It was quality not quantity on display tonight with a 3 versus 3 match.
Rumours are that Harry Redknapp's scouts were looking on from afar and they must surely have been impressed with the talent roaming the park.
Ben, Martin and Tom showed great footballing sense and effective team play and positioning. Additionally they were always a threat from any distance with a barrage of long-range shots.
It was always going to be difficult for David, Adam and Danny to compete with such a remorseless and merciless force reminiscent of the Liverpool of the 1970s and 1980s, however with an impressive mix of skill and grit they did enough to level scores at 10 all, before Tom, Martin and Ben came back with a late burst to take the tie 13-10.
Man of the match goes to Adam, who made an impressive debut and scored nearly all his side's goals and could have had even more if the referee had been less pedantic.
A great game to end the calendar year - seasons greetings to everyone and see you in 2009!
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Match report 4 December 2008
Another fine game tonight. Nine warriors did battle. The limited numbers ensured a fast moving game with plenty of space on the pitch. Nevertheless very disciplined marking and positional play saw ten minutes elapse before either side were able to break through.
Graeme, Roy, Paul, and Dwayne provided a strong core formation that played with the flair of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal and Terry Venables's Spurs, the discipline of George Graham's Gunners and Gerry Francis's Tottenham, and the enterprise of a North-West London team with Bertie Mee and Bill Nicholson at the helm.
Occasionally they were supplemented by the fine efforts, energy and positive play of Tom and Danny, but they proved no match on the day for Rob, Merrick and Ben, the latter of whom was on fire, and was unanimously voted man of the match.
Graeme, Roy, Paul, and Dwayne provided a strong core formation that played with the flair of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal and Terry Venables's Spurs, the discipline of George Graham's Gunners and Gerry Francis's Tottenham, and the enterprise of a North-West London team with Bertie Mee and Bill Nicholson at the helm.
Occasionally they were supplemented by the fine efforts, energy and positive play of Tom and Danny, but they proved no match on the day for Rob, Merrick and Ben, the latter of whom was on fire, and was unanimously voted man of the match.
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Match Report 27 November 2008
A cracking 6 players v 6 players match tonight.
A very even contest ended in a hard-fought 9-9 draw.
Merrick, Ben, David, Roy, Andrew and Yusuf oozed quality all over the park. When they weren't making surging runs forward, they were marshalling their defensive forces with admirable discipline.
It would be tempting to say that last week's man of the match Dwayne dominated the other side's performance with his lethal finishing being responsible for 7 of the 9 goals. However, in truth it was a great team performance from Dwayne, Paul, Graeme, Luke, Tim and Danny.
With so many sparkling performances (including a noteworthy spell in goal from Luke that probably saved his side a few goals and therefore the match) it is an invidious task to pick a man of the match, however, needs must, and this week, the coveted title goes to Merrick, who demonstrated all the qualities of a midfield general akin to an amalgam of Ces Fabregas, Colin Bell and Alan Ball.
A very even contest ended in a hard-fought 9-9 draw.
Merrick, Ben, David, Roy, Andrew and Yusuf oozed quality all over the park. When they weren't making surging runs forward, they were marshalling their defensive forces with admirable discipline.
It would be tempting to say that last week's man of the match Dwayne dominated the other side's performance with his lethal finishing being responsible for 7 of the 9 goals. However, in truth it was a great team performance from Dwayne, Paul, Graeme, Luke, Tim and Danny.
With so many sparkling performances (including a noteworthy spell in goal from Luke that probably saved his side a few goals and therefore the match) it is an invidious task to pick a man of the match, however, needs must, and this week, the coveted title goes to Merrick, who demonstrated all the qualities of a midfield general akin to an amalgam of Ces Fabregas, Colin Bell and Alan Ball.
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Match Report 20 November 2008
A great game tonight. 5 v 5 on the large pitch ensured a fast flowing match. It ended 9-5 (I think).
Whilst Graeme, Luke, Merrick and Rob all showed good quality combined with admirable fitness, it was not enough to stifle the sizzzzzling skills of Yusuf, Andrew, Tim and Paul alongside the man of the match Dwayne.
Whilst Graeme, Luke, Merrick and Rob all showed good quality combined with admirable fitness, it was not enough to stifle the sizzzzzling skills of Yusuf, Andrew, Tim and Paul alongside the man of the match Dwayne.
Dwayne made a welcome return from injury and showed superb skill and a great football sense which came to the fore with a magical goal that combined a back heel and a back kick. Cristiano Ronaldo would have been proud.
Friday, 14 November 2008
Match report 13 November 2008
This report will be short as unfortunately I was unable to attend the match myself.
However, I did have my spies and scouts in attendance and the word has come back that the match was of top-notch quality and the consensus was that man-of-the-match award should go to Andrew, who displayed great individual flair as well as combining particularly well with Yusuf.
It was a hard-fought 4 v 4 contest with the match divided by a single goal.
However, I did have my spies and scouts in attendance and the word has come back that the match was of top-notch quality and the consensus was that man-of-the-match award should go to Andrew, who displayed great individual flair as well as combining particularly well with Yusuf.
It was a hard-fought 4 v 4 contest with the match divided by a single goal.
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Match Report 6 November 2008
The atmosphere was worthy of the San Siro with fireworks on and off the pitch.
It was back to 4v4 tonight after the great turnout of 15 last week and so we played on the smaller version of the pitch.
The newcomers, Mark, Andrew and Yussuf showed some lovely moves and proved a great addition to the pool of players, whilst old-timers Martin, David M, and Danny put in characteristically determined performances.
Once again Tim showed his customary flair and silky style, but having consulted the Prozone statistics, Man of the Match goes to Ben who was on fire and resembled a cross between Stephen Gerrard and Francisco Torres (the two best players in the Premiership).
It was back to 4v4 tonight after the great turnout of 15 last week and so we played on the smaller version of the pitch.
The newcomers, Mark, Andrew and Yussuf showed some lovely moves and proved a great addition to the pool of players, whilst old-timers Martin, David M, and Danny put in characteristically determined performances.
Once again Tim showed his customary flair and silky style, but having consulted the Prozone statistics, Man of the Match goes to Ben who was on fire and resembled a cross between Stephen Gerrard and Francisco Torres (the two best players in the Premiership).
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Match Report 30 October 2008
A fantastic turnout tonight with fifteen eager players on display.
It was an incident packed game.
Henry Stewart took a worrying knock early on but after treatment to a facial wound gallantly carried on.
It was always going to be tough for seven players against eight, but the underdogs had no shortage of talent on display.
Indeed, 'the magnificent seven' were responsible for the favourite for goal of the season when Diye Wariebi scored with a scorcher that almost eclipsed David Bentley's effort the night before.
With so many good performances to chose from it took something as special as Diye's strike and all-round quality to earn him the man of the match accolade this week.
It was an incident packed game.
Henry Stewart took a worrying knock early on but after treatment to a facial wound gallantly carried on.
It was always going to be tough for seven players against eight, but the underdogs had no shortage of talent on display.
Indeed, 'the magnificent seven' were responsible for the favourite for goal of the season when Diye Wariebi scored with a scorcher that almost eclipsed David Bentley's effort the night before.
With so many good performances to chose from it took something as special as Diye's strike and all-round quality to earn him the man of the match accolade this week.
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Match report 16 October 2008
Once again it was a 5v4 game.
The four comprised three newcomers, Ben Riley, Will Cole and Sam Jacobs and together with old stalwart Paul O'Connor they went 2-0 up and were a match for their five opponents until the last five minutes or so where the extra man really made a difference.
Paul and Sam fought tirelessly and Ben and Will were both strong contenders for man of the match but in the end the accolade goes to Ben Rosenbaum, who made his presence felt in all areas of the 'park' and set up or scored countless goals as well as making several crucial interceptions.
Once again Rob, Henry and Tim showed great energy and several fine touches.
There is no game next week but please make sure you keep the next four Thursdays after that free for more great football!
The four comprised three newcomers, Ben Riley, Will Cole and Sam Jacobs and together with old stalwart Paul O'Connor they went 2-0 up and were a match for their five opponents until the last five minutes or so where the extra man really made a difference.
Paul and Sam fought tirelessly and Ben and Will were both strong contenders for man of the match but in the end the accolade goes to Ben Rosenbaum, who made his presence felt in all areas of the 'park' and set up or scored countless goals as well as making several crucial interceptions.
Once again Rob, Henry and Tim showed great energy and several fine touches.
There is no game next week but please make sure you keep the next four Thursdays after that free for more great football!
Monday, 6 October 2008
Match Report 6 October
Everyone seemed to thrive in the new location. If we had a few more players we would have played on the full size pitch but it adapted neatly to our 4v3 match.
Newcomer Tom Holland showed great energy and verve; Lionel, as usual, thrived making spaces and threading neat through balls that dissected the opposition.
Graeme, Ben and Paul were a formidable force and took a 2-0 lead but were eventually overcome largely thanks to the efforts of man of the match Jon Ormrod, whose welcome return to the pitch was stamped all over with class.
Newcomer Tom Holland showed great energy and verve; Lionel, as usual, thrived making spaces and threading neat through balls that dissected the opposition.
Graeme, Ben and Paul were a formidable force and took a 2-0 lead but were eventually overcome largely thanks to the efforts of man of the match Jon Ormrod, whose welcome return to the pitch was stamped all over with class.
Monday, 22 September 2008
Match Report 22 September 2008
A fiercely competitive game tonight.
Like the last match the team with 3 players beat the team with 4. Credit in large part must go to Ben Rosenbaum, who was the common factor in both match-winning sides, but a large chunk of the credit must go to Rob McCabe, who marked his debut with a fine performance that earned him the Man of the Match accolade!
Like the last match the team with 3 players beat the team with 4. Credit in large part must go to Ben Rosenbaum, who was the common factor in both match-winning sides, but a large chunk of the credit must go to Rob McCabe, who marked his debut with a fine performance that earned him the Man of the Match accolade!
Monday, 15 September 2008
Match Report 15 September 2008
It was a question of Daniel beating Goliath as three players beat four by the healthy margin of 10-7.
Ben brushed aside any lingering doubts about what effect the injury to his hand would have on his effectiveness and the world-famous fitness of those stalwarts of the etape, Henry and Diye, was strongly in evidence.
Paul looked like he had knocked off any rust that may have been there a fortnight ago and had a Sheringham-like knack of finding himself in threatening positions. Roy and Martin made incisive runs, which helped move the score from 8-4 to 8-7 but it was not enough and Ben, Diye and Henry triumphed.
Man of the match: Diye Wariebi
Ben brushed aside any lingering doubts about what effect the injury to his hand would have on his effectiveness and the world-famous fitness of those stalwarts of the etape, Henry and Diye, was strongly in evidence.
Paul looked like he had knocked off any rust that may have been there a fortnight ago and had a Sheringham-like knack of finding himself in threatening positions. Roy and Martin made incisive runs, which helped move the score from 8-4 to 8-7 but it was not enough and Ben, Diye and Henry triumphed.
Man of the match: Diye Wariebi
Monday, 1 September 2008
Match Report 1 September 2008
A tremendous contest tonight with fine performances from all and sundry. Particularly noteworthy were fine debuts from Diye and Paul.
Man of the match, however, must go (and I deny in advance charges of nepotism) to Martin Rosenbaum, who proved a thoroughly effective force, setting up and scoring goals and still having the energy to break down the oppositions' attacks.
Great fun, good turnout, surprisingly good conditions - next match September 15th - everyone welcome!
Man of the match, however, must go (and I deny in advance charges of nepotism) to Martin Rosenbaum, who proved a thoroughly effective force, setting up and scoring goals and still having the energy to break down the oppositions' attacks.
Great fun, good turnout, surprisingly good conditions - next match September 15th - everyone welcome!
Monday, 4 August 2008
Match Report 4 August 2008
In spite of ending up on the losing side, the two strongest performances came from Henry Stewart and Graeme Arnold. The Man of the Match accolade is a close call this time, but Henry's persistent probing runs and selfless team play means that he wins through.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Match report 21 July
Conditions were splendid, we just needed to keep one eye out for the softball heading our way. Man of the Match for sheer speed and endurance as well as useful ball control and dribbling was Lionel, who made a welcome return to the game.
Next match is Monday August 4.
Next match is Monday August 4.
Monday, 7 July 2008
Match Report 7 July 2008
A diminished attendance and some tricky conditions did not stop Tim Pritchard showing some lovely touches and plenty of skill and determination.
Graeme Arnold also deserves mention for his silky skills and willingness to take on defenders, but, by a pip, Man of the Match goes to Tim Pritchard.
Graeme Arnold also deserves mention for his silky skills and willingness to take on defenders, but, by a pip, Man of the Match goes to Tim Pritchard.
Monday, 23 June 2008
Match Report 23 June 2008
Conditions were good and play flowed.
The beautiful game was very much on display.
Newcomer Henry Stewart was tireless in his attacking runs and defensive cover, and as so often happens Tim Pritchard and Graeme Arnold displayed superb understanding with tasty one-twos, but the reason, above all, that the four man side nearly defeated the five man opposition was Lionel Roth, who not only delivered the goods in the outfield but also surprised many with some fantastic saves.
Ackerman, Williams and Rosenbaum all performed creditably, but man of the man match goes to Lionel Roth.
The beautiful game was very much on display.
Newcomer Henry Stewart was tireless in his attacking runs and defensive cover, and as so often happens Tim Pritchard and Graeme Arnold displayed superb understanding with tasty one-twos, but the reason, above all, that the four man side nearly defeated the five man opposition was Lionel Roth, who not only delivered the goods in the outfield but also surprised many with some fantastic saves.
Ackerman, Williams and Rosenbaum all performed creditably, but man of the man match goes to Lionel Roth.
Monday, 16 June 2008
Match report 16 June 2008
Conditions were good and the players were able to show off their skills.
Good movement off the ball from the likes of newcomer Rupert Vandervell and old favourite Jon Ormrod and some silky skills from Tim Pritchard and Graeme Arnold were in evidence.
Towards the end some younger members of the crowd ran on the pitch and eventually ended up joining in but seemed to lack vision and ball control.
Man of the match was Jon Ormrod.
Remember - next week is the Mint Digital match - THIS IS NOW A HOME FIXTURE with the venue being the usual spot in Regent's Park.
Good movement off the ball from the likes of newcomer Rupert Vandervell and old favourite Jon Ormrod and some silky skills from Tim Pritchard and Graeme Arnold were in evidence.
Towards the end some younger members of the crowd ran on the pitch and eventually ended up joining in but seemed to lack vision and ball control.
Man of the match was Jon Ormrod.
Remember - next week is the Mint Digital match - THIS IS NOW A HOME FIXTURE with the venue being the usual spot in Regent's Park.
Monday, 2 June 2008
Match Report 2 June 2008
In difficult conditions a couple of close games ensued.
As usual Graeme Arnold showed wonderful bursts of speed and good running off the ball, David Williams demonstrated determination and a good eye for goal, but man of the match was Tim Pritchard, or Mr Stamina, whose energy failed to wane, and even went for a run after the football was over!
As usual Graeme Arnold showed wonderful bursts of speed and good running off the ball, David Williams demonstrated determination and a good eye for goal, but man of the match was Tim Pritchard, or Mr Stamina, whose energy failed to wane, and even went for a run after the football was over!
Monday, 12 May 2008
Footy on 12 May 2008
Conditions were good for a change, however it looked like attendance would be startlingly low until Luke Menges turned up with a host of skilled players and more faces soon followed.
Man of the match was Luke's brother's friend with the long hair (apologies - forgotten his name), who was stunningly good.
The post-mortem in the Prince Albert, which was conducted solely by the losing team, postulated that if we (the losers) could have exchanged Pepe for any of the opposition then the tables would have been turned.
Onwards and upwards. We definitely need a larger pool of players - so please spread the word.
Cheers
Danny
Man of the match was Luke's brother's friend with the long hair (apologies - forgotten his name), who was stunningly good.
The post-mortem in the Prince Albert, which was conducted solely by the losing team, postulated that if we (the losers) could have exchanged Pepe for any of the opposition then the tables would have been turned.
Onwards and upwards. We definitely need a larger pool of players - so please spread the word.
Cheers
Danny
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Match Report 28 April 2008
28 April 2008
Conditions: Diabolical
Summary: With a rain-drenched pitch and the number of players depleted, it proved difficult to come up with the sort of flowing football one would have expected normally from the talent on show.
The old UCS combination of Rosenbaum (M), Ackerman and Arnold fought manfully, with Arnold picking up Man of the Match, however, the other side had just too much quality in the end.
Conditions: Diabolical
Summary: With a rain-drenched pitch and the number of players depleted, it proved difficult to come up with the sort of flowing football one would have expected normally from the talent on show.
The old UCS combination of Rosenbaum (M), Ackerman and Arnold fought manfully, with Arnold picking up Man of the Match, however, the other side had just too much quality in the end.
Match Report 14 April 2008
14 April 2008
Conditions: Treacherous
Summary: Much of the game was 5v4. The Ormrod, Knowles, Roth, Arnold combination proved to have too much flair for their opponents, although the man of the match, must have been Ben Rosenbaum from the other side.
Conditions: Treacherous
Summary: Much of the game was 5v4. The Ormrod, Knowles, Roth, Arnold combination proved to have too much flair for their opponents, although the man of the match, must have been Ben Rosenbaum from the other side.
Monday Night Football in Regents Park
This is the official blog of Monday Night Football.
History was made on 14 April 2008, when the initial Monday Night Football kickabout got under way.
With the odd exception like bank holidays, the plan is to meet fortnightly.
If you're interested in playing, then let me know.
Danny
History was made on 14 April 2008, when the initial Monday Night Football kickabout got under way.
With the odd exception like bank holidays, the plan is to meet fortnightly.
If you're interested in playing, then let me know.
Danny