Date: Saturday 5th December 2015

Venue: Wandsworth Common

Line-up: Arnie, Jeremy L, Fred G, Ollie, Chris B, Crispy, Salty, Hoops, Rob, Shardlow, Pinners

Subs: Ollie Strudwick

Cubo 2s were looking to bounce back following a disappointing and somewhat unlucky loss on a tough mudder pitch a few weeks earlier. However, with Silly Season having commenced, pulling together the match day squad proved challenging, which meant a couple of new faces promoted from the Academy/anyone-know-anyone-who-fancies-a-game?? And with Tom Hooper doing an immaculate Paul Scholes retirement u-turn impression, meant a 12-man squad was tasked with taking on Inter Old Boys at il San Siro (Italian for Wandsworth Common).

Cubo kicked off with a fairly substantial prevailing wind and it was fair to say the wind was behind them in more ways than. Cubo dominated the possession and pressure in the first half, particular in the middle of the park with Salty and Hoops setting the tempo. Along with Marty Shardlow’s continued aggression and guile creating havoc, Inter OB were on the back foot. Cubo had more corners than a dodecahedron, hitting the post direct from a Pinner’s whip, and another cleared off the line following a goal mouth scramble. Despite Cubo failing to find the finishing touch, a new look back four was communicating well and the team showing good shape left Inter finding it hard to break down. Halftime 0-0.

Cubo started the second half slowly with Inter gathering momentum and confidence. 15mins in, Inter earned themselves a corner. A dangerous inswinger resulted but Inter’s Captain Baldy managed to completely miss the open header from no more than 2 yards out. This proved to be the kick up the proverbial backside that Cubo needed. With full-backs Jez and Chris B linking more and more so with Rob and a Crispy out wide, Cubo began to stretch Inter. Pinners went close dragging a shot narrowly wide. However, finally the pressure told, with some tidy football starting on the left, the ball shifted swiftly to the right to find Crispy who naturally thought the best way to score would be to deliberately scuff it into the swinging left shin of Inter’s hapless centre back sending it straight into the top bin. And he was right. 1-0 Cubo.

From then on, Cubo looked like the only winner. Fred and Ollie continued to rebuff Inter’s advances with the latter even going on a Lucio-esque run on the counter attack, beating the last defender only to pump his shot heaven-bound, much to Pinner’s distaste (not that he let anyone know it!). More good work on the left from Rob drew a foul. Crispy whipped in a deep cross to find club legend Tom Hooper unmarked who delicately dispatched it to make it 2-0.

Arnie’s only activities of note were tipping over a throw-in and trying to “stop the wind”, summing up how well the team defended, and a clean sheet was their reward with the game ending 2-0, representing a dominant victory.

Goals: Hoop Dwag, Crispy?

MOTM: Ollie

Date: Saturday 5th December 2015

Venue: Barn Elms

Cubo’s eight game unbeaten run came crashing to an end as they were well beaten by league leaders Merrow.

Merrrow took an early lead following poor defending and a deflection that took the ball past the keeper. With the wind and unstable surface limiting any attempt at football Merrow had chances to extend their lead whilst Cubo were struggling to find any fluency and were restricted to hopeful balls over the top.

At 1-0 the game remained in the balance but having had the wind behind them in the first half the home side had to play into it in the second half and struggled to get out of their half.

When Merrow added a second with half an hour to go it looked grim for the Cubans and this proved to be the case. With Cubo pushing on there was plenty of space for Merrow to exploit and they added three more goals to put the gloss on the three points.

A disappointing performance from the home side in difficult conditions but credit to Merrow who were well worth the three points and look to be a far more disciplined and solid outfit this season.

Date: Saturday 21 November

Venue: Belair Park, Dulwich

Starting Line-up: Luke Arnold, Chris Bentley, Oli Watkins, Salty, Joe Mull, Martin Shardlow (C), Adam Fox, John Egan, Joe Coffey, Oli Strudwick

Sub: Tom Burr

The 2’s went into the game with South East London looking to make amends, after the ref gave the dodgiest of peno calls, which robbed then Cubans of all 3 points in the reverse fixture just 3 weeks ago.

Having looked at the mud bath of a pitch it was clear that the usual game plan of keeping the ball on the deck was out the window and we were going to have to “lump” it down the channels for the tireless Joe Coffey and Oli Strudwick to chase down and put their defence to the test.

The opening minutes set the tone and when Oli Watkins slipped twice in 2 minutes, Foxy and John Eagan were definitely questioning their choice of moulds over studs!

The boys in baby blue were clearly up for the battle with Joe Mull and Shards flying into the tackles winning the early exchanges. Tiki taka this was not, and the only real notable action of the first half was a couple of pop shots from the home side which Arnie was equal to. He treated the ball like a ropey bird from infernos and didn’t let it out of his grasp, when it could have easily squirmed away!!!

We started the second half on the front foot and the pressure tolled when Jez whipped in a ball from the right for Oli Strudwick to nonchalantly volley home with the outside of his right peg, one up and exactly what we deserved.

South East came back and their centre back went on a mazy Rio Ferdinand esque run which led to the ball coming into the box and after a scrappy clearance. The ball dropped to their fat lad up top,who, first time, curled it into the top bin.

Then came the 2 minutes that changed the game. A back pass from South East meant an indirect free kick inside their 6 yard box or so we thought, the ref had other ideas. He maintained that it had to be taken from where the pass was played not where the keeper picked it up, joker. He obviously hadn’t seen this classic…

The free kick came to nothing and they hit us on the counter and their big lad was in one on one and slotted it to send them 2-1 up. Cubo heads didn’t drop but as we went in search of the equaliser the game stretched they bagged another to make the final score look much more comfortable than it was. An unfair result on the Cuban’s but as Stevie G says ” we go again” and that’s exactly what we’ll do on Saturday!!

Goal: Oli Strudwick

Date: Saturday 21st November 2015

Venue: Fortress Barn Elms Sports Centre

Starting line-up: Gaz Stewart, Ryan Shedwick, Ralph Wensley, Greg Tett, Pete Woodhead, Chris Pyke, Elliot Connolly, Ben McGeown, Martin Ansell, Tom Simmons, Oli Perkins

Sub: Ryan Carolan

Following the hard fought victory over Tooting Bec, Cubo found themselves in another derby fixture against local rivals Battersea Ironsides as they looked to extend their six game unbeaten run.

With Harry Tulip once again missing the fixture against his old side (3 games missed out of 4) Tom Simmons stepped up from the 2’s and coupled with Moisty returning from injury the home side were still able to name a frontline brimming with attacking threat.

Last minute withdrawals had put resources in the Club at a stretch and gaffer Ben McG was only able to name one sub, Ryan Carolan making his first appearance since picking up a hamstring injury against Balham.

Cubo made the brighter start, appearing to be a step ahead of their opponents who were fielding some unfamiliar faces and appeared to be lacking energy all over the pitch.  The Cubans got the goal their start merited when Tom Simmons fired a low cross across the box which made its way to Oli Perkins at the back post and he ‘laid it off’ to an unmarked Ben McGeown who had the simple task of side-footing home from six yards out.

Cubo then suffered a blow when Moisty suffered a recurrence of his muscular injury and had to be removed with Ryan Carolan coming on for the elusive Ansell. Whilst offering a slightly different threat to Moisty Ryan C showed an ability to carry the ball that immediately caused Battersea problems and the sub should perhaps have done better having worked some good shooting positions for himself within five minutes of entering the fray.

Cubo were in the ascendency and should have extended their lead when a long throw from Simmo caught the Battersea defence unawares leaving Tett with a free header at the back stick which he really should have buried but the left back mistimed his jump and spooned his header over.

Despite Battersea having an off day they continued to offer the threat that has worked so well for them over the years with the smaller dimensions of Barn Elms suiting their long-throw strategy to a tee. However with Gaz Stewart in commanding form, coming off of his line to claim a number of the aerial bombs that came his way, the away side were looking devoid of ideas as to how to break down the Cubo defence.

The set-piece appeared to be the only way they would get back into the game and it was via a free kick that they thought they levelled the scores.  A low shot was heading wide before being deflected into the net by their number ten but the linesmans flag was up and the goal was disallowed.

Entering the second half despite Cubo enjoying the better of things you felt a second goal was needed to put the spirited Ironsiders to be bed and it duly arrived ten minutes into the half.  Tom Simmons was once again involved, down the left hand side this time, and his cross made its way to Ryan Carolan at the back post who displayed excellent shin tekkers to acrobatically volley the ball into the corner of the net. 2-0 Cubo.

Whilst Battersea continued to push forward the Cubo backline were looking strong with Ralph once again putting in a dominant performance at the heart of the defence and Rufus showing that he’s been wasted higher up the pitch all of these years. The game was finally put to bed when a long kick from Gaz skipped over the Battersea backline leaving Oli Perkins a clear run on goal and the skipper took time to settle himself before firing past the keeper.

The end of the game was marred by an ugly tackle that resulted in the Battersea number ten being dismissed and Tett receiving a yellow for his part in the fracas that followed, an unfortunate way to finish what had largely been a good-natured contest.

A great win for the Cubo against a side who have had the better of these fixtures in recent years and takes them level on points with their opponents.  Cubo will be hoping that the pitches hold up over the coming weeks as they look to continue their climb up the table.

GOALS: Ben McGeown (again….), Ryan Carolan, Oli Perkins

MOTM: DJ Pyke – the technical pant enthusiast once again showed why he is missed when not available, adding the steel that saw Cubo dominate the centre of the park.  (This was a better end to his day – his School getting turned over by the mighty Alleyn’s in the morning)

 

 

Date: Saturday 7^th November

Venue: Wandsworth Park

Starting line-up: Luke Arnold, Jonny Pat, Jonesy, Sam Cook, Crispy, Fred, Chris Bentley, Salty, Adam Fox, Oli Watkins, Joe Coffey

Sub: Alex Edwards

Kiwi FC welcomed AFC Cubo to a wet, windy and sloped Wandsworth Park in this top of the table clash, with both teams separated by just one point going into the game. Cubo went into the game having only won or lost games this season by just the one goal, so as expected a tight game ensued.

It’s safe to say conditions played a key role in this game, which really was a tale of two halves. With Cubo having won the toss, the referee (whose general officiating abilities shall not be commented on) decided to give Kiwi the choice of ends to much confusion – Kiwi chose to play into the wind and driving rain in the first half, a tactical ploy which may well have influenced the outcome of this match.

Cubo started strongly out of the blocks, forcing Kiwi into numerous errors at the back with their ‘genenpressing’ Klopp-esque style of play, the front four of Coff/Cook/Crispy/Fox keeping the Kiwi back line on their toes. Only a couple of rogue offside decisions prevented Coffey from springing through on goal.

When Kiwi eventually settled down, the bald number four sat deep at the base of the midfield really began to open play up, however a misplaced long cross-field ball from Cubo led to Kiwi taking the lead – the left back intercepted and launched a counter attack, with the ball ending up being pinged into the top left corner outside of Arnie’s desperate reach from the edge of the area. A wake up call for Cubo in a half they had dominated up until that point, and boy did they respond.

Within ten minutes Cubo were level. Fox, who had bamboozled the Kiwi right back time and again throughout the half, sent Bambi onto ice when cutting back inside on the left wing and played an inviting ball across the face of goal, with Pogo following in at the back post to slot in. 1-1 going into half time, with Crispy and Oli also having had chances to put Cubo ahead but only to be thwarted by the Kiwi keeper. Cubo dominating, could they maintain this level of intensity?

A quick change at HT saw solid debutant Sam Cook, playing in the no. 10 hole behind Coffey, replaced by Edwards – a straight swap for another debutant and fresh legs. The second half however was a different story… Kiwi’s choice of ends in the first half became an obvious advantage, with a tiring Cubo having used their one substitute and now powering up the hill into gale force winds. Under the cosh for all of the half, Arnie pulled off a number of outstanding saves to keep the ex-pats at bay.

On a rare occasion where Cubo troubled Kiwi in their half, the team in baby blue won a corner which Crispy once again whipped in – Pogo was only denied a second when his header was clawed around the post thanks to a stunning save from the Kiwi keeper. Unfortunately that was the best Cubo could muster, as with less than ten minutes to go a loose ball in the area was cannoning around and fell to a Kiwi who, on the edge of the area, hooked the ball back over his head with more than a hint of hope about it… with a rotten stroke of luck, the wind caught the ball and sent it over everyone’s heads and nestled in the back of the net.

Cubo were unable to push on to create the chances needed for a late equaliser, and perhaps with some more luck and clinical finishing in the first half Cubo could have put this game beyond the Kiwis’ reach. A narrow loss for the 2s, who will be looking to bounce back in their next game with a resounding win to get back in the mix of things at the top of the table.

Goal: Pogo

MOTM: Pogo

Date: Saturday 7th November

Venue: Tooting and Mitcham United FC – 3G Pitch

Starting Line: Gaz Stewart, Alan Clarke, Jimmy Ingle, Ralph Wensley, Pete Woodhead, Chris Pyke, Elliot Connolly, Ben McGeown, Ryan Shedwick, Harry Tulip, Oli Perkins (c)

Subs: Marcus Torr, Brad Wilkie

Cubo climbed to 6th in the league with a hard fought win over local rivals Tooting Bec. This was a far more closely fought game than the scoreline might suggest but in the end it was the difference in attacking prowess that settled this game.

With Moisty yet to recover from the injury picked up last week and Ian Clark yet to recover from poncing around golf courses Rufus Shedwick and DJ Pyke walked straight back into the line-up, evidence of the strength in depth available this year.  Alan Clarke also returned at right back with Jimmy Ingle retaining his place in the 1’s following two solid performances since stepping up from the 2’s.

It was the home side who dominated possession at the start of the game with the midfield three looking after the ball well,  as Cubo were forced into chasing the ball down for much of the first ten minutes.  Tooting’s game plan was clearly based on getting their pacey wide men in behind the Cubo full backs and with the midfield being granted plenty of time to pick their passes Alan and Jingle were being put under a lot of pressure in the early stages.

Cubo’s defensive discipline remained intact and they soon showed their threat at the other end of the pitch.  Oli Perkins picked the ball up just inside the Tooting half, and spun away from his marker before slipping a perfectly weighted through ball to Harry Tulip who finished past the onrushing keeper.  1-0 Cubo.

In fairness the goal had come against the run of play as Tooting had dominated possession up to that point but it seemed to deflate the home side and invigorate the visitors as Cubo then enjoyed four good opportunities to score again shortly afterwards.

Firstly Oli Perkins rounded the keeper, leaving himself with an open goal bar one recovering defender stood on the line but the normally clinical skipper went for the top corner and missed by a distance.  Ben McGeown then should have done better when an Alan Clarke cross from the right made its way all the way across the box but he wastefully blasted wide.  Oli Perkins then had a chance to make amends for his earlier miss when a long clearance from Gaz Stewart left the Tooting full back on his arse and gifted Oli a clear run in on goal.  As with his first chance he almost had too much time to think about what to do and his tame finish was easily saved by the Bec keeper.  Had he looked up and squared the ball Harry Tulip was on for a tap-in. In fairness to the skipper he had already filled his quota for assists for the season with his pass for the first goal, something which even the normally vocal Tulip seemed to accept at the time given his muted reaction to not receiving the ball.  Alan Clarke then put a free header high and wide when a Perkins cross picked him out in acres of space in the Bec penalty area.

At the other end Gaz was forced into action when the Bec number 7 worked some room for himself on the edge of the box before unleashing a shot that was moving all over the place in the air but the big man did well to palm it away and collect the ball at the second time of asking.

Just when it seemed that Cubo would be ruing their misses at half time they bagged a second goal.  A fierce drive from Perkins was too hot to hold for the Bec keeper and Ben McGeown was following in to smash a finish into the back of the net to make ti 2-0 Cubo.

Having held a two goal lead at the same venue against the same opposition last season Cubo knew they would have a tough 45 minutes ahead of them as Tooting have proved over the years that they are not a side that roll over.  Having clearly received a lengthy rollocking at half-time the home side finally emerged for the second half with  point to prove.

Cubo immediately threatened to add a third when the rampaging Alan Clarke charged through a couple of challenges and unleashed a dipping drive that thudded off of the bar.  The second half continued in much the same way of the first, with Tooting enjoying plenty of possession without really looking like getting in behind the Cubo backline.

The home sides biggest threat was coming from the number 8 who was showing the ability to carry the ball from deep and beat a man, however luckily for DJ Pyke who had been chasing his shadow and unluckily for Tooting he had to be removed from the action having picked up an injury.

With the home side looking to build up some momentum the wind was once again taken out of their sails by a piece of attacking quality from the Cubo front-line.  Picking the ball up in the inside right channel Harry Tulip beat one man and as he drifted across the pitch hammered a superb left foot strike inside the keeper’s left hand post.  3-0 Cubo.

Despite the scoreline Tooting continued to push forward with real urgency and had a couple of guilt-edged opportunities to pull a goal back.  First a free header in the box was put high and wide but this was followed by an even clearer chance when the Bec player had a free volley on the Cubo six yard box but he somehow managed to put it wide, he’ll be having nightmares about missing that one.

Cubo had chances to extend their lead but Oli Perkins, by this stage experiencing a crisis of confidence following his earlier misses, was again unable to beat the Bec keeper.  Ben Mc also then missed when it looked easier to score having been picked out by a peach of a cross from Perkins but he put his header wide with the goal at his mercy.

A very good win for the Cubo who managed to score at important stages of the game to take it away from their gritty opponents.  Cubo’s prowess in the final third was the difference between the two sides in the end, as the home side, missing their main attacking threats due to injury, did not offer the same threat and struggled to get behind the Cubo defence all game.

Next up for the Cubans are table toppers Balham who are flying at the moment, and will not need any motivation given that we inflicted their last defeat on them back in September.

Goals – Harry Tulip 2, Bennie Mac

MOTM – Harry Tulip – two goals and a constant menace to the Tooting backline, the frontman even found time to win a header that wasn’t a flick-on.

Forget respective league and cup glory. Arnie and Bennie Mac are really only going about their Saturday managerial business to compete for the highest honour available, that of ‘AFC Cubo Manager of the Year’. 

October has been a superb month for the Cubans. The Club managed to see the month out remaining undefeated, both sides winning the majority of their fixtures.

A large amount of credit for the Club’s success should go to the managers themselves for their individual performances. Ben scored 3 in 4 (including two pearlers by all accounts) and Arnie continued to make match winning saves at critical moments.

The 1’s recorded four wins in a row, drawing the final game of the month in dramatic fashion. On current form, and with the talented pool of players at his disposal, Ben will surely be looking towards a top 4 finish, and a cup run that lasts longer than the trademarked one game!

The 2’s managed two wins and a draw for the month. No result has been straightforward to come by – periods of good play have been earned through a commitment to defend across the length and breadth of the pitch. Arnie has instilled a fantastic work ethic in his troops.

Fine margins between the managers but, all things considered, Ben must take the ‘Manager of the Month’ crown for October, not least for his a monumental marathon time (without proper preparation the weekend before) and for his commitment to the oft over-looked art of taking-a-boot-in-the-face (against Yateley).

Honours even.

Bennie Mac 1 (Oct) – Arnie 1 (Sept)

October 2015 sees the continuation of the ‘Player of the Month’ award for each team to recognise Cubans performing at the peak of their powers. Awards are decided by the manager of each team.

1st XI POTM for October – Ralph Wensley

Sub three hour marathon runner, and part-time 1’s manager, Bennie Mac says of Ralph…

“The sole Blackburn Rovers fan in London has become increasingly influential in the Cubo backline, stepping up to fill the gap left by Goughy’s retirement and Sam Graves’ return to the slums of South Wales.  Superb performances against Warlingham and Virginia Water, plus a willingness to look after all of the equipment in the boot of his car give him the edge as Player of the Month for October.”

2nd XI POTM for October – Andrew Pinnington

Luke Arnold, non-marathon runner, full-time 2nd XI manager, says of Pinners…

“The big man from Cambridge has had an eventful October, firing in 3 from 3, before sustaining injury against South East London FC. The fans hope his spell on the sidelines won’t be too prolonged as his goals will be sorely missed.”

Date: Saturday 31^st October

Venue: Barn Elms

Starting line-up: Gaz Stewart, Jimmy Ingle, Ralph Wensley, Pete Woodhead, Greg Tett, Ben McGeown, Elliot Connolly, Martin Ansell, Oli Perkins (c), Tom Simmons, Harry Tulip

Subs: Tom Golding, Oli Watkins

View from the opposition: Virginia Water Match Report

Cubo welcomed Virginia Water to Barn Elms hoping to continue their recent good form. Waters have undergone a complete overhaul from the side that Cubo have struggled to beat in the past two seasons but continue to ride high in the league and had it not been for conceding late equalisers in key games they would be challenging the top of the table.

With the pitch in great nick the only issue was presented by Cubo’s ongoing ground-share with the geese of South West London who  continue to leave their mark on the pitch.  Cubo faced another reshuffle with Moisty stepping into the middle of the park in place of the absent Ian Clarke and Pete Woodhead coming back into the backline.

The home side made the perfect start when Simmo was played in the left-hand channel and he drew two defenders before pulling the ball back to Ben McGeown who swept a left-footed finish past the Waters keeper to make it 1-0 Cubo.

With Moisty and Elliot combining well in the middle of the park and Oli Perkins finding plenty of space in behind the Waters full backs Cubo were looking dangerous when they could get the ball down.

Waters frustration at conceding an early goal manifested itself in criticising the referee who, in their eyes, was the architect of various injustices.  This was a shame as when they focused on playing they looked like an extremely good side.  With pace on both flanks and a willingness to push men forward at every opportunity the away side were a real threat when the game got stretched and the Cubo full backs looked to be for a long 90 minutes.  They thought they had equalised when the number 9 found himself in space 25 yards out and struck a shot that was destined for the top corner until Gaz somehow got a hand to it and tipped it over the bar.  An outstanding save from the big man.  At the other end Cubo felt that they should have had a penalty when Harry Tulip was first to a loose ball in the Waters area and had his feet taken away from under him but the referee waved away the Cubo protests.

A high-paced and high quality first half from both sides that warranted more than a solitary goal between the sides.

The second half continued along the same lines as the first with Waters bombing forward at every opportunity and Cubo looking dangerous on the break.  With the game getting stretched Waters widemen were looking increasingly dangerous but Jimmy Ingle and Greg Tett, both playing out of position at full back, were doing sterling defensive work to keep the pacey Waters wingers at bay.  With the game on a knife-edge Cubo needed another goal to put it to bed, unfortunately for them when the goal came it was for the visitors.

Waters number 9, who had been increasingly influential having dropped back into midfield, picked up the ball in a bit of space on the edge of the box and curled a great finish past Gaz and into the top corner to make it 1-1 with 20 minutes to go.  The game continued in an end to end fashion with Cubo defending frantically at one moment before having chances to win the game the next.  Harry Tulip enjoyed the best of these when good work out on the right by Oli Perkins saw a cross drop to the number 9 but he dragged his effort wide.

With the game entering injury time it looked like ending all level before some intricate play on the edge of the box released  the Waters left back, who had been playing like a winger all game, and he calmly slotted past Gaz to send the away fans into a frenzy.  The goal looked to have secured 3 points for the away side but this high quality encounter had one last moment of brilliance in it.

A ball into the box was not dealt with by the Waters backline and Simmo latched onto the ball before smashing the ball into the top right hand corner from the edge of the box to secure a deserved point for Cubo.

Having led for so long Cubo will be disappointed not to have secured 3 points against one of the better sides in the league, however the character shown to come back into the game having gone behind so late on was good to see.

The Cubans enter a tough run of fixtures over the coming weeks against all of their local South West London rivals, starting at Project Clapham this Saturday.  If the Club is mount a serious challenge for the top four they will have to pick up results in those fixtures.  Virginia Water look like a decent side and if they can focus on the football rather than bickering amongst themselves or with the ref they will surely be in the mix at the end of the season.

Goals: Ben McGeown, Tom Simmons

MOTM: Tom Simmons