Robin Hood FC

R.I.P Seve

2011-05-07T09:45:00.003+01:00

My modern day golf heroes are Lee Westwood (of course he is a Notts lad after all) and Ian Poulter cause I like his style. These guys are awesome and will no doubt go on to be revered by many in time. But to achieve true legendary status in the game you have that, to coin a phrase, the X factor, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player all had it but one man who had it in abundance was Seve Ballesteros.

I was not even born when Seve turned pro back in 74' and was only one when he became the first European to win The Masters and to be honest I never really saw him play live even on the TV my joy of Seve came from watching highlights of his career when I was older and began to love this game of Golf.

The tributes have been pouring in from Pro's to Celebs with the common theme of what a amazing character Seve was and how he could not just light up a room but an entire golf course with his smile. That is a testament to a man and that is where his legendary status comes from. He played with a smile on his face even when things were not going right (come on guys and gals anyone that plays knows how hard it can be to keep smiling after a nightmare hole) and that set him apart!

Despite being a Golf superstar during my Dad's era of watching Golf he still manges to inspire new golfers today.

Its a sad sad day indeed, but we will always have the moments of magic he produced on the golf course.

Rest In Peace Seve Ballesteros.

MasterBlaster runs Bartertown!!!

2009-11-25T18:54:00.011Z

Robin Hood FC Vs T8's
22-11-09
Vernon Park

Hi there sports fans, ahem.... Sorry! OK Its Sunday again baby which means its time for footy. Last week saw the Robin slip to another defeat, it was hard to take as they deserved at least a point from it. This week brings top of the table T8's to the home of Robin Hood FC, last time the two met the Robin were handed their arse on a plate and drubbed 8 - 2. So Sunday was time to prove a point and show that that scoreline was nothing more than a freak. So on with it I shall go the day was sunny and bright (at the beginning of it anyway) and the squad was slowly recovering from injuries and getting back to decent levels also helped with new additions.

peep, Peep, PEEP, Lets get that booty shaking its time to play, erm, Anyway the ref gets the game underway. A slight wince from the PT Sports crew (The returning Tony included) as they were expecting a deluge of shots to rain down upon the Robin's goal, but it did not come. T8's physically were the stronger taller side but the Robin on their day is full of battlers. The game is in no way tentative and the Robin are looking nothing like the team that rolled over and presented themselves a few weeks back in Hucknall. They are competing with T8's and although they made not be out jumping them they are working to keep them from getting a strangle hold on the game. Roughly twenty minutes in and T8's get a throw in on the Pond Side within Delapping distance of the Robins box. To no ones surprise the ball is launched into the Robins area straight on to the head of one of T8's six foot plus monsters (little harsh) who guides it into the opposite corner, GOAL!!! Robin 0 - 1 T8's. T8's start to excerpt a little domination exploiting the right hand side they had so much joy with in the first game. Some fine defending, including three consecutive blocks from Tea Pot which deny T8's from capitalising on there pressure. Robin continue to attack when they have to chance, and one attack leads to a free kick being award a few yards from T8's area, Magic Pants strikes the ball as the T8's wall rises, hitting the wall and bouncing out toward the centre circle where Welshy pops up and puts his foot through it, cleanly striking it, its dipping all the way, "Its going in!!" "Its going in!" "OOOOH" the ball hits the cross bar and goes over for a goal kick. What an effort, we won't hear the end of that, Welshy will be talking about it for the next ten years!! Shame it did not go in though. More solid defending and goal keeping has the Robin see out the half without conceding again. A good half for the Robin.

Robin 0 - 1 T8's

The second half starts again with T8's controlling the possession, leaving the only option for the Robin to counter attack. A couple of efforts For T8's flash wide, and when a free kick is floated dangerously into the Robin's area the connecting header goes agonisingly (for T8's that is) over. A counter from the Robin sees a a good long range effort from Gaz force a equally good save out of the T8's keeper, diving full stretch to his right hand side. Some intricate passing work from the Robin is untimely broke down by a T8's defender, time to start over. By now the rain had started to persist it down making conditions difficult for players and spectators alike. GOAL!!! T8's strike again to double their lead after a superb break from a initial Robin corner. Robin 0 - 2 T8's. T8's are starting to make their superiority count now as a long ball is latched onto by their striker who duly out paces the Robin defence and dispatch the ball into the back of the net, GOAL!!! Robin 0 - 3 T8's. Minutes later and Cain collects a T8's knock away and unleashes a powerful and accurate drive, oooh, its strikes the woodwork (just where the cross bar meets the upright) and bounces back into T8's box, Gaz is quickly upon it but a blatant push in his back from a T8's defender sends Gaz tumbling, penalty surely, no! NO! the most clear cut decision the Ref could have made all game and he gets it wrong. After that the half drops into a lull as both teams play it out to the end. The full time whistle goes.

Robin Hood FC 0 - 3 T8's

Another defeat for the Robin, but the manner of the defeat is what's important. The Robin had a good spirit today and battled for it in adverse weather conditions against (in my opinion) the team who are going to be champions of the league this season. The game saw another debut as Moonie made his first appearance for the club and almost set up and equaliser, nice to have you on board. Next week is Hucknall Empire @ Vernon, they are second in the league so another toughie, be there or be a shape of four equal parallel sides.

Lookie Likes

MasterBlaster Mad Max, Glen & Steff putting up nets, can you tell them apart!!

Tea Pot needs a Nick Name

2009-11-18T17:54:00.003Z

Robin Hood Vs Top Valley United
15-11-09
Vernon Park

The Robin's return, in what seems like an age means they are finally back home to Vernon Park, and hope this will spark a resurgence in form and stick them back onto winning ways! The oppo today are Top Valley United, This is the second meeting of the two this season, the first ended in victory for the Robin under difficult circumstances. Seeing as they had to play most of the game with only ten men in what was already a patched up side! This raised expectation of a result, some notable absentees were the goal keeper Quavers, and defender Kebab. Returning to the side was Muggers while the game gave debuts to Tea Pot and Carl. After a quick trip to McD's for Terminator and Blog Boy and the remainders turning up, it was almost time for kick off.

peep, Peep, PEEP, and were off! Both side start strong playing the ball around, probing, and prodding each other looking for gaps to exploit. This means both defenses have to be sharp, with Tea Pot making a stand out start to his Robin career. The to-ing and frowing continues and Carl shows that he is a capable stand in for Quavers. Knocking on each others doors but nothing until Top Valley win a corner, GOAL!! confusion in the area as the ball is played in and finds it way into the back of the net, from my vantage point I can't make out who got the last touch, but a Top Valley player returning to his position shouts over to their lino that it was an Own Goal. Robin 0 - 1 Top Valley. Robin do not get disheartened by this and continue to plug away. They get their reward when a ball pumped long is latched onto by Muggers who hits a sweet half volley from outside of the box, GOAL!!! Robin 1 - 1 Top Valley. The current score line is a fair reflection of how the game has gone. A little on and Top Valley get a throw in, like most teams now days they have their own version of Rory Delap. Launching the ball into the Robin's area, a flick off someones head and the ball sits up lovely for a Top Valley player to strike it, GOAL!!! Robin 1 - 2 Top Valley. Not long after and Top Valley are exerting pressure on the Robin this ends up with them wining another corner. Its is in honest a poorly delivered ball from the corner but some how ends up causing all sorts of trouble as it bounces round the area like a pinball, but finally a Top Valley player manages to compose himself and fire Top Valley into a two goal lead, GOAL!!! Robin 1 - 3 Top Valley. That is roughly the last action of the game and the Ref ends a enthralling half.

Half time is calm, well in relative terms for the Robin its calm, they feel they can get something from this game.

The second half gets under way, starting at the pace it finished. Both the Robin and Top valley have early chances that go begging, though the Robin's was a more clear cut effort. With all the back forth its the Robin that strike, Magic Pants receives the ball in midfield controlling it and looking up, he spies Muggers making a run, a great ball over Top Valley's defenders heads which lands perfectly in Mugger's path, a few bounces and Muggers slots it past their hapless keeper, GOAL!!! Robin 2 - 3 Top Valley. The Robin are inspired by this and go on making all the running even Welshy pulls off a little show boating with a cheeky back heel to Magic Pants. Top Valley carve out a chance but Carl reads it well and rushes out to deny them the ball bounces around and is acrobatically cleared by Tea Pot. Top Valley break from the back with a long clearance which is latched onto on the left hand side, the Top Valley player puts his head down and runs, out pacing the Robin defender then cutting back in and burying in the net, GOAL!!!, a well taken breakaway goal. Robin 2 - 4 Top Valley. The Robin still feel like the can get and deserve something from this other efforts come, another ball from midfield over Top Valley's defence sees Pone almost score but denied by a good save from the keeper. Another shot is finely saved by the Top Valley keeper leaving the Robin licking their wounds as the game ends.

Robin Hood FC 2 - 4 Top Valley United

The Robin are gutted they knew they should have and deserved to get something out of this game but another defeat it is. There were positives to take away from the game its now down to build on them. Next week is T8's at Vernon again, T8's gave the Robin a right royal spanking last time out, so a bit of payback is in order, but to do that the boys need to be on top of their game.

For this weeks highlights use the link on the side menu to robinhoodfctv on you tube.

The Gaffer Got Up and Put in a Shift

2009-10-29T18:41:00.004Z

Top Valley United Vs Robin Hood FC
25/10/09
Southgalde

Last weeks defeat was poor and no one was happy. This week things did not look like they were going to get any better with seven players out for many different reasons, suspensions, family commitments, or just getting too pissed the night before tut tut! So bare bones was the name of the game, with the Gaffer gearing himself up for a full ninety minutes, Downsey returned from retirement to help out, and a debut for Porn Star Paul. The car ride up to the ground was surprisingly jovial, with the Gaffer putting it as "No players, backs against the wall, got a Robin Hood win all over it" a nervous laughter rang around the car. The rag tag bunch slowly assembled and changed into the Green and Black of RHFC. The pitch was erm well put it this way was at a odd angle. The PT Sports crew now an ever present at all the Robin's games set up their stuff on the side of the pitch, while trying to make sure nothing blew off in the crazily strong wind.

The game kicks off and the PT Sports crew wince a little assuming they are in for another erm interesting game, any fears they have are gone almost immediately as what has got to be the fastest goal in Robin Hood (even league) history as on twenty four seconds Terminator pops up from his new make shift midfield roll to stick in the back of the net, GOAL!!! Top Valley 0 - 1 Robin. WTF was that, mental but its there it is a goal, what a start for the Robin. The Robin seem a little stunned by it themselves as the game settles into a more equal contest with Top Valley carving out a chance and forcing Quavers into a cracking save. Quarter of an hour in and Terminator has another attempt, the outcome however is different and Robin's advantage remains just the one goal. But not for long, GOAL!!! Jay manages to get the ball into the back of the net, Top Valley 0 - 2 Robin. Whoa, its been a while since the Robin have been in this position, and according to the Guru this could be a bad thing! How will the Robin react. Top Valley finally realise that the wind is behind them so they should be using it to their advantage. Twenty odd minutes and Porn Star suffers a strong challenge which causes his ankle to buckle, its the end of his debut and with the Robin with no subs it means they are down to ten men for the rest of the game! Only a few minutes later and Top Valley use their numerical advantage to peg the Robin back, GOAL!!! Top Valley 1 - 2 Robin. Top Valley are applying pressure on the Robin now hitting the post and making Quavers pull off another good save from the rebound! A minute later and there is nothing Quavers can do as Top Valley equalise, GOAL!!! Top Valley 2 -2 Robin. The game reverts back to a to and frow dynamic, with each team having half chances. Just before half time Terminator pops up again and restores the Robin's lead, GOAL!!! Top Valley 2 - 3 Robin. Its the last action of the first half and the Robin leave the field with a surprise but not undeserved lead.

Top Valley 2 - 3 Robin Hood

The second half kicks of and twenty four seconds comes and goes with out a goal being score, the PT Sports crew feel a little cheated by this. The second half is all Robin Hood this time they have the wind behind them and seeing as they are a man down through no fault of their own they are going use ever advantage they can get their hands on. Terminator has another chance and should be on a hat trick, another chance drops for Gattuszola, but the score remains the same. More and more the Robin pile on the pressure and Top Valley look they will buckle. The Robin are playing as a unit for the first time in an age and it paying dividends, Top Valley don't threaten the Robin goal. Robin's next goal is a matter of when not if it will come. Robin's domination of the game continues up until the death when they are awarded a free kick a fair way out from the goal and off centre, Magic Pants has his eye on it, and what an eye it was as he steers the ball in to the top right hand corner past the despairing Top Valley keeper, Goal!!! Top Valley 2 - 4 Robin. The second half ends the same as the first with the Robin scoring! What a turn around the last two games the Robin have conceded four goals, today they are the ones scoring um!

Top Valley 2 - 4 Robin Hood FC

This result is a testament to what can be achieved if you pull together and work as a team, the whole game had a Robin Hood loss written all over it, but the boys who were there dug deep and showed what true spirit, steel, and dogged determination is. For all those who played that day be proud of what you did.

Tight on Ginger, TIGHT ON GINGER!!!!

2009-10-22T17:56:00.002+01:00

Robin Hood FC Vs Pheasant Inn
18/10/09

Vernon Park

Home, Home on the range where the Big Waynes and Kebaby Pones play. The Robin are back on home turf hopefully being back in the familiar surroundings of Vernon will help the Robin regain winning ways. The last two games have seen the Robin ship twelve goals, not good in anyway shape or form. This weeks oppo were Pheasant Inn Sundays, last season first game between the two was a four all romp of a game, did this have the makings of the same. As is becoming the norm the PT Sports crew set up the travelling media centre. For once no delays to kick off so lets get the game under way.

PEEP PEEP PEEP, The Robin are kicking towards the Park end of the pitch while Pheasant attack the Stone Wall end. A tentative first few minutes from both sides explodes into life when in the Tenth minute Robin carve out a chance that flies past the Pheasants goal. Awoken by this Pheasant go looking for a chance themselves, they don't have to wait long when on twelve minutes they clinically take there first opportunity, GOAL!!! Robin 0 - 1 Pheasant. FFS, the Robin are behind again for the third match on the bounce, whats going on. The Robin go on the hunt, piling pressure on Pheasant's defence, creating more chances but the old curse in front of goal seems to be rearing its ugly head again as the chances go wanting. Then against the run of play Pheasant are at it again, countering the Robin they stick the ball in the back of the net, GOAL!!! Robin 0 - 2 Pheasant. Where did that come from, Robin have it all to do again, never making things easy for themselves. The remainder of the half is completely dominated by the Robin as chance after chance comes and goes without yielding any results. The frustration is palpable on the pitch and even clearer as the Ref brings the half to and end. Another intense half time time coming up.

Robin 0 - 2 Pheasant.

The half time team talk is again a shouty affair, some players more vocal than others, everyone trying to get their point across and before you know it its time to get back onto the pitch.

What will the second half bring, well if the past is anything to go by more goals. The Ref gets things going and Pheasant go on the attack opening a chance in the first minute. The Robin hit back with a shot on goal themselves that rolls just wide. fifty first minute and Pheasant get a corner, for some un-explainable reason the Robin fall asleep allowing the Pheasant to take the corner short, cross into the box which all the Robin defenders seem to miss, landing nicely to a Pheasant player who dispatches it into the back of the net, GOAL!!! Robin 0 - 3 Pheasant. Things are going from bad to worse, that was an awful goal to concede and there is still forty odd minutes left, its time for the Robin to show their mettle. The game dies down lacking the domination of the first half. Hit again on the break the Pheasant come down the left hand side of the pitch managing to get the cross in it bypasses one Pheasant player but comes to a second Pheasant player on his own in the box, controlling the ball and drilling it in, GOAL!!! Robin 0 - 4 Pheasant. Most of the Robin are completely deflated by now, Terminator tries to liven things up going on a maze up but even that comes to nothing. The game is drawing to its conclusion, when Pone manages to pop up in Pheasants box and finish of a good move from the Robin, GOAL!!! Robin 1 - 4 Pheasant. Nothing more than a consolation for the Robin as the remaining minutes fly by and the Ref concludes the game.

Robin Hood FC 1 - 4 Pheasant Inn

Another four goals let in by the Robin in a game they should have put to bed early with the chances they had, sixteen now in three, not good enough pure and simple. The Robin need to be ruthless in front of goal and take the chances presented to them otherwise we are going to be seeing more and more results like this one.

"Is it a Westy?" Lucy "No its a Dog"

2009-10-14T18:14:00.003+01:00

Loxley Vs. Robin Hood FC
11/10/09
Top Valley School

Last week the Robin were taken apart, FACT! So they needed to pick themselves up, dust themselves down, and get on with trying to return to winning ways. Sunday is here again so it gave the Robin the opportunity to do just that. At first glance Loxley look like Robin's third brand new oppo of the season, turns out the nucleus of the team is actually Backup United from last season, so not unfamiliar to the Robin. The pitch, after being some what spoiled last week, is not up to much cop, containing pot holes and what looked like an area where there had recently been a fire. But this is Sunday league football, so shut up and get on with it.

With the wind blowing and the sky looking ominously dark in the distance it was time to get the game under way, PEEP PEEP PEEP, what the hell was that? its less than two minutes into the first half and Quavers has already been lobbed, GOAL!!! Loxley 1 - 0 Robin. It was so quick that goal that the now ever present PT Sports crew almost missed it. Loxley have another chance off a corner but its head over Robin's cross bar, not long after they fashion another chance but that to is wide of the mark. It takes the Robin twenty odd minutes to really get going and carve out their first opportunity which unfortunately does not settle in the back of the net. Robin are having all the play, the next fifteen minutes is all about them. Kebab has a effort whistle past goal, while there are chances that come and go for others, in fact Robin have five good chances to score in that fifteen minutes but Loxley must have some kind of force field round the goal (or inept finishing from the Robin, more likely) cause non of them bring the much needed equaliser. Loxley soak up the pressure and look to hit the Robin on the break, this policy pays dividends when on the thirty fifth Loxley double their advantage, GOAL!!! Loxley 2 - 0 Robin. Against the run of play but if you don't take your own opportunities then this can happen. just before the end of the half Loxley have another chance, luckily it does not trouble the onion bag and the Robin end the half with only a two goal deficit.

Loxley 2 - 0 Robin Hood FC.

The half time inquiry is somewhat of a heated event, with colourful language being unsparingly spread around. The turn around time in Sunday league is quick so before you know it its time for the second half.

Second half starts similar to the first, only this time the early chance drops to the Robin, but also like the first half it does not bring them a goal. The dynamic of the half is settling into a familiar feel, the Robin have chances but fail to put them away and Loxley look to counter. By now it has started to rain, not heavy rain, it was spitting (everybody in its SPITTIN'), The newest member of the PT Sports crew leaps into action, first letting the umbrella fold inside out, then battling away with a little help from the surrounding crowd to get it back together, finally getting into position holding it above the cameraman, well don Don Don. Twenty second minute and the funniest (sorry) thing this season as Magic Pants takes the ball square in the nuts and drops like a sack of spuds ("cause fellas as we all know its a pain worst than child birth") see the Robin Hood FC TV channel for the footage of this moment replayed in glorious slow-mo. Ten minutes later and a not so funny as Loxely once again score, GOAL!!! Loxley 3 - 0 Robin. Navy language is emanating audibly from the Robin players now. Things do not get any better when almost exactly ten minutes later Robin concede again, GOAL!!! Loxley 4 - 0 Robin. A few minutes later and the Ref brings to an end the without doubt the most frustrating ninety minutes of football seen for the last two seasons.

Loxley 4 - 0 Robin Hood FC

A second defeat in a row, not what the Gaffer and the Guru needed, they are visibly angry with the result, which makes for a quiet and atmospheric drive back. To see the highlights from this weeks horror show please use the link on the Right Side Panel.

Bring on next week I guess...........................................

Eight by name 8 by nature

2009-10-08T19:18:00.004+01:00

T8's V Robin Hood FC
04-10-09
Hucknall Town Training Ground

Another week, another trip to Hucknall, not so bad really considering the original venue was Hall Park in Eastwood which is a fair old poke. This weeks oppo are once again an unknown quantity. Probably the team with the shortest / strangest name in the league T8's. They were the Robin's test for the fourth game of the season. Arriving at Hucknall Town's (Blue Square North) Ground today's game was to be played on their training pitch adjacent to clubs stadium. Nice pitch will probably be the best we play on all season. The PT Sports crew set up their travelling media centre on the side of the pitch as the players trickled out the the changing rooms. Milling round word reaches us that the Ref has been in a minor car collision and his arrival is delayed. The teams go through their warm up routines, T8's looking every bit a well put together side. The Ref finally arrives and once again the Robin have to have a later than advertised kick off.

Peep Peep Peep, The Ref gets the game under way. Within minutes T8's have a chance, something that we would see often during the game. Not that the Robin did not have theirs, not long after T8's first chance the Robin have a goal ruled out for offside! The next five minutes see T8's create three more chances, one of which they take with gusto, GOAL!!! T8's take the lead, even in these early stages its looking like its going to be a real test for the Robin. T8's 1 - 0 Robin. Not long after the goal and T8's carve out another opportunity, cor blimey. T8's break closing in on the Robin's area, Cooper pops up at the right time pulling off a cracking tackle firm but fair. Cain has a chance for the Robin however nothing comes of it. Twenty one minutes in and T8's double their lead GOAL!!! T8's 2 - 0 Robin. The pressure on the Robin is relentless as T8's press for a third, even hitting the wood work. All in all a good strongly contested game is tainted when on the thirty seventh minute a strong challenge on Luke causes the red mist to descend on him, lashing out and earning himself a red card, a daft red card but it has happened so what was already a real challenge for the Robin has just got even harder. Just before the end of the first half and T8's extend there lead to three GOAL!!! T8's 3 - 0 Robin. The Ref brings to a end the hardest first half the Robin have had for years.

T8' 3 - 0 Robin Hood. (Two of T8's first half goals were scored by Gamble, seeing as he gave me his name I thought I'd give him a name check here)

The Robin know the second half is going to be tough, quite how tough will soon become apparent.
Second half begins, and with in seconds T8's drive in a great cross into Robin's area which is met by a cracking header to beat the keeper, GOAL!!! not the start the Robin needed or wanted, T8's 4 - 0 Robin. T8's are rampant and in less than two minutes they are at it again, almost a carbon copy of the last one, GOAL!!! T8's 5 - 0 Robin. Its getting ridiculous now the Robin are being run ragged. The Robin settle a little after that fifth goal which produces two shots from Cain, unfortunately neither finding the back of the net. The Robin are managing to Keep T8's out and two quick successive saves from Quavers foil T8's from scoring a sixth. Young Ali Brown has the ball in midfield travelling with it then releasing the ball to Muggers who sends a cracking through ball past the T8's defenders for Gattuszloa to latch onto and calmly place past T8's keeper, GOAL!!! T8's 5 - 1 Robin. T8's respond in kind by grabbing a sixth just two minutes later, GOAL!!! T8's 6 - 1 Robin. Its back and forth frantic stuff and only a minute after T8's sixth Muggers breaks through to finish and claw another back for the Robin, GOAL!!! T8's 6 - 2 Robin. Chances come and go for both sides, on the eighty sixth minute T8's continue to gorge themselves on goals grabbing another, GOAL!!! T8's 7 - 2 Robin. That's it you would think but T8's are not finished, eighty ninth minute and they get another GOAL!!! T8's 8 - 2 Robin. The Ref draws the game to its conclusion, thank f**k for that.

T8's 8 - 2 Robin Hood FC

Without doubt the most comprehensive beating the Robin have ever had since I have followed them, they were literally hand their arses on a plate today.
A massive improvement is needed next week and the boys need it too shake off this defeat, so lets see what you got.

For highlights please use the link
at the side to each the
Robin Hood FC TV channel
on You Tube

Kegger Alert

2009-10-01T15:52:00.006+01:00

Premiere Travel v Robin Hood
27-09-09
Wigwam Lane (Finally)

Sunday is coming fast now footy season has begun (not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing seeing as it insists on being followed by Monday). This weeks game is in Hucknall, after making the trek all the way to Titchfield Park (Yes Titchfield Park, I know it says Wigwam Lane but bear with me) on our arrival we notice the abundance of cars, entering the park we see people milling around, The Gaffer seeks out Premiere's manager and comes back to inform us we have no pitch! Two pitches six teams you do the math! The manger of Premiere sends out a couple of scouts and gets on the blower in order to get us a pitch otherwise dun dun dah! No Game.
The call comes through another pitch has be located at Wigwam Lane (There you go) its a quick drive from where we are so everyone returns to their cars. I jump in with Do-Nut, who is a resident of Hucknall. After a little searching for the entrance we finally arrive at Wigwam Lane to see the rest of the team already there and changing! There is an old fella marking out the lines of the pitch, obviously it was not supposed to be used anytime soon. The PT Sports crew (ahem) set up the media centre but reporter Do-Nut has to leave having a technical problem with Kieran (He threw a wobbler) With everyone changed the lads were chomping at the bit to get started so they could rush back to the pub for the Florist, sorry Forest Plymouth game.

Peep Peep Peep, and the first half begins, and what a start a mere two minutes in and the ball is spread wide to Kyle who hits it high into the box, GOAL!!! it was supposed to be a cross but somehow managed fly over the keeper into the back of the net, Premiere 0 - 1 Robin. Premiere in their highlighter coloured kit don't seem to phased by the early goal seeing as it was for a better word a fluke (though I'm sure Kyle prefers his description of "It was a banger!"). The game is being played well even thought the pitch is not the best in the world. Both teams have their opportunities with neither adding the finishing touch, that is until the twenty minutes in when Kyle adds to his first banger, GOAL!!! Premiere 0 - 2 Robin. This time Premiere do look a little rattle and Robin squander more chances to put the game beyond Premiere even though its only the first half. Twenty seventh minute and Premiere break, GOAL!!! they have got one back this starting to be a really good game, Premiere 1 - 2 Robin. Its turning into a real battle and some heavy but fair challenges are flying in from both sides. The battling continues right up to the stroke of half time.
Premiere 1 - 2 Robin
During the break the team gather there thoughts and go over the last forty five minutes (this is not played out as civilised as it sounds) Whilst Lucy and Porn Star mill around on the sideline, the Ref is wasting no time and soon gets the teams back on the pitch.
Seconds out round two, lets get ready to ruuuuuumble (Sorry about that been playing Fight Night Round 4). The second half starts just as had as the first finished, chances pop up for each team with Quavers pulling off a cracking save from from a Premiere player jumping and tipping it over the cross bar. Young Ali Brown and Gattuszola are doing well and pulling the strings in midfield. The sixty second minute and Young Ali Brown hits the ball low and hard across the box from the right had side, its collected by Jay who turns on a sixpence and powers the ball home GOAL!!! Premiere 1 - 3 Robin. The Robin have restored their two goal advantage, what a game. Premiere are not down they think they are still in this game, and their confidence is reward when a high looping ball from midfield is played over the Robin defence for a Premiere player to half volley a lob over the on rushing Quavers, GOAL!!! Premiere 2 - 3 Robin. Twelve minutes to go can the Robin hold on to this lead and make it two wins in a row. No need to worry now, Jay takes a shot from the edge of the box, a Premiere defender makes the block, Jay chases down the rebound from his own shot, unleashing a powerful drive toward goal, the keeper gets a hand to it but the shot is too strong and the ball settles in the back of the net GOAL!!! Premiere 2 - 4 Robin. Ninety minutes bang on and the Ref blows for full time. Get the fook in there another three points for the Robin two wins from the first three games what a start to the season.
The lads rush back to the pub unfortunately the Robin has not got the Forest game on so after a quick beer the lads seek it out. The remaining band of merry men (and merry lady Lucy) enjoy basking in the win.
For highlights of the game use the Robin Hood FC TV link on the side or copy and paste the link below. (this weeks video includes the Kegger in the Title)

http://www.youtube.com/user/robinhoodfctv

Bring on next week!

And a Happy 21st Birthday to the Baloo (Cain)

PT Sports Presents

2009-09-24T17:43:00.009+01:00

Robin Hood FC v Hudson Roofing
20/09/09
Vernon Park

A bright sunny Sunday morning and along comes the second game of the season (Sorry about no blog from the first game, technical issues hmm). The PT Sports three strong crew set up the studio on the Pond Side of the ground while the Robin went through the pre-match warm up of piss taking and a gentle jog. Hudson Roofing are know to the Robin after three games last season ending in a win each in the league, but with Hudson having the upper hand by knocking the Robin out of the cup. With PT Sports reporter Do-Nut settled in his chair it was time to kick off.

Peep Peep Peep, and the game begins with Robin kicking toward the Park End and Hudson attacking the Stone Wall End. Robin win an early corner a couple of minutes in, Jay rising to meet the cross from Young Ali Brown but putting it over, a positive start from the Robin. Good stuff is being played by the Robin and Hudson are playing hard as J-Lo finds out as he is fouled, not one to shy away from a tackle Gattuszola reciprocates in kind with a foul of his own. A ball over the top which Cain tries to latch on to only for the Hudson keeper to come belting out of his area and clatter Cain to the ground. The resulting free kick is hammered toward goal by Kebab but Hudson's keeper is equal to it pulling off a cracking save!. The resulting corner is crossed in dangerously by Young Ali Brown GOAL!!! Kyle meets the cross and buries it from two yards. Robin 1 - 0 Hudson. In a moment of comedy the Hudson keeper goes to collect a ball that has gone out for a thrown in but some how manages to fall over himself much to the delight of his own team mates and everyone who saw it alike. The Robin are making all the play and there are further shots on Hudson's goal from Kyle and Cain. The half is drawing to an end but there is enough time for Hudson to mount a one last counter attack a neat one two between Hudson ends with an emphatic finish from the Hudson player GOAL!!! Robin 1 - 1 Hudson. Its the last action of the half and the Ref blows for the break.

Swapping ends and the second half gets underway, Hudson start strong and a last ditch tackle in the box from Luke stops Hudson taking an early advantage. Two more shots at the Hudson goal again from Cain and Kyle unfortunately not on target but shows that the Robin are not afraid to have a go. A substitution is made as J-Lo makes way for Pone on the right side of midfield. A high ball is tossed up toward the edge of Hudson's area Gattuszola miscues a attempted over head kick landing on his back, but he is soon up and running round like a loon. Kyle adds another to his games shot total but not his goals. Terminator goes on a trade mark strong run diagonally across the pitch cutting back in and attempting to cross the ball to Gattuszola. The cross is intercepted and wildly cleared by Hudson, Pone is the quickest to react setting himself for a cracking half volley with the outside of his boot. GOAL!!! Robin 2 - 1 Hudson. What a finish, but there is still a long way to go. The second goal is a spur to Hudson who up there game probing the Robin looking for the gap that will let them back in the game. More off target shots rain from the Robin but nothing to trouble Hudson's keeper. The last ten minutes is all Hudson, their attack is relentless with a little nervousness entering the Robin defence, a mistake from Quavers almost lets Hudson in but for once luck is on the Robin who hold on to claim their fist three points of the season.

A good team performance from the Robin with two very well taken goals from Kyle and Pone, a little shaky toward the end but a win is a win is a win!!

For highlights of the game and post match interviews please use the link on the right (Robin Hood FC TV)

NEW VIDEO!!!

2009-09-03T19:50:00.000+01:00

NEW VIDEO ON ROBIN HOOD TV
CLICK LINK ON SIDE PANEL
TO VIEW

Teaser Trailer / Friendlies

2009-07-29T19:41:00.004+01:00

Training every Sunday Woodthorpe Park 10.00am

*********************

New Friendly

09/08/09

Southglade Liesure Centre

13:30

***************

Friendlies

Sun 16^th Aug away v Wellington (Hall Park Eastwood ko 10 30)

Sat 22^nd Aug away v Burton Joyce (Poplars Ground Burton Joyce) ko TBC most likely pm

Cute Little Paramedic

2009-04-30T09:01:00.004+01:00

Wednesday 29/04/09

Calverton 18:00
Calverton Cherry Tree v Robin Hood

The final game of the season arrived, due to a backlog of fixtures (Cherry Tree's fault) the last game of 08/09 is a midweek evening kick off. That meant rushing around like a lunatic to get there and kick off on time. So we get to the William Lee Memorial Park to be told that the changing rooms are locked and will not be opened as they were broken into (a paradox me thinks), more good news as the groundsman informs us that all the cars need to be parked on the street as the gates to the car park are being locked at 19:30 (Which they were not). So a lot of fussing and messing about later we are up at the pitch. The Robin have somewhat of a patched up team, the fates had conspired against the Robin leaving the cupboard thread bare of players. But the guys that were there pulled together with Welshy going between the sticks, it takes a brave fella to volunteer to wear the keeper jersey. On paper The Robin were on a hiding to nothing! A thrown together team against Cherry Tree, who were one win away from clinching the championship. Cherry Tree had brought around forty people down to watch this potential championship winning game, I say brought but the actual Cherry Tree pub is spitting distance from the park.

The sun was shining and it was time to get this thing under way, PEEP..................... CRUNCH!!!! 30 seconds into the game and Obi-Wan clashes with a Cherry Tree attacker, in all my days of watching football and playing five-a-side I have seen injuries happen, but never have I heard a scream of pain come from a fella like what came from Obi-Wan. The magic sponge and a bit of deep heat was not going to do the trick for this. The game stopped while the situation was assessed and then a ambulance called. Obi-Wan was helped up and hobbled slowly of the pitch to sit on the side lines and await the paramedics. Substitution made and the game got back under way and the Robin are under pressure from the very start. Cherry Tree are going at it all guns blazing they want to finish this off early and get the title in the bag. But the Robin obviously have not read the script as they defend resolutely taking everything the Cherry Tree throw at them. Any of you who watched the Barcelona v Chelsea game (28/04/09) will have an idea how this half was panning out, Cherry Tree attack creating some openings but not finishing them, while the Robin battled and worked harder than I had seen them do all season. With the Cherry Tree peppering the Robin goal Welshy put into action his somewhat un-orthodox goal keeping techniques to astounding results. Every no and then Robin had chance to counter carving out chances from nothing, but like the Cherry Tree could not put that killer touch on the end. The first half flew by and after a few minutes of injury time the ref blew to end it. WOW a clean sheet for the Robin in the first half, do not underestimate how much of an achievement that is and again how hard they worked for it.

Cherry Tree 0 - 0 Robin Hood.

(By this time paramedics had attended Obi-Wan, lucky him as one of them was a pretty little blond, nice. Obi-wan was whisked off to hospital for checks. At time of going to press there has been no further updates on his condition, watch this space)

Obi-Wan OUCH!

The second half starts and once again Cherry Tree apply the pressure that so far the Robin have withstood. The game is very very physical with tough challenges going in from both sides, its not the sort of game to be shy in that's for sure. Fifty first minute and the Robins plucky defense is finally breached, Cherry Tree with a pacy break sees them clear of the back four GOAL!!! Cherry Tree 1 - 0 Robin Hood. After all the effort put in by the boys up until this point seems to have drained away in a sudden flush and Robin heads drop. Cherry Tree's capacity crowd are cheering away and sinking cans of larger like its a cure for swine flu. The Robin continue the game bravely. Sixty eight minutes and a melee of players in the Robin area, a foul on Welshy (from my point of view anyway) from a Cherry Tree player, GOAL!!! Cherry Tree 2 - 0 Robin Hood. Should not have stood but the Ref gave it. Two minutes later and Welshy is employing some more of those "Interesting" goal keeping skills, which promptly leads him to be lobbed, luckily for him the lob is a poor effort and goes safely over the cross bar. Cherry Tree's pressure is relentless now and on seventy three minutes it pays another dividend GOAL!!! Cherry Tree 3 - 0 Robin Hood. Duh Duh Dun Da Dun Duh Duh Dun Da Dun Terminator is on it, full pelt at the Cherry Tree, he knows his mission, DEBUT BOOT GOAL!!! Terminator pulls one back for the Robin, he said he would new boots same result back-o-the-net! Cherry Tree 3 - 1 Robin Hood. This gives the Robin a small lift and they continue to play their game and enjoy it, after all it is last game of the season. High spirits are soured somewhat in the dying embers of the game as Cherry Tree strike late GOAL!!! Cherry Tree 4 - 1 Robin Hood. No added time this half the Ref brings the game to an end, Cherry Tree and their fans are jubilant, Well done to them for winning the title. The Robin won today to, they showed that despite all the obstacles put in their way they were willing to fight and they came out of a game where the scoreline flattered Cherry Tree and did not reflect the Robins true performance.

Well done lads a hard hard season is done so time to kick back and chillax, but remember the "Oliver Reed Award for Services to Drinking and Mischief" is up for grabs this summer so don't let your fans down MWAH!!!!.

Calverton Cherry Tree 4 - 1 The Robin Hood

The Welsh Keeping WIZARD

And Now the End is Near

2009-04-22T19:44:00.002+01:00

And Now the End is Near

The votes have been cast, collected, and counted. Awards are being engraved and there is one final match to go.
An up and down season, a roller coaster you may say but nether the less all things must end.

All season long I have had the privilege of writing about all of your exploits, the wins, the loses, and some exciting draws. But with the summer almost upon on us and many of you will be packing your bags to head off to sunnier climes to drink, eat and be merry. So what of the blog! Well, in the interests of good form the blog will continue through the summer! One of the ways it will continue is through you! yes I'm talking to you.... So on that note....... Drum roll please................. I give you...... for the first time ever................................

"The Oliver Reed"
Award for Services
To Drinking and Mischief

Yep this is a brand new award! you have Players Player, you have Sports Man, and you have Player of the year...... But what can you win in the summer months. Here it is "The Oliver Reed Award for Services to Drinking and Mischief" is this blogs first ever award. To keep things going I want the best stories about Players and others associated with the club to let me know what you get up to over the close season, Drunken shenanigans, practical tricks, hilarious photos. I want them all! (remember the more embarrassing the better) The best story will win the "Oliver Reed Award for Services to Drinking and Mischief" as seen above. They shall then be able to show the award off in the pub over next season to show the others just what can be achieved if you get up to no good!
So have at you boys (and girls) are you up for the challenge, huh huh are ya!
(The stories will be judge by an esteemed panel of mischief makers, and I promise you no Amanda Holden or Piers Morgan... These are skilled practitioners of fun and frolics. For anymore details those of you that know me ask, phone, text. Or there is always email or Facebook. Judges are very much open to corruption and they like shiny stuff)
Next post final game of the season. Which will be here on the 30/04/09, thank you please.
Blog Boy.

OOOOH! Right in the Jacobs!!!!

2009-04-14T07:14:00.004+01:00

Sunday 12/04/09

Woodthorpe Park 10:30am

Robin Hood v Hudson Roofing

So here it is the penultimate game of the season and the last home game of 08/09. Now I say home game, but due to Vernon park being all booked up the game was switched to Woodthorpe park. After the shocker that was last week the Robin needed to sort themselves out. This was the perfect opportunity as Hudson had knocked them out of the cup a couple of months back then beat them in the league the following week. So revenge was on the cards. Quavers was restored to goal after a weeks absence and the rest of the team looked strong. The location had the added bonus by attracting a few more people to watch than normal due to its closer proximity to The Robin Hood itself. So on to the game.

The whistle blows and the games gets off at a frenetic pace. It looks as if Hudson have come here to counter attack. The Robin put early pressure on and it becomes clear that this is not going to be the same as last weeks lackluster performance. OUCH! six minutes into the game and Obi-Wan feels the FORCE (Get it, force, Obi-Wan, I'll get me coat!) of the match ball firmly to his family jewels. After a few moments of writhing around in what has now been established as a pain worse than child birth, Obi-Wan gingerly got to his feet. The boys were running there socks off today, the mythical 110% was being put in. Hudson continued their counter attack style coming close on a couple of a occasion but nothing really to trouble Quavers. Tackles are flying in and the games is getting a real edge to it now. On thirty minutes Ali "Mr Magic Pants" is brutally assaulted by a Hudson defender a few yards out of Hudon's area. The keeper organises his wall and Skip prepares to strike it. Skip thunders the ball towards goal, Hudon's keeper manages to get down it but can only parry to the on coming Robin players, a scramble ensues, GOAL!!! J-LO, pops up to bury it. Robin 1 - 0 Hudson. Get in there my son. This gives Hudson a kick up the arse and they come at the Robin harder than before, the remaining ten minutes is all Hudson pressure, the Robin defence is under the cosh, but they pull together and battle hard against the Hudson onslaught. Ref plays well over five minutes of added on time then finally blows to bring the half to an end. Robin survive, and the lads are buoyed by it.

Robin 1 - 0 Hudson.

The second half reverts back to type with the Robin doing most of the running and Hudson hitting them on the break. More dubious challenges are coming from both sides now, but the ref controls the game well allowing it to flow. Obi-Wan is the games enforcer today, and it winds up Hudson. Especially when he bowls over a Hudson player then proceeds to walk over his back!. On sixty three minutes Obi-Wan is at it again, checking a Hudson player in the box (who to be fair went down faster than Gillian Taylforth in a Land Rover) The Ref awarded Hudson the penalty and things were not looking good. Now the only way to describe the penalty taken by the Hudson player is to compare it to Roberto Baggio's effort in the final of the world cup USA 94. Its still rising now I think! Well the Robin escaped this time but there one nil advantage is looking fragile. Hudson though are looking drained like the penalty miss had knocked the wind out of their sails. This was compounded when on the seventy third minute Gattuszola chases down a loose ball, his pace too much for the beleagued Hudson defence, GOAL!!! Gattuszola calmly strokes the ball in to the onion bag. Robin 2 - 0 Hudson. Well if Hudson were low before this goal, then now they had hit rock bottom. Any fighting spirit had left them, they all just wanted to go. The game cruised to its conclusion, with only about thirty seconds of added on time being played.

A great team performance from the Robin, everyone working and fighting for each other.

Robin Hood 2 - 0 Hudson Roofing

Player Ratings

Quavers - 8

Welshy - 8

Wayne - 8

Obi-Wan - 8

Kebab - 8

J-LO - 8

Skip - 8

Ali "Mr Magic Pants" - 8

Pone - 4+4

Gattuszola - 8

Kyle - 8

MOM

Quavers, Welshy, Wayne, Obi-Wan, Kebab, J-LO, Skip,

Ali "Mr Magic Pants", Pone, Gattuszola, Kyle

Well done lads!

I Got Woody!!!!!!!!

2009-04-08T17:37:00.007+01:00

Sunday 05/04/09

Southglade 10:30am

Bayliss Caravans v Robin Hood

First of all an apology for the tardiness of this weeks blog, it was such a long walk back from the pitch at Southglade and it is only now that have made it back to civilization.
OK, First up Quavers our ever eccentric Keeper was working away this weekend much to his dismay and the last stand in keeper Shaggy was beginning his suspension for a sending off earlier in the season. This left The Gaffer to step up to the plate and cover between the sticks.
Standing at an imposing 5'4", The Gaffer made for an interesting last line of defense for the Robin. Despite his size The Gaffer is an excellent 5-A-Side keeper, lets see if that could translate to full sized goals.
After warming up (Just the trek to the pitch was enough) It was almost time to kick off. The pitch was somewhat skew-wiff, and a few of the boys had had previous encounters with each other.
Peep Peep Peep, The game begins, and straight away its obvious that Bayliss are thinking the diminutive figure of The Gaffer is the Robin's weakest link. The Robin are not looking them selves today and five minutes in a lofted ball into the Robin area sees a Bayliss player loop a header over The Gaffer, GOAL!!! Bayliss 1 - 0 Robin. Not the start the Robin needed and confidence is knocked. Tempers fray already and there is a coming together of Skip and a rather mouthy Blonde player from Bayliss. The Ref does really well and controls the situation. The feeling on the sideline was this could boil over. This did not come to be however as the Ref controlled game in a very admirable way. The half continues and The Robin look a shadow of the team that returned to winning ways over Pheasant last week. Heads are down and Bayliss continue to run the play. A brief moment of inspiration from the Robin see Ali "Mr Magic Pants" and Gattuszola see a great crossed played in for Obi-Wan the head agonisingly over. That constitutes the only real chance for the Robin in the first half.
Bayliss 1 - 0 Robin.
Second half gets underway and at least the sun is still shining. The Robin are starting to look sloppy with lazy passes and players looking completely uninterested in what is going on. Despite this the Robin are still only one nil down. That changes when on the fifty fourth minute when sloppy defending allows a gift of a goal to Bayliss, GOAL!!! Bayliss 2 - 0 Robin. Bayliss double their lead and they look good for it. The Robin can not find a response, the players look fatigued and like they are counting the minutes to the end of the game. A couple of substitutions from the Robin bringing on Pone and Chrissy. Despite this no impact is made on the game and in truth it fizzles out toward the end. The Robin lose this game, though it was not the worst performance of the season it was close.

Bayliss Caravans 2 - 0 The Robin Hood
Player Ratings
The Gaffer - 7
Welshy - 6
Wayne - 7
Terminator - 6.5
Kebab - 6.5
Obi-Wan - 6
J-LO - 6.5
Skip - 5
Ali "Mr Magic Pants" - 5.5
Gattuszola - 6
Kyle - 8 MOM

Subs
Pone - 4
Chrissy - 6

Give Me a Button and I'll Push IT!!!!

2009-03-30T09:11:00.003+01:00

Sunday 29/03/09
Vernon Park 10:30am
Robin Hood v Pheasant Inn

At the start of the season the Pheasant were flying high and when the Robin visited them they sat top of the league. That game ended four all, but time has taken its toll on Pheasant's form and they had steadily slipped into mid table. This was a sixth versus seventh clash and the chance for the Robin to make up some points after two successive defeats. The Gaffer and the Guru had decided to shake things up to counter the pacy striker of the Pheasant, so placed the Terminator in center of defence with Wayne. With Obi-Wan playing the holding midfield role. The sun was shining and I had a pocket full of 'Nice' biscuits it was time for football.

PEEP! and the hare is on the move! Sorry the first half kicks off. The Pheasant's back four were your stereotypical pub footballers, beer bellies galore, if their legs were as fast as their tongues they we without doubt be the best defence in the league. Right from the off it was obvious that this was to be a completely different game to the last meeting. The Robin imposed themselves on game right from the beginning playing the ball around and controlling the pace. Six minutes in and Gattuszola goes on a mini maze up, working his way through Pheasant's defence to slot it home, GOAL!!! a great start for the Robin. Robin 1 - 0 Pheasant. The Robin continued to dominate the game, Pheasant had no real response and early on started to cry foul at every opportunity , questioning the Ref's decisions, and some of their support hurled abuse in the Ref's direction. Lets just say some of the language was colourful. But this did nothing and the Robin carried on dictating the way the game was going. The speed of the Terminator was more than a match for the Pheasant's striker, so the positional changed looked to have paid off. Thirty minutes in and against the run of play the Pheasant peg back the Robin GOAL!!! Robin 1 - 1 Pheasant. This does not faze the Robin heads are still up and they carry on what they had been doing all game so far. Again the Robin see most of the play, but are unable to convert any chances. The half ends with things all square.

A quick rousing team talk from the Gaffer and the second half is under way. It starts in the same way the game had been played up to now with the Robin on top. Some of the Pheasant's players had now resorted to tumbling with the slightest contact from a Robin player, but the Ref did not fall for any of it which resulted in more choice language from the sidelines. Fifty seven minutes and the Skipper goes on a rare run, bulldozing through the opposition to fire home from a tight angle, GOAL!!! Robin 2 - 1 Pheasant. By now the biscuits were half finished and so it seemed were the Pheasant. A controversial free kick is awarded to the Robin right on the edge of Pheasant's area, the Ref explains that the free kick was given as the Pheasant's keeper had left his area whilst still handling the ball. After a few minutes of woe-is-me from the Pheasant it was time to take the free kick. Normally Skip takes the free kicks this time however Kebab had asked for it and Skip stood aside. Kebab puts his foot right through it powering the ball low and hard past the Pheasant's keeper, he had no chance really GOAL!!! Robin 3 - 1 Pheasant. This seem to shake the Pheasant into action and although the moaning and tumbling continued they started to mount pressure upon the Robin. Roughly twenty minutes to go the Robin had their backs against the wall as Pheasant continued to come at them. The eighty seventh minute Pheasant pull one back GOAL!!! nervous defending from the Robin made the last few minutes tense. Robin 3 - 2 Pheasant. In the end it was nothing more than a consolation for the Pheasant and after what seemed to be a never ending period of added on time the Ref finally blew for the end of the game. The Robin were back to winning ways with some kind of style despite the little stumble at the end. But three points in the bag and a good way to start the run to the end of the season.

Player Ratings

Quavers - 8

Welshy - 6.5

Terminator - 8.5

Wayne - 7

Kebab - 7.5

Obi-Wan - 6.5

Skip - 7.25

J-LO - 8

Gattuszola - 8.5

Ali "Mr Magic Pants" - 6.5

Kyle - 8

Subs

Pone (They don't like it up um) - 6

Joint MOM

Gattuszola + Terminator

I'm Not Angry Just Disappointed (As the Guru walked away from Blog Boy shaking his head)

2009-03-24T07:13:00.003Z

Sunday 22/03/09

Vernon Park 10:30am

Robin Hood v Calverton Cherry Tree

(OK this week is going to be a little different. Due to an unfortunate incident involving me, a clown costume, and copious amounts of evil alcohol, I was late and missed the majority of the first half and was some what on a different planet for the rest but here goes.)

Calverton Cherry Tree have something of a reputation for intimidation, they bring with them an unfeasible amount of people for a Sunday league side. What ever their tactics it seems to work for them. Cherry Tree are third in the league with two games in hand over top and three over second placed Westdale, and with a goal difference of +52 it was going to be a tough test for the Robin what ever way you look at it.

The Robin on the other hand had a psychological battle on their hands to overcome the disappointment of last weeks shocker.

Within two minutes the Robin's mountain had become that little bit steeper as Cherry Tree took and early lead Goal!!! Robin 0 - 1 Cherry Tree. The Robin dusted themselves off and began to do what they are supposed to and play a bit of football. For another twenty minutes the Robin and Cherry Tree locked horns. With Cherry Tree using their pacey strikers as much as they could. Slack marking from the Robin lead to the Cherry Tree extending their lead through an over head kick, Goal!!! Robin 0 - 2 Cherry Tree. The game returned to the same pattern until thirty minutes when the Robin were awarded a corner kick, taken Ali "Mr Magic Pants" the cross was met by Skip's head to power into the back of the net, Goal!!! Robin 1 - 2 Cherry Tree. The Robin were back in it. It was roughly at this point I turned up to the disapproving head shake of the Guru! The remaining fifteen minutes of the first half played out with good football being played by both side and the Robin giving as good as they got against a very good team. Half Time.

Half time team talk done, so time to get on with things. The second started as the first had finished, both teams playing end to end stuff. The pace of Cherry Tree's strikers was proving problematic with the Robin's back four, but they coped with it admirably until the sixty minutes when an excellent flowing moved from Cherry Tree opened up the Robin defense to restore their two goal advantage, Goal!!! Robin 1 - 3 Cherry Tree. The score line in honesty was a little flattering to the Cherry Tree as the Robin's performance was at least matching them, but just missing that killer touch. The Robin had a chance to edge back into the game when on seventy one minutes Gattuszola was sent spiralling in the box, PEEP! and the Ref pointed to the spot. Having won the penalty Gattuszola stepped up to take the spot kick. Hitting it hard and low to the left hand side of the goal, Sh*t! Cherry Tree's keeper guessed right saving the attempt. The Cherry Tree ride that storm with their two goal lead intact. The Robin began to put the pressure on they had roughly twenty minutes to get something out of this game. A great pass from Ali "Mr Magic Pants" found Kyle who thundered the ball into the back of the net, as Pone would say that was a Club Banger! GOAL!!! Robin 2 - 3 Cherry Tree. But it was little to late, despite continued pressure from the Robin right up to the final whistle they could not find the opening to snatch what would have been a deserved point.

Robin Hood 2 - 3 Calverton Cherry Tree

A marked improvement on the previous weeks game (though it could not get any worse) a decent performance against a good side who despite their reputation did not come across intimidating at all, yes they had a lot of people with them but as far as I and others who were there could see they were there to enjoy football.

Player Ratings

Quavers - 7

Terminator - 7 MOM

Obi-Wan - 7

Wayne - 7

Kebab - 7

Welshy - 6

Skip - 6

Ali "Mr Magic Pants" - 7

Gattuszola - 6

Pone - 6

Kyle - 7

Subs

J-LO - 6

Magic Pants & The Never Ending Ball Bag

2009-03-16T08:13:00.003Z

Sunday 15/03/09
Vernon Park 10:30am
Robin Hood v Station Hotel

Bare bones, add together injuries, work commitments and a rush back from Amsterdam and the choices for the Gaffer and Guru were at best limited. Quavers' hand injury enforced positional adjustments with Quavers slotting in the back four and Shaggy bravely taking up the mantle between the sticks. The rest of the team was assembled with even the gaffer having to don the fabled Green and Black of the Robin Hood and stick himself up front with the promise of free beer for the rest of the day ringing in his ears (Phew! said the Guru when the goal never came).

Things were not looking good for the Robin as they wanted a return to winning ways after last weeks defeat to Westdale Tavern. Station are second in the league and now only two points behind leaders Westdale. The previous encounter between these two ended in a emphatic Robin Hood victory was that on the cards again this week?

The weather was nice, really nice like a spring day which made standing on the side watching a little more enjoyable. The game was three minutes old as I arrived and the scope of the task at hand was there for all to see. The Robin hand no subs milling around the bags as normal, the Gaffer was on the pitch and the Guru was running the line. The team looked like strangers out there and were making things very very easy for Station who must have been wondering is this really the same team that took us apart on our own manor? Station dominated the game from start to finish. Frustrations were beginning to bubble to the surface early in the game and some dodgy looking decisions from the ref did not help things. Half way through the first half Kyle and Pone arrived, straight off the ferry from Amsterdam looking surprisingly fresh for two young lads back from the hedonistic capital of Europe. Well at least the Robin finally had a couple of subs. Pretty much as soon as Kyle was ready the first Robin substitution came, the Gaffer replacing himself with Kyle, by this point the Robin were already one nil down, would Kyle's introduction freshen things up any. Not really the Robin continued on a course toward (without doubt) the worst performance of the season. The Gaffer's annoyance with the Ref's inability to spot high feet against the Robin but punishing any Robin player that lifted his leg more than half a foot off the ground, was getting more and more audible. The first half finished and the Gaffer delivered a half time team talk which would have made Gordon Ramsey blush.

The lads started the second half with the Gaffer's talk in there heads but no improvement was to be seen as Station ran riot over them. Players had opportunities to show what they could do to oust regular first teamers who were absent for one reason or another did not take those chances and performances all round were at best poor. The second half continued and the Robin made another sub bringing on Pone for Welshy, again this did not have anything like a galvanising effect and the Robin now looked like they just wanted the game to come to as swift a conclusion as possible. The Ref finally had enough of the Gaffer's gob and sent him back to the changing rooms for the remainder of the game. The Gaffer was not speedy at leaving but trudged off like a opening batsman out for a duck with the first bowl of the game. The game came to its end with Station running out four nil winners, it was a gift of three points from a self destructive Robin Hood side.

Robin Hood 0 - 4 Station Hotel

Back at the Robin and some post match analysis from the side concluded that no one was good enough today simple as that, everyone had let themselves and the team down in one way or another.

The sign of quality however is how you deal with something like this. Its time to pick yourselves up dust yourselves down and take revenge by going out an claiming three points off top of the league Calverton Cherry Tree next week in a manner befitting the football that saw you get six victories on the bounce.

Player Ratings

Shaggy - 7 MOM
Kebab - 4
Obi-Wan - 4
Wayne - 6
Quavers - 5
Welshy - 4
Skip - 4
Ali "Mr Magic Pants" - 4
Gattuszola - 4
Chrissy - 4
The Gaffer - 4

Subs
Pone - 4
Kyle - 4

Ref - Minus 3

Ugly Weather, Ugly Score!! (Nice Breakfast Cob Though)

2009-03-09T07:24:00.005Z

Sunday 08/03/09

Colwick Rec 10:30am

Westdale Tavern v Robin Hood

First of all apologies for the lack of blog last week. I shall make no excuses (as no one would believe them anyway!) and a big Sorry to our international readers.

But let us not dwell on the past and look to the future. The Robin Hood come into the game off five wins in a row and they were hungry for win number six. What stood in there way were Westdale Tavern. Westdale are top of the league having played fifteen, won eleven, drawn three, and losing only one game all season, factor into that a positive goal difference of thirty seven and it looks like the Robin have a challenge on there hands today.

So off to Colwick Rec to see them do battle, the sun was shining and a breakfast cob had been polished off.

Peep! First half under way and we don't have to wait long for the action to begin. Pressure right from the off by the Robin see the action concentrated round Westdale's area, the ball breaks to Kebab on the edge of the area, he precedes to smash the ball goalward... GOAL!!! What a start, what a goal. Westdale 0 - 1 Robin Hood. Just what the Robin wanted, however the Robin did not want what came just two minutes after they had took the lead. A miss placed pass and Westdale break, the pace of their front men is too much for the Robin back four, GOAL!!! a calm finish and Westdale draw level. Westdale 1 - 1 Robin Hood. Westdale's tactic seems to be to capitalise on the pace of their strikers, which is considerable. Meaning the beautiful game is not so beautiful as they continually lump it forward. When the ball is on the floor the Robin are playing the better football. The twenty second minute and a Westdale player takes the ball square in the nuts but composes himself enough to pass the ball before collapsing, the pass however leads to another long ball forward which is latched onto by one of the pacy forwards to slot past Quavers, GOAL!!! Westdale 2 - 1 Robin Hood. The Robin are rocked by this after such a good start. "If God had intended football to be played in the air he would have put grass there" The late great Brian Clough once said. Not a mantra that Westdale subscribe to. The Robin give away a free kick, Westdale knock it into Robin's area, GOAL!!! Damn, Westdale extend there lead. Westdale 3 - 1 Robin Hood. The game continues as it has for the last forty one minutes when the Robin are awarded a free kick half way into Westdale's half on right hand side. Ali "sex pest" Brown steps up and delivers a magic ball into the far post allowing an incoming Pone to volley ball into the onion bag, GOAL!!! Westdale 3 - 2 Robin Hood. That is the last action of a packed first half.

Westdale 3 - 2 Robin Hood.

Second half gets under way and my neck is beginning to hurt from watching Westdale hoof the ball at every opportunity. The Robin need to find an equaliser it will give them the boost they need and a spring board to go on and win this game, which despite the scoreline and the league saying different they are very capable of winning this. Things don't go to plan though and on the fifty seventh minute Wesdale restore their two goal cushion, GOAL!!! Westdale 4 - 2 Robin Hood. The Robin don't look the same after that goal and the weather had turned as ugly as the scoreline. Tired legs begin to show in both sides and the conditions are not helping. Obi-Wan goes for a ball against the Westdale keeper, in a 50/50 ball the keeper came of worse as a double cut to his eye ended his game. Despite the sub keeper the Robin never really tested him. Back and forth went the game and every time I looked skyward to follow another Westdale lump I got rain in my eye. As the end of the game draws close Westdale break again, Quavers makes a corking save only for, unluckily, the ball to rebound to another Westdale player to poke it home, GOAL!!! Westdale 5 - 2 Robin Hood. A minute after that the Robin pressure allowing Kyle to nick what turns out to be a consolation, GOAL!!! Westdale 5 - 3 Robin Hood.

So the Robin Hood's winning streak ends at top of the league club Westdale Tavern, not bad some might say. But the Robin had the beating of them but it just did not work out. Positives were the goals from Kebab and Pone, brilliantly taken and a delight to see. Next up boys a home game against Station hotel, lets really wind um up and take another three points off them like we did at there manor!

Westdale Tavern 5 - 3 Robin Hood

Like a Ballet Dancing Munkey

2009-02-23T07:33:00.003Z

Sunday 22/02/09
Vernon Park 10:30am
Robin Hood v FC Digica

Would three weeks without a game take its toll on the Robin Hood and bring crashing down the momentum they had built up in the previous three victories? Weather and other factors out of the Gaffer's and Guru's control had conspired to an un-wanted extended break for Robin Hood FC, but ever positive the Gaffer and Guru met as usual on Friday night in the Robin to discuss FC Digica's downfall and sink a few bevvies at the same time.

The first meeting between Robin and Digica had finished in a flattering four nil win for Digica, and Digica in the words of Welshy "They were fucking crap, we should never had lost that" (Please read that in your best/worst Welsh accent). The league showed a five point gap and one place separating Robin and Digica. It had the makings of an interesting game.

A nice mild day down at Vernon park, the new changing facilities finally open, time to play football. First half kicks off, and the first five minutes set the tone for the rest of the game. The Robin come out all guns blazing, first Gattuszola gets the better of the Digica defence but the final effort goes narrowly wide of the upright. Not more than a minute later a cross come in to the Digica area with Pone rising to meet it, a free header, NO! some how it goes over. It was harder to miss. FC Digica don't look to have brought their game with them today and are struggling. The Robin dominate game mixing up between route one and passing flowing football. Quavers kicking is awesome today and the Digica back four has no idea how to cope with it. Digica are in no way troubling the Robin goal in this half due to a combination of poor football and a solid display from Robin's defense. Chances come and go for the Robin but that killer blow which has eluded them in previous games seems to be back, because despite their control over the game they can not put the ball in the back of the net. A couple of opportunities for Kyle are missed but some good football is being played. The first half somehow manages to draw to a close goalless, not through lack of chances mind.

Robin 0 - 0 Digica.

A goal is coming everyone there knows it is just a matter of time. Talk at half time is encouraging as the boys are enjoying playing football rather than just the lump and run of the past.

Second half gets underway and the Robin start as they left the first half. With the exception of Digica's keeper the rest of their team looks decidedly shady almost like they don't want to be there. No doubt this feeling was compounded on the fifty ninth minute as the ball broke for Gattuszola who sent a stunning sixty yard cross field pass to Ali "Sex Pest" Brown, Ali taking on a Digica defender and crossing low and hard for Kyle convert into the back of the net GOAL!!! Robin 1 - 0 Digica. It had been coming but there was a visible sign of relief for the Robin. Now I have been going to watch to Robin long enough now to know that after that first goal they had entered the danger zone!! It normally plays out that the Robin take the lead and then concede an equaliser with in ten minutes. Today though that feeling is not there, the Robin are playing confidently, today is a case of not when they will concede but when will they score again. Again chances are made and squandered. But on the seventy seventh minute Robin are awarded a corner, Ali "Sex Pest" Brown delivers a cracking cross which I was assured (a number of times) was flicked on by Skip to allow Kebab to turn like a ballet dancer (albeit a chunky munkey ballet dancer) and fired the ball into the roof of net GOAL!!! Robin 2 - 0 Digica. This as they say was the final nail in Digica coffin, they looked as though they just wanted the game to end. Robin took advantage of this by being even more dominant. A delay due to an injury to a Digica player and the game resumes. Deep into injury time and all the play is in and around the Digica area. An attempted cross strikes a Digica defender on the arm, PEEP, the Ref points to the spot. Arguments ensue as to who is to take it, with popular opinion being that Big Wayne should take it. Wayne politely declines and Skip steps up. Strikes the ball to the side of the keeper who is down as quick as a shot to parry the ball out where the follow up is deflected out for a corner. The Ref brings the game to and end and cheers of HUZZAH! ring out. Four wins in the last four games for the Robin, things are beginning to click. Long may it continue.

Robin Hood 2 - 0 FC Digica

No Battle, No Victory

2009-01-26T08:14:00.005Z

Sunday 25/01/09

Vernon Park 10:30am

Robin Hood v TriColor

Last weeks victory over Backup had lofted the Robin to the dizzying heights of ninth in the league. This week the Robin were attempting to do something that had alluded them so far this season. Could the Robin string together back to back wins in the league?. On paper things were not looking good TriColor were third in the league and had already beaten the Robin three one in their previous meeting. But the Robin had the wind at there backs and momentum from last weeks game, once again the banter was good and spirits were high. The only thing not there was Wayne who was M.I.A. This meant a new central defensive partnership of Shaggy and Obi-Wan, would it work out?.

Time to get on with it though the ref was looking a little worse for wear, but I was assured he was ill and not hungover, but had toughed it out to turn up today or as the Guru put it "People will do owt for money". Peep peep peep, and the hare is on the move (sorry that's the dogs), kick off. The game starts at a reasonably fast pace for a Sunday morning but with the ball spending most of its time in the middle third of the park. Both sides had good chances in the first ten minutes with Pone latching on to an exquisite ball from Gattuszola that split TriColor defense in two, however Pone only managed to knock the ball wide of the goal, but it was an encouraging sign. Tricolor also had there opportunity after a slight defensive mix up allowed a TriColor player to get past the back line and bear down on goal, with Quavers advancing off his line the TriColor player had to attempt the lob. He did so but his lob was not accurate and the ball sailed wide of the mark. Fifteenth minute and the deadlock is broken a speculative high ball over the Robin defense sees TriColor get in behind and put the ball in the back of the net GOAL!!! Robin 0 - 1 TriColor. Robin pick themselves up and dust themselves off, the goal was against the run of play and the team knows there is a long way to go in this game. Eight minutes later however Robins confidence is given another blow as the ref whistles for a penalty in an questionable decision. Obi-Wan had quite legitimately jumped for the ball with a TriColor player whilst on the by line in the area to the right hand side (from my vantage point) of the goal. The ref obviously had seen something in it and awarded the penalty, GOAL!!! penalty dispatched TriColor extend their lead. Robin 0 - 2 TriColor. What the F**k straight from Robin's restart Skip saw the TriColor keeper off his line and smashed the ball from just inside the Robin's own half which flew over the keepers head and into the onion bag! GOAL!!! Robin are back in it less than a minute after conceding the second. Robin 1 - 2 TriColor. Skip's goal did not give the Robin time to dwell on TriColor's second or the penalty decision and with that a new wave of confidence had washed over the boys. Twenty Ninth minute and a combination of Ali "Sex Pest" Brown's cracking pass and Pone springing TriColor's offside trap saw Pone one on one again this time a different result to the chance in the first ten minutes GOAL!!! Robin 2 - 2 TriColor. The next fifteen minutes saw the Robin have relative control and be the only ones looking like scoring. Peep Peep, half time.

Robin Hood 2 - 2 TriColor.

The second half gets under way with the ref looking ever so ropey and pale, but he is trooper and the game goes on. The first fifteen of this half are very similar to the last in the first half with the robin having most of the play. Sixty first minute and a long range effort from Kebab causes chaos in the TriColor defense allowing Kyle to nip in and poach one for himself GOAL!!! Robin 3 - 2 TriColor. The Robin are dominating the game now and a very mature display from Gattuszola in the centre of midfield is having very positive effects on the younger lads round him (Sorry Ali that does not include you) and most of the play is being orchestrated by the wily old(ish) Italian. An un-intelligible mix up at the back for the Robin when a ball is played over the top by TriColor leads to their equaliser GOAL!!! Robin 3 - 3 TriColor. Hmm is this it then a three all draw is all the Robin are going to get out of a good display? NOPE! Seventy one minutes in Kyle pops up again in the TriColor box and manages to scramble home his second of the game GOAL!!! Robin 4 - 3 TriColor. The Robin's fight is back it has been missing for so long that I had forgotten what it actually looked like. TriColor where shot, arguing among themselves and looking lacklustre in possession all the Robin had to do was run the clock down, and despite Welshy's best efforts to not "GO TO THE F**KING CORNER" with the ball as the Gaffer put it, They managed to see it out.

Robin Hood 4 - 3 TriColor.

Hell yeah! Two wins on the bounce and what a way to do it to coming back from two nil down showed that all the boys have it in them to perform and even go beyond their own expectations. Long may it continue I say. Come on boys go for your hat trick!

Player Ratings

Quavers - 7

Shaggy - 7

Chrissy - 7

Obi-Wan - 7

Kebab - 7.5

J-LO - 6

Skip - 8

Ali "Sex Pest" Brown - 8

Gattuszola - 9

Pone - 7.5

Kyle - 8

Subs

Welshy - 6

Dan - 6

MOM as sponsored by Lucazade and Bananas

GATTUSZOLA

Chew a Beer Mat and Keep it STUM!!!

2009-01-20T07:22:00.004Z

Sunday 18/01/09

Top Valley School 10:30am
Backup United v Robin Hood FC

The truth is last week just was not good enough. It was time for the Gaffer to change the dressing room into the dressing down room. However the home truths were delivered outside as the dressing room smelt like a sweaty dead fox. Each player is handed a copy of the current league table, it does not make for good reading. Robin Hood FC bottom of the league not what was expected at the start of the season. The Gaffer delivers an impassioned talk backed up by the Guru and rallies the troops. They can win this game, they have the talent, all they needed was the self belief.

The last game between Backup and the Robin ended up in a five all draw, not the best day for both of the back fours. Would we get a similar result today? Despite the blazing sunshine and blue sky it was cold with a bitter wind. But enough of the weather report time for the game.

Peep Peep, First half under way. Did not start like a lot of Sunday league games as it began with pace. Both sets of players seemed up for it, Backup's giant centre back looked commanding and the new 4-5-1 formation of the Robin gave them the numbers in midfield they seemed to be lacking in previous games. The movement still needed work and there was a tendency to lump the ball rather than playing on the floor as god intended (see Brian Clough). But all in all very much a better start than last week lethargic performance. Twenty one minutes in and a slick move started by Ali "Sex Pest" Brown passing to Kyle for a flick through that was latched on to by Pone. Pone's pace saw him through to slot the ball home GOAL!!! All good but Pone you were out of position tut tut hug that touch line you monkey! Backup 0 - 1 Robin. Good start they had got the ball in the back of the net. The jubilation did not last as only seven minutes later a cracking cross from the right hand side of the Robin box cleared Obi-Wan's head to allow Backup's player to chest and volley into the onion bag, great finish acknowledge by everyone, but still GOAL!!! Backup 1 - 1 Robin. Heads did not drop as the Robin realised they had a job to do. In fairness Backups goal was really all they had in a first half that was scrappy but largely dominated by the Robin (when they decided to play football). The half flowed with only a few short stops. Peep Peep end of first half not bad not bad, and The Terminator was leaking Red Diesel for the cause.

Backup 1 - 1 Robin.

The Gaffer and the Guru went through the half time team talk. They knew they had edged that first half and had the beating of Backup in them, they just needed to show the spirit that had seen them win against Station Hotel.

Refreshments over, time for the second half. Starting where they had left off in the first half, the Robin began to play. Kyle began looking a lot sharper than the first half, as if it had taken him forty five minutes to wake up. Gattuszola and Ali "Sex Pest" Brown were pulling the strings in the centre of midfield with Pone and the Terminator offer a outlet on the wings. Defensively the Robin looked good, with Shaggy showing that his patience on the sideline was worth the wait as he puts in a commendable performance in the back four. Sixty Sixth minute and Gattuszola goes on a run. Running at the Backup defense they seemed to be lost as he ghosted passed them, the run culminated in a cross from the right hand side of Backup's box that was half cleared by the defense to Ali "Sex Pest" Brown who thundered in a low powerful drive GOAL!!!! Backup 1 - 2 Robin. From this point on the Robin took control of the game though it was not perfect they never really looked like they were going to lose it. This was confirmed on the seventy fifth minute as a defense splitting pass from Gattuszola sent the Terminator away, hunting the ball down like Sarah Conner and dispatching it in a cold mechanical way (or it may have bounce back at him and gone in off his shin/face/arse) GOAL!!!. Backup 1 - 3 Robin. The Robin cruised to the final whistle and the relief was palpable. This win was very much needed.

Backup United 1 - 3 Robin Hood FC.

Some of the spirit from the past had returned and the lads were visibly chuffed that they had won, but again this needs to be a spring board and the momentum gathered needs to continue. A special mention to Quavers (Adam) who so happy with the win tried to put his head through the Guru's windshield on the drive to the Robin.

Player Ratings

Quavers - 7

Shaggy - 7.5

Obi-Wan - 7

Wayne - 7

Kebab - 7.5

Terminator - 8

Ali "Sex Pest" Brown - 9

Skip - 7

Gattuszola - 7.5

Pone - 7

Kyle - 8

Man of the Match in association with Boots Warm Lube

Ali "Sex Pest" Brown

Shaggy

Goal Scorer PONE

Goal scorer Terminator

Goal Scorer & MOM Ali "Sex Pest" BrownThe Guru & Quavers

Waste of a Morning

2009-01-13T07:20:00.004Z

Sunday 11/01/09

Calverton 10:30am

Hudson Roofing v Robin Hood FC

In the months I have been writing the blog for the Robin Hood FC I have never been embarrassed in doing it (unless you count being picked up on grammatical and spelling errors, Cheers Red and 2Shorts). Even in defeat, of which there has been too many, I have always seen the positives and never really questioned the teams effort or spirit.

The bravado and grandstanding in the car park before the game gave the Robin an air of confidence which unfortunately did not transfer on to the pitch. Hudson Roofing have, sorry had a worse record than the Robin and despite the their cup win over the Robin last week on paper the Robin should be too strong for them.

The first half and Hudson had managed to scrape together enough players to get things going. There was no ref so it was agreed between the teams that The Gaffer would officiate. Normally I would now write about all the incident and gladiatorial battles that ensued in the first half. However, without doubt and exception (which includes all the Scottish Football I have watched) it was the most incident free, dull first half in history. The first ten minutes or so the Robin had a numerical advantage which they failed to capitalise on and neither team offered anything remotely resembling a straight cut chance the whole half. So unsurprisingly the first half ended nil nil.

Hudson 0 - 0 Robin.

A moment of inspiration, a mistake or quality football is what the second half needed. Unlike the first half goals were not going to be scarce. We did not have to wait long for the first to come along, forty ninth minute a through ball split the Robin Hood defence in two and Hudson's striker sized the opportunity and buried it. Hudson 1 - 0 Robin. Despite the goal the game still lacked anything enthralling and it seem to me that most of the players on the pitch were just going through the motions. By my timing the next goal came on the sixty ninth minute again against the Robin. Hudson 2 - 0 Robin. The game lumbered on, few chances made, with the lacklustre performance beginning to show on all faces. Calamity!, eighty third minute another shocking display of defending. Hudson 3 - 0 Robin. Two minutes later Robin have a chance to redeem themselves, if ever so slightly, when they are awarded a penalty. The Terminator steps up and with machine like efficiency dispatches the ball into the back of the net. Hudson 3 - 1 Robin. Rather than build on this and restore some dignity to the performance the Robin collapse again and concede another from a corner, woeful marking! Hudson 4 - 1 Robin. The half continues into what seems like endless time added on / injury time. This allows the Robin to grab one more as Pone sets up Gattuszola to drill the ball home. Hudson 4 - 2 Robin. People on the sideline are getting agitated by the length of added on time being played which is not helped when the Robin are awarded another penalty. This time Skip steps up and thunders the ball against the bottom of the right hand upright. Poetic justice is heard on the sideline. The game ends, Hudson 4 - 2 Robin.

In terms of player ratings I was informed by the Gaffer that everyone on the pitch received a FIVE (which I consider generous) with the exception of the Terminator who for his efforts gets a NINE.

Normally in this last paragraph I sum things up and put a positive spin on things but in all honesty it has pained me to write this, so I will conclude by saying Backup United next week see you there.

I'll leave the last word to TV pundit Alan Hansen

Cyberdyne Systems model 101

2009-01-07T07:16:00.007Z

Sunday 04/01/09
Calverton 11:00am
Hudson Roofing v Robin Hood FC

It was FA Cup weekend, which means shocks and giant killings. Forest (Dirty Reds) lead the way with a three nil thumping of the richest club in the world Man City. Cup fever was also alive and well in Calverton. Two re-arranged Section Cup quarter finals being played at the same park! 10:30am kick off saw Calverton Cherry Tree play Pheasant Inn Sunday (Finished 2 - 1 to Calverton Cherry Tree for your information). However the 11:00am kick off is what we are interested in Robin Hood FC against Hudson Roofing. League form goes out of the window when it comes to the cup but seeing as neither the Robin or Hudson had particularly good run of late in the league it could be difficult to call this one.

It was cold! very cold. Gloved fingers were crossed it would not be called off again, but to the relief of all it was on. The lads changed and made their way to the picturesque pitch which over looked open countryside. The ref appeared looking like Buster Blood Vessel and after a quick warm up (lucky them) it was time to start.

PEEP PEEP! The first half kicks off. A tentative start from both sides, probing each other getting a feel for the ball and the pitch (which by the way was rock solid and bobbley, not what you need for a Arsenal style flowing football). The Robin started to make the early running, with some good football considering the conditions with Hudson looking to hit on the counter attack. Some woeful finishing and passing saw Robin riding their luck a little, but otherwise the game went back and forth offering little in the way of guilt edged opportunities for either side. On thirty six minutes the breakthrough came, Hudson conceded a throw in deep in their half, up stepped Kebab-Delap to launch a trademark long throw into the box. The Skipper rose like a majestic salmon swimming upstream to return to its ancestral mating waters and nodded it past the rooted Hudson goal keeper GOAL!!! Hudson 0 - 1 Robin Hood. Hudson's heads dropped, "This could be a rout" I commented to Do-Nut on the sideline. Considering Hudson awful defensive record this season it was not out of place. The Robin dominated the remaining ten minutes of the first half without really carving out a chance for a second. PEEP, PEEEEEEP!

Hudson 0 - 1 Robin Hood

An eagerly awaited second half got underway with those here to watch the Robin having the feeling that things are going their way. However Hudson Roofing did not see it that way and had rallied themselves during the break and manage to raise their heads. Game on. This half Hudson showed some metal and again only a lack of quality denied them an equaliser. Hudson were now pushing to level things, which meant a role reversal from the first half with the Robin hitting Hudson on the counter. Opportunities came and went for both sides but nothing seemed to really endanger the score line. Robin defense was holding up well, with the Terminator seemingly to be in all places at all times, taking knocks but getting back up "That Terminator is out there. It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead" or he has won the ball and spanked it out for a throw in. As the day got colder the match drew closer to end, Hudson upped the pressure on the Robin pegging them back into their half. Six minutes, SIX FUCKING MINUTES to go that's all that separated Robin and a semi final of the cup GOAL!!!!! Hudson took advantage of a huge gap in the Robin defense to finally claim the equaliser. Hudson 1 - 1 Robin Hood. Hudson gathered momentum from the goal and continued to pressure the Robin. Hudson could have nicked it before the end of normal time but the ghost of shocking finishing came back to haunt them as their number nine tickled rather than struck the ball toward an open goal, something for which his own supporters gleefully took the piss out of him for. PEEP PEEP.

Hudson 1 - 1 Robin Hood.

Extra Time

Jesus H Christ it was cold and the last thing anyone wanted was extra time, but that is what is needed so after a short break thirty more footballing minutes awaited. The first half of extra time was similar to the beginning of the second in normal time with Robin hitting at Hudson on the break. Again chances came and went for both sides with the quality of the finishing the major factor in the lack of goals.

Second half of extra time saw the Gaffer come on for Pone to make his season debut. The buzz on the side of the pitch was he was likely to grab the winner and spend the rest of the season gloating about it. This almost happened when Ali "sex pest" Brown angled a ball into the box which had it had cleared the defender would have dropped kindly to the Gaffer. But it was not to be, tired legs began to show from both sides and the second half of extra time drew to a close. The trauma of penalties followed.

Robin Penos

Gattuszola - Miss

Kebab-Delap - Miss

Obi-Wan - Miss

Hudson Penos

Scored their first three

Hudson win 3 -0 on penalties

In fairness to Hudson goalkeeper he did well and made three good saves. Heartbreak for the Robin and the cup dream ended for another year.

Well boys time to concentrate on the league and start moving up that Mo-Fo.
You have instant chance for revenge as it Hudson Roofing again on Sunday this time there is three points at stake!!!!!

Skip Goal Scorer

Cammy "Terminator"

The Guru says NO!!

2008-12-22T10:59:00.002Z

Sunday 21/12/08

Vernon Park 10:30am

Robin Hood FC v Backup United

Normally as I walk toward Vernon Park on a Sunday I can hear the usual rumblings of Sunday league footballers. Which basically consists of a lot of swearing and piss taking. Today was different, I got closer and closer to the park and could not hear a thing? Hmm what's going off. My questions were answered as soon as I enter the park proper. The Robin Hood v Back United is the only game here today. Typically all the pitches will have a game on plus there is always a kids game going off, any of you that have been near a kids game of football will know of the amount of noise the parents make egging on little Timmy "TO GET STUCK IN SON!". But non of that the Robin had the park all to themselves.

Backup United are having a very similar season to the Robin, 'Nothing to write home about' Going into the game they were below the Robin but only on goal difference. The Robin have played Backup a considerable amount of times in fact they have been part of the fixtures ever since I started venturing out on a Sunday mornings to watch. So it have the makings of a good game.

Peep Peep and the first half is underway. The Robin start well looking good going forward, lets hope that the finishing touch that eluded them last week returns. That worry is put away early on as eight minutes in J-Lo goes on a mini maze up and hits a low hard shot to the right hand side past the keeper GOAL!!! Robin 1 - 0 Backup. Despite going one nil up the Robin are looking venerable still. The venerability is exposed on fifteen minutes as Backup break GOAL!!! The back four are not happy. Robin 1 - 1 Backup. The equaliser has rocked the Robin somewhat nineteen minutes Backup gain a throw in on the right, a long run up followed by a long throw in to the Robin's area cause the Robin's defence to be at 6's and 7's Backup take advantage and take the lead GOAL!!! Robin 1 - 2 Backup. The game is very open there is definitely more goals in this one. The Robin rally and are award a free kick from the left on the twenty first minute. Ali "sex pest" Brown drills a curling ball into Backup's six yard box GOAL!!!! its hit the back of the net, Kebab runs off claiming the goal with Ali disputing that anyone got a touch and it went in directly off his free kick, later in the pub the goal will be awarded to Kebab but who cares. Robin 2 - 2 Backup. The Robin are giving Backup's number twelve far too much room to play and he is with out doubt Backup's best player. The Robin make the mistake of inviting Backup on to them, a Backup player lets rip with a low drive from outside the area which flash low and hard across the Robin's goal despite his dive Adam can do nothing about it as the ball settles in the back of the net twenty six minutes gone GOAL!!! Robin 2 - 3 Backup. To say this game is going back and forth would be an understatement, the ref is coming under some stick for questionable decision. Two minutes to go and Robin have a corner, can they make it count, another excellent delivery by Ali "sex pest" Brown, sees Skip connect with a powerful header giving Backup's keeper no chance GOAL!!! Robin 3 - 3 Backup. That's the last action of the half. Phew what a half!

ROBIN 3 - 3 BACKUP

Time for the second half and Kyle is replaced by Gattuszola up front. Lets see if this half is as crazy as the first, it would not disappoint. The midfield for the robin is operating well though not affording the level of protection for the back four they should. Fifthy fourth minute Ali "sex pest" Brown finds himself on the left hand side of Backup's box with Gattuszola powering into the box GOAL!!! Great ball in by Ali "sex pest" Brown and a quality diving header (there are not enough in the game) by Gattuszola. Robin 4 - 3 Backup. The Robin get back there lead how will they cope. Just eight minutes after gaining the lead the Robin capitulate again allowing Backup back into it Goal!!! Robin 4 - 4 Backup. Arrgh! what's going on, the Robin are shaken and heads have gone, once again there is confusion in the Robin's box the ball is not cleared away, sixty nine minutes GOAL!!! Obi-Wan O.G. NO!!! if it were not for bad luck the Robin would have no luck at all. Robin 4 - 5 Backup. The Robin need to dig deep, with the way this game is going there is more goals to be had and on the eighty second minute the Robin's prayers are answered when Skip pops up in Backup's area to poach and equaliser GOAL!!! Robin 5 - 5 Backup. Thank god for that, well thank Skip for scoring, its at this point that the Gaffer is thinking that he could bring himself up front to snatch the winner, the Guru soon puts pay to that idea. Peep Peep full time what a game five five that's a playground score.

Player Ratings

Adam - 6

Welshy - 6

Obi-Wan - 7

Wayne - 9

Kebab - 7

Chrissy - 7

Ali "sex pest" Brown - 8

Skip - 8

J-Lo - 8.5

Pone - 6

Kyle - 5

Subs

Gattuszola - 7.5

The Robin Hood MAN OF THE MATCH sponsored by the fruit machine in the lounge

WAYNE

Right everyone who is out xmas eve in the Robin you need to be on form as there will be a special edition blog, to recount your xmas eve shenanigans (up to the point I can remember) so i want you all on your baddest behaviour bring on Santa!!!!

Double Robbery at Local Park!!!

2008-12-16T08:50:00.002Z

Sunday 14/12/08
Vernon Park 10:30am
Robin Hood FC v Tricolore

Vernon Park but its an away game, No sausage and bread Bugger!. OK its kinda cold but not as bad as last week, the game is on for a start but that does mean no beer + brekkie combo at spoons. So a Mickey-D's will have to do.

Where is everybody?? The Robin Hood's squad is some what depleted today. But the boys are troopers hopefully some of the momentum from the win over Station Hotel two weeks ago is still flowing through the boys... Lets see.

Peep Peep, and the game is under way. Robin start well knocking the ball about confidently, Tricolore don't look like they have much to offer, but they have won four games leading up to this one. The half continues and the Robin go in search of the cutting edge that has been so intermitent this season. Cammy "Terminator" is running his heart out and showing what a engine he has. Oppotunities come and go but that decisive finish is missing. More good work for the Robin comes from the wing where Ben "J-Lo" is haveing a cracking half tracking back as well as attacking. Adam is having a quiet half in the sticks due to the efforts of the boys in front of him, and saying that Tricolore's keeper has not really been troubled either. The half pans out pretty uneventfuly and the half time whistle goes.

Robin Hood 0 - 0 Tricolore.

If the first half was handed back to the studio for the pundits to analyse they would say that the Robin probably edged it by having the better of the half and if they can turn that slight advantage into a goal they would go on to win it. Or Jamie Redknapp would just say something daft and get a interesting look from Richard keyes.

Anyway enough of that nonsense its time for the second half.

The second half starts where the first left off, with the Robin probing (ooh er!) Tricolore looking for the opening goal that they know they have in them. Sixty minutes, against the run of play and Tricolore take the lead GOAL!!!!!! What happened they have not threaten all game! Arrgh!

Robin Hood 0 - 1 Tricolore. Lets see how the Robin respond. Heads look down this is not a good sign. J-Lo and Terminator continue their excellent games showing the quality they had in the first half. But the Robin are looking a little sluggish, and a sucker punch comes on the seventy second minute, a ball driven into the Robin's box, Tricolore players gets his head to it, GOAL!!!!! F**K! Robin Hood 0 - 2 Tricolore. The Robin are disconbobulated, Kebab is not happy at the back and he is letting everyone know it. Robin's efforts are laboured and six minutes after conceding the second they give up a third, GOAL!!! Robin Hood 0 - 3 Tricolore. This scoreline is flattering Tricolore and that is not an understatment, Robin are ruing missed oppotunities. The finishing touch has dessereted them for another week. Too inconsistent is the Robin's ability to put the ball in the back of the net. Goal!!!!! Late on an own goal gives Robin a little bit of honour back on a scoreline that in all honesty is underserved. Robin Hood 1 - 3 Tricolore.

Back at the Robin and the lads disect the game and their own performances, gutted is the atmosphere, but non more gutted than Pone. Not only had the Robin been robbed with the result, but Pone was actually ROBBED, tracky bottoms containing a mobile phone, forty quid, and an item of immense sentimental value GONE. But fair dues to him he took it in his stride and rode out the piss taking from the other lads.

Player Ratings

Adam - 5

Welshy - 7

Terminator - 8

Kebab - 6

Chrissy Sykes - 6

J-Lo - 8.5

Ali "Sex Pest" Brown - 7

Charlie - 6

Kyle - 7

Pone - 7

Subs

Skip - 6

Shaggy - 6.5

The Pickled Onions and Crisps on the bar Man of the Match

J-lo

(Finally a quick apology to Shaggy, I would like to apologise for taking ten minutes out of my day to school you at pool ha ha, you did not think I'd write this whole thing without mentioning it!)

Full English and a Beer Please Love

2008-12-08T09:11:00.003Z

Sunday 07/12/08

10:30am

Witherspoons Mapperly Top!!!!!

Quarter finals of the Section Cup, and its cold, really cold. A nice drive in the country side taking in this green and pleasant land and we arrive in Calverton!!! Jack Frost had made it before us and had spread a generous coating of ice all over the pitch, its unlikely to thaw that, games off!!!. Boo. The lads are disappointed, but there is a plan. "Right you lot, get in ya motors we are off to the new Witherspoons on Mapperly top for a full English and a bevvie" The 24 hour licencing laws not so daft now are they.

Now it looks as if all of the Sunday league games in Nottingham had been called off, the whole pub was packed with Sunday morning gladiators glad to be in out the cold and all discussing what excuse to use with the missus for having a beer at this time on a Sunday morning.

The Boys pile in and soon the tills are ringing to the sound of a thousand farm house breakfasts being ordered. Seats are allocated, well first come first serve, though Wayne gets his choice of course. Before you know it the banter starts to fly with the usual name calling, the questioning of each others sexuality, and general tall tales of drinking exploits. Soon the breakfasts start to arrive and Wayne begins to regal us with tales from his past that leave us crying with laughter and stood / sat in amazement, the after dinner speaking circuit is definitely a career option for him. Adam is last to get his breakfast despite being the loudest, but not sure he enjoyed it as spent most of the time eating it while keeping an eye on the vultures around him who were just looking to pick off a sausage.

Bellies full, the disappointment of the canceled game is fading and a satisfied look crosses the lads faces. Oh to be a teenager again the young lads have made their minds up they are going to the park anyway for a kick about and a game of Premiership Knock Out (what ever happened to plain old knock out) Where as the old heads are having non of it. Well time to head for the Robin and on the way have "Young" Ali Brown reveal what a wimp he is openly admitting that even to slightest punch would send him off crying!!.

Player Ratings

Wayne - 1,000,000

Adam - minus 3

Kebab - Smells

Pone - 2 (one for each tassel on his hat!)

J-Lo - 13

Kyle Minogue - 6.7842333

Welshy - Foreign

Ali "Sex Pest" Brown - 69

Charlie - 550bhp

The Gaffer - Short

The Guru - Big

Obi-Wan - Obi-1

Chrissy - In the top 6

Skip - ?????

Gattuszola - Over enthusiastic

Do-Nut - 0 (never really turned up)

Blog Boy - Lost somewhere in that sleeping bag he calls a coat!

MAN OF THE MATCH

Wayne

Excellent skills keeping everyone alert and laughing through the whole morning

As it was a cup game that was postponed it has been re-arranged for next week 14/12/08.

Fucking Late, Fucking Cold, Fucking Hell!!!

2008-12-04T08:43:00.004Z

Sunday 30/11/08

Nabbs Lane 10:30am

Robin Hood FC v Station Hotel

!!!!bang Bang BANG!!!!! three loud knocks on The Gaffer's bedroom door, and a shout of "Glen its 9:05!!", "Fucking Hell" was the reply and that's how the Sunday started. Looks like the nights revelry's had taken hold of The Gaffer, too much was the winning performance by PornStar Paul on the "Xmas Factor", over awed by his Elvis tribute with Blog Boy, and just down right bemused by The Guru's and Blog Boys "Road to Amarillo" dance around the whole of the Robin's lounge had all combined to make The Gaffer over sleep on a Sunday for the first time in a very very very long time!!!

After a mad dash and The Guru tutting and tapping his watch we were on our way, a quick stop at the Robin's car park to pick up a few others then off to deepest, darkest Hucknall!!!!

Today's oppo Station Hotel go into this game top of the league with only two defeats so far this season. Standing freezing outside listening to The Gaffer's rallying cry geeing up the boys, which was needed as many of them were nursing hangovers.

OK, time for kick off. Typical start to a Sunday league affair with each team trying to suss each other out. Despite the League detailing a gulf in class between the two teams (on paper at least) The Robin are holding there own with a impressive work rate to match. Talking to Do-Nut on the sidelines I comment on how impressed I was that it is quarter of an hour into the first half and the Robin are yet to concede (a little pessimistic I suppose lol). Eighteen minutes in and The Robin are award a free kick half way into Station's half on the right hand side. The lads gather in the box and Skip stands over the ball. Any one who has ever seen Skip play knows he has a hammer of a left foot on him, not to disappoint he thunders the ball into the danger area Station's keeper fumbles the ball a scramble ensues and up pops Pone to drive home a 40mm stunner GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!! Station 0 - 1 Robin. (Fuck!!! I owe Pone a pint now!!! stupid bet). Well I did not see that coming, The Robin look ten foot tall after the goal and everyone is putting in the fabled 110%. Twenty one minutes in and the Robin get another free kick again Skip stand over it ready to deliver. Another powerful effort into the box, GOAL!!!!! A great header, how did he beat the keeper, shame it was not a Robin head on it cause they would have been bragging about it in the pub for weeks. Own Goal, a shell shocked Station stand in dis-belief. Station 0 - 2 Robin. This is the first time the Robin have had a two goal advantage this season, lets see what they do from here. The game goes back and forth with the Robin looking the more dangerous and the Station not living up to their top of the table stats. Thirty two minutes, Station make a break into the box, Kebab comes across to intercept and slides in for the challenge, PEEP PEEP, Penalty the Robin are stunned but the Ref waves away the protest. GOAL!!!! Station draw one back from the penalty spot, this is going to be a real test of Robin's metal. The first half ends with things pretty much the same as they had been through out the half.

STATION 1 - 2 ROBIN

Second half, kicks off and the Station know what they have to do. The Robins work rate is commendable. Station are offering a bit more in this half so the Robin have some defending to do. the first part of the second half plays out with Station attacking with the Robin hitting them on the counter. Considering the hangovers this is the best I have seen them play since the four four draw with Pheasant Inn. The latter part of the second half is different as Station go in search of an equaliser, but the Robin working well as a unit are keeping them out. This continues and Adam is forced to make some cracking (if with slight suspicion for the cameras) saves to keep Station at bay. The ninety minutes is up and the ref seems to be playing endless injury time. The Robin gain a throw in on the left hand side, the gaffer is screaming at Kebab to throw it to the corner to waste time. Ignoring the Gaffer's instruction, Kebab launches one Delap style into Station's box, Skip manages to bring it down, turn on a sixpence and bury into to roof of the net!! GOAL!!!!! Station 1 - 3 Robin. After what seems like for ever the ref blows up for full time. MAGIC. Robin have beat top of the league and got their first league win of the season. The boys are jubilant and the celebrations are taken back to the Robin a great atmosphere and banter ensues.

Be proud of yourselves boys great result and it shows you that you have what it takes. This should be the catalyst for the rest of the season. Quarter finals of the cup next, COME ON LADS lets bring back some silverware this year!!!

Player Ratings

Adam - 9

Terminator - 8

Wayne - 8

Obi-Wan - 8

Kebab - 8

Charlie - 7

Skip - 10

"Young" Ali Brown - 7

Ben Ten - 9

Pone - 9

Kyle - 9

MOM

Skip

Can't Buy a Goal!!!!!!

2008-11-18T08:52:00.002Z

Sunday 16/11/08
Vernon Park 10:30am
Robin Hood FC v Dovecrest

A beautiful Sunday morning and a opportunity for the Robin to put behind them last weeks result and a chance for me to watch some football.

Things did not start according to plan, due to Do-Nut's over indulgence the night before I was sat waiting for my lift like one o'clock half struck, eventually it dawned on me that I would have to walk to the park. Arriving ten minutes after kick off I was greeted with the news that the Robin's day had not started well either and were already 1 - 0 down a first minute goal, defence mix up apparently but I missed it D'OH!!!! Robin Hood 0 - 1 Dovecrest. However Dovecrest did not seem to be offering up much else on the pitch. Charlie on the right had the run of the Dovecrest left back there was no way he could match Charlie's pace. The problems with shape the Robin had last week seem to be better and there was more structure to their play. The Robin begin to dominate the game so much so that even the left back Kebab is up on the edge of Dovecrest's area, GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only is Kebab helping the Robin attack but he busts the net that came from out of no where! Take a bow son! Robin 1 - 1 Dovecrest. A boost to the Robin to say the least their possession and attacks seem to be too much for Dovecrest but will they find the killer touch. The Robin continue to pile on the pressure and Skip has a thunderous effort from outside the box that forces Dovecrest's keeper into a good hand stinging save. Half time comes and Robin's domination has yielded no more goals

Robin 1 - 1 Dovecrest

Second half starts much as the first finished with the Robin on top. Efforts come and go, some last ditch blocks and tackles are keeping Dovecrest in it. But there is a feeling that Dovecrest could break and snatch one. The Robin need at least one more to sure this up and justify their domination. Sixty First minute and Robin concede a free kick on the left, crossed in to the box up pops a Dovecrest player at the far post to head home, NO!!!! Robin 1 - 2 Dovercrest. Completely against the run of play Dovecrest regain the lead. Time for the Robin to suck it in and show their metal. The game slips back into familiar territory with all the play with the Robin, they are literally camped in Dovecrest's half. But despite chances that decisive finish is currently alluding them. Dovecrest never really threaten again during the half as the Robin push for the equaliser. Five minutes to go who is a hero......... Unfortunately no one there are chances in the final five for the Robin but they go begging. PEEP PEEP PEEP.

Robin 1 - 2 Dovecrest.

Game over Dovecrest have some how managed to get all three points. The lads will be gutted by this all their efforts, good football, and chances yet they still lose. Frustration is the dominant feeling among the boys, all the money in the world could not buy them a goal today. That said there was still a lot to be encouraged by so chin up and move on.

Adventures in Baby Sitting!!!

2008-11-13T08:09:00.002Z

Sunday 09/11/08

Vernon Park 10:30am

Robin Hood FC v Westdale Tavern

First of all let me apologise for the tardiness of this weeks blog. The combination of my own PC going kaput! and cheek of work actually causing me to be busy over the last few days has conspired to create this delay.

Thing is though I am not completely sure what to write about this weeks game? You see I was a little distracted through out by the constant attention of mini Gattuszola. Now those of you that know Gattuszola (Marco Della-Rocca) will know he is a small Mediterranean ball of energy that never seems to run out of steam (I think he could be used as an alternative energy source for the entire country, Take note Gordon Brown!) Well imagine all that energy concentrated into a four year old girl. Mini-Gattuszola is just that Gattuszola's MINI-ME!!!! So I was to take care of the mini tornado while big(ish) Gattuszola took care of business on the park.

So with my multi-tasking windows vista head on its time for the game(s) to begin.

Now the hope was that the Robin would hit the ground running after the cracking last two results. But things seemed different from the start a few heads were not "On It" so to speak, with a little of that maybe coming coming from the fact that Calzaghe had fought (and won, well done son) at 5:00am that morning hmm! Any it was a typical opening few minutes to a Sunday league game but with the Robin struggle to find and maintain shape. Then a sucker punch Westdale Tavern take the lead less than ten minutes into the game!!. At this point the rain began to drive down and I was trying to convince mini-Gattuszola that a tree is nature's umbrella and staying on her feet was a preferable alternative to lying in the mud. Is this the same team I have gushed over in the last two posts, they do not look like it. The never say die attitude of the the recent Sundays has been replaced by something more sinister Empathy!! Empathy with Roy Jones Jnr who was convincingly battered, bruised, and run down by Calzaghe. Because from my sheltered vantage point that's how the robin looked sluggish. Westdale extend their lead further into the first half, no timings or elaborate description I'm afraid as I only just caught the goal whilst going about the other duties tasked to me. Distracted for the rest of the half respite came with the half time whistle. Phew a break. "Three soft goals" wait a minute have i missed something here???? checking with Skip he confirmed that before the end of the half Westdale Tavern had indeed taken their lead to three nil.

Half Time

Robin 0 - 3 Westdale Tavern.

The beginning of the second half, much the same as the first, running around picking mini-Gattuszola of the floor keeping her entertained oh yeah and the Robin were still struggling to find any shape. From what I saw a little of the fighting spirit had returned to the Robin and things were looking better this half. The game ebbed and flowed with neither team making any real chances. GOAL!!!!!!!!!! I managed to see that one Charlie! around the fifty seventh minute mark Robin 1 - 3 Westdale Tavern. Is this the start of a come back worthy of recent performances?? Sadly no. The game carried on, chances were made and missed, I missed things due to my mini charge and the game ended. Sorry lads bad result, heads were down but it is merely a blip.

Can I also apologise to the lads if i missed anything you did in the game that was particularly good and would normally warrant a mention in the blog.

Dovecrest next at home. I promise you'll have my undivided attention this week so make it worth my while and give me reason to enjoy writing about your heroics.

One for the Cameras

2008-11-04T07:49:00.003Z

Sunday 02/11/08
Vernon Park
10:30am
Robin Hood FC v FC Digica

Section Cup

Hmmm the magic of the cup there is nothing like it. Any league pressures are off and the thought of a spectacular cup run enters heads. The Robins first cup game of the season and its at home against opposition they have already played this season in the league. FC Digica are the visitors to the fortress Vernon Park, now when the Robin faced these in the league it was not the best of outcomes as they lost four nil!!!!!!! but there has been something of a revolution over the last couple of weeks and the Robin have developed something that has been missing for a long time. Team spirit, yep I know it sounds like crazy talk but its there you can feel it, touch it, smell it (though that may have been the ruby I had the night before). So expectations were high for the game. Traditional Sunday league weather of light drizzle, bit of wind, and cold were the conditions for the day. The conditions could have been more bearable should the supporters side of the club not have been let down by Porn Stars incompetence in forgetting the tea and coffee tut tut Porn Star. But anyway onto the game!!!!

The first four seconds are dominated by the robin with 100% possession and a shot (off target) from Skip. The Robin look up for it today and everyone out there wants to win. But Digica have not come just to make up the numbers. The game ebbs and flows with Digica using the traditional crazy gang style of hoof it to the lads up front. The Robin have a bit more about there game passing it around trying to keep it on the floor with a lot of the play being dictated by "Young" Ali Brown and Marco Gattuszola Della-Rocca. GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ant "Obi -Wan" scrambles the ball into the back of the net vauxhall conference style YEAH!!! who cares its in Robin take the lead. Robin 1 - 0 Digica. It galvanises the Robin and they are playing good football. Digica are not lying down though if the Robin are going to win this they are going to have to battle for every minute of the game. Twenty eight minutes in and Digica's hard work provides dividends as they peg back the Robin. Robin 1 - 1 Digica. How will the Robin react?? WELL that's how the react, they continue to play their game and concentrate on football. Which is even more impressive considering the ref and his seemingly unending ability to get most decision wrong!. Foul, edge of Digica's area the ball is placed discussions happen and Skip runs up and thunders a shot toward goal, its to hot for Digica's keeper to handle. The resulting fumble allows Gazza to nip in on the follow up and bury it in the onion bag GOAL!!! Robin 2 - 1 Digica. The remaining fifteen minutes play out like the rest of the half, back and forth between boxes but neither side find the cutting edge. First half finishes Robin 2 - 1 Digica.

Five minutes into the second half and a hopeful ball up to one of Digica's front men see Wayne doing his job and ushering the striker away from the danger area, PEEEEEEEP!! the refs blown for something, WTF!!! a penalty! where did that come from even Digica's players look confused but are happy to accept this gift. The ref waves away the protest from the Robin. Calmly taken once again Digica equalise (if in a contensious way) Robin 2 - 2 Digica. This causes a little disruption in the Robin ranks and tempers are beging to fray, Keep it together boys!. Digica seem to have be rejuvenated by their equaliser and put pressure on the Robin. The Robin absorb the pressure and look to hit Digica on the break using the frightening pace of Gazza and Charlie. Disaster the Robin switch off allow Digica to sneak in GOAL!!!! Robin 2 - 3 Digica. Now Robin what you going to do, don't let a game in which you lead twice slip away. The afore mentioned team spirit seemed to kick into overdrive at this point and there was no way the Robin are going to let it end like this. Pressure switches and its Robin that are on the hunt now. Eighty minutes a shove from a Digica defender in his own box PEEEEEEEP! Robin Hood penalty. After the way the ref gave Digica there penalty there was no way the Robin were going to turn this down. Gazza places the ball on the spot GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! F**K YEAH, Robin 3 - 3 Digica. Can the Robin find the winner with just ten minutes left, if not this is going to extra time! Full time is drawing ever closer when the Robin break. Gazza lightening pace sees him clear off the digica defence on the left hand side, Charlie is belting it to support Gazza. A great square ball across to Charlie, open goal surely! Charlie a hero. WHAT!!! NO! Charlie hit it wide. Gutted. The ref blows. were are going to have another thirty minutes of football people.

Extra time. There are some tired legs out there now. Both sets of players have battled hard over the last ninety minutes. Extra time pans out in a similar fashion to the rest of the game Robin playing some good football but lacking the finishing touch. Digica continue in there style and do force Adam to pull of some cracking saves. One particular fine save where he sprang up like a salmon on migration to deny an excellent effort from Digica (though some would argue it was a bit over dramatic and for the cameras ha ha). Both teams best efforts yield no results, so this game is going to be decided from the penalty spot!!

Penalties the best and worst way to settle a game, today villains will be made and hero's created but which will you be.

The formalities are sorted and its time to get underway.

Digica are first up, Their player runs up strikes the ball SAVE!!!!! Adam quality gets the right side and gets down quick, a bad start for Digica.

First up for the Robin is Gazza, placing the ball.............. GOAL! Robin go 1 - 0 up

Digica's second...................... GOAL!, 1- 1

Next up for the Robin Kebab............... Foot through it GOAL! 2 - 1 to the Robin

Digica's third.......................... GOAL!, 2 - 2

Up steps Gattuszola.......................... No problems the back of the net bulges GOAL!, 3 - 2

Digica's Fourth...................... GOAL!, 3 - 3

Things are getting tense as Chrissy steps up.............. BOSH!!! GOAL! 4 - 3

Digica need to score this to stay in it............ NO!!!! ADAM again great save! Robin have done it the next round of the cup beckons, Robin win 4 -3 on penalties HUZZAH! Next round of the cup and Robin's first win of the season.

Gentlemen enjoy your glory for it it deserved now use this as the springboard to even greater things.

Player Ratings
Adam - 9
Welshy - 9
Obi-Wan - 9
Wayne - 9
Kebab - 9
Skip (J) - 9
"Young" Ali Brown - 9
Charlie The Lob - 9
Pone - 9
Gattuszola - 9
Gazza - 9
Subs
Terminator - 9

Chrissy - 9
MOM
in association with "Sausage and Bread"
"For the Cameras" ADAM!!!

From where I stood it looked like it was going over.

2008-10-28T07:53:00.004Z

Sunday 26/10/08

Ellis Guilford School

10:30am

Pheasant Inn Sunday v Robin Hood FC

Cor blimey guv'nor, you'll never Adam and Eve it, the Robin have managed to have two games in a row!! Well that's worth a good old knees up!!! Blah! Sorry bout that came over all Cheeky Cockney!! But its true for once the Robin Hood don't have a break after a previous game which is just what they need, the opportunity to form some sort of consistency. What a better place to test themselves than at top of the table Pheasant Inn Sunday, who's record going into the game was played four, WON!!! FOUR, scored twenty one, and conceded eight, a formidable start to the season and on paper would have had this down as a banker for them given Robins start to the season.

So to the game, The pitch at Ellis Guilford was top draw flat and recently mowed, perfect for football. Like the few games already gone the Robin start on a front foot forcing in corner after only two minutes, a delivery from "Young" Ali Brown sees Jay (Skip) head just wide. Positive stuff from the Robin and it continues on six minutes when good football ends in a cross from the left, but again the resulting effort on goal goes wide. More pressure and another header wide by Skip, The Pheasant are not offering much in midfield but it becomes apparent that the two young strikers up front and fast and good little footballers, this being the case the Pheasant seek every opportunity to launch it toward them. Eight minutes and this is turning into a fast paced match as "Young" Ali Brown work a long range effort for their keeper to save the resulting break from the Pheasant see them go closest so far with the ball coming off the wood work. Quite a battle this is shaping up to be. Nine minutes GOAL!!!! The Robin score huzzah cheers ring out NO NO the ref has pulled it back OFFSIDE!! protests are waved away the game remains 0 - 0. Another long ball over the top to one of the Pheasant's strikers this time it works GOAL!!! Pheasant 1 - 0 Robin. The Robin disappointed as their own effort had been disallowed, but the Gaffer and the Guru are not gonna let them put their heads down. OH F**K!!! three minutes after Pheasant's first goal a cross comes into the Robin box and bosh! GOAL!!!. Pheasant 2 - 0 Robin. Motivation Robin that's what you need, its a set back but the game is far from over. Corner kick to the Robin, Kebab up from the back see his effort fly wide. Twenty six minutes Gazza one on one with the keeper but fails to capitalise. This good work continues, thirty five minutes and Skip again just wide, a goal is coming its just a matter of time surely!!! Thirty Nine minutes Robin break a deft ball from Gazza to Gattuszola, F**KING!!! YEAH!!! GOAL!!!. Pheasant 2 - 1 Robin. The wind is at the Robins backs now will they use it. More pressure but no more goals, first half ends Pheasant 2 - 1 Robin.

The Robin need to use the moment gained at the end of the second half and go in search of the equaliser. Unfortunately a contentious back passed decision from the ref see the Robin concede a free kick just yards from goal. Smashed into the back of the net by The Pheasant not the start to the second half Robin wanted. Pheasant 3 - 1 Robin. Surely this is the point the Robin's heads go down and it becomes a case of damage limitation. NO! fifty second minute great football and individual ability and the Pheasants defence is ripped apart for Charlie to finish, GET IN! GOAL!! Pheasant 3 - 2 Robin. The game becomes very much end to end stuff both teams having chances and Adam pulling of a fine fingertip save. What the F**k! GOAL!!!! Charlie again a great ball over the Pheasant's defence from Obi-Wan and Charlie from a tight angle lobs the keeper. "From where I stood it looked like it was going over" was the general consensus on the sideline. Great goal magic! Pheasant 3 - 3 Robin. The Robin are buoyed by their equaliser and continue to work hard. Seventy eight minutes and a superb individual effort sees the Pheasant regain their lead. Pheasant 4 - 3 Robin. Well it was a good effort lads, but these are top of the table so there would be no shame if it finished this way its been a great team performance. The Robin were not finished, hell no there was no way they were giving this up they had worked to hard!! The Robin's just desserts came at the latest time possible ninety minutes, another ball over the top of the Pheasant defence and GAZZA finishes it YEEEEEEAAAAAH!!!!!! there is jubilation and dancing on the sidelines brilliant!!! Pheasant 4 - 4 Robin. No time left the ref blows up and the Robin are clearly delighted with the result but they should be more pleased by the display, brave, determined, and a never say die attitude that has been lacking in the Robin as of late. Well done boys you deserve this, the first team to take anything off the Pheasant this season. Lets hope this is the spring board for even better results. Lets hope so.

Gentlemen you were a joy to watch today and should be proud of yourself.

Player Ratings

Adam - 8

Wheshy - 8

Obi-Wan - 8

Wayne - 8

Kebab - 8

Skip (J) - 8

"Young" Ali Brown - 8

Charlie The Lob - 8

Pone - 8

Gattuszola - 8

Gazza - 8

Subs

Kyle - 8

MOM

As award by The Pheasant Inn

"Young" Ali Brown

Messing About on the River

2008-10-22T07:27:00.003+01:00

Sunday 19/10/08
Victoria Embankment
10:30am
Dovecrest v Robin Hood FC

Two weeks, two bloody weeks and no game whats that all about!!! Well after a significant lay off for the international break (not sure what countries any of our boys were playing for, though I'm sure I saw Downsey come on for Heskey against Belarus?!?) It was finally time for the Robin to play another league game. So the stage was set, Victoria Embankment next to the picturesque River Trent (hmm!) Opponents Dovecrest, who like the Robin had yet to experience the joy of winning this season. Dovecrest were understrength in fact they were one player short, but showing the determination that so embodies the Sunday league spirit they were still up for it. The Robin were also missing influential goalkeeper Adam, but bravely Chrissy Sykes steps up to the challenge.

So the time rolls round and the geriatric ref gets the game underway (no doubt oxygen on standby)

The first minute and Della has a effort after early pressure straight from kick off. Things are looking good for the Robin in the opening encounters of the half and after ten minutes some good work from Powne down the left sees his shot go out for a corner. OOOH! almost for the Robin Marco and Charlie combine but Dovecrest manage to clear it off the line. Despite the good work for the first fifthteen minutes the seventeenth minute brings what can only be described as a soft soft goal, some shocking defending from the Robin and they find themselves 1 - 0 down. Dovecrest 1 - 0 Robin Hood. A shock for the robin as a mere three minutes later they go 2 - 0 down after a moment of madness from stand in keep Chrissy. Its 68 days till Christmas but Dovecrest were happy to accept an early gift from the Robin. Dovecrest 2 - 0 Robin Hood. Ok ok now is the time for the Robin to pull together and make their numerical advantage count. A turn of pace on the thirty third minute from Charlie sees him clear of the Dovecrest defenders but a good bit of goal keeping denies him a goal. More pressure is put on by the Robin resulting in two long range efforts just before the end of the half from "Young" Ali Brown and Ant "Obi-Wan" Sykes both not getting the desired result. Half time Robin trail by two goals.

The second half starts as the first ended with the Robin pressing their advantage, a good switch from left to right from Welshy give Della a chance on the forty seventh minute but his shot is saved. The forty ninth minute brings just what the Robin needed as the ref awards the Robin a penalty!!! Huzzah the cries ring from the sidelines, this is the turning point of the game. "Young" Ali Brown steps up take it D'OH!!!!!!!!!!!! Dovecrest's keeper saves it NOOO! FFS!! what do the Robin have to do to score. Pressure keeps building surely the Robin will score, fifty nine minutes Della breaks through but sees his shot sail over the bar. Sixty fourth minute and "Young" Ali Brown thunders a shot against the upright! The frustration palpable it fills the air. BREAKTHROUGH!!! finally the Robin hit the back of the net sixty eight minutes and Gazza manages to stare the ball home! Dovecrest 2 - 1 Robin Hood. Sadly the equaliser is not to come, the Robin pile on the pressure in the remaining twenty minutes but Gazza's goal remains their sole contribution to the score line. The game ends and it is obvious the lads are not happy they know it should have been different but mistakes and the inability to finish were the deciding factors in today's game.

So the Robin continue to look for their first win of the season, its coming I know it and when it does it will be the avalanche to start the season really going.

Player Ratings

Chrissy Sykes - 6

Terminator - 7

Downsey - 6

Wayne - 6

Kebab - 6

Powne - 7

"Young" Ali Brown - 7

Obi-Wan - 7

Welshy - 8

Gattuzola -7

Charlie - 6

Sub

Gazza - 6

What No Burger VAN!!!

2008-09-30T08:32:00.005+01:00

Sunday 28/09/08

Clifton Playing Fields

10:30am

FC Digica v Robin Hood FC

Ah! Clifton playing fields means only one thing the Dirty Burger Van, poor quality meat, rubber cheese, and even poorer tasting tea! but that's the charm of it all. The disappointment was too much the Burger Van was not there!!! NOOOOOO! Nothing for it will just have to watch the game burger-less.

A grey Sunday morning, the threat of rain hanging over the game, but overall a nice enough morning not cold just right. No doubt the brisk cold mornings will soon be upon us adding that little extra element to watching Sunday League Football.

So after a week with no game it was time for the Robin Hood to get back to the all important matter of a competitive league game and get some points in the bag. Digica had won their first game of the season but otherwise were an unknown quantity to the Robin. 10:30 rolled round and it was time to get the game underway. Within the first two minutes the chaotic tone was set as a mix up in the Robin defence leads to a narrow miss for Digica. The Robin see a couple of early chances from Obi-Wan and "Young" Ali Brown saved by Digica's keeper. Then disaster seven minutes in a long ball from the back causes panic in the Robin defence and they fall apart GOAL!!! for digica. FC Digica 1 - 0 Robin Hood. Not the best start its early in the game but things are looking decidedly shaky for the Robin and all thoughts of playing a good passing game seem to have been replaced by the obsession to lump it. Twelve minutes Digica break the Robin defence again to score but controversy the linesman had flagged for offside, an offside which was plainly seen by everyone on the touch line, but the Referee dismissed all protests claiming the player was onside, GOAL!!! given. FC Digica 2 - 0 Robin Hood. This seemed to enrage the Robin into motivation and they began to play a bit. Eighteen minutes a long throw see Gazza miss at the far post and on twenty minutes in the words of Jules "Ali shanked it over an open goal". The Robin continue to have chances with Gazza going close again only for the keeper to get a slight touch past the post. Thirty minutes and surely the breakthrough the Robin had been waiting for, Penalty!!! up steps Chrissy Sykes the penalty is struck well enough, but despair as it cannons off the right post. Half time FC Digica 2 - 0 Robin Hood, not the best half at all.

The second half starts and the Robin are on the front foot, surely they will be much better this half. More efforts from the Robin go begging. Some personnel changes sparks a bit of life into the Robin and they start to play football, this is it the Robin are going to get back into this game. The second half ebbs and flows but no goal comes for the Robin. Its getting late and the Robin are being eluded by this goal. Disaster!!! eighty fifth minute the defence errors of the first half appear again as the Robin defence fails to deal with a long ball from the back Digica striker slots home. FC Digica 3 - 0 Robin Hood. Things get worse for the Robin when a carbon copy of the last goal makes it FC Digica 4 - 0 Robin Hood. A comedy of errors at the back caused the Robin all their problems and the lack of the killer touch up front lead to a flattering scoreline for FC Digica which does not give the full impression of the game.

Ah well, Rome was not built in a day the Robin Hood will get their first win, and hopefully that will have a snow balling effect. No Game next week, so a training session to see if the Gaffer and the Guru can iron out the wrinkles that caused the problems this week.

Man of the match for the Robin awarded by FC DIGICA

Marco "GattuZola" Della-Rocca

Player Ratings

Adam - 5

Chrissy - 6

Downsey - 5

Shaggy - 5

Kebab - 7

Swiney - 6

"Young" Ali Brown - 7

Jay "Skip" - 6

GattuZola - 6

Obi-Wan - 6

Gazza - 6

Subs

Welshy - 6

Ben - 7

Out Jumping Downsey

2008-09-22T09:24:00.009+01:00

Out Jumping Downesy,

Blog-Boy's Morning Training with the Robin Hood

Sunday 21/09/08

No Game, Training Woodthorpe Park

Ok ok, Sunday morning and no game again!!! A alignment in the stars and Jupiter passing through Uranus have combined to give the Robin Hood a buy into the next round of the cup. This being the case it meant a free Sunday, not that it would be a opportunity for the lads to relax as the Gaffer organised a training session.

I considered this the perfect opportunity to join in and show the lads how deadly a left shin could truly be. The Gaffer had a few ideas in his head on how to make the training before a mini game "Fun". A good turn out saw the Gaffer and the Guru split us into two teams of seven. I was on Ant (Obi-Wan's) side called (surprisingly The Obi-Ones, get it its a play on words ha ha hmm anyway) our opposition was lead by the Robin Hood's very own Gattuso, Zola hybrid Marco (Della's Warriors). After a light jogging and stretching session the Gaffer explained that there would be a few games between the teams and that for each game won the winning team would be awarded a goal in the later mini game.

Della-Rocca (Gattuso, Zola hybrid)

The first mini game was a test of ball control and speed, The object was to dribble round a set number of cones the return a pass to the next member of your team, repeat until everyone had done this twice and returned to the original starting point. The banter began, derogatory comments exchanged between each team in regards to the level of skill they posses, then it was on. It was a tight race, there was some interesting interpretations of dribbling and some even more wild passing. But eventually The Obi-Ones emerged victorious, in no small part down to my own Usain Bolt turn of pace (ha ha maybe not).

Round two. Sprint test. The Gaffer placed a ball at the end of a paced out distance and explained the objective. The first person in the line would sprint to the ball pick it up and sprint back to the team handing (not throwing) the ball to the next team member. Then the next team member would sprint and return the ball sprint back and tag the next member to go. Repeat till all team members had completed it twice. CONTROVERSY!!! The teams contested the event and it was edged by Della's Warriors, how ever independent adjudicator (The Guru) had judge that Della's Warriors had been throwing the ball not handing it over and called for the race to be re-run. This time a different result as The Obi-Ones claim their second victory of the morning.

Round three. Keep ups, ball skills. Right The Obi-Ones are 2 - 0 up and the third round was all about how long you could keep the ball in the air between your team members. After a few minutes practice it was time to start for real. Della's Warriors were first up displaying the sort "ball in the air skills" which would make the Brazilian Ladies beach volley ball team proud. A target was set and it was up to us The Obi-Ones to beat it!!! Now despite my electrifying pace lighting up the first to rounds (ha ha) In this round I was found wanting. Despite the best efforts of my considerably more skillful team mates I let them down and the round went to Della's Warriors.

Round four, Final round. Penalties. Pretty self explanatory this round, the Gaffer between the sticks each member of the teams to take one penalty. Up first the victors from the last round Della's Warriors. A Stirling performance from the Gaffer in goal stopping Della's Warriors from scoring all their penos! Next up The Obi-Ones, another display of cat like reflexes from the Gaffer but The Obi-Ones just edge it so go into the mini game 3 - 1 up!!!.

Finally the game got under way, players were restricted to three touches of the ball. The game started at a good pace and I was put in a position by my team where I could cause less damage to them and probably Della's Warriors to!. If I thought it was going to be friendly I was wrong as a number of collisions with Downsey left me battered, cut, and with a dead leg! I think he went in like that as earlier I had out jumped him for a header which everyone saw despite Downsey's protests (The reason he would not be happy with this is that I'm five foot fuck all and Downsey is about eight foot tall!) Anyway the game continued. A controversial tackle on GattuZola which lead to Jules scoring, caused a some what heated debate between GattuZola and the Gaffer. It calmed down and the game continued.

Half time and I have no idea what the score is.

The second half gets underway and the three touch rule still applies. I start between the sticks and immediately make an impact as Charlie places a shot right between my legs to score. Midpoint into the second half and the three touch restriction is lifted allowing the full range of silky skills possessed by the Robin Hood to shine through. A few nut-megs and many goals later and the game is brought to a close and I still do not know what the score is??? but that does not matter as the only real concern for me is to make sure Downsey has not cause me any lasting damage (ha ha).

Another good turn out for a training session at what must be a frustrating start to a season where only one competitive game has been played. But no fear cause normal service is resumed next Sunday 28/09/08 as the Robin Hood take on FC Digica at Clifton Playing Fields, 10:30am. Feel free to come down and cheer on the boys and if we are lucky the burger van will be there. HMMMM Burgers!

"AND AGAIN!!!"

2008-09-15T07:22:00.013+01:00

Robin Hood FC Vs. Premium FC

Location: Vernon Park, Basford

Date 14/09/08Time 10:30

Robin Hood FC 0 - 2 Premium FC

" I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the champion"

(Mia Hamm American female Soccer (football) player)

The above quotation is by the female American soccer (football) player Mia Hamm who has scored 158 goals in 275 appearances for her country. Now I know the boys are wondering why I have put this on here? Well to me it sums up the absolutely quality attitude of every single player who was there yesterday, despite the result the togetherness was palpable. This is something that last season I would have not been able to say. But amazingly it does not come as a surprise! Having followed the team's preseason closely I can say that the hard work on building that attitude has paid off. Yeah its not perfect! but f**k me things can only get better and what a prospect that is. I for one will be looking forward to seeing this blossom and in turn get the results that it deserves.

Vernon Park is still in a state of long over due renovation (but its looking good) we arrive around 9:15am but The Gaffer, The Guru, and I are not the first Graham has been there since 8:30 now that is dedication for you. Slowly the lads begin to trickle in to the park and by about 10:00am everyone is there and the oppo has also arrived. While the oppo change in the temp changing rooms (porta-cabins!!) The Gaffer and The Guru (freshly wounded by a Rottweiler bite to the bum ouch!!) Gather the lads to run through a few things and unfortunately disappoint a few as they can only pick five subs and around twenty plus lads have turned out. Then its time to change into the new kit for the first time. Some teething problems with the new kit, well Kebab being confused to why his socks had an L on one and a R on the other? Once penny dropped all the lads gathered for a team photo taken by the chairman of the club Mr Mark Sissons. But now it was time, all the posturing put aside the real deal was to begin. The ref blew the game began.

Just a couple of minutes in and Ben playing on the right for the Robin sees a effort driven just wide of Premium's upright. Another individual effort six minutes in from Cookie (Ryan) on the left wing goes over the oppo's cross bar. The opening part of the game is being played at the fast pace you'd expect from Sunday league football, though the length of the grass on the pitch is not helping much. Premium win a throw in on their left hand side, taken, and Premium's striker is on the ball in the box Goal!!!!! driven past Adam (The Wasp) Premium take the lead. Robin Hood 0 - 1 Premium. Now last season the pessimist in me would have been dishearten by Premium scoring and would be expecting the Robin Hood to capitulate and go on to lose by a rather large margin. But today was different, encouragement was being offered from all quarters non more so than from the Captain Jay, and heads do not drop Robin Hood knew they had a job to do. Twenty minutes into the first half Captain Jay (who we will call Skip for now) hits a long range low drive wide of the mark. The half continues and the Robin struggle a little with their shape. Challenges are made but the flow of the game is interrupted somewhat by the jobsworthing of the ref on free kicks, throw ins, and strangely how the players communicate a return pass! astonishingly they are not allow to say "And again". Forty one minutes in and a good knock from "young" Ali Brown sees Cookie come in from the right and drill the ball just wide. The end of the first half and Premium go into the break one up.

The second half is a completely different animal for the Robin Hood, they come out all guns blazing creating a couple of opportunities in the first few moments but unfortunately do not find the back of the net. The Robin know what they have to do and are pressing Premium hard. Premium defend well and Robin make opportunities but fail to "seal the deal" so to speak. Fifty nine minutes in and another effort from Cookie see the ball go wide. Seventy eight minutes and a long ball from the back for Premium see their striker turn the Robin defence and slot home past The Wasp. Robin Hood 0 - 2 Premium. Again this does not have the usual effect on the Robin Hood and they continue their dominance of the second half. The last ten minutes is played almost exclusively in Premium's half as the Robin go on a hunt for a goal. Eighty fifth minute Robin have a free kick on the edge of the area Skip runs up and thunders it toward Premium's goal their keeper gets a block to it but can not hold it. The ball pin balls around the box eventually be cleared of the line by a Premium defender. This does not relieve the pressure on Premium as on eighty six minutes Cookie cuts inside from the left and unleashes a shot that Premium's keeper has to tip over the bar oooh that was close. Despite the constant pressure from the Robin they can't find a way through the ref blows for full time! Robin Hood 0 - 2 Premium.

Despite the result the lads can be proud of the way they all rallied in the second half, with the only thing missing that finishing touch. The attitude was fantastic, the Robin Hood are becoming a team. Ok back to the Robin for the banter to begin, the players dissected their individual performances while tucking into the sausages laid on by Phil and The Robin Hood. The atmosphere is very positive a good sign that the boys will bounce back and be even more hungry for their first win. If the second half is anything to go on that first win is not far off.

Player Ratings

Adam (The Wasp) - 9 - MOM

Terminator - 6

Sean - 7

Big Wayne - 7

Kebab - 7

Ben - 6

"young" Ali Brown - 8

Jay (Skip) - 7

Cookie - 8

Della-Rocca - 7

Ant (Obi-Wan) - 7

Subs

Jules - 6

Gazza - 7

Charlie - 7

(A Tribute to Mark's love of Kebabs!!!)

(Keep an eye out for details of the next fixture for the Robin Hood FC)

"I Got a Touch to it You Bell End!!!"

2008-09-08T08:12:00.000+01:00

Sunday 07/09/08

Woodthorpe Park

NO GAME, Training Session!

First of all a thank you to Adam "Neville Southall" Swietlinski for supplying the title of this weeks blog and the quote of the day.

"I got a touch to it you bell end!"

So no game! WTF! first game of the season postponed due to poor weather a decision that was made on Friday by the Council every game called off. What a kick in the nuts, all the lads wound up looking forward to getting the league campaign underway (with a win of course) to be shot down by the pencil pushers. Now I'm no meteorologist (weatherman) but to call off every game because it is raining on a Friday strikes me as a little over the top. Did no one have the sense to say lets wait and see? after all the games are played on Sunday and the weather changes. As it was the decision had been made so there was no game (by the way if you were out Sunday morning you would have notice how nice it was, warm, dry, perfect footballing conditions).

Anyway in the face of adversity true greatness prevails (now I'm going over the top ha-ha). A training session was organised and fingers were crossed that the turn out would be good. Any worries from the management team regarding the commitment of the players were unfounded as an excellent attendance proved that the boys are up for it this year and they want to play football. Now with it being a training session there is not much that can be written about. The Gaffer and the Guru split up the lads and got a game under way. The Guru acting as official while the Gaffer went between the sticks (an interesting sight i assure you as the official dimension for goal posts are 8ft in height and 24ft in width, the Gaffer on the other hand is about 5ft 2") he hardly created an intimidating barrier, but what he lacked in size he made up for in agility. The game was played in a good manner, goals were scored, names were called, a all round a good training session.

Back to the Robin to analyse the training session over a few bevvies and to be regaled with the sexual mis-adventures of Po! Interesting to say the least. Anyhow time to think about next week and what will be the opening game of the 08/09 season, Its at Vernon Park 10:30, versus Premium, be there or be a plane rectangle with four equal sides and four right angles.

New Kits on the Blog

2008-09-03T07:21:00.000+01:00

Robin Hood FC Vs. Lowdham FC

Location: Woodthorpe Park, Sherwood

Date 31/08/08Time 10:45

Robin Hood FC 4 - 3 Lowdham FC

A warm yet cloudy Sunday morning, the season is almost upon us. Things are returning to equilibrium and the Robin Hood actually have a game on a SUNDAY and in the MORNING!
The only thing missing was the threat and inevitability of a downpour.

A pleasant stroll to the park and on my approach the the pitch a surprise, something that has not happened at a Robin Hood FC game for a long long while, they had a squad! (now I may hear some of you saying duh! don't most football teams have squads?) Well yes that is true but for the first time I can remember Robin Hood had at least seventeen players! An embarrassment of riches that can only be compared to the Galaticos of the forth coming dominant Man City FC (hmm Robhino What The F**k!). Lowdham on the other hand were suffering from the Robin's problem of seasons past and had only manage to scrape together ten players. After running a series of drills on the pitch (yeah I know!!) the game was ready to get going and with the Gaffer acting as referee it was up to the Guru to orchestrate things from the side line.

Kick off! things start at a frenetic pace which would prove the norm for the game. Lowdham were going to offer the Robin a test, they looked fit and (sorry about the cliche') they got stuck in! This was no game of solid defense followed by swift counter attack like Awsworth. Back and forth the Robin struggling to find and maintain shape, disaster fifteen minutes in and Lowdham strike 1 - 0! This seemed to be the kick up the arse the Robin needed. Eighteen minutes the Robin get a corner crossed into the box bodies flying here there and everywhere trying to clear the ball, "Young" Ali Brown ends up the winner and drives the ball home 1 - 1. Robin continued their resurgence playing some good football, a through ball from midfield was latched onto by the Robin Hood's very own Italian import Della-Rocca who calmly placed the ball past Lowdhams keeper, 2 - 1 thirty one minutes, things are looking up. Are the Robin going to stamp their authority on the game? Not quite three minutes after Della's goal Lowdham equalise, the Robin seemingly having switched off. The last ten minutes are played out at the same pace but yield no goals for either side. Half time 2 - 2.

At this point I'd like to mention not only was the squad bulging at the seems (and Kebab that's not another dig at your waist line) but the number of spectators had to be a record high. With the WAGs in attendance (Emma, Faye, Becky and Porn star Paul) cheering on their men. Plus regulars from the Robin and so many kids running around there was a good atmosphere on a pleasant day. Anyhow I digress on with the second half.

The second half resumed and with Lowdham down another player a quick loan deal is arranged so Gaz "That was a Sitter" Fountain pulls on the yellow shirt of Lowdham. The game continues in the same vain as the first half, if only with a little less vigor. The shape of Robin continues to be an issue but with rolling subs being used roughly every twenty minutes its to be expected. Fifty eight minutes see Ant "Obi-Wan" exploit a Lowdham keeper error to slot home and make it 3 - 2. Lowdham continue with a strong challenge but the Robin (despite shape concerns) grow in confidence. A strong midfield display continues Robin's rise. Late in the second half (eighty fifth minute) Jay steps up and powers a shot past the keeper which in all honesty he did not have much chance of getting to, 4 - 2. The Robin took their foot off the gas after their fourth goal and it showed two minutes from time when Lowdham grabbed a potential life line bring the score to 4 - 3. But it was to no avail as the Robin held out the last few minutes to come through a strong test by a good team with a victory.

This would normally be the end of this weeks report however once the game had finished the whole squad made its way back to The Robin Hood (Mansfield Road) for the eagerly anticipated launch of the new kit (and some chips and sausages).

After the initial banter, Sunday league footballer bragging and posturing about how they were the best on the pitch the Gaffer called the whole squad into the pool room. Some inspirational words from the Guru and a small speech from the Gaffer lead us to the point of reveal. (See below)

The Gaffer shows the lads the new home kit

After the gasps and wows of the crowd had dimmed the Gaffer revealed the new Keeper top. (See below)

The Guru and Phil look on approvingly as the keeper top is revealed

Following the excitement of the kit launch came one of the most important parts to the start of the new season, the naming of the captain! DRUM ROLL PLEASE ..........................................
................................................................. Ladies and Gents your Captain for this season, JAY! vice captain appoint due to his un-wavering commitment shown to the club ANT "OBI-WAN"

One thing left to do, the Squad photo. See below this years hero's. COM'ON ROBIN!!!!!!!

YOUR 08/09 HERO'S

Sunday Footy!!! But its Saturday!!!!

2008-08-18T08:06:00.000+01:00

Awsworth Resi vs Robin Hood FC
Location: Hall Park, Eastwood
Date 16/08/08
Time 14:00

Awsworth Resi 0 - 0 Robin Hood

OK OK, let me get this right! Robin Hood FC member of Senior 1 Notts SUNDAY League, notice how I empathised the Sunday there. So its Saturday and the Robin have their second friendly of the season! Fortunately a Sunday league team playing a game on Saturday did not tear a massive hole in the space time continuum as predicted by Nostradamus.....

"Shall those who activity the day after the day before turn and activity the day before the day after. Then great misfortune will be reeked on the world and a great hole appear above the Wood of the East"

But it has not come to pass so lets get on with the job at hand. The Robin Hood FC v. Awsworth Resi. Played at Hall Park, Eastwood.

On arrival the first thing everyone notices is the mini race track with about six model cars zipping round it at break neck speeds. And what appear to be fully grown men with their pasting table set up by the boots of their motors tinkering and tweaking with all manner of mini car bits. The model cars are a welcome distraction for the kids and girlfriends that have turned up (dragged along) to see their hero's play (Hmm!) so while the players change everyone else watches the unfolding drama on the track.

Awsworth FC, are a Saturday team of good quality so there reserves were going to be a good test for the Robin Hood. The friendly was arranged by Stef (Football Guru) and nobody wanted to win it as much as he. The reason being he has to sit opposite the guy who runs the Awsworth

team everyday at work... Ladies and Gentlemen up for grabs was no cup, no league title, no place in European competition, but something more important, something more precious, something money can't buy, not even MasterCard can get you this ---- (maybe I'm hyping this too much) up for grabs was BRAGGING RIGHTS! Do not under-estimate how much bragging rights counts when it comes to Football, so with this on the line its time to get the game under way!!

14:00hrs, Saturday 16/08/08, Overcast, windy, but mild.. Kick off. This game was always going to be a tough test for the Robin in all areas and the first minute set out the pace and style for the rest of the game. A early ball into the Robin box cleared by a towering header from Joe (Moroccan) Cooper. Followed by a long pass for Swiney up front to take it down the right and cross for Lee in the Awsworth area, the Keeper claim the cross. But this set out the first half of solid defense followed by quick counter attack from the Robin. Nine minutes in some good midfield work ends in a through ball for Lee but a little too much on this time Awsworth keeper collects. Back and forth the ball goes with both teams showing they are up for it, again the Robin defense is acquitting itself well under the pressure of the Awsworth attack. Robin midfield again playing well, a good knock from the middle of the park forces Awsworth keeper of his lines to clean up for his defense and clear for a throw in. Eighteen minutes Robin are award their first corner, cross comes in cleared a melee' of activity and Robin have a free kick, straight to the keepers hands. The game continues on un-a-bound with both teams showing good energy considering the early nature of preseason. Twenty one minutes in Chrissy Sykes steals the ball off the oppo midfield powers down the left and knock in an excellent cross on the outside of his boot this causes no end of problems in the Awsworth defensive but ultimately yields nothing for the Robin in terms of goals. But only a minute later and a great cross directly on to the Lee's head but sees the ball sail agonisingly over the bar!. Substitution Swiney off and Jay on, the big mans first friendly (for the Robin) of the season adding a new dimension of height and strength to the attack. A chance for Awsworth goes just over the bar, that was close. Forty Fifth minute Awsworth free kick comes to nothing Adam claims confidently. Whistle blows end of the first half.

A solid defensive display with some encouraging counter attacking from the Robin against good opposition.

Second half kicks off and continues in the same manner as the first. A couple of minutes after kick off a great interchange of passing between Jay and Chrissy sees Jay hit a low powerful drive, a second low shot follows from Ryan in midfield but neither result in a goal. Another free kick to Awsworth but that also ends up safley in Adam's arm. A hard tackle from Kebab results in another free kick to Awsworth which once again is wasted and not troubling Adam between the sticks. Fifty Nine minutes Robin free kick ten yards outside of the area Jay winds up and hits a hard shot directly into the wall (ouch!!). More back and forth between the teams, jostling in and around the Awsworth area results in an acrobatic effort from Jay which goes just wide. A good mazey-esc run from Ryan results in a effort from Ant (Obi-Wan) Sykes which the keeper saves. Awesworth counter from Obi-Wan's effort putting a decent header just wide of the post. Awsworth are putting on the pressure in the run up to the end of the game counter the Robins efforts and again just going wide of the mark. Eighty Eight minutes a pile driver of a shot from Jay, some how the keeper gets to it and pushes it wide for a corner, his hands will be stinging after that!!. Pressure from the Robin mounts and all the play is in the oppo half, but a break and counter from Awsworth sees the Robin in real trouble, then from out of no where comes Kebab (see below for picture included just for the ladies!!) chasing down the Awsworth attacker like he is the last Donner on earth, timing his challenge to perfection Kebab saves the day!! (Full fat mayo for that man!!!). Last minute of the game Robin get a throw in deep in the Awsworth half Kebab steps up and inspired by his Donner chase down antics just moments earlier propels a excellent ball into Awsworths box, Rising like early morning glory (you know what I'm talking about boys) Sean gets his noggin to the throw just to see the ball go about half an inch over the bar. PEEP PEEP PEEP!!! End of the game.

A good test for the Robin from a well organized and intelligent team. An Excellent display from the back four who worked hard for the whole game. Most encouraging was the way the Robin (most of time) kept their shape. A cutting edge up front would have seen the Robin win this game. A lot can be taken from this game, good individual performances but best of all a very very good team effort. Things are starting to take shape for the Robin lets see what else is to come.

(Slight error no Friendly on Sunday, But there will still be a posting next week look out for it!)

David vs. Goliath

2008-08-11T07:51:00.000+01:00

Robin Hood FC vs Bestwood Colts FC

Location: Southglade Liesure Center

Date 10/08/08

Time 14:00

Robin Hood 9 - 2 Bestwood Colts

Waiting around was the worst bit, any of you familiar with Sunday league Football know its played on a cold wet Sunday morning on a park that's taken you a hour to find with inadequate toilet facilities at the hangover busting time of half ten!!, yesterday was different, the time for Robin Hood FC's return to footballing action was two o'clock which meant there was time to kill, hanging about listen to all the pro analysis on TV to yesterdays opening clashes in the football league. A sneaky hour on Football Manager 2008 and reading the News of the World from cover to cover twice (not to difficult considering the standard of journalism).

Finally twelve thirty polls round and right on time Do-Nut pulls up outside the casa'de'perry road. The Boss loads the boot with all manner of footballing apparel, and we head to the Robin Hood to meet the rest of the lads.

Now the Robin Hood FC has undergone somewhat of a makeover over the last few weeks with lots of fresh face brought in to play. This was no more apparent as to the arrival in the Robin Hood car park of a Fiat containing what looked like the Backstreet Boys! Turns out they could play a bit!

With everyone there even Mr Ali Brown who we thought would duck out to watch the Tricky Trees in action we headed off to Southglade Leisure Centre. OK the last time I was at Southglade Leisure Centre was when i was still at college (so yes that was sometime back now!!!). However i was aware that it had had some money spent on it since then so was interested in what it would be like. Well what a transformation it looked nothing like it used to it was all shiny and shit! So we make our way to the new artificial pitches.

The miracle of modern technology, artificial pitches have come a long way since QPR's ill fated flirtation with the it in the early eighties. This stuff was excellent and the comments from the players is it took a stud well and played as close to the real thing as possible.

So after a brief warm up and some inspiring words from the Boss (hmmm!) it was time to get under way. The warm but blustery weather had its impact on the game and it was noticeable that it was the first time back in action for some of the guys. Despite the obvious age and size difference Coopers Troopers (Bestwood Colts) did not shirk any challenge and if anything they were the more aggressive at first. The scoring was opened by the Robin Hood, a slightly contentious off side was flagged after a shout from the defensive line to which the ref waved play on allowing the Robin Hood to break the deadlock. This opened the game up and in no time the Robin were two up, making advances into the box the player was held back and a penalty was given and duly converted by Chris Sykes which was to be the first goal of his hat-trick. The game ebbed and flowed with Bestwood Colts giving a good account of themselves in all areas of the pitch. Rolling substitution kept the match fresh and help out those regaining fitness levels. Bestwood manage to pull a goal back, however before half time a penalty was awarded to Bestwood but was saved by Adam in the sticks for the Robin.

Second half was very similar to the first only the goals flowed more freely, Chris Sykes completed his hat-trick, while Ali Brown expertly (ha ha he told me to put that) curled a free kick into the keeper's far post corner, capping a good performance from (not so) young Mr Brown and he manged a full ninety minutes, however will be missing for the next two games because he is being dragged down to the big smoke for some quality time with his missus and her mam! Rocking up from the back Mark AKA Donner Kebab also managed to get his name on the score sheet, along with a solid performance from Lee upfront who also got on the score sheet meant Robin Hood looked good value for there win. Bestwood managed another goal in the second half with the final score being 9-2 to the Robin Hood. But make no mistake Bestwood performance was commendable and despite the scoreline can be proud of the manner in which they played. Every area on the pitch for the Robin yielded good performances (I apologise as I do not know all the new guys names but will learn them over the season and you'll get the recognition you deserve in this blog) so things look good, but there is still work to do over the next few weeks which will hopefully set them up to hit the ground running when season proper begins.

After the game the lads returned to the Robin for a few well deserved bevvies and banter which seem to be mainly directed toward Mark, his love of the Kebab and how this has a negative effect on his waist line.

So first friendly down, and another coming up this Saturday 16/08/08 (details to follow)

(Pics to be added later)

Finally managed to pin down Bestwood Colts manager Joe (Moroccan) Cooper for his view of the game...

"despite the scoreline it was a good performance from bestwood colts who have not played for 2 seasons. A few glaring errors from the Colts goalkeeper meant that Robin Hood were gifted a number of goals. Credit cannot be taken away from the Robin Hood who did play very well at times. Man of the Match given to young Ali Brown!"

Cheers Cooper,

Next friendly Saturday 16/08/08, report to follow shortly after.

Coming Soon

2008-07-30T07:21:00.000+01:00

If you have never had the joy of knowing Sunday league football,
If you could never be bothered to drag your sorry self out of bed at nine o'clock on a cold wet Sunday morning,
If your the one who is sat in the bar waiting for the team to return and the first to ask the result when they get in,
If you keep promising to come down next week to cheer on the boys,
If you help yourself to the chips and sausages laid on for the boys after home games,
If you love your pub team but wish you could do more,

Well fear not fellow footy lovers for if you miss a game you'll be able to read all about it here! yes every game covered, In depth analysis (hmm! maybe) of key moments, player comments, fan opinion, and manager quote of the day. Oh yes and the match report d'oh should not forget that.

So follow the highs and the lows of this forth coming season. No doubt it will be another emotional roller coaster with a few laughs on the way.............

Look out for the report from the first friendly of the season COMING SOON!