QE A team v Hartlepool Sixth Form

4-3-3 (Thompson, Richardson, Spence, Marshall, Read, Grocott, Wright, New, Wardale, Edwards, Beauchamp 

The afternoons proceedings began with a well structured and high intensity warm up carried out by Sam Read who ensured the boys were prepared for the game. Experienced pro Spence set out goals before the game of keeping a clean sheet and the key word for the forwards being 'Clincal'. Qe were to attack into the wind first half. 

2.01 - Game kicks off QE in iconic purple shirts, black shorts and socks and Hartlepool wearing blue. 

2.14 - UFC punch from radged Hartlepool centre forward sees a straight red and an early bath/shower. 

2.22 - No chances created so far, the match is fairly disappointing for the large attendance at Abbey Road. 

2.36 - Qe are dominating possession only one memorable chance for Beauchamp after a defensive error. 

2.48 After 3 minutes added time the referee called half time, introduction of 'Kershy'.

2.55 - Players are out 

3.14 - Beauchamp rounds the keep but fires wide. 

3.15 - Hegharty and highly rated Denny enter the frame.

3.29 - GOAL - Denny picks up the ball 30 yards from goal before beating two players and firing low in the bottom corner infront of the Westbourne Grove faithful. 

3.41 - Qe hang on for the victory and pick up a much needed 3 points

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

QE A Team Football match report v Hartlepool Sixth Form

The day started with everyone in the team very downhearted mood as a result of manager Mark Scott taking money off us (minors). So after scotty giving it the 'big un' in the away day quiz I was honoured to be allowed the privilege of coach DJ; playing suitable tunes to get the boys prepared.

Its safe to say the pitch at hartlepool wasn't the most baller-friendly being an little kids pitch, which suited the likes of niall and josh but restricted the play of us normal sized adolescents. The game started how it carried on; a battle with occasional flashes of good play from us. Marshy issued several rousing, tailormade, individual speeches throughout the game to our players. However, this seemed to adversely affect paul new as he spent the open exchanges chasing his first touch as opposed to his usual shoulder barging every moving object. This allowed Ready to step up to the plate and he displayed some class full back play driving us forward. Tbf to the lad he may be the sleaziest, cringiest man in QE but he is ok at football. Something that wasn't ok were his 'pants'  which defo need at least 2 pairs of socks stuffed down there to be anywhere close to acceptable. Our first and only goal was scored by the baldest person with long hair ever to grace a football pitch. Dylan chased down a loose pass before firing a shot via his sneid right boot. 8/10 finish. 

They then equalised from a defensive mishap involving the skipper and niall, to be fair to niall he was in the process of by what can only be described as 'deathgripped'. This was pretty much the last event of note to occur in the 1st half. The ref blew the half-time whistle and the ever-inspirational Mark got the lads in and rallied his troops; with an overall theme of just keep going. The second half began and we pushed on well and I think we created the better chances out of the two sides with bushy and josh clarke coming close. However, despite our spells of pressure and good play hartlepool scored against the run of play.

Desperate times called for desperate measures and I was flung up front but even with my physical presence up top ("great feet for a big man") we couldnt get that elusive equaliser. Then then scored another spawny goal and that was the game done, but we still battled away admirably. In conclusion, this wasnt a game we deserved to lose at all, we maybe lacked a cutting edge at times and we are bit naive in defence but thats being mega critical. Fortunately this was a cup game and there is defo 6 points to be taking from those in the league!! #QESteamroller had a day off but were are still proper class and that so its sound......



(sorry for lateness of this btw; Im a busy lad)

Qe A team v East Durham College (Away)

I would like to start the match report with a quote from right back Sam Read. 'As the old saying goes you haven't been tested till you have played East Durham College away on a cold Wednesday afternoon.' This test was made even more difficult when the team bus didn't turn up which manager Mark Scott blamed on everyone else but himself. The bus eventually turned up and I was in charge of the music. Playing country and western songs from Scotty Mccreery's latest album which the crowd took to warmly except first year raver Nathan Wright.

The pitch was in good condition matching that of Wembley Stadium or Seaham Red Stars ground. However the game didn't start as planned for QE as the home team ran through the non existent midfield three who had parted like the Red Sea, the move was completed by an accomplished finish by the East Durham forward. However it wasn't long before Josh Clark in his words 'calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner with his supposedly weaker right foot.' QE were then behind again when goalkeeper Thompson attempted a James Dowson switch which was cut out by the East Durham attacker. Although 2-1 down QE continued to play the 'tiki taka' style. This was rewarded when striker James Beauchamp, who couldn't hit a barn door last week 'picked the ball up outside the box and shifted it onto his favoured right foot before rifling it into top corner.' Beauchamp got his second of the afternoon volleying into the bottom right hand corner from the edge of the box. The fourth and final goal of the afternoon was assisted by Beauchamp who had a good week on the player performance index, Alex Grocott finished with a well struck left foot volley. 4-2 the final score.

Starting Wednesday match reports will be completed by veteran Harry Spence so expect an increase in banter and detail.

James Marshall (Captain)

A team Football v Darlington College

The A team football began the new campaign at home to local rivals Darlington technology college. This saw a number of new additions to the squad and a new look formation with an overload to the left hand side which confused veterans such as Harry Spence who were only familiar to the traditional 4-3-3. However not to worry the famous first game of the season Ipad presentation took place in the changing rooms pre match and manager Mark Scott made it clear the tactics for the game.

The squad looked smart with their new kit with only James Beauchamp wearing incorrect coloured shorts. The conditions were overcast at Abbey Road and after winning the toss the skipper decided to attack the Westbourne Grove end first. The first goal of the game was scored by the visitors after new 6 feet 6 inches goalkeeper Kieran Thompson attempted what can only be described as mid air Cruyff turn on the edge of the 18 yard box. This frustrated himself and the defenders as they lost their potential 6 points for a clean sheet in the player performance index. However Qe picked up the tempo and dominated after this point. Six Goals followed as well as some quality football,

Goal 1- Dylan Wardale. After a corner was cleared Wardale fired home an inch perfect volley with his supposedly weaker left foot from outside box. (7/10)
Goal 2- Craig Edwards. After quality movement from new signing Craig he finished with a back heel with a deflection from the central defender. (4/10)
Goal 3- James Beauchamp opened his account for the season from the spot sending the keeper the wrong way with a calm finish. (5/10)
Goal 4- Niall Longstaff. Contender for goal of the season as Longstaff unleashed a rocket into the far corner. (9/10)
Goal 5- Craig Edwards. Second QE goal for Craig on his debut after embarrassing the goalkeeper placing it through his legs.
Penalty Miss- Defender Sam Read was obviously keen to bag some points in the Player Performance Index after stepping up to take the spot kick which was won by Josh Clark. However the keeper made a fairly comfortable save to his left. (1/10)
Goal 6- Lewis Malcolm. Also on his debut Lewis was first to react in the box and scored a real poachers goal. (5/10)

Squad:
K.Thompson
S.Read
H.Spence
J.Marshall (C)
N.Longstaff (MOM)
N.Wright
P.New
J.Clark
C.Edwards
J.Beauchamp
D.Wardle
A.Grocott
L.Kershaw
M.Richardson
L.Malcolm