April 2002 Reports

The last thing that was expected this morning was that DC would find themselves losing 2-1 with 15 minutes to go against a side who had won only once all season and were fielding a team of 10 players. Without a full strength side able to be started, Stuart Brown was drafted in and Paul Smithson received a telephone call 20 minutes from kick off. With DC looking for a comprehensive win, DC pushed forward and created many chances although could not not make them count. It wasn't until the half hour mark though when the first goal arrived. Paul Allen sent a perfectly flighted corner kick into the six yard box for Jensen to head into the corner of the net. Shepherds House did not buckle though and grabbed a surprising and fortunate goal minutes later. A loose ball was lofted goal bound, Darren clambered to grasp at it and pushed it onto the bar, it bounced down and the opposition striker was on hand to knock it in. DC seemed to fall apart at this point although kept chipping away looking to take the lead again. Shepherds House then went down to nine men when a player had to go off with an ankle injury. Meanwhile chances were coming and going for DC but none would find the net. Paul Smithson missed a sitter with the goal at his mercy, Danny beat the keeper and his shot hit the post and Paul Allen beat several players and sent his shot into the side netting. Both teams ended up going in at the break at 1-1. The second half continued where the first left off. Danny Feasey switched positions with Paul Smithson replacing him up front but still no goals could be found. Shepherds House were playing the offside trap very well and were catching and frustrating DC continuously. On the hour mark, DC were rocked as the opposition broke away and took the lead with a delicate lob of the advancing keeper. Rory then replaced Paul Smithson and seemed to turn the game on its head. Shepherds House were back to full strength as two players were drafted in late although they could not stop Nick Smith grabbing the much needed equaliser in the 77th minute after good work down the left. This fresh lease of life boosted DC and within the last 10 minutes Danny Feasey scored a third with a deft chip over the keeper before Mark Jarman scored the fourth close to time finishing off some good play between Paul Allen and Danny. Shepherds House did not deserve to lose and DC did not deserve the win. The home team played badly need to sort themselves out before the final game next week. The starting lineup was as follows: Darren Holder, Chris Taylor, Stuart Brown, Howard Cooke, Paul Allen, Paul Smithson, Nick Smith, Mark Jarman, Mickey Sheehan, Jensen Langford, Danny Feasey

Apr 07th 2002	v Shepherds House	4-2	League
The last thing that was expected this morning was that DC would find themselves losing 2-1 with 15 minutes to go against a side who had won only once all season and were fielding a team of 10 players. Without a full strength side able to be started, Stuart Brown was drafted in and Paul Smithson received a telephone call 20 minutes from kick off. With DC looking for a comprehensive win, DC pushed forward and created many chances although could not not make them count. It wasn't until the half hour mark though when the first goal arrived. Paul Allen sent a perfectly flighted corner kick into the six yard box for Jensen to head into the corner of the net. Shepherds House did not buckle though and grabbed a surprising and fortunate goal minutes later. A loose ball was lofted goal bound, Darren clambered to grasp at it and pushed it onto the bar, it bounced down and the opposition striker was on hand to knock it in. DC seemed to fall apart at this point although kept chipping away looking to take the lead again. Shepherds House then went down to nine men when a player had to go off with an ankle injury. Meanwhile chances were coming and going for DC but none would find the net. Paul Smithson missed a sitter with the goal at his mercy, Danny beat the keeper and his shot hit the post and Paul Allen beat several players and sent his shot into the side netting. Both teams ended up going in at the break at 1-1. The second half continued where the first left off. Danny Feasey switched positions with Paul Smithson replacing him up front but still no goals could be found. Shepherds House were playing the offside trap very well and were catching and frustrating DC continuously. On the hour mark, DC were rocked as the opposition broke away and took the lead with a delicate lob of the advancing keeper. Rory then replaced Paul Smithson and seemed to turn the game on its head. Shepherds House were back to full strength as two players were drafted in late although they could not stop Nick Smith grabbing the much needed equaliser in the 77th minute after good work down the left. This fresh lease of life boosted DC and within the last 10 minutes Danny Feasey scored a third with a deft chip over the keeper before Mark Jarman scored the fourth close to time finishing off some good play between Paul Allen and Danny. Shepherds House did not deserve to lose and DC did not deserve the win. The home team played badly need to sort themselves out before the final game next week. The starting lineup was as follows: Darren Holder, Chris Taylor, Stuart Brown, Howard Cooke, Paul Allen, Paul Smithson, Nick Smith, Mark Jarman, Mickey Sheehan, Jensen Langford, Danny Feasey
Scorers: Jensen, Nick, Danny, Mark
Subs: Rory for Paul S

Apr 14th 2002	v Earley HG	0-7	League
Earley Home Guard gave DC a mauling this morning as the home team fell to an embarrassing 0-7 defeat. Despite having Andy and Steve back, neither could help DC stop an Earley HG side gaining the vital 3 points and goal they need as they chase honors in this division. Things did not start well for DC as they fell behind early on when a header back to the keeper fell short and allowed the attacker to steel in and beat Darren from close range. The second came not long after. DC failed to close the player down and he guided the ball into the corner of the net depsite a desperate dive from Darren. The third came around the half hour mark. A corner was not cleared properly and a shot came in from 20 odd yards out that beat everyone and snook in at the near post. The Steamers only managed to produce a couple of efforts in the first half, Danny shooting wide and Nick having his shot saved. The game did not get any better for the Steamers as Chris found himself short of pace against their left winger who promptly scored a 4th after racing 50 yards down the right. Not only was pace a problem for him but height showed its disadvantage too as Taylor was beaten at the back post for the 5th despite a desperate jump. Number 6 occurred when the keeper gave a hefty boot down field. The striker latched onto it beating the offside trap and despite Andy and Howard racing back, he passed the ball past Darren. The final goal took the piss. Another hefty boot, a bounce and again the striker was away. This time, with Andy and Howard in pursuit, he bounced the ball on his head TWICE and then popped the ball into the net again. The Steamers didn't really get out of their own half much in the second half and when they did, not a lot occurred. Oh Well....roll on another season... The starting lineup was as follows: Darren Holder, Chris Taylor, Andy Seery, Howard Cooke, Paul Allen, Steve Danby, Nick Smith, Mark Jarman, Mickey Sheehan, Jensen Langford, Danny Feasey
Scorers:
Subs: Paul S for Mickey