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| A bare eleven, two carrying injuries and one still suffering the after effects of being laid up with pneumonia, a manager who had to be at work and a team that was a long way from being at its best; an April that had seen Pakefield meeting their commitments but not being able to play the type of football that had got them into the position still held in the table. So how far had they fallen from the peaks of Christmas? The game against Town Hall was sure to be a good marker as they pushed for back-to-back promotions... It started brightly with some passing football by both teams and Pakefield had a good move, quick feet and a lovely finish by New Town (Again!) to thank for giving them a lead after 15 minutes... and it continued in this vein until the last five minutes of the first half! Then a missed challenge, a looping header, and an ancient goal keeper heading for retirement, saw Town Hall get an equaliser. Then in very similar circumstances a half tackle at the edge of the box saw a ball spin away cruelly and just inside the left post to give Town Hall a lead on the stroke of half time. It seemed to sum up the April that has seen Pakefield's form change so drastically, 22 goals conceded in seven months becomes 22 goals conceded in five games! Yet Pakefield kept playing, the game opened up and although Town Hall were able to walk the ball in early in the second half for the third unanswered goal Pakefield kept going... and Moorhen was able to add to his tally with a superbly accurate shot from wide out on the left touchline! It was a shot, it needed to be a shot to raise a smile and keep Pakefield pushing on into a hot and thankless afternoon on the Normanston "Dust Bowl"!! Yet it didn't lead to a Pakefield comeback and a draw as Town Hall brought on their secret weapon and Beagle lost his first header of the season... a cross, following a soft free kick award, seeing the ball powered into the top right hand corner of the net by a "Bean Pole" that again left Boris wishing to be out on the golf course with Daft as he couldn't remember how to jump...! So the hard work of New Town, the craft and guile of Highland Terrier in his first start, and the commitment of Tillsy and Dwave to get a job done even though carrying knocks and injuries saw a better performance that still fell short of the early season standards set by Pakefield. Yet it was still full of smiles and quick comebacks - Catelogue's rebuke of one cry for a goal was memorable and surely didn't invole self-parody of a well honed body - and all those playing were able to look forward to the final game next week; some more final than others?!? TEAM: Becker, Chapman, Tills, Graham, Kay, Sutcliffe, Lees, Harlow, Harvey, West, Coote RESULT: Lost 4 - 2 GOALS: Harlow, Coote COMEDY VALUE: Move Boris...!?! Pakefield Re-United v. Crusaders (League) (Monday 5th April 2010) Somebody tell me what happened... senile dementia has kicked in!! Remember something about Dwave scoring with a cross, missing two sitters and feeling a bit giddy but that's it!! Who scored?!? ...and slowly the news trickled in... Good build up with Moorhen and New Town saw Barman start the scoring with a firm drive home for the best footballing goal of the day. Also Pakefield took a 3-0 lead midway through the first half as Rabbit smashed one home on the follow up. I'm guessing things went a bit quiet after that if the game came back to 3-2?!? Did Boris collide with somebody? Was Catelogue nearly their saviour? Was the woodwork involved in a tap dance with the ball? Can't remember... TEAM: Becker, Kay, Marmaduke, Graham, Chapman, Stephenson, Lees, Harlow, Harvey, Hone, Coote RESULT: Won 3 - 2 GOALS: Lees, Hone, Harvey COMEDY VALUE: Boris in the changing rooms after the game...what's that about pneumonia?!? Pakefield Re-United v. AFC Star (League) (Saturday 3rd April 2010) Maybe I'll write a report, maybe not, we lost! End of... what? It was "sh*t or bust" but for that you need an ar*ehole... step up Sir!! No complaints at the final outcome; stunning strike for the equaliser by Star and a well taken goal at the near post to go ahead early in the second half but what happened next was bemusing, perplexing and downright stupid! Whatever the excuses, prevarications and lies spouted afterwards the Referee decided to become bigger than the game, to impose his personality, morality and pedantic application of laws in a way that left both teams muted and no longer enjoying a tough but fair game of football. A man who single-handedly wanted to change the culture of this country and chose the "little mans" tool of choice... and I paraphrase and do not quote the poor man... it's more than my jobs worth I've been told to do it! Shame, a real shame!! However, "I was consistent, I didn't hear any swearing in the first half..." is a quote; so why did he need to draw the captains together and talk about sending the next player who swore off? Why then did he feel it was so important to throw out of the window the key principle of consistency of decision making? Why did he abdicate his total responsibility and not stop the whole game if the spectators were abusing his touch judge? Because a small man can only cope with small things and if you loose control and cannot admit it you then loose even more. Respect? Goes both ways and yesterday it went up a cul-de-sac!!! Stephenson, Kay, Tills (Marmaduke), Graham, Chapman, Mitchell, Lees, Harlow, Hone, Coote, Sutcliffe RESULT: Lost 5 - 1 GOALS: Tills COMEDY VALUE: None! Though two days ago you might have been mistaken... Pakefield Re-United v. Harleston Reserves (League) (Saturday 20th March 2010) Pakefield have shown in the past that they don't particularly like to either travel or play the lower teams in a division and have dropped points when better could have been expected; the trip to Harleston was sure to provide them with an opportunity to lay this to rest... some chance! Dwave left an interesting message for his secretary that meant Boris' was dispatched as a forward observer to locate the enemy and set up a forward observation point at the beachhead. He did this and was able to guide the crack force that had been brought together by Beagle in the abscence of Dippy (Whose blood pressure has been raised during recent weeks and had decided a wedding would be less stressful...dooahh!!). The preliminary barrage had been called down and the pitch had suffered as a consequence and Harleston had added to the chaos by digging in defensively around the narrow midfield area and deciding to use a barrage balloon as the match ball; it was going to be the "longest" of days! The early skimishes favoured Harleston who threw forward their massed ranks in a scatter gun approach that didn't allow Pakefield to co-ordinate their defensive strategy but luckily nothing came of these early minutes. Pakefield then mounted some forays down the flanks trying to by pass the mountain terrain and difficult conditions found on the beachhead and took Harleston by surprise; UN observers had suddenly appeared and called a containment manouver by Harleston against the Geneva Convention; retribution at the Hague as always led to confusion and retrials but Chief Prosecutor Tills final got UN backing and a positive verdict for Pakefield. Harleston's response was to unleash their heavy armour forward in a pincer movement that led to Pakefield having to mobilise their heavy reserves and a decisive clash at the beachhead saw a near knock out blow delivered by Pakefield; apart from a long range random scud attack in the second phase of the campaign this was Harleston's last real strike at displacing Pakefield. Yet this legitimate campaign was to fall foul to UN bickering and counter mandates brought forward under the guise of International Law; the necessity for these was only to delay the inevitable outcome but always seemed to unsettle and upset far too many people. It was fortunate that the final outcome was settled by a surgical strike by Pakefield's crack but youthful special forces, who launched an attack of immense power and precision as the match entered the final quarter and that featured a dummied feint at the elderly irregular infantry just behind the front line. This decisive moment was the culmination of this unit's tireless support and control imposed on the midfield; an action that certainly sees them up for a further unit citation. Other noteworthy contributions came from the Support Services in the rear of the beachhead and the forays and control imposed by the rapid movement of the scouts down the flanks of the combat territory. The only sour note is that a counter resolution seems to have been laid down at the UN but the natives of Harleston are as bemused at this as anybody as peace was declared at a cross-party meeting later that day. TEAM: Becker, Kay, Tills (Marmaduke), Graham, Chapman, Stephenson, Lees, Harlow, Hone, Coote, Sutcliffe RESULT: Won 2 - 0 GOALS: Tills, Harlow COMEDY VALUE: Costumed "Pantomime Villain" who was watching the game, Catelogue borrowing Boris' shorts... SATURDAY Pakefield Re-United v. Harleston Reserves | Arrival Time – Planned: 12:45 Actual: 12:58 ... I think!! | RESULT: Won 2-0 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - "He's brave going in for that ball!..Oh...?!? I see!" about sums up his contribution for the day; another clean sheet 7/10 | 2 | Catelogue - Busy and able to use pace and athleticism to dominate hios opponent throughout; well sounds good 7/10 | 3 | Beagle - Not at his best but more than good enough to rally the troops and snuff out a one paced attack without ideas 8/10 | 4 |
Tillsy - Made way for Mogadon in second half and had been assured in all he did; even when asked twice! 8/10 | 5 | Jan - Links forward were disrupted by difficult terrain but kept focus and dealt with sporadic forays forward by opponents 7/10 | 6 | Barman - Spikey performance but also struggled with terrain and forward defences that made movement difficult 7/10 | 7 | New Town - Early range finder would have been good but second half strike ranks with his best; non-stop again! 9/10 | 8 | Dwave - Rapid Deployment about the pitch to counteract any move by opposition was key to his performance 8/10 | 9 | Rocket - Curate's Egg with some challenges bordering on non-existent but at his best when creative and attacking 8/10 | 10 | Fergie - Charged and barged and ran and span and talked, and talked and talked!! Maybe something in what's said though 7/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Pitch gave him no security in trying to play a ball that acted like a spring lamb and not his best game 7/10 | 12 | Mogadon - Calmness under pressure saw him easily replace Tillsy for debut and sure passing to feet was pleasing 7/10 | 13 | | 14 | | Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | |
Pakefield Re-United v. Ellingham (League) (Saturday 13th March 2010) It was always going to be an interesting game when you're playing at home and have to travel away... everybody decamped to Dip Farm for another round of "up and at 'em!" with what was expected to be a physical Ellingham side. It panned out pretty much as expected but unlike the early season game Ellingham seemed to be lacking a bit of quality up front and this made the day slightly easier for Pakefield. It wasn't quite "Last Man Standing" as the squad came together but it was the team that is likely to have to take Pakefield through to the end of the season. So Dippy made it clear that we neede to up the workrate, focus on doing our jobs and playing for the team so knowing what we normally do when Dippy speaks it was good that the team did respond... In terms of goals Moorhen thumped a ball straight and true and through the upstretched hands of the keeper, Jan made a dart down the left and drove a cross in and straight under the bar on the right of the goal and finally Tillsy stepped up and slotted home a penalty late on. So I'm going to wait and see how the Boss has called it... and somebody else has been mad enough to be on the sidelines waiting their chance for so many matches early doors that they've spent 100 games worth of time (at least!!) in the Pakefield cause!! TEAM: Becker, Kay, Tills, Graham, Chapman, Sutcliffe, Harlow, Stephenson (Armstrong), Hone, Coote, Scrigins RESULT: Won 3 - 0 GOALS: Coote, Chapman, Tills COMEDY VALUE: Appletisers in Corton Hut, random female in Dutchman's (Since some of us got there...) SATURDAY Pakefield Re-United v. Ellingham | Arrival Time – Planned: 13:45 Actual: 13:48 ... I think!! | RESULT: Won 3-0 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Didn't have a busy game, did what was required and found a voice to actually call for the ball, most of the time! 7/10 | 2 | Catelogue - Busy game with no lack of effort in shutting down the options on the right and trying to support forwards 8 /10 | 3 | Beagle - Played the part of chief enforcer and generallisimo in strong defensive performance that secured the win 8/10 | 4 |
Tillsy -Some really good touches and as always very strong in the tackle saw a good alround game that shut up shop 8/10 | 5 | Jan - With the defence setting the tone he didn't disappoint and also scored a rather "splendid" goal when pushing forward 8/10 | 6 | Barman - Always causing problems, running hard and fast and linking up play but lacked quality on crosses for top mark 8/10 | 7 | New Town - Perpetual dynamo spinning and popping and trying to link it all together while still tackling and mugging for ball 9/10 | 8 | Fergie - Early doors was a bit disjointed and missing the pass but came onto game as he got the pace of the ball 7/10 | 9 | Rocket - Some deft touches and real quality when given the space but defence was stronger on the right 7/10 | 10 | Deckhand - Football brain saw his quality create space for those around him but bit rusty in front of goal so no top mark 8/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Bish! Bash! Bosh! A thumping drive for his goal and an equally venomous shot for miss of the game but needed 8/10 | 12 | Moonwalker - Came on, pushed off the ball then settled and offered and ran on well to create chance late on 7/10 | 13 | | 14 | | Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | |
Pakefield Re-United v. Bungay "A" (League) (Saturday 6th March 2010) After the last few weeks it is depressing to start writing a report that is going to centre on the growing list of injuries being sustained by the Pakefield squad. Apart from during this game when Sweatridge seems to have done some mischief to his knee that could keep him out for a good few weeks there is also a concern over Cheesey who may well have suffered a break to an ankle bone. When considering the list of who is already out then the spirit of the team is being severely challenged... good to not let all the points vanish then on Saturday!! Truth be told it was a poor game for Pakefield; a game that saw Boris do little more than pick the ball out of the net from two real chances by Bungay, a game that saw lots of hustle and bustle but little constructive use of the ball, a game that most people would rather forget yet it may point to the real challenge for the rest of the season. What do we really expect the other teams to do when we have been setting the pace? Would we not have looked at the table and raised our game over the last few seasons when facing White Horse, Pot Black, Ole Frank...? Other teams have been recruiting and their form is changing...ours? Well we know the answer to that after the last few weeks and if we want something from this season we've got to do it with the players who "can", can you? (EDITOR: after the last few weeks that's the level of humour we get?!?) New Town took his goal well and the last ten minutes at least saw the intensity and energy levels rise and give Moorhen the chance to force home the equaliser but is it worth talking about the rest of the game? Nice touches that were wasted... runs that were checked as passes went astray... lack of focus or niggles that have been carried for too long leading to goals that we would have kept out... time to get up and get going... we need to finish this off in some style if the first half of the season is going to be worth anything!! TEAM: Becker, Kay(Sciggins), Tills, Graham, Chapman, Sutcliffe, Attridge(Sorrel), Harlow, Dale(Stephenson), Hone, Coote RESULT: Drew 2 - 2 GOALS: Harlow, Coote COMEDY VALUE: Somebody did smile after the game but I think it was wind... oh and somebody using Facebook to "good effect" SATURDAY Pakefield Re-United v. Bungay "A" | Arrival Time – Planned: 13:45 Actual: 13:48 ... I think!! | RESULT: Drew 2-2 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Very little to do all game but still felt he should have done better with free kick that led to second goal 6/10 | 2 | Catelogue - Was he asleep or just pissed off when the ball zipped past at the near post; sacrificed for last 20 mins 6/10 | 3 | Beagle - Still the workhorse that kept it just about together and one run seemed to be the catalyst for the final push 8/10 | 4 |
Tillsy - Really did need help as ball spun away under his foot but kept working, kept trying, to get things moving 7/10 | 5 | Jan - Put in the effort if not the same high quality as previous week and was solid in defensive role - again! 7/10 | 6 | Barman - Lots of running went unrewarded as pass wasn't completed or time ran away from that option 8/10 | 7 | New Town - In trying to do so much he may have fallen between two stools but seemed to try and be everywhere in midfield 8/10 | 8 | Sweatridge - Game curtailed by niggling ankle injury and then something that seemed more serious midway into half 6/10 | 9 | Dippy - If the ball stayed close enough to him his vision threatened to open up the game but often it didn't... 6/10 | 10 | Fergie - Ran and shouted, huffed and puffed but it didn't fall into place and not his best game of the year so far 7/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Just for the sheer bloody mindedness that kept him battering away for the equaliser, and some good touches 8/10 | 12 | Rocket - Seemed to blend into the Bungay youth class rather than rise above them yet still showed enough to flatter 6/10 | 13 | Soz - Came on early doors but unusually never seemed comfortable or at ease with the pace of the ball 6/10 | 14 | Deckhand - Some good touches when he came on seemed to get midfield moving forward to create the needed chances 7/10 | Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | |
Pakefield Re-United v. AFC Star (League) (Saturday 27th February 2010) Everybody seemed to be there on time, the tops had arrived and were being handed out then somebody asked about the kit... "Jonny and Soz have got it!" and then they walked in and we knew it must be an important game as everybody could actually see Sweatridge's eyes and understand his words! So the "Top of the Table" clash drew towards its start as the team posed for a photgraph with Dippy's chosen few augmented on the sidelines by a growing number of supporters. There was rain about, the pitches at Normanston looked heavily sanded and it felt like it wasn't going to be a fun day... For the second week in a row Pakefield were slow out of the blocks and left poor Boris exposed at the back (EDITOR: Which, while it has been said before, is never a pleasant sight!) and for the second week in a row this saw something very strange occur; thankfully Boris looked like a 'keeper again! A series of fine saves throughout the first half kept Pakefield in the game as the defensive unit worked out what was required. Boris' form cannot last for ever but it was enough to see him put forward as MoM by many both playing and watching and the "Old Dog" certainly does seem to be learning some new tricks! At the other end chances were being created by Pakefield but nothing fell as cleanly as the rifled shot against the upright by Barman as he spun and broke free on the right. Yet as the half drew to a close it had been Star's half in conditions that stifled the Pakefield passing game in a quagmire that saw many people doing their Torville and Dean impressions... Pakefield came into the game more in the second half as the defensive unit found their stride and started to close down the centre and force Star wide. Here Jan was having an excellent defensive game making several telling blocks, clearances and tackles. Beagle was also moving more freely and working well with Tillsy who while not as agile was certainly making his presence felt! Moorhen also continued to cover the ground unselfishly to try and break open an obdurate Star defence but it didn't quite work out. The best chance of the half for Pakefield fell in the dying moments but even here a defender blocked a ball on the line without knowing anything about it. So a cagey game saw neither team able to deliver the final telling ball or create that one clear chance to convert. However, Pakefield came away feeling as though they had gained more from the game and must feel the next few weeks are critical to the final outcome of this season's campaign. Yet in the last two weeks six points could have been lost, four have been secured and it still seems strange that Boris has taken the plaudits... a wise man wouldn't bet on that continuing so it must be time for others to step on up and keep the push going?!? TEAM: Becker, Sorrel, Tills, Graham, Chapman, Sutcliffe, Attridge, Harlow, Lees, Hone, Coote RESULT: Drew 0 - 0 GOALS: COMEDY VALUE: VERY serious day so no humour allowed SATURDAY Pakefield Re-United v. AFC Star | Arrival Time – Planned: 13:45 Actual: 13:48 ... I think!! | RESULT: Drew 0-0 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Worryingly for the second week in a row looked like a keeper in the first half when it was really needed 9/10 | 2 | Soz - covered the ground and tried to find that telling pass while also doing the defensive duties required 8/10 | 3 | Beagle - Yeoman of the gaurd who did all that was required in the second half having rode his luck in the first half 8/10 | 4 |
Tillsy - Seemed to be in the right place most of the time to make a telling block or clearance in a solid performance 8/10 | 5 | Jan - Best defensive game this year that kept Star honest and outwide but couldn't break it open going forward 8/10 | 6 | Barman - Offered the best Pakefield had going forward and worked hard but pitch didn't help and just didn't work out 8/10 | 7 | New Town - Lots of energy after his birthday bash but kept finding the conditions slowing down the ball 7/10 | 8 | Sweatridge - Pakefield's Torville as he also found the pitch conditions frustrating ashe tried to manufacture breaks 7/10 | 9 | Dwave - Covered a lot of ground offering support and making tackles but again it didn't quite all come together 7/10 | 10 | Fergie - Hard working getting close to Moorhen and living off scraps he shouldn't feel bad about performance 7/10 | 11 | Moorhen - "Battled and blocked, covered lots of ground and pushed defense back to create space for midfield, again!! 8/10 | 12 | Rocket - Brought on late and got in two decent crosses to almost break game open for Pakefield and leading into... 7/10 | 13 | Moonwalker - Brought on late and got in two decent crosses to almost break game open for Pakefield 'cos they did! 7/10 | 14 | | Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Punty/Catelogue - Quiet and competent and while not used as subs were quick to keep people focused and positive |
Your Leader Has Sopken... "Well here I go I've been let loose with my own page to do with as I please. I want to start off thanking our main and only sponsor Knightsy for the new tops and they are spot on, and I sit here wondering to myself has Boris taken his off yet? ...and I bet it has doubled up as his jimjams! My thoughts on last Saturday's game? The main thing is that we didn't lose which was important. For the first time this season I thought I had to pick a strong side that had earlier in the season, minus our injured troops, been well balanced and tight and hard to beat, I know the players that were left out were disappointed, which is good to see because they want to play, and as I said they will get thier chance and will get games in the coming weeks. However, my plan to be tight looked doomed as Star created chances at will early on but our new found "mom" pulled off another string of quaility stops; I think he has become a GOALKEEPER at last and not a retired egg chaser helping us out in goal, and I think he is really enjoying himself, well done Seabass! Those stops are as good as goals! (PS - you have set yourself a standard now so I will be watching.) Eventually we settled and created problems for Star. Second half was alot better and tighter and had spells of good football in trying conditions. We still lacked flowing football and there were not many clear chances as final ball was poor. The new arrival Mitch gave us fresh legs and the cheeky twat Ryan nearly gave us the win that would have been harsh on Star, as we were happier with the result than Star. The defence listened at half time and didn't let Star turn and run at us as they did in first half. Rosco, very good second half peformance mate. We welcomed back Leesy from a break sking although Attridge was doing his downhill slalomn and front crawl in the mud... get youself to "Chavworld" and get some studs!!!!!! Leesy must have been feeling sad at some point, or worried about some bloke called Terry, because he found time to run to the side line for a nice little kiss and cuddle with the other half which gave him a lift till the end of the game. So if you think he looks a bit down give him a little peck as he seems to like them. Overall happy we did'nt lose but we need to improve and really push home in the next few games. It's in our hands so lets not throw it away now after lots of hard work. (PS hope you liked your birhday present Harlow 19 heah! Make sure those socks are ironed.) Would like to see some more faces for a pint after the game. Thanks to my co-host Dafty for organising the tops and getting them printed; you are useful afterall. Good to see Louis up there watching and hopefully he'll be back before end of season as we miss all the talking and organising you do on and off the pitch. See you all Saturday and dont forget your tops as there is a fine for those who forget!!!!" Pakefield Re-United v. Hopton White Hart (League) (Saturday 20th February 2010) Not that a report shouldn't have been written but...now I've lost the one I did write!! TEAM: Becker, Punter, Tills, Sorrel, Chapmam, Stephenson, Sutcliffe, Attridge, Harlow, Armstrong, Coote RESULT: Won 4 - 1 GOALS: Armstrong, Harlow, Sutcliffe, Stephenson COMEDY VALUE: MoM!! Pakefield Re-United v. Suffolk Punch (League) (Saturday 13th February 2010) Not that a report shouldn't have been written but... TEAM: Becker, Kay(Punter), Tills, Sorrel, Chapman(Smith), Graham, Stephenson, Attridge, Hone, Coote, Sutcliffe(Armstrong) RESULT: Lost 3 - 1 GOALS: Stephenson COMEDY VALUE: Not a lot!! SATURDAY Pakefield Re-United v. Suffolk Punch | Arrival Time – Planned: 13:45 Actual: 13:58 ... 'cos we didn't need the kit! | RESULT: Lost 3-1 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - What was possible he did in blocking, catching and controlling the ball and no errors of note 8/10 | 2 | Catelogue - Awful tackle saw him limp out and Referee bottle the decision... 8/10 | 3 | Beagle - Toughed it out but knew he was off the pace but still gave solidity to defence as things fell apart 8/10 | 4 |
Tillsy - Didn't enjoy the day as gap between defence and midfield grew and attacks gained momentum 7/10 | 5 | Jan - Nothing wrong with game but didn't get into it as he has done over recent weeks 7/10 | 6 | Rocket - Bullied and bashed and not able to be supported by weakened midfield he still kept trying and scored goal 7/10 | 7 | Soz - Moved into midfield and offered vision and awareness but lost out in thuggish first half as space cut off brutally 7/10 | 8 | Sweatridge - Will realise what the problem was and in this game his defensive qualities left bigger gap than usual 6/10 | 9 | Fergie - Nothing wrong but nothing exceptional in a game that didn't suit his temparament 7/10 | 10 | Barman - Ran and harried, called and offered and almost sparked off a revival but no real support 8/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Met force with force and kept on trying to break it open but didn't quite work himself into space 7/10 | 12 | Moonwalker - Debut appearance and touches showed his potential to have psoitive role in team 7/10 | 13 | Horseshoe - Came on late and ran about causing some chaos that was much appreciated by tiring team 7/10 | 14 | Punty - Early entrance saw an energetic and commited game that spoke of break from game and need to play more 7/10 | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - |
Pakefield Re-United v. Lowestoft International (League) (Saturday 6th February 2010) A slow start in the changing room as the kit was delayed, because a harassed Cheesey finally turned up at just before 2:00pm, could have easily have been transferred on to the pitch following the disappointment of last week. What happened seemed to fall between two stools, as was to be the case throughout the match. Chances were quickly created, New Town blazed a fine chance just wide; Dwave skimmed one just over from one of the numerous corners; Fergie was husterling and bustling and skipping in close; would the scoreboard start to click over? LI weren't really threatening much either so it was Pakefield who had to break the game open, get a pattern established, make their mark... and not through some of the bullish tackles both teams were experiencing in the first quarter! So when Soz rose and headed home at a corner the whining and bickering that rose up was symptomatic of the tenor of the game as the pattern that was established and was for some more than dubious calls by the LI "Linesman", loud exclamations of surprise and disbelief from Pakefield and a Referee who seemed to be struggling in the haze and haar in seeing the nibbles and pulls that now seemed to be a part of every tackle. New Town and Dwave were spinning and passing but couldn't get a complete grip on a busy and congested midfield. The ball wasn't sticking to Sweatridge's feet in the normal way but some passes prised open the half chance that spun away of a retreating defender for another corner. Ultimately it was another bizarre episode that saw Pakefield score their second goal. Barman broke swiftly down the left and the ball was pushed back across the goal and went in somehow. Own goal? Toe poke by Barman? Why did the keeper stop? Nevermind on we go! Then Fergie thought he'd been caught late and went looking for retribution and his tackle certainly earned a yellow but it could easily have been more... the end of a scrappy half soon followed. The second half didn't really improve on matters with control of the ball still being difficult' and support in midfield getting pulled away, and people staying tight to the tackle, and the ball pinging around and away in a harum scarum way. Some moves came together and initially favoured Pakefield. Yet LI soon had a breakout that needed Boris to be alert and then the defence was pushed back, the ball went back, and the shot from LI left Boris flat footed as it looped into the top corner. So how would Pakefield respond? Rocket and Fergie seemed to come together on the right to put pressure on the LI backline; "offside" was finally taken out of the equation and a break away saw Fergie slot one home. Then shortly afterwards another break down the right, slip inside and return pass saw Rocket score another. The end of the scoring. So what else had been happening in the game? Well Jan leaving to attend some bash or other saw a hobbling Beagle answer the call and coming on at leftback achieved a landmark of his 100th game for Pakefield Re-United; his bruised knee spoke of him being better off resting but he wouldn't let anybody down and this was no exception. ...and then there was Boris! A ball collected and a quick throw left was launched... back towards the goal and when fortunately collected the kick away was awful! ...and so it continued as each throw seemed to give a new version - a missile skimming wide of Tillsy, another straight to LI, a kick that went nowhere! Fortunately these throws and kicks were coming after everything else seemed to stick to the gloves! No wonder Dippy went quiet, very quiet... but Boris rode his luck and the team got enough momentum to get past what has often been a tricky game for Pakefield with an important win! TEAM: Becker, Kay, Tills, Soz, Chapman (Graham), Stephenson, Harlow, Attridge, Lees, Hone (Coote), Sutcliffe RESULT: Won 4 - 1 GOALS: Soz, OG, Sutcliffe, Stephenson COMEDY VALUE: Throws and Kicks... SATURDAY Pakefield Re-United v. Lowestoft International | Arrival Time – Planned: 13:45 Actual: 13:58 ... 'cos we didn't need the kit! | RESULT: Won 4-1 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Distribution was woeful, didn't move for the LI goal but it could have been a lot worse take your pick for score... 6 or 9/10 | 2 | Catelogue - Nearly squeezed one past Boris, "walked through" a couple of players and did what was required in game 8/10 | 3 | Soz - Less the solid intervention and more the well timed sweeper he made a significant impact on final outcome 9/10 | 4 |
Tillsy - Worked well in this latest partnership, one tackle when LI 3-on-1 summed up his importance as timing was superb 8/10 | 5 | Jan - Looking for overlap, probing crosses and inside passes and eager for impact before departure, while still tackling back 8/10 | 6 | Rocket - Stayed wide, always offered for outlet, his control was best of the day and goal well taken but still edged off ball 8/10 | 7 | Cheesey - Not the energy of last week or the quality in final ball but kept battling and the midfiled open to move ball on 7/10 | 8 | Sweatridge - Control difficult even for him! Still laid on some telling passes while still not at fluent best 8/10 | 9 | New Town - There or there abouts in few highlights from match he just lacked a finish to make it to "Top Dog" again 8/10 | 10 | Barman - Had some nice breaks, got in some telling crosses that just needed finishing off but seemed out of sorts otherwise 7/10 | 11 | Fergie - Finally "beat" the offside trap for well taken goal and kept running all game for best all round game of the year 8/10 | 12 | Moorhen - Came on and popped up in all corners of the park for some telling tackles and blocks at the back!! 7/10 | 13 | Beagle - Answered the call, again, when perhaps a week off would have been more benefit he shored up left late on 7/10 | 14 | | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - "Manager's Scores" are available on "Manager's Bits" and show just how little the Editor does see during the game!! |
Pakefield Re-United v. AFC Brickmakers (Cup) (Saturday 30th January 2010) Over the last few weeks the pace and focus of the season has changed for Pakefield Re-United which saw the impact of several events come together and finally see the end of the unbeaten start to the campaign. Daft's unfortunate injury in the previous round meant the team was stripped of his experience and focus in defence; Bambi also suffered a cruel blow during the week with a knee injury that may keep him sidelined for months; this followed on from Rabbit's injury last week that seems to leave him sidelined, again possibly for months not weeks; then business commitments saw Moorhen and Sweatridge unable to travel for this tie. While not the heart of the team it was a backbone on which much of the success of the season could be built from. So even though a team came together that last year we would have been pleased to start a match with it didn't quite ring true... It all started so well though as the first ten minutes of the match saw several good chances fall to Pakefield. Yet even here the theme of the game seemed to be set; while seeming to be good chances they didn't fall cleanly to any one player who was set or clear and were then scrambled away, or went high and wide, or straight at the defender and keeper. Boris would have nothing to do for the first half as the defence stood firm but it was these spurned chances, and attacks that weren't accurate enough, that would see Pakefield fail to score for the first time this year. Injuries would also play their part in the game and these also occurred during this half; Beagle over extended his knee and Boris would do himself a mischief during the warm up that would see him limp off after 90 minutes. Brickmakers did threaten more in the second half and Boris had to deal with two or three good chances but these were taking their toll on his ability to move, even to stay standing. Yet it was still the missing of passes and chances by Pakefield that saw the the game draw to a close with no goals for either side. Now it would be Beagle that took over in goal and when Haystack was adjudged to have given away a soft freekick and the ball came over across the goal two seconds saw the game lost. A parry down, a bobble away to the feet of the Brickmaker's attacker and a firm half volley home was a parody of what Beagle has brought to the team this year but it was done... Even though Pakefield pushed forward either a dubious flag (Theme of the day number two...) or an outstretched foot took the ball away from the opposition goal. Beagle did pull off two excellent saves to keep the game alive, and even in the dying seconds chances were still being created but it was not to be. Cheesey had run himself into the ground trying to force the game, Haystack had stepped up and always willingly put himself about and nobody at the back did anything wrong. It just didn't click; Rocket didn't find the run and break, Barman did everything but score, New Town was sniffing and probing but nothing opened up, and Fergie was there or there abouts but again the openings were never clear cut. Headers without power, scuffed shots and slight deflections that just went wide... It's been a great start to the season and now it needs character and heart to get through the next few weeks; it looks like no Centurions will be made up over the next few weeks and everybody will need to come together to get back on track. At least signs of this were apparent in the trip back to Lowestoft. The banter was there, yet even though cutting and too the point it was supportive, and that of mates who can get this right and push on, together. Good luck Brickmakers but I bet they don't even realise how much they were handed a "Get out of jail free" card... TEAM: Becker (Scriggins), Kay (Punter), Tills, Graham, Chapman, Stephenson, Harlow, Haylock, Lees, Hone, Sutcliffe RESULT: Lost 1-0 (AET) GOALS: COMEDY VALUE: Jelly Halliwell, Journey home was very "PC"!!! SATURDAY Pakefield Re-United v. AFC Brickmakers | Arrival Time – Planned: 11:15 Actual: 11:42 as Punty lost his shinpads | RESULT: Lost 1-0 (AET) |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Did everything that was asked of him without ever being busy until had to give way to injury at end of normal time 7/10 | 2 | Catelogue - Never really got into top gear and while not doing anything wrong didn't bring anything to the party in attack 6/10 | 3 | Beagle - Played through the pain for much of the game and stood in for Boris at the end with two fine saves...the rest? 8/10 | 4 |
Tillsy - Mr Consistent saw him play his part providing a solid defence should have been used more going forward 8/10 | 5 | Jan - Another quiet game that seemed to be symptomatic of the team; things didn't quite click and product just not there 7/10 | 6 | Rocket - Moment in the game when he was bossed off the ball and out wide and just couldn't deliver that telling cross 7/10 | 7 | Cheesey - Worked continuously to try and force something to go right he never stopped running or looking for final chance 9/10 | 8 | Haystack - Answered the call to step in and just seemed to be yard short of breaking the game open with clean pass 7/10 | 9 | New Town - Possibly quietest game this year, he seemed to miss the space others have been creating for him to attack 8/10 | 10 | Barman - One run summed up day for team; fantastic 70 yard counter-attack, driving into box and sidefooted to keeper 8/10 | 11 | Fergie - Stepped up to play the "lone ranger" and while doing nothing wrong it just wouldn't fall for a clean strike 8/10 | 12 | Deckhand - Came on for extra time and again it was the final pass that was seen & didn't quite... that summed up game 7/10 | 13 | Punty - Fast and frantic his energy nearly broke the game open for Pakefield but again wouldn't fall just right 7/10 | 14 | | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - Must have hoped 10 minutes at the start would have started team on the road to a win but didn't work out due to injuries and absentees... |
CAPTION CONTEST - Send you entries to... "Dwave appeals to his massed fans" "Shake that booty thang!" Pakefield Re-United v. Corton "A" (League) (Saturday 23rd January 2010) It takes energy to write these reports and after the emotional day endured yesterday that seems in short supply... apologies must be made but I confess I didn't really see much of the game, at least so I've been told! However, Pakefield Re-United will be pleased to have secured the points and can move on to the next hurdle after beating an obdurate and well supported Corton "A" yesterday. The goals that were scored by Pakefield, apart from a flukey first that skimmed off Tillsy's head as he stood rock solid at the near post for a corner and was taken by surprise, were all created with skill and pace which is why Dippy could be forgiven for doing his nut on the sidelines. At least that's why I think he was doing his nut as nothing else was really happening to provoke him to such long and sustained bouts of displeasure with what was happening on the pitch. Pakefield weren't at their best and rarely seemed to be able to change out of second gear and low differential, and made a molehill into a mountain. However, there were bright spots scattered throughout the game; Rockets run from a quick throw out by Boris and his subtle inside pass that Sweatridge fed out wide for a fine cross by Bambi and solid finish by Barman was one; again Rockets drive to the goal line, cross and the salmon like leap and header by Sweatridge was another; the swift and clinical move that saw Moorhen header home at the beginning of the second half might well be the best of them all. Yet it never seemed satisfying and this owed much to the atmosphere engendered to the game by the official, one of confrontation, aggression and as poor a display of man-management as anybody could be expected to tolerate no matter what the level of the game. Enough said? Probably... should the Corton goals be described? Possibly... but my energy reserves have been depleted and I'd rather remember the positives, and having won the game I really enjoyed the "Fathers and Sons" event afterwards at the Dutchman's and elsewhere into the night - read about it on the home page!!! TEAM: Becker, Kay, Tills, Lees, Chapman, Stephenson, Attridge, Harvey (Harlow), Michalski, Hone, Coote (Sciggins) RESULT: Won 4-2 GOALS: Tills, Hone, Attridge, Coote COMEDY VALUE: Limited, very limited but we tried to smile and still got... SATURDAY Pakefield Re-United v. Corton "A" | Arrival Time – Planned: 13:15 Actual: 13:42 as Dwave was "Doing Lunch"! | RESULT: Won 4-2 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Booked in with Knightsy as his vision has obviously deteriorated, he will feel aggrieved about both goals 7/10 | 2 | Catelogue - Solid citizen at back without as much time or space to make real telling break it was still a good game 8/10 | 3 | Cheesey - Smart enough to do what was required but seemed to fluff his lines on the odd ball yet contribution was amusing 8/10 | 4 |
Tillsy - Different partner at the back but played his part in making sure Boris had little to do & played ball away well 8/10 | 5 | Jan - Break took yard off his pace which limited contribution when going forward but until comedy moment rock at back 8/10 | 6 | Rocket - Came into game in second half with some telling runs and crosses and this was form needed week in, week out 8/10 | 7 | Rabbit - Asked to do a job and his tackling and covering gave target for defence to close down on, unlucky knock late on 8/10 | 8 | Sweatridge - Not as fluent as previous week but still the creator he seemed to miss his partner pulling him back into place 8/10 | 9 | Bambi - For his high standards had a quiet first half but certainly livened things up in attack and defence in the second 9/10 | 10 | Barman - Left isolated when he should have been used more he still played his part and threatened much, and delivered! 9/10 | 11 | Moorhen - playing back to the midfield was top notch and was in place to take his chances another solid display all round 8/10 | 12 | Deckhand - Brought on to provide some common sense at the end of the game his short opportunity still showed his class 8/10 | 13 | New Town - Cameo required when Rabbit tookm knock he instantly seemed to pep up team and create more options 8/10 | 14 | | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - Can't have enjoyed game for many reasons but will still take points and pleased to keep run going; decisions are now piling up for next week |
Saturday 23rd January 2010 Pakefield Re-United v. Corton "A" (League) Won 4-2 but better than that...! Saturday saw the inaugural “Fathers and Sons” Gala at The Dutchman's…  Alanis provided the sound track, the weather was marshmallow skies and we were all fortified by mushroom pie and herbal tea as the Magic Rabbit huffed and puffed to keep everybody happy… Dwave lost out narrowly as he was disqualified from “Charades” while trying to show “Far from the Madding Crowd” for giving too many clues, but was still booked by the local “am’dram” society for their next performance of “Doctor Doolittle”… The "Fat Controller" was delighted in his pedantic application of the flag control around New Town as the trains collided in a self-satisfying way... Catelogue did well in the "Spelling Bee" missing out the pitfalls of puerile and penile and then winning with a synonym for banque... Boris performed at his best in “Blind Man’s Bluff” but also lost out because he couldn’t see anything without realising that was part of the game… Best “Fancy Dress” was a tough decision but finally went to Dippy’s version of a Dumb Waiter, but it was a narrow thing against a visiting Genghis Khan… Jan tried hard but nobody believed Ryan was his son as he desperately tried to convince everybody by hugging him whenever he got the chance… and Crafty was left sitting in his chair watching Beagle getting beaten in a swimming race by his two-year-old daughter but that's in another "fairy story" without any wicked "Warlocks"! Tillsy lost out on musical statues when Barman was judged to have grabbed everbody and anybody to pull them off balance... …and the band continued to play!! Pakefield Re-United v. Haughley United Res. (Cup) (Saturday 16th January 2010)  After the long lay off for Christmas and weather related postponements, some being called off later than others, the Pakefield "Band of Brothers" came together at a windswept and rainy Normanston for the Suffolk Primary Cup game against Haughley United Reserves. As had been noted this side had been unbeaten all last season in their league and compiled a very significant goal difference; a tough game was envisaged and Dippy was eager to get the focus right. As the picture shows it was tough but unfortunately in some cases for the wrong reasons...
Dippy's main focus was to use the quick outlet, passing and moving and use the counter attack to bring the "Youth Team" into full flight. It was to use the experience and set up of the defensive unit to respond to any pressure and release Pakefield forward. So when Crafty controlled a ball and passed back to Tillsy it was working, right up until Crafty was left shaking with pain and shock having been scythed down from behind with a rash and brutal late tackle. What happened next is this team... Everybody came together as Dippy looked after Daft; opinions expressed, options considered but when Tillsy called it and moved into the center and Catelogue took left back it was the final comment frrom Cheesey that was enough "that's another reason to do this game!" Yes, New Town missed his header, Moorhen tucked it wide and Cheesey felt aggrieved to miss his handful of chances, but they had been created and the team was beginning to work the turkey out of their system. Sweatridge was beginning to purr and the ball was moving freely across and up the pitch. The Haughley response was forthright and physical and led to the first Pakefield goal. Barman looked to have been released on the left but was hauled down and the yellow card came out. His lofted cross/shot was then sheperded superbly past and over the keeper by the busy Moorhen. At the back Pakefield rode their luck in the few chances Haughley got. Beagle made up for Boris going walkabout as he did enough to get a header sent onto the bar; a chance was blazed over when a free kick wasn't dealt with but apart from this only long range shots were snaffled up or blocked by the defensive unit with Rabbit and Catelogue always offering an outlet to get a counterattack going. So there was a real sense of satisfaction, after the brief and cold halftime, when Haughley kicked off, lost the ball and Sweatridge took control. His surging run took him past two players and close to the Haughley area about 30 yards out. The uncharitable will say what happened next was only because he couldn't run any further but his chip was perfect and arched up over the stranded keeper and into the top right hand corner of the net! From then on it was Pakefield playing their game, Haughley reduced to chasing players who were working the space and angles, and then only able to catch them late. One move midway through the half saw Rabbit released down the right as an attack was broken up. His pass saw Rocket (recently brought on for the "blue balled" Moorhen) take the ball on and swing the ball back into the centre where the supporting Sweatridge controlled, swivelled and released New Town to feed Barman for yet another surging run and cross from the left. Bambi had been lopping up in support and his side footed finish saw the whole pitch used to score a fine team goal. Defence turned into attack with flair and commitment. Nobody shirked their jobs, nobody stepped back as the late tackles led to another Haughley yellow card as Cheesey was cut down cynically from behind (...along with PG, New Town, Rabbit, Catelogue, Bambi, Boris...). The last goal was also scored after another extended period of Pakefield passing, moving, switching and supporting, and saw Sweatridge bag his brace with another sweet finish. Clean sheet for the defence and job done by a surging midfield. So with Crafty in his slippers, ankle swollen and the majority of the team around him at "The Dutchman's" it was left to Tillsy to mercilessly take the proverbial with a priceless "Needs to work on his first touch". It will be a sad note for the season if Daft doesn't get back to play this year but the team won't forget or let that stop what we have this year, shown in spades during this game. It's a blow but we know the crutches will be waving on the sideline if a quick recovery isn't possible. TEAM: Becker, Harvey, Graham, Craft (Kay), Tills, Michalski, Lees, Attridge, Harlow, Hone, Coote (Stephenson) RESULT: Won 4-0 GOALS: Hone, Michalski, Attridge (x2) COMEDY VALUE: Tillsy baiting poor Crafty and Sweatridge and his Liverpool kit impression after the showers... SATURDAY Pakefield Re-United v. Haughley United (Res.) | Arrival Time – Planned: 12:40 Actual: 13:02 as crossing patrol not on duty! | RESULT: Won 4-0 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Walkabout first half wasn't the right decision, smothering and blocking throughout was, and overall played his part 7/10 | 2 | Rabbit - Harried and tackled all afternoon and then sprung forward to start numerous attacks in a full on display 9/10 | 3 | Beagle - Rising high above those around him, covering across and harrying back he was at the heart of the team 9/10 | 4 |
Daft - Even sat in the car you could feel his effect on the team after the awful injury in the first five minutes; Heart/10 | 5 | Tillsy - Made the blocks, seemed to relish physical challenge and bossed anybody silly enough to get too close 8/10 | 6 | Bambi - Spun and hacked, flicked and kicked he kept his focus and made some telling interventions in attack and defence 8/10 | 7 | Cheesey - Blink and you sometimes missed his touch on, shot or pass but no doubting his role as enforcer in midfield 9/10 | 8 | Sweatridge - Switching, chipping, pin-point passing and two goals? Oiled the cogs and got the machine working 10/10 | 9 | New Town - Physical prescence is growing and with Cheesey allows others to play game but also always threatening 9/10 | 10 | Barman - Ran at his man from the first and scared the defence all afternoon in a superb all round display vital to team 9/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Bull at the heart of the attack he bought the time and space for those around him and threatened to score 8/10 | 12 | Catelogue - Early call might have tested holiday fitness regime but solidity was more in the space he took from Haughley 8/10 | 13 | Rocket - Cameo summed up by run and pass for third goal, was instantly an outlet and threat out wide at important stage 8/10 | 14 | | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - No doubting his desire it was infectious and got team focused from the start; heart on his sleeve he felt every late tackle but still made the calls needed |
 Game Awarded to Pakefield Re-United There are certain games you want to play... look forward to... want to be there for... and now there is "shopping"!! The message came late on Friday, after what must have been as intensive a diplomatic "tooing and froing" as being seen in Copenhagen, that the game against Crusaders was off; "Failure to raise a team - 1 - 0 to Pakefield awarded" There have been times in the past when a small, very small, "Band of Brothers" from Pakefield Re-United have come together to meet their commitments, play the game, get it done! Trips to darkest Stowmarket (Eight men and a very shaggy dog), and Ellingham (Nine men, and we wish we'd left the Catelogue shopping... missing a sitter for 5 - 5!) spring to mind, yet we haven't failed to meet our teams obligations, our commitments to those who also give of their time every Saturday. It's even been better than that as seen by the "Ten Bungay Warriors" who turned in a "Stella" performance last year. So even if a bunch of "Eleven Logs" had been on the pitch it would have been more in the festive spirit! ...and I will freely apologise if this is due to bubonic plague or mass suicide but where is the commitment these days?!? Well at least we had last Saturday night with the "Twelve Men and their Golden Rings" to get rid of some of that pent up agression... calm down, Boris!! ...and I must apologise for the trauma of the festive theme underlying this editorial! The day dawned... outfits were checked... kit packed...Rock Star - Come as you are! Saturday 12th December 2009...the last game up until yesterday! Pakefield Re-United v. Suffolk Punch (League) (12th December 2009) Dippy was obviously up for it if his arrival time was anything to go by, and as the gang came together it was the sound of banter and good cheer (EDITOR: connected to the alcoholic breath content of several team members no doubt!) that filled the changing room. Boris was the center of most of it as his "Rick Astley" was noticed and poor Johnny lost the plot; people were getting excited about the night to come but still wanted to get the game underway. Would "The Run" continue...? The game itself panned out as a solid defensive display by Pakefield, punctuated with flashes of swift attacking flair and thuggish tackling from Suffolk Punch. The SPs approach was obviously a reflection of their personality and need to prove themselves but the result spoke of a strong sense of discipline and purpose from the Pakefield team. That this behaviour by Suffolk Punch was mostly unseen (...Being charitable) or ignored (...Being cynical) by the referee meant this self-discipline was needed if they were to get anything from the game. It eventually came down to two key areas; firstly the quality of New Town and the "Youth Club" going forward only needs the tiniest of opportunities to creat space for some quality finishing, and secondly the quality of the defensive unit's orgainisation, led by Daft again, which was able to snuff out any threat and keep the game away from Boris so he couldn't injure too many of his fellow team mates. Well almost...!! The goals came in each half and were, as already mentioned, both quality moves that shifted back and forth across the pitch pulling the defence every which way creating time and space for New Town to find the net with a firm drive, and then a side foot tap in. Between these two "Full Stops" were episodes of deleted expletives and exclamation marks as SPs elbows, knees, and hands all found contact with various, and disturbing, parts of the anatomy of most of the Pakefield team. Like most bullies though SPs volatile element kept away from those with the nouse and capacity to deal with it, and these Pakefield yeomanry were more than capable enough to create the space for Pakefield to keep playing football; special praise in this regard goes to Daft and Cheesey. So a win was secured and the focus switched to wards the "Club Night" and here the news must wait for reports to filter back... only a claim of disrupted sleep due to elephantine snoring has so far been forwarded and that is both libellous and erroneous! Believe it was a good night though...! TEAM: Becker,Chapman(Graham),Craft,Tills,Harvey,Stephenson,Harlow,Lees,Attridge,Hone(Michalski),Coote(Sutcliffe) RESULT: Won 2 - 0 GOALS: Harlow (x2) COMEDY VALUE: SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER 2009 Pakefield Re-United v. Suffolk Punch (League) | Arrival Time – Planned: 13:15 Actual: 12:30 for Dippy!! | RESULT: Won 2 - 0 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Sharp save saw ball come back of bar in first half when game could still have gone either way; solid otherwise 8/10 | 2 | Rabbit - In control of foraging left wing and gave bite when needed, or at least judo practise for thug in midfield! 8/10 | 3 | Tillsy - Started in centre and worked well with Daft and moved onto right when Jan left field with bloodied mouth 8/10 | 4 |
Daft - Marshalled the defence and then gave a magnificent performance on his welcome return; the heart of team 10/10 | 5 | Jan Molby - Played well within himself and was outlet as midfield got a bit feisty; paid price with a cheap elbow into face 7/10 | 6 | Rocket - Took on man and taunted him inside and out; rode some harsh tackles and seemed really up for game 8/10 | 7 | New Town - "Out and about and man about town" saw a suave, high-energy performance and two well taken goals 9/10 | 8 | Sweatridge - seemed to track Cheesey and New Town too closely and only when he found his own space was he good 7/10 | 9 | Cheesey - Solid citizen of midfield and with strength and experience to deal with thuggish behaviour of SP "Markers" 8/10 | 10 | Barman - Some "Tricky Dicky" runs and good links into Moorhen and New Town cut short by overused groin we are told 7/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Worked hard at disrupting, forraying and confusing a static defence, leaving space for New Town to exploit 8/10 | 12 | Fergie - Lacked physical prescence to carry on when he replaced Moorhen but was able to pull defence wider wasting time 7/10 | 13 | Beagle - Gave up starting place and then came on and slotted straight back into rythmn with Daft to lock out game 8/10 | 14 | Bambi - On at half time and then kept defence honest with tricks and flicks he just lacked the fitness to really push on 8/10 | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - Made some tough calls and kept tone focused on outcome he has a lot to thank Catelogue for since by being there and ready he gave other options from the bench. 9/10 |
Pakefield Re-United v. Corton "A" (League) (5th December 2009)  Best thing about this match was laying too rest the 12 - 2 reversal from last season and securing the 3 points but that was still touch and go, and very ugly in the doing!! Certainly the dressing room rang to some very cutting comments as the shirt situation became fully understood but that hilarity was short lived. People seemed distracted and aware of absent friends... draw on next week and let's hope we can get back to a better all-round team performance.
Who did qualify for the "Ugly Bug Ball" next week...?!? TEAM: Becker,Chapman,Graham,Tills,Harvey,Stephenson(Michalski),Harlow,Lees,Attridge(Kay),Hone,Coote(Sutcliffe) RESULT: Won 3 - 1 GOALS: Coote, Attridge, Harlow COMEDY VALUE: DHS Shirts on Tillsy and Catelogue, Talk about "tranny websites" and the search for shoes!! SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER 2009 Pakefield Re-United v. Corton "A" (League) | Arrival Time – Planned: 13:15 Actual: 13:34...something to do with trains?! | RESULT: Won 3 - 1 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Nothing really wrong with performance and no fault with goal but never really comfortable with game 7/10 | 2 | Rabbit - Mumbling and grumbling he still gave little away and when pushed forward stiffened up the midfield in final push 8/10 | 3 | Tillsy - Shown up for pace a couple of times and yet still able to coax a defensive performance out of changed back four 7/10 | 4 |
Beagle - While his partner in crime was missing he needed to be at his best and apart from slip for goal he nearly was 8/10 | 5 | Jan Molby - solid and reliable in both attack and defence he obviously prefers the left; best game this year 9/10 | 6 | Rocket - First half saw some deft touches and telling cross for Moorhens goal; quieter in second half but decent game 8/10 | 7 | New Town - Not as visible as in earlier games and didn't make the same overall impact he looked under-the-weather 7/10 | 8 | Sweatridge - Always able to get in the telling pass, made effort tracking back but not at fluent best as ball stuck in mud 8/10 | 9 | Cheesey - Vital block late in game summed it up as he was there or there abouts but not at fluent best but kept going 8/10 | 10 | Barman - When used he was a real threat and was running for fun at the back line and pushed for "Top Dog" 9/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Super header for first goal but memories of "squirrel hunting" seemed to rule out hope of good game 7/10 | 12 | Fergie - Came on later than usual and didn't get a real chance or make a run but caused a nuisance and helped secure win 7/10 | 13 | Catelogue - Came on and was safe and reliable, making some good passes and offering to link with midfield 7/10 | 14 | Bambi - Obviously suffering from recent illness although few touches still showed his real class 7/10 | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - Blood pressure must have suffered and got tongue tied telling it how it was at half-time! 9/10 |
Talking of Cups...we've drawn Haughley United Res. on 9th January (Last year they won their league... P22 W22 GD67... looking forward to it!! This is then followed by Great Yarmouth Town Hall on the 16th January; just keeps getting better considering the Christmas we're all likely to enjoy!!) 100 Not Out!! ...and the're ALL still thinking of us!! "Well, what can I say boys..apart from I WILL definitely be there this weekend to watch (famous last words that I remember speaking many many MANY times UNTIL the night before took hold!!) 100 games as the MIGHTY Re-United, and still strong as ever (well since Dippy decided not too play :)) ONLY joking Dippy) I would LOVE to know the combined age of the team since quite alot of you are pushing 40...YES thats you Dwave!! Perhaps you should run a comp to guess.....mine would be 327!! I have NO doubt in my mind that 'Fat Bloke' has been to every game whether it be in mind or spirit (or the Pub!!) and he will be SO impressed on how you chaps have kept it all together be it on or off the pitch (just as important) FRIENDS, MATES, BUDDYS, maybe LOVERS forever (thats you Mr Kay..I know how much you like the showers after the game!!) Well I must get back to watching Pakefield DODGERS win the local LA baseball league!!! NOT!!...But Seriously men I MISS you ALL, I could not have wished to met such a friendly fantastic group of c##ks who took me under their wing when the legend Lenwardo Sampson brought me to the "Trowel and Hammer" for the first Sunday session of my career..AND what a CAREER (thanks Crafty)...CANNOT wait to catch up soon...FABIO XX"  Pakefield Re-United v. Lowestoft International (Cup) (28th November 2009) Will there be a bit more fight on the 100th competitive game for Pakefield Re-united?!? I think people will have their own answers to that question but right from the banter in the changing room to Beagle getting slightly flustered doing the paperwork the atmosphere was there for a totally different performance from last week. Warm up was curtailed for the team photo and it's nice to report that International joined in the festivities. Now all I need to do is find the download cable to get hold of the pictures! The game got started and International quickly created two good chances and shots towards goal, which narrowly missed, before Pakefield got going. Once they did though the pace and accuracy of their approach play was as good as anything they've produced this year; Barman was the first to benefit on 20 minutes with a quick break seeing him driving into the box and finishing powerfully at the near post. A short while later, and again having absorbed pressure at the back the ball was picked up by Bambi just past the halfway line. His powerful drive, quick feet and excellent balance and awareness of the defenders saw him scoring the second. Again it only took another five minutes before New Town did something similar, having been released by the hard working Moorhen with a deft control and lay-off, although this time he also managed to sit the goal keeper down (Possibly by turning sideways on so the keeper didn't see his shimmy to the left). So the half was drawing to a close with the momentum firmly with Pakefield. The defence and midfield had been superb in chaperoning the elusive International attack with Daft, Cheesey and Rabbit in the forefront. However, International contrived one clear chance with virtually the last kick of the half which was smartly turned wide by Boris, who was still muttering about "That ba****d of a ridge" after the match. Still it meant that shortly into the second half, as Pakefield regained their focus and momentum under Dippy's growls and shouts, we were to see another fine example of Bambi's shooting skills as he drove home the fourth. The game then continued through a relatively quiet spell until International created another quick drive and slipped a player free of the Pakefield defence. His shot was true and beyond Boris into the bottom right hand corner. This led to the final act of the game; Rocket had already replaced Moorhen and created a few good chances but it was Bambi who then made way for Dippy to come on. His first touch nearly fell for a clear chance, his next nearly released Barman, and then the foul in the box and a penalty! Up strode Dippy and with great aplomb, a firm hit and great accuracy he sent the ball into the bottom left hand corner for Number Five! As the whistle blew shortly after this it was a happy bunch of mates and friends who enjoyed the banter and match review at The Dutchman's; the "Tranny Count" has increased, Sweatridge looked shocked at the recent birth of Lacey, and all in all it was a very satisfying beer after a much better performance all round! TEAM: Becker, Chapman, Craft, Graham, Tills, Harvey, Michalski (Dale), Harlow, Lees, Hone, Coote (Stephenson) RESULT: Won 5 - 1 GOALS: Hone, Michalski (x2), Harlow, Dale COMEDY VALUE: "Storm Tent", 'Trick avoidance by Bambi! Penalty routine... SATURDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2009 Pakefield Re-United v. Lowestoft International (Cup) | Arrival Time – Planned: 12:45 Actual: 13:16...if you're Beagle!! | RESULT: Won 5 - 1 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Teased Dippy late into game with "open legs" but late first half save maintained momentum for team 8/10 | 2 | Tillsy - Broad shoulders, experience and a big arse meant there was little space to get past him on the left 9/10 | 3 | Daft - Seemed to revel in tactical challenge and whole ethos of game and played with a smile unless near Boris 9/10 | 4 |
Beagle - While his partner in crime was having a good one he wasn't far behind - kept putting head in dangerous places 9/10 | 5 | Jan Molby - Had fun opening u to his trude feelings on the right but kept it tight and offered a lot going forward 9/10 | 6 | Cheesey - Back from injury and playing a more limited role he made a big difference in plugging gaps and going forward 9/10 | 7 | Bambi - Offered much more in the first half and 'Trick avoidance routine with Dippy has been noted for future pain 9/10 | 8 | Rabbit - Best game of the year saw him breaking up runs, tackling hard and pressing forward to support 9/10 | 9 | New Town - Ran on and on right to the end and had speed and skill to waltz in for an excellent goal sitting keeper down 9/10 | 10 | Barman - One option going forward and kept going all the way; goal looked good and support of Moorhen excellent 9/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Had the ball to create the chances and it always seemed to be going right to the supporting players 9/10 | 12 | Rocket - Seemed to get himself in order early doors and then showed real confidence in going forward and tackling 9/10 | 13 | Dippy - Changed and ready to go he didn't sacrificed his chance to maintain the teams momentum and scored penalty?!? 9/10 | 14 | Team Spirit - Turned up for a dramatic performance and changed whole nature of the game! Superb!! 10/10 | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - Will surely feel the pleasure! 9/10 |
Pakefield Reunited to reach milestone in match against Lowestoft International on Saturday 28th November 2009!! Just over three years ago, on the 2nd September 2006, the first competitive game was played by Pakefield Reunited against Oxford Arms Reserves, which was won 3 - 1, and thus started a journey that will see the club play its 100th competitive game this coming Saturday. The reason for the formation of the club can still be seen printed on the shirt and also in the strong friendships at the heart of the current team. Certainly players have come and gone but even here faces turn up on the touch line that say the clubs core values are still as strong as ever. Luckily a "Youth Section" has joined that at least keeps the average age closer to 30 than 40! Certainly these core values stand out in never quitting even when the odds are stacked against you. Some will remember the last few games of the second season when injury ravaged and depleted teams made sure we met our commitments, and the impact that personal circumstances had on key players and the way the team responded so positively. Here's hoping this spirit will be seen throughout the rest of this season and certainly in the cup game this Saturday... your own comments would certainly be welcome regarding these last few years!  "The 100th game. Well I would not have believed it! Only a season or two we said... Some of the moments have been tough, but most of all the old Pakefield spirit is still there. My father would be proud to see all the old faces still playing, enjoying each others company, scoring great goals, digging in, making friends of opponents or dismissing the arseholes (poor Gerald from Beccles Caxton) and then ripping the shit out of each other without a care or malice. Only those who don't understand the simple enjoyment of being part of it fall aside. I have loved my 27th season with Pakefield inspite of having a fat twat of a manager who might yet play a game in his 28th season. The amusement of PG's lip, Boris' catching or calling, Sutcliffe's status, a Fiancé with a sidelined wedding planner, Chapmans "mid-twenties" sprints, Coote's finishes and "squirrel bashing" and of course the new signings that have brought a breath of fresh air. They are also raw meat for a good ripping! Lets hope the 100th game re-ignites us all and I can't wait for the night out with at least 7 trannies!!"
Cheers... Crafty Pakefield Re-United v. Hopton White Hart (League) (21st November 2009) What happened? Dippy sounded concerned as the warm up progressed and far from the sparky and fun filled changing room of last weekend it was all a bit flat and subdued. Never-the-less with Pakefield's history against White Hart we should have known what was coming. Weak refereeing last year saw a prickly and uncomfortable day and a very narrow win as Hart showed just that. This was to prove no different apart from the final result of that game. Hart were spikey in the tackle, hunting the ball down with more energy than Pakefield, and supporting the ref well in all his decisions. Apart from the odd flash of the more usual passing and quick counter-attacking play Pakefield were lacklustre and devoid of ideas and found it hard to control and move the ball with any fluency. The result could easily have been a comfortable win for Hart! Only a list of scuffed blocks, woodwork and good luck let Pakefield seemingly sneak a point.  Barman did score a looping volley from outside the box (...but the complaint here was a flat ball); and Daft and Beagle were bigger than a Double-D M&S bra in holding up a sagging top half; and Moorhen did keep bashing away (...but drew a few stares as the player left the pitch); and Boris huffed and puffed up the hill trying to get things moving (...but luckily had his ball magnets in his pockets as chance after chance bounced on him rather than past him) but it just never really happened. There was a chance for Moorhen to extend the lead but it passed him by as he saw the ball pushed wide... a good save low and right saw the Hart goal remain intact when another goal might have changed the final result... it just never happened.
So how will we respond next week? Was it true that some "old heads" actually said we missed Sweatridge? Will we finally catch up with the ball next week? Will there be a bit more fight on the 100th competitive game for Pakefield Re-united?!? TEAM: Becker, Harvey, Craft, Graham, Kay, Stephenson (Chapman), Michalski, Harlow, Hone, Coote RESULT: Drew 1 - 1 GOALS: Hone COMEDY VALUE: Struggling... SATURDAY 21st NOVEMBER 2009 Pakefield Re-United v. Hopton White Hart (League) | Arrival Time – Planned: 13:15 Actual: 13:26...!! | RESULT: Drew 1 - 1 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Until the 89 minute when finally beaten had just enough, including woodwork, to keep the goal intact - more by luck! 7/10 | 2 | Rabbit - Hung back a bit after being clobbered by Boris but still put in some telling tackles and fed ball forward quickly 7/10 | 3 | Daft - Had to be at his best for Pakefield when they were playing this way, and he was! 9/10 (Can't give him 10/10) | 4 |
Beagle - While his partner in crime was having a good one he wasn't far behind - kept putting head in dangerous places 9/10 | 5 | Catelogue - Needed a mid-week game to get his legs moving a bit quicker but useful contribution throughout 7/10 | 6 | Barman - Main option going forward and kept going all the way; goal looked good no matter what the compalints 8/10 | 7 | Bambi - Offered much more in the first half and just couldn't get the chance to really get things going but still tackling hard! 7/10 | 8 | Rocket - Seemed to get himself in a tangle early doors and then lacked real confidence in going forward and into tackle 7/10 | 9 | New Town - Ran on and on right to the end and had to break things up at the back rather than create going forward 8/10 | 10 | Fergie - Tried hard to make it happen, offered himself continually as the outlet, yet it didn't quite click 7/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Needs the ball to create the chances and it always seemed to be going beyond him or bouncing too high 7/10 | 12 | Jan Molby - Knew what was needed and certainly tried to get midfield moving offering link out of defence 7/10 | 13 | Dippy - Changed and ready to go he sacrificed his chance to maintain the teams momentum?!? Unused... | 14 | | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - Will surely feel the pain! 8/10 |
Pakefield Re-United v. AFC Star (Cup) (14th November 2009) When you arrive at Normanston and the leaves are moving faster than Dippy avoiding a round (EDITOR: Only what Daft said, Dippy!!) you know the afternoon might get interesting! So this "Top of the Table" clash in the Cup was another challenge for Pakefield to face on a chilly, and soon to be very wet, November afternoon. Boris got the changing room smiling and having researched "Sea Bass" he was soon clearing his throat and holding forth in a very phlegmatic way. Rocket's mum had done a superb job with the kit which will no doubt be matched by Bambi; everybody's commitment to lay themselves down for the cause was increased as he won the "Kit Lottery" on a muddy day! (EDITOR:The author is only concentrating on this part of the game because it's what they were awake for!) The game started out in a cagey way with a few half chances for both teams and some terse shouts, by the key players for both teams, that was to be the only evidence of its possible importance in how both teams seasons's might pan out. Yet with Pakefield playing with the strong wind the game steadily became rooted in the AFC Star half and around the middle third. Neither keeper was asked to make a real save upto the point that Pakefield scored the opening goal. Fergie spurned a good chance, Beagle blazed a ball high and Moorhen just couldn't get the space needed to finish a chance off, but the pressure was growing. A speculative through ball was easily collected by Boris and cleared forward, controlled and laid off, crossed, headed down by New Town and forced home by Barman. Possibly a bit "Route One" but it spoke of the confidence Pakefield are finding when the ball goes to ground. Then the rain started... the half drew to a close and crunch time approached. In the second half a few minor changes saw Pakefield play a disciplined and very effective game that relied on everybody making a real contribution. Bambi made the space by drawing defenders to him as his strength and control seemed to make the ball untouchable for the opposition. This allowed Sweatridge time to bring Barman and Fergie into the game and Moorhen just kept bashing away creating space for others to run into. New Town started buzzing about and even against the wind and rain the ball was moving quickly forward and chances started to be created by Pakefield. Perhaps AFC star realised what was up as they approached the Ref to halt the game 10 minutes into the half... refused, they mounted an effort to breach the magnificent Pakefield defensive line and a ball flew high on the wind towards the skillful AFC left wing. Since it was the only thing Boris had to do all afternoon, well almost, his diving punch drew some appreciative comments from the team. Then Barman and New Town played a quick one-two, a shot was blocked, forced across goal and Moorhen drove it home for 2-0. Again Barman broke forward on a quick counterattack and was confused into thinking New Town and Moorhen were defenders and a 3-on-0 was spurned. The half wore on, replacements were made, Rabbit frustrating the AFC Star midfield as he moved forward and Catelogue replaced him admirably at right back, pressure absorbed and the counterattacks offering more chances, yet the last chance for Pakefield was to summarise the game. A swift break down the left, a shot blocked, rebound driven in and blocked, pinball in the area and a half clearance to Sweatridge just outside the box, and Darcy Bussle would have been proud! Ball glued to his feet he twisted and turned past the defence and got in position in front of goal, keeper feinted, he turned, keeper moved and he went right, three times he was half challenged until he had sat the keeper down and put the ball in the net for the third goal! The last few moments saw AFC Star's best chance and even here it took Boris letting he ball through his legs to give them this! The game started as a cagey affair but Pakefield were disciplined enough and had a few more options that they patiently develop as the game unfolded, and in the end AFC Star were undone. Our friends in Pot Black will be amused after our summer meeting as "Sh*t or bust" in the next round... HOO are waiting! TEAM: Becker,Harvey,Craft,Graham,Tills,Sutcliffe(Stephenson),Michalski,Harlow,Attridge(Kay),Hone,Coote(Punter) RESULT: Won 3-0 GOALS: Hone, Coote, Attridge COMEDY VALUE: Sea Bass...again!! SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2009 Pakefield Re-United v. AFC Star (Cup) | Arrival Time – Planned: 13:00 Actual: 13:04...not bad!! | RESULT: won 3-0 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Was he playing? Performance by those in front of him gave him little to do...again! Long may it continue! 7/10 | 2 | Rabbit - Busy and effective game as part of dominant defensive unit and moved into midfield to break up tactical change 8/10 | 3 | Daft - Wise words during the game brought the best out of those around him and still did what was needed 9/10 | 4 |
Beagle - Just wanted to have fun and heading the ball on ALL occasions was his fun! Lip spotted once but huge again! 8/10 | 5 | Tillsy - Experience told as he saved the "sprint" for the crucial moments and got close in to break up the trouble 8/10 | 6 | Barman - You need to be there to make the miss and was still quick, illusive and decisive; poached his goal well 8/10 | 7 | Bambi - Strong and willing to make the effort to be where he was needed he was the glue for the team; superb! 10/10 | 8 | Sweatridge - Goal summed it up as ball seemed stuck to his toe as he skipped and turned, and waited for right moment! 8/10 | 9 | New Town - Quiet during first half as marker came tight but "flick and go" set up much of what was good during second 8/10 | 10 | Fergie - Wind (not his!) took ball away from him for most of the game but kept offering himself as outlet 7/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Still scoring, still running, still making a bl***y nuisance of himself in the last third! What was needed! 8/10 | 12 | Rocket - Knicks and knocks when he came on showed he was keen to get involved but little time for real impact 7/10 | 13 | Catelogue - Best of the subs he allowed Rabbit to lock out the midfield and made some telling blocks 7/10 | 14 | Punty - Not so rare cameo up front but still put himself about; turn and go without the ball was noted... 7/10 | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - " 'Uge Game!" ...and Boris lets it through his legs and he's still smiling?!? Can it get better...? Question now is will he or won't he use Rafa as an example? 8/10 |
Pakefield Re-United v. Yarmouth Town Hall (League) (7th November 2009) 
Gets very confusing for a team when you arrange a meet thinking a few stalwarts will be late and then everybody important is actually there on time... oops! Sorry Tillsy forgot about you! So the banter was starting early as the large squad came together for this game that was seen as being a test of how things were really going this season for Pakefield Re-United. Even Boris seemed to be subdued as the speedo stayed below the speed limit on the short drive to Bradwell. First to arrive at the ground the lads took over a very commodious changing room until told they were round the corner in with the toilet rolls... somebody said it was good Papa wasn't playing this year but Moorhen did his best to make Sweatridge throw up later anyway! ...and I have no idea why this picture has found its way into this report! The game itself would pan out as a very pleasing experience for "The Management" as everybody worked to a plan and all added something to what was the best overall team performance of this year, and ranks with anything over the last four seasons. This started with the early "first" goal that saw Moorhen power through onto a lovely little through ball from Daft and finish with and outrageous outside of the left foot power drive! Barman surely should have had that honour but a legal injunction rules out a discussion about that incident. So it continued with Town Hall having the majority of the possession throughout the game, playing across the back, up the flanks back into the middle only to flounder on the excellent defensive display of the "Pakefield Back Four". They then released the attacking flair of the Youth Club, who seemed to rub off on Sweatridge who was popping up all over the shop (...but maybe that should be edited?!?), and releasing Barman, Fergie and Moorhen on some surging runs. The second goal came from a combination of these players as a knock down by Fergie saw Moorhen power home his second from close range. Boris had managed to survive a scare when the ball had been in his net but the robust challenge that saw the ball spill out of his hands was rightly called a foul. The second half saw more of the same as barman now shifted onto the left flank and began to run riot as the seemingly endless supply from Bambi, Daft and Sweatridge of enticing through balls was enhanced by the continuing efforts of all the team. Another powerful run and shot by Moorhen was blocked by the keeper but looped up and was headed home by New Town. Changes were made as the game drew towards its close but the final cameos were worth waiting for. Bambi fired a ball forty yards acoss to Barman on the left, who quickly saw Rocket create space wide right, as he was closed down. His crossfield pass was unerring and Rocket's final cross to the left post was delightful, and well taken and driven in on the half volley by Fergie. This was good but it could have been matched when Punty was unlucky to see his ferocious goal-bound drive rebound of the backside of a hapless defender. So 4-0 on the road to a team that had been involved in setting the early season pace at the head of the table wasn't shabby. All that was left was to clean up Sweatridge, which two bottles of shampoo certainly did! First in to the showers and last out still blinking with soap in his eyes... it's behind you Jonny!! Thanks to Town Hall for the warm welcome at The Sun! TEAM: Becker, Harvey, Craft, Graham, Chapman (Tills), Hone, Michalski, Harlow, Attridge, Sutcliffe (Punter), Coote (Stephenson) RESULT: Won 4-0 GOALS: Coote (2), Sutcliffe, Harlow COMEDY VALUE: Sea Bass, Dippy's comeback quote, Sweatridge and shower product SATURDAY 7th OVEMBER 2009 Pakefield Re-United v. Yarmouth Town Hall (League) | Arrival Time – Planned: 12:45 Actual: 12:43!!! | RESULT: won 4-0 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris (a.k.a. "Sea Bass") - Given an easy ride by tactics and performance so little to do but still raised some smiles 7/10 | 2 | Rabbit - Busy and effective game as part of dominant defensive unit and offered outlet when Boris actually saw him 8/10 | 3 | Daft - Scarlet Pimpernel across the back four and into midfield as he co-ordinated the game plan to near perfection 8/10 | 4 |
Beagle - Faithful hound that snuffled through the afternoon, rooting out succulent truffles for others to consume 8/10 | 5 | Jan Molby - Quieter game than last week but still offers that link into midfield and did defensive duties admirably 8/10 | 6 | Barman - Too busy switches wings at half-time to receive plaudits for his best game this year; incisive runs crucial 8/10 | 7 | Bambi - In abscence of his seniors took over role as midfield enforcer dropping back, but still very creative going forward 9/10 | 8 | Sweatridge - Took a lead in linking game together and almost acted as centre half during one fast break; excellent game! 9/10 | 9 | New Town - Quiet member of the midfield for this game his support role was very effective and always working hard 8/10 | 10 | Fergie - Facebook profile should give his version of the game! Goal was best team goal this year... 8/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Driving run, impossible chance, great goal and then a sitter missed - still scored two - critical contribution to team 8/10 | 12 | Rocket - Ball to James for final goal was sublime and impact when he comes on is important to team dynamic 7/10 | 13 | Tillsy - Quick run out in last quarter saw nothing untoward and vocal support appreciated by all 7/10 | 14 | Punty - Rare cameo up front as third of the "Lone Rangers" his shot was a peach and warranted the final flourish 7/10 | Management/Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Dippy - Think he enjoyed this one...!?! 8/10 |
Pakefield Re-United v. Sole Bay United Res. (League) (31st October 2009) Dippy and Beagle were seen scurrying around the pitch, mobile to the ear and body language speaking volumes, as they contacted Mike Johnson and tried to get the appointed referee. The fact that it was an overcast day, clocks had gone back last weekend and it was nearly 2:30pm didn't augur well as both teams waited patiently... suddenly a decision was reached; Dippy would ref!! It's appreciated that Sole Bay agreed to this as it meant the game could go ahead but they also showed this approach throughout the game that saw no issues as a result of this compromise - far from it they were very sporting in their approach awarding the first goal against themselves. So with the game finally underway Pakefield soon showed their attacking flair with some fine interplay from back to front and right across the pitch. It didn't lead to a clear chance but a bout of pinball at the right post saw the linesman signal the ball had crossed the line off a Sole Bay player. It was the early goal... so for the next 30 minutes Boris got bored as the defensive unit started to set up the foundations of a very solid all-round performance and Pakefield played upto the box with some delightful play but nothing more came of this good approach play. Suddenly though, as a corner was half cleared out of the Sole Bay area, New Town caught the half volley sweetly on his left foot and the ball flew in under the cross bar. Within 5 minutes another half clearance was blocked by Jan Molby who drove forward and forced a fine right footed drive in-off the right post for a fine goal. The half came to a close shortly after this and Dippy found time to praise the overall performance of the half as the best this year. So what do Pakefield do in this situation? Amble through the next 25 minutes and let Sole Bay have a sniff of getting back into the game? Of course not!! Boris still wasn't under undue pressure as Daft and Beagle, Jan and Rabbit, continued to harry and corral the Sole Bay attack in a very solid defensive display but he did tip over one firm downward header. Yet neither were Pakefield really creating anything up front; the passing was still crisp but the balls seemed to be too quick, too long or asking too much of the player for another goal to be scored. It wasn't until Barman was brought on that Pakefield again threatened the Sole Bay goal. His driving runs from the right led to several clear cut chances but it was a fine one-two and drive that saw him score the fourth Pakefield goal. So the game played out with Pakefield content to settle for the win as Dwave picked up a worrying injury and the midfield finally ran out of steam but it was a good game that owed much to Sole Bay's willingness to "get it played" and the attitude of all the players that saw Dippy not having to make any hard calls and little , if any, foul play. Now the hard run-in to Christmas approaches...!! TEAM: Becker, Harvey(Kay), Craft, Graham, Chapman, Sutcliffe, Lees, Harlow, Michalski, Stephenson, Coote(Hone) RESULT: Won 4-0 GOALS: O.G., Harlow, Chapman, Hone COMEDY VALUE: Dippy's whistle... SATURDAY 31st SEPTEMBER 2009 Pakefield Re-United v. Sole Bay Reserves (League) | Arrival Time – Planned 1:45pm Actual 1:12pm to 1:57pm @ Normanston | RESULT: Won 4-0 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Boris - Nothing to do first half but couple of decent saves after break showed he'd maintained concentration 7/10 | 2 | Jan Molby - Solid in defence and a lot of good things in attack started with him passing out and supporting midfield 8/10 | 3 | Daft - Very busy and very effective, always offering for the pass and playing ball out well, best game for a long time 9/10 | 4 |
Beagle - Solid partnership with Daft was at heart of result as he covered threat from quick break out with telling blocks 8/10 | 5 | Rabbit - Good outlet for quick ball and solid performance in defence he even risked a collision with Boris... 7/10 | 6 | Rocket - When he stayed wide he offered an effective threat with some good approach play but faded from game 7/10 | 7 | New Town - Ball moved through him a lot and always offering in support, his goal was well taken from outside area 8/10 | 8 | Bambi - First half was very good and quality of vision and final ball was exceptional; others need to trust his delivery! 8/10 | 9 | Dwave - Was glue for midfield and gave it bite while still linking in attack; worrying twinge mid way through second half 7/10 | 10 | Fergie - hurried and scurried and made himself a nuisance but never got a real sight of goal 7/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Solid focus for attack his knock downs and headers led to three of the goals while not scoring himself 7/10
| 12 | Barman - came on and ripped down the right with something to prove; impact was impressive and goal well taken 8/10 | 13 | Catelogue - came on late to replace Rabbit and most difficult thing was climb to get up hill and into position 7/10 | Management | Dippy - fine juggling performance as he filled in for the referee and also called game with strong tactical selection 10/10 | Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Catelogue & Barman - Much better than previous incumbent they did nothing controversial and had appropriate attitude 8/10 |
Pakefield Re-United v. Mutford & Wrentham Res. (League) (24th October 2009) Boris was getting a right slagging off for some spurious reason, as "everybody" gathered at M&W's ground, about the advertised meeting time and venue, when Beagle made a call to Dippy... "I'm at the Dutchman's, where is everybody?" So Boris, to escape the intolerance of the majority lept in his car and went back to pick up Beagle, although he was tempted to just get changed and go in goal. On their return the conversation and turned to Fergie's desparate need for toilet paper. The aroma in the changing room supported this need... So why spend so much time talking about these details? To avoid talking about the first half! Okay, Moorhen scored a lovely goal early doors that spoke of good things to come but the rest was dire! Flat, lacking bite and reflecting the dreak autumnal weather! It meandered depressingly from one free kick to another via miscontrolled balls, stray passes and wayward shots until half time. The main talking point was the injury to the M&W goalkeeper after a collision with Moorhen but, the athletic replacement was more than capable of dealing with Pakefield's attempts... So Dippy's decision to change Rocket and Deckhand over at half-time was insipred; the teams shape and focus shifted and the second goal came soon after the restart. A lovely crossfield pass from Bambi found Moorhen breaking down the left, and his cross was superb, to be easily turned in by Fergie. Okay so the next 15 minutes saw a slow change in the pattern of the game but space was now being created, time on the ball wasn't a premium and the M&W shirt pulling, shoulder barging and general silliness was being ignored. Catelogue did give away a penalty to make the game interesting at 2-1 but the response by Pakefield was quick and devastating. The Youth Club suddenly started making pretty patterns and moved the ball at will; Deckhand seemed to be the grit that started these "pearls" with some telling interventions, accurate distribution and general sheperding of the midfield. Chances now came thick and fast! Rocket and New Town interchanging positions and passes, Bambi pushing on and Moorhen was bossing the line and proving invaluable as the target man. Post, bar and keeper kept the score down but this 20 minutes was a riot! Two penalties were conceeded by M&W, the first gave Moorhen his hat-trick but, whether they were bundled in or from firm shots, the game finally had something to warm up the depressing weather, and Dippy!! More thoughts to follow...when I get told what actually did happen! TEAM: Graham, Harvey, Kay, Punter, Chapman, Sutcliffe, Stephenson, Harlow, Michalski, Scriggins, Coote RESULT: Won 7-1 GOALS: Coote (3), Sutcliffe, Michalski, Stephenson, Harlow COMEDY VALUE: Toilet paper and Beagle left sniffing the lamp post at the Dutchmans SATURDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2009 Pakefield Re-United v. Mutford & Wrentham Reserves (Cup) | Arrival Time – Planned 12:45pm Actual 1:12pm to 1:37pm @ Wrentham | RESULT: Won 7-1 |
SQUAD NUMBER | NAME | 1 | Beagle - Nothing much to do apart from distribute the odd ball which was done in an amusing fashion! 7/10 | 2 | Catelogue - Asked to fill a gap in the heart of defence and his aerial domination was surprising 7/10 | 3 | Rabbit - First game this season and took a while to get back into the swing of things but did what was needed! 6/10 | 4 |
Punty - Needed to be at his best to cover the open plains of the Serengetti and did a great job in unorthodox fashion 8/10 | 5 | Jan Molby - Came into the game in the second half with some telling balls forward, otherwise quiet game 7/10 | 6 | Rocket - Seemed to withdraw from close attention in first half but some lovely work in second half salvaged performance 7/10 | 7 | Deckhand - First half was calming influence but away from game but second half ran the show with vision and passing 9/10 | 8 | New Town - Seemed to also be off pace in first half as touch deserted him but rallied well and last quarter was sublime 8/10 | 9 | Bambi - Played deep in first half to give bite in midfield but second half linked with Youth Club to run riot 8/10 | 10 | Fergie - Own comment was that he felt like he was running in molasses but caused enough problems to warrant place 7/10 | 11 | Moorhen - Early goal showed intent and game panned out well for lone striker role; best game this year and confident!! 8/10
| 12 | | 13 | | Management | Dippy - Had to walk away from first half but moving Deckhand into centre changed shape of the game and Moorhen... 8/10 | Linesman All opinions are that of the EDITOR and he knows nothing about football anyway!! | Boris - "If you're awarding a foul it's a penalty" gave M&W a way back into game so can't be said to be at his best! 2/10 |
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