Saturday Canteen/BBQ roster for the remainder of the season is now available, sorted by team – click here
Goals roster for the remainder of the season (U8-U11 teams) and Nets roster until the end of competition proper (teams U12 and up), is now available, sorted by team – click here
BMFC O35.1W: 5
vs
Springwood United FC: 2
BMFC Goal Scorers: Ads, Felts, Crussell, Skinner x 2
Player of the Match: Slash
Match Report: After the heroic 10 man win last week in the windiest conditions recorded in the mountains, Blueys returned to action with the news that the bookies had significantly slashed their odds of winning the title.
Dre’s decision to make training optional this week worked wonders as there was a near full roster of “fit” players available for the game against Springwood. Macca continued his policy of turning up so fashionably late that no one actually notices his arrival.
There was standing room only come kick off, as all 9 camping chairs were full. The game started as most 9am kick offs do, with both teams slowly testing each other out while they waited for the dencorub to kick in.
After a flurry of chances at either end it was Blueys who opened the scoring. Ghost released Skinner down the wing, he was able to dink a tidy cross to the back post and it was met by the man who normally doesn’t like eating from silver platters, Ads, to nod home.
Springwood scored.
Blueys took the lead again after they were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. Digger decided to change the match ball for a peach and dropped it in on the far post. Despite the cold, Marty was able to find an extra couple of inches and won the header to send it crashing into the post and just like the seagulls circling the white cliffs of Dover, there was Felts to pick up the scraps and put the ball away.
Springwood scored.
Halftime was a heated affair, with Blueys looking for answers from a well below par first half, the weight of the lowered bookies odds perhaps playing on their minds. Things were said, bums were patted and minds focused.
The second half started with much more intensity than the first. The backline rotation of Macca, JB, Crussell, Dre, Andy and G was working a treat and what little chances they allowed, Steve Buffon was easily dealing with.
Blueys superior fitness was starting to show with the combinations of Rod, Ghost, Marty, Digger, Rusty and Ads in midfield starting to take a stranglehold of possession and field position.
The deadlock was broken mid way through the first half when some strong midfield play from Rod and Rusty provided an opportunistic through ball, one that a goal scorer in the form Skinner is in was not going to let slip. Channeling Dre, he cooly lobbed the keeper, 3-2 Blueys.
Springwood were on the ropes now, and in a rare venture forward, and it’s rare not because he isn’t allowed, but because he isn’t fit enough to get back, Crussell made it 4-2 with his best Lionel Richie impression with a “Once, Twice, Three times a lady” finish. The Springwood keeper clearly wanting to help Crussell get off the nudie run, and for that we thank him.
The game was put to bed soon after when G, or maybe Felts, well one of the Mollydookers anyway, put Skinner and Digger into a 2 on 1. As hard as Skinner tried to butcher another chance, Digger was able to find him in space and he made it 5-2.
The win further cementing the Bluey Whites position in the top 4 and many pundits believe that as long as they don’t lose too many players to bigger teams before the transfer window closes they will be the team that no one will want to play come semi final time.
BMFC O35.1W: 3
vs
Hazelbrook FC: 2
BMFC Goal Scorers: Dre, Felts, Skinner
Player of the Match: The woodwork
Match Report: The dreaded mid-winter fixture at Hazo saw the team snowmobile arrive to sub-zero conditions, a howling gale and an empty stadium, the fans still refusing to travel in protest of our last 2 losses.
Last minute withdrawals of Marty and GK Steve meant we had to call upon the still somewhat injured emergency reserves of Andre, Crussel and Ads, the latter being handed the gloves and long Grobbelaar pants, which were warmly received as snow surely wasn’t far from falling, and as apparently he once was a keeper, despite his insistence this was never the case.
Dre tried to work out the best formation, and then called upon some assistance as either his math was wrong or 4-4-1 somehow involves 11 players – the combined intellect of the leadership group confirming there was indeed only 10 men to take the park. Dre then did what any captain-coach worth his salt would do and nominated himself lone striker and therefore avoid any of the heavy lifting that would be required.
A very even start to the game ensued despite Hazo outnumbering us, Ghost a welcome addition back at centre mid after what seemed to be 3 months on the sideline with a grade 2 sprained pinky. He soon reminded the punters why transfer records were broken for his signature, putting a gem of a ball through for Dre, and after what was arguably the slowest chase of a through-ball ever between centre back and striker, Dre somehow got there first and calmly side footed past the keeper.
1 nil halftime, and screenplay rights for ‘Ocean’s 10’ already being negotiated.
Second half and our backline of JB, Crussel, Macca and G continued to absorb the pressure and looking to counter. Some nice work from Skinner putting Felts through who showed some actual speed beating fullback and oncoming keeper to slot it through. 2 nil up and could have been 3 not long after, Felts finding himself in similar position, but with far too much time and no one marking him he was never going to score.
Hazo managed to get on the sheet and felt the wind at their backs (literally), pouring the pressure on, until G made a strong run from the back, igniting some great interplay and finishing with Skinner back-heeling the cross into the back of the net in true show=pony style, and celebrating thusly.
We failed to deal with a bit of a messy corner and Hazo headed in to close our lead to just 1 goal, but a big final effort from the 10 blueys, and a couple of nice saves from our goalposts ensured the miracle complete.
“Ocean’s 10 – the game that defined a season” in cinemas soon.
BMFC O35.1B: 1
vs
Baulkham Hills FC: 1
BMFC Goal Scorers: Mark Sem
Player of the Match: Zap
Match Report: State Cup 1/4 Final v Baulkham Hills
We arrived early at the HQ of Football NSW. Like FA Cup finalists at Wembley we all walked onto the playing surface pre-game for a pitch inspection. Imagine our horror when we realised it was an artificial surface and after a few passes saw that the ball ran true – no Knapsack bounce! The usual excuse for an error had been taken away
With 17 available for selection someone had to take a bullet for the team and yours truly found himself in the firing line. After negotiating with The Gaffer for 90 minutes as centre forward for the next 3 games a deal was struck and I put all my efforts into getting the team sheet written out correctly – that might sound easy to those non-Managers out there. It’s not
The changing room was bigger than my lounge and The Gaffer found that his usual piece of cardboard used to show the starting line up and formation was obsolete with a large white board on the wall
The game underway and not too much to report until about 10 minutes in. A long corner nodded in at the back post and we were 1-0 down. Baulkham Hills got on top for the next 15 or so but the defence of Brad, Tolly, Paul, Greenie & when introduced Pom were excellent and when they were beaten Zap was on hand to make a brilliant save or two. Chicken was introduced into the centre of midfield and added real bite and the tide turned. An early ball out of midfield from Captain Marvel got Mark Sem away – coolly firing past the oncoming keeper. 1 all
The second half and we suffered a few injuries. Captain Marvel went down taking a short free kick, his knee giving way. Chicken’s knee couldn’t handle the hard surface any longer. Dave was introduced and provided an entertaining 10 minutes for the crowd – 2 yellow cards and a penalty! Zap brilliantly saved the penalty to keep it level. We won a free kick on the edge of the box with time running and JB curled it over the wall, the keeper doing just enough to turn it away for a corner
Extra time and the 10 boys continued to put their bodies on the line to keep Baulkham Hills out. We had one last chance to win it late on when Archie threaded the needle to set up Thor but his first touch was a bit heavy and the chance was gone. Iceman went down with a minute to go and with penalties looming we all held our breath – unfortunately he had to come off
The penalty shoot out was close – all scoring aside from Archie who was denied by the width of the post. A cruel way to lose but heads held high as the team performance was superb
Player of the match to Zap for some outstanding saves to keep us in it and honourable mention to Tolly for an excellent game at centre back
BMFC O35.1B: 7
vs
Springwood United FC: 1
BMFC Goal Scorers: Thor (2), Chicken, Paul, Dave, Archie, Potty (pen)
Player of the Match: Thor
Match Report: The Steam Train pulled into Summerhayes to play the other Springwood team
In the warm up, the Gaffer talked the defence through how to defend
Captain Marvel was benched and fuming as he whispered to Cobra ‘doesn’t the Gaffer know I was Churchies Comp 2005 All Age 16 Player of the Season’
We started at full steam with Paul racing through and firing home early. Springwood utilised the long ball to the big fellas regularly but this was managed by the calm back four of Brad, Potty, Iceman and Cobra with the squabble brothers of Pom and Davey also benched
A couple more goals late in the half – a penalty from Potty (with Iceman waving away the appeal for him to take it) and Chicken leaping more like a salmon than a chicken to challenge for a great cross by Captain Marvel (‘see, I told you I should have been on from the start’) and then peck away at the scraps to knock home
Just before half time, Iceman was felled as an air swing at the ball followed through and chopped him down
At half time the Gaffer said to run at the defenders more to which Hollywood enquired ‘so, I have the green light to do my thing then?’
Dave played centre back, occasionally, in the second half as he sought to get himself off the nudie run. A quick short corner from Cobra to now free flowing Captain Marvel and Dave screaming ‘lay it off…too late…get in!’ as he belted one past the keeper from outside the box. Thor also belted one in a similar manner, showing great technique to keep the ball down
Archie finished things off, carrying out the Gaffers instructions to a tee, floating in off his wing, dribbling past a couple (and heard saying ‘where ya gone?’ or words to that effect, in the process) and shooting neatly in the corner
Looking forward to our re-arranged State Cup 1/4 final v Baulkham Hills this Sunday at 4pm at Valentine Park – support very welcome (we had 2 supporters this week and possibly some bloke Dave works with watched, but left before his goal was scored)
BMFC 16.1: 4
vs
Cranebrook United FC: 1
BMFC Goal Scorers: Ethan (3), Jake
Player of the Match: Shared Ethan and Eli
Match Report: A late afternoon game at a chilly Knapsack field 1. Max was out, recovering from the flu
We expected Cranebrook to come hard at us early, as had been the case in the first encounter. Surprisingly this did not eventuate and we dominated from the off. We scored when the ball was cleared from our corner and Martin fired back in from the edge of the box – Jake sticking a leg out to deflect past the keeper.
Eli made a brilliant one on one save and a minute later Alex Crambrook and Ash combined well down the left, Ash jinking past the right back to cross from the bye line – the ball coming through to Ethan just inside the box to clinically rifle in the corner. In control until a mad final minute of the half. A dubious free kick was conceded near the corner. Alex Crambrook was shoved to the floor and set upon – some pushing and shoving but unbelievably no cards shown. The free kick was taken and Millsy was very harshly adjudged to have fouled and a penalty was given and dispatched
The boys were rightly animated in the sheds at half time! Pointing out we were well in control of the game and to re-focus on playing good football seemed to calm the boys down. Within 30 seconds of the re-start Ethan hit a a half volley from fully 25 yards past the keeper – that definitely calmed things down!
Numerous free kicks were awarded our way in the second half and the boys did well, not reacting adversely, simply getting up and getting on with the game
More chances were created – Damo’s header off a corner just over most notable. Ethan completed his hat trick when Martin provided his second assist for the game
A good test of character today and was very proud of how the boys handled it. Players player shared between Eli – mainly for two brilliant saves and Ethan – non stop work rate and three great finishes
BMFC 12.1: 4
vs
Penrith FC: 1
BMFC Goal Scorers: Josh, Bailey, Jacob, Tom
Player of the Match: Bailey
Match Report: The boys continued the form of the second half last week. Right from the kickoff the boys were hungrier, faster and stronger than ever before. An early corner was forced with Aiden dropping it into the box nicely with a hungry boot from Josh finishing nicely to take a 1-0 lead after only four minutes. The boys looked sharp and working well together.
One minute later Bailey is off for a run and hits the back of the net to make the score an early 2-0.
The rest of the first half was a display of skill from BMFC, the boys pushing the ball gently over the top for some great runs by Jake, Jacob and Josh. Samuel, Bodhi and Matt held the back and midfield with complete control making passes that were strong and straight. The play was lovely to watch.
Half time came with coach Andy a little calmer than last weeks half time talk! Six minutes into the second half Penrith handballed in the box, after a meeting of the minds it was decided Jacob would deal with it – and he did 3-0! Ben was solid as rock delivering again and again, Myles took it to Penrith winning his 50/50s and ensuring our boys had a sense of urgency
Penrith took an early crack and it paid off 3-1. Oscar has had a great few weeks in goals with very few getting through. He looks intimidating by prowling around the box and making the opposition work for their attacking raids.
15 minutes in a push in the box and the ref awards another penalty on the spot, this time Tom delivers what is needed 4-1. Cartwheels all the way back to the half way line! The whole half BMFC took control of the ball again and again, delivering key passes to each other and making solid field placement decisions that delivered. Four minutes from full time Bailey has another run and gets tripped inside the box, the ref again delivers a penalty along with a yellow card. The goalie leaps high and tips it over the bar. 4-1 is where we end for a solid performance from our boys.
BMFC 16.1: 3
vs
Colo Soccer FC: 1
BMFC Goal Scorers: Ethan (3)
Player of the Match: Ethan
Match Report: A beautiful mid morning game at one of the best places to play football – great surface, big pitch and plenty of open space around
We had a few chances in the opening period – Jake hit a long range shot that hit the post and a great cross from Ash fell to Harry who passed to Ethan to score – unfortunately Ethan was adjudged off side. We were caught on the counter when Max challenged in the air for a ball and Alex Win came across to clean up – an unfortunate bounce of the ball into Alex’s arm and a penalty was awarded and duly dispatched
In the second half the boys upped the tempo and the urgency but for a long time could not find a way through. A well struck curler from the edge of the box went just over from Harry
With only 15 to go, Sam was brought on in right midfield and Martin to right back. Sam made a few surging runs down the right as well as coming very close to scoring – his sliding shot as the keeper came out was struck almost too well and went over. Just after we finally found the net – Jake’s long corner to the far post volleyed in by Ethan. This visibly lifted the boys and the chase was on to find a winner. That said, Colo continued to be a threat going forward so we couldn’t be too gung-ho
With time running out the ball was kicked out by Colo – Sean Burns showing off his goalkeeping skills, diving full length out of his chair to get the ball quickly to Sam. Sam’s long throw in to the edge of the box found Ethan, who got it out of his feet and struck sweetly into the net. Sean claimed an assist
With only a few minutes left we won another corner and quick thinking by Martin, rushing forward from right back to get it off Jake. Martin’s cross was ok but fell behind players, including Ethan, who amazingly delivered an overhead kick from the edge of the box that flew past the keeper
Players, Coach’s and Parents player of the match this week to Ethan. A hat trick in the last fifteen minutes – sensational effort, especially after being targeted and knocked about without protection from the referee all game. Great attitude, resilience and determination
Photo – Ethan’s first – a volley at the far post off Jake’s corner
BMFC 16.1: 3
vs
Penrith RSL SC: 0
BMFC Goal Scorers: Ethan, Martin, Jake
Player of the Match: Max
Match Report: Nepean Cup Last 16
We played Penrith RSL for the 3rd time in a month in a night game in the Cup. A few positional changes to try a few things out but the structure was maintained
The boys played some excellent football in the first half creating many chances. Martin and Max combined in the midfield and Max put Ethan away – chasing the ball and just getting a toe to it ahead of the oncoming keeper for 1-0. The lead was doubled when Ethan headed a Millsy free kick on and Martin got there first, his shot ricocheted in off a defender – Martin’s goal though!
We continued to play good passing football in the second half. A Martin corner was well headed by Ethan – the goalkeeper didn’t hold the header and Jake was on hand to poke home the third and last goal of the night
Our best performance yet versus a very good opponent
Parents player of the match to Max – out of his usual left back and into the heart of midfield, Max was tireless and a big influencer on the result
BMFC 16.1: 1
vs
Penrith RSL SC: 0
BMFC Goal Scorers: Harry
Player of the Match: Alex Crambrook
Match Report: A cold afternoon kick off against a tough opponent. Goalkeeper Eli was out sick and with the two regular keepers from the 15.2’s and 16.2’s unavailable, Matt from the 16.2’s kindly offered to help out
We started positively and created a couple of good early chances – Aidy put Ethan away to bore down on goal but the keeper saved well 1on1. Ash got to the bye line and put a great cross in that travelled untouched across the six yard box
We defended well, limiting RSL to a few long range shots which Matt held well. Sam and Max both made a couple of forward attacking runs from right and left back respectively – Sam firing a super cross come shot across the face of the goal. Mid way through through the first half, Millsy sent a long free kick into the box and it fell to Harry who swivelled and volleyed in a high ball over the keeper showing great technical skills in doing so. Harry scoring against his former team mates
The second was a real arm wrestle – RSL’s midfield started to win the battle and pushed us back. There were no clear cut chances as our defensive line of Millsy, Alex Win, Max and Sam as well as central defensive players Jake, Aidy and Martin worked hard to protect Matt. Matt continued to hold any long range efforts and then clear early to set Ethan away, ably supported by Damo and Alex Crambrook who both had excellent games today
We had two good chances to score – Ethan cutting in the box and hitting it well with his left foot – keeper beaten but the ball hit the post. Secondly, a long throw into the box from Jake was flicked on by Ethan and Damo snuck in ahead of the defender to head home – Ethan adjudged to have committed a foul when challenging for the ball
Coach’s player of the match to Alex Crambrook who defended stoutly in the first half – heading balls he’d much rather not! In the second half Alex was a real threat down the left and helped out in the midfield scrap
A great team performance and we look forward to playing RSL again this Thursday at home in the Nepean Cup
