LONGFORD 1-6 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 4th September 2004
TEAM
M. Downing
T. Jones J. Ralph S. Lane M. Hemmings
A. Gresty S. Hall N. Stockley T. Eeles
D. Taylor J. Freeman
Subs: W. Organ, J. Hulls, M. McKie.
On a sunny afternoon, Staunton & Corse started their second campaign in the Northern Senior League brightly. With new keeper Martyn Downing making his debut, Staunton sprinted from the blocks and were 3 up inside 17 minutes.
Nick Stockley found James Freeman near the left corner and his short cross to Tiahan Eeles was laid off into the path of skipper Stu Hall, who fired home from 22 yards. Then when Julian Ralph broke up a home attack, he set Jammer free down the inside left slot and though his cross seemed too far, Dave Taylor managed to screw his shot home. Finally, from a corner, Stuey had a shot blocked and Ju’s effort was turned for another corner. This was headed clear to Stuey on the edge of the box, and, although his first shot was blocked, he hammered the rebound home.
The rest of the half saw Staunton mainly going forward, while the defence coped easily with what Longford had to offer.
Longford dominated the first ten minutes of the second half as Staunton appeared to be still sucking their oranges. They had 3 half chances, one of which found the side netting. In the 72nd minute Martyn made a great save tipping away a shot from the left back and got flattened into the bargain by an oncoming forward. The ref took no action, but this seemed to spur the visitors on.
Within two minutes, Staunton got their fourth. Stuey cashed in on a mistake, crossed to the unmarked Tay, who controlled well and fired home. Five minutes later, Longford got on the score sheet. Martyn was deceived by the bounce of a long ball into the box and was beaten. Staunton finished the game in style with two goals in the last five minutes, both from Nick Stockley. The first came from Stuey’s corner, headed in at the far post and the second, bursting through the middle, shrugging off the centre half before firing home.
STAUNTON & CORSE 2 – 2 HORSLEY UNITED
Saturday 11th September 2004
TEAM
M. Parry
T. Jones J. Ralph S. Lane M. Hemmings
A. Gresty S. Hall A. Phelps T. Eeles
D. Taylor J. Freeman
Subs: J. Hulls, M. McKie.
Little of the effort, skill and enthusiasm from last week appeared in this week’s game and yet Staunton almost got away with it once they played their “Get out of jail free” card.
The first half hour was fairly even, with both sides creating chances, but failing due to a combination of poor finishing and unlucky close shaves. Mark Parry, between the sticks for the first time, kept the home side in the game making two excellent saves from close range. However, he had no chance to save the penalty awarded to Horsley, after Trev Jones had bundled over one of their players.
As last week, Staunton were slow out of the blocks at the start of the second half. The visitors were awarded a free kick and with none of the defence taking charge in the swirling wind, the ball bounced over all of them into the net. The next quarter of an hour saw no improvement as Staunton seemed disjointed.
However, in the 63rd minute, they got a lift. Andy Phelps crossed from the left and Oscar Gresty rose at the far post to head over the keeper. The task to get back into the game was made more difficult when Dave Taylor was sent off in frustration, mouthing to the referee that he was getting no protection from him against the constant foul challenges on him.
Staunton continued to go forward in search of the equaliser and nearly succeeded when Phelper had a shot cleared off the line. Finally, in the 95th minute, Marcus Mckie, aka Jocky, rose to head in Stuey Hall’s free kick. There was still time two minutes later for Phelper to burst through the middle, but he shot against the keeper.
CHARFIELD 1 – 5 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 25th September 2004
TEAM
M. Downing
J. Ralph M. McKie W. Organ T. Ravenscroft
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane A. Phelps
N. Stockley D. Taylor
Subs: J. Hulls, M. Hemmings, T. Eeles.
The inconsistencies of the previous Saturday were forgotten about as Staunton ran out convincing winners at Charfield. Staunton took the lead in the 9th minute from a corner, gained by a deflected Toan Ravenscroft shot. When Dave Taylor floated the ball in, the unmarked Wayne Organ shot home from 12 yards.
The lead was nearly increased a couple of minutes later when a deft flick from Adam Gresty put Tay clear down the left and from his cross, Nick Stockley headed just wide. The second goal did not take long in coming though as Andy Phelps crossed from the left for Stocks to side foot home.
With the defence playing confidently, only allowing the home team a couple of half chances, it meant that Staunton could continue to press, with Stocks twice and Wayne both going close. Then two minutes before half time it looked as if the visitors had sewn the game up as Oscar went down the right and pulled the ball back from the by-line to Phelper on the edge of the box and he found room for a low curler to go in off the post.
As expected, Charfield started the second half strongly. Within three minutes there was a scramble in the Staunton area which finished with a fine save from Martyn Downing. He was brought into action shortly afterwards when the referee ignored Bobby Bond’s offside flag and a stinging shot was well tipped over.
Around the hour mark, the visitors started to take control of the game again and both Tay and Toan went close. Then a fine move saw Staunton get there fourth. Toan chipped the ball forward for Tay to head on to Phelper who sprinted to the by-line before crossing to the far post where Shaun Lane arrived to head home.
In the 69th minute the home side were awarded a controversial penalty, presumably for climbing, which was easily converted. Five minutes from time, Stuey put Phelper away down the left and his cross was controlled by Tay, who took it round the keeper before slotting home.
TUFFLEY ROVERS 0 – 1 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 2nd October 2004
TEAM
J. Hulls W. Organ M. McKie M. Hemmings
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane N. Stockley
D. Taylor A. Phelps
Subs: T. Jones, T. Eeles, T. Stockley.
Staunton’s 100% away form continued with a hard earned victory thanks to an early Andy Phelps goal and a battling performance from the back five in particular and the four across midfield.
Staunton’s first break came in the 6th minute when Phelper burst through the middle, went past a defender and shot home as the keeper came out. The remainder of the half was a very even affair with both sides playing some neat football, but both defences limited the opposition to a few half chances.
The second period saw a lot of pressure from Tuffley, but the visitors defence stood firm. Staunton were though now struggling to build any attacks. The passing was going astray and Stuey Hall and Shaun Lane in the middle of the park were being by-passed. One opportunity did fall to Adam Gresty after a Dave Taylor shot came back off the keeper, but Oscar blazed well over.
Two or three excellent saves from Martyn ensured Staunton went home with the points. There was however one failure on the day. As Jocky was being cautioned by the young female referee, he was unable to get her address and phone number.
STONEHOUSE 1 – 4 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 9th October 2004
TEAM
M. Hemmings W. Organ M. McKie Ju. Ralph
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane A. Phelps
D. Taylor N. Stockley
Subs: J. Hulls, T. Ravenscroft, Jo. Ralph.
Staunton’s impressive away form continued with another convincing win away from Gloucester Road. An early double strike set them on their way and a good all round performance sealed the points.
After a frustrating opening containing a bit of panic and poor passing, the nerves were settled when Nick Stockley pounced on a poor back pass, outpaced the defence and beat the keeper to the ball to slide it home. Then just before the quarter of an hour mark, a Staunton corner to the back post was headed back by Wayne Organ. It seemed to be going to safety, but as the defence stood watching, Oscar Gresty stretched out a leg and hooked back over his shoulder and into the net.
Defensively, Staunton were coping well with the Stonehouse attacks, whilst the midfield four were closing down on the opposition quickly, giving them little time on the ball. When Staunton went forward however, they sometimes tried to be a bit too cute and hence few chances came their way.
As the second half started, Stocks and Dave Taylor worked hard and set each other up with chances that went close. Staunton’s failure to put chances away suddenly looked dodgy when Stonehouse got back in the game. After two good blocks by Martyn Downing, a corner was only half cleared and the shot from the edge of the box hit the back of the net.
Staunton soon regained their advantage though when Toan Ravenscroft, on for an injured Stocks, released Andy Phelps into space down the left. Phelper strode into the area, went round the keeper and struck home from a tightish angle.
As the game went into the final minutes, Phelper almost doubled his account when a little overhead kick from a Tay corner hit the top of the bar. Then in the final minute, Phelper raced down the left and opened up the home defence when he squared to Tay to side foot home at the far post.
STAUNTON 5 – 2 DURSLEY TOWN
Saturday 16th October 2004
TEAM
M. Downing
M. Hemmings W. Organ M. McKie J. Ralph
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane T. Eeles
D. Taylor A. Phelps
What appears on paper to be a comfortable win was far from it as Dursley made Staunton battle all the way and only two late goals saw Staunton secure the points.
Staunton started brightly, the visiting keeper just getting back to his line in time to collect an Andy Phelps chip. Then the referee waved advantage twice as both Shaun Lane and Phelper were fouled in the build up to a cross that neither Adam Gresty nor Dave Taylor could reach.
On 20 minutes, Dursley warned of their intent when a long range shot went just over. Within two minutes the visitors had taken the lead. Good work out on the right allowed space for a cross and a good leap and powerful header gave Martyn Downing no chance. On the half hour, a corner from Tay was met powerfully by Wayne Organ but the goal bound header was handled by the full back on the line. As the home side and supporters called for a penalty, the referee consulted with the Dursley linesman, who informed him that the ball had crossed the line. The referee awarded the goal and he was saved from having to decide whether to send the player off for deliberate hand ball.
The 30 minutes either side of half time was pretty even and mainly played out in the middle of the park and with few chances coming along, but then Staunton moved up a gear and a period of sustained pressure saw them ease away from the opposition.
First Tay broke through the middle, drew the keeper and rolled it past him only to see it cleared off the line. Oscar retrieved it, pulled it back to Tay but his 10 yard strike was cleared off the line again. However, within two minutes Tay did find the net from a very narrow angle after a Tiahan shot was blocked. Three minutes later, Stuey released Oscar who broke clear down the right who cut in and neatly chipped the keeper to make it 3-1.
A further three minutes on saw a superb move that deserved a goal. Mike Hemmings took a throw for Oscar to flick onto Phelper, who killed the ball back to Oscar for him to slip it inside to Laner, but his shot was just over.
In the 73rd minute Staunton went to sleep when a long range shot came back off the corner of the frame and a Dursley forward was quickest to react and volley home. Staunton had another shot from Stuey cleared off the line before Wayne’s long ball found Phelper on the right and as he cut in and shot, a deflection deceived the keeper and he could only watch as the ball rolled into the net.
Stuey then helped to seal the points two minutes from time when he collected the ball in the centre circle and, with three players ahead of him in offside positions, went it alone, beat three defenders down the middle before squaring to Tay for a simple side foot home.
STAUNTON & CORSE 4 – 0 MITCHELDEAN
Saturday 30th October 2004
TEAM
M. Downing
M. Hemmings M. McKie W. Organ J. Ralph
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane A. Phelps
D. Taylor W. Morford
Subs: T. Eeles, J. Hulls, T. Jones
A bit like last week in as much some people would say that 4 – 0 was a little flattering. However, the idea of the game is to take your chances, which Staunton did. The defence were mainly solid and the build up going forward was at times impressive. We also saw an excellent debut from Hartpury College boy, Will Morford.
The first five minutes saw Mitcheldean have two unchallenged headers, which thankfully were not on target. In the 14th minute they had a free kick on the edge of the home box. It was blocked by the wall and a quick break was on. Andy Phelps sent a long ball downfield for Dave Taylor and Stu Hall to race onto. Between them they contrived to round the keeper and Stuey, that magnificent midfield dynamo who also doubles up as the Fines Master, still had a lot of work to do before tapping into the empty net from six inches.
The visitors hit back and broke through the middle, only to find Martyn Downing on top form with a great one handed save. The midfields were cancelling each other out most of the time and it needed a good build up to create a chance. Staunton almost doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Tay and Oscar Gresty combined down the right before Oscar crossed to the far post. Julian Ralph showed his strength in the air to beat two defenders and nod down for Shaun Lane, but unfortunately, his first time shot went straight at the keeper.
The second was not long in coming though as just six minutes later, Phelper crossed from the left and when it was only half cleared to the edge of the box, Stuey expertly controlled the ball before firing home, taking the slightest of deflections on the way in. This magnificent leader of men is starting to score the goals he is capable of from midfield, a la Lee Hendrie at the Villa.
The first half finished with the visitors going forward strongly, firstly with a goalmouth scramble that Staunton just managed to clear and then with a cross that flashed across the face of the goal. Finally, just before the break, Martyn made a great save at the feet of an opponent.
The second half opened with both sides having shots over the bar. In the 65th minute, Tiahan Eeles came on for Phelper, who was carrying an ankle injury and immediately got into the action. He collected and controlled the ball well just inside the Mitcheldean half before feeding Will Morford and then raced through the middle to collect the return pass. Running through the middle, and under pressure from a defender, he rifled home from 15 yards.
Within three minutes, Will set off after a long ball, showed his strength in holding off the centre half, before rounding the keeper but unfortunately could only find the side netting. Then Mitcheldean mounted some serious pressure for about ten minutes, but with the defence standing firm the closest they came was when a shot came off Martyn’s body onto the post before Ju completed the clearance.
Three minutes from time the visitors almost breached the home defence, but Mike Hemmings somehow got back to clear off the line. Up at the other end, Wayne Organ had a powerful header cleared off the line, but in the final minute, Staunton secured the points and the midfield marvel Stuey, who does such a fair job with the after match fines, with magnificent help from Ju, got his well deserved hat-trick. Oscar chipped the ball forward and Will held the ball up, turned and fed the maestro, who toe poked home from 12 yards.
During added on time, Tay shot just over and Will’s dipping shot clipped the top of the bar.
CAM BULLDOGS 4 – 1 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 6th November 2004 – County Cup
TEAM
M. Downing
J. Hulls M. McKie W. Organ J. Ralph
T. Jones S. Hall S. Lane A. Gresty
T. Eeles D. Taylor
Subs: A. Phelps, M. Hemmings
Staunton came up against a side a division above them, and although Cam did not always show a huge gap between the two sides, they certainly showed a bigger desire for the result, closing down the visitors quickly, especially in the first half.
Cam nearly took the lead in the 2nd minute when a back pass to Martyn Downing saw his clearance charged down and ricochet to another forward, but Martyn made a great recovery and saved well. However, in the 10th minute a great diagonal ball put a Cam forward clear through the middle and though Martyn made a great save, the rebound fell to an unmarked man who gave Martyn no chance.
Martyn was soon in action again, tipping away a cross cum shot. Staunton were finding it difficult to get into the game and create anything. When Wayne Organ found Oscar Gresty, his shot was heading for the top corner until the Cam keeper got there in time. Just after the half hour, Cam clipped the top of the bar. Then Tiahan Eeles had a good little run before being fouled outside the box. Unfortunately the free kick came to nothing.
Just before half time Cam doubled their lead with a great free kick move. The ball was stroked wide of the wall to a man who dummied, turned and moved for the ball played into his pass for him to convert well. The first half had seen Staunton second best in every department, with Cam thoroughly deserving their lead.
Following a bit of straight talking at half time, Staunton started the second half much better. A neat spell of passing ended with Stu Hall shooting just wide. Then Ju Ralph took a throw to Tiahan who squared it to Dave Taylor. He ran square to beat his man before hitting a screamer past the previously untroubled home keeper.
With Staunton challenging much better, you felt that a comeback was on the cards until Wayne was nudged in the air which meant that his header was misdirected and it gave the opposing full back the opportunity to score with, well what was it? A miss-hit shot or a miss-hit cross? Either way it rocked Staunton and the remainder of the game was played out with few opportunities until five minutes from time. Then, when a Staunton corner was cleared, Cam broke quickly with a 2 on 2 situation and their forward managed to hit a shot across Martyn into the far corner.
Oh well, let’s concentrate on the league.
TETBURY TOWN 4 – 2 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 13th November 2004
TEAM
J. Dudfield
T. Jones M. Hemmings W. Organ J. Hulls
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane T. Eeles
D. Taylor A. Phelps
Subs: L. Creese, C. Phelps.
A five minute spell in the second half put an end to Staunton’s unbeaten league run as Tetbury racked up 3 goals. After a good first half, things turned bad just after the hour as the league leaders turned the game on its head.
The game started so well when, in the fourth minute, Adam Gresty slid the ball through the middle for Tiahan Eeles to run onto and holding off a challenge from a defender slipped the ball past the approaching keeper. Tetbury hit back two minutes later but an amazing double save by Jim Dudfield kept the visitors ahead. He parried the first shot well but it fell at the feet of another forward who shot towards the open net. Jim somehow got up and flung himself across the goal to get to the ball.
Staunton doubled their lead in the 18th minute when, following a neat build up, Dave Taylor laid a great ball into Andy Phelps’ path. Cutting in from the right, he hit a great left foot shot into the far corner. Tetbury kept coming forward but the defence stood firm limiting them to one shot that went over the bar.
Just after the half hour, Tetbury got one back following a deep cross from the right. Jim came to claim it but found too many people in his way and the ball was headed home. A minute later they almost got the equaliser when one of their forwards found enough time in the box to pick his spot. Luckily for Staunton a slight deflection took the ball onto the post and away.
Early in the second half, when a high ball was knocked into the visitors area, no one seemed to jump for it and a looping header from a Tetbury forward was watched onto the post by player / manager Wayne Organ.
In the 57th minute Staunton hit back when Oscar sneaked in behind the defence to head a Phelper cross just wide, but it was not clear whether the home linesman gave a goal kick or offside. Two minutes later, Tiahan had a chance to double his personal tally when he was put in through the middle, but his shot was well saved.
Tetbury suddenly came alive again and posted a warning in the 62nd minute when two broke clear, but once again, Jim saved well. However within a minute Staunton lost the ball on the halfway line and the home side broke quickly down the inside left slot and fired home. Two minutes later a fast break down the left led to another goal when the ball was squared into the middle. The transformation was complete three minutes later when a Tetbury player waltzed through the defence all too easily to slot home. (Did I see him on TV later in the evening on Strictly Come Dancing?)
To their credit Staunton kept going forward trying to get something out of the game but the home defence held firm.
LYDBROOK ATHLETIC 7 – 3 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 27th November 2004
TEAM
M. Downing
J. Hulls W. Organ J. Ralph M. Hemmings
A. Gresty S. Lane D. Taylor L. Creese
T. Eeles A. Phelps
Sub: M. Dudfield
What started so brightly ended an embarrassing disaster. After going two up, Lydbrook scored two good goals and we gifted them two. Staunton then got back in the game only for the referee to gift the home side two goals and our defence to give them the last.
Staunton opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Oscar Gresty found Lee Creese with a great cross-field ball. Lee, under pressure from his marker, slightly over ran the ball, but controlled it well and as he turned his man, he fired home from near the corner of the box. Before Staunton doubled their lead in the 22nd minute, Lydbrook had shown their capabilities by hitting the bar. Andy Phelps flicked onto Dave Taylor who set off down the right. As he approached the box, Tiahan Eeles made an intelligent run across the box taking a defender with him and leaving a huge gap for Phelper to run into. Tay squared the ball to him and his slightly scuffed shot beat the keeper.
Two minutes later a Tay corner fell unexpectedly at Wayne Organ’s feet but he was unable to react quick enough. Lydbrook soon got back into the game, when the referee awarded a free kick - God knows why – on the edge of the box. It was beautifully struck, giving Martin Downing no chance. Then two goals in two minutes just before half time seemed to have settled the game. Firstly the defence had two chances to clear, but on each occasion the ball was charged down and it broke free for a 1 on 1, with Martin having no chance again. Then, following a good build up down the left, when the ball was squared across the box, the defence was AWOL and the Lydbrook player easily slotted home.
Early in the second half, Lydbrook took a 4-2 lead with their second well-worked goal. A great cross and a thumping header at the far post matched a good build up down the right. This seemed to stir the visitors into action and for the next 15 minutes they started to work hard. This culminated in a good goal from Tiahan. Oscar battled hard in midfield to win the ball before releasing T down the inside left slot. He won the challenge with the central defender before firing a left foot shot home.
Hope was raised, both on the pitch and on the touchline, however the referee soon put paid to that. When a Lydbrook shot hit a hand at close range, a penalty was awarded and this was converted. Then Tay was bustled off the ball in midfield, no foul was awarded and the Lydbrook player strode forward to flick over Martin. Then Lydbrook strolled through two or three missed tackles to get their seventh.
STAUNTON & CORSE 2 – 4 KINGSWOOD
Saturday 4th December 2004
TEAM
M. Downing
L. Creese W. Organ J. Ralph M. Hemmings
A. Gresty S. Lane S. Hall T. Eeles
D. Taylor A. Phelps
Subs: J. Hulls, M. McKie
Staunton’s defensive frailties of the last couple of games were again evident on a sticky surface. Once again a lead was surrendered.
The first 20 minutes mainly saw Kingswood going forward without creating any real chances but the home defence looked panicky. Against the run of play, the home side took the lead when Andy Phelps hit a shot from the right side of the penalty box and the ball seemed to go in slow motion in off the far post.
A few minutes later, Mike Hemmings tackled a Kingswood forward and the ball ran back to Martin Downing who picked the ball up. The referee awarded an indirect free kick for picking up a back pass, despite overlooking a similar incident at the other end a couple of minutes earlier. The free kick was charged down. Kingswood were soon back on level terms though when a loose ball in midfield was played first time into the path of a forward through the middle and he slotted home.
As half time approached, Martin made a brilliant one handed save following a free header at a corner. The visitors took the lead a minute from the break after a Staunton attack broke down. They made a quick break and their player got through two missed tackles and ran half the length of the pitch before firing home a great goal.
The second half started as the first half finished with Kingswood in the ascendancy. Staunton survived two goalmouth scrambles which saw the post hit and one off the line. In the 57th minute, Kingswood increased their lead. When a high ball was knocked forward, it was won in the air and knocked square to an unmarked player. Though Martin made a good block he was helpless with the rebound.
This spurred Staunton into action and when Martin threw the ball out to Stuey Hall, he found Dave Taylor down the right who sped past his man and hit a low cross which unfortunately, Phelper put just wide. Then with a quarter of an hour left, Tay struck a free kick into the top corner to raise home hopes. These were soon dashed when a Kingswood corner was won in the air and a forward reacted quickly to flick the ball home as it dropped and seal the game for the high flying visitors.
STAUNTON & CORSE 7 – 3 MUSHET & COALWAY
Saturday 11th December 2004
TEAM
M. Bayliss
T. Jones W.Organ J. Ralph
A. Gresty S. Lane S. Hall T. Eeles
D. Taylor
A. Phelps W. Morford
Subs: J. Hulls, M. Hemmings, T. Hall.
Staunton welcomed back Mark Bayliss, Trev Jones and Will Morford and started off with a new look formation in an attempt to stem the recent flow of goals against them. They also started with greater determination and this was rewarded with an early goal – and what a beautifully worked one at that. Oscar Gresty won the ball in the middle, laid it back to Dave Taylor, who played it down the line to Tiahan Eeles. He feinted and turned his man easily before putting in a perfect cross for Will to steal in at the near post to glance home after just one minute.
The next 10 minutes saw Staunton controlling the game with Tay, Stuey, Will, Andy Phelps, Oscar and T well to the fore. Both Oscar and Phelper fired over after good moves. The home side were playing some excellent football and producing some excellent moves. One such should have seen their lead doubled after great passing between Stuey, Tay, Phelper, Oscar and Will saw a low cross dummied and run through to Tay, who contrived to put the ball over the top from close range.
Most of the time Mushet were just happy to clear the ball anywhere and the Staunton defence were mainly able to collect the ball and knock forward again. Defensively, the home side looked much more comfortable than in recent weeks. When Mushet did cause a threat, Mark Bayliss produced three or four excellent saves during the game.
Just after the half hour, Staunton won a penalty after T was pulled back. Stuey Hall converted comfortably. Within two minutes the home side were three up. Ju Ralph put a forward under pressure on the half way line and his hopeful pass was easily intercepted by Phelper. He switched on the afterburner, went past the full back to the by-line and pulled the ball back for Will to roll in his second.
A minute before half time, Will went on a great run, fed Stuey who chipped the ball forward for Phelper to head on, only for T’s volley to go just over. Then right on the stroke of half time, a miracle almost as great as Christmas itself occurred. A Tay free kick was pushed away at the post, but Will battled to pull the ball back. A bit of a scramble followed before T laid the ball back to the edge of the box for Trev Jones to hit one of the sweetest strikes seen at the Gloucester Road ground. By the time he was substituted in the second half it was a 25 yard strike. In the bar after the game it had become 30 yards.
The second half started in the same vein with both Stuey and Tay going close before Will set off on a good run down the right and pulled the ball back from the by-line for Phelper to crash home. Defensive collywobbles reappeared after 57 minutes when the Mushet striker was allowed to beat two men in the area before rounding Mark to tap in.
Staunton picked up the pace again and first Tay was just wide from a free kick, then Phelper struck a volley against the bar. A quick break started by Ju nearly saw him convert Oscar’s cross. On 70 minutes, Shaun Lane fed Phelper but his cross was intercepted. The defender dallied too long and Phelper recovered the ball to crash home a right foot shot from a narrow angle into the roof of the net.
Five minutes later, Phelper nearly got his hat-trick when he sped down the right, making the full back look like he was going backwards, cut in and hit a fierce left footer, only to see the keeper block it. His misfortune was a bonus for Will, who easily tucked away the rebound for his hat-trick.
Leading 7 – 1, Staunton eased up and allowed the visitors two late strikes as a consolation.
BISHOPS CLEEVE RES. 0-1 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 18th December 2004
TEAM
M. Bayliss
M. Hemmings W. Organ J. Ralph J. Hulls
M. McKie
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane T. Eeles
D. Clemence
Sub: D. Jones.
An outstanding battling performance from what started out as an under strength side. By the end, each and every player gave 110% and would make it very difficult for the management team to make changes for the next game. Although Bishops Cleeve had more possession throughout the game, Staunton’s system and their determination to not give anything away, won through in the end and earned an excellent three points.
As early as the second minute, Staunton warned the home side of their intent, when a neat little run into the box by Tiahan Eeles was only stopped by a timely interception. However, Bishops Cleeve started to put the pressure on with a lot of possession, but the closest they came was on the quarter of an hour when a ball was played through the middle, but Mark Bayliss was out quickly to block and the rebound was hit wide.
Staunton, while closing down and frustrating the home side well, were being limited to attacking on the break. An opportunity came in the 17th minute when a Ju Ralph free kick was headed on by Dan Clemence for T to hit a volley just wide. Just before the half hour, Adam Gresty tried a flick lob which bounced off the top of the framework.
Just before half time, after another period of pressure, the visitors failed to clear a cross, a low shot was well saved by Baylo and when the rebound was squared back across the goal it needed to be cleared off the line.
The second half continued in the same vein, with Bishops Cleeve having most of the possession but rarely looking dangerous. Then, in the 64th minute, Staunton broke quickly when Stu Hall found Dan out on the right. After taking it on, he crossed low into the box and there was Stu, having continued his run, to find the roof of the net from 8 yards out.
Within two minutes, the referee awarded a penalty against Wayne Organ – though no one knew why. However, Baylo made a fantastic save, diving low to his right to push it away. Some would say that justice was done and indeed Stuey did, and found himself in the ref’s notebook.
The last 20 minutes was mainly the home side coming forward, but as time went by they became more and more frustrated and created very little. The closest they came was when a goal bound blockbuster was somehow headed clear by Jocky McKie – though how much he knew about it is another question. When the final whistle came, it was a relief to the very tired but elated Staunton side.
STAUNTON & CORSE 1–2 LONGFORD
Saturday 8th January 2005
TEAM
J. Dudfield
J. Hulls M. Hemmings W. Organ J. Ralph
M. McKie
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane T. Eeles
A. Phelps
Subs: A. Green, N. Stockley, C. Phelps.
After a quarter of an hour, Longford had a curling free kick from just outside the box well saved by Jim Dudfield. Within a minute Andy Phelps broke through the middle from Stuey's pass and his 20 yard shot left the visiting keeper motionless, but unfortunately the ball just went over the corner of the goal frame.
Longford were causing the home side problems and took the lead in the 37th minute when their forward chased after a ball through the middle and got between Ju Ralph and Jim to poke the ball home. Just before half time Jocky McKie had to be replaced by Andrew Green.
The home side put the pressure on early in the second half and first Tiahan Eeles shot over after a scramble in the area and then a defensive error let Phelper in but he shot wide as he tried to place it. On the hour Nick Stockley replaced Oscar Gresty.
Against the run of play, Longford extended their lead in the 62nd minute when home defenders got in each others way allowing the visiting player an empty net.
Carl Phelps came on for Jon Hulls and Staunton continued to press forward. When a corner was only half cleared, Phelper had a low drive blocked. Then Phelper found Stocks with a crossfield pass, but his curling shot was just wide. In the 73rd minute, Longford failed to clear the ball to safety and it fell to Mike Hemmings on the edge of the box to drive home (or was it 30 yards? 40 yards?)
In the 82nd minute from a corner, Shaun Lane flicked on at the near post and the ball was forced home. However, the Longford linesman signalled that the corner had gone out of play and back in again. The referee disallowed the goal.
A disappointing display with a disappointing result.
HORSLEY UNITED 2–0 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 15th January 2005
TEAM
M. Bayliss
J. Hulls W. Organ J. Ralph M. Hemmings
T. Eeles S. Hall T. Jones S. Lane A. Gresty
D. Clemence
Subs: None.
Another huge disappointment with only a bare 11 turning up. Your touchline reporter had to resume his duties of a couple of years ago and carry the flag, so was unable to take any notes. Suffice to say that on a pitch that the home side were obviously used to, they were better than us and though the 11 battled gamely errors allowed the home side to take the points 2–0.
STAUNTON & CORSE 3–1 TUFFLEY ROVERS RES.
Saturday 22nd January 2005
TEAM
J. Dudfield
T. Jones W. Organ J. Ralph J. Hulls
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane A. Phelps
D. Clemence D. Taylor
Subs: T. Eeles, K. Smith
In early exchanges, both teams went close, shooting just wide, but in the 16th minute, Staunton took the lead. When a Staunton corner was cleared, Stu Hall recovered the ball and fed Trev Jones who knocked the ball through the middle. Wayne Organ, slow getting back from the corner, latched onto it to fire home. Within 5 minutes the home side had doubled their advantage after a great crossfield ball from Andy Phelps found Dave Taylor who controlled neatly before smashing home.
In the 34th minute, Tuffley got back into the game when a free kick was headed on and then headed in at the back post. A minute later Tay chipped to Trev and when he headed on, Shaun Lane drove just over.
The referee was not helping the game flow as he made some controversial decisions which were starting to annoy both sides. He booked Laner and then Stu. In the 65th minute, Tay chased down the right and pulled the ball back to Stu who forced the ball on to Phelper who slotted the ball home to re-instate the two goal advantage.
The referee popped up again a minute later when he sent Tay off for a minor indiscretion after he queried a decision. The ref later down graded it to a caution, but it didn’t make things easy for the home side to hang on to a well deserved win.
STAUNTON & CORSE 2–4 CHARFIELD
Saturday 29th January 2005
TEAM
M. Parry
T. Jones W. Organ J. Ralph J. Hulls
A. Gresty S. Hall D. Clemence T. Eeles
D. Taylor A. Phelps
Subs: M. Hemmings, K. Smith.
This was a real Jekyll & Hyde performance showing the best and the worst of Staunton. The home side opened brightly with Stu Hall firing just over after good play from Tiahan Eeles and Dave Taylor. In the 16th minute they deservedly took the lead when Andy Phelps went down the left and crossed low. Tay dummied at the near post found Stu, who ran half the length of the pitch, in acres of room at the back post to slot home.
Within two minutes however, the visitors had equalised. The home defence had 2 or 3 chances to clear, all of which failed, allowing their forward to fire home. The game was becoming end to end and just 3 minutes later, Staunton regained the lead. Tiahan chased a long ball through the middle, challenged and won the ball for Phelper alongside him to finish off.
Yet again, within a few minutes, defensive frailties let the visitors back in the game. A Charfield free kick just outside the box was rolled into an unmarked forward in the six yard box and a soft back flick saw the ball trickle home. Just before half time, Staunton had a couple of chances to regain the lead. First following good work from Stuey, Oscar and Phelper, Tay, trying to trap the ball in the middle of the goal, lost control and then a Phelper cross found Oscar at the far post but his side foot shot went across the goal.
Unfortunately, the home side did little in the second half and that allowed Charfield to control the game. Apart from a couple of half chances early and late in the half, both of which were saved by the visiting keeper, Staunton did not look like scoring.
Charfield took advantage in the 56th minute when one of their players slipped past Wayne Organ to create a 2 on 1 situation and they converted with a lob over the keeper. They sealed the game in the 86th minute when they caught Staunton pushing forward for the equaliser, had a 2 on 2 and fired home from 15 yards.
MUSHET & COALWAY 2-5 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 2nd April 2005
TEAM
J. Goodwin
M. Hemmings W. Organ T. Jones
S. Lane
A. Gresty S. Hall D. Clemence T. Eeles
D. Taylor A. Phelps
Subs: J. Hulls
Staunton started the match with the defence a bit thin on the ground with Ralphy and Jocker not available, meaning Laner sat just in front, protecting them.
The game started at 100mph with neither side really taking control. Staunton had a good chance early on with wasn’t taken and although Mushet didn’t have a decent opportunity, they looked very dangerous on the break with a pacy frontline. The main threat seemingly being a long ball from the back over our defence for their forwards to run onto.
Staunton, and in particular, Trev Jones, were lucky to escape a penalty appeal when the ball seemed to bounce up and hit Trev on the hand. Actually, it didn’t seem to hit him on the arm, it DID hit him on the arm and Trev went chuckling down the left wing with the ball.
Staunton then took the lead after 20 minutes following a fine move. The ball was played between Stuey, Danny and Laner, who moved the ball out to Tiahan. He laid it to Tay who took the ball and cut inside and crossed to Stuey at the far post who had continued his run and planted a fine header back across the keep into the far corner.
Staunton then didn’t capitalise on some further poor marking from the Mushet defence and could have had a couple more goals before Mushet grabbed an equaliser. The ball got chipped through to the tall centre forward who turned well and played a neat one-two with his partner and finished well leaving Joe with no chance. Staunton didn’t seem their usual selves giving Mushet time to settle and would have to up their game if they were going to claim their much needed win. Mushet’s joy was short lived however when the ball fell to Laner who was around 25 yards out from goal. He controlled the headed clearance and hit the ball on the half volley. The ball screamed into the top right hand corner of the net leaving the Mushet keeper with no chance. This buoyed Staunton on and they went into the break 2-1 ahead.
The second half started better for Staunton with them on top, playing some half decent football. Tay missed what can only be described as an “absolute sitter”. The ball was neatly exchanged between Danny, Stuey and Oscar who sent Danny down the right hand side and played a great ball into Tay who was 0.87yards from goal but still somehow managed to still smash to ball over the bar by some margin.
Staunton didn’t have to wait much longer for their third goal though when Andy Phelps was fouled on the edge of the area. With the “training ground free kick” ready to be actioned, Tay ignored all of that and went for goal – only to find Oscar in the way who turned and flicked the ball with his head into the other corner of the net.
Mushet somehow managed to get back into the game following some comical defending. With the Staunton defence sleeping, the Mushet centre created havoc in the centre of the defence and with the ball bouncing around in the area, the recent replacement for Mike Hemmings, Jon Hulls produced and marvellous cross for Laner to head into the corner of his own net. From the kick off, Staunton very nearly regained their two goal cushion. The ball was touched by Danny and Tay looked up and lobbed the keeper. With the keeper back pedalling and eventually tripping over his shoelace, it looked as though the ball was going to drop inside the left hand post only for it to bounce and spin just wide.
In the next five minutes, Staunton’s chances of winning the match could have been severely damaged as panic set in the defence again where the Mushet centre forward who had only just come on managed to somehow bundle his way through 3 Staunton defenders and as Joe came to block his shot, managed to flick the ball past him only to see it hit the post and bounce back in the arms of the grateful keeper.
Good inter change between Stuey and Tay meant Phelper going down the left hand side and Phelper produced a lovely chip into the centre which found Tay continuing his run who managed to beat the Mushet keeper to the ball and flicked it into the empty net with his head. Déjà vu nearly happened two minutes later with a cross from Danny being met by Tay who was a couple of yards out but the Mushet keeper managed to put him off and he headed wide – with Tay getting a punch in the head for his troubles.
The remainder of the match saw Staunton pushing forward with Mushet’s only chances coming on the occasional break. They did however force Joe into a wonderful left handed save with a finely struck shot.
Staunton soon made it five with yet another fine goal. The ball was brought out of defence by Trev who gave it to Tiahan, inside to Laner and then onto Stuey who had options to both sides. With Tay screaming from the right and Phelper from the left, Stuey took the ball passed two defenders and on the edge of the area, cutting back inside another two to fire low to the keepers right and into the bottom corner.
Staunton had many more chances to increase their lead with the best chance falling to Tay again. He was put through by Oscar on the right hand side and with one defender and the keeper to beat, Tay went past the last man and ignored Stuey and Phelper who were at the far post all unmarked. His shot was parried away and out for a corner.
At the final whistle, Staunton were relieved to have claimed a much needed three points and they had done so without playing their best football but overall, it was a very pleasing win with some lovely goals.
STAUNTON & CORSE 2-4 BRIMSCOMBE & THRUPP
Saturday 26th March 2005
TEAM
J. Goodwin
T. Jones W. Organ J. Ralph
M. Mckie
A. Gresty S. Hall D. Clemence T. Eeles
D. Taylor A. Phelps
Subs: K. Smith, M. Hemmings
Brimscombe and Thrupp came to Staunton on a high being league leaders and enjoyed the rub of the green in a game Staunton felt they had deserved more than a 4-2 defeat.
Staunton hassled and harried well early on and didn’t give Brimscombe a chance to settle.
Brimscombe somehow found themselves in a 3 goal lead without actually dominating any part of the match. First of all, a corner was only partially cleared and the centre forward turned a struck a sweetly struck shot into the roof of the net. The second goal was a bit of a disaster for the Staunton defence with the ball falling to Oscar who was around 12 yards from his own goal. With nothing really on, he tried to play the ball out of defence only to find the Brimscombe centre forward who proceeded to smash the ball past a helpless Joe in goal.
Again, the lucky breaks leaders tend to get happened again when a throw-in went down the left hand side and the Brimscombe winger cut inside and shot. The shot was poor and actually turned into a cross and the ball hit the Brimscombe centre forward and he unknowingly put the ball into the net.
Staunton’s hard work was then credited with a goal when the ball got played into Stuey from Oscar on the right who played it onto Tiahan who found Tay and he round the keeper to shoot into an empty net.
The alarm bells for Brimscombe then rang louder when a Phelper free kick was met powerfully by Jocker who headed back across goal and into the corner of the net.
Staunton then pushed forward looking for an equaliser and had a couple of half chances. Jocker again made the Brimscombe keeper produce a fine save low to his right to keep out another header. With Staunton pushing forward, Brimscombe managed to regain their two goal lead and another slice of luck with it. Brimscombe broke down the left and the ball got played crossfield over to the left hand edge of the area. The forward transferred the ball to his left foot and struck the ball which flicked off the boot of a Staunton defender and looped over Joe in goal leaving him no chance.
Although it was a disappointing result, it was a good, battling performance by the Staunton team who deserved a lot more and they can be happy that they gave Brimscombe, who are leading the division by quite a way, a very hard game.
STAUNTON & CORSE 0-1 LYDBROOK ATHLETIC
Saturday 19th March 2005
TEAM
J. Dudfield
M. Hemmings W. Organ J. Ralph T. Jones
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane T. Eeles
D. Clemence D. Taylor
Subs: M. Mckie, J. Hulls.
Following last weeks great battling performance, this was an absolute disgrace. Lydbrook hassled and harried and wanted the win more than the Staunton side.
Lydbrook went down to 10 men following their central midfielder being sent off for numerous fouls on Stuey and finally got his marching orders for pushing in Stuey’s face. This however, didn’t change the Staunton side who eventually finished the match without having a meaningful shot.
Lydbrook, who were equally poor, managed to turn 1 point into three when in the last remaining minutes, their centre forward, who was a good player but wouldn’t shut up, cut inside from the left and drove a shot beyond Jim in goal.
End result, two poor teams, no football played and Staunton did not deserve anything.
KINGSWOOD 0-0 STAUNTON & CORSE
Saturday 12th March 2005
TEAM
J. Goodwin
M. Hemmings W. Organ J. Ralph T. Jones
A. Gresty S. Hall S. Lane A. Phelps
D. Taylor D. Clemence