Quick note to say that pre-season training will continue tonight at 6.30pm at Wandsworth Common.
As ever the session will take place on the corner of Bolingbroke Grove and Nightingale Lane, next to where the Touch Rugby takes place.
Bring running trainers, mouldies/astros for ball work, and plenty of fluids.
Date: Saturday 6th April, 2013
Starting line-up: Gareth Stewart, Rob Sadler, Richard Gough, Hung Nguyen, Oli Watkins, Andy Strickland, Ben McGeown, Mark Bradley, Jonny Patterson, Jake Flower, Sabby Sabahatin
Subs: Andrew Noble, Greg Tett
Cubo’s final home game of the season ended disappointingly as they were beaten 3-1 by local rivals Tooting Bec. With Gaffer Watkins once again forced into tinkering with his line-up due to absences, the side looked light on attacking options. The Baby Blue Army made the worst possible start to the game when, with only a couple of minutes on the clock, an innocuous looking throw into the box was first missed in the air completely before bouncing up onto Sadler’s hand. A clear handball, even if the level of intent was negligent, leaving the ref with very little choice but to award the penalty which was confidently put away by the Bec striker. The changes made to the Cubo line-up were causing some organisational issues, whereas Tooting were looking far more comfortable in their shape. The away side were having the better of things and should have made it 2-0 but for some brilliance from Gaz in the Cubo goal. He did well to initially to parry a moving strike from the edge of the box but then also managed to get back to his feet quickly enough to somehow deflect the follow-up over the bar from 6 yards when a goal seemed certain. The big Welshman, understandably, wasn’t happy with the protection he was receiving in front of him and made this clear to his defence.
Cubo were looking uncharacteristically suspect defensively and were struggling to make headway against a physical Bec backline that was dominating anything that was flung at them aerially. The away side soon found themselves two in front when a nice turn by the Bec right winger took him away from his marker before he beat two half-hearted tackles to put him through on goal where he remained cool enough to slot home to make it 2-0 Tooting.
Cubo emerged for the second half and immediately looked more interested in the game, keeping their opponents pinned back, albeit without creating any clear cut chances but unfortunately the next goal, which you felt would be key in determining the outcome of the game fell to the away side. A diagonal ball to the back post found the Bec striker in acres of space and his intelligent pass across the box left his strike partner with a simple tap in to make it 3-0 Tooting. A real sucker punch for Cubo, who would have felt that the goal came against the run of play, though once again they were their own worst enemies with some more casual defending in their half allowing first the pass into the box and then the space for the striker when he received it.
The scoreline could have been even worse had Gaz not come to the rescue again when the referee awarded Tooting their second penalty of the game. This time the keeper went the right way and pushed the ball away before re-gathering the rebound. Cubo scored a consolation goal late on when Bradders reacted quickest to a scramble in the box to fire home to make it 3-1 and provide a glimmer of hope for the home side. The game could have got even more interesting had Tett managed to keep his lob down when through on goal with a few minutes remaining but his effort sailed over the bar and Tooting were able to see out the rest of the game to secure a deserved 3 points on the day.
Goal: Mark Bradley
Man of the Match: Gareth Stewart
Given their tough run-in gaffer Watkins will have ear-marked this fixture, against one of mid-table rivals, as one to take points from so he will be very disappointed to come away with nothing. The disappointment will be even more pronounced given the lacklustre display given by Cubo, who had the air of a side already on the flight to Marbella for their summer hols. Though poor defensively, the home side can take encouragement from an improved performance once the shape had been changed and still look capable of scoring goals when they move the ball.
Given the tight nature of the lower half of the league the Cubans will need to pick themselves up for this Saturday’s fixture against Virginia Water who have experienced a near wholesale turnaround since the change in management mid-season. A win there would go some way to easing any relegation fears and as such makes it a massive game for the Baby Blue Army.
Date: Monday 1st April 2013
Venue: Reigate
Starting Line-up: Gaz Stewart, Rob Sadler, Hung Nguyen, Richard Gough, Joe Darlington, Mark Bradley, Ben McGeown, Jonny Patterson, Ryan Shedwick, Sabby Sabahatin, Jake Flower
Subs: Greg Tett, Oli Watkins, James McGeown
Cubo made the trip out to picturesque Reigate for the second game of the Easter Weekend where they faced Reigate Priory. With Joey D coming straight back into the starting line-up, Hung was moved into a more natural left back postion with the gaffer taking a seat on the subs bench alongside baby father Jim McGeown and the late arriving Greg Tett.
Reigate came into the game on the back of a 4-4 draw with high-flying Yateley Green and with the league’s joint top scorer Byrne in their ranks they clearly presented a more dangerous proposition than their league position suggested. This was borne out in the early exchanges when Priory’s tricky left-winger, who spent most of the first half using Sadler for nut-meg practice, whipped a ball into the back post where it reached an unmarked Priory midfield in the box and his volley beat Gaz but not the post and Cubo were fortunate that the rebound fell to Goughy to clear. Following this let off Cubo started to settle into the game and with the wind at their backs were able to pen Priory into their own half. The home side were attempting to hold a high line, no doubt conscious of their lack of size in the event of getting pinned in their own box, but this tactic left a lot of space in behind for Cubo’s forwards to work in and led to the first goal. Mid-season signing, and catalyst for Cubo’s upturn in form, Jake Flower broke down the left and his cross was side-footed home by Ryan Shedwick, who was still reeking of booze from his latest attempts at ingratiating himself with the upper middle-classes at the Boat Race the day previously. Cubo continued to press and were unlucky to see a curling effort from J-Pat tipped on to the bar by the keeper following a neat inter-change on the edge of the Priory box. Despite being a goal down, Priory continued to attempt, admirably, to pass their way out from the back and with their left winger giving Cubo a torrid time whoever he faced there were periods where the Baby Blue defence looked particularly stretched. Luckily for Cubo they were able to add a second before Priory took one of the chances that came their way before half time when Sabby was in the right place at the right time to tuck away a loose ball in the Priory box to make it 2-0.
Despite the two goal lead, the first half had been anything but comfortable for Cubo and with the wind against them, they would not find it quite so easily to box Priory in their own half. As expected Cubo were forced into greater defensive work in the second half, and were thankful to Gaz Stewart for keeping out Byrne with an point blank stop when the striker broke free in the inside left channel. A slight rejig was necessary with the Gaffer coming off the bench to strengthen the backline in place of a grateful Rufus Shedders, who was clearly feeling the effects of two nights out on the razz. The change had the desired effect with the backline shored up immediately. With Priory continuing to leave a lot of space in behind their backline Cubo were bound to get further chances, aided by the addition of Tett from the bench, and soon put the game to bed. A well timed run forward by Bradders saw him draw the keeper before squaring to Sabby who calmly swept home his second goal of the game. A hammer blow for Priory who, rightly, would have fancied their chances of getting something from the game had they pulled it back to 2-1. A fourth followed soon after, this time Jake Flower getting in behind and rounding the keeper before firing home into the empty net from a tight angle. With the three points secured Cubo then switched off in the last minute when a Priory corner was fumbled first by Gaz before dropping to Byrne who’s weak header seemed to take an age to first deflect off Goughy before going through Sadler’s legs on the line. Gaz’s frustration at conceding was evident and Cubo will be disappointed to give up the clean sheet so late in the game in such a sloppy manner.
A very good 3 points for the Baby Blue Army against opponents who have taken points off of many of the better sides in the division and could well have got something from this game had they taken one of their chances in the first half. Gaffer Watkins will be happy with how Cubo adapted to the circumstances and the ruthlessness shown in front of goal by his front men who made the difference in this fixture.
Final Score: Reigate Priory 1-4 AFC Cubo
Goals: Sabahatin x 2, Shedwick, J. Flower
Man of the Match: Ben McGeown
Date: April 6th 2013
Competition: Wimbledon Trophy 3rd Round
Squad: Smith, Reed, Palacio, Fraser, McHale, Vanderlight, Boase, Haddon
(c), Martinus, S. Cain, Tribe
On a bright April afternoon, AFC Cubo 3rd XI took on AFC Battersea at
Raynes Park in the third round of the Wimbledon Trophy. Having not
played a game in the competition, but still being in the third round,
Cubo were taking on a side in the division above and who were rated for
their ability to press and hassle their way into games. Cubo had also
lost Stevie T to the 2s a few hours before kick off so arrived for the
game with eleven men.
Cubo started the game a little nervously as Battersea were able to
string a number of passes together, although lacking any end result. As
the game settled down, Cubo looked solid. The defensive triumvirate of
Smith, Fraser and McHale worked well, ensuring that loose balls were
picked up and cleared away as and when necessary.
The central midfield combination of Andy Martinus and Luke then had time
to get the ball down and knock a few passes around. Andy Tribe moved to
the left wing in a tactical reshape, with James Boase taking a place up
top alongside Stu Cain. Andy M was finding the time to ping-pong the
ball further than a Thai lady of the night, and with just as much
accuracy; causing serious problems for the Battersea full backs.
The tactical switch gave Cubo the ability to cause Battersea real
problems down the wings as the height of Brett and the speed of Tribe
gave the full backs something to worry about. With fifteen minutes
remaining of the first half, Tribe charged down the left wing, cutting
in on the edge of the box to find Stu Cain. His shot hit the danger area
and could only be parried out by the Battersea ‘keeper into the path of
Brett. He took the ball and calmly slotted the ball straight back from
whence it came, into the bottom of the Battersea net. Cubo looked solid
and saw out the remainder of the half, with only a worrying knock to
Andy Martinus to worry about.
Andy’s knock proved serious enough couldn’t continue, so Cubo came out
with 10 men for 45 minutes against the higher division team. Boase
dropped into left wing with Andy T lining up alongside Luke, leaving
Stuey Cain on his own up front.
Despite Cubo’s best efforts to hold on to their lead, the opposition
found an equaliser half way through the second half. A dubious free kick
decision on the left edge of Cubo’s penalty box and a lapse of
concentration led to Battersea’s five-foot-nothing striker slotting the
ball past Smith.
Not long after, the benefit of the additional player meant that
Battersea got a lead after their left winger picked up the ball on the
halfway line and hit the Cubo right. A threading pass across the box
found their rampaging player on the switch, who benefitted from the near
post as he beat Smith with a well placed shot.
Cubo were soon down to nine for a short period after Luke took a rugby
tackle to the face. Coming back on, and with the entire side being
slowly ground down, the Battersea captain found the channel between
Fraser and Reedy and charged into the box with five minutes to go.
Fraser caught the player’s trailing leg near the byeline, and he went
down like a gracious nerd on a bird. A soft penalty to give, but the
referee admitted to Fraser, ‘You’d hit the guy late several times; one
was gonna be a penalty!’ Hard and fast, the Battersea captain gave Smith
no chance as he drilled it down the middle.
A hard fought game, and one where Cubo were certainly not put to shame.
Final Score: AFC Battersea 3 – 1 AFC Cubo 3rd XI
Goal: Vanderlight
Man of the Match: Stuart Fraser
Date: Sat 30th March 2013
Venue: Addlestone Moor
Line-up: Gaz Stewart, Rob Sadler, Andy Strickland, Hung Nguyen, Richard Gough, Mark Bradley, Ben McGeown, Jonny Patterson, Jake Flower, Greg Tett, Ryan Shedwick
Subs: Sabby Sabahatin, Eddy Jackson
Cubo made the now familiar trip down to Addlestone Moor to fulfil their home fixture against Abbey Rangers, who had kindly offered to host the game after Barnes had been unable to accommodate a 3pm ko. Injury and Easter weekend absences meant that Eddy Jackson, Greg Tett and Sabby were brought back into the fold, though the side retained a familiar feel to the one that turned out against Yateley 3 weeks previously.
With the normally excellent surface showing signs of wear and tear it was clear that Cubo would have to adapt the passing game that has served them well during previous visits to Abbey. Choosing to kick with the wind in the first half the intention was clearly to get the ball forward early and force the game to be played in Abbey’s half. The wind was making it difficult for Abbey to clear their lines, and coupled with some aggressive pressing by the front-line Cubo were able to regain possession in some dangerous areas in the Abbey third. The first clear chance fell to Shedders who did well to get on the end of a Jake Flower cross from the left only to see his effort pushed wide of the post by an excellent save by the Rangers keeper. Greg Tett then popped up in acres of space in the inside left channel but could not generate enough power in his finish to trouble the keeper who gratefully picked up the gift-wrapped back pass. The tricky Scot was not to be denied though and when released in the same area lifted a finish over the on-rushing keeper to make it 1-0 Cubo. A well-deserved lead for the Cubans after a positive start.
Whilst the rejigged front-line appeared to be clicking the same could not be said of the rejigged backline. Abbey’s decision to push their big number 5 higher up the pitch onto Cubo’s centre halves was creating holes in the man for man system and led to the equalising goal. The Abbey number 7 was given too much time in the middle of the park to clip a seemingly innocuous straight ball behind the Cubo defence and after failing to clear their lines the ball dropped twice to the Abbey striker who made no mistake to level the scores. Cubo continued to have the better of the contest following the goal and were soon back in front when a clumsy challenge by the Abbey defender on Jonny Patterson in the box allowed the referee to award a penalty. Going against many lesser players’ (Henry, etc..) beliefs, J-Pat picked himself up from the turf to side-foot an unstoppable strike into the top corner. 2-1 Cubo at half time.
Despite having the wind against them Cubo made a good start to the second half but were undone when a sloppy pass in the middle of the park gave the Abbey winger a clear run on goal and his shot deflected off Goughy to loop over a stranded Gaz Stewart. 2-2. Eddy Jackson and Sabby were introduced at this point to add some fresh impetus to the side who once again appeared to be their worst enemies when it comes to conceding. The goal buoyed Abbey who, with the wind behind them, were able to keep Cubo penned in their half for long periods and a succession of corners and long throws rained in on Gaz Stewart’s box. However, as against Yateley, the Baby Blue backline were able to weather this storm through a combination of luck and stout defending. The next goal would clearly be crucial in deciding the fate of the game and it came under slightly controversial circumstances. A corner ‘whipped’ into the near post was controlled by Flower with what appeared to be his hand before he and Sabby were unceremoniously dumped to the turf by a pair of robust challenges. The referee had seen enough and blew up to award Cubo their second spot kick of the game. Abbey were understandably angry that the handball had not been awarded prior to the foul being given but the referee would not be swayed. This gave J-Pat a chance to put Cubo back in the lead, which he duly did, coolly sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-2 Cubo.
With the gusting wind was making it difficult to clear their lines with any conviction the dribbling ability of Ryan and the newly introduced Sabby meant that Cubo had a real threat when they could get the ball forward. Jake Flower had a great opportunity to put the game to bed when he latched onto a through and had the trigger pulled only to see the ball taken away from him at the last second by a superb recovery challenge by the Abbey centre half. Unfortunately for the defender in question the respite this granted Rangers did not last long as with a couple of minutes to Jake Flower again raced clear of the high defensive line and this time was able to flick a precise finish past the keeper to make it 4-2 Cubo.
Abbey could well have scored in the limited time remaining as lackadaisical defending by Cubo saw the ball flash across the box twice, both begging to be tapped in, before the referee blew up for full-time.
The cold and blustery conditions probably contributed to an error count that was significantly higher than would normally be expected in games between these two sides and Cubo probably played the conditions slightly better than their opponents. Not a vintage performance in that respect but the front line looked dangerous throughout and the defence stood up to another aerial bombardment in the second half. Stand-out individual performances came from Gaz Stewart, Jonny Patterson and Jake Flower who provided the spine of a performance that was good enough to secure 3 points on the day.
Goals: Greg Tett, Jonny Patterson (2), Jake Flower
Man of the Match: Jonny Patterson
Venue: Barn Elms
Date: Saturday 2nd March 2013
Starting Line-up: Gareth Stewart, Oli Watkins, Richard Gough, Hung Nguyen, Eddy Jackson, Rob Sadler, Joe Darlington, Jonny Patterson, Ben McGeown, Ryan Shedwick, Mike Cain
Sub: Andy Strickland
For the second time in 3 weeks Cubo hosted the incumbent league leaders, albeit at the slightly less luxurious surroundings of Barn Elms following the luxury of decent changing rooms and fully operational showers enjoyed at Alleyn’s a fortnight previously. Unlike Horsley, with whom Cubo were fairly well-acquianted Yateley Green arrived as something of an unknown package though their position in the league suggested they would be a decent outfit.
As has been the case more often than not this season, gaffer Watkins was forced into making several changes from last weeks side (maybe no bad thing given the poor performance), with the annual selection crisis that is known as ‘ski season’ hitting the club hard. On the morning of the game things did not look good. Andy Strickland’s return flight had been delayed and he wasn’t to arrive until half time, his replacement, Jacko, hadn’t been seen since Friday afternoon and rumours of a 4.30am text to the gaffer pulling out of the game were beginning to circulate on various social media outlets. Fortunately Jacko roused himself heroically from his late night exertions to start on the left, though this still left Cubo without a linesman and thanks must go the Yateley sub who filled this role for the first half. With the number of changes Watkins was forced to name an untried midfield with Joey D and J-Patt stepping in to fill the berths usually occupied by Clarkey and Bradders.
The first half was a cagey affair with both teams working hard to earn a foothold in the game. The decision to move Joey D into midfield was looking like an inspired one as the rangy Evertonian was doing a passable impression of Patrick Viera in his pomp, dominating the aerial battle and putting in some telling challenges. It looked like he may even break the deadlock (which would have made it an improbable 3 goals this season…) when Mike Cain broke down the right and squared across the box but some superb defensive work by the Yateley midfielder saw the ball taken off of Darlo’s toe just as he pulled the trigger. Yateley’s biggest appeared to be the long throw into the box but Gaz Stewart was in confident form coming to claim anything delivered into a dangerous position there was not much joy to be had on this front. Cubo were having the better of the battle around the park and forced a series of corners which were causing Yateley real problems. Cubo will feel they should have scored from at least one of the excellent deliveries that Mikey was putting in to the box but all they had to show for it was a Goughy header cleared off of the line. At the other end Yateley reminded the home side of the threat they posed when some intervention by the tree behind the goal caused confusion in the box and only a great save by Gaz Stewart and some desperate blocks prevented the away side from going ahead.
The second half continued in much the same fashion with both sides scrapping for possession without every using it with enough quality to build any pressure on the opposition goal. Yateley’s biggest threat continued to be the long throw into the box and they almost scored from this when Cubo failed to clear their lines and a great strike by the Yateley striker looked destined for the top corner before cannoning to safety off of the underside of the bar. This let off for Cubo was to prove even more decisive as it was the home side who took the lead shortly afterwards. Another dangerous Mike Cain corner was headed goalwards by Goughy, and when his header was cleared off the line, Rob Sadler was the first to react and his shot was deflected in via Ryan Shedwick. 1-0 Cubo.
Having taken the lead Cubo should have looked to exert greater control on the game, especially with Yateley chasing the game and leaving gaps at the back. However, due to an allergy to holding on to the ball the backline, led by Watkins with able support from Hung, Goughy and Gaz were forced into defending countless deliveries into the box from throw-ins and free kicks. The amount of long throws into the box must have reached a count of 15 as the attacks rained in on Gaz’s goal. However through a combination of sterling defending, some wasteful finishing by Yateley and a slice of luck Cubo held firm. When the ball did stick in the Yateley half there was clearly chances to be had and Mike looked like he was going to seal the win when he worked a shooting opportunity on to his favoured foot in the box but unfortunately the tell tale signs of his recent ‘roid abuse were clear to see as the ball exploded off of his foot, landing somewhere outside the M25.
A few more tense minutes of defending had to be endured before the Baby Blue Army could celebrate their best home win of the season. A tough and scrappy game against a well-organised Yateley side who will feel that with the amount of pressure they were able to exert on the Cubo backline they really should have come away with something. However, credit must go to the backline and Gaz Stewart in nets who really stood up to the challenge of the aerial bombardment, no doubt aided by the harsh lesson they received at the hands of the masters of the long throw the week before. A solid all-round performance for Cubo, and just reward for the improvement in the past few weeks which has been a far better reflection of the Cubo of previous years.
Man of the Match: Joe Darlington – picked in an unfamiliar central midfield role the soon to be married Germanic Brummie was a strong presence throughout and did a great job anchoring the midfield, even almost scored a goal he could genuinely put his name to!
Date: Saturday 23rd Feb 2013
Starting Line-up: Gareth Stewart, Hung Nguyen, Jonny Patterson, Oli Watkins, Richard Gough, Jacko, Ben McGeown, Ian Clarke, Andy Strickland, Jake Flower, Mike Cain
Subs: Rob Sadler
Cubo’s recent run of good form came to an abrupt end at the hands of local rivals Battersea Ironsides. The corresponding fixture between these two sides at Barn Elms saw Battersea emerge as 2-0 winners with the baby blue army unable to cope with their opponent’s renowned set-piece prowess. Unfortunately knowing what is coming does not necessarily mean you’ll be able to prevent it from taking place, and it was to be the case here. A solid start by Oli Watkins’ men playing uphill and against the wind was undermined when a long throw into the box was met by Battersea’s biggest aerial threat and Gaz could only watch as the ball looped over him and into the net. 1-0 Battersea.
Despite falling foul of the exact threat that had been highlighted in the changing room Cubo responded well and levelled the scores before half time. A searching pass from the half way line by Jacko released in-form Mikey Cain whose shot across the keeper was parried to the on-rushing Jake Flower who was left with a simple tap-in. With Gareth Stewart coming from his line to deal with much of the aerial bombardment Cubo had good reason to feel optimistic going into the second half where they would have the advantage of playing with the slope. In accordance with the decision was made to push a man forward in anticipation of exerting more pressure on the Ironsides backline. However, this change in fortunes did not materialise as a combination of profligacy in possession and aggressive pressing by the home side prevented Cubo from building any pressure.
If Cubo needed any reminding of the threat that Battersea pose, relentlessly, it came shortly after half-time when a cheap free-kick was conceded 40 yards from goal. A teasing delivery yet again saw the Battersea midfielder rise highest to head his, and Battersea’s, second of the game. Having worked so hard to get back in the game playing against the elements in the first half, to go behind again whilst playing with them was a real body blow.
Perhaps still reeling from the second goal, Cubo found themselves yet again undone by a set-piece. Another cheap free-kick 40 yards from goal was only partially cleared before being smashed in to the roof of the net from 10 yards by the Ironsides striker, a great finish. Finding themselves two goals down and playing poorly, the only bright spot for Cubo was that they had 20 minutes to get back into the game. Unfortunately it did not look it was going to be their day. First another parried Mike Cain strike (….and Mike, to clarify, a parried shot does not count as an ‘assist’) was blazed over the empty goal by Clarkey when it looked easier to score, before Jacko fired against the bar from a tight angle.
With the clock ticking down Jacko found space down the right and his lob over the keeper was poked over the line by Jake Flower (making a cumulative total of a yard for both goals) to make it 3-2 with 2 minutes to go. Unfortunately this wasn’t long enough to create a meaningful chance and Battersea were able to celebrate securing the double over the Baby Blue Army.
A disappointing result for Cubo given their recent form but if truth be told they never really looked like putting in a performance to match those of recent weeks. Sloppy passing in midfield had much to do with it but credit must go to Battersea who worked hard across the pitch to prevent Cubo building any kind of rhythm and remain arguably the most potent side in the division from a set-piece situation.
Man of the Match: Gareth Stewart
Goal: J. Flower (2)
A match report courtesy of the table topping Horsley of last weekend’s pulsating 4-4 draw can be read on their website. Describing it as more of a cup tie is the perfect summary.
It’s also worth noting they label us ‘one of the top 3 sides in the league’ when we have everyone available. Let’s take the belief and ability shown into the final part of the season, and finish on a positive note with all 3 sides.
Date: Sat 9th Feb 2013
Starting line-up: Gareth Stewart, Andy Strickland, Rob Sadler, Joe Darlington, Richard Gough, Mark Bradley, Ian Clarke, Ben McGeown, Jake Flower, Paul Every, Mike Cain
Subs: Jonny Patterson, Ryan Shedwick, Oli Watkins
Cubo returned to Addlestone Moor for the replay of the opening game of the season which was abandoned after 60 minutes due to torrential rain with Cubo leading 2-1 at the time. The fortunes of the two teams have differed starkly since then with Rangers enjoying a strong first half of the season whilst Cubo have struggled to match last seasons form, leaving them languishing in the lower echelons of the league.
For perhaps the first time this season Cubo gaffer Oli Watkins was able to enjoy the enjoy the benefit of consistent squad availability with only Gaz Stewart and Mike Cain returning to the starting line-up from last weeks impressive win against Oxted. The home side on the other hand were missing some key players in the middle of the park and up front, a factor which would have a large bearing on the game.
Cubo started the brighter of the two sides and aggressive pressing by the frontmen was immediately making life difficult for the Rangers backline who were forced into rushing clearances. With Joey D and Goughy dominant at the back Cubo were able to get the ball down and get Sadler and Andy forward to good effect. The full-backs ability to link up with ‘Nick’ Flower and Every in front of them was a feature of the early stages of the game, particularly down the left where the Rangers right back was having a torrid time of it. Cubo’s positive start was almost rewarded when Clarkey picked out Mike Cain in the inside right channel but his attempted lob never looked like going in. The Club Veet expert soon made amends, when Bradders released Every down the right, who in turn delivered a peach of a cross to the near post where Mike finished nicely on the volley. The score was soon doubled when more pressure from the strikers saw Mike Cain gifted the ball in the Rangers area and when his attempted pass to Flower came back to him he made no mistake, crashing his shot past the keeper to make it 2-0. With the game drifting away from Rangers, the home side’s manager made some changes to tighten up the middle of the park where the mobility of the Cubo engine room was winning the day against the greater physicality of the home side and Rangers immediately looked the better for it. With less space to play in Cubo were guilty of giving the ball away too cheaply, bringing pressure on to themselves and lending encouragement to the home Rangers. Luckily the Cubo backline were able to dominate a relatively toothless Rangers attack, no doubt missing the poise and threat posed by their absentees. Despite this rough patch Cubo still looked the more likely scorers, though a snap shot from distance by Flower was the closest they came before the half time whistle.
Rangers were looking for a vastly improved performance in the 2nd half but got off to the worst start possible by conceding early on. Mike Cain was once again involved. His cheeky cross took a deflection before taking an age to fall to Bradders in the box who showed great composure to guide a volley across the keeper and into the far corner. The goal took the wind out of the home sides sails and with Cubo’s midfield seemingly first to every ball more goals were on the cards. Chances came and went with Cain and Clarkey both culpable on more than one occasion. Cubo’s wastefulness came back to bite them when they conceded with 15 mins to go. A rare break by Rangers was poorly defended down the left hand side and the ball was worked across the box to the Rangers left winger who slotted past Gaz to make it 3-1. Given Cubo’s poor form this season, and history of throwing away decent leads, this might have been cause for some concern but before these fears even had a chance to crystallise the lead was back to 3 goals. A neat interchange of passes on the edge of the Rangers box between Bradders, McGeown and Cain gave the in-form striker enough time to have a touch and fire a finish on the turn into the bottom corner. The gloss on the finish was provided with a few minutes to go when an in-swinging corner from Mike Cain was headed past his own keeper by the big number 5. An unfortunate end to the game for Rangers’ most impressive player on the day.
An impressive and much needed result for the Baby Blue Army who for the first time displayed the kind of clinical finishing that has so often been lacking from their play. Gaffer Watkins will be hoping that the recent improvement in availability continues into next week’s fixture against top of the table Horsley. Cubo have enjoyed 3 good tussles with the league leaders since their promotion to the SEIL, yet it is Horsley who have come away with 3 points on each occasion, a record that the Baby Blue Army will be determined to put right this Saturday.
Scorers: Mike Cain (3), Bradley, OG
Man of the Match: Mike Cain
Date: Saturday 9th February, 2013
Squad: Smith, Lye, Ingle, McHale, Palacio (Rushall), Hackin, Haddon, Edwards, Nixon (Smith), S. Cain, Neville (Martinus)
Despite stellar organisation from Luke, John Glenn caused serious problems on the Friday night before the game as it was pointed out that the fixture was actually at Wandsworth Park, not Wandsworth Common. With Corporal Jones calmness (“Don’t Panic!!”), we eventually got all 14 players on board and on time for kick off.
Cubo started with a standard 4-4-2, looking to build on the good performance against Northern Town the week before and looking to pick up a vital three points. The Sporting Duet side looked fresh as spring chickens, with an estimated average age of 17 judging by their distinct lack of facial hair. Luke’s pre-match team talk consisted of various vulgarities, with the main thread being that the side needed to get stuck in and to use their considerable age advantage to their favour.
Pressing the opposition was the name of the game, and it soon produced results. Duet found Ant Hackin a handful on the wing and playing a hopeful ball to the centre of the park, Luke collected it and found some space behind the left back for Ant to push on. With a deft swing of the boot, he found Stu Cain at the back post who hammered the ball with his left foot into the roof of the net. Bells were tolled across London; a special bank holiday was announced; the Pope resigned; but most importantly, Stu thought he had a story to tell his dad that night.
With Cubo a goal to the good, confidence grew. The Duet centre midfield found it difficult to get any kind of ball to play football as Luke and Pistol Pete deftly broke up play with strong-arm football techniques that the youngsters didn’t like to get involved in. As Cubo pushed the Duet play backwards, Dave Nixon forced a corner on the left flank. Henners stepped up and delivered a threatening ball to the back post, over the goalkeeper’s head. Carnage ensued. Stu Cain threw himself at it wholeheartedly, but fell over. Ant Hackin charged in, followed by Pistol Pete, and somehow the ball hit the back of the Duet net. Ant ran away, claiming the goal; and with those guns, who are we to argue?!
Stu and Henners were both clearly devastated as it turned out the number 10 shirt took the full force of Pete’s boots in the goalmouth scramble, coming away second best. Stu was also left looking like the leading lady from Fifty Shades of Grey. Old Aber Boys have always liked a bit of rough.
Cubo closed out the rest of the half, and went in two goals up.
Cubo made a single half time change as Ed Smith replaced Dave Nixon, coming on to the left wing. The Sporting Duet coaches obviously found the strength of Cubo’s midfield combination dangerous and made wholesale changes at half time. A completely new centre midfield showed fresh legs and would cause Cubo problems late in the game.
Until then, Cubo continued in the fashion of the first half. With Jamie McHale joining Jimmy Ingle in centre defence, Cubo has a strong foundation on which to work it down the channels. Jez Lye and Antonio Palacio found space on the flanks, pushing on and giving the wingers room to get behind the Duet full backs. Midway through the second half, Antonio found Ed Smith on the left wing, who gave the ball to Henry inside the Duet penalty box. With the faint dip of his right shoulder, he went to the left of the defender and hit a cutting shot at goal. The keeper did well to keep it out.
The keeper was nowhere to be seen for Cubo’s next effort, as a goal line scramble was narrowly foiled by the Duet defence. Ant drifted in at the back post as a deep cross came in, and headed it towards goal. With all the luck of a 16-way accumulator coming in, Duet’s captain was on hand to keep it out. Twice. Ant following up his initial effort, before Duet hacked the ball out.
By this time, Cubo were knackered. Duet’s young midfield were supplemented by an old head, and Pete and Luke found themselves up against three in the middle of the park. On the one rare occasion that Duet found space between the Cubo midfield and defence, and got away from the wrath of Luke’s short-man complex, Adam Smith came to the rescue with his ‘invisible hand’ and pushed an effort from Duet’s diminutive dangerman wide.
Duet got a goal back with five minutes to go, as the little number 10 knocked a Karel Poborsky goal-bound shot over Smith’s head. The credit was stolen from him by his fellow frontman who finished it with the sneakiness of a girl who looks like she’s gonna give it up, before letting you know she’s on her period.
In the next five minutes, Duet pushed for a second. Looking and sounding like The Angry Ginger Kid, Luke lost his rag. Commanding the team to “Stop pussying around with it, and get it out!”, he pulled another impressive debutant, Andy Martinus, into centre midfield to provide support and close out the game.
At the final whistle, Cubo had picked up the vital three points they’d been looking for. This was a hard fought win, akin to sleazing with the ugly girl at 3am. Sometimes you have to “win ugly”…
As for Stu Cain’s story, his brother bagged a hat trick for the Cubo firsts. The bank holiday was swiftly cancelled.
AFC Cubo 