Locks Heath 0 v 3 Lordshill Church - 27/11/2010 - Solent League 1
On a bitterly cold day, Lordshill arrived at Henry Cort School to face newly promoted and second in the table Locks Heath. Lordshill new this was a must win game after the horrors of what happened two weeks before against Above Bar.

With Jose playing cops and robbers, the tactics board was passed to Dale (Avram) for his first experience in the dugout. He was straight in at the deep end, trying to control the dressing room and dealing with Lordshills pampered stars. His first real problem arose when Louis discovered he had forgotten his hair band, the dressing room fell silent and looked on to see how our temperamental European would react to such an oversight, thankfully Avram stepped in with an arm around the shoulder and a few calming words and Louis was good to go.

As the team went through their pre-match rituals, applying layers of deep heat to everywhere physically possible (Jon), Rob unveiled his new boots, clearly feeling we don’t mock him enough, he pulled out a lovely brand new pair of white and pink boots… enough said….

Avrams team talk short but to the point, he focused mainly on re-building Rikki’s confidence after it had been shattered in the previous game, by informing him that if he made one mistake today he would be substituted immediately. Although it was a different approach to management Rikki took this inspirational team talk on board.

We headed out in a vain attempt to warm up in the minus conditions, and on very small pitch, where the groundsman clearly got either bored or cold when cutting the grass and thought he would just cut around the markings and leave the rest of the pitch.

The staring line up was: Rikki, Ash, Ross, Ian B, Doc, Louis, Andy C, Danny, Ian T, Jamie B, Rob, On the bench was Jon, Mike and Dale.

Lordshill got the game underway, and the opening exchanges were pretty even with Locks Heath playing some nice football, but struggling to create anything in the last third, as Lordshill defended strongly catching the Locks Heath forwards offside countless times.

In the tenth minute again after catching a Locks Heath player off side, Lordshill took the lead. The free kick was taken quickly, with a perfect 40 yard ball finding Rob in space, he took one touch before his new boots took over and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 18 yards.

Lordshill built on this lead, and started to control the game and create more chances, with a quickly taken free kick down the left wing Ian T delivered a perfect cross straight across the six yard box, but know one could get a finishing touch.

Lordshills next chance came when Jamie charged down the Locks Heath goal keeper and the ball fell to Rob on the edge of the box, with the whole goal to aim at, Rob having changed his boots from the ones he scored so spectacularly with earlier, desperately tried to get the ball onto is favored left foot but by the time he did the chance was gone.

Half time came with Lordshill one up. Avram was pretty pleased with what he had seen in the first half, but reminded us we could not afford to keep missing chances. He made just one change, Mike coming on for the injured Danny.

Locks Heath kicked of the second half, and made there intentions clear from the off, peppering the Lordshill goal with shots from distance, which Rikki performed heroics to keep several from nestling in the top corners.

Locks Heath continued to pile on the pressure and for 20 minutes they threw everything they had at Lordshill, with out creating any clear cut chances. With Lordshill struggling to retain possession they dug in and defended from front to back like warriors keeping their one goal lead intact.

Louis sitting in front of the back three, hair flowing freely began to take control of the midfield, repeatedly intercepting Locks Heath passes and retaining possession, allowing Lordshill to get back into the game.

With 10 minutes to go, Lordshill broke quickly from a Locks Heath corner. The ball fell to Andy C and he quickly moved forward from the Lordshill penalty area and released Jon (now on for Rob) with a perfectly flighted ball. With the goal keeper rushing from his goal, Jon expertly bent the ball around him first time with the outside of his right foot for his first goal of the season, classic counter attacking football. Cue the celebrations from ecstatic Lordshill players as the Locks Heath players slumped knowing they had thrown everything they had a Lordshill but to no avail.

The last 10 minutes was played out with Lordshill keeping the ball well and playing out time, again they broke quickly and the ball fell to Jon on the edge of the box, before he could get his shot away the defender slide in with a perfectly timed tackle. However the ball fell to Doc on the right wing, who had been running tirelessly up down the wing all game, showing no signs of working the whole night, delivered a pin point ball to the back post for Jamie Baxter to head into the empty net, 3–0 and game over.

The remaining couple of minutes were taken up with Ash rolling round next to the corner flag, pretending to be hurt whilst everyone else on the pitch froze waiting for him to man up and to get up….

The final whistle went with Lordshill taking all 3 points, and although Locks Heath didn’t deserve to lose 3-0, Lordshill produced a perfect away performance, defending strongly and playing on the counter attack.

Man of the Match goes to both Louis, who despite his set back before the game rolled back the years and performed a master class in center midfield, and Rikki, who received a lot of stick after the last game but bounced back with the help of Avrams inspirational words and performed heroically between the sticks to keep a clean sheet.

Roll on Romsey!!!

Lordshill Church 1 v 2 Above Bar- 13/11/2010 - Solent League 1
Lordshill welcomed Above Bar to the Oasis Accamedy, for which are always good hard games between the two teams. The groundsman had worked through the night to ensure the hallowed turf was fit to play on, and what a sterling job they had done.

Lordshill had a good squad to choose from once again. The team started with: Riki, Ross, Ryan, Baxter, Biggsy, Ian T, Dale, Danny, Luis, Doc and John T. With Ash, Rob and Joseph on the bench to start.Above Bar only had 10 men available but thet were still up for a game.

The game kicked off at 1030 and Above bar certainly had the better of the possesion, winning most 50's and getting the 2nds too. Lordshill were very lathergic in their play and their approach in general to the game.

Lordshill were on the back foot completely and Above Bar, although a man down certainly approached the game to fight for every ball and try and win the game.

As the half wore on, Lordshill slowly got themself's into it. Most of the creativity came from Danny in the middle of the park. He was showing for the ball, always wanting it and was using it well, constantly finding Doc down the right who was also really getting into the game.

The problem seemed to be that Lordshill would produce good passages of play, get good balls in the box from Doc and Ian - only for John to be the only player wanting to get into the box.

Lordshill seemed to be terrified of committing players forward to push the game forward for some reason. Above bar to their credit were ready to throw themself's in front of every Lordshill attack, and when they got the ball - they also looked to get forward and support their lone striker.

The half came to a close with the two teams deadlocked at 0 - 0.

Lordshill came in for the half time team talk by Jose. The message was to get the ball over the Above bar full backs, using our wingers speed and then to get more men forward in support, instead of standing on their heels waiting for something to happen.

The teams came out early, eager to get the 2nd half underway. Only one change by Jose - Rob on up front for John. Lordshill actually started well and were now starting to play some good football. Danny again seemed to be the catalyst, constantly finding Ian and Doc who were both doing exactly what had been asked of them, getting down the lines and geting balls in the box.

Lordshill were starting to have more pressure - all credit to Above Bar though, who continued to challenge for every ball and you would not know they only had 10 men as they matced Lordshill in every department.

Jose brought on Ash for Baxter and Joseph for Louis. Eager to try and get more life and intensity into their play. Lordshill were now creating chances. Ian having a shot, which hit the angle (two games running now). Danny making runs into the box, letting a shot go. Only for the keeper to make a fine save and then Danny spoon the rebound (apparantly it bobbled on his left peg). Ross had a couple of long range efforts, which were some what better than Luis earlier free kick in the game - which almost went out for a throw in.

Lordshill were also creating chances from corners, Ian was putting some great balls into the box, twice they dropped for Ryan, woops - not the quickest feet in the world and the old clubber lang defender couldnt find a way through the packed bodies.

Jose made another change and brought Louis back on for Biggsy. Shortly after on 80 minutes Lordshill finally found a way through. Ian with another great ball in, watched all the way by Ross - who slid in at the back post to fire the ball into the roof of the net. 1 - 0 Lordshill.

With 10 minutes to go, that should surely be game over.

Full credit to Above Bar, there heads did not go down and they kept battling for everything. Lordshill were playing the game out with Danny holding the ball up well in the far corner.

Lordshill moved the ball through the team and Dale lost possession, the ball broke to the lonely Above bar player, his shirt was tugged by Baxter - free kick given on the edge of the penalty area. Riki set the wall up to defend the same side of te goal he was stood and the Above bar player found the gap and slotted it home. 1 - 1.

Lordshill immediatley went in search of the winner and again got caught on the break. It all seemed very comfortable. Dany had tracked back and was looking at the ball, knowing the player was behind him. Riki advanced from the goal. The whole stadium went silent listening for Riki to either call for it or tell Danny to clear it. Riki unfortunately obvioulsy left his voice at home , the ball looped over his head, and the Above bar player slotted into the open net. 2- 1 to Above bar. 2 minutes left.

Lordshill to their credit went in search of the equaliser and threw everything forward, but to no avail. full time 2 - 1 Above bar.

The whole team was rightly so so dissapointed. Although on reflection the team had the chances to win the game earlier.

Sometimes football is cruel - or very kind if you play for Above Bar this week

Full credit to Above bar

Man of the match goes to Doc and Danny. A mention also for Ian T who again had a good game.

Everyone else - your places are up for grabs - Jose might have to bring his boots for the next match

A mention also for Riki, last week played brilliant, this week played like a one eyed cat in a fish market.

Bring on training and the next match to put it all right.

Lordshill Church 6 v 0 St James- 06/11/2010 - Solent League 1
After a great away win in their last game against Eastleigh, Lordshill entertained the newly promoted St James outfit at the Oasis stadium.
The team started as follows: RIKI, ROSS(C), ASH, BIGGSY, IAN T, DALE, CHANCEY, LUIS, DANNY, JOHN T, ROB. This left Baxter back from hiswedding, Golding sporting a lovely Mr T hait cut and Doc on the bench.
Jose Wiseman was happy to have such a strong bench to choose from.
Jose sent the team out with instructions to try and start quickly for a change, rather than wait to go 1 - 0 down before they get out of bed.
The game kicked off, Luis back to Danny - he went round one, played a through ball which a defender intercepted and made a right old hash of his back pass to his keeper, Rob pounced ike a wild panther in the jungle to get to the loose ball first and stab it home, 1st minute - 1 - 0 to Lordshill. How was that Jose for a quick start.
More was to come, 5 minutes later Luis tride his best to tackle an opponent, the ball broke for Chancey, he got the right bounce and let loose a lovely right foot shot, with the outside of his right boot from 19 yrds out as the keeper advanced, 2- 0 Lordshill.
Even though Lordshill were 2 - 0 to the good, St James' were actually playing the better 1 and 2 touch football. They broke in numbers and controlled the ball. On 12 minutes St Jame sbroke - they ripped Lordshill apart and there stricker had a great shot, Riki was up to the task, diving down low to his right and tipping it round the post.
It was turning into a very strange game with St James enjoying the better of possession but Lordshill breaking well. On 12 minutes John T held the ball up brilliantly, played a lovely little ball into Rob, Rob played it onto Chancey, who from 20 yrds out drove a shot into the bottom corner. 3 - 0 to Lordshil.
St James continued to play well and did not desreve to be 3 down. They kept probing and again played the ball through Lordshill, another great shot from their forward, only for Riki to save from 6 yrds - great save.
St James were definately still going for it and some excellent tricky play down the right by their forward, turning Ross inside out and upside down (poor old Rossco), great shot which was met by yet another great save from Riki, again tipping it round the post.
On 40 minutes St James hit the Lordshill Post after some awful play - losing posession of the ball it stupid areas.
Lordshill broke from this and went straight up the other end. Luis finding space and putting in a lovely cross which Danny manaed to get on the end off, poking it home. 4 - 0 Lordshill.
Lordshill kept the pressure on with Ian T having a great shot from 35 yards which went just wide - lovely effort son.
On 44 minutes Ian T threw the ball into the St James box, flicked on and again Danny slid in from the far post, catching the ball on the volley, sending into the top corner - great finish Younger.
Half time - 5 - 0 to Lordshill.
Jose Wiseman made a couple of changes at half time to improve thebalance of the team bringin on Baxter and Doc with Luis and Danny (didnt get his hat trick) taking a break.
Lordshill came out a little lathargic but were doing enough jsut to see the game out now.
Lordshill were playing some good football even though they clearly had taken their foot off the gas. Some lovely pressure fromt the team led to the ball breaking for Ian T who let fly with a scud missile which cannoned back of the angle.
On 55 minutes Baxter made great progress down the right, played a lovely little onto Dale, A Sth Jame splayer took a swan dive at his feet, Dale poked it onto chancey who had a look, selected the pitch wedge from his club bag and lofted it over the keeper from 35 yrds - Not a bad efforst my son.
Golding looking like Mr T made his entrance with Biggsy making way. Every time Golding took a throw in, it seeed to brush his big Mr T afro hair.
The game went a little flat and Jose wanted to liven things up. Jose introduced himself with Rob making way.
The old legs were a bit a rusty and a St James player tested Jose's pace down the line. Jose was like Usain bolt, running him down and winning the ball.
Lordshill seemed to step it up now with Jose conducting things. John T held the ball up and laid it off for Jose. Jose saw glory and let loose from what must have been 40yrds (maybe 20) for the rasper to only go about an inch wide (Ok maybe 10 foot wide).
Doc unleashed a shot from 35 yrds to see his effort go very high wide and not so pretty.
The game was played out with Lordshill running out 6 - o winners. Dany got th kit to clean for not completing his hat trick.
Man of the match was Jose - but as i can not give it to myself, Ian Thurston gets the honours today.