Garth Vader FC (1) vs (3) Blaengarw Hotel
September 6th, 2010 // Match Reports,Team News // Robert Boydell
Match stats:
Matthew James
As very disappointing Sunday on which The Vaders went down 3-1 to a team they should have beaten with their eyes closed. Failure to play basic football between defence to midfield provided very few chances up front and when they did “C**k of the week” Blackie had to try harder to miss than poke the ball into the goal, words like muppet, benched, and water boy come to mind. 🙂
It wasn’t going to be a good day when the Vader’s went down 1-0 in the space of 5 minutes, bad defence from the first Blaengarw corner saw a big scramble in the goal area only for it to fall to a Blaengarw player who put it away with no challenges being made in front of him.
The Vader’s looked clueless on the back foot and were lucky not to concede more goals in the first ¼ of the game. Going forward wasn’t much better and it seemed there was nobody willing to take a shot at goal and wanted to walk the ball into the goal, something that wasn’t going to happen as Blaengarw got 11 players back behind the ball every time they lost possession.
Around ½ hour into the match the Vaders started to settle, and although the ball was still missing out Hambone and Sainsbury in the middle some chances were starting to appear. Tom Evans missed another sitter when he (and credit to him) tried to use his left foot to finish and ended up putting the ball in the river, a theme that was developing and the subs spent a lot of time in Tudor Estates source of drinking water.
A bad tackle on Dillo saw him replaced by Powys at left back who played a good game once he’d settled into the pace of the game.
A second goal for Blaengarw just before half time really put the dampeners on things and the silence between the team at half time spoke volumes. In an attempt to create more chances titch was to push up beyond Blackie and use him to gamble off. The Vader’s started the second half much better and were actually using the right and left wings to good purpose. A few free kicks and shots went just wide or were saved by the keeper who up until now must have been cold and lonely due to the lack of activity his end.
Nothing seemed to be coming off even though all the football was now being played by the Vader’s. Changes were needed, and with the agreement of all subs to play from both sides, Blackie was replaced by his younger, fitter and skinnier cousin who runs kinda funny but was at least doing that (running that is) More changes were needed but as the stand in coach was about to make these changes “K –Swiss Berkamp” AKA Jammy now AKA the hand of god AKA Lee James decided to spoil a strikers chance of a volley by leaping with his hand at the side of his head using it as an extension to his Swede only to give a penalty away and to be shown a straight red. Another contended for “C**c of the week” had emerged.
Changes were made to reflect this with Sainsbury dropping in front of the now back 3. Allan was replaced by Doug at right back and Rob Boydell replaced Tom Evans who had put in another solid performance at left midfield.
Just after the changes a free kick was given outside the 18 yd area and Titch stepped up and scored a contender for goal of the season so far with a perfectly placed free kick which went up an around the wall and crashed right in the bottom hand corner of the goal leaving the keeper no chance.
So 3-1 and for some reason the Vaders got their tails up and really pressed for more goals, something which had been lacking all game. Hambone just missed a shot from far out and more opportunities were coming. Unfortunately too little too late and the game ended 3-1.
A very disappointing loss on the Vader’s first home game, against a poor opposition, who in all reality should be beaten away from home.
Plus points are the field was very nice and the changing rooms and showers are looking good after a re-vamp of Caerau’s facilities.
Shame about the time spent retrieving shots from over the bar. The Subs had cuts to prove it too.
Man of the Match: Matthew Evans (without him we would have lost by about 6)
Cock of the Week: Gareth Blackwell (Who couldn’t hit a cow’s ar*e with a banjo)
Quote of the Day: N/A
FC Pumas (4) vs (5) Garth Vader FC
August 29th, 2010 // Match Reports,Team News // Robert Boydell
Match stats:
Matthew James
Steve Boydell
Richard Boydell
Matthew James
Richard Boydell
So into the second league game of the Vader’s campaign and a 5-4 win away from home made the bank holiday Sunday worth getting out of bed for.
Playing in Coychurch in blustery conditions Bridgend Puma’s played typical Sunday league football and launched the ball downfield every time they had the ball. The Vader’s lined up 4-5-1 with coach Steve Boydell heading the 1 man attack with Titch and Richie Boydell tucking in close behind in support.
The Vader’s came out all guns blazing and looking to build on last week’s passing along the floor which worked nicely and both Richie Boydell and Lee Isaacs linked up to give each other opportunities in front of goal early on. The Puma’s keeper though had his eye on a clean sheet and kept out both shots.
Around 15 minutes in and again, against the run of play the Puma’s took advantage of the slight downhill, the wind and the bounce on the firm field to put themselves 1 goal in front.
Immediately the Vader’s responding through Titch who shot from the edge of the box to tuck the ball right in the bottom left hand corner.
The Vader’s continued to run the game with Hambone playing box to box and keeping the tackles going.
Around 10 minutes before half time the Puma’s took advantage once more of a defensive error and put themselves 2-1 up leaving a sour taste going into half time.
The second half was always going to be difficult for the Puma’s as they were playing uphill, and with the wind at their backs the Vader’s took to the field with more goals in mind.
Straight from the second half kickoff the Vader’s used the downhill to their advantage and the Puma’s looked like they had done all their running in the first half and were blowing out of their backsides. The Vader’s immediately made it 2 a piece with a nice break turning into a cross field ball for Steve Boydell to take the tap in with ease, lucky really as he’d missed 3 sitters before hand and anything more taxing might have gone wide 🙂 (That’s right Steve, not even you can escape the criticism)
The Vader’s still playing all the football were unlucky once more to find themselves 3-2 down and it looked like this just wasn’t meant to be. Within minutes Rich Boydell made a little break with the help of Lee Isaac and Hambone the human wrecking ball and hit a screamer from around 20 yards out only for it to hit the back of the net before the keeper even saw it coming.
Happy with a draw but still looking for more the Vader’s were shocked when the Puma’s made it 4-3 with only 10 minutes to go.
The match definitely looked over but the Vader’s didn’t give in that easily and a break from the kickoff saw Lee Issac taken out just outside the penalty area and the freekick from that went past everyone in the box. After Rob Boydell put the ball back over a bit too long it landed perfectly for Rich Boydell to pass to Titch and for the ball to find the net for the eighth time in the match 4-4 seemed a fair score but two minutes later and with only a minute left on the clock Rich Boydell broke free of the Puma’s defence and hit a curler from 35-40 yds out over the keeper and clinched the 3 points for the Vader’s – Happy Days!!
Man of the Match: Lee Isaac
Quote of the Day: Someone remind me
Ynysmaerdy (4) vs (2) Garth Vader FC
August 22nd, 2010 // Match Reports,Team News // Robert Boydell
Match stats:
Gareth Blackwell
Matthew James (Pen)
So into the first game of the season, the Vader’s travelled in convoy across baron lands into the dump known as The Rhondda. With 18 Vader’s travelling it was unfortunate that some were going to go without a game. Christian Powys put himself forward as one of the people to miss out (hat off to him) along with Dempo who just relishes the chance to pretend he’s played and was more than happy not to overexert himself more than necessary, in fact putting his togs on was enough energy wasted for the day.
Ynysmaerdy had a very nice field, shame about the telephone box we had to get changed in.
So to the kickoff, the Vader’s line up looked a strong one and Ynysmaerdy weren’t the youngest looking team or the most energetic bar a young winger who had the pace of Theo Walcott.
The match was evenly balanced until a bounce caught the Vader’s defence off guard and the centre forward went through to slot an easy goal against the run of play.
The Vader’s pressed on with heads up and created quite a few chances with Jammy and Lee Isaac working the right flank. Isaac’s passes into space in front of goal let to two good chances which weren’t converted.
Just before half time scott sainsbury who was making a pest of himself in the middle got brought down and a bit of afters from the centre forward saw him get a straight red from the ref.
The Vader’s were again punished for ball watching just before half time and found themselves 2-0 down.
2-0 going into half time but this was an unfair score line as the Vader’s had the better of the half even before the sending off. Two goals were gifted to Ynysmaerdy and there was a lot of work to be done second half.
From the kickoff the Vader’s started as they ended the first half looking to get the goals back. Blackie the “static man” surprised everyone when he actually friggin moved and Titch put him through and Blackie finished well. The Vader’s back on track but moment later a sloppy free-kick saw James “I’ve had 2 hours kip” spill the ball between his legs and The Vader’s were back to square one.
Changes were made, Isaac out for Tom Evans and Rob Boydell for Allan Thomas.
Not long after the Vader’s were still pressing for a comeback and scott sainsbury was brought down in the area, and after milking it to death he got up and Titch converted the penalty, making it 3 from 3 for Titch.
With around 15 mins left the game could have gone anyway and Hoggsy was brought in for Blackie and did well in the time he had, apart from missing an absolute sitter and headed wide. Unlucky and would have seen the Vader’s level.
Moments before the end Ynysmaerdy managed to score another while all the Vader’s defence were diving in and allowed the little winger to smash one home past GK Jimbob.
The game looking like it was all but done Rich Boydell was put through 1 on 1 with the keeper and the Fridge in goal had no intention of getting the ball and smashed Rich to the floor, no penalty, no free kick, nothing! And Richie looks to be sporting a broken nose for his trouble.
Not the best start to the season, but it could have been worse. The Vader’s did pay the ball along the floor much better and some stellar performances were put in.
Lastly thanks to all for coming, and apologies to the boys who didn’t manage to get on. It’s tought when there’s so many of us. Thanks for your support and you’r chance to prove yourselves will come soon.
Man of the Match: Richard Boydell
Quote of the Day: Uh boys, I just want to make a suggestion now, I don’t know what you think but I think I should start pushing up a bit.
Closely followed by “Sharameese Twins” – always rely on Hambone.
Maesteg P U18 (3) vs (3) Garth Vader FC
August 19th, 2010 // Match Reports,Team News // Robert Boydell
Match stats:
Matthew James (Pen)
Gareth Blackwell
O.G
The Vader’s were lucky to pull off a draw in what turned out to be a lacklustre performance by most of the team. The Park boys were playing football properly and the Vader’s were busy living off the scraps and not putting anything together when they did have the ball.
The first half past without any big events, the Park had a few shots but the Vader’s didn’t threaten the goal once. As there were 18 players at his disposal coach Steve Boydell changed things around at half time bringing off a few for fresh legs.
The park kicked off the second half and the Vader’s were caught ball watching and found themselves 1-0 down immediately.
Not long afterwards the Park made is 2-0.
This was going to be an uphill struggle and a few more changes were made and the Vader’s shape was completely lost.
With around 20 mins left in the game The Vader’s were starting to put some things together and a good break saw a shot on goal blocked with an arm to earn Titch a penalty which he glided into the corner once again, and has kept the right to keep taking penalties behalf of the team for the time being.
Almost straight away the Park responded making it 3-1 and all looked to be lost.
The Vader’s though kept going and with around 5 mins left Blackie leapt like a leaping Salmon to score a diving header making the score 3-2 and a little more respectable.
To add to the Park’s misery, the Vader’s pressed forward once more Ben Poole saw his effort on goal parried off a defender and into the back of the net.
So 3-3 at the final whistle and the Vader’s scraped a draw on what should have been the Park’s night.
Hopefully the Vader’s won’t take anything for granted going forward and will not underestimate teams.
Confidence was high from Sunday’s win over Tonyrefail but the Vader’s were brought down to earth by what were in essentially a bunch of kids. (albeit a good team of kids)
First league game on Sunday this week against a team who are not known to the Vader’s or indeed the league.
No man of the match due all playing pretty badly and no votes being taken, although it’s worth mentioning how well Jimbob did in goals.
Tonyrefail A (2) vs (4) Garth Vader FC
August 15th, 2010 // Match Reports,Team News // Robert Boydell
Match stats:
Steve Boydell
Matthew James (Pen)
Ieuan Evans
Leigh James
So finally the Vader’s are off the mark.
Having being left disappointed by last week’s result against the Bush Kangaroos, the Vader’s were in surprisingly good spirit albeit with some hesitancy due to Tonyerfail A being a league above but it was clear from the off that it didn’t matter what league they were in they were going to have a battle to win this one.
As a trial The Vader’s lined up differently to the previous week, with Coach Steve Boydell taking up the role of target man up front with Blackie, and due to his knee injury Rich Boydell opting to be goal keeper.
From the kickoff the Vader’s looked the more likely to get the chances with both Steve and Blackie holding up the ball up front and wingers Powys and Isaac peeling off to accept the ball for attacks up the flanks.
A big battle was being held in the middle of the park with Titch using his skill to put passes to feet, and the battering ram that is the hambone making sure that even if he couldn’t win the ball he was going to put off the opposition by smashing his way through them. Winning most any aerial balls Hambone was putting himself about and covering at the back when needed.
Within 10 minutes the first goal was to come with Steve Boydell heading in from 8 yards out to get the Vader’s off to the start they needed.
Other chances came in the first half for both sides and Tonyrefail were becoming more and more frustrated by the cat in goal at the Vader’s end in Richard Boydell, his injury ever more evident as the goal kicks were being taken. All defenders were holding Ton out and Allan and Dillo in the centre were letting the opposition know they were there at every opportunity.
Substitute Stephen Gould entered the fray on 30 mins to replace Christian Powys who had up until that point been running himself ragged on the left.
The Vader’s wend into half time 1-0 up and the half time team talk was positive. More of the same was needed in the second half.
So into the second half it seemed no substitutions were needed but 5 mins in Blackie was blowing out of his arse and needed a fag break. On came Blackie’s cousin Ieuan who teamed up with Steve up front.
Just after the substitution Tonyrefail were level with a short range effort and the Vader’s heads dropped immediately. This was to prove fatal as within 5 mins and a misunderstanding between Dillo and Richie “the cat” Boydell saw Tonyrefail move 2-1 in front.
Feeling that changes were needed Lee Issac and Dillo were changed for Byron and Ieuan Morris. With fresh legs the Vader’s pressed and pressed for the equalizer but it was proving difficult to get into shooting postions, something that was talked about at half time and was thought to be easier in the second half.
The pressing however paid off and around 20 minutes into the second half Hambone went on one of his “I’m going all the way unless I fall over” runs and was brought down in the box. After some discussion Titch stepped up and put the penalty right in the corner and the keeper had no chance.
Now at 2 a piece the Vader’s smelt a win and Titch started pushing further into the Ton half of the field.
At around the 70 minute mark Rob Boydell came on for the very tired Michael Riddiford at left back who’d put in a good shift. Rob looked out of his depth at left back and was lucky to have Ieuan Morriss covering behind him who looked composed as well as confident on the ball.
At one point Rob B pushed forward and saw the midfielder commiting himself to the outside, seeing his chance he tried to drag the ball in-field only to miss the ball and to go down like a sniper had popped up in the Gilfach mountain and taken him out, The ball staying in one place like it was made of concrete.
A few minutes later Boydell squandered a one on one with the goalkeeper by panicking and shooting for near post only for it to be saved by the Ton keeper.
Following a promising 5 minutes from Ton and a few good save by Rich Boydell saw a counter attack come to good use as Steve Boydell crossed the ball in only for Ieuan (striker) to look at the ball and think “what the hell do I do now” and then poked the ball in with what looked like his little toe.
3-2 up the Vader’s confidence was growing and more and more attacks were being put together.
Just before the death Jammy the right back who yet again was loving the foul throws hoisted the ball toward goal from 60 yards out only for it to bamboozle the Ton goalkeeper and put the Vader’s 4-2 up and for some reason thought he could get away with shouting “Lee Dixon” It is thought that Jammy won’t let us hear the fkn end of this for the rest of the season, and will probably become more annoying than Blackie and his “assist” against both Coed-ely and the Bush (well a shot wide/assist)
All in all a cracking game and hopefully the Vader’s will take this confidence into the first league game next weekend against Ynysmaerdy away. The team should be proud of the way they dug in in the second half, got their shape back and put the ball in the back of the net.
Quote of the day: You’d better put that on the match report, it was 40, no 50 no 60 yards out….whooo hooo Lee Dixon
…..Jammy in more ways than one! Piss off!
Man of the match: Gareth Hanbury
