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October Fixtures Released
The fixtures for October have been released and Angel start with a tough home clash against unbeaten Carr Vale. The following week see's the away clash at Olde House, who will no doubt be out for revenge after our late winner in the 4-3 clash at their place. Then it's away to Dev, who too have had a good start to the league, before home clashes to Dronfield Victorua and Talbot Arms Barracuda.
October at a glance...
1st - Home to Carr Vale
8th - Away to Olde House
15th - Away to Devonshire
22nd - Home to Dronfield Victoria
29th - Home To Talbot Arms Barracuda
Lacklustre Angel Defeated
Jonno and Geoff's team selection worries were confirmed pre-match with the absence of no fewer than six players in non-attendance, three of whom started in defence the previous weekend. Sharpy was the only defender in attendance, so Easty had to drop back from midfield with Jamie A and Phil taking the full back roles.
Into the game and sloppy defending allowed the home side to take an early lead, only for Rob Kelly's persistence to grab an equaliser soon after. The goal lifted Angel who then played their best football for fifteen minutes but were unable to produce a goal, Smith shooting the best chance inches wide after a clever quick free-kick from Keith. As the half progressed the home side punished more bad defending as they went into the interval 3-1 in front.
The second half saw Geoff replace an ill Jonno, and pushing to get back into the game Rob Kelly was felled in the box to leave Tommo with his second penalty goal in as many weeks. It was in fact to be Tommo's last touch of the game as he was replaced by the returning Ryan due to injury.
Unfortunately though, despite the best attacking efforts, it was poor defending as a team and clear lack of communication at the back which cost dear as the home side grabbed two more goals in quick succession. A late Sharpy header from a corner wasn't enough to spare the blushes of what was our worst league performance in a long time.
Speaking afterwards Smith said, "The solidity and committment that was there last weekend just wasn't there today. Players need to learn to open their mouths a little more, and cut out the individual errors that cost us once again. We have a one week break now so we have got to forget about this, and come back in a fortnight with the determination to put things right."
TEAM: Kirky, Easty, Jamie A, Phil, Sharpy, Rob K, Chris (c), Jonno, Skidmore, Tommo, Keith
SUBS USED: Geoff, Ryan, Andy K
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Rob Kelly
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Jamie Ainsworth
Derbyshire Cup Draw Made
With only a limited number of ties to be played in the first round of the Derbyshire Cup, the odds were on for a first round bye, and that was the case as only one of the clubs in our division have to face a first round tie.
With over 130 teams in the draw, and just sixteen of these to play first round ties, it was Royal Oak Brampton who were pulled out of the hat to face Division 5 side Black Swan F.C. In fact only six of the sides in first round action were from the Chesterfield Sunday League, the rest scattered around the county. The second round tie is pencilled in for the 5th November, and as soon as we get note of the opposition it will be posted on the site.
Carr Vale And Dev Set Pace
Our 4-3 victory over the Olde House made it four points from a possible six, beaten only by Carr Vale United and the Devonshire who both made it two wins out of two at the weekend. Carr Vale had a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Royal Oak Brampton, whilst Devonshire were equally as emphatic putting six past Innovate who could only manage on in reply.
Elsewhere Dronfield Victoria recovered from their 5-0 drubbing last week to beat Barracuda by five goals to four, whilst the Miners and Derbyshire Times played out their first game of the season to a 4-4 draw.
Results...
AFC Angel 4 Olde House 3
Carr Vale United 5 Royal Oak Brampton 0
Derbyshire Times 4 Miners Arms 4
Dronfield Victoria 5 Talbot Arms Barracuda 4
Devonshire 6 Innovate F.C 1
Angel Grab Win Over Olde House
AFC Angel picked up their first win of the new season to make it four points from a possible six, as goals from Tommo (2), Smith and Kelly gave them a 4-3 win over the Olde House.
With Geoff now part of the management team, Smith and he made two changes to the starting line up - Rob K came in for the absent Jason, whilst Tommo came back in to start up front. Into the game and it was Angel who created most of the early running with Easty and Nick both going close with headers, whilst Keith and Tommo both had chances that went wide.
At the other end chances were few and far between but a goal line clearance by Smith kept scores level, and some good last ditch defending from Hoppo did the same. However, a moment of indecision from Kirky saw the visitors go in front as the Angel shotstopper let one roll past his foot as he appeared to be watching the ball wide.
Scores were level pretty soon after as Rob Kelly was brought down in the box to win a penalty, which Tommo calmly slotted home. Half time was just around the corner, but again the visitors took the lead with a neat finish after Smith had lost the ball in the centre circle. Half time words were mainly of encouragement after a good half, but chances had to be finished off if we were to get the points.
Into the second half and Tommo grabbed his second equaliser with a good header from Easty's cross. Again though the visitors took the lead soon after as Easty lost possesion on the edge of his own area and the finish was neat. Jamie Ainsworth came on up front and immediately made an impact, as his hard work saw Angel get well on top. His strength saw the ball arrive at the feet of Smith who slotted home from the edge of the area to once again level up the scores.
Hoping to push on for a winner, Angel's hopes were dealt a blow when Kirky had to go off injured and young defender Ash had to go in the nets, with Tom P coming on at left back. However, Ash produced two superb saves and Smith again headed off the line, leaving Rob Kelly to do the work at the other end as he slotted home under the visitors keeper to take the 3 points for the Angel.
Speaking afterwards Smith said, "From last week there was clearly a big improvement all over the pitch, and a win was a good result against a team that got off to a flyer last weekend. Everyone played their part as we worked our socks off and hopefully there will be plenty more of this committment to come."
TEAM: Kirky, Hoppo, Nick M, Ash, Sharpy, Rob K, Easty, Chris (c), Jonno, Tommo, Keith
SUBS USED: Jamie A, Tom P
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Chris Hayes
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Mark Hoskin
Divisional Results For Opening Week
Our next opponents The Olde House got off to the strongest start of the season with a convincing 5-0 win over Dronfield Victoria. The win sends out their intentions for the season, and AFC Angel will have to be at the top of their game when they take on the Olde House at Highfield Park next Sunday.
Elsewhere Carr Vale United picked up a good win away to Innovate F.C (formerly North Wingfield), and the Devonshire (formerly Newbold United) gained a good 4-1 away victory in their afternoon kick off with Barracuda.
Results...
Innovate F.C 1 Carr Vale United 2
Royal Oak Brampton F.C 4 AFC Angel 4
Talbot Arms Barracuda 1 Devonshire F.C 4
The Olde House F.C 5 Dronfield Victoria 0
Angel Draw Opening Game
The league campaign got off to a nervy start as AFC Angel were held to a 4-4 draw at Royal Oak Brampton this Sunday. With a large squad at his disposal, Smith opted to go out with the 4-5-1 formation of recent friendlies, with Matthews as the lone striker.
A slow start from Angel gifted the home side two early goals with the defences communication letting them down on this occasion. However, a lifeline was provided when Keith met Jamie Ainsworths flick on to prod the ball home making it 2-1 at half time.
Into the second half and manager Smith immediately made two changes, Kelly and Thompson on for Ainsworth and Ash. The team reverted to a 4-4-2 with Easty dropping back to the heart of defence and Kelly taking his place on the wing. Immediately the changes made dividends as both players made an impact and seemed to give the rest of the team the kick up the backside that was needed.
However, at the back there were still problems and Kirky misjudged the bounce of the ball to allow the home side a simple tap-in to go 3-1 up. Minutes later a late challenge on Hayes provided a free-kick, his quick thinking released Rob Kelly who made no mistake to bring Angel back within one.
Again though the home side netted and at 4-2 down it looked a duanting task. Skidmore came on to replace Smith as it was all out attack for the last half-an-hour. Matthews again pulled Angel to within one as the keeper parried the ball into his own net, but soon after made up for his mistake with a fine stop from Rob Kelly.
The leveller soon followed, Keith again netting from close range and how we did not get a winner from then on in is beyond me? Rob Kelly hit the crossbar, Keith missed a gilt edge chance from a few yards, and Skidmore fired a penalty high and wide. So perhaps after 60 minutes we would have seen the result as a point gained, but after ninety minutes you have to say we had the chances to win the match.
Smith stated afterwards, "For the first half especially we were still in friendly mode. Our defending at time was weak, and we were not tight enough and far to deep. On the other hand we created plenty of chances, and when we had to dig in we did. Hopefully this will be a wake up call, and players will go into next weeks game up for the battle."
TEAM: Kirky, Hoppo, Nick M, Ash, Sharpy, Jason, Easty, Chris (c), Jonno, Jamie A, Keith
SUBS USED: Rob K, Tommo, Skidmore
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Nick Macdona
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Chris Hayes
Season To Get Underway
This weekend will see the new season get underway as AFC Angel look to get off to a good start away to Royal Oak Brampton. With a few injuries in the ranks, some players will have to sit this one out, but manager Smith should still have a squad of 15 or 16 to choose from for the first match of the season.
Unfortunately, pre-season ended with a disappointing heavy defeat at Brampton Manor due to some lacklustre defending. However, one positive can be taken from the first 25 minutes or so of play where the Angel players dominated proceedings playing some great football and if not for a bad offside decision would have been two-nil to the good.
All players are to meet 9-45am (Olde House) on the dot this Sunday (NO LATES!) - Players yet to pay their signing on fee's are expected to bring any outstanding fee's at the weekend or they may find themselves unavailable for selection to the starting eleven.
First League Fixtures Announced
The first league fixtures for the 2006/07 season have been released and AFC Angel will get their season underway with an away clash to Royal Oak Brampton. The following week will see our first home tie in the division to Olde House, whilst on the 17th we are away once again to take on Derbyshire Times .
The 24th will see a free week due to a collection of the clubs players being away in the sunny climates of Magaluf. Little is known of the competition in division 7 this season, but after a succesful promotion last season AFC Angel will be hoping for another good campaign at the higher reaches of the division.
September at a glance...
3rd - Away To Royal Oak Brampton
10th - Home to Olde House
17th - Away To Derbyshire Times
24th - Free Week
Patched Up Angel In Goalless Draw
After weeks without a friendly, Angel played their second to last pre-season game in perhaps the most difficult of circumstances. The rain was hammering down, and just eleven men were available for duty - two of which were goalkeepers! With regular goalkeeper Kirky out with a broken nose, in came Carl Thompson and fellow goalkeeper Nick Burgin was left to play only his second ever game outfield.
The back line saw right back and centre midfielder Chris Hayes team up in central defence, while TicTac and Daz took the full back roles. Central midfield contained Jason and Keith, Jamie A was on the left and Jonno on the right, whilst Skidmore was partnered by keeper Nick up top.
With the Highfield clearly up for it and containing two or three good little youngsters, it was always going to be a good workout, but it was the more difficult after 15 minutes when Daz had to go off injured meaning the final 75 minutes were to be played with just ten men. Despite a lot of pressure in the first half the Angel held strong and could be proud of their performance so far.
The second half was pretty much more of the same, but again Angel held strong with the back line and midfield putting in some excellent tackles and blocks, whilst keeper Carl produced a superb late penalty save after the referee had awarded a very dubious penalty. All in all, a superb battling performance against a neat looking side, and one which will no doubt benefit those players involved.
Speaking after the game, manager Smith stated, "I'm extremely proud of the effort put in today by everyone, with ten players who have signed on unavailable it was a chance for others to stake their claims once again. I'm sure everyone will feel it in the morning, but to hold any team to a goalless draw in the situation we found ourselves was brilliant, and to do it against a side that look like they will do well this season, then it's even more satisfying."
Hasland Game Postponed
The weekend's friendly with Hasland Wanderers was unfortunately called off by the council late on Friday evening, meaning instead the players undertook what is likely to be the last training session of pre-season. However, on arrival at the training ground manager Smith was angry to say the least to find a match already underway on the pitch we had previously been told we were unable to play on due to weather conditions.
Speaking to the Official Site, Angel boss Smith stated, "I was very pissed off to say the least. With the season only a fortnight away we are desperate to get more games under our belt, but when the council told us we could not play we understood due to the weather. However, on finding a match being played on our pitch when we had already paid for the pitch wound me up to say the least. Rest assured I will be contacting the council and seeing what they have to say on the issue."
Next up for Angel is a midweek friendly with newly formed Highfield, and although an original kick off time of 6.30pm was agreed, the club are thought to be pursuing a slightly earlier kick off time due to Chesterfield's midweek cup clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Friendly Dates Confirmed
With the start new season just a matter of weeks away, AFC Angel have confirmed three friendlies in the space of 8 days as they look to get match fitness levels at a premium. The games will see Angel take on Hasland Wanderers, The Highfield, and Brampton Manor.
First up on Sunday the 20th is Hasland Wanderers, who will be playing their football in division 8 next season after relegation from division 7 last season. The game will be our only home friendly of pre-season and will give new players the chance to shine as the new season approaches.
Second up is new side The Highfield, who too will be playing from division 8 next season, with the match taking place on Wednesday 23rd August on Badger Park, with a 6:30pm kick Off. The final pre-season fixture see's an away trip to Somersall Park to take on Brampton Manor of division 6, 10-45am kick off on August 27th.
Meanwhile, all players are reminded that any outstanding signing on fee's must be handed to club secretary Sharpy or too Jonno before the end of the month.
New Players Join Ranks
With the departure of a few players from last season, manager Jonno Smith has acted quick to bring in several new players ahead of the 2006/2007 kick off. The new arrivals during pre-season are goalkeeper Nick Burgin, defender Ashley Henley (pictured), utility man Tom Pidcock, and striker Ryan Longthorne.
On top of this Jason Hickman and Phil Clarke have put pen to paper after playing the final few games last season, and there is a return to action for Nick Macdona who missed last season. These new additions leaves manager Smith with nineteen players to choose from.
The full squad list is as follows:- J.Ainsworth, N.Burgin, P.Clarke, P.East, D.Hancock, C.Hayes, A.Henley, J.Hickman, M.Hoskin, R.Kelly, D.Kirk, R.Longthorne, N.Macdona, K.Matthews, T.Pidcock, C.Sharpe, J.Skidmore, J.Smith, M.Thompson. Full player profiles can be found on the squad pages in the near future.
New Site Released
With the move to the Angel pub at New Whittington now confirmed, and Slug & Fiddle F.C will now be known as AFC Angel, a new website is launched incorporating much of the old fiddlefootball site, but extra features including video clips and funnies.
The site is still in it's early stages, but this year we hope to massively add to the galleries section with photos from matches and nights out, along with hopefully several videos. Team results and league tables will be updated weekly, and players are asked to check regularly for news on events and meeting places for matches.
Should you wish to write anything for the website, serious or not so serious, then get in touch with us through the contact page.
To return to the archive pages click here.
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