Scorer: David

After a week off last Sunday, we were back in league action today.

With our Spring Cup semi-final match scheduled for next Sunday, I told the players before the start today that they were all playing for their places next week; I’m not sure if this tactic worked or not?!

Having lost 2-7 to APW earlier in the season, I was determined that we would give them a better game today, and so it proved.

We matched APW for the first 15 minutes or so, but then a defensive lapse allowed them to score, despite Alex P making a great initial save.

Notwithstanding, we kept going and actually created two or three good chances, which on another day may have found the back of the net.

1-0  at half time.

We started the second half brightly, and within 5 minutes of the restart, Christos was felled by a very clumsy tackle in the box, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. David stepped up and calmly converted the penalty. 1-1.

The APW second goal when it came was very unfortunate on us (to say the least!), with the referee totally missing an obvious foul tackle on Jack, which directly led to the goal. Despite our protests, the referee stood firm. (He apologised to me after the game, but by then it was too late!).

The third APW goal came from a corner/free header in the box. I’ve lost count of how many goals we’ve conceded from corners this season, and needless to say, I was not happy!

I used the game today to change a couple of things, and I was impressed with Christos’s work rate up front. On another day, he could have had two or three goals.

Next week we play our Spring Cup semi final, and as I write, I don’t know who we’ll be playing (either Whetstone Wanderers or Panathinaikos – both yellow division teams). However, regardless of who we play, we will need to compete much more strongly all over the pitch, and ensure that we win headers and tackles. As I said after the game, some of the Bengals visibly wilted during the second half, and this can only be addressed by fitness related work on the part of individual players.

As soon as I have details of next Sunday’s game, I’ll let you all know.

It would be a real achievement for us to reach a cup final (particularly after the difficult season we’ve had), and needless to say, it would be great to have as many supporters as possible cheering the boys on next Sunday. I know I can rely on you all to make your voices heard!

See you all next Sunday.

Brian

Scorers: Alex G, David, Christos, David

After a week off last Sunday, we were back in Spring Cup action today, and we needed a win to seal our place in the semi-finals.

The pitch was far from perfect, but we started brightly, and within 10 minutes, Alex G calmly slotted home from close range after good build up play.

It stayed at 1-0 until half time, and it was clear to us all that the next goal was going to be vital.

Cassiobury were certainly intent on forcing the pace, and had their chances early in the second half, but defensively we stood strong.

We were awarded a penalty after Adam was barged over in the box, David stepped up and smashed the spot kick down the middle of the goal – 2-0.

Our third came midway through the half, with Christos bursting forward and scoring a fine left footed goal from 10 yards out.

Our fourth was turned in by David from close range, and the victory was complete.

I was really pleased with the patience and discipline that we showed today, particularly in the face of some strong tackling from Cassiobury. To keep a clean sheet (for the first time this season) was as pleasing as the result!

Today marked our last game at the Walker this season before the ground is given over to cricket, so our remaining two home league games will need to be switched in due course.

Next Sunday, we have a week off for Easter, but we should be back in action on 11 April – the league has yet to publish the next batch of fixtures, but as soon as I have details, I will of course let you all know.

Have a good Easter.

Brian

Spring Cup – Group B

Scorer: Sharif

With only 11 Bengals available today, we were always going to have work very hard to get a result today, and so it proved. Enfield were a physically strong side, and we certainly were not allowed to dwell on the ball or pick our passes (unlike last week).

The first half ended without either side finding the back of the net, and both defences on top.

However, within 5 minutes of the restart, David’s corner was flicked on by Nick, and Sharif turned the ball in from 10 yards.

Chances for both sides were few and far between, but we kept Enfield at bay.…until the last fifteen minutes.

The Enfield Rangers equaliser came from a penalty, and with only five minutes left on the clock, the referee awarded them a second penalty which was also converted.

It was a tough way to lose, but in all the circumstances, I was delighted with the battling performance from every Bengal today.

Special mention today for Christos, who performed really well in goal, making 3 or 4 good saves and only being beaten from the spot.

Next week we are on “stand by” (apologies, I thought we had another Spring Cup match, but this is actually scheduled for 28 March). However, we may be given a game by the fixture secretary up to and including Wednesday evening, so keep next Sunday free if you can.

Hope to see you all at training on Tuesday evening.

Regards

Brian

Scorers: Obinna 3, Sharif 3, Harry 2, Dean 2, Adam 1, Mahmud 1, Christos 1, Alex G 1, Own goals 2 (hopefully that all adds up?!)

A shorter and sweeter match report this week.

It was fantastic to score as many goals as we did today, but let’s not forget that we were playing the team who presently sit at the foot of the yellow division (and they only had 10 players for the whole match).

We started our scoring early, and by half time, we had built up a 7-0 cushion.

Our opposition were clearly very deflated, but to their credit, they kept going.

However, the goals kept coming, and at 13-0, we let the opposition back in when they scored!

We played some very good passing football today, but frankly, we’re unlikely to have as much as time and space on the ball again this season.

Hopefully, today’s result has boosted our confidence in front of goal, but we missed as many as we scored, and we do need to take our chances and be more clinical in front of goal in future matches.

Next week we play away at Enfield Rangers (I think I said Edmonton Rangers after the game), and you can be certain that we will not have it all our own way. We’ll definitely need to roll up our sleeves and battle hard to get a result.

Enjoy the performance today, but let’s not get carried away!

Regards

Brian

Scorers: John, David, Mahmud

After the euphoria of last week, it was down to earth with a bump today!

On a bog of a pitch, it was always going to be difficult for us to play our passing game, and with only 11 Bengals available today, our job was made even more difficult.

Mind you, we started brightly, and after 5 minutes, John slotted home after good work from Jack.

The equaliser when it came had a large element of good fortune about it, when Nick’s defensive header looped over Alex and into the net.

Both teams had chances to extend their lead, but there was no further score as the half time whistle blew. 1-1.

No sooner had the second half started, than we pressed the self destruct button; not once, but twice, and found ourselves 3-1 down within 3 minutes of the restart.

However, we kept battling, and creating chances, and when David picked up the ball at the back, brought it forward, exchanged passes through midfield and finished in style, it was game on again.

Our equaliser was finished superbly by Mahmud, after another great passing move involving Alex G and David in midfield, and the initiative was well and truly back with us.

Our midfield was bossing the game, and had Jack managed to turn the ball over the line rather than over the bar from two yards out, then I sense that we would have run out comfortable winners, but luck wasn’t with us, and when we conceded a soft penalty, HMH took their chance and the balance of power once more swung back their way.

However, we continued to press and create chances, as the clock ticked down, but try as we might, we couldn’t find the net. There were tired legs on both sides, but we’d left ourselves too much to do.

Whilst it was undoubtedly a good game to watch (for the neutral), I was very disappointed to end up on the losing side. Had we taken our chances, I have no doubt that we’d have run out easy winners.

Mind you, we have an early chance to avenge today’s defeat next Sunday, when we host HMH at the Walker. With a full squad, and the increased options this gives us, I expect nothing less than a comfortable win!

As I mentioned, whilst there is no training session this week at Woodhouse College, I will be looking to organise a training session at Oakhill park on Tuesday afternoon, and I’ll confirm the start time to you all later today or tomorrow via text. Hopefully, I’ll see you all there.

Regards

Brian

Scorers: John (2), Sharif (2)

We did it – we finally recorded our first league win of the season!!

It was a superb performance from every Bengal today, and we got exactly what we deserved – all three points.

With the venue of the game having to be switched at very short notice, I did worry that this may work against us, but after today’s performance, I’m thinking of switching all our remaining home games to Southgate Rec!

Although we conceded first, it was only 5 minutes before we were back on level terms, when John slotted home.

We were playing well and competing well in all areas of the pitch.

Half time 1-1.

My half time talk was easy; “keep doing what you’re doing, keep passing and moving and working hard for each other…”

Our second was set up by John, and swept home by Sharif from close range.

We were in the driving seat, and Whetstone were ruffled, although they managed to draw level once more mid way through the second half with a scruffy headed goal.

In weeks gone by, we may have been deflated by conceding a further equaliser, and affected by opponents who were tough in the tackle, but our one touch passing football was beginning to open them up at the back, and were it not for some close off-side calls, we may well have extended our lead.

When we won a free kick some 25 yards from goal, Sharif stepped up and curled in a superb goal, with the Whetstone Wanderers goal-keeper nowhere near keeping it out. 3-1 and the momentum was with us.

Whetstone were clearly rocked, and when they pulled a goal back, it made for a very nervous last quarter of the game. Both sides had chances to add to their tally, but it was us who stood strong and we added a fourth when John finished off another flowing move.

From back to front, we were excellent today, we worked for each other, we passed and moved and we found the back of the net (four times!!).

Next we play Highgate & Muswell Hill away (we then play them again at home the following week), so we need to take today’s momentum into those games, and ensure that this win is not our first and last in the league this season!

Thanks as always to all our supporters who encouraged the boys throughout.

 I’m thinking of having t-shirts with; “I was there when Bengals beat Lynx!” printed on them for all of us that witnessed today’s performance (only joking!).

Have a great week, hope to see you at training on Tuesday, and I’ll definitely see you next Sunday for a continuation of today’s performance!

Regards

Brian

So for the second game running (and over a month since we last took the field) we failed to trouble scoreboard!

We started well enough, but when Harvesters own Rory Delap launched an almighty throw into our box, we stood and watched the ball hit the back of our net.

Harvesters added a further three, before we were awarded a penalty for handball. Unfortunately, the spot kick hit the post, and we couldn’t convert the rebound.

Half-time; 0-5.

I asked the boys to raise their game in the second half, and to their credit they did. However, tiredness and injuries were starting to take their toll on us, and Harvesters added further to their lead without reply.

Generally, Harvesters were fitter and stronger than us, and this is something that we’re going to have to work on if we are to win one (or more) of our five remaining league games.

Next week we’re at home, and our visitors are Alexandra Park West who beat us 7-2 back in September last year. I’m really hoping that we’ll give them a much better game, and avenge our defeat!

Hope to see you all at training on Tuesday.

Regards

Brian

Having not played for a couple of weeks due to the poor weather, I was really hoping that today might prove to be the turning point of our season…but it wasn’t to be.

Whilst we have a squad of 17 players, it seems that due to injuries and other reasons, the number of boys available to play reduces rather than increases each week!

 We had only 10 Bengals available today for various reasons, and apart from anything else, this is a real disappointment for those boys that do turn up keen to play. In addition, it means that some players have to play out of position, and this adds to the frustration from my perspective.

We managed to restrict Chorleywood to a two goal lead by half time, despite playing the better passing football for most of the first half.

However, having given everything in the first 40 minutes (and with the opposition having the luxury of at least four substitutes), the boys visibly ran out of steam as the second half went on, with Chorleywood adding to their lead at regular intervals.

I thought the final score flattered the opposition, and their manager agreed when I spoke to him after the final whistle. In fact, he said he hadn’t even noticed that we had only ten players on the pitch – that was a real compliment to our boys.

Next week sees us take on Whetstone Wanderers at home, and I really hope that I will have a few more players to choose from (allowing for known injuries).

Hope to see you all at training on Tuesday.

Regards,
Brian

Goal scorers; Alex G, Nick X, John

Last week we had 13 Bengals available, this week, we only had 11.

With Alex P still resting after his whack on the head and George injured this week, Christos was between the sticks for us today, and he certainly did his bit to keep Omonia at bay with some fine saves.

The heavens opened just as the game kicked off, but we were the better team for the entire first half, and deservedly took the lead when Alex G’s long range shot found the bottom corner of the Omonia net. We also hit the post before and after our goal – once from John, and once from Alex G.

We kept Omonia at bay until literally two minutes before the half time whistle, when they managed to get back on level terms.

Two minutes into the second half, Nick X scrambled our second from close range, but what is they say about being most vulnerable when you’ve just scored, and within another two minutes, Omonia were level again, and I sensed that our heads were dropping.

All eleven players had put in a fantastic effort in very energy sapping conditions throughout the first half, and when Omonia extended their lead with a third and then a fourth, I feared the worst. However, when man of the match Adam took on and beat his defender, he provided a great low cross, and John slid in at the near post to grab our third – it was game on again.

With the clock ticking down, we continued to press for an equaliser, but as often happens when you’re chasing a game, gaps open up at the back, and Omonia took advantage, when their fifth went in from what was literally the last kick of the game.

Had we had the luxury of some fresh legs today, then I’m convinced that we would have been able to get something from the game – we certainly deserved to on the balance of play. I’m determined to have a full squad to select from at least once before the end of the season!

We now have only seven league games left this season; four at home and three away, and I’m convinced that we have the ability to win at least four of those games (including two games against Highgate & Muswell Hill who currently sit just above us in the league).

It looks like we’ll be without a game next week, but the following Sunday (6 December) we’re at home again, and this time the opposition are Alexandra Park West. We then have another three home games, before playing our next scheduled away game at Borehamwood in early January.

Hope to see you all at training on Tuesday.

Regards

Brian

I was delighted with the effort shown by the whole squad today, and the result was a very well earned draw.

The game started well for us, when Alex G fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the St Albans net after just 7 minutes – we were on our way – or so I thought…within a few minutes of us scoring, St Albans were back on level terms with a speculative long range shot.

Shortly afterwards, Alex P pulled off a very brave saving at the feet of a St Albans striker, and took a blow to the head for his troubles. It was clear to all of us that Alex was not able to continue, and as a result, George was called into action (not for the first time this season). To his credit, George did all that was asked of him, (including pulling off one superb save in the second half).

St Albans edged ahead with their second goal, but we kept going and got to half time without conceding further.

So, 1-2 at half time.

At half time we agreed that the next goal would be vital, and we needed to stay strong in the face of some tough tackling from our opponents.

When the game re-started and we won a free kick approximately 25 yards out, Sharif stepped up and repeated what he’d done the last time we played St Albans, when his direct free kick found the target, looping over the ‘keepers head – a thoroughly deserved equaliser.

With 16 Bengals available today, I had the luxury of making several changes throughout the course of the game, and whilst I’m conscious that not everyone had equal pitch time today, as I said, we need to make best use of the squad, and I’ll continue to rotate players accordingly. Frankly, from a manager’s perspective, it’s great to be able to bring on fresh legs at regular intervals and ease the physical burden on the rest of the team.

I was pleased with our defending from corners this week, and also the way we attacked our own corners; and on another day, the ball would have dropped to a Bengal, rather than bouncing around in the box and then being cleared, but there you go.

So, whilst the attitude and endeavour put in by all the boys today was first class, we need to ensure that take this attitude and work rate into the next game and turn a draw into a win!

Another home game for us next Sunday, and this time, it’s against Harvesters South (who presently sit second in our division). As soon as I have details of the kick-off time etc., I’ll let you all know.

See you all next Sunday.

Regards

Brian