Victory in Europe

A great weekend, a great game and a great win. I will leave the full match report to someone else, but my brief report is that the game plan was excellent and excellently executed by all. Everyone played their part in a very satisfying win against a very good team with more subs on a blisteringly hot day.

Maybe it was something to do with the pre-match preparation

a bike ride around a lake,

and pancakes...

Statapology

Having been gently berated by Elbows for not keeping the stats column of this blog up to date lately, I've duly fixed the all-time 11-a-side goalscorers list. The biggest movers in 2011 have of course been Sam and Perre, who have leapt up to 3rd and 4th in the chart respectively. I believe anyone who scores 30 or more 11-a-side goals qualifies for a special medal - those will no doubt be included in the end-of-year awards dinner later in 2011. Simon's lengthy injury absence has meant his lead at the top has been cut to just 2 goals by Thorny. But Mes has managed one goal since returning to action (as well as one against the Accies!), so he's now just 2 goals away from becoming the first Effra player to reach a half-century of 11-a-side goals. Will he be wearing a "50 goals - just done it" T-shirt under his Accies top in Rotterdam this Saturday?

Bobby's 6 goals in 2011 have catapulted him into the top 10, while Joe's 4 goals have solidified his own place in the top 10 (level with Bob). Paul, Neill and Greg have all made good progress up the list, with Paul having made it to double figures in less than a year playing for the club (he made his debut in September 2010).

I'll work on the appearances stats over the coming weeks - can't sit at a computer for too long because it will hinder my back pain rehab!

In even more dweeby news, the first goal we let in during the recent 3-0 defeat to Crown Agents was the 1,000th goal we've conceded in 11-a-sides. We should have baked the scorer a cake. And on a more positive note, Joe's goal in the 2-4 loss to TPS recently was our 600th 11-a-side goal. Hooray.

Accies v Crown Agents 4th August 2011

At last, hi-lights from the Accies 4-2 win over Crown Agents on Thursday 4th August 2011 are on youtube.

View From The Other Side

Always pretty interesting to get the oppo's view on a match and, as they did when we played them this time last year, The Queen Vic's gaffer forwarded me this match report…

Accies 1 v 2 Queen Vic

It's not often we get to play on a surface like the one at Crystal Palace last night (well, once a year and hopefully an ongoing annual event...) so I hope you all enjoyed it.

This was a far more challenging game than a year ago when we ran out comfortable 4-0 winners. The home side were much more organised and proved themselves to be a stubborn and determined opposition. I thought we played pretty well in the first twenty minutes, carving out numerous opportunities to take the lead but their goalkeeper was excellent and we were guilty of snatching at any half-chances that came our way. The Accies then played themselves into the game, forcing us back as we perhaps became a little frustrated that we weren't ahead. They hit a couple of excellent long shots (one superbly tipped over by Tharpey) before taking the lead thanks to yet another individual error at the back. We've conceeded five goals this pre-season in five games (which is impressive) but they've all been due to errors of one sort or another.

We reacted well to the goal and should have been level by half-time so I was pretty confident that if we kept on doing what we were doing we'd every chance to go on and win the game and as it turned out that's exactly what transpired. What we need to take from the game is that patience is the key. If we keep playing our football, eventually even the most obstinate of opposition defences will crack. You just have to believe it will happen and not get frustrated with yourselves or each other.

A 2-1 win then and I think a deserved one on chances created and the amount of possession we enjoyed. We need to ensure that we take our use of the ball into the real season and not get excited by the fact that we are playing real games where points are at stake.

My only small criticism this week is what we discussed before the lights went out on the pitch. We must play football that demonstrates an awareness of the scoreline and how the game has panned out. You worked hard last night to get into the lead but then seemed (at times) to be determined to go on to score a third goal at the risk of losing the lead we had. Just take it easy. When there is a minute to go there is nothing wrong in working the ball to the opposition corner flag and keeping it there. Okay, it was a friendly but we almost threw the lead away by giving the ball back to them, getting caught on the break, giving away a free-kick and almost conceeding with the last kick of the game, in which case you'd have all come off the pitch deflated...

I want to instill a winning mentality boys...and win some trophies!

The least I want from this season is a cup final for us to enjoy.

Keep it up. Things are looking good.

Radfall will be another tough test on Sunday...

There you go – I should add that my old school mate Danny, the oppo's manager, told me after the game that the key difference from last year to this is that we are now are much more well organised unit, far harder to break down. Good to hear, given that this has been a key area we've concentrated on for some time now! Should also add that we've tentatively been invited to Herne Bay for an away tie, probably in May 2012. Could be good!

From The Archives: "Look At These Cripples" (Spain 2010)

Messrs Fallon and Holmes are the worse for wear following our exploits in the Trofeo Amistoso Something Or Other tournament in sunny Spain - but teammate Sandoval is in fine fettle.

Accies number 12 takes time out from fending off rioting idiots to perform ska tribute to our capital city's current troubles

Possibly.

Accies Blog 2.0

Those of you who prefer to consume your Accies Blog on wee little mobile phones (or, in my case, if I'm in the lounge, on an iPod Touch) will be delighted to learn that I have switched on the relevant setting that makes the blog easier to read on those devices. Those of you who prefer not to consume your Accies Blog at all, are just hurtful and cruel. In other geeky news, I note with "interest" that the blog doesn't seem to look very nice on the Firefox browser, but that doesn't bother me because I normally use Safari. Now go back to sleep.

Ref x2 = victory

Accies who turned up  hoping for their weekly dose of tragi-comic disaster went home  disappointed last night. 

Against all expectations, Effra  motored past Crown Agents with an upbeat, competent display.

Where did it all go right?

Whilst not  quite up to Fash FC  standards of exuberance, there was a  distinctly, relaxed and positive feel about the team last night.  The football was really quite good too. - I wouldn't go as far as to say that i'd have been happy to pay to watch, but i definitely didn't mind not paying to watch.

Great three goal haul from Perre and a nice finish from Paul. Perre got the MOTM award , but   the Ref of the Match award must go to Hassan , who finally found his vocation last night - i guess we're all good at something.

See you all in three weeks.

 

Accies v Crown Agents 28th July 2011

Here is a short clip of the 0-3 defeat to Crown Agents. Not much footage to choose from this week hence the short clip. But an easy to edit piece. Hopefully we'll stimulate the camera men to have the camera on more than it is off this week in the re-match. Hi-lights in this 3 minute 34 seconds video are Phil's inch perfect through ball to Sam and Barry's distal phalanges deflecting the ball around the post.

Accies v Ladywell, 21st July 2011

See the hi-lights from the game v Ladywell including great long shots (sadly mostly by the opposition), a crashing free kick, tough tackles, midfield skill, a crimson sunset and musing on the Accies system as well as how it's all Thatcher's fault by clicking here

More Accies magic on Youtube

Here is the link for the latest video from the game v TPS, 2-4 on 14th July 2011.

2-4 v TPS, 14th July 2011

He May Be AWOL From The Accies...etc...

Vice Vice Baby

Apologies for taking so long to post this, but belatedly I should announce that Barry Gardener has stepped down from his role as our 11-a-side Vice Captain. So the position is currently vacant – should anyone wish to have a crack at the role, which essentially entails supporting Thorny in his duties, and occasionally wearing the armband on pitch, then let me (Stuart) or Thorny know. Thanks – and thank you to Barry for his six months as VC.

Last week's game: work in progress

From the desk of Mr Andrew Thornes:

It's always disappointing to lose, although there were lots of plusses from last Thursday's game. I really don't think 4-0 was an accurate reflection of the game, for, with a little luck, and better finishing, we could easily have got something out of the game. Considering we were playing in a new formation for the first time I thought we all did exceptional well, particularly in the second half, when some of the football we played was very easy on the eye and pretty penetrative. I thought lots of players stood out - Luis, Barry and Phil C immediately spring to mind, but there were others - and it was great to see everybody applying themselves in an effort to get to grips with our new way of playing. I hope we can keep this level of intensity up over the next few weeks, as it's a system that I think, given the personnel we have, could work very well for us. Only time will tell I guess.

On a personal level I was very happy to see Joe finally get back on the pitch after an extended period out with a pretty serious injury. I might be wrong but I think next week will be the first time in a very long time that we will have nobody lounging around on the proverbial 'treatment table' . Long may that continue, even if it means greater selection headaches!

Another piece of team news, which some of you may not be aware of: Lee has decided to hang up his keepers gloves and no longer wishes to be thought of as the Accies main man between the sticks. This will impact the club in at least two ways, both of which I think will be positive. Firstly, until we get another regular keeper the job will be shared out between a pool of players. Several players have already volunteered to take a turn in goal, which is much appreciated. For the time being I'll therefore be picking the keeper on a week by week basis, always giving the lucky/unlucky player as much notice as possible. I think not having a regular keeper will make our squad more adaptable and give everyone a better perspective on the job other players do for the team, which is never a bad thing.

The second consequence of this change will be to intensify the competition for places, particularly in the defence, as I'm certain Lee will be as much of an asset on the field as he has been in goal. I therefore expect his presence to raise the levels of all the players around him and, with luck, have a knock-on effect throughout the whole team.

All of these changes I think are pretty exciting, and will, at the very least, shake things up a little. They will also give us all a new set of challenges at a time when maybe some of our play has become a little stale and predictable. It must be stressed that our play should continue to centre around quick, short passing; informative, concise communication and a well-organised 'default' defensive postion. Therefore, if we stay focused and remain patient, mainly so that the new formation has a chance to bed in, I think interesting times lay ahead for the Accies, not least with the fast approaching Anglo-Dutch encounter. Anyway I'm always happy to discuss any ideas which might improve the Accies - so long as it doesn't start with the phrase: "You should retire!!!!" - so please feel free to speak to me, preferably after the game.

Up The Accies!!!!!!

YouTube link for the game on 23rd June 2011

Click here!

YouTube link for the game on 2nd June 2011

Click here!

Accies v Atkins/West Wickham musicians at Crystal Palace 23rd June 2011

And the video from 23rd June 2011 at Crystal Palace v Atkins/West Wickham musicians.

Accies v West Wickham musicians at Dulwich 2nd June 2011

Here's the video from the game v West Wickham musicians on the 2nd June 2011.

Insert Joke About "Offensive Tackle" Here

Old Hill Wanderers Reserves vs Swinburne Reserves in Melbourne, Australia. Wanderers player Aaron Eccleston, formerly resident of Macclesfield in the UK, is sent off for refusing to remove his genital piercing. The referee takes him off for a look at the crown jewels before brandishing a red card. I don't actually know whether any Effra players have any such adornments, but Andrew Dade will be checking you all before our next fixture…

Tips For Thorny's Next Half-Time Team Talk

Many of you will have seen this before, but it bears repeated viewing! Warning: the audio is not office friendly! Then Leyton Orient manager John Sitton displays a mastery of man management - does anyone know how they got on in the second half?!

Old Name, New Team

In case anyone thinks they recognise the name of this Thursday's opposition, I should clarify that Atkins FC has no connection other than the name to Atkins Rail. The Railwaymen are one of a few teams over the years who we've elected not to play any more. Atkins FC are simply named after Atkins Road, apparently. Pure coincidence. They might feature some familiar faces from West Wickham Musicians and apparently they recently played Dolphin Riders on the Bar Pitch, in a match which finished 4-3, although I don't know which team prevailed.

So a sort of new opposition this week, and I owe a debt of gratitude to West Wickham Musicians' gaffer Hugh, who made a few phone calls to help make sure the Accies had a match this week. Beyond the call of duty and I propose the next time we play WWM, either we give them a discount on the match fee or the club buys Hugh and his old mates a post-match beer each. Any objections?

In other oppo news, you may remember that last summer we played against The Queen Vic, a pub team based on the coast of Kent who include an ex-schoolmate of mine, Danny Rhodes. They beat us 4-0 – I remember it as a closer game than the scoreline suggests but they took their chances very well. I've taken the liberty of scheduling another match against them, a pre-season friendly for them, which will actually be our last match before playing the Dutch in Rotterdam. I reckon it'll be a proper workout against a well organised side, a good test ahead of the Dutch.

Up the Accies!

Goal Line Technology

I've checked out the video footage of Yusuf's controversial  goal 9 days ago.

Bilal watched it 4 times and was  fairly sure that it wasn't a goal. - he texted me to say we should offer to chalk the goal off. I watched it and i was 95% sure it wasn't a goal either. Then i slowed it down. To my surprise you can clearly see the ball hit the back of the net and bounce out. It was a goal. 100%*. 

Big thanks to Thorney for his sportsmanship on the day for trusting the Southside player's word. 

(*video clip available on request)

By the way - great performance this Thursday. Thoroughly enjoyable  game vs a decent  Crown Agents side.

Penalty taker distraught; keeper jubilant… and yet…

The slow motion replay of this penalty kick is almost, ALMOST unbelievable... If you haven't already seen this, you will love it. I'm told it's in a playoff final for the Italian Serie D or some such:

From The Archives

If you score the club's first ever 5-a-side hat-trick, which also happen to be your first, second and third ever goals for the team, what better way to mark that achievement than by printing out the intheteam.com news report and sticking it inside a notebook?! Love this jpeg, courtesy of Mr Patterson:

Last week's game… and a new formation

From Mr Thornes:

Firstly, to score six goals for the second week on the trot is no mean feat, so well done. Secondly its nice to get a couple of consecutive wins. Although i'm not really a fan of naming names i did think several players stood out for me. Luis was excellent, especially during the last twenty five minutes of the second half. Barry had a superb second half, looking back to somewhere near his best after a relatively quiet period. Greg had a particularly effective first half, poaching two real strikers goals. Sam capped off an excellent personal week with the goal of the game- a crisp volley into the roof of the net after a Zicoesque aerial flick from Neill. My choice for Man of the Match though, was Dave. Apart from one pass that went astray early in the second half I thought he didn't put a foot wrong. All night he either won the ball, or received it, and then quickly played a short, incisive pass to a team mate. It's exactly how I would like us all to play.

Anyway, along with all the good stuff there was also, unfortunately, lots that should give us cause for concern. The first fifteen minutes of the second half were really poor. We totally stopped passing and moving, against a team that, in reality, were beaten. Our lack of composure and a sense of panic gave such encouragement to the opposition that they could, and probably should, won .With better application, a couple of special bits of skill and a fair amount of luck, we rallied to score three quick goals. Against better teams we will not be able to get out of jail so easily!

Our problems were caused, in my opinion, by two basic failures that it seems we just can't prevent creeping into the Accies general play. The first is that players are still taking too many touches on the ball. It's pretty simple really- if you are taking more than three touches on the ball it's frankly too many. Play it simple and quickly, and then either look to get it back immediately, or make a run which will open up space for someone else. It's so infuriating simple. When we don't do it it makes the game so difficult.

The second is, in essence related, to the first. It's the seemingly pathological desire we have to hit long, low tariff, 'Hollywood' balls. They almost never come off and usually only succeed in giving the ball back to the opposition. It's really something we have to stop doing as a team. It's high risk, distupts the pattern and structure of the team -as it stops us moving the ball up the pitch in small compact units- and shows a real lack of patience and composure. As I said at half time last week, if we keep the football results will take care of themselves. It may sound strange but we shouldn't be concentrating solely on winning, but rather on keeping the football and playing as a team. I feel sure if we all give this some thought before games we can develop improve dramatically.

On a final, and more positive note, in the next couple of weeks we are going to attempt to implement a new formation for the Accies. It has to be said, I normally don't believe in making football any more complex than it needs to be, and hence am not usually keen on tinkering with formations. Such a change of thinking has come about for two reasons. Firstly, 4-4-2 almost certainly isn't an option when we play the Dutch, as they always play 3-5-2, which leaves our midfield exposed and overrun. Secondly, we really need a plan B, as its too rigid for us to always rely on 4-4-2, particulrly if things are not working out. We are going to try and learn to play 4-2-3-1, which isn't anywhere near as complex as it sounds. I'm going to be sending an email out in the next few days explaining how I foresee this system working, and we will probably give it a first run out on the 16th. If anyone wants to chat to me about this, or anything else for that matter, I'll be a round after the game this Thursday. Otherwise here's looking forward to a great game this week against a team I don't think we have had the pleasure of playing before.

Up The Accies.