S.Z.F.C go down 6-3

[The General]

Firstly, an apology. I shouldn't really have played today as i haven't been feeling great since 'Boro and felt tired after about 1/4 of an hour but i just wanted to be out there, play, and win. Nevermind, we now need friendlies weekly from now on as we did start very slowly and mid-week training should start within the next few weeks, which will be on a Wednesday.

I cant be bothered to comment at the moment but im sure once tomorrow comes i'll add something constructive.

Ciao,

Kev

[east stand drummer boy]

What a great piece of reffering by me oh yeah and shreks 15 mins after the original ref quit!

[Bob Cratchitt]

Yeah thanks a lot for helping out!!

Some people need to remember without a ref the game would have had to stop also some other's need to keep their toys in their pram!!

The reason for the scoreline was they put their chances away. We were camped in the half for the first 20mins but not once did we make the pressure count, they then broke away and scored a cracking goal from about 25 yards out and we let them back into the game. Had we scored those couple of sitters the result would have been very different. Seems like we emulate our pro team to much for my liking.

[* ORM *]

Yep,

Firstly thanks a lot ESDB, Shrek and Benji for the reffing.

I don't blame Benj for jacking the reffing in - its not an easy job at the best of times. We're gonna have to learn quick lessons next season - it doesn't matter if he is right or wrong if the referee gives or doesn't give a decision we have to live with it.

Onto the game. I was quite happy with the team selected on paper, virtually identical to the team selected by Unc with the exception of swapping Twinkle and Rob's positions. It was also a close call between Mr B and I to play centre half alongside Snowy.

As far as the first half goes I think I made my thoughts clear at half time - probably a bit OTT but we needed waking up. Instructions were given to all but the main team message was lets get out there and make sure they didn't know what hit them. I think in the first 20 minutes they didn't even know there was an opposition out there.

The most annoying thing for me wasn't going 2-0 down because I thought we showed a lot of character and fought our way back into the game. Snowy led by example with a great run, shot and goal to get us right back into the game and 2-1 would have been a fair reflection overall of the first half. Within a minute of this we were 3-1 down again and another shining example of too many players switching off at the same time.

Things needed to change at half time. I'm not sure if a rollicking was called for or not but I just didn't feel we'd done ourselves justice in the first 45. We needed to change a couple of things around and with Alexis getting injured just before HT, I also brought Barry and Steve on taking on Al and Leeboy (this was particularly harsh on Leeboy but I needed to change the balance of the team).

I thought the second half was much better. OK we went 4-1 down but we were finally competing on level terms and Barry soon rifled one home to make it 4-2. The finish wasn't spectacular but the pressure that led to the goal was. Not long after that we were awared a contested penalty. Now I may be biased because it was my shot blocked about a yard from the line but it was goalbound and accidental or not the top of the arm is still handball. A "thunderbolt" from Mr B and we were right back in the game at 4-3. Sadly a famous comeback wasn't to be but I thought thefinal score of 6-3 was a little harsh and Benjy (again !) made the difference.

I was much happier with the second half and I think we're definitely continuing to make progress. We just need to be a bit more positive on the 50/50s and a bit more organised in the midfield. There were a number of times where they had free men to throw or pass the ball to, we'll need to be more alive to that in future. We also had a couple of new faces for this first time today. I hope they saw enough of the positives to make an appearance at training next week.

OK now for the positives - Fitness - a definite 100% improvement all round. 3 months ago people were dropping like flies. It wasn't an easy surface to play on but the only substitutions made today were for injuries or tactical. A massive plus not only to Colin put to all of you lot training every week.

Team spirit - Again faultless - we shouldn't let a defeat like today change that - we went down fighting.

I'm only going to single a couple of players out for a special mention.

Mr B - Harshly not given a longer run out by me. Giles is not the same person I remember seeing for the first time all those months ago. Great second half and tried to work with Barry down the left.

Carter - Getting better with every match. I've always said there is a great player waiting to burst out and Carters now proving it to himself as well. In earlier matches if a player knocked a ball past him Carter would stand and watch, this didn't happen today partly due to improved fitness.

The loyal fans + Hilary - thanks as always.

Give it a couple of days and I'll work out a MOM system to be posted here. All other thoughts and comments about this and the match most welcome.

[big-Al]

A different game to say the least, a very hostile 45mins to say the least!!

Things were really tight in that first half and it was just mayhem, it always seemed like we were out numbered every time. I think we all found it very hard to find some rythem.
Things definitely seemed more open in the second half, the scoreline would probably justify that, the football came to a standard that we had shown in training and there were good spells of pressure that at times had the opposition worried.
To pick somebody out i would have to pick Carter, seemed very solid and comfortable in his position.
If anything i've learnt that i have to be much more physical after todays game

Well done lads

big-Al

[steveh1510]

Quote[/b] (The General @ Jan. 25 2004,18:20)]Firstly, an apology.
I'll go with that, I had a shocker! Am consoling myself by reminding myself that I haven't played for 3 months and its only my second week. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

We shouldn't get too down about that game, we are more than capable of beating them. We just need to convert pressure and possession into chances, and then convert those chances.

Quote[/b] ]We also had a couple of new faces for this first time today. I hope they saw enough of the positives to make an appearance at training next week.


I'll be there http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[McScriven]

A couple of views from an outside per se. Hope you don't mind.

I've played in every league pretty much in this County, Thundermite, Southend Sunday and Saturday, Sceptre and the Essex Intermediate (yes I haven't always been a fat *******).

And the thing I've learnt about the Sceptre League (the one your playing in next season?) especially in the bottom division is the only way to win games is to have a big lump in the centre of the park who can kick people about a bit.

Stick your strongest tackler in the centre mid role with someone alongside him who can do all the running and skillful part. And just give the big f**ker the chance to go in hard on a few people (fairly mind you). You'll notice that a lot of the opposition will then think twice about the tackles, win this battle and it will make life a hell of a lot easier.

Secondly, one thing I noticed about todays game was you're all too nice. A couple of times I noticed some strong challenges and then people saying sorry and stuff. It's a man's game get on with it. You don't win anything for being nice (I know this was a friendly) but start as you mean to go on, trust me no one will want to be your mate in a league game.

Back to footballing terms, some peoples kicking is appauling. No height and no power almost Maher-esque in places http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Seriously though something to be worked on. However, not all is bad you've got some good players who have a good touch.

Snowy as always was leading with a strong tackle (would be my choice for centre mid hard ******* role if he could be replaced at the back) and Twinkle looked like he could play a bit as well.

My final thought, I always thought the rumours that Barry minced when he ran was a legend but having seen it in the flesh it was the funiest thing of the game. That and when I told Patsy to noble their defender at which point he put him into obrit. Whoops!

Chin up lads it will come!

[* ORM *]

Quote[/b] (McScriven @ Jan. 25 2004,20:43)]Quote 1 - the thing I've learnt about the Sceptre League (the one your playing in next season?)

Quote 2 - Stick your strongest tackler in the centre mid role with someone alongside him who can do all the running and skillful part. Snowy as always was leading with a strong tackle (would be my choice for centre mid hard ******* role if he could be replaced at the back)

Quote 3 - one thing I noticed about todays game was you're all too nice. A couple of times I noticed some strong challenges and then people saying sorry and stuff. It's a man's game get on with it.

Quote 4 - Back to footballing terms, some peoples kicking is appauling. No height and no power almost Maher-esque in places http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Seriously though something to be worked on.

Quote 5 - I've played in every league pretty much in this County, Thundermite, Southend Sunday and Saturday, Sceptre and the Essex Intermediate (yes I haven't always been a fat *******).
Dave,

We welcome all comments from everyone - I've jumbled yours up a bit - my comments as follows

Quote 1 - Still not decided yet - original plans to join Southend Sunday but I'm impressed with the current Sceptre league set up - and none of them have their heads stuck up their arses. We've had plenty of enquiries just for being mentioned on their website

Quote 2 - This is a lesson the youth need to learn (and they will) - Snowy has the qualities but is too old for the role - sorry skipper - believe me I dropped out of centre mid 3 years ago. Oh and for god's sake don't tell Snowy he's any good http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Quote 3 - another lesson for the youths - mens football is a different game entirely - and you are more likely to get hurt backing out of a challenge.

Quote 4 - fully agree with you - one for Unc to sort out at training.

Quote 5 - Irrelevant bragging will get ya nowhere but OK here goes lol http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif - not necessarily in chronological order - Southend Junior, South East Essex Sunday, Sceptre, Southend Sunday League, Borough Combination, Southend District, Essex Intermediate, London Banks League, London Old Boys, Southern Amatuer League, South Hertfordshire, Enfield and Edmonton Sunday league oh and London Stock Exchange Cup Winner twice - I think that just about covers it.

Overall a fair assessment of our qualities as well. We ARE almost there - I think we're two/three positions short of having a team that will win most games in a league next year. There are a number of players that can play in 3 or 4 positions, and I bet they didnt think they could six months ago. Centre mid berths are both still up for grabs and we need a Benjy in our team up front.

[McScriven]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Jan. 25 2004,22:00)]Quote 5 - Irrelevant bragging will get ya nowhere but OK here goes lol http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif - not necessarily in chronological order - Southend Junior, South East Essex Sunday, Sceptre, Southend Sunday League, Borough Combination, Southend District, Essex Intermediate, London Banks League, London Old Boys, Southern Amatuer League, South Hertfordshire, Enfield and Edmonton Sunday league oh and London Stock Exchange Cup Winner twice - I think that just about covers it.
Yeah but you're an old ******* and my "career" was cut short!

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[The General]

To be honest you can always improve the team in every position but we do lack cover in the central areas of the pitch (defence, midfield and attack). I reckon we currently have about 6/7 players guaranteed a game week in, week out (no names mentioned of course) with 5/6 good squad players. The rest can become good/better players with hardwork, effort and determination. The whole team lost its shape IMO, people may be blaming the midfield (which was fair enough in some cases) but it always seems the case. Now both me and Al werent feeling very well today, and although it might sound like an excuse ........ well f**k it, it is. It affected my game very badly and wasn't one of my better games but i did OK. At times i didnt really want the ball due to feeling sh*tty. The half time thing was a bit OTT, it does affect some people but those with belief in their ability, it doesnt affect.

The problem is that everyone is trying to prove themselves. OK, that might not be a bad thing, but dont try and show off while doing it. I know for a fact that the message board doesn't help but i suppose its good for us to be honest (but not to honest) to each other. Probably doesnt help due to the lack of games either. Lets get September round a.s.a.p and get started ...

Ciao,

Kev

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Shrimpersarmy]

Very disappointed after the game today, not just for the team performance but on a personal level as well.

I think we just need games week in, week out. In the first half it seemed like we were a team of strangers, and that is probabaly because we havent played for over a month.

Dan.

[McScriven]

Here's Mr B cooly slotting home his penalty though:

http://www.shrimperzone.com/pics/szmatch/mrb.jpg

[The General]

Whats the GK doing on his knee's!?

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[* ORM *]

Kev,

No-ones blaming the midfield for anything. These games are learning curves for all of us and when you play at the back you can see everything that goes on. Not picking players up from throw ins is not acceptable though. Players should not need to be told - u should automatically be thinking about what you are doing to defend the set piece. These things will come - I have patience http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[The General]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Jan. 25 2004,23:11)]Not picking players up from throw ins is not acceptable though. Players should not need to be told - u should automatically be thinking about what you are doing to defend the set piece.
I know that wasn't directed towards me but i get your point......

We've all got our strengths and weaknesses and the weaknesses are going to exist. That is why we are playing at the level we are. Everyone has to accept that. Mind you, there were 1 or 2 people who kept 'spooning' the ball, it isn't hard chaps!

Kev

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[* ORM *]

On the plus side again, and more proof of the progress we have made. I went into the game yesterday seriously expecting us to win, rather than hoping for it. I was still confident at half time and at 4-3 I still felt we could go on and win it.

We've still got plenty of time to iron out the faults and get working better as a team.

First things first. The short period of the game I reffed, I could only give the decisions as I saw them. Tackling is part of the game, and I cant give a free kick every time someone makes a tackle. I know myself and snowy could have argued all day about the second goal, and Big Al may have got an accidenatl elbow in the build up.
If he did, I missed it, all I saw was one guy jumping for a header and several static defenders.
Well done to the guys who took the reffing over from me, you certainly did a good job.

One final thing, the second half was much much better from you guys, and your fitness work is definately starting to pay off.

[steveh1510]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Jan. 25 2004,22:00)]Quote[/b] (McScriven @ Jan. 25 2004,20:43)]Quote 2 - Stick your strongest tackler in the centre mid role with someone alongside him who can do all the running and skillful part. Snowy as always was leading with a strong tackle (would be my choice for centre mid hard ******* role if he could be replaced at the back)


Quote 2 - This is a lesson the youth need to learn (and they will) - Snowy has the qualities but is too old for the role - sorry skipper - believe me I dropped out of centre mid 3 years ago. Oh and for god's sake don't tell Snowy he's any good http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
On a much, much better day than yesterday, I can do that role, I'll try and prove that in training http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[BARRY HARRIS]

McSriven your so funny (not !!!!!!). can't wait to see you rolling the pitch with your fat body http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif? fancy running running 10 miles with me one day, I am sure you could run for around 10 sec if you lucky.:p

[steveh1510]

Quote[/b] (BARRY HARRIS @ Jan. 26 2004,10:06)]running running 10 miles
Is that 20 miles? *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[McScriven]

Unfortunately Barry I have trouble walking down the aisle of the supermarket without nearly falling over let alone running 10 miles. It was only meant as a jovel **** take, I admire you guys for being able to play on a Sunday I'd give anything to be able to do that again.

[Leeboy]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Jan. 25 2004,19:52)]I also brought Barry and Steve on taking on Al and Leeboy (this was particularly harsh on Leeboy but I needed to change the balance of the team).
Hey, no problem Gaffer.

I'll be the first to admit that I was struggling in an un-familiar role.Being right footed but playing on the left I was always going to be caught out on my wrong side by their nippy forward.

But I'm not making excuses, I'm just happy to play where-ever.
I would rather experiment with the team in friendlies than in the League next season.

I think in the first half we panicked when we received the ball, as Hockley were going in hard we tried to just get rid of it instead of playing it thru the midfield or out wide.

Second half was much better, we used Dan on the wing a lot more and the midfield started to gel a bit better.

Great goal by the Snow, another surging run thru the middle of the pitch and a great lob over their keeper!

Barry just stuck his arse out and hoped for the best http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Well done B for stepping up for the pen, not a great one but who cares, it went in.

I genuinely believe that with regular friendlies, rather than one a month, we'll finally find a starting eleven that will "click".

Oh, and well done Shags for taking out Benjy - he had it coming http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Snowy]

Ok, first things first - Benjy, I would like to apologise for the abuse I gave you during your period of reffing (think I owe you a beer). It is not an easy job, I have done it myself and suffered similar abuse, and therefore should have known better. I can only blame it on my passion for the game, which maybe a few others on the pitch were lacking.

The game as a whole was ok, a few positive points and a few negatives. The positives was our attitude when we went behind, to fight back to 4-3 and look like we had a shout was excellent. If we had taken a couple of our earlier chances it may have been a totally different game! The negative aspects including me kicking and abusing the ref, was certain people lack of commitment to make challenges and hold position. At times we were being pulled apart.

Finally, well done to everyone who made the effort to come along and support, it's really great to hear people cheering you on. We appreciate the great support.

MOTM - IMHO ORM, battled the whole game and never put a foot wrong. Good decision to play yourself IMO.

[dave]

Sorry i let you all down again boys.
Dunno whats up, i bang em away in training, and missed two sitters again yesterday. I apologise especially to Snowy and Dan who laid on the two gilt edgded chances.

Dave

Quote[/b] (Snowy @ Jan. 26 2004,13:22)]Ok, first things first - Benjy, I would like to apologise for the abuse I gave you during your period of reffing (think I owe you a beer). It is not an easy job, I have done it myself and suffered similar abuse, and therefore should have known better. I can only blame it on my passion for the game, which maybe a few others on the pitch were lacking.
Not a problem my friend. As I said at the time, it was getting a bit out of hand, so a change was probably the best thing. Nothing was taken personally and its all forgotton.

Although you may think that was my least enjoyable part of the day, being sat on by Shagster was up there with it......

[Snowy]

Quote[/b] (dave @ Jan. 26 2004,13:37)]Sorry i let you all down again boys.
Dunno whats up, i bang em away in training, and missed two sitters again yesterday. I apologise especially to Snowy and Dan who laid on the two gilt edgded chances.

Dave
Dave, do not worry, the main thing is that we are creating chances. At the moment nearly everyone is missing match practice, and as soon as you eventually score, then that will give you confidence to grab quite a few more.
Keep plugging away mate, it will come.

Thought you and Rob played well together up front.

[dave]

I hope its soon Snowy, for the teams sake!!
I would have been well up to take the penalty if i had scored either of them earlier chances, but the thought jus made my legs turn all heavy, wierd!

Well done to Mr B's for having the bottle!

Dave

[east stand drummer boy]

Quote[/b] (McScriven @ Jan. 25 2004,22:57)]Here's Mr B cooly slotting home his penalty though:

http://www.shrimperzone.com/pics/szmatch/mrb.jpg
What a great decision by myself a bit jubious (cr*p spelling) though.

What times next weeks training?

[steveh1510]

Quote[/b] (east stand drummer boy @ Jan. 26 2004,14:13)]Quote[/b] (McScriven @ Jan. 25 2004,22:57)]Here's Mr B cooly slotting home his penalty though:

http://www.shrimperzone.com/pics/szmatch/mrb.jpg
What a great decision by myself a bit jubious (cr*p spelling) though.

What times next weeks training?
There must be an encroachment there - look how close there player is to the goal - he's level with B! http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Napster]

Quote[/b] (steveh1510 @ Jan. 26 2004,14:20)]Quote[/b] (east stand drummer boy @ Jan. 26 2004,14:13)]Quote[/b] (McScriven @ Jan. 25 2004,22:57)]Here's Mr B cooly slotting home his penalty though:

http://www.shrimperzone.com/pics/szmatch/mrb.jpg
What a great decision by myself a bit jubious (cr*p spelling) though.

What times next weeks training?
There must be an encroachment there - look how close there player is to the goal - he's level with B! *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
And look at Barry ready to pounce!

[east stand drummer boy]

I see what you meam but we scored!!!

Great reffereing!

I could do better than sum i have seen at the hall this year.

[steveh1510]

Quote[/b] (Napster @ Jan. 26 2004,14:31)]Quote[/b] (steveh1510 @ Jan. 26 2004,14:20)]Quote[/b] (east stand drummer boy @ Jan. 26 2004,14:13)]Quote[/b] (McScriven @ Jan. 25 2004,22:57)]Here's Mr B cooly slotting home his penalty though:

http://www.shrimperzone.com/pics/szmatch/mrb.jpg
What a great decision by myself a bit jubious (cr*p spelling) though.

What times next weeks training?
There must be an encroachment there - look how close there player is to the goal - he's level with B! *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
And look at Barry ready to pounce!
I think thats me on the far left - I'd have beaten him to it *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

BTW, Dave, is there any more pictures?

[McScriven]

Yeah there is but that was all I could be bothered to upload. I might do a few more tonight but most of them were for the new look SZ.

[dave]

I didnt even run in, as i was was fully confident in Mr B's ability!

Dave

[The General]

Quote[/b] (dave @ Jan. 26 2004,16:08)]I didnt even run in, as i was was fully confident in Mr B's ability!

Dave
Same here. Or are we just lazy *******s!!

Kev

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[dave]

Meh!
Im the lanky one leaning at a fair angle, just to the right of Mr B.

Dave

[hockleyshrimper]

A huge improvement to the last time we played you, well done.

Now i have to say something that is bothering me. We all know Benji is a very good player, but i dont think he made that much of a difference. The two goals he scored were a total of 5 yards out, one an open goal, and the other a header on the line which was going in anyway. if you start beating us THEN we bring Benji on and win, you may have a valid point.

[MrB]

Cheers Tone, don't feel I played as well as against Sutton but then that probably goes for the whole team. Still feeling my way around in defence as have never played there in my life but hoping I can make a regular job of it, be it full back or centre back.

As for the game, though the score and maybe the performance weren't what we were hoping for, I prefer to look at it in a direct comparison to the games we were playing towards the end of last year. At times now we're really putting some good moves together and creating so many more chances than we were before. I for one am sure that the moment Dave bangs one in he'll start scoring for fun as the pace he (and Rob) have is exactly what you need to frighten a defence. Sure we could have done better and been more committed but the fact we're dejected from going down 6-3 instead of 15-1 (or whatever it was) shows we're really getting somewhere.

Another promising aspect that nobody has mentioned is the commitment of the team as a whole. So many new teams get going and then fold after 6 months as players drift away and they struggle to field a team. We had something like 18 players there with others missing and that will be invaluable come the start of next season when it comes to the crunch.

Looking forward to the next game....

PS. Yes, the penalty was rubbish, I was going for low in the far corner. I would like to say it was the tufty nature of teh pitch and the fact that the penalty spot was in a divot but I won't http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Still, it went in, I've always had confidence when it comes to penalties and I'd like to hope that come the next one you'll let me have another go to show I can do it right.

Quote[/b] (hockleyshrimper @ Jan. 26 2004,17:27)]A huge improvement to the last time we played you, well done.

Now i have to say something that is bothering me. We all know Benji is a very good player, but i dont think he made that much of a difference. The two goals he scored were a total of 5 yards out, one an open goal, and the other a header on the line which was going in anyway. if you start beating us THEN we bring Benji on and win, you may have a valid point.
Please - 7 yards out, and I never tapped it, firm side foot, and your cross was going wide..... probably

[* ORM *]

Apologies in advance for the Benji bumlicking session that follows here but :-

The difference Benjy made was his ability to read the play and if necessary drop off a couple of yards to receive the ball. He made defenders - (me included) commit themselves or at least be drawn out of position enough to enable a simple ball to be played to someone else, usually in plenty of space.

He's amongt the best I've seen at this level for a long time and is not doing himself justice either with SZFC or Hockley playing games at this level.

I suspect there are some games where Benji doesn't get a sniff of goal, but I'll bet he'll have made a strong contribution somewhere along the line in the game.

[* ORM *]

Quote[/b] (MrB @ Jan. 26 2004,17:48)]Still feeling my way around in defence as have never played there in my life but hoping I can make a regular job of it, be it full back or centre back.
I keep saying to people I'm going to try them out in positions they didn't think they were suited to. It's not going to work for everyone but you certainly did not look out of place.

[* ORM *]

Quote[/b] (Snowy @ Jan. 26 2004,13:22)]MOTM - IMHO ORM, battled the whole game and never put a foot wrong. Good decision to play yourself IMO.
http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Honoured and flattered. I really was undecided until about 10.00 between me and Mr B for centre half.

But I certainly wouldn't go so far as to say I didn't put a foot wrong. There were a couple of things I could have done much better. I lost my man a couple of times from corners, I was too soft in a couple of tackles, some of my goalkicks were poo (but this shouldn't be my job!), a couple of my clearances went straight to the opposition and I got caught out of position a couple of times (as Bob C reminded me vocally at least once http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif - but I was thankful for it).

All I can say is the legs and stomach may have seen much better days but my enthusiasm for the game gets stronger as I get older.

[Bob Cratchitt]

Looks like when my ribs settle I will have to get some serious training in, to get my place back or i just nobble Tone and Col, so Giles can play as CB. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Badger]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Jan. 25 2004,19:52)]Firstly thanks a lot ESDB, Shrek and Benji for the reffing.

I don't blame Benj for jacking the reffing in - its not an easy job at the best of times. We're gonna have to learn quick lessons next season - it doesn't matter if he is right or wrong if the referee gives or doesn't give a decision we have to live with it.
If I could offer a little word of advice:-

I have refereed local games in Essex for over 5 years. It is never an easy job. I found there was 1 team that gave me the worst trouble and "dissent" and that was my own team.

You have to be 100% impartial. There have been several occasions where I have had to book my own players for arguing against decisions.

There is only 1 rule when it comes to playing football - the referee is always right. It is a matter of opinion and the only way you learn is by getting booked and missing games for arguing. It took my team a season to understand this simple rule - play to the whistle. At the end of the day the fine you pay goes to Essex F.A - not the ref, so he will book as many players as he needs to.

You have to remember you have an "amateur" in the middle of the park on a Sunday - games you see on telly have four "professional" referees in attendance, making things a damn sight easier than when it's a Sunday league game and your getting paid £20!!!

[Napster]

ps too many players had their hands on their hips on Sunday. That shows a lack of alertness/enthusiasm.