07.09.08

Skew Bridge 1 v 5 Pheonix

Lost 5-1

Rubbish

Izzard was good though.

31.08.08

Wheathamstead 0 v 3 Skew Bridge

On this wet and blustery Sunday the league season has arrived, Wheathamstead is notorious for its unwelcoming environment the whether only added to the hostility you could here the thunder roar whilst the two teams prepared for war.

The Skew line-up saw the return of two experienced veterans in the back four with Dan Rhodes and Pat Davison making their competitive debuts, the management duo of Gregory and Andrews also made the controversial decision to leave Steve Jones on the bench replacing him with the delectable Sam Hazelton.

The game started and Skew quickly got into a rhythm of fine flowing football, the central midfield duo of Gregory and Bathurst seemed to have too much football ability for the rouges of ‘Wheato’. It was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken, Matt Lord found Adam Smith fresh after his birthday party the night before who brought the ball inside the penalty box, turned and calmly struck under the flailing Wheato keeper.

The Skew continued to pressure, it would have perhaps been more if right back Dave Hay hadn’t kept running down ‘dead ends’ as manager Gregory so politely told him.

The best chance to double the lead came with Gregory sending Izzard charging down the wing, the portly ‘winger’ rounded his marker and crossed to Lythgoe only for the tall rangy striker to miss….the ball.

The match which had an ill-tempered feeling to it hit boiling point on the half hour mark, manager Gregory upset the opposition with a slightly late challenge, the class of the Wheathamstead side shone through as despicably Gregory was spat at by this lovely individual. Fortunately the Ref saw and the said player was banished to the sidelines to the dismay of the Wheathamstead supporters.

Skew capitalized on the numerical advantage with Lythgoe scoring an audacious individual goal, turning his defender and slotting the ball into the net from a tight angle.

Half time came and to the delight of the Skew team the Water was actually drinkable, Dan Rhodes called it Satisfactory whilst keeper Guy Davison referred to it as delightful - Gregory didn’t need any as his thirst was quenched by the gob he drank 15 minutes previously.

The second half continued in similar vein, the first substitution was made with Jones coming on for Lord.

The third goal came shortly after, a push in the penalty box gave Smith the chance to score his second and effectively seal the victory. The ‘Biff from Back to the Future’ look-alike slotted the ball calmly into the bottom corner.

Chances were plentiful, whilst every chance Hay, Hazelton, Izzard and Bathurst would create Gregory, Jones, and Lythgoe would squander.

Player manager Andrews came on to replace Smith with 15 minutes to go. Smithy had a good day at the office, he managed to score 2 goals without ever running - a feat to be proud of.

Andrews looked lively and straight away caused a stir with a whipping ball to the backpost, Lythgoe arrived only to see his header go sailing wide.

The final whistle blew, the rain had stopped, Davison (Guy) had claimed his first ever clean sheet after 15 years as a keeper, all in all a good start to the campaign.

Man of the Match – Hazelton

Apologies:

Paddy –  Another Testimonial following his release from Den Haag. 
Hardy- Pity the fool
Sparky – may have played, often unnoticeable.
Danny Abs – Breathing problems, possible AIDS.
Ollie D – Arrested on Incest charges (can you blame him his sister is fit)

Sunday 24th August

Blackberry Jack 4-3 Skew Bridge

The preparation was not perfect, only 5 players graced the skew bridge car park and the time was already 9:30. After a few frantic phone calls the fears of abandonment were quashed as a motley crew of 10/11/12 were mustered up and made thier journey to St Albans for the last pre season match against Blackberry Jack.

Dawson, Jones, Hay, Smith and Lythgoe soon realised they were at the wrong location as the morning dew sat undisturbed on the plains of Cunningham hill, no team mates, no opposition, no game and already the apparition of the famous Golden Arches manifested from the dreary eyed players. A call to Izzard zapped the image and the cold rain between Hays toes marched the players back down the hill and onwards to St Michaels.

With all of the team now there and Chris Jones wondering why he ever agreed to play under the Andrews Gregory partnership, the skew swapped kits with redbourne, got changed in the showers and beneath the beating rain entered the hallowed turf.

The Grumpy opposition were waiting and had already promised to Break Izzards legs, so after a 2 minute warm up and Gus had a dump, the game kicked off.

The skew quickly relaxed into their usual confident style and rarely broke the 10 meter mark with their passing. BJ’s were a work horse team and clearly showed hints of ability and channelled aggression. The first 20 minutes were complete and the skew had much of the ball with out really making the goalie make a save and BJ’s looked threatening on the counter attack.

The first goal came from the opposition after a cross/shot somehow slipped through Gus’ grasp, maybe he still had his thoughts elsewhere. The skew responded quickly and some clever hold up play and stylish passing from the increasingly instrumental Smith slipped Lythgoe through who managed to poke the ball home from the rebound of his own shot. The game continued and with Oli D and Hay becoming more involved in attacking play, the skew looked like they were going to score at any minute. The goal never came and some sloppy passing in midfield lead to a breakaway attack from BJ’s. 2 touches later the ball was in the back of the net and the skew would once again need to come from behind.

The half time water was disgusting but the bridge boys knew they could get something out of this game. The second half started impressively with Bathurst and Chris Jones dominating in midfield. Izzard, Jones, Hay and Christmas looked to finally have the front pair under control and the front two were finding space deep and in behind our oppositions. The goal of the game soon followed and an impressive passing move involving virtually every player culminated in Chris Jones squaring to Oli D who stroked the ball home calmly to put the skew on level terms.

The skew then took the lead through the ever industrious and influential Chris Jones, who struck home from close range. Comedy defending then prevailed and player manager Andrews headed into his own net after a searching ball over the top got caught between him and Gus and expletives were exchanged.

The skew were looking ragged now and only Bathurst, Jones (scouse!!) and Dawson seemed to be able to coordinate themselves. The pressure increased from BJ’s and the winner was forthcoming.
The match was over, the skew had lost, even Garagolly played. The sun came out, we all got smashed……. Now we’re ready for Sunday’s and Glitter is back!

Apologies:
Paddy – Testimonial following his release from Den Haag.
Chris G- Cripple Olympics
Sam Mitchell – Heard about the H20 crisis.
Ruddsy – Gary G’s homecoming BBQ
Hardy- too hot to play in frendlies
Sparky – may have played, often unnoticeable.