What No Burger VAN!!!

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game but things are looking decidedly shaky for the Robin and all thoughts of playing a good passing game seem to have been replaced by the obsession to lump it.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

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!!!"

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!!!"

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

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!!!!

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

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.