Bring on Lord Nelson

Point-to-Point 2 – BL United 4
Line-up: Tom Bradford; Jamie Clayton, Matt Weston, Ryan Peile, Dave Scurr; Rich Clayton, Chris Phillips, Chris Searle (Peter Earl), Paul Ledley, Patrick O’Hara; Adam Fullagar
MOM: Patrick O’Hara
Dave Scurr, 11th March 2012, Preston Park
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For the second week running, Point battled hard against stronger opposition, only this time with mere moral boosting brownie points to show for. Another depleted match day squad meant a call-up for the youthful looking Pete Earl; Paul Ledley, a face from the past, also featured to enable the home side to put out a competitive side against the top of the league team who no doubt had bigger fish to panfry in the shape of a looming County Cup Final. Adam had the chance to claim a regular place up front, as did Paddy on the right-hand side of a midfield five, while Jamie had the opportunity to keep staking his claim at left-back.

Point certainly gave the league leaders something to worry about it in the first twenty minutes – they came out firing on all cylinders, harassing, pestering and being a nuisance to an unbeaten opposition used to imposing their slick game effortlessly. There was frustration on their left-hand side as Paddy, Phillips and Dave linked up well and gave their direct opponents a run for their money. Their frustration was exacerbated by a booking for a late tackle as Point decided to rise against adversity. Matt and Ryan bossed their formidable number 10 rival in the opening exchanges and Jamie, well supported by Rich, was solid at left-back. In the centre of the park, Phillips tried to bring some composure to a hectic first half hour, with Paul Ledley and Chris Searle battling hard to disrupt BL United’s menacing number 7. However, as in the earlier encounter between these two teams, quality was the main difference – the whistle-happy referee gave a free-kick just outside the penalty area which the BL United player dispatched in devastating fashion into the top (emphasis on top) left-hand corner. An incredible goal, BL United taking the lead from nothing other than a touch of real quality. BL united gradually imposed themselves and grew in confidence, adding a second goal before half-time. At 2-0 down, it looked like a familiar affair with Point slowly running out of steam and gradually losing the one-on-one battles.

BL United resumed affairs how the left them, imposing themselves on a jaded opposition and capitalising on some slack defending from Point. Dave lost his battle on the right channel, the ball eventually finding the man-of-the-match number 7 who dispatched another brilliant strike from outside the area. A rout was on the cards – Point were shell-shocked and went pedestrian in the next exchanges as the away team’s midfield exploited Chris Searle’s injured groin to stroll through the middle and threaten yet again. A frustrated Dave clumsily conceded a penalty which their number 10 converted not once, but twice...in the exact same spot. An enforced reshuffle saw the injured Chris Searle come off for Pete, adding some welcome fresh legs in midfield;  the tireless Rich and angry Dave slotted into the middle. 

The next half-hour was all Point’s as the opposition reshuffled their own line-up and no doubt took their foot off the pedal. Point found a second wind and battled hard to avoid a pending embarrassment with Rich, Dave and Philips seeing more of the ball in midfield and Paddy and Adam working relentlessly up front. Adam, who lead the line brilliantly, won a penalty which Rich confidently converted. Soon after, a reinvigorated Paddy was sent clean through one-on-one with the keeper, and cooly slotted home...only the 10th goal conceded in the campaign for the away team. A miraculous comeback may have followed though Point ran out of time and eventually, steam. It could’ve been a disaster but for some terrific individual performances (including Tom the Keeper) and a rousing second-half display – instead, another moral victory, a welcome prelude to a double-header against familiar opposition, thy Lord Nelson, where six points is a must. 

League leaders too good for Point-to-Point

BL Utd 4  v Point-to-Point 0   (1-0)

Line-up: Tom; Paul B, Ryan, Sam, Rich M; Chris P, Dave, Matt (Paddy); Rich C (Jamie C), Paul G, Nick M

MOM: Dave

Dave Scurr, 15th January 2012, Aldrington

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In a rare away encounter, the Preston Parkers were taking on the upteenth league leaders of the campaign, BL UTD, a team yet to lose and scoring for fun in the Junior Division 2. The start of the 2012 campaign saw a debut for Rich McKenzie slotting at right-back, freeing up Dave for a rare stint in a centre-midfield trio completed by Matt Weston and Chris Philips. Paul Goodier was given the nod as sole target man in a compact 4-5-1 formation. 

Against a physically strong and efficient opposition, Point were pegged back in their own half for most of the game, struggling to keep hold of a ball that they were, despite expectations, winning more often than not. There was real bite in the way Point's players fought for every ball - they harassed, fought for in the air against players twice their size and even fouled and shouted more than their rattled opponents for the opening 30 minutes. While defensive in nature, Point were disciplined and kept a compact shape which frustrated the league leaders. Unfortunately, the away team lacked the composure and confidence to play any part in possession football, often giving it straight back to their opponents. With a clear pattern emerging and Paul Goodier isolated up-front, BL Utd knew that they would eventually break the deadlock maintaining what they were doing half-decently - keeping the ball. Point eventually conceded just before half-time, one of three goals coming from a set piece or a cross. 

With the wind behind them, BL Utd did more of the same in the second half, pinging long balls to their topscorer eager to add to the 27 goals he had already score in half a season. Possibly unable to cope with Ryan's pace, he eventually came off with what looked like a hamstring pull, a moral victory for the yellow and blue back four who defended extremely well considering the incessant wave of attacks. Before Point could hope to rally in the last third of the game, BL1 Utd scored a fortunate goal, soon adding a great third via a well-taken near post header. With Matt Weston coming off, Point dabbled in a 4-4-2 shape as the game opened up. Some good work from Rich Clayton and Paul Goodier freed up Nick Mercer in a dangerous position who attempted an ambitious shot inside their area from a difficult angle. A consolation goal would have been deserved but never came. Dave started seeing more of the ball and made the most of the increasing movement up-front (4 legs good, 2 legs bad), playing some decent through-balls. BL Utd however were a constant threat and completed the job with another excellent goal from their left-winger. With the main job done, they then took to taking out stand-in skipper AngryDave out of the game with a flurry of unnecessary two-footed lunges - the latter used some rare sharpness and trickery to skip nonchalantly between those evil ogres and win another moral defensive victory. Point now need to come up with a counter-attacking weapon and they'll be fine...

Referee steals the show in entertaining stalemate

Horsdean Utd   2   v    2  Point-to-Point FC   (2-1)

Line-up: Tom; Kevin (Jamie), Ryan, Joe, Paul B; Matt, Chris S, Chris P (Paddy); Rich (Tom M), Nick B, Paul G

MOM: Paul Goodier (TBC)

   

 Dave Scurr, 4th December, Preston Park

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After losing narrowly in last week's top of the table encounter, Point moved South for a top versus bottom match in the Junior Division 2. While stats supposedly never lie, the handful of spectators in attendance could have thought this was initially a low-key affair between two mid-table teams with little to play for this season.

It turned out to be an exciting game, with first class entertainment provided by an eccentric referee who mistook Sunday League football for a crusade of football theory - a cross between a village pastor and a geek, one who found a platform to preach Blatter's football bible to his precious disciples through countless monologues. He ended the game thanking everyone by their first name (including spectators he'd never met) and opening his briefcase to the football gods; all this after a game which involved some extraordinary decisions including dismissing a player on the touchline and another behind the goal for drinking some Lucozade... and possibly sweating exceedingly. It was theatrical and on the verge of absurd - FIFA would have approved, except the man in question was black.

Now to the. Stop. Football. Start. Point-to-Point, the away team on their home ground, looked out of sorts against Horsdean's local trespassers who felt they had a point to prove and saw here an opportunity to kickstart their season. They were an organised outfit who played football a respectable way, just lacking quality players to make it that bit more efficient. They went 2-0 up in the first 30 minutes, albeit with a stroke of luck - the first goal, a quality long range effort straight into the top corner; the second, a failed cross which rebounded off the cross bar via Horsdean's fortunate forward into the net.

Point created few chances and were unable to get going despite rallying calls from a number of their players. With some regular starters unavailable leading to yet another different midfield three combination, the build-up play was disjointed; when the ball did find the yellow midfield, there was rarely any width provided by the wingers or full-backs as they themselves were eager to come looking for the ball in the same perimeter of 20 metres. This was as compact as condensed milk; the vacant space a welcome ground for two dozen seagulls keen to start their own occupation on the left-bank. Point did manage to pull a goal back though, just on the stroke of half-time. It came from a rare run down the channel from potential man-of-the-match Paul Goodier, who whipped a great ball through on the far post to the incoming Rich who finished superbly from a tough angle. Right to left, and a hint of width.

As predicted during the half-time talk, Horsdean would struggle to hold on to their lead. Suddenly down to 10 men, Point could sense their capitulation; they huffed and puffed and created a host of good chances which should have been enough to win the game. Paul Goodier this time turned converter, picking the ball on the right flank and scoring the equaliser in clinical fashion. Tom the Sleepwalker came on up-front for the final push, as did Jamie at full-back and Paddy in centre-midfield. The hard work in the second half nearly paid off: a replica move for Goodier, the sole outlet on the wing, powered through into the box and was fouled to win a penalty. After much protest and more sermons from the referee, Goodier went for power and smashed the ball against the crossbar. 

A final long stoppage time throw-in fell to Ryan on the far post who was desperately unlucky to see his shot rebound against the valiant Horsdean defence. It stayed 2-2; Horsdean happy, the referee in a trance-like state and the Preston Parkers slightly dazed and confused by this extraordinary match...

Shelbyville outclassed in another Point 5-goal rout

Point-to-Point 5 v Shelbyville 0   (2-0)

Line-up: Tom B; Dave (Paul B), Ryan, Matt, Chris S; Chris P, Mike L, Mike B; Rich (Paddy), Paul G, Tom M (Nick M)

MOM: Paul Goodier

Dave Scurr, 20th November, Preston Park

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After a Remembrance day to forget last Sunday (Point were held to a 0-0 draw against nine men at home), the series of home league games resumed in impressive fashion for the Preston Parkers as they produced their best display yet of the campaign. Persevering with their 4-3-3 formation, the home team scored five and crucially kept a clean sheet against an opposition that had put four past them just a few weeks ago.  It was an overdue performance, full of discipline, composure  and confidence epitomised by the unplayable Paul Goodier who scored three, won two penalties and ran relentlessly to traumatise his bruised opponents. 

Gaffer Weston tinkered some more with the 4-3-3 personnel and must get some of the plaudits for such a fluid display. The midfield three of Philips, Layzell and newcomer Mike worked a treat and provided the platform for the much talked about passing game that is sporadically produced on the training ground but rarely displayed on Sundays. Most of the play went through the midfield as they picked out the runs of the animated front three and controlled proceedings with gusto. The back four kept a tight line and stayed disciplined throughout the home team's many attacks. Few fouls were committed and plenty of communication all across their ranks helped Point grow in confidence against a scrappy Shelbyville. 

When Rich hit the woodwork from the spot, it seemed like another case of 'missed opportunities'; however, Paul Goodier was in clinical mood and scored the first of his three excellent goals with a low diagonal drive from just inside the area. The home team piled on the pressure and rattled their opponents, Goodier winning another penalty in the area this time converted confidently by Layzell.

With a spring in their steps, Point came out in the second half with a determination to pick things up how they left them. From their own penalty area, they countered in compelling fashion, switching from left to right and concluding with the ball in the back of the opposite net.  Another outstanding 'team' goal soon followed, Philips finishing some tiki-takking that started from a left-back throw in with a flourish. The insatiable Goodier fired a fifth from long range to cap a confidence-boosting display and keep the Preston Parkers in contention in the Junior 2. 

Point-to-Point on the up in 5-goal win

Point-to-Point  5 v AFC Brighton & Hove Reserves 1 (1-1)

Line-up: bradford, searle, scurr (barrett 75), weston, steadman, peile, mercer, phillips, mccarron (o'hara 72), blake, goodier (clayton, 70)

MOM: Nick Mercer

Matt Weston, 6th November, Preston Park

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Point-to-Point produced an encouraging performance winning 5-1 against an improved afc brighton & hove. It was an even contest until half-time, the home side having played into the wind. The game hinged on the first twenty minutes of the second-half where Point got stuck in, their opponents kicked off, and the team in red and white stripes scored four goals in quick succession. MOTM nick mercer was everywhere. 

Goals from tom (2 - both neat finishes), Destructo (barnstorming a one on one), Mercer (goal of the season contender delightful chip/ scoop following hoddle-like 50 yard crossfield through ball), nick blake (another g.o.t.s contender - horizontal scissor kick volley from just inside the box - keeper couldn't keep it out).

Back-to-back losses stalls Point-to-Point's campaign

Point-to-Point 2 v 3 Racing Club Varndean  (1-1)

Line-up: Tom; Sam, Matt (Paul B), Ryan, Dave; Chris S (Nick B), Mikey, Joe Millar; Paul Goodier, Tom M, Chris P (Nick M)

MOM: Paul Goodier

Dave Scurr, 30th October, Preston Park

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Point-to-Point were knocked off the top of the table in disheartening fashion, beaten by a physically strong albeit one-dimensional Racing Club Varndean. While this wasn’t quite a horror show, the reality check for a full strength Point-to-Point was leaning on the dark side as their supposedly ‘quickstep’ football was beaten fairly convincingly by the old-fashioned 'route one'.

As always, the home team started confidently knowing that there was plenty of flair and skill in the starting 11 to outplay a physically stronger opposition. Led by a solid and lively midfield trio of Searle, Mikey and Joe, Point were able to pass their way into the opponents half and start pressuring their back four. Tom and Paul showed plenty of movement up-front and Philips played with discipline on the right, giving Dave some license to run the right channel. They deservedly scored the opener when Joe found space on the right and whipped a great ball in for Destructo who finished with a tidy header. This capped a confident start and some tidy spells; in the lead and in control…again.

Varndean responded with a blitz of hopeful long balls which gradually had an impact on the game. Their big ‘Frankenstein’ number 10 started to either flick on most balls thrown at him or hold the play up, frustrating his markers and wining free-kicks. The warning signs were there for the team in stripes; Varndean’s sole weapon was hitting long balls towards the Point back four and targeting their keeper…set-pieces would facilitate that for them. They provoked their opponents with plenty of moaning and gamesmanship which ultimately got the better of the home team. Point started committing unnecessary fouls and inexplicably  playing the long ball game themselves. This killed off any momentum Point gained in the first 20 minutes as they struggled to keep the ball and the defence came under increasing pressure. The equaliser epitomised this as Point failed to play it from the back, instead opting for a hopeful long ball which came straight back at them, under pressure, committed a foul and failed to deal with Varndean’s hopeful cross; Varndean’s number 11 was there to collect Dave’s weak clearance and finish from just outside the area.

Things got worst in the second half for Point as Varndean grew in confidence and intensified both  pressure and gamesmanship. It worked a treat for them; the Point players gradually lost their shape, composure and discipline. Varndean capitalised on another hesitant clearance from a cross and deservedly took the lead. Captain Searle got booked, Point failed to keep hold of the ball and kept conceding too many fouls, playing in the hands of their chatty and frustrating opponents. Pushing for an equaliser, they were left vulnerable at the back. Sam’s gearbox stalled as last man, unable to catch the tall number 11, an unlikely hero scoring his second goal of the game and putting the game to bed. Man-of-the-match Paul Goodier staked his claim up-front by pulling a goal back from a good free-kick just after Point’s strong bench of Nick Blake, Paul Barrett and Mercer came on to spark an unlikely comeback. It wasn’t to be – Varndean pushed up the table delighted with three effective points while Point were left scratching their heads.

 

Point-to-Point fail to convince in sticky stalemate

Point-to-Point 2  v  2 Bevendean Athletic (1-1)

Line-up: Tom; Sam, Ryan (Paul B), Paul, Dave (Rich); Nick M, Chris S (Mike), Matt, Joe, Chris P; Tom 

MOM: tbc 

Dave Scurr, 2nd October, Preston Park

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Point-to-Point's first home game of the season was a forgettable experience and served as a reminder that there is a long way to go if they are to challenge for promotion in an apparently weak division 2. On paper, two teams with two wins out of two, best attack versus best defence and, potentially chunkiest versus slimmest personnel, had the makings of a Sunday League classic - well, until the football started. 

The pre-match rituals has an air of pre-season frolicking; with Captain Searle spotted trying to break into Sports Direct in town 30 minutes before kick-off (his football boots having gone AWOL), the rest of the team had time to complain about various niggles, talk about the weather and cool down before kick-off in semi-naked fashion.

Despite the relaxed vibe associated with a hot sunny Sunday, the home team started brightly letting the ball do the running and Bevendean Athletic do the talking to the referee. In the first 10 minutes, Point probably managed more passes than in the remaining 80 minutes and deservedly took the lead through an absolute thunderbolt from Captain Searle, this time spotted on the pitch donning football socks and boots and all; he latched onto a loose ball from just outside the area and sent it flying into the top left corner. Brilliant strike. The momentum was clearly yellow and blue, Bevendean Athletic failing to cope with the opening exchanges and the new-found triangular shapes showcased by Point's midfield and full-backs. 

Their best chance of the half fell to sweaty Dave, playing as an attacking full back, and failing to convert a chance which would have rivalled Searle's opener as goal of the month; he picked up a clearance from a corner, skipped through a crowd of Bevendean players, only to throw a tame effort at the goalmouth once clear on goal. Bevendean's sole contribution to the game so far was sending out long balls to their Guti-like striker which Ryan, Paul and Sam dealt with comfortably.

Unfortunately for the home side, things soon fell apart from then on as Bevendean won a corner and took advantage of a bad mix up between keeper Tom and Ryan as they failed to clear, slotting home the easiest goal they will score this season. This sparked a sequence of unfortunate events for Point having to reshuffle their line-up on various occasions due to injuries to Searle and Dave coming off in quick succession (and replaced by Mike and Rich respectively). Bevendean grew in confidence and saw more of the play as Point failed to recover from their opportunistic equaliser and they managed to take the lead via the penalty spot following a clumsy challenge from one of Point's defenders. With Point rattled and feeling the heat, they had to rely not for the first time on a couple of acrobatic saves from Tom who gave them a lifeline. Indeed, against the run of play, Bevendean's goalkeeper returned Point's first half favour by gifting them a goal; he failed to deal with an incoming ball and Rich was able to pounce onto it. 

A seemingly Sunday morning stroll in the park became more of a laborious marathon when Ryan also had to come off injured and Rich was forced to play on with a calf injury...despite their misfortunes, three old pros were able to show off their naked torsos in front of Bevendean's wags who were providing most of the morning entertainment on the touchline. Bevendean ended the game as they started, shouting at the referee in unison as their striker was clearly caught offside; Point ended the game scraping a point in lacklustre fashion with a quarter of the team injured.