| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 01/10/2007 : 08:29:35
Both teams lined up for this bottom of the table clash on superb large pitch and a near perfect day for football.
Sent out with instructions to kick up the slight hill in the first half captain Luke lost the toss and things went down hill from then on!
Quite simply the Metros were never at the races. Benchill took an early lead when an innoccuous ball in to the box found several Benchill players unmarked and the striker shot easily past Luke. ( 1 - 0  )
The game was scrappy, but where Benchill were prepared to scrap for the ball, the Metros were content to watch them.
The second goal game from a good through ball, and with the ball bouncing in the box the Benchill striker bravely beat the oncoming Luke, heading the ball fractions before the two players collided leaving both needing treatment - thankfully nothing more than bruising in what loked a much worse collision. ( 2 - 0  ))
The Metros barely created a chance, and failed to test a very nervous looking Benchill keeper. The best chances that fell to the Metros were from a series of strange throw and kick outs by the Benchill keeper, but no Metros forward could capitalise.
Half time gave an opportunity to re-group, but the second half followed a similar fashion. Whilst one keeper was kept busy the other enjoyed an afternoon in the sun.
Benchill's third goal was a powerfully struck long range effort which beat Luke all ends up, although in fairness his view was restricted by a suspiciously off side looking Benchill forward - not to take anything away from the power and accuracy of the shot. ( 3 - 0  )
There were a few good performances from the Metros, Calum, Kenny, Jonathon and Ben were their usual dependable selves and worked hard, Tom struggled on although injured, and Luke as ever kept the score respectable but in a game like this you need everyone putting in 100%.
The Metros did pull a goal back late on, Patrick showing great determination to win a series of tackles and then play the ball through for Harry to run through one on one with the keeper. Rather than take the ball on in to the box Harry opted to shoot from range - but to everyone's relief his shot struck the upright before nestling in the net. (3 - 1  ).
Any smiles were soon wiped off the Metros face when Benchill were again allowed too much time on the ball, and they made full use ofthe full size goals again scoring from outside the box leaving Luke with no chance. (4 - 1  )
Quite simple Benchill wanted this more. The fought for and won more tackles, challenged for every ball and showed a hunger and energy that the Metros could only dream of.
Any lingering doubts that this will be a hard season must have been banished by even the most optimistic Metros follower.
Man of the Match: Kenny. Kenny puts in solid performances every week, and this week was no exception, even when asked to play out of position.
Parent's Man of the Match In a closely run contest Ben came out on top - just reward for another super display at the back.
Champagne Moment: Whilst the bookies had Harry's goal as odds on favourite this week it goes to Patrick for the streength and determination he showed in making the goal.
Referee: 7/10 - solid and uncontroversial.
Team homework: Challenging for and winning the "first ball" from clearances, goal-kicks etc. Sound familiar - yes - same as last week!
Squad: Luke, Joe, Calum, Jonathon, Paddy, Ben, Mattie, Patrick, Kenny, Harry, Tom, & Jake (best wishes to Eddie in his recovery from a hamstring pull)
Rob |
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 05/10/2007 : 23:10:55
Apologies to Ben for missing him off the last two squad lists - now rectified!
Rob |
| Nick Rigden |
Posted - 05/10/2007 : 08:37:39
Doh! (For missing out on The Undertones)
Back to football - Hash is unavailable this weekend; haven't heard how Edwardo is faring. Squad could be a bit thin again, so let's hope everyone else is fit and raring to go on another cup run! |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 04/10/2007 : 23:20:02
One to Rob - and an extra point to Nick too!
Apologies for the shortening - force of habit.
Back to football - cup at the weekend - time for the Metros to blast off....
Rob |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 04/10/2007 : 23:19:15
One to Rob - and an extra point to Nick too!
Apologies for the shortening - force of habit.
Back to football - cup at the weekend - time for the Metros to blast off....
Rob |
| Rob Bellingham |
Posted - 04/10/2007 : 22:30:27
Get Over You (Undertones)
Rob (Normally found with the Wizards on the Under 11s forum)
w |
| Nick Rigden |
Posted - 04/10/2007 : 11:04:46
Hmmm, I thought The Cult song was called "She Sells Sanctuary"?
Which of course I would have got... 
I feel cheated  |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 03/10/2007 : 20:45:17
One for The Eagles.... only one bonus point left...
Rob |
| Eagley |
Posted - 03/10/2007 : 16:55:21
The Cult (Sanctuary) |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 03/10/2007 : 11:20:17
Good effort - half marks (I'm feeling strict) for Louis Armstrong - it's his song but we're covering the Joey Ramone version (you can find it on Youtube and a car advert on TV), Wilson Pickett - again his song but we've borrowed The Jam's arrangement, Sex Pistols - its actually a combination of three Pistol's riffs with the lyrics of Madonna's Ray of Light, ans Simon & Garfunkel - yet again their song but The Lemonhead's version.
I suspect that someone will fill in "Get Over You" & "Sanctuary" - if not the answers will be hidden in next week's report!!
Rob |
| Nick Rigden |
Posted - 03/10/2007 : 10:56:01
Thanks for the set list Rob, very sorry I missed it now. Since you challenged me, here are my guesses at the artists (not all original):
Brand New Cadillac Clash
Pump it Up Elvis Costello
Seven Seas Echo & the Bunnymen
Wonderful World Louis Armstrong?
Milk and Alcohol Dr Feelgood
Get Over You ???
Make Me Smile (Come up and see me) Cockney Rebel
American Idiot Green Day
Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For U2
Midnight Hour Wilson Pickett
Ray of Gob Sex Pistols?
Nobodies Hero Stiff Little Fingers
I predict a Riot Kaiser Chiefs
If the Kids are United Sham 69
Something Better Change Stranglers
Mrs Robinson Simon & Garfunkel
Train in Vain Clash?
Whisky in the Jar Thin Lizzy
Sylvia's Mother Dr Hook?
Sanctuary ???
How did I do? Feel I should know Get Over You and Sanctuary but can't quite place them....
XL5 and a big photo of the band on the front of the shirts? Excellent idea! |
| darrens |
Posted - 03/10/2007 : 09:56:48
Rob, fancy a gig at the clubhouse opening day?
|
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 02/10/2007 : 23:59:04
As promised - and taking this thread completely off topic - here is the set list from XL5's gig on Saturday night. Many thanks to those that came - we raised over £200 for Francis House and we all certainly had a great time - hope you did too!
Brand New Cadillac
Pump it Up
Seven Seas
Wonderful World
Milk and Alcohol
Get Over You
Make Me Smile (Come up and see me)
American Idiot
Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Midnight Hour
Ray of Gob
Nobodies Hero
I predict a Riot
If the Kids are United
Something Better Change
Mrs Robinson
Train in Vain
Whisky in the Jar
Sylvia's Mother
Sanctuary
In the continuing absence of a sponsor perhaps we should arrange another gig to raise funds for the Metros kit!!
Rob |
| Nick Rigden |
Posted - 01/10/2007 : 20:06:17
Can't argue with what you've written either Rob, in another fine piece of reporting. I wonder how many of the players read (and take on board) these thoughts each week?
I still think there is some good football lurking in there somewhere (does that make me the optimistic Metros supporter?), but that will only come if the players put in the hard work first, as all the very best teams do. We saw glimpses of what they can do against Urmston last week.
Finally, as it transpires, Benchill weren't quite at the bottom when we played them, there being the small matter of a 7-2 thumping they handed out to Wilmslow a couple of weeks back, but which hadn't made it on to the table. Wilmslow are our next opponents in the league, in a couple of weeks time....
|
| Andrew Mullen |
Posted - 01/10/2007 : 19:00:05
I think Rob's assessment is spot on. I would add that the lads need to let the ball do a bit more work by playing more first time passes and supporting the player in possession. This should reduce the risk of getting out-muscled by the more physical sides. They can match most for technical ability, but need to maintain their commitment and endeavour if they go behind. Let's hope for a magnum of champagne moments in the cup! |
