Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Player Profile : Fabio
Profiling potentially Melee's best ever signing Fabio Zucchelli is not a simple job. Fab signed in the lower legues of the Westminster championships after being picked up for an absolute bargain, proving an instant hit with both fans and players. This super keeper often referred to as 'the cat' set the bar high he delivered consistenly ever since helping Melee to 4 title winning seasons, proving the platform of security that Melee lacked for so many seasons in past eras. The shot to goal ration from the opposition is always low thanks to his cultered keeping ability and desire to pull off that champagne saving moment. Hopefully the future will continue to be bright and he will sign that life time term contract that is on the table.
Name: Fabio Zucchelli
Nickname: The Cat, Fab
Position: Keeper
Age: 26
Height: 6"2
Foot: Hands
Favourite Team: Man United
Seasons: 6
Games: 40
Melee Goals: 1
Shots Saved: 8,743
Skills: Shot Stopping, Diving (in a good way), Positioning, Chat, Flair, Italianess
Melee emphatically smash Cervix, lose interest after penetrating for 15 minutes and leave unsatisfied with premature performance
The last game of the season dawned on the mighty Melee with the opportunity to claim automatic Champions League qualification up for grabs. The pre-game pub training camp revealed the opposition’s preparatory tactics, which took its inspiration from professional athletes: drinking lager. Yep, Andy Fordham was a professional athlete. Fact.
Once all members of Melee had reluctantly dragged themselves away from the Germany Holland match and things kicked off, the team started pretty well, zipping the ball around with assurance. Dave returned to action at the last minute due to Adam’s work operating in a US time zone. The all-action Melee maestro had been missed and was welcomed back after an ankle injury, particularly after guaranteeing a goal scoring return to play. Melee continued to dominate Her Majesty in a way only Prince Phillip could claim to have acheived, and soon Jack slotted in a neat close range finish after excellent build up play. One became two shortly afterwards, Jack firing a cleanly struck shot from the right into the far post after good work from Pils, Dave and Foz (I’m not going to lie, I can’t remember who passed to who, but I’m sure you all played a vital role). A third followed, Jack bagging a hat trick after intricate build up play from, um, Pils, Dave and Foz.
By this point Her Majesty’s Cervix were so exposed her uterus was practically showing, but they did test Melee’s defence from time to time, and Fabio The Cat Zucchelli (as all his team mates call him, although he doesn’t like to bring it up) was forced into some typically unorthodox saves. One save, palming the ball away after a deflected shot, has been described as ‘world-class’ by some, and replays do indeed prove it may have been one of the best saves of all time. Despite the omnipotent shot-stopper, OHMC did break through, their striker turning neatly a-la Mario Gomez and slotting in the top corner. Luckily, Jack was not done scoring for the half so he brought his personal and team’s tally to 4 before the break, slotting his finish through the keeper’s legs. Melee were unable to convert further chances, with Dave smashing a shot against the bar and firing a shot wide, and Foz and Pils forcing good saves from the keeper.
As the saying goes, football is a game of two halves. This is also literally true, so the teams took a quick break and changed ends, as is tradition. Melee started the second half poorly, conceding early on, as is also tradition. The little guy who had spent the first half in goal found himself with room to shoot and slotted it in the near post Fabio had kindly left gaping wide open for him. At 4-2 Melee’s heads noticeably dropped, resulting in less movement (including backwards towards our goal to defend) and Her Majesty’s Tail was up (insert crude comment here). Melee were regularly outnumbered at the back and, were it not for wasteful dallying on the ball, they could have scored more freely. Fabio then inexplicably decided to roll the ball out to a OHMC player, who then created a goal scoring opportunity which was dispatched through the keeper’ legs. Melee were still creating chances, but were resorting to shots from range in the main, and the fluid interplay of the first half dissipated somewhat as confidence gradually sapped. OHMC equalised with a deflected shot in the bottom corner, and Melee realised positive action was now required. The tempo picked up as urgency ensued, but a very unlucky goal involving a massive deflection from Dave spoiled the party and OHMC went up 5-4. A late poked close range effort by Jack was well saved and at 10pm the switching off of the floodlights brought a symbolic damp squib end to a compelling and ultimately impressive season of highs, lows and no-shows.
Friday, June 08, 2012
Melee get it right as caretaker manager makes his mark
Melee produced a resolute performance in a season of adversity to finally beat their arch rivals Buckies Up 4-3.
Buckies dominated possession as well as creating a succession of chances - but it was Melee who came out on top to give interim manager Chris Pils’ side their first victory against their opponents in eight times of asking. Melee’s victory tasting ever so sweet for Pils and Dell, as the last game against Buckies earlier in the season, they were Melee’s only first team players available for selection and were on the end of a 13-2 drubbing.
It wasn’t all plain sailing, Melee were forced to mount a resilient rearguard action in the face of Buckies famous passing "carousel", but Moss (2) and Dell (1) converted their chances in addition to a slice of good fortune with a Buckies own goal, to reward the outstanding defensive work of Pils, Foz and Fabio in keeping key players short, blonde haired guy and short, dark haired guy at bay.
A tight first opening, Melee were playing deep and deploying the usual half court press, the brain child of Kevin Webb, that works so well against the formidable opposition. It was Buckies who got an early breakthrough though, taking the lead. Melee, knowing they had to score, got a slice of luck when a high ball went up on the edge of the box. Dell, leapt up to head the ball over the oncoming keeper, but before he could make contact, a horrible barge from behind by the Buckies defender meant he was floored. However, this seemed to work in Melee’s favour – in the process the ball coming off the defender and looping into the exposed net to level the match 1-1 going into half time.
Fabio in goal was peppered with efforts from distance, but the Melee No. 1 was more than equal, even with one glove – all that could be resourced before the game.
Second half, and the strong tackles became more frequent as Melee started to exert some physical strength. Pils and Foz were disciplined, letting Dell commit all the fouls. Buckies, emotionless, carried on regardless and took the lead once more, the tall black haired striker working some space to prod home from distance into the bottom left of the Melee goal.
However, Melee, who have had a tough season by their own standards, refused to lie down and they hit back instantly from kick off, as Moss took things into his own hands with a fantastic running barge and dribble – ending up with him slotting home to make the score 2-2. A great Melee debut for the lad, and an inspirational transfer by Pils.
Again Melee caught Buckies cold, Foz playing in Pils who punted from distance, his effort coming off the post and rebounding kindly at the feet of Moss who converted again. Buckies began to pour forward relentlessly, searching for another goal. Melee legs were tired, and Dells incapability to tackle was becoming more and more apparent as Buckies were awarded with free kick after free kick. No one knows how the lad didn’t get himself booked. Fabio was making smart stops from shots raining in from all angles (including a huge ‘one for the cameras’ dive, tuck and roll), although left with little options for distribution the ball was returning far too quick.
For all their incessant attacking, Buckies left spaces at the back, and these were exposed when Pils took a throw in quickly, rolling the ball through to Dell, who side footed the ball on the bounce past the keeper to give Melee a dream two goal lead.
Melee were pushed right back into their own territory as Buckies probed and passed for an opening, it was backs to the walls stuff, Foz throwing his body on the line to defend with some heroic last ditch blocks on more than one occasion. Dell spurned two great openings, and was fortunate not to pay the ultimate price.
Melee fans had a nail biting final few minutes as Buckies managed to pull a goal back, 4-3, but it was too little too late, as Melee did all they could to wrap the game up by booting the ball away from goal in every direction.
In the end, Melee’s organisation and discipline was rewarded but Pils knows they will have to produce the same - and more besides - in the last two games of the campaign to salvage their difficult season.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Melee vs. On Her Majesty Cervix
Pre game thoughts are positive, everyone in good shape, team morale high after quiz night.
Kick off - high tempo game, fast passing, good moving from Melee. Melee ontop.
Melee have ample opportunity to go ahead, but either shoot wide or keeper makes saves to deny. Dell has at least 3 good chances. Starting to look like it might be one of those nights.
Dave wins a penalty again (second one in a week won) – but misses it, sending it over. Nerves creep in.
Goal 1 – Finally Melee break through, Pils and Dell nice one two from a Melee throw in splits defence, tight angle Dell slots past oncoming keeper into bottom right.
Fabio pulls off great save across his body going top corner. The Melee keeper only has to make a few saves in comparison to other nights between the sticks but it’s good to see his concentration is still sharp with little to do.
Goal 2 – Just before half time, Pils out wide to Dell who slips but manages to slide and cross a sweet pass across to oncoming Pils who has an easy tap in into an open net. Massive psychological boost for Melee.
Goal 3 – Dave bundles ball into the net after Fabio plays a smart chip ball to Dave up front. Dave barges past 2 players and into the keeper, ball bobbles in.
Dave gets injured, knee goes.
Defending gets hard with one man less, Dave still battles hard but it’s hard to keep it tight as before. Foz, Pils and Dell deputise at the back. Dave is struggling to keep up with marking men, melee have to improvise.
On her majesty score – easy one two cuts open Melee back line, Fabio stranded - no chance.
Instant response from Melee
Goal 4 – Dave battles through finds himself on a one on one and blasts a shot through the legs of the keeper
Melee working hard, Foz and Pils defend strong, all Melee players press together, suffocate any opposition attacks.
Goal 5 – Dave plays a ball out wide to Dell, who dummys it past keeper. Everyone thinks he has gone too wide. In line with goal posts, he manages to hit the ball with back spin, it goes round the post into the net just in time before the defenders get back on the line. Defies physics, applause from opposition players and keeper. Dave is stunned, there was talk pre game that Dell only scores from tightest on angles.
Goal 6 – in a rare burst forward, Foz does well to beat one man, and find himself with his back to keeper, hearing Dells wild shouts for the ball, he plays a delicate pass to Dell who smashes in his third to wrap up victory for Melee. Great awareness from the big man (Foz).
Post game – good victory, good performance, great team goals. Confidence high, Buckies beat Barnes.
Mathematically still possible to win title….
Kick off - high tempo game, fast passing, good moving from Melee. Melee ontop.
Melee have ample opportunity to go ahead, but either shoot wide or keeper makes saves to deny. Dell has at least 3 good chances. Starting to look like it might be one of those nights.
Dave wins a penalty again (second one in a week won) – but misses it, sending it over. Nerves creep in.
Goal 1 – Finally Melee break through, Pils and Dell nice one two from a Melee throw in splits defence, tight angle Dell slots past oncoming keeper into bottom right.
Fabio pulls off great save across his body going top corner. The Melee keeper only has to make a few saves in comparison to other nights between the sticks but it’s good to see his concentration is still sharp with little to do.
Goal 2 – Just before half time, Pils out wide to Dell who slips but manages to slide and cross a sweet pass across to oncoming Pils who has an easy tap in into an open net. Massive psychological boost for Melee.
Goal 3 – Dave bundles ball into the net after Fabio plays a smart chip ball to Dave up front. Dave barges past 2 players and into the keeper, ball bobbles in.
Dave gets injured, knee goes.
Defending gets hard with one man less, Dave still battles hard but it’s hard to keep it tight as before. Foz, Pils and Dell deputise at the back. Dave is struggling to keep up with marking men, melee have to improvise.
On her majesty score – easy one two cuts open Melee back line, Fabio stranded - no chance.
Instant response from Melee
Goal 4 – Dave battles through finds himself on a one on one and blasts a shot through the legs of the keeper
Melee working hard, Foz and Pils defend strong, all Melee players press together, suffocate any opposition attacks.
Goal 5 – Dave plays a ball out wide to Dell, who dummys it past keeper. Everyone thinks he has gone too wide. In line with goal posts, he manages to hit the ball with back spin, it goes round the post into the net just in time before the defenders get back on the line. Defies physics, applause from opposition players and keeper. Dave is stunned, there was talk pre game that Dell only scores from tightest on angles.
Goal 6 – in a rare burst forward, Foz does well to beat one man, and find himself with his back to keeper, hearing Dells wild shouts for the ball, he plays a delicate pass to Dell who smashes in his third to wrap up victory for Melee. Great awareness from the big man (Foz).
Post game – good victory, good performance, great team goals. Confidence high, Buckies beat Barnes.
Mathematically still possible to win title….
Friday, February 24, 2012
Close but no Cigar
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
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
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.
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