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Angel Robbed Off Victory
Angel made the long trip to Spinkhill to take on Nags Head Killamarsh who were an unknown quantity to the Angel as they had been dropped down 4 divisions from last season. Before the game a defensive reshuffle was needed as Easty came into central defence to partner Dave Mc, with Sharpey and Dunc taking up the full back roles as Hoppo was running late. Jason also returned from injury to replace Keith. The pitch was slighty raised up, in a wide open area and the swirling wind made the conditions really difficult.
The game began with Angel attacking into the wind and within a minute Nags Head took the lead with slack defending from the Angel leaving Carl with no chance. A few minutes later Angel found themselves 2-0 down. Again more slack defending costing the team. A thing which is turning out to be quite a regular occurance is the Angel usually climbing out of bed around 20 minutes into the game and actually starting to play some football. This proved the case again when Rob Kelly carried the ball down the left flank and layed it back to Sharpey who crossed it in and somehow the ball went under the keeper and gave the Angel some hope to get back into the game.
The equaliser failed to come about as a long ball over the top helped by the wind caught the defence out and led to Dunc handballing it which resulted in a penalty. Their centre half came up and smashed the ball straight down the middle leaving Angel with a big mountain to climb to get anything out of the game. Further hope of getting something out of the game came when a corner came in and Sharpey looped a header over the keeper for his 2nd of the game. This hope proved false again as Nags Head grabbed their 4th of the game leaving the half time score 4-2.
The strong half time team talk enforced the fact that we had the wind behind us now so we had to use it to our advantage and get back into the game. The 2nd half was pretty much one sided as Carl hardly had a save to make. Rob Kelly had a claim for a penalty which most ref's would have given but not the Nags Head man in the middle today! Angel made a good start to the 2nd half and from another corner Sharpey grabbed his hat trick, yes a hat trick, with a right foot volley that flew into the net. This got everybody going now and the game was practically played in one half! Angel won a throw level with the 18 yard box which Tommo took and for some reason the Nags Head keeper palmed the ball into the net to make the score 4-4.
A moment of controversy came now as another corner got cleared to around 30 yards out and fell to Jonno who had one touch before belting the ball into the top corner but strangely just as the ball hit the net the "ref" blew for offside. Most of the Angel players were stunned, mainly from where Jonno got that strike from, but how it was offside. Basically it wasn't! The game got a bit niggly after this, mainly due to the decision from the ref. Angel hit a post near the end which would have given them the 3 points they deserved from the 2nd half showing but they had to settle for a point
TEAM: Carl, Dunc, Sharpy, Dave M, Easty, Varley, Jonno, Rob K, Jason, Tommo, Jamie A
SUBS USED: Trueman, Hoppo
Angel Battle Back For Draw
After last seasons battles Angel knew beforehand they were in for a tough game against Innovate. The team news was Carl making his league debut in the nets with last season top scorer Tomo returning upfront. Another change from last week was the inclusion of Keith Matthews in centre midfield along side Ryan with Jason missing out through injury.
The game started off pretty evenly with hardly any chances being created. The only notable chances fell to Rob but nothing really classed as a clear cut chance. A reshuffle was needed in defence for Angel as Sharpey came off injured, Daz slotted in at left back with Dunc moving to centre back. The story of the 1st half continued with both teams having plenty of possesion but hardly any decent chances arising.
The half time team talk was just to enforce that Angel had to carry on playing how they were and the chances would come and this was proved correct as just after the break Tomo nipped in at the back post to open his account for this season. The focus know was to keep it tight at the back and possibly score another goal. After quite a lot of Innovate pressure they managed to score 2 scrappy goals that put them into the lead with Angel now up against it.
With around 10 minutes to go and Angel searching for the equaliser the ball fell to Ryan Varley on the edge of the area who did exactly what he did last week which was smack the ball home with his left foot giving the keeper no chance, making the game 2-2. The last few minutes were played out and the game ended in a draw which was probably a fair result
TEAM: Carl, Dunc, Hoppo, Sharpy, Dave M, Keith, Varley, Jonno, Rob K, Tommo, Jamie A
SUBS USED: Trueman, Daz
Angel Off To Winning Start
AFC Angel began their 2007/08 with a good 3-2 victory over Industry F.C, who were relegated from division 5 last season. However, the season didn’t get off the greatest starts when it emerged both goalkeepers were unavailable so last seasons top scorer Mark Thompson volunteered to step in. Sharpy and new signing Dave took the centre back roles, Dunc returned to the Angel at left back and Hoppo at right back. Jonno and Rob were out wide, with Easty and Ryan Varley in the centre. Up front, Trueman partnered Jamie Ainsworth in a reshuffled attack.
Into the game and two early goals from a dangerous strike combination put the home side 2-0 up, but good pressure from Angel resulted in pulling a goal back when Trueman latched onto a massive goal kick to slot home. Further chances fell to Jonno, Trueman, Easty and Rob Kelly but Angel went into the break one goal down.
Into the second half and Angel soon reapplied the pressure, and Rob Kelly pulled the visitors level after the Industry keeper spilled the original effort. Soon after and Trueman should have put AFC in front with 2 glorious chances, but both were missed and it appeared they would be rued.
However, a moment of magic from new signing Ryan Varley saw him release a dipping 30 yarder past the despairing keeper to seal the three points. Geoff and Daz came on for the last 20 minutes in place of Trueman and Sharpy, and despite one or two scares the lads held on to secure a winning start.
TEAM: Tommo, Dunc, Hoppo, Sharpy, Dave M, Easty, Varley, Jonno, Rob K, Trueman, Jamie A
SUBS USED: Geoff, Daz
Angel Start Pre-Season With Victory
AFC Angel started their pre-season with the traditional visit to Bolsover to take on Bolsover Old Boys reserves of division 8. Of the six new signings only Ryan Varley and Dunc missed out, so centre forward Trueman, centre half Dave, utility man Lee and goalkeeper Carl all made their debuts and were all looking to impress. Elsewhere the core of the team that just missed out on promotion last season were back, perhaps a few pounds heavier, but with weekly training and regular friendlies fitness levels should soon be back to normal.
Into the match and Angel took an early lead when a good through ball from Easty set Rob Kelly away and he made no mistake with a cool finish. However, lack of communication at the back soon allowed the visitors back in it as the Old Boys winger nipped in to head home. Angel then were soon on the back foot as another error allowed the visitors to take the lead.
Hard work and a few chances later Angel were level, new look striker Jamie Ainsworth skilfully turning his man from Jonno's throw in and slotting home with the outside of his foot. Angel were at this point were playing most of the football but getting caught offside on too regular a basis, and Old Boys made us pay when Ash deflected into his own net. Strong play from Jamie Ainsworth got the scores level once more though - his mazy run and pass leaving debutant striker Trueman a relatively easy task to stroke home.
The second half saw the arrival of the Thompson brothers and soon after Lee came on to make his debut at left back. The pattern of play remained much the same with neat football on occasions, and last seasons top scorer Tommo weighed in with two more strikes to make it 5-3. A good start to pre-season with both positives and negatives which the team can take into training this Wednesday.
TEAM: Nick B, Sharpy, Ash, Dave M, Hoppo, Jason, Easty, Rob K, Jonno, Trueman, Jamie A
SUBS USED: Tommo, Carlos, Lee
Division 7 Line Up Proposed
With the new season getting ever closer, the Chesterfield Sunday League held their AGM recently where it was announced the club would be playing in division 7 once more, and in what looks to be a very strong league this season. The sides set to battle it out are ourselves, Innovate, Derbyshire Times, Elton (promoted from 8), Nickels (promoted from 8), British Rail (promoted from 8), Nags Head Killamarsh (relegated from 3), Rowthorne lane (division 9 champions), Lowgates Sports (relegated from 6), Industry (relegated from 5), and Harleys (a new team from Staveley).
The first league fixture will take place on the first Sunday in September (2nd) although the club will not recieve the fixtures until probably mid-August. Meanwhile the club are looking to fill dates for pre-season friendlies, so anyone interested do not hesitate to contact us. Also, the club now has in it's hands next years signing on forms, so players should have these completed in the next couple of weeks.
Friendly Arranged For Sunday 10th
AFC Angel will get an early test in their pre-season schedule as they take on a former Under-18's side all set to play their first season in the men's league this coming year. The game will take place at Tapton Park, although all players are expected to meet by 10-15am at the Donkey Derby pub. Meanwhile, the club can confirm they have sent through the applications for next season which will see Angel once again play in the Derbyshire Junior Cup.
Pre-Season To Resume
After a weeks rest-bite, AFC Angel players return to training this Sunday ahead of the assorted friendlies expected to be played in the months leading up to the new season. As of yet just one friendly has been confirmed against Bolsover Old Boys Reserves on August 5th, however the lads will also take part in an 8 team tournament at Coalite on the 15th July.
All players are to meet at Highfield Park for 11am for a training session lasting somewhere in the region of 60-90 minutes, where although fitness will initially be the main objective to work off those pints, plenty of ball work will be included. On a final note, the club are also looking into the possibility of issuing training tops next season, so anyone willing to sponsor these or that know of someone that may be interested please do get in touch.
The Full Powerade Cup Lowdown
After a couple of steady pints in the Donkey Derby, around 5:30pm our coach, and infamous driver "Tubs" arrived and so the journey began. A few beers, plenty of banter, Borat and Chubby Brown, an expensive and foul Wimpy at the services, and new signing for next season Ryan Varley cleaning up at cards and we were well on our way to arriving at the Hilton Hotel. However, not were we to know that the journey was to take us down every back street in London upon reaching the capital - good old Tubs and his three point turn attempts. And if your reading, thanks to the mysterious black car that took us to the bollard before waving off!
Eventually though, we arrived at the Hilton hotel and checked into our rooms before a couple more sneaky £3.50 pints down in the bar. A good bit of banter with a few of the other teams saw spirits being high before the majority retired to their fancy bedrooms ahead of the early morning wake up calls! A couple of incidents unfolded as we lived up to our "Newcastle of the Sunday League" reputation, but eventually lights went out and the snoring kicked in.
So, onto Saturday morning and the boys met down in reception for their 8am pick up. Dressed in shirt and ties we certainly scrubbed up well, and we arrived at Selhurst Park just after eight in time for breakfast in the players lounge. Then, into the changing rooms - where we were lucky enough to be granted the home changing rooms - and with the stereo blasting out the boys got changed and geared up for the festival of football ahead. With a fifteen strong squad at Geoffs disposal, enthusiasm was high and we knew that if we played to our strengths we were more than capable of advancing well in the tournament.
After having a good kick around on the pitch and then watching two Southern sides battle out the first game in the Southern group, we took to the pitch first at 10-45am. Our opponents - Masons Arms FC, were a Sheffield Sunday League side - an interesting opening fixture labelled as the 'Derby' of the cup. In the end it turned out to be a pretty one sided affair as a penalty from Tommo and an own goal/Rob Kelly strike saw Angel run out two-nil winners. However, if not for a couple of good saves from the Masons Arms keeper the score could have been greater with Brown and Matthews both working the shot stopper.
After a break for lunch in the players lounge again and several other matches from both groups, Angel returned to action in their second group game knowing a draw or a win would take them into the Powerade Cup final. This time the opponents were a young side from Manchester known as Opal Builders F.C, and they certainly pushed us all the way. After taking an early lead Opal Builders were pegged back when Tommo got his second goal of the tournament, and then late on Keith netted the winner from a tight angle to make it two wins from two. A penalty shoot out in the Southern Group saw Marble Hill F.C progress to the final, so it was to be AFC Angel vs. Marble Hill in the Powerade Cup final!
The final started well and pretty much for the whole of the first half we pegged them back and took a deserved lead through Hoppo who lashed home at the second attempt. With a noisy following from both the Opal Builders and Masons Arms lot showing us their support in the stands (including a bit of Robbie Williams - "Im Loving Angel instead!") the final was certainly ours to be won, but a tired second half saw Marble Hill grab an equaliser and the tie went to penalties.
Marble Hill's first spot kick was missed, and then surprisingly the usually reliable Tommo put his spot kick wide to keep the scores level. 2 in a row from Marble Hill and one a piece from Easty and Sharpy meant the scores were still level after 3 kicks each. Just Rob Kelly and Jonno were left, and as Marble Hill scored again up stepped Rob Kelly only to fire over the bar. Marble Hill knew if they scored they would win the cup, and that they did, as Angel players held their heads in their hands - gutted knowing they had lost a cup which we probably deserved to win. Credit must go out to our opponents though, they were gracious in victory just as we were in defeat.
After the trophy was presented by World Cup Winner Martin Peters all the sides hit the free bar - with ourselves and Opal Builders in particular hitting it pretty hard - as much ale was consumed alongside plenty of singing and merriment. Finally the boys made the long journey back to Chesterfield with plenty more drinking and banter on the coach - eventually arriving back around 11pm. Our thanks must go out to everyone involved with the weekend, especially Powerade, Virgin Radio and Crystal Palace F.C - we had a weekend we will definitely remember for a long, long time to come. And in the words of Robbie Williams - "Im Loving Angel Instead!"
For photos from the weekend click on the Galleries link on the left hand side of the page. New galleries will be added throughout the week.
If Your All Off To Selhurst Park
This weekend see's AFC Angel live the dream as they grace the turf of Selhurst Park after a night spent in a swanky London Hilton hotel. A sixteen strong squad will be picked up Friday afternoon by an 'Executive Coach', travel down to the Hilton hotel in style, and spend the night just as Professional footballers would before making the short journey to Selhurst Park in the morning.
On arrival at the ground, all 6 teams in the tournament will be treat to breakfast at 9am before the match action kicks off at 10am with two groups of three battling it out to make the final and be in with a chance of heading to Barcelona! Upon the completion of the final around 5pm all teams will return to their shirts and ties and head to the Players Lounge for presentations and a few pints! The boys will then travel back to Chesterfield, hopefully celebrating a successful day and one the boys will never forget.
The Cup Draw
Northern Group
AFC Angel (Chesterfield)
Masons Arms FC (Sheffield)
Opal Builders FC (Manchester)
Southern Group
Preston Park Rangers (Sussex)
Marble Hill FC (Fulham)
Corinthian Sports FC (Bristol)
Fixtures
Game 1 - 10:00am - Marble Hill vs. Corinthian Sports (South)
Game 2 - 10:45am - AFC ANGEL vs. Masons Arms (North)
Game 3 - 11:30am - Corinthian Sports vs. Preston Park Rangers (South)
Game 4 - 12:15pm - Opal Builders vs. Masons Arms (North)
LUNCH BREAK
Game 5 - 13:45pm - Preston Park Rangers vs. Marble Hill (South)
Game 6 - 14:30pm - AFC ANGEL vs. Opal Builders (North)
Game 7 - 16:00pm - Winners NORTHERN vs. Winners SOUTHERN
So, it promises to be an exciting weekend for the boys, and you can read all about it on here with plenty of photographs as soon as we return! So make the most of it, as it may well be the first and last time you see one or two of the boys in shirt and tie!
Powerade Cup Details Confirmed
It's the news Angel players and fans alike have been waiting for since the turn of the year - the Powerade Cup. So after months of waiting, on Saturday 12th May AFC Angel will take to the turf of Selhurst Park, home of Championship side Crystal Palace F.C, and battle against 5 other teams from around the country in a hope of winning an all expenses paid trip to Barcelona!
The team will travel down in style on the Friday on an all expenses paid coach, spend the night in a Hilton hotel, wake up for a nutritious breakfast in the Players lounge at Selhurst Park, then pull on their boots and new kit for the big games. Two group games will be followed by a big final, which will then be followed by presentations in the players bar with the bar being open to all players and supporters.
As of yet coach times have not been confirmed but it is thought players will travel down to London late afternoon/early evening on the Friday. Players wishing to bring supporters (as discussed at the Walton game) must contact Jonno early this week, and remember that it is an all shirt and tie affair on the Saturday. So here we go boys! Let's fly the AFC Angel and Chesterfield flag high!
Angel See Of Walton Side
With the Powerade Cup less than a fortnight away, Angel played their last fixture with a home friendly against division 9 strugglers Walton F.C. With Geoff away Jonno was left in charge of team duties, and with a number of trialists in the squad had a much different look to recent weeks. Jason returned from injury to partner new midfielder Ryan Varley, but Keith, Easty, Hoppo and Bez were all missing.
Into the game and Angel took an early lead with a cool finish from Jamie Ainsworth after a good flick from strike partner Tommo. Around 15 minutes later Rob Kelly's long range effort made it two after a bobble in front of the keeper. Tommo and Jamie A then left to be replaced by trialist Mick and the returning Skidmore. Walton however produced their best spell of football in the fifteen minutes leading up to half time and got a deserved goal afer the defence failed to deal with a loose ball in the area.
First half referee Jonno and goalkeeper Nick came on for the second half, and Angel quickly extended their lead through Skidmore and then minutes later an own goal made the scoreline 4-1. On came Trueman, and to the delight of the fans he took the arm band and soon after got his name on the scoresheet diverting in Ryan Varleys effort with his head. He swears he meant it, but the rest of the squad were less convinced! The sixth and final Angel goal of the game was scored by Skidmore for his second, cutting in and slotting home past the stranded goalkeeper.
TEAM: Andy, Chris M, Sharpy, Ash, Daz, Danny B, Rob K, Ryan V, Jason, Tommo, Jamie A
SUBS USED: Jamie S, Mick S, Jonno, Trueman, Nick
Weekend Friendly Lined Up
AFC Angel will parade their new red and black hooped Powerade kit this Sunday morning as the boys take on Walton F.C in an end of season friendly. With the Powerade Cup around the corner the sponsors require a team photo for the tournament, so all players must be in attendance this Sunday should they wish to play in the Cup in mid-May. As this is likely to be the last fixture played before the big one, a training session is all set to take place the following week.
As the team photo is to be taken prior to kick off, players are expected to be at Highfield Park for 9-40am in order to get photo's taken in good time so that the game can kick off on time. Also, anyone with any of the home kit (shorts or shirts) must return the kit this weekend!
Ainsworth Nets Top Two Awards
The AFC Angel awards night saw Jamie Ainsworth take both the players and managers player of the season as the curtain was drawn on this years domestic season. Ainsworth, who has played in every single position except goalkeeper, was understandably chuffed to win the two main awards, just coming ahead of Rob Kelly in the players vote, and Mark Thompson in the managers vote. Tommo added to his trophy with the toal goalscorer award, Paul East took the referees player of the season, and central midfielder Jason Hickman took the most improved player.
Managers Player Of Season: Jamie Ainsworth
Managers Player Of Season Runner Up: Mark Thompson
Players Player Of Season: Jamie Ainsworth
Players Player Of Season Runner Up: Rob Kelly
Referees Player Of The Season: Paul East
Most Improved Player Of The Season: Jason Hickman
Top Goalscorer: Mark Thompson
After the awards were drawn plenty of ale was consumed, the raffle was drawn (a prize list will be on the website by the end of the week), and then the boys hit town to carry the party on. When hangovers have gone Angel will play Walton F.C in a friendly next Sunday as they prepare for the Powerade Cup in just under a months time!
End Of Season Presentation Night
With the league season now coming to an end, AFC Angel will announce their yearly awards this Sunday, with seven different trophies to be awarded out. Despite just missing out on promotion by a couple of places, there have been plenty of positives this season, and with a few more players set to be added to the ranks for the new season the club are moving in the right direction.
The awards up for grabs are as follows:-
Managers Player Of Season
Managers Player Of Season Runner Up
Players Player Of Season
Players Player Of Season Runner Up
Referees Player Of The Season
Most Improved Player Of The Season
Top Goalscorer
All the trophies have now arrived and are looking good, so it should be an interesting evening at the Angel come Sunday. Also, at the trophy evening, the end of season raffle will be drawn with a host of prizes including a CD/Karaoke machine, signed football gear, HMV and Next vouchers, several collections of alcohol, and other assorted goodies!
Raffle Money To Be Handed In
The end of season raffle money and sheets are expected to be returned to either Jonno or Chris this week from all players! With the draw being made at this Sundays end of season presentation evening (ring Jonno for details), it is vitally important that all money and sheets are with either of us by Saturday at the latest.
Meanwhile, Angel will play a friendly against division 9 side Walton F.C on April 29th as the preparations for the Powerade Cup begin. All players are expected to attend with places for the cup squad up for grabs. A training session is likely to take place the week after, with the Powerade Cup most likely to take place on the weekend of May 12/13th. As soon as we get further details they will be posted on here.
Angel Run League Leaders Close
AFC Angel ended their season with a home clash against league leaders Devonshire, who were looking to gain three points to hold of Miners in the push for the divisions title. However, Angel were depleted of several players with Rob K, Jason, Bez and Skidmore all unavailable. Geoff sprung a few surprises in his line up, with Tommo dropping back from up front into midfield alongside Easty, while Geoff also opted to start looking to use his experience and strength against a strong Devonshire front line.
Much of the first fifteen minutes saw the visitors look to stamp their authority on the game, but despite plenty of posession a hard working Angel backline did well to restrict any efforts on Andy's goal. At the other end despite plenty of effort there was little in the way of chances, and perhaps the best chance of the half fell to Keith but he saw his effort saved by the in form Devonshire keeper.
Into the second half and with the heat taking it's effect on a lot of players, the game became much more open and Angel took the lead early on. A quick Tommo throw in found Hoppo who delivered a decent cross for Keith to stoop down low and head past the Dev keeper. However, the goal did not lift the tempo and the visitors turned a deficit into a lead with two quick goals. Angel head's didnt drop though and Paul East pulled things back onto a level pegging with a good half volley, his second goal in as many matches.
With around 25 minutes to go Daz replaced an injured Jonno, and the side altered it's shape in search of a winner. The visitors at this stage were throwing everything forward in search of the winner they needed to secure an important win, and two late goals conceded in a sloppy fashion saw the points go their way.
So, with the Chesterfield season now over Angel will look back on what could have been with just a few more victories. A fourth place finish looks likely, although should Carr Vale overcome Brampton Royal Oak Angel will finish the season in fifth. Just a few more victories would most likely have seen us nip into the top three, but it was not to be and Angel will now look towards the upcoming Powerade Cup before hitting the training ground ahead of next season.
TEAM: Andy, Geoff, Sharpy, Ash, Hoppo, Jonno, Easty, Tommo Danny B, Keith, Jamie A
SUBS USED: Bez, Jamie S
Divisional Round Up
Despite it being the Easter Weekend, there were still plenty of fixtures throughout the league, and three in our division. At the top the title race between Devonshire and Miners looks like going down to the wire, as both sides picked up wins once again. Devonshire were 2-0 winners over third placed Brampton, whilst Miners won 4-1 at bottom club Dronfield Victoria. With Devonshire having just one game left, which they look likely to need three points from should they stand a chance of the title, our game with them this coming weekend looks likely to be a very tricky tie indeed. The only other result in the division saw Talbot Arms Barracuda pick up only their fourth point of the season with a hard earned 1-1 draw with Olde House.
So the latest round of results leaves Angel sitting fourth placed, still in with an outside chance of claiming third spot. It looks difficult, but at least we go into this weekends game with Devonshire with a little more than pride to play for. Also, with the Powerade Cup around the corner and two matches on Birminghams St Andrews pitch (close to being confirmed), all players are still expected to give their all to the cause.
AFC Return To Winning Ways
With promotion now an almost impossibility, AFC Angel travelled to take on Dronfield Victoria pretty much looking to build ahead of the Powerade Cup in May. This meant a host of changes, largely positional. Firstly Jamie Ainsworth moved from left-back to centre forward, with Daz coming in to start at left back. Ash returned at centre half alongside Sharpy, whilst Hoppo also returned at right back. With Keith and Jason missing Jonno joined Easty in central midfield, with Rob and Danny on the flanks. Elsewhere it remained pretty much the same.
Looking to get off to a good start, Angel played some of their best football of the season in the first half with Easty's voice ringing in the ears of the players around him. One and two touch football saw the ball move from defence into the centre of midfield, then out wide, then into the front men - it was great to see and a big change to the below par performances of recent weeks. It didn't take long at all for the deadlock to be broke as Easty's through ball put in Tommo and the striker made no mistake from close range.
The second arrived soon after, as Jonno found Easty who in turn played another excellent through ball to Jamie Ainsworth who rounded the keeper to make it two nil. With Danny and Rob terrorising the full backs on the flanks, plenty of space was being made in the middle and this time Easty turned scorer as good link up play saw Tommo lay of the midfielder who fired in from 18 yards. However, with the foot slightly off the pedal the home side pulled one back from the spot after Daz was adjudged to have gone in with intent as he slid in across from his left back position.
However, Argentina-like, straight from the kick off Angel went through about 20 passes with almost the whole squad getting a touch before Tommo netted from close range. The chances continued to arrive as Danny and Tommo both went close and Jamie A hit the woodwork, but the fifth eventually arrived on the stroke of half time as Rob Kelly slotted home to finish off another well constructed passing move.
Perhaps unsurprisingly the second half didnt live up to the first as Angel took their foot of the gas, but two well taken penalties from Tommo added to the tally, although the home side did manage to score one more with a well taken goal at the other end. So, over the 90 minutes it was an excellent performance with players consistently encouraging each other and producing some effective passing football.
TEAM: Andy, Daz, Sharpy, Ash, Hoppo, Jonno, Easty, Danny B, Rob K, Jamie A, Tommo
SUBS USED: Bez, Jamie S
End Of Season Raffle Launched
AFC Angel have launched an end of season raffle with a host of great prizes as they look to raise funds for the 2007/08 season. Prizes include a CD/Karaoke System, a host of signed football gear from local professional clubs, vouchers from HMV and Next, a FCUK bathroom set, a large selection of alcohol (crates and bottles) and a range of chocolates and biscuits. Further prizes may well be added, any donations are more than welcome.
The club are hoping to raise somewhere in the region of £400 in the raffle, which will not only go a long way towards covering the costs of running next season, but should also allow the club to lower signing on fee's for players at the start of the season. Tickets can be bought from most players, and also from behind the bar at the Angel by seeing Baz or Tammy.
Miners Edge Out Angel Boys
With promotion now looking highly unlikely, local bragging rights were up for grabs in the local derby between ourselves and fellow New Whitt side Miners Arms. Miners, who look almost certain to take a top 3 place come the end of the season, brought plenty of youth and energy with them - something Angel had to match if they were to get the three points they desired.
With Hoppo running late there was a slight reshuffle with Jonno dropping to right back and Rob returning to wingers duties, as Bez was given a start up front. The only other change saw Jason come in for Ash, with Easty reverting from midfield to a central defensive role. Into the game and much of the early running was made by Angel with Bez, Tommo and Keith all spurring early chances that would have put the home side into a decent lead.
However, with their pace going forward the visitors were always going to be a challenge to defend, and they soon took the lead through a good 25 yard dipping shot. The second wasn't further behind as Angel conceded a sloppy free kick which the Miners forward curled home underneath the dive of Andy. Still pushing forward though Angel managed to pull a goal back soon after as a great run all the way from left back saw Jamie Ainsworth fire in a low cross which Tommo made no mistake with to slot home from a few yards.
Then though, perhaps the sloppiest piece of play in the match when a lack of communication between two Angel midfielders allowed the Miners full back to pick up the ball inside his own half and outpace a stumbling Sharpe before slotting underneath Andy. The half-time talk was reasonably positive as we had played the better football, but the difference was their cutting edge in front of goal and our bad habit of making mistakes.
The second half saw Ash replaced an injured Jason early on, and Skidmore followed soon after in place of Bez. Jamie Ainsworth again got forward well before being pulled back in the area, where Tommo slotted home the resulting penalty to pull the home side to within one goal of their opponents. Then, a mistake from Hoppo at the back allowed the visitors to bag a fourth and the game was won for the visitors. A late little punch up saw the game end on a sour note, and Angel will now look to return to winning ways with next weekends away tie to Dronfield.
TEAM: Andy, Jamie A, Sharpy, Easty, Jonno, Keith, Danny B, Jason, Rob K, Bez, Tommo
SUBS USED: Ash, Jamie S, Hoppo
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