Season Review 2008-09
Seniors:
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Wildcats:
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Juniors:
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Minis:
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Goals:
Mahon 20, Tomlin 15, Lock 8, Lidbury 7, Perry 4, Sherlock 4, Taylor 4, Measure 3, Brownford 2, Cave 2, Dushkaj 1, Wilson 1
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Goals:
Morris 33, M. Gallafant 23, M. Chalmers 17, Heffer 8, Latter 7, Barretto 6, D. Chalmers 5, Etherington 5, Manns 5, Eggleston 4, Rees 3, Kennedy 2, Young 2, S. Gallafant 1, Fox 1, Sadler 1, Will 1
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Goals:
Walls 13, Parker 2, Wheeler 2, Collins 1
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The Wildcats had a very enjoyable season, winning well on their first outing, but the next few games showed up the weaknesses of the team. The Wildcats had a strong attacking squad, but were weak at the back. It was a little like Newcastle under Kevin Keegan - ’’We will let them in but we intend to score more’’ - but it didn’t always work. The turning point in the season was when Harriet joined, she fitted in perfect with Ellie A and Ruth and Olivia. Harriet’s reading of the game also took the pressure off of Ellie W in goal, who was playing a duel role of full back and goalie at the same time.
Most players had their moments: Jodie and Georgia, who took no prisoners all season; Ashleigh, who came on as sub to score twice and make her Dad put his hand in his pocket; Marianne who scored a brilliant goal, but had it ruled out for off-side; Sarah, who played down the left wing all season (and us finding out on the last game that Sarah is right footed!); Bridie, who got her well deserved goal in the last game of the season; Sophie, who scores more goals when Rupert is not there; the brilliant goals Rebecca and Steph scored throughout the season; the final game where we won by a staggering 15-3, with Ellie A scoring 5 goals from a centre half position.
Overall a great season. Stuart, the manager, should be given credit for giving everyone a chance and keeping the morale high in the team. Win or lose the girls always enjoy it.
We will be sorry to leave Hamsey, it has been great playing there, and we wish all their teams all the best of luck for next season.
Shelton here we come.
And the last word from our number 1 fan, Harvey: Woof Woof!
Bob Ewen
Goals:
Black 29, Nash 23, Ewen 8, Adams 6, Todd 6, Stewart 4, Manns 3, White 3, Lee 2, Clifton 1
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Goals:
Couzens 42, L. Curtis 23, S. Lockyer 6, Hewitt-Brown 5, Franks 4, Nash 4, E. Curtis 3, O'Connor 3, Banton 2, Rotherey 2, Dajee 1, Eaton 1, Simone 1
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Goals:
Wilkinson 20, Porter 10, Weaver 8, Horrocks 7, Hall 5, Ley 4, Makison 3, Adeloye 2, Munns 2, Timms 2
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Goals:
Brown 12, Fortune 5, Manns 5, Iburonke 4, Axten 3, Clarke 2, Devesar 2, Field 2, Mattison 2, Howie 1, Perrett 1
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Goals:
Ruff 8, Winn 7, Couzens 5, Watson 5, M Smith 4, Blakeman 3, Courtney 2, Fletcher 2, Kusi 2, Leggatt 2, Morrison 1, Ryan 1, L Smith 1
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Having gained promotion, we were expecting a tough season in the C Division, achieving a mid table finishing position seen as a realistic target. Our cause was not helped when a new signing and key midfield player, Ewen, broke his leg in 3 places in training a week before the season was due to start. We started the season well however, and within a few matches it was clear we were more than capable of holding our own in this division. George had returned to us after a season at Chipstead and his undoubted skill and composure on the ball was helping the midfield and forwards to link up well. David H had joined us from Whyteleafe, adding some additional strength to the defence. We looked set for a good season, and so it turned out. We climbed up the league table with a series of outstanding results. We were unfortunate not to beat the eventual runaway league winners Doverhouse Lions, coming back from 3–1 down to hold a 4–3 lead with seconds remaining, before a cruel penalty conceded leveled the score at 4–4.
That match was typical of the whole season. With very few exceptions, matches were close, played in the right spirit, and the results often decided by small margins. It was for the most part a pleasure to play in the C Division.
With a few games to go, we were in the runners up spot, with several teams breathing down our necks, most notably Redhill and Coney Hall. Our last match of the season was due to be at home to Redhill, but with pitches at Hamsey unavailable, we were forced to play away, a situation that ultimately cost us the runners up spot. Needing to win the match to guarantee 2nd place, after a tremendous game of football, we drew the match 3–3, George netting a superb hatrick. Coney Hall still had 3 matches to play, and if they won them all they could equal us on points. Fair play to them, they won all three (though 1 match was awarded) and joined us in the runners up spot. With the results between us favouring Coney Hall, we slipped into 3rd place. If you had offered us joint runners up spot at the start of the season we would have definitely taken that, so well done to the whole squad for an outstanding effort.
A one liner against each player that best sums up their season:-
Martin: Goalkeeper – Great shot stopper, improved on crosses this season.
Harry: Defender - Solid, has grown in strength and stature this season.
Josh: Defender – All round game improved enormously. Good on the ball.
David H: Defender – A tower of strength at the heart of the defence.
Darren: Defender – Quality player; big loss when injury cut season short.
Matthew U: Defender – At his best when bombing forward on the left.
Matthew S: Midfield – Got better and better as season went on. Hard worker.
David M: Defence / Midfield – Mr Versatile, great all round player.
James: Midfield – Superb skills, can destroy teams single handed.
Ewen: Midfield – Recovered from broken leg, excellent midfield general.
Will: Midfield – Skilful, good football brain, gets in great positions in the box.
Alex: Midfield – Works tirelessly for the team, intelligent footballer.
Matthew W: Forward – Great pace and an eye for goal, key player down the flanks.
Jamie: Forward – Gives defenders a torrid time, hard working team player.
George: Forward – Skilful forward, eye for goal, good link up play with midfield.
A few words of thanks:-
To all the Players, for their conduct and behaviour all season, which has been impeccable. They have played some fantastic football and been a pleasure to manage and coach.
To all the Parents and Supporters, who are out on the touchline week in week out, come rain or shine. The Purley Way in December can be a cruel place, but they were there in force nonetheless. What a fantastic crowd and I thank them all for their support throughout the season.
To Dave Little, for being a superb coach and always supporting, encouraging and helping the lads at training and matchdays.
To Jim Weeks, for his help at training all season, very much appreciated.
And to Miles Hall, for running the line every week, through rain, shine and verbal abuse…! If there was a Best Lino award in the Tandridge League, he would certainly win it.
Graham Sutherland
Goals:
West 15, Lammas 8, White 8, Sumners 5, MacDonald 4, Mitchell 3, Sutherland 3, Atkins 2, Hall 1, Rowe-Hibbert 1
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The 2008-09 season saw the team finish the highest it has ever done in the A division. The U15s introduced 2 new players, Nathan SB and Adam R to an existing squad of 13 boys and had a well prepared pre season against very good opposition. Unfortunately we then lost Lewis W for the whole season after picking up an injury during one of the pre-season friendlies, which often left us very thin on the ground.
The team started reasonably well, picking up points steadily and gaining in confidence. The defence continued to demonstrate the improvements that began in the previous season, making us a very well organised team who were very difficult to score against. However, it was in attack where we struggled slightly and we did not start putting away the large number of created chances until later in the season, where we finished strongly with 8 wins from the last 9 games.
The team ended the season in joint 4th position, having played 22, won 10, drew 3 and losing 9. It had the 3rd best defensive record in the division only conceding 28 goals in 22 games.
In the cup competitions, the boys lost in the quarter final of the league cup, and reached the last 16 of the Surrey Cup.
I would like to extend my thanks as always to all the parents for their unstinting support, but especially to Tony, Keith and Dean for their ongoing efforts.
Kevin Henry
Goals:
Matheson 10, Robinson 10, Wilkinson 6, Nassiri 4, Clarke 3, Henry 3, Clegg 2, Jones 1
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Goals:
Peterson 21, Shode 10, Mallu 9, Whitbread 8, Reeves 6, Worley 6, Lobow 5, Wells 5, Cox 2, Haworth 1, Hewett 1, Ley 1, Salman 1, Taylor 1
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The A team has performed at a higher level than even we could have expected. Our greatest strength has also been our weakness in that only having fourteen boys throughout the season it has allowed them to bond and get used to each others' game. At the same time in a few games, including the Final, we were left short because of injuries.
All we ask from the boys and ourselves each season is that we improve every year and we have a good time doing it. This has more than been achieved as our results, player harmony and togetherness show. We have lost only two matches, drawn four and won all of the remainder. We feel this is an extraordinary effort and applaud all the boys in making this happen. All this has been achieved with fourteen players which shows the dedication that they have. We would like to thank them and their parents for the commitment they have shown during the long season.
We gave a great account of ourselves in every competition we entered, winning the A League, for the third consecutive year which must be some kind of record, reaching the semi finals of the League Cup, losing on penalties, and finishing runners up in the Surrey Cup.
We aim to improve on this next season and with the hard work that the boys put in every week we know we will. My thanks goes to those parents who help us by running the line, giving lifts to people, refereeing, financially and by just being there for your and our children.
Thanks to the club for their support.
I would also like to thank Mike, Randal and Walter for their continued support in the joint vision we have.
Trevor Smith, Under 14s Management Team
Goals:
Lungu 19, Henry 11, Sonaton 10, Achkar 9, Smith 8, Walsh 7, Barker 6, Corbin 6, Robertson 3, Bernard 2, Patel 2
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Goals:
Nevin 22, Cullen 8, Abiodun 7, Orlebar 7, Covis 6, Davies 3, Little 3, Sibthorpe 2, Smith 2, Doulton 1
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Goals:
Magill 32, Tomlin 16, Nash 11, Hammond 6, Mundell 5, Butler 3, England 2. Blount 1, Burrage 1, Gollin 1, Rackett 1
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Goals:
Hamilton 21, Scanlon 21, Smith 15, Lennard-Dyer 12, Bashford 8, Caiger 7, Fraser 5, Penny 5, Swindlehurst 4, Fernandes 1, Lapworth 1, Parchment 1, Underwood 1, L walker 1, T Walker 1
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An erratic season where at times we played some very good football and showed great commitment to the cause. Unfortunately for some matches we were not up for the game mentally and this reflected in our performance and results, losing to some teams we had outplayed and beaten well at other times of the season. A great end to the season when we showed just how good we could be by beating the division winners 4-2 in our last game (these opponents had already beaten higher division teams on their way to winning the "Shield" final and had also beaten us 6-1 in our first game of the season).
We finished the season in 6th place but only 2 points away from 3rd.
Kevin Leggatt
Goals:
Lester 12, Erskine 11, Leggatt 9, Tanner 7, Aherne 4, Tossell 4, Sharpless-King 1, Wilson 1
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This season saw a great team effort from Julian Hanford (Manager), Martin Fuller (Assistant Manager/Coach), the parents and supporters and, of course, the players.
Julian is the manager who had the very difficult job of organising training and fixtures and making sure that everyone knew where to be and when - that's before the match has even started. He then had to pick a team from fifteen talented young players and introduce at least four substitutes during the match to give as many players as possible the opportunity to play whilst satisfying the team needs to be successful. He did a fantastic job under very difficult circumstances.
Work commitments and domestic arrangements do not always allow me to be present on matchdays. Martin has a great knowledge of the game and an equally great rapport with the players. He helped by providing a specialist warm up for the goalkeeper and was an important assistant to Julian.
The third part of our big team was the parents and supporters. Those were the ones who took the players to training and matches – in some cases really long distances. They changed their social arrangements, sometimes at short notice, to accommodate matches. They turned up rain or shine to support the team.
We had a very good 2007-2008 season in the ‘A’ Division, where we finished just one point away from second place and were defeated 2-1 by the AFC Wimbledon Academy Team in the Surrey Cup Final. Our realistic expectations were that if we continued to improve as we have done in the past, silverware would be within our grasp this season. However, we did not get off to a good start. We were knocked out of the Surrey Cup in the first round by a team three divisions below us, we lost our opening league game 4 – 0 and went on to lose three of our opening five league matches. Five games into the season we had only one win to our name and despite scoring 8 goals we had conceded 15.
Instead of giving up, we worked hard, kept an excellent team spirit, introduced some new players, put on some tremendous performances and, above all else, had fun. This saw us embark on an incredible unbeaten run that saw us put in some truly remarkable performances. We became the first team to inflict a league defeat on the impressive title holders, Tulse Hill who were unbeaten at the top of the league. We also knocked them out of the League Cup. Confidence was high as we marched through the season. Our last defeat was on 26th October 2008. Our remarkable 21 match unbeaten run consisted of 19 wins and 2 draws – this in the ‘A’ Division was truly excellent. We scored 54 goals, conceded 13 and kept a fantastic 12 clean sheets.
Our performances saw us reach the League Cup Final and, on the same morning that we took to the field at Whyteleafe FC to come from one goal down to defeat Dulwich Devils 2-1 to win the Tandridge League Cup, our nearest challengers to the League title, Tulse Hill, dropped a point. A win in our final match of the season would secure the League. An emphatic and stylish 4-0 win in that match assured us of the ‘A’ Division title and gave us an historic League and Cup double.
At a time when player, coach and parent/spectator is under scrutiny by the FA with the ‘Don’t Cross The Line’ and the ‘Respect’ campaigns we have proved that you don’t have to kick your opponents, disrespect the officials, shout, swear or bully your players or opponents to be successful – well done everyone – Julian, Martin, players and parents and supporters.
Cliff Baxter
Goals:
Lumeya 33, Teague 13, Boultwood 5, Hanford 4, Bage 3, Wilson 3, Fuller 2, Holderness 2
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What a season!
As we made the move from Mini Soccer to 11-a-side it’s fair to say that no one really knew how we’d get on. We trained through the Summer, as much to bring two separate teams together as to come to terms with bigger pitches, 4-4-2 and that black art called Offside! Early pre-season friendlies (a 6-6 draw and a 4-3 defeat) confirmed what we’d all believed, though, that we’d certainly be able to score goals, but could we tighten up enough at the back to make it more than just an entertaining season?
We lost our opening league game, 3-1 at Melwood, but then kick-started our season with a thumping 8-0 win on our Surrey Cup debut followed by successive wins against Keston and Eversley (21-4 on aggregate!) before possibly the defining games of the first half of the season, a 6-6 draw at unbeaten Tonbridge (where we let slip a 6-2 lead in treacherous conditions) and then a massive 8-2 win against Melwood to avenge that opening day defeat. These two games in particular proved that we had the potential to not only win promotion but win the title.
With JC and Sonny providing a regular source of goals, Jake, Ethan and Liam providing the driving force in midfield and Simon, Sean and Luke attacking purposefully down the flanks we knew that, going forward at least, we could mix it with the best of them. The nagging doubt (in my mind at least!) was the fact that our rivals all appeared to be better defensively, although Captain Connor, Brandon and Thomas at the back, ably assisted by the two Charlies, worked hard to keep our opponents at bay.
We kept plugging away, winning even when our performances suffered along with the terrible weather between the end of November and end of March, only losing once more all season and forcing a dramatic injury time equaliser at home to Stanhope before thrashing fading Tonbridge 5-1 at John Fisher.
We were now embroiled in a 3-way battle at the top, with Melwood and Stanhope standing between us and the title, but in possibly our performance of the season we confirmed promotion with a magnificent 10-4 win at Stanhope, shattering their hopes in the process, before wrapping up the title with a 4 point haul at Coney Hall on the last day.
In the cups we also had some moments to savour. We had been surprised to be included in the Surrey Cup in the first place, but did ourselves proud by reaching the 3rd Round (including a great 4-3 win against B Division Purley Panthers) where we lost by only 1-0 to eventual quarter finalists Tooting & Mitcham. In the League Cup we beat Purley again, 8-0 this time, before coming up against Glebe Lions, the top team in the whole of the Tandridge League. For one half it was close, but in an attempt to retrieve a 1-0 half time deficit we left ourselves open at the back and were well beaten in the end.
Overall, a most satisfactory season and one which I’m sure all the boys will remember for as long as they stay together as a team – back to back title wins for last season’s B Team, we scored 133 goals in 25 games in all competitions, JC hit the 40 goal mark for the third season running (including scoring in 18 consecutive league games – surely some sort of record!) and, with the exception of that crazy game at Stanhope we also ended the season conceding only 4 goals in our last 6 games, a defensive stability which bodes well for the sterner tests we’ll expect to come up against next season.
Sadly we said farewell to Joe and Harry from last season’s B Team, who started the season with us but decided to move on – we wish them well.
Paul Mincer
Goals:
Connaris 46, Barton 24, Dickinson 17, Whelan 13, Hilling 11, Grice 9, Vickery 7, Harling 5, Leech 1
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Goals:
Finlay 8, Henry 8, Briggs 3, Cleevely 1
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Having finished the Under 9 season as deserved Runners Up in the South Division, the League decided that we should be promoted 2 divisions to the Under 10 C Division.
With good pre-season training and the addition of Josh C to our squad we looked forward to pitting our skills against better opposition and what a start to the season we had – involved in a 6 goal see-saw thriller with a very tough and competitive Barnet Wood side (who were to finish the season as Runners Up). Goals from Josh and Regan, heroic defending from Jack and Mitchell and a magnificent penalty saving performance from Shayan ensured that we picked up a point. The bar had been raised with the standard definitely higher than the previous season and we knew that we would have to battle hard in every game to get any reward. Next up were Chislehurst Wanderers at home. Again, very combative opponents who we suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to as a result of an own goal with the last kick of the game!
A confidence boosting away win in the Cup against Orpington was next, however, disappointing league defeats to Genesis and Storm quickly followed. The boys responded magnificently to overturn the Genesis result with a 4-1 Cup win including a stunning 2 goal man of the match performance from Marcus. We now knew that on our day we could beat anyone in our division. Another league draw with top 4 side Doverhouse Lions and we looked forward to playing bottom side Eversley Rangers next. Illness and holiday meant that we could only field 6 players in this game. Despite this we took the lead through Josh and makeshift keeper Tele saved a penalty giving us hope of our first league win. On what was a very boggy pitch we simply ran out of steam and conceded 2 late goals. Cruel luck for Tele, Mitchell, Miles, Marcus, Tom and Josh who gave everything they could.
Our cup run was ended by Selsdon A, a side unbeaten in the A Division all season and we soon found out why. We did brilliantly to hold them to 0-0 at half time, but in the end they ran out comfortable winners playing a wonderful passing football game. Nevertheless the signs were there that we were improving and coming to terms with the higher standard of football. Josh and Regan were scoring regularly and Miles, Mitchell, Tom and Marcus were knitting everything together in the engine room of the team. Defensively Jack was his consistent self and Tele lived up to his Essien nickname with some formidably athletic performances. Once again Shayan, our reluctant keeper, often kept us in games with some fine saves too. We added Josh K to the squad and his neat, tidy and energetic approach gave us fresh impetus just when we needed it.
We ended 2008 with no league wins from 8 games and looked forward to some reward for our efforts in 2009.
2009 arrived and with it our first league victory – a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Palace Guard at home. Confidence was returning to the squad and we were very competitive in every game we played. Deserved wins against Coney Hall and Westerham soon followed and we ended the season winning 5 and drawing 1 of our remaining league fixtures including a final day victory away to Palace Guard ensuring we did not suffer automatic relegation. One nil down with 5 minutes to go staring relegation in the eye we went on the attack. We changed formation to 3 man attack of Josh C, Regan and Tom. Josh levelled with two minutes to go and the last attack saw Tom’s cross come shot bundled in by Regan. Escape to Victory the story was written.
Huge praise must go to every single member of the squad who worked so hard for each other and never let their heads drop ensuring that we came to terms with the higher division and with a little more luck may have recorded 2 or 3 more wins. We have a great team spirit and long may it continue!
Finally, we cannot possibly finish without mentioning our thanks to all parents and relatives for their massive support throughout the season. We are really looking forward to the step up to 11 a side football next year with the merged A and B teams - roll on next season!
Nick Tagg
Goals:
Costellow 13, Dellaway 8, Cauchi 3, Fisher 3, Trayfoot, 2, Correia 1, Patel 1
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Goals:
McEvilly 18, Hurley 5, Fisher 4, Webb 2, Little 2
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Goals:
Williamson 20, Hutchinson 16, Watson 15, Andrews 8, Fairbanks 7, Harrison 3, Lacy 3, Prince-Fraser 2, Wilkins 2, Grindrod 1, Wiltans-Oliver 1
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Goals:
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