© Bob’s View 2008. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules. Similar rules apply to authorised reproduction.

Well here we go moving into the penultimate Sunday of the season and what a scorcher. 7 weeks ago I went to Norman Park on my daughter’s birthday and said to Miles Cadwallader of Lombard Phoenix, “you are having a laugh !” By that I meant that in the short trip from Shortlands to Norman Park the temperature on my car outside temp gauge had dropped from -0.5 C to -3.5C and a blizzard was starting up. Furthermore as my car had not had a chance to “warm up” the snow was freezing on the windscreen. I reffed that game in gloves and tracksuit bottoms tucked into my socks with my shorts over the top of my tracksuit bottoms. We got the game done and dusted……………………. And today well it couldn’t have been different – a “double banker” between Cudham United Res and Eltham Progress Res of the Fifth Division– clear blue skies and temperatures in the upper 20’s C – ouch – incredible.

In the first game Cudham had a lot of the play initially but Eltham playing down the hill always looked dangerous. Barry was holding it up upfront and with deft flicks and turns was causing the Cudham defence problems. Likewise, Keyesy up front for Cudham was using his height and weight to keep momentum going – this looked to be building up to a great Div 5 game. The Eltham Progress keeper was definitely suspect giving his defenders a few heart attacks as he dropped the ball. Phil Sansom and Wayne Pearson defying the years as they tidied up and busied themselves at the back and right attacking midfield. And then disaster for Cudham. Having failed to capitalise on some goalkeeping fumbles a punt down the field caught them flat footed and the Eltham striker slipped it past the advancing Deano for 1-0. And that’s the way it stayed until halftime – no worries for Cudham as they had the hill in the second half – all to do for Eltham though. Or so we thought. In the second half Cudham seemed bereft of ideas and no one wanted to have a pop so consequently they didn’t score and Eltham always looked dangerous if they broke on the odd occasion. To add insult to injury a Cudham player was sent off for an ill judged comment to the referee/Asst referee – we had 3 officials today. So that’s how the first game ended – 0-1 to Eltham Progress Reserves and they clinched 3rd spot.

In the second game, Eltham fell to only 10 fit players at kick off as one of their lads fell foul of an injury sustained in the first game. He subsequently limped from the field and shortly after another player was injured which left Eltham with 9 fit players and a changed lime up with the goalie now in midfield and someone else between the posts. Phil Sansom had gone off to find the Cudham “iron lung” and left Wayne to marshal things at the heart of the Cudham defence. Against inferior numbers Cudham were soon 2-0 then 3-0 up. All credit to the nine men from Eltham, they kept on plugging away and we ended up as the game fizzled out to a tired spectacle at 4-2 to Cudham, but with 2 extra players Eltham could have made it different.

And so to the Senior Division. Eltham Town completed their season as they won 2-1 against Goldsmiths United. Centaurs lost 1-2 against Lessa Albion in the relegation clash which still leaves both clubs with everything to play for going into the final week. Centresports lost to Catford CC 3-4 as Catford put the disappointment of last weeks Charity Cup defeat behind them and cap a pleasing first season in the top flight runners-up. A midweek game saw Goldsmiths United beat FOBG 4-2. Midfield were unable to hold champions Vista as the latter waltzed home 2-3 in the end.

In the Premier Division, FC Bickley finished their season with a close 4-3 win over EPR to end up second. Paul Birch lost out to AFC Albatross 0-1 and Centresports res and Midway had a touch of sun as their game was postponed !!

Division One had some surprises as Masters and Cudham drew 1-1 on their last game played at Bromley FC on Bank Holiday Monday. Eltham Progress beat Otford Colts to nick the last promotion spot 2-0. Lessa Albion Res found it tough going and lost out 2-4 to Coney Hall as Coney also nick top spot from Hatcham.

Division Two’s solitary game saw Dave Jonas’ The Buff lose 2-5 to The Wood as Mr. CloughieTraer’s side won promotion for sure.

Division Three next and Ex Blues beat The Flames 3-0 to close in on that leading spot. The Flames are relegated.

To Division Four and Ex Blues Res said goodbye as Orchard ran rampant and won 0-5 and clinched that vital 3rd promotion spot and a promotion and cup double. Orpington Rovers held Euro United 3-3 thus depriving United of the points they needed to push Orchard to the wire even more.

In the other game in Division Five Starks Park Rovers lost out to Shortlands Athletic 1-4 after being 1-0 up at half time. Shortlands end up champions and sadly SPR end up with the “Wooden Spoon”.

That’s all folks.

© Bob’s View 2008. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules. Similar rules apply to authorised reproduction.

So the season is in it’s final throes and a few interesting results have come up today.

In the Jack Standen Cup final my fancied team Lessa Albion Res came unstuck against Otford Colts who got there hands on their first piece of silverware (other than the Linesman’s Trophy) if my memory serves me right. So well done lads on a thoroughly deserved win.

In the Paul Picard Final Centresports Res ground out a win 1-0 against Paul Birch in what looks like a perfectly matched final.

However, in the Charity Cup Semi Final Midway finally succumbed to Catford CC 6-3 after leading 2-0 I believe. Kev at Catford would like me too know that they are not doing too badly for their first season in the top flight. However, as I always say at this point to any side when you can match or beat the Billet Villa record of cup wins or Southborough’s record of League titles THEN you will be guaranteed your own piece of OBDSFL history AND you will be a classy outfit.

So to the Divisions and in the Senior Centaurs lost out to Midfield 1-3 as the points both teams wanted all went one way. Centresports kept up the pressure on the top sides as they beat Defiance 2-1 but Vista also won 4-1 against Goldsmiths who just seem to be going through the motions now. Eltham Town kept up Lessa Albion’s relegation fears as they won 3-1 and FOBG lost out twice 1-4 and 1-0 against Milldean in their double banker.

In the Premier Keyworth went for it and beat FC Bickley 0-2 to surely tie up the Premier crown barring any slip up in the final matches. AFC Albatross let in another 9 goals without reply as Leabridge did the damage.

So to the First Division and Eltham Progress banged in 12 against hapless KPR’s one – and Progress still have games to play !!

In the Second Division Duke 94 and Lombard Phoenix had a 1-1 draw – no excitement there after last weeks game eh Duke ! The Wood clung on in their match and probably finished Valley Valiants Res hope of promotion with a good 2-1 win as Wood overtake Lombard Phoenix to claim second spot.

Division Three now, and Eltham Town ‘A’ beat Swanley Cardinals 5-3 and Lessa Albion Res drew 3-3 with The Blues – does this mean Lessa played once in the morning and then had their final in the afternoon ??? Ouch !!! Copers Cope lost out to EPR Res 1-3 and then went down 2-0 in the second bit of the DB. EC United lost to Ex Blues 2-0 and have 4 games in hand over leaders The Blues – interesting ………..

So now Div Four and Cricketers succumbed twice to Orchard 0-3 and 2-1 as my spies took a day off and went to the OBDSFL Finals. Euro United lost 0-1 to Beckenham Imps as Dartford finished their season with a thumping 1-5 win at Freelands and finish champions by my reckoning.

Div Five saw a few games only as Lombard Phoenix Res crashed 0-5 to Eltham Progress Res. This leaves the top of the table all over the place with the amount of games to be played. Shortlands Athletic beat Paul Birch Res 6-1 to strengthen their cause as they go top and AFC Lessa Christchurch lost 1-6 to Fairfield Res who seem to have become suddenly much stronger in the past few weeks.

Next week I am down at both finals so we will have coverage of the main events of the day.

That’s all folks.

© Bob’s View 2008. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules. Similar rules apply to authorised reproduction.

I must start this weeks copy of the “View” with an apology to The Wood – due to a venue switch poor old “Sunshine” Mark Freeman, the Results Secretary, was nonplussed and got a result the wrong way round. Mark says, “All, Please be advised that the result between Eltham Progress v The Wood was won by The Wood 4-2 not the other way round. Apologies for the error but was due to game being switched”

So to the “old boys “ at The Wood and Mr CloughieTraer – many apologies !!!

Okay so onwards and upwards after that hiccup ……………………..

Lots of cup action this week and Kent County cup news as well.

We had 2 clubs left in their respective parts of the Kent Cup but sdaly its only one now as Otford Colts lost out 6-2 to a stronger Medway Queen in the Junior Cup. In the Premier Cup, Dabe and Jeff’s Goldsmiths United march on to the next round as they went away to Sutton Valence Village and won 2-4. Well done lads.

In our own cups a few interesting results got played out. In the Charity Cup Round 3 Valley Valiants Res made a game of it with Centaurs with the latter just squeezing through 2-3. In the Charity Cup Round 4 matches Catford CC had an incredible game with Vista with the scores locked at 1-1 after full time and extra time the game moved to penalties and Catford squeezed through also 5-4. In the delayed Jack Standen Cup Semi Final, Peter Palmer’s Lessa Albion Res thumped Coney Hall 5-1 so they now play Otford Colts in the final scheduled for 27th April. The Paul Picard Semi-Final saw Centresports Res do it again as they beat Keyworth 4-2 to secure a place in the Final scheduled for 27th April also. In the Smales’ Trophy, 3rd Round, Ex Blues beat ElthamTown Res 2-0.

Turning now to the bread and butter, in the Senior Division only 2 games this week and Centresports thumped Lessa Albion 7-0 and Defiance reclaimed top spot with a 4-1 win over early season leaders Eltham Town.

In the Prmier Division FC Bickley outsmarted Valley Valiants to win 4-0 whilst EPR suffered a setback against Leabridge and lost 0-1. Midway had a fine win as they cracked in 8 goals to Griffin Sports 3 in reply. Prince of Wales not to be outdone also scored 8 to 2 in reply from AFC Albatross – sorry Clive looks like the “magic” 100 goals conceded is going to happen next week !

In Division One Eltham Progress beat Cudham United to keep their promotion hopes on track. Hatcham beat Chelsfield Old Boys 4-2 to move into top spot as Coney Hall were on cup duty.

So to Div Two and The Buff stumbled badly in the bottom of the table clash as S E Twente clawed their way up the table with a 1-2 win. Fairfield lost 0-2 to The Wood who slid into a deserved second spot ably guided by Mr Cloughie-Traer. In my game a dour first half was transformed for Lombard Phoenix when I awarded them a penalty against Duke 94 who were battling it out all the way. This was converted and another was added 10 mins later to make it 2-0 to Lombard Phoenix but they then found that perhaps it was not all going there way as sloppy defending meant Duke clawed a goal back. Not a lot happened in the second half. I turned down a big penalty shout from Duke and a couple of Lombard Phoenix players got booked for offering an unwarranted opinion but the game ended the same as half time, 2-1.

In Div Three where The Blues had a good win over EC United 4-1 and Copers Cope turned it on to beat VS Bexley 6-0. Lessa Albion ‘A’ turned last weeks reversal around and beat The Flames 3-2 . Finally, Swanley Cardinals did themselves no favours as they lost to Eltham Town ‘A’ 1-2.

So now in Div Four and Beckenham Imps scraped past Freelands 4-3 and Dartford had a romp 5-1 against North Kent Rangers. Euro United and Cricketers ended 2-1 in Euro’s favour whilst Ex Blues Res stumbled once more as they could only manage 1-1 with second bottom club Midway Res. The spies tell me that it started well for Orchard bossing the game for the first 15 minutes. Then a quick break found the right-back flat footed who played them onside which left an easy run through to take on Richie Bull, Orchard’s keeper, but with two sides of the goal to chose from an easy chance made it 1-0 to Orpington. This is how it stayed until half-time.  The second half started well for Orpington when a needless free kick was given away by the central midfield. This was floated in to find an Orpington player who had lost his marker through sloppy defending. His header came off the bar only to deflect off Darren Poets head to make it 2 -0.  Many chances went begging in a pretty even affair. Then on 75 minutes a long range lob from one yard inside the Orpington half from Peter Collard found the net. With the scores being 2-1 Orchard stepped up a gear but just could not net the leveller. Subs for Orchard were Chris Curum on for Anthony Gandhi, Michael Small on for Nathan Muller and finally Tom Wild made way for Lee Keelan.

In Division Five Cudham United Reserves were found to be lacking as they lost 2-5 to Shortlands Athletic at home. EPR ‘A’ returned to winning ways as they beat AFC Lessa Christchurch 3-0. Lombard Phoenix Res on the next pitch to mine at Norman Park won 2-1 against Starks Park Rovers and cast doubts on their escape from the re-election positions. A win for Fairfield Res 1-2 against Paul Birch Res poses more pressure for the Starks Park crew.


Cheers,

Bob.

© Bob’s View 2008. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules. Similar rules apply to authorised reproduction.

Welcome to this weeks copy of “Bob’s View”. A few Charity Cup games to start with and in Round 2 Dave Jonas’ The Buff ended up losing out 1-3 after 1-1 on the full as they eventually failed to get past Eltham Progress Res. (Amended result). Ex Blues had a local derby against Coney Hall but sadly lost out as Hall progressed 2-3. Valley Valiants Res were one goal better than Lessa Albion Res and won 1-0 in a very tight game. In Round 3 games Centresports demolished Eltham Town 4-0 and seem to be back to winning ways. Leabridge came up against FOBG and must have fancied their chances but sadly it was not to be as FOBG recorded a rare win 1-2. Lessa Albion comfortably beat Otford Colts 4-2 and Paul Birch finally overcame “Golden Ronnies” Prince of Wales 5-4. VN were halted by a solitary goal from The Flames 0-1.

And so to the Senior Division where after last weeks dramatic Kent Cup game Goldsmiths United found themselves 1-2 down to Milldean and a dose of reality I guess. Midfield also had a bad loss as they went down 1-5 to Catford Cricket Club.

In the Premier Division EPR won handsomely against Griffin Sports 5-0 whilst Keyworth were scraping a 2-1 win against battling Valley Valiants. Talking of scraping wins, Midway 4 FC Bickley 5 – sounds like Bickley had a scrap on their hands there.

So to Div One where Bromley Flamengo were left smarting as Eltham Progress won 1-6 and Hatcham eased past Cudham United 4-0. Kings Park Rangers became the latest side to witness Masters push up the table form the bottom as they lost 1-4 to the Masters maelstrom !!! Sorry Richard.

In Div Two Eltham Town Res lost narrowly to The Wood 0-1 and in the other game SE Twente made a fight of it before Lombard Phoenix won 2-3.

Div Three next and EC United lost out to the odd goal in nine as they went down 4-5 to The Blues. London City had a good win over EPR Res 4-2 and Swanley Cardinals found Copers Cope a little too good as they lost 0-2. In the final game V S Bexley lost to Lessa Albion ‘A’ 0-2.

And now Div Four where Beckenham Imps had an excellent win over Orchard 4-0 as the good ship Orchard seems to have hit the rocks. My spies were not around it would seem. Cricketers and Orpington Rovers ground out a 2-2 draw and Euro United found Ex Blues Res a little too hot as they went down 1-2. Freelands dulled the FC Wasps sting and won 3-2 and North Kent Rangers lost out to Dartford 2-3.

So finally now we go to the Fifth Division where Bromley Eagles had a tight win 1-0 over AFC Lessa Christchurch and Cudham United res found Lombard Phoenix res a little too good and lost 1-2. EPR ‘A’ had a wake up call as they lost 0-6 to promotion contenders Shortlands Athletic. Finally, Paul Birch Res lost out to Rohan 1-5.

After my comments about Starks Park Rovers last week Nigel Rodford has reminded me that “I believe we finished 5th last year... and mid table the two season previous.. not exactly re-election ! This season.... it’s not over till the large-lady sings...”

………… yup you may well be right Nigel – but we will see.

Cheers,

Bob.

© Bob’s View 2008. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules. Similar rules apply to authorised reproduction.


One cup game to start today, in the Charity Cup Round 2, where Eltham Progress made short shrift of Lombard Phoenix 4-0. On my game today in the Kent Premier Cup 5th Round Goldsmiths United took on Palmerston Working Mens Club. There were 2 other OBDSFL officials in charge with Phil Cheverton doing the middle and Brian Salter running the other line. Golds found themselves 1-0 down inside the first 10 minutes and the rest of the half didn’t really leave much to talk about apart from the handbags and that in the opinion of some of the players 3 match officials didn’t know what they were talking about – times don’t change eh !!! In the second half Golds came out with more purpose and kicking with the wind renewed vigour too. Suffice too say, they left it late but after a glaring miss from two inches – ok sorry 2 yards – they finally settled it all with 3 well taken goals, the last 2 as Palmerston were left lacking at the back as they pushed forward seeking an equaliser. Well done Jeff and his boys and good luck in the next round. Lessa Albion did not have such luck and went down 1-0 in extra time. Otford Colts in the Kent Junior Cup fairly thrashed Wallets Court 2-6……………….. nice one.

Closer to home now and in the Senior Division Centaurs lost to Centresports 0-4 in the relegation battle which now pushes Centresports well clear of the two drop spots occupied firmly by FOBG and Centaurs. Eltham Town and Defiance did neither of their title hopes any good as they drew 1-1 as Vista won 0-1 against Milldean to go clear with Defiance and Eltham Town following with games in hand.

To the Premier and Centresports Res beat Valley Valiants 3-2 and Leabridge had a massive 10-1 win over Griffin Sports. Midway and AFC Albatross slugged out a 2-2 draw which enabled Midway to pull up to 4th from bottom and out of the drop zone. Paul Birch could not hold FC Bickley who won 0-4 but did not score enough goals as Keyworth beat Prince of Wales 1-9 and go top on goal difference over FC Bickley.

In the First Div Coney Hall beat rivals Hatcham 1-0 and Cudham United had a good win 3-0 over Bromley Flamengo. Kings Park Rangers held Lessa Albion Res to a 2-2
draw as Lessa close in on a promotion spot - as predicted. Masters surge for a run in for the title got off to a bad start as they went down 3-4 to Chelsfield Old Boys and remain rooted to second bottom !

So to Division Two where The Buff found Eltham Town Res just too good as they went down 2-7. Duke 94 suffered a similar fate and to a similar score as they lost to The Wood who must now fancy the title perhaps. VN cruised past Fairfield 3-0 and finally Valley Valiant Res were held 2-2 by their nemesis S E Twente.

Now to Division Three where The Blues continued their run in and won 2-1 against Copers Cope and EC United ended up honors shared in a high scoring draw 4-4 with Swanley Cardinals. The Flames beat V S Bexley 2-1 and London City happily beat Lessa Albion ‘A’ 1-0.

To Division Four where the top is hot and Dartford finally recaptured past form to beat Cricketers 3-2. Ex Blues Res overcame previous setbacks and beat FC Wasps 2-0. North Kent Rangers registered another defeat as they lost to Freelands 1-5. Orchard were rocked back on their heals as the wheels fell off to Euro United 0-6. The spies report the first fifteen minutes started well for Orchard who had the ball mainly in the Euro half. Then on 20 minutes it fell apart with  a neat goal to put Euro 0-1 up. Matters took a turn for the worst when Darren Poet had to be subbed due to injury and was replaced by Anthony Gandhi. On 37 minutes another decent move from Euro found the net to make it 0-2 a minute later a bad challenge on Ricky Rice caused a bit of retaliation and both players saw the yellow card. Minutes before the end of the half a cracking drive from just outside the area made it 0-3.  The second half started the same as the first with Orchard trying to press the play but to no avail. Orchard tried to change the direction by bringing on Nathan Muller for Darren Gilmartin on 68 minutes but alas with no results. A minute later Euro made it 0-4 to add insult to injury the ball bobbled in front of Tom Wild from a corner and bounced up and he was judged to have prevented a goal scoring opportunity and was shown the red card. The resulting penalty was excellently saved by Richie Bull who suffered an injury in the process. With Orchard only having 2 subs they were left with only 10 men to finish the game. Euro ended up well deserved winners as they added insult to even more injury by getting another 2 goals on 87 and 89 minutes to make it a 0-6 thrashing.

And so to Division Five now and EPR ‘A recovered from last week and beat Bromley Eagles 4-3 and AC Lessa Christchurch had a sparkling win 4-1 against Paul Birch Res. Lombard Phoenix Res won 2-0 over Shortlands Athletic to do Athletic’s promotion hopes no good. Rohan succumbed to a Cudham United Res onslaught 1-5 and finally Starks Park Rovers look to another season of applying for reelection possibly as they lost to Fairfield Res 2-6.


Cheers,

Bob.

© Bob’s View 2007. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules. Similar rules apply to authorised reproduction.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HERE ARE THE
PREDICTIONS

As usual with these things, I have to put a “qualifier” in before anybody moans to Phil Cheverton, OBDSFL League Secretary, and say that I base my predictions on the League rules that state 3 teams are promoted and 3 teams are relegated from each division, except at the top of the Premier where 2 teams are promoted and bottom of the Senior where 2 teams are relegated. The bottom 3 teams in the Fifth Division have to apply for re-election to the League. Of course these rules can be adjusted as the League Management seek fit to ensure you chaps have a meaningful division next season. So thus please do not go to the Committee at the end of the season and say “well Bob said so……”. I hope this will make sure there are no misunderstandings. AND, of course, this is just a bit of fun in our “close season” – please take it as such and don’t take any offence or my comments too seriously !

Senior Division

I think the run in this season could be very interesting. The top three teams seem to have put a few points between them and the following pack. A surprise contender is Eltham Town after their years in the doldrums and fighting relegation. But what’s this – Goldsmiths United lurking again by virtue of their Kent Cup commitments. I am sure they may be there or thereabouts at the end but my 1, 2 will be Defiance followed by Eltham Town with Lessa Albion, Vista and Goldsmiths United fighting it out for third place. Sadly, I think once again at the bottom the promoted teams will be flirting with relegation. To go down will certainly be FOBG and I think it will be a scrap between Midfield, Catford CC and Centaurs for that remaining place.

Premier Division

A bit like the Senior the top 3 teams seem to have opened a gap on the rest of the table. Both Valley Valiants and EPR would love another crack at the Senior Division from whence they were both dumped a season after winning relegation. To spice things up, Keyworth who missed out narrowly last season, have also only lost one game and that was to another of the promotion contenders EPR. They are desperate to have a go at the top flight, a division they think they are better off in but it’s that final hurdle that defeated them so closely last season. Newcomers to the League, FC Bickley, seem to be winning quite well also and are in second place. I don’t think EPR have been consistent enough to warrant an immediate return so it looks to me that FC Bickley and Valley Valiants will nick it in a very, very close contest. Sadly, I think Keyworth will be bridesmaid once more and could drop some more crucial points when it matters and thus lose out very closely, possibly it could even be goal difference that counts in the end. At the bottom it seems that promoted Leabridge, Midway, Prince of Wales, Griffin Sports and AFC Albatross will slug it out for the bottom 3 spots. AFC Albatross seem to have claimed the wooden spoon and the other two, Griffin Sports and “Golden Ronnie’s” Prince of Wales seem destined for the same fate. Interesting point is that AFC Albatross’s goal difference is the worst in the League – sorry Clive !!

First Division

At first glance Coney Hall, Hatcham and Eltham Progress seem quite comfortable at around the half way mark. However, bubbling under with a vital 2 games in hand are Lessa Albion Reserves. They could ruin the comfortable party at the top perhaps !! Not to be underestimated they have fought their way up the League and one season were written off by me as relegation candidates and then won promotion and got to a cup final ! At the bottom, two good teams in KPR and Masters have zilch, zero, nil, nowt as regards points – indeed are they going to go the whole season without a sniff of a point ?? Who will join them going down is another question ! You could say Cudham or Otford Colts – yet they are 2 good teams as well for this division. A really rotten one to have to call this for that final space – sorry lads I think it may be Otford Colt’s turn this year.

Second Division

Turning now to the 2nd Div. and VN’s away form seems quite stunning, winning 5 out of 5. The home form could be a problem though, won 1 drawn 1 and lost 1 !!! In second place is undefeated Lombard Phoenix who have games in hand due to a good County Cup run and they look good for the title BUT in third place is Valley Valiants Res and in 5th place don’t write off The Wood just yet. So you see this could be quite a race here – this is always good fun trying to pick the winners. 1 and 2 will be Lombard Phoenix and VN and then number 3 I am going to punt for Valley Valiant Res. At the bottom, 3 out of the bottom 4 seems obvious but it could be a real battle. S E Twente seem adrift now and The Buff could lose out to. Who may join them, well it seems Fairfield and Bromley Common will make it a close call. I reckon Bromley Common may claim that spot.

Third Division

EPR Res, Ex Blues and The Blues have all forged at least a 5 point gap but watch out for Copers Cope with 2 games in hand. Even Lessa Albion ‘A’ could be a threat, but they are a younger side getting better each season but I think next year may be their turn. London City may threaten too but seem a bit off the race here. Barring a mishap the top 3 have probably done enough and although it’s still a long way to go I think it will end up being Ex Blues, EPR Res and The Blues. At the bottom I am going to say that The Flames will be bottom with VS Bexley and Eltham Town Res taking the other 2 spots, although Swanley Cardinals will probably have to fight to avoid being dragged into the relegation mire.

Fourth Division

So the Fourth Division get’s tighter with any 3 from the top 7 technically in with a shout as the fixtures have been affected. At first look you think that the top 3 have it sewn up but then you look again at the games in hand of the following 4 and it looks as if goal difference could play a big part in this. This Division could be the one that means I have to donate to this seasons charity if I don’t get 80% or more of my predictions correct ! So let’s be brave and call it – Orchard, Dartford and Beckenham Imps to claim the top 3 spots. As for the bottom, well Wickham Park and Midway Res seem to have taken 2 of the 3 spots and I reckon Freelands unfortunately will claim the third, but, as they say, we will see.

Fifth Division

And so too the Fifth where the top team EPR ‘A’, with Howard in good striking form and thanks to fine away results, have half of their League season under their belts already. Followed by Rohan with 2 games in hand and 2 points behind EPR must be concerned that they will be pipped at the post. But these 2 still have to play each other. Shortlands Athletic have 4 games in hand and could challenge for a promotion spot too which will upset Eltham Progress Res hopes. These 2 teams have still to play each other twice interestingly. So a 1, 2, 3 could be Rohan, EPR ‘A’ and Eltham Progress Res but it is going to be a close call. At the bottom things seem a lot easier with Fairfield Res, Crayside Colts and Starks Park Rovers my bet for the bottom 3 places – sorry Nigel but it seems like it is back to the bad old days for SPR.

Up for the Cup

This is more difficult than the divisions as I am assuming all the clubs mentioned in the latest rounds on the website are the only ones left in the competitions so here we go:

Charity Cup:

Winners: Defiance
Runners Up: Keyworth

Smales’ Trophy:

Winners: Ex Blues
Runners Up: Copers Cope

Paul Pickard Cup:

Winners: Keyworth
Runners Up: Goldsmiths United

Jack Standen Cup:

Winners: Hatcham
Runners Up: Eltham Progress

…………ha ha ha the cups will definitely be my downfall this year !!!!!!! That was a load of guesses.

And one result from 23rd December Swanley Cardinals lost out to Ex Blues 1-3 in pre Xmas Div 3 match

Cheers,

Bob.

© Bob’s View 2007. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules. Similar rules apply to authorised reproduction.

Thought for the week: Cold weather makes Brass Monkeys of players and Referees alike !

Well this Sunday brought a collection of the Thierry Henry gloves out from the drawer – and boy was it cold – but did you lot play any better wearing them ?? Probably not, but it’s a good fashion accessory eh !
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Sorry lads but even the Telegraph is taking the ‘mickey’ out of you moaning now !!

Its been a long time coming for FOBG but finally after Week 10 they got a win beating Centaurs 4-3 in what looks an exciting match. Bet that warmed up Vic Farrow !! Centresports also recorded another win at long last with a 2-0 over Catford C.C. – bet Kev wasn’t too pleased about that. Told you it may be tough this season Kev. Goldsmiths United had a fine win 3-1 over Lessa Albion and with 2 games in hand already could be well up there come the end of the season. Milldean and Defiance ground out one of those infamous 0-0 draws – so unheard of years ago in this League.

So to the Premier Division where AFC Albatross found Paul Birch far too much of a handful and succumbed easily 0-5. Centresports Res found the game against Bickley a tough one and went down 3-5. Griffin Sports lost at home to EPR 2-4 and Midway also went down at home 1-4 to Valley Valiants. Fully recuperated, “Golden Ronnie” and his boys took on Leabridge but they had a stuffing 0-5 – still good to have you back Ronnie and pleased you are feeling better.

In the First Division Lessa Albion Res found COBS a bit of a handful and lost out 2-5 whilst Masters’ woeful season continued with a 1-8 thrashing at home by Coney Hall. Otford Colts were held at home by Eltham Progress 2-2.

To the 2nd Division now and The Buff fell foul not only to the weather but to Lombard Phoenix who promptly despatched them 1-5 with a Langram hattrick, and goals from Black and Fletcher also. (That’s not Black and Decker by the way !!) Duke ’94 had a commanding win 5-0 over Bromley Common but SE Twente were unable to provide stiff resistance to Fairfield and lost 2-7. VN suffered there first setback of the season as The Wood won a seven goal thriller 3-4.

And so to the Third Division where Copers Cope lost at home 1-3 to Swanley Cardinals and EC United were well and truly trounced by EPR Res. 1-8. Ex Blues had a fine win 4-0 over Eltham Town ‘A’ whilst The Flames offered only token resistance to The Blues and lost 1-4. London City lost to “Sunshine” Mark Freeman and his boys 0-2.

In the Fourth Division Beckenham Imps broke the sting of FC Wasps as they won 3-1 and Cricketers had a high scoring game where they won 7-3 against Freelands. So my spies were out at Orchards game over at Dartford and report - Winter is really here on a cold open, windy, bumpy pitch in Dartford. The match started at a great pace with Dartford not having much of the ball in the first 20 minutes with Orchard passing the ball around in all directions and a few missed chances to open the scoring. It stayed pretty even until on 40 minutes a long range shot from Michael Small caught the keeper flat footed  for Orchard to go into the interval with a slim 0-1 lead.  The second half showed that Dartford did not really want to lose and they upped their game to Orchard’s level. Orchard made a change on 60 minutes by bringing on Alex Allman for his first appearance in 18 months to replace Max Carr. Then on 65 minutes a long range volley caught the wind and went over the head of Richie Bull to make it 1-1 (possibly the goal of the season). In injury time Orchard found themselves one on one with the ‘keeper and just before the lob into the net, the ref blew his whistle –he was probably cold Dave !! Euro United allowed Wickham Park to get their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw and North Kent Rangers saw off Midway Res 2-0 to leave the latter still bottom and pointless. Orpington Rovers drew 1-1 with Ex Blues Res to keep up their challenge at the top.

And finally the Fifth Division where Crayside Colts lost out at home to EPR ‘A’ 1-3 and Fairfield Res were no match for Eltham Progress Res and lost 2-5. Paul Birch Res and Bromley Eagles had to make do with a 2-2 draw whilst Shortlands Athletic beat Cudham United Res 4-2. Starks Park Rovers were no doubt claiming absent players as they went down 2-4 to AFC Lessa Christchurch.

In the Surrey Sunday Lower Junior Cup Lombard Phoenix res took on Cheam Village United and won 4-2 with two goals from Bell and the others form M. Cadwallader and Beau-Gorman.

That’s all for now.

See you all next week.
Bob.

After last weeks good win over samba boys Flamengo you could say that for once we were looking forward to playing Masters F.C. a team we had never beaten in our last 5 encounters.
EP started the game brightly finding big gaps in the masters defence and after five minutes James Walden crossed a ball in for Bes to slot home what everyone thought was the opening goal only for the linesman to flag offside for the player on the far side (linesman own words) the Ref seemed to accept this and disallowed the goal and giving one of numerous strange decisions given through this game. EP went 1 nil up through a Steven Cotter Shot we went 2-0 up through a Bes free kick that left the Keeper stranded watching the ball hit the back of the net and masters scored after a fine cross was taped in by the Masters centre forward standing 2 to 3 yards offside (the refs decision he was not interfering with play?Thats the last thing I'm going to say on this Ref performance as this report could turn into a novel ) 2-1, EP gained there 2 goal advantage when Bes finished off a passing move of more than 10 passes when Barry laid the ball back to Bes who drilled the ball into the bootom corner.

Half Time : Masters 1 - 3 EP

The second half started poorly for EP as we gave away a penalty within the first couple of minutes when James Court tried to clear the ball and connected with there big centre forward, the Masters player cooly slotted home the penalty into the bottom corner to give Alex no chance, this gave Masters all the drive to go on and get something from this game that had up to this time been controlled by EP , Masters now resorted to pumping every ball into there 6' 6" centre forward but EP for he most time dealt with this with ease but you only have to make one mistake which inevitably came from a long hopeful ball that the winger got to and crossed for an easy header for the tall centre forward. This could have made a lesser side panic but to give EP there due they came out playing some nice football and finally got the winner when Masters keeper Dropped a cross and Bes was on had to tap home .

Finally we have overcame our Bogey side so lets hope we can now go push on up league table.

We were at home against samba boys Bromley Flamengo who we had already beaten in the league this season but who had hit some good form in the last couple of weeks with 4-0 and 7-0 wins so was expecting a very tough game, and would have to be at our very best to get through to the next round of the Jack Standen Cup.
Bromley came out playing there 1and 2 touch football and although looked good wasn't troubling EP who were much more incisive with there attacks getting behind Bromleys defence on numerous occasions with james Walden and Adam causing most of the problems on the flanks, it was from one of these attacks that adam got to the byline and fired in a low cross for Barry to tap home. EP now started to play there own form of samba football which had Flamengo holding on but surprised the EP defence with a long ball that was not dealt with allowing the Flamengo No 10 to run on to and slot home. There was no feeling sorry for ourselves the players just picked up were they were before knocking the ball about and with Bes pulling all the strings it looked like only a matter of time before we opened Flamengo up again and James Court did just that with a stunning 30yd strike that went pass the keeper before he could move. On the 40 minute mark Bes went on a mazy run got to the byline drilled in a near post cross for Barry to make it 3-1 at half time.

The second half started with EP getting straight back on top and when Bes made it 4-1 you could see the Flamengo players visibly wilt ,the best was yet to come with EP controlling possession and making Flamengo work hard to win it back and when number 5 came it had gone through every EP player before Barry again popped up in the 6yd box to get his hatrick. Steve scored nuber 6 before plucky flamengo scored a second and number 7 came when Brookie popped up on the right and struck a sweet left shot and hit steve before entering the net ( the dubious goals committee has awarded Brookie the goal after generously buying them a Drink), Final score 7-2.
As normal in a game like this the defenders don't seem to get much of a mention but apart for a couple of lapses they totally dominated the Flamengo forward so a big well done to Tom,Ross,Scott,and Matt Broome. Now lets looked forward to next weeks game our old bogey side Masters.

© Bob’s View 2007. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules. Similar rules apply to authorised reproduction.

Thought for the week: We all make mistakes.

Well it was a bit of a cup week all round with not many League fixtures at all.

In the Premier Division “Golden Ronnies” Prince of Wales boys seem unable to string a couple of results together as they had another loss at home, this time to FC Bickley 3-6. In the Second Division Duke 94 has a fine win over Fairfield 5-2 and The Wood had an entertaining 10 goaler with Eltham Town Res and won 6-4. One of the guys who put in my new central heating last week plays for Eltham Town Res I wonder what his thoughts on the game were ?? The last League game was in Third Division where VS Bexley went down again this time to Eltham Town ‘A’ 0-3.

Now the Cups.

In the 1st Round of the Jack Standen Bromley Common got absolutely walloped by Lombard Phoenix 1-10 with “Jack” Frost getting 3, Cozier 2 Fletcher 4 (well done that man) and Fitzpatrick joining in the fun. Coney Hall ended any interest from masters 7-3 and Cudham United halted VN 3-1. Eltham Progress came up against the Bromley version of the “Boys From Brazil” as they beat Flamengo 7-2. So much for the Samba, Will !! Hatcham had a tidy win over Kings Park Rangers 3-1. Lessa Albion Res continued S E Twente’s poor run with a 3-0 win. Otford Colts took on the team from up the hill in The Buff (Orpington) and it looked like an exciting game but Dave Jonas’ boys sadly lost 5-3.

In the 1st Round of the Paul Picard Cup I was on the line in the Centaurs / Paul Birch game. And what a tussle that turned out to be. Birch scored first but Centaurs have the football equivalent of Jonny Wilkinson in their side (no not David Beckham) and he rattled the Birch crossbar twice inside 10 minutes with 2 superbly struck free kicks – if only eh and it would have been 2-1 !! This had the effect that the Birch lads were being told “no foul, no foul” by their Coach anywhere within this guys striking ability which was about 25/30 yards out !! Amazing, shame we didn’t have that idea over the rest of the pitch as Phil Cheverton would have had an easier game to control – and a tough one it was too with no quarter spared from either side. Anyway, Centaurs equalised and the tussle continued until Birch scored another to go in on a rain swept morning 1-2 in front. A goal early on in the second half to make it 1-3 kind of killed the game really but it was still much, much closer than the scoreline suggests. As for me well you know I like to court controversy so there I was in the first 5 mins of the second half waiting and waiting for an offside. Okay here we go got it – up goes the flag – oh cobblers – mental block – egg on face call it what you like – I had forgot they had turned round and just flagged the defence offside. Luckily, the players just thought I was a twit (which I was) but thank goodness I got that out of the way when it didn’t matter. Goodness knows if I had screwed up on a proper offside. So there you go Mark, I think more scathing of me than the game. Both sides thanks for that your Match Officials really enjoyed the game. Centresports Res continued their “purple patch” of late as they beat Catford CC 3-2 in extra time after 2-2 on the full. Catford seem to be having a lean time of late compared with past results. Eltham Town came across Lessa Albion and found themselves held 2-2 on the full but had some extra time to sort out the guys from “across the road”. However that didn’t work and it went to penalties whereupon Ted’s guys took the initiative and won 7-8 in the shootout !! Goldsmiths United had to play Centresports and if I had been a gambling man I would have said that Mark’s team may com eback in this one but I would have lost as Golds smashed them 6-2. No doubt Jeff Allen is still doing it for the “over forties” but I haven’t heard much yet. Keyworth always like the Paul Picard and it looks like this year may prove no exception, and with the holders must fancy themselves for another crack as they beat hapless AFC Albatross 8-0 today to start. Midfield played it straight today and beat Defiance 4-0, a good result for them. Valley Valiants were undone at home by EPR 3-5 and finally Vista and Milldean could not be separated after extra time of 3-3 so penalties it was with it going 1-2 in Milldean’s favour.

So to the 1st Round of the Smales Trophy and The Blues lost 0-1 to Shortlands Athletic and Cricketers overcame Wickham Park 2-0. Cudham United Res could not be separated from EPR ‘A’ so it went to extra time where it stuck at 2-2. So to penalties and 3-4 in EPR favour. Dartford thumped Fairfield Res 6-0 and my spies tell me that Orchard never gave Eden Park time on the ball and seemed to close the play down a lot quicker in their match. However with a couple of chances at both ends the scores stayed level until on 35 minutes Michael Small broke through to make it 0-1 and that’s how it stayed until half time when Orchard went in with the advantage.  Playing against the wind in the second half led Orchard to try and keep their lead and let the Eden Park boys try and play through them as they wanted to keep their fresh subs legs for possible extra time. This task proved very hard as EPR were getting very close to the goal on a couple of occasions. But Orchard held out with some sound defending by the whole back four, then a long goal kick from Richie Bull found Michael Smalls 35 yards out to lob the oncoming keeper to make it 0-2, Instead of the heads of EPR dropping they brought the attack on with nothing to lose when on 85 minutes a cross from the right caught the wicked wind and deceived the keeper for 1-2 and a well deserved goal.  The last 5 minutes was played out with not much action as Orchard came out winners over the top team of the division above their own. Eltham Progress Res had an “exciting” game against Bromley Eagles where it ended up 1-0 aet, being 0-0 on 90 mins. Now we don’t often get that. Euro United came up against the cup side in Copers Cope and Cope one again 2-5 – no surprise there then. Ex Blues Res took on Lombard Phoenix Res where White’s sole goal could not help as Ex Blues cracked 4 in. The Flames lost out to Swanley Cardinals at home 2-3 and Freelands overcame AFC Lessa Christchurch comfortably 3-1. Midway Res lost out to Rohan in extra time 3-5 after 2-2 on the full. Midway Res sorted out Lessa Albion ‘A’ 2-7 whilst Orpington Rover stumbled and lost to Crayside Colts 1-2. FC Wasps failed to sting hard enough after EC United held them to 2-2 after 90 minutes then scored the solitary winner in extra time to run out winners 2-3. In the London Junior Cup Valley Valiant Res were humbled 0-6 by Bound Green Springfield.
See you all next week.

Bob.

© Bob’s View 2007. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules. Similar rules apply to authrorised reproduction.

Thought for the week: When the referee bites back you are in for trouble !

Well after a bad week for England it continued at the weekend didn’t it with the “egg-chasers” losing out to those ruddy ‘Boks ! It’s a funny old game !! As for Lewis Hamilton well, hmmmmmmm ‘nuff said.

A London Intermediate Cup Round 2 result first and Valley Valiants came a cropper on penalties in the end, 1-3, to Makeway Eagles after 2-2 at extra time.

In the Senior Division Centaurs had a good win over Milldean 3-1 and still goalless FOBG unfortunately found themselves on the wrong side of another thrashing, this time 0-5 to Eltham Town who really are going great guns at the moment. Midfield were humbled by Lessa Albion 2-5 as Lessa take over 2nd place and Vista and Catford Cricket Club ground out a 1-1 draw. So here is the Senior Division top 5 at the moment
Goldsmiths United finally hit the winning button and beat Centresports 3-2 as the latter seek to rid themselves of a poor streak at the moment. And so too the bottom -

Now in the Premier Division AFC Albatross lost out to Griffin Sports who gain their first points of the season and leave the “Stormy Petrels” without any at the bottom. The score was 1-3. FC Bickley had a good win, 4-1, against Leabridge and Centresports Res found Keyworth too strong opponents as they went down 1-3. Prince of Wales floundered against EPR and lost out 1-6.

In Division One Kings Park Rangers were put to the sword by “The Boys from Brazil” in Bromley Flamengo as they went down 0-7 and Lessa Albion Res lost out 2-4 to Hatcham who remain anchored in 1st spot.

And so to Division Two where in my game The Buff took on Duke ’94. Unfortunately, Duke started the game with only 9 players as 4 of the team were stuck in a traffic jam on the M20 and phone calls had to be made to get people out of bed (from the rugby) and a few emergency reg’s too. So starting against 9 The Buff went 2 up within the first 3 minutes with 2 goals punched into the net by Duke’s stand in goalie. However, as players arrived and even before they came on the 9 men bounced back in the 14th minute. 2-1. Then Duke got up to full strength and I thought “Yes, game on”. Buff scored a third but one minute later Duke got another in the 24th minute with a superb “own goal” – a great strike – but wrong net. 3-2. Buff scored another to make it 4-2 on the half hour and that’s the way it stayed until half time. After the break Duke struck again and that made it 4-3. Still intriguing, but with Duke worrying more about what I was doing than really playing the football they were doing earlier, the game wallowed a bit in mid-half. Still, Buff scored again in the 75th minute and then wrapped it up in the 87th minute to finish 6-3. A good game but a little too chatty for my liking – and as you know for someone who “rabbits” like me you know that is unusual for me too say. It was great to see Matt Arnold again although he is still encased in metal after that bad break in the final last year – still as keen as mustard though – good on yer Matt !!
In the other match The Wood took on VN and lost 2-5.

So to Div Three and EPR Res waltzed past Eltham Town ‘A’ 8-0 and not to be outdone Ex Blues stuffed 8 past VS Bexley with no reply – luckily “Suntan” Mark Freeman wasn’t in goal so his back was spared this week. The Blues could’nt summon up so much strength and only managed 2 against London City to end up 0-2.

Division Four now and Dartford won 4-0 against Euro United whilst Orpington Rovers kept the winning habit going with a 2-1 against Cricketers. Wickham Park know how it is to be stung as they went down 0-3 against FC Wasps.

Now in the Fifth Division Bromley Eagles lost out to Paul Birch Res 0-3 and Cudham United Res decided to draw in a mid table clash with Starks Park Rovers 3-3. Rohan and EPR ‘A’ also decoded that the same scoreline was sufficient.

The romance of the Cup was present for at least 11 sides today as hey progressed to the Second Round of the Charity Cup. Eltham Town Res beat COBS 7-4 and Copers Cope who now seem to be a cup team only won 0-5 against Fairfield Res. Fairfield lost out to Otford Colts 2-4 after 1-1 at full time and The Flames eventually beat Shortlands Athletic 5-4 after 3-3 at the full – second week running of heartbreak for Shortlands – hard luck lads. Freelands couldn’t stop Lessa Albion ‘A’ and lost 1-4 whilst AFC Lessa Christchurch lost to Valley Valiants Res closely 2-3. Despite goals from Vincent and 2 from White, Lombard Phoenix Res were overturned 3-5 by Coney Hall. The first team faired little better as Eltham Progress Res rose above themselves and beat Lombard Phoenix 2-3 despite goals from Fletcher and A. “Jack” Frost for Phoenix. Midway Res lost 0-2 to Ex Blues Res and SE Twente continued a miserable season with a 3-5 defeat by EC United. Finally, Swanley Cardinals lost at home to Eltham Progress 0-4.


See you all next week.

Bob.

© Bob’s View 2007. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules.

Thought for the week: The seagulls following the trawler might just be hungry !

Why not copy Orchard and give me a brief rundown on how your game went – all constructive reports considered.

So still a few County Cup replays to report so let’s sort those out first. Lessa Albion ‘A’ lost 2-6 after extra time when it was 1-1 at the full and Caribb Club (hmmm that name rings a bell) beat FC Bickley 2-0. In the Surrey (????) Sunday Cup Wisley lost to London Phoenix 1-2 thanks to an own goal and one by Crozier.

And so to the League - where in the Senior Division “dark forces” are at work as we find Centresports having a bit of a hiccup at the moment and in danger of giving up the title they richly deserved when they won it last season. They went down today to Centaurs at home 3-4 which leaves 4 teams on 3 point at the bottom. Now this could be the start of a big relegation scrap – unless Mark and Angela know something different. Lessa Albion thumped FOBG 6-0 which leaves FOBG rooted to the bottom as the other clubs move away. FOBG have flirted with relegation for many a season but have always got out of it perhaps this season they may not – who knows – keep reading The View. FOBG have yet to score a goal and have leaked 17 now in 3 matches. Midfield recovered some poise and beat Milldean 3-0 and finally 2 teams who might fancy the crown drew 0-0, Vista and Defiance.

In the Premier Division it was goals, goals, goals as Keyworth thumped AFC Albatross 0-10, Midway and EPR drew, yes drew, 6-6. Valley Valiants beat Centresports Res 4-1 and Leabridge beat Griffin Sports 0-3. Paul Birch beat “Golden Ronnies” Prince of Wales 3-1. This is the division to obviously entertain you then !!

So to the First Division and “The Boys from Brazil”, Bromley Flamengo beat Cudham United 4-0 and oi, oi, oi, here we go then, COBS thrashed Masters 10-0 as Masters season absolutely crashes around them, Hatcham put Coney Hall to the sword 9-0 but Kings Park Rangers and Eltham Progress brought some sanity as Progress won 1-3. What was it I said about the Premier ……………………………. ?

In the Second Division Eltham Town Res lost out to tasty Bromley Common 4-6 and Fairfield could not stop VN (sounds like a car that) winning 3-5. SE Twente slumped again this time 1-2 to Valley Valiants Res.

Now the Third Division and Copers Cope found The Blues just too good as they went down 1-6 and Eltham Town ‘A’ lost out to EPR Res 1-8 – my, my there were some high scores today – must have been the Sunday morning hangovers ! London City could not hold Ex Blues and lost 02- whilst Swanley Cardinals succumbed to EC United 2-5. “Sunshine” Mark Freeman’s VS Bexley lost to the Flames 0-7 – should I send some Paracetamol for the back Mark ???

Fourth Division now and Cricketers lost out to the odd goal in five as they went down 2-3 to Dartford. Euro United took on Orchard and the report says that again another makeshift team with many people playing out of position they started on an encouraging note. On 14 minutes a great through ball from the centre back Scott Main found James Bell who rounded one defender and with just the keeper to beat thumped it into the top right of the net for 1 – 0. They outplayed Euro by keeping the ball away from them but then on 36 minutes a great dribble from Matt Luck from our own defence dissected the Euro midfield for a slotted pass to James Bell only to net his second to make it 2 - 0, which is how it stayed until the half time interval.  The second half started with some beautiful passing football from Euro however they could not penetrate the Orchard defence and did not trouble our stand in keeper.  On 85 minutes Orchard brought on Max Carr for his first appearance of the season in place of the tired Chris Curum. On 87 minutes Orchard were awarded a free kick just outside their own area and from a long ball to the Euro penalty box found Michael Small who neatly slid it unselfishly for James Bell to net his first Orchard hat trick. 3 hat tricks by 3 different players 3 weeks running, a great team performance. Freelands found North Kent Rangers too strong and went down 1-4 whilst FC Wasps again lost their sting and went down 2-3 to Ex Blues res. Wickham Park were no match for Orpington Rovers who trounced them 3-6.

So to the Fifth Div. As I said before my favourite division as it occasionally turns up some gems of a match and so it did to today – Shortlands Athletic v Lombard Phoenix Res. A flowing game from end to end in both halves with Shortlands the better side but Lombard having the clearer chances in the first half. The second half produce much of the same attack and counter attack, close shaves, luck, but still no score until 5 (yes five) seconds from the end of the match – no time added on. One, Beau-Gorman got the ball on the edge of the Shortlands box about 23 or 25 yards out and hit a low speculative shot hard down the middle of the goal. The keeper dived the ball wobbled and went under him – 0-1 – Shortlands gutted – Lombard ecstatic. What can I say, as the ref I always win but there are times when you have to feel for the losers. Cudham Utd Res lost out to Rohan 3-4 and Eltham Progress Res won 5-3 against Crayside Colts. Fairfield Res were on the end of a spanking from Starks Park Rovers 2-5 (how often can I say that when SPR play – it’s normally the other way round) and finally Paul Birch Res and AFC Lessa Christchurch drew 1-1.

As for me, I am off to watch the rugby – come on Argentina !! Thanks for your time, see you all next week.

Bob.

Bob’s View

…………..how does he get round all those matches !!

6th October 2007

© Bob’s View 2007. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules.

Thought for the week: The smile you send out returns to you (Red Indian wisdom)

It was County Cup week today with mixed luck for our teams – in the Kent Junior Trophy EPR lost out to Coldharbour 4-1 but Otford Colts beat Crayford Arrows SC 0-4. Eastgate put Coney Hall to the sword and dumped them out 5-0 whilst the “boys from Brazil”, Bromley Flamengo, beat Ebbsfleet 1-3. Centresports Res coasted through to Round Two with a 5-2 win over Bean and Eltham Progress lost out to our own Lessa Albion Res 1-3. Kings Park Rangers lost out 2-5 to Blackhorse

In the Kent Premier Cup Goldsmiths United are through to Round Two with a good win away to Guru Nanak Sunday 1-3.

The Kent Junior Cup had Shortlands Athletic play Guru Nanak Res and they came away with a good 0-3 win. Masters lost out yet again as Prince of Orange Sunday beat them 2-1. Better results for Orchard who played Valley Rovers where my spies tell me that the game started off on a great note on two minutes when Orchard got a free kick on the edge of the area which was crossed in by Chris Currum to find the head of Daniel Griffiths towering above the Valley Defence to slot home for 1 0. Following this Orchard had all the play but failed to net the ball until the 20th minute when a throw in from Chris Currum found Daniel Griffiths on the edge of the area who lobbed the Valley Keeper for 2-0. On 40 minutes Darren Gilmartin flew down the wing and was fouled. The resulting free kick came across from Chris Currum and again found Daniels Grifiths head to net his hat trick. Half time was 3-0.  With the 3-0 lead and no real threat coming from Valley, Orchard took their foot off the gas and missed a hatfull of chances but ran out winners 0-3. Wickham Wanderers and Lessa Albion ‘A’ had a 4-4 draw after extra time with a replay next week and Beckenham Imps had a cracking win against Ruskin 7-2. The Wood, not to be outdone, sallied forth and won 9-1 against Milton and Denton Res. Finally, in the London Challenge Cup Leabridge found Flamingoes too good but went out in a very tight match 3-4 after extra time – hard luck lads.

In the League Centaurs were troubled by Vista who went past them 1-4 and Defiance eventually overcame Lessa Albion 3-2 with goals from Adams, Judges and Hunwick. Eltham Town beat Centresports 4-3 and now sit at the top of the Senior Division. Milldean have also found form and inflicted the first defeat for a long time on Catford Cricket Club 4-3.

In the Premier Division, FC Bickley thumped Paul Birch 6-1 – an off day for Birch that I think. Keyworth also made Midway suffer as they won 7-3.

In the First Division I had a cracking game up at Cudham where they took on local rivals Chelsfield Old Boys. Cudham made all the running and looked the better side early on but COBS gradually came back into the game. However, Cudham scored first but then a silly blunder, but well taken goal, allowed COBS to equalise. This was quickly followed by a second so COBS went into the break with their noses in front. Cudham came out determined to equalise and worked very hard to do just that. Unfortunately, yet another defensive slip allowed COBS to get what turned out to be the winner so they nicked the points 2-3. Great game though and well done both sides.

So to the Second Division where Eltham Town Res lost out narrowly to goals by Beaumont and Crozier as Lombard Phoenix won 1-2. Fairfield could not stop Duke ’94 as Duke had some happiness and won 1-2. Valley Valiant Res and The Buff could not be separated and had to make do with 1-1.

In the Third Div. The Blues and Eltham Town ‘A’ had a 1-1, EC United lost out narrowly to London City 1-2 but EPR Res had a fine win over “Suntan” Mark Freeman’s VS Bexley 4-1 (ouch bad back Mark ??) The Flames took on Copers Cope in a high scoring match with Cope the winners 3-4 in the end.

The Fourth Div saw Ex Blues Res shatter Cricketers 5-1 and North Kent Rangers win away to Midway Res 2-3. Orpington Rovers had a fine win 6-2 over Freelands.

In the Fifth Div Crayside Colts beat Fairfield Res 8-1 and AFC Lessa Christchurch beat Eltham Progress Res 2-1. Lombard Phoenix Res lost by the smallest margin 0-1 to Cudham Utd Res and Rohan turned up the heat with a 6-1 win against Bromley Eagles. Starks Park Rovers and Paul Birch Res decided to share things 3-3 – how gentlemanly chaps !!


Thanks for your time, see you all next week.

Bob.

Just got a bad taste in my mouth about his game

Got beaten by a good team today but it became apparent that Lessa were not quite all they seemed with two if not three Maidstone Utd players Guesting for them.

© Bob’s View 2007. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules.

Thought for the week: If your eggs are scrambled does that mean your team is no good ?

So here we are with another week of “The View”.

It was the start of the long haul in the Charity Cup to Bromley this week for a few teams as the Preliminary Round commenced where Bromley Common came unstuck after last weeks triumph as EC United ran out winners 3-6. Copers Cope who have a good cup pedigree of late beat “Sunshine” Mark Freeman’s VS Bexley 6-2 and Cudham United lost out narrowly to Lessa Albion Res, 3-4. Dartford were comfortable winners in the end against Cricketers 2-0 and EPR ‘A’ went down at home 1-3 to Shortlands Athletic. New side Eltham Progress Res won 3-2 against Wickham Park to progress as did Ex Blues who thumped Crayside Colts 6-0. Fairfield had the better of The Blues 3-1 and Freelands glided effortlessly past Rohan 5-2.

Lessa Albion ‘A’ beat Bromley Eagles 4-1 and goals from Lightfoot, Enoch and Plummer saw Lombard Phoenix Res draw 3-3 aet, after 2-2 on the full with a 5-4 after pens. Lombard Phoenix had goals from Fletcher, Cele and Beaumont as they eased themselves into the next round 3-1 over Bromley Flamengo – no Brazilian magic there then Will ?? In my game Masters came up against a determined and physical Swanley Cardinals and ran out the losers as their season starts to go flat. Good chasing and movement kept Cardinals on top but they seemed intent on collecting yellow cards today ! A well worked goal on 15 mins saw them go ahead and Masters struggled to have any reasonable shot on goal. However up till that point the best move of the game on 41 mins brought the equaliser. Poor Darren Parkins had a bit of a ‘mare in the Masters goal as goals in the 54, 59 and 65th minute saw Cardinals run out worthy winners with Masters losing a player to a silly 2nd caution in the closing minutes. So 1-4 in the end. Room for thought for both teams I would say.

Midway Res had a good game with Kings Park Ranger and eventually ran out winners 4-2 aet, and 2-2 on the full. My spies were out at Orchard v North Kent Rangers and reports – “After a late make shift team shuffle Orchard came out very slow with little chances, on 5 minutes a curling free kick from Daniel Griffiths on the edge of the area hit the cross bar, then nothing much happened until 25 minutes when a long cross field pass from Darren Poet found Michael Smalls who neatly took it round the North Kent Rangers keeper and slotted home for 1 -0. Half time it went a disappointing 1-0.
Five minutes after the restart a pinpoint pass from Michael Eldridge found the boots of Smalls who again took it round the keeper and punished the back of the net to make it 2-0. On 57 minutes Smalls dribbled the ball into the NKR area and hit the bar but was then brought down in the area. He slotted in his second hat trick of the season to make it 3-0. On 60 minutes a booking for Chris ended in him being subbed for Ricky Rice, an excellent debut for Ricky with a rocket left foot into the roof of the net on 75 minutes made it 4-0. On 83 minutes Darren Gilmartin came off to let Anthony on. After 85 minutes the Orchard defence fell asleep to let in NKR to upset the goalkeepers clean sheet, with a final score being a comfortable 4-1.

Otford Colts won 3-1 over London City and Paul Birch Res lost out to Eltham Progress 0-2. The final game saw The Wood beat Beckenham Imps 1-0

Turning now to the league games and in the Senior Div, Catford CC beat FOBG 5-0 – FOBG are having a woeful start to the season it seems. Centresports decided to get their hiccups out of the way early as they went down 2-3 to Eltham Town and Goldsmith United had a low scoring win, 1-0, over Centaurs. Lessa Albion had a close win over Milldean 1-0 and Midfield and Defiance shared the honours 1-1. I saw these 2 goals during the half time interval in my game at HSBC. Nicely taken both of them – looked a hard game though.

In the First Div Chelsfield OB’s are still seeking to impress Pete Small as they lost 2-4 to Coney Hall.

In the Second Division Eltham Town Res lost out closely to Valley Valiants Res 1-2

And finally the Fifth Div where Fairfield Res beat AFC Lessa Christchurch 4-1.

Thanks for your time, see you all next week.

Bob.

© Bob’s View 2007. No unauthorised reproduction of any of this document, either whole or part, is permitted without the author’s express permission.

If unauthorised copying of this document is found and is connected with anything detrimental about OBDSFL or any of its member clubs then action may be taken against Clubs/Club officials/players involved in accordance with OBDSFL League rules.

Thought for the week: Not everyone is perfect – that includes players !

So here we are with the second week of “The Ref bites back” so let’s see what you guys have been up to in the Cup and League games.

In the Jack Standen Cup, Cudham United beat Duke ‘94 4-2 whilst Otford Colts had a good way win 1-3 at Eltham Town Res. A quirk of the fixtures saw Dave Jonas and his Buff side play Fairfield who they beat last week in Div 2. Dave’s boys, of course, love nothing better than too give him a little stress as they ended up 3-3 at full time but 3-5 winners after extra time – “job done” as Rio would say – don’t know about Dave’s nerves though.

To the Paul Picard Cup now which this season, for the first time, has the Senior Division sides in it too. Defiance had a tidy win against Leabridge 3-1 with Smith, Goodchild and Tydeman getting on the scoresheet. EPR fought hard and won 1-0 against newcomers FC Bickley and Griffin Sports could not hold Lessa Albion and went down 2-5. Midfield played Senior Div oppo in FOBG an won comfortably 4-0. Milldean swept to a tidy 0-2 win over Midway and “Golden Ronnie’s” Prince of Wales found Vista a little too good as they went down 1-4.

So over in the Smales’ Cup The Blues thumped Suntanned Mark Freeman’s VS Bexley 6-2 – how is your back Mark ?? Orpington Rovers had a good win 3-0 against Eltham Town ‘A’ bouncing back from last weeks setback and finally goals from Parrott and Smith could not save Starks Park Rovers going down narrowly 2-3 to Euro United.

In the Senior Division Catford Cricket Club came up against a tough Eltham Town side and it ended up 1-1. In the Premier Division Keyworth trounced AFC Albatross 5-1 and Paul Birch could only draw in a good game with Valley Valiants by courtesy of an own goal and Reeves strike.

In Div One saw Pete Smalls COBS lose out to newboys Hatcham 0-1 and Eltham Progress stopped “international side” Bromley Flamengo 2-0. Did you know that Will Morriss’ side are now known down in Brazil by the true Flamengo side – check out these links http://www.flamengo.com.br/wordpress/?p=1680 and http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/Futebol/Flamengo/0,,MUL106489-4282,00.html . I remember I had to sign off a French FA transfer form so that a player from this league could play down in France when I was League Secretary, so this goes to show further the coverage of the OBDSFL !! Eat your heart out other Sunday Leagues eh. Kings Park Rangers came under the Coney Hall cosh as Hall made up for last weeks disappointment to win 2-5. Finally, Masters found Lessa Albion res far to tough a nut to crack as they slumped 1-6.

Over now to Div 2 where my game saw SE Twente take on Bromley Common. In the first half Twente were all over the opposition who had little to show for their efforts except good solid defending. Twente were left rueing several missed chances as Bromley Common struck first. Hard work by Common throughout the match ensured they ran out comfortable 5-1 winners with only one defensive error allowing Twente their goal. A game of missed chances for Twente which should have yielded a better result but Commons application meant they got all the points. In the other match in “Two” VN were were unphased by Valley Valiant Res as they took them apart 1-6. So for VN - 2 games, 2 wins, 9 goals – pretty good !

In Div 3, EPR Res found Ex Blues in an uncompromising mood as they went down 2-6 at home and The Flames could not stop Swanley Cardinals as the latter won 0-2. Lessa Albion ‘A’ found London City in fine form as City took all three points with 3 goals to zero in reply.

Division Four now and Cricketers beat Midway Res 3-1 and EPR ‘A’ comfortably slid past Fairfield Res 5-1. Ex Blues Res and Freelands had a high scoring game with Freelands nicking it 4-5 in the end. North Kent Rangers overcame the FC Wasps energy as the sting deserted them and Wasps succumbed 3-1. In the final game Orchard took on Wickham Park and ran out easy winners 4-0.

So finally Div Five and Crayside Colts beat Cudham United Res 4-1 and EPR ‘A’ beat Fairfield Res 5-1. AFC Lessa Christchurch here held 2-2 by Shortlands Athletic whilst 2 goals from Fletcher enabled Lombard Phoenix Res to beat Paul Birch Res 2-1. Finally, Rohan went past Eltham Progress Res 3-1.

Thanks for your time, see you all next week.

Bob.

Written By Michael ‘Skipper’ Knox

Man Of The Match - Nick Harris

2nd Sept.

Hi everyone and welcome to a new season of the “View” ………….. the weekly round up of results from the OBDSFL by an unofficial source !

For the new clubs joining a big welcome from everyone to the best Sunday League in London and Kent – I mean we do defy anyone to prove to us all that their league is better – well that’s why we all stay with OBDSFL isn’t it.

Okay let’s go one better the best Sunday League in the UK – mmmmm sounds good.

So for the new clubs what is the purpose of this, well quite simply I try to deliver to your desktop by Monday morning a quick round up of the league results (yes you can get them from (www.obdsfl.com) but my version is funnier) – as the old clubs know they all get the fun poked at them from time to time and the games I “do” benefit from a little write up. In fact some people even drop me a few lines to include on the Sunday afternoon for their games so if you want to please feel free. No here is the bit you need to note………………….

1. If you wish to use “Bob’s View” on your own club website, in full or part, do please ask and don’t just copy and paste – I just like to know who is reproducing this elsewhere and please don’t alter what I have written. Permission to use this is never denied unless I know it will be for the detriment of others.
2. Everyone gets a mention, I don’t follow either success or failure and I certainly do not favour any except perhaps Starks Park Rovers in the 5th division but the club think I take pity on them (sorry Nigel).
3. At the halfway point I make the infamous “Bob’s Predictions” as to what might happen silverware wise at the end of the season – last year I was reasonably accurate – must have been the threat of financial penalty if I got less that a certain %age. This has also been a harbinger of doom for some teams who have come to curse my glowing prediction as their season falls apart.
4. This weekly news sheet is also in no way connect