Trent Allstars 2008/2009
East Midlands Public Authority League (EMPAL), , Nottingham, England

2006/2007

September 3rd 2006

Pheonix 2 - 3 Trent Allstars

The time had arrived. Months of preparation, practice and tactics would all be put into practice as the Allstars kicked off in there debut season in EMPAL Division 4. With players still sunning themselves up abroad, the allstars had to peice a team togeter, and in all honesty not know what to expect. Allstars started with a 4-5-1 formation with Jack Woodfuff in the holding role. This provided a license to James Craddock and Simon Roberts to attack forward and support the lone stiker. The Allstars started brightly with lone front man Paul Travis breaking the offside trap but failing to take his chances on goal. For all their domination, the Allstars fell behind to a lucky goal, with the Allstars ageing keeper opting to kick off the floor only to see his attempt closed down by the oppostion striker. As Pickford released the ball it struck the stiker on the back leaving the towering Pickford stranded. Allstars first game took a step from bad to worse as Phoenix doubled there lead with a tidy finish. Roberts rallied the troops but Allstars were struggling, with a lack of fitness starting to take its toll. Just before half time Allstars found thier first goal of the season. Tidy build up play from John Gragory and Paul Travis released the dynamic James Craddock, and as he wriggled his way passed defenders he was chopped down... Penalty to allstars! Up stepped the engine of the team Roberts, who duely dispatched the penalty into the bottom left corner and Allstars entered half time knowing this game was there for the taking. The player/manager noticing how the game was going and changed to a solid 4-4-2 formation with Will Tolliday replacing a solid looking James Herbert and Ian Turner replacing a exhausted Adam Burden. Allstars stared the second half brightly, dominating the game with more attacking threat, however chances were not being taken. On 60 minutes the break through came, substitute Will Tolliday with his thunderous strides, closed down the oppostion keeper forcing him into an error before calmly slotting home from an acute angle. Allstars were dominating, Phoenix had no release and like rabbits caught in headlights they had no idea how to cope with the Allstars quality, only to see chance after chance wasted. Would that winning Allstars goal ever come?? Richard Gibson knew the answer and topped off a Man-of-the-Match Performance with a stunning 30-yard stike, leaving the keeper no chance as the ball nestled in the top corner. The final few minutes found Allstars pegged back into there own half, and just before the final whistle, a jubious penalty decision went against Allstars only for Kim Pickford to redeem himself in the Allstars goal to win the match for the Allstars. A shaky start but plenty of promise for the future.

September 10th 2006

Trent Allstars 3-2 Inter Strelley

Trent Allstars entered the match full of confidence after their first win in the opening game of the season against Phoenix. Again the Allstars were short of players, with only 9 first team players availiable for selection. Two extra players had to be drafted in Marcus Beck in goal replacing last weeks penalty hero Kim Pickford, and Matthew Cragg slotting in at right back, shifting James Herbert to his less favoured left back position. Steady performers Matt Atkinson and Dale Williamson were paired in the centre of defence. Despite the apparent lack of players, a strong midfeild took to the feild with Gregory and Turner on the right and left respectively, and the partnership of Craddock and new team captain Simon Roberts in the centre of midfeild. Paul Travis was joined up front with the pacey Adam Burden. Within the first 10 minutes, Allstars again found themselves 2 goals down conceding two well worked goals, leaving stand-in goalkeeper Marcus Beck no chance. The only consolation being that Allstars had found themselves in this position a week earlier and came out victorious. Allstars then started to turn up the gas. With Roberts and Craddock the driving force, Travis starting to adapt to his role off of the striker and started to look dangerous. Mentions also go towards Postman Pat lookalike Ian Turner on the left, using his pace and ability to constanly torment the Strelley right back. It was however, the energetic Adam Burden who netted the first goal with a sweetly hit volley passed the stranded goalkeeper, from a pin perfect Dale Williamson pass. The equaliser was soon to follow with Paul Travis opening his account for the season with a left foot shot into the bottom corner, once again following more excellent work from Ian Turner down the left flank. Despite more Allstars domination they went into half time level. With no substitutes to make the Allstars continue to dominate the game it was sure to be a mentally and physically tough test to grind out a victory. With 20 minutes remaining, a scramble from a corner saw Travis poke a ball through for the Superb Craddock to rifle home a left foot drive into the far corner of the net. Allstars continued to dominate with James Herbet causing the opposition trouble with mazey runs and excellent overlapping play. Despite failing to add more goals, Trent Allstars will be happy with a victory under difficult circumstances.

September 17th 2006 

Lord Clyde 0-2 Trent Allstars

After winning there first two fixtures, Allstars came into this game high in confidence but well aware that their first two performances left alot to be desired. Todays match was the chance to rectify the mistakes and prove to the league what the Allstars are capable of doing. With first choice goalkeeper Kim Pickford back between the sticks, the team looked for their first clean sheet of the season. The return of Jack Woodruff to right back, with Atkinson and Williamson again paired in the centre of defence provided the allstars defence with a solid look. A debut was handed to Chris Boden at left back supporting Ian Turner, again starting on the left of midfeild. With James Craddock unavaliable, Vicenzo Veglia (or Chezo as commonly known to the supporters), started centre midfeild with last weeks Man-of-the-Match, Roberts. Gregory, Travis and Burden all kept thier places in the starting XI from last week. Trent Allstars flew out of the blocks with the first 15 minutes of play, handing Travis and Turner chances on goal. It seemed Allstars were finally starting to gel with Boden adding balance to the side previously lacking. He also proved a threat from set peices, seeing a left footed free kick go narrowly over. For all the tidy build up play, it was a long ball from the quiet Pickford that opened the scoring. The long ball decieved defenders to send Travis through, but his shot was straight at the keeper, fortunately to see the deflection fall into his path to place the ball into the open net. The second soon followed, Ian Turner supplying the pass for Travis to jink past the centre half and again to see his shot was saved by the on-rushing keeper.  Fortunately once more for the flame haired striker, the ball fell into his path for him to slot home his and Allstars second of the game. More chances were to follow with Roberts and Gregory both coming close before half time. Allstars went into the half playing well and looking comfortable. The second half proved to be a scappy affair with few chances going either way. With Roberts spurning allstars best chance, the Allstars were glad to hear the final whistle. Their excellent start to the season continues.......

October 1st 2006

Trent Allstars 4-2 Clifton Bridge Inn

Following last weeks good performance, Allstars for the first time this season had 3 substitutes to call upon with Burden, Roberts and Gregory all dropping to the bench. Goalkeeper Kim Pickford was made captain for the day, with his influence amongst the squad affecting the managers decision. The same back four as the last game was fielded to try and replicate the solid defensive play. Ian Turner was switched to his more favoured right midfeild position. This week saw the return of James Craddock to the centre of midfeild, partnered by Chenzo who proved himself a valuable player to be able to call upon. A debut was handed to Lee Mandley, partnering him down the left flank with Boden. Travis remained up front and was joined by Will Tolliday who had not played since the opening game of the season. The game started badly with Jack Wodruff picking up an ankle injury after 30 seconds of play. He was replaced by the versitle Adam Burden who had previously started the last 2 games up front. Allstars did not start well and conceded after half an hour. In a half of few chances it was a even affair with Allstars new boy Lee Mandley showing plently of nice touches, but nothing was coming of the chances. They trailed 1-0 at half time. It was truely a game of two halves as Allstars started the second half creating plenty of chances. The equaliser finally came as new boy Mandley delightfully flicked Tolliday through on the left side of the area, only to see his shot across goal parried into the path of a grateful Paul Travis. Allstars were level. On 65 minutes Adam Burden was substuted for Simon Roberts with Veglia dropping into the centre of defence, and the ever dependable Atkinson moving to his favourate postion of right back. Roberts immediatley changed the game as Allstars started to keep possession and it was not long before Roberts scored his first goal from open play with a smart right foot finish after good work from Tolliday. Allstars added a third after Tolliday headed home a looping Mandley cross to give the Allstars a two goal cushion. Gregory was promptly brought onto replace the exhausted Turner, who put in a excellent shift. It was clear to see that the standard of football played by the Allstars was increasing week by week with a wonderful 40 yard free kick from Mandley crashing against the cross bar. The effort of brilliance however was not the ending to an entertaining fixture. The game was not finished there, and as Allstars started cruising, Clifton Bridge Inn scored from a corner to shock the home side back into life. The game was however, sealed 5 minuted form time when Travis leaped to head home from a delightfully weighted Gregory cross to seal another victory and send Allstars to the top of the table.

October 8th 2006

Trent Allstars 4-3 Real Bulwell

The Allstars faced Real Bulwell, a mid-table side that have shown to be a banana skin for teams at the top of the table. They certainly lived up to thier reputation. With Boden unavailiable, last weeks debutant Lee Mandley, showed his versatility by slotting in at left back. With Woodruff struggling with an ankle injury sustained at the start of last weeks game, the consistant performer Matt Atkinson switched to his favoured right back position. We welcomed back Richard Gibson who had not played since the first game, he partnered the ever present Williamson at the back. Simon Roberts (who changed the game when he came on last week), returned to his captaincy duty, partnering James Craddock in midfield. Gregory started on the right of midfeild and Turner on the left, Travis and Tolliday continuing their partnership up front. The Allstars started well with Tolliday missing a glaring oppourtunity following a mistake from the Bulwell goalkeeper. However, the Allstars not for the first time this season fell behind from a well worked corner. The early goal spurred Allstars on in search of the equaliser and 5 minutes later it came in spectacular fashion, James Craddock thundering home a half volley from 25 yards out following a poor defensive clearence. It has to be an early contender for goal of the season. Allstars continued to press and they took the lead through Paul Travis who finished off a well worked move with a exquisite finish, curling the ball into the far top corner and passed the stranded goalkeeper. With 5 minutes remaining the Allstars thought they would lead at half time, this was not to be with Bulwell grabbing an equaliser on the half time whistle. It was clear to see that changes had to be made, and they were in the form of Matt Smith replacing Gregory on the right of midfeild. He made an immeadiate impact adding an extra dimension to the allstars attack, showing plenty of nice touches. However, Bulwell took the lead as Allstars keeper Pickford, misjudged a ball giving the opposition strker a clear path to goal, which he accepted by fireing passed an unlucky Dale Williamson guarding his stray keepers' goal line. Allstars were staring at their first league defeat of the season but they had time on their hands. Chances kept on coming with Tolliday again missing good chances, before he finally pulled Allstars level with a tidy finish slotting under the on-rushing keeper. The winner came ten minutes from time as Pickford launched the ball up field following a brilliant claim from a corner. Travis gambelled on the ball that caught the defenders out and delightfully looped the ball passed the goal keeper from 35-yards. Herbert was brought on late to replace Atkinson at right back who saw plently of the ball, and again Allstars managed to claw themselves back to claim a win against a well organised Bulwell.

October 15th 2006

Abakon 3-6 Trent Allstars

Following last weeks performance, Allstars made numerous changes to the side to try and improve on last weeks performance. James Herbert replaced Matthew Atkinson at right back and Chris Boden returned to his left back position, Gibson and Williamson continued thier defensive partnership at the heart of the back four. Lee Mandley returned to left midfeild with hope of scoring his first Allstars goal after coming desperately close the previous two weeks. Roberts and Craddock continue in midfeild, with Matthew Smith following an excellent substitute appearence, earning himself a place in the starting XI. Ian Turner took Tollidays place up front with Paul Travis, with the promise of plently of goals. Allstars certainly started the brighter with Smith again prooving a threat, but it was the home side that took the lead following a mix up between centre back Gibson and Pickford in goal as the tall centre back under-hit a pass-back to leave the opposing striker through by him self. The chance was neatly dispatched and almost in theme with every week, the Allstars started the game 1-0 down. Their youthful heads did not drop and the boys really started to play in response to their early disapointment. An almost instant reply saw Pickford expertly claim the ball from a corner and to release the galloping Mandley from the edge of the Allstars box. Mandley superbly switched the play to Captain Marvel, Si Roberts who then drilled the ball back across the Abakon box to finish an incredible counter-attacking one-two, as Mandley slid home the equasliser and his much deserved first of the season. The game was all one-way traffic as the Allstars were creating chance after chance, and an superbly taken freekick from Boden gave the Allstars a much deserved lead. However, it was Abakon who grabbed the next goal. A dubious decision from the referee gave Abakon a headed goal although the linesman had argued for an offside decision. Again the Allstars were chasing the game and the efforts soon transfered to joy as Travis then won a some-what scepticle penalty for Roberts to calmly slot home. a comftable game for the Allstars saw them leading at half time with their perfromance derserving more goals. The boys came out for the second half with great tempo and soon scored again as Travis tapped home an excelently worked individual move from his strike partner, Turner, who put it on a plate. The game then began to get scrappy as Abakon saw the points slipping away. With rough challenges and tension, the game took a new face. Abakon began to pile players forward but in their error, this just opened up gaps for the well organised Allstars to punish them. At 70 minutes, Craddock dispatched a well-struck effort and this was soon followed by a some-what humerous incident. The Abakon keeper put the ball down and began to run with the ball. He only managed to get to the edge of his area before Mandley stole the ball from him and unselfishly squared it to Travis to knock it into an open net. Allstars were cruising before they conceded a late goal as Williamson switched off, to let the Abakon forward through to score a consolation goal. It was one of those games for Allstars that should have been easy but they made it tough for themselves. It was however, three well deserved points.

October 22nd 2006

Trent Allstars 0-2 Newark Town (RES). COUNTY CUP 2nd ROUND

The Allstars entered their first ever cup game with a 10 man squad available. Missing Travis, Craddock, Roberts, Gibson, keeper Pickford and more, the boys were down to the barer than bare eleven. However, this did not stop the remaining Allstars from dominating the fixture. From the word go, Trent were like a wrecking machine, crushing everything Newark had to give. The Allstars work rate was beyond recognition as the 10 man side made it look like there was 20 of them. Oppertunities and chances came and went as Trent strikers Burden and Tolliday worked tirelessly but were unlucky. The back four were solid, lead by Williamson who looked reminicant of Ian Dowie the way he lead his side. The midifield trio of Smiles Smith, Veglia and Mandley ran the show and battled hard as trents three midifeld muskateers carved out openings for their strikers, unfortunately for these chances to be squandered. Stand-in kepper John Gregory (aka Tim Howard) became a spectator throughout the first half as he had precious little to attend too. Trent went in at half time far the happier side, having dominated the opening exchange, with Newark not give the slightest bit of room to move. The second half began in much the same fashion, Allstars out of the blocks and sticking to the Newark players like turd on a rug. Chances were fewer in the second half but the impressive Smiles Smith managed to create a few individual efforts which troubled the opposition keeper. It was as tight as tight could be as the game drew closer and closer to extra time, the Allstars still dictating the game and its high tempo, until Herbert picked the ball up from right back and mistakenly gave the ball straight to the Newark striker. This resulted in Newark's first chance of the game on the 85th minute, and the stiker cooly dispatched it past the on-coming Gregory in goal. It was a horrid blow, undeserved and harsh on Allstars but it was clear to see that the boys still fealt that there was still a game to be played. However, like a de-ja-vous, the resulting centre kick was passed back to Herbert and almost identically, he under-hit a pass for the striker to stroll in for his second as the Allstars watched in hurt as their hard work had led to nothing. It finished 2-0 but despite the score line, Trent played like champions, displaying their versatility and squad depth. The score line should hae easily been the other way and Allstars would and should feel very aggreved by the result. two mistakes and an unfortunate lack of composuer infront of goal lead to a very undeserved result.

October 29th 2006

Trent Allstars 4-0 Top Valley Cougars

On the back of the Allstars first (and only defeat), a much strengthened side was fielded for the home event vs 'The Cougars'. The return of 'galactico's', Craddock and Roberts gave the Allstars some much needed balance in the centre of the park. As well as the return of keeper Kim Pickford, goal machine, Paul Travis also returned to the starting line up to continue his ever-increasing goal tally. A mangerial decision produced the oppourtunity for John Gregory to stake a place in the Allstars allstar staring eleven, as top assist player, Ian Turner was relegated to the bench. Also absent was Mr Ping (Boden), from left back. This didn't however seem to be too much of a concern as the squad showed its strength and Atkinson slotted in to provide a decent and comfortable performance. As per usual, Allstars began the game with an exciting tempo. Early corners from Mandley and Gregory saw decent chances go begging, with a good Travis effort cleared off the line from a testing Mandley corner. Moments later, a superb move from Travis down the right side saw him delicately square a delightful ball for Craddock to blast narrowly over the bar. The play was one-way traffic for the first twenty minutes but running with the theme so far this season, Allstars failed to punish their opposition with any great vindiction. This impressive display was then followed by brief moments of slack team defending where the Cougars looked somewhat generously 'dangerous'. A silence was needed from the Allstars as Top Valley were growing in confidence. The much needed goal to quieten the Cougars soon came as another delicious corner delivery from Gregory was met by the powerful head of Gibson. The keeper parried well, only to see Poppy Mandley pounce and volley the ball home from close range. This was followed by superb team movement and keep-ball, with the midfield quartette setting a good standard. A majestic ball from the half way line, curtiscy of Mandley saw Travis through one-on-one, only to disappoint and hit straight at the keeper. Chance of the half however, fell to Williamson who blazed over from 2 yards out as he rebounded on another inswinging corner delivery. With a comfortable lead, Allstars rounded up for half time, desperate to avenge their own poor finishing. Who knows what was said in the locker room, but 'Oh my days', those boys came out flying in the second half. Half chances from Craddock, travis and Big Willy were narrowly missed until superb forward play saw travis expertly pounce on a parried Mandley freekick to make it 2-0. The backfour remained solid whilst the attacking players committed to the kill. Pickford, contender for M.O.M, swept behind his defence brilliantly all game with Craddock and Roberts dictating the tempo and play of the fixture. A well worked Gregory and 'Jan Molby' (Jack), were substituted with half an hour remaining, by Chenzo and Turner. It only took two minutes for Turner to provide an impact. He provided a comic moment as he also blazed over but from literally underneath the cross bar. Despite the amusement, a degree of proffesionalism was endured as Captain Marvel, Roberts wonderfully slid Tolliday in to see him calmly pick out the bottom corner. 3-0 and cruising, Bruden came on and sparked new life into the side, creating glorious oppertunities for Travis and Mandley, that should have been dispatched. The game was then finished off with Travis sliding home a fourth. It was a positive and asured display from the Allstars, showing their potential. If only they could have converted more of their chances, it could have been double figures. Still, a sound perfromance. 100% in the league. Allstars seven-and-zero, a superb start.

November 5th 2006

Trent Allstars 3-1 Ardley Athletic. EMPAL CUP.

The Allstars aimed to carry their superb league form into the EMPAL cup, with what promised to be their toughest test thus far. They faced Ardley Athletic, a side from two leagues above the in-form Allstars side. With the standard greater, the Allstars hoped this fixture would be a true reflection of their teams' stature and class. It certainly showed right from the kick off as Trent kept possession, playing triangles and one-two's for the first five minutes. An impressive display of keep-ball meant that the away side struggled to touch the ball during the opening spell. The Allstars looked in top form as the game started, with alertness and good movement off the ball to create space and well deserved oppourtunities. Their lively start was soon repayed as Mandley, sitting in at centre half for todays fixture, picked out Tolliday whose shot was well saved by the keeper, only to see the ever present Travis smelling the oppourtunity like a blood-hound to poke it away effectively. One goal was not enough though, Trent were hungry and attacked more as the minutes ticked by. Corners were adding up, and possession was near total for Allstars as they pinned their suppossed 'superiors' into their own half. A delightful delivery from a Boden corner saw Travis leap like a salmon to decisivly head home his and the Allstars second. It was truely marvellous how the Allstars began the game, near total domination and a wonderful passing display with an inspiring team effort quickly saw the Allstars grab a third before half time. Mandley put in a trademark freekick, landing the perflectly weighted ball behind the opposition back-four for Travis to bravely latch onto and volley the ball past the keeper. A superb first half display with many more chances for the Allstars saw them lead 3-0 as the half-time whistle went. An impressive first half hat-trick and individual display saw Travis and his side clearly showing their worth and credentials. Trent were confident and comfortable as the second half began in a similar fashion to the first. Plenty more luxurious oppourtunities were spurned by the Allstars attacking line, and this seemed to spur Athletic on, with hope of getting back into the game. In a more even second half Ardley Athletic came into their own and were allowed to play. The Allstars solid defence was expertly led by the impressive Mandley and Williamson who confidently dealt with any potential threats. Midfield work-horse Chenzo was unlucky not to add a goal to a wonderful display as Travis opened up the Ardley defence only to see Veglia narrowly miss the target. 3-0 and enjoying their high percentage of possession. Manger Travis rang the changes with Woodruff replacing Williamson seeing Atkinson join Mandley at the back. Herbert replaced Gregory and Adam Burden was given another chance to prove himself replacing Will Tolliday. Inevitably this saw the game open up slightly as the substitutes found it hard to find thier feet. In desperation and struggling to meet the games tempo, substitute Herbie was booked for a silly foul, a matter of moments after entering the field, the Allstars first caution of the season. Ardley then began to find spaces and gaps in the Allstars side creating clear chances only to see Pickford pull off two magnificient saves before Ardley claimed their consolation goal. Pickford was immense in-between the sticks and Vicenzo Veglia was inspiring in the middle of the park. It finished 3-1 to Trent Allstars,they will however be disappointed they didn't kill the game off earlier and add to thier advantage. Still, the Allstars clearly showed they were no push-overs and easily capable of performing at a higher level as they demolished their higher league opponents in a well deserved cup victory. Lets hope the boys can continue the good form and have a successful cup run. A convincing victory.

 November 12th 2006

Trent Allstars 11-3 Attsu

On the back of an impressive cup win, the Allstars returned to their triumphant league form to face Attsu, a potential bannana skin fixture. With a few changes to last weeks' winning side, James Herbert and Jack Woodruff stepping up to take their places in the starting eleven. The allstars struggled at the start as they began by losing possession frequently, it may have seemed as if they had under-estimated thier lesser opposition. The Allstars did however create early opourtunities (despite their les-et-fair attidude), with Travis and Mandley both seeing shots rebound off the woodwork. They were soon punished for their layed back attitude as a catalogue of errors at the back saw a mix up between Williamson and Pickford, allowing the Attsu forward an open goal to role the ball home. Like a beckoned call, Captain marvel, Simon Roberts then replied with an audatious effort shortly after. His left footed volley from 30 yards appeared to be comfortable for the keeper, but for whatever reason he mis-judged it allowing the ball to find the top corner. The some what underserved goal seemed to open the eyes of the Allstars' attacking players, suggesting goals could be aplenty in this game. Moments later left-sided wizard Lee Mandley broke down the wing and unleashed a thunderous strike which the keeper parried, only to see Will Tolliday neatly tucked in his 5th goal of the season home. Another defensive howler from Williamson however, got Attsu straight back into the match as he attempted to turn the striker who easily caught him out, and punished him to equalise. Five minutes from half time, Travis finished off a well worked one-two between himself and Craddock, clearly showing he can score one-on-ones...sometimes. With the half-time whistle gone, the Allstars dugout showed faces of disappointment as they were playing terribly. Clearly something was said as they flew out in the second half to thrash Attsu. Paul Travis got the ball rolling, pressuring the left-back into a mistake and punishing him by slotting home expertly under the goalkeeper. From then on chances came thick and fast, and for the first time this season, the Allstars began to take them. Moments after Travis' goal, Poppy Mandley bagged his first of the morning which was delightfully created by the impressive Travis, planting a ball onto his receding hairline and forehead. Mandley then turned creator as he dropped a corner onto the grateful head of Gregory, to score with his first touch with a powerful header at the back post. Ian Turner replaced the steady Chris Boden, and followed in Gregorys footsteps, grabbing his first of the season with his first touch. He followed in on another Mandley effort to see the ball rebound off his knee and into the net. Although completely under the cosh, Attsu had one final say as the forward minded Allstars gave the Attsu midfielder too much time, and he punished the allstars with a pin point effort from distance to find the bottom corner. Trent Allstars, clearly not happy by conceding, opened up a can of woop-ass as the broke quickly after. The centre midfield dynamo James Craddock releasing Lee Mandley with a perflectly weighted pass, to see Mandley drill under the dejected goalkeeper. Williamson then opened his season account with a deflected shot following a goal mouth scramble. Travis and Mandley then came inches away from hat-tricks, both hitting the woodwork in quick succession. James Herbert and Jack Woodruff were both outstanding throughout with good use of the ball and creative runs. As the game neared its close, Ian Turner grabbed a second from another precise cross from Man of the Match, Paul Travis as he turned the defender inside-out. Substitute John Gregory then created the final goal of the game just before the final whistle for the midfield general, James 'the technique' Craddock, who thoroughly deserved a goal.The Allstars management team would of been delighted to see a solid defensive display in the second half. Atkinson, centre back for the day, also had the best chance of the game as he ran from box-to-box to get on the end of a cross, only to see his header fly over from 5 yards. His all round performance during the game was however, very pleasing with strength and assurance throughout. Another mention must also go to the Skipper Simon Roberts who missed a penalty late on after Lee Mandley was up-ended, giving up his penalty duties for the season with a poor penalty straight at the keeper. This fixture finally prooved that Allstars' have a ruthless side as they destroyed their opposition with clinical finishing, although sceptics would say it could or perhaps, should have been more with plenty more chances not being converted. However, after a shakey first half, Trent Allstars clearly and clinicaly showed they know where the back of the net is as they emphatically destroyed Attsu to go up to 8-and-0, 100% in the league. Another win, another 3 points and lets hope the form continues for the rest of the season. Today marked 'Remberance day' and with 11 goals, it is clearly a day to remember for the triumphant Allstars.

19 November 2006

Wollaton Pirates 0-3 Trent Allstars

In the Allstars first away trip for some time, they had to make do with a bare eleven. Goal Keeper Pickford was absent and replaced by Jack Woodruff with Rich Gibson still injured and Craddock ill, as well as other players also missing from the fixture. This saw Mandley swap to his natural Left-back position, with Veglia at centre half. A debut was also handed to Robin Thorpe, who partnered Roberts in centre midfield. Herbert kept his place on the right side of midfield with last weeks' impressive substitute, Ian Turner on the left of the midfield. Although injury struck, the back four had promise to be the strongest which the Allstars have fielded thus far this season. Allstars started brightly with early chances going to waste but some productive forward play looking encouraging. Pirates struggled to match the early pace of the Allstars play with both Trent full-backs seeing much of the ball. Roberts dictacted the game fom the start, spraying the ball out wide with productive cause. This led to early surging runs and dangerous throughballs from Mandley who started off in great form. It was another splendid Roberts pass that created the opening for the first goal though. A perfectly weighted ball sliced the Pirates back four open for Travis to expertly run onto and clinically blast across the keeper and into the net. Soon after the dead lock was broken, Tolliday should have added another to the Allstars tally. Mandley weeved in and out of the Wollaton team to slot Tolliday in, only to see him blaze wide from close range. The central midfield and the left side of the Allstars team looked impressive, with Turner then adding his thrid goal in two games as he inteligently gambled with a run accross the opposition defence to power a strike inside the far post. 2-0 and crusing, the Allstars looked comfortable thoughout but Wollaton would not lay down and die. The Trent right side began to get figured out as Herbert was dragged out of position and Atkinson looked lacking in confidence. However, a superb Veglia performance saw him and Williamson easily clean up any sort of possible danger. A steady first half display saw the Allstars go in with a convincing 2-0 lead. The second half saw much of the same as Allstars kept the ball well and stopped and Wollaton attacks with cruching challenges from debutant Thorpe, and skipper, Roberts. Atkinson began to see more of the ball at right-back, and gradually came into his own as his form improved throughout. The sterdy back four never looked like conceding and the midfield contribution of discipline and hard work added to this comprehensive defencive performance. Stand-in keeper and Jan Molby look-alike, Jack Woodruff cleaned up very well, and although not having any saves to make, he looked confident and kicked well. Late on into the game, Turner turned provider as he slotted Tolliday in for the winner in what proved to be a comfortable game for the Allstars with a 3-0 victory. Although they had gone back to squandering chances, they managed to keep a clean sheet for only the third time this season, which is a huge bonus. With a decent team performance and a clean sheet, Allstars went home the much happier side, maintaining their 100% league winning streak and confidently perched top of the league.

November 26th 2006

Top Valley Cougars 0-6 Trent Allstars

Another potentially difficult away trip, this time to Top Valley, saw the Allstars build upon their previous clean sheet and win vs Wollaton Pirates with an emphatic and incisive victory over the Cougars, which can be stated as the Allstars best performance thus far in their debut season. An impressive Allstar side posed few changes on the back of last weeks' deserved three points. Adam Burden replaced Tolliday upfront to partner Travis, with Boden dropping in at left back and Mandley at centre half. The enguine of the team was also restored with Craddock once again joining Roberts in the centre of the park. A rock steady back four with the impressive giant, Pickford back in goal never looked like conceding as they defended with ease, flair and confidence. It was only a matter of time before the ever-present Travis poached another goal to get the ball rolling. A long throw from Boden saw Travis leap like a salmon to power the ball past the helpless keeper. moments later and Gregory burst into the box to get chopped down and earn his side a deserved penalty. After Captain Roberts had missed his last penalty, the pressure of the spot kick was passed onto left footed masterclass Mandley. Sure as sure, he confidently hammered the ball into the back of the net, showing his captain how to really take a penalty. The Allstars then saw the remainder of the first half out with large spells of possession and a disiplined team defensive effort, led by the front man, Burden who was sensational throughout. A direct change was made at the interval, seeing Gregory change for Herbert, who was certain to make the game more lively with his dangerous runs and hard working ethic. The second half began well for the Allstars with Man-of-the-Match, Adam Burden, and his partner is crime travis, linking up well and forcing chances. Suprise of the season then occured as Player/Manager travis substituted himself. As great as the shock was, Tolliday came on and with an instant return, he poached another as he followed in a Boden freekick. Atkinson was the replaced by the sound and steady Woodruff who also began with an instant impact as he and 'Herbie' caused their opposing players constant tourment and threats. Meanwhile, Pickford, Mandley and the impressive Williamson kept the ship steady, defending with reminisance of Seamen, keown and Adams. This was eagerly supported by the brilliant Craddock and Roberts who ripped the Cougars to pieces with their vision and midfield genious. This genious was then displayed in the best method possible as Craddock scored a clear contender for goal of the season. The opposition foolishly gave 'the technique' far to much time in the centre of the field and he responded by rifling a pin-point strike from what must have been 40 plus yards directly into the top corner. What a goal. There was only one thing to say, Craddock, "Take a bo son". The left footed, long ball wizard Boden then wanted to show that there was atleast one other player in the side who could pick out a top corner as he put Beckham to shame when he blasted in a freekick from 25 yards to see the ball rocket into the back of the net. All was not over though, as the skipper Roberts wanted in on the action and snatched a late goal curtousy of some fantastic hold-up and forward play by Tolliday and Burden for Roberts to bend the ball into the bottom corner. It was a well deserved victory as trent were truely brilliant in this fixture, not allowing their opponents a sniff and clinically taking their chances. The team performance was outstanding but clear reconsiliation must go to Burden who was inspirational from the front. It was good to see him back, as it was also good to see another clean sheet and a convincing scoreline. A super perfromance by every player from front to back, with an exciting contribution from the substitutes as well. The Allstars best performance of the season now sees them with 10 league games, 10 league victories.

3rd December 2006

Trent Allstars 1-1 Arnold Ex-Service

First vs Second, the highlight of the fixture calender and a real battle of the titans was promised as the two big guns stepped out to face one another for the first time. With Trent ahead in the league by two points, Arnold needed the points to catch up. A win for the Allstars would have almost certainly seen them run away with the title. The impressive Allstars defensive unit over previous weeks found itself stronger once more as the collosus Rich Gibson returned from injury to slot in a centre back. This pushed Williamson out to right back, with Atkinson starting right midfield. The Allstars skipper, Simon Roberts was also missing from this game due to injury. This meant a starting XI place for the ever-impressive Chenzo Veglia. Craddock took up the captiancy. As could be predicted, the game was scrappy at times with the strong wind effecting play. When football was played it was attractive although the pitch prooved not to be a stage worthy of the beautiful game. With fierce tackles and determination to win possession from both sides, the surface cut up and the game resorted to hard-fought battle to determine who would be victorious. Trent started of the better, taking the game to their adversaries and creating some decent half chances after superb deliveries from the tenacious Atkinson, and some top-draw forward play from Travis and Tolliday. The back four remained strong and untroubled as Pickford and Mandley led their side further into the battle with commanding presence and disciplined defending. It was this discipline and hard-working ethic from the Allstars that saw them deservedly take the lead. A teasing inswinging corner, expertly delievered from Boden saw Travis power his way through and smash the header home midway through the first half. Tolliday then saw his shot cleared of the line although Allstars were adament it crossed. The sooner Mr Seb Blatter introduces goal-line technology, the better. Trent were still defending with dominance and never looked like concending as the defended from the front. Craddock and Veglia were instrumental in breaking down the opposition and provided dangerous options going forward. Trent should have then killed the game off with Turner working hard to get on the end of a Veglia cross and send the ball back across, only to see both Travis and Tolliday indesisively watch the chance go by. Gibson should have scored soon after, only to see his effort rebound off of the Arnold defenders. The half time whistle went with Trent looking the far more comfortable side, having created chances and evaided their opponents from creating anything at all. As the second half began however, Trent seemed somewhat less interested, almost complaicent as the ball stopped sticking upfront and quickly finding their defence under pressure as it came straight back. The defence stood strong and stopped any potential threats with Craddock still running the show and breaking up any attacks and keeping Arnold from having any shots at goal. The Allstars had completely lost their momentum and the theme of the second half was strongly set up in their own half. Although the defence maintained its strength, it was only a matter of time before the constant pressure turned into a chance. On the hour Arnold got their first chance of the game as the striker vollied home the equalizer. Trents hard work in the first half had all gone to pot as they began to look weak and oblivious to the importance of the fixture. Atkinson and Turner were both replaced soon after, although both provided superb width and ball-carrying skills, and then the Allstars outlet ball was also gone with their departure. Under the cosh and only defending from the back, as Trents forward play had become non existant, Arnold mounted more pressure and in the last ten minutes earned themselves a dubious penalty as Mandley illegedly brought down the Arnold wide man. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, or the hero in Trents case, goalkeeper pickford confidently saved the penalty to save the game. Then in the dieing seconds, Travis put Tolliday through one-on-one only to see his effort comfortably saved. 1-1 was the final result. Probably a fair reflection on the manor of both halves, although Allstars will feel hard-done-by that they did not take their chances in the first half to win the game. A solid defencive performance, highlighting Williamson and a Pickford penalty save earned the Allstars a point that could have gone either way. Man of the match and captain Craddock led by example as he bossed the game throughout. His effort to be everywhere, helping his defence and carrying the ball kept the Allstars fight going and earned his side the point which perhaps should have been three points, but could have just as easily been none.

10th December 2006

Clifton Bridge Inn 1-3 Trent Allstars

On the return leg in this league fixture, Allstars looked to do a season double over Clifton Bridge Inn. This saw the usual few changes within the starting eleven due to instrumental skipper, Roberts still injured and Cosmic Craddock away. Therefore, Mandley and Veglia took centre stage, also seeing Herbert and Woodruff unite to form a formidable right sided flank. Atkinson partnered Williamson at centre half. On a boggy pitch with strong winds, a win for the Allstars would have to be ground out with heart, passion and discipline. A sterdy looking back four led by stand-in skipper Atkinson looked solid and the energetic Burden and Herbert caused the Inn early problems. Trents first real oppertunity came from a wickedly delivered corner, only for the impressive Gregory's downward header to crash onto the bar. Moments later, a corner, turned shot from Mandley also hit the woodwork. It was eventually a corner set piece which broke the dead-lock, as a consistently dangerous corner from Mandley was met by a bullet of a header from Turbo travis who nearly tore a whole in the net. Despite the difficult playing conditions, Allstars mustered up some decent oppertunities from some attractive football, with the brilliant Woodruff at the helm of most of the moves. Travis came close on a few occasions, as well as Gregory and the tireless workhorse Veglia who was steady as a ship on calm waters. Unfortunately the promising talent of Adam Burden had to be replaced just before the half due to a back injury. He was replaced by Turner whose impact was electric and posed plenty of threats for the opposition defence. Allstars comfortably saw out an easy first half in which the dominated. The second half began with the Allstars straight on the attack, with Turner looking dangerous, on the end of some splendid 'ping' passes from Boden, whose long ball distribution was spot-on as usual. Herbert and Woodruff also linked up well to enable Herbie to dance through tackles on his typically mazey runs. It was another lovely footballing move that made the second goal as Travis intelligently ran across the Inn defensive line, on the end of some exuberating team passing, smashing his shot at goal. The keeper couldn't hold it and Turner was there to poke home for a 2-0 lead. A third was converted soon after as Boden took advantage of a set-piece to once again pick out the top corner with an audatious effort. At 3-0 Allstars looked more than comfortable but the game ended with a defensive lapse as Clifton bridge Inn scored a scrappy goal off of a poorly defended long throw. At the final whistle, Allstars would have been deemed deserved winners and picking up another comfortable 3 points. On the back of the impressive display, Jack Woodruff was highlighted as Man Of the Match as he was solid, dependable and showed moments of hawk eyed vision as well as defensive prowess. travis also showed a good account for himself. with herbert also close to a M.O.M shout. A comfortable win, forced by a hard working team effort.

17th December 2006

Trent Allstars 0 -2 Comercial Inn

A disgracful performance from those involved. Missing players and bad decissions could not be counted as an excuse as Trent lost their first league fixture of the season to a team struggling at the foot of the table. Apart from a solid Jack Woodruff perfromance, it seemed without the potent Travis, as well as the influence of Roberts and Mandley, Trent failed to create and convert anything during their awful ninety minutes, Perhaps this is a wake-up call. We are not invincible. Every game requires effort and heart, without it, it is not football, it is not entertainment, it is not Joga Binito. Allstars need to pull out the preverbial finger and stepo up a gear or two if they want to win this league.

7th January 2007

Comercial Inn 2 - 5 Trent Allstars

With Veglia, Mandley, Atkinson and the ever-impressive Travis returning to the squad, Allstars looked to gain some much needed revenge against Commercial. The fixture also saw the debut of Steven Powles. Mandley partnered Travis upfront and Powles slotted into the centre of midfield. In doing so, his debut was filled with many positive comments and alot of good promise as the superb debutant put a hault to the oppositions play and gave a much needed creative spark to the Allstars play. Travis and Mandley clicked instantly with hard work and a wonderful move involving Atkinson to create the opening goal. Atkinson and Travis played a one-two, to see Travis cooly slide his first of the game under the keeper. A second soon followed as Turner (who was also very impressive) beat his man to then find Travis to knock it past the helpless keeper. Other chances followed with Turner hitting the bar and Atkinson and Mandley also coming close. A superb team defensive effort kept Trent ticking and both full-backs, Williamson and Boden were the pioneers of most moves. The highlight of the game was perhaps however, an individual effort from the wonderful technical ability of the inspirational Craddock as he delightfully bent a 30 yard freekick over and around the wall to see the ball nestle with perfection right into the top corner. It was a scorcher! The second half began much the same as Allstars kept the ball with fluency, dictacted by Powles and Craddock. The break-through in the second half did infact come from a Pickford goal kick as he found the head of Mandley to magically flick Travis in, who volleyed from 20 yards to emphatically beat the stranded keeper for a fantastic and well deserved hat-trick. The impressive Allstars performance was however, overshadowed by the injury of Veglia who dislocated his shoulder in a tremedous last-ditch tackle. Also rather unfortunately, the referee deemed this super tackle as a penalty and it was blasted past Pickford to make it 4-1. Without any subs available, Allstars saw the match out with 10 men, Mandley then filling in at centre half. The last twenty minutes then became somewhat frantic as Gibson was clumsey in the area, conceeding another spot kick. With Pickford unlucky, it became 4-2 but in typical Trent fashion, they stepped up the pace late on and Craddock delicately threaded Travis through for his fourth of the game and a comprehensive and well deserved win. The performance was attractive and posed promises of an Allstars lift to more good form.

28th January 2007

Trent Allstars 1 - 4 Fanzines UTD EMPAL CUP

This cup fixture saw Empal giants, Fanzines vs supposed lower league opposition in the form of the Allstars. With Trent purched high on the top of the table in their lower division and UTD sitting comfortably at 3rd in the top league, Allstars faced their first real test of character. Without Boden, Turner and Roberts, a debut call up for Ben Tarrant was required. With Tarrant slotting into the centre of midfield along side Allstars legend, Craddock, and Mandley slotting in at left back, Trent felt they had what it takes to cause an upset. So far this season Trent had struggled to find worthy opposition (with the exception of one or two sides), and felt they deserve to be in a higher league after smashing second division Ardley Athletic with ease in the previous round. This fixture proved to be the tough test they had been longing for and it was an exciting display of impressive football and a good cup match. The well organised UTD started off the better with a dangerous cross leading Gibson to expertly head over his own goal from almost underneath the bar. Allstars then went up a gear with Craddock and Tarrant pulling the strings and threading Travis through to see his lobbed effort go narrowly wide of the post. This encouraged Trent and they began to pile on the pressure. Moments later, superb combination play from Travis and Tolliday saw Tolliday burst through behind the Fanzines back line. He weeved his way into the area and was brought down for what seemed a blatent penalty, only for the referee to give a freekick, literally on the line of the box. From the resultant freekick, Gibson saw his volleyed effort well saved. However, a good start from Trent soon saw them fall behind as UTD scored from a corner with a front post flick which found its way into the net. It was down to poor marking but the Allstars didnt drop their heads and came straight back into the game with long spells of possession. Travis then brilliantly worked an opening with his strength and persistance as he bundled his way down the right and delivered a gem of a cross onto Smith's head, to see the ball go sailing over. Trent continued to look strong throughout the remainder of the half and looked dangerous going forward with Mandley and Craddock posing threats of crossed balls and clever play. As half time came, Allstars would have fealt they shouldnt be losing and imediately as the second half began, got themselves back in it. A corner was awarded to Trent and Mandley ran over to take it. With a strong wind and the keeper lingering in his six yard box, he tried the audatious. His fantastic effort bent in directly from the corner to show an immense amount of talent (and luck), to get his side back in it. Half time also saw the arrivals of Herbert, Burden and Woodruff as all three changes were made. With the Allstars back in it and deservedly so, the pace of the game increased and the substitutes took time to adjust. Unfortunately for boys of black and blue, Mandley then feel injured, damaging his ankle tendons, and having used all three subs Trent were down to 10 men. The high intensity work rate increased outfield but Trent soon fell behind to another corner. Lack of communication saw the brave-hearted ten men conceded sloppily from the corner as men were left unmarked. Only moments later, the same happened again with Allstars conceding a third from another corner where men remained unmarked. Hobbling and unable to move (let alone run), Mandley returned to the field to play upfront and attempt to win the flicks and hold the ball up. Tarrant continued to boss the midfield and Craddock showed his class by dropping in at centre back and was brilliant. Herbert also found his feet and used them in a wizardly fashion as he began to cause problems with a decent contribution to the game since his half time arrival. Despite this however, Trent with the ten and a half men conceeded another, again with an unmarked man at the back post. Although the Allstars were 4-1 down, it wasnt a fair reflection of the game and the Allstars had their share of unfortunates with injuries and key players missing. Still, they managed to create a few more chances, with Williamson twice going close off of corners and Travis unlucky in the dieing minutes. It would be fair to say that for 60 minutes, Allstars played with heart and spirit as well as the ability of a top division side, but injury, a lack of squad depth and availabilty showed that trent still have alot to learn about playing with the big boys. On the plus side, they did show they can cope and never looked like it was beyond their reach. A flattering score line saw Fanzine progress and Trent's cup dreams postponed for another year. Good luck to Fanzine UTD in the next round.

4th February 2007

Real Bulwell 3 - 5 Trent Allstars

On the back of a disapointing cup defeat, Allstars had to up their spirits and regain their confidence in this vital league fixture. With only the league to focus on now, three points against Bulwell were a neccessity for the title contenders. Good news appeared in the form of the Simon 'Skipper' Roberts as he returned for his first game since November 26th. A beautiful day and a pitch in prestine condition set the standards for what should have been an appealing display of attractive football. To summarise the match in a sentence however, it was a disappointing game. A slow starting game saw little football played, resorting to long balls and poor passing from both sides. The first sign of action came from Travis who headed narrowly over from a tormenting Boden corner. Soon after, Boden was in the thick of the action again as he and his defence were caught off guard to see the Bulwell striker squeeze his effort in underneath the disappointed Pickford midway through the first half. Allstars responded with immediate effect with Roberts and Craddock taking the game by the scruff of the kneck and beggining to spray the ball around. Accordingly, Woodruff came into the game and displayed some lovely passes and trigured some decent football. This lead to the tenacious Ian Turner supplying many deliveries into the box, the pick of the bunch falling to Herbert, two yards out to achieve miss of the season as he headed wide with the close range effort. Corners were forced in quantity by Trent and eventually they paid dividence. A teasing inswinger from James 'The Technique' Craddock, met by the head of Turner, found its way to Tolliday who somehow forced the ball goalwards until it was knocked in by a Bulwell player. The equaliser was soon followed by a second for trent, another corner, this time from captain marvel Roberts, beautifully picking out the head of Turner for him to convert. Half time saw the arrival of Matty Smith to boost the midfield, his weeving runs and imacculate first touches used to create more oppertunities for the unsupplied strikers. However, the first sign of action in the second half resulted in Pickford picking the ball out of his net as Boden failed to clear and instead picked out the Bulwell striker to see him tap it home for the equaliser. Worse went to worse as moments later, Craddock jumped for what seemed to be a simple header, only for 'Sick note' Gibson to unneccessarily compete for the same ball. This saw both players crash heads, but Trent knew their luck had gone from bad to good when Craddock rose and Gibson came out worse. Gibson was then substituted with a bloody nose for Gregory, with Matty Atkinson left to lead the defence. The stand in centre back did superbly throughout the match, with hard tackles, towering headers and excellent defending. Luck was then cleary on the side of the Allstars as Pickford kicked long for another Allstar contributing an Allstar performance in the shape of Tolliday who bundled his way through the Bulwell back four and was chopped down for a penalty. Craddock slotted home convincingly. Williamson then replaced Woodruff who's performance was tidy and steady, just to tighten up the defence for the remaining half an hour. It was sub Gregory who took the head lines though as he fed off of a galliant Tolliday who flicked it through to see Gregory delicately lob the keeper with emphatic style and finesse from the axis of the area with a mesmorising volley. Considering it was a poor specticle of a football match, Gregory's goal alone was well worth the admission fee. The restless and impressive Tolliday then got what he deserved as he ended his goal drought with a typically tidy finish off a well worked Craddock freekick.Tolliday, who's recent form has been second to none deserved his goal and perhaps should have had another moments later, electing to shoot straight at the keeper instead of squaring to the unmarked Travis, who ended the day goalless, starting what seems to be an extremily unwanted goal drought from the Allstars main man. The game ended with a Bulwell penalty converted late on but Trent came out comfortable victors, Craddock, Atkinson and Tolliday standing head and shoulders above the rest. Roberts showed moments of brilliance as he eased his way back to fitness, but most importantly, Allstars took three points and remain top of the division.

4th March 2007

Trent Allstars 7 - 1 Woolaton Pirates

With a four week absence of fixtures, Allstars had been dieing to play again when they arrived to face Woolaton. The return of colosal and tireless Cenzo Veglia was also a positive to the side. It was clear how desperate Trent had been to play when they began the game like they were playing for their lifes. After two minutes Allstars took the lead through some super football down the left hand side from Atkinson and Turner, who crossed the ball to Tolliday. He delightfully cushioned a touch for the goal machine Travis, who hit a sublime volley into the top corner. More was to follow, Atkinson the hero this time as he carried the ball in and out of his opposition from the half way line, cut into the box and dizzied the Woolaton defence as he continued to tip toe in and out. He could have gone down, but admorably remained on his feet, drew the goal keeper in and majestically chipped his first of the season into the back of the net with calmness personified. Within the space of fifteen minutes Allstars had found themselves 5-0 up. Turner bagged one from a Mandley cross, strongly met by the head of Gregory, with the ball going across the face of the goal for Turner to tap in. Gregory then got one of his own directly from a corner as the Woolaton keeper found his centre back in his arms rather than the ball as it evaded him to trickle over the line. Tolliday then added the fifth as he linked expertly with strike partner Travis who's one-two saw Tolliday cut into the box and tuck home his much deserved ninth of the season. With an eventful opening fifteen minutes and goals to shout about, Trent started to lose disapline, players began to perform as individuals and the shape of the side began to disapeer. This saw the untroubled Allstars defence put uder the cosh, with Pickford making a wonderful save to keep it 5-0. Excellent last ditch tackles from Woodruff and man of the match Mandley saved trent from any potential first half come-backs, and the defence kept it solid until throughout the first half, Veglia and Mandley's back four aided brilliantly by the dynamic midfield duo of returning skipper Roberts and 'the technique' James Craddock. Woodruff also had a convincing first half performance but the team as a whole had dropped off and the reaminder of play was poor. The second half was much the same with little to talk about. The referee was poor and gave little in the Allstars favour and awarded a penalty for a 'supposed' hand-ball which never was. Woolaton took it as their conselation goal and Trent hit back straight away as Mandley picked up the ball on and surged forward. A nifty one-two with inform striker Travis saw Mandley cut into the area, only to see the Woolaton defender's sliding tackle put the ball into his own top corner for an impresive O.G. The arrival of Burden on the hour gave the game the spark it had been missing as his energy and good running provided more oppertunites for the team and himself. He came clos with an effort but with ten minutes to go he ended his goal drought with an emphatic finish, one of the highest calibre as he ran onto a perfectly weighed Craddock through-ball and slotted the ball round the keeper. In a match with many goals, there was actually very little entertainment, bar the opening fiteen minutes of some Allstars 'sexy football'. Apart from that, the game was dull, slow in places and the referee didnt allow it to flow. Despite this, a good win and confidence boosting were gained as well as three important points in the title chase.

11th March 2007

Arnold Ex-Service 2 - 1 Trent Allstars.

The battle of the galactico's. The meeting of the titans. As far from David and Golieth as you can get in Sunday football as first met second in a vital league title deciding match. On the back of a comfortable win vs Woolaton, the Allstars were buzzing and raring to go in the second meeting of these two giants. The previous encounter ended 1-1 and could have gone either way. The Allstars however, started very slowly as what seemed to be a result of over anxiety and adrenaline. Lacking initiative in the early spells of the game, Trent found themselves on the back foot, creating little. However, a running theme was soon developed as everytime a move was made, the Arnold linesman seemed to have his flag raised. This got under the skins of the Allstars players and they soon found themselves a goal down when Boden was overloaded at left back and a cross was delivered. The Arnold player attacked the ball and obviously cushioned it with a hand, alas the match official failed to see it and his second touch was a goal. The lack of this officials' vision and decision giving also became a running theme. This was further displayed when Tolliday and Travis linked both created chances. Travis, clearly fouled in the area, but no penalty. Turner, clearly fouled by the Arnold keeper, but free-kick against him, then Tolliday delicatley lifted the ball over the on-coming Arnold defender and latched back onto his own ball, through one on one, only to find himself given off-side by the referee (which is not off-side by the way)! It really wanst going Allstars' way and they found themselves on the back foot with Pickford responsable for some fantastic saves to keep the Arnold lead narrowed. Travis came close with an wonderful individual effort, Veglia should have scored as he saw his headed effort go over from close range and Turner roled a one on one into the Arnold keepers' arms. The game was no by no means over at half time but the referee (found to be an Arnold player believe it or not!!!) was not helping the cause of Trent. The second half had a bit more promise about it for Trents attacking football. Craddock found himself with a bit more of the ball and Travis began to shine with his strength and work rate. The back four began to play in a coordinated manor and as a whole, they looked like a better side, reducing oppertunities for Arnold. However, it went from good to bad as Mandley recieved a blow to the head when making a brave and goal-saving header, only to recieve an unintentional Arnold head in the face, resulting in dizziness and a black eye. He bravely attempted to continue but the eye swelled, reducing his vision and he had to go off. Veglia filled in at centre half and Herbert entered the Velledrome. Arnold then began to look more dangerous as they thraughted chances with Mandley no longer leading his back four. Travis however, showed them how it was done with another of his typical emphatic solo efforts. Picking the ball up on the edge of the Arnold area, he found himself struggling and wriggling for space, losing the ball but battling it back. Then, with a moment of magic, he turned his defender and blasted the ball home with twenty minutes remaining. Allstars were lifted and created more chances, Boden coming close, as well as efforts from Craddock and Tolliday. However, the weakened Allstars defence saw themselves exposed as their line was too deep and exploited by a ball in behind to find themselves isolated and as a result of this, conceding another goal despite all the hard work from the inspirational Pickford with only a few minutes remaining. The minutes ticked past and Allstars piled on the pressure, when in the last minute, Gibson was rugby tackled to the ground in the penalty area. The once Arnold player and now referee however, debated he did not see the incident that was right in front of his eyes and blew the final whistle instead. Trent lost a vital game which they did not deserve to win in all fairness, but they battled and showed resiliance and were in their opinions, 'cheated' out of a draw by the bias referee. This leaves the Allstars with a make-or-break fixture next week against Pheonix which will determine whether or not their efforts gain them promotion.

18th March 2007

Trent Allstars 3 - 5 Pheonix

This fixture provided the Allstars with their last real chance of gaining automatic promotion and keeping their title hopes alive. On the back of a disapointing and unjust defeat against Arnold last week, the two sides resultantly swapped league positions with Trent for the first time this season sropping off of first place and into second spot. Pheonix however were eagerly awaiting in third place with games in hand, therefore a lot was riding on this game for both sides. Trent took an early blow with star striker Travis pulling out injured and this lead Trent to adapting their formation in search of goals. With a normal bakc ofur, Skipper Roberts and the Italian Stallion Cenzo Veglia set out as defensive midfielders, allowing Craddock to fulfill a free role with Mandley and Turner pushed on along side lone striker Tolliday. The new shape proved to be an entertaining formation and for the majority of the first half Trent were on top with Tolliday twice going close to see the Pheonix keeper closing him down on both occasions. Craddock also showed encouraging signs as he linked well with Tolliday and Mandley as the trio looked dangerous. A nifty one-two on the half way line between Craddock and Tolliday with 'the technique' Craddock latching onto the return pass and dribbling inside and out of the dizzied Pheonix defence only to see his effort well saved. Another chance fell to Mandley as the ball kindly dropped onto the edge of the area where he fired a powerful lfet-footed volley with the keeper pushing the effort over the bar. Mandley then saw a flicked header cleared off of the line at the end of the first half, but unfortunately for Allstars they were already 2-0 down at this point, due to two dismal defencive errors. Both goals came against the run of play and in a similar fashion. Firstly Gibson gave the Pheonix striker too much time and respect on the edge of the Allstars box, to see the player turn him with ease and plant his effort into the topp corner with time to place it. The second was much the same with Williamson this time failing to tightly pick up his man six yards from goal, to get rolled easily and provide a simple finish for the Pheonix forward. Trent were unfortunate to go in behind due to two mistakes, but alternatly should have converted at the other end. The second half began with a good, fast tempo, again with Allstars dictating. Roberts picking the passes from midfield and Veglia winning everything infront of the back four. Man of the match Craddock, and the superb Veglia showed this good form and linked up to put Craddock between the left and centre back of Pheonix, as they were unable to track his electric movement. He then unleashed a rocket which the keeper could not hold on to, as it almost ripped the back of the net from the edge of the area. However, only moments later, another defensive lapse cost the Allstars a third goal as the Trent centre backs backed off of the oncoming striker, allowing him to carry the ball a good twenty yards before he picked his spot in Pickfords' bottom corner. With credit to our beloved Trent boys though, the heads did not drop. With a goal back and Allstars looking fired up, Travis, side-lined but still inspirational, changed the shape to 4-4-2, sacrificing both Turner and Tolliday for Herbert and Gregory to occupy the wings, whilst the energetic and strong duo of Veglia and Mandley partnered up front. Both took many rattling challenges for their hard work and fearless efforts but it soon paid off as superb combination play from the front two saw Mandley lay off a superby weighted header for Herbert, who finished emphatically just after the hour. Herbert however was culprit again as he dauntingly managed to miss both the ball and the net two yards from an open goal to pull trent level. Cometh the hour cometh the man however, as the superb Craddock stepped up and converted the equalizer from a delightful Mandley set piece with twenty minutes remaining. From three down to 3-3, Allstars had begun to believe they were Liverpool of Istanbul. The brilliant pairing of Mandley and Veglia continued to plug away with Craddock serging forward to support. All three had further half chances but at the other end trent looked susceptable to conceding. They soon did as again, a defence mix-up allowed the Pheonix offensive player to walk his way into the box passed Williamson and Gibson as he tapped in from six yards. It appeared that trent hard work had all gone to pot but they continued probing forward, Veglia again coming close. However in the dieing moments of the game Williamson was unfortunate to give a penalty away which was calmly dispatched by the grateful Pheonix striker. As the final whistle blew, Allstars felt that all their hard work had been for nothing as their season slipped away, now relying on other results to help them secure automatic promotion, where as infact, trent can be extremily proud of themselves for fightinmg when many heads could have dropped, for scoreing three impressive team goals without top scorer Travis and for battling for every minute there was. Defensive mistakes cost the Allstars this time and possibly the season, but as they say, 'Football is a funny old game' so there is hope yet. All Trent Allstars can do now is hope, wait and continue winning and enjoying their remaining games.

25th March 2007

Attsu 2 - 5 Trent Allstars

Missing many players due to the University terms' easter break, Allstars had to call upon the younger brother of Lee mandley, Kieran to partner Travis upfront, and an extremily talented German student, Julian Graves in the centre of midfield to make up the eleven. John Gregory filled in in goal in the absence of Pickford. The game did not begin in the best manor for Allstars though as they played out the first fifteen minutes with only eight players as Travis, Turner and Boden arrived late. When they arrived, the eight Allstars were 1-0 down but coping and the arrival of the late few saw Allstars take the game to Attsu, creating many chances for Travis and the other attacking players. After squandering some chances from close range, it was down to a piece of brilliance from the inspirational Craddock to equalize. He picked up the ball thirty yards from goal and without even looking up he picked out the bottom corner of the Attsu goal for his tenth of the season, and what a sublime finish it was! The remainder of the half saw little action in front of goal for the Allstars, only with Travis coming close and a sweetly struck volley from Kieran Mandley from distance going just wide, and a powerful Julian Graves shot that would have flown in had it not of struck Travis square in the face. The second half began misrably for Allstars as Williamson made an error in letting the ball bounce then failing to clear, resulting in the Attsu forward getting in and scoring. Travis soon levelled the score though, finally converting one of his many chances, this one a simple tap in from close range as Turner brilliantly beat the Attsu left back and picked Travis out with an inch perfect cross to feet which travis nestled home confidently. Kieran Mandley then scored on his debut moments later as he rattled home a sweetly struck volley from the edge of the area with great power and technique as he took advantage of a poor clearance from the Attsu defence. The fourth was soon to come and it was one of the moves of the season. Debutant, Graves started and finished the move as he brilliantly won the ball in the centre circle, played a neat one-two with the excelent Craddock and then fed the ball out wide to K. Mandley whilst continuing his run. K. Mandley then drilled the ball into the feet of travis who showed fantastic awareness to dummy the ball, leaving it straight into the path of Graves who slotted imaculatly under the keeper for a simply mesmorising goal. Veglia and Boden kept it solid at the back, with Veglia being superb, with Craddock and Graves also helping out their back four. Allstars created more chances, again Travis missing the oppertunity to up his seasons' tally with both Mandleys' and Turner also coming close on other occassions. Late in the game though, Allstars finished it off with Boden making a strong run forward and looking to pick out Turner at the back post, only to see his cross loop over the Attsu keeper and nestle into the net for his fourth of the season and the Allstars fifth of the day. It was a comfortable victory for Trent when all the players arrived and should have so easily been double figures on the day, again missed chances summing up the season so far. However, there were many positives from the game, Graves being immense and recieving man of the match from an emphatic debut performance and goal, as well as fifteen year old Kieran Mandley playing exceptionally, grabbing a debut goal and an assist. Turner and Boden also played very well, coming into some form, with Craddock and Veglia once again being consistently class in their roles. Another convincing three points for Allstars in their race for promotion.

1st April 2007

Inter Strelley 2 - 5 Trent Allstars

With a bare eleven once more, Matty 'Smiles' Smith returned to the side with Martin making his second apperance to Allstars. Roberts came in at right back to keep the ship steady and Veglia partnered Travis up front. Woodruff put on the gloves in goal. Allstars began brightly, both Boden and Captain Roberts seeing alot of the ball at full-backs. Trent passed the ball around confidently and played some attractive football, being patient in their build up. The possession soon turned into chances as Craddock fed Veglia through but he narrowly missed. Veglia again found himself infront of goal as Mandley and Travis linked up well down the left for Mandley to pick Veglia out two yards from goal, only for Veglia to mis-time his headed effort and see it go wide once more. Roberts tested the Strelley keeper from long range whilst Gibson and Atkinson were solid at the back and looking confident in playing out from the back. Veglia continued to probe forward but missed a catalogue of chances and it was down to Martin to break the dead lock on the half hour. Roberts knocked a perfect ball down the line for Martin who blasted from eighteen yards into the roof of the net. Trent continued to surge forward, Craddock pulling the strings and coming close himself. Gibson was then unlucky from a corner and Travis also came near to scoring. At the close of the half Allstars were happy with their possession football but should have had the game dead and burried after fortyfive minutes. They paid for their missed chances as Strelley then scored two goals in five minutes at the begining of the second half. The first saw Woodruff claim an akward looping ball but be put under pressure from the Strelley foward. It seemed like a clear foul on the keeper but was not given and this saw the ball come out of his hands for a simple tap in to equalize. Moments later, Smith forgot his man on a long throw for Strelley and the forward blasted home from close range for Strelley to take the lead. Allstars then altered their tactics as Veglia was having no luck infront of goal and went back into centre midfield with Mandley going up front. The impact was instant as Veglia provided a delicatley weighted ball over the Strelley defence for Travis to latch onto and lob the keeper with finese and class. Travis started to come to life and he and Mandley linked up well, with Mandley showing some excellent touches to start bringing the midfield into the game. Allstars really started to look sharpe and moments later Mandley and Travis linked up again, crossing their runs and losing their men for Mandley to break into the Strelley box and pick out Travis who headed home well. Travis then netted his hat trick soon after with some brilliant forward play. He lost the ball but won it back, beat the lone centre half and neatly slotted home his third. He came close a few more times with Craddock also coming close but then the midfield dynamo Craddock got his eleventh of the season as Mandley picked him out from a corner for Craddock to neatly tuck home. Veglia looked asured and comfortable in the middle, winning everything and allowing Craddock to bomb on. Roberts at full-back was also on form and started most moves, also looking good going forward. Gibson was brilliant at the back and played as well as he has done all season and Travis and Mandley ran riot up front causing problem after problem for their opposition. Travis was brilliant and Clinical and thoroughly deserved his hat-trick which takes him up to thirty goals for the season. Allstars looked sharpe once more and easily out-played their opposition in a comfortable victory. Only one league game remains for Trent Allstars at the end of a good debut season.

22nd April 2007

Trent Allstars 7 - 0 Abakon

In the last competitive league game of the Allstars' debut season, having played throughout with quality and consistantly positive results on the whole, this finale to the season was aimed at for fun. Each player had their name pulled out of a hat to determine their positions for both halves with the days positions and their regular positions bracketed. In goal, Mandley (Left side), RB Herbert (RM), CB Craddock and Roberts (both CM), LB Gibson (CB). LM Veglia (CM), RM Williamson (CB), CM Tolliday (CF) and Woodruff (RB). Strikers, Turner (RM) and Boden (LB). The make-shift side began well despite being in un-natural positions. Chances came often for the elaborately shaped side, when after ten minutes Turner had had three one-on-ones with the keeper, failing to convert. Williamson also missed from close range. It was infact Veglia who broke the dead-lock with his first of the season after Woodruff picked him out at the back post for Veglia to blast into the top corner. The second soon followed at Gibson got on the end of a Boden corner and powered home. Woodruff and Tolliday kept it ticking in the midfield whilst Mandley and his centre backs, Roberts and Craddock looked assured and convincing at the back. Chances continued to flow, Williamson, Boden and Turner culprites for rued chances again so it was left to Tolliday to show them how to do it. Out of nothing he picked up the ball on the half way line and progressed forward, only to unleash a 30 yard screamer into the corner of the goal, leaving the keeper with no chance and a well deserved tenth of the season for Tolliday, whose performance was admirable, showing he isn't just a poacher as he dictated in the midfield, ending the half on a high. The second half saw a shift in positions with Craddock going in goal. Mandley and Gregory (RM) became centre backs, with the excellent Tolliday going right back with Turner at LB. MR was now Woodruff, with CM being Boden and Williamson and LM Herbert. Atkinson (RB) came on upfront to partner Roberts. Abakon pilled numbers forward but Mandley comanded his back four well with Tolliday again being head-and-shoulders above everyone else, looking dangerous carrying the ball forward and starting play. Atkinson came straight into the action getting himself two simple chances which he squandered. Thrid time lucky however as he redeemed himself as he latched onto another sublime Woodruff through-ball and shrugged off his man outside the area. Atkinson tthen cut inside and blasted into the back of the net for a well deserved goal. It was Williamson that was next to redeem his earlier misses as he controlled neatly from a poor clearance from the Abakon keeper. His first touch sat up nicely for him and his second was a missile of a volley which he lauched into the goal from near the half way line. Amounst Tollidays' first half strike and Craddocks volley vs Top Valley (26 Nov) it was a sure contender for goal fo the season. Roberts then sent out a message as his hard work paid off, getting him two well deserved goals back to back within minutes. The first was brilliant link up play between himself and Atkinson, playing a delicate one-two, where Roberts found himself only a few yards out to crash home his first of the day. His second showed signs of a true poacher as he gambled on a big boot from keeper Craddock which bounced over the Abakon defence. He then slotted his fifth of the season confidently. Craddock gained the assist from the route 1 method but at the other end found himself having to make a super save with his legs off of a powerful header, reminiscant of Banks vs Pele. On the whole, Allstars were impressive. They continued to probe forward and be ruthless whilst not losing their discipline. An emphatic result provided a good end to a great debut season, with second place looking likely. A wonderfully enjoyable season capped by another superb result.

 

2007/2008

2nd September 2007

Kinoulton Villa 2 - 4 Trent Allstars

After 3 months of waiting, the season began again for Trent Allstars, on a beautiful summers day, ripe for sexy football. Buzzing and eagerly anticipating the seasons big K.O, the Allstars boys were raring to go, desperate to begin their first fixture in the EMPAL 3rd devision, which they were promoted into at the end of a superb debut season. And it showed. The Allstars lads started like a house on fire, swarming the Villa players like bee's over honey. Without even giving the home team a moment to breath, Tolliday defended well from the front and won possession from the Villa left midfielder. As he shrugged off the left back he used strength and a super burst of pace to leave the Kinoulton centre back eating his dust as he slotted cooly and clinicly under the opposing keeper to give Allstars the lead after 4 minutes. Tollidays hard work was rewarded with the goal from his fine solo effort, and as his hard work continued chances came thick and fast for Allstars. Debutant James Barker occupyed the centre of midfield along side the brilliant Craddock and both made dazzling runs into the box, unlucky not to score. Turner came close soon after as Mandley set him free, only for Turner to see his effort well saved. It was the mesmorising Tolliday who doubled his and the Allstars lead moments later. Woodruff used his long throws to excellent use as he hurled the ball over the Kinoulton defence where Tolliday delightfully lobbed the oncoming keeper with an exquisit finish after just 12 minutes! More chances came with the super Tolliday having an effort cleared off the line, and Turner again coming close as he terrorised his opposing full back with devasting effect. Gregory on the other side of midfield did the same and came inches away from finding top corner after he latched onto a raking 50yard cross field ball from Mandley. As the half wore on, Allstars were in cruise control, playing sublime football and still working hard throughout. The centre back pairing of Veglia and Atkinson could have kept Wane Rooney at bay the way they were playing, and mopped everything up with ease and finess, leaving keeper Pickford unhassled. Full-backs Boden and Woodruff should take alot of credit for the first half footballing display as the began most moves with intelligent play and some good forward runs. Just before the end of the half though, it was Tolliday once again who proved his weight in gold. Defending deep, Mandley picked up the pieces from a header clear from the Allstars box, cushioned the ball oh his chest, the flicking it over his marker with his head with great skill. He then looked up and picked out Tolliday who ran the ball in from near the half way line and finished with the style of a one Fernando Torres as he curresed the ball across the keeper into the far corner. It was a fantastic first half display with Allstars in control at 3-0. The second half began much the same, with the arrival of Herbert at right back providing many more dangerous forward runs and some half chances created. But as the Allstars pressed on to kill the game off, Villa pegged them back and pushed 4 men upfront. Moments later they were awarded a penalty, but with experience and mind games, Pickford put off the player who resultantly skied his effort a good 20+ feet over the bar. They did however pull one back soon after, as the first lapse in concentration at the back saw the Kinoulton forward have room to turn and shoot 12 yards out and find the bottom corner. Craddock and Barker began to get overloaded in the midfield, yet still won the battles and pulled the strings, a wonderful debut from Barker. His runs from midfield caused many problems for Kinoulton and his persistant efforts worked to devasting affect. He was however, clattered in an airial challenge which saw him leave the pitch for a small time. In this time Allstars shape altered with Mandley dropping in the centre, Barker also returning to make it 3 in the middle with Tolliday as lone striker. It paid off instantly as good pressure from the midfield, especially Turner, forced Villa into an error and it was Tolliday once more who punished them, latching onto an under-hit back pass to make it 4 for him and for Allstars. As the game went on, Kinoulton piled men forward and scored another consilation goal from a well worked crossing move, but the impressive Allstars were deserved winners from a simply terrific display, especially centre backs Veglia and Atkinson, as well as the debutant barker who were fantastic. It was Tolliday who was the real hero though, with all four goals and a truely magnificent display of forward play. A winning start for Allstars, 4-2. Well done boys, terrific performance.

23 September 2007

Trent Vale 0 - 1 Trent Allstars

Having got off to a flyer Allstars had confidence in abudance as they made the away trip to Trent Vale. After a fantastic performace previously from Tolliday (the hero of the last game) and the rest of Trent Allstars, the boys had set themselves a benchmark and it was indeed a high level of performance which was carried over from the last match. Without club captain Pickford in goal, player/manager James Craddock took the gloves and took to keeping like a duck to water. There was also a debut for Scott (the Dogg) Donaghue, as well as a first game of the season for Williamson and Travis. Much like the previous fixture, Allstars began at a million mile per hour and right from the off they camped in the Trent Vale half like boy scouts on an expodition. As Allstars easily won the ball back directly from the Trent Vale kick-off, Travis showed he was keen to carry on from last season as he muscled past defender and defender and released a thunderous striker bringing back memories of Tiny Yeboah as his shot from 25 yards smashed against the cross bar, into the ground and back on the bar to then come back out into play. Trent Vale were stunned by the instant threat from Travis as the bar remained wobbling for the rest of the half...and this was with only 20 seconds played! Throughout the half Allstars kept possesion and kept it well, rarely giving it away without creating a good chance. The back four kept Craddocks goal unapposed as Donaghue and Williamson were magnificient, winning headers and tackles which meant Craddock didn't have a single save to make in the first half. At the other end Turner had began brightly as his clever wing play saw him get in behind the Vale defence and his efforts were well saved. The pressure continued as Allstars pushed forward, both Boden and Atkinson joining in the attacking play from full back and the immense Donaghue bringing the ball out from defence and starting moves. As Mandley and Veglia conquered the centre of midfield and found themselves space to play they managed to bring in Gregory and Turner more to the game, spraying the ball out wide and creating havoc for the Vale defence. A clever 1-2 between Gregory and Atkinson saw Gregory released down the right and brilliantly slot in Travis. Travis drew the keeper out and there was Tolliday who had made an excellent run, waiting the simple pass to tap into an open net, but no. Travis elected to shoot himself from the narrow angle and the shot was easily saved. Tolliday was livid. However, from the resultant Mandley corner Travis could have redeemed himself, but after working hard to get on the end of it, he headed over from close range. Corners then seemed to come thick and fast as Mandley conquered the art of the aireal ball and swung in some absolutely beauties, and with no word of a lie Allstars should have been four up as Travis, Veglia and Gregory squandered more well delivered corners by heading wide. Gregory then felt the same frustration as Mandley as his corner was met by the head of Veglia who's header was well saved. The first half was goaless but had Allstars have taken only half their chances it could have been 5-0 at the interval. Trent Vale had really struggled to put a pass together due to the Allstars hard work and closing down and they had barely left their half first half. If anything it got worse for them in the second period as Allstars increased their dominance further. Mandley had an early attempt from distance which rose narrowly over as well as Tolliday who's hard work and patience created an opening for himself but the keeper saved well. It was Travis once again who should have netted however, as time and time again he met the Mandley corner with his head, resultantly missing the target or forcing a good save. As Allstars got desperate the began to play even better football than before, and although frustrated they still played with enjoyment and their football reflected this with what looked to be like keep-ball training excercises as Veglia, Mandley, Turner and Co sprayed the ball from side to side. The full-backs were superb outlets for the midfield and from an intelligent run and link up with Travis, Boden found a little bit of room on the corner of the box and tried to pick out the far bottom corner. His expert effort shaved the post as Allstars were getting closer. As time was running out for Allstars to get their deserved goal they were solid and continuously strong at the back and this unpenetrable wall of defence from Williamson and Donaghue was inspiring. Donaghue became the pivot and began to catalyse each move as he dominated in every aspect of his play. Going forward Gregory hit the bar directly from a corner and Mandley had one cleared off the line. The deadlock was finally broken though as 80 minutes hit the cloch. The ball from another corner struck a Vale defenders' hand...PENALTY!! said the referee. Mandley was there quicker than the Flash on E-numbers and he confidently drilled it home into the top left of the goal. This released the pressure for Allstars but their pressure on the Vale defence did not stop. Another corner was met by Travis at the back post but the Vale keeper pulled off a super save to deny him. In the dieing minutes of the game Craddock had his first real save of the game to make as the ball wasn't cleared effectively and the Vale forward got through, only to be foiled by an excellent save from Craddock who swamped the ball at the strikers' feet. It finished 1-0 to the Allstars in the most one-sided encounter since Mike Tyson beating up his mother. In reality it should have easily been double figures but at this early stage in the season 3 points is 3 points well earned. Specific notions of congratulations must go to Williamson and Donaghue who played with flair and confidence and didnt step a foot wrong all game, begginging every move for Allstars, ending every attempted move from Vale. Donaghue took a debut performance with a well deserved Man of the March award. Lets hope the boys can keep the fantastic start going! Well Played Allstars, as it was easily the best footballing display produced by the side to date.

30th September 2007

Trent Allstars 7 - 0 Brooks Villa

After two fantastic performances and well deserved victories, Allstars went into their third game of the new season full of confidence and enjoying their football and they clearly weren't going to ruine a perfect start. Infact they even managed to raise the bar higher than it's previous stature as they cruised to victory right from the off. Continuing in impressive fashion Allstars found possession easy to come by once more, as Veglia and Craddock broke down the Villa play from the word go, and supplied balls out to full-backs Boden and Herbert who both gave devasting performances of forward and wide play as they began every move, creating chances in abundance. Both infact hotly contested Man of the Match, which went in favour of Herbert who's forward runs were that of a man possessed as he tore up the right side. Another huge postitive came in the shape of the Tolliday Travis partnership as the two finally seemed to click and began playing together as comfortably as Boy George with barbies. Infact the opening goal came curtousy of their link up play as Travis received the ball of a Tolliday flick on. Tolliday continued his run as Travis then layed off to Craddock who saw this run and slotted Tolliday in with a tight angle for goal. In such great form nobody could have blamed him for a shot but instead he looked up to see Mandley running towards the back post, and with a perfect pass from the awsome and aware Tolliday, Mandley had the simplest tap in of his life to give Allstars the lead. As they continued to dominate play and possession as they have done in the previous games, there was definately more of a promise about turning possession into goals during this display. Tolliday came close as the keeper drived to save at his feet, as well as having a superb header disallowed. Travis also came close with a headed chance from a super Boden cross from the left. Turner also saw alot of the ball and he and Herbert ran the show during the first half as the linked up well to constantly pepper the Villa box with dangerous deliveries, with Turner looking as assured and comfortable as he has ever done in the Allstars jersey. At the other end of the pitch Williamson and Atkinson were solid at centre back with keeper and skipper Pickford mopping up behind them. Williamson pulled up and went off after 25 minutes with a goin strain which handed a debut to Mike McGee who came on with the presence of a Jamie Carragher in the making as he then organised the side and led them further towards victory with his impressive display of towering headers and control over his defence. Just before half time Boden made it 2-0 out of nothing as his deep back-post cross illuded the Brooks Villa keeper and found the net. As soon as the second half began Brooks Villa were taught a lesson in football. After keeping possession from the centre Allstars made it 3 through Paul Travis. Craddock and Veglia were instrumental in the build up as the both burst through the midfield and defence playing 1-2's after 1-2's until Craddock found the space by the by-line and saw Travis lurking at the back post. His cross found him perfectly and Travis powered home the header. This goal was also important for another reason as it was the 100th Trent Allstars goal. 50 minutes saw the arrival of the inspirtational Simon Roberts for his first appearance of the season as he replaced the ever-impressive Veglia in centre midfield. His impact was imidiate as he then played a crucial role in what can be considered possibly the best footballing goal ever in Sunday league history. From keeper Pickford to Herbert the play began, and found its way accross the park to Boden and Mandley, then through Roberts back out right to Turner. Pass after pass evaded the opposition as if Allstars were taking part in a training game, '50 passes before a shot' or similar. Spaces opened up as Allstars dragged their opposite numbers across the field playing keep ball until Madley sprayed into the feet of Travis. Travis then held it up as Roberts made a run round the right back and with a flick of the outside of the right boot, Gerrard-esque, he found Craddock perfectly on the edge of the 18 yard who opened his body with eligence and grace and side-footed the volley with precision into the bottom corner. It was truely magnificient. The ball was kept for what must have seemed like a month to Brooks Villa, followed with the perfect pass and fabulous finish from James 'the Technique' Craddock as Allstars looked like the sons of Samba spraying the ball about like the children on Rio De Janerio, eleven Pele's as the created this goal that even dreams could not conjure. Truely spectactual football. Not long after, Tolliday finally got in on the action and deserved his goal after another quality display of forward play. Waiting on the shoulder of the last defender he timed his run perfectly to get on the end of a Mandley through ball and crashed his shot hard against the post, but like any top striker didnt give it up. Travis followed up with the keeper saving and there was Tolliday to pounce and grab his first of the game. Moments later Travis hit the post and a few chances dropped for Turner too, but it was Boden who scored the next and his second of the game as he switched to the wing where he looked equally as acomplished as his sterdy performance at full-back had been. Roberts pulled the stings some more as he rolled in Travis behind the bamboozled Villa defence and cut the ball back to the corner of the area where Boden adjusted his body and pulled off a spectactular bycicle kick volley which flew into the top corner and nearly took the net off with it. Great technique and a superb strike to finish off another fluent and exhilerating move to make it 6-0! As the game progressed so did Allstars domination, with Pickford meerly a spectator in the second half as Mcgee and Atkinson cleaned everything up like Henry Hoovers whilst Roberts continued to dictate in the centre and find the full-backs, as dangerous Herbie continued to probe forward with Turner and cause more worry for Brooks Villa. It was however the left full-back Mandley who penultimate classy contribution as he picked the ball up just past the half way line and saw Tolliday lose his marker in the Villa box. With a super raking cross from deep, hit with power and accuracy it reached Tolliday who powered his header down into the bottom corner leaving the keeper helpless, giving Tolliday his 6th in 3 games and Allstars their 7th of the day as they cruised to an emphatic 7-0 victory with another truely brilliant performance capitalised with taken chances and enjoyment to play and watch. Next week see's the return of Trent Vale in the cup as Allstars look to continue their form in all competitions.

7th October 2007

Trent Vale 0 - 2 Trent Allstars  EMPAL CUP 1ST ROUND

On the back of another superb display, Allstars continued their contageous early season form with another clinical display in their first cup run of the season. Much like previous weeks, Allstars controlled the game from the off by dominating possession and creating chance and chance. Pickford was a spectator again as his goal was untested due to a hard working midfield and excellent back four display, in particular from Mike McGee who was a collossal force throughout. With chances typically squandered early on, Allstars felt hard done-by not to get a penalty and see Vale sent down to 10 men after Travis broke through 1-on-1 and was tripped by the defender in what looked to be just inside the area. Instead, a free-kick was awarded with no card shown and Allstars had to battle on to get that first goal. It was Travis again who looked most likely to net, but headed wide from close range twice off of some delightfully floated Mandley and Roberts corners. Instead it was Roberts who broke the dead-lock on the half hour with a wonderful piece of skill, eclipsing anything seen this season so far. Mandley worked hard down the left and delivered a cross to Roberts on the edge of the Vale area. His first touch looked a bad one as it flicked up in the air but what came next was the stuff of wizzards. The ball, in flight from his first touch was then carressed with another over the oncoming defender, kept up once more past the next opposing player and then juggled over the third all in one clean motion and followed by a superb volley into the top left corner with the power and grace good enough to win any match. The second half, similar to the first saw Allstars domination throughout. McGee continued to tower over his opposition as Thorpe, making an impressive debut, and Craddock pulled so many strings in the midfield they could have knitted jumpers for all. It was finally Travis who got his name on the scoresheet after many missed oppertunities with a fine back post header, thumped into the net from a pin-point Roberts delievery. It was a simple and comprehensive victory to get Allstars rolling in the cup. A third consecutive clean sheet, which is a record for the club and a wonderful Roberts goal, as well as good football played again meant for a thoroughly deserved victory.

21st October 2007

Trent Allstars 4 - 0 Burton Joyce B  COUNTY MINOR CUP 2ND ROUND

 The only downside to last years fantastic debut season was the poor display in the County Minot Cup where Allstars fell at the first hurdle. Hoping this season would be different, Allstars played a versatile 4-5-1 defensive to 4-3-3 attacking formation as they lined up against Burton, higher league opposition. Tolliday spear-headed the attack, supported by the immense-of-late Herbert, Craddock and Mandley all playing off him. Donaghue returned to dictate happenings with the back four with Barker and Thorpe providing the centre midfield anchorage. Now, im sure it's becoming common knowledge that Allstars start ferociously, but finally after four blinding performances to start the season, this one was different. Instead, Allstars started even better than that! The higher league opposition of Burton Joyce could not get anywhere near the ball or the Trent players as the played the ball around them, triangles of passing and keep ball as if Burton weren't even there. After only a few minutes Donaghue released the impressive Tolliday with a sublime through-ball 1-on-1 but Tolliday's effort was well saved and forced wide. From the resultant corner Mandley picked out Donaghue who headed over from close range. Throughout the half Joyce could not and were not allowed to string so much as two passes together as Trent defended exceptionally in all departments from Tolliday, who was making tackles like a centre back, stopping the Joyce full-backs from playing, to Barker and Thorpe who bossed the game from the centre of the park. Tolliday continued to cause trouble and persistant problems to the Joyce defence as he probing runs left them in tatters. A piece of magic from Mandley released Tolliday once more as he flicked the ball round his marker with the outside of his boot for Tolliday to latch onto, only the ball to hit a divet just before Tolliday pulled the trigger. Herbert and Craddock caused trouble from the off with surging runs and ball carrying skills whilst Donaghue missed another header from a corner. It was down to hard work from the front line that got the break-through after 20 minutes of completely Allstars football. Mandley and Tolliday hunted the ball down and pressured the right back who only had one way left to go, and as he passed back, Craddock suddenly lept into life with an unbelievable burst of acceleration as he beat the centre back to the ball and tucked it neatly beyond the keeper, giving Allstars a much deserved lead.At the other end Donaghue kept his defensive rock sollid and with the help of Barker and Thorpe, who was immense, Pickford's goal remained untroubled for the half. Burton Joyce were shocked as they were meerloy left to admire the level of football played by a side who showed to be far superior to themselves. Infact they were lucky to go in at the half only one down as Tolliday came close twice as well as Donaghue letting them off lightly with his aireal threat. The interval saw Turner come on and he did so with devasting effect as he conquered the right flank and caused more problems still. Just into the second half he made a strong run down the right and layed the ball back to Thorpe. Thorpe dug out a perfect cross which landed at the feet of Tolliday, who took it perfectly, lent to go right, spun to the left and burried his 7th of the season with a great finish and superb skill and forward play. Last season saw the shortest outing of a player as Woodruff lasted 2 minutes and twisted an ankle. This season he was to break his own record as he lasted no more than a minute. Moments after he came on he was called into action as the only bit of sloppy defending all day lead to the Joyce striker breaking free of the Allstars defence with Williamson chasing. Then, out of nowhere Woodruff performed an amazing last ditch sliding tackle to save Trent, only for Williamson to come through a fraction later and slide his boot directly into Woodruff's head. Good news is he only had concussion and is fine. As for the Allstars defence, that was about all the action they had all game as the forward players continued to thrive and dominate. Thorpe, with his stunning man of the match performance was next to cause trouble, and after providing for Tolliday's first of the day, he caused trouble again. Craddock worked insistantly hard all game, and his work on this occassion led to a fine tackle on a Joyce defender, leaving the ball to fall to Thorpe 25 yards from goal. Picking the ball up from the Craddock tackle Thorpe raised his brow to take one quick look at the Joyce keeper, and then with wonderful technique and finese he placed the ball in the top corner with ease and prowess worthy to win any match and claim M.O.M with this astounding effort and finsh. At this point Burton Joyce were left standing and shattered as they chased all game, not being allowed to play by the superb Trent Allstars. The game was capped off by a superb fourth and second for Tolliday as he curved his run to latch onto a delicatly weighted Turner through pass and clinicly dispacthed from the edge of the box as Tolliday's wonderful form continued. It ended 4-0 to Allstars with Burton Joyce sent crashing out of the cup to a tremendous display. A fine display from the team, especially M.O.M Robin Thorpe and goal machine Tolliday, as well as a fourth consecutive clean sheet and the best performance to date see's Allstars through to the next round of the Sunday County Minor Cup.

28th October 2007

Trent Allstars 6 - 2 Trent Vale

Having already met Vale in both league and cup competition this season already, the final meeting between these sides was eagerly awaited as Vale had shown to be a tough team to break down in both encounters, but with Allstars improving with every game they hoped to knock a few more past this defensively strong opposition on this windy and rough weathered morning. Continuing with the same 4-5-1 formation that provided so much joy for Allstars last week, Roberts  re-entered the centre of midfield, with McGee slotting in at centre half in place of the injured Donaghue. As per usual Allstars started with a flourish of fabulous passes and attractive football and within the first ten minutes, where they completely dominated, their pressure was rewarded with a superb team goal as a string of passes saw the ball at the control of Barker's feet where he slid a brilliantly weighted through ball between centre back and full back which Turner read perfectly and timed his run to, and without even looking up he smashed the ball first time past the helpless keeper. This seemed to be a wake up call for Vale however, and inversely saw Allstars take the foot off the pedal as the attractive football ceased and became scarce in quantity from then on. Almost instantly the scores were tied after a hurendous catelogue of defensive errors. from a freekick just inside the Allstars half which looked harmless, Williamson mistimed his defensive header and punched the ball off the top of his head straight into the box, where dispointingly four Vale players weren't tracked and left unmarked, the ball was comfortably converted to level the scores. The game remained scrappy with players from both sides finding it hard to manage their first touches and utilise the time they had. If it wasnt for another piece of Roberts-Turner brilliance and a horrible error from the Allstars defence, 1-1 at half time would have been fair. Instead, the half finished 2-2 as just on the half hour Roberts took control of the ball infront of the Vale defence and spotted another quality Turner run behind his full-back. the ball was perfectly executed from Roberts and Turner slotted it under the on-coming keeper for his second. Just before the half ended it was levelled again as Allstars marking was none-existant once more and a midfield runner made his way through, unmarked to take on the helpless Pickford and equalize. The interval saw Craddock and Travis come on with Pickford the keeper departing from the game and Gregory taking the gloves. The formation was altered to 4-4-2, Travis partnering Tolliday up top and the impact was instant. A ball was fizzed into Travis as the half began and he layed off brilliantly to Craddock, who in turn saw the run of Barker down the right, and with another killer ball, threaded Barker in. The angle was as tight as Roberts' wallet on a night out but Barker struck the ball with precision and conviction as he drilled the ball low and hard across the keeper to see the ball ripple the inside of the net to cap a wonderful flowing move and for his first of the season. The fourth soon followed and came in some style to mark a first Hat-trick for the super-impressive Ian Turner with a stunning solo effort. As Vale defended a corner, the ball found Turner who was lurking on the areas' edge. With one clean touch to control, a moment to look up and followed by a swift dink of the right foot he had picked out the top corner under immense pressure and with great precission to secure a fabulous hattrick! If this individual effort wasnt enough to wet the lips of the spectators then the most amazing save ever seen in sunday football at the other end must have been. Stand-in keeper Gregory pulled of a save of immense calibre to stop Vale getting back into the game. As a Vale corner came in, it was headed clear and found a Vale player with time  on the edge of the box. With Gregory set on one post and with a blockade of players in his line of vision the Vale player smashed a strike heading directly for Gregory's opposite top corner. As the player and his team turned to celebrate and Allstars dropped their heads in dispointment Gregory, out of nowhere lept from one side of the goal to stretch for the ball defying what looked a certain goal with the most tremendous save sice Banks Vs Pele, since Dudek Vs Schevchenko and so on. Is it a bird, is it a plane, No, It's Gregory taking flight! What a save! Soon after, Allstars ever-reliable Travis put the game out of sight with a typical Sunday league goal. McGee booted the ball high and long and the Vale defender mis-judged its flight, only for Travis to capitalise and turn on the pace as he accelerated away and with the on-rushing keeper, he calmly placed the ball wide of him to find the back of the net. And if that wasn't game over, it certainly was ten minutes from time when Travis got a second and a sixth for Allstars. To top a great perfromance from Turner, he grabbed an assist to go along with his heroic hattrick by picking Travis out in the middle of the area, and Travis sent the ball back across the keeper with a brilliant downwards header into the bottom corner. The clean-sheet record unfortunately came to an end, but none-the-less, six goals was a good return in a scrappy game. 4/4 in the league and a huge test in the cup next week where Allstars will have to perform better than what they did on this day.

November 4th 2007

Total Reclaims Demolition 0 - 1 Trent Allstars  EMPAL CUP 2ND ROUND

A true David vs Goliath was witnessed when Trent Allstars, founded only last year and sitting in EMPAL division 3, came up against Total Reclaims Demolition (TRD) who were top of Division 1 in the EMPAL cup. Each of the Allstars players needed to bring their 'A' game if they were to get anything out of this tie. The team took a strong defensive attitude into the game, having kept 4 clean sheets in their last 6 games and with a strong and physical line up. With Travis and Tolliday spearheading the attack the defending began well right from the front. The midfield looked solid across all plains with Barker and Turner willing runners down either flank and Craddock and Thorpe bossing the centre of midfield and handing out fierce tackles throughout. Allstars played the opening minutes to their strengths as they were physically dominating and played with all the passion of an under-dog in a cup tie. Playing good football when it mattered was superbly coupled with brute force and intelligence in all defensive aspects. Allstars went knocking on the door earlier than perhaps even they had expected though, and it turned out to be crucial. Sharpe as Ted Bundy's knives Allstars rocketed into every attack and after the first 5 minutes of good pressure, Tolliday notched up his ninth of the season and the most important goal in Allstars history. Playing across the back, the ball found its way to Boden at left back. With a quick look up he saw the diagonal run of Barker across his opposing full-back, and Boden's ball matched his great vision as he picked out Barker who rose like a salmon to delicately flick the ball through to a perfectly timed and anticipated Tolliday run. As he peeled away from his marker to meet Barkers flick he found the keeper rushing on towards the edge of his box, but Tolliday had too much cool, and neatly slotted it wide of the keeper and saw his effort role into the net. TRD were shocked that they were losing to lower league opposition, but as we all know, Allstars are much, much more than lower league opposition. As Allstars celebrated their early lead with more pressure, TRD found there feet instantly and began to play football worthy of the brilliant and heroic defending that was to be produced by all the Trent players. As the game came to life more and more as the half grew old, it really developed into a typical cup tie. There were times when Allstars were defending for their lives, but just as they had to defend, they piled the pressure onto TRD as well. The passion from both sides increased as did the tempo of the fixtureand Allstars came within whiskers of a second goal when Boden saw his free-kick go agonisingly close to the top corner.At the other end, the Allstars defence set a standard of inpenitrability as the boys at the back got their body's in the way of everything and made a phesable claim for the strongest defence ever seen in Allstars colours. As the half wore on, the game got fiesty, exciting and nail-bittingly tense. Tackles, but strong and fair tackles, were in abundance, especially from the likes of Thorpe, who managed to clean out the TRD winger with a challenge of emense force and determined grit, leaving the opposition player trying to remember what day it was. In fact Thorpe and Craddock in the middle of the park made a habbit of this throughout their performance as they claimed scalp by scalp of Reclaims players and even managed to get their foot on the ball occasionally too, but more often than not, the two of them were roming around like a pair of rabbid dogs, biting at everything that came near and sparing no prisoners, Thorpe was even culprit for making a grown man cry. Sissy. But non-the-less, the game was fair, exuberant and full of flair and attractive football. TRD however, began to take control of the possession but the Allstars defence could not be broken down. Roberts at right back looked assured and steady throughout, begining most moves and ending Reclaims moves also, but with an attempted back pass which he got wrong, hearts were in mouths as he under-hit the pass, but like the proffessional that he is, he raced back to make a terrific challenge, avoiding any damage. Boden continued to supply his forwards with good long passes and contributed to the sterdy defence with strong tackles of his own, but the game was being won in the centre of defence by Mike McGee, in another of his mystro man of the match performances as he set up as a man mountain which could not be bypassed. Winning every header, and making every tackle, he and Mandley mopped up everything like the cleaners on a weekday morning and were immense in their efforts to stop any chances Reclaims tried to develop. As the first half pressure grew on the Allstars the defence can be superbly credited for Pickford only having to make one save, but Oh my, what an impressive and important save it was. TRD played some nice football and saw their right midfielder worm his way through at an angle and strike across the goal. Pickford narrowed the angle and dived at full stretch to deliberately parry the ball further across his 6 yard box to evade the on-coming Reclaims striker. The only other chance that TRD had in the first half was from a lapse in concentration from a corner, but luckily the TRD striker blazed over from no more than 4 yards as the ball dropped to him on the turn-and-volley. It was a let off, but for all their hard work and impressive battleing they deserved it. At the other end however, Allstars continued to create chances, the last before the interval created by Tolliday who picked out Barker across the area, but his effort was well saved by the goalie. At half time Allstars deserved their lead and their hard work was obvious as they all came off huffing and puffing. To pack the midfield and aid the hard working defence, the Gattuso-esque figure of Veglia joined the pack and bolstered the sides' defensive attributes further. Travis was left as one striker and did a brilliant job at holding the ball up and bringing his midfield into play. Craddock pulled the strings and got the ball moving whilst Thorpe continued to crunch and put a holt to any Reclaims midfield runs, and with the help of Veglia, it looked as though nothing would get through. McGee continued to dominate the airial threat whilst Mandley swept up everything else and spread the ball out wide with elegance and ease. Last ditch tackles and well-read interceptions came time and time again but the McGee-Mandley partnership never looked phased or under pressure as the coupled up and won every battle that came their way. Chances came fewer for Allstars during the second half, but in turn, TRD were forced to only one attempt on goal during the second half also. Chance of the half fell to Travis as the impressive Roberts whipped in an incredible, pin-point cross from deep which Travis met with power and precision but somehow, the Reclaims keeper was equal to it and produced a fine save. As the half wore on Trent saw less and less of the ball but stood firm and stayed disciplined. Gregory and Woodruff joined the Midfield to bolster the defensive unit and met all the requirements as they plunged straight into the fast tempo and made a good account for themselves, controling the ball and slowing the play to help their fellow team mates. The last 10 minutes was all about heart and courage from the whole team, but certain individuals really stepped up and were counted. As the ball ricocheted up and out of a challenge to fall kindly for the Reclaims forward, Boden made a wonderful lunge tackle to stop him cutting into the box. Likewise, McGee continued to raise the bar of exceptional performances as he tirelessly rose to win every header, and slid to block every run and get in the way of every shot. But as heroic as this all was from those individuals, the likes of nothing, no heart or passion, shear determination and will-power ever seen on an amature football field was to occur as the rock steady, lightning quick to react Mandley was about to show. 89 minutes on the clock, Allstars pegged back, thrown back even, like the soldiers in the trenches, defending their 1-0 lead like a mother protecting her child from a savage beast, they were up against it. Balls being hoofed desperately into the box, passes being forced into the danger areas and the whole Reclaims side piling forward in search of a late equaliser, with no shape left to their side other than all-out attack, 11 men heading toward goal. After standing tall and soaking up the pressure all game, one ball, a superb through pass saw the Reclaims forward burst clear and into the Allstars box, easily 5 or more yards clear of any Trent player Heads went down as many turned round to get ready for extra-time but not one man, not this juganaught of a leader. Out of nowhere, like a pheonix from the flame rose Mandley, correction; appeared, stormed, Sprinted, thundered, exploded Mandley with the type of pace only seen in life-saving situations of the truest bravery and with less that one split second to react he threw his body with no care of his own well-being into the most couragous, life-saving, important, and fanstastic tackle ever seen on Gods' green grassed football pitch. The feelings of jubilation, excitment, relief, were more obvious than the sun in the sky as this tackle did more than just prevent extra time. It was as good as any goal, any hat-trick infact. The last ditch tackle of the century won Allstars the game and gave Trent a level of confidence they have never believed possible, with a rush and euphoria which will never be matched again. A battle more intense than ever seen before resulted in a victory more deserved than any which could be comprehendable. Allstars sore with the highs of the heavens into the next round fearing nobody. Bring on Man Utd, bring on Barcelona, bring on the world. Not even if Total Reclaims Demoliton brought their wrecking ball could they break down this team. All stood up and were counted, were exceptional, were shoulders above any man as they put more than blood, sweat and tears into a fight which will never be forgotten by anyone involved. All can say that they have been there and achieved the level of passion no man will ever reach, all involved can say...'We Are Trent Allstars!!!!'

November 11th 2007

Trent Allstars 5 - 0 Ardley Athletic

On the back of the most impressive Allstars display and victory, the mighty Trent boys were rewarded with a visit from league leaders, Ardley Athletic. The two sides met last year in the EMPAL cup where Allstars won 3-1, and with Allstars promoted this season, and Ardley relegated from division 2 last season they were set to begin another range of meetings in EMPAL divsion 3. With a lot riding on this game for both teams in the title race and for gaining early ground, Allstars were sure to continue their fabulous run of 7/7 victories with 5 clean sheets, this day was to be of much similarity as Allstars set out to make a statement to the league. Early pressure from Trent saw Travis test the Ardley defence early on as he used all of his emmense power and strength to force an opening through the centre backs and see his well driven effort skim the post and go behind. Bar this event, the game offered very little in terms of chances. However, as the tempo of the game continued to increase and the passion was brewing, a pivotal piece of Allstars heroic defending kept the score level as Ardley began to get control of the ball, and once again in was Mandley, carrying on from last weeks last minute heroics. The Ardley midfield passed the ball around and moved it well, cutting up Allstars, and as the defensive line stepped out, two Ardley forwards found themselves through on goal in what looked a clear off-side. As all the Trent players turned and dropped their heads ready for a restart, Mandley did not. Instead he sprinted as hard as he could back from the half way line just as the Ardley forward had taken on Pickford, and as he was just about to strike into an empty net, there came Mandley, storming in to snatch the ball away from his feet with a fantastic effort of courageousness and individual determination. This moment was pivotal as Allstars were so close to having to chase the game and as a result the rest of the Allstars players then lifted their games in response and only a moment later, they took the lead. Gregory linked well with Craddock down the right and found some room to look up on the by-line. As Gregory did, he saw Thorpe lurking on the edge of the box and so found him with a pin-point pass. Thorpe struck towards the bottom corner, with the Ardley defender closest sticking out a leg, only to see the ball spin up and over his own keeper with the terrible deflection for the opening goal. Towards the end of the half Travis found himself in space once more as Turner fed him in with a delightful through-ball, with Travis again seeing his well driven effort slide marginly wide of the post. Woodruff also picked up a booking just before the whistle with a terrible tackle, uncharacteristic of the midfielder as he was later than the George road gang for leaving times every sunday morning. The second half was when Allstars really took advantage of their good form and first half lead as instantly Travis once more broke free but this time blazed horribly wide after brilliant work from Craddock. His head began to drop but he continued to persist infront of goal and would eventually be rewarded for his efforts. It was Craddock who took a bite of the cherry next. Boden replaced Herbert at left back, and with his first touch, he switched the ball all of 60 yards right to the feet of Craddock who burst through and clinically slotted home to make it 2-0. No less than a minute later Travis got his reward as Craddock turned creator, this time Travis beating the offside trap, then beating the keeper and slotting into an empty net. The fourth game just as quickly. Craddock and Travis swapped roles once more as Travis found himself through in similar fashion after a fantastic leap and flick on from the once again impressive Turner, but this time cut back to Craddock on te edge of the box who drilled it low and hard into the corner with an exceptional finish. At the other end of the pitch, Mandley and Atkinson kept the ship steady but the captain Pickford stopped any more definitive leakages as he was forced to make a super one on one save at full stretch to keep a record sixth clean sheet, already more than achieved last season! Atkinson also drew the plaudits with a strong Man of the Match performance as the versatile defender was sollid as a rock, winning challenge after challenge and was also calm with the ball, showing confidence and quality throughout the match. Infact, Atkinson made a tackle worthy of the 'Mandley book of immense tackles' late on in the game. The ball was hoofed over the Allstars back four, and with the Ardely striker latching on to it, Atkinson swivled like a spinning-top and lundged into a tremendous tackle prevent the forward from breaking free. But that wasn't it yet... His incredible tackle then found the feet of the other striker who was now surely in on goal with Atkinson still grounded after his challenge, but no. Atkinson dragged himself across the deck and forced his body in the way to prevent the oppertunity and cap off a stunning double tackle, easily good enough to deserve a win. Elsewhere, Travis and Craddock continued to link, an in the later stage of the game, the two linked again and layed off to Barker. His perfectly weighted through ball found the turn and run of Travis who belted it past the keeper from the edge of the box for his second, and the Allstars fifth as they demolished Ardley Athletic to make a clear statement of intent to the league.And in reward for two fantastic wins on the trot, Allstars next fixture is away against the arch nemisis, Arnold, which will surely continue to put Trent Allstars to the test, but with this run of form Allstars will be looking forward to the challenge, with the league now beggining to fear the mighty greens of Trent Allstars.

18th November 2007

Arnold Ex-Service 3 - 1 Trent Allstars

The two biggest rivals in EMPAL football competed once more for top spot in their league and with Arnold just beating Allstars to last years' title, Allstars set out for revenge. The started brightly with Travis forcing a good save from the Arnold shot stopper after getting on the end of a teasing Boden set piece. This was however, close to being the only joy Trent experienced in the first half as Arnold showed they too were up for the battle. As it turned out, some of the experienced heads of the Arnold team quickly established themselves in the game and as a result some Allstars players seemed to be affected by the huge pressures and demands of this all-important fixture. Allstars found themselves defending for the majority of the half with the back four working hard not to concede. McGee typically worked hard and threw his huge frame hard into every challenge, whilst Mandley once again found himself making a few last ditch tackles. As players failed to clear the ball effectively on many occasions it saw the Trent Midfield also having to work tirelessly to win the ball back. It seemed as though Trent were going to have done enough to see the half out unscaved due to some incredible tackles and defensive heroics until a mistake was made five minutes before the interval. Atkinson failed to deal with a the Arnold keepers' kick, only playing himself into trouble, resultantly seeing his marker run in behind him and finish clincly past the on-rushing Pickford who was helpless towards the strike. Some stern words were said at half time as changes needed to be made both tactically and mentally for the Allstars players, many of whom appeared intimidated by the agression, tempo and meaning of this important tie. Veglia replaced Tolliday to change to a 4-3-3 formation but before Allstars even got the oppertunity to try their tactical change they conceded another. The back four were caught square from a hopeful hoof up field and defender and keeper looked on hoplessly as the Arnold striker lofted it over keeper and into the net. Possibly the only plus from the Allstars performance was their response to conceding the second. They immediatly upped their efforts and began to control and dictate play in their usual style. A tight one two between Boden and Craddock saw Boden break strongly down the left flank toward the by-line. With a quick look up, he dove the ball across the box to the powerful run of Barker who, level with the front post and a good 15 yards out, powered his glancing header right across the goal and into the far corner to bring the score back to 2-1. Allstars continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the game but lacked the killer instinct as they saw themeselves forced to long shots and rushed efforts. Gregory and Williamson came on on the hour and clicked straight away with Gregory raining crosses in from the right, but there was nobody gambling to get on the end of them. It was much the same with Boden's deliveries coming in from the left. To rub salt in the wound, Allstars conceded a horribly sloppy third as the failed to sort out the marking and react quicky to a short corner for the unmarked Arnold player to tap in unappossed. Allstars can perhaps feel hard-done-by with the final score but they can not feel the should have taken anything from the game with a very poor performance overall. The chance to take a 7 point lead of the league lost and now Allstars must keep winning to get top place. Let's hope that this performance was the first and last of the poor performances from this impressive new club and they can get back to winning ways, Allstars style when the face league strugglers Brooks Villa in the next league fixture.

25th November 2007

Wollaton Pirates 5 - 0 Trent Allstars  (County cup 3rd round)

In unfortunate cucumstances, the 25th of November was a free week for Allstars until the late arrangment of this cup tie. Most of the squad had already made plans to go on a weekend tour of Dublin for this weekend leaving only 4 of the squad available. New players were drafted in for this fixture because of this, but still Allstars were short for the game, only having 10 players. In what was a fair game for 30 minutes, the agression of Wollaton took its toll on the new players who found themselves uniterested by the malicious style the game soon adopted. Losing their heads and their interest many of these new players admitted to giving up at the half time whistle and this was apparant in the second half. Original Allstar Mike McGee found himself assaulted by an opposing player and what was worse was the Wollaton spectators on the side line who also decided to attack the big liverpudlean. In such curcumstances McGee did fantasticly and was a credit to his team as he did not react and got on with the game. Many of the others representing Allstars found this even more of a deterrant from the fixture and ended up letting the Allstars name down as they laid down and died to eventually lose 5-0 after being level at the interval. With the ever-thankful return of all players for the next week, hopefully the Allstars battling spirit will be renewed.

02nd December 2007

Brooks Villa  2 - 4  Trent Allstars

 With Allstars returning home to the disappointing news of crashing out of the cup the previous week, the boys set out to make a statement of intent on the league and display the Allstars fighting spirit as still as potent as ever. With the presence of Pickford absent from the goal, Woodruff stepped up and made a superb claim throughout the day to keep the number 1 spot. He was not however, helped by his defence in the early part of the match. As Allstars set out to play their attractive pass-and-move football, they found themselves losing possession from the start as the defence failed to get their passes off. Keeper Woodruff was forced to make a stunning save just 3 minutes in as Atkinson carelessly let the ball slip under his feet, which the striker read. As he unleashed what appeared to be a screamer heading for the top bag, Woodrupp lept like a salmon to push it over with the agility of an ally cat. Unfortuantely for Woodruff, Atkinson found that his previous error was nothing compared to the one from the resultant corner. As the ball was bent in towards the front post from the Villa player, Atkinson took an ugly swipe to clear the ball, but all technique had flown out the window as his clearance effort ended up slicing wildly off the top of his boot and past his own keeper for a terrible own goal. Not the start that Allstars had envisaged but in typical Allstars fashion it went from bad to worse before they could find their lion heartedness and fight back into the game. Unfortunately for Atkinson, he was involved again as he and his defence found themselves constantly struggling to pass the ball to one another. Foolishly, a combination of Herbert, Williamson and Atkinson failed to clear the ball between them in the Allstars box, only for a short pass between them to end up short with the Villa striker thinking it was christmas already as he recieved the ball from the Trent defenders 8 yards out and then converted convincingly. Better late than never, Allstars front line decided to kick start into gear and with Craddock at the helm, pressure began to turn onto Brooks Villa. As clever football between Craddock and Gregory down the right started to cause problems to the opposition, Craddock found his quick feet were getting stopped by persistant fouling on him. This ended in may free-kicks and it so happened that Boden decided to drill one from the edge of the box. With the aid of a small delection the keeper was wrong footed and Allstars found themselves back in the game. Moments later they were level. Tolliday wormed his way inside the Brooks back four and his powerful strike accross the keeper was only as good as palmed into grateful path of Mandley who poached confidently to bring it level. This was nearly only a very temporary fact however, as the Trent defence once again found themselves in all kinds of trouble only for Woodruff to come rushing to the feet of the forward and expertly divert the ball wide. Firm words were said at half time with Atkinson being replaced and Mandley going in the defence to take some control. As the second half began, Allstars found themselves in complete control of the rest of the game. Roberts and Craddock dominated the possession whilst Gregory worked hard to deliver to Tolliday. A completly different Williamson to the first half was seen as he dealt with everything Brooks had to offer, making some superb sliding tackles and winning the aerial ball with power and dominance, allowing Mandley and Boden to pick up the pieces as Allstars found themselves playing from the back and looking comfortable. It was Craddocks quick feet again that drew the fouls and once again, a Boden set piece led to a goal as this time his teasing delivery was turned in by the Villa defender for Allstars to take the lead. Craddock then got the goal he deserved as Gregory found him in space on the edge of the Brooks mixer. He failed to make a convincing connection with the ball but this didn't matter as the Brooks keeper tied himself in notts to concede from Craddock's effort. Craddock was deservedly man of the match with a typical Allstars revivalry meaning they were back to winning ways. Woodruff made important first half saves to keep Allstars in the game whilst he was a spectator in the second half thanks to fantastic cool and calm defending from Mandley and especially Williamson who was outstanding second half.  

09th December 2007

Trent Allstars  4 - 3  Clifton Dynamo

Due to the abismal first half in the previous week Allstars managment decided to change things up for this game with Veglia slotting in at centre back along side Williamson. Turner occupied the left hand side whilst Travis returned to spearhead the attack. It so turned out however that it was a day for the right hand side as Gregory and Herbert played like it was a cup final and they were possessed. Allstars slammed into gear right from the off and with Gregory and Herbert both in overdrive, Dynamo found themselves outclassed down the right side. It was Gregory who first took the ball by the horns as he and Tolliday forced the Clifton defenders to give up possession cheaply in which Gregory pounced upon and stormed his run into the area. With one glance upwards he unleashed a rifling effort into the corner which the keeper had no chance with. Soon afterwards, Herbert and Gregory linked up down the right and as the overlapped and broke into the box, Herbert saw his well struck effort pushed behind for a corner. Gregory didnt see this as an oppertunity to catch a breather, instead he rose taller than anyone else and from the Boden corner, Gregory lept to thunder a tremedious header into the back of the net. At the other end Williamson and Veglia were coping with ease as they remained composed and kept the Clifton attacks at bay. Craddock and Barker ran the midfield and looked good together as they found themselves dominating first and second balls. Tolliday typically worked tirelessly and was rewarded on the half hour as he finished fantasticly off of a superb Allstars move which saw Craddock and Travis play sweeping one-two's through Dynamo with Travis chipping the ball into Tolliday whose half volley was drilled into the top corner. At 3-0 after half an hour, Allstars cruised into half time on fine form. Roberts replaced the impressive Craddock and Allstars came storming out once more. Brilliant play from Herbert down the right linking with Gregory saw the full-back get high up the pitch. With great awareness, Herbert slotted Tolliday in and he then unselfishly past across the keeper to Turner who tapped in Allstars 4th. In complete contrast to these opening 50 minutes, Allstars then began to sit back. Roberts found himself with a heavy touch in the middle of the park and ended up losing possession with the Trent defence caught out. Dynamo forawards were not caught napping as they pounced and managed to pull one back. In a similar scenario minutes later, Roberts again found himself at fault as he lost the ball on the edge of his own box. With no Allstars defenders anticipating, Atkinson's man wandered free and pulled another back for Dynamo. Allstars were beggining to sweat slightly now and when Dynamo got a third with 5 minutes to go, Allstars had to defend defiantly until the end. With Herbert in a man of the match mood, he often found himself as the outlet and with Gregory, the two of them did enough to take pressure off of the rest of the defence. It was Herbert to the rescue infact as he couragously dove in with a fantastic tackle in the box as a corner dropped to the feet of a Dynamo player. With only seconds of the game left Herbery flung himself valiantly infront of it and kept Allstars infront. Allstars deserved their win, thanks mainly to Herbert and Gregory who made the difference, but the late goals from Dynamo should be a lesson learnt for those involved that the game is never over until the final whistle.

16th December 2007

Olympic 2004  3 - 0  Trent Allstars

With many players returning to thier native abodes for the festive period, Allstars found themselves lacking in personal and desire for this fixture (with a 'presumably' drunk referee not helping as well). Allstars failed to really create without the presence of Travis up top and resultantly found themselves battling for possession for the most part in the centre of midfield. The long ball forward from Olympic seemed to cause the biggest problem as Atkinson and the defence often found themselves caught flat footed, only for keeper Woodruff to clean up the dangers. It was even stevens as they approached the half time whistle but poor organisation and marking saw an Olympic forward with yards of space and as much time as he needed to pull the ball down and find the back of the net with ease. Allstars were by no means a goal worse than their opposition at the interval, but they failed to threaten going forward with players failing to supply Tolliday and Mandley looking uncertain in his free role which as a tactic found itself lacking to say the least. The second half saw Roberts come on and Allstars took up the favoured 4-5-1 formation, Mandley and Gregory taking the wide positions. Although the midfield three of Roberts, Barker and Craddock worked hard and won the midfield battle in the second half, Allstars still found themselves lacking in inventivness going forward, with Mandley, Craddock and many others finding it just wasn't their day with many passes going astray. It was bad defending that killed them off however. A major reason for lack of forward prowess was the fact that the back four failed to get the ball up field for most of the game. Instead they often lost possession in dangerous positions and if it wasn't for Veglia who was colloseus, Allstars could have found themselves down and out very early on. Veglia continued to defend heroicly but too much fooling around with the ball saw keeper Woodruff tackled on the edge of his area and an easy goal scored for Olympic 2004. As Allstars pushed forward to try and regain some pride, they found themselves once again failing to clear their lines and a simple third was conceded. Allstars failed to turn up on many accounts for this last game before the christmas period, with many of the influencial players being somewhat 'below par'. A combination of lacking attacking creativity and poor defending spells out defeat and this was clearly reflected by Trent's performance in this fixture.

Sunday 7th January

Clifton Dynamo 5-5 Trent Allstars.

The first game back after christmas saw the Allstars feild a below par team which has been the wayfor the allstars in the previos few weeks. With Gregory playing in goal in place of Pickford. The back four lined up as follows Atkinson, Williamson, Michael 'Squeeze' McGee, Boden. With Herbert sidelined due to injury he was given the flag and a fine job he did. The midfield line up as follows Barker, James 'Punch Bag' Craddock, Vicenzo 'Shoulders' Veglia and Turner out on the left midfield. Travis and Tolliday continued there thriving partnership up-top! The referee i must say was diabolical, as discrace to himself and to his 'rite cock' as Roberts once said he had! I cant leave it at that- he was awful. I have to say i'm disapointed in him and never want to see him again in my life. I makes me love football less which i hate hime for (he must remain anonymous!) The game started lively with allstars dominating, the allstars were moving the ball around the field the fans were singing 'its just like watching Brazil'. They looked solid at the back, dogged in midfield and threatening in attack. The deadlock was eventually broken with James Barker who was a constant threat on the right. After nice play he was put though in the right hand side of the penalty area, he struck the ball in off the far post with a fantasic finish- well done son. Soon after they made it 2 with Travis rifling home a half volley form a Debbie McGee through ball- fellow players would not of believed there eyes from the erratic strkier. With 1 minute remianing after a quiet but effective 1st half allsatrs conceded. With McGee caught out of position Atkinson and Williamson failed to deal with a cross leaving an easy header for the dynamo winger. Half time was called (im suprised the referee knew that we had a half time break). The call from the manager was keep doing what your doing and lets play from 0-0. It worked! Travis flicked top scorer Tolliday through and he finished with ease in typical relaxed Tolliday style. Then the walls caved in- the allstars stopped and before you knew it it was 4-3 to Dynamo. 2 goals from corners highlighting Allstars weakness at set peices and one mistake from stand in keeper Gregory. In typical fasion allstars scored again with a wonderful left footed strike from Barker into the top corner (take a bow son). He beat 2 men cut inside and the crowd pleaded with him to shoot and he certainly did- hopefully this wil give him the confidence to carry this form on. BUT it was soon 5-4... The equaliser came soon after. Williamson threw the ball to Travis' feet who layed it off to Veglia who hit the bar (one for soccer am-it was on target!) Craddock tapped in the rebound- and the rugby score was 5-5. The referee continued to lose control of the game! I must mention an incident involving stand in manager Craddock. After losing the ball he produced a quality slide tackle, only to be sanwich in between 2 horrific challenges. Understandanle he was angry and confronted the player. He however did not respond in the correct fashion. He grabbed Craddock in a head lock and punched him. Handbags followed and yellows for Craddock and the opposition player which was a joke! A player getting booked for behing punched and the player that commited the offence the same punishment. Last time i looked at the rules raising your hand if a red card offence! For a referee so caught up on trivial information about match balls and team sheets maybe he should sort his eyes out, learn the rules and learn how to control a game. Mention to Turner and Barker who worked hard all game. Two points dropped rather than one point gained. The dynamo players should however learn how to control themselves with dignitity and act like middle aged men not 17 chav's- dispicible. The allstars can feel cheated! x

Sunday 14th January

Trent Allstars 4 - 2 Kinoulton Villa

After a disapointing results in the previous week allstars set out to put the record straight and get back into winning ways. With Kim Pickford still over in Iraq substitute keeper Jack Woodruff stepped in to half fill his gloves. James Herbert returned the right hand side of defence with Dale Wiliamson partnering Debbie McGee. Chris Boden was left back-Again! James Barker continued on the right hand side of midfield whilst that guy from Dumb and Dumber made his debut on the left. 'Thorpie and Chenzo' the better version of the chuckle brothers played in midfield. John Hartson partnered 'Gay Hairband' upfront. It was a shite game! Then we scored. James Barker burst through the midfeild with 'Pace??????????' and released a 'Stinging????????' 30 yard strike which the keeper throubled by wind dropped at the feet of Will 'Greasy Haired Batistuta' TOLLIDAY to tap in. But it was a lovely tap in. It continued to be a shite game! And they they scored which made it even shite'r'! So the half time score was 1-1 not much to add really apart from numerous missed chances by John Hartson and i must say a great turn out by the WAGS (if any of you are reading my number is 07966365*** give me a call). The second half started....still shite! Then Chris BODEN scored with his first goal for allstars that he actually meant! Thorpe was fouled on the edge of the area giving Boden the chance to show how lethal his 'wand' is! With a cool head he firmly carressed the ball into the bottom left hand corner off the post-Rufuss Brevitt strikes again. the continued on going with no real incidents. Then we scored again get in!! Tolliday flicked the ball through to Dave KITSON who race all the way from the half way line, rounded the goalkeeper and when others thought he had wasted another oppourtunity he placed a left footed shot in the open goal. Reading 3-1 Kinoulton Villa. The game was dead and buried and when tap in specialist Leroy Lita (with less greasy hair and stupid hair band) stuck again from a lovely square ball by actor Llyod Christmas (Dumb and Dumber) the game was dead and buried. Reading 4-1 Kinoulton Villa. They scored with the final touch of the game and Reading are back on top of the table where they belong. Special mention to Chenzo who broke his shoulder again, and to Paul Robinson who asked for the 'FIRE SERVICE' for a broken shoulder..........TAXI for Atkinson............... A dull game really, the highlight was probably the vast amounts of dog shit on the pitch..... thats you Herbie..........Up the Cobblers, Peace Out x

 Sunday 27th January

Burton Joyce A  1 - 3  Trent Allstars  (EMPAL CUP 3RD ROUND, LAST 32)

On the back of some rather dull and poor performances, Allstars found themselves facing their biggest and potentially toughest test to date. The opposition, Burton Joyce A were last years top division champions and after Allstars had previously knocked out top divsion giants and cup finalists Total Reclaims, one would have expected Allstars to atleast give a good account for themselves. Instead they did one better than that. With the return of instrumental keeper and club captain Pickford, as well as McGee back in the defence Allstars set up strong. Travis was lone striker whilst Gregory and Turner supported high up the field from wide positions. Trent's recent poor form seemed to be a figment of the imagination as in typical Allstars fashion the boys in green played another of the games of the lives when it counted most. The game began at a fierce tempo with Allstars knocking the ball around with freedom and pace right from their centre. The crisp passing from back to front immediately saw Gregory chasing down the right flank and he drilled a low cross right through the box which was unlucky to have no one latch onto the end of it. The warning signs were immediate and the impressive pressure continued from the Allstars as they really set out to make another stake as giant killers, or perhaps worthy top division competitors. It was only 6 minutes before Allstars made their mark officially upon the game, or more precisesly before Travis blasted his mark onto the game and left both sides speachless with his 25 yard screamer. Joyce gave Joyce Roberts too much space as he had the time to look up and see the run of Travis off the shoulder of his marker. Roberts' long driven and raking pass was pin point and Travis' first touch was just as good. With great control he brought the ball down as he caught it on his foot and as he accelerated past one centre back and used all his strength to breeze past the next one he released an unstoppable thunderbolt from 25 yards which flew into the top corner with unbelievable power and accuracy! Allstars players went crazy and they really thrived off the oppertunity and now realistic possibilities of defeating the sunday league giants Burton Joyce. As Joyce seemed to realise this would be no walk in the park they also began tp up their tempo and the game became even quicker and turned into a superb specticle for Sunday league football. Joyce's efforts were no match for Pickford however, who was having the game of his life. It must be noted that his leadership qualities on the day were both evervescent in both attitude and communication as well as the performance of the season from the big man. He plucked crosses out of the air time and time again and further more, distributed superbly after his superb claims. Any time the defence got caught Pickford ruched out to mop up the leaks. Gregory and Tuner at the other end continued to reap havoc upon the Joyce full backs and Gregory remained a constant threat with his teasing deliveries into the box. It was however the seemingly prolific big-game-goal scorer, Ian Turner who stamped his mark on the game next. After good hold up from Travis, Turner found the ball making its way into his path. As he weaved inside the box and past two defenders with a delicate drop of the shoulder, with calmness personified he picked out the far bottom corner with a finish soaked in maturity and class. Allstars couldn't believe it but they had gone 2-0 up with half an hour played, and what's more they thoruoghly deserved it. The midfield trio of Barker, Craddock and Thorpe worked endlessly to break down play and their efforts must not go unnoted. They supported the back four and also maintained possession well throughout. Worryingly a lapse in defensive communication saw the Allstars goal threatened as they were caught square but super Pickford did enough to narrow the strikers' angle, who eventually shot wide. The half did end however with Joyce pulling one back. Another defensive lapse and mis-communication saw possession given away cheaply down the left and resultantly they were caught out with a ball over the top. This time the striker punished Trent and slotted past a helpless Pickford into the net. The men in green did not drop their heads though and moment later Pickford made a tremendous save to keep Allstars in front. Travis then did his part just before the interval and what a part it was. With one superb goal already under his belt, he confidently stole possession over the labouring Joyce winger. With great pace and strength he ran directly towards goal from the half way line, beating the full back with ease and just as the centre back came accros on the corner of the box, Travis unleashed another untoppable effort low and hard into the inside netting of the far corner which could not have been stopped by a team of goal keepers! Travis had a second, debatedly better than his fantastic first and his on going efforts were worthy of 'performance of the season award'. Allstars were overwhelmed with joy about their first half performance and their lead. The second half saw little change in performance with each player coming out to work their hardest for each of their team mates once more. Woodruff replaced the injured Craddock and his impact was viewed immediately as he threw himself into a thunderous tackle for his first touch of the ball. This was followed by more of these heroic and brutal challenges which were frighteningly fantastic in their own right. He protected the back four with the commitment of a mother seal over her pups engaging in a battle with hungry polar bears. As the game went on Allstars found themselves defending for their lives and that is exactly what they did. McGee and Williamson continued to battle away and win their headers, crashing their bodies into challenges and coming out on top every time. Roberts and Boden either side also persisted in rallying the troops as they lead with experience and became the outlet, a role they both played exceptionally well. Boden continued to cause problems with his corner deliveries and one caused controversy of the highest degree. A well whipped in ball was strongly met by the head of Travis and cannoned over the line and hit a Joyce defender who was clearly behind the line. The ref gave the goal only to take it away when the Joyce linesman claimed it did not cross the line. Travis' super header was unfairly ruled out as was a sublime corner assist from Boden. At the other end, the Allstars defence got caught napping and a ball over the top led for Pickford to come charging out. He narrowed the angle and the Joyce player elected to pass to his strike partner who was behind Pickford along with a trailing Allstars player. Then striker tapped the ball into the net from the pass but the flag was raised. Joyce were in dismay and couldn't understand the disallowance of the goal but the rules state that 'If the goalkeeper is ahead of the play, then the forward will have to be in line with or behind two defenders' (Wikipedia). Allstars continued to battle on from this scare and Boden's commitiment to the cause showed his courage and commitment but also saw his departure by injury as he flung himself into a 50-50 which he won strongly but unfortunatly also causing some damage to his lower shin and ankle. Atkinson came on as his replacment and in usual Atkinson character he did not let anyone down. The ever-reliable Atkinson took the role of leader and outlet as well as anyone else on the pitch and added to the solid defence with a brilliant last man tackle as he swept round to crunch the ball out of the path of the goal-bound forward. The game then began to get heated with Allstars happy to throw everything they had into their tackles. Woodruff then found himself in the spot light as the ball dubiously struck his arm in the penalty area. As the ref awarded it, both Roberts and Pickford used their experience to put the taker off. Pickford near filled the goal, whilst Roberts whispered something unkown into the ear of the taker. It clearly worked as he skied it way over. Allstars battled the remaining minutes of an intensly fought affair out with bravery and team work worthy of winning any fixture and they thoroughly deserved their place in the EMPAL cup last 16. the dream of winning the cup is becoming more and more of a reality as the season goes on, let's just hope that Allstars can convey their cup form into the league where they seemigly struggle to develop the same levels of desire to play against the lesser teams. As Allstars can still strive towards a league and cup double, every game is a cup final from now on, but with Pickford and Travis on their current form one would anticipate that at the very least, the rest of the season is going to be exciting.