Third Team Match Reports
by Doyley The Third
They think its all over…….it is now!
Northwood 3rds 2 Chiswick Homefields 6
Saturday 13th February 2010 (Commercial League Open Cup, Round 2)
Just when it couldn’t get any worse for Northwood Third team, never to disappoint their long suffering supporters……………it did!
We didn’t just collapse, we went down in instalments!!!
How did we end up losing? How did we manage to snatch a defeat from the jaws of victory? Why does the editor of this report put himself through this sort of torture every Saturday (apart from avoiding shopping with the Mrs)?
Not to take anything away from our opposition, they thoroughly deserved their win against a woeful Northwood team. They may be having an indifferent season in Division 4 of the Commercial League but they battled to a deserved cup win, claiming the scalp of the Woods and booking a Quarter-final place against Sandgate in the process.
Chiswick Homefields played hosts, even though this was a “home” game for Northwood, due to pitch availability (or non-availablility, as the case may be). So we travelled to the delightful facilities of Fullers Sports Ground, by the River Thames. No excuses can be made of the pitch conditions.
Player availability and injuries meant a few changes to the team formation.
In the first twenty minutes, after a strong start by the Woods, it looked as if the game would be one-sided. Paul Palmer skilfully turned a Chiswick defender in the penalty area and notched with a low drive, after ten minutes. Northwood looked totally in control.
The killer moment came when a speculative shot from all of 35 yards, caught the wind and flew past Wilfy Wilson to equalise, completely against the run of play. Suddenly, Chiswick grew in confidence and began to mount a spirited fight back.
Just before the half time whistle, a Chiswick free kick was not dealt with properly and as the ball bounced around, a speculative lob from a Chiswick forward found its way into the Woods net.
Even the half-time talk was not of panic, it seemed only a matter of time until we got back into the game, then go on to win it.
After ten minutes of the second half, Mark Stafford got his head to a cross to equalise. Now it was all Northwood, nothing could stop us winning this game, the Chiswick keeper was in outstanding form, producing save after save.
But football is a funny old game, we were never going to get beaten…
Chiswick went onto score four goals in the last twenty minutes.
Every time Chiswick came forward in the final minutes, the ball ended in the back of the Woods net: four attempts = four goals. The Chiswick forward was that lucky that some of the Northwood lads asked him for his lottery numbers to put on Saturday's draw.
We just caved in against a team we could, and really should, have been too strong for. No more excuses (I have run out of words to describe disappointment and getting stuffed at football). Hang on a minute, here is one: “Northwood's proverbial bottle is half empty, not half full”.
We are still left in one cup competition, although if we play like we have done for the last two cup ties, we shouldn’t bother turning up!
On Saturday 27th February we return to league action against New Hanford. Hopefully we can turn things around a.s.a.p. starting with 3 points this week. Surely things cannot get any worse, can they???
Man of the Match: Wilfy Wilson – When Chiswick threw the kitchen sink at us in the last twenty minutes, he narrowly avoided serious injury on the hot tap!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Jon Williams, Laurie Simmonds, Dale Collinson, Steve Collinson, Tim Delaney, Alex Simmonds, Gary Collinson, Paul Palmer, Luke Cowie, Mark Stafford. Subs (all used): Simon Smith, Danny Glock.
GOALSCORERS 2009-10 |
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| Danny Glock | 14 |
Alex Simmonds | 2 |
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| Mark Stafford | 9 |
Tim Delaney | 1 |
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| Paul Palmer | 8 |
Chris Calaby | 1 |
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| Luke Cowie | 3 |
Charlie Daly | 1 |
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| Dale Collinson | 2 |
Sam Durand | 1 |
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NEXT MATCH |
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New Hanford v Northwood 3rds (Saturday 27th February 2010) |
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CUP DRAW |
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Northwood 3rds v winners of North Greenford v Lampton Park |
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No Semi for the Third Team this Season!
Northwood 3rds 1 Christchurch Roxeth 4
Saturday 30th January 2010 (Middlesex Junior Trophy, Quarter-final)
So, the facts before Saturday's kick-off were:
1. A County Cup semi-final place was up for grabs.
2. Apparently, the Commercial League is a higher standard than our opposition's league (although no-one told Christchurch Roxeth).
3. All we needed to do was turn up to win (according to the Woods players).
4. Our first game since 12th December so everyone must be keen to play.
So there was an air of excitement surrounding Saturdays trip to darkest Boston Manor Playing Fields (played there because our normal “home” pitch at Birkbeck College was waterlogged). Not the nicest place in the world, but the pitch was playable!
Even the editor of this report travelled through the traffic whilst planning the coach for the final and wondering what colour carnations should be used with the cup final suits. We had beaten North Greenford dramatically, in the last round and they must have been favourites to win the competition, so surely it was going to be a mere formality of turning up and booking a semi-final place away at Broadfields United, sometime in March.
The script was written, so all we had to do was follow the script………
Within ten minutes of the kick-off, that script was floating down the adjacent River Brent, discarded by all eleven players wearing the red of Northwood with some style!
Let's take nothing away from our opposition. Christchurch Roxeth were definitely up for the occasion. Amazingly, each of their players were over 6 foot tall, all towering over the Collinsons (though most of the players in an under 7’s game would tower over the Collinsons!!!). It was felt by the Woods team that the Chiltern Churches League they play in each week would be no match for the tougher, stronger London Commercial League……Ha, Ha, Ha, (that is sarcastic laughter).
How wrong we were!
Never one to be negative, what positives can be drawn from Saturday’s game? The only one that springs to mind is the rain held off, so we didn’t get wet, can't think of any others!
We were 0-3 down at half-time, so drew the second half thanks to a headed goal by Mark Stafford and Charlie Daly came on as substitute and won a couple of aerial challenges: that was the highlight!!!
“Can it get worse?” I asked myself as I left the ground on Saturday. The half an hour traffic jam to get through Greenford High Street, was just the answer I needed……what a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
Never mind, heads up. we still have two cup competitions to play for, one of which is this week's “home” tie against Chiswick Homefields. Hopefully we will compete this week.
Without doubt, this was Northwood Third team's worst performance of the season (so far), and we will need major improvements if we have any chance of silverware this season.
Man of the Match: The Third Team Supporters – at least it didn’t rain!
Team: Chris Calaby, Sam Durand, Laurence Roberts, Dale Collinson, Steve Collinson, Simon Smith, Tim Delaney, Alex Simmonds, Paul Palmer, Danny Glock, Tony Barrett (Subs all used) Charlie Daly, Mark Stafford, Jon Williams
North Greenford get their Revenge!
Northwood 3rds 0 North Greenford United IV 1
Saturday 12th December 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
North Greenford United got their revenge against the Woods, following the penalty drama of the previous week that resulted in a Northwood success.
As fate would have it, after all the tension of the County cup game, the London Commercial League paired these two teams once again, in the league.
To be honest, there is not much between either side, single goal successes of 3-2 and 1-0 in the league in favour of North Greenford and the penalty drama to Northwood. There is not much difference between each team.
Saturday was no different. North Greenford just shading a tight, close encounter between two teams that tried to play football in the “right” way.
The effort and commitment could not be faulted by either set of players and this week the game finished with both teams fielding eleven players each.
Northwood succumbed to a second half strike that was “revenge” for last weeks “slice of luck” that is the result of a penalty lottery.
Northwood last week, North Greenford this week.
In truth, if we played each other every week I am sure the honours would be even, by the end of the season.
Team manager Laurie Simmonds commented at the end of the match “We are not concentrating on the league anymore, we are a cup team!” But there is still a lot of league football to be played and two of our three league defeats have both been against a very good North Greenford team…………how about going for runners-up medal then Laurie?
In truth, the cups seem to be the Thirds best opportunity to win some silverware. (ed note: in all the years of following Northwood Third team, I cannot remember still being in every cup competition at Christmas!).
We have a very important County cup quarter-final date to look forward to in the new year. Plus there is another quarter-final & Round 2 matches to play in the Commercial League cup competitions. So, all looks good for 2010.
That was the Thirds' final game of 2009 due to not being given a fixture this week. The Christmas break in between now means we have a well earned holiday until 9th January 2010 when we entertain Abbey National.
All that is left for me to do, is to wish anyone that follows the trial and tribulations of Northwood Third team each week, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all…………..See you all in 2010.
Man of the Match: Santa Claus – Old Saint Nick himself, he is still younger than half the Northwood Third team!
Team: Chris Calaby, Sam Durand, Gary Collinson, Laurence Roberts, Dale Collinson, Steve Collinson, Luke Cowie, Tim Delaney, Alex Simmonds, Paul Palmer, Danny Glock (Subs all used) Simon Smith, Kevin James.
Penalty success books Quarter-Final place
Northwood 3rds 1 North Greenford United 1 (AET)
(Northwood win 4-1 on penalties)
Saturday 5th December 2009 (Middlesex Junior Trophy Round 3)
The Third team put in their best performance of the season to book a quarter-final place in the Middlesex County Cup.
The result was made even more outstanding by the fact the game finished 10 versus 8 players, in favour of North Greenford and the lottery that is a penalty shoot-out. In credit to our opposition, a draw would have been the correct result but this was cup football and there can only be one winner…..luckily, this time, it was Northwood.
The game itself was too tight to predict a winner. A first half lob from all of 35 yards from Alex Simmonds caught the North Greenford keeper off his line to open the scoring for the Woods. A deserved North Greenford equaliser followed ten minutes later, the scores remained level at half-time.
Nothing seemed to be able to separate these two teams……until the “mad 5 minutes!” kicked in and the whole game changed accordingly.
Any comment about the “mad ten minutes” is best left for those at County FA that process the paperwork for such misdemeanours. A second bookable offence, a “handbags at 5 paces” and comments on the referee’s performance that he didn’t like, meant the result was 4 players sharing an early shower.
It was now that the true fighting spirit of Northwood took control.
The back five of Sam Durand, Laurance Roberts, Charlie Daly, Dale Collinson and not forgetting Stevie Collinson stood firm protecting Chris Calaby’s goal as if their lives depended on it.
Chris Calaby was custodian of the keepers gloves, our sixth defender, once again due to Wilf Wilson’s continued absence. Chris was to play a large part in the penalty shoot-out with two fantastic saves.
Laurie Simmonds used eight players to good effect and deployed the old
1-1-6 tactic. Luckily for Northwood, North Greenford kept four in defence, which made for more of an even game. Through dogged determination the game went into and out of extra time, taking the result onto a penalties decision.
Northwood won the penalty shoot-out 4-1, with the winning strike from Sam Durand, who was overheard to mention that it was the best moment of his life (he obviously doesn’t get out much!). The celebrations went long into the evening, with Sam reliving the best moment of his life with anyone that would listen (which wasn’t many, I can tell you!).
So the success means we play at “home” versus the winners of Dynamo FC v Christchurch Roxeth FC in the quarter-final on 23rd January.
Man of the Match: The whole team – in the face of adversity, they stuck together to book a quarter-final place on 23rd January 2010.
Team: Chris Calaby, Sam Durand, Gary Collinson, Charlie Daly, Dale Collinson, Steve Collinson, Luke Cowie, Tim Delaney, Alex Simmonds, Mark Stafford, Danny Glock (Subs all used) Laurence Roberts, Laurie Simmonds.
Stafford & Simmonds Terrorise Greenwood
Northwood 3rds 3 Greenwood 1
Saturday 28th November 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The Third team continued their fine mid season form with a very useful three points against Greenwood. Our opposition had just missed out on promotion last term and were thought to be another “team to beat” this year.
However, in true Northwood style, the result was in doubt until the final 15 minutes. Greenwood lead 1-0 at half-time and it looked as if, despite Northwood enjoying the majority of possession, the points were heading Greenwoods way.
Step forward Mark Stafford. Mark had joined Northwood in the summer and had been deployed in midfield. On Saturday, with Danny Glock unavailable, he was played up front with Paul “Patsy” Palmer.
Together with a full return to Northwood colours for Alex Simmonds, these two stole the points off Greenwood in some style.
With a quarter of an hour remaining and the match seemingly slipping away from Northwood, a long Patsy Palmer throw into the Greenwood box was flicked on by Alex Simmonds into the path of a very grateful Mark Stafford who slotted home.
The goal seemed to raise the effort, suddenly every Northwood player raised their game. Alex Simmonds sped down the wing, with a pinpoint cross to the feet of Mark Stafford to make it two and completely deflate the opposition.
The killer third goal came within five minutes when another Simmonds/Stafford combination put the latter through on goal, beating the Greenwood keeper to secure all 3 points.
A fantastic effort to beat a useful Greenwood side was celebrated in traditional style when Mark Stafford was “fined” a jug for having the audacity of scoring a hat-trick.
This week we return to cup action in the County Cup, a “home” tie against North Greenford United IV, whom we lost to 2-3 in the league a few weeks ago. As fate would have it, we also play the same opposition at “home” in the league the following week. NGU are unbeaten this season, so we will have our work cut out to secure any kind of victory in the next two games.
This week the Thirds return to the former “home” South Oxhey Playing Fields because our pitch at Birkbeck is only available on alternate weeks.
Man of the Match: Mark Stafford – Great performance by Staff. Ably assisted on each goal by Alex Simmonds.
Team: Chris Calaby, Sam Durand, Laurie Simmonds, Charlie Daly, Dale Collinson, Steve Collinson, Luke Cowie, Tim Delaney, Alex Simmonds, Mark Stafford, Paul Palmer (Subs all used) Laurence Roberts, Chris Simmonds
Cup Success at the Concord Club
British Airways 3rds 0 Northwood 3rds 1
Saturday 21st November 2009 (London Comm. League Junior Cup Round 2)
The Third team travelled to The Concord Club (Cranford), to play old foes British Airways. They came away securing a place in the 3rd round of the Commercial League Junior Cup, after coming out victorious in a hard fought tight game.
So tight in fact, both goalkeepers winning the Man of the Match trophy for the respective teams.
Northwood’s goalkeeper was Chris Calaby. Unfortunately, Wilfy Wilson suffered a nasty injury prior to kick-off when his wallet moved suddenly in his pocket and the weight caused a damaged fetlock. Chris took the keepers gloves off Wilfy.
Alex Simmonds returned from his adventure in America and his dad, Laurie made the astonishing (and very brave, according to his wife) decision to play himself in preference to his own flesh & blood. Something that his wife reminded him of later as she threw his dinner in his direction.
The most worrying casualty was Danny “goal machine” Glock who fell foul of London Transport's rail works and got stranded at Acton Town station.
Who was going to score the goals in his absence? made even more concerning because his partner up front, Paul Palmer has a waist line that seems to be getting bigger each week and he hasn’t started on the turkey yet!
The pitches at the Concord Club are always conducive to playing the ball along the ground. Saturday was no exception, and the game was a fantastic advert for London Commercial League football.
The deadlock could not be broken during the first period.
A Northwood hero was needed to break the deadlock, step forward the British Airways centre-half.
Northwood took hold of the game in the second half and got their due rewards when Dale Collinson smashed the ball at the BA centre-half. Luckily for Dale the man in question was a large Rick O’Shea and the ball nestled in the back of the BA net, off Mr O’Shea. Dale’s celebrations were short lived when he was reminded of the jug of lager he would have to purchase.
The result was always going to be more important than the performance.
So the next round in the League Junior Cup is the Quarter-final stage, something to look forward to in the new year, draw to be made soon.
This week its back to league action with a “home” game versus Greenwood. Another 3 points will be most welcome.
Man of the Match: Chris Calaby – Showed his true team spirit by doning the gloves in a emergency and buying his mates a Man of the Match jug!
Team: Chris Calaby, Sam Durand, Laurie Simmonds, Charlie Daly, Dale Collinson, Steve Collinson, Luke Cowie, Tim Delaney, Gary Collinson, Paul Palmer, Mark Stafford (Subs, all used) Jon Williams, Alex Simmonds
Away Day success for the Third Team
Hillingdon 2 Northwood 3rds 3
Saturday 7th November 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The Third team travelled to Coney Green in Hillingdon on Saturday, returning with all 3 points after a solid performance against a very good team.
Team manager Laurie Simmonds made the best decision of the season and dropped himself! He had obviously seen the age of the opposition. So young were some of the Hillingdon players, the Northwood players offered help with their homework before the game.
In truth, the Third team got off to a great start but having taken an early lead, when Danny Glock tapped in a simple chance, the advantage was short lived. Gary Collinson displaying his full repertoire of skills on the edge of his own penalty box, before passing to the Hillingdon centre-forward, who gratefully equalised.
It was one of those games where the play flowed from end to end.
The advantage was restored when Charlie Daly rose (like a salmon) at the back post to notch his first goal of the season with a bullet header (that was the way Charlie described the goal). Some people did question whether he knew anything about where the ball went, with his eyes shut? Another jug for showing off, make it two jugs for exaggeration!
Fair play to our opposition, they never gave up and were rewarded with the second equaliser of the match to make it 2-2 at half-time.
Laurie threatened to bring himself off the bench, during his half-time talk. This was just the inspiration required. The second half saw Northwood dominate the play, just to avoid playing with Laurie!
However, there was a large slice of luck involved in the winning Northwood goal. The referee awarding Northwood a penalty for a foul in the Hillingdon box. Danny Glock stepped forward to add his name to the score sheet once again.
Once Northwood had taken the lead for the third time of asking, there was no way back for Hillingdon. There was even time to bring on Tassles Williams for a welcome return. Although he spent most of his game sitting on his back side with the Hillingdon strikers running circles round him.
“I am not fit enough!” he declared, leaving the pitch after the final whistle. His team mates responded with words of encouragement, “No, you are not good enough!” (only joking Tassles, you are fit enough!).
So the win takes the Third team up to 4th in the table. This week it is a “local derby” with old foes, New Hanford.
Man of the Match: Charlie Daly – Great goal was highlight of a good performance…………and he lasted the whole game!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Charlie Daly, Chris Calaby, Luke Cowie, Tim Delaney, Gary Collinson, Paul Palmer, Danny Glock, Mark Stafford, Delroy Anderson (Subs, all used) Dale Collinson, Kevin James, Jon Williams
A Baker's Dozen sets a Third team record
Northwood 3rds 13 Barnet Deaf 2
Saturday 31st October 2009 (Middlesex Junior Trophy Round 2)
The records went tumbling on Saturday against Barnet Deaf in the Middlesex County Cup. 13 (yes, thirteen goals) scored by Northwood Thirds, with Paul Palmer notching a record five in a single match.
The scoreline looked like an England cricket score, 13-2, although that would be considered a good start to an innings by an England cricket team.
In fairness, Barnet Deaf were probably not used to playing Commercial League standard, highlighted by the fact we were playing their first team, lucky we didn’t draw their reserves!!!
The referee used a flag with his whistle to let the Barnet players know of any decisions, which was strange at first but a credit to our opposition that the game was played in a very sporting manner.
Goals galore for Northwood Paul Palmer 5, Danny Glock 3, Mark Stafford 2, Luke Cowie 2, Dale Collinson 1 (hang on a minute, that again sounds like an England cricket innings, nobody in double figures!!!).
The most disappointing thing was to concede 2 goals but the game was so one sided, at one point we ditched 4-4-2 and played a 9-1-1 formation.
The two goals Barnet scored were a result of the Northwood defence taking pity on the opposition and letting them in to score (well, that was the back four's excuse after the game).
Paul Palmer took the accolade of “man of the match” for his 5 goal performance. He was accused of trying to take the match ball home under his shirt, only to discover the whereabouts of said ball meant it must have been his belly! He was duly fined two jugs for his exploits and being a show off.
The victory on Saturday meant we earned a “home” tie with North Greenford United on 5th December. We have already lost to NGU in the league, so a tough match is expected, certainly tougher than this game.
This week we return to league action against Hillingdon F.C.
The past couple of weeks have produced results in Cup competitions that mean the season will now be prolonged. Hopefully the success in the cup can follow through to our league campaign.
Man of the Match: Paul Palmer – 5 goals in one match, so he was fined 2 jugs of lager for showing off!
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Charlie Daly, Chris Calaby, Steve Collinson, Luke Cowie, Tim Delaney, Gary Collinson, Paul Palmer, Danny Glock, Mark Stafford (Subs, all used) Delroy Anderson, Dale Collinson, Chris Simmonds.
Thirds fight back, to win in Cup
Oriel All Stars 2 Northwood 3rds 4
Saturday 24th October 2009 (London Commercial League Junior Cup Rnd 1)
Against a new team playing their football in Division 4, Northwood Thirds faced the potential banana skin of a cup tie versus Oriel All Stars. As a team from the Commercial league Division 3, this game was never going to be easy.
The trip to the delights of Feltham Community Centre was daunting enough, however with the “home” support somewhat intimidating (and that was just the women!) the task was made that much tougher.
Squire Laurie Simmonds was away tending to one of his castles in a little bit of land he owns called Dorset. So it was decided to introduce a rotation policy by Tim Delaney. Tinkerman Tim (well, I have heard him called some things and that is probably the nicest) gave starts to “new boys” Delroy Anderson and Kevin James. Charlie Daly was welcomed back after his two week “rest” that 20 year olds need, due to tiredness!!!!!
Unfortunately the Thirds never left the changing rooms in the first half. The 45 minute performance was by far the worst of the season.
Oriel All Stars (sound like a traditional jazz band to me?) took a two goal advantage into the half-time break. Time for the Tinkerman to work his magic spells. He must have added his magic potion to the half-time cup of tea.
Everything took a turn for the better after the break. Northwood started to dominate proceedings and the league status superiority started to show.
Danny Glock came off the bench to notch another brace and take his seasons tally to 9 already (he has almost the amount of goals that won the golden boot last season…..already!). Then Mark Stafford added his name to the score sheet twice making the game safe after such a nightmare start for the Woods.
By the end of the match, Northwood were in complete control.
What a turn around by Tinkerman Tim, what a football brain, what a guy……and ……what a bit of luck Danny Glock came off the bench to save his football management reputation!
So Northwood Thirds march into Round 2 of the Commercial League Junior Cup. The reward for Saturdays success is an away tie at British Airways in the next round on 21st November.
This week is cup week once again. This time its is a Middlesex County Cup tie versus unknown quantity Barnet Deaf F.C. in round 2, having received a bye in round 1.
Man of the Match: Mark Stafford – His two goals just pipping Danny Glock to the coveted purchase of the “man of the match” jug
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Dale Collinson, Steve Payton, Steve Collinson, Tim Delaney, Gary Collinson, Paul Palmer, Delroy Anderson, Kevin James, Mark Stafford (Subs, all used) Danny Glock, Luke Cowie, Charlie Daly.
Southall smash fortress Birkbeck!
Northwood 3rds 1 Southall Rangers 3
Saturday 17th October 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
Well, Fortress Birkbeck was well and truly squashed by Southall Rangers on Saturday. In fairness, Southall definitely deserved their win, the better team on the day won. However, youth, fitness and the desire to win were all in their favour and the points went to the worthy winners.
However (and here come the excuses) Wilfy Wilson was suffering a severe bout of man flu, so Chris Calaby was pressed ganged into donning the keeper's gloves. We also welcomed “new boys” Kevin James and Delroy Anderson into the squad (duly fined a jug each for making their debuts!).
With excuses made, the game was put out of Woods reach within half an hour. Tim Delaney was caught in possession and the Southall striker punished his mistake for the first goal. Five minutes later Dale Collinson brought down the same striker on the edge of Northwood box. The resultant free-kick nestled in the back of Chris Calaby’s net. The third Southall strike came from the best move of the game and even drew applause from the Woods defence.
In credit to the men of Northwood, they never gave up. Danny Glock (proving to be a fantastic signing this season) scored yet again with an individual effort to lighten any game.
The final minutes of the first half saw a red card for the Southall midfield player. He tangled with the Collinson family and came off worse (though there are far more of them anyway!).
Hopes were high that we could snatch a result against the ten men of Southall. Unfortunately a combination of good defending, fantastic goalkeeping, poor accuracy by Woods strikers and Tim Delaney putting his boots on the wrong feet, meant there was no way back for Northwood.
So a poor result against a good team. Hopefully a couple of weeks of cup clashes will take our minds off league results. A trip to Feltham Community centre to play new team Oriel All Stars awaits Northwood Thirds in the League Cup. Then a “home “ tie against an unknown quantity in Barnet Deaf F.C. in the County Cup.
Man of the Match: Dale Collinson – defending as it should be. He made it difficult for the Southall strikers, strong in the air and tough on the ground.
Team: Chris Calaby, Sam Durand, Dale Collinson, Steve Payton, Steve Collinson, Laurie Simmonds, Luke Cowie, Tim Delaney, Gary Collinson, Danny Glock, Mark Stafford (Subs, all used) Kevin James, Delroy Anderson, Paul Palmer.
“A point gained to go top!”
Abbey National 2 Northwood 3rds 2
Saturday 10th October 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
Never was the old football cliché more apt, than to describe the Third team's visit to Abbey National on Saturday. Our opponents carry the boast of having not lost a league game for 18 months. With promotion from Division 4 last year, Abbey had started this season as they finished last year.
Northwood welcomed back Steve Payton and Jon Williams into the centre of defence, increasing the average age of the team by 50 years! “Very old heads!” was the manager's comment, unfortunately they are on very old bodies!
The start by Northwood couldn’t have been better, with a first half performance that stunned Abbey National.
Another strike by the prolific Danny Glock paid dividends for all the possession Northwood enjoyed in the first twenty minutes of the game.
The lead was further extended when a Sam Durand strike found the back of the net. Sam was duly fined the obligatory jug for his first goal of the season.
The first half advantage should have been turned into goals, and the hope was the two goal lead would be enough to win the game.
Unfortunately, the football cliché came into effect at the half-time interval.
Whatever was put into the Abbey National tea at half-time was brought into question after the game.
Abbey National dominated the second half and, to be fair to our opposition, deserved the equaliser they got during the second period. The second Abbey strike seemed to spur the Third team into a spirited last twenty minutes. But the game petered out to a 2-2 draw with neither team deserving to take all 3 points.
So a point gained, rather than a point lost was the post match view in the clubhouse. Abbey National are a good team that will definitely be in the running for league honours, so a point away from home was a good result.
This week we return to the carpet that is Birkbeck College Sports Ground, to play another very good team, Southall Rangers in a Division 3 game. Hopefully our home form of played 2, won 2 will continue.
The results from Saturday mean that the point gained against Abbey takes the Thirds to the heady heights of top of Division 3. Although we have played more games than our opposition, it still makes great reading!
Man of the Match: Sam Durand – good goal, good performance all round.
Thirds Bounce Back against Sandgate
Northwood 3rds 4 Sandgate Old Boys 3
Saturday 3rd October 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The third team bounced back in fine style on Saturday against familiar foe, Sandgate Old Boys. After last weeks reversal and with a long injury list, hopes were not high, especially as Sandgate had taken all 6 points off the Woods third string last season.
Wilfy Wilson, Steve Payton were nursing injuries, whilst Paul Palmer, Tassles Williams, Luke Cowie and Alex Simmonds all had holiday commitments. A player shuffle was needed, Chris Calaby was deployed at his preferred centre-half position and Simon Smith donned the keepers gloves.
To make matter worse, ex-Wood Adam Heaslip lined up against the Thirds team. He moaned after the game about the treatment the Collinson gang dished out all game. Unfortunately for him the Collinson family are the Northwood equivelant of the The Sopranos (although a smaller version) there seems to be loads of them……….although none of them can actually sing soprano!
The pitch at Birkbeck was in its usual fantastic condition. The playing surface helped the slick passing game of the Thirds and soon they found a brace by Danny Glock had put them 2-0 up. Even Laurie Simmonds, playing in a holding role in midfield, he called the anchor role, rolled back the years, chipping into Danny for his first. His team mates commenting on what a big anchor he was (at least that is what it sounded like).
A Sandgate reply was soon cancelled out by a Chris Calaby strike to make the half-time score 3-1 to Northwood. Chris was fined the obligatory jug for his first goal for Northwood Thirds.
The second half saw a bright start from Northwood, this was rewarded by a hat-trick strike from Danny Glock (2 jug fine for certain!).
To their credit, Sandgate never gave up and at 1-4 down, mounted a spirited climax to the game. Two Sandgate goals made the final twenty minutes a very tense affair. Luckily Simon “the cat” Smith was in fine form keeping the Sandgate attacks out with some brave keeping. Unfortunately for him, this performance cost him a “man of the match” jug for his efforts.
So a very welcome victory for the Thirds. Showing true character following last weeks defeat, the Thirds can look forward to another tricky game this week, away to Abbey National.
Highlight of the day was when Charlie Daly (aged 22) was fined a post match jug for being able to last the whole ninety minutes, pre-season is obviously starting to pay dividends!!!!!
Man of the Match: Simon Smith – the second custodian of the keepers gloves to be awarded the coveted “man of the match” trophy. Is it just sheer coincidence that the normal man between the sticks, Wilfy Wilson, has yet to win such an award???
Team: Simon Smith, Sam Durand, Dale Collinson, Charlie Daly, Chris Calaby, Laurie Simmonds, Steve Collinson, Tim Delaney, Gary Collinson, Danny Glock, Mark Stafford (subs all used) Kevin Smith, Laurence Roberts.
Thirds given a physical lesson by North Greenford
North Greenford United 3 Northwood 3rds 2
Saturday 26th September 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The third team came back to earth with a very big bump this week against Commercial League “new boys” North Greenford United.
Last week's victorious start to the new league campaign seemed a long while ago. This week we met a very physical North Greenford team, and the stronger side came out on top. Although, the scoreline does show that we were never out of contention, the edge being the more aggressive nature of our opponents.
Fair play, we were beaten by the better side, highlighted by “man of the match” performance by Chris Calaby in the Northwood goal.
Normal custodian of the keepers gloves, Wilfy Wilson failed to recover from bruising received the previous game. In stepped Chris as cover to produce a fantastic performance to keep the Woods in the game.
The pitch at Rosedale College was not conducive to the flowing passing game that had worked so well the previous week. The uneven surface favouring the stronger challenges from North Greenford midfield.
A brace from Paul Palmer meant there was always a chance of snatching a victory but as the game went on, it seemed we were always on the back foot.
So the reality check we needed, the post match talk last week of promotion was replaced by avoiding relegation will be the aim, this season.
This week we return to the “billiard table” surface of our home pitch at Birkbeck College. Sandgate Old Boys are a more familiar foe, although victories against our neighbours from Hayes have been few and far between.
Hopefully we can turn our “home” into fortress Birkbeck.
Man of the Match: Chris Calaby – Showed just what a versatile player he is, outstanding at centre-half last week, even better as goa keeper this week!
Team: Chris Calaby, Sam Durand, Dale Collinson, Steve Payton, Laurie Simmonds, Steve Collinson, Tim Delaney, Luke Cowie, Laurence Roberts, Danny Glock, Paul Palmer (subs all used) Mark Stafford, Kevin Smith.
Thirds get off to a flying Start!
Northwood 3rds 5 British Airways 3rds 0
Saturday 12th September 2009 (London Commercial League Division 3)
The third team kicked-off the new Commercial League Division 3 campaign in fine style against old foe British Airways.
Looking resplendent in their brand new kit, courtesy of Hennessy’s Bar in Ruislip Manor, the Thirds played their Airways opponents off the park with some super one-touch football.
The Birkbeck College pitch resembled a bowling green, this only served to assist the flowing, passing game of the Woods.
League debuts for Steve Payton, Danny Glock, Chris Calaby, Paul Palmer, Laurence Roberts, Kevin Smith meant it was a very different looking team that finished last season.
Gary and Dale Collinson and Tassles Williams were unavailable or injured so missed the game. Maybe after watching this performance, they could go missing more often! The scoreline could, and should have been far greater.
Luke Cowie drove in the opening goal from the edge of the Airways penalty box. A fine Paul Palmer run down the left flank and cross was met by new boy Danny Glock to put Northwood two up before half-time.
As the heat of a very tropical day started to take its toll, the Third team pre-season started to pay dividends. The second half was all Northwood.
Danny Glock scored his second, after capitalising on a defensive mix up between centre-half and keeper, Danny walked the ball into the open net.
Alex Simmonds capped a “man of the match” performance by racing through on goal to bury the ball into the bottom right hand corner.
Not to be outdone, manager Tim Delaney began shooting from everywhere, desperate to score. Eventually, wind assisted, the ball nestled in the top corner of the Airways net, much to the delight of Tim, much to the astonishment of his team mates.
So an opening day 3 points to put in the bag. This week it’s an away day to a new team to the Commercial League, in the shape of North Greenford United. Hopefully our away form can match Saturdays fine performance.
Man of the Match: Alex Simmonds – Trickery on the ball, gave the British Airways midfield a torrid afternoon. Head & shoulders above the rest.
Team: Wilfy Wilson, Sam Durand, Chris Calaby, Steve Payton, Laurie Simmonds, Steve Collinson, Tim Delaney, Luke Cowie, Alex Simmonds, Danny Glock, Paul Palmer (subs all used) Charlie Daly, Laurence Roberts, Kevin Smith.
Northwood Thirds F.C.
Pre-Season 2009/2010
It has been a very long Summer for the players of Northwood Thirds. Too many barbeques have taken their toll. Although pre-season training started in July, the London Commercial League does not start until Saturday 19th September.
New additions to the squad include Steve Payton, who played for Northwood first team years ago and Paul Palmer, signed from Kodak Sports because he wanted to develop his career! Other new faces include youngsters Mark Stafford and striker Danny Glock. Jack Toland, son of Vets legend Billy Toland, has signed as goalkeeping cover for Wilfy Wilson, and Chris Calaby has signed from Bushey Met Police F.C.
Unfortunately, Steve Brown has decided to hang up his boots, whilst Laurie Simmonds (who was asked by his team mates to hang up his boots) has decided to play on for another season. Pat Manton is suffering a long term injury, and hopefully will be back during the season. We also lost Paul Carroll and Adam Heaslip to other teams, whilst Ross Mcbain has yet to show his face at training.
New Third team managers Tim Delaney and Gary Collinson take the Third team reins for the new Division 3 campaign. We wish them every success…………………they will need it managing Northwood Third team!
The season kicked off with the following Pre-Season friendlies:
Kodak Reserves 2 Northwood 3rds 3
Tuesday 1st September 2009 (Pre-Season Friendly)
After a good turn-out at Pres-Season training, a first run-out for the Third team against South Midlands League opposition. Played in tropical condition,s which suited the Brazilian style of the Woods!
The game was played at Kodak Sports Ground, Harrow.
Goals from Danny Glock, Alex Simmonds and Mark Stafford were pleasing, and as noted in the bar afterwards, we remained unbeaten all season (although the season was only 1 game old!). Good performance, showing signs of promise for the forthcoming season.
Roxeth 5 Northwood 3rds 0
Saturday 5th September 2009 (Pre-Season Friendly)
Played again at Kodak Sports Ground, Harrow. Unfortunately, due to pitch availability, the game kicked-off at 12.30pm, which meant a number of Third team regulars were missing.
The result was no disgrace, against a Commercial League Division 1 team, and the scoreline flatters our opposition. Although the main objective of a competitive 90 minutes football was achieved.
Good performance, work-out more important than the result.Northwood 3rds 1 West End Rangers 0
Saturday 12th September 2009 (Pre-Season Friendly)
This was the first ever meeting between the two teams with West End Rangers joining the Commercial League in Division 2.
The game was again played in sub tropical conditions at our old “home” ground of South Oxhey Playing Fields. Another very useful run around and a good result against very much younger (and fitter) opposition.
A Paul Palmer penalty was the difference between the two teams, though another very competitive “friendly” was another good work-out in preparation to the league starting on 19th September at home to British Airways. Here are photos from the game:
London Commercial League Division 3 (Season 2009/2010)
- Barnet Municipal Officers F.C.
- British Airways F.C.
- Greenwood F.C.
- Hadley F.C.
- Hillingdon F.C.
- New Hanford F.C.
- North Greenford United F.C.
- Northwood F.C.
- SS Southall Rangers F.C.
- Sandgate Old Boys F.C.
- TWS F.C.
- Viking Sports F.C.
Middlesex Junior Trophy Round 2 (Saturday 10th October 2009):
Northwood V Barnet Deaf (bye in Round 1)