Matches

AFC Cubo 2nd XI 1-2 Union FC

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Date: Saturday 8th September 2012

Starting XI: Brett Vanderlight, Rick Utting, Pete Hill, Alan Clarke, Luke Haddon, Dave Wall (60 mins Rob McGarr), Satal Thethy, Tim Jones, Rich Crisp (55mins Stevie T), Ryan Shedwick, Terry Spokes

Subs: Rob McGarr, Stevie T

Cubo 2s hoping to build upon a couple of strong friendly perfomances made a solid start to the game retaining a lot of possesion with out being able to cut out any clear cut chances. After solid work from the midfield dynamos of Salty and Dave Wall taking the game by the scruff of the neck a couple of chances at the back post went agonsingly wide. Rick and Crispy were starting to terrorise the left flank when against the run of play it was in fact Cubo who were lucky to stay level with new international signing in the sticks (and contestor for best name in Cubo) Brett Vanderlight coming close to bringing down the nimble Union striker.

In the heat both teams started to struggle and Union came out to start the second half stronger. However it was Cubo who broke the dead lock with a cross come shot from Luke Haddon who floated the ball in side the far post with the aid of the deftest of touches from Tim Jones. The goal seem to rejuvenate Cubo who then looked to push home their advantage, starting to dominate possession again. Unfortunately disorganisation at the back left Union striker with a little too much space on a counter attack and he cooly finished over the keeper. Cubo then pushed again looking for the winner with Ryan Shedwick (recently revived from his death bed) starting to cause mischief down the right flank. Cubo came close twice, with Ryan first smashing the ball against the underside of the bar after a dazzling run and then Tel who worked tirelessly all game having  a goal disallowed after the ball was adjudged to gone out of play earlier in the build up. With minutes to spare Union again caught Cubo on the break and after shrugging the lone defender aside managed to slip the ball past the approaching keeper.

A hard fought start to the season for Cubo which deserved a point. Despite a number of new faces the teams showed promising signs and there are high hopes for the season. Club chef Salty rose above a number of strong contenders to take the Man of the Match award  putting in a tireless performance despite the heat whilst showing outstanding composure in possession.

Final Score: AFC Cubo 2nd XI 1-2 Union FC

Goal: Tim Jones (assist Luke Haddon)

Man of the Match: Salty

Match Report: Pete Hill

 

AFC Cubo 2nd XI 3-1 London Lionhearts

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Date: Saturday 12th May, 10.30am KO

Venue: Banstead FC

Starting XI: Neil Clark, Stevie T, Pally, Alan Clarke, Jim McGeown, Salty (C), Trev Moody, Pete Hill, Andy Burt, Steve Keegan, Tim Jones.

Subs: Chris Grayson, JPatt, Matt Turner, Ryan Shedwick, Paul Every.

AFC Cubo took part in the Wimbledon Trophy final on Saturday morning, in a predictably competitive game against London Lionhearts. Player/Manager Mike Thomas, in probably his last match for the Baby Blue Army, was able to name a very strong side as well as a bench consisting of 5 players. With a number of spectators from the club watching, as well as friends and family, there was very much a carnival mood. Such joy was evident as Benny Mac polished off a bottle of water (!), Oli confidently dispatching not one but two (!!) cups of tea, Sadler tucking into a banana (!!!) and Bradders, coach for the day, sporting a rather flashy canvas rucksack.

Cubo started the match very brightly with Player of the Season Alan Clarke winning a couple of early headers and setting the tone for another assured display. On the left hand side Andy Burt was able to showcase his excellent delivery, while PeteHill™, man of the match in the last final Cubo contested, was showing signs he is truly a big game player.

The versatile Stevie T, operating at right back, his 32nd different role of his Cubo career, was showing typical composure and with Salty and Alexandr Trev-Hleb mixing up combinations of blood and thunder effort, sideways passing, and Zoolander 90° turns things looked good.

The first real chance of the match saw unpredictable marksman Steve Keegan just being adjudged offside before controlling and finishing from Burt’s delivery, but in fairness the PROPER linesman did appear to get the decision right. Full of confidence the boy from Boro pulled off a truly remarkable piece of skill a few minutes later, scooping the ball over the head of the Lionhearts left back before clipping a teasing cross to the back stick where Jones was just unable to guide his header on target. Magical stuff leading to #KeeganIsBoxOffice trending in the UK on Twitter within seconds.

Tim Jones was holding the ball up extremely well, drifting into the left channel and offering the likes of Jim an easy ball into feet, and with Cubo able to get men forward it seemed an opening Baby Blue coloured goal was likely. However Lionhearts were able to offer a threat on the counter and would have been disappointed not to work “Cu-bo-2s, Num-ber-1 Cubo2sCubo2s Num-ber-1”, Neil Clark, wastefully missing the target from a brace of presentable opportunities.

Fashion watch – Hoops and Clare Galloway opting for double denim, Clarkey Snr with a strong beard, MTM and Northy wearing some natty chocolate slacks, Ben, Denno and Oli repping strong merch, Sadler looking like an extra from an Ordinary Boys video circa summer 2004, Nobes – hench, Jonesy – frail and John Glenn sporting the forlorn expression of a man who’d drunk too much red wine the previous evening.

Half Time: AFC Cubo 0-0 London Lionhearts

After a tactical switch saw Hill and Burt swap wings for the 2nd half, in an attempt to expose the potential weak link that was the Lions right back, Cubo were delighted to take the lead after 50 minutes. The Lionhearts keeper had not appeared at all comfortable with crosses in the first half, and these Vampire-like tendencies were his undoing as the deadlock was broken. After flapping at a Burt free kick from the right, a brief scramble saw Tim Jones roll the ball into the unguarded net.

Cubo tails were up, but it was Lionhearts that got back into the game and were able to equalise. Clark made a top draw save in a one-on-one situation, and then was again required to get down low to his left as Lionhearts rushed through the heart of the Cubo defences. At the 3rd time of asking Lionhearts #7 was able to spring the offside trap and surge from his central midfield berth. He coolly rounded the fine haired custodian of the Cubo net to tie things up at 1-1.

The first change for Cubo saw Chris Grayson replace Jim at LB, before Paul Every was introduced to take advantage of the increasingly stretched play, replacing the impressive Keegs. With his very first touch the Plymouthian Poacher, a moniker he has unlikely to have ever been referred as nor ever again, forced a fine save from the Lionhearts keeper. This led to another Burt set-piece, and subsequently….this.

Alan Clarke with a typically forceful ‘arrive’ at the back post, a firm downward header and Cubo back on top. 2-1.

Rather than go into their shells, Cubo went hunting for a 3rd that would kill the game off. Every continued to threaten while Burt unleashed an absolute thunderbolt from 25 yards which crashed agonisingly off the underside of the bar and onto, not over, the goal line. Banstead didn’t appear to have goal-line technology, instead opting to restock their burger van, but following a glowing review from MTM concerning the beef, and a trustworthy assistant, this appeared to be the right allocation of funds.

Jonny Patterson’s introduction for Jones saw Ryan and Turns unluckily miss out on some action, but any signs of disappointment were forgotten when Burt swung in a cross from the left which nestled into the top corner. Did he mean it? I would say judge for yourself from the following footage but sadly Northy’s previously exemplary camera work went awry during the build up.

Final Score: AFC Cubo 2nd XI 3-1 London Lionhearts

A great display by Cubo, which featured big performances across the midfield, excellent contributions from the hard working forwards and a defence that was rarely breached. When it was, Clarky made everything he was required to do look very easy indeed.

The Wimbledon Trophy is a great way to sign off an up and down season, but with some new players bedded in, the 2s will hope to have a eal crack at promotion in 2012/13.

Scorers: Tim Jones, Alan Clarke, Andy Burt.

Man of the Match: Satal Thethy – combined his usual determination and fitness with some deft touches and excelled in the closing stages as the heat took its toll on lesser mortals.

Match Report: Hoops

FC Porto of London 2-7 AFC Cubo 3rd XI

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Date: Saturday 14th April

Starting XI: Hulk, JG, Joe, Oli, Jez, Lucas, Jeph, Bradders, Jordan, Tett, Paul.

Subs: Field, Saddlebags, Smith.

In typical 3s style the 1245 meet at Wimbledon common extensions was interpreted as anywhere in the 1.15-145 bracket, but still well ahead of all-italian (Editor: or Portuguese?) Porto – with Cubo needing 3 points to give the best chance of promotion with fingers crossed that other results favoured. The pre game mood was upbeat – a few reliable names drafted in and Jeph on time courtesy of JG transport.

Turner’s team talk demanded an urgent start – something lacking from recent performances – and that’s exactly what he got. Having won back possession post-ko, some tidy possession across the back culminated with Jeph picking up the ball on the half-way line and from there ghosting past 3/4 men before pulling the trigger on the edge of the box. an impressive one-handed stop led to the game’s first corner….. Lucas whipped in and that man Jeph was there to direct a bullet into the top bin. 1-0.

It wasn’t long before another attack created an almost identical goal – Lucas from a corner to Jeph with a textbook header down; cleverly judging the bounce over the man on the line – again top corner, 2-0, 5 mins played.

Cubo’s best football came from the left through this passage of the game…. JG and Jords linking up well and the midfield playing simple short balls to hold possession and work openings. It was from the left channel goal three came; stretching the Porto left back Jords won a throw, Bradders arrowed a ball into the box, lobbing all in place but for the house-wifes favourite at the back stick (GTett)…. a technically immense volley; 3-0.

Special mention at this point to Paul; relatively isolated up top, but created room for himself to play and strong in possession. Goal 4 was a more direct ball involving that very man… Bradders into Tett and from the right this time a beautifully flighted and weighted ball playing Paul in to neatly finish with a headed lob over the onrushing keeper. 4-0 and half time….. little for Tuner to recap on other than to keep heads and remind on recent complacency… 45 mins to secure an important victory.

Goal 5 came almost immediately…. Jez taking a quick throw down the right, Jords’ flick onto Cubo’s Mr Right (GTett) who had an easy job to finish at the near post. 5-0 and game over. Two Cubo changes at this point; Oli off with an injury post a very assured display, for Tim Field… and a couple of minutes later London’s night owl Edd Smith for Jords in what proved to be a 30 min display that will live long in the memory for two of the least threatening efforts on goal ever seen in football. From here the teams shared goals on the run into the final whistle….. Cubo conceding 2 goals to momentary lacks in concentration and Paul and Jeph adding to their  tallies in quality performances.

A fine display from start to finish.

Final Score: FC Porto of London 2-7 AFC Cubo 3rd XI

Goals: Jeph 3, Paul 2, Tett 2

Match Report: Greg Tett

Battersea Ironsides 3-1 AFC Cubo

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Date: Saturday 31st March 2012

Starting Line-up: Neil Clark, Oli Watkins, Ed Jackson, Bobby Sadler, Jonny Patterson, Ryan Shedwick, Mark Bradley, Lucas Pickett, Paul Every, Sabby

Sub: Ian Clarke

The absence of various members of the squad as we enter Stag Do season meant that Cubo put out arguably their smallest side of the season, against the side probably most geared up to exploit this failing.  The first game between these two sides was a hard-fought affair with some desperate defending by Cubo in the second half securing a 2-1 win that had given them hope of securing 3rd spot in the league.  Results over the past two weeks had meant this was no longer in Cubo’s hands but a win against their local rivals would give them some hope of still achieving this goal.  Skipper Oli Watkins won the toss and in accordance with a pre-match vote choose to play against the slope in the first half.

With the blustery wind eventually settling behind the home side, the Baby Blue Army would have to be at their best defensively to confound the elements and a side well-stocked with aerial prowess.  Battersea’s game plan was clear from the off with the ball being punted long for their forwards to contest in the hope of winning field position.  With big throwers available on both sides of the pitch, any throw-in less than 35 yards from the touchline was treated as a corner with the big centre-halves trundling up from the back.  Whilst crude, the tactic proved immediately effective when a long throw from the left was nodded home by the Battersea centre mid (or the ‘that boy with the trampoline on his forehead’ as Ryan referred to him as).  1-0 Battersea.

Cubo were trying to play football but the wind and hard ground meant that the ball was rarely on the deck long enough to do this.  The home side continued to bombard the Cubo box and it was no surprise when they added a second.  A well-delivered corner from the left was emphatically headed home by the Battersea centre-half to give his team a two goal lead.  2-0 Battersea.  A shell-shocked Cubo looked like they might be on the end of a hiding if the game continued in this vein.  Fortunately for them this wasn’t the case and as the half progressed they gradually began to assert themselves on the game.  With the returning Mark Bradley to the fore Cubo upped the tempo on their opponents, realising that preventing the Battersea defence settling would be key to getting back in the game.

The first glimpse of goal for Cubo came when Sabby was released in the left hand channel but the burly front man dragged his effort with his weaker foot wide of the goal.  Cubo’s best chance of the half came following a goal mouth scramble which saw the ball fall at Every’s feet in the box but his goal bound effort was well blocked.

Half Time: Battersea Ironsides 2-0 AFC Cubo

Having weathered a storm in the first half Cubo had the elements on their side in the second half and immediately had their hosts on the back foot.  The first effort of the half saw the Battersea keeper beat away a rasping volley from the edge of the box from Bradders that the midfielder did well to keep on target.  The Battersea backline had looked solid in the first half when given the time to get organised but with Cubo upping the tempo and moving the ball with far greater effectiveness gaps were beginning to emerge.  Some neat work in the box then saw Watkins blast a good chance wide before Cubo got the goal they deserved.  Ryan had been getting some joy down the right hand side throughout the first half and another neat interchange allowed Every to work the ball across goal, making its way through a crowd of players and leaving Pogo with a simple tap in from a yard out.

With the momentum behind them and only a goal needed, the odds on Cubo getting an equiliser seemed staked in their favour.  On top of this the pace of the game appeared to be taking its toll on the Battersea midfield who were no where near the dominant force they had been in the first half.  Cubo continued to dominate but a combination of sturdy defending by the home side and a slight lack of quality in the final third from Cubo meant that the home keeper remained relatively untested.  With Cubo pushing for an equaliser they were always going to expose themselves on the counter.  First Jacko was caught dallying on the ball as the last man, allowing the Battersea striker a clean run on goal.  Luckily for Cubo he scuffed his attempted finish miles wide when he really should have scored.  Second time round the away side were not so lucky.  When the same striker nicked the ball off Clarkey to give himself a clean run on goal again, he decided against trusting his shooting boots and squared to his supporting team-mate who slotted home into an empty net.  3-1 Battersea.

Final Score: Battersea Ironsides 3-1 AFC Cubo

Scorer: Jonny Patterson

Man of the Match: Paul Every

Whilst not quite as gut-wrenching as last week’s result against Horsley this will still go down as a vert disappointing result for Cubo.  A slow start and inability to deal with the aerial bombardment they faced in the first half gave them a mountain to climb in the second.  Despite an impressive second half performance where Cubo showed a determination to play football that almost brought them back into the game.  With a bit more cutting edge in the final third you feel that they would have come away with at least a point from the game.

Match Report: Benny Mac

AFC Cubo 0-2 Horsley

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Date: Saturday 24th March 2012

Starting Line-Up: Neil Clark, Thom Hooper, Jonny Patterson, Oli Watkins (c), Joe Darlington, Richard Gough, Ben McGeown, Ryan Shedwick, Chris Gray, Andrew Noble, Mike Cain

Subs: Bobby Sadler, Ed Jackson

Cubo’s run-in from hell began with a visit from Horsley, arguably the most impressive side they have faced this season.  Horsley ran out 2-0 winners in the first fixture between these sides, a high quality game where the home side showed a footballing ability that few teams have matched this season.  In spite of this, the Baby Blue Army had been more than competitive in that game and with Horsley missing some key players coupled with the motivational speech dished out midweek by avid Cubo fan Kriss Akabusi there was plenty of cause to be confident.

With the pre-game talk centred on not giving away cheap goals, Cubo duly proceeded to concede a sloppy goal in the first minute.  A long ball over the top saw the Horsley striker use dubious legal means to get the better of Joey D, and with the referee waving away Cubo’s protests for a foul the ball was pulled back to the supporting Horsley midfield who angled his shot across Clarkey and in off the far post.  1-0 Horsley.  A shocker of a start for Cubo.

With an uphill battle ahead of them Cubo soon found their rhythm and enjoyed a lot of territorial dominance for the rest of the half with Nobes, Chrissy and Mikey dropping deep to receive the ball with good effect.  Having worked some good positions in the Horsley box without getting a shot off, the first chance of the half fell to Chris Gray who found space on the edge of the box after side stepping a challenge, before blazing his effort over the bar.   Noble then saw an outrageous 40 yard strike fly high and wide (always back yourself) before following up this sighter with a fiercely struck curling effort which appeared to be destined for the top corner until the keeper scrambled across just in time to turn it over the bar.  Mike Cain was looking dangerous whenever the ball reached him and he had an effort parried away by the keeper having dribbled his way into the box.  With Hoops getting forward to good effect down the right the home side forced a series of corners which Horsley defended well.  Cubo were playing some of their best football of the season, unfortunately they could not get the goal which their efforts deserved.

Half Time: AFC Cubo 0-1 Horsley

A confident Cubo emerged for the second sure that they would be able to get back into the game, a belief that was helped by Horsley removing their top scorer within 10 minutes of the restart.  Whilst the momentum continued to be with Cubo there was less quality to their work with passes going astray and the ball being shunted long too often, playing into the hands of the aerially dominant Horsley centre half.  Horsley are clearly a well-drilled unit, setting up shop to defend their one goal lead, the discipline and compactness of their defensive shape was proving too much for Cubo to break down.  Despite this Cubo still created enough chances to get back into the game.  Pogo saw a header pushed over the bar, before Mike Cain put the ball in the back of the net only to be pulled back for a Cubo free kick – the ref having stopped playing advantage before allowing the passage of play to run its course – and a big shout for handball in the box was turned down.

With Cubo pressing forward there was always a danger of being caught on the break and only a superb block by skipper Oli Watkins prevented the Horsley striker being given a clear run on goal.  The big moment of the half however came with about 10 minutes to go.  Horsley for once failed to clear yet another Cubo corner and from the ensuing scramble the ball crossed the line not once, but twice.  Given the angle the referee was reliant on his linesman to help him make the decision the linesman kept his flag down.  A remarkable decision given the fact that the ball crossed the line by over a yard on the second occasion.  A tough one to take for Cubo, particularly given how hard they had worked all game, and one that took the stuffing out of them somewhat.

With time ticking away Neil Clark made an excellent one on one save to give Cubo hope of rescuing a point.  The home side were able to create one more chance with the ball breaking to Sadler in the box but his rising drive fizzed just over the bar.   With the final minute approaching Horsley won a free kick on the edge of the box, which their sub struck low and hard beneath the wall and past Clarkey’s despairing dive.

Final Score: AFC Cubo 0-2 Horsley

A massively disappointing result for Cubo, who will feel doubly disappointed not to have secured 3 points despite playing some of their best football of the season.  The failure to score belies some of the excellent attacking football played at times, with the frontline looking dangerous whenever they received the ball into feet.  The two goals and the odd long throw aside, the Cubo backline looked comfortable throughout, though the nature of the goals conceded recently will be of concern.  Credit must go to Horsley who came to Barn Elms without much of the attacking talent which had caused Cubo so many problems earlier in the season.  The away side maintained a compact shape throughout and were clinical in taking the chances that came their way.  Cubo’s quest for 3rd is now out of their hands and they go into next week’s penultimate fixture of the season against Battersea Ironsides knowing that a win is a must if they are to finish above their local rivals in the table.

Apologies to Mr. Akabusi.

Man of the Match: Andrew Noble

Match Report: Benny Mac

AFC Cubo 2-2 Ripley Village

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Date: Sat 17th March 2012

Starting Line-up: Neil Clark, Oli Watkins (c), Richard Goughardinho, Joe Darlington, Jonny Patterson, Hung, Ben McGeown, Ryan Shedwick, Chris Gray, Mike Cain, Andrew Noble

Subs: Tom Hooper, Paul Every, James McGeown

Gaffer Benny Mac was again able to select a very strong squad, even after the late withdrawal of talismanic frontman Simon Daunter with a shoulder injury, with sunbed Guru Mikey Cain replacing him to make his full debut for the 1’s.  The last fixture between these two sides was a topsy turvy affair with the lead exchanging hands before Ripley snatched a last minute winner in a 3-3 thriller.  With blond bombshell and chief peacemaker Michael North absent from the squad it was hoped that there wouldn’t be a repeat of the ugly scenes that marred the end of that game.  The biggest shock of the day came upon seeing that the pitch had not been used for training by Barnes RFC and in fact had even been rolled! This unprecedented act of goodwill put Cubo in a good frame of mind for the 90 minutes ahead, safe in the knowledge that they would actually be able to play some football this week.

Ripley’s side appeared to be a more mature line-up this time round and it was clear from the off that they would be playing to their strengths by hitting their industrious front two early at every opportunity.  The tactic almost paid immediate dividends when a contested header on the edge of the box dropped to the Ripley skipper with yards of space just inside the area.  Fortunately for Cubo his powerful strike was straight at Clarky who dealt with it comfortably but it was an early warning sign.  The first 20 minutes of the game followed this pattern with Cubo pegged back in their own half having to defend long ball after long ball.  Despite the impressive Richard Gough winning countless headers, the Ripley front two were making sure that no header Cubo did win was won cleanly. With the Ripley midfield dominating the second ball there was very little respite for the Cubo backline.  On the odd occasions that Cubo managed to get the ball forward there were encouraging signs that the quality of Mike Cain, Chris Gray and Noble would cause the Ripley backline problems. First some great pressure by Mike and Nobes saw them rob the ball from the centre half before Mike’s effort was brilliantly pushed round the post by the Ripley keeper. Minutes later, more pressure on the backline forced another error that put Mike through on goal but he was denied a debut goal by some superb work from the recovering defender who got back just in time to clear his lob.

Despite these chances Ripley were still dominating and the goal when it came was no surprise.  A long throw into the box was flicked on to the back post where the Ripley striker popped up to head past Clarkey and give Ripley a deserved lead.  1-0 Ripley.  As the half progressed more space was appearing around the pitch and with the midfield doing a better job of contesting the second ball Cubo were beginning to play with greater fluency.  With Pogo getting forward down the left and the front line seeing more quality ball into feet there was plenty of cause to be optimistic at half time despite being a goal down.  Cubo continued the second half where they had left off in the first, utilising the width of the pitch to get Pogo and Hung on the ball as often as possible.  It was from this source that Cubo found themselves level five minutes into the half.  Popping up out on the right Pogo clipped in an inviting cross which was met by a bullet header into the top corner by goal-shy player/manager Benny Mac.  1-1.

With the momentum behind them, a pumped up Cubo then made it two goals in two minutes.  With Pogo again getting forward down the right his low cross was expertly guided home on the volley (outside of his leg peg if you’re asking) by the reborn goal-scoring midfielder Benny Mac.  This boy is some player, my word.  2-1 Cubo.  Ripley appeared shell-shocked, having seen their lead evaporate in the space of two minutes and it looked as if Cubo would go on to the win the game comfortably.  However, with the home side dropping steadily deeper and failing to hold on to the ball Ripley gradually reasserted themselves and Cubo soon found themselves desperately defending balls into their box.  Only some strong performances from Goughy, Joey D and skipper Watkins were keeping Ripley at bay.  At the other end the front line, now featuring Every off of the bench, continued to create chances when the ball reached them.  Mikey Cain will be disappointed not to have hit the net when Noble’s pull back from the left found him in a great position in the box.  Unfortunately the sushi-munching Flavio from Manchester was unable to keep his effort down.

With the pressure building on Clarky’s goal Cubo again conceded a goal which they will feel they should have defended better.  Another long throw was allowed to bounce in the box before making its way through to the Ripley striker all alone at the back post.  He made no mistake with his finish, drilling his effort below the advancing Clarkey to level the game.  2-2.  With time running out Cubo still found time to create chances to win the game, the best of which saw Every square the ball in the box to the supporting Hooper but the midfielder side-footed over from the penalty spot.

Final Score: AFC Cubo 2-2 Ripley Village

Goals: Benny Mac (2)

Man of the Match: Benny Mac

A disappointing result for the Baby Blue Army who, having got their noses in front really should have gone on to win the game having had the chances to do so.  Despite the dropped points Cubo played some good football at times and with the defence putting in excellent performances under difficult circumstances there is plenty to be positive about going in to a very tough final three fixtures.   Credit should also go to Ripley who came to Barn Elms with a clear game-plan which made life very difficult for the home side.  Completely dominating the opening period of the game they showed great resilience to come back having gone 2-1 down.

Match Report: Benny Mac

AFC Cubo 3-2 Virginia Water FC

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Date: Saturday 10th March, 2012

Starting Line-up: Neil Clark,  Bobby Sadler, Jonny Patterson, Hung, Oli Watkins, Goughy, Ben McGeown, Tom Hooper, Chris Gray, Andrew Noble, Jacko

Subs: Daunter, Sabby, Ryan Shedwick

A combination of the rugby club using the pitch to train on and the ever diligent Barn Elms ground staff meant that pitch 7 was in a dire state, making the prospect of a free-flowing game highly unlikely.  Virginia Waters came into this game with a much-changed line-up to that which suffered a heavy defeat in the opening day fixture between these two sides and the improvement was visible from the off.

With the surface already making it difficult to get the ball under control, the energetic pressing of the Waters midfield was doing a great job of forcing Cubo to give possession away cheaply.  Despite their shaky start Cubo found themselves infront after 15 minutes when Jacko was released down the left-hand channel before beating his man and finish across the keeper from the tightest of angles.  1-0 Cubo.

Undeterred by this Waters continued to look dangerous and it was no surprise when they equalised.  A diagonal ball into the box caused confusion in the defence and the ball dropped to the Waters striker who had a simple tap-in.  1-1.  With frustration mounting in the Cubo ranks at some of the wayward passing Waters pressed home their advantage.  A free kick on the right hand touchline was clipped into the six yard box where the onrushing midfielder showed good desire to beat Pogo to the ball (much like Pistol Pete did so often in the 1’s vs 2’s pre-season friendly) and power past Clarkey.  2-1 Virginia Waters.

A disjointed first half display by the Baby Blue Army should really have been punished further when a Cubo corner broke to Waters who found themselves with a 4 on 2 breakaway.  Luckily for Cubo the opportunity was wasted and they came in at half time only a goal down.

The half time break appeared to revitalise Cubo who started the second half with far greater purpose.  Aided by attacking the half of the pitch which hadn’t been rucked to oblivion by egg-chasing chubsters, Cubo looked more assured in possession and scored from virtually their first attack.   Having led the line impressively for the first half Andrew Noble carried the ball into the Waters box, powering past two challenges before slipping the ball to Jacko who just beat the keeper to the punch to toe-poke his finish in at the near post.  2-2.

With the momentum behind them Cubo pressed on for the winner, with Bobby Sadler enjoying some swashbuckling runs into the opposition half from his right wing back position.  The home side were finally rewarded when with 5 minutes to go Chrissy Gray’s overhit free kick caught the Waters keeper off guard, who could only watch as the ball sailed over his head, clipping the bar on its way into the back of the net.  3-2 Cubo.  There was still time for Waters to almost nick a point when a well struck free kick flew just wide of the post but the angriest man in football Neil Clark appeared to have it well covered in the Cubo goal.

A hard earned 3 points for Cubo against a vastly improved Virginia Waters.  The energy of the Waters side made life very difficult for Cubo who had to wait until the playing surface improved in the second half before they were able to exert any kind of sustained pressure.  A fair result on the balance of play and one which keeps Cubo’s hopes of a 3rd place finish alive.

Goals: Jacko (2), Chrissy Gray

Man of the Match: Jacko

Match Report: Benny Mac

Inter Old Boys 2-6 AFC Cubo 3rd XI

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Date: Saturday 10th March, 2012

Venue: Wandsworth Common

Starting Line-up: Bushey, Jez, Jimmy, Mark D, Luke, Jeph, Turns, Lukas, Henry, Paul M, Tett.

Subs: Ben R, Trev, John G,

So the Cubo 3s enter into the business end of the season. So its time for all the well used cliches to come out with every game being a cup final and making sure that every member of the teams bum really is squeaky clean.

I’m not sure if it was because of the growing importance of the matches, Jones’ rallying call to the whole team in the week or the fact that we were all meeting at jonesy’s and there was a chance of the early birds catching her in her night garms but for the first time in a long time. The full team was all present and correct pretty much on time. Jeph was obviously the last to show but at 40 mins before kick off he was a whole 2 hours inside his previous appearance so very impressive none the less.

With March offering up some fantastic early weather the scene was set for Cubo to really set the sleazing stakes high and wander over from nightingale lane, fully kitted in the shades. There are unconfirmed reports there were 2 road accidents early on sunday from mass hysteria in what the metro described on Monday morning as a scene out of the lynx adverts

Team assemble on the side of the pitch drawn out for under 8 football and were greeted with 3 huge lake like puddles in the middle of the pitch which considering its been the driest winter for 50 years really shows the great work that the groundsmen do over at wandsworth common. Thanks for turning up guys. With Jones now really evolving into the managerial role after having to accept that darren anderton put in more consecutive appearances, the pre match warm up consisted of drills with markers and flourescent bibs (good to see Ed’s gloves get some use in the summer months) Cubo started feeling very prepared for this top of the table clash. With 2 points separating second to fifth this really would decide who would take the second automatic promotion spot.

Cubo set up in their usual formation of 4-3-3 with Henry and the Tett really putting his claim to the biggest utility player in Cubo providing width to Paul May up top. Cubo started very brightly, with the skill, pace and power of the middle 3 of Jeph, Lukas and Turner (I’ll let you make up your own mind as to where each member falls!) far too much for Inter old boys. An early corner presented the first opportunity of the game, a superb delivery by lukas treated with the usual Head/Shoulder combo from Turner and much like his shots from outside the box it went over the bar. With some minor exchanges the first real opportunity then came, a quick break from Cubo saw the Paul the target man May pick up the ball on the half way line. In a display of “Chip and  Chase” that would have put Gareth Bale to shame he sprinted off down the left flank. Instead of the classic shoulder barge to fend off oncoming defenders, May prefers the hip barge, which took him to the byline. Skipping inside the defender coming across the only other man capable of keeping up with Englands Bale was the on rushing Jeph who after a nice cut back from May tucked it into the corner for Cubo’s opening goal.

With a fairly big team, Inter Old Boys made their tactics clear very early with very little inter play in the middle and a whole heap of long balls. In their skipper, who last year just managed to grow out of being labelled an official dwarf, possessed a throw that far out weighed his 5″1 frame. Making the most of the under 8 pitch the extra from willow launched a throw right underneath the crossbar. In the melee that followed they managed to squeeze the ball in at the back post. A very undeserved 1-1.

With the disappointment evident, Inter started to come back into the game. With a few more thrown ins that were dealt with a lot better, Inter started to apply some pressure. A few last ditch clearances and some resolute defending kept the score lines level with Jimmy and welcoming Mark Dallamore back into the team and confident at the back as always. Then the class started to show, Cubo started to get the ball down again but it was a goal out of inter’s book which made the difference going into half time, done in Cubo style. A throw into Paul May got a very decent flick to the edge of the box where jeph was waiting. The ball was brought down on the chest and crisply volleyed into the corner. The ball having not touched the floor from throw in to goal (Big time!)

Half time and after a few weeks of relatively tame words, it was time again for a few overly aggressive, ranting words from Turner (which have from somewhere developed an Austrailian twang!).

What proceeded for the next 20 mins was the most fluid, attacking and quite frankly brilliant football I have ever seen in Cubo colours. Sharp one-two’s and great vision created gaps and chances from all over the park. A nice interchange on half way set Tett racing down the right. Cutting into the box and with Paul May and Henry waiting at the back post, Tett fires across what he really should of claimed as a shot as despite being a good few metres wise and over it was certainly closer to the goal than either of the 2 on rushing defenders. In almost a mirror play 2 mins later Tett was released down the right again and with the horror cross still at the front of his mind, decided this time to instead cut back a half paced ball to the penalty spot. Seeing the opportunity May and Neville ran into almost an embracing position and seemed to almost have a small chat over who was going to tap it in before Henry scuffed one into the bottom corner.

For all reading this, please enjoy this next paragraph and revel in it alone at home, reading on the lap top in front of the TV. But please at no point should these next few paragraphs ever be discussed in any sort of group event, meeting, casual chat of otherwise. The words are consigned to this report only and if ever a word is spoken gesturing towards this event, it will be denied and dismissed as mere folklore.

By this stage the ball was rarely leaving the Inter half. Cubo were having all the possession and giving the old boys the run around. With the ball moving from left to right Tett picks the ball up on the right hand side, with a chance to set and cross he delivers a floating ball to the left hand side. Then from just inside the top left of the area, Henry chests the ball, then almost falling backwards (which I genuinely think may have been a loss of balance rather than deliberate) curls a volley into the top right hand corner. An absolute screamer.

(That really hurt to write)

Directly from kick off, Inter chip a ball forward in the vain hope of getting it out of their half. The ball was headed back where Paul May got the flick on again to release the rushing Jeph. He gathers and with the keeper rushing out, holds down the L1 button and shot superbly to dink the keeper and make it 5 (Who said Pro Evo isnt a true reflection of real life? It is when Cubo/(Jeph) plays!)

With Cubo then well clear and the dominance showing the flowing football just kept coming. In a rare expedition into the Cubo half, Inter managed to get a throw on the right hand side. With Willow keen as always to use the only opportunity he gets for feeling big, he launches another throw into the area. With Bushey seemingly taken out the keeper was not given the same keeper friendly rules and the flick on into the net was allowed to stand. Despite being 5-2 it gave Inter renewed hope they may be able to salvage something from the game. The game became a bit looser but with Cubo still firmly on top. A free kick was then given about 10 yards outside the penalty box. As usual with free kicks in this sort of distance Neville picks up the ball in the vain hope he may get the nod and gives the ball the customary 4000 revolutions before placing in on the turf. Then lining up to take it was Neville, Tett and Lukas. Slicking his hair back Tett really was displaying traits of a man who was preparing to take it but with Lukas’ left foot in the ranks, this beckham-esque display and making the ball dizzy was surely only a rouse of deception as from all members of Cubo on and off the field there was only 1 man that was going to take this. The whistle goes and Tett is the first to move towards the ball, surely just a case of a classic dummy before the left foot comes. It seems that money mattered in the pre free kick discussion as the richer of the 3 in Tett actually makes contact and curls an absolute delight of a free kick up and over the wall (still slightly convinced it went through the wall but whos counting) and into the bottom left corner. A fantastic goal to round off an absolute rout.

Now what wasnt said up to now as part of the overly aggressive any given sunday words at half time, Turner called for the game to be put out of reach. That one goal simply wasnt good enough and that he wanted 5 and 6. Some may say that with the cubo talent on show that this would have happened anyway but I say this if a tree falls in the forest but you dont know what it is, does it really fall .

Final Score: Inter Old Boys 2-6 AFC Cubo 3rd XI

Goals: Jeph (x3), Hennerz (x2), Tett.

Man of the Match: It seems that words of inspirational leadership are not rewarded by his peers as in the after match vote for man of the match, the 3 goals and all round display from Jeph carried more weight (seems most/(all) are blind to victorious guidance

I will repeat what I said at the end of the game which is put simply, the best Cubo experience I have ever been part of.

Well done to all that were part of it, a great performance and bring on the rest of the promotion run.

Match Report: Turns

Lokomotiv Lavender 0-6 AFC Cubo 2nd XI

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Date: Saturday 3rd March

Venue: Wandsworth Common

Starting Line-up: Clarky, Rushall, Keegan, Pally, Jimbo, Denno, Pete Hill, Salt Dog, Trev, Tim Field, MTM.

Subs: S. Taylor, A. Clarke

This week’s fixture came following a welcome week off with many of Cubo’s starting line-up absent snowboarding in the Alps, battling the tests of fatherhood or resting the tired limbs that support our ageing squad.

Wandsworth Common should be like a second home to AFC Cubo having soaked up the blood, sweat and tears that drench the turf during pre-season training. The crisp, sun dappled day saw Cubo starting with a bare 11 in the baby blue and white that we seemed to have been without for an age.

Another varying back 4 was brought in with Ben and Jim at full back and Pally providing the solid experience to support Keegan’s flair (countless Cruyff turns in his own box). Nevertheless the new partnership stayed strong and managed to hold off the newly introduced opposition. The Lokomotiv side seemed to start well with a bit of fight and passion that allowed them to hit the post early on and produce a decent save from the Cubo keeper.

Unlike the 2’s traditional need to go a goal down before realising there is a game on, some exciting attacking football began to appear. Tim and MTM looked familiar from the go. Denno and Pete Hill’s pace and trickery played havoc with the Loko defence. It wasn’t long before the inevitable happened and a deliberately over hit Pete Hill cross landed neatly on the right boot of MTM only to be belted thunderously into the back of the net. More attacking play followed; both full backs edging up the pitch and centremids cropping up with the odd shot or assist. A second for MTM was followed by a deflected goal from Pete Hill after a  perfectly weighted assist from the captain.

Missing his first headed shot from 3 yards out, Tim converted his second effort and Cubo’s forth goal with far more conviction and continued to threaten the Lokomotiv side. Substitutions in the second half saw fresh legs in Alan and Stevie mixing up the Cubo line-up forcing Denno into the centre of midfield. Denno’s deft touches combined with Trev’s strength and tenacity increased the pressure on a now dejected Lokomotiv side. Running on fumes Loko’s lack of positional sense and hence defence in general, made it all too easy for Stevie to slot home two composed finishes. The day would have ended more sweetly if Clarky, now playing up top had managed to finish two easy shots and justify the sight of Pally in a skin tight keepers shirt.

Final Score: Lokomotiv Lavender 0-6 AFC Cubo 2nd XI

Cubo were the better side, not ruthless enough but some great attacking football.

Goals: MTM x2, Hill, Field x2, Stevie T

Man of the Match: Strong performances from Denno, Tim and MTM but a closely voted MOTM awarded to Trev “Zoolander” Moody.

Match Report: Salty Sea Dogg