Third Team Match Reports 2008-09
by Doyley The Third
Northwood Thirds F.C. Presentation Day
(Held at Northwood FC Clubhouse, Chestnut Avenue)
Saturday 6th June 2009
Season 2008/2009 was brought to a close at the Thirds' annual Presentation Day last Saturday at the Northwood F.C. clubhouse.
There was fantastic turn-out by the Third team, obviously helped by the screening of Kazakhstan v England in the clubhouse: the bar takings must have been very good as there was a lot of people in attendance.
Secretary Richard Doyle thanked managers Laurie Simmonds and Mathew Wilson, who have decided to stand down at the end of last campaign. Laurie &and Wilfy have done a sterling job over the past two seasons, and Doyley informed everyone that unless a suitable replacement can be found, this season may prove to be the last for Northwood Third team.
Last season was a great success (once again), although an 8th place finish in the London Commercial League Division 3 (or 4th from bottom for those pessimists out there!), the team spirit remained high throughout a season decimated by bad weather. A quarter-final place in the league cup was the furthest we got in knock-out competitions.
The trophies were handed out by club Life Vice-President, Mrs Betty Walley, who did us the honour of presenting the following people with their awards:
Alex Simmonds scooped the prestigious honour of Players Player of the Year, voted for by his team mates, which was handed out by Wilfy Wilson.
Laurie Simmonds handed out the Managers Player of the Year which went to Sam Durand for his excellent season.
The Golden Boot handed out by the current holder, Lee Heaslip. This was won by Darren Murphy for his grand total of ten goals for the season.
Clubman of the Year went to Tim Delaney for his help and efforts throughout the season, Laurie & Wilf thanked Tim and handed out his award.
Doyley was then presented an Appreciation Award by the team for services to the team throughout the season. Not a trophy, a case of Guinness!
The following awards were all presented by Betty Walley on the day:
Golden Boot: Darren Murphy (10 goals)
Players Player of the Year: Alex Simmonds
Managers Player of the Year: Sam Durand
Clubman of the Year: Tim Delaney
Appreciation Award: Richard Doyle (a case of Guinness)
At last, the end of a very long season!
Northwood Thirds 2 Sandgate Old Boys 3
Saturday 16th May 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
So, a very long season drew to a conclusion on Saturday. The result of this campaign (that seems to have dragged on more than most) was an eighth place finish. Or put another way, fourth from bottom for all those pessimists out there. However the final league position is viewed, Division 3 status is assured next year, something that was looking impossible at times.
(Back Row: L to R) Doyley, Ollie Rooney, Simon Smith, Wilfy Wilson, Lee Heaslip, Sam Durand, Alex Simmonds, Timbo Delaney, Tassles Williams. (Front Row: L to R) Pat Manton, Stevie Collinson, Laurie Simmonds, Steve Brown, Scott Holland, Lofty Collinson.
The Third team “graced” the first team pitch at Chestnut Avenue once again at the weekend. It was something that was noted on the day by a club spokesman, “good to have the old boys back at the club!”. When questioned if that was because we try to play attractive football, the reply was “No, the bar takings go up!” Well, whatever the reason, it is always good to play at “home”.
The game panned out to be a reflection of the whole Third team season. All the possession, a lot of huffing & puffing but the other team end up scoring more goals than us! Though, things may look up next campaign, because we have put Jon Tassles Williams “on the transfer list”. A couple of pints and a packet of crisps and you have got yourself a rubbish centre-half (the packet of crisps is negotiable!). The other defensive members, Laurie Simmonds, Wilfy Wilson and Steve Collinson will be pensioned off , though some thought they already had been. Maybe we could start a Super Vets (under 65’s) team???
Sandgate Old Boys have proved a thorn in the side for Northwood on previous occasions, this was to be no different. The highlight from a Third team point of view, was a brace from Darren Murphy to take the Golden Boot award, going into double figures for the season.
The low point of the day was yet another missed penalty. This time the ever reliable Tim Delaney copied team mate Liam O’Keefe by passing to the goal keeper rather than putting the ball in the Sandgate net (something else we will need to brush up on in pre-season training!!!).
Unfortunately, the three goals scored by Sandgate cancelled out any Third team celebrations, so we were just about to start the post match Depression Party when someone pointed out we had stayed up on the last game of the season. So the jugs became celebratory and the mood was lifted to thoughts of next season. Tim Delaney was despatched to the bar to buy the first jug for his penalty miss.
So, the Third team season draws to a close……..well, until Saturday 6th June. That day we will be returning to Northwood F.C. for the third team Presentation Day. Numerous awards will be given to the lucky recipients (ed note: surely Doyley is up for Third team Secretary of the Year again???). The fun starts at 2pm that day, buffet and beers, all welcome to attend. Then we can begin the only season the Third team are good at, the barbeque and beer drinking season!
So a very happy Summer to all that have followed the fortunes of Northwood Thirds during the season. Until pre-season starts in 10 weeks…..enjoy the sun!
Man of the Match: The whole squad – from rooted at the bottom of the league, they turned the season around and ensured we stayed up!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Steve Collinson, Dale Collinson, Ross McBain, Laurie Simmonds, Alex Simmonds, Jon Williams, Liam O’Keefe, Darren Murphy, Paul Cruse (subs all used) Gary Collinson, Simon Smith, Luke Cowie.
Goalscorers for the season |
||||
| Darren Murphy | 10 | Steve Collinson | 2 | |
| Pat Manton | 7 | Tim Delaney | 2 | |
| Alex Simmonds | 6 | Dale Collinson | 1 | |
| Steve Brown | 5 | Chav Newman | 1 | |
| Luke Cowie | 5 | Simon Smith | 1 | |
| Lee Heaslip | 3 | own goal | 2 | |
| Paul Carroll | 3 | |||
Thirds put five past the old rivals
Viking Sports 0 Northwood Thirds 5
Wednesday 13th May 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
What a difference an extra player can make? On Saturday the 10 men of Northwood Thirds succumbed (eventually) to Fulham Dynamo Sports. Just three days later against the old foe that is Viking Sports, they record the biggest win of the season. Not only did we score 5 goals and concede nothing, but in the process of winning we ensured Division 3 safety. The Glaxo pitch, looking as wonderful as ever, helped the passing game of both teams. It is such a shame that next season Glaxo Sports Ground is being sold off, another nail in the coffin of grassroots football.
Both teams played the match in a friendly but competitive spirit that was a credit to Division 3 of the London Commercial League. There was r espect shown by both sets of players to each other. Though these two teams should know a bit about each other, some of the Vikings players were playing for Northwood during the war!!!
For some reason everything just clicked for the Thirds this evening. Well, with a wee bit of help from the Vikings Sports centre-half. He showed our forwards how to score, beating his own keeper from 5 yards.
Then Tim Delaney, returning from his head injury, tucked away a penalty that resulted from a Vikings defender using Steve Brown as a climbing frame.
Not to be out done, Luke Cowie, another player returning, scored to make it three. Closely followed by Darren Murphy, who notched his 8th goal of the season to top the Golden Boot charts.
The biggest cheer of the day was when Simon Smith scored his first ever goal for Northwood Third team. Simon had played through the Woods youth teams and been involved with the Third team for a couple of seasons, though he had never notched for the Thirds. He rectified this situation by beating the Vikings keeper. He was duly fined a jug of lager for over celebrating!
So, all three points from our old foes. As someone commented after the game “Northwood Third team always seem to peek in May!”
This Saturday sees the very last game of what has been a very long season, and we travel “home” to Chestnut Avenue to play Sandgate Old Boys, 3pm kick-off. All support welcome, either vocal or medical……………
Man of the Match: Simon Smith – The best part about his first goal for the Thirds was we got a celebratory jug out of him!T
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Steve Collinson, Dale Collinson, Ross McBain, Laurie Simmonds, Alex Simmonds, Jon Williams, Liam O’Keefe, Darren Murphy, Paul Cruse (subs all used) Gary Collinson, Simon Smith, Luke Cowie.
Same old story for ten man Thirds!
Northwood Thirds 0 Fulham Dynamo Sports 2
Saturday 9th May 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
What a disaster, what an “end of season” feel to a game! The Third team had to travel to Boston Manor to play a good Fulham Dynamo Sports team and lost 3 players along the way. Yes, the 12 midday kick-off was not welcomed by anyone, but with pitches being now taken down for the forthcoming cricket season, beggars cant be choosers!
“What about ringing Gez Reilly to see if he can help us out?” enquired someone, when the body count reached ten players. “We are not that desperate just yet!” exclaimed manager Laurie Simmonds, who knew that with only ten available players, he was going to be able to take penalties, corners and free kicks all game.
Fulham were and have been proved to be all season, a very good team. In fairness, the performance was excellent from the ten heroes in Northwood colours, just being pipped by two soft goals conceded. The defence stood firm and we even had a Liam O’Keefe penalty saved by the Fulham goalkeeper. We should have equalised, or more like, we should have ignored Liam when he told us he won a penalty competition at Butlins in 1997. Even more upset was Laurie, for wasn’t he designated for all spot kicks???
We have asked Liam to supply the certificate he won at the holiday camp as proof of his exploits. The Fulham keeper caught the ball whilst yawning! Any softer effort and the ball would not have made the goal line!!!! (there was obviously some very, very bad penalty takers on holiday at Butlins in 1997!).
Lofty Collinson arrived with the game already lost. So we couldn’t even use Gary as an excuse for a post match “we did alright until you arrived!” jug.
Gary said he had been working but the smell of alcohol and the fact he knew the current f ootball scores gave the game away. This was confirmed when during the post match refreshments, the barmaid asked Gary if he wanted “a pint of the usual?”
So no points from a difficult game played in exceptional circumstances. Some players complained that their breakfast kept repeating on them, we kicked off that early. Not conducive to a good game and as the day proved, not conducive to getting a full team out to play.
We now start the last week of the Thirds season (ed note: hurrah! thank goodness!). We have two matches this week. Wednesday night we travel to Glaxo to play local rivals Viking Sports 6.30pm kick-off. Then the final game of the season is a “home” match versus Sandgate Old Boys before we can start the more popular season for the Third team, the barbeque season.
As luck would have it, although we lost on Saturday, we climbed off the bottom of the league, on goal difference. Amazing that there is a team worse than us!.........
Man of the Match: Liam O’Keefe – he didn’t tell us that the only other entrant in the penalty competition at Butlins in 1997 was Long John Silver!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Steve Collinson, Dale Collinson, Ross McBain, Laurie Simmonds, Alex Simmonds, Jon Williams, Liam O’Keefe, Darren Murphy, Paul Cruse (subs) Gary Collinson
Precious Point versus Top of the League
Northwood Thirds 1 Greenwood 1
Tuesday 5th May 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The game started with both teams at the either end of the table but ninety minutes later each team took a precious point home to aid each side's plight. The point probably meant more to Northwood, definitely a point gained for them, whereas Greenwood will view this result as 2 points lost.
Another opportunity for the Third team to grace the Chestnut Avenue pitch, as the thirds' line-up had changed since the 0-2 reversal to GSK. Big Ross McBain returned in midfield to replace the injured Timbo Delaney. Tim was checked at hospital on Saturday for concussion, he was released later that night. Unfortunately, he has been advised to stop playing for the rest of the season. Not by the doctors……by his team mates!!!
The hard ground was always going to make thing difficult. The ball spent all game in the air at chest height, apart for Lofty (or Gary Collinson as we know him), the play went over his head all game. The busiest person in (then out, then in, then out) of the ground was Doyley the ball boy. The Greenwood team consisted of very young, very loud, very quick players (well, Tassles Williams made them look quick!). Having beaten the Thirds 7-1 in November, the feeling was that they just had to turn up to win the game.
In truth, Northwood put on their best performance for sometime. Unfortunately the pre-match instructions of “keep it tight, don’t concede an early goal…..” were completely ignored and Greenwood scored within ten minutes of the kick-off. Whereas on Saturday, there was no comeback from conceding an early goal, the Greenwood strike only served to fire the Third team into action.
A really spirited performance was rewarded when Paul Carroll went down in the box for a disputed penalty. Well, it was disputed by Greenwood, slow motion showed the Northwood forward going down in instalments. Unfortunately that was real time, as he only moves in slow motion. The resultant penalty was coolly struck home by Darren Murphy for his seventh goal of this campaign. He now ties in top spot with Pat Manton for the Golden Boot award.
Once the Thirds equalised, our younger opponents became agitated and as the game went on and the minutes ticked away, the Northwood keep-ball frustrated our opposition. The result still means the Thirds are routed to the base of Division 3, but with three games remaining, hopefully the spirit and determination on show Tuesday night will ensure a climb out of danger.
This Saturday it's Fulham Dynamo Sports at Boston Manor, another tough fixture that will mean another good performance will be required to earn points! Man of the Match: Sam Durand – defended well and joined in the attack whenever he could. Overlapping fullbacks??? In Northwood’s Third team??? Whatever next???
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Steve Collinson, Dale Collinson, Ross McBain, Laurie Simmonds, Gary Collinson, Jon Williams, Liam O’Keefe, Darren Murphy, Paul Carroll (subs) Simon Smith, Steve Brown
What Happened next to Northwood Thirds?
The editor of these reports went off around the country watching his son egg chasing. No-one else had a camera and no-one else had a pen!!!!.......
Sandgate Old Boys 4 Northwood Thirds 0
Saturday 14th March 2009
(London Commercial League Division 3)
Barnet Municipal Officers 4 Northwood Thirds 3 (double header)
Saturday 21st March 2009
(London Commercial League Division 3)
NFC Goalscorers: Darren Murphy (2), Steve Collinson
Northwood Thirds 3 Barnet Municipal Officers 3 (double header)
Saturday 21st March 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
NFC Goalscorers: Darren Murphy (2), Paul Carroll
GSK Leisure 5 Northwood Thirds 1
Saturday 28th March 2009 (Commercial League Junior Cup Quarter-final)
NFC Goalscorer: Darren Murphy
Northwood Thirds 3 Rebel Alliance 3
Saturday 4th April 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
NFC Goalscorers: Alex Simmonds (2), Darren Murphy
Northwood Thirds 2 Southall Rangers 0
Saturday 18th April 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
NFC Goalscorers: Luke Cowie, Tim Delaney
Northwood Thirds 2 New Hanford 3
Saturday 25th April 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
NFC Goalscorer: Paul Carroll (2)
……….until the egg chasing season ended and with pen in hand and camera at the ready, the editor of these reports returned to watch his beloved Third team (another reason Doyley thinks he should win Clubman of the Year this season)...
Northwood Thirds 0 GSK Leisure 2
Saturday 2nd May 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
So all returned to normal this week, with the Third team playing on the first team pitch against a team that are in cup finals and are champions-elect of Commercial League Division 3. What were we thinking? The younger, fitter players of GSK used the pitch to good effect, scoring twice in the process. Although it must be said that a spirited second half battle by the Third team showed some promise for a short while, but did little to affect the scoreline.
The day was enjoyed by all connected with the Third team, not only the players but all the ex-Third team players in the crowd. There were many tales in the bar after the game that started with the immortal words “It wasn’t like that when I used to play…….” The clubhouse bar was put to good use and the day highlighted just how much we (the Third team) miss the facilities on offer at Chestnut Avenue. Hopefully next season we will be more regular visitors.
The game was marred by a serious head injury to Tim Delaney. An ambulance was called and he was carted him off to hospital to check whether he had a brain or not. It was discovered later that all was OK, though the missing brain is still a mystery??? Our sincere best wishes go to Tim for a speedy recovery (that is the first time the words “Tim” and “Speedy” have been used in the same sentence!!!).
The game also saw two referees sharing responsibility. A big thank you to Keith Chamberlain who stepped in for the absent Silvester Aina. Luckily Silvester arrived just before half-time, though his arrival did nothing to alter the fortunes of the Thirds.
Unfortunately, the defeat meant the Third team are firmly rooted at the foot of the Division 3 table. Next up is the team that sit top of the league, Greenwood. The visit to Greenwood in November resulted in a 1-7 defeat, oh joy!......
Man of the Match: Laurie Simmonds – there is nothing like class on a football pitch…..and Laurie is nothing like class! Made good balls look bad.
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durrand, Steve Collinson, Dale Collinson, Scott Holland, Laurie Simmonds, Gary Collinson, Tim Delaney, Lee Heaslip, Darren Murphy, Paul Carroll (subs) Simon Smith, Liam O’Keefe.
Thirds off the Bottom by beating Local Rivals
Northwood 3rds 2 Viking Sports 1
Saturday 7th March 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
What a difference a week makes! Last week all was doom and gloom about the mess of a season caused by the inclement weather and the precarious league position the Third team find themselves in, as the season reaches a climax. Relegation looming? not on your nelly!
Then, hey presto! The sun shines, the pitches dry out and the Third team notch a priceless three points at the expense of local and traditional rivals Viking Sports. Not only did they win they actually played some fantastic one-touch, two-touch football in the process.
The facilities at Birkbeck College had gone from looking like a paddy field, one week, to the billiard table style surface we have been accustomed too. Those who fol low the Third team will know that there are a large ex-Northwood players now in the Viking colours. So the victory was even sweeter because the three points lifted the Thirds two places off the bottom of the league table.
In fairness to Viking Sports, they also tried to play the “right way” - which made for a game that was a fine advert for the London Commercial League Division 3. Our matches with Vikings are always competitive but played in a respectful, sporting manner. They are a good team, with good players or, as someone put it on Saturday: “they are very old heads, on very old bodies!”
However, the whole day and high spirits were dampened by the nasty injury to the Viking centre-forward. The injury came in an innocuous one-on-one challenge with Woods keeper, Wilfy Wilson, the sort of challenge that happens every week. Unfortunately, the result this time was a broken leg. Everyone at Northwood Third team passes their best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to playing for the Viking centre-forward.
The day belonged to young Pat Manton. A goal either side of a Viking's reply meant Pat becomes favourite for the Golden Boot award at the end of the season.His eye for goal, in his first season for Northwood, has become a welcome feature to the league campaign.
So 3 points lifts Woods off bottom spot and gives a little hope that maybe things are going to look up (league wise) in future weeks. Hopefully the weather can hold up (certainly that big black cloud over Doyley’s head!). This week we go to Brunel University to play Sandgate Old Boys. Hopefully another three points will mean mid-table security.
Man of the Match: Pat Manton – A brace takes the Third team top goalscorer nearer the Third Team Golden Boot trophy.
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durrand, Jon Williams, Laurie Simmonds, Gary Collinson, Pat Manton, Ross McBain, Luke Cowie, Darren Murphy, Alex Simmonds, Tim Delaney (subs) Ryan Revell, Steve Collinson, Dale Collinson
Thirds Crash out of League Open Cup
Barnet Municipal Officers 2 Northwood Thirds 0
Saturday 28th February 2009 (London Commercial League Open Cup)
Well, we are definitely not a league team, due to our precarious position of relegation favourites, so last Saturday we tested out Cup credentials. The Cup final suits have been returned already, with the coach for the final cancelled, another “free” Saturday on Cup Final day has already been booked.
The only highlights were debuts for Darren Murphy (ex Ruislip Manor) and Ross McBain (another from the “Holland” family, the fiancée of first team Lee’s sister: another from the Holland conveyor belt, one day there will be a whole Holland family team). Unfortunately he is Scottish, so no-one could understand him (something about kilts!) maybe we can persuade the likes of big Stevie Irving to translate for the Third team. Yes, debuts at the end of February! Where had these players been all season?
We started in August!!! (yet, still Doyley or Gary Holland can't get a game, blimey its time to concede the careers have finished. Although the only game those two played this year was a 6-2 victory, maybe the teams demise is just a coincidence, or not as the case may be!)
The game summed up the Third team's season to date. Plenty of effort, plenty of chances spurned, plenty of soul searching and blame apportioning in the bar afterwards (though we all remain friends).
A tight affair, against a strong physical team (but, to Barnet's credit, extremely sporting with it). The result could have gone either way, but that then magic of the cup, well it is if you win. Yet the luck ran out with extra time on the cards, when Barnet snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat, much to the extreme disappointment of all connected with Northwood Third team.
We still are left in the League Junior Cup, our only hope of silverware this season. Although, as things stand, we will be doing well to complete all or league fixtures before the middle of May. The lottery of “double headers” and evening kick-off’s will demean a whole season efforts and turn the league into a farce.
Unfortunately, most of this has been due to an underlying water table at the “home” of the Third team, Birkbeck College. This has been the culprit of too many postponements this season an d will mean if money is not spent over the Summer months, a new “home” ground will have to be found. An absolute choker due to the facilities on offer at Birkbeck are first class…….when the pitches are playable, which has proved to be too infrequent this year.
Nobody understands the poor weather we have experienced this Winter, unfortunately the severity of the Winter months may have just put paid to Northwood Third teams chance of survival.
Hopefully, next week will see a turn of fortunes all round: the depressed secretary of Northwood Third team certainly hopes so against the old foe and very good friends of Northwood, Viking Sports.
Man of the Match: Ross McBain – He annoyed his fellow countrymen by dipping his hand in his pocket and buying a jug!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durrand, Jon Williams, Laurie Simmonds, Gary Collinson, Pat Manton, Ross McBain, Luke Cowie, Darren Murphy, Alex Simmonds, Tim Delaney. Subs: Steve Brown, Paul Barrett
Rusty Thirds Hit Rock Bottom
Fulham Dynamo Sports 2 Northwood Thirds 1
Saturday 14th February 2009 (London Commercial Division 3)
Rusty! is not a word to describe the Third team very often. Only once has it been used before, describing Gez Reilly and Ginger O’Keefe’s hair colour. (Ed note: Oh yes! also, used to describe Wilfy Wilson’s wallet hinges).
The Third team returned (again, they seem to “return” once every couple of months) to action after another weather hit lay-off on Saturday, travelling to a team that have always proved tough opposition, Fulham Dynamo Sports. At least the pitch at Cranford Community Centre was playable, although not before the submarines had been removed!
To be quite honest, through no fault of their own, this season has become a total farce due to long periods between games and the fact that the third team players are finding something else to occupy themselves on a Saturday afternoon (although after watching the game on Saturday, some of them were obviously still pre-occupied with planning what to do for next weeks postponement).
Saturday proved this point all too well. The Third team, that only eight weeks previously were top of the league, hit the unenviable position of rock bottom of Division 3 of the Commercial League. Number of games played being the main contribution to the fall from grace, although just s couple of wins would elevate the Thirds to the comfort of top half of the table. It’s a funny old game!!!!!
The game was played in a pre-season atmosphere, with the strange fact that the players were still running off the Christmas excesses in the middle of February. Unfortunately, as was apparent, some had more excess than others! Well, it was St Valentines Day!
So the love and understanding the Third team defence showed the Dynamo forwards was befitting of the occasion. Cupid it was supposed to be, more like Stupid was the Third teams version of Celebratory “mark your man on ice” competition. Although having seen the display of Jon Williams, you would have thought he has skates on anyway, he spent most of his Saturday on his backside!
The high point of a miserable day was a solitary strike by Alex Simmonds that put some hope into Woods after an early 0-2 lead for Fulham Dynamo Sports. Another talking point was the fact an opposition players seemed to receive two yellow cards on two separate occasions during the match.
The only player to come out the game with credit was Sam Durrand. He started as substitute, but due to an administration error, was left off the team sheet. When he was called into action, the referee would not let him onto the pitch, saving Sam the £5 match subs. Unfortunately, he was duly made “man of the match” which cost him a jug of lager because he was £5 better off than his team mates!
So as another bad day at the office ended, the Northwood Third team fell into the trap door position of relegation favourites. How a few snow flakes and arctic conditions may have caused such a predicament is hard to explain. “We always get better in the warmer weather” said Steve Collinson from his igloo, although the penguins sitting next to him didn’t agree.
This week (hopefully) we return “home” to Birkbeck College to play Rebel Alliance FC. Three weeks ago, a long trip to Barn Elms was met by a last minute postponement due to waterlogged pitch. A few of the Third team will be out for revenge for a wasted Saturday, once again, this season.
Man of the Match: Sam Durrand – With an extra £5 in his pocket, he could afford to buy the “man of the match” jug!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Steve Collinson, Jon Williams, Charlie Daly, Gary Collinson, Pat Manton, Dale Collinson, Luke Cowie, Chris Simmonds, Alex Simmonds, Tim Delaney (subs) Sam Durrand, Steve Brown, Paul Barrett
Thirds lose out by the odd goal
GSK Leisure 1 Northwood Thirds 0
Saturday 17th January 2009 (London Commercial Division 3)
The Third team returned to action for the first time since 6th December. A combination of bad weather and the Christmas holidays meant that a 5 week break was like the season starting all over again. The Christmas turkey proved further problems, some players still looked full of the Christmas fayre, whilst the padding carried by Paul Barrett was obviously for his Father Christmas interview for employment next Christmas.
The heavy pitch and quality of the opposition was really not what was wanted after a 5 week lay-off. Although, to their credit the Northwood players proved a stiff test for a team that are County Cup quarter-finalists and fighting for league honours.
There was also good news with the return from a bad fetlock injury for Laurie Simmonds. He defied the medical profession, when instead of taking up bowls or some other sport that befits his age, he returned to the football pitch in the colours of Northwood. His pace (or was it pacemaker?) at the back had obviously been missed because we were winning matches whilst he was injured (maybe just a coincidence!!!!!!).
GSK Leisure were worthy winners and proved to be one of the best teams that Division 3 has to offer. Only a defensive display by the back five of Gary, Steve & Dale Collinson, Tassles Williams & Laurie Simmonds kept the scoreline at just the single goal difference. They were ably assisted by Wilfy Wilson in the Northwood goal, with acrobatics and big red nose and oversized feet that would have been more akin to a circus act. He was handed the “man of the match” trophy after the game but unfortunately dropped it, so we awarded the coveted purchasing of a jug to Alex Simmonds.
The front two of Steve Brown and Tim Delaney huffed and puffed with the cutting edge being slightly blunt. In fact Tim Delaney proved just what a versatile player he can be, playing in yet another position for the team and proving that he can play badly in any position.
The midfield trio of Porky Paul Barrett, Luke Cowie and Alex Simmonds worked tirelessly throughout but with little success. Alex Simmonds just pipping his team mates to the coveted “Man of the Match” accolade. Ed note: Although the team sheet may say otherwise, you do not need the surnames of either Simmonds or Collinson to play for Northwood Third team! (although apparently no “Doyles” are wanted by the management!).
So, a disappointing return to action for the Third team. This week it’s a return “home” to Birkbeck College to play Rebel Alliance F.C. This is new opposition for Northwood, having never previously played each other. Hopefully it will see a turn of fortune for our league campaign.
Man of the Match: Alex Simmonds – worked hard and caused the opposition problems, to no avail.
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Steve Collinson, Jon Williams, Laurie Simmonds, Gary Collinson, Paul Barrett, Dale Collinson, Luke Cowie, Steve Brown, Alex Simmonds, Tim Delaney (subs all used) Pat Manton, Charlie Daly, Chris Simmonds
Thirds bounce back in Open Cup
Lampton Park 2 Northwood Thirds 5
Saturday 6th December 2008 (London Commercial League Junior Challenge Cup)
The Third team bounced back from the previous game’s humiliating 1-7 reversal against Greenwood in fine style against Lampton Park. Although the opposition play in a division below their Northwood counterparts, the game proved a battle, until the magic of the half-time cup of tea took effect. This was the first ever meeting between these two teams and the journey into deepest Hounslow took its toll with players arriving late for kick-off, for some the bad roads were to blame, for others it was last orders in the pub.
The first half performance was just as chaotic as the travelling. Although we took the lead via a Steve Brown strike, the equaliser by Lampton Park followed minutes later. The same thing happened ten minutes later (in fact exactly the same). Another Steve Brown strike was soon cancelled out by Lampton Park and any betting man would have had this game down for a score draw.
Whatever was put in the tea at half-time was to boost the second half performance, to the Third teams advantage. Well, perhaps not just the tea, the cakes as well, did the trick (consumed only for the energy value of sugar, other than Paul Barrett who just needed cake!).
Laurie Simmonds, still not playing due to injury, rallied the troops with his inspired words of wisdom. “Keep trying to play total football, so keep the ball away from Jon Williams!” was the cry. Though this was deemed cruel, so his team mates decided the only his friends should pass the ball to him, so we did eventually did find a way to make sure no-one was going to pass to him!
The second half performance was much better from Northwood. New blood in the shape of Chav Newman was introduced. An inspired substitution by The gaffer Simmonds, because Chav scored his first goal of the season with his first real effort on goal.
Steve Brown decided there was only going to be one winner of “man of the match” so duly notched 2 more goals to go top of the Third team golden boot stakes. He was going to be presented with the match ball when the referee declined to hand it over because Browno already had one up his shirt already. Although on closer examination it was found to be his belly!
So the result was 5-2 success that means a trip into the next round of the League Open Cup, where we have a home draw against either Abbey National Sports & Social Club or Barnet Municipal Officers
This week it is back to league action against The Rebal Alliance, another unknown quantity that will provide the third team with another stern test
Man of the Match: Steve Brown – four goals in one match for the Third team??? If that is not a reason to buy a jug, I don't know what is!!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Steve Collinson, Jon Williams, Tim Delaney, Yuri Kugler, Paul Barrett, Dale Collinson, Luke Cowie, Steve Brown, Pat Manton, Chris Simmonds (subs all used) Ryan Revell, Chav Newman, Charlie Daly
Greenwood hand the Thirds a lesson
Greenwood 7 Northwood Thirds 1
Saturday 15th November 2008 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The wheels well and truly came off the Third teams league campaign at Southall Cricket Club on Saturday. No excuses about missing players, the calibre of Laurie Simmonds, Gary Collinson, Jimmy Irving, Paul Carroll, Alex Simmonds etc… etc…. the list could go on and on.
The opposition were unbeaten in the league but although the seven goals they managed to score against Northwood were well deserved, the manner of which Northwood surrendered, must be of concern to Wilfy Wilson and Laurie Simmonds, the joint Third team managers.
At times, believe it or not, some of the one-two touch football played by the Northwood midfield was superb. Luke Cowie, again standing out by a country mile, was using nutmegs and all the trickery to no avail.
The difference between the two teams was finishing off with goals. Although Northwood huffed and puffed, the only worthy strike on goal came from a neat Woods move that Pat Manton finished off for his fifth goal of this campaign.
“A bad day at the office!” was the comments after the game. With many more league points at stake this season, we are far from out of league title honours. The return of key players may make a difference and I am sure the corresponding result at Birkbeck College will not produce such a definite result.
Fair play to Greenwood, they took all seven goals well and in the day were more than worthy winners. Hopefully the Third team squad will have a good hard look at themselves and realise that Saturdays performance did no justice to the pride that should be taken when putting on a Northwood shirt.
As was commented, “A bad day at the office” quite! But the office will re-open again soon and we better make sure bad days are few and far between. This week we do not have a fixture confirmed (at the moment this report was written) so we return to league action 2 weeks time, at home to Fulham Dynamo Sports…….another tough test for the Third team!
Man of the Match: Luke Cowie – Having a great season for Northwood Thirds, and was the pick of a very dire Woods performance!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Steve Collinson, Jon Williams, Tim Delaney, Andy Bell, Paul Barrett, Dale Collinson, Luke Cowie, Steve Brown, Pat Manton, Chris Simmonds (subs all used) Ryan Revell, Yuri Kugler
Hard Earned Point at The Concord Club
British Airways Thirds 1 Northwood Thirds 1
Saturday 8th November 2008 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The Third team travelled to the Concord Club to face British Airways. The visit to the home of BA is always a pleasure because the Concord Club offers facilities on par with the “home” of Northwood Thirds FC, Birkbeck College Sports Ground. The pitches demand respect, so the lumps kicked out of them by the old cloggers of the Third team were put back and repaired out of respect! BA were after revenge for a 3-1 Woods victory earlier this season.
The Thirds were rocked by news that Lee Heaslip will be out of action for the foreseeable future. Although Lee would not elaborate on the nature of his ailment, it is thought by most, that he is to undergo surgery to correct the “personality bypass” he is obviously suffering from. Although in all seriousness, we wish him a speedy recovery (the only time “speedy” and “Lee Heaslip” will be used in the same sentence!). Other absentees included Jimmy Irving who, having played alongside his mate Tim Delaney in the previous game, decided playing for the Thirds was too much like hard work. Paul Carroll returned from injury to take Jimmy’s place.
The match was a fantastic advert for Commercial League Division 3 football, played in the right spirit, hard but fair as all encounters with BA seem to be. And after the match, the obligatory post match celebration jugs, all shared with friends from our opposition. Northwood had the better of the first half, getting to grips with the windy and rainy conditions by playing the ball on the ground and keeping possession the better of the two teams.
The back four defended as a unit. Paul Carroll and Tassles Williams marshalling the lively BA front runners to perfection, ably assisted by wing backs Steve Collinson and young “goal a game” Pat Manton. Porky Paul Barrett was the anchor in midfield, taking his role quite literally by staying in the same spot all game. Although not a lot got through him (everything went round him, which is a long way round!). Dale Collinson and Steve Brown controlled the midfield whilst leaving Luke Cowie to practice his skills repertoire, the highlight of which included the infamous “30 yards to no-one” pass, as taught to him by Doyley.
Another strike by Pat Manton was the reward for all their efforts at the interval. Pat, in his first season with Northwood, is fast becoming an asset to the team and his fourth goal of this campaign, proving his value. The old football saying of “it’s was a game of 2 halves!” was never more apt than in this game. As the teams changed ends the balance of play changed too. In the end the equaliser was no more than BA deserved and as the final whistle blew, the honours were even.
This week the Thirds are on their travels once again, this time to Southall Cricket Club to play Greenwood. Though Greenwood have been members of the Commercial League for many years, this will the first ever meeting between Northwood and Greenwood. May the best team (from the Northwood area) win!
Man of the Match: Laurie Simmonds – He might be injured and not playing at the moment but the tradition is that MoM buys a jug……..and we have just found out Laurie has won £200 on the Team Northwood draw, cheers Laurie!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Steve Collinson, Jon Williams, Tim Delaney, Paul Barrett, Dale Collinson, Luke Cowie, Alex Simmonds, Steve Brown, Pat Manton, Paul Carroll (subs all used), Chav Newman, Ryan Revell
Thirds crash out of County Cup
Northwood Thirds 2 Kodak Harrow Reserves 6
Saturday 1st November 2008 (Middlesex Junior Trophy – Round 2)
The Third team crashed out of the County Cup on Saturday against Middlesex County League opposition, Kodak Harrow. Although the opposition supposedly play in a higher league standard than their Northwood counterparts, the manner of the defeat still left a bitter taste. Included in the Kodak ranks were ex-Northwood players Alan Patmore and Paul Palmer, which added further “spice” to a game that was played in arctic conditions. So cold in fact, the penguins were removed from the pitch, prior to kick-off. Even Wilfy Wilson in the Northwood goal was sporting bigger gloves than usual. Trouble is, they should have been bigger still to stop the ever dangerous front two for Kodak.
Indeed, the difference between the two teams was the ability of the two strikers that Kodak had up front. At one point Northwood had squared the match at 2-2 and everyone watching would definitely had money on a Northwood victory. Unfortunately, in the end it was not to be. Kodak took the lead through Paul Palmer who was even sporting a tee-shirt under his kit with the words “that’s for you Wilf!” such was his delight to score against his old team mates. Woods equalised through the head of Steve Collinson (yes Colesy himself! That is not a typo, Steve actually kept his eyes open this time!).
This prompted another Kodak strike before a peach of an equaliser from Lee Heaslip. He chipped Alan Patmore in the Kodak goal from all of 25 yards, starting wild celebrations from the Third team supporters (or the Holland family, as they are known). At this point, with the light fading fast, there was only going to be one winner. Father and son partnership Gary and Dale Collinson were winning the midfield battle, it was just a case of who scored next.
We even gave Porky Paul Barrett a second half run out. Doyley kept moaning on the pitch side about how does someone bigger than him get his place in the team (ed note: my money would be on Doyley over 100 yards!). Unfortunately, the whippets up front for Kodak had not read the script. They continue d running past the Northwood defenders at will. Superb finishing added another four Kodak strikes, as the game ended in almost total darkness.
So the only person that was happy in the clubhouse after the game was the secretary of the team, as County Cups mean more paperwork and administration than they are worth. This week it’s a pleasant trip to the Concord Club to play old foe British Airways in the Commercial League. They will be out for revenge for a recent defeat by Northwood Thirds. Biggest cheer of the day was when Laurie Simmonds won £200 on the Team Northwood draw. There will be a few jugs flowing this week…….
Man of the Match: Gary Collinson – Never gave up, a true battling performance from the little man!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Scott Holland, Steve Collinson, Jon Williams, Tim Delaney, Jimmy Irving, Dale Collinson, Luke Cowie, Gary Collinson, Lee Heaslip, Steve Brown (subs all used), Chav Newman, Paul Barrett, Pat Manton
Ealing Old Boys 0 Northwood Thirds 5
Saturday 25th October 2008 (London Commercial League Open Cup)
The Third team got back to winning ways in the League Open Cup on Saturday, with a good win away from home. The journey to Pitshanger Lane was to play Ealing Old Boys who play in a division below their Northwood opponents. However, Ealing have always proved tricky to beat, with the five-goal victory being by far the largest win margin ever recorded by the Thirds against the old boys of Ealing.
The day didn’t start as planned when young Dale Collinson fell foul of the “10 pints the night before“ routine and still blamed the pork pie he ate on the way home for his ailments the following day! With Laurie Simmonds and Uncle Steve Collinson still suffering injuries, the back four had a completely new look. Young Pat Manton was deployed at wing back alongside Paul Carroll and Tim Delaney being given the sweepers role. Time was given this role because he is the slowest player on the pitch. He was even asked about this once to which he replied, “I might not be quick but I have a lot of stamina, I am slow for a long time!”.
The Third team injury jinx resurfaced after just ten minutes when Paul Carroll pulled up lame and was replaced by a returning Chav Newman. His pre-season obviously was spent running shuttles to the pub and back because after ten minutes he was blowing out of his rather large backside! Two goals before half-time killed off a spirited Ealing team. Alex Simmonds and Lee Heaslip scoring a goal apiece to ensure the half time cup of tea tasted that much better.
The ever improving young Luke Cowie deployed his full range of skills in midfield. These are two words that have never been used to describe a Third team midfielder before: Skilful & young. In fact the last time these words were used in a sentence about the third team was when Gez Reilly was being sacked for being neither!!! The second half saw another return, this time Jimmy Irving replacing yet another injured player, Sam Durand. Jimmy slotted into the back four and looked at home from the start, just missing out o n the purchase of the coveted man of the match jug.
Further goals from Steve Brown , notching his first of the season and a deserved strike for Luke Cowie killed off Ealing. Just to cap off a bad day for Ealing, their centre-half scored the best goal of the afternoon, beating his own keeper with a bullet header. So into the second round draw go the Northwood thirds. We have another cup game this week. At home to Kodak Harrow, 2pm kick-off at Birkbeck College Sports Ground, in the Middlesex County Cup.
It has been a while since Kodak. We shall have to see what “develops” and hope they aren’t too “negative” Kodak have supplied us their former players Steve Collinson and Gez Reilly over the years (well, they were surplus to requirements), so if that isn’t a reason to beat them............
Man of the Match: Luke Cowie – The way he is playing this year is costing him a fortune in man of the match jugs!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Jon Williams, Tim Delaney, Paul Carroll, Pat Manton, Luke Cowie, Gary Collinson, Lee Heaslip, Alex Simmonds, Steve Brown (subs all used), Chav Newman, Jimmy Irving.
Thirds Remain top……just!
Southall Rangers 3 Northwood Thirds 2
Saturday 11th October 2008 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The table topping Third team went on their travels to darkest Dormers Wells Leisure Centre on Saturday to play a very young Southall Rangers. This was the first ever meeting between the two teams and the game was won by the team that were definitely “up for it!”.
Unfortunately the Thirds are used to playing on billiard table pitches at Birkbeck College Sports Ground and on arrival the playing surface at Dormers Wells could only be described as poor. Not that is to be used as an excuse, the uneven surface did little to help the flowing football that has been on view in previous weeks, although did seem to help Jon Williams touch (a player that can trap a ball further than most can kick it!). It says it all when, on reflection of the game, the highlight from a Northwood perspective was “the showers & changing facilities were good!”
The day was even more marred when Laurie Simmonds fell awkwardly whilst when heading away a Southall attack. His damaged ankle ligaments will see him sidelined for a number of weeks and he has had to cancel the line dancing classes for a few weeks. He tried all he could to rally the troops, even offering lager incentives & trips around his little bit of land he owns, called Dorset, if we won. All this was to no avail. And to be honest, some of the Northwood players may well have been on a day trip to Dorset, rather than turn up and put in the performance on show.
On a brighter note, prolific goal scoring Pat Manton notched yet another in his quest for the Third team Golden Boot award. Then Luke Cowie topped another fine midfield performance by adding a consolation goal with the game already won.
Unfortunately, Southall raised their game against Northwood with the simple desire to win resulting in a disappointing day for all concerned with Northwood Thirds. Southall Rangers deserving all 3 points. Luckily for the Thirds, results elsewhere in the league on Saturday meant they remain top of the table. They cannot afford too many “off” days as Saturday if they wish to fight for league honours.
This week the Thirds have not been given a league game, so get a week off. The next match is away to Ealing Old Boys on Saturday 25th October in the League Junior Cup. Hopefully we can return to how we have started the season and Saturday can be put down to “one of those days!”……
Man of the Match: – Laurie Simmonds – Tried everything to rally the troops, even the jug offer didn’t work!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Jon Williams, Dale Collinson, Laurie Simmonds, Pat Manton, Tim Delaney, Luke Cowie, Adam Heaslip, Lee Heaslip, Alex Simmonds (subs all used) Steve Brown, Charlie Daly.
Thirds go top of the league!
Northwood Thirds 3 British Airways 1
Saturday 4th October 2008 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The third team went back to the lofty position of top of the Commercial League Division 3 table on Saturday, with three hard earned points against old foe British Airways. The opposition are always competitive within the division, and Saturday was no exception, with both teams producing football that was a credit to the Commercial League. The game was played on a pitch resembling a bowling green and when we had got the old men in whites off the playing surface, the game began. British Airways obviously don’t expect to play on pitches better than they can offer at the Concord Club, on Saturday they certainly did!
The blend of youth and older legs (a polite way of saying “past it”) is working well at the moment. Young Luke Cowie producing another “man of the match” performance, playing alongside Tim “should have given up years ago” Delaney and Gary “I did give up years ago” Collinson. At the back Jon Williams is teaching young Dale Collinson how to moan. Unfortunately, at wing back the tide turns because its is the younger Sam Durand teaching wily old Steve Collinson how to run with his eyes open (too late I’m afraid!).
The match turned when Steve Collinson pulled a fetlock and had to be put down on the side of the pitch. He was replaced by Pat Manton, who found the back of the BA net almost immediately. Pat latched onto a through ball from Luke Cowie to hit a shot on the turn into the bottom corner of the net. Then followed up with sweetly struck effort to beat the BA keeper to put the Third team two up.
This only served to annoy our BA opponents. They got a swift reply, when Wilfy Wilson and the BA centre-forward practised a “strictly ballroom” manoeuvre in which the latter gets floored. The referee gave the penalty which was duly dispatched, whilst Wilfy was voted off (although he did avoid being sent off!).
The game then looked for a match winning piece of skill to lift the third team, and this was supplied by young Alex Simmonds who race through on goal and chipped the advancing keeper to perfection. Game over, there was no way back for BA. Unfortunately, Pat Manton was involved in a serious “jug evasion” when he decided to score an offside goal that would have meant a fine hat-trick, that normally carries a jug fine. He was suitably fined the said jug for getting in an offside position with intent to avoid the purchase.
So the three points means a 100% start for the thirds. This week we travel to Southall to play new opposition, Southall Rangers, in the league. Man of the Match: Luke Cowie – Produced the skills in midfield that the third team have lacked for a number of seasons. Especially the passing one way whilst looking the other routine!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Jon Williams, Dale Collinson, Laurie Simmonds, Gary Collinson, Tim Delaney, Luke Cowie, Steve Collinson, Lee Heaslip, Alex Simmonds (subs all used) Steve Brown, Pat Manton.
Old Alpertonians 1 Northwood Thirds 2
Saturday 27th September 2008 (Middlesex Junior Trophy – Round 1)
The Third team continued their remarkable start to the season with another visit to Broadfields to play Old Alpertonians in the County Cup. We had played (and won 6-2) in an earlier friendly with Old Alps. Although Gary Holland and Richard Doyle did play in that match. So was it a coincidence that the result was a much closer affair, when said mentioned players had been told they were surplus to requirements (or just told they were “over the hill”)??? Revenge will be sweet for the old boys!
The Thirds even let a very different looking Old Alpertonians score first. Luckily Alex Simmonds (yet another offspring of a “Vets legend” the Squire Laurie Simmonds) brought his shooting boots with him. He calmly finished off a good Northwood move to score his first of the campaign. Then Luke Cowie weaved his magic through the Old Alps midfield before scoring to mark a very promising start by the ex Northwood Youth team player.
Jon “Tassles” Williams obviously took no heed of the friendly advice from the management team to curb his moaning all game. Although we didn’t mind the moan he made about buying the jug of lager his was duly fined for being such a whinger! So a fantastic start to the season for all concerned with Northwood Third team. The draw for the second round of the County Cup gives us a “home” game with Kodak Harrow in November.
This week its back to league action with a “home” game with old foes British Airways. Always a tough game against normally very strong opposition. It should be a good test of the teams chances of silverware this year. Third team games are played at Birkbeck College Sports Ground, Birkbeck Avenue, Greenford, UB6 8LS (adjacent to the old Viking Sports ground). Kick-off this week is 3pm. Man of the Match: Luke Cowie – the season's rest that he had has obviously paid dividends!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Jon Williams, Dale Collinson, Gary Collinson, Tim Delaney, Luke Cowie, Laurie Simmonds, Lee Heaslip, Alex Simmonds, Steve Brown, subs: (all used) Charlie Daly, Pat Manton.
New Hanford 0 Northwood Thirds 2
Saturday 20th September 2008 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The Third team began the Commercial League season with a fine win over the fellow tenants at Birkbeck College Sports Ground, New Hanford.
This was the first and only league game played that day, so technically the Third team are at the heady heights of the top of the division 3 table.
The game saw the return of Luke Cowie and Charlie Daly after a season’s absence, both players being the sons of “Vets” legends.
A first half penalty by Lee Heaslip was all the separated the two sides at half-time. Although the Boy Wonder Heaslip (still called “the Boy” even though he is nearly 30. although, by the same token, “Baby Spice” is now a grandmother!).
The second goal came in the second half and is a contender for goal of the season already. Dale Collinson, taking the ball on his chest on the edge of the New Hanford area, before burying the ball into the top right hand corner of the New Hanford goal (if only uncle Steve Collinson could learn from his nephew just how to finish chances created, although opening his eyes might help!).
The game was marred by a slight altercation in the second half. Dale Collinson frustrated the man he was marking so much, it resulted in “handbags at dawn”. This was resolved by the Third teams answer to The Sopranos, when dad Gary and uncle Steve Collinson stepped in to add their weight (well, it wouldn’t have been their height!).
The three points were a great start to the new campaign, especially against local rivals. From the heady heights of top, the only way is down…..
Man of the Match: – Dale Collinson– A goal from “the top drawer”. At least one Collinson knows where the back of the net is.
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Jon Williams, Dale Collinson, Gary Collinson, Tim Delaney, Luke Cowie, Steve Collinson, Lee Heaslip, Alex Simmonds, Steve Brown (subs all used) Charlie Daly, Pat Manton.
Roxeth 2 Northwood Thirds 1
Saturday 13th September 2008 (Pre-Season Friendly)
The Third team continued their preparations for the new season with another visit to Broadfields to play Commercial League Division 1 opposition in the form of Roxeth. This was the first ever meeting between the two teams and the result and game belied the three division difference that separates the two teams in the London Commercial League. Third team debuts for Scott Holland (younger brother of first team Lee) and Ollie Rooney, both of whom were ex-Northwood Youth team players.
The game was played in the correct spirit, with Northwood showing signs of good things to come this season (well, hopefully!). The sun shone on an inspired performance and the blend of Youth and old “has beens” (or in some cases “never was”) seems to be showing signs of promise. Scott Holland put in a man of the match performance but his partner at the heart of the defence, Jon Tassles Williams matched his younger team mate by keeping the lively Roxeth forwards at bay. Indeed the whole team matched the team from Division One, and at times played some lovely flowing football.
Northwood even had the audacity to score first when Lee Heaslip got on the end of an Alex Simmonds cross to finish. Roxeth did finish the stronger of the two sides and deserved their win in the end, although they had been pushed all the way for their victory.
The joint manager partnership of Laurie Simmonds and Mathew Wilson can be pleased with the work out and have put together a good squad with the mixture of youth and geriatrics (they know who they are) working well.
This season, due to a structural reorganisation, Northwood Third team find themselves elevated into Division 3 (previously played in Division 4). There are new teams to play so this season is a trip into the unknown although the stalwarts of Viking Sports and British Airways remain in our league. The season is due to start on September 20th (fixtures have yet to be issued at time of writing this report). The third team “home” games will again be played at Birkbeck College Sports Ground, Birkbeck Avenue, Greenford UB6 8LS. The facilities offered at Birkbeck College are first class and support is always welcome. Details of forthcoming fixtures will be posted when known.
So the Third team season is just about to kick-off, watch this space for future developments………..
Man of the Match: – Scott Holland – Did something that his dad never achieved during his career, he had to buy a “man of the match” jug!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Jon Williams, Laurie Simmonds, Scott Holland, Gary Collinson, Tim Delaney, Steve Collinson, Lee Heaslip, Alex Simmonds, Steve Brown (subs all used) Simon Smith, Pat Manton, Ollie Rooney.
Northwood 3rds 6 Old Alpertonians 2
Saturday 9th August 2008 (Pre-Season Friendly)
The Third team kicked off the new season with a pre-season friendly against foes Old Alpertonians. As fate would have it, we ended up on adjacent pitches to the Northwood Reserve team, so Northwood F.C. were well represented at Broadfields on Saturday. With holiday commitments in full swing, a number of key players were missing. Tim Delaney, Gary Collinson, Alan Patmore, Ben Tacon, Steve Brown and Adam Heaslip were all unavailable, yet we still managed to put in a performance to offer hope for the new campaign. So it was a good chance to view the new close season playing additions to the third team squad, as well as welcoming back some old faces.
Pat Manton had a debut to remember by notching a well taken hat-trick. And he was duly taught the Third team ruling about having to buy a jug of lager for scoring on your debut. Although there are many other rules we can make up to ensure the post match lager is in full flow! He looks a fantastic prospect and knows where the back of the net is, happy days! Other new players included two players that share the same name (ed note: What were the odds on that happening?). Paul Carroll and Paul Carroll, with the younger of the two being known as Junior Carroll to avoid further confusion. Both the Carrolls made solid debuts and will be good additions to the squad this season.
Other new faces included Alex Simmonds, who has returned from Australia and is son of the legendary Squire Laurie Simmonds - he notched a goal on his return debut. The other scorer was Lee “Boy Wonder” Heaslip, who scored a brace but still managed to miss half a dozen golden opportunities to make the scoreline more flattering for the Thirds (just goes to show that nothing has changed over the summer months).
Gary Holland and Richard Doyle returned into the Third team squad. With a combined age of 105, both “Super Vets” (that is due to age, not ability) did themselves justice, although the aches and pains will last until Thursday! Indeed, Gary Holland’s performance was so impressive that Colin Payne will need to check which member of the Holland household is playing for the first team, with son Lee Holland now having competition for his first team shirt from his dad!
Doyley did a fantastic impression of a slow motion replay, although the game was happening in real time. Oxygen tanks were supplied to avoid disaster (although as slow as Doyley was, he still looked like Linford Christie in comparison to Lee “Boy Wonder” Heaslip’s work rate). Indeed when Lee paid his £5 subs at the end of the game, we worked out he had paid £1 a touch!
New management pairing of Wilfy Wilson and Laurie Simmonds can be pleased with the battling performance. From being 1-1 at half-time, the spirit in the team brought victory and the run out was invaluable for fitness of all Third team players. The Third team will not now be in action until late August due to the forthcoming wedding of Ben Tacon. All associated with the Third team wish Ben and his future wife, all the very best for their big day this Saturday.
More pre-season friendlies are planned before the London Commercial League starts on Saturday 20th September, details to follow when confirmed. The third team train every Tuesday night at Chestnut Avenue, all welcome.
This week is the first Vets “home” game at Birkbeck College Sports Ground, Birkbeck Avenue, Greenford UB6 8LS.
Man of the Match: Pat Manton – Three goals on his debut? Never heard of before in the Third team!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Guido Pisapia, Jon Williams, Laurie Simmonds, Dale Collinson, Junior Carroll, Gary Holland, Pat Manton, Steve Collinson, Lee Heaslip, Alex Simmonds (subs all used) Richard Doyle, Paul Carroll