Another Harrowing Misadventure (Ages Challenge)

retired_destiny1124 · 03-16-2006, 04:30 AM

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4.1.06
Hill Battles Bishop's Stortford to Draw
Harrow Hill wasted a chance at a hard earned win when an own-goal late in the second half allowed the visiting Bishop's Stortford to escape with a 1-1 draw. Due to fitness problems, Hill was featuring none of their regular first line players in the match. Darren Gwyther made the most of his opportunity as he scored to give Hill the 1-0 halftime lead enroute to receiving MOM honours. Hill appeared to have the match in hand in the second half, despite only leading by a goal. Nicky Hawkins managed to do what Stortford couldn't as he put his header past Alex Hards into his own net to equalize. Hill had several chances to win the match, including a flick from Misiu Mlynowski that hit the right upright squarely and bounced away, but couldn't find a way to net another goal past Matthew Reed.

"Could have, should have won this one," sighed Pearson.

"We were so close. The whole match I felt like we were only a moment from breaking out on them."

retired_destiny1124 · 03-17-2006, 04:43 AM

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7.1.06
Hill Brushes By Bognor Regis
Much greater intensity seemed the major difference as Harrow Hill defeated Bognor Regis 2-0 in a battle of the 2nd and 3rd placed clubs. The Larksfield Road fans were buzzing from the start of the match and had something to cheer about when Robert Dickinson scored his 20th goal of the season off a delicate pass from Steven Webb midway through the first half. The beginning of the second half saw Hill ratchet up the pressure on Bognor Regis and then gain their just reward as Robert Burns deflected a centering pass from Dickinson past Craig Stoner to make the match a more comfortable 2-0 for Hill. With the lead, Hill played more conservatively and their active backline helped blunt all rally attempts in support of a another Craig Farr clean sheet.

"Would you have believed this before the season," chuckled Heartwood. "We have reached the midway point of the season comfortably in second place."

"I would rather be in first," grinned Pearson.

"Well, if Weymouth hadn't been on fire since virtually the start of the season- maybe we would."

"Still a lot of football to be played."

"True, and our young club is about to reach the part of the season that they will need to learn to grind through as professional footballers."

retired_destiny1124 · 03-18-2006, 03:27 AM

English Conference South- Midseason
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">1- Weymouth 49 pts (+33)2- Harrow Hill 46 pts (+27)3- Bognor Regis 38 pts (+8)4- Carshalton 37 pts (+7)5- Cambridge City 36 pts (+8)6- Dorchester 35 pts (+12)7- Maidenhead 30 pts (+4)8- St.Albans 30 pts (-1)9- Newport 29 pts (+3)10-Havant & W 28 pts (+5)</pre>

***

9.1.06

Heartwood set the phone down, "The sale of Eddie Booth is finally complete Bob."

"Which club did he select?"

"He picked Dover out of the three clubs that were bidding."

"How much did we get from the sale?"

"Not a lot- 7K- but we might as well get something, since we likely wouldn't if he didn't re-sign with us."

"He had already made clear that he wasn't getting enough playing time. There wasn't much way that he would re-sign."

retired_destiny1124 · 03-18-2006, 02:24 PM

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10.1.06
Hill Lowers Boom on Lewes
Harrow Hill began the second half of ECS season in fine form as they rolled over struggling Lewes 4-0 in front of a delighted Larksfield Road crowd. Aaron Samuel showed a fine finish as he put Hill into the early lead by blasting a shot past Aaron France from just beyond the right corner of the six-yard box. Darren Gwyther, playing in place of a resting Robert Dickinson, took full advantage of his opportunity today with a fantastic shooting display to net a hattrick. Gwyther's first goal- his 5th of the season, came on a cross from Misiu Mlynowski and that helped Hill to a 2-0 halftime lead. Gwyther then added his 2nd and 3rd goals within 2 minutes of each other in the second half. The first came off a good pass from David Jackson and Mlynowski set him for the hattrick with his second fine cross. Lewes went quietly after the 4th goal and Paul Catley earned an easy clean sheet.

"That was a nice, comfortable win- no pulling hair today," chuckled Heartwood.

"Hair? What hair?" laughed Pearson.

"It looks like Darren Gwyther is starting to settle in. He isn't as comfortable on the left side, so I plan to use him to give Dickinson a match off here and there as the season progresses."

"That seems a good plan. Misiu Mlynowski doesn't look like a playmaker- but he already has 4 assists in 6 matches."

retired_destiny1124 · 03-20-2006, 04:26 AM

11.1.06

Pearson and Heartwood sat at a round table, heaped high with folders for each player on Harrow Hill.

Heartwood looked up, "It's time to start making some decisions and setting the wheels in motion for the future of the club- especially since I can say with confidence that we will avoid relegation."

Pearson grinned, "We did manage to put that worry to rest in the first half of the season."

"I need your insight Bob. One of the reasons I wanted you as Assistant Manager is because of your ability to evaluate players."

"Ok, where do you want to start Jim."

"Keepers I guess. What are your thoughts?"

"Craig Farr is certainly living up to what we both expected of him. I think we did well with Paul Catley too- he has the makings of a future star. I am not sold on Alex Hards though, I think he won't be much more than a backup."

"I agree with you on all three. Mostly I wanted Hards because I think he is an adequate backup. If he becomes too unhappy, then he will go on the transfer list and we can search for another. How about both side fullbacks?"

"We are really well off there. Jamie Chandler has a great future and I think Steven Webb could also become a star. Danny Smith is going to be a very good player and David Carns has a lot of potential- so we are good depth wise. I don't think David Jackson will be much more than what he is showing us now and Marcus Dydyna is just decent, nothing special.

"What do you think about our center defense?"

"Do you want an evaluation of Samuel Okikiolu?"

"No. Though I am loathing doing it- in fear of screwing up our success- I will be living up to my promise and offering him to clubs. If we are going to cash in on him- it has to be right now. If that doesn't work out, then he can play out this season's contract here and we will let him go on free."

"Well, leaving him out- Lewis Tozer has fantastic ability, we need to keep him as long as possible. Nicky Hawkins also has star potential, so if Samuel goes- he should be our other starter. Adam Hitchen is decent, but nothing more than that. I think both Michael Johnston and Matt Hill will be nothing more than cover and we shouldn't hope for much from them."

"Should I be looking for another player there?"

"Yes, I think we will need someone- especially if Samuel goes."

"Wingers?"

"Robert Burns could be a big star on the left, but I don't think Jonathan Harris and Simon Varty are really that good- you might want to look for more depth there as well. Sean Coburn is a very good player and has offered us good leadership as skipper. Aaron Samuel is decent, but I wouldn't want to depend on him as a starter. Roger Charles, well you know I tried to talk you out of signing him to a new contract when he turned 17."

Heartwood nodded, "You were right on Roger. I was wrong. I guess I should see about getting Burns locked into a longer contract- his current one is through 2007."

"I would. He should be our starting leftwinger for many years since he is only 18."

"Center mids?"

"Two excellent ones in Ash Carew and Billy Nott. You did nicely in getting them under longer contracts. Two more of very good ability in Pat Lynott and Joe Foote. Scott Harber has a lot of potential. Nick Muir and Anthony Millerick won't ever help us."

"I am just waiting on Scott Harber's 17th birthday to get him under a longer contract. I won't worry about Muir and Millerick. How about our forwards?"

"I don't need to say anything about Robert Dickinson- he is one of the best players in the ECS. Though we haven't really started Mark Russell, I think we should give him a chance- he could be a big star. Misiu Mlynowski has turned into a very nice find and will be a very good player. I know you disagree on this, but I feel Darren Gwyther is overrated."

Heartwood sighed, "Well, Darren has great finishing ability- something you can't overlook at the level of ECS play. He is a bit one-dimensional, but if scoring is that dimension- we need it."

Pearson nodded and continued, "Cory Johnson and Tom Byrne are decent. Peter Sutton is another one that I don't agree with you on, but I am willing to wait and see if he surprises me. Jon French isn't going to help us."

"Cory is unhappy and I put him on the transfer list. Tom's contract is only for this season and I don't really plan on extending it- unless he shows me a lot more than I have seen from him so far."

"To summarize- I think we still need depth in center defense, both wings and forward."

"Thanks for your input and help Bob."

retired_destiny1124 · 03-21-2006, 03:42 AM

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14.1.06
Hayes Tips Hill
Hayes won a closely contested 1-0 match over Harrow Hill at Church Road with a goal late in the second half. Both sides had plenty of opportunities to get on the scoreline prior to the match winner, but keepers Matthew Gregg and Craig Farr had done a good job of making key saves. The lone goal came when Bobby White outleapt Misiu Mlynowski and made a long header, sending Farr's goal kick back toward the net. Jeff Goulding showed exquisite timing in outleaping Lewis Tozer and flicking the ball past Farr. Robert Dickinson was very frustrated in the match, as Gregg made several saves on him, but Aaron Samuel could only hang his head for missing a wide open net on a rebound with a chance to equalize.

"Close one, we could have done better," observed Heartwood.

"Our finishing was faulty, but we played pretty well otherwise."

retired_destiny1124 · 03-22-2006, 04:01 AM

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21.1.06
Hill Dumps Dorchester
Most of the match had been an exercise in frustration for Harrow Hill as they were still locked in 1-1 draw with visiting Dorchester heading into the late stages of the match at Larksfield Road. The turning point was sudden, as the superior Hill conditioning and pace suddenly made its appearances and they swamped the visitors in the late stages to grab a 3-1 win. Though Hill had much the best of play in the first half, the only goal they had was Robert Dickinson't penalty kick after Gary Middleton had tripped Mark Russell in the area. Dorchester, in really their only scoring opportunity, saw Warren Byerly flick a free kick past Craig Farr to equalize in the opening moments of the second half. Dorchester quickly had to return to the defensive as their skipper Alex Browne earned a redcard for knocking down Dickinson as the last man. Hill had the space on the pitch, but was having trouble taking full advantage of it. Dickinson ended the frustration when he made it a brace after driving in a 20 yard blast Nick Jones at 83 minutes. Hill put the match away less than two minutes later when a terrific cross from Aaron Samuel made it easy for Billy Nott to deflect it past Jones to cap a determined Hill performance.

"The boys showed excellent heart. They never quit pressuring them and it finally paid off," commented Pearson.

"I was impressed by how our whole club shook off their equalizer and went right back to working to regain the lead."

retired_destiny1124 · 03-22-2006, 11:58 PM

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28.1.06
Draw at War Memorial
Harrow Hill battled Carshalton to a scoreless draw in front of a packed house at War Memorial. Hill showed the better play throughout the match, but the dogged defense of the home side did much to ruin several fine chances for Hill. Carshalton managed only two shots at Craig Farr in the match and seemed more concerned in avoiding Hill scoring than scoring themselves. Hill ranged far and wide in their attempts to get a goal past Jonathan Venter, but it wasn't to be as their shooting was inaccurate this afternoon. Samuel Okikiolu earned MOM honours the day after he announced that he had accepted a contract from Rushden and would be joining them on July 1st.

"I can't fault Samuel for either his choice- though I wish we could have profited from the sale of him- nor of his committment to the club," stated Heartwood.

"Hopefully, Ash Carew will get back from injury soon. We really missed his dynamic presence today," replied Pearson.

"With Billy Nott out also, that certainly put a damper on our midfield. It was good to see Scott Harber play well today when he subbed on."

"He told me he was very happy with his new contract and realized he would likely get more playing time now that he is 17."

retired_destiny1124 · 03-24-2006, 03:47 AM

30.1.06

"A couple new signings arriving today Bob," said a pleased Heartwood.

"And who might these fine fellows be?"

"Paul Jenkin and Alex Jennings. Jenkin is a 21 year old left footed forward who is signing his first pro contract with us. Jennings is 17 year old keeper that both Spencer Field and Rob Campkin called one of the best young keepers they have seen. With Jennings addition, Alex Hards will be moving to the Reserves- and the transfer list.

***

Quote:

31.1.06
Weston Super Over Hill
Weston-super-Mere took advantage of an accidental goal and a late corner to see off visiting Harrow Hill 2-0. Hill, playing without resting Robert Dickinson and Samuel Okikiolu, still showed plenty of verve in the match- but as has been the case lately- they did not finish well around the Weston net. The first half was scoreless with Hill controlling much of the flow of play. Misiu Mlynowski showed excellent moves around the goal in both halves, but all too often his strike partners- Mark Russell and later Peter Sutton- failed to get in good position for his passes. Jonathan French sent a looping centering pass toward the goal early in the second half and Paul Catley didn't see the ball as it looped over him to put the home side in the lead. Mark Walley put the match out of reach for Hill at 88 minutes when he rammed home a rebound following a scramble in front of Catley on a corner kick. Manager James Heartwood had little comment on his sides offensive struggles, other than to say, "We are working on it."

"Working on it? Did I really say that?" asked Heartwood quizically.

"Yes, you said it- but I think they took it a bit out of context Jim."

"No matter. It is something we need to resolve quickly. We have to find a way to score more."

retired_destiny1124 · 03-28-2006, 02:32 AM

31.1.06

"One more addition, Bob. I think we are done after this."

"Who is arriving?"

"Peter Cawson. He is a 19 year old MRC who came out of the Carlisle youth program. I don't think he will be much more than cover for rightwing and maybe center mid, but he has a nice balance of skills and Spencer thought he had good potential."

***

Quote:

4.2.06
Hill Hands Havant & W a Waterloo
Harrow Hill took advantage of an early redcard to Havant & W defender Matt Gray as they rolled over the visitors 4-0 at Larksfield Road. The margin could easily have been more as uncharacteristically Robert Dickinson missed a penalty. Aaron Samuel got Hill off to a flying start when he converted his penalty kick in the early moments of the match after Sebastien Wallis-Taylor tripped Paul Jenkin in the area. Gray was sent off for a last man redcard at 13 minutes after it was his turn to trip Jenkin in the area. Dickinson missed the penalty and Hill was only able to finish the first half with a 1-0 lead thanks to hard work by the undermanned Havant side. The second half was another story as the constant Hill pressure took its toll. Billy Nott drove home a rebound past Tom Phillips after David Carns crashed a shot off the right upright. Dickinson then took over and made it a brace of goals by scoring on two superb moves around the net. Dickinson publicly commented that he was disappointed that he had missed his hat-trick because of missing the early penalty kick.

"That was nice to see. We finally played flowing attack football and finished around the net," offered a pleased Heartwood.

"Our execution was spot on today. If we can just do that consistently..."

"I don't think we are going to be able to overtake Weymouth now. They are just too hot and our cold scoring stretch here has left us too much room to make up. Still we need to drive hard for the playoffs now."

Another Harrowing Misadventure (Ages Challenge)

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Another Harrowing Misadventure (Ages Challenge)