1st XI

Puretown FC 1-6 AFC Cubo

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Team: Gaz Stewart, Rob Sadler, Alan Clarke, Richard Gough (c), Oli Watkins, Ben McGeown, Pat, Shedders, Jake, Nick, Nick Coates

Subs: Ian Clarke, Rick Utting, Sabby

AFC Cubo resumed a long-standing rivalry with an old foe on Saturday following Puretown’s promotion last season. Playing on Tooting & Mitcham FC’s 3G pitch, Cubo started slowly but settled down and began to use the playing surface to zip the ball around well and after a sustained period of early domination took a well deserved lead. A strong move down the right freed Alan Clarke, whose ball into the middle was flicked into the path of Rufus Shedwick who converted from close-range.

Cubo were in the goals again shortly after when a long kick from Gaz Stewart found its way through to one of the Flowers (Jake we think but who can tell?) to finish at the near post.

At this point Cubo should have gone on to dominate the game, but as often seems to be the case they contrived to make things harder than they should have been by sitting back and inviting pressure. Whilst Puretown were not able to create many chances, they were afforded a lifeline when they found space down the right and a deflected cross looped over the helpless Stewart and into the net.

At 2-1 up the win that had looked guaranteed suddenly looked more precarious. Step forward Cubo’s newest debenture-holder. Receiving a pass from McGeown in the centre circle, Shedwick nipped round one Puretown defender before beating another and carrying the ball to the edge of the area before dispatching an unstoppable right-footed shot into the far corner. 3-1 Cubo.

A 2 goal cushion safely restored by half time, Cubo relaxed in the second half and began to play some really good football. Further goals were added by Jake or Nick (probably Jake) and Sabby before an excellent move ended in a delightful chip over the oncoming keeper by Nick Coates for his first Cubo goal. Cubo undoubtedly caught Puretown on an off-day and will face tougher opposition but this was a confidence-boosting result and constituted the biggest win for the baby blue army for some time.

Final Score: Puretown 1-6 AFC Cubo

Man of the Match: Ryan Shedwick

Tooting Bec 2-2 AFC Cubo

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Date: Mon 26th August 2013

Venue: Colliers Wood FC

Starting Line-up: Gaz Stewart, Chris Grayson, Richard Gough (c), Rob Jones, Org-Patt, Mark Bradley, Ben McGeown, Shedders, Jake Flower, Nick Flower, Moisty

Subs: Nick Coates, Dave Wall

Despite far from ideal preparation, which included the gaffer not turning up with the kit until 30 mins before KO and a large portion of the squad suffering from their social exertions the night before, Cubo managed to ensure they did not come away from the weekend’s games empty handed by picking up a point in a 2-2 draw with local rivals Tooting Bec.  Indeed, the Baby Blue Army will be disappointed not to have picked up all 3 points from a game that they dominated for long periods.

The first few minutes of the game were characterised by some alcohol induced sloppiness from Cubo with stray passes and a cavalier approach to defending.  Tooting really should have scored when a cross into the box caused mass confusion in the Cubo ranks with only a good save by Gaz preventing an opener.  The game was then stopped for over five minutes when two Bec players clashed heads having gone up for the same ball and one came off significantly worse.  With blood pouring out of his clearly broken hooter there was no way he could continue and the home side were forced into making an unwanted early change. This seemed to wake up the visitors who were soon able to get the ball down and build some decent attacking opportunities.  The newly reunited (on the pitch) Flower brothers were both heavily involved and both had chances to break the deadlock.  First Jake found space in the box before firing across the keeper, who did well to push it wide of the post, before Nick’s cross/shot flashed across the goal crying out for someone to get on the end of it.  With Goughy and Jonesy doing a great job on Bec’s sole striker, the home side were finding it very difficult to get out of their own half.  HT 0-0.

The second half continued in much the same fashion and Cubo soon had the goal they deserved.  Shedders had been finding pockets of space throughout the first half and on this occasion he picked the ball up on the left touchline with acres around him before driving towards goal.  Having beaten one man his pass/bad touch made its way to Jake who slotted past the keeper to make it 1-0.  Having seen Shedders impact on the game, the gaffer promptly did the sensible thing and substituted him.  With Tooting heads going down Cubo really should have put the game to bed and had the chances to do so.  The first fell to Nick Flower who found himself one on one with the keeper but his effort was well saved by the Bec keeper.  N.Flower was involved again when he broke into the right hand channel and only had to square the ball to Martin who had the goal at his mercy bu the pass was underhit and Tooting were able to clear.

Tooting were struggling to rouse themselves however they pushed an extra man forward and were rewarded for their positive play shortly afterwards.  A Cubo corner was headed clear and made its way to the Bec number 10 who skinned Ben McGeown before squaring to the big Bec striker who made no mistake with his finish.  Whilst the goal may have come against the run of play the period it signalled a change in the momentum of the game with Tooting now looking the hungrier of the two sides.  With the night before’s exploits catching up with a few players Cubo were looking raged defensively and soon conceded a second as a result.  A corner was only partially cleared back to the Bec number 7, who had looked their most dangerous player throughout, and he had an age to pick his cross which was headed in by an unmarked team-mate.  A good cross but some appalling defending by Cubo, highlighted by the fact that there were actually three Bec players, all unmarked, queueing up to head the ball in had the first man missed it.

Luckily for Cubo there was still plenty of time on the clock to get back into the game.  Dave Wall had looked lively ever since his introduction at half time for the injured Chris Grayson, getting forward to good effect from right back.  Having created a couple of half chances with some well-timed bursts forward, it was his switch of the play from right to left which released Coatsy down the left.  The tricky winger had been a handful in his time on the pitch and he once again beat his man before pulling the ball back to the penalty spot where Ben McGeown fired home to bring the scores level with less than 5 mins to go.

A pleasing point given the circumstances with ten minutes to go but Cubo should be disappointed that they weren’t able to put the game beyond Tooting when a goal up and on top.  Credit to Tooting who came back into the game strongly in the second half and will no doubt be disappointed to concede such a late goal.

Final Score: Tooting Bec 2-2 AFC Cubo

Goals: B. McGeown, J. Flower

Man of the Match: Richard Gough – a captain’s performance from the big centre half, who even managed to avoid picking up his customary booking for dissent.

Virginia Water FC 4-1 AFC Cubo

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Date: Sat 24th August 2013

Starting Line-up: Gaz Stewart, Chris Grayson, Richard Gough, Oli Watkins, James McGeown, Ben McGeown, Jonny Patterson, Nick Coates, Sabby Sabahatin, Nick Flower, Ryan Shedwick

Subs: Hung Nguyen, Ed Jackson

Cubo returned to the scene of the final game of the 2012/13 season which saw them on the wrong end of a bad 4-1 defeat at the hands of a rejuvenated Virginia Water.  If they could claim to have been caught cold last time round they had no such excuses on this occasion as they once again went down to a chastening 4-1 loss.

Waters opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game when the ball was worked wide to their left midfielder who stepped inside Chris Grayson before smashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner.  Despite this setback Cubo soon found themselves back into the game when an innocuous-looking ball forward skidded off the slippery surface and up into the Waters centre half’s right hand.  JPat stepped up and cunningly side-footed his penalty beneath the keeper’s dive, the boy is a magician from 12 yards.  Nick Flower then went close for the away side when he got across his marker at the near post but was unable to keep his header down.  The home side continued to look dangerous going forward and earned a penalty when the ball was flicked up into Oli Watkins’ hand from less than a yard.  Luckily for Cubo Gaz Stewart went the right way and James McGeown was on hand to clear the rebound.  The game looked finely poised but when a long clearance by the Waters defence cleared the Cubo backline it left the Waters striker a clear run on goal and he rounded Gaz before making it 2-1 just before half time.

Cubo started well in the second half without creating any clear cut opportunities before a highly contentious decision allowed Waters to put the game to bed.  A cross into the box was seemingly missed by both Cubo centre halves before falling to the lurking Waters midfielder who cooly slotted the ball past Gaz to make it 3-1.  Unfortunately for Cubo their protests about a push on Goughy fell on deaf ears and they faced a very difficult task to get back into the game against a side particularly adept at counter-attacking football.  With Cubo pushing forward there were always likely to be further chances for the home side and a fourth was added when a superb cross into the box was converted to make it 4-1.  Cubo were fortunate that the scoreline did not deteriorate further when Waters were awarded a second penalty (this time for a clear shirt pull).  Once again Gaz came out on top, this time with a full stretch save down to his left, leaving the Waters penalty taker shaking his head wondering what more he could have done to score.

Final Score: Virginia Water 4 AFC Cubo 1

Goals: Jonny Patterson (Pen)

Man of the Match: Gaz Stewart

Merrow 1-2 AFC Cubo

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Date: Sat 17th August 2013

Venue: The Urnfield, Merrow

Starting Line-up: Rob Sadler, Rob Jones, Richard Gough, Alan Clarke, Chris Grayson, Tom Golding, Ben McGeown, Rufus ‘Shedders’ Shedwick, Sabby Sabahatin, Stevie T, Martin Ansell

Substitutes: Jim McGeown, Hung Nguyen, Oli Watkins

Scorers: Stevie T, Shedders

Man of the Match: Alan Clarke

Cubo began their third season in the Surrey Elite at newly promoted County Cup winners Merrow, whose run to the final of that competition had seen them beat some of the better teams in the SEIL including Horsley and Coulsdon Town.  As such the Baby Blue Army were expecting a tough game against a side accustomed to winning and no doubt keen to make a statement in their first league fixture.  Cubo were once treated to some excellent facilities, with the pitch in immaculate condition, a pre-game burst of rain meant that the ball was zipping around beautifully.

With new gaffer Ian Clarke opting out of the first month of the season whilst he comes to terms with signing his life away, Club Chairman Ben McGeown took on management responsibilities with Goughy taking the armband for the day.  The early start to the SEIL season meant that Cubo were without many regulars, most notably keeper Gareth Stewart, though luckily for Ben McGeown Rob Sadler was able to act as a stand-in.  Despite the side was a strong one with a very physical presence at the back where Alan Clarke was rewarded for some impressive performances at the back end of last season with a start and Chris Grayson came in at left-back to fill the ‘Big Aussie’ quota in Jake Flower’s absence.

Goughy’s first input as skipper was to lose the toss and Merrow, sensibly, chose to play with the wind, which was howling across the pitch towards the Cubo goal.  The home side started the brighter of the two and soon had Cubo on the back foot, particularly as Sadler was struggling against the elements to get his goal-kicks out of his own area.  The first chance of the game fell to Merrow when a sloppy pass out of defence was picked off and the Merrow no.7 beat one covering defender before pulling his shot wide.  An even better chance followed when Sadler came to collect a through ball only to see it squirm from his grasp and fall to the Merrow striker.  Fortunately for Cubo, the angle proved too much and he could only put his effort into the side netting.

Having survived these early scares Cubo began to get the ball down and some neat passing moves almost saw first Martin and then Sabby released behind the Merrow backline who were holding a very high line.  The wind was proving tricky at both ends as the Merrow centre-half misjudged a long throw into the box that held up in the air before bouncing over his head and falling invitingly for Shedders.  Unfortunately the clubs resident ray of sunshine on the pitch couldn’t control his volley which sailed over the bar.  The man with the personal account at Niketown was involved again when, having intercepted a pass in midfield, he set off on a driving run towards the Merrow goal before being obstructed just outside the box.  Merrow were furious with what they considered to be a soft decision and would be even more agitated by what followed.  Sabby stepped up to curl an effort over the wall but without enough pace to seriously trouble the keeper who stepped across his goal to collect.  However, in a moment to forget, the ball slipped from his hands and dropped to an onrushing Stevie T, who forced the ball home from 2 yards out.  A great goal for the away side who up until that point had probably been second best in the half.

The goal gave Cubo a boost and they almost doubled their lead shortly afterwards when a cross from the left just evaded Stevie T at the back post.  Merrow remained a threat and were half way to celebrating an equaliser when their no.6 side-stepped a challenge on the edge of the box and thundered a strike against the underside of the bar.  A suggestion of a touch from Sadler made all the difference as it cannoned down a metre from the line before being scrambled clear.

Cubo emerged for the second half with the wind and a slight slope on their side safe in the knowledge that they would get chances against opponents who would have to attack, leaving ever larger gaps in their backline.  The key for Cubo would be showing patience in their ball retention, historically not an attribute of the boys in Baby Blue.  As expected Merrow came out strong in the second half, and despite the wind were on top of affairs, forcing Alan and Gough into some desperate last gasp challenges to prevent an equaliser.  The best of these coming when a cross into the box fell to the Merrow striker with the goal at his mercy.  He confidently struck the ball towards goal only to see Alan Clarke throw himself in front of it and somehow deflect the ball wide for a corner.  It was to prove a game-changing block.  Minutes later and with the Merrow defence pushing up to the half way line, a long pass from right back took a deflection before Shedders raced onto it and coolly rounded the keeper to make it 2-0 Cubo.

It was at this point that Cubo really should have put the game to bed but credit to the home side they came flying back at their opponents from kick off and when a free kick from out on the left was only half cleared their no.7 was on hand to nod home and bring them back to within a goal.  Cubo will be very disappointed with the timing of the goal and the nature of it given that they had at least two chances to clear the danger before the ball ended up in the back of the net.

Suddenly a game that appeared to be in the bag had become a defensive ‘backs to the wall’ exercise for Cubo, whose defensive discipline was really being tested by Merrow pushing men forward and leaving players up the pitch (at one stage they had 4 men stationed on the right wing).   Hung and Jim were introduced to help shore up the back line, whilst a lack of composure on the ball continued to haunt Cubo as they continually gave the ball away cheaply whilst attempting to hit long passes on a skiddy surface.  On the few occasions that they did look after the ball almost saw them get a third with a well worked move involved Sabby Ryan but a desperate block by the Merrow centre-half deflected the ball over the bar.   With Goughy and Alan holding firm against the aerial assault Cubo were able to see out the remaining minutes to secure a vital first three points of the season.

A hard fought victory for Cubo against a dangerous side who will no doubt do well this season.  Whilst it would be fair to say that Cubo rode their luck at points they looked dangerous when going forward and with greater composure could have saved themselves the frantic defending that took place in the last 25 minutes.  Nonetheless given the limited nature of pre-season this is a great start to the season and sets them up nicely for next weekend’s fixtures at Virginia Water and local rivals Tooting Bec.

AFC Cubo 1-3 Tooting Bec

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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.

Reigate Priory 1-4 AFC Cubo

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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

AFC Cubo 4-2 Abbey Rangers

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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

AFC Cubo 1-0 Yateley Green

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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!

Battersea Ironsides 3-2 AFC Cubo

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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)

AFC Cubo 4-4 Horsley FC

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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.

Match Report here