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Angel Fall To Vale
After the disappointment of exiting the Hutson Cup Angel were straight back into league duties with a tricky away clash to a young Carr Vale side. The weather conditions weren't great and extremely blustery winds almost forced the referee into a postponment but eventually the game got underway, with Easty replacing Jason the only change from the previous week.
The first half was pretty scrappy to say the least, although it was Angel who had the lions share of the chances with the wind slightly in their favour. Firstly Tommo found himself one on one with the keeper after good work in midfield, but the striker was unable to finish with the keeper doing well to turn the ball round his post. A quick free kick set Rob away too but his ball into the box was not met by any Angel players and again the danger subsided.
Into the second half, and a now very wet and cold Angel returned to the pitch kicking against the wind and up the slight slope. Again though it was Angel who looked the most likely to break the deadlock and they had the perfect opportunity around 15 minutes in when Jamie Ainsworths through ball found Rob Kelly who was fouled just inside the area. Stepping up for the penalty was the usually reliable Tommo, but his spot kick spiralled wide and the scores remained level.
It was at this point that the weather really took a turn for the worse with strong winds, and heavy hailstorm and sleet. The referee decided to call a pause to the game and both teams returned to the changing rooms for around 10 minutes. Almost ready to abandon the game, the weather slighly improved and both teams returned to the pitch. However, it appeared the Angel players remained in the changing room as the final 20 minutes saw a slack performance from the green and whites.
The home side went one nil up with around 15 minutes to go as the Carr Vale winger cut inside to fire a good drive past Andy. With the Angel keeper struggling Ash replaced Andy in the nets and Skidmore came on up front, but the changes made little difference and Carr Vale hit a second after confusion at the back. Ash did manage to produce a great save late on to deny the hosts a third, but it was a disappointing last 30 minutes from Angel that had let them down after a decent enough first sixty.
TEAM: Andy, Jamie A, Sharpy, Ash, Hoppo, Keith, Jonno, Danny B, Easty, Rob K, Tommo
SUBS USED: Jamie S
Angel Exit Hutson Cup
It was a game we had been talking about for several weeks now but unfortunately Angel exited the Hutson Cup at the Quarter Final stage after a lacklustre performance at Elton. After two friendlies in previous week's their were just a few changes made to the side, as midfielders Jason and Keith returned from injury, joined by the return of top scorer Tommo.
Into the game and kicking against the wind in the first half it was inevitable that the home side would do a lot of the early pushing but some strong defending kept the scores level in the early stages. At the other end Rob Kelly was proving to be a nuisance for the home side, and thought he had put Angel in front with a swirling free kick that appeared to cross the line, however the linesman was not up with play and could not state whether the ball crossed the line. At the other end the home side missed a penalty after Andy had brought down the Elton striker with just ten minutes of the half remaining.
Starting the second half with scores level Angel perhaps were a little too confident and despite a good chance for Tommo early on the striker could not latch onto a good through ball and the keeper gathered the ball. It was then all Elton for a spell of around 10 minutes and it was no surprise when they took the lead as a defensive error allowed the strong striker to nip in and fire past Andy.
Angel brought on Skidmore and Bez and changed to a 3-5-2 in search of an equaliser in the last fifteen minutes but despite their best efforts just could not find a cutting edge. Chances were numerous - Jonno volleyed just wide, Danny fired similarly wide, Keith saw an effort blocked, Bez had one disallowed, and Rob Kelly even missed a late penalty signalling it just wasn't meant to be our day. Unsurprisingly the late flurry of attacks left gaps at the other end of the pitch and a quick Elton breakaway saw them make it 2-0, and they progressed to the last four of the cup.
On the day it was just a case of over confidence and a clear lack of cutting edge going forward. The defence coped well with the wind in the first half and hence did their bit, but a lack of communication perhaps cost us two goals again. Going forward a bobbly pitch didn't help, but the home side adjusted to the conditions much the better and finished the only real chances they were able to create.
TEAM: Andy, Jamie A, Sharpy, Ash, Hoppo, Keith, Jonno, Danny B, Jason, Rob K, Tommo
SUBS USED: Bez, Jamie S
Angel Duo Present Plaque To Wednesday Boss
AFC Angel duo Jonno and Geoff made their way to Hillsborough to present Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws with a glass plaque as a sign of appreciation for the training sessions the club had undertook in January with the Owls coaching staff. Both Jonno and Geoff were then given complimentary tickets to watch the Owls take on barmy Ian Holloway's Plymouth Argyle, which was interesting to say the least, seeing as both are die hard Chesterfield fans.
It was great of Brian to take time out of his pre-match preparations, and the Wednesday boss seemed very pleased with the plaque which will hopefully take place somewhere in the stadium. With the Barcelona game being televised at the same time, Jonno couldn't resist commenting to Brian - "It best be a good game, we are missing Barca and Liverpool for this" - as Brian responded with a grin and told us he would inform his boys!
A full size image of Jonno and Geoff with Brian can be found by clicking here.
Meanwhile, the club can confirm they are to enter in a pre-season tournament up at Coalite where 8 teams will compete in two group stage style tournament. This comes on top of the Powerade Cup which is to take place in May, where Angel will be one of around 6-8 clubs competing for an all expenses paid trip to Barcelona. It's certainly an exciting time to be at the club!
Angel Secure Another Friendly Victory
AFC Angel continued their preperations for next weeks cup with match a friendly away to division 9 promotion chasers Hillstown. With conditions foul, heavy rain and swirling win, it was going to be a good test for the boys against a largely youthful opposition. Missing again were Tommo and Keith, whilst Ash and Jason joined the absentee list with slight injury worries.
With a slighty reshuffled pack, Angel were under most of the early pressure as the visitors used the wind to their advantage. However, despite the ball largely inside the Angel half, Andy had little to do as the defence and midfield stood firm. At the other end the wingers were linking well with the forwards, and it was one of the wingers who put Angel in front, as Danny latched onto Geoffs 25 yard pass to fire well past the home keeper.
The visitors continued to push forward, and with a host of long throws and corners, they eventually grabbed an equaliser when a flicked on corner was well headed home as the one of the Angel defence lost their marker. However, Angel finished the half the stronger with some good link up play down the right leading to Jonno flicking the ball onto the crossbar, and Bez was just unable to direct the rebound on target.
Into the second half, and Jamie Skidmore replaced an injured Danny, whilst Jamie Ainsworth further showed his ability to play in a host of positions as he came on in a central defensive role. At this point, with the wind restricting the Hillstown keeper to shorter kicks, Angel began to dominate the game. The second goal arrived around 10 minutes in when Rob Kelly fired a great strike into the roof of the net from 18 yards. Jonno then had a long range effort well saved, and substitute Skidmore's effort from distance was also well gathered by the home keeper.
Nick replaced Andy in the nets with 30 minutes to go, and Trueman followed 5 minutes later in place of Bez. Then with around fifteen minutes to go, the third and final goal was scored, as Trueman poked home from close range after good work from Skidmore. So, all in all, a good work out in terrible conditions, and we should go into next week's game at Elton in a confident manner.
TEAM: Andy, Daz, Sharpy, Easty, Hoppo, Ryan V, Jonno, Danny B, Geoff, Rob K, Bez
SUBS USED: Jamie A, Jamie S, Nick B, Trueman
Divisional Round Up
With no league game ourselves for a fortnight, it's a case of watching the league take shape as we enter March and April. This weekend there was just two league games that took place, with the third game of Miners against Brampton Royal Oak postponed leaving Miners with the probability of several midweek games at the end of the season. The games that did go ahead saw Olde House defeat Carr Vale by two goals to nil, whilst bottom club Talbot Arms Barracuda were again well beaten, this time 5-0 by an improved Innovate.
The results made little difference to the league table, although Olde House moved up a spot to overtake Derbyshire Times. However, Carr Vale's defeat now means they remain level on points with ourselves, although both sides have now played an equal amount of games - meaning the clash between the two sides in a couple of weeks time takes on greater importance.
Meanwhile, the club can confirm a friendly has again been arranged for this weekend, this time Angel making the trip to Hillstown to take on division 9 title chasers Hillstown Miners Welfare. All players are reminded to meet at the Arkwright Arms for 9-40am, and anyone with kit or owing subs to bring them this weekend!
Angel Snatch Late Win In Friendly
With an important month ahead, Angel took on Hartington Wanderers in an arranged friendly at Carr Vale. Missing from the side that had won the previous week were Tommo, Keith and Easty, so in came Sharpy, Bez, and Ryan - a player who Angel are hoping to sign for next season.
Into the game and it was the home side that showed first with some good passing through the middle, however the final ball let them down at times, whilst the Angel defence stood solid hoping to cut down on sloppy goals that had creeped in during recent games. Going forward the ball was coming back a little too quick at times, but the pace of the attacking players always looked a threat.
With ten minutes or so of the half to go Jason had to be replaced with a tight hamstring, so on came Ryan L with Jonno slotting into central midfield and Rob reverting to a wingers role. Ryan V had a header hit the cross bar, and Rob Kelly was felled for an almost certain penalty, but the referee was not in a good position and waved play on.
Daz came on at half time for Hoppo, who took the referee's whistle, with Daz taking the arm band to captain the troops. Soon after Nick Burgin made his first appearance since pre-season in the nets, replacing Andy. The play improved slightly with both teams going forward, and Nick made an excellent save from close range to keep the scores level with around twenty minutes to go.
Trueman replaced Jonno as the clock ticked on, and Angel grabbed a late winner when Ryan V set Rob Kelly free down the left, and he made no mistake with his finish as he fired a powerful shot past the keeper with the outside of his foot. Trueman worked hard on his return to the side, and showed some tricky footwork, but was unable to get the cameo goal his previous appearance on the opposite pitch had.
TEAM: Andy, Jamie A, Sharpy, Ash, Hoppo, Jason, Jonno, Rob K, Ryan V, Danny B, Bez
SUBS USED: Ryan L, Daz, Nick B, Trueman
Cup Draw Sends Angel On Journey To Elton
The anticipation is over as the March fixtures have arrived, and the cup quarter final draw will see AFC Angel make the long journey to division 8 side Elton. The opponents, who are just a few points off the top of the division 8 table, will no doubt prove our sternest test yet with their previous victories in the cup being 4-0 over our league leaders Devonshire, and a 6-2 victory over fellow division 7 side Olde House. Similar to ourselves they don't seem to struggle finding the net, and they are in fact yet to lose a game at home this season - a record we will no doubt be aiming to put an end to.
Apart from the cup, AFC Angel still have league matters to sew up and two tricky ties at the end of the month will determine whether or not a top 3 finish is still possible coming into April. On March 18th Angel travel to Bolsover for the rearranged clash with Carr Vale, whilst the week after will see the local derby with fellow New Whitt side Miners Arms, who just edged us out 3-2 at their place. It certainly looks a tough month, but having hit a bit of form in recent weeks Angel will be confident of writing a few headlines themselves.
New Friendly Confirmed For Sunday
After the cancellation of this weekends game at Hillstown, the club have acted quickly to arrange a friendly away to division 5 leaders Hartington Wanderers. The opponents, who play their games at Castle Leisure Park at Carr Vale, will be looking to reinstore some confidence after two league defeats on the bounce, whilst Angel will be looking to maintain their recent form as well as giving everyone a good run out.
All players are to meet in the car park of the Arkwright Arms (at the bottom of Duckmanton Hill) for 10-30am Sunday morning. Anyone unsure of their way or unable to play should contact Jonno before Friday evening.
Powerade Gear Arrives
A brand new kit and two water bottle carriers with bottles have arrived at the club this week as part of the prize from the competition the club won back in December. The new kit, in red and stripe hoops, is similar to QPR's away kit of previous seasons, and will be used in conjunction with the current green and white hooped strip next season. The water bottles also look very smart and couldn't come at a more ideal time with the current water bottle holder just about ready to collapse.
Meanwhile, the club can confirm this weekends proposed friendly with Hillstown has been cancelled due to the opponents having to play a rearranged league fixture. Club secretary Sharpy is looking down other avenues for friendlies at present, and all players will be notified should we be successful in finding opponents.
Also, the draw for the Hutson Cup Quarter Finals, alongside the rest of March's fixtures should arrive within the next few days. The game is likely to be played in the early weeks of March, and should AFC Angel succeed in their clash they will move into a huge semi-final game to be played on the Chesterfield annexe. After that it's the possibility of Saltergate, so there should be no bigger incentive for the players!
Angel Slot Six Past Derbyshire Times
Last weekends postponment did little to affect Angel's recent form as they produced one of their better performances of the season to see of a powerful Derbyshire Times side. Just one change was made to the team that had beaten Barracuda, as experienced Hoppo returned after being unavaliable the previous week.
Playing some excellent football in the early stages, with Jason in central midfield especially dominant, Angel took the lead around 15 minutes in when Rob Kelly's shot was blocked leaving Tommo on hand to nod home the rebound into an empty net. Chances continued to fall to the Angel, Jonno shooting just over and Danny just wide, and with the defence putting up an excellent display it appeared to be just a matter of time till the lead was extended.
Eventually the lead was extended as Tommo confidently slotted home from the spot, with Rob Kelly having been tackled from behind leaving the referee the job of pointing to the spot. Just a few minutes remained in the half, and were closed out well with a succession of corners well defended, as Angel went into the break 2-0 up after what had to be their best 45 minutes of the season.
The second half began much as the first ended, and two quick goals soon put Angel in control. Rob Kelly was left with the simple task to sidefoot home after a good cross from Danny, and the winger then got his own goal latching onto an excellent Tommo through ball to slide under the keeper. At this point Bez and Sharpy entered the game in place of Danny and Jamie, and perhaps the reshuffle caused a loss of concentration as the visitors pulled a few goals back soon after each other.
However, despite taking the foot off the gas, Angel continued to look dangerous going forward and grabbed two more goals to all but seal the points. First Bez got his first for the club with a close range header, and soon after Keith scored a fine half volley, to make it five in five for the midfielder. The visitors did manage two more late goals as we had a sloppy ten minute spell, but the result was never in doubt and Angel took the points.
TEAM: Andy, Jamie A, Easty, Ash, Hoppo, Jason, Jonno, Rob K, Keith, Danny B, Tommo
SUBS USED: Bez, Sharpy, Daz
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Jason Hickman
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Rob Kelly
Hillstown Friendly Lined Up
The club have acted to combat recent weeks of postponments by arranging a friendly on February 25th, when AFC will travel to Bolsover to take on division 9 title challengers Hillstown MW. With just one game having taken place in the last 6 weeks, although the club do have a fixture this Sunday against Derbyshire Times (rain permitting), the management felt a friendly would be ideal as the club look ahead to an important March which will include an all important cup quarter final.
So this Sunday, if the rain doesn't come down too heavy, AFC Angel will host Derbyshire Times and will be hoping to avenge their 5-3 loss earlier in the season. Both clubs are locked on 22 points, with Times having played one extra game, and both sides will be more than aware that a defeat would most likely end any hopes of being in the top 3 come the end of the season.
Snow Cancels League Fixtures
It will come as no surprise that once again the weather has caused havoc with the leagues fixtures, as the recent heavy snow and freezing conditions has put paid to yet another fixture. The council have called off all the fixtures on their pitches, which included our match at Holmebrook Valley Park, and it is highly likely that all other fixtures will fall foul of the snow too.
No training has been scheduled so feel free to overdo it on the wet stuff this weekend, with our next fixture now on the 18th at home to Derbyshire Times in another crunch game for the Angel. The two sides are locked level on points in the league, and a defeat for either side would almost certainly end any hopes of being in the end of season promotion shake up.
Meanwhile the club can confirm they have been in touch with Sheffield Wednesday about the fourth and final training session, after the dome which protected the indoor surfaces was damaged in recent high winds. As of yet no date has been confirmed for the final session, although it may well have to wait until later on in the season.
Angel Return To Action With Confident Win
After three postponments on the bounce, it was touch and go once more as players arrived at a frost covered pitch, but fortunately a strong sun was pit to defrost the surface enough and the match went ahead. With Hoppo missing, Jamie Ainsworth reverted to right back with Sharpy coming in at left back, whilst new signing Bez made the subs bench.
Into the match and Angel almost scored immediately after a great run from Danny down the left, but nobody was able to meet his cross and Barracuda cleared. Constant pressure eventually told when Tommo got his first of the game, slotting home after a precise Ainsworth pass from the back.
The strikers second was not long after, this time latching onto some good work from Keith and Jason to fire hard and low past the opposing keeper. Barracuda had a late chance after a slip up at the back, but the ball trickled wide of the post to see Angel go into the change around with a two goal advantage.
Into the second half and the goals soon started to flow. First up a Rob Kelly inswinging corner looked goal bound, as the keeper clawed the ball into the back of his net, we'll credit this one to Rob though. Next up, Tommo completed his hat-trick with a powerful header after Smith amended for a poor cross minutes before with an inch perfect cross onto the strikers head.
The same two players linked up again just minutes later, Jonno playing a great ball with the outside of his foot to put Tommo one on one with the keeper, and again the in form striker made no mistake. The sixth goal arrived five minutes later, Rob Kellys cross shot poked home by Keith for his 11th of the season.
Bez and Ryan replaced Jonno and Tommo, with Bez having a few good chances after some neat link up play from the new striker. Ryan's hard work often created the chances, although he then had to drop back into midfield to replace Jason who picked up a nasty bruiser on his left eye (see picture). Kirky came on for a run up top and almost score late on, but it was the visitors who snatched two late consolation strikes after the disrupted Angel took their foot off the pedal.
So all in all a decent enough performance although it was disappointing to concede two late goals following sloppy clearances. Over all though Easty's experience at the back provided a good base to work from, Keith and Jason in midfield were tireless, while Jonno and Danny on the wings created plenty for the strikers, who in Rob and Tommo are players right on form.
TEAM: Andy, Jamie A, Easty, Ash, Sharpy, Jason, Jonno, Rob K, Keith, Danny B, Tommo
SUBS USED: Bez, Ryan, Kirky
MANAGER'S MAN OF MATCH: Mark Thompson
REFEREE'S MAN OF MATCH: Jason Hickman
Cancelled Game Rearranged For Sunday
Last weekends fixture with Talbot Arms Barracuda has been rearranged for this Sunday coming, the 4th of February, although the away clash has now been moved to Highfield Park to give the pitches up at Holmebrook extra time to drain out. All players are expected to be at Highfield Park for 9-50am as is the usual drill with home games, and players must remember to bring their socks and any spares they have as they have all gone missing!
Meanwhile, the fixtures for February have been released, and will see AFC Angel take on Talbot Arms Barracuda this Sunday, then travel to Dronfield Victoria on the 11th, before hosting Derbyshire Times on the 18th. At present the 25th is a free week, although the club are looking into the possibility of a friendly this week.
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