Matches

Weston Green Sports 0-2 AFC Cubo

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Date: Saturday 3rd March 2012, 3pm KO

Venue: Weston Green Sports Ground

Starting Line-up: Gary Stewart, Oli Watkins (c), Goughy, Joe Darlington, Hung Nguyen, Jonny Patterson, Tom Hooper, Ben McGeown, Ryan Shedwick, Chris Gray, Paul Every

Subs: Jacko, Bobby Sadler, Mark Bradley

Cubo’s long-standing relationship with Weston dates back to their time together in Division Two of the Surrey South Eastern Combination.  During this time they have been lucky enough to see the development of Weston from a slightly narky team with a ridiculous manager into the mentally unhinged side with a ridiculous manger that they are today.  The first fixture between these sides in the 2011/12 season ended 1-1, though the real highlight was the performance of the referee.  Having shamelessly penalised Weston for most of the fouls they committed, which included two yellows for their star striker (one for a deliberate stamp), he then had the arrogance to take offence at a sustained volley of abuse from the Weston manager, sending him off as well.  Outrageous behaviour.  Whilst Weston went home with only a point that day, they can be proud of having bossed the disciplinary stakes, ending the game having collected 3 red cards and 5 yellows.   If this was Scottish football, technically they would have won the game.

Cubo were able to name a strong line-up with skipper Watkins, Joey D and Goughy forming a formidable back three, supported out-wide by the athleticism of Hung and the random chat tekkers of J-Pat.  Following an impressive performance last week, midfield schemer Tom ‘Hoops’ Hooper retained his place in midfield alongside a panda-eyed Benny Mac.  The long term absence of Northy and Billy has left Cubo without a natural ‘’Ooohh, that’s a bit late…’’ player in the middle of the park but the return of yellow card magnet Ryan Shedwick to the starting line-up after a 4 month lay-off goes a long way to filling this gap.  With Simon Daunter busy hurling his not inconsiderable bulk down the slopes somewhere in the Alps, and Noble busy playing with kids in Oxfordshire, Cubo looked to the slightly less physically imposing pairing of Chrissy Gray and Paul Every for the goals to secure another 3 points at WGS.

As with all fixtures between these sides the pace from the off was frenetic.  The early morning rain had not done enough to soften the bobbly nature of the pitch and this made passing, particularly in the centre of the pitch difficult.  A combination of Weston’s aggressive pressing of the ball and the untrustworthy surface meant that Cubo were struggling to move the ball around with any confidence and were guilty of giving the ball away cheaply through the first half.  Whilst they were withouth their two main goal threats, S. Wright and M. Nash, Weston had managed to call upon a couple of decent replacements, and the number 10 in particular looked like a handful whenever the ball reached his feet.  The first chance of the game fell to the home team when Cubo failed to clear their lines and a diagonal ball into the box was toe poked wide by the Weston midfielder who will be disappointed not to have scored.

Any football Cubo did play was coming down their left hand side where Pogo, Ryan and Every were combining to good effect, though in truth Cubo were struggling to get men up in support of their front pairing and Weston’s defence were relatively comfortable.  Cubo’s first chance fell to Ryan on the edge of the box but he was unable to keep his volley down, instead choosing to launch the ball back towards Barn Elms where it has been added to the Cubo stash.  Next up came a chance for Paul Every, who with the ball falling to him on his left boot in the box was unable to keep his effort down.  A tense first half for both teams with little football on display.

Half Time: Weston Green Sports 0-0 AFC Cubo

A slow start to the second half by Cubo saw Weston immediately win a corner and the first ten minutes were marked by the home side being on the front foot.  They should have taken the lead shortly afterwards when a Cubo corner (which Hoops took off of Goughy’s head when he looked in a prime position to score…) was cleared hopefully forward releasing the Weston number 10.  Beating Joey D in a foot race he cut inside the box only to see his effort blocked by a great save by Gary Stewart.  The danger wasn’t over though with the rebound falling to the supporting Weston midfielder, who could only watch as his first time effort rose just enough to clip the bar of the empty goal.  A big let off for Cubo.

With Ryan showing signs of tiring following a long spell out Jacko was introduced to the fold and had an almost immediate impact.  With another man to play off the shoulder of the suspect Weston defence, and Chrissy moved back to a more familiar role Cubo immediately looked more threatening and had the lead within 5 minutes.  Nice interchange between Chris and Jacko saw the big lad secure a lucky bounce off a challenge before opeing up his body and curling a sumptuous finish into the top (ish) corner.  With their noses in front it was Cubo who now looked like the more dangerous side.

The introduction of Bradders and Sadler added some steel in the middle of the pitch and some energy out wide but despite this and some stout defending from Watkins, Gough and Darlo, luck still had a part to play in keeping the home side at bay.  A corner was only partially cleared before being whipped back in to the far post where a Weston header was tipped onto the underside of the bar by Australia bound keeper Gary Stewart.  The keepers return to form following a difficult start to life in the Surrey Elite has been a real boon for the Baby Blue Army and he will be sorely missed in the coming weeks.  However this was no backs to the wall job, Cubo continued to look dangerous and able to play quite a bit of football in the Weston half.  Firstly, a break down the left saw Ben McGeown flash a ball across the face of the goal which was crying out to be finished before Chrissy Gray popped up with a superb winner.  Picking the ball up on the right touchline, he nut-megged his marker from about 3 yards away before carrying the ball into the area, dancing round another defender and finishing beneath the onrushing keeper to put the game to bed.  2-0 Cubo.

With less than 10 minutes to go Weston knew they were beaten and despite a couple of hopeful punts into the box which ping-ponged around a bit, Gaz was never forced into a save.  In the closing minutes, the Weston centre half managed to get himself sent off for a second booking, ensuring that even in defeat Weston will never be bettered in the collection of bookings.

Despite Weston fielding a slightly weakened line-up this was a superb win for the Cubans, who will no doubt take extra pleasure in the result given the historic rivalry between these two clubs.  Two wins in two weeks against sides in and around them in the league has given Cubo an excellent chance of securing 3rd place, maintaining the momentum over the next couple of weeks will be key.

Final Score: Weston Green Sports 0-2 AFC Cubo

Goals: Jacko, Chrissy Gray

MOTM: Ben McGeown

Match Report: Benny Mac

AFC Cubo 2-1 Battersea Ironsides

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Date: Saturday 25th February, 3pm KO

Starting Line-Up: Gaz, Oli (C), Hung, Joe Diamond, Sadler, Jim McG, Hoops, Goughy, Chrissy, Jackson, Noble Steed.

Subs: Sutton, Lilwall, Shedwick.

Half Time: AFC Cubo 1-1 Battersea Ironsides

Final Score: AFC Cubo 2-1 Battersea Ironsides

Goals: Gray, Jacko

Man of the Match: Jacko

AFC Cubo 2nd XI 3-3 AFC Battersea

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Date: Saturday 18th February, 2012

Starting XI: Clarke, Haddon, Noodles, Alan C, Pally, Denno, Pete Hill, Salty, Trev, Mikey Cain, Stevie T

Subs: Jim McGeown, Chrissy Grayson

After a number of weeks without a game, AFC Cubo soon resorted to previous form with pre-match banter centred on the sleazy nature of the coming evening’s entertainment, this time at Turner’s Valentines Ball. It was clear to all that Pally and Stevie T were regretting being cajoled into the Brighton Half Marathon by Noodles.

When ADHDenno’s attention finally turned towards the game, Cubo started out with a standard 4-4-2 formation with a solid starting lineup. The first twenty minutes were relatively even, with both sides challenging hard and driving forward with some snazzy football.

Despite this, the opening goal was straight from Nigel Winterburn’s highlight reel; Battersea pressing down the left and clipping a ball hopefully towards the box. With the February wind blowing across Barn Elms, the leather drifted towards the back post, sneaking past Clarkey’s receding bonce into the top corner. 0-1 Battersea.

Despite this letdown, Cubo had turned up to play football. Salty pushed a ball just over from 25 yards after some good build-up play down the left between Noodles, Pete and Trev; Alan missed a decent chance from a corner; and Mikey Cain tested the keeper a couple of times, forcing a string of stinging saves for the Battersea keeper.

After around 35 minutes, the good build-up play finally brought about results. A flowing move from Noodles on the left came to Salty who struck a cutting pass to Denno on the right. With all the grace of the Titanic, he dropped his left shoulder (anchor and all), with a conniving dummy that left the ball to come through to Luke. A first time skimming pass across the six yard box left Mikey Cain with the easiest of tap-ins. One all. And ten minutes to the break.

Cubo started out the second half on top, with Chris Grayson replacing Haile Gebrse-Pally. Ten minutes in and lightning struck again, Sicknote Haddon getting yet another war wound, and being replaced by the returning Jim McGeown. Two changes, but Cubo kept pushing. A Pete Hill corner swung in from the right resulted in Alan Clarke out jumping all around him, and powering a header past the flailing Battersea keeper. 2-1 Cubo.

Onwards and upwards, Cubo pushed on despite the lack of football in recent weeks starting to show. Stevie T caught a sight at goal after 70 minutes and clipped a volley over the Battersea defensive line. A resolute Cubo three-one up.

Unfortunately that’s where the similarities to HMS Resolute end, and where Cubo developed an unfortunate likeness to the General Belgrano. In response to going three one down, Battersea stuck a third player up front, sacrificing a defender.

The rewards came about pretty soon as Battersea won number of corners on the bounce. As one came over from the left, a defensive scramble ensued with Salty the last player to get a touch before the ball trickled over the Cubo goal line. Bollocks. 3-2 Cubo.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, another Battersea attack resulted in a corner. Maradona-esque, Chrissy “I play Aussie Rules!” Grayson got awfully confused, punching the ball as it was clipped into the box. Easy decision for the referee as he pointed to the spot, and the Battersea player stroked the ball past Clarkey from 12 yards. Three-all and full time.

Overall, a disappointing result for Cubo given the scoreline after 70 minutes.

Final Score: AFC Cubo 2nd XI 3-3 AFC Battersea

Scorers: Cain, Clarke, Taylor

Man of the Match: Mikey Cain. A confident start from the Aber grad. One goal and threatening throughout the game.

Match Report: Luke Hadddon

Kiwi FC 2-1 AFC Cubo 3rd XI

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Date: Saturday 14th January, 2012

Starting Line-up: Bushy, Lye, Ingle, Dallamore, Rushall, Jepht, Pickett, Turner (C), Field, May, Neville.

Subs:

Sometimes losing a football match can seem rather like breaking up with a long-term girlfriend (stay with me here). You can do all the right things, work hard, produce great moments and be truly convinced that everything is going to turn out ok. Yes you’ve had some adversity, but who doesn’t? And you’ve come out stronger. You’re certain that you are on the path to something special and then before you know what’s happening someone blows the whistle and tells you it’s all over. You’re devastated, shocked, angry and upset. You need an easy lay to take your mind of it (bottom of the league next week) but this was the big one, and it didn’t turn out as you’d hoped…

And so it was that the baby blue army gathered at a chilly Wandsworth Park to face their destiny, a game against top of the league Kiwi who they’d beaten earlier in the season to start a run of results that had seen Cubo win 4 out of 4. A victory against the New Zealanders would see Cubo a fraction off top spot with a game in hand, defeat would throw them straight back into the mix of four or five teams hunting down second place.

A stirring pre-game speech from Manager Rob Jones left the Cubo boys buzzing, and straight from kick off a through ball from Ingle set Neville free down the left. His early cross was headed clear, but the early intent was highlighted.

Cubo were pressing high up the pitch early on, although finding it hard to get into their normal passing rhythm due to a distinctly sub standard pitch. This suited Kiwi’s direct style of play, and they were taking every opportunity to hit their front men early with long balls, although they were being dealt with admirably by the cemented centre back pairing of Dallamore and Ingle.

Then a ball played out to the left saw Neville draw a foul from the Kiwi right midfielder. An inswinging free kick from the Cubo wide man wasn’t fully attacked by a strangely static Cubo attack, but the ball bounced back out to captain Matt Turner. He “controlled” the ball brilliantly with alternating touches off his chest, shin and thigh as he ran towards the goal line, but somehow saw the ball roll inches past the post from 3 yards.

Next, a break from Kiwi saw their striker pick up the ball in the wide left channel and feed a sumptuous (that’s right) pass across the pitch, evading both Cubo centre backs, into the path of the second striker. Fortunately for Cubo his finish was lacking and Bushy was barely tested.

Cubo rallied and despite the awful pitch were trying to play good football, they were squeezing up the flanks and putting pressure on the Kiwi backline. Paul May in particular making himself known to the Kiwi centre backs by chasing hard into the channels, creating more space for the Cubo midfield three of Lukas, Jeph and Turner.

A ball inside from Neville to Jeph saw the midfielder shoot wide from 25 yards, and then a foul from a kiwi midfielder on a rampaging Turner drew a free kick just to the right of the box, 25 yards out. Lukas stepped up and bent a peach towards the top corner, but the Kiwi keeper showed great athleticism at full stretch and kept it out.

Then the first hammer blow. As another Cubo attack broke down in the kiwi half, the team in all white broke. The rangy centre forward poked the ball beyond Dallamore and was just able to get there before the stretching Cubo centre back, he took a touch and slotted the ball past Bushy. 1-0 Kiwi.

Cubo continued to dominate territory in their search for an equaliser, whilst excellent controlled defending from the back four saw that Kiwi posed no further threat. However, a clear-cut chance couldn’t quite be fashioned, and at half time the baby blues went in 1-0 down.

A confident half time team talk highlighted the team’s belief that this game was far from over and that a goal would surely come. The Cubo boys came out for the second half and again tried their best to get hold of the ball and spread the play wide to the flanks for Neville and Field.

A succession of free kicks were drawn from the frustrated Kiwi boys and balls were being played in, but the chances weren’t quite falling for the attackers. Kiwi weren’t offering much in attack at all, preferring to compete hard in the midfield and defence. Every time the ball was pumped forward it was either headed clear or swept up by the confident Ingle and Dallamore.

Then the killer blow. A corner from Kiwi somehow saw the ball fall directly at the feet of their diminutive (yet tricky) centre forward. He was tightly marked by Ingle and with his back to goal, but produced a backheel through Ingle’s legs and into the net from a couple of yards. A great finish.

Cubo couldn’t believe they were two down, and were clearly downhearted that they hadn’t had such a lucky break of the ball in the opposition box all game despite their efforts. But they didn’t give up. Then, the glimmer of hope. A long ball played into the box from a free kick on the right saw yet another scramble for possession, this time as the ball looped free it was Jeremy Lye who got his head to it and steered it into the bottom corner! 2.1…

With 20 minutes to go Cubo smelt blood and a clearly fearful Kiwi sat deeper and deeper as the Baby blues pressed for the second that their territory and effort had deserved. But just as momentum was gained, a clearance from Kiwi bounced up and struck Lukas in the chest. The ref blew for a handball and the incensed midfield playmaker said something along the lines of, “No I don’t think so ref, it hit my in the chest, don’t be so silly.” The ref didn’t tolerate that sort of filth and brandished a red card. Disaster for Cubo.

However, and they deserve huge credit for this, the tide of the game did not shift now they were a man lighter. The defense were called on more often, but were once again impermeable, with Bushy not needing to make a single save and overall Cubo continued to press hard for the equaliser.

Another ball into the Kiwi box saw May with a slight opening but his right foot shot went over the top. Corner’s from Neville were becoming more frequent, although he lacked some of his usual quality and couldn’t find the Cubo would be headers. Then another bent free kick curled dangerously towards the Kiwi goal but the deflection saw the ball whistle just wide of the post. Another free kick from the right caused pin ball in the Kiwi box once again but this time Neville’s curled shot bent just over the bar.

A final turn and shot from Neville, bent wide from the edge of the box and the ref blew for full time. The Cubo boys had gone down by two goals to one against Kiwi who had pulled away at the top of the league.

Final Score: Kiwi FC 2-1 AFC Cubo 3rd XI

Goal: Geremi Lye

Cubo were left scratching their heads how they hadn’t got anything out of the game and I think even the most hardcore Kiwi supporter had to say that they were hanging on for much of the second half. But hanging on was all they had to do and they will be happy to avenge their defeat earlier in the season.

Cubo will no doubt be back, and carry the anger from this game into the remaining fixtures for the season. They should still be there or thereabouts when all is said and done at the end of the campaign.

Man of the Match:  Difficult as the effort shown by the entire team in the second half, especially when going down to ten men, was outstanding. However the winner was James Ingle who put in another dominant display at the back and never looked in trouble the entire game.

Match Report: Henry Neville

Claremont AFC 1-0 AFC Cubo 2nd XI

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Date: Saturday 14th January 2012

Starting Line-up: Fake Clarky, Luke, Alan, Joe, Noodle, Trev, Salty, Burt (Seb Brain), Pete Hill, Stevie T, Jim Dennison

Sub: Seb Brain

Cubo travelled to the Clapham region of Siberia to honour their away fixture against Claremont in the most inhospitable of conditions. Cubo were seeking to secure a double over their mid-table opponents following a hard fought 1-0 victory at The Theatre of Elms in the second game of the season and simultaneously lift themselves away from the relegation zone and raise spirits before the cup semi-final next week.

The boys in baby blue sought to impose their superiority on the game in the opening stages, but were increasingly frustrated by a lack of fluency in possession, no doubt not helped by a thawing bobbling mud bath of a surface. In spite of this, the away side was increasingly dominant in the first half.

When Cubo were able to get the ball down, some impressive attacking down the left and interplay between Mr T and Jim Dennison up front were causing the Claremont central defenders problems. Half way through the first half, Jim did excellently to wriggle away from his marker to bear down on goal, his shot rolling mere inches past the post.

Minutes later a flick from Stevie sent Jim through again. This time the keeper made an excellent save only to see the rebound fall invitingly to Mr Peter Hill inside the six-yard box. Inexplicably, almost certainly in an attempt to prove his self-styled tag of being ‘great in the air for a small man’, Peter Hill tapped the ball up and headed it towards the net as the Claremont defender swept the ball clear. Whilst replays showed that the ball was clearly over the line, it was unlikely that the referee or the Claremont linesman was going to give it.

Following a half-time break that saw Seb replace the injured Burt, Fake Clarky demonstrate his usual petulance towards the official and a stirring barking of orders from Field-Marshall Salty, Cubo came out seeking the all important goal. However, with Cubo increasingly taking the aerial approach, Claremont centre half and Pascal Cygan lookalike was able to clear convincingly in the air.

Chances were of a premium in the second period with some flowing Claremont football fashioning the best of those that were created, despite excellent performances at the heart of defence from Joe and a less clumsy looking Alan. With only seconds left and the referee opting to play-on with Claremont having been flagged offside, the home side broke through with the striker applying a cool finish to take all three points. In the angry exchanges that ensued, Cubo’s skipper was reprimanded by the referee and a supporter was ejected, in a scene reminiscent of the SPL at any game at any time of the year.

It was a cruel ending to a game that Cubo on balance had not deserved to lose and where both teams had struggled to play their passing games on a difficult pitch. However, Cubo can take a positive performance in many areas into their game next weekend as they seek London Cup glory.

Final Score: Claremont AFC 1-0 AFC Cubo 2nd XI

Man of the Match:

Match Report: Real Clarkey

AFC Cubo 2nd XI 3-4 PWCA

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Date: Saturday 7th January, 2012

Starting XI: Clark, Denno, Pete Hill, Watkins, Keegan, Antonio, Moody, Salty, Burt, Steve T, MTM

Subs: SMDLF, Seb Brain

Cubo 2s entered 2012 in positive mood and with a fresh striking partnership resembling Demba Ba and Ameobi, there was reason to be so. The 2s have developed somewhat of a maverick status of late, both within the club and the Wimbledon and District Premier League, with inconsistent form interspersed with some gritty performances and an eventful cup run. The arrival of a well organised PWCA  side to Barn Elms would no doubt prove an obstacle in shaking this tag.

Buoyed by the new partnership up front and an attacking formation, Cubo began confidently, moving the ball about well and getting good numbers forward. The pressure eventually told with MTM holding the ball up well, laying off for Moody who cleverly disguised his shot and played it in to the feet of a beefed up Stevie T. Big T made no mistake and duly opened his account for 2012.

Cubo had the better of the first half chances and were marginally winning the battle in midfield, even with a heavily wounded Saltdog being restricted to patrolling the centre circle rather than the box to box style usually associated with the skipper. A second goal was on the cards which may have put the game to bed, but a quick break and a well taken PWCA goal meant that the teams went in to the break all square.

The second half characterised the 2s season. Changes in personnel, notably the loss of Salty through injury and the influential Oli Watkins, and subsequent changes in formation unsettled the side, providing the opposition with opportunities at crucial points in the game.

Cubo took the lead for the second time early in the second half, good build up play resulted in Denno teeing up Terrence for his second. An emotional moment for our talented winger who was returning to the line up after recently becoming a proud father. We salute you. From what should have been a good platform to push on from, a touch of complacency and lapses in concentration across the park allowed PWCA to not only get back in to the game but also take the lead. A disappointing twenty minutes resulted in three goals conceded, PWCA breaking well on a couple of occasions and taking advantage of poor organisation.

Cubo managed to pull one back, MTM turning provider this time which he duly deserved after a ranging bull type performance throughout. Tel was on hand to cap a brilliant debut cooly dispatching a third for a well deserved hat trick. Take a bow, son. The second half also saw the return of Seb ‘how’s your face’ Brain, who looked dangerous immediately, throwing himself in to some daring headers! Unfortunately Cubo’s late surge wasn’t enough, but credit goes to a well organised and resilient PWCA side.

There was time for one more surprise (sort of), when Keegan had his Zizou moment. After producing a luscious, but unnecessary piece of skill, he tangled with the opposition striker, the PWCA CF took this opportunity to make his mark on Keegan’s calf whilst insulting the Boro – a Zidane on Materazzi moment was inevitable. Somehow only the Cubo legend saw red.

Cubo 2s will have mixed emotions about this game, promising passages of play and finally having two out and out strikers will be positives, but lapses in concentration and a lack of grit in the second half will need to be addressed. Ultimately it was a disappointing 4-3 loss and the 2s will need to respond well over the next few weeks to prevent what started as a very promising campaign turning in to a relegation battle.

Final Score: AFC Cubo 2nd XI 3-4 PWCA

Goals: Stevie T (3)

Man of the Match: Stevie T

Match Report: Trev Moody

AFC Cubo 3rd XI 2-1 South East London 2nd XI

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Date: Saturday 7th January 2012

Starting Line-up: Bush, Lye, Smith, Ingle, Dallamore, Field, Bennett, Turner, Pickett, Bradley, May

Subs: Laurence, Cucos

After a very continental Christmas break, including Wayne Rooney-styled festive party, Cubo 3s were back at Barnes ready to continue the form they concluded 2011 in.

Playing their penultimate home game of the season (on 7 January!), Cubo took the field, although a front lawn may be more appropriate given its size, against a South East London side sitting just above the relegation zone.

Cubo, in their changed strip of red and navy, lost the toss and were forced to play into a wind so strong that even Turner could record a sub-10 second 100m time if had it at his back.

SEL started strongly using the gale to their advantage. Their long ball tactics and basketball-style full-court press made it difficult for Cubo to get out of their own half for the opening 20 minutes.

It wasn’t long before the territorial pressure told and SEL broke through only to be denied by a superb stop from Bushy in the Cubo goal.

With the wind swirling above and a narrow pitch Cubo struggled to construct their usual passing game and five minutes later the away side broke through again, this time it was SEL’s other front man who was stopped by an outstretched Bushy, not once but twice.

As the half grew longer Cubo began to grow in confidence with Billers’ energy rivaling a Mascherano/springer spaniel lovechild. The striker’s chasing from the front allowed his side’s defence much needed respite.

With player/manager (you can pretty much remove the player part these days) Rob Jones’ half-time team talk fundamentally around the Wizard of Oz hurricane circling over Barn Elms, he was left with little to say as it was reduced to no more than a the force of a disappointed sigh. Fortunately, captain Matt (Tourette’s) Turner rallied the troops with his usual nonsensical, sweary, off-point, Any Given Sunday speech.

With Cubo confident of a positive result at the break they were hit with a surprise strike from SEL. A lack of pressure on the ball on the right hand side led to a hopeful ball being hooked over the top for their burly striker to run on to and lob the on-rushing keeper with aplomb.

Without a thought the home side brushed off this lapse in concentration and began to apply pressure of their own. Turner had a volley blocked from 20 yards out after winding it up from inside his own half.

The resulting corner led to the deserved equalizer. Lucas Pickett swung in a delicious left-footed delivery on to centre-back Mark Dallamore’s head, one of the countless headers he had won throughout the afternoon.

Not settling for a point though, Cubo began to win every tackle all over the pitch. Tim Field was beginning to profit from the space developing on the right hand side and Paul May was proving too much of handful for the opposing centre-backs.

With 15 minutes remaining Pickett received the ball level with the top of the area on the right touchline. A drag-back passed the full-back and a nutmeg through the covering centre-back left him with a only a half chance. The angle was tighter than his mum, but that was all he needed as he let fly and took Cubo to their 5th win in their unbeaten last seven matches.

Final Score: AFC CUbo 3rd XI 2-1 South East London 2nd XI

Goals: Dallamore, Pickett

Man of the Match: Six players received votes this week, but the winner with an assist and the deciding goal – Lucas Pickett.

Match Report: Lee Evans

AFC Cubo 2-2 Abbey Rangers

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Date: Saturday 7th January 2012

Starting Line-up: Gaz Stewart, Eddy Jackson, Goughy, Rob Sadler, Tom Hooper, James McGeown, Mark Bradley, J-Patterson, Ben McGeown, Andrew Noble, Simon Daunter

Subs: Chris Gray, Oli Watkins

Cubo started the New Year sitting in a very respectable 2nd place in the league (albeit having played quite a few games more than most of the sides around them in the league) and looked to continue their good form against mid-table Abbey Rangers.  The first fixture between these sides had ended 0-0 after a very even game which saw Cubo produce their best 45 minutes of football of the season in the first half before falling away in the second half where the home side probably felt they should have nicked it.  With skipper Oli Watkins returning from his mid-season vitamin D boosting session in Australia and Chrissy Gray getting a rare respite from babysitting duty Cubo were able to name a very strong bench.

With the pitch showing signs of wear and tear following the mickey mouse kickabout that the groundstaff had scheduled prior to Cubo’s game, a game of passing football was never going to materialise.  The early exchanges were testament to this as both sides struggled to get the ball down on the bumpy and sticky surface.  The first chance fell to the home side when Noble broke through a tackle to leave himself clean through on goal.  The Rangers keeper did well to get off his line to block Noble’s effort but the ball span up nicely for Ben McGeown though his blocked volley was never on target.  His subsequent efforts to pick up the loose ball led to him picking up a dead leg which he never recovered from and saw him replaced by Chrissy Gray after 25 minutes.

The change coincided with Cubo’s best patch of the game.  Having struggled to get the ball down on the deck in the opening period J-Pat and Bradders were beginning to find their range spreading the ball to Jim and Hooper on the flanks.  The first goal came soon afterwards when J-Pat picked out Daunter on the right touchline, who beat his man before delivering a peach of a cross to the back stick where Noble was at full stretch to direct his header past the Rangers keeper to make it 1-0 Cubo.

With their tails up Cubo added a second soon after, more good work down the right side involving Sadler and Hooper led to Chrissy Gray putting in a block which put Noble clean through on goal.  The big man made no mistake this time round, slotting his finish beneath the onrushing keeper, 2-0 Cubo.  The home side continued to dictate affairs with James and Hoops able to get forward with good effect.  The only threat to the home side appeared to be the Rangers keepers wind assisted kicks which were causing Cubo issues, leading to a couple of hairy incidents.  That being said, aside from some good takes from corners, Gaz Stewart had remained relatively untested in the first half, though unfortunately he was picking the ball out of his own net with the half time whistle approaching.  A well worked move by Rangers saw Cubo’s backline pulled out of position and a nicely weighted pass released their striker who steered his finish past Gaz to give Rangers the ideal fillip before half time.

The goal changed the dynamic of the game completely as Rangers emerged in the second half reinvigorated, whereas the home side looked a pale imitation of the side who had raced into a 2 goal lead.  With the festive period appearing to catch up on some of the Baby Blue Army the game was becoming increasingly stretched, leaving Noble and Daunter isolated up front and creating plenty of space for Rangers to play in.  Rangers were pushing their full backs on to good effect and the space being afforded to their big centre midfielder was allowing him to dictate affairs.

Cubo were playing a dangerous game and almost paid the price for it when the ball broke to a Rangers player whose effort had Gaz but not the post beaten.  With the away side pouring forward there were chances for Cubo to put the game to bed but time and again the ball was given away cheaply.  The introduction of Watkins to the backline helped to steady the ship, the skipper making his first touch a real statement of intent – going straight through the Rangers striker.  Despite this Cubo’s inability to hold on to the ball meant that the ball was continually coming back at the backline who were not being given the time to get out of their own third.

The goal had an air of inevitability about it when it came and was symptomatic of the second half.  Possession was given away cheaply allowing Rangers to work the ball into the box, and with Cubo failing to clear their lines Rangers levelled the score with a minute left on the watch.

A fair result overall given Rangers dominance of the second half.  Whilst the pitch made playing football difficult Rangers showed in the second half that it was possible to look after possession and Cubo will need to learn to protect leads better than that if they have any intention of maintaining their league position.  Despite the disappointment at throwing away a two goal lead, especially given the timing of the equiliser, there were some positives for the home side, particularly in the 20 minute period before half time where they looked threatening every time they got the ball down and they will hope to produce this in greater spells in next weeks fixture against in-form Reigate Priory.

Final Score: AFC Cubo 2 -2 Abbey Rangers

Goals: Noble (2)

Man of the Match: Noble

Match Report: Benny Mac

Battersea Lions 2-5 AFC Cubo 3rd XI

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Date: Saturday 10th December, 2011

Starting Line-Up: Stewart, Lye, Ingle, Dallamore, Adabadze, Tett (C), Jeph, Lucas, Field, May, Hennerz.

The baby blue army arrived at a chilly Raynes Park in buoyant mood following their confident victory over old foes Merton in their previous outing and the vibe was further heightened by the knowledge that they got to wear the new kit for the second match in succession.

It was also a team with a sense of unfamiliar familiarity as the previous attacking three of May, Field and Hennerz once again played ahead of the quickly gelling duo of Jeph and Lucas. The midfield welcomed back crowd favourite Greg “Hollywood” Tett who took the skippers armband and the defence was bolstered by Mark Dallamore who slipped in alongside Ingle at the heart of the defence.

Cubo started on the front foot and quickly found that passing rhythm which is fast becoming a hallmark of their play. With the midfield three easily creating space by using the extra man and finding Hennerz and Field who hugged the touchlines stretching the Battersea back four. This movement and speed of play was once again spearheaded by May up top by himself who was running the channels and causing problems early on.

A decent exchange of passes down the right flank involving Field, Lucas and May drew a foul in a dangerous area of the pitch for Cubo. Lucas whipped a left foot cross over which somehow evaded the melee of players attacking it, and as the ball rolled tantalisingly along the line May did what all good strikers do best, got a toe end to it and claimed the goal. 1-0 Cubo.

What followed however was not a re-ignited show of pressure from Battersea Lions as they chased down the lead, but instead more ‘Ole’ football from a confident Cubo. Field was finding space down the right and lollypopping past the hapless left back and Hennerz was pulling out some flamboyant turns of his own on the left. Jeph, Tett and Lucas were ticky-tacking the ball around the midfield and May came close with a curled right footed shot from the left of the box – “oooh what a bender”

The pressure told when the ball was held up down the left flank by Hennerz, who cut back and fed Lucas 20 yards out. The man rumoured to be named after the creator of the Star Wars dynasty sent the defender the wrong way, presumably by using Jedi mind tricks, and shifted the ball onto his less favoured right foot which suddenly became “more powerful than you could possibly imagine” as the ball flew past the Battersea keeper. 2-0 Cubo.

Lucas reflects on a tidy opening goal

At this the crowd (mainly subs of both sides, a few on-lookers and a group of Animal Rights activists who had turned up following a mis-print on the match day program and thinking they were confronting a gang called ‘Batter Sealions’) went crazy. And as the slick football continued, backed up by very assured defending from the Cubo backline, they broke into a samba style sing-song – appearing to personalize a version of the 1979 Gibson Brothers’ hit single “Cuba”.

Despite all of this, and with Gaz Stewart seing less of the action than Jim McGoewn after 10pm at a Cubo Christmas party, Battersea were suddenly granted a lifeline. With ten minutes to go in the first half a rare Lions corner seemed to have been dealt with at the near post when the ref inexplicably pointed to the spot claiming a push on the Battersea player. Both teams looked bemused by the decision, but the Battersea striker stepped up and side footed it home. Half time, 2-1.

A spirited half time team talk re-focused the minds of the Cubo boys who knew that a third goal would surely kill this contest. Despite this they had to weather an initial storm from the opposition who threw everything at them in the opening minutes of the half. Their Beowolf look-a-like central midfielder was suddenly getting on the ball and finding the tricky front men. But to their credit, the line of Lye, Dullamore, Ingle and Adabadze held firm, and but for a looped cross to the back post that forced a smart save from Stewart in goal, there were no scares.

The third goal killed the game as expected and it came from a likely source. Once again a ball down the left found Hennerz, who once again cut back and found Lucas who – if this was Pro Evo – was quite clearly “on a red” in this game. This time he opted for his favoured left foot and unleashed a strike, which dipped and swerved into the far top corner. Think David Silva for Valencia vs Chelsea at Stanford Bridge in the Champions League. A definite contender for goal of the season.”Tick a boo son, tick a boo.”

Cubo knew that the game as a contest was over, but the vast array of attacking talent on display started to smell blood. Jeph who had been a constant menace in the centre of the pitch all game began driving into the box with increasing regularity. Some more great play down the right from Field and May saw a ball crossed over and it was the newest addition to the Cubo ranks who soared highest to nod it in off the underside of the crossbar. 4-1 Cubo.

A  breakaway consolation by Battersea was quickly cancelled out as some more neat passing saw Jeph released again behind the defence, and after shrugging off the attentions of the centre back he steered the ball calmly home into the bottom right hand corner of the net. 5-2 Cubo.

The final whistle blew to jubilant scenes from the Cubo boys who had exhibited the perfect balance of work rate, structure, flair and finishing to punish the more than decent Battersea Lions team.

They go into the Christmas break two points off top spot and with every right to think they should be challenging for the title this year. If this side stays together, and continues to play this way the rest of the league should be worried.

Final Score: Battersea Lions 2-5 AFC Cubo 3rd XI

Goals: Lucas x2, Jeph x2, May

Man of the Match: Goes to Lukas who was obviously bouyed by Little Mix making it into the Xfactor live final and the prospect of a night out in Funky Buddha that night. He has settled into this team very well.

Match Report: Hennerz