that 'Maple are the worst team Riverside have faced so far' - depsite being beaten by us 3-2 - and played considerably worse than the Riverside team that Maple faced last season (Real's quality centre-midifeld apart).

Here's hoping the return game also sees a return of the sportsmanship displayed between the two teams over the previous years.


Next game is an away league match vs Balsalorna - with several injured players returning to action soon it should be interesting to see if Maple carry on the recent fine form of late - or even improve on it! - c'mon the mighty Leaf "


Sag



Match Reports still outstanding for games:-

'home' friendly game vs Cresconians. Drew 1-1.
away friendly game vs Meriden Athletic. Lost 5-1.
5th Sept - home league game vs St Georges Warriors. Lost 7-1.
12th Sept - away league game vs Sporting Aztecs. Lost 3-0.

Balsalorna 'B' 0 - 1 Maple Leaf Rovers

Saturday 24th October 2009 - League Game No.6

Team:-

------------- Gater----------------

-- Phipps - Ansell O - Mole - Senior--

Campbell - Ansell D - Sadler - Woodall

------- Homer E - Rudge ------------


Subs: Mike for Rudge (45), Mitchell for Campbell (70)

Not playing: Kirby, Randle, Elwell, Asante-Boakye, Lycett, Burns, Wyatt, Godwin, Parton

Goals: Ansell D

Yellow Card: Ansell D.

Man Of The Match: Ansell O.


Match Report:

Confidence was high in the Maple camp prior to kick off as the past 2 games have been won by the might leaf. With a home win against Dosthill Boys and then a great away performance against Real Riverside (To knock them off top!) the gaffer wanted the same again this week.

A number of players from previous weeks were out and long term injury victims Elwell, Randle and Kirby were still suffering with Foot/Groin injuries. The rest - on the beach (Joking Boys)

The weather fortunately held off, although the pitch looked like it was cutting up in places the rain held off to ensure it wasnt a mud bath!

Maple kicked off straight away and the ball was sent wide down the right hand side - where surprisingly they had pushed their full backs so far up that Campbell got an early run and throw in down the right. This was a sign of things to come as for most of the game they pushed on from their right backs forward.

The first 20 minutes were evenly contested with both teams having clear cut chances but with Gator on form keeping the sticks nice and safe he and the Defence already showed early signs that no-one was going to get past them today.

Maple Leaf pressed early on and took advantage of height and also the full backs pushing forward and almost took the lead through an amazing neck twisting power bolt header by Danny "Kung-Fu Panda" Ansell.....A Throw-in taken by Adam was flicked on by Ed, a Balsalorna defender attempted to clear it but it flicked off his boot onto the bar - with the goal open for a finish by Daniel his header agonisingly went over the bar to the disbelief of everyone on the field of play, even the ref already had the whistle ready to his mouth to blow for a goal! Unlucky Daniel.

He didn't stay unlucky for long as within the next attack a free kick was awarded to Maple. Ollie took the free kick and swung in a cracking ball, the keeper struggled to hang on to it and the ball was tipped onto the bar.....the ball rebounded straight to Dan who attempted his Kung-Fu Panda move and it dinked over into the bottom left hand side of the goal to put Maple 1 nil up.

Following the goal Maple were met with a bit more pressure but neither side were really up on the other side for chances created although Balsalorna did start to see a bit more of the action.

A few moves involving Woodall, Campbell linking up with Rudge and Homer saw some attacking play but nothing more came about.

As the game closed in on half time Ollie lost his virginity to the football and felt winded for a short time following this kick - the wind had completely emptied out of him.

Half Time Whistle - Substitute Rudge off for Mike

The second half saw Maple with their backs against the walls a bit more, Balsalorna kept coming at them over and over with only a few counter attacks from Maple. This showed that hard work from the defence pays off and with Gator making some important finger tip saves to keep them at bay the only thing you could see coming out of this game as the time went on was a 1-0 win and ever closer to the clocks going back, oh and of course 9pts out of 9!

Among all the saves, tackles from the defense and MOM winner Ollie (Great Performance at the back for fill in CB Ollie Ansell) the game still wouldnt go without a bit more drama:

From spliff smoking supporters, cheeky immatating scallys (The Kid mimicking Sag), Managers taking off the better performers - well thats what their players had to say about the Balsalorna gaffer anyway and OH GOD how could I forget - Senior Moments 1 & 2!

Senior Moment 1

The Kung Fu Panda move from Dan Ansell earlier was great, he made contact, only just but then - Senior stepped in and attempted a Danny Ansell type swing with his opposite leg - only this time to clear the ball - I think the grass, air and mud won on this occassion as the only thing Senior was going to hit was the ref with the mud flying of his boot!

Senior Moment 2

I thought it was painful when Ollie lost his virginity to the ball - but Senior, what a guy, loses both testicles into the football, then bang clears the ball. You would think that after getting hit and playing on to clear the ball he would be ok - but no, he rolled around on the floor waiting for Homer to come on with the magic sponge to clean his Cheese and Onions - No one would go near apart from the ref to check his voice was still deep and not like Jon and Edward from X Factor!

But still the show had to go on and time was drawing in, by this time Mitch had made an appearance and was strutting his stuff for the first time in weeks following an ankle injury. Mitch showed his normal strength and pace and added a little energy for the substituted Campbell.

The second half saw a booking for Maple, Danny Ansell - got fouled, reacted with "Knob Head" to the other player and both players saw the yellow card. Tut Tut Daniel

As the game drew ever closer to the final whistle Maple were defending for their lives, giving everything to clear the ball, even with a bit of help from one of the substitutes for the other team who went for an acrobatic strike on goal, only for the ball to fly off for a throw in to Maple and his team/supporters laugh out loud at him for completing foobaring it up.

The last few minutes saw another booking but this time for Balsalorna, down the left wing Maple were counter attacking through Dan, then an American Style tackle on Ansell saw him get completely off the ball style shouldered into the crowd. Dan held his temper together this time and walked off with a grin on his face as if to say "If I wasnt on a booking shorty you would get the kung fu panda kick". The Ref then took around 1min to decide which player to book as he had totally forgotten who it was! Balsalorna were crying for an extra 4mins injury time not actually realising that we were already in injury time. As the kick was taken the attack broke down and the referee finally brought close to a great hard fought win by Maple Leaf Rovers.

Well done Maple, 3rd win on the spin! Lets keep it up and climb our way up that table! Next game is an away cup match vs Bosnian Sports I believe - lets see if we can also start a famous cup run!

I would like to thank Duncan Burns and Burns junior for making an appearance today, I would also like to thank the guys who helped Simon get out of his Albion Shirt prior to the game. Without their assistance then Simon would have been playing in his tesco bag instead of the black and white of Maple Leaf Rovers. A special thanks also to Fairfield for their continued support with supplying sponsorship and food!

For a more detailed graphical report please go to Final Whistle Report on the Home Page of the Website

Rudgey

Bosnian Sports 5 - 1 Maple Leaf Rovers

Saturday 31st October 2009 - Cup Game

Team:-

------------- Sadler ----------------

-- Phipps - Asante - Mole - Senior--

Campbell - Ansell D - Chris - Lycett

------- Homer E - Rudge ------------


Subs: Carl for Rudge (55ish), Woodall for Chris (70)

Not playing: Kirby, Randle, Elwell, Mitchell, Burns

Goals: Homer E

Yellow Card: None

Man Of The Match: Sadler


Match Report:

Maple Leaf started positively and matched the physical presence of a lively Bosnian Sports midfield.

Maple created a couple of half chances through neat interplay down the right, before a long ball over the top caught out the Maple defence and made it 1-0 to Bosnian Sports. Undaunted, Maple continued to press throughout the first half with Lycett forcing 2 fine saves from the Bosnian keeper via a couple of 25 yard free kicks, and Homer forcing a further save from a firm header from a corner. However, due to the continued pressing, Maple were again undone by the classic 'sucker punch, and went in to the half time break 2-0 down.

The second half saw the 'well built' Bosnian Sports midfield take control as Maple tired and conceded a further 3 goals in the first 20 minutes of the half and were 5-0 down with only 70 mins played.

Maple then got their second wind, and for the last 20 minutes of the fixture started to play the kind of football that has led to 3 consecutive victories. More neat midfield interplay, led to the ball being shifted to the feet of Phipps on the right. Phipps put in a deep cross that was chased by Lycett at the far post, who (under light challenge) went down like 'Eduardo' while screaming like a stuck pig. The penalty was won, and then coolly converted by Homer to enable Maple to take some consolation from the Match.

Maple are again out of the cup at the first hurdle, but the defeat left manager Homer in philosophical mood. "I always wanted to concentrate on the league, anyway" The manager grumbled while walking to his car.......

Maple will get their chance to avenge the defeat sooner rather than later as they again face Bosnian Sports Club in the league fixture next week.



Deano

Maple Leaf Rovers 1 - 6 Bosnian Sports

Saturday 7th November 2009 - League Game No.7


Team:-

------------- Gater ----------------

-- Carl - Ansell O - Mole - Asante--

-- Phipps - Sadler - Chris - Lycett --

------------ Ansell D --------------

------------ Homer E -------------


Subs: Jim for Carl (55), Rudge for Chris (75?)

Not playing: Kirby (Injured), Randle (Injured), Elwell (Injured), Mitchell (Injured), Burns (Paternity Leave), Senior (?), Woodall (Work), Campbell (40th Birthday Party!)

Goals: Homer E

Yellow Cards: None

Man Of The Match: Danny Ansell

Match Report:

Maple put a corner into the box and Bosnian cleared and went on the conter attack, maple's defence could not get to the stiker who slotted the ball under the keeper.
Second goal came from a Bosnian corner. maple cleared the ball but only to the edge of the area where Bosnian curved the ball over everyone and poor handling by maple keeper made it 2-0. Bosnian winger had the ball and the pace to get pass maple's defence then cuts in and passes the ball to a unmarked striker to make the score 3-0. Maple started to fight back and with a ball crossed in from the right met with Homers head (I think) to make it 3-1 at half time.

Start of the second half Bosnian get a corner. The ball comes into the box and meets there player unmarked to mark it 4-1. About 10 min later they get a throw in, there player turns maple defender who thought should of had a free kick for score to make it 5-1.
The 6th goal was shocking! Bosnian play halfway up the field kicks it high and the ball comes into maples area, all the keeper has to do is catch but instead lets it bounce, thinking it is going to go over the bar it goes into the top right corner. 6-1 final score.

About 2 min into stoppage time there player decides to kick danny while on the floor, the ref (a woman who was about 4ft tall, player over 6ft) sends him off. Dont mess with women refs.

J Gater

I have received no match report for the 6-1 loss and obviously the 6-0 from the weekend just gone

Updated today 7th December. (Match report received from Jon 04/12/09)

Sheldon Royal Seniors 6 - 0 Maple Leaf Rovers

Saturday 28th November 2009 - League Game No.8


Team:-

TBC

Subs: TBC

Not playing: Kirby (Injured), Randle (Injured), TBC

Goals: TBC

Yellow Cards: None

Man Of The Match: TBC

Match Report:

Pending SAB

Premier FC 1 - 3 Maple Leaf Rovers

Saturday 5th December 2009 - League Game No.9

Team:-

TBC

Subs: TBC

Not playing: Kirby (Injured), Randle (Injured), TBC

Goals: TBC

Yellow Cards: None

Man Of The Match: TBC

Match Report:

Pending SAB