Old Stationers 6, League, Away, Lost 2-4
Team: J Capon, Aflat, Rose, R Bryant, B Weightman (B Capon), Rashid, Killick, Arfa, Kuniewicz, Sayer (Bertauche), Bassant.
Scorers: Bassant, Rashid
Scribe: Cristo
With England beating the Aussies (Hard luck Tim… hahahaha!) we travelled the very short distance along Mayes Lane to the nice bunch of lads at Old Stationers. We started brightly, with some good passing on the floor and asked questions of their defence. Unfortunately, Stationers against the run of play got the first goal. Undeterred EBOG battled back, firstly via a goal from Harry Bassant, who had simply put the Stationers defence under pressure by running at them and was rewarded for his determination. The second came from the mighty midget Inan with a very well taken drive that put us into the lead. Sadly, even though we pressured well in the first half we didn’t continue in the same vain in the second, with fitness being one of the key issues. Stationers had the luxury of three substitutes, which they used at half time when they were 3-2 up, bring more pace and skill onto the pitch. Somehow, even with over twenty people in the reserves we only had two substitutes (and one no show). With Bradley coming on for Bryan (who had to drive to Bournemouth at half time and only took a chance by turning up at the club for a game) and Roy came on for Sam. It was typical timing, about 5 minutes after Roy getting on the pitch in the second half that Christo pulled his calf and was effectively a passenger for the final fifteen minutes (Sorry guys). Stationers got their fourth and final goal in at the death to seal the three points. Overall, we showed plenty of promise but were guilty of not being able to look up and see where our team mates were. It was notable that we did not pass the ball enough out to the wings, something which we were punished for at Crouch End and again by Old Stationers. Apart from the two goals our only other shot on target was from Christo, with a lob which hit the crossbar, much to the relief of Lisa, Roy and Ben Warne (who kindly appeared during the first half to give us support) it didn’t go in. Additionally Sam Sayer got a couple of strikes on goal early in the second half. Once again, though he was only sub this time, Bradley did a good job as right-back, Jason showed some good promise between the sticks and Richard Bryant, was again (as much as it pains me) outstanding. A special mention to the 6xi who turned up during the second half to cheer us on (or was that jeer?! Thank you, very helpful…) before realising that Bombhead was about to come on for the 5xi’s and ran off to hurl abuse at him. Rahim gets my man of the match vote this week. Even though he is currently going through Ramadan he gave 110% and tried his best to make something happen in midfield..

Alexandra Park 8, League, Away, Drew 2-2
Team: Cowley, Kuniewicz, Adam, R Bryant, Rose , Bertauche (Holmes), Rashid, Hodgson, Arfa, Bassatt, Killick
Scorers: Rahim, Hodgson
Scribe: Cristo
With the weather giving us perfect conditions for a kick-about EBOG 7xi travelled the few extra minutes to Alex Parks substitute ground on White Hart Lane (Note the new 20p/hour parking fee imposed by [in my opinion] the very dodgy Haringey Council in the car park. Politics & money grabbing over with on to the game!)

AP started with quite a few familiar faces and the usual Hello! and mick-taking begun – as it should be. From the kick-off we just didn’t play at all and we looked absolutely appalling in the first 20 minutes, making (with all due respect) an ok to so-so opposition look very very good and us very very bad. AP’s main threats came from Danny and Frank up front, with Dan calling the shots and guiding the rest of the team, without this our lives would have been much easier. AP look an early two goal lead, the first coming from a scuffed shot which trickled in super slow mo into the net. If the shot had come off as intended Beasty had the angle covered, undeterred but still not playing any decent football, we allowed AP straight back in to nab their second. Then all of a sudden we started to play a bit better and we immediately started to dominate their half of the pitch. Hodgson collected the pin-point long balls from defence and started to cause a nuisance of himself. Soon the whole team was getting in on the act with Rose shooting from 40 yards with an effort Jonny Wilkinson would have been proud of! Young Richard Bryant unleashed a rip-snorting shot from 35 yards, which curved like a banana away from their goal, but somehow managed to get a corner, it was going all our way! Credit to AP who showed some resilient defended and last ditch heroics to prevent our goals. More hitting of posts and scuffed shots continued but we were unable to get the ball in the back of the net.

Roy who was playing left wing was causing some decent havoc and should have been awarded a penalty when in on goal, an AP defender threw himself to try to stop the shot from coming off but took Roy out instead. Was this going to be one of those days??....

Second half Roy came off for everyone’s favourite Aussie, well maybe not everyone’s favourite as Rolf Harris doesn’t play for EBOG but we’ll just have to make do with Holmsie for now! A slight reshuffle to accommodate his frame in midfield and once again we pushed forward. With Rose and Kuniewicz unknowingly left at the back everyone surged forward to try to get a goal. Much to the remaining defenders joy, AP were able to take advantage and mount some promising counter-attacks but also battled as AP did in the first half to clear our lines.

We finally broke through with another fine goal from kebab shop owner and IT guru Rahim, who curled a peach of a goal from the left side of the box, finally beating Captain Nigel in goal (who had been making some excellent saves throughout the game – even though he had been caught several times watching the egg-chasing on the lower pitch). Tails up we pushed for the second with only a few minutes remaining. Our equalising goal came from Hodgson who was rewarded for his hard work during the game. In fact the goal came deep into injury time which was only caused by AP blasting the ball over our goal to kill off the final few seconds – marvellous!

This game was another example of how we threw away points. So far this season the teams we have played have not been better than us but we have played so poorly that we have been dominated and made to look like we should be 3 divisions lower rather than pushing for promotion. Phrases containing the following words; ‘Hitting a barn door’ and ‘a banjo and a cow’s arse’ (Beastie’s favourite) spring to mind and really summed up our attacking prowess in this and previous games.

Top bean awards and it really pains me to type this for the first two; Inan, for some excellent dead ball crosses, heading and tackling. Just stop shouting “yours” or “it’s his” or “you get it" and one day the defence will stop losing their collective tempers! Richard Bryant for another excellent game, demanding the ball and showing excellent attacking skills whilst not forgetting his defensive duties (and falling asleep on my couch again missing the last bus). Beastie, though we tried to make his life as easy as possible for you, made some great runs to cut the strikers angles and he also threw himself about even though he is currently suffering with a bad back and will be out for a little while – nothing a few pints of Guinness won’t sort out! Rob Hodgson for finally giving us someone that can get the ball close enough to the oppo’s goal (note previous banjo comment); And of course John Rose, whom without him, would make my life boring and unfulfilled.

Old Parkonians 6, League, Away, Won 5-3
Team:
Scorers: Hodgson (5)
Scribe: Bassant
EBOG 7th team travelled to Old Parkonians this week in search of their first win of the season. We all knew we had to step up a gear this week to climb up the league table from the bottom two. The captain, Roy Bertauche, set up a 4-4-2 formation and gave us the advice we needed to play better football. EBOG’s started the game brilliantly. We kept our shape and were keeping possession. Old Parkonians had a couple of long range shots from 25 yards out which were no big threat. With around 15 minutes of the game gone, EBOG’s won themselves a corner. John Rose made a run from the near post towards the corner flag, which lured a couple of the defenders away from the box. Grant Killick played the corner short to Rose, who played it back to Killick. He then curled in a cross to the far post to Harry Bassant, who headed the ball back across goal to find Rob Hodgeson, who slid in to give EBOG’s the lead. A very well organised corner and a great tactic from Roy Bertauche.

EBOG’s continued to work hard. We were winning the headers and making sure we were first to the ball. The defence were playing brilliantly and were forcing Old Parkonians to shoot from distance which were mostly going high and wide. We then had an attack down the right hand side. Tony Farrin played a good long ball down the wing which was flicked on by Killick to find Hodgeson. I am not sure what Hodgeson intended, but he hit the ball high into the box from around 25 yards out, which flew over everyone’s head and dipped right into the top corner of the net! 2-0 to EBOG’s and a well deserved lead.

With 5 minutes left of the first half, Parkonians were getting men forward and earning themselves a couple of corners. EBOG’s were fighting hard to hang on until half time but a goal came with 2 minutes left to play. The ball came in and fell to Parkonians which was slotted away from 6 yards to make the score at half time, Old Parkonians 1 – 2 East Barnet 7th. A brilliant half of football from EBOG’s 7th. The defence was excellent and the midfield were supporting both defence and attack. We deserved to be in the lead. A substitution at half time was made for EBOG’s, Rahim coming on for Bertauche. A good first half performance from the captain.

Old Parkonians started the second half as they ended the first, knowing they are not out of this game. They were putting pressure on our defence and managed to get an equaliser with about 10 minutes into the second half. A few heads felt like dropping after all the hard work we had put into the game so far but with a few words of encouragement from members of the team, we were determined to keep working hard. EBOG’s then started attacking! Rahim was making some excellent runs forward down the left hand wing and finding himself on the end of a couple of crosses at the far post. One of which hit the bar and the other brilliantly saved by the Parkonians goalkeeper.

Rob Hodgeson’s good positional play throughout the game and a good forwards mind, earned him a hat trick, which gave EBOG’s the lead once again which was definitely deserved. EBOG’s continued to attack with a couple of chances missed which should have killed the game off. Parkonians were trying to get an equaliser but some great defending and determination kept the score at 3-2 to EBOG’s. Then a great bit of play from the midfield put through Hodgson, he ran on, and curled a beauty of a shot round the keeper and into right bottom corner of the goal. A great shot and a 4th goal for EBOGS.

Then minutes later a 5th goal came. Can you guess the scorer? Yes, Hodgeson once again! Killick chipped the ball over the defence. Hodgeson made the run and struck the ball superbly, straight into the side netting of the goal from 18 yards out to give EBOG’s a 5-2 lead. A couple of injuries occurred with 10 minutes left to play which caused for a bit of a shuffle around in the midfield and Parkonians managed to score a 3rd.

The end of the game arrived and Ebog’s got their first victory of the season, winning 5-3 away from home. Every single player in the team worked incredibly hard and played very well. The defence was brilliant and a great performance from the midfield. The two strikers were linking up well and 3 points in the bag for Ebog’s 7th which moves us up the league to mid-table. Man of the match – Rob Hodgeson

Old Wilsonians, OBC, Away, Lost 2-3
Team: J.Capon, Gillett, Copeland, Freeman, R.Bryant, Alexi, Bertauche, Rose, Down.St, Rashid, Rahim, Down Sam.
Scorers: Freeman, Rose
Scribe: Bryant R
EBOG 7th team travelled to Old Parkonians this week in search of their first win of the season. We all knew we had to step up a gear this week to climb up the league table from the bottom two. The captain, Roy Bertauche, set up a 4-4-2 formation and gave us the advice we needed to play better football. EBOG’s started the game brilliantly. We kept our shape and were keeping possession. Old Parkonians had a couple of long range shots from 25 yards out which were no big threat. With around 15 minutes of the game gone, EBOG’s won themselves a corner. John Rose made a run from the near post towards the corner flag, which lured a couple of the defenders away from the box. Grant Killick played the corner short to Rose, who played it back to Killick. He then curled in a cross to the far post to Harry Bassant, who headed the ball back across goal to find Rob Hodgeson, who slid in to give EBOG’s the lead. A very well organised corner and a great tactic from Roy Bertauche.
EBOG’s continued to work hard. We were winning the headers and making sure we were first to the ball. The defence were playing brilliantly and were forcing Old Parkonians to shoot from distance which were mostly going high and wide. We then had an attack down the right hand side. Tony Farrin played a good long ball down the wing which was flicked on by Killick to find Hodgeson. I am not sure what Hodgeson intended, but he hit the ball high into the box from around 25 yards out, which flew over everyone’s head and dipped right into the top corner of the net! 2-0 to EBOG’s and a well deserved lead.
With 5 minutes left of the first half, Parkonians were getting men forward and earning themselves a couple of corners. EBOG’s were fighting hard to hang on until half time but a goal came with 2 minutes left to play. The ball came in and fell to Parkonians which was slotted away from 6 yards to make the score at half time, Old Parkonians 1 – 2 East Barnet 7th. A brilliant half of football from EBOG’s 7th. The defence was excellent and the midfield were supporting both defence and attack. We deserved to be in the lead. A substitution at half time was made for EBOG’s, Rahim coming on for Bertauche. A good first half performance from the captain.
Old Parkonians started the second half as they ended the first, knowing they are not out of this game. They were putting pressure on our defence and managed to get an equaliser with about 10 minutes into the second half. A few heads felt like dropping after all the hard work we had put into the game so far but with a few words of encouragement from members of the team, we were determined to keep working hard. EBOG’s then started attacking! Rahim was making some excellent runs forward down the left hand wing and finding himself on the end of a couple of crosses at the far post. One of which hit the bar and the other brilliantly saved by the Parkonians goalkeeper.
Rob Hodgeson’s good positional play throughout the game and a good forwards mind, earned him a hat trick, which gave EBOG’s the lead once again which was definitely deserved. EBOG’s continued to attack with a couple of chances missed which should have killed the game off. Parkonians were trying to get an equaliser but some great defending and determination kept the score at 3-2 to EBOG’s. Then a great bit of play from the midfield put through Hodgson, he ran on, and curled a beauty of a shot round the keeper and into right bottom corner of the goal. A great shot and a 4th goal for EBOGS.
Then minutes later a 5th goal came. Can you guess the scorer? Yes, Hodgeson once again! Killick chipped the ball over the defence. Hodgeson made the run and struck the ball superbly, straight into the side netting of the goal from 18 yards out to give EBOG’s a 5-2 lead. A couple of injuries occurred with 10 minutes left to play which caused for a bit of a shuffle around in the midfield and Parkonians managed to score a 3rd.
The end of the game arrived and Ebog’s got their first victory of the season, winning 5-3 away from home. Every single player in the team worked incredibly hard and played very well. The defence was brilliant and a great performance from the midfield. The two strikers were linking up well and 3 points in the bag for Ebog’s 7th which moves us up the league to mid-table. Man of the match – Rob Hodgeson

Old Stationers 6, League, Home, Drew 1-1
Team: J Capon, Alexi (Holmes), Dos Santos (Sim. Draper), Carrara, Rashid, Killick, St. Down, Millbanks, Kuniewicz, T Finney, Bassant.
Scorers: Bassant
Scribe: The Illustrious Jabba
Roy told asked if I could write a small report, so here it is. Lovely sun complimented the sand on the mighty EBOG top pitch this Saturday. We hosted the good chaps from up the road, Old Stationers, who brought an early piece of EURO 2008 with them. A Christmas present from one of the chaps partners, was the official replica ball to be used in the upcoming Championships (please note I am in the nice position of being able to support Poland, so this tournament is still of relevance to me), even with the risk of a thorn and deflation we were happy to accept the ball for the game. It was smooth and round and perfect, with prefabricated pressure points and patterns, much like ladies favourite Pete Orchard who was glistening in the sun. Fair play to the owner of the ball for having a partner that gives gifts which such genius and I’m sure affection, though whole hearted hugs cannot be offered to said lady until all the housecleaning, cooking and other domestic necessities have been completed. We are men, we play football. To the game and in uncharacteristic EBOG fashion the game ascended to the dizzy heights of a tight first half. Stationers having more possession and good counter attacking play, with EBOG mustering some of their best control and passing game of the season, certainly of the year so far! The mystical magician that is Jason Capon, who makes the hard look easy and allows the easy to go into the net, was in top form, from kicking, diving and controlling his area. The central defence partnership of Tony and Adam brought control at the back and were balanced in midfield with the Steve and Kenny show, trying to open up Stationers and give something for the front two of Tim “I have to be home at 7pm for dinner or I’m in trouble with the missus” and Harry “My mate has dog poo on him”. Yes indeed, young Grant in attempting to do something on the right wing managed to slide right into some doggie poopoo. The game was halted as he had to change his shirt as the smell was apparently quite distasteful, like one of Paul Fields Felt Jackets, sadly none of us noticed the smell as just took it as his normal odour and the pitch is a lot cleaner. At half time it was all square (That’s a draw of nil-nil Tom R.) We made a small change at the back with Alexsi coming off from left back and EBOG Aussie favourite Tim coming on at left wing, with yours truly, Mr Utility, slotting into the left back roll. With me at the back we could be assured of a solid defence. Of course we hadn’t counted on Stationers bringing on a couple of fresh players, in particular a young left-wing whizkid, there should be a ban on fast kids, we are getting too slow to keep up with them! (Luckily for once the fast one was on Inan’s side of the pitch and not mine – and he did a great job marking him – Top!) The second half began and Stationers got a corner. The ball was flung in from the high side of the pitch and then there was the traditional goal mouth scramble. I remember the ball hitting me twice on the line as we desperately tried to clear our lines but an additional Stationer popped up unmarked to blast in from 2 yards, something that apparently the 6’s can’t do. With this small blip Stationers pushed and we struggled to really test their keeper, who I suspected may have the Carson/Robinson and any other England keeper jitters about them. He even spilled one of my shots from 35+yrds out(!!), though he did make an excellent stop from a fierce Finney shot, perhaps he’s from our own keeper’s gene pool?... Anyway, I digress and at such a brilliant part of this story. To everyone’s pleasure and even to the crowd, which had grown to about 10 until Bryan decided that the games on the bottom and middle pitches were more interesting; Tony got cramp after over-extending in a tackle. Down he went and in much pain (anyone smiling yet?), the cramp was caused by the “EBOG socks being too tight” (anyone laughing yet?). Tony like a true EBOGer battled on, stretching and spraying deep heat everywhere (that will teach you to forgot those discs again!). Sadly my little Tony Chimney Puff couldn’t continue and Simon Draper popped onto midfield with Steve dropping back for Tony. For all those other Tony fans that are concerned, he made a full recovery after a rest on the sidelines – woohoo!! – and shall be shouting at you at the bar very soon! With Simon on we were able to inject a little more pace into our tired game play with the top pitch really sucking the energy out of us, it is a rather heavy sandy pitch at the moment – put promises to be excellent next season! A movement created by Simon, allowing Tim Finney the time to attack the keeper and cause a mistake, which allowed Harry an open goal to pop in our equaliser. The game finished one-all (that’s a draw Tom R.) and probably is the fairest result with both teams battling hard and was probably a good game for anyone to watch. No doubt our brilliance was exaggerated due to the fact both Richie “Mind The Bus” Bryant and Andy “Trousers” Copeland were in Halifax, no doubt attempting whoopee with ladies (who laughed?) though they probably ended up watching the Liverpool/Havant highlights on Match of the Day in the evening.... correction that’s what I did (with a pizza)..... EBOGS!!!!! (who laughed?!)