Anyone who knows Melee recognises their long standing rivalry with Buckies Up. After two consecutive premiership wins, but only losses against this formidable opponent, the team were keen as ever to prove their worth. With anticipation and trepidation weighing heavily on the player’s minds during the pre-match warm up, they discussed their approach. Talking over tactics they were too familiar with, yet had never managed to deploy successfully in game.
Melee started strong as ever, shifting the ball effortlessly around the pitch with precision and confidence. But with a strong challenge early on, Kev took a knock to the knee, rendering him injured for the rest of the first half. Regardless, Melee’s smooth playing style enabled two goals, both from Jack. The opener being a swift first time shot on the turn from a deep ball. The second, a class run down the line leaving one player standing, allowing Dell space to stroke the ball into the top far corner, from a near impossible angle.
During the second half, Melee continued to focus on the deep, safe game, allowing Buckies Up to push forward. A tactic which could seem dangerous yet Melee’s organised, communicative strategy, successfully denied their opposition that all important space they required in Melees half to score. With only long shots peppering Melee’s goal, Fabio made easy work of stopping any that were on target.
Even with this defensive playing style, Melee were still able to continue to create chances, pinging balls through to players on the break, some even going over the top from Fabio. With Kev coming back on the pitch a renewed sense of energy prompted a near miss from Dell, who perhaps had got cocky after his two early goals, as he arguably spent too much time “dilly dallying” in front of an open goal, allowing the defence time to recover and make the all important goal line save. However, Dell soon recovered his form, hitting the post with yet another shot, almost enabling Pilsbury to score from the rebound, if it weren’t for a wall of Buckies Up players. Another notable effort was the disallowed goal from Dave who slotted one past the keeper after receiving from a throw deemed “too high” by the referee.
However, with time running out, and play being so tight, Melee were allowed little opportunity for error. Throwing their clean sheet away with a goal from a corner, where good movement and a brief lapse in marking was punished. A second goal was conceded, after a treacherous pass back from “Dodgy” Dave, left everyone scrambling across the goal line to block the shot. Sadly, a composed finish meant the player found the one gap in the defence bringing the final score line to a draw.
With Buckies Up only having two clear cut chances throughout the entire game and with Melee leading right up until the end, it was inevitably a bitter blow to the team. However, after reflecting on what was a superb, disciplined and focussed team performance, the realisation set in that it was a performance to be proud of, even if they didn’t take the full three points. Preventing Buckies Up from dictating the pace of play it seems had left them static in comparison, regardless of their darting runs and tricky movement. Now all that remains is for the team to take this new, improved team ethic forwards, to our third premiership title.
You stay classy Melee, thanks for dropping by
Dave 'legs' Stothard
Friday, February 24, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Melee looking to bounce back in Premier League
Melee will try to put Wednesday's shock Premier league loss to On Her Majesty’s Cervix behind them when they continue their league defence tomorrow.
They travel to face QP Aunt FC in the next fixture, a week after the loss.
However, QP Aunt FC have played down their own chances, sporting director Rudi Voeller saying: "We're not dreamers but realists."
In Wednesday's other title challenge game, Melee rivals Buckies Up lost 8-5 to newly kids on the block Barnes Ballers. The result throwing the title chase wide open especially following Melee's 6-4 defeat by OHMC, a first defeat of the season, so early on, which further harmed the defence of their Pitch Invasion title. It leaves Melee 3 points behind Barnes Ballers, and behind Buckies Up on goal difference.
Melee’s manager and captain Kevin Webb has insisted the squad are focused.
"We'll fight to the end in all our games, whoever thinks the opposite is wrong,'' he warned. "We have to give everything in every game, and we'll do this until the end of the season.''
With next Wednesday's trip to Buckies Up in mind, Webb knows the team need a victory over a performance. “We know we have been struggling for a cohesive performance in the last few months. We have grinded results out, but last week exposed our mental state. The week before, we went 3-1 down to Acapulco then won 6-3, last week we went 4-0 up and lost 6-4. I’m no Freud but it’s clear to see that there is an issue with our mental focus during the game. To be honest, at this stage, I’m more interested in getting the points than playing well and not getting a result.”
Creative midfielder Jack Dell, who scored a brace and set up one last week, will miss the game against QP Aunt FC after girlfriend duties call. However, Webb himself returns to play after missing last week’s crazy game on girlfriend duty.
QP Aunt FC have started the season in the same capacity as Melee, one win against Acapulco 3-2 but a heavy loss to Buckies Up 10-4. The club is also at odds with their captain after managing director Wolfgang Holzhaeuser described his transfer back to the club as a "failure".
Deputy Captain Chris Pilsbury gave a brief account of last week’s loss outside Melees training ground at the weekend. “It was hard to take. After going 4-0 up, and dominating the first half so easily, it was a shock to walk away from the game with nothing. Our playing style was so ruthless, then after half time we switched off and let them walk all over us. We need to address this with a positive outlook on games, and not let our foot off the gas.”
David Stothard played down rumours of an in team rift with oldest pal Jack Dell after the two were seen squabbling after the game, Dell not travelling home with the team after being furious with the loss. Stothard said there was “nothing wrong” between the pair, and that the anger had stemmed from a poor refereeing decision that cost Melee a controversial goal. “Me and Dell are fine, we got home separately and had a cooling off period. A couple of days later we are happy as Larry sharing a camembert. I think he was the most disappointed out of all of us as he had a cracker.”
Dell was in fact so angry at the Melee performance, he was silent after the game – a real shock. When someone shouted from another team they needed another player, he jumped at the chance, donning a Colonel Getafe shirt helping the team to a 7-2 win, where he scored 3 and set up 4. It was a controversial move and may have isolated him with some Melee players, but helped the playmaker be philosophical about things. “When I played for Getafe, I realised the gulf in class. It so clear. We (Melee) must not forget that we are playing at the top of all the leagues. We have battled hard to get here, so when we lose, it stings. I can’t wait to get back against Buckies Up and show the lads I’m full of juice.”
Defensive rock Nick ‘Fozter’ and flamboyant keeper Fabio Zucchelli also mentioned motivation. Foz said post match that “It’s hard to know how to get motivated when we have won the league so many times. We know we can do well again this season, it just means taking points off Buckies and Barnes, something I and the lads all know we are capable of.” Melee keeper Fabio said that last week’s loss threw his Masters studying in sports psychology out the window. “The match last week was ridiculous. After a cracking team night out where we performed well in the pub quiz, we then showed signs of the old Melee from two seasons ago on the pitch. However the second half of the game was nowhere near good enough, and we need to be positive against QP Aunt FC tomorrow night.”
Melee know they need to be positive tomorrow night, as a starting block before big games against Buckies and Barnes. Could this be the most hard fought season yet?
Jack Dell
They travel to face QP Aunt FC in the next fixture, a week after the loss.
However, QP Aunt FC have played down their own chances, sporting director Rudi Voeller saying: "We're not dreamers but realists."
In Wednesday's other title challenge game, Melee rivals Buckies Up lost 8-5 to newly kids on the block Barnes Ballers. The result throwing the title chase wide open especially following Melee's 6-4 defeat by OHMC, a first defeat of the season, so early on, which further harmed the defence of their Pitch Invasion title. It leaves Melee 3 points behind Barnes Ballers, and behind Buckies Up on goal difference.
Melee’s manager and captain Kevin Webb has insisted the squad are focused.
"We'll fight to the end in all our games, whoever thinks the opposite is wrong,'' he warned. "We have to give everything in every game, and we'll do this until the end of the season.''
With next Wednesday's trip to Buckies Up in mind, Webb knows the team need a victory over a performance. “We know we have been struggling for a cohesive performance in the last few months. We have grinded results out, but last week exposed our mental state. The week before, we went 3-1 down to Acapulco then won 6-3, last week we went 4-0 up and lost 6-4. I’m no Freud but it’s clear to see that there is an issue with our mental focus during the game. To be honest, at this stage, I’m more interested in getting the points than playing well and not getting a result.”
Creative midfielder Jack Dell, who scored a brace and set up one last week, will miss the game against QP Aunt FC after girlfriend duties call. However, Webb himself returns to play after missing last week’s crazy game on girlfriend duty.
QP Aunt FC have started the season in the same capacity as Melee, one win against Acapulco 3-2 but a heavy loss to Buckies Up 10-4. The club is also at odds with their captain after managing director Wolfgang Holzhaeuser described his transfer back to the club as a "failure".
Deputy Captain Chris Pilsbury gave a brief account of last week’s loss outside Melees training ground at the weekend. “It was hard to take. After going 4-0 up, and dominating the first half so easily, it was a shock to walk away from the game with nothing. Our playing style was so ruthless, then after half time we switched off and let them walk all over us. We need to address this with a positive outlook on games, and not let our foot off the gas.”
David Stothard played down rumours of an in team rift with oldest pal Jack Dell after the two were seen squabbling after the game, Dell not travelling home with the team after being furious with the loss. Stothard said there was “nothing wrong” between the pair, and that the anger had stemmed from a poor refereeing decision that cost Melee a controversial goal. “Me and Dell are fine, we got home separately and had a cooling off period. A couple of days later we are happy as Larry sharing a camembert. I think he was the most disappointed out of all of us as he had a cracker.”
Dell was in fact so angry at the Melee performance, he was silent after the game – a real shock. When someone shouted from another team they needed another player, he jumped at the chance, donning a Colonel Getafe shirt helping the team to a 7-2 win, where he scored 3 and set up 4. It was a controversial move and may have isolated him with some Melee players, but helped the playmaker be philosophical about things. “When I played for Getafe, I realised the gulf in class. It so clear. We (Melee) must not forget that we are playing at the top of all the leagues. We have battled hard to get here, so when we lose, it stings. I can’t wait to get back against Buckies Up and show the lads I’m full of juice.”
Defensive rock Nick ‘Fozter’ and flamboyant keeper Fabio Zucchelli also mentioned motivation. Foz said post match that “It’s hard to know how to get motivated when we have won the league so many times. We know we can do well again this season, it just means taking points off Buckies and Barnes, something I and the lads all know we are capable of.” Melee keeper Fabio said that last week’s loss threw his Masters studying in sports psychology out the window. “The match last week was ridiculous. After a cracking team night out where we performed well in the pub quiz, we then showed signs of the old Melee from two seasons ago on the pitch. However the second half of the game was nowhere near good enough, and we need to be positive against QP Aunt FC tomorrow night.”
Melee know they need to be positive tomorrow night, as a starting block before big games against Buckies and Barnes. Could this be the most hard fought season yet?
Jack Dell
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Premiership Champions Once More
So it's been a long time since the blog was updated and catching up on 6 weeks needs a pretty decent memory but one thing I know for certain, Melee are champions once again of the LDN Westminster Premier league.
So let's start with a quick recap:
Our old nemesis beats us again with a less than perfect result, with the game tied at 3-3, late Buckies goals cost Melee once again.
Melee 3 - 6 Buckies Up
Melee returned with a must win game, easily dominating their opposition. Jack on fire scoring 4, one lovely volley from miles out
On Her Majesty's Cervix 3 - 8 Melee
The game that never was. Jamie redknapps turned up with 2 men and proceeded to get Buckies Up ringers in for the match. Melee lost 7-5 but the game was re-arranged due to league regulation rules. Huge decision by the FA
Did Jamie Rednapp Smash It P P Melee
A new team replacing Hoylake turned up for their first game and got taught a lesson in how to play 5-a-side. An obvious 11-a-side team with lots of talent are ones to watch out for next season. Team performance was high and the return of Dave S was a massive boost.
Barnes Ballers 2-6 Melee
Another must win game againt East A+Rick was vintage Melee. Marking their star striker out of the game Foz and Pils did an awesome job. Goals were shared around and could have been many more
Melee 8-4 East Anglia + Rick
Again another defeat to Buckies Up left the title in the balance. A woeful Melee got torn apart by great passing. A lack of team togetherness and perhaps naive tactics led to another loss against them. However Melee did win the last 3 mins 2-0 with a beuaty from Jack and Kev at the end.
Melee 3-9 Buckies Up
And so to last night. With two games in one night to end the season Melee needed at least 4 points to take the title. First up was the rematch of the match that never was against Jamie Redknapps. Melee started knowing they were the better side even with 4 players as Fabio turned up fashionably late for kick off. Melee quickly got off to a good start scoring early. The game didn't seem to flow nicely and was a bit gritty but Melee always showed their class scoring when they needed to. Scores finished 6-1 with only a pen getting past super Fab. Every outfield on the team sheet got a goal - jack Dave with a screamer Chris P and kev 3
With only a half hour break until the final game of the season it was clear what was required from the team. With no subs everyone had to dig deep and pull together to grind out the result and that was exactly what Melee did. The game again was on a knife edge,swinging backwards and forwards.1-0(shocking og from kev),1-1,2-1,2-2,3-2,3-3 with such a tight game nerves were on the edge as we went into the last 5 mins. With everyone working hard it seemed destined that Melee might throw the game away but with Pils already scoring an absolute driven beauty you thought Melee just had something more up their sleeves. with Fab making a save a long range effort hitting the bar you could say lady luck was on Melees side as a free kick was given for dubious hand ball on the edge of the box and was taken quickly rolled to jack who slotted home. With time running low Her Majesty's cervix pushed forward and the ball broke to Kev who just rounded the keeper to secure the victory and championship title. Once again everyone was on the score sheet as this time around Pils gets to take home the massive trophy for his mantelpiece!
What made the victory even sweeter is the Buckies Up our old enemies think they won the league but will wake to find themselves second. As Jack put it there couldn't be a better feeling to get one over them - if only we could see their faces!
Roll on next season where Melee defend there title once again, in what looks to be the toughtest season yet!
Special mention to Foz who missed the final game through illness but deserves praise for his seasons performance. Thanks also to Mark Fenwick, Fab's mate from south america, Jamie from Nicks work and Chris O who all made appearances this season.
So let's start with a quick recap:
Our old nemesis beats us again with a less than perfect result, with the game tied at 3-3, late Buckies goals cost Melee once again.
Melee 3 - 6 Buckies Up
Melee returned with a must win game, easily dominating their opposition. Jack on fire scoring 4, one lovely volley from miles out
On Her Majesty's Cervix 3 - 8 Melee
The game that never was. Jamie redknapps turned up with 2 men and proceeded to get Buckies Up ringers in for the match. Melee lost 7-5 but the game was re-arranged due to league regulation rules. Huge decision by the FA
Did Jamie Rednapp Smash It P P Melee
A new team replacing Hoylake turned up for their first game and got taught a lesson in how to play 5-a-side. An obvious 11-a-side team with lots of talent are ones to watch out for next season. Team performance was high and the return of Dave S was a massive boost.
Barnes Ballers 2-6 Melee
Another must win game againt East A+Rick was vintage Melee. Marking their star striker out of the game Foz and Pils did an awesome job. Goals were shared around and could have been many more
Melee 8-4 East Anglia + Rick
Again another defeat to Buckies Up left the title in the balance. A woeful Melee got torn apart by great passing. A lack of team togetherness and perhaps naive tactics led to another loss against them. However Melee did win the last 3 mins 2-0 with a beuaty from Jack and Kev at the end.
Melee 3-9 Buckies Up
And so to last night. With two games in one night to end the season Melee needed at least 4 points to take the title. First up was the rematch of the match that never was against Jamie Redknapps. Melee started knowing they were the better side even with 4 players as Fabio turned up fashionably late for kick off. Melee quickly got off to a good start scoring early. The game didn't seem to flow nicely and was a bit gritty but Melee always showed their class scoring when they needed to. Scores finished 6-1 with only a pen getting past super Fab. Every outfield on the team sheet got a goal - jack Dave with a screamer Chris P and kev 3
With only a half hour break until the final game of the season it was clear what was required from the team. With no subs everyone had to dig deep and pull together to grind out the result and that was exactly what Melee did. The game again was on a knife edge,swinging backwards and forwards.1-0(shocking og from kev),1-1,2-1,2-2,3-2,3-3 with such a tight game nerves were on the edge as we went into the last 5 mins. With everyone working hard it seemed destined that Melee might throw the game away but with Pils already scoring an absolute driven beauty you thought Melee just had something more up their sleeves. with Fab making a save a long range effort hitting the bar you could say lady luck was on Melees side as a free kick was given for dubious hand ball on the edge of the box and was taken quickly rolled to jack who slotted home. With time running low Her Majesty's cervix pushed forward and the ball broke to Kev who just rounded the keeper to secure the victory and championship title. Once again everyone was on the score sheet as this time around Pils gets to take home the massive trophy for his mantelpiece!
What made the victory even sweeter is the Buckies Up our old enemies think they won the league but will wake to find themselves second. As Jack put it there couldn't be a better feeling to get one over them - if only we could see their faces!
Roll on next season where Melee defend there title once again, in what looks to be the toughtest season yet!
Special mention to Foz who missed the final game through illness but deserves praise for his seasons performance. Thanks also to Mark Fenwick, Fab's mate from south america, Jamie from Nicks work and Chris O who all made appearances this season.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
In the Dogs House
Game 3 of the season was against East Anglia + Rick, one of the promoted teams from last year currently sitting at the bottom of the prem table.
In only what could be described as a dogged performance,Melee dug deep worked hard and pulled off a very tight 6-5 victory after coming from behind.
Chris O'Neill made his return to the Melee shirt after a long period out that some are saying was an 'emotional issue'. Mark Fenwick again joined the ranks becoming an ever more present regular, with Fab, Pils and Kev finishing the team
East A got off to a good start scoring early before two Mark goals gave Melee the lead, one of which was a fine strike from wide on the right side. Half time scores were 2-2
As the game started to open up tonnes of shots started to pepper both goals, with Fab on all time top form making a string off saves that Guianluca Buffon would be proud of.
Chris O got on the scoresheet after a well worked move before East A banged a couple in from the ginger kid up front who was by far their best player. Scores were 4-3 to them.
Kev then hit a left footed shot from distance to level it up. Mark rounded the last man before being bought down, which led to the sin bin for the East A defender. Surprisingly with 4 men East A scored to take a 5-4 lead going into the last few mins.
Melee didn't give up with legs running out, a well worked free kick saw Pils toe punt a beauty into the corner 5-5 with the teams now back at 5 a piece.
Fab pulled off a couple off majestic saves,one little touch prevented an easy tab in. Melee broke from their defence in a sweeping move leaving O'Neill through on goal. After rounding the keeper only a last ditch slide from the defender stopped the goal but the rules state that slides are not allowed and a penalty was given. Kev slotted it home, Melee win 6-5. Dogged.
In only what could be described as a dogged performance,Melee dug deep worked hard and pulled off a very tight 6-5 victory after coming from behind.
Chris O'Neill made his return to the Melee shirt after a long period out that some are saying was an 'emotional issue'. Mark Fenwick again joined the ranks becoming an ever more present regular, with Fab, Pils and Kev finishing the team
East A got off to a good start scoring early before two Mark goals gave Melee the lead, one of which was a fine strike from wide on the right side. Half time scores were 2-2
As the game started to open up tonnes of shots started to pepper both goals, with Fab on all time top form making a string off saves that Guianluca Buffon would be proud of.
Chris O got on the scoresheet after a well worked move before East A banged a couple in from the ginger kid up front who was by far their best player. Scores were 4-3 to them.
Kev then hit a left footed shot from distance to level it up. Mark rounded the last man before being bought down, which led to the sin bin for the East A defender. Surprisingly with 4 men East A scored to take a 5-4 lead going into the last few mins.
Melee didn't give up with legs running out, a well worked free kick saw Pils toe punt a beauty into the corner 5-5 with the teams now back at 5 a piece.
Fab pulled off a couple off majestic saves,one little touch prevented an easy tab in. Melee broke from their defence in a sweeping move leaving O'Neill through on goal. After rounding the keeper only a last ditch slide from the defender stopped the goal but the rules state that slides are not allowed and a penalty was given. Kev slotted it home, Melee win 6-5. Dogged.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Make Shift
This week an absentee crisis hit Melee for the rematch against Hoylake FC, with injuries, tennis, work and women all causing selection headaches that resulted in two ringers Tom Parker and Jamie bought in from Fozs work making his debut. Mark Fenwick joined the team making his 5th appearance for the club
With lots to play for early in the season the make shift team started with Foz in goal, although this didn't seem to affect Melee who got off to a great start with Jamie opening his account on debut. Hoylake came back into it with a sneaky goal of the inside post before Kev put Melee back up in front.
With Melee playing the better football more goals followed, Jamie again on the scoresheet after some neat play from Mark to set him up and Pils bagged his customary goal with a superb finish. Hoylake came back into the game towards the end of the half leaving Melee leading 4-2
With the team rotating Kev took over the goalie gloves after the break. The game started to become very tiring with Melee working hard to keep with the opposition. Getting pegged back deep into their own half Melee found themselves playing on the counter attack. This didn't seem to work as lots of shots started to come at the Melee end, resulting in two goals for Hoylake, despite good defending from Pils and Foz.
Quickly after the Hoylake goal a lovely bit of skill from Jamie took on two players to slot home giving Melee the upper hand with 5mins left to play. Even after the goal Melee struggled to get out their half, giving the ball away and legs started to tire. With all this Melee dug deep, putting in some last minute tackles and watching shots fly wide and over. It wasn't until the last kick of the game that some poor defending led to a Hoylake player nicking the ball and a week shot bounced into Kev who just didn't save the shot. Gutting end to a truly gusty performance with only a few regulars on show. Thanks to those who turned up last minute
The draw sets up the season nicely with some interesting games to be played out
With lots to play for early in the season the make shift team started with Foz in goal, although this didn't seem to affect Melee who got off to a great start with Jamie opening his account on debut. Hoylake came back into it with a sneaky goal of the inside post before Kev put Melee back up in front.
With Melee playing the better football more goals followed, Jamie again on the scoresheet after some neat play from Mark to set him up and Pils bagged his customary goal with a superb finish. Hoylake came back into the game towards the end of the half leaving Melee leading 4-2
With the team rotating Kev took over the goalie gloves after the break. The game started to become very tiring with Melee working hard to keep with the opposition. Getting pegged back deep into their own half Melee found themselves playing on the counter attack. This didn't seem to work as lots of shots started to come at the Melee end, resulting in two goals for Hoylake, despite good defending from Pils and Foz.
Quickly after the Hoylake goal a lovely bit of skill from Jamie took on two players to slot home giving Melee the upper hand with 5mins left to play. Even after the goal Melee struggled to get out their half, giving the ball away and legs started to tire. With all this Melee dug deep, putting in some last minute tackles and watching shots fly wide and over. It wasn't until the last kick of the game that some poor defending led to a Hoylake player nicking the ball and a week shot bounced into Kev who just didn't save the shot. Gutting end to a truly gusty performance with only a few regulars on show. Thanks to those who turned up last minute
The draw sets up the season nicely with some interesting games to be played out
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
'the greatest ever Melee team'?
There are certain moments in life that define who you are, conjure what you believe in and even alter the course of history. Last night became one of those moments - Melee London Westminster PitchInvasion Premier League Winners. There are suggestions from some that this side has now become 'the greatest Melee team of all time' and who could blame them with 2 back to back promotions followed by the premierships number 1 spot.
With Hoylake FC and Melee level on points at the top of the table with one game to play it felt like a cup final atmosphere on a mild novembers night. With the stakes at an all time high and the excitement of witnessing greatest the game drew in Melees biggest crowd of the season as friends and family gathered in anticipation of the winning that title trophy
Hoylake kicked off and started very physically whilst knocking the ball around, as did Melee with slightly more style and movement. However some quick closing down from both teams made it tricky to string many passes together. Melee once again began with their now traditional slow start and conceded by getting caught at the back. 1-0. Melee definitely knew they were in for a game.
A response followed after some nice play, Fabio rolling the ball out onto Kev who slotted home from the angle. 1-1. Melee now into the game started to create chances with a couple of near misses before Jack buried a lovely half volley with the keeper out of his goal. 2-1. Again some long balls from the opposition keeper were causing issues in the defence and one broke favourably to a Hoylake player who finished nicely before half time. 2-2.
Melee started the second half well and quickly got back after some lovely interchange in midfield leaving Pils to slot just pass the out rushing keeper. 3-2. Suddenly the game started to change and out of Melees control. Hoylake came back into it and started to get the upper hand,applying a great deal of pressure with Melee resigned to playing on the break. This didn't pay off and soon more of the long ball stuff started to work, Hoylake with two quick goals. Suddenly 4-3 up.
Melee needed a response as the game could have run away from them and it came in the the unusual form of Nicky Foster who hit an absolute humdinger from distance,driven low under the corner with mesmerising velocity. What a time to pull your best goal for Melee out of the hat. 4-4.
However once again long ball proved difficult to deal with and a very scrapy goal led to another tap in for Hoylake. Melee down once again 5-4.
With time running short Melee knew they needed that one goal to draw level and take the title on goal difference. Some frantic play at either end left the crowd on the edge of their seat. Once more Foz gave the Melee fans something to cheer about as tensions rose, by being in the right place at the right time, finding himself out of position in the oppositions penalty box. After some short passes and some blocked tackles the ball fell at Foz's feat for him to cooly slot home into the corner in true Robbie Fowler style (the first and last time Foz will ever be referred to as skills like God!). 5-5
With more heart in the mouth stuff at either end, one goal either way would turn the game once again. Wave after wave came from Hoylake with Fabio pulling off a string of majestic saves taking his total to way into double figures for the game and picking up his man of the match performance for keeping Melee in the game. With the opposition keeper getting desperate and coming up in attack, the ball broke to Fabio whose long range effort only just drifted wide. The game could have gone either way but a quick counter attack saw a one two three between Jack, Kev and Pils, leaving Pils free on the left to shoot at goal. The ball deflected off the keeper straight back across goal where Kev followed up to smash the ball home and give Melee that all important cushion right before the final whistle. Melee 6 - 5 Hoylake. - Melee crowned Premiership champions to the sounds of the fans singing Champione, Champione, Ole, Ole, Ole. WHAT. A. GAME. what a season.
Special thanks has to go out to Justyn who came and didn't manage to get on, Dave S for his performances earlier in the season before injury, his Dad Vince for the support and the couple of Janes who made it along to cheer on Melee too.
The table reads so sweetly, with Melee sitting right at the top
With Hoylake FC and Melee level on points at the top of the table with one game to play it felt like a cup final atmosphere on a mild novembers night. With the stakes at an all time high and the excitement of witnessing greatest the game drew in Melees biggest crowd of the season as friends and family gathered in anticipation of the winning that title trophy
Hoylake kicked off and started very physically whilst knocking the ball around, as did Melee with slightly more style and movement. However some quick closing down from both teams made it tricky to string many passes together. Melee once again began with their now traditional slow start and conceded by getting caught at the back. 1-0. Melee definitely knew they were in for a game.
A response followed after some nice play, Fabio rolling the ball out onto Kev who slotted home from the angle. 1-1. Melee now into the game started to create chances with a couple of near misses before Jack buried a lovely half volley with the keeper out of his goal. 2-1. Again some long balls from the opposition keeper were causing issues in the defence and one broke favourably to a Hoylake player who finished nicely before half time. 2-2.
Melee started the second half well and quickly got back after some lovely interchange in midfield leaving Pils to slot just pass the out rushing keeper. 3-2. Suddenly the game started to change and out of Melees control. Hoylake came back into it and started to get the upper hand,applying a great deal of pressure with Melee resigned to playing on the break. This didn't pay off and soon more of the long ball stuff started to work, Hoylake with two quick goals. Suddenly 4-3 up.
Melee needed a response as the game could have run away from them and it came in the the unusual form of Nicky Foster who hit an absolute humdinger from distance,driven low under the corner with mesmerising velocity. What a time to pull your best goal for Melee out of the hat. 4-4.
However once again long ball proved difficult to deal with and a very scrapy goal led to another tap in for Hoylake. Melee down once again 5-4.
With time running short Melee knew they needed that one goal to draw level and take the title on goal difference. Some frantic play at either end left the crowd on the edge of their seat. Once more Foz gave the Melee fans something to cheer about as tensions rose, by being in the right place at the right time, finding himself out of position in the oppositions penalty box. After some short passes and some blocked tackles the ball fell at Foz's feat for him to cooly slot home into the corner in true Robbie Fowler style (the first and last time Foz will ever be referred to as skills like God!). 5-5
With more heart in the mouth stuff at either end, one goal either way would turn the game once again. Wave after wave came from Hoylake with Fabio pulling off a string of majestic saves taking his total to way into double figures for the game and picking up his man of the match performance for keeping Melee in the game. With the opposition keeper getting desperate and coming up in attack, the ball broke to Fabio whose long range effort only just drifted wide. The game could have gone either way but a quick counter attack saw a one two three between Jack, Kev and Pils, leaving Pils free on the left to shoot at goal. The ball deflected off the keeper straight back across goal where Kev followed up to smash the ball home and give Melee that all important cushion right before the final whistle. Melee 6 - 5 Hoylake. - Melee crowned Premiership champions to the sounds of the fans singing Champione, Champione, Ole, Ole, Ole. WHAT. A. GAME. what a season.
Special thanks has to go out to Justyn who came and didn't manage to get on, Dave S for his performances earlier in the season before injury, his Dad Vince for the support and the couple of Janes who made it along to cheer on Melee too.
The table reads so sweetly, with Melee sitting right at the top
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