NEW BLOG www.wallingtonoranges.blogspot.co.uk

Fixtures all cancelled

Just been told by Heather all matches tomorrow are cancelled. See you next week.

Rovers back to their best

A return to winning ways, as Josh got of the mark for his new team, and Alfie, bagged one in each half, in an efficient display, to beat Stafford Utd 3-1.
It was clear from the start that Rovers meant business, as they got the ball down and stroked it around.
With Shaun and Tyrell missing George partnered Jack B at the back at the two of them looked completely assured, George couldn't resist the odd foray forward, while Jack was more steady, snuffing out most threats posed by the red front line. Jack D played up and down the right flank and put in a shift which saw him combining well with Jack F, who terrier like never gave up on a ball and after a good piece of interplay between these two Jack F played the ball sweetly through the narrowest of gaps for the onrushing Josh to slot home and claim his first for Rovers. He was delighted and so were his team-mates who mobbed him in their celebration, leaving him in no-doubt that he is a welcome new addition to the team.
Alfie made it two before half time and Riley almost made it three as the midfield general saw an audacious lob from outside the box go just wide.

In the second half Stafford Utd pulled one back through Cameron, but any thoughts of a come-back were short lived as Dorrell took control of the ball on the right playing Alfie in for his second and Rovers' third. His strike from the edge of the box was enough to kill off the game as a contest and while Jacks B and F were both unlucky not to extend the lead first from a corner and then from open play it remained 3-1 until the end. Josh and Jack F shared the Man of the Match award although there were other contenders, and the Rovers went home happy with 3 points gained, and proud of a professional performance. The season isn't over yet and Warren Town still have some tough games to play.

Dropped Points in a double header

Unfortunately Rovers dropped 5 points in a double header against Carew, losing the first game 2-0 and drawing the second 0-0. This reporter wasn't present but Tom was awarded Man of the Match by Brad for his heroics in goal.

Rovers disappointed not to pick up a point.

Rovers just missed out in an enthralling match against rivals Warren Town.
The first half was an even contest with Rovers unfortunate to come in a goal down, Town's new player Dwayne scoring with an excellent solo effort.
A number of Rovers players had stamped their authority on the first half with Jack B, George and Shaun doing an awesome job in the back line. Jack B especially frustrated the Green front line with a totally assured performance.
In midfield Riley ran down every loose ball and challenged for everything but just couldn't find a way a way past the Greens' keeper.
In the second half Jack D got Rovers' goal from the spot with a super-cool penalty after Jack F was bundled over in the box after an especially determined run from full back. He showed a great deal of strength to beat three defenders before being brought down well inside the box.
The game didn't stay even for long as Warren Town bagged a second.
Alfie was a willing runner all game but the ball never seemed to find him in good positions, Dorrell bravely stayed on the pitch despite nursing a injury and as the second half went on George pushed forward and imposed himself in midfield as the Oranges pushed for an equaliser. At the final whistle Rovers were rightly disappointed not to get the point,  having given their all.
 Carew Rovers defeat of Stafford United made the table look very interesting again!

Great training

A good training session this morning. All the lads who turned up had bottled up two missed weekends worth of energy. Big game tomorrow at 10am vs Warren Town.

No games or training this weekend.

Sutton Council have announced that all matches in Beddington Park are off this weekend due to weather. Turn up and play is also cancelled.

Probably the right decision

There's lots of snow in Beddington Park. But we made sure #GRFC still put in an appearance.

All matches cancelled

All games are cancelled on Sunday. Shame , but good to take the early decision .

Training Cancelled, Match Doubtful

All training in Beddington Park is cancelled on Saturday. At the moment Sunday's fixtures look doubtful.

Rovers increase gap at top!

Rovers 6-3 Stafford Utd.
As Warren Town dropped two points in a 0-0 with Hilliers. Grange Rovers took a deserved 3 points.

Stafford Utd presented with seven players which made this a 7-a-side match. This meant that three Rovers player had to wait on the bench and it was typical of the team ethic of the boys in orange that there was no complaint from anyone, either those who started as subs or those who gave way to them.

Aware of the pace of the red attack and the strength and passing ability of their midfield, Rovers lined up with a familiar back line of George, Shaun and Jack B all of whom did a splendid job in limiting United's chances, although an early lapse led to a penalty for hand ball. Tom was blameless as Jacob netted to make to put the Reds one up.

It wasn't long before Rovers levelled through the unstoppable goal machine which is Alfie and Rovers finished the half 2-1 up after he slotted his second.

Soon after the restart Rovers were pegged back by an excellent effort from Cameron but regained the advantage through a goal of the season contender from Jack F whose run from left back to score at the back stick was all about his reading of the game and the awesome passing and movement of pretty much everyone else on the pitch at that point.
Almost immediately Rovers were pegged back once more.

At 3-3 to have a bench as strong as Chris and Brad had at that point, bringing on Jack B and George to shore up the defence and Alfie to run at the tiring reds, is a luxury that is afforded Rovers because of the loyalty and dedication of the whole squad.

These substitutions proved key as United failed to get another shot on target and after a fine Dorrell effort put Rovers ahead, Alfie claimed another two to seal the match.

Given the nature of the performance it is worth taking a moment to reflect on every players contribution.

Tom- Safe as houses and as brave as ever, some excellent saves.
George- Made it hard for the Stafford Utd right midfield and asked questions going forward.
Jack B- Commanding at the heart of defence, showed good understanding and made some useful forays into the opposition half.
Shaun- Amazingly brave and strong, gave the Reds no room to move.
Tyrell- A strong performance returning after a four game absence, won some important tackles.
Jack F- His best performance in an orange shirt, strong in the tackle, incisive in the pass and got the goal his performance deserved.
Riley- Full of running, took the pressure of the defence with his strength in holding the ball up, a key player today.
Jack D- Man of the match- put in an incredible shift, hard working going forward and tackling back.
Dorrell- Too quick and too tricky for most opposition defences, another fine performance and another goal.
Alfie- Just keeps scoring. Fast, strong, an eye for goal and as unselfish as you could want your leading scorer to be!

Rovers have some talented individuals but their greatest strength is how hard they work for each other and how well they play as a team.

Cold!!!

It's going to be very cold for the match. Hopefully no frozen pitches. But thermals and a track suit for the bench please! #coyo

This weekend

Saturday 10am for turn up and play.
Sunday 10am for Grange Rovers vs Stafford Utd see you all at 9:40ish.

Very Happy New Year

 Grange Rovers 7(seven) - 1 Carew Rangers

Grange Rovers returned to action with a 7(seven) -1 win against a spirited Carew Rangers side.

In fact it is testament to how well Carew Rangers played that despite Alfie scoring five and Dorrell bagging a brace, Tom was awarded man of the match for his performance in goal. 

In a 7-a-side match The Oranges lined up in a 2-3-1 formation against a Blue 2-2-2 and immediately stamped their authority on the midfield with Riley winning everything and showing excellent vision to release Dorrell, Jack F and Alfie who was playing as a lone striker. His strength and eye for goal soon saw him latch onto a through ball and put Rovers one ahead. 

It was not long before Rovers were pegged back with a fantastic effort from Michael who scored from the acutest of angles, it could have been a cross but he rightly claimed it.

At 1-1 Jack D came on and his physical presence in the midfield tipped the balance Rovers way with 4 more goals for Alfie each a carbon copy of the last, intelligent interplay in midfield leading to a through ball for the speedy striker.

In the meantime Jack B and Shaun were imposing in defence and in another game either of them could have picked up the man of the match award, but when called upon Tom made some impossible looking saves, one in particular on the line with the strikers boot still on the ball. His bravery and safe hands is what kept the margin as great as it was. 

After half time Riley took a deserved break having run his heart out and narrowly missing out on a goal or two of his own. Jack F had a go on his least favoured left wing and joined up play nicely between the assured Jack B on the left of the defensive pair and Alfie and Dorrell up front. Carew Rangers dug deep and broke up play, and as Alfie came off with ten minutes to go having fallen one short of a double hat trick Dorrell picked up a brace to cement himself as second highest scorer. 

An excellent performance in a good natured match. Hopefully George will feel well soon and will be back in the squad next week.  

Happy New Year

Lets hope Rovers can make it a Happy New Year. 1200 Kick off vs Carew who will be looking for revenge.
I will be in the park from 1000 on Saturday for turn up and play training.