Chigwell Boys 5 - 2 Rippleway B  15th Feb 09 League

After the 1st meeting between these two sides, the score line was anyone’s guess. For back to back games Chigwell played against 10 boys, but you wouldn’t have realised, as Rippleway’s passing game more than made up for their lack of numbers.
Rippleway were giving our defence a good workout, as Chigwell’s defence showed they were up for it when called upon early in the match.
Up the other end Carl nearly put Chigwell ahead, but saw his shot go agonisingly wide of the post. Connor Fowler had a succession of throw in’s up the left, which seemed to being going nowhere, until Alfie received the ball, turned and played the pass of the match into Carl’s path. Carl found himself in an identical position as earlier, but this time found the bottom corner.
Rippleway’s reaction was swift and immediate, as they broke from midfield and fed the ball wide before it came back into the box, we failed to deal with the ball, unfortunately their striker was less charitable as he drove the ball firmly home, giving Ben no chance of keeping it out.
Despite playing 5 in the midfield, our visitors seemed to have the edge. Jack was on top of his game, dealing with their tricky No 10 brilliantly, Reece was also busy out on the left. Michael, who had been quiet until now, received the ball on the halfway line, went pass one then another before accelerating towards goal, and just before he ran out of pitch, unleashed an unstoppable shot into the corner. The half finished 2-1.

My last words of the half time talk were “this game isn’t won yet”. Rippleway backed up my words as we gave up possession far too easy in or own 3rd, their tricky winger played the ball across an empty 6yd box for their striker to score the easiest of goals. 
At this point the game could have gone either way as both teams wanted all 3 points. After suffering my 3rd mild coronary of the game, The boys nearly finished me off, as Rippleway had a shot headed off the line by a quick thinking Reece. Ben was in no mood to be beaten as he held a couple of crosses and came off his line quick when called upon.
Fortunately for us Michael had his shooting boots on and after combining well down the left with Max set off down the wing, everybody including their keeper was expecting the cross, nope Michael lobbed the keeper from the tightest of angles from the edge of the box.
Despite being 3-1down Rippleway kept going with run after run down the left, Augustine, who was outstanding yet again defended bravely next to Ross, who led the line in a disciplined captain’s performance. Billy Gladman was playing next to Lewis in the middle and both put in good shifts against tough opponents.
Connor Gol came on with 20 minutes to go and his fresh legs and trickery down the right gave us a new attacking option. However the game was effectively won, by Man of the Match Michael, who also sealed his hat trick 5 mins to go.

Billy Arter, who had a least two defenders on him most of the game got his reward just before time as he dropped deep to collect the ball before picking out the bottom corner of the net.   

The difference between the two sides today, apart from the obvious extra man, was that we defended like lions at one end and finished our chances at the other. I thought our visitors passed the ball better, something that’s been missing in some of our latest outings and something that we can work on in training.

Other notable highlights:-

Max: Ran himself into the ground today and was always in the thick of it.

Ross: As mentioned earlier played a disciplined captains role and done exactly what I asked of him.          

Team: Holland , Fowler, Gladman,Chasey, Hennessey, Arter, Smith, Armstrong, Castor, Gol, Appiah,Ward, Dipple (c), Jones.

MoM: Ward

Goalscorers: Castor, Ward (3), Arter.

Bealonians 0 - 8 Chigwell Boys    8th Feb 09 League 

Chigwell made the short trip to Hainault, to play Bealonians for the 2^nd time in as many weeks. Last week we started slow, and allowed the opposition to get into our half far too easily. This time we started stronger, but this was mainly due to our hosts only having 10 players. Billy Arter looked like he was going to have a field day in front of goal, when he opened his account in the 2^nd minute. Chigwell were pressing forward at every opportunity and created chance after chance, only to be denied by some poor finishing, and an in form Beal’s keeper. With every Chigwell player trying to get on the score sheet, the inventible happened, our defence were caught out of shape and their striker rushed in on goal. Only the quick thinking Ben Holland, stopped them scoring when he came off his line and blocked what should have been a certain goal. This was our wake up call. Meanwhile down the other end and after another umpteen chances, we finally scored a 2^nd, courtesy of a Carl Castor close range effort.The half ended 0-2.

The half time team talk focused on teamwork rather individual play. This seemed to sink in, as the defence looked more like a unit; we looked slicker in our attacking play and started passing the ball again. This paid off immediately as Michael Ward netted our 3rd. With the result purely academic by this point, it allowed me to try some new positions out. Ben Holland slotted in at left back and Billy Gladman between the sticks. Jack Hennessey was pushed forward and got his first goal of the season, with a beautifully taken goal from a tight angle on the left. Ben made some runs with the ball down the left, whilst man of the match Connor Gol produced a fine display on the right. Alfie smith & Robert Platt both netted a brace and can thank Connor for some excellent balls into the box. At the other end Bealonians had another chance to score, but were denied by a strong hand from Billy, the referee finally blew for time. I must applaud the attitude of the boys that did turn out for Bealonians. Well done.

After Billy scored our 1^st early on, the result didn’t really look in doubt. However I think our play especially in front of goal, lacked purpose. The 2^nd half was a lot better, the build up play was pleasing on the eye, and we took our chances in front of goal.             

Team: Holland , Fowler, Gladman, Hennessey, Platt, Arter, Smith, Armstrong, Castor, Gol, Appiah,Ward, Dipple (c), Jones.

MoM: Gol

Goalscorers: Arter, Ward, Hennessey, Castor, Smith (2), Platt (2).

 Chigwell Boys 7 - 0 Bealonians   1st Feb 09 League cup

Chigwell entered into this Semi final having played only once in the last six weeks. The warm up before the game brought snow, and a chilly breeze swept across the pitch.
The boys knew that an early goal would calm the nerves. Instead it was our visitors, Bealonians that came out the blocks the livelier. They looked stronger and hungrier for the ball. Our boys were mere spectators for the 1st 10 minutes as Bealonians played the ball through the defence. Augustine Appiah raced back, and had to make a rash tackle, the referee awarded a free kick outside the box, thankfully it was hit high and wide. On the few occasions Ben was tested, it was from long range and straight at the ever dependable Chigwell stopper.

At the other end, Billy Arter was caught off side on a number of occasions, as Beal’s kept a high back line; this enabled them to launch the ball up the middle of the pitch causing our defence further problems. 
After surrendering the 1st 10 minutes of possession to our visitors, it was time to get back in the game. Max Jones was lively and combined well with Lewis Armstrong, both players deserving of the man of the match award. Lewis limped off half way through the half with a knock to the knee 

Beal’s high line was eventually their undoing as Billy raced down the right before sending the ball across the box, where Michael Ward was waiting to stick the ball home. Minutes later, and in an identical move, Billy raced clear again, this time Billy headed to goal and shot past the keeper to finish the half 2-0.

Changes were made during the break and the 2nd half began. The boys continued to press from the off, as Max and Lewis completely bossed the game. They won ball after ball in the middle with some tough tackling and great heading.Chigwell were in complete control at this point. Michael scored to make it 3 Nil from a second cherry. He nearly made it four with some great passing, the attacking Billy Gladman raced into the penalty box, where there was no options except do a cheeky back heel to Michael, who shot wide.

Michael did get his hat trick before taking a well earned rest, along with Billy. And with the two top goal scorers watching from the side, meant others had their chance to add their names to the score sheet. Cue Lewis who picked up Reece Chasey’s through ball and with his size 8 predators he rifled the ball into the top left hand corner, a great strike.
 
Ross Dipple, now playing in the centre scored his first goal of the season, it was also the move of the match, Billy Gladman’s defensive header landed at Robert’s feet, who in turn found Connor fowler, Connor threaded a perfect ball through the middle and Ross raced on towards the goal, with only the keeper to beat he slotted cleanly into the bottom left corner.
 
Ben was getting frost bite down the other end, as Beal’s continued to push forward; they did find the net, only for it to be ruled out for off side.
 
The boys continued to press for more. A Ross Dipple corner landed in the 6 yard box where Robert was at hand to smash the ball home to complete the scoring - cue celebrations from the boys on the touchline, who ran onto the pitch to congratulate Robert but were sent packing by the ref !! Minutes later the Ref blew the whistle and meant Chigwell progressed into the final.

Despite starting the game slow, the defence were able to deal with any danger and what little Ben had to do remained focused throughout .Once the forward line had sussed out the off side rule,it looked dangerous in attack. We eventually took control of the midfield through Max and Lewis, which effectively killed the game off. If we can get all three units working together from the off, we will be a match for anyone.     

Team: Holland , Fowler, Gladman, Chasey, Hennessey, Platt, Arter, Smith, Armstrong, Castor, Gol, Appiah,Ward (c), Dipple, Jones.

MoM: Armstrong & Jones

Goalscorers:Arter, Ward (3), Armstrong, Dipple, Platt.

              Wadham 0 - 4 Chigwell Boys 18th Jan 09 League cup

After the recent break and postponed games, the boys were itching to get back to playing football. It was nice to see the sun shining, and despite the previous night’s rain, the pitch looked relatively good.

All 15 boys had made the trip to Walthamstow to play our hosts Wadham in the quarter final of the League cup.

The game started, and for our part was a bit slow and scrappy. For the first 10 minutes it was Wadham that controlled the middle through their towering midfielder. But any chances that were created were snuffed out buy the ever dependable Augustine Appiah.

Thankfully Chigwell found their usual game and started to move the ball around with confidence. Lewis Armstrong & Max Jones linked well together down the right and Michael was putting in a captain’s performance on the left. At this point the game was quite open as both teams tried to carve out opportunities. The introduction of Alfie Smith had an immediate impact as he sprayed the ball around from the midfield. This was the spark Chigwell needed; some neat passing left Lewis Armstrong wide right, and rather than send a speculative cross into the congested 6 yard box, spotted Reece Chasey drifting in on the far side, Lewis picked Reece out perfectly who duly obliged by smashing the ball home to open the scoring.

More pressure was put on the home side as Chigwell defended from the front; this paid off moments later, as Billy Arter intercepted a short goal kick and with just the keeper to beat thumped the ball home. The half ended 0-2.

The 2^nd half began and changes were made.Connor Gol made an instant impact with his trickery down the right. Michael Ward was working tirelessly down the left and thoroughly deserved the man of the match, he got past the defence numerous times, hitting the post with one effort. Wadham’s attacks were virtually non existent by this point; however the defence had to be on their guard. Ben had to dash of his line several times to scoop the ball up. Ross Dipple was now playing at the back, and next to Augustine looked quite formidable. Connor Gol was always a threat down the right, and this showed as he sent a beautifully weighted ball over the top of the defence into Billy’s path. Billy got his body between the goal and defender and headed off towards goal, the keeper got a hand to the shot, but there was too much pace on it. 3-0

The game was won by this point, but just in case there was any doubt, we added a fourth. Ross won the ball in midfield before sending a ball through the two centre backs for Carl Castor to chase, Carl kept his head and finished passed the outstretched keeper into the corner.

As the game went on we grew in confidence and despite a few errors early on,  had enough quality at the back to rectify. We scored goals at good times in the match, and once we added some bite in the middle, stopped the opposition playing.

Other notable highlights:-

Carl worked his socks off today and got his reward 2 minutes from time.

Max & Alfie:played well together in the middle, strong in their defensive play as well as inventive in attack.

Team: Holland , Fowler, Gladman, Chasey, Hennessey, Platt, Arter, Smith, Armstrong, Castor, Gol, Appiah,Ward (c), Dipple, Jones.

MoM: Ward

Goalscorers:Arter (2), Chasey, Castor. 

Chigwell Boys 4 - 1 Cowley Boys  14th Dec 2008 League 

The last time the two teams met it was close, and only penalties could separate them.  The weather was much kinder and the pitch held up well to the previous day’s rain.

Chigwell, for a change, started well and got the ball forward with confidence. In contrast Cowley looked sluggish; Billy Arter made the most of the early possession as he received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, turned neatly before finding the bottom corner. 

More of the same followed as the boys looked fresh from their previous week off. Michael Ward is always a threat down the left & today was no exception, as he galloped down the touchline before cutting in towards the goal, and with just the on rushing keeper to beat, scored our 2^nd.

The boys were waiting for the backlash from the visitors, but it never came. Cowley, who had proved such stiff opposition two weeks previous, struggled to get into the game, although they did combine well down the left and had a couple of efforts, but the Chigwell defence held firm.In fact it was Chigwell, through Lewis Armstrong who added to the score line, with a spectacular 20 yard strike that dipped under the bar. The boys in yellow went into the break 3 goals to the good.

The second half began and it was fairly even in the opening minutes. Cowley ventured into the hosts half, on only one of a few occasions in the 2^nd half and pulled themselves back into the game with a goal, as the defence failed to clear the ball.

Although the 2^nd half eventually finished 1-1, we had more of the ball in these 30 minutes than the 1^st half. The 3 goal cushion was restored with 5 minutes to go, when Robert Platt sent a wide angled shot Goal bound, Carl Castor made sure it found the net with the deftest of touches, and rightly claimed it, after having a perfectly good goal chalked off in the 1^st half.

The result was academic by now as both teams knocked the ball around for the final minutes before the Ref blew for full time.

Not our finest footballing display, but as the game went on we looked increasingly strong in all positions, and with Cowley chasing the game, we looked comfortable in possession. Overall a strong performance against strong opposition. 

As the year closes, I could not have asked for a better start to the season. We are playing up a league against opposition that are used to playing at this level. Let’s treat this as half time, and keep working hard as a team, in training and on match days…

Other notable highlights:

Lewis Armstrong: Done an excellent job, Gritty and determined especially in the 2nd half.

Ross Dipple: Broke up the opposition play and was busy all over the pitch.   

The defence:Looked solid all game and I thought Augustine was instrumential in keeping their captain quiet.

Team: Holland , Fowler, Gladman, Chasey, Platt, Arter, Smith, Armstrong, Castor, Appiah,Ward (c), Dipple.

MoM: Augustine Appiah

Goalscorers:Arter, Ward, Armstrong,Castor.

          Chigwell Boys 2 -2 Cowley Boys  30th Nov 2008 1st round League cup

                        (Chigwell win 3-1 on pens)

Chigwell hosted Cowley Boys for one of two matches in 3 weeks. This was always going to be a close affair, as both teams have shown good league form of late.

It was league leaders, Chigwell that probed the oppositions final third with Lewis Armstrong & Alfie Smith combining well down the right. Michael ward & Max Jones were equally dangerous on the left. Billy Arter was always a threat as he linked well with both flanks.

Cowley were strong at the back and showed some inventive build up play down their left channel. Jack Hennessey was equal to the challenge, as he put in a captain’s performance at right back.

Billy & Michael both had one on one chances with their keeper, but couldn’t capitalise. 

Although Cowley appeared to be on the back foot, they looked threatening going forward. It was hard to see where the opening would come from, until Michael ward, shot low and hard at the goal, the keeper did get a hand to it, but the momentum sent the ball over the line.

This seemed to spark Cowley into life, especially their captain who was until now somewhat absent. Whilst Chigwell were still celebrating, Cowley were getting on with the game and sent a dangerous ball across the box and scored.

Cowley built on their new found confidence and attacked once more, working the right channel yet again. A ball that seemed easy to clear ended up in our net .The half ended 1-2.

Changes were made and the boys were rejuvenated, as fresh legs sparked a renewed belief. Connor Fowler played a blinder in the middle and always lokked to bring others into the game. Connor Gol was a constant threat on the right delivering ball after ball into the area. Both Connors hit the crossbar as Chigwell applied the pressure. Robert Platt & Carl Castor were sent through one on one with the visitors keeper, but just couldn't find the net.

Reece Chasey, now playing midfield won a free kick 25 yards out, Connor Gol sent in a perfectly weighted ball, which the keeper could only clear to the on rushing Reece, who scored his 1^st goal and level the match.

Both sets of boys had battled hard in torrential rain as the whistle blew for full time, this meant penalties were called for!! 

Ben who had previously been quiet, had to earn his corn between the sticks and duly obliged saving 3 out of 4 spot kicks he faced and with Lewis, Reece & Connor Gol all scoring meant justice was done as Chigwell progressed to the next round.

Other notable highlights:

Ross dipple's battling 2nd half display, Meant Cowleys attacks were snuffed out early on.

Augustine, very reliable mopping up their attacks.

Billy Gladman, built on last weeks performance with another sturdy game.

Team: Holland , Hennessey (c), Fowler, Gladman, Chasey, Platt, Arter, Smith, Armstrong, Castor, Gol, Appiah,Ward, Dipple, Jones.

MoM: Ben holland

Goalscorers: Ward, Chasey

Barn Sports A   0 - 2 Chigwell B     23rd Nov 2008 league

Although still in November, this game had a real winter feel about it. It was bitterly cold and those that were fit were there.

The first half started a bit edgy as both sides sussed each other out. Barns asked some early questions of the Chigwell defence with some long balls down the channels. Augustine & Reece covered well & Ben came off his line early to clear the ball and also got his hand to a Barns shot, that looked goal bound.

Ross made good runs down the left & right sides, but could not make the final ball count. A late spell of 1^st half pressure by Chigwell saw a defensive clearance thump Ross in the side of the face, Ross bravely carried on before the ref blew the whistle for the break.

The 2^nd half began and the sky’s opened once again, but this time the snow had turned to rain. Both sets of boys looked numb through the cold, and after a well matched 1^st half it was difficult to pick a winner.

Michael, now playing wide left tormented his marker as he jinked his way down the wing and set a weighted cross to the back post, Robert was waiting to tap the ball home. Robert normally gobbles these up, but fresh on and frozen couldn’t oblige this time.

Michael tackled back to win the ball again and went on the same run, but this time Michael headed for goal. BANG 1-0. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of our hosts as Chigwell slowly turned the screw. It also seemed to spark Lewis into life as he worked the right channel in similar fashion.

Billy Gladman put in his finest performance in a yellow shirt as he read the game with maturity and combined well with Lewis, getting forward well when the opportunities allowed.

Michael was always a threat down the left and seemed to have the measure of the Barns defence, as he sent cross after cross across the penalty area. Ross & Max were now joining in the attacks and more crosses were sent in before a short clearance fell to Lewis, who dispatched a left foot effort into the net.

Barns rallied late on and mustered a close range shot, but Ben, who was pretty quiet in the 2^nd half, wasn’t about to surrender a clean sheet as he got down well at his near post.

Everyone in a yellow shirt played their part today .I am especially pleased to see the boys sticking to their style of football, as in the end, as we’ve proved on a number of occasions, does work!

Other notable highlights:

Connor Gol, some excellent corners.

Jack, Augustine & Reece solid as ever at the back.

My personal thanks also, to Steve & Shelagh who make my job a lot easier. Thank you

Team: Holland , Hennessey (c) Gladman, Chasey, Platt, Arter, Armstrong, Gol, Appiah,Ward, Dipple, Jones.

MoM: Joint. Gladman & Ward. 

Goalscorers: Ward, Armstrong.

Rippleway B 3 - 4 Chigwell B  9th Nov 2008 League

Words fail me; you really had to be there to witness the boys put in a magnificent 2^nd half display against formidable opponents. Rippleway were the only team in it at half time as they dominated the half and were worthy of their 2 goal lead. Connor Gol put in a couple of good corners and Carl Castor saw his shot go wide, Reece Chasey & Max Jones, who both deservedly shared the Man of the Match, did show some fight. Apart from that I can’t think of any other positives about the 1^st half.  

The 2^nd half was like watching a different team as Chigwell stepped up a gear and took the battle to our hosts. Billy Arter, who had a torrid time in the 1^st half against a defender twice his size, finally got free of his marker to make it 2-1. We were still celebrating when they went straight up our end and scored their 3^rd. I must admit at this point I had given up hope of getting anything from the game. Robert went on to give Carl a rest, but was clearly not well.

I don’t know what happened next but we were down to 10 at one point as Lewis & Ross had to come off injured. Michael Ward & Billy both scored to draw us level and with about 1 minute to go Lewis Armstrong came back on to send a 20 yd screamer over the keeper into the back of the net….   

Boys I know I keep saying it, but you never cease to surprise me. That 2^nd half spirit shows what a great TEAM you really are.  

Other notable highlights:

Ben, you kicked well today and could do nothing about any of the goals, I’m glad you ended up on the winning side.

Well done to the supporters today, you’re encouragement clearly had an effect on the boys today, even when it looked like all was lost, keep it up.

Team: Holland , Hennessey (c) Gladman, Chasey, Platt, Arter, Armstrong, Gol, Castor, Ward, Dipple, Jones.

MoM: Joint. Chasey & Jones.

Goalscorers: Ward, Arter 2. Armstrong.

Chigwell B  5 - 0 Bealonians   2nd Nov 2008  League 

After last week’s performance, I was hoping this wouldn’t be a case of “after the Lord Mayors show”. Despite having the lion’s share of the possession, Chigwell couldn’t breach the stuborn Bealonians defence as shots rained in on the opposition’s goal.

Billy Arter uncharacteristically missed from close range and Robert Platt hit the cross bar from 10 yards out. Michael ward’s runs down the left went unrewarded as he saw several crosses fly across the goal mouth unchallenged. Ross Dipple got forward at every opportunity and found himself with just the keeper to beat before his leg was taken away. Ross bravely stepped up to take the spot kick but could only find the impressive Bealonians keepers arms. Several other chances were squandered before the whistle went for half time.

The 2^nd half started in similar fashion as the 1^st with Chigwell pushing for the opener. Bealonians were under pressure as Chigwell’s Lewis Armstrong put in a succession of corners, with this came the chance Billy Arter had been waiting for as he pounced at the back post to stab the ball home. As suspected the 1^st goal lead quickly to the 2^nd Michael picked the Ball up in the opposition half and ran on goal and with just the keeper to beat, guided the ball into the bottom corner. Billy netted his brace with a fine solo effort; before the industrious Augustine Appiah laid the ball into Max Jones (Man of the Match), who scored his 1^st goal for Chigwell. Lewis Armstrong added to the score sheet when he latched onto Billy’s cross to cap an impressive 2^nd half performance.

The defence were hardly troubled and when called upon dealt with any threat. I doubt next week will be the same.

I am glad to see the boys putting in 100% effort from the 1^st  whistle right up to the last whistle; the boys stuck to their style of football and didn’t start lumping the ball forward in desperation. It paid off in the end. 

Other notable highlights:

Connor’s “thou shall not pass” display at right back.

Augustine’s 2^nd half hardworking midfield display

Team: Holland (c), Gladman, Fowler, Chasey, Platt, Arter, Appiah, Armstrong, Castor, Ward, Dipple, Jones.

 MoM: Jones

Goalscorers: Ward, Arter 2. Jones, Armstrong.

County Park 3 - 5 Chigwell B   26th Oct 2008   League  

Chigwell Boys over came County Park 5-3 in a top of the table clash that twice saw Chigwell lead by four goals. A first half hatrick from Billy Arter, the third being a superb right foot finish, and two goals either side of half time for Michael Ward were enough to comfortably see the game off. Although a goal just before half time gave County Park a glimmer of hope, Chigwell were too strong, with Augustine Appiah bossing the defence and Connor Gol pulling the strings in midfield with a man of the match performance.

More of the same next week, A lads!

Other notable Highlights:

Michael's 1st half runs down the left.

Billy Gladman, nice & solid at left back.

Team: Holland (c),Gladman, Fowler, Chasey, Platt, Arter, Appiah, Armstrong, Castor,

Gol, Ward, Dipple, Jones.

MoM: Gol

Goalscorers: Ward 2, Arter 3.

              Chigwell B  1 – 2 Euro Dagenham   19^th Oct  Doris barker cup 2nd round

This proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable match as two well matched sides went head to head .Euro Dagenham started the brighter of the two teams and passed the ball around well carving out a couple of good chances. We were definitely on the back foot as Carl Castor , playing at right back had to make some decisive tackles, Connor Fowler was also busy on the left.

Chigwell Finally got their foot on the ball courtesy of Alfie Smith & Ross Dipple, who were both impressive in the middle. Michael ward got down the left channel giving the defence a well earned rest. But just as Chigwell looked to ease their way into the game Euro Dagenham scored, not once but twice. Despite this the boys weren’t out of this game and went close through Ross, hitting the post, Max Jones and Michael both saw efforts go wide before the half time whistle went.

The 2^nd half began and we definitely came out the hungrier. Max picked up the ball out on the left and played a slide rule pass through the defence to set Billy Arter away on goal, Billy dispatched the ball into the net, Game on.  Chigwell were playing the better football at this point and created chance after chance. Lewis Armstrong battled hard as he usually does before making way for Connor Gol, Connor instantly attacked the oppositions defence as he created some excellent deliveries from the right. Euro Dagenham’s attacks were now less frequent and were dealt with efficiently by a back line that now included Billy Gladman. The pressure was really on the visitors now as Chigwell closed the ball down from the front and Michael’s persistence nearly paid off but he could only see his shot cannon off the crossbar. Alfie could have taken the game to penalties but saw his effort go agonisingly wide. In the end it wasn’t to be Chigwell’s day. It was a dramatic improvement on last week as the boys showed the hunger and the desire to play well; I hope we can take this into next week’s game.

Other notable highlights:

Alfie & Ross lending some much needed bite to the midfield.

The 2^nd half defensive display.

The attitude of the whole team. (keep it up)

Team: Holland (c),Gladman, Fowler, Chasey, Platt, Arter, Appiah, Armstrong,Smith, Castor, Gol, Ward, Dipple, Jones.

MoM: Appiah/Castor

Goalscorer: Arter 

Chigwell B  1 - 1 U.P.R  C             12th Oct  2008  League

Chigwell came up against a well organised UPR side that had just came off a good result last week. The boys soon settled in and had some good possession in their opponents half whilst the defence coped with the Upr attacks. Michael ward came close early on, but could only find the side netting. 

Ross Dipple playing wide left got forward and combined well with Billy Arter before setting Billy through on goal & with only the keeper to beat stroked the ball home. Upr had some decent chances up the other end but did not find the target, until a rare defensive mistake gifted them the chance to draw level, which they took well.     

In the 2nd half both teams looked a bit lacklustre as the ball was played around a congested midfield area. Ross & Michael penetrated the left side, whilst Connor Gol saw his chance go wide from a tight angle. Upr Looked dangerous down the left as Connor Fowler, on for the Injured Jack hennessey was called upon time & time again to clear the back line. Time eventually ran out and a draw was probably a fair result. The game itself lacked some desire on our part,but was played in a good spirit.

Other notable highlights:

Ben coming of his line numerous times to clear the ball.

Augustine & Reece's no nonsense approach to defending.

Ross & Michael combining well down the left.

Team: Holland,Gladman, Fowler, Chasey, Platt, Arter, Appiah, Castor, Gol, Ward, Hennessey(c), Dipple, Jones.

MoM: Dipple

Goalscorer:Arter

Chigwell B  5 - 2  Lakeview B  28th Sep 2008   Doris Barker cup 1st round  

The boys started slow and were up against it for the first 10 minutes of this cup tie as Lakeview took a hold of the game, they scored with their 1^st effort on goal.

This seemed to wake the boys up and they started to play football. Somehow Connor Gol’s beautifully taken free kick was cleared off the line, countless other chances also went begging.

Billy Arter eventually equalised went he bundled over an Alfie smith cross. Ross Dipple looked dangerous every time he ventured forwards and set Billy on his way for goal number 2. Chigwell were virtually camped in their oppositions half at this point and made the most of their possession when Lewis Armstrong slid the ball into the area for Billy to seal his hat trick. The Lakeview goal was constantly under threat and Alfie Smith took full advantage when he popped up unopposed in the penalty area to score his second of the season.

The second half saw even more Chigwell possession but the boys all decided to try and add their names to the score sheet rather than play the football that had created four 1^st half goals. As such we only added 1 goal courtesy of a Carl Castor penalty carved out by Michael Wards dazzling run.

With the game looking comfortable I was able to make some changes in the 2^nd half, with Billy Gladman making his debut between the sticks at 11-a-side and Ben Holland’s first outing on pitch, both coped well and never looked out of place in fact Billy’s only job was to pick the ball out of the net after an unstoppable lob sailed into the top of the goal from 25 yards.  

JOB DONE!

Team: Holland,Gladman, Fowler, Chasey, Platt, Arter, Smith, Armstrong, Castor, Gol, Ward(c), Dipple.

Goal scorers: Arter (3), Smith, Castor

MoM: Arter

Chigwell B  4 – 2 Wadham   21^st Sep 2008     League 

Sunshine & good flowing football were the order of the day as Chigwell played host to Wadham.

Chigwell started the brighter of the two teams and took full advantage of their possession when Lewis Armstrong latched onto a through pass and dispatched the ball into the bottom corner.

The 2^nd goal was a classic pass and move display down the left when Michael Ward & Connor Gol worked the ball into Connor Fowler who played a defence splitting pass for Billy Arter to slot home.  

Wadham had some decent possession of their own but carved out no real chances; this was in part down to our defensive line with Jack Hennessey & Reece Chasey protecting the flanks that had to battle hard against a physically imposing Wadham team.  

Despite our back four containing their forward line, Wadham managed to nip in minutes before half time to pull one back.  

More of the same in the 2^nd half as both teams went hammer & tong  

The small pitch added to the intensity of the game and Wadham’s pace meant our defence had to be at their best. Augustine Appiah was solid as ever and Ross Dipple (man of the match) brought the ball out of defence with calm & maturity.

An unsavoury incident 10 minutes in meant both teams had to play the remainder of the game with 10. It was Chigwell that adapted better, and through Connor Gol’s excellent corner (one of many on the day I might add) Robert Platt was allowed to sneak in unmarked on the back post to restore Chigwell’s two goal lead.  

Lewis Armstrong made sure of the points when he spotted the keeper of his line and sent a speculative effort into the top corner. Wadham rallied late on with a long range effort of their own, But with only 4 minutes to go it was too little too late for this game    

Team: Holland,Gladman, Fowler, Chasey, Platt,Hennessey (c), Arter, Smith, Armstrong,Castor, Gol, Appiah, Ward, Dipple.

Goal scorers: Armstrong (2), Arter, Platt.

MoM: Dipple.

Chigwell B  2  v  EMH A  0     14th Sep 2008      League

Our first ever competitive 11-a-side game will be recorded as a win. The boys took a grip of the game early on winning the midfield battle through Alfie Smith & Connor Fowler.

EMH struggled to get the ball out of their half as Chigwell applied the pressure. Robert Platt & Carl Castor worked the right flank, but it was down the left channel that saw Connor Gol's pass set Billy Arter on his way, Billy Jinked his way down the touch line before delivering a cross into the six yard box for the on rushing Alfie to slot home.

Several more chances came & went but Chigwell could not extend their Advantage.    

The 2nd half started with a few changes, Billy Gladman settled in quick and played the ball through the EMH defence several times, Whilst Lewis Armstrong was always in the thick of it making sure the oppositions attack was thwarted early on.

Michael Ward worked the left wing well and delivered some good crosses but it seemed no one wanted stick the ball in the back of the net. Alfie nearly added to his earlier goal when his fine shot from the edge of the box was saved by their keeper.

Carl could of settled everyone's nerves with 10 to go when he latched on to a defence splitting pass, but could only see his effort go over the bar.

Chigwell absorbed a spell of late pressure from EMH who seemed desperate to salvage something from the game. Gaps appeared in the EMH defence and Ross Dipple exploited this to send Michael on his way with a lovely through pass, Michael duly obliged stroking the ball into the bottom corner, Game over.  

Team: Holland, Gladman, Fowler, Chasey, Platt, Hennessey (c), Arter, Smith, Armstrong, Castor, Gol, Appiah, Ward, Dipple.

Goal scorers: Smith, Ward.

MoM: Armstrong.