We ended the year in the only game played with a long overdue victory for the 1st XI 2-1 against Broomfield, who like us have been struggling in the unfamiliar territory of the third division.
Two goals one after 30 seconds and the other a superb volley were scored by late inclusion Danny Green normally seen strutting his stuff for the 3rd XI, it just goes to show we have talent in the club, it's just getting it to the top that is the problem. We were once again faced with three withdrawals on the morning of the match, we will not succeed until we have a committed playing force throughout the club. How we achieve that should be the New Years resolution of all members. No more moaning for 2014 hope we can emphasise the positive in the New Year. Happy Christmas and successful New Year to everybody. Regards Pres.
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Afraid to say I was absent in France this weekend with some old and some very old Norsemen, entirely thanks to our great club for without it none of us would have ever met, quite a testament to friendships which are of over 50 years standing in some cases and making the effort of trying to turn this ship around worthwhile.
Do not know any details of matches played this weekend, the 1st XI halted a long losing streak with a very well earned draw against OW Citizens. I hear rumours of a possible return of a couple of former players which would strengthen them for the second half of the season. A tribute at this stage to Os the skipper, he has had a very difficult task and has remained calm and upbeat during our bad run good luck for the rest of the season Os. The Reserves cup game was postponed the 3rd XI lost at home 3-0 to Old Parks, it seems if goal machine Danny does not score then the goals dry up. The 4th XI continued their good form with a win over The Hill 6thXI. The 5th XI ost to Old Parks and the 7th XI had a good win against Ally Pally. Next week we play our last games before the winter break, the 1st XI are home to Broomfield, a bit of support plus a drink seems a good alternative to Christmas shopping. Not a good week, the 1st XI continued their bad run with a narrow 4-3 defeat against Southgate Olympic, having held a 3-2 lead late in the game, they should have seen this one Home, but 2 long distance strikes in the last 5 minutes saw Southgate take the points. They badly need at least a draw to regain some confidence.
The Reserves lost heavily to second place Alexandra Park, but injury forcing their Goalkeeper to leave the field, the 10 men struggled against a strong AP outfit. The 3rd XI kept up there good run with a good 3-0 win away to Merton, yet again their talisman Danny Green leading the way to goal. The 4th XI opponents (Broomfield) could not raise a side. The 5th XI suffered a heavy defeat to Old Owens. The 6th XI beat CEVamps 4-3 and the 7th XI lost 2-1 to Old Parks. We are fast approaching the halfway stage of the season, time for reflection on what has happened so far, it is clear that over the last few years we have lost our way and have slowly sunk from one of the strongest clubs in the league to our present position. Our main problem is recruitment of players at all levels particularly 1st team as we are not attached to any company or school and do not get many players from our youth section we are largely reliant for new members on walk ups, our web site and introductions by other members, this is not proving to be successful. Without being boring our existing members know what we are looking for and best able to tell whether they know people who would enjoy our club and become long term players. How about setting a target for each member to introduce at least one suitable member per season with our facilities it should not be a hard sell. Looking to the rest of the season it is not without hope of success the Reserves are very well placed but have met a couple of the stronger teams recently and been beaten if they are going to get promoted they need to field their best side every week.The 3rd XI after a couple of setbacks have resumed their good form of earlier this season only their discipline can cause them to fail.The 4th XI with their present team should walk their league hopefully some of their players will move up the sides next season. The 5/6/and 7's are all doing well and most importantly enjoying their football and using the club for social gatherings. The next 4 Saturdays will be difficult if we can get good availability then this may enable us to make ground on what maybe weakened opposition. The latest report on the recent committee meeting can be read under the news notice board section of our web site. Otherwise engaged this Saturday so know very little details of the matches beyond the results.
The 1st XI team suffered a not unexpected heavy defeat to Old Foresters, but put up a determined effort after being 5-1 down at half time, their second cup defeat to them this season. The Reserves lost in the cup 4-2 to newcomers NUFC Oilers. The 3rd XI had a good 6-2 win over Old Finchleians, much needed after two defeats. The 4th XI had a massive win over CE Vamps which demonstrated that they are too strong for the league they are playing in. The 5th XI had a remarkable. 7-7 draw away to HSBC in the cup but lost the penalty shoot out. The 6th XI had their game postponed due to the opposition failing to raise a side. The 7th XI had a 3-0 defeat to table topping AP 7s. Much activity behind the scenes this week, but we are fortunate to have several determined committee members under the energetic acting Chairman Barry Ayers who are doing their best to bring order to the club. |