Sutton Utd 3-2 Croydon Junior Eagles
K Childs 2, B Webbe

Tandridge League Sunday 12th October

Musical pitches, Mrs Fotheringham’s wardrobe, and the very welcome return to action for our referee, Tony “Adonis” Nash after his winning appearance at the “Brighton pie-eating festival”, were the first things that struck me on a damp, overcast “stella induced dull” morning. In fact after moving goal nets pitch to pitch and back again, it was a relief to see we were finally to kick off. Handicapped as we were, with Bobby Webbe having his arm in bandages after a slip with his nail varnish last night, both teams went on to produce a game that ebbed and flowed, full off hard working commitment, skill and ability from both teams.

The game started with a bang as from kick off, Croydon attempted a back pass which fell woefully short allowing the ever alert Kristian Childs to beat the keeper and defender to the ball and finish for a quick lead. For a while we assumed an ascendancy with a good cross from Tommy Johnstone just eluding Edward Fotheringham, and a free kick from Tommy being well headed off the line. Soon though Croydon began to find some rhythm to their game and began to look more dangerous resulting in a fine save by Tommy Bailey who began to show why he was today’s “man of the match” for us.

A superb through ball from Tommy Johnstone, after defensive team work from Nick Crego and Robert Jones gave Kristian Childs the chance to get a strike away, but the keeper saved well. At times our football “purred” as wonderful passing and movement usually involving a confident and committed Harry “sick note” Sheridan in tandem with the consistently good Tommy Johnstone, threatened to run riot as we broke from defence into attack. We were using Kristian’s pace and power, Bobby’s guile and the selfless running of Tommy Smith and Edward Fotheringham down our right, and Nick Crego and Robert Jones down our left flank. Unfortunately we just lacked the final ball, or a great block or tackle from Croydon foiled us.

We were finally rewarded for all our enterprise just before half time when a Tommy Johnstone corner was not cleared, and Nick Crego showed great composure under pressure in setting up Bobby Webbe who finished a stunning volley from the edge of the penalty area, over the keeper’s head for 2 nil. A great goal was rewarded as all great goals should be…..Bobby was promptly withdrawn!! The manager had not gone “cuckoo” as you may have thought, just that Bobby was operating at 50% because of his injury and with a 2 goal cushion we could afford to rest him.

No resting on our laurels, plenty of hard work, and lets get a 3rd was the message from the manager at half time. The latter we managed within a couple of minutes as Kristian decided to have his own “goal of the game” competition with Bobby as he smashed one home from 25 yards giving the keeper no chance. But did we sub-consciously relax, or did we lose our cohesion with the subs at half time, because from that moment onwards Croydon grew in confidence and began to dominate.

Roberto Ribaudo slowed an attack with a superb defensive header and was well backed up by Tommy Bailey’s terrific double save to stop a certain goal. 2 more brilliant saves by Tommy were necessary to keep Croydon out as they pressed forward for a foothold in the game. Tristian Jones on for us was unlucky to see his lob shot saved after a fine but rare attack, and Croydon went closer still with a free header from a corner that sailed over our bar with the goal at the attacker’s mercy. Zenio Simon who was working like a Trojan in the centre of midfield played a lovely ball through to Kristian who this time surprised us all by hitting his shot from 30 yards…..30 yards up a tree!!!!

With Tommy Bailey again making a fine save he was seemingly inevitably to finally be beaten on Croydon’s next attack as they got their first goal. We were in trouble now as with Tommy Smith having to leave the pitch with asthma, and Roberto Ribaudo switching to right back, we could not cope with the pace and strength of the Croydon attacker which Roberto had doubled up with Adrian Bailey to contain during the first half. Soon it was “squeaky bum time” again as Croydon got a well deserved 2nd and their tails right up. We were under the cosh, though at times like this a manager has to earn his spurs and he pulled a master stroke to stem the tide. Tommy Johnstone switched into the back line and Croydon’s attacking threat immediately subsided. With Harry Sheridan and Zenio Simon again pulling the strings in midfield we started to produce more of the quality attacking moves we had in the first half.

A flowing move involving the dynamism of Edward Fotheringham, vision of Zenio Simon and sheer industry and pace of an overlapping Roberto Ribaudo resulted in Roberto’s great cross just saved by the Croydon keeper. In fact as the game came to an end, the defensive platform we now had allowed Zenio Simon, Charlie Nash, and Tristian Jones to engineer our own openings that could have stretched our lead further.

And so the incomparable Mr Nash blew his final whistle to bring proceedings to an end and finally lower the blood pressure of the Sutton entourage, mums, and their better halves..…their dads! In my honest and bleary (or should I say beery) opinion, it was a great match played by both teams with some quality football played by the players on show, with a great spirit and once again, refereed superbly.

From a Sutton point of view, we almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory as 2nd half Croydon came on strong, and our personnel changes struggled to compete as we looked disorganised and our work rate dropped. This is not a criticism of the boys that came on, more a collective problem that needed to be sorted out a bit quicker on the pitch. As Ian Smith remarked to me after the game, without a “man of the match” performance from Tommy Bailey in goal we could well have lost this game so perhaps a bit of encouragement and praise for the keeper would not go amiss from our defenders and team mates!!!

From the footballing point of view the team must be congratulated because it is noticeable not only to me but other parents as well, that our football is improving in the way we pass and move the ball. Some of the reliance on the long ball for Kristian seems to have gone as we try to mix it up more and I believe if we keep trying to play our football, through feet, and on the grass we will be rewarded more often than not.

Well done team, keep it up. As for Mrs Fotheringham’s wardrobe….I don’t think it’s very big (ask her).

Sutton Utd 7-3 Tooting and Mitcham
K Childs 4, B Webbe, E Fotheringham, Z Simon

Tandridge League Sunday 12th October

A sense of “deja-vous” greeted the parents and staff of Sutton under 14’s as they trooped back to familiar territory in Cheam for today’s match. The sight of the under 11’s playing bought back further memories, but all “deja-vous” was brought abruptly to an end when their referee and subsequently our referee moved with poise, pace and agility around the pitch, something our referee could only dream of, and in fact he would probably eaten something the size of the new referee for a “mid morning snack!”

With this being a derby game, and the need to underline last week’s great result’ we wanted a good start. Tommy Johnstone set us off with a early shot to test the keeper, whilst Bobby Webbe sent Kristian Childs away for an early sightner that he drove past the post with the keeper beaten. Tommy then found Edward Fotheringham only to see his shot drift just wide and Tristian Jones tested their keeper before Tommy Bailey in our goal had had a shot to save.

With the pressure being piled on Tooting and Mitcham, we won a corner that Tommy Johnstone wandered over to take. His subsequent corner drooped to Bobby Webbe who smashed the ball into the back of the net for a well deserved lead. Soon after a couple of great stops by Tommy Bailey in our goal, Adrian Bailey broke up the next Tooting attack sending a high looping ball into their half which Kristian Childs latched onto and drove into the back of the net for 2 nil. After a breakaway goal for Tooting, Kristian Childs had 2 one on ones saved, and Tommy Johnstone drove just wide.

As the second half started, goals began to mount up as Tommy Johnstone’s pass to Kristian sent him away for his second goal, expertly taken. Immediately a break from Tooting lead to a goal being pulled back, but from kick off we broke again with Bobby finding an astute ball for Edward Fotheringham which Edward did brilliantly to finish across the keeper into the side netting for our 4th. From 2 1 to 4 2 in a matter of minutes and we weren’t finished yet.

Kristian 1 on 1 shot wide, before 1 on 1 again he beat the defender, the goalkeeper, and 5 yards out, “stupidly”, himself as he miraculously hit the post…a wonderful piece of football finished with a total lack of aplomb! He soon made amends as fed by Tommy Johnstone he raced clear for his 4 goal of the game beating the keeper with ease, and getting it between the posts!

6 2 up, and Tommy Smith getting decided to get in on the act with a barnstorming run down our right flank followed by a cross to die for, well for the “birthday boy” Zenio Simon who rose like a bird at the far post and struck an thunderous header into the back of the net for our 7th.

7 2 up, but Tooting did not roll over and die, in fact they maintained a very competitive edge throughout the game and were rewarded with their 3 and best goal of the game as they struck a brilliant free kick past Tommy in our goal giving him no chance.

And so as the game finished all was right in the Kristian Childs household with another 4 goals to his name. Tommy Smith could be rightly proud of his cross for Edward’s goal and return from injury, and a delighted Mrs Fotheringham will no doubt rush home to describe Edward’s exquisite finish to all who will listen in Banstead and beyond. Mrs Webbe will dream of Bobby’s cool finish amongst other things (allegedly) as she relaxes over a bottle of wine or 3 tonight, and Mr Crego will survey his wine cellar of cava with a special pleasure tonight as he pontificates upon his naval. All’s well in the land of Sutton under 14 football because to top it off, “sick note” played a blinder!

Sutton Utd 2-3 A S South London
T Johnstone, B Webbe

Tandridge League Sunday 19th October

What a day, sometimes we looked hopeless, sometimes very good as we moved the ball with purpose and with no little invention. We still have a major problem though, “we cannot hit a cow’s arse with a banjo” without Kristian Childs, and much like last week gave ourselves a mountain to climb to salvage something from the match.

It wasn’t through the want of trying though as we had loads of efforts at A S South London’s goal. Tommy Johnstone tested the goalkeeper with a raking shot from long distance, though not as far as last week. Tristan Jones then had a shot saved, before Bobby Webbe let fly. Tommy Johnstone then drove just wide before a great flick by Robert Jones set Tristan up in on goal only for the keeper to save his 1st time effort. Finally, after another Tommy Johnstone effort, Our keeper Tommy Bailey had his 1st save to make as he had to be alert to save as South London broke away on goal.

Then we took the lead with a quality strike from Tommy Johnstone, a pile driver he drove into the corner from 30 yards…our Tommy doesn’t do tap inns! Unfortunately we couldn’t keep the opponents out as a break away again allowed them to equalise much against the run of play.

We were soon back on the attack as Tristan Jones rocked the bar from Bobby Webbe run, and a Charlie Nash through ball allowed Tristan another chance which was cleared off the line. As half time came, we could feel aggrieved that we were not in front because we certainly deserved to be.

Second half however it all started to go wrong. Confidence in our opposition grew as we began to get more frustrated in our inability to kill off the opponents allowing them to threaten us on more and more occasions. Despite that, a great Bobby Webbe run produced a good save from the keeper, and a Tommy Johnstone flick from Charlie Nash’s corner was again cleared off the line. Then the unthinkable, A S scored, and to make matters worse they soon scored again. We self imploded as we started, arguing with each other, the manager, the referee, and in fact anyone we could as we completely lost our focus. Some players seemed to give up and just stroll around, whilst others started to play where they wanted to and not where the manager wanted them to play completely unbalancing the team.

With a few exceptions we had thrown in the towel and self combusted. Looking at the manager, it was obvious a crate of cava would take some serious damage tonight as this was completely alien to all he was trying to do.

A late Bobby Webbe goal, and a superb piece of defending by Robert Jones stopping a certain goal twice on the line were the highlights of the later stages of the game. However, the performance had disintegrated into chaos as we looked a pale shadow of what we could be and should be.

I think it is time for the team to look at themselves individually and as a group, realising they owe their team mates and manager a performance if not themselves. Encouragement from each other, not criticism is needed, and the arguing is “doing my head in as well as supporters and especially the manager!” I know Tommy Johnstone cannot work out whether he is shooting or crossing sometimes, but no one can question his attitude as he gets on with the game without questioning the referee, linesman, or manager. He also encourages his team mates even when they make mistakes which has got to be better than slaughtering them. Maybe we should all look at Tommy’s attitude and apply it to our own game as it will most definitely improve us.

Finally, Kristian Childs and Tommy Smith have to get fit soon as we are missing them and need them back as soon as possible.

( Please Note…Tommy is not all good as his Granddad says he can be a right little g@#t sometimes!!!)

South Park 4-2 Sutton Utd
Tommy Johnstone 2

Tandridge League Sunday 12th October

Today I only want to deal in facts. South Park were very good. We could not match them physically and struggled to gain any foothold in the game. We scored 2 outstanding goals, the first, (and only piece of quality football we produced in the first half) was a simple “one two” between Tommy Johnstone and Robert Jones that completely carved the South Park defence open and bought the score back to 3 1 with a superb Tommy Johnstone finish.

The second goal was probably the best goal I have ever witnessed in football at this age, definitely not a cross, and was reminiscent of David Beckham’s effort against Wimbledon. In fact I doubt many professionals would have been able to score it, it was that good. South Park had just scored their 4th. Tommy Johnstone demanded the ball from kick off and moved the ball to his right foot. From our own half he then hit the ball with such power and precision that the ball went in the postage stamp between bar and post hitting the stanchion at the back and rebounding across the goal (even though their linesman tried to disallow it). Put simply it was a strike his Dad could only have dreamt about, and no doubt his Granddad will attempt to drink out on for many a year. Now the negatives, Tommy Smith on his way to hospital after landing awkwardly on his shoulder. Hopefully it is not too serious because he would be a big miss for us this year. Next, four goals conceded, all involving some cheap defensive mistake somewhere down the line that South Park capitalised on.

Finally, and probably most disturbing for future visitors to South Park, their linesman. I think in these days of respect for officials it would be best put as incompetent, though I know that many parents from our side would not be so polite. Best leave it at that though as I would like to say a lot more, but hope that he just had an off day!

It must be said that our first half performance wasn’t good, however, the second half was even worse as we struggled to cross the half way line and were lucky that South Park’s finishing was pretty abysmal on numerous occasions, otherwise the score line could have been much worse. Going forward, apart from the goal, we created nothing except a couple of shots near the end. So it wasn‘t a good day at the office for the team. We desperately missed Kristian Childs as we looked impotent without him. Our defence was under almost constant pressure and coped admirably well with Roberto Ribaudo and Adrian Bailey mostly outstanding.

We will have to go away and learn from this, regroup and come back stronger. Even though we are not the biggest and strongest team around, we will need to take a leaf out of an outstanding South Park team’s book, and try to win the physical battle to enable us to play our football.

Sutton Utd 1-1 Edmonton (AET) Lost 4-1 on penalties
Goalscorer K Childs (T Smith scored pen, B Webbe, C Nash, H Sheridan missed)

London Cup 5th October

What a great game of football both sets of parents had the pleasure of witnessing today. It was a shame there had to be a loser especially as it was us! After the performance last week we were very optimistic about a good run in the cup as we had had last year. What we witnessed was a bigger stronger Edmonton team matched against our technical ability and never say die attitude. From the start our keeper Tommy Bailey was instantly in action as he had to pull off 2 great saves to keep the score line level. Soon after Edmonton came even closer as they hit the cross bar with Tommy beaten. We needed to rally to get a foot hold in the game, and a thunderous tackle from Nick Crego won a ball that sent Kristian Childs away to produce the first save from the Edmonton keeper. Bobby Webbe then stepped up to the mark with a quality through ball to Kristian which he had no problem finishing to give us a lead much against the run of play.

With the confidence of a goal, we started to dominate and pass the ball. Edmonton were in no mood to give up though and looked very dangerous on the break. From a corner, the value of a player on the post was doubly emphasised as first Nick Crego then Robert Jones kicked the ball off the line. Unfortunately from the next corner an equaliser came as Edmonton levelled the game. Soon they could have taken the lead as first Tommy Bailey pushed a ball he had no right to get against the post and away, and Roberto Ribaudo made 2 fantastic saving tackles as Edmonton threatened our goal.

Halftime, we were in a game. Compete to win the ball all over the pitch, then we can let our technical ability come through was the message from our manager. The second half became an end to end game with wonderful saves from Tommy Bailey, and superb tackles from Roberto Ribaudo and Adrian Bailey averting goalscoring opportunities. At the other end, a wonderful pass from Robert Jones released Kristian Childs whose rocket off a drive canoned against the cross bar. Tommy Smith emphasised how well he was playing at the moment with some great link up play with Edward Fotheringham down our right, which nearly produced a goal, but showed the type of partnership we need all over the team for us to progress. Then one of the highlights of the game when a plaintiff cry of “EUREKA, so that’s where my feet are!” rang across the home ground. No it wasn’t Mr Potato head from Toy Story, in fact it was our referee, “Mr Adonis” himself Tony Nash, who had bent down to do his shoe lace up. Since he dislocated his 6...err 8.…err 12 pack he had not located his feet for a while (20 years!!!). However, after this discovery it must be noted that he went on to referee impeccably yet again proving that girth is no obstacle to achievement.”

Now into extra time, Bobby Webbe hit the bar direct from the corner and the game seesawed end to end. The best was kept until the end when a fantastic corner was met with a text book header from Tommy Smith, headed down and into the corner only for the keeper to save brilliantly. Immediately the Edmonton striker raced away beating 3 off our defenders until missing the easy part as Tommy Bailey narrowed the angle to keep us in the cup in the last minute.

What a game, great football at times, great spirit from both teams and someone who had discovered something he had not seen for many years ! What a day. For us it ended in tears with a penalty miss, but as we know as England fans , penalties are a lottery and they were most definitely better. So good luck to Edmonton, a very sporting and competitive team, and the old adage for us….concentrate on the league!!

Sutton Utd 4-0 New Beckenham
Kristian Childs 3, Tommy Johnstone

Tandridge League Sunday 28th September

I can only start by thanking Croydon Juniors for throwing down a marker last week and showing us what level of commitment and football ability is needed to win games at Tandridge division A level. Despite being joined on the touchline by the enigmatic Harry “sicknote” Sheridan at regular intervals, I managed to concentrate on a wonderful game of football between two determined and committed teams. With Charlie Nash joining “Sicknote” on the touch line after they were both injured in a joint synchronised Swimming competition, our resources were severely stretched.

From the off we were competitive, and it was not long before Tommy Johnstone started to probe the New Beckenham defence with his defence splitting passes. A great pass fed Kristian Childs, whose cross narrowly avoided the on rushing Sutton attackers. With Bobby Webbe breaking in tandem with Tommy Johnstone from the middle of the park, we began to probe the New Beckenham defence, especially down the right hand flank where Edward Fotheringham was showing us how much he was missed last week.

With Tommy, Bobby and Edward having really influential games, we were in with a chance today. Backing them up was Tommy Smith down the right. Tommy by reputation is a Ron Harris, Norman Hunter and Tommy Smith rolled into one…not noted for his footballing ability, more for his aggression and psychotic attitude. However, our Tommy can play and roared on by our manager he went on to have his best ever performance in a Sutton shirt as he displayed great footballing awareness with his selfless running and astute use of the ball when he found himself in space.

As the 1st half wore on we started to progress our football especially through Edward Fotheringham and Tommy Smith down our right hand side. Great interplay between Tommy Johnstone and Tommy Smith released Edward Fotheringham and his cross was cut out by a scrambling New Beckenham defence. Soon afterwards and wonderful piece of anticipation by Tommy Smith won the ball and set up Zenio Simon with a great chance only for the keeper to smother his effort. However New Beckenham’s reprieve was only to be short lived as the very impressive Tommy Johnstone slung over a shot (Tommy’s opinion) or cross ( Granddad’s opinion) which eluded the defender, and the onrushing Robert Jones to completely deceive the keeper and drop in the far corner.

1 nil up, halftime and a thoroughly deserved lead. Zenio subbed after a hard working first half, and Tristian Jones on for his home debut. We then started to play great pass and move football as Tristian gave New Beckenham another problem with his mobility and fast feet. Soon we nearly doubled our lead as Edward Fotheringham flashed a cross along the 6 yard area which Tristian missed but Robert Jones following up forced a great save from the keeper. Tommy Johnstone coaxed in an inviting cross that eluded all our attackers, before Bobby was up ended by a defender as he strode in on goal. After controlling his natural exuberance over his desire for a penalty, he knuckled down to let his talent do the talking. Minutes later a marvellous through ball released Kristian Childs to double our lead in clinical style.

New Beckenham bounced back and their superb number 5 escaped our defence’s clutches to go 1 on 1 with Tommy Bailey. Tommy though produced a match winning save as he has so often for us in the past. After a great pass to Tristian, Tommy Johnstone departed the pitch to great applause because his performance showed great tenacity, wonderful vision and a cool head. He had quite simply been outstanding, a performance Harvey “armcandy” Johnstone himself couldn’t have matched according to Granddad! It was not long before Kristian was in on goal hitting the side netting before he added his 2nd of the game to put us 3 nil up. With Robert Jones’ astute pass feeding him he had his hat trick, but a brief mention would not do his goal credit. From the edge of the area he switched the ball to his right foot and drove in an unstoppable shot between the angle of post and bar. Put simply….it was brilliant!

Tristian Jones had also started to show why Sutton’s manger and his “dodgy” scout had wanted to sign him up for this season. This boy can play, and with a bit of nurturing from us, and hard work from him, we could have another diamond on our hands. With his twinkling feet and eye for an opening, he began to lead the New Beckenham defenders a merry dance. His display was highlighted by a stupendous volley that hit the outside of the post, followed up by a wonderful cross that the keeper just managed to claw away with Kristian Childs waiting. Technically it was superb. It could have been 5 as Kristian hit the post again, but perhaps that would have been cruel on a New Beckenham team who try to play their football the right way with good attitude and no lack of ability. Today was not their day.

It was a pleasure to report on today’s game, and have a full view of the pitch without Tony Nash’s gut blocking the touch line!! I think our manager’s cava will taste extra sweet tonight as he pontificates upon his naval! Was there a response to last week’s game, or perhaps reaction to the new coaching regime on a Friday as the boys certainly looked to pass the ball more and played much more progressive football. But perhaps getting the last couple of games out their system, all the boys played well today giving “sicknote” and “nasher the needle” food for thought as they both have the talent to star in this team when fit.

Croydon Juniors 1-1 Sutton Utd
Kristian Childs

Tandridge League Sunday 21st September

And so season 2008 2009 is off and running. What has changed? New football boots, new tracksuits, and new team strips on the way, but on the down side, no Harry Middleton! The latter a big loss to the team, and to the boys as he was very popular with his team mates, as well as being a fantastic footballer and one who will be sorely missed. So as Harry moves on with all our best wishes and some great memories, we can look forward to the new season with much anticipation and dreams for the season ahead.

A beautiful warm September morning, and our good friends and opponents in Croydon juniors awaited us for the first game of the season. Even though we managed to have a “voodoo hold” over them in terms of results, we new they were a big strong team, and no mean footballers as well. With this in mind, we were up for a battle from the start and boy did we need to be.

From the start, Croydon got stuck into us and gave us problems all over the pitch. We could not hang on to possession and as a result, were under the cosh for long periods. When the touch is not there you need boys to stand up and be counted to grind out a result. This is exactly what the boys did. The defence was excellent without the injured Adrian Bailey who pulled out just before kick off and had to be re-jigged. With great last ditch tackles and hard work from all the team we managed to keep them at bay.

Then half way through the first half Croydon scored, a very good goal and no more than they deserved. We needed to wake up, and Tommy Johnstone set about rousing us from the centre of the park as his astute passing began to release Kristian Childs. After Kristian had been unlucky with 3 successive opportunities, his break set up Charlie Nash on the edge of the area with the goal at his mercy. Charlie then did something completely un Charlie like, he enacted an air shot missing the ball completely.

With Croydon well on top for the first half the team had to find something to pull the game back. Even though, as a weaker and smaller team physically we had struggled, we had to show the cleverness in our football to let our technical ability come through to get back into the game. With a few tactical points made at halftime, and Tristian Jones introduced for his debut, we went out to try and make amends. Initially it was still Croydon dominating the game with us restricted to the odd breakaway, but as the half wore on the game became more even and we started to create chances.

Charlie Nash fed Kristian who was just thwarted as he bore down on goal, before another Kristian break allowed him to finish well on the rebound for our equaliser. Croydon were not giving up though and we needed Robert Jones to kick one off our goal line to keep the scores level. Croydon then piled forward again, and only some wonderful last gasp defending from Roberto Ribaudo kept the scores level as the game came to a close.

A real battle to start the season, and a big reminder to all the boys that their attitude has to be spot on in all games if we are to have as successful a season this year as we had last. The effort was there, but now we need some intelligence in our play to keep the ball and build our attacks with more thought and less panic in possession. Croydon would again have been gutted not to have beaten us however we could have sneaked it on a breakaway……roll on next Sunday.