All entries for Tuesday 09 November 2004
November 09, 2004
Comments from the Manager
I write this report not knowing the result of the match in week 8 (because we haven't been challenged yet, duh!) but the previous game is still fresh in my mind.
Amidst vicious rumours, spread no doubt by our opposition, on the stallion's personal relationships, the team dug deep and performed well. There were some inspiring and gutsy performances, particularly from Dave "what do you mean I don't get gloves?!" Pickles in goal and the tireless Owen "look at me I'm playing 3 different positions at once" Bellamy. Combine that with the stunning 30 yard mazy run and shot from Mr Nayfe, and yet another goal from Stez, there were definately positives to take away from the game.
As always I'm disapointed not to come away with any points, but I guess we just need to work on scoring more than the opposition, and that's something we'll concentrate on in training this week.
As a side point, due to past achievements, the mighty Stallions have received a "buy" in to the second round of the cup competition, so reserve your tickets for the match online, or visit our club shops, situated in Ashby de la Zouch, and Uxbridge Town. Hurry, tickets will sell fast!
Until next week
Come on you Stallions!
Guv'ner
Reaction to Match 4
"I heard them say 'they are shit' so I turned it right back at them by commenting to Nayfe 'so are we' "- Stephen Pond, on his banter with the opponents"I always knew the goal was coming"- Nathaniel Christopher, on the goal he always knew was coming.
"He's nimble like a fox"- Debbie Simcock, remarking on the vulpine nimbility of someone (presumably on their team).
"He went down like he was shot"- David Pickles, remarking on any player who Miles tackled.
"We gave 110%, and you can't ask for more than that" – Owen Bellamy commenting on the teams seemingly endless workrate.
Tardan Stallions Match 4: Stats and Facts
Tardan Stallions vs Cunning Kievs
Played 11am Tuesday 9th November 2004
Venue: Main Sports Hall
A late recall for Owen Bellamy meant we could put out a first team squad to start. It not being our favourite playing surface, a certain amount of trepidation was felt by the players. This disappeared at kick-off, with defender Nathaniel Christopher nicking the ball in midfield, turning a player, and drilling low and to the right, only to be denied by the woodwork. An encouraging first period followed, until sloppy defending conceded our first goal. The opponents took heart from that, and despite some inspired goalkeeping by David Pickles we went in at half time 5–0 down. Stephen Pond went off for Miles Dennis, and Nathaniel Christopher swapped for David Pickles in goal. After conceding 2 goals, Nathaniel Christopher swapped with Miles Dennis, and Stephen Pond came on for Daryl Jackson. A flurry of goals for the visitors took the score into double figures, and as none of the supporters were willing to take off their shoes and socks, they lost count of the score. On 52:38, Owen Bellamy played the ball left to Stephen Pond. Drilled shot bottom left of goal from left edge of area (6 yards) meant it was 4 in 4 for Pond. The game ended 10–1.
A good game all round, thanks to our opponents for realising we were to shit to bother roughing up too much, and thanks to Miles Dennis as well.
Starting Line Up:
David Pickles
Nathaniel Christopher
Daryl Jackson
Owen Bellamy [c]
Stephen Pond
Substitutes:
Miles Dennis
Goal Scorers:
Stephen Pond (1)
Man of the Match:
David Pickles – For an excellent first half in goal, and a good second half in midfield, (although he should have been in defence…) despite the handicap of a big fuck off blister on his left foot.
Attendance 3:
Laura Fricker
Eloise Moir-Ford
Debbie Simcock
In the Dugout:
Daniel Baker
Daniel O'Flynn
Baker denies back room bust up
Tardan Stallions manager Daniel Baker has poured water on rumours of a dressing room bust up between Nathaniel Christopher and Mark Hadris, as reported in The Sun. Baker dismissed the article, saying "A few words were said between the lads, but it was just a bit of banter. When you get players as passionate as the ones we have here at the Stallions, tempers are bound to get a little frayed. The press has blown it out of all proportion."Both players were unavailable for comment.
Player Profile: Nathaniel Christopher
1. Full name: Nathaniel James Christopher2. Date of birth: 30/05/1983
3. Home town: Coalville in Leicestershire, (but I'm from Thringstone, a village nearby.)
4. Degree Course: Mathematics
5. Height: 6'2"
6. Weight: 12 stones
7. Nicknames: Nayfe, Thanny, The Chief
8. Position: Defence
9. Squad Number: 42
10. Favourite Team: Leicester City (but have a season ticket to Sheffield Wednesday!)