9 December 2012 GroundHoppers 5 – Vista 1 (Senior Division)
Hoppers started the game with a good tempo and within a minute forced the Vista keeper into a save. Nick Atkins slotted a ball inside the full back and Drew Huggins latched onto it inside the box and the keeper was smartly down to save for a corner. Ross Simmonds nearly capitalised from the corner but flashed his shot wide. Within the first ten minutes GH had set the pattern of the first half although shots on goal were from distance. The slippery top surface provided several scary moments and Visa themselves had one good opportunity which narrowly missed the post. Both teams were playing some attractive football deserving of the top division however it was Hoppers who took the lead in the 22nd minute. Terral Allen showed great persistence around the edge of the box robbing the defender and when the ball broke to Drew he looked to have lost possession at least twice but his own persistence was rewarded when he drove past the keeper. Hoppers double the lead five minutes later when a long throw from Elliot Parmenter was allowed to travel too far and appeared to be fumbled by the keeper but Tezza bravely stuck out the boot and tapped home. It was a shame for the away keeper as over the whole ninety minutes he did more than anyone to keep Vista in the game with a string of fine saves. Vista continued to play on the deck however it was a series of mishaps and slips in the six yard box from a corner that saw Vista reduce the deficit from close range at the far post on 36 minutes. GH responded positively, before Vista had a chance to capitalise on any doubts, with a goal that started at the back minutes later. The pace of the break with a ball from Dave Rose out of defence finding Rob Wickenden whose diagonal defence splitting ball was as good as Tezza’s run, taking the ball in his stride and beat the keeper from the edge of the box. Their keeper made good saves from Lawrence Thompson and Ross Simmonds, whilst Jamie Tulloch in the home goal also made one excellent save at the other end, yet still Hoppers had time to add a fourth before half time; another great flowing move and finish. Rosey again showed excellent footwork around the box but Tezza still looked like he had too much to do but is turn and instant shot wrong footed the keeper to complete his hat-trick. HT 4-1. Hoppers really didn’t want the half to end whilst they had so much momentum however when Nick had an early opportunity to extend the lead it looked as if they were to continue where they left off. To Vista’s great credit this was not the case and they dominated large parts of the half and put the Hopper’s defence under enormous pressure and the fact that they didn’t score was down to as much poor finishing and bad luck as it was some good defending. One fantastic drive crashed against the post with Jamie beaten and when it looked like it was easier for the forward to score yards out in the centre of the goal his touch saw the ball clear the bar. Whilst Vista were in control of the half I would say that GH breaks and general play going forward had the edge over Vista’s first half opportunities and again the keeper made a couple of smart saves. As tiredness started to show fresh legs were introduced with Matt Searle and Scott Hillyard replacing Rob and Nick and close to the final whistle Steve ‘Steamer’ Canfield for Tezza. As the final minutes ticked down Hoppers finished off an excellent all round performance. Steve ‘Puffing Billy’ Evans found one last ounce of energy to switch the ball intelligently to Dave who kept the ball moving for Steamer to overlap and cross swiftly and found Drew in space but again the keeper save but Drew managed to touch the ball wide and from an acute angle Matt lashed the ball home from a narrow angle. FT 5-1.
Back to winning ways for Hoppers and importantly the goals that had been lacking from good performances. Tulloch, Parmenter, Christou, Simmonds Thompson, Wickenden, Evans, Rose, Atkins, Huggins, Allen, Sub Hillyard Canfield, Searle. |
18 November 2012 Hatcham 2 - GroundHoppers 2 (Senior Division)
Back to league duty after a sortie into North London. This was already a return fixture having met hatch in Game 1 this season which saw, in retrospect, a disappointing draw with current Kent Senior Cup holders given the number of good chances missed. Time to put matters right………..wrong. This was more of the same. Hoppers dominated, what a times, looked a make-shift side from Hatcham albeit three subs. The keeper was, to be kind, out of his depth and began by gifting a chance to Terral Allen, who unfortunately played a one-two straight back to him. Surely this wasn’t to be more of the same. Oh Yes. Hoppers played some very good football as we have come to expect this season whether across the back, through midfield or some delightful 40-50 yard balls to feet. All that was missing was the end product. This wasn’t through a lack of effort, the movement and work rate of the front two and two wide players was great, but you cannot disguise the fact that missed chances are starting to cost the team. Much of the passing was intelligent, creative and clever and it’s clear that on their day GH can match any side and enjoy plating to boot. So as scripted Hatcham went one up with a wonder goal from ex Crystal Palace man Ashley R, with a thunderous drive that left everyone gaping. There was an immediate response with Matt Searle narrowly missing the far post but it took another ten minutes before GH started to dominate in the same fashion again. The centre-back (skipper) for Hatcham looked a class act and he was instrumental in creating much of what Hatcham did do with either foot. But just as dominant as Hoppers were it was Hatcham who came closest to scoring with another cracking drive with thumped back off the bar. The half ended with another dozen pink shirts around the pitch as another game involving Hatcham’s Premier League Met side got abandoned – which was to prove pivotal. HT 0-1. The other side’s keeper had been placed on the team shet on a ‘just in case basis’ and he took the field for the second half. Whether as a result or not the centre back moved into midfield and Hatcham were far more creative although it was always the long ball that looked more dangerous as they got number forward swiftly. They looked more comfortable at the back probably benefitting from the keeper’s presence. Script….Hoppers equalise. Some good talking at the back between Simon Christou and Ross Simmonds allowed Ross time to move the ball forward finally finding Steve Evans. Making ground he picked a pass to Matt Searle who had drawn wide and his pin=point cross found a grateful Drew Huggins to head home powerfully giving the keeper no chance. Hoppers possession started to diminish as it did last week with careless and sloppy passing which gave Hatcham opportunities that should have arisen as well as confidence. Hatcham again hit the woodwork with Jamie being caught away from his line with a cross more likely but a drive to the near post saw him scrambling across before the ball hit the post for a goal kick. Still it was the long ball was troublesome and with time running out it was Hatcham who took the lead with a ball forward more in hope than expectation. The usually reliable defence faltered and they capitalised (with a suspicion of holding) by driving under the keep from the edge of the box. Shades of last week when I said heads can drop. Hatcham tried to play possession football with GH driving forward. Evo narrowly missed the far post with one drive and Ross headed home only to have the goal disallowed for offside. Better sides can give up with such fortune but they kept plugging away and when Hatcham needlessly ceded possession deep into the hoppers half, GH broke with pace and were rewarded with a penalty awarded for hand ball. Manager Dave Rose took responsibility and hit home the penalty with the keeper going the wrong way. Still time for both sides to have a late chance. The Hatcham skipper hit a beautiful drive from fully thirty yards which Jamie did well to get to but also managed to control and a swift throw broke another break which nearly saw Hoppers nick the points in injury time FT 2-2.
Whilst Hatcham hit the wood work twice, and hoppers equalised late, this has to be viewed as points dropped in the context of missed first half opportunities. Tulloch, Canfield, Christou, Simmonds Thompson, Wickenden, Evans, Rose, Huggins, Allen, Searle. Sub Hooley, Atkins, Hillyard |
11 November 2012 Clapton Rangers 2 - GroundHoppers 1 (London Challenge Cup)This game was cancelled from the previous week which as timing turned out was unfortunate with Evans, Simmonds, Wickenden and Burgess all missing and Dave was
down to Harry’s bare bones. That said there are no weaknesses in the side hence he can always put out a good side. The issue, as it turned out, was lack of options when the game is going against you. Hoppers started brightly and CR struggled a little to close our midfield down on the Hackney Marshes show pitch which was in very good condition and a first class surface, but very expansive. Simon Christou, who I thought had a very good game throughout won a good deal of possession and Dave Rose was able to capitalise and distribute either wide or through to Matt Searle or Terral Allen who held the ball up well for the oncoming midfield or Drew Huggins wide right. The first opportunity fell to Drew but his cross was met by the first defender and CR broke with alarming speed on the left with a well placed ball over the defence. Fortunately the resulting cross was too strong. That was generally the pattern for the first twenty minutes, Hoppers creating to feet and CR looking for the speedy break. Normally this would play to Hoppers strength with the pacey Lawrence Thompson but he struggled with an illness and should perhaps have been subbed but with limited options so early in the game that would have been a big risk and he manfully carried on. The first clear cut chance fell to hoppers with a well crafted move down the right resulting in a superb cross met with a good run from Matt Searle whose header went over the bar. Chances were going to be limited and had to be taken. CR showed signs of getting a foothold in midfield from half way through the period. The ball was played across the back patiently and through midfield and GH fell deeper as they ceded both possession and space. In terms of danger CR still looked far more dangerous on the break but with hoppers deeper this meant little via that route. They forced several corners but keeper Jamie Tulloch dealt with them comfortably and confidently. One sublime ball from CR saw a fifty yard pass pick out the right winger who showed a fantastic first touch but before he could bear down on goal he was ruled offside. Perhaps time to pay tribute to the officials who I though were the best unit I’ve seen for a long while and always showed control, good decision making and authority. Both sides deserve credit for good sportsmanship that perhaps made it easier. HT 0-0. Before any pattern could be established in the second half CR took the lead. Again a quick through ball down the centre saw a straight race between Elliot Parmenter and their centre forward. Elliot showed good pace in recovering but alas his tackle on the edge of the ‘D’ saw a toe ended tackle rocket into the back of the net. CR gained confidence and drain Hoppers for a while and Rangers dominated for periods of the half. On the side line the question was asked “did Hoppers change their boots at half time”, that is to say put the right on the left foot and vice versa as they truly struggled to string three passes together without giving possession away. In honesty it was difficult enough without that. The back four had their work cut out and in general limited CR to few clear cut chances and credit should go to Scott Hillyard, Steve Canfield together with Elliot and Lawrence for dogged resistance. Often unnoticed I thought Jamie’s handling was excellent and in particular two ground shots which ‘stuck’. Hoppers one good chance came from a long free kick from Elliot which Rangers didn’t attack and Tezza had a good opportunity at the far post but his volley hit the side netting. CR eventually extended the lead following a GH counter attack, a misplaced pass, and the break was as swift as it was decisive. Breaking left the move was well crafted and eventually arrived on the edge of the box and a driven shot found its way to the corner of the net. This was now a mountain. Under normal circumstances I would have expected an earlier substitution but with the possibility of both injuries and extra time (at 1-0) risks couldn’t be taken. At 2-0 the picture was different and Paul Hooley came on for Nick Atkins who had seen less of the ball in the second half after a very good first forty five minutes. I have seen teams fold at this stage but it’s not in Hopper’s DNA so they battled on. Close to the end of the game CR unusually became a little complacent and went to sleep allowing hoppers to pull one back. They showed what could have been with a fast break down the right leaving Dave Rose with a simple tap in at the far post. However he decided to play a one-two with the post but Paul Hooley was on hand to drive in the rebound from close range. There was also one late free kick which again CR didn’t deal with and …….what might have been. Rangers eventually saw out the game for a deserved win on the day. FT 1-2. This was not one of Hoppers brightest days and whilst I normally say you only play as well as you are let today was as much due to their own undoing with ceded possession unnecessarily. I take Rangers to beat Lambeth in the next round before encountering one of the strong Turkish league sides in the quarters in a strong bottom half of the draw. Tulloch, Canfield, Hillyard, Parmenter, Thompson, Atkins, Christou, Rose, Huggins, Allen, Searle. Sub Hooley |
28 October 2012 GroundHoppers 2 – Centresports United 1 (Senior Division)There was a semblance of normality about the start of this game ......... three minutes gone and they hadn't scored! Centresports are a very, very good side and last season's Senior division champions having won the first fourteen games of the season and they were without doubt the most 'complete' side Hoppers had played this year. Every player looked comfortable on the ball and whenever possible they played attractive football using the width extremely well. That said in the early exchanges GH also had a much more balanced look about them and they created a chance in the first minute when Dave Rose had an excellent run down the right and shot past the far post. Some of the tackling was uncompromising, but fair, from both sides albeit one challenge in the air on Ross from their centre forward, Julian, was a bit ‘rustic’. Soon after he had the best chance thus far when he used all his strength to good advantage and rounder the defence but Jamie Tulloch was quickly off his line to smother his shot twelve yards out.
Game on. Both sides had plenty of possession with CS perhaps just edging it, however they certainly used it to better advantage as Hoppers failed to retain possession and wasted hard earned opportunities. Just before the half hour CS took the lead when GH conceded a soft corner which should have been easily cleared. A good ball in was met just inside the far post and the downward header somehow found its way into the top of the net (using all my Arsene Wenger skills – I was unsighted). During the next ten minutes CS forced a series of corners following excellent defending in the main, and whilst some chances arose these were generally from distance and blocked. Hoppers responded well though and settled and got a equaliser which was a little fortuitous although the build up was very good. A good ball found Nick on the edge of the box and his drive took a deflection and spun wickedly in the air to the far post with the keeper stranded near post. Ross Simmonds, who had stayed forward, reacted first and out jumped the recovering keeper from a standing position to head home. For the remainder of the half GH came more into the game and chances were even with the best occurring from a polished cross from Dave Rose, which nearly connected with Matt Searle’s well timed run into the box. HT 1-1. The second half was more mundane (relatively) with a lot of activity from both sides being directed at the officials who in honesty did not have one of their better team games. There was a period on untidiness from both sides with loose balls being the order of the moment. Before the quarter hour Hoppers had their best chance of the half following a quick throw from Jamie which found Nick Atkins near half way and his direct run at the defence, with superb ball control, ended with a near post shot that a defender deflected away for a corner helped by the keeper’s right hand. I though Nick had an excellent game and was the pick of both teams with a high work rate, excellent tackling and general all round control and passing. Over the second half CS edged possession, perhaps more so than the first, and had more direct opportunities that the first half but were wasteful in front of goal although Jamie pulled off one double save on the half hour (sorry Arsene Wenger glasses again so couldn’t see through a packed penalty area) to keep the scores close. CS clearly sensed the game was there for the taking, pushing forward with a high tempo, but found Eliott, Simon, Ross and Lawrence in good form at the back and when that deserted them the odd bit of good fortune. Given the opposition I think most would have settled for the draw but with Sports pressing they left too much space at the back which was superbly exposed in the dying minutes of the allotted ninety. From the back Hoppers broke, the ball eventually found it’s way to Terral Allen in the box, via Rob (who replaced Searley who had too many Kebabs on holiday to last ninety minutes) and Nick, who squared for Drew to wrong foot the keeper and fire home.FT 2-1 I said ‘allotted ninety’ as the referee found eight minutes of injury time and enough free kicks around the Hoppers box to cause some very anxious moments but eventually GH saw out the game. Manager Dave Rose said “there’s no doubt a draw may have been a fairer result but I’ll settle for the three points!” Tulloch, Parmenter, Christou, Simmonds, Thompson, Atkins, Evans, Rose, Huggins, Allen, Searle. Sub Wickenden |
21 October 2012 GroundHoppers 3 – Eltham Town 5 (Senior Division) One goal conceded in five games, five goals conceded in one game – never let it be said that GroundHoppers are boring! Having conceded only one competitive goal all season Hoppers found themselves two down after only three minutes. The set up had a strange look about It without player-manager Dave Rose and Steve Evans, arriving late, and GH started with Scott at the back partnering Ross Simmonds and Elliot Parmenter starting at right back. ET started on the front foot immediately putting GH under pressure and forcing a corner.
The ball look harmless enough, deep, and the resulting header looped goal bound where it finally come to rest in the net at the far stick; how did it happen, still unknown, but should the keeper had done better – perhaps given early season form, yes. Two minutes later and Hoppers found themselves bullied off a through ball and the forward hit an unstoppable drive to find ET two up with three played. Hoppers responded as you would expect with centre back Ross Simmonds twice being denied a goal with goal line clearances before fifteen minutes was on the clock. Great defending but frustrating from the hoppers viewpoint! Soon after Drew found himself through but had no support to convert the opportunity, and the keeper saved the first time effort comfortably, but the writing was on the wall – Hoppers were in the game. Wrong! ET broke, no characteristic challenges and Town extended the lead. Was there anything to choose between the teams? Probably finishing, and so it continued. Hoppers showed no urgency for a Town throw on the half hour, who found space and time and………. four – nil! So far, four chances and four goals. Steve Evans made an entrance just after the half hour, for Paul Hooley struggling with a hamstring strain, although no immediate impact was seen unlike last week. ET could have gone further ahead but for keeper Jamie Tulloch and Hoppers, despite chances, needed the break to regroup. HT 0-4 Eltham are a quality outfit, with two London cups to their credit and the second forty-five was always going to be an uphill struggle and no matter how much confidence you had in their goal scoring ability getting a result always bordered on the insanity side of the brain. Six minutes into the half GH were thrown a life line when an excellent through ball from Rob (Merlin) Wickenden looked to be an odds on keeper ball. Fumble, Drew Huggins didn’t give up the chase, collected, turned and first time curled a left footed shot into the net to deceive the valiant efforts of the covering defender. Hope? Who knows. Oh yes. Another great Merlin ball to Drew, whose fantastic first touch created an opportunity to drive past the keeper 4-2 and game on! Very soon after Drew had a further chance which was saved by the keeper at a comfortable height but would have created a ‘what could have been’scenario. Whilst the game was fairly even for the next ten minute, the best chances fell to Hoppers, whilst ET remained calm in possession from midfield through to forwards, they were edgy at times in defence. Hoppers overdid the pushing forward and ET eventual took advantage when they broke with a man to spare and their calmness going forward paid dividends with a superbly placed shot from outside the box which found the top corner of the net – unstoppable. Game over…………….you’d think. Rosey, whilst not on the pitch, was trying desperately to influence matters and eventually a ‘fluid’ formation, which saw Ross go ‘up top’ with three up front put immense pressure on Town. Generally I thought they weathered the pressure well but despite the three goal advantage hoppers always looked the more likely to score save the personnel advantage from three at the back (or less at times). With minutes to go Rob again was instrumental in the third hoppers goal when he fed Evo, who fed Ross up front, and nobody was going to clear off the line this time. A minute later Drew had a glorious opportunity to reduce the deficit to one but was out of luck and the game was eventually seen out by Town. FT 3-5. The first set back of the season for Hoppers who enter a period of very tough fixtures but the second half fight back says a lot for their resilience and bouncebackability Tulloch, Parmenter, Hillyard, Simmonds, Thompson, Atkins, Christou, Wickenden, Hooley, Huggins, Allen, Sub Rose, Evans |
Farnborough OB Guild 0 – GroundHoppers 2
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The Blues 0 – GroundHoppers 4Wow!
What an opening five minutes. In the first Terral Allen broke through and forced a good save from the keeper and from the resultant corner Blues cleared off the line. Only a minute later a Blues forward couldn’t quite wrap his foot around the ball enough and narrowly missed the post and then by five minutes Tezza had again broken through the ranks, latching onto Rob Wickenden’s ball over the top, and drove underneath the keeper to open the scoring. This led to a good spell for Hoppers, controlling the game with short inter passing on a narrow pitch that caused numerous problems for the Blues but Hoppers were unable to increase the lead despites several opportunities. Past matches have been tight affairs and Blues are too good a team to keep down for ninety minutes and slowly they edged back into the game as GH started to play longer, looser balls and lose the momentum gained at the start and generally their play was more untidy and error strewn. Blues caused numerous problems from set play particularly, forcing a series of corners and (at times questionable) free kicks, yet Jamie had no direct saves to make. Blues looked to have done enough to equalise but Lawrence Thompson was on hand on one occasion to get his body in the way on the line to clear the danger and in a second Ross Simmonds superbly cut out a close range shot. Close to half time with the game settling into a midfield battle, Ross, who was having another quality game broke up play at the back finding Merlin who quickly switched play to Drew Huggins on the right. Drew cut past the covering defender but his left footed drive was high, wide and (not so) handsome. HT 1-0. Blues started the second half the brighter forcing early corners and free kicks but Hoppers soon settled into a sustained period of control reminiscent of the early first half stages. A quickly worked throw and through ball found Drew Huggins on hand at the edge of the box to hit a sweet half volley to double the lead. This again settled GH and they were rarely troubled in truth and at times settled to play some bright attractive football which deserved a goal at times although in honesty would not have been a true reflection of the game at that stage. Matt Searle worked like a Trojan up front and was always a thorn in the Blues side either hassling early passes from defence or nicking balls away to regain Hoppers possession. As the game moved into the final phase another Hoppers goal had an air of inevitability about it. Paul Hooley gave way to Steve Canfield who took up an unaccustomed role in midfield and he took over from Paul harrying the defence into mistakes. With seven minutes to go I though Rob had over-elaborated a couple of moves and so when I started calling for him to once again off load he continued to dribble through midfield (‘now pass’) and continue to the edge of the box (‘….now pass’) and then he unleashed an swerving, dipping drive that the keeper found difficult to follow. 3-0 and that’s why he ignores the advice from the touchline! Hoppers left the piece de resistance to the very end. I failed to count all the passes but it was in excess of twenty that spanned the entire side starting with a long pinpoint ball from keeper Jamie Tulloch to Tezza who controlled instantly and started a series of passes, going left to right and back as well as back to front via the midfield. It culminated with Lawrence once again joining the attack and bursting into the box, making the goal line and threading a pass across the six yard box for a simple tap in for Drew at the back stick. I cannot rave enough about the goal it was simply that good. FT 4-0. This was far from a walk in the park that the result suggests and I have no doubt The Blues will win more games than they lose and present most teams with problems which makes the result all the more impressive. A great result, and another clean sheet. Tulloch, Thompson, Christou, Simmonds, Parmenter, Hooley, Rose, Wickenden, Huggins, Allen, Searle. Subs Burgess & Canfield |
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Baldon Sports 0 – GroundHoppers 0 (Senior Division)
Based on early season results both of these newly promoted sides will be in the mix for honours come the end of the season. Baldon had already whipped last season’s Champions Centresports 5-2 in the league whilst Hoppers had beaten last season’s London Cup Winners Eltham Town in the cup. Baldon had a host of Saturday Senior league players yet it was Hoppers who settled the quickest whilst no side was dominant in the early exchanges. It was at times uncompromising and Steve Evans was the first into the book having been once for hanging on to a player the next challenge whilst not dangerous may have been considered persistent foul play. On the basis of playing such a tense match with that hanging over him I though Steve had another excellent match. The referee had set the tone for a match which from a football sense, had the makings of an excellent match, again not always in agreement but he was never far from the action and I though very fair to both sides. Hoppers got caught offside a few too many times although it was easy to empathise when on one occasion the overlapping player actually past the final man after the ball had been played into space. Both teams looked to pass, rather than hump the ball forward, which was probably the better route give the strong wind that favoured Baldon slightly in the first half. Maybe that was part of the reason GH looked the more composed side given that they had to play shorter to combat the wind. Hoppers were denied a goal that, based on player reactions, had crossed the line but the referee had little choice but to follow the linesman (only one was appointed for the game hence each team provided on for each half). Shades of déjà vu from last season’s game! Baldon’s discipline started to fray at the edges resulting in a couple of bookings but the game became a battle of the midfield with GH edging the first half skirmishes. HT 0 – 0. Yours truly took the flag for the second half so no notes! The point about playing against the wind was emphasised early on when Baldon played some good football to feet although like GH in the first half clear cut chances were few and far between. Hoppers game became longer, hitting the corners where possible but the wind meant often balls were over hit and gave little cohesion to our play. Meanwhile BS kept the ball down, using their right more often than not and GH were grateful for the pace of Lawrence Thompson to cut out dangerous balls. If GH were indebted to anything for the point that they earned it was the post when Billy (Dolby?) cut into the box from the right and hit a rasping shot than cannoned to safety off of the post. BS had numerous corners with GH dealing with most of them competently but the sheer number meant that a few were always going to cause problems but hoppers were not slow to shut down any danger. FT 0 – 0. Ultimately the football wasn’t of the highest quality that the two teams are capable of but given the high octane nature of the game both teams came away with credit overall. Points shared was probably a fair result with both teams edging a half each.
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23/9/12 GroundHoppers 3 - Milldean 0In deteriorating weather Milldean started this game much the brighter and with far more composure on the ball and their distribution was the most telling, one can only assume Hoppers prefer playing with the sun on their back! It was Milldean using the width constructively and GH looked to be short of pace when faced with overlapping players and they were indebted to Keeper Jamie Tulloch for a double save in the fifth minute and again a few minutes later when he held a driven cross. With Hoppers struggling to find any sort of rhythm it was looking more likely that Milldean would open the scoring and after 13 minutes they had a penalty appeal turned aside. The newly paired central defence of Simmonds and Evans did however also intervene to good effect with some excellent heading. Milldean did not have it all their own way and they too were indebted to the keeper when the defence hesitated and failed to react to a Parmenter long throw and Matt Searle’s header looped over the keeper who reacted to turn the ball over the bar. Frustration began to creep into GH play and too often they tried to force the ball forward through the defence when easier passes were available. On the half hour the referee took an age to consider another penalty appeal from Milldean but eventually it ended with a booking for the forward for simulation…..not good for the heart rate. Two excellent pieces of GH play did show what they are capable, albeit too infrequently, of both with long range passing (Dave Rose) and with exceptional link play from front to back with Nick Atkins and Rob Wickenden prominent. GH scored from a corner when the experienced keeper failed to make the ball which fell to Steve Evans who thumped the ball home. This settled the side to a degree but still half time would be a welcome break. HT 1-0. GH played much better football in the second half. The tempo was much better; passing much improved which resulted in periods of control of the game. What was pleasing were the options being made available to the man on the ball whether short, long left or right. The disappointment was that the choice made was often the wrong one and play would break down too easily. Nick Atkins had an excellent match and created several good opportunities with his deft touch and control on the ball and always making himself available and was unlucky to see one drive hit the inside of the post and another straight at he keeper. Allen and Searle both worked tirelessly up front but clear cut opportunities never quite fell their way. Tezza I suspect slept well Sunday night! The game could again have turned on two penalty appeals for Milldean. Ross went to ground for one tackle and left the trailing leg up which took down the forward but it was again judged to be outside the box; the second again involved Simmo and he was perhaps more fortunate to get the goal kick decision which resulted! The game was however put out of reach of Milldean with two goals in quick succession in the final ten minutes. Rob Wickenden made good progress through the centre before driving beyond the reach of the keeper from 20 yards. Soon after was the best goal of the game. Elliott found Terral with a superb ball on the right and he weaved inside and unselfishly left the ball for Nick who also drove home from the edge of the box. FT 3-0 The final score was flattering in terms of the overall pattern of the game to which Milldean made significant contributions throughout although I suspect that Hoppers will play better and not get their just deserts. A word for the referees this year. I have found they have allowed the game to flow without interruption and whilst we do not all always agree they have remained consistent with the decisions which have been fair to both teams on the day
Tulloch, Christou, Simmonds, Evans, Parmenter, Atkins, Rose, Wickended, Huggins, Allen, Searle. Subs Thompson & Canfield |
Eltham Town 0 - GroundHoppers 3 (Paul Picard Cup)After drawing the first league game against Kent Senior Cup Holders Hatchem, Hoppers moved to defend their Paul Picard Cup against current London Senior Cup Holders Eltham Town at the Oaks. The game started with a high tempo from both sides with Hoppers conceding possession far too easily with uncharacteristic unforced errors. Town however started brightly with good movement on and off the ball and excellent control. They created the first serious chance of the game after ten minutes with a move with several touches inside the box requiring an excellent last ditch tackle from Simon Christou to clear the danger. It was therefore a little surprising to see Hoppers score the opening goal after fifteen minutes from a needlessly conceded corner by Town, compounded by a poor header in the box with Steve Evans heading home in a crowded six yard box. Seven minutes later Tyrell Allen hit the underside of the bar with a crashing drive leaving Matt Searle with the easiest of twelve inch headers to double the lead. Drew Huggins was terrorising the Town defence on the right and a couple of flashing drives from him and Rob Wickenden, which failed to find Tezza by inches. This was an excellent fifteen minute spell for Hoppers although Eltham Town showed how dangerous they can be in possession and their skipper in particular showed no lack of effort to get back into the game. In the closing minutes of the half, Hoppers should have secured the win with one goal being disallowed and Drew finishing a good move, hitting the post with the keeper beaten. HT 0 – 2. Within three minute of the restart again the game should have been closed out but player/manager Dave Rose had his spot kick saved by the keeper after the Asst. referee saw the use of a hand and soon after the Eltham Town keeper made another stunning save from close range to keep the difference to two. Hoppers had the better of the exchanges in the first part of the half and chances of a win rose when a Town defender was sent off for a second yellow card after a crashing tackle on Drew, not for the first time. ET however continued to push forward and Hoppers were often on the back foot and indebted to Nick Atkins tracking back to cover in the box. Hoppers did however make great use of the extra man and space generally switching the play across the flanks and the lead could have been increase when Rob Wickenden broke clear and neatly chipped the keeper only to see the woodwork come to Town’s rescue again. The last word belonged to Nick when he neatly sidestepped one challenge and cleverly chipped the keeper from an improbable position. FT 0 – 3. This was an intriguing game characterised by some very good football and long passing as well as some close intricate moves.
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GroundHoppers 1 – Hatcham 1 (Senior Division)Hatcham were last season’s Kent Cup Winners but were beaten by Hoppers last season in the PP Cup. After an excellent free scoring pre-season Hoppers were full of confidence for their first league game in the top flight since the move from the Sunday Met League. We started brightly with some very good football using the width on both flanks to advantage particularly Drew Huggins on the right.
Throughout the first half we were thwarted by the off-side flag (nuff said) though despite this we created more than enough chances to go in at half time comfortably in the lead following some good flowing moves not just up front but also from the back. Hatcham showed why they won the Kent Senior and were dangerous on the break but in the main found Ross Simmonds and Elliot Parmenter in fine form always assuming they broke down the midfield where Steve Evans had a great game. The Hatcham keeper was primarily responsible for keeping the score goalless although some of the GH passing was a little wayward which was at odds to the pre-season games and GH had some good fortune when a rasping shot hit the post from outside the box. HT 0-0 GH quickly got into their stride in the second half but the story was much the same of missed chances and good goalkeeping. Lawrence xxx was particularly impressive with several forging runs from defence which found him with one on ones with the keeper but he was unable to capitalise on the space he created. Hoppers took the leader after a long ball from Keeper Jamie Tulloch eluded the last Hatcham defender and Matt Searle was able to take advantage when he coolly lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box after outpacing the recovering defender. GH looked to have sealed the points with some excellent work on the right by Drew and he found Tyrrel Allen free in the centre who slotted home only to see the ubiquitous flag from the linesman after the referee had awarded the goal. Hotly debated but the goal was eventually disallowed for offside. Hatcham had a very bright ten or fifteen eventful minutes which saw them equalise, force Jamie into a good save and have a man sent off for a second yellow after disputing the referees decision. They always showed good pace going forward and a speculative ball forward saw them brush aside the GH challenge and fire home. Hoppers tried to find a late winner but fine goalkeeping and ‘resolute’ defending saw the game finishing in a draw. FT 1-1 Hoppers have every reason to take confidence from this fixture as whilst numerous chances were spurned it would have been more concerning if the chances were not created in the first place. A very good all round performance from the team as a whole. |
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GroundHoppers v Valtaro Wessells
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Images from GroundHoppers v Blackheath United
1st team Successes of season 2011/12
Congratulations to David Rose and members of the 1st team, have gained promotion to the Senior division of the Orpington and Bromley District Football League; they progress further that any other team in the clubs history in the London Challenge Cup, by getting through to the Semi-Finals and were triumphant in the Paul Picard League Cup trophy.