AFC West End

Trent Valley 3-2 AFC West End

AFC West End — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 16:32:11 +0000

AFC West End lost a third consecutive game after losing by the odd goal in five in a back and forth encounter with Trent Valley at Yarborough Leisure Centre. The AFC lineup featured five changes, the most important seeing captain Ady Gray return to defense to replace Matt Starbuck who missed out through illness. Also recalled were Joe Harper, Dave Capps and Jack McDonnell whilst Tim Fenny made his debut following his transfer from Witham FC.

AFC started well but fell behind to a goal against the run of play. Their response was more than encouraging, first Matt Hardwicke who had switched to full back forced a save from the Trent keeper, Lee Matsell reacted quickest to the keeper failing to hold the shot and slotted home a deserved eqauliser. Minutes later AFC were ahead and it was returning skipper Ady Gray who rediscovered his goal scoring form of last season, powering a header from a corner into the ground and up into the roof of the net. AFC went into the half time break deservedly leading.

Following the break the game swung away from AFC following two highly debatable decisions. Mike O’Keeffe’s attempt to play out short from a goal kick was punished when James Whittingham collected the ball from the goal kick inside the 18 yard box. Instead of ordering the kick to be retaken, referee Hughes gave an indirect free kick to Trent which they converted on the rebound. From this point AFC lost their heads, and whilst still in the game at 2-2 the mental battle was lost when Joe Harper was adjudged to have pulled back a Trent forward at a corner. Both Harper and skipper Ady Gray remonstrated with the referee to no avail but the penalty was awarded. The spot kick was saved by Mike O’Keeffe but finished on the rebound by an onrushing Trent player that numerous West End players claimed had encroached.

Despite only being a goal behind AFC failed to mount a fightback and after making all their subs were forced to play the final few minutes with ten men after Matt Hardwicke was helped from the field. Hardwicke blocked a goal bound effort that would’ve put the game beyond doubt, but his momentum saw him collide with the goalpost with considerable force. A moment of incredible commitment which sadly counted for nothing as West End lost their fifth league game of the opening eight.

AFC West End (4-2-3-1)

Mike O’Keeffe

Matt Hardwicke
Martin Robinson
Ady Gray (c)
James Whittingham

Dave Capps (Sam McDonnell)
Joe Harper

Lee Matsell (Pally Dhindsa)
Jack McDonnell
Tim Fenny

Paul Crampton (Cam Knowles)

Man of the Match

Matt Hardwicke (9 votes), Ady Gray, Lee Matsell (1 vote)

Dick of the Day

Paul Crampton (3 votes), James Whittingham, Referee (2 Votes), Mike O’Keeffe, Joe Harper, Stephen Pearce, Jack McDonnell, Pally Dhindsa(1 vote)

Welton S&SC 8-1 AFC West End

AFC West End — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 23:21:02 +0000

AFC West End fought hard against Premier Division contenders Welton S&SC but came up short. Despite Paul Crampton’s breakaway goal in the second half, his tenth in eight games. Welton’s eight goals gave them a comfortable victory. AFC’s interest in the Ron Eaglen Cup over for another year, leaving them with only the Fred Quibell cup to contest after Christmas.

AFC West End (4-2-3-1)

Mike O’Keeffe

Matt Hardwicke
Martin Robinson
Matt Starbuck (c)
James Whittingham

Danny Mountcastle
James Dewhurst

Ian Alldred
Sam McDonnell
Lee Matsell (Michael Bartley)

Paul Crampton

Man of the Match

Matt Starbuck (6 votes), James Whittingham (2 Votes), Martin Robinson, Matt Hardwicke, Mike O’Keeffe (1 vote)

Dick of the Day

Michael Bartley, Danny Mountcastle (2 votes), Mike O’Keeffe, James Dewhurst, Matt Starbuck, Their Number 10 (1 vote)

Rustons Utd 2-1 AFC West End

AFC West End — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:56:21 +0000

AFC’s brief revival of form came to an end with a narrow defeat to league leaders Rustons United. With West End missing leading scorer Paul Crampton, Jack McDonnell was trusted with the thankless task of lone striker against a very strong defense. AFC held out well to begin with despite a lack of possession or any clear cut chances. They did however fall behind in the lead up to halftime when a Rustons player turned smartly in the box before volleying past Mike O’Keeffe.

In the second half the game was still in the balance as Rustons searched for a second goal. When they found it through a lucky deflection AFC found an extra gear and pushed on to score a consolation. Veteran substitute Glen Wilson poked the ball through to Lee Matsell who scored despite being ridiculously offside. The game finished in farce due to the referee’s inability to maintain control, West End were defeated narrowly but in truth there was always a significant margin between the two teams.

AFC West End (4-2-3-1)

Mike O’Keeffe

Matt Hardwicke
Martin Robinson
Tom Cole
James Whittingham

Danny Mountcastle (Glen Wilson)
Matt Starbuck

Ian Alldred (Michael Bartley)
Sam McDonnell
Lee Matsell

Jack McDonnell

Man of the Match

Tom Cole (5 votes), James Whittingham (4 Votes), Matt Starbuck, Martin Robinson (2 votes)

Dick of the Day

Mike O’Keeffe (5 votes), Tom Cole (3 Votes), Danny Mountcastle (2 Votes), Dave Capps, Tony Pulis (1 vote)

AFC West End 3-0 Lincoln Green

AFC West End — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 23:54:20 +0000

After five games without a victory AFC West End returned to winning ways with a comprehensive victory over Lincoln Green on the West Common. AFC made three changes with Sam McDonnell, Joe Harper and Lee Matsell coming in for Dave Capps, James Dewhurst and Jack McDonnell.

The first half was close until West End made a breakthrough. Joe Harper’s sweeping ball into the box finished well by Lee Matsell for his first goal of the season.

In the second half with the game still in the balance West End repelled pressure well. It was clear that the next goal would be crucial and West End claimed it through Paul Crampton who latched onto a through ball from Sam McDonnell before finishing well.

At 2-0 the game was won but minutes later it was 3-0, again Crampton with the goal and again set up by McDonnell who’s bizarre semi-showboat interception left Crampton with a clear chance which he took without problem to claim the three points with his ninth goal in seven games.

AFC West End (4-2-3-1)

Mike O’Keeffe

Matt Hardwicke
Martin Robinson
Tom Cole
James Whittingham

Dave Capps
Joe Harper

Ian Alldred
Lee Matsell (Ted Newton)
Sam McDonnell (Dan Hill)

Paul Crampton

Man of the Match

Joe Harper (4 votes), Tom Cole, Mike O’Keeffe, Lee Matsell (3 Votes), Matt Hardwicke, Sam McDonnell(1 vote)

Dick of the Day

Jack McDonnell (5 votes), Matt Starbuck (3 Votes), Sam McDonnell (2 votes), Stephen Pearce, Tom Cole, Mike O’Keeffe, Lee Matsell (1 Vote)

AFC West End 3-3 Red Lion Dunston

AFC West End — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 23:52:28 +0000

AFC West End began their new era under match-day manager Matt Newton with a hard earned point against Red Lion Dunston. The game saw a refreshed formation and lineup with midfielder Mike O’Keeffe taking up a new role as AFC’s goalkeeper as regular number one Christian Sales began what was likely to be a lengthy rehabilitation from injury.

West End made a very positive start to the game and found themselves 2-0 up within the first 25 minutes, Paul Crampton scoring both goals. Crampton’s second an early contender for West End’s goal of the season competition, a precision angled strike from outside the box which went in off the post.

Sadly AFC couldn’t maintain their two goal margin until the break as a defensive mix up let Dunston in to make it 2-1. AFC’s nerves continued into the second half and two further goals conceded meant the game was in danger of slipping away from the home side as they trailed 2-3 going into the closing stages.

West End’s late pressure was full of character and was justly rewarded when James Whittingham rose at a corner to head home with the help of a deflection Whittingham’s first competitive goal gained a point for West End from a game where they should really have taken all three.

AFC West End (4-2-3-1)

Mike O’Keeffe

Matt Starbuck
Martin Robinson
Tom Cole
James Whittingham

Dave Capps (Lee Matsell)
James Dewhurst

Ian Alldred
Jack McDonnell (Ted Newton)
Matt Hardwicke (Sam McDonnell)

Paul Crampton

Man of the Match

Tom Cole (5 votes), Matt Starbuck (3 Votes),Jack McDonnell (2 votes), Paul Crampton, James Dewhurst (1 vote)

Dick of the Day

James Whittingham (3 votes), Tom Cole, Jack McDonnell (2 Votes), Lee Matsell, Jimmy Savile, Errors, Matt Hardwicke, Paul Crampton, Mike O’Keeffe (1 vote)

Introducing Matt Newton

AFC West End — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:19:48 +0000

Following West Ends difficult start to the new season, a manager Dan Hill has made a move to restructure the clubs management. With Dan away from Lincoln on the majority of Sundays, Matt Newton has been brought in to manage the team on match days. Dan and AFCWestEnd.com sat down with Matt to learn a bit more about the man tasked with making West End a force on Sundays this season.

Tell us about yourself, Matt. What’s your background?

I am your stereotypical Grimsby lad. Love Fish, Football and Frosty Jacks. On a serious note I’m currently studying at Bishop Grosseteste, and have a good background in junior football, having helped coach my brothers youth team to several league titles.

How did you get involved in Sunday league football?

I went along to Witham FC in division 5, initially as a goalkeeper, but injuries to my hand (broken thumb) forced me to take a background role. I began to help out with Witham’s website, and stepped in in managerial absences.

Who do you support and why?

I am big believer in supporting your home town team, and so I’m a massive Grimsby Town fan. Although I don’t like the formation they play (4-4-2), they get the ball down and actually play football and this is a philosophy I am very keen on.

How did you get involved with AFC?

After interviewing manager Dan Hill in pre-season for the Witham FC website, I was impressed with his football knowledge and liked how AFC approached the game. I kept in contact with Dan and he asked me to help run the managerial side of things on match days.

What sort of football do you hope to emulate with AFC?

I believe the style of football at AFC is already something I am very happy with, like in previous answers, I prefer football to be played in a possession based manner, with emphasis on safe passes and patience. I feel you have to try an emulate the best. Barcelona and Spain are the ideal.

Who’s your favourite player and why?

As for my favourite player, I would have to choose Yaya Toure. For a starters, he is an absolute BEAST, but his box-to-box work ethic and his continental footballing education are a perfect partner to his immense physicality, and the boy can finish.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I am very much looking forward to the challenge of testing myself at Sunday League management level and hope to progress up the leagues with AFC. Once I have better understanding of everyone and we are all acquainted, we’ll be rising up the table for sure!

UP THE AFC!

AFC West End 0-5 AFC Queen

AFC West End — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 16:35:07 +0000

AFC West End lost their fourth consecutive game after AFC Queen strolled to a 5-0 win on the West Common. Jack McDonnell’s late withdrawal meant a first start for Ian Alldred in unfamiliar midfield alongside James Dewhurst. West End started the game in the ascendance and pushed Queen back at any opportunity. Sam McDonnell had the best chance in the early stages but couldn’t connect properly with Ian Alldred’s knock-down and saw his effort blocked.

Queen took the lead after a mix-up in the West End defense left their forward with a shooting chance from 20 yards. His shot was relatively simple but went through the hands of Christian Sales to put Queen into an undeserved lead. 0-1 became 0-2 quickly afterwards, a counter attack down the West End left cut through the defense with ease and the striker finished past Sales at the near post.

A two goal deficit at half time saw West End still in shouting distance of getting something out of the game. For this though they would need a solid improvement in the second half which sadly didn’t come. Queen added three more goals without any real challenge leaving West End to reflect on not only a poor performance but also a sad lack of commitment and effort.

AFC West End (4-4-1-1)

Christian Sales

Stephen Pearce (Mike O’Keeffe)
Martin Robinson
Joe Harper (c)
James Whittingham

Ian Alldred (Danny Mountcastle)
James Dewhurst
Matt Starbuck
Matt Hardwicke

Lee Matsell
Sam McDonnell

Man of the Match

Martin Robinson (3 votes), James Dewhurst, Ian Alldred, Lee Matsell (2 votes), Matt Hardwicke, James Whittingham, Joe Harper, No-one (1 vote)

Dick of the Day

Christian Sales (4 votes), Sam McDonnell (3 Votes), Lee Matsell, Matt Starbuck (2votes), Martin Robinson, AFC West End (1 vote)

Evolution FC 2-1 AFC West End

AFC West End — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 23:09:36 +0000

AFC West End slipped to a third consecutive defeat after being beaten 2-1 in a tight game against Evolution at Yarborough. West End were forced into changing their back line again with Stephen Pearce making his first start of the season in the center of defense alongside Joe Harper. James Dewhurst also made his season debut partnering Dave Capps in the middle of midfield. The game was very even early on with AFC far more inventive than the opposition whose percentage football was dealt with fairly well by the unfamiliar West End defense. Whilst having the majority of the attacking play West End created little in the way of clear cut chances, Paul Crampton forced a corner with their best effort. With the game goalless at half time it was up to West End to push harder for the win without leaving themselves vulnerable.

Unfortunately two goals in the opening fifteen minutes of the second half made West End’s task far more difficult The first a good finish into the bottom corner which left Christian Sales with no chance, the second a simple tap in after confusion between defense and goalkeeper on the edge of the area.

2-0 down AFC changed their tactics and regained control of the game, Sam McDonnell replaced Matt Hardwicke whilst Dan Hill came on in place of Dave Capps. West End began pressing higher and creating chances, Sam McDonnell saw a shot saved and a header tipped over the bar, Paul Crampton was crowded out after a quick move forward and also saw a volley fly narrowly over. West End’s route back into the game came from the penalty spot. Lee Matsell won the penalty after a rash challenge from the Evolution defender and Paul Crampton dispatched for his fifth goal of the season. West End continued to push but ran out of time in pursuit of a point that on the balance of play they deserved. FT 2-1.

AFC West End (4-2-3-1)

Christian Sales

Mike O’Keeffe
Martin Robinson
Joe Harper (c)
Stephen Pearce

Dave Capps (Dan Hill)
James Dewhurst

Lee Matsell (Michael Bartley)
Matt Starbuck
Matt Hardwicke (Sam McDonnell)

Paul Crampton

Man of the Match

Joe Harper (6 votes), Stephen Pearce (4 votes), Paul Crampton, Martin Robinson, Lee Matsell (1 vote)

Dick of the Day

Christian Sales (4 votes), Matt Starbuck (3 Votes), Lee Matsell, Paul Crampton, Matt Hardwicke, Stephen Pearce, Evolution #6, James Dewhurst (1 vote)

AFC West End 1-5 FC Centurion

AFC West End — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 22:59:02 +0000

AFC West End exited the Jock Mitchell Memorial Trophy with a disappointing 5-1 home defeat to division five side FC Centurion. Paul Crampton scoring West End’s only goal.

AFC West End

Christian Sales
Joe Harper (c)
Michael Bartley
James Whittingham
Mike O’Keeffe
Martin Robinson
Johnny Bains (Lee Matsell)
Danny Mountcastle
Matt Starbuck
Paul Crampton
Matt Hardwicke (Ian Alldred)

Branston Homeguard 5-0 AFC West End

AFC West End — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 16:01:50 +0000

Following their opening day victory AFC West End were brought down to earth with a bump, suffering a convincing 5-0 defeat to Branston Homeguard in tropical conditions at Moor Lane. With skipper Ady Gray a late withdrawal, West End reverted to a back four with stand in captain Joe Harper partnering James Whittingham at the heart of the defense.

West End failed to make their mark on the game at all and found themselves behind relatively early after a corner was turned home into the an unguarded far post. 1-0 became 2-0 soon after when a Branston player diverted a free kick past Christian Sales. of all the goals this one appeared harsh as Joe Harper looked to be fouled as the ball entered the box.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Branston adding three more goals, all of which AFC will have been disappointed to concede. West End’s best chance of note was spurned late on by the Jack McDonnell.

5-0 was a fair reflection, West End were back to square one.

AFC West End (4-3-3)

Christian Sales

Pally Dhindsa
Martin Robinson
Joe Harper (c)
James Whittingham

Dave Capps
Danny Mountcastle (Sam McDonnell)
Jack McDonnell

Matt Starbuck
Paul Crampton
Matt Hardwicke (Mike O’Keeffe)

Man of the Match

Martin Robinson (6 votes), Jack McDonnell (3 votes), Joe Harper, James Whittingham, Matt Starbuck (1 vote)

Dick of the Day

Mike O Keeffe & Pally Dhindsa (2 votes), Ady Gray, Dave Capps, Sam McDonnell, Danny Mountcastle, Paul Crampton, Branston’s substituted player, the whole team, Formula 1 (1 vote)