Author: thomhoops

Merton Orient 1-2 AFC Cubo 3rd XI

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Date: Saturday 26th November, 2011

Starting Line-Up: Busy, Lye, Ingle, Nathan, Antonio, Turner (C), Lukas, Jeph, Hennerz, Field, May.

Sub: Smith

“I think a curse should rest on me — because I love this war. I know it’s smashing and shattering the lives of thousands every moment — and yet — I can’t help it — I enjoy every second of it.” – WINSTON CHURCHILL, 1916.

And so it was that on a blustery afternoon as far down the map as the Northern Line takes you both sides packed the central midfield, and knuckled down to it. Yes Merton and CUBO lined up like for like, both with three central midfielders a piece, two wide men and a big fella up-front. For Merton this was clearly the best way of arranging the talent they had at their disposal, for CUBO it was the only clear way of getting Captain Matt Turner into a midfield that already contained Lukas and Jeph.

Both sides started brightly, Merton visibly switched on and focussed from their extensive high energy pre-match warm up attacked the ball with vigour in the early stages but found the CUBO boys (similarly full of well conserved energy due to their total lack of pre-match warm up) to be just as solid and competitive.

And in the early stages this was how the game continued. The ball often bouncing up on the firm surface and taking off in the strong cross field wind was very difficult to control, both teams in periods gaining some possession and trying to create but being batted back by numbers and good work rate from the opposition.

When CUBO got their foot on the ball they did begin to look more and more dangerous, both Lukas and Jeph getting the ball down and bringing in Field and Neville on the flanks, who in turn were feeding passes into the increasingly dangerous looking Paul May up top.

This pressure eventually told when the second or third corner from CUBO in a matter of minutes was cleared to the edge of the box, and as the ball sat up Lukas showed impeccable technique, guiding a left foot volley into the bottom right hand corner of the net – 1-0 CUBO.

Merton fought hard to regain parity and fed more and more balls forward, but perhaps for the first time this season, the CUBO backline remained very solid dealing with every attack be it on the deck or in the air. The back four of Lye, Ingle, Nathan and Antonio kept a good shape, and with Turner in particular racing into every challenge with gusto just in front of them, this was perhaps the most solid the CUBO boys have looked all season.

“All warfare is based on deception” – Sun Tzu (Chinese philosopher)

And with 35 minutes on the clock a throw in from the right landed at the feet of Merton’s talented, Jimmy Bullard haired centre forward inside the box. As he tried to turn a tightly glued Nathan he hurled himself to the ground, and a penalty was given. I’ve seen them given, but then i’ve seen Matt Turner sleepwalk over to a living room chair and urinate on it until it’s drenched, then calmly climb onto it again and go to sleep – it doesn’t make it right. It was slotted home and the game was all square.

That looked like how the first half would end until Paul May, who had caused chaos in the Merton backline the whole game latched on to a pass, muscled off a defender and from a seemingly impossible angle, drilled a shot through the Merton keeper into the net. A great solo effort and sent the CUBO boys in 2-1 up at half time.

The second half took on much the same pattern, with Merton squeezing up the pitch looking for the equaliser and CUBO fighting hard in the middle. James Ingle was confidently marshaling the new look back line and was imperious in the air as the ball was knocked up with ever increasing regularity towards the Merton front man. CUBO weren’t just sitting back though and were hitting Merton hard and fast on the counter attack. Jeph in particular was regularly latching onto balls in the centre of the park and striding up the pitch, and May should have had a free kick awarded as he was set free towards goal in the right hand channel and was seemingly hauled to the ground, a lucky escape for the Merton centre back who could have seen red.

As a dud corner was played back out to him by Ingle, Neville rounded the Merton covering man and cut a ball back to Matt Turner who fired over, and another cross from the right hand side saw Jeph force a smart save from the Merton keeper. Then a sweeping move from CUBO saw a smart interchange of four or five passes at full pace leading to a centre from Turner towards May, he took a touch and tried to slide the ball past the keeper who made another great save. It was unlucky, it would undoubtedly have been team goal of the season.

As Neville got cramp in both calves (he didn’t get his 33% extra from his Powerade before the game) CUBO’s team work ethic didn’t drop and the final minutes of the game were seen off in confident style.

A great result from the boys in baby blue, showing a certain know-how and will to win that wasn’t evident last season. This team should go into the New Year full of confidence and still in with a genuine shot at the title.

Final Score: Merton Orient 1-2 AFC Cubo 3rd XI

Goals: Lukas, May

Man of the Match: Stand out performers on the day included Paul May who played the role of lone front man very well, Matt Turner who put in an assured and high energy performance in the middle, and James Ingle who looked confident and impermeable at the back.

Match Report: Henry Neville

AFC Cubo 2nd XI 0-0 Partizan Wandsworth

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Date: Sat 19th November, 12.30pm KO

Starting Line-up: Stevie T, Noodles, Darlington, A. Clark, Rutting, Salty (C), Hoops, Trev, Denno, PeteHill, Keegan.

Sub: Haddon

After assembling for an early 11.30am meet for their league fixture with Partizan Wandsworth, Cubo 2s were in the unusual position of having to wait for the Baby Blue kit to arrive. As it happened, it never materialised, as the players were surprised to learn they were in the changed strip of Crimson shirts, Navy shorts and Crimson socks. Admittedly the colour of the kit could also be described as ‘Red’, but we’ve never settled for ‘Light Blue’ and Lord knows we’re better than just….Red.

A slightly reshuffled team was assembled in the absence of Player Manager Pally (wrist knack) and Goalkeeper Clark (1s), while Bradders’ good form for the First Team also saw him once again missing. Utility Man Hooper and Darlington returned to the squad, while Steve ‘Box Office’ Keegan made his first appearance since becoming a Father earlier in the year.

The home side started the game particularly brightly, snapping into challenges and getting their wide players into the game immediately. In midfield, Moody was the player instructed to break and give support to Keegan who was leading the line on his own. Despite their relative comfort, Cubo weren’t quite able to fashion any real goalscoring opportunities, with the final ball or pass slightly below what was needed to really unsettle the Partizan defence.

At the back, the new partnership of Darlington and Clark looked strong, protecting Stevie T (in a Matt Cardle train drivers hat) with a number of strong aerial and ground challenges. In fairness to the soon-to-be-painter-and-decorator-who-is-currently-masquerading-as-a-pop-singer-even-though-it’s-not-actually-Matt-Cardle-it’s-still-Stevie-in-a-cap-and-a-luminous-yellow-goalkeeper-jersey (with baby blue under armour long sleeve turtle neck, Ugg boots and grey joggers for afters) when he was called upon to make a couple of saves in the first half, often from a long throw threat, he looked very natural between the sticks. In fact the only thing lacking from the midfielder’s goalkeeping performance was the ability to kick the ball – the watching Alanis Morisette, enjoying an Autumnal stroll through Barn Elms, was heard to remark on the irony of the Barnsley Beckham’s aforementioned shortcoming.

With the score at half time locked at 0-0, Cubo remained convinced that if they could remain composed in the final third, and continue to press Wandsworth on the small pitch, they would have enough in their locker to win. A nice piece of play that started from a wonderful piece of control by Keegan, saw Hooper switch the ball to Dennison in the right hand channel, but with a narrow angle to work with his low drive was straight at the keeper. Keegan later went close with a back post header which he couldn’t quite direct on target.

Cubo suddenly were swarming over their vistors like a… swarm of bees, Pete went close with a stinging 25 yard free kick that was pushed around the right-hand post by the keeper, before the best move of the match saw the visiting keeper make an even better save to deny a 20 yarder from Moody. The keeper was male not female, but if he was the latter ‘she’ would have been relieved to keep the ball from hornet. If there was a crowd they would have been buzzing. If this section of puns goes any further it would be disastrous.

Haddon replaced Noodles at Right Back around the hour mark, while Keegan, after putting in a typically gutsy shift, took over from Steve in goal. He was welcomed up front by being smashed in the back by Partizan’s moustached left back – possibly aggrieved at Rebecca Ferguson being denied victory in X-Factor last year.

Despite Cubo coming close to scoring in the second half 0-0 is obviously a dangerous score line and it would be disingenuous to suggest that Partizan did not have their moments to break the deadlock themselves. Keegan was relieved that a header was only slightly to his left, while another effort following a dangerous cross from the left hand side was again handled confidently by the stand-in sticksman.

With the game becoming increasingly stretched Darlington thought he had capped a dominant performance with a looping header from a corner, only to see his effort cleared off the line. With both sides fully committed to securing all 3 points, there was a lot of huffing and puffing, but neither team found that bit of composure or opportunism to snatch a win.

Final Score: AFC Cubo 2nd XI 0-0 Partizan Wandsworth

Goals:

Man of the Match: Steve Keegan took it for his efforts in leading the line. When he was able to bring the ball down and involve the midfield Cubo looked very good. He also brought out an outrageous trap using his arse. Welcome back mate! Joe was runner up although all of the back line played well with Rick and Clark getting deserved votes.

Match Report: Thom Hoops

Tooting Bec 1-2 AFC Cubo

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Date: Sat 19th Nov 2011, 2pm KO

Venue: Raynes Park Sports Ground

Starting Line-up: Neil Clark, Bobby Sadler, Mark Sutton, Oli Watkins (c), Richard Gough, Hung, Ben McGeown, Mark ‘Gunners till I die’ Bradley, MTM, Paul Every, Simon Daunter

Sub: Michael North

A gloriously crisp autumnal day set the scene for Cubo’s league fixture against their local rivals and cup conquerors Tooting Bec.  The day was brightened further by the arrival of the new merchandise (most of it anyway…), which was met with solemn nods of approval from all in the changing room.  The return of newly RIP’d keeper Clarky meant that Cubo were able to name an established keeper for the first time in a month, a source of confidence despite the sterling work of Sutton and Ben McG in recent weeks.  With Every making a first start since his injury and Northy making a brief appearance in the country between holidays, the squad had a strong look about it on paper.

Tooting had shown in the first fixture between these two sides that they were a very capable footballing side and they started the game in a similar fashion with the fluidity of their midfield causing Cubo particular problems.  With the home side outnumbering Cubo in the key areas of the pitch and finding space at will a tactical change was called for.  Going man for man Cubo were able to apply greater pressure on Tooting’s backline with positive results.  Cubo’s greatest source of joy was down their right side where Sadler was seeing more of the ball than most, unfortunately they were unable to provide the quality in the box to really punish Tooting.  A well worked move saw Daunter released out wide but again his cross was easily dealt with by the Bec keeper.

At the other end Tooting continued to look dangerous with the big Bec targetman drawing a number of free kicks in dangerous positions which saw a succession of crosses being delivered into the Cubo box.  It was only thanks to some stout defending that the game remained goal-less, with the Cubo backline showing the kind of determination not to concede that characterised last season.  In a half high on tension but low on quality, Cubo thought they had taken the lead when MTM flicked the ball through to Every whose lob appeared to hit the back of the net.  Unfortunately the ripple of the net was caused by the back tracking defender with the ball bouncing just over.  Coming in at half time Cubo could be encouraged by the fact that despite the dodgy start, where they were in fairness given the run around at times, the change of shape had had a positive effect and the increased pressure on the Bec backline showed they were likely to give up chances.

Cubo made an immediately positive start to the second half by winning a corner on the right hand side.  Sutton’s delivery when given the opportunity in the first half had been of a high quality and this one was no different, giving Daunter a great opportunity to attack the ball.  An easy finish was only prevented by the Bec keeper who bravely came out to collect at the expense of a clattering by Cubo’s answer to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.  Clearly fazed by the challenge the keeper was not right afterwards, having to forgo his goal kicks to a team-mate and this may have played a part in what was to come.  Soon afterwards the high pressure tactics paid dividends when Bradley forced the Bec defender into an error which saw the ball drop to Every in the box and he fired past the keeper, who perhaps could have done better, to make it 1-0 Cubo.  A fortunate goal but one which recognised the shift in the games momentum.

The goal had the effect of galvanising both teams with the game taking on a cup tie feel as the ball shifted from end to end.  Cubo appeared to be going for the second goal which would probably tie the game up but at the same time leaving themselves open to conceding at the other end.  They were thankful to Clarkey when a long ball released the Bec striker clean through on goal but his effort was well saved by the Cubo keeper.  In an effort to settle the game down Northy was introduced in the centre of the park, making an immediate impact with a massive header from a goal kick that rocketed straight back to the keeper.  His second touch was just as decisive, clearing the Bec right backs legs from under him as attacked a cross into the box.  The ref had no hesitation in awarding the penalty.  Clarky has shown his penalty saving tekkers on numerous occasions in the past and was inches away from adding to the list of spot kick saves but could only get fingertips on the ball as it beat him to his right hand side. 1-1.

With the home side galvanised by the equiliser and having the benefit of shooting downhill the odds appeared to be on them going on to win the game.  However the high line that Every had exposed in the first half was their downfall again as Northy picked the ball up in the middle of the park before releasing MTM in the right hand channel and he made no mistake with a low finish across the keeper and into the corner.  2-1 Cubo.  With 20 minutes still to play and signs of fatigue throughout the side it was clearly going to be a tough final stretch for the Baby Blue Army.  The cause wasn’t helped by Cubo’s inability to hold onto the ball when they got hold of it which meant that their backline faced a fairly constant stream of pressure.  Whilst the quality may have been lacking there was nothing to fault in the work-rate with Every, Sutton and Bradley putting in outstanding shifts to stop Bec building attacks of any quality.  With Watkins, Hung and Goughy again excelling at the back Cubo were able to see out the final period to secure another 3 points.

Final Score: Tooting Bec 1-2 AFC Cubo

Goals: Every, MTM

Man of the Match: Paul Every (notable mention to Sutton who missed out on MOTM by one vote having made the schoolboy error of voting for his closest rival, only to see Every then place his vote with a non-contender).

A great win for Cubo who were made to put in a real shift by their opponents, whose position in the table does not reflect the talent in their ranks.  Some stoic defending from Cubo was complemented by a real cutting edge up front that allowed them to nick two goals from two of the limited clear cut chances they were able to create.  Another encouraging performance, particularly given the problems Tooting caused Cubo in the first 15 minutes, the ability to adapt to a side playing with a fluid shape will serve Cubo well later in the season.

Match Report: Benny Mac

AFC Cubo 3rd XI 3-1 Kiwi FC

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Date: Saturday 19th November 2011, 2pm KO

Starting Line-up: Ash, John, Jonesy, Antonio, Luke , Henners, Lukas, Jimbo, Timmy, Lenny, Billers

Subs: Jeff, Dan Cucos, Bushy

With anticipation feverish before kick-off, both for those new to playing with Jeff and for the arrival of new stash, it was easy to forget we were playing the run-away league leaders, Kiwi. This however was made clear to us upon watching Kiwi’s warm-up, consisting of elaborate and well-rehearsed drills, sprints and a game of touch rugby. The boys in baby blue elected to prance about and stroke the ball to each other, remarking on how nice the pitch was and wondering aloud what ‘stud’ to wear. Classic Cubo.

With Jeff running late, lost and not speaking much English, Cubo kicked off into the sun, the match progressing at a frenetic pace. The Kiwi plan of constantly smashing high balls over the Cubo defence almost paid immediate dividends, and the back line was looking shaky, unsure of how best to deal with the Kiwi direct, fast and aggressive style. The first real chance came from just such an attack, with the Kiwi no. 9 through on goal. Glenn just managed to toe poke the ball away from him before he shot, diverting it onto the post. Calamitous defending from Jonesy (literally 2 minutes after chewing Glenn out for not releasing the ball quick enough), resulted in the no. 9 again going through on goal, and rounding Ash before harmlessly passing it into the side netting. Unfortunately the back line could not hold out under this constant pressure, and Kiwi finally broke the DEAD LOCK after 8 minutes. As Jonesy ran back to make yet another clearance over our heads, he was unceremoniously fouled and tripped up, allowing the Kiwi no 10 to lift the ball around the onrushing Ash to go 1-0 up.

An erroneous call of ‘home’ from Ash to Glenn resulted in a header back to him being intercepted by the no. 9, who cleverly won a penalty from the outstretched keeper. Saving Glenn’s blushes, Ash confidently palmed the penalty away from the aforementioned striker, leaving Jonesy to smash it over the bar from about 6 inches off the line.

Kiwi however had not had it all their own way, with Cubo looking sleek and dangerous on the break. A strong run from Haddon on the left wing saw him sandwiched and brought down between two Kiwis inside the edge of the box, and the referee unerringly pointed to the spot. Billers confidently despatched the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way. Unfortunately it was to be one of his last contributions, coming off with a dead leg to be replaced by Jeff. Cubo’s second came not long after, after some excellent pressing from Timmy resulted in an unforced error from the Kiwi left back, leaving Lenny to storm through and expertly lob the keeper.

Without Turns present to slag everyone off, the half time team talk was actually a positive experience, and Cubo kicked off the second half in good spirit. The back line was much improved, and Cubo were able to soak up the Kiwi pressure, Antonio and Jimbo impressing on the ground and in the air after Jonesy had been forced off. With the two talented midfielders of Lukas and Jeff now running the show and spreading it wide at every opportunity, Timmy and Henners began to see a lot more of the ball, both comfortably beating their men and whipping in dangerous crosses. One chance from Kiwi saw Cubo clear the ball off the line, and the resulting break through Timmy, Lenny and Lukas nearly saw a goal scored immediately, in some of the best football we’ve played this season. Cubo finally scored their deserved third after some excellent solo work from Jeff, who battered the ball confidently under the Kiwi keeper. The game finished without further incident in either goalmouth, Lukas impressing after a magnificent 60 yard dash to make an important slide tackle.

A good win against a physical and mentally strong side, in an incident packed, chaotic match. The thirds move to third in the table with a game in hand on the leaders. Props also to Ash and the back line for keeping out a New Zealand International, Daniel Ellensjohn off the scoresheet:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Ellensohn

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/daniel.ellensohn

Final Score: AFC Cubo 3rd XI 3-1 Kiwi FC

Scorers: Billers (pen), Lenny, Jeff

Man of the Match: Ash – for his penalty save and constant chat to the Kiwi no. 9 who left the field a broken, shell of a man. Props to Jimbo and Henners for playing in 3 different positions, and Lukas and Antonio who were superb throughout.

Match Report: John Glenn

AFC Cubo 6-0 Farnborough North End

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Date: Sat 12th November 2011, 2pm KO

Starting Line-up: Ben McG, Oli Watkins, Hung, Goughy, Sadler, J-Pat, Bradders, Hooper, Ryan, MTM, Daunter

Sub: Every

Following 2 weeks on the road Cubo returned to Barn Elms with a spring in their step having taken 6 points from those fixtures, most notably the hard fought win over Crescent Rovers last week.  The starting line up was juggled once again with skipper Oli Watkins returning to the starting line up and J-Pat pushed into the centre of the park to cover for Ben McG, who was donning the gloves for a second time this season.  Cubo have struggled at home so far this season, though not quite as much as their opponents have in the league.  Farnborough North End were member of the Combined Counties as recently as last season but they have obviously fallen on hard times as their league position testifies.

The first fixture between the sides saw Cubo run out comfortable winners and the initial phases of the game suggested that this would be the case once again.  FNE’s line up had a very youthful look to it and Cubo’s physical dominance would be a feature of the game with some strong challenges early on setting the tone.  The first goal did not take long to come.  With the FNE keeper straying from his line to clear a through ball, Daunter showed great composure to volley the clearance back into the empty net.  1-0 Cubo and another difficult finish made to look easy by the big frontman whose return to the Baby Blue Army has played a big part in the recent upturn in form.

A relatively flat period followed with Cubo unable to put together any passing moves that really hurt their opponents.  However with Bradders and J-Pat starting to click in the centre of the park, the home side were increasingly able to bring their wide men, particularly Hoops into the game.  A second goal was added on the half hour mark when MTM showed the elusiveness that has been a highlight of his career to lose his marker in the box and expertly volley home with the outside of his boot.  2-0 Cubo.

The home side then effectively put the nail in the coffin by scoring a third before the end of the half when MTM rounded the keeper to fire home for his second of the game.  3-0 Cubo.  The half time team talk focused on maintaining discipline and getting more from the game.  Whether it was the team talk or, as is more likely, a dig from his brother about a lack of goals, Goughy showed exactly the kind of ruthlessness that Cubo were looking for when he bullied the ball over the line from a Daunter throw.  4-0 Cubo and another goal for the prolific centre half, who is more than making up for the reluctance of his regular centre half partner to score any goals whatsoever (Goughy 5 goals, Watkins 0 goals….).

Credit goes to FNE who continued to make a game of it, albeit without threatening the Cubo goal.  MTM added a fifth to complete his hat-trick before Every, returning from a troublesome hamstring injury, came off the bench to score the sixth, and final, goal of the game.

Final score: AFC Cubo 6-0 Farnborough North End

Goals: Daunter, MTM 3, Goughy, Every

Man of the Match: MTM

A solid performance from the Baby Blue Army who made it 3 wins from 3, lifting them to 4th in the table.  The return of a goal threat to the Cubo line up in the form of Daunter and MTM has contributed massively to Cubo’s recent results, and this will be only be strengthened further by Every’s return to fitness.  Cubo will be looking to maintain their perfect November in next week’s local derby against Tooting Bec who booted them out of the Cup last month.  A special mention should also go to Ryan for heroically managing not to get booked for at least one week, will the plucky Northerner be able to make it an unprecedented 2 weeks without attracting the attention of the Surrey Elite refereeing fraternity?!?! Only time will tell, though if I was a bookie I would not be taking bets on it……

Match Report: Benny Mac

AFC Battersea 3-0 AFC Cubo 2nd XI

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Date: Saturday 12th November

Starting Line-Up: Clark, Noodles, J. McGeown, A. Clarke, Denno, Salty, Moody, Dan C, Cheggars, Hill.

Subs:

Pally’s succinct thoughts:

Saturday was a difficult day for the second team against AFC Battersea, a strong team.

On Saturday morning we had 9 players! Last minute phone calls allowed us to put out an 11.

Played pretty well considering!

Dissappointing that Cubo could only get 23 players on a saturday in November!

 

Crescent Rovers 2-3 AFC Cubo

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Date: Sat 5th November 2011, 2pm KO

Venue: Wallington Sports & Social Club

Starting line-up: Jacko, Hung, Gough, Sadler, Hoops, Pogo, Ben M, Bradders, Ryan S, Daunter, MTM

Sub: Trev Moody

A recent report revealed that rugby clubs expect 25% of their squad to be missing due to injury at any given point in the season.  Obviously rugby clubs haven’t factored in accountancy exams and girlfriends needing to be taken to their first firework show in London (no names on that one – Joe ‘Diamond’ Darlington), otherwise this figure would have been significantly higher.  Still, at least we don’t have to deal with a load of flip flop, Jack Wills wearing posh boys p1ssing off to go skiing in the New Year….

With 10 players out and no regular keepers available Cubo were once again forced to juggle resources to get a full team out.  Jacko stepped in nets (the 3rd ‘outfield’ player to do so in the last 3 weeks) whilst Bradders, Trev and Hoops were brought into what was still a strong squad.

The change of fixture meant that Cubo faced the side that had comfortably beaten them 3-1 a few weeks ago back at Barn Elms.  If they were to get a result this time, much would depend on how quickly the new backline of Hung, Goughy and Sadler were able to gel as a unit.

Starting the half with the slope in their favour Cubo made the brighter start with the excellent playing surface facilitating some slick passing interplay that immediately saw Ben McG released in space outside the Rovers box, though his shot was too central to seriously test the keeper.  With both Daunter and MTM holding the ball up well Cubo’s midfield were being given the time to get forward and it was clear Rovers were struggling to pick the runners from midfield.

The first real chance of the game came when Goughy’s slide-rule pass bisected the centre of the Rovers defence, releasing MTM through on goal.  The Taff Target Man’s left foot snapshot looked goal bound as it flew high to the keeper’s right but somehow he managed to push it wide with an acrobatic save.  The pressure was mounting and Cubo got the goal they deserved when J-Pat put in a great corner which Goughy forced home for his third of the season.  1-0 Cubo.  Given the fitness regimes employed by some of the side it was inevitable that the Boys in Baby Blue wouldn’t be able to maintain the pace they had set in the first 20 minutes and so it proved.

A deterioration in the quality of passing and the work off the ball, which had been so impressive, slowed the more the home side began to dominate affairs.  Rovers right back was doing a passable impression of Cafu with his over-lapping runs and most of the danger was coming from his ability to create an overlap on Cubo’s left hand side.  The manner of the goal when it came was extremely disappointing from a Cubo perspective.  A rare decision to penalise a player for unsportsmanlike behaviour (Daunter screaming his name for the ball whilst 5 yards away from it) saw numerous Cubans preferring to argue the toss with the ref rather than get themselves organised defensively and this allowed Rovers to move the ball into the box where a rash challenge by Goughy gave the ref an easy decision to make.  The resultant penalty was stroked away confidently to bring the scores level.

Cubo continued to play the better football with J-Pat in particular looking dangerous whenever the ball reached him on the left.  A succession of crosses were well defended by the Rovers backline.  Just as Cubo looked like reasserting themselves they found themselves 2-1 down.  A lucky break from a deflection saw the Rovers right winger gifted the ball inside the Cubo box.  He composed himself well to cut inside a couple of desperate challenges before slotting home.  2-1 Crescent Rovers.

Coming in at half time Cubo had every right to feel aggrieved to find themselves behind in a half they had dominated. However as has been the case this season, they had brought most of the pressure on to themselves by giving the ball away sloppily in dangerous areas, a trait which has been punished far more often by the quality in the Surrey Elite.  Despite the scoreline the dressing room was confident that on the first half showing they had enough in the tank to go on and win this game.  The half time bravado was soon put back in its box when Rovers immediately won a free kick in a dangerous area outside the box, which Cubo only survived with some desperate defending.  Definitely not the start the gaffer was hoping for!

In a stark turnaround it was Rovers who were playing all of the football in the second half with both full backs now pushing on to good effect, stretching the Cubo backline.  Sadler, Gough and Hung were putting in sterling performances at the back but time and again dangerous balls were being delivered into the box and Cubo could consider themselves lucky not to go further behind on a couple of occasions when only wasteful finishing from the home side kept the score down.  The introduction of Trev into the midfield saw Cubo gain a better grip on Rovers marauding full backs and with a better defensive shape were able to put together some attacks of their own.  The first of these saw good link up play between Daunter and Ben McG release MTM through on goal.  Unfortunately for him the Rovers defender managed to make a great recovery tackle just as he was about to pull the trigger to put the ball out for a corner.  However Cubo’s luck was in as from the resulting corner the referee finally penalised the Rovers centre half for the wrestling which he had been guilty of all game and awarded a penalty.  Returning front man Daunter made no mistake with his pen firing high into the net to make it 2-2.  As Cubo had in the first half Rovers appeared to feel aggrieved that despite playing the better football it was they who had conceded.

With Cubo sensing an unlikely 3 points the game became extremely stretched with gaps appearing all over the pitch.  Rovers introduced the big striker who had caused Cubo so many problems at Barnes and he was immediately into the action.  Receiving the ball in the box, the ball appeared to be glued to his feet as he twisted and turned though some desperate defending saw a combination of Pogo and Goughy get the ball clear.

With only a minute on the clock Rovers again worked a good position down the right before the ball was drilled across the six yard box, ricocheting around the goal line it looked certain to end up in the back of the net.  With bodies flying in from every angle it was difficult to see what was going on until Jacko emerged with the ball in his hands.  Superb keeping from the stand in, showing great bravery with the studs flying.  Not content with this he quickly released Hoops who carried the ball forward before laying off to Bradders who in turn played the ball on to Daunter who was clear through in the right hand channel.  With a lack of match practice telling he didn’t have the legs to carry it all the way through, instead holding the ball up on the edge of the box before squaring to the supporting Bradders who curled a sumptuous finish into the top corner to leave the Rovers keeper rooted to the spot.  3-2 Cubo.  A brilliant break-away goal with a brilliant finish from the closet Gooner.

With less than a minute on the clock Cubo thought they had it won but there was still time for a sharp intake of breath as they gave away a cheap free kick 35 yards out on the right. With Rovers sending up their big men and introducing another big man from the bench the stage looked set for an almighty aerial defensive effort from the Cubans.  However, instead of putting the ball in the box the Rovers man bizarrely chose to try an inventive dink over the wall, which he over-hit, allowing Hung to gratefully shepherd out for a goal kick and full time.

Goals: Goughy, Daunter, Bradders

Man of the Match: Bradders

Match Report: Benny Mac

A fine win for the Cubans who made amends for the poor performance in the home fixture. The make-shift back line were impressive throughout and deserve credit for the way they kept their shape in their first game together.  Most pleasing though were the performances of the boys who came into the side, particularly Bradders who not only scored a belting winner but also put in a big shift in the centre of the park.

AFC Cubo 2nd XI 0 – 2 UCC Diaspora

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Date: Saturday 29th October 2011, 3pm KO

Starting line-up: Mango, Haddon, Alan Clarke, Pally, Rick Utting, Denno, Bradders, Salty, Pete Hill, Hoops, Stevie T

Sub: Seb Brain

On a roll from an unbeaten start to the season, the mighty Cubo came up against a resilient UCC Diaspora side; fresh from promotion from Division One last year and rolling along nicely at the higher standard. Discussion pre-match focussed upon Luke’s alchemy and Alan Clarkes estimation that if his lateness continues he alone will have contributed nearly £100 to the 2nds end of season bash.

With Haddon sporting a very nice new pair of boots (with his name cockily scribed along the side), Cubo started with the now standard 4-4-2. The game was evenly matched, and had a frantic pace, with Salty and Bradders fighting like teenage looters for the ball in the middle of the park. For the first time this season, Cubo hadn’t warmed up with the obligatory netball, and Denno wasn’t too happy with that. Just as the game was settling down into a steady rhythm after a high octane first 5 minutes, the Diaspora right midfield whipped the ball across to the penalty spot, and as Denno attempted to clear the ball, it kicked off ‘a massive divot’ and struck him on the left bicep. Penalty: Diaspora. Try as he might to guess the right way, the Diaspora spot-kicker placed the ball in the left corner, Mango dived the wrong way. 1-0 Diaspora.

Cubo then attempted the fightback, playing the ball nicely along the ground on the left hand side. Decent one-touch football, but never quite finding the killer pass that would open up for a chance to equalise. Even when the ball wasn’t on the floor, Cubo used the returning ‘big players’ of Thom Hoops and Stevie T up front to great effect, with balls flicked from one to the other and vice versa. A decent chance to pull level always on the card.

Midway through the first half, the first great Cubo flashpoint of the game. Unfortunately not in the oppo half. With the Diaspora number 15 proving a handful for the Cubo centre halves, as he was clattered to the floor under a cruching (yet wholey legal) challenge from Pally, he decided to have a good fondle of the ball while moaning like a bitch about what he saw as a foul. Cue a secondary challenge from Pally that looked likely to puncture the number 15’s balls. High, forceful, scary. Luckily for him, once the ensuing drama of the Diaspora players having their bit with the stricken Pally (for he got wiped out by a wave of Paddies), the referee was (possibly) poor and let Pally stay on the pitch.

UCC were clearly up for it now and 35 minutes in, the ball came to the advancing left back around 30 yards out. One touch, and without a Cubo player applying pressure, he struck it past the helpless Mango into the top left corner. For a man who has a bit of a temper when he’s beaten in five-a-side, let alone in full size goals, the strike left Nick speechless.

Half time. Two down, but playing well, and definitely still in it.

The second half proved to be much the same as the first, with Cubo winning the ball well upfront and forcing Diaspora to give away free kicks which Cubo never quite punished them with. A number of times, AC was able to climb above the Diaspora players in the box with a few headers flashing past the far post and crossbar.

Twenty minutes from the end, and Pally had to leave the field with his wrist proving too painful to play with. Seb came on, and Cubo switched to 3-4-3. An interesting back line of AC, with Rick and Luke either side of him. The game opened up. Cubo moving the ball well on the ground and finding the gaps with the extra player further up the pitch.

With the aerial approach working well for Cubo, two minutes from the end, a ball went up for Seb (admittedly not the tallest centre forward in the world). Wiped out in the air, he clattered to the floor face first. Cue the drama.

Knocked straight out, he lay on the floor, getting mildly slapped by the Diaspora linesman in a foolhardy attempt to get woken up. The oppo Goalkeeper did do a great job though. A passing ambulance from the rugby was flagged down like a London taxi, with the previous occupant kicked out despite his own dislocated shoulder. Seb had by this time come round, but things were clearly not all there. Blue lights, and boarded down, he was rushed to Charing X Hospital (nowhere near the station). After a number of hours, he was released to go home with a number of zygomatic fractures. Surgery has been arranged for next Monday.

All in all, not a good day for Cubo 2nds.

Man of the Match: Thom Hoops

Match Report: Luke Haddon

Old Farnboronians 0-2 AFC Cubo

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Date: Saturday 29th October 2011, 3pm KO

Starting line-up: Mark Sutton, Rob Sadler, Jonny Patterson, Jacko, Oli Watkins (C), Hung Nguyen, Ben McGeown, Clarkey, Ryan Shedwick, Tommy Stewart, MTM

Sub: Jim McG

Cubo’s availability issues continued with 2 players pulling out through injury in the 24 hours before the game.  With Mark Sutton forced into pulling on the keepers jersey Cubo were far from full strength.  However a good warm up was carried into the game and Cubo were immediately on the front foot.  The first chance of the game fell to Pogo, who linked well with Tommy Stew to find himself clean through on goal but he skewed his finish wide of the near post.

Cubo were getting plenty of joy down the left flank where Ryan’s movement and ability to find space between the home sides midfield and defence was causing them real head-aches.  The main threat to Cubo’s goal appeared to come from their own carelessness in their own half and on more than one occasion they were guilty of giving the ball away in dangerous areas.  Luckily Oli, Hung and Jacko were in top form and OF’s skillful number 9 was being shackled effectively.

Cubo took a deserved lead midway through the half when Ryan first won a tackle in his own half before busting a gut to get forward where he fed Tommy S who shanked a finish into the bottom corner. 1-0 Cubo.  Cubo had started well and things improved further shortly afterwards when OF failed to deal with a long ball and Tommy was able to fire home for his and Cubo’s second of the game.

A third goal almost followed when Pogo again found space in behind the right back and clipped a finish over the home keeper only to see it clip the top of the bar.  A great first half for the Cubans with Pogo and Ryan to the fore.  An ankle injury early in the second half to Clarkey forced a change in shape with Pogo coming into the centre of the park and Jim McG coming on to the left flank.  With the home side pushing men on Cubo were coming under a lot of pressure and only two great goal line blokes from skipper Oli Watkins and Mark Sutton respectively prevented the home side getting a goal back.  These instances aside Cubo were showing the kind of tenacity in their defensive work that has been missing of late and Mark was being well protected.

With OF desperately searching for a way back in to the game there were always going to be gaps for Cubo to exploit and the returning MTM worked the keeper with a couple of good opportunities.  One of these chances came with the slightly unsettling sight of Sadler and Jim as the furthest men forward unfortunately Sadler’s pass to Jim was under hit having carried the ball superbly into the box.

With both sides tiring on the large pitch the game became stretched with Cubo a little too happy to punt the ball away cheaply, inviting pressure onto their backline who were defending resolutely.  A couple of late scares aside the Baby Blue Army were able to ride out the remainder of the game without conceding to secure a welcome 3 points.

Final Score: Old Farnboronians 0-2 AFC Cubo

Scorer(s): Tommy Stewart x 2

Man of the Match: Jacko – strong in the tackle and the air.  Did a great job marking OF’s biggest threat, showing the benefits of his recent warm weather training camp in San Francisco, with a new found athleticism.

Match Report: Benny Mac

AFC Cubo 1-3 Tooting Bec: League Cup 1st Round

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Date: Saturday 22nd October 2011, 3pm KO

Competition: League Cup – 1st Round

Starting Line-up: Ben McGeown, Bobbie Sadler, Mark Sutton, Hung Nguyen, Oli Watkins (c), Richard Gough, Ian Clarke, Jonny Patterson, Ryan Shedwick, Trev Moody, Pete Hill

Subs: Satal Thethy, Tom Hooper

In recent seasons Cup runs have come as something of an unwelcome distraction from the primary aim of chasing league titles for Cubo.  Luckily, some disappointing recent results in the league has meant that the idea of a Cup run has grown far more attractive! Facing them were the side that preceded them as SSEC League Champions, and who are the only conceivable team to be considered local rivals, Tooting Bec.   Unfortunately for Cubo the goal-keeping and striking departments have been ravaged of late by a combination of injury, marriage (long-term injury) and professional exams.  A result of this was that Ben McGeown stood between the sticks looking to add to his envious goalkeeping record of having started one game in goal and kept one clean sheet (appearances in goal after the starting keeper was sent off for kicking the opposing striker not included).    The fact that the 2’s had been given a weekend off to allow 2nd team manager Mike Thomas to sun himself on the golf courses of Spain meant that the gaffer was able to call up Trev, Pete, Salty and Tom to fill the gaps in the line-up.

On a beautiful day at Barnes Cubo made a bright start when Trev’s challenge for a long punt downfield fell to Pete Hill who was unlucky to see his left foot effort from the edge of the box pushed round the post by the Bec keeper.  The resulting corner was swung in dangerously by Mark Sutton and with defence unable to clear Goughy forced an effort over the line via a large deflection from the Bec keeper.  1-0 Cubo with barely 2 minutes on the clock.

Tooting sought to assert themselves on the game and their use of two out and out wingers supporting a lone front man saw them make the most of the width of the new pitch 7.  Clearly a passing side, they were moving the ball across the park well, albeit without threatening a Cubo backline well marshalled by Gough, Nguyen and Watkins.  Cubo were playing with far greater confidence than in recent weeks and were able to find space in some dangerous areas in the opponents half, though as has been the case recently, the final ball was lacking.  Just as the home side were looking comfortable, they conceded a preventable goal.  A missed challenge on the left hand touchline allowed the Bec forward to put a dangerous cross into the near post which Ben failed to deal with, allowing the Bec midfielder a simple tap in from 2 yards out.

The away side added a second shortly afterwards when a well worked move saw the scorer of the first goal launch himself at a cross into the box.  Keeper McG was able to get both hands to the ball but could only help it on its way into the corner.  2-1 Tooting Bec.  These two moments aside Cubo had kept their opponents at arms-length for much of the half and continued to look dangerous when pushing forward.  Good build up play by Sadler and Ryan put Clarkey in a good position on the edge of the box but, having beaten his man, he drilled his effort wide.

Cubo continued to push for an equaliser and were gifted a golden opportunity when the ref awarded a penalty for a late challenge on Clarkey that looked suspiciously like it took place outside the box.  With spot-kick King McGeown stuck in goal responsibility fell to ‘our kid’ Shedwick who stepped up confidently only to see his effort pushed away by the Bec keeper.  The penalty miss appeared to take the wind out of Cubo’s sails and Tooting were beginning to get on top of the home side.  The game moved further away from the home side when a corner was nodded in by the unmarked centre half despite Cubo’s appeals for a foul on the keeper.  3-1 Tooting Bec.

The introduction of Hooper on the right and Salty in the middle of the park added some much needed energy to the Baby Blue Army and both were involved with a sweeping move from left to right that saw Hooper whip in a sumptuous cross which Pete Hill was unable to convert at the back stick.  With gaps emerging in the Cubo backline only some well-timed challenges from Watkins and Goughy prevented the score line deteriorating further.

Another disappointing result for Cubo who are experiencing an unprecedented run of bad results.  Despite the final score line this was a vastly improved performance from last week with Pete Hill and Trev both impressive in their first starts of the season.  If Cubo can cut out their propensity for giving away cheap goals at set-pieces and missing penalties then they should be able to put an end to the current slide.

Final Score: AFC Cubo 1-3 Tooting Bec

Goal: Goughy

Man of the Match: Hung / Pete Hill