QE C v Stockton Riverside

It was a typical home game at the sell out arena Abbey Road. Not once has the weather ever been nice at that ground in my 1 and a half years at this college. However even with the rain smashing down and the potential of playing in what could only be described as a swimming pool, spirits in the home team dressing room were high. Replenished by the newly opened tuck shop the team were once again ready to undergo battle with our counterparts from the rough old place of Stockton. The team was slightly altered with a few changes to the squad recently; 4-4-1-1 of Jake, Tunner, Bravey, Underwood, Timms, Raper, Neish, Skips, Thapa, West and up top on his own Denny. With the blow from the ref the game was underway. In these conditions it was particularly hard to get the ball down and play the QE way, which resulted in lots of balls been played up to Hal, who using his strength managed to rile their centre halves and hold up play expertly. This lead to Hal getting the opening goal, in my old age I'm becoming very forgetful so I apologise for not remembering the build up, although I'm sure I pulled the strings in the middle before Hal was in on goal and made it 1-0. Basically from the restart we switched off and conceded a very poor goal. After a little scrappy bit of play we went 2-1 up, Westy this time with the goal after some good work between him and Hal. Once again we were struck by the typical saying of 'most vulnerable when you just scored' and it was 2-2 through probably the weakest shot ever which bobbled into the corner. The next goal was probably the best goal of the game, Westy proving his worth by beating his man down the wing before crossing expertly for Tom to finish on the volley, 3-2. The highest bit of quality in the game came from QE's enforcer in midfield, with a pass that the little French beauty Yohan Cabaye would of been highly proud of. There defence was spilt and Westy was on hand to to make it 4-2, yet however in a one and one he hit the post, to the disgust of the playmaker, it stayed 3-2. Robert soon made up for his error when more good work from him and Hal resulted in a goal after Westy rounded the keeper, It was now 4-2. QE's fifth goal of the game was soon to follow, the midfield general once again instigating the move with a brilliant tackle in central midfield before releasing Denny who then squared it to Rob, although I was in a much better position, Westy however completed a first half hat-trick and the win now looked comfortable. Second half was more of the same with a few tiring legs, once again a Cabaye like pass from you know who fell right to Westy, who returned the favour to Hal to get his second of the game. With the score at 6-2 Gary felt it comfortable to make a couple of substitutions, with myself carrying a back injury of having to carry the team I departed for the new squad member Matthew and Sam came on in place on Lewis who had a solid debut. Whilst off the pitch we scored again through a delightful free kick off Hal Denny to complete his hat trick, Sams mazy run must be mentioned as it forced the defence to swipe him down just outside the box. They then scored again to make it 7-3, the obvious lack of a leader on the pitch resulted in a free man being left in the centre to easily slot the ball home. The game then fizzled out and after the return of the enforcer the ship was steadied and QE cruised to victory. Only other thing to note was Westy causing some aggro with one of their little rotters who had a slight hissy fit right on full time. 

MOTM; Robert west today was awarded MOTM for grabbing a hat trick and being instrumental in everything we did going forward. Although he would of struggled without the rock behind him it was a deserved accolade for the lad. 

Cock up; 

Unfortunately this week it will go to myself for 2 occasions. The first one being a free kick which I went to take quickly, unfortunately I slipped and fell flat on my face, providing great entertainment for everyone watching. Secondly after a fairly decent run I went to turn their right back who was disorientated at the pace and skill on show, I tried to turn him and once again turned into Bambi on ice and went head over tit, somehow managing to pick myself up and keep the ball. Warrior. 

Good routine win lads and still 2nd. Will let everyone know about next game. 

QE Girls Vs Sunderland College

Great performance from the team today. We had a great turn out despite the awful weather and the extremely boggy pitch. Sunderland were a tough opponent but with a solid team effort we were able to come out on top. The first half started off strong, with several attempts on goal we came so close to opening the score sheet with some great attacking play from Lauren, Nicole and Charlotte. The half finished at 0-0. With some inspiring words from Mr Hogg at half time we entered the prepared to take the game to them. Playing with the wind against us we were unable to keep out a great shot from Sunderland going down 1-0. Heads didn’t go down, and with a great save to keep us in the game from Raven the team was even more determined not to lose.  The game was level after a great free kick straight in the top corner from Maddy.  With a solid performance in midfield from Amber and in defence from Beth the team was able to prevent a number of opportunities from Sunderland keeping the game very tight. As the ball was played forward to Helen on up front the team stood and watched as she stood a yard from an open goal and measured up her shot after taking time to have a good look and confusing everyone else on the pitch as to what was going on Helen placed the ball in the back of the net putting QE 2-1 up. The team didn’t stop there, with a great ball forward to Lauren who was able to strongly challenge the keeper for the ball pushing the ball past the keeper making the final score 3-1 to QE. Great efforts from everyone today, WELL DONE!!

QE A Team v Gateshead College

After what would be considered a fairly lengthy winter break the A team were back in action against the big timers (Scotty's term) also known as Gateshead College in the league game away from home. The atmosphere on the bus was subdued with Paul New sleeping the full length of the journey while the rest of the players discussed University choices. For the first time this season the back seats were a first year only zone with Kieran Thompson, Craig Edwards and Josh Clark (Sam Read's apprentice) occupying those places.

From the first whistle Nathan Wright was giving a monumental performance in the middle of the park breaking up play with great work rate and providing quality when on the ball. The 3G surface suited him down to the ground with his confidence to receive the ball in tight situations and then be able to play out. Sam Read had passed a late fitness and despite his physical condition was performing well dominating the right winger who currently plays for the England Schoolboys squad (apparently). Against the wind QE were playing exceptionally well moving the ball around the pitch and giving the opposition little opportunity. The home teams best chance of the half came from a free kick which was clawed out of the top corner by Thompson. The showboat moment of the game came from skipper James Marshall. Receiving the ball from keeper Thompson before then flicking the ball over the strikers head in his own box followed by releasing it to a QE player. Half time the score was 0-0, solid defensive performances from Spence and Richardson had helped achieve this along with Grocott who was extremely effective playing the in Claude Makelele role.

Gateshead began to get on top of the game in the second half, probably due to the fact that they train 25 hours a week. Craig Edwards had ran himself into the ground playing the lone striker role. This responsibility was then given to Paul New who gave a 'Yakubu' like performance. It was clear that QE were going for the direct approach when Duncan Ferguson (Spence) was moved into the target man role. The A team's best chance of the game fell to Harry Spence with 7 minutes to play. Some good build up followed by a magic reverse pass by Nathan Wright fell directly into the path of Spence who cleared the astroturf with his usually trusted right foot. After some time wasting by the Gateshead players and referee the game had finished 1-0 to Gateshead.

Attendance - 28
MOM: Nathan Wright