Hilltop Wanderers

Hilltop 9 - 12 Thatched

2008-05-07T13:43:00.002Z

Much better performance this week, well, eventually! First half we played halfway and although our intention to stop the flow of goals was right, this just didn't work to our favour. Partly due to people playing literally half-way, so we had this flat wall and Thatched found it easy to break us down with through balls behind. Maybe we were just too eager to get forward and forget last week. Anyway, they kept on scoring!

Then with about ten minutes to go, their fastest player was accidently clipped by Stimo and this led to an incident which changed the game in our favour. Firstly we changed to man-to-man marking and secondly, started showing some passion. The game became a lot tighter but come halftime, we were still 8-1 down!

With their quickest man out of the game and our team closing down quicker, we started scoring some goals and Paul played a huge role in turning things around, not just with his goals but his work ethic. Likewise Stimo was another who scored and kept running. The team overall found some memory of how we can play when we work together and try.

Was it not for some unlucky incidents and dodgy rebounds to their favour, we may have found a few more goals but time had other ideas. The game ended 9 - 12 to them and with us being able to lift our heads a bit higher.

Goals: Dave S (1), Paul (4), Ste H (1), Stimo (3)

Team: Burke, Dave S, David, Paul, Graeme, Ste H, Stimo

Hilltop 4 - 11 PLF

2008-04-29T18:38:00.002Z

I thought we couldn't play any worse than the 19 goal hammering but I was wrong!

I'd rather not dwell on the negatives from this game, partly because we lacked encouragement from each other this night, including myself.

We need to see more from everyone next game, going forward and especially in defence. We just managed to beat PLF last time, due to clever defending, graft and some special goalkeeping from Graeme.

We need to start playing the ball to feet and making intelligent runs more often. 1-2's, overlaps, all the basics rather than long shots & corner balls.

I'm not certain who scored but the below figures ring some kind of bell!

Goals: Craig (3), Ken (1)
Team: Burke, Craig, David, Graeme, Ken, Ste H, Stimo

Hilltop on Nike Advert

2008-04-11T14:12:00.003Z

I just caught a flash advert on the Pitz website that was really clever. I was logged in and the advert must pull the name of our team from my profile and then display it in the advert, so its aimed in a more personal way.

Here's the screenshots of the advert;

Hilltop 7 - 7 Collwell

2008-04-11T13:40:00.005Z

We beat these 9 - 2 last time around, last night we should have won again. Reverting back to our halfway style, we stopped the easy & obvious through balls that haunted us last week. Having Graeme back in made a huge difference too, we can look for those long through balls and know he can get us on a quick break with an accurate throw out.

Unfortunately our counter attacks & through balls weren't as fruitful as they have been and the goals came from open play, passing down the line and then through the middle where the likes of Craig or myself would knock it in from 10 yards out. Davids goal was the only finish that came close to a one on one.

Defence was ok, still room for improvement with better use of zonal marking and the high defender doubling up when their sweeper is outta the picture. I know this can be a dangerous ploy sometimes but as long as you stay aware of their man over, you can add some pressure to their player on the ball and hopefully help your teammate.

We led the game until the final minute, when a shot from a tight angle deflected off my block and beat Gray at the near post. Was a gutting moment as I thought the angle was covered and so tried to cover any infield pass. 30 seconds later we had a great opportunity to win the game when I broke from defence, could have went all the way but instead a tired head made me pass the book & layed it off to Craig who didnt get the shot off. He says I passed it behind him - I think he should have done better but either way we were both tired and I should have buried the chance anyway.

Next week I'd like to see tighter & compact defending in the middle. Lets see if we can force them down the wings and look for counter's behind them.

Overall, much better performance than last week, we had Graeme back in goal and played halfway to try and keep the goals down. There's still a lot to do to get back to our normal standard but if we can keep the back tight and counter more effectively, hopefully we can start getting 3 points again.

Goals: Craig (3), David (1), Ste H (3)

Team: Burke, Craig, David, Graeme, Ken, Ste Foote, Ste H, Stimo

Hilltop 5 - Farmers 19 (TBC)

2008-04-08T12:40:00.005Z

Hammerings, walkovers, pastings, some of the initial terms I thought we could have as labels on this blog (so you can put selected match reports into category containing similar write ups). However, as it wasn't really clear if it was for or against, I just went with "Big Defeats" & "Big Victories".

It don't take much thought deciding where to stick this report....

Farmers beat us the first time we met in the initial 4 game intro when we joined Thursday League. Then we had Graeme in goal and a team with more confidence. Thursday gone we had Davids mate John in goal (he's helped us out a few times before and done well, although always gets injured!), he pulled off some good saves but no disrespect to him, we missed Graeme.

If I'm being honest, Graeme would have brought the goals against down considerably but the outfield team still sucked. It was frustrating to witness the lack of effort and general balls to chase back, not shirk responsibility and provide cover off the ball. Time and time again the team defended high, invited through balls but didn't track back. In hindsight I should have dragged everyone back to half-way defending but when your chasing the game, it's easy to get lost in the action.

Going forward we had little composure and our first touch wasn't always the best. They had a solid keeper in goal although a lot of our strikes did go down the middle.

Hopefully we will have things a little more back to normal next game, maybe we needed a big defeat to draw a line at the silly mistakes and selfish, lazy defending. It's good we aren't going to walk this league anyhow.

Goals: Craig (3), Burke (1)

Team: Burke, Craig, David, Graeme, Gary, Ken, Ste H, Stimo

Hilltop 10 - 0 Monaco (Default)

2008-03-28T13:27:00.000Z

Ten nil default win.

Hilltop 4 - 11 Thatched

2008-03-23T22:26:00.004Z

Even though they only had 5, they out played us through most of the game. Their keeper was possibly the best we've faced this season and their outfield players closed us down really well. We didn't defend together effectively and left Graeme to deal with their attacks alone all too often. Gray was awesome and stopped the scoreline from being embarrasing.

We did have our chances, the unfortunate thing was Craig getting a knock on his injured ankle early on. Which meant we had lost our main goal threat and the rest of the team couldn't make up for it through either lack of fitness, form or confidence. We do have the resources to cover such things but not when the team plays like they did this game. It was good to see David knocking in 2 good goals out of nothing.

Even though the performance was dissapointing, we are still leading the division and we can just use this defeat to tighten up our shape and remember that we need to work hard and defend deep.

Goals: David (2), Craig (2)
Team: Burke, Craig, David, Craig, Ken, Ste H, Stimo

Hilltop 9 - 8 PLF

2008-03-17T19:15:00.002Z

Good game & good win that we nearly threw away. At one point 6-2 up but they did well to come back in the second half. We had a number of slack defensive moments but they were a good team, if a bit green. Graeme was superb again and Foote and Weaver did well coming in to such a game, as PLF were quite physical.

Craig played through injury to get the goals and Stimo managed to find some energy in the dieing minutes to latch onto my long ball and net the winner. Even though he didn't realise they had equalised (;P), he had a cool head to power the ball home.

Hopefully we can get a consistent side together this season and win a trophy in our first Thursday night campaign. Next time we face these we should expect an even closer game!

Goals: Craig (4), Stimo (2), Burke (1), Ste H (1), Weaver (1)
Team: Burke, Craig, David, Graeme, Ste Foote, Ste H, Stimo, Weaver

Hilttop 5 - 4 Diamonds

2008-03-10T19:40:00.000Z

Real tight game this, Diamonds were a bit rough at times (notebly David getting launched into the sideboard via a stupid and dangerous tackle by their sweeper). Both teams had good keepers (hence the low scoreline) but to be fair, we wasted some sitters and Grays a God between the sticks.

We lost Burke after about 10minutes due to a hamstring injury, I missed the incident myself due to picking glass outta my heel but I'm told the injury made grown men cry. Burke had been doing a good job at harrassing their team up until that point too.

Stimo scored a blinder and Craigs only goal of the game was quality too, wacked in from the right wing into the far corner early on but injury put a dampner on his impact.

The game remained tight into the second half and unfortunately for everone, there was a 10minute period (at least) when the ball just didnt go out of play and so prevented tired players subbing. At 4-4 eveyone looked totally knackered and the game was just desperate to say the least, with tired minds & legs making errors and loosing markers, both keepers excelled at this point.

With the scores still all level and with about 4 minutes remaining, both teams finally made subs and the fresh legs brought urgency to the game. I managed to slip my marker and Gray threw a longball down the middle, with me latching on to hit the winner. We held out for the last 2 minutes and got a good 3 points.

Goals: Stimo (2), Craig (1), Ste H (1)
Team: Burke, Craig, David, Gary, Graeme, Ken, Ste H, Stimo

Hilltop 12 - 9 Broadway

2007-10-18T11:57:00.000Z

Last time we played these (like 2 weeks ago or something), they had only 4 men and we just about got 3 points!

This time the opposition arrived with a full team, including the 2 players who played class for them that previous game. Each time we've played them it's been a real close game and it was the same last night.

We started off brightly, took a 2-3 goal lead and we limited their 1 on 1's with a tight shape at the back. A few subs later and we had slackened up - it was all level. It's was a pretty even contest throughout and it was only in the last 10 minutes we broke away from them. Maybe our experience showed or fitness but we found a lot more space and started knocking in goals from counter-attacks. Graeme was outstanding throughout the game (as usual) and it's easy to forget the difference he makes. He took one point blank shot in the nether-regions 2nd half, yet still managed to parry the ball away.

Overall we can be really happy about last nights game, not really on a personal note for me (in my defence i had a shingle type illness the weekend and only played cos David & Craig fagged out;P ) but teamwise everybody did their bit at the back and the likes of Rob scored some vital long range crackers when nothing much else was really on. Dave had another great game, getting his first hattrick for the team. Maybe he's taken over Stimo's hattrick campaign?:D

Celtic next week, so hopefully we can take this form into that and unfortunately Old Swan were relegated, so no more derbies ;(

Goals: Dave (3), Ken (3), Rob (4), Stimo (2)
Team: Burke, Dave, Graeme, Ken, Rob, Ste H, Stimo

Hilltop 6 v 12 The View

2007-09-13T14:39:00.000Z

They in my opinion are the best team in the league closley followed by celtics. They had alot of the ball early on but that didnt worry us much. They never looked all that good early on it was a close game! i would say fitness wasnt the reason they pulled away just less desire on our part to go and win the game.

I cost us an early goal when they played a simple one 2 and i lost my man. however we got a goal back. The first half was close and if our team improved finishing it would have made a game of it.

On the day our finishin was crap, mine awful thats for sure. We lose posession far to easily!!!!!! There was a few good hits though, Kens comes to mind. They are a faster team and to be honest if we never had the cat the score would of been alot worse. BBBBUUUTTT we have got gray thank god and when we take chances and defend well we can beat anyone with a bit of luck he's that good!

This season now should be about gettin fitness up looking to improve for next season. Not that i can speak after the last few weeks but i can for all the other seasons!!!!! Attendence is vital, Rob would of helped last night!! Txt ste if ya can only make lates k/o due to work and we should rearrange, f#ck suiting the other team now ste! only play when we can get our best squad out.

Unlucky anyway boys hard game

Goals: Craig (2), David (1), Ken (2), Stimo (2)
Team: Burke, Craig, David, Graeme, Ken, Ste H, Stimo

Hilltop 11 - 1 Green Man

2007-09-06T12:51:00.001Z

Green Man only had 5 players and were swopping goalies for fitness and because they didn't actually have a proper keeper. We let them pass and move the first half, we knew it was a game we should win and were happy to let them burn themselves out. We didnt score our first goal until about 5-7 minutes in.

All credit to them, they still worked hard and were running about until the end, they just got sloppy defensively - as expected with no subs. Our link up play wasn't as consistant as it could have been, we didn't always pick the right pass and didn't make as many runs as we could have but when we did, there were some nice team goals.

Some good individual goals from Rob & Ken and Graeme pulled off some quality saves. I saw one shot from the sidelines when the ball seemed to get past you but a big left hand appeared and knocked it back out - some classey moves mate ;D. Good to see Stimo getting another hattrick again.

Nice to be third place but it'll be difficult to keep that after next week with us playing The View. Will be interesting to see how much we can close the gap with Graeme in goal this time.

Goals: Burke (1), Craig (2), Ken (2), Stimo (3), Rob (3)
Team: Burke, Craig, David, Graeme, Ken, Ste, Stimo, Rob

Hilltop 9 - 9 Wades

2007-08-30T11:36:00.000Z

Update: After confirming goals scored, seems we got ten last night and the ref has miscounted. What a b@astard!

Even though we got a point from this, it felt like a loss. We totally out played them first half, so much so that by the time the second half started, over confidence caused a loss of shape & work ethic. It's bizarre how it happened and I could rabbit on about the game and try to figure out what went wrong but the fact is, it was like 3 teams played last night and we really only have ourselves to blame.

First half, we did some nice passing & movement (although we still should have made a few more chances count). Second half we didn't show the same kind of initiative going forward, people tended to run more with the ball down the flanks, rather then passing early and looking for a 1-2 down the centre. They did swop their keeper at half-time however, although to suggest this is a reason we dropped 2 points is lame, as we didn't test them at all really.

We are above Old Swan at the mo which is good, makes our next game vs them that more important though and if we can find 3 points elsewhere this season, we may have a respectable finish.

If you have any opinions yourself, you can make a post in the comments section of each match report!

Goals: David (3), Ken (1), Rob (1), Stimo (3), Ste (2)
Team: Burke, David, Dave S, Graeme, Ken, Rob, Ste, Stimo

Hilltop 10 - 0 CSKA

2007-08-23T11:32:00.000Z

Default Win.

Hilltop 8 - 9 Broadway

2007-08-16T12:59:00.000Z

We finished this game as we started, unorganised at the back and not covering each other. First time we've played Broadway, they came into the game above us and 2nd, the annoying thing is for most of the game we played really well, the best we have in a while! We were winning by around 5 goals at one point but for whatever reason, fitness, concentration, composure; we let them back in the game.

Off the back of last weeks dissapointment, it seemed as good a time as ever to move back to half-way defending with Graeme being back. While it took the team a few mins to settle (allowing them a 2 goal lead), once we relaxed and put our foot on the ball, we started some good passing and link up play. We had Stimos brother Dave playing for the first time and he did a good job covering the back. Allowing players like myself to push forward a bit more than usual and with the halfway tactic, Stimo way given more counter attacking opportunities.

Second half started as the first ended, we were playing a nice tight defence, covering really well for each other and when we countered, usually playing some good footy. Looking back, a key turning point may have been the incident with Burke and one of their players. I don't think we should give any f#ckers from the other team such mentions like this on here but I don't know how the guy only got a 2min sinbin. I felt the ref let us down a few times to be honest and his indecisiveness caused us to concede an important goal late in the game.

Anyway, the incident seemed to rally their team and when we couldn't make the extra man count, the return of the sinbinner applied more pressure to us and they broke us down.

Next time we should have Craig, Ken & Rob playing so i think those who played last night, will be expecting some revenge because we deserved more than we got.

Bring it on!

Goals: Stimo (3), David (2), Burke (1), Ste (1), Tim (1)
Team: Burke, Dave S, David, Graeme, Ste, Stimo, Tim

Hilltop 5 - 8 Old Swan

2007-08-09T16:21:00.000Z

the derby match, personally i always expect a victory in this game. Old Swan are a decent team with two good players with speed and skill but rest of there team average. we came into the game with 2 key players missing(craig and ken) but had greame "the cat" back in goal so expectations before the game were high.
we started well moving into a early lead with rob providing the goals. hilltop looked quick and alert with good movement on and off the ball ..... but that wernt to last! weather it was we dropped in our performance or O.S upped theres we lost the lead and started playing silly long balls and giving the attcking player no support.
at the end of the 1st half we were lucky to be only a couple of goals behind with greame back in fine form keeping the scoreline not as steap. 2nd half started and as in the 1st we got a few goals early on coming from rob again who was having a great game also by keeping O.S's best player quiet. as the 2nd half came nearer to full time we lost any chance of gaining anything other out the game than a poor goal differance with silly mistakes and slow play in our passing and movement.
we really need to improve fitness were gettin out paced in too many games, weather you play 1 or 7 times a week we need to improve as individuals and a team, still alot of games left so lets improve and reach our highest possible league finish.

Goals: Rob (5)
Team: Burke, David, Foote, Graeme, Stimo, Ste, Rob

Hilltop 7 - 14 Celtic

2007-08-02T12:11:00.000Z

We've had a few decent games against Celtic in the past, recently they tend to have us off and last night continued that trend! With 2/3 quick players, they exposed our defensive cover a number of times. John was in goal this week, covering the sticks for the first time and he made a number of good saves. Unfortunately for us, he had busted his little finger like 10 minutes before our game, so if they happened to wack the ball on his leftside, more often then not he was unable to keep it out.

So that coupled with our marking & their speed, meant they scored a number of frustrating goals. I think general fitness played a part too, our movement off the ball wasn't too good and as I said before, tracking was a bit off but it was obvious their players would try and burn through, so it's a shame we didn't cover each other a bit more.

We have a big game vs Old Swan next week anyway so hopefully we can pick things up and bag another 3 points! It's worth each of us saying a small prayer to speed up Graemes return as well ;P

Goals: Craig (2), David (1), Rob (1), Ste (2), Stimo (1)
Team: Craig, David, Burke, John, Rob, Ste, Stimo

Hilltop 9 - 15 The View

2007-08-02T12:04:00.000Z

Didn't get around to posting this last week due to being out all day on Thursday but it's fair to say the better team won! Although we did give them too much respect the first half, it was a decent game and the result couldn't be argued with.

I might end up changing the score at some point, pitz webby is down so I can't check the official score :(

Goals: Craig (4), Ken (1), Rob (2), Ste (1), Stimo (1)
Team: Craig, David, Ken, Burke, Rob, Ste, Stimo

Hilltop 8 - 7 Green Man

2007-07-19T11:26:00.000Z

Pre-match organising ended up being a bit of a shambles for this game. Deano let us down and we didn't find out till 30mins before kickoff. Our poor kitty is now empty for the first time in many a season! ;(

With no Deano and Craig playing in goal (due to being knackered), we would need the whole team to step in with the goals and that they did! I think a few of us were expecting a rough game against Green Man but it was without incident really. Green Man like many of the younger teams, just tried to play quick attacking football and they dominated most of the game, with us trailing by 2-3 goals.

Come half-time, we were 3-5 behind (this is what the ref told me anyway!), although I was genuinely surprised to hear they lead by just 2 goals. There had been a few simple defensive lapses with people not tracking and pulling other men from their marker to cover, happened to me a lot in the first half! Anyway, apparently with only 2 goals behind, our team picked up spirits and we started knocking a few more in. Craig swopped positions with Burke who went in goal, he made some classy saves to basically keep us in the game the second half. Stimo's hattrick was made up of some quality play as well, they had a decent keeper but the shots kept flying in the corner.

Unfortunately Kev was injured about 10mins into the second half, putting us down to just 1 sub. However, our general fitness levels do seem to have improved, I can feel my own fitness getting better each week and David seems to be back to his marathon man self. The team eventually got to just 1 goal behind and we could sense more goals to come. Unfortunately the ref decided to add an extra goal onto Green Man, so we were behind by 2 again. I've no complaints about this as they did net a lot of goals, it's just a bit shit when the ref f#cks up like that, as it could have killed our morale.

Thankfully we scored near enough from the off, after the ball rebounded into the air and with two defenders around him, Ken managed to volley the ball into the back of the net.

Just 1 goal behind again and about 2 mins left.

Up steps David and we are level, their team must have been gutted. Everyone's a bit edgy at this point but their team had more to loose and although it was counter-attacking football for both teams, i would say we had them on the back foot at this point. With about 40 seconds left Craig scored the winner and after the celebrations we just tried our best to hold onto the ball until full time.

Full time came and we won! Another 3 points and our best start to the season since we finished 2nd. Each game has been tight without Graeme but it does feel like we are getting better and hopefully we can keep up the fight.

Goals: Burke (1), Craig (1), David (1), Ken (1), Ste (1), Stimo (3)
Team: Burke, Craig, David, Ken, Kev, Ste, Stimo

Hilltop 11 - 7 Wades

2007-07-12T11:17:00.000Z

We had an actual goalkeeper between the sticks this week, Ste a friend of Rods who has played in goal for us a few times in the past, helped out in Graemes abscence. So Burke could finally give his legs a decent workout.

First time we've played Wades, they seemed an ok team, bit dirty at times and it could be they are a Sunday team using Wed for training. They also didn't have any subs which usually gives us a bit of a boost. As i'm writing this summary a week late, the details are a bit fuzzy but I can remember Burke doing some vital "last line of defence tackles" and David scored some quality goals to help win the game.

Goals: Craig (6), David (3), Steven (1), Stimo (1)
Team: Burke, Craig, David, Ken, Kev, Steven, Ste (GK), Stimo

Hilltop 10 - 9 CSKA Moscow

2007-07-05T11:04:00.000Z

First game of Season 12 against the team we last played in Season 11. That game was our first game without Graeme since his injury, they beat us then and with Graeme still out and Rob on holiday, it would be a tough game.

Had a few players with hangovers and players like myself who were tired and just played crap! Deano the new lad had a blinder of a debut, only small but he's lightning quick and constantly skinned their team pulling off some brilliant goals.

Defensively we had a few lapses, usually somebody not tracking their man goalside but that's going to happen with 2 new boys and others being off the pace. There were some good tackles though, Stimo saved the day preventing 3 players to 1 against the keeper! (Yeah it did get that bad sometimes;P) Deano was good at pressuring their backline and Craig had a few elastic man tackles. We didn't really do our halfway tactic, seemed a bit more fluid then usual, with us putting pressure on them higher up and a few of these interceptions got us goals. Likewise it cost us some when players werent sprinting back to cover.

Good win overall though and considering Burke had to step in goal again (having an even better game than last time too!), the team did well.

Goals: Craig (2), Deano (5), Ste (1)
Team: Burke, Craig, David, Deano, Ken, Kev, Stimo, Ste

Season 11 Review

2007-06-28T12:22:00.000Z

Well the season has come to an end and I dont think many of us will be sad to know that! We've been really unsettled with injuries with this being our most inconsistent season since Graeme and Rob joined. Just comparing the stats to last seasons 2nd place finish, we've had 3 extra players who have made a number of starts when we've been short, plus another bunch who have each played once. Off the back of the injuries we've had, suppose we are lucky we aint going down! Shame Old Swan finish above us due to having more default wins.

Hopefully we can maintain a more consistent lineup for the new season, although we still have the headache of being without Graeme for an unknown length of time.

See you all on the pitch next week for the start of Season 12!

Hilltop 10 - 0 NGLM

2007-06-28T12:21:00.000Z

Default win! Allowed a nice training session anyway.

Hilltop 5 - 10 CSKA Moscow

2007-06-21T09:57:00.000Z

Our first game since Graeme got injured, after numerous attempts to find a keeper Burke took one for the team and stood between the posts. We were without Rob as well and our usual pool of backups had injuries, so as we have often done this season, we drafted in new players to fill the space.

It was 0-5 first half, we seemed more nervous than usual and found it tough to get any real chances their end. CSKA played a tight game and moved the ball about well to create chances.

Second half our team was determined to start playing like we can and we scored 3 goals within 6 minutes from k/o. Craig, David & Kev netting to breath some life into us. Unfortunately we couldn't keep it up and they knocked in 2 goals that ended any real hopes to pull the game back. I'm sure this will be a common remark over the next few weeks but we missed Graeme but that's not meant to knock Burke, as he pulled off a number of good saves and did better than anybody else could have last night.

Kev & Scott both did their best to fit in too but overall we made hard work of defence. We didnt provide enough cover for each other and attack wise were a bit static. Our goals mostly came from some class long range shots, infact I think every goal was long range. Kev, Stimo and Ken had some notable efforts.

This was possibly our final game of the season as NGLM may be in vac still, so training as usual if this is the case. A default win should see us safe from relegation but you never know with the site stats being a week behind!

Goals: Craig (1), David (1), Ken (1), Kev (1), Stimo (1)
Team: Burke, Craig, David, Ken, Kev, Scott, Ste, Stimo

Next Weeks Game: Green Man

2007-06-07T13:15:00.001Z

I phoned the pitz today to postpone our Green Man game until after I got back from holiday but it turns out they have dropped out so we get another default win!

A training game should still be arranged however, as it's Davids & Kens only chance for footy.

We will also be doing a players, player of the season. Depending on kitty, we may even sort out a trophy!

Hilltop 7 - 4 Positive Futures

2007-06-07T12:46:00.000Z

With Rob & Burke both having to pull out with injury and sickness respectively, we had to draft in Chris L who hadn't played for a while. This week saw Ken returning to the field alongside Mercer who relunctantly played due to injury himself.

The game started with Futures keeping possession with quick 1-2's around the half-way line as we defended deep. You can understand why they won last season and are currently top this one, for a young team they work hard supporting each other in attack. However, we defended really well and with Graeme producing an outstanding performance in goal, (one lad commented after one magic moment stating "fuck, he's just saved it doin the splits").

Ken had a really good first game back and Chris, along with Craig, pulled off some good long range goals. David got goal of the game for me, skinned 2/3 players and then slotted it top corner.

Overall we defended really well as a team and even though they might have had more possession, I would say we had more chances. Hopefully we can make more of them count in the future but it was a satisfying victory against a mouthy team of youngsters!

Goals: Chris (3), Craig (3), David (1)
Team: Chris, Craig, David, Graeme, Ken, Mercer, Ste H

Hilltop 20 - 4 Old Swan

2007-05-31T11:32:00.002Z

Hollow victory but it was still a positive game after so many bitter defeats.

Apart from the fact they had only 5 players (no subs and at least 1 new face), we had our strongest lineup since beating Green Man 12 - 5. Although that didn't prevent our traditional nervous start, as Old Swan netted the first goal. Took about 2 minutes before Rob powered through and scored our first which woke our team up and Craig started a wee flourish of goals himself.

After 8 minutes everyone knew the game was basically over, with no subs their team could only manage the odd bit of sustained pressure. It's difficult to really give a fair judgement on the team performance due to the circumstances. We played some nice football at times, scored some classy goals but on the other hand, should have scored a lot more and with players like myself still getting back to fitness, the odd individual mistake happened.

It will be interesting to see how next weeks game against Positive Futures goes.

Goals: Craig (6), Burke (1), David (1), Mercer (1), Rob (5), Ste H (3), Stimo (2)
Team from: Craig, Burke, David, Graeme, Mercer, Rob, Ste H, Stimo

Hilltop 10 - 0 Aintree

2007-05-29T22:07:00.000Z

A very handy default win!

Hilltop 5 - 11 Celtic

2007-05-17T11:19:00.000Z

As has been the case often this season, we struggled to find enough players to pay, nevermind play! So much so, I had to make an early return due to 4 first teamers out and some fringe players being unable to play. So with myself only having played one game in 3 and a half months, plus the likes of Gary who has only played once for the team. Well, it's not difficult to imagine an outcome.

The wet conditions didnt help things. We like to play counter attacking but with the ball skimming at every pass, it made things that more difficult to latch on to and make the chances count. If i'm being honest it has usually been this way anyway, regardless of the heavy rain. Our goals mainly came from 1-2's, interlinking from the wings or quick passing on the counter. Something we really need to do more often, as we can't rely on through balls when people are being lazy in defence.

We have in the past been able to rely on the long efforts and through balls because defensively, we could keep their score down. Half-way has fizzeled out a long time ago due to selfish individual defensive play. Mainly because the front defenders commit themselves early, by pushing up high and leaving the backline f#cked.

I dont know if these players are doing this intentionally so they don't have to work as hard or not, i aint sure but it needs to change if we want to avoid the drop. What's more annoying to see, is the times this happens, its those players who are first to complain when somebody gets skinned and a goal occurs. Our tactics are pretty simple, if your man aint involved in play (ie playing sweeper in their half as cover), then its your job to cover cross-field passes and when possible, double up on the man with the ball.

Individually nobody except graeme played well and for anybodys good piece of play, there would be bad control or lazy tracking.

This might seem a harsh review considering 2 players weren't match fit (myself & craig) and we were missing Rob but that doesn't excuse laziness, especially from players who should know better.

Goals: Craig (2), David (2), Ste H (1), Stimo (2),
Team From: Craig, David, Gary, Graeme, Ste H, Ste M, Stimo

Opponent History

2007-05-17T11:14:00.000Z

Click on any of the Team Names below to view the Match Report History.

Hilltop 5 - 11 NGLM

2007-05-10T13:25:00.000Z

Matched kicked off 22 minutes late and resulted in a shortened game (20mins each way), although the ref only decided to tell us this after the final whistle! Good thing about this was it allowed a proper team warmup. It's so benificial when everyone can do their own warmups and then getting everyone together for short, 1-touch passing and some low quick crosses from the wing.

Was a good game of football with each team playing cleanly. Neither side really had any weak links and we defended well for the most part, just going forward we rushed a few passes or didnt provide much options for our man on the ball. Some goal chances should have been taken as well, gotta keep those shots on goal low and hard.

Rob had a class game and was unlucky not to get 5, hit the bar & post 3 times! Likewise, both keepers played brilliant.

Goals: Rob (2), David (2), Stimo (1)
Team from: David, Graeme, Rob, Ste Mahoney, Stimo, Tim

Hilltop 9 - 11 CSKA

2007-05-03T14:04:00.000Z

Match report written by David.

Another match another defeat, it was an average performance against an average team. We were low on numbers and short on experience and it was going to be an uphill struggle. The opposition were a number of players from a few different teams in our division, they were young, scrappy but also a fit & healthy side that showed throughout.

We started well with good attacking and defensive play, with around 10minutes on the clock we were winning 50-50's, tracking our men, passing well and the main thing, we had the advantage with the scoring. As players changed, so did the scoreline, pushed us back onto the back foot, with very poor defensive play on our behalf they were finding time and space to increase the scoreline.

As we entered the first half we lacked the attacking movement and confidence but in the second half we improved and entered the half as we did the first. We clawed ourselves back into the match with better finishing and link-up play. With only minutes remaining and only one goal to draw level, we pressed but couldn't find the breakthrough, with them getting a late goal on the counter. Overall it was a disspointing match with few positives, so as loosing comes a formality, it looks like a relagation dogfight is what this season is all about.

Goals: David (2), Liam (2), Mahoney (1), Mercer (1), Stimo (3)
Team from: David, Gary, Graeme, Liam, Ste Mercer, Ste Mahoney, Stimo,

Hilltop 12 - 5 Greenman

2007-04-27T14:13:00.000Z

Match report written by Craig.

Think they scored then us then them so it was 2 - 1 to them i come on score two and we were always ahead then. Ste mahoney was fantastic jay was drunk but did ok jockeyin men. Rob was solid scored few decent goals. David was lively scored one and he was a good motivator. Stimo ran thewings well & scored one. I scored 2 crackers that took the piss and two proper shit ones. My last was the games last and really sealed the performance.

The team worked class and greenman were proper horrible.

Goals: Craig (5), David (1), Rob (4), Stimo (2)
Team from: Craig, David, Graeme, Jay, Rob, Ste Mahoney, Stimo

Hilltop 7 - 14 Positive Futures

2007-04-19T11:32:00.001Z

Hot & Cold game, mostly cold!

They scored pretty much from the off and it was clear our whole out field team is lacking confidence, if not in themselves then in each other. More so than usual we were quiet, they weren't exactly shouting their heads off but they commanded the game so they didn't really need to get rallied up.

Starting with the negatives, we need to stop the long range shots. Sure, sometimes if it comes off it can turn a game in our favour but last night they were lazy, selfish efforts. It just gave the ball straight back to them, our style doesn't rely on much possession (quick, counter-attacking etc) and against good teams, we are usually defending most of the game but most players havent recovered enough confidence to get their first touch right and compose themselves to shoot quickly & accurately. So giving away the ball so cheapy was dissapointing as we needed to get a grip on the ball longer then 5 seconds.

Miss-communication is a constant problem this season and it continued last night. Nobody shouting "man-on", "time" or letting them know where to pass. Half the time the latter was because no one had made the space to offer themselves as an option. Seriously, sometimes you could only describe our defensive positioning or attacking support as stupid. However, it's probably just laziness and a lack of fitness for some. Too quick to give up and to slow to stick a foot in.

We play half way for a reason (how often is this said!), because it helps us prevent through balls and promotes the opposition to do long range shots (which gray will sort out). Another bonus is we can double up because we defend deep, they have to have 1 man sweeping to cover our counters. Which often means that player aint gonna be as involved attacking, so with a bit of intelligent positioning, our spare man can double up. A number of times this spare man just watched the game like a spectator, sometimes they were like 2 yards away from the ball!! Yet they just kept with their man who had no intention of getting involved. Ok sure, if they left him he could make a break but if our teams defending compact in our half, we can crowd him out and cover each other.

Positives, well we did have moments where we played good, quick passing and attacking football. That's the kind of link up play we can do, it's not about ability its just frame of mind for us at the moment. If we can start thinking more positively, bring our game down to simple passing without flair, we can cut down the basic errors and hopefully start winning again.

Receive the ball (maybe take on ONE man).
Pass the ball to feet or where the person asks for it.
Move into space yourself.

I hope this does sound patronising because it's meant to be! ;P I dont intend it to be offensive however and if you think that part of your game is ok, then cool. If not, well remember you can play football, the only thing effecting your form is confidence with a hint of practice.

Rob pulled some sweet goals out of the bag. Rod snuck a goal in the near post and could have had a few more on another day. Ken, stimo and david also got on the scoresheet. Only Burke didn't score but he did hit the bar and i thought was one of our better players again. Gray did his best in goal but a lot of their goals where from our defense loosing their man and leaving it 1 on 1 or giving too much space and letting them shoot long range.

Things are getting better though, that's the main thing.

Goals: Rob (3), David (1), Ken (1), Rod (1), Stimo (1)
Team from: Burke, David, Graeme, Ken, Rob, Rod, Stimo

Hilltop 5 - 9 Old Swan

2007-04-13T19:43:00.000Z

As I couldn't make the stands this week, Craig has written a review of the game. Please feel free to post a comment on what YOU thought about this weeks match.

Got beat by OLD SWAN!!!!

Difference last night no warm up as waiting for same people to show up!! This made us not get off to a good start. decision making and disgraceful passing cost us so many goals. Every game people should make a mental note of how many errors personally they cost the team!! because the same people cost us matches and its making it not enjoyable playing anymore. Its frustating me so much and other members too. please try and cut out mistakes keep it simple blasting the ball towards team mates makes them miss control. brazil all through the years have made average players great by making them look better.

I predicted that fitness would show in blog few days ago and wat happened, 2nd half they ran away with it, why didnt peeps wanna game last week when the game got called off. practice makes perfect how many times do you practice per week if any?????

do some members just play for fun arrh well its a game of footy its me 1 practice a week keep the ale off and that get rid of cob webs.
the rust shows!!

Goals: Craig (5)
Team From: Burke, Craig, David, Rod, Ste Mercer, Stimo, Tim

Kits Have Been Ordered!

2007-04-05T19:59:00.000Z

Our brand new kits have been ordered. A Black & White Bilbao design, should make us look the part even if we play sh1t! If Rob & Stimo want to join in the fun, they can place an order here. If you get asked for a £10 P&P fee, probably worth going to www.prostar.co.uk and order direct from the makers.

Click here to view the kits we had voted for.

Hilltop 10 - 0 Aintree

2007-04-05T19:34:00.000Z

Default Win!

Im sure we would have had this lot anyway ;D

Next game is against Old Swan.

Season 11 Fixtures

2007-03-29T18:24:00.000Z

CELTIC - AINTREE VILLA - OLD SWAN - POSITIVE FUTURES - GREEN MAN WEDS - CSKA MOSCOW - JAY

Hilltop 3 - 9 Celtic

2007-03-29T00:01:00.000Z

First game of the season against Celtic, a young team of local lads. Things started brightly with an early goal from Craig, Celtic seemed new to the pitz but after they equalised our team lost composure and before we knew it, they started to dominate with flashes of individual skinnage from one or two of their team. Phil Cave was injured around the 10 minute mark leaving us with just one substitute (Ken, Rod and myself were already missing through injury/sickness). Plus, with David being hungover (usually someone with a high tempo), we looked out of shape and tired.

Overall a few key players from our team didn't really perform, although I felt Burke had his best game in a few weeks and if the rest of the lads could have shown the same spirit, we could have done better.

Game ended on a bitter note when the was a small fight between Stimo and one of their players, hey it happens, it just wasnt "ideal" when 15 other lads ran onto the pitch to provoke things.

Dissapointing start to the season after we should have won last seasons top division but we knew it would only get harder with the summer teams rejoining. Hopefully we will have our new kits by next wednesday and we can start afresh.

Goals: Craig (3)
Team From: Burke, Craig, David, Graeme, Phil, Rob, Stimo