PRE – SEASON FRIENDLY NUMERO UNO

AT OLD STANDIANS

AFC UNITED 9 – 2 CHEETHAM HILL ACADEMICALS

                        N. BROOKS 5

                        C. GALLOWAY 2

                        G. BROOKS

                        B. ROBINSON

TEAM:                                                 RATING          GOALS           CARDS

PAUL GREENWOOD            7

                        MIKE TREANOR                   7

                        BEN ROBINSON                   8 *                   1

                        CARL LUTKEVITCH             8 *

                        PAUL BERRY                         8 *

                        RICK BELLIS (capt.*)            8 *

                        CARL GALLOWAY               8 *                   2

                        LEE WILSON                         7

                        TOM MACKLIN                    7

                        GAZ BROOKS                       7                      1

                        NATHAN BROOKS              9 M.O.M.        5

SUBS:

                        IAN CROPPER                       8 *

                        LEE GALLOWAY                  7

                        CHRIS WEBSTER                  7

                        MATTY ROBINSON             8 *

* Due to heavy intoxication, and Neary’s absence

AFC got off to a flyer in soaring temperatures in their first pre-season friendly against Cheetham Hill. An inspired game for Nathan Brooks began as he opened the scoring early on, and nearly got a second when he was felled in the box. From the resulting penalty he totally wrong-footed the keeper but struck it wide. However he soon made up for his miss with a match winning display , scoring a second from an impossible angle. Gaz Brooks made it 3 with a trademark screamer that the goalkeeper was frightened to stop. A dubious free kick was blown for by amateur referee Kenny “big boy” Bellis, and Cheetham Hill scored a thunderous consolation. Nathan Brooks, the pacy Ghanaian international than added another, beating the offside trap and making it 4-1 at the interval. The second half started in much the same carnival mood with AFC not stepping up into second gear but still looking in total control. This time it was Galloway’s turn to open up the defence and score from the edge of the area for his first AFC goal after 10 games of trying fruitlessly. Wild celebrations followed by the gorilla while everyone else walked back to restart. Nathan then added another tremendous goal, before Ben Robinson of all people made it 7 with a well taken strike from a tight angle. Cheetham to their credit, in their first game together, didn’t give up and as Treanor misjudged a hopeful ball over his head, the right winger skipped into score. This woke AFC up momentarily and 2 more quick goals followed. With the ball in the air, Galloway volleyed an absolute beauty into the top corner from a full 35 yards after spotting the keeper off his line. Again he went wild, jumping up on little Bellis, the tantastic dwarf mans legs buckled from the weight of the cannonball and they fell to the ground. Nathan added another soon after to make it his 5^th and secure the man of the match award, and a very comprehensive 9-2 victory. There was even time in the dying seconds for new signing Greenwood to take his chance up front, however as a snail strolled past him he just couldn’t believe his luck at being put straight through, and very sportsman-like just past it back to the opposing keeper as he knows how bad it feels to concede 10 in one game (earlier in his career when Cropper was centre back he tells me)! Altogether a solid performance from AFC, with fitness levels looking good, which is promising with some tricky friendlies coming up. Cheetham Hill gave a good account of themselves and will do quite well next season, so good luck with that, as we strive on for the title.

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY NUMBER TWO

AT OLD STANDIANS

OLD STANDIANS 0 – 1 AFC UNITED

                                                N. BROOKS

TEAM:                                                 RATING          GOALS           CARDS

                        PAUL GREENWOOD            7

                        MIKE TREANOR                   8 *

                        BEN ROBINSON                   8 *

                        CARL LUTKEVITCH 8 *      

                        JON NEARY (capt.)               8 *                                                      

                        PAUL BERRY             7

                        RICK BELLIS             8 *

                        CARL GALLOWAY               8 *

                        TOM MACKLIN                    7

                        GAZ BROOKS                       8 *

                        NATHAN BROOKS              9 M.O.M.        1

SUBS:

                        IAN CROPPER                       7

                        LEE WILSON                         7

                        MATTY ROBINSON             8 *

                        GAZ BEARD                           DP

                        CHRIS WEBSTER                  DP

                        LEE GALLOWAY                  DP

In the humid atmosphere AFC lined up against Old Standians, a team many divisions above them and recently promoted into the Manchester Premier League. Old Standians had really excelled last season and like AFC had gone unbeaten again this pre – season, having already beaten Stand Athletic and Prestwich Heys, winners of the Manchester Premier for the last two seasons. However AFC know their own abilities and were confident of giving Standians a tough test. The opening 15 started at a furious pace as Standians quickly settled on their home pitch and put early pressure on without successfully being able to break down AFC’s resolute back line. The uneven pitch contributed to AFC not being able to play their usual quick passing football, but as they slowly began to find their rhythm, they picked up the men coming through the midfield and used the width of Macklin and Gaz Brooks to take the pressure off. The game began to turn into a midfield battle as both teams were kept to long range efforts, until a nice ball into Nathan was well held up by the Ghanaian international. As he held 3 Standians players at bay he turned quickly deceiving them and was subsequently fouled. Gaz Brooks stepped up and the keeper failed to keep hold of his powerful free kick, allowing Nathan Brooks to react first to stab home the opener. The deadlock was broken and Standians looked rocked as they struggled to find an answer. AFC kept their defensive formation and for the next 10 minute spell held onto the ball well. Galloway collected the ball in midfield and as Nathan spun off the defenders shoulder sent a delightful ball through, Nathan calmly clipping the ball over the keepers head to make it two; but despite not one appeal from the opposition the referee somehow decided to wrongly blow for offside. This gave Standians impetus and the wake up call they had needed, and they began to get their act together, pressing forward in numbers but still totally unable to trouble a solid AFC defence, with Neary and Lutkevitch tremendous at the back as Standians were kept solely to long range efforts, only one of which came close from the right winger. AFC held strong and as the whistle went everyone was relieved for the break. The second half began in much the same fashion, Cropper replacing Greenie between the sticks, with the outfield formation and personnel remaining the same. The 4-5-1 formation was working so far but uncharacteristically setting our stall out to defend. However as a friendly it was something new for AFC to learn, and something possibly Standians were grateful for. Nathan Brooks continued to work extremely hard up on his own, but Standians came out all guns blazing second half and for the first 15 minutes dominated possession without still being able to trouble AFC’s defensive line. Ben Robinson had dutifully neutered the threat posed by former AFC player Chris Healey who was struggling to make an impact, and you just felt if either team would snatch another one it would be AFC on the break. However Standians are well into their pre – season programme having played 4 games so far, and as AFC began to tire Standians began to start finding little gaps. A couple of balls flew across the AFC area, and Cropper gathered one on the second attempt. McKenna missed a header from close range but other than that the AFC defence were impenetrable. The game from then on became scrappy with both sides tiring and neither making any real advances. Something was needed to shake it up so Gaz Brooks moved into centre midfield to sure things up which worked a treat. Wilson came on to take his position on the left and Macklin, still on the comeback trail after his injury, made way for his introduction, with Galloway pushing out onto the right to eventual good effect. The new changes began to add fresh life. Gaz, Bellis, Bez and Galloway combining in the best football of the match, and minutes later a tired Treanor was replaced by an impressive Matty Robinson at left back. The game soon began to swing in AFC’s favour and they ploughed forward in the last 10, searching for a second and a vital winner. In the closing moments a tired AFC finished much the stronger as Standians faded. Galloway on the right was beginning to collect the ball a lot more and played a brilliant through ball for Nathan, who again would have finished only for the referee to agonisingly again wrongly blow for offside. Minutes later Nathan was again put through but the keeper made a brilliant save to tip it onto the right side of the post. Then as the pressure piled on Nathan again collected the ball with 2 defenders around used his strength to hold them off and as he quickly turned he was caught with the referee on hand to point to the spot. Confusion reigned over who should take it, but with the game already looking won Galloway stepped up to prove himself after horrifically missing his last one. This time was no better and the keeper comfortably fell to his left to gather it into his chest. Minutes later the final whistle blew and AFC had embarrassed their opponents while trying out new things. However for AFC it was just another friendly to gain their sharpness, so onto the next one ready for this season’s title push. For Old Standians the hurt will last, but they will have to admit the better team won without even playing their best football on a pitch not suited to their style of play!

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY NUMBER THREE

AT OLD STANDIANS

AFC UNITED 2 - 1 VICTORIA

                                    MACKLIN

                                    GAZ BROOKS

TEAM:                                                 RATING          GOALS           CARDS

                        IAN CROPPER                       8*

                        MIKE TREANOR                   8*

                        MATTY ROBINSON             7

                        JON NEARY (capt.)               8*

                        CARL LUTKEVITCH 7

                        RICK BELLIS             8* M.O.M.

                        BEN ROBINSON                   7

                        LEE WILSON                         6

                        TOM MACKLIN                    7                      1

                        GAZ BROOKS                       7                      1

                        GAZ BEARD                           7

SUBS:

                        PAUL GREENWOOD            8*

                        KENNY BELLIS                    7

In a swirling wind and unfavourable conditions AFC faced a friendly tie against First Division opposition Victoria. They had met twice previously last season in a pre-season double header where AFC were dominant in 4-1 and 5-2 victories. However with new competition for places in the squad, this was more of a training exercise with everyone in new positions and trying out new roles. However AFC started brightly and with the wind behind them Macklin was immediately played through and calmly flicked it past the keeper to make it 1-0 in the opening minute! A great start which should have been extended but Victoria defended well, and although AFC dominated they could not break through their back line. Greenie came off the bench to go up front as Victoria started to come back into the game, as AFC’s new look midfield of Ben Robinson and Rick Bellis tried to contain a narrow Victoria side who were filling the centre of the park. Victoria’s confidence grew as some of AFC’s players struggled with their new positions and they began to push forward, but they were unable to trouble a solid AFC backline. As Victoria began to put the pressure on they gained a corner, and from the resulting ball in, new signing Matty Robinson forgot he had signed for the Blues, and headed into his own net to equalise for Victoria! The conditions weren’t helping play and at half time there was nothing more to note apart from Ben Robinson riding through a potential leg breaker and a Gaz Brooks thunderous free kick knocking out Victoria’s centre back! Apart from those comical moments a dyer first half ended with the rain breaking momentarily. The second half started with the same line up apart from Greenie replacing Cropper between the sticks. AFC began to find their momentum and in the second half Victoria didn’t even have a real shot on goal with a new look back line of Matty Robinson, Neary, Cropper and…war veteran Kenny “cruncher” Bellis! Greenie came quickly off his line on two occasions to smother attempted through balls, but apart from that it was AFC dominating without making any real headway of their own. Carl Lutkevitch moved up front and made plenty of efforts for himself but failed to hit the target apart from one that the keeper made a meal of. Gaz Beard impressed out on the right wing but overall AFC were just going through the motions not being truly tested on any part of the pitch. In an extremely rare attack for Victoria a very solid game for Kenny B was marred by what can only be described as an innocuous challenge. As Victoria’s right winger collected the ball Kenny saw his chance to dive in, but the ex Madrid star’s mind is working quicker than his legs these days and as he began his lunge from 10 yards away the winger calmly stepped out of his way and looked down in amazement as the slippery pitch contributed to Kenneth surfing straight past him at high speed! This may have somehow put the fear into Victoria as they didn’t attack again until the last minute. AFC were totally dominant now and Gaz Brooks was pushed upfront to accompany Macklin as the tired Lutkvitch made way. The old partnership was quick in making waves with their understanding, and as they worked hard for each other in the final third AFC began to find their momentum. A few cracking challenges by Man of the Match Rick Bellis drove the team on and it wasn’t long before chances began to be carved out. With about 5 minutes left on the clock AFC were so far forward that even Jon Neary found himself carrying the ball in the opposition half and, as blood poured out of his nose, he played the ball through to Gaz Brooks and turned so quickly back towards his own goal that he didn’t even see Gaz Brooks calmly stroke the ball past the keeper to make it 2-1! A deserved and comfortable victory was nearly stolen in the dying seconds as the ball sailed across the AFC box, but the whistle blew moments later! A satisfying result with so many changes being made and 3 first 11 players missing, but still a worthy run out even though AFC didn’t really play like the side who had only been beaten 3 times in all competitions last season!

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY NUMBER FOUR

AT MANCHESTER UNI PITCHES, NORTHENDEN

DELTA 3 – 0 AFC UNITED

TEAM:                                                             RATING

                        PAUL GREENWOOD                        7

                        IAN CROPPER                                   7

                        CARL LUTKEVITCH (capt.)  8 *

                        BEN ROBINSON                               7

                        MATTY ROBINSON                         7

                        RICK BELLIS                         7

                        PAUL BERRY                         7

                        TOM MACKLIN                                7

                        GAZ BEARD                                       7

                        LEE WILSON                                     9 * M.O.M.

                        GAZ BROOKS                                   7

SUBS:

                        MIKE TREANOR                               7

Against a team many divisions above in the South Manchester Premier League we knew out of all our pre-season friendly games so far this would be the toughest test. With the main spine of the team and 3 of our best players missing in Captain Neary, Nathan Brooks and Galloway, we knew we would really have to be at our best and come together as a team. We started with a much changed side with veteran Cropper stepping in next to the stand in captain Lutkevitch and Berry pushing up to accompany Bellis in midfield, and we started very brightly forcing Delta back in the first 10 and carving out some chances that really should have been finished. However after such a good confident start, against the run of play Delta took the lead. The ball was slid across the park and the right winger pounced to poke home with the defence caught cold and appeals that clearly proved the goal scorer was yards offside were ignored. From then on Delta began to pick weaknesses in AFC’s usually well organised set up. The team were finding all the changes too much to cope with and Delta’s clever wide men were exposing gaps behind AFC’s usually solid back line. With no one keeping hold of the ball for the blues, Delta were pressing them back. From an innocuous free kick on the edge of the area the ball deflected off Matty Robinson’s head and into the roof of the net past a despairing Greenwood to make it 2-0. Two very poor goals to concede, but as the half went on AFC were definitely not out of their depth, and when they did manage to get the ball down, their slick passing tore through Delta, who had no reply but to chase shadows. However this was a rarity and Delta had some clever wide players and a good strike force who were dictating the play. From a good cross field ball Matty Robinson lost his man at the back post and he pounced to make it 3-0! AFC were falling to their biggest ever defeat but still did not look the poorer side! The half time whistle was much needed, and the changes made proved their worth. With Treanor regaining his left back spot, Berry replaced Cropper to tighten up the defence. Matty Robinson impressed out in right midfield, whilst Gaz Beard who had another solid game pushed up front. Gaz Brooks moved back to help Bellis in midfield and the second half became a different story and one in which with possibly a full squad or even the same team AFC would have run out winners. Two chances were created by Delta in a second half and that was it, as AFC swarmed all over them and pinned them back in their own half. A much better display left only the question how AFC failed to score in their first game EVER! As they began to get their passing flowing Delta were just chasing the ball but still AFC struggled to create much due to what looked like nothing more than tiredness. However when they did start to create AFC were guilty of failing to hit the target, Macklin, Wilson and Beard all missed good chances and this defined the game. As the whistle went AFC could be proud of a much better second half that I’m sure Delta just wanted to end, but poor creation, missed chances and a slow and sloppy first half made the score line. Good luck to Delta for the coming season they have some talented players, and for AFC they should be proud of their second half display and this should give them confidence and belief going into the coming season that they are more than capable of competing against a top South Manchester Prem team when they were short of a full spine of their team!

PRE – SEASON FRIENDLY NUMBER SIX

AT MANCHESTER UNIT PITCHES, NORTHENDEN

WITHINGTON 2 – 1 AFC UNITED

                                                                        N. BROOKS (PEN)

TEAM:                                     RATING          GOALS

            PAUL GREENWOOD            6

            MIKE TREANOR                   6

            PAUL BERRY             7

            JON NEARY (capt.)               8* M.O.M.

            BEN ROBINSON                   6

            RICK BELLIS             6

            GAZ BROOKS                       6

            LEE WILSON                         6

            CARL LUTKEVITCH 6

            NATHAN BROOKS              7

            TOM MACKLIN                    7

SUBS:

            GAZ BEARD                           6

            MATTY ROBINSON             7

A tired looking AFC side took to the field against Withington, another team from the South Manchester Premier division for us to test ourselves against. After the 3-0 defeat to Delta who are Withington’s main rivals, we were determined not to slip to the same fate and started brightly. Good passing and movement spelt an exciting opening passage of play for AFC as they exerted enough pressure for the first 15 minutes, but struggled to find a real opening. Suddenly totally against the run of play and in no danger at all Treanor took an awful touch and the ball fell straight to a Withington midfielder who played the ball through for the opener. For Withington the pressure was relieved with a gift, for AFC it was cruel after the positive start they had made. From then on in the opening half Withington looked in control, and although Greenwood in the AFC net was rarely tested it was still the opposition who had the majority of the possession. Physically they were stronger and it was in the midfield areas where we were losing out to some talented players. A second goal looked somewhat inevitable and it came from a neat through-ball with Greenwood uncharacteristically slightly out of position it was a simple finish for the striker with no one challenging. Half time loomed and two goals behind something needed to be sorted. The team remained the same for now but with a warning of people being replaced, AFC took to the second half once again as in previous games like a different kettle of fish. Five minutes in Beard replaced Lutkevitch on the left but came in narrowly to fill the midfield, and Matty Robinson replaced Gaz Brooks and filled in on the right, with Macklin holding in midfield and Wilson pushing upfront. The effects were tremendous, the new look packed midfield controlled everything. Matty Robinson was a superb outlet and AFC began at last to totally control the game. Man of the Match Neary led from the back with some superb challenges, and as Withington attempted to make the game scrappy feeling themselves losing the upper hand AFC just continued to shoot them down. Berry, Robinson, Macklin, Neary, Bellis all deserve mentions for tough tackling and getting into the opposition, something we had failed to do in the first half. Withington were rocked, they didn’t know how to cope with the onslaught. All that was needed now was a goal! The referee should have been killed with some shocking decisions to both teams as he just failed to keep a lid on the game and contributed to it boiling over on a number of occasions, but in a way it was all playing into AFC’s hands. As they got more and more frustrated they began to play the better football, get closer to their opponents and really force the questions. At last they really pushed forward, Bellis received the ball and was taken out by the defender after a neat turn, everybody stopped but to their astonishment, he gave nothing. Receiving some tremendously humorous abuse at the next crossroads he took the right path. Beard received the ball and he was brought down arguably outside the area but the referee pointed to the spot. Nathan Brooks calmly stroked it into the corner and AFC were back in the game. As time ran out they forced the issue but credit to Withington as they held on to the end, and credit to AFC who really deserved something from their second half performance. To create a first half like the last three second halves would be enough to beat this sort of opposition and once we get that sorted that is a superb attribute to the players as these are the sort of teams who compete in some of the best leagues in Manchester. So lets look to next Sunday and the return leg at our home pitch at Redvales where last seasons fortress will hopefully do us a favour!

PRE – SEASON FRIENDLY NUMBER SEVEN

AT THE HOME OF FOOTBALL! REDVALES

AFC UNITED 4 – 1 WITHINGTON

                                    GAZ BROOKS 2

                                    LUTKEVITCH

                                    WILSON

TEAM:                                     RATING          GOALS

            IAN CROPPER                       8*

            BEN ROBINSON                   8*

            JON NEARY (capt.)               9*

            PAUL BERRY             9*

            MIKE TREANOR                   8*

            RICK BELLIS             9*

            GAZ BEARD                           9*

            TOM MACKLIN                    9*

            CARL LUTKEVITCH 9*                    1

            LEE WILSON                         8*                    1

            GAZ BROOKS                       9* M.O.M.      2

SUBS:

            MATTY ROBINSON             8*

            CARL GALLOWAY               D.P.

As the rain eased off the fortress Redvales came to life as the much anticipated second leg and AFC’s final pre-season warm up game kicked off. Withington in yellow shirts kicked off leading the tie 2-1 from the first leg. They faced a new look AFC side with Greenwood, Nathan Brooks and McBride key players all missing the gaffer opted for a new approach and one that surprised the onlookers and the team, but it was one he had crafted wisely. Cropper started in goals with Greenie absent at a gay wedding, a usual back four of Ben Robinson, Treanor, Neary and Berry held the line, but a brand new midfield had been formulated. Bellis held it together whilst striker Gaz Beard came back to help on the right and Macklin held it on the left coming back from his usual forward role. Lutkevitch and Wilson played out wide and Gaz Brooks had to fend for himself up front being supported by the wide men. The 4-5-1 formation immediately began to take charge swarming all over a surprised Withington side who had come to the fortress expecting to take full advantage from the off. AFC were confident in themselves and looked a totally different side from the one that had started the last game giving too much respect to the Manchester Prem team. It took 10 minutes for the new midfield to settle properly and they began to knock the ball around nicely finding space and working the ball well between the wings. Withington were struggling to even get their foot on the ball as AFC closed down quickly, something they had worked hard in training to focus on. AFC were dominant and it wasn’t long before Robinson sent the ball through to Brooks that didn’t go far wide of the goal. The chances were beginning to be made for AFC and Man of the Match Gaz Brooks up there on his own was causing enough problems for the back four with his well disguised runs that the opposition just couldn’t contain. A through ball from Lutkevitch having his best game for the club on the left hand side was hammered goalwards by Brooks but the keeper got down well to save as AFC really began to ask the questions. Twenty minutes in and AFC broke the deadlock, Lutkevitch made space for the shot and fired a low drive that the keeper could only parry, Brooks was alert as ever and reacted quickly to make the net billow. It was all AFC had deserved after a superb opening to the game. Cropper hadn’t even had a save to make as AFC led from the back and immediately looked for the second to give them that cushion. Withington were really struggling to get going and were unable to contain a quick free flowing AFC side whose passing really was becoming a joy to watch. It was from a superb passing move that they opened up Withington to make it 2-0. As the gaffer entertained a young Withington fan on the sidelines, Macklin found himself in space and played a magnificent ball Michael Carrick style curled through for Brooks to run onto, he took a touch and calmly curled it past the keeper to finish off a tremendous move. The half time whistle sounded soon after and AFC gathered themselves ready for more of the same in the second half. Now they had to be determined to do the same in this half and keep their concentration and momentum that credit to themselves they did in style. No changes were made as everyone very much deserved their place and Brooks and Macklin kicked off the second half. AFC began in exactly the same vein as they had done in the first, Withington just couldn’t contain the quick passing and movement of the midfield. AFC were piling on the pressure and Cropper was becoming a spectator in the AFC goal. A 3^rd was inevitable and it came at the end of a terrific move. AFC were patient in their approach play and the ball drifted around with almost 20 passes being completed before Ben Robinson passed to Gaz Beard who crossed for Gaz Brooks, his header was parried by the keeper and Lutkevitch finished it off stroking it home to cap a fabulous personal display. Withington heads were beginning to drop but they did manage a consolation with a very rare attack, when as the ball was played over some confusion resulted in the Withington striker applying enough pressure to cause Berry to head into his own goal. At this moment I must quote Bez on exactly why this happened. “err…well…err…I didn’t want him to score and I…err…could’ve kicked it but I would’ve…err…kicked Cropper so I thought I’d get myself a goal…err”. Thanks for that Bez! AFC weren’t fazed at all by the goal and instead really began to take total charge. Withington couldn’t get two passes together as AFC swarmed all over them and played some beautiful 2 touch football. At last all the hard work, effort and training sessions all just seemed to click as at last they began to play the way we know they can. Another goal would surely come and it was a good ball from Treanor through to Lutkevitch who sped away from his marker who had a torrid time of it down that left flank, he looked up and crossed, Wilson brilliantly met it at the back post to finish superbly and cap another marvellous move. AFC kept it going right until the end, Matty Robinson replaced Bellis who had suffered a freak and rubbish injury, and it was Robinson who really played a good part in the last 10 minutes and added some comical value. As his high weed intake causes his body systems to slow down as we saw in training when he accidentally attacked our captain leaving him looking like one of Jac’s latest victims, this time as he ran through at the Withington defence he just decided to run straight through one of their players being too lazy to attempt to move out of the way and left this poor lad nursing a flattened body and ruptured spleen! It caused some amusement in the crowd but not for the poor lad he had clattered who could hardly breathe! The game finished soon after with the Withington keeper again on hand to thwart Brooks as AFC carved one final chance, but the game ended with a commendable 4-1 scoreline. A great game to watch and so satisfying to watch AFC click superbly. A fantastic game for Lutkevitch finally getting it right, a brilliant performance from a very strong backline, the match-winning midfield were amazing and a man of the match performance from Gaz Brooks who scored a brace. So a fortnights break before the season commences and the title challenge begins, but with so many positives to take from the game it appears to be a good omen for the season, and its looking to be a good bank holiday weekend already! Thank you to Withington for the two games its been a pleasure, and good luck for the season. On a more serious note, rumours circulating after the game that a crazed Withington fan had slashed the tyres on the Golf of AFC’s handsome manager remain unsubstantiated but the perpetrator will be found and consequently killed! Any information will be treated in the strictest confidence while I fork out for a new 18 inch tyre…club funds I think! Till next time…bonjour!!!

LEAGUE GAME NUMBER ONE

AT REDVALES

AFC UNITED 6 – 3 CROSS KEYS

                                    MCBRIDE 3

                                    G. BROOKS

                                    N. BROOKS

                                    BELLIS

TEAM:                                     RATING          GOALS

            PAUL GREENWOOD            7

            MIKE TREANOR                   6

            JON NEARY (capt.)               7

            PAUL BERRY             7

            BEN ROBINSON                   7

            RICK BELLIS             8*                    1

            GAZ BEARD                           7

            TOM MACKLIN                    7

            CARL LUTKEVITCH 7

            DANNY MCBRIDE               8* M.O.M.      3

            GAZ BROOKS                       7                      1

SUBS:

            NATHAN BROOKS              7                      1

As AFC kicked off the season opener in glorious sunshine at Redvales, they were determined to get off to a good start. Last years title rivals Cross Keys had also been promoted and they stood in the way of the 3 points. They had offered us some close contests last season but when the game eventually kicked off AFC immediately swarmed all over them. A Gaz Brooks shot was saved before a ball was lofted into Bellis, who jumped and claims the ball flicked off his styled hair after the defender had clearly misguided into his own net. A jubilant Bellis, equally overjoyed because he was able to top up is tan while playing, punched a manicured fist into the air as AFC took the lead after just 3 minutes. Cross Keys were stunned and immediately from the restart AFC were on the attack again. Lutkevitch forced the keeper once again into action, cutting in from the left before he brushed aside his marker and crossed a low ball into McBride who crept in at the back post to open his AFC account on his debut and further AFC’s lead. AFC had begun at a good tempo but in this heat how long could they keep it up for? They dominated possession with the Keys rarely spending any time in the United half, the five man midfield effectively soaking up any attempts by the Keys to build an attack. Not content AFC still looked to extend their lead and as they poured forward and as they poured forward, Gaz Brooks, Lutkevitch and Macklin all had chances saved before another goal much like the one previous made it 3-0! Lutkevitch again beat his marker before crossing with Macklin, Brooks and Bellis all following in, but again it was McBride sneaking in at the far post who poked it home for his second of the game. AFC were strolling, and it appeared the Cross Keys had no answer until the ball was played forward but too long for the Cross Keys striker, as Neary shadowed the ball to safety Berry looked to clear it, but the ball spectacularly rebounded off the striker and somehow miraculously found itself screaming goal bound and in off the post! A ridiculous goal, with Greenwood helpless, but coming just before the half time whistle would this give the Keys some added momentum? The final few minutes were played with added impetus by the Keys and AFC helped them along with some sloppy passing. Newton was beginning to find extra space in the centre and trying to drive the Keys on, but the half ended without them making any real headway to gain a second. A fresh approach appeared to be needed as Gaz Brooks had faced a lonely task up front on his own, reverting to a more favoured 442, Nathan Brooks replaced Beard and McBride joined Bellis in the middle with Macklin coming onto the right side. The new look side started off in the same vein as the first half, knocking the ball around nic