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

MATCH REPORTS

2008-2009 SEASON

 

14th September '08 (EMPAL DIV 2)

Butler Befica  1  v  2  TRENT ALLSTARS

(GOALS - Barcherini, Shuttleworth; M.O.M - Donoghue)

 Allstars' new look team began the season with a well battled victory away at Butler Benfica.With only 4 players from the orignal Allstars remaining, the news boys stepped in to soon become Allstars legends, much like their predecsors of years come to past. They did so with a dispaly worthy of Allstars greatness as their slick passing, and fighting spirit helped them claw their way back from behind to beat an organised Butler side 2 goals to 1.The Allstars started brightly, moving the ball around well, creating half chances for the hard working Shaw and Barcherini up front to feast upon, both coming close on a few occasions early on. Both Herbert and Gibson also came close from some superb Shaw deliveries. It was however, Butler that took the lead against the run of play with a scrappy goal as Allstars failed to clear on two or three occasions from a corner. Allstars kept their heads up though, and continued to battle on, Charles coming the closest by hitting the post just before the interval.The second half saw Allstars really take the game to Butler, and it was a superb individual piece of skill from the Italian stallion, Alessandro Barcherini that drew the Allstars level. Picking the ball up on the top left angle of the Butler box, Barcherini showed outside, tucked inside, and from a difficult angle, caressed the ball with unstoppable whip and accuracy into the far top corner. It was a corker!This lifted the Alltstars even higher, and they continued to probe more and more, Veglia coming on and looking dangerous as Allstars changed into a 4-3-3 to go for the win. It was however, big centre back Dave Shuttleworth, another of the debutants who scored the winner. The big man had got close to a few from some previous Charles and Shaw corners, but there was no mistake here as he lept like a salmon to power home the winner.Praise must go to the whole team as they continued to play attractive football throughout, whilst also winning the personal battles all over the park, Scott Donoghue in particular leading by example with his man of the match performance. Well done to the lads, especially when one considers that they have never played together before. Great start.

Allstars are 1 and 0.

 

21st September '08 (EMPAL DIV 2)

Grey Mare Olympico  1  vs  2  TRENT ALLSTARS

(GOALS - Shaw (2); M.O.M - Shaw)

Allstars went into this game on the back of an opening game win at the start of the 08-09 season, filled with confidence and team bursting with talent. Olympico had also gotten off to a good start with a 4-0 victory in their previous, and first outing of the season and this one promised to be a good game.On the back of last weeks' win, Bates and Silk stepped in for their debut with Townsend (Bear) on the bench ready to make his first appearance for the club. Apart from that, the team began relatively unchanged from the previous weeks' win.Allstars began brightly again, spraying the ball around the pitch, much to the annoyance of their opposition. Olympico soon began to show their 'physical' side, with the referee failing to see much of it. Barcherini fealt the force of his opposition as he had to depart early through injury, giving Bear (Townsend) his first oppertunity in the side, and despite the rough style of their opposition, like true professionals, the Allstars got on with the job at hand and took the lead just before the half hour, Bates' well drilled effort followed up by the sharp Shaw to finish for his first of the season.It was Shaw who doubled Allstars' lead just before the break, with another well followed up effort from Charles' parryed effort, this time with Shaw slotting the ball away under the keeper with a neat finish, and his second of the game. Allstars went in very pleased with their first half performance and were unlucky not to have extended their lead further.The second half began as the first left of, Allstars aggrevating their opponents with long spells of possession and creating chances through the wide men, Bates and Charles, whilst captain Letham, and his central midfield partner in crime, Donoghue ran the show in the middle and really started to take their partnership forward; a very good sign for the rest of the season. It was Donoghue however, that was next to be on the injury list as persistant hacking at the midfield dynamo saw his game end early through yet another injury. This lead to Allstars finishing the last half an hour with ten men, having already used their substitutes. olympico pulled one back late on, but the ten men of Allstars battled on to secure yet another well fought win.

Allstars are 2 and 0.

 

28th September '08 (EMPAL DIV 2)

Riverside Moores  1  vs  3   TRENT ALLSTARS

(GOALS - Bates, Shaw, 'Bear' Townsend; O.G - Gibson; M.O.M - Bates)

Allstars maintained their 100% winning start with a convincing 3-1 victory away to Riverside Moores. Allstars began the game on the back foot with Moores controlling the possession in the opening 10 minutes and looking to threaten through their talented left midfielder, but luckily for Allstars Powles was solid as a rock and hard as nails to contain any potential trouble, and the Allstars back four began to look relatively in control. As Trent began to find their feet, both figuratively and literally finding feet with the ball, their fast paced and slick moving football began to cut out openings. Shuttleworth picked a pass for Shaw to chase onto and as he broke into the Moores area, he was chopped down. The referee blew the whistle, pointed to the stop and Bates picked the ball up with confidence, but... moments later the referee had been talked into giving a freekick just inches outside the area. Allstars were outraged by this decision and so responded in the best fashion possible. Shaw set the freekick up and floated it into the mixer, with Batesy, easily 12 plus yards from goal running towards the direction of the front post, leaping like a salmon out of water and powering an unstoppable bullet of a header into the far top corner. Poetic justice for Bates who was just about to take the spot kick which was turned down.   Conceding the first goal of the game saw a increase the Moores attacking play and they came straight back at the Allstars defence causing a few problems and a few hearts in mouths as they began to threaten frequently. Shuttleworth was a colosous at the back ,winning everything, with Mandley sweeping up anything else. Barron's goal was still kept busy though, and he was called to make a few decent saves from range, but still the pressure continued, and with Allstars inability to clear the ball, the Moores winger cleverly weaved his way into the box and was bought down for a penalty. Barron stood tall and as he dived the other way, he was thankful to see Allstars had been let off as the ball went sailing wide. Moores however, continued to increase the pressure, and captain Letham and his midfield counter-part, Silk, said just before half time, "if we go in at half time infront, that is one hell of a first half result", as they continued to battle and win in the centre of the park, but only seconds later it could, and should have been 2-0, then 3-0 as Gibson met consectutive Shaw corners but could not replicate the finese of Bates' early headed goal. It was infact, the Bates and Shaw connection once again which extended the lead in an action packed last 5 minutes of the first half. Barron opted to kick long, and Townsend (Bear) delicately and delightfully flicked the ball on on the volley with the neatest of touches on the outside of his boot, like something from a Bergkamp complimation video. Bates ran onto it, beat his defender for pace, and pulled the ball back across goal for Shaw to tap home his third in as many games. But that wasn't to be it for the halfs' action. A late half corner was given and this time Gibson did manage to convert, however... it was into his own net. As the low delivery came in, Gibson got his feet in a muddle and his attempt to clear saw the ball slice off his foot and squeeze into the Allstars goal to make it 2-1 at the interval. It was obvious that Allstars had had a good chat during the break as they came out for the second period and maintained control right to the final whistle. Silk and Letham were instrumental in winning everythingin the midfield, from second balls, to tenth balls if neccessary. Bates and Hannah stretched the game out wide and began to get a lot more joy, whilst Powles and Shuttleworth showed their quality at the back throughout. As Allstars began to use the space, and in turn, use the ball better, they started to play some superb football, elegantly matched with the excellent movement upfront from Shaw and Bear. it was this slick passing and movement which saw Bear go through on goal after a crisp Hannah through ball, only to see his effort graze past the post. Shaw did just the same moments later as he latched onto a pinged switch from Bates and the Allstars could have been a few more up. Although the passing was pleasing on the eye, and effective at creating chance after chance, it was a pinpoint kick from Barron from keeper to striker, as Bear brought down the ball with a neat touch, palmed his marker off and turned to hit a bullet from 25 yardswhich ripped a hole in the bottom corner for his first of the season (and it actually did rip a hole in the net - honestly). Allstars continued to control the play and ended up seeing the game out with little to worry about as the exciting and fast tempoed fixture finished with a 3-1 victory. The team are geling well and have looked like a steady ship at the back, and a dominant force going fowards thus far into the season, with the likes of this weeks' man of the match Bates, as well as Shaw and Bear clearly capable of scoring a bag full of goals this season.

Allstars are 3 and 0!

 

05th October '08 (EMPAL DIV 2)

TRENT ALLSTARS  2  v  3  Clifton Bridge Inn

(GOALS - Hannah, Bates; M.O.M - Ash Pembery)

Allstars faced their toughest opponents yet, in a well organised Clifton Bridge Inn side, who had also been promoted back to back seasons with the Allstars. There has been a healthy rivalry between the two clubs over the last few seasons, and this match was another of the well fought battles between the two league climbing teams.   Allstars went into the match with a few changes, mainly due to untimely injuries, but the squad felt they were strong enough to compensate, and debutant Bulmer, who slotting in a centre back certainly proved that injuries should not be a problem, as the Allstars new boy had a superb and solid debut performance. He partnered Shuttleworth in what promises to be a very good pairing. Mandley moved to his favoured left full back position, whilst Herbert came in at right back, and Pembery stepped into the centre of midfield alongside captain, Letham. And once again... Allstar started sharply and took the offensive from the off. In complete control of possession for the opening spell of the game, Mandley found himself with plenty of time and found Shaw with delicate through balls on two occassions in quick succession. Unfortunately, but more so, unfairly, the nippy striker was wrongly flagged offside as he ran through on goal both times. Letham suffered the same fate moments later as he made a strong run from inside his own half, only to be given offside in what was a clearly awful decision. Still, Allstars probed on forwards, and a Shaw corner was met firmly by the head of Shuttleworth, who missed the target as Allstars continued to press towards goal. It was Clifton that took the lead on 15 minutes though, as Allstars failed to win a second ball challenge, only for the Bridge striker to hit a volley towards goal. Barron was forced into a wonderful save, only to see his hand push the ball onto the post and a Bridge player react quicker to tap in the follow up. This built frustration amoungst the Allstars as they were completely on top, with Pembery running the game in midfield, and the impressive Bulmer - Shuttleworth partnership never looking threatened. Mandley and Bates looked sturdy and dangerous down the left, and immediately took the ball forward and began to cross the ball into dangerous areas. It was some neat keep-ball and one-two play from Mandley that opened the game up on 24 minutes, as he worked his way down the line and chipped it into the path of Townsend. He flicked it delicately through to Shaw who crossed first time to Hannah, who had come inside from the right hand side, chested the ball down on the 18yard line, took one touch past his marker, and bent the ball back across the keeper and in off the inside of the post and into the top corner for a simply magnificient team move and a sublime Thierry Henry-esque finish. Confidence began to raise and as the half went on, Bates forced a superb save out of the Bridge keeper, as did Shaw through on a 1-on-1, and Bear, who smashed the post on two occasions. Allstars should have gone on to be comfortably infront at the interval, but the last kick before half time, saw Bridge take the lead. Allstars were slow to close down the player who advanced and hit a looping shot from 30yards. Barron was unbalanced and could do little as the ball rebounded off the bar, and once again Bridge reacted quicker and tapped the ball in.   As the second half began, Allstars looked a different side to the encouraging signs shown by their first half, with little to no passion or hunger evident. Mandley picked up a knee injury early into the half, and the balance of the team also seemed to disappear as they became narrow and relied on the long ball. Little football was played and it was a scrappy goal that saw Bates grab the equaliser, as he headed down a Shaw corner which hit the man on the post, only for Bates to follow up and poke it in the net. The game became stagnant after this and neither team looked like scoring as Bulmer and Shuttleworth continued to dominant their defence, with Pembery playing extremely well and picking up the knock-downs from them, and going forward, Bear (Townsend) and Shaw unfortunately couldnt beat the best of the Clifton defenders, who just so happened to be the linesman, who raised his flag every time Allstars played the ball forwards in what continued to be a very frustrating morning. In the last few minutes however, Allstars switched off to give the points to Clifton as they failed to shut the midfield man down, who played a ball down the line. The striker got on the end of the pass and pulled it back to an unmarked midfield runner who slid the winner through the helpless Barron's legs. Allstars were gutted, devasted and disappointed as the should have had the game ended by half time. Hopefully it is a lesson learnt about complacency and missed oppertunities, where Allstars must learn that when you are on top, you must take your chances.

I am saddened to report Allstars are now 3 and 1.

 

12th October '08 (EMPAL Cup 1st round)

TRENT ALLSTARS  5 vs 2  Boots Wednesday

(GOALS - Shaw (2), 'Bear' Townsend, Letham, Own goal; O.G - Tom Silk; M.O.M - John Gregory)

Allstars went into their first EMPAL Cup game on the back of a disappointing league defeat, the previous week; and with last season's Allstars doing so well to get to the competitions Semi-Finals, a lot was expected as Allstars met lower Divison 3 outfit, Boots Wednesday. Injured player/manager Mandley, was thrilled instantly as his team set out in style as they opened the game. In all honesty, Allstars took the centre and kept the ball, without losing possession for the whole of the first 5 minutes, spreading the play from left to right and back, and Woodruff then playing Hannah down the line. Hannah got to the by-line and whipped a quality ball in the box, which 'Bear' Townsend powered home with his head. As Allstars wheeled away in jubilation, the referee called the play back, deciding that Hannah's ball had crossed the line for a goal kick on delivery. Allstars however, clearly didnt hold onto this moment, and after the superb John Gregory won the ball from the resultant goal kick, Bates picked up the pieces, and slid Shaw in one on one, and he confidently rounded the keeper and netted to set up a superb Allstars display.   The attractive football continued as Boots could get nowhere near the Allstars as the midfield duo of Gregory and Letham were simply immense in ever way. The two won every ball and did not give the ball away once, as the spread the ball wide with grace and finnese to the willing and effective full backs, Silk and Woodruff who got high up the pitch throughout, and were also in fantastic form. It was the captain, Letham who was next on the score sheet with his first Allstars goal. He began the move, bringing down a clearance from the Boots keeper, and playing a neat one-two with Gregory. He then spread the ball out to Bates who slid Shaw in behind the full back. Shaw drove to the line and cut the ball back to Letham who had continued his run, and smashed the ball home first time from 15 yards with a quality finish to end a superb move.  The third came before the half ended, curtousey of a dismal Boots own goal. Bates whipped in a dangerous in swinging corner and the Boots defender found himself in a muddle as his attempted clearance found it's way into the roof of the net. Allstars went in cruising, Townsend and Shaw unlucky not to go in with hat-tricks under their belts as Hannah and Bates rained in crosses of a high standard. The defence should not go unmentioned either, as they were never troubled throughout the entire game, and Shuttleworth and Bulmer played with composure from the back.   The second half started similarly, Allstars taking the initiative and creating from the off. It didnt take long for 'Bear' Townsend to get the goal he deserved, as Hannah played an exquisit first time volleyed ball through, which Bear latched onto, beat his marker for pace, and then cut onto his right foot to guide the ball into the far corner with another great finish. Gregory and Letham continued to pull the strings and run the game from the centre and the due created more chances for their team mates throughout the game. The defence were rock solid and unfortunate to concede what can only be described as a goal keeping error, as a simple header which should have been easily collected was parried into Barron's net as he arrogantly attempted to make a simple catch into a camera save. His defence were NOT happy. The towering Gibson and energetic Herbert came on to join in the fun, and Gibson could have had three in just as many minutes. He firstly saw himself through on goal, only to find the keepers' grateful hands, and soon afterm drove a shot narrowly wide from a similar postition and then had a good header well saved from a corner. Herbert rained crosses in constantly and he even saw one of his balls curl in and come off of the post. But sure as sure can be, Shaw showed them how to do it with a lot of credit to go Bates' way. The two hassled the Boots defence into making an error as Bates won the ball off of the centre back. As he drove into the box and drew the keeper out, he elected to unselfishly pass the ball to the grateful Shaw who tapped into an empty net for his 5th in as many games.   The highlight of the game was most definately the mesmorising football played by Allstars, but a close second was an absolute howler of an own goal from an undeserving Silk, who played superbly throughout, but looked like a plonker as he found the back of his own net. Barron was beaten and the striker slid the ball towards an open goal, where Silk managed to get across. He then attempted to clear with his right, only for the ball to crash off the back of his left leg, knock him over and as he fell, he fell onto the ball and saw it roll in... and yes, it was as funny as it sounds.  5-2 Allstars, it finished, a wonderful performance of football and skill from everyone who took part. The full backs were brilliant as outlets and made by doing so, Woodruff and Silk opened the game up for everyone else to express themselves. Gregory was immaculate and played phenomononly, with Letham also drawing the plaudits. As previously stated, all the players were superb and Allstars certainly deserved their place in the hat for the next round.

Allstars progress to the EMPAL Cup 2nd round! 

 

October 19th '08 (EMPAL DIV 2)

Fox and Crown  1 v 1  TRENT ALLSTARS

(GOALS - 'Bear' Townsend; M.O.M - 'Bear' Townsend)

Trent Allstars faced the in-form and top of the league Fox and Crown in what turned out to be a superb advert for EMPAL league football. The two sides met full of confidence, Allstars on the back of a good cup win, and Fox having won all 4 of their opening league fixtures. Allstars were set an early blow with the impressive Shuttleworth and Shaw absent from the squad for the game, but welcomed Courtney Charles back from injury and Tom Silk filled the large void left by centre back, Shuttleworth. Both were superb for the entire game, and as Silk dominated in defence, Charles was looking in fine form upfront. Allstars pushed on early and a finely threaded Silk pass found Charles with room to run into. He burst past his marker and ran towards goal, beat the final defender but the angle had become tight, and Charles only managed to find the outside of the post. The early signs looked good for Allstars though as the took the initiative in the top of the league clash.    Silk and the ever-solid Bulmer were in control at the back and looked comfortable throughout the game, soaking up any pressure like a sponge and dealing with it by playing out from the back. As they continued to shut out any threats, Charles and 'Bear' Townsend were running the Fox defence ragid. Townsend was a full flight and at the races all game as his strength and hold up play couldn't be dealt with by Fox. As the reliably impressive Bates continued to surge up the left flank, He drilled a pass into Bear who layed off cleanly to Charles, who riffled an effort from the edge of the area just inches away from the top corner. In almost indentical fashion, Charles carved out another chance, hitting another rocket from a similiar postion with the smallest of shaves off of the post this time and behind. Allstars certainly looked in control and as Letham and Tarrant continued to pull the strings in centre midfield, they opened up a space for Bates down the wing. His cross was quality and found an unsuspecting Herbert at the back post. Unmarked, unchallenged, and uncordinated, Herbie found himself sliding at the ball to drag it wide from close range. His fellow right sided companion, Hannah was also finding himself well advanced and probed forward well, looking to give an option out wide, and delivering the ball where possible. It was Hannah however, that was the unfortunate player on the wrong end of a poor referee's decision just before half time, in a half Allstars had dominated. A ball was dinked in from a Fox midfielder, aimed towards the forward, but had a little too much pace on it. As the ball zipped past the forward and went out of play, the forward slowed down and Hannah who was marking him bumped into the player. Every player on the field turned for the goal kick, but the referee pointed to the spot, saying a push was committed despite the ball having gone out of play (and the actual absence of the push itself). Barron went the wrong way, and Allstars bad luck with refereeing decisions continued as they went in behind at 1-0.    Debutan, Isaac David replaced the hard working Herbert, with the aim to inject a more forward minded potential on the game. His impact was imediate as he instantly out-muscled his marker, and then out paced the on-coming full-back to get to the by-line and deliver a dangerous cross, with Charles again coming close. At the other end, Hannah rose above the previously dubious referee decision, and rose well above every Fox player as he powered through Fox's long ball game, winning every header he challenged for. His hard work was emulated by the rest of the side but Townsend went a few steps further and his work rate was phenominal. He won header after header and got his reward early on in the first half. Mandley drilled a throw across the body of Townsend, and with a swift turn on the corner of the box, Townsend ripped a shot right out of the top draw! It was an absolute thunderbolt that flew straight into the top corner. It was truely unstoppable and just what Allstars needed. The same duo came close to creating a goal moment later. Silk and co played possession football at the back, eventually going wide to Mandley at left back. He drilled a pass into Tarrant, who turned the ball round the corner to complete a neat one-two with Mandley. Mandley raced down the line to whip in a fiendish ball in behind the Fox defence. Bear Townsend raced towards it, but the Fox keeper was on his toes and as Townsend met it with his head, the keeper was inches also only inches away from it, and managed to save well. At the other end, Silk and Bulmer were completely untroubled, not through a lack of ability from Fox's frontline, but through a superb performance where they were on the top of their game. Silk in particular was fantastic throughout and was so close to stealing a winner, as he met Bates' corner but his volleyed effort was well tipped over the bar. Allstars continued to play attractive football, Charles and the immense Townsend unlucky not to come away with a few goals each, but Allstars had to be content with a draw as the final whistle blew. A poor and unlucky decision gained Fox a point but Allstars in truth, deserved all three. Fox found themselves hanging on for the whole second half, and the Fox keeper could hold his head up high with his performance. Allstars were unlucky not to win, but a point is better than no points, and Allstars have shown that they are more than capable of rocking ships in the league as the end Fox's 100% winning streak. A well earnt point that was unlucky not to be all three points.

Allstars are now 3 and 1, with 1 draw as well.

 

26th October '08 (COUNTY CUP 2nd ROUND)

Pride of Erin  2 v 2 TRENT ALLSTARS (2-8 aet)

(GOALS - Shaw, Mandley, Bates (3), Herbert, David, 'Bear' Townsend; M.O.M - Shaw)

In previous years Allstars have failed to get a good run in the County Cup, and they were not far off of repeating history against Pride of Erin, where it took Allstars until extra time to kill off their opponents. As usual, Allstars started brightly and with intent to score and drive forward. Early pressure saw Townsend hit a cracker from distance which was well saved. The resulting corner fell to the feet of Thorpe who was inches away from a goal on his first game of the season. In the first 5 minutes of the game Allstars actually saw themselves squander 3 golden oppertunities more, with Bates, Shaw and Townsend all failing to find the net in good positions. As Allstars continued to demolish their opponents in the opening spell of the game, they failed to score after creating a number of fantastic chances. As Allstars could have, and should have been 4 or 5 up after 10 minutes, the lads seemed to take their foot off of the pedal with an air of arogance as they seemed to think it was going to continue to be easy. This was clearly a mistake, as lady luck was again absent fro Allstars, as Shuttleworth saw his superb tackle bounce off of a colleague and into the path of the Erin striker, who cooly showed the Allstars boys how to find the net.     Allstars realised they were in need of a step up in quality again, and moments later Mandley picked Thorpe out with a great cross. Thorpe's effort was saved, as was 'Bear' Townsend's follow up, which luckily fell to Shaw, who made no mistake this time from close range with the equaliser. Allstars took the iniative again and continued creating and missing chances. It was a piece of mesmorising and fantastic individual skill which rightly earnt Allstars the lead before half time though. As Mandley saw his team mates failing to score, he showed them how to in an incredible fashion. He began with the ball from his keeper deep in the Allstars half. As he beat the Erin striker and took the ball on, he played a neat one-two with Thorpe who set him over the half way line. Mandley then eased past the winger, waltzed past the full back, nutmegged the centre back, and smashed the ball across the goal and into the roof of the net after running all of 80 yards with the ball to put Allstars 2-1 up. Herbert came on just before the interval to replace Letham who picked up an injury, and almost had an instant impact as he dragged his header narrowly wide from a corner.     The second half began with Allstars slumping back into their lazy and arrogant style, not being clinical and giving the ball away too easily. Barron was kept busy and was man of the hour as he produced two unbelievable saves to keep Allstars in the lead as he pushed the first onto the bar, and saved from close range with the second save in quick succession. He was helpless though as Erin equalised through poor play throughout from Allstars as they gave the ball away and the clearly offside Erin forward took his chance to take the game into extra time.     Firm words were exchanged between Trent players at half time, and they came out to prove a point, again making chances with ease, but seeing their efforts narrowly going wide or over. Shaw deserved a handful as he continued to try his heart out with an exceptional work rate, but was unfortunate to see his efforts cleared from the line, come off the post or bounce just wide. He kept his head up though, and turned provider 4 times during extra time as Allstars began to anhilate their opponents. Moments before the extra time interval, Shaw drove to the byline and pulled the ball back for Bates who found the net with ease from close range. After the extra time half time swap Allstars score 5 more. Isaac David's strong runs all game finally earnt him an assist as he beat the Erin defence and found Herbert at the back post for a simple tap in. Straight after, Bates grabbed his second as Shaw did the hard work and beat the keeper and Bates latched onto Shaw's touch and walked the ball in. His hat trick followed seconds on, this time Shaw lofting the ball in for Bates to dive onto and header in the bottom corner. Bates then turned provider as he pulled the ball back for Isaac David to slide his first Allstars goal in, and 'Bear' Townsend finished the '5 goals in 15 minutes' route with a fine finish after Shaw pulled the ball back for Bear to tuck into the far bottom corner.     If Allstars had taken chances early on, they could have gone in at half time with double figures, but none-the-less, they played poorly and still scored 8 goals. More importantly so...

ALLSTARS ARE THROUGH TO THE COUNTY CUP 3rd ROUND!!!

 

2nd November '08 (EMPAL DIV 2)

TRENT ALLSTARS  1 v 3  Highfield Park Rangers

(Goal - Lines; M.O.M - Mandley)

Allstars were as short on the ground as the cast of the 1988 Ron Howard classic 'Willow', going into this game. With only 6 regular players involved and the rest on international (drinking) duty, and/or injured, a super six of Barron, Mandley, Shuttleworth, Woodruff and Thorpe remained. Some late additions were made but few managed to display the same amount of passion as the regular Allstars faithful. Debuts were handed out to Stephen 'shite knees' Brown, and Chris 'Lino' Lines who both played well considered that this was their first competitive fixture for a lengthy period of time. The match itself was hardly a spectacle of attractive football, and on a cold, rainy and wind-blustered day Allstars found that with a non-geled side, it was not going to be a fun morning. Woodruff, Shuttleworth and Man Of The Match Mandley were consistent throughout, and thoroughly did not deserve three goals agianst their defence. Much the same can be said for Thorpe who worked tirelessly in the midfield to win the ball but it simply was not to be with many of the others disheartened by the weather and the state of the pitch, and it was very apparant that others hadn't quite managed to counger up the passion required. The first goal came from Gibson losing possession at left back, but in his usual heroic fashion, Shuttleworth came across and made the tackle. It unfortunaltey fell to another Highfield player who could not have hit the ball any worse as he scuffed his shot but somehow managed to wrong-foot Barron as the ball rolled in from the edge of the area. Mandley and his valiant back four did not deserve it, but the constant pressure they were soaking up was always heading towards saturation of the defence as they were helpless against the on-slaught. The second came just before half time as keeper and defender made an error on a corner. Highfields had earned themselves a vast amount of corners in the first period, each one going to front post. But still, keeper and defender failed to deal with the predictable routine and an easy header lead to Allstars trailing 2-0 at half time.      The second half saw the arrival of Lines, and thus the arrival of some football for the Allstars. in no more than a minute after the restart, Richardson, a new addition to this mamoth squad played a neat 1-2 with Thorpe and struck a well hit shot. The keeper parried it to the edge of the box and with his first touch of the game, and the season, Lines eliquently couressed the ball into the far bottom corner. Allstars were now on top. They were applying the pressure as Lines's vision and ability began to open up the Highfield defence, but alas, oppertunities were squandered and the longer Allstars went without converting, the less likely they looked to equalise. Disappointingly Allstars conceded a third with only a minute remaining as they pressed on for the equaliser. The referee failed to spot an obvious foul in the middle of the park, and resultantly Highfields broke forwards and finished the game off.      In fairness to Highfield Park Rangers, they deserved their victory, and that DOES NOT get said very much on here. Sympathys to Mandley, Shuttleworth and Woodruff who were immense with their efforts and did not deserve to be on the losing side. However, the two sides meet again next week in the EMPAL cup 2nd Round, where Allstars will be able to field more the 6 of the squad.

Unfortunaltey Allstars are now 3 and 2, with 1 draw in EMPAL divison 2.

 

9th November '08 (EMPAL CUP 2nd ROUND)

TRENT ALLSTARS  4 V 2 Highfield Park Rangers

(GOALS - Shaw (2), Wood, Charles; M.O.M - Joe Wood)

Having been defeated the previous week to Highfields, but with an abundance of players missing, Allstars were pleased to welcome back the likes of 'Bear' Townsend, Shaw and co, as well as handing out a debut to centre half, Joe Wood. However, the match began as though none of the Allstars players had turned up, especially the goal keeper, Barron, who will have to hold his hands up for both the goals Allstars conceded early on. Trent started slowly and asked a lot of Shaw and Charles upfront as they punted balls up for them to try and play, missing out the midfield and playing panic football. It was only too soon that Allstars found themselves trailing as they lost the ball carelessly and conceded a corner. As the ball came in, Barron failed to claim it but recovered with a tremendous save from close range. He had full reason to blame his defenders afterwards though as they failed to clear and saw the rebound crashed into the Allstars goal. Not much further into the game however, Barron was completely to blame for the next goal. As you could only dream (or have in nightmares), Barron made arguably the worst mistake possible for a keeper. As the Highfield left back shouted 'Have it!' as he booted the ball skywards from deep in his own half and towards the Allstars box, Barron began to come to meet it. As he did he misjudged the ball and it's bounce, as as you have guessed, the ball bounced over him. He backpedalled and managed to prevent it from going in, but as he landed, he dropped the ball and there was the Highfield forward to tap it in. One mistake is forgivable, but as Barron made two within the same moment, it will neither be forgiven or forgotten for the calamity that it was, and as a result, Joe Barron became the first official 'Dick of the Day', meaning he has to wash the kit for the next fixture!     Luckily for Barron, being down by two goals with less than half an hour played seemed to spur Allstars on and debutant Wood, stepped up in dramatic fashion. He confidently brought down a goal kick on his chest, side-stepped his opposing forward, and drilled a ball into Charles feet. Wood continued his run, and Charles delicatly slipped a return pass on for Wood who took it round the last man and crashed the ball across the Highfield keeper for a goal on his official Allstars debut, and what a great solo effort it was! This clearly inspired Allstars as they began to realise that just a few simple passes could be the key to unlocking the Highfield defence, and just before half time Thorpe played David down the right. He out-paced his man and drilled a low ball right across the goal-mouth, with Shaw there to tap home another goal for the man in the impressive scoring form. Somewho, through only ten minutes of playing football, Allstars had managed to come back from 2-0 down, to 2-2 at half time.       Allstars really came out firing in the second half, and the football was a delight to watch. They managed to prevent Highfield from having so much as 1 shot in the second half, and at the other end Shaw, Charles were peppering the goal, forcing for the lead. Lady luck was not with Allstars though as they struggled to ripple the net with their vast amount of chances in front of goal. Managing from the side, rather than from on the pitch, Mandley and Letham combined their footballing brains and bravely went for a 3-4-3 formation change, pushing Wood into the centre of midfield and 'Bear' Townsend upfront with Charles and Shaw, and the change showed to be of a genuis proportion! Some quick counter attack football saw Wood link with Townsend and Charles after some superb running, which created a gap where Shaw ran in to. Charles rolled the ball in his path and with one touch, Shaw wolloped the ball into the top corner as he ran onto the pass. Moments later Shaw returned the favour as this time, Charles found the gap in the over-occupied Highfield defence, as the three-pronged attack had Park Rangers all over the place. Shaw this time rolled the ball into the path of Charles, and as the keeper came rushing out, Charles delightfully chipped the ball over him and into the net for a goal on his birthday, and he certianly deserved it too!    Allstars comfortably saw out the remaining time, Wood also missing a penalty to extend the lead further, but Allstars got the win which their second half performance certainly warranted. They outplayed and outclassed the opposition in the second half, and a few players are really starting to look like class outfits. Shuttleworth and Wood were tremendous throughout and never looked in danger at the back. Hannah was solid as a rock at right back and is growing with every game, and Shaw and Charles, as well as Townsend are really flourishing as the Allstars attacking players.

Allstars progress to the EMPAL Cup 3rd round!

 

16th November '08 (EMPAL DIV 2)

Inn The Bank  1 V 6  TRENT ALLSTARS

(GOALS - Pembery, Veglia (2), Thorpe, Shaw, Wood; M.O.M - Vincenzo Veglia)

Allstars finally found themselves with some luck and some form infront of goal, and managed to put a few more of their chances away against Inn The Bank. having failed to convert the numerous chances they create so far this season, Allstars were impressive and ruthless as they stuck 6 past a helpless Bank side, who were almost no more than observers to Allstars fluent footballing display, and it is fair to say that scoring six did not nearly flatter Allstars as they should have made it double figures.        Allstars started at lightening pace with Bates nealry marking his return with a first minute assist as he slid Shaw in for a 1-on-1, who could only manage to hit his effort straight at the keeper. Bates then forced a good save out of the Bank keeper only a few minutes later as Allstars set up camp in the Bank half. Shaw soon made up for his earlier miss though, as he played a wonderful ball with the outside of his boot inbetween the Bank full-back and center half, where Pembery had made a Steven Gerrard-esque run from midfield. His first touch was simply sublime as he cushioned it with the outside of his boot and away from his maker. His second touch was even better as he drilled the ball into the top corner and past the on-rushing keeper from the edge of the area for his well-earnt first Allstars goal. Veglia nearly extended the lead only seconds later as well, and it was begining to be a question of just how many Allstars would get. But then Hannah had a moment of madness as he earnt himself 'Dick of the Day' in true nightmare style as he attempted a back pass but managed to completely under-hit it and sell Barron way short, only for the grateful Bank striker to gleefully accept this invitation and slot home the equaliser with ease. Allstars were not impressed that their fantastic opening spell had a goal against their name, and Mandley and Wood were livid that they had been denied a clean sheet which they were almost certain to get with steady and solid performances from all the defence. Hannah held his head in shame, but moments later he rose from the ashes of eternal embarresment and began playing as solidly as ever. He then began the move that led to the next Allstars goal. Receiving the ball from Barron, Hannah drove from right back and slid the ball into Thorpe. Thorpe spotted the intelligent run of Veglia in his new-found striker position and with a good movement, Veglia ran onto Thorpe's perfect through-ball. He recieved it well and beat the last defender, then beat him again, and once more again with very quick feet for a big man, before slotting the ball with style under the Bank keeper, and doubling his Allstars tally for his 3 season Allstars careeer. Perhaps playing the big Scottish Italian at centre half could have been a waste of goal scoring talent for the previous two seasons...? Meanwhile, the football continued to flow after Veglia's goal, and Thorpe then went from supplier to scorer as he bravely got onto the end of a lovely flighted delivery from Shaw, which Thorpe dived into with his head, down into the ground which the keeper was helpless to save. Barron however managed to show how a keeper can never be helpless to save anything, as he was called into action late in the first half. A freekick was well delived into the Allstars box, with a Bank player flicking the ball goal-wards from such a close range that you could almost say the player was on Barrons' toes. Barron then made reaction-save of the season as he managed to stretch and reach the destined goal-bound effort and tip it round the post as if he had the power of foresight combined with flight, as he flew in a way not possible for the species of man, drawing the plaudits from everyone that saw this simply unbelievable save. Furthermore, his distribution was imaculate throughout, and any other saves he had to make were terrific. He collected, punched and dealt with any corners and crosses and swept up anything that came through his defence, and it must be said that after some mistakes in previous weeks, Barron certainly showed during this match why is is concidered an Allstar of Trent Allstars F.C.      Allstars were comfortable and cruising at half time, with chances taken well, and other squandered, Shaw and Veglia were sure to see themselves on the score sheet in the second half as they ran the Bank defence ragid, and could have both had hat-tricks in the first 45 minutes. Wood and Mandley were collosal at the back and never once looked like conceded, whilst Hannah confidently recovered from his earlier error and continued to flourish as the game continued. Bates and Letham worked tirelesy out wide and created many chances throughout, whilst Thorpe and Pembery were liked possesed pitbull terriers in the centre, Pitbull terriers that could both bite and play football, as the won every first ball, and every second one too, as well as spraying the ball around gracefully all game long. As the second half began, the midfield due continued to pull the strings and Pembery ran deep into the Bank area to reach a wonderfully flighted Letham pass behind the Bank defence. Pembery latched onto the pass and pulled the ball back from the touchline for the grateful Veglia to tap in, at the end of another equisite Allstars move.        At the other end, the Allstars defence soaked up any slight inclining of pressure with ease but a sloppy pass from the Allstars midfield saw a Bank striker get a rare oppertunity as he managed to pounce on the loose ball and find himself 1-on-1 with Barron. Barron did well to close the angle but was helpless to prevent the Bank forward from getting his shot off towards the now empty goal, but then, out of nowhere Hannah had raced back and dived onto the forwards' effort to clear brilliantly off of the line and most certainly make amens for his earlier error.     With a rare scare on the Allstars goal prevented by the fabulous efforts of Hannah, Veglia and Shaw continued to reak havoc and scare the bank defence at the other end. Man of the Match Veglia turned provider for Shaw who was certain to have his name on the scoresheet, as Veglia turned sharply from having his back towards goal to thread an inch perfect pass into Shaw, no mistake this time as he passed the ball under the keeper for his 9th in 8 games as he went on to celebrate with strike partner Veglia. It was moments later though that clever play from Shaw created an oppertunity for Thorpe. Thorpe received another perfect pass from Shaw and as he did, he was brought down in the area..."Penalty!" said the match official. "Chance for a Veglia hat-trick?" said the Allstars. The big man, having doubled his tally of goals from three seasons, looked nervous as he stepped up to go for the hat-trick, but as he tried to place the ball into the top corner, his choice of direction was the same as the Bank keepers' and his effort was saved, denying Veglia a deserved hat-trick. He didn't let it bother him though, and with only a few minutes remaining Veglia slid in Wood who had run from deep, to latch onto the pass and for Wood to confidently convert his second goal in as many games, and to score the Allstars sixth of the day. It truely was as comfortable and convincing a performance as you are likely to see from Allstars, who scored six very good team goals, and were solid right from the start, from front to back. Veglia was superb at the top end of the pitch, whilst Barron was super-human when called into action at the other end in a well earned, very much deserved Allstars victory.

Allstars are now 4 and 2, with 1 draw. 

 

23rd November '08 (EMPAL DIV 2)

TRENT ALLSTARS  11 vs 2  Riverside Moores

(GOALS - Shaw (5), Veglia (2), Whitlam (2), Travis, Barron; M.O.M - Shaw)

Having found some form infront of goal the previous week, netting six times, the Allstars boys were clearly goal hungry again as they smashed an incredible eleven past Riverside Moores! Allstars welcomed back two Allstars legends, in all-time top goal scorer Paul Travis, and the first ever club captain, Simon Roberts. Neil Marsh made his debut between the sticks as Joe Barron occupied the left midfield spot, and Big Dunc Whitlam also made a debut on the right side of midfield. And although the day was most certainly a day for all involved, the real accalaid goes to Luke Shaw, who set a new club record of 5 goals in a game, previously set by former striker Will Tolliday who scored 4 in one game. The first of which came with less than a single minute played. Shaw started the game off, taking the centre kick, rolled it back to Travis, who then played it back to Shaw who had advanced slightly forward. As the ball rolled into his path, Shaw took one touch, and followed it with an absolute scorcher which rocketed into the top corner from all of 30 yards. it was most definately a contender for goal of the season, and perhaps goal of the decade! And if that wasn't the best start, Allstars doubled their lead only a minute later, Shaw netting again after receiving the ball from Mandley, and turning his marker, before going round the keeper and slotting in his second in as many minutes. It seemed that everything Shaw was to touch turned to gold as only a matter of moments later he whipped in a corner which Travis powered home with a fantastic trademark Travis header. Perhaps he felt that Shaw was going to get a little too close to his 'Allstars Top Scorer of All Time' record, as he out-lept his marker to increase his tremendous goals tally.       So Allstars were 3 shots, 3 goals, only after 5 minutes played, and the man with the Midas touch of goals made that 4 shots, 4 goals before the ten minute mark as Shaw scored his third for an absolutely incredible first hat-trick for the club. For this goal however, he can thank his own inate ability for cool finishing, and most definatley the incredible jinxing run of Whitlam who picked the ball up on the half way line before taking on four players and then threading Shaw in with an inch perfect pass, which the Midas man slid confidently under the on-rushing keeper. Chances didn't stop there though, as Shaw had another goal disallowed soon after, as did Veglia, as Allstars continued to press for more goals. Unfortunatley for Marsh and his defence, it was a lazy Mandley error that gave Riverside a glimour of hope beneath the hefty score line, as (still drunk) Mandley failed to clear, allowing the Riverside striker to lob the ball over Marsh for what seemed to be only a consolation goal before even a quarter of the game was played. This seemed to enrage the Allstars more than anything else, as they upped the tempo further, with Travis and Thorpe completely bossing the midfield and spreading the ball around elequantly as they pursued more goals. Barron had made an impressive start to his Allstars outfield debut and he showed his quality with his kicking technique as he rained in some sublime crosses from the left side of the midfield. It is also fair to say that this keeper-turned-winger didn't give the ball away once during the 90 minutes and showed that there is plenty of competition for places in the squad. It was some individual brilliance from Veglia however that was next to be on the scoresheet as the big Scottish/Itallian monster ravaged the Riverside defence after picking up a throw-in from the ever-impressive Hannah. Veglia turned in the middle of the park, and ran all of 40yards down the right with the ball before cutting inside and blasting the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area to give Allstars their fifth goal of the half. But 'Shaw-ly' enough, it was Shaw again who finished the route off before the interval with his fourth of the half, as he latched onto a Beckham-esque through-ball from the tenacious midfield mystro that was Travis, and rounded the keeper once more to find the back of the net.        Half time saw the arrival of the ex-Allstars legend and hero, and first ever captain, Simon Roberts make a comeback and he did so with immediate affect. As Allstars easily won the ball back from the Riverside centre kick, Roberts played a neat ball into the feet of Whitlam. Whitlam turned and drilled a pass into Shaw, who spotted Whitlam continuing his run and by-passing his opposing fullback. Shaw delicately returned the pass with a perfect one-two move as Whitlam raced behind the defence from the half way line. As the keeper came out to attempt to challenge, Whitlam couressed the ball round the keeper and into the net with a simply wonderful finish to capture another memory of a fabulous Allstars move. And only seconds later Whitlam found himself infront of goal with an almost identical move, this time passed through by the immaculate Thorpe who showed that big tackles and ball winning weren't all there is to his game as Whitlam showed pace to reach Thorpe's perfection pass before sliding his second past the keeper to cap an impressive debut performance and give Allstars their eighth of the day before 50 minutes!       The man who lives and breathes goals, Shaw, soon showed again that he is calmness personified infront of goal as he turned provider for the man that usually lives and breathes stopping goals as Barron scored his first Allstars goal. Shuttleworth provided another superb ball behind the Riverside defence and Shaw raced onto it. As the keeper came out, Barron had joined in with Shaw, who curtiously rolled the ball across the keeper and into Barron's path for him to tidily convert to a goal which he very much deserved.      Allstars continued to knock the ball around with great effect, but as they commited forwards to get more goals, Riverside intercepted and broke well in numbers. Marsh saved the first effort well, saved the second even better, but could do nothing to prevent the third effort from finding the net. As he showed how furious he was with his team, he clearly injected a bit more motivation to go forwards and Veglia responded with his second and Allstars tenth. The super-strong striker showed his power and pressance as he stormed onto another pefect Thorpe through-ball and completely out-muscled his defender before belting the ball past the helpless keeper. Rightly so and in a poetic mannor, the goal-flood ended the way it began and Shaw found himself in the record books with 5 goals in a game. Roberts was the provider as he bent a superb ball into the path of Shaw who once again ran through the Riverside defence and left them lagging behind before showing his clinical ability to score his fith and Allstars amazing eleventh!      Throughout the game Allstars were at their devasting best. Shaw had two more disallowed, whilst Veglia and Travis also saw goals rulled out in what could have been 15 instead of 11. Shuttleworth, Bulmer and Hannah were at their best as they dealt with ease anything that came their way, and Marsh marshalled his team from the back with a brilliant debut performance. The midfield of Thorpe and Travis were immaculate, as were Barron and Whitlam as the four men were faultless throughout, and showed impressive creative abilities, where as Veglia and Shaw ran their markers ragid in what can confidently be said to be one of Allstars best performances to date.

Allstars are on superb form and i am pleased to inform that they are now looking a serious contender for all silverwear as Allstars now become 5 and 2, with 1 draw.  

 

30th November '08 (COUNTY CUP 3RD ROUND)

TRENT ALLSTARS 0 vs 7 Paragon Sports Cars

(M.O.M - Nathan Bulmer)

Allstars have never managed a good run in the county cup for one reason or another. Their luck was not even close to chanaging against a Paragon side from the Mansfield league, that took full advantage of a much weakened Allstars side. With no out-and-out striker available, Bates occupied the forward role, which left an inbalanced midfield, whilst keeper Neil Marsh pulled up injured in the early stages of the game, after Allstars had already conceded 2. Work rate from captain Letham, and his central midfield counter-part Thorpe, was exemplary, as were the efforts of Shuttleworth and Bulmer, who certainly did not deserve to concede as many as they did. Unfortunately though, any chance Allstars did conjure was wasted, and with another injury to the impressive Chris Lines, Allstars played the last 40 minutes with 10 men, and resultantly conceded 4 more goals as a result of it.

As they say, Allstars can now focus on the league and the EMPAL league cup.

 

14th December '08 (EMPAL DIV 2)

Ardley Athletic  6 vs 2  TRENT ALLSTARS

(GOALS - Lines, Pembery; M.O.M - Letham)

Allstars fantastic record of wins against Ardley ended with a dire display in the final game before the winter break. The game was suprisingly played, with conditions not fit for football as the rock solid pitch soon morphed into a boogy quagmire built for farmlife rather than football, and in truth, the score line reflected the team that slipped over the most, rather than who was the better side. For Allstars, the added difficulty of lacking the fire power of leading scorer, Shaw, as well as forwards Charles, David, and 'Bear' Townsend, Allstars struggled infront of goal for the second consecutive game.        In the first half, Allstars porved their lack of goal-scoring prowess, with a number of chances wasted. Whitlam came close with a few attempts, as did Bates, and Mandley with a set piece, but Gilligan wasted the best oppertunity as he blazed over after latching onto a Bates cross-field pass and going through one-on-one. At the other end, Mandley and co were finding the slippery conditions difficult, as the full-back slipped over in possession, grateful to Baron who saved the resultant one-on-one well. The corner that followed saw arguably save of the season, with the big Ardley center half finding room and powering a header bound for the top corner goalwards, only for Barron to fly across his goal and tip the effort over. Unfortunately for Barron, it was slip-ups of the literal sense that saw his next action being picking the ball out of the net. The unfortunate defender was the ever reliable Shuttleworth, who slipped when going for a simple header, with the Ardley striker capitalising and going through to score. Moments later however, Shuttleworth knocked a ball forwards, and as the Ardley keeper game out to clear, he slipped and let in the greatful Lines, who rolled the ball into the empty net.       Slips again brought on Ardley's second just before the interval. Mandley slipped in possession at left back, for the opposing winger to rob the ball off of the slipped and fallen fullback, to float a ball into the box for Ardley's big centre forward to nod home.       Allstars wasted many an oppertunity in the first half, much to the annoyance of Letham, who was pulling the strings and creating chances in abundance for his forwards. None the less, Allstars trailed at half time.        Moments into the second half, another loss of footing lead to Ardley's third. This time Letham lost the ball to the slippery surface right on the edge of the box, only for the grateful Ardley striker to cutely place his effort in the undeserving Barron's bottom corner. Heads clearly dropped in the Allstars camp, and on a cold, miserable day, that is never a good thing in football. Efforts decreased, and this was shown with Ardley's fourth, an effort from all of 40yards which lobbed the unaware Barron, who seemed to get in all sorts of problems with where his goal was. Sure that the effort was going to wide and high, Barron left the effort, which found itself nestled in the back of Barron's goal. In Barron's defence, the player had an abundance of time to look up and take advantage, as Allstars players became less intersted in playing, and more interested in going home.     The arrival of Pembery sparked some life into an unwilling Allstars side, and his enthusiam was rewarded with a well taken goal, as a neat one-two with Letham played in Pembery, who slotted in the far bottom corner with class. Letham and Thorpe continued to try and get the spirits of the team up after the goal, but it was to no avail, and two more goals were conceded, mainly due to lack of effort, concentration and not tracking runners.      Allstars deservedly lost the second half, a display of lacking enthusiasm and willingness, but should and could well have burried Ardley in the first half had they have converted their large quantity of oppertunities. As Allstars have found out too many times, if you dont take your chances, you are always at risk of losing games. The tale is oh so true for the Allstars boys.

Unfortunately, Allstars are now 5 and 3 losses, with 1 draw, in a league which they should be cruising.

 

11th January '01 (EMPAL DIV 2)

Arnold Cross Keys  2 vs 2  TRENT ALLSTARS

(GOALS - Shaw, Powles; M.O.M - Powles)

Allstars vs Arnold, old foes meet again, and this clash of the EMPAL titans occured ironically on the same day as Chelsea visited Manchester United; what a day for big games in the football world! Allstars and Arnold were both established in 2006, and have been successfully promoted together, topping the same leagues for nearly three seasons, with all of their meeting being classic spectacles. Arnold have previously come out on top, winning one game, with the other three meetings ending in draws. This fantastic match once again ended with the points shared, although Allstars certainly felt they should have taken all three points.       A very strong Allstars side set out with a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to push back the Arnold side, and this tactical selection worked to perfection, with Arnold getting very little pleasure out of the game. A solid back four, and Barron in goal was aided emphatically by a midfield trio of Ben 'the talent' Tarrant, Steve 'the machine' Powles, and Nick 'the orchestrator' Letham. These three were literally everywhere. They functioned as a unit for the full duration of the game, winning every header, every challenge, and also playing some mouth-watering football. Upfront, Allstars posed threats from all angles, Tarrant, Charles, and Shaw taking up the front line. The three forwards were well supplied by the tremendous trio of midfielders, Charles coming close in the early stages of the half. A neat move down the right between Tarrant and Letham saw Shaw receive the ball on the area's edge, turned swiftly and unleashed an effort which breezed narrowly over the cross bar. This was just a sign of things to come in the first half as Allstars continued to create chances. Charles and Shaw opperated the channels and cut in to full effect, Charles hitting two very good efforts and forcing saves. It was Whitlam who had the best chance of the first half though, as a corner dropped to his feet in the six yard box, but the keeper drowned him for space. His effort cannoned off the keeper, and Powles blazed the rebound narrowly wide.    Mandley then forced a good save from the Arnold keeper from a well taken free-kick as Allstars continued to dominate the first half proceedings. At the other end, Barron took full control of his back four, as he swept up everything, and his distribution was phenominal both high up field, and to his willing full-backs, Mandley and Hannah, who provided good width and an outlet for the midfield throughout. At the heart of defence Shuttleworth, and debutant Nathan Freeman were in complete control of their opposing forwards, as they out-strengthed and out-played their opposition, and created play from the back.          Unfortunately for the hard work Allstars put in, it was 0-0 at the break, but signs were far more than encouraging for the Trent boys, and they got their rewards early in the second half. After playing some exqusitic football, it was a perfectly weighted, ball from keeper Barron, which put in Shaw on a lightning fast counter attack. As Barrons' superb pass drilled its way into Shaw's path, Shaw let it bounce once into his stride, and caught it on the half volley to delicately lob the Arnold keeper with a simply brilliant finish, and for the lead which Allstars throughly deserved. Only minutes later, Barron pulled out exactly the same trick from his bag, and Charles did exactly the same as Shaw except score, as he was thwarted by a tremendous save from the Arnold keeper as Charles' drilled half-volley was turned round the post. A fantastic save was pulled out again from the Arnold keeper as Allstars were really peppering his goal, as a thunderous strike from distance by Powles forced another decent save. Arnold were lucky again shortly after, to stay in the game as Tarrant had a goal disallowed as he allegedly fouled on his way to stabbing the ball in, much to the suprise of both teams with a goal that should have probably stood. And just as luck goes for Allstars, Arnold went down the other end to equalise with their first real chance of the game, as they broke quickly and a low driven cross from the Arnold left was tucked in past the helpless Barron. Undeservingly, Arnold were back in the game, but this seemed to initiate another step-up in gear from Allstars just when you thought they were playing to their optimum. Shuttleworth and Freeman began to spray the ball around, and Charles, Whitlam and Shaw prayed on the passing as they continued to reak havoc. The midfield trio really stepped it up though, and it was a combination of all three that lead to Allstars taking the lead. As Letham picked up possession from a throw, and dribbled past two defenders, he slid in Tarrant on the edge of the box. Tarrant held the ball up, and then layed it off to Powles, who unleashed a demon of a strike from 30 yards, which rocketed into the top corner, as the keeper could only get fingertips on the marvelous effort, as Allstars completely and deservedly went 2-1 infront.      Allstars continued to dominate, Shaw coming within whiskers of extending the lead after bending an effort narrowly wide, and Whitlam was the paint-on-the-post-width away from scoring goal of the season as he hit a swivle-and-volley powerfully toward the top corner from the edge of the area. Unfortunately for Allstars though, their exquisit football and 2-1 lead was not enough to secure all three points as the last actual kick of the game was Arnold's equaliser, a tap in, in a loaded penalty area as they pressed on in the remaining minutes. It was heartbreak for the mighty Trent after such a fantastic performance, and Arnold shared their views after the match, all in good spirit between the two sides. Allstars were gutted, but so much can be taken from the performance, which was arguably the best to date in the Trent Allstars shirts. Allstars hold their head up high as they walk on, looking to recreate their new found freedom of play with a very exciting 4-3-3 formation, and hopefully they can recreate the passion and quality produced during this fixture, and if they do, they will no doubt end the season with silverware.

Allstars are now, 5 and 3, with 2 draws.