Thames Valley Over 65's

The first round of matches in the Thames Valley Over 65's league took place on Tuesday 8th September at the National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey.  In the continued absence of manager Andy Smith, by now drowning in Mythos, we once again had to fend for ourselves!

We set off, bright and early with a spring in our steps and hopes in our hearts ready for the new season, concious that we were lucky to still be in Division 1 following our relegation and then being reinstated. Unfortunately, the weather matched our impending results - dreadful!

The continuous rain brought the motorways and country roads to a standstill and several teams and players were late arriving, But nevertheless we kicked off roughly on time. This league is now extremely competitive with many first class players and we do well to hold our own, considering the size of our club.
First up were Highworth - habitual winners of the league with many excellent players. As always seems the case, we matched them, probably had more possession, but couldn’t find a way through. Following a great save from Steve”the cat” Beament, the ball fell kindly to the opposition and they smashed it home. While chasing the game they caught us on the break and calmly made it 2-0, the final score.
Bracknell were up next, another very good team. By now Chris York had arrived and slotted neatly and effectively into midfield. This was a hard fought game and we should have won with both Micky Stanbridge and Andy Balshaw hitting the post, and Steve Manley bossing midfield. However, 0-0 was the final score.
Cove were our next opponents and again we had the majority of the ball but couldn’t score.  Their keeper was kept far busier and I think it’s fair to say that Cliff Leat was still as ever dependable in defence, but again just one half chance from Cove made it 1-0.  We huffed and puffed for the remainder of the game but just couldn’t score.
Finally our old foes Watford, newly promoted after relinquishing in Division 2 for a few seasons. Realistically this is the team we are going to have to beat if we want to stay in Division 1. We started strongly having a few half chances but couldn’t breakthrough. Then halfway through the game they were awarded a DOGSO penalty after Alistair Green fouled the Watford forward and received a straight red card. This was all a bit dubious - Alastair “butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth” Greene did commit the foul, but he really isn’t that type of player (although having said that, I think it’s his second red, plus numerous blue cards), and  it wasn’t a clear goal scoring opportunity. However, they duly scored making it 1-0. Down to 5 men we rallied and caused them a few problems but they held on.

So 1 point from 12 and we are staring relegation in the face already.
It was very disappointing particularly as we actually played really well in all games, and certainly deserved more than the one point. But we go again and look forward to our next games in November.
Squad: Steve Beament, Cliff Leat, Steve Manley, Alastair Greene, Chris York, Andy Balshaw, Micky Stanbridge.

Our second team who play in Division 3 did rather better, under the guidance of Steve Buckey, and with no recognised goalkeeper or striker in the squad.  Steve who is still suffering from a injured knee, stood up and played in goal for all five matches and Paul Church was pushed into an unusal position of lone striker. With the rain still pouring down our first game was against local rivals Tring.  Two well taken goals from Ken Rose and 'star' forward Paul Church saw us get off to a winning start 2-0. Our second game should have been against Bicester but they were absent, so a 1-0 win was awarded.

Two wins in a row, what a great start.  Next up was a tough game against Maidenhead United and a lovely goal from an acute angle from Nigel 'thou shall not pass' Walker put us in front. However, a shot across the face of goal which Steve saw late gave Miadenhaed an equaliser. 1-1 the final score. Woodley were our next opponents and another tight defensive display from Dave Marsh and Barry Lustigman enabled us to keep another clean sheet and at the other end another great strike from Paul saw us acheive another win. 1-0 the final score. Our final game was against Slough Town, who in the past have proved a difficult side to beat.  Nick Schramm and John Lewis who had played well throughout, continued to dominate midfield and Ken with another great strike and Dave with an equally great strike, put us in control at 2-0. A consolation goal saw Slough pull one back, but our lads held on for another fine win.

With five games played we sit comfortably at the top of Division 3 with 13 points - 3 points above Tring and with a +3 goal difference.  Onwards and upwards to our next round of fixtures in November.

Squad: Nick Schramm, Barry Lustigman, Paul Church, Dave Marsh, Nigel Walker, John Lewis, Ken Rose, Steve Buckey