http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ Where the Firestarters have their say en Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:45:13 +0000 http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/topic/186#post-1206 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:41:37 +0000 Clark Kent 1206@http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ Smithfield Firestarters v Globe - Match Report<br /> <br /> Smithfield Firestarters 7 - 3 Globe<br /> <br /> <strong>September 21st, 2008</strong><br /> <br /> Smithfield kicked off the new season with a match against The Globe (formerly Rising Sun) in the TB Williamson Cup 1st Round. The Fenton Stadium had undergone a facelift during the summer, with new corner posts and goal nets looking stunning in the morning sunshine (well when they were finally put up). A large crowd had turned out to watch the match against a team the Firestarters had failed to beat in the last four attempts.<br /> <br /> The game was nearly called off due to the referee being called up to officiate the Chelsea v Man United game later that afternoon, so someone had to step in to save the day. With no one else brave enough to face the challenge, Smithfield manager Tony Craig stepped forward, complete with a Christmas cracker whistle and laminated red and orange cards. This left co-manager Plant with the task to pick the team alone and he responded by selecting a 4-4-2 formation and gave new boys Harris and Ford (ha ha) their debuts. Fellow new signing Ryan was on the bench as Plant had a full-strength squad of 14 players to choose from.<br /> <br /> <strong>First Half</strong><br /> <br /> The match kicked off ten minutes late due to a technical difficulty with the nets, but the season had finally begun! The first five minutes were a nervy affair with both teams trying to work the other out, but it was Smithfield who had the first attempt on goal. However the visitors drew first blood in the 8th minute when poor marking from a throw in allowed a Globe midfielder to pick up a loose ball and curl an unstoppable shot into the right corner of Stanway’s goal. It wasn’t the start manager Plant wanted and the pressure was clearly getting to him already. Rumour has it that he was seen on his phone talking to his travel agent in an attempt to get on the first flight out of the country. Also unimpressed by the start their team had made, some of the crowd decided to entertain themselves by starting a game of swing ball.<br /> <br /> The Smithfield machine gradually started to respond and Evans went close with a header at the back post. Then on fifteen minutes Clarke curled a David Beckham like cross into the box that was met by Matt Maskery who side footed the ball into the net! Smithfield were level thanks to some Blurzillian magic!!<br /> <br /> In the 29th minute referee Craig made his first controversial decision as he awarded Smithfield a penalty. Rob Evans was brought down by the goalkeeper as the forward tried to go around him to score a certain goal. The Globe players and linesman claimed the contact occurred outside the box, but Craig immediately pointed to the spot despite still being in the other half of the pitch due to his aging legs. With the Globe players descending on him like a pack of wolves he signalled over to Plant to make it two tickets on the plane to Austria. What should have been a straight red card for the goalkeeper ended up being a warning as Craig, clearly under pressure, appeared to lose the plot.<br /> Despite missing a penalty in the pre-season Chesterton Charities tournament, ‘proven’ penalty taker Damien Askey stepped up and placed the ball on the spot. He coolly placed a low shot down the middle of the goal and the ball bounced off the back of the tight net, which was stronger than one of captain Joey Seymour’s brick walls. Askey had given Smithfield the lead and the crowd went wild!<br /> <br /> Now starting to dominate the game, Smithfield went further in front thanks to a goal from Andrew ‘Fordy’ Ford on his full debut. Seymour out-muscled a Globe defender which allowed a forward header from Matt Craig to send Ford clear, who then outpaced the defence and slotted the ball calmly between the goalkeepers legs. Ian Stanway made two good saves late in the half to give Smithfield a healthy 3-1 lead at the break.<br /> <br /> <strong>Second Half</strong><br /> <br /> The Globe kicked off the second half and showed their intent by immediately putting Smithfield under pressure. It wasn’t long before the home side cracked and the score became 3-2 in the 48th minute. A cross from the right came into the box and Stanway attempted to come out and collect the ball, but he had obviously eaten too many half time oranges and failed to get off the ground. The loose ball came off the post and Askey, running back towards his own goal, blasted a powerful header into his own net.<br /> <br /> However it wasn’t long before normal service was resumed as Seymour opened his account for the season with a brilliant solo goal. Collecting the ball in the middle of the pitch, he turned and curled a low shot from 25 yards past the motionless Globe goalkeeper. The Globe were clearly shaken by this immediate response and the match then turned ugly with a few bad tackles which resulted in several bookings. The usually cool Bagnall got involved in some handbags with an opposition forward and referee Craig showed both players an orange card.<br /> <br /> Smithfield then got back to business in the 55th minute as Evans burst down the left wing and avoided a strong challenge before delivering a ball across the box and Seymour blasted home for a second time. 5-3! Smithfield somehow failed to extend their lead further on 60 minutes when a long free kick from Askey was flicked on by Seymour into Craig’s path. His right-footed shot was turned onto the post by the advancing goalkeeper and Maskery followed up but blasted his shot against the crossbar. A mad scramble followed and Ford failed to convert a low cross by Seymour. Such was the domination by Smithfield some of the bored defenders sneaked off to join in the Swing ball tournament, with Harris beating Bagnall in the final.<br /> <br /> Maskery scored his second goal of the game thanks to a brilliant run and cross from Seymour. The big lad picked up the ball in his own half and ran down the right wing before delivering a sublime cross over to the back post, where Maskery was waiting to nod home from 5 yards. Confidence was flowing throughout the team and three quick goals in nine minutes had put the game beyond the visitors. Stanway was also showing no ill effects from his earlier mistake as he made several key saves and the only thing flapping now was Dean Hickin’s right boot. After 68 minutes Plant made his first substitution, bringing on the lively winger Fordham to replace Matt Craig. The young Pete Doherty look-alike immediately made an impression by delivering two good balls into the opposition box.<br /> <br /> The Smithfield continued to run the opposition ragged and Evans was robbed of the goal he deserved due to a dodgy decision by the oppositions linesman. The Globe then scored against the run of play as they broke away and shot at keeper Stanway. ‘Safe hands’ was only able to parry the ball into the path of another Globe striker who tapped home to reduce the deficit to 6-3. Desperate to finish the game on a high, Plant made two more substitutions, bringing Ryan on for Evans and Mark Stanway on for Dean Hickin. The fresh blood immediately injected fresh impetus into the home side and on 79 minutes any hope of a Globe fight back was distinguished. Good work by Maskery saw a loose ball fall to Ford who capped off a brilliant debut by scoring his second goal.<br /> <br /> Four minutes later Ryan was harshly adjudged to be offside as he broke clear of the defence and finished superbly, leaving the keeper with no chance. However the score remained at 7-3, a stunning result against a good side and the Firestarters are in the hat for the second round draw. All the pre-season training appears to have paid off as Smithfield looked quicker and sharper than their Premier League opponents. The new players have settled in well with last seasons team and with Tom Plant putting his newly booked tickets to Austria to good use by going on a scouting trip, the Smithfield squad could be getting even stronger in future weeks.<br /> <br /> <strong>Man of the Match: Paul Seymour<br /> <br /> Donkey: Damien Askey</strong> http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/topic/142#post-935 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:14:38 +0000 the gaffer 935@http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ Well done Kent a remarkable report and factually perfect.<br /> Don't know what the keeper is on about I for one never saw a brave save throughout the game. It's alleged that he got a serious bruise on his arm but this was quickly dispelled when in the showers after training on Thursday when the so called bruise washed off.<br /> <br /> A trio of unsung hero's, ok poetic license i suppose.<br /> <br /> Lambourne left the field a broken side physically second best. Tactically second best and lacking the skill of a dominant opposition. Our work is done. <br /> Well done the Fantastic fourteen. http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/topic/141#post-932 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:34:48 +0000 bendogg121uk 932@http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ one thing i gotta say , the last person not to put a E in ma name got a mashed up face so just becarefull<br /> <br /> benderjiniho,erminator <br /> <br /> i'll be back http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/topic/140#post-908 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:08:50 +0000 psycho 908@http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ So much for the double page spread. http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/topic/139#post-934 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:46:57 +0000 bendogg121uk 934@http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ you mental randolf http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/topic/130#post-807 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:54:06 +0000 Cyrix 807@http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ <p>psycho Quote:</p><blockquote>Ha ha, very good mate.</blockquote><br /> Dripping with sarcasm!!<br /> <br /> <p>psycho Quote:</p><blockquote>I'm okay because its over 14's, I can just about pass for that!</blockquote><br /> That's my point. Over 14 but not over 4 feet. You'll need your ID in case they think you're 15.<br /> <br /> Ha ha. Only jesting, 16 }:-@<br /> <br /> ~Cyrix http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/topic/122#post-760 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:20:14 +0000 Stanners 760@http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ Are they going to be gun-grade quality pegs? http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/topic/121#post-746 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:00:28 +0000 Clark Kent 746@http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ Our Accountant to be shows that he is more than just a pretty boy with funky cardigans and demonstrates a considerable level of intelligence. Is he the smartest Smithfield Player? Read on to find out...<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Q1 – What is your real name?<br /> <br /> Shaun James<br /> <br /> <br /> Q2 – Why did you choose the name “Jamo”? <br /> <br /> Its just a nick name my mates gave me as there was two Shaun’s in the group.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q3 – How old are you?<br /> <br /> 22<br /> <br /> <br /> Q4 – Where do you live? <br /> <br /> Kidsgrove<br /> <br /> <br /> S5 – What is your favourite meal and drink? <br /> <br /> Meal would be chicken fajitas or a good Chinese, can’t beat Singapore noodles!!! Drink would just have to be a simple pint of larger, preferably carling.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q6 – What are your favourite band / singer? <br /> <br /> At the moment it probably would be The Enemy, best band I went see live in 2007 and could never get bored of the album.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q7 – What is your favourite film? <br /> <br /> There are a few but id have to say if I could only watch one film again for the rest of my life it would be Happy Gilmore.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q8 – Which football team do you support?<br /> <br /> Stoke City<br /> <br /> <br /> Q9 – If you could play 1 other sport for England other than football what would it be? <br /> <br /> Enjoy the odd golf round so probably that.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q10 – Smithfield have managed to secure the services of 1 England International for a crucial match. Who would you pick and why? <br /> <br /> I would have to say Rooney, the team is lacking in finishing and I believe he would be able to create chances as well as put them away for us.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q11 – What is your proudest moment playing for Smithfield? <br /> <br /> Nothing really I have done on the pitch has stood out to make me feel proud as of yet, it is still early days and hopefully I will get that moment soon enough. I feel proud to be associated with the Smithfield outfit as a whole.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q12 – What moment sticks out for you from this season? <br /> <br /> The first time I turned up to play the friendly against potters wheel, they never turned up so we had a friendly amongst ourselves, I struck a sweet shot that went in the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area, haven’t been able to repeat it since though. Then we went back to the Smithfield to a full spread, the friendly players and great food (little seen since) enforced my decision to switch from the Seabridge to the Smithfield.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q13 – What has been the most disappointing moment of the season? <br /> <br /> Playing in the 5-3 loss to Oaktree after being 3-1 up.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q14 – Are you happy with the direction the club are going in at the moment? <br /> <br /> It could be going a little smoother, the team has a very inconsistent nature and depending on if the team turn up with the right frame of mind we seem unbeatable, unfortunately players are turning up late or half hearted and don’t seem to be punished for this either by being dropped or subbed for poor performances. A few players seem to have there place reserved for them no matter what frame of mind they turn up in and with this attitude I cannot see the team reaching its full potential. There are players that are sitting on the bench raring to play, myself included, and they don’t seem to be used well enough when other players are not reaching their full potential on the pitch. Relying on the players to play at their best every game when it is obvious to see that are not doing on the pitch will not move us forward as well and as fast as we could.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q15 – And finally, “Cup Winners” or “League Champions”? <br /> <br /> Ideally both of course but if chosen League champions, silverware is nice to obtain no matter how it is reached as it shows you were the best of the bunch for that competition no matter in a league format or knockout competition.<br /> <br /> <br /> Thanks to Shaun for that enlightening interview of life on the bench. Check back soon for more interesting player thoughts..<br /> <br /> <br /> Clark Kent – Reporter in Chief http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/topic/118#post-734 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:08:38 +0000 Clark Kent 734@http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ Smithfield Echo Exclusive<br /> <br /> Well sports fans after careful negotiations we have managed to secure a bit of time with another Smithfield Superstar. To find out who, read on....<br /> <br /> <br /> Q1 – What is your real name?<br /> <br /> Matthew John Roberts<br /> <br /> <br /> Q2 – Why did you choose the name “Interceptor”?<br /> <br /> Just a name I picked up in training, I’d of preferred something a bit more aggressive like Destroyer but beggers can’t be choosers <br /> <br /> <br /> Q3 – How old are you?<br /> <br /> 20<br /> <br /> <br /> Q4 – Where do you live?<br /> <br /> In the mighty town of Kidsgrove<br /> <br /> <br /> S5 – What is your favourite meal and drink?<br /> <br /> Meal probably lasagne, drink some good strong cider bits and all<br /> <br /> <br /> Q6 – What are your favourite band / singer?<br /> <br /> Metallica, DevilDriver, Stone Sour and Panic Cell<br /> <br /> <br /> Q7 – What is your favourite film?<br /> <br /> Basketball, what a classic, any kind of dark comedy really, Jay and silent bob always a winner<br /> <br /> <br /> Q8 – Which football team do you support?<br /> <br /> As much as it shames me to say it, Chelsea, the legend that is Zola got me into football in the first place<br /> <br /> <br /> Q9 – If you could play 1 other sport for England other than football what would it be?<br /> <br /> Auzzi rules football, because you can have as many punch ups and fights as you want during the game because you can’t get suspended until after the match<br /> <br /> <br /> Q10 – Smithfield have managed to secure the services of 1 England International for a crucial match. Who would you pick and why?<br /> <br /> John Terry, for organisation of team in dead ball situations, because if we go up this year we’ll get screwed if we can’t pick up men and sort out quicker<br /> <br /> <br /> Q11 – What is your proudest moment playing for Smithfield?<br /> <br /> Every time I pull on my Smithfield number 2 shirt I feel proud, but proudest of all was probably after the game against New Inn, still playing football long after the whistle had gone knowing we can beat anyone if we put our mind to it.<br /> <br /> <br /> Q12 – What moment sticks out for you from this season?<br /> <br /> Beating the potters wheel, after I had a mare in the first 2.7sec all the team got behind me and showed what a close well nit group we are and then putting in one of my best performances since joining <br /> <br /> <br /> Q13 – What has been the most disappointing moment of the season?<br /> <br /> The Oaktree game just shades the loss against the duke, because we played THE best 20 mins of football I’ve seen a pub side produce to fight our way back to 3 – 1, just to throw it all away in the following 20.<br /> <br /> Q14 – Are you happy with the direction the club are going in at the moment?<br /> <br /> Yeah, were doing well and yeah I’m happy we have some good players, a good pub, good team spirit and a good league position But were still short every week an we need a bigger squad<br /> <br /> <br /> Q15 – And finally, “Cup Winners” or “League Champions”?<br /> <br /> That’s a hard one I truth, everyone wants to win the league, as do I but I think we may need more time to gel and get some consistency in the starting 11 before we take it to the big boys! So maybe the Cup wouldn’t be to bad at all.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> An interesting profile of our star left back. Obviously a troubled young man still into Goth Music, drinking White Lightening on street corners and watching obscure Auzzie games on Setanta Sports. It seems we at Smithfield have found him just in time to put him on the road to respectability.<br /> <br /> <br /> Tune in soon to find out who our next victim is.<br /> <br /> <br /> Clark Kent – Reporter in Chief http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/topic/117#post-739 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:05:16 +0000 maskdogg 739@http://thesmithfieldfc.co.uk/forum/ yes stanners