David Crown Steamers

Season 00-01 Reports

Aug '00

Away v The Bull

8th Aug DC Steamers 2 The Bull 1 DC opened their pre-season account with a well earned 2-1 victory over The Bull. With players playing out of their usual positions, the Steamers made a good start to the game. Chris Taylor opened the scoring running from midfield to connect with a well weighted through ball from Steve Bell. Jensen Langford then saw his superb effort thunder off the cross bar. Midway through the second half, The Bull found themselves back on level terms when a mis-understanding in midfield allowed the ball to find its way into the penalty area. Confusion between Ray and Jason allowed the striker to bury the ball into the back of the net. With time ticking down, both teams had their chances and Mark Jarman saw his header canon off the crossbar and cleared to safety. With minutes left on the clock, the Steamers scored the winner. Paul Allen went on one of his mazey runs and found the back of the net with a well taken shot. The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Duncan Glen, Jensen Langford, Paul Allen, Jason Knight, Chris Taylor, Mark Jarman, Seb Rivers, Steve Danby; Richard Jordan, Steve Bell. Subs: Ray Towsend, Rory O'Neill (Rolling Subs)

Neutral v AVH Athletic

13th Aug DC Steamers 1 AVH Athletic 2 Chris Taylor gave DC a late consolation goal as the Steamers lost 2-1 this afternoon to AVH. Both teams started off well and had thier share off the chances. Mid way through thefirst half AVH conceeded a penalty. Steve Bell took it although the keeper denied him the goal by pulling off a good save. Level at half time both teams came out looking to break the deadlock. It was AVH who did this with a penalty midway through the second half. An AVH player beat two players before Ray Townsend blocked his way with a lunging challenge. Steamers then found themselves two down when a mistake by Tony Dempster allowed AVH to walk the ball into the net. With seconds remaining on the watch, the Steamers made another attack which broke down. Chris Taylor's pressure on the last defender forced him to play the ball to the keeper who fell over letting the ball roll towards the open net. Taylor was then on hand to thunder the ball into the back of the net from 2 yards out (just to make sure he hit the back of the net). The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Howard Cooke, Ray Townsend, Andy Holt, Paul Allen; Wayne Makepeace, Mickey Sheehan, Mark Jarman, Steve Danby; Chris Taylor, Steve Bell. Subs: Rory O'Neill for Wayne Makepeace, Jason Knight for Steve Danby

Neutral v Te Wandering Swans

20th Aug DC Steamers 6 Te Wandering Swans 2 The steamers got back to winning ways this morning with a 6-2 win against Te Wandering Swans. DC started brightly and opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes when Wayne Makepeace's 'clearence' was mis-judged by the Swans keeper and bounced over his head into the empty net. The lead was increased soon after when a soft shot was deflected into his own net by a Swans defender. Jensen Langford then scored the first of his three when he latched onto a through ball and cracked it past the oncoming keeper. Jensn then made it 4-0 when he outjumped the Swans defence and headed a Steve Danby corner into the net. The second half saw Chris Taylor and Paul Allen replaced by Richard Jordan and Mickey Sheehan as the Steamers went in search of more goals. With ten minutes gone in the second half, Stuart Brown replaced Jason Knight as the latter was suffering from the night before. Mid way through the second half, the Swans conceeded a penalty by way of a handball. Jensen stepped up and completed his hatrick. Pete, Paul Allen and Chris Taylor then entered the fray although couldn't do anything about the Swans pulling a goal back when a long range shot found is way underneath Tony Dempsters body. With their tails up, the swans pulled another goal back when their big central midfielder tip-toed his way through the Steamers defence evading all challenges. His shot was parried by Tony although the follow-up found its way inside the post. Chris Taylor then sealed the win with a 20 yard volley after saw good work on the left. Throughout the course of the game many other efforts went close. Seb Rivers hit the bar with a superb turn and shot and also saw a curling shot go narrowly wide. The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Jason Knight, Howard Cooke, Wayne Makepeace, Paul Allen; Chris Taylor, Nick Smith, Steve Bell, Steve Danby; Jensen Langford, Seb Rivers. Subs: Stuart Brown, Pete, Mickey Sheehan, Richard Jordan (Rolling Subs)

Home v T.W.O.B.S

22th Aug DC Steamers 2 T.W.O.B.S 3 The Steamers went down 3-2 tonight in a well fought out game against T.W.O.B.S. Jensen Langford opened the scoring for the Steamers early in the first half after Steve Danby played Paul Allen in with a lovely through ball. Paul's cracking cross found Jensen hovering on the goal line for him to pass into the net. Things then went wrong for the Steamers as Wayne underhit a back pass to Tony. The T.W.O.B.S. striker nipped in and beat Tony before planting the ball into the net. The opponents then took the lead when an offside trap went completely wrong and let two players through. Tony ran from his line but was beaten again with a powerful shot. The second half saw Seb, Rory and Chris come on for Jenson, Paul and Jordy as the Steamers went in search of an equaliser. Unfortunately it was the opponents who scored again. Their right midfielder went on a surging run down the right, beat Rory and Chris and the Steamers players bumped into each and the rest is history. At 3-1 down and with minutes left on the clock, Nick finished off a good Steamers move by side footing the ball into an open goal. The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Jason Knight, Duncan Glen, Wayne Makepeace, Steve Danby; Paul Allen, Nick Smith, Steve Bell, Mark Jarman, Richard Jordan; Jensen Langford. Subs: Chris Taylor, Seb Rivers, Rory O'Neill (Rolling Subs)

Home v Earley Gunners

29th Aug DC Steamers 1 Earley Gunners 4 DC went down 4-1 tonight playing a 4-5-1 formation against the Gunners. The opponents turned up with 3 players missing so Paul Smithson, Rory O'Neill and Pete filled in their missing spaces and helped rip the Steamers apart. The Steamers found themselves a goal down when a through ball turned the defence inside out and allowed the opposing striker to lob the oncoming Jason Knight who was deputising in goal for Tony. They then went 2-0 down when a well hit, acute angled shot found its way into the far corner of the net. Paul Smithson made a nuisance of himself and found himself with some good chances faling to his feet. Fortunately for the Steamers, he could not convert them. In the second half, an upbeat Steamers found themselves pulling a goal back when Nick Smith sent a great through ball in to the feet of Steve Bell who opened his account for the season. The Gunners then extended their lead when a well hit shot was palmed into the air by Jason. In an attempt to tip it over the bar on the second attempt, he palmed it into the roof of the net. With time running out, the Steamers found themselves well and truly beaten when Rory O'Neill put a well placed header into the back of the net from a corner. Jason then made amends for his earlier error by pulling off a stunning save to deny Paul Smithson a goal. With minutes later, Chris Taylor wasted a great chance of pulling a goal back and decided to try and overhead kick a great cross from Duncan Glen. Although no-one believes him, the ball was swinging outwards and made it extremely hard to head it in. The starting lineup was as follows: Jason Knight; Howard Cooke, Duncan Glen, Wayne Makepeace, Andy Holt; Chris Taylor; Seb Rivers, Nick Smith, Steve Bell, Richard Jordan; Jensen Langford. Subs: Ray Townsend for Wayne Makepeace

Sept '00

03/09/01 - Away v Ashampstead

The Steamers received another defeat in their pre-season warm up as they went down 1-2 to Ashampstead. The home side went into the lead midway through the first half when a poor clearance was blocked. The Ashampstead forward hit a goal bound effort only for Nick Smith to save it before the rebound was tucked away despite Duncan's efforts of a goal line clearance. Back to playing a 4-4-2 formation, the Steamers went in search of an equaliser which eventually came from Seb Rivers. Steve Bell played a lovely through ball to the unmarked Chris Taylor who ran into the area before selling the keeper a dummy and crossing for Seb to tuck the ball away from a couple of yards out. The second half saw Jason, Pete, Stuey, Paul Smithson and Jensen get a run out although it was Ashampstead who took the lead when an unmarked player cut straight through the Steamers defence and send a well placed effort past Nick. After that, Stuart Brown hit the post for the Steamers before Paul Smithson hit one wide. The starting lineup was as follows: Nick Smith; Duncam Glen, Howard Cooke, Ray Townsend, Steve Danby; Chris Taylor, Mark Jarman, Steve Bell, Mickey Sheehan; Rory O'Neill, Seb Rivers.

15/04/01 - Home v FC Ryder

15/04/01 - Away v E.C.MW.F

17th Sept DC Steamers 5 E.C.M.W.F 3 The Steamers opened their home account for the season with a resounding 5-3 win over the weathermen. With both teams winning their opening games it was always going to be an entertaining game. DC had much of the possession in the opening 10-15 minutes although it was the opposition who had the early chances coming from corners. The first saw a shot rebound off the cross bar whilst the second resulted in a disputed goal in which the ball was muscled in having looked to be in the hands of the goalkeeper. DC pressed forward but lacked the finishing touch in front of goal.They went in 1-0 down at half time. The second half was a different story. The overall Steamers game greatly improved and the chances began to increase. Nick Smith made a run from his own half and latched onto a through ball from Micky Sheehan. He was unfortunate to score as the keeper pulled off a good save from the one-on-one. Minutes later Nick equalised when his tight angled shot from around 8 yards out found itself in the top corner of the net. From this point DC realised they could win the game and duly went on and did so. Steve Bell opened his account for the season with two goals before Richard Jordan scored his second in as many games. Steve Bell completed the scoring with a sweet volley earning him his hat trick and the man of the match. In a spirited effort, the weathermen managed to claw two more goals back but the Steamers held out for the three points. The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Howard Cooke, Wayne Makepeace, Ray Townsend, Steve Danby; Richard Jordan, Mark Jarman, Steve Bell, Mickey Sheehan, Paul Allen; Nick Smith. Subs: Jensen Langford for Nick Smith, Stuey Brown for Mickey Sheehan, Seb Rivers for Richard Jordan Sub not used: Jason Knight

22/04/01 - Away v Englefield (TC Cup)

24th Sept Englefield 2 DC Steamers 3 DC progressed to the nest round of the Ted Cambridge Cup thanks to an un-noticed offside which let Nick Smith score the winner against Englefield. Both teams struggled in the poor conditions but still managed to create opportunities in front of goal. Steve Bell and Nick Smith saw chances go wide and saved before Mickey Sheehan scored his first of the season. Mickey latched on to a poor clearence, beat a defender and hit an angled shot across the keeper into the far corner of the net. Englefield then got themselves back into the game when Howard played a back pass to goalkeeper Tony Dempster. Tony then mis-judged the pass and allowed it to roll under his foot and towards the open goal. The Englefield striker then nipped in to bring the scores all square again. Within a minute, DC found themselves back in the lead when they were awarded a direct free-kick 25 yards out. Nick Smith stepped up and planted the ball firmly into the back of the net with a cracking drive. With the rain coming down heavier by the minute and the clock ticking down, DC found themselves back level when another goalkeeping error allowed the ball to creep inside the far post direct from a free kick. With minutes left on the clock, a through ball found its way through to Nick Smith who was standing in an offside position. Suprisingly, the Englefild linesman did not raise his flag. Nick collected the ball and raced one on one with the keeper. He despatched the ball perfectly into the net and set up a second round game againt Ruscomne in the next round. The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Howard Cooke, Duncan Glen, Ray Townsend, Steve Danby; Richard Jordan, Mark Jarman, Nick Smith, Mickey Sheehan, Jensen Langford, Steve Bell. Subs: Paul Allen for Jensen Langford, Stuart Brown for Richard Jordan, Seb Rivers for Mickey Sheehan. Subs not used: Jason Knight

Oct '00

Home v Shinfield Borough Rangers

08th Oct DC Steamers 4 Shinfield Borough Rangers 0 Nick Smith added to more goals to his tally as DC swept the Rangers aside in a very good first half performance. Nick opened the scoring with a lovely turn and volley from an acute angle before Steve Bell added a second with a trademark lob of the advancing keeper. Paul Allen scored his second of the season when he ran on to a pulled back pass from Nick Smith and slotted it into the far corner past a crowd of defenders. The second half saw Seb Rivers entered the fray in place of Mickey Sheehan. Nick then completed the scoring when he headed in unchallenged from 2 yards out. Chris Taylor then replaced Richard Jordan at right midfield and Jensen Langford gave himself a run out for the final ten minutes in place of Ray Townsend. DC remain unbeaten in the opening three league games scoring 13 and conceding 3 goals. The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Howard Cooke, Wayne Makepeace, Ray Townsend, Paul Allen, Steve Danby; Richard Jordan, Mark Jarman, Nick Smith, Mickey Sheehan, Steve Bell. Subs: Seb Rivers for Mickey Sheehan, Chris Taylor for Richard Jordan, Jensen Langford for Ray Townsend Subs not used: Duncan Glen

Home v Fourth Shift (Europe)

15th Oct DC Steamers 1 Fourth Shift (Europe) 5 Steve Danby scored the Steamers consolation goal in a game that was won at half time. Both teams were riding high in the division although it was the visitors that to the lead after an underhit backpass from Paul Allen failed to reach Tony in goal. The striker pounced and finished off. A similar situation occurred for their second goal this time with Steve Danby being the unfortunate player involved. Ray Townsend and Paul Allen were substituted midway through the first half after picking up groin and hamstring injuries respectively and were replaced by Rory O'Neill and Stuart Brown. The Steamers battled on but were unable to stop Fourth Shift adding to their tally, increasing the score to 5-0 at half time. The second half saw Seb Rivers slot into a midfield role replacing Nick Smith who added himself to the injury list after taking a knock int he first half. The second half display from DC was greatly improved. Stuart Brown saw the first of his thunderous free kicks soften the defensive wall whilst the second went straight through it requiring the keeper to pull off a save. Steve Danby then intercepted a cross field ball and raced into the area, chipping the ball over the advancing keeper into the empty net. Unfortunately the Steamers could not add to their tally and the final whistle went with DC receiving their fist defeat of the season. The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Howard Cooke, Duncan Glen, Ray Townsend, Paul Allen, Steve Danby; Richard Jordan, Mark Jarman, Nick Smith, Mickey Sheehan, Steve Bell. Subs: Seb Rivers for Nick Smith, Stuart Brown for Ray Townsend, Rory O'Neill for Paul Allen Subs not used: Chris Taylor, Jason Knight

Home v Ruscombe (Ted Cambridge Cup 2nd Rnd)

22nd Oct DC Steamers 0 Ruscombe 8 DC fell to their heaviest defeat in years today as they crumbled 8-0 to a rampant Ruscombe side. With Ray Townsend picking up an injury last week, DC welcomed Wayne Makepeace back into the team and the absence of Duncan Glen and Jason Knight meant Chris Taylor made his first start of the season at right back. Steamers held Ruscombe off with some good football up until 3 minutes from halftime when the opposition managed to open the scoring. The Steamers heads dropped and two minutes later they found themselves 3-0 down after two more goals were scored in quick succession. It did not get much better in the second half as Ruscombe scored a fourth and Howard limped off after pulling his hamstring. Jenson replaced Howard, pushing Stuart into defence and Nick back into midfield but this player shuffle could not stop Ruscombe adding to their tally. DC continued to battle on but failed to attack the Ruscombe goal. Tony Dempster made some fine saves to prevent Ruscombe reaching double figures and pulled off a great save to deny Mark Jarman scoring an own goal a striker would be proud of. Other highlights of the game was Nick Smith getting involved in a scuffle with a player half his size and the Ruscombe player falling awkwardly dislocating his shoulder. The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Howard Cooke, Chris Taylor, Wayne Makepeace, Steve Danby; Stuart Brown, Richard Jordan, Mark Jarman, Steve Bell, Mickey Sheehan; Nick Smith. Subs: Jensen Langford for Howard Cooke, Rory O'Neill for Mickey Sheehan Subs not used: Seb Rivers, Paul Allen

Home v Bracknell Police (Berks & Bucks Cup 2nd Rnd)

29th Oct Bracknell Police 5 DC Steamers 2 The general view amongst the players after this latest defeat was 'How did we not win'. With Tony Dempster failing to turn up, Nick Smith deputised in goal and did his best in the hard conditions. The pitch was soft and the wind was blustery and these conditions did not help either team. It was DC was got off to the better start and created chances almost immediately. Chris Taylor hit an effort straight into the keeper whilst Richard Jordan saw a couple of good efforts go wide. DC with the wind in their favour in the first half could not use it to their advantage and eventuallt it was the home side who took the lead against the run of play. A long ball into the penalty area was headed goalwards. Nick looked as though he had it although it held up in the wind and dropped under the bar. The second half was going to be difficult playing against the wind although the Steamers equalised when the keeper mis-judged a cross ball and Chris Taylor opened his account for the season at the far post. Ten minutes later though, the Police, regained the lead only for Paul Allen to equalise immediately. Straight from the kick off, Chris found Wayne in space, his pass let Jordy down the wing. From Jordy's cross, Paul was on hand to notch up his third goal of the season. From then on, it went downhill. The Police took the lead again after the referee failed to see that Steve Bell was chopped down and the player then proceeded to slot the ball past Nick. Two more goals within close succession sealed the Police win. The starting lineup was as follows: Nick Smith; Howard Cooke, Duncan Glen, Stuart Brown, Steve Danby; Richard Jordan, Mark Jarman, Wayne Makepeace, Paul Allen, Steve Bell, Chris Taylor Subs: Mickey Sheehan for Stuart Brown

Nov '00

Home v Emmbrook Sports

19th Nov DC Steamers 0 Emmbrook Sports 0 After a hard fought battle on a boggy pitch, both teams emerged from the game with a point each leaving te scoreline the same as it was in the corresponding game last season. Rory O'Neill had to step in and take the refereeing duties due to the apearance failure of the assigned referee. Howard Cooke had the Steamers best effort when he made the best of a half chance only to see it hit the post and off for a goal kick. Chris Taylor, Seb Rivers and Ray Townsend all entered the fray during the second for Jenson Langford, Richard Jordan and Duncan Glen respectively but were unable to help score the winning goal. The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Howard Cooke, Duncan Glen, Wayne Makepeace, Steve Danby; Richard Jordan, Mark Jarman, Nick Smith, Paul Allen, Steve Bell, Jenson Langford. Subs: Chris Taylor for Jenson Langford, Seb Rivers for Rchard Jordan, Ray Townsend for Duncan Glen. Subs not Used: Stuart Brown, Mickey Sheehan

Dec '00

Home v FC Ryder

17th Dec DC Steamers 7 FC Ryder 1 The Steamers returned from a three week lay off due to weather conditions to beat FC Ryder on a soft but playable pitch. Without regulars Ray, Stuart, Andy Holt, JJ and Steve Danby, DC managed to field a strong side which took the lead inside of ten minutes when Jensen Langford slotted home from close range after some good work down the right hand side from Richard Jordan. Jensen made it 2-0 a little later when he finished of from a cross from Nick Smith. Steve Bell then scored the first of his two goals as Chris Taylor beat the full back before whipping in a cross for Steve to head in. Richard Jordan then made it 4-0 close to half time. With both teams having not played for a while (Ryder had not played for 9 weeks), it was the Steamers who had the more energy going in to the second half. Steve Bell added to his tally after another through ball from Chris Taylor before Duncan Glen ran from the defence to latch on to a cross from Nick Smith. Ryder managed to pull one back midway through the second half before Seb Rivers replaced Chris Taylor. Seb then added to the Steamers score 10 mins later. Whilst DC scored 7, it was the Ryder keeper who kept the score down with some very good saves. The starting lineup was as follows: Tony Dempster; Howard Cooke, Wayne Makepeace, Duncan Glen, Paul Allen, Richard Jordan, Steve Bell, Nick Smith, Mickey Sheehan, Jensen Langford, Chris Taylor. Subs: Seb Rivers for Chris Taylor

Jan '01

Home v Ruscombe

14th Jan DC Steamers 0 Ruscombe 2 DC came back from the festive season to face a strong Ruscombe side currently occupying the second spot in the League. For the second consecutive home game, the referee let us down which meant Rory had to do the honours. Stuart Harris was making his debut in goal as Tony Dempster is serving a 35 day suspension. Both teams started brightly although it was the visitors that took the lead early on as a long ball beat the defence. The Ruscombe striker and division's leading goal scorer raced on to it and beat Stuart from close range. The Steamers battled well and managed to keep the scoreline down to 0-1 until halftime. With the second half not long under way, Ruscombe double their lead when a corner found an unmarked Ruscombe player in space who reacted quicker than anyone as he thumped the ball past the stranded keeper. Ruscombe could have increased their lead soon after but the impressive goalkeeping ability of Stuart Harris and hard working Howard Cooke prevented that from happening. Chris Taylor and Seb Rivers completed the substitutions replacing Richard Jordan and Paul Allen respectively. Howard Cooke had a solid game at the back The starting lineup was as follows: Stuart Harris; Ray Townsend, Duncan Glen, Howard Cooke, Steve Danby; Paul Allen, Nick Smith, Mark Jarman; Richard Jordan; Jenson Langford, Steve Bell. Subs: Stuart Brown for Ray Townsend, Chris Taylor for Richard Jordan, Seb Rivers for Paul Allen. Subs Not Used: Mickey Sheehan

Away v ECMWF

28th Jan ECMWF 0 DC Steamers 5 Richard Jordan capped an outstanding performance with a terrific goal which sealed a very comfortable win for the Dave Crown Steamers. Despite the pitch being fairly icy and hard the game got underway on time and DCS soon got into the game carving out a chance in the first 2 minutes when Jensen was put though in a one-on-one with the keeper but a poor touch when rounding the keeper saw the ball go out of play. The DCS built on this opening, with 5 across midfield controlling the game, there was plenty of space opening up in the attacking areas and the breakthrough was eventually made with some good link up play being rewarded with Jensen being put through again with a shot being initially saved but the rebound being poked in at the near post. A driven cross from Allen deflected in off a defenders thigh to make it 2-0 at half time a lead that did not reflect the chances the Steamer had made. The Steamers came out in the second half in the same mood and at the same tempo as the first. Allen making plenty of running and opening up space with quick and accurate passing (yes Allen!). The tie was effectively over10 minutes into the second half when Jordan who was outstanding over the 90minutes blasted a shot into the top left corner. There was no response from the Weather centre and the Steamers continued to dominate even after Duncan was taken off with and ankle injury and being replaced with Mickey who filled in the the holding role and JJ slotting into right back. Steve Bell eventually got his reward with a goal after further sustained pressure with the goal scoring was eventually being completed when a driven shot from Danby took a slight deflection and rifled into the net. In summary it was a solid performance by the Steamers, fluid in attack and strong at the back, another notable performance was that of the young Irish goal keeper Rory who made one exceptional save and inspired confidence in his defence. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Ray Townsend, Duncan Glen, Howard Cooke, Steve Danby; Paul Allen, Nick Smith, Mark Jarman; Richard Jordan; Jenson Langford, Steve Bell. Subs: Mickey Sheehan and Seb Rivers

Feb '01

Away v Shinfield Borough Rangers

18th Feb Shinfield Boro 3 DC Steamers 3 This game nearly didn't go ahead. Due to pitch problems at Cantley Park, the fixture was quickly transferred to Wargrave. Steamers started off very slowly and soon found themselves on the back foot when Shinfield took the lead from a corner. Steamers then got back into the game and equalised when Jensen Langford ran onto a lovely weighted pass before rounding the keeper and slotting the ball in from an angle. Steamers then took the lead minutes before half time when a great bit of play was finished off by Steve Bell after a flick through from Jensen. Shinfield came back into the game early on in the second half when their striker took advantage of no defensive clearance and hammered the ball past the despairing dive of Rory O'Neill. This set back did not stop the Steamers from taking the lead for a second time when Nick Smith took advantage of some bad defending to volley the ball into the net from a difficult angle. Shinfield battled on though and their persistence paid off as they equalised for a second time from another corner. If anyone should have a special mention, it would be Rory, in goal for a second time, who made some good saves and well timed clearances and Howard who put in a strong, solid performance and kept things tidy at the back. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Chris Taylor, Howard Cooke, Stuart Brown, Steve Danby. Richard Jordan, Nick Smith, Steve Bell, Mickey Sheehan, Paul Allen; Jensen Langford. Subs: Duncan Glen for Steve Bell

Home v Salisbury Club

25th Feb DC Steamers 2 Salisbury Club 2 Conditions were perfect and the pitch firm in what turned out to be a fiercley competetive fixture. Sailsbury club took initital control and enjoyed a good deal of the early possession, although DC looked most likelyto score with some strong counter attacking play. In one attack Jensen picked up the ball on the half way line on the left hand side making a direct run to the goal, having done the hard work cutting inside the coverering defender he scuffed his shot wide of the post. DC made another couple of good scoring chances with Jordan in collition with the keeper which perhaps was the first of many niggling battles that went on culminating in 1 booking for Danby and Two for Salisbury Club. It was the Steamers that eventually broke the deadlock after 30 minutes with some excellent wing play resulting in a short cross from Smith to Jensen and Bell. Bell ignored the call from Jensen and cooly slotted the ball into the back of the net. SC missed an excellent chance to equalise with some good closing down work, and a bit of over confidence by Brown who lost the ball trying to flick it over the approaching forward, the ball broke free and the attacker was1-on-1 with the keeper who pulled off an outstanding save. Some valiant defending by the Steamers saw then take their one nil lead into half time. The second half continued in the same vain, although SC created few real goal scoring chances, however the sustained pressure led to a corner which resulted in the ball breaking free to a Salisbury player about 10yrds from goal who volleyed the ball into the botton left corner. The Salisbury club increased their lead 10 minutes later with another well worked goal. With about 15 minutes to go the Steamers showed their true fighting spirit with another brilliant strike from bell under pressure from two defenders. The Steamers had one more chance to seal a victory when a long cross found Smith on the far post with a clear site on goal, but he was closed down and the chance was gone. In the end a gritty performance by both teams, with honours shared which was probably the right result.

Mar '01

Home v Sainsbury Winnersh

4th Mar DC Steamers 1 Sainsburys Winnersh 2 - Double Header Game 1 Steve Bell's penalty late into the second half of this fixture was only a consolation goal as DC lost 2-1. Sainsburys could have found themselves 1-0 at half-time when a Sainsburys player was pulled down in the area but the eventual penalty was put over the bar. With the first half level 0-0, both teams came out looking to break the deadlock. It was the opponents who opened the scoring when a long ball was put into the Steamers box. Both Rory and Stuart jumped with the Sainsburys striker but were unable to prevent him putting the ball into the back of the net. The opponents doubled their lead when another long ball looped over the Steamers defence. Rory raced from his goal only to see the Sainsburys striker lob the ball over his head and into the back of the net from 25 yards out. Steve Danby helped the Steamers back into the game as he was felled in the penalty area after a good run down the wing. Steve Bell put the resulting penalty into the back of the net. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Duncan Glen, Howard Cooke, Stuart Brown, Steve Danby. Richard Jordan, Mark Jarman, Nick Smith, Steve Bell, Mickey Sheehan, Jensen Langford. Subs: Andy Holt for Duncan Glen Subs Not Used: Chris Taylor, Seb Rivers, Neil Wilson

Away v Sainsbury Winnersh

Sainsburys Winnersh 1 DC Steamers 0 - Double Header Game 2 Things did not get much better in the second game. Chris Taylor replaced Richard Jordon, Seb Rivers replaced Jensen Langford and Mickey Sheehan was replaced by Neil Wilson who was making his first appearance this season. Both teams started where they left off but it was the opponents who took the lead again when Rory failed to collect a cross and it was bundled into the back of the net. The Steamers created plenty of chances in the game although they just could not find the target. This nearly changed in the second half when DC were awarded a penalty after Chris Taylor was pushed over in the area. Nick Smith stepped up to take the penalty this time only to see it well saved by the Sainsburys keeper. The Steamers kept the pressure on; Howard Cooke saw his one on one saved whilst a shot from Seb Rivers was brilliantly saved by the Sainsburys keeper, tipping it over the bar after seeing it late. Jensen replaced Steve Danby but was unable to help DC find the much needed goal. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Neil Wilson, Howard Cooke, Stuart Brown, Andy Holt, Steve Danby. Chris Taylor, Mark Jarman, Nick Smith, Steve Bell, Seb Rivers. Subs: Jenson Langford for Steve Danby Subs Not Used: Mickey Sheehan, Richard Jordan

Fourth Shift 3 DC Steamers 1 With four regular first teamers unavailable, the Steamers put Jensen Langford into the back four along with Steve Danby, Howard and Andy Holt. Chris Taylor and Seb Rivers made up the strike force whilst the midfield remained unchanged. DC started brightly but it was Fourth Shift who took the lead early on when a cross from the left was passed into the net by an unmarked striker. Jensen's appearance lasted all of 10 minutes as he picked up an injury and was replaced by Nick Smith. DC kept the pressure up and produced chances including a header from Nick Smith from a corner and a great curling shot from Steve Bell who made the keeper pull off a good save. The second half saw DC continue from where they left off and Seb Rivers came close to equalising soon after the break. It was Fourth Shift though who extended their lead at a corner midway through the second half. The ball bounced around the penalty area and was eventually stroked home at the far post. They made it 3-0 five minutes later when DC were caught short at the back and the Fourth Shift player planted the ball past the despairing dive of Rory. Steve Bell then managed to get a consolation goal back for the Steamers after a brilliant mazey dribble from Mickey Sheehan was ended in a well weighted through ball to Steve who made no mistake from 6 yards out. Bearing in mind that DC lost 3-1, the team were encouraged by the commitment and effort from every player. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Andy Holt, Howard Cooke, Jensen Langford, Steve Danby. Richard Jordan, Mark Jarman, Mickey Sheehan, Steve Bell; Seb Rivers, Chris Taylor Subs: Nick Smith for Jenson Langford

Away v Fourth Shift

Away v Salisbury Club

Salisbury Club 3 DC Steamers 2 Another day at the office ended in frustration for the Steamers today as they threw away a 2-0 half time lead to loose 3-2 to Salisbury Club. Steve Bell opened the scoring 15 minutes into the game when he tucked away a perfectly weighted through ball from Richard Jordan. He then added his 2nd goal from the penalty spot after the ref awarded a penalty for handball. Early on in the second half Wayne Makepeace made his comeback from injury, replacing Stuart Brown at centre-back. Salisbury Club started their comeback after the hour mark when a Salisbury player was "felled" in the penalty area. The resulting penalty was converted. Ten minutes later, Salisbury equalised when another long high ball beat the Steamers defence for the Salisbury striker to tuck away past Rory. Salisbury were reduced to ten men minutes later when their right back decided to take kick Jordy up in the air for the second time in the game. His departure though did not prevent Salisbury scoring a third in the dying minutes. A dubious freekick was conceeded and the ball was played into the area. There was an attempted clearance although the ball fell to the Salisbury player who slotted the ball under Rory. Duncan Glen replaced Mickey Sheehan late on although his major contribution was flattening one of their players. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Chris Taylor, Howard Cooke, Stuart Brown, Steve Danby; Paul Allen, Richard Jordan, Mark Jarman, Mickey Sheehan, Steve Bell; Nick Smith Subs: Wayne Makepeace for Stuart Brown, Duncan Glen for Mickey Sheehan Subs Not Used: Seb Rivers

Apr '01

01/04/01 - Away v Emmbrook

DC picked their first point in five games this morning with a hard earned 0-0 draw with Emmbrook. On a boggy pitch, both sides cancelled each other out and had few goal scoring chances to speak off. Nick Smith came close to breaking the deadlock on two occasions but could not direct his efforts away from the goalkeeper. Steve Danby was replaced by Mickey Sheehan mid way through the second half after aggravating a shin injury he sustained on Friday night (He fell down some steps whilst alcoholically induced). Paul Allen was then replaced by Duncan Glen as the latter was having a nightmare running the line. Rory O'Neill deputised in goal yet again and pulled off a string of good saves to deny Emmbrook. The home side nearly snatched all the points late on as the opposition thundered the ball off the bar before being cleared to safety. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Chris Taylor, Howard Cooke, Stuart Brown, Steve Danby. Richard Jordan, Nick Smith, Steve Bell, Mark Jarman, Paul Allen; Jensen Langford. Scorers: None Subs: Duncan Glen for Paul Allen, Mickey Sheehan for Steve Danby

15/04/01 - Home v Reading Piranhas

A goal from Steve Bell 5 minutes from half time was not enough to help DC out of their recent run of defeats in this first of two games against a strong Piranhas team challenging for the league title. DC played extemely well during the first half and went ahead when Steve Bell connected with a well weighted pass from Jensen Langford. Within the first fifteen minutes though DC lost Duncan Glen with a head injury after a collision with the goalkeeper and was replaced by Chris Taylor. The second half saw continued pressure from Piranhas and they eventually got their reward midway through the half when their striker beat the offside trap and slotted the ball past Rory O'Neill. The winner came soon after when a high ball beat Andy Holt and found the Piranhas player in space. Rory's desperate edge of the box challenge was not enough to prevent the player beating him and rolling the ball into an empty net. Richard Jordan could have levelled the game later in the game but his effort was blocked by a last gasp goal line clearance. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Duncan Glen, Howard Cooke, Ray Makepeace, Andy Holt. Richard Jordan, Steve Danby, Steve Bell, Mark Jarman, Paul Allen; Jensen Langford. Scorers: Steve Bell Subs: Chris Taylor for Duncan Glen. Subs Not Used: Neil Wilson, Mickey Sheehan, Stuart Brown

15/04/01 - Away v Reading Piranhas

The second match was won by half time. DC came out and gave two goals away early on in the half. Piranhas knocked the ball around well and soon added to the tally before half time. Facing an uphill task Jensen Langford and Paul Allen made way for Stuart Brown and Mickey Sheehan but DC still couldn't get started and constantly found themselves pegged back in their own half defending furiously. The goal of the game came midway through the second half when the Piranhas right back latched onto the ball about 30 yards from goal and thundered an effort into the roof of the Steamers net beyond the despairing dive of Rory. Although DC created a few chances in the second half, it was Stuart Brown who came closest to scoring his first of the season when he tried to lob the goalkeeper from 40 yards. Another depressing day eventually ended for the Steamers after two more Piranhas shots found the back of the net. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Chris Taylor, Howard Cooke, Ray Makepeace, Neil Wilson. Richard Jordan, Steve Danby, Steve Bell, Mark Jarman, Paul Allen; Jensen Langford. Scorers: None Subs: Stuart Brown for Jensen Langford, Mickey Sheehan for Paul Allen. Subs Not Used: Andy Holt

22/04/01 - Away v Ruscombe

Even though the Steamers were without a recognised keeper, having to call upon Stuart Brown to fill in, DC did enjoy some early possession but an early goal conceeded after about 6 minutes gave the upperhand to Ruscombe. DC battled well keeping the scoreline down to 2-0 at half time. The Steamers lost Richard Jordan at half time with a broken thumb so called upon Micky Sheehan to operate on the right hand side. Ruscombe dominated in all areas of the pitch, a well organised and physically strong display with relentless pressure saw DC brushed aside. What has been a common theme in recent games is that DC are running out of gas towards the end of a match. The stop/start nature of this season has not help players fitness- but sometimes you have to hold your hands up and admit to opposition were considerably better than us. Unfortunately, this result now goes down in the Steamers history books as their heaviest defeat. I don't suppose Stuart Brown's stag night the night before helped either The starting lineup was as follows: Stuart Brown; Howard Cooke, Ray Makepeace, Neil Wilson, Paul Allen. Richard Jordan, Steve Danby, Steve Bell, Mark Jarman, Jensen Langford, Seb Rivers. Scorers: None Subs: Mickey Sheehan for Richard Jordan

May '01

05/05/01 - Away v Loxwood Park

DC handed Loxwood the Park Rangers the league title after being defeated 6-0 and 4-0 in todays double header at the South Reading Leisure Centre. DC held Loxwwod for the first twenty minutes and could have found themselves 2-0 up only for the Loxwood keeper to save well from Nick Smith on two occasions. Loxwood piled on pressure and it eventually paid off when the Loxwood striker saw Rory go AWOL from goal and lobbed the ball into the net from 18 yards out. The second came soon after DC failed to clear a corner. A downward header into the back of the net made it 2-0 for Loxwood. The second half was a completely different ball game. Loxwood scored twice more before Rory received his marching orders for bringing down a Loxwood player in the area. Nick then donned the keepers shirt but could not prevent the penalty and another effort later on in the game from being scored. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Andy Holt, Howard Cooke, Neil Wilson, Paul Allen; Chris Taylor, Mark Jarman, Wayne Makepeace, Steve Danby; Nick Smith, Steve Bell. Scorers: None Subs: Mickey Sheehan for Neil Wilson

05/05/01 - Home v Loxwood Park

DC were determined to hold Loxwood to a draw in the second of the two games and changed their formation to 4-5-1. Unfortunately it was not to be. DC could have taken the lead early on in the first half when a cross from Paul Allen was put put narrowly wide by Chris Taylor but it was Loxwood who eventually took the lead midway through the half. The only goalmouth action in the second half worth mentioning was Neil Wilson having to make the Loxwood keeper pull off a good save from a blistering shot. With the Steamers heads down Loxwood scored three more goals in the second half and not only wrapped the game up but the league too. The starting lineup was as follows: Rory O'Neill; Andy Holt, Howard Cooke, Mickey Sheehan, Paul Allen; Chris Taylor, Mark Jarman, Wayne Makepeace, Steve Danby; Nick Smith, Steve Bell. Scorers: Steve Bell Subs: Neil Wilson for Andy Holt