I would first like to thank Adam Saunders for taking us so far through the season as our Captain. It was unfortunate that Adam was unable to skipper the team to the end as he is a great asset to our club and I look forward to next season (already!!!) with Adam in the team.

I appreciate the gruelling season we have undergone as results have not gone our way. With performances that have far outclassed our opponents at times, we were still unable to come away with results, a bit like Arsenal really, Duggan…….shut it!!! It also helps when Nigel doesn’t give a last gasp winner to the opposition too, but less said the better, we still love you. A new home pitch saw us struggle to find form at home which was the biggest difficulty we encountered this season, something I wish to correct for the future. It was also a great relief to see Lil’ Johnny finally discover where the goals are located on our home pitch, even if it was 5 goals in the last game of the season at home!!!

I would first like to thank the 1^st team for sticking it through for the season – Peter “Knee Headbutter” Johnson, Dan “Mark Your Man” Davies, Nigel “The Diver” Stephens, Justin “The Gypo” Manley, Byron “Bend Your Knees” Morley, John “Anger Management” Smith, Ben “Dribbler” Payne, Paul “Yid” Duggan, David “I’m Going Climbing” Ripley, Adam “Where Are The Ladies” Saunders, Johnny “Dunkie” Rogers and Peter “Perfect” Smith.

I would also like to thank for their special guest appearances Bruce “The Jedi” Thompson, John “Man Marker” Davies, Dan “Red Card” Payne, James “I Can Paint A Car” Payne, James “Pink Socks” Lowther, John “Car Sick” Morley, Jeremy “I Work 1 in 5” Griffiths, Chris “Sicknote” Keatley, Gavin “The Superhuman” and Shane “AWOL” Black. If I have forgotten anyone I apologise, if you know me you also know my memory is really really bad!!!

Thanks again,

Your Stand-In Skipper,

Porter

Cirencester a 1 - 6 Llanishen & Caerphilly

24th January

Away

Llan & Caer took the long journey to Cirencester this week to make amends for the draw conceded earlier in the season. A bare eleven made the journey as Saunders (sprained wrist), Ripley (couldn’t be arsed) and Manley (runny nose) were unavailable. The return of Morley into the fold was accompanied by debutant Nathan (don’t know his last name!!!). The game began and no sooner had the whistle died out when Payne netted from a driving run and cross from Rogers, 0-1. Nerves were settled early as the Cire4ncester striker seemed to be turning green to match his kit, constantly screaming at his own players, its seems Man Marker Morley was doing a fine job. A heavy tackle by Jon Smith deep into his own half saw the first card produced, however unfazed Smith spent the rest of the game dispossessing the Cirencester playmakers. Llan & Caer were dominantly containing Cirencester and consistently hitting on the break. A well driven injection by Smith from a free hit found a deft touch from Rogers to turn into the net, 0-2. With the frontline moving so well, the midfield found ample space to pick their passes. Pete Whiff making a solo attack on the right flank drew in a number of defenders, with a well placed cross finding the stick of a diving Nathan, 0-3. A number of one on one chances were made against the home keeper who was outstanding, but a dummy to the keepers left found him committed as Rogers coolly laid the ball off for Nathan who completed his brace, 0-4. It seemed half time could come no sooner for Cirencester.

A well deserved break saw Llan & Caer continually pounding the Cirencester defence, however Cirencester were beginning to dig in. Again Llan & Caer shooting almost at will, Rogers rounded the keeper again to provide an opening for Man of the Match Payne who also completed his brace, 0-5. With their foot off the gas, Llan & Caer began to show some complacency as a number of short corners were awarded. Cirencester trying to make most of their prized asset, saw one of their youngsters continuously attempt a well worked drag flick. Being denied for the best part, including the commitment of Pete Smith who put his body on the line, it was only time before the youngster was able to let loose with a drag flick. With the keeper only inches away, the power and accuracy of the flick was commendable as the ball hit the underside of the bar and went in, 1-5. A wake up call being sounded Llan & Caer immediately went on the attack, Duggan making ground time and time again was only found wanting as he tried to confuse the defence with his final ball, unfortunately confusing himself also!!! Again Rogers was found one on one with the keeper, however this time took enough time to slot the ball home through the keepers legs to complete his brace. The tally ending at 1-6.

Goals: Rogers (2), Payne (2), Nathan (2)

Man of the Match: Ben Payne

D O T D: Jon Smith

Llanishen & Caerphilly 4 - 4 Gloucester City A

17th January

Home (Hawthorn school)

The first game after the Christmas break was to show if the lads had become hungry for success or just more Christmas pudding!!! Llan & Caer had to take points from their encounter with Gloucester. A new year saw the introduction of some new faces into the team, the Smith brothers were recalled into the starting eleven. Also a good sight to see was the return of Justin Manley to his hometown club. The game began with Llan &Caer keeping all of the possession for the first 15mins, pushing Gloucester continuously on the back foot. The work rate of strike partnership Saunders and Rogers making enough room for the midfield to flourish, allowing Man of the Match Duggan to attack a cross at the back post that he rocketed into the roof of the net, 1-0. From the restart Llan & Caer were caught overcommitted as Gloucester made a swift break, with the defence stranded Gloucester were free to take advantage of an open shot at goal, 1-1. Llan & Caer immediately applied more pressure to force a short corner, Johnson’s outstanding push out was met with a powerful strike from Saunders that seemed to actually go through the keeper midriff, 2-1. Again Llan & Caer relaxed as Gloucester began to probe the defence, well timed runs left Gloucester through on a shell-shocked defence to net from both attempts, 2-3. Nerves were beginning to show but Llan & Caer’s mettle came through before half time. A magnificent driving run on the right flank by Manley after finally removing his tracksuit top, resulted in a cross met by Duggan, the shot lifted towards the roof again the keeper pulled out an amazing save, on hand however was Saunders to take possession of the rebound and level the score 3-3.

Bridgend A 7 - Llanishen & Caerphilly 2

6th December

Away

Llan & Caer turned up bright and early to begin their preparations for a physical encounter with Bridgend. With the return of Dave Ripley into the starting 11 Llan & Caer were hoping to bring some defensive strength into the midfield at the sacrifice of Dan Payne’s attacking flair. As the game began it was clear that Bridgend felt threatened when Llan & Caer took possession and drove at the heart of their defence. A rare lacklustre start by Bridgend saw Llan & Caer with the early possession until on Bridgend’s first break they were able to slot home from a lunging shot, 1-0. Of the first half nothing of any note transpired for Llan & Caer as their consistently leaked a further 4 goals throughout the half due to acres of space. Man of the Match Duggan persistently tried to get his team mates to wake up with shouts of “react”, however it seemed to fall on deaf ears. Half time could come no sooner, 5-0.

Would we see a half time turn around? Llan & Caer had nothing to lose yet much pride to gain, all was asked for was an injection of passion. Immediately there was a marked improvement as Bridgend were forced back with driving runs from Duggan and Ben Payne. Rogers was then scythed down by 2 consecutive challenges that accumulated in a well placed shoulder to Rogers head. Rogers sent sprawling in slow motion was able to stand even though a normal man would have been paralysed. However Rogers was forced to retire for the rest of the game due to a severe headache. Ripley and Morley tried their best to shore up the midfield but were found outnumbered. The defensive line could only absorb so much pressure before Bridgend were able to find the back of the net for 2 quick goals, 7-0. Completely down and out Stephens took it upon himself to play high while Saunders dropped into the defence. Ben Payne again on a mazy run left numerous Bridgend players in his wake as he entered the D to strike, only for his stick to be cynically hooked as he tried to strike on goal. A penalty awarded up stepped Stephens who coolly slotted home. Llan & Caer may have been down but they were not giving up without a fight, 7-1. On the restart there was a momentary glimmer of Llan & Caer’s tenacity as they fought to gain possession. Finally Ben Payne’s hard work paid off as he was able to blast home to keep his scoring account open, 7-2. Llan & Caer’s fitness was at least starting to pay dividends as Bridgend were unable to work their way out of their half for the remainder of the game. Possibly with another 35mins added to the clock Llan & Caer would have breached Bridgend’s defence frequently. However not to be as the final whistle blew. Possibly the harsh result of the previous week had a lasting effect or maybe the team had been poisoned the night before in the hotel, however Arsene Wenger has not been reported in the area!!! One game left before the Christmas break for Llan & Caer to lift their spirits, not that the pressure is on……

Goals – Nigel Stephens (1 P/F), Ben Payne (1)

Man of the Match – Paul Duggan

D O T D – Johnny Rogers

Llanishen & Caerphilly 3 - Neath 5

29th November

Home (Hawthorn School)

Llan & Caer hosted Neath this week with high expectations due to last weeks victory. The team made only one starting change due to the unavailability of Dave Ripley with Dan Payne returning to the fold. Also the first eleven again saw James Laugher stand in as substitute. The game began with Neath applying the pressure early on, forcing a number of short corners and saves from Porter. Some fine stick skills from Neath saw Llan & Caer struggle for possession as their pace on the ball was negated. An overcommitted Neath were found flat footed when Llan & Caer broke free and Saunders stopped his drought as he slotted home from a well worked routine, 1-0. The rest of the first half saw Llan & Caer produce a stuttering performance. The defence was forced to soak up vast pressure with countless tackles, Davies in particular putting in a fine performance. However too many mistakes within their own 25 and D saw Neath able to capitalise from multiple attempts at short corners. Eventually Neath manoeuvring around the out rushing defence were able to slot home to pull level, 1-1. Even Man of the Match Duggan was unable to help contain the Neath midfield as they began to consistently hold possession, a neat move in the Llan & Caer D saw Dan Payne tackle with the back of his stick, a penalty awarded that Neath were unable to capitalise on due to poor marksmanship. Half time could not have come earlier.

The second half began and saw 2 of the most bizarre decisions given before the final whistle. Llan & Caer began to find their feet as their pace began to stretch Neath. The front line of Saunders, Payne and driving runs from Rogers were winning short corners, from which no gain was made. Neath were able to break from their own half and again build momentum, a shot from 5 yards outside the D was claimed to have been touched by a striker. Even though the keeper quite clearly let the ball go as there was no legal strike, the umpire heard sticks touch, enough to sway his decision, 1-2. Llan & Caer feeling the need to push for a goal were found overcommitted as Neath broke, a reverse stick flick saw the ball lob the diving keeper and hit the top corner, 1-3. Shell shocked Llan & Caer could not believe their poor fortune, until their never say die attitude again showed as Neath were pulled so far apart that an unmarked Morley was able to strike home from a well driven cross, 2-3. Could Llan & Caer perform another comeback as seen against Aber Uni, the answer was no. Again Llan & Caer were caught on the back foot due to searching for an equaliser, when a lone striker picked up the ball on the 25 and drove at the D. A mix up in the defence saw Johnson flatten Porter, he is quite heavy for a skinny guy!!! The striker meanwhile was walking the ball over the line, 2-4. Hang on was a comeback on the cards after all? Llan & Caer were finding past form as they began to drive into Neath with speed and tenacity. Neath had no answer for Llan & Caer’s free flowing play as Ben Payne carried on his goal spree this season, 3-4. There was light at the end of the tunnel until Neath were awarded a penalty flick (again!!!) when Johnson slipped and the struck shot hit his thigh. Although there was still a defender behind Johnson, the umpire believed he was the last man, hence another bizarre decision, this time their marksmanship was accurate, 3-5. The final whistle blew and condemned Llan & Caer to a frustrating loss.

Goals – Adam Saunders (1), Byron Morley (1), Ben Payne (1)

Man of the Match – Paul Duggan

D O T D - Peter Johnson

Cardiff & UWIC C 1 - Llanishen & Caerphilly 2

22nd November

Away

Llan & Caer were going to find it difficult to gain points as they faced league topping giants Cardiff & UWIC who were on a 46 game unbeaten run. After the forlorn outcome of last week’s game against Whitchurch this was going to be a true test of character for Llan & Caer. This week saw Dave Ripley again stand in for unavailable Dan Payne and Dan Davies return to the line-up. The team then remained unchanged apart from a small tactical alteration from the masterminds of Stephens, Porter and Saunders!!! The game began on a damp morning at Talybont, immediately the tempo was high as the teams clashed for possession. The midfield battle engine of Ripley, Duggan, Morley and Rogers showed no sign of surrender as they outfought the opposition. Intelligent movement and accurate passing kept Cardiff & UWIC on the back foot and allowed Payne and Saunders to run riot. The opposition were struggling to deal with a combined Rogers and Saunders move down the right when the ball was crossed. Up popped Man of the Match, Ben Payne, at the top of the D, outmanoeuvring his marker he dragged the ball to his left and unleashed a fierce reverse strike that rocketed past a hapless keeper. Unfortunately the umpire didn’t seem to think that the ball being in the goal was actually goal and proceeded to give a 16 yard hit out. After much protesting and very good sportsmanship from Cardiff & UWIC, the goal was finally awarded, 0-1. Cardiff & UWIC were not without their chances as a well structured formation made its way into Llan & Caer territory. However they were only able to find the defence in fine form to close the door. Stephens regaining possession calmly within his own 25 was able to pick out countless long balls due to the movement by Llan & Caer. Saunders making his move latched onto an accurate pass and drove through the defence, forced to shoot from a tight angle the keeper was unable to control Saunders unmistakable power. Deflecting the ball straight back into play Payne again was well positioned to take full advantage, a reflex shot saw Llan & Caer go ahead by 0-2. Half time came and a critical team talk would ensue.

Llan & Caer were reluctant to make any changes at half time but it was on everybody’s mind that holding onto the lead would be difficult, Cardiff & UWIC, used to dominating teams were not going down without a fight. The home team began to exert more pressure by sending overhead balls, looking for the Llan & Caer defence to make an error. But an error was not forthcoming with Davies, Black and Johnson being constantly rallied by Stephens and Porter. Black especially impressive in a marking role made the Cardiff & UWIC striker completely ineffective. On the rare occasion that a shot was put on LLan & Caer’s goal it was easily turned away by Porter. The towering duo of Duggan and Ripley in the middle of the park made a fine show of teamwork as they completely dominated their territory. Llan & Caer still growing in confidence kept surging forward to capitalise on their lead. A brief lack of concentration allowed Cardiff & UWIC to use their teeth, hitting the Llan & Caer defence hard and fast a midfield drive was able to produce a half attempt on goal. This was enough as the striker was able to hit the far corner with a free shot on goal, 1-2. Llan & Caer now needed to show composure and Duggan took it upon himself to try an alternative approach, Duggan performed the crazy chicken dance in the middle of the park, not the time or place Duggan!!! Cardiff & UWIC continued to push for an equaliser, the pitch turning into a battlefield as bodies were thrown in selflessly. At one point Stephens was floored by a slashing tackle that would have severed the leg of a mere mortal man. One moment of madness saw Black rocket the ball over the back line for a short corner, like the opposition needed anymore help!!! A number of short corners were easily turned away until Cardiff & UWIC unleashed an amazing drag flick. The ball rising high into the top corner looked like a goal, post man Davies started to cry at the thought of the impeding ball into his forehead. Then like a gazelle, Porter showed amazing agility to parry the ball away with a diving save……or did he trip up as many think!!!

The final whistle blows and Llan & Caer quite rightly celebrate what can only be described as a giant slaying, Cardiff & UWIC's unbeaten run was brought to an abrupt halt.

Goals – Ben Payne (2)

Man of the Match – Ben Payne

D O T D – Shane Black

Llanishen & Caerphilly 1 - Whitchurch C 5

15th November

Home (Hawthorn School)

Llan & Caer found themselves with an uphill task this week in the form of high flying Whitchurch. Llan & Caer have been desperately fighting to change their fortunes as of late and on the back of a good result last week, they were hoping to put a stop to Whitchurch’s winning streak. With the whistle going Llan & Caer’s bare 11 men immediately locked horns with Whitchurch. Some early clashes in the middle of the park showed Llan & Caer as the dominant bull, Whitchurch consistently being bullied off the ball by great tackles from Ripley, Johnson and Stephens. Again Llan & Caer’s pace in midfield made it’s presence felt as Whitchurch were forced to defend quick attacks. Whitchurch were able to force the game back into Llan & Caer’s half but were again met with staunch talking and outstanding saves from Porter. A swift counter attack saw Whitchurch stretched across the park allowing a double cross to be first injected from the right then squared back by Dan Payne to find Morley. Morley who as of late has only been able to find the upright on 3 previous occasions coolly slotted home to put Llan & Caer ahead 1-0. Whitchurch again kept pouring into the Llan & Caer defence with some quick runs and change of direction, however Whitchurch were still unable to find the net after breaking clean through the defence. A one on one challenge found Porter in formidable form to shut out Whitchurch. A recreation of the first goal was about to be played out when a long searching ball from Stephens found Dan Payne, who was only able to control it with his foot on top of the D.

Starting the second half Llan & Caer seemed to lack the determination of the first half and immediately began conceding short corners. Fresh legs continuously being introduced by Whitchurch and a tactical error by Llan & Caer allowed the Whitchurch midfield to run rampant. Two largely unimpressive goals from Whitchurch seemed to knock the stuffing out of Llan & Caer who had battled so hard in the first half. Whitchurch’s numbers and speed began to show more often as Llan & Caer often found themselves outnumbered in defence. Some aggressive and determined tackling throughout was still unable to stop a further three goals. Llan & Caer walk away knowing they need to improve but also satisfied with the first half performance.

Goals – Byron Morley (1)

Man of the Match – Byron Morley

D O T D – Dan Payne

Llanishen & Caerphilly 1 - Cardiff Uni B 1

8th November

Home (Hawthorn School)

After a fantastic win last week, Llan & Caer were hoping for much the same this week with a similar never say die attitude performance. Even though key players Lee Porter, Shane Black and Nigel Stephens were missing this week, strong replacements were found in Gavin the Super Human, Dave Ripley and Bruce Thompson who was making his first team comeback after 4 years from first team hockey. Captain Adam Saunders picked a very offensive line up to target the students poor goal difference so far this season. The game started at a frantic pace with each tackle proving important as possession was key. Early on Johnny Rogers picked up the ball in the centre driving it at the heart of the students defence releasing the ball to Ben Payne who turned, crossed and Byron Morley who was starting up front, managed to get his stick to the ball only for it to rebound off the goalpost (again!!!) to safety, agonising but this seemed to lift Llan & Caer’s spirit. Although Llan & Caer had a great start this didn’t faze the students who began to come back into the game, keeping possession with quality stick skills, passing and creating a number of opportunities with only last ditch tackles from Dan Davies and Peter Johnson keeping the students out. As the pressure continued on the Llan & Caer goal they were continually snuffed out by the presence of Bruce Thompson and newcomer Gavin the Super Human in goal with some great saves. The introduction of Dave Ripley on the right proved a good outlet as Llan & Caer started to come back into the match with some good tackling by Johnny Rogers and Dan Payne which enabled Llan & Caer to create chances of their own. The 1st half continued in this fashion and each team dug in well and continued with the frantic pace but the first half ended 0-0. After a good half time talk by Captain Adam Saunders and Ian Davies, Llan & Caer were determined to start the half positively and this was typified by the spirit of Byron Morley shouting "come on lets win", it worked. Llan & Caer started the half well, great runs from Ben Payne and James on the flanks enabled Adam Saunders to stamp his authority on the game holding the ball up well as Johnny Rogers and Paul Duggan became involved. Cardiff Uni were not out of it and continued to play well keeping possession but managed to create very little with the outstanding defending of Bruce Thompson, Dan Davies and Peter Johnson. What little they did create was kept out well by Gavin the Super Human in goal. Llan & Caer kept the pressure on the students and it seemed that a goal was not too far away. After a good move the ball was picked up by Dan Payne at the top of the D , who turned to his reverse side and unleashed an amazing shot into the corner of the net to put Llan & Caer ahead, 1-0. Cardiff Uni began up the ante but were let down by poor finishing and were not happy with some umpiring decisions. The students became frustrated with the umpires and even resorted to try and kill the umpire with an undercut shot into the umpire’s ribs who amazingly just got back to his feet, OUCH! It seemed that a bit of luck was needed for the students to get on the score sheet. This came when Peter Johnson was harshly deemed to have stopped the striker illegally and a penalty flick was awarded which the students converted, 1-1. The frantic pace of the game was starting to take its toll on some of the players and the experience of Paul Duggan proved valuable, Duggan realising Llan & Caer were in need of some reorganising flicked the ball behind him and over the fence to enable Llan & Caer to take a well deserved rest!!! Llan & Caer continued the pressure and had a number of chances, Cardiff Uni also had a great chance to steal the win but the outstanding Bruce Thompson which can only be described as Jedi reflexes stopped the ball on the line in the air with his Light Sabre, well ok……stick. A great effort by both sides but the game ended 1-1 with a point a piece.

Goals - Dan Payne (1)

Man of the Match - Gavin the Superhuman D O T D - Paul Duggan

Aberystwyth Uni 2 - Llanishen & Caerphilly 3

1st November

Away

Llan & Caer again went on their search for their first win of the season, on a long journey to Aberystwyth. With a bare 11 men and a rousing team talk by stand-in skipper Nigel Stephens, it was going to prove an eventful game. For all of Llan & Caer’s desire to keep a clean sheet, a possible record of 46 seconds from the whistle Aber were able to penetrate the Llan & Caer defence and fire home a neat reverse stick strike into the top corner, 1-0. Possibly giving Llan & Caer the jolt they needed, possession immediately stuck with Llan & Caer putting endless pressure on the Aber goal. With Man of the Match Nigel Stephens pushing the midfield forward and the formidable presence of Paul Duggan back into the line-up, a goal must surely be on the way. Aber however were not willing to roll over, an impressive performance by their centre back cut out the majority of Llan & Caer’s dangerous crosses and allowed Aber to hit on the break. On a number of occasions the youth and speed of the Aber students showed as they quickly broke from the back. However standing in their way were the unshakable tackling machines of Dan Davies and Peter Johnson. Even when Aber were finally able to round the defence their 3 onto 1 challenge found goalkeeper Lee Porter in impressive form who made an outstanding multiple save. Llan & Caer were eventually able to open their score sheet when a well worked drive from the right found Ben Payne who didn’t even give the keeper a chance to react when his snap shot found the bottom corner, 1-1.

After such a dominant first half Llan & Caer were going to have to keep the work rate up in the second half to come away with a result. Llan & Caer immediately started where they left off by giving their all. Tireless running by Jon Rogers and youngster James Laugher showed the desire of the team. The consistent awareness of Duggan also allowed the Llan & Caer’s heartbeat, Nigel Stephens, to effectively feed the engine room of Rogers, Black and Morley. Unfortunately with so much pressure being exerted onto Aber something was going to give. Inevitably an unlucky slip by Stephens allowed a lone striker through on goal, the striker also slipped when attempting a strike which left the goalkeeper helpless on the floor, on a second attempt Aber flicked the ball which hit the crossbar and in, 2-1. Llan & Caer unwilling to surrender to such an unfortunate mistake changed into top gear. With so much possession Adam Saunders was able to make best use of his skill by being a constant menace in the oppositions D. Upon winning a short corner a cool strike by Saunders rocketed to the bottom corner, only to find a defenders stick that was unable to contain the power, the ball deflecting up and into the top corner brought LLan & Caer level, 2-2. Aber applying sporadic periods of pressure were able to force Llan & Caer back briefly. A well worked routine down the left and sheer weight of numbers found the defence overwhelmed. Aber running at goal from the tight angle of the back line were able to cross and find a striker who had managed to get half a yard on his marker. A well struck shot was parried away at height by the diving goalkeeper to probably produce the save of the season. Llan & Caer were not willing to travel so far with so little to show. Yet another mazy run by youngster Ben Payne produced a fine strike from an almost impossible angle, however Payne was able to produce a shot with such accuracy and ferocity that the Aber keeper was beaten on his near post, 2-3. With only minutes remaining Aber were able to win a short corner, time runs out, last play of the game, Aber have lined up the majority of their team around the D. Aber inject from the short corner and are unable to control it, the ball is cleared to the sideline, Llan & Caer taste victory.

Goals - Ben Payne (2), Adam Saunders (1)

Man of the Match - Nigel Stephens

D O T D - None!!!

Llanishen and Caerphilly 0 - Swansea Bay A 4

25th October 2008

Home (Hawthorn School)

Llan & Caer in desperate need to get points were hoping to stop the high flying
SwanseaBay team with a stubborn performance. The first half beginning very well for both teams led to numerous short corner chances for both teams. Excellent runs from the impressive midfield combination of Man of the Match Rogers, Black and the Payne brothers kept SwanseaBay pinned in their own half. However Llan & Caer were unable to capitalise on the pressure as numerous well worked runs in open play and a handful of short corners were fruitless. The front line runs of Hill and Tilley were constantly picked out by the quick and accurate passing of DaviesSnr.SwanseaBay were able to exert some of their own pressure upon Llan & Caer but always found the impressive form of Jon Smith blocking their path. It was only when SwanseaBay won a short corner that they were able to capitalise on their chance. A lucky shot allowed the strike from the top of the D to rise over the diving goalkeeper yet dip enough to clip the top of the backboard, 0-1. Llan and Caer put the goal behind them and persist with their open play and fast attacks until half time.

A tale of two half’s can be the only way to describe the events in the second half. Llan & Caer were unable to reproduce their formidable performance of the first half as SwanseaBay forced countless errors from the home team. Shortly into the second half Swansea Bay found themselves outnumbering the hapless Llan & Caer defence, a further mix up in the defence led to an unchallenged shot from the top of the D, 0-2. Llan & Caer however would not give up and continued to apply pressure to gain yet more short corner opportunities and even a one on one challenge with the SwanseaBay keeper. However yet again Llan & Caer were unable to find any scoring form as SwanseaBay were able to convert another 2 chances.

Goals -
Man of the Match - Jon Rogers

D O T D - Adam Saunders

Sherborne 3 - Llanishen and Caerphilly 2

18th October 2008

Away

Injuries and unavailability yet again led Llan & Caer to use an alternative team formation. Stepping into the breech were Jeremy Griffiths, Sam Tilley and Byron Morley who were all impressive with their work rate. Using the pace of Jon Rogers and Dan Payne in the middle of the park Llan & Caer were immediately rewarded with a fast breakaway. The first of many mazy runs by Jon Rogers led to a precision cross, with the ball on the penalty spot and the goal empty Byron Morley was only able to find the goal post. Sherborne then began to gain moment from constant runs from their attacking line. With a handful of chances gifted to the strikers Sherborne were consistently stopped by goalkeeper and Man of the Match Lee Porter. Although Llan & Caer were able to restrict the areas of play Sherborne’s well worked passes managed to find Llan & Caer’s defence a yard off the pace. The goalkeeper committing himself was unable to stop a swift cross where Sherborne deftly struck home, 1-0. Taking full advantage of Llan & Caer being shell shocked Sherborne again similarly found a lone striker with some accurate passing, 2-0. Breaking the stranglehold Llan & Caer dug deep and persisted with swift counter attacks. Forcing Sherborne back into their own D countless times. However last weeks hero Peter Johnson was found wanting as he conceded a penalty flick by tackling with the back of his stick. With the ball set on the spot and the whistle blowing the goalkeeper dives the right way to find the striker has only managed to hit the post. Taking heart from the penalty miss Llan & Caer begin to link well worked runs and passes to end the half strongly. (We wont mention Johnny’s yellow card!!!)

The half press tactic used by Llan & Caer in the first half immediately showed signs of effectiveness as Sherborne were visibly fatigued. Llan & Caer taking full advantage of this began to pressure the home team into many mistakes. Nigel Stephens consistently taking the ball into the oppositions half causing major problems for Sherborne. The midfield firing on all cylinders began to hit Sherborne over and over with mazy runs from the Payne brother’s and Jon Rogers. Again another cross from Jon Rogers was picked up by Sam Tilley at the far post who calmly dummied a defender and slotted home, 2-1. Sherborne struck back with many short corners but were unable to capitalise due to the selfless running of Peter Johnson and Jeremy Griffiths. Sherborne reduced to striking long balls from their own half were able to find a striker, with a defender chasing and the goalkeeper closing down it seemed under control. However a miss-hit by the striker led to a deflection straight back which on the second attempt was able to put away, 3-1. Llan & Caer showed all of the steel they are renowned for as their never give up attitude yet again broke down the Sherborne defence. This time an accurate strike from Dan Payne made the score 3-2 and led to a very tentative and nervous end by Sherborne.

A tireless effort by Llan & Caer was not enough to get a result on the day but the lads had been lifted by the team sprit amongst them. Well done lads.

Goals - Sam Tilley (1), Dan Payne (1)

Man of the Match - Lee Porter

D O T D - Peter Johnson

Llanishen and Caerphilly 1 - Cirencester A 1

11th October 2008

Home (Hawthorn School)

After opening the score sheet early in the first half Llan & Caer went on to dominate the first half. Attacking play being few and far between for Cirencester the home side were able to play the majority of the first half camped in the opposition’s area. An amazing stutter run from the midfield magician Paul Duggan left the goalkeeper stranded on the floor while he had the simple task of a tap in. More chances were created by the fast attacking of Llan & Caer with a couple of shots on goal from accurate crosses. Cirencester showing plenty of mettle managed to enter half time only 1-0 down, with the help of some poor marksmanship.

It can only be assumed that a stern talk at half time led to Cirencester turning the game around in the second half. Although Llan & Caer were still attacking strongly, fatigue in the hot weather was beginning to have an effect. Some slight positional changes and over commitment led to the LLan & Caer defence being outnumbered. Cirencester taking full advantage slipped the ball to an open player who had free range to even the score 1-1. Llan & Caer immediately hit back with two well worked attempts on goal, unfortunately both strikers were only able to find the keepers pads. Cirencester also had a near miss after confusion in the Llan & Caer defence led to an open shot, the keeper dropped quickly to take the sting out of the shot but still unable to completely stop it. Up steps man of the match Peter ‘Pablo’ Johnson to keep Llan & Caer in the game, powering through 2 Cirencester players to clear the ball off the goal line with millimetres to spare. Finishing the game strongly Cirencester pushed for a winner off a number of short corners, however goalkeeper Lee Porter was not willing to drop anymore points and pulled off a magnificent save in the bottom right hand corner to ensure Llan & Caer took a point from the game.

Goals - Paul Duggan (1)

Man of the match - Peter Johnson

D O T D - Jon Rogers

Glocester City B 2 - Llanishen and Caerphilly 1

4th October 2008

Away

Goals - Jon Rogers (1)

Man of the match - Paul Duggan

D O T D - Adam Saunders

Llanishen and Caerphilly 0 - Cardiff & UWIC B 2

27th September 2008

Home (Hawthorn School)

First league game of the season didn't go as planned for Llan/Caer first team going down 0-2 to a stong team from Cardiff & UWIC.

Goals - !!!

Man of the match - Lee Porter

D O T D - Dan Payne

Half time showed the confidence in the two halves of the team, the attack was firing on all cylinders while the defence coughed and spluttered. Llan & Caer had to tighten up their game. A solid performance from Duggan and Jon Smith in the middle of the park began to close the game down when Llan & Caer were rewarded with multiple short corners. The Gloucester keeper making some fine saves could on hold out against the sheer ferociousness of Saunders strikes, the keeper was able to get a hand to the ball but unable to stop the ball hitting the backboard, 4-3. Points seemed to be in the bag but Gloucester were not giving up easily, a strike on goal was superbly deflected by Davies who showed outstanding commitment. Gloucester still pushing managed to force into the home sides ‘D’ and force multiple saves from Porter, however luck was to fall to Gloucester as the third rebound again fell to an unmarked player who finally hit the goal, 4-4. With only minutes to go Llan & Caer went on the offensive and were awarded a short corner, Saunders strike again hitting the top of the backboard only to be ruled out by the umpire. A fair result that showed outstanding attacking prowess, have Llan & Caer turned a corner?

Goals – Paul Duggan (1) Adam Saunders (3)

Man of the Match – Paul Duggan (Adam Saunders)

D O T D - Justin Manley (Johnny Rogers)

Bridgend C 7 - Llanishen & Caerphilly B 1

29th November

Away

Llan & Caer B sustained yet another heavy defeat at the hands this time of rivals Bridgend.

Llanishen & Caerphilly B 1 - Whitchurch G 8

22nd November

Home (Hawthorn)

Llan & Caer's youth put up a fine fight against a strong Whitchurch team. Come on lads, we know you can turn your fortunes around.

Cardiff & UWIC E 6 - Llanishen & Caerphilly B 1

15th November

Away

A tough game for the B team with a scoreline that doesn't truly reflect the performance.

Llanishen & Caerphilly Hockey Club > Match Reports > Archived Match Reports 2008/09

Archived Match Reports 2008/09

Bridgend C 7 - Llanishen & Caerphilly B 1

29th November

Away

Llanishen & Caerphilly B 1 - Whitchurch G 8

22nd November

Home (Hawthorn)

Cardiff & UWIC E 6 - Llanishen & Caerphilly B 1

15th November

Away

Llanishen & Caerphilly B 0 - Whitchurch F 3

1st November

Home (Hawthorn)

Brecon 6 - Llanishen & Caerphilly B 1

25th October 2008

Away

Llanishen & Caerphilly B 1 - Lampeter Uni 4

18th October 2008

Home (Hawthorn)

Carew A 1 - Llanishen and Caerphilly B 2

11th October 2008

Away

Llanishen and Caerphilly B 3 - Abergavenny A 5

4th October 2008

Home (Hawthorn School)